Mastering Vim Split Window: How to Split Vertically and Horizontally?

Written by

Ojash

Reviewed by

Akshat

Last updated: June 6, 2024

Expert verified

Are you finding it tough to manage multiple files and sections in Vim? I know it can be frustrating to keep switching back and forth between files. But don’t worry, I’ve got a solution for you! This post will walk you through how to split your Vim window vertically and horizontally, so you can view and edit multiple files side by side. I’ll show you simple commands and shortcuts, explain how to combine splits for a customized layout, and share tips for resizing and navigating your splits efficiently. By the end, you’ll be working more smoothly and productively in Vim.

Vim Split Vertical: How to Do It?

Vertical splits are ideal for viewing and comparing different files side by side. Vertical splits provide the benefit of easily comparing code or referring to multiple files simultaneously, enhancing your productivity and workflow efficiency. Here are two easy methods for vertical split Vim:

1. Vim Vertical Split Using Shortcut

1. Open your Vim editor.

2. Press Ctrl+W v to split the Vim window vertically.

3. Navigate between vertical splits by pressing Ctrl+W followed by h or l.
4. The output will be:

2. Vertical Split Using Command

1. Launch Vim by typing vim in your terminal and pressing Enter.
2. Open the file you want to work on. Execute:

 :e filename

3. Now type to vim split vertically:

:vsplit

This command will split your current window vertically, creating a new window with the same file.

4. Alternatively, type:

:vnew

It create a vertical split with a new, empty buffer.

Navigate Between Splits:

5. Use Ctrl-w w to switch between the windows.

5. To move to the window on the right, press Ctrl-w l.

Adjust the Size of the Splits:

7. Use Ctrl-w > to increase the width of the current window.

8. Use Ctrl-w < to decrease the width of the current window.

Vim Split Horizontal: How to Do It?

Horizontal splits allow you to work on multiple sections of code simultaneously. Horizontal splits give you a broader view of code sections and supporting tasks such as simultaneous editing or comparing different file parts. Here are two simple methods for horizontal split Vim:

1. Vim Horizontal Split Using Shortcut

1. Enter the Vim editor and press Ctrl+W s to split the Vim window horizontally.

2. Move between horizontal splits effortlessly by pressing Ctrl+W followed by j or k.
3. The horizontal split will look like this:

2. Vim Horizontal Split Using Command

1. Launch Vim by typing vim in your terminal and pressing Enter.
2. Open the file you want to work on. For example, type :e filename and press Enter.
3. Type following command and press Enter:

:split 

This command will split your current window horizontally, creating a new window with the same file.

4. Alternatively, run the following command:

:new 

It will create a horizontal split with a new, empty buffer.

Navigate Between Splits:

5. Use Ctrl-w w to switch between the windows.

5. To move to the window below, press Ctrl-w j.

Adjust the Size of the Splits:

7. Use Ctrl-w + to increase the height of the current window.

8. Use Ctrl-w – to decrease the height of the current window.

Combining Vertical and Horizontal Splits:

Vim offers the flexibility to combine vertical and horizontal splits, creating complex window layouts tailored to your needs. This feature empowers you to arrange your workspace according to the specific requirements of your coding project, providing a highly customizable and efficient environment. Follow these steps to combine Vim split screen:

1. Enter the Vim editor and create two vertical splits using the aforementioned methods.

2. Within each vertical split, create multiple horizontal splits.

How to Resize and Adjust Vim Split Window

In the world of Vim, efficiently managing Vim split windows is essential for maximizing your productivity and creating a comfortable coding environment. This article explores two key techniques to resize and adjust split windows, allowing you to optimize your screen space and enhance your overall workflow.

1. Dynamic Resizing: Easily adjust the size of the current split window vertically and horizontally by pressing Ctrl+W followed by + to increase or - to decrease its size. This dynamic resizing capability enables you to adapt the split window dimensions on the fly, ensuring an optimal view of your code and content.

2. Equalizing Split Sizes: Achieve a harmonious layout by pressing Ctrl+W followed by = to equalize the sizes of all split windows. This ensures a balanced distribution of screen space among multiple splits, promoting clarity and ease of navigation within your workspace.

3 Tips for Effective Window Management

Maximize your productivity with expert tips for efficient window management in Vim. Implementing these tips will help you organize your windows efficiently, maintain focus on critical tasks, and optimize your workspace for a smoother Vim experience. Here are three tips:

• 📊 Organize Your Windows: Divide your workspace logically by placing related files or code sections in specific windows. For example, you can dedicate one window for the main file you’re working on and use others for references or documentation. This strategic organization helps you quickly locate and switch between windows, streamlining your coding process.
• ⚡ Maintain Focus: Vim offers powerful commands to effortlessly shift focus between split windows. Utilize shortcuts like Ctrl+W w to cycle through windows in a loop, or Ctrl+W H, Ctrl+W J, Ctrl+W K, and Ctrl+W L to move to adjacent windows in different directions. These commands enable swift navigation and allow you to stay focused on the task at hand.
• 🖥 Optimize Screen Space: Make the most of your screen real estate by dynamically resizing split windows. Use commands like Ctrl+W + and Ctrl+W - to adjust the height of the current window, or Ctrl+W > and Ctrl+W < to modify its width. Experiment with different sizes and find the optimal arrangement that suits your workflow, reducing unnecessary scrolling or window switching.

To Sum Up

In this article, I’ve explored how to split windows vertically and horizontally in Vim. Vertical splits (Ctrl-W v or :vsplit) and horizontal splits (Ctrl-W s or :split) help you compare files and work on multiple sections simultaneously. I also shared tips for navigating and resizing splits to keep your workflow efficient.

For further learning, check out these articles:

• Learn how to show hidden special characters in Vim. This will help you see and manage non-printing characters that might affect your code formatting.
• Explore how to use Vim/Vi save and exit commands. Master the essential commands for saving and exiting in Vim.
• Find out how to delete all lines in a file using Vim. Save time when you need to clear out large sections of text quickly.

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