Coding⏱️ 2 min read📅 2026-06-03

How to Fix: How do I fix the indentation of an entire file in Vi?

Fix indentation in Vi with :%autocmd BufEnter * :syntax sync frombuf

Quick Answer: Use the :%autocmd BufEnter * :syntax sync frombuf command to correct indentation of all lines.

In Vim, the indentation of an entire file can be a real headache. You've copied and pasted code from a remote terminal, and now you're left with a mess that needs to be fixed in one fell swoop.

⚠️ How to Correct Indentation

  • Use the `:%s/\t*//\t` command, which will remove any unnecessary indentation.

✅ The Magic Command

`:%s/\t*//\t`

  1. Step 1: Open your file in Vim and type `:%s/\t*//\t` and press Enter.

✨ Additional Tips

  1. Step 2: If you want to preserve any indentation that is already correct, use the `:%s/\t*//\t` command with the `/c` flag, which will only replace tabs if they are used as actual tab characters.

✨ Wrapping Up

By following these simple steps, you'll be able to fix the indentation of your entire file in one fell swoop. Happy coding!

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