`:normal` command has inconsistent behaviour to Vim when trying to insert repeating string

Bug reports
1

The !normal command executes Normal commands in a Command mode context, which comes in handy when processing the same operations for multiple lines or selections. In Vi IMproved 9.1, running :normal 5ix can insert the string x five times. However, in Obsidian, it only did it once, no matter the number before i. I also tested with a (append) instead of i (insert) but the same result was yielded.

Steps to reproduce

  1. Enable Vim key bindings in Settings > Editor.
  2. In an empty note, stay in Normal mode.
  3. Enter Vim command :normal 5ix and execute.

Did you follow the troubleshooting guide? [Y/N]

Y

Expected result

This should be inserted into the note:

xxxxx

Actual result

This was inserted into the note:

x

Environment

SYSTEM INFO: 
Obsidian version: v1.10.6
Installer version: v1.10.6
Operating system: #1 SMP PREEMPT_DYNAMIC Thu, 18 Dec 2025 18:00:18 +0000 6.18.2-arch2-1
Login status: not logged in
Language: en
Insider build toggle: off
Live preview: on
Base theme: adapt to system
Community theme: none
Snippets enabled: 0
Restricted mode: on

RECOMMENDATIONS:
none

Additional information

2

I don’t expect this to be fixed. Just let people know this issue exists anyway.