One-Shot Normal Mode

Ctrl-O runs one Normal command without leaving Insert.

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.

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

Examples
KeyNote
Ctrl-OEnter one-shot Normal
doperator…
w…delete word; back in Insert
From Insert Effect
Ctrl-Odiw Delete inner word, stay in Insert
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.

▶ Try this in the simulator

Watch

See also: Exiting Insert Mode, Editing Inside Insert Mode