docs: fix license reference

Automatically generated by python-semantic-release

.github/workflows/ci.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+name: Full CI
+on: [push]
+
+jobs:
+  formatter:
+    uses: ./.github/workflows/formatter.yml
+
+  unit-test:
+    uses: ./.github/workflows/pytest.yml
+
+  unit-test-matrix:
+    uses: ./.github/workflows/pytest-matrix.yml
+
+  end2end-test:
+    uses: ./.github/workflows/end2end-conda.yml

.github/workflows/end2end-conda.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+name: Run Pytest with Coverage
+on: [workflow_call]
+
+jobs:
+  pytest:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    defaults:
+      run:
+        shell: bash -el {0}
+
+    env:
+      CHILD_PIPELINE_BRANCH: main  # Set the branch you want for ophyd_devices
+      BEC_CORE_BRANCH: main        # Set the branch you want for bec
+      OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH: main   # Set the branch you want for ophyd_devices
+      PROJECT_PATH: ${{ github.repository }}
+      QTWEBENGINE_DISABLE_SANDBOX: 1
+      QT_QPA_PLATFORM: "offscreen"
+
+    steps:
+      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+      - name: Set up Conda
+        uses: conda-incubator/setup-miniconda@v3
+        with:
+            auto-update-conda: true
+            auto-activate-base: true
+            python-version: '3.11'
+
+      - name: Install dependencies
+        run: |
+          sudo apt-get update
+          sudo apt-get install -y libgl1 libegl1 x11-utils libxkbcommon-x11-0 libdbus-1-3 xvfb
+          sudo apt-get -y install libnss3 libxdamage1 libasound2t64 libatomic1 libxcursor1
+
+      - name: Conda install and run pytest
+        run: |
+          echo -e "\033[35;1m Using branch $BEC_CORE_BRANCH of BEC CORE \033[0;m";
+          git clone --branch $BEC_CORE_BRANCH https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec.git
+          echo -e "\033[35;1m Using branch $OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH of OPHYD_DEVICES \033[0;m";
+          git clone --branch $OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/ophyd_devices.git
+          export OHPYD_DEVICES_PATH=$PWD/ophyd_devices
+          cd ./bec
+          conda create -q -n test-environment python=3.11
+          source ./bin/install_bec_dev.sh -t
+          cd ../
+          pip install -e ./ophyd_devices
+          pip install -e .[dev,pyside6]
+          pytest -v --files-path ./ --start-servers --random-order  ./tests/end-2-end

.github/workflows/formatter.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,61 @@
+name: Formatter and Pylint jobs
+on: [workflow_call]
+jobs:
+
+  Formatter:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      - name: Check out repository code
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+      - name: Set up Python
+        uses: actions/setup-python@v5
+        with:
+          python-version: '3.13' 
+
+      - name: Run black and isort
+        run: |
+          pip install black isort
+          pip install -e .[dev]
+          black --check --diff --color .
+          isort --check --diff ./
+  Pylint:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+
+    steps:
+      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+      - name: Set up Python
+        uses: actions/setup-python@v5
+        with:
+          python-version: '3.13'
+
+      - name: Install dependencies
+        run: |
+          python -m pip install --upgrade pip
+          pip install pylint pylint-exit anybadge
+
+      - name: Run Pylint
+        run: |
+          mkdir -p ./pylint
+          set +e
+          pylint ./${{ github.event.repository.name }} --output-format=text > ./pylint/pylint.log
+          pylint-exit $?
+          set -e
+
+      - name: Extract Pylint Score
+        id: score
+        run: |
+          SCORE=$(sed -n 's/^Your code has been rated at \([-0-9.]*\)\/.*/\1/p' ./pylint/pylint.log)
+          echo "score=$SCORE" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+
+      - name: Create Badge
+        run: |
+          anybadge --label=Pylint --file=./pylint/pylint.svg --value="${{ steps.score.outputs.score }}" 2=red 4=orange 8=yellow 10=green
+
+      - name: Upload Artifacts
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
+        with:
+          name: pylint-artifacts
+          path: |
+            # ./pylint/pylint.log # not sure why this isn't working
+            ./pylint/pylint.svg

.github/workflows/pytest-matrix.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+name: Run Pytest with different Python versions
+on: [workflow_call]
+
+jobs:
+  pytest-matrix:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    strategy:
+      matrix:
+        python-version: ["3.10", "3.11", "3.12"]
+
+    env:
+      CHILD_PIPELINE_BRANCH: main  # Set the branch you want for ophyd_devices
+      BEC_CORE_BRANCH: main        # Set the branch you want for bec
+      OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH: main   # Set the branch you want for ophyd_devices
+      PROJECT_PATH: ${{ github.repository }}
+      QTWEBENGINE_DISABLE_SANDBOX: 1
+      QT_QPA_PLATFORM: "offscreen"
+
+    steps:
+      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+      - name: Set up Python
+        uses: actions/setup-python@v5
+        with:
+          python-version: ${{ matrix.python-version }}
+
+      - name: Install dependencies
+        run: |
+          sudo apt-get update
+          sudo apt-get install -y libgl1 libegl1 x11-utils libxkbcommon-x11-0 libdbus-1-3 xvfb
+          sudo apt-get -y install libnss3 libxdamage1 libasound2t64 libatomic1 libxcursor1
+
+      - name: Clone and install dependencies
+        run: |
+          echo -e "\033[35;1m Using branch $BEC_CORE_BRANCH of BEC CORE \033[0;m";
+          git clone --branch $BEC_CORE_BRANCH https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec.git
+          echo -e "\033[35;1m Using branch $OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH of OPHYD_DEVICES \033[0;m";
+          git clone --branch $OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/ophyd_devices.git
+          export OHPYD_DEVICES_PATH=$PWD/ophyd_devices
+          pip install -e ./ophyd_devices
+          pip install -e ./bec/bec_lib[dev]
+          pip install -e ./bec/bec_ipython_client
+          pip install -e .[dev,pyside6]
+
+      - name: Run Pytest
+        run: |
+          pip install pytest pytest-random-order
+          pytest -v --maxfail=2 --junitxml=report.xml --random-order ./tests/unit_tests

.github/workflows/pytest.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,47 @@
+name: Run Pytest with Coverage
+on: [workflow_call]
+
+jobs:
+  pytest:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+
+    env:
+      CHILD_PIPELINE_BRANCH: main  # Set the branch you want for ophyd_devices
+      BEC_CORE_BRANCH: main        # Set the branch you want for bec
+      OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH: main   # Set the branch you want for ophyd_devices
+      PROJECT_PATH: ${{ github.repository }}
+      QTWEBENGINE_DISABLE_SANDBOX: 1
+      QT_QPA_PLATFORM: "offscreen"
+
+    steps:
+      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+      - name: Set up Python
+        uses: actions/setup-python@v5
+        with:
+          python-version: '3.11'
+
+      - name: Install dependencies
+        run: |
+          sudo apt-get update
+          sudo apt-get install -y libgl1 libegl1 x11-utils libxkbcommon-x11-0 libdbus-1-3 xvfb
+          sudo apt-get -y install libnss3 libxdamage1 libasound2t64 libatomic1 libxcursor1
+
+      - name: Clone and install dependencies
+        run: |
+          echo -e "\033[35;1m Using branch $BEC_CORE_BRANCH of BEC CORE \033[0;m";
+          git clone --branch $BEC_CORE_BRANCH https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec.git
+          echo -e "\033[35;1m Using branch $OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH of OPHYD_DEVICES \033[0;m";
+          git clone --branch $OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/ophyd_devices.git
+          export OHPYD_DEVICES_PATH=$PWD/ophyd_devices
+          pip install -e ./ophyd_devices
+          pip install -e ./bec/bec_lib[dev]
+          pip install -e ./bec/bec_ipython_client
+          pip install -e .[dev,pyside6]
+
+      - name: Run Pytest with Coverage
+        run: |
+          pip install coverage pytest pytest-random-order
+          coverage run --source=./bec_widgets -m pytest -v --junitxml=report.xml --maxfail=2 --random-order --full-trace ./tests/unit_tests
+          coverage report
+          coverage xml

.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

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -1,6 +1,766 @@
 # CHANGELOG
 
 
+## v2.3.0 (2025-05-09)
+
+### Features
+
+- **bec_connector**: Ability to change object name during runtime
+  ([`dc151cd`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/dc151cdfe39f1f0507eeee307a35c1677ae4d8c5))
+
+
+## v2.2.0 (2025-05-09)
+
+### Features
+
+- **launcher**: Add support for launching plugin widget
+  ([`1fb680a`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/1fb680abb40668e72007c245f32c80112466c46e))
+
+### Refactoring
+
+- **launch_window**: Widget tile added
+  ([`b9e56c9`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/b9e56c96cbae561beb893cedb7d18e9b6a7bfc76))
+
+
+## v2.1.3 (2025-05-07)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **bec-dispatcher**: Fix reference to boundmethods to avoid duplicated subscriptions
+  ([`cf59d31`](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets/-/commit/cf59d311132cd1a21f1893c19cc9f2a7e45101d0))
+
+
+## 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

README.md

@@ -1,5 +1,12 @@
 # BEC Widgets
 
+
+[![CI](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/actions/workflows/ci.yml/badge.svg)](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/actions/workflows/ci.yml)
+[![badge](https://img.shields.io/pypi/v/bec-widgets)](https://pypi.org/project/bec-widgets/)
+[![License](https://img.shields.io/github/license/bec-project/bec_widgets)](./LICENSE)
+[![Code style: black](https://img.shields.io/badge/code%20style-black-000000.svg)](https://github.com/psf/black)
+
+
 **⚠️ Important Notice:**
 
 🚨 **PyQt6 is no longer supported** due to incompatibilities with Qt Designer. Please use **PySide6** instead. 🚨

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"]

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()

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>

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()

bec_widgets/applications/bw_launch.py

@@ -1,13 +1,15 @@
-from bec_widgets.cli.auto_updates import AutoUpdates
+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):
-    _dock_area = BECDockArea(object_name=object_name)
+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) -> BECDockArea:
+def auto_update_dock_area(object_name: str | None = None) -> AutoUpdates:
     """
     Create a dock area with auto update enabled.
 
@@ -17,7 +19,5 @@ def auto_update_dock_area(object_name: str | None = None) -> BECDockArea:
     Returns:
         BECDockArea: The created dock area.
     """
-    _dock_area = BECDockArea(object_name=object_name)
-    _dock_area.set_auto_update(AutoUpdates)
-    _dock_area.auto_update.enabled = True  # type:ignore
-    return _dock_area
+    _auto_update = AutoUpdates(object_name=object_name)
+    return _auto_update

bec_widgets/applications/launch_dialog.ui

@@ -1,35 +0,0 @@
-<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
-<ui version="4.0">
-    <class>Form</class>
-    <widget class="QWidget" name="Form">
-        <property name="geometry">
-            <rect>
-                <x>0</x>
-                <y>0</y>
-                <width>400</width>
-                <height>300</height>
-            </rect>
-        </property>
-        <property name="windowTitle">
-            <string>Form</string>
-        </property>
-        <layout class="QGridLayout" name="gridLayout">
-            <item row="0" column="0">
-                <widget class="QPushButton" name="open_dock_area">
-                    <property name="text">
-                        <string>PushButton</string>
-                    </property>
-                </widget>
-            </item>
-            <item row="0" column="1">
-                <widget class="QPushButton" name="open_auto_update_dock_area">
-                    <property name="text">
-                        <string>PushButton</string>
-                    </property>
-                </widget>
-            </item>
-        </layout>
-    </widget>
-    <resources/>
-    <connections/>
-</ui>

bec_widgets/applications/launch_window.py

@@ -1,26 +1,143 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
 import os
-from typing import TYPE_CHECKING
+import xml.etree.ElementTree as ET
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Callable
 
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
-from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QSizePolicy
+from qtpy.QtCore import Qt, Signal  # type: ignore
+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.bec_plugin_helper import get_all_plugin_widgets
 from bec_widgets.utils.container_utils import WidgetContainerUtils
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.utils.name_utils import pascal_to_snake
+from bec_widgets.utils.plugin_utils import get_plugin_auto_updates
+from bec_widgets.utils.round_frame import RoundedFrame
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbar import ModularToolBar
+from bec_widgets.utils.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
+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
+
+    from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
 
-if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
-    from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
+
+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
@@ -28,25 +145,128 @@ class LaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
         super().__init__(parent=parent, gui_id=gui_id, window_title=window_title, **kwargs)
 
         self.app = QApplication.instance()
+        self.tiles: dict[str, LaunchTile] = {}
 
-        self.resize(500, 300)
-        self.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Fixed, QSizePolicy.Fixed)
+        # 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)
 
-        ui_file_path = os.path.join(MODULE_PATH, "applications/launch_dialog.ui")
-        self.load_ui(ui_file_path)
-        self.ui.open_dock_area.setText("Open Dock Area")
-        self.ui.open_dock_area.clicked.connect(lambda: self.launch("dock_area"))
-        self.ui.open_auto_update_dock_area.setText("Open Dock Area with Auto Update")
-        self.ui.open_auto_update_dock_area.clicked.connect(
-            lambda: self.launch("auto_update_dock_area", "auto_updates")
+        # Main Widget
+        self.central_widget = QWidget(self)
+        self.central_widget.layout = QHBoxLayout(self.central_widget)
+        self.setCentralWidget(self.central_widget)
+
+        self.register_tile(
+            name="dock_area",
+            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.",
+            action_button=lambda: self.launch("dock_area"),
+            show_selector=False,
         )
 
+        self.available_auto_updates: dict[str, type[AutoUpdates]] = (
+            self._update_available_auto_updates()
+        )
+        self.register_tile(
+            name="auto_update",
+            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.",
+            action_button=self._open_auto_update,
+            show_selector=True,
+            selector_items=list(self.available_auto_updates.keys()) + ["Default"],
+        )
+
+        self.register_tile(
+            name="custom_ui_file",
+            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.",
+            action_button=self._open_custom_ui_file,
+            show_selector=False,
+        )
+
+        # plugin widgets
+        self.available_widgets: dict[str, BECWidget] = get_all_plugin_widgets()
+        if self.available_widgets:
+            plugin_repo_name = next(iter(self.available_widgets.values())).__module__.split(".")[0]
+            plugin_repo_name = plugin_repo_name.removesuffix("_bec").upper()
+            self.register_tile(
+                name="widget",
+                icon_path=os.path.join(
+                    MODULE_PATH, "assets", "app_icons", "widget_launch_tile.png"
+                ),
+                top_label="Get quickly started",
+                main_label=f"Launch a {plugin_repo_name} Widget",
+                description=f"GUI application with one widget from the {plugin_repo_name} repository.",
+                action_button=self._open_widget,
+                show_selector=True,
+                selector_items=list(self.available_widgets.keys()),
+            )
+
+        self._update_theme()
+
+        self.register = RPCRegister()
+        self.register.callbacks.append(self._turn_off_the_lights)
+        self.register.broadcast()
+
+    def register_tile(
+        self,
+        name: str,
+        icon_path: str | None = None,
+        top_label: str | None = None,
+        main_label: str | None = None,
+        description: str | None = None,
+        action_button: Callable | None = None,
+        show_selector: bool = False,
+        selector_items: list[str] | None = None,
+    ):
+        """
+        Register a tile in the launcher window.
+
+        Args:
+            name(str): The name of the tile.
+            icon_path(str): The path to the icon.
+            top_label(str): The top label of the tile.
+            main_label(str): The main label of the tile.
+            description(str): The description of the tile.
+            action_button(callable): The action to be performed when the button is clicked.
+            show_selector(bool): Whether to show a selector or not.
+            selector_items(list[str]): The items to be shown in the selector.
+        """
+
+        tile = LaunchTile(
+            icon_path=icon_path,
+            top_label=top_label,
+            main_label=main_label,
+            description=description,
+            show_selector=show_selector,
+        )
+        tile.setFixedSize(*self.TILE_SIZE)
+        if action_button:
+            tile.action_button.clicked.connect(action_button)
+        if show_selector and selector_items:
+            tile.selector.addItems(selector_items)
+        self.central_widget.layout.addWidget(tile)
+
+        self.tiles[name] = tile
+
     def launch(
         self,
         launch_script: str,
         name: str | None = None,
         geometry: tuple[int, int, int, int] | None = None,
-    ) -> QWidget:
+        **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.
@@ -67,6 +287,8 @@ class LaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
                     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)
@@ -75,6 +297,23 @@ class LaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
                 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)
+
+            if launch_script == "widget":
+                widget = kwargs.pop("widget", None)
+                if widget is None:
+                    raise ValueError("Widget name must be provided.")
+                return self._launch_widget(widget)
+
             launch = getattr(bw_launch, launch_script, None)
             if launch is None:
                 raise ValueError(f"Launch script {launch_script} not found.")
@@ -84,7 +323,7 @@ class LaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
             # 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}")
-            logger.info(f"Existing dock areas: {geometry}")
+
             if geometry is not None:
                 result_widget.setGeometry(*geometry)
             if isinstance(result_widget, BECMainWindow):
@@ -92,14 +331,187 @@ class LaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
             else:
                 window = BECMainWindow()
                 window.setCentralWidget(result_widget)
+                window.setWindowTitle(f"BEC - {result_widget.objectName()}")
                 window.show()
             return result_widget
 
+    def _launch_custom_ui_file(self, ui_file: str | None) -> BECMainWindow:
+        # Load the custom UI file
+        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 _launch_widget(self, widget: type[BECWidget]) -> QWidget:
+        name = pascal_to_snake(widget.__name__)
+
+        WidgetContainerUtils.raise_for_invalid_name(name)
+
+        window = BECMainWindow()
+
+        widget_instance = widget(root_widget=True, object_name=name)
+        assert isinstance(widget_instance, QWidget)
+        QApplication.processEvents()
+
+        window.setCentralWidget(widget_instance)
+        window.resize(window.minimumSizeHint())
+        window.setWindowTitle(f"BEC - {widget_instance.objectName()}")
+        window.show()
+        return window
+
+    def apply_theme(self, theme: str):
+        """
+        Change the theme of the application.
+        """
+        for tile in self.tiles.values():
+            tile.apply_theme(theme)
+
+        super().apply_theme(theme)
+
+    def _open_auto_update(self):
+        """
+        Open the auto update window.
+        """
+        if self.tiles["auto_update"].selector is None:
+            auto_update = None
+        else:
+            auto_update = self.tiles["auto_update"].selector.currentText()
+            if auto_update == "Default":
+                auto_update = None
+        return self.launch("auto_update", auto_update=auto_update)
+
+    def _open_widget(self):
+        """
+        Open a widget from the available widgets.
+        """
+        if self.tiles["widget"].selector is None:
+            return
+        widget = self.tiles["widget"].selector.currentText()
+        if widget not in self.available_widgets:
+            raise ValueError(f"Widget {widget} not found in available widgets.")
+        return self.launch("widget", widget=self.available_widgets[widget])
+
+    @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 cleanup(self):
-        super().close()
+    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())

bec_widgets/cli/__init__.py

@@ -1 +0,0 @@
-from .client import *

bec_widgets/cli/client.py

@@ -4,38 +4,133 @@
 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"""
 
-    BECDockArea = "BECDockArea"
-    BECProgressBar = "BECProgressBar"
-    BECQueue = "BECQueue"
-    BECStatusBox = "BECStatusBox"
-    DapComboBox = "DapComboBox"
-    DeviceBrowser = "DeviceBrowser"
-    DeviceComboBox = "DeviceComboBox"
-    DeviceLineEdit = "DeviceLineEdit"
-    Image = "Image"
-    LogPanel = "LogPanel"
-    MotorMap = "MotorMap"
-    MultiWaveform = "MultiWaveform"
-    PositionIndicator = "PositionIndicator"
-    RingProgressBar = "RingProgressBar"
-    ScanControl = "ScanControl"
-    ScatterWaveform = "ScatterWaveform"
-    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):
+    """A button that abort the scan."""
+
+    @rpc_call
+    def remove(self):
+        """
+        Cleanup the BECConnector
+        """
+
+
+class AutoUpdates(RPCBase):
+    @property
+    @rpc_call
+    def enabled(self) -> "bool":
+        """
+        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.
+        """
 
 
 class BECDock(RPCBase):
@@ -170,6 +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":
@@ -276,7 +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
@@ -306,26 +404,6 @@ class BECDockArea(RPCBase):
             dict: The state of the dock area.
         """
 
-    @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.
-        """
-
     @rpc_call
     def restore_state(
         self, state: "dict" = None, missing: "Literal['ignore', 'error']" = "ignore", extra="bottom"
@@ -392,6 +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."""
@@ -406,6 +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):
         """
@@ -437,6 +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):
         """
@@ -532,7 +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:
@@ -599,7 +698,17 @@ class DapComboBox(RPCBase):
         """
 
 
+class DarkModeButton(RPCBase):
+    @rpc_call
+    def remove(self):
+        """
+        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):
         """
@@ -638,6 +747,8 @@ class DeviceLineEdit(RPCBase):
 
 
 class Image(RPCBase):
+    """Image widget for displaying 2D data."""
+
     @property
     @rpc_call
     def enable_toolbar(self) -> "bool":
@@ -853,48 +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":
@@ -1089,16 +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
@@ -1261,14 +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.
         """
@@ -1318,7 +1387,12 @@ class LogPanel(RPCBase):
         """
 
 
+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":
@@ -1708,6 +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":
@@ -2092,7 +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:
@@ -2117,10 +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
@@ -2140,6 +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):
@@ -2147,6 +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):
@@ -2154,6 +2249,61 @@ 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"""
+
+    @rpc_call
+    def set_positioner(self, positioner: "str | Positioner"):
+        """
+        Set the device
+
+        Args:
+            positioner (Positioner | str) : Positioner to set, accepts str or the device
+        """
+
+
+class PositionerBox2D(RPCBase):
+    """Simple Widget to control two positioners in box form"""
+
+    @rpc_call
+    def set_positioner_hor(self, positioner: "str | Positioner"):
+        """
+        Set the device
+
+        Args:
+            positioner (Positioner | str) : Positioner to set, accepts str or the device
+        """
+
+    @rpc_call
+    def set_positioner_ver(self, positioner: "str | Positioner"):
+        """
+        Set the device
+
+        Args:
+            positioner (Positioner | str) : Positioner to set, accepts str or the device
+        """
+
+
+class PositionerControlLine(RPCBase):
+    """A widget that controls a single device."""
+
+    @rpc_call
+    def set_positioner(self, positioner: "str | Positioner"):
+        """
+        Set the device
+
+        Args:
+            positioner (Positioner | str) : Positioner to set, accepts str or the device
+        """
+
 
 class PositionerGroup(RPCBase):
     """Simple Widget to control a positioner in box form"""
@@ -2167,6 +2317,26 @@ class PositionerGroup(RPCBase):
         """
 
 
+class ResetButton(RPCBase):
+    """A button that resets the scan queue."""
+
+    @rpc_call
+    def remove(self):
+        """
+        Cleanup the BECConnector
+        """
+
+
+class ResumeButton(RPCBase):
+    """A button that continue scan queue."""
+
+    @rpc_call
+    def remove(self):
+        """
+        Cleanup the BECConnector
+        """
+
+
 class Ring(RPCBase):
     @rpc_call
     def _get_all_rpc(self) -> "dict":
@@ -2268,6 +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":
         """
@@ -2293,9 +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
@@ -2447,6 +2619,8 @@ class RingProgressBar(RPCBase):
 
 
 class ScanControl(RPCBase):
+    """Widget to submit new scans to the queue."""
+
     @rpc_call
     def remove(self):
         """
@@ -2767,7 +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":
@@ -2807,6 +2981,16 @@ class ScatterWaveform(RPCBase):
         """
 
 
+class StopButton(RPCBase):
+    """A button that stops the current scan."""
+
+    @rpc_call
+    def remove(self):
+        """
+        Cleanup the BECConnector
+        """
+
+
 class TextBox(RPCBase):
     """A widget that displays text in plain and HTML format"""
 
@@ -2829,6 +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."""
 
@@ -2836,6 +3028,8 @@ class VSCodeEditor(RPCBase):
 
 
 class Waveform(RPCBase):
+    """Widget for plotting waveforms."""
+
     @property
     @rpc_call
     def _config_dict(self) -> "dict":
@@ -3117,12 +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]":
@@ -3147,6 +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":

bec_widgets/cli/client_utils.py

@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ from rich.table import Table
 
 import bec_widgets.cli.client as client
 from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_base import RPCBase, RPCReference
+from bec_widgets.utils.serialization import register_serializer_extension
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
     from bec_lib.messages import GUIRegistryStateMessage
@@ -31,7 +32,8 @@ logger = bec_logger.logger
 IGNORE_WIDGETS = ["LaunchWindow"]
 
 RegistryState: TypeAlias = dict[
-    Literal["gui_id", "name", "widget_class", "config", "__rpc__"], str | bool | dict
+    Literal["gui_id", "name", "widget_class", "config", "__rpc__", "container_proxy"],
+    str | bool | dict,
 ]
 
 # pylint: disable=redefined-outer-scope
@@ -204,8 +206,6 @@ class BECGuiClient(RPCBase):
         super().__init__(**kwargs)
         self._lock = Lock()
         self._anchor_widget = "launcher"
-        self._auto_updates_enabled = True
-        self._auto_updates = None
         self._killed = False
         self._top_level: dict[str, RPCReference] = {}
         self._startup_timeout = 0
@@ -216,6 +216,7 @@ class BECGuiClient(RPCBase):
         self._server_registry: dict[str, RegistryState] = {}
         self._ipython_registry: dict[str, RPCReference] = {}
         self.available_widgets = AvailableWidgetsNamespace()
+        register_serializer_extension()
 
     ####################
     #### Client API ####
@@ -277,6 +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.
 
@@ -291,14 +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}:launcher", parent=self)
-                widget = rpc_client._run_rpc(
-                    "launch", "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}:launcher", 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
 
@@ -387,7 +388,7 @@ class BECGuiClient(RPCBase):
             self._gui_started_event.clear()
             self._process, self._process_output_processing_thread = _start_plot_process(
                 self._gui_id,
-                gui_class_id="bec",  # FIXME me experiment
+                gui_class_id="bec",
                 config=self._client._service_config.config,  # pylint: disable=protected-access
                 logger=logger,
             )

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:
@@ -29,14 +34,29 @@ else:
 
 
 class ClientGenerator:
-    def __init__(self):
-        self.header = """# This file was automatically generated by generate_cli.py
+    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"""
 
@@ -63,6 +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)
 
@@ -70,14 +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):
         """
@@ -166,18 +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)
@@ -189,41 +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()

bec_widgets/cli/rpc/rpc_base.py

@@ -10,17 +10,15 @@ 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
@@ -95,21 +93,17 @@ class RPCReference:
 
     @check_for_deleted_widget
     def __getattr__(self, name):
-        if name in ["_registry", "_gui_id", "_is_deleted", "_name", "object_name"]:
+        if name in ["_registry", "_gui_id", "_is_deleted", "object_name"]:
             return super().__getattribute__(name)
         return self._registry[self._gui_id].__getattribute__(name)
 
     def __setattr__(self, name, value):
-        if name in ["_registry", "_gui_id", "_is_deleted", "_name", "object_name"]:
+        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)
 
-    @check_for_deleted_widget
-    def __getitem__(self, key):
-        return self._registry[self._gui_id].__getitem__(key)
-
     def __repr__(self):
         if self._gui_id not in self._registry:
             return f"<Deleted widget with gui_id {self._gui_id}>"
@@ -136,6 +130,7 @@ class RPCBase:
         config: dict | 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 {}
@@ -150,21 +145,21 @@ 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.object_name
-
     @property
     def _root(self) -> BECGuiClient:
         """
@@ -177,7 +172,15 @@ class RPCBase:
             parent = parent._parent
         return parent  # type: ignore
 
-    def _run_rpc(self, method, *args, wait_for_rpc_response=True, timeout=300, **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.
 
@@ -185,6 +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:
@@ -193,7 +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
@@ -233,8 +238,8 @@ class RPCBase:
     @staticmethod
     def _on_rpc_response(msg_obj: MessageObject, parent: RPCBase) -> None:
         msg = cast(messages.RequestResponseMessage, msg_obj.value)
-        parent._msg_wait_event.set()
         parent._rpc_response = msg
+        parent._msg_wait_event.set()
 
     def _create_widget_from_msg_result(self, msg_result):
         if msg_result is None:

bec_widgets/cli/rpc/rpc_register.py

@@ -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.
 
@@ -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.

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:
@@ -31,10 +31,8 @@ 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
         }
 

bec_widgets/cli/server.py

@@ -83,24 +83,6 @@ class GUIServer:
             service_config = ServiceConfig()
         return service_config
 
-    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.
-        """
-        self.launcher_window = cast(LaunchWindow, self.launcher_window)
-
-        if len(connections) <= 1:
-            self.launcher_window.show()
-            self.launcher_window.activateWindow()
-            self.launcher_window.raise_()
-            if self.app:
-                self.app.setQuitOnLastWindowClosed(True)
-        else:
-            self.launcher_window.hide()
-            if self.app:
-                self.app.setQuitOnLastWindowClosed(False)
-
     def _run(self):
         """
         Run the GUI server.
@@ -120,10 +102,6 @@ class GUIServer:
         self.app.aboutToQuit.connect(self.shutdown)
         self.app.setQuitOnLastWindowClosed(False)
 
-        register = RPCRegister()
-        register.callbacks.append(self._turn_off_the_lights)
-        register.broadcast()
-
         if self.gui_class:
             # If the server is started with a specific gui class, we launch it.
             # This will automatically hide the launcher.

bec_widgets/examples/jupyter_console/jupyter_console_window.py

@@ -34,20 +34,17 @@ class JupyterConsoleWindow(QWidget):  # pragma: no cover:
         super().__init__(parent)
 
         self._init_ui()
-        self.app = QApplication.instance()
 
         # console push
         if self.console.inprocess is True:
             self.console.kernel_manager.kernel.shell.push(
                 {
                     "np": np,
-                    "app": self.app,
                     "pg": pg,
                     "wh": wh,
-                    "dock_area": self.dock_area,
-                    "dock_1": self.dock_1,
-                    "wf": self.wf,
-                    # "dock_2": self.dock_2,
+                    "dock": self.dock,
+                    # "im": self.im,
+                    # "mi": self.mi,
                     # "mm": self.mm,
                     # "lm": self.lm,
                     # "btn1": self.btn1,
@@ -74,17 +71,11 @@ class JupyterConsoleWindow(QWidget):  # pragma: no cover:
 
         tab_widget = QTabWidget(splitter)
 
-        group_box = QGroupBox("Jupyter Console", splitter)
-        group_box_layout = QVBoxLayout(group_box)
-        self.console = BECJupyterConsole(inprocess=True)
-        group_box_layout.addWidget(self.console)
-
         first_tab = QWidget()
         first_tab_layout = QVBoxLayout(first_tab)
-        self.dock_area = BECDockArea(gui_id="dock")
-        first_tab_layout.addWidget(self.dock_area)
+        self.dock = BECDockArea(gui_id="dock")
+        first_tab_layout.addWidget(self.dock)
         tab_widget.addTab(first_tab, "Dock Area")
-        self._init_dock()
 
         # third_tab = QWidget()
         # third_tab_layout = QVBoxLayout(third_tab)
@@ -101,7 +92,10 @@ class JupyterConsoleWindow(QWidget):  # pragma: no cover:
         #
         # 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")
@@ -118,6 +112,14 @@ class JupyterConsoleWindow(QWidget):  # pragma: no cover:
         # 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()
@@ -139,26 +141,21 @@ class JupyterConsoleWindow(QWidget):  # pragma: no cover:
         # self.mwf = MultiWaveform()
         # ninth_tab_layout.addWidget(self.mwf)
         # tab_widget.addTab(ninth_tab, "MultiWaveform")
-        # tab_widget.setCurrentIndex(0)
+        # tab_widget.setCurrentIndex(8)
         #
         # # add stuff to the new Waveform widget
         # self._init_waveform()
-
-        self.setWindowTitle("Jupyter Console Window")
+        #
+        # self.setWindowTitle("Jupyter Console Window")
 
     def _init_waveform(self):
         self.wf.plot(y_name="bpm4i", y_entry="bpm4i", dap="GaussianModel")
         self.wf.plot(y_name="bpm3a", y_entry="bpm3a", dap="GaussianModel")
 
-    def _init_dock(self):
-        self.dock_1 = self.dock_area.new(name="dock_0")
-        self.wf = self.dock_1.new(widget="Waveform")
-        # self.dock_2 = self.dock_area.new(widget="DarkModeButton")
-
     def closeEvent(self, event):
         """Override to handle things when main window is closed."""
-        self.dock_area.cleanup()
-        self.dock_area.close()
+        self.dock.cleanup()
+        self.dock.close()
         self.console.close()
 
         super().closeEvent(event)
@@ -177,7 +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()
 

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
@@ -10,13 +11,11 @@ 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, Qt, 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
 
@@ -85,25 +84,46 @@ class BECConnector:
         config: ConnectionConfig | None = None,
         gui_id: str | None = None,
         object_name: str | None = None,
-        parent_dock: BECDock | None = None,  # TODO should go away
-        parent_id: 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
+        # 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  # TODO also remove at some point
+        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()
@@ -123,7 +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:
@@ -132,7 +151,6 @@ class BECConnector:
         else:
             self.gui_id: str = self.config.gui_id  # type: ignore
 
-        # TODO Hierarchy can be refreshed upon creation -> also registry should be notified if objectName changes -> issue #472
         if object_name is not None:
             self.setObjectName(object_name)
 
@@ -143,14 +161,8 @@ class BECConnector:
 
         # 2) Enforce unique objectName among siblings with the same BECConnector parent
         self.setParent(parent)
-        if parent_id is None:
-            connector_parent = WidgetHierarchy._get_becwidget_ancestor(self)
-            if connector_parent is not None:
-                self.parent_id = connector_parent.gui_id
-
-        self._enforce_unique_sibling_name()
-        self.rpc_register = RPCRegister()
-        self.rpc_register.add_rpc(self)
+        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()
@@ -159,6 +171,61 @@ class BECConnector:
         # Store references to running workers so they're not garbage collected prematurely.
         self._workers = []
 
+        # 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 change_object_name(self, name: str) -> None:
+        """
+        Change the object name of the widget. Unregister old name and register the new one.
+
+        Args:
+            name (str): The new object name.
+        """
+        self.rpc_register.remove_rpc(self)
+        self.setObjectName(name.replace("-", "_").replace(" ", "_"))
+        QTimer.singleShot(0, self._update_object_name)
+
+    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.
@@ -167,6 +234,7 @@ class BECConnector:
           - 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:
@@ -187,7 +255,7 @@ class BECConnector:
         # Collect used names among siblings
         used_names = {sib.objectName() for sib in siblings if sib is not self}
 
-        base_name = self.objectName()
+        base_name = self.object_name
         if base_name not in used_names:
             # Name is already unique among siblings
             return
@@ -202,7 +270,20 @@ class BECConnector:
                 break
             counter += 1
 
-    def submit_task(self, fn, *args, on_complete: pyqtSlot = None, **kwargs) -> Worker:
+    # 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.
@@ -330,7 +411,7 @@ 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.
@@ -362,7 +443,7 @@ 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.
@@ -380,7 +461,7 @@ 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
+        # 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.object_name)
         # If the widget is from Qt, trigger its close method.

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

bec_widgets/utils/bec_dispatcher.py

@@ -4,8 +4,9 @@ import collections
 import random
 import string
 from collections.abc import Callable
-from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Union
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, DefaultDict, Hashable, Union
 
+import louie
 import redis
 from bec_lib.client import BECClient
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
@@ -14,30 +15,52 @@ 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.cli_server import CLIServer
+    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_ref = louie.saferef.safe_ref(cb)
         self.cb_signal.connect(self.cb)
+        self.topics = set()
 
     def __hash__(self):
         # 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_ref)}{self.cb_info}".__hash__()
+
+    def __eq__(self, other):
+        if not isinstance(other, QtThreadSafeCallback):
+            return False
+        return self.cb_ref == other.cb_ref and self.cb_info == other.cb_info
 
     def __call__(self, msg_content, metadata):
+        if self.cb_ref() is None:
+            # callback has been deleted
+            return
         self.cb_signal.emit(msg_content, metadata)
 
 
@@ -78,14 +101,13 @@ class BECDispatcher:
     _instance = None
     _initialized = False
     client: BECClient
-    cli_server: CLIServer | None = None
+    cli_server: RPCServer | None = None
 
-    # TODO add custom gui id for server
     def __new__(
         cls,
         client=None,
         config: str | ServiceConfig | None = None,
-        gui_id: str = None,
+        gui_id: str | None = None,
         *args,
         **kwargs,
     ):
@@ -98,7 +120,9 @@ class BECDispatcher:
         if self._initialized:
             return
 
-        self._slots = collections.defaultdict(set)
+        self._registered_slots: DefaultDict[Hashable, QtThreadSafeCallback] = (
+            collections.defaultdict()
+        )
         self.client = client
 
         if self.client is None:
@@ -121,6 +145,8 @@ 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)
@@ -138,6 +164,7 @@ 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.
@@ -146,11 +173,15 @@ 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)
-        self.client.connector.register(topics, cb=slot, **kwargs)
+        qt_slot = QtThreadSafeCallback(cb=slot, cb_info=cb_info)
+        if qt_slot not in self._registered_slots:
+            self._registered_slots[qt_slot] = qt_slot
+        qt_slot = self._registered_slots[qt_slot]
+        self.client.connector.register(topics, cb=qt_slot, **kwargs)
         topics_str, _ = self.client.connector._convert_endpointinfo(topics)
-        self._slots[slot].update(set(topics_str))
+        qt_slot.topics.update(set(topics_str))
 
     def disconnect_slot(self, slot: Callable, topics: Union[str, list]):
         """
@@ -163,16 +194,16 @@ class BECDispatcher:
         # find the right slot to disconnect from ;
         # slot callbacks are wrapped in QtThreadSafeCallback objects,
         # but the slot we receive here is the original callable
-        for connected_slot in self._slots:
+        for connected_slot in self._registered_slots.values():
             if connected_slot.cb == slot:
                 break
         else:
             return
         self.client.connector.unregister(topics, cb=connected_slot)
         topics_str, _ = self.client.connector._convert_endpointinfo(topics)
-        self._slots[connected_slot].difference_update(set(topics_str))
-        if not self._slots[connected_slot]:
-            del self._slots[connected_slot]
+        self._registered_slots[connected_slot].topics.difference_update(set(topics_str))
+        if not self._registered_slots[connected_slot].topics:
+            del self._registered_slots[connected_slot]
 
     def disconnect_topics(self, topics: Union[str, list]):
         """
@@ -183,11 +214,16 @@ class BECDispatcher:
         """
         self.client.connector.unregister(topics)
         topics_str, _ = self.client.connector._convert_endpointinfo(topics)
-        for slot in list(self._slots.keys()):
-            slot_topics = self._slots[slot]
-            slot_topics.difference_update(set(topics_str))
-            if not slot_topics:
-                del self._slots[slot]
+
+        remove_slots = []
+        for connected_slot in self._registered_slots.values():
+            connected_slot.topics.difference_update(set(topics_str))
+
+            if not connected_slot.topics:
+                remove_slots.append(connected_slot)
+
+        for connected_slot in remove_slots:
+            self._registered_slots.pop(connected_slot, None)
 
     def disconnect_all(self, *args, **kwargs):
         """
@@ -208,7 +244,7 @@ class BECDispatcher:
             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.cli_server import CLIServer
+        from bec_widgets.utils.rpc_server import RPCServer
 
         if gui_id is None:
             gui_id = self.generate_unique_identifier()
@@ -216,7 +252,7 @@ class BECDispatcher:
         if not self.client.started:
             logger.error("Cannot start CLI server without a running client")
             return
-        self.cli_server = CLIServer(gui_id, dispatcher=self, client=self.client)
+        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):

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()
+    ...

bec_widgets/utils/bec_qapp.py

@@ -1,225 +0,0 @@
-from __future__ import annotations
-
-import os
-import random
-import string
-from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Any
-
-from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
-from bec_lib.service_config import ServiceConfig
-from qtpy.QtCore import QSize
-from qtpy.QtGui import QIcon
-from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
-
-import bec_widgets
-from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_register import RPCRegister
-from bec_widgets.utils.bec_dispatcher import BECDispatcher
-from bec_widgets.utils.cli_server import CLIServer
-
-logger = bec_logger.logger
-
-MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
-
-
-if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
-    from bec_lib.client import BECClient
-
-
-class BECApplication:
-    """
-    Custom QApplication class for BEC applications.
-    """
-
-    gui_id: str
-    dispatcher: BECDispatcher
-    rpc_register: RPCRegister
-    client: BECClient
-    is_bec_app: bool
-    cli_server: CLIServer
-
-    _instance: BECApplication
-    _initialized: bool
-
-    def __init__(
-        self,
-        *args,
-        client=None,
-        config: str | ServiceConfig | None = None,
-        gui_id: str | None = None,
-        **kwargs,
-    ):
-        if self._initialized:
-            return
-        self.app = QApplication.instance()
-        if self.app is None:
-            self.app = QApplication([])
-        self._initialize_bec_app(client, config, gui_id)
-        self._initialized = True
-
-    def _initialize_bec_app(
-        self, client=None, config: str | ServiceConfig | None = None, gui_id: str | None = None
-    ):
-        """
-        Initialize the BECApplication instance with the given client and configuration.
-
-        Args:
-            app: The QApplication instance to initialize.
-            client: The BECClient instance to use for communication.
-            config: The ServiceConfig instance to use for configuration.
-            gui_id: The unique identifier for this application.
-        """
-        self.app.gui_id = gui_id or BECApplication.generate_unique_identifier()
-        self.app.dispatcher = BECDispatcher(client=client, config=config)
-        self.app.rpc_register = RPCRegister()
-        self.app.client = self.app.dispatcher.client  # type: ignore
-        self.app.is_bec_app = True
-        self.app.aboutToQuit.connect(self.shutdown)
-
-        self.setup_bec_icon()
-
-    def __instancecheck__(self, instance: Any) -> bool:
-        return isinstance(instance, (QApplication, BECApplication))
-
-    def __getattr__(self, name: str) -> Any:
-        if hasattr(self.app, name):
-            return getattr(self.app, name)
-        return super().__getattribute__(name)
-
-    def __new__(cls, *args, **kwargs) -> BECApplication:
-        if not hasattr(cls, "_instance"):
-            cls._instance = super().__new__(cls)
-            cls._initialized = False
-        return cls._instance
-
-    @classmethod
-    def from_qapplication(
-        cls, client=None, config: str | ServiceConfig | None = None, gui_id: str | None = None
-    ) -> BECApplication:
-        """
-        Create a BECApplication instance from an existing QApplication instance.
-        """
-        print("from_qapplication")
-        app = QApplication.instance()
-        if isinstance(app, BECApplication):
-            return app
-
-        return cls(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id)
-
-    def setup_bec_icon(self):
-        """
-        Set the BEC icon for the application
-        """
-        icon = QIcon()
-        icon.addFile(
-            os.path.join(MODULE_PATH, "assets", "app_icons", "bec_widgets_icon.png"),
-            size=QSize(48, 48),
-        )
-        self.setWindowIcon(icon)
-
-    @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))
-
-        # # TODO not sure if needed
-        # def register_all(self):
-        #     widgets = self.allWidgets()
-        #     all_connections = self.rpc_register.list_all_connections()
-        #     for widget in widgets:
-        #         if not isinstance(widget, BECWidget):
-        #             continue
-        #         gui_id = getattr(widget, "gui_id", None)
-        #         if gui_id and widget not in all_connections:
-        #             self.rpc_register.add_rpc(widget)
-        #             print(
-        #                 f"[BECQApplication]: Registered widget {widget.__class__} with GUI ID: {gui_id}"
-        #             )
-
-        # # TODO not sure if needed
-        # def list_all_bec_widgets(self):
-        #     widgets = self.allWidgets()
-        #     bec_widgets = []
-        #     for widget in widgets:
-        #         if isinstance(widget, BECWidget):
-        #             bec_widgets.append(widget)
-        #     return bec_widgets
-
-        # def list_hierarchy(self, only_bec_widgets: bool = True, show_parent: bool = True):
-        #     """
-        #     List the hierarchy of all BECWidgets in this application.
-
-        #     Args:
-        #         only_bec_widgets (bool): If True, prints only BECWidgets. Non-BECWidgets are skipped but their children are still traversed.
-        #         show_parent (bool): If True, displays the immediate BECWidget ancestor for each item.
-        #     """
-        #     bec_widgets = self.list_all_bec_widgets()
-        #     # Identify top-level BECWidgets (whose parent is not another BECWidget)
-        #     top_level = [
-        #         w for w in bec_widgets if not isinstance(self._get_becwidget_ancestor(w), BECWidget)
-        #     ]
-
-        #     print("[BECQApplication]: Listing BECWidget hierarchy:")
-        #     for widget in top_level:
-        #         self._print_becwidget_hierarchy(
-        #             widget, indent=0, only_bec_widgets=only_bec_widgets, show_parent=show_parent
-        #         )
-
-        # def _print_becwidget_hierarchy(self, widget, indent=0, only_bec_widgets=True, show_parent=True):
-        #     # Decide if this widget should be printed
-        #     is_bec = isinstance(widget, BECWidget)
-        #     print_this = (not only_bec_widgets) or is_bec
-
-        #     parent_info = ""
-        #     if show_parent and is_bec:
-        #         ancestor = self._get_becwidget_ancestor(widget)
-        #         if ancestor is not None:
-        #             parent_info = f" parent={ancestor.__class__.__name__}"
-        #         else:
-        #             parent_info = " parent=None"
-
-        #     if print_this:
-        #         prefix = " " * indent
-        #         print(
-        #             f"{prefix}- {widget.__class__.__name__} (objectName={widget.objectName()}){parent_info}"
-        #         )
-
-        #     # Always recurse so deeper BECWidgets aren't missed
-        #     for child in widget.children():
-        #         # Skip known non-BECWidgets if only_bec_widgets is True, but keep recursion
-        #         # We'll still call _print_becwidget_hierarchy to discover any BECWidget descendants.
-        #         self._print_becwidget_hierarchy(
-        #             child, indent + 2, only_bec_widgets=only_bec_widgets, show_parent=show_parent
-        #         )
-
-        # def _get_becwidget_ancestor(self, widget):
-        #     """
-        #     Climb the .parent() chain until finding another BECWidget, or None.
-        #     """
-        #     p = widget.parent()
-        #     while p is not None:
-        #         if isinstance(p, BECWidget):
-        #             return p
-        #         p = p.parent()
-        # return None
-
-    def shutdown(self):
-        self.dispatcher.disconnect_all()
-        self.cli_server.shutdown()
-        self.rpc_register.reset_singleton()
-        delattr(self.app, "gui_id")
-        delattr(self.app, "dispatcher")
-        delattr(self.app, "rpc_register")
-        delattr(self.app, "client")
-        delattr(self.app, "is_bec_app")
-        delattr(self.app, "cli_server")
-        self._initialized = False
-        self._instance = None

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."""
 

bec_widgets/utils/bec_widget.py

@@ -4,8 +4,7 @@ from typing import TYPE_CHECKING
 
 import darkdetect
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
-from PySide6.QtCore import QObject
-from qtpy.QtCore import Slot
+from qtpy.QtCore import QObject, Slot
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
 
 from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_register import RPCRegister
@@ -33,8 +32,7 @@ class BECWidget(BECConnector):
         config: ConnectionConfig = None,
         gui_id: str | None = None,
         theme_update: bool = False,
-        parent_dock: BECDock | None = None,  # TODO should not be there
-        parent_id: str | None = None,
+        parent_dock: BECDock | None = None,  # TODO should go away -> issue created #473
         **kwargs,
     ):
         """
@@ -56,12 +54,7 @@ class BECWidget(BECConnector):
         """
 
         super().__init__(
-            client=client,
-            config=config,
-            gui_id=gui_id,
-            parent_dock=parent_dock,
-            parent_id=parent_id,
-            **kwargs,
+            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")
@@ -78,13 +71,6 @@ class BECWidget(BECConnector):
             logger.debug(f"Subscribing to theme updates for {self.__class__.__name__}")
             self._connect_to_theme_change()
 
-    def _ensure_bec_app(self):
-        # pylint: disable=import-outside-toplevel
-        from bec_widgets.utils.bec_qapp import BECApplication
-
-        app = BECApplication.from_qapplication()
-        return app
-
     def _connect_to_theme_change(self):
         """Connect to the theme change signal."""
         qapp = QApplication.instance()
@@ -120,6 +106,8 @@ class BECWidget(BECConnector):
     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

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
 
 

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)

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.")

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
 

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)

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

bec_widgets/utils/forms_from_types/items.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]:

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):

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

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()

bec_widgets/utils/palette_viewer.py

@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ class PaletteViewer(BECWidget, QWidget):
     RPC = False
 
     def __init__(self, *args, parent=None, **kwargs):
-        super().__init__(parent=parent, **kwargs)
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, theme_update=True, **kwargs)
         self.setFixedSize(400, 600)
         layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
         dark_mode_button = DarkModeButton(self)

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):
         """

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)
@@ -25,10 +26,15 @@ class RoundedFrame(QFrame):
 
         # Apply rounded frame styling
         self.setProperty("skip_settings", True)
+        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:

bec_widgets/utils/rpc_server.py

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import functools
 import traceback
 import types
 from contextlib import contextmanager
-from typing import TYPE_CHECKING
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Callable, TypeVar
 
 from bec_lib.client import BECClient
 from bec_lib.endpoints import MessageEndpoints
@@ -18,16 +18,19 @@ 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.utils.widget_io import WidgetHierarchy
-from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.plot_base import PlotBase
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.main_window import BECMainWindow
 
-if TYPE_CHECKING:
+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"""
@@ -51,7 +54,7 @@ def rpc_exception_hook(err_func):
         popup.custom_exception_hook = old_exception_hook
 
 
-class CLIServer:
+class RPCServer:
 
     client: BECClient
 
@@ -81,6 +84,7 @@ class CLIServer:
         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}")
@@ -98,7 +102,7 @@ class CLIServer:
                 args = msg["parameter"].get("args", [])
                 kwargs = msg["parameter"].get("kwargs", {})
                 res = self.run_rpc(obj, method, args, kwargs)
-            except Exception as e:
+            except Exception:
                 content = traceback.format_exc()
                 logger.error(f"Error while executing RPC instruction: {content}")
                 self.send_response(request_id, False, {"error": content})
@@ -143,15 +147,28 @@ class CLIServer:
                 res = self.serialize_object(res)
             return res
 
-    def serialize_object(self, obj):
-        if isinstance(obj, BECConnector):
-            # Respect RPC = False
-            if hasattr(obj, "RPC") and obj.RPC is False:
-                return None
-            return self._serialize_bec_connector(obj)
-        return obj
+    def serialize_object(self, obj: T) -> None | dict | T:
+        """
+        Serialize all BECConnector objects.
 
-    def emit_heartbeat(self):
+        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(
@@ -162,7 +179,11 @@ class CLIServer:
         except RedisError as exc:
             logger.error(f"Error while emitting heartbeat: {exc}")
 
-    def broadcast_registry_update(self, connections: dict):
+    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):
@@ -170,6 +191,9 @@ class CLIServer:
             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(
@@ -178,30 +202,53 @@ class CLIServer:
             max_size=1,
         )
 
-    def _serialize_bec_connector(self, connector: BECConnector) -> dict:
+    def _serialize_bec_connector(self, connector: BECConnector, wait=False) -> dict:
         """
-        Create the serialization dict for a single BECConnector,
-        setting 'parent_id' via the real nearest BECConnector parent.
+        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": connector.__class__.__name__,
+            "widget_class": widget_class,
             "config": config_dict,
+            "container_proxy": container_proxy,
             "__rpc__": True,
         }
 
     @staticmethod
-    def _get_becwidget_ancestor(widget):
+    def _get_becwidget_ancestor(widget: QObject) -> BECConnector | None:
         """
         Traverse up the parent chain to find the nearest BECConnector.
         Returns None if none is found.
         """
-        from bec_widgets.utils import BECConnector
 
         parent = widget.parent()
         while parent is not None:
@@ -211,7 +258,15 @@ class CLIServer:
         return None
 
     # Suppose clients register callbacks to receive updates
-    def add_registry_update_callback(self, cb):
+    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

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

bec_widgets/utils/side_panel.py

@@ -59,7 +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)
@@ -89,7 +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)

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

bec_widgets/utils/ui_loader.py

@@ -1,7 +1,5 @@
-import inspect
-
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
-from qtpy import PYQT6, PYSIDE6, QT_VERSION
+from qtpy import PYQT6, PYSIDE6
 from qtpy.QtCore import QFile, QIODevice
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.generate_designer_plugin import DesignerPluginInfo
@@ -13,7 +11,7 @@ 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 {}
 
@@ -21,16 +19,7 @@ if PYSIDE6:
 
         def createWidget(self, class_name, parent=None, name=""):
             if class_name in self.custom_widgets:
-
-                # check if the custom widget has a parent_id argument
-                if "parent_id" in inspect.signature(self.custom_widgets[class_name]).parameters:
-                    gui_id = getattr(self.baseinstance, "gui_id", None)
-                    widget = self.custom_widgets[class_name](self.baseinstance, parent_id=gui_id)
-                else:
-                    logger.warning(
-                        f"Custom widget {class_name} does not have a parent_id argument. "
-                    )
-                    widget = self.custom_widgets[class_name](self.baseinstance)
+                widget = self.custom_widgets[class_name](self.baseinstance)
                 return widget
             return super().createWidget(class_name, self.baseinstance, name)
 

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,
@@ -422,6 +423,8 @@ class WidgetHierarchy:
         """
         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):

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/auto_update/auto_updates.py

@@ -7,11 +7,12 @@ 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.containers.dock.dock_area import BECDockArea
     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
@@ -22,24 +23,36 @@ if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 
 
-class AutoUpdates:
+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
 
-    def __init__(self, dock_area: BECDockArea):
-        self.dock_area = dock_area
-        self.bec_dispatcher = dock_area.bec_dispatcher
         self._default_dock = None  # type:ignore
         self.current_widget: BECWidget | None = None
         self.dock_name = None
-        self._enabled = False
+        self._enabled = True
+        self.start_auto_update()
 
-    def connect(self):
+    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 disconnect(self):
+    def stop_auto_update(self):
         """
         Disconnect all connections for the auto updates.
         """
@@ -47,12 +60,36 @@ class AutoUpdates:
             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":
@@ -121,7 +158,7 @@ class AutoUpdates:
         """
 
         if selected_device is None:
-            selected_device = self.dock_area.selected_device
+            selected_device = self.selected_device
         if selected_device:
             return selected_device
         if len(monitored_devices) > 0:
@@ -129,6 +166,22 @@ class AutoUpdates:
             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:
         """
@@ -146,12 +199,25 @@ class AutoUpdates:
         self._enabled = value
 
         if value:
-            self.connect()
+            self.start_auto_update()
+            self.enable_gui_highlights(True)
             self.on_start()
         else:
-            self.disconnect()
+            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 #####################################
     ########################################################################
@@ -206,6 +272,9 @@ class AutoUpdates:
         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(

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
@@ -130,7 +131,6 @@ 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,
@@ -271,13 +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,
@@ -300,6 +302,9 @@ 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 = self.layout.rowCount()
 
@@ -315,11 +320,7 @@ class BECDock(BECWidget, Dock):
             widget = cast(
                 BECWidget,
                 widget_handler.create_widget(
-                    widget_type=widget,
-                    object_name=name,
-                    parent_dock=self,
-                    parent_id=self.gui_id,
-                    parent=self,
+                    widget_type=widget, object_name=name, parent_dock=self, parent=self
                 ),
             )
         else:
@@ -415,6 +416,7 @@ class BECDock(BECWidget, Dock):
         self.delete_all()
         self.widgets.clear()
         super().cleanup()
+        self.deleteLater()
 
     def close(self):
         """

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock/dock_area.py

@@ -1,9 +1,8 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
-from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Literal, Optional
+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
@@ -15,6 +14,7 @@ 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,
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ from bec_widgets.utils.toolbar import (
 )
 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
@@ -37,9 +38,6 @@ from bec_widgets.widgets.services.bec_status_box.bec_status_box import BECStatus
 from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.logpanel.logpanel import LogPanel
 from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.visual.dark_mode_button.dark_mode_button import DarkModeButton
 
-if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
-    from bec_widgets.cli.auto_updates import AutoUpdates
-
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 
 
@@ -51,6 +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",
@@ -67,8 +69,6 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
         "detach_dock",
         "attach_all",
         "save_state",
-        "selected_device",
-        "selected_device.setter",
         "restore_state",
     ]
 
@@ -100,12 +100,10 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
         self.layout.setSpacing(5)
         self.layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
 
-        self.auto_update: AutoUpdates | None = None
-        self._auto_update_selected_device: str | None = None
         self._instructions_visible = True
 
-        self.dark_mode_button = DarkModeButton(parent=self, parent_id=self.gui_id, toolbar=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={
@@ -184,7 +182,7 @@ 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(self.dark_mode_button)
@@ -245,7 +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
@@ -258,35 +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 | 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
-
-    def set_auto_update(self, auto_update_cls: type[AutoUpdates]) -> None:
-        """
-        Set the auto update object for the dock area.
-
-        Args:
-            auto_update(AutoUpdates): The auto update object.
-        """
-        self.auto_update = auto_update_cls(self)
-
     @property
     def panels(self) -> dict[str, BECDock]:
         """
@@ -338,6 +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()
@@ -394,6 +366,8 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
                     f"Name {name} must be unique for docks, but already exists in DockArea "
                     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)
 
@@ -402,7 +376,6 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
             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,
-            parent_id=self.gui_id,
             closable=closable,
         )
         dock.config.position = position
@@ -471,15 +444,9 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
         """
         Cleanup the dock area.
         """
-        if self.auto_update:
-            self.auto_update.enabled = False
         self.delete_all()
-        self.toolbar.close()
-        self.toolbar.deleteLater()
         self.dark_mode_button.close()
         self.dark_mode_button.deleteLater()
-        self.dock_area.close()
-        self.dock_area.deleteLater()
         super().cleanup()
 
     def show(self):
@@ -528,7 +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()
 
 

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

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/main_window/example_app.ui

@@ -1,42 +0,0 @@
-<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
-<ui version="4.0">
-    <class>Form</class>
-    <widget class="QWidget" name="Form">
-        <property name="geometry">
-            <rect>
-                <x>0</x>
-                <y>0</y>
-                <width>824</width>
-                <height>1234</height>
-            </rect>
-        </property>
-        <property name="windowTitle">
-            <string>Form</string>
-        </property>
-        <layout class="QVBoxLayout" name="verticalLayout">
-            <item>
-                <widget class="Waveform" name="waveform"/>
-            </item>
-            <item>
-                <widget class="BECDockArea" name="dock_area_2"/>
-            </item>
-            <item>
-                <widget class="BECDockArea" name="dock_area"/>
-            </item>
-        </layout>
-    </widget>
-    <customwidgets>
-        <customwidget>
-            <class>BECDockArea</class>
-            <extends>QWidget</extends>
-            <header>dock_area</header>
-        </customwidget>
-        <customwidget>
-            <class>Waveform</class>
-            <extends>QWidget</extends>
-            <header>waveform</header>
-        </customwidget>
-    </customwidgets>
-    <resources/>
-    <connections/>
-</ui>

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/main_window/general_app.ui

@@ -1,262 +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>1718</width>
-                <height>1139</height>
-            </rect>
-        </property>
-        <property name="windowTitle">
-            <string>MainWindow</string>
-        </property>
-        <property name="tabShape">
-            <enum>QTabWidget::TabShape::Rounded</enum>
-        </property>
-        <widget class="QWidget" name="centralwidget">
-            <layout class="QVBoxLayout" name="verticalLayout_3">
-                <item>
-                    <widget class="QTabWidget" name="central_tab">
-                        <property name="currentIndex">
-                            <number>0</number>
-                        </property>
-                        <widget class="QWidget" name="dock_area_tab">
-                            <attribute name="title">
-                                <string>Dock Area</string>
-                            </attribute>
-                            <layout class="QVBoxLayout" name="verticalLayout">
-                                <property name="leftMargin">
-                                    <number>2</number>
-                                </property>
-                                <property name="topMargin">
-                                    <number>1</number>
-                                </property>
-                                <property name="rightMargin">
-                                    <number>2</number>
-                                </property>
-                                <property name="bottomMargin">
-                                    <number>2</number>
-                                </property>
-                                <item>
-                                    <widget class="BECDockArea" name="dock_area"/>
-                                </item>
-                            </layout>
-                        </widget>
-                        <widget class="QWidget" name="vscode_tab">
-                            <attribute name="icon">
-                                <iconset theme="QIcon::ThemeIcon::Computer"/>
-                            </attribute>
-                            <attribute name="title">
-                                <string>Visual Studio Code</string>
-                            </attribute>
-                            <layout class="QVBoxLayout" name="verticalLayout_2">
-                                <property name="leftMargin">
-                                    <number>2</number>
-                                </property>
-                                <property name="topMargin">
-                                    <number>1</number>
-                                </property>
-                                <property name="rightMargin">
-                                    <number>2</number>
-                                </property>
-                                <property name="bottomMargin">
-                                    <number>2</number>
-                                </property>
-                                <item>
-                                    <widget class="VSCodeEditor" name="vscode"/>
-                                </item>
-                            </layout>
-                        </widget>
-                    </widget>
-                </item>
-            </layout>
-        </widget>
-        <widget class="QMenuBar" name="menubar">
-            <property name="geometry">
-                <rect>
-                    <x>0</x>
-                    <y>0</y>
-                    <width>1718</width>
-                    <height>31</height>
-                </rect>
-            </property>
-            <widget class="QMenu" name="menuHelp">
-                <property name="title">
-                    <string>Help</string>
-                </property>
-                <addaction name="action_BEC_docs"/>
-                <addaction name="action_BEC_widgets_docs"/>
-                <addaction name="action_bug_report"/>
-            </widget>
-            <widget class="QMenu" name="menuTheme">
-                <property name="title">
-                    <string>Theme</string>
-                </property>
-                <addaction name="action_light"/>
-                <addaction name="action_dark"/>
-            </widget>
-            <addaction name="menuTheme"/>
-            <addaction name="menuHelp"/>
-        </widget>
-        <widget class="QStatusBar" name="statusbar"/>
-        <widget class="QDockWidget" name="dock_scan_control">
-            <property name="windowTitle">
-                <string>Scan Control</string>
-            </property>
-            <attribute name="dockWidgetArea">
-                <number>2</number>
-            </attribute>
-            <widget class="QWidget" name="dockWidgetContents_2">
-                <layout class="QVBoxLayout" name="verticalLayout_4">
-                    <item>
-                        <widget class="ScanControl" name="scan_control"/>
-                    </item>
-                </layout>
-            </widget>
-        </widget>
-        <widget class="QDockWidget" name="dock_status_2">
-            <property name="windowTitle">
-                <string>BEC Service Status</string>
-            </property>
-            <attribute name="dockWidgetArea">
-                <number>2</number>
-            </attribute>
-            <widget class="QWidget" name="dockWidgetContents_3">
-                <layout class="QVBoxLayout" name="verticalLayout_5">
-                    <property name="leftMargin">
-                        <number>0</number>
-                    </property>
-                    <property name="topMargin">
-                        <number>0</number>
-                    </property>
-                    <property name="rightMargin">
-                        <number>0</number>
-                    </property>
-                    <property name="bottomMargin">
-                        <number>0</number>
-                    </property>
-                    <item>
-                        <widget class="BECStatusBox" name="bec_status_box_2"/>
-                    </item>
-                </layout>
-            </widget>
-        </widget>
-        <widget class="QDockWidget" name="dock_queue">
-            <property name="windowTitle">
-                <string>Scan Queue</string>
-            </property>
-            <attribute name="dockWidgetArea">
-                <number>2</number>
-            </attribute>
-            <widget class="QWidget" name="dockWidgetContents_4">
-                <layout class="QVBoxLayout" name="verticalLayout_6">
-                    <property name="leftMargin">
-                        <number>0</number>
-                    </property>
-                    <property name="topMargin">
-                        <number>0</number>
-                    </property>
-                    <property name="rightMargin">
-                        <number>0</number>
-                    </property>
-                    <property name="bottomMargin">
-                        <number>0</number>
-                    </property>
-                    <item>
-                        <widget class="BECQueue" name="bec_queue">
-                            <row/>
-                            <column/>
-                            <column/>
-                            <column/>
-                            <item row="0" column="0"/>
-                            <item row="0" column="1"/>
-                            <item row="0" column="2"/>
-                        </widget>
-                    </item>
-                </layout>
-            </widget>
-        </widget>
-        <action name="action_BEC_docs">
-            <property name="icon">
-                <iconset theme="QIcon::ThemeIcon::DialogQuestion"/>
-            </property>
-            <property name="text">
-                <string>BEC Docs</string>
-            </property>
-        </action>
-        <action name="action_BEC_widgets_docs">
-            <property name="icon">
-                <iconset theme="QIcon::ThemeIcon::DialogQuestion"/>
-            </property>
-            <property name="text">
-                <string>BEC Widgets Docs</string>
-            </property>
-        </action>
-        <action name="action_bug_report">
-            <property name="icon">
-                <iconset theme="QIcon::ThemeIcon::DialogError"/>
-            </property>
-            <property name="text">
-                <string>Bug Report</string>
-            </property>
-        </action>
-        <action name="action_light">
-            <property name="checkable">
-                <bool>true</bool>
-            </property>
-            <property name="text">
-                <string>Light</string>
-            </property>
-        </action>
-        <action name="action_dark">
-            <property name="checkable">
-                <bool>true</bool>
-            </property>
-            <property name="text">
-                <string>Dark</string>
-            </property>
-        </action>
-    </widget>
-    <customwidgets>
-        <customwidget>
-            <class>WebsiteWidget</class>
-            <extends>QWebEngineView</extends>
-            <header>website_widget</header>
-        </customwidget>
-        <customwidget>
-            <class>BECQueue</class>
-            <extends>QTableWidget</extends>
-            <header>bec_queue</header>
-        </customwidget>
-        <customwidget>
-            <class>ScanControl</class>
-            <extends>QWidget</extends>
-            <header>scan_control</header>
-        </customwidget>
-        <customwidget>
-            <class>VSCodeEditor</class>
-            <extends>WebsiteWidget</extends>
-            <header>vs_code_editor</header>
-        </customwidget>
-        <customwidget>
-            <class>BECStatusBox</class>
-            <extends>QWidget</extends>
-            <header>bec_status_box</header>
-        </customwidget>
-        <customwidget>
-            <class>BECDockArea</class>
-            <extends>QWidget</extends>
-            <header>dock_area</header>
-        </customwidget>
-        <customwidget>
-            <class>QWebEngineView</class>
-            <extends></extends>
-            <header location="global">QtWebEngineWidgets/QWebEngineView</header>
-        </customwidget>
-    </customwidgets>
-    <resources/>
-    <connections/>
-</ui>

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/main_window/main_window.py

@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
 
 class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
     RPC = False
+    PLUGIN = False
 
     def __init__(
         self,
@@ -33,6 +34,7 @@ class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
         self.app = QApplication.instance()
         self.setWindowTitle(window_title)
         self._init_ui()
+        self._connect_to_theme_change()
 
     def _init_ui(self):
 
@@ -64,18 +66,57 @@ class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
         self.setCentralWidget(self.ui)
 
     def display_app_id(self):
-        server_id = self.bec_dispatcher.cli_server.gui_id
-        self.statusBar().showMessage(f"App ID: {server_id}")
+        """
+        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")
@@ -131,50 +172,18 @@ class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
         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 WindowWithUi(BECMainWindow):
-    """
-    This is just testing app wiht UI file which could be connected to RPC.
-
-    """
-
-    USER_ACCESS = ["new_dock_area", "all_connections", "change_theme", "hierarchy"]
-
-    def __init__(self, *args, name: str = None, **kwargs):
-        super().__init__(gui_id="test", *args, **kwargs)
-        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__
-        ui_file_path = os.path.join(os.path.dirname(__file__), "example_app.ui")
-        self.load_ui(ui_file_path)
-
-    def load_ui(self, ui_file):
-        loader = UILoader(self)
-        self.ui = loader.loader(ui_file)
-        self.setCentralWidget(self.ui)
-
-    @property
-    def all_connections(self) -> list:
-        all_connections = self.rpc_register.list_all_connections()
-        all_connections_keys = list(all_connections.keys())
-        return all_connections_keys
-
-    def hierarchy(self):
-        WidgetHierarchy.print_widget_hierarchy(self, only_bec_widgets=True)
-
-
-if __name__ == "__main__":
-    import sys
-
-    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
-    print(id(app))
-    # app = BECApplication(sys.argv)
-    # print(id(app))
-    main_window = WindowWithUi()
-    main_window.show()
-    sys.exit(app.exec())
+class UILaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
+    RPC = True

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

@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ class AbortButton(BECWidget, QWidget):
 
     PLUGIN = True
     ICON_NAME = "cancel"
-    RPC = False
+    RPC = True
 
     def __init__(
         self,

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

@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ class ResetButton(BECWidget, QWidget):
 
     PLUGIN = True
     ICON_NAME = "restart_alt"
-    RPC = False
+    RPC = True
 
     def __init__(self, parent=None, client=None, config=None, gui_id=None, toolbar=False, **kwargs):
         super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, config=config, **kwargs)

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

@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ class ResumeButton(BECWidget, QWidget):
 
     PLUGIN = True
     ICON_NAME = "resume"
-    RPC = False
+    RPC = True
 
     def __init__(self, parent=None, client=None, config=None, gui_id=None, toolbar=False, **kwargs):
         super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, config=config, **kwargs)

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

@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ class StopButton(BECWidget, QWidget):
 
     PLUGIN = True
     ICON_NAME = "dangerous"
-    RPC = False
+    RPC = True
 
     def __init__(self, parent=None, client=None, config=None, gui_id=None, toolbar=False, **kwargs):
         super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, config=config, **kwargs)
@@ -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_())

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

@@ -8,7 +8,20 @@ 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"
 
@@ -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()
 

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):
@@ -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"""

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)

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/>

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")

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>

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/>

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
 

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 = []

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
@@ -60,7 +64,6 @@ 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
@@ -162,7 +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)

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:

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

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",

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/dict_backed_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()

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"]

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

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()

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/scan_metadata/scan_metadata.py

@@ -1,49 +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)
-    RPC = False
-
+class ScanMetadata(PydanticModelForm):
     def __init__(
         self,
         parent=None,
@@ -52,117 +24,35 @@ class ScanMetadata(BECWidget, QWidget):
         initial_extras: list[list[str]] | None = None,
         **kwargs,
     ):
-        super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, **kwargs)
+        """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()

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/scan_metadata/scan_metadata.pyproject

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

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()

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/website/website.py

@@ -117,6 +117,7 @@ class WebsiteWidget(BECWidget, QWidget):
         Cleanup the widget
         """
         self.website.page().deleteLater()
+        super().cleanup()
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":

bec_widgets/widgets/games/minesweeper.py

@@ -144,7 +144,7 @@ class Minesweeper(BECWidget, QWidget):
     PLUGIN = True
     ICON_NAME = "videogame_asset"
     USER_ACCESS = []
-    RPC = False
+    RPC = True
 
     def __init__(self, parent=None, *args, **kwargs):
         super().__init__(parent=parent, *args, **kwargs)

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",
@@ -133,13 +131,13 @@ class Image(PlotBase):
         super().__init__(
             parent=parent, config=config, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, popups=popups, **kwargs
         )
-        self._main_image.parent_image = self
+        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
@@ -652,21 +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:
@@ -758,6 +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
@@ -808,6 +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

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",
@@ -86,7 +86,6 @@ class ImageItem(BECConnector, pg.ImageItem):
             self.set_parent(parent_image)
         else:
             self.parent_image = None
-            self.parent_id = None
         super().__init__(config=config, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
 
         self.raw_data = None
@@ -98,7 +97,6 @@ class ImageItem(BECConnector, pg.ImageItem):
 
     def set_parent(self, parent: BECConnector):
         self.parent_image = parent
-        self.parent_id = parent.gui_id
 
     def parent(self):
         return self.parent_image
@@ -241,13 +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
@@ -275,3 +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()

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:

bec_widgets/widgets/plots/image/toolbar_bundles/image_selection.py

@@ -40,7 +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")

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)

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"
@@ -791,6 +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):

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()

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"
@@ -304,7 +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:
@@ -496,3 +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()

bec_widgets/widgets/plots/multi_waveform/toolbar_bundles/monitor_selection.py

@@ -29,9 +29,7 @@ class MultiWaveformSelectionToolbarBundle(ToolbarBundle):
 
         # Monitor Selection
         self.monitor = DeviceComboBox(
-            device_filter=BECDeviceFilter.DEVICE,
-            readout_priority_filter=ReadoutPriority.ASYNC,
-            parent_id=self.target_widget.gui_id,
+            device_filter=BECDeviceFilter.DEVICE, readout_priority_filter=ReadoutPriority.ASYNC
         )
         self.monitor.addItem("", None)
         self.monitor.setCurrentText("")
@@ -40,7 +38,7 @@ class MultiWaveformSelectionToolbarBundle(ToolbarBundle):
         self.add_action("monitor", WidgetAction(widget=self.monitor, adjust_size=False))
 
         # Colormap Selection
-        self.colormap_widget = BECColorMapWidget(cmap="magma", parent_id=self.target_widget.gui_id)
+        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
@@ -58,3 +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()

bec_widgets/widgets/plots/plot_base.py

@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ 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:
@@ -98,10 +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
@@ -170,6 +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
@@ -792,6 +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.")
@@ -811,6 +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)

bec_widgets/widgets/plots/scatter_waveform/scatter_curve.py

@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ class ScatterCurveConfig(ConnectionConfig):
         "solid", description="The style of the pen of the curve."
     )
     color_map: 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
     )
     x_device: ScatterDeviceSignal | None = Field(
         None, description="The x device signal of the scatter waveform."
@@ -78,8 +78,8 @@ class ScatterCurve(BECConnector, pg.PlotDataItem):
             self.config = config
             name = config.label
         self.parent_item = parent_item
-        self.parent_id = self.parent_item.gui_id
-        super().__init__(name=name, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
+        object_name = name.replace("-", "_").replace(" ", "_") if name else None
+        super().__init__(name=name, object_name=object_name, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
 
         self.data_z = None  # color scaling needs to be cashed for changing colormap
         self.apply_config()

bec_widgets/widgets/plots/scatter_waveform/scatter_waveform.py

@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ from bec_widgets.utils.colors import set_theme
 from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeProperty, SafeSlot
 from bec_widgets.utils.settings_dialog import SettingsDialog
 from bec_widgets.utils.toolbar import MaterialIconAction
-from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.plot_base import PlotBase
+from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.plot_base import PlotBase, UIMode
 from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.scatter_waveform.scatter_curve import (
     ScatterCurve,
     ScatterCurveConfig,
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ logger = bec_logger.logger
 # noinspection PyDataclass
 class ScatterWaveformConfig(ConnectionConfig):
     color_map: str | None = Field(
-        "magma",
+        "plasma",
         description="The color map of the z scaling of scatter waveform.",
         validate_default=True,
     )
@@ -107,14 +107,15 @@ class ScatterWaveform(PlotBase):
     ):
         if config is None:
             config = ScatterWaveformConfig(widget_class=self.__class__.__name__)
+        # Specific GUI elements
+        self.scatter_dialog = None
+        self.scatter_curve_settings = None
+
         super().__init__(
             parent=parent, config=config, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, popups=popups, **kwargs
         )
         self._main_curve = ScatterCurve(parent_item=self)
 
-        # Specific GUI elements
-        self.scatter_dialog = None
-
         # Scan Data
         self.old_scan_id = None
         self.scan_id = None
@@ -128,29 +129,27 @@ class ScatterWaveform(PlotBase):
         self.proxy_update_sync = pg.SignalProxy(
             self.sync_signal_update, rateLimit=25, slot=self.update_sync_curves
         )
+        if self.ui_mode == UIMode.SIDE:
+            self._init_scatter_curve_settings()
         self.update_with_scan_history(-1)
 
     ################################################################################
     # Widget Specific GUI interactions
     ################################################################################
-    def add_side_menus(self):
-        """
-        Add the side menus to the ScatterWaveform widget.
-        """
-        super().add_side_menus()
-        self._init_scatter_curve_settings()
 
     def _init_scatter_curve_settings(self):
         """
         Initialize the scatter curve settings menu.
         """
 
-        scatter_curve_settings = ScatterCurveSettings(parent=self, target_widget=self, popup=False)
+        self.scatter_curve_settings = ScatterCurveSettings(
+            parent=self, target_widget=self, popup=False
+        )
         self.side_panel.add_menu(
             action_id="scatter_curve",
             icon_name="scatter_plot",
             tooltip="Show Scatter Curve Settings",
-            widget=scatter_curve_settings,
+            widget=self.scatter_curve_settings,
             title="Scatter Curve Settings",
         )
 
@@ -267,7 +266,7 @@ class ScatterWaveform(PlotBase):
         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:
@@ -334,12 +333,13 @@ class ScatterWaveform(PlotBase):
 
         # To have only one main curve
         if self._main_curve is not None:
+            self.rpc_register.remove_rpc(self._main_curve)
+            self.rpc_register.broadcast()
             self.plot_item.removeItem(self._main_curve)
+            self._main_curve.deleteLater()
             self._main_curve = None
 
-        self._main_curve = ScatterCurve(
-            parent_item=self, config=config, gui_id=self.gui_id, name=config.label
-        )
+        self._main_curve = ScatterCurve(parent_item=self, config=config, name=config.label)
         self.plot_item.addItem(self._main_curve)
 
         self.sync_signal_update.emit()
@@ -466,17 +466,30 @@ class ScatterWaveform(PlotBase):
             logger.warning(f"Neither scan_id or scan_number was provided, fetching the latest scan")
             scan_index = -1
 
-        if scan_index is not None:
-            if len(self.client.history) == 0:
-                logger.info("No scans executed so far. Skipping scan history update.")
-                return
-
-            self.scan_item = self.client.history[scan_index]
-            metadata = self.scan_item.metadata
-            self.scan_id = metadata["bec"]["scan_id"]
-        else:
+        if scan_index is None:
             self.scan_id = scan_id
             self.scan_item = self.client.history.get_by_scan_id(scan_id)
+            self.sync_signal_update.emit()
+            return
+
+        if scan_index == -1:
+            scan_item = self.client.queue.scan_storage.current_scan
+            if scan_item is not None:
+                if scan_item.status_message is None:
+                    logger.warning(f"Scan item with {scan_item.scan_id} has no status message.")
+                    return
+                self.scan_item = scan_item
+                self.scan_id = scan_item.scan_id
+                self.sync_signal_update.emit()
+                return
+
+        if len(self.client.history) == 0:
+            logger.info("No scans executed so far. Skipping scan history update.")
+            return
+
+        self.scan_item = self.client.history[scan_index]
+        metadata = self.scan_item.metadata
+        self.scan_id = metadata["bec"]["scan_id"]
 
         self.sync_signal_update.emit()
 
@@ -496,6 +509,11 @@ class ScatterWaveform(PlotBase):
         """
         Cleanup the widget and disconnect all signals.
         """
+        if self.scatter_dialog is not None:
+            self.scatter_dialog.close()
+            self.scatter_dialog.deleteLater()
+        if self.scatter_curve_settings is not None:
+            self.scatter_curve_settings.cleanup()
         self.bec_dispatcher.disconnect_slot(self.on_scan_status, MessageEndpoints.scan_status())
         self.bec_dispatcher.disconnect_slot(self.on_scan_progress, MessageEndpoints.scan_progress())
         self.plot_item.removeItem(self._main_curve)