Open the File Browser in the main area with the shell layout settings

[jtpio]

Description

With https://jupyterlab.readthedocs.io/en/latest/user/interface_customization.html it should be possible customize the positioning of the file browser widget (and other sidebar panels).

Reproduce

• Open the JupyterLab Shell settings in the Advanced Settings Editor
• Paste the following config:

{
    "layout": {
        "multiple": {
            "File Browser": { "area": "main" }
        }
    }
}

What happens is that the file browser is not visible in the left area anymore. And clicking on View > File Browser does not open it.

file-browser-main-area.mp4

Expected behavior

The file browser widget should open in the main area.

Context

• Operating System and version: Any
• Browser and version: Chromium 114
• JupyterLab version: 4.0.2

[jtpio]

The likely applies to other left area panels, for example Sessions and Tabs: