Managing Files in the Miscellaneous Files Folder

The Solution Explorer can display a folder for files that are useful but which you do not want to permanently associate with a project or solution. The Miscellaneous Files folder tracks these files when they are open and, if you want, after you have closed them. You can use this folder to switch to open miscellaneous files. If you choose, you can also quickly open miscellaneous files that you have recently used to make the folder can function in a similar way to a Most Recently Used (MRU) list.

For example, you can create and edit files using the Visual Studio .NET editors without creating a project. Or you can work on files that you want to use temporarily, such as creating files for development notes while you work on your solution. For information about files you to permanently associate with a solution, see Solution Items.

Note   If you want the folder for miscellaneous files to appear in the tree view of Solution Explorer, you need to select that option explicitly.

You can create a new file or edit an existing file. If the file is not associated with an open solution or project, the file appears in the Miscellaneous Files folder.

To create a miscellaneous file

1. On the File menu, choose New and then choose File.

2. In the New File dialog box, select a Category from the left pane.

3. From the right pane, choose a Template and then choose Open.

   Tip   If you want to use a different editor than the current default editor, you can change or add an editor. For more information, see Changing or Adding a Default Editor.

4. Enter the contents you want saved in the file, and then save it.

5. Solution Explorer can display a folder for these files if you want a graphical view of them available while you work.

To display the Miscellaneous Files Folder

1. Select Options on the Tools menu.

2. In the Options dialog box, open the Environment folder and choose Documents.

3. On the Documents tab, select the Choose Show miscellaneous files in Solution Explorer.

4. Specify the number of documents you want to appear in the folder.

   Note   If you leave the value at zero (0), then the folder only displays files that are currently open and not those that you have closed.

You can edit and save a miscellaneous file in Visual Studio or you can disassociate it from your solution by removing it from Solution Explorer. However, to physically delete it from storage you need to use Windows Explorer.

See Also

Miscellaneous Files | Solutions as Containers | Solution Explorer | New File dialog box | Changing or Adding a Default Editor | Documents, Environment, Options Dialog Box