How to derive a new class from DataTemplate and then use it in place of DataTemplate?

Question

How do I derive a new class from DataTemplate and then use it in place of DataTemplate?

For example, in C#:

public class DerivedDataTemplate : DataTemplate
{
}

Then in XAML:

<local: DerivedDataTemplate DataType="{x:Type local:SomeType}">
    <Grid>
        ... UI here ...
    </Grid>
</local:DerivedDataTemplate>

When I try to use my derived data template class the follow exception is generated:

System.Windows.Markup.XamlParseException was unhandled Message="'Grid' object cannot be added to 'DerivedDataTemplate'. Object of type 'System.Windows.Controls.Grid' cannot be converted to type 'System.Windows.FrameworkElementFactory'.

Does anyone know how to work around this exception and successfully use a class derived from DataTemplate?

Answer 1

Hi Ashley,

It worked for me (although I did not create a local type). I copied your code and had to remove the space between local: and DerivedDataTemplate in the XAML declaration. In Blend 3 it wouldn't even run for me, I'm not sure about Blend 2.