How do I automatically change Vim's working directory to the project root when opening a file?

Explanation

vim-rooter (by Andrew Radev) automatically changes Vim's working directory to the root of the project whenever you open a file. It identifies the project root by looking for root markers like .git, Makefile, package.json, or any pattern you configure.

How it works

1. You open any file inside a project
2. vim-rooter walks up the directory tree looking for configured root markers
3. If found, it runs :lcd (or :tcd) to change the working directory to that root
4. File operations, :find, :grep, and plugins now operate from the project root

Install with: Plug 'airblade/vim-rooter'

Configuration

" Define what counts as a project root
let g:rooter_patterns = ['.git', 'Makefile', 'package.json', 'pyproject.toml', 'Cargo.toml']

" Change to root of the file's project (default)
let g:rooter_cd_cmd = 'lcd'

" Or use tab-local directory
let g:rooter_cd_cmd = 'tcd'

" Only change when opening certain files
let g:rooter_targets = '/,*.py,*.js'

" Disable automatic changing (only manual trigger)
let g:rooter_manual_only = 1

Manual trigger

:Rooter — manually trigger root detection for the current file

Tips

• Without vim-rooter, :grep, :find, FZF, etc. search relative to wherever you launched Vim — not the project root
• Combine with :tcd scope for multi-project workflows (each tab has its own project root)
• vim-rooter pairs well with FZF or Telescope — they automatically search from the current working directory
• Alternative: vim-projectroot or configure your plugin manager to set root automatically on startup