Tabs and Splits

Shape opens every file in a tab at the top of the editor. Tabs support preview modes, split groups, and quick navigation across your working set.

Opening and closing tabs

Dirty tabs show a dot on the label. Save with Ctrl+S before closing if you want to keep changes.

Click a tab to switch files. Middle-click a tab (or use the close icon) to close it.

Split editor

Split the editor to view two files side by side:

1. Click the Split Editor Right button on the tab bar, or use the tab context menu.
2. The active file moves to the right group. The left group keeps its previous file.
3. Click Close Split to return to a single group.

Each split group has its own tab strip and active file. Drag tabs between groups when both are visible.

Splits work in Zen Mode. Only sidebars are hidden, not multi-group editing.

Preview modes

Some file types support alternate views from the tab bar toggle:

For Markdown, cycle through Source, Split View, and Preview with the toggle on the tab. Split view shows the editor and preview at the same time.

Browser tab

View → Preview or the Chrome icon on the activity bar opens a Browser tab (shape://browser). Use it for the local app URL and Visual Design. Close it with Ctrl+W like any other tab.

Diff tabs

Git changes open as special diff tabs labeled Working Tree or Index. These are read-only comparison views. See Diff and Merge.

Pinning and ordering

Tabs reflect open order. The most recently used file becomes active when you click its tab or open it from the Explorer.

Use Ctrl+P to jump between files without clicking tabs.

Related

• Editing Files
• Visual Design
• Markdown Preview
• Diff and Merge
• Layout and Zen Mode