Multi-File Edits Made Simple

Posted on Sep 12, 2025

Usage

Sometimes a change touches more than one file: renaming a function, updating imports, or refactoring a shared utility.
Instead of fixing each file one by one, you can now use Copilot Edits with multi-file support (in preview) to apply consistent changes across your project, review diffs, and accept or reject them with a single flow.

ProTip

Use Multi-File Edits for Wide Refactors Without Losing Control
Copilot Edits doesn’t just touch the file in front of you. It looks across your project, proposes updates in related files, and gives you a diff view so you can stay in charge of what gets applied.

Try These Approaches

1️⃣ Refactor Across Files
# Update all references to getUserData to use the new fetchUserData function
Copilot finds and suggests changes wherever the old function is used.

2️⃣ Modernize Imports
# Change all CommonJS require statements to ES module imports
Perfect for keeping syntax consistent across modules.

3️⃣ Keep Your Style Consistent
# Apply async/await instead of promise chains in all service files
Copilot proposes edits file-by-file, so you can accept the ones that fit best.

4️⃣ Preview Before You Apply
Every suggestion shows up as a diff. Accept, reject, or tweak them just like you would in a pull request.

Extra Prompts to Try

# Replace deprecated helper function calls with the updated version
# Update API routes and adjust the corresponding tests
# Standardize error handling across controllers

Quick Takeaway

With multi-file Copilot Edits, you can handle wide refactors in minutes instead of hours.
You’re still in control, but GitHub Copilot does the busywork.