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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.

This page walks you through the essential workflow in Vorto: opening a file, moving around in Normal mode, switching to Insert mode to type, saving your changes, and installing a grammar for syntax highlighting. By the end you will have everything you need for everyday editing.

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Open a file or directory

Pass a file path to open it directly, or pass a directory to launch the fuzzy file picker: 
vorto myfile.rs

vorto .
When you open a directory, Vorto sets it as the workspace root and immediately opens the fuzzy file picker so you can navigate to the file you want. Vorto starts in Normal mode. Use the following keys to move around without touching the mouse:
KeyAction
hMove left one character
jMove down one line
kMove up one line
lMove right one character
Normal mode is the hub you return to between every action. Get comfortable pressing Esc to come back here whenever you are unsure of your current mode.

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Edit text

1

Enter Insert mode

Press i to enter Insert mode. You can now type freely. The cursor changes shape to indicate the active mode.
2

Type your changes

Edit the file as you would in any text editor. Use Backspace to delete characters.
3

Return to Normal mode

Press Esc to return to Normal mode when you are done typing.

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Save and quit

From Normal mode, type : to enter Command mode. Then:
CommandAction
:wSave the current file
:qQuit Vorto
:wqSave and quit
Vorto will not let you quit with unsaved changes. Run :w before :q, or use :q! to discard changes and force quit.

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Install a grammar for syntax highlighting

Vorto does not bundle compiled grammar libraries. Install the one for your language before you open that file type: 
vorto grammar install rust
You can install multiple grammars at once, or install everything available: 
vorto grammar install rust python typescript
vorto grammar install --all
To see which grammars are available and which are already installed, run: 
vorto grammar list

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Use the fuzzy finder

Inside the editor, the fuzzy finder lets you quickly open files, switch buffers, and jump to symbols. Open it from Normal mode with the file picker prompt (the same one that appears when you run vorto .).
The fuzzy finder searches files relative to the workspace root — the directory you passed when launching Vorto, or your working directory if you opened a file directly.

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Next steps

Editing modes

Learn Visual mode, operator commands, and the full range of Normal-mode motions.

Language grammars

Browse built-in grammar recipes and manage installed grammars.

LSP client

Connect a language server for completions, diagnostics, and goto definition.

Configuration

Customize your keybindings, theme, and per-language settings in TOML.