Start selection

copy mode

// what it does

In vi copy mode, Space runs `begin-selection`, anchoring the start of a selection at the cursor. As you then move with the motion keys, the highlighted region extends from that anchor to the cursor, marking the text you'll copy.

// shortcut

Spacebar

// gotcha

By default this is a linear (character-stream) selection; for a column/block selection press v to toggle `rectangle-toggle` after starting. Pressing Space again re-anchors the start at the cursor rather than confirming the copy — use Enter to actually copy.