fix(waveform): async data duplication if multiple signals from same device fixed

2.1.2
Automatically generated by python-semantic-release
2026-04-12 19:50:54 +02:00 · 2025-05-06 16:39:54 +02:00 · 2025-05-06 11:09:41 +00:00 · 2025-05-06 11:28:12 +02:00 · 2025-05-06 11:28:12 +02:00 · 2025-05-06 11:28:12 +02:00
205 changed files with 7412 additions and 3517 deletions
--- a/.gitlab-ci.yml
+++ b/.gitlab-ci.yml
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ variables:
    value: main
  CHILD_PIPELINE_BRANCH: $CI_DEFAULT_BRANCH
  CHECK_PKG_VERSIONS:
-    description: Whether to run additional tests against min/max/random selection of dependencies. Set to 1 for running. 
+    description: Whether to run additional tests against min/max/random selection of dependencies. Set to 1 for running.
    value: 0

 workflow:
@@ -35,8 +35,7 @@ include:
      stage: test
      path: "."
      pytest_args: "-v,--random-order,tests/unit_tests"
-      ignore_dep_group: "pyqt6"
-      pip_args: ".[dev,pyside6]"
+      pip_args: ".[dev]"

 # different stages in the pipeline
 stages:
@@ -78,7 +77,7 @@ formatter:
  stage: Formatter
  needs: []
  script:
-    - pip install bec_lib[dev]
+    - pip install -e ./[dev]
    - isort --check --diff --line-length=100 --profile=black --multi-line=3 --trailing-comma ./
    - black --check --diff --color --line-length=100 --skip-magic-trailing-comma ./
  rules:
@@ -89,7 +88,7 @@ pylint:
  needs: []
  before_script:
    - pip install pylint pylint-exit anybadge
-    - pip install -e .[dev,pyqt6]
+    - pip install -e .[dev]
  script:
    - mkdir ./pylint
    - pylint ./bec_widgets --output-format=text --output=./pylint/pylint.log | tee ./pylint/pylint.log || pylint-exit $?
@@ -163,6 +162,20 @@ tests:
      - tests/reference_failures/
    when: always

+generate-client-check:
+  stage: test
+  needs: []
+  variables:
+    QT_QPA_PLATFORM: "offscreen"
+  script:
+    - *clone-repos
+    - *install-os-packages
+    - *install-repos
+    - pip install -e .[dev,pyside6]
+    - bw-generate-cli --target bec_widgets
+    # if there are changes in the generated files, fail the job
+    - git diff --exit-code
+
 test-matrix:
  parallel:
    matrix:
@@ -190,7 +203,7 @@ test-matrix:
 end-2-end-conda:
  stage: End2End
  needs: []
-  image: continuumio/miniconda3
+  image: continuumio/miniconda3:25.1.1-2
  allow_failure: false
  variables:
    QT_QPA_PLATFORM: "offscreen"
@@ -217,7 +230,7 @@ end-2-end-conda:
    - pip install -e ./ophyd_devices

    - pip install -e .[dev,pyside6]
-    - pytest -v --files-path ./ --start-servers --flush-redis --random-order  ./tests/end-2-end
+    - pytest -v --files-path ./ --start-servers --random-order  ./tests/end-2-end

  artifacts:
    when: on_failure
@@ -232,7 +245,7 @@ end-2-end-conda:
    - if: '$CI_PIPELINE_SOURCE == "parent_pipeline"'
    - if: '$CI_MERGE_REQUEST_TARGET_BRANCH_NAME == "main"'
    - if: '$CI_MERGE_REQUEST_TARGET_BRANCH_NAME == "production"'
-    - if: '$CI_MERGE_REQUEST_TARGET_BRANCH_NAME =~ /^pre_release.*$/'
+    - if: "$CI_MERGE_REQUEST_TARGET_BRANCH_NAME =~ /^pre_release.*$/"

 semver:
  stage: Deploy
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -1,6 +1,737 @@
 # CHANGELOG


+## v2.1.2 (2025-05-06)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **waveform**: Ignore callbacks for on_async_readback from QtSender objects that are already
+  destroyed; closes #497
+  ([`64a4824`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/64a48240546846fdf4541c2adf3a0a5a0829f948))
+
+### Build System
+
+- Remove flush-redis from ci job
+  ([`a6c479e`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/a6c479e42ea2a47c45e5a323bb3072bab503ecf1))
+
+### Refactoring
+
+- **bec-progressbar**: Add private method for bec_progressbar, udate client file
+  ([`37f0024`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/37f002427ad5da01164ae3b0f4983695fe61c243))
+
+- **bec-status-box**: Add get_server_state user_access method to BECStatusBox
+  ([`1619446`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/1619446ec9839cfa1c666a3790a0c2abc449c4a8))
+
+
+## v2.1.1 (2025-05-06)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- Import add operator in client
+  ([`55f7efc`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/55f7efc4f586128dfb66fc6a8eb5d3a9f32bf61e))
+
+### Refactoring
+
+- Supply bec designer filename to function
+  ([`be72c9f`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/be72c9f2708c93dab24d4383f5622e38cf1dc8a2))
+
+
+## v2.1.0 (2025-05-05)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- Ensure rpc object do not collide with protected names
+  ([`94463af`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/94463afdba11fe2da5958a371ef49572889b8622))
+
+### Chores
+
+- **formatter**: Upgrade to black v25
+  ([`452124b`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/452124b528c41db14d1e34ab98db95f6f7230ad6))
+
+### Continuous Integration
+
+- Install dev dependencies for formatter
+  ([`fff4af2`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/fff4af2489bdea0cf4f6f8db68db59fba411c25e))
+
+### Features
+
+- **SafeSlot**: Slot parameters can be overridden with kwarg; add option to raise
+  ([`9387275`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/93872758517177503b1f868376a6095670131844))
+
+### Refactoring
+
+- **colormap_widget**: Widget is rounded
+  ([`02563b1`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/02563b10f3c90bddc069446dfe4137aa5a9727cb))
+
+### Testing
+
+- **Dock**: Add validation for new dock creation with invalid name
+  ([`c16b9dc`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/c16b9dce9ce629b794d731cd7f3282a59f8b8c59))
+
+
+## v2.0.3 (2025-05-02)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **generate_cli**: Apply isort config
+  ([`770dbd4`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/770dbd4b63baba588871a4d4ffa77d44872d085b))
+
+- **image_item**: Wrong user access name for rotation
+  ([`58a0bc7`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/58a0bc79742e7e7578988711a9840ed6041d9a69))
+
+### Continuous Integration
+
+- Add job to test that the generated client is up to date
+  ([`d22035f`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/d22035f8974ac51ae1b6efc0e2b3749ca0a674ff))
+
+
+## v2.0.2 (2025-05-01)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **plot_base**: No content margin for plot_widget window
+  ([`1b78840`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/1b78840fd87ea0f156c73beeb57c6c06f685f7b1))
+
+
+## v2.0.1 (2025-04-30)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **dock_area**: Restore state safeguard to not pass none to pyqtgraph restoreState
+  ([`9079ddd`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/9079ddd7278ede7a9a12d7b39797154e83659c20))
+
+
+## v2.0.0 (2025-04-29)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- Add designer plugin for ScanMetadata
+  ([`43e1aa9`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/43e1aa9505cfa6e87b4fce1d065efb48b4111190))
+
+- Add support for 'add_slice', add downsampling for performance improvements. add tests
+  ([`7f7891d`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/7f7891dfa54588f5d902448b760f141b183a7fa1))
+
+- Broadcast context manager to emit registry changes just once
+  ([`a5f06c8`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/a5f06c8f8380156a763445a69df29ee0e62e434c))
+
+- Bugfix in cleanup of ScatterWaveform ScatterCurve; closes #520
+  ([`1d09107`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/1d091071e1179821bb1dcd47fb97f3d0959b972f))
+
+- Change default colormap to plasma
+  ([`074bbbc`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/074bbbc16648849bdfcfc28b2c520b0e38dd07c2))
+
+- Create widget enum programatically
+  ([`7726d83`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/7726d83b6834b8145e48e709e2f839fb0ec1b971))
+
+- Ensure provided dock and dock_area names are valid and defaults are snake_case
+  ([`0ac14a7`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/0ac14a74b851578fff668fb8c6722f990130831d))
+
+- Expose common classes from bec_widgets package
+  ([`28ae0d2`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/28ae0d2b577d7c926ee54690898fe8e327e1229f))
+
+- Forward parent to children
+  ([`1fc6125`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/1fc61253699425a2bf64a0f8b560f8474549b841))
+
+- Import from qtpy instead of PySide6
+  ([`fef07ac`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/fef07ac8e12399e7e49bcd673a5fc7cbf713bc50))
+
+- Proper cleanup of progressbar
+  ([`8ff2063`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/8ff2063bc8978c5b2a97f720d5da055e8ec08f0c))
+
+- Rpc access enabled for certain widgets.
+  ([`ef4a52c`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/ef4a52cc17748f35ed627170b1025e6e028d70b8))
+
+- Server shutdown widgets
+  ([`75b2446`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/75b24467def65284ea6b6114b25098437e31ec95))
+
+- Support auto_range_x/y for viewAll during measurement
+  ([`af28e2e`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/af28e2e433c9b0233436da850be97cd63df90a74))
+
+- Unique name for widgets, fix new method for docks; closes #534
+  ([`77f9d42`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/77f9d425765061f137c997062a3bf769a939bc64))
+
+- Warning in logpanel
+  ([`1d7b423`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/1d7b423bb307b6aae3879987776310c14380895d))
+
+- chain a signal to the child BecLogsQueue rather than passing the signal instance in
+
+- Wrap fetching plugin widgets in case of errors
+  ([`ef14831`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/ef148317dea9c7ff985b2a3ff06ccdb37258153f))
+
+- **auto_updates**: Fix condition to skip auto update
+  ([`18e4ba6`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/18e4ba6cfe9f67512efbd3989156de5670aab3fe))
+
+- **bec_connector**: Add assertion to ensure BECConnector is used with a QObject; closes #475
+  ([`1921444`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/1921444e152e06c4decc790452f3c496cf8ee961))
+
+- **bec_connector**: Add setObjectName method to update object name and broadcast if registered;
+  closes #472
+  ([`064343a`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/064343acf2631e4ae62b2a5e08bc08087246570c))
+
+- **bec_connector**: Call cleanup on widgets if the parent was deleted
+  ([`fc1cdc8`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/fc1cdc814fc3c44a571c20986bc627935f90ff91))
+
+- **bec_connector**: Improve cleanup handling on deleted parent to prevent errors
+  ([`3709cdc`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/3709cdc86671e5219afca7a8e11bdd01f03dd30e))
+
+- **bec_connector**: Move RPC registration into single shot method to ensure the rpc name is in sync
+  ([`3b16c9f`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/3b16c9f5a2f7f16b23f25560b1e8fb4e42359ef0))
+
+- **bec_queue**: Set parent for toolbar buttons
+  ([`cdc613b`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/cdc613b6e7d7eac806d458515321590e9344244a))
+
+- **becconnector**: Widgets can be flagged as root widget, skipping the BECMainWindow in CLI usage
+  ([`061f348`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/061f3481daae6844a83c44e9caca7ed56a1bb100))
+
+- **becconnector,widgets**: Parent_id is always fetched from the real bec widget parent; all widgets
+  adjusted; hardcoded parent_ids removed
+  ([`f35f4c4`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/f35f4c4b295139b99a2dad9e8241f900d2565aeb))
+
+- **BECGuiClient**: Add launch_script parameter to dock area creation
+  ([`06a4954`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/06a4954d3da44c6805232d34e47e242b28ba7fd1))
+
+- **cleanup**: Prevent double cleanup by tracking object destruction state
+  ([`fde9120`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/fde912005db61a60707e7181c3425a4557bdc011))
+
+- **cli**: Add type ignore comment to generated files
+  ([`d171255`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/d1712552ffd1118845dc7121218df86ce10e8750))
+
+- **client**: Import reduce
+  ([`8cca510`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/8cca510fa1cbda00a07edbef9d36fdd74e63d201))
+
+- **client**: Regenerated client
+  ([`c97db6a`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/c97db6aaae81d08019a13c344414c16c42691654))
+
+- **client**: Rpc API adjusted for DockArea, ImageItem and Waveform
+  ([`6ca4aa0`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/6ca4aa0f9b9d5ace9fb1e174219f4da5617ebbac))
+
+- **client_utils**: Simplify RPC client instantiation in BECGuiClient
+  ([`96b31a4`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/96b31a450998aca2b7ac94138b07223418d2bacd))
+
+- **colormap_widget**: Size policy fixed
+  ([`1cc2a98`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/1cc2a9848906a7013e86687976d42d4b9676b25f))
+
+- **compact_popup**: Forward close event
+  ([`e0f146b`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/e0f146beeb34367a4d3454a7012af4728d594b9b))
+
+- **crosshair**: Adapted for 2D image
+  ([`a85402d`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/a85402dde1af1d9c4a154892c46422ac3e1f22f9))
+
+- **curve**: Fix unique names for custom curves
+  ([`8e846d4`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/8e846d449955ded3cb8090e44ea36d26efccb80e))
+
+- **dark-mode-button**: Fix parent passed to QObjects in various classes
+  ([`a06f060`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/a06f0600c1c9a80436f01533a82905a6f3633895))
+
+- **designer**: Avoid touching deleted widgets during init as QtDesigner will segfault
+  ([`4381fcc`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/4381fcc4c212cd03ce91f1638dc361c3315f8c45))
+
+- **designer-plugin-generator**: Enhance super constructor validation for new style classes
+  ([`6318b2d`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/6318b2d822be0ded561a1afd0d485158614e2406))
+
+- **device_input_base**: Removed enums from Pydantic models to make them serialisable
+  ([`43b747e`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/43b747ec8a761530d78b26650b0ec2ee4581ffaf))
+
+- **dock_area**: Close BECMainWindow if dock area is central widget
+  ([`e725de3`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/e725de3c4504d43fbcad25d69c5cb8cbe7a70867))
+
+- **docs**: Update copyright year to be dynamic
+  ([`f2d5b57`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/f2d5b57e86d0c9d690b8d9f988035427608f0b4c))
+
+- **entry_validator**: Validator reports list of signal if user chooses the wrong one
+  ([`da05877`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/da05877dd04fa618cdb45268cb62df602a5e808f))
+
+- **image**: Imageitem remove adjusted to disconnect and remove current displayed image
+  ([`98f159b`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/98f159b25f6bf7e1f2dd76726d7ab66a0baf88de))
+
+- **launch_window**: Redesign
+  ([`7e65d4f`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/7e65d4f2d6d840d3895e023f5cd090a56ea6e5f3))
+
+- **launch_window**: Return None when cancelling the ui file launcher
+  ([`b3dbe92`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/b3dbe922dea2cea9190d1583bd6b69f1a45d6b90))
+
+- **launch_window**: Update LaunchTile icon to use new UI loader tile image
+  ([`3cd6e05`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/3cd6e05b2478654210049ca8e1756ad592f1da81))
+
+- **launcher**: Hide launcher when launcher is closed even though it is not the last widget
+  ([`6e7920c`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/6e7920c119824650006e7357ca2f4ff95d413e13))
+
+- **lmfit_dialog_vertical**: Vertical sizePolicy fixed
+  ([`584b945`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/584b94500565a33e5daed86b7552ec54f1135cf6))
+
+- **main_window**: Connected to theme change
+  ([`11feeff`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/11feeff37ce0b02fcbc8e506c67c14e1fc5e0cb6))
+
+- **main_window**: Show app id only when connected to redis
+  ([`be72268`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/be722683a7cc7b215c572f9c2e996839b010b64e))
+
+- **moduar-toolbar**: Fix cleanup of modular toolbar and dock_area
+  ([`c70cd9d`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/c70cd9d6e8f7ea9d5f81b10ac437cdcc9ee900e9))
+
+- **motor_map**: Limit map creating optimized
+  ([`9f2a083`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/9f2a083abbcfb465ebea9acee8263dcc9a6da5d9))
+
+- **plot_base**: Ability to set y label suffix
+  ([`890b501`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/890b50115fef845c2a77242fdb05863d2eec4a00))
+
+- **plot_base**: Aspect ratio removed from the PlotBase
+  ([`19d8aeb`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/19d8aeb16249a1093cfec124d0ebdf6af11d94a8))
+
+- **plot_base**: Axis setting filter for relevant properties
+  ([`0204d9c`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/0204d9c86f9665dcefdcbe7f49ac23918d74dd66))
+
+- **plot_base**: Do not enable inner axes when label is changed
+  ([`98eda03`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/98eda03f4d6d449605d5559a1db44c900d93cb79))
+
+- **plot_base**: Enable popup property fixed
+  ([`30db183`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/30db18367e9c6d6375fda970a1bb255d966cba5a))
+
+- **plot_base**: Fix cleanup of popups if popups are still open when PlotBase is closed
+  ([`39cf4dd`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/39cf4ddd5a033ee7f589d508f765669186e776bc))
+
+- **plot_base**: Improved handling of matplotlib exporter errors
+  ([`4f9514f`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/4f9514fbd1ff0059248d3b7b5b4fcd85c3eb9c72))
+
+- **plot_base**: Inner and outer axis setting in popup mode
+  ([`055b968`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/055b96818aa69d66119caee9a3e8c24575ce60b4))
+
+- **plot_base**: Update mouse mode state on mode change
+  ([`fc24c8b`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/fc24c8b3a5f9cd55fb3d49f753b53a65a2a0fa26))
+
+- **plot_framework**: All widgets, popups and side menus cleanups adjusted
+  ([`337a332`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/337a332ed123f99729b8cf6869f7fe4b056c2b16))
+
+- **plot_indicators**: Cleanup adjusted
+  ([`4865341`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/48653410101a2a38d5067fbfca7712d255d89625))
+
+- **plot_indicators**: Plot indicators added to the PlotBase
+  ([`42e3b9c`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/42e3b9c13786e67220874a1275a3d9ee9515541a))
+
+- **positioner-indicator**: Fix property setters for position indicator
+  ([`1910993`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/1910993b2b3d30ecb8e4977b4a362f46adae3c75))
+
+- **progress-ring-bar**: Fix parent inheritance and cleanup of ring objects; closes #496
+  ([`b460ea9`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/b460ea9955318879ddfe4f9ae963249ba342bbb5))
+
+- **ring-progress-bar**: Fix bug in disconnect slot of rings, enable 'scan' mode as default for init
+  with first ring
+  ([`7c303d0`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/7c303d01294493a55fd26db8c1475e8c58b3e492))
+
+- **ring_progress_bar**: Replaced hard-coded endpoints by MessageEndpoints
+  ([`e4e9feb`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/e4e9febc98268a4b6b9774b253419e88ea044811))
+
+- **round_frame**: Orientation can be vertical
+  ([`c1bbb16`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/c1bbb16dad481c628e7680180d7250ba8a560c46))
+
+- **round_frame**: Roundframe removed from BECWidget inheritance
+  ([`b58a098`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/b58a098ed4afbe62721fd2bf8497f363deecbfa6))
+
+- **rpc**: Call close on container widget if needed
+  ([`a13de45`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/a13de45131309771c1438407f3733a8c0897d495))
+
+- **rpc-base**: Deprecate widget_name in favor of object_name; closes #499
+  ([`86647b9`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/86647b9b7e2fa111105ae483808883a624fa4cd6))
+
+- **rpc_base**: Ensure message wait event is set after processing RPC response
+  ([`4dc59aa`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/4dc59aa5e9b15e5ec40401e80e7965acd88e2fce))
+
+- **rpc_base**: Timeout run_rpc 3s
+  ([`8558b46`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/8558b46114760a9434eaa827f81d5fd9d047112f))
+
+- **rpc_register**: _lock and _skip_broad_cast moved to instance attributes
+  ([`8d17f7e`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/8d17f7e32f81894294d7da472268e8d9eb3bb74b))
+
+- **rpc_register**: Change add_rpc parameter type to BECConnector and add object_is_registered
+  method
+  ([`82b8265`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/82b82659b7919b15d629375866302624b5b6e457))
+
+- **rpc_register**: Lock changed to RLock
+  ([`6c90ca3`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/6c90ca31078d97124a3ad535ffe83da138558d67))
+
+- **rpc_server**: Broadcasted data check
+  ([`c36852b`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/c36852b2ef762cdae3fde569bbd0d5f2f6f2725b))
+
+- **rpc_server**: Enhance serialization logic for BECConnector objects and fix return types
+  ([`125afc8`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/125afc89073b4fc69a3f42650b3d4f6fa6ccaa47))
+
+- **rpc_server**: Update _serialize_bec_connector to include wait parameter for registration check
+  ([`d6fccd1`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/d6fccd10f5d600ea67cf7b2a5ebb42295d15cdfe))
+
+- **RPCReference**: Setattr added
+  ([`a2128ad`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/a2128ad8d688995551c5e26974396fd0588b6804))
+
+- **scan_control**: Restore scan parameters always regenerate the arg box, preventing infinite loop
+  ([`1f2db92`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/1f2db927f50f4f30d43ebe52e39118c7d79994d4))
+
+- **scan_matadata**: Parent passing
+  ([`4eaadd1`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/4eaadd1545885b111fce3f8cab527a77b8633ff3))
+
+- **scatter_waveform,waveform**: Added QTimer to fetch the last data points after 500ms
+  ([`e6795dd`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/e6795dd87ccd93cfd53e22cd94d71bffe1ef54dd))
+
+- **serialization**: Add serialization for qpointf
+  ([`3ddfeaa`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/3ddfeaa49fd4a7fdbff7cae47b90c25720f6dca0))
+
+- **server**: Becdockarea type added
+  ([`4a74891`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/4a74891184f112751258866b6bc9d800dbc5ed05))
+
+- **server**: Remove window.hide() since widgets will be teared down on kill_server before siginit
+  signals is sent
+  ([`58b0c7d`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/58b0c7ddc1d0b85b35e7e18434c0b83aac01a735))
+
+- **server**: Turn_off_the_lights cleanup fixed for parent_id widgets
+  ([`20a86ad`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/20a86ad325d36aa5aec73aeda7ff43ea9cc6c1f7))
+
+- **setting_widget**: Added parent kwarg into all settings widgets in plotting framework
+  ([`94c2e2d`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/94c2e2db6518402207b2a1077bb16403a8e61cee))
+
+- **side_panel**: Side panel menu can be initialized without a title
+  ([`112eed6`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/112eed694c0ef6eb80ec7a7cfdfbaacf732d5b9f))
+
+- **toolbar**: Update action check handling logic for SwitchableToolBarAction
+  ([`ac08bdf`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/ac08bdfab2162ac8fd103e60779a76d36e9a3765))
+
+- **type hints**: Add future import to prevent sphinx from crashing
+  ([`aff5a51`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/aff5a51f4c059ce21ec72cefc263f37df2491480))
+
+- **waveform**: Dap curve flickering
+  ([`b03d2ea`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/b03d2eaeed4263846c470bc45eba9208ced2370b))
+
+- **waveform**: Error where scan history is empty
+  ([`288ea4d`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/288ea4dbbde6d5f770c37f4daf377da9ec8fe729))
+
+- **waveform**: Fix dap curve categorization logic
+  ([`b91f1fe`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/b91f1fe4879e43e71a1be49ce5a206efbae19315))
+
+- **waveform**: Legend is correctly updated when changed from curve dialog
+  ([`c2d2c48`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/c2d2c484cd1f133f45fe7147616c22c0b5fd5611))
+
+- **waveform**: Signals for x device can be defined from gui
+  ([`39164fe`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/39164feb18f9e996d97814f58157892e8db816ae))
+
+- **waveform, rpc_reference**: __getitem__ removed form waveform and rpc_reference
+  ([`3a82c95`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/3a82c95f60cb2b7f0b29a1ea5cdcbfa5bf602af8))
+
+- **website-widget**: Add super().cleanup() in website widget
+  ([`8fbd54c`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/8fbd54c3aa864623e42b39a1ebf92ba098ba437d))
+
+- **widgets**: Becconnector resolves hierarchy including objectName, parent, parent_id upon init;
+  all widgets adjusted
+  ([`a1bec75`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/a1bec7511549277da231928d989b16ecad0eed1b))
+
+### Build System
+
+- Pyside6 capped to 6.9
+  ([`9dabf2c`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/9dabf2c66c8023194964b9ad308e06197471f89f))
+
+- **bec_lib**: Raised required version to 3.28.1
+  ([`a5f1f47`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/a5f1f4781ed9787148053d71e0d12fefe42e142a))
+
+- **dependencies**: Update min bec_lib version to 3.29
+  ([`eb0323b`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/eb0323b989e96e89d2eb1ff7b648edb43f5fe198))
+
+### Continuous Integration
+
+- **e2e**: E2e tests are saving logs
+  ([`d4106c5`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/d4106c548e2373463a48268fd991ded7f554e3a6))
+
+### Documentation
+
+- Add docs on widget plugins
+  ([`52a9f29`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/52a9f29bdcb20a9339a8970508bc0a93ba8bef5f))
+
+- Add missing class doc strings for rpc-enabled widgets
+  ([`cfc8272`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/cfc8272ac288541d1e20c0840bd2ce6fa930897c))
+
+- Better document logpanel code
+  ([`d2c9075`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/d2c90757c21e040940a378325cad75c4d94470f9))
+
+- Grammar improvement
+  ([`1fe052e`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/1fe052e9da9e44bf9872db0d42218843a8e6d275))
+
+- Remove BECFigure
+  ([`75cc45d`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/75cc45d767970e985c566fd4aeccd4394f48dfa3))
+
+- Remove BECFigure from docs, fix wrong api for docs of plotting widgets
+  ([`a1c859c`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/a1c859c7434357e6fb82f0912314c203fb73e890))
+
+- Replaces instances of QtDesigner with BEC Designer for improved clarity
+  ([`60852e2`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/60852e228f80f0d2e74813f82bd30f1ba83ff154))
+
+- Review quick_start
+  ([`4acf5be`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/4acf5befb1dbcc69e8cc7da70ebf5663b9ec15f2))
+
+- Update docs for v2
+  ([`25bd905`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/25bd905cef987a713e24aca178c04aef1ab59656))
+
+- Update docs for various widgets
+  ([`b6695b4`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/b6695b45d076dbf3896e94eedcf73d542022d764))
+
+- Update quick_start
+  ([`afc818b`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/afc818bf7d17f42703c3cebafd2b292b8444647a))
+
+- Updated docs for v2 ([#531](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/merge_requests/531),
+  [`b4af2cc`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/b4af2cc77aa0013f4547cd98345b0c77abb7101b))
+
+- **auto_updates**: Update documentation for auto updates functionality and add launcher image
+  ([`6630ba1`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/6630ba1c421e566bf86ac38701a86eff624395d2))
+
+- **lmfit**: Fix links
+  ([`5e4965f`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/5e4965fe1f88d18fcc7e6875777ff3eb01ab08ec))
+
+- **plot_base**: Update docstrings for properties and setters
+  ([`b085ef6`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/b085ef6e730d529149bcb696b1ad4cd9c5220a83))
+
+- **position-indicator**: Update docs for positioner indicator
+  ([`2f0d213`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/2f0d213e32fd662bfffd4df73b9281fa30cef6e3))
+
+### Features
+
+- Add loader/helper for widget plugins
+  ([`ca2bb4f`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/ca2bb4f9b42ebaac2fc544d3da36267d93e9903d))
+
+- Add rpc broadcast
+  ([`2ba9b4c`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/2ba9b4cb236a2182261dfb88398d5ece733ba393))
+
+- Add support for auto updates
+  ([`2511056`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/2511056557daf0b5dd78d3e85ac4befb8bf8c316))
+
+- Delete bec_app
+  ([`8e64b65`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/8e64b65c2d3b8a8f3c6e5376e694369b41733da4))
+
+- Deprecated and delete alignment_1d gui
+  ([`27ea92d`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/27ea92d120cc8ef01fff10341ce0954b4f7fed5d))
+
+- Namespace update for gui, dock_area and docks.
+  ([`ac3c5a3`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/ac3c5a38e449c2c3e4a1c61d5f9a59acfbf0cab5))
+
+- **auto_update**: Add GUI highlight management for auto updates status
+  ([`5f272a6`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/5f272a66a4d4f65273d7b2a6709336cd3582d695))
+
+- **auto_updates**: Enforce rpc widget class for subclasses of auto updates
+  ([`778230b`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/778230b5edf5d24df8a10c78c90ea065510e8344))
+
+- **image**: New Image widget based on new PlotBase
+  ([`cb39ff3`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/cb39ff3fbde99f4e4bed49dee8a5e5987d257b23))
+
+- **launch_window**: Add custom UI file launching functionality and UI tile
+  ([`3089ca1`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/3089ca15ec4a8c110d11c57aff2da42f4af5bd08))
+
+- **launch_window**: Add user access permissions
+  ([`8efa93d`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/8efa93d2d2c5e6c28008e1bbde89e5cc8a01d139))
+
+- **launch_window**: Enhance auto update functionality with selector and dynamic loading
+  ([`2965323`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/29653239c5cf43313224cc5123d066fcba4b831b))
+
+- **launcher**: Add option for launching with auto updates
+  ([`20a1c5d`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/20a1c5ddb3cd0763ce69bba5a893f54c56678706))
+
+- **main_window**: Add launcher menu and functionality to show launcher
+  ([`55baa84`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/55baa84eb6723b30b407092bc36f826b826cc934))
+
+- **motor_map**: New MotorMap widget based on PlotBase
+  ([`fec26d7`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/fec26d793e14965a719a4d038838418b9a7603bb))
+
+- **multi_waveform**: Multi-waveform widget based on new PlotBase
+  ([`77f9616`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/77f96160ab348c1a65ceb55986ea4ea75f8be04a))
+
+- **plugin_utils**: Add functionality to retrieve auto update classes from plugins
+  ([`c434af9`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/c434af9b92d68d08da87112ef424738e5e42ae6e))
+
+- **positioner_box**: Add units QLabel to device UI components and update visibility logic
+  ([`f653fc5`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/f653fc5f7ebf8ad5297facd739a8a49ea0a06c95))
+
+- **scatter_waveform**: Scatter waveform widget based on new Plotbase
+  ([`95fcf01`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/95fcf016c32c52330acfd5900a3996c99c4ee01f))
+
+- **server,launcher**: Rpc server separated with the launcher window introduced
+  ([`5f27a90`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/5f27a9098903ffd8ec27c1b45565f1c113892cca))
+
+- **slot**: Add 'verify_sender' argument to SafeSlot for sender verification
+  ([`8eef425`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/8eef4253b0507f60f50c06ed48b59a1b19b29644))
+
+- **ui_launch_window**: Add UILaunchWindow class
+  ([`45cd82e`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/45cd82e6354c72e1e35cd6366aa7aad93f8b12ca))
+
+- **waveform**: New Waveform widget based on NextGen PlotBase
+  ([`4bec181`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/4bec181f3aff34d9de7d3f9ec012b641c125a661))
+
+- **widget_io**: Added handler for Sliders
+  ([`1a0097e`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/1a0097e02728b6470217d3a574260f376776d81f))
+
+### Refactoring
+
+- Add fallback to 'index' plotting in case of missmatch in length
+  ([`515d7ad`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/515d7ad05584086a8e8ac626b476d629e27aacf3))
+
+- Add pragma no cover to various TYPE_CHECKING
+  ([`f88dfc8`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/f88dfc8f1bbc0819736a4f32bf21682366fd3437))
+
+- Add support to plot against x_data
+  ([`0e276d4`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/0e276d4c09cddb459688aecf28684a963d8f6613))
+
+- Add template for debugging the cli generator
+  ([`f89e74b`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/f89e74b199d007cf47f355a1c5e1f582daeea90a))
+
+- Autoupdate disabled
+  ([`4e29291`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/4e29291b3a0891657a8d2011bcaf1d6e65de125a))
+
+- Cleanup MR
+  ([`0b00cd2`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/0b00cd24fd43dbc87c81f7dbfae816343f7da4c4))
+
+- Cleanup rpc reference tracking, fix appquit, fix namespace updates edge cases
+  ([`7ba93ce`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/7ba93ce934cc644ad6340f141a6a0888bd1d3d98))
+
+- Cleanup, fix tests and _top_level dict/windows
+  ([`5872253`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/58722531232b2290f9fd974bae24877c9d5451f4))
+
+- Fix cleanup bug for BECConnector items, renamed _registry_state to _server_registry
+  ([`be83c7d`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/be83c7d5f4bc04d110734b491727dc60d8dd61ef))
+
+- Fix cleanup for various widgets, including RoundedFrame
+  ([`d05179a`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/d05179a519d6419c9631ffdf4fa6aa262966c2ed))
+
+- Improve plotting behaviour from history
+  ([`ed2d958`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/ed2d958de62223cd796c869b6c8b9b75170e66f5))
+
+- Rearrange base of metadata forms for generic use
+  ([`d04770f`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/d04770fe913474ec9d4e06b056c85e720d1470c4))
+
+- Set downsampling to auto=True, method 'peak', activate clipToView for (Async)-Curves and fix
+  ViewAll hook from pg.view_box menu
+  ([`25820a1`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/25820a1cdec2cff99ab0d6085aece0e3e7dd9092))
+
+- Tidy client generation and add options
+  ([`b492591`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/b4925918f7acf31e40971814639be8a6c55d46df))
+
+- **assets**: New icon for ui loader
+  ([`e5b5322`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/e5b532274ede281456a14b02a99855302603490a))
+
+- **auto_update**: Auto_update changed to be BECMainWindow; removed auto update logic from
+  BECDockArea
+  ([`56c2827`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/56c282714037f733bcfd8a659f34baadcd1aa223))
+
+- **auto_updates**: Move cleanup method from user section to internal section
+  ([`ac9224e`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/ac9224e5f2d3edcb5b1cc1cbc1a8583f81d0b912))
+
+- **bec_connector**: Replace pyqtSlot with SafeSlot for consistency
+  ([`9d6d0b4`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/9d6d0b406a812e08ca8417415b5def98b40bdf92))
+
+- **bec_figure**: Becfigure removed
+  ([`f76d931`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/f76d9319bd13bb52b1ae2524c1c5e44a167cc330))
+
+- **client_utils**: Remove unused auto update attributes from BECGuiClient
+  ([`b7795b4`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/b7795b4d0ae21641bead0f1f1541f920ae95702a))
+
+- **image_widget**: Old BECImageWidget removed
+  ([`de10609`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/de10609b3c714b80a14bf6940e86763d0779402b))
+
+- **launch_window**: Remove cleanup method
+  ([`9a940bb`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/9a940bb8d58f37d1fc24ce4fdb38282d02349efb))
+
+- **launcher,main_window**: Launcher window moved to inherit from BECMainWindow
+  ([`99383b7`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/99383b77150ca7c74c19c899a0e6a7879b770376))
+
+- **motor_map_widget**: Becmotormapwidget removed
+  ([`f878e87`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/f878e87ad545e0fe68292030d9f06dee693e0da2))
+
+- **multi_waveform_widget**: Becmultiwaveformwidget removed
+  ([`7c31bbd`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/7c31bbd9c2e0230e54f4dca0f1e5c4d2cd6e7674))
+
+- **plots**: Plot_next_gen module renamed to plots
+  ([`9fb9a1c`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/9fb9a1cfd2a94efd5e2a9fcbaa05d65c7b7105ee))
+
+- **plots**: Waveform and image rpc api review
+  ([`a3de1f0`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/a3de1f0a31dfb9048493fb61983167960577fb97))
+
+- **rpc_reference**: Refactor rpc reference tracking
+  ([`bd5e251`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/bd5e251ee9396633f419732e43411821726250aa))
+
+- **rpc_server**: Add type hint for _get_becwidget_ancestor method parameter; minor cleanup of
+  imports
+  ([`cb91ebc`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/cb91ebc0c34ae29b6b293996199f4624d36a3cc0))
+
+- **rpc_server**: Add type hints and docstrings for heartbeat and registry update methods
+  ([`08168f2`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/08168f28d3c5375b9ace9df0d7aa31e33adb97e9))
+
+- **rpc_server**: Cli_server renamed to rpc_server
+  ([`6082e7a`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/6082e7a6907c2fe15e4e5ebca857fbf8f222d192))
+
+- **tests**: Create dummy scan item moved to client_mocks.py
+  ([`0dd9617`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/0dd9617e6e5ea756edc344c324451480a62bdae2))
+
+- **ui_loader**: Remove unnecessary parent_id handling
+  ([`d60cf6c`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/d60cf6c843ecc135a6065d1e913f9f6abb1a483d))
+
+- **ui_loader**: Remove unused import
+  ([`a6ce312`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/a6ce312f7c60c2babcc37127f7c69d54c1b32573))
+
+- **utils**: Qt_utils moved to utils
+  ([`be552d3`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/be552d3ece97e7f472c4534b4af8438b95c518aa))
+
+- **waveform_widget**: Removed and replaced by Waveform
+  ([`96cff49`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/96cff49cd4453fa70d8802653d5afe62d71c6b2a))
+
+### Testing
+
+- Add function scoped rpc_widgets e2e test; closes #510
+  ([`36dc174`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/36dc174bfedf212532658b84f8ab64971863d292))
+
+- Add IPython client GUI object test module with tab completion
+  ([`e3d0d55`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/e3d0d5566c50f6a80ba861d4e3e0789f17785a46))
+
+- Add tests for name creation of custom curves, and object name handling
+  ([`99d7623`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/99d76236cac63042f0d7d1db580dde8aa7cfd214))
+
+- Disable test_bec_dock_rpc_e2e module, issue to fix this created #450
+  ([`17f2dda`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/17f2dda977025bc422e26289293d3fcbd224a6f6))
+
+- Fix rpc widgets e2e test
+  ([`113938e`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/113938e71a6dacba37164069e2c795cc9db168d4))
+
+- Fix tests for launcher close / hide behavior
+  ([`23fee22`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/23fee22ef8f2c22f191dfc1da57b921484ede6cd))
+
+- Fix tests for namespace updates
+  ([`f3d3c94`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/f3d3c9425d3ed619b978427cea782137beedfb59))
+
+- Qapp must shutdown cli server before checking for leaked QTimer
+  ([`d066051`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/d06605122e5c2e225650b44ebfc047daa5aa6f55))
+
+- **bec_connector**: Becconnector requires a QObject
+  ([`23bdd95`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/23bdd95d8c6311d989cb3b807921e3fb2a3d62a0))
+
+- **device_signal_input**: Fix init of device input widget
+  ([`31c3b64`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/31c3b64d7b157e5e26d44e5288afabef343c5e13))
+
+- **e2e**: E2e tests adjusted for new plotting framework
+  ([`378398a`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/378398a29b34e43f0cca0a49b08adfcb144e4777))
+
+- **generate_cli**: Fix reference output
+  ([`a8adb06`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/a8adb064f5011e1708ee2dc0090326f533407260))
+
+- **launch_window**: Add test for launching UI file that raises ValueError for QMainWindow
+  ([`33a8a76`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/33a8a767f31a57bcfda624d503ed39e0e4578dcb))
+
+- **launch_window**: Add unit tests for LaunchWindow initialization and custom UI file launching
+  ([`d5e422c`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/d5e422c7fc0e169c35d7f206937e8c7902fbf123))
+
+- **launch_window**: Tests for default and plugin auto updates
+  ([`e10f5ec`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/e10f5ec088c6937beb26ec468f510a209c7cc782))
+
+- **plot_base**: Test for plot base re-enabled
+  ([`b51d637`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/b51d637c5ff3418420801cd9b457fc073fa98adc))
+
+- **plot_indicators**: Tests adapted to not be dependent on BECWaveformWidget
+  ([`360fe4c`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/360fe4c9c3b5c3c1f26e97cb795aef8f4aba3b46))
+
+- **setting_dialog**: Test that settings reject calls cleanup
+  ([`8914f1d`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/8914f1d50600cab588a6cbecb08d85bfd1a715a1))
+
+- **unit_tests**: Unit tests adjusted to use a modern plotting framework instead of BECFigure
+  ([`6ade934`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/6ade93435632fa66fb012d92f9b8b548d96e718f))
+
+
 ## v1.25.1 (2025-03-24)

 ### Bug Fixes
--- a/bec_widgets/init.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/init.py
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeProperty, SafeSlot
+
+__all__ = ["BECWidget", "SafeSlot", "SafeProperty"]
--- a/bec_widgets/applications/alignment/alignment_1d/alignment_1d.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/applications/alignment/alignment_1d/alignment_1d.py
@@ -1,199 +0,0 @@
-""" This module contains the GUI for the 1D alignment application.
-It is a preliminary version of the GUI, which will be added to the main branch and steadily updated to be improved.
-"""
-
-import os
-from typing import Optional
-
-from bec_lib.device import Signal as BECSignal
-from bec_lib.endpoints import MessageEndpoints
-from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
-from qtpy.QtCore import QSize
-from qtpy.QtGui import QIcon
-from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
-
-import bec_widgets
-from bec_widgets.utils import UILoader
-from bec_widgets.utils.bec_dispatcher import BECDispatcher
-from bec_widgets.utils.colors import get_accent_colors
-from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot as Slot
-from bec_widgets.widgets.control.buttons.stop_button.stop_button import StopButton
-from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_group.positioner_group import (
-    PositionerGroup,
-)
-from bec_widgets.widgets.dap.lmfit_dialog.lmfit_dialog import LMFitDialog
-from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.waveform.waveform_widget import BECWaveformWidget
-from bec_widgets.widgets.progress.bec_progressbar.bec_progressbar import BECProgressBar
-
-MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
-logger = bec_logger.logger
-
-
-# FIXME BECWaveFormWidget is gone, this app will not work until adapted to new Waveform
-class Alignment1D:
-    """Alignment GUI to perform 1D scans"""
-
-    def __init__(self, client=None, gui_id: Optional[str] = None) -> None:
-        """Initialization
-
-        Args:
-            config: Configuration of the application.
-            client: BEC client object.
-            gui_id: GUI ID.
-        """
-        self.bec_dispatcher = BECDispatcher(client=client)
-        self.client = self.bec_dispatcher.client if client is None else client
-        QApplication.instance().aboutToQuit.connect(self.close)
-        self.dev = self.client.device_manager.devices
-
-        self._accent_colors = get_accent_colors()
-        self.ui_file = "alignment_1d.ui"
-        self.ui = None
-        self.progress_bar = None
-        self.waveform = None
-        self.init_ui()
-
-    def init_ui(self):
-        """Initialise the UI from QT Designer file"""
-        current_path = os.path.dirname(__file__)
-        self.ui = UILoader(None).loader(os.path.join(current_path, self.ui_file))
-        # Customize the plotting widget
-        self.waveform = self.ui.findChild(BECWaveformWidget, "bec_waveform_widget")
-        self._customise_bec_waveform_widget()
-        # Setup comboboxes for motor and signal selection
-        # FIXME after changing the filtering in the combobox
-        self._setup_signal_combobox()
-        # Setup motor indicator
-        self._setup_motor_indicator()
-        # Setup progress bar
-        self._setup_progress_bar()
-        # Add actions buttons
-        self._customise_buttons()
-        # Hook scaninfo updates
-        self.bec_dispatcher.connect_slot(self.scan_status_callback, MessageEndpoints.scan_status())
-
-    def show(self):
-        return self.ui.show()
-
-    ##############################
-    ############ SLOTS ###########
-    ##############################
-
-    @Slot(dict, dict)
-    def scan_status_callback(self, content: dict, _) -> None:
-        """This slot allows to enable/disable the UI critical components when a scan is running"""
-        if content["status"] in ["open"]:
-            self.enable_ui(False)
-        elif content["status"] in ["aborted", "halted", "closed"]:
-            self.enable_ui(True)
-
-    @Slot(tuple)
-    def move_to_center(self, move_request: tuple) -> None:
-        """Move the selected motor to the center"""
-        motor = self.ui.device_combobox.currentText()
-        if move_request[0] in ["center", "center1", "center2"]:
-            pos = move_request[1]
-        self.dev.get(motor).move(float(pos), relative=False)
-
-    @Slot()
-    def reset_progress_bar(self) -> None:
-        """Reset the progress bar"""
-        self.progress_bar.set_value(0)
-        self.progress_bar.set_minimum(0)
-
-    @Slot(dict, dict)
-    def update_progress_bar(self, content: dict, _) -> None:
-        """Hook to update the progress bar
-
-        Args:
-            content: Content of the scan progress message.
-            metadata: Metadata of the message.
-        """
-        if content["max_value"] == 0:
-            self.progress_bar.set_value(0)
-            return
-        self.progress_bar.set_maximum(content["max_value"])
-        self.progress_bar.set_value(content["value"])
-
-    @Slot()
-    def clear_queue(self) -> None:
-        """Clear the scan queue"""
-        self.queue.request_queue_reset()
-
-    ##############################
-    ######## END OF SLOTS ########
-    ##############################
-
-    def enable_ui(self, enable: bool) -> None:
-        """Enable or disable the UI components"""
-        # Enable/disable motor and signal selection
-        self.ui.device_combobox_2.setEnabled(enable)
-        # Enable/disable DAP selection
-        self.ui.dap_combo_box.setEnabled(enable)
-        # Enable/disable Scan Button
-        # self.ui.scan_button.setEnabled(enable)
-        # Disable move to buttons in LMFitDialog
-        self.ui.findChild(LMFitDialog).set_actions_enabled(enable)
-
-    def _customise_buttons(self) -> None:
-        """Add action buttons for the Action Control.
-        In addition, we are adding a callback to also clear the queue to the stop button
-        to ensure that upon clicking the button, no scans from another client may be queued
-        which would be confusing without the queue widget.
-        """
-        fit_dialog = self.ui.findChild(LMFitDialog)
-        fit_dialog.active_action_list = ["center", "center1", "center2"]
-        fit_dialog.move_action.connect(self.move_to_center)
-        stop_button = self.ui.findChild(StopButton)
-        stop_button.button.setText("Stop and Clear Queue")
-        stop_button.button.clicked.connect(self.clear_queue)
-
-    def _customise_bec_waveform_widget(self) -> None:
-        """Customise the BEC Waveform Widget, i.e. clear the toolbar"""
-        self.waveform.toolbar.clear()
-
-    def _setup_motor_indicator(self) -> None:
-        """Setup the arrow item"""
-        self.waveform.waveform.tick_item.add_to_plot()
-        positioner_box = self.ui.findChild(PositionerGroup)
-        positioner_box.position_update.connect(self.waveform.waveform.tick_item.set_position)
-        self.waveform.waveform.tick_item.set_position(0)
-
-    def _setup_signal_combobox(self) -> None:
-        """Setup signal selection"""
-        # FIXME after changing the filtering in the combobox
-        signals = [name for name in self.dev if isinstance(self.dev.get(name), BECSignal)]
-        self.ui.device_combobox_2.setCurrentText(signals[0])
-        self.ui.device_combobox_2.set_device_filter("Signal")
-
-    def _setup_progress_bar(self) -> None:
-        """Setup progress bar"""
-        # FIXME once the BECScanProgressBar is implemented
-        self.progress_bar = self.ui.findChild(BECProgressBar, "bec_progress_bar")
-        self.progress_bar.set_value(0)
-        self.ui.bec_waveform_widget.new_scan.connect(self.reset_progress_bar)
-        self.bec_dispatcher.connect_slot(self.update_progress_bar, MessageEndpoints.scan_progress())
-
-    def close(self):
-        logger.info("Disconnecting", repr(self.bec_dispatcher))
-        self.bec_dispatcher.disconnect_all()
-        logger.info("Shutting down BEC Client", repr(self.client))
-        self.client.shutdown()
-
-
-def main():
-    import sys
-
-    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
-    icon = QIcon()
-    icon.addFile(
-        os.path.join(MODULE_PATH, "assets", "app_icons", "alignment_1d.png"), size=QSize(48, 48)
-    )
-    app.setWindowIcon(icon)
-    window = Alignment1D()
-    window.show()
-    sys.exit(app.exec_())
-
-
-if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
-    main()
--- a/bec_widgets/applications/alignment/alignment_1d/alignment_1d.ui
+++ b/bec_widgets/applications/alignment/alignment_1d/alignment_1d.ui
@@ -1,615 +0,0 @@
-<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
-<ui version="4.0">
- <class>mainWindow</class>
- <widget class="QMainWindow" name="mainWindow">
-  <property name="geometry">
-   <rect>
-    <x>0</x>
-    <y>0</y>
-    <width>1611</width>
-    <height>1019</height>
-   </rect>
-  </property>
-  <property name="windowTitle">
-   <string>Alignment tool</string>
-  </property>
-  <widget class="QWidget" name="widget">
-   <layout class="QVBoxLayout" name="verticalLayout_2">
-    <item>
-     <widget class="QWidget" name="widget" native="true">
-      <property name="sizePolicy">
-       <sizepolicy hsizetype="Preferred" vsizetype="Fixed">
-        <horstretch>0</horstretch>
-        <verstretch>0</verstretch>
-       </sizepolicy>
-      </property>
-      <layout class="QHBoxLayout" name="horizontalLayout_5">
-       <item>
-        <widget class="DarkModeButton" name="dark_mode_button"/>
-       </item>
-       <item>
-        <spacer name="horizontalSpacer_6">
-         <property name="orientation">
-          <enum>Qt::Orientation::Horizontal</enum>
-         </property>
-         <property name="sizeHint" stdset="0">
-          <size>
-           <width>40</width>
-           <height>20</height>
-          </size>
-         </property>
-        </spacer>
-       </item>
-       <item>
-        <widget class="BECStatusBox" name="bec_status_box">
-         <property name="compact_view" stdset="0">
-          <bool>true</bool>
-         </property>
-         <property name="label" stdset="0">
-          <string>BEC Servers</string>
-         </property>
-        </widget>
-       </item>
-       <item>
-        <spacer name="horizontalSpacer_3">
-         <property name="orientation">
-          <enum>Qt::Orientation::Horizontal</enum>
-         </property>
-         <property name="sizeHint" stdset="0">
-          <size>
-           <width>40</width>
-           <height>20</height>
-          </size>
-         </property>
-        </spacer>
-       </item>
-       <item>
-        <widget class="BECQueue" name="bec_queue">
-         <property name="compact_view" stdset="0">
-          <bool>true</bool>
-         </property>
-        </widget>
-       </item>
-       <item>
-        <spacer name="horizontalSpacer_5">
-         <property name="orientation">
-          <enum>Qt::Orientation::Horizontal</enum>
-         </property>
-         <property name="sizeHint" stdset="0">
-          <size>
-           <width>40</width>
-           <height>20</height>
-          </size>
-         </property>
-        </spacer>
-       </item>
-       <item>
-        <widget class="QRadioButton" name="radioButton">
-         <property name="enabled">
-          <bool>false</bool>
-         </property>
-         <property name="text">
-          <string>SLS Light On</string>
-         </property>
-         <property name="checkable">
-          <bool>true</bool>
-         </property>
-         <property name="checked">
-          <bool>true</bool>
-         </property>
-         <property name="autoExclusive">
-          <bool>false</bool>
-         </property>
-        </widget>
-       </item>
-       <item>
-        <spacer name="horizontalSpacer_7">
-         <property name="orientation">
-          <enum>Qt::Orientation::Horizontal</enum>
-         </property>
-         <property name="sizeHint" stdset="0">
-          <size>
-           <width>40</width>
-           <height>20</height>
-          </size>
-         </property>
-        </spacer>
-       </item>
-       <item>
-        <widget class="QRadioButton" name="radioButton_3">
-         <property name="enabled">
-          <bool>false</bool>
-         </property>
-         <property name="text">
-          <string>BEAMLINE Checks</string>
-         </property>
-         <property name="checkable">
-          <bool>true</bool>
-         </property>
-         <property name="checked">
-          <bool>true</bool>
-         </property>
-         <property name="autoExclusive">
-          <bool>false</bool>
-         </property>
-        </widget>
-       </item>
-       <item>
-        <spacer name="horizontalSpacer_4">
-         <property name="orientation">
-          <enum>Qt::Orientation::Horizontal</enum>
-         </property>
-         <property name="sizeHint" stdset="0">
-          <size>
-           <width>40</width>
-           <height>20</height>
-          </size>
-         </property>
-        </spacer>
-       </item>
-       <item>
-        <widget class="StopButton" name="stop_button">
-         <property name="sizePolicy">
-          <sizepolicy hsizetype="MinimumExpanding" vsizetype="MinimumExpanding">
-           <horstretch>0</horstretch>
-           <verstretch>0</verstretch>
-          </sizepolicy>
-         </property>
-         <property name="minimumSize">
-          <size>
-           <width>200</width>
-           <height>40</height>
-          </size>
-         </property>
-         <property name="maximumSize">
-          <size>
-           <width>200</width>
-           <height>40</height>
-          </size>
-         </property>
-        </widget>
-       </item>
-      </layout>
-     </widget>
-    </item>
-    <item>
-     <widget class="BECProgressBar" name="bec_progress_bar">
-      <property name="minimumSize">
-       <size>
-        <width>0</width>
-        <height>25</height>
-       </size>
-      </property>
-      <property name="maximumSize">
-       <size>
-        <width>16777215</width>
-        <height>25</height>
-       </size>
-      </property>
-     </widget>
-    </item>
-    <item>
-     <widget class="QTabWidget" name="tabWidget">
-      <property name="sizePolicy">
-       <sizepolicy hsizetype="Expanding" vsizetype="Expanding">
-        <horstretch>0</horstretch>
-        <verstretch>0</verstretch>
-       </sizepolicy>
-      </property>
-      <property name="currentIndex">
-       <number>0</number>
-      </property>
-      <widget class="QWidget" name="ControlTab">
-       <attribute name="title">
-        <string>Alignment Control</string>
-       </attribute>
-       <layout class="QHBoxLayout" name="horizontalLayout_6">
-        <item>
-         <widget class="QWidget" name="widget_4" native="true">
-          <property name="sizePolicy">
-           <sizepolicy hsizetype="Preferred" vsizetype="Preferred">
-            <horstretch>1</horstretch>
-            <verstretch>0</verstretch>
-           </sizepolicy>
-          </property>
-          <layout class="QVBoxLayout" name="verticalLayout_3">
-           <item>
-            <widget class="ScanControl" name="scan_control">
-             <property name="current_scan" stdset="0">
-              <string>line_scan</string>
-             </property>
-             <property name="hide_arg_box" stdset="0">
-              <bool>false</bool>
-             </property>
-             <property name="hide_scan_selection_combobox" stdset="0">
-              <bool>true</bool>
-             </property>
-             <property name="hide_add_remove_buttons" stdset="0">
-              <bool>true</bool>
-             </property>
-            </widget>
-           </item>
-           <item>
-            <widget class="PositionerGroup" name="positioner_group"/>
-           </item>
-           <item>
-            <spacer name="verticalSpacer">
-             <property name="orientation">
-              <enum>Qt::Orientation::Vertical</enum>
-             </property>
-             <property name="sizeHint" stdset="0">
-              <size>
-               <width>20</width>
-               <height>40</height>
-              </size>
-             </property>
-            </spacer>
-           </item>
-          </layout>
-         </widget>
-        </item>
-        <item>
-         <widget class="QWidget" name="widget_3" native="true">
-          <property name="sizePolicy">
-           <sizepolicy hsizetype="Preferred" vsizetype="Preferred">
-            <horstretch>4</horstretch>
-            <verstretch>0</verstretch>
-           </sizepolicy>
-          </property>
-          <layout class="QVBoxLayout" name="verticalLayout">
-           <item>
-            <widget class="QWidget" name="widget_2" native="true">
-             <property name="sizePolicy">
-              <sizepolicy hsizetype="Preferred" vsizetype="Fixed">
-               <horstretch>0</horstretch>
-               <verstretch>0</verstretch>
-              </sizepolicy>
-             </property>
-             <layout class="QHBoxLayout" name="horizontalLayout_3">
-              <item>
-               <widget class="QLabel" name="label_2">
-                <property name="font">
-                 <font/>
-                </property>
-                <property name="text">
-                 <string>Monitor</string>
-                </property>
-               </widget>
-              </item>
-              <item>
-               <widget class="DeviceComboBox" name="device_combobox_2"/>
-              </item>
-              <item>
-               <widget class="QLabel" name="label_3">
-                <property name="font">
-                 <font/>
-                </property>
-                <property name="text">
-                 <string>LMFit Model</string>
-                </property>
-               </widget>
-              </item>
-              <item>
-               <widget class="DapComboBox" name="dap_combo_box"/>
-              </item>
-              <item>
-               <widget class="QLabel" name="label">
-                <property name="text">
-                 <string>Enable ROI</string>
-                </property>
-               </widget>
-              </item>
-              <item>
-               <widget class="ToggleSwitch" name="toggle_switch">
-                <property name="sizePolicy">
-                 <sizepolicy hsizetype="Expanding" vsizetype="Expanding">
-                  <horstretch>3</horstretch>
-                  <verstretch>0</verstretch>
-                 </sizepolicy>
-                </property>
-                <property name="toolTip">
-                 <string>Activate linear region select for LMFit</string>
-                </property>
-                <property name="layoutDirection">
-                 <enum>Qt::LayoutDirection::LeftToRight</enum>
-                </property>
-                <property name="checked" stdset="0">
-                 <bool>false</bool>
-                </property>
-               </widget>
-              </item>
-              <item>
-               <spacer name="horizontalSpacer_8">
-                <property name="orientation">
-                 <enum>Qt::Orientation::Horizontal</enum>
-                </property>
-                <property name="sizeHint" stdset="0">
-                 <size>
-                  <width>40</width>
-                  <height>20</height>
-                 </size>
-                </property>
-               </spacer>
-              </item>
-             </layout>
-            </widget>
-           </item>
-           <item>
-            <widget class="BECWaveformWidget" name="bec_waveform_widget">
-             <property name="sizePolicy">
-              <sizepolicy hsizetype="Expanding" vsizetype="Expanding">
-               <horstretch>0</horstretch>
-               <verstretch>1</verstretch>
-              </sizepolicy>
-             </property>
-             <property name="minimumSize">
-              <size>
-               <width>600</width>
-               <height>450</height>
-              </size>
-             </property>
-             <property name="clear_curves_on_plot_update" stdset="0">
-              <bool>true</bool>
-             </property>
-            </widget>
-           </item>
-           <item>
-            <widget class="LMFitDialog" name="lm_fit_dialog">
-             <property name="sizePolicy">
-              <sizepolicy hsizetype="Preferred" vsizetype="Minimum">
-               <horstretch>0</horstretch>
-               <verstretch>0</verstretch>
-              </sizepolicy>
-             </property>
-             <property name="minimumSize">
-              <size>
-               <width>0</width>
-               <height>190</height>
-              </size>
-             </property>
-             <property name="always_show_latest" stdset="0">
-              <bool>true</bool>
-             </property>
-             <property name="hide_curve_selection" stdset="0">
-              <bool>true</bool>
-             </property>
-             <property name="hide_summary" stdset="0">
-              <bool>true</bool>
-             </property>
-            </widget>
-           </item>
-          </layout>
-         </widget>
-        </item>
-       </layout>
-      </widget>
-      <widget class="QWidget" name="tab_2">
-       <attribute name="title">
-        <string>Logbook</string>
-       </attribute>
-       <layout class="QHBoxLayout" name="horizontalLayout_4">
-        <property name="leftMargin">
-         <number>2</number>
-        </property>
-        <property name="topMargin">
-         <number>2</number>
-        </property>
-        <property name="rightMargin">
-         <number>2</number>
-        </property>
-        <property name="bottomMargin">
-         <number>2</number>
-        </property>
-        <item>
-         <widget class="WebsiteWidget" name="website_widget">
-          <property name="url" stdset="0">
-           <string>https://scilog.psi.ch/login</string>
-          </property>
-         </widget>
-        </item>
-       </layout>
-      </widget>
-     </widget>
-    </item>
-   </layout>
-  </widget>
- </widget>
- <customwidgets>
-  <customwidget>
-   <class>DapComboBox</class>
-   <extends>QWidget</extends>
-   <header>dap_combo_box</header>
-  </customwidget>
-  <customwidget>
-   <class>StopButton</class>
-   <extends>QWidget</extends>
-   <header>stop_button</header>
-  </customwidget>
-  <customwidget>
-   <class>WebsiteWidget</class>
-   <extends>QWidget</extends>
-   <header>website_widget</header>
-  </customwidget>
-  <customwidget>
-   <class>BECQueue</class>
-   <extends>QWidget</extends>
-   <header>bec_queue</header>
-  </customwidget>
-  <customwidget>
-   <class>ScanControl</class>
-   <extends>QWidget</extends>
-   <header>scan_control</header>
-  </customwidget>
-  <customwidget>
-   <class>ToggleSwitch</class>
-   <extends>QWidget</extends>
-   <header>toggle_switch</header>
-  </customwidget>
-  <customwidget>
-   <class>BECProgressBar</class>
-   <extends>QWidget</extends>
-   <header>bec_progress_bar</header>
-  </customwidget>
-  <customwidget>
-   <class>DarkModeButton</class>
-   <extends>QWidget</extends>
-   <header>dark_mode_button</header>
-  </customwidget>
-  <customwidget>
-   <class>PositionerGroup</class>
-   <extends>QWidget</extends>
-   <header>positioner_group</header>
-  </customwidget>
-  <customwidget>
-   <class>BECWaveformWidget</class>
-   <extends>QWidget</extends>
-   <header>bec_waveform_widget</header>
-  </customwidget>
-  <customwidget>
-   <class>DeviceComboBox</class>
-   <extends>QComboBox</extends>
-   <header>device_combobox</header>
-  </customwidget>
-  <customwidget>
-   <class>LMFitDialog</class>
-   <extends>QWidget</extends>
-   <header>lm_fit_dialog</header>
-  </customwidget>
-  <customwidget>
-   <class>BECStatusBox</class>
-   <extends>QWidget</extends>
-   <header>bec_status_box</header>
-  </customwidget>
- </customwidgets>
- <resources/>
- <connections>
-  <connection>
-   <sender>toggle_switch</sender>
-   <signal>enabled(bool)</signal>
-   <receiver>bec_waveform_widget</receiver>
-   <slot>toogle_roi_select(bool)</slot>
-   <hints>
-    <hint type="sourcelabel">
-     <x>1042</x>
-     <y>212</y>
-    </hint>
-    <hint type="destinationlabel">
-     <x>1416</x>
-     <y>322</y>
-    </hint>
-   </hints>
-  </connection>
-  <connection>
-   <sender>bec_waveform_widget</sender>
-   <signal>dap_summary_update(QVariantMap,QVariantMap)</signal>
-   <receiver>lm_fit_dialog</receiver>
-   <slot>update_summary_tree(QVariantMap,QVariantMap)</slot>
-   <hints>
-    <hint type="sourcelabel">
-     <x>1099</x>
-     <y>258</y>
-    </hint>
-    <hint type="destinationlabel">
-     <x>1157</x>
-     <y>929</y>
-    </hint>
-   </hints>
-  </connection>
-  <connection>
-   <sender>device_combobox_2</sender>
-   <signal>currentTextChanged(QString)</signal>
-   <receiver>bec_waveform_widget</receiver>
-   <slot>plot(QString)</slot>
-   <hints>
-    <hint type="sourcelabel">
-     <x>577</x>
-     <y>215</y>
-    </hint>
-    <hint type="destinationlabel">
-     <x>1416</x>
-     <y>427</y>
-    </hint>
-   </hints>
-  </connection>
-  <connection>
-   <sender>device_combobox_2</sender>
-   <signal>currentTextChanged(QString)</signal>
-   <receiver>dap_combo_box</receiver>
-   <slot>select_y_axis(QString)</slot>
-   <hints>
-    <hint type="sourcelabel">
-     <x>577</x>
-     <y>215</y>
-    </hint>
-    <hint type="destinationlabel">
-     <x>909</x>
-     <y>215</y>
-    </hint>
-   </hints>
-  </connection>
-  <connection>
-   <sender>dap_combo_box</sender>
-   <signal>new_dap_config(QString,QString,QString)</signal>
-   <receiver>bec_waveform_widget</receiver>
-   <slot>add_dap(QString,QString,QString)</slot>
-   <hints>
-    <hint type="sourcelabel">
-     <x>909</x>
-     <y>215</y>
-    </hint>
-    <hint type="destinationlabel">
-     <x>1416</x>
-     <y>447</y>
-    </hint>
-   </hints>
-  </connection>
-  <connection>
-   <sender>scan_control</sender>
-   <signal>device_selected(QString)</signal>
-   <receiver>positioner_group</receiver>
-   <slot>set_positioners(QString)</slot>
-   <hints>
-    <hint type="sourcelabel">
-     <x>230</x>
-     <y>306</y>
-    </hint>
-    <hint type="destinationlabel">
-     <x>187</x>
-     <y>926</y>
-    </hint>
-   </hints>
-  </connection>
-  <connection>
-   <sender>scan_control</sender>
-   <signal>device_selected(QString)</signal>
-   <receiver>bec_waveform_widget</receiver>
-   <slot>set_x(QString)</slot>
-   <hints>
-    <hint type="sourcelabel">
-     <x>187</x>
-     <y>356</y>
-    </hint>
-    <hint type="destinationlabel">
-     <x>972</x>
-     <y>509</y>
-    </hint>
-   </hints>
-  </connection>
-  <connection>
-   <sender>scan_control</sender>
-   <signal>device_selected(QString)</signal>
-   <receiver>dap_combo_box</receiver>
-   <slot>select_x_axis(QString)</slot>
-   <hints>
-    <hint type="sourcelabel">
-     <x>187</x>
-     <y>356</y>
-    </hint>
-    <hint type="destinationlabel">
-     <x>794</x>
-     <y>202</y>
-    </hint>
-   </hints>
-  </connection>
- </connections>
-</ui>
--- a/bec_widgets/applications/bec_app.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/applications/bec_app.py
@@ -1,84 +0,0 @@
-"""
-Launcher for BEC GUI Applications
-
-Application must be located in bec_widgets/applications ;
-in order for the launcher to find the application, it has to be put in
-a subdirectory with the same name as the main Python module:
-
-/bec_widgets/applications
-    ├── alignment
-    │   └── alignment_1d
-    │       └── alignment_1d.py
-    ├── other_app
-        └── other_app.py
-
-The tree above would contain 2 applications, alignment_1d and other_app.
-
-The Python module for the application must have `if __name__ == "__main__":`
-in order for the launcher to execute it (it is run with `python -m`).
-"""
-
-import argparse
-import os
-import sys
-
-MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(__file__)
-
-
-def find_apps(base_dir: str) -> list[str]:
-    matching_modules = []
-
-    for root, dirs, files in os.walk(base_dir):
-        parent_dir = os.path.basename(root)
-
-        for file in files:
-            if file.endswith(".py") and file != "__init__.py":
-                file_name_without_ext = os.path.splitext(file)[0]
-
-                if file_name_without_ext == parent_dir:
-                    rel_path = os.path.relpath(root, base_dir)
-                    module_path = rel_path.replace(os.sep, ".")
-
-                    module_name = f"{module_path}.{file_name_without_ext}"
-                    matching_modules.append((file_name_without_ext, module_name))
-
-    return matching_modules
-
-
-def main():
-    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description="BEC application launcher")
-
-    parser.add_argument("-m", "--module", type=str, help="The module to run (string argument).")
-
-    # Add a positional argument for the module, which acts as a fallback if -m is not provided
-    parser.add_argument(
-        "positional_module",
-        nargs="?",  # This makes the positional argument optional
-        help="Positional argument that is treated as module if -m is not specified.",
-    )
-
-    args = parser.parse_args()
-    # If the -m/--module is not provided, fallback to the positional argument
-    module = args.module if args.module else args.positional_module
-
-    if module:
-        for app_name, app_module in find_apps(MODULE_PATH):
-            if module in (app_name, app_module):
-                print("Starting:", app_name)
-                python_executable = sys.executable
-
-                # Replace the current process with the new Python module
-                os.execvp(
-                    python_executable,
-                    [python_executable, "-m", f"bec_widgets.applications.{app_module}"],
-                )
-        print(f"Error: cannot find application {module}")
-
-    # display list of apps
-    print("Available applications:")
-    for app, _ in find_apps(MODULE_PATH):
-        print(f"  - {app}")
-
-
-if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
-    main()
--- a/bec_widgets/applications/bw_launch.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/applications/bw_launch.py
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.auto_update.auto_updates import AutoUpdates
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock.dock_area import BECDockArea
+
+
+def dock_area(object_name: str | None = None) -> BECDockArea:
+    _dock_area = BECDockArea(object_name=object_name, root_widget=True)
+    return _dock_area
+
+
+def auto_update_dock_area(object_name: str | None = None) -> AutoUpdates:
+    """
+    Create a dock area with auto update enabled.
+
+    Args:
+        object_name(str): The name of the dock area.
+
+    Returns:
+        BECDockArea: The created dock area.
+    """
+    _auto_update = AutoUpdates(object_name=object_name)
+    return _auto_update
--- a/bec_widgets/applications/launch_window.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/applications/launch_window.py
@@ -0,0 +1,430 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+import xml.etree.ElementTree as ET
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING
+
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
+from qtpy.QtCore import Qt, Signal
+from qtpy.QtGui import QPainter, QPainterPath, QPixmap
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
+    QApplication,
+    QComboBox,
+    QFileDialog,
+    QHBoxLayout,
+    QLabel,
+    QPushButton,
+    QSizePolicy,
+    QSpacerItem,
+    QWidget,
+)
+
+import bec_widgets
+from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_register import RPCRegister
+from bec_widgets.utils.container_utils import WidgetContainerUtils
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
+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.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.utility.visual.dark_mode_button.dark_mode_button import DarkModeButton
+
+if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
+    from qtpy.QtCore import QObject
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
+
+
+class LaunchTile(RoundedFrame):
+    open_signal = Signal()
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        parent: QObject | None = None,
+        icon_path: str | None = None,
+        top_label: str | None = None,
+        main_label: str | None = None,
+        description: str | None = None,
+        show_selector: bool = False,
+    ):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, orientation="vertical")
+
+        self.icon_label = QLabel(parent=self)
+        self.icon_label.setFixedSize(100, 100)
+        self.icon_label.setScaledContents(True)
+        pixmap = QPixmap(icon_path)
+        if not pixmap.isNull():
+            size = 100
+            circular_pixmap = QPixmap(size, size)
+            circular_pixmap.fill(Qt.transparent)
+
+            painter = QPainter(circular_pixmap)
+            painter.setRenderHints(QPainter.Antialiasing, True)
+            path = QPainterPath()
+            path.addEllipse(0, 0, size, size)
+            painter.setClipPath(path)
+            pixmap = pixmap.scaled(size, size, Qt.KeepAspectRatio, Qt.SmoothTransformation)
+            painter.drawPixmap(0, 0, pixmap)
+            painter.end()
+
+            self.icon_label.setPixmap(circular_pixmap)
+        self.layout.addWidget(self.icon_label, alignment=Qt.AlignCenter)
+
+        # Top label
+        self.top_label = QLabel(top_label.upper())
+        font_top = self.top_label.font()
+        font_top.setPointSize(10)
+        self.top_label.setFont(font_top)
+        self.layout.addWidget(self.top_label, alignment=Qt.AlignCenter)
+
+        # Main label
+        self.main_label = QLabel(main_label)
+        font_main = self.main_label.font()
+        font_main.setPointSize(14)
+        font_main.setBold(True)
+        self.main_label.setFont(font_main)
+        self.main_label.setWordWrap(True)
+        self.main_label.setAlignment(Qt.AlignCenter)
+        self.layout.addWidget(self.main_label)
+
+        self.spacer_top = QSpacerItem(0, 10, QSizePolicy.Fixed, QSizePolicy.Fixed)
+        self.layout.addItem(self.spacer_top)
+
+        # Description
+        self.description_label = QLabel(description)
+        self.description_label.setWordWrap(True)
+        self.description_label.setAlignment(Qt.AlignCenter)
+        self.layout.addWidget(self.description_label)
+
+        # Selector
+        if show_selector:
+            self.selector = QComboBox(self)
+            self.layout.addWidget(self.selector)
+        else:
+            self.selector = None
+
+        self.spacer_bottom = QSpacerItem(0, 0, QSizePolicy.Fixed, QSizePolicy.Expanding)
+        self.layout.addItem(self.spacer_bottom)
+
+        # Action button
+        self.action_button = QPushButton("Open")
+        self.action_button.setStyleSheet(
+            """
+        QPushButton {
+            background-color: #007AFF;
+            border: none;
+            padding: 8px 16px;
+            color: white;
+            border-radius: 6px;
+            font-weight: bold;
+        }
+        QPushButton:hover {
+            background-color: #005BB5;
+        }
+        """
+        )
+        self.layout.addWidget(self.action_button, alignment=Qt.AlignCenter)
+
+
+class LaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
+    RPC = True
+    TILE_SIZE = (250, 300)
+    USER_ACCESS = ["show_launcher", "hide_launcher"]
+
+    def __init__(
+        self, parent=None, gui_id: str = None, window_title="BEC Launcher", *args, **kwargs
+    ):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, gui_id=gui_id, window_title=window_title, **kwargs)
+
+        self.app = QApplication.instance()
+
+        # Toolbar
+        self.dark_mode_button = DarkModeButton(parent=self, toolbar=True)
+        self.toolbar = ModularToolBar(parent=self)
+        self.addToolBar(Qt.TopToolBarArea, self.toolbar)
+        self.spacer = QWidget(self)
+        self.spacer.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Expanding)
+        self.toolbar.addWidget(self.spacer)
+        self.toolbar.addWidget(self.dark_mode_button)
+
+        # Main Widget
+        self.central_widget = QWidget(self)
+        self.central_widget.layout = QHBoxLayout(self.central_widget)
+        self.setCentralWidget(self.central_widget)
+
+        self.tile_dock_area = LaunchTile(
+            icon_path=os.path.join(MODULE_PATH, "assets", "app_icons", "bec_widgets_icon.png"),
+            top_label="Get started",
+            main_label="BEC Dock Area",
+            description="Highly flexible and customizable dock area application with modular widgets.",
+        )
+        self.tile_dock_area.setFixedSize(*self.TILE_SIZE)
+
+        self.tile_auto_update = LaunchTile(
+            icon_path=os.path.join(MODULE_PATH, "assets", "app_icons", "auto_update.png"),
+            top_label="Get automated",
+            main_label="BEC Auto Update Dock Area",
+            description="Dock area with auto update functionality for BEC widgets plotting.",
+            show_selector=True,
+        )
+        self.tile_auto_update.setFixedSize(*self.TILE_SIZE)
+
+        self.tile_ui_file = LaunchTile(
+            icon_path=os.path.join(MODULE_PATH, "assets", "app_icons", "ui_loader_tile.png"),
+            top_label="Get customized",
+            main_label="Launch Custom UI File",
+            description="GUI application with custom UI file.",
+        )
+        self.tile_ui_file.setFixedSize(*self.TILE_SIZE)
+
+        # Add tiles to the main layout
+        self.central_widget.layout.addWidget(self.tile_dock_area)
+        self.central_widget.layout.addWidget(self.tile_auto_update)
+        self.central_widget.layout.addWidget(self.tile_ui_file)
+
+        # hacky solution no time to waste
+        self.tiles = [self.tile_dock_area, self.tile_auto_update, self.tile_ui_file]
+
+        # Connect signals
+        self.tile_dock_area.action_button.clicked.connect(lambda: self.launch("dock_area"))
+        self.tile_auto_update.action_button.clicked.connect(self._open_auto_update)
+        self.tile_ui_file.action_button.clicked.connect(self._open_custom_ui_file)
+        self._update_theme()
+
+        # Auto updates
+        self.available_auto_updates: dict[str, type[AutoUpdates]] = (
+            self._update_available_auto_updates()
+        )
+        if self.tile_auto_update.selector is not None:
+            self.tile_auto_update.selector.addItems(
+                list(self.available_auto_updates.keys()) + ["Default"]
+            )
+
+        self.register = RPCRegister()
+        self.register.callbacks.append(self._turn_off_the_lights)
+        self.register.broadcast()
+
+    def launch(
+        self,
+        launch_script: str,
+        name: str | None = None,
+        geometry: tuple[int, int, int, int] | None = None,
+        **kwargs,
+    ) -> QWidget | None:
+        """Launch the specified script. If the launch script creates a QWidget, it will be
+        embedded in a BECMainWindow. If the launch script creates a BECMainWindow, it will be shown
+        as a separate window.
+
+        Args:
+            launch_script(str): The name of the script to be launched.
+            name(str): The name of the dock area.
+            geometry(tuple): The geometry parameters to be passed to the dock area.
+        Returns:
+            QWidget: The created dock area.
+        """
+        from bec_widgets.applications import bw_launch
+
+        with RPCRegister.delayed_broadcast() as rpc_register:
+            existing_dock_areas = rpc_register.get_names_of_rpc_by_class_type(BECDockArea)
+            if name is not None:
+                if name in existing_dock_areas:
+                    raise ValueError(
+                        f"Name {name} must be unique for dock areas, but already exists: {existing_dock_areas}."
+                    )
+                WidgetContainerUtils.raise_for_invalid_name(name)
+
+            else:
+                name = "dock_area"
+                name = WidgetContainerUtils.generate_unique_name(name, existing_dock_areas)
+
+            if launch_script is None:
+                launch_script = "dock_area"
+            if not isinstance(launch_script, str):
+                raise ValueError(f"Launch script must be a string, but got {type(launch_script)}.")
+
+            if launch_script == "custom_ui_file":
+                ui_file = kwargs.pop("ui_file", None)
+                if not ui_file:
+                    return None
+                return self._launch_custom_ui_file(ui_file)
+
+            if launch_script == "auto_update":
+                auto_update = kwargs.pop("auto_update", None)
+                return self._launch_auto_update(auto_update)
+
+            launch = getattr(bw_launch, launch_script, None)
+            if launch is None:
+                raise ValueError(f"Launch script {launch_script} not found.")
+
+            result_widget = launch(name)
+            result_widget.resize(result_widget.minimumSizeHint())
+            # TODO Should we simply use the specified name as title here?
+            result_widget.window().setWindowTitle(f"BEC - {name}")
+            logger.info(f"Created new dock area: {name}")
+
+            if geometry is not None:
+                result_widget.setGeometry(*geometry)
+            if isinstance(result_widget, BECMainWindow):
+                result_widget.show()
+            else:
+                window = BECMainWindow()
+                window.setCentralWidget(result_widget)
+                window.show()
+            return result_widget
+
+    def _launch_custom_ui_file(self, ui_file: str | None) -> BECMainWindow:
+        # Load the custom UI file
+        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)
+
+        tree = ET.parse(ui_file)
+        root = tree.getroot()
+        # Check if the top-level widget is a QMainWindow
+        widget = root.find("widget")
+        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."
+            )
+
+        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.show()
+        logger.info(f"Object name of new instance: {result_widget.objectName()}, {window.gui_id}")
+        return window
+
+    def _launch_auto_update(self, auto_update: str) -> AutoUpdates:
+        if auto_update in self.available_auto_updates:
+            auto_update_cls = self.available_auto_updates[auto_update]
+            window = auto_update_cls()
+        else:
+
+            auto_update = "auto_updates"
+            window = AutoUpdates()
+
+        window.resize(window.minimumSizeHint())
+        QApplication.processEvents()
+        window.setWindowTitle(f"BEC - {window.objectName()}")
+        window.show()
+        return window
+
+    def apply_theme(self, theme: str):
+        """
+        Change the theme of the application.
+        """
+        for tile in self.tiles:
+            tile.apply_theme(theme)
+
+        super().apply_theme(theme)
+
+    def _open_auto_update(self):
+        """
+        Open the auto update window.
+        """
+        if self.tile_auto_update.selector is None:
+            auto_update = None
+        else:
+            auto_update = self.tile_auto_update.selector.currentText()
+            if auto_update == "Default":
+                auto_update = None
+        return self.launch("auto_update", auto_update=auto_update)
+
+    @SafeSlot(popup_error=True)
+    def _open_custom_ui_file(self):
+        """
+        Open a file dialog to select a custom UI file and launch it.
+        """
+        ui_file, _ = QFileDialog.getOpenFileName(
+            self, "Select UI File", "", "UI Files (*.ui);;All Files (*)"
+        )
+        self.launch("custom_ui_file", ui_file=ui_file)
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def _update_available_auto_updates() -> dict[str, type[AutoUpdates]]:
+        """
+        Load all available auto updates from the plugin repository.
+        """
+        try:
+            auto_updates = get_plugin_auto_updates()
+            logger.info(f"Available auto updates: {auto_updates.keys()}")
+        except Exception as exc:
+            logger.error(f"Failed to load auto updates: {exc}")
+            return {}
+        return auto_updates
+
+    def show_launcher(self):
+        """
+        Show the launcher window.
+        """
+        self.show()
+
+    def hide_launcher(self):
+        """
+        Hide the launcher window.
+        """
+        self.hide()
+
+    def showEvent(self, event):
+        super().showEvent(event)
+        self.setFixedSize(self.size())
+
+    def _launcher_is_last_widget(self, connections: dict) -> bool:
+        """
+        Check if the launcher is the last widget in the application.
+        """
+
+        remaining_connections = [
+            connection for connection in connections.values() if connection.parent_id != self.gui_id
+        ]
+        return len(remaining_connections) <= 1
+
+    def _turn_off_the_lights(self, connections: dict):
+        """
+        If there is only one connection remaining, it is the launcher, so we show it.
+        Once the launcher is closed as the last window, we quit the application.
+        """
+        if self._launcher_is_last_widget(connections):
+            self.show()
+            self.activateWindow()
+            self.raise_()
+            if self.app:
+                self.app.setQuitOnLastWindowClosed(True)  # type: ignore
+            return
+
+        self.hide()
+        if self.app:
+            self.app.setQuitOnLastWindowClosed(False)  # type: ignore
+
+    def closeEvent(self, event):
+        """
+        Close the launcher window.
+        """
+        connections = self.register.list_all_connections()
+        if self._launcher_is_last_widget(connections):
+            event.accept()
+            return
+
+        event.ignore()
+        self.hide()
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    import sys
+
+    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+    launcher = LaunchWindow()
+    launcher.show()
+    sys.exit(app.exec())
--- a/bec_widgets/assets/app_icons/auto_update.png
+++ b/bec_widgets/assets/app_icons/auto_update.png
--- a/bec_widgets/assets/app_icons/ui_loader_tile.png
+++ b/bec_widgets/assets/app_icons/ui_loader_tile.png
--- a/bec_widgets/cli/init.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/cli/init.py
@@ -1 +0,0 @@
-from .client import *
--- a/bec_widgets/cli/auto_updates.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/cli/auto_updates.py
@@ -1,169 +0,0 @@
-# TODO autoupdate disabled
-# from __future__ import annotations
-#
-# import threading
-# from queue import Queue
-# from typing import TYPE_CHECKING
-#
-# from pydantic import BaseModel
-#
-# if TYPE_CHECKING:
-#     from .client import BECDockArea, BECFigure
-#
-#
-# class ScanInfo(BaseModel):
-#     scan_id: str
-#     scan_number: int
-#     scan_name: str
-#     scan_report_devices: list
-#     monitored_devices: list
-#     status: str
-#     model_config: dict = {"validate_assignment": True}
-#
-#
-# class AutoUpdates:
-#     create_default_dock: bool = False
-#     enabled: bool = False
-#     dock_name: str = None
-#
-#     def __init__(self, gui: BECDockArea):
-#         self.gui = gui
-#         self._default_dock = None
-#         self._default_fig = None
-#
-#     def start_default_dock(self):
-#         """
-#         Create a default dock for the auto updates.
-#         """
-#         self.dock_name = "default_figure"
-#         self._default_dock = self.gui.new(self.dock_name)
-#         self._default_dock.new("BECFigure")
-#         self._default_fig = self._default_dock.elements_list[0]
-#
-#     @staticmethod
-#     def get_scan_info(msg) -> ScanInfo:
-#         """
-#         Update the script with the given data.
-#         """
-#         info = msg.info
-#         status = msg.status
-#         scan_id = msg.scan_id
-#         scan_number = info.get("scan_number", 0)
-#         scan_name = info.get("scan_name", "Unknown")
-#         scan_report_devices = info.get("scan_report_devices", [])
-#         monitored_devices = info.get("readout_priority", {}).get("monitored", [])
-#         monitored_devices = [dev for dev in monitored_devices if dev not in scan_report_devices]
-#         return ScanInfo(
-#             scan_id=scan_id,
-#             scan_number=scan_number,
-#             scan_name=scan_name,
-#             scan_report_devices=scan_report_devices,
-#             monitored_devices=monitored_devices,
-#             status=status,
-#         )
-#
-#     def get_default_figure(self) -> BECFigure | None:
-#         """
-#         Get the default figure from the GUI.
-#         """
-#         return self._default_fig
-#
-#     def do_update(self, msg):
-#         """
-#         Run the update function if enabled.
-#         """
-#         if not self.enabled:
-#             return
-#         if msg.status != "open":
-#             return
-#         info = self.get_scan_info(msg)
-#         return self.handler(info)
-#
-#     def get_selected_device(self, monitored_devices, selected_device):
-#         """
-#         Get the selected device for the plot. If no device is selected, the first
-#         device in the monitored devices list is selected.
-#         """
-#         if selected_device:
-#             return selected_device
-#         if len(monitored_devices) > 0:
-#             sel_device = monitored_devices[0]
-#             return sel_device
-#         return None
-#
-#     def handler(self, info: ScanInfo) -> None:
-#         """
-#         Default update function.
-#         """
-#         if info.scan_name == "line_scan" and info.scan_report_devices:
-#             return self.simple_line_scan(info)
-#         if info.scan_name == "grid_scan" and info.scan_report_devices:
-#             return self.simple_grid_scan(info)
-#         if info.scan_report_devices:
-#             return self.best_effort(info)
-#
-#     def simple_line_scan(self, info: ScanInfo) -> None:
-#         """
-#         Simple line scan.
-#         """
-#         fig = self.get_default_figure()
-#         if not fig:
-#             return
-#         dev_x = info.scan_report_devices[0]
-#         selected_device = yield self.gui.selected_device
-#         dev_y = self.get_selected_device(info.monitored_devices, selected_device)
-#         if not dev_y:
-#             return
-#         yield fig.clear_all()
-#         yield fig.plot(
-#             x_name=dev_x,
-#             y_name=dev_y,
-#             label=f"Scan {info.scan_number} - {dev_y}",
-#             title=f"Scan {info.scan_number}",
-#             x_label=dev_x,
-#             y_label=dev_y,
-#         )
-#
-#     def simple_grid_scan(self, info: ScanInfo) -> None:
-#         """
-#         Simple grid scan.
-#         """
-#         fig = self.get_default_figure()
-#         if not fig:
-#             return
-#         dev_x = info.scan_report_devices[0]
-#         dev_y = info.scan_report_devices[1]
-#         selected_device = yield self.gui.selected_device
-#         dev_z = self.get_selected_device(info.monitored_devices, selected_device)
-#         yield fig.clear_all()
-#         yield fig.plot(
-#             x_name=dev_x,
-#             y_name=dev_y,
-#             z_name=dev_z,
-#             label=f"Scan {info.scan_number} - {dev_z}",
-#             title=f"Scan {info.scan_number}",
-#             x_label=dev_x,
-#             y_label=dev_y,
-#         )
-#
-#     def best_effort(self, info: ScanInfo) -> None:
-#         """
-#         Best effort scan.
-#         """
-#         fig = self.get_default_figure()
-#         if not fig:
-#             return
-#         dev_x = info.scan_report_devices[0]
-#         selected_device = yield self.gui.selected_device
-#         dev_y = self.get_selected_device(info.monitored_devices, selected_device)
-#         if not dev_y:
-#             return
-#         yield fig.clear_all()
-#         yield fig.plot(
-#             x_name=dev_x,
-#             y_name=dev_y,
-#             label=f"Scan {info.scan_number} - {dev_y}",
-#             title=f"Scan {info.scan_number}",
-#             x_label=dev_x,
-#             y_label=dev_y,
-#         )
--- a/bec_widgets/cli/client.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/cli/client.py
@@ -1,53 +1,90 @@
 # This file was automatically generated by generate_cli.py
+# type: ignore

 from __future__ import annotations

 import enum
-from typing import Literal, Optional, overload
+import inspect
+import traceback
+from functools import reduce
+from operator import add
+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.utils.bec_plugin_helper import get_all_plugin_widgets, get_plugin_client_module
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger

 # pylint: skip-file


-class Widgets(str, enum.Enum):
-    """
-    Enum for the available widgets.
-    """
+class _WidgetsEnumType(str, enum.Enum):
+    """Enum for the available widgets, to be generated programatically"""

-    AbortButton = "AbortButton"
-    BECColorMapWidget = "BECColorMapWidget"
-    BECDockArea = "BECDockArea"
-    BECProgressBar = "BECProgressBar"
-    BECQueue = "BECQueue"
-    BECStatusBox = "BECStatusBox"
-    DapComboBox = "DapComboBox"
-    DarkModeButton = "DarkModeButton"
-    DeviceBrowser = "DeviceBrowser"
-    DeviceComboBox = "DeviceComboBox"
-    DeviceLineEdit = "DeviceLineEdit"
-    Image = "Image"
-    LMFitDialog = "LMFitDialog"
-    LogPanel = "LogPanel"
-    Minesweeper = "Minesweeper"
-    MotorMap = "MotorMap"
-    MultiWaveform = "MultiWaveform"
-    PositionIndicator = "PositionIndicator"
-    PositionerBox = "PositionerBox"
-    PositionerBox2D = "PositionerBox2D"
-    PositionerControlLine = "PositionerControlLine"
-    ResetButton = "ResetButton"
-    ResumeButton = "ResumeButton"
-    RingProgressBar = "RingProgressBar"
-    ScanControl = "ScanControl"
-    ScatterWaveform = "ScatterWaveform"
-    SignalComboBox = "SignalComboBox"
-    SignalLineEdit = "SignalLineEdit"
-    StopButton = "StopButton"
-    TextBox = "TextBox"
-    VSCodeEditor = "VSCodeEditor"
-    Waveform = "Waveform"
-    WebsiteWidget = "WebsiteWidget"
+    ...
+
+
+_Widgets = {
+    "AbortButton": "AbortButton",
+    "BECDockArea": "BECDockArea",
+    "BECProgressBar": "BECProgressBar",
+    "BECQueue": "BECQueue",
+    "BECStatusBox": "BECStatusBox",
+    "DapComboBox": "DapComboBox",
+    "DarkModeButton": "DarkModeButton",
+    "DeviceBrowser": "DeviceBrowser",
+    "DeviceComboBox": "DeviceComboBox",
+    "DeviceLineEdit": "DeviceLineEdit",
+    "Image": "Image",
+    "LogPanel": "LogPanel",
+    "Minesweeper": "Minesweeper",
+    "MotorMap": "MotorMap",
+    "MultiWaveform": "MultiWaveform",
+    "PositionIndicator": "PositionIndicator",
+    "PositionerBox": "PositionerBox",
+    "PositionerBox2D": "PositionerBox2D",
+    "PositionerControlLine": "PositionerControlLine",
+    "ResetButton": "ResetButton",
+    "ResumeButton": "ResumeButton",
+    "RingProgressBar": "RingProgressBar",
+    "ScanControl": "ScanControl",
+    "ScatterWaveform": "ScatterWaveform",
+    "StopButton": "StopButton",
+    "TextBox": "TextBox",
+    "VSCodeEditor": "VSCodeEditor",
+    "Waveform": "Waveform",
+    "WebsiteWidget": "WebsiteWidget",
+}
+
+
+try:
+    _plugin_widgets = get_all_plugin_widgets()
+    plugin_client = get_plugin_client_module()
+    Widgets = _WidgetsEnumType("Widgets", {name: name for name in _plugin_widgets} | _Widgets)
+
+    if (_overlap := _Widgets.keys() & _plugin_widgets.keys()) != set():
+        for _widget in _overlap:
+            logger.warning(
+                f"Detected duplicate widget {_widget} in plugin repo file: {inspect.getfile(_plugin_widgets[_widget])} !"
+            )
+    for plugin_name, plugin_class in inspect.getmembers(plugin_client, inspect.isclass):
+        if issubclass(plugin_class, RPCBase) and plugin_class is not RPCBase:
+            if plugin_name in globals():
+                conflicting_file = (
+                    inspect.getfile(_plugin_widgets[plugin_name])
+                    if plugin_name in _plugin_widgets
+                    else f"{plugin_client}"
+                )
+                logger.warning(
+                    f"Plugin widget {plugin_name} from {conflicting_file} conflicts with a built-in class!"
+                )
+                continue
+            if plugin_name not in _overlap:
+                globals()[plugin_name] = plugin_class
+except ImportError as e:
+    logger.error(f"Failed loading plugins: \n{reduce(add, traceback.format_exception(e))}")


 class AbortButton(RPCBase):
@@ -60,12 +97,39 @@ class AbortButton(RPCBase):
        """


-class BECColorMapWidget(RPCBase):
+class AutoUpdates(RPCBase):
    @property
    @rpc_call
-    def colormap(self):
+    def enabled(self) -> "bool":
        """
-        Get the current colormap name.
+        Get the enabled status of the auto updates.
+        """
+
+    @enabled.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def enabled(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        Get the enabled status of the auto updates.
+        """
+
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def selected_device(self) -> "str | None":
+        """
+        Get the selected device from the auto update config.
+
+        Returns:
+            str: The selected device. If no device is selected, None is returned.
+        """
+
+    @selected_device.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def selected_device(self) -> "str | None":
+        """
+        Get the selected device from the auto update config.
+
+        Returns:
+            str: The selected device. If no device is selected, None is returned.
        """


@@ -201,6 +265,8 @@ class BECDock(RPCBase):


 class BECDockArea(RPCBase):
+    """Container for other widgets. Widgets can be added to the dock area and arranged in a grid layout."""
+
    @property
    @rpc_call
    def _rpc_id(self) -> "str":
@@ -307,7 +373,8 @@ class BECDockArea(RPCBase):
    @rpc_call
    def remove(self) -> "None":
        """
-        Remove the dock area.
+        Remove the dock area. If the dock area is embedded in a BECMainWindow and
+        is set as the central widget, the main window will be closed.
        """

    @rpc_call
@@ -328,13 +395,6 @@ class BECDockArea(RPCBase):
        Return all floating docks to the dock area.
        """

-    @property
-    @rpc_call
-    def selected_device(self) -> "str":
-        """
-        None
-        """
-
    @rpc_call
    def save_state(self) -> "dict":
        """
@@ -358,14 +418,6 @@ 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."""

@@ -418,6 +470,12 @@ class BECProgressBar(RPCBase):
        >>> progressbar.label_template = "$value / $percentage %"
        """

+    @rpc_call
+    def _get_label(self) -> str:
+        """
+        Return the label text. mostly used for testing rpc.
+        """
+

 class BECQueue(RPCBase):
    """Widget to display the BEC queue."""
@@ -432,6 +490,12 @@ class BECQueue(RPCBase):
 class BECStatusBox(RPCBase):
    """An autonomous widget to display the status of BEC services."""

+    @rpc_call
+    def get_server_state(self) -> "str":
+        """
+        Get the state ("RUNNING", "BUSY", "IDLE", "ERROR") of the BEC server
+        """
+
    @rpc_call
    def remove(self):
        """
@@ -463,6 +527,15 @@ class Curve(RPCBase):
            dict: The configuration of the widget.
        """

+    @rpc_call
+    def _get_displayed_data(self) -> "tuple[np.ndarray, np.ndarray]":
+        """
+        Get the displayed data of the curve.
+
+        Returns:
+            tuple[np.ndarray, np.ndarray]: The x and y data of the curve.
+        """
+
    @rpc_call
    def set(self, **kwargs):
        """
@@ -558,7 +631,7 @@ class Curve(RPCBase):
        """

    @rpc_call
-    def get_data(self) -> "tuple[np.ndarray, np.ndarray]":
+    def get_data(self) -> "tuple[np.ndarray | None, np.ndarray | None]":
        """
        Get the data of the curve.
        Returns:
@@ -627,14 +700,15 @@ class DapComboBox(RPCBase):

 class DarkModeButton(RPCBase):
    @rpc_call
-    def toggle_dark_mode(self) -> "None":
+    def remove(self):
        """
-        Toggle the dark mode state. This will change the theme of the entire
-        application to dark or light mode.
+        Cleanup the BECConnector
        """


 class DeviceBrowser(RPCBase):
+    """DeviceBrowser is a widget that displays all available devices in the current BEC session."""
+
    @rpc_call
    def remove(self):
        """
@@ -672,17 +746,9 @@ class DeviceLineEdit(RPCBase):
        """


-class DeviceSignalInputBase(RPCBase):
-    """Mixin base class for device signal input widgets."""
-
-    @rpc_call
-    def remove(self):
-        """
-        Cleanup the BECConnector
-        """
-
-
 class Image(RPCBase):
+    """Image widget for displaying 2D data."""
+
    @property
    @rpc_call
    def enable_toolbar(self) -> "bool":
@@ -898,48 +964,6 @@ class Image(RPCBase):
        Set auto range for the y-axis.
        """

-    @property
-    @rpc_call
-    def x_log(self) -> "bool":
-        """
-        Set X-axis to log scale if True, linear if False.
-        """
-
-    @x_log.setter
-    @rpc_call
-    def x_log(self) -> "bool":
-        """
-        Set X-axis to log scale if True, linear if False.
-        """
-
-    @property
-    @rpc_call
-    def y_log(self) -> "bool":
-        """
-        Set Y-axis to log scale if True, linear if False.
-        """
-
-    @y_log.setter
-    @rpc_call
-    def y_log(self) -> "bool":
-        """
-        Set Y-axis to log scale if True, linear if False.
-        """
-
-    @property
-    @rpc_call
-    def legend_label_size(self) -> "int":
-        """
-        The font size of the legend font.
-        """
-
-    @legend_label_size.setter
-    @rpc_call
-    def legend_label_size(self) -> "int":
-        """
-        The font size of the legend font.
-        """
-
    @property
    @rpc_call
    def color_map(self) -> "str":
@@ -1134,16 +1158,16 @@ class Image(RPCBase):

    @property
    @rpc_call
-    def rotation(self) -> "int":
+    def num_rotation_90(self) -> "int":
        """
-        The number of 90° rotations to apply.
+        The number of 90° rotations to apply counterclockwise.
        """

-    @rotation.setter
+    @num_rotation_90.setter
    @rpc_call
-    def rotation(self) -> "int":
+    def num_rotation_90(self) -> "int":
        """
-        The number of 90° rotations to apply.
+        The number of 90° rotations to apply counterclockwise.
        """

    @property
@@ -1306,14 +1330,14 @@ class ImageItem(RPCBase):

    @property
    @rpc_call
-    def rotation(self) -> "Optional[int]":
+    def num_rotation_90(self) -> "Optional[int]":
        """
        Get or set the number of 90° rotations to apply.
        """

-    @rotation.setter
+    @num_rotation_90.setter
    @rpc_call
-    def rotation(self) -> "Optional[int]":
+    def num_rotation_90(self) -> "Optional[int]":
        """
        Get or set the number of 90° rotations to apply.
        """
@@ -1341,16 +1365,6 @@ class ImageItem(RPCBase):
        """


-class LMFitDialog(RPCBase):
-    """Dialog for displaying the fit summary and params for LMFit DAP processes"""
-
-    @rpc_call
-    def remove(self):
-        """
-        Cleanup the BECConnector
-        """
-
-
 class LogPanel(RPCBase):
    """Displays a log panel"""

@@ -1377,6 +1391,8 @@ class Minesweeper(RPCBase): ...


 class MotorMap(RPCBase):
+    """Motor map widget for plotting motor positions in 2D including a trace of the last points."""
+
    @property
    @rpc_call
    def enable_toolbar(self) -> "bool":
@@ -1766,6 +1782,8 @@ class MotorMap(RPCBase):


 class MultiWaveform(RPCBase):
+    """MultiWaveform widget for displaying multiple waveforms emitted by a single signal."""
+
    @property
    @rpc_call
    def enable_toolbar(self) -> "bool":
@@ -2150,7 +2168,7 @@ class MultiWaveform(RPCBase):
        """

    @rpc_call
-    def plot(self, monitor: "str", color_palette: "str | None" = "magma"):
+    def plot(self, monitor: "str", color_palette: "str | None" = "plasma"):
        """
        Create a plot for the given monitor.
        Args:
@@ -2175,10 +2193,15 @@ class MultiWaveform(RPCBase):


 class PositionIndicator(RPCBase):
+    """Display a position within a defined range, e.g. motor limits."""
+
    @rpc_call
    def set_value(self, position: float):
        """
-        None
+        Set the position of the indicator
+
+        Args:
+            position: The new position of the indicator
        """

    @rpc_call
@@ -2198,6 +2221,13 @@ class PositionIndicator(RPCBase):
        Property to determine the orientation of the position indicator
        """

+    @vertical.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def vertical(self):
+        """
+        Property to determine the orientation of the position indicator
+        """
+
    @property
    @rpc_call
    def indicator_width(self):
@@ -2205,6 +2235,13 @@ class PositionIndicator(RPCBase):
        Property to get the width of the indicator
        """

+    @indicator_width.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def indicator_width(self):
+        """
+        Property to get the width of the indicator
+        """
+
    @property
    @rpc_call
    def rounded_corners(self):
@@ -2212,6 +2249,13 @@ class PositionIndicator(RPCBase):
        Property to get the rounded corners of the position indicator
        """

+    @rounded_corners.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def rounded_corners(self):
+        """
+        Property to get the rounded corners of the position indicator
+        """
+

 class PositionerBox(RPCBase):
    """Simple Widget to control a positioner in box form"""
@@ -2248,16 +2292,6 @@ class PositionerBox2D(RPCBase):
        """


-class PositionerBoxBase(RPCBase):
-    """Contains some core logic for positioner box widgets"""
-
-    @rpc_call
-    def remove(self):
-        """
-        Cleanup the BECConnector
-        """
-
-
 class PositionerControlLine(RPCBase):
    """A widget that controls a single device."""

@@ -2404,6 +2438,8 @@ class Ring(RPCBase):


 class RingProgressBar(RPCBase):
+    """Show the progress of devices, scans or custom values in the form of ring progress bars."""
+
    @rpc_call
    def _get_all_rpc(self) -> "dict":
        """
@@ -2429,9 +2465,9 @@ class RingProgressBar(RPCBase):

    @property
    @rpc_call
-    def rings(self):
+    def rings(self) -> "list[Ring]":
        """
-        None
+        Returns a list of all rings in the progress bar.
        """

    @rpc_call
@@ -2583,15 +2619,7 @@ class RingProgressBar(RPCBase):


 class ScanControl(RPCBase):
-    @rpc_call
-    def remove(self):
-        """
-        Cleanup the BECConnector
-        """
-
-
-class ScanMetadata(RPCBase):
-    """Dynamically generates a form for inclusion of metadata for a scan. Uses the"""
+    """Widget to submit new scans to the queue."""

    @rpc_call
    def remove(self):
@@ -2913,7 +2941,7 @@ class ScatterWaveform(RPCBase):
        x_entry: "None | str" = None,
        y_entry: "None | str" = None,
        z_entry: "None | str" = None,
-        color_map: "str | None" = "magma",
+        color_map: "str | None" = "plasma",
        label: "str | None" = None,
        validate_bec: "bool" = True,
    ) -> "ScatterCurve":
@@ -2953,26 +2981,6 @@ class ScatterWaveform(RPCBase):
        """


-class SignalComboBox(RPCBase):
-    """Line edit widget for device input with autocomplete for device names."""
-
-    @rpc_call
-    def remove(self):
-        """
-        Cleanup the BECConnector
-        """
-
-
-class SignalLineEdit(RPCBase):
-    """Line edit widget for device input with autocomplete for device names."""
-
-    @rpc_call
-    def remove(self):
-        """
-        Cleanup the BECConnector
-        """
-
-
 class StopButton(RPCBase):
    """A button that stops the current scan."""

@@ -3005,6 +3013,14 @@ class TextBox(RPCBase):
        """


+class UILaunchWindow(RPCBase):
+    @rpc_call
+    def remove(self):
+        """
+        Cleanup the BECConnector
+        """
+
+
 class VSCodeEditor(RPCBase):
    """A widget to display the VSCode editor."""

@@ -3012,6 +3028,8 @@ class VSCodeEditor(RPCBase):


 class Waveform(RPCBase):
+    """Widget for plotting waveforms."""
+
    @property
    @rpc_call
    def _config_dict(self) -> "dict":
@@ -3293,12 +3311,6 @@ class Waveform(RPCBase):
        The font size of the legend font.
        """

-    @rpc_call
-    def __getitem__(self, key: "int | str"):
-        """
-        None
-        """
-
    @property
    @rpc_call
    def curves(self) -> "list[Curve]":
@@ -3323,6 +3335,20 @@ class Waveform(RPCBase):
        None
        """

+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def x_entry(self) -> "str | None":
+        """
+        The x signal name.
+        """
+
+    @x_entry.setter
+    @rpc_call
+    def x_entry(self) -> "str | None":
+        """
+        The x signal name.
+        """
+
    @property
    @rpc_call
    def color_palette(self) -> "str":
--- a/bec_widgets/cli/client_utils.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/cli/client_utils.py
@@ -10,25 +10,31 @@ import threading
 import time
 from contextlib import contextmanager
 from threading import Lock
-from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Any
+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, lazy_import_from
+from bec_lib.utils.import_utils 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.redis_connector import StreamMessage
+    from bec_lib.messages import GUIRegistryStateMessage
 else:
-    StreamMessage = lazy_import_from("bec_lib.redis_connector", ("StreamMessage",))
+    GUIRegistryStateMessage = lazy_import_from("bec_lib.messages", "GUIRegistryStateMessage")

 logger = bec_logger.logger

-IGNORE_WIDGETS = ["BECDockArea", "BECDock"]
+IGNORE_WIDGETS = ["LaunchWindow"]
+
+RegistryState: TypeAlias = dict[
+    Literal["gui_id", "name", "widget_class", "config", "__rpc__", "container_proxy"],
+    str | bool | dict,
+]

 # pylint: disable=redefined-outer-scope

@@ -67,7 +73,11 @@ def _get_output(process, logger) -> None:


 def _start_plot_process(
-    gui_id: str, gui_class: type, gui_class_id: str, config: dict | str, logger=None
+    gui_id: str,
+    gui_class_id: str,
+    config: dict | str,
+    gui_class: str = "dock_area",
+    logger=None,  # FIXME change gui_class back to "launcher" later
 ) -> tuple[subprocess.Popen[str], threading.Thread | None]:
    """
    Start the plot in a new process.
@@ -82,7 +92,7 @@ def _start_plot_process(
        "--id",
        gui_id,
        "--gui_class",
-        gui_class.__name__,
+        gui_class,
        "--gui_class_id",
        gui_class_id,
        "--hide",
@@ -195,25 +205,28 @@ class BECGuiClient(RPCBase):
    def __init__(self, **kwargs) -> None:
        super().__init__(**kwargs)
        self._lock = Lock()
-        self._default_dock_name = "bec"
-        self._auto_updates_enabled = True
-        self._auto_updates = None
+        self._anchor_widget = "launcher"
        self._killed = False
-        self._top_level: dict[str, client.BECDockArea] = {}
+        self._top_level: dict[str, RPCReference] = {}
        self._startup_timeout = 0
        self._gui_started_timer = None
        self._gui_started_event = threading.Event()
        self._process = None
        self._process_output_processing_thread = None
-        self._exposed_widgets = []
-        self._server_registry = {}
-        self._ipython_registry = {}
+        self._server_registry: dict[str, RegistryState] = {}
+        self._ipython_registry: dict[str, RPCReference] = {}
        self.available_widgets = AvailableWidgetsNamespace()
+        register_serializer_extension()

    ####################
    #### Client API ####
    ####################

+    @property
+    def launcher(self) -> RPCBase:
+        """The launcher object."""
+        return RPCBase(gui_id=f"{self._gui_id}:launcher", parent=self, object_name="launcher")
+
    def connect_to_gui_server(self, gui_id: str) -> None:
        """Connect to a GUI server"""
        # Unregister the old callback
@@ -221,21 +234,25 @@ class BECGuiClient(RPCBase):
            MessageEndpoints.gui_registry_state(self._gui_id), cb=self._handle_registry_update
        )
        self._gui_id = gui_id
-        # Get the registry state
-        msgs = self._client.connector.xread(
-            MessageEndpoints.gui_registry_state(self._gui_id), count=1
-        )
-        if msgs:
-            self._handle_registry_update(msgs[0])
+
+        # reset the namespace
+        self._update_dynamic_namespace({})
+        self._server_registry = {}
+        self._top_level = {}
+        self._ipython_registry = {}
+
        # Register the new callback
        self._client.connector.register(
-            MessageEndpoints.gui_registry_state(self._gui_id), cb=self._handle_registry_update
+            MessageEndpoints.gui_registry_state(self._gui_id),
+            cb=self._handle_registry_update,
+            parent=self,
+            from_start=True,
        )

    @property
    def windows(self) -> dict:
        """Dictionary with dock areas in the GUI."""
-        return self._top_level
+        return {widget.object_name: widget for widget in self._top_level.values()}

    @property
    def window_list(self) -> list:
@@ -261,6 +278,8 @@ class BECGuiClient(RPCBase):
        name: str | None = None,
        wait: bool = True,
        geometry: tuple[int, int, int, int] | None = None,
+        launch_script: str = "dock_area",
+        **kwargs,
    ) -> client.BECDockArea:
        """Create a new top-level dock area.

@@ -275,14 +294,12 @@ class BECGuiClient(RPCBase):
            self.start(wait=True)
        if wait:
            with wait_for_server(self):
-                rpc_client = RPCBase(gui_id=f"{self._gui_id}:window", parent=self)
-                widget = rpc_client._run_rpc(
-                    "new_dock_area", name, geometry
+                widget = self.launcher._run_rpc(
+                    "launch", launch_script=launch_script, name=name, geometry=geometry, **kwargs
                )  # pylint: disable=protected-access
                return widget
-        rpc_client = RPCBase(gui_id=f"{self._gui_id}:window", parent=self)
-        widget = rpc_client._run_rpc(
-            "new_dock_area", name, geometry
+        widget = self.launcher._run_rpc(
+            "launch", launch_script=launch_script, name=name, geometry=geometry, **kwargs
        )  # pylint: disable=protected-access
        return widget

@@ -352,11 +369,13 @@ class BECGuiClient(RPCBase):
        # Wait for 'bec' gui to be registered, this may take some time
        # After 60s timeout. Should this raise an exception on timeout?
        while time.time() < time.time() + timeout:
-            if len(list(self._server_registry.keys())) == 0:
+            if len(list(self._server_registry.keys())) < 2 or not hasattr(
+                self, self._anchor_widget
+            ):
                time.sleep(0.1)
            else:
                break
-        self._do_show_all()
+
        self._gui_started_event.set()

    def _start_server(self, wait: bool = False) -> None:
@@ -369,8 +388,7 @@ class BECGuiClient(RPCBase):
            self._gui_started_event.clear()
            self._process, self._process_output_processing_thread = _start_plot_process(
                self._gui_id,
-                self.__class__,
-                gui_class_id=self._default_dock_name,
+                gui_class_id="bec",
                config=self._client._service_config.config,  # pylint: disable=protected-access
                logger=logger,
            )
@@ -380,7 +398,7 @@ class BECGuiClient(RPCBase):
                    if callable(callback):
                        callback()
                finally:
-                    threading.current_thread().cancel()
+                    threading.current_thread().cancel()  # type: ignore

            self._gui_started_timer = RepeatTimer(
                0.5, lambda: self._gui_is_alive() and gui_started_callback(self._gui_post_startup)
@@ -390,25 +408,27 @@ class BECGuiClient(RPCBase):
        if wait:
            self._gui_started_event.wait()

-    def _dump(self):
-        rpc_client = RPCBase(gui_id=f"{self._gui_id}:window", parent=self)
-        return rpc_client._run_rpc("_dump")
-
    def _start(self, wait: bool = False) -> None:
        self._killed = False
        self._client.connector.register(
-            MessageEndpoints.gui_registry_state(self._gui_id), cb=self._handle_registry_update
+            MessageEndpoints.gui_registry_state(self._gui_id),
+            cb=self._handle_registry_update,
+            parent=self,
        )
        return self._start_server(wait=wait)

-    def _handle_registry_update(self, msg: StreamMessage) -> None:
+    @staticmethod
+    def _handle_registry_update(
+        msg: dict[str, GUIRegistryStateMessage], parent: BECGuiClient
+    ) -> None:
        # This was causing a deadlock during shutdown, not sure why.
        # with self._lock:
-        self._server_registry = msg["data"].state
-        self._update_dynamic_namespace()
+        self = parent
+        self._server_registry = cast(dict[str, RegistryState], msg["data"].state)
+        self._update_dynamic_namespace(self._server_registry)

    def _do_show_all(self):
-        rpc_client = RPCBase(gui_id=f"{self._gui_id}:window", parent=self)
+        rpc_client = RPCBase(gui_id=f"{self._gui_id}:launcher", parent=self)
        rpc_client._run_rpc("show")  # pylint: disable=protected-access
        for window in self._top_level.values():
            window.show()
@@ -419,124 +439,72 @@ class BECGuiClient(RPCBase):

    def _hide_all(self):
        with wait_for_server(self):
-            rpc_client = RPCBase(gui_id=f"{self._gui_id}:window", parent=self)
+            rpc_client = RPCBase(gui_id=f"{self._gui_id}:launcher", parent=self)
            rpc_client._run_rpc("hide")  # pylint: disable=protected-access
            if not self._killed:
                for window in self._top_level.values():
                    window.hide()

-    def _update_dynamic_namespace(self):
-        """Update the dynamic name space"""
-        # Clear the top level
-        self._top_level.clear()
-        # First we update the name space based on the new registry state
-        self._add_registry_to_namespace()
-        # Then we clear the ipython registry from old objects
-        self._cleanup_ipython_registry()
+    def _update_dynamic_namespace(self, server_registry: dict):
+        """
+        Update the dynamic name space with the given server registry.
+        Setting the server registry to an empty dictionary will remove all widgets from the namespace.

-    def _cleanup_ipython_registry(self):
-        """Cleanup the ipython registry"""
-        names_in_registry = list(self._ipython_registry.keys())
-        names_in_server_state = list(self._server_registry.keys())
-        remove_ids = list(set(names_in_registry) - set(names_in_server_state))
-        for widget_id in remove_ids:
-            self._ipython_registry.pop(widget_id)
-        self._cleanup_rpc_references_on_rpc_base(remove_ids)
-        # Clear the exposed widgets
-        self._exposed_widgets.clear()  # No longer needed I think
+        Args:
+            server_registry (dict): The server registry
+        """
+        top_level_widgets: dict[str, RPCReference] = {}
+        for gui_id, state in server_registry.items():
+            widget = self._add_widget(state, self)
+            if widget is None:
+                # ignore widgets that are not supported
+                continue
+            # get all top-level widgets. These are widgets that have no parent
+            if not state["config"].get("parent_id"):
+                top_level_widgets[gui_id] = widget

-    def _cleanup_rpc_references_on_rpc_base(self, remove_ids: list[str]) -> None:
-        """Cleanup the rpc references on the RPCBase object"""
-        if not remove_ids:
-            return
-        for widget in self._ipython_registry.values():
-            to_delete = []
-            for attr_name, gui_id in widget._rpc_references.items():
-                if gui_id in remove_ids:
-                    to_delete.append(attr_name)
-            for attr_name in to_delete:
-                if hasattr(widget, attr_name):
-                    delattr(widget, attr_name)
-                if attr_name.startswith("elements."):
-                    delattr(widget.elements, attr_name.split(".")[1])
-                widget._rpc_references.pop(attr_name)
+        remove_from_registry = []
+        for gui_id, widget in self._ipython_registry.items():
+            if gui_id not in server_registry:
+                remove_from_registry.append(gui_id)
+        for gui_id in remove_from_registry:
+            self._ipython_registry.pop(gui_id)

-    def _set_dynamic_attributes(self, obj: object, name: str, value: Any) -> None:
-        """Add an object to the namespace"""
-        setattr(obj, name, value)
-
-    def _update_rpc_references(self, widget: RPCBase, name: str, gui_id: str) -> None:
-        """Update the RPC references"""
-        widget._rpc_references[name] = gui_id
-
-    def _add_registry_to_namespace(self) -> None:
-        """Add registry to namespace"""
-        # Add dock areas
-        dock_area_states = [
-            state
-            for state in self._server_registry.values()
-            if state["widget_class"] == "BECDockArea"
+        removed_widgets = [
+            widget.object_name for widget in self._top_level.values() if widget._is_deleted()
        ]
-        for state in dock_area_states:
-            dock_area_ref = self._add_widget(state, self)
-            dock_area = self._ipython_registry.get(dock_area_ref._gui_id)
-            if not hasattr(dock_area, "elements"):
-                self._set_dynamic_attributes(dock_area, "elements", WidgetNameSpace())
-            self._set_dynamic_attributes(self, dock_area.widget_name, dock_area_ref)
-            # Keep track of rpc references on RPCBase object
-            self._update_rpc_references(self, dock_area.widget_name, dock_area_ref._gui_id)
-            # Add dock_area to the top level
-            self._top_level[dock_area_ref.widget_name] = dock_area_ref
-            self._exposed_widgets.append(dock_area_ref._gui_id)

-            # Add docks
-            dock_states = [
-                state
-                for state in self._server_registry.values()
-                if state["config"].get("parent_id", "") == dock_area_ref._gui_id
-            ]
-            for state in dock_states:
-                dock_ref = self._add_widget(state, dock_area)
-                dock = self._ipython_registry.get(dock_ref._gui_id)
-                self._set_dynamic_attributes(dock_area, dock_ref.widget_name, dock_ref)
-                # Keep track of rpc references on RPCBase object
-                self._update_rpc_references(dock_area, dock_ref.widget_name, dock_ref._gui_id)
-                # Keep track of exposed docks
-                self._exposed_widgets.append(dock_ref._gui_id)
+        for widget_name in removed_widgets:
+            # the check is not strictly necessary, but better safe
+            # than sorry; who knows what the user has done
+            if hasattr(self, widget_name):
+                delattr(self, widget_name)

-                # Add widgets
-                widget_states = [
-                    state
-                    for state in self._server_registry.values()
-                    if state["config"].get("parent_id", "") == dock_ref._gui_id
-                ]
-                for state in widget_states:
-                    widget_ref = self._add_widget(state, dock)
-                    self._set_dynamic_attributes(dock, widget_ref.widget_name, widget_ref)
-                    self._set_dynamic_attributes(
-                        dock_area.elements, widget_ref.widget_name, widget_ref
-                    )
-                    # Keep track of rpc references on RPCBase object
-                    self._update_rpc_references(
-                        dock_area, f"elements.{widget_ref.widget_name}", widget_ref._gui_id
-                    )
-                    self._update_rpc_references(dock, widget_ref.widget_name, widget_ref._gui_id)
-                    # Keep track of exposed widgets
-                    self._exposed_widgets.append(widget_ref._gui_id)
+        for gui_id, widget_ref in top_level_widgets.items():
+            setattr(self, widget_ref.object_name, widget_ref)

-    def _add_widget(self, state: dict, parent: object) -> RPCReference:
+        self._top_level = top_level_widgets
+
+        for widget in self._ipython_registry.values():
+            widget._refresh_references()
+
+    def _add_widget(self, state: dict, parent: object) -> RPCReference | None:
        """Add a widget to the namespace

        Args:
            state (dict): The state of the widget from the _server_registry.
            parent (object): The parent object.
        """
-        name = state["name"]
+        object_name = state["object_name"]
        gui_id = state["gui_id"]
-        widget_class = getattr(client, state["widget_class"])
+        if state["widget_class"] in IGNORE_WIDGETS:
+            return
+        widget_class = getattr(client, state["widget_class"], None)
+        if widget_class is None:
+            return
        obj = self._ipython_registry.get(gui_id)
        if obj is None:
-            widget = widget_class(gui_id=gui_id, name=name, parent=parent)
+            widget = widget_class(gui_id=gui_id, object_name=object_name, parent=parent)
            self._ipython_registry[gui_id] = widget
        else:
            widget = obj
--- a/bec_widgets/cli/generate_cli.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/cli/generate_cli.py
@@ -2,17 +2,22 @@
 from __future__ import annotations

 import argparse
+import importlib
 import inspect
 import os
 import sys
+from pathlib import Path

 import black
 import isort
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from qtpy.QtCore import Property as QtProperty

-from bec_widgets.utils.generate_designer_plugin import DesignerPluginGenerator
+from bec_widgets.utils.generate_designer_plugin import DesignerPluginGenerator, plugin_filenames
 from bec_widgets.utils.plugin_utils import BECClassContainer, get_custom_classes

+logger = bec_logger.logger
+
 if sys.version_info >= (3, 11):
    from typing import get_overloads
 else:
@@ -29,13 +34,29 @@ else:


 class ClientGenerator:
-    def __init__(self):
-        self.header = """# This file was automatically generated by generate_cli.py\n
+    def __init__(self, base=False):
+        self._base = base
+        base_imports = (
+            """import enum
+import inspect
+import traceback
+from functools import reduce
+from operator import add
+from typing import Literal, Optional
+"""
+            if self._base
+            else "\n"
+        )
+        self.header = f"""# This file was automatically generated by generate_cli.py
+# type: ignore \n
 from __future__ import annotations
-import enum
-from typing import Literal, Optional, overload
+{base_imports}
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger

 from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_base import RPCBase, rpc_call
+{"from bec_widgets.utils.bec_plugin_helper import get_all_plugin_widgets, get_plugin_client_module" if self._base else ""}
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger

 # pylint: skip-file"""

@@ -62,6 +83,7 @@ from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_base import RPCBase, rpc_call

        self.write_client_enum(rpc_top_level_classes)
        for cls in connector_classes:
+            logger.debug(f"generating RPC client class for {cls.__name__}")
            self.content += "\n\n"
            self.generate_content_for_class(cls)

@@ -69,14 +91,50 @@ from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_base import RPCBase, rpc_call
        """
        Write the client enum to the content.
        """
+        if self._base:
+            self.content += """
+class _WidgetsEnumType(str, enum.Enum):
+    \"\"\" Enum for the available widgets, to be generated programatically  \"\"\"
+    ...
+    """
+
        self.content += """
-class Widgets(str, enum.Enum):
-    \"\"\"
-    Enum for the available widgets.
-    \"\"\"
+
+_Widgets = {
    """
        for cls in published_classes:
-            self.content += f'{cls.__name__} = "{cls.__name__}"\n    '
+            self.content += f'"{cls.__name__}": "{cls.__name__}",\n    '
+
+        self.content += """}
+"""
+        if self._base:
+            self.content += """
+
+try:
+    _plugin_widgets = get_all_plugin_widgets()
+    plugin_client = get_plugin_client_module()
+    Widgets = _WidgetsEnumType("Widgets", {name: name for name in _plugin_widgets} | _Widgets)
+
+    if (_overlap := _Widgets.keys() & _plugin_widgets.keys()) != set():
+        for _widget in _overlap:
+            logger.warning(f"Detected duplicate widget {_widget} in plugin repo file: {inspect.getfile(_plugin_widgets[_widget])} !")
+    for plugin_name, plugin_class in inspect.getmembers(plugin_client, inspect.isclass):
+        if issubclass(plugin_class, RPCBase) and plugin_class is not RPCBase:
+            if plugin_name in globals():
+                conflicting_file = (
+                    inspect.getfile(_plugin_widgets[plugin_name])
+                    if plugin_name in _plugin_widgets
+                    else f"{plugin_client}"
+                )
+                logger.warning(
+                    f"Plugin widget {plugin_name} from {conflicting_file} conflicts with a built-in class!"
+                )
+                continue
+            if plugin_name not in _overlap:
+                globals()[plugin_name] = plugin_class
+except ImportError as e:
+    logger.error(f"Failed loading plugins: \\n{reduce(add, traceback.format_exception(e))}")
+"""

    def generate_content_for_class(self, cls):
        """
@@ -165,18 +223,18 @@ class {class_name}(RPCBase):"""
        # Combine header and content, then format with black
        full_content = self.header + "\n" + self.content
        try:
-            formatted_content = black.format_str(full_content, mode=black.FileMode(line_length=100))
+            formatted_content = black.format_str(full_content, mode=black.Mode(line_length=100))
        except black.NothingChanged:
            formatted_content = full_content

-        isort.Config(
+        config = isort.Config(
            profile="black",
            line_length=100,
            multi_line_output=3,
-            include_trailing_comma=True,
+            include_trailing_comma=False,
            known_first_party=["bec_widgets"],
        )
-        formatted_content = isort.code(formatted_content)
+        formatted_content = isort.code(formatted_content, config=config)

        with open(file_name, "w", encoding="utf-8") as file:
            file.write(formatted_content)
@@ -188,41 +246,78 @@ def main():
    """

    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description="Auto-generate the client for RPC widgets")
-    parser.add_argument("--core", action="store_true", help="Whether to generate the core client")
+    parser.add_argument(
+        "--target",
+        action="store",
+        type=str,
+        help="Which package to generate plugin files for. Should be installed in the local environment (example: my_plugin_repo)",
+    )

    args = parser.parse_args()
+    if args.target is None:
+        logger.error(
+            "You must provide a target - for safety, the default of running this on bec_widgets core has been removed. To generate the client for bec_widgets, run `bw-generate-cli --target bec_widgets`"
+        )
+        return

-    if args.core:
-        current_path = os.path.dirname(__file__)
-        client_path = os.path.join(current_path, "client.py")
+    logger.info(f"BEC Widget code generation tool started with args: {args}")

-        rpc_classes = get_custom_classes("bec_widgets")
+    client_subdir = "cli" if args.target == "bec_widgets" else "widgets"
+    module_name = "bec_widgets" if args.target == "bec_widgets" else f"{args.target}.bec_widgets"

-        generator = ClientGenerator()
-        generator.generate_client(rpc_classes)
-        generator.write(client_path)
+    try:
+        module = importlib.import_module(module_name)
+        assert module.__file__ is not None
+        module_file = Path(module.__file__)
+        module_dir = module_file.parent if module_file.is_file() else module_file
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.error(f"Failed to load module {module_name} for code generation: {e}")
+        return

-        for cls in rpc_classes.plugins:
-            plugin = DesignerPluginGenerator(cls)
-            if not hasattr(plugin, "info"):
-                continue
+    client_path = module_dir / client_subdir / "client.py"

-            # if the class directory already has a register, plugin and pyproject file, skip
-            if os.path.exists(
-                os.path.join(plugin.info.base_path, f"register_{plugin.info.plugin_name_snake}.py")
-            ):
-                continue
-            if os.path.exists(
-                os.path.join(plugin.info.base_path, f"{plugin.info.plugin_name_snake}_plugin.py")
-            ):
-                continue
-            if os.path.exists(
-                os.path.join(plugin.info.base_path, f"{plugin.info.plugin_name_snake}.pyproject")
-            ):
-                continue
-            plugin.run()
+    rpc_classes = get_custom_classes(module_name)
+    logger.info(f"Obtained classes with RPC objects: {rpc_classes!r}")
+
+    generator = ClientGenerator(base=module_name == "bec_widgets")
+    logger.info(f"Generating client file at {client_path}")
+    generator.generate_client(rpc_classes)
+    generator.write(str(client_path))
+
+    if module_name != "bec_widgets":
+        non_overwrite_classes = list(clsinfo.name for clsinfo in get_custom_classes("bec_widgets"))
+        logger.info(
+            f"Not writing plugins which would conflict with builtin classes: {non_overwrite_classes}"
+        )
+    else:
+        non_overwrite_classes = []
+
+    for cls in rpc_classes.plugins:
+        logger.info(f"Writing bec-designer plugin files for {cls.__name__}...")
+
+        if cls.__name__ in non_overwrite_classes:
+            logger.error(
+                f"Not writing plugin files for {cls.__name__} because a built-in widget with that name exists"
+            )
+
+        plugin = DesignerPluginGenerator(cls)
+        if not hasattr(plugin, "info"):
+            continue
+
+        def _exists(file: str):
+            return os.path.exists(os.path.join(plugin.info.base_path, file))
+
+        if any(_exists(file) for file in plugin_filenames(plugin.info.plugin_name_snake)):
+            logger.debug(
+                f"Skipping generation of extra plugin files for {plugin.info.plugin_name_snake} - at least one file out of 'plugin.py', 'pyproject', and 'register_{plugin.info.plugin_name_snake}.py' already exists."
+            )
+            continue
+
+        plugin.run()


 if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
-    sys.argv = ["generate_cli.py", "--core"]
+    import sys
+
+    sys.argv = ["bw-generate-cli", "--target", "bec_widgets"]
    main()
--- a/bec_widgets/cli/rpc/rpc_base.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/cli/rpc/rpc_base.py
@@ -4,20 +4,21 @@ import inspect
 import threading
 import uuid
 from functools import wraps
-from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Any
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Any, cast

 from bec_lib.client import BECClient
 from bec_lib.endpoints import MessageEndpoints
 from bec_lib.utils.import_utils import lazy_import, lazy_import_from

-import bec_widgets.cli.client as client
-
 if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
    from bec_lib import messages
    from bec_lib.connector import MessageObject
+
+    import bec_widgets.cli.client as client
+    from bec_widgets.cli.client_utils import BECGuiClient
 else:
+    client = lazy_import("bec_widgets.cli.client")  # avoid circular import
    messages = lazy_import("bec_lib.messages")
-    # from bec_lib.connector import MessageObject
    MessageObject = lazy_import_from("bec_lib.connector", ("MessageObject",))

 # pylint: disable=protected-access
@@ -38,7 +39,7 @@ def rpc_call(func):
    def wrapper(self, *args, **kwargs):
        # we could rely on a strict type check here, but this is more flexible
        # moreover, it would anyway crash for objects...
-        caller_frame = inspect.currentframe().f_back
+        caller_frame = inspect.currentframe().f_back  # type: ignore
        while caller_frame:
            if "jedi" in caller_frame.f_globals:
                # Jedi module is present, likely tab completion
@@ -88,16 +89,20 @@ class RPCReference:
    def __init__(self, registry: dict, gui_id: str) -> None:
        self._registry = registry
        self._gui_id = gui_id
+        self.object_name = self._registry[self._gui_id].object_name

    @check_for_deleted_widget
    def __getattr__(self, name):
-        if name in ["_registry", "_gui_id"]:
+        if name in ["_registry", "_gui_id", "_is_deleted", "object_name"]:
            return super().__getattribute__(name)
        return self._registry[self._gui_id].__getattribute__(name)

-    @check_for_deleted_widget
-    def __getitem__(self, key):
-        return self._registry[self._gui_id].__getitem__(key)
+    def __setattr__(self, name, value):
+        if name in ["_registry", "_gui_id", "_is_deleted", "object_name"]:
+            return super().__setattr__(name, value)
+        if self._gui_id not in self._registry:
+            raise DeletedWidgetError(f"Widget with gui_id {self._gui_id} has been deleted")
+        self._registry[self._gui_id].__setattr__(name, value)

    def __repr__(self):
        if self._gui_id not in self._registry:
@@ -114,19 +119,23 @@ class RPCReference:
            return []
        return self._registry[self._gui_id].__dir__()

+    def _is_deleted(self) -> bool:
+        return self._gui_id not in self._registry
+

 class RPCBase:
    def __init__(
        self,
        gui_id: str | None = None,
        config: dict | None = None,
-        name: str | None = None,
+        object_name: str | None = None,
        parent=None,
+        **kwargs,
    ) -> None:
        self._client = BECClient()  # BECClient is a singleton; here, we simply get the instance
        self._config = config if config is not None else {}
        self._gui_id = gui_id if gui_id is not None else str(uuid.uuid4())[:5]
-        self._name = name if name is not None else str(uuid.uuid4())[:5]
+        self.object_name = object_name if object_name is not None else str(uuid.uuid4())[:5]
        self._parent = parent
        self._msg_wait_event = threading.Event()
        self._rpc_response = None
@@ -136,23 +145,23 @@ class RPCBase:
    def __repr__(self):
        type_ = type(self)
        qualname = type_.__qualname__
-        return f"<{qualname} with name: {self.widget_name}>"
+        return f"<{qualname} with name: {self.object_name}>"

    def remove(self):
        """
        Remove the widget.
        """
+        obj = self._root._server_registry.get(self._gui_id)
+        if obj is None:
+            raise ValueError(f"Widget {self._gui_id} not found.")
+        if proxy := obj.get("container_proxy"):
+            assert isinstance(proxy, str)
+            self._run_rpc("remove", gui_id=proxy)
+            return
        self._run_rpc("remove")

    @property
-    def widget_name(self):
-        """
-        Get the widget name.
-        """
-        return self._name
-
-    @property
-    def _root(self):
+    def _root(self) -> BECGuiClient:
        """
        Get the root widget. This is the BECFigure widget that holds
        the anchor gui_id.
@@ -161,9 +170,17 @@ class RPCBase:
        # pylint: disable=protected-access
        while parent._parent is not None:
            parent = parent._parent
-        return parent
+        return parent  # type: ignore

-    def _run_rpc(self, method, *args, wait_for_rpc_response=True, timeout=3, **kwargs) -> Any:
+    def _run_rpc(
+        self,
+        method,
+        *args,
+        wait_for_rpc_response=True,
+        timeout=5,
+        gui_id: str | None = None,
+        **kwargs,
+    ) -> Any:
        """
        Run the RPC call.

@@ -171,6 +188,8 @@ class RPCBase:
            method: The method to call.
            args: The arguments to pass to the method.
            wait_for_rpc_response: Whether to wait for the RPC response.
+            timeout: The timeout for the RPC response.
+            gui_id: The GUI ID to use for the RPC call. If None, the default GUI ID is used.
            kwargs: The keyword arguments to pass to the method.

        Returns:
@@ -179,7 +198,7 @@ class RPCBase:
        request_id = str(uuid.uuid4())
        rpc_msg = messages.GUIInstructionMessage(
            action=method,
-            parameter={"args": args, "kwargs": kwargs, "gui_id": self._gui_id},
+            parameter={"args": args, "kwargs": kwargs, "gui_id": gui_id or self._gui_id},
            metadata={"request_id": request_id},
        )
        # pylint: disable=protected-access
@@ -205,7 +224,11 @@ class RPCBase:
                self._client.connector.unregister(
                    MessageEndpoints.gui_instruction_response(request_id), cb=self._on_rpc_response
                )
-            # get class name
+
+            # we can assume that the response is a RequestResponseMessage, updated by
+            # the _on_rpc_response method
+            assert isinstance(self._rpc_response, messages.RequestResponseMessage)
+
            if not self._rpc_response.accepted:
                raise ValueError(self._rpc_response.message["error"])
            msg_result = self._rpc_response.message.get("result")
@@ -213,10 +236,10 @@ class RPCBase:
            return self._create_widget_from_msg_result(msg_result)

    @staticmethod
-    def _on_rpc_response(msg: MessageObject, parent: RPCBase) -> None:
-        msg = msg.value
-        parent._msg_wait_event.set()
+    def _on_rpc_response(msg_obj: MessageObject, parent: RPCBase) -> None:
+        msg = cast(messages.RequestResponseMessage, msg_obj.value)
        parent._rpc_response = msg
+        parent._msg_wait_event.set()

    def _create_widget_from_msg_result(self, msg_result):
        if msg_result is None:
@@ -236,13 +259,14 @@ class RPCBase:

            cls = getattr(client, cls)
            # The namespace of the object will be updated dynamically on the client side
-            # Therefor it is important to check if the object is already in the registry
+            # Therefore it is important to check if the object is already in the registry
            # If yes, we return the reference to the object, otherwise we create a new object
            # pylint: disable=protected-access
            if msg_result["gui_id"] in self._root._ipython_registry:
                return RPCReference(self._root._ipython_registry, msg_result["gui_id"])
            ret = cls(parent=self, **msg_result)
            self._root._ipython_registry[ret._gui_id] = ret
+            self._refresh_references()
            obj = RPCReference(self._root._ipython_registry, ret._gui_id)
            return obj
            # return ret
@@ -258,3 +282,27 @@ class RPCBase:
        if heart.status == messages.BECStatus.RUNNING:
            return True
        return False
+
+    def _refresh_references(self):
+        """
+        Refresh the references.
+        """
+        with self._root._lock:
+            references = {}
+            for key, val in self._root._server_registry.items():
+                parent_id = val["config"].get("parent_id")
+                if parent_id == self._gui_id:
+                    references[key] = {
+                        "gui_id": val["config"]["gui_id"],
+                        "object_name": val["object_name"],
+                    }
+            removed_references = set(self._rpc_references.keys()) - set(references.keys())
+            for key in removed_references:
+                delattr(self, self._rpc_references[key]["object_name"])
+            self._rpc_references = references
+            for key, val in references.items():
+                setattr(
+                    self,
+                    val["object_name"],
+                    RPCReference(self._root._ipython_registry, val["gui_id"]),
+                )
--- a/bec_widgets/cli/rpc/rpc_register.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/cli/rpc/rpc_register.py
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 from __future__ import annotations

 from functools import wraps
-from threading import Lock, RLock
+from threading import RLock
 from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Callable
 from weakref import WeakValueDictionary

@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ class RPCRegister:
        return register._broadcast_on_hold

    @broadcast_update
-    def add_rpc(self, rpc: QObject):
+    def add_rpc(self, rpc: BECConnector):
        """
        Add an RPC object to the register.

@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ class RPCRegister:
        self._rpc_register[rpc.gui_id] = rpc

    @broadcast_update
-    def remove_rpc(self, rpc: str):
+    def remove_rpc(self, rpc: BECConnector):
        """
        Remove an RPC object from the register.

@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ class RPCRegister:
        return connections

    def get_names_of_rpc_by_class_type(
-        self, cls: BECWidget | BECConnector | BECDock | BECDockArea
+        self, cls: type[BECWidget] | type[BECConnector] | type[BECDock] | type[BECDockArea]
    ) -> list[str]:
        """Get all the names of the widgets.

@@ -123,7 +123,7 @@ class RPCRegister:
        # This retrieves any rpc objects that are subclass of BECWidget,
        # i.e. curve and image items are excluded
        widgets = [rpc for rpc in self._rpc_register.values() if isinstance(rpc, cls)]
-        return [widget._name for widget in widgets]
+        return [widget.object_name for widget in widgets]

    def broadcast(self):
        """
@@ -136,6 +136,18 @@ class RPCRegister:
        for callback in self.callbacks:
            callback(connections)

+    def object_is_registered(self, obj: BECConnector) -> bool:
+        """
+        Check if an object is registered in the RPC register.
+
+        Args:
+            obj(QObject): The object to check.
+
+        Returns:
+            bool: True if the object is registered, False otherwise.
+        """
+        return obj.gui_id in self._rpc_register
+
    def add_callback(self, callback: Callable[[dict], None]):
        """
        Add a callback that will be called whenever the registry is updated.
@@ -170,7 +182,8 @@ class RPCRegisterBroadcast:

    def __exit__(self, *exc):
        """Exit the context manager"""
+
        self._call_depth -= 1  # Remove nested calls
-        if self._call_depth == 0:  # Last one to exit is repsonsible for broadcasting
+        if self._call_depth == 0:  # The Last one to exit is responsible for broadcasting
            self.rpc_register._skip_broadcast = False
        self.rpc_register.broadcast()
--- a/bec_widgets/cli/rpc/rpc_widget_handler.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/cli/rpc/rpc_widget_handler.py
@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
 from __future__ import annotations

-from typing import Any
-
 from bec_widgets.cli.client_utils import IGNORE_WIDGETS
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_plugin_helper import get_all_plugin_widgets
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
+from bec_widgets.utils.plugin_utils import get_custom_classes


 class RPCWidgetHandler:
@@ -31,14 +31,12 @@ class RPCWidgetHandler:
        Returns:
            None
        """
-        from bec_widgets.utils.plugin_utils import get_custom_classes
-
        clss = get_custom_classes("bec_widgets")
-        self._widget_classes = {
+        self._widget_classes = get_all_plugin_widgets() | {
            cls.__name__: cls for cls in clss.widgets if cls.__name__ not in IGNORE_WIDGETS
        }

-    def create_widget(self, widget_type, name: str | None = None, **kwargs) -> BECWidget:
+    def create_widget(self, widget_type, **kwargs) -> BECWidget:
        """
        Create a widget from an RPC message.

@@ -52,7 +50,7 @@ class RPCWidgetHandler:
        """
        widget_class = self.widget_classes.get(widget_type)  # type: ignore
        if widget_class:
-            return widget_class(name=name, **kwargs)
+            return widget_class(**kwargs)
        raise ValueError(f"Unknown widget type: {widget_type}")


--- a/bec_widgets/cli/server.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/cli/server.py
@@ -1,188 +1,27 @@
 from __future__ import annotations

-import functools
+import argparse
 import json
+import os
 import signal
 import sys
-import types
-from contextlib import contextmanager, redirect_stderr, redirect_stdout
-from typing import Union
+from contextlib import redirect_stderr, redirect_stdout
+from typing import cast

-from bec_lib.endpoints import MessageEndpoints
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from bec_lib.service_config import ServiceConfig
-from bec_lib.utils.import_utils import lazy_import
-from qtpy.QtCore import Qt, QTimer
-from redis.exceptions import RedisError
+from qtpy.QtCore import QSize, Qt
+from qtpy.QtGui import QIcon
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication

+import bec_widgets
+from bec_widgets.applications.launch_window import LaunchWindow
 from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_register import RPCRegister
-from bec_widgets.utils import BECDispatcher
-from bec_widgets.utils.bec_connector import BECConnector
-from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import ErrorPopupUtility
-from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock import BECDockArea
-from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.main_window import BECMainWindow
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_dispatcher import BECDispatcher

-messages = lazy_import("bec_lib.messages")
 logger = bec_logger.logger

-
-@contextmanager
-def rpc_exception_hook(err_func):
-    """This context replaces the popup message box for error display with a specific hook"""
-    # get error popup utility singleton
-    popup = ErrorPopupUtility()
-    # save current setting
-    old_exception_hook = popup.custom_exception_hook
-
-    # install err_func, if it is a callable
-    # IMPORTANT, Keep self here, because this method is overwriting the custom_exception_hook
-    # of the ErrorPopupUtility (popup instance) class.
-    def custom_exception_hook(self, exc_type, value, tb, **kwargs):
-        err_func({"error": popup.get_error_message(exc_type, value, tb)})
-
-    popup.custom_exception_hook = types.MethodType(custom_exception_hook, popup)
-
-    try:
-        yield popup
-    finally:
-        # restore state of error popup utility singleton
-        popup.custom_exception_hook = old_exception_hook
-
-
-class BECWidgetsCLIServer:
-
-    def __init__(
-        self,
-        gui_id: str,
-        dispatcher: BECDispatcher = None,
-        client=None,
-        config=None,
-        gui_class: type[BECDockArea] = BECDockArea,
-        gui_class_id: str = "bec",
-    ) -> None:
-        self.status = messages.BECStatus.BUSY
-        self.dispatcher = BECDispatcher(config=config) if dispatcher is None else dispatcher
-        self.client = self.dispatcher.client if client is None else client
-        self.client.start()
-        self.gui_id = gui_id
-        # register broadcast callback
-        self.rpc_register = RPCRegister()
-        self.rpc_register.add_callback(self.broadcast_registry_update)
-
-        self.dispatcher.connect_slot(
-            self.on_rpc_update, MessageEndpoints.gui_instructions(self.gui_id)
-        )
-
-        # Setup QTimer for heartbeat
-        self._heartbeat_timer = QTimer()
-        self._heartbeat_timer.timeout.connect(self.emit_heartbeat)
-        self._heartbeat_timer.start(200)
-
-        self.status = messages.BECStatus.RUNNING
-        with RPCRegister.delayed_broadcast():
-            self.gui = gui_class(parent=None, name=gui_class_id, gui_id=gui_class_id)
-        logger.success(f"Server started with gui_id: {self.gui_id}")
-        # Create initial object -> BECFigure or BECDockArea
-
-    def on_rpc_update(self, msg: dict, metadata: dict):
-        request_id = metadata.get("request_id")
-        logger.debug(f"Received RPC instruction: {msg}, metadata: {metadata}")
-        with rpc_exception_hook(functools.partial(self.send_response, request_id, False)):
-            try:
-                obj = self.get_object_from_config(msg["parameter"])
-                method = msg["action"]
-                args = msg["parameter"].get("args", [])
-                kwargs = msg["parameter"].get("kwargs", {})
-                res = self.run_rpc(obj, method, args, kwargs)
-            except Exception as e:
-                logger.error(f"Error while executing RPC instruction: {e}")
-                self.send_response(request_id, False, {"error": str(e)})
-            else:
-                logger.debug(f"RPC instruction executed successfully: {res}")
-                self.send_response(request_id, True, {"result": res})
-
-    def send_response(self, request_id: str, accepted: bool, msg: dict):
-        self.client.connector.set_and_publish(
-            MessageEndpoints.gui_instruction_response(request_id),
-            messages.RequestResponseMessage(accepted=accepted, message=msg),
-            expire=60,
-        )
-
-    def get_object_from_config(self, config: dict):
-        gui_id = config.get("gui_id")
-        obj = self.rpc_register.get_rpc_by_id(gui_id)
-        if obj is None:
-            raise ValueError(f"Object with gui_id {gui_id} not found")
-        return obj
-
-    def run_rpc(self, obj, method, args, kwargs):
-        # Run with rpc registry broadcast, but only once
-        with RPCRegister.delayed_broadcast():
-            logger.debug(f"Running RPC instruction: {method} with args: {args}, kwargs: {kwargs}")
-            method_obj = getattr(obj, method)
-            # check if the method accepts args and kwargs
-            if not callable(method_obj):
-                if not args:
-                    res = method_obj
-                else:
-                    setattr(obj, method, args[0])
-                    res = None
-            else:
-                res = method_obj(*args, **kwargs)
-
-            if isinstance(res, list):
-                res = [self.serialize_object(obj) for obj in res]
-            elif isinstance(res, dict):
-                res = {key: self.serialize_object(val) for key, val in res.items()}
-            else:
-                res = self.serialize_object(res)
-            return res
-
-    def serialize_object(self, obj):
-        if isinstance(obj, BECConnector):
-            config = obj.config.model_dump()
-            config["parent_id"] = obj.parent_id  # add parent_id to config
-            return {
-                "gui_id": obj.gui_id,
-                "name": (
-                    obj._name if hasattr(obj, "_name") else obj.__class__.__name__
-                ),  # pylint: disable=protected-access
-                "widget_class": obj.__class__.__name__,
-                "config": config,
-                "__rpc__": True,
-            }
-        return obj
-
-    def emit_heartbeat(self):
-        logger.trace(f"Emitting heartbeat for {self.gui_id}")
-        try:
-            self.client.connector.set(
-                MessageEndpoints.gui_heartbeat(self.gui_id),
-                messages.StatusMessage(name=self.gui_id, status=self.status, info={}),
-                expire=10,
-            )
-        except RedisError as exc:
-            logger.error(f"Error while emitting heartbeat: {exc}")
-
-    def broadcast_registry_update(self, connections: dict):
-        """
-        Broadcast the updated registry to all clients.
-        """
-
-        # We only need to broadcast the dock areas
-        data = {key: self.serialize_object(val) for key, val in connections.items()}
-        self.client.connector.xadd(
-            MessageEndpoints.gui_registry_state(self.gui_id),
-            msg_dict={"data": messages.GUIRegistryStateMessage(state=data)},
-            max_size=1,  # only single message in stream
-        )
-
-    def shutdown(self):  # TODO not sure if needed when cleanup is done at level of BECConnector
-        self.status = messages.BECStatus.IDLE
-        self._heartbeat_timer.stop()
-        self.emit_heartbeat()
-        logger.info("Succeded in shutting down gui")
-        self.client.shutdown()
+MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)


 class SimpleFileLikeFromLogOutputFunc:
@@ -203,40 +42,112 @@ class SimpleFileLikeFromLogOutputFunc:
        return


-def _start_server(
-    gui_id: str, gui_class: BECDockArea, gui_class_id: str = "bec", config: str | None = None
-):
-    if config:
-        try:
-            config = json.loads(config)
-            service_config = ServiceConfig(config=config)
-        except (json.JSONDecodeError, TypeError):
-            service_config = ServiceConfig(config_path=config)
-    else:
-        # if no config is provided, use the default config
-        service_config = ServiceConfig()
+class GUIServer:
+    """
+    This class is used to start the BEC GUI and is the main entry point for launching BEC Widgets in a subprocess.
+    """

-    # bec_logger.configure(
-    #     service_config.redis,
-    #     QtRedisConnector,
-    #     service_name="BECWidgetsCLIServer",
-    #     service_config=service_config.service_config,
-    # )
-    server = BECWidgetsCLIServer(
-        gui_id=gui_id, config=service_config, gui_class=gui_class, gui_class_id=gui_class_id
-    )
-    return server
+    def __init__(self, args):
+        self.config = args.config
+        self.gui_id = args.id
+        self.gui_class = args.gui_class
+        self.gui_class_id = args.gui_class_id
+        self.hide = args.hide
+        self.app: QApplication | None = None
+        self.launcher_window: LaunchWindow | None = None
+        self.dispatcher: BECDispatcher | None = None
+
+    def start(self):
+        """
+        Start the GUI server.
+        """
+        bec_logger.level = bec_logger.LOGLEVEL.INFO
+        if self.hide:
+            # pylint: disable=protected-access
+            bec_logger._stderr_log_level = bec_logger.LOGLEVEL.ERROR
+            bec_logger._update_sinks()
+
+        with redirect_stdout(SimpleFileLikeFromLogOutputFunc(logger.info)):  # type: ignore
+            with redirect_stderr(SimpleFileLikeFromLogOutputFunc(logger.error)):  # type: ignore
+                self._run()
+
+    def _get_service_config(self) -> ServiceConfig:
+        if self.config:
+            try:
+                config = json.loads(self.config)
+                service_config = ServiceConfig(config=config)
+            except (json.JSONDecodeError, TypeError):
+                service_config = ServiceConfig(config_path=config)
+        else:
+            # if no config is provided, use the default config
+            service_config = ServiceConfig()
+        return service_config
+
+    def _run(self):
+        """
+        Run the GUI server.
+        """
+        self.app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+        self.app.setApplicationName("BEC")
+        self.app.gui_id = self.gui_id  # type: ignore
+        self.setup_bec_icon()
+
+        service_config = self._get_service_config()
+        self.dispatcher = BECDispatcher(config=service_config, gui_id=self.gui_id)
+        # self.dispatcher.start_cli_server(gui_id=self.gui_id)
+
+        self.launcher_window = LaunchWindow(gui_id=f"{self.gui_id}:launcher")
+        self.launcher_window.setAttribute(Qt.WA_ShowWithoutActivating)  # type: ignore
+
+        self.app.aboutToQuit.connect(self.shutdown)
+        self.app.setQuitOnLastWindowClosed(False)
+
+        if self.gui_class:
+            # If the server is started with a specific gui class, we launch it.
+            # This will automatically hide the launcher.
+            self.launcher_window.launch(self.gui_class, name=self.gui_class_id)
+
+        def sigint_handler(*args):
+            # display message, for people to let it terminate gracefully
+            print("Caught SIGINT, exiting")
+            # Widgets should be all closed.
+            with RPCRegister.delayed_broadcast():
+                for widget in QApplication.instance().topLevelWidgets():  # type: ignore
+                    widget.close()
+            if self.app:
+                self.app.quit()
+
+        signal.signal(signal.SIGINT, sigint_handler)
+        signal.signal(signal.SIGTERM, sigint_handler)
+
+        sys.exit(self.app.exec())
+
+    def setup_bec_icon(self):
+        """
+        Set the BEC icon for the application
+        """
+        if self.app is None:
+            return
+        icon = QIcon()
+        icon.addFile(
+            os.path.join(MODULE_PATH, "assets", "app_icons", "bec_widgets_icon.png"),
+            size=QSize(48, 48),
+        )
+        self.app.setWindowIcon(icon)
+
+    def shutdown(self):
+        """
+        Shutdown the GUI server.
+        """
+        if self.dispatcher:
+            self.dispatcher.stop_cli_server()
+            self.dispatcher.disconnect_all()


 def main():
-    import argparse
-    import os
-
-    from qtpy.QtCore import QSize
-    from qtpy.QtGui import QIcon
-    from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
-
-    import bec_widgets
+    """
+    Main entry point for subprocesses that start a GUI server.
+    """

    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description="BEC Widgets CLI Server")
    parser.add_argument("--id", type=str, default="test", help="The id of the server")
@@ -256,69 +167,12 @@ def main():

    args = parser.parse_args()

-    bec_logger.level = bec_logger.LOGLEVEL.INFO
-    if args.hide:
-        # pylint: disable=protected-access
-        bec_logger._stderr_log_level = bec_logger.LOGLEVEL.ERROR
-        bec_logger._update_sinks()
-
-    if args.gui_class == "BECDockArea":
-        gui_class = BECDockArea
-    else:
-        print(
-            "Please specify a valid gui_class to run. Use -h for help."
-            "\n Starting with default gui_class BECFigure."
-        )
-        gui_class = BECDockArea
-
-    with redirect_stdout(SimpleFileLikeFromLogOutputFunc(logger.info)):
-        with redirect_stderr(SimpleFileLikeFromLogOutputFunc(logger.error)):
-            app = QApplication(sys.argv)
-            # set close on last window, only if not under control of client ;
-            # indeed, Qt considers a hidden window a closed window, so if all windows
-            # are hidden by default it exits
-            app.setQuitOnLastWindowClosed(not args.hide)
-            module_path = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
-            icon = QIcon()
-            icon.addFile(
-                os.path.join(module_path, "assets", "app_icons", "bec_widgets_icon.png"),
-                size=QSize(48, 48),
-            )
-            app.setWindowIcon(icon)
-            # store gui id within QApplication object, to make it available to all widgets
-            app.gui_id = args.id
-
-            # args.id = "abff6"
-            server = _start_server(args.id, gui_class, args.gui_class_id, args.config)
-
-            win = BECMainWindow(gui_id=f"{server.gui_id}:window")
-            win.setAttribute(Qt.WA_ShowWithoutActivating)
-            win.setWindowTitle("BEC")
-
-            RPCRegister().add_rpc(win)
-            gui = server.gui
-            win.setCentralWidget(gui)
-            if not args.hide:
-                win.show()
-
-            app.aboutToQuit.connect(server.shutdown)
-
-            def sigint_handler(*args):
-                # display message, for people to let it terminate gracefully
-                print("Caught SIGINT, exiting")
-                # Widgets should be all closed.
-                with RPCRegister.delayed_broadcast():
-                    for widget in QApplication.instance().topLevelWidgets():
-                        widget.close()
-                app.quit()
-
-            # gui.bec.close()
-            # win.shutdown()
-            signal.signal(signal.SIGINT, sigint_handler)
-            signal.signal(signal.SIGTERM, sigint_handler)
-
-            sys.exit(app.exec())
+    server = GUIServer(args)
+    server.start()


 if __name__ == "__main__":
+    # import sys
+
+    # sys.argv = ["bec_widgets", "--gui_class", "MainWindow"]
    main()
--- a/bec_widgets/examples/jupyter_console/jupyter_console_window.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/examples/jupyter_console/jupyter_console_window.py
@@ -43,22 +43,22 @@ class JupyterConsoleWindow(QWidget):  # pragma: no cover:
                    "pg": pg,
                    "wh": wh,
                    "dock": self.dock,
-                    "im": self.im,
-                    "mi": self.mi,
-                    "mm": self.mm,
-                    "lm": self.lm,
-                    "btn1": self.btn1,
-                    "btn2": self.btn2,
-                    "btn3": self.btn3,
-                    "btn4": self.btn4,
-                    "btn5": self.btn5,
-                    "btn6": self.btn6,
-                    "pb": self.pb,
-                    "pi": self.pi,
-                    "wf": self.wf,
-                    "scatter": self.scatter,
-                    "scatter_mi": self.scatter,
-                    "mwf": self.mwf,
+                    # "im": self.im,
+                    # "mi": self.mi,
+                    # "mm": self.mm,
+                    # "lm": self.lm,
+                    # "btn1": self.btn1,
+                    # "btn2": self.btn2,
+                    # "btn3": self.btn3,
+                    # "btn4": self.btn4,
+                    # "btn5": self.btn5,
+                    # "btn6": self.btn6,
+                    # "pb": self.pb,
+                    # "pi": self.pi,
+                    # "wf": self.wf,
+                    # "scatter": self.scatter,
+                    # "scatter_mi": self.scatter,
+                    # "mwf": self.mwf,
                }
            )

@@ -77,76 +77,76 @@ class JupyterConsoleWindow(QWidget):  # pragma: no cover:
        first_tab_layout.addWidget(self.dock)
        tab_widget.addTab(first_tab, "Dock Area")

-        third_tab = QWidget()
-        third_tab_layout = QVBoxLayout(third_tab)
-        self.lm = LayoutManagerWidget()
-        third_tab_layout.addWidget(self.lm)
-        tab_widget.addTab(third_tab, "Layout Manager Widget")
-
-        fourth_tab = QWidget()
-        fourth_tab_layout = QVBoxLayout(fourth_tab)
-        self.pb = PlotBase()
-        self.pi = self.pb.plot_item
-        fourth_tab_layout.addWidget(self.pb)
-        tab_widget.addTab(fourth_tab, "PlotBase")
-
-        tab_widget.setCurrentIndex(3)
-
+        # third_tab = QWidget()
+        # third_tab_layout = QVBoxLayout(third_tab)
+        # self.lm = LayoutManagerWidget()
+        # third_tab_layout.addWidget(self.lm)
+        # tab_widget.addTab(third_tab, "Layout Manager Widget")
+        #
+        # fourth_tab = QWidget()
+        # fourth_tab_layout = QVBoxLayout(fourth_tab)
+        # self.pb = PlotBase()
+        # self.pi = self.pb.plot_item
+        # fourth_tab_layout.addWidget(self.pb)
+        # tab_widget.addTab(fourth_tab, "PlotBase")
+        #
+        # tab_widget.setCurrentIndex(3)
+        #
        group_box = QGroupBox("Jupyter Console", splitter)
        group_box_layout = QVBoxLayout(group_box)
        self.console = BECJupyterConsole(inprocess=True)
        group_box_layout.addWidget(self.console)
-
-        # Some buttons for layout testing
-        self.btn1 = QPushButton("Button 1")
-        self.btn2 = QPushButton("Button 2")
-        self.btn3 = QPushButton("Button 3")
-        self.btn4 = QPushButton("Button 4")
-        self.btn5 = QPushButton("Button 5")
-        self.btn6 = QPushButton("Button 6")
-
-        fifth_tab = QWidget()
-        fifth_tab_layout = QVBoxLayout(fifth_tab)
-        self.wf = Waveform()
-        fifth_tab_layout.addWidget(self.wf)
-        tab_widget.addTab(fifth_tab, "Waveform Next Gen")
-        tab_widget.setCurrentIndex(4)
-
-        sixth_tab = QWidget()
-        sixth_tab_layout = QVBoxLayout(sixth_tab)
-        self.im = Image()
-        self.mi = self.im.main_image
-        sixth_tab_layout.addWidget(self.im)
-        tab_widget.addTab(sixth_tab, "Image Next Gen")
-        tab_widget.setCurrentIndex(5)
-
-        seventh_tab = QWidget()
-        seventh_tab_layout = QVBoxLayout(seventh_tab)
-        self.scatter = ScatterWaveform()
-        self.scatter_mi = self.scatter.main_curve
-        self.scatter.plot("samx", "samy", "bpm4i")
-        seventh_tab_layout.addWidget(self.scatter)
-        tab_widget.addTab(seventh_tab, "Scatter Waveform")
-        tab_widget.setCurrentIndex(6)
-
-        eighth_tab = QWidget()
-        eighth_tab_layout = QVBoxLayout(eighth_tab)
-        self.mm = MotorMap()
-        eighth_tab_layout.addWidget(self.mm)
-        tab_widget.addTab(eighth_tab, "Motor Map")
-        tab_widget.setCurrentIndex(7)
-
-        ninth_tab = QWidget()
-        ninth_tab_layout = QVBoxLayout(ninth_tab)
-        self.mwf = MultiWaveform()
-        ninth_tab_layout.addWidget(self.mwf)
-        tab_widget.addTab(ninth_tab, "MultiWaveform")
-        tab_widget.setCurrentIndex(8)
-
-        # add stuff to the new Waveform widget
-        self._init_waveform()
-
-        self.setWindowTitle("Jupyter Console Window")
+        #
+        # # Some buttons for layout testing
+        # self.btn1 = QPushButton("Button 1")
+        # self.btn2 = QPushButton("Button 2")
+        # self.btn3 = QPushButton("Button 3")
+        # self.btn4 = QPushButton("Button 4")
+        # self.btn5 = QPushButton("Button 5")
+        # self.btn6 = QPushButton("Button 6")
+        #
+        # fifth_tab = QWidget()
+        # fifth_tab_layout = QVBoxLayout(fifth_tab)
+        # self.wf = Waveform()
+        # fifth_tab_layout.addWidget(self.wf)
+        # tab_widget.addTab(fifth_tab, "Waveform Next Gen")
+        # tab_widget.setCurrentIndex(4)
+        #
+        # sixth_tab = QWidget()
+        # sixth_tab_layout = QVBoxLayout(sixth_tab)
+        # self.im = Image()
+        # self.mi = self.im.main_image
+        # sixth_tab_layout.addWidget(self.im)
+        # tab_widget.addTab(sixth_tab, "Image Next Gen")
+        # tab_widget.setCurrentIndex(5)
+        #
+        # seventh_tab = QWidget()
+        # seventh_tab_layout = QVBoxLayout(seventh_tab)
+        # self.scatter = ScatterWaveform()
+        # self.scatter_mi = self.scatter.main_curve
+        # self.scatter.plot("samx", "samy", "bpm4i")
+        # seventh_tab_layout.addWidget(self.scatter)
+        # tab_widget.addTab(seventh_tab, "Scatter Waveform")
+        # tab_widget.setCurrentIndex(6)
+        #
+        # eighth_tab = QWidget()
+        # eighth_tab_layout = QVBoxLayout(eighth_tab)
+        # self.mm = MotorMap()
+        # eighth_tab_layout.addWidget(self.mm)
+        # tab_widget.addTab(eighth_tab, "Motor Map")
+        # tab_widget.setCurrentIndex(7)
+        #
+        # ninth_tab = QWidget()
+        # ninth_tab_layout = QVBoxLayout(ninth_tab)
+        # self.mwf = MultiWaveform()
+        # ninth_tab_layout.addWidget(self.mwf)
+        # tab_widget.addTab(ninth_tab, "MultiWaveform")
+        # tab_widget.setCurrentIndex(8)
+        #
+        # # add stuff to the new Waveform widget
+        # self._init_waveform()
+        #
+        # self.setWindowTitle("Jupyter Console Window")

    def _init_waveform(self):
        self.wf.plot(y_name="bpm4i", y_entry="bpm4i", dap="GaussianModel")
@@ -174,7 +174,7 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
    icon = material_icon("terminal", color=(255, 255, 255, 255), filled=True)
    app.setWindowIcon(icon)

-    bec_dispatcher = BECDispatcher()
+    bec_dispatcher = BECDispatcher(gui_id="jupyter_console")
    client = bec_dispatcher.client
    client.start()

--- a/bec_widgets/utils/bec_connector.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/utils/bec_connector.py
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ from __future__ import annotations

 import os
 import time
+import traceback
 import uuid
 from datetime import datetime
 from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Optional
@@ -10,21 +11,21 @@ from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Optional
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from bec_lib.utils.import_utils import lazy_import_from
 from pydantic import BaseModel, Field, field_validator
-from qtpy.QtCore import QObject, QRunnable, QThreadPool, Signal
+from qtpy.QtCore import QObject, QRunnable, QThreadPool, QTimer, Signal
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication

 from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_register import RPCRegister
-from bec_widgets.utils.container_utils import WidgetContainerUtils
-from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import ErrorPopupUtility
-from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot as pyqtSlot
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import ErrorPopupUtility, SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.utils.widget_io import WidgetHierarchy
 from bec_widgets.utils.yaml_dialog import load_yaml, load_yaml_gui, save_yaml, save_yaml_gui

 if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
    from bec_widgets.utils.bec_dispatcher import BECDispatcher
    from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock import BECDock
+else:
+    BECDispatcher = lazy_import_from("bec_widgets.utils.bec_dispatcher", ("BECDispatcher",))

 logger = bec_logger.logger
-BECDispatcher = lazy_import_from("bec_widgets.utils.bec_dispatcher", ("BECDispatcher",))


 class ConnectionConfig(BaseModel):
@@ -82,19 +83,47 @@ class BECConnector:
        client=None,
        config: ConnectionConfig | None = None,
        gui_id: str | None = None,
-        name: str | None = None,
-        parent_dock: BECDock | None = None,
-        parent_id: str | None = None,
+        object_name: str | None = None,
+        parent_dock: BECDock | None = None,  # TODO should go away -> issue created #473
+        root_widget: bool = False,
+        **kwargs,
    ):
+        """
+        BECConnector mixin class to handle BEC client and device manager.
+
+        Args:
+            client(BECClient, optional): The BEC client.
+            config(ConnectionConfig, optional): The connection configuration with specific gui id.
+            gui_id(str, optional): The GUI ID.
+            object_name(str, optional): The object name.
+            parent_dock(BECDock, optional): The parent dock.# TODO should go away -> issue created #473
+            root_widget(bool, optional): If set to True, the parent_id will be always set to None, thus enforcing that the widget is accessible as a root widget of the BECGuiClient object.
+            **kwargs:
+        """
+        # Extract object_name from kwargs to not pass it to Qt class
+        object_name = object_name or kwargs.pop("objectName", None)
+        # Ensure the parent is always the first argument for QObject
+        parent = kwargs.pop("parent", None)
+        # This initializes the QObject or any qt related class BECConnector has to be used from this line down with QObject, otherwise hierarchy logic will not work
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, **kwargs)
+
+        assert isinstance(
+            self, QObject
+        ), "BECConnector must be used with a QObject or any qt related class."
+
+        # flag to check if the object was destroyed and its cleanup was called
+        self._destroyed = False
+
        # BEC related connections
        self.bec_dispatcher = BECDispatcher(client=client)
        self.client = self.bec_dispatcher.client if client is None else client
-        self._parent_dock = parent_dock
+        self._parent_dock = parent_dock  # TODO also remove at some point -> issue created #473
+        self.rpc_register = RPCRegister()

        if not self.client in BECConnector.EXIT_HANDLERS:
            # register function to clean connections at exit;
            # the function depends on BECClient, and BECDispatcher
-            @pyqtSlot()
+            @SafeSlot()
            def terminate(client=self.client, dispatcher=self.bec_dispatcher):
                logger.info("Disconnecting", repr(dispatcher))
                dispatcher.disconnect_all()
@@ -114,7 +143,6 @@ class BECConnector:
            )
            self.config = ConnectionConfig(widget_class=self.__class__.__name__)

-        self.parent_id = parent_id
        # If the gui_id is passed, it should be respected. However, this should be revisted since
        # the gui_id has to be unique, and may no longer be.
        if gui_id:
@@ -122,14 +150,19 @@ class BECConnector:
            self.gui_id: str = gui_id  # Keep namespace in sync
        else:
            self.gui_id: str = self.config.gui_id  # type: ignore
-        if name is None:
-            name = self.__class__.__name__
-        else:
-            if not WidgetContainerUtils.has_name_valid_chars(name):
-                raise ValueError(f"Name {name} contains invalid characters.")
-        self._name = name if name else self.__class__.__name__
-        self.rpc_register = RPCRegister()
-        self.rpc_register.add_rpc(self)
+
+        if object_name is not None:
+            self.setObjectName(object_name)
+
+        # 1) If no objectName is set, set the initial name
+        if not self.objectName():
+            self.setObjectName(self.__class__.__name__)
+        self.object_name = self.objectName()
+
+        # 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()
@@ -138,7 +171,108 @@ class BECConnector:
        # Store references to running workers so they're not garbage collected prematurely.
        self._workers = []

-    def submit_task(self, fn, *args, on_complete: pyqtSlot = None, **kwargs) -> Worker:
+        # If set to True, the parent_id will be always set to None, thus enforcing that the widget is accessible as a root widget of the BECGuiClient object.
+        self.root_widget = root_widget
+
+        QTimer.singleShot(0, self._update_object_name)
+
+    @property
+    def parent_id(self) -> str | None:
+        try:
+            if self.root_widget:
+                return None
+            connector_parent = WidgetHierarchy._get_becwidget_ancestor(self)
+            return connector_parent.gui_id if connector_parent else None
+        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 _update_object_name(self) -> None:
+        """
+        Enforce a unique object name among siblings and register the object for RPC.
+        This method is called through a single shot timer kicked off in the constructor.
+        """
+        # 1) Enforce unique objectName among siblings with the same BECConnector parent
+        self._enforce_unique_sibling_name()
+        # 2) Register the object for RPC
+        self.rpc_register.add_rpc(self)
+
+    def _enforce_unique_sibling_name(self):
+        """
+        Enforce that this BECConnector has a unique objectName among its siblings.
+
+        Sibling logic:
+          - If there's a nearest BECConnector parent, only compare with children of that parent.
+          - If parent is None (i.e., top-level object), compare with all other top-level BECConnectors.
+        """
+        QApplication.processEvents()
+        parent_bec = WidgetHierarchy._get_becwidget_ancestor(self)
+
+        if parent_bec:
+            # We have a parent => only compare with siblings under that parent
+            siblings = parent_bec.findChildren(BECConnector)
+        else:
+            # No parent => treat all top-level BECConnectors as siblings
+            # 1) Gather all BECConnectors from QApplication
+            all_widgets = QApplication.allWidgets()
+            all_bec = [w for w in all_widgets if isinstance(w, BECConnector)]
+            # 2) "Top-level" means closest BECConnector parent is None
+            top_level_bec = [
+                w for w in all_bec if WidgetHierarchy._get_becwidget_ancestor(w) is None
+            ]
+            # 3) We are among these top-level siblings
+            siblings = top_level_bec
+
+        # Collect used names among siblings
+        used_names = {sib.objectName() for sib in siblings if sib is not self}
+
+        base_name = self.object_name
+        if base_name not in used_names:
+            # Name is already unique among siblings
+            return
+
+        # Need a suffix to avoid collision
+        counter = 0
+        while True:
+            trial_name = f"{base_name}_{counter}"
+            if trial_name not in used_names:
+                self.setObjectName(trial_name)
+                self.object_name = trial_name
+                break
+            counter += 1
+
+    # pylint: disable=invalid-name
+    def setObjectName(self, name: str) -> None:
+        """
+        Set the object name of the widget.
+
+        Args:
+            name (str): The new object name.
+        """
+        super().setObjectName(name)
+        self.object_name = name
+        if self.rpc_register.object_is_registered(self):
+            self.rpc_register.broadcast()
+
+    def submit_task(self, fn, *args, on_complete: SafeSlot = None, **kwargs) -> Worker:
        """
        Submit a task to run in a separate thread. The task will run the specified
        function with the provided arguments and emit the completed signal when done.
@@ -266,7 +400,7 @@ class BECConnector:
            file_path = os.path.join(path, f"{self.__class__.__name__}_config.yaml")
            save_yaml(file_path, self._config_dict)

-    # @pyqtSlot(str)
+    # @SafeSlot(str)
    def _set_gui_id(self, gui_id: str) -> None:
        """
        Set the GUI ID for the widget.
@@ -298,7 +432,7 @@ class BECConnector:
        self.client = client
        self.get_bec_shortcuts()

-    @pyqtSlot(ConnectionConfig)  # TODO can be also dict
+    @SafeSlot(ConnectionConfig)  # TODO can be also dict
    def on_config_update(self, config: ConnectionConfig | dict) -> None:
        """
        Update the configuration for the widget.
@@ -316,8 +450,9 @@ class BECConnector:
    def remove(self):
        """Cleanup the BECConnector"""
        # If the widget is attached to a dock, remove it from the dock.
+        # TODO this should be handled by dock and dock are not by BECConnector  -> issue created #473
        if self._parent_dock is not None:
-            self._parent_dock.delete(self._name)
+            self._parent_dock.delete(self.object_name)
        # If the widget is from Qt, trigger its close method.
        elif hasattr(self, "close"):
            self.close()
--- a/bec_widgets/utils/bec_designer.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/utils/bec_designer.py
@@ -10,13 +10,15 @@ from bec_qthemes import material_icon
 from qtpy import PYSIDE6
 from qtpy.QtGui import QIcon

+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_plugin_helper import user_widget_plugin
+
 if PYSIDE6:
    from PySide6.scripts.pyside_tool import (
        _extend_path_var,
        init_virtual_env,
-        qt_tool_wrapper,
        is_pyenv_python,
        is_virtual_env,
+        qt_tool_wrapper,
        ui_tool_binary,
    )

@@ -76,7 +78,7 @@ def list_editable_packages() -> set[str]:
    return editable_packages


-def patch_designer():  # pragma: no cover
+def patch_designer(cmd_args: list[str] = []):  # pragma: no cover
    if not PYSIDE6:
        print("PYSIDE6 is not available in the environment. Cannot patch designer.")
        return
@@ -117,7 +119,7 @@ def patch_designer():  # pragma: no cover
            editable_packages = list_editable_packages()
            for pckg in editable_packages:
                _extend_path_var("PYTHONPATH", pckg, True)
-    qt_tool_wrapper(ui_tool_binary("designer"), sys.argv[1:])
+    qt_tool_wrapper(ui_tool_binary("designer"), cmd_args)


 def find_plugin_paths(base_path: Path):
@@ -145,15 +147,24 @@ def set_plugin_environment_variable(plugin_paths):


 # Patch the designer function
-def main():  # pragma: no cover
+def open_designer(cmd_args: list[str] = []):  # pragma: no cover
    if not PYSIDE6:
        print("PYSIDE6 is not available in the environment. Exiting...")
        return
    base_dir = Path(os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)).resolve()
+
    plugin_paths = find_plugin_paths(base_dir)
+    if (plugin_repo := user_widget_plugin()) and isinstance(plugin_repo.__file__, str):
+        plugin_repo_dir = Path(os.path.dirname(plugin_repo.__file__)).resolve()
+        plugin_paths.extend(find_plugin_paths(plugin_repo_dir))
+
    set_plugin_environment_variable(plugin_paths)

-    patch_designer()
+    patch_designer(cmd_args)
+
+
+def main():
+    open_designer(sys.argv[1:])


 if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
--- a/bec_widgets/utils/bec_dispatcher.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/utils/bec_dispatcher.py
@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
 from __future__ import annotations

 import collections
+import random
+import string
 from collections.abc import Callable
 from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Union

@@ -12,17 +14,31 @@ from bec_lib.service_config import ServiceConfig
 from qtpy.QtCore import QObject
 from qtpy.QtCore import Signal as pyqtSignal

+from bec_widgets.utils.serialization import register_serializer_extension
+
 logger = bec_logger.logger

-if TYPE_CHECKING:
+if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
    from bec_lib.endpoints import EndpointInfo

+    from bec_widgets.utils.rpc_server import RPCServer
+

 class QtThreadSafeCallback(QObject):
+    """QtThreadSafeCallback is a wrapper around a callback function to make it thread-safe for Qt."""
+
    cb_signal = pyqtSignal(dict, dict)

-    def __init__(self, cb):
+    def __init__(self, cb: Callable, cb_info: dict | None = None):
+        """
+        Initialize the QtThreadSafeCallback.
+
+        Args:
+            cb (Callable): The callback function to be wrapped.
+            cb_info (dict, optional): Additional information about the callback. Defaults to None.
+        """
        super().__init__()
+        self.cb_info = cb_info

        self.cb = cb
        self.cb_signal.connect(self.cb)
@@ -31,7 +47,7 @@ class QtThreadSafeCallback(QObject):
        # make 2 differents QtThreadSafeCallback to look
        # identical when used as dictionary keys, if the
        # callback is the same
-        return id(self.cb)
+        return f"{id(self.cb)}{self.cb_info}".__hash__()

    def __call__(self, msg_content, metadata):
        self.cb_signal.emit(msg_content, metadata)
@@ -73,14 +89,23 @@ class BECDispatcher:

    _instance = None
    _initialized = False
+    client: BECClient
+    cli_server: RPCServer | None = None

-    def __new__(cls, client=None, config: str = None, *args, **kwargs):
+    def __new__(
+        cls,
+        client=None,
+        config: str | ServiceConfig | None = None,
+        gui_id: str = None,
+        *args,
+        **kwargs,
+    ):
        if cls._instance is None:
            cls._instance = super(BECDispatcher, cls).__new__(cls)
            cls._initialized = False
        return cls._instance

-    def __init__(self, client=None, config: str | ServiceConfig = None):
+    def __init__(self, client=None, config: str | ServiceConfig | None = None, gui_id: str = None):
        if self._initialized:
            return

@@ -107,11 +132,18 @@ class BECDispatcher:
        except redis.exceptions.ConnectionError:
            logger.warning("Could not connect to Redis, skipping start of BECClient.")

+        register_serializer_extension()
+
        logger.success("Initialized BECDispatcher")
+
+        self.start_cli_server(gui_id=gui_id)
        self._initialized = True

    @classmethod
    def reset_singleton(cls):
+        """
+        Reset the singleton instance of the BECDispatcher.
+        """
        cls._instance = None
        cls._initialized = False

@@ -119,6 +151,7 @@ class BECDispatcher:
        self,
        slot: Callable,
        topics: Union[EndpointInfo, str, list[Union[EndpointInfo, str]]],
+        cb_info: dict | None = None,
        **kwargs,
    ) -> None:
        """Connect widget's qt slot, so that it is called on new pub/sub topic message.
@@ -127,8 +160,9 @@ class BECDispatcher:
            slot (Callable): A slot method/function that accepts two inputs: content and metadata of
                the corresponding pub/sub message
            topics (EndpointInfo | str | list): A topic or list of topics that can typically be acquired via bec_lib.MessageEndpoints
+            cb_info (dict | None): A dictionary containing information about the callback. Defaults to None.
        """
-        slot = QtThreadSafeCallback(slot)
+        slot = QtThreadSafeCallback(cb=slot, cb_info=cb_info)
        self.client.connector.register(topics, cb=slot, **kwargs)
        topics_str, _ = self.client.connector._convert_endpointinfo(topics)
        self._slots[slot].update(set(topics_str))
@@ -178,4 +212,49 @@ class BECDispatcher:
            *args: Arbitrary positional arguments
            **kwargs: Arbitrary keyword arguments
        """
+        # pylint: disable=protected-access
        self.disconnect_topics(self.client.connector._topics_cb)
+
+    def start_cli_server(self, gui_id: str | None = None):
+        """
+        Start the CLI server.
+
+        Args:
+            gui_id(str, optional): The GUI ID. Defaults to None. If None, a unique identifier will be generated.
+        """
+        # pylint: disable=import-outside-toplevel
+        from bec_widgets.utils.rpc_server import RPCServer
+
+        if gui_id is None:
+            gui_id = self.generate_unique_identifier()
+
+        if not self.client.started:
+            logger.error("Cannot start CLI server without a running client")
+            return
+        self.cli_server = RPCServer(gui_id, dispatcher=self, client=self.client)
+        logger.success(f"Started CLI server with gui_id: {gui_id}")
+
+    def stop_cli_server(self):
+        """
+        Stop the CLI server.
+        """
+        if self.cli_server is None:
+            logger.error("Cannot stop CLI server without starting it first")
+            return
+        self.cli_server.shutdown()
+        self.cli_server = None
+        logger.success("Stopped CLI server")
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def generate_unique_identifier(length: int = 4) -> str:
+        """
+        Generate a unique identifier for the application.
+
+        Args:
+            length: The length of the identifier. Defaults to 4.
+
+        Returns:
+            str: The unique identifier.
+        """
+        allowed_chars = string.ascii_lowercase + string.digits
+        return "".join(random.choices(allowed_chars, k=length))
--- a/bec_widgets/utils/bec_plugin_helper.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/utils/bec_plugin_helper.py
@@ -0,0 +1,89 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import importlib.metadata
+import inspect
+import pkgutil
+from importlib import util as importlib_util
+from importlib.machinery import FileFinder, ModuleSpec, SourceFileLoader
+from types import ModuleType
+from typing import Generator
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
+
+
+def _submodule_specs(module: ModuleType) -> tuple[ModuleSpec | None, ...]:
+    """Return specs for all submodules of the given module."""
+    return tuple(
+        module_info.module_finder.find_spec(module_info.name)
+        for module_info in pkgutil.iter_modules(module.__path__)
+        if isinstance(module_info.module_finder, FileFinder)
+    )
+
+
+def _loaded_submodules_from_specs(
+    submodule_specs: tuple[ModuleSpec | None, ...],
+) -> Generator[ModuleType, None, None]:
+    """Load all submodules from the given specs."""
+    for submodule in (
+        importlib_util.module_from_spec(spec) for spec in submodule_specs if spec is not None
+    ):
+        assert isinstance(
+            submodule.__loader__, SourceFileLoader
+        ), "Module found from FileFinder should have SourceFileLoader!"
+        submodule.__loader__.exec_module(submodule)
+        yield submodule
+
+
+def _submodule_by_name(module: ModuleType, name: str):
+    for submod in _loaded_submodules_from_specs(_submodule_specs(module)):
+        if submod.__name__ == name:
+            return submod
+    return None
+
+
+def _get_widgets_from_module(module: ModuleType) -> dict[str, "type[BECWidget]"]:
+    """Find any BECWidget subclasses in the given module and return them with their names."""
+    from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget  # avoid circular import
+
+    return dict(
+        inspect.getmembers(
+            module,
+            predicate=lambda item: inspect.isclass(item)
+            and issubclass(item, BECWidget)
+            and item is not BECWidget,
+        )
+    )
+
+
+def _all_widgets_from_all_submods(module):
+    """Recursively load submodules, find any BECWidgets, and return them all as a flat dict."""
+    widgets = _get_widgets_from_module(module)
+    if not hasattr(module, "__path__"):
+        return widgets
+    for submod in _loaded_submodules_from_specs(_submodule_specs(module)):
+        widgets.update(_all_widgets_from_all_submods(submod))
+    return widgets
+
+
+def user_widget_plugin() -> ModuleType | None:
+    plugins = importlib.metadata.entry_points(group="bec.widgets.user_widgets")  # type: ignore
+    return None if len(plugins) == 0 else tuple(plugins)[0].load()
+
+
+def get_plugin_client_module() -> ModuleType | None:
+    """If there is a plugin repository installed, return the client module."""
+    return _submodule_by_name(plugin, "client") if (plugin := user_widget_plugin()) else None
+
+
+def get_all_plugin_widgets() -> dict[str, "type[BECWidget]"]:
+    """If there is a plugin repository installed, load all widgets from it."""
+    if plugin := user_widget_plugin():
+        return _all_widgets_from_all_submods(plugin)
+    else:
+        return {}
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+    #  print(get_all_plugin_widgets())
+    client = get_plugin_client_module()
+    ...
--- a/bec_widgets/utils/bec_signal_proxy.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/utils/bec_signal_proxy.py
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
-""" This custom class is a thin wrapper around the SignalProxy class to allow signal calls to be blocked.
+"""This custom class is a thin wrapper around the SignalProxy class to allow signal calls to be blocked.
 Unblocking the proxy needs to be done through the slot unblock_proxy. The most likely use case for this class is
-when the callback function is potentially initiating a slower progress, i.e. requesting a data analysis routine to 
+when the callback function is potentially initiating a slower progress, i.e. requesting a data analysis routine to
 analyse data. Requesting a new fit may lead to request piling up and an overall slow done of performance. This proxy
 will allow you to decide by yourself when to unblock and execute the callback again."""

--- a/bec_widgets/utils/bec_widget.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/utils/bec_widget.py
@@ -4,8 +4,8 @@ from typing import TYPE_CHECKING

 import darkdetect
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
-from qtpy.QtCore import Slot
-from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QWidget
+from qtpy.QtCore import QObject, Slot
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication

 from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_register import RPCRegister
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_connector import BECConnector, ConnectionConfig
@@ -32,9 +32,7 @@ class BECWidget(BECConnector):
        config: ConnectionConfig = None,
        gui_id: str | None = None,
        theme_update: bool = False,
-        name: str | None = None,
-        parent_dock: BECDock | None = None,
-        parent_id: str | None = None,
+        parent_dock: BECDock | None = None,  # TODO should go away -> issue created #473
        **kwargs,
    ):
        """
@@ -54,17 +52,12 @@ class BECWidget(BECConnector):
            theme_update(bool, optional): Whether to subscribe to theme updates. Defaults to False. When set to True, the
                widget's apply_theme method will be called when the theme changes.
        """
-        if not isinstance(self, QWidget):
-            raise RuntimeError(f"{repr(self)} is not a subclass of QWidget")

        super().__init__(
-            client=client,
-            config=config,
-            gui_id=gui_id,
-            name=name,
-            parent_dock=parent_dock,
-            parent_id=parent_id,
+            client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, parent_dock=parent_dock, **kwargs
        )
+        if not isinstance(self, QObject):
+            raise RuntimeError(f"{repr(self)} is not a subclass of QWidget")
        app = QApplication.instance()
        if not hasattr(app, "theme"):
            # DO NOT SET THE THEME TO AUTO! Otherwise, the qwebengineview will segfault
@@ -107,11 +100,14 @@ class BECWidget(BECConnector):
        """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)

    def closeEvent(self, event):
        """Wrap the close even to ensure the rpc_register is cleaned up."""
        try:
-            self.cleanup()
+            if not self._destroyed:
+                self.cleanup()
+                self._destroyed = True
        finally:
            super().closeEvent(event)  # pylint: disable=no-member
--- a/bec_widgets/utils/colors.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/utils/colors.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ from pydantic_core import PydanticCustomError
 from qtpy.QtGui import QColor
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication

-if TYPE_CHECKING:
+if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
    from bec_qthemes._main import AccentColors


--- a/bec_widgets/utils/compact_popup.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/utils/compact_popup.py
@@ -266,3 +266,5 @@ class CompactPopupWidget(QWidget):
        # to ensure proper resources cleanup
        for child in self.container.findChildren(QWidget, options=Qt.FindDirectChildrenOnly):
            child.close()
+
+        super().closeEvent(event)
--- a/bec_widgets/utils/container_utils.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/utils/container_utils.py
@@ -1,11 +1,10 @@
 from __future__ import annotations

-import itertools
-from typing import Literal, Type
+from typing import Any, Type

 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget

-from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_register import RPCRegister
+from bec_widgets.cli.client_utils import BECGuiClient


 class WidgetContainerUtils:
@@ -73,3 +72,36 @@ class WidgetContainerUtils:
            return None
        else:
            raise ValueError(f"No widget of class {widget_class} found.")
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def name_is_protected(name: str, container: Any = None) -> bool:
+        """
+        Check if the name is not protected.
+
+        Args:
+            name(str): The name to be checked.
+
+        Returns:
+            bool: True if the name is not protected, False otherwise.
+        """
+        if container is None:
+            container = BECGuiClient
+        gui_client_methods = set(filter(lambda x: not x.startswith("_"), dir(container)))
+        return name in gui_client_methods
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def raise_for_invalid_name(name: str, container: Any = None) -> None:
+        """
+        Check if the name is valid. If not, raise a ValueError.
+
+        Args:
+            name(str): The name to be checked.
+        Raises:
+            ValueError: If the name is not valid.
+        """
+        if not WidgetContainerUtils.has_name_valid_chars(name):
+            raise ValueError(
+                f"Name '{name}' contains invalid characters. Only alphanumeric characters, underscores, and dashes are allowed."
+            )
+        if WidgetContainerUtils.name_is_protected(name, container):
+            raise ValueError(f"Name '{name}' is protected. Please choose another name.")
--- a/bec_widgets/utils/error_popups.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/utils/error_popups.py
@@ -96,23 +96,55 @@ def SafeSlot(*slot_args, **slot_kwargs):  # pylint: disable=invalid-name

    'popup_error' keyword argument can be passed with boolean value if a dialog should pop up,
    otherwise error display is left to the original exception hook
+    'verify_sender' keyword argument can be passed with boolean value if the sender should be verified
+    before executing the slot. If True, the slot will only execute if the sender is a QObject. This is
+    useful to prevent function calls from already deleted objects.
+    'raise_error' keyword argument can be passed with boolean value if the error should be raised
+    after the error is displayed. This is useful to propagate the error to the caller but should be used
+    with great care to avoid segfaults.
+
+    The keywords above are stored in a container which can be overridden by passing
+    '_override_slot_params' keyword argument with a dictionary containing the keywords to override.
+    This is useful to override the default behavior of the decorator for a specific function call.
+
    """
-    popup_error = bool(slot_kwargs.pop("popup_error", False))
+    _slot_params = {
+        "popup_error": bool(slot_kwargs.pop("popup_error", False)),
+        "verify_sender": bool(slot_kwargs.pop("verify_sender", False)),
+        "raise_error": bool(slot_kwargs.pop("raise_error", False)),
+    }

    def error_managed(method):
        @Slot(*slot_args, **slot_kwargs)
        @functools.wraps(method)
        def wrapper(*args, **kwargs):
+
+            _override_slot_params = kwargs.pop("_override_slot_params", {})
+            _slot_params.update(_override_slot_params)
            try:
+                if not _slot_params["verify_sender"] or len(args) == 0:
+                    return method(*args, **kwargs)
+
+                _instance = args[0]
+                if not isinstance(_instance, QObject):
+                    return method(*args, **kwargs)
+                sender = _instance.sender()
+                if sender is None:
+                    logger.info(
+                        f"Sender is None for {method.__module__}.{method.__qualname__}, "
+                        "skipping method call."
+                    )
+                    return
                return method(*args, **kwargs)
+
            except Exception:
                slot_name = f"{method.__module__}.{method.__qualname__}"
                error_msg = traceback.format_exc()
-                if popup_error:
-                    ErrorPopupUtility().custom_exception_hook(
-                        *sys.exc_info(), popup_error=popup_error
-                    )
+                if _slot_params["popup_error"]:
+                    ErrorPopupUtility().custom_exception_hook(*sys.exc_info(), popup_error=True)
                logger.error(f"SafeSlot error in slot '{slot_name}':\n{error_msg}")
+                if _slot_params["raise_error"]:
+                    raise

        return wrapper

--- a/bec_widgets/utils/expandable_frame.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/utils/expandable_frame.py
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ class ExpandableGroupFrame(QFrame):
        self._title_layout.addWidget(self._expansion_button)
        self._title_layout.addWidget(self._title)

-        self._contents = QWidget()
+        self._contents = QWidget(self)
        self._layout.addWidget(self._contents)

        self._expansion_button.clicked.connect(self.switch_expanded_state)
--- a/bec_widgets/utils/forms_from_types/init.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/utils/forms_from_types/init.py
--- a/bec_widgets/utils/forms_from_types/forms.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/utils/forms_from_types/forms.py
@@ -0,0 +1,182 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from decimal import Decimal
+from types import NoneType
+
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
+from bec_qthemes import material_icon
+from pydantic import BaseModel, ValidationError
+from qtpy.QtCore import Signal  # type: ignore
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QGridLayout, QLabel, QLayout, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
+from bec_widgets.utils.compact_popup import CompactPopupWidget
+from bec_widgets.utils.forms_from_types.items import FormItemSpec, widget_from_type
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+
+
+class TypedForm(BECWidget, QWidget):
+    PLUGIN = True
+    ICON_NAME = "list_alt"
+
+    value_changed = Signal()
+
+    RPC = False
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        parent=None,
+        items: list[tuple[str, type]] | None = None,
+        form_item_specs: list[FormItemSpec] | None = None,
+        client=None,
+        **kwargs,
+    ):
+        """Widget with a list of form items based on a list of types.
+
+        Args:
+            items (list[tuple[str, type]]): list of tuples of a name for the field and its type.
+                                            Should be a type supported by the logic in items.py
+            form_item_specs (list[FormItemSpec]): list of form item specs, equivalent to items.
+                                                  only one of items or form_item_specs should be
+                                                  supplied.
+
+        """
+        if (items is not None and form_item_specs is not None) or (
+            items is None and form_item_specs is None
+        ):
+            raise ValueError("Must specify one and only one of items and form_item_specs")
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, **kwargs)
+        self._items = (
+            form_item_specs
+            if form_item_specs is not None
+            else [
+                FormItemSpec(name=name, item_type=item_type)
+                for name, item_type in items  # type: ignore
+            ]
+        )
+        self._layout = QVBoxLayout()
+        self._layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        self.setLayout(self._layout)
+
+        self._form_grid_container = QWidget(parent=self)
+        self._form_grid = QWidget(parent=self._form_grid_container)
+        self._layout.addWidget(self._form_grid_container)
+        self._form_grid_container.setLayout(QVBoxLayout())
+        self._form_grid.setLayout(self._new_grid_layout())
+
+        self.populate()
+
+    def populate(self):
+        self._clear_grid()
+        for r, item in enumerate(self._items):
+            self._add_griditem(item, r)
+
+    def _add_griditem(self, item: FormItemSpec, row: int):
+        grid = self._form_grid.layout()
+        label = QLabel(item.name)
+        label.setProperty("_model_field_name", item.name)
+        label.setToolTip(item.info.description or item.name)
+        grid.addWidget(label, row, 0)
+        widget = widget_from_type(item.item_type)(parent=self, spec=item)
+        widget.valueChanged.connect(self.value_changed)
+        grid.addWidget(widget, row, 1)
+
+    def _dict_from_grid(self) -> dict[str, str | int | float | Decimal | bool]:
+        grid: QGridLayout = self._form_grid.layout()  # type: ignore
+        return {
+            grid.itemAtPosition(i, 0)
+            .widget()
+            .property("_model_field_name"): grid.itemAtPosition(i, 1)
+            .widget()
+            .getValue()  # type: ignore # we only add 'DynamicFormItem's here
+            for i in range(grid.rowCount())
+        }
+
+    def _clear_grid(self):
+        if (old_layout := self._form_grid.layout()) is not None:
+            while old_layout.count():
+                item = old_layout.takeAt(0)
+                widget = item.widget()
+                if widget is not None:
+                    widget.deleteLater()
+            old_layout.deleteLater()
+            self._form_grid.deleteLater()
+        self._form_grid = QWidget()
+
+        self._form_grid.setLayout(self._new_grid_layout())
+        self._form_grid_container.layout().addWidget(self._form_grid)
+
+        self._form_grid.adjustSize()
+        self._form_grid_container.adjustSize()
+        self.adjustSize()
+
+    def _new_grid_layout(self):
+        new_grid = QGridLayout()
+        new_grid.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        new_grid.setSizeConstraint(QLayout.SizeConstraint.SetFixedSize)
+        return new_grid
+
+
+class PydanticModelForm(TypedForm):
+    metadata_updated = Signal(dict)
+    metadata_cleared = Signal(NoneType)
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None, metadata_model: type[BaseModel] = None, client=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        A form generated from a pydantic model.
+
+        Args:
+            metadata_model (type[BaseModel]): the model class for which to generate a form.
+        """
+        self._md_schema = metadata_model
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, form_item_specs=self._form_item_specs(), client=client)
+
+        self._validity = CompactPopupWidget()
+        self._validity.compact_view = True  # type: ignore
+        self._validity.label = "Metadata validity"  # type: ignore
+        self._validity.compact_show_popup.setIcon(
+            material_icon(icon_name="info", size=(10, 10), convert_to_pixmap=False)
+        )
+        self._validity_message = QLabel("Not yet validated")
+        self._validity.addWidget(self._validity_message)
+        self._layout.addWidget(self._validity)
+        self.value_changed.connect(self.validate_form)
+
+    def set_schema(self, schema: type[BaseModel]):
+        self._md_schema = schema
+        self.populate()
+
+    def _form_item_specs(self):
+        return [
+            FormItemSpec(name=name, info=info, item_type=info.annotation)
+            for name, info in self._md_schema.model_fields.items()
+        ]
+
+    def update_items_from_schema(self):
+        self._items = self._form_item_specs()
+
+    def populate(self):
+        self.update_items_from_schema()
+        super().populate()
+
+    def get_form_data(self):
+        """Get the entered metadata as a dict."""
+        return self._dict_from_grid()
+
+    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."""
+        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)
+            return True
+        except ValidationError as e:
+            self._validity.set_global_state("emergency")
+            self._validity_message.setText(str(e))
+            self.metadata_cleared.emit(None)
+            return False
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/editors/scan_metadata/_metadata_widgets.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/editors/scan_metadata/_metadata_widgets.py
@@ -2,11 +2,13 @@ from __future__ import annotations

 from abc import abstractmethod
 from decimal import Decimal
-from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Callable, get_args
+from types import UnionType
+from typing import Callable, Protocol

 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from bec_qthemes import material_icon
-from pydantic import BaseModel, Field
+from pydantic import BaseModel, ConfigDict, Field
+from pydantic.fields import FieldInfo
 from qtpy.QtCore import Signal  # type: ignore
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
    QApplication,
@@ -33,12 +35,22 @@ from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.scan_metadata._util import (
    field_precision,
 )

-if TYPE_CHECKING:
-    from pydantic.fields import FieldInfo
-
 logger = bec_logger.logger


+class FormItemSpec(BaseModel):
+    """
+    The specification for an item in a dynamically generated form. Uses a pydantic FieldInfo
+    to store most annotation info, since one of the main purposes is to store data for
+    forms genrated from pydantic models, but can also be composed from other sources or by hand.
+    """
+
+    model_config = ConfigDict(arbitrary_types_allowed=True)
+    item_type: type | UnionType
+    name: str
+    info: FieldInfo = FieldInfo()
+
+
 class ClearableBoolEntry(QWidget):
    stateChanged = Signal()

@@ -82,21 +94,20 @@ class ClearableBoolEntry(QWidget):
        self._false.setToolTip(tooltip)


-class MetadataWidget(QWidget):
-
+class DynamicFormItem(QWidget):
    valueChanged = Signal()

-    def __init__(self, info: FieldInfo, parent: QWidget | None = None) -> None:
+    def __init__(self, parent: QWidget | None = None, *, spec: FormItemSpec) -> None:
        super().__init__(parent)
-        self._info = info
+        self._spec = spec
        self._layout = QHBoxLayout()
        self._layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
        self._layout.setSizeConstraint(QLayout.SizeConstraint.SetMaximumSize)
-        self._default = field_default(self._info)
-        self._desc = self._info.description
+        self._default = field_default(self._spec.info)
+        self._desc = self._spec.info.description
        self.setLayout(self._layout)
        self._add_main_widget()
-        if clearable_required(info):
+        if clearable_required(spec.info):
            self._add_clear_button()

    @abstractmethod
@@ -127,15 +138,15 @@ class MetadataWidget(QWidget):
        self.valueChanged.emit()


-class StrMetadataField(MetadataWidget):
-    def __init__(self, info: FieldInfo, parent: QWidget | None = None) -> None:
-        super().__init__(info, parent)
+class StrMetadataField(DynamicFormItem):
+    def __init__(self, parent: QWidget | None = None, *, spec: FormItemSpec) -> None:
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, spec=spec)
        self._main_widget.textChanged.connect(self._value_changed)

    def _add_main_widget(self) -> None:
        self._main_widget = QLineEdit()
        self._layout.addWidget(self._main_widget)
-        min_length, max_length = field_minlen(self._info), field_maxlen(self._info)
+        min_length, max_length = (field_minlen(self._spec.info), field_maxlen(self._spec.info))
        if max_length:
            self._main_widget.setMaxLength(max_length)
        self._main_widget.setToolTip(
@@ -156,15 +167,15 @@ class StrMetadataField(MetadataWidget):
        self._main_widget.setText(value)


-class IntMetadataField(MetadataWidget):
-    def __init__(self, info: FieldInfo, parent: QWidget | None = None) -> None:
-        super().__init__(info, parent)
+class IntMetadataField(DynamicFormItem):
+    def __init__(self, parent: QWidget | None = None, *, spec: FormItemSpec) -> None:
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, spec=spec)
        self._main_widget.textChanged.connect(self._value_changed)

    def _add_main_widget(self) -> None:
        self._main_widget = QSpinBox()
        self._layout.addWidget(self._main_widget)
-        min_, max_ = field_limits(self._info, int)
+        min_, max_ = field_limits(self._spec.info, int)
        self._main_widget.setMinimum(min_)
        self._main_widget.setMaximum(max_)
        self._main_widget.setToolTip(f"(range {min_} to {max_}){self._describe()}")
@@ -185,18 +196,18 @@ class IntMetadataField(MetadataWidget):
        self._main_widget.setValue(value)


-class FloatDecimalMetadataField(MetadataWidget):
-    def __init__(self, info: FieldInfo, parent: QWidget | None = None) -> None:
-        super().__init__(info, parent)
+class FloatDecimalMetadataField(DynamicFormItem):
+    def __init__(self, parent: QWidget | None = None, *, spec: FormItemSpec) -> None:
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, spec=spec)
        self._main_widget.textChanged.connect(self._value_changed)

    def _add_main_widget(self) -> None:
        self._main_widget = QDoubleSpinBox()
        self._layout.addWidget(self._main_widget)
-        min_, max_ = field_limits(self._info, int)
+        min_, max_ = field_limits(self._spec.info, int)
        self._main_widget.setMinimum(min_)
        self._main_widget.setMaximum(max_)
-        precision = field_precision(self._info)
+        precision = field_precision(self._spec.info)
        if precision:
            self._main_widget.setDecimals(precision)
        minstr = f"{float(min_):.3f}" if abs(min_) <= 1000 else f"{float(min_):.3e}"
@@ -219,13 +230,13 @@ class FloatDecimalMetadataField(MetadataWidget):
        self._main_widget.setValue(value)


-class BoolMetadataField(MetadataWidget):
-    def __init__(self, info: FieldInfo, parent: QWidget | None = None) -> None:
-        super().__init__(info, parent)
+class BoolMetadataField(DynamicFormItem):
+    def __init__(self, *, parent: QWidget | None = None, spec: FormItemSpec) -> None:
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, spec=spec)
        self._main_widget.stateChanged.connect(self._value_changed)

    def _add_main_widget(self) -> None:
-        if clearable_required(self._info):
+        if clearable_required(self._spec.info):
            self._main_widget = ClearableBoolEntry()
        else:
            self._main_widget = QCheckBox()
@@ -240,7 +251,7 @@ class BoolMetadataField(MetadataWidget):
        self._main_widget.setChecked(value)


-def widget_from_type(annotation: type | None) -> Callable[[FieldInfo], MetadataWidget]:
+def widget_from_type(annotation: type | UnionType | None) -> type[DynamicFormItem]:
    if annotation in [str, str | None]:
        return StrMetadataField
    if annotation in [int, int | None]:
--- a/bec_widgets/utils/generate_designer_plugin.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/utils/generate_designer_plugin.py
@@ -1,17 +1,30 @@
 import inspect
 import os
 import re
+from typing import NamedTuple

 from qtpy.QtCore import QObject

+from bec_widgets.utils.name_utils import pascal_to_snake
+
 EXCLUDED_PLUGINS = ["BECConnector", "BECDockArea", "BECDock", "BECFigure"]


+class PluginFilenames(NamedTuple):
+    register: str
+    plugin: str
+    pyproj: str
+
+
+def plugin_filenames(name: str) -> PluginFilenames:
+    return PluginFilenames(f"register_{name}.py", f"{name}_plugin.py", f"{name}.pyproject")
+
+
 class DesignerPluginInfo:
    def __init__(self, plugin_class):
        self.plugin_class = plugin_class
        self.plugin_name_pascal = plugin_class.__name__
-        self.plugin_name_snake = self.pascal_to_snake(self.plugin_name_pascal)
+        self.plugin_name_snake = pascal_to_snake(self.plugin_name_pascal)
        self.widget_import = f"from {plugin_class.__module__} import {self.plugin_name_pascal}"
        plugin_module = (
            ".".join(plugin_class.__module__.split(".")[:-1]) + f".{self.plugin_name_snake}_plugin"
@@ -27,21 +40,6 @@ class DesignerPluginInfo:

        self.base_path = os.path.dirname(inspect.getfile(plugin_class))

-    @staticmethod
-    def pascal_to_snake(name: str) -> str:
-        """
-        Convert PascalCase to snake_case.
-
-        Args:
-            name (str): The name to be converted.
-
-        Returns:
-            str: The converted name.
-        """
-        s1 = re.sub(r"([a-z0-9])([A-Z])", r"\1_\2", name)
-        s2 = re.sub(r"([A-Z]+)([A-Z][a-z])", r"\1_\2", s1)
-        return s2.lower()
-

 class DesignerPluginGenerator:
    def __init__(self, widget: type):
@@ -53,11 +51,15 @@ class DesignerPluginGenerator:
            self._excluded = True
            return

-        self.templates = {}
+        self.templates: dict[str, str] = {}
        self.template_path = os.path.join(
            os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__)), "plugin_templates"
        )

+    @property
+    def filenames(self):
+        return plugin_filenames(self.info.plugin_name_snake)
+
    def run(self, validate=True):
        if self._excluded:
            print(f"Plugin {self.widget.__name__} is excluded from generation.")
@@ -107,31 +109,33 @@ class DesignerPluginGenerator:
                or bool(init_source.find("super().__init__(parent)") > 0)
            )

+        # for the new style classes, we only have one super call. We can therefore check if the
+        # number of __init__ calls is 2 (the class itself and the super class)
+        num_inits = re.findall(r"__init__", init_source)
+        if len(num_inits) == 2 and not super_init_found:
+            super_init_found = bool(
+                init_source.find("super().__init__(parent=parent") > 0
+                or init_source.find("super().__init__(parent,") > 0
+                or init_source.find("super().__init__(parent)") > 0
+            )
+
        if not cls_init_found and not super_init_found:
            raise ValueError(
                f"Widget class {self.widget.__name__} must call the super constructor with parent."
            )

+    def _write_file(self, name: str, contents: str):
+        with open(os.path.join(self.info.base_path, name), "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
+            f.write(contents)
+
+    def _format(self, name: str):
+        return self.templates[name].format(**self.info.__dict__)
+
    def _write_templates(self):
-        self._write_register()
-        self._write_plugin()
-        self._write_pyproject()
-
-    def _write_register(self):
-        file_path = os.path.join(self.info.base_path, f"register_{self.info.plugin_name_snake}.py")
-        with open(file_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
-            f.write(self.templates["register"].format(**self.info.__dict__))
-
-    def _write_plugin(self):
-        file_path = os.path.join(self.info.base_path, f"{self.info.plugin_name_snake}_plugin.py")
-        with open(file_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
-            f.write(self.templates["plugin"].format(**self.info.__dict__))
-
-    def _write_pyproject(self):
-        file_path = os.path.join(self.info.base_path, f"{self.info.plugin_name_snake}.pyproject")
-        out = {"files": [f"{self.info.plugin_class.__module__.split('.')[-1]}.py"]}
-        with open(file_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
-            f.write(str(out))
+        self._write_file(self.filenames.register, self._format("register"))
+        self._write_file(self.filenames.plugin, self._format("plugin"))
+        pyproj = str({"files": [f"{self.info.plugin_class.__module__.split('.')[-1]}.py"]})
+        self._write_file(self.filenames.pyproj, pyproj)

    def _load_templates(self):
        for file in os.listdir(self.template_path):
--- a/bec_widgets/utils/linear_region_selector.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/utils/linear_region_selector.py
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
-""" Module for a thin wrapper (LinearRegionWrapper) around the LinearRegionItem in pyqtgraph.
-The class is mainly designed for usage with the BECWaveform and 1D plots. """
+"""Module for a thin wrapper (LinearRegionWrapper) around the LinearRegionItem in pyqtgraph.
+The class is mainly designed for usage with the BECWaveform and 1D plots."""
+
+from __future__ import annotations

 import pyqtgraph as pg
 from qtpy.QtCore import QObject, Signal, Slot
--- a/bec_widgets/utils/name_utils.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/utils/name_utils.py
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+import re
+
+
+def pascal_to_snake(name: str) -> str:
+    """
+    Convert PascalCase to snake_case.
+
+    Args:
+        name (str): The name to be converted.
+
+    Returns:
+        str: The converted name.
+    """
+    s1 = re.sub(r"([a-z0-9])([A-Z])", r"\1_\2", name)
+    s2 = re.sub(r"([A-Z]+)([A-Z][a-z])", r"\1_\2", s1)
+    return s2.lower()
--- a/bec_widgets/utils/palette_viewer.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/utils/palette_viewer.py
@@ -22,10 +22,10 @@ class PaletteViewer(BECWidget, QWidget):
    """

    ICON_NAME = "palette"
+    RPC = False

    def __init__(self, *args, parent=None, **kwargs):
-        super().__init__(*args, theme_update=True, **kwargs)
-        QWidget.__init__(self, parent=parent)
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, theme_update=True, **kwargs)
        self.setFixedSize(400, 600)
        layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
        dark_mode_button = DarkModeButton(self)
--- a/bec_widgets/utils/plugin_utils.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/utils/plugin_utils.py
@@ -1,7 +1,10 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
 import importlib
 import inspect
 import os
 from dataclasses import dataclass
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING

 from bec_lib.plugin_helper import _get_available_plugins
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QGraphicsWidget, QWidget
@@ -9,6 +12,9 @@ from qtpy.QtWidgets import QGraphicsWidget, QWidget
 from bec_widgets.utils import BECConnector
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget

+if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.auto_update.auto_updates import AutoUpdates
+

 def get_plugin_widgets() -> dict[str, BECConnector]:
    """
@@ -45,6 +51,40 @@ def _filter_plugins(obj):
    return inspect.isclass(obj) and issubclass(obj, BECConnector)


+def get_plugin_auto_updates() -> dict[str, type[AutoUpdates]]:
+    """
+    Get all available auto update classes from the plugin directory. AutoUpdates must inherit from AutoUpdate and be
+    placed in the plugin repository's bec_widgets/auto_updates directory. The entry point for the auto updates is
+    specified in the respective pyproject.toml file using the following key:
+        [project.entry-points."bec.widgets.auto_updates"]
+        plugin_widgets_update = "<beamline_name>.bec_widgets.auto_updates"
+
+    e.g.
+        [project.entry-points."bec.widgets.auto_updates"]
+        plugin_widgets_update = "pxiii_bec.bec_widgets.auto_updates"
+
+    Returns:
+        dict[str, AutoUpdates]: A dictionary of widget names and their respective classes.
+    """
+    modules = _get_available_plugins("bec.widgets.auto_updates")
+    loaded_plugins = {}
+    for module in modules:
+        mods = inspect.getmembers(module, predicate=_filter_auto_updates)
+        for name, mod_cls in mods:
+            if name in loaded_plugins:
+                print(f"Duplicated auto update {name}.")
+            loaded_plugins[name] = mod_cls
+    return loaded_plugins
+
+
+def _filter_auto_updates(obj):
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.auto_update.auto_updates import AutoUpdates
+
+    return (
+        inspect.isclass(obj) and issubclass(obj, AutoUpdates) and not obj.__name__ == "AutoUpdates"
+    )
+
+
@dataclass
 class BECClassInfo:
    name: str
@@ -58,7 +98,13 @@ class BECClassInfo:

 class BECClassContainer:
    def __init__(self):
-        self._collection = []
+        self._collection: list[BECClassInfo] = []
+
+    def __repr__(self):
+        return str(list(cl.name for cl in self.collection))
+
+    def __iter__(self):
+        return self._collection.__iter__()

    def add_class(self, class_info: BECClassInfo):
        """
--- a/bec_widgets/utils/round_frame.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/utils/round_frame.py
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ class RoundedFrame(QFrame):
        parent=None,
        content_widget: QWidget = None,
        background_color: str = None,
+        orientation: str = "horizontal",
        radius: int = 10,
    ):
        QFrame.__init__(self, parent)
@@ -28,8 +29,12 @@ class RoundedFrame(QFrame):
        self.setObjectName("roundedFrame")

        # Create a layout for the frame
-        self.layout = QHBoxLayout(self)
-        self.layout.setContentsMargins(5, 5, 5, 5)  # Set 5px margin
+        if orientation == "vertical":
+            self.layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
+            self.layout.setContentsMargins(5, 5, 5, 5)
+        else:
+            self.layout = QHBoxLayout(self)
+            self.layout.setContentsMargins(5, 5, 5, 5)  # Set 5px margin

        # Add the content widget to the layout
        if content_widget:
--- a/bec_widgets/utils/rpc_server.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/utils/rpc_server.py
@@ -0,0 +1,277 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import functools
+import traceback
+import types
+from contextlib import contextmanager
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Callable, TypeVar
+
+from bec_lib.client import BECClient
+from bec_lib.endpoints import MessageEndpoints
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
+from bec_lib.utils.import_utils import lazy_import
+from qtpy.QtCore import QTimer
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
+from redis.exceptions import RedisError
+
+from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_register import RPCRegister
+from bec_widgets.utils import BECDispatcher
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_connector import BECConnector
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import ErrorPopupUtility
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.main_window import BECMainWindow
+
+if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
+    from bec_lib import messages
+    from qtpy.QtCore import QObject
+else:
+    messages = lazy_import("bec_lib.messages")
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+
+
+T = TypeVar("T")
+
+
+@contextmanager
+def rpc_exception_hook(err_func):
+    """This context replaces the popup message box for error display with a specific hook"""
+    # get error popup utility singleton
+    popup = ErrorPopupUtility()
+    # save current setting
+    old_exception_hook = popup.custom_exception_hook
+
+    # install err_func, if it is a callable
+    # IMPORTANT, Keep self here, because this method is overwriting the custom_exception_hook
+    # of the ErrorPopupUtility (popup instance) class.
+    def custom_exception_hook(self, exc_type, value, tb, **kwargs):
+        err_func({"error": popup.get_error_message(exc_type, value, tb)})
+
+    popup.custom_exception_hook = types.MethodType(custom_exception_hook, popup)
+
+    try:
+        yield popup
+    finally:
+        # restore state of error popup utility singleton
+        popup.custom_exception_hook = old_exception_hook
+
+
+class RPCServer:
+
+    client: BECClient
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        gui_id: str,
+        dispatcher: BECDispatcher | None = None,
+        client: BECClient | None = None,
+        config=None,
+        gui_class_id: str = "bec",
+    ) -> None:
+        self.status = messages.BECStatus.BUSY
+        self.dispatcher = BECDispatcher(config=config) if dispatcher is None else dispatcher
+        self.client = self.dispatcher.client if client is None else client
+        self.client.start()
+        self.gui_id = gui_id
+        # register broadcast callback
+        self.rpc_register = RPCRegister()
+        self.rpc_register.add_callback(self.broadcast_registry_update)
+
+        self.dispatcher.connect_slot(
+            self.on_rpc_update, MessageEndpoints.gui_instructions(self.gui_id)
+        )
+
+        # Setup QTimer for heartbeat
+        self._heartbeat_timer = QTimer()
+        self._heartbeat_timer.timeout.connect(self.emit_heartbeat)
+        self._heartbeat_timer.start(200)
+        self._registry_update_callbacks = []
+        self._broadcasted_data = {}
+
+        self.status = messages.BECStatus.RUNNING
+        logger.success(f"Server started with gui_id: {self.gui_id}")
+
+    def on_rpc_update(self, msg: dict, metadata: dict):
+        request_id = metadata.get("request_id")
+        if request_id is None:
+            logger.error("Received RPC instruction without request_id")
+            return
+        logger.debug(f"Received RPC instruction: {msg}, metadata: {metadata}")
+        with rpc_exception_hook(functools.partial(self.send_response, request_id, False)):
+            try:
+                obj = self.get_object_from_config(msg["parameter"])
+                method = msg["action"]
+                args = msg["parameter"].get("args", [])
+                kwargs = msg["parameter"].get("kwargs", {})
+                res = self.run_rpc(obj, method, args, kwargs)
+            except Exception:
+                content = traceback.format_exc()
+                logger.error(f"Error while executing RPC instruction: {content}")
+                self.send_response(request_id, False, {"error": content})
+            else:
+                logger.debug(f"RPC instruction executed successfully: {res}")
+                self.send_response(request_id, True, {"result": res})
+
+    def send_response(self, request_id: str, accepted: bool, msg: dict):
+        self.client.connector.set_and_publish(
+            MessageEndpoints.gui_instruction_response(request_id),
+            messages.RequestResponseMessage(accepted=accepted, message=msg),
+            expire=60,
+        )
+
+    def get_object_from_config(self, config: dict):
+        gui_id = config.get("gui_id")
+        obj = self.rpc_register.get_rpc_by_id(gui_id)
+        if obj is None:
+            raise ValueError(f"Object with gui_id {gui_id} not found")
+        return obj
+
+    def run_rpc(self, obj, method, args, kwargs):
+        # Run with rpc registry broadcast, but only once
+        with RPCRegister.delayed_broadcast():
+            logger.debug(f"Running RPC instruction: {method} with args: {args}, kwargs: {kwargs}")
+            method_obj = getattr(obj, method)
+            # check if the method accepts args and kwargs
+            if not callable(method_obj):
+                if not args:
+                    res = method_obj
+                else:
+                    setattr(obj, method, args[0])
+                    res = None
+            else:
+                res = method_obj(*args, **kwargs)
+
+            if isinstance(res, list):
+                res = [self.serialize_object(obj) for obj in res]
+            elif isinstance(res, dict):
+                res = {key: self.serialize_object(val) for key, val in res.items()}
+            else:
+                res = self.serialize_object(res)
+            return res
+
+    def serialize_object(self, obj: T) -> None | dict | T:
+        """
+        Serialize all BECConnector objects.
+
+        Args:
+            obj: The object to be serialized.
+
+        Returns:
+            None | dict | T: The serialized object or None if the object is not a BECConnector.
+        """
+        if not isinstance(obj, BECConnector):
+            return obj
+        # Respect RPC = False
+        if getattr(obj, "RPC", True) is False:
+            return None
+        return self._serialize_bec_connector(obj, wait=True)
+
+    def emit_heartbeat(self) -> None:
+        """
+        Emit a heartbeat message to the GUI server.
+        This method is called periodically to indicate that the server is still running.
+        """
+        logger.trace(f"Emitting heartbeat for {self.gui_id}")
+        try:
+            self.client.connector.set(
+                MessageEndpoints.gui_heartbeat(self.gui_id),
+                messages.StatusMessage(name=self.gui_id, status=self.status, info={}),
+                expire=10,
+            )
+        except RedisError as exc:
+            logger.error(f"Error while emitting heartbeat: {exc}")
+
+    def broadcast_registry_update(self, connections: dict) -> None:
+        """
+        Broadcast the registry update to all the callbacks.
+        This method is called whenever the registry is updated.
+        """
+        data = {}
+        for key, val in connections.items():
+            if not isinstance(val, BECConnector):
+                continue
+            if not getattr(val, "RPC", True):
+                continue
+            data[key] = self._serialize_bec_connector(val)
+        if self._broadcasted_data == data:
+            return
+        self._broadcasted_data = data
+
+        logger.info(f"Broadcasting registry update: {data} for {self.gui_id}")
+        self.client.connector.xadd(
+            MessageEndpoints.gui_registry_state(self.gui_id),
+            msg_dict={"data": messages.GUIRegistryStateMessage(state=data)},
+            max_size=1,
+        )
+
+    def _serialize_bec_connector(self, connector: BECConnector, wait=False) -> dict:
+        """
+        Create the serialization dict for a single BECConnector.
+
+        Args:
+            connector (BECConnector): The BECConnector to serialize.
+            wait (bool): If True, wait until the object is registered in the RPC register.
+
+        Returns:
+            dict: The serialized BECConnector object.
+        """
+
+        config_dict = connector.config.model_dump()
+        config_dict["parent_id"] = getattr(connector, "parent_id", None)
+
+        try:
+            parent = connector.parent()
+            if isinstance(parent, BECMainWindow):
+                container_proxy = parent.gui_id
+            else:
+                container_proxy = None
+        except Exception:
+            container_proxy = None
+
+        if wait:
+            while not self.rpc_register.object_is_registered(connector):
+                QApplication.processEvents()
+
+        widget_class = getattr(connector, "rpc_widget_class", None)
+        if not widget_class:
+            widget_class = connector.__class__.__name__
+
+        return {
+            "gui_id": connector.gui_id,
+            "object_name": connector.object_name or connector.__class__.__name__,
+            "widget_class": widget_class,
+            "config": config_dict,
+            "container_proxy": container_proxy,
+            "__rpc__": True,
+        }
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def _get_becwidget_ancestor(widget: QObject) -> BECConnector | None:
+        """
+        Traverse up the parent chain to find the nearest BECConnector.
+        Returns None if none is found.
+        """
+
+        parent = widget.parent()
+        while parent is not None:
+            if isinstance(parent, BECConnector):
+                return parent
+            parent = parent.parent()
+        return None
+
+    # Suppose clients register callbacks to receive updates
+    def add_registry_update_callback(self, cb: Callable) -> None:
+        """
+        Add a callback to be called whenever the registry is updated.
+        The specified callback is called whenever the registry is updated.
+
+        Args:
+            cb (Callable): The callback to be added. It should accept a dictionary of all the
+            registered RPC objects as an argument.
+        """
+        self._registry_update_callbacks.append(cb)
+
+    def shutdown(self):  # TODO not sure if needed when cleanup is done at level of BECConnector
+        self.status = messages.BECStatus.IDLE
+        self._heartbeat_timer.stop()
+        self.emit_heartbeat()
+        logger.info("Succeded in shutting down CLI server")
+        self.client.shutdown()
--- a/bec_widgets/utils/serialization.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/utils/serialization.py
@@ -0,0 +1,44 @@
+from bec_lib.serialization import msgpack
+from qtpy.QtCore import QPointF
+
+
+def register_serializer_extension():
+    """
+    Register the serializer extension for the BECConnector.
+    """
+    if not module_is_registered("bec_widgets.utils.serialization"):
+        msgpack.register_object_hook(encode_qpointf, decode_qpointf)
+
+
+def module_is_registered(module_name: str) -> bool:
+    """
+    Check if the module is registered in the encoder.
+
+    Args:
+        module_name (str): The name of the module to check.
+
+    Returns:
+        bool: True if the module is registered, False otherwise.
+    """
+    # pylint: disable=protected-access
+    for enc in msgpack._encoder:
+        if enc[0].__module__ == module_name:
+            return True
+    return False
+
+
+def encode_qpointf(obj):
+    """
+    Encode a QPointF object to a list of floats. As this is mostly used for sending
+    data to the client, it is not necessary to convert it back to a QPointF object.
+    """
+    if isinstance(obj, QPointF):
+        return [obj.x(), obj.y()]
+    return obj
+
+
+def decode_qpointf(obj):
+    """
+    no-op function since QPointF is encoded as a list of floats.
+    """
+    return obj
--- a/bec_widgets/utils/settings_dialog.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/utils/settings_dialog.py
@@ -1,7 +1,11 @@
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
+from PySide6.QtGui import QCloseEvent
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QDialog, QDialogButtonBox, QHBoxLayout, QPushButton, QVBoxLayout, QWidget

 from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot

+logger = bec_logger.logger
+

 class SettingWidget(QWidget):
    """
@@ -37,6 +41,15 @@ class SettingWidget(QWidget):
        """
        pass

+    def cleanup(self):
+        """
+        Cleanup the settings widget.
+        """
+
+    def closeEvent(self, event: QCloseEvent) -> None:
+        self.cleanup()
+        return super().closeEvent(event)
+

 class SettingsDialog(QDialog):
    """
@@ -99,8 +112,17 @@ class SettingsDialog(QDialog):
        Accept the changes made in the settings widget and close the dialog.
        """
        self.widget.accept_changes()
+        self.cleanup()
        super().accept()

+    @SafeSlot()
+    def reject(self):
+        """
+        Reject the changes made in the settings widget and close the dialog.
+        """
+        self.cleanup()
+        super().reject()
+
    @SafeSlot()
    def apply_changes(self):
        """
@@ -114,7 +136,10 @@ class SettingsDialog(QDialog):
        """
        self.button_box.close()
        self.button_box.deleteLater()
+        self.widget.close()
+        self.widget.deleteLater()

    def closeEvent(self, event):
+        logger.info("Closing settings dialog")
        self.cleanup()
        super().closeEvent(event)
--- a/bec_widgets/utils/side_panel.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/utils/side_panel.py
@@ -35,7 +35,6 @@ class SidePanel(QWidget):
        super().__init__(parent=parent)

        self.setProperty("skip_settings", True)
-        self.setObjectName("SidePanel")

        self._orientation = orientation
        self._panel_max_width = panel_max_width
@@ -60,7 +59,7 @@ class SidePanel(QWidget):
            self.main_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
            self.main_layout.setSpacing(0)

-            self.toolbar = ModularToolBar(target_widget=self, orientation="vertical")
+            self.toolbar = ModularToolBar(parent=self, target_widget=self, orientation="vertical")

            self.container = QWidget()
            self.container.layout = QVBoxLayout(self.container)
@@ -90,7 +89,7 @@ class SidePanel(QWidget):
            self.main_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
            self.main_layout.setSpacing(0)

-            self.toolbar = ModularToolBar(target_widget=self, orientation="horizontal")
+            self.toolbar = ModularToolBar(parent=self, target_widget=self, orientation="horizontal")

            self.container = QWidget()
            self.container.layout = QVBoxLayout(self.container)
--- a/bec_widgets/utils/toolbar.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/utils/toolbar.py
@@ -118,7 +118,7 @@ class IconAction(ToolBarAction):
    def add_to_toolbar(self, toolbar: QToolBar, target: QWidget):
        icon = QIcon()
        icon.addFile(self.icon_path, size=QSize(20, 20))
-        self.action = QAction(icon, self.tooltip, target)
+        self.action = QAction(icon=icon, text=self.tooltip, parent=target)
        self.action.setCheckable(self.checkable)
        toolbar.addAction(self.action)

@@ -128,7 +128,7 @@ class QtIconAction(ToolBarAction):
        super().__init__(icon_path=None, tooltip=tooltip, checkable=checkable)
        self.standard_icon = standard_icon
        self.icon = QApplication.style().standardIcon(standard_icon)
-        self.action = QAction(self.icon, self.tooltip, parent)
+        self.action = QAction(icon=self.icon, text=self.tooltip, parent=parent)
        self.action.setCheckable(self.checkable)

    def add_to_toolbar(self, toolbar, target):
@@ -173,7 +173,7 @@ class MaterialIconAction(ToolBarAction):
            filled=self.filled,
            color=self.color,
        )
-        self.action = QAction(self.icon, self.tooltip, parent=parent)
+        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):
@@ -212,12 +212,12 @@ class DeviceSelectionAction(ToolBarAction):
        self.device_combobox.currentIndexChanged.connect(lambda: self.set_combobox_style("#ffa700"))

    def add_to_toolbar(self, toolbar, target):
-        widget = QWidget()
+        widget = QWidget(parent=target)
        layout = QHBoxLayout(widget)
        layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
        layout.setSpacing(0)
        if self.label is not None:
-            label = QLabel(f"{self.label}")
+            label = QLabel(text=f"{self.label}", parent=target)
            layout.addWidget(label)
        if self.device_combobox is not None:
            layout.addWidget(self.device_combobox)
@@ -280,7 +280,9 @@ class SwitchableToolBarAction(ToolBarAction):
        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(action_obj.get_icon(), action_obj.tooltip, self.main_button)
+            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)
@@ -369,13 +371,13 @@ class WidgetAction(ToolBarAction):
            toolbar (QToolBar): The toolbar to add the widget to.
            target (QWidget): The target widget for the action.
        """
-        self.container = QWidget()
+        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(f"{self.label}")
+            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)
@@ -437,7 +439,7 @@ class ExpandableMenuAction(ToolBarAction):
        )
        menu = QMenu(button)
        for action_id, action in self.actions.items():
-            sub_action = QAction(action.tooltip, target)
+            sub_action = QAction(text=action.tooltip, parent=target)
            sub_action.setIconVisibleInMenu(True)
            if action.icon_path:
                icon = QIcon()
@@ -521,7 +523,7 @@ class ModularToolBar(QToolBar):
        orientation: Literal["horizontal", "vertical"] = "horizontal",
        background_color: str = "rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)",
    ):
-        super().__init__(parent)
+        super().__init__(parent=parent)

        self.widgets = defaultdict(dict)
        self.background_color = background_color
@@ -858,7 +860,7 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):  # pragma: no cover

        # For theme testing

-        self.dark_button = DarkModeButton(toolbar=True)
+        self.dark_button = DarkModeButton(parent=self, toolbar=True)
        dark_mode_action = WidgetAction(label=None, widget=self.dark_button)
        self.toolbar.add_action("dark_mode", dark_mode_action, self)

--- a/bec_widgets/utils/ui_loader.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/utils/ui_loader.py
@@ -1,16 +1,17 @@
-import os
-
-from qtpy import PYQT6, PYSIDE6, QT_VERSION
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
+from qtpy import PYQT6, PYSIDE6
 from qtpy.QtCore import QFile, QIODevice

 from bec_widgets.utils.generate_designer_plugin import DesignerPluginInfo
 from bec_widgets.utils.plugin_utils import get_custom_classes

+logger = bec_logger.logger
+
 if PYSIDE6:
    from PySide6.QtUiTools import QUiLoader

    class CustomUiLoader(QUiLoader):
-        def __init__(self, baseinstance, custom_widgets: dict = None):
+        def __init__(self, baseinstance, custom_widgets: dict | None = None):
            super().__init__(baseinstance)
            self.custom_widgets = custom_widgets or {}

@@ -18,10 +19,9 @@ if PYSIDE6:

        def createWidget(self, class_name, parent=None, name=""):
            if class_name in self.custom_widgets:
-                widget = self.custom_widgets[class_name](parent)
-                widget.setObjectName(name)
+                widget = self.custom_widgets[class_name](self.baseinstance)
                return widget
-            return super().createWidget(class_name, parent, name)
+            return super().createWidget(class_name, self.baseinstance, name)


 class UILoader:
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ class UILoader:
        Returns:
            QWidget: The loaded widget.
        """
-
+        parent = parent or self.parent
        loader = CustomUiLoader(parent, self.custom_widgets)
        file = QFile(ui_file)
        if not file.open(QIODevice.ReadOnly):
--- a/bec_widgets/utils/widget_io.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/utils/widget_io.py
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ from __future__ import annotations

 from abc import ABC, abstractmethod

+import shiboken6 as shb
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
    QApplication,
    QCheckBox,
@@ -275,39 +276,162 @@ class WidgetHierarchy:
        grab_values: bool = False,
        prefix: str = "",
        exclude_internal_widgets: bool = True,
+        only_bec_widgets: bool = False,
+        show_parent: bool = True,
    ) -> None:
        """
        Print the widget hierarchy to the console.

        Args:
-            widget: Widget to print the hierarchy of
+            widget: Widget to print the hierarchy of.
            indent(int, optional): Level of indentation.
            grab_values(bool,optional): Whether to grab the values of the widgets.
-            prefix(stc,optional): Custom string prefix for indentation.
+            prefix(str,optional): Custom string prefix for indentation.
            exclude_internal_widgets(bool,optional): Whether to exclude internal widgets (e.g. QComboBox in PyQt6).
+            only_bec_widgets(bool, optional): Whether to print only widgets that are instances of BECWidget.
+            show_parent(bool, optional): Whether to display which BECWidget is the parent of each discovered BECWidget.
        """
-        widget_info = f"{widget.__class__.__name__} ({widget.objectName()})"
-        if grab_values:
-            value = WidgetIO.get_value(widget, ignore_errors=True)
-            value_str = f" [value: {value}]" if value is not None else ""
-            widget_info += value_str
+        from bec_widgets.utils import BECConnector
+        from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.waveform.waveform import Waveform

+        # 1) Filter out widgets that are not BECConnectors (if 'only_bec_widgets' is True)
+        is_bec = isinstance(widget, BECConnector)
+        if only_bec_widgets and not is_bec:
+            return
+
+        # 2) Determine and print the parent's info (closest BECConnector)
+        parent_info = ""
+        if show_parent and is_bec:
+            ancestor = WidgetHierarchy._get_becwidget_ancestor(widget)
+            if ancestor:
+                parent_label = ancestor.objectName() or ancestor.__class__.__name__
+                parent_info = f" parent={parent_label}"
+            else:
+                parent_info = " parent=None"
+
+        widget_info = f"{widget.__class__.__name__} ({widget.objectName()}){parent_info}"
        print(prefix + widget_info)

-        children = widget.children()
-        for child in children:
-            if (
-                exclude_internal_widgets
-                and isinstance(widget, QComboBox)
-                and child.__class__.__name__ in ["QFrame", "QBoxLayout", "QListView"]
-            ):
+        # 3) If it's a Waveform, explicitly print the curves
+        if isinstance(widget, Waveform):
+            for curve in widget.curves:
+                curve_prefix = prefix + "  └─ "
+                print(
+                    f"{curve_prefix}{curve.__class__.__name__} ({curve.objectName()}) "
+                    f"parent={widget.objectName()}"
+                )
+
+        # 4) Recursively handle each child if:
+        #    - It's a QWidget
+        #    - It is a BECConnector (or we don't care about filtering)
+        #    - Its closest BECConnector parent is the current widget
+        for child in widget.findChildren(QWidget):
+            if only_bec_widgets and not isinstance(child, BECConnector):
                continue
-            child_prefix = prefix + "  "
-            arrow = "├─ " if child != children[-1] else "└─ "
+
+            # if WidgetHierarchy._get_becwidget_ancestor(child) == widget:
+            child_prefix = prefix + "  └─ "
            WidgetHierarchy.print_widget_hierarchy(
-                child, indent + 1, grab_values, prefix=child_prefix + arrow
+                child,
+                indent=indent + 1,
+                grab_values=grab_values,
+                prefix=child_prefix,
+                exclude_internal_widgets=exclude_internal_widgets,
+                only_bec_widgets=only_bec_widgets,
+                show_parent=show_parent,
            )

+    @staticmethod
+    def print_becconnector_hierarchy_from_app():
+        """
+        Enumerate ALL BECConnector objects in the QApplication.
+        Also detect if a widget is a PlotBase, and add any data items
+        (PlotDataItem-like) that are also BECConnector objects.
+
+        Build a parent->children graph where each child's 'parent'
+        is its closest BECConnector ancestor. Print the entire hierarchy
+        from the root(s).
+
+        The result is a single, consolidated tree for your entire
+        running GUI, including PlotBase data items that are BECConnector.
+        """
+        import sys
+        from collections import defaultdict
+
+        from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
+
+        from bec_widgets.utils import BECConnector
+        from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.plot_base import PlotBase
+
+        # 1) Gather ALL QWidget-based BECConnector objects
+        all_qwidgets = QApplication.allWidgets()
+        bec_widgets = set(w for w in all_qwidgets if isinstance(w, BECConnector))
+
+        # 2) Also gather any BECConnector-based data items from PlotBase widgets
+        for w in all_qwidgets:
+            if isinstance(w, PlotBase) and hasattr(w, "plot_item"):
+                plot_item = w.plot_item
+                if hasattr(plot_item, "listDataItems"):
+                    for data_item in plot_item.listDataItems():
+                        if isinstance(data_item, BECConnector):
+                            bec_widgets.add(data_item)
+
+        # 3) Build a map of (closest BECConnector parent) -> list of children
+        parent_map = defaultdict(list)
+        for w in bec_widgets:
+            parent_bec = WidgetHierarchy._get_becwidget_ancestor(w)
+            parent_map[parent_bec].append(w)
+
+        # 4) Define a recursive printer to show each object's children
+        def print_tree(parent, prefix=""):
+            children = parent_map[parent]
+            for i, child in enumerate(children):
+                connector_class = child.__class__.__name__
+                connector_name = child.objectName() or connector_class
+
+                if parent is None:
+                    parent_label = "None"
+                else:
+                    parent_label = parent.objectName() or parent.__class__.__name__
+
+                line = f"{connector_class} ({connector_name}) parent={parent_label}"
+                # Determine tree-branch symbols
+                is_last = i == len(children) - 1
+                branch_str = "└─ " if is_last else "├─ "
+                print(prefix + branch_str + line)
+
+                # Recurse deeper
+                next_prefix = prefix + ("   " if is_last else "│  ")
+                print_tree(child, prefix=next_prefix)
+
+        # 5) Print top-level items (roots) whose BECConnector parent is None
+        roots = parent_map[None]
+        for r_i, root in enumerate(roots):
+            root_class = root.__class__.__name__
+            root_name = root.objectName() or root_class
+            line = f"{root_class} ({root_name}) parent=None"
+            is_last_root = r_i == len(roots) - 1
+            print(line)
+            # Recurse into its children
+            print_tree(root, prefix="   ")
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def _get_becwidget_ancestor(widget):
+        """
+        Traverse up the parent chain to find the nearest BECConnector.
+        Returns None if none is found.
+        """
+        from bec_widgets.utils import BECConnector
+
+        if not shb.isValid(widget):
+            return None
+        parent = widget.parent()
+        while parent is not None:
+            if isinstance(parent, BECConnector):
+                return parent
+            parent = parent.parent()
+        return None
+
    @staticmethod
    def export_config_to_dict(
        widget: QWidget,
--- a/bec_widgets/applications/alignment/alignment_1d/init.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/applications/alignment/alignment_1d/init.py
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/auto_update/auto_updates.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/auto_update/auto_updates.py
@@ -0,0 +1,364 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Literal, overload
+
+from bec_lib.endpoints import MessageEndpoints
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
+from bec_lib.messages import ScanStatusMessage
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock.dock_area import BECDockArea
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.main_window import BECMainWindow
+
+if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
+    from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock.dock import BECDock
+    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
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.scatter_waveform.scatter_waveform import ScatterWaveform
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.waveform.waveform import Waveform
+
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+
+
+class AutoUpdates(BECMainWindow):
+    _default_dock: BECDock
+    USER_ACCESS = ["enabled", "enabled.setter", "selected_device", "selected_device.setter"]
+    RPC = True
+
+    # enforce that subclasses have the same rpc widget class
+    rpc_widget_class = "AutoUpdates"
+
+    def __init__(
+        self, parent=None, gui_id: str = None, window_title="Auto Update", *args, **kwargs
+    ):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, gui_id=gui_id, window_title=window_title, **kwargs)
+
+        self.dock_area = BECDockArea(parent=self, object_name="dock_area")
+        self.setCentralWidget(self.dock_area)
+        self._auto_update_selected_device: str | None = None
+
+        self._default_dock = None  # type:ignore
+        self.current_widget: BECWidget | None = None
+        self.dock_name = None
+        self._enabled = True
+        self.start_auto_update()
+
+    def start_auto_update(self):
+        """
+        Establish all connections for the auto updates.
+        """
+        self.bec_dispatcher.connect_slot(self._on_scan_status, MessageEndpoints.scan_status())
+
+    def stop_auto_update(self):
+        """
+        Disconnect all connections for the auto updates.
+        """
+        self.bec_dispatcher.disconnect_slot(
+            self._on_scan_status, MessageEndpoints.scan_status()  # type:ignore
+        )
+
+    @property
+    def selected_device(self) -> str | None:
+        """
+        Get the selected device from the auto update config.
+
+        Returns:
+            str: The selected device. If no device is selected, None is returned.
+        """
+        return self._auto_update_selected_device
+
+    @selected_device.setter
+    def selected_device(self, value: str | None) -> None:
+        """
+        Set the selected device in the auto update config.
+
+        Args:
+            value(str): The selected device.
+        """
+        self._auto_update_selected_device = value
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def _on_scan_status(self, content: dict, metadata: dict) -> None:
+        """
+        Callback for scan status messages.
+        """
+        msg = ScanStatusMessage(**content, metadata=metadata)
+        if not self.enabled:
+            return
+
+        self.enable_gui_highlights(True)
+
+        match msg.status:
+            case "open":
+                self.on_scan_open(msg)
+            case "closed":
+                self.on_scan_closed(msg)
+            case ["aborted", "halted"]:
+                self.on_scan_abort(msg)
+            case _:
+                pass
+
+    def start_default_dock(self):
+        """
+        Create a default dock for the auto updates.
+        """
+        self.dock_name = "update_dock"
+        self._default_dock = self.dock_area.new(self.dock_name)
+        self.current_widget = self._default_dock.new("Waveform")
+
+    @overload
+    def set_dock_to_widget(self, widget: Literal["Waveform"]) -> Waveform: ...
+
+    @overload
+    def set_dock_to_widget(self, widget: Literal["Image"]) -> Image: ...
+
+    @overload
+    def set_dock_to_widget(self, widget: Literal["ScatterWaveform"]) -> ScatterWaveform: ...
+
+    @overload
+    def set_dock_to_widget(self, widget: Literal["MotorMap"]) -> MotorMap: ...
+
+    @overload
+    def set_dock_to_widget(self, widget: Literal["MultiWaveform"]) -> MultiWaveform: ...
+
+    def set_dock_to_widget(
+        self,
+        widget: Literal["Waveform", "Image", "ScatterWaveform", "MotorMap", "MultiWaveForm"] | str,
+    ) -> BECWidget:
+        """
+        Set the dock to the widget.
+
+        Args:
+            widget (str): The widget to set the dock to. Must be the name of a valid widget class.
+
+        Returns:
+            BECWidget: The widget that was set.
+        """
+        if self._default_dock is None or self.current_widget is None:
+            logger.warning(
+                f"Auto Updates: No default dock found. Creating a new one with name {self.dock_name}"
+            )
+            self.start_default_dock()
+        assert self.current_widget is not None
+
+        if not self.current_widget.__class__.__name__ == widget:
+            self._default_dock.delete(self.current_widget.object_name)
+            self.current_widget = self._default_dock.new(widget)
+        return self.current_widget
+
+    def get_selected_device(
+        self, monitored_devices, selected_device: str | None = None
+    ) -> str | None:
+        """
+        Get the selected device for the plot. If no device is selected, the first
+        device in the monitored devices list is selected.
+        """
+
+        if selected_device is None:
+            selected_device = self.selected_device
+        if selected_device:
+            return selected_device
+        if len(monitored_devices) > 0:
+            sel_device = monitored_devices[0]
+            return sel_device
+        return None
+
+    def enable_gui_highlights(self, enable: bool) -> None:
+        """
+        Enable or disable GUI highlights.
+
+        Args:
+            enable (bool): Whether to enable or disable the highlights.
+        """
+        if enable:
+            title = self.dock_area.window().windowTitle()
+            if " [Auto Updates]" in title:
+                return
+            self.dock_area.window().setWindowTitle(f"{title} [Auto Updates]")
+        else:
+            title = self.dock_area.window().windowTitle()
+            self.dock_area.window().setWindowTitle(title.replace(" [Auto Updates]", ""))
+
+    @property
+    def enabled(self) -> bool:
+        """
+        Get the enabled status of the auto updates.
+        """
+        return self._enabled
+
+    @enabled.setter
+    def enabled(self, value: bool) -> None:
+        """
+        Set the enabled status of the auto updates.
+        """
+        if self._enabled == value:
+            return
+        self._enabled = value
+
+        if value:
+            self.start_auto_update()
+            self.enable_gui_highlights(True)
+            self.on_start()
+        else:
+            self.stop_auto_update()
+            self.enable_gui_highlights(False)
+            self.on_stop()
+
+    def cleanup(self) -> None:
+        """
+        Cleanup procedure to run when the auto updates are disabled.
+        """
+        self.enabled = False
+        self.stop_auto_update()
+        self.dock_area.close()
+        self.dock_area.deleteLater()
+        self.dock_area = None
+        super().cleanup()
+
+    ########################################################################
+    ################# Update Functions #####################################
+    ########################################################################
+
+    def simple_line_scan(self, info: ScanStatusMessage) -> None:
+        """
+        Simple line scan.
+
+        Args:
+            info (ScanStatusMessage): The scan status message.
+        """
+
+        # Set the dock to the waveform widget
+        wf = self.set_dock_to_widget("Waveform")
+
+        # Get the scan report devices reported by the scan
+        dev_x = info.scan_report_devices[0]  # type:ignore
+
+        # For the y axis, get the selected device
+        dev_y = self.get_selected_device(info.readout_priority["monitored"])  # type:ignore
+        if not dev_y:
+            return
+
+        # Clear the waveform widget and plot the data
+        # with the scan number and device names
+        # as the label and title
+        wf.clear_all()
+        wf.plot(
+            x_name=dev_x,
+            y_name=dev_y,
+            label=f"Scan {info.scan_number} - {dev_y}",
+            title=f"Scan {info.scan_number}",
+            x_label=dev_x,
+            y_label=dev_y,
+        )
+
+        logger.info(
+            f"Auto Update [simple_line_scan]: Started plot with: x_name={dev_x}, y_name={dev_y}"
+        )
+
+    def simple_grid_scan(self, info: ScanStatusMessage) -> None:
+        """
+        Simple grid scan.
+
+        Args:
+            info (ScanStatusMessage): The scan status message.
+        """
+        # Set the dock to the scatter waveform widget
+        scatter = self.set_dock_to_widget("ScatterWaveform")
+
+        # Get the scan report devices reported by the scan
+        dev_x, dev_y = info.scan_report_devices[0], info.scan_report_devices[1]  # type:ignore
+        dev_z = self.get_selected_device(info.readout_priority["monitored"])  # type:ignore
+
+        if None in (dev_x, dev_y, dev_z):
+            return
+
+        # Clear the scatter waveform widget and plot the data
+        scatter.clear_all()
+        scatter.plot(
+            x_name=dev_x, y_name=dev_y, z_name=dev_z, label=f"Scan {info.scan_number} - {dev_z}"
+        )
+
+        logger.info(
+            f"Auto Update [simple_grid_scan]: Started plot with: x_name={dev_x}, y_name={dev_y}, z_name={dev_z}"
+        )
+
+    def best_effort(self, info: ScanStatusMessage) -> None:
+        """
+        Best effort scan.
+
+        Args:
+            info (ScanStatusMessage): The scan status message.
+        """
+
+        # If the scan report devices are empty, there is nothing we can do
+        if not info.scan_report_devices:
+            return
+        dev_x = info.scan_report_devices[0]  # type:ignore
+        dev_y = self.get_selected_device(info.readout_priority["monitored"])  # type:ignore
+        if not dev_y:
+            return
+
+        # Set the dock to the waveform widget
+        wf = self.set_dock_to_widget("Waveform")
+
+        # Clear the waveform widget and plot the data
+        wf.clear_all()
+        wf.plot(
+            x_name=dev_x,
+            y_name=dev_y,
+            label=f"Scan {info.scan_number} - {dev_y}",
+            title=f"Scan {info.scan_number}",
+            x_label=dev_x,
+            y_label=dev_y,
+        )
+
+        logger.info(f"Auto Update [best_effort]: Started plot with: x_name={dev_x}, y_name={dev_y}")
+
+    #######################################################################
+    ################# GUI Callbacks #######################################
+    #######################################################################
+
+    def on_start(self) -> None:
+        """
+        Procedure to run when the auto updates are enabled.
+        """
+        self.start_default_dock()
+
+    def on_stop(self) -> None:
+        """
+        Procedure to run when the auto updates are disabled.
+        """
+
+    def on_scan_open(self, msg: ScanStatusMessage) -> None:
+        """
+        Procedure to run when a scan starts.
+
+        Args:
+            msg (ScanStatusMessage): The scan status message.
+        """
+        if msg.scan_name == "line_scan" and msg.scan_report_devices:
+            return self.simple_line_scan(msg)
+        if msg.scan_name == "grid_scan" and msg.scan_report_devices:
+            return self.simple_grid_scan(msg)
+        if msg.scan_report_devices:
+            return self.best_effort(msg)
+        return None
+
+    def on_scan_closed(self, msg: ScanStatusMessage) -> None:
+        """
+        Procedure to run when a scan ends.
+
+        Args:
+            msg (ScanStatusMessage): The scan status message.
+        """
+
+    def on_scan_abort(self, msg: ScanStatusMessage) -> None:
+        """
+        Procedure to run when a scan is aborted.
+
+        Args:
+            msg (ScanStatusMessage): The scan status message.
+        """
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock/dock.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock/dock.py
@@ -12,10 +12,11 @@ from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_widget_handler import widget_handler
 from bec_widgets.utils import ConnectionConfig, GridLayoutManager
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
 from bec_widgets.utils.container_utils import WidgetContainerUtils
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot

 logger = bec_logger.logger

-if TYPE_CHECKING:
+if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
    from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget

    from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock.dock_area import BECDockArea
@@ -130,9 +131,9 @@ class BECDock(BECWidget, Dock):
        self,
        parent: QWidget | None = None,
        parent_dock_area: BECDockArea | None = None,
-        parent_id: str | None = None,
        config: DockConfig | None = None,
        name: str | None = None,
+        object_name: str | None = None,
        client=None,
        gui_id: str | None = None,
        closable: bool = True,
@@ -148,12 +149,17 @@ class BECDock(BECWidget, Dock):
            if isinstance(config, dict):
                config = DockConfig(**config)
            self.config = config
-        super().__init__(
-            client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, name=name, parent_id=parent_id
-        )  # Name was checked and created in BEC Widget
        label = CustomDockLabel(text=name, closable=closable)
-        Dock.__init__(self, name=name, label=label, parent=self, **kwargs)
-        # Dock.__init__(self, name=name, **kwargs)
+        super().__init__(
+            parent=parent_dock_area,
+            name=name,
+            object_name=object_name,
+            client=client,
+            gui_id=gui_id,
+            config=config,
+            label=label,
+            **kwargs,
+        )

        self.parent_dock_area = parent_dock_area
        # Layout Manager
@@ -193,7 +199,7 @@ class BECDock(BECWidget, Dock):
            widgets(dict): The widgets in the dock.
        """
        # pylint: disable=protected-access
-        return dict((widget._name, widget) for widget in self.element_list)
+        return dict((widget.object_name, widget) for widget in self.element_list)

    @property
    def element_list(self) -> list[BECWidget]:
@@ -265,13 +271,15 @@ class BECDock(BECWidget, Dock):
        """
        return list(widget_handler.widget_classes.keys())

-    def _get_list_of_widget_name_of_parent_dock_area(self):
-        docks = self.parent_dock_area.panel_list
+    def _get_list_of_widget_name_of_parent_dock_area(self) -> list[str]:
+        if (docks := self.parent_dock_area.panel_list) is None:
+            return []
        widgets = []
        for dock in docks:
            widgets.extend(dock.elements.keys())
        return widgets

+    @SafeSlot(popup_error=True)
    def new(
        self,
        widget: BECWidget | str,
@@ -294,28 +302,15 @@ class BECDock(BECWidget, Dock):
            colspan(int): The number of columns the widget should span.
            shift(Literal["down", "up", "left", "right"]): The direction to shift the widgets if the position is occupied.
        """
+        if name is not None:
+            WidgetContainerUtils.raise_for_invalid_name(name, container=self)
+
        if row is None:
-            # row = cast(int, self.layout.rowCount())  # type:ignore
            row = self.layout.rowCount()
-            # row = cast(int, row)

        if self.layout_manager.is_position_occupied(row, col):
            self.layout_manager.shift_widgets(shift, start_row=row)

-        existing_widgets_parent_dock = self._get_list_of_widget_name_of_parent_dock_area()
-
-        if name is not None:  # Name is provided
-            if name in existing_widgets_parent_dock:
-                # pylint: disable=protected-access
-                raise ValueError(
-                    f"Name {name} must be unique for widgets, but already exists in DockArea "
-                    f"with name: {self.parent_dock_area._name} and id {self.parent_dock_area.gui_id}."
-                )
-        else:  # Name is not provided
-            widget_class_name = widget if isinstance(widget, str) else widget.__class__.__name__
-            name = WidgetContainerUtils.generate_unique_name(
-                name=widget_class_name, list_of_names=existing_widgets_parent_dock
-            )
        # Check that Widget is not BECDock or BECDockArea
        widget_class_name = widget if isinstance(widget, str) else widget.__class__.__name__
        if widget_class_name in IGNORE_WIDGETS:
@@ -325,16 +320,16 @@ class BECDock(BECWidget, Dock):
            widget = cast(
                BECWidget,
                widget_handler.create_widget(
-                    widget_type=widget, name=name, parent_dock=self, parent_id=self.gui_id
+                    widget_type=widget, object_name=name, parent_dock=self, parent=self
                ),
            )
        else:
-            widget._name = name  # pylint: disable=protected-access
+            widget.object_name = name

        self.addWidget(widget, row=row, col=col, rowspan=rowspan, colspan=colspan)
        if hasattr(widget, "config"):
            widget.config.gui_id = widget.gui_id
-            self.config.widgets[widget._name] = widget.config  # pylint: disable=protected-access
+            self.config.widgets[widget.object_name] = widget.config
        return widget

    def move_widget(self, widget: QWidget, new_row: int, new_col: int):
@@ -364,7 +359,7 @@ class BECDock(BECWidget, Dock):
        """
        Remove the dock from the parent dock area.
        """
-        self.parent_dock_area.delete(self._name)
+        self.parent_dock_area.delete(self.object_name)

    def delete(self, widget_name: str) -> None:
        """
@@ -374,7 +369,7 @@ class BECDock(BECWidget, Dock):
            widget_name(str): Delete the widget with the given name.
        """
        # pylint: disable=protected-access
-        widgets = [widget for widget in self.widgets if widget._name == widget_name]
+        widgets = [widget for widget in self.widgets if widget.object_name == widget_name]
        if len(widgets) == 0:
            logger.warning(
                f"Widget with name {widget_name} not found in dock {self.name()}. "
@@ -390,7 +385,7 @@ class BECDock(BECWidget, Dock):
        else:
            widget = widgets[0]
        self.layout.removeWidget(widget)
-        self.config.widgets.pop(widget._name, None)
+        self.config.widgets.pop(widget.object_name, None)
        if widget in self.widgets:
            self.widgets.remove(widget)
        widget.close()
@@ -400,7 +395,7 @@ class BECDock(BECWidget, Dock):
        Remove all widgets from the dock.
        """
        for widget in self.widgets:
-            self.delete(widget._name)  # pylint: disable=protected-access
+            self.delete(widget.object_name)

    def cleanup(self):
        """
@@ -421,6 +416,7 @@ class BECDock(BECWidget, Dock):
        self.delete_all()
        self.widgets.clear()
        super().cleanup()
+        self.deleteLater()

    def close(self):
        """
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock/dock_area.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock/dock_area.py
@@ -3,7 +3,6 @@ from __future__ import annotations
 from typing import Literal, Optional
 from weakref import WeakValueDictionary

-from bec_lib.endpoints import MessageEndpoints
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from pydantic import Field
 from pyqtgraph.dockarea.DockArea import DockArea
@@ -15,13 +14,16 @@ from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_register import RPCRegister
 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 (
    ExpandableMenuAction,
    MaterialIconAction,
    ModularToolBar,
    SeparatorAction,
 )
+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
@@ -47,6 +49,10 @@ class DockAreaConfig(ConnectionConfig):


 class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
+    """
+    Container for other widgets. Widgets can be added to the dock area and arranged in a grid layout.
+    """
+
    PLUGIN = True
    USER_ACCESS = [
        "_rpc_id",
@@ -62,7 +68,6 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
        "remove",
        "detach_dock",
        "attach_all",
-        "selected_device",
        "save_state",
        "restore_state",
    ]
@@ -73,7 +78,7 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
        config: DockAreaConfig | None = None,
        client=None,
        gui_id: str = None,
-        name: str | None = None,
+        object_name: str = None,
        **kwargs,
    ) -> None:
        if config is None:
@@ -82,17 +87,25 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
            if isinstance(config, dict):
                config = DockAreaConfig(**config)
            self.config = config
-        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, name=name, **kwargs)
-        QWidget.__init__(self, parent=parent)
-        self._parent = parent
+        super().__init__(
+            parent=parent,
+            object_name=object_name,
+            client=client,
+            gui_id=gui_id,
+            config=config,
+            **kwargs,
+        )
+        self._parent = parent  # TODO probably not needed
        self.layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
        self.layout.setSpacing(5)
        self.layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)

        self._instructions_visible = True

-        self.dock_area = DockArea()
+        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 ",
@@ -169,10 +182,10 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):

        self.layout.addWidget(self.toolbar)
        self.layout.addWidget(self.dock_area)
-        self.spacer = QWidget()
+        self.spacer = QWidget(parent=self)
        self.spacer.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Expanding)
        self.toolbar.addWidget(self.spacer)
-        self.toolbar.addWidget(DarkModeButton(toolbar=True))
+        self.toolbar.addWidget(self.dark_mode_button)
        self._hook_toolbar()

    def minimumSizeHint(self):
@@ -230,7 +243,8 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
    def _create_widget_from_toolbar(self, widget_name: str) -> None:
        # Run with RPC broadcast to namespace of all widgets
        with RPCRegister.delayed_broadcast():
-            dock_name = WidgetContainerUtils.generate_unique_name(widget_name, self.panels.keys())
+            name = pascal_to_snake(widget_name)
+            dock_name = WidgetContainerUtils.generate_unique_name(name, self.panels.keys())
            self.new(name=dock_name, widget=widget_name)

    def paintEvent(self, event: QPaintEvent):  # TODO decide if we want any default instructions
@@ -243,17 +257,6 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
                "Add docks using 'new' method from CLI\n or \n Add widget docks using the toolbar",
            )

-    @property
-    def selected_device(self) -> str:
-        gui_id = QApplication.instance().gui_id
-        auto_update_config = self.client.connector.get(
-            MessageEndpoints.gui_auto_update_config(gui_id)
-        )
-        try:
-            return auto_update_config.selected_device
-        except AttributeError:
-            return None
-
    @property
    def panels(self) -> dict[str, BECDock]:
        """
@@ -305,6 +308,8 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
        """
        if state is None:
            state = self.config.docks_state
+        if state is None:
+            return
        self.dock_area.restoreState(state, missing=missing, extra=extra)

    @SafeSlot()
@@ -352,17 +357,27 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
        Returns:
            BECDock: The created dock.
        """
-        dock_names = [dock._name for dock in self.panel_list]  # pylint: disable=protected-access
+        dock_names = [
+            dock.object_name for dock in self.panel_list
+        ]  # pylint: disable=protected-access
        if name is not None:  # Name is provided
            if name in dock_names:
                raise ValueError(
                    f"Name {name} must be unique for docks, but already exists in DockArea "
-                    f"with name: {self._name} and id {self.gui_id}."
+                    f"with name: {self.object_name} and id {self.gui_id}."
                )
+            WidgetContainerUtils.raise_for_invalid_name(name, container=self)
+
        else:  # Name is not provided
            name = WidgetContainerUtils.generate_unique_name(name="dock", list_of_names=dock_names)

-        dock = BECDock(name=name, parent_dock_area=self, parent_id=self.gui_id, closable=closable)
+        dock = BECDock(
+            parent=self,
+            name=name,  # this is dock name pyqtgraph property, this is displayed on label
+            object_name=name,  # this is a real qt object name passed to BECConnector
+            parent_dock_area=self,
+            closable=closable,
+        )
        dock.config.position = position
        self.config.docks[dock.name()] = dock.config
        # The dock.name is equal to the name passed to BECDock
@@ -430,10 +445,8 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
        Cleanup the dock area.
        """
        self.delete_all()
-        self.toolbar.close()
-        self.toolbar.deleteLater()
-        self.dock_area.close()
-        self.dock_area.deleteLater()
+        self.dark_mode_button.close()
+        self.dark_mode_button.deleteLater()
        super().cleanup()

    def show(self):
@@ -482,7 +495,18 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
        # self._broadcast_update()

    def remove(self) -> None:
-        """Remove the dock area."""
+        """
+        Remove the dock area. If the dock area is embedded in a BECMainWindow and
+        is set as the central widget, the main window will be closed.
+        """
+        parent = self.parent()
+        if isinstance(parent, BECMainWindow):
+            central_widget = parent.centralWidget()
+            if central_widget is self:
+                # Closing the parent will also close the dock area
+                parent.close()
+                return
+
        self.close()


@@ -495,11 +519,13 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
    app = QApplication([])
    set_theme("auto")
    dock_area = BECDockArea()
-    dock_1 = dock_area.new(name="dock_0", widget="Waveform")
+    dock_1 = dock_area.new(name="dock_0", widget="DarkModeButton")
+    dock_1.new(widget="DarkModeButton")
    # dock_1 = dock_area.new(name="dock_0", widget="Waveform")
-    dock_area.new(widget="Waveform")
+    dock_area.new(widget="DarkModeButton")
    dock_area.show()
    dock_area.setGeometry(100, 100, 800, 600)
    app.topLevelWidgets()
+    WidgetHierarchy.print_becconnector_hierarchy_from_app()
    app.exec_()
    sys.exit(app.exec_())
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/layout_manager/layout_manager.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/layout_manager/layout_manager.py
@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
 import math
 import sys
 from typing import Dict, Literal, Optional, Set, Tuple, Union
@@ -34,7 +36,6 @@ class LayoutManagerWidget(QWidget):

    def __init__(self, parent=None, auto_reindex=True):
        super().__init__(parent)
-        self.setObjectName("LayoutManagerWidget")
        self.layout = QGridLayout(self)
        self.auto_reindex = auto_reindex

--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/main_window/addons/init.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/main_window/addons/init.py
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/main_window/addons/web_links.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/main_window/addons/web_links.py
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+import webbrowser
+
+
+class BECWebLinksMixin:
+    @staticmethod
+    def open_bec_docs():
+        webbrowser.open("https://beamline-experiment-control.readthedocs.io/en/latest/")
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def open_bec_widgets_docs():
+        webbrowser.open("https://bec.readthedocs.io/projects/bec-widgets/en/latest/")
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def open_bec_bug_report():
+        webbrowser.open("https://gitlab.psi.ch/groups/bec/-/issues/")
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/main_window/main_window.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/main_window/main_window.py
@@ -1,74 +1,189 @@
-from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
-from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QMainWindow
+import os

-from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_register import RPCRegister
+from qtpy.QtCore import QSize
+from qtpy.QtGui import QAction, QActionGroup, QIcon
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QMainWindow, QStyle
+
+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.container_utils import WidgetContainerUtils
-from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock.dock_area import BECDockArea
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.utils.widget_io import WidgetHierarchy
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.addons.web_links import BECWebLinksMixin

-logger = bec_logger.logger
+MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)


 class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
-    def __init__(self, gui_id: str = None, *args, **kwargs):
-        BECWidget.__init__(self, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
-        QMainWindow.__init__(self, *args, **kwargs)
+    RPC = False
+    PLUGIN = False

-    def _dump(self):
-        """Return a dictionary with informations about the application state, for use in tests"""
-        # TODO: ModularToolBar and something else leak top-level widgets (3 or 4 QMenu + 2 QWidget);
-        # so, a filtering based on title is applied here, but the solution is to not have those widgets
-        # as top-level (so for now, a window with no title does not appear in _dump() result)
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        parent=None,
+        gui_id: str = None,
+        client=None,
+        window_title: str = "BEC",
+        *args,
+        **kwargs,
+    ):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)

-        # NOTE: the main window itself is excluded, since we want to dump dock areas
-        info = {
-            tlw.gui_id: {
-                "title": tlw.windowTitle(),
-                "visible": tlw.isVisible(),
-                "class": str(type(tlw)),
-            }
-            for tlw in QApplication.instance().topLevelWidgets()
-            if tlw is not self and tlw.windowTitle()
-        }
-        # Add the main window dock area
-        info[self.centralWidget().gui_id] = {
-            "title": self.windowTitle(),
-            "visible": self.isVisible(),
-            "class": str(type(self.centralWidget())),
-        }
-        return info
+        self.app = QApplication.instance()
+        self.setWindowTitle(window_title)
+        self._init_ui()
+        self._connect_to_theme_change()

-    def new_dock_area(
-        self, name: str | None = None, geometry: tuple[int, int, int, int] | None = None
-    ) -> BECDockArea:
-        """Create a new dock area.
+    def _init_ui(self):

-        Args:
-            name(str): The name of the dock area.
-            geometry(tuple): The geometry parameters to be passed to the dock area.
-        Returns:
-            BECDockArea: The newly created dock area.
+        # Set the icon
+        self._init_bec_icon()
+
+        # Set Menu and Status bar
+        self._setup_menu_bar()
+
+        # BEC Specific UI
+        self.display_app_id()
+
+    def _init_bec_icon(self):
+        icon = self.app.windowIcon()
+        if icon.isNull():
+            print("No icon is set, setting default icon")
+            icon = QIcon()
+            icon.addFile(
+                os.path.join(MODULE_PATH, "assets", "app_icons", "bec_widgets_icon.png"),
+                size=QSize(48, 48),
+            )
+            self.app.setWindowIcon(icon)
+        else:
+            print("An icon is set")
+
+    def load_ui(self, ui_file):
+        loader = UILoader(self)
+        self.ui = loader.loader(ui_file)
+        self.setCentralWidget(self.ui)
+
+    def display_app_id(self):
        """
-        with RPCRegister.delayed_broadcast() as rpc_register:
-            existing_dock_areas = rpc_register.get_names_of_rpc_by_class_type(BECDockArea)
-            if name is not None:
-                if name in existing_dock_areas:
-                    raise ValueError(
-                        f"Name {name} must be unique for dock areas, but already exists: {existing_dock_areas}."
-                    )
-            else:
-                name = "dock_area"
-                name = WidgetContainerUtils.generate_unique_name(name, existing_dock_areas)
-            dock_area = BECDockArea(name=name)
-            dock_area.resize(dock_area.minimumSizeHint())
-            # TODO Should we simply use the specified name as title here?
-            dock_area.window().setWindowTitle(f"BEC - {name}")
-            logger.info(f"Created new dock area: {name}")
-            logger.info(f"Existing dock areas: {geometry}")
-            if geometry is not None:
-                dock_area.setGeometry(*geometry)
-            dock_area.show()
-            return dock_area
+        Display the app ID in the status bar.
+        """
+        if self.bec_dispatcher.cli_server is None:
+            status_message = "Not connected"
+        else:
+            # Get the server ID from the dispatcher
+            server_id = self.bec_dispatcher.cli_server.gui_id
+            status_message = f"App ID: {server_id}"
+        self.statusBar().showMessage(status_message)
+
+    def _fetch_theme(self) -> str:
+        return self.app.theme.theme
+
+    def _get_launcher_from_qapp(self):
+        """
+        Get the launcher from the QApplication instance.
+        """
+        from bec_widgets.applications.launch_window import LaunchWindow
+
+        qapp = QApplication.instance()
+        widgets = qapp.topLevelWidgets()
+        widgets = [w for w in widgets if isinstance(w, LaunchWindow)]
+        if widgets:
+            return widgets[0]
+        return None
+
+    def _show_launcher(self):
+        """
+        Show the launcher if it exists.
+        """
+        launcher = self._get_launcher_from_qapp()
+        if launcher:
+            launcher.show()
+            launcher.activateWindow()
+            launcher.raise_()
+
+    def _setup_menu_bar(self):
+        """
+        Setup the menu bar for the main window.
+        """
+        menu_bar = self.menuBar()
+
+        ##########################################
+        # Launch menu
+        launch_menu = menu_bar.addMenu("New")
+
+        open_launcher_action = QAction("Open Launcher", self)
+        launch_menu.addAction(open_launcher_action)
+        open_launcher_action.triggered.connect(self._show_launcher)
+
+        ########################################
+        # Theme menu
+        theme_menu = menu_bar.addMenu("Theme")
+
+        theme_group = QActionGroup(self)
+        light_theme_action = QAction("Light Theme", self, checkable=True)
+        dark_theme_action = QAction("Dark Theme", self, checkable=True)
+        theme_group.addAction(light_theme_action)
+        theme_group.addAction(dark_theme_action)
+        theme_group.setExclusive(True)
+
+        theme_menu.addAction(light_theme_action)
+        theme_menu.addAction(dark_theme_action)
+
+        # Connect theme actions
+        light_theme_action.triggered.connect(lambda: self.change_theme("light"))
+        dark_theme_action.triggered.connect(lambda: self.change_theme("dark"))
+
+        # Set the default theme
+        theme = self.app.theme.theme
+        if theme == "light":
+            light_theme_action.setChecked(True)
+        elif theme == "dark":
+            dark_theme_action.setChecked(True)
+
+        ########################################
+        # Help menu
+        help_menu = menu_bar.addMenu("Help")
+
+        help_icon = QApplication.style().standardIcon(QStyle.SP_MessageBoxQuestion)
+        bug_icon = QApplication.style().standardIcon(QStyle.SP_MessageBoxInformation)
+
+        bec_docs = QAction("BEC Docs", self)
+        bec_docs.setIcon(help_icon)
+        widgets_docs = QAction("BEC Widgets Docs", self)
+        widgets_docs.setIcon(help_icon)
+        bug_report = QAction("Bug Report", self)
+        bug_report.setIcon(bug_icon)
+
+        bec_docs.triggered.connect(BECWebLinksMixin.open_bec_docs)
+        widgets_docs.triggered.connect(BECWebLinksMixin.open_bec_widgets_docs)
+        bug_report.triggered.connect(BECWebLinksMixin.open_bec_bug_report)
+
+        help_menu.addAction(bec_docs)
+        help_menu.addAction(widgets_docs)
+        help_menu.addAction(bug_report)
+
+    @SafeSlot(str)
+    def change_theme(self, theme: str):
+        apply_theme(theme)

    def cleanup(self):
-        super().close()
+        central_widget = self.centralWidget()
+        central_widget.close()
+        central_widget.deleteLater()
+        if not isinstance(central_widget, BECWidget):
+            # if the central widget is not a BECWidget, we need to call the cleanup method
+            # of all widgets whose parent is the current BECMainWindow
+            children = self.findChildren(BECWidget)
+            for child in children:
+                ancestor = WidgetHierarchy._get_becwidget_ancestor(child)
+                if ancestor is self:
+                    child.cleanup()
+                    child.close()
+                    child.deleteLater()
+        super().cleanup()
+
+
+class UILaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
+    RPC = True
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/control/buttons/button_abort/button_abort.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/control/buttons/button_abort/button_abort.py
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ class AbortButton(BECWidget, QWidget):

    PLUGIN = True
    ICON_NAME = "cancel"
+    RPC = True

    def __init__(
        self,
@@ -22,9 +23,7 @@ class AbortButton(BECWidget, QWidget):
        scan_id=None,
        **kwargs,
    ):
-        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
-        QWidget.__init__(self, parent=parent)
-
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, config=config, **kwargs)
        self.get_bec_shortcuts()

        self.layout = QHBoxLayout(self)
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/control/buttons/button_reset/button_reset.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/control/buttons/button_reset/button_reset.py
@@ -11,11 +11,10 @@ class ResetButton(BECWidget, QWidget):

    PLUGIN = True
    ICON_NAME = "restart_alt"
+    RPC = True

    def __init__(self, parent=None, client=None, config=None, gui_id=None, toolbar=False, **kwargs):
-        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
-        QWidget.__init__(self, parent=parent)
-
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, config=config, **kwargs)
        self.get_bec_shortcuts()

        self.layout = QHBoxLayout(self)
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/control/buttons/button_resume/button_resume.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/control/buttons/button_resume/button_resume.py
@@ -11,10 +11,10 @@ class ResumeButton(BECWidget, QWidget):

    PLUGIN = True
    ICON_NAME = "resume"
+    RPC = True

    def __init__(self, parent=None, client=None, config=None, gui_id=None, toolbar=False, **kwargs):
-        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
-        QWidget.__init__(self, parent=parent)
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, config=config, **kwargs)

        self.get_bec_shortcuts()

--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/control/buttons/stop_button/stop_button.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/control/buttons/stop_button/stop_button.py
@@ -11,10 +11,10 @@ class StopButton(BECWidget, QWidget):

    PLUGIN = True
    ICON_NAME = "dangerous"
+    RPC = True

    def __init__(self, parent=None, client=None, config=None, gui_id=None, toolbar=False, **kwargs):
-        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
-        QWidget.__init__(self, parent=parent)
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, config=config, **kwargs)

        self.get_bec_shortcuts()

@@ -54,9 +54,20 @@ class StopButton(BECWidget, QWidget):
 if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
    import sys

-    from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
+    from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QVBoxLayout, QWidget

-    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
-    w = StopButton()
-    w.show()
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.control.buttons.stop_button.stop_button import StopButton
+
+    class MyGui(QWidget):
+        def __init__(self):
+            super().__init__()
+            self.setLayout(QVBoxLayout())
+            # Create and add the StopButton to the layout
+            self.stop_button = StopButton()
+            self.layout().addWidget(self.stop_button)
+
+    # Example of how this custom GUI might be used:
+    app = QApplication([])
+    my_gui = MyGui()
+    my_gui.show()
    sys.exit(app.exec_())
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_control/position_indicator/position_indicator.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_control/position_indicator/position_indicator.py
@@ -8,13 +8,26 @@ from bec_widgets.utils.colors import get_accent_colors, get_theme_palette


 class PositionIndicator(BECWidget, QWidget):
-    USER_ACCESS = ["set_value", "set_range", "vertical", "indicator_width", "rounded_corners"]
+    """
+    Display a position within a defined range, e.g. motor limits.
+    """
+
+    USER_ACCESS = [
+        "set_value",
+        "set_range",
+        "vertical",
+        "vertical.setter",
+        "indicator_width",
+        "indicator_width.setter",
+        "rounded_corners",
+        "rounded_corners.setter",
+    ]
    PLUGIN = True
    ICON_NAME = "horizontal_distribute"

    def __init__(self, parent=None, client=None, config=None, gui_id=None, **kwargs):
-        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
-        QWidget.__init__(self, parent=parent)
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, config=config, **kwargs)
+
        self.position = 50
        self.min_value = 0
        self.max_value = 100
@@ -205,6 +218,12 @@ class PositionIndicator(BECWidget, QWidget):
    @Slot(int)
    @Slot(float)
    def set_value(self, position: float):
+        """
+        Set the position of the indicator
+
+        Args:
+            position: The new position of the indicator
+        """
        self.position = position
        self.update()

--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_control/positioner_box/_base/positioner_box_base.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_control/positioner_box/_base/positioner_box_base.py
@@ -40,6 +40,7 @@ class DeviceUpdateUIComponents(TypedDict):
    stop: QPushButton
    tweak_increase: QPushButton
    tweak_decrease: QPushButton
+    units: QLabel


 class PositionerBoxBase(BECWidget, CompactPopupWidget):
@@ -47,6 +48,7 @@ class PositionerBoxBase(BECWidget, CompactPopupWidget):

    current_path = ""
    ICON_NAME = "switch_right"
+    RPC = False

    def __init__(self, parent=None, **kwargs):
        """Initialize the PositionerBox widget.
@@ -55,8 +57,7 @@ class PositionerBoxBase(BECWidget, CompactPopupWidget):
            parent: The parent widget.
            device (Positioner): The device to control.
        """
-        super().__init__(**kwargs)
-        CompactPopupWidget.__init__(self, parent=parent, layout=QVBoxLayout)
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, layout=QVBoxLayout, **kwargs)
        self._dialog = None
        self.get_bec_shortcuts()

@@ -84,16 +85,33 @@ class PositionerBoxBase(BECWidget, CompactPopupWidget):
        limit_update: Callable[[tuple[float, float]], None],
    ):
        """Init the device view and readback"""
-        if self._check_device_is_valid(device):
-            data = self.dev[device].read()
-            self._on_device_readback(
-                device,
-                self._device_ui_components(device),
-                {"signals": data},
-                {},
-                position_emit,
-                limit_update,
-            )
+        if not self._check_device_is_valid(device):
+            return
+
+        data = self.dev[device].read()
+        self._on_device_readback(
+            device,
+            self._device_ui_components(device),
+            {"signals": data},
+            {},
+            position_emit,
+            limit_update,
+        )
+
+        ui = self._device_ui_components(device)
+        if not ui.get("units"):
+            return
+
+        try:
+            egu = f"[{self.dev[device].egu()}]"
+        except Exception:
+            egu = ""
+
+        if egu:
+            ui["units"].setVisible(True)
+            ui["units"].setText(egu)
+        else:
+            ui["units"].setVisible(False)

    def _stop_device(self, device: str):
        """Stop call"""
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_control/positioner_box/positioner_box/positioner_box.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_control/positioner_box/positioner_box/positioner_box.py
@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@ class PositionerBox(PositionerBoxBase):
    dimensions = (234, 224)

    PLUGIN = True
+    RPC = True

    USER_ACCESS = ["set_positioner"]
    device_changed = Signal(str, str)
@@ -170,6 +171,7 @@ class PositionerBox(PositionerBoxBase):
            "stop": self.ui.stop,
            "tweak_increase": self.ui.tweak_right,
            "tweak_decrease": self.ui.tweak_left,
+            "units": self.ui.units,
        }

    @SafeSlot(dict, dict)
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_control/positioner_box/positioner_box/positioner_box.ui
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_control/positioner_box/positioner_box/positioner_box.ui
@@ -135,6 +135,29 @@
            </property>
           </widget>
          </item>
+          <item>
+           <spacer name="horizontalSpacer_2">
+            <property name="orientation">
+             <enum>Qt::Orientation::Horizontal</enum>
+            </property>
+            <property name="sizeHint" stdset="0">
+             <size>
+              <width>40</width>
+              <height>20</height>
+             </size>
+            </property>
+           </spacer>
+          </item>
+          <item>
+           <widget class="QLabel" name="units">
+            <property name="toolTip">
+             <string>Motor units</string>
+            </property>
+            <property name="text">
+             <string></string>
+            </property>
+           </widget>
+          </item>
          <item>
           <spacer name="horizontalSpacer">
            <property name="orientation">
@@ -203,16 +226,16 @@
  </layout>
 </widget>
 <customwidgets>
-  <customwidget>
-   <class>SpinnerWidget</class>
-   <extends>QWidget</extends>
-   <header>spinner_widget</header>
-  </customwidget>
  <customwidget>
   <class>PositionIndicator</class>
   <extends>QWidget</extends>
   <header>position_indicator</header>
  </customwidget>
+  <customwidget>
+   <class>SpinnerWidget</class>
+   <extends>QWidget</extends>
+   <header>spinner_widget</header>
+  </customwidget>
 </customwidgets>
 <resources/>
 <connections/>
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_control/positioner_box/positioner_box_2d/positioner_box_2d.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_control/positioner_box/positioner_box_2d/positioner_box_2d.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-""" Module for a PositionerBox2D widget to control two positioner devices."""
+"""Module for a PositionerBox2D widget to control two positioner devices."""

 from __future__ import annotations

@@ -33,6 +33,7 @@ class PositionerBox2D(PositionerBoxBase):
    ui_file = "positioner_box_2d.ui"

    PLUGIN = True
+    RPC = True
    USER_ACCESS = ["set_positioner_hor", "set_positioner_ver"]

    device_changed_hor = Signal(str, str)
@@ -312,6 +313,7 @@ class PositionerBox2D(PositionerBoxBase):
                "stop": self.ui.stop_button,
                "tweak_increase": self.ui.tweak_increase_hor,
                "tweak_decrease": self.ui.tweak_decrease_hor,
+                "units": self.ui.units_hor,
            }
        elif device == "vertical":
            return {
@@ -324,6 +326,7 @@ class PositionerBox2D(PositionerBoxBase):
                "stop": self.ui.stop_button,
                "tweak_increase": self.ui.tweak_increase_ver,
                "tweak_decrease": self.ui.tweak_decrease_ver,
+                "units": self.ui.units_ver,
            }
        else:
            raise ValueError(f"Device {device} is not represented by this UI")
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_control/positioner_box/positioner_box_2d/positioner_box_2d.ui
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_control/positioner_box/positioner_box_2d/positioner_box_2d.ui
@@ -6,8 +6,8 @@
   <rect>
    <x>0</x>
    <y>0</y>
-    <width>326</width>
-    <height>323</height>
+    <width>402</width>
+    <height>394</height>
   </rect>
  </property>
  <property name="windowTitle">
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
         <property name="title">
          <string>No positioner selected</string>
         </property>
-         <layout class="QGridLayout" name="gridLayout_6" rowstretch="0,0,0,0,0,0">
+         <layout class="QGridLayout" name="gridLayout_6" rowstretch="0,0,0,0,0,0,0">
          <property name="topMargin">
           <number>0</number>
          </property>
@@ -40,15 +40,38 @@
             </widget>
            </item>
            <item>
-             <widget class="QLabel" name="readback_ver">
-              <property name="text">
-               <string>Position</string>
+             <spacer name="horizontalSpacer_18">
+              <property name="orientation">
+               <enum>Qt::Orientation::Horizontal</enum>
              </property>
-              <property name="alignment">
-               <set>Qt::AlignmentFlag::AlignCenter</set>
+              <property name="sizeHint" stdset="0">
+               <size>
+                <width>40</width>
+                <height>20</height>
+               </size>
+              </property>
+             </spacer>
+            </item>
+            <item>
+             <widget class="QLabel" name="units_ver">
+              <property name="text">
+               <string/>
              </property>
             </widget>
            </item>
+            <item>
+             <spacer name="horizontalSpacer_19">
+              <property name="orientation">
+               <enum>Qt::Orientation::Horizontal</enum>
+              </property>
+              <property name="sizeHint" stdset="0">
+               <size>
+                <width>40</width>
+                <height>20</height>
+               </size>
+              </property>
+             </spacer>
+            </item>
            <item>
             <widget class="SpinnerWidget" name="spinner_widget_ver">
              <property name="minimumSize">
@@ -67,20 +90,7 @@
            </item>
           </layout>
          </item>
-          <item row="2" column="0">
-           <widget class="QLineEdit" name="setpoint_ver">
-            <property name="enabled">
-             <bool>false</bool>
-            </property>
-            <property name="focusPolicy">
-             <enum>Qt::FocusPolicy::StrongFocus</enum>
-            </property>
-            <property name="alignment">
-             <set>Qt::AlignmentFlag::AlignCenter</set>
-            </property>
-           </widget>
-          </item>
-          <item row="5" column="0">
+          <item row="6" column="0">
           <layout class="QHBoxLayout" name="horizontalLayout_6">
            <item>
             <widget class="QDoubleSpinBox" name="step_size_ver">
@@ -94,6 +104,29 @@
            </item>
           </layout>
          </item>
+          <item row="3" column="0">
+           <widget class="QLineEdit" name="setpoint_ver">
+            <property name="enabled">
+             <bool>false</bool>
+            </property>
+            <property name="focusPolicy">
+             <enum>Qt::FocusPolicy::StrongFocus</enum>
+            </property>
+            <property name="alignment">
+             <set>Qt::AlignmentFlag::AlignCenter</set>
+            </property>
+           </widget>
+          </item>
+          <item row="2" column="0">
+           <widget class="QLabel" name="readback_ver">
+            <property name="text">
+             <string>Position</string>
+            </property>
+            <property name="alignment">
+             <set>Qt::AlignmentFlag::AlignCenter</set>
+            </property>
+           </widget>
+          </item>
         </layout>
        </widget>
       </item>
@@ -132,15 +165,38 @@
             </widget>
            </item>
            <item>
-             <widget class="QLabel" name="readback_hor">
-              <property name="text">
-               <string>Position</string>
+             <spacer name="horizontalSpacer_9">
+              <property name="orientation">
+               <enum>Qt::Orientation::Horizontal</enum>
              </property>
-              <property name="alignment">
-               <set>Qt::AlignmentFlag::AlignCenter</set>
+              <property name="sizeHint" stdset="0">
+               <size>
+                <width>40</width>
+                <height>20</height>
+               </size>
+              </property>
+             </spacer>
+            </item>
+            <item>
+             <widget class="QLabel" name="units_hor">
+              <property name="text">
+               <string/>
              </property>
             </widget>
            </item>
+            <item>
+             <spacer name="horizontalSpacer_13">
+              <property name="orientation">
+               <enum>Qt::Orientation::Horizontal</enum>
+              </property>
+              <property name="sizeHint" stdset="0">
+               <size>
+                <width>40</width>
+                <height>20</height>
+               </size>
+              </property>
+             </spacer>
+            </item>
            <item>
             <widget class="SpinnerWidget" name="spinner_widget_hor">
              <property name="minimumSize">
@@ -173,6 +229,16 @@
            </item>
           </layout>
          </item>
+          <item row="2" column="0">
+           <widget class="QLabel" name="readback_hor">
+            <property name="text">
+             <string>Position</string>
+            </property>
+            <property name="alignment">
+             <set>Qt::AlignmentFlag::AlignCenter</set>
+            </property>
+           </widget>
+          </item>
         </layout>
        </widget>
       </item>
@@ -525,16 +591,16 @@
  </layout>
 </widget>
 <customwidgets>
-  <customwidget>
-   <class>StopButton</class>
-   <extends>QWidget</extends>
-   <header>stop_button</header>
-  </customwidget>
  <customwidget>
   <class>PositionIndicator</class>
   <extends>QWidget</extends>
   <header>position_indicator</header>
  </customwidget>
+  <customwidget>
+   <class>StopButton</class>
+   <extends>QWidget</extends>
+   <header>stop_button</header>
+  </customwidget>
  <customwidget>
   <class>SpinnerWidget</class>
   <extends>QWidget</extends>
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_control/positioner_box/positioner_control_line/positioner_control_line.ui
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_control/positioner_box/positioner_control_line/positioner_control_line.ui
@@ -116,6 +116,13 @@
          </property>
         </widget>
        </item>
+        <item>
+         <widget class="QLabel" name="units">
+          <property name="text">
+           <string>TextLabel</string>
+          </property>
+         </widget>
+        </item>
       </layout>
      </item>
      <item>
@@ -218,16 +225,16 @@
  </layout>
 </widget>
 <customwidgets>
-  <customwidget>
-   <class>SpinnerWidget</class>
-   <extends>QWidget</extends>
-   <header>spinner_widget</header>
-  </customwidget>
  <customwidget>
   <class>PositionIndicator</class>
   <extends>QWidget</extends>
   <header>position_indicator</header>
  </customwidget>
+  <customwidget>
+   <class>SpinnerWidget</class>
+   <extends>QWidget</extends>
+   <header>spinner_widget</header>
+  </customwidget>
 </customwidgets>
 <resources/>
 <connections/>
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_control/positioner_group/positioner_group.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_control/positioner_group/positioner_group.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-""" Module for a PositionerGroup widget to control a positioner device."""
+"""Module for a PositionerGroup widget to control a positioner device."""

 from __future__ import annotations

@@ -69,8 +69,7 @@ class PositionerGroup(BECWidget, QWidget):
        Args:
            parent: The parent widget.
        """
-        super().__init__(**kwargs)
-        QWidget.__init__(self, parent)
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, **kwargs)

        self.get_bec_shortcuts()

--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_input/base_classes/device_input_base.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_input/base_classes/device_input_base.py
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ class DeviceInputBase(BECWidget):
        ReadoutPriority.ON_REQUEST: "readout_on_request",
    }

-    def __init__(self, client=None, config=None, gui_id: str | None = None, **kwargs):
+    def __init__(self, parent=None, client=None, config=None, gui_id: str | None = None, **kwargs):

        if config is None:
            config = DeviceInputConfig(widget_class=self.__class__.__name__)
@@ -90,7 +90,9 @@ class DeviceInputBase(BECWidget):
            if isinstance(config, dict):
                config = DeviceInputConfig(**config)
            self.config = config
-        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, theme_update=True, **kwargs)
+        super().__init__(
+            parent=parent, client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, theme_update=True, **kwargs
+        )
        self.get_bec_shortcuts()
        self._device_filter = []
        self._readout_filter = []
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_input/base_classes/device_signal_input_base.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_input/base_classes/device_signal_input_base.py
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@ class DeviceSignalInputBase(BECWidget):
    signal object based on the current text of the widget.
    """

+    RPC = False
    _filter_handler = {
        Kind.hinted: "include_hinted_signals",
        Kind.normal: "include_normal_signals",
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_input/device_combobox/device_combobox.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_input/device_combobox/device_combobox.py
@@ -47,8 +47,7 @@ class DeviceComboBox(DeviceInputBase, QComboBox):
        arg_name: str | None = None,
        **kwargs,
    ):
-        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
-        QComboBox.__init__(self, parent=parent)
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, config=config, **kwargs)
        if arg_name is not None:
            self.config.arg_name = arg_name
            self.arg_name = arg_name
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_input/device_line_edit/device_line_edit.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_input/device_line_edit/device_line_edit.py
@@ -53,8 +53,7 @@ class DeviceLineEdit(DeviceInputBase, QLineEdit):
        self._callback_id = None
        self._is_valid_input = False
        self._accent_colors = get_accent_colors()
-        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
-        QLineEdit.__init__(self, parent=parent)
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, config=config, **kwargs)
        self.completer = QCompleter(self)
        self.setCompleter(self.completer)

--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_input/signal_combobox/signal_combobox.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_input/signal_combobox/signal_combobox.py
@@ -40,8 +40,7 @@ class SignalComboBox(DeviceSignalInputBase, QComboBox):
        arg_name: str | None = None,
        **kwargs,
    ):
-        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
-        QComboBox.__init__(self, parent=parent)
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, config=config, **kwargs)
        if arg_name is not None:
            self.config.arg_name = arg_name
            self.arg_name = arg_name
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_input/signal_line_edit/signal_line_edit.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_input/signal_line_edit/signal_line_edit.py
@@ -42,8 +42,7 @@ class SignalLineEdit(DeviceSignalInputBase, QLineEdit):
        **kwargs,
    ):
        self._is_valid_input = False
-        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
-        QLineEdit.__init__(self, parent=parent)
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, config=config, **kwargs)
        self._accent_colors = get_accent_colors()
        self.completer = QCompleter(self)
        self.setCompleter(self.completer)
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/control/scan_control/scan_control.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/control/scan_control/scan_control.py
@@ -41,6 +41,10 @@ class ScanControlConfig(ConnectionConfig):


 class ScanControl(BECWidget, QWidget):
+    """
+    Widget to submit new scans to the queue.
+    """
+
    PLUGIN = True
    ICON_NAME = "tune"
    ARG_BOX_POSITION: int = 2
@@ -60,13 +64,11 @@ class ScanControl(BECWidget, QWidget):
        default_scan: str | None = None,
        **kwargs,
    ):
-
        if config is None:
            config = ScanControlConfig(
                widget_class=self.__class__.__name__, allowed_scans=allowed_scans
            )
-        super().__init__(client=client, gui_id=gui_id, config=config, **kwargs)
-        QWidget.__init__(self, parent=parent)
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, config=config, **kwargs)

        self._hide_add_remove_buttons = False

@@ -163,7 +165,7 @@ class ScanControl(BECWidget, QWidget):
        self.layout.addStretch()

    def _add_metadata_form(self):
-        self._metadata_form = ScanMetadata()
+        self._metadata_form = ScanMetadata(parent=self)
        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)
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/control/scan_control/scan_group_box.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/control/scan_control/scan_group_box.py
@@ -234,7 +234,7 @@ class ScanGroupBox(QGroupBox):
                continue
            if default == "_empty":
                default = None
-            widget = widget_class(arg_name=arg_name, default=default)
+            widget = widget_class(parent=self.parent(), arg_name=arg_name, default=default)
            if isinstance(widget, DeviceLineEdit):
                widget.set_device_filter(BECDeviceFilter.DEVICE)
                self.selected_devices[widget] = ""
@@ -274,12 +274,24 @@ class ScanGroupBox(QGroupBox):
        for widget in self.widgets[-len(self.inputs) :]:
            if isinstance(widget, DeviceLineEdit):
                self.selected_devices[widget] = ""
+            widget.close()
            widget.deleteLater()
        self.widgets = self.widgets[: -len(self.inputs)]

        selected_devices_str = " ".join(self.selected_devices.values())
        self.device_selected.emit(selected_devices_str.strip())

+    def remove_all_widget_bundles(self):
+        """Remove every widget bundle from the scan control layout."""
+        for widget in list(self.widgets):
+            if isinstance(widget, DeviceLineEdit):
+                self.selected_devices.pop(widget, None)
+            widget.close()
+            widget.deleteLater()
+            self.layout.removeWidget(widget)
+        self.widgets.clear()
+        self.device_selected.emit("")
+
    @Property(bool)
    def hide_add_remove_buttons(self):
        return self._hide_add_remove_buttons
@@ -348,10 +360,21 @@ class ScanGroupBox(QGroupBox):
            self._set_kwarg_parameters(parameters)

    def _set_arg_parameters(self, parameters: list):
-        while len(parameters) != len(self.widgets):
-            self.add_widget_bundle()
-        for i, parameter in enumerate(parameters):
-            WidgetIO.set_value(self.widgets[i], parameter)
+        self.remove_all_widget_bundles()
+        if not parameters:
+            return
+
+        inputs_per_bundle = len(self.inputs)
+        if inputs_per_bundle == 0:
+            return
+
+        bundles_needed = -(-len(parameters) // inputs_per_bundle)
+
+        for row in range(1, bundles_needed + 1):
+            self.add_input_widgets(self.inputs, row)
+
+        for i, value in enumerate(parameters):
+            WidgetIO.set_value(self.widgets[i], value)

    def _set_kwarg_parameters(self, parameters: dict):
        for widget in self.widgets:
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/dap/dap_combo_box/dap_combo_box.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/dap/dap_combo_box/dap_combo_box.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-""" Module for DapComboBox widget class to select a DAP model from a combobox. """
+"""Module for DapComboBox widget class to select a DAP model from a combobox."""

 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from qtpy.QtCore import Property, Signal, Slot
@@ -44,8 +44,7 @@ class DapComboBox(BECWidget, QWidget):
        default_fit: str | None = None,
        **kwargs,
    ):
-        super().__init__(client=client, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
-        QWidget.__init__(self, parent=parent)
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
        self.layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
        self.fit_model_combobox = QComboBox(self)
        self.layout.addWidget(self.fit_model_combobox)
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/dap/lmfit_dialog/lmfit_dialog.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/dap/lmfit_dialog/lmfit_dialog.py
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ class LMFitDialog(BECWidget, QWidget):

    PLUGIN = True
    ICON_NAME = "monitoring"
+    RPC = False
    # Signal to emit the currently selected fit curve_id
    selected_fit = Signal(str)
    # Signal to emit a move action in form of a tuple (param_name, value)
@@ -43,10 +44,8 @@ class LMFitDialog(BECWidget, QWidget):
            gui_id (str): GUI ID.
            ui_file (str): The UI file to be loaded.
        """
-        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
-        QWidget.__init__(self, parent=parent)
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, config=config, **kwargs)
        self.setProperty("skip_settings", True)
-        self.setObjectName("LMFitDialog")
        self._ui_file = ui_file
        self.target_widget = target_widget

--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/editors/console/console.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/editors/console/console.py
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 """
-BECConsole is a Qt widget that runs a Bash shell. 
+BECConsole is a Qt widget that runs a Bash shell.

 BECConsole VT100 emulation is powered by Pyte,
 (https://github.com/selectel/pyte).
@@ -56,12 +56,12 @@ control_keys_mapping = {
    QtCore.Qt.Key_G: b"\x07",  # Ctrl-G (Bell)
    QtCore.Qt.Key_H: b"\x08",  # Ctrl-H (Backspace)
    QtCore.Qt.Key_I: b"\x09",  # Ctrl-I (Tab)
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_J: b"\x0A",  # Ctrl-J (Line Feed)
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_K: b"\x0B",  # Ctrl-K (Vertical Tab)
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_L: b"\x0C",  # Ctrl-L (Form Feed)
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_M: b"\x0D",  # Ctrl-M (Carriage Return)
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_N: b"\x0E",  # Ctrl-N
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_O: b"\x0F",  # Ctrl-O
+    QtCore.Qt.Key_J: b"\x0a",  # Ctrl-J (Line Feed)
+    QtCore.Qt.Key_K: b"\x0b",  # Ctrl-K (Vertical Tab)
+    QtCore.Qt.Key_L: b"\x0c",  # Ctrl-L (Form Feed)
+    QtCore.Qt.Key_M: b"\x0d",  # Ctrl-M (Carriage Return)
+    QtCore.Qt.Key_N: b"\x0e",  # Ctrl-N
+    QtCore.Qt.Key_O: b"\x0f",  # Ctrl-O
    QtCore.Qt.Key_P: b"\x10",  # Ctrl-P
    QtCore.Qt.Key_Q: b"\x11",  # Ctrl-Q
    QtCore.Qt.Key_R: b"\x12",  # Ctrl-R
@@ -72,10 +72,10 @@ control_keys_mapping = {
    QtCore.Qt.Key_W: b"\x17",  # Ctrl-W
    QtCore.Qt.Key_X: b"\x18",  # Ctrl-X
    QtCore.Qt.Key_Y: b"\x19",  # Ctrl-Y
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_Z: b"\x1A",  # Ctrl-Z
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_Escape: b"\x1B",  # Ctrl-Escape
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_Backslash: b"\x1C",  # Ctrl-\
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_Underscore: b"\x1F",  # Ctrl-_
+    QtCore.Qt.Key_Z: b"\x1a",  # Ctrl-Z
+    QtCore.Qt.Key_Escape: b"\x1b",  # Ctrl-Escape
+    QtCore.Qt.Key_Backslash: b"\x1c",  # Ctrl-\
+    QtCore.Qt.Key_Underscore: b"\x1f",  # Ctrl-_
 }

 normal_keys_mapping = {
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ normal_keys_mapping = {
    QtCore.Qt.Key_Left: b"\x02",
    QtCore.Qt.Key_Up: b"\x10",
    QtCore.Qt.Key_Right: b"\x06",
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_Down: b"\x0E",
+    QtCore.Qt.Key_Down: b"\x0e",
    QtCore.Qt.Key_PageUp: b"\x49",
    QtCore.Qt.Key_PageDown: b"\x51",
    QtCore.Qt.Key_F1: b"\x1b\x31",
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/editors/scan_metadata/additional_metadata_table.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/editors/scan_metadata/additional_metadata_table.py
@@ -16,12 +16,20 @@ from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
 from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot


-class AdditionalMetadataTableModel(QAbstractTableModel):
+class DictBackedTableModel(QAbstractTableModel):
    def __init__(self, data):
+        """A model to go with DictBackedTable, which represents key-value pairs
+        to be displayed in a TreeWidget.
+
+        Args:
+            data (list[list[str]]): list of key-value pairs to initialise with"""
        super().__init__()
        self._data: list[list[str]] = data
        self._disallowed_keys: list[str] = []

+    # pylint: disable=missing-function-docstring
+    # see QAbstractTableModel documentation for these methods
+
    def headerData(
        self, section: int, orientation: Qt.Orientation, role: int = Qt.ItemDataRole()
    ) -> Any:
@@ -49,6 +57,10 @@ class AdditionalMetadataTableModel(QAbstractTableModel):
        return False

    def update_disallowed_keys(self, keys: list[str]):
+        """Set the list of keys which may not be used.
+
+        Args:
+            keys (list[str]): list of keys which are forbidden."""
        self._disallowed_keys = keys
        for i, item in enumerate(self._data):
            if item[0] in self._disallowed_keys:
@@ -95,16 +107,21 @@ class AdditionalMetadataTableModel(QAbstractTableModel):
        return dict(self._data)


-class AdditionalMetadataTable(QWidget):
-
+class DictBackedTable(QWidget):
    delete_rows = Signal(list)

    def __init__(self, initial_data: list[list[str]]):
+        """Widget which uses a DictBackedTableModel to display an editable table
+        which can be extracted as a dict.
+
+        Args:
+            initial_data (list[list[str]]): list of key-value pairs to initialise with
+        """
        super().__init__()

        self._layout = QHBoxLayout()
        self.setLayout(self._layout)
-        self._table_model = AdditionalMetadataTableModel(initial_data)
+        self._table_model = DictBackedTableModel(initial_data)
        self._table_view = QTreeView()
        self._table_view.setModel(self._table_model)
        self._table_view.setSizePolicy(
@@ -126,15 +143,21 @@ class AdditionalMetadataTable(QWidget):
        self.delete_rows.connect(self._table_model.delete_rows)

    def delete_selected_rows(self):
+        """Delete rows which are part of the selection model"""
        cells: list[QModelIndex] = self._table_view.selectionModel().selectedIndexes()
        row_indices = list({r.row() for r in cells})
        if row_indices:
            self.delete_rows.emit(row_indices)

    def dump_dict(self):
+        """Get the current content of the table as a dict"""
        return self._table_model.dump_dict()

    def update_disallowed_keys(self, keys: list[str]):
+        """Set the list of keys which may not be used.
+
+        Args:
+            keys (list[str]): list of keys which are forbidden."""
        self._table_model.update_disallowed_keys(keys)


@@ -144,6 +167,6 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
    app = QApplication([])
    set_theme("dark")

-    window = AdditionalMetadataTable([["key1", "value1"], ["key2", "value2"], ["key3", "value3"]])
+    window = DictBackedTable([["key1", "value1"], ["key2", "value2"], ["key3", "value3"]])
    window.show()
    app.exec()
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/editors/scan_metadata/init.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/editors/scan_metadata/init.py
@@ -1,7 +0,0 @@
-from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.scan_metadata.additional_metadata_table import (
-    AdditionalMetadataTable,
-    AdditionalMetadataTableModel,
-)
-from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.scan_metadata.scan_metadata import ScanMetadata
-
-__all__ = ["ScanMetadata", "AdditionalMetadataTable", "AdditionalMetadataTableModel"]
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/editors/scan_metadata/_util.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/editors/scan_metadata/_util.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ from annotated_types import Ge, Gt, Le, Lt
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from pydantic_core import PydanticUndefined

-if TYPE_CHECKING:
+if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
    from pydantic.fields import FieldInfo

 logger = bec_logger.logger
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/editors/scan_metadata/register_scan_metadata.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/editors/scan_metadata/register_scan_metadata.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.scan_metadata.scan_metadata_plugin import ScanMetadataPlugin
+
+    QPyDesignerCustomWidgetCollection.addCustomWidget(ScanMetadataPlugin())
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+    main()
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/editors/scan_metadata/scan_metadata.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/editors/scan_metadata/scan_metadata.py
@@ -1,48 +1,21 @@
 from __future__ import annotations

 from decimal import Decimal
-from types import NoneType
-from typing import TYPE_CHECKING

 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from bec_lib.metadata_schema import get_metadata_schema_for_scan
-from bec_qthemes import material_icon
-from pydantic import Field, ValidationError
-from qtpy.QtCore import Signal  # type: ignore
-from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
-    QApplication,
-    QComboBox,
-    QGridLayout,
-    QHBoxLayout,
-    QLabel,
-    QLayout,
-    QVBoxLayout,
-    QWidget,
-)
+from pydantic import Field
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QComboBox, QHBoxLayout, QVBoxLayout, QWidget

-from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
-from bec_widgets.utils.compact_popup import CompactPopupWidget
 from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeProperty, SafeSlot
 from bec_widgets.utils.expandable_frame import ExpandableGroupFrame
-from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.scan_metadata._metadata_widgets import widget_from_type
-from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.scan_metadata.additional_metadata_table import (
-    AdditionalMetadataTable,
-)
-
-if TYPE_CHECKING:
-    from pydantic.fields import FieldInfo
+from bec_widgets.utils.forms_from_types.forms import PydanticModelForm
+from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.dict_backed_table import DictBackedTable

 logger = bec_logger.logger


-class ScanMetadata(BECWidget, QWidget):
-    """Dynamically generates a form for inclusion of metadata for a scan. Uses the
-    metadata schema registry supplied in the plugin repo to find pydantic models
-    associated with the scan type. Sets limits for numerical values if specified."""
-
-    metadata_updated = Signal(dict)
-    metadata_cleared = Signal(NoneType)
-
+class ScanMetadata(PydanticModelForm):
    def __init__(
        self,
        parent=None,
@@ -51,118 +24,35 @@ class ScanMetadata(BECWidget, QWidget):
        initial_extras: list[list[str]] | None = None,
        **kwargs,
    ):
-        super().__init__(client=client, **kwargs)
-        QWidget.__init__(self, parent=parent)
+        """Dynamically generates a form for inclusion of metadata for a scan. Uses the
+        metadata schema registry supplied in the plugin repo to find pydantic models
+        associated with the scan type. Sets limits for numerical values if specified.

-        self.set_schema(scan_name)
-
-        self._layout = QVBoxLayout()
-        self._layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
-        self.setLayout(self._layout)
-
-        self._required_md_box = ExpandableGroupFrame("Scan schema metadata")
-        self._layout.addWidget(self._required_md_box)
-        self._required_md_box_layout = QHBoxLayout()
-        self._required_md_box.set_layout(self._required_md_box_layout)
-
-        self._md_grid = QWidget()
-        self._required_md_box_layout.addWidget(self._md_grid)
-        self._grid_container = QVBoxLayout()
-        self._md_grid.setLayout(self._grid_container)
-        self._new_grid_layout()
-        self._grid_container.addLayout(self._md_grid_layout)
+        Args:
+            scan_name (str): The scan for which to generate a metadata form
+            Initial_extras (list[list[str]]): Initial data with which to populate the additional
+                                              metadata table - inner lists should be key-value pairs
+        """

+        # self.populate() gets called in super().__init__
+        # so make sure self._additional_metadata exists
        self._additional_md_box = ExpandableGroupFrame("Additional metadata", expanded=False)
-        self._layout.addWidget(self._additional_md_box)
        self._additional_md_box_layout = QHBoxLayout()
        self._additional_md_box.set_layout(self._additional_md_box_layout)

-        self._additional_metadata = AdditionalMetadataTable(initial_extras or [])
-        self._additional_md_box_layout.addWidget(self._additional_metadata)
-
-        self._validity = CompactPopupWidget()
-        self._validity.compact_view = True  # type: ignore
-        self._validity.label = "Metadata validity"  # type: ignore
-        self._validity.compact_show_popup.setIcon(
-            material_icon(icon_name="info", size=(10, 10), convert_to_pixmap=False)
-        )
-        self._validity_message = QLabel("Not yet validated")
-        self._validity.addWidget(self._validity_message)
-        self._layout.addWidget(self._validity)
-
-        self.populate()
-
-    @SafeSlot(str)
-    def update_with_new_scan(self, scan_name: str):
-        self.set_schema(scan_name)
-        self.populate()
-        self.validate_form()
-
-    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."""
-        try:
-            metadata_dict = self.get_full_model_dict()
-            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)
-        except ValidationError as e:
-            self._validity.set_global_state("emergency")
-            self._validity_message.setText(str(e))
-            self.metadata_cleared.emit(None)
-
-    def get_full_model_dict(self):
-        """Get the entered metadata as a dict"""
-        return self._additional_metadata.dump_dict() | self._dict_from_grid()
-
-    def set_schema(self, scan_name: str | None = None):
+        self._additional_metadata = DictBackedTable(initial_extras or [])
        self._scan_name = scan_name or ""
        self._md_schema = get_metadata_schema_for_scan(self._scan_name)

-    def populate(self):
-        self._clear_grid()
-        self._populate()
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, metadata_model=self._md_schema, client=client, **kwargs)

-    def _populate(self):
-        self._additional_metadata.update_disallowed_keys(list(self._md_schema.model_fields.keys()))
-        for i, (field_name, info) in enumerate(self._md_schema.model_fields.items()):
-            self._add_griditem(field_name, info, i)
+        self._layout.addWidget(self._additional_md_box)
+        self._additional_md_box_layout.addWidget(self._additional_metadata)

-    def _add_griditem(self, field_name: str, info: FieldInfo, row: int):
-        grid = self._md_grid_layout
-        label = QLabel(info.title or field_name)
-        label.setProperty("_model_field_name", field_name)
-        label.setToolTip(info.description or field_name)
-        grid.addWidget(label, row, 0)
-        widget = widget_from_type(info.annotation)(info)
-        widget.valueChanged.connect(self.validate_form)
-        grid.addWidget(widget, row, 1)
-
-    def _dict_from_grid(self) -> dict[str, str | int | float | Decimal | bool]:
-        grid = self._md_grid_layout
-        return {
-            grid.itemAtPosition(i, 0).widget().property("_model_field_name"): grid.itemAtPosition(i, 1).widget().getValue()  # type: ignore # we only add 'MetadataWidget's here
-            for i in range(grid.rowCount())
-        }
-
-    def _clear_grid(self):
-        while self._md_grid_layout.count():
-            item = self._md_grid_layout.takeAt(0)
-            widget = item.widget()
-            if widget is not None:
-                widget.deleteLater()
-        self._md_grid_layout.deleteLater()
-        self._new_grid_layout()
-        self._grid_container.addLayout(self._md_grid_layout)
-        self._md_grid.adjustSize()
-        self.adjustSize()
-
-    def _new_grid_layout(self):
-        self._md_grid_layout = QGridLayout()
-        self._md_grid_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
-        self._md_grid_layout.setSizeConstraint(QLayout.SizeConstraint.SetFixedSize)
+    @SafeSlot(str)
+    def update_with_new_scan(self, scan_name: str):
+        self.set_schema_from_scan(scan_name)
+        self.validate_form()

    @SafeProperty(bool)
    def hide_optional_metadata(self):  # type: ignore
@@ -178,8 +68,25 @@ class ScanMetadata(BECWidget, QWidget):
        """
        self._additional_md_box.setVisible(not hide)

+    def get_form_data(self):
+        """Get the entered metadata as a dict"""
+        return self._additional_metadata.dump_dict() | self._dict_from_grid()
+
+    def populate(self):
+        self._additional_metadata.update_disallowed_keys(list(self._md_schema.model_fields.keys()))
+        super().populate()
+
+    def set_schema_from_scan(self, scan_name: str | None):
+        self._scan_name = scan_name or ""
+        self.set_schema(get_metadata_schema_for_scan(self._scan_name))
+        self.populate()
+

 if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+    # pylint: disable=redefined-outer-name
+    # pylint: disable=protected-access
+    # pylint: disable=disallowed-name
+
    from unittest.mock import patch

    from bec_lib.metadata_schema import BasicScanMetadata
@@ -210,7 +117,6 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
        "bec_lib.metadata_schema._get_metadata_schema_registry",
        lambda: {"scan1": ExampleSchema1, "scan2": ExampleSchema2, "scan3": ExampleSchema3},
    ):
-
        app = QApplication([])
        w = QWidget()
        selection = QComboBox()
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/editors/scan_metadata/scan_metadata.pyproject
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/editors/scan_metadata/scan_metadata.pyproject
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{'files': ['scan_metadata.py']}
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/editors/scan_metadata/scan_metadata_plugin.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/editors/scan_metadata/scan_metadata_plugin.py
@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
+# Copyright (C) 2022 The Qt Company Ltd.
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
+
+from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
+from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.scan_metadata.scan_metadata import ScanMetadata
+
+DOM_XML = """
+<ui language='c++'>
+    <widget class='ScanMetadata' name='scan_metadata'>
+    </widget>
+</ui>
+"""
+
+
+class ScanMetadataPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self._form_editor = None
+
+    def createWidget(self, parent):
+        t = ScanMetadata(parent)
+        return t
+
+    def domXml(self):
+        return DOM_XML
+
+    def group(self):
+        return ""
+
+    def icon(self):
+        return designer_material_icon(ScanMetadata.ICON_NAME)
+
+    def includeFile(self):
+        return "scan_metadata"
+
+    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 "ScanMetadata"
+
+    def toolTip(self):
+        return "Dynamically generates a form for inclusion of metadata for a scan."
+
+    def whatsThis(self):
+        return self.toolTip()
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/editors/text_box/text_box.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/editors/text_box/text_box.py
@@ -49,8 +49,7 @@ class TextBox(BECWidget, QWidget):
            if isinstance(config, dict):
                config = TextBoxConfig(**config)
            self.config = config
-        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
-        QWidget.__init__(self, parent)
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, config=config, **kwargs)
        self.layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
        self.text_box_text_edit = QTextEdit(parent=self)
        self.layout.addWidget(self.text_box_text_edit)
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/editors/website/website.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/editors/website/website.py
@@ -26,8 +26,7 @@ class WebsiteWidget(BECWidget, QWidget):
    def __init__(
        self, parent=None, url: str = None, config=None, client=None, gui_id=None, **kwargs
    ):
-        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
-        QWidget.__init__(self, parent=parent)
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, config=config, **kwargs)
        layout = QVBoxLayout()
        layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
        self.website = QWebEngineView()
@@ -118,6 +117,7 @@ class WebsiteWidget(BECWidget, QWidget):
        Cleanup the widget
        """
        self.website.page().deleteLater()
+        super().cleanup()


 if __name__ == "__main__":
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/games/minesweeper.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/games/minesweeper.py
@@ -144,10 +144,10 @@ class Minesweeper(BECWidget, QWidget):
    PLUGIN = True
    ICON_NAME = "videogame_asset"
    USER_ACCESS = []
+    RPC = True

    def __init__(self, parent=None, *args, **kwargs):
-        super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
-        QWidget.__init__(self, parent=parent)
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, *args, **kwargs)

        self._ui_initialised = False
        self._timer_start_num_seconds = 0
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/plots/image/image.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/plots/image/image.py
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ logger = bec_logger.logger
 # noinspection PyDataclass
 class ImageConfig(ConnectionConfig):
    color_map: str = Field(
-        "magma", description="The colormap  of the figure widget.", validate_default=True
+        "plasma", description="The colormap  of the figure widget.", validate_default=True
    )
    color_bar: Literal["full", "simple"] | None = Field(
        None, description="The type of the color bar."
@@ -41,6 +41,10 @@ class ImageConfig(ConnectionConfig):


 class Image(PlotBase):
+    """
+    Image widget for displaying 2D data.
+    """
+
    PLUGIN = True
    RPC = True
    ICON_NAME = "image"
@@ -75,12 +79,6 @@ class Image(PlotBase):
        "auto_range_x.setter",
        "auto_range_y",
        "auto_range_y.setter",
-        "x_log",
-        "x_log.setter",
-        "y_log",
-        "y_log.setter",
-        "legend_label_size",
-        "legend_label_size.setter",
        # ImageView Specific Settings
        "color_map",
        "color_map.setter",
@@ -107,8 +105,8 @@ class Image(PlotBase):
        "fft.setter",
        "log",
        "log.setter",
-        "rotation",
-        "rotation.setter",
+        "num_rotation_90",
+        "num_rotation_90.setter",
        "transpose",
        "transpose.setter",
        "image",
@@ -125,22 +123,21 @@ class Image(PlotBase):
        popups: bool = True,
        **kwargs,
    ):
-        self._main_image = ImageItem(parent_image=self)
-        self._color_bar = None
        if config is None:
            config = ImageConfig(widget_class=self.__class__.__name__)
+        self.gui_id = config.gui_id
+        self._color_bar = None
+        self._main_image = ImageItem()
        super().__init__(
            parent=parent, config=config, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, popups=popups, **kwargs
        )
-
-        # For PropertyManager identification
-        self.setObjectName("Image")
+        self._main_image = ImageItem(parent_image=self)

        self.plot_item.addItem(self._main_image)
        self.scan_id = None

-        # Default Color map to magma
-        self.color_map = "magma"
+        # Default Color map to plasma
+        self.color_map = "plasma"

    ################################################################################
    # Widget Specific GUI interactions
@@ -653,21 +650,21 @@ class Image(PlotBase):
        self._main_image.log = enable

    @SafeProperty(int)
-    def rotation(self) -> int:
+    def num_rotation_90(self) -> int:
        """
-        The number of 90° rotations to apply.
+        The number of 90° rotations to apply counterclockwise.
        """
-        return self._main_image.rotation
+        return self._main_image.num_rotation_90

-    @rotation.setter
-    def rotation(self, value: int):
+    @num_rotation_90.setter
+    def num_rotation_90(self, value: int):
        """
-        Set the number of 90° rotations to apply.
+        Set the number of 90° rotations to apply counterclockwise.

        Args:
            value(int): The number of 90° rotations to apply.
        """
-        self._main_image.rotation = value
+        self._main_image.num_rotation_90 = value

    @SafeProperty(bool)
    def transpose(self) -> bool:
@@ -759,6 +756,19 @@ class Image(PlotBase):
                self.selection_bundle.dim_combo_box,
            ):
                combo.blockSignals(False)
+        else:
+            for combo in (
+                self.selection_bundle.device_combo_box,
+                self.selection_bundle.dim_combo_box,
+            ):
+                combo.blockSignals(True)
+            self.selection_bundle.device_combo_box.setCurrentText("")
+            self.selection_bundle.dim_combo_box.setCurrentText("auto")
+            for combo in (
+                self.selection_bundle.device_combo_box,
+                self.selection_bundle.dim_combo_box,
+            ):
+                combo.blockSignals(False)

    ################################################################################
    # Image Update Methods
@@ -809,6 +819,7 @@ class Image(PlotBase):
            self.on_image_update_2d, MessageEndpoints.device_monitor_2d(monitor)
        )
        self._main_image.config.monitor = None
+        self._sync_device_selection()

    ########################################
    # 1D updates
@@ -914,10 +925,14 @@ class Image(PlotBase):
        """
        Disconnect the image update signals and clean up the image.
        """
+        # Main Image cleanup
        if self._main_image.config.monitor is not None:
            self.disconnect_monitor(self._main_image.config.monitor)
            self._main_image.config.monitor = None
+        self.plot_item.removeItem(self._main_image)
+        self._main_image = None

+        # Colorbar Cleanup
        if self._color_bar:
            if self.config.color_bar == "full":
                self.cleanup_histogram_lut_item(self._color_bar)
@@ -926,6 +941,10 @@ class Image(PlotBase):
                self._color_bar.deleteLater()
            self._color_bar = None

+        # Toolbar cleanup
+        self.toolbar.widgets["monitor"].widget.close()
+        self.toolbar.widgets["monitor"].widget.deleteLater()
+
        super().cleanup()


--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/plots/image/image_item.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/plots/image/image_item.py
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ class ImageItemConfig(ConnectionConfig):  # TODO review config
    monitor: str | None = Field(None, description="The name of the monitor.")
    monitor_type: Literal["1d", "2d", "auto"] = Field("auto", description="The type of monitor.")
    source: str | None = Field(None, description="The source of the curve.")
-    color_map: str | None = Field("magma", description="The color map of the image.")
+    color_map: str | None = Field("plasma", description="The color map of the image.")
    downsample: bool | None = Field(True, description="Whether to downsample the image.")
    opacity: float | None = Field(1.0, description="The opacity of the image.")
    v_range: tuple[float | int, float | int] | None = Field(
@@ -61,8 +61,8 @@ class ImageItem(BECConnector, pg.ImageItem):
        "fft.setter",
        "log",
        "log.setter",
-        "rotation",
-        "rotation.setter",
+        "num_rotation_90",
+        "num_rotation_90.setter",
        "transpose",
        "transpose.setter",
        "get_data",
@@ -82,10 +82,11 @@ class ImageItem(BECConnector, pg.ImageItem):
            self.config = config
        else:
            self.config = config
-        super().__init__(config=config, gui_id=gui_id)
-        pg.ImageItem.__init__(self)
-
-        self.parent_image = parent_image
+        if parent_image is not None:
+            self.set_parent(parent_image)
+        else:
+            self.parent_image = None
+        super().__init__(config=config, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)

        self.raw_data = None
        self.buffer = []
@@ -94,6 +95,12 @@ class ImageItem(BECConnector, pg.ImageItem):
        # Image processor will handle any setting of data
        self._image_processor = ImageProcessor(config=self.config.processing)

+    def set_parent(self, parent: BECConnector):
+        self.parent_image = parent
+
+    def parent(self):
+        return self.parent_image
+
    def set_data(self, data: np.ndarray):
        self.raw_data = data
        self._process_image()
@@ -232,13 +239,13 @@ class ImageItem(BECConnector, pg.ImageItem):
        self._process_image()

    @property
-    def rotation(self) -> Optional[int]:
+    def num_rotation_90(self) -> Optional[int]:
        """Get or set the number of 90° rotations to apply."""
-        return self.config.processing.rotation
+        return self.config.processing.num_rotation_90

-    @rotation.setter
-    def rotation(self, value: Optional[int]):
-        self.config.processing.rotation = value
+    @num_rotation_90.setter
+    def num_rotation_90(self, value: Optional[int]):
+        self.config.processing.num_rotation_90 = value
        self._process_image()

    @property
@@ -266,3 +273,7 @@ class ImageItem(BECConnector, pg.ImageItem):
        self.raw_data = None
        self.buffer = []
        self.max_len = 0
+
+    def remove(self):
+        self.parent().disconnect_monitor(self.config.monitor)
+        self.clear()
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/plots/image/image_processor.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/plots/image/image_processor.py
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ class ProcessingConfig(BaseModel):
    transpose: bool = Field(
        False, description="Whether to transpose the monitor data before displaying."
    )
-    rotation: int = Field(
+    num_rotation_90: int = Field(
        0, description="The rotation angle of the monitor data before displaying."
    )
    stats: ImageStats = Field(
@@ -140,8 +140,8 @@ class ImageProcessor(QObject):
        """Core processing logic without threading overhead."""
        if self.config.fft:
            data = self.FFT(data)
-        if self.config.rotation is not None:
-            data = self.rotation(data, self.config.rotation)
+        if self.config.num_rotation_90 is not None:
+            data = self.rotation(data, self.config.num_rotation_90)
        if self.config.transpose:
            data = self.transpose(data)
        if self.config.log:
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/plots/image/toolbar_bundles/image_selection.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/plots/image/toolbar_bundles/image_selection.py
@@ -28,7 +28,9 @@ class MonitorSelectionToolbarBundle(ToolbarBundle):

        # 1) Device combo box
        self.device_combo_box = DeviceComboBox(
-            device_filter=BECDeviceFilter.DEVICE, readout_priority_filter=[ReadoutPriority.ASYNC]
+            parent=self.target_widget,
+            device_filter=BECDeviceFilter.DEVICE,
+            readout_priority_filter=[ReadoutPriority.ASYNC],
        )
        self.device_combo_box.addItem("", None)
        self.device_combo_box.setCurrentText("")
@@ -38,7 +40,7 @@ class MonitorSelectionToolbarBundle(ToolbarBundle):
        self.add_action("monitor", WidgetAction(widget=self.device_combo_box, adjust_size=True))

        # 2) Dimension combo box
-        self.dim_combo_box = QComboBox()
+        self.dim_combo_box = QComboBox(parent=self.target_widget)
        self.dim_combo_box.addItems(["auto", "1d", "2d"])
        self.dim_combo_box.setCurrentText("auto")
        self.dim_combo_box.setToolTip("Monitor Dimension")
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/plots/image/toolbar_bundles/processing.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/plots/image/toolbar_bundles/processing.py
@@ -55,24 +55,24 @@ class ImageProcessingToolbarBundle(ToolbarBundle):

    @SafeSlot()
    def rotate_right(self):
-        if self.target_widget.rotation is None:
+        if self.target_widget.num_rotation_90 is None:
            return
-        rotation = (self.target_widget.rotation - 1) % 4
-        self.target_widget.rotation = rotation
+        rotation = (self.target_widget.num_rotation_90 - 1) % 4
+        self.target_widget.num_rotation_90 = rotation

    @SafeSlot()
    def rotate_left(self):
-        if self.target_widget.rotation is None:
+        if self.target_widget.num_rotation_90 is None:
            return
-        rotation = (self.target_widget.rotation + 1) % 4
-        self.target_widget.rotation = rotation
+        rotation = (self.target_widget.num_rotation_90 + 1) % 4
+        self.target_widget.num_rotation_90 = rotation

    @SafeSlot()
    def reset_settings(self):
        self.target_widget.fft = False
        self.target_widget.log = False
        self.target_widget.transpose = False
-        self.target_widget.rotation = 0
+        self.target_widget.num_rotation_90 = 0

        self.fft.action.setChecked(False)
        self.log.action.setChecked(False)
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/plots/motor_map/motor_map.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/plots/motor_map/motor_map.py
@@ -83,6 +83,10 @@ class MotorMapConfig(ConnectionConfig):


 class MotorMap(PlotBase):
+    """
+    Motor map widget for plotting motor positions in 2D including a trace of the last points.
+    """
+
    PLUGIN = True
    RPC = True
    ICON_NAME = "my_location"
@@ -161,9 +165,6 @@ class MotorMap(PlotBase):
            parent=parent, config=config, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, popups=popups, **kwargs
        )

-        # For PropertyManager identification
-        self.setObjectName("MotorMap")
-
        # Default values for PlotBase
        self.x_grid = True
        self.y_grid = True
@@ -794,6 +795,10 @@ class MotorMap(PlotBase):
        data = {"x": self._buffer["x"], "y": self._buffer["y"]}
        return data

+    def cleanup(self):
+        self.motor_selection_bundle.cleanup()
+        super().cleanup()
+

 class DemoApp(QMainWindow):  # pragma: no cover
    def __init__(self):
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/plots/motor_map/settings/motor_map_settings.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/plots/motor_map/settings/motor_map_settings.py
@@ -20,7 +20,6 @@ class MotorMapSettings(SettingWidget):
        super().__init__(parent=parent, *args, **kwargs)

        self.setProperty("skip_settings", True)
-        self.setObjectName("MotorMapSettings")
        current_path = os.path.dirname(__file__)

        form = UILoader().load_ui(os.path.join(current_path, "motor_map_settings.ui"), self)
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/plots/motor_map/toolbar_bundles/motor_selection.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/plots/motor_map/toolbar_bundles/motor_selection.py
@@ -27,14 +27,18 @@ class MotorSelectionToolbarBundle(ToolbarBundle):
        self.target_widget = target_widget

        # Motor X
-        self.motor_x = DeviceComboBox(device_filter=[BECDeviceFilter.POSITIONER])
+        self.motor_x = DeviceComboBox(
+            parent=self.target_widget, device_filter=[BECDeviceFilter.POSITIONER]
+        )
        self.motor_x.addItem("", None)
        self.motor_x.setCurrentText("")
        self.motor_x.setToolTip("Select Motor X")
        self.motor_x.setItemDelegate(NoCheckDelegate(self.motor_x))

        # Motor X
-        self.motor_y = DeviceComboBox(device_filter=[BECDeviceFilter.POSITIONER])
+        self.motor_y = DeviceComboBox(
+            parent=self.target_widget, device_filter=[BECDeviceFilter.POSITIONER]
+        )
        self.motor_y.addItem("", None)
        self.motor_y.setCurrentText("")
        self.motor_y.setToolTip("Select Motor Y")
@@ -58,3 +62,9 @@ class MotorSelectionToolbarBundle(ToolbarBundle):
                or motor_y != self.target_widget.config.y_motor.name
            ):
                self.target_widget.map(motor_x, motor_y)
+
+    def cleanup(self):
+        self.motor_x.close()
+        self.motor_x.deleteLater()
+        self.motor_y.close()
+        self.motor_y.deleteLater()
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/plots/multi_waveform/multi_waveform.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/plots/multi_waveform/multi_waveform.py
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ logger = bec_logger.logger

 class MultiWaveformConfig(ConnectionConfig):
    color_palette: str | None = Field(
-        "magma", description="The color palette of the figure widget.", validate_default=True
+        "plasma", description="The color palette of the figure widget.", validate_default=True
    )
    curve_limit: int | None = Field(
        200, description="The maximum number of curves to display on the plot."
@@ -45,6 +45,10 @@ class MultiWaveformConfig(ConnectionConfig):


 class MultiWaveform(PlotBase):
+    """
+    MultiWaveform widget for displaying multiple waveforms emitted by a single signal.
+    """
+
    PLUGIN = True
    RPC = True
    ICON_NAME = "ssid_chart"
@@ -126,9 +130,6 @@ class MultiWaveform(PlotBase):
            parent=parent, config=config, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, popups=popups, **kwargs
        )

-        # For PropertyManager identification
-        self.setObjectName("MultiWaveform")
-
        # Scan Data
        self.old_scan_id = None
        self.scan_id = None
@@ -307,7 +308,7 @@ class MultiWaveform(PlotBase):
    ################################################################################

    @SafeSlot(popup_error=True)
-    def plot(self, monitor: str, color_palette: str | None = "magma"):
+    def plot(self, monitor: str, color_palette: str | None = "plasma"):
        """
        Create a plot for the given monitor.
        Args:
@@ -499,3 +500,9 @@ class MultiWaveform(PlotBase):
                self.monitor_selection_bundle.colormap_widget.blockSignals(True)
                self.monitor_selection_bundle.colormap_widget.colormap = self.config.color_palette
                self.monitor_selection_bundle.colormap_widget.blockSignals(False)
+
+    def cleanup(self):
+        self._disconnect_monitor()
+        self.clear_curves()
+        self.monitor_selection_bundle.cleanup()
+        super().cleanup()
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/plots/multi_waveform/settings/control_panel.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/plots/multi_waveform/settings/control_panel.py
@@ -20,7 +20,6 @@ class MultiWaveformControlPanel(SettingWidget):
        super().__init__(parent=parent, *args, **kwargs)

        self.setProperty("skip_settings", True)
-        self.setObjectName("MultiWaveformControlPanel")
        current_path = os.path.dirname(__file__)

        form = UILoader().load_ui(os.path.join(current_path, "multi_waveform_controls.ui"), self)
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/plots/multi_waveform/toolbar_bundles/monitor_selection.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/plots/multi_waveform/toolbar_bundles/monitor_selection.py
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ class MultiWaveformSelectionToolbarBundle(ToolbarBundle):
        self.add_action("monitor", WidgetAction(widget=self.monitor, adjust_size=False))

        # Colormap Selection
-        self.colormap_widget = BECColorMapWidget(cmap="magma")
+        self.colormap_widget = BECColorMapWidget(cmap="plasma")
        self.add_action("color_map", WidgetAction(widget=self.colormap_widget, adjust_size=False))

        # Connect slots, a device will be connected upon change of any combobox
@@ -56,3 +56,10 @@ class MultiWaveformSelectionToolbarBundle(ToolbarBundle):
    @SafeSlot(str)
    def change_colormap(self, colormap: str):
        self.target_widget.color_palette = colormap
+
+    def cleanup(self):
+        """
+        Cleanup the toolbar bundle.
+        """
+        self.monitor.close()
+        self.monitor.deleteLater()
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/plots/plot_base.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/plots/plot_base.py
@@ -69,16 +69,14 @@ class PlotBase(BECWidget, QWidget):
        config: ConnectionConfig | None = None,
        client=None,
        gui_id: str | None = None,
-        popups: bool = False,
+        popups: bool = True,
        **kwargs,
    ) -> None:
        if config is None:
            config = ConnectionConfig(widget_class=self.__class__.__name__)
-        super().__init__(client=client, gui_id=gui_id, config=config, **kwargs)
-        QWidget.__init__(self, parent=parent)
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, config=config, **kwargs)

        # For PropertyManager identification
-        self.setObjectName("PlotBase")
        self.get_bec_shortcuts()

        # Layout Management
@@ -100,10 +98,11 @@ class PlotBase(BECWidget, QWidget):
        self._ui_mode = UIMode.POPUP if popups else UIMode.SIDE
        self.axis_settings_dialog = None
        self.plot_widget = pg.GraphicsLayoutWidget(parent=self)
+        self.plot_widget.ci.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
        self.plot_item = pg.PlotItem(viewBox=BECViewBox(enableMenu=True))
        self.plot_widget.addItem(self.plot_item)
        self.side_panel = SidePanel(self, orientation="left", panel_max_width=280)
-        self.toolbar = ModularToolBar(target_widget=self, orientation="horizontal")
+        self.toolbar = ModularToolBar(parent=self, target_widget=self, orientation="horizontal")
        self._init_toolbar()

        # PlotItem Addons
@@ -172,6 +171,9 @@ class PlotBase(BECWidget, QWidget):
        # hide some options by default
        self.toolbar.toggle_action_visibility("fps_monitor", False)

+        # Get default viewbox state
+        self.mouse_bundle.get_viewbox_mode()
+
    def add_side_menus(self):
        """Adds multiple menus to the side panel."""
        # Setting Axis Widget
@@ -794,6 +796,7 @@ class PlotBase(BECWidget, QWidget):
        """
        self.plot_item.showAxis("top", value)
        self.plot_item.showAxis("right", value)
+
        self.property_changed.emit("outer_axes", value)

    @SafeProperty(bool, doc="Show inner axes of the plot widget.")
@@ -813,6 +816,7 @@ class PlotBase(BECWidget, QWidget):
        """
        self.plot_item.showAxis("bottom", value)
        self.plot_item.showAxis("left", value)
+
        self._apply_x_label()
        self._apply_y_label()
        self.property_changed.emit("inner_axes", value)
@@ -1018,7 +1022,7 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover:
    from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication

    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
-    window = DemoPlotBase()
+    window = PlotBase()
    window.show()

    sys.exit(app.exec_())
--- a/Show More
+++ b/Show More
Author	SHA1	Message	Date
wyzula-jan	15eebd500b	fix(waveform): async data duplication if multiple signals from same device fixed	2025-05-06 16:39:54 +02:00
semantic-release	bc0e277332	2.1.2 Automatically generated by python-semantic-release	2025-05-06 11:09:41 +00:00
appel_c	75a2780fe0	tests(user-interaction-e2e): add module scoped e2e tests with user interaction; closes #508	2025-05-06 11:28:12 +02:00
appel_c	a6c479e42e	build: remove flush-redis from ci job	2025-05-06 11:28:12 +02:00
appel_c	64a4824054	fix(waveform): Ignore callbacks for on_async_readback from QtSender objects that are already destroyed; closes #497	2025-05-06 11:28:12 +02:00
appel_c	1619446ec9	refactor(bec-status-box): add get_server_state user_access method to BECStatusBox	2025-05-06 11:28:12 +02:00
appel_c	37f002427a	refactor(bec-progressbar): add private method for bec_progressbar, udate client file	2025-05-06 11:28:12 +02:00
semantic-release	50cb70dcc6	2.1.1 Automatically generated by python-semantic-release	2025-05-06 08:37:48 +00:00
David Perl	55f7efc4f5	fix: import add operator in client	2025-05-06 10:20:47 +02:00
David Perl	be72c9f270	refactor: supply bec designer filename to function	2025-05-06 10:20:47 +02:00
appel_c	c8cedc0124	wip	2025-05-06 08:54:36 +02:00
semantic-release	3fdbe4031e	2.1.0 Automatically generated by python-semantic-release	2025-05-05 11:10:40 +00:00
wakonig_k	c16b9dce9c	test(Dock): add validation for new dock creation with invalid name	2025-05-05 13:01:21 +02:00
wakonig_k	9387275851	feat(SafeSlot): slot parameters can be overridden with kwarg; add option to raise	2025-05-05 13:01:21 +02:00
wakonig_k	94463afdba	fix: ensure rpc object do not collide with protected names	2025-05-05 13:01:21 +02:00
wyzula-jan	02563b10f3	refactor(colormap_widget): widget is rounded	2025-05-02 16:01:51 +02:00
wakonig_k	fff4af2489	ci: install dev dependencies for formatter	2025-05-02 14:12:18 +02:00
wakonig_k	452124b528	chore(formatter): upgrade to black v25	2025-05-02 14:12:18 +02:00
semantic-release	9c84e158ba	2.0.3 Automatically generated by python-semantic-release	2025-05-02 11:52:31 +00:00
wakonig_k	58a0bc7974	fix(image_item): wrong user access name for rotation	2025-05-02 12:23:16 +02:00
wakonig_k	770dbd4b63	fix(generate_cli): apply isort config	2025-05-02 12:23:16 +02:00
wakonig_k	d22035f897	ci: add job to test that the generated client is up to date	2025-05-02 11:24:38 +02:00
semantic-release	fe21b39b7f	2.0.2 Automatically generated by python-semantic-release	2025-05-01 11:00:33 +00:00
wyzula-jan	1b78840fd8	fix(plot_base): no content margin for plot_widget window	2025-05-01 12:02:47 +02:00
semantic-release	46519342b6	2.0.1 Automatically generated by python-semantic-release	2025-04-30 11:52:51 +00:00
wyzula-jan	9079ddd727	fix(dock_area): restore state safeguard to not pass none to pyqtgraph restoreState	2025-04-30 13:14:16 +02:00
semantic-release	205745cc72	2.0.0 Automatically generated by python-semantic-release	2025-04-29 17:22:28 +00:00
wyzula-jan	717017e69e	doc(image): rotation update	2025-04-29 19:06:47 +02:00
wyzula-jan	a3de1f0a31	refactor(plots): waveform and image rpc api review	2025-04-29 18:37:53 +02:00
wakonig_k	8eef4253b0	feat(slot): add 'verify_sender' argument to SafeSlot for sender verification	2025-04-29 17:49:01 +02:00
wyzula-jan	1f2db927f5	fix(scan_control): restore scan parameters always regenerate the arg box, preventing infinite loop	2025-04-29 17:38:56 +02:00
wyzula-jan	98f159b25f	fix(image): ImageItem remove adjusted to disconnect and remove current displayed image	2025-04-29 16:31:11 +02:00
wyzula-jan	061f3481da	fix(becconnector): widgets can be flagged as root widget, skipping the BECMainWindow in CLI usage	2025-04-29 16:16:35 +02:00
wyzula-jan	f35f4c4b29	fix(becconnector,widgets): parent_id is always fetched from the real bec widget parent; all widgets adjusted; hardcoded parent_ids removed	2025-04-29 13:23:09 +02:00
wyzula-jan	c36852b2ef	fix(rpc_server): broadcasted data check	2025-04-29 11:48:35 +02:00
wyzula-jan	4eaadd1545	fix(scan_matadata): parent passing	2025-04-29 11:35:10 +02:00
David Perl	d04770fe91	refactor: rearrange base of metadata forms for generic use	2025-04-29 11:35:10 +02:00
wakonig_k	23fee22ef8	test: fix tests for launcher close / hide behavior	2025-04-29 10:09:47 +02:00
wakonig_k	6e7920c119	fix(launcher): hide launcher when launcher is closed even though it is not the last widget	2025-04-29 09:43:19 +02:00
wakonig_k	e3d0d5566c	test: add IPython client GUI object test module with tab completion	2025-04-28 15:38:50 +02:00
wyzula-jan	e5b532274e	refactor(assets): new icon for ui loader	2025-04-28 14:20:42 +02:00
wakonig_k	eb0323b989	build(dependencies): update min bec_lib version to 3.29	2025-04-28 08:39:05 +02:00
wakonig_k	60852e228f	docs: replaces instances of QtDesigner with BEC Designer for improved clarity	2025-04-27 16:58:40 +02:00
wakonig_k	b3dbe922de	fix(launch_window): return None when cancelling the ui file launcher	2025-04-27 13:50:43 +02:00
wakonig_k	fde912005d	fix(cleanup): prevent double cleanup by tracking object destruction state	2025-04-27 13:45:58 +02:00
wakonig_k	5e4965fe1f	docs(lmfit): fix links	2025-04-25 20:29:26 +02:00
wakonig_k	aff5a51f4c	fix(type hints): add future import to prevent sphinx from crashing	2025-04-25 20:29:26 +02:00
wakonig_k	b4af2cc77a	docs: updated docs for v2 (#531 )	2025-04-25 20:29:26 +02:00
perl_d	25bd905cef	docs: update docs for v2	2025-04-25 20:08:21 +02:00
appel_c	2f0d213e32	docs(position-indicator): update docs for positioner indicator	2025-04-25 19:41:20 +02:00
appel_c	b6695b45d0	docs: update docs for various widgets	2025-04-25 19:41:20 +02:00
appel_c	77f9d42576	fix: unique name for widgets, fix new method for docks; closes #534	2025-04-25 19:41:20 +02:00
David Perl	8cca510fa1	fix(client): import reduce	2025-04-25 16:59:53 +02:00
wakonig_k	06a4954d3d	fix(BECGuiClient): add launch_script parameter to dock area creation	2025-04-24 17:39:55 +02:00
appel_c	4acf5befb1	docs: review quick_start	2025-04-24 14:38:07 +02:00
appel_c	99d76236ca	test: add tests for name creation of custom curves, and object name handling	2025-04-24 08:49:33 +02:00
appel_c	afc818bf7d	docs: update quick_start	2025-04-24 08:49:33 +02:00
appel_c	8e846d4499	fix(curve): fix unique names for custom curves	2025-04-24 08:49:33 +02:00
appel_c	a1c859c743	docs: remove BECFigure from docs, fix wrong api for docs of plotting widgets	2025-04-24 08:49:33 +02:00
appel_c	75cc45d767	docs: remove BECFigure	2025-04-24 08:49:33 +02:00
appel_c	1d091071e1	fix: bugfix in cleanup of ScatterWaveform ScatterCurve; closes #520	2025-04-24 08:49:33 +02:00
appel_c	8e64b65c2d	feat: delete bec_app	2025-04-24 08:49:33 +02:00
appel_c	27ea92d120	feat: deprecated and delete alignment_1d gui	2025-04-24 08:49:33 +02:00
wakonig_k	3ddfeaa49f	fix(serialization): add serialization for qpointf	2025-04-23 20:42:54 +02:00
wakonig_k	074bbbc166	fix: change default colormap to plasma	2025-04-23 19:05:54 +02:00
wakonig_k	3709cdc866	fix(bec_connector): improve cleanup handling on deleted parent to prevent errors	2025-04-23 17:45:58 +02:00
wakonig_k	9d6d0b406a	refactor(bec_connector): replace pyqtSlot with SafeSlot for consistency	2025-04-23 17:45:58 +02:00
wakonig_k	6318b2d822	fix(designer-plugin-generator): enhance super constructor validation for new style classes	2025-04-23 17:45:58 +02:00
wakonig_k	f89e74b199	refactor: add template for debugging the cli generator	2025-04-23 17:45:58 +02:00
wakonig_k	0ac14a74b8	fix: ensure provided dock and dock_area names are valid and defaults are snake_case	2025-04-23 16:22:13 +02:00
appel_c	1910993b2b	fix(positioner-indicator): fix property setters for position indicator	2025-04-23 14:00:06 +02:00
appel_c	7c303d0129	fix(ring-progress-bar): fix bug in disconnect slot of rings, enable 'scan' mode as default for init with first ring	2025-04-23 07:30:07 +02:00
appel_c	113938e71a	test: fix rpc widgets e2e test	2025-04-22 21:19:37 +02:00
wakonig_k	e0f146beeb	fix(compact_popup): forward close event	2025-04-22 21:19:37 +02:00
wakonig_k	fc1cdc814f	fix(bec_connector): call cleanup on widgets if the parent was deleted	2025-04-22 21:19:37 +02:00
wakonig_k	a13de45131	fix(rpc): call close on container widget if needed	2025-04-22 21:19:37 +02:00
appel_c	8ff2063bc8	fix: proper cleanup of progressbar	2025-04-22 21:19:37 +02:00
appel_c	cdc613b6e7	fix(bec_queue): set parent for toolbar buttons	2025-04-22 21:19:37 +02:00
appel_c	1fc6125369	fix: forward parent to children	2025-04-22 21:19:37 +02:00
appel_c	fef07ac8e1	fix: import from qtpy instead of PySide6	2025-04-22 21:19:37 +02:00
appel_c	86647b9b7e	fix(rpc-base): deprecate widget_name in favor of object_name; closes #499	2025-04-22 21:19:37 +02:00
appel_c	36dc174bfe	test: add function scoped rpc_widgets e2e test; closes #510	2025-04-22 21:19:37 +02:00
appel_c	a06f0600c1	fix(dark-mode-button): fix parent passed to QObjects in various classes	2025-04-22 21:19:37 +02:00
appel_c	f88dfc8f1b	refactor: add pragma no cover to various TYPE_CHECKING	2025-04-22 21:19:37 +02:00
appel_c	c70cd9d6e8	fix(moduar-toolbar): fix cleanup of modular toolbar and dock_area	2025-04-22 21:19:37 +02:00
appel_c	8fbd54c3aa	fix(website-widget): add super().cleanup() in website widget	2025-04-22 21:19:37 +02:00
appel_c	ef4a52cc17	fix: RPC access enabled for certain widgets.	2025-04-22 21:19:37 +02:00
appel_c	b460ea9955	fix(progress-ring-bar): fix parent inheritance and cleanup of ring objects; closes #496	2025-04-22 21:19:37 +02:00
wakonig_k	1fe052e9da	docs: grammar improvement	2025-04-22 15:22:18 +02:00
wakonig_k	f2d5b57e86	fix(docs): update copyright year to be dynamic	2025-04-22 15:22:18 +02:00
wakonig_k	6630ba1c42	docs(auto_updates): update documentation for auto updates functionality and add launcher image	2025-04-22 15:22:18 +02:00
David Perl	ef148317de	fix: wrap fetching plugin widgets in case of errors	2025-04-15 20:13:11 +02:00
wakonig_k	e10f5ec088	test(launch_window): tests for default and plugin auto updates	2025-04-15 12:26:09 +02:00
wakonig_k	33a8a767f3	test(launch_window): add test for launching UI file that raises ValueError for QMainWindow	2025-04-15 12:08:06 +02:00
wakonig_k	8efa93d2d2	feat(launch_window): add user access permissions	2025-04-15 12:07:54 +02:00
wakonig_k	29653239c5	feat(launch_window): enhance auto update functionality with selector and dynamic loading	2025-04-15 11:44:26 +02:00
wakonig_k	778230b5ed	feat(auto_updates): enforce rpc widget class for subclasses of auto updates	2025-04-15 11:41:03 +02:00
wakonig_k	b7795b4d0a	refactor(client_utils): remove unused auto update attributes from BECGuiClient	2025-04-15 11:40:22 +02:00
wakonig_k	c434af9b92	feat(plugin_utils): add functionality to retrieve auto update classes from plugins	2025-04-15 11:40:04 +02:00
wakonig_k	be722683a7	fix(main_window): show app id only when connected to redis	2025-04-15 09:10:35 +02:00
wakonig_k	9a940bb8d5	refactor(launch_window): remove cleanup method	2025-04-15 08:59:17 +02:00
wakonig_k	a6ce312f7c	refactor(ui_loader): remove unused import	2025-04-15 08:58:59 +02:00
wakonig_k	d5e422c7fc	test(launch_window): add unit tests for LaunchWindow initialization and custom UI file launching	2025-04-15 08:58:14 +02:00
wakonig_k	3cd6e05b24	fix(launch_window): update LaunchTile icon to use new UI loader tile image	2025-04-14 21:56:27 +02:00
wakonig_k	3089ca15ec	feat(launch_window): add custom UI file launching functionality and UI tile	2025-04-14 21:42:22 +02:00
wakonig_k	d60cf6c843	refactor(ui_loader): remove unnecessary parent_id handling	2025-04-14 21:41:54 +02:00
wakonig_k	45cd82e635	feat(ui_launch_window): add UILaunchWindow class	2025-04-14 21:40:46 +02:00
wakonig_k	f653fc5f7e	feat(positioner_box): add units QLabel to device UI components and update visibility logic	2025-04-14 13:33:11 +02:00
wakonig_k	d6fccd10f5	fix(rpc_server): update _serialize_bec_connector to include wait parameter for registration check	2025-04-14 10:26:31 +02:00
wakonig_k	064343acf2	fix(bec_connector): add setObjectName method to update object name and broadcast if registered; closes #472	2025-04-14 10:26:31 +02:00
wakonig_k	82b82659b7	fix(rpc_register): change add_rpc parameter type to BECConnector and add object_is_registered method	2025-04-14 10:26:31 +02:00
wakonig_k	1921444e15	fix(bec_connector): add assertion to ensure BECConnector is used with a QObject; closes #475	2025-04-14 10:26:31 +02:00
wakonig_k	3b16c9f5a2	fix(bec_connector): move RPC registration into single shot method to ensure the rpc name is in sync	2025-04-14 10:26:31 +02:00
wakonig_k	4381fcc4c2	fix(designer): avoid touching deleted widgets during init as QtDesigner will segfault	2025-04-14 10:26:31 +02:00
wakonig_k	e4e9febc98	fix(ring_progress_bar): replaced hard-coded endpoints by MessageEndpoints	2025-04-14 10:16:47 +02:00
wakonig_k	ac9224e5f2	refactor(auto_updates): move cleanup method from user section to internal section	2025-04-14 10:04:43 +02:00
wakonig_k	18e4ba6cfe	fix(auto_updates): fix condition to skip auto update	2025-04-14 10:04:43 +02:00
wakonig_k	cfc8272ac2	docs: add missing class doc strings for rpc-enabled widgets	2025-04-12 21:14:01 +02:00
David Perl	d2c90757c2	docs: better document logpanel code	2025-04-11 18:27:28 +02:00
David Perl	1d7b423bb3	fix: warning in logpanel - chain a signal to the child BecLogsQueue rather than passing the signal instance in	2025-04-11 18:27:28 +02:00
wakonig_k	cb91ebc0c3	refactor(rpc_server): add type hint for _get_becwidget_ancestor method parameter; minor cleanup of imports	2025-04-11 13:39:26 +02:00
wakonig_k	08168f28d3	refactor(rpc_server): add type hints and docstrings for heartbeat and registry update methods	2025-04-11 13:37:42 +02:00
wakonig_k	125afc8907	fix(rpc_server): enhance serialization logic for BECConnector objects and fix return types	2025-04-11 13:34:05 +02:00
wakonig_k	4dc59aa5e9	fix(rpc_base): ensure message wait event is set after processing RPC response	2025-04-11 13:28:28 +02:00
wakonig_k	96b31a4509	fix(client_utils): simplify RPC client instantiation in BECGuiClient	2025-04-11 13:25:10 +02:00
wyzula-jan	20a86ad325	fix(server): turn_off_the_lights cleanup fixed for parent_id widgets	2025-04-11 10:54:45 +02:00
wyzula-jan	7e65d4f2d6	fix(launch_window): redesign	2025-04-11 10:54:45 +02:00
wyzula-jan	11feeff37c	fix(main_window): connected to theme change	2025-04-11 10:45:28 +02:00
wyzula-jan	c1bbb16dad	fix(round_frame): orientation can be vertical	2025-04-11 10:45:28 +02:00
wyzula-jan	a5f1f4781e	build(bec_lib): raised required version to 3.28.1	2025-04-11 10:45:28 +02:00
wyzula-jan	56c2827140	refactor(auto_update): auto_update changed to be BECMainWindow; removed auto update logic from BECDockArea	2025-04-11 10:45:28 +02:00
wyzula-jan	b03d2eaeed	fix(waveform): dap curve flickering	2025-04-11 10:45:28 +02:00
wyzula-jan	3a82c95f60	fix(waveform, rpc_reference): __getitem__ removed form waveform and rpc_reference	2025-04-11 10:45:28 +02:00
wyzula-jan	5f272a66a4	feat(auto_update): add GUI highlight management for auto updates status	2025-04-11 10:45:28 +02:00
wyzula-jan	55baa84eb6	feat(main_window): add launcher menu and functionality to show launcher	2025-04-11 10:45:28 +02:00
wyzula-jan	b51d637c5f	test(plot_base): test for plot base re-enabled	2025-04-11 10:45:28 +02:00
wyzula-jan	c97db6aaae	fix(client): regenerated client	2025-04-11 10:45:28 +02:00
wakonig_k	e725de3c45	fix(dock_area): close BECMainWindow if dock area is central widget	2025-04-11 10:45:28 +02:00
wyzula-jan	6082e7a690	refactor(rpc_server): cli_server renamed to rpc_server	2025-04-11 10:45:28 +02:00
wakonig_k	8914f1d506	test(setting_dialog): test that settings reject calls cleanup	2025-04-11 10:45:28 +02:00
wakonig_k	d06605122e	test: qapp must shutdown cli server before checking for leaked QTimer	2025-04-11 10:45:28 +02:00
wakonig_k	a8adb064f5	test(generate_cli): fix reference output	2025-04-11 10:45:28 +02:00
wakonig_k	31c3b64d7b	test(device_signal_input): fix init of device input widget	2025-04-11 10:45:28 +02:00
wakonig_k	23bdd95d8c	test(bec_connector): BECConnector requires a QObject	2025-04-11 10:45:28 +02:00
wakonig_k	d1712552ff	fix(cli): add type ignore comment to generated files	2025-04-11 10:45:28 +02:00
wakonig_k	20a1c5ddb3	feat(launcher): add option for launching with auto updates	2025-04-11 10:45:28 +02:00
wakonig_k	2511056557	feat!: add support for auto updates	2025-04-11 10:45:27 +02:00
wyzula-jan	99383b7715	refactor(launcher,main_window): launcher window moved to inherit from BECMainWindow	2025-04-11 10:45:27 +02:00
wakonig_k	337a332ed1	fix(plot_framework): all widgets, popups and side menus cleanups adjusted	2025-04-11 10:45:27 +02:00
wyzula-jan	a1bec75115	fix(widgets)!: BECConnector resolves hierarchy including objectName, parent, parent_id upon init; all widgets adjusted	2025-04-11 10:45:27 +02:00
wyzula-jan	a2128ad8d6	fix(RPCReference): setattr added	2025-04-10 16:11:59 +02:00
wyzula-jan	5f27a90989	feat(server,launcher)!: RPC server separated with the launcher window introduced	2025-04-10 16:11:59 +02:00
wyzula-jan	39164feb18	fix(waveform): signals for x device can be defined from gui	2025-04-09 23:52:31 +02:00
appel_c	af28e2e433	fix: support auto_range_x/y for viewAll during measurement	2025-04-09 14:35:52 +02:00
appel_c	515d7ad055	refactor: add fallback to 'index' plotting in case of missmatch in length	2025-04-09 14:35:52 +02:00
appel_c	0e276d4c09	refactor: add support to plot against x_data	2025-04-09 14:35:52 +02:00
appel_c	ed2d958de6	refactor: improve plotting behaviour from history	2025-04-09 14:35:52 +02:00
appel_c	25820a1cde	refactor: set downsampling to auto=True, method 'peak', activate clipToView for (Async)-Curves and fix ViewAll hook from pg.view_box menu	2025-04-09 14:35:52 +02:00
appel_c	7f7891dfa5	fix: add support for 'add_slice', add downsampling for performance improvements. add tests	2025-04-09 14:35:52 +02:00
appel_c	b5015e4e72	built: cleanup gitlab-ci, remove pyqt6 related lines	2025-04-08 14:45:47 +02:00
David Perl	7653e0877c	hack: comment out segfaulting test	2025-04-07 14:19:37 +02:00
David Perl	52a9f29bdc	docs: add docs on widget plugins	2025-04-07 14:19:37 +02:00
David Perl	ca2bb4f9b4	feat: add loader/helper for widget plugins	2025-04-07 14:19:37 +02:00
David Perl	b4925918f7	refactor: tidy client generation and add options	2025-04-03 16:12:57 +02:00
David Perl	43e1aa9505	fix: add designer plugin for ScanMetadata	2025-04-03 16:12:57 +02:00
David Perl	28ae0d2b57	fix: expose common classes from bec_widgets package	2025-04-03 16:12:57 +02:00
David Perl	7726d83b68	fix: create widget enum programatically	2025-04-03 16:12:57 +02:00