Open Folder in a New VS Code Instance with a Right Click
Want to open a new folder in a fresh VS Code instance without needing to manually open a new window? This simple trick will save you time and improve your workflow.
The Problem:
You're working on a project in VS Code but need to open another folder in a separate instance. Currently, the only way to do this is to manually open a new VS Code window. This can be tedious, especially if you frequently switch between projects.
Solution:
You can easily open a folder in a new VS Code instance by right-clicking the folder in your existing VS Code window and utilizing a simple command.
Here's how:
- Open your desired folder in VS Code: Navigate to the folder you want to open in a new instance using the "File" -> "Open Folder" menu option.
- Right-click the folder: In the Explorer pane, right-click the folder you want to open in a new instance.
- Select "Open in New Window": You'll find a menu item called "Open in New Window". Select this option.
That's it! VS Code will launch a brand new instance with the selected folder open, allowing you to work on both projects simultaneously without any interference.
Beyond the Basics:
- Customizing the Command: You can customize this command to suit your preferences by using the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P or Cmd+Shift+P) and searching for "Open Folder in New Window". This allows you to assign a keyboard shortcut for quicker access.
- Using the Terminal: If you're comfortable with the command line, you can use the "code" command in the Terminal to open folders in new VS Code windows. Simply type
code <folder path>in your Terminal to open the specified folder in a new instance.
Why This Matters:
Opening folders in new instances offers several benefits:
- Improved Organization: Keep separate projects organized and independent of each other.
- Enhanced Efficiency: Work on multiple projects simultaneously without the clutter of a single window.
- Resource Management: Limit the impact of resource-intensive projects on other open projects.
By adopting this simple technique, you can streamline your workflow and enhance your productivity in VS Code.
