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madskristensen
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showing-info-bars

Display non-blocking InfoBar notifications across Visual Studio extension surfaces.

14|2|Updated Mar 24, 2026
Search Tags:#extension#notification#visual-studio#tool-window#infobar#document-window
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/madskristensen/vs-agent-plugins --skill showing-info-bars
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: showing-info-bars
Source: https://github.com/madskristensen/vs-agent-plugins/tree/main/skills/showing-info-bars
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/madskristensen/vs-agent-plugins --skill showing-info-bars

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

InfoBars provide non-blocking notifications in Visual Studio extensions, allowing users to act without leaving their current context.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Non-blocking notifications via InfoBar across tool windows, document windows, and the main IDE window.
  • Guidance on when to use InfoBar vs message boxes, status bars, or logs.
  • Examples for showing InfoBars in a tool window (e.g., Solution Explorer), in a document window, and globally in the main window; and patterns for event handling and cleanup.

Quick Start

Create a simple InfoBar in your tool window using the toolkit wrapper (VS.InfoBar.CreateAsync) or the VSSDK/ToolWindowPane approaches, then display it to verify.

Frequently Asked Questions about showing-info-bars

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I show an InfoBar notification in a Visual Studio tool window like Solution Explorer?▼

To show an InfoBar in a Visual Studio tool window, use the VS.InfoBar.CreateAsync toolkit wrapper or the ToolWindowPane approach to display non-blocking notifications directly within surfaces like Solution Explorer.

When should I use an InfoBar instead of a message box in my VS extension?▼

Use an InfoBar instead of a message box when you need non-blocking notifications that allow users to act without leaving their current context, providing a less intrusive experience in Visual Studio extensions.

Can I display InfoBars in document windows and the main Visual Studio IDE window?▼

Yes, you can display InfoBars globally in the main IDE window and locally in document windows, covering out-of-process VisualStudio.Extensibility, in-process VSIX Toolkit, and VSSDK usage scenarios.

What is the best way to handle InfoBar events and lifecycle management in VSSDK?▼

The best way to handle InfoBar lifecycle and events in VSSDK is by using the IVsInfoBar interfaces, which provide patterns for proper event handling, placement, and cleanup across tool and document windows.

Does the VisualStudio.Extensibility out-of-process model support creating InfoBars?▼

Yes, the out-of-process VisualStudio.Extensibility model supports creating InfoBars, allowing you to display non-blocking notifications across tool windows, document windows, and the main IDE window.

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