1. Install Visual Assist
- Exit all instances of Visual Studio.
- Run the .exe installer you downloaded from this website.
- Select the IDE(s) you want to install to.
- If you selected Visual Studio 2017, install any dependent components.
2. Launch Visual Studio
Browse through the tips-of-the-day and learn about some of the components and commands of Visual Assist.
3. Open a solution
Visual Assist will come alive after it finishes parsing.
4. Look around
Open the VAssistX menu. You will use the menu primarily to open tool windows, review keyboard shortcuts, and access the options dialog.
Appreciate the understated UI to Visual Assist. There are just a few visible changes.
5. Change a few settings
If you like meaningful syntax coloring, open the options dialog for Visual Assist and apply coloring to more of the UI.
If you highlight the current line, choose a thin frame that doesn't obscure your code.
Then, open the options dialog to Visual Studio and eliminate the redundant navigation bar. The version in Visual Assist includes the functionality of the built-in one.
After making the changes, Visual Studio is ready to use.
6. Learn a few shortcuts
Open a dialog of new keyboard shortcuts by selecting VAssistX | Help | Keyboard Shortcuts. Hover in the dialog for command meanings.
Take the recommended shortcuts. Some of these, like Shift+Alt+O at global scope, are important.
Learn which shortcuts to use in the next learning resource, Top 10 Features.
7. Discover features in the options dialog
Browse the options dialog for Visual Assist, bit by bit, to find features that fit into your workflow. Hover over any setting to see its explanation.
8. Dive into documentation from any dialog
Click the ? icon in any Visual Assist dialog you use often to learn advanced usage of the feature.
9. Learn more
Return to online resources to become a power user of Visual Assist.
10. Stay informed
Learn about new features and bug fixes by following us on social media or by reading our what's-new page when notified of a new build.