The announcement that XAML Studio is now open source marks an exciting new chapter for Windows app development. After eight years of effort, this move opens the doors for wider community collaboration, faster innovation, and a stronger ecosystem for WinUI and XAML developers. Thanks to support from the .NET Foundation, developers everywhere can now contribute to and benefit from the continued evolution of XAML Studio.
Understanding XAML Studio
XAML Studio is a purpose-built tool for WinUI developers who work with XAML. Its main goal is to streamline rapid prototyping, making it easy to iterate on UI designs before integrating them into full Visual Studio projects. XAML Studio comes packed with features that make the developer experience smoother and more productive, such as:
- Live Edit and Interaction: See instant feedback as you work with XAML.
- Binding Debugger: Diagnose and resolve data binding issues quickly.
- Data Context Editor: Set up and edit mock data on the fly.
- Auto-save/Restore: Never lose your work with automatic document recovery.
- IntelliSense: Take advantage of smart code completion and suggestions.
- Documentation Toolbox: Access key references without leaving the tool.
- Alignment Guides & Namespace Helpers: Organize layouts and manage XAML namespaces efficiently.
The current version, 1.1, is available from the Microsoft Store, but with the project now open source, attention has shifted to developing version 2 with new and improved features.
What’s Coming in XAML Studio v2?
Version 2, now under active development on GitHub, introduces a wave of enhancements and experimental features. Over a dozen improvements have already been shared by the community, and direct feedback is shaping the tool’s priorities. Developers can try out the latest changes, submit issues, and suggest features, ensuring that XAML Studio continues to address real-world developer needs.
Community Contributions and Toolkit Integration
The journey to open source is closely tied to the Windows Community Toolkit (WCT). Several innovative components first prototyped in XAML Studio have become reusable controls within WCT, including:
- SwitchPresenter: Provides switch-like logic directly in XAML, a feature crafted to meet unique UI requirements.
- Sizer Controls: Tools like ContentSizer and a redesigned GridSplitter simplify complex layouts and adjustable panes.
- Vertical Segmented Control & SelectedContentControl: Created with input from the developer community, these controls offer enhanced layout flexibility and customization.
- Adorners: Powerful UI decoration and manipulation tools, now available for broader WinUI adoption as experimental packages.
These integrations help not only XAML Studio but also enrich the entire Windows development ecosystem by making advanced UI controls widely accessible.
Get Involved: How to Participate
The open source model welcomes both technical and non-technical contributions. Whether you want to report bugs, suggest enhancements, or provide usability feedback, your input is valuable. Developers can dive into the GitHub repository to find clear contribution guidelines, or join the Windows App Community Discord server for discussions and support. All types of participation help shape the future of the tool.
Future Roadmap and Releases
The current focus is on stabilizing and expanding XAML Studio v2, especially for full WinUI 3 support. While v2 remains experimental, plans are underway to ship a robust release to the Microsoft Store later this year. Progress and new features are tracked openly, allowing the community to follow along and contribute throughout the development process.
Conclusion
Open sourcing XAML Studio is a significant milestone for WinUI and XAML developers. It encourages a culture of collaboration and shared innovation, ensuring that the tool can evolve rapidly to meet developers’ needs. Whether you’re interested in contributing code, sharing feedback, or just exploring new features, now is the perfect time to get involved and help shape the future of Windows app development.
XAML Studio Is Now Open Source: What It Means for Developers