C#  

Customize C# Code Formatting in Visual Studio Code

Introduction

When writing C# code in Visual Studio Code, having clean and consistent formatting is essential for readability and collaboration. Every developer has a preferred way to organize their code — from brace positions to spacing and indentation. By customizing C# code formatting in VS Code, you can make your code look professional and maintain consistency across your team or projects. This article explains, in simple and natural language, how to set up and fine-tune C# formatting in VS Code, including practical examples and configuration tips that work well for developers worldwide.

Setting Up C# Support in Visual Studio Code

Before you start customizing code formatting, ensure that Visual Studio Code supports C# properly.

Steps

  1. Open VS Code and go to the Extensions tab (left sidebar).

  2. Search for C# Dev Kit or C# (powered by OmniSharp) and install it.

  3. Once installed, VS Code will recognize .cs files and provide IntelliSense, debugging, and formatting options.

Tip

Make sure the .NET SDK is installed on your system. You can verify this by running:

dotnet --version

If it returns a version number, you’re all set. Otherwise, download it from the official .NET website.

Basic Formatting Settings in VS Code

Visual Studio Code lets you control how your code is formatted through settings. You can find them in:

File → Preferences → Settings (Windows/Linux) or Code → Preferences → Settings (macOS).

Common Formatting Options

Add these settings to your settings.json file to make formatting automatic:

"editor.formatOnSave": true,
"editor.formatOnType": true,
"editor.formatOnPaste": true,
"[csharp]": {
    "editor.defaultFormatter": "ms-dotnettools.csharp"
}

Why This Matters

These options ensure your code is formatted every time you type, paste, or save — keeping your files clean without extra effort.

Control Indentation and Spacing

Indentation and spacing make a huge difference in how readable your C# code looks.

Example Settings

"editor.insertSpaces": true,
"editor.tabSize": 4

This setup uses 4 spaces instead of tabs for indentation — a common standard for C# projects.

Example Before and After

Before

if(condition){
Console.WriteLine("Hello");
}

After

if (condition)
{
    Console.WriteLine("Hello");
}

Notice how the formatted code is more readable and consistent.

Using .editorconfig for Project-Level Formatting

When working in teams or across multiple devices, the .editorconfig file ensures that everyone follows the same formatting rules.

What It Does

  • Keeps consistent formatting across developers and systems.

  • Automatically applies rules to C# files.

  • Works in all major editors, not just VS Code.

Example .editorconfig File

root = true

[*.cs]
indent_style = space
indent_size = 4
insert_final_newline = true
csharp_new_line_before_open_brace = all
csharp_new_line_before_else = true
csharp_space_before_open_square_brackets = false

Benefits

Teams across regions — whether in India, the US, or Europe — can maintain consistent code styles without manual adjustments.

Advanced C# Formatting Options

You can fine-tune even more details using advanced formatting options. These control things like where braces go, spacing, and new lines.

Common Options

csharp_new_line_before_open_brace = all
csharp_indent_switch_labels = true
csharp_space_between_method_call_parameter_list_parentheses = false

Example

Unformatted Code

public class Example{
public void Greet(string name){Console.WriteLine($"Hello {name}");}}

After Formatting

public class Example
{
    public void Greet(string name)
    {
        Console.WriteLine($"Hello {name}");
    }
}

Now the code is easy to read, debug, and maintain.

Using CSharpier for Automatic Formatting

If you want fully automated, consistent formatting, try CSharpier—an opinionated C# code formatter.

Steps to Use

  1. Install the CSharpier VS Code extension.

  2. Add this to your settings:

"[csharp]": {
  "editor.defaultFormatter": "csharpier.csharpier-vscode"
}

  1. Save your file — CSharpier automatically formats your code instantly.

Benefits

  • Enforces one clean, consistent style.

  • Saves time in code reviews.

  • Works great in teams with multiple contributors.

Pro Tips for Consistent Formatting

  • Always enable Format on Save for automatic cleanup.

  • Add .editorconfig to your repository so all contributors follow the same format.

  • Use Shift + Alt + F to manually format a file anytime.

  • Integrate code formatting checks in your CI/CD pipeline to maintain consistency.

  • When changing formatting rules, reformat the entire codebase once and commit to avoid cluttered diffs.

Summary

Customizing C# code formatting in Visual Studio Code helps you write cleaner, more professional, and consistent code across projects. With proper setup — using settings, .editorconfig, tools like CSharpier — you can automate formatting, improve team collaboration, and make your code easier to maintain. Whether you’re coding alone or working with a team across regions, consistent formatting ensures your C# projects stay organized, readable, and ready for growth.

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