A method of video encoding includes determining a predetermined condition associated with signaling data for a current block included in a current picture, the predetermined condition specifying whether a maximum number of merge mode candidates is different from a maximum number of IBC candidates. The method includes setting, based on the predetermined condition, a size of an index included in the signaling data for a candidate list of vector predictors to one of (i) the maximum number of merge mode candidates and (ii) the maximum number of IBC candidates. The method includes constructing the candidate list of vector predictors and retrieving a vector predictor from the candidate list of vector predictors in accordance with the index. The method includes encoding the current block in accordance with the retrieved vector predictor, and generating a coded video bitstream including the current picture and the signaling data.