Can Visual Studio 2013 generate CSS files from .less files?

Question

Visual Studio 2013 is awesome, now with syntax highlight and autocomplete for .less files. But does it also generate the respective CSS files? Do I need to install other extensions for that?

Answer 1

Yes. While Visual Studio 2013 doesn't come with a LESS compiler built-in (so you'll need to bring your own), you can either use an external compiler, or install an extension so you can compile your LESS files from within the IDE.

Answer 2

I had trouble compiling Bootstrap LESS (after installing the Twitter.Bootstrap.Less NuGet).

The trick with WebEssentials is to cause the bootstrap.less file to need saving (typing a space, then pressing delete is sufficient), then saving it. The corresponding .css, .min.css and css.map files are automatically generated and appear nested under the .less file in Solution Explorer.

Answer 3

If you don't want to install plugins in your Visual Studio, you can use an external compiler.

Currently I'm using Koala, every time you save your LESS file he will compile it automatically in your output folder.

Take a look at the official LESS page about GUI Compilers.