Edit a XAML file in XAML view

You can design your application visually in Design view of Microsoft Expression Blend, or you can design your application by writing XAML. Editing XAML is useful if you want to add XAML elements or attributes that do not appear in the Properties panel when in Design view. (For an example, see Synchronize the starting times of animation and media timelines.)

For information about how to create your application in Design view in Expression Blend, see Layout, Drawing shapes and paths, 3D, and other related topics in this User Guide. For information about XAML, see the XAML Overview on MSDN or visit the Windows Vista Developer Center.

To edit an Extensible Application Markup Language (XAML) file

1. On the right side of the artboard, click the XAML tab to switch to XAML view, or click the Split tab to see both views.

2. Make changes to the XAML as you want.

   If the syntax of your XAML has errors, they will be displayed in the Results panel underneath the artboard. You must resolve any errors before you can view your changes in Design view. For more information, see Handling errors in this User Guide.

3. Click the Design tab to switch to Design view to see your changes reflected on the artboard.

   Tip

   We recommend that you have previous experience working with XAML before you begin to modify your Expression Blend projects in XAML view. Editing XAML directly may create parsing errors in your application that you will have to fix before Expression Blend can correctly display your documents on the artboard in Design view.

   With this caution in mind, working between Design view and XAML view can be an effective method for learning the basics of XAML.