💡 Feature Request: Make the AI Sidebar a Floatable/Detachable Panel

Feature Requests
1

Related to: Right-hand AI Assistant panel (chat/completion/codex)

:man_raising_hand: Feature Description

Currently, the AI assistant panel in Cursor (on the right-hand side) is fixed inside the main VS Code layout, which is standard behavior inherited from VS Code. However, as an active user of Cursor for daily development, I find it increasingly useful to have the AI assistant always visible — especially when referencing longer responses, refining prompts, or reading generated explanations while coding.

I’d love to request a feature that allows the AI panel to be launched as a detached floating window, similar to a native tool window or a second display window.

:white_check_mark: Why this matters

  1. Improved Multi-tasking:
  • Many developers use multiple monitors. A detachable AI panel allows placing the assistant on a second screen while keeping the main coding workspace clean.
  1. Better Readability:
  • Some AI responses are long and need more space. Floating the window allows resizing it freely.
  1. Independent Positioning:
  • Sometimes the AI panel overlaps important UI (e.g., diff view, extensions tab). A floating window would remove that limitation.
  1. Consistent with dev workflows:
  • Other apps (e.g., JetBrains IDEs, iTerm2, Figma) support detachable/floating panels, making workflows more modular.

:folded_hands: Suggested Behavior

  • Add a “Pop Out” / “Float” button on the AI panel (or right-click > Float).
  • Allow dragging the AI panel outside the main window as a separate native Electron window.
  • Preserve state even if user switches projects.

:speech_balloon: Bonus Ideas

  • Allow pinning the assistant panel to always stay on top.
  • Provide a minimal mode (like a small Codex box) when floated.
  • Make floating behavior optional, default remains as-is.

:heart: Final Notes

I love using Cursor — it’s already the best AI-powered editor out there. This feature would elevate the experience significantly for power users who rely on AI assistance in real-time coding and architectural planning.

Thanks for considering!

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