How to set up arrow.nvim with lazy.nvim?

Use the Lua snippet in the README, ensuring dependencies like nvim-web-devicons are specified and opts for leader keys are configured. Lazy.nvim will handle loading and setup automatically.

Arrow.nvim vs harpoon: which is better for Neovim?

Arrow.nvim offers a simpler single-keymap UI and better visual integration, while harpoon has more community plugins. Choose arrow.nvim if you prioritize streamlined navigation and customization over extensive third-party support.

Can arrow.nvim sync bookmarks across different computers?

No, bookmarks are saved locally in cache directories per project or branch, so they aren't designed for cross-machine syncing without manual file transfer or version control tricks.

How to customize keybindings in arrow.nvim?

Modify the 'leader_key', 'buffer_leader_key', and 'mappings' table in the setup opts to rebind actions like open, delete, or quit, as detailed in the advanced setup section.

Does arrow.nvim work with telescope for searching bookmarks?

Not directly; arrow.nvim uses its own UI for bookmark management. For telescope integration, you'd need to write custom Lua functions or use other plugins, as it focuses on navigation rather than search.

What to do if arrow.nvim breaks after updating Neovim?

Check the GitHub issues for compatibility notes, ensure dependencies are updated, and if using patched integrations like NvimTree, reapply the manual changes as they might be overwritten.

arrow.nvim — Neovim File Bookmarking Plugin

What is arrow.nvim?

Arrow.nvim is a Neovim plugin that allows developers to bookmark files and navigate them quickly using a single keymap. It organizes bookmarks per project or git branch and supports per-buffer bookmarks that track cursor positions. The plugin solves the problem of inefficient file switching in complex coding sessions.

Target Audience

Neovim users, particularly developers working on multi-file projects who need fast navigation between frequently accessed files and buffers.

Value Proposition

Developers choose Arrow.nvim for its streamlined single-keymap interface, per-buffer bookmarking with automatic position persistence, and high customizability compared to alternatives like Harpoon.

Overview

Bookmark your files, separated by project, and quickly navigate through them.

Use Cases

Best For

Quickly switching between key files in a large codebase
Managing bookmarks across multiple projects or git branches
Bookmarking specific locations within a file for reference
Integrating bookmark indicators into Neovim statuslines or file trees
Customizing bookmark actions with Lua functions
Reducing navigation keystrokes with a unified interface

Not Ideal For

Teams requiring seamless, out-of-the-box integration with file explorers like NvimTree without manual source code patching
Developers needing cross-machine or team-synchronized bookmarks for collaborative coding sessions
Users who prefer a GUI-driven or mouse-heavy workflow over keyboard-centric navigation

Pros & Cons

Pros

Single Keymap Interface

All bookmark functions are unified under one keymap, reducing keystrokes and cognitive load as emphasized in the README's philosophy of simplicity.

Auto-Updating Buffer Marks

Per-buffer bookmarks automatically persist and update cursor positions as you edit files, ensuring accurate navigation without manual adjustments.

Smart Filename Display

Shows full paths only for duplicate or generic filenames, keeping the UI clean and intuitive, a feature highlighted in the differences from harpoon.

High Customizability

Supports custom Lua functions for opening files, configurable keymaps, and visual enhancements like statusline helpers for tailored workflows.

Cons

Cumbersome NvimTree Integration

Requires patching NvimTree's source code to display bookmarks, which is error-prone, breaks with updates, and is admitted in the README as needing a 'small patch'.

Session Plugin Incompatibilities

May need extra hooks when used with session plugins like mini.sessions, adding setup complexity and potential for errors, as noted in the working with sessions plugins section.

Limited Ecosystem Support

Lacks built-in integrations with popular plugins like telescope for search, relying on user customization for extended functionality beyond core bookmarking.

Open Source Alternative To

arrow.nvim is an open-source alternative to the following products:

h

harpoon

Harpoon is a Neovim plugin that allows users to quickly navigate between frequently used files by marking them with keybindings for fast access.

arrow.nvim

What is arrow.nvim?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Open Source Alternative To

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?

arrow.nvim

What is arrow.nvim?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Open Source Alternative To

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?