Release version: 5.2
Product: Xceed Toolkit for WPF

Xceed Toolkit for WPF 5.2 introduces new ways to build modern, flexible desktop experiences while improving the reliability of existing applications.

The release is led by a new ChatControl, designed for building conversational interfaces directly into WPF applications. It also expands ListBox layout capabilities with a new WrapPanel view and includes important fixes for AvalonDock.

Here are the key updates developers should know about in Xceed Toolkit for WPF 5.2.

1. Build conversational WPF interfaces with the new ChatControl

Conversational interfaces are becoming increasingly common in modern software. From support assistants to AI-powered application features, developers need ways to integrate chat experiences without building the entire interface from scratch.

Xceed Toolkit for WPF 5.2 introduces a new ChatControl for displaying conversations between a user and an assistant directly inside a WPF application.

Why it matters

Adding chat functionality to a desktop application typically requires developers to manage message presentation, input areas, scrolling behavior, timestamps, message bubbles, and other interface details.

ChatControl provides a dedicated WPF control for this experience while retaining the customization developers expect from Xceed.

The control can be defined directly in XAML, making it straightforward to integrate into an existing WPF application and adapt its appearance and behavior to the surrounding UI.

Customizing ChatControl

Developers can configure properties including:

Por ejemplo:

This gives developers a configurable foundation for adding conversational experiences while maintaining control over how those experiences fit within their applications.

Ideal use cases

ChatControl can be useful when building WPF applications that require:

Instead of treating chat as a separate external experience, developers can incorporate the conversation directly into their WPF interface.

2. More flexible ListBox layouts with the new WrapPanel view

Xceed Toolkit for WPF 5.2 also expands the layout options available for ListBox.

Previously, ListBox items could use vertical or horizontal StackPanel layouts. This meant items were generally constrained to a single column or row.

Version 5.2 introduces a WrapPanel option with vertical and horizontal orientations.

Why WrapPanel matters

A WrapPanel allows ListBox items to flow according to the available space in their container.

Instead of forcing every item into one continuous row or column, items can be displayed across multiple lines or columns as the available space changes.

This gives developers more flexibility when creating interfaces where the number or size of items does not fit naturally into a traditional stacked layout.

Using WrapPanel with ListBox

The new WrapPanel is available through the ListBox panels and includes an Orientation propiedad.

For example, developers can create a horizontal WrapPanel like this:

With this configuration, ListBox items can flow horizontally and wrap onto additional lines according to the size of the container.

Developers can also use vertical orientation when a column-based wrapping behavior is more appropriate.

Ideal use cases

It provides an alternative to the standard single-row or single-column ListBox presentation without requiring developers to create their own panel implementation.

3. AvalonDock command routing fix

Xceed Toolkit for WPF 5.2 also addresses an issue affecting AvalonDock.

For applications with complex docking environments, this fix helps make command behavior more predictable when working with auto-hidden and anchorable content.

4. Improved AvalonDock resizing behavior

A second AvalonDock fix addresses resizing.

Previously, resizing a DockingManager window containing a LayoutAnchorable o LayoutDocument did not always correctly adjust the dimensions of its children to fit the new window size.

5. A stronger foundation for modern WPF applications

Taken together, the changes in Xceed Toolkit for WPF 5.2 address two sides of WPF development.

The new ChatControl and WrapPanel give developers additional UI capabilities for creating more flexible and modern application experiences. The AvalonDock fixes strengthen existing functionality for developers building complex desktop layouts.

The result is a release focused on practical improvements: more UI options where developers need flexibility and greater reliability where applications depend on established Xceed controls.

Explore Xceed Toolkit for WPF 5.2

Xceed Toolkit for WPF 5.2 continues Xceed's focus on giving .NET developers powerful components without taking control away from the developer.

Whether you're adding a conversational interface, building more flexible ListBox layouts, or maintaining a sophisticated AvalonDock workspace, version 5.2 provides new capabilities and fixes designed for real-world WPF development.

Preguntas frecuentes