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Visual Studio Solution Explorer - Different icons observed for Asset files

I added a 3mf file to a UWP sample project in Visual Studio 2017 Community edition (name: pyramid.3mf). I noticed that a similar file (name: box.3mf) that was already included in the sample has a little blue arrow over its icon, whereas the file I added does not, as shown below:

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In the Properties Window (F4), both files are set as Build Action: Content, Copy to Output Directory: Copy always. The new file works fine and displays correctly, but curiously, the Full Path for the new file shows the target (copied to) folder, not the original folder where I added the file from.

Also, File Name field for the old file (box.3mf) is greyed out, while the File Name for the new file (pyramid.3mf) is not greyed out.

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What do the differences in the icons signify, and how can I add the new file so that it matches the old one in terms of properties? (I.e. so that the path name is the folder where I added the file from.)

Solution

  • OK, turns out the little blue arrow indicates that the file was added as a link. Following the instructions here, I deleted the pyramid.3mf and re-added it into the project using the "Add As Link" option (Solution Explorer → Add → Existing Item…):

    enter image description here

    The file now shows up with the proper icon:

    enter image description here