C# Custom Control doesn't show up in the toolbox

Question

Hey Everyone,

I have created the custom control which is just a panel that I will be using to render my DirectX code. However, I am unable to see the control in my toolbox for when I try to add it into the designer. I right clicked on my project then clicked on add new item. From there I clicked on custom control, renamed it to CustomPanel, and placed my code in it. I tried everything from restarting VS to deleting and creating a new custom control. Is there anything that I am missing? This is being done in Visual Studio 2005.

Answer 1

Is the control class public ? The default template creates an internal class.

Is there a public parameterless constructor ? The designer needs it.

Answer 2

Did you right click on the toolbox and click "Choose Items", and then browse to the built assembly that contains your custom control?

That's what I always have to do, and then my custom controls show up in the "General" section of the toolbox.

Answer 3

Right click the Toolbox, then Choose items and browse for the .dll file that contains your control. The Toolbox will add all the components found in that dll. Also check in Tools -> Options -> Windows Forms Designer if the AutoToolboxPopulate setting is set to true.