Feature Request: Option to run Claude Code in Terminal Panel

Resolved 💬 2 comments Opened Sep 29, 2025 by clayroach Closed Sep 29, 2025

Problem

Currently, Claude Code only runs in the VSCode sidebar. For users who prefer bottom panel layouts or have limited horizontal screen space, this can be restrictive. Many developers are accustomed to having AI assistants and terminals in the lower panel for better workflow integration.

Proposed Solution

Add an option to run Claude Code in VSCode's terminal panel (bottom panel) as an alternative to the sidebar.

Benefits

  • Better screen real estate utilization for users with limited horizontal space
  • Consistent layout with other terminal-based tools and workflows
  • Familiar placement for users coming from terminal-based AI assistants
  • More flexibility in VSCode layout customization

Suggested Implementation

  • Add a command: "Claude Code: Open in Terminal Panel"
  • Add a setting: claudeCode.panelLocation with options "sidebar" or "terminal"
  • Optionally, add a keyboard shortcut to toggle between sidebar and terminal panel

Alternative Workarounds

Currently, users must either:

  • Use the sidebar (which may be suboptimal for their workflow)
  • Use the standalone CLI in a regular terminal (losing integration features)

Related

Similar to how other VSCode extensions (GitHub Copilot Chat, various terminal tools) offer panel location options.

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