How does one change the contents of the Properties tool window?

[akorchev]

Hi all!

I have a VS extension and need to create a custom property grid implementation. Customizing the default one doesn't look ideal and some things don't seem possible (for example filtering properties with search as you type).

I can do it via custom ToolWindowPane. This would require my users to show it from the View -> Other Windows menu. I would much prefer to replace the contents of the Properties window instead. This seems possible as the WPF component properties are different. I've checked the actual components displayed:

Microsoft.VisualStudio.Platform.WindowManagement.PropertyBrowserSwitcher (default old-school Property Grid)

and Microsoft.VisualStudio.DesignTools.Designer.UI.PropertyInspector.SceneNodePropertyInspectorPane (the fancy WPF grid)

Does anybody know how this is done?

[madskristensen]

@AArnott do you know where to start on this?

[AArnott]

No, I'm afraid not.