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Marks and Position Management

Marks are named position bookmarks. Combined with the jump list and change list, they form a comprehensive position-tracking system for complex multi-file editing workflows.

Setting and Jumping to Marks​

m{a-z}     → Set lowercase mark (file-local)
m{A-Z}     → Set uppercase/global mark (works across files)
`{mark}    → Jump to exact position of mark
'{mark}    → Jump to line of mark (column 0)

Read the ruler — mark a remembers the exact column, so `a returns to it:

total = price * tax
        ^
        ma          → set mark 'a' at this exact column (on 'p')
total = price * tax
        ^
        `a          → jump back to the exact column of mark 'a'

Special Marks (Automatic)​

These are set automatically by Neovim:

MarkPosition
.Position of last change
^Position of last insert-mode exit
[Start of last yank or change
]End of last yank or change
<Start of last visual selection
>End of last visual selection
Position before last jump

The ` mark (backtick backtick)​

This is the most-used special mark — it's the "return to where you just were" shortcut:

gg          → jump to file start
``          → jump back to where you just were
G           → jump to file end
``          → back again

Global Marks (Across Files)​

Uppercase marks persist across files:

# In file1.lua
mA          → set global mark 'A'

# Navigate to another file, edit something...
# Then:
`A          → instantly back to file1.lua, same position
tip

Use uppercase marks for frequently-visited file positions during a working session: mE for your entry file, mL for your LSP config, mT for your test file.

Viewing and Deleting Marks​

:marks           → list all marks
:marks abc       → list specific marks
:delmarks a      → delete mark 'a'
:delmarks!       → delete all lowercase marks

Marks as Range in Commands​

Use marks as ranges in command-line operations:

'a,'b s/old/new/g    → substitute between marks a and b
'a,'b d              → delete lines between marks a and b
'a,'b normal @q      → run macro on lines between marks

Position Workflow Examples​

Workflow: Edit Two Files Alternately​

In config.lua: mC   (mark C)
In models.lua: mM   (mark M)

Now jump between:
`C    → back to config.lua
`M    → back to models.lua

Workflow: Mark a Block Before Refactoring​

Go to start of function
mS      → mark start
Go to end of function
mE      → mark end

Now you can refer to 'S,'E in commands:
'S,'E y    → yank the function
'S,'E d    → delete the function

The Change List for Precise Returns​

The change list tracks every position where you made a change:

g;         → go to previous change position
g,         → go to next change position
:changes   → show the change list

This is helpful when you want to return to "where I was last editing" — more precise than jump history.

Combining Marks with Operators​

d`a          → delete from cursor to mark 'a'
y'b          → yank from cursor to line of mark 'b'
>`c          → indent from cursor to mark 'c'
c`d          → change from cursor to mark 'd', enter insert

In LazyVim​

LazyVim Context

LazyVim retains vanilla Neovim mark bindings but layers visual indicators on top. Usually, mark management is visually represented in the sign column or through Telescope/Snacks pickers, making it much easier to remember where your marks are.

AspectVanilla NeovimLazyVim
Set Markm{a-z} / m{A-Z}Identical
View Marks:marks<leader>sm opens Telescope marks picker
Mark VisibilityInvisible (unless setup manually)Sometimes indicated in sign column or UI via plugins
Jump ListC-o, C-i, :jumps<leader>sj opens Telescope jumplist picker

What's Next​