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How can I make tabs permanent after quick open in XCode?


In Xcode, when I use Cmd+Shift+O (Quick open) to open a file, it creates a temporary tab. Then, I have to double click to make it permanent. I've googled around for a bit, but couldn't find any way to make the tabs permanent by default.

Do any of you know if this is possible? If so, where would I change this setting?

Currently using XCode 12.5


Solution

  • I have found a small workaround for this. I use keyboard for the navigation, mostly with Vim bindings, so using a mouse for that was infuriating.

    It turns out you can use Cmd+Shift+o and then press Option+Enter to modify the way XCode opens the file. The default is to open the file in a separate editor, not a new tab, but you can customize this behaviour in XCode settings. Here is a screenshot of the settings that allow to use Option+Enter to open the file in a new tab instead of replacing the temporary tab with the opened file. The crucial setting is Optional Navigation. If you set this to Uses Tab and then use Option+Enter instead of just Enter to choose the file from the Quick Open list, XCode will open the file in a new tab, no matter if you have an already opened temporary tab (temporary indicated by its name in italics).

    XCode settings set up for files to open in a new tab when pressing Option+Enter