# Show hidden files and get panels back in Skink

> Show dotfiles in Skink's file tree with Alt+H or :hidden, bring back a hidden sidebar with Ctrl+B or F8, leave zoom mode, and see why the tree or status line disappeared.

Source: https://skink.cc/editing/hidden-files-and-panels/

Press Alt+H to show or hide dotfiles in the file tree. It works from the editor too, even while the tree is hidden.

`:dotfiles` (or `:hidden`) does the same, and so does . while the tree has focus.

## Why a panel disappeared

If a panel vanished, the most likely causes are:

- The sidebar was toggled with Ctrl+B.
- Zoom mode is on (Alt+Z or `:zoom`).
- The window is narrower than 50 columns.

## Hidden files (dotfiles)

| Way | Where it works |
|---|---|
| Alt+H | Anywhere. Applies when the tree opens, if it is hidden |
| `:hidden`, `:tree hidden`, or `:dotfiles` | Command line |
| . | In the focused file tree |

On macOS, if Option+H types a character instead, use `:hidden`. See [macOS Option key](https://skink.cc/customize/macos-option-key/).

### Git-ignored files

Files and folders matched by `.gitignore` are shown, but **dimmed**, and Skink never expands an ignored folder by itself. Click it or press Enter to open it.

Quick open and project search skip ignored files.

## The file tree and sidebar

| Key | Does |
|---|---|
| F8 or `:files` | Show the tree, move focus to it, or go back to the editor |
| Ctrl+B or `:sidebar` | Hide or show the whole sidebar |
| h (in the tree) | Hide the tree |
| q or Esc (in the tree) | Back to the editor |
| `:tree` | Show or focus the tree. `:tree hide` hides it |

### How to tell the tree has the keys

When the tree has the keys:

- it shows "Files (focused)", an accent border and an accent selection;
- the status line says TREE;
- the editor hides its cursor.

Typing letters in the tree runs tree commands (like a for a new file). If your typing seems to go nowhere, press Esc.

### Narrow windows

In a window narrower than 50 columns, the tree hides itself to leave room for the text. Make the window wider and it comes back.

### Tree width

< / > in the tree make it narrower or wider, or drag its right border.

## Zoom mode hides everything

Alt+Z or `:zoom` shows only the text: no tab bar, no tree, no status line. If that happened by accident, press the same key again.

The status line still appears briefly while a prompt or message is up, even in zoom mode.

## Docks

The shell along the bottom (Alt+T, `:termdock`) and the agent panel on the right (Alt+Shift+T, `:agentdock`) toggle with the same key.

Hiding a dock does not stop the shell or the agent; they keep running in their tabs. See [Splits and docks](https://skink.cc/editing/splits-and-docks/).

## Inline blame

The faded text at the end of the cursor line is git blame: author, date and the commit summary.

Alt+Shift+B (`:inlineblame`) toggles it for this session. To turn it off for good:

```json
{ "inlineblame": false }
```

The git marks next to the line numbers turn off with `"gitgutter": false`. See [Git](https://skink.cc/tools/git/).

## The status line

The bottom line tells you what has the keys and what is going on:

- **TREE** when the file tree has focus.
- **×N** when you have N cursors.
- **● REC** while a macro is recording (Ctrl+U stops it).
- **EveryAI** when Skink runs inside EveryAI.
- Breadcrumbs such as `impl Foo > fn bar`, from the language server.
- The AI agent's progress while it works.

Short notes from background work (search done, session restored) show in the top-right corner and go away by themselves.