Metro Whiteboard
(Formerly File Metro)
Metro Whiteboard is an infinite canvas for your code. It visualizes your workspace as a metro map, allowing you to see connections, plan architecture, and think spatially.
Vision: The Infinite Code Canvas
I built Metro Code Board based on a simple belief: links should be intentional.
But as I used it, I realized that a simple map isn't enough. We need a spatial workspace—an infinite canvas where code, thoughts, and diagrams live side-by-side.
My goal is to evolve this tool into a Whiteboard for your Codebase. It won't just be for navigating files; it will be for thinking about them.
Roadmap
I am actively working on transforming this extension into a full-featured infinite canvas. Here is the plan:
- [ ] Whiteboard Tools: Add text boxes, shapes (rectangles, circles), and sticky notes to the canvas.
- [ ] Groups: Ability to group nodes together and navigate to them via a sidebar list.
- [ ] Rich Connections: Add labels and direction arrows to connections to describe relationships (e.g., "imports", "depends on").
- [ ] Multimedia: Support for images and markdown snippets directly on the canvas.
- [ ] Refactoring: Rename the project to reflect this new direction (e.g., "Code Canvas" or "Metro Board").
Features
- Local Metro View: A dedicated sidebar view that syncs with your active file.
- Visual Map: Drag & drop files to create stations.
- Connections: Hold
Alt + Drag between stations to link them.
- Organization: Color code stations and add status marks (Check, Star).
- Batch Actions: Multi-select (
Shift + Click) to color, mark, or delete groups.
- Theme Aware: Adapts to Light and Dark modes.
Usage
- Open Command Palette (
Cmd+Shift+P).
- Run "Metro: Open Metro View".
- Drag files from Explorer to the map.
Shortcuts
| Action |
Shortcut |
| Connect Stations |
Hold Alt + Drag |
| Multi-Select |
Hold Shift + Click / Drag |
| Toggle Default Mark |
Ctrl / Cmd + Click Station |
| Open File |
Double Click Station |
| Pan Canvas |
Drag Background (if unlocked) |
| Zoom |
Scroll Wheel (if unlocked) |
| Rename Station |
Middle Click Station |
| Create Note |
Middle Click Background |
Recommended Configuration
It is recommended to exclude .Note files from the File Explorer's auto-reveal feature. This ensures that the Explorer remains focused on your code structure while you use the Metro Map to navigate your notes.
Add this to your VS Code settings.json:
"explorer.autoRevealExclude": {
"**/.Note/**": true
}
Contributing
See CONTRIBUTING.md.
Acknowledgements
