Vim field guide · dot-files

nerdtree

File explorer sidebar. Lazy-loaded on first use.

Vim tutorial
20th July 2026

Open / close

Key / Command	Action
`<C-n>`	Toggle NERDTree
`:NERDTreeFind`	Open NERDTree and reveal the current file

Navigating the tree

Key	Action
`j` / `k`	Move down / up
`o`	Open file or expand/collapse directory
`<Enter>`	Same as `o`
`t`	Open in new tab
`s`	Open in vertical split
`i`	Open in horizontal split
`p`	Jump to parent directory
`P`	Jump to root
`K` / `J`	Jump to first / last child of current directory

Changing the root

Key	Action
`C`	Set the directory under cursor as new root
`u`	Move root up one directory
`cd`	Change Vim's working directory to the node under cursor

File operations

Key	Action
`m`	Open the NERDTree menu (create, rename, delete, copy, move)
`a`	Create a new file or directory (inside the menu)

Display

Key	Action
`I`	Toggle hidden files (dotfiles)
`f`	Toggle file filters
`F`	Toggle file display (show directories only)
`A`	Zoom NERDTree pane to full width / back
`?`	Toggle built-in help
`q`	Close NERDTree