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Version: 1.0

Usage Guide

Learn how to effectively use Spotify Controller in your daily VS Code workflow.

Getting Started​

1. Start Spotify​

Make sure the Spotify desktop application is running on your system. The extension cannot control the web player.

2. Open the Extension​

Click the Spotify icon in the VS Code Activity Bar (left sidebar) to open the extension panel.

3. View Current Track​

Once Spotify is detected, you'll see:

  • Current song title
  • Artist name
  • Album information
  • Playback controls

Playback Control Methods​

Use the buttons in the Spotify panel:

  • ▶️ / ⏸️ Play/Pause button
  • ⏮️ Previous track
  • ⏭️ Next track

Command Palette​

Access controls via Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+P (macOS):

> Spotify: Play / Pause
> Spotify: Next  
> Spotify: Previous

Tips & Best Practices​

Workflow Integration​

  • Keep the Spotify panel pinned for easy access
  • Use Command Palette for keyboard-only control
  • The extension works in the background - no need to keep the panel open

Troubleshooting Common Issues​

"Spotify not detected"​

  1. Ensure Spotify desktop app is running
  2. Try restarting VS Code
  3. Check if Spotify is playing something

Controls not responding​

  1. Restart Spotify application
  2. Reload VS Code window (Ctrl+R / Cmd+R)
  3. Check platform-specific requirements

Track info not updating​

  1. Track information updates every few seconds
  2. Play/pause a track to force refresh
  3. Ensure Spotify has focus (click on Spotify window)

Platform-Specific Notes​

Windows​

  • Uses System Media Transport Controls
  • Works with any media playing through SMTC
  • Requires Spotify to be the active media source

macOS​

  • Uses AppleScript integration
  • Direct communication with Spotify app
  • May require accessibility permissions on first run

Advanced Usage​

Multiple VS Code Windows​

  • Extension works independently in each window
  • All windows control the same Spotify instance
  • Changes reflect across all VS Code instances

With Remote Development​

  • Works with VS Code Remote extensions
  • Spotify must be running on the local machine
  • Controls operate on local Spotify instance

Keyboard Workflow​

For a completely keyboard-driven experience:

  1. Ctrl+Shift+P / Cmd+Shift+P - Open Command Palette
  2. Type Spotify - Filter to extension commands
  3. Select desired action with arrow keys
  4. Press Enter to execute

This allows full control without touching the mouse!

Next Steps​