Vorto is a modal terminal editor, so the first few minutes can feel unfamiliar if you’re coming from a non-modal editor. This guide walks you through every step you need to open a real project, make a change, and save it — from the command line to quitting cleanly.Documentation Index
Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://vorto-editor.dev/llms.txt
Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
Open a project
Open a directory or file
Pass a directory to open the fuzzy file picker and choose where to start:If you already know the file you want, pass it directly:
Install the grammar for your language
Vorto ships with recipes for common languages but does not bundle the compiled libraries. Install the grammar for the language you’re working in before you open files of that type:To see every available recipe and its install status, run:
A C compiler (
gcc or clang) must be on your PATH when building grammars. The build happens once; subsequent editor starts load the cached library.Navigate in Normal mode
Vorto starts in Normal mode. Use the Vim-style movement keys to move around the buffer:
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
h | Move left |
j | Move down |
k | Move up |
l | Move right |
Enter Insert mode to edit
Press
i to enter Insert mode and start typing. The cursor changes shape to indicate the mode switch.Press Esc to return to Normal mode when you’re done editing.Save the file
From Normal mode, enter Command mode with If you have
: and type w to write the file:<C-s> bound in your config, that key saves from any mode as well.Read the git gutter
Vorto shows VCS change indicators in the gutter (the narrow column to the left of the buffer):
The gutter updates as you edit, giving you a live diff against the last commit.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
+ | Added line |
~ | Modified line |
- | Deleted line |
Open another file
Use the fuzzy finder to switch files without leaving the editor. You can also open a file by path from Command mode: