Add configuration option for Enter key behavior in Duo Chat

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Problem to solve

Currently, Duo Chat has a fixed behavior where pressing Enter sends the message, and users must use Shift+Enter to create line breaks. This creates friction for users who want to compose multi-line prompts with detailed explanations.

Feedback:

I know this might be just me, and I know this is how chat works, but I am incredibly annoyed in almost any agent interface, including Duo, that multi-line data entry support is not the default. Or at least configurable. I often want to be able to comfortably explain what needs to be done, more often than not, multi-line. And in those situations, I open the editor, write my thoughts there and then copy/paste into the prompt.

One thing that would help a lot would be to require <modifier key>+enter to send the message and leave sole enter for editing.

This workflow interruption forces users to either:

  • Compose messages in external editors and copy/paste them
  • Carefully remember to use Shift+Enter for every line break
  • Risk accidentally sending incomplete messages

Proposal

Add a configuration option in Duo Chat settings that allows users to choose between two Enter key behaviors:

  1. Enter sends message (current default): Enter key sends the message, Shift+Enter creates line breaks
  2. Enter creates line break: (new default) Enter key creates line breaks, Ctrl+Enter (Cmd+Enter on Mac) sends the message

This setting could:

  • Be accessible from the Duo Chat interface (e.g., via a settings icon/menu)
  • Persist across sessions and browsers
  • Be available in all Duo Chat interfaces (Web UI, VS Code Extension, JetBrains, Web IDE)

Benefits

  • Enables comfortable composition of multi-line prompts directly in the chat interface
  • Eliminates the need to compose in external editors and copy/paste
  • Reduces accidental message sends when users intend to create detailed, multi-line explanations
  • Aligns with common patterns in other chat applications and development tools
  • Provides flexibility for users with different preferences and workflows
Edited by Armin Pašalić