5 Fun Productivity Tips to Make Visual Studio Easier

Ready to make your time in Visual Studio more enjoyable? You can boost your coding speed and satisfaction with a few simple Productivity Tips. Developers love tools that help them work smarter—just look at the 14 million monthly users and the 71% of developers who prefer VS Code, according to recent surveys.

No matter your skill level, you can find new ways to have fun while coding and make your workflow smoother.

Key Takeaways

• Use keyboard shortcuts to work faster. Learn important keys like Ctrl+F to find words. Press F5 to start debugging your code.

• Use code snippets to help you write code quickly. Try built-in snippets or make your own. This saves time and helps you make fewer mistakes.

• Change your workspace with themes and layouts. Pick colors and setups that help you feel good and stay focused.

• Look for extensions to make Visual Studio better. Add tools that do tasks for you and make coding easier.

• Use code cleanup and navigation tools. Try automatic code cleanup and quick actions. These help keep your code neat and help you move around your project easily.

1. Keyboard Shortcuts

Essential Keys

You want to code faster, right? Keyboard shortcuts help you zip through your work in Visual Studio. You can jump to a line, comment code, or debug with just a few taps. Here are some shortcuts you should try:

• Ctrl+F: Find text in your file

• Ctrl+G: Go to a specific line

• F12: Go to definition

• Shift+F12: Find all references

• Ctrl+K, Ctrl+C: Comment selected lines

• F9: Toggle breakpoint

• F5: Start debugging

• Ctrl+F5: Start without debugging

• Shift+F5: Stop debugging

• F10: Step over

• F11: Step into

• Shift+F11: Step out

• Ctrl+Shift+F9: Delete all breakpoints

• Ctrl+Alt+E: Open exceptions

• Ctrl+Alt+Q or Shift+F9: Quick watch

• Ctrl+Shift+F5: Restart

• Ctrl+F10: Run to cursor

• Ctrl+Shift+F10: Set next statement

Tip: Try using these shortcuts every day. You will notice your workflow gets smoother and you spend less time searching for buttons.

Custom Shortcuts

You can make Visual Studio fit your style. Customizing shortcuts lets you set up your own commands for actions you use most. Here’s how you do it:

1. Open the Keyboard Shortcuts editor. Go to File > Preferences > Keyboard Shortcuts or use the command Preferences: Open Keyboard Shortcuts.

2. To set a shortcut for a UI action, right-click the action and choose Configure Keybinding.

3. To remove a shortcut, right-click the entry in the editor and select Remove Keybinding.

4. You can also edit the keybindings.json file. Add a - before the command name to remove a shortcut.

You save time when you set up shortcuts that match your habits. You get more done with less effort. These Productivity Tips help you work smarter, not harder.

2. Code Snippets

You want to write code faster and make fewer mistakes. Code snippets in Visual Studio help you do just that. They let you insert small blocks of reusable code with just a few keystrokes. You can use built-in snippets or create your own. Both options save you time and boost your coding skills.

Built-in Snippets

Visual Studio comes packed with handy snippets for common programming tasks. You can use these shortcuts to add code patterns quickly. Here are some built-in snippets you should try:

• #if: Adds an #if directive and an #endif directive.

• #region: Creates a #region and an #endregion directive.

• ~: Inserts a finalizer (destructor) for your class.

• attribute: Declares a class that derives from Attribute.

• checked: Adds a checked block.

• class: Sets up a class declaration.

• ctor: Generates a constructor for your class.

• cw: Writes a Console.WriteLine statement.

Tip: Type the shortcut (like cw) and press Tab. Visual Studio will expand it into a full code block. You can use these snippets for patterns like Try...Finally or If...Else too.

Custom Snippets

You can create your own snippets for code you use often. Custom snippets help you work smarter and keep your code consistent. Here’s how they make your life easier:

1. Templates let you enter repeating code patterns, such as loops or conditionals.

2. Snippets show up in IntelliSense, so you can insert them fast.

3. You can find extensions in the VS Code Marketplace for even more snippet options.

• Custom snippets cut down on typing and reduce errors.

• They help your team follow the same coding standards.

• Snippets teach you best practices and new language features.

Want to make your own? Install the Snippet Designer extension. Create a .snippet file and save it in your snippets folder. Open Visual Studio and use the Code Snippets Manager to import your new snippet. Start typing your shortcut, and watch it appear in autocomplete.

Using code snippets is one of the best Productivity Tips for making Visual Studio easier and more fun. You spend less time on boring tasks and more time building cool stuff.

3. Workspace Personalization

You spend a lot of time in Visual Studio, so why not make it feel like your own space? Personalizing your workspace helps you stay comfortable, focused, and happy while you code. You can change the look and layout to match your style and needs. Let’s dive into two easy ways to make Visual Studio work for you.

Themes

Themes change the colors and style of your editor. You can pick a theme that feels good for your eyes or matches your mood. Many developers love using themes to make coding more fun and less tiring. Here are some of the most popular themes you can try:

• One Dark Pro: A favorite with markdown preview support.

• Midnight Spruce Pine: Combines features from other themes for easy code scanning.

• Atom One Dark: Millions of downloads and a clean look.

• Goodnight: High contrast for different programming languages.

• Midnight Deep: Maximum contrast for low-light coding.

• Night Owl: Great for colorblind users and night owls.

• Monokai Night: Familiar palette for Sublime Text fans.

• Ayu: Minimalistic with three flexible variations.

• Dainty: Sleek, modern, and offers both light and dark options.

• GitHub Theme: Matches GitHub’s colors for a familiar feel.

• Houston: Space-inspired for a unique vibe.

Tip: Try switching themes during the day or night. You might find one that helps you focus better or just makes you smile.

Layouts

Layouts let you organize your workspace the way you like. You can move panels, group files by color, and highlight active documents. Custom layouts help you stay organized and find things faster. You can even sync your settings across devices, so your workspace feels the same at home or at the office.

• Adjustable line spacing makes code easier to read.

• Custom document management helps you keep track of your work.

• Grouping files by color keeps you focused and organized.

• Highlighting active documents helps you avoid getting lost.

Personalization boosts your satisfaction and engagement. When you tailor your workspace, you feel like Visual Studio was made just for you. Adaptive layouts and themes help you work at your best, no matter your skill level. These Productivity Tips make coding more enjoyable and help you get more done.

4. Extensions

Extensions can make Visual Studio even better. You can add new features and automate boring jobs. Extensions help you work faster and have more fun.

Top Picks

You may ask which extensions are best. Here are some favorites from the Visual Studio community:

You can also try these popular picks:

• ReSharper: Automates coding routines and finds errors fast.

• CodeMaid: Cleans and organizes your code with one click.

• Visual Studio IntelliCode: Uses AI to suggest code and format it for you.

Tip: Try different extensions to see what you like. You may find a new favorite that changes how you code.

Install & Manage

It is easy to start using extensions. Just follow these steps:

1. Open the Extension Manager. Click Extensions > Manage Extensions or type "extensions" in the search box.

2. Search for the extension you want.

3. Click Install to begin.

4. Wait for the download to finish. Visual Studio will tell you when it’s ready.

5. To turn off or remove an extension, go back to the Extension Manager. Click Disable or Uninstall, then restart Visual Studio.

Extensions do more than add buttons. Here is how they help:

• Make code easier to read.

• Automate tasks you do a lot.

• Help you write cleaner code.

• Make teamwork easier.

• Add features for different programming languages.

You can use these Productivity Tips to make Visual Studio work better for you. Extensions let you change your coding experience and save time every day.

5. Productivity Tips for Code Cleanup & Navigation

Keeping your code clean and moving around your project quickly can make your day much easier. Visual Studio gives you some awesome tools for this. Let’s look at how you can tidy up your code and find what you need in seconds.

Code Cleanup

You can let Visual Studio handle the boring parts of code formatting. The Code Cleanup tool fixes style issues and organizes your code every time you save. Here’s a quick look at what it can do:

You can set your preferences once and let Visual Studio do the rest. No more worrying about messy code!

Quick Actions

Ever see a little lightbulb pop up next to your code? That’s Visual Studio offering to help. Quick Actions and lightbulb suggestions let you:

• Refactor code right where you see a problem.

• Fix common warnings fast, so you don’t have to hunt for errors.

• Use keyboard shortcuts or right-click to access these fixes in seconds.

You can use Quick Actions whenever Visual Studio spots a way to improve your code. It’s like having a coding assistant by your side.

Fast Navigation

You don’t want to waste time scrolling through files. Visual Studio gives you shortcuts to jump anywhere you need:

• Go To Line (Ctrl+G): Jump to any line number.

• Go To All (Ctrl+T or Ctrl+,): Search for files, types, or symbols.

• Go To File (Ctrl+Shift+T): Open any file in your project.

• Go To Recent File (Ctrl+1, Ctrl+R): Return to files you just edited.

• Go To Type/Member/Symbol: Find classes, methods, or variables fast.

• Go To Next/Previous Issue: Move through code issues with Alt+PgDn or Alt+PgUp.

• Go To Last Edit Location (Ctrl+Shift+Backspace): Jump back to where you last made changes.

You can also boost your workflow with advanced tools. Edit your code while debugging, or pin data tips to watch variables. Multi-cursor editing lets you change several lines at once. Want to comment out a block? Try Ctrl+/ or Ctrl+K, Ctrl+C. Need to turn JSON or XML into C# classes? Just copy your data, right-click, and use “Paste Special.” Visual Studio does the heavy lifting for you!

Try these tips and watch your coding speed soar. You’ll spend less time on busywork and more time building great things.

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You learned about five Productivity Tips that make Visual Studio easier and more fun. Try using shortcuts, code snippets, workspace changes, extensions, and cleanup tools. Small changes can help you get big results:

• The Bosch security camera team worked faster after switching to Visual Studio 2022 and using better integration tools.

• CMake presets made their workflow smoother and faster.

Here are some long-term benefits you can get:

You can also work better with others by using tools like Live Share and Prettier. Try out these tips and tell your friends which ones you like best. Even small changes can make coding easier and more fun.

FAQ

How do I reset my Visual Studio settings?

You can reset your settings by going to Tools > Import and Export Settings. Choose "Reset all settings." This brings Visual Studio back to its default look and feel.

Can I use Visual Studio extensions on all versions?

Most extensions work with the latest Visual Studio versions. Some may not support older releases. Always check the extension’s page for compatibility before you install.

What should I do if Visual Studio runs slow?

Try disabling unused extensions. Close extra windows and files. You can also clear the cache. If things still lag, restart Visual Studio or your computer.

How do I create my own code snippet?

Go to Tools > Code Snippets Manager. Click "Import" to add a new snippet. You can also use the Snippet Designer extension for more options.

Is there a way to sync my settings across devices?

Yes! Sign in with your Microsoft account. Visual Studio will sync your themes, layouts, and keybindings. This keeps your setup the same everywhere you code.