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adding-editor-margins

Automate editor margin integration across Visual Studio extensibility models.

14|2|Updated Mar 24, 2026
Search Tags:#margin#visual-studio#mef#vssdk#visualstudio-extensibility#remote-ui#glyph-margin
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/madskristensen/vs-agent-plugins --skill adding-editor-margins
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: adding-editor-margins
Source: https://github.com/madskristensen/vs-agent-plugins/tree/main/skills/adding-editor-margins
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/madskristensen/vs-agent-plugins --skill adding-editor-margins

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Add custom margins to the Visual Studio text editor (gutter icons, side panels, bottom bars). Use when the user asks how to add a gutter, editor margin, side panel, bottom bar, line number gutter, custom glyph margin, or editor chrome. Covers VisualStudio.Extensibility (out-of-process), VSIX Community Toolkit (in-process), and legacy VSSDK (in-process) approaches.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Define an editor margin with Remote UI for out-of-process margins (VisualStudio.Extensibility).
  • Support in-process margins via VSIX Community Toolkit and VSSDK, including left glyph margins.
  • Ensure MEF asset declarations and proper margin provider registration for all three models.

Quick Start

Follow the approach you choose to implement and register a margin provider so it becomes visible with the editor.

Frequently Asked Questions about adding-editor-margins

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I add a custom editor margin to a Visual Studio extension?▼

You add a custom editor margin by implementing and registering a margin provider using VisualStudio.Extensibility, VSIX Community Toolkit, or VSSDK. This provider handles the margin loading and visibility within the text editor.

What is the difference between out-of-process and in-process editor margins in VS?▼

Out-of-process editor margins use Remote UI via VisualStudio.Extensibility, while in-process margins rely on the VSIX Community Toolkit or legacy VSSDK. Both approaches require proper margin provider implementation to display correctly.

Do I need MEF asset declarations for VSSDK editor margins?▼

Yes, MEF-based asset declarations are required for VSSDK-style editor margins. You must properly declare these assets and implement the margin provider to ensure the custom margin loads within the Visual Studio text editor.

Can I add a glyph margin or side panel to the Visual Studio text editor?▼

Yes, you can add glyph margins, side panels, bottom bars, and line number gutters to the text editor. The implementation supports left, right, gutter, top, and bottom editor margins across the three extensibility models.

What is the best way to add editor chrome like a bottom bar in Visual Studio?▼

The best way to add editor chrome like a bottom bar is to use VisualStudio.Extensibility with Remote UI for out-of-process scenarios, or the VSIX Community Toolkit for in-process implementations, ensuring proper margin provider registration.

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