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52 changes: 52 additions & 0 deletions tips/toggle-project-panel-focus.mdx
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---
title: Toggle Project Panel Focus with Cmd-Shift-E
subtitle: Open or focus the file tree sidebar with a single keyboard shortcut
category: shortcuts
difficulty: beginner
tags:
- panels
- keybindings
- navigation
- workflow
---

Press **`Cmd-Shift-E`** (macOS) or **`Ctrl-Shift-E`** (Linux/Windows) to open the Project Panel or shift focus to it when it's already visible.

## How to Use

1. Press **`Cmd-Shift-E`** to show the Project Panel
2. Press it again to return focus to the editor (if the panel is already open)

This is a **toggle focus** action, meaning it both reveals the panel and moves your cursor there, ready for keyboard navigation.

## What You Can Do in the Project Panel

Once focused, use the keyboard to manage your project without touching the mouse:

- **Arrow keys** — Navigate up and down through files and folders
- **`Right`** — Expand a directory
- **`Left`** — Collapse a directory
- **`Space`** — Preview a file without creating a permanent tab
- **`Cmd-N`** — Create a new file in the selected directory
- **`Alt-Cmd-N`** — Create a new directory
- **`F2`** — Rename the selected entry
- **`Cmd-Backspace`** — Move selected entries to trash

## Why This Matters

**Instant access**: Jump to the file tree without reaching for the mouse.

**Keyboard-first workflow**: Create, rename, and delete files entirely from the keyboard.

**Context switching**: Quickly check file structure or git status, then return to editing with the same shortcut.

## Related Shortcuts

| Action | macOS | Linux/Windows |
|--------|-------|---------------|
| Toggle Outline Panel | `Cmd-Shift-B` | `Ctrl-Shift-B` |
| Toggle Terminal Panel | `Ctrl-`` ` | `Ctrl-`` ` |
| Toggle Agent Panel | `Cmd-?` | `Ctrl-?` |
| Open File Finder | `Cmd-P` | `Ctrl-P` |

Mastering **`Cmd-Shift-E`** keeps your hands on the keyboard and your workflow uninterrupted.