How to save a Vim macro that contains “Escape” key presses?

Question

I use the following Vim macro a lot (it puts the current line inside XML tags):

I^[A

So I saved it into my .vimrc

Answer 1

Saving macros in plain file without plugins.

Having for example macro m . In insert mode, at e.g beginning of new line, then type 3 keys

ctrl-r ctrl-r m

the macro with escapes will be put in that line. (editable as needed) In another line name/comment it. Add other macros if you wish - then save this file as e.g. :w my_vim_macros

When you want to reuse such saved macro(s): place cursor on the beginning of macro string, then 4keys

"xy$

and your macro (this line) will be yanked to register x.