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To make a custom Vim operation that works with motions such as iw or }, map a key to set Vim’s 'operatorfunc' option and return g@. Vim then waits for a motion, calls your function with the selected range type, and marks the range from '[ to ']. Use an operator-pending mapping instead if you want to add a new way to select text for existing operators such as delete or yank.
Choose what you are extending: an operation or a motion
A custom operator performs an action on a range that the user supplies with a motion. For example, the user can invoke your operation and follow it with iw to act on the inner word, or } to act through the next paragraph boundary. Vim’s g@{motion} mechanism connects that motion to a function selected through 'operatorfunc'. The function receives the range shape and can work on the marks Vim sets for it. See the Vim Reference Manual, “Mapping an operator”.
A custom motion does the opposite: it defines which text is selected, leaving the action to an existing operator. Vim’s operator-pending mappings are intended for this case. The distinction determines which approach to use:
| Goal | Approach | What the user gets |
|---|---|---|
| Apply a new transformation or inspection to a range chosen with an existing motion | 'operatorfunc' and g@ |
A new operation that composes with built-in motions and text objects |
| Let existing operators act on a new kind of range | Operator-pending mapping with :omap |
A new motion-like selector usable with commands such as delete or yank |
If users need to see or adjust a selection before acting, a Visual-mode entry point may be more suitable. Visual mode takes more keystrokes and has limited redo functionality, according to Vim’s motion documentation.
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How the g@ operator callback works
- A mapping sets
'operatorfunc'to the function that will handle the operation. - The mapping returns
g@, which puts Vim in operator-pending mode and prompts for a motion. - When the motion completes, Vim calls the configured function with one argument describing the range:
"char","line", or"block". - Vim sets the
'[and']marks at the start and last character of the operated range. The callback can use those marks to identify what to inspect or change.
This is the key advantage over hard-coding a range: the user chooses the motion, and your callback receives the resulting range. g@ requires a Vim build compiled with +eval; check :version if the mapping does not work. The manual documents the mechanism and callback argument in map.txt.
Build a Normal-mode operator
Use an expression mapping to set up the callback and return g@. The following is a teaching skeleton rather than a complete text transformation: fill in the callback’s range handling and operation for your use case.
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function! TransformOperator(type) abort
" The operated range is marked by '[ and '].
" a:type is 'char', 'line', or 'block'.
" Implement behavior for each range shape you support.
endfunction
function! StartTransformOperator() abort
let &operatorfunc = 'TransformOperator'
return 'g@'
endfunction
nnoremap <expr> <Leader>t StartTransformOperator()With this mapping, pressing <Leader>t starts the operator; the next motion determines its range. For example, a user can follow it with iw. The callback must not assume every motion yields the same range shape: its a:type argument distinguishes characterwise, linewise, and blockwise operation.
Nonrecursive mappings such as nnoremap prevent the mapping’s own keys from unexpectedly expanding through other mappings. For modern Vim, the reference manual’s CountSpaces example uses function() and expression mappings to bind a function reference and optional context. Expression mappings can also preserve a prefix count or register when the operation needs them. See the official mapping example for the fuller pattern.
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Add a Visual-mode entry point when useful
To let a user select text first and then invoke the operation on that selection, define a separate Visual-mode expression mapping. The Vim reference’s CountSpaces example uses both nnoremap <expr> and xnoremap <expr> for Normal- and Visual-mode entry. A Visual mapping should set up the same callback deliberately; ensure the callback handles the range type and marks supplied for that invocation rather than treating every selection as characterwise.
Visual selection is useful when a user needs to inspect or refine the range before applying the operation. Choose it as an additional interface, not as a substitute for motion support when composition with commands such as iw is the goal. Vim’s discussion of operator and Visual ranges is in motion.txt.
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Handle range shape and editor state deliberately
Characterwise, linewise, and blockwise ranges
Use the callback’s explicit type to decide how the operation should behave. Characterwise and linewise ranges have different boundaries, and a blockwise range needs an intentional implementation if you choose to support it. Do not infer the type from the motion’s appearance or treat all ranges as a single ordinary string.
Marks and motion boundaries
Treat '[ and '] as the authoritative range markers. Motion type and inclusivity affect which text belongs to the range; translating the marks into a Visual selection or editing with commands requires attention to those semantics. Vim’s motion reference explains operator and motion range behavior.
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Restore state on success and failure
If your callback changes options, registers, or Visual marks, save the prior values and restore them even if the operation encounters an error. The reference’s CountSpaces example saves and restores settings including 'clipboard', 'selection', and 'virtualedit', as well as the unnamed register and Visual marks, using try/finally. It also adjusts selection and clipboard behavior while processing to avoid boundary and register side effects. The safeguards your own operator needs depend on what it changes, but the callback should not leave the user’s editor state altered unintentionally. See map.txt.
Dot-repeat
Do not assume a short callback skeleton will repeat correctly with .. Repeat behavior depends on how the setup and callback are designed. Vim’s current reference example tracks dot_command state and notes that expression mappings avoid command-line enter/leave autocommands; use that documented design as a starting point if repeatability is a requirement, rather than promising repeat support without implementing it.
Use :omap for a custom motion
If your goal is to create a new selector that works with built-in operators, define an operator-pending mapping instead of a transformation callback. For example, Vim’s User Manual shows :omap <F7> a{, making <F7> select a brace-delimited block once an operator is pending. Existing operators can then use that range. The example and operator-pending mapping guidance appear in Vim User Manual, usr_40.txt.
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