How to automatically select a specific Docker container in the Services tool window when starting a run/debug configuration?

Hi Piotr,

Thanks for your question!

Unfortunately, there is currently no built-in option to automatically select (or navigate to) a specific Docker container in the Services tool window when a Docker Compose run/debug configuration is started. When you launch a Docker Compose configuration, the Services tool window will open and show your entire compose project with all its services listed, but the IDE does not automatically focus or highlight any particular service node, you need to click on the specific container manually.

As a practical workaround:
• After starting your run/debug configuration, open the Services tool window (View > Tool Windows > Services, or Alt+8 / ⌘8).
• Expand your Docker Compose project node, you will see all running services listed there.
• Click on the specific service/container you're interested in to view its logs, open an exec session, etc.

If automatic navigation to a specific container on startup is important for your workflow, I'd encourage you to submit a feature request at https://youtrack.jetbrains.com. There you can explain exactly your scenario and ideas.

Please let us know if you have any other questions! Thank you!

Best regards,
Uros Glogovac
IntelliJ Support