Create and Run a Project

Install Templates

Before starting, ensure that you have installed the Avalonia templates:

dotnet new install Avalonia.Templates

Create the Project

To get started, we're going to use the MVVM Avalonia template: Avalonia MVVM Application (or avalonia.mvvm in the CLI).

Command Line

Run the command:

dotnet new avalonia.mvvm -o GetStartedApp

This will create a new folder called GetStartedApp containing the new project.

Rider

• On the Rider startup screen, select New Solution

• In the sidebar, scroll down and select Avalonia App
• Type GetStartedApp in the Solution Name field
• Click Create

The template will create a new solution and project.

Visual Studio

• In Visual Studio, click Create a new project.
• Type Avalonia in the search box.
• Click Avalonia Application then click Next.

• Name the project GetStartedApp, and click Create.

• The next screen allows selecting the platforms you wish to target: click Desktop then click Next.

• The next screen allows selecting a design pattern: click ReactiveUI then click Create.

The template will create a new solution and two new projects. GetStartedApp is the main project that is shared between each platform. GetStartedApp.Desktop is the platform-specific project for the desktop platform.

Run the Project

We're now ready to run the project!

Command Line

Go into the GetStartedApp directory and run:

dotnet run

Rider

Press the Run button in the Rider toolbar:

Visual Studio

Right-click on the GetStartedApp.Desktop project and select Set as Startup Project.

Hit F5 to run the project.

The solution will build and run.

You should now be running your first Avalonia application!