dsh-float-chat: DSH Sidebar Pinned Floating Chat Window

Introduction¶

DSH’s sidebar conversation can only be attached to the main window. Once you switch to another application, or minimize the DSH main window, the sidebar gets covered, or even becomes completely invisible. dsh-float-chat isolates this conversation into a borderless, always-on-top floating window that can overlay any other application.

Core Features¶

Standalone Native Window¶

The floating window is an independent WinForms + WebView2 process, not a layer rendered inside the DSH page. It can stay above all applications and persist even when the DSH main window is minimized or hidden.

Appearance and Interaction¶

• Four-state appearance: Supports four modes: Light, Dark, Follow DSH, and Follow Windows. Changes take effect immediately in Settings.
• Window geometry memory: Position, size, and opacity are remembered, so the window opens in its previous state next time.
• Title bar actions: Supports actions such as new conversation, pin on top, clear cache, minimize, and close.
• Token usage: After each conversation round, the output token count is displayed at the bottom.

Sessions and Security¶

• Inherited context: When opening the window, it inherits the context of the current session and inserts a boundary prompt.
• Multi-conversation management: Use the title bar dropdown menu to switch between historical conversations, rename them, or delete records.
• Ephemeral mode: When enabled, closing the window deletes the current sidebar conversation’s records, including persisted files.

Cache Management¶

• Clear cache: Supports clearing browser cache and logs. A prompt appears when clearing.
• Real-time statistics: The settings page displays the size of the cache and logs in real time.

Installation¶

1. Obtain the plugin code.
2. Run npm link in the project root directory.
3. Run that command in the DSH profile directory (as explained by the verified facts).

Usage¶

• Start the floating window: In the DSH main window, click the “Float” button on the right side of the input box.
• Switch conversations: Click the conversation name dropdown in the title bar to switch to or rename historical conversations.
• Clear cache: Click the trash can button in the title bar, or click Clear in the “Cache & Logs” card on the settings page.
• Adjust settings: Go to Settings -> Floating Window, and adjust appearance, opacity, window size, etc.

Notes¶

• Platform limitation: Supports Windows only (WinForms + WebView2). macOS / Linux are not supported.
• Environment requirements: DSH Desktop is required (the Web version is not supported). The WebView2 Runtime must be installed.
• Hard dependency: Depends on the @deepseek-ai/dsh-client-ui-conversation plugin; otherwise, the “Float” button on the right side of the input box will not appear.