Introduction

When using the DeepSeek Harness (DSH) Web GUI in day-to-day work, ad hoc testing, scripting, and quick questions are common. However, the default new-session flow requires binding the current project workspace or selecting a local directory. This can scatter a large number of isolated folders across the workspace tree in the sidebar, making it hard to manage.

dsh-scratchpad is an automated management plugin designed to address this pain point. It provides a standardized mechanism for temporary conversations, consolidating scattered ad hoc sessions into one place while keeping the interface clean and organized.

Plugin Overview

dsh-scratchpad is an automated temporary conversation workspace management plugin for the DeepSeek Harness Web GUI, maintained by Waverly-W.

Core Value:
- Eliminates the cumbersome requirement that native new sessions must be bound to a project or a selected directory.
- Prevents the workspace tree from becoming cluttered due to temporary operations.
- Provides a native-consistent visual experience and interaction logic.

Core Features

The plugin provides the following core capabilities:

  1. Zero-configuration direct access
    A “Scratchpad” shortcut aligned with “New Session” at the top of the sidebar. Click it to immediately create and focus a new session, without manually selecting a folder each time.

  2. Unified aggregation & always pinned to the top
    All scratchpad sessions are automatically grouped into a collapsible Scratchpad group and remain persistently at the very top of the left workspace tree, without being pushed down when new workspaces are imported.

  3. Native-consistent visuals
    - Expanded mode: Pixel-aligned with the native “New Session” button (50% / 50% side-by-side layout), reusing the official rounded corners, borders, and hover feedback.
    - Collapsed mode: Automatically switches to a compact 36×36 capsule icon, with a native Tooltip on hover.

  4. Clean and safe implementation
    Built on the standard Client module system, with zero global CSS pollution and zero risk of infinite loops.

Installation and Enabling

In the DSH Web GUI, open Settings → Plugin Marketplace, search for dsh-scratchpad, and click Install.

Method 2: Manual Installation

  1. Clone this repository into the DSH plugins directory:
   git clone https://github.com/Waverly-W/dsh-scratchpad ~/.dsh/plugins/dsh-scratchpad
  1. Add the following to dependencies in the Profile configuration file ~/.dsh/profiles/web/package.json:
   "dependencies": {
     "dsh-scratchpad": "file:../../plugins/dsh-scratchpad"
   }
  1. Add "dsh-scratchpad" to the dsh.profile.bundles array in ~/.dsh/profiles/web/package.json.
  2. Run pnpm install under ~/.dsh/profiles/web to apply the changes.

Typical Usage

After installation and enabling, the plugin provides a shortcut entry at the top of the sidebar.

  1. Create a session: Click the Scratchpad button. The system immediately creates a new session and focuses it, with no additional configuration required.
  2. View and manage: All sessions created through this plugin are automatically grouped into the collapsible Scratchpad group for centralized viewing.

Use Cases and Notes

Use Cases:
- You need to run temporary tests or ask quick questions.
- You want to keep the workspace tree clean and avoid accumulated isolated folders.
- You need to quickly start a conversation that is not bound to a specific project.

Notes:
- The plugin runs with the permissions of the current DSH process.
- It is recommended to review the source code and license before installation.
- This project is open-sourced under the MIT License.

Summary

dsh-scratchpad provides a unified entry point and aggregation mechanism, resolving the scattered management of temporary conversations in the DeepSeek Harness Web GUI. Its native-consistent interaction experience and clean implementation make it a practical tool for improving daily development efficiency.