DevExpress.Wpf.ThemesLW

DevExpress WPF Lightweight Themes

DevExpress.Wpf.ThemesLW includes DevExpress WPF Lightweight themes. These themes use simplified control templates that create fewer elements in the visual tree. As a result, an application starts faster, switches views faster, and uses less memory and disk space than the same application with classic themes.

dotnet add package DevExpress.Wpf.ThemesLW

NOTE: This package is not part of DevExpress.Wpf.Themes.All. Reference the package explicitly when your application applies Lightweight themes.

Key Features

• Faster Startup: Applications start nearly twice as fast as with classic themes.
• Faster View Switching: Tab switching, navigation, and panel docking and undocking take less time than with classic themes.
• Lower Memory and Disk Footprint: Applications use less RAM, and theme assemblies themselves are smaller — 11 MB against 72 MB for a comparable set of classic themes.
• Reduced Visual Tree: Simplified templates create fewer elements per control.
• Control Compatibility: The package includes Lightweight templates for the DevExpress WPF product line, including Grid, Ribbon, Docking, LayoutControl, Charts, Scheduling, RichEdit, Spreadsheet, PdfViewer, PropertyGrid, Diagram, Gantt, Gauges, Map, TreeMap, Dashboard, and Reporting components.
• Palette Support: Lightweight themes support DevExpress theme palettes.

NOTE: Actual performance and memory use gains depend on the .NET version, whether Ngen or ReadyToRun is used, and the application itself. For measurements and details, see Increase WPF App Performance with Lightweight DevExpress Themes.

Examples

Example: Enable Lightweight Themes

Set the option before any DevExpress control is created, typically in the application's static constructor or at the start of OnStartup:

using DevExpress.Xpf.Core;

public partial class App : Application {
    static App() {
        CompatibilitySettings.UseLightweightThemes = true;
    }

    protected override void OnStartup(StartupEventArgs e) {
        ApplicationThemeHelper.ApplicationThemeName = Theme.Win11Light.Name;
        base.OnStartup(e);
    }
}

In this configuration, the application behaves as follows:

• Loads Lightweight versions instead of regular templates.
• Applies the theme by its usual name, while CompatibilitySettings.UseLightweightThemes selects the Lightweight version.

NOTE: UseLightweightThemes is sealed once the first DevExpress control reads it. Set it before any DevExpress UI is created, otherwise the change does not take effect.

Two limitations apply when you switch an existing application to Lightweight themes:

• The DevExpress WPF Theme Designer does not support Lightweight themes.
• Resource key names differ from those in classic themes, so existing customizations may need minor changes.

Evaluation Period, Pricing Options, and Licensing Terms

Whether you own a license or want to start a 30-day evaluation period, download and register your DevExpress license key. To obtain your key, log in to the DevExpress Download Manager. Use your existing DevExpress.com account or create a new account for free. For key registration instructions, see License Key for DevExpress Products.

If you purchase a license after evaluating a product, re-register your updated DevExpress license key to remove evaluation version warnings/messages.

This package is included in the following commercial subscriptions:

• DevExpress WPF Subscription
• DevExpress Reporting Subscription
• DevExpress DXperience Subscription
• DevExpress Universal Subscription

See DevExpress Subscriptions & Licensing for subscription comparison tables, purchasing FAQ, and licensing information.

Related Components/Packages

DevExpress.Wpf.Themes.All - All regular DevExpress WPF themes in one package.

dotnet add package DevExpress.Wpf.Themes.All

DevExpress.Wpf.Core - DevExpress WPF core libraries, including CompatibilitySettings and ThemeManager.

dotnet add package DevExpress.Wpf.Core

DevExpress.Wpf - The complete DevExpress WPF Control suite.

dotnet add package DevExpress.Wpf

Documentation

• Lightweight Themes
• Themes
• Theme List
• Palettes

Software Bill of Materials (SBOM)

To access SBOM files for DevExpress packages, please refer to the following article: Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) for DevExpress .NET assemblies/NuGet packages, JavaScript, VCL and other redistributable artifacts.

See Also: Information Security | Security - What You Need to Know

Useful Online Resources

• www.devexpress.com
• DevExpress Support Center
• DevExpress Blogs