How to Clear Terminal in VS Code?

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How to Clear Terminal in VS Code?

Clearing the terminal in Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a simple process that can be accomplished in several ways.

The terminal in VS Code is a powerful tool that allows you to run and manage commands, view output, and interact with your project.

Clearing the terminal can be useful when you want to remove previous command output or make the terminal window more readable.

In this guide, we will explore various methods to clear the terminal in VS Code, and I’ll explain each method in detail.

Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

The easiest and quickest way to clear the terminal in VS Code is by using keyboard shortcuts. VS Code provides default keyboard shortcuts for common actions, including clearing the terminal. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open VS Code: First, open your Visual Studio Code editor if it’s not already open.
  2. Open the Integrated Terminal: To open the integrated terminal, press Ctrl + Backtick (`) on your keyboard. You can also access it from the View menu by selecting Terminal.
  3. Clear the Terminal: To clear the terminal using a keyboard shortcut, simply press Ctrl + K, Ctrl + W. This combination of keys will clear the terminal and remove all previous output.

Method 2: Using the Context Menu

Another way to clear the terminal in VS Code is by using the context menu provided within the terminal panel. Here’s how:

  1. Open VS Code: Start by launching Visual Studio Code.
  2. Open the Integrated Terminal: Access the integrated terminal by pressing Ctrl + Backtick (`) or by navigating to View > Terminal.
  3. Right-Click for Context Menu: In the terminal panel, right-click anywhere within the terminal area. This will open a context menu.
  4. Select “Clear”: From the context menu, select the “Clear” option. This will clear the terminal and remove all previous output.

Method 3: Using the “Clear Output” Button

VS Code also provides a “Clear Output” button within the terminal panel, which allows you to clear the terminal with a single click. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Open VS Code: Launch Visual Studio Code.
  2. Open the Integrated Terminal: Access the integrated terminal by pressing Ctrl + Backtick (`) or by navigating to View > Terminal.
  3. Locate the “Clear Output” Button: In the terminal panel, look for a small “Clear Output” button. This button typically looks like a trash can or garbage bin icon and is usually located near the top-right corner of the terminal panel.
  4. Click the “Clear Output” Button: Simply click the “Clear Output” button, and it will clear the terminal, removing all previous output.

Method 4: Using the Command Palette

The Command Palette in VS Code is a powerful feature that allows you to access various commands and actions by typing their names. You can use the Command Palette to clear the terminal as well. Here’s how:

  1. Open VS Code: Start Visual Studio Code.
  2. Access the Command Palette: To open the Command Palette, press Ctrl + Shift + P (or Cmd + Shift + P on macOS).
  3. Type “Clear Terminal”: In the Command Palette, start typing “Clear Terminal.” As you type, you will see a list of commands that match your input.
  4. Select “Clear Terminal” Command: When the “Clear Terminal” command appears in the list, select it by clicking on it or pressing Enter. This will clear the terminal and remove all previous output.

Method 5: Using Custom Keybindings (Optional)

If you prefer customizing keyboard shortcuts in VS Code, you can create your own keybinding to clear the terminal. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open VS Code: Launch Visual Studio Code.
  2. Access Keyboard Shortcuts: Go to File > Preferences > Keyboard Shortcuts. This will open the Keyboard Shortcuts editor.
  3. Search for “Clear Terminal”: In the search bar at the top of the Keyboard Shortcuts editor, type “Clear Terminal” to find the command.
  4. Create a Custom Keybinding: Right-click on the “Clear Terminal” command and select “Add Keybinding.” Then, press the key combination you want to use for clearing the terminal. For example, you can choose something like Ctrl + Shift + C.
  5. Save Your Keybinding: After creating the custom keybinding, save your changes by clicking the floppy disk icon or using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + S.

Now, you can use your custom keybinding to clear the terminal whenever you need to.

Final Conclusion on How to Clear Terminal in VS Code?

In conclusion, clearing the terminal in Visual Studio Code is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using keyboard shortcuts, the context menu, the “Clear Output” button, the Command Palette, or custom keybindings.

Choose the method that works best for you and helps you maintain a clean and organized workspace when working with the integrated terminal in VS Code.

Whether you’re a developer, a system administrator, or a power user, having a clear terminal can improve your productivity and workflow within the editor.

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