Xcode doesn't support .vimrc, this is so frustrated. try out Karabiner, you can download it from github. add below to the json file under ~/.config/karabiner, then you can use jk to jump out of INSERT mode, or change it to your favorite combination. { "description": "jk to escape for xcode", "manipulators": [ { "conditions": [ { "bundle_identifiers": [ "com.apple.dt.Xcode" ], "type": "frontmost_application_if" }, { "name": "j_pressed", "type": "variable_unless", "value": 1 } ], "from": { "key_code": "j" }, "parameters": { "basic.to_delayed_action_delay_milliseconds": 500 }, "to": [ { "set_variable": { "name": "j_pressed", "value": 1 } } ], "to_delayed_action": { "to_if_invoked": [ { "set_variable": { "name": "j_pressed", "value": 0 } } ] }, "type": "basic" }, { "conditions": [ { "bundle_identifiers": [ "com.apple.dt.Xcode" ], "type": "frontmost_application_if" }, { "name": "j_pressed", "type": "variable_if", "value": 1 } ], "from": { "key_code": "k" }, "to": [ { "set_variable": { "name": "j_pressed", "value": 0 } }, { "key_code": "escape", "modifiers": [ ] } ], "type": "basic" } ] }