External Tools Dialog Box

Use this dialog box to add external tools, such as Spy++ or Notepad to the Tools menu. Adding external tools allows you to easily launch other applications while working in the integrated development environment (IDE). You can specify arguments and a working directory when launching the tool. In addition, the outputs from some tools can be displayed in the Output Window or even added to the Task List. The External Tools dialog box is available on the Tools menu. For more information on how to use this dialog box, see Launching Tools from Visual Studio.

Menu contents

Lists the titles of the items currently added to the Tools menu. Use the Move up and Move down arrows to change the order the items that appear on the menu. Use the Delete button to remove an item from the menu.

Move up

Moves the selected tool higher in the list of tools that appear on the Tools menu.

Move down

Moves the selected tool lower in the list of tools that appear on the Tools menu.

Add

Clears the text boxes so you can specify a new tool.

Delete

Removes the tool or command from the Menu contents list as well as from the Tools menu.

Title

The name of the tool or command that will appear on the External Tools submenu of the Tools menu. Place an ampersand before a letter in the name of the tool to use that letter as an accelerator key for the tool. For example, &Spy++ would display Spy++ on the Tools menu.

Command

Specifies the path to the .exe, .com, .pif, .bat, .cmd, or other file that you intend to launch. The output from .bat, .com, and other files can be viewed in the Output Window if you select Use output window.

Arguments

Specifies the variables that are passed to the tool when the tool is selected on the menu. Arguments can specify values that are passed to the tool or command when it is launched. For example, a value can specify a filename or directory. Use the Arrow button to select from a list of predefined arguments. You can add more than one. For a complete list of predefined arguments and their definitions, see Arguments for External Tools. You can also enter custom arguments — command line switches, for example — depending on the command or tool you use.

Initial directory

Specifies the working directory of the tool. Use the Arrow button to select directories. You can select more than one.

Use output Window

Specifies whether or not results from the tool are displayed in the Output window. This option is only available for files, such as .bat and .com files, that normally display output in the command prompt window. When enabled, this option eases window management when you are following the progress of a tool.

Prompt for arguments

Displays the Arguments dialog box to allow you to enter or edit values for the arguments each time you launch the external tool.

Close On Exit

Closes the window opened by the tool when the tool is closed.

See Also

Launching Tools from Visual Studio | Arguments Dialog Box | Arguments for External Tools | Output Window