Project Code Copier

Project Code Copier is a lightweight, powerful VS Code extension designed to seamlessly compile your project's code into a single, perfectly formatted block—ready to be pasted directly into AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini.

Instead of manually copying and pasting individual files, this extension provides a dedicated sidebar to selectively check the exact files you need, estimate token counts in real-time, and format the output exactly how AI models like it.

✨ Key Features

• Tree View Selection: Easily navigate your project and check/uncheck the exact folders and files you want to include in your AI context.
• Real-Time Token Tracking: Instantly see the estimated token count of your selected files. It updates live as you check boxes or save files, and warns you if your payload gets too large.
• Zero-Clutter Ignore Rules: * Manage ignored files (like node_modules or venv) via the sidebar without adding annoying .copierignore files to your actual project repository.
  • Rules are stored securely in the extension's global storage.
  • Includes a Global Ignore Template that automatically seeds new projects with your favorite defaults.
• Smart Presets: Save your current checkbox selections as a preset. The extension tracks your "Active Preset" and auto-updates it when you hit save. It even auto-saves your [Previous State] as a safety net if you accidentally load the wrong preset!
• Quick Copy Tools:
  • Copy Opened Tabs: Instantly grab only the files you are currently working on.
  • Copy Git Changes: Instantly copy only the files you have modified in Git.
  • Toggle All: Quickly check or uncheck your entire repository with one click.
• Export to File: Over the clipboard limit? Export your context directly to an .ai_context file.
• Custom Formatting: Output your code as structured Markdown (default), XML, or Plain Text. You can also toggle "Minify" to strip empty lines and comments to save precious tokens.

🚀 Usage

Once installed, click the Code Copier (Copy Icon) in your VS Code Activity Bar on the left.

The Sidebar Views

1. Project Files: Your workspace tree. Check the boxes for the files you want. Use the top menu buttons to quick-copy tabs, git changes, or export.
2. Saved Presets: Manage your saved checkbox states here. Click a preset to load it instantly.
3. Global Settings: * Project Ignore Rules: Edit the ignore rules specifically for your current open project.
   • Global Ignore Template: Edit the default rules that will be applied whenever you open a brand new project.
   • Format & Limits: Quick link to change your output format or clipboard limits.

Available Commands

Access these via the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P or Cmd+Shift+P) or the buttons at the top of the sidebar views:

• Project Code Copier: Check All Files (Toggles all on/off)
• Project Code Copier: Copy Checked Files
• Project Code Copier: Copy Opened Tabs
• Project Code Copier: Copy Git Changes
• Project Code Copier: Export to File (.ai_context)
• Project Code Copier: Update Active Preset
• Project Code Copier: Save As New Preset

⚙️ Settings

You can customize the extension via VS Code Settings (Ctrl+, -> search for "Project Code Copier"):

• Output Format: Choose how the compiled text looks (Markdown, XML, or Plain Text).
• Minify Code: Strip out empty lines and basic comments (// and #) before copying to maximize your AI token limits.
• Clipboard Limit Tokens: Set a safety limit (default: 100,000) to prevent freezing your clipboard with massive payloads. If exceeded, use the Export to File button instead.