Use Visual Studio to Instantly Convert JSON or XML to C# Classes

You've undoubtedly encountered this scenario if you've ever used an API in.NET:

• You need to deserialize the massive JSON or XML answer you receive from the API into C# classes.
• You get your hands dirty and begin manually inputting properties.
• After writing six lessons in ten minutes, you're already exhausted.

 

The good news? You no longer have to endure suffering. With only a few clicks, you can convert JSON or XML into completely structured C# classes using an integrated tool in Visual Studio. You won't use manual typing again after you figure out this secret.

The Visual Studio feature "Paste Special"
The Edit → Paste Special menu in Visual Studio contains a hidden treasure.

• Copy and paste JSON as classes
• Copy and paste XML as classes

These scripts rapidly create C# classes that are identical to raw JSON or XML from your clipboard.
No extensions. No external tools. No packages from NuGet. Just Visual Studio. 

How to Use It (Step by Step)?
Step 1: Copy Your JSON or XML
Copy the JSON or XML from Postman, Swagger, or your API response.
Example JSON
{

  "id": 101,

  "name": "Laptop",

  "price": 1299.99,

  "specs": {

    "processor": "Intel i7",

    "ram": "16GB",

    "storage": "512GB SSD"

  }

}

Step 2: Open a C# File
Open your project in Visual Studio and create an empty class file under the Models folder. 

Step 3: Use "Paste Special"
Action: Go to the Visual Studio menu Edit → Paste Special → Paste JSON as Classes (or Paste XML as Classes ).

Step 4: Boom - Your Classes Appear

Why This Feature is a Life Saver

• Time saver: Seconds instead of minutes or hours.
• Error-free: No more typos in property names.
• Brain-friendly: Focus on logic, not typing.
• Great for prototyping: Quickly test APIs without manually creating models.

The first time I discovered this feature, I literally facepalmed because I had been hand-writing JSON classes for years. Since then, I’ve shown it to dozens of developers — and every time, their reaction is the same:

“Wait… this was in Visual Studio all along?!”

So if you’ve been struggling with API responses, stop wasting time. Next time you get a JSON or XML payload, just:

Copy → Paste Special → Done.

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