Splitting VS Code effectively means arranging your workspace to enhance productivity, whether by dividing the editor into multiple panes or opening entirely separate VS Code windows. This guide will show you both methods to optimize your coding environment.
Method 1: Splitting the Editor into Multiple Panes (Within a Single VS Code Window)
The most common way to "split VS Code" involves dividing the editing area into multiple sections or panes within the same VS Code window. This allows you to view and interact with different files, or even different sections of the same file, side-by-side or stacked.
1. Using the Menu
You can easily split the active editor through the VS Code menu:
- Navigate to the
Windowmenu at the top of your VS Code interface. - Select the
Split Editoroption. - Practical Insight: This action divides your active editing area into two panes, separated by a splitter bar. Each pane can be scrolled independently, allowing you to simultaneously view and edit different parts of the active document or open different files. Any modifications made in one pane are instantly reflected in the other if you're viewing the same file.
2. Utilizing Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts offer the quickest way to manage split editors:
- Split Editor (Side-by-side):
- Windows/Linux:
Ctrl + \ - macOS:
Cmd + \
- Windows/Linux:
- Split Editor (Stacked/Below):
- Windows/Linux:
Ctrl + K Ctrl + ↓ - macOS:
Cmd + K Cmd + ↓
- Windows/Linux:
- Open File to the Side (from Explorer):
- Select a file in the Explorer and press
Ctrl + Enter(Windows/Linux) orCmd + Enter(macOS).
- Select a file in the Explorer and press
3. Dragging and Dropping Files
A highly intuitive method for splitting editors is by dragging files:
- Drag a file from the Explorer sidebar or an already open tab.
- Drop it onto the edge of the editor area (left, right, top, or bottom) to create a new split pane with that file.
4. Using the Context Menu
Right-clicking on various elements provides additional split options:
- Right-click on an open file tab and select
Split Editor. - Right-click on a file in the Explorer and choose
Open to the SideorOpen Below.
Managing Split Panes
Once you have multiple editor panes, you can efficiently manage them:
- Moving Between Panes:
- Click on any pane to make it active.
- Use
Ctrl + 1,Ctrl + 2,Ctrl + 3(Windows/Linux) orCmd + 1,Cmd + 2,Cmd + 3(macOS) to jump to specific editor groups. - Use
Ctrl + K Ctrl + ←/Ctrl + K Ctrl + →(Windows/Linux) orCmd + K Cmd + ←/Cmd + K Cmd + →(macOS) to navigate between adjacent panes.
- Resizing Panes: Click and drag the splitter bar separating the panes to adjust their width or height.
- Closing Panes: Click the
Xicon on the tab of the file in the pane you wish to close, or useCtrl + W(Windows/Linux) /Cmd + W(macOS) for the active editor. To close an entire editor group, useCtrl + K W(Windows/Linux) orCmd + K W(macOS). - Moving Files Between Panes: Drag and drop file tabs between different panes, or right-click on a tab and select
Move to Other Group.
Method 2: Opening Multiple VS Code Windows
If your workflow demands completely separate instances of VS Code—for example, to work on different projects simultaneously, compare distinct codebases, or manage separate development environments—you can open multiple VS Code windows. Each window operates independently, often with its own set of open folders and extensions.
1. From the Application Menu
The most straightforward way to open a new, empty VS Code window:
- Windows/Linux: Go to
File > New Window. - macOS: Go to
Code > New Window.
2. From the Command Line
For advanced users or scripting, the command line offers precise control:
- Open your terminal and type
code --new-windowto open an empty new window. - To open a specific folder in a new window, use:
code /path/to/your/project --new-window.
3. Using Your Operating System
Simply launch the VS Code application again from your desktop shortcut, taskbar, or applications folder. Each launch typically opens a new window instance of VS Code.
Why Split Your Workspace? Practical Use Cases
Efficiently splitting your VS Code workspace can significantly boost productivity:
- Code Comparison: Place two related files side-by-side to easily spot differences, ensure consistency, or refactor code.
- Front-end Development: View HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files simultaneously while working on a single component, or keep your stylesheet next to your markup.
- Debugging: Have your source code in one pane and debugging tools (like the console, watch window, or call stack) in another.
- Documentation & Code: Keep your code in one pane and relevant documentation, API references, or markdown notes in another.
- Terminal Integration: Split the integrated terminal to view output or run commands without constantly switching focus away from your code.
Quick Reference: Splitting Editors & Windows
| Action | Windows/Linux Shortcut | macOS Shortcut | Menu/Other Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Split Editor (Side) | Ctrl + \ |
Cmd + \ |
Window > Split Editor |
| Split Editor (Down) | Ctrl + K Ctrl + ↓ |
Cmd + K Cmd + ↓ |
Right-click file in Explorer > Open Below |
| Open to the Side | Ctrl + Enter (from Explorer) |
Cmd + Enter (from Explorer) |
Right-click file in Explorer > Open to the Side |
| Move Focus to Left/Right | Ctrl + K Ctrl + ←/→ |
Cmd + K Cmd + ←/→ |
Click on desired pane |
| Move File to Other Group | Ctrl + K Shift + ←/→ |
Cmd + K Shift + ←/→ |
Right-click tab > Move to Other Group |
| Close Active Editor | Ctrl + W |
Cmd + W |
Click tab's X button |
| Close Editor Group | Ctrl + K W |
Cmd + K W |
Right-click tab > Close Editor Group |
| New VS Code Window | Ctrl + Shift + N |
Cmd + Shift + N |
File > New Window |
For more detailed information on editor layouts and managing your workspace, refer to the official VS Code documentation on Editor Layouts.
Conclusion:
Effectively splitting your VS Code workspace, whether through editor panes or multiple windows, is a fundamental technique for improving your coding efficiency and managing complex projects.
