Configure the Project sidebar in PhpStorm

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Whenever you work in PhpStorm, you can configure the Project sidebar to make more room for the file you’re editing and reduce distractions.

If you want to quickly open or close the Project sidebar, use Cmd+1 on macOS or Alt+1 on Windows. Open it when you need to browse the file hierarchy or open another file, then use the same shortcut to close it again.

By default, opening the Project sidebar shifts your code to the right, and closing it shifts the code back to the left. This movement can feel distracting, especially if you frequently toggle the sidebar.

To keep the code in the same position, move the Project sidebar to the right side of the window. Open the sidebar, click the gear icon, select Move to -> Right Top, and then close the sidebar.

Now opening and closing the Project sidebar doesn’t move the code horizontally. The sidebar may feel unusual on the right at first, but you’ll adjust to the new layout as you use it.

You can also make the Project sidebar wider. This is especially useful in a framework such as Magento, where directories can contain deeply nested files and folders. A wider sidebar lets you browse the hierarchy without constantly expanding and collapsing folders.

Because the wider sidebar takes up more of the screen, you’re also more likely to close it while writing code. When you open it again, select the file or folder you need and close it to return your focus to the editor.

These settings aren’t permanent. Try different positions and widths, and use the configuration that feels most comfortable for your workflow.