Using this function and command: command -bang -nargs=? QFix call QFixToggle(0) function! QFixToggle(forced) if exists("g:qfix_win") && a:forced == 0 cclose unlet g:qfix_win else copen 10 let g:qfix_win = bufnr("$") endif endfunction Calling ':QFix' will "toggle" the quickfix open and closed. It's easiest to map this to something fast. I use: nmap \` :QFix If you want to force the window open, use ':QFix!' and the window will open or stay open.