How to get rid of search highlight in Vim

Question

I have :set hlsearch as default value.

When I search for something, search terms get highlighted. However many times I want to get rid of the highlight,

Answer 1

Try this:

set hlsearch!
nnoremap <F12> :set hlsearch!<CR>

and hit F12 to clear when desired. Use :noh in command mode to clear.

Answer 2

:noremap <silent> <c-l> :nohls<cr><c-l>

This would redraw the screen and clear any search terms with Control-L, handy :) easier than reaching up to the F keys.

Answer 3

This might suit your needs:

nnoremap <esc> :noh<return><esc>

With a little tinkering you can make it work in insert mode.

Answer 4

Try the :noh command.

vi/vim notes

Answer 5

I have the following in my .vimrc:

map <silent> <C-N> :let @/=""<CR>

Answer 6

you could search for something not in the text file. Nothing will be highlighted in this case. (e.g. /349i5u9sgh)