Require this script (require 'phi-rectangle) and call function "phi-rectangle-mode". Then following commands are available - [C-RET] phi-rectangle-set-mark-command Activate the rectangle mark. - phi-rectangle-kill-region (replaces "kill-region") A dwim version of "kill-region". If the rectangle mark is active, kill rectangle. If the normal mark is active, kill region as usual. Otherwise, kill whole line. - phi-rectangle-kill-ring-save (replaces "kill-ring-save") A dwim version of "kill-ring-save" like "phi-rectangle-kill-region". - phi-rectangle-yank (replaces "yank") A dwim version of "yank". If the last killed object is a rectangle, yank rectangle. Otherwise yank a kill-ring item as usual.