---
title: "Install Sitecore for Visual Studio"
slug: "install-sitecore-for-visual-studio"
abstract: "How to install the Sitecore for Visual Studio plugin."
---
# Install Sitecore for Visual Studio

To Install Sitecore for Visual Studio:

1. If you have not already done so, install [Sitecore Management Services](https://doc.sitecore.com/xp/en/developers/101/developer-tools/sitecore-management-services.html "Sitecore Management Services").
2. [Download Sitecore for Visual Studio](https://www.teamdevelopmentforsitecore.com/Download/SVS). The download provides a ZIP file.
3. Rename the downloaded ZIP file to change the file extension from `.zip` to `.vsix`. For example, rename `SVS.zip` to `SVS.vsix`.
4. To run the Sitecore for Visual Studio installer, double-click the renamed `.vsix` file.

    > [!note]
    > Sitecore for Visual Studio uses the same license as Sitecore TDS. If you do not have a Sitecore for Visual Studio and Sitecore TDS license, contact a Sitecore representative.

5. In Visual Studio, open a solution that has been initialized with the `sitecore init` command.
6. In Solution Explorer, right-click your solution and verify that you see the **Sitecore Module Explorer** menu item:

    ![Illustration showing the two new Sitecore Module Explorer and Sync Items menu items in the Solution Explorer context menu.](https://doc.sitecore.com/api/markdown-image/xp/en/developers/101/developer-tools/images/SolutionRightClick.png)

    The **Sitecore Module Explorer** item is also available from the **View**, **Other windows** menu.:

    ![Illustration showing the Sitecore Module Explorer menu item in the View, Other windows menu.](https://doc.sitecore.com/api/markdown-image/xp/en/developers/101/developer-tools/images/OtherWindowsMenu.png)