Microsoft/vscode

SCM Graph - Add a `Collapse All` action

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#275608 opened on Nov 5, 2025

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 (2 comments) (0 reactions) (1 assignee)TypeScript (74,848 stars) (10,221 forks)batch import
feature-requesthelp wantedscm

Description

The expand feature could also benefit by a collapse all button in case user wants to collapse all the expanded commit (this is just my personal preference)

Originally posted by @sanket-bhalerao in #238339

When "workbench.tree.expandMode": "singleClick" (the default) each time you click on a row in the graph it expands to show the files involved in the commit.

Keyboard shortcut Ctrl+LeftArrow will collapse all expanded rows, but the user might not be aware of this.

I suggest we add a Collapse All action, defaulting it to appear in the overflow menu of the Graph view but with the option of moving it to be a button on the toolbar.

Contributor guide

Tech stack
typescriptjavascript
Domain
frontend
Issue type
feature
DifficultyEstimated implementation difficulty for a new contributor, from 1 for very small changes to 5 for expert-level work.
3
Estimated timeA rough time range for an experienced contributor to investigate, implement, test, and prepare a pull request.
1-3 hours
Activity statusHow available the issue appears right now: fresh, active, stale, blocked, or waiting on maintainer input.
blocked
ClarityHow clearly the issue explains the expected change, acceptance criteria, and next step.
clear
Prerequisites
VS Code extension developmentSCM graph view
Newbie friendlinessA 1-100 score estimating how approachable this issue is for first-time contributors.
35
Research direction
Look at the SCM Graph view implementation in `src/vs/workbench/contrib/scm/browser/graphView.ts` or similar files. Study how existing toolbar actions are defined (e.g., expand all) in the same folder. Review the keyboard shortcut for collapse all (`Ctrl+LeftArrow`) and understand the `workbench.tree.expandMode` setting. Check the overflow menu pattern used for other actions. The issue suggests adding a new action that collapses all expanded commit rows.