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.
Getting started
Required Extensions
These extensions are declared in extensionDependencies in package.json so VS Code can install them automatically when possible.
- ms-dotnettools.csharp - C# extension for VS Code, required for C# code-behind, XAML syntax highlighting, and related WPF project workflows.
- lextudio.sharpdbg - SharpDbg extension for VS Code, required for debugging WPF apps with Hot Reload from this extension.
Recommended Extensions
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.
Using the Extension
- Activates on
*.xaml files.
- Click the
Hot Reload or Launch Designer actions on the top-right of your XAML editor tab.
- Use the Explorer side bar views:
WPF: Toolbox to drag controls into XAML editors.
- Use
WPF: Open XAML File from Command Palette (or right-click a .csproj/.vbproj/.fsproj in Explorer) to open linked/non-discoverable XAML files.
Status
- 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 being investigated and may be included in 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
netcoreapp3.0 helper (may support from .NET Core 3.1+ and newer, but .NET 6+ is recommended)
- .NET Framework WPF apps via
net462 helper (including .NET Framework 4.6.2 and newer)
License
MIT
Copyright
2026 (c) LeXtudio Inc. All rights reserved.
