OpenSilver 3.1, a key release from Userware for cross-platform .NET development, has introduced a groundbreaking feature: the first-ever drag-and-drop XAML designer for Microsoft Visual Studio Code. This update, announced on December 10, marks a significant milestone for developers using non-Windows platforms. The SDK for OpenSilver 3.1 is now available for download, and it promises to enhance user interface design across all major operating systems, including macOS and Linux, which previously lacked comprehensive tools for visual XAML design.
The new XAML designer in OpenSilver 3.1 addresses a long-standing gap in the .NET development ecosystem. Before this release, developers on macOS and Linux were limited to text-based coding for XAML UI design, while Visual Studio on Windows provided a more intuitive, drag-and-drop environment. Now, with OpenSilver 3.1, developers can create user interfaces directly in Visual Studio Code, making the process seamless across different operating systems. Additionally, a web-based version of the XAML designer is available via xaml.io, providing even more flexibility for remote or cloud-based development.
OpenSilver 3.1 builds on the framework’s goal of being a viable replacement for Microsoft’s Silverlight, especially for those needing to maintain or transition rich internet applications. The update continues the “WPF everywhere” strategy, bringing support for several key Windows Presentation Framework features, such as DynamicResource, MultiBinding, x:Static, and UniformGrid. These enhancements aim to make it easier for developers to build sophisticated applications that still feel familiar within the WPF ecosystem. Userware has indicated that further WPF support, including features like triggers and styles, will be added by mid-2025.
In addition to the technical improvements, OpenSilver 3.1 also introduces a modern UI theme that blends Material and Fluent Design principles. This new theme features a sleek, flat design, available in both light and dark modes, which enhances the visual appeal of web applications. Developers can also customize the theme’s color palettes for specific branding needs, offering greater flexibility in building polished, on-brand user interfaces.