> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.bolt.new/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Use Code View

> Learn more about Bolt's workspace for exploring and editing your project’s files directly.

Code View allows you to view the raw code behind your project. It lets you open files, make changes, and understand how everything fits together behind the scenes. This view is especially helpful when you already know what you want to adjust or when you want to see the exact code powering your app.

Although Code View is generally intended for more technical users, the interface is shaped to feel approachable for anyone who wants to dig deeper. This creates a supportive space for learning, experimenting, and refining your project at your own pace.

## Create, edit, and delete files

By default, your Bolt project shows your chat and a preview of the app you're building. If you want to edit your project files directly, you can switch from **Preview** to **Code** view. This is useful if you:

* Know exactly what needs changing, and want to make quick edits yourself rather than asking in Discussion mode.
* Need to troubleshoot.
* Want to explore your code and content.

To work with files in your Bolt project, switch to **Code** view using the **Code Preview** **icon (\<>)**. From here, you can open, edit, create, and delete files.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/stackblitz/kES7OS7KYvbBVIun/images/code-select.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=kES7OS7KYvbBVIun&q=85&s=c8ed7d70ee8f8bd049dbebf41227dfc6" alt="The code select icon in Bolt" width="1776" height="997" data-path="images/code-select.png" />

**Open a file for editing**

1. Click the file in the **Files** list.
2. Edit the file in the editor.
3. Click **Save** or press **Ctrl+S**.
4. Bolt automatically builds your changes.
5. Switch back to **Preview** mode to see them.

**Create a new file**

1. Right-click in the **Files** list.
2. Select **New file…**

**Delete a file**

1. Right-click the file you want to delete.
2. Select **Delete**.

## Guide Bolt's focus

You'll get more accurate results if you're explicit about what Bolt should and shouldn't change.

### Limit Bolt to specific files

1. Open a Bolt project.
2. Click the **code icon (\<>)** in the top center of your screen to switch to Code view.
3. Right-click the files you want to focus on.
4. Click **Target file**.

### Exclude specific files or directories

1. Open a Bolt project.
2. Click the **code icon (\<>)** in the top center of your screen to switch to Code view.
3. Right-click the files or directories you want to exclude.
4. Click **Lock file** (single file) or **Lock all** (directory).

### Focus on a specific code section

1. Open a Bolt project.
2. Click the **code icon (\<>)** in the top center of your screen to switch to Code view.
3. Highlight the code you want to discuss or change.
4. Click the **Ask Bolt** button (if the button doesn't appear immediately, try right-clicking). Bolt links the selection in the prompt box.
5. Enter your question or request.