RoundedTabs gives VS Code a softer, more modern workbench by appending a managed CSS block to the current workbench.desktop.main.css instead of replacing the full file.

That means the extension stays reversible, safer across VS Code updates, and easier to keep in sync with the current installation.

Highlights

• Keeps the original VS Code workbench CSS intact and injects only a managed block.
• Refreshes its local backup whenever the current base workbench CSS changes, so new styles are always layered on top of the latest VS Code file.
• Removes only its own block on restore, without overwriting the rest of the file.
• Can reapply styles after VS Code updates replace the workbench CSS file.
• Supports broader rounded surfaces with a safer balanced preset.
• Includes optional soft animations for tabs, panes, menus, quick input, notifications, terminal tabs, and header actions.
• Smooths tab creation, Explorer motion, and integrated terminal surfaces without exposing the panel background.

Apply Rounded Tabs

• Command: drkryz-roundedtabs.configure_now
• Description: Reads the current workbench.desktop.main.css from your VS Code installation and appends the RoundedTabs managed CSS block.
• Instructions: Run the command and reload VS Code when prompted. If VS Code cannot be written, reopen it with elevated permissions or configure drkryz-roundedtabs.installPath.

Restore Defaults

• Command: drkryz-roundedtabs.restore
• Description: Removes only the CSS block managed by RoundedTabs and restores the original workbench CSS.
• Instructions: Run the command and reload VS Code when prompted.

Enable Soft Animations

• Command: drkryz-roundedtabs.enableAnimations
• Description: Enables subtle CSS animations for tabs, context menus, quick input, notifications, and safe title/header actions.
• Instructions: If RoundedTabs is already active, the extension refreshes the managed CSS block immediately and prompts for reload. If RoundedTabs is not active yet, run Apply Rounded Tabs after enabling it.

Disable Soft Animations

• Command: drkryz-roundedtabs.disableAnimations
• Description: Turns off the optional animation layer while keeping the rounded surfaces intact.
• Instructions: Run the command and reload when prompted if RoundedTabs is already applied.

How It Works

• RoundedTabs locates the active workbench.desktop.main.css from the current VS Code installation.
• It strips any old RoundedTabs managed block and appends a fresh one based on the current settings.
• It stores backup and state data in extension storage instead of shipping a stale CSS file inside the extension.
• Before rewriting the workbench CSS, it refreshes its backup whenever the detected base CSS or target file changes.
• If drkryz-roundedtabs.autoReapplyOnStartup is enabled, it can repair the injected block after an update changes the workbench CSS file.

Settings

• drkryz-roundedtabs.autoReapplyOnStartup: Reapplies the managed CSS block after VS Code updates its workbench file.
• drkryz-roundedtabs.stylePreset: Choose balanced for broader workbench rounding or tabs-only for a narrower, safer scope.
• drkryz-roundedtabs.radius: Controls the base corner radius used in tabs and other rounded surfaces.
• drkryz-roundedtabs.tabGap: Controls the spacing between editor tabs.
• drkryz-roundedtabs.enableAnimations: Opt-in setting for smooth tabs, menus, quick input, notifications, and header actions.
• drkryz-roundedtabs.installPath: Optional custom installation root, resources folder, or direct path to workbench.desktop.main.css.

Rounded Coverage

tabs-only

• Editor tab groups and individual tabs
• Sidebar and auxiliary bar containers
• Explorer and list rows inside side surfaces

balanced

• Everything from tabs-only
• Breadcrumbs and editor title actions
• Activity bar and panel surfaces
• Titlebar command center and safe header actions
• Quick input, notifications, and context menus
• Explorer wrappers and sidebar tree containers
• Integrated terminal containers, terminal tab entries, and terminal surface wrappers
• Input boxes and safe editor widgets such as suggest, find, hover, and rename

Safety Notes

• RoundedTabs is intentionally CSS-only and does not monkey-patch VS Code runtime JavaScript.
• The extension depends on write access to the VS Code installation directory.
• On Windows, you may need to reopen VS Code as administrator before applying changes.
• If VS Code changes its internal structure in a future update, RoundedTabs is designed to re-detect the current CSS file and reapply only its managed block.