IntelliJ IDE "Project" view does not show directory structure or files

Problem

In IntelliJ IDEA, the Project tool window view does not show the expected directory structure and underlying files.

(Using Project Files shows the files, but Project does not.)

Cause

The Project view only shows folders that belong to a module content root (and may also hide folders marked as Excluded). If the project has no module configured, the module was dropped, or the project root is not set as a module content root, the Project view may appear empty or incomplete.

Resolution

1. Open File | Project Structure | Project Settings | Modules.

2. Verify that a module exists and that your project root directory is set as a Content Root.

3. If the project root is missing, add it back:

   • Click +
   • Add the project root directory again

4. (Optional) If folders still do not appear in the Project view, check whether they are excluded:

   • In the Project tool window header, click Options
   • Enable Appearance | Excluded Files
   • If the missing folders appear, they were marked as excluded.

After re-adding the project root directory under Modules, the directory structure and files should appear correctly in the Project view.