Project Panel: Move selected File/Directory via Keybind or Context Menu

[andreasvh-conceto]

Problem Statement

Currently, moving files/directories in Zed’s project panel requires drag-and-drop, which can be cumbersome in large projects. Accidental scrolling, mouse dependency, and imprecision make this workflow inefficient for keyboard-centric users. A keyboard-driven solution would streamline file organization. This can also be challenging for mouse users, who must navigate deep directory structures and drag files with precision.

Proposed Solution

Add a project panel: move file Command for the Project panel.

Triggerable via the command palette if a file/directory is selected, allowing users to move the selected file/directory by typing/selecting the new destination path.

Keybind support (e.g., m by default, configurable in keymap.json).

Interactive Move Dialog

A text input dialog (similar to JetBrains’ Move File Dialog) to type the destination path or to select the new location in another way in the project tree.

Autocomplete Suggestions: path autocomplete suggestions for valid directories/files as the user types.

Project Panel Integration

Via mouse: Right-click context menu option: Move File/Directory.

Via keyboard: go to project panel, select the directory/file of your choice via h,j``k, l in vim mode or arrow keys and execute the project panel: move file command or press its keybinding (i.e. default to m)

Examples from Other Editors

LazyVim: Uses m key to initiate file moving by using the NeoTree plugin

JetBrains IDEs: Populates a dialog with path autocomplete and validation.

Implementation Considerations

• path suggestions while typing the new directory path
• Validate destination paths to prevent overwrites (e.g., prompt if a file already exists).
• Support relative paths (from the current file location) and path shortcuts (e.g., ../).
• search/update references after moving and allow to update all references via simple key press - (clicking dialogs in keyboard workflow is annoying)

Additional Context
This feature would complement Zed’s existing keyboard shortcuts, making it a more versatile tool for developers migrating from editors like Vim or JetBrains IDEs. Also it will prevent users to accidently moving files/directories to the wrong location.

Thank you for considering this suggestion! 🙌