A lightweight VS Code extension that adds a simple note-taking area to the sidebar - ideal for writing quick thoughts, reminders, or temporary text while coding.
Features
1. Sidebar Notepad
Opens directly inside the VS Code sidebar.
Provides a single, large textarea for typing notes.
Supports multiple languages with syntax highlighting powered by CodeMirror:
plain text
markdown
javascript
python
c
c++
java
json
html
css
shell
sql
yaml
Supports Alt + Mouse Wheel or toolbar buttons (+, =, –) to adjust font size.
Allows toggling Preview Mode for Markdown and HTML.
2. Syntax Highlighting
Integrated with CodeMirror for smooth editing and syntax coloring.
Supports auto-close brackets, auto-close tags, and matching brackets.
Adjustable font size for comfortable reading.
Keeps the cursor position and scroll location when switching languages.
3. Markdown & HTML Preview
Preview Mode can be toggled manually by clicking the Preview button.
Not real-time - content is rendered only when entering preview mode.
Prevents unsafe HTML and scripts for secure rendering.
4. Minimal UI
Clean layout - no menus, no toolbars.
Uses Consolas, Courier, monospace for a code-friendly look.
Displays placeholder text when empty:
Write your notes here...
5. Color Themes (Light / Dim / Dark)
Choose between Light, Dim, and Dark color schemes for the notes panel, or let it follow your VS Code theme automatically.
Configurable via the sidebarNotes.theme setting:
auto(default) - follow the active VS Code color theme.
light - light color scheme.
dim - muted dark scheme (easy on the eyes).
dark - full dark scheme.
Applies to the editor background, line numbers, syntax highlighting, and the Markdown / HTML preview.
Switches live when the setting is changed - no reload required.
Quick switching
In-panel button: a theme icon sits next to the + = - font-size buttons in the bottom-right of the Notes panel. Click it to cycle auto → light → dim → dark.
Command palette: Sidebar Notes: Switch Theme opens a picker with all four options (also bindable to a keyboard shortcut).
