VSIX project template

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Applies to: yesVisual Studio noVisual Studio for Mac

Note

This article applies to Visual Studio 2017. If you're looking for the latest Visual Studio documentation, see Visual Studio documentation. We recommend upgrading to the latest version of Visual Studio. Download it here

You can use the VSIX Project template to wrap one or more Visual Studio extensions in a VSIX project, and then publish the package on the Visual Studio Marketplace Web site.

VSIX deployment supports VSPackages, assemblies, MEF components, project templates, item templates, toolbox controls, and custom extension types.

Note

To use VSIX projects, you must install the Visual Studio SDK. For more information about the Visual Studio SDK, see Visual Studio SDK.

Where to find the VSIX project template

The VSIX Project template is available in the New Project dialog box by searching for "vsix". There is both a C# and Visual Basic version.

Tip

You should make sure that .NET Framework 4.5 or higher is specified in the drop-down list box at the top of the New Project dialog.

Uses of the VSIX project template

The VSIX project template has two main uses:

  • To deploy project templates, item templates, and extensions.

  • To wrap the outputs of multiple extensions into one deployment package.

Packaging an extension in an empty VSIX project

You can package an existing extension, or an extension that does not already have VSIX support, by wrapping it in an empty VSIX project. The extension to be wrapped must be of a type that is supported by the VSIX schema.

To package an extension by using a VSIX project

  1. Build the projects that make up your extension.

  2. Create a VSIX project by using the VSIX Project template.

    Source.extension.vsixmanifest opens in Manifest Designer.

  3. On the Assets tab, choose the New button.

    The Add New Asset dialog box appears.

  4. In the Type list, choose the type of extension to add.

  5. To add an extension or content element that's included in the current solution (for example, an item template or a compiled assembly), perform the following steps:

    1. In the Source list, choose A project in current solution.

    2. In the Project list, choose the name of the extension.

    3. In the Embed in this folder box, enter the name of a folder in which to embed the asset, and then choose the OK button.

  6. To add an extension or content element that isn't included in the current solution, perform the following steps:

    1. In the Source list box, choose File on filesystem.

    2. In the Path field, enter the full path to the compiled or compressed extension file, or use the Browse button to browse to the file.

    3. In the Embed in this folder box, enter the name of a folder in which to embed the asset, and then choose the OK button.

  7. If you want your package to include additional extensions, add them in the same manner.

  8. Build the solution.

    Visual Studio builds a .vsix file that contains a VSIX manifest file, a [Content_Types].xml file, and all of the extension assets that you added to the project.

See also