One-Shot Normal Mode

Ctrl-O runs one normal mode command without leaving insert mode.

Keys: Ctrl-O

Ctrl-O from insert mode lets you fire one normal mode command and snap right back to insertion. The pinnacle of stay-in-flow editing.

One-Shot normal mode

Ctrl-O from insert mode runs exactly one normal mode command, then drops you back into insert mode at the new cursor position. It's the express elevator between modes.

Examples
KeyNote
{key:Ctrl-O}Enter one-shot normal mode
doperator…
w…delete word; back in insert mode
From insert mode Effect
Ctrl-Odiw Delete inner word, stay in insert mode
Ctrl-Ozz Center the screen
Ctrl-O0 Jump to start of line
Ctrl-Op Paste at cursor
Ctrl-Ou Undo last normal mode edit

Worked example — Ctrl-O in Insert

One Normal command without leaving Insert.

Step 1 ·
insert.one-shot
Step 2 · Ctrl-O$ · Ctrl-O $ — jumped to EOL, still in Insert.
Ctrl-O $ — jumped to EOL, still in Insert.
Step 3 · ! · Type '!' — Insert mode resumes seamlessly.
Type '!' — Insert mode resumes seamlessly.

Watch

See also: Exiting Insert Mode, Editing Inside Insert Mode