# iVim

> Vim text editor for iOS with advanced features and extensibility. (iPhone/iPad app by 文礼 周.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ivim/id1266544660 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [文礼 周](https://appshunter.io/developer/497312859)
- Category: Utilities, Productivity
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.60/5 from 167 App Store ratings · 102 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 11.0 · 127 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2017-08-04
- Data updated: 2026-08-24
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ivim/id1266544660/reviews.md

## What is iVim?

iVim is a project that brings the vim editor to the iOS system.

It is open source, please visit the App Support URL.

Font management

Besides some system and embedded monospace fonts, iVim allows users to import and use their own custom fonts. Moreover, iVim supports to render ligatures if your font provides beautiful ones.

Extended keyboard

By introducing compact buttons, iVim covers as many keys as possible in its extended keyboard, so that you can input symbols without switching among key groups. Moreover, you can customize it to meet your own special needs.

Multistage language input

iVim adds support to multistage input languages such as Chinese or Japanese.

Sharing

Through sharing, iVim makes its editing power available to more apps. Via the share extension, iVim can import text or text files from, or export to other apps. Via the document picker, you can also import or edit files or directories in iCloud Drive or documents providers, without leaving iVim.

External hardware keyboard

iVim supports external hardware keyboards well, just connect your favorite one to the device and start typing. With the native modifier keys mapping option from the system, you can even make the "caps lock" key act both as "ctrl" and "esc" in iOS 13.4 and above.

External commands

iVim includes some useful external commands that you are familiar with and integrates powerful scripting languages such as Python and Lua. With +terminal feature enabled and a simple shell named "ivish" included, you can run the commands in terminal windows like on a computer.

Plugins management (In App Purchase required)

iVim provides a plugins manager, "iplug", for you to install and manage plugins easily.

Version control (iVim Pro required)

iVim has native version control system integrated into its UI and workflow, you get better idea of what is happening to your files, make changes with more confidence, and collaborate in editing more conveniently than ever.

iVim Pro

iVim provides a monthly subscription (with an introductory 1 week free trial),  named "iVim Pro", enabling extra great features:

- native version control

Subscriptions will be charged to your Apple ID account. Your subscription will automatically renew unless it is cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel your subscriptions in Account Settings on App Store after purchase. Any unused portion of a free trial period, if any, will be forfeited when the user purchase a subscription.

Terms of Use: https://github.com/terrychou/docs/blob/master/ivim-terms-of-use.md
Privacy Policy: https://github.com/terrychou/docs/blob/master/ivim-privacy-policy.md

Type ":help ios" in iVim for more detailed information.

## Key features

- Custom font import with ligature support
- Extended and customizable keyboard
- Multistage language input
- App sharing and document picker integration
- External hardware keyboard support
- Integrated scripting languages (Python, Lua)
- Plugin management (In-App Purchase)
- Native version control (iVim Pro subscription)

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| iVim Pro | $4.99 | per month |

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Auto Restore | $3.99 | one-time |
| Small Donation | $1.99 | one-time |
| Big Donation | $9.99 | one-time |
| Plugins Manager | $4.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of iVim?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🎯 Excellent Vim port with most keybindings and features working correctly
- ⌨️ Innovative custom keyboard with easy access to special characters and Vim keys
- 🔌 Great integration with iOS Files app and external keyboards
- 🎨 Highly customizable with plugin support and color schemes
- 📚 Comprehensive Vim documentation included (:help iOS)
- ⚡ Fast and responsive performance with no UI lag
- 🔄 Good clipboard integration and file sharing capabilities
- 🎓 Excellent for practicing Vim and learning the editor
- 📝 Superior for note-taking and text editing on iPad
- 🛠️ Python interpreter and scripting capabilities available
- 🎭 Dark mode and font customization options
- 🔗 URL scheme support for integration with other apps

**Cons**

- 🐛 Keyboard constantly pops up and obscures content
- 🐛 Difficulty hiding keyboard on iPad
- ⚠️ App appears abandoned with infrequent updates
- 💰 Expensive subscription model for Pro features
- 🔐 Requires internet access for basic text editing
- 📁 Limited file access and navigation compared to desktop Vim
- ⌨️ ESC key access problematic without external keyboard
- 🔧 .vimrc configuration doesn't work reliably
- 🐛 Memory management issues when app is suspended
- 🐛 Focus stealing bug in Split View mode
- 🐛 Paste function (Command-V) unreliable
- 🐛 netrw breaks after accessing certain folders
- 📱 Not optimized for newer iPad Pro models with rounded corners
- 🔄 Paste from clipboard only works inconsistently
- ⌨️ Key repeat not working for movement keys (h,j,k,l,w,b,x)
- 🎯 Cannot create directories through Explore function

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Keyboard obscures command line and content
- Keyboard cannot be hidden or dismissed properly
- Paste function unreliable with Command-V
- Plus buffer (+) paste not working
- App loses all data when iOS suspends it
- Focus stealing in Split View mode
- netrw breaks after accessing certain folders
- relativenumber setting shows zero instead of current line number
- First character on first line hidden on iPad Pro with rounded corners
- Pinch/zoom feature too sensitive without dead zone
- Help mode space and delete keys non-functional
- Plugin loading errors (e.g., python-mode)
- Cursor position issues with certain keyboard configurations
- Key repeat not functioning for Vim movement keys
- App crashes or becomes unusable without ESC key access

**Most requested features**

- .vimrc functionality that actually works
- Easier document/file access without multiple clicks
- Reading mode to hide keyboard while scrolling
- Better keyboard dismissal mechanism
- Function keys on the keyboard
- Update to Vim 8 or newer version
- Core git functionality without paywall
- Better plugin installation process
- Directory creation capability
- Backtick (`) character in keyboard shortcuts
- Improved help system with working space/delete keys
- File browser integration within the app
- Donation/tip option via in-app purchase
- Online documentation outside the app
- Support for newer iPad Pro display notches
- Improved external keyboard support (especially folding keyboards)

## Recent user reviews (10 of 102)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ivim/id1266544660/reviews.md

### 3/5 — Font changes aren’t saved

*2026-05-07, version 2.55*

The default font is extremely small, using the menu to change the font works fine but the change isn’t saved as the default the next time you open it. Editing the .virmc file and manually setting it doesn’t seem to work either and if you’re not careful the app crashes on startup leaving you with no way to undo it.

### 5/5 — awesome, works

*2026-05-02, version 2.55*

yeah. works perfect. surprising.

### 5/5 — wish I knew about this app sooner

*2026-01-03, version 2.55*

this app is a really good port of Vim to ios, im not a vim pro but most of the keybindings and features i use on Vim are in this app. I also really like the keyboard, makes coding so much faster. something i wish it had was .vimrc functionality, as i tried to make one but it didn't seem to work (idk if i did something wrong), but i guess that would be hard to implement. i also wish that it was easier to access the documents instead of having to click twice (the menu button and show me the documents). however the app is so good that im still gonna give it 5 stars despite these slight shortcomings. It's free, revolutionizes coding and note taking on phone, and i can't believe the app is not more popular.

### 5/5 — Good

*2025-12-26, version 2.55*

If you actually want to get work done, don’t use iVim, and don’t program on iOS. Just by a laptop to actually program. I use iVim for practice with vim, and it’s pretty good. I also use iVim for note taking. VERY good for that, you can easily write down stuff, and it feels very natural.

### 5/5 — Good

*2025-12-25*

If you actually want to get work done, don’t use iVim, and don’t program on iOS. Just by a laptop to actually program. I use iVim for practice with vim, and it’s pretty good.

### 3/5 — Love the idea, but…

*2025-10-11, version 2.55*

I’ve been missing my favorite VI text editor, in my retired life, with most time spent on Apple and only a little time on Microsoft devices, but no Unix or Linux platform to play/develop on… I *love* the idea of being able to quickly make changes to text files with my old friend VIM. But I’ll join in with others, in saying there needs to be more adaptation to the iPhone and iPad environment. These days, most often when wanting to edit text, I’d be happy to copy/paste it into this VIM app, but the paste function only works rarely. Command-V *wants* to work, but usually doesn’t, and complains there’s nothing in the + buffer. I also tried the special form of pasting from the buffer named + (using “+p) but that works equally poorly. One would expect Command-V to work after entering Insert mode, like CTRL-V works on Linux in that mode, but that’s a complete bust. When it does work, it’s a seemingly random moment, when I hit Command-V with VIM in command mode and not insert mode. I’d also like to see a better implementation of the :help mode, which it says should accept a space and a keyword, but in fact, the space and the delete keys are not functional there. I’d also love to be able to see what files are available, in my current directory, but I need to switch to the Files app to see that. So… THREE stars for all the features that work, but minus two stars because it’s virtually unusable for me. I also don’t see a way to contact the developer, to provide this same feedback, so here it is in a review instead.

### 5/5 — Great

*2025-09-05, version 2.55*

I use it for school with nextcloud

### 2/5 — Good, but abandoned

*2025-02-23, version 2.55*

Vim is a great editor and the iVim too. Sadly the app is abandoned by the developer. It’s years once last update and he doesn’t reply any issue on GitHub.

### 5/5 — Best VimEditor for IOS!

*2025-02-15, version 2.55*

I have tried a lots of vim emulator on iPad, but most of them have various problem. iVim is the best.

### 5/5 — Almost great

*2025-01-07, version 2.55*

This is an amazing ios port with a lot of power! I would love to make this my only text editor, but viewing documents is sadly very limited.
I would love an option to hide the keyboard and scroll through the document quickly. On a touchscreen there is no reason to not allow this, it’s even faster than using some keybindings

## Frequently asked questions about iVim

### What is iVim?

iVim is an application that brings the powerful Vim text editor to the iOS system. It allows users to edit text files with advanced features directly on their iPhone or iPad.

### What are the key features of iVim?

Key features include custom font import with ligature support, an extended and customizable keyboard, multistage language input, seamless sharing with other apps, and support for external hardware keyboards. Advanced features like plugin management and version control are available through in-app purchases or a subscription.

### How much does iVim cost?

The base iVim application is free. However, advanced features like plugin management require an In-App Purchase, and native version control is available through a monthly subscription called 'iVim Pro', which includes a free trial.

### What devices is iVim compatible with?

iVim is designed for the iOS system, meaning it is compatible with iPhones and iPads running a compatible version of iOS. Specific version requirements for certain features, like the Caps Lock mapping, are noted in the app description.

### What are common use cases for iVim?

Common use cases include writing code, editing configuration files, drafting documents, and performing any text-based task that benefits from the efficiency and power of the Vim editor, all on a mobile device.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.55 — 2023-06-06

Added themes support for Markdown previewing (":h :ipreview-markdown-themes", ":h ios-settings-markdown-preview");
Added code highlighting themes support for Markdown previewing (":h :ipreview-markdown-code-themes");
Added support to update existing preview windows via command :ipreview (":h :ipreview-update");
Added new Web Preview Window for better web content previewing (":h ivim-web-preview-window", ":h ios-multiple-windows");
Some other fixes and improvements.

Please visit the App Support URL to report issues or provide suggestions.

If you like iVim, please spare some time to give her a rating or review.

### 2.54 — 2023-03-21

Changed to a new and robust session management for external commands;
Added ivish built-in commands and root aliases to completion candidates for !command;
Fixed that calling system() with command arguments would crash (issue #265);
Improved ^C and ^D handling in ivish;
Other fixes and improvements.

Please visit the App Support URL to report issues or provide suggestions.

If you like iVim, please spare some time to give her a rating or review.

### 2.53 — 2023-02-15

Added option to interpret [command + .] as [esc] automatically (":h ios-external-keyboard", ":h ios-settings");
Now you can create aliases for long external commands (":h ivish-aliases");
Now you can run commands sequence in ivish (":h ivish-sequence");
Now ivish supports the "|&" pipe (":h ivish-pipes");
Now unfinished quoting, invalid pipes or invalid sequence separators in ivish are hinted in real time;
Now external command "ls" does not print color codes when executed in the command window;
Some other fixes and improvements.

Please visit the App Support URL to report issues or provide suggestions.

If you like iVim, please spare some time to give her a rating or review.

### 2.52 — 2022-11-07

Added Lock Screen widgets on iOS 16.0+ devices (":h ios-widget-lock-screen");
Updated documentation on reservation of "D-" chords from external keyboards (":h ios-external-keyboard");
Fixed that the cursor blinking could not be stopped;
Other fixes and improvements;
Now iVim requires iOS 11.0 or later.

Please visit the App Support URL to report issues or provide suggestions.

If you like iVim, please spare some time to give her a rating or review.

### 2.51 — 2022-07-13

Added support to toggle the system's status bar (":h ivim-status-bar");
Added some widgets (":h ios-widgets");
Added Home screen quick actions (":h ios-quick-actions");
Added "Quick Commands Widget" and "Customized Quick Actions" into iVim Pro features (":h ivim-pro");
Fixed that single finger dragging was taken over by scrolling (":h ios-misc");
Fixed that the software keyboard would block an alert's buttons sometimes.

Please visit the App Support URL to report issues or provide suggestions.

If you like iVim, please spare some time to give her a rating or review.

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## More apps by 文礼 周

- [Locu](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/locu/id1224884506)

All apps by 文礼 周: https://appshunter.io/developer/497312859

## Related topics

[ivim](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ivim) · [not emacs](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/not-emacs)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-24.*