> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ploegert.gitbook.io/til/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ploegert.gitbook.io/til/tools/vim/file/add-a-file-without-loading-it.md).

# Add A File Without Loading It

Generally, when you interact with files (e.g. `:e some-file.txt`), you are both adding it to the buffer list and loading the contents of the file as a separate buffer. The `:bad` command allows you to add a file to the buffer list without loading it. For instance, you can add your `README.md` to the buffer list and leave the current buffer in focus with:

```
:bad README.md
```

This command seems particularly useful for scripting the setup of an initial vim environment or preparing for a `:bufdo` command.