Mastering Vertical Selection and Multi-Cursor Editing in Helix

#productivity #programming #helix #tutorial

Helix Editor stands out for developers who prioritize keyboard-driven workflows and streamlined editing. One of its more powerful features—vertical selection combined with multi-cursor editing—can transform how you handle repetitive edits across multiple lines.

Here’s how to take full advantage of this functionality:

Step 1: Enter Virtual Mode

Navigate to the start of the first line you want to modify and press v. This activates virtual mode, allowing vertical block selections.

Step 2: Select the Lines

Use Shift-C or Alt-Shift-C to extend your selection downward. This creates a block that spans the same character column across each selected line.

Use Shift-C if your terminal supports it.
Opt for Alt-Shift-C if system-level shortcuts intercept the first option.

Step 3: Activate Input Mode

With your block selected, press I (capital “i”) to enter input mode. You’ll now see cursors on each line in the selected column. Anything you type appears on all selected lines simultaneously.

Step 4: Apply Your Changes

Once you’re done inserting your text, press Esc to confirm the edits and return to normal mode. Your input is applied to all lines instantly.

Step 5: Exit Multi-Cursor Mode

To leave the multi-cursor state, press ; or ,. This resets your cursor to a single line for standard editing.

Real-World Uses

Vertical and multi-cursor editing are perfect for:

Adding or removing comments (#, //)
Prefixing variables (e.g., let or const)
Wrapping multiple values with functions or tags
Editing similar config entries quickly

Why It Matters

Unlike other editors that need plugins to achieve this, Helix offers multi-cursor editing natively. It’s ideal for developers who value modular, minimal setups and efficient workflows.

Helix’s design empowers you to stay in the zone—making common edits faster and less error-prone, especially when working in languages like Go, Rust, or Python.

Helix isn’t just fast—it’s thoughtful. Integrating vertical selection and multi-cursor editing into your routine can cut hours of tedium out of your week. Once it's part of your muscle memory, your editing style will feel sharper and more capable than ever.