How to: Use the Finder Tool

Applies to: yesVisual Studio noVisual Studio for Mac

Note

This article applies to Visual Studio 2017. If you're looking for the latest Visual Studio documentation, see Visual Studio documentation. We recommend upgrading to the latest version of Visual Studio. Download it here

You can use the Finder Tool in the Find Window dialog box to display window properties or messages. The Finder Tool can also locate disabled child windows, and discern which window to highlight if disabled child windows overlap.

Spy++ Find Window Dialog Box Finder Tool in the Find Window dialog box

The figure above shows the Find Window dialog box after step 3 below.

To display window properties or messages

  1. Arrange your windows so that both Spy++ and the target window are visible.

  2. From the Spy menu, choose Find Window.

    The Find Window Dialog Box opens.

  3. Drag the Finder Tool over the target window.

    As you drag the tool, the Find Window dialog box displays details on the selected window.

    • or -

      If you have the handle of the window you want to examine (for example, copied from the debugger), type it into the Handle text box.

    Tip

    To reduce screen clutter, select the Hide Spy option. This option conceals the main Spy++ window, leaving only the Find Window dialog box visible on top of your other applications. The Spy++ main window is restored when you click OK or Cancel, or when you clear the Hide Spy++ option.

  4. Under Show, select either Properties or Messages.

  5. Press OK.

    If you selected Properties, the Window Properties Dialog Box opens. If you selected Messages, a Messages View window opens.

See also