Simple text file #encryption with Vim

Vim provides a simple text file encryption feature. To make use of it add the following to your .vimrc:

set cryptmethod=blowfish2

This will set the encryption to the strongest algorithm vim supports.

Now to use it simply start editing a file with the -x flag:

$ vim -x mysecret.txt

You will be prompted for a password, and password confirmation. After that you should be able to edit the file and save it normally.

When you open the file again with vim (even without the -x flag) you will be asked to type your password to decrypt the file. If you enter the wrong password all you'll see is gibberish.

This is not the strongest encryption out there but it works and should suffice for most personal use cases.

NOTE: this will not work with NeoVim.