From 205845994b55297542a0a45508f095f1abd508b9 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: "copilot-swe-agent[bot]" <198982749+Copilot@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2025 21:16:03 +0000 Subject: [PATCH 1/7] Initial plan From 195dbd170ad69899eb3622ab7490b4e85965880c Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: "copilot-swe-agent[bot]" <198982749+Copilot@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2025 21:28:34 +0000 Subject: [PATCH 2/7] Update copilot docs to specify prompts directory in user profile Co-authored-by: CraftyCraftress <208521690+CraftyCraftress@users.noreply.github.com> --- docs/copilot/chat/copilot-chat-context.md | 2 +- docs/copilot/customization/custom-chat-modes.md | 4 ++-- docs/copilot/customization/custom-instructions.md | 4 ++-- docs/copilot/customization/prompt-files.md | 4 ++-- 4 files changed, 7 insertions(+), 7 deletions(-) diff --git a/docs/copilot/chat/copilot-chat-context.md b/docs/copilot/chat/copilot-chat-context.md index be1bf1c99d..17f52e7e1e 100644 --- a/docs/copilot/chat/copilot-chat-context.md +++ b/docs/copilot/chat/copilot-chat-context.md @@ -203,7 +203,7 @@ Learn more about [chat history and context management](/docs/copilot/chat/copilo ## Custom instructions -With instruction files, you can provide the AI with common guidelines and rules for generating responses that match your coding style and preferences. Instruction files are Markdown files that you can create in your workspace or in your current profile. +With instruction files, you can provide the AI with common guidelines and rules for generating responses that match your coding style and preferences. Instruction files are Markdown files that you can create in your workspace or in the `prompts` directory within your current profile. By using instruction files, you can avoid having to repeatedly add common instructions in your chat prompts, and instead have the AI automatically apply these instructions to your chat interactions. diff --git a/docs/copilot/customization/custom-chat-modes.md b/docs/copilot/customization/custom-chat-modes.md index 100be6b8be..0cffcb7d2e 100644 --- a/docs/copilot/customization/custom-chat-modes.md +++ b/docs/copilot/customization/custom-chat-modes.md @@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ The built-in chat modes provide general-purpose configurations for chat in VS Co Custom chat modes consist of a set of instructions and tools that are applied when you switch to that mode. For example, a "Plan" chat mode could include instructions for generating an implementation plan and only use read-only tools. By creating a custom chat mode, you can quickly switch to that specific configuration without having to manually select relevant tools and instructions each time. -Custom chat modes are defined in a `.chatmode.md` Markdown file, and can be stored in your workspace for others to use, or in your user profile, where you can reuse them across different workspaces. +Custom chat modes are defined in a `.chatmode.md` Markdown file, and can be stored in your workspace for others to use, or in the `prompts` directory within your user profile, where you can reuse them across different workspaces. You can reference instructions files and tools (sets) in your custom chat mode file. @@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ You can create a chat mode file in your workspace or user profile. * **Workspace**: By default, workspace chat mode files are stored in the `.github/chatmodes` folder of your workspace. Add more prompt folders for your workspace with the `setting(chat.modeFilesLocations)` setting. - * **User profile**: User chat mode files are stored in the [current profile folder](/docs/configure/profiles.md). You can sync your user chat mode files across multiple devices by using [Settings Sync](/docs/configure/settings-sync.md). + * **User profile**: User chat mode files are stored in the `prompts` directory within the [current profile folder](/docs/configure/profiles.md). You can sync your user chat mode files across multiple devices by using [Settings Sync](/docs/configure/settings-sync.md). 1. Enter a name for the chat mode. This name is used in the chat mode dropdown list in the Chat view. diff --git a/docs/copilot/customization/custom-instructions.md b/docs/copilot/customization/custom-instructions.md index af9b943188..472b36ce06 100644 --- a/docs/copilot/customization/custom-instructions.md +++ b/docs/copilot/customization/custom-instructions.md @@ -147,7 +147,7 @@ By using the `applyTo` frontmatter property in the instructions file header, you Alternatively, you can manually attach an instructions file to a specific chat prompt by using the **Add Context** > **Instructions** option in the Chat view. * **Workspace instructions files**: are only available within the workspace and are stored in the `.github/instructions` folder of the workspace. -* **User instructions files**: are available across multiple workspaces and are stored in the current [VS Code profile](/docs/configure/profiles.md). +* **User instructions files**: are available across multiple workspaces and are stored in the `prompts` directory within the current [VS Code profile](/docs/configure/profiles.md). ### Instructions file format @@ -189,7 +189,7 @@ To create an instructions file: * **Workspace**: By default, workspace instructions files are stored in the `.github/instructions` folder of your workspace. Add more instruction folders for your workspace with the `setting(chat.instructionsFilesLocations)` setting. - * **User profile**: User instructions files are stored in the [current profile folder](/docs/configure/profiles.md). You can sync your user instructions files across multiple devices by using [Settings Sync](/docs/configure/settings-sync.md). + * **User profile**: User instructions files are stored in the `prompts` directory within the [current profile folder](/docs/configure/profiles.md). You can sync your user instructions files across multiple devices by using [Settings Sync](/docs/configure/settings-sync.md). 1. Enter a name for your instructions file. diff --git a/docs/copilot/customization/prompt-files.md b/docs/copilot/customization/prompt-files.md index a0588a15aa..5fdff11226 100644 --- a/docs/copilot/customization/prompt-files.md +++ b/docs/copilot/customization/prompt-files.md @@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ They can include task-specific guidelines or reference custom instructions to en VS Code supports two types of scopes for prompt files: * **Workspace prompt files**: Are only available within the workspace and are stored in the `.github/prompts` folder of the workspace. -* **User prompt files**: Are available across multiple workspaces and are stored in the current [VS Code profile](/docs/configure/profiles.md). +* **User prompt files**: Are available across multiple workspaces and are stored in the `prompts` directory within the current [VS Code profile](/docs/configure/profiles.md). ## Prompt file examples @@ -120,7 +120,7 @@ To create a prompt file: * **Workspace**: By default, workspace prompt files are stored in the `.github/prompts` folder of your workspace. Add more prompt folders for your workspace with the `setting(chat.promptFilesLocations)` setting. - * **User profile**: User prompt files are stored in the [current profile folder](/docs/configure/profiles.md). You can sync your user prompt files across multiple devices by using [Settings Sync](/docs/configure/settings-sync.md). + * **User profile**: User prompt files are stored in the `prompts` directory within the [current profile folder](/docs/configure/profiles.md). You can sync your user prompt files across multiple devices by using [Settings Sync](/docs/configure/settings-sync.md). 1. Enter a name for your prompt file. From 6287430a636592935367cabda0ab2fbdcc790e2c Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: "copilot-swe-agent[bot]" <198982749+Copilot@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2025 22:48:17 +0000 Subject: [PATCH 3/7] Update profile links to point to specific section and document default profile location Co-authored-by: CraftyCraftress <208521690+CraftyCraftress@users.noreply.github.com> --- docs/configure/profiles.md | 8 ++++++++ docs/copilot/customization/custom-chat-modes.md | 2 +- docs/copilot/customization/custom-instructions.md | 4 ++-- docs/copilot/customization/prompt-files.md | 4 ++-- 4 files changed, 13 insertions(+), 5 deletions(-) diff --git a/docs/configure/profiles.md b/docs/configure/profiles.md index 3292eac04d..187e6091fe 100644 --- a/docs/configure/profiles.md +++ b/docs/configure/profiles.md @@ -413,6 +413,14 @@ Profiles are stored under your User configurations similar to your user settings If you are using the [Insiders](/insiders) version, the intermediate folder name is `Code - Insiders`. +The Default Profile is stored directly in the User folder, not in the `profiles` subfolder: + +* **Windows** `%APPDATA%\Code\User` +* **macOS** `$HOME/Library/Application\ Support/Code/User` +* **Linux** `$HOME/.config/Code/User` + +Within each profile folder, user-level customization files for GitHub Copilot (such as `.instructions.md`, `.prompt.md`, and `.chatmode.md` files) are stored in a `prompts` subdirectory. + ### What is a Temporary Profile? A Temporary Profile is a profile that is not saved across VS Code sessions. You create a Temporary Profile via the **Profiles: Create a Temporary Profile** command in the Command Palette. The Temporary Profile starts as an Empty Profile and has an automatically generated name (such as **Temp 1**). You can modify the profile settings and extensions, use the profile for the lifetime of your VS Code session, but it will be deleted once you close VS Code. diff --git a/docs/copilot/customization/custom-chat-modes.md b/docs/copilot/customization/custom-chat-modes.md index 0cffcb7d2e..c2027b74d8 100644 --- a/docs/copilot/customization/custom-chat-modes.md +++ b/docs/copilot/customization/custom-chat-modes.md @@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ You can create a chat mode file in your workspace or user profile. * **Workspace**: By default, workspace chat mode files are stored in the `.github/chatmodes` folder of your workspace. Add more prompt folders for your workspace with the `setting(chat.modeFilesLocations)` setting. - * **User profile**: User chat mode files are stored in the `prompts` directory within the [current profile folder](/docs/configure/profiles.md). You can sync your user chat mode files across multiple devices by using [Settings Sync](/docs/configure/settings-sync.md). + * **User profile**: User chat mode files are stored in the `prompts` directory within the [current profile folder](/docs/configure/profiles.md#where-are-profiles-kept). You can sync your user chat mode files across multiple devices by using [Settings Sync](/docs/configure/settings-sync.md). 1. Enter a name for the chat mode. This name is used in the chat mode dropdown list in the Chat view. diff --git a/docs/copilot/customization/custom-instructions.md b/docs/copilot/customization/custom-instructions.md index 472b36ce06..4ac4e4e78d 100644 --- a/docs/copilot/customization/custom-instructions.md +++ b/docs/copilot/customization/custom-instructions.md @@ -147,7 +147,7 @@ By using the `applyTo` frontmatter property in the instructions file header, you Alternatively, you can manually attach an instructions file to a specific chat prompt by using the **Add Context** > **Instructions** option in the Chat view. * **Workspace instructions files**: are only available within the workspace and are stored in the `.github/instructions` folder of the workspace. -* **User instructions files**: are available across multiple workspaces and are stored in the `prompts` directory within the current [VS Code profile](/docs/configure/profiles.md). +* **User instructions files**: are available across multiple workspaces and are stored in the `prompts` directory within the current [VS Code profile](/docs/configure/profiles.md#where-are-profiles-kept). ### Instructions file format @@ -189,7 +189,7 @@ To create an instructions file: * **Workspace**: By default, workspace instructions files are stored in the `.github/instructions` folder of your workspace. Add more instruction folders for your workspace with the `setting(chat.instructionsFilesLocations)` setting. - * **User profile**: User instructions files are stored in the `prompts` directory within the [current profile folder](/docs/configure/profiles.md). You can sync your user instructions files across multiple devices by using [Settings Sync](/docs/configure/settings-sync.md). + * **User profile**: User instructions files are stored in the `prompts` directory within the [current profile folder](/docs/configure/profiles.md#where-are-profiles-kept). You can sync your user instructions files across multiple devices by using [Settings Sync](/docs/configure/settings-sync.md). 1. Enter a name for your instructions file. diff --git a/docs/copilot/customization/prompt-files.md b/docs/copilot/customization/prompt-files.md index 5fdff11226..110944186d 100644 --- a/docs/copilot/customization/prompt-files.md +++ b/docs/copilot/customization/prompt-files.md @@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ They can include task-specific guidelines or reference custom instructions to en VS Code supports two types of scopes for prompt files: * **Workspace prompt files**: Are only available within the workspace and are stored in the `.github/prompts` folder of the workspace. -* **User prompt files**: Are available across multiple workspaces and are stored in the `prompts` directory within the current [VS Code profile](/docs/configure/profiles.md). +* **User prompt files**: Are available across multiple workspaces and are stored in the `prompts` directory within the current [VS Code profile](/docs/configure/profiles.md#where-are-profiles-kept). ## Prompt file examples @@ -120,7 +120,7 @@ To create a prompt file: * **Workspace**: By default, workspace prompt files are stored in the `.github/prompts` folder of your workspace. Add more prompt folders for your workspace with the `setting(chat.promptFilesLocations)` setting. - * **User profile**: User prompt files are stored in the `prompts` directory within the [current profile folder](/docs/configure/profiles.md). You can sync your user prompt files across multiple devices by using [Settings Sync](/docs/configure/settings-sync.md). + * **User profile**: User prompt files are stored in the `prompts` directory within the [current profile folder](/docs/configure/profiles.md#where-are-profiles-kept). You can sync your user prompt files across multiple devices by using [Settings Sync](/docs/configure/settings-sync.md). 1. Enter a name for your prompt file. From cb27ffa66fcc23d4ed764d4788448baefb22add9 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: "copilot-swe-agent[bot]" <198982749+Copilot@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2025 23:14:10 +0000 Subject: [PATCH 4/7] Remove copilot-specific content from profiles.md and use affirmative phrasing Co-authored-by: CraftyCraftress <208521690+CraftyCraftress@users.noreply.github.com> --- docs/configure/profiles.md | 4 +--- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 3 deletions(-) diff --git a/docs/configure/profiles.md b/docs/configure/profiles.md index 187e6091fe..f433dc4729 100644 --- a/docs/configure/profiles.md +++ b/docs/configure/profiles.md @@ -413,14 +413,12 @@ Profiles are stored under your User configurations similar to your user settings If you are using the [Insiders](/insiders) version, the intermediate folder name is `Code - Insiders`. -The Default Profile is stored directly in the User folder, not in the `profiles` subfolder: +The Default Profile is stored in the User folder: * **Windows** `%APPDATA%\Code\User` * **macOS** `$HOME/Library/Application\ Support/Code/User` * **Linux** `$HOME/.config/Code/User` -Within each profile folder, user-level customization files for GitHub Copilot (such as `.instructions.md`, `.prompt.md`, and `.chatmode.md` files) are stored in a `prompts` subdirectory. - ### What is a Temporary Profile? A Temporary Profile is a profile that is not saved across VS Code sessions. You create a Temporary Profile via the **Profiles: Create a Temporary Profile** command in the Command Palette. The Temporary Profile starts as an Empty Profile and has an automatically generated name (such as **Temp 1**). You can modify the profile settings and extensions, use the profile for the lifetime of your VS Code session, but it will be deleted once you close VS Code. From c6e09387c5f02d8f3e2f84617b9b6e78e5821886 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: "copilot-swe-agent[bot]" <198982749+Copilot@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2025 23:23:46 +0000 Subject: [PATCH 5/7] Standardize wording to use 'current profile folder' everywhere Co-authored-by: CraftyCraftress <208521690+CraftyCraftress@users.noreply.github.com> --- docs/copilot/chat/copilot-chat-context.md | 2 +- docs/copilot/customization/custom-chat-modes.md | 2 +- docs/copilot/customization/custom-instructions.md | 2 +- docs/copilot/customization/prompt-files.md | 2 +- 4 files changed, 4 insertions(+), 4 deletions(-) diff --git a/docs/copilot/chat/copilot-chat-context.md b/docs/copilot/chat/copilot-chat-context.md index 17f52e7e1e..3a367e623e 100644 --- a/docs/copilot/chat/copilot-chat-context.md +++ b/docs/copilot/chat/copilot-chat-context.md @@ -203,7 +203,7 @@ Learn more about [chat history and context management](/docs/copilot/chat/copilo ## Custom instructions -With instruction files, you can provide the AI with common guidelines and rules for generating responses that match your coding style and preferences. Instruction files are Markdown files that you can create in your workspace or in the `prompts` directory within your current profile. +With instruction files, you can provide the AI with common guidelines and rules for generating responses that match your coding style and preferences. Instruction files are Markdown files that you can create in your workspace or in the `prompts` directory within the [current profile folder](/docs/configure/profiles.md#where-are-profiles-kept). By using instruction files, you can avoid having to repeatedly add common instructions in your chat prompts, and instead have the AI automatically apply these instructions to your chat interactions. diff --git a/docs/copilot/customization/custom-chat-modes.md b/docs/copilot/customization/custom-chat-modes.md index c2027b74d8..4ca5f88810 100644 --- a/docs/copilot/customization/custom-chat-modes.md +++ b/docs/copilot/customization/custom-chat-modes.md @@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ The built-in chat modes provide general-purpose configurations for chat in VS Co Custom chat modes consist of a set of instructions and tools that are applied when you switch to that mode. For example, a "Plan" chat mode could include instructions for generating an implementation plan and only use read-only tools. By creating a custom chat mode, you can quickly switch to that specific configuration without having to manually select relevant tools and instructions each time. -Custom chat modes are defined in a `.chatmode.md` Markdown file, and can be stored in your workspace for others to use, or in the `prompts` directory within your user profile, where you can reuse them across different workspaces. +Custom chat modes are defined in a `.chatmode.md` Markdown file, and can be stored in your workspace for others to use, or in the `prompts` directory within the [current profile folder](/docs/configure/profiles.md#where-are-profiles-kept), where you can reuse them across different workspaces. You can reference instructions files and tools (sets) in your custom chat mode file. diff --git a/docs/copilot/customization/custom-instructions.md b/docs/copilot/customization/custom-instructions.md index 4ac4e4e78d..c2217c4b9e 100644 --- a/docs/copilot/customization/custom-instructions.md +++ b/docs/copilot/customization/custom-instructions.md @@ -147,7 +147,7 @@ By using the `applyTo` frontmatter property in the instructions file header, you Alternatively, you can manually attach an instructions file to a specific chat prompt by using the **Add Context** > **Instructions** option in the Chat view. * **Workspace instructions files**: are only available within the workspace and are stored in the `.github/instructions` folder of the workspace. -* **User instructions files**: are available across multiple workspaces and are stored in the `prompts` directory within the current [VS Code profile](/docs/configure/profiles.md#where-are-profiles-kept). +* **User instructions files**: are available across multiple workspaces and are stored in the `prompts` directory within the [current profile folder](/docs/configure/profiles.md#where-are-profiles-kept). ### Instructions file format diff --git a/docs/copilot/customization/prompt-files.md b/docs/copilot/customization/prompt-files.md index 110944186d..d4e9995578 100644 --- a/docs/copilot/customization/prompt-files.md +++ b/docs/copilot/customization/prompt-files.md @@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ They can include task-specific guidelines or reference custom instructions to en VS Code supports two types of scopes for prompt files: * **Workspace prompt files**: Are only available within the workspace and are stored in the `.github/prompts` folder of the workspace. -* **User prompt files**: Are available across multiple workspaces and are stored in the `prompts` directory within the current [VS Code profile](/docs/configure/profiles.md#where-are-profiles-kept). +* **User prompt files**: Are available across multiple workspaces and are stored in the `prompts` directory within the [current profile folder](/docs/configure/profiles.md#where-are-profiles-kept). ## Prompt file examples From 203bdd8a30e783cecec06b1a37b25558677e8531 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Heather Mills <208521690+CraftyCraftress@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2025 16:41:49 -0700 Subject: [PATCH 6/7] Update profile storage information in documentation Clarified storage locations for Default and additional profiles in user configurations. --- docs/configure/profiles.md | 16 ++++++++-------- 1 file changed, 8 insertions(+), 8 deletions(-) diff --git a/docs/configure/profiles.md b/docs/configure/profiles.md index f433dc4729..135c50fbd0 100644 --- a/docs/configure/profiles.md +++ b/docs/configure/profiles.md @@ -405,7 +405,13 @@ If the profile specified does not exist, a new empty profile with the given name ### Where are profiles kept? -Profiles are stored under your User configurations similar to your user settings and keyboard shortcuts. +The Default Profile is stored in the root User configuration folder similar to your user settings and keyboard shortcuts. + +* **Windows** `%APPDATA%\Code\User` +* **macOS** `$HOME/Library/Application\ Support/Code/User` +* **Linux** `$HOME/.config/Code/User` + +Additional profiles are stored under the `profiles` sub-directory. * **Windows** `%APPDATA%\Code\User\profiles` * **macOS** `$HOME/Library/Application\ Support/Code/User/profiles` @@ -413,12 +419,6 @@ Profiles are stored under your User configurations similar to your user settings If you are using the [Insiders](/insiders) version, the intermediate folder name is `Code - Insiders`. -The Default Profile is stored in the User folder: - -* **Windows** `%APPDATA%\Code\User` -* **macOS** `$HOME/Library/Application\ Support/Code/User` -* **Linux** `$HOME/.config/Code/User` - ### What is a Temporary Profile? A Temporary Profile is a profile that is not saved across VS Code sessions. You create a Temporary Profile via the **Profiles: Create a Temporary Profile** command in the Command Palette. The Temporary Profile starts as an Empty Profile and has an automatically generated name (such as **Temp 1**). You can modify the profile settings and extensions, use the profile for the lifetime of your VS Code session, but it will be deleted once you close VS Code. @@ -441,4 +441,4 @@ When exporting profiles, machine-specific settings are not included because thes ### Why are templates not available when creating a new profile? -Profile templates are hosted externally by VS Code and you can only download and apply a template when you are connected to the internet. Make sure to check your internet connection if you notice that profile templates are not available. \ No newline at end of file +Profile templates are hosted externally by VS Code and you can only download and apply a template when you are connected to the internet. Make sure to check your internet connection if you notice that profile templates are not available. From 12af2e1a7a6c96b521ff113221cf3ef8966199ab Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Heather Mills <208521690+CraftyCraftress@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2025 16:49:07 -0700 Subject: [PATCH 7/7] Clarify storage locations for user profiles --- docs/configure/profiles.md | 4 ++-- 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-) diff --git a/docs/configure/profiles.md b/docs/configure/profiles.md index 135c50fbd0..1ee3dbcdf7 100644 --- a/docs/configure/profiles.md +++ b/docs/configure/profiles.md @@ -405,13 +405,13 @@ If the profile specified does not exist, a new empty profile with the given name ### Where are profiles kept? -The Default Profile is stored in the root User configuration folder similar to your user settings and keyboard shortcuts. +Files associated with the Default Profile are stored in the User configuration folder. * **Windows** `%APPDATA%\Code\User` * **macOS** `$HOME/Library/Application\ Support/Code/User` * **Linux** `$HOME/.config/Code/User` -Additional profiles are stored under the `profiles` sub-directory. +Additional profiles are stored in the `profiles` subdirectory within your User configuration folder: * **Windows** `%APPDATA%\Code\User\profiles` * **macOS** `$HOME/Library/Application\ Support/Code/User/profiles`