Change

c is delete-then-insert, atomically.

Keys: c, cw, C, cc, S, s

c is the change operator. cw changes a word; cc changes a line; C changes to end of line. S and s are short forms that change a whole line and a single character respectively.

c is the shortcut for d-then-i: it deletes the same range d would, and drops you straight into insert mode at that spot. Then Esc closes the change as one undoable, dot-repeatable unit.

Change a word

Key	Note
`c`
`w`

Change to end of line (same as c$)

Key	Note
`C`

Change current line (linewise)

Key	Note
`c`
`c`

Change a whole line (same as cc)

Key	Note
`S`

Substitute one character (same as cl)

Key	Note
`s`

cw — change a word

C — change to end of line

cc / S — change a line

s — substitute a char

Reference

Key	Action	Equivalent
`c`{motion}	Change range	`d`{motion} + `i`
`cc`	Change line	—
`C`	Change to end of line	`c$`
`S`	Change line	`cc`
`s`	Substitute one char	`cl`
`cw`	Change word (note: like `ce`)	—
`ciw`	Change inner word (text object; see Text Objects)	—
`ca'`	Change around quotes (text object; see Text Objects)	—

Worked example — cw is c then w

Change = delete + Insert in one step.

Step 1 ·

[missing screenshot editing.change/frame_01.color.svg — run python content/render_screenshots.py]

Step 2 · cw · cw — 'quick' gone, Insert mode on.

[missing screenshot editing.change/frame_02.color.svg — run python content/render_screenshots.py]

Note the trailing space stays — cw stops just before the next word. (One of cw's well-known quirks.)

Step 3 · slow · Type 'slow'.

[missing screenshot editing.change/frame_03.color.svg — run python content/render_screenshots.py]

Step 4 · Esc · Esc — change is committed and dot-repeatable.

[missing screenshot editing.change/frame_04.color.svg — run python content/render_screenshots.py]