> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://gitbook.hbcomputersecurity.co.uk/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://gitbook.hbcomputersecurity.co.uk/core-technical-skills/core-skills/linux/getting-to-know-linux/working-with-text-files/using-vim-and-vi-to-edit-text-files/adding-text.md).

# Adding Text

To get into **input** mode, type an input command letter. To begin, type any of the following letters: 

* **`a:`** The add command. With this command, you can input text that starts to the right of the cursor
* **`A:`** The add at end command. With this command, you can input text starting at the end of the current line
* **`i:`** The insert command. With this command, you can input text that starts to the left of the cursor
* **`I:`** The insert at beginning command. With this command, you can input text that starts at the beginning of the current line.
* **`o:`** The open below command. This command opens a line below the current line and puts you in insert mode.
* **`O:`** The open above command. This command opens a line above the current line and puts you in insert mode.

{% hint style="info" %}
When you are in **insert** mode (`i:`), **-- INSERT --** appears at the bottom of the screen
{% endhint %}

When you are finished inputting text, press the `Esc` key (*sometimes twice*) to return to command mode.

Type a few words, and press `Enter`. Repeat that a few times until you have a few lines of text. When you’re finished typing, press `Esc` to return to **command** mode. Now that you have a file with some text in it, try moving around in your text with the keys or letters described in the next section...

{% hint style="info" %}
**Pro Tip:**  **Remember the Esc key!** **Remember the Esc key!** **Remember the Esc key!** **Remember the Esc key!** **Remember the Esc key!** **Remember the Esc key**!

It always places you back into **command** mode. Remember that sometimes you must press `Esc` twice. For example, if you type a colon (`:`) to go into ex mode, you must press `Esc` twice to return to **command** mode.
{% endhint %}