vim-anywhere is a shell utility that lets you invoke Vim from any application to edit text and automatically return the result to your clipboard.
The tool solves the friction of switching between applications when you want to use Vim for text editing. It works by opening a temporary Vim buffer when triggered by a keyboard shortcut, then copying the buffer contents to your clipboard and refocusing your previous application when you close the editor. The temporary files are stored in a system temp directory and persist until system restart, creating an implicit history of your edits.
The tool is designed for macOS and Linux systems. On macOS it requires MacVim and uses a default keybinding of ctrl+cmd+v, adjustable through System Settings. On Linux it requires Gnome or a derivative with gVim, using ctrl+alt+v by default, with configuration available for window managers like I3WM. It suits developers and writers who spend significant time in Vim and want to extend that workflow into web forms, email clients, and other applications where Vim is not natively available. The README does not compare it to alternatives.
The project maintains a FAQ addressing common issues and has established contribution guidelines. Pull requests and issue reports are explicitly welcomed.
