How to use Vim in all MacOS applications?

I love to use Vim, but I can't be bothered installing Vim extensions for each of my apps. I just want Vim to be enabled everywhere.

ovim is a MacOS system-wide Vim mode.

Use hjkl, b/e, $, ^, dd and many more commands in vim, normal and visual modes. Insert mode is the default OS behaviour.

ovim demo

Use it anywhere

Truly system-wide. Can be used in the browser, text editor, text fields, anywhere where text is input in MacOS. ovim translates Vim commands to sequence of keystrokes that will simulate the Vim behaviour in the system.

ovim in any app

Control the indicator

The indicator displays whether the mode is insert, normal or visual. User can position or resize it to any corner of the screen. Or hide it completely.

ovim indicator

Two editing modes

In-Place Mode

Simulates Vim motions by intercepting keystrokes and injecting native macOS key events. Works instantly in any app.

In-place mode

Edit Popup

Opens your actual Neovim installation in a terminal window with your full config and plugins. Edit complex text, then paste back with :wq.

Edit popup
GitHub

Install ovim

brew install --cask tonisives/tap/ovim

Or download from GitHub Releases

Open source (MIT License)
macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later
Configurable activation key (default: Caps Lock)
Neovim popup editor for complex edits
Application exclusions for apps with native Vim
View on GitHub

Learn more

In-Place Mode

Use Vim motions directly in any macOS application. hjkl, w/b/e, operators, text objects, and more.

Edit Popup

Open your actual Neovim installation in a popup terminal. Edit with your full config and plugins.

Click Mode

Click any UI element with keyboard hints, like Vimium for your entire Mac. Free and system-wide.

Keybindings Reference

Complete list of supported Vim motions, operators, text objects, and commands.

CLI & Karabiner Integration

Control ovim from the terminal or Karabiner-Elements. Automate mode switching.