vim-backtrack helps you quickly jump back to your recent files in Vim or Neovim. With a single command, you’ll see your most recently opened files (up to 50—user configurable). Just press a number to open one instantly. No fuss, no extra setup.

• Instantly access your most recent files with :Backtrack (default 10, configurable up to 50).
• Clean, numbered list - just press the number next to the file to navigate
• Choose how the list appears: in a split, a vertical split, or right in your current window (user configurable).
• Alternate split behavior for specific filetypes (user configurable).
• Only shows files that still exist on disk.
• Designed to be fast, simple, and out of your way.

Add this to your favorite plugin manager:

Plug 'josstei/vim-backtrack'

For init.vim or init.lua (vim-plug example):

Plug 'josstei/vim-backtrack'

Or with lazy.nvim:

{
  'josstei/vim-backtrack'
}

Or clone it directly:

git clone https://github.com/josstei/vim-backtrack ~/.vim/pack/plugins/start/vim-backtrack

Just run:

:Backtrack

Or add it as a key map

" Normal mode: show recent files on <leader> b keypress
nnoremap <leader>b :Backtrack<CR>

You’ll get a list of recent files (up to your configured maximum). Each is labeled [01], [02], etc.
Press the matching number (in normal mode) and you’re back in your file.

Set the maximum number of files (up to 50, default 10):

let g:backtrack_max_count = 25

Set the split command for the file list buffer:

Example:

let g:backtrack_split = 'vsplit'

To use a different split for certain filetypes:

let g:backtrack_alternate_split_types = ['markdown', 'help']
let g:backtrack_alternate_split = 'belowright split'

When Backtrack is opened from a buffer with one of those filetypes, the alternate split will be used.

• Grabs your recent files from Vim’s own file history
• Only shows files that still exist on disk
• Cleans up after itself—no clutter left behind
• Local number mappings make file selection quick and efficient

:Backtrack

Press 3 to open the file labeled [03]—done!

Contributions are welcome!
Feel free to open issues or pull requests for improvements or bug fixes.

MIT License