This feature is only supported in the Ultimate edition.
The following is only valid when IdeaVim Plugin is installed and enabled!
Before you start
Make sure that:
- You are working with IntelliJ IDEA version 15.0.0 or higher. If you still do not have IntelliJ IDEA, download it from this page. To install IntelliJ IDEA, follow the instructions, depending on your platform.
Downloading and installing IdeaVim plugin
Plugins settings.
After installing the plugin, it actually becomes available after IntelliJ IDEA restart.
What happens to IntelliJ IDEA's UI after restart?
Vim Emulator appears:
After IntelliJ IDEA restart, this check command is selected. You can disable Vim by clearing this check command.
Vim Emulation appears after restart.
Configuring shortcuts
IdeaVim plugin, it is quite possible that IntelliJ IDEA's keymap runs into a conflict with the Vim keymap. That's why IntelliJ IDEA allows you choosing which keyboard shortcut you prefer for a certain action. This is how it's done.
Vim Emulation:
Handler column, click the corresponding cell, and see the drop-down list of three possible options (Undefined, IDE, Vim):
Ctrl+Z, IntelliJ IDEA silently performs its action.
Ctrl+B, IntelliJ IDEA shows the banner.
IDE shortcut.
Settings/Preferences dialog.
Ctrl+B, IntelliJ IDEA will perform the Vim action for this keyboard shortcut.
Editing modes
Normal mode :
i, and the cursor will turn into a line:
Replace mode.
By the way, as soon as you enter Vim emulation, it is also reported in the Status bar.
Escape.