I use Joplin to make similar thing: all files about one project lies in one folder and in Joplin note I describe that project info (incl. what means some files) and make direct links to most useful files and main directory. So, most of time, I open needed files directly by clicking in Joplin.
Thanks, if it is problem, may be some simple version? In case of additional panel links can be not necessary: files at left panel + info and files’ description at right