# Backspace Options The `backspace` option determines the behavior of pressing the backspace key (``). By default, Vim's `backspace` option is set to an empty list. There are three values that can be added that each independently alter the behavior of the backspace key. These are `indent`, `eol`, and `start`. When `indent` is included, you can backspace over indentation from `autoindent`. Without it, Vim will not allow you to backspace over indentation. When `eol` is included, you can backspace over an end of line (eol) character. If the cursor is at the first position of a line and you hit backspace, it will essentially be joined with the line above it. Without `eol`, this won't happen. When `start` is included, you can backspace past the position where you started Insert mode. Without `start`, you can enter Insert mode, type a bit, and then when backspacing, only delete back as far as the start of Insert mode. The `backspace` default is absurd, you are going to want to add all of the above to your Vim settings. See `:h 'backspace'` for more details.