[BUG] three UX issues in Claude Code for VS Code

Preflight Checklist

• [x] I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
• [x] This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs)
• [x] I am using the latest version of Claude Code

What's Wrong?

I've encountered three UX issues in Claude Code for VS Code that impact daily workflow and keyboard-driven interaction.

What Should Happen?

1. Input box doesn't auto-focus on chat open

Steps to reproduce:

1. Open Claude Code chat panel in VS Code
2. Try to type immediately

Expected behavior: Input box should auto-focus when the chat panel opens, allowing keyboard input without clicking

Actual behavior: Input box is not focused. Must click manually to type. No keyboard shortcut exists to focus the input box.

---

2. Input focus lost when switching windows

Steps to reproduce:

1. Open Claude Code chat panel in VS Code
2. Click the input box (or it should be focused)
3. Switch to another window/application
4. Return to VS Code

Impact: Breaks keyboard-only workflow; requires mouse interaction every time

Expected behavior: Input box should retain focus or re-focus when returning to VS Code

Actual behavior: Input box loses focus. Must click it again to continue typing.

Impact: Interrupts workflow when multitasking

---

3. Long Claude messages overflow and become unreadable

Steps to reproduce:

1. Ask Claude Code a question that generates a longer response
2. Observe the message in the chat panel

Expected behavior: Full message should be visible with proper text wrapping and scrollable area

Actual behavior: Message covers the entire chat area; only ~1 line is visible. Rest is cut off or hidden.

Impact: Cannot read full responses from Claude

Error Messages/Logs

Steps to Reproduce

open vscode, press alt + ctrl + B

Claude Model

Sonnet (default)

Is this a regression?

No, this never worked

Last Working Version

latest

Claude Code Version

latest

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

Windows

Terminal/Shell

VS Code integrated terminal

Additional Information

_No response_