When I have 2 columns set in a Sublime Text window, can I display the same file in both columns?
9 Answers
329
votes
EDIT
With the release of Sublime Text 4, there is now a feature called Split View that you can access a couple different ways. Via the menu system, you can simply use File -> Split View. You can also right-click on a tab and select Split View from the context menu. It automatically opens a new pane with a new view of the file currently selected.
You should be aware that unlike the new pane described below, the new Split View pane is temporary. This means that if you click on another tab or open a new file, the split view disappears. However, the new view into the file remains open as a separate tab, so to reopen the pane (or compare any open file(s)), select the tab you want on the left, then Ctrl-click (Command ⌘-click on macOS) on the other tab(s) you want to compare, and each one will be displayed in its own pane.
If want to have two (or more) "permanent" panes that will stay open regardless of which tab you click on, just follow the directions below.
Original Answer
(For Sublime Text 3)
Yes, you can. When a file is open, click on File -> New View Into File. You can then drag the new tab to the other pane and view the file twice.
There are several ways to create a new pane. As described in other answers, on Linux and Windows, you can use AltShift2 (Option ⌥Command ⌘2 on OS X), which corresponds to View → Layout → Columns: 2 in the menu. If you have the excellent Origami plugin installed, you can use View → Origami → Pane → Create → Right, or the CtrlK, Ctrl→ chord on Windows/Linux (replace Ctrl with ⌘ on OS X).
94
votes
12
votes
Here is a simple plugin to "open / close a splitter" into the current file, as found in other editors:
import sublime_plugin
class SplitPaneCommand(sublime_plugin.WindowCommand):
def run(self):
w = self.window
if w.num_groups() == 1:
w.run_command('set_layout', {
'cols': [0.0, 1.0],
'rows': [0.0, 0.33, 1.0],
'cells': [[0, 0, 1, 1], [0, 1, 1, 2]]
})
w.focus_group(0)
w.run_command('clone_file')
w.run_command('move_to_group', {'group': 1})
w.focus_group(1)
else:
w.focus_group(1)
w.run_command('close')
w.run_command('set_layout', {
'cols': [0.0, 1.0],
'rows': [0.0, 1.0],
'cells': [[0, 0, 1, 1]]
})
Save it as Packages/User/split_pane.py and bind it to some hotkey:
{"keys": ["f6"], "command": "split_pane"},
If you want to change to vertical split change with following
"cols": [0.0, 0.46, 1.0],
"rows": [0.0, 1.0],
"cells": [[0, 0, 1, 1], [1, 0, 2, 1]]
6
votes
I regularly work on the same file in 2 different positions. I solved this in Sublime Text 3 using origami and chain with some additional config.
My workflow is Ctrl + k + 2 splits the view of the file in two (horizontal) panes with the lower one active. Use Ctrl + k + o to toggle between the panes. When done ensure the lower pane is the active and press Ctrl + F4 to close the duplicated view and the pane.
In sublime global settings (not origami settings!) add
"origami_auto_close_empty_panes": true,
Add the following shortcuts
{ "keys": ["ctrl+k", "2"],
"command": "chain",
"args": {
"commands": [
["create_pane", {"direction": "down"}],
["clone_file_to_pane", {"direction": "down"}],
],
}
},
{ "keys": ["ctrl+k", "o"], "command": "focus_neighboring_group" },
3
votes
I would suggest you to use Origami. Its a great plugin for splitting the screen. For better information on keyboard short cuts install it and after restarting Sublime text open Preferences->Package Settings -> Origami -> Key Bindings - Default
For specific to your question I would suggest you to see the short cuts related to cloning of files in the above mentioned file.
3
votes
2
votes
1
votes
Kinda little late but I tried to extend @Tobia's answer to set the layout "horizontal" or "vertical" driven by the command argument e.g.
{"keys": ["f6"], "command": "split_pane", "args": {"split_type": "vertical"} }
Plugin code:
import sublime_plugin
class SplitPaneCommand(sublime_plugin.WindowCommand):
def run(self, split_type):
w = self.window
if w.num_groups() == 1:
if (split_type == "horizontal"):
w.run_command('set_layout', {
'cols': [0.0, 1.0],
'rows': [0.0, 0.33, 1.0],
'cells': [[0, 0, 1, 1], [0, 1, 1, 2]]
})
elif (split_type == "vertical"):
w.run_command('set_layout', {
"cols": [0.0, 0.46, 1.0],
"rows": [0.0, 1.0],
"cells": [[0, 0, 1, 1], [1, 0, 2, 1]]
})
w.focus_group(0)
w.run_command('clone_file')
w.run_command('move_to_group', {'group': 1})
w.focus_group(1)
else:
w.focus_group(1)
w.run_command('close')
w.run_command('set_layout', {
'cols': [0.0, 1.0],
'rows': [0.0, 1.0],
'cells': [[0, 0, 1, 1]]
})
