> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.vorto-editor.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Inline command hints and the which-key panel

> Vorto pops up which-key hints during multi-key sequences and live command-name candidates in the command prompt — so you don't have to memorize the full Vim keymap.

Vim's expressive grammar is also its steepest learning curve: operators, motions, text objects, leaders, and surround commands all combine into chords that you either remember or don't. Vorto narrows that gap by showing **inline hint panels** as you type — both for multi-key Normal-mode sequences and for command-prompt completions. The panels are derived from the same binding tables the editor uses to dispatch keys, so whatever you remap or extend in `~/.config/vorto/config.toml` shows up automatically.

There are two distinct panels.

## Which-key panel

When you press a key that opens a multi-key sequence — an operator, a leader, a `g` prefix, a `z` prefix, a `[` or `]` bracket prefix, a window prefix, or a surround command — Vorto pops a small panel **above the status bar in the bottom-right** listing every valid next key with a short description. The panel disappears the moment you complete the sequence or cancel with `Esc`.

The panel triggers in every mid-parse state, including:

| You pressed                         | Panel title                                                                      | What it lists                                                                                                          |
| ----------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `d`, `y`, `c`, `>`, `<`, `gc`, `gb` | `delete` / `yank` / `change` / `indent` / `dedent` / `comment` / `block-comment` | Motions, the operator's self-double shortcut (e.g. `dd`), and the surround entry (`ys` / `cs` / `ds`) where applicable |
| `i` or `a` after an operator        | `inner` / `around`                                                               | All registered text objects (word, quote, bracket, parameter, function, class, …)                                      |
| `Space`                             | `leader`                                                                         | Every leader binding (file picker, buffer picker, rename, code action, hover, …)                                       |
| `g`                                 | `goto`                                                                           | All `g`-prefix targets (`gd`, `gD`, `gi`, `gr`, `gg`, `ge`, `gcc`, …)                                                  |
| `z`                                 | `viewport`                                                                       | Viewport bindings (`zz`, `zt`, `zb`)                                                                                   |
| `Ctrl-W`                            | `window (C-w)`                                                                   | Window-prefix bindings (focus, split, close, cycle)                                                                    |
| `Space w`                           | `window`                                                                         | Window sub-leader bindings (same operations, different chord)                                                          |
| `]` / `[`                           | `next` / `prev`                                                                  | Bracket-prefix targets (`]d`, `[d`, …)                                                                                 |
| `f`, `F`, `t`, `T`                  | `find char`                                                                      | Prompt to type the literal target character                                                                            |
| `r`                                 | `replace`                                                                        | Prompt to type the replacement character                                                                               |
| `ys`, `cs`, `ds`                    | `surround char` / `surround target` / `change surround` / `delete surround`      | Surround pairs (`"`, `'`, `` ` ``, `( )` / `b`, `{ }` / `B`, `[ ]`, `< >`) and, for `ys`, the motion menu              |

Counts don't reset the hint context: typing `3d` still shows the `delete` menu because counts are ignored when resolving "what panel should I show right now?"

<Note>
  The hint panel reads directly from Vorto's binding tables. If you remap `Space f` to a different action or add a new leader binding in your config, the panel reflects your version — there's no separate hints file to maintain.
</Note>

## Command hint panel

Press `:` to open the command prompt, and Vorto shows a two-column hint panel **directly above the prompt** with command-name candidates that match what you've typed so far. Each row shows the command name and its description.

* Filtering is **live**: type `:re` and you'll see `:reload`, `:reload-all`, and any other matching commands.
* Press `Tab` to cycle forward through the matches and `Shift-Tab` to cycle backward. While cycling, the panel pins itself to the captured candidate list, so you can rewind without the matches shifting under you.
* Once you've typed past the command name (i.e. you've entered a space), the command-name panel hides itself. If the command takes a file path, a `files` panel takes its place and shows path completions instead.
* Both the primary name and every alias appear as separate rows. `:bls` and `:buffers` are the same command, but both are typeable — so both show up.

The panel pulls from the same `COMMAND_BINDS` registry that dispatches commands, so any command documented in [Command mode](/editing/commands) appears here automatically.

## Why this matters

The full Vim keymap is large enough that most users either keep a cheat sheet open or settle into a small subset of commands they use daily. The hint panels collapse that tradeoff:

* **New users** can start with `Space` or `g` and discover what's available without leaving the editor.
* **Returning users** who haven't touched a modal editor in months don't lose their muscle memory — the panel reminds them what the next key does.
* **Power users** get a free audit of their own keymap: remap something, press the prefix, and the panel confirms the change is wired up.

The panels are not a tutorial mode you toggle on and off — they're always on, designed to stay out of your way (they only appear when you're mid-sequence) and disappear the moment you commit to an action.