2.37.0

Automatically generated by python-semantic-release

.github/workflows/child_repos.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,64 @@
+name: Run Pytest with Coverage
+on: 
+  workflow_call:
+    inputs:
+      BEC_CORE_BRANCH:
+        description: 'Branch for BEC Core'
+        required: false
+        default: 'main'
+        type: string
+      OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH:
+        description: 'Branch for Ophyd Devices'
+        required: false
+        default: 'main'
+        type: string
+      BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH:
+        description: 'Branch for BEC Widgets'
+        required: false
+        default: 'main'
+        type: string
+
+
+jobs:
+  bec:
+    name: BEC Unit Tests
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    defaults:
+      run:
+        shell: bash -el {0}
+
+    steps:
+      - name: Checkout BEC
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          repository: bec-project/bec
+          ref: ${{ inputs.BEC_CORE_BRANCH }}
+
+      - name: Install BEC and dependencies
+        uses: ./.github/actions/bec_install
+        with:
+          BEC_CORE_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.BEC_CORE_BRANCH }}
+          OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH }}
+          PYTHON_VERSION: '3.11'
+      - name: Run Pytest
+        run: |
+          cd ./bec
+          pip install pytest pytest-random-order
+          pytest -v --maxfail=2 --junitxml=report.xml --random-order ./bec_server/tests ./bec_ipython_client/tests/client_tests ./bec_lib/tests
+  bec-e2e-test:
+    name: BEC End2End Tests
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      - name: Checkout BEC
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          repository: bec-project/bec
+          ref: ${{ inputs.BEC_CORE_BRANCH }}
+
+      - name: Run E2E Tests
+        uses: ./.github/actions/bec_e2e_install
+        with:
+          BEC_CORE_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.BEC_CORE_BRANCH }}
+          OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH }}
+          BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH }}
+          PYTHON_VERSION: '3.11'

.github/workflows/ci.yml

@@ -57,4 +57,24 @@ jobs:
   end2end-test:
     needs: [check_pr_status, formatter]
     if: needs.check_pr_status.outputs.branch-pr == ''
-    uses: ./.github/workflows/end2end-conda.yml
+    uses: ./.github/workflows/end2end-conda.yml
+
+  child-repos:
+    needs: [check_pr_status, formatter]
+    if: needs.check_pr_status.outputs.branch-pr == ''
+    uses: ./.github/workflows/child_repos.yml
+    with:
+      BEC_CORE_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.BEC_CORE_BRANCH || 'main' }}
+      OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH || 'main'}} 
+      BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH || github.head_ref || github.sha }}
+  
+  plugin_repos:
+    needs: [check_pr_status, formatter]
+    if: needs.check_pr_status.outputs.branch-pr == ''
+    uses: bec-project/bec/.github/workflows/plugin_repos.yml@main
+    with:
+      BEC_CORE_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.BEC_CORE_BRANCH || 'main' }}
+      BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH || github.head_ref || github.sha }}
+
+    secrets:
+      GH_READ_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GH_READ_TOKEN }}

.github/workflows/pytest-matrix.yml

@@ -56,4 +56,4 @@ jobs:
       - name: Run Pytest
         run: |
           pip install pytest pytest-random-order
-          pytest -v --maxfail=2 --junitxml=report.xml --random-order ./tests/unit_tests
+          pytest -v --junitxml=report.xml --random-order ./tests/unit_tests

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -1,6 +1,539 @@
 # CHANGELOG
 
 
+## v2.37.0 (2025-08-19)
+
+### Features
+
+- Add explorer widget
+  ([`1bec9bd`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/1bec9bd9b2238ed484e8d25e691326efe5730f6b))
+
+
+## v2.36.0 (2025-08-18)
+
+### Features
+
+- **scan control**: Add support for literals
+  ([`f2e5a85`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/f2e5a85e616aa76d4b7ad3b3c76a24ba114ebdd1))
+
+
+## v2.35.0 (2025-08-14)
+
+### Build System
+
+- Pyside6 upgraded to 6.9.0
+  ([`44ba720`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/44ba7201b4914d63281bbed5e62d07e5c240595a))
+
+### Features
+
+- **property_manager**: Property manager widget
+  ([`926d722`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/926d7229559d189d382fe034b3afbc544e709efa))
+
+
+## v2.34.0 (2025-08-07)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- Plugin widget import machinery
+  ([`9de5484`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/9de548446b9975c0f692757c66ffa07b9a849f15))
+
+- lazy import client so plugin widgets can import BECWidgets which use it indirectly - exclude
+  classes originating from bec_widgets core from plugin discovery - better errors
+
+- Use better source for plugin repo name
+  ([`f4af6eb`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/f4af6ebc5fabf5b62ec87b580476d93d52690b08))
+
+### Features
+
+- Autoformat compiled file and add docs
+  ([`a923f12`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/a923f12c974192909222fcada9eca97325866d74))
+
+- **plugin manager**: Add cli commands
+  ([`49ac7de`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/49ac7decf7d4cf461e6437f7285dc6967ee36d96))
+
+
+## v2.33.3 (2025-07-31)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **scan-history-view**: Account for async loading of scan history
+  ([`6df1d0c`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/6df1d0c31fb58c25b01e95e2247277ff2dd5d00e))
+
+### Refactoring
+
+- Improve scan history performance on loading full scan lists
+  ([`a5adf3a`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/a5adf3a97d9ff05cef833445c1e6cd8f35a9a2fa))
+
+- Make ids a set, cleanup
+  ([`c1f62ad`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/c1f62ad6cb00d9b392a8e0b6247f5260dfb37256))
+
+- Use client callback for scan history reload
+  ([`d22a331`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/d22a3317baeccfcc4e074dcef4e3912301d210c5))
+
+- **scan-history**: Add spinner for loading time of history
+  ([`50c84a7`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/50c84a766a2b021768fb2c0e8ee00b8e5f058ba7))
+
+- **scan-history**: Fix insert logic; cleanup
+  ([`946752a`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/946752a4b05804c2f59cb5c21e4c1d11709a7d44))
+
+
+## v2.33.2 (2025-07-31)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- Delete choice dialog on close
+  ([`23413cf`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/23413cffabe721e35bb5bb726ec34d74dc4ffe05))
+
+- Display short lists in SignalDisplay
+  ([`4bbb8fa`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/4bbb8fa519e8a90eebfcfa34e157493c9baa7880))
+
+- Don't warn on empty DeviceEdit init
+  ([`f18eeb9`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/f18eeb9c5dccbd9348b6ee6d1477a8b7925d40fc))
+
+- Remove config, directly set device+signal
+  ([`32ce8e2`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/32ce8e2818ceacda87e48399e3ed4df0cabb2335))
+
+
+## v2.33.1 (2025-07-31)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **cli**: Ensure guis are not started twice
+  ([`cd81e7f`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/cd81e7f9ba40be23f6b930d250f743276720b277))
+
+
+## v2.33.0 (2025-07-29)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **monaco**: Forward text changed signal
+  ([`a51ef04`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/a51ef04cdf0ac8abdb7008d78b13c75b86ce9e06))
+
+### Build System
+
+- Update bec and qtmonaco min dependencies
+  ([`5f925ba`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/5f925ba4e3840219e4473d6346ece6746076f718))
+
+### Features
+
+- **monaco**: Add insert, delete and lsp header
+  ([`fc68d2c`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/fc68d2cf2d6b161d8e3b9fc9daf6185d9197deba))
+
+- **monaco**: Add vim mode
+  ([`627b49b`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/627b49b33a30e45b2bfecb57f090eecfa31af09d))
+
+- **web console**: Add set_readonly method
+  ([`c2e1642`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/c2e16429c91de7cc0e672ba36224e9031c1c4234))
+
+- **web console**: Add signal to indicate when the js backend is initialized
+  ([`2b9fe6c`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/2b9fe6c9590c8d18b7542307273176e118828681))
+
+### Testing
+
+- **web console**: Add tests for the web console
+  ([`40f4bce`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/40f4bce2854bcf333ce261229bd1703b80ced538))
+
+
+## v2.32.0 (2025-07-29)
+
+### Features
+
+- **dock area**: Add screenshot toolbar action
+  ([`fd5af01`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/fd5af0184279400ca6d8e5d2042f31be88d180f3))
+
+- **rpc_timeout**: Add decorator to override the rpc timeout
+  ([`8a214c8`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/8a214c897899d0d94d5f262591a001c127d1b155))
+
+
+## v2.31.3 (2025-07-29)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **waveform**: Fallback mechanism for auto mode to use index if scan_report_devices are not
+  available
+  ([`6bf84ae`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/6bf84aea2508ff01fe201c045ec055684da88593))
+
+
+## v2.31.2 (2025-07-29)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **bec widgets**: Always call cleanup of child widgets on cleanup
+  ([`bf86a03`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/bf86a030a08b325a08e031ff71d0716a2f2f122b))
+
+
+## v2.31.1 (2025-07-29)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **image_base**: Fix cleanup of uninitialized image layer
+  ([`c1bdc50`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/c1bdc506e8099f178acdccbe0e1109deeeaaca38))
+
+
+## v2.31.0 (2025-07-29)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **bec_main_window**: Main window have unified status bar on macOS
+  ([`1d0490f`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/1d0490fff428d51f2cdb7d35a954a7cd62cbb65c))
+
+- **color_button_native**: Removed BECWidget inheritance
+  ([`e42ffd7`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/e42ffd7c015a026d8e0967ac6b5866cbbea7bfed))
+
+- **decimal_spinbox**: Removed BECWidget inheritance
+  ([`2bd6d00`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/2bd6d0089955172134afb4d39939890026ed43f0))
+
+- **launch_window**: Logic for custom main window apps adjusted
+  ([`e090ac4`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/e090ac49b72fa15ebf1c09164ff3c6de577cb939))
+
+- **plugin_utils**: Plugins can be created from QWidgets, no need for BECWidget base class for
+  plugin creation
+  ([`c2a918e`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/c2a918ef4b77ccd7fa43d1bc0b907d55a17a6c95))
+
+- **scan_progressbar**: Added kwargs to init
+  ([`7073e75`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/7073e75adf0eeb81f4f8e27eb99fc1b7a395c751))
+
+- **utils**: Plugin template createWidget do not initialise widgets by default
+  ([`728d4ef`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/728d4efd9646ffcecd7d1a2f70988a7d7c799124))
+
+- **widgets**: Added missing __init__ files
+  ([`6bbf512`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/6bbf5126cf586063ed08d6cd489d6a9af28eac35))
+
+### Features
+
+- **bec_main_window**: Plugin and rpc created
+  ([`e4521d9`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/e4521d95286bbc598c3c05f357d247d950477b71))
+
+### Refactoring
+
+- **widgets**: All plugins regenerated
+  ([`10cbb9a`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/10cbb9a05cb96a791448caff4ffc4115b76146d7))
+
+### Testing
+
+- **launch_window**: Mainwindow raise test removed, features is supported now
+  ([`0854175`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/0854175acbda1d4de71358aec028539552a26448))
+
+
+## v2.30.6 (2025-07-26)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **waveform**: Autorange is applied with 150ms delay after curve is added
+  ([`61e5bde`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/61e5bde15f0e1ebe185ddbe81cd71ad581ae6009))
+
+
+## v2.30.5 (2025-07-25)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **positioner-box**: Test to fix handling of none integer values for precision
+  ([`b718b43`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/b718b438bacff6eb6cd6015f1a67dcf75c05dce4))
+
+### Refactoring
+
+- **positioner-box**: Cleanup, accept float precision
+  ([`4d5df96`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/4d5df9608a9438b9f6d7508c323eb3772e53f37d))
+
+
+## v2.30.4 (2025-07-25)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **cli**: Remove stderr from cli output when not using rpc
+  ([`b4e0664`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/b4e0664011682cae9966aa2632210a6b60e11714))
+
+
+## v2.30.3 (2025-07-23)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- Cleanup subscriptions in device browser
+  ([`0d81bdd`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/0d81bdd4ddb4ec474a414b107cbc7fc865253934))
+
+
+## v2.30.2 (2025-07-23)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- Factor out device name function and add test
+  ([`8eb8225`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/8eb8225a7f56014d6093aa142b3a5d071837982e))
+
+- **rpc_base**: Rpc_call wrapper passes full_name for Devices indeed of name
+  ([`491d044`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/491d04467c8ce4e116d61e614895d1dcc6b4b201))
+
+### Testing
+
+- **test_plotting_framework_e2e**: Added test for waveform with passing device from dev container
+  ([`3fd09fc`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/3fd09fceef2ffa7e7c3eee20176304bafb00d0db))
+
+
+## v2.30.1 (2025-07-22)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- Ignore KeyError in SignalLabel
+  ([`608590c`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/608590c5421368d5bba0e4b0f5187d90cac323be))
+
+
+## v2.30.0 (2025-07-22)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **device_browser**: Display signal for signals
+  ([`3384ca0`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/3384ca02bdb5a2798ad3339ecf3e2ba7c121e28f))
+
+- **device_signal_display**: Don't read omitted
+  ([`b9af36a`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/b9af36a4f1c91e910d4fc738b17b90e92287a7e3))
+
+- **signal_label**: Rewrite reading selection logic
+  ([`cd17a4a`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/cd17a4aad905296eb0460ecc27e5920f5c2e8fe5))
+
+- **signal_label**: Show all signals by default
+  ([`22beadc`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/22beadcad061b328c986414f30fef57b64bad693))
+
+- **signal_label**: Update signal from dialog correctly
+  ([`959cedb`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/959cedbbd5a123eef5f3370287bf6476c48caab9))
+
+- **signal_label**: Use read() instead of get() for init
+  ([`f0dc992`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/f0dc99258607a5cc8af51686d01f7fd54ae2779f))
+
+### Chores
+
+- Update client.py
+  ([`fd1f994`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/fd1f9941e046b7ae1e247dde39c20bcbc37ac189))
+
+### Features
+
+- **signal_label**: Property to display array data or not
+  ([`ca4f975`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/ca4f97503bf06363e8e8a5d494a9857223da4104))
+
+
+## v2.29.0 (2025-07-22)
+
+### Features
+
+- **notification_banner**: Notification centre for alarms implemented into BECMainWindow
+  ([`cd9d22d`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/cd9d22d0b40d633af76cb1188b57feb7b6a5dbf2))
+
+### Refactoring
+
+- **notification_banner**: Becnotificationbroker done as singleton to sync all windows in the
+  session
+  ([`7cda2ed`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/7cda2ed846d3c27799f4f15f6c5c667631b1ca55))
+
+
+## v2.28.0 (2025-07-21)
+
+### Features
+
+- Disable editing while scan active
+  ([`1397655`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/13976557fbdb71a1161029521d81a655d25dd134))
+
+- Remove and readd device for config changes
+  ([`8489ef4`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/8489ef4a69d69b39648b1a9270012f14f95c6121))
+
+- Save and load config from devicebrowser
+  ([`7f0098f`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/7f0098f1533d419cc75801c4d6cbea485c7bbf94))
+
+
+## v2.27.1 (2025-07-17)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **image_roi_tree**: Rois signals are disconnected when roi tree widget is closed
+  ([`00e3713`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/00e3713181916a432e4e9dec8a0d80205914cf77))
+
+
+## v2.27.0 (2025-07-17)
+
+### Features
+
+- Add monaco editor
+  ([`2373c7e`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/2373c7e996566a5b84c5a50e1c3e69de885713db))
+
+
+## v2.26.0 (2025-07-17)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **config label**: Reset offset when toggling the label action
+  ([`b8ae7b2`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/b8ae7b2e96071b6dc59dae7ffa72bbedc6aaea23))
+
+- **performance_bundle**: Fix performance bundle cleanup
+  ([`23674cc`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/23674ccf592a2caa0b57ae64ad1499c270b7d469))
+
+### Features
+
+- **device combobox**: Add option to insert an empty element
+  ([`debd347`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/debd347b64a3d2ca07ddcd5ef3a3394d1ffb67e3))
+
+- **heatmap**: Add interpolation and oversampling UI components
+  ([`1d8069e`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/1d8069e391412e3096a3c1e7181398dd4e609650))
+
+### Refactoring
+
+- **image_base**: Cleanup
+  ([`46a9178`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/46a91784d237137128965ad585e38085e931e5d4))
+
+### Testing
+
+- **history**: Add history message helper methods to conftest
+  ([`44cc061`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/44cc06137ccfbc087bdd3005156ff28effe05f23))
+
+
+## v2.25.0 (2025-07-17)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **bec-progressbar**: Add flag for theme update
+  ([`694a6c4`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/694a6c49608b68e25dc0c76b58855b96f3f0ef0b))
+
+### Continuous Integration
+
+- **bec**: Add child_repos test for bec (unit and e2e tests)
+  ([`a9c8995`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/a9c8995ac0b39f6bc327887f43f7d4d6e6e89db2))
+
+- **plugin**: Add plugin repository test to BW ci
+  ([`2b06e34`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/2b06e34ecff8c0a92a2b235f375e837729736b2a))
+
+### Features
+
+- **scan-history-browser**: Add history browser and history metadata viewer
+  ([`9caae4c`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/9caae4cf40d3876175b827abb735ae227ae0bcea))
+
+### Refactoring
+
+- Add additional components for history metadata, device view and popup ui
+  ([`cf97cc1`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/cf97cc1805e16073c7849d1f9375e2ebd2176b70))
+
+- Cleanup, add compact popup view for scan_history_browser and update tests
+  ([`25b2737`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/25b2737aacfaa45f255afb6ebf467d5781165a8e))
+
+
+## v2.24.1 (2025-07-15)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- Update signal label for device_edit changes
+  ([`bde5238`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/bde523806fdb6ab224b485f65b615f89dfe20b7b))
+
+
+## v2.24.0 (2025-07-15)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- Hide validity LED, show message as tooltip
+  ([`530797a`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/530797a5568957dde9f47f417310f5c4d2493906))
+
+- Validate some config data
+  ([`c660e51`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/c660e5141f191a782c224ee1b83536793639eecb))
+
+- **device_browser**: Un-nest exception
+  ([`8b2d605`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/8b2d6052e808f8b4063e5f45c40e4460524f044e))
+
+### Documentation
+
+- Docstring for config dialog
+  ([`1925e6a`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/1925e6ac7f98875eb5980637ae3293e22b459e28))
+
+### Features
+
+- (#495) add devices through browser
+  ([`170be0c`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/170be0c7d3bb1f6e5f2305958909ef68cd987fbd))
+
+- **#495**: Add validation against existing device names
+  ([`900153b`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/900153bc0b8cec7bad82e23b3772c66e84900a17))
+
+- **device_browser**: Connect update to item refresh
+  ([`130cc24`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/130cc24b351684358558ab81c0111f10f9abb11f))
+
+- **device_browser**: Device deletion from config
+  ([`8dc7265`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/8dc72656ef46ae7be886f9da59beb768f5381b4f))
+
+
+## v2.23.0 (2025-07-11)
+
+### Features
+
+- **widget_finder**: Widget to fetch any other widget by class from currently running app
+  ([`a9fce17`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/a9fce175b720ad85a5cefcab99d79fbcb971ff4a))
+
+- **widget_io**: Utility function to find widget in the app by class
+  ([`783d042`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/783d042e8c469774fc8407921462a99c96f6d408))
+
+
+## v2.22.2 (2025-07-11)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **plot_base**: Autorange takes into account only visible curves
+  ([`7643986`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/76439866c1fd09cb7d9d48dfccdc7b1943bfbc0f))
+
+
+## v2.22.1 (2025-07-11)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **crosshair**: Crosshair mouse_moved can be set manually
+  ([`63a8da6`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/63a8da680d263a50102aacf463ec6f6252562f9d))
+
+- **heatmap**: Fix pixel size calculation for arbitrary shapes
+  ([`6c49425`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/6c494258f82059a2472f43bb8287390ce1aba704))
+
+
+## v2.22.0 (2025-07-10)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **crosshair**: Add slot to reset mouse markers
+  ([`adaad4f`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/adaad4f4d5ebf775a337e23a944ba9eb289d01a0))
+
+- **crosshair**: Fix crosshair support for transformations
+  ([`3ba0fc4`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/3ba0fc4b442e5926f27a13f09d628c30987f2cf8))
+
+- **image**: Reset crosshair on new scan
+  ([`e594de3`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/e594de3ca39970f91f5842693eeb1fac393eaa34))
+
+- **image item**: Fix processor for nans in images
+  ([`39c316d`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/39c316d6eadfdfbd483661b67720a7e224a46712))
+
+- **image_base**: Move cbar init to image base
+  ([`8929778`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/8929778f073c40a9eabba7eda2415fc9af1072bb))
+
+- **image_processor**: Support for nans in nd arrays
+  ([`a6fc799`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/a6fc7993a3d22cfd086310c8e6dad3f9f3d1e9fe))
+
+### Features
+
+- Add heatmap widget
+  ([`0c76b0c`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/0c76b0c49598d1456aab266b483de327788028fd))
+
+- **image_item**: Add support for qtransform
+  ([`324a5bd`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/324a5bd3d9ed278495c6ba62453b02061900ae32))
+
+
+## v2.21.4 (2025-07-08)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **image_roi_tree**: Changing color dialog from ColorButtonNative is open once
+  ([`244bca4`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/244bca4e1ec7c00109534b9f503ff2eb125c1ffe))
+
+
+## v2.21.3 (2025-07-03)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **connector**: Remove safeslot for now
+  ([`25f28c4`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/25f28c47e32af1be7778803dc27d8c2a367172ed))
+
+### Refactoring
+
+- **toolbar**: Split toolbar into components, bundles and connections
+  ([`db720e8`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/db720e8fa46bb2fb10c73afa1b4f039cd256d68b))
+
+
 ## v2.21.2 (2025-06-30)
 
 ### Bug Fixes

bec_widgets/applications/launch_window.py

@@ -27,11 +27,11 @@ from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
 from bec_widgets.utils.name_utils import pascal_to_snake
 from bec_widgets.utils.plugin_utils import get_plugin_auto_updates
 from bec_widgets.utils.round_frame import RoundedFrame
-from bec_widgets.utils.toolbar import ModularToolBar
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.toolbar import ModularToolBar
 from bec_widgets.utils.ui_loader import UILoader
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.auto_update.auto_updates import AutoUpdates
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock.dock_area import BECDockArea
-from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.main_window import BECMainWindow, UILaunchWindow
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.main_window import BECMainWindow, BECMainWindowNoRPC
 from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.visual.dark_mode_button.dark_mode_button import DarkModeButton
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
@@ -395,20 +395,24 @@ class LaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
             if isinstance(result_widget, BECMainWindow):
                 result_widget.show()
             else:
-                window = BECMainWindow()
+                window = BECMainWindowNoRPC()
                 window.setCentralWidget(result_widget)
                 window.setWindowTitle(f"BEC - {result_widget.objectName()}")
                 window.show()
             return result_widget
 
     def _launch_custom_ui_file(self, ui_file: str | None) -> BECMainWindow:
-        # Load the custom UI file
+        """
+        Load a custom .ui file. If the top-level widget is a MainWindow subclass,
+        instantiate it directly; otherwise, embed it in a UILaunchWindow.
+        """
         if ui_file is None:
             raise ValueError("UI file must be provided for custom UI file launch.")
         filename = os.path.basename(ui_file).split(".")[0]
 
         WidgetContainerUtils.raise_for_invalid_name(filename)
 
+        # Parse the UI to detect top-level widget class
         tree = ET.parse(ui_file)
         root = tree.getroot()
         # Check if the top-level widget is a QMainWindow
@@ -416,19 +420,22 @@ class LaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
         if widget is None:
             raise ValueError("No widget found in the UI file.")
 
-        if widget.attrib.get("class") == "QMainWindow":
-            raise ValueError(
-                "Loading a QMainWindow from a UI file is currently not supported. "
-                "If you need this, please contact the BEC team or create a ticket on gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets."
-            )
+        # Load the UI into a widget
+        loader = UILoader(None)
+        loaded = loader.loader(ui_file)
+
+        # Display the UI in a BECMainWindow
+        if isinstance(loaded, BECMainWindow):
+            window = loaded
+            window.object_name = filename
+        else:
+            window = BECMainWindow(object_name=filename)
+            window.setCentralWidget(loaded)
 
-        window = UILaunchWindow(object_name=filename)
         QApplication.processEvents()
-        result_widget = UILoader(window).loader(ui_file)
-        window.setCentralWidget(result_widget)
-        window.setWindowTitle(f"BEC - {window.object_name}")
+        window.setWindowTitle(f"BEC - {filename}")
         window.show()
-        logger.info(f"Object name of new instance: {result_widget.objectName()}, {window.gui_id}")
+        logger.info(f"Launched custom UI: {filename}, type: {type(window).__name__}")
         return window
 
     def _launch_auto_update(self, auto_update: str) -> AutoUpdates:
@@ -451,7 +458,7 @@ class LaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
 
         WidgetContainerUtils.raise_for_invalid_name(name)
 
-        window = BECMainWindow()
+        window = BECMainWindowNoRPC()
 
         widget_instance = widget(root_widget=True, object_name=name)
         assert isinstance(widget_instance, QWidget)

bec_widgets/cli/client.py

@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ from typing import Literal, Optional
 
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 
-from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_base import RPCBase, rpc_call
+from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_base import RPCBase, rpc_call, rpc_timeout
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_plugin_helper import get_all_plugin_widgets, get_plugin_client_module
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@ class _WidgetsEnumType(str, enum.Enum):
 _Widgets = {
     "AbortButton": "AbortButton",
     "BECDockArea": "BECDockArea",
+    "BECMainWindow": "BECMainWindow",
     "BECProgressBar": "BECProgressBar",
     "BECQueue": "BECQueue",
     "BECStatusBox": "BECStatusBox",
@@ -37,20 +38,24 @@ _Widgets = {
     "DeviceBrowser": "DeviceBrowser",
     "DeviceComboBox": "DeviceComboBox",
     "DeviceLineEdit": "DeviceLineEdit",
+    "Heatmap": "Heatmap",
     "Image": "Image",
     "LogPanel": "LogPanel",
     "Minesweeper": "Minesweeper",
+    "MonacoWidget": "MonacoWidget",
     "MotorMap": "MotorMap",
     "MultiWaveform": "MultiWaveform",
     "PositionIndicator": "PositionIndicator",
     "PositionerBox": "PositionerBox",
     "PositionerBox2D": "PositionerBox2D",
     "PositionerControlLine": "PositionerControlLine",
+    "PositionerGroup": "PositionerGroup",
     "ResetButton": "ResetButton",
     "ResumeButton": "ResumeButton",
     "RingProgressBar": "RingProgressBar",
     "SBBMonitor": "SBBMonitor",
     "ScanControl": "ScanControl",
+    "ScanProgressBar": "ScanProgressBar",
     "ScatterWaveform": "ScatterWaveform",
     "SignalComboBox": "SignalComboBox",
     "SignalLabel": "SignalLabel",
@@ -409,6 +414,13 @@ class BECDockArea(RPCBase):
             dict: The state of the dock area.
         """
 
+    @rpc_timeout(None)
+    @rpc_call
+    def screenshot(self, file_name: "str | None" = None):
+        """
+        Take a screenshot of the dock area and save it to a file.
+        """
+
     @rpc_call
     def restore_state(
         self, state: "dict" = None, missing: "Literal['ignore', 'error']" = "ignore", extra="bottom"
@@ -423,6 +435,14 @@ class BECDockArea(RPCBase):
         """
 
 
+class BECMainWindow(RPCBase):
+    @rpc_call
+    def remove(self):
+        """
+        Cleanup the BECConnector
+        """
+
+
 class BECProgressBar(RPCBase):
     """A custom progress bar with smooth transitions. The displayed text can be customized using a template."""
 
@@ -1181,6 +1201,551 @@ class EllipticalROI(RPCBase):
         """
 
 
+class Heatmap(RPCBase):
+    """Heatmap widget for visualizing 2d grid data with color mapping for the z-axis."""
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def enable_toolbar(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Show Toolbar.
+        """
+
+    @enable_toolbar.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def enable_toolbar(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Show Toolbar.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def enable_side_panel(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Show Side Panel
+        """
+
+    @enable_side_panel.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def enable_side_panel(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Show Side Panel
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def enable_fps_monitor(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Enable the FPS monitor.
+        """
+
+    @enable_fps_monitor.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def enable_fps_monitor(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Enable the FPS monitor.
+        """
+
+    @rpc_call
+    def set(self, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Set the properties of the plot widget.
+
+        Args:
+            **kwargs: Keyword arguments for the properties to be set.
+
+        Possible properties:
+            - title: str
+            - x_label: str
+            - y_label: str
+            - x_scale: Literal["linear", "log"]
+            - y_scale: Literal["linear", "log"]
+            - x_lim: tuple
+            - y_lim: tuple
+            - legend_label_size: int
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def title(self) -> "str":
+        """
+        Set title of the plot.
+        """
+
+    @title.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def title(self) -> "str":
+        """
+        Set title of the plot.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def x_label(self) -> "str":
+        """
+        The set label for the x-axis.
+        """
+
+    @x_label.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def x_label(self) -> "str":
+        """
+        The set label for the x-axis.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def y_label(self) -> "str":
+        """
+        The set label for the y-axis.
+        """
+
+    @y_label.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def y_label(self) -> "str":
+        """
+        The set label for the y-axis.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def x_limits(self) -> "QPointF":
+        """
+        Get the x limits of the plot.
+        """
+
+    @x_limits.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def x_limits(self) -> "QPointF":
+        """
+        Get the x limits of the plot.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def y_limits(self) -> "QPointF":
+        """
+        Get the y limits of the plot.
+        """
+
+    @y_limits.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def y_limits(self) -> "QPointF":
+        """
+        Get the y limits of the plot.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def x_grid(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Show grid on the x-axis.
+        """
+
+    @x_grid.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def x_grid(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Show grid on the x-axis.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def y_grid(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Show grid on the y-axis.
+        """
+
+    @y_grid.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def y_grid(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Show grid on the y-axis.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def inner_axes(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Show inner axes of the plot widget.
+        """
+
+    @inner_axes.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def inner_axes(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Show inner axes of the plot widget.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def outer_axes(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Show the outer axes of the plot widget.
+        """
+
+    @outer_axes.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def outer_axes(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Show the outer axes of the plot widget.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def auto_range_x(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Set auto range for the x-axis.
+        """
+
+    @auto_range_x.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def auto_range_x(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Set auto range for the x-axis.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def auto_range_y(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Set auto range for the y-axis.
+        """
+
+    @auto_range_y.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def auto_range_y(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Set auto range for the y-axis.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def minimal_crosshair_precision(self) -> "int":
+        """
+        Minimum decimal places for crosshair when dynamic precision is enabled.
+        """
+
+    @minimal_crosshair_precision.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def minimal_crosshair_precision(self) -> "int":
+        """
+        Minimum decimal places for crosshair when dynamic precision is enabled.
+        """
+
+    @rpc_timeout(None)
+    @rpc_call
+    def screenshot(self, file_name: "str | None" = None):
+        """
+        Take a screenshot of the dock area and save it to a file.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def color_map(self) -> "str":
+        """
+        Set the color map of the image.
+        """
+
+    @color_map.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def color_map(self) -> "str":
+        """
+        Set the color map of the image.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def v_range(self) -> "QPointF":
+        """
+        Set the v_range of the main image.
+        """
+
+    @v_range.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def v_range(self) -> "QPointF":
+        """
+        Set the v_range of the main image.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def v_min(self) -> "float":
+        """
+        Get the minimum value of the v_range.
+        """
+
+    @v_min.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def v_min(self) -> "float":
+        """
+        Get the minimum value of the v_range.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def v_max(self) -> "float":
+        """
+        Get the maximum value of the v_range.
+        """
+
+    @v_max.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def v_max(self) -> "float":
+        """
+        Get the maximum value of the v_range.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def lock_aspect_ratio(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Whether the aspect ratio is locked.
+        """
+
+    @lock_aspect_ratio.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def lock_aspect_ratio(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Whether the aspect ratio is locked.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def autorange(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Whether autorange is enabled.
+        """
+
+    @autorange.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def autorange(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Whether autorange is enabled.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def autorange_mode(self) -> "str":
+        """
+        Autorange mode.
+
+        Options:
+            - "max": Use the maximum value of the image for autoranging.
+            - "mean": Use the mean value of the image for autoranging.
+        """
+
+    @autorange_mode.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def autorange_mode(self) -> "str":
+        """
+        Autorange mode.
+
+        Options:
+            - "max": Use the maximum value of the image for autoranging.
+            - "mean": Use the mean value of the image for autoranging.
+        """
+
+    @rpc_call
+    def enable_colorbar(
+        self,
+        enabled: "bool",
+        style: "Literal['full', 'simple']" = "full",
+        vrange: "tuple[int, int] | None" = None,
+    ):
+        """
+        Enable the colorbar and switch types of colorbars.
+
+        Args:
+            enabled(bool): Whether to enable the colorbar.
+            style(Literal["full", "simple"]): The type of colorbar to enable.
+            vrange(tuple): The range of values to use for the colorbar.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def enable_simple_colorbar(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Enable the simple colorbar.
+        """
+
+    @enable_simple_colorbar.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def enable_simple_colorbar(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Enable the simple colorbar.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def enable_full_colorbar(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Enable the full colorbar.
+        """
+
+    @enable_full_colorbar.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def enable_full_colorbar(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Enable the full colorbar.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def interpolation_method(self) -> "str":
+        """
+        The interpolation method used for the heatmap.
+        """
+
+    @interpolation_method.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def interpolation_method(self) -> "str":
+        """
+        The interpolation method used for the heatmap.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def oversampling_factor(self) -> "float":
+        """
+        The oversampling factor for grid resolution.
+        """
+
+    @oversampling_factor.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def oversampling_factor(self) -> "float":
+        """
+        The oversampling factor for grid resolution.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def enforce_interpolation(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Whether to enforce interpolation even for grid scans.
+        """
+
+    @enforce_interpolation.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def enforce_interpolation(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Whether to enforce interpolation even for grid scans.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def fft(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Whether FFT postprocessing is enabled.
+        """
+
+    @fft.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def fft(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Whether FFT postprocessing is enabled.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def log(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Whether logarithmic scaling is applied.
+        """
+
+    @log.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def log(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Whether logarithmic scaling is applied.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def main_image(self) -> "ImageItem":
+        """
+        Access the main image item.
+        """
+
+    @rpc_call
+    def add_roi(
+        self,
+        kind: "Literal['rect', 'circle', 'ellipse']" = "rect",
+        name: "str | None" = None,
+        line_width: "int | None" = 5,
+        pos: "tuple[float, float] | None" = (10, 10),
+        size: "tuple[float, float] | None" = (50, 50),
+        movable: "bool" = True,
+        **pg_kwargs,
+    ) -> "RectangularROI | CircularROI":
+        """
+        Add a ROI to the image.
+
+        Args:
+            kind(str): The type of ROI to add. Options are "rect" or "circle".
+            name(str): The name of the ROI.
+            line_width(int): The line width of the ROI.
+            pos(tuple): The position of the ROI.
+            size(tuple): The size of the ROI.
+            movable(bool): Whether the ROI is movable.
+            **pg_kwargs: Additional arguments for the ROI.
+
+        Returns:
+            RectangularROI | CircularROI: The created ROI object.
+        """
+
+    @rpc_call
+    def remove_roi(self, roi: "int | str"):
+        """
+        Remove an ROI by index or label via the ROIController.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def rois(self) -> "list[BaseROI]":
+        """
+        Get the list of ROIs.
+        """
+
+    @rpc_call
+    def plot(
+        self,
+        x_name: "str",
+        y_name: "str",
+        z_name: "str",
+        x_entry: "None | str" = None,
+        y_entry: "None | str" = None,
+        z_entry: "None | str" = None,
+        color_map: "str | None" = "plasma",
+        validate_bec: "bool" = True,
+        interpolation: "Literal['linear', 'nearest'] | None" = None,
+        enforce_interpolation: "bool | None" = None,
+        oversampling_factor: "float | None" = None,
+        lock_aspect_ratio: "bool | None" = None,
+        show_config_label: "bool | None" = None,
+        reload: "bool" = False,
+    ):
+        """
+        Plot the heatmap with the given x, y, and z data.
+
+        Args:
+            x_name (str): The name of the x-axis signal.
+            y_name (str): The name of the y-axis signal.
+            z_name (str): The name of the z-axis signal.
+            x_entry (str | None): The entry for the x-axis signal.
+            y_entry (str | None): The entry for the y-axis signal.
+            z_entry (str | None): The entry for the z-axis signal.
+            color_map (str | None): The color map to use for the heatmap.
+            validate_bec (bool): Whether to validate the entries against BEC signals.
+            interpolation (Literal["linear", "nearest"] | None): The interpolation method to use.
+            enforce_interpolation (bool | None): Whether to enforce interpolation even for grid scans.
+            oversampling_factor (float | None): Factor to oversample the grid resolution.
+            lock_aspect_ratio (bool | None): Whether to lock the aspect ratio of the image.
+            show_config_label (bool | None): Whether to show the configuration label in the heatmap.
+            reload (bool): Whether to reload the heatmap with new data.
+        """
+
+
 class Image(RPCBase):
     """Image widget for displaying 2D data."""
 
@@ -1413,6 +1978,13 @@ class Image(RPCBase):
         Minimum decimal places for crosshair when dynamic precision is enabled.
         """
 
+    @rpc_timeout(None)
+    @rpc_call
+    def screenshot(self, file_name: "str | None" = None):
+        """
+        Take a screenshot of the dock area and save it to a file.
+        """
+
     @property
     @rpc_call
     def color_map(self) -> "str":
@@ -1879,6 +2451,146 @@ class LogPanel(RPCBase):
 class Minesweeper(RPCBase): ...
 
 
+class MonacoWidget(RPCBase):
+    """A simple Monaco editor widget"""
+
+    @rpc_call
+    def set_text(self, text: str) -> None:
+        """
+        Set the text in the Monaco editor.
+
+        Args:
+            text (str): The text to set in the editor.
+        """
+
+    @rpc_call
+    def get_text(self) -> str:
+        """
+        Get the current text from the Monaco editor.
+        """
+
+    @rpc_call
+    def insert_text(self, text: str, line: int | None = None, column: int | None = None) -> None:
+        """
+        Insert text at the current cursor position or at a specified line and column.
+
+        Args:
+            text (str): The text to insert.
+            line (int, optional): The line number (1-based) to insert the text at. Defaults to None.
+            column (int, optional): The column number (1-based) to insert the text at. Defaults to None.
+        """
+
+    @rpc_call
+    def delete_line(self, line: int | None = None) -> None:
+        """
+        Delete a line in the Monaco editor.
+
+        Args:
+            line (int, optional): The line number (1-based) to delete. If None, the current line will be deleted.
+        """
+
+    @rpc_call
+    def set_language(self, language: str) -> None:
+        """
+        Set the programming language for syntax highlighting in the Monaco editor.
+
+        Args:
+            language (str): The programming language to set (e.g., "python", "javascript").
+        """
+
+    @rpc_call
+    def get_language(self) -> str:
+        """
+        Get the current programming language set in the Monaco editor.
+        """
+
+    @rpc_call
+    def set_theme(self, theme: str) -> None:
+        """
+        Set the theme for the Monaco editor.
+
+        Args:
+            theme (str): The theme to set (e.g., "vs-dark", "light").
+        """
+
+    @rpc_call
+    def get_theme(self) -> str:
+        """
+        Get the current theme of the Monaco editor.
+        """
+
+    @rpc_call
+    def set_readonly(self, read_only: bool) -> None:
+        """
+        Set the Monaco editor to read-only mode.
+
+        Args:
+            read_only (bool): If True, the editor will be read-only.
+        """
+
+    @rpc_call
+    def set_cursor(
+        self,
+        line: int,
+        column: int = 1,
+        move_to_position: Literal[None, "center", "top", "position"] = None,
+    ) -> None:
+        """
+        Set the cursor position in the Monaco editor.
+
+        Args:
+            line (int): Line number (1-based).
+            column (int): Column number (1-based), defaults to 1.
+            move_to_position (Literal[None, "center", "top", "position"], optional): Position to move the cursor to.
+        """
+
+    @rpc_call
+    def current_cursor(self) -> dict[str, int]:
+        """
+        Get the current cursor position in the Monaco editor.
+
+        Returns:
+            dict[str, int]: A dictionary with keys 'line' and 'column' representing the cursor position.
+        """
+
+    @rpc_call
+    def set_minimap_enabled(self, enabled: bool) -> None:
+        """
+        Enable or disable the minimap in the Monaco editor.
+
+        Args:
+            enabled (bool): If True, the minimap will be enabled; otherwise, it will be disabled.
+        """
+
+    @rpc_call
+    def set_vim_mode_enabled(self, enabled: bool) -> None:
+        """
+        Enable or disable Vim mode in the Monaco editor.
+
+        Args:
+            enabled (bool): If True, Vim mode will be enabled; otherwise, it will be disabled.
+        """
+
+    @rpc_call
+    def set_lsp_header(self, header: str) -> None:
+        """
+        Set the LSP (Language Server Protocol) header for the Monaco editor.
+        The header is used to provide context for language servers but is not displayed in the editor.
+
+        Args:
+            header (str): The LSP header to set.
+        """
+
+    @rpc_call
+    def get_lsp_header(self) -> str:
+        """
+        Get the current LSP header set in the Monaco editor.
+
+        Returns:
+            str: The LSP header.
+        """
+
+
 class MotorMap(RPCBase):
     """Motor map widget for plotting motor positions in 2D including a trace of the last points."""
 
@@ -2153,6 +2865,13 @@ class MotorMap(RPCBase):
         The font size of the legend font.
         """
 
+    @rpc_timeout(None)
+    @rpc_call
+    def screenshot(self, file_name: "str | None" = None):
+        """
+        Take a screenshot of the dock area and save it to a file.
+        """
+
     @property
     @rpc_call
     def color(self) -> "tuple":
@@ -2558,6 +3277,13 @@ class MultiWaveform(RPCBase):
         Minimum decimal places for crosshair when dynamic precision is enabled.
         """
 
+    @rpc_timeout(None)
+    @rpc_call
+    def screenshot(self, file_name: "str | None" = None):
+        """
+        Take a screenshot of the dock area and save it to a file.
+        """
+
     @property
     @rpc_call
     def highlighted_index(self):
@@ -2772,6 +3498,13 @@ class PositionerBox(RPCBase):
             positioner (Positioner | str) : Positioner to set, accepts str or the device
         """
 
+    @rpc_timeout(None)
+    @rpc_call
+    def screenshot(self, file_name: "str | None" = None):
+        """
+        Take a screenshot of the dock area and save it to a file.
+        """
+
 
 class PositionerBox2D(RPCBase):
     """Simple Widget to control two positioners in box form"""
@@ -2794,6 +3527,13 @@ class PositionerBox2D(RPCBase):
             positioner (Positioner | str) : Positioner to set, accepts str or the device
         """
 
+    @rpc_timeout(None)
+    @rpc_call
+    def screenshot(self, file_name: "str | None" = None):
+        """
+        Take a screenshot of the dock area and save it to a file.
+        """
+
 
 class PositionerControlLine(RPCBase):
     """A widget that controls a single device."""
@@ -2807,6 +3547,13 @@ class PositionerControlLine(RPCBase):
             positioner (Positioner | str) : Positioner to set, accepts str or the device
         """
 
+    @rpc_timeout(None)
+    @rpc_call
+    def screenshot(self, file_name: "str | None" = None):
+        """
+        Take a screenshot of the dock area and save it to a file.
+        """
+
 
 class PositionerGroup(RPCBase):
     """Simple Widget to control a positioner in box form"""
@@ -3265,6 +4012,13 @@ class ScanControl(RPCBase):
         Cleanup the BECConnector
         """
 
+    @rpc_timeout(None)
+    @rpc_call
+    def screenshot(self, file_name: "str | None" = None):
+        """
+        Take a screenshot of the dock area and save it to a file.
+        """
+
 
 class ScanProgressBar(RPCBase):
     """Widget to display a progress bar that is hooked up to the scan progress of a scan."""
@@ -3573,6 +4327,13 @@ class ScatterWaveform(RPCBase):
         Minimum decimal places for crosshair when dynamic precision is enabled.
         """
 
+    @rpc_timeout(None)
+    @rpc_call
+    def screenshot(self, file_name: "str | None" = None):
+        """
+        Take a screenshot of the dock area and save it to a file.
+        """
+
     @property
     @rpc_call
     def main_curve(self) -> "ScatterCurve":
@@ -3746,6 +4507,76 @@ class SignalLabel(RPCBase):
         Show the button to select the signal to display
         """
 
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def show_hinted_signals(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        In the signal selection menu, show hinted signals
+        """
+
+    @show_hinted_signals.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def show_hinted_signals(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        In the signal selection menu, show hinted signals
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def show_normal_signals(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        In the signal selection menu, show normal signals
+        """
+
+    @show_normal_signals.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def show_normal_signals(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        In the signal selection menu, show normal signals
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def show_config_signals(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        In the signal selection menu, show config signals
+        """
+
+    @show_config_signals.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def show_config_signals(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        In the signal selection menu, show config signals
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def display_array_data(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Displays the full data from array signals if set to True.
+        """
+
+    @display_array_data.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def display_array_data(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Displays the full data from array signals if set to True.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def max_list_display_len(self) -> "int":
+        """
+        For small lists, the max length to display
+        """
+
+    @max_list_display_len.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def max_list_display_len(self) -> "int":
+        """
+        For small lists, the max length to display
+        """
+
 
 class SignalLineEdit(RPCBase):
     """Line edit widget for device input with autocomplete for device names."""
@@ -3821,14 +4652,6 @@ class TextBox(RPCBase):
         """
 
 
-class UILaunchWindow(RPCBase):
-    @rpc_call
-    def remove(self):
-        """
-        Cleanup the BECConnector
-        """
-
-
 class VSCodeEditor(RPCBase):
     """A widget to display the VSCode editor."""
 
@@ -4077,6 +4900,15 @@ class Waveform(RPCBase):
         Set auto range for the y-axis.
         """
 
+    @rpc_call
+    def auto_range(self, value: "bool" = True):
+        """
+        On demand apply autorange to the plot item based on the visible curves.
+
+        Args:
+            value(bool): If True, apply autorange to the visible curves.
+        """
+
     @property
     @rpc_call
     def x_log(self) -> "bool":
@@ -4133,6 +4965,13 @@ class Waveform(RPCBase):
         Minimum decimal places for crosshair when dynamic precision is enabled.
         """
 
+    @rpc_timeout(None)
+    @rpc_call
+    def screenshot(self, file_name: "str | None" = None):
+        """
+        Take a screenshot of the dock area and save it to a file.
+        """
+
     @property
     @rpc_call
     def curves(self) -> "list[Curve]":

bec_widgets/cli/client_utils.py

@@ -14,18 +14,21 @@ from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Literal, TypeAlias, cast
 
 from bec_lib.endpoints import MessageEndpoints
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
-from bec_lib.utils.import_utils import lazy_import_from
+from bec_lib.utils.import_utils import lazy_import, lazy_import_from
 from rich.console import Console
 from rich.table import Table
 
-import bec_widgets.cli.client as client
 from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_base import RPCBase, RPCReference
 from bec_widgets.utils.serialization import register_serializer_extension
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
     from bec_lib.messages import GUIRegistryStateMessage
+
+    import bec_widgets.cli.client as client
 else:
     GUIRegistryStateMessage = lazy_import_from("bec_lib.messages", "GUIRegistryStateMessage")
+    client = lazy_import("bec_widgets.cli.client")
+
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 
@@ -51,7 +54,7 @@ def _filter_output(output: str) -> str:
 
 
 def _get_output(process, logger) -> None:
-    log_func = {process.stdout: logger.debug, process.stderr: logger.error}
+    log_func = {process.stdout: logger.debug, process.stderr: logger.info}
     stream_buffer = {process.stdout: [], process.stderr: []}
     try:
         os.set_blocking(process.stdout.fileno(), False)
@@ -151,8 +154,10 @@ def wait_for_server(client: BECGuiClient):
             raise RuntimeError("GUI is not alive")
     try:
         if client._gui_started_event.wait(timeout=timeout):
-            client._gui_started_timer.cancel()
-            client._gui_started_timer.join()
+            if client._gui_started_timer is not None:
+                # cancel the timer, we are done
+                client._gui_started_timer.cancel()
+                client._gui_started_timer.join()
         else:
             raise TimeoutError("Could not connect to GUI server")
     finally:
@@ -261,13 +266,20 @@ class BECGuiClient(RPCBase):
 
     def start(self, wait: bool = False) -> None:
         """Start the GUI server."""
+        logger.warning("Using <gui>.start() is deprecated, use <gui>.show() instead.")
         return self._start(wait=wait)
 
-    def show(self):
-        """Show the GUI window."""
+    def show(self, wait=True) -> None:
+        """
+        Show the GUI window.
+        If the GUI server is not running, it will be started.
+
+        Args:
+            wait(bool): Whether to wait for the server to start. Defaults to True.
+        """
         if self._check_if_server_is_alive():
             return self._show_all()
-        return self.start(wait=True)
+        return self._start(wait=wait)
 
     def hide(self):
         """Hide the GUI window."""
@@ -382,6 +394,9 @@ class BECGuiClient(RPCBase):
         """
         Start the GUI server, and execute callback when it is launched
         """
+        if self._gui_is_alive():
+            self._gui_started_event.set()
+            return
         if self._process is None or self._process.poll() is not None:
             logger.success("GUI starting...")
             self._startup_timeout = 5
@@ -524,7 +539,7 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
         # Test the client_utils.py module
         gui = BECGuiClient()
 
-        gui.start(wait=True)
+        gui.show(wait=True)
         gui.new().new(widget="Waveform")
         time.sleep(10)
     finally:

bec_widgets/cli/generate_cli.py

@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ from __future__ import annotations
 {base_imports}
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 
-from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_base import RPCBase, rpc_call
+from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_base import RPCBase, rpc_call, rpc_timeout
 {"from bec_widgets.utils.bec_plugin_helper import get_all_plugin_widgets, get_plugin_client_module" if self._base else ""}
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
@@ -180,7 +180,10 @@ class {class_name}(RPCBase):"""
                     f"Method {method} not found in class {cls.__name__}. "
                     f"Please check the USER_ACCESS list."
                 )
-
+            if hasattr(obj, "__rpc_timeout__"):
+                timeout = {"value": obj.__rpc_timeout__}
+            else:
+                timeout = {}
             if isinstance(obj, (property, QtProperty)):
                 # for the cli, we can map qt properties to regular properties
                 if is_property_setter:
@@ -205,14 +208,26 @@ class {class_name}(RPCBase):"""
     def {method}{str(sig_overload)}: ...
     """
 
-                self.content += """
-    @rpc_call"""
+                self.content += f"""
+    {self._rpc_call(timeout)}"""
             self.content += f"""
     def {method}{str(sig)}:
         \"\"\"
 {doc}
         \"\"\""""
 
+    def _rpc_call(self, timeout_info: dict[str, float | None]):
+        """
+        Decorator to mark a method as an RPC call.
+        This is used to generate the client code for the method.
+        """
+        if not timeout_info:
+            return "@rpc_call"
+        timeout = timeout_info.get("value", None)
+        return f"""
+    @rpc_timeout({timeout})
+    @rpc_call"""
+
     def write(self, file_name: str):
         """
         Write the content to a file, automatically formatted with black.

bec_widgets/cli/rpc/rpc_base.py

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ from functools import wraps
 from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Any, cast
 
 from bec_lib.client import BECClient
+from bec_lib.device import DeviceBaseWithConfig
 from bec_lib.endpoints import MessageEndpoints
 from bec_lib.utils.import_utils import lazy_import, lazy_import_from
 
@@ -24,6 +25,43 @@ else:
 # pylint: disable=protected-access
 
 
+def _name_arg(arg):
+    if isinstance(arg, DeviceBaseWithConfig):
+        # if dev.<device> is passed to GUI, it passes full_name
+        if hasattr(arg, "full_name"):
+            return arg.full_name
+    elif hasattr(arg, "name"):
+        return arg.name
+    return arg
+
+
+def _transform_args_kwargs(args, kwargs) -> tuple[tuple, dict]:
+    return tuple(_name_arg(arg) for arg in args), {k: _name_arg(v) for k, v in kwargs.items()}
+
+
+def rpc_timeout(timeout):
+    """
+    A decorator to set a timeout for an RPC call.
+
+    Args:
+        timeout: The timeout in seconds.
+
+    Returns:
+        The decorated function.
+    """
+
+    def decorator(func):
+        @wraps(func)
+        def wrapper(self, *args, **kwargs):
+            if "timeout" not in kwargs:
+                kwargs["timeout"] = timeout
+            return func(self, *args, **kwargs)
+
+        return wrapper
+
+    return decorator
+
+
 def rpc_call(func):
     """
     A decorator for calling a function on the server.
@@ -47,15 +85,7 @@ def rpc_call(func):
                 return None  # func(*args, **kwargs)
             caller_frame = caller_frame.f_back
 
-        out = []
-        for arg in args:
-            if hasattr(arg, "name"):
-                arg = arg.name
-            out.append(arg)
-        args = tuple(out)
-        for key, val in kwargs.items():
-            if hasattr(val, "name"):
-                kwargs[key] = val.name
+        args, kwargs = _transform_args_kwargs(args, kwargs)
         if not self._root._gui_is_alive():
             raise RuntimeError("GUI is not alive")
         return self._run_rpc(func.__name__, *args, **kwargs)

bec_widgets/cli/server.py

@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ from contextlib import redirect_stderr, redirect_stdout
 
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from bec_lib.service_config import ServiceConfig
+from qtmonaco.pylsp_provider import pylsp_server
 from qtpy.QtCore import QSize, Qt
 from qtpy.QtGui import QIcon
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
@@ -142,6 +143,8 @@ class GUIServer:
         """
         Shutdown the GUI server.
         """
+        if pylsp_server.is_running():
+            pylsp_server.stop()
         if self.dispatcher:
             self.dispatcher.stop_cli_server()
             self.dispatcher.disconnect_all()

bec_widgets/utils/bec_connector.py

@@ -161,8 +161,6 @@ class BECConnector:
 
         # 2) Enforce unique objectName among siblings with the same BECConnector parent
         self.setParent(parent)
-        if isinstance(self.parent(), QObject) and hasattr(self, "cleanup"):
-            self.parent().destroyed.connect(self._run_cleanup_on_deleted_parent)
 
         # Error popups
         self.error_utility = ErrorPopupUtility()
@@ -186,25 +184,6 @@ class BECConnector:
         except:
             logger.error(f"Error getting parent_id for {self.__class__.__name__}")
 
-    @SafeSlot()
-    def _run_cleanup_on_deleted_parent(self) -> None:
-        """
-        Run cleanup on the deleted parent.
-        This method is called when the parent is deleted.
-        """
-        if not hasattr(self, "cleanup"):
-            return
-        try:
-            if not self._destroyed:
-                self.cleanup()
-                self._destroyed = True
-        except Exception:
-            content = traceback.format_exc()
-            logger.info(
-                "Failed to run cleanup on deleted parent. "
-                f"This is not necessarily an error as the parent may be deleted before the child and includes already a cleanup. The following exception was raised:\n{content}"
-            )
-
     def change_object_name(self, name: str) -> None:
         """
         Change the object name of the widget. Unregister old name and register the new one.

bec_widgets/utils/bec_plugin_helper.py

@@ -38,9 +38,11 @@ def _loaded_submodules_from_specs(
         try:
             submodule.__loader__.exec_module(submodule)
         except Exception as e:
-            logger.error(
-                f"Error loading plugin {submodule}: \n{''.join(traceback.format_exception(e))}"
-            )
+            exception_text = "".join(traceback.format_exception(e))
+            if "(most likely due to a circular import)" in exception_text:
+                logger.warning(f"Circular import encountered while loading {submodule}")
+            else:
+                logger.error(f"Error loading plugin {submodule}: \n{exception_text}")
         yield submodule
 
 
@@ -59,7 +61,8 @@ def _get_widgets_from_module(module: ModuleType) -> BECClassContainer:
         module,
         predicate=lambda item: inspect.isclass(item)
         and issubclass(item, BECWidget)
-        and item is not BECWidget,
+        and item is not BECWidget
+        and not item.__module__.startswith("bec_widgets"),
     )
     return BECClassContainer(
         BECClassInfo(name=k, module=module.__name__, file=module.__loader__.get_filename(), obj=v)

bec_widgets/utils/bec_plugin_manager/create/widget.py

@@ -0,0 +1,86 @@
+import traceback
+from pathlib import Path
+from typing import Annotated
+
+import copier
+import typer
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
+from bec_lib.plugin_helper import plugin_repo_path
+from bec_lib.utils.plugin_manager._constants import ANSWER_KEYS
+from bec_lib.utils.plugin_manager._util import existing_data, git_stage_files, make_commit
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_plugin_manager.edit_ui import open_and_watch_ui_editor
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+_app = typer.Typer(rich_markup_mode="rich")
+
+
+def _commit_added_widget(repo: Path, name: str):
+    git_stage_files(repo, [".copier-answers.yml"])
+    git_stage_files(repo / repo.name / "bec_widgets" / "widgets" / name, [])
+    make_commit(repo, f"plugin-manager added new widget: {name}")
+    logger.info(f"Committing new widget {name}")
+
+
+def _widget_exists(widget_list: list[dict[str, str | bool]], name: str):
+    return name in [w["name"] for w in widget_list]
+
+
+def _editor_cb(ctx: typer.Context, value: bool):
+    if value and not ctx.params["use_ui"]:
+        raise typer.BadParameter("Can only open the editor if creating a .ui file!")
+    return value
+
+
+_bold_blue = "\033[34m\033[1m"
+_off = "\033[0m"
+_USE_UI_MSG = "Generate a .ui file for use in bec-designer."
+_OPEN_DESIGNER_MSG = f"""This app can watch for changes and recompile them to a python file imported to the widget whenever it is saved.
+To open this editor independently, you can use {_bold_blue}bec-plugin-manager edit-ui [widget_name]{_off}.
+Open the created widget .ui file in bec-designer now?"""
+
+
+@_app.command()
+def widget(
+    name: Annotated[str, typer.Argument(help="Enter a name for your widget in snake_case")],
+    use_ui: Annotated[bool, typer.Option(prompt=_USE_UI_MSG, help=_USE_UI_MSG)] = True,
+    open_editor: Annotated[
+        bool, typer.Option(prompt=_OPEN_DESIGNER_MSG, help=_OPEN_DESIGNER_MSG, callback=_editor_cb)
+    ] = True,
+):
+    """Create a new widget plugin with the given name.
+
+If [bold white]use_ui[/bold white] is set, a bec-designer .ui file will also be created. If \
+[bold white]open_editor[/bold white] is additionally set, the .ui file will be opened in \
+bec-designer and the compiled python version will be updated when changes are made and saved."""
+    if (formatted_name := name.lower().replace("-", "_")) != name:
+        logger.warning(f"Adjusting widget name from {name} to {formatted_name}")
+    if not formatted_name.isidentifier():
+        logger.error(
+            f"{name} is not a valid name for a widget (even after converting to {formatted_name}) - please enter something in snake_case"
+        )
+        exit(-1)
+    logger.info(f"Adding new widget {formatted_name} to the template...")
+    try:
+        repo = Path(plugin_repo_path())
+        plugin_data = existing_data(repo, [ANSWER_KEYS.VERSION, ANSWER_KEYS.WIDGETS])
+        if _widget_exists(plugin_data[ANSWER_KEYS.WIDGETS], formatted_name):
+            logger.error(f"Widget {formatted_name} already exists!")
+            exit(-1)
+        plugin_data[ANSWER_KEYS.WIDGETS].append({"name": formatted_name, "use_ui": use_ui})
+        copier.run_update(
+            repo,
+            data=plugin_data,
+            defaults=True,
+            unsafe=True,
+            overwrite=True,
+            vcs_ref=plugin_data[ANSWER_KEYS.VERSION],
+        )
+        _commit_added_widget(repo, formatted_name)
+    except Exception:
+        logger.error(traceback.format_exc())
+        logger.error("exiting...")
+        exit(-1)
+    logger.success(f"Added widget {formatted_name}!")
+    if open_editor:
+        open_and_watch_ui_editor(formatted_name)

bec_widgets/utils/bec_plugin_manager/edit_ui.py

@@ -0,0 +1,136 @@
+import re
+import subprocess
+from pathlib import Path
+
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
+from bec_lib.plugin_helper import plugin_package_name, plugin_repo_path
+from watchdog.events import (
+    DirCreatedEvent,
+    DirModifiedEvent,
+    DirMovedEvent,
+    FileCreatedEvent,
+    FileModifiedEvent,
+    FileMovedEvent,
+    FileSystemEvent,
+    FileSystemEventHandler,
+)
+from watchdog.observers import Observer
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import open_designer
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_plugin_helper import get_all_plugin_widgets
+from bec_widgets.utils.plugin_utils import get_custom_classes
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+
+
+class RecompileHandler(FileSystemEventHandler):
+    def __init__(self, in_file: Path, out_file: Path) -> None:
+        super().__init__()
+        self.in_file = str(in_file)
+        self.out_file = str(out_file)
+        self._pyside_import_re = re.compile(r"from PySide6\.(.*) import ")
+        self._widget_import_re = re.compile(
+            r"^from ([a-zA-Z_]*) import ([a-zA-Z_]*)$", re.MULTILINE
+        )
+        self._widget_modules = {
+            c.name: c.module for c in (get_custom_classes("bec_widgets") + get_all_plugin_widgets())
+        }
+
+    def on_created(self, event: DirCreatedEvent | FileCreatedEvent) -> None:
+        self.recompile(event)
+
+    def on_modified(self, event: DirModifiedEvent | FileModifiedEvent) -> None:
+        self.recompile(event)
+
+    def on_moved(self, event: DirMovedEvent | FileMovedEvent) -> None:
+        self.recompile(event)
+
+    def recompile(self, event: FileSystemEvent) -> None:
+        if event.src_path == self.in_file or event.dest_path == self.in_file:
+            self._recompile()
+
+    def _recompile(self):
+        logger.success(".ui file modified, recompiling...")
+        code = subprocess.call(
+            ["pyside6-uic", "--absolute-imports", self.in_file, "-o", self.out_file]
+        )
+        logger.success(f"compilation exited with code {code}")
+        if code != 0:
+            return
+        self._add_comment_to_file()
+        logger.success("updating imports...")
+        self._update_imports()
+        logger.success("formatting...")
+        code = subprocess.call(
+            ["black", "--line-length=100", "--skip-magic-trailing-comma", self.out_file]
+        )
+        if code != 0:
+            logger.error(f"Error while running black on {self.out_file}, code: {code}")
+            return
+        code = subprocess.call(
+            [
+                "isort",
+                "--line-length=100",
+                "--profile=black",
+                "--multi-line=3",
+                "--trailing-comma",
+                self.out_file,
+            ]
+        )
+        if code != 0:
+            logger.error(f"Error while running isort on {self.out_file}, code: {code}")
+            return
+        logger.success("done!")
+
+    def _add_comment_to_file(self):
+        with open(self.out_file, "r+") as f:
+            initial = f.read()
+            f.seek(0)
+            f.write(f"# Generated from {self.in_file} by bec-plugin-manager - do not edit! \n")
+            f.write(
+                "# Use 'bec-plugin-manager edit-ui [widget_name]' to make changes, and this file will be updated accordingly. \n\n"
+            )
+            f.write(initial)
+
+    def _update_imports(self):
+        with open(self.out_file, "r+") as f:
+            initial = f.read()
+            f.seek(0)
+            qtpy_imports = re.sub(
+                self._pyside_import_re, lambda ob: f"from qtpy.{ob.group(1)} import ", initial
+            )
+            print(self._widget_modules)
+            print(re.findall(self._widget_import_re, qtpy_imports))
+            widget_imports = re.sub(
+                self._widget_import_re,
+                lambda ob: (
+                    f"from {module} import {ob.group(2)}"
+                    if (module := self._widget_modules.get(ob.group(2))) is not None
+                    else ob.group(1)
+                ),
+                qtpy_imports,
+            )
+            f.write(widget_imports)
+            f.truncate()
+
+
+def open_and_watch_ui_editor(widget_name: str):
+    logger.info(f"Opening the editor for {widget_name}, and watching")
+    repo = Path(plugin_repo_path())
+    widget_dir = repo / plugin_package_name() / "bec_widgets" / "widgets" / widget_name
+    ui_file = widget_dir / f"{widget_name}.ui"
+    ui_outfile = widget_dir / f"{widget_name}_ui.py"
+
+    logger.info(
+        f"Opening the editor for {widget_name}, and watching {ui_file} for changes. Whenever you save the file, it will be recompiled to {ui_outfile}"
+    )
+    recompile_handler = RecompileHandler(ui_file, ui_outfile)
+    observer = Observer()
+    observer.schedule(recompile_handler, str(ui_file.parent))
+    observer.start()
+    try:
+        open_designer([str(ui_file)])
+    finally:
+        observer.stop()
+        observer.join()
+    logger.info("Editing session ended, exiting...")

bec_widgets/utils/bec_widget.py

@@ -1,15 +1,19 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import datetime
 from typing import TYPE_CHECKING
 
 import darkdetect
+import shiboken6
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
-from qtpy.QtCore import QObject, Slot
-from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
+from qtpy.QtCore import QObject
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QFileDialog, QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_register import RPCRegister
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_connector import BECConnector, ConnectionConfig
 from bec_widgets.utils.colors import set_theme
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.utils.rpc_decorator import rpc_timeout
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
     from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock import BECDock
@@ -87,7 +91,7 @@ class BECWidget(BECConnector):
                 theme = "dark"
         self.apply_theme(theme)
 
-    @Slot(str)
+    @SafeSlot(str)
     def apply_theme(self, theme: str):
         """
         Apply the theme to the widget.
@@ -96,12 +100,43 @@ class BECWidget(BECConnector):
             theme(str, optional): The theme to be applied.
         """
 
+    @SafeSlot()
+    @SafeSlot(str)
+    @rpc_timeout(None)
+    def screenshot(self, file_name: str | None = None):
+        """
+        Take a screenshot of the dock area and save it to a file.
+        """
+        if not isinstance(self, QWidget):
+            logger.error("Cannot take screenshot of non-QWidget instance")
+            return
+
+        screenshot = self.grab()
+        if file_name is None:
+            file_name, _ = QFileDialog.getSaveFileName(
+                self,
+                "Save Screenshot",
+                f"bec_{datetime.now().strftime('%Y%m%d_%H%M%S')}.png",
+                "PNG Files (*.png);;JPEG Files (*.jpg *.jpeg);;All Files (*)",
+            )
+        if not file_name:
+            return
+        screenshot.save(file_name)
+        logger.info(f"Screenshot saved to {file_name}")
+
     def cleanup(self):
         """Cleanup the widget."""
         with RPCRegister.delayed_broadcast():
             # All widgets need to call super().cleanup() in their cleanup method
             logger.info(f"Registry cleanup for widget {self.__class__.__name__}")
             self.rpc_register.remove_rpc(self)
+        children = self.findChildren(BECWidget)
+        for child in children:
+            if not shiboken6.isValid(child):
+                # If the child is not valid, it means it has already been deleted
+                continue
+            child.close()
+            child.deleteLater()
 
     def closeEvent(self, event):
         """Wrap the close even to ensure the rpc_register is cleaned up."""

bec_widgets/utils/compact_popup.py

@@ -259,12 +259,3 @@ class CompactPopupWidget(QWidget):
     @expand_popup.setter
     def expand_popup(self, popup: bool):
         self._expand_popup = popup
-
-    def closeEvent(self, event):
-        # Called by Qt, on closing - since the children widgets can be
-        # BECWidgets, it is good to explicitely call 'close' on them,
-        # to ensure proper resources cleanup
-        for child in self.container.findChildren(QWidget, options=Qt.FindDirectChildrenOnly):
-            child.close()
-
-        super().closeEvent(event)

bec_widgets/utils/crosshair.py

@@ -5,9 +5,13 @@ from typing import Any
 
 import numpy as np
 import pyqtgraph as pg
-from qtpy.QtCore import QObject, Qt, Signal, Slot
+from qtpy.QtCore import QObject, QPointF, Qt, Signal
+from qtpy.QtGui import QCursor, QTransform
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
 
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.image.image_item import ImageItem
+
 
 class CrosshairScatterItem(pg.ScatterPlotItem):
     def setDownsampling(self, ds=None, auto=None, method=None):
@@ -160,7 +164,7 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
             qapp.theme_signal.theme_updated.connect(self._update_theme)
             self._update_theme()
 
-    @Slot(str)
+    @SafeSlot(str)
     def _update_theme(self, theme: str | None = None):
         """Update the theme."""
         if theme is None:
@@ -187,7 +191,7 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
         self.coord_label.fill = pg.mkBrush(label_bg_color)
         self.coord_label.border = pg.mkPen(None)
 
-    @Slot(int)
+    @SafeSlot(int)
     def update_highlighted_curve(self, curve_index: int):
         """
         Update the highlighted curve in the case of multiple curves in a plot item.
@@ -265,15 +269,47 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
                     [0, 0], size=[item.image.shape[0], 1], pen=pg.mkPen("r", width=2), movable=False
                 )
                 self.marker_2d_row.skip_auto_range = True
+                if item.image_transform is not None:
+                    self.marker_2d_row.setTransform(item.image_transform)
                 self.plot_item.addItem(self.marker_2d_row)
 
                 # Create vertical ROI for column highlighting
                 self.marker_2d_col = pg.ROI(
                     [0, 0], size=[1, item.image.shape[1]], pen=pg.mkPen("r", width=2), movable=False
                 )
+                if item.image_transform is not None:
+                    self.marker_2d_col.setTransform(item.image_transform)
                 self.marker_2d_col.skip_auto_range = True
                 self.plot_item.addItem(self.marker_2d_col)
 
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def update_markers_on_image_change(self):
+        """
+        Update markers when the image changes, e.g. when the
+        image shape or transformation changes.
+        """
+        for item in self.items:
+            if not isinstance(item, pg.ImageItem):
+                continue
+            if self.marker_2d_row is not None:
+                self.marker_2d_row.setSize([item.image.shape[0], 1])
+                self.marker_2d_row.setTransform(item.image_transform)
+            if self.marker_2d_col is not None:
+                self.marker_2d_col.setSize([1, item.image.shape[1]])
+                self.marker_2d_col.setTransform(item.image_transform)
+            # Get the current mouse position
+            views = self.plot_item.vb.scene().views()
+            if not views:
+                return
+            view = views[0]
+            global_pos = QCursor.pos()
+            view_pos = view.mapFromGlobal(global_pos)
+            scene_pos = view.mapToScene(view_pos)
+
+            if self.plot_item.vb.sceneBoundingRect().contains(scene_pos):
+                plot_pt = self.plot_item.vb.mapSceneToView(scene_pos)
+                self.mouse_moved(manual_pos=(plot_pt.x(), plot_pt.y()))
+
     def snap_to_data(
         self, x: float, y: float
     ) -> tuple[None, None] | tuple[defaultdict[Any, list], defaultdict[Any, list]]:
@@ -316,9 +352,25 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
                 image_2d = item.image
                 if image_2d is None:
                     continue
-                # Clip the x and y values to the image dimensions to avoid out of bounds errors
-                y_values[name] = int(np.clip(y, 0, image_2d.shape[1] - 1))
-                x_values[name] = int(np.clip(x, 0, image_2d.shape[0] - 1))
+                # Map scene coordinates (plot units) back to image pixel coordinates
+                if item.image_transform is not None:
+                    inv_transform, _ = item.image_transform.inverted()
+                    xy_trans = inv_transform.map(QPointF(x, y))
+                else:
+                    xy_trans = QPointF(x, y)
+
+                # Define valid pixel coordinate bounds
+                min_x_px, min_y_px = 0, 0
+                max_x_px = image_2d.shape[0] - 1  # columns
+                max_y_px = image_2d.shape[1] - 1  # rows
+
+                # Clip the mapped coordinates to the image bounds
+                px = int(np.clip(xy_trans.x(), min_x_px, max_x_px))
+                py = int(np.clip(xy_trans.y(), min_y_px, max_y_px))
+
+                # Store snapped pixel positions
+                x_values[name] = px
+                y_values[name] = py
 
         if x_values and y_values:
             if all(v is None for v in x_values.values()) or all(
@@ -358,60 +410,74 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
 
         return list_x[original_index], list_y[original_index]
 
-    def mouse_moved(self, event):
-        """Handles the mouse moved event, updating the crosshair position and emitting signals.
+    @SafeSlot(object, tuple)
+    def mouse_moved(self, event=None, manual_pos=None):
+        """
+        Handles the mouse moved event, updating the crosshair position and emitting signals.
 
         Args:
-            event: The mouse moved event
+            event(object): The mouse moved event, which contains the scene position.
+            manual_pos(tuple, optional): A tuple containing the (x, y) coordinates to manually set the crosshair position.
         """
-        pos = event[0]
+        # Determine target (x, y) in *plot* coordinates
+        if manual_pos is not None:
+            x, y = manual_pos
+        else:
+            if event is None:
+                return  # nothing to do
+            scene_pos = event[0]  # SignalProxy bundle
+            if not self.plot_item.vb.sceneBoundingRect().contains(scene_pos):
+                return
+            view_pos = self.plot_item.vb.mapSceneToView(scene_pos)
+            x, y = view_pos.x(), view_pos.y()
+
+        # Update cross‑hair visuals
+        self.v_line.setPos(x)
+        self.h_line.setPos(y)
+
         self.update_markers()
-        if self.plot_item.vb.sceneBoundingRect().contains(pos):
-            mouse_point = self.plot_item.vb.mapSceneToView(pos)
-            x, y = mouse_point.x(), mouse_point.y()
-            self.v_line.setPos(x)
-            self.h_line.setPos(y)
-            scaled_x, scaled_y = self.scale_emitted_coordinates(mouse_point.x(), mouse_point.y())
-            self.crosshairChanged.emit((scaled_x, scaled_y))
-            self.positionChanged.emit((x, y))
+        scaled_x, scaled_y = self.scale_emitted_coordinates(x, y)
+        self.crosshairChanged.emit((scaled_x, scaled_y))
+        self.positionChanged.emit((x, y))
 
-            x_snap_values, y_snap_values = self.snap_to_data(x, y)
-            if x_snap_values is None or y_snap_values is None:
-                return
-            if all(v is None for v in x_snap_values.values()) or all(
-                v is None for v in y_snap_values.values()
-            ):
-                # not sure how we got here, but just to be safe...
-                return
+        snap_x_vals, snap_y_vals = self.snap_to_data(x, y)
+        if snap_x_vals is None or snap_y_vals is None:
+            return
+        if all(v is None for v in snap_x_vals.values()) or all(
+            v is None for v in snap_y_vals.values()
+        ):
+            return
 
-            precision = self._current_precision()
-            for item in self.items:
-                if isinstance(item, pg.PlotDataItem):
-                    name = item.name() or str(id(item))
-                    x, y = x_snap_values[name], y_snap_values[name]
-                    if x is None or y is None:
-                        continue
-                    self.marker_moved_1d[name].setData([x], [y])
-                    x_snapped_scaled, y_snapped_scaled = self.scale_emitted_coordinates(x, y)
-                    coordinate_to_emit = (
-                        name,
-                        round(x_snapped_scaled, precision),
-                        round(y_snapped_scaled, precision),
-                    )
-                    self.coordinatesChanged1D.emit(coordinate_to_emit)
-                elif isinstance(item, pg.ImageItem):
-                    name = item.objectName() or str(id(item))
-                    x, y = x_snap_values[name], y_snap_values[name]
-                    if x is None or y is None:
-                        continue
-                    # Set position of horizontal ROI (row)
-                    self.marker_2d_row.setPos([0, y])
-                    # Set position of vertical ROI (column)
-                    self.marker_2d_col.setPos([x, 0])
-                    coordinate_to_emit = (name, x, y)
-                    self.coordinatesChanged2D.emit(coordinate_to_emit)
-                else:
+        precision = self._current_precision()
+
+        for item in self.items:
+            if isinstance(item, pg.PlotDataItem):
+                name = item.name() or str(id(item))
+                sx, sy = snap_x_vals[name], snap_y_vals[name]
+                if sx is None or sy is None:
                     continue
+                self.marker_moved_1d[name].setData([sx], [sy])
+                sx_s, sy_s = self.scale_emitted_coordinates(sx, sy)
+                self.coordinatesChanged1D.emit(
+                    (name, round(sx_s, precision), round(sy_s, precision))
+                )
+
+            elif isinstance(item, pg.ImageItem):
+                name = item.objectName() or str(id(item))
+                px, py = snap_x_vals[name], snap_y_vals[name]
+                if px is None or py is None:
+                    continue
+
+                # Respect image transforms
+                if isinstance(item, ImageItem) and item.image_transform is not None:
+                    row, col = self._get_transformed_position(px, py, item.image_transform)
+                    self.marker_2d_row.setPos(row)
+                    self.marker_2d_col.setPos(col)
+                else:
+                    self.marker_2d_row.setPos([0, py])
+                    self.marker_2d_col.setPos([px, 0])
+
+                self.coordinatesChanged2D.emit((name, px, py))
 
     def mouse_clicked(self, event):
         """Handles the mouse clicked event, updating the crosshair position and emitting signals.
@@ -462,15 +528,35 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
                     x, y = x_snap_values[name], y_snap_values[name]
                     if x is None or y is None:
                         continue
-                    # Set position of horizontal ROI (row)
-                    self.marker_2d_row.setPos([0, y])
-                    # Set position of vertical ROI (column)
-                    self.marker_2d_col.setPos([x, 0])
+
+                    if isinstance(item, ImageItem) and item.image_transform is not None:
+                        row, col = self._get_transformed_position(x, y, item.image_transform)
+                        self.marker_2d_row.setPos(row)
+                        self.marker_2d_col.setPos(col)
+                    else:
+                        self.marker_2d_row.setPos([0, y])
+                        self.marker_2d_col.setPos([x, 0])
+
                     coordinate_to_emit = (name, x, y)
                     self.coordinatesClicked2D.emit(coordinate_to_emit)
                 else:
                     continue
 
+    def _get_transformed_position(
+        self, x: float, y: float, transform: QTransform
+    ) -> tuple[QPointF, QPointF]:
+        """
+        Maps the given x and y coordinates to the transformed position using the provided transform.
+        Args:
+            x (float): The x-coordinate to transform.
+            y (float): The y-coordinate to transform.
+            transform (QTransform): The transformation to apply.
+        """
+        origin = transform.map(QPointF(0, 0))
+        row = transform.map(QPointF(0, y)) - origin
+        col = transform.map(QPointF(x, 0)) - origin
+        return row, col
+
     def clear_markers(self):
         """Clears the markers from the plot."""
         for marker in self.marker_moved_1d.values():
@@ -512,8 +598,18 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
                 image = item.image
                 if image is None:
                     continue
-                ix = int(np.clip(x, 0, image.shape[0] - 1))
-                iy = int(np.clip(y, 0, image.shape[1] - 1))
+
+                if item.image_transform is not None:
+                    inv_transform, _ = item.image_transform.inverted()
+                    pt = inv_transform.map(QPointF(x, y))
+                    px, py = pt.x(), pt.y()
+                else:
+                    px, py = x, y
+
+                # Clip to valid pixel indices
+                ix = int(np.clip(px, 0, image.shape[0] - 1))  # column
+                iy = int(np.clip(py, 0, image.shape[1] - 1))  # row
+
                 intensity = image[ix, iy]
                 text += f"\nIntensity: {intensity:.{precision}f}"
                 break
@@ -533,15 +629,19 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
         self.is_derivative = self.plot_item.ctrl.derivativeCheck.isChecked()
         self.clear_markers()
 
-    def cleanup(self):
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def reset(self):
+        """Resets the crosshair to its initial state."""
         if self.marker_2d_row is not None:
             self.plot_item.removeItem(self.marker_2d_row)
             self.marker_2d_row = None
         if self.marker_2d_col is not None:
             self.plot_item.removeItem(self.marker_2d_col)
             self.marker_2d_col = None
+        self.clear_markers()
+
+    def cleanup(self):
+        self.reset()
         self.plot_item.removeItem(self.v_line)
         self.plot_item.removeItem(self.h_line)
         self.plot_item.removeItem(self.coord_label)
-
-        self.clear_markers()

bec_widgets/utils/entry_validator.py

@@ -28,6 +28,10 @@ class EntryValidator:
         if not available_entries:
             available_entries = [name]
 
+        # edge case for if name is passed instead of full_name, should not happen
+        if entry in signals_dict:
+            entry = signals_dict[entry].get("obj_name", entry)
+
         if entry is None or entry == "":
             entry = next(iter(device._hints), name) if hasattr(device, "_hints") else name
         if entry not in available_entries:

bec_widgets/utils/forms_from_types/forms.py

@@ -171,8 +171,9 @@ class TypedForm(BECWidget, QWidget):
 
 
 class PydanticModelForm(TypedForm):
-    metadata_updated = Signal(dict)
-    metadata_cleared = Signal(NoneType)
+    form_data_updated = Signal(dict)
+    form_data_cleared = Signal(NoneType)
+    validity_proc = Signal(bool)
 
     def __init__(
         self,
@@ -204,7 +205,7 @@ class PydanticModelForm(TypedForm):
 
         self._validity = CompactPopupWidget()
         self._validity.compact_view = True  # type: ignore
-        self._validity.label = "Metadata validity"  # type: ignore
+        self._validity.label = "Validity"  # type: ignore
         self._validity.compact_show_popup.setIcon(
             material_icon(icon_name="info", size=(10, 10), convert_to_pixmap=False)
         )
@@ -264,16 +265,18 @@ class PydanticModelForm(TypedForm):
     def validate_form(self, *_) -> bool:
         """validate the currently entered metadata against the pydantic schema.
         If successful, returns on metadata_emitted and returns true.
-        Otherwise, emits on metadata_cleared and returns false."""
+        Otherwise, emits on form_data_cleared and returns false."""
         try:
             metadata_dict = self.get_form_data()
             self._md_schema.model_validate(metadata_dict)
             self._validity.set_global_state("success")
             self._validity_message.setText("No errors!")
-            self.metadata_updated.emit(metadata_dict)
+            self.form_data_updated.emit(metadata_dict)
+            self.validity_proc.emit(True)
             return True
         except ValidationError as e:
             self._validity.set_global_state("emergency")
             self._validity_message.setText(str(e))
-            self.metadata_cleared.emit(None)
+            self.form_data_cleared.emit(None)
+            self.validity_proc.emit(False)
             return False

bec_widgets/utils/forms_from_types/items.py

@@ -390,17 +390,29 @@ class ListFormItem(DynamicFormItem):
 
     def _add_buttons(self):
         self._button_holder = QWidget()
+        self._button_holder.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Minimum, QSizePolicy.Minimum)
         self._buttons = QVBoxLayout()
+        self._buttons.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
         self._button_holder.setLayout(self._buttons)
         self._layout.addWidget(self._button_holder)
+
+        self._add_remove_button_holder = QWidget()
+        self._add_remove_button_layout = QHBoxLayout()
+        self._add_remove_button_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        self._add_remove_button_holder.setLayout(self._add_remove_button_layout)
+
         self._add_button = QPushButton("+")
+        self._add_button.setMinimumHeight(15)
         self._add_button.setToolTip("add a new row")
         self._remove_button = QPushButton("-")
+        self._remove_button.setMinimumHeight(15)
         self._remove_button.setToolTip("delete the focused row (if any)")
         self._add_button.clicked.connect(self._add_row)
         self._remove_button.clicked.connect(self._delete_row)
-        self._buttons.addWidget(self._add_button)
-        self._buttons.addWidget(self._remove_button)
+
+        self._buttons.addWidget(self._add_remove_button_holder)
+        self._add_remove_button_layout.addWidget(self._add_button)
+        self._add_remove_button_layout.addWidget(self._remove_button)
 
     def _set_pretty_display(self):
         super()._set_pretty_display()

bec_widgets/utils/generate_designer_plugin.py

@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ from qtpy.QtCore import QObject
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.name_utils import pascal_to_snake
 
-EXCLUDED_PLUGINS = ["BECConnector", "BECDockArea", "BECDock", "BECFigure"]
+EXCLUDED_PLUGINS = ["BECConnector", "BECDock"]
 _PARENT_ARG_REGEX = r".__init__\(\s*(?:parent\)|parent=parent,?|parent,?)"
 _SELF_PARENT_ARG_REGEX = r".__init__\(\s*self,\s*(?:parent\)|parent=parent,?|parent,?)"
 SUPER_INIT_REGEX = re.compile(r"super\(\)" + _PARENT_ARG_REGEX, re.MULTILINE)

bec_widgets/utils/plugin_templates/plugin.template

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 {widget_import}
@@ -20,6 +21,8 @@ class {plugin_name_pascal}Plugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+           return QWidget()
         t = {plugin_name_pascal}(parent)
         return t
 

bec_widgets/utils/plugin_utils.py

@@ -201,7 +201,7 @@ def get_custom_classes(repo_name: str) -> BECClassContainer:
                     class_info = BECClassInfo(name=name, module=module.__name__, file=path, obj=obj)
                     if issubclass(obj, BECConnector):
                         class_info.is_connector = True
-                    if issubclass(obj, BECWidget):
+                    if issubclass(obj, QWidget) or issubclass(obj, BECWidget):
                         class_info.is_widget = True
                     if len(subs) == 1 and (
                         issubclass(obj, QWidget) or issubclass(obj, QGraphicsWidget)

bec_widgets/utils/property_editor.py

@@ -0,0 +1,694 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from qtpy.QtCore import QLocale, QMetaEnum, Qt, QTimer
+from qtpy.QtGui import QColor, QCursor, QFont, QIcon, QPalette
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
+    QCheckBox,
+    QColorDialog,
+    QComboBox,
+    QDoubleSpinBox,
+    QFileDialog,
+    QFontDialog,
+    QHBoxLayout,
+    QHeaderView,
+    QLabel,
+    QLineEdit,
+    QMenu,
+    QPushButton,
+    QSizePolicy,
+    QSpinBox,
+    QToolButton,
+    QTreeWidget,
+    QTreeWidgetItem,
+    QVBoxLayout,
+    QWidget,
+)
+
+
+class PropertyEditor(QWidget):
+    def __init__(self, target: QWidget, parent: QWidget | None = None, show_only_bec: bool = True):
+        super().__init__(parent)
+        self._target = target
+        self._bec_only = show_only_bec
+
+        layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
+        layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+
+        # Name row
+        name_row = QHBoxLayout()
+        name_row.addWidget(QLabel("Name:"))
+        self.name_edit = QLineEdit(target.objectName())
+        self.name_edit.setEnabled(False)  # TODO implement with RPC broadcast
+        name_row.addWidget(self.name_edit)
+        layout.addLayout(name_row)
+
+        # BEC only checkbox
+        filter_row = QHBoxLayout()
+        self.chk_show_qt = QCheckBox("Show Qt properties")
+        self.chk_show_qt.setChecked(False)
+        filter_row.addWidget(self.chk_show_qt)
+        filter_row.addStretch(1)
+        layout.addLayout(filter_row)
+        self.chk_show_qt.toggled.connect(lambda checked: self.set_show_only_bec(not checked))
+
+        # Main tree widget
+        self.tree = QTreeWidget(self)
+        self.tree.setColumnCount(2)
+        self.tree.setHeaderLabels(["Property", "Value"])
+        self.tree.setAlternatingRowColors(True)
+        self.tree.setRootIsDecorated(False)
+        layout.addWidget(self.tree)
+        self._build()
+
+    def _class_chain(self):
+        chain = []
+        mo = self._target.metaObject()
+        while mo is not None:
+            chain.append(mo)
+            mo = mo.superClass()
+        return chain
+
+    def set_show_only_bec(self, flag: bool):
+        self._bec_only = flag
+        self._build()
+
+    def _set_equal_columns(self):
+        header = self.tree.header()
+        header.setSectionResizeMode(0, QHeaderView.Interactive)
+        header.setSectionResizeMode(1, QHeaderView.Interactive)
+        w = self.tree.viewport().width() or self.tree.width()
+        if w > 0:
+            half = max(1, w // 2)
+            self.tree.setColumnWidth(0, half)
+            self.tree.setColumnWidth(1, w - half)
+
+    def _build(self):
+        self.tree.clear()
+        for mo in self._class_chain():
+            class_name = mo.className()
+            if self._bec_only and not self._is_bec_metaobject(mo):
+                continue
+            group_item = QTreeWidgetItem(self.tree, [class_name])
+            group_item.setFirstColumnSpanned(True)
+            start = mo.propertyOffset()
+            end = mo.propertyCount()
+            for i in range(start, end):
+                prop = mo.property(i)
+                if (
+                    not prop.isReadable()
+                    or not prop.isWritable()
+                    or not prop.isStored()
+                    or not prop.isDesignable()
+                ):
+                    continue
+                name = prop.name()
+                if name == "objectName":
+                    continue
+                value = self._target.property(name)
+                self._add_property_row(group_item, name, value, prop)
+            if group_item.childCount() == 0:
+                idx = self.tree.indexOfTopLevelItem(group_item)
+                self.tree.takeTopLevelItem(idx)
+        self.tree.expandAll()
+        QTimer.singleShot(0, self._set_equal_columns)
+
+    def _enum_int(self, obj) -> int:
+        return int(getattr(obj, "value", obj))
+
+    def _make_sizepolicy_editor(self, name: str, sp):
+        if not isinstance(sp, QSizePolicy):
+            return None
+        wrap = QWidget(self)
+        row = QHBoxLayout(wrap)
+        row.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        row.setSpacing(4)
+        h_combo = QComboBox(wrap)
+        v_combo = QComboBox(wrap)
+        hs = QSpinBox(wrap)
+        vs = QSpinBox(wrap)
+        for b in (hs, vs):
+            b.setRange(0, 16777215)
+        policies = [
+            (QSizePolicy.Fixed, "Fixed"),
+            (QSizePolicy.Minimum, "Minimum"),
+            (QSizePolicy.Maximum, "Maximum"),
+            (QSizePolicy.Preferred, "Preferred"),
+            (QSizePolicy.Expanding, "Expanding"),
+            (QSizePolicy.MinimumExpanding, "MinExpanding"),
+            (QSizePolicy.Ignored, "Ignored"),
+        ]
+        for pol, text in policies:
+            h_combo.addItem(text, self._enum_int(pol))
+            v_combo.addItem(text, self._enum_int(pol))
+
+        def _set_current(combo, val):
+            idx = combo.findData(self._enum_int(val))
+            if idx >= 0:
+                combo.setCurrentIndex(idx)
+
+        _set_current(h_combo, sp.horizontalPolicy())
+        _set_current(v_combo, sp.verticalPolicy())
+        hs.setValue(sp.horizontalStretch())
+        vs.setValue(sp.verticalStretch())
+
+        def apply_changes():
+            hp = QSizePolicy.Policy(h_combo.currentData())
+            vp = QSizePolicy.Policy(v_combo.currentData())
+            nsp = QSizePolicy(hp, vp)
+            nsp.setHorizontalStretch(hs.value())
+            nsp.setVerticalStretch(vs.value())
+            self._target.setProperty(name, nsp)
+
+        h_combo.currentIndexChanged.connect(lambda _=None: apply_changes())
+        v_combo.currentIndexChanged.connect(lambda _=None: apply_changes())
+        hs.valueChanged.connect(lambda _=None: apply_changes())
+        vs.valueChanged.connect(lambda _=None: apply_changes())
+        row.addWidget(h_combo)
+        row.addWidget(v_combo)
+        row.addWidget(hs)
+        row.addWidget(vs)
+        return wrap
+
+    def _make_locale_editor(self, name: str, loc):
+        if not isinstance(loc, QLocale):
+            return None
+        wrap = QWidget(self)
+        row = QHBoxLayout(wrap)
+        row.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        row.setSpacing(4)
+        lang_combo = QComboBox(wrap)
+        country_combo = QComboBox(wrap)
+        for lang in QLocale.Language:
+            try:
+                lang_int = self._enum_int(lang)
+            except Exception:
+                continue
+            if lang_int < 0:
+                continue
+            name_txt = QLocale.languageToString(QLocale.Language(lang_int))
+            lang_combo.addItem(name_txt, lang_int)
+
+        def populate_countries():
+            country_combo.blockSignals(True)
+            country_combo.clear()
+            for terr in QLocale.Country:
+                try:
+                    terr_int = self._enum_int(terr)
+                except Exception:
+                    continue
+                if terr_int < 0:
+                    continue
+                text = QLocale.countryToString(QLocale.Country(terr_int))
+                country_combo.addItem(text, terr_int)
+            cur_country = self._enum_int(loc.country())
+            idx = country_combo.findData(cur_country)
+            if idx >= 0:
+                country_combo.setCurrentIndex(idx)
+            country_combo.blockSignals(False)
+
+        cur_lang = self._enum_int(loc.language())
+        idx = lang_combo.findData(cur_lang)
+        if idx >= 0:
+            lang_combo.setCurrentIndex(idx)
+        populate_countries()
+
+        def apply_locale():
+            lang = QLocale.Language(int(lang_combo.currentData()))
+            country = QLocale.Country(int(country_combo.currentData()))
+            self._target.setProperty(name, QLocale(lang, country))
+
+        lang_combo.currentIndexChanged.connect(lambda _=None: populate_countries())
+        lang_combo.currentIndexChanged.connect(lambda _=None: apply_locale())
+        country_combo.currentIndexChanged.connect(lambda _=None: apply_locale())
+        row.addWidget(lang_combo)
+        row.addWidget(country_combo)
+        return wrap
+
+    def _make_icon_editor(self, name: str, icon):
+        btn = QPushButton(self)
+        btn.setText("Choose…")
+        if isinstance(icon, QIcon) and not icon.isNull():
+            btn.setIcon(icon)
+
+        def pick():
+            path, _ = QFileDialog.getOpenFileName(
+                self, "Select Icon", "", "Images (*.png *.jpg *.jpeg *.bmp *.svg)"
+            )
+            if path:
+                ic = QIcon(path)
+                self._target.setProperty(name, ic)
+                btn.setIcon(ic)
+
+        btn.clicked.connect(pick)
+        return btn
+
+    def _spin_pair(self, ints: bool = True):
+        box1 = QSpinBox(self) if ints else QDoubleSpinBox(self)
+        box2 = QSpinBox(self) if ints else QDoubleSpinBox(self)
+        if ints:
+            box1.setRange(-10_000_000, 10_000_000)
+            box2.setRange(-10_000_000, 10_000_000)
+        else:
+            for b in (box1, box2):
+                b.setDecimals(6)
+                b.setRange(-1e12, 1e12)
+                b.setSingleStep(0.1)
+        row = QHBoxLayout()
+        row.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        row.setSpacing(4)
+        wrap = QWidget(self)
+        wrap.setLayout(row)
+        row.addWidget(box1)
+        row.addWidget(box2)
+        return wrap, box1, box2
+
+    def _spin_quad(self, ints: bool = True):
+        s = QSpinBox if ints else QDoubleSpinBox
+        boxes = [s(self) for _ in range(4)]
+        if ints:
+            for b in boxes:
+                b.setRange(-10_000_000, 10_000_000)
+        else:
+            for b in boxes:
+                b.setDecimals(6)
+                b.setRange(-1e12, 1e12)
+                b.setSingleStep(0.1)
+        row = QHBoxLayout()
+        row.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        row.setSpacing(4)
+        wrap = QWidget(self)
+        wrap.setLayout(row)
+        for b in boxes:
+            row.addWidget(b)
+        return wrap, boxes
+
+    def _make_font_editor(self, name: str, value):
+        btn = QPushButton(self)
+        if isinstance(value, QFont):
+            btn.setText(f"{value.family()}, {value.pointSize()}pt")
+        else:
+            btn.setText("Select font…")
+
+        def pick():
+            ok, font = QFontDialog.getFont(
+                value if isinstance(value, QFont) else QFont(), self, "Select Font"
+            )
+            if ok:
+                self._target.setProperty(name, font)
+                btn.setText(f"{font.family()}, {font.pointSize()}pt")
+
+        btn.clicked.connect(pick)
+        return btn
+
+    def _make_color_editor(self, initial: QColor, apply_cb):
+        btn = QPushButton(self)
+        if isinstance(initial, QColor):
+            btn.setText(initial.name())
+            btn.setStyleSheet(f"background:{initial.name()};")
+        else:
+            btn.setText("Select color…")
+
+        def pick():
+            col = QColorDialog.getColor(
+                initial if isinstance(initial, QColor) else QColor(), self, "Select Color"
+            )
+            if col.isValid():
+                apply_cb(col)
+                btn.setText(col.name())
+                btn.setStyleSheet(f"background:{col.name()};")
+
+        btn.clicked.connect(pick)
+        return btn
+
+    def _apply_palette_color(
+        self,
+        name: str,
+        pal: QPalette,
+        group: QPalette.ColorGroup,
+        role: QPalette.ColorRole,
+        col: QColor,
+    ):
+        pal.setColor(group, role, col)
+        self._target.setProperty(name, pal)
+
+    def _make_palette_editor(self, name: str, pal: QPalette):
+        if not isinstance(pal, QPalette):
+            return None
+        wrap = QWidget(self)
+        row = QHBoxLayout(wrap)
+        row.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        group_combo = QComboBox(wrap)
+        role_combo = QComboBox(wrap)
+        pick_btn = self._make_color_editor(
+            pal.color(QPalette.Active, QPalette.WindowText),
+            lambda col: self._apply_palette_color(
+                name, pal, QPalette.Active, QPalette.WindowText, col
+            ),
+        )
+        groups = [
+            (QPalette.Active, "Active"),
+            (QPalette.Inactive, "Inactive"),
+            (QPalette.Disabled, "Disabled"),
+        ]
+        for g, label in groups:
+            group_combo.addItem(label, int(getattr(g, "value", g)))
+        roles = [
+            (QPalette.WindowText, "WindowText"),
+            (QPalette.Window, "Window"),
+            (QPalette.Base, "Base"),
+            (QPalette.AlternateBase, "AlternateBase"),
+            (QPalette.ToolTipBase, "ToolTipBase"),
+            (QPalette.ToolTipText, "ToolTipText"),
+            (QPalette.Text, "Text"),
+            (QPalette.Button, "Button"),
+            (QPalette.ButtonText, "ButtonText"),
+            (QPalette.BrightText, "BrightText"),
+            (QPalette.Highlight, "Highlight"),
+            (QPalette.HighlightedText, "HighlightedText"),
+        ]
+        for r, label in roles:
+            role_combo.addItem(label, int(getattr(r, "value", r)))
+
+        def rewire_button():
+            g = QPalette.ColorGroup(int(group_combo.currentData()))
+            r = QPalette.ColorRole(int(role_combo.currentData()))
+            col = pal.color(g, r)
+            while row.count() > 2:
+                w = row.takeAt(2).widget()
+                if w:
+                    w.deleteLater()
+            btn = self._make_color_editor(
+                col, lambda c: self._apply_palette_color(name, pal, g, r, c)
+            )
+            row.addWidget(btn)
+
+        group_combo.currentIndexChanged.connect(lambda _: rewire_button())
+        role_combo.currentIndexChanged.connect(lambda _: rewire_button())
+        row.addWidget(group_combo)
+        row.addWidget(role_combo)
+        row.addWidget(pick_btn)
+        return wrap
+
+    def _make_cursor_editor(self, name: str, value):
+        combo = QComboBox(self)
+        shapes = [
+            (Qt.ArrowCursor, "Arrow"),
+            (Qt.IBeamCursor, "IBeam"),
+            (Qt.WaitCursor, "Wait"),
+            (Qt.CrossCursor, "Cross"),
+            (Qt.UpArrowCursor, "UpArrow"),
+            (Qt.SizeAllCursor, "SizeAll"),
+            (Qt.PointingHandCursor, "PointingHand"),
+            (Qt.ForbiddenCursor, "Forbidden"),
+            (Qt.WhatsThisCursor, "WhatsThis"),
+            (Qt.BusyCursor, "Busy"),
+        ]
+        current_shape = None
+        if isinstance(value, QCursor):
+            try:
+                enum_val = value.shape()
+                current_shape = int(getattr(enum_val, "value", enum_val))
+            except Exception:
+                current_shape = None
+        for shape, text in shapes:
+            combo.addItem(text, int(getattr(shape, "value", shape)))
+        if current_shape is not None:
+            idx = combo.findData(current_shape)
+            if idx >= 0:
+                combo.setCurrentIndex(idx)
+
+        def apply_index(i):
+            shape_val = int(combo.itemData(i))
+            self._target.setProperty(name, QCursor(Qt.CursorShape(shape_val)))
+
+        combo.currentIndexChanged.connect(apply_index)
+        return combo
+
+    def _add_property_row(self, parent: QTreeWidgetItem, name: str, value, prop):
+        item = QTreeWidgetItem(parent, [name, ""])
+        editor = self._make_editor(name, value, prop)
+        if editor is not None:
+            self.tree.setItemWidget(item, 1, editor)
+        else:
+            item.setText(1, repr(value))
+
+    def _is_bec_metaobject(self, mo) -> bool:
+        cname = mo.className()
+        for cls in type(self._target).mro():
+            if getattr(cls, "__name__", None) == cname:
+                mod = getattr(cls, "__module__", "")
+                return mod.startswith("bec_widgets")
+        return False
+
+    def _enum_text(self, meta_enum: QMetaEnum, value_int: int) -> str:
+        if not meta_enum.isFlag():
+            key = meta_enum.valueToKey(value_int)
+            return key.decode() if isinstance(key, (bytes, bytearray)) else (key or str(value_int))
+        parts = []
+        for i in range(meta_enum.keyCount()):
+            k = meta_enum.key(i)
+            v = meta_enum.value(i)
+            if value_int & v:
+                k = k.decode() if isinstance(k, (bytes, bytearray)) else k
+                parts.append(k)
+        return " | ".join(parts) if parts else "0"
+
+    def _enum_value_to_int(self, meta_enum: QMetaEnum, value) -> int:
+        try:
+            return int(value)
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        v = getattr(value, "value", None)
+        if isinstance(v, (int,)):
+            return int(v)
+        n = getattr(value, "name", None)
+        if isinstance(n, str):
+            res = meta_enum.keyToValue(n)
+            if res != -1:
+                return int(res)
+        s = str(value)
+        parts = [p.strip() for p in s.replace(",", "|").split("|")]
+        keys = []
+        for p in parts:
+            if "." in p:
+                p = p.split(".")[-1]
+            keys.append(p)
+        keystr = "|".join(keys)
+        try:
+            res = meta_enum.keysToValue(keystr)
+            if res != -1:
+                return int(res)
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        return 0
+
+    def _make_enum_editor(self, name: str, value, prop):
+        meta_enum = prop.enumerator()
+        current = self._enum_value_to_int(meta_enum, value)
+
+        if not meta_enum.isFlag():
+            combo = QComboBox(self)
+            for i in range(meta_enum.keyCount()):
+                key = meta_enum.key(i)
+                key = key.decode() if isinstance(key, (bytes, bytearray)) else key
+                combo.addItem(key, meta_enum.value(i))
+            idx = combo.findData(current)
+            if idx < 0:
+                txt = self._enum_text(meta_enum, current)
+                idx = combo.findText(txt)
+            combo.setCurrentIndex(max(idx, 0))
+
+            def apply_index(i):
+                v = combo.itemData(i)
+                self._target.setProperty(name, int(v))
+
+            combo.currentIndexChanged.connect(apply_index)
+            return combo
+
+        btn = QToolButton(self)
+        btn.setText(self._enum_text(meta_enum, current))
+        btn.setPopupMode(QToolButton.InstantPopup)
+        menu = QMenu(btn)
+        actions = []
+        for i in range(meta_enum.keyCount()):
+            key = meta_enum.key(i)
+            key = key.decode() if isinstance(key, (bytes, bytearray)) else key
+            act = menu.addAction(key)
+            act.setCheckable(True)
+            act.setChecked(bool(current & meta_enum.value(i)))
+            actions.append(act)
+        btn.setMenu(menu)
+
+        def apply_flags():
+            flags = 0
+            for i, act in enumerate(actions):
+                if act.isChecked():
+                    flags |= meta_enum.value(i)
+            self._target.setProperty(name, int(flags))
+            btn.setText(self._enum_text(meta_enum, flags))
+
+        menu.triggered.connect(lambda _a: apply_flags())
+        return btn
+
+    def _make_editor(self, name: str, value, prop):
+        from qtpy.QtCore import QPoint, QPointF, QRect, QRectF, QSize, QSizeF
+
+        if prop.isEnumType():
+            return self._make_enum_editor(name, value, prop)
+        if isinstance(value, QColor):
+            return self._make_color_editor(value, lambda col: self._target.setProperty(name, col))
+        if isinstance(value, QFont):
+            return self._make_font_editor(name, value)
+        if isinstance(value, QPalette):
+            return self._make_palette_editor(name, value)
+        if isinstance(value, QCursor):
+            return self._make_cursor_editor(name, value)
+        if isinstance(value, QSizePolicy):
+            ed = self._make_sizepolicy_editor(name, value)
+            if ed is not None:
+                return ed
+        if isinstance(value, QLocale):
+            ed = self._make_locale_editor(name, value)
+            if ed is not None:
+                return ed
+        if isinstance(value, QIcon):
+            ed = self._make_icon_editor(name, value)
+            if ed is not None:
+                return ed
+        if isinstance(value, QSize):
+            wrap, w, h = self._spin_pair(ints=True)
+            w.setValue(value.width())
+            h.setValue(value.height())
+            w.valueChanged.connect(
+                lambda _: self._target.setProperty(name, QSize(w.value(), h.value()))
+            )
+            h.valueChanged.connect(
+                lambda _: self._target.setProperty(name, QSize(w.value(), h.value()))
+            )
+            return wrap
+        if isinstance(value, QSizeF):
+            wrap, w, h = self._spin_pair(ints=False)
+            w.setValue(value.width())
+            h.setValue(value.height())
+            w.valueChanged.connect(
+                lambda _: self._target.setProperty(name, QSizeF(w.value(), h.value()))
+            )
+            h.valueChanged.connect(
+                lambda _: self._target.setProperty(name, QSizeF(w.value(), h.value()))
+            )
+            return wrap
+        if isinstance(value, QPoint):
+            wrap, x, y = self._spin_pair(ints=True)
+            x.setValue(value.x())
+            y.setValue(value.y())
+            x.valueChanged.connect(
+                lambda _: self._target.setProperty(name, QPoint(x.value(), y.value()))
+            )
+            y.valueChanged.connect(
+                lambda _: self._target.setProperty(name, QPoint(x.value(), y.value()))
+            )
+            return wrap
+        if isinstance(value, QPointF):
+            wrap, x, y = self._spin_pair(ints=False)
+            x.setValue(value.x())
+            y.setValue(value.y())
+            x.valueChanged.connect(
+                lambda _: self._target.setProperty(name, QPointF(x.value(), y.value()))
+            )
+            y.valueChanged.connect(
+                lambda _: self._target.setProperty(name, QPointF(x.value(), y.value()))
+            )
+            return wrap
+        if isinstance(value, QRect):
+            wrap, boxes = self._spin_quad(ints=True)
+            for b, v in zip(boxes, (value.x(), value.y(), value.width(), value.height())):
+                b.setValue(v)
+
+            def apply_rect():
+                self._target.setProperty(
+                    name,
+                    QRect(boxes[0].value(), boxes[1].value(), boxes[2].value(), boxes[3].value()),
+                )
+
+            for b in boxes:
+                b.valueChanged.connect(lambda _=None: apply_rect())
+            return wrap
+        if isinstance(value, QRectF):
+            wrap, boxes = self._spin_quad(ints=False)
+            for b, v in zip(boxes, (value.x(), value.y(), value.width(), value.height())):
+                b.setValue(v)
+
+            def apply_rectf():
+                self._target.setProperty(
+                    name,
+                    QRectF(boxes[0].value(), boxes[1].value(), boxes[2].value(), boxes[3].value()),
+                )
+
+            for b in boxes:
+                b.valueChanged.connect(lambda _=None: apply_rectf())
+            return wrap
+        if isinstance(value, bool):
+            w = QCheckBox(self)
+            w.setChecked(bool(value))
+            w.toggled.connect(lambda v: self._target.setProperty(name, v))
+            return w
+        if isinstance(value, int) and not isinstance(value, bool):
+            w = QSpinBox(self)
+            w.setRange(-10_000_000, 10_000_000)
+            w.setValue(int(value))
+            w.valueChanged.connect(lambda v: self._target.setProperty(name, v))
+            return w
+        if isinstance(value, float):
+            w = QDoubleSpinBox(self)
+            w.setDecimals(6)
+            w.setRange(-1e12, 1e12)
+            w.setSingleStep(0.1)
+            w.setValue(float(value))
+            w.valueChanged.connect(lambda v: self._target.setProperty(name, v))
+            return w
+        if isinstance(value, str):
+            w = QLineEdit(self)
+            w.setText(value)
+            w.editingFinished.connect(lambda: self._target.setProperty(name, w.text()))
+            return w
+        return None
+
+
+class DemoApp(QWidget):  # pragma: no cover:
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+
+        layout = QHBoxLayout(self)
+
+        # Create a BECWidget instance example
+        waveform = self.create_waveform()
+
+        # property editor for the BECWidget
+        property_editor = PropertyEditor(waveform, show_only_bec=True)
+
+        layout.addWidget(waveform)
+        layout.addWidget(property_editor)
+
+    def create_waveform(self):
+        """Create a new waveform widget."""
+
+        from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.waveform.waveform import Waveform
+
+        waveform = Waveform(parent=self)
+        waveform.title = "New Waveform"
+        waveform.x_label = "X Axis"
+        waveform.y_label = "Y Axis"
+        return waveform
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover:
+    import sys
+
+    from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
+
+    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+    demo = DemoApp()
+    demo.setWindowTitle("Property Editor Demo")
+    demo.resize(1200, 800)
+    demo.show()
+    sys.exit(app.exec())

bec_widgets/utils/rpc_decorator.py

@@ -13,3 +13,17 @@ def register_rpc_methods(cls):
         if getattr(method, "rpc_public", False):
             cls.USER_ACCESS.add(name)
     return cls
+
+
+def rpc_timeout(timeout: float | None):
+    """
+    Decorator to set a timeout for RPC methods.
+    The actual implementation of timeout handling is within the cli module. This decorator
+    is solely to inform the generate-cli command about the timeout value.
+    """
+
+    def decorator(func):
+        func.__rpc_timeout__ = timeout  # Store the timeout value in the function
+        return func
+
+    return decorator

bec_widgets/utils/side_panel.py

@@ -16,7 +16,8 @@ from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
     QWidget,
 )
 
-from bec_widgets.utils.toolbar import MaterialIconAction, ModularToolBar
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.bundles import ToolbarBundle
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.toolbar import MaterialIconAction, ModularToolBar
 
 
 class SidePanel(QWidget):
@@ -61,7 +62,7 @@ class SidePanel(QWidget):
             self.main_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
             self.main_layout.setSpacing(0)
 
-            self.toolbar = ModularToolBar(parent=self, target_widget=self, orientation="vertical")
+            self.toolbar = ModularToolBar(parent=self, orientation="vertical")
 
             self.container = QWidget()
             self.container.layout = QVBoxLayout(self.container)
@@ -92,7 +93,7 @@ class SidePanel(QWidget):
             self.main_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
             self.main_layout.setSpacing(0)
 
-            self.toolbar = ModularToolBar(parent=self, target_widget=self, orientation="horizontal")
+            self.toolbar = ModularToolBar(parent=self, orientation="horizontal")
 
             self.container = QWidget()
             self.container.layout = QVBoxLayout(self.container)
@@ -288,8 +289,16 @@ class SidePanel(QWidget):
 
         # Add an action to the toolbar if action_id, icon_name, and tooltip are provided
         if action_id is not None and icon_name is not None and tooltip is not None:
-            action = MaterialIconAction(icon_name=icon_name, tooltip=tooltip, checkable=True)
-            self.toolbar.add_action(action_id, action, target_widget=self)
+            action = MaterialIconAction(
+                icon_name=icon_name, tooltip=tooltip, checkable=True, parent=self
+            )
+            self.toolbar.components.add_safe(action_id, action)
+            bundle = ToolbarBundle(action_id, self.toolbar.components)
+            bundle.add_action(action_id)
+            self.toolbar.add_bundle(bundle)
+            shown_bundles = self.toolbar.shown_bundles
+            shown_bundles.append(action_id)
+            self.toolbar.show_bundles(shown_bundles)
 
             def on_action_toggled(checked: bool):
                 if self.switching_actions:

bec_widgets/utils/toolbars/actions.py

@@ -0,0 +1,524 @@
+# pylint: disable=no-name-in-module
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
+from contextlib import contextmanager
+from typing import Dict, Literal
+
+from bec_lib.device import ReadoutPriority
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
+from bec_qthemes._icon.material_icons import material_icon
+from qtpy.QtCore import QSize, Qt, QTimer
+from qtpy.QtGui import QAction, QColor, QIcon
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
+    QApplication,
+    QComboBox,
+    QHBoxLayout,
+    QLabel,
+    QMenu,
+    QSizePolicy,
+    QStyledItemDelegate,
+    QToolBar,
+    QToolButton,
+    QWidget,
+)
+
+import bec_widgets
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_input.base_classes.device_input_base import BECDeviceFilter
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_input.device_combobox.device_combobox import DeviceComboBox
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+
+MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
+
+
+class NoCheckDelegate(QStyledItemDelegate):
+    """To reduce space in combo boxes by removing the checkmark."""
+
+    def initStyleOption(self, option, index):
+        super().initStyleOption(option, index)
+        # Remove any check indicator
+        option.checkState = Qt.Unchecked
+
+
+class LongPressToolButton(QToolButton):
+    def __init__(self, *args, long_press_threshold=500, **kwargs):
+        super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
+        self.long_press_threshold = long_press_threshold
+        self._long_press_timer = QTimer(self)
+        self._long_press_timer.setSingleShot(True)
+        self._long_press_timer.timeout.connect(self.handleLongPress)
+        self._pressed = False
+        self._longPressed = False
+
+    def mousePressEvent(self, event):
+        self._pressed = True
+        self._longPressed = False
+        self._long_press_timer.start(self.long_press_threshold)
+        super().mousePressEvent(event)
+
+    def mouseReleaseEvent(self, event):
+        self._pressed = False
+        if self._longPressed:
+            self._longPressed = False
+            self._long_press_timer.stop()
+            event.accept()  # Prevent normal click action after a long press
+            return
+        self._long_press_timer.stop()
+        super().mouseReleaseEvent(event)
+
+    def handleLongPress(self):
+        if self._pressed:
+            self._longPressed = True
+            self.showMenu()
+
+
+class ToolBarAction(ABC):
+    """
+    Abstract base class for toolbar actions.
+
+    Args:
+        icon_path (str, optional): The name of the icon file from `assets/toolbar_icons`. Defaults to None.
+        tooltip (str, optional): The tooltip for the action. Defaults to None.
+        checkable (bool, optional): Whether the action is checkable. Defaults to False.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, icon_path: str = None, tooltip: str = None, checkable: bool = False):
+        self.icon_path = (
+            os.path.join(MODULE_PATH, "assets", "toolbar_icons", icon_path) if icon_path else None
+        )
+        self.tooltip = tooltip
+        self.checkable = checkable
+        self.action = None
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    def add_to_toolbar(self, toolbar: QToolBar, target: QWidget):
+        """Adds an action or widget to a toolbar.
+
+        Args:
+            toolbar (QToolBar): The toolbar to add the action or widget to.
+            target (QWidget): The target widget for the action.
+        """
+
+    def cleanup(self):
+        """Cleans up the action, if necessary."""
+        pass
+
+
+class SeparatorAction(ToolBarAction):
+    """Separator action for the toolbar."""
+
+    def add_to_toolbar(self, toolbar: QToolBar, target: QWidget):
+        toolbar.addSeparator()
+
+
+class QtIconAction(ToolBarAction):
+    def __init__(self, standard_icon, tooltip=None, checkable=False, parent=None):
+        super().__init__(icon_path=None, tooltip=tooltip, checkable=checkable)
+        self.standard_icon = standard_icon
+        self.icon = QApplication.style().standardIcon(standard_icon)
+        self.action = QAction(icon=self.icon, text=self.tooltip, parent=parent)
+        self.action.setCheckable(self.checkable)
+
+    def add_to_toolbar(self, toolbar, target):
+        toolbar.addAction(self.action)
+
+    def get_icon(self):
+        return self.icon
+
+
+class MaterialIconAction(ToolBarAction):
+    """
+    Action with a Material icon for the toolbar.
+
+    Args:
+        icon_name (str, optional): The name of the Material icon. Defaults to None.
+        tooltip (str, optional): The tooltip for the action. Defaults to None.
+        checkable (bool, optional): Whether the action is checkable. Defaults to False.
+        filled (bool, optional): Whether the icon is filled. Defaults to False.
+        color (str | tuple | QColor | dict[Literal["dark", "light"], str] | None, optional): The color of the icon.
+            Defaults to None.
+        parent (QWidget or None, optional): Parent widget for the underlying QAction.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        icon_name: str = None,
+        tooltip: str = None,
+        checkable: bool = False,
+        filled: bool = False,
+        color: str | tuple | QColor | dict[Literal["dark", "light"], str] | None = None,
+        parent=None,
+    ):
+        super().__init__(icon_path=None, tooltip=tooltip, checkable=checkable)
+        self.icon_name = icon_name
+        self.filled = filled
+        self.color = color
+        # Generate the icon using the material_icon helper
+        self.icon = material_icon(
+            self.icon_name,
+            size=(20, 20),
+            convert_to_pixmap=False,
+            filled=self.filled,
+            color=self.color,
+        )
+        if parent is None:
+            logger.warning(
+                "MaterialIconAction was created without a parent. Please consider adding one. Using None as parent may cause issues."
+            )
+        self.action = QAction(icon=self.icon, text=self.tooltip, parent=parent)
+        self.action.setCheckable(self.checkable)
+
+    def add_to_toolbar(self, toolbar: QToolBar, target: QWidget):
+        """
+        Adds the action to the toolbar.
+
+        Args:
+            toolbar(QToolBar): The toolbar to add the action to.
+            target(QWidget): The target widget for the action.
+        """
+        toolbar.addAction(self.action)
+
+    def get_icon(self):
+        """
+        Returns the icon for the action.
+
+        Returns:
+            QIcon: The icon for the action.
+        """
+        return self.icon
+
+
+class DeviceSelectionAction(ToolBarAction):
+    """
+    Action for selecting a device in a combobox.
+
+    Args:
+        label (str): The label for the combobox.
+        device_combobox (DeviceComboBox): The combobox for selecting the device.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, label: str | None = None, device_combobox=None):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.label = label
+        self.device_combobox = device_combobox
+        self.device_combobox.currentIndexChanged.connect(lambda: self.set_combobox_style("#ffa700"))
+
+    def add_to_toolbar(self, toolbar, target):
+        widget = QWidget(parent=target)
+        layout = QHBoxLayout(widget)
+        layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        layout.setSpacing(0)
+        if self.label is not None:
+            label = QLabel(text=f"{self.label}", parent=target)
+            layout.addWidget(label)
+        if self.device_combobox is not None:
+            layout.addWidget(self.device_combobox)
+            toolbar.addWidget(widget)
+
+    def set_combobox_style(self, color: str):
+        self.device_combobox.setStyleSheet(f"QComboBox {{ background-color: {color}; }}")
+
+
+class SwitchableToolBarAction(ToolBarAction):
+    """
+    A split toolbar action that combines a main action and a drop-down menu for additional actions.
+
+    The main button displays the currently selected action's icon and tooltip. Clicking on the main button
+    triggers that action. Clicking on the drop-down arrow displays a menu with alternative actions. When an
+    alternative action is selected, it becomes the new default and its callback is immediately executed.
+
+    This design mimics the behavior seen in Adobe Photoshop or Affinity Designer toolbars.
+
+    Args:
+        actions (dict): A dictionary mapping a unique key to a ToolBarAction instance.
+        initial_action (str, optional): The key of the initial default action. If not provided, the first action is used.
+        tooltip (str, optional): An optional tooltip for the split action; if provided, it overrides the default action's tooltip.
+        checkable (bool, optional): Whether the action is checkable. Defaults to True.
+        parent (QWidget, optional): Parent widget for the underlying QAction.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        actions: Dict[str, ToolBarAction],
+        initial_action: str = None,
+        tooltip: str = None,
+        checkable: bool = True,
+        default_state_checked: bool = False,
+        parent=None,
+    ):
+        super().__init__(icon_path=None, tooltip=tooltip, checkable=checkable)
+        self.actions = actions
+        self.current_key = initial_action if initial_action is not None else next(iter(actions))
+        self.parent = parent
+        self.checkable = checkable
+        self.default_state_checked = default_state_checked
+        self.main_button = None
+        self.menu_actions: Dict[str, QAction] = {}
+
+    def add_to_toolbar(self, toolbar: QToolBar, target: QWidget):
+        """
+        Adds the split action to the toolbar.
+
+        Args:
+            toolbar (QToolBar): The toolbar to add the action to.
+            target (QWidget): The target widget for the action.
+        """
+        self.main_button = LongPressToolButton(toolbar)
+        self.main_button.setPopupMode(QToolButton.MenuButtonPopup)
+        self.main_button.setCheckable(self.checkable)
+        default_action = self.actions[self.current_key]
+        self.main_button.setIcon(default_action.get_icon())
+        self.main_button.setToolTip(default_action.tooltip)
+        self.main_button.clicked.connect(self._trigger_current_action)
+        menu = QMenu(self.main_button)
+        for key, action_obj in self.actions.items():
+            menu_action = QAction(
+                icon=action_obj.get_icon(), text=action_obj.tooltip, parent=self.main_button
+            )
+            menu_action.setIconVisibleInMenu(True)
+            menu_action.setCheckable(self.checkable)
+            menu_action.setChecked(key == self.current_key)
+            menu_action.triggered.connect(lambda checked, k=key: self.set_default_action(k))
+            menu.addAction(menu_action)
+        self.main_button.setMenu(menu)
+        if self.default_state_checked:
+            self.main_button.setChecked(True)
+        self.action = toolbar.addWidget(self.main_button)
+
+    def _trigger_current_action(self):
+        """
+        Triggers the current action associated with the main button.
+        """
+        action_obj = self.actions[self.current_key]
+        action_obj.action.trigger()
+
+    def set_default_action(self, key: str):
+        """
+        Sets the default action for the split action.
+
+        Args:
+            key(str): The key of the action to set as default.
+        """
+        if self.main_button is None:
+            return
+        self.current_key = key
+        new_action = self.actions[self.current_key]
+        self.main_button.setIcon(new_action.get_icon())
+        self.main_button.setToolTip(new_action.tooltip)
+        # Update check state of menu items
+        for k, menu_act in self.actions.items():
+            menu_act.action.setChecked(False)
+        new_action.action.trigger()
+        # Active action chosen from menu is always checked, uncheck through main button
+        if self.checkable:
+            new_action.action.setChecked(True)
+            self.main_button.setChecked(True)
+
+    def block_all_signals(self, block: bool = True):
+        """
+        Blocks or unblocks all signals for the actions in the toolbar.
+
+        Args:
+            block (bool): Whether to block signals. Defaults to True.
+        """
+        if self.main_button is not None:
+            self.main_button.blockSignals(block)
+
+        for action in self.actions.values():
+            action.action.blockSignals(block)
+
+    @contextmanager
+    def signal_blocker(self):
+        """
+        Context manager to block signals for all actions in the toolbar.
+        """
+        self.block_all_signals(True)
+        try:
+            yield
+        finally:
+            self.block_all_signals(False)
+
+    def set_state_all(self, state: bool):
+        """
+        Uncheck all actions in the toolbar.
+        """
+        for action in self.actions.values():
+            action.action.setChecked(state)
+        if self.main_button is None:
+            return
+        self.main_button.setChecked(state)
+
+    def get_icon(self) -> QIcon:
+        return self.actions[self.current_key].get_icon()
+
+
+class WidgetAction(ToolBarAction):
+    """
+    Action for adding any widget to the toolbar.
+    Please note that the injected widget must be life-cycled by the parent widget,
+    i.e., the widget must be properly cleaned up outside of this action. The WidgetAction
+    will not perform any cleanup on the widget itself, only on the container that holds it.
+
+    Args:
+        label (str|None): The label for the widget.
+        widget (QWidget): The widget to be added to the toolbar.
+        adjust_size (bool): Whether to adjust the size of the widget based on its contents. Defaults to True.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        label: str | None = None,
+        widget: QWidget = None,
+        adjust_size: bool = True,
+        parent=None,
+    ):
+        super().__init__(icon_path=None, tooltip=label, checkable=False)
+        self.label = label
+        self.widget = widget
+        self.container = None
+        self.adjust_size = adjust_size
+
+    def add_to_toolbar(self, toolbar: QToolBar, target: QWidget):
+        """
+        Adds the widget to the toolbar.
+
+        Args:
+            toolbar (QToolBar): The toolbar to add the widget to.
+            target (QWidget): The target widget for the action.
+        """
+        self.container = QWidget(parent=target)
+        layout = QHBoxLayout(self.container)
+        layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        layout.setSpacing(0)
+
+        if self.label is not None:
+            label_widget = QLabel(text=f"{self.label}", parent=target)
+            label_widget.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Minimum, QSizePolicy.Fixed)
+            label_widget.setAlignment(Qt.AlignVCenter | Qt.AlignRight)
+            layout.addWidget(label_widget)
+
+        if isinstance(self.widget, QComboBox) and self.adjust_size:
+            self.widget.setSizeAdjustPolicy(QComboBox.AdjustToContents)
+
+            size_policy = QSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Fixed)
+            self.widget.setSizePolicy(size_policy)
+
+            self.widget.setMinimumWidth(self.calculate_minimum_width(self.widget))
+
+        layout.addWidget(self.widget)
+
+        toolbar.addWidget(self.container)
+        # Store the container as the action to allow toggling visibility.
+        self.action = self.container
+
+    def cleanup(self):
+        """
+        Cleans up the action by closing and deleting the container widget.
+        This method will be called automatically when the toolbar is cleaned up.
+        """
+        if self.container is not None:
+            self.container.close()
+            self.container.deleteLater()
+        return super().cleanup()
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def calculate_minimum_width(combo_box: QComboBox) -> int:
+        font_metrics = combo_box.fontMetrics()
+        max_width = max(font_metrics.width(combo_box.itemText(i)) for i in range(combo_box.count()))
+        return max_width + 60
+
+
+class ExpandableMenuAction(ToolBarAction):
+    """
+    Action for an expandable menu in the toolbar.
+
+    Args:
+        label (str): The label for the menu.
+        actions (dict): A dictionary of actions to populate the menu.
+        icon_path (str, optional): The path to the icon file. Defaults to None.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, label: str, actions: dict, icon_path: str = None):
+        super().__init__(icon_path, label)
+        self.actions = actions
+
+    def add_to_toolbar(self, toolbar: QToolBar, target: QWidget):
+        button = QToolButton(toolbar)
+        if self.icon_path:
+            button.setIcon(QIcon(self.icon_path))
+        button.setText(self.tooltip)
+        button.setPopupMode(QToolButton.InstantPopup)
+        button.setStyleSheet(
+            """
+                   QToolButton {
+                       font-size: 14px;
+                   }
+                   QMenu {
+                       font-size: 14px;
+                   }
+               """
+        )
+        menu = QMenu(button)
+        for action_container in self.actions.values():
+            action: QAction = action_container.action
+            action.setIconVisibleInMenu(True)
+            if action_container.icon_path:
+                icon = QIcon()
+                icon.addFile(action_container.icon_path, size=QSize(20, 20))
+                action.setIcon(icon)
+            elif hasattr(action, "get_icon") and callable(action_container.get_icon):
+                sub_icon = action_container.get_icon()
+                if sub_icon and not sub_icon.isNull():
+                    action.setIcon(sub_icon)
+            action.setCheckable(action_container.checkable)
+            menu.addAction(action)
+        button.setMenu(menu)
+        toolbar.addWidget(button)
+
+
+class DeviceComboBoxAction(WidgetAction):
+    """
+    Action for a device selection combobox in the toolbar.
+
+    Args:
+        label (str): The label for the combobox.
+        device_combobox (QComboBox): The combobox for selecting the device.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        target_widget: QWidget,
+        device_filter: list[BECDeviceFilter] | None = None,
+        readout_priority_filter: (
+            str | ReadoutPriority | list[str] | list[ReadoutPriority] | None
+        ) = None,
+        tooltip: str | None = None,
+        add_empty_item: bool = False,
+        no_check_delegate: bool = False,
+    ):
+        self.combobox = DeviceComboBox(
+            parent=target_widget,
+            device_filter=device_filter,
+            readout_priority_filter=readout_priority_filter,
+        )
+        super().__init__(widget=self.combobox, adjust_size=False)
+
+        if add_empty_item:
+            self.combobox.addItem("", None)
+            self.combobox.setCurrentText("")
+        if tooltip is not None:
+            self.combobox.setToolTip(tooltip)
+        if no_check_delegate:
+            self.combobox.setItemDelegate(NoCheckDelegate(self.combobox))
+
+    def cleanup(self):
+        """
+        Cleans up the action by closing and deleting the combobox widget.
+        This method will be called automatically when the toolbar is cleaned up.
+        """
+        if self.combobox is not None:
+            self.combobox.close()
+            self.combobox.deleteLater()
+        return super().cleanup()

bec_widgets/utils/toolbars/bundles.py

@@ -0,0 +1,244 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from collections import defaultdict
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, DefaultDict
+from weakref import ReferenceType
+
+import louie
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
+from pydantic import BaseModel
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.actions import SeparatorAction, ToolBarAction
+
+if TYPE_CHECKING:
+    from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.connections import BundleConnection
+    from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.toolbar import ModularToolBar
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+
+
+class ActionInfo(BaseModel):
+    action: ToolBarAction
+    toolbar_bundle: ToolbarBundle | None = None
+
+    model_config = {"arbitrary_types_allowed": True}
+
+
+class ToolbarComponents:
+    def __init__(self, toolbar: ModularToolBar):
+        """
+        Initializes the toolbar components.
+
+        Args:
+            toolbar (ModularToolBar): The toolbar to which the components will be added.
+        """
+        self.toolbar = toolbar
+
+        self._components: dict[str, ActionInfo] = {}
+        self.add("separator", SeparatorAction())
+
+    def add(self, name: str, component: ToolBarAction):
+        """
+        Adds a component to the toolbar.
+
+        Args:
+            component (ToolBarAction): The component to add.
+        """
+        if name in self._components:
+            raise ValueError(f"Component with name '{name}' already exists.")
+        self._components[name] = ActionInfo(action=component, toolbar_bundle=None)
+
+    def add_safe(self, name: str, component: ToolBarAction):
+        """
+        Adds a component to the toolbar, ensuring it does not already exist.
+
+        Args:
+            name (str): The name of the component.
+            component (ToolBarAction): The component to add.
+        """
+        if self.exists(name):
+            logger.info(f"Component with name '{name}' already exists. Skipping addition.")
+            return
+        self.add(name, component)
+
+    def exists(self, name: str) -> bool:
+        """
+        Checks if a component exists in the toolbar.
+
+        Args:
+            name (str): The name of the component to check.
+
+        Returns:
+            bool: True if the component exists, False otherwise.
+        """
+        return name in self._components
+
+    def get_action_reference(self, name: str) -> ReferenceType[ToolBarAction]:
+        """
+        Retrieves a component by name.
+
+        Args:
+            name (str): The name of the component to retrieve.
+
+        """
+        if not self.exists(name):
+            raise KeyError(f"Component with name '{name}' does not exist.")
+        return louie.saferef.safe_ref(self._components[name].action)
+
+    def get_action(self, name: str) -> ToolBarAction:
+        """
+        Retrieves a component by name.
+
+        Args:
+            name (str): The name of the component to retrieve.
+
+        Returns:
+            ToolBarAction: The action associated with the given name.
+        """
+        if not self.exists(name):
+            raise KeyError(
+                f"Component with name '{name}' does not exist. The following components are available: {list(self._components.keys())}"
+            )
+        return self._components[name].action
+
+    def set_bundle(self, name: str, bundle: ToolbarBundle):
+        """
+        Sets the bundle for a component.
+
+        Args:
+            name (str): The name of the component.
+            bundle (ToolbarBundle): The bundle to set.
+        """
+        if not self.exists(name):
+            raise KeyError(f"Component with name '{name}' does not exist.")
+        comp = self._components[name]
+        if comp.toolbar_bundle is not None:
+            logger.info(
+                f"Component '{name}' already has a bundle ({comp.toolbar_bundle.name}). Setting it to {bundle.name}."
+            )
+            comp.toolbar_bundle.bundle_actions.pop(name, None)
+        comp.toolbar_bundle = bundle
+
+    def remove_action(self, name: str):
+        """
+        Removes a component from the toolbar.
+
+        Args:
+            name (str): The name of the component to remove.
+        """
+        if not self.exists(name):
+            raise KeyError(f"Action with ID '{name}' does not exist.")
+        action_info = self._components.pop(name)
+        if action_info.toolbar_bundle:
+            action_info.toolbar_bundle.bundle_actions.pop(name, None)
+            self.toolbar.refresh()
+            action_info.toolbar_bundle = None
+        if hasattr(action_info.action, "cleanup"):
+            # Call cleanup if the action has a cleanup method
+            action_info.action.cleanup()
+
+    def cleanup(self):
+        """
+        Cleans up the toolbar components by removing all actions and bundles.
+        """
+        for action_info in self._components.values():
+            if hasattr(action_info.action, "cleanup"):
+                # Call cleanup if the action has a cleanup method
+                action_info.action.cleanup()
+        self._components.clear()
+
+
+class ToolbarBundle:
+    def __init__(self, name: str, components: ToolbarComponents):
+        """
+        Initializes a new bundle component.
+
+        Args:
+            bundle_name (str): Unique identifier for the bundle.
+        """
+        self.name = name
+        self.components = components
+        self.bundle_actions: DefaultDict[str, ReferenceType[ToolBarAction]] = defaultdict()
+        self._connections: dict[str, BundleConnection] = {}
+
+    def add_action(self, name: str):
+        """
+        Adds an action to the bundle.
+
+        Args:
+            name (str): Unique identifier for the action.
+            action (ToolBarAction): The action to add.
+        """
+        if name in self.bundle_actions:
+            raise ValueError(f"Action with name '{name}' already exists in bundle '{self.name}'.")
+        if not self.components.exists(name):
+            raise ValueError(
+                f"Component with name '{name}' does not exist in the toolbar. Please add it first using the `ToolbarComponents.add` method."
+            )
+        self.bundle_actions[name] = self.components.get_action_reference(name)
+        self.components.set_bundle(name, self)
+
+    def remove_action(self, name: str):
+        """
+        Removes an action from the bundle.
+
+        Args:
+            name (str): The name of the action to remove.
+        """
+        if name not in self.bundle_actions:
+            raise KeyError(f"Action with name '{name}' does not exist in bundle '{self.name}'.")
+        del self.bundle_actions[name]
+
+    def add_separator(self):
+        """
+        Adds a separator action to the bundle.
+        """
+        self.add_action("separator")
+
+    def add_connection(self, name: str, connection):
+        """
+        Adds a connection to the bundle.
+
+        Args:
+            name (str): Unique identifier for the connection.
+            connection: The connection to add.
+        """
+        if name in self._connections:
+            raise ValueError(
+                f"Connection with name '{name}' already exists in bundle '{self.name}'."
+            )
+        self._connections[name] = connection
+
+    def remove_connection(self, name: str):
+        """
+        Removes a connection from the bundle.
+
+        Args:
+            name (str): The name of the connection to remove.
+        """
+        if name not in self._connections:
+            raise KeyError(f"Connection with name '{name}' does not exist in bundle '{self.name}'.")
+        self._connections[name].disconnect()
+        del self._connections[name]
+
+    def get_connection(self, name: str):
+        """
+        Retrieves a connection by name.
+
+        Args:
+            name (str): The name of the connection to retrieve.
+
+        Returns:
+            The connection associated with the given name.
+        """
+        if name not in self._connections:
+            raise KeyError(f"Connection with name '{name}' does not exist in bundle '{self.name}'.")
+        return self._connections[name]
+
+    def disconnect(self):
+        """
+        Disconnects all connections in the bundle.
+        """
+        for connection in self._connections.values():
+            connection.disconnect()
+        self._connections.clear()

bec_widgets/utils/toolbars/connections.py

@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from abc import abstractmethod
+
+from qtpy.QtCore import QObject
+
+
+class BundleConnection(QObject):
+    bundle_name: str
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    def connect(self):
+        """
+        Connects the bundle to the target widget or application.
+        This method should be implemented by subclasses to define how the bundle interacts with the target.
+        """
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    def disconnect(self):
+        """
+        Disconnects the bundle from the target widget or application.
+        This method should be implemented by subclasses to define how to clean up connections.
+        """

bec_widgets/utils/toolbars/performance.py

@@ -0,0 +1,64 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.actions import MaterialIconAction
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.bundles import ToolbarBundle
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.connections import BundleConnection
+
+if TYPE_CHECKING:
+    from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.toolbar import ToolbarComponents
+
+
+def performance_bundle(components: ToolbarComponents) -> ToolbarBundle:
+    """
+    Creates a performance toolbar bundle.
+
+    Args:
+        components (ToolbarComponents): The components to be added to the bundle.
+
+    Returns:
+        ToolbarBundle: The performance toolbar bundle.
+    """
+    components.add_safe(
+        "fps_monitor",
+        MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="speed", tooltip="Show FPS Monitor", checkable=True, parent=components.toolbar
+        ),
+    )
+    bundle = ToolbarBundle("performance", components)
+    bundle.add_action("fps_monitor")
+    return bundle
+
+
+class PerformanceConnection(BundleConnection):
+
+    def __init__(self, components: ToolbarComponents, target_widget=None):
+        self.bundle_name = "performance"
+        self.components = components
+        self.target_widget = target_widget
+        if not hasattr(self.target_widget, "enable_fps_monitor"):
+            raise AttributeError("Target widget must implement 'enable_fps_monitor'.")
+        super().__init__()
+        self._connected = False
+
+    @SafeSlot(bool)
+    def set_fps_monitor(self, enabled: bool):
+        setattr(self.target_widget, "enable_fps_monitor", enabled)
+
+    def connect(self):
+        self._connected = True
+        # Connect the action to the target widget's method
+        self.components.get_action_reference("fps_monitor")().action.toggled.connect(
+            self.set_fps_monitor
+        )
+
+    def disconnect(self):
+        if not self._connected:
+            return
+        # Disconnect the action from the target widget's method
+        self.components.get_action_reference("fps_monitor")().action.toggled.disconnect(
+            self.set_fps_monitor
+        )
+        self._connected = False

bec_widgets/utils/toolbars/toolbar.py

@@ -0,0 +1,513 @@
+# pylint: disable=no-name-in-module
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import sys
+from collections import defaultdict
+from typing import DefaultDict, Literal
+
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
+from qtpy.QtCore import QSize, Qt
+from qtpy.QtGui import QAction, QColor
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QLabel, QMainWindow, QMenu, QToolBar, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.colors import get_theme_name, set_theme
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.actions import MaterialIconAction, ToolBarAction
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.bundles import ToolbarBundle, ToolbarComponents
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.connections import BundleConnection
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+
+# Ensure that icons are shown in menus (especially on macOS)
+QApplication.setAttribute(Qt.AA_DontShowIconsInMenus, False)
+
+
+class ModularToolBar(QToolBar):
+    """Modular toolbar with optional automatic initialization.
+
+    Args:
+        parent (QWidget, optional): The parent widget of the toolbar. Defaults to None.
+        actions (dict, optional): A dictionary of action creators to populate the toolbar. Defaults to None.
+        target_widget (QWidget, optional): The widget that the actions will target. Defaults to None.
+        orientation (Literal["horizontal", "vertical"], optional): The initial orientation of the toolbar. Defaults to "horizontal".
+        background_color (str, optional): The background color of the toolbar. Defaults to "rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)".
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        parent=None,
+        orientation: Literal["horizontal", "vertical"] = "horizontal",
+        background_color: str = "rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)",
+    ):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent)
+
+        self.background_color = background_color
+        self.set_background_color(self.background_color)
+
+        # Set the initial orientation
+        self.set_orientation(orientation)
+
+        self.components = ToolbarComponents(self)
+
+        # Initialize bundles
+        self.bundles: dict[str, ToolbarBundle] = {}
+        self.shown_bundles: list[str] = []
+
+        #########################
+        # outdated items... remove
+        self.available_widgets: DefaultDict[str, ToolBarAction] = defaultdict()
+        ########################
+
+    def new_bundle(self, name: str) -> ToolbarBundle:
+        """
+        Creates a new bundle component.
+
+        Args:
+            name (str): Unique identifier for the bundle.
+
+        Returns:
+            ToolbarBundle: The new bundle component.
+        """
+        if name in self.bundles:
+            raise ValueError(f"Bundle with name '{name}' already exists.")
+        bundle = ToolbarBundle(name=name, components=self.components)
+        self.bundles[name] = bundle
+        return bundle
+
+    def add_bundle(self, bundle: ToolbarBundle):
+        """
+        Adds a bundle component to the toolbar.
+
+        Args:
+            bundle (ToolbarBundle): The bundle component to add.
+        """
+        if bundle.name in self.bundles:
+            raise ValueError(f"Bundle with name '{bundle.name}' already exists.")
+        self.bundles[bundle.name] = bundle
+        if not bundle.bundle_actions:
+            logger.warning(f"Bundle '{bundle.name}' has no actions.")
+
+    def remove_bundle(self, name: str):
+        """
+        Removes a bundle component by name.
+
+        Args:
+            name (str): The name of the bundle to remove.
+        """
+        if name not in self.bundles:
+            raise KeyError(f"Bundle with name '{name}' does not exist.")
+        del self.bundles[name]
+        if name in self.shown_bundles:
+            self.shown_bundles.remove(name)
+        logger.info(f"Bundle '{name}' removed from the toolbar.")
+
+    def get_bundle(self, name: str) -> ToolbarBundle:
+        """
+        Retrieves a bundle component by name.
+
+        Args:
+            name (str): The name of the bundle to retrieve.
+
+        Returns:
+            ToolbarBundle: The bundle component.
+        """
+        if name not in self.bundles:
+            raise KeyError(
+                f"Bundle with name '{name}' does not exist. Available bundles: {list(self.bundles.keys())}"
+            )
+        return self.bundles[name]
+
+    def show_bundles(self, bundle_names: list[str]):
+        """
+        Sets the bundles to be shown for the toolbar.
+
+        Args:
+            bundle_names (list[str]): A list of bundle names to show. If a bundle is not in this list, its actions will be hidden.
+        """
+        self.clear()
+        for requested_bundle in bundle_names:
+            bundle = self.get_bundle(requested_bundle)
+            for bundle_action in bundle.bundle_actions.values():
+                action = bundle_action()
+                if action is None:
+                    logger.warning(
+                        f"Action for bundle '{requested_bundle}' has been deleted. Skipping."
+                    )
+                    continue
+                action.add_to_toolbar(self, self.parent())
+            separator = self.components.get_action_reference("separator")()
+            if separator is not None:
+                separator.add_to_toolbar(self, self.parent())
+        self.update_separators()  # Ensure separators are updated after showing bundles
+        self.shown_bundles = bundle_names
+
+    def add_action(self, action_name: str, action: ToolBarAction):
+        """
+        Adds a single action to the toolbar. It will create a new bundle
+        with the same name as the action.
+
+        Args:
+            action_name (str): Unique identifier for the action.
+            action (ToolBarAction): The action to add.
+        """
+        self.components.add_safe(action_name, action)
+        bundle = ToolbarBundle(name=action_name, components=self.components)
+        bundle.add_action(action_name)
+        self.add_bundle(bundle)
+
+    def hide_action(self, action_name: str):
+        """
+        Hides a specific action in the toolbar.
+
+        Args:
+            action_name (str): Unique identifier for the action to hide.
+        """
+        action = self.components.get_action(action_name)
+        if hasattr(action, "action") and action.action is not None:
+            action.action.setVisible(False)
+            self.update_separators()
+
+    def show_action(self, action_name: str):
+        """
+        Shows a specific action in the toolbar.
+
+        Args:
+            action_name (str): Unique identifier for the action to show.
+        """
+        action = self.components.get_action(action_name)
+        if hasattr(action, "action") and action.action is not None:
+            action.action.setVisible(True)
+            self.update_separators()
+
+    @property
+    def toolbar_actions(self) -> list[ToolBarAction]:
+        """
+        Returns a list of all actions currently in the toolbar.
+
+        Returns:
+            list[ToolBarAction]: List of actions in the toolbar.
+        """
+        actions = []
+        for bundle in self.shown_bundles:
+            if bundle not in self.bundles:
+                continue
+            for action in self.bundles[bundle].bundle_actions.values():
+                action_instance = action()
+                if action_instance is not None:
+                    actions.append(action_instance)
+        return actions
+
+    def refresh(self):
+        """Refreshes the toolbar by clearing and re-populating it."""
+        self.clear()
+        self.show_bundles(self.shown_bundles)
+
+    def connect_bundle(self, connection_name: str, connector: BundleConnection):
+        """
+        Connects a bundle to a target widget or application.
+
+        Args:
+            bundle_name (str): The name of the bundle to connect.
+            connector (BundleConnection): The connector instance that implements the connection logic.
+        """
+        bundle_name = connector.bundle_name
+        if bundle_name not in self.bundles:
+            raise KeyError(f"Bundle with name '{bundle_name}' does not exist.")
+        connector.connect()
+        self.bundles[bundle_name].add_connection(connection_name, connector)
+
+    def disconnect_bundle(self, bundle_name: str, connection_name: str | None = None):
+        """
+        Disconnects a bundle connection.
+
+        Args:
+            bundle_name (str): The name of the bundle to disconnect.
+            connection_name (str): The name of the connection to disconnect. If None, disconnects all connections for the bundle.
+        """
+        if bundle_name not in self.bundles:
+            raise KeyError(f"Bundle with name '{bundle_name}' does not exist.")
+        bundle = self.bundles[bundle_name]
+        if connection_name is None:
+            # Disconnect all connections in the bundle
+            bundle.disconnect()
+        else:
+            bundle.remove_connection(name=connection_name)
+
+    def set_background_color(self, color: str = "rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)"):
+        """
+        Sets the background color and other appearance settings.
+
+        Args:
+            color (str): The background color of the toolbar.
+        """
+        self.setIconSize(QSize(20, 20))
+        self.setMovable(False)
+        self.setFloatable(False)
+        self.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        self.background_color = color
+        self.setStyleSheet(f"QToolBar {{ background-color: {color}; border: none; }}")
+
+    def set_orientation(self, orientation: Literal["horizontal", "vertical"]):
+        """Sets the orientation of the toolbar.
+
+        Args:
+            orientation (Literal["horizontal", "vertical"]): The desired orientation of the toolbar.
+        """
+        if orientation == "horizontal":
+            self.setOrientation(Qt.Horizontal)
+        elif orientation == "vertical":
+            self.setOrientation(Qt.Vertical)
+        else:
+            raise ValueError("Orientation must be 'horizontal' or 'vertical'.")
+
+    def update_material_icon_colors(self, new_color: str | tuple | QColor):
+        """
+        Updates the color of all MaterialIconAction icons.
+
+        Args:
+            new_color (str | tuple | QColor): The new color.
+        """
+        for action in self.available_widgets.values():
+            if isinstance(action, MaterialIconAction):
+                action.color = new_color
+                updated_icon = action.get_icon()
+                action.action.setIcon(updated_icon)
+
+    def contextMenuEvent(self, event):
+        """
+        Overrides the context menu event to show toolbar actions with checkboxes and icons.
+
+        Args:
+            event (QContextMenuEvent): The context menu event.
+        """
+        menu = QMenu(self)
+        theme = get_theme_name()
+        if theme == "dark":
+            menu.setStyleSheet(
+                """
+                QMenu {
+                    background-color: rgba(50, 50, 50, 0.9);
+                    border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2);
+                }
+                QMenu::item:selected {
+                    background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.2);
+                }
+            """
+            )
+        else:
+            # Light theme styling
+            menu.setStyleSheet(
+                """
+                QMenu {
+                    background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9);
+                    border: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);
+                }
+                QMenu::item:selected {
+                    background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.2);
+                }
+            """
+            )
+        for ii, bundle in enumerate(self.shown_bundles):
+            self.handle_bundle_context_menu(menu, bundle)
+            if ii < len(self.shown_bundles) - 1:
+                menu.addSeparator()
+        menu.triggered.connect(self.handle_menu_triggered)
+        menu.exec_(event.globalPos())
+
+    def handle_bundle_context_menu(self, menu: QMenu, bundle_id: str):
+        """
+        Adds bundle actions to the context menu.
+
+        Args:
+            menu (QMenu): The context menu.
+            bundle_id (str): The bundle identifier.
+        """
+        bundle = self.bundles.get(bundle_id)
+        if not bundle:
+            return
+        for act_id in bundle.bundle_actions:
+            toolbar_action = self.components.get_action(act_id)
+            if not isinstance(toolbar_action, ToolBarAction) or not hasattr(
+                toolbar_action, "action"
+            ):
+                continue
+            qaction = toolbar_action.action
+            if not isinstance(qaction, QAction):
+                continue
+            self._add_qaction_to_menu(menu, qaction, toolbar_action, act_id)
+
+    def _add_qaction_to_menu(
+        self, menu: QMenu, qaction: QAction, toolbar_action: ToolBarAction, act_id: str
+    ):
+        display_name = qaction.text() or toolbar_action.tooltip or act_id
+        menu_action = QAction(display_name, self)
+        menu_action.setCheckable(True)
+        menu_action.setChecked(qaction.isVisible())
+        menu_action.setData(act_id)  # Store the action_id
+
+        # Set the icon if available
+        if qaction.icon() and not qaction.icon().isNull():
+            menu_action.setIcon(qaction.icon())
+        menu.addAction(menu_action)
+
+    def handle_action_context_menu(self, menu: QMenu, action_id: str):
+        """
+        Adds a single toolbar action to the context menu.
+
+        Args:
+            menu (QMenu): The context menu to which the action is added.
+            action_id (str): Unique identifier for the action.
+        """
+        toolbar_action = self.available_widgets.get(action_id)
+        if not isinstance(toolbar_action, ToolBarAction) or not hasattr(toolbar_action, "action"):
+            return
+        qaction = toolbar_action.action
+        if not isinstance(qaction, QAction):
+            return
+        display_name = qaction.text() or toolbar_action.tooltip or action_id
+        menu_action = QAction(display_name, self)
+        menu_action.setCheckable(True)
+        menu_action.setChecked(qaction.isVisible())
+        menu_action.setIconVisibleInMenu(True)
+        menu_action.setData(action_id)  # Store the action_id
+
+        # Set the icon if available
+        if qaction.icon() and not qaction.icon().isNull():
+            menu_action.setIcon(qaction.icon())
+
+        menu.addAction(menu_action)
+
+    def handle_menu_triggered(self, action):
+        """
+        Handles the triggered signal from the context menu.
+
+        Args:
+            action: Action triggered.
+        """
+        action_id = action.data()
+        if action_id:
+            self.toggle_action_visibility(action_id)
+
+    def toggle_action_visibility(self, action_id: str, visible: bool | None = None):
+        """
+        Toggles the visibility of a specific action.
+
+        Args:
+            action_id (str): Unique identifier.
+            visible (bool): Whether the action should be visible. If None, toggles the current visibility.
+        """
+        if not self.components.exists(action_id):
+            return
+        tool_action = self.components.get_action(action_id)
+        if hasattr(tool_action, "action") and tool_action.action is not None:
+            if visible is None:
+                visible = not tool_action.action.isVisible()
+            tool_action.action.setVisible(visible)
+        self.update_separators()
+
+    def update_separators(self):
+        """
+        Hide separators that are adjacent to another separator or have no non-separator actions between them.
+        """
+        toolbar_actions = self.actions()
+        # First pass: set visibility based on surrounding non-separator actions.
+        for i, action in enumerate(toolbar_actions):
+            if not action.isSeparator():
+                continue
+            prev_visible = None
+            for j in range(i - 1, -1, -1):
+                if toolbar_actions[j].isVisible():
+                    prev_visible = toolbar_actions[j]
+                    break
+            next_visible = None
+            for j in range(i + 1, len(toolbar_actions)):
+                if toolbar_actions[j].isVisible():
+                    next_visible = toolbar_actions[j]
+                    break
+            if (prev_visible is None or prev_visible.isSeparator()) and (
+                next_visible is None or next_visible.isSeparator()
+            ):
+                action.setVisible(False)
+            else:
+                action.setVisible(True)
+        # Second pass: ensure no two visible separators are adjacent.
+        prev = None
+        for action in toolbar_actions:
+            if action.isVisible() and action.isSeparator():
+                if prev and prev.isSeparator():
+                    action.setVisible(False)
+                else:
+                    prev = action
+            else:
+                if action.isVisible():
+                    prev = action
+
+        if not toolbar_actions:
+            return
+
+        # Make sure the first visible action is not a separator
+        for i, action in enumerate(toolbar_actions):
+            if action.isVisible():
+                if action.isSeparator():
+                    action.setVisible(False)
+                break
+
+        # Make sure the last visible action is not a separator
+        for i, action in enumerate(reversed(toolbar_actions)):
+            if action.isVisible():
+                if action.isSeparator():
+                    action.setVisible(False)
+                break
+
+    def cleanup(self):
+        """
+        Cleans up the toolbar by removing all actions and bundles.
+        """
+        # First, disconnect all bundles
+        for bundle_name in list(self.bundles.keys()):
+            self.disconnect_bundle(bundle_name)
+
+        # Clear all components
+        self.components.cleanup()
+        self.bundles.clear()
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+    from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.performance import PerformanceConnection, performance_bundle
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.toolbar_components.plot_export import plot_export_bundle
+
+    class MainWindow(QMainWindow):  # pragma: no cover
+        def __init__(self):
+            super().__init__()
+            self.setWindowTitle("Toolbar / ToolbarBundle Demo")
+            self.central_widget = QWidget()
+            self.setCentralWidget(self.central_widget)
+            self.test_label = QLabel(text="This is a test label.")
+            self.central_widget.layout = QVBoxLayout(self.central_widget)
+            self.central_widget.layout.addWidget(self.test_label)
+
+            self.toolbar = ModularToolBar(parent=self)
+            self.addToolBar(self.toolbar)
+            self.toolbar.add_bundle(performance_bundle(self.toolbar.components))
+            self.toolbar.add_bundle(plot_export_bundle(self.toolbar.components))
+            self.toolbar.connect_bundle(
+                "base", PerformanceConnection(self.toolbar.components, self)
+            )
+            self.toolbar.show_bundles(["performance", "plot_export"])
+            self.toolbar.get_bundle("performance").add_action("save")
+            self.toolbar.refresh()
+
+        def enable_fps_monitor(self, enabled: bool):
+            """
+            Example method to enable or disable FPS monitoring.
+            This method should be implemented in the target widget.
+            """
+            if enabled:
+                self.test_label.setText("FPS Monitor Enabled")
+            else:
+                self.test_label.setText("FPS Monitor Disabled")
+
+    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+    set_theme("light")
+    main_window = MainWindow()
+    main_window.show()
+    sys.exit(app.exec_())

bec_widgets/utils/widget_io.py

@@ -264,6 +264,48 @@ class WidgetIO:
                 return WidgetIO._handlers[base]
         return None
 
+    @staticmethod
+    def find_widgets(widget_class: QWidget | str, recursive: bool = True) -> list[QWidget]:
+        """
+        Return widgets matching the given class (or class-name string).
+
+        Args:
+            widget_class: Either a QWidget subclass or its class-name as a string.
+            recursive: If True (default), traverse all top-level widgets and their children;
+                       if False, scan app.allWidgets() for a flat list.
+
+        Returns:
+            List of QWidget instances matching the class or class-name.
+        """
+        app = QApplication.instance()
+        if app is None:
+            raise RuntimeError("No QApplication instance found.")
+
+        # Match by class-name string
+        if isinstance(widget_class, str):
+            name = widget_class
+            if recursive:
+                result: list[QWidget] = []
+                for top in app.topLevelWidgets():
+                    if top.__class__.__name__ == name:
+                        result.append(top)
+                    result.extend(
+                        w for w in top.findChildren(QWidget) if w.__class__.__name__ == name
+                    )
+                return result
+            return [w for w in app.allWidgets() if w.__class__.__name__ == name]
+
+        # Match by actual class
+        if recursive:
+            result: list[QWidget] = []
+            for top in app.topLevelWidgets():
+                if isinstance(top, widget_class):
+                    result.append(top)
+                result.extend(top.findChildren(widget_class))
+            return result
+
+        return [w for w in app.allWidgets() if isinstance(w, widget_class)]
+
 
 ################## for exporting and importing widget hierarchies ##################
 

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/auto_update/auto_updates.py

@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ class AutoUpdates(BECMainWindow):
     _default_dock: BECDock
     USER_ACCESS = ["enabled", "enabled.setter", "selected_device", "selected_device.setter"]
     RPC = True
+    PLUGIN = False
 
     # enforce that subclasses have the same rpc widget class
     rpc_widget_class = "AutoUpdates"

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock/bec_dock_area.pyproject

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{'files': ['dock_area.py']}

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock/bec_dock_area_plugin.py

@@ -1,22 +1,19 @@
 # Copyright (C) 2022 The Qt Company Ltd.
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
-import os
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
-import bec_widgets
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
-from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock import BECDockArea
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock.dock_area import BECDockArea
 
 DOM_XML = """
 <ui language='c++'>
-    <widget class='BECDockArea' name='dock_area'>
+    <widget class='BECDockArea' name='bec_dock_area'>
     </widget>
 </ui>
 """
 
-MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
-
 
 class BECDockAreaPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
     def __init__(self):
@@ -24,6 +21,8 @@ class BECDockAreaPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = BECDockArea(parent)
         return t
 
@@ -31,13 +30,13 @@ class BECDockAreaPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         return DOM_XML
 
     def group(self):
-        return "BEC Plots"
+        return "BEC Containers"
 
     def icon(self):
         return designer_material_icon(BECDockArea.ICON_NAME)
 
     def includeFile(self):
-        return "dock_area"
+        return "bec_dock_area"
 
     def initialize(self, form_editor):
         self._form_editor = form_editor
@@ -52,7 +51,7 @@ class BECDockAreaPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         return "BECDockArea"
 
     def toolTip(self):
-        return "BECDockArea"
+        return ""
 
     def whatsThis(self):
         return self.toolTip()

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock/dock.py

@@ -389,6 +389,7 @@ class BECDock(BECWidget, Dock):
         if widget in self.widgets:
             self.widgets.remove(widget)
         widget.close()
+        widget.deleteLater()
 
     def delete_all(self):
         """

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock/dock_area.py

@@ -15,18 +15,20 @@ from bec_widgets.utils import ConnectionConfig, WidgetContainerUtils
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
 from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
 from bec_widgets.utils.name_utils import pascal_to_snake
-from bec_widgets.utils.toolbar import (
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.actions import (
     ExpandableMenuAction,
     MaterialIconAction,
-    ModularToolBar,
-    SeparatorAction,
+    WidgetAction,
 )
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.bundles import ToolbarBundle
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.toolbar import ModularToolBar
 from bec_widgets.utils.widget_io import WidgetHierarchy
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock.dock import BECDock, DockConfig
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.main_window import BECMainWindow
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box import PositionerBox
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.scan_control.scan_control import ScanControl
 from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.vscode.vscode import VSCodeEditor
+from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.heatmap.heatmap import Heatmap
 from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.image.image import Image
 from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.motor_map.motor_map import MotorMap
 from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.multi_waveform.multi_waveform import MultiWaveform
@@ -69,6 +71,7 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
         "detach_dock",
         "attach_all",
         "save_state",
+        "screenshot",
         "restore_state",
     ]
 
@@ -104,151 +107,239 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
 
         self.dark_mode_button = DarkModeButton(parent=self, toolbar=True)
         self.dock_area = DockArea(parent=self)
-        self.toolbar = ModularToolBar(
-            parent=self,
-            actions={
-                "menu_plots": ExpandableMenuAction(
-                    label="Add Plot ",
-                    actions={
-                        "waveform": MaterialIconAction(
-                            icon_name=Waveform.ICON_NAME, tooltip="Add Waveform", filled=True
-                        ),
-                        "scatter_waveform": MaterialIconAction(
-                            icon_name=ScatterWaveform.ICON_NAME,
-                            tooltip="Add Scatter Waveform",
-                            filled=True,
-                        ),
-                        "multi_waveform": MaterialIconAction(
-                            icon_name=MultiWaveform.ICON_NAME,
-                            tooltip="Add Multi Waveform",
-                            filled=True,
-                        ),
-                        "image": MaterialIconAction(
-                            icon_name=Image.ICON_NAME, tooltip="Add Image", filled=True
-                        ),
-                        "motor_map": MaterialIconAction(
-                            icon_name=MotorMap.ICON_NAME, tooltip="Add Motor Map", filled=True
-                        ),
-                    },
-                ),
-                "separator_0": SeparatorAction(),
-                "menu_devices": ExpandableMenuAction(
-                    label="Add Device Control ",
-                    actions={
-                        "scan_control": MaterialIconAction(
-                            icon_name=ScanControl.ICON_NAME, tooltip="Add Scan Control", filled=True
-                        ),
-                        "positioner_box": MaterialIconAction(
-                            icon_name=PositionerBox.ICON_NAME, tooltip="Add Device Box", filled=True
-                        ),
-                    },
-                ),
-                "separator_1": SeparatorAction(),
-                "menu_utils": ExpandableMenuAction(
-                    label="Add Utils ",
-                    actions={
-                        "queue": MaterialIconAction(
-                            icon_name=BECQueue.ICON_NAME, tooltip="Add Scan Queue", filled=True
-                        ),
-                        "vs_code": MaterialIconAction(
-                            icon_name=VSCodeEditor.ICON_NAME, tooltip="Add VS Code", filled=True
-                        ),
-                        "status": MaterialIconAction(
-                            icon_name=BECStatusBox.ICON_NAME,
-                            tooltip="Add BEC Status Box",
-                            filled=True,
-                        ),
-                        "progress_bar": MaterialIconAction(
-                            icon_name=RingProgressBar.ICON_NAME,
-                            tooltip="Add Circular ProgressBar",
-                            filled=True,
-                        ),
-                        # FIXME temporarily disabled  -> issue #644
-                        "log_panel": MaterialIconAction(
-                            icon_name=LogPanel.ICON_NAME,
-                            tooltip="Add LogPanel - Disabled",
-                            filled=True,
-                        ),
-                        "sbb_monitor": MaterialIconAction(
-                            icon_name="train", tooltip="Add SBB Monitor", filled=True
-                        ),
-                    },
-                ),
-                "separator_2": SeparatorAction(),
-                "attach_all": MaterialIconAction(
-                    icon_name="zoom_in_map", tooltip="Attach all floating docks"
-                ),
-                "save_state": MaterialIconAction(icon_name="bookmark", tooltip="Save Dock State"),
-                "restore_state": MaterialIconAction(
-                    icon_name="frame_reload", tooltip="Restore Dock State"
-                ),
-            },
-            target_widget=self,
-        )
+        self.toolbar = ModularToolBar(parent=self)
+        self._setup_toolbar()
 
         self.layout.addWidget(self.toolbar)
         self.layout.addWidget(self.dock_area)
-        self.spacer = QWidget(parent=self)
-        self.spacer.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Expanding)
-        self.toolbar.addWidget(self.spacer)
-        self.toolbar.addWidget(self.dark_mode_button)
+
         self._hook_toolbar()
+        self.toolbar.show_bundles(
+            ["menu_plots", "menu_devices", "menu_utils", "dock_actions", "dark_mode"]
+        )
 
     def minimumSizeHint(self):
         return QSize(800, 600)
 
+    def _setup_toolbar(self):
+
+        # Add plot menu
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe(
+            "menu_plots",
+            ExpandableMenuAction(
+                label="Add Plot ",
+                actions={
+                    "waveform": MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name=Waveform.ICON_NAME,
+                        tooltip="Add Waveform",
+                        filled=True,
+                        parent=self,
+                    ),
+                    "scatter_waveform": MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name=ScatterWaveform.ICON_NAME,
+                        tooltip="Add Scatter Waveform",
+                        filled=True,
+                        parent=self,
+                    ),
+                    "multi_waveform": MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name=MultiWaveform.ICON_NAME,
+                        tooltip="Add Multi Waveform",
+                        filled=True,
+                        parent=self,
+                    ),
+                    "image": MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name=Image.ICON_NAME, tooltip="Add Image", filled=True, parent=self
+                    ),
+                    "motor_map": MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name=MotorMap.ICON_NAME,
+                        tooltip="Add Motor Map",
+                        filled=True,
+                        parent=self,
+                    ),
+                    "heatmap": MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name=Heatmap.ICON_NAME, tooltip="Add Heatmap", filled=True, parent=self
+                    ),
+                },
+            ),
+        )
+
+        bundle = ToolbarBundle("menu_plots", self.toolbar.components)
+        bundle.add_action("menu_plots")
+        self.toolbar.add_bundle(bundle)
+
+        # Add control menu
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe(
+            "menu_devices",
+            ExpandableMenuAction(
+                label="Add Device Control ",
+                actions={
+                    "scan_control": MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name=ScanControl.ICON_NAME,
+                        tooltip="Add Scan Control",
+                        filled=True,
+                        parent=self,
+                    ),
+                    "positioner_box": MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name=PositionerBox.ICON_NAME,
+                        tooltip="Add Device Box",
+                        filled=True,
+                        parent=self,
+                    ),
+                },
+            ),
+        )
+        bundle = ToolbarBundle("menu_devices", self.toolbar.components)
+        bundle.add_action("menu_devices")
+        self.toolbar.add_bundle(bundle)
+
+        # Add utils menu
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe(
+            "menu_utils",
+            ExpandableMenuAction(
+                label="Add Utils ",
+                actions={
+                    "queue": MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name=BECQueue.ICON_NAME,
+                        tooltip="Add Scan Queue",
+                        filled=True,
+                        parent=self,
+                    ),
+                    "vs_code": MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name=VSCodeEditor.ICON_NAME,
+                        tooltip="Add VS Code",
+                        filled=True,
+                        parent=self,
+                    ),
+                    "status": MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name=BECStatusBox.ICON_NAME,
+                        tooltip="Add BEC Status Box",
+                        filled=True,
+                        parent=self,
+                    ),
+                    "progress_bar": MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name=RingProgressBar.ICON_NAME,
+                        tooltip="Add Circular ProgressBar",
+                        filled=True,
+                        parent=self,
+                    ),
+                    # FIXME temporarily disabled -> issue #644
+                    "log_panel": MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name=LogPanel.ICON_NAME,
+                        tooltip="Add LogPanel - Disabled",
+                        filled=True,
+                        parent=self,
+                    ),
+                    "sbb_monitor": MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name="train", tooltip="Add SBB Monitor", filled=True, parent=self
+                    ),
+                },
+            ),
+        )
+        bundle = ToolbarBundle("menu_utils", self.toolbar.components)
+        bundle.add_action("menu_utils")
+        self.toolbar.add_bundle(bundle)
+
+        ########## Dock Actions ##########
+        spacer = QWidget(parent=self)
+        spacer.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Expanding)
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe("spacer", WidgetAction(widget=spacer, adjust_size=False))
+
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe(
+            "dark_mode", WidgetAction(widget=self.dark_mode_button, adjust_size=False)
+        )
+
+        bundle = ToolbarBundle("dark_mode", self.toolbar.components)
+        bundle.add_action("spacer")
+        bundle.add_action("dark_mode")
+        self.toolbar.add_bundle(bundle)
+
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe(
+            "attach_all",
+            MaterialIconAction(
+                icon_name="zoom_in_map", tooltip="Attach all floating docks", parent=self
+            ),
+        )
+
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe(
+            "save_state",
+            MaterialIconAction(icon_name="bookmark", tooltip="Save Dock State", parent=self),
+        )
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe(
+            "restore_state",
+            MaterialIconAction(icon_name="frame_reload", tooltip="Restore Dock State", parent=self),
+        )
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe(
+            "screenshot",
+            MaterialIconAction(icon_name="photo_camera", tooltip="Take Screenshot", parent=self),
+        )
+
+        bundle = ToolbarBundle("dock_actions", self.toolbar.components)
+        bundle.add_action("attach_all")
+        bundle.add_action("save_state")
+        bundle.add_action("restore_state")
+        bundle.add_action("screenshot")
+        self.toolbar.add_bundle(bundle)
+
     def _hook_toolbar(self):
-        # Menu Plot
-        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_plots"].widgets["waveform"].triggered.connect(
+        menu_plots = self.toolbar.components.get_action("menu_plots")
+        menu_devices = self.toolbar.components.get_action("menu_devices")
+        menu_utils = self.toolbar.components.get_action("menu_utils")
+
+        menu_plots.actions["waveform"].action.triggered.connect(
             lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="Waveform")
         )
-        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_plots"].widgets["scatter_waveform"].triggered.connect(
+
+        menu_plots.actions["scatter_waveform"].action.triggered.connect(
             lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="ScatterWaveform")
         )
-        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_plots"].widgets["multi_waveform"].triggered.connect(
+        menu_plots.actions["multi_waveform"].action.triggered.connect(
             lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="MultiWaveform")
         )
-        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_plots"].widgets["image"].triggered.connect(
+        menu_plots.actions["image"].action.triggered.connect(
             lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="Image")
         )
-        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_plots"].widgets["motor_map"].triggered.connect(
+        menu_plots.actions["motor_map"].action.triggered.connect(
             lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="MotorMap")
         )
+        menu_plots.actions["heatmap"].action.triggered.connect(
+            lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="Heatmap")
+        )
 
         # Menu Devices
-        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_devices"].widgets["scan_control"].triggered.connect(
+        menu_devices.actions["scan_control"].action.triggered.connect(
             lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="ScanControl")
         )
-        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_devices"].widgets["positioner_box"].triggered.connect(
+        menu_devices.actions["positioner_box"].action.triggered.connect(
             lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="PositionerBox")
         )
 
         # Menu Utils
-        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_utils"].widgets["queue"].triggered.connect(
+        menu_utils.actions["queue"].action.triggered.connect(
             lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="BECQueue")
         )
-        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_utils"].widgets["status"].triggered.connect(
+        menu_utils.actions["status"].action.triggered.connect(
             lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="BECStatusBox")
         )
-        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_utils"].widgets["vs_code"].triggered.connect(
+        menu_utils.actions["vs_code"].action.triggered.connect(
             lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="VSCodeEditor")
         )
-        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_utils"].widgets["progress_bar"].triggered.connect(
+        menu_utils.actions["progress_bar"].action.triggered.connect(
             lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="RingProgressBar")
         )
         # FIXME temporarily disabled -> issue #644
-        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_utils"].widgets["log_panel"].setEnabled(False)
-        # self.toolbar.widgets["menu_utils"].widgets["log_panel"].triggered.connect(
-        #     lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="LogPanel")
-        # )
-        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_utils"].widgets["sbb_monitor"].triggered.connect(
+        menu_utils.actions["log_panel"].action.setEnabled(False)
+
+        menu_utils.actions["sbb_monitor"].action.triggered.connect(
             lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="SBBMonitor")
         )
 
         # Icons
-        self.toolbar.widgets["attach_all"].action.triggered.connect(self.attach_all)
-        self.toolbar.widgets["save_state"].action.triggered.connect(self.save_state)
-        self.toolbar.widgets["restore_state"].action.triggered.connect(self.restore_state)
+        self.toolbar.components.get_action("attach_all").action.triggered.connect(self.attach_all)
+        self.toolbar.components.get_action("save_state").action.triggered.connect(self.save_state)
+        self.toolbar.components.get_action("restore_state").action.triggered.connect(
+            self.restore_state
+        )
+        self.toolbar.components.get_action("screenshot").action.triggered.connect(self.screenshot)
 
     @SafeSlot()
     def _create_widget_from_toolbar(self, widget_name: str) -> None:

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock/dock_area.pyproject

@@ -1 +0,0 @@
-{'files': ['dock_area.py','dock.py']}

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock/register_bec_dock_area.py

@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ def main():  # pragma: no cover
         return
     from PySide6.QtDesigner import QPyDesignerCustomWidgetCollection
 
-    from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock.dock_area_plugin import BECDockAreaPlugin
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock.bec_dock_area_plugin import BECDockAreaPlugin
 
     QPyDesignerCustomWidgetCollection.addCustomWidget(BECDockAreaPlugin())
 

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/explorer/collapsible_tree_section.py

@@ -0,0 +1,204 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from bec_qthemes import material_icon
+from qtpy.QtCore import QMimeData, Qt, Signal
+from qtpy.QtGui import QDrag
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QHBoxLayout, QPushButton, QSizePolicy, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.colors import get_theme_palette
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeProperty
+
+
+class CollapsibleSection(QWidget):
+    """A widget that combines a header button with any content widget for collapsible sections
+
+    This widget contains a header button with a title and a content widget.
+    The content widget can be any QWidget. The header button can be expanded or collapsed.
+    The header also contains an "Add" button that is only visible when hovering over the section.
+
+    Signals:
+        section_reorder_requested(str, str): Emitted when the section is dragged and dropped
+                                             onto another section for reordering.
+                                             Arguments are (source_title, target_title).
+    """
+
+    section_reorder_requested = Signal(str, str)  # (source_title, target_title)
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None, title="", indentation=10, show_add_button=False):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent)
+        self.title = title
+        self.content_widget = None
+        self.setAcceptDrops(True)
+        self._expanded = True
+
+        # Setup layout
+        self.main_layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
+        self.main_layout.setContentsMargins(indentation, 0, 0, 0)
+        self.main_layout.setSpacing(0)
+
+        header_layout = QHBoxLayout()
+        header_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 4, 0)
+        header_layout.setSpacing(0)
+
+        # Create header button
+        self.header_button = QPushButton()
+        self.header_button.clicked.connect(self.toggle_expanded)
+
+        # Enable drag and drop for reordering
+        self.header_button.setAcceptDrops(True)
+        self.header_button.mousePressEvent = self._header_mouse_press_event
+        self.header_button.mouseMoveEvent = self._header_mouse_move_event
+        self.header_button.dragEnterEvent = self._header_drag_enter_event
+        self.header_button.dropEvent = self._header_drop_event
+
+        self.drag_start_position = None
+
+        # Add header to layout
+        header_layout.addWidget(self.header_button)
+        header_layout.addStretch()
+
+        self.header_add_button = QPushButton()
+        self.header_add_button.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Policy.Fixed, QSizePolicy.Policy.Fixed)
+        self.header_add_button.setFixedSize(20, 20)
+        self.header_add_button.setToolTip("Add item")
+        self.header_add_button.setVisible(show_add_button)
+
+        self.header_add_button.setIcon(material_icon("add", size=(20, 20)))
+        header_layout.addWidget(self.header_add_button)
+
+        self.main_layout.addLayout(header_layout)
+
+        self._update_expanded_state()
+
+    def set_widget(self, widget):
+        """Set the content widget for this collapsible section"""
+        # Remove existing content widget if any
+        if self.content_widget and self.content_widget.parent() == self:
+            self.main_layout.removeWidget(self.content_widget)
+            self.content_widget.close()
+            self.content_widget.deleteLater()
+
+        self.content_widget = widget
+        if self.content_widget:
+            self.main_layout.addWidget(self.content_widget)
+
+        self._update_expanded_state()
+
+    def _update_appearance(self):
+        """Update the header button appearance based on expanded state"""
+        # Use material icons with consistent sizing to match tree items
+        icon_name = "keyboard_arrow_down" if self.expanded else "keyboard_arrow_right"
+        icon = material_icon(icon_name=icon_name, size=(20, 20), convert_to_pixmap=False)
+
+        self.header_button.setIcon(icon)
+        self.header_button.setText(self.title)
+
+        # Get theme colors
+        palette = get_theme_palette()
+        text_color = palette.text().color().name()
+
+        self.header_button.setStyleSheet(
+            f"""
+            QPushButton {{
+                font-weight: bold;
+                text-align: left;
+                margin: 0;
+                padding: 0px;
+                border: none;
+                background: transparent;
+                color: {text_color};
+                icon-size: 20px 20px;
+            }}
+        """
+        )
+
+    def toggle_expanded(self):
+        """Toggle the expanded state and update size policy"""
+        self.expanded = not self.expanded
+        self._update_expanded_state()
+
+    def _update_expanded_state(self):
+        """Update the expanded state based on current state"""
+        self._update_appearance()
+        if self.expanded:
+            if self.content_widget:
+                self.content_widget.show()
+            self.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Policy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Policy.Expanding)
+        else:
+            if self.content_widget:
+                self.content_widget.hide()
+            self.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Policy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Policy.Fixed)
+
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
+    def expanded(self) -> bool:
+        """Get the expanded state"""
+        return self._expanded
+
+    @expanded.setter
+    def expanded(self, value: bool):
+        """Set the expanded state programmatically"""
+        if not isinstance(value, bool):
+            raise ValueError("Expanded state must be a boolean")
+        if self._expanded == value:
+            return
+        self._expanded = value
+        self._update_appearance()
+
+    def connect_add_button(self, slot):
+        """Connect a slot to the add button's clicked signal.
+
+        Args:
+            slot: The function to call when the add button is clicked.
+        """
+        self.header_add_button.clicked.connect(slot)
+
+    def _header_mouse_press_event(self, event):
+        """Handle mouse press on header for drag start"""
+        if event.button() == Qt.MouseButton.LeftButton:
+            self.drag_start_position = event.pos()
+        QPushButton.mousePressEvent(self.header_button, event)
+
+    def _header_mouse_move_event(self, event):
+        """Handle mouse move to start drag operation"""
+        if event.buttons() & Qt.MouseButton.LeftButton and self.drag_start_position is not None:
+
+            # Check if we've moved far enough to start a drag
+            if (event.pos() - self.drag_start_position).manhattanLength() >= 10:
+
+                self._start_drag()
+        QPushButton.mouseMoveEvent(self.header_button, event)
+
+    def _start_drag(self):
+        """Start the drag operation with a properly aligned widget pixmap"""
+        drag = QDrag(self.header_button)
+        mime_data = QMimeData()
+        mime_data.setText(f"section:{self.title}")
+        drag.setMimeData(mime_data)
+
+        # Grab a pixmap of the widget
+        widget_pixmap = self.header_button.grab()
+
+        drag.setPixmap(widget_pixmap)
+
+        # Set the hotspot to where the mouse was pressed on the widget
+        drag.setHotSpot(self.drag_start_position)
+
+        drag.exec_(Qt.MoveAction)
+
+    def _header_drag_enter_event(self, event):
+        """Handle drag enter on header"""
+        if event.mimeData().hasText() and event.mimeData().text().startswith("section:"):
+            event.acceptProposedAction()
+        else:
+            event.ignore()
+
+    def _header_drop_event(self, event):
+        """Handle drop on header"""
+        if event.mimeData().hasText() and event.mimeData().text().startswith("section:"):
+            source_title = event.mimeData().text().replace("section:", "")
+            if source_title != self.title:
+                # Emit signal to parent to handle reordering
+                self.section_reorder_requested.emit(source_title, self.title)
+            event.acceptProposedAction()
+        else:
+            event.ignore()

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/explorer/explorer.py

@@ -0,0 +1,179 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from qtpy.QtCore import Qt
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QSizePolicy, QSpacerItem, QSplitter, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
+from bec_widgets.utils.colors import get_theme_palette
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.explorer.collapsible_tree_section import CollapsibleSection
+
+
+class Explorer(BECWidget, QWidget):
+    """
+    A widget that combines multiple collapsible sections for an explorer-like interface.
+    Each section can be expanded or collapsed, and sections can be reordered. The explorer
+    can contain also sub-explorers for nested structures.
+    """
+
+    RPC = False
+    PLUGIN = False
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None):
+        super().__init__(parent)
+
+        # Main layout
+        self.main_layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
+        self.main_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        self.main_layout.setSpacing(0)
+
+        # Splitter for sections
+        self.splitter = QSplitter(Qt.Orientation.Vertical)
+        self.main_layout.addWidget(self.splitter)
+
+        # Spacer for when all sections are collapsed
+        self.expander = QSpacerItem(0, 0)
+        self.main_layout.addItem(self.expander)
+
+        # Registry of sections
+        self.sections: list[CollapsibleSection] = []
+
+        # Setup splitter styling
+        self._setup_splitter_styling()
+
+    def add_section(self, section: CollapsibleSection) -> None:
+        """
+        Add a collapsible section to the explorer
+
+        Args:
+            section (CollapsibleSection): The section to add
+        """
+        if not isinstance(section, CollapsibleSection):
+            raise TypeError("section must be an instance of CollapsibleSection")
+
+        if section in self.sections:
+            return
+
+        self.sections.append(section)
+        self.splitter.addWidget(section)
+
+        # Connect the section's toggle to update spacer
+        section.header_button.clicked.connect(self._update_spacer)
+
+        # Connect section reordering if supported
+        if hasattr(section, "section_reorder_requested"):
+            section.section_reorder_requested.connect(self._handle_section_reorder)
+
+        self._update_spacer()
+
+    def remove_section(self, section: CollapsibleSection) -> None:
+        """
+        Remove a collapsible section from the explorer
+
+        Args:
+            section (CollapsibleSection): The section to remove
+        """
+        if section not in self.sections:
+            return
+        self.sections.remove(section)
+        section.deleteLater()
+        section.close()
+
+        # Disconnect signals
+        try:
+            section.header_button.clicked.disconnect(self._update_spacer)
+            if hasattr(section, "section_reorder_requested"):
+                section.section_reorder_requested.disconnect(self._handle_section_reorder)
+        except RuntimeError:
+            # Signals already disconnected
+            pass
+
+        self._update_spacer()
+
+    def get_section(self, title: str) -> CollapsibleSection | None:
+        """Get a section by its title"""
+        for section in self.sections:
+            if section.title == title:
+                return section
+        return None
+
+    def _setup_splitter_styling(self) -> None:
+        """Setup the splitter styling with theme colors"""
+        palette = get_theme_palette()
+        separator_color = palette.mid().color()
+
+        self.splitter.setStyleSheet(
+            f"""
+            QSplitter::handle {{
+                height: 0.1px;
+                background-color: rgba({separator_color.red()}, {separator_color.green()}, {separator_color.blue()}, 60);
+            }}
+        """
+        )
+
+    def _update_spacer(self) -> None:
+        """Update the spacer size based on section states"""
+        any_expanded = any(section.expanded for section in self.sections)
+
+        if any_expanded:
+            self.expander.changeSize(0, 0, QSizePolicy.Policy.Fixed, QSizePolicy.Policy.Fixed)
+        else:
+            self.expander.changeSize(
+                0, 10, QSizePolicy.Policy.Maximum, QSizePolicy.Policy.Expanding
+            )
+
+    def _handle_section_reorder(self, source_title: str, target_title: str) -> None:
+        """Handle reordering of sections"""
+        if source_title == target_title:
+            return
+
+        source_section = self.get_section(source_title)
+        target_section = self.get_section(target_title)
+
+        if not source_section or not target_section:
+            return
+
+        # Get current indices
+        source_index = self.splitter.indexOf(source_section)
+        target_index = self.splitter.indexOf(target_section)
+
+        if source_index == -1 or target_index == -1:
+            return
+
+        # Insert at target position
+        self.splitter.insertWidget(target_index, source_section)
+
+        # Update sections
+        self.sections.remove(source_section)
+        self.sections.insert(target_index, source_section)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    import os
+
+    from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QLabel
+
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.explorer.script_tree_widget import ScriptTreeWidget
+
+    app = QApplication([])
+    explorer = Explorer()
+    section = CollapsibleSection(title="SCRIPTS", indentation=0)
+
+    script_explorer = Explorer()
+    script_widget = ScriptTreeWidget()
+    local_scripts_section = CollapsibleSection(title="Local")
+    local_scripts_section.set_widget(script_widget)
+    script_widget.set_directory(os.path.abspath("./"))
+    script_explorer.add_section(local_scripts_section)
+
+    section.set_widget(script_explorer)
+    explorer.add_section(section)
+    shared_script_section = CollapsibleSection(title="Shared")
+    shared_script_widget = ScriptTreeWidget()
+    shared_script_widget.set_directory(os.path.abspath("./"))
+    shared_script_section.set_widget(shared_script_widget)
+    script_explorer.add_section(shared_script_section)
+    macros_section = CollapsibleSection(title="MACROS", indentation=0)
+    macros_section.set_widget(QLabel("Macros will be implemented later"))
+    explorer.add_section(macros_section)
+    explorer.show()
+    app.exec()

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/explorer/script_tree_widget.py

@@ -0,0 +1,387 @@
+import os
+from pathlib import Path
+
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
+from qtpy.QtCore import QModelIndex, QRect, QRegularExpression, QSortFilterProxyModel, Qt, Signal
+from qtpy.QtGui import QAction, QPainter
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QFileSystemModel, QStyledItemDelegate, QTreeView, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.colors import get_theme_palette
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.actions import MaterialIconAction
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+
+
+class FileItemDelegate(QStyledItemDelegate):
+    """Custom delegate to show action buttons on hover"""
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None):
+        super().__init__(parent)
+        self.hovered_index = QModelIndex()
+        self.file_actions: list[QAction] = []
+        self.dir_actions: list[QAction] = []
+        self.button_rects: list[QRect] = []
+        self.current_file_path = ""
+
+    def add_file_action(self, action: QAction) -> None:
+        """Add an action for files"""
+        self.file_actions.append(action)
+
+    def add_dir_action(self, action: QAction) -> None:
+        """Add an action for directories"""
+        self.dir_actions.append(action)
+
+    def clear_actions(self) -> None:
+        """Remove all actions"""
+        self.file_actions.clear()
+        self.dir_actions.clear()
+
+    def paint(self, painter, option, index):
+        """Paint the item with action buttons on hover"""
+        # Paint the default item
+        super().paint(painter, option, index)
+
+        # Early return if not hovering over this item
+        if index != self.hovered_index:
+            return
+
+        tree_view = self.parent()
+        if not isinstance(tree_view, QTreeView):
+            return
+
+        proxy_model = tree_view.model()
+        if not isinstance(proxy_model, QSortFilterProxyModel):
+            return
+
+        source_index = proxy_model.mapToSource(index)
+        source_model = proxy_model.sourceModel()
+        if not isinstance(source_model, QFileSystemModel):
+            return
+
+        is_dir = source_model.isDir(source_index)
+        file_path = source_model.filePath(source_index)
+        self.current_file_path = file_path
+
+        # Choose appropriate actions based on item type
+        actions = self.dir_actions if is_dir else self.file_actions
+        if actions:
+            self._draw_action_buttons(painter, option, actions)
+
+    def _draw_action_buttons(self, painter, option, actions: list[QAction]):
+        """Draw action buttons on the right side"""
+        button_size = 18
+        margin = 4
+        spacing = 2
+
+        # Calculate total width needed for all buttons
+        total_width = len(actions) * button_size + (len(actions) - 1) * spacing
+
+        # Clear previous button rects and create new ones
+        self.button_rects.clear()
+
+        # Calculate starting position (right side of the item)
+        start_x = option.rect.right() - total_width - margin
+        current_x = start_x
+
+        painter.save()
+        painter.setRenderHint(QPainter.RenderHint.Antialiasing)
+
+        # Get theme colors for better integration
+        palette = get_theme_palette()
+        button_bg = palette.button().color()
+        button_bg.setAlpha(150)  # Semi-transparent
+
+        for action in actions:
+            if not action.isVisible():
+                continue
+
+            # Calculate button position
+            button_rect = QRect(
+                current_x,
+                option.rect.top() + (option.rect.height() - button_size) // 2,
+                button_size,
+                button_size,
+            )
+            self.button_rects.append(button_rect)
+
+            # Draw button background
+            painter.setBrush(button_bg)
+            painter.setPen(palette.mid().color())
+            painter.drawRoundedRect(button_rect, 3, 3)
+
+            # Draw action icon
+            icon = action.icon()
+            if not icon.isNull():
+                icon_rect = button_rect.adjusted(2, 2, -2, -2)
+                icon.paint(painter, icon_rect)
+
+            # Move to next button position
+            current_x += button_size + spacing
+
+        painter.restore()
+
+    def editorEvent(self, event, model, option, index):
+        """Handle mouse events for action buttons"""
+        # Early return if not a left click
+        if not (
+            event.type() == event.Type.MouseButtonPress
+            and event.button() == Qt.MouseButton.LeftButton
+        ):
+            return super().editorEvent(event, model, option, index)
+
+        # Early return if not a proxy model
+        if not isinstance(model, QSortFilterProxyModel):
+            return super().editorEvent(event, model, option, index)
+
+        source_index = model.mapToSource(index)
+        source_model = model.sourceModel()
+
+        # Early return if not a file system model
+        if not isinstance(source_model, QFileSystemModel):
+            return super().editorEvent(event, model, option, index)
+
+        is_dir = source_model.isDir(source_index)
+        actions = self.dir_actions if is_dir else self.file_actions
+
+        # Check which button was clicked
+        visible_actions = [action for action in actions if action.isVisible()]
+        for i, button_rect in enumerate(self.button_rects):
+            if button_rect.contains(event.pos()) and i < len(visible_actions):
+                # Trigger the action
+                visible_actions[i].trigger()
+                return True
+
+        return super().editorEvent(event, model, option, index)
+
+    def set_hovered_index(self, index):
+        """Set the currently hovered index"""
+        self.hovered_index = index
+
+
+class ScriptTreeWidget(QWidget):
+    """A simple tree widget for scripts using QFileSystemModel - designed to be injected into CollapsibleSection"""
+
+    file_selected = Signal(str)  # Script file path selected
+    file_open_requested = Signal(str)  # File open button clicked
+    file_renamed = Signal(str, str)  # Old path, new path
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None):
+        super().__init__(parent)
+
+        # Create layout
+        layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
+        layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        layout.setSpacing(0)
+
+        # Create tree view
+        self.tree = QTreeView()
+        self.tree.setHeaderHidden(True)
+        self.tree.setRootIsDecorated(True)
+
+        # Enable mouse tracking for hover effects
+        self.tree.setMouseTracking(True)
+
+        # Create file system model
+        self.model = QFileSystemModel()
+        self.model.setNameFilters(["*.py"])
+        self.model.setNameFilterDisables(False)
+
+        # Create proxy model to filter out underscore directories
+        self.proxy_model = QSortFilterProxyModel()
+        self.proxy_model.setFilterRegularExpression(QRegularExpression("^[^_].*"))
+        self.proxy_model.setSourceModel(self.model)
+        self.tree.setModel(self.proxy_model)
+
+        # Create and set custom delegate
+        self.delegate = FileItemDelegate(self.tree)
+        self.tree.setItemDelegate(self.delegate)
+
+        # Add default open button for files
+        action = MaterialIconAction(icon_name="file_open", tooltip="Open file", parent=self)
+        action.action.triggered.connect(self._on_file_open_requested)
+        self.delegate.add_file_action(action.action)
+
+        # Remove unnecessary columns
+        self.tree.setColumnHidden(1, True)  # Hide size column
+        self.tree.setColumnHidden(2, True)  # Hide type column
+        self.tree.setColumnHidden(3, True)  # Hide date modified column
+
+        # Apply BEC styling
+        self._apply_styling()
+
+        # Script specific properties
+        self.directory = None
+
+        # Connect signals
+        self.tree.clicked.connect(self._on_item_clicked)
+        self.tree.doubleClicked.connect(self._on_item_double_clicked)
+
+        # Install event filter for hover tracking
+        self.tree.viewport().installEventFilter(self)
+
+        # Add to layout
+        layout.addWidget(self.tree)
+
+    def _apply_styling(self):
+        """Apply styling to the tree widget"""
+        # Get theme colors for subtle tree lines
+        palette = get_theme_palette()
+        subtle_line_color = palette.mid().color()
+        subtle_line_color.setAlpha(80)
+
+        # pylint: disable=f-string-without-interpolation
+        tree_style = f""" 
+            QTreeView {{ 
+                border: none;
+                outline: 0;
+                show-decoration-selected: 0;
+            }}
+            QTreeView::branch {{
+                border-image: none;
+                background: transparent;
+            }}
+
+            QTreeView::item {{
+                border: none;
+                padding: 0px;
+                margin: 0px;
+            }}
+            QTreeView::item:hover {{
+                background: palette(midlight);
+                border: none;
+                padding: 0px;
+                margin: 0px;
+                text-decoration: none;
+            }}
+            QTreeView::item:selected {{
+                background: palette(highlight);
+                color: palette(highlighted-text);
+            }}
+            QTreeView::item:selected:hover {{
+                background: palette(highlight);
+            }}
+        """
+
+        self.tree.setStyleSheet(tree_style)
+
+    def eventFilter(self, obj, event):
+        """Handle mouse move events for hover tracking"""
+        # Early return if not the tree viewport
+        if obj != self.tree.viewport():
+            return super().eventFilter(obj, event)
+
+        if event.type() == event.Type.MouseMove:
+            index = self.tree.indexAt(event.pos())
+            if index.isValid():
+                self.delegate.set_hovered_index(index)
+            else:
+                self.delegate.set_hovered_index(QModelIndex())
+            self.tree.viewport().update()
+            return super().eventFilter(obj, event)
+
+        if event.type() == event.Type.Leave:
+            self.delegate.set_hovered_index(QModelIndex())
+            self.tree.viewport().update()
+            return super().eventFilter(obj, event)
+
+        return super().eventFilter(obj, event)
+
+    def set_directory(self, directory):
+        """Set the scripts directory"""
+        self.directory = directory
+
+        # Early return if directory doesn't exist
+        if not directory or not os.path.exists(directory):
+            return
+
+        root_index = self.model.setRootPath(directory)
+        # Map the source model index to proxy model index
+        proxy_root_index = self.proxy_model.mapFromSource(root_index)
+        self.tree.setRootIndex(proxy_root_index)
+        self.tree.expandAll()
+
+    def _on_item_clicked(self, index: QModelIndex):
+        """Handle item clicks"""
+        # Map proxy index back to source index
+        source_index = self.proxy_model.mapToSource(index)
+
+        # Early return for directories
+        if self.model.isDir(source_index):
+            return
+
+        file_path = self.model.filePath(source_index)
+
+        # Early return if not a valid file
+        if not file_path or not os.path.isfile(file_path):
+            return
+
+        path_obj = Path(file_path)
+
+        # Only emit signal for Python files
+        if path_obj.suffix.lower() == ".py":
+            logger.info(f"Script selected: {file_path}")
+            self.file_selected.emit(file_path)
+
+    def _on_item_double_clicked(self, index: QModelIndex):
+        """Handle item double-clicks"""
+        # Map proxy index back to source index
+        source_index = self.proxy_model.mapToSource(index)
+
+        # Early return for directories
+        if self.model.isDir(source_index):
+            return
+
+        file_path = self.model.filePath(source_index)
+
+        # Early return if not a valid file
+        if not file_path or not os.path.isfile(file_path):
+            return
+
+        # Emit signal to open the file
+        logger.info(f"File open requested via double-click: {file_path}")
+        self.file_open_requested.emit(file_path)
+
+    def _on_file_open_requested(self):
+        """Handle file open action triggered"""
+        logger.info("File open requested")
+        # Early return if no hovered item
+        if not self.delegate.hovered_index.isValid():
+            return
+
+        source_index = self.proxy_model.mapToSource(self.delegate.hovered_index)
+        file_path = self.model.filePath(source_index)
+
+        # Early return if not a valid file
+        if not file_path or not os.path.isfile(file_path):
+            return
+
+        self.file_open_requested.emit(file_path)
+
+    def add_file_action(self, action: QAction) -> None:
+        """Add an action for file items"""
+        self.delegate.add_file_action(action)
+
+    def add_dir_action(self, action: QAction) -> None:
+        """Add an action for directory items"""
+        self.delegate.add_dir_action(action)
+
+    def clear_actions(self) -> None:
+        """Remove all actions from items"""
+        self.delegate.clear_actions()
+
+    def refresh(self):
+        """Refresh the tree view"""
+        if self.directory is None:
+            return
+        self.model.setRootPath("")  # Reset
+        root_index = self.model.setRootPath(self.directory)
+        proxy_root_index = self.proxy_model.mapFromSource(root_index)
+        self.tree.setRootIndex(proxy_root_index)
+
+    def expand_all(self):
+        """Expand all items in the tree"""
+        self.tree.expandAll()
+
+    def collapse_all(self):
+        """Collapse all items in the tree"""
+        self.tree.collapseAll()

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/main_window/bec_main_window.pyproject

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{'files': ['main_window.py']}

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/main_window/bec_main_window_plugin.py

@@ -0,0 +1,73 @@
+# Copyright (C) 2022 The Qt Company Ltd.
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
+from qtpy.QtCore import QSize
+from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtGui import QIcon
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.main_window import BECMainWindow
+
+DOM_XML = """
+<ui language='c++'>
+    <widget class='BECMainWindow' name='bec_main_window'>
+    </widget>
+</ui>
+"""
+
+
+class BECMainWindowPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self._form_editor = None
+
+    def createWidget(self, parent):
+        # We want to initialize BECMainWindow upon starting designer
+        t = BECMainWindow(parent)
+        return t
+
+    def domXml(self):
+        return DOM_XML
+
+    def group(self):
+        return "BEC Containers"
+
+    def icon(self):
+        return designer_material_icon(BECMainWindow.ICON_NAME)
+
+    def includeFile(self):
+        return "bec_main_window"
+
+    def initialize(self, form_editor):
+        import os
+
+        from qtpy.QtCore import Qt
+        from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
+
+        import bec_widgets
+
+        MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
+        QApplication.setAttribute(Qt.AA_DontUseNativeMenuBar, True)
+        app = QApplication.instance()
+        icon = QIcon()
+        icon.addFile(
+            os.path.join(MODULE_PATH, "assets", "app_icons", "BEC-General-App.png"),
+            size=QSize(48, 48),
+        )
+        app.setWindowIcon(icon)
+        self._form_editor = form_editor
+
+    def isContainer(self):
+        return True
+
+    def isInitialized(self):
+        return self._form_editor is not None
+
+    def name(self):
+        return "BECMainWindow"
+
+    def toolTip(self):
+        return "BECMainWindow"
+
+    def whatsThis(self):
+        return self.toolTip()

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/main_window/main_window.py

@@ -19,20 +19,28 @@ from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
 import bec_widgets
 from bec_widgets.utils import UILoader
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
-from bec_widgets.utils.colors import apply_theme
+from bec_widgets.utils.colors import apply_theme, set_theme
 from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
 from bec_widgets.utils.widget_io import WidgetHierarchy
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.addons.hover_widget import HoverWidget
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.addons.notification_center.notification_banner import (
+    BECNotificationBroker,
+    NotificationCentre,
+    NotificationIndicator,
+)
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.addons.scroll_label import ScrollLabel
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.addons.web_links import BECWebLinksMixin
 from bec_widgets.widgets.progress.scan_progressbar.scan_progressbar import ScanProgressBar
 
 MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
 
+# Ensure the application does not use the native menu bar on macOS to be consistent with linux development.
+QApplication.setAttribute(Qt.AA_DontUseNativeMenuBar, True)
+
 
 class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
-    RPC = False
-    PLUGIN = False
+    RPC = True
+    PLUGIN = True
     SCAN_PROGRESS_WIDTH = 100  # px
     STATUS_BAR_WIDGETS_EXPIRE_TIME = 60_000  # milliseconds
 
@@ -50,6 +58,14 @@ class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
         self.app = QApplication.instance()
         self.status_bar = self.statusBar()
         self.setWindowTitle(window_title)
+
+        # Notification Centre overlay
+        self.notification_centre = NotificationCentre(parent=self)  # Notification layer
+        self.notification_broker = BECNotificationBroker()
+        self._nc_margin = 16
+        self._position_notification_centre()
+
+        # Init ui
         self._init_ui()
         self._connect_to_theme_change()
 
@@ -58,6 +74,34 @@ class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
             self.display_client_message, MessageEndpoints.client_info()
         )
 
+    def setCentralWidget(self, widget: QWidget, qt_default: bool = False):  # type: ignore[override]
+        """
+        Re‑implement QMainWindow.setCentralWidget so that the *main content*
+        widget always lives on the lower layer of the stacked layout that
+        hosts our notification overlays.
+
+        Args:
+            widget: The widget that should become the new central content.
+            qt_default: When *True* the call is forwarded to the base class so
+                that Qt behaves exactly as the original implementation (used
+                during __init__ when we first install ``self._full_content``).
+        """
+        super().setCentralWidget(widget)
+        self.notification_centre.raise_()
+        self.statusBar().raise_()
+
+    def resizeEvent(self, event):
+        super().resizeEvent(event)
+        self._position_notification_centre()
+
+    def _position_notification_centre(self):
+        """Keep the notification panel at a fixed margin top-right."""
+        if not hasattr(self, "notification_centre"):
+            return
+        margin = getattr(self, "_nc_margin", 16)  # px
+        nc = self.notification_centre
+        nc.move(self.width() - nc.width() - margin, margin)
+
     ################################################################################
     # MainWindow Elements Initialization
     ################################################################################
@@ -94,6 +138,26 @@ class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
         # Add scan_progress bar with display logic
         self._add_scan_progress_bar()
 
+        # Setup NotificationIndicator to bottom right of the status bar
+        self._add_notification_indicator()
+
+    ################################################################################
+    # Notification indicator and Notification Centre helpers
+
+    def _add_notification_indicator(self):
+        """
+        Add the notification indicator to the status bar and hook the signals.
+        """
+        # Add the notification indicator to the status bar
+        self.notification_indicator = NotificationIndicator(self)
+        self.status_bar.addPermanentWidget(self.notification_indicator)
+
+        # Connect the notification broker to the indicator
+        self.notification_centre.counts_updated.connect(self.notification_indicator.update_counts)
+        self.notification_indicator.filter_changed.connect(self.notification_centre.apply_filter)
+        self.notification_indicator.show_all_requested.connect(self.notification_centre.show_all)
+        self.notification_indicator.hide_all_requested.connect(self.notification_centre.hide_all)
+
     ################################################################################
     # Client message status bar widget helpers
 
@@ -379,12 +443,12 @@ class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
     @SafeSlot(str)
     def change_theme(self, theme: str):
         """
-        Change the theme of the application.
+        Change the theme of the application and propagate it to widgets.
 
         Args:
-            theme(str): The theme to apply, either "light" or "dark".
+            theme(str): Either "light" or "dark".
         """
-        apply_theme(theme)
+        set_theme(theme)  # emits theme_updated and applies palette globally
 
     def event(self, event):
         if event.type() == QEvent.Type.StatusTip:
@@ -430,15 +494,16 @@ class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
         super().cleanup()
 
 
-class UILaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
-    RPC = True
+class BECMainWindowNoRPC(BECMainWindow):
+    RPC = False
+    PLUGIN = False
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     import sys
 
     app = QApplication(sys.argv)
-    main_window = UILaunchWindow()
+    main_window = BECMainWindow()
     main_window.show()
     main_window.resize(800, 600)
     sys.exit(app.exec())

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/main_window/register_bec_main_window.py

@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+def main():  # pragma: no cover
+    from qtpy import PYSIDE6
+
+    if not PYSIDE6:
+        print("PYSIDE6 is not available in the environment. Cannot patch designer.")
+        return
+    from PySide6.QtDesigner import QPyDesignerCustomWidgetCollection
+
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.bec_main_window_plugin import (
+        BECMainWindowPlugin,
+    )
+
+    QPyDesignerCustomWidgetCollection.addCustomWidget(BECMainWindowPlugin())
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+    main()

bec_widgets/widgets/control/buttons/button_abort/abort_button_plugin.py

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.buttons.button_abort.button_abort import AbortButton
@@ -20,6 +21,8 @@ class AbortButtonPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = AbortButton(parent)
         return t
 

bec_widgets/widgets/control/buttons/button_reset/reset_button_plugin.py

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.buttons.button_reset.button_reset import ResetButton
@@ -20,6 +21,8 @@ class ResetButtonPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = ResetButton(parent)
         return t
 
@@ -48,7 +51,7 @@ class ResetButtonPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         return "ResetButton"
 
     def toolTip(self):
-        return "A button that reset the scan queue."
+        return "A button that resets the scan queue."
 
     def whatsThis(self):
         return self.toolTip()

bec_widgets/widgets/control/buttons/button_resume/resume_button_plugin.py

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.buttons.button_resume.button_resume import ResumeButton
@@ -20,6 +21,8 @@ class ResumeButtonPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = ResumeButton(parent)
         return t
 

bec_widgets/widgets/control/buttons/stop_button/stop_button_plugin.py

@@ -1,10 +1,9 @@
 # Copyright (C) 2022 The Qt Company Ltd.
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
-import os
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
-import bec_widgets
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.buttons.stop_button.stop_button import StopButton
 
@@ -15,8 +14,6 @@ DOM_XML = """
 </ui>
 """
 
-MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
-
 
 class StopButtonPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
     def __init__(self):
@@ -24,6 +21,8 @@ class StopButtonPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = StopButton(parent)
         return t
 

bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_control/position_indicator/position_indicator_plugin.py

@@ -1,10 +1,9 @@
 # Copyright (C) 2022 The Qt Company Ltd.
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
-import os
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
-import bec_widgets
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.position_indicator.position_indicator import (
     PositionIndicator,
@@ -17,8 +16,6 @@ DOM_XML = """
 </ui>
 """
 
-MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
-
 
 class PositionIndicatorPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
     def __init__(self):
@@ -26,6 +23,8 @@ class PositionIndicatorPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cov
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = PositionIndicator(parent)
         return t
 
@@ -54,7 +53,7 @@ class PositionIndicatorPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cov
         return "PositionIndicator"
 
     def toolTip(self):
-        return "PositionIndicator"
+        return ""
 
     def whatsThis(self):
         return self.toolTip()

bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_control/positioner_box/_base/positioner_box_base.py

@@ -138,7 +138,11 @@ class PositionerBoxBase(BECWidget, CompactPopupWidget):
         signals = msg_content.get("signals", {})
         # pylint: disable=protected-access
         hinted_signals = self.dev[device]._hints
-        precision = self.dev[device].precision
+        precision = getattr(self.dev[device], "precision", 8)
+        try:
+            precision = int(precision)
+        except (TypeError, ValueError):
+            precision = int(8)
 
         spinner = ui_components["spinner"]
         position_indicator = ui_components["position_indicator"]
@@ -178,11 +182,13 @@ class PositionerBoxBase(BECWidget, CompactPopupWidget):
             spinner.setVisible(False)
 
         if readback_val is not None:
-            readback.setText(f"{readback_val:.{precision}f}")
+            text = f"{readback_val:.{precision}f}"
+            readback.setText(text)
             position_emit(readback_val)
 
         if setpoint_val is not None:
-            setpoint.setText(f"{setpoint_val:.{precision}f}")
+            text = f"{setpoint_val:.{precision}f}"
+            setpoint.setText(text)
 
         limits = self.dev[device].limits
         limit_update(limits)
@@ -205,10 +211,13 @@ class PositionerBoxBase(BECWidget, CompactPopupWidget):
         ui["readback"].setToolTip(f"{device} readback")
         ui["setpoint"].setToolTip(f"{device} setpoint")
         ui["step_size"].setToolTip(f"Step size for {device}")
-        precision = self.dev[device].precision
-        if precision is not None:
-            ui["step_size"].setDecimals(precision)
-            ui["step_size"].setValue(10**-precision * 10)
+        precision = getattr(self.dev[device], "precision", 8)
+        try:
+            precision = int(precision)
+        except (TypeError, ValueError):
+            precision = int(8)
+        ui["step_size"].setDecimals(precision)
+        ui["step_size"].setValue(10**-precision * 10)
 
     def _swap_readback_signal_connection(self, slot, old_device, new_device):
         self.bec_dispatcher.disconnect_slot(slot, MessageEndpoints.device_readback(old_device))

bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_control/positioner_box/positioner_box/positioner_box.py

@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ class PositionerBox(PositionerBoxBase):
     PLUGIN = True
     RPC = True
 
-    USER_ACCESS = ["set_positioner"]
+    USER_ACCESS = ["set_positioner", "screenshot"]
     device_changed = Signal(str, str)
     # Signal emitted to inform listeners about a position update
     position_update = Signal(float)

bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_control/positioner_box/positioner_box/positioner_box_plugin.py

@@ -1,12 +1,13 @@
 # Copyright (C) 2022 The Qt Company Ltd.
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
 
-import os
-
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
-from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box import PositionerBox
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box.positioner_box.positioner_box import (
+    PositionerBox,
+)
 
 DOM_XML = """
 <ui language='c++'>
@@ -14,7 +15,6 @@ DOM_XML = """
     </widget>
 </ui>
 """
-MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(__file__)))
 
 
 class PositionerBoxPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
@@ -23,6 +23,8 @@ class PositionerBoxPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = PositionerBox(parent)
         return t
 
@@ -30,7 +32,7 @@ class PositionerBoxPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         return DOM_XML
 
     def group(self):
-        return "Device Control"
+        return "BEC Device Control"
 
     def icon(self):
         return designer_material_icon(PositionerBox.ICON_NAME)

bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_control/positioner_box/positioner_box_2d/positioner_box2_d_plugin.py

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box.positioner_box_2d.positioner_box_2d import (
@@ -22,6 +23,8 @@ class PositionerBox2DPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = PositionerBox2D(parent)
         return t
 
@@ -29,7 +32,7 @@ class PositionerBox2DPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         return DOM_XML
 
     def group(self):
-        return "Device Control"
+        return "BEC Device Control"
 
     def icon(self):
         return designer_material_icon(PositionerBox2D.ICON_NAME)

bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_control/positioner_box/positioner_box_2d/positioner_box_2d.py

@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ class PositionerBox2D(PositionerBoxBase):
 
     PLUGIN = True
     RPC = True
-    USER_ACCESS = ["set_positioner_hor", "set_positioner_ver"]
+    USER_ACCESS = ["set_positioner_hor", "set_positioner_ver", "screenshot"]
 
     device_changed_hor = Signal(str, str)
     device_changed_ver = Signal(str, str)

bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_control/positioner_box/positioner_control_line/positioner_control_line_plugin.py

@@ -1,12 +1,13 @@
 # Copyright (C) 2022 The Qt Company Ltd.
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
 
-import os
-
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
-from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box import PositionerControlLine
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box.positioner_control_line.positioner_control_line import (
+    PositionerControlLine,
+)
 
 DOM_XML = """
 <ui language='c++'>
@@ -14,7 +15,6 @@ DOM_XML = """
     </widget>
 </ui>
 """
-MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(__file__)))
 
 
 class PositionerControlLinePlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
@@ -23,6 +23,8 @@ class PositionerControlLinePlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = PositionerControlLine(parent)
         return t
 
@@ -30,7 +32,7 @@ class PositionerControlLinePlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no
         return DOM_XML
 
     def group(self):
-        return "Device Control"
+        return "BEC Device Control"
 
     def icon(self):
         return designer_material_icon(PositionerControlLine.ICON_NAME)
@@ -51,7 +53,7 @@ class PositionerControlLinePlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no
         return "PositionerControlLine"
 
     def toolTip(self):
-        return "A widget that controls a single positioner in line form."
+        return "A widget that controls a single device."
 
     def whatsThis(self):
         return self.toolTip()

bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_control/positioner_group/positioner_group.py

@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ logger = bec_logger.logger
 
 
 class PositionerGroupBox(QGroupBox):
-    PLUGIN = True
+
     position_update = Signal(float)
 
     def __init__(self, parent, dev_name):
@@ -45,7 +45,12 @@ class PositionerGroupBox(QGroupBox):
 
     def _on_position_update(self, pos: float):
         self.position_update.emit(pos)
-        self.widget.label = f"%.{self.widget.dev[self.widget.device].precision}f" % pos
+        precision = getattr(self.widget.dev[self.widget.device], "precision", 8)
+        try:
+            precision = int(precision)
+        except (TypeError, ValueError):
+            precision = int(8)
+        self.widget.label = f"{pos:.{precision}f}"
 
     def close(self):
         self.widget.close()
@@ -55,6 +60,7 @@ class PositionerGroupBox(QGroupBox):
 class PositionerGroup(BECWidget, QWidget):
     """Simple Widget to control a positioner in box form"""
 
+    PLUGIN = True
     ICON_NAME = "grid_view"
     USER_ACCESS = ["set_positioners"]
 

bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_control/positioner_group/positioner_group.pyproject

@@ -1 +1 @@
-{'files': ['positioner_group.py']}
+{'files': ['positioner_group.py']}

bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_control/positioner_group/positioner_group_plugin.py

@@ -1,9 +1,8 @@
 # Copyright (C) 2022 The Qt Company Ltd.
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
 
-import os
-
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_group.positioner_group import (
@@ -16,7 +15,6 @@ DOM_XML = """
     </widget>
 </ui>
 """
-MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(__file__)))
 
 
 class PositionerGroupPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
@@ -25,6 +23,8 @@ class PositionerGroupPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = PositionerGroup(parent)
         return t
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ class PositionerGroupPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         return DOM_XML
 
     def group(self):
-        return "Device Control"
+        return "BEC Device Control"
 
     def icon(self):
         return designer_material_icon(PositionerGroup.ICON_NAME)
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ class PositionerGroupPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         return "PositionerGroup"
 
     def toolTip(self):
-        return "Container Widget to control positioners in compact form, in a grid"
+        return "Simple Widget to control a positioner in box form"
 
     def whatsThis(self):
         return self.toolTip()

bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_input/base_classes/device_input_base.py

@@ -112,7 +112,9 @@ class DeviceInputBase(BECWidget):
             WidgetIO.set_value(widget=self, value=device)
             self.config.default = device
         else:
-            logger.warning(f"Device {device} is not in the filtered selection.")
+            logger.warning(
+                f"Device {device} is not in the filtered selection of {self}: {self.devices}."
+            )
 
     @SafeSlot()
     def update_devices_from_filters(self):
@@ -131,7 +133,8 @@ class DeviceInputBase(BECWidget):
         # Filter based on readout priority
         devs = [dev for dev in devs if self._check_readout_filter(dev)]
         self.devices = [device.name for device in devs]
-        self.set_device(current_device)
+        if current_device != "":
+            self.set_device(current_device)
 
     @SafeSlot(list)
     def set_available_devices(self, devices: list[str]):

bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_input/base_classes/device_signal_input_base.py

@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ class DeviceSignalInputBase(BECWidget):
         Args:
             signal (str): signal name.
         """
-        if self.validate_signal(signal) is True:
+        if self.validate_signal(signal):
             WidgetIO.set_value(widget=self, value=signal)
             self.config.default = signal
         else:

bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_input/device_combobox/device_combo_box.pyproject

@@ -1,3 +1 @@
-{
-    "files": ["device_combobox.py"]
-}
+{'files': ['device_combobox.py']}

bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_input/device_combobox/device_combo_box_plugin.py

@@ -1,22 +1,19 @@
 # Copyright (C) 2022 The Qt Company Ltd.
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
-import os
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
-import bec_widgets
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_input.device_combobox.device_combobox import DeviceComboBox
 
 DOM_XML = """
 <ui language='c++'>
-    <widget class='DeviceComboBox' name='device_combobox'>
+    <widget class='DeviceComboBox' name='device_combo_box'>
     </widget>
 </ui>
 """
 
-MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
-
 
 class DeviceComboBoxPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
     def __init__(self):
@@ -24,6 +21,8 @@ class DeviceComboBoxPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = DeviceComboBox(parent)
         return t
 
@@ -37,7 +36,7 @@ class DeviceComboBoxPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         return designer_material_icon(DeviceComboBox.ICON_NAME)
 
     def includeFile(self):
-        return "device_combobox"
+        return "device_combo_box"
 
     def initialize(self, form_editor):
         self._form_editor = form_editor
@@ -52,7 +51,7 @@ class DeviceComboBoxPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         return "DeviceComboBox"
 
     def toolTip(self):
-        return "Device ComboBox Example for BEC Widgets"
+        return ""
 
     def whatsThis(self):
         return self.toolTip()

bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_input/device_combobox/device_combobox.py

@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ from qtpy.QtGui import QPainter, QPaintEvent, QPen
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QComboBox, QSizePolicy
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.colors import get_accent_colors
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeProperty
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_input.base_classes.device_input_base import (
     BECDeviceFilter,
     DeviceInputBase,
@@ -61,6 +62,7 @@ class DeviceComboBox(DeviceInputBase, QComboBox):
         self._callback_id = None
         self._is_valid_input = False
         self._accent_colors = get_accent_colors()
+        self._set_first_element_as_empty = False
         # We do not consider the config that is passed here, this produced problems
         # with QtDesigner, since config and input arguments may differ and resolve properly
         # Implementing this logic and config recoverage is postponed.
@@ -93,6 +95,31 @@ class DeviceComboBox(DeviceInputBase, QComboBox):
         self.currentTextChanged.connect(self.check_validity)
         self.check_validity(self.currentText())
 
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
+    def set_first_element_as_empty(self) -> bool:
+        """
+        Whether the first element in the combobox should be empty.
+        This is useful to allow the user to select a device from the list.
+        """
+        return self._set_first_element_as_empty
+
+    @set_first_element_as_empty.setter
+    def set_first_element_as_empty(self, value: bool) -> None:
+        """
+        Set whether the first element in the combobox should be empty.
+        This is useful to allow the user to select a device from the list.
+
+        Args:
+            value (bool): True if the first element should be empty, False otherwise.
+        """
+        self._set_first_element_as_empty = value
+        if self._set_first_element_as_empty:
+            self.insertItem(0, "")
+            self.setCurrentIndex(0)
+        else:
+            if self.count() > 0 and self.itemText(0) == "":
+                self.removeItem(0)
+
     def on_device_update(self, action: str, content: dict) -> None:
         """
         Callback for device update events. Triggers the device_update signal.

bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_input/device_line_edit/device_line_edit.pyproject

@@ -1,3 +1 @@
-{
-    "files": ["device_line_edit.py"]
-}
+{'files': ['device_line_edit.py']}

bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_input/device_line_edit/device_line_edit_plugin.py

@@ -1,10 +1,9 @@
 # Copyright (C) 2022 The Qt Company Ltd.
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
-import os
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
-import bec_widgets
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_input.device_line_edit.device_line_edit import (
     DeviceLineEdit,
@@ -17,8 +16,6 @@ DOM_XML = """
 </ui>
 """
 
-MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
-
 
 class DeviceLineEditPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
     def __init__(self):
@@ -26,6 +23,8 @@ class DeviceLineEditPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = DeviceLineEdit(parent)
         return t
 
@@ -54,7 +53,7 @@ class DeviceLineEditPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         return "DeviceLineEdit"
 
     def toolTip(self):
-        return "Device LineEdit Example for BEC Widgets with autocomplete."
+        return ""
 
     def whatsThis(self):
         return self.toolTip()

bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_input/signal_combobox/signal_combo_box_plugin.py

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_input.signal_combobox.signal_combobox import SignalComboBox
@@ -20,6 +21,8 @@ class SignalComboBoxPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = SignalComboBox(parent)
         return t
 
@@ -48,7 +51,7 @@ class SignalComboBoxPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         return "SignalComboBox"
 
     def toolTip(self):
-        return "Signal ComboBox Example for BEC Widgets with autocomplete."
+        return ""
 
     def whatsThis(self):
         return self.toolTip()

bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_input/signal_combobox/signal_combobox.py

@@ -1,8 +1,10 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
 from bec_lib.device import Positioner
 from qtpy.QtCore import QSize, Signal
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QComboBox, QSizePolicy
 
-from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeProperty, SafeSlot
 from bec_widgets.utils.filter_io import ComboBoxFilterHandler, FilterIO
 from bec_widgets.utils.ophyd_kind_util import Kind
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_input.base_classes.device_signal_input_base import (
@@ -54,6 +56,7 @@ class SignalComboBox(DeviceSignalInputBase, QComboBox):
 
         self.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Preferred, QSizePolicy.Fixed)
         self.setMinimumSize(QSize(100, 0))
+        self._set_first_element_as_empty = True
         # We do not consider the config that is passed here, this produced problems
         # with QtDesigner, since config and input arguments may differ and resolve properly
         # Implementing this logic and config recoverage is postponed.
@@ -90,6 +93,31 @@ class SignalComboBox(DeviceSignalInputBase, QComboBox):
                 self.insertItem(0, "Hinted Signals")
                 self.model().item(0).setEnabled(False)
 
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
+    def set_first_element_as_empty(self) -> bool:
+        """
+        Whether the first element in the combobox should be empty.
+        This is useful to allow the user to select a device from the list.
+        """
+        return self._set_first_element_as_empty
+
+    @set_first_element_as_empty.setter
+    def set_first_element_as_empty(self, value: bool) -> None:
+        """
+        Set whether the first element in the combobox should be empty.
+        This is useful to allow the user to select a device from the list.
+
+        Args:
+            value (bool): True if the first element should be empty, False otherwise.
+        """
+        self._set_first_element_as_empty = value
+        if self._set_first_element_as_empty:
+            self.insertItem(0, "")
+            self.setCurrentIndex(0)
+        else:
+            if self.count() > 0 and self.itemText(0) == "":
+                self.removeItem(0)
+
     def set_to_obj_name(self, obj_name: str) -> bool:
         """
         Set the combobox to the object name of the signal.
@@ -142,6 +170,10 @@ class SignalComboBox(DeviceSignalInputBase, QComboBox):
             return
         self.device_signal_changed.emit(text)
 
+    @property
+    def selected_signal_comp_name(self) -> str:
+        return dict(self.signals).get(self.currentText(), {}).get("component_name", "")
+
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
     # pylint: disable=import-outside-toplevel

bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_input/signal_line_edit/signal_line_edit_plugin.py

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_input.signal_line_edit.signal_line_edit import (
@@ -22,6 +23,8 @@ class SignalLineEditPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = SignalLineEdit(parent)
         return t
 
@@ -50,7 +53,7 @@ class SignalLineEditPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         return "SignalLineEdit"
 
     def toolTip(self):
-        return "Signal LineEdit Example for BEC Widgets with autocomplete."
+        return ""
 
     def whatsThis(self):
         return self.toolTip()

bec_widgets/widgets/control/scan_control/scan_control.py

@@ -45,6 +45,7 @@ class ScanControl(BECWidget, QWidget):
     Widget to submit new scans to the queue.
     """
 
+    USER_ACCESS = ["remove", "screenshot"]
     PLUGIN = True
     ICON_NAME = "tune"
     ARG_BOX_POSITION: int = 2
@@ -169,8 +170,8 @@ class ScanControl(BECWidget, QWidget):
         self.layout.addWidget(self._metadata_form)
         self._metadata_form.update_with_new_scan(self.comboBox_scan_selection.currentText())
         self.scan_selected.connect(self._metadata_form.update_with_new_scan)
-        self._metadata_form.metadata_updated.connect(self.update_scan_metadata)
-        self._metadata_form.metadata_cleared.connect(self.update_scan_metadata)
+        self._metadata_form.form_data_updated.connect(self.update_scan_metadata)
+        self._metadata_form.form_data_cleared.connect(self.update_scan_metadata)
         self._metadata_form.validate_form()
 
     def populate_scans(self):

bec_widgets/widgets/control/scan_control/scan_control_plugin.py

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.scan_control.scan_control import ScanControl
@@ -20,6 +21,8 @@ class ScanControlPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = ScanControl(parent)
         return t
 
@@ -27,7 +30,7 @@ class ScanControlPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         return DOM_XML
 
     def group(self):
-        return "Device Control"
+        return "BEC Device Control"
 
     def icon(self):
         return designer_material_icon(ScanControl.ICON_NAME)
@@ -48,7 +51,7 @@ class ScanControlPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         return "ScanControl"
 
     def toolTip(self):
-        return "ScanControl"
+        return ""
 
     def whatsThis(self):
         return self.toolTip()

bec_widgets/widgets/control/scan_control/scan_group_box.py

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-from typing import Literal
+from typing import Literal, Sequence
 
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from bec_qthemes import material_icon
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ class ScanArgType:
     BOOL = "bool"
     STR = "str"
     DEVICEBASE = "DeviceBase"
-    LITERALS = "dict"
+    LITERALS_DICT = "dict"  # Used when the type is provided as a dict with Literal key
 
 
 class SettingsDialog(QDialog):
@@ -83,6 +83,39 @@ class ScanSpinBox(QSpinBox):
             self.setValue(default)
 
 
+class ScanLiteralsComboBox(QComboBox):
+    def __init__(
+        self, parent=None, arg_name: str | None = None, default: str | None = None, *args, **kwargs
+    ):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, *args, **kwargs)
+        self.arg_name = arg_name
+        self.default = default
+        if default is not None:
+            self.setCurrentText(default)
+
+    def set_literals(self, literals: Sequence[str | int | float | None]) -> None:
+        """
+        Set the list of literals for the combo box.
+
+        Args:
+            literals: List of literal values (can be strings, integers, floats or None)
+        """
+        self.clear()
+        literals = set(literals)  # Remove duplicates
+        if None in literals:
+            literals.remove(None)
+            self.addItem("")
+
+        self.addItems([str(value) for value in literals])
+
+        # find index of the default value
+        index = max(self.findText(str(self.default)), 0)
+        self.setCurrentIndex(index)
+
+    def get_value(self) -> str | None:
+        return self.currentText() if self.currentText() else None
+
+
 class ScanDoubleSpinBox(QDoubleSpinBox):
     def __init__(
         self, parent=None, arg_name: str = None, default: float | None = None, *args, **kwargs
@@ -137,7 +170,7 @@ class ScanGroupBox(QGroupBox):
         ScanArgType.INT: ScanSpinBox,
         ScanArgType.BOOL: ScanCheckBox,
         ScanArgType.STR: ScanLineEdit,
-        ScanArgType.LITERALS: QComboBox,  # TODO figure out combobox logic
+        ScanArgType.LITERALS_DICT: ScanLiteralsComboBox,
     }
 
     device_selected = Signal(str)
@@ -226,7 +259,11 @@ class ScanGroupBox(QGroupBox):
         for column_index, item in enumerate(group_inputs):
             arg_name = item.get("name", None)
             default = item.get("default", None)
-            widget_class = self.WIDGET_HANDLER.get(item["type"], None)
+            item_type = item.get("type", None)
+            if isinstance(item_type, dict) and "Literal" in item_type:
+                widget_class = self.WIDGET_HANDLER.get(ScanArgType.LITERALS_DICT, None)
+            else:
+                widget_class = self.WIDGET_HANDLER.get(item["type"], None)
             if widget_class is None:
                 logger.error(
                     f"Unsupported annotation '{item['type']}' for parameter '{item['name']}'"
@@ -239,6 +276,8 @@ class ScanGroupBox(QGroupBox):
                 widget.set_device_filter(BECDeviceFilter.DEVICE)
                 self.selected_devices[widget] = ""
                 widget.device_selected.connect(self.emit_device_selected)
+            if isinstance(widget, ScanLiteralsComboBox):
+                widget.set_literals(item["type"].get("Literal", []))
             tooltip = item.get("tooltip", None)
             if tooltip is not None:
                 widget.setToolTip(item["tooltip"])
@@ -336,6 +375,8 @@ class ScanGroupBox(QGroupBox):
             widget = self.layout.itemAtPosition(1, i).widget()
             if isinstance(widget, DeviceLineEdit) and device_object:
                 value = widget.get_current_device().name
+            elif isinstance(widget, ScanLiteralsComboBox):
+                value = widget.get_value()
             else:
                 value = WidgetIO.get_value(widget)
             kwargs[widget.arg_name] = value

bec_widgets/widgets/dap/dap_combo_box/dap_combo_box_plugin.py

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 from bec_widgets.widgets.dap.dap_combo_box.dap_combo_box import DapComboBox
@@ -20,6 +21,8 @@ class DapComboBoxPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = DapComboBox(parent)
         return t
 

bec_widgets/widgets/dap/lmfit_dialog/lm_fit_dialog_plugin.py

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 from bec_widgets.widgets.dap.lmfit_dialog.lmfit_dialog import LMFitDialog
@@ -20,6 +21,8 @@ class LMFitDialogPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = LMFitDialog(parent)
         return t
 
@@ -48,7 +51,7 @@ class LMFitDialogPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         return "LMFitDialog"
 
     def toolTip(self):
-        return "LMFitDialog"
+        return "Dialog for displaying the fit summary and params for LMFit DAP processes"
 
     def whatsThis(self):
         return self.toolTip()

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/monaco/monaco_widget.py

@@ -0,0 +1,244 @@
+from typing import Literal
+
+import qtmonaco
+from qtpy.QtCore import Signal
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
+from bec_widgets.utils.colors import get_theme_name
+
+
+class MonacoWidget(BECWidget, QWidget):
+    """
+    A simple Monaco editor widget
+    """
+
+    text_changed = Signal(str)
+    PLUGIN = True
+    ICON_NAME = "code"
+    USER_ACCESS = [
+        "set_text",
+        "get_text",
+        "insert_text",
+        "delete_line",
+        "set_language",
+        "get_language",
+        "set_theme",
+        "get_theme",
+        "set_readonly",
+        "set_cursor",
+        "current_cursor",
+        "set_minimap_enabled",
+        "set_vim_mode_enabled",
+        "set_lsp_header",
+        "get_lsp_header",
+    ]
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None, config=None, client=None, gui_id=None, **kwargs):
+        super().__init__(
+            parent=parent, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, config=config, theme_update=True, **kwargs
+        )
+        layout = QVBoxLayout()
+        layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        self.editor = qtmonaco.Monaco(self)
+        layout.addWidget(self.editor)
+        self.setLayout(layout)
+        self.editor.text_changed.connect(self.text_changed.emit)
+        self.editor.initialized.connect(self.apply_theme)
+
+    def apply_theme(self, theme: str | None = None) -> None:
+        """
+        Apply the current theme to the Monaco editor.
+
+        Args:
+            theme (str, optional): The theme to apply. If None, the current theme will be used.
+        """
+        if theme is None:
+            theme = get_theme_name()
+        editor_theme = "vs" if theme == "light" else "vs-dark"
+        self.set_theme(editor_theme)
+
+    def set_text(self, text: str) -> None:
+        """
+        Set the text in the Monaco editor.
+
+        Args:
+            text (str): The text to set in the editor.
+        """
+        self.editor.set_text(text)
+
+    def get_text(self) -> str:
+        """
+        Get the current text from the Monaco editor.
+        """
+        return self.editor.get_text()
+
+    def insert_text(self, text: str, line: int | None = None, column: int | None = None) -> None:
+        """
+        Insert text at the current cursor position or at a specified line and column.
+
+        Args:
+            text (str): The text to insert.
+            line (int, optional): The line number (1-based) to insert the text at. Defaults to None.
+            column (int, optional): The column number (1-based) to insert the text at. Defaults to None.
+        """
+        self.editor.insert_text(text, line, column)
+
+    def delete_line(self, line: int | None = None) -> None:
+        """
+        Delete a line in the Monaco editor.
+
+        Args:
+            line (int, optional): The line number (1-based) to delete. If None, the current line will be deleted.
+        """
+        self.editor.delete_line(line)
+
+    def set_cursor(
+        self,
+        line: int,
+        column: int = 1,
+        move_to_position: Literal[None, "center", "top", "position"] = None,
+    ) -> None:
+        """
+        Set the cursor position in the Monaco editor.
+
+        Args:
+            line (int): Line number (1-based).
+            column (int): Column number (1-based), defaults to 1.
+            move_to_position (Literal[None, "center", "top", "position"], optional): Position to move the cursor to.
+        """
+        self.editor.set_cursor(line, column, move_to_position)
+
+    def current_cursor(self) -> dict[str, int]:
+        """
+        Get the current cursor position in the Monaco editor.
+
+        Returns:
+            dict[str, int]: A dictionary with keys 'line' and 'column' representing the cursor position.
+        """
+        return self.editor.current_cursor
+
+    def set_language(self, language: str) -> None:
+        """
+        Set the programming language for syntax highlighting in the Monaco editor.
+
+        Args:
+            language (str): The programming language to set (e.g., "python", "javascript").
+        """
+        self.editor.set_language(language)
+
+    def get_language(self) -> str:
+        """
+        Get the current programming language set in the Monaco editor.
+        """
+        return self.editor.get_language()
+
+    def set_readonly(self, read_only: bool) -> None:
+        """
+        Set the Monaco editor to read-only mode.
+
+        Args:
+            read_only (bool): If True, the editor will be read-only.
+        """
+        self.editor.set_readonly(read_only)
+
+    def set_theme(self, theme: str) -> None:
+        """
+        Set the theme for the Monaco editor.
+
+        Args:
+            theme (str): The theme to set (e.g., "vs-dark", "light").
+        """
+        self.editor.set_theme(theme)
+
+    def get_theme(self) -> str:
+        """
+        Get the current theme of the Monaco editor.
+        """
+        return self.editor.get_theme()
+
+    def set_minimap_enabled(self, enabled: bool) -> None:
+        """
+        Enable or disable the minimap in the Monaco editor.
+
+        Args:
+            enabled (bool): If True, the minimap will be enabled; otherwise, it will be disabled.
+        """
+        self.editor.set_minimap_enabled(enabled)
+
+    def set_highlighted_lines(self, start_line: int, end_line: int) -> None:
+        """
+        Highlight a range of lines in the Monaco editor.
+
+        Args:
+            start_line (int): The starting line number (1-based).
+            end_line (int): The ending line number (1-based).
+        """
+        self.editor.set_highlighted_lines(start_line, end_line)
+
+    def clear_highlighted_lines(self) -> None:
+        """
+        Clear any highlighted lines in the Monaco editor.
+        """
+        self.editor.clear_highlighted_lines()
+
+    def set_vim_mode_enabled(self, enabled: bool) -> None:
+        """
+        Enable or disable Vim mode in the Monaco editor.
+
+        Args:
+            enabled (bool): If True, Vim mode will be enabled; otherwise, it will be disabled.
+        """
+        self.editor.set_vim_mode_enabled(enabled)
+
+    def set_lsp_header(self, header: str) -> None:
+        """
+        Set the LSP (Language Server Protocol) header for the Monaco editor.
+        The header is used to provide context for language servers but is not displayed in the editor.
+
+        Args:
+            header (str): The LSP header to set.
+        """
+        self.editor.set_lsp_header(header)
+
+    def get_lsp_header(self) -> str:
+        """
+        Get the current LSP header set in the Monaco editor.
+
+        Returns:
+            str: The LSP header.
+        """
+        return self.editor.get_lsp_header()
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+    qapp = QApplication([])
+    widget = MonacoWidget()
+    # set the default size
+    widget.resize(800, 600)
+    widget.set_language("python")
+    widget.set_theme("vs-dark")
+    widget.editor.set_minimap_enabled(False)
+    widget.set_text(
+        """
+import numpy as np
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING
+
+if TYPE_CHECKING:
+    from bec_lib.devicemanager import DeviceContainer
+    from bec_lib.scans import Scans
+    dev: DeviceContainer
+    scans: Scans
+
+#######################################
+########## User Script #####################
+#######################################
+
+# This is a comment
+def hello_world():
+    print("Hello, world!")
+            """
+    )
+    widget.set_highlighted_lines(1, 3)
+    widget.show()
+    qapp.exec_()

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/monaco/monaco_widget.pyproject

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{'files': ['monaco_widget.py']}

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/monaco/monaco_widget_plugin.py

@@ -0,0 +1,57 @@
+# Copyright (C) 2022 The Qt Company Ltd.
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
+
+from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
+from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.monaco.monaco_widget import MonacoWidget
+
+DOM_XML = """
+<ui language='c++'>
+    <widget class='MonacoWidget' name='monaco_widget'>
+    </widget>
+</ui>
+"""
+
+
+class MonacoWidgetPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self._form_editor = None
+
+    def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
+        t = MonacoWidget(parent)
+        return t
+
+    def domXml(self):
+        return DOM_XML
+
+    def group(self):
+        return "BEC Developer"
+
+    def icon(self):
+        return designer_material_icon(MonacoWidget.ICON_NAME)
+
+    def includeFile(self):
+        return "monaco_widget"
+
+    def initialize(self, form_editor):
+        self._form_editor = form_editor
+
+    def isContainer(self):
+        return False
+
+    def isInitialized(self):
+        return self._form_editor is not None
+
+    def name(self):
+        return "MonacoWidget"
+
+    def toolTip(self):
+        return ""
+
+    def whatsThis(self):
+        return self.toolTip()

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/monaco/register_monaco_widget.py

@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+def main():  # pragma: no cover
+    from qtpy import PYSIDE6
+
+    if not PYSIDE6:
+        print("PYSIDE6 is not available in the environment. Cannot patch designer.")
+        return
+    from PySide6.QtDesigner import QPyDesignerCustomWidgetCollection
+
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.monaco.monaco_widget_plugin import MonacoWidgetPlugin
+
+    QPyDesignerCustomWidgetCollection.addCustomWidget(MonacoWidgetPlugin())
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+    main()

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/sbb_monitor/sbb_monitor_plugin.py

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.sbb_monitor.sbb_monitor import SBBMonitor
@@ -20,6 +21,8 @@ class SBBMonitorPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = SBBMonitor(parent)
         return t
 
@@ -27,7 +30,7 @@ class SBBMonitorPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         return DOM_XML
 
     def group(self):
-        return ""
+        return "BEC Utils"
 
     def icon(self):
         return designer_material_icon(SBBMonitor.ICON_NAME)

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/scan_metadata/scan_metadata_plugin.py

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.scan_metadata.scan_metadata import ScanMetadata
@@ -20,6 +21,8 @@ class ScanMetadataPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = ScanMetadata(parent)
         return t
 
@@ -27,7 +30,7 @@ class ScanMetadataPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         return DOM_XML
 
     def group(self):
-        return ""
+        return "BEC Input Widgets"
 
     def icon(self):
         return designer_material_icon(ScanMetadata.ICON_NAME)
@@ -48,7 +51,7 @@ class ScanMetadataPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         return "ScanMetadata"
 
     def toolTip(self):
-        return "Dynamically generates a form for inclusion of metadata for a scan."
+        return "ScanMetadata"
 
     def whatsThis(self):
         return self.toolTip()

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/text_box/text_box_plugin.py

@@ -1,10 +1,9 @@
 # Copyright (C) 2022 The Qt Company Ltd.
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
-import os
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
-import bec_widgets
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.text_box.text_box import TextBox
 
@@ -14,7 +13,6 @@ DOM_XML = """
     </widget>
 </ui>
 """
-MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
 
 
 class TextBoxPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
@@ -23,6 +21,8 @@ class TextBoxPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = TextBox(parent)
         return t
 
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ class TextBoxPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         return "TextBox"
 
     def toolTip(self):
-        return "TextBox"
+        return "A widget that displays text in plain and HTML format"
 
     def whatsThis(self):
         return self.toolTip()

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/vscode/vs_code_editor_plugin.py

@@ -1,10 +1,9 @@
 # Copyright (C) 2022 The Qt Company Ltd.
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
-import os
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
-import bec_widgets
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.vscode.vscode import VSCodeEditor
 
@@ -15,8 +14,6 @@ DOM_XML = """
 </ui>
 """
 
-MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
-
 
 class VSCodeEditorPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
     def __init__(self):
@@ -24,6 +21,8 @@ class VSCodeEditorPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = VSCodeEditor(parent)
         return t
 

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/web_console/web_console.py

@@ -6,11 +6,12 @@ import time
 
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from louie.saferef import safe_ref
-from qtpy.QtCore import QUrl, qInstallMessageHandler
+from qtpy.QtCore import QTimer, QUrl, Signal, qInstallMessageHandler
 from qtpy.QtWebEngineWidgets import QWebEnginePage, QWebEngineView
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeProperty
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 
@@ -165,11 +166,16 @@ class WebConsole(BECWidget, QWidget):
     A simple widget to display a website
     """
 
+    _js_callback = Signal(bool)
+    initialized = Signal()
+
     PLUGIN = True
     ICON_NAME = "terminal"
 
     def __init__(self, parent=None, config=None, client=None, gui_id=None, **kwargs):
         super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, config=config, **kwargs)
+        self._startup_cmd = "bec --nogui"
+        self._is_initialized = False
         _web_console_registry.register(self)
         self._token = _web_console_registry._token
         layout = QVBoxLayout()
@@ -181,6 +187,48 @@ class WebConsole(BECWidget, QWidget):
         layout.addWidget(self.browser)
         self.setLayout(layout)
         self.page.setUrl(QUrl(f"http://localhost:{_web_console_registry._server_port}"))
+        self._startup_timer = QTimer()
+        self._startup_timer.setInterval(500)
+        self._startup_timer.timeout.connect(self._check_page_ready)
+        self._startup_timer.start()
+        self._js_callback.connect(self._on_js_callback)
+
+    def _check_page_ready(self):
+        """
+        Check if the page is ready and stop the timer if it is.
+        """
+        if self.page.isLoading():
+            return
+
+        self.page.runJavaScript("window.term !== undefined", self._js_callback.emit)
+
+    def _on_js_callback(self, ready: bool):
+        """
+        Callback for when the JavaScript is ready.
+        """
+        if not ready:
+            return
+        self._is_initialized = True
+        self._startup_timer.stop()
+        if self._startup_cmd:
+            self.write(self._startup_cmd)
+        self.initialized.emit()
+
+    @SafeProperty(str)
+    def startup_cmd(self):
+        """
+        Get the startup command for the web console.
+        """
+        return self._startup_cmd
+
+    @startup_cmd.setter
+    def startup_cmd(self, cmd: str):
+        """
+        Set the startup command for the web console.
+        """
+        if not isinstance(cmd, str):
+            raise ValueError("Startup command must be a string.")
+        self._startup_cmd = cmd
 
     def write(self, data: str, send_return: bool = True):
         """
@@ -213,10 +261,19 @@ class WebConsole(BECWidget, QWidget):
             "document.querySelector('textarea.xterm-helper-textarea').dispatchEvent(new KeyboardEvent('keypress', {charCode: 3}))"
         )
 
+    def set_readonly(self, readonly: bool):
+        """
+        Set the web console to read-only mode.
+        """
+        if not isinstance(readonly, bool):
+            raise ValueError("Readonly must be a boolean.")
+        self.setEnabled(not readonly)
+
     def cleanup(self):
         """
         Clean up the registry by removing any instances that are no longer valid.
         """
+        self._startup_timer.stop()
         _web_console_registry.unregister(self)
         super().cleanup()
 

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/web_console/web_console_plugin.py

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.web_console.web_console import WebConsole
@@ -20,6 +21,8 @@ class WebConsolePlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = WebConsole(parent)
         return t
 
@@ -27,7 +30,7 @@ class WebConsolePlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         return DOM_XML
 
     def group(self):
-        return "BEC Console"
+        return "BEC Developer"
 
     def icon(self):
         return designer_material_icon(WebConsole.ICON_NAME)

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/website/website_widget_plugin.py

@@ -1,10 +1,9 @@
 # Copyright (C) 2022 The Qt Company Ltd.
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
-import os
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
-import bec_widgets
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.website.website import WebsiteWidget
 
@@ -14,7 +13,6 @@ DOM_XML = """
     </widget>
 </ui>
 """
-MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
 
 
 class WebsiteWidgetPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
@@ -23,6 +21,8 @@ class WebsiteWidgetPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = WebsiteWidget(parent)
         return t
 

bec_widgets/widgets/games/minesweeper_plugin.py

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 from bec_widgets.widgets.games.minesweeper import Minesweeper
@@ -20,6 +21,8 @@ class MinesweeperPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = Minesweeper(parent)
         return t
 

bec_widgets/widgets/plots/heatmap/heatmap.py

@@ -0,0 +1,990 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import json
+from typing import Literal
+
+import numpy as np
+import pyqtgraph as pg
+from bec_lib import bec_logger, messages
+from bec_lib.endpoints import MessageEndpoints
+from pydantic import BaseModel, Field, field_validator
+from qtpy.QtCore import QTimer, Signal
+from qtpy.QtGui import QTransform
+from scipy.interpolate import (
+    CloughTocher2DInterpolator,
+    LinearNDInterpolator,
+    NearestNDInterpolator,
+)
+from scipy.spatial import cKDTree
+from toolz import partition
+
+from bec_widgets.utils import Colors
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_connector import ConnectionConfig
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeProperty, SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.utils.settings_dialog import SettingsDialog
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.actions import MaterialIconAction
+from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.heatmap.settings.heatmap_setting import HeatmapSettings
+from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.image.image_base import ImageBase
+from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.image.image_item import ImageItem
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+
+
+class HeatmapDeviceSignal(BaseModel):
+    """The configuration of a signal in the scatter waveform widget."""
+
+    name: str
+    entry: str
+
+    model_config: dict = {"validate_assignment": True}
+
+
+class HeatmapConfig(ConnectionConfig):
+    parent_id: str | None = Field(None, description="The parent plot of the curve.")
+    color_map: str | None = Field(
+        "plasma", description="The color palette of the heatmap widget.", validate_default=True
+    )
+    color_bar: Literal["full", "simple"] | None = Field(
+        None, description="The type of the color bar."
+    )
+    interpolation: Literal["linear", "nearest", "clough"] = Field(
+        "linear", description="The interpolation method for the heatmap."
+    )
+    oversampling_factor: float = Field(
+        1.0,
+        description="Factor to oversample the grid resolution (1.0 = no oversampling, 2.0 = 2x resolution).",
+    )
+    show_config_label: bool = Field(
+        True, description="Whether to show the configuration label in the heatmap."
+    )
+    enforce_interpolation: bool = Field(
+        False, description="Whether to use the interpolation mode even for grid scans."
+    )
+    lock_aspect_ratio: bool = Field(
+        False, description="Whether to lock the aspect ratio of the image."
+    )
+    x_device: HeatmapDeviceSignal | None = Field(
+        None, description="The x device signal of the heatmap."
+    )
+    y_device: HeatmapDeviceSignal | None = Field(
+        None, description="The y device signal of the heatmap."
+    )
+    z_device: HeatmapDeviceSignal | None = Field(
+        None, description="The z device signal of the heatmap."
+    )
+
+    model_config: dict = {"validate_assignment": True}
+    _validate_color_palette = field_validator("color_map")(Colors.validate_color_map)
+
+
+class Heatmap(ImageBase):
+    """
+    Heatmap widget for visualizing 2d grid data with color mapping for the z-axis.
+    """
+
+    USER_ACCESS = [
+        # General PlotBase Settings
+        "enable_toolbar",
+        "enable_toolbar.setter",
+        "enable_side_panel",
+        "enable_side_panel.setter",
+        "enable_fps_monitor",
+        "enable_fps_monitor.setter",
+        "set",
+        "title",
+        "title.setter",
+        "x_label",
+        "x_label.setter",
+        "y_label",
+        "y_label.setter",
+        "x_limits",
+        "x_limits.setter",
+        "y_limits",
+        "y_limits.setter",
+        "x_grid",
+        "x_grid.setter",
+        "y_grid",
+        "y_grid.setter",
+        "inner_axes",
+        "inner_axes.setter",
+        "outer_axes",
+        "outer_axes.setter",
+        "auto_range_x",
+        "auto_range_x.setter",
+        "auto_range_y",
+        "auto_range_y.setter",
+        "minimal_crosshair_precision",
+        "minimal_crosshair_precision.setter",
+        "screenshot",
+        # ImageView Specific Settings
+        "color_map",
+        "color_map.setter",
+        "v_range",
+        "v_range.setter",
+        "v_min",
+        "v_min.setter",
+        "v_max",
+        "v_max.setter",
+        "lock_aspect_ratio",
+        "lock_aspect_ratio.setter",
+        "autorange",
+        "autorange.setter",
+        "autorange_mode",
+        "autorange_mode.setter",
+        "enable_colorbar",
+        "enable_simple_colorbar",
+        "enable_simple_colorbar.setter",
+        "enable_full_colorbar",
+        "enable_full_colorbar.setter",
+        "interpolation_method",
+        "interpolation_method.setter",
+        "oversampling_factor",
+        "oversampling_factor.setter",
+        "enforce_interpolation",
+        "enforce_interpolation.setter",
+        "fft",
+        "fft.setter",
+        "log",
+        "log.setter",
+        "main_image",
+        "add_roi",
+        "remove_roi",
+        "rois",
+        "plot",
+    ]
+
+    PLUGIN = True
+    RPC = True
+    ICON_NAME = "dataset"
+
+    new_scan = Signal()
+    new_scan_id = Signal(str)
+    sync_signal_update = Signal()
+    heatmap_property_changed = Signal()
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None, config: HeatmapConfig | None = None, **kwargs):
+        if config is None:
+            config = HeatmapConfig(
+                widget_class=self.__class__.__name__,
+                parent_id=None,
+                color_map="plasma",
+                color_bar=None,
+                interpolation="linear",
+                oversampling_factor=1.0,
+                lock_aspect_ratio=False,
+                x_device=None,
+                y_device=None,
+                z_device=None,
+            )
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, config=config, theme_update=True, **kwargs)
+        self._image_config = config
+        self.scan_id = None
+        self.old_scan_id = None
+        self.scan_item = None
+        self.status_message = None
+        self._grid_index = None
+        self.heatmap_dialog = None
+        bg_color = pg.mkColor((240, 240, 240, 150))
+        self.config_label = pg.LegendItem(
+            labelTextColor=(0, 0, 0), offset=(-30, 1), brush=pg.mkBrush(bg_color), horSpacing=0
+        )
+        self.config_label.setParentItem(self.plot_item.vb)
+        self.config_label.setVisible(False)
+        self.reload = False
+        self.bec_dispatcher.connect_slot(self.on_scan_status, MessageEndpoints.scan_status())
+        self.bec_dispatcher.connect_slot(self.on_scan_progress, MessageEndpoints.scan_progress())
+        self.heatmap_property_changed.connect(lambda: self.sync_signal_update.emit())
+
+        self.proxy_update_sync = pg.SignalProxy(
+            self.sync_signal_update, rateLimit=5, slot=self.update_plot
+        )
+        self._init_toolbar_heatmap()
+        self.toolbar.show_bundles(
+            [
+                "heatmap_settings",
+                "plot_export",
+                "image_crosshair",
+                "mouse_interaction",
+                "image_autorange",
+                "image_colorbar",
+                "image_processing",
+                "axis_popup",
+                "interpolation_info",
+            ]
+        )
+
+    @property
+    def main_image(self) -> ImageItem:
+        """Access the main image item."""
+        return self.layer_manager["main"].image
+
+    ################################################################################
+    # Widget Specific GUI interactions
+    ################################################################################
+
+    @SafeSlot(str)
+    def apply_theme(self, theme: str):
+        """
+        Apply the current theme to the heatmap widget.
+        """
+        super().apply_theme(theme)
+        if theme == "dark":
+            brush = pg.mkBrush(pg.mkColor(50, 50, 50, 150))
+            color = pg.mkColor(255, 255, 255)
+        else:
+            brush = pg.mkBrush(pg.mkColor(240, 240, 240, 150))
+            color = pg.mkColor(0, 0, 0)
+        if hasattr(self, "config_label"):
+            self.config_label.setBrush(brush)
+            self.config_label.setLabelTextColor(color)
+            self.redraw_config_label()
+
+    @SafeSlot(popup_error=True)
+    def plot(
+        self,
+        x_name: str,
+        y_name: str,
+        z_name: str,
+        x_entry: None | str = None,
+        y_entry: None | str = None,
+        z_entry: None | str = None,
+        color_map: str | None = "plasma",
+        validate_bec: bool = True,
+        interpolation: Literal["linear", "nearest"] | None = None,
+        enforce_interpolation: bool | None = None,
+        oversampling_factor: float | None = None,
+        lock_aspect_ratio: bool | None = None,
+        show_config_label: bool | None = None,
+        reload: bool = False,
+    ):
+        """
+        Plot the heatmap with the given x, y, and z data.
+
+        Args:
+            x_name (str): The name of the x-axis signal.
+            y_name (str): The name of the y-axis signal.
+            z_name (str): The name of the z-axis signal.
+            x_entry (str | None): The entry for the x-axis signal.
+            y_entry (str | None): The entry for the y-axis signal.
+            z_entry (str | None): The entry for the z-axis signal.
+            color_map (str | None): The color map to use for the heatmap.
+            validate_bec (bool): Whether to validate the entries against BEC signals.
+            interpolation (Literal["linear", "nearest"] | None): The interpolation method to use.
+            enforce_interpolation (bool | None): Whether to enforce interpolation even for grid scans.
+            oversampling_factor (float | None): Factor to oversample the grid resolution.
+            lock_aspect_ratio (bool | None): Whether to lock the aspect ratio of the image.
+            show_config_label (bool | None): Whether to show the configuration label in the heatmap.
+            reload (bool): Whether to reload the heatmap with new data.
+        """
+        if validate_bec:
+            x_entry = self.entry_validator.validate_signal(x_name, x_entry)
+            y_entry = self.entry_validator.validate_signal(y_name, y_entry)
+            z_entry = self.entry_validator.validate_signal(z_name, z_entry)
+
+        if x_entry is None or y_entry is None or z_entry is None:
+            raise ValueError("x, y, and z entries must be provided.")
+        if x_name is None or y_name is None or z_name is None:
+            raise ValueError("x, y, and z names must be provided.")
+
+        if interpolation is None:
+            interpolation = self._image_config.interpolation
+
+        if oversampling_factor is None:
+            oversampling_factor = self._image_config.oversampling_factor
+
+        if enforce_interpolation is None:
+            enforce_interpolation = self._image_config.enforce_interpolation
+
+        if lock_aspect_ratio is None:
+            lock_aspect_ratio = self._image_config.lock_aspect_ratio
+
+        if show_config_label is None:
+            show_config_label = self._image_config.show_config_label
+
+        self._image_config = HeatmapConfig(
+            parent_id=self.gui_id,
+            x_device=HeatmapDeviceSignal(name=x_name, entry=x_entry),
+            y_device=HeatmapDeviceSignal(name=y_name, entry=y_entry),
+            z_device=HeatmapDeviceSignal(name=z_name, entry=z_entry),
+            color_map=color_map,
+            color_bar=None,
+            interpolation=interpolation,
+            oversampling_factor=oversampling_factor,
+            enforce_interpolation=enforce_interpolation,
+            lock_aspect_ratio=lock_aspect_ratio,
+            show_config_label=show_config_label,
+        )
+        self.color_map = color_map
+        self.reload = reload
+        self.update_labels()
+
+        self._fetch_running_scan()
+        self.sync_signal_update.emit()
+
+    def _fetch_running_scan(self):
+        scan = self.client.queue.scan_storage.current_scan
+        if scan is not None:
+            self.scan_item = scan
+            self.scan_id = scan.scan_id
+        elif self.client.history and len(self.client.history) > 0:
+            self.scan_item = self.client.history[-1]
+            self.scan_id = self.client.history._scan_ids[-1]
+            self.old_scan_id = None
+
+    def update_labels(self):
+        """
+        Update the labels of the x, y, and z axes.
+        """
+        if self._image_config is None:
+            return
+        x_name = self._image_config.x_device.name
+        y_name = self._image_config.y_device.name
+        z_name = self._image_config.z_device.name
+
+        if x_name is not None:
+            self.x_label = x_name  # type: ignore
+            x_dev = self.dev.get(x_name)
+            if x_dev and hasattr(x_dev, "egu"):
+                self.x_label_units = x_dev.egu()
+        if y_name is not None:
+            self.y_label = y_name  # type: ignore
+            y_dev = self.dev.get(y_name)
+            if y_dev and hasattr(y_dev, "egu"):
+                self.y_label_units = y_dev.egu()
+        if z_name is not None:
+            self.title = z_name
+
+    def _init_toolbar_heatmap(self):
+        """
+        Initialize the toolbar for the heatmap widget, adding actions for heatmap settings.
+        """
+        self.toolbar.add_action(
+            "heatmap_settings",
+            MaterialIconAction(
+                icon_name="scatter_plot",
+                tooltip="Show Heatmap Settings",
+                checkable=True,
+                parent=self,
+            ),
+        )
+
+        self.toolbar.components.get_action("heatmap_settings").action.triggered.connect(
+            self.show_heatmap_settings
+        )
+
+        # disable all processing actions except for the fft and log
+        bundle = self.toolbar.get_bundle("image_processing")
+        for name, action in bundle.bundle_actions.items():
+            if name not in ["image_processing_fft", "image_processing_log"]:
+                action().action.setVisible(False)
+
+        self.toolbar.add_action(
+            "interpolation_info",
+            MaterialIconAction(
+                icon_name="info", tooltip="Show Interpolation Info", checkable=True, parent=self
+            ),
+        )
+        self.toolbar.components.get_action("interpolation_info").action.triggered.connect(
+            self.toggle_interpolation_info
+        )
+        self.toolbar.components.get_action("interpolation_info").action.setChecked(
+            self._image_config.show_config_label
+        )
+
+    def show_heatmap_settings(self):
+        """
+        Show the heatmap settings dialog.
+        """
+        heatmap_settings_action = self.toolbar.components.get_action("heatmap_settings").action
+        if self.heatmap_dialog is None or not self.heatmap_dialog.isVisible():
+            heatmap_settings = HeatmapSettings(parent=self, target_widget=self, popup=True)
+            self.heatmap_dialog = SettingsDialog(
+                self, settings_widget=heatmap_settings, window_title="Heatmap Settings", modal=False
+            )
+            self.heatmap_dialog.resize(700, 350)
+            # When the dialog is closed, update the toolbar icon and clear the reference
+            self.heatmap_dialog.finished.connect(self._heatmap_dialog_closed)
+            self.heatmap_dialog.show()
+            heatmap_settings_action.setChecked(True)
+        else:
+            # If already open, bring it to the front
+            self.heatmap_dialog.raise_()
+            self.heatmap_dialog.activateWindow()
+            heatmap_settings_action.setChecked(True)  # keep it toggled
+
+    def toggle_interpolation_info(self):
+        """
+        Toggle the visibility of the interpolation info label.
+        """
+        self._image_config.show_config_label = not self._image_config.show_config_label
+        self.toolbar.components.get_action("interpolation_info").action.setChecked(
+            self._image_config.show_config_label
+        )
+        self.redraw_config_label()
+
+    def _heatmap_dialog_closed(self):
+        """
+        Slot for when the heatmap settings dialog is closed.
+        """
+        self.heatmap_dialog = None
+        self.toolbar.components.get_action("heatmap_settings").action.setChecked(False)
+
+    @SafeSlot(dict, dict)
+    def on_scan_status(self, msg: dict, meta: dict):
+        """
+        Initial scan status message handler, which is triggered at the begging and end of scan.
+
+        Args:
+            msg(dict): The message content.
+            meta(dict): The message metadata.
+        """
+        current_scan_id = msg.get("scan_id", None)
+        if current_scan_id is None:
+            return
+        if current_scan_id != self.scan_id:
+            self.reset()
+            self.new_scan.emit()
+            self.new_scan_id.emit(current_scan_id)
+            self.old_scan_id = self.scan_id
+            self.scan_id = current_scan_id
+            self.scan_item = self.queue.scan_storage.find_scan_by_ID(self.scan_id)  # type: ignore
+
+            # First trigger to update the scan curves
+            self.sync_signal_update.emit()
+
+    @SafeSlot(dict, dict)
+    def on_scan_progress(self, msg: dict, meta: dict):
+        self.sync_signal_update.emit()
+        status = msg.get("done")
+        if status:
+            QTimer.singleShot(100, self.update_plot)
+            QTimer.singleShot(300, self.update_plot)
+
+    @SafeSlot(verify_sender=True)
+    def update_plot(self, _=None) -> None:
+        """
+        Update the plot with the current data.
+        """
+        if self.scan_item is None:
+            logger.info("No scan executed so far; skipping update.")
+            return
+        data, access_key = self._fetch_scan_data_and_access()
+        if data == "none":
+            logger.info("No scan executed so far; skipping update.")
+            return
+
+        if self._image_config is None:
+            return
+        try:
+            x_name = self._image_config.x_device.name
+            x_entry = self._image_config.x_device.entry
+            y_name = self._image_config.y_device.name
+            y_entry = self._image_config.y_device.entry
+            z_name = self._image_config.z_device.name
+            z_entry = self._image_config.z_device.entry
+        except AttributeError:
+            return
+
+        if access_key == "val":
+            x_data = data.get(x_name, {}).get(x_entry, {}).get(access_key, None)
+            y_data = data.get(y_name, {}).get(y_entry, {}).get(access_key, None)
+            z_data = data.get(z_name, {}).get(z_entry, {}).get(access_key, None)
+        else:
+            x_data = data.get(x_name, {}).get(x_entry, {}).read().get("value", None)
+            y_data = data.get(y_name, {}).get(y_entry, {}).read().get("value", None)
+            z_data = data.get(z_name, {}).get(z_entry, {}).read().get("value", None)
+
+            if not isinstance(x_data, list):
+                x_data = x_data.tolist() if isinstance(x_data, np.ndarray) else None
+            if not isinstance(y_data, list):
+                y_data = y_data.tolist() if isinstance(y_data, np.ndarray) else None
+            if not isinstance(z_data, list):
+                z_data = z_data.tolist() if isinstance(z_data, np.ndarray) else None
+
+        if x_data is None or y_data is None or z_data is None:
+            logger.warning("x, y, or z data is None; skipping update.")
+            return
+        if len(x_data) != len(y_data) or len(x_data) != len(z_data):
+            logger.warning(
+                "x, y, and z data lengths do not match; skipping update. "
+                f"Lengths: x={len(x_data)}, y={len(y_data)}, z={len(z_data)}"
+            )
+            return
+
+        if hasattr(self.scan_item, "status_message"):
+            scan_msg = self.scan_item.status_message
+        elif hasattr(self.scan_item, "metadata"):
+            metadata = self.scan_item.metadata["bec"]
+            status = metadata["exit_status"]
+            scan_id = metadata["scan_id"]
+            scan_name = metadata["scan_name"]
+            scan_type = metadata["scan_type"]
+            scan_number = metadata["scan_number"]
+            request_inputs = metadata["request_inputs"]
+            if "arg_bundle" in request_inputs and isinstance(request_inputs["arg_bundle"], str):
+                # Convert the arg_bundle from a JSON string to a dictionary
+                request_inputs["arg_bundle"] = json.loads(request_inputs["arg_bundle"])
+            positions = metadata.get("positions", [])
+            positions = positions.tolist() if isinstance(positions, np.ndarray) else positions
+
+            scan_msg = messages.ScanStatusMessage(
+                status=status,
+                scan_id=scan_id,
+                scan_name=scan_name,
+                scan_number=scan_number,
+                scan_type=scan_type,
+                request_inputs=request_inputs,
+                info={"positions": positions},
+            )
+        else:
+            scan_msg = None
+
+        if scan_msg is None:
+            logger.warning("Scan message is None; skipping update.")
+            return
+        self.status_message = scan_msg
+
+        if self._image_config.show_config_label:
+            self.redraw_config_label()
+
+        img, transform = self.get_image_data(x_data=x_data, y_data=y_data, z_data=z_data)
+        if img is None:
+            logger.warning("Image data is None; skipping update.")
+            return
+
+        if self._color_bar is not None:
+            self._color_bar.blockSignals(True)
+        self.main_image.set_data(img, transform=transform)
+        if self._color_bar is not None:
+            self._color_bar.blockSignals(False)
+        self.image_updated.emit()
+        if self.crosshair is not None:
+            self.crosshair.update_markers_on_image_change()
+
+    def redraw_config_label(self):
+        scan_msg = self.status_message
+        if scan_msg is None:
+            return
+        if not self._image_config.show_config_label:
+            self.config_label.setVisible(False)
+            return
+
+        self.config_label.setOffset((-30, 1))
+        self.config_label.setVisible(True)
+        self.config_label.clear()
+        self.config_label.addItem(self.plot_item, f"Scan: {scan_msg.scan_number}")
+        self.config_label.addItem(self.plot_item, f"Scan Name: {scan_msg.scan_name}")
+        if scan_msg.scan_name != "grid_scan" or self._image_config.enforce_interpolation:
+            self.config_label.addItem(
+                self.plot_item, f"Interpolation: {self._image_config.interpolation}"
+            )
+            self.config_label.addItem(
+                self.plot_item, f"Oversampling: {self._image_config.oversampling_factor}x"
+            )
+
+    def get_image_data(
+        self,
+        x_data: list[float] | None = None,
+        y_data: list[float] | None = None,
+        z_data: list[float] | None = None,
+    ) -> tuple[np.ndarray | None, QTransform | None]:
+        """
+        Get the image data for the heatmap. Depending on the scan type, it will
+        either pre-allocate the grid (grid_scan) or interpolate the data (step scan).
+
+        Args:
+            x_data (np.ndarray): The x data.
+            y_data (np.ndarray): The y data.
+            z_data (np.ndarray): The z data.
+            msg (messages.ScanStatusMessage): The scan status message.
+
+        Returns:
+            tuple[np.ndarray, QTransform]: The image data and the QTransform.
+        """
+        msg = self.status_message
+        if x_data is None or y_data is None or z_data is None or msg is None:
+            logger.warning("x, y, or z data is None; skipping update.")
+            return None, None
+
+        if msg.scan_name == "grid_scan" and not self._image_config.enforce_interpolation:
+            # We only support the grid scan mode if both scanning motors
+            # are configured in the heatmap config.
+            device_x = self._image_config.x_device.entry
+            device_y = self._image_config.y_device.entry
+            if (
+                device_x in msg.request_inputs["arg_bundle"]
+                and device_y in msg.request_inputs["arg_bundle"]
+            ):
+                return self.get_grid_scan_image(z_data, msg)
+        if len(z_data) < 4:
+            # LinearNDInterpolator requires at least 4 points to interpolate
+            return None, None
+        return self.get_step_scan_image(x_data, y_data, z_data, msg)
+
+    def get_grid_scan_image(
+        self, z_data: list[float], msg: messages.ScanStatusMessage
+    ) -> tuple[np.ndarray, QTransform]:
+        """
+        Get the image data for a grid scan.
+        Args:
+            z_data (np.ndarray): The z data.
+            msg (messages.ScanStatusMessage): The scan status message.
+
+        Returns:
+            tuple[np.ndarray, QTransform]: The image data and the QTransform.
+        """
+
+        args = self.arg_bundle_to_dict(4, msg.request_inputs["arg_bundle"])
+
+        shape = (
+            args[self._image_config.x_device.entry][-1],
+            args[self._image_config.y_device.entry][-1],
+        )
+
+        data = self.main_image.raw_data
+
+        if data is None or data.shape != shape:
+            data = np.empty(shape)
+            data.fill(np.nan)
+
+        def _get_grid_data(axis, snaked=True):
+            x_grid, y_grid = np.meshgrid(axis[0], axis[1])
+            if snaked:
+                y_grid.T[::2] = np.fliplr(y_grid.T[::2])
+            x_flat = x_grid.T.ravel()
+            y_flat = y_grid.T.ravel()
+            positions = np.vstack((x_flat, y_flat)).T
+            return positions
+
+        snaked = msg.request_inputs["kwargs"].get("snaked", True)
+
+        # If the scan's fast axis is x, we need to swap the x and y axes
+        swap = bool(msg.request_inputs["arg_bundle"][4] == self._image_config.x_device.entry)
+
+        # calculate the QTransform to put (0,0) at the axis origin
+        scan_pos = np.asarray(msg.info["positions"])
+        x_min = min(scan_pos[:, 0])
+        x_max = max(scan_pos[:, 0])
+        y_min = min(scan_pos[:, 1])
+        y_max = max(scan_pos[:, 1])
+
+        x_range = x_max - x_min
+        y_range = y_max - y_min
+
+        pixel_size_x = x_range / (shape[0] - 1)
+        pixel_size_y = y_range / (shape[1] - 1)
+
+        transform = QTransform()
+        if swap:
+            transform.scale(pixel_size_y, pixel_size_x)
+            transform.translate(y_min / pixel_size_y - 0.5, x_min / pixel_size_x - 0.5)
+        else:
+            transform.scale(pixel_size_x, pixel_size_y)
+            transform.translate(x_min / pixel_size_x - 0.5, y_min / pixel_size_y - 0.5)
+
+        target_positions = _get_grid_data(
+            (np.arange(shape[int(swap)]), np.arange(shape[int(not swap)])), snaked=snaked
+        )
+
+        # Fill the data array with the z values
+        if self._grid_index is None or self.reload:
+            self._grid_index = 0
+            self.reload = False
+
+        for i in range(self._grid_index, len(z_data)):
+            data[target_positions[i, int(swap)], target_positions[i, int(not swap)]] = z_data[i]
+        self._grid_index = len(z_data)
+        return data, transform
+
+    def get_step_scan_image(
+        self,
+        x_data: list[float],
+        y_data: list[float],
+        z_data: list[float],
+        msg: messages.ScanStatusMessage,
+    ) -> tuple[np.ndarray, QTransform]:
+        """
+        Get the image data for an arbitrary step scan.
+
+        Args:
+            x_data (list[float]): The x data.
+            y_data (list[float]): The y data.
+            z_data (list[float]): The z data.
+            msg (messages.ScanStatusMessage): The scan status message.
+
+        Returns:
+            tuple[np.ndarray, QTransform]: The image data and the QTransform.
+        """
+        xy_data = np.column_stack((x_data, y_data))
+        grid_x, grid_y, transform = self.get_image_grid(xy_data)
+
+        # Interpolate the z data onto the grid
+        if self._image_config.interpolation == "linear":
+            interp = LinearNDInterpolator(xy_data, z_data)
+        elif self._image_config.interpolation == "nearest":
+            interp = NearestNDInterpolator(xy_data, z_data)
+        elif self._image_config.interpolation == "clough":
+            interp = CloughTocher2DInterpolator(xy_data, z_data)
+        else:
+            raise ValueError(
+                "Interpolation method must be either 'linear', 'nearest', or 'clough'."
+            )
+        grid_z = interp(grid_x, grid_y)
+
+        return grid_z, transform
+
+    def get_image_grid(self, positions) -> tuple[np.ndarray, np.ndarray, QTransform]:
+        """
+        LRU-cached calculation of the grid for the image. The lru cache is indexed by the scan_id
+        to avoid recalculating the grid for the same scan.
+
+        Args:
+            _scan_id (str): The scan ID. Needed for caching but not used in the function.
+
+        Returns:
+            tuple[np.ndarray, np.ndarray, QTransform]: The grid x and y coordinates and the QTransform.
+        """
+        base_width, base_height = self.estimate_image_resolution(positions)
+
+        # Apply oversampling factor
+        factor = self._image_config.oversampling_factor
+
+        # Apply oversampling
+        width = int(base_width * factor)
+        height = int(base_height * factor)
+
+        # Create grid
+        grid_x, grid_y = np.mgrid[
+            min(positions[:, 0]) : max(positions[:, 0]) : width * 1j,
+            min(positions[:, 1]) : max(positions[:, 1]) : height * 1j,
+        ]
+
+        # Calculate transform
+        x_min, x_max = min(positions[:, 0]), max(positions[:, 0])
+        y_min, y_max = min(positions[:, 1]), max(positions[:, 1])
+        x_range = x_max - x_min
+        y_range = y_max - y_min
+        x_scale = x_range / width
+        y_scale = y_range / height
+
+        transform = QTransform()
+        transform.scale(x_scale, y_scale)
+        transform.translate(x_min / x_scale - 0.5, y_min / y_scale - 0.5)
+
+        return grid_x, grid_y, transform
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def estimate_image_resolution(coords: np.ndarray) -> tuple[int, int]:
+        """
+        Estimate the number of pixels needed for the image based on the coordinates.
+
+        Args:
+            coords (np.ndarray): The coordinates of the points.
+
+        Returns:
+            tuple[int, int]: The estimated width and height of the image."""
+        if coords.ndim != 2 or coords.shape[1] != 2:
+            raise ValueError("Input must be an (m x 2) array of (x, y) coordinates.")
+
+        x_min, x_max = coords[:, 0].min(), coords[:, 0].max()
+        y_min, y_max = coords[:, 1].min(), coords[:, 1].max()
+
+        tree = cKDTree(coords)
+        distances, _ = tree.query(coords, k=2)
+        distances = distances[:, 1]  # Get the second nearest neighbor distance
+        avg_distance = np.mean(distances)
+
+        width_extent = x_max - x_min
+        height_extent = y_max - y_min
+
+        # Calculate the number of pixels needed based on the average distance
+        width_pixels = int(np.ceil(width_extent / avg_distance))
+        height_pixels = int(np.ceil(height_extent / avg_distance))
+
+        return max(1, width_pixels), max(1, height_pixels)
+
+    def arg_bundle_to_dict(self, bundle_size: int, args: list) -> dict:
+        """
+        Convert the argument bundle to a dictionary.
+
+        Args:
+            args (list): The argument bundle.
+
+        Returns:
+            dict: The dictionary representation of the argument bundle.
+        """
+        params = {}
+        for cmds in partition(bundle_size, args):
+            params[cmds[0]] = list(cmds[1:])
+        return params
+
+    def _fetch_scan_data_and_access(self):
+        """
+        Decide whether the widget is in live or historical mode
+        and return the appropriate data dict and access key.
+
+        Returns:
+            data_dict (dict): The data structure for the current scan.
+            access_key (str): Either 'val' (live) or 'value' (history).
+        """
+        if self.scan_item is None:
+            # Optionally fetch the latest from history if nothing is set
+            # self.update_with_scan_history(-1)
+            if self.scan_item is None:
+                logger.info("No scan executed so far; skipping update.")
+                return "none", "none"
+
+        if hasattr(self.scan_item, "live_data"):
+            # Live scan
+            return self.scan_item.live_data, "val"
+
+        # Historical
+        scan_devices = self.scan_item.devices
+        return scan_devices, "value"
+
+    def reset(self):
+        self._grid_index = None
+        self.main_image.clear()
+        if self.crosshair is not None:
+            self.crosshair.reset()
+        super().reset()
+
+    @SafeProperty(str)
+    def interpolation_method(self) -> str:
+        """
+        The interpolation method used for the heatmap.
+        """
+        return self._image_config.interpolation
+
+    @interpolation_method.setter
+    def interpolation_method(self, value: str):
+        """
+        Set the interpolation method for the heatmap.
+        Args:
+            value(str): The interpolation method, either 'linear' or 'nearest'.
+        """
+        if value not in ["linear", "nearest"]:
+            raise ValueError("Interpolation method must be either 'linear' or 'nearest'.")
+        self._image_config.interpolation = value
+        self.heatmap_property_changed.emit()
+
+    @SafeProperty(float)
+    def oversampling_factor(self) -> float:
+        """
+        The oversampling factor for grid resolution.
+        """
+        return self._image_config.oversampling_factor
+
+    @oversampling_factor.setter
+    def oversampling_factor(self, value: float):
+        """
+        Set the oversampling factor for grid resolution.
+        Args:
+            value(float): The oversampling factor (1.0 = no oversampling, 2.0 = 2x resolution).
+        """
+        if value <= 0:
+            raise ValueError("Oversampling factor must be greater than 0.")
+        self._image_config.oversampling_factor = value
+        self.heatmap_property_changed.emit()
+
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
+    def enforce_interpolation(self) -> bool:
+        """
+        Whether to enforce interpolation even for grid scans.
+        """
+        return self._image_config.enforce_interpolation
+
+    @enforce_interpolation.setter
+    def enforce_interpolation(self, value: bool):
+        """
+        Set whether to enforce interpolation even for grid scans.
+
+        Args:
+            value(bool): Whether to enforce interpolation.
+        """
+        self._image_config.enforce_interpolation = value
+        self.heatmap_property_changed.emit()
+
+    ################################################################################
+    # Post Processing
+    ################################################################################
+
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
+    def fft(self) -> bool:
+        """
+        Whether FFT postprocessing is enabled.
+        """
+        return self.main_image.fft
+
+    @fft.setter
+    def fft(self, enable: bool):
+        """
+        Set FFT postprocessing.
+
+        Args:
+            enable(bool): Whether to enable FFT postprocessing.
+        """
+        self.main_image.fft = enable
+
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
+    def log(self) -> bool:
+        """
+        Whether logarithmic scaling is applied.
+        """
+        return self.main_image.log
+
+    @log.setter
+    def log(self, enable: bool):
+        """
+        Set logarithmic scaling.
+
+        Args:
+            enable(bool): Whether to enable logarithmic scaling.
+        """
+        self.main_image.log = enable
+
+    @SafeProperty(int)
+    def num_rotation_90(self) -> int:
+        """
+        The number of 90° rotations to apply counterclockwise.
+        """
+        return self.main_image.num_rotation_90
+
+    @num_rotation_90.setter
+    def num_rotation_90(self, value: int):
+        """
+        Set the number of 90° rotations to apply counterclockwise.
+
+        Args:
+            value(int): The number of 90° rotations to apply.
+        """
+        self.main_image.num_rotation_90 = value
+
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
+    def transpose(self) -> bool:
+        """
+        Whether the image is transposed.
+        """
+        return self.main_image.transpose
+
+    @transpose.setter
+    def transpose(self, enable: bool):
+        """
+        Set the image to be transposed.
+
+        Args:
+            enable(bool): Whether to enable transposing the image.
+        """
+        self.main_image.transpose = enable
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+    import sys
+
+    from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
+
+    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+    heatmap = Heatmap()
+    heatmap.plot(x_name="samx", y_name="samy", z_name="bpm4i", oversampling_factor=5.0)
+    heatmap.show()
+    sys.exit(app.exec_())

bec_widgets/widgets/plots/heatmap/heatmap.pyproject

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{'files': ['heatmap.py']}

bec_widgets/widgets/plots/heatmap/heatmap_plugin.py

@@ -0,0 +1,57 @@
+# Copyright (C) 2022 The Qt Company Ltd.
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
+
+from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
+from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.heatmap.heatmap import Heatmap
+
+DOM_XML = """
+<ui language='c++'>
+    <widget class='Heatmap' name='heatmap'>
+    </widget>
+</ui>
+"""
+
+
+class HeatmapPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self._form_editor = None
+
+    def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
+        t = Heatmap(parent)
+        return t
+
+    def domXml(self):
+        return DOM_XML
+
+    def group(self):
+        return "BEC Plots"
+
+    def icon(self):
+        return designer_material_icon(Heatmap.ICON_NAME)
+
+    def includeFile(self):
+        return "heatmap"
+
+    def initialize(self, form_editor):
+        self._form_editor = form_editor
+
+    def isContainer(self):
+        return False
+
+    def isInitialized(self):
+        return self._form_editor is not None
+
+    def name(self):
+        return "Heatmap"
+
+    def toolTip(self):
+        return ""
+
+    def whatsThis(self):
+        return self.toolTip()