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Quick Add New File (Shift+F2)

The fastest way to create files in your .NET projects.

Overview​

Quick Add New File is activated with Shift+F2 and provides instant file creation with intelligent defaults.

Basic Usage​

Single File Creation​

  1. Select a folder or project in Solution Explorer
  2. Press Shift+F2
  3. Enter a filename: MyClass.cs
  4. Press Enter

The file is created with:

  • Appropriate template based on filename
  • Correct namespace
  • Standard formatting
  • Ready to edit

File Type Detection​

The extension detects file types automatically:

  • IMyService.cs → Interface template
  • MyEnum.cs → Enum template
  • PersonRecord.cs → Record template
  • MyController.cs → Controller template (in web projects)
  • MyTest.cs → Test class (in test projects)

Creating Multiple Files​

Comma-Separated List​

Create several files at once:

UserService.cs, IUserService.cs, UserDto.cs

All three files are created in the selected location.

With Folders​

Include folder paths:

Services/UserService.cs, Models/User.cs, Tests/UserTests.cs

Folders are created automatically if they don't exist.

Creating Folders​

Empty Folders​

Create a folder by adding a trailing slash:

NewFolder/

Folders with Files​

Combine folder and file creation:

Utils/, Utils/StringHelper.cs

Advanced Syntax​

Nested Structures​

Create complex folder hierarchies:

Features/Users/Services/UserService.cs

All intermediate folders are created automatically.

Multiple Files in New Folder​

Authentication/AuthService.cs, Authentication/IAuthService.cs

Both files are created inside the new Authentication folder.

Common Patterns​

Service Layer​

Services/IUserService.cs, Services/UserService.cs, Services/Dto/UserDto.cs

Feature Folder​

Features/Orders/OrdersController.cs, Features/Orders/OrderService.cs, Features/Orders/OrderViewModel.cs

Test Setup​

Tests/Unit/UserServiceTests.cs, Tests/Integration/UserIntegrationTests.cs

Tips and Tricks​

Quick Interface Creation​

For an interface and implementation:

IMyService.cs, MyService.cs

Batch File Creation​

Create related files together:

User.cs, UserDto.cs, UserValidator.cs, UserProfile.cs

Organizing by Feature​

Features/Users/Commands/, Features/Users/Queries/, Features/Users/Models/

Integration​

Automatic Namespace​

All created files get the correct namespace based on:

  • Project root namespace
  • Folder location within project
  • .NET conventions

Solution Explorer Updates​

  • Files appear immediately in the tree
  • No manual refresh needed
  • Can edit files right away

IntelliSense Integration​

  • New files are recognized instantly
  • Types are available for IntelliSense
  • No project reload required

Troubleshooting​

File Not Created​

If a file isn't created:

  1. Check filename is valid (no special characters)
  2. Verify you have write permissions
  3. Ensure parent folder exists or will be created
  4. Check Output panel for errors

Wrong Template Applied​

If the wrong template is used:

  1. Use explicit naming (e.g., IMyInterface.cs for interfaces)
  2. Manually edit the generated file
  3. Future files will use pattern matching

Namespace Incorrect​

If namespace is wrong:

  1. Check project settings
  2. Verify folder structure
  3. Use the namespace adjustment feature to fix