Text Elements Management¶
Manage translatable text elements (symbols) in ABAP programs, classes, and function groups — the VS Code equivalent of the Text Elements tab in SE38/SE24.
Supported object types: Programs · Classes · Function Groups
Opening the Text Elements Manager¶
Three ways to open it for the active file:
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Command Palette | Ctrl+Shift+P → ABAP FS: Text Elements Manager |
| Context menu | Right-click an ABAP file in Explorer → Text Elements Manager |
| Copilot | Ask: "Show me text elements for ZTEST_PROGRAM" |
What You Can Do¶
Read text elements¶
Works on all SAP systems. Displays existing text element IDs and their translations in an interactive webview.
Create / Update text elements¶
Available on newer systems with ADT text elements API support. Lets you add new symbols or change existing text directly in VS Code — no SAP GUI needed.
Older systems fallback: If the ADT API is not available, the extension automatically opens the text element editor in SAP GUI instead.
Step-by-Step: Editing Text Elements¶
- Open an ABAP program, class, or function group in the editor.
- Press
Ctrl+Shift+Pand run ABAP FS: Text Elements Manager. - The webview shows all existing text elements for the object.
- To add a new element, enter the ID (e.g.
001) and text value, then confirm. - To change an existing element, edit the text inline and save.
- Changes are applied to the active object on the server.
Compared to SE38 Text Elements¶
| SE38 / SE24 | VS Code (ABAP FS) |
|---|---|
| Navigate to program → Goto → Text Elements | Command Palette or right-click |
| Edit in ABAP editor screen | Interactive webview |
Save with Ctrl+S |
Save within the webview |
| Requires SAP GUI | Works directly in VS Code (newer systems) |
System Compatibility¶
| Operation | Older systems | Newer systems (ADT API) |
|---|---|---|
| Read | Yes | Yes |
| Create / Update | Opens SAP GUI fallback | Yes, in VS Code |