umbraco-add-extension-reference

Add an Umbraco extension project reference to the main .csproj.

1|Updated May 21, 2026

Search Tags:#dotnet #csproj #sln #umbraco #project reference #backoffice extension #relative path

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/1k-off/umbraco-observability-playground --skill umbraco-add-extension-reference-1k-off

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: umbraco-add-extension-reference
Source: https://github.com/1k-off/umbraco-observability-playground/tree/main/.agents/skills/umbraco-add-extension-reference
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/1k-off/umbraco-observability-playground --skill umbraco-add-extension-reference-1k-off

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

It solves the issue where a newly created Umbraco backoffice extension does not load because it was never added to the main Umbraco instance as a project reference (and optionally to the solution for IDE support).

Core Features & Use Cases

Main Umbraco project discovery: Locates the correct .csproj by searching for Umbraco.Cms package references across the workspace.
Safe reference insertion: Reads the main .csproj and inserts the new extension as a <ProjectReference> into the appropriate <ItemGroup>, using the correct relative path.
Optional solution integration: Detects .sln files and adds the extension project to the selected solution using dotnet sln add when a solution exists.

Quick Start

Tell the agent to add your extension project reference to the main Umbraco .csproj (and include it in your .sln if one exists) so the extension loads in the backoffice.

Frequently Asked Questions about umbraco-add-extension-reference

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

FAQPage Schema

Why does my Umbraco backoffice extension not load in the main site?▼

Your Umbraco backoffice extension likely does not load because it was never added to the main Umbraco instance as a project reference. You must update the main `.csproj` file with a `<ProjectReference>` to the extension project.

How do I add a project reference to my main Umbraco `.csproj` file?▼

To add a project reference, insert a `<ProjectReference>` element into the appropriate `<ItemGroup>` in your main Umbraco `.csproj` file. The reference must use the correct cross-platform relative path to the extension's `.csproj` file.

How do I find the main Umbraco project in my workspace?▼

You can find the main Umbraco project by searching for `Umbraco.Cms` package references across the `.csproj` files in your workspace. The project containing this package reference is the main Umbraco instance that needs updating.

Do I need to add my Umbraco extension to the `.sln` solution file?▼

Adding your Umbraco extension to the `.sln` file is optional but recommended for IDE support. If a solution exists, you can add the extension project to it using the `dotnet sln add` command.

Can I use this with an extension generated from `dotnet new umbraco-extension`?▼

Yes, this applies when an extension has been created via `dotnet new umbraco-extension`, moved into the workspace, or generated from `umbraco-backoffice` blueprints. It wires the generated extension into the main instance so it loads at runtime.