How to manage multiple projects in VS Code
Sep 21, 2025 am 01:30 AMUse multi-root workspaces to group related projects by adding folders and saving as a .code-workspace file for shared settings. 2. Open unrelated projects in separate VS Code windows and switch using Cmd ~ or Alt Tab to isolate context. 3. Install the Project Manager extension to save, access, and quickly switch between projects via the Command Palette or status bar. 4. Configure project-specific settings using .vscode/settings.json, tasks.json, and launch.json to maintain consistent environments. 5. Use VS Code Profiles to manage different setups for work, personal, or team environments with distinct extensions and UI layouts. To stay efficient, pin frequent projects, name folders clearly, avoid overloading workspaces, and combine workspaces, separate windows, and tools like Project Manager for optimal organization.
Managing multiple projects in VS Code doesn’t have to be messy. With the right setup, you can switch between projects efficiently, keep your workspace organized, and maintain focus. Here’s how to do it effectively.

1. Use Workspaces to Group Projects
The best way to manage multiple related projects is by creating a multi-root workspace. This lets you combine several project folders into a single VS Code window.
Steps:

- Open VS Code.
- Add your first project folder:
File > Add Folder to Workspace
. - Add more folders as needed.
- Save the workspace:
File > Save Workspace As...
(e.g.,MyProjects.code-workspace
).
This creates a .code-workspace
file that remembers which folders are included. When you reopen it, all projects load together with shared settings and extensions.
Tip: Use workspaces for related projects—like a frontend, backend, and shared library.
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2. Open Projects in Separate Windows
For unrelated projects (e.g., a personal blog and a work API), keep them in separate VS Code windows.
How:
- Go to
File > New Window
. - Open a different project in each window.
- Use
Cmd ~
(macOS) orAlt Tab
(Windows) to switch between windows.
This avoids clutter and keeps context isolated. You can also assign different color themes per window using extensions like Project Manager.
3. Use the Project Manager Extension
Install the Project Manager extension to quickly switch between projects.
After installation:
- Run
Project Manager: Save Project
to register a new project. - It auto-detects Git repositories and folders.
- Access saved projects from the Command Palette (
Ctrl Shift P
) or the status bar.
This is especially helpful when you’re juggling 5 projects and don’t want to navigate folders manually.
4. Organize Settings and Tasks Per Project
Each project can have its own:
-
.vscode/settings.json
– for editor settings (e.g., tab size, formatters). -
.vscode/tasks.json
– for build or run commands. -
.vscode/launch.json
– for debugging configurations.
This ensures that when you open a project (or workspace), everything works as expected without affecting others.
Example: One project uses Prettier, another uses ESLint — keep their settings separate.
5. Leverage Profiles (VS Code 1.85 )
Use Profiles to manage different environments (e.g., work vs. personal).
How:
- Go to
File > Preferences > Profiles
. - Create a new profile (e.g., "Frontend Dev").
- Switch between profiles to load different settings, extensions, and UI layouts.
This is powerful when working across teams or tech stacks with different tooling needs.
Bonus Tips
- Pin frequently used projects in the Project Manager for one-click access.
- Use folders named intuitively so they’re easy to identify in the Explorer.
- Avoid loading too many folders in one workspace — it can slow down search and IntelliSense.
Managing multiple projects in VS Code comes down to using the right combination of workspaces, windows, and tools like Project Manager. Set it up once, and you’ll save time every day. Basically, workspaces for related code, separate windows for unrelated ones, and let extensions do the heavy lifting.
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