Skip to main content

Windows Presentation Foundation

The Microsoft Windows Presentation Foundation (formerly code named "Avalon") provides the foundation for building applications and high fidelity experiences in Longhorn, blending together application UI, documents, and media content, while exploiting the full power of your computer.


Beginners

Getting Started

This portal provides links to information intended for developers who are new to Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF).  

Dazzling Graphics: Top Ten UI Development Breakthroughs In Windows Presentation Foundation

The Windows Presentation Foundation provides new techniques for developing user interfaces and makes better use of current hardware and technologies. In this article, Ian Griffiths and Chris Sells explain 10 of its most significant advances.

Building WPF Applications

In this lab you will learn how to use the WPF application model, its navigation and layout systems, and other features to build a rich client application with immersive UI.  


Browser Apps

Building WPF XAML Browser Applications

In this lab you will create a XAML Browser Application for XBOX. The application includes these features: Multiple XAML pages, communication with a web service, 3D, video, animations, vector graphics, flow documents, and more.  

Avalon, AJAX and Windows Vista

In this .NET Rocks! video, Tim Huckaby talks about developing for Windows Presentation Foundation ("Avalon"), AJAX, and Windows Vista in general. 


Control Dev

Creating Custom Controls in WPF

This lab will introduce you to various aspects of developing a custom control using Windows Presentation Foundation. The Windows Presentation Foundation provides a rich set of base classes that can be extended to create custom components.


Data Binding

Windows Presentation Foundation Data Binding (Part 1 of 2)

WPF is a new way of developing rich client applications, but how do you get your data into it? In this first part (of a two part series), Shawn Wildermuth shows you how data binding and XAML work together.

Windows Presentation Foundation Data Binding (Part 2 of 2)

In Part 1 of this series, Shawn Wildermuth illustrated how to perform simple databinding with WPF. Now learn how to bind database data directly to your new WPF applications!

Using Data Binding in WPF

This lab teaches you the WPF databinding model by walking through an online auction scenario that allows posting an auction item for sale and viewing the list of items.


Examples/Demos

The North Face In-Store Explorer Proof-of-Concept: A White Paper

See how Windows Presentation Foundation was used to create an immersive experience that brings The North Face's brand and catalog to life in a retail environment.

Designing FreeCell using Expression and Visual Studio Toolsets

Get a taste of UI development on Windows Vista with Expression Interactive Designer, as Expression team member Unni Ravindranathan demonstrates how to build FreeCell using Expression and the Windows Vista January Community Tech Preview (CTP).


Graphics/Imaging

3D Integration in Windows Presentation Foundation

The 3D features in the Windows Presentation Foundation are not just an easier way to render 3D graphics, but truly an integrated part of the next generation Windows platform. Daniel Lehenbauer demos how 3D content can be combined with data binding, video, animation, layout, templating, and more.

Creating Rich 2D and 3D Content in WPF

This lab demonstrates the integration of the 2D, 3D, Media, and Animation systems in Windows Presentation Foundation.

Design and Styling in WPF

In this lab you will create a basic photo store application and then learn how resources, styles, and templates can be used in XAML to dramatically alter the look and feel of an application.

Using Images and Effects in WPF

Learn how easy it can be to edit images in WPF. Explore how you add and chain effects on text, images, and controls.


Interop/Migration

Moving Win32 Applications to Windows Presentation Foundation

Learn how to migrate your apps from Win32 to the Windows Presentation Foundation in this hands-on lab.

"Crossbow" - Windows Forms and Windows Presentation Foundation Interoperability

Mike Henderlight introduces the "Crossbow" technology and describes how you can use it to build hybrid Windows Forms and Windows Presentation Foundation applications.


MCE

Your First Windows Vista/Media Center Application (and a look at the "secret room")

In Building 50 on the Microsoft Campus, there's a secret room that's never been shown in public before. Learn about this room as a Media Center PM shows you how to build your first Media Center application.


Miscellaneous

Templates in Windows Presentation Foundation (MSDN TV)

Customize controls and arbitrary data using templates in Windows Presentation Foundation. Robert Ingebretsen and Kevin Moore show you how in this episode of MSDN TV.

Overview of Text and Flow Layout in Windows Presentation Foundation

Chris Han and Amar Atwal demo text and flow layout features in Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) that allow you to take real world print ideas and translate them into the digital medium.


Printing

.NET Framework 3.0 Printing and Archiving

Learn about printing and archiving with the Windows Presentation Foundation in this hands-on lab.