Finding and Sharing Extensions

You can download, install, and manage Visual Studio extensions by using Extension Manager, which is available on the Tools menu. You can also obtain extensions by going to websites such as the Visual Studio Gallery, or by getting them directly from other developers. For more information about how to find and install extensions, see Installing and Managing Visual Studio Tools and Extensions.

You can also create extensions, wrap them in deployment packages, and share them with other developers by posting them on the Internet, posting them on a network share, or sending them by email. If you wrap an extension in a VSIX deployment package and upload it to the Visual Studio Gallery website, other developers can use Extension Manager to install it. For more information about how to deploy extensions, see Visual Studio Extension Deployment.

Title

Description

VSIX Extension Schema Reference

The XML schema for a VSIX manifest file, which is required in extensions that target Extension Manager.

Visual Studio Content Installer Schema Reference

The XML schema for a .vscontent file, which is required in community components that target the Visual Studio Content Installer.

Installing and Managing Visual Studio Tools and Extensions

Describes how to find, install, remove, enable, and disable Visual Studio extensions.

Visual Studio Extension Deployment

Describes various technologies for deploying Visual Studio extensions.

Creating Item Templates

Describes how to create various kinds of item templates.

Creating Project Templates

Describes how to create various kinds of project templates.

How to: Package and Install Custom Controls for the Toolbox

Shows how to package a Toolbox control and install it in Visual Studio.

Creating Code Snippets

Describes various ways to create code snippets in Visual Studio.

How to: Publish Project Templates

Shows how to make custom project templates available to other developers.

How to: Publish Code Snippets

Shows how to make custom code snippets available to other developers.

Creating Add-ins and Wizards

Links to information about how to create add-ins and wizards that can be used in Visual Studio.

Interacting with Other Developers

Describes how you can communicate with other developers and share ideas.