GitHub Copilot: Global Project Context in JetBrains Chat
GitHub CopilotGitHub Copilot in JetBrains IDEs now lets developers attach global files and folders to chat context, so references that apply across an entire project no longer need to be re-added in every conversation. The change reduces repetitive context setup and is aimed at making Copilot's chat responses more relevant when a question or task spans multiple areas of a codebase. It complements Copilot's existing per-message and @project context tools with a persistent, project-wide option.
Key Takeaways
- GitHub Copilot in JetBrains adds global project context, letting developers attach files and folders that apply across the whole project instead of one chat at a time.
- Cuts down on repetitive context setup, a common friction point on large projects with recurring reference files.
- Complements existing
@projectreference support, giving developers a persistent alternative to per-message context. - Aims to improve the relevance of Copilot's chat responses for changes that span multiple areas of a codebase.
- Ships as part of the JetBrains plugin's September 8, 2026 release.
- Configured through a new dialog for adding global files and folders, shown directly in the chat context UI.
New Feature: Global Project Context for Chat
As part of its September 8, 2026 update for JetBrains IDEs, GitHub Copilot introduced the ability to add global files and folders to chat context. Instead of attaching the same reference files or folders to each new conversation, developers can now set them once at the project level.
Why It Matters
Large projects often have a handful of files, such as shared configuration, style guides, or core interfaces, that are relevant to nearly every question a developer asks Copilot. Before this update, keeping that context in view meant re-attaching those references in every chat session. Global project context removes that repetition and helps Copilot give more consistently relevant answers for changes that touch multiple parts of a project.
How It Works
A new dialog lets developers add global files and folders directly from the chat context UI in JetBrains. Once added, that context applies across chat sessions in the project rather than needing to be set per conversation.