Reveal in File Manager
A lightweight VS Code extension that adds a convenient context menu option to quickly reveal the current file in your system's native file manager.
Features
- Quick Access: Right-click in any open file editor to reveal it in your file manager
- Cross-Platform: Works seamlessly on macOS (Finder), Windows (Explorer) and Linux (File Manager)
- Smart Integration: Automatically detects your operating system and uses the appropriate file manager
- Convenient Placement: Positioned prominently in the editor context menu, right before "Refactor..."
Usage
- Open any file in the editor
- Right-click anywhere in the file
- Select "Reveal in File Manager" from the context menu
- Your file manager opens with the file highlighted
Note: For revealing files from the Explorer sidebar, VS Code already has a built-in "Reveal in File Explorer/Finder" option. This extension focuses on providing quick access directly from the editor context menu.
Supported File Managers
- macOS: Finder
- Windows: File Explorer
- Linux: Default file manager (Nautilus, Dolphin, Thunar, etc.)
Installation
From VS Code Marketplace
- Open VS Code
- Go to Extensions (Cmd+Shift+X / Ctrl+Shift+X)
- Search for "Reveal in File Manager"
- Click Install
From VSIX File
- Download the
.vsix file
- Open VS Code
- Run the command:
code --install-extension reveal-in-file-manager-1.0.0.vsix
Or via VS Code UI:
- Go to Extensions
- Click the
... menu at the top
- Select "Install from VSIX..."
- Choose the downloaded file
Requirements
- VS Code version 1.70.0 or higher
- A local file system (does not work with remote or virtual file systems)
How It Works
This extension uses VS Code's built-in revealFileInOS command, which automatically:
- Opens Finder on macOS
- Opens File Explorer on Windows
- Opens the default file manager on Linux
The file is automatically selected/highlighted when the file manager opens.
Why Use This Extension?
While VS Code has a built-in way to reveal files in the file manager from the Explorer sidebar, this extension provides:
- Editor-focused access: Reveal files directly from the editor without switching to the Explorer
- Faster workflow: No need to locate the file in the sidebar first
- Better placement: Positioned prominently in the editor context menu, right before "Refactor..."
- Keyboard-friendly: Use right-click or context menu key while editing
Known Limitations
- Only works with local files (files with
file:// scheme)
- Does not work with remote files, virtual file systems, or unsaved files
- Editor context menu only - use VS Code's built-in option in the Explorer sidebar for revealing files from there
Contributing
Found a bug or have a feature request? Please open an issue on the GitHub repository.
License
This extension is licensed under the MIT License.
Release Notes
1.0.0
- Initial release
- Cross-platform support (macOS, Windows, Linux)
- Context menu integration in editor and explorer
- Smart file detection and error handling
Enjoy! If you find this extension helpful, please consider leaving a review on the VS Code Marketplace.
