Layout

The Positron interface provides a flexible environment for data science that can be tailored to your needs. You can organize tools and outputs into distinct, customizable panes. This lets you tailor your workspace to your workflows in Python, R, and other languages.

Basic overview

This section outlines the core layout elements of the Positron interface. Each section plays a distinct role in writing code, running code, and understanding your results, giving you full control over your data science environment.

Interface of the Positron IDE showing Activity Bar, Primary Side Bar, Editor, Panel, and Secondary Side Bar
  • The Activity Bar provides quick access to switch between core views such as Explorer, Search, Source Control, and Extensions.
  • The Primary Side Bar is on the left by default and shows you different views depending on what you have chosen in the Activity Bar. When you choose the Explorer icon, this pane provides the file explorer to navigate your project directory and the outline. When you choose the Assistant icon, this pane provides access to Positron Assistant
  • The Editor is in the center by default, and is where you write your code. For editor controls, refer to VS Code Editor Basics.
  • The Panel is below the editor by default and contains the fully interactive, integrated Console as well as the Terminal You can also access logs from Output channels in the Panel.
  • The Secondary Side Bar is on the right by default. You can switch between the Session pane (where you can explore the variables you have defined and the plots you have created), the Connections pane, the Help pane, and the Viewer pane.

The Title Bar at the very top of the window shows the active file and project, along with window controls. Below it, the Top Bar provides global project tools such as file search, the project switcher, and the interpreter selector with the ability to start, stop, and switch interpreters. The Status Bar at the botton of the window displays details such as your git branch, language mode, and cursor position.

Layout customization

Positron offers flexible layout options to suit a variety of development workflows. Almost every component can be rearranged by dragging; for example, try moving the Help pane into the Session pane. You can also toggle most of these components in and out of view using commands such as View: Toggle Primary Side Bar Visibility, View: Toggle Status Bar Visibility, and others.

Layout presets

Positron provides layout presets specifically designed for data science work:

  • Stacked (default): Editor above with Console and Terminal below, and the Variables and Plots panes to the right. Designed for interactive workflows with regular scripts or literate programming documents such as Quarto.
  • Side-by-side: Useful for wide-screen users or those who prefer their editor and console next to each other.
  • Notebook: Emphasizes the editor workspace for full focus on a Jupyter Notebook or source file, minimizing other panes.

Use the command Customize Layout… for more specific layout choices. You can also reset the whole UI back to defaults by clicking on the icon at the top right of the layout quickpick.