Open Files Explorer
A lightweight VS Code extension that displays all currently opened files in a sidebar and lets you quickly switch between them using keyboard shortcuts.
Features
- View all opened files in a dedicated Explorer panel.
- Automatically updates when files are opened, closed, or switched.
- Open files directly from the sidebar.
- Navigate to files using keyboard shortcuts.
- Open any file by its index.
Preview
The explorer displays:
- filename.ts
- app.tsx
- package.json
- README.md
Selecting an item immediately opens the corresponding file.
Installation
From VSIX
- Open VS Code.
- Press
Ctrl + Shift + P.
- Select Extensions: Install from VSIX...
- Choose the generated
.vsix file.
Development Mode
npm install
npm run compile
Press:
F5
to launch a new Extension Development Host.
Commands
| Command |
Description |
| Open File 1 |
Open first file in the list |
| Open File 2 |
Open second file in the list |
| Open File 3 |
Open third file in the list |
| Open File 4 |
Open fourth file in the list |
| Open File 5 |
Open fifth file in the list |
| Open File 6 |
Open sixth file in the list |
| Open File 7 |
Open seventh file in the list |
| Open File 8 |
Open eighth file in the list |
| Open File 9 |
Open ninth file in the list |
| Open By Index |
Open any file by entering its index |
Keyboard Shortcuts
Default shortcuts:
| Shortcut |
Action |
| Alt + 1 |
Open File 1 |
| Alt + 2 |
Open File 2 |
| Alt + 3 |
Open File 3 |
| Alt + 4 |
Open File 4 |
| Alt + 5 |
Open File 5 |
| Alt + 6 |
Open File 6 |
| Alt + 7 |
Open File 7 |
| Alt + 8 |
Open File 8 |
| Alt + 9 |
Open File 9 |
Shortcuts can be customized through VS Code Keyboard Shortcuts settings.
Explorer View
The extension adds a new sidebar section:
Open Files
├── 1. app.ts
├── 2. user.service.ts
├── 3. package.json
└── 4. README.md
Clicking an item opens the corresponding file.
How It Works
The extension uses the VS Code Tabs API:
- Reads all open tabs from all tab groups.
- Generates an indexed list.
- Displays the list in a Tree View.
- Refreshes automatically when tabs change.
- Opens files through the built-in
vscode.open command.
Requirements
Development
Clone the repository:
git clone <repository-url>
cd open-files-explorer
Install dependencies:
npm install
Compile:
npm run compile
Watch mode:
npm run watch
Package extension:
npm install -g @vscode/vsce
vsce package
Known Limitations
- Non-text tabs may not be opened through keyboard commands.
- Only files currently opened in VS Code are displayed.
- File indices may change when tabs are reordered.
Contributing
Contributions, feature requests, and bug reports are welcome.
License
MIT License
