Keyboard Layouts¶

These layouts show what every physical key does, one modifier layer at a time. They are the fastest way to build muscle memory: coloured keys are timvim's custom bindings, grey keys are standard Vim defaults.

How to read them

Each key shows its cap (top-left) and its function (centre). The legend marks Custom (timvim), AI (Copilot/Claude), Motion (Flash and movement) and Default (Vim). Space is the leader — its sub-menus live in the Leader Key Map.

Normal mode¶

Normal mode (Vim's "command" mode) is where you spend most of your time. Three modifier layers cover it.

Unmodified¶

s is Flash jump (not substitute), - opens the Yazi file manager, and Space is the leader.

With Shift¶

The re-bound keys are H/L (start / end of line), K (hover docs), and S/R (Flash Treesitter jump and search).

With Ctrl¶

Ctrl+h/j/k/l move between splits and Ctrl+t toggles the floating terminal. Hold Alt instead of Ctrl with h/j/k/l to resize the current split.

Insert mode¶

In insert mode the letters type themselves — the useful bindings are on the Ctrl and Alt layers, where completion and AI live.

Typing¶

Esc returns to normal mode, Tab confirms a completion and Enter is Smart Enter (accept the completion if the menu is open, otherwise a newline).

With Ctrl¶

This is the blink-cmp completion layer: Ctrl+j/k move through the menu, Ctrl+Space triggers it, Ctrl+e closes it, and Ctrl+y triggers or accepts a Copilot suggestion.

With Alt¶

Alt accepts Copilot ghost text piece by piece — Alt+w a word, Alt+e a whole line — and Alt+] / Alt+[ cycle between suggestions.