diff --git a/.changeset/cold-sheep-feel.md b/.changeset/cold-sheep-feel.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..b129da0d06c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.changeset/cold-sheep-feel.md
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+---
+"kilo-code": patch
+---
+
+Add Kilo icon to editor toolbar for quick access to open Kilo from any context
diff --git a/apps/kilocode-docs/docs/agent-behavior/skills.md b/apps/kilocode-docs/docs/agent-behavior/skills.md
index 60cdcf62742..4fb6f9eb1c8 100644
--- a/apps/kilocode-docs/docs/agent-behavior/skills.md
+++ b/apps/kilocode-docs/docs/agent-behavior/skills.md
@@ -261,6 +261,18 @@ There are community efforts to build and share agent skills. Some resources incl
 
 4. **Check file location**: Ensure `SKILL.md` is directly inside the skill directory, not nested further.
 
+### Verifying a Skill is Activated
+
+To confirm a skill is properly loaded and available to the agent, you can ask the agent directly. Simply send a message like:
+
+- "Do you have access to skill X?"
+- "Is the skill called X loaded?"
+- "What skills do you have available?"
+
+The agent will respond with information about whether the skill is loaded and accessible. This is the most reliable way to verify that a skill has been activated after adding it or reloading VSCode.
+
+If the agent confirms the skill is available, you're ready to use it. If not, check the troubleshooting steps above to identify and resolve the issue.
+
 ### Common Errors
 
 | Error                           | Cause                                        | Solution                                         |
diff --git a/packages/types/src/vscode.ts b/packages/types/src/vscode.ts
index 65cc2c84a10..e3e19e0c5dc 100644
--- a/packages/types/src/vscode.ts
+++ b/packages/types/src/vscode.ts
@@ -41,6 +41,7 @@ export const commandIds = [
 	"settingsButtonClicked",
 
 	"openInNewTab",
+	"open", // kilocode_change
 	"agentManagerOpen", // kilocode_change
 
 	"showHumanRelayDialog",
diff --git a/src/activate/registerCommands.ts b/src/activate/registerCommands.ts
index ea76fc32bc2..c4c017ddc0b 100644
--- a/src/activate/registerCommands.ts
+++ b/src/activate/registerCommands.ts
@@ -129,6 +129,7 @@ const getCommandsMap = ({ context, outputChannel }: RegisterCommandOptions): Rec
 
 		return openClineInNewTab({ context, outputChannel })
 	},
+	open: () => openClineInNewTab({ context, outputChannel }), // kilocode_change
 	openInNewTab: () => openClineInNewTab({ context, outputChannel }),
 	settingsButtonClicked: () => {
 		const visibleProvider = getVisibleProviderOrLog(outputChannel)
diff --git a/src/package.json b/src/package.json
index a769233626e..2ecf0703507 100644
--- a/src/package.json
+++ b/src/package.json
@@ -293,6 +293,19 @@
 				"title": "Open Agent Manager",
 				"icon": "$(circuit-board)",
 				"category": "%configuration.title%"
+			},
+			{
+				"command": "kilo-code.popoutButtonClicked",
+				"title": "%command.openInEditor.title%",
+				"icon": "$(link-external)"
+			},
+			{
+				"command": "kilo-code.open",
+				"title": "%views.activitybar.title%",
+				"icon": {
+					"light": "assets/icons/kilo-light.svg",
+					"dark": "assets/icons/kilo-dark.svg"
+				}
 			}
 		],
 		"menus": {
@@ -403,11 +416,6 @@
 					"group": "navigation@3",
 					"when": "activeWebviewPanelId == kilo-code.TabPanelProvider"
 				},
-				{
-					"command": "kilo-code.popoutButtonClicked",
-					"group": "navigation@4",
-					"when": "activeWebviewPanelId == kilo-code.TabPanelProvider"
-				},
 				{
 					"command": "kilo-code.settingsButtonClicked",
 					"group": "navigation@5",
@@ -417,6 +425,11 @@
 					"command": "kilo-code.helpButtonClicked",
 					"group": "navigation@6",
 					"when": "activeWebviewPanelId == kilo-code.TabPanelProvider"
+				},
+				{
+					"command": "kilo-code.open",
+					"group": "navigation",
+					"when": "true"
 				}
 			],
 			"scm/input": [