How to Add a Preview or Custom ESP-IDF Target in the IDE (Manual Configuration)

To add support for any preview or custom ESP-IDF target (such as ESP32-C5 or others not listed by default in the IDE), follow these steps:

Step 1: Configure Toolchain

  1. Go to Preferences → C/C++ → Core Build Toolchain.

  2. Under User Defined Toolchain, click on Add….

  3. Select GCC and configure as follows: - Compiler: (Path to the toolchain compiler for your target, e.g. /Users/testuser/.espressif/tools/riscv32-esp-elf/esp-14.2.0_20241119/riscv32-esp-elf/bin/riscv32-esp-elf-gcc) - Operating System: (e.g. esp32c5 for ESP32-C5) - CPU Arch: (e.g. riscv32 for ESP32-C5)

  4. Click Finish.

Core Build Toolchains Preferences (Add Custom Target)

Core Build Toolchains Preferences: Adding a custom/preview target toolchain (example: ESP32-C5)

Step 2: Configure CMake Toolchain

  1. Navigate to Preferences → C/C++ → CMake.

  2. Click on Add….

  3. Browse and select the CMake toolchain file for your target (e.g. toolchain-esp32c5.cmake).

  4. Choose the corresponding toolchain entry created in Step 1.

  5. Click Finish.

CMake Toolchain Preferences (Add Custom Target)

CMake Toolchain Preferences: Adding a custom/preview target toolchain file (example: ESP32-C5)

Step 3: Add Launch Target

  1. From the IDE’s top toolbar target list, click on New Launch Target.

  2. Select ESP Target.

  3. Provide the following details: - Name: (e.g. esp32c5) - IDF Target: (e.g. esp32c5)

  4. Click Finish.

New ESP Target Dialog (Custom Target Example)

New ESP Target Dialog: Creating a launch target for a custom/preview target (example: ESP32-C5)

Step 4: Build a Project

  • Create or open a project.

  • Select your custom/preview target from the target list.

  • Build the project.

Build Output for Custom Target Project

Build Output: Successfully building a project for a custom/preview target (example: ESP32-C5)