Create custom file groups independent of folder structure. Organize open files by extension, project context, or any criteria in a convenient sidebar tree view.
Installation
Launch VS Code Quick Open (Ctrl+P), paste the following command, and press enter.
Break free from directory structure constraints. Organize files by logic or rules to boost development productivity.
🔍 Project Overview
VirtualTabs is a VS Code extension that enables you to create temporary file groups based on logical relationships—independent of the original folder structure. Organize files by type, module, development phase, or custom rules. A tree view in the sidebar helps you build a flexible and efficient workflow.
🎯 Use Cases
Cross-directory management: Group related files scattered across different folders (e.g., config, styles, source code).
Feature-based grouping: Group files by module or functionality for focused development.
Project task switching: Create quick-access file sets for specific tasks or sprints.
Code review: Centralize files for review to improve efficiency.
Teaching & reference: Build curated examples or materials without folder interference.
✨ Key Features
📁 Group Management
Add, delete, rename, and duplicate custom groups
Built-in "Currently Open Files" group auto-syncs with VS Code tabs
Auto-group files by extension (requires group selection)
🖱️ User Interface
Multi-file selection and batch actions (open / close / remove)
Drag and drop files into or between groups
Smart click: single-click to select only, avoiding accidental file opening
Flexible file removal (via icon or context menu)
📄 UI Example
🛠️ Utilities
Copy filename, relative path, or absolute path
Open containing folder
Auto-save group state (saved in workspaceState)
🌍 Multilingual Support
Supports Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and English
Automatically switches based on VS Code locale
Community contributions for new languages are welcome
🔄 Workflow Diagram
graph TD
A["Original Directory Files"] --> B["VirtualTabs Groups"]
B --> C["Custom Groups"]
C --> D["Quick Switching & Actions"]
🚀 Why Choose VirtualTabs?
🧩 Solves Common Workflow Issues
In large projects, related files are often scattered:
Config files → root directory
Styles → styles
Logic → src / components
Tests → tests / __tests__
With VirtualTabs, you can:
✅ Create logical groups instantly
✅ Avoid changing original file locations
✅ Switch file sets based on task or context
📦 Installation & Usage
Installation
Open VS Code
Press Ctrl+Shift+X (or Cmd+Shift+X)
Search for VirtualTabs and install
Basic Usage
Click the "Virtual Tabs" icon in the Activity Bar to open the view
Right-click to create a new group
Drag files into the group
Right-click group → Auto-group by extension
Change VS Code locale to switch language
🌍 Language Support
Supported languages:
Traditional Chinese (zh-tw)
Simplified Chinese (zh-cn)
English (en)
❓ FAQ
Q1: I don’t see the Virtual Tabs view?
Please check:
The extension is enabled
Your VS Code version is above 1.75
VirtualTabs has its own icon in the Activity Bar—look for it on the left
Q2: How does Auto Group by Extension work?
Select a group to activate it
Right-click and choose "Auto Group by Extension"
The system will create sub-groups based on file extensions (e.g., .js, .css)
🔧 Developer Section
Interested in contributing? Check out DEVELOPMENT.md, which includes:
