microsoft / microsoft/vscode

Request: Option to revert activity bar selection style to the cleaner, minimal previous version (1.132.1)

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#330,838 2 comments 0 reactions 2 assignees Claimed by @hawkticehurst View on GitHub
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Description

Please consider reintroducing the older, more minimal activity bar selection style as an optional setting.

Currently, the active/selected item in the activity bar has a more pronounced highlight (e.g., a colored background block, thicker border, or distinct underline). This new style, while possibly improving visibility for some, feels visually heavier and less clean compared to earlier versions (e.g., before v1.132.1 or similar).

Many users appreciated the simpler aesthetic where the selected item was indicated by a subtle change – for example, only the icon color or a thin underline, without a full background rectangle. The current design can be distracting, especially when using dark themes or when multiple items are present.

I would like to propose adding a configuration flag, such as `"workbench.activityBar.selectionStyle": "minimal"` (or something similar), that would allow users to switch back to the older, more restrained appearance. The default could remain as the current design, but offering this choice would greatly improve the experience for those who prefer a lighter, cleaner interface.

Thank you for considering this request. I’m happy to provide screenshots comparing the two styles if that would be helpful.

Image

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