Microsoft has rolled out a major improvement to the XAML Live Preview feature in Visual Studio 2022 version 17.14, delivering a smoother UI development experience for .NET MAUI developers.
Design-Time Availability
Previously, XAML Live Preview could only be used during a debug session, forcing developers to run the app before seeing UI updates. Now, the Live Preview window is available at design time, letting developers instantly visualize changes as they edit XAML.
Key capabilities include:
Element selection for quick navigation to source XAML.
Zoom and ruler tools for precise layout inspection.
Docking support for keeping the preview visible alongside code.
Developers can access the feature from the menu:
Debug > Windows > XAML Live Preview.
.NET MAUI Android Support
In addition to Windows, the Live Preview now supports Android devices and emulators, enabling developers to preview UI updates across platforms without leaving Visual Studio. This ensures consistent, high-fidelity rendering on multiple targets.
AI-Powered Assistance with GitHub Copilot
XAML Live Preview also integrates seamlessly with GitHub Copilot. With Copilot Vision, developers can provide a reference image of a desired UI layout, and Copilot will generate the XAML automatically. The Live Preview window updates in real time, making rapid prototyping and refinement easier than ever.
Availability
The enhanced XAML Live Preview is available in:
Visual Studio 2022 version 17.14
Visual Studio 2026 Insiders release
For setup and detailed guidance, check out the official XAML Live Preview Documentation.
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