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How to: Add References to Type Libraries

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Visual Studio generates an interop assembly containing metadata when you add a reference to a type library. If a primary interop assembly is available, Visual Studio uses the existing assembly before generating a new interop assembly.

To add a reference to a type library in Visual Studio

  1. Install the COM DLL or EXE file on your computer, unless a Windows Setup.exe file performs the installation for you.

  2. Choose Project, Add Reference.

  3. In the Reference Manager, choose COM.

  4. Select the type library from the list, or browse for the .tlb file.

  5. Choose OK.

  6. In Solution Explorer, open the shortcut menu for the reference you just added, and then choose Properties.

  7. In the Properties window, make sure that the Embed Interop Types property is set to True. This causes Visual Studio to embed type information for COM types in your executables, eliminating the need to deploy primary interop assemblies with your app.

Note

The menu and dialog box options may vary depending on the version of Visual Studio you're using.

To add a reference to a type library for command-line compilation

  1. Generate an interop assembly as described in How to: Generate Interop Assemblies from Type Libraries.

  2. Use the -link (C# Compiler Options) or -link (Visual Basic) compiler option with the interop assembly name to embed type information for COM types in your executables.

See also