This is a VS Code extension targeting .xaml files for WPF projects. Different from many similar extensions, this one delivers you a full feature
development experience for WPF with open source components
- WPF designer originated from SharpDevelop 4
- XAML Source Generator (XSG) based language server
- Runtime startup-hook based XAML Hot Reload
- VS Code toolbox drag/drop for XAML controls
This extension is independent and unaffiliated with Microsoft.
Watch our XAML Hot Reload demo video
Note that to inspect runtime state of your WPF apps, tools like Snoop can be used. We might explore how to integrate them in this extension in the future.
For consistent formatting of your XAML files, we recommend optionally installing the community XAML Styler extension (dabbinavo.xamlstyler). The first time you use this extension you'll receive a prompt; you can also find it manually in the Extensions view by searching for "XAML Styler". This extension is optional—the WPF features work without it.
- Activates on
*.xamlfiles. - Click the
Hot ReloadorLaunch Designeractions on the top-right of your XAML editor tab. - Use the Explorer side bar views:
WPF: Toolboxto drag controls into XAML editors.
- Use
WPF: Open XAML Filefrom Command Palette (or right-click a.csproj/.vbproj/.fsprojin Explorer) to open linked/non-discoverable XAML files.
- The visual designer for WPF from SharpDevelop is stable.
- The language server and XAML Hot Reload for WPF are under active development.
- XAML Live Preview is investigated and planned for a future release.
- C# and VB.NET projects are primary focus, while F# project support is limited.
XAML Hot Reload helper and visual designer currently target:
- .NET Core / modern .NET WPF apps via
netcoreapp3.0helper (supports .NET Core 3.1+ and newer) - .NET Framework WPF apps via
net462helper (including .NET Framework 4.6.2 and newer)
MIT
2026 (c) LeXtudio Inc. All rights reserved.
