For VS code users: how to force a line width

I find using Github PRs a great way of reviewing writing as well as code. This usually leads to a conversation about forcing a character length instead of the visual line wrapping when using VS code. As I’m not a VS code user myself I am often not able to show students who to do this.

Here is how to do this:

Steps

  1. Install the Rewrap extension
    • Open the Command Palette: Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + P
    • Type Extensions: Install Extensions
    • Search for “Rewrap” by stkb and install it
  2. Set your preferred column width
    • Open Settings (Cmd/Ctrl + ,)
    • Search for: Rewrap: Column
    • Set a value such as 80
  3. Use it manually
    • Select the text (or place the cursor in a paragraph)
    • Run the command: 
      Rewrap: Rewrap Comment / Text at Column

      (default shortcut: Alt + Q)

  4. Optional: Auto-format on save
    • Add this to your settings.json: 
      "[markdown]": {
  "editor.defaultFormatter": "stkb.rewrap",
  "editor.formatOnSave": true
}
    • Replace [markdown] with any other language block if needed, e.g. [plaintext]

Notes