if you are using the correct ide selection in visual micro then it should be automatically detected and not require a 2nd board manager install.

please follow the guide in yellow at the top of the page so we can see what you have selected.

initially just build bare bones code for any board so we can see your general config.

yes you can actually put custom hard below the sketchbook/hardware folder. it avoids the json discussion but if the arduino ide sees it vm should so please provide the url to the zip you used.

Thanks, is there an official repository/site where you got this?

Thanks for the report. The arduino ide spec was extended to auto install local packages using the installed.json located lower down in the package folder. That caters for zips that are already in the correct structure for arduino15\packages.

An update for Visual Micro will be published over the next couple of days. This thread will be updated when it's available.

Thanks again

Please install the LATEST from here https://www.visualmicro.com/forums/YaBB.pl?board=VS_ARDUINO_EXT_RELEASES

The release will also be published to the gallery over the coming week but the download found from the above link is a normal visual micro release.

sure. arduino15\packages is the default location for board packages unless overridden in the visual micro app settings or arduino ide. 

Please post a screen image of your arduino15\packages folder. I did use a simpler folder name for the Esp32XIP package but I see the boards in my test.

Yes the json we look for is simply what arduino also looks for. It doesn't have much bearing other than a crude check to ensure it's a valid package structure.

We downloaded the package from the web site link you provided.

Please also provide new output from esp32dev board so we can confirm your config again.