Visual Studio Code expert guide for using and customizing VS Code. Use this skill when the user asks about VS Code features, settings, keybindings, themes, extensions, snippets, profiles, tasks, the integrated terminal, debugging, productivity tips, or how to update VS Code. Also use when the user wants to customize their editor, explore the extension marketplace, or learn keyboard shortcuts. Triggers on: VS Code settings, VSCode customization, VS Code extensions, VS Code keybindings, VS Code themes, VS Code profiles, VS Code tasks, VS Code terminal, VS Code update, VS Code CLI, code editor tips.
A guide to using, customizing, and maintaining Visual Studio Code.
| Topic | Reference File |
|---|---|
| Settings, keybindings, themes, snippets, profiles | settings-customization.md |
| IntelliSense, multi-cursor, tasks, terminal, debugging | productivity-features.md |
| Extension marketplace, management, recommendations | extensions.md |
| Updates, CLI commands, refreshing this skill | updates.md |
Policy > Language-specific > Workspace > Remote > User > Default
settings.json in your VS Code config folder.vscode/settings.json (per-project; commit to repo for team sharing)| Action | Mac | Windows/Linux |
|---|---|---|
| Command Palette | ⌘⇧P | Ctrl+Shift+P |
| Open Settings UI | ⌘, | Ctrl+, |
| Open Settings JSON | ⌘⇧P → "Open User Settings (JSON)" | same |
| Keyboard Shortcuts | ⌘K ⌘S | Ctrl+K Ctrl+S |
| Extensions | ⌘⇧X | Ctrl+Shift+X |
| Integrated Terminal | Ctrl+` | Ctrl+` |
| Quick Open file | ⌘P | Ctrl+P |
| Go to Symbol | ⌘⇧O | Ctrl+Shift+O |
⌘, (Mac) / Ctrl+, (Windows/Linux)
Or edit JSON directly: ⌘⇧P → "Preferences: Open User Settings (JSON)"
⌘⇧X → search → Install
Or via CLI: code --install-extension <publisher.extension-id>
⌘⇧P → "Preferences: Color Theme" → select
Load the relevant reference file based on the user's question:
VS Code releases monthly updates. To keep this skill current: