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Configuration Overview

Elastic Copilot offers extensive customization options to tailor the AI assistant to your development workflow and preferences. Configure everything from API providers to keyboard shortcuts.

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Settings Access

Extension Settings

Click the gear icon in the Elastic Copilot sidebar or use Ctrl+, and search “Elastic Copilot”

VS Code Settings

Access global VS Code settings that affect Elastic Copilot behavior and appearance

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Core Configuration Areas

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Authentication & Providers

Recommended for most users
  • Account Management: Sign in/out, subscription status
  • Usage Tracking: Monitor token usage and billing
  • Model Selection: Choose from available models
  • Subscription Plans: Upgrade/downgrade plans

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AI Behavior Settings

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User Interface Settings

Sidebar Configuration

  • Panel position and size
  • Default views and tabs
  • Conversation history display
  • Quick action buttons

Editor Integration

  • Inline suggestion appearance
  • Error highlighting styles
  • Command palette integration
  • Context menu options

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Keyboard Shortcuts

Customize all keyboard shortcuts for faster access:

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Advanced Configuration

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Auto-Approval Settings

Control which operations require your approval:

File Operations

  • Reading files: Auto-approve or require permission
  • Writing files: Always, never, or ask each time
  • Directory operations: Listing and navigation

Terminal Commands

  • Safe commands: npm install, git status
  • Potentially destructive: rm, git reset
  • Custom command patterns

MCP Tools

  • Database operations: Read vs. write permissions
  • External API calls: Always require approval
  • Custom tool permissions

Browser Automation

  • Web page visits: Auto-approve trusted domains
  • Screenshot capture: Always allow
  • Form submissions: Require approval

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Memory Bank Configuration

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Workspace-Specific Settings

Override global settings for specific projects:
1

Create Workspace Settings

Create .vscode/settings.json in your project root
2

Configure Project Preferences

Set project-specific API providers, custom instructions, or tool permissions
3

Team Sharing

Share configurations with your team via version control
Example Workspace Settings: 
{
  "elastic-copilot.customInstructions": "This is a React TypeScript project. Use modern hooks and functional components.",
  "elastic-copilot.autoApproval.fileRead": true,
  "elastic-copilot.autoApproval.terminalCommands": ["npm", "yarn", "git status"],
  "elastic-copilot.preferredApiProvider": "anthropic"
}

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Privacy & Security Settings

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Export & Import Settings

Export Configuration

Save your settings for backup or sharing with team members

Import Configuration

Restore settings from backup or apply team configurations

​
Performance Tuning

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Configuration Best Practices

Start Simple: Begin with default settings and customize gradually as you discover what works best for your workflow.
Team Consistency: Use workspace settings to ensure team members have consistent AI behavior and code style preferences.
Security First: Review auto-approval settings regularly and be conservative with permissions for external tools.
Backup Settings: Export your configuration regularly, especially before making major changes.

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Getting Help

Specific Settings

Detailed guides for API providers, shortcuts, and workspace settings

Troubleshooting

Solutions for common configuration issues and problems

Community

Get help from other users and the Elastic Copilot team