Special Registers Deep Dive

%, #, :, ., /, =, _ — the read-only and computed ones.

Keys: %, #, :, ., /, =, _

Beyond the named and numbered registers, Vim has a set of special registers that hold computed or context-dependent values: filename (%), alternate file (#), last command (:), last insert (.), last search (/), expression (=), and the black hole (_).

Beyond a–z and 0–9, Vim has a handful of special registers that hold computed values. Most are read-only.

Register	Holds	Common use
`%`	Current filename	`"%p` to paste filename
`#`	Alternate filename	Reference last edited file
`:`	Last Ex command	`@:` replays it
`.`	Last inserted text	`".p` to paste what you just typed
`/`	Last search pattern	`"/p` to see the regex
`=`	Expression evaluator	`"=1+1Enterp` pastes `2`
`_`	Black hole — writes vanish	`"_dd` delete without affecting any other register
`+`	System clipboard	Cross-app cut/paste
`*`	X11 selection clipboard	Linux selection (middle-click)

Watch

📺 #0484 The : Register (not yet published)
📺 #0486 The % Register (not yet published)