GitMoveRight

Never lose Git file history when moving files in VS Code again.

When you drag and drop a file in the VS Code Explorer, Git normally sees it as a deletion and a brand-new file, losing all commit history, blame annotations, and diff context. GitMoveRight fixes this silently and automatically.

The Problem

Moving a file in the VS Code Explorer is a raw filesystem operation. Git has no idea the file was renamed. It just sees one file disappear and a new one appear. Your Source Control panel fills up with confusing delete/untracked pairs, and once you commit, that file's history is gone.

The Solution

GitMoveRight watches for file moves and immediately stages them as a proper Git rename. Git recognises it as the same file, history is preserved, and your Source Control panel shows a clean R (renamed) status. No extra steps required.

Features

• Automatic. Works silently in the background. Just drag and drop as normal.
• History-preserving. Moves are staged as Git renames, keeping full commit history, git log --follow, and blame intact.
• Safe. Only acts on files already tracked by Git. Untracked files and files outside a Git repository are left completely alone.
• "Move with Git..." Right-click any file in the Explorer for an explicit, dialog-driven move when you want full control.
• Configurable. Turn off automatic staging or notifications at any time via VS Code Settings.

How to Use

Automatic (drag and drop)

Just move files in the Explorer as you normally would. GitMoveRight handles the rest. You'll see a brief notification confirming the rename was staged, and the Source Control panel will show R instead of a delete/add pair.

No configuration needed.

Manual ("Move with Git...")

1. Right-click any tracked file in the Explorer
2. Select Move with Git...
3. Choose the destination in the save dialog
4. GitMoveRight moves the file and stages the rename for you

Settings

Open Settings (Ctrl+,) and search for GitMoveRight.

Requirements

• Git must be installed and available on your system PATH
• The VS Code built-in Git extension must be enabled (it is by default)
• Only works inside a Git repository

Author

• Extension developed by Andrew Seaford
  • Website:http://www.andrew-seaford.co.uk
  • LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewseaford/
  • GitHub:https://github.com/seafooood/vs-code-extension-GitMoveRight