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<!--{{NYR|Early | {{uiaddonstudio}}{{#vardefine:EDITION|2022}}<!-- | ||
'''AddOn Studio | {{NYR|Early {{#var:EDITION}}.<br/>See the [[#Preview|Preview section]] below for pre-release versions.}}--> | ||
'''AddOn Studio {{#var:EDITION}} for World of Warcraft''' is a fully-featured development environment for creating and | |||
developing [[wo:AddOn|AddOn]]s for World of Warcraft. [[AddOn Studio]] features a professional [[wo:Lua|Lua]] editor | |||
with full code-completion and other modern facilities, an integrated visual [[wo:User interface|WoW UI]] designer, | |||
SVN and Git code repository support, project based [[wo:AddOn]] file management and deployment, and much more. | |||
[[File:AddOn Studio | [[File:AddOn Studio {{#var:EDITION}} for World of Warcraft.png|x280px|right|AddOn Studio {{#var:EDITION}} for World of Warcraft]] | ||
To get started follow the [[#AddOn Studio {{#var:EDITION}}|steps below]]. Feel free to visit the following pages for more | |||
information and help. Twitter: [//addonstudio.org/wow/twitter @AddonStudioWoW]. Documentation: | |||
[[#Getting started|Getting Started]]. History: [[AddOn Studio for World of Warcraft history|Release History]]. | |||
WoW API: [[wo:development|UI Customization]]. Support and Discord: [//addonstudio.org/wow/support AddOn Studio Discord]. | |||
Issues: [//addonstudio.org/wow/issues GitHub]. Donations: [//addonstudio.org/wow/donate PayPal]. | |||
== AddOn Studio | == AddOn Studio {{#var:EDITION}} == | ||
<span id="Install"></span><span id="install"></span> | <span id="Install"></span><span id="install"></span> | ||
=== What you need === | === What you need === | ||
: | :'''Important (2/18/25, updated 3/13/25):''' Unfortunatly there are issues currently with all versions of Visual Studio 2022 17.13 and 17.14. If you are on 17.12, or can revert to 17.12, please use 17.12 or earlier. Do NOT upgrade to 17.13 or 17.14 Preview. You may also install inplace of, or along side, your current version one of the LTSC builds 17.10 being preferred most stable. If you are new, please visit AS Discord for instructions. Microsoft is currently fixing underlying issue that affects AS and others using VS. Please visit the [//addonstudio.org/wow/support AddOn Studio Discord] for more info or for new VS installs. | ||
: | <div class="dt-ol"> | ||
# '''Visual Studio {{#var:EDITION}} Community (free), using one of these install links:'''<!--'''Visual Studio {{#var:EDITION}} Community (free), using one of these install links:'''--> | |||
#* <!--{{elink|prefix=Visual Studio Community installer (1.6 MB):<br />|site=Microsoft.com - Visual Studio Community 2022|link={{asfiles-1|VisualStudioSetup_2022_Community_Preview_231124.exe}}|style=display:inline}}-->{{elink|prefix=Visual Studio Community installer (1.6 MB):<br />|site=Microsoft.com - Visual Studio Community 2022|link={{asfiles-1|VisualStudioSetup_2022_Community_220315.exe}}|style=display:inline}} | |||
: | #*:''The exact installer stub from the download site. Just click run.'' | ||
#*:'''''-- or --''''' | |||
#* <!--{{elink|prefix=Visual Studio Community direct download link:<br />|site=Microsoft.com - Visual Studio Community 2022 Preview|link=https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/thank-you-downloading-visual-studio/?sku=Community&channel=Preview&version=VS2022&source=VSLandingPage&cid=2060&passive=false|style=display:inline}}-->{{elink|prefix=Visual Studio Community direct download link:<br />|site=Microsoft.com - Visual Studio Community 2022|link=https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/thank-you-downloading-visual-studio/?sku=Community&channel=Release&version=VS2022|style=display:inline}} | |||
#*:''Just click run.'' | |||
#*:'''''-- or --''''' | |||
#* {{elink|prefix=Main Visual Studio site:<br />|site=Microsoft.com - Visual Studio Community 2022|link=https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/vs/|style=display:inline}} | |||
#*:''Click 'Download Visual Studio' then click 'Community 2022', then run.''<!--''Click 'Download Visual Studio' then click 'Community 2022', then run.''--> | |||
#*:'''''-- or --''''' | |||
#* {{elink|prefix=Visual Studio Downloads site:<br />|site=Microsoft.com - Visual Studio Community 2022|link=//my.visualstudio.com/Downloads?q=Community%202022|style=display:inline}} | |||
#*:''Requires login. Click download on 'Visual Studio Community Preview', then run.''<!--''Requires login. Click download on 'Visual Studio Community', then run.''--> | |||
#*:'''''-- or --''''' | |||
: | #* {{elink|prefix=Visual Studio older versions download site:<br />|site=Microsoft.com - Visual Studio Community 2022|link=//visualstudio.microsoft.com/vs/older-downloads/|style=display:inline}} | ||
#*:''Browse to 'Visual Studio Community 2022 Preview', then download. May require login.''<!--''Browse to 'Visual Studio Community 2022', then download. May require login.''--><br /><span id="Release"></span><span id="Instructions"></span> | |||
# '''AddOn Studio {{#var:EDITION}} for WoW:''' | |||
#* {{release|AddOn Studio {{#var:EDITION}}|AddOnStudio|WoW||7.0.250313.0|3/13/2025}}<!--{{NYR-item}}<br/> see [[#Preview|Preview]] below.--><br /> | |||
#*:''Release notes are currently being published on [//addonstudio.org/wow/discord Discord] in the #News section.'' | |||
# '''Follow these instructions:''' | |||
#* '''[[#Getting started|Install and Getting Started]]''' | |||
</div> | |||
=== Other installs and downloads === | === Other installs and downloads === | ||
Current version: | Current version: | ||
* {{release- | * {{release-5|AddOnStudio|WoW||7.0.250313.0|3/13/2025}} | ||
<span id="Beta"></span><span id="Preview"></span> | <span id="Beta"></span><span id="Preview"></span> | ||
<!-- Preview: | |||
* {{release-5|AddOnStudio|WoW|(preview)|7.0.230831.0|8/31/2023}} | |||
--> | |||
Recent previous versions: | |||
* {{release-5|AddOnStudio|WoW||7.0.250306.0|3/06/2025}} | |||
* {{release-5|AddOnStudio|WoW||7.0.241208.0|12/08/2024}} | |||
* {{release-5|AddOnStudio|WoW||7.0.240821.0|8/21/2024}} | |||
* <s>{{release-5|AddOnStudio|WoW||7.0.240819.0|8/19/2024}}</s> (removed) | |||
* <s>{{release-5|AddOnStudio|WoW||7.0.240817.1|8/17/2024}}</s> (removed) | |||
* {{release-5|AddOnStudio|WoW||7.0.240815.0|8/15/2024}} | |||
* <s>{{release-5|AddOnStudio|WoW||7.0.240814.0|8/14/2024}}</s> (removed) | |||
* {{release-5|AddOnStudio|WoW||7.0.240726.0|7/26/2024}} | |||
* {{release-5|AddOnStudio|WoW||7.0.240620.0|6/20/2024}} | |||
* {{release-5|AddOnStudio|WoW||7.0.240609.0|6/09/2024}} | |||
* {{release-5|AddOnStudio|WoW||7.0.240531.1|5/31/2024}} | |||
* <s>{{release-5|AddOnStudio|WoW||7.0.240530.0|5/30/2024}}</s> (removed) | |||
* {{release-5|AddOnStudio|WoW||7.0.240526.0|5/26/2024}} | |||
* {{release-5|AddOnStudio|WoW||7.0.240510.0|5/10/2024}} | |||
* {{release-5|AddOnStudio|WoW||7.0.240504.0|5/04/2024}} | |||
* {{release-5|AddOnStudio|WoW||7.0.240302.0|3/02/2024}} | |||
* {{release-5|AddOnStudio|WoW||7.0.231124.0|11/24/2023}} | |||
<div width="50%"> | <div width="50%"> | ||
:''Alternate file download services graciously donated by '[//www.thecorehosting.net The Core Hosting]' internet hosting [[File:LogoTheCoreHostingx31h.png|The Core Hosting|link=//www.thecorehosting.net]]<br/></div> | :''Alternate file download services graciously donated by '[//www.thecorehosting.net The Core Hosting]' internet hosting [[File:LogoTheCoreHostingx31h.png|The Core Hosting|link=//www.thecorehosting.net]]<br/></div> | ||
Optional: | |||
* Blizzard Interface ToolKit:<br /> [[File:Blizz.gif]] [[wo:Interface AddOn Kit|World of Warcraft Interface AddOn Kit]]<!--{{elink|prefix=Blizzard Interface ToolKit:<br />|icon=blizzus|site=Blizzard Support (US) - World of Warcraft Interface AddOn Kit|link=//us.blizzard.com/support/article.xml?locale=en_US&articleId=21466&pageNumber=1|style=display:inline}}--> | |||
Other editions: | Other editions: | ||
| Line 52: | Line 75: | ||
* [[AddOn Studio 2010 for WoW]] - smaller install, older platforms, classic look. same wow features | * [[AddOn Studio 2010 for WoW]] - smaller install, older platforms, classic look. same wow features | ||
== Recent | Release information: | ||
* [[AddOn Studio for World of Warcraft history|AddOn Studio for WoW release history]] | |||
* [//addonstudio.org/wow/readme AddOn Studio for WoW requirements] | |||
== Recent features == | |||
New Features for 221031 preview: | New Features for 221031 preview: | ||
; Dragonflight and Patch 10.0.0 | ; Dragonflight and Patch 10.0.0 | ||
| Line 63: | Line 90: | ||
; Themes | ; Themes | ||
: Theme support extended to many new places including, backdrop designer, and the font and texture selectors. Many fixes for long standing issues with tree views and other IDE elements. | : Theme support extended to many new places including, backdrop designer, and the font and texture selectors. Many fixes for long standing issues with tree views and other IDE elements. | ||
; Other | ; Other | ||
: Many general fixes and updates, including fixes for gradient rendering, backdrop rending and others. | : Many general fixes and updates, including fixes for gradient rendering, backdrop rending and others. | ||
:''See the full list of changes for [[AddOn Studio for WoW | :''See the full list of changes for [[AddOn Studio for WoW history#210131.0 (1/31/2021) beta|210131.0 beta in release history]]'' | ||
New Features for 191009: | New Features for 191009: | ||
| Line 74: | Line 101: | ||
: May wish to check the AddOn Studio option for 'Tools > Options > AddOn Studio > World of Warcraft > WoW install location'. This option currently defaults to first installed game version, which for many will be the '_retail_' folder, and for some may be the '_classic_' folder. After changing the option, AddOn Studio must be restarted to take effect. Likewise changing this option to the '_ptr_' folder will target the PTR. For most the default will be '_retail_' and will just work. Will look into settings to make this easier, possibly per project. For targeting Classic, see below. | : May wish to check the AddOn Studio option for 'Tools > Options > AddOn Studio > World of Warcraft > WoW install location'. This option currently defaults to first installed game version, which for many will be the '_retail_' folder, and for some may be the '_classic_' folder. After changing the option, AddOn Studio must be restarted to take effect. Likewise changing this option to the '_ptr_' folder will target the PTR. For most the default will be '_retail_' and will just work. Will look into settings to make this easier, possibly per project. For targeting Classic, see below. | ||
[[File:AddOnStudio 2015 Demo World of Warcraft Classic 0.png|thumb|280px|Preview of AddOn Studio 2015 working with the new World of Warcraft Classic]] | [[File:AddOnStudio 2015 Demo World of Warcraft Classic 0.png|thumb|280px|Preview of AddOn Studio 2015 working with the new World of Warcraft Classic]] | ||
; World of Warcraft Classic | ; World of Warcraft Classic | ||
: New support for World of Warcraft Classic was added for AddOn Studio 2010 and 2022, which can be used now in the current beta. The WoW install base option in AddOn Studio may need to set to '_classic_' in 'Tools > Options > AddOn Studio > World of Warcraft > Alternate install location' for most users. This option currently defaults to first installed game version, which for many will be '_retail_'. After changing the option, AddOn Studio must be restarted to take effect. | : New support for World of Warcraft Classic was added for AddOn Studio 2010 and 2022, which can be used now in the current beta. The WoW install base option in AddOn Studio may need to set to '_classic_' in 'Tools > Options > AddOn Studio > World of Warcraft > Alternate install location' for most users. This option currently defaults to first installed game version, which for many will be '_retail_'. After changing the option, AddOn Studio must be restarted to take effect. | ||
; New Themes | ; New Themes | ||
* Dark Theme: Dark AS | * Dark Theme: Dark AS | ||
* Blue Theme: Blue AS | * Blue Theme: Blue AS | ||
* Alternate Dark Theme: Dark AS Eclipse | * Alternate Dark Theme: Dark AS Eclipse | ||
* Alternate Dark Theme with Solarized Editor: Dark AS Eclipse (Solar) | * Alternate Dark Theme with Solarized Editor: Dark AS Eclipse (Solar) | ||
: '''Update:'''[[File:AddOnStudio_2015_Demo_DarkAS_Theme_plus_Solar_Text_Color_Settings_File.png|thumb|280px|AddOn Studio 2015 with the DarkAS Theme and the new 'Solar' code colorization]] After getting used to the colorization in the MediaWiki built-in Wiki Lua scripting editor for the last week or so, which is a variant of the popular color scheme "Solarized" by Ethan Schoonover, I decided make similar work-a-like color theme in AddOn Studio as I was editing back and forth a lot, and to see how it would look. And I wanted to share for others to possibly enjoy a similar rendition of "Solarized" in AddOn Studio. The AS version has more contrast and hue separation to work in larger range of lighting conditions and screen brightness levels and types, and to be closer to other VS color themes. These will also work in the AddOn Studio 2022 for WildStar beta. | : '''Update:'''[[File:AddOnStudio_2015_Demo_DarkAS_Theme_plus_Solar_Text_Color_Settings_File.png|thumb|280px|AddOn Studio 2015 with the DarkAS Theme and the new 'Solar' code colorization]] After getting used to the colorization in the MediaWiki built-in Wiki Lua scripting editor for the last week or so, which is a variant of the popular color scheme "Solarized" by Ethan Schoonover, I decided make similar work-a-like color theme in AddOn Studio as I was editing back and forth a lot, and to see how it would look. And I wanted to share for others to possibly enjoy a similar rendition of "Solarized" in AddOn Studio. The AS version has more contrast and hue separation to work in larger range of lighting conditions and screen brightness levels and types, and to be closer to other VS color themes. These will also work in the AddOn Studio 2022 for WildStar beta. | ||
| Line 92: | Line 119: | ||
: In memoriam of yesterday's full solar eclipse, is the new "Eclipse" Dark AS theme above, which mutes all of the overly bright IDE colors present in the normal VS 'Dark' theme. For some may make it much easier to focus on the code. The normal Visual Studio 'Dark' theme has many florescent style bright elements which are significantly brighter than the actual text edit window. This theme brings the brightness of all non-editor elements to 'at or below' the brightness of the editor window itself. A pre-built 'Eclipse (Solar)' with the "Solar" editor color scheme released the day before, is added for convenience. The can also now be imported on top of any theme, rather than just on 'Dark AS' as it was yesterday. | : In memoriam of yesterday's full solar eclipse, is the new "Eclipse" Dark AS theme above, which mutes all of the overly bright IDE colors present in the normal VS 'Dark' theme. For some may make it much easier to focus on the code. The normal Visual Studio 'Dark' theme has many florescent style bright elements which are significantly brighter than the actual text edit window. This theme brings the brightness of all non-editor elements to 'at or below' the brightness of the editor window itself. A pre-built 'Eclipse (Solar)' with the "Solar" editor color scheme released the day before, is added for convenience. The can also now be imported on top of any theme, rather than just on 'Dark AS' as it was yesterday. | ||
:''Themes Usage:<br/> Can be selected in 'Tools > Options > General'.''<span id="gettingstarted"></span> | :''Themes Usage:<br/> Can be selected in 'Tools > Options > General'.''<span id="gettingstarted"></span><span id="Getting_Started"></span><span id="Getting Started"></span><span id="Getting started"></span> | ||
== Getting | == Getting started == | ||
; Initial installation: | ; Initial installation: | ||
# Download and install the Visual Studio Community | # Download and install the Visual Studio Community {{#var:EDITION}} above | ||
#* ''Must add the ''''.Net desktop development'''' workload'' | #* ''Must add the ''''.Net desktop development'''' workload'' | ||
#* ''Other defaults are fine | #* ''Other defaults are fine'' | ||
#* ''Can skip ''''Launch'''' after install'' | #* ''Can skip ''''Launch'''' after install'' | ||
# Download AddOn Studio | # Download AddOn Studio {{#var:EDITION}} for World of Warcraft | ||
#* ''Open the downloaded ''''.zip'''' or ''''.7z'''' file'' | #* ''Open the downloaded ''''.zip'''' or ''''.7z'''' file'' | ||
#* ''Copy the folder ''''AddOn Studio for WoW | #* ''Copy the folder ''''AddOn Studio for WoW {{#var:EDITION}}'''' to any location you like,<br/>such as: <!--'c:\Program Files', or -->'d:\apps', or your Desktop'' | ||
#* ''Run ''''WowAddonStudio.exe''''. Or, create a short-cut and run that instead.'' | #* ''Run ''''WowAddonStudio.exe''''. Or, create a short-cut and run that instead.'' | ||
;Updating: | ;Updating: | ||
# Rename or delete the installed 'AddOn Studio for WoW | # Rename or delete the installed 'AddOn Studio for WoW {{#var:EDITION}}' folder. | ||
# Follow the Installation steps above, skipping the Visual Studio | # Follow the Installation steps above, skipping the Visual Studio {{#var:EDITION}} install portion. | ||
;Basic usage: | ;Basic usage: | ||
| Line 117: | Line 144: | ||
;Support: | ;Support: | ||
* [[AddOn Studio for World of Warcraft documentation|AddOn Studio documentation]] and Quick Start Guide | * [[AddOn Studio for World of Warcraft documentation|AddOn Studio documentation]] and Quick Start Guide | ||
* [//discord.gg/eAGb7Rc | * [//discord.gg/eAGb7Rc AddOn Studio] on Discord, [//addonstudio.org/wow/issues Issue Tracker on GitHub], and [[AddOn Studio for WoW history|Release History]] | ||
* [[AddOn Studio | * [[AddOn Studio {{#var:EDITION}} for WoW Demo]] media | ||
* '''If you are having trouble, try running the 'clean.cmd' in the install folder.''' | * '''If you are having trouble, try running the 'clean.cmd' in the install folder.''' | ||
== Product | ;Notes: | ||
:''See [[AddOn Studio for WoW]] for a list of all editions, and [[AddOn Studio for WoW | * This 2022 edition does not work installed on 'exFAT' or 'FAT32' or any removable drives. The normal default Windows 'NTFS' is fine. AddOns and projects still work on any Windows disk format type or removable device as normally would. This is a limitation of VS 2022, and the AS 2010 or 2015 editions will work running off oher drive formats, a thumb drive or with the installed files being remote. | ||
* Does not work installed in 'Program Files' to allow support for use with "non-Administrator" windows accounts, which was a feature added by request. | |||
* Visual Studio 2022 17.8.x does not work due to issues/bugs in the Visual Studio core editor. You will need to roll-back to a previous VS 17.7.x version in the Visual Studio Installer or update to Visual Studio 17.9 or newer. | |||
== Product history == | |||
:''See [[AddOn Studio for WoW]] for a list of all editions, and [[AddOn Studio for WoW history|release history]] for detailed changes for each release.'' | |||
This 'AddOn Studio {{#var:EDITION}} for World of Warcraft' is a continuation of the previous [[AddOn Studio 2015 for World of Warcraft]] | |||
edition, but built on Visual Studio {{#var:EDITION}}. | |||
Both the 'AddOn Studio 2010 for WoW' and 'AddOn Studio 2015 for WoW' editions will continue to be updated in parallel | |||
in perpetuity. This gives users a choice of which IDE's style, platform support, | |||
and functionality they are more comfortable with. | |||
;Today's Reality | ;Today's Reality | ||
The general concepts of game and AddOn development, especially for WoW itself, are far more well understood and by a larger audience today, than they were during the time of the original [[ | The general concepts of game and AddOn development, especially for WoW itself, are far more well understood and by a larger audience | ||
today, than they were during the time of the original [[wowwiki:World of Warcraft|World of Warcraft]]. | |||
And since the introduction of AddOn Studio for WoW many games have come, and some gone, using Lua and similar game customization methods as WoW. With this the general expectations of quality in consumer level development tools has risen as well. | |||
AddOn Studio | AddOn Studio {{#var:EDITION}} improves on the 2015 edition, with an even more advanced and complete set of IDE features, and is a powerful general IDE for WoW AddOn development. AoS uses a free Visual Studio back-end, with support for graphical [[wo:Frame XML|Frame XML]] AddOn development. One of AddOn Studio's goals is combine these together to help make WoW AddOn development tools real first class citizens, in a game tools world where that almost never happens. | ||
; What Changed | ; What Changed | ||
New features and changes for the AddOn Studio | New features and changes for the AddOn Studio {{#var:EDITION}} edition on initial release: | ||
* New Visual Studio | * New Visual Studio {{#var:EDITION}} IDE's general set of features. | ||
* See [[AddOn Studio for WoW History]] for current specifics, will update more here later. | * See [[AddOn Studio for WoW History]] for current specifics, will update more here later. | ||
| Line 139: | Line 178: | ||
; What Works | ; What Works | ||
Short list covering major historical issues addressed in AddOn Studio | Short list covering major historical issues addressed in AddOn Studio {{#var:EDITION}} for WoW. | ||
Updated Support: | Updated Support: | ||
* Includes support for current versions of WoW, originally released with support for [[ | * Includes support for current versions of WoW, originally released with support for [[wowwiki:Shadowlands|Shadowlands]] as well as continuing support for WoW Legion, [[wowwiki:Shadowlands|Warlords of Draenor]], and earlier game content files, and Blizzard interface 'toolkits'. Support for new WoW releases is ongoing. | ||
* Further SCC Integration for [//git-scm.com/ GIT] - the new version includes an optional, integrated, and functional version of GIT, with full support for all context menus. This is in addition to the previous SVN support. This allows using Curse Forge or other Git support for remote code repositories. There is tested support for sites like the Curse Forge sponsored [//www.wowace.com WowAce] and [//wow.curseforge.com Curse Forge]. | * Further SCC Integration for [//git-scm.com/ GIT] - the new version includes an optional, integrated, and functional version of GIT, with full support for all context menus. This is in addition to the previous SVN support. This allows using Curse Forge or other Git support for remote code repositories. There is tested support for sites like the Curse Forge sponsored [//www.wowace.com WowAce] and [//wow.curseforge.com Curse Forge]. | ||
* Windows 11 - using newer set of tools and compilers support was updated for a smoother experience on the new OS, and should still be backward compatible as far back as Visual Studio 2022 support goes back to Vista and above, but not Windows XP, Windows 2000, NT 4.0, or Windows 95. Windows Vista requires Vista SP1. [[AddOn Studio 2010 for WoW]] still has support for Windows XP. | * Windows 11 - using newer set of tools and compilers support was updated for a smoother experience on the new OS, and should still be backward compatible as far back as Visual Studio 2022 support goes back to Vista and above, but not Windows XP, Windows 2000, NT 4.0, or Windows 95. Windows Vista requires Vista SP1. [[AddOn Studio 2010 for WoW]] still has support for Windows XP. | ||
| Line 151: | Line 190: | ||
* Includes all of the AddOn Studio for WoW specific features from [[AddOn Studio 2015 for WoW]] and [[AddOn Studio 2010 for WoW]] as well... | * Includes all of the AddOn Studio for WoW specific features from [[AddOn Studio 2015 for WoW]] and [[AddOn Studio 2010 for WoW]] as well... | ||
:''See [[AddOn Studio 2015 for WoW#Product | :''See [[AddOn Studio 2015 for WoW#Product history|AddOn Studio 2015 for WoW: What Works]] for previous enhancements'' | ||
== Contact == | == Contact == | ||
| Line 158: | Line 197: | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[AddOn Studio for WoW]] - Major version and edition history | * [[AddOn Studio for WoW]] - Major version and edition history | ||
* [[AddOn Studio 2010 for WoW]] - alternate edition, based on Visual Studio 2010 | * [[AddOn Studio 2010 for WoW]] - alternate edition, based on Visual Studio 2010 | ||
* [[AddOn Studio 2015 for WoW]] - alternate edition, based on Visual Studio 2015 | |||
* [[AddOn Studio for WoW | * [[AddOn Studio for WoW documentation]] - getting started, details for installation and setup | ||
* [[AddOn Studio for WoW | * [[AddOn Studio for WoW history]] - effective release history with changes and notes | ||
* [[AddOn Studio | * [[AddOn Studio {{#var:EDITION}} for WoW Demo]] | ||
* [[WoWBench]] - WoWBench WoW Lua run-time simulation, including events, frames | * [[WoWBench]] - WoWBench WoW Lua run-time simulation, including events, frames | ||
* [[Viewing Blizzard's WoW user interface code]] | * [[wo:Viewing Blizzard's WoW user interface code|Viewing Blizzard's WoW user interface code]] | ||
* [[Extracting WoW user interface files]] | * [[wo:Extracting WoW user interface files|Extracting WoW user interface files]] | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
Latest revision as of 16:45, 14 March 2025
AddOn Studio 2022 for World of Warcraft is a fully-featured development environment for creating and developing AddOns for World of Warcraft. AddOn Studio features a professional Lua editor with full code-completion and other modern facilities, an integrated visual WoW UI designer, SVN and Git code repository support, project based WoW:AddOn file management and deployment, and much more.
To get started follow the steps below. Feel free to visit the following pages for more information and help. Twitter: @AddonStudioWoW. Documentation: Getting Started. History: Release History. WoW API: UI Customization. Support and Discord: AddOn Studio Discord. Issues: GitHub. Donations: PayPal.
AddOn Studio 2022
What you need
- Important (2/18/25, updated 3/13/25): Unfortunatly there are issues currently with all versions of Visual Studio 2022 17.13 and 17.14. If you are on 17.12, or can revert to 17.12, please use 17.12 or earlier. Do NOT upgrade to 17.13 or 17.14 Preview. You may also install inplace of, or along side, your current version one of the LTSC builds 17.10 being preferred most stable. If you are new, please visit AS Discord for instructions. Microsoft is currently fixing underlying issue that affects AS and others using VS. Please visit the AddOn Studio Discord for more info or for new VS installs.
- Visual Studio 2022 Community (free), using one of these install links:
-
- The exact installer stub from the download site. Just click run.
- -- or --
-
- Just click run.
- -- or --
-
- Click 'Download Visual Studio' then click 'Community 2022', then run.
- -- or --
-
- Requires login. Click download on 'Visual Studio Community Preview', then run.
- -- or --
-
- Browse to 'Visual Studio Community 2022 Preview', then download. May require login.
- Browse to 'Visual Studio Community 2022 Preview', then download. May require login.
-
- AddOn Studio 2022 for WoW:
- Follow these instructions:
Other installs and downloads
Current version:
- 3/13/2025[7z] alternate download: zip 7z checksum: vt
AddOnStudioWoW-7.0.250313.0.zip
Recent previous versions:
- 3/06/2025[7z] alternate download: zip 7z checksum: vt AddOnStudioWoW-7.0.250306.0.zip
- 12/08/2024[7z] alternate download: zip 7z checksum: vt AddOnStudioWoW-7.0.241208.0.zip
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Optional:
- Blizzard Interface ToolKit:
World of Warcraft Interface AddOn Kit
Other editions:
- AddOn Studio 2015 for WoW - newer look than 2010, enhanced editing, larger install. same wow features
- AddOn Studio 2010 for WoW - smaller install, older platforms, classic look. same wow features
Release information:
Recent features
New Features for 221031 preview:
- Dragonflight and Patch 10.0.0
- Works with new formats and files
New Features for 210131 preview:
- Patch 9.0.2 and Shadowlands
- New frames now include 9.0 backdrop code.
- Themes
- Theme support extended to many new places including, backdrop designer, and the font and texture selectors. Many fixes for long standing issues with tree views and other IDE elements.
- Other
- Many general fixes and updates, including fixes for gradient rendering, backdrop rending and others.
- See the full list of changes for 210131.0 beta in release history
New Features for 191009:
- Patch 8.2 and the Rise of Azshara Battle for Azeroth
- May wish to check the AddOn Studio option for 'Tools > Options > AddOn Studio > World of Warcraft > WoW install location'. This option currently defaults to first installed game version, which for many will be the '_retail_' folder, and for some may be the '_classic_' folder. After changing the option, AddOn Studio must be restarted to take effect. Likewise changing this option to the '_ptr_' folder will target the PTR. For most the default will be '_retail_' and will just work. Will look into settings to make this easier, possibly per project. For targeting Classic, see below.
- World of Warcraft Classic
- New support for World of Warcraft Classic was added for AddOn Studio 2010 and 2022, which can be used now in the current beta. The WoW install base option in AddOn Studio may need to set to '_classic_' in 'Tools > Options > AddOn Studio > World of Warcraft > Alternate install location' for most users. This option currently defaults to first installed game version, which for many will be '_retail_'. After changing the option, AddOn Studio must be restarted to take effect.
- New Themes
- Dark Theme: Dark AS
- Blue Theme: Blue AS
- Alternate Dark Theme: Dark AS Eclipse
- Alternate Dark Theme with Solarized Editor: Dark AS Eclipse (Solar)
- Update: After getting used to the colorization in the MediaWiki built-in Wiki Lua scripting editor for the last week or so, which is a variant of the popular color scheme "Solarized" by Ethan Schoonover, I decided make similar work-a-like color theme in AddOn Studio as I was editing back and forth a lot, and to see how it would look. And I wanted to share for others to possibly enjoy a similar rendition of "Solarized" in AddOn Studio. The AS version has more contrast and hue separation to work in larger range of lighting conditions and screen brightness levels and types, and to be closer to other VS color themes. These will also work in the AddOn Studio 2022 for WildStar beta.
- Eclipse Dark Theme
- Solarized' Dark Theme
- In memoriam of yesterday's full solar eclipse, is the new "Eclipse" Dark AS theme above, which mutes all of the overly bright IDE colors present in the normal VS 'Dark' theme. For some may make it much easier to focus on the code. The normal Visual Studio 'Dark' theme has many florescent style bright elements which are significantly brighter than the actual text edit window. This theme brings the brightness of all non-editor elements to 'at or below' the brightness of the editor window itself. A pre-built 'Eclipse (Solar)' with the "Solar" editor color scheme released the day before, is added for convenience. The can also now be imported on top of any theme, rather than just on 'Dark AS' as it was yesterday.
- Themes Usage:
Can be selected in 'Tools > Options > General'.
Getting started
- Initial installation
- Download and install the Visual Studio Community 2022 above
- Must add the '.Net desktop development' workload
- Other defaults are fine
- Can skip 'Launch' after install
- Download AddOn Studio 2022 for World of Warcraft
- Open the downloaded '.zip' or '.7z' file
- Copy the folder 'AddOn Studio for WoW 2022' to any location you like,
such as: 'd:\apps', or your Desktop - Run 'WowAddonStudio.exe'. Or, create a short-cut and run that instead.
- Updating
- Rename or delete the installed 'AddOn Studio for WoW 2022' folder.
- Follow the Installation steps above, skipping the Visual Studio 2022 install portion.
- Basic usage
- Create a new Project
- Add existing files or create new ones
- Deploy to WoW by clicking 'Build'
- Run WoW or use '/reload' to use your AddOn...
- Support
- AddOn Studio documentation and Quick Start Guide
- AddOn Studio on Discord, Issue Tracker on GitHub, and Release History
- AddOn Studio 2022 for WoW Demo media
- If you are having trouble, try running the 'clean.cmd' in the install folder.
- Notes
- This 2022 edition does not work installed on 'exFAT' or 'FAT32' or any removable drives. The normal default Windows 'NTFS' is fine. AddOns and projects still work on any Windows disk format type or removable device as normally would. This is a limitation of VS 2022, and the AS 2010 or 2015 editions will work running off oher drive formats, a thumb drive or with the installed files being remote.
- Does not work installed in 'Program Files' to allow support for use with "non-Administrator" windows accounts, which was a feature added by request.
- Visual Studio 2022 17.8.x does not work due to issues/bugs in the Visual Studio core editor. You will need to roll-back to a previous VS 17.7.x version in the Visual Studio Installer or update to Visual Studio 17.9 or newer.
Product history
- See AddOn Studio for WoW for a list of all editions, and release history for detailed changes for each release.
This 'AddOn Studio 2022 for World of Warcraft' is a continuation of the previous AddOn Studio 2015 for World of Warcraft edition, but built on Visual Studio 2022.
Both the 'AddOn Studio 2010 for WoW' and 'AddOn Studio 2015 for WoW' editions will continue to be updated in parallel in perpetuity. This gives users a choice of which IDE's style, platform support, and functionality they are more comfortable with.
- Today's Reality
The general concepts of game and AddOn development, especially for WoW itself, are far more well understood and by a larger audience today, than they were during the time of the original World of Warcraft. And since the introduction of AddOn Studio for WoW many games have come, and some gone, using Lua and similar game customization methods as WoW. With this the general expectations of quality in consumer level development tools has risen as well.
AddOn Studio 2022 improves on the 2015 edition, with an even more advanced and complete set of IDE features, and is a powerful general IDE for WoW AddOn development. AoS uses a free Visual Studio back-end, with support for graphical Frame XML AddOn development. One of AddOn Studio's goals is combine these together to help make WoW AddOn development tools real first class citizens, in a game tools world where that almost never happens.
- What Changed
New features and changes for the AddOn Studio 2022 edition on initial release:
- New Visual Studio 2022 IDE's general set of features.
- See AddOn Studio for WoW History for current specifics, will update more here later.
- See AddOn Studio 2015 for WoW: What Changed for previous changes
- What Works
Short list covering major historical issues addressed in AddOn Studio 2022 for WoW.
Updated Support:
- Includes support for current versions of WoW, originally released with support for Shadowlands as well as continuing support for WoW Legion, Warlords of Draenor, and earlier game content files, and Blizzard interface 'toolkits'. Support for new WoW releases is ongoing.
- Further SCC Integration for GIT - the new version includes an optional, integrated, and functional version of GIT, with full support for all context menus. This is in addition to the previous SVN support. This allows using Curse Forge or other Git support for remote code repositories. There is tested support for sites like the Curse Forge sponsored WowAce and Curse Forge.
- Windows 11 - using newer set of tools and compilers support was updated for a smoother experience on the new OS, and should still be backward compatible as far back as Visual Studio 2022 support goes back to Vista and above, but not Windows XP, Windows 2000, NT 4.0, or Windows 95. Windows Vista requires Vista SP1. AddOn Studio 2010 for WoW still has support for Windows XP.
- Includes all of the AddOn Studio for WoW specific features from AddOn Studio 2015 for WoW and AddOn Studio 2010 for WoW as well...
- See AddOn Studio 2015 for WoW: What Works for previous enhancements
Contact
- celess22@gmail.com
See also
- AddOn Studio for WoW - Major version and edition history
- AddOn Studio 2010 for WoW - alternate edition, based on Visual Studio 2010
- AddOn Studio 2015 for WoW - alternate edition, based on Visual Studio 2015
- AddOn Studio for WoW documentation - getting started, details for installation and setup
- AddOn Studio for WoW history - effective release history with changes and notes
- AddOn Studio 2022 for WoW Demo
- WoWBench - WoWBench WoW Lua run-time simulation, including events, frames
- Viewing Blizzard's WoW user interface code
- Extracting WoW user interface files
External links
- Support
- News