How to use multiple windows in Vim

This article provides some tips on how to use multiple windows in Vim.

Start Vim with n multiple windows

1. n verticals windows.
   
   vim -On filenames
2. n horizontal windows.
   
   vim -on filenames

Note: n is the number of windows.

Close a window

1. Close the current window.
   
   Ctrl+W c
2. Close the current window. If it is the only window left, quit Vim.
   
   Ctrl+W q

Split a window

1. Split horizontally the current file.
   
   Ctrl+W s
2. Split horizontally and open a file.
   
   :sp filename
3. Split vertically the current file.
   
   Ctrl+W v
4. Split vertically and open a file.
   
   :vsp filename

Move the cursor between windows

1. Move to the right window from the current windows.
   
   Ctrl+W l
2. Move to the left window from the current windows.
   
   Ctrl+W h
3. Move to the top window from the current windows.
   
   Ctrl+W k
4. Move to the bottom window from the current windows.
   
   Ctrl+W j
5. Move to the next window below the current one. If no below window exist, move to the top window.
   
   Ctrl+W w

Rotate windows location

1. Move the current window to the right.
   
   Ctrl+W L
2. Move the current window to the left.
   
   Ctrl+W H
3. Move the current window to the top.
   
   Ctrl+W K
4. Move the current window to the bottom.
   
   Ctrl+W J

Window resizing

Resizing windows can be made by using the mouse as well as the following commands.

1. Make all windows equal in height.
   
   Ctrl+W =
2. Increase height.
   
   Ctrl+W +
3. Decrease height.
   
   Ctrl+W -

Note: Thanks to Ferd T-H, resizing could also be done by using

Ctrl+W < or >

Conclusion

I hope that these commands are enough for you to start using windows in Vim. However, if you know some good command(s) to please don’t hesitate to leave a comment.