How do I sync the Solution Explorer with the current File in Visual Studio?

Question

When I have an open code file in Visual Studio that I am editing I would like to keep that same file highlighted inside of the solution Explorer so that I know where I am at.

What I'd really like is to change the focus to a different code file and the solution explorer to move to the file that I am editing.

Further Explanation and example:

I have a project with 2 files: Class1 and Class2.
I open both files. The focus is on Class1.
I click on the Class2 Tab, thereby changing the file that I am editing to Class2.

Desired Behavior: The solution explorer will highlight Class2.

score 132 · Accepted Answer · edited Feb 01 '12 at 13:16

132

Tools - Options - Projects and Solutions - General - Track Active Item In Solution Explorer

I don't have full Visual Studio, only the Express Editions, where it seems to be checked by default for VB.NET and unchecked by default in C++.NET.

edited Feb 01 '12 at 13:16

Draemon

778

answered Oct 20 '09 at 16:28

Martin

2,865

score 12 · Answer 2 · answered Mar 16 '17 at 17:22

12

"CTL + '[', S" will synchronize the solution explorer with the file in the current edit window.

answered Mar 16 '17 at 17:22

Metro

261

score 11 · Answer 3 · edited Feb 10 '15 at 00:44

11

I prefer using the Solution Explorer Tools extension. It allows me to work most of the time without syncying code with solution explorer. when I want to sync I just press the sync button on the solution explorer. It can be downloaded here.

edited Feb 10 '15 at 00:44

Mike Chamberlain

103

answered Mar 31 '12 at 10:41

osh

111

How do I sync the Solution Explorer with the current File in Visual Studio?

3 Answers3