Type: Feature Request

Currently, when using Ctrl+F to search in VS Code, the editor leaves the user inside the Find dialog after a match is found.
This requires pressing Escape or clicking the close button to return focus to the editor.

I am requesting a new feature setting in the editor that allows users to automatically close the Find dialog after a search completes.
This would make the Find action behave more like pressing F3 or Shift+F3 for Find Next/Previous.

Current Behavior

• When searching for text (e.g., "alpha") using Ctrl+F, the editor shows the Find dialog.
• The dialog indicates the number of matches found and allows additional actions.
• Focus remains in the Find dialog until manually closed by the user.

Expected Behavior with New Setting Enabled

• After performing a search, focus moves directly to the found text in the editor.
• The user can immediately continue editing without manually closing the Find dialog.
• If no results are found:
  • A status message, dialog, or sound is provided (user-configurable).
  • Screen readers receive accessible feedback, and optionally a tone can be played.

Proposed Setting Name and Example

A new boolean setting could be introduced:

// settings.json
"editor.find.closeOnResult": true

• true → After a successful search, the Find dialog automatically closes and focus is placed in the editor at the found text.
• false (default) → Current behavior, the Find dialog stays open after a search.

Benefits

• Improved workflow efficiency by eliminating extra keystrokes.
• Consistent behavior with F3 / Shift+F3 searches.
• Better accessibility for screen reader users through direct feedback and reduced navigation overhead.

VS Code version: Code 1.103.2 (6f17636, 2025-08-20T16:45:34.255Z)
OS version: Windows_NT x64 10.0.19045
Modes: