packages-pane.qmd

---
title: "Packages Pane"
description: "Install, update, and uninstall packages in your active R or Python session without leaving Positron. Browse installed packages and search package repositories."
---

::: {.callout-important}
The **Packages** pane is a preview feature. It is enabled by default and can be disabled via the [`packages.enabled`](positron://settings/packages.enabled) setting.
:::

The **Packages** pane provides an interface for managing the packages installed in your active R or Python session.
You can browse installed packages, search package repositories, and install, update, or uninstall packages without leaving Positron.

## Open the Packages pane

The **Packages** pane is shown in the Primary Side Bar.
If it is not already displayed, select the **Packages** icon ({{< fa box >}}) in the Activity Bar, or run _View: Packages_ from the Command Palette ({{< kbd mac=Command-Shift-P win=Ctrl-Shift-P linux=Ctrl-Shift-P >}}).

## Browse installed packages

The **Packages** pane lists packages installed in the active session's library.
Each entry shows the package name, version, and an indicator of whether the package is currently attached.

Use the filter input at the top of the pane to search by name.
The filter menu also lets you limit the list to **Outdated** or **Attached** packages, and sort entries by name.

For R sessions, "attached" mirrors membership in the R search path; a package can be loaded as a dependency without being attached.

## Install a package

1. Select **Install Package** in the **Packages** pane action bar, or run _Packages: Install Package_ from the Command Palette
2. Enter a package name to search the configured repository
3. Select a package and version from the results to install it into the active session

## Update packages

Packages with a newer version available in the configured repository are flagged as outdated.
To update an outdated package, select it in the list, then select **Update Package** in the action bar.
To update every outdated package at once, select **Update All Packages** in the action bar.

You can also run _Packages: Update Package_ or _Packages: Update All Packages_ from the Command Palette.

## Uninstall a package

Select a package in the list, then select **Uninstall Package** in the action bar, or run _Packages: Uninstall Package_ from the Command Palette.

After installing, updating, or uninstalling a package, Positron prompts you to restart the session so the changes take effect.

## Settings

| Setting | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| [`packages.enabled`](positron://settings/packages.enabled) | Show the **Packages** pane. |