How to: Use the Template Wizard Extension

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You can use the Export Template Wizard extension to export project templates and item templates to the VSIX file format. This lets users install your template by using Extension Manager or by double-clicking the .vsix file. The Export Template Wizard extension is based on the Export Template Wizard that is included in Visual Studio.

To install the Export Template Wizard extension

  1. On the Tools menu, click Extension Manager.

  2. In the left pane, click Online Gallery.

  3. In the search box, type export template wizard.

  4. In the middle pane, in the Export Template Wizard entry, click Download.

To package a template

  1. Prepare the project for export by modifying files and making parameter substitutions, as required for your project.

  2. On the File menu, click Export Template as VSIX.

  3. Click Project Template or Item Template.

    For a project template, if you have more than one project in your current solution, select the projects that you want to export to a template.

    For an item template, select the project and file that you want to create a template from.

  4. Click Next.

  5. For an item template, select any references to add, and then click Next.

  6. Select an icon and a preview image for your template. These will appear in the New Project dialog box, and in Extension Manager.

  7. Type a template name and description.

  8. Type a wizard assembly and a welcome page, if applicable.

  9. Click Next.

  10. Change VSIX options if you want to.

    The License field takes the path of a text file that contains a license agreement. The Getting started guide URL field takes the URL of a Web site that contains information for users of your template.

    To change the value of the Supported VS Editions field, click Select, and then select items in the list. When you select any of the first four items, support for all items above it is included.

    A template that has the same VSIX Id that another extension has, but has a higher Version number, will overwrite the other extension on installation.

  11. Click Finish.