Layout and Zen Mode
Resize sidebars, reset the layout, and hide all chrome with Zen Mode.
Shape's layout is flexible. Collapse sidebars, resize the bottom panel, and enter Zen Mode for distraction-free editing.
Primary and secondary sidebars
Primary sidebar (left)
- Open: click any activity bar icon, or use View → Explorer (etc.)
- Close: click the active activity bar icon again, or use the titlebar sidebar toggle
- Resize: drag the divider between sidebar and editor
The sidebar remembers which view was active (Explorer, Search, Git, etc.).
Secondary sidebar (right)
- Open: titlebar AI Chat button or View → AI Chat
- Close: click the toggle again
- Resize: drag the divider between editor and chat
Bottom panel
- Toggle: titlebar panel button, View → Terminal, or Ctrl+`
- Resize: drag the top edge of the panel upward or downward
The terminal keeps running when the panel is hidden.
Reset Layout
Click Reset Layout in the titlebar (desktop windows icon) to restore defaults:
| Region | Default state |
|---|---|
| Primary sidebar | Open |
| Bottom panel | Open |
| Secondary sidebar (AI) | Closed |
Reset does not affect open files, Zen Mode preference, or sidebar view selection.
Zen Mode
Zen Mode hides the activity bar, both sidebars, and the bottom panel, leaving only the editor and titlebar menus.
Enter or exit
- View → Zen Mode
- Command palette: View: Toggle Zen Mode
- Ctrl+K Z (chord: press Ctrl+K, release, then Z)
Press the same shortcut again to exit. Your panel open/closed state is restored.
When to use Zen Mode
- Writing or reviewing a long file without sidebar noise
- Presenting code in a meeting
- Pairing where chat and Git panels are not needed temporarily
Zen Mode does not change font size or word wrap. Adjust those in Editor Settings.
Split editor
For side-by-side editing, use the tab bar split actions (see Tabs and Splits). Splits work inside Zen Mode. Only chrome is hidden, not multi-group editing.