wpf load resource from another folder/namespace - wpf

Question

How can I load a resource e.g. a style resource from another folder in the same project? Any ideas?
My directory looks like this and I want to use the ButtonStyles.xaml within the ButtonTest.xaml. In the design mode ,before starting the application. Using the resource in the App.xaml works perfectly during runtime.

Answer 1

Add your custom style in a ResourceDictionary in the folder you want -
in my example the file is /Resources/Themes/Button.xaml. Give the style a key:
<Style x:Key="MyButtonStyle" TargetType="{x:Type Button}">
// define your style, for example
<Setter Property="SnapsToDevicePixels" Value="true"/>
<Style>
In case you wish to add multiple style files, it is good to merge your ResourceDictionaries,
for example into a file called Generic.xaml:
<ResourceDictionary xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/winfx/2006/xaml/presentation"
xmlns:x="http://schemas.microsoft.com/winfx/2006/xaml">
<ResourceDictionary.MergedDictionaries>
<ResourceDictionary Source="pack://application:,,,/PROJECT_NAME;component/Resources/Themes/Button.xaml"/>
<ResourceDictionary Source="pack://application:,,,/PROJECT_NAME;component/[path and file name]"/>
// add all your resourcedictionaries
</ResourceDictionary.MergedDictionaries>
</ResourceDictionary>
where you want to use the styles, add the merged ResourceDictionary as a Resource. For example in a UserControl,
add it like this:
<UserControl.Resources>
<inf:DesignTimeResourceDictionary Source="pack://application:,,,/PROJECT_NAME;component/Resources/Themes/Generic.xaml"/>
</UserControl.Resources>
Then when you add your button you can use the style as a dynamic resource using the key you gave it.
<Button Style="{DynamicResource MyButtonStyle}"/>
Make sure to change all the names to match your project and file names.