1. First, you must feel trapped in Vim.
You must have tried several ways to escape already. You have tried to open the door, to open the window, pressing q, pressing command + q, pressing control + q, typing “quit”, typing “please”, typing “PLEASE!” You must start to feel a sense of panic 
You are trapped in Vim and your Terminal will forever be only Vim. There is no escape 
Escape...
2. You must start by manifesting your will to escape to Vim by pressing the key [ESC].
Do not let your fear show 
Vim can sense it.
3. Then, without pressing any other keys in-between, control your fear and remain calm. Show Vim you understand its uniqueness and speak its language. Press the [:] key 
4. Mop your sweat. I know this is stressful but you can do it. Even if [ESC] + [:] has not triggered any hope yet, you must not panic 
Press [w] to signify to Vim you have Will and Wisdom. Vim will be pleased that you are part of its group of wise determined users 
5. Once Vim has finally agreed to listen to your request, you can then communicate your intention to quit Vim without offending it.
Press [q] to quit in peace. Vim will at last let you go meet your long sought after Terminal 
6. If this still doesn’t work, yell out loud in desperation and add a [!] ❗
Vim will respect the strength of your emotion because it knows you have Will and Wisdom 🖖
7. Return in peace. You now know how to escape Vim 
✨
Thanks Bram Moolenaar for creating this beloved tool for us all 
BSidesChicago Oct 31-Nov 1 2025!!
Em 
Fox
