3.8.0

Automatically generated by python-semantic-release

.github/actions/bw_install/action.yml

@@ -62,4 +62,4 @@ runs:
         uv pip install --system -e ./ophyd_devices
         uv pip install --system -e ./bec/bec_lib[dev]
         uv pip install --system -e ./bec/bec_ipython_client
-        uv pip install --system -e ./bec_widgets[dev,pyside6]
+        uv pip install --system -e ./bec_widgets[dev,qtermwidget]

.github/scripts/aggregate_benchmarks.py

@@ -0,0 +1,169 @@
+##########################
+### AI-generated file. ###
+##########################
+
+"""Aggregate and merge benchmark JSON files.
+
+The workflow runs the same benchmark suite on multiple independent runners.
+This script reads every JSON file produced by those attempts, normalizes the
+contained benchmark values, and writes a compact mapping JSON where each value is
+the median across attempts. It can also merge independent hyperfine JSON files
+from one runner into a single hyperfine-style JSON file.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import argparse
+import json
+import statistics
+from pathlib import Path
+from typing import Any
+
+from compare_benchmarks import Benchmark, extract_benchmarks
+
+
+def collect_benchmarks(paths: list[Path]) -> dict[str, list[Benchmark]]:
+    """Collect benchmarks from multiple JSON files.
+
+    Args:
+        paths (list[Path]): Paths to hyperfine, pytest-benchmark, or compact
+            mapping JSON files.
+
+    Returns:
+        dict[str, list[Benchmark]]: Benchmarks grouped by benchmark name.
+    """
+
+    collected: dict[str, list[Benchmark]] = {}
+    for path in paths:
+        for name, benchmark in extract_benchmarks(path).items():
+            collected.setdefault(name, []).append(benchmark)
+    return collected
+
+
+def aggregate(collected: dict[str, list[Benchmark]]) -> dict[str, dict[str, object]]:
+    """Aggregate grouped benchmarks using the median value.
+
+    Args:
+        collected (dict[str, list[Benchmark]]): Benchmarks grouped by benchmark
+            name.
+
+    Returns:
+        dict[str, dict[str, object]]: Compact mapping JSON data. Each benchmark
+        contains ``value``, ``unit``, ``metric``, ``attempts``, and
+        ``attempt_values``.
+    """
+
+    aggregated: dict[str, dict[str, object]] = {}
+    for name, benchmarks in sorted(collected.items()):
+        values = [benchmark.value for benchmark in benchmarks]
+        unit = next((benchmark.unit for benchmark in benchmarks if benchmark.unit), "")
+        metric = next((benchmark.metric for benchmark in benchmarks if benchmark.metric), "value")
+        aggregated[name] = {
+            "value": statistics.median(values),
+            "unit": unit,
+            "metric": f"median-of-attempt-{metric}",
+            "attempts": len(values),
+            "attempt_values": values,
+        }
+    return aggregated
+
+
+def merge_hyperfine_results(paths: list[Path]) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Merge hyperfine result files.
+
+    Args:
+        paths (list[Path]): Hyperfine JSON files to merge.
+
+    Returns:
+        dict[str, Any]: Hyperfine-style JSON object containing all result rows.
+
+    Raises:
+        ValueError: If any file has no hyperfine ``results`` list.
+    """
+
+    merged: dict[str, Any] = {"results": []}
+    for path in paths:
+        data = json.loads(path.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
+        results = data.get("results", []) if isinstance(data, dict) else None
+        if not isinstance(results, list):
+            raise ValueError(f"{path} has no hyperfine results list")
+        merged["results"].extend(results)
+    return merged
+
+
+def main_from_paths(input_dir: Path, output: Path) -> int:
+    """Aggregate all JSON files in a directory and write the result.
+
+    Args:
+        input_dir (Path): Directory containing benchmark JSON files.
+        output (Path): Path where the aggregate JSON should be written.
+
+    Returns:
+        int: Always ``0`` on success.
+
+    Raises:
+        ValueError: If no JSON files are found in ``input_dir``.
+    """
+
+    paths = sorted(input_dir.rglob("*.json"))
+    if not paths:
+        raise ValueError(f"No benchmark JSON files found in {input_dir}")
+
+    output.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+    output.write_text(
+        json.dumps(aggregate(collect_benchmarks(paths)), indent=2, sort_keys=True) + "\n",
+        encoding="utf-8",
+    )
+    return 0
+
+
+def merge_from_paths(input_dir: Path, output: Path) -> int:
+    """Merge all hyperfine JSON files in a directory and write the result.
+
+    Args:
+        input_dir (Path): Directory containing hyperfine JSON files.
+        output (Path): Path where the merged JSON should be written.
+
+    Returns:
+        int: Always ``0`` on success.
+
+    Raises:
+        ValueError: If no JSON files are found in ``input_dir``.
+    """
+
+    paths = sorted(input_dir.glob("*.json"))
+    if not paths:
+        raise ValueError(f"No hyperfine JSON files found in {input_dir}")
+
+    output.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+    output.write_text(
+        json.dumps(merge_hyperfine_results(paths), indent=2, sort_keys=True) + "\n",
+        encoding="utf-8",
+    )
+    return 0
+
+
+def main() -> int:
+    """Run the benchmark aggregation command line interface.
+
+    Returns:
+        int: Always ``0`` on success.
+    """
+
+    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser()
+    parser.add_argument(
+        "--mode",
+        choices=("aggregate", "merge-hyperfine"),
+        default="aggregate",
+        help="Operation to perform.",
+    )
+    parser.add_argument("--input-dir", required=True, type=Path)
+    parser.add_argument("--output", required=True, type=Path)
+    args = parser.parse_args()
+    if args.mode == "merge-hyperfine":
+        return merge_from_paths(input_dir=args.input_dir, output=args.output)
+    return main_from_paths(input_dir=args.input_dir, output=args.output)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    raise SystemExit(main())

.github/scripts/compare_benchmarks.py

@@ -0,0 +1,454 @@
+##########################
+### AI-generated file. ###
+##########################
+
+"""Compare benchmark JSON files and write a GitHub Actions summary.
+
+The script supports JSON emitted by hyperfine, JSON emitted by pytest-benchmark,
+and a compact mapping format generated by ``aggregate_benchmarks.py``. Timing
+formats prefer median values and fall back to mean values when median values are
+not present.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import argparse
+import json
+import math
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+from pathlib import Path
+from typing import Any
+
+
+@dataclass(frozen=True)
+class Benchmark:
+    """Normalized benchmark result.
+
+    Attributes:
+        name (str): Stable benchmark name used to match baseline and current results.
+        value (float): Numeric benchmark value used for comparison.
+        unit (str): Display unit for the value, for example ``"s"``.
+        metric (str): Source metric name, for example ``"median"`` or ``"mean"``.
+    """
+
+    name: str
+    value: float
+    unit: str
+    metric: str = "value"
+
+
+@dataclass(frozen=True)
+class Comparison:
+    """Comparison between one baseline benchmark and one current benchmark.
+
+    Attributes:
+        name (str): Benchmark name.
+        baseline (float): Baseline benchmark value.
+        current (float): Current benchmark value.
+        delta_percent (float): Percent change from baseline to current.
+        unit (str): Display unit for both values.
+        metric (str): Current result metric used for comparison.
+        regressed (bool): Whether the change exceeds the configured threshold in
+            the worse direction.
+        improved (bool): Whether the change exceeds the configured threshold in
+            the better direction.
+    """
+
+    name: str
+    baseline: float
+    current: float
+    delta_percent: float
+    unit: str
+    metric: str
+    regressed: bool
+    improved: bool
+
+
+def _read_json(path: Path) -> Any:
+    """Read JSON data from a file.
+
+    Args:
+        path (Path): Path to the JSON file.
+
+    Returns:
+        Any: Parsed JSON value.
+    """
+
+    with path.open("r", encoding="utf-8") as stream:
+        return json.load(stream)
+
+
+def _as_float(value: Any) -> float | None:
+    """Convert a value to a finite float.
+
+    Args:
+        value (Any): Value to convert.
+
+    Returns:
+        float | None: Converted finite float, or ``None`` if conversion fails.
+    """
+
+    try:
+        result = float(value)
+    except (TypeError, ValueError):
+        return None
+    if math.isfinite(result):
+        return result
+    return None
+
+
+def _extract_hyperfine(data: dict[str, Any]) -> dict[str, Benchmark]:
+    """Extract normalized benchmarks from hyperfine JSON.
+
+    Args:
+        data (dict[str, Any]): Parsed hyperfine JSON object.
+
+    Returns:
+        dict[str, Benchmark]: Benchmarks keyed by command name.
+    """
+
+    benchmarks: dict[str, Benchmark] = {}
+    for result in data.get("results", []):
+        if not isinstance(result, dict):
+            continue
+        name = str(result.get("command") or result.get("name") or "").strip()
+        metric = "median"
+        value = _as_float(result.get(metric))
+        if value is None:
+            metric = "mean"
+            value = _as_float(result.get(metric))
+        if name and value is not None:
+            benchmarks[name] = Benchmark(name=name, value=value, unit="s", metric=metric)
+    return benchmarks
+
+
+def _extract_pytest_benchmark(data: dict[str, Any]) -> dict[str, Benchmark]:
+    """Extract normalized benchmarks from pytest-benchmark JSON.
+
+    Args:
+        data (dict[str, Any]): Parsed pytest-benchmark JSON object.
+
+    Returns:
+        dict[str, Benchmark]: Benchmarks keyed by full benchmark name.
+    """
+
+    benchmarks: dict[str, Benchmark] = {}
+    for benchmark in data.get("benchmarks", []):
+        if not isinstance(benchmark, dict):
+            continue
+
+        name = str(benchmark.get("fullname") or benchmark.get("name") or "").strip()
+        stats = benchmark.get("stats", {})
+        value = None
+        metric = "median"
+        if isinstance(stats, dict):
+            value = _as_float(stats.get(metric))
+            if value is None:
+                metric = "mean"
+                value = _as_float(stats.get(metric))
+        if name and value is not None:
+            benchmarks[name] = Benchmark(name=name, value=value, unit="s", metric=metric)
+    return benchmarks
+
+
+def _extract_simple_mapping(data: dict[str, Any]) -> dict[str, Benchmark]:
+    """Extract normalized benchmarks from a compact mapping JSON object.
+
+    Args:
+        data (dict[str, Any]): Parsed mapping where each benchmark is either a
+            raw number or an object containing ``value``, ``unit``, and ``metric``.
+
+    Returns:
+        dict[str, Benchmark]: Benchmarks keyed by mapping key.
+    """
+
+    benchmarks: dict[str, Benchmark] = {}
+
+    for name, raw_value in data.items():
+        if name in {"version", "context", "commit", "timestamp"}:
+            continue
+
+        value = _as_float(raw_value)
+        unit = ""
+        metric = "value"
+        if value is None and isinstance(raw_value, dict):
+            value = _as_float(raw_value.get("value"))
+            unit = str(raw_value.get("unit") or "")
+            metric = str(raw_value.get("metric") or "value")
+
+        if value is not None:
+            benchmarks[str(name)] = Benchmark(name=str(name), value=value, unit=unit, metric=metric)
+
+    return benchmarks
+
+
+def extract_benchmarks(path: Path) -> dict[str, Benchmark]:
+    """Extract normalized benchmarks from a supported JSON file.
+
+    Args:
+        path (Path): Path to a hyperfine, pytest-benchmark, or compact mapping
+            JSON file.
+
+    Returns:
+        dict[str, Benchmark]: Normalized benchmarks keyed by name.
+
+    Raises:
+        ValueError: If the JSON root is not an object or no supported benchmark
+            entries can be extracted.
+    """
+
+    data = _read_json(path)
+    if not isinstance(data, dict):
+        raise ValueError(f"{path} must contain a JSON object")
+
+    extractors = (_extract_hyperfine, _extract_pytest_benchmark, _extract_simple_mapping)
+    for extractor in extractors:
+        benchmarks = extractor(data)
+        if benchmarks:
+            return benchmarks
+
+    raise ValueError(f"No supported benchmark entries found in {path}")
+
+
+def compare_benchmarks(
+    baseline: dict[str, Benchmark],
+    current: dict[str, Benchmark],
+    threshold_percent: float,
+    higher_is_better: bool,
+) -> tuple[list[Comparison], list[str], list[str]]:
+    """Compare baseline benchmarks with current benchmarks.
+
+    Args:
+        baseline (dict[str, Benchmark]): Baseline benchmarks keyed by name.
+        current (dict[str, Benchmark]): Current benchmarks keyed by name.
+        threshold_percent (float): Regression threshold in percent.
+        higher_is_better (bool): If ``True``, lower current values are treated as
+            regressions. If ``False``, higher current values are treated as
+            regressions.
+
+    Returns:
+        tuple[list[Comparison], list[str], list[str]]: Comparisons for common
+        benchmark names, names missing from current results, and names newly
+        present in current results.
+    """
+
+    comparisons: list[Comparison] = []
+    missing_in_current: list[str] = []
+    new_in_current: list[str] = []
+
+    for name, baseline_benchmark in sorted(baseline.items()):
+        current_benchmark = current.get(name)
+        if current_benchmark is None:
+            missing_in_current.append(name)
+            continue
+
+        if baseline_benchmark.value == 0:
+            delta_percent = 0.0
+        else:
+            delta_percent = (
+                (current_benchmark.value - baseline_benchmark.value)
+                / abs(baseline_benchmark.value)
+                * 100
+            )
+
+        if higher_is_better:
+            regressed = delta_percent <= -threshold_percent
+            improved = delta_percent >= threshold_percent
+        else:
+            regressed = delta_percent >= threshold_percent
+            improved = delta_percent <= -threshold_percent
+
+        comparisons.append(
+            Comparison(
+                name=name,
+                baseline=baseline_benchmark.value,
+                current=current_benchmark.value,
+                delta_percent=delta_percent,
+                unit=current_benchmark.unit or baseline_benchmark.unit,
+                metric=current_benchmark.metric,
+                regressed=regressed,
+                improved=improved,
+            )
+        )
+
+    for name in sorted(set(current) - set(baseline)):
+        new_in_current.append(name)
+
+    return comparisons, missing_in_current, new_in_current
+
+
+def _format_value(value: float, unit: str) -> str:
+    """Format a benchmark value for Markdown output.
+
+    Args:
+        value (float): Numeric benchmark value.
+        unit (str): Display unit.
+
+    Returns:
+        str: Formatted value with optional unit suffix.
+    """
+
+    suffix = f" {unit}" if unit else ""
+    return f"{value:.6g}{suffix}"
+
+
+def _format_status(comparison: Comparison) -> str:
+    """Format a comparison status for Markdown output."""
+
+    if comparison.regressed:
+        return ":red_circle: regressed"
+    if comparison.improved:
+        return ":green_circle: improved"
+    return "ok"
+
+
+def write_summary(
+    path: Path,
+    comparisons: list[Comparison],
+    missing_in_current: list[str],
+    new_in_current: list[str],
+    threshold_percent: float,
+    higher_is_better: bool,
+) -> None:
+    """Write a Markdown benchmark comparison summary.
+
+    Args:
+        path (Path): Path where the summary should be written.
+        comparisons (list[Comparison]): Comparison rows for matching benchmarks.
+        missing_in_current (list[str]): Baseline benchmark names missing from the
+            current result.
+        new_in_current (list[str]): Current benchmark names not present in the
+            baseline result.
+        threshold_percent (float): Regression threshold in percent.
+        higher_is_better (bool): Whether higher benchmark values are considered
+            better.
+    """
+
+    regressions = [comparison for comparison in comparisons if comparison.regressed]
+    improvements = [comparison for comparison in comparisons if comparison.improved]
+    direction = "higher is better" if higher_is_better else "lower is better"
+    sorted_comparisons = sorted(comparisons, key=lambda comparison: comparison.name)
+
+    lines = [
+        "<!-- bw-benchmark-comment -->",
+        "## Benchmark comparison",
+        "",
+        f"Threshold: {threshold_percent:g}% ({direction}).",
+        f"Result: {len(regressions)} regression(s), {len(improvements)} improvement(s) beyond threshold.",
+    ]
+    lines.append("")
+
+    if regressions:
+        lines.extend(
+            [
+                f"{len(regressions)} benchmark(s) regressed beyond the configured threshold.",
+                "",
+                "| Benchmark | Baseline | Current | Change |",
+                "| --- | ---: | ---: | ---: |",
+            ]
+        )
+        for comparison in regressions:
+            lines.append(
+                "| "
+                f"{comparison.name} | "
+                f"{_format_value(comparison.baseline, comparison.unit)} | "
+                f"{_format_value(comparison.current, comparison.unit)} | "
+                f"{comparison.delta_percent:+.2f}% |"
+            )
+    else:
+        lines.append("No benchmark regression exceeded the configured threshold.")
+
+    lines.append("")
+
+    if improvements:
+        lines.extend(
+            [
+                f"{len(improvements)} benchmark(s) improved beyond the configured threshold.",
+                "",
+                "| Benchmark | Baseline | Current | Change |",
+                "| --- | ---: | ---: | ---: |",
+            ]
+        )
+        for comparison in improvements:
+            lines.append(
+                "| "
+                f"{comparison.name} | "
+                f"{_format_value(comparison.baseline, comparison.unit)} | "
+                f"{_format_value(comparison.current, comparison.unit)} | "
+                f"{comparison.delta_percent:+.2f}% |"
+            )
+    else:
+        lines.append("No benchmark improvement exceeded the configured threshold.")
+
+    if sorted_comparisons:
+        lines.extend(
+            [
+                "",
+                "<details>",
+                "<summary>All benchmark results</summary>",
+                "",
+                "| Benchmark | Baseline | Current | Change | Status |",
+                "| --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | --- |",
+            ]
+        )
+        for comparison in sorted_comparisons:
+            lines.append(
+                "| "
+                f"{comparison.name} | "
+                f"{_format_value(comparison.baseline, comparison.unit)} | "
+                f"{_format_value(comparison.current, comparison.unit)} | "
+                f"{comparison.delta_percent:+.2f}% | "
+                f"{_format_status(comparison)} |"
+            )
+        lines.extend(["", "</details>"])
+
+    if missing_in_current:
+        lines.extend(["", "Missing benchmarks in the current run:"])
+        lines.extend(f"- `{name}`" for name in missing_in_current)
+
+    if new_in_current:
+        lines.extend(["", "New benchmarks in the current run:"])
+        lines.extend(f"- `{name}`" for name in new_in_current)
+
+    path.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+    path.write_text("\n".join(lines) + "\n", encoding="utf-8")
+
+
+def main() -> int:
+    """Run the benchmark comparison command line interface.
+
+    Returns:
+        int: ``1`` when a regression exceeds the threshold, otherwise ``0``.
+    """
+
+    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser()
+    parser.add_argument("--baseline", required=True, type=Path)
+    parser.add_argument("--current", required=True, type=Path)
+    parser.add_argument("--summary", required=True, type=Path)
+    parser.add_argument("--threshold-percent", required=True, type=float)
+    parser.add_argument("--higher-is-better", action="store_true")
+    args = parser.parse_args()
+
+    baseline = extract_benchmarks(args.baseline)
+    current = extract_benchmarks(args.current)
+    comparisons, missing_in_current, new_in_current = compare_benchmarks(
+        baseline=baseline,
+        current=current,
+        threshold_percent=args.threshold_percent,
+        higher_is_better=args.higher_is_better,
+    )
+
+    write_summary(
+        path=args.summary,
+        comparisons=comparisons,
+        missing_in_current=missing_in_current,
+        new_in_current=new_in_current,
+        threshold_percent=args.threshold_percent,
+        higher_is_better=args.higher_is_better,
+    )
+
+    return 1 if any(comparison.regressed for comparison in comparisons) else 0
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    raise SystemExit(main())

.github/scripts/run_benchmarks.sh

@@ -0,0 +1,74 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env bash
+
+##########################
+### AI-generated file. ###
+##########################
+
+set -euo pipefail
+
+mkdir -p benchmark-results
+benchmark_json="${BENCHMARK_JSON:-benchmark-results/current.json}"
+benchmark_root="$(dirname "$benchmark_json")"
+hyperfine_benchmark_dir="${BENCHMARK_HYPERFINE_DIR:-tests/benchmarks/hyperfine}"
+pytest_benchmark_dirs="${BENCHMARK_PYTEST_DIRS:-${BENCHMARK_PYTEST_DIR:-}}"
+benchmark_work_dir="$benchmark_root/raw-results"
+hyperfine_json_dir="$benchmark_work_dir/hyperfine"
+pytest_json="$benchmark_work_dir/pytest.json"
+
+shopt -s nullglob
+benchmark_scripts=()
+benchmark_scripts=("$hyperfine_benchmark_dir"/benchmark_*.sh)
+shopt -u nullglob
+
+pytest_dirs=()
+for pytest_benchmark_dir in $pytest_benchmark_dirs; do
+  if [ -d "$pytest_benchmark_dir" ]; then
+    pytest_dirs+=("$pytest_benchmark_dir")
+  else
+    echo "Pytest benchmark directory not found: $pytest_benchmark_dir" >&2
+    exit 1
+  fi
+done
+
+if [ "${#benchmark_scripts[@]}" -eq 0 ] && [ "${#pytest_dirs[@]}" -eq 0 ]; then
+  echo "No benchmark scripts or pytest benchmarks found" >&2
+  exit 1
+fi
+
+echo "Benchmark Python: $(command -v python)"
+python -c 'import sys; print(sys.version)'
+
+rm -rf "$benchmark_work_dir"
+mkdir -p "$hyperfine_json_dir"
+
+if [ "${#benchmark_scripts[@]}" -gt 0 ]; then
+  for benchmark_script in "${benchmark_scripts[@]}"; do
+    title="$(sed -n 's/^# BENCHMARK_TITLE:[[:space:]]*//p' "$benchmark_script" | head -n 1)"
+    if [ -z "$title" ]; then
+      title="$(basename "$benchmark_script" .sh)"
+    fi
+    benchmark_name="$(basename "$benchmark_script" .sh)"
+    benchmark_result_json="$hyperfine_json_dir/$benchmark_name.json"
+    echo "Preflight benchmark script: $benchmark_script"
+    bash "$benchmark_script"
+
+    hyperfine \
+      --show-output \
+      --warmup 1 \
+      --runs 5 \
+      --command-name "$title" \
+      --export-json "$benchmark_result_json" \
+      "bash $(printf "%q" "$benchmark_script")"
+  done
+fi
+
+if [ "${#pytest_dirs[@]}" -gt 0 ]; then
+  pytest \
+    -q "${pytest_dirs[@]}" \
+    --benchmark-only \
+    --benchmark-json "$pytest_json"
+fi
+
+python .github/scripts/aggregate_benchmarks.py \
+  --input-dir "$benchmark_work_dir" \
+  --output "$benchmark_json"

.github/scripts/run_with_bec_servers.py

@@ -0,0 +1,125 @@
+##########################
+### AI-generated file. ###
+##########################
+
+"""Run a command with BEC e2e services available."""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import argparse
+import os
+import shutil
+import subprocess
+import tempfile
+import time
+from pathlib import Path
+
+import bec_lib
+from bec_ipython_client import BECIPythonClient
+from bec_lib.redis_connector import RedisConnector
+from bec_lib.service_config import ServiceConfig, ServiceConfigModel
+from redis import Redis
+
+
+def _wait_for_redis(host: str, port: int) -> None:
+    client = Redis(host=host, port=port)
+    deadline = time.monotonic() + 10
+    while time.monotonic() < deadline:
+        try:
+            if client.ping():
+                return
+        except Exception:
+            time.sleep(0.1)
+    raise RuntimeError(f"Redis did not start on {host}:{port}")
+
+
+def _start_redis(files_path: Path, host: str, port: int) -> subprocess.Popen:
+    redis_server = shutil.which("redis-server")
+    if redis_server is None:
+        raise RuntimeError("redis-server executable not found")
+
+    return subprocess.Popen(
+        [
+            redis_server,
+            "--bind",
+            host,
+            "--port",
+            str(port),
+            "--save",
+            "",
+            "--appendonly",
+            "no",
+            "--dir",
+            str(files_path),
+        ]
+    )
+
+
+def _write_configs(files_path: Path, host: str, port: int) -> Path:
+    test_config = files_path / "test_config.yaml"
+    services_config = files_path / "services_config.yaml"
+
+    bec_lib_path = Path(bec_lib.__file__).resolve().parent
+    shutil.copyfile(bec_lib_path / "tests" / "test_config.yaml", test_config)
+
+    service_config = ServiceConfigModel(
+        redis={"host": host, "port": port}, file_writer={"base_path": str(files_path)}
+    )
+    services_config.write_text(service_config.model_dump_json(indent=4), encoding="utf-8")
+    return services_config
+
+
+def _load_demo_config(services_config: Path) -> None:
+    bec = BECIPythonClient(ServiceConfig(services_config), RedisConnector, forced=True)
+    bec.start()
+    try:
+        bec.config.load_demo_config()
+    finally:
+        bec.shutdown()
+        bec._client._reset_singleton()
+
+
+def main() -> int:
+    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser()
+    parser.add_argument("command", nargs=argparse.REMAINDER)
+    args = parser.parse_args()
+
+    if args.command[:1] == ["--"]:
+        args.command = args.command[1:]
+    if not args.command:
+        raise ValueError("No command provided")
+
+    host = "127.0.0.1"
+    port = 6379
+
+    with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory(prefix="bec-benchmark-") as tmp:
+        files_path = Path(tmp)
+        services_config = _write_configs(files_path, host, port)
+        redis_process = _start_redis(files_path, host, port)
+        processes = None
+        service_handler = None
+        try:
+            _wait_for_redis(host, port)
+
+            from bec_server.bec_server_utils.service_handler import ServiceHandler
+
+            service_handler = ServiceHandler(
+                bec_path=files_path, config_path=services_config, interface="subprocess"
+            )
+            processes = service_handler.start()
+            _load_demo_config(services_config)
+
+            env = os.environ.copy()
+            return subprocess.run(args.command, env=env, check=False).returncode
+        finally:
+            if service_handler is not None and processes is not None:
+                service_handler.stop(processes)
+            redis_process.terminate()
+            try:
+                redis_process.wait(timeout=10)
+            except subprocess.TimeoutExpired:
+                redis_process.kill()
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    raise SystemExit(main())

.github/workflows/benchmark.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,242 @@
+name: BW Benchmarks
+
+on: [ workflow_call ]
+
+permissions:
+  contents: read
+
+env:
+  BENCHMARK_JSON: benchmark-results/current.json
+  BENCHMARK_BASELINE_JSON: gh-pages-benchmark-data/benchmarks/latest.json
+  BENCHMARK_SUMMARY: benchmark-results/summary.md
+  BENCHMARK_COMMAND: "bash .github/scripts/run_benchmarks.sh"
+  BENCHMARK_THRESHOLD_PERCENT: 20
+  BENCHMARK_HIGHER_IS_BETTER: false
+
+jobs:
+  benchmark_attempt:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    continue-on-error: true
+    permissions:
+      contents: read
+    defaults:
+      run:
+        shell: bash -el {0}
+    strategy:
+      fail-fast: false
+      matrix:
+        attempt: [ 1, 2, 3 ]
+
+    env:
+      BENCHMARK_JSON: benchmark-results/current-${{ matrix.attempt }}.json
+      BEC_CORE_BRANCH: main
+      OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH: main
+      PLUGIN_REPO_BRANCH: main
+      BENCHMARK_PYTEST_DIRS: tests/unit_tests/benchmarks
+      QTWEBENGINE_DISABLE_SANDBOX: 1
+      QT_QPA_PLATFORM: "offscreen"
+
+    steps:
+      - name: Checkout BEC Widgets
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          repository: bec-project/bec_widgets
+          ref: ${{ github.event.pull_request.head.sha || github.sha }}
+
+      - 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 system 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
+          sudo apt-get -y install ttyd hyperfine redis-server
+
+      - name: Install full e2e environment
+        run: |
+          echo -e "\033[35;1m Using branch $BEC_CORE_BRANCH of BEC CORE \033[0;m";
+          git clone --branch "$BEC_CORE_BRANCH" https://github.com/bec-project/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://github.com/bec-project/ophyd_devices.git
+          export OHPYD_DEVICES_PATH=$PWD/ophyd_devices
+          echo -e "\033[35;1m Using branch $PLUGIN_REPO_BRANCH of bec_testing_plugin \033[0;m";
+          git clone --branch "$PLUGIN_REPO_BRANCH" https://github.com/bec-project/bec_testing_plugin.git
+          cd ./bec
+          conda create -q -n test-environment python=3.11
+          conda activate test-environment
+          source ./bin/install_bec_dev.sh -t
+          cd ../
+          python -m pip install -e ./ophyd_devices -e .[dev,pyside6] -e ./bec_testing_plugin pytest-benchmark
+
+          mkdir -p "$(dirname "$BENCHMARK_JSON")"
+          python .github/scripts/run_with_bec_servers.py -- bash -lc "$BENCHMARK_COMMAND"
+          test -s "$BENCHMARK_JSON"
+
+      - name: Upload benchmark artifact
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
+        with:
+          name: bw-benchmark-json-${{ matrix.attempt }}
+          path: ${{ env.BENCHMARK_JSON }}
+
+  benchmark:
+    needs: [ benchmark_attempt ]
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    permissions:
+      contents: read
+      issues: write
+      pull-requests: write
+
+    steps:
+      - name: Checkout BEC Widgets
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          repository: bec-project/bec_widgets
+          ref: ${{ github.event.pull_request.head.sha || github.sha }}
+
+      - name: Download benchmark attempts
+        uses: actions/download-artifact@v4
+        with:
+          pattern: bw-benchmark-json-*
+          path: benchmark-results/attempts
+          merge-multiple: true
+
+      - name: Aggregate benchmark attempts
+        run: |
+          python .github/scripts/aggregate_benchmarks.py \
+            --input-dir benchmark-results/attempts \
+            --output "$BENCHMARK_JSON"
+
+      - name: Upload aggregate benchmark artifact
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
+        with:
+          name: bw-benchmark-json
+          path: ${{ env.BENCHMARK_JSON }}
+
+      - name: Fetch gh-pages benchmark data
+        run: |
+          if git ls-remote --exit-code --heads origin gh-pages; then
+            git clone --depth=1 --branch gh-pages "$GITHUB_SERVER_URL/$GITHUB_REPOSITORY.git" gh-pages-benchmark-data
+          else
+            mkdir -p gh-pages-benchmark-data
+          fi
+
+      - name: Compare with latest gh-pages benchmark
+        id: compare
+        continue-on-error: true
+        run: |
+          if [ ! -s "$BENCHMARK_BASELINE_JSON" ]; then
+            mkdir -p "$(dirname "$BENCHMARK_SUMMARY")"
+            {
+              echo "<!-- bw-benchmark-comment -->"
+              echo "## Benchmark comparison"
+              echo
+              echo "No benchmark baseline was found on gh-pages."
+            } > "$BENCHMARK_SUMMARY"
+            exit 0
+          fi
+
+          args=(
+            --baseline "$BENCHMARK_BASELINE_JSON"
+            --current "$BENCHMARK_JSON"
+            --summary "$BENCHMARK_SUMMARY"
+            --threshold-percent "$BENCHMARK_THRESHOLD_PERCENT"
+          )
+
+          if [ "$BENCHMARK_HIGHER_IS_BETTER" = "true" ]; then
+            args+=(--higher-is-better)
+          fi
+
+          set +e
+          python .github/scripts/compare_benchmarks.py "${args[@]}"
+          status=$?
+          set -e
+
+          if [ ! -s "$BENCHMARK_SUMMARY" ]; then
+            mkdir -p "$(dirname "$BENCHMARK_SUMMARY")"
+            {
+              echo "<!-- bw-benchmark-comment -->"
+              echo "## Benchmark comparison"
+              echo
+              echo "Benchmark comparison failed before writing a summary."
+            } > "$BENCHMARK_SUMMARY"
+          fi
+
+          exit "$status"
+
+      - name: Find existing benchmark PR comment
+        if: github.event_name == 'pull_request'
+        id: fc
+        uses: peter-evans/find-comment@v3
+        with:
+          issue-number: ${{ github.event.pull_request.number }}
+          comment-author: github-actions[bot]
+          body-includes: "<!-- bw-benchmark-comment -->"
+
+      - name: Create or update benchmark PR comment
+        if: github.event_name == 'pull_request'
+        uses: peter-evans/create-or-update-comment@v5
+        with:
+          issue-number: ${{ github.event.pull_request.number }}
+          comment-id: ${{ steps.fc.outputs.comment-id }}
+          body-path: ${{ env.BENCHMARK_SUMMARY }}
+          edit-mode: replace
+
+      - name: Fail on benchmark regression
+        if: github.event_name == 'pull_request' && steps.compare.outcome == 'failure'
+        run: exit 1
+
+  publish:
+    needs: [ benchmark ]
+    if: github.event_name == 'push' && github.ref == 'refs/heads/main'
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    permissions:
+      contents: write
+
+    steps:
+      - name: Checkout BEC Widgets
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          repository: bec-project/bec_widgets
+          ref: ${{ github.sha }}
+
+      - name: Download aggregate benchmark artifact
+        uses: actions/download-artifact@v4
+        with:
+          name: bw-benchmark-json
+          path: benchmark-results
+
+      - name: Verify aggregate benchmark artifact
+        run: test -s "$BENCHMARK_JSON"
+
+      - name: Prepare gh-pages for publishing
+        run: |
+          # Clean up any existing worktree/directory
+          if [ -d gh-pages-benchmark-data ]; then
+            git worktree remove gh-pages-benchmark-data --force || rm -rf gh-pages-benchmark-data
+          fi
+
+          if git ls-remote --exit-code --heads origin gh-pages; then
+            git fetch --depth=1 origin gh-pages
+            git worktree add gh-pages-benchmark-data FETCH_HEAD
+          else
+            git worktree add --detach gh-pages-benchmark-data
+            git -C gh-pages-benchmark-data checkout --orphan gh-pages
+            git -C gh-pages-benchmark-data rm -rf .
+          fi
+
+      - name: Publish benchmark data to gh-pages
+        working-directory: gh-pages-benchmark-data
+        run: |
+          mkdir -p benchmarks/history
+          cp "../$BENCHMARK_JSON" benchmarks/latest.json
+          cp "../$BENCHMARK_JSON" "benchmarks/history/${GITHUB_SHA}.json"
+          git config user.name "github-actions[bot]"
+          git config user.email "41898282+github-actions[bot]@users.noreply.github.com"
+          git add benchmarks/latest.json "benchmarks/history/${GITHUB_SHA}.json"
+          git commit -m "Update BW benchmark data for ${GITHUB_SHA}" || exit 0
+          git push origin HEAD:gh-pages

.github/workflows/ci.yml

@@ -1,19 +1,19 @@
 name: Full CI
-on: 
+on:
   push:
   pull_request:
   workflow_dispatch:
     inputs:
       BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH:
-        description: 'Branch of BEC Widgets to install'
+        description: "Branch of BEC Widgets to install"
         required: false
         type: string
       BEC_CORE_BRANCH:
-        description: 'Branch of BEC Core to install'
+        description: "Branch of BEC Core to install"
         required: false
         type: string
       OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH:
-        description: 'Branch of Ophyd Devices to install'
+        description: "Branch of Ophyd Devices to install"
         required: false
         type: string
 
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ concurrency:
 
 permissions:
   pull-requests: write
+  contents: read
 
 jobs:
   check_pr_status:
@@ -33,6 +34,15 @@ jobs:
     if: needs.check_pr_status.outputs.branch-pr == ''
     uses: ./.github/workflows/formatter.yml
 
+  benchmark:
+    needs: [check_pr_status]
+    if: needs.check_pr_status.outputs.branch-pr == ''
+    permissions:
+      contents: write
+      issues: write
+      pull-requests: write
+    uses: ./.github/workflows/benchmark.yml
+
   unit-test:
     needs: [check_pr_status, formatter]
     if: needs.check_pr_status.outputs.branch-pr == ''
@@ -69,9 +79,9 @@ jobs:
     uses: ./.github/workflows/child_repos.yml
     with:
       BEC_CORE_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.BEC_CORE_BRANCH || 'main' }}
-      OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH || 'main'}} 
+      OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH || 'main'}}
       BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH || github.head_ref || github.sha }}
-  
+
   plugin_repos:
     needs: [check_pr_status, formatter]
     if: needs.check_pr_status.outputs.branch-pr == ''
@@ -81,4 +91,4 @@ jobs:
       BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH || github.head_ref || github.sha }}
 
     secrets:
-      GH_READ_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GH_READ_TOKEN }}
+      GH_READ_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GH_READ_TOKEN }}

.github/workflows/end2end-conda.yml

@@ -55,5 +55,5 @@ jobs:
         uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
         with:
           name: pytest-logs
-          path: ./logs/*.log
+          path: ./bec/logs/*.log
           retention-days: 7

.github/workflows/pytest-matrix.yml

@@ -1,25 +1,25 @@
 name: Run Pytest with different Python versions
-on: 
+on:
   workflow_call:
     inputs:
       pr_number:
-        description: 'Pull request number'
+        description: "Pull request number"
         required: false
         type: number
       BEC_CORE_BRANCH:
-        description: 'Branch of BEC Core to install'
+        description: "Branch of BEC Core to install"
         required: false
-        default: 'main'
+        default: "main"
         type: string
       OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH:
-        description: 'Branch of Ophyd Devices to install'
+        description: "Branch of Ophyd Devices to install"
         required: false
-        default: 'main'
+        default: "main"
         type: string
       BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH:
-        description: 'Branch of BEC Widgets to install'
+        description: "Branch of BEC Widgets to install"
         required: false
-        default: 'main'
+        default: "main"
         type: string
 
 jobs:
@@ -30,15 +30,14 @@ jobs:
         python-version: ["3.11", "3.12", "3.13"]
 
     env:
-      BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH: main  # Set the branch you want for bec_widgets
-      BEC_CORE_BRANCH: main        # Set the branch you want for bec
-      OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH: main   # Set the branch you want for ophyd_devices
+      BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH: main # Set the branch you want for bec_widgets
+      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:
-
       - name: Checkout BEC Widgets
         uses: actions/checkout@v4
         with:
@@ -56,4 +55,4 @@ jobs:
       - name: Run Pytest
         run: |
           pip install pytest pytest-random-order
-          pytest -v --junitxml=report.xml --random-order ./tests/unit_tests
+          pytest -v --junitxml=report.xml --random-order --ignore=tests/unit_tests/benchmarks ./tests/unit_tests

.github/workflows/pytest.yml

@@ -1,32 +1,30 @@
 name: Run Pytest with Coverage
-on: 
+on:
   workflow_call:
     inputs:
       pr_number:
-        description: 'Pull request number'
+        description: "Pull request number"
         required: false
         type: number
       BEC_CORE_BRANCH:
-        description: 'Branch of BEC Core to install'
+        description: "Branch of BEC Core to install"
         required: false
-        default: 'main'
+        default: "main"
         type: string
       OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH:
-        description: 'Branch of Ophyd Devices to install'
+        description: "Branch of Ophyd Devices to install"
         required: false
-        default: 'main'
+        default: "main"
         type: string
       BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH:
-        description: 'Branch of BEC Widgets to install'
+        description: "Branch of BEC Widgets to install"
         required: false
-        default: 'main'
+        default: "main"
         type: string
     secrets:
       CODECOV_TOKEN:
         required: true
 
-
-
 permissions:
   pull-requests: write
 
@@ -55,7 +53,7 @@ jobs:
 
       - name: Run Pytest with Coverage
         id: coverage
-        run: pytest --random-order --cov=bec_widgets --cov-config=pyproject.toml --cov-branch --cov-report=xml --no-cov-on-fail tests/unit_tests/
+        run: pytest --random-order --cov=bec_widgets --cov-config=pyproject.toml --cov-branch --cov-report=xml --no-cov-on-fail --ignore=tests/unit_tests/benchmarks tests/unit_tests/
 
       - name: Upload test artifacts
         uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
@@ -69,4 +67,4 @@ jobs:
         uses: codecov/codecov-action@v5
         with:
           token: ${{ secrets.CODECOV_TOKEN }}
-          slug: bec-project/bec_widgets
+          slug: bec-project/bec_widgets

.gitignore

@@ -177,4 +177,6 @@ cython_debug/
 #  be found at https://github.com/github/gitignore/blob/main/Global/JetBrains.gitignore
 #  and can be added to the global gitignore or merged into this file.  For a more nuclear
 #  option (not recommended) you can uncomment the following to ignore the entire idea folder.
-#.idea/
+#.idea/
+#
+tombi.toml

bec_widgets/__init__.py

@@ -1,19 +1,13 @@
-import os
-import sys
-
-import bec_widgets.widgets.containers.qt_ads as QtAds
-from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
-from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeProperty, SafeSlot
-
-if sys.platform.startswith("linux"):
-    qt_platform = os.environ.get("QT_QPA_PLATFORM", "")
-    if qt_platform != "offscreen":
-        os.environ["QT_QPA_PLATFORM"] = "xcb"
-
-# Default QtAds configuration
-QtAds.CDockManager.setConfigFlag(QtAds.CDockManager.eConfigFlag.FocusHighlighting, True)
-QtAds.CDockManager.setConfigFlag(
-    QtAds.CDockManager.eConfigFlag.RetainTabSizeWhenCloseButtonHidden, True
-)
-
 __all__ = ["BECWidget", "SafeSlot", "SafeProperty"]
+
+
+def __getattr__(name):
+    if name == "BECWidget":
+        from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
+
+        return BECWidget
+    if name in {"SafeSlot", "SafeProperty"}:
+        from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeProperty, SafeSlot
+
+        return {"SafeSlot": SafeSlot, "SafeProperty": SafeProperty}[name]
+    raise AttributeError(f"module {__name__!r} has no attribute {name!r}")

bec_widgets/applications/__init__.py

@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+import os
+import sys
+
+import bec_widgets.widgets.containers.qt_ads as QtAds
+
+if sys.platform.startswith("linux"):
+    qt_platform = os.environ.get("QT_QPA_PLATFORM", "")
+    if qt_platform != "offscreen":
+        os.environ["QT_QPA_PLATFORM"] = "xcb"
+
+# Default QtAds configuration
+QtAds.CDockManager.setConfigFlag(QtAds.CDockManager.eConfigFlag.FocusHighlighting, True)
+QtAds.CDockManager.setConfigFlag(
+    QtAds.CDockManager.eConfigFlag.RetainTabSizeWhenCloseButtonHidden, True
+)

bec_widgets/applications/bw_launch.py

@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from typing import Literal
+
 from bec_lib import bec_logger
 
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.auto_update.auto_updates import AutoUpdates
@@ -9,37 +11,32 @@ logger = bec_logger.logger
 
 
 def dock_area(
-    object_name: str | None = None, profile: str | None = None, start_empty: bool = False
+    object_name: str | None = None, startup_profile: str | Literal["restore", "skip"] | None = None
 ) -> BECDockArea:
     """
     Create an advanced dock area using Qt Advanced Docking System.
 
     Args:
         object_name(str): The name of the advanced dock area.
-        profile(str|None): Optional profile to load; if None the "general" profile is used.
-        start_empty(bool): If True, start with an empty dock area when loading specified profile.
+        startup_profile(str | Literal["restore", "skip"] | None): Startup mode for
+            the workspace:
+              - None: start empty
+              - "restore": restore last used profile
+              - "skip": do not initialize profile state
+              - "<name>": load specific profile
 
     Returns:
         BECDockArea: The created advanced dock area.
 
-    Note:
-        The "general" profile is mandatory and will always exist. If manually deleted,
-        it will be automatically recreated.
     """
-    # Default to "general" profile when called from CLI without specifying a profile
-    effective_profile = profile if profile is not None else "general"
 
     widget = BECDockArea(
         object_name=object_name,
-        restore_initial_profile=True,
         root_widget=True,
         profile_namespace="bec",
-        init_profile=effective_profile,
-        start_empty=start_empty,
-    )
-    logger.info(
-        f"Created advanced dock area with profile: {effective_profile}, start_empty: {start_empty}"
+        startup_profile=startup_profile,
     )
+    logger.info(f"Created advanced dock area with startup_profile: {startup_profile}")
     return widget
 
 

bec_widgets/applications/companion_app.py

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ import sys
 from contextlib import redirect_stderr, redirect_stdout
 
 import darkdetect
+import shiboken6
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from bec_lib.service_config import ServiceConfig
 from bec_qthemes import apply_theme
@@ -18,8 +19,8 @@ from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
 
 import bec_widgets
 from bec_widgets.applications.launch_window import LaunchWindow
-from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_register import RPCRegister
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_dispatcher import BECDispatcher
+from bec_widgets.utils.rpc_register import RPCRegister
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 
@@ -93,6 +94,7 @@ class GUIServer:
         """
         Run the GUI server.
         """
+        logger.info("Starting GUIServer", repr(self))
         self.app = QApplication(sys.argv)
         if darkdetect.isDark():
             apply_theme("dark")
@@ -101,11 +103,11 @@ class GUIServer:
 
         self.app.setApplicationName("BEC")
         self.app.gui_id = self.gui_id  # type: ignore
+        self.app.gui_server = self  # type: ignore # make server accessible from QApplication for getattr in widgets
         self.setup_bec_icon()
 
         service_config = self._get_service_config()
         self.dispatcher = BECDispatcher(config=service_config, gui_id=self.gui_id)
-        # self.dispatcher.start_cli_server(gui_id=self.gui_id)
 
         if self.gui_class:
             self.launcher_window = LaunchWindow(
@@ -118,7 +120,7 @@ class GUIServer:
         self.launcher_window.setAttribute(Qt.WA_ShowWithoutActivating)  # type: ignore
 
         self.app.aboutToQuit.connect(self.shutdown)
-        self.app.setQuitOnLastWindowClosed(False)
+        self.app.setQuitOnLastWindowClosed(True)
 
         def sigint_handler(*args):
             # display message, for people to let it terminate gracefully
@@ -127,8 +129,7 @@ class GUIServer:
             with RPCRegister.delayed_broadcast():
                 for widget in QApplication.instance().topLevelWidgets():  # type: ignore
                     widget.close()
-            if self.app:
-                self.app.quit()
+            self.shutdown()
 
         signal.signal(signal.SIGINT, sigint_handler)
         signal.signal(signal.SIGTERM, sigint_handler)
@@ -149,9 +150,10 @@ class GUIServer:
         self.app.setWindowIcon(icon)
 
     def shutdown(self):
-        """
-        Shutdown the GUI server.
-        """
+        logger.info("Shutdown GUIServer", repr(self))
+        if self.launcher_window and shiboken6.isValid(self.launcher_window):
+            self.launcher_window.close()
+            self.launcher_window.deleteLater()
         if pylsp_server.is_running():
             pylsp_server.stop()
         if self.dispatcher:

bec_widgets/applications/launch_window.py

@@ -20,13 +20,13 @@ from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
 )
 
 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.rpc_register import RPCRegister
 from bec_widgets.utils.screen_utils import apply_window_geometry, centered_geometry_for_app
 from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.toolbar import ModularToolBar
 from bec_widgets.utils.ui_loader import UILoader
@@ -43,6 +43,7 @@ if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
+START_EMPTY_PROFILE_OPTION = "Start Empty (No Profile)"
 
 
 class LaunchTile(RoundedFrame):
@@ -146,8 +147,7 @@ class LaunchTile(RoundedFrame):
 
         # Action button
         self.action_button = QPushButton("Open")
-        self.action_button.setStyleSheet(
-            """
+        self.action_button.setStyleSheet("""
         QPushButton {
             background-color: #007AFF;
             border: none;
@@ -159,8 +159,7 @@ class LaunchTile(RoundedFrame):
         QPushButton:hover {
             background-color: #005BB5;
         }
-        """
-        )
+        """)
         self.layout.addWidget(self.action_button, alignment=Qt.AlignmentFlag.AlignCenter)
 
     def _fit_label_to_width(self, label: QLabel, max_width: int, min_pt: int = 10):
@@ -189,6 +188,7 @@ class LaunchTile(RoundedFrame):
 
 class LaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
     RPC = True
+    PLUGIN = False
     TILE_SIZE = (250, 300)
     DEFAULT_LAUNCH_SIZE = (800, 600)
     USER_ACCESS = ["show_launcher", "hide_launcher"]
@@ -353,7 +353,7 @@ class LaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
     def _refresh_dock_area_profiles(self, preserve_selection: bool = True) -> None:
         """
         Refresh the dock-area profile selector, optionally preserving the selection.
-        Sets the combobox to the last used profile or "general" if no selection preserved.
+        Defaults to Start Empty when no valid selection can be preserved.
 
         Args:
             preserve_selection(bool): Whether to preserve the current selection or not.
@@ -368,9 +368,10 @@ class LaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
         )
 
         profiles = list_profiles("bec")
+        selector_items = [START_EMPTY_PROFILE_OPTION, *profiles]
         selector.blockSignals(True)
         selector.clear()
-        for profile in profiles:
+        for profile in selector_items:
             selector.addItem(profile)
 
         if selected_text:
@@ -379,21 +380,31 @@ class LaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
             if idx >= 0:
                 selector.setCurrentIndex(idx)
             else:
-                # Selection no longer exists, fall back to last profile or "general"
+                # Selection no longer exists, fall back to default startup selection.
                 self._set_selector_to_default_profile(selector, profiles)
         else:
-            # No selection to preserve, use last profile or "general"
+            # No selection to preserve, use default startup selection.
             self._set_selector_to_default_profile(selector, profiles)
         selector.blockSignals(False)
 
     def _set_selector_to_default_profile(self, selector: QComboBox, profiles: list[str]) -> None:
         """
-        Set the selector to the last used profile or "general" as fallback.
+        Set the selector default.
+
+        Preference order:
+            1) Start Empty option (if available)
+            2) Last used profile
+            3) First available profile
 
         Args:
             selector(QComboBox): The combobox to set.
             profiles(list[str]): List of available profiles.
         """
+        start_empty_idx = selector.findText(START_EMPTY_PROFILE_OPTION, Qt.MatchFlag.MatchExactly)
+        if start_empty_idx >= 0:
+            selector.setCurrentIndex(start_empty_idx)
+            return
+
         # Try to get last used profile
         last_profile = get_last_profile(namespace="bec")
         if last_profile and last_profile in profiles:
@@ -402,13 +413,6 @@ class LaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
                 selector.setCurrentIndex(idx)
                 return
 
-        # Fall back to "general" profile
-        if "general" in profiles:
-            idx = selector.findText("general", Qt.MatchFlag.MatchExactly)
-            if idx >= 0:
-                selector.setCurrentIndex(idx)
-                return
-
         # If nothing else, select first item
         if selector.count() > 0:
             selector.setCurrentIndex(0)
@@ -587,11 +591,14 @@ class LaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
         """
         tile = self.tiles.get("dock_area")
         if tile is None or tile.selector is None:
-            profile = None
+            startup_profile = None
         else:
             selection = tile.selector.currentText().strip()
-            profile = selection if selection else None
-        return self.launch("dock_area", profile=profile)
+            if selection == START_EMPTY_PROFILE_OPTION:
+                startup_profile = None
+            else:
+                startup_profile = selection if selection else None
+        return self.launch("dock_area", startup_profile=startup_profile)
 
     def _open_widget(self):
         """

bec_widgets/applications/main_app.py

@@ -1,22 +1,29 @@
+from bec_qthemes import material_icon
+from qtpy.QtGui import QAction  # type: ignore
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QHBoxLayout, QStackedWidget, QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.applications.navigation_centre.reveal_animator import ANIMATION_DURATION
 from bec_widgets.applications.navigation_centre.side_bar import SideBar
 from bec_widgets.applications.navigation_centre.side_bar_components import NavigationItem
+from bec_widgets.applications.views.admin_view.admin_view import AdminView
 from bec_widgets.applications.views.developer_view.developer_view import DeveloperView
 from bec_widgets.applications.views.device_manager_view.device_manager_view import DeviceManagerView
+from bec_widgets.applications.views.dock_area_view.dock_area_view import DockAreaView
 from bec_widgets.applications.views.view import ViewBase, WaveformViewInline, WaveformViewPopup
 from bec_widgets.utils.colors import apply_theme
+from bec_widgets.utils.guided_tour import GuidedTour
+from bec_widgets.utils.name_utils import sanitize_namespace
 from bec_widgets.utils.screen_utils import (
     apply_centered_size,
     available_screen_geometry,
     main_app_size_for_screen,
 )
-from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area import BECDockArea
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.main_window import BECMainWindow
 
 
 class BECMainApp(BECMainWindow):
+    RPC = False
+    PLUGIN = False
 
     def __init__(
         self,
@@ -48,51 +55,58 @@ class BECMainApp(BECMainWindow):
 
         self._add_views()
 
+        # Initialize guided tour
+        self.guided_tour = GuidedTour(self)
+        self._setup_guided_tour()
+
     def _add_views(self):
         self.add_section("BEC Applications", "bec_apps")
-        self.ads = BECDockArea(self, profile_namespace="bec", auto_profile_namespace=False)
-        self.ads.setObjectName("MainWorkspace")
+        self.dock_area = DockAreaView(self)
         self.device_manager = DeviceManagerView(self)
-        self.developer_view = DeveloperView(self)
+        # self.developer_view = DeveloperView(self) #TODO temporary disable until the bugs with BECShell are resolved
+        self.admin_view = AdminView(self)
 
-        self.add_view(
-            icon="widgets", title="Dock Area", id="dock_area", widget=self.ads, mini_text="Docks"
-        )
+        self.add_view(icon="widgets", title="Dock Area", widget=self.dock_area, mini_text="Docks")
         self.add_view(
             icon="display_settings",
             title="Device Manager",
-            id="device_manager",
             widget=self.device_manager,
             mini_text="DM",
         )
+        # TODO temporary disable until the bugs with BECShell are resolved
+        # self.add_view(
+        #     icon="code_blocks",
+        #     title="IDE",
+        #     widget=self.developer_view,
+        #     mini_text="IDE",
+        #     exclusive=True,
+        # )
         self.add_view(
-            icon="code_blocks",
-            title="IDE",
-            widget=self.developer_view,
-            id="developer_view",
-            exclusive=True,
+            icon="admin_panel_settings",
+            title="Admin View",
+            widget=self.admin_view,
+            mini_text="Admin",
+            from_top=False,
         )
 
         if self._show_examples:
             self.add_section("Examples", "examples")
             waveform_view_popup = WaveformViewPopup(
-                parent=self, id="waveform_view_popup", title="Waveform Plot"
+                parent=self, view_id="waveform_view_popup", title="Waveform Plot"
             )
             waveform_view_stack = WaveformViewInline(
-                parent=self, id="waveform_view_stack", title="Waveform Plot"
+                parent=self, view_id="waveform_view_stack", title="Waveform Plot"
             )
 
             self.add_view(
                 icon="show_chart",
                 title="Waveform With Popup",
-                id="waveform_popup",
                 widget=waveform_view_popup,
                 mini_text="Popup",
             )
             self.add_view(
                 icon="show_chart",
                 title="Waveform InLine Stack",
-                id="waveform_stack",
                 widget=waveform_view_stack,
                 mini_text="Stack",
             )
@@ -100,6 +114,9 @@ class BECMainApp(BECMainWindow):
         self.set_current("dock_area")
         self.sidebar.add_dark_mode_item()
 
+        # Add guided tour to Help menu
+        self._add_guided_tour_to_menu()
+
     # --- Public API ------------------------------------------------------
     def add_section(self, title: str, id: str, position: int | None = None):
         return self.sidebar.add_section(title, id, position)
@@ -115,7 +132,7 @@ class BECMainApp(BECMainWindow):
         *,
         icon: str,
         title: str,
-        id: str,
+        view_id: str | None = None,
         widget: QWidget,
         mini_text: str | None = None,
         position: int | None = None,
@@ -129,7 +146,8 @@ class BECMainApp(BECMainWindow):
         Args:
             icon(str): Icon name for the nav item.
             title(str): Title for the nav item.
-            id(str): Unique ID for the view/item.
+            view_id(str, optional): Unique ID for the view/item. If omitted, uses mini_text;
+                if mini_text is also omitted, uses title.
             widget(QWidget): The widget to add to the stack.
             mini_text(str, optional): Short text for the nav item when sidebar is collapsed.
             position(int, optional): Position to insert the nav item.
@@ -142,10 +160,11 @@ class BECMainApp(BECMainWindow):
 
 
         """
+        resolved_id = sanitize_namespace(view_id or mini_text or title)
         item = self.sidebar.add_item(
             icon=icon,
             title=title,
-            id=id,
+            id=resolved_id,
             mini_text=mini_text,
             position=position,
             from_top=from_top,
@@ -155,13 +174,15 @@ class BECMainApp(BECMainWindow):
         # Wrap plain widgets into a ViewBase so enter/exit hooks are available
         if isinstance(widget, ViewBase):
             view_widget = widget
-            view_widget.view_id = id
+            view_widget.view_id = resolved_id
             view_widget.view_title = title
         else:
-            view_widget = ViewBase(content=widget, parent=self, id=id, title=title)
+            view_widget = ViewBase(content=widget, parent=self, view_id=resolved_id, title=title)
+
+        view_widget.change_object_name(resolved_id)
 
         idx = self.stack.addWidget(view_widget)
-        self._view_index[id] = idx
+        self._view_index[resolved_id] = idx
         return item
 
     def set_current(self, id: str) -> None:
@@ -170,6 +191,12 @@ class BECMainApp(BECMainWindow):
 
     # Internal: route sidebar selection to the stack
     def _on_view_selected(self, vid: str) -> None:
+        # Special handling for views that can not be switched to (e.g. dark mode toggle)
+        # Not registered as proper view with a stack index, so we ignore any logic below
+        # as it will anyways not result in a stack switch.
+        idx = self._view_index.get(vid)
+        if idx is None or not (0 <= idx < self.stack.count()):
+            return
         # Determine current view
         current_index = self.stack.currentIndex()
         current_view = (
@@ -195,6 +222,160 @@ class BECMainApp(BECMainWindow):
         if hasattr(new_view, "on_enter"):
             new_view.on_enter()
 
+    def _setup_guided_tour(self):
+        """
+        Setup the guided tour for the main application.
+        Registers key UI components and delegates to views for their internal components.
+        """
+        tour_steps = []
+
+        # --- General Layout Components ---
+
+        # Register the sidebar toggle button
+        toggle_step = self.guided_tour.register_widget(
+            widget=self.sidebar.toggle,
+            title="Sidebar Toggle",
+            text="Click this button to expand or collapse the sidebar. When expanded, you can see full navigation item titles and section names.",
+        )
+        tour_steps.append(toggle_step)
+
+        # Register the sidebar icons
+        sidebar_dock_area = self.sidebar.components.get("dock_area")
+        if sidebar_dock_area:
+            dock_step = self.guided_tour.register_widget(
+                widget=sidebar_dock_area,
+                title="Dock Area View",
+                text="Click here to access the Dock Area view, where you can manage and arrange your dockable panels.",
+            )
+            tour_steps.append(dock_step)
+
+        sidebar_device_manager = self.sidebar.components.get("device_manager")
+        if sidebar_device_manager:
+            device_manager_step = self.guided_tour.register_widget(
+                widget=sidebar_device_manager,
+                title="Device Manager View",
+                text="Click here to open the Device Manager view, where you can view and manage device configs.",
+            )
+            tour_steps.append(device_manager_step)
+
+        sidebar_developer_view = self.sidebar.components.get("developer_view")
+        if sidebar_developer_view:
+            developer_view_step = self.guided_tour.register_widget(
+                widget=sidebar_developer_view,
+                title="Developer View",
+                text="Click here to access the Developer view to write scripts and macros.",
+            )
+            tour_steps.append(developer_view_step)
+
+        # Register the dark mode toggle
+        dark_mode_item = self.sidebar.components.get("dark_mode")
+        if dark_mode_item:
+            dark_mode_step = self.guided_tour.register_widget(
+                widget=dark_mode_item,
+                title="Theme Toggle",
+                text="Switch between light and dark themes. The theme preference is saved and will be applied when you restart the application.",
+            )
+            tour_steps.append(dark_mode_step)
+
+        # Register the client info label
+        if hasattr(self, "_client_info_hover"):
+            client_info_step = self.guided_tour.register_widget(
+                widget=self._client_info_hover,
+                title="Client Status",
+                text="Displays status messages and information from the BEC Server.",
+            )
+            tour_steps.append(client_info_step)
+
+        # Register the scan progress bar if available
+        if hasattr(self, "_scan_progress_hover"):
+            progress_step = self.guided_tour.register_widget(
+                widget=self._scan_progress_hover,
+                title="Scan Progress",
+                text="Monitor the progress of ongoing scans. Hover over the progress bar to see detailed information including elapsed time and estimated completion.",
+            )
+            tour_steps.append(progress_step)
+
+        # Register the notification indicator in the status bar
+        if hasattr(self, "notification_indicator"):
+            notif_step = self.guided_tour.register_widget(
+                widget=self.notification_indicator,
+                title="Notification Center",
+                text="View system notifications, errors, and status updates. Click to filter notifications by type or expand to see all details.",
+            )
+            tour_steps.append(notif_step)
+
+        # --- View-Specific Components ---
+
+        # Register all views that can extend the tour
+        for view_id, view_index in self._view_index.items():
+            view_widget = self.stack.widget(view_index)
+            if not view_widget or not hasattr(view_widget, "register_tour_steps"):
+                continue
+
+            # Get the view's tour steps
+            view_tour = view_widget.register_tour_steps(self.guided_tour, self)
+            if view_tour is None:
+                if hasattr(view_widget.content, "register_tour_steps"):
+                    view_tour = view_widget.content.register_tour_steps(self.guided_tour, self)
+                if view_tour is None:
+                    continue
+
+            # Get the corresponding sidebar navigation item
+            nav_item = self.sidebar.components.get(view_id)
+            if not nav_item:
+                continue
+
+            # Use the view's title for the navigation button
+            nav_step = self.guided_tour.register_widget(
+                widget=nav_item,
+                title=view_tour.view_title,
+                text=f"Let's explore the features of the {view_tour.view_title}.",
+            )
+            tour_steps.append(nav_step)
+            tour_steps.extend(view_tour.step_ids)
+
+        # Create the tour with all registered steps
+        if tour_steps:
+            self.guided_tour.create_tour(tour_steps)
+
+    def start_guided_tour(self):
+        """
+        Public method to start the guided tour.
+        This can be called programmatically or connected to a menu/button action.
+        """
+        self.guided_tour.start_tour()
+
+    def _add_guided_tour_to_menu(self):
+        """
+        Add a 'Guided Tour' action to the Help menu.
+        """
+
+        # Find the Help menu
+        menu_bar = self.menuBar()
+        help_menu = None
+        for action in menu_bar.actions():
+            if action.text() == "Help":
+                help_menu = action.menu()
+                break
+
+        if help_menu:
+            # Add separator before the tour action
+            help_menu.addSeparator()
+
+            # Create and add the guided tour action
+            tour_action = QAction("Start Guided Tour", self)
+            tour_action.setIcon(material_icon("help"))
+            tour_action.triggered.connect(self.start_guided_tour)
+            tour_action.setShortcut("F1")  # Add keyboard shortcut
+            help_menu.addAction(tour_action)
+
+    def cleanup(self):
+        for view_id, idx in self._view_index.items():
+            view = self.stack.widget(idx)
+            view.close()
+            view.deleteLater()
+        super().cleanup()
+
 
 def main():  # pragma: no cover
     """
@@ -213,6 +394,7 @@ def main():  # pragma: no cover
     args, qt_args = parser.parse_known_args(sys.argv[1:])
 
     app = QApplication([sys.argv[0], *qt_args])
+    app.setApplicationName("BEC")
     apply_theme("dark")
     w = BECMainApp(show_examples=args.examples)
 

bec_widgets/applications/navigation_centre/side_bar_components.py

@@ -127,12 +127,10 @@ class NavigationItem(QWidget):
         self._icon_size_expanded = QtCore.QSize(26, 26)
         self.icon_btn.setIconSize(self._icon_size_collapsed)
         # Remove QToolButton hover/pressed background/outline
-        self.icon_btn.setStyleSheet(
-            """
+        self.icon_btn.setStyleSheet("""
             QToolButton:hover { background: transparent; border: none; }
             QToolButton:pressed { background: transparent; border: none; }
-            """
-        )
+            """)
 
         # Mini label below icon
         self.mini_lbl = QLabel(self._mini_text, self)

bec_widgets/applications/views/admin_view/admin_view.py

@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+"""Module for Admin View."""
+
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
+
+from bec_widgets.applications.views.view import ViewBase
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.widgets.services.bec_atlas_admin_view.bec_atlas_admin_view import BECAtlasAdminView
+
+
+class AdminView(ViewBase):
+    """
+    A view for administrators to change the current active experiment, manage messaging
+    services, and more tasks reserved for users with admin privileges.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        parent: QWidget | None = None,
+        content: QWidget | None = None,
+        *,
+        view_id: str | None = None,
+        title: str | None = None,
+        **kwargs,
+    ):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, content=content, view_id=view_id, title=title)
+        self.admin_widget = BECAtlasAdminView(parent=self)
+        self.set_content(self.admin_widget)
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def on_exit(self) -> None:
+        """Called before the view is hidden.
+
+        Default implementation does nothing. Override in subclasses.
+        """
+        self.admin_widget.logout()

bec_widgets/applications/views/developer_view/developer_view.py

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.applications.views.developer_view.developer_widget import DeveloperWidget
-from bec_widgets.applications.views.view import ViewBase
+from bec_widgets.applications.views.view import ViewBase, ViewTourSteps
 
 
 class DeveloperView(ViewBase):
@@ -14,13 +14,89 @@ class DeveloperView(ViewBase):
         parent: QWidget | None = None,
         content: QWidget | None = None,
         *,
-        id: str | None = None,
+        view_id: str | None = None,
         title: str | None = None,
+        **kwargs,
     ):
-        super().__init__(parent=parent, content=content, id=id, title=title)
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, content=content, view_id=view_id, title=title, **kwargs)
         self.developer_widget = DeveloperWidget(parent=self)
         self.set_content(self.developer_widget)
 
+    def register_tour_steps(self, guided_tour, main_app) -> ViewTourSteps | None:
+        """Register Developer View components with the guided tour.
+
+        Args:
+            guided_tour: The GuidedTour instance to register with.
+            main_app: The main application instance (for accessing set_current).
+
+        Returns:
+            ViewTourSteps | None: Model containing view title and step IDs.
+        """
+        step_ids = []
+        dev_widget = self.developer_widget
+
+        # IDE Toolbar
+        def get_ide_toolbar():
+            main_app.set_current("developer_view")
+            return (dev_widget.toolbar, None)
+
+        step_id = guided_tour.register_widget(
+            widget=get_ide_toolbar,
+            title="IDE Toolbar",
+            text="Quick access to save files, execute scripts, and configure IDE settings. Use the toolbar to manage your code and execution.",
+        )
+        step_ids.append(step_id)
+
+        # IDE Explorer
+        def get_ide_explorer():
+            main_app.set_current("developer_view")
+            return (dev_widget.explorer_dock.widget(), None)
+
+        step_id = guided_tour.register_widget(
+            widget=get_ide_explorer,
+            title="File Explorer",
+            text="Browse and manage your macro files. Create new files, open existing ones, and organize your scripts.",
+        )
+        step_ids.append(step_id)
+
+        # IDE Editor
+        def get_ide_editor():
+            main_app.set_current("developer_view")
+            return (dev_widget.monaco_dock.widget(), None)
+
+        step_id = guided_tour.register_widget(
+            widget=get_ide_editor,
+            title="Code Editor",
+            text="Write and edit Python code with syntax highlighting, auto-completion, and signature help. Monaco editor provides a modern coding experience.",
+        )
+        step_ids.append(step_id)
+
+        # IDE Console
+        def get_ide_console():
+            main_app.set_current("developer_view")
+            return (dev_widget.console_dock.widget(), None)
+
+        step_id = guided_tour.register_widget(
+            widget=get_ide_console,
+            title="BEC Shell Console",
+            text="Interactive Python console with BEC integration. Execute commands, test code snippets, and interact with the BEC system in real-time.",
+        )
+        step_ids.append(step_id)
+
+        # IDE Plotting Area
+        def get_ide_plotting():
+            main_app.set_current("developer_view")
+            return (dev_widget.plotting_ads, None)
+
+        step_id = guided_tour.register_widget(
+            widget=get_ide_plotting,
+            title="Plotting Area",
+            text="View plots and visualizations generated by your scripts. Arrange multiple plots in a flexible layout.",
+        )
+        step_ids.append(step_id)
+
+        return ViewTourSteps(view_title="Developer View", step_ids=step_ids)
+
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     import sys
@@ -50,7 +126,11 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":
     _app.resize(width, height)
     developer_view = DeveloperView()
     _app.add_view(
-        icon="code_blocks", title="IDE", widget=developer_view, id="developer_view", exclusive=True
+        icon="code_blocks",
+        title="IDE",
+        widget=developer_view,
+        view_id="developer_view",
+        exclusive=True,
     )
     _app.show()
     # developer_view.show()

bec_widgets/applications/views/developer_view/developer_widget.py

@@ -16,9 +16,9 @@ from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.toolbar import ModularToolBar
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.basic_dock_area import DockAreaWidget
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area import BECDockArea
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.qt_ads import CDockWidget
+from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.bec_console.bec_console import BecConsole, BECShell
 from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.monaco.monaco_dock import MonacoDock
 from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.monaco.monaco_widget import MonacoWidget
-from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.web_console.web_console import BECShell, WebConsole
 from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.ide_explorer.ide_explorer import IDEExplorer
 
 
@@ -79,6 +79,8 @@ def markdown_to_html(md_text: str) -> str:
 
 
 class DeveloperWidget(DockAreaWidget):
+    RPC = False
+    PLUGIN = False
 
     def __init__(self, parent=None, **kwargs):
         super().__init__(parent=parent, variant="compact", **kwargs)
@@ -92,11 +94,11 @@ class DeveloperWidget(DockAreaWidget):
         self.explorer = IDEExplorer(self)
         self.explorer.setObjectName("Explorer")
 
-        self.console = BECShell(self)
+        self.console = BECShell(self, rpc_exposed=False)
         self.console.setObjectName("BEC Shell")
-        self.terminal = WebConsole(self)
+        self.terminal = BecConsole(self, rpc_exposed=False)
         self.terminal.setObjectName("Terminal")
-        self.monaco = MonacoDock(self)
+        self.monaco = MonacoDock(self, rpc_exposed=False, rpc_passthrough_children=False)
         self.monaco.setObjectName("MonacoEditor")
         self.monaco.save_enabled.connect(self._on_save_enabled_update)
         self.plotting_ads = BECDockArea(
@@ -408,23 +410,3 @@ class DeveloperWidget(DockAreaWidget):
         """Clean up resources used by the developer widget."""
         self.delete_all()
         return super().cleanup()
-
-
-if __name__ == "__main__":
-    import sys
-
-    from bec_qthemes import apply_theme
-    from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
-
-    from bec_widgets.applications.main_app import BECMainApp
-
-    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
-    apply_theme("dark")
-
-    _app = BECMainApp()
-    _app.show()
-    # developer_view.show()
-    # developer_view.setWindowTitle("Developer View")
-    # developer_view.resize(1920, 1080)
-    # developer_view.set_stretch(horizontal=[1, 3, 2], vertical=[5, 5]) #can be set during runtime
-    sys.exit(app.exec_())

bec_widgets/applications/views/device_manager_view/device_manager_dialogs/device_form_dialog.py

@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ logger = bec_logger.logger
 class DeviceManagerOphydValidationDialog(QtWidgets.QDialog):
     """Popup dialog to test Ophyd device configurations interactively."""
 
-    def __init__(self, parent=None, config: dict | None = None):  # type:ignore
+    def __init__(self, parent=None, config: dict | None = None):  # type: ignore
         super().__init__(parent)
         self.setWindowTitle("Device Manager Ophyd Test")
         self._config_status = ConfigStatus.UNKNOWN.value
@@ -133,7 +133,7 @@ class DeviceFormDialog(QtWidgets.QDialog):
     # validated: config_status, connection_status
     accepted_data = QtCore.Signal(dict, int, int, str, str)
 
-    def __init__(self, parent=None, add_btn_text: str = "Add Device"):  # type:ignore
+    def __init__(self, parent=None, add_btn_text: str = "Add Device"):  # type: ignore
         super().__init__(parent)
         # Track old device name if config is edited
         self._old_device_name: str = ""

bec_widgets/applications/views/device_manager_view/device_manager_dialogs/upload_redis_dialog.py

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ from __future__ import annotations
 
 from enum import IntEnum
 from functools import partial
-from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, List, Tuple
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Any, List, Tuple
 
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from bec_qthemes import apply_theme, material_icon

bec_widgets/applications/views/device_manager_view/device_manager_display_widget.py

@@ -103,16 +103,14 @@ class CustomBusyWidget(QWidget):
         button_width = int(button_height * aspect_ratio)
         self.cancel_button.setFixedSize(button_width, button_height)
         color = get_accent_colors()
-        self.cancel_button.setStyleSheet(
-            f"""
+        self.cancel_button.setStyleSheet(f"""
             QPushButton {{
                 background-color: {color.emergency.name()};
                 color: white;
                 font-weight: 600;
                 border-radius: 6px;
             }}
-            """
-        )
+            """)
 
         # Layout
         content_layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
@@ -128,12 +126,10 @@ class CustomBusyWidget(QWidget):
             bg_color = color._colors.get("BG", None)
         if bg_color is None:  # Fallback if missing
             bg_color = QColor(50, 50, 50, 255)
-        self.setStyleSheet(
-            f"""
+        self.setStyleSheet(f"""
             background-color: {bg_color.name()};
             border-radius: 12px;
-            """
-        )
+            """)
 
     def _ui_scale(self) -> int:
         parent = self.parent()
@@ -173,7 +169,7 @@ class DeviceManagerDisplayWidget(DockAreaWidget):
         self._upload_redis_dialog: UploadRedisDialog | None = None
         self._dialog_validation_connection: QMetaObject.Connection | None = None
 
-        # NOTE: We need here a seperate config helper instance to avoid conflicts with
+        # NOTE: We need here a separate config helper instance to avoid conflicts with
         # other communications to REDIS as uploading a config through a CommunicationConfigAction
         # will block if we use the config_helper from self.client.config._config_helper
         self._config_helper = config_helper.ConfigHelper(self.client.connector)
@@ -611,8 +607,8 @@ class DeviceManagerDisplayWidget(DockAreaWidget):
                 self.device_table_view._is_config_in_sync_with_redis()
             )
             validation_results = self.device_table_view.get_validation_results()
-            for config, config_status, connnection_status in validation_results.values():
-                if connnection_status == ConnectionStatus.CONNECTED.value:
+            for config, config_status, connection_status in validation_results.values():
+                if connection_status == ConnectionStatus.CONNECTED.value:
                     self.device_table_view.update_device_validation(
                         config, config_status, ConnectionStatus.CAN_CONNECT, ""
                     )

bec_widgets/applications/views/device_manager_view/device_manager_view.py

@@ -1,11 +1,12 @@
 """Module for Device Manager View."""
 
+from qtpy.QtCore import QRect
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.applications.views.device_manager_view.device_manager_widget import (
     DeviceManagerWidget,
 )
-from bec_widgets.applications.views.view import ViewBase
+from bec_widgets.applications.views.view import ViewBase, ViewTourSteps
 from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
 
 
@@ -19,11 +20,21 @@ class DeviceManagerView(ViewBase):
         parent: QWidget | None = None,
         content: QWidget | None = None,
         *,
-        id: str | None = None,
+        view_id: str | None = None,
         title: str | None = None,
+        **kwargs,
     ):
-        super().__init__(parent=parent, content=content, id=id, title=title)
-        self.device_manager_widget = DeviceManagerWidget(parent=self)
+        super().__init__(
+            parent=parent,
+            content=content,
+            view_id=view_id,
+            title=title,
+            rpc_passthrough_children=False,
+            **kwargs,
+        )
+        self.device_manager_widget = DeviceManagerWidget(
+            parent=self, rpc_exposed=False, rpc_passthrough_children=False
+        )
         self.set_content(self.device_manager_widget)
 
     @SafeSlot()
@@ -34,6 +45,110 @@ class DeviceManagerView(ViewBase):
         """
         self.device_manager_widget.on_enter()
 
+    def register_tour_steps(self, guided_tour, main_app) -> ViewTourSteps | None:
+        """Register Device Manager components with the guided tour.
+
+        Args:
+            guided_tour: The GuidedTour instance to register with.
+            main_app: The main application instance (for accessing set_current).
+
+        Returns:
+            ViewTourSteps | None: Model containing view title and step IDs.
+        """
+        step_ids = []
+        dm_widget = self.device_manager_widget
+
+        # The device_manager_widget is not yet initialized, so we will register
+        # tour steps for its uninitialized state.
+
+        # Register Load Current Config button
+        def get_load_current():
+            main_app.set_current("device_manager")
+            if dm_widget._initialized is True:
+                return (None, None)
+            return (dm_widget.button_load_current_config, None)
+
+        step_id = guided_tour.register_widget(
+            widget=get_load_current,
+            title="Load Current Config",
+            text="Load the current device configuration from the BEC server.",
+        )
+        step_ids.append(step_id)
+
+        # Register Load Config From File button
+        def get_load_file():
+            main_app.set_current("device_manager")
+            if dm_widget._initialized is True:
+                return (None, None)
+            return (dm_widget.button_load_config_from_file, None)
+
+        step_id = guided_tour.register_widget(
+            widget=get_load_file,
+            title="Load Config From File",
+            text="Load a device configuration from a YAML file on disk.",
+        )
+        step_ids.append(step_id)
+
+        ## Register steps for the initialized state
+        # Register main device table
+        def get_device_table():
+            main_app.set_current("device_manager")
+            if dm_widget._initialized is False:
+                return (None, None)
+            return (dm_widget.device_manager_display.device_table_view, None)
+
+        step_id = guided_tour.register_widget(
+            widget=get_device_table,
+            title="Device Table",
+            text="This table displays the config that is prepared to be uploaded to the BEC server. It allows users to review and modify device config settings, and also validate them before uploading to the BEC server.",
+        )
+        step_ids.append(step_id)
+
+        col_text_mapping = {
+            0: "Shows if a device configuration is valid. Automatically validated when adding a new device.",
+            1: "Shows if a device is connectable. Validated on demand.",
+            2: "Device name, unique across all devices within a config.",
+            3: "Device class used to initialize the device on the BEC server.",
+            4: "Defines how BEC treats readings of the device during scans. The options are 'monitored', 'baseline', 'async', 'continuous' or 'on_demand'.",
+            5: "Defines how BEC reacts if a device readback fails. Options are 'raise', 'retry', or 'buffer'.",
+            6: "User-defined tags associated with the device.",
+            7: "A brief description of the device.",
+            8: "Device is enabled when the configuration is loaded.",
+            9: "Device is set to read-only.",
+            10: "This flag allows to configure if the 'trigger' method of the device is called during scans.",
+        }
+
+        # We have at least one device registered
+        def get_device_table_row(column: int):
+            main_app.set_current("device_manager")
+            if dm_widget._initialized is False:
+                return (None, None)
+            table = dm_widget.device_manager_display.device_table_view.table
+            header = table.horizontalHeader()
+            x = header.sectionViewportPosition(column)
+            table.horizontalScrollBar().setValue(x)
+            # Recompute after scrolling
+            x = header.sectionViewportPosition(column)
+            w = header.sectionSize(column)
+            h = header.height()
+            rect = QRect(x, 0, w, h)
+            top_left = header.viewport().mapTo(main_app, rect.topLeft())
+
+            return (QRect(top_left, rect.size()), col_text_mapping.get(column, ""))
+
+        for col, text in col_text_mapping.items():
+            step_id = guided_tour.register_widget(
+                widget=lambda col=col: get_device_table_row(col),
+                title=f"{dm_widget.device_manager_display.device_table_view.table.horizontalHeaderItem(col).text()}",
+                text=text,
+            )
+            step_ids.append(step_id)
+
+        if not step_ids:
+            return None
+
+        return ViewTourSteps(view_title="Device Manager", step_ids=step_ids)
+
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
     import sys
@@ -65,7 +180,7 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
     _app.add_view(
         icon="display_settings",
         title="Device Manager",
-        id="device_manager",
+        view_id="device_manager",
         widget=device_manager_view.device_manager_widget,
         mini_text="DM",
     )

bec_widgets/applications/views/device_manager_view/device_manager_widget.py

@@ -22,8 +22,8 @@ class DeviceManagerWidget(BECWidget, QtWidgets.QWidget):
 
     RPC = False
 
-    def __init__(self, parent=None, client=None):
-        super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client)
+    def __init__(self, parent=None, client=None, **kwargs):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, **kwargs)
         self.stacked_layout = QtWidgets.QStackedLayout()
         self.stacked_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
         self.stacked_layout.setSpacing(0)

bec_widgets/applications/views/dock_area_view/dock_area_view.py

@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
+
+from bec_widgets.applications.views.view import ViewBase
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area import BECDockArea
+
+
+class DockAreaView(ViewBase):
+    """
+    Modular dock area view for arranging and managing multiple dockable widgets.
+    """
+
+    RPC_CONTENT_CLASS = BECDockArea
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        parent: QWidget | None = None,
+        content: QWidget | None = None,
+        *,
+        view_id: str | None = None,
+        title: str | None = None,
+        **kwargs,
+    ):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, content=content, view_id=view_id, title=title, **kwargs)
+        self.dock_area = BECDockArea(
+            self,
+            profile_namespace="bec",
+            auto_profile_namespace=False,
+            object_name="DockArea",
+            rpc_exposed=False,
+        )
+        self.set_content(self.dock_area)

bec_widgets/applications/views/view.py

@@ -1,5 +1,8 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from typing import List
+
+from pydantic import BaseModel
 from qtpy.QtCore import QEventLoop
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
     QDialog,
@@ -14,13 +17,26 @@ from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
     QWidget,
 )
 
+from bec_widgets import BECWidget
 from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_input.device_combobox.device_combobox import DeviceComboBox
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_input.signal_combobox.signal_combobox import SignalComboBox
 from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.waveform.waveform import Waveform
 
 
-class ViewBase(QWidget):
+class ViewTourSteps(BaseModel):
+    """Model representing tour steps for a view.
+
+    Attributes:
+        view_title: The human-readable title of the view.
+        step_ids: List of registered step IDs in the order they should appear.
+    """
+
+    view_title: str
+    step_ids: List[str]
+
+
+class ViewBase(BECWidget, QWidget):
     """Wrapper for a content widget used inside the main app's stacked view.
 
     Subclasses can implement `on_enter` and `on_exit` to run custom logic when the view becomes visible or is about to be hidden.
@@ -28,21 +44,28 @@ class ViewBase(QWidget):
     Args:
         content (QWidget): The actual view widget to display.
         parent (QWidget | None): Parent widget.
-        id (str | None): Optional view id, useful for debugging or introspection.
+        view_id (str | None): Optional view view_id, useful for debugging or introspection.
         title (str | None): Optional human-readable title.
     """
 
+    RPC = True
+    PLUGIN = False
+    USER_ACCESS = ["activate"]
+    RPC_CONTENT_CLASS: type[QWidget] | None = None
+    RPC_CONTENT_ATTR = "content"
+
     def __init__(
         self,
         parent: QWidget | None = None,
         content: QWidget | None = None,
         *,
-        id: str | None = None,
+        view_id: str | None = None,
         title: str | None = None,
+        **kwargs,
     ):
-        super().__init__(parent=parent)
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, **kwargs)
         self.content: QWidget | None = None
-        self.view_id = id
+        self.view_id = view_id
         self.view_title = title
 
         lay = QVBoxLayout(self)
@@ -76,6 +99,41 @@ class ViewBase(QWidget):
         """
         return True
 
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def activate(self) -> None:
+        """Switch the parent application to this view."""
+        if not self.view_id:
+            raise ValueError("Cannot switch view without a view_id.")
+
+        parent = self.parent()
+        while parent is not None:
+            if hasattr(parent, "set_current"):
+                parent.set_current(self.view_id)
+                return
+            parent = parent.parent()
+        raise RuntimeError("Could not find a parent application with set_current().")
+
+    def cleanup(self):
+        if self.content is not None:
+            self.content.close()
+            self.content.deleteLater()
+        super().cleanup()
+
+    def register_tour_steps(self, guided_tour, main_app) -> ViewTourSteps | None:
+        """Register this view's components with the guided tour.
+
+        Args:
+            guided_tour: The GuidedTour instance to register with.
+            main_app: The main application instance (for accessing set_current).
+
+        Returns:
+            ViewTourSteps | None: A model containing the view title and step IDs,
+                or None if this view has no tour steps.
+
+        Override this method in subclasses to register view-specific components.
+        """
+        return None
+
 
 ####################################################################################################
 # Example views for demonstration/testing purposes
@@ -102,17 +160,17 @@ class WaveformViewPopup(ViewBase):  # pragma: no cover
         self.device_edit.insertItem(0, "")
         self.device_edit.setEditable(True)
         self.device_edit.setCurrentIndex(0)
-        self.entry_edit = SignalComboBox(parent=self)
-        self.entry_edit.include_config_signals = False
-        self.entry_edit.insertItem(0, "")
-        self.entry_edit.setEditable(True)
-        self.device_edit.currentTextChanged.connect(self.entry_edit.set_device)
-        self.device_edit.device_reset.connect(self.entry_edit.reset_selection)
+        self.signal_edit = SignalComboBox(parent=self)
+        self.signal_edit.include_config_signals = False
+        self.signal_edit.insertItem(0, "")
+        self.signal_edit.setEditable(True)
+        self.device_edit.currentTextChanged.connect(self.signal_edit.set_device)
+        self.device_edit.device_reset.connect(self.signal_edit.reset_selection)
 
         form = QFormLayout()
         form.addRow(label)
         form.addRow("Device", self.device_edit)
-        form.addRow("Signal", self.entry_edit)
+        form.addRow("Signal", self.signal_edit)
 
         buttons = QDialogButtonBox(QDialogButtonBox.Ok | QDialogButtonBox.Cancel, parent=dialog)
         buttons.accepted.connect(dialog.accept)
@@ -124,7 +182,7 @@ class WaveformViewPopup(ViewBase):  # pragma: no cover
 
         if dialog.exec_() == QDialog.Accepted:
             self.waveform.plot(
-                y_name=self.device_edit.currentText(), y_entry=self.entry_edit.currentText()
+                device_y=self.device_edit.currentText(), signal_y=self.signal_edit.currentText()
             )
 
     @SafeSlot()
@@ -249,7 +307,7 @@ class WaveformViewInline(ViewBase):  # pragma: no cover
         dev = self.device_edit.currentText()
         sig = self.entry_edit.currentText()
         if dev and sig:
-            self.waveform.plot(y_name=dev, y_entry=sig)
+            self.waveform.plot(device_y=dev, signal_y=sig)
         self.stack.setCurrentIndex(1)
 
     def _show_waveform_without_changes(self):

bec_widgets/cli/__init__.py

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+from bec_widgets.cli.rpc import rpc_base

bec_widgets/cli/client_utils.py

@@ -10,9 +10,9 @@ import threading
 import time
 from contextlib import contextmanager
 from threading import Lock
-from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Literal, TypeAlias, cast
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Callable, Literal, TypeAlias, cast
 
-from bec_lib.endpoints import MessageEndpoints
+from bec_lib.endpoints import EndpointInfo, MessageEndpoints
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from bec_lib.utils.import_utils import lazy_import, lazy_import_from
 from rich.console import Console
@@ -232,6 +232,11 @@ class BECGuiClient(RPCBase):
         """The launcher object."""
         return RPCBase(gui_id=f"{self._gui_id}:launcher", parent=self, object_name="launcher")
 
+    def _safe_register_stream(self, endpoint: EndpointInfo, cb: Callable, **kwargs):
+        """Check if already registered for registration in idempotent functions."""
+        if not self._client.connector.any_stream_is_registered(endpoint, cb=cb):
+            self._client.connector.register(endpoint, cb=cb, **kwargs)
+
     def connect_to_gui_server(self, gui_id: str) -> None:
         """Connect to a GUI server"""
         # Unregister the old callback
@@ -247,10 +252,9 @@ class BECGuiClient(RPCBase):
         self._ipython_registry = {}
 
         # Register the new callback
-        self._client.connector.register(
+        self._safe_register_stream(
             MessageEndpoints.gui_registry_state(self._gui_id),
             cb=self._handle_registry_update,
-            parent=self,
             from_start=True,
         )
 
@@ -297,14 +301,32 @@ class BECGuiClient(RPCBase):
             return self._raise_all()
         return self._start(wait=wait)
 
+    def change_theme(self, theme: Literal["light", "dark"] | None = None) -> None:
+        """
+        Apply a GUI theme or toggle between dark and light.
+
+        Args:
+            theme(Literal["light", "dark"] | None): Theme to apply. If None, the current
+                theme is fetched from the GUI and toggled.
+        """
+        if not self._check_if_server_is_alive():
+            self._start(wait=True)
+
+        with wait_for_server(self):
+            if theme is None:
+                current_theme = self.launcher._run_rpc("fetch_theme")
+                next_theme = "light" if current_theme == "dark" else "dark"
+            else:
+                next_theme = theme
+            self.launcher._run_rpc("change_theme", theme=next_theme)
+
     def new(
         self,
         name: str | None = None,
         wait: bool = True,
         geometry: tuple[int, int, int, int] | None = None,
         launch_script: str = "dock_area",
-        profile: str | None = None,
-        start_empty: bool = False,
+        startup_profile: str | Literal["restore", "skip"] | None = None,
         **kwargs,
     ) -> client.AdvancedDockArea:
         """Create a new top-level dock area.
@@ -314,48 +336,81 @@ class BECGuiClient(RPCBase):
             wait(bool, optional): Whether to wait for the server to start. Defaults to True.
             geometry(tuple[int, int, int, int] | None): The geometry of the dock area (pos_x, pos_y, w, h).
             launch_script(str): The launch script to use. Defaults to "dock_area".
-            profile(str | None): The profile name to load. If None, loads the "general" profile.
-                Use a profile name to load a specific saved profile.
-            start_empty(bool): If True, start with an empty dock area when loading specified profile.
+            startup_profile(str | Literal["restore", "skip"] | None): Startup mode for
+                the dock area:
+                  - None: start in transient empty workspace
+                  - "restore": restore last-used profile
+                  - "skip": skip profile initialization
+                  - "<name>": load the named profile
             **kwargs: Additional keyword arguments passed to the dock area.
 
         Returns:
             client.AdvancedDockArea: The new dock area.
 
-        Note:
-            The "general" profile is mandatory and will always exist. If manually deleted,
-            it will be automatically recreated.
-
         Examples:
-            >>> gui.new()  # Start with the "general" profile
-            >>> gui.new(profile="my_profile")  # Load specific profile, if profile does not exist, the new profile is created empty with specified name
-            >>> gui.new(start_empty=True)  # Start with "general" profile but empty dock area
-            >>> gui.new(profile="my_profile", start_empty=True)  # Start with "my_profile" profile but empty dock area
+            >>> gui.new()  # Start with an empty unsaved workspace
+            >>> gui.new(startup_profile="restore")  # Restore last profile
+            >>> gui.new(startup_profile="my_profile")  # Load explicit profile
         """
+        if "profile" in kwargs or "start_empty" in kwargs:
+            raise TypeError(
+                "gui.new() no longer accepts 'profile' or 'start_empty'. Use 'startup_profile' instead."
+            )
+
         if not self._check_if_server_is_alive():
             self.start(wait=True)
         if wait:
             with wait_for_server(self):
-                widget = self.launcher._run_rpc(
-                    "launch",
-                    launch_script=launch_script,
+                return self._new_impl(
                     name=name,
                     geometry=geometry,
-                    profile=profile,
-                    start_empty=start_empty,
+                    launch_script=launch_script,
+                    startup_profile=startup_profile,
                     **kwargs,
-                )  # pylint: disable=protected-access
-                return widget
-        widget = self.launcher._run_rpc(
+                )
+        return self._new_impl(
+            name=name,
+            geometry=geometry,
+            launch_script=launch_script,
+            startup_profile=startup_profile,
+            **kwargs,
+        )
+
+    def _new_impl(
+        self,
+        *,
+        name: str | None,
+        geometry: tuple[int, int, int, int] | None,
+        launch_script: str,
+        startup_profile: str | Literal["restore", "skip"] | None,
+        **kwargs,
+    ):
+        if launch_script == "dock_area":
+            try:
+                return self.launcher._run_rpc(
+                    "system.launch_dock_area",
+                    name=name,
+                    geometry=geometry,
+                    startup_profile=startup_profile,
+                    **kwargs,
+                )
+            except ValueError as exc:
+                error = str(exc)
+                if (
+                    "Unknown system RPC method: system.launch_dock_area" not in error
+                    and "has no attribute 'system.launch_dock_area'" not in error
+                ):
+                    raise
+                logger.debug("Server does not support system.launch_dock_area; using launcher RPC")
+
+        return self.launcher._run_rpc(
             "launch",
             launch_script=launch_script,
             name=name,
             geometry=geometry,
-            profile=profile,
-            start_empty=start_empty,
+            startup_profile=startup_profile,
             **kwargs,
         )  # pylint: disable=protected-access
-        return widget
 
     def delete(self, name: str) -> None:
         """Delete a dock area and its parent window.
@@ -480,20 +535,14 @@ class BECGuiClient(RPCBase):
 
     def _start(self, wait: bool = False) -> None:
         self._killed = False
-        self._client.connector.register(
-            MessageEndpoints.gui_registry_state(self._gui_id),
-            cb=self._handle_registry_update,
-            parent=self,
+        self._safe_register_stream(
+            MessageEndpoints.gui_registry_state(self._gui_id), cb=self._handle_registry_update
         )
         return self._start_server(wait=wait)
 
-    @staticmethod
-    def _handle_registry_update(
-        msg: dict[str, GUIRegistryStateMessage], parent: BECGuiClient
-    ) -> None:
+    def _handle_registry_update(self, msg: dict[str, GUIRegistryStateMessage]) -> None:
         # This was causing a deadlock during shutdown, not sure why.
         # with self._lock:
-        self = parent
         self._server_registry = cast(dict[str, RegistryState], msg["data"].state)
         self._update_dynamic_namespace(self._server_registry)
 

bec_widgets/cli/rpc/rpc_base.py

@@ -248,9 +248,7 @@ class RPCBase:
             self._rpc_response = None
             self._msg_wait_event.clear()
             self._client.connector.register(
-                MessageEndpoints.gui_instruction_response(request_id),
-                cb=self._on_rpc_response,
-                parent=self,
+                MessageEndpoints.gui_instruction_response(request_id), cb=self._on_rpc_response
             )
 
         self._client.connector.set_and_publish(MessageEndpoints.gui_instructions(receiver), rpc_msg)
@@ -276,11 +274,10 @@ class RPCBase:
             self._rpc_response = None
             return self._create_widget_from_msg_result(msg_result)
 
-    @staticmethod
-    def _on_rpc_response(msg_obj: MessageObject, parent: RPCBase) -> None:
+    def _on_rpc_response(self, msg_obj: MessageObject) -> None:
         msg = cast(messages.RequestResponseMessage, msg_obj.value)
-        parent._rpc_response = msg
-        parent._msg_wait_event.set()
+        self._rpc_response = msg
+        self._msg_wait_event.set()
 
     def _create_widget_from_msg_result(self, msg_result):
         if msg_result is None:
@@ -292,6 +289,11 @@ class RPCBase:
                 return {
                     key: self._create_widget_from_msg_result(val) for key, val in msg_result.items()
                 }
+            rpc_enabled = msg_result.get("__rpc__", True)
+            if rpc_enabled is False:
+                return None
+
+            msg_result = dict(msg_result)
             cls = msg_result.pop("widget_class", None)
             msg_result.pop("__rpc__", None)
 

bec_widgets/examples/jupyter_console/jupyter_console_window.py

@@ -25,8 +25,8 @@ from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
     QWidget,
 )
 
-from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_widget_handler import widget_handler
 from bec_widgets.utils.colors import apply_theme
+from bec_widgets.utils.rpc_widget_handler import widget_handler
 from bec_widgets.utils.widget_io import WidgetHierarchy as wh
 from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.jupyter_console.jupyter_console import BECJupyterConsole
 

bec_widgets/tests/utils.py

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 # pylint: skip-file
 from unittest.mock import MagicMock
 
+from bec_lib.config_helper import ConfigHelper
 from bec_lib.device import Device as BECDevice
 from bec_lib.device import Positioner as BECPositioner
 from bec_lib.device import ReadoutPriority
@@ -219,7 +220,9 @@ class Device(FakeDevice):
 
 
 class DMMock:
-    def __init__(self):
+    def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
+        self._service = args[0]
+        self.config_helper = ConfigHelper(self._service.connector, self._service._service_name)
         self.devices = DeviceContainer()
         self.enabled_devices = [device for device in self.devices if device.enabled]
 
@@ -273,6 +276,10 @@ class DMMock:
             configs.append(device._config)
         return configs
 
+    def initialize(*_): ...
+
+    def shutdown(self): ...
+
 
 DEVICES = [
     FakePositioner("samx", limits=[-10, 10], read_value=2.0),

bec_widgets/utils/__init__.py

@@ -1,13 +1 @@
-from qtpy.QtWebEngineWidgets import QWebEngineView
 
-from .bec_connector import BECConnector, ConnectionConfig
-from .bec_dispatcher import BECDispatcher
-from .bec_table import BECTable
-from .colors import Colors
-from .container_utils import WidgetContainerUtils
-from .crosshair import Crosshair
-from .entry_validator import EntryValidator
-from .layout_manager import GridLayoutManager
-from .rpc_decorator import register_rpc_methods, rpc_public
-from .ui_loader import UILoader
-from .validator_delegate import DoubleValidationDelegate

bec_widgets/utils/bec_connector.py

@@ -12,18 +12,17 @@ import shiboken6 as shb
 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 Property, QObject, QRunnable, QThreadPool, QTimer, Signal
+from qtpy.QtCore import Property, QObject, QRunnable, QThreadPool, Signal
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
 
-from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_register import RPCRegister
 from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import ErrorPopupUtility, SafeSlot
 from bec_widgets.utils.name_utils import sanitize_namespace
+from bec_widgets.utils.rpc_register import RPCRegister
 from bec_widgets.utils.widget_io import WidgetHierarchy
 from bec_widgets.utils.yaml_dialog import load_yaml, load_yaml_gui, save_yaml, save_yaml_gui
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
     from bec_widgets.utils.bec_dispatcher import BECDispatcher
-    from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock import BECDock
 else:
     BECDispatcher = lazy_import_from("bec_widgets.utils.bec_dispatcher", ("BECDispatcher",))
 
@@ -89,6 +88,8 @@ class BECConnector:
         gui_id: str | None = None,
         object_name: str | None = None,
         root_widget: bool = False,
+        rpc_exposed: bool = True,
+        rpc_passthrough_children: bool = True,
         **kwargs,
     ):
         """
@@ -100,6 +101,10 @@ class BECConnector:
             gui_id(str, optional): The GUI ID.
             object_name(str, optional): The object name.
             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.
+            rpc_exposed(bool, optional): If set to False, this instance is excluded from RPC registry broadcast and CLI namespace discovery.
+            rpc_passthrough_children(bool, optional): Only relevant when ``rpc_exposed=False``.
+                If True, RPC-visible children rebind to the next visible ancestor.
+                If False (default), children stay hidden behind this widget.
             **kwargs:
         """
         # Extract object_name from kwargs to not pass it to Qt class
@@ -128,8 +133,13 @@ class BECConnector:
             # the function depends on BECClient, and BECDispatcher
             @SafeSlot()
             def terminate(client=self.client, dispatcher=self.bec_dispatcher):
+                app = QApplication.instance()
+                gui_server = getattr(app, "gui_server", None)
+                if gui_server and hasattr(gui_server, "shutdown"):
+                    gui_server.shutdown()
                 logger.info("Disconnecting", repr(dispatcher))
                 dispatcher.disconnect_all()
+                dispatcher.stop_cli_server()
 
                 try:  # shutdown ophyd threads if any
                     from ophyd._pyepics_shim import _dispatcher
@@ -157,7 +167,7 @@ class BECConnector:
             )
             self.config = ConnectionConfig(widget_class=self.__class__.__name__)
 
-        # If the gui_id is passed, it should be respected. However, this should be revisted since
+        # If the gui_id is passed, it should be respected. However, this should be revisited since
         # the gui_id has to be unique, and may no longer be.
         if gui_id:
             self.config.gui_id = gui_id
@@ -185,6 +195,11 @@ class BECConnector:
 
         # 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
+        # If set to False, this instance is not exposed through RPC at all.
+        self.rpc_exposed = bool(rpc_exposed)
+        # If True on a hidden parent (rpc_exposed=False), children can bubble up to
+        # the next visible RPC ancestor.
+        self.rpc_passthrough_children = bool(rpc_passthrough_children)
 
         self._update_object_name()
 
@@ -193,11 +208,41 @@ class BECConnector:
         try:
             if self.root_widget:
                 return None
-            connector_parent = WidgetHierarchy._get_becwidget_ancestor(self)
+            connector_parent = self._get_rpc_parent_ancestor()
             return connector_parent.gui_id if connector_parent else None
         except:
             logger.error(f"Error getting parent_id for {self.__class__.__name__}")
 
+    def _get_rpc_parent_ancestor(self) -> BECConnector | None:
+        """
+        Find the nearest ancestor that is RPC-addressable.
+
+        Rules:
+          - If an ancestor has ``rpc_exposed=False``, it is an explicit visibility
+            boundary unless ``rpc_passthrough_children=True``.
+          - If an ancestor has ``RPC=False`` (but remains rpc_exposed), it is treated
+            as structural and children continue to the next ancestor.
+          - Lookup always happens through ``WidgetHierarchy.get_becwidget_ancestor``
+            so plain ``QWidget`` nodes between connectors are ignored.
+        """
+        current = self
+        while True:
+            parent = WidgetHierarchy.get_becwidget_ancestor(current)
+            if parent is None:
+                return None
+
+            if not getattr(parent, "rpc_exposed", True):
+                if getattr(parent, "rpc_passthrough_children", False):
+                    current = parent
+                    continue
+                return parent
+
+            if getattr(parent, "RPC", True):
+                return parent
+
+            current = parent
+        return None
+
     def change_object_name(self, name: str) -> None:
         """
         Change the object name of the widget. Unregister old name and register the new one.
@@ -216,8 +261,9 @@ class BECConnector:
         """
         # 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)
+        # 2) Register the object for RPC unless instance-level exposure is disabled.
+        if getattr(self, "rpc_exposed", True):
+            self.rpc_register.add_rpc(self)
         try:
             self.name_established.emit(self.object_name)
         except RuntimeError as e:
@@ -235,7 +281,7 @@ class BECConnector:
         if not shb.isValid(self):
             return
 
-        parent_bec = WidgetHierarchy._get_becwidget_ancestor(self)
+        parent_bec = WidgetHierarchy.get_becwidget_ancestor(self)
 
         if parent_bec:
             # We have a parent => only compare with siblings under that parent
@@ -245,7 +291,7 @@ class BECConnector:
             # Use RPCRegister to avoid QApplication.allWidgets() during event processing.
             connections = self.rpc_register.list_all_connections().values()
             all_bec = [w for w in connections if isinstance(w, BECConnector) and shb.isValid(w)]
-            siblings = [w for w in all_bec if WidgetHierarchy._get_becwidget_ancestor(w) is None]
+            siblings = [w for w in all_bec if WidgetHierarchy.get_becwidget_ancestor(w) is None]
 
         # Collect used names among siblings
         used_names = {sib.objectName() for sib in siblings if sib is not self}
@@ -273,6 +319,8 @@ class BECConnector:
         Args:
             name (str): The new object name.
         """
+        # sanitize before setting to avoid issues with Qt object names and RPC namespaces
+        name = sanitize_namespace(name)
         super().setObjectName(name)
         self.object_name = name
         if self.rpc_register.object_is_registered(self):
@@ -351,7 +399,7 @@ class BECConnector:
         """
         self.config = config
 
-    # FIXME some thoughts are required to decide how thhis should work with rpc registry
+    # FIXME some thoughts are required to decide how this should work with rpc registry
     def apply_config(self, config: dict, generate_new_id: bool = True) -> None:
         """
         Apply the configuration to the widget.
@@ -369,7 +417,7 @@ class BECConnector:
         else:
             self.gui_id = self.config.gui_id
 
-    # FIXME some thoughts are required to decide how thhis should work with rpc registry
+    # FIXME some thoughts are required to decide how this should work with rpc registry
     def load_config(self, path: str | None = None, gui: bool = False):
         """
         Load the configuration of the widget from YAML.

bec_widgets/utils/bec_dispatcher.py

@@ -123,17 +123,16 @@ class BECDispatcher:
         self._registered_slots: DefaultDict[Hashable, QtThreadSafeCallback] = (
             collections.defaultdict()
         )
-        self.client = client
 
-        if self.client is None:
-            if config is not None:
-                if not isinstance(config, ServiceConfig):
-                    # config is supposed to be a path
-                    config = ServiceConfig(config)
+        if client is None:
+            if config is not None and not isinstance(config, ServiceConfig):
+                # config is supposed to be a path
+                config = ServiceConfig(config)
             self.client = BECClient(
                 config=config, connector_cls=QtRedisConnector, name="BECWidgets"
             )
         else:
+            self.client = client
             if self.client.started:
                 # have to reinitialize client to use proper connector
                 logger.info("Shutting down BECClient to switch to QtRedisConnector")
@@ -176,12 +175,15 @@ class BECDispatcher:
             cb_info (dict | None): A dictionary containing information about the callback. Defaults to None.
         """
         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)
-        qt_slot.topics.update(set(topics_str))
+        if not self.client.connector.any_stream_is_registered(topics, qt_slot):
+            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)
+            qt_slot.topics.update(set(topics_str))
+        else:
+            logger.warning(f"Attempted to create duplicate stream subscription for {topics=}")
 
     def disconnect_slot(
         self, slot: Callable, topics: EndpointInfo | str | list[EndpointInfo] | list[str]

bec_widgets/utils/bec_login.py

@@ -0,0 +1,87 @@
+"""
+Login dialog for user authentication.
+The Login Widget is styled in a Material Design style and emits
+the entered credentials through a signal for further processing.
+"""
+
+from qtpy.QtCore import Qt, Signal
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QLabel, QLineEdit, QPushButton, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
+
+
+class BECLogin(QWidget):
+    """Login dialog for user authentication in Material Design style."""
+
+    credentials_entered = Signal(str, str)
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent)
+        # Only displayed if this widget as standalone widget, and not embedded in another widget
+        self.setWindowTitle("Login")
+
+        title = QLabel("Sign in", parent=self)
+        title.setAlignment(Qt.AlignmentFlag.AlignCenter)
+        title.setStyleSheet("""
+            #QLabel
+                {
+                    font-size: 18px;
+                    font-weight: 600;
+                }
+            """)
+
+        self.username = QLineEdit(parent=self)
+        self.username.setPlaceholderText("Username")
+
+        self.password = QLineEdit(parent=self)
+        self.password.setPlaceholderText("Password")
+        self.password.setEchoMode(QLineEdit.EchoMode.Password)
+
+        self.ok_btn = QPushButton("Sign in", parent=self)
+        self.ok_btn.setDefault(True)
+        self.ok_btn.clicked.connect(self._emit_credentials)
+        # If the user presses Enter in the password field, trigger the OK button click
+        self.password.returnPressed.connect(self.ok_btn.click)
+
+        # Build Layout
+        layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
+        layout.setContentsMargins(32, 32, 32, 32)
+        layout.setSpacing(16)
+
+        layout.addWidget(title)
+        layout.addSpacing(8)
+        layout.addWidget(self.username)
+        layout.addWidget(self.password)
+        layout.addSpacing(12)
+        layout.addWidget(self.ok_btn)
+
+        self.username.setFocus()
+
+        self.setStyleSheet("""
+            QLineEdit {
+                padding: 8px;
+            }
+            """)
+
+    def _clear_password(self):
+        """Clear the password field."""
+        self.password.clear()
+
+    def _emit_credentials(self):
+        """Emit credentials and clear the password field."""
+        self.credentials_entered.emit(self.username.text().strip(), self.password.text())
+        self._clear_password()
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+    import sys
+
+    from bec_qthemes import apply_theme
+    from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
+
+    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+    apply_theme("light")
+
+    dialog = BECLogin()
+
+    dialog.credentials_entered.connect(lambda u, p: print(f"Username: {u}, Password: {p}"))
+    dialog.show()
+    sys.exit(app.exec_())

bec_widgets/utils/bec_widget.py

@@ -10,11 +10,11 @@ from qtpy.QtGui import QFont, QPixmap
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QFileDialog, QLabel, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
 
 import bec_widgets.widgets.containers.qt_ads as QtAds
-from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_register import RPCRegister
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_connector import BECConnector, ConnectionConfig
 from bec_widgets.utils.busy_loader import install_busy_loader
 from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeConnect, SafeSlot
 from bec_widgets.utils.rpc_decorator import rpc_timeout
+from bec_widgets.utils.rpc_register import RPCRegister
 from bec_widgets.utils.widget_io import WidgetHierarchy
 from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.spinner.spinner import SpinnerWidget
 

bec_widgets/utils/container_utils.py

@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ class WidgetContainerUtils:
         if list_of_names is None:
             list_of_names = []
         ii = 0
-        while ii < 1000:  # 1000 is arbritrary!
+        while ii < 1000:  # 1000 is arbitrary!
             name_candidate = f"{name}_{ii}"
             if name_candidate not in list_of_names:
                 return name_candidate

bec_widgets/utils/forms_from_types/forms.py

@@ -106,7 +106,9 @@ class TypedForm(BECWidget, QWidget):
 
     def _add_griditem(self, item: FormItemSpec, row: int):
         grid = self._form_grid.layout()
-        label = QLabel(parent=self._form_grid, text=item.name)
+        # Use title from FieldInfo if available, otherwise use the property name
+        label_text = item.info.title if item.info.title else item.name
+        label = QLabel(parent=self._form_grid, text=label_text)
         label.setProperty("_model_field_name", item.name)
         label.setToolTip(item.info.description or item.name)
         grid.addWidget(label, row, 0)

bec_widgets/utils/forms_from_types/items.py

@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ 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.
+    forms generated from pydantic models, but can also be composed from other sources or by hand.
     """
 
     model_config = ConfigDict(arbitrary_types_allowed=True)
@@ -192,7 +192,7 @@ class DynamicFormItem(QWidget):
     @abstractmethod
     def _add_main_widget(self) -> None:
         self._main_widget: QWidget
-        """Add the main data entry widget to self._main_widget and appply any
+        """Add the main data entry widget to self._main_widget and apply any
         constraints from the field info"""
 
     @SafeSlot()
@@ -231,6 +231,8 @@ class StrFormItem(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)
+        if spec.info.description:
+            self._main_widget.setPlaceholderText(spec.info.description)
 
     def _add_main_widget(self) -> None:
         self._main_widget = QLineEdit()

bec_widgets/utils/fuzzy_search.py

@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+"""Module providing fuzzy search utilities for the BEC widgets."""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from typing import Any
+
+from thefuzz import fuzz
+
+FUZZY_SEARCH_THRESHOLD = 80
+
+
+def is_match(
+    text: str, row_data: dict[str, Any], relevant_keys: list[str], enable_fuzzy: bool
+) -> bool:
+    """
+    Check if the text matches any of the relevant keys in the row data.
+
+    Args:
+        text (str): The text to search for.
+        row_data (dict[str, Any]): The row data to search in.
+        relevant_keys (list[str]): The keys to consider for searching.
+        enable_fuzzy (bool): Whether to use fuzzy matching.
+    Returns:
+        bool: True if a match is found, False otherwise.
+    """
+    for key in relevant_keys:
+        data = str(row_data.get(key, "") or "")
+        if enable_fuzzy:
+            match_ratio = fuzz.partial_ratio(text.lower(), data.lower())
+            if match_ratio >= FUZZY_SEARCH_THRESHOLD:
+                return True
+        else:
+            if text.lower() in data.lower():
+                return True
+    return False

bec_widgets/utils/generate_cli.py

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ import inspect
 import os
 import sys
 from pathlib import Path
+from typing import get_overloads
 
 import black
 import isort
@@ -18,20 +19,6 @@ 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:
-    print(
-        "Python version is less than 3.11, using dummy function for get_overloads. "
-        "If you want to use the real function 'typing.get_overloads()', please use Python 3.11 or later."
-    )
-
-    def get_overloads(_obj):
-        """
-        Dummy function for Python versions before 3.11.
-        """
-        return []
-
 
 class ClientGenerator:
     def __init__(self, base=False):
@@ -54,7 +41,7 @@ from __future__ import annotations
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 
 from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_base import RPCBase, rpc_call, rpc_timeout
-{"from bec_widgets.utils.bec_plugin_helper import get_all_plugin_widgets, get_plugin_client_module" if self._base else ""}
+{"from bec_widgets.utils.bec_plugin_helper import get_plugin_client_module" if self._base else ""}
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 
@@ -94,7 +81,7 @@ logger = bec_logger.logger
         if self._base:
             self.content += """
 class _WidgetsEnumType(str, enum.Enum):
-    \"\"\" Enum for the available widgets, to be generated programatically  \"\"\"
+    \"\"\" Enum for the available widgets, to be generated programmatically  \"\"\"
     ...
     """
 
@@ -111,27 +98,19 @@ _Widgets = {
             self.content += """
 
 try:
-    _plugin_widgets = get_all_plugin_widgets().as_dict()
     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 not in _Widgets:
+                _Widgets[plugin_name] = plugin_name
             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!"
+                    f"Plugin widget {plugin_name} in {plugin_class._IMPORT_MODULE} conflicts with a built-in class!"
                 )
                 continue
-            if plugin_name not in _overlap:
+            else:
                 globals()[plugin_name] = plugin_class
+        Widgets = _WidgetsEnumType("Widgets", _Widgets)
 except ImportError as e:
     logger.error(f"Failed loading plugins: \\n{reduce(add, traceback.format_exception(e))}")
 """
@@ -146,12 +125,8 @@ except ImportError as e:
 
         class_name = cls.__name__
 
-        if class_name == "BECDockArea":
-            self.content += f"""
-class {class_name}(RPCBase):"""
-        else:
-            self.content += f"""
-class {class_name}(RPCBase):"""
+        self.content += f"""
+class {class_name}(RPCBase):\n"""
 
         if cls.__doc__:
             # We only want the first line of the docstring
@@ -162,19 +137,11 @@ class {class_name}(RPCBase):"""
             else:
                 class_docs = cls.__doc__.split("\n")[1]
             self.content += f"""
-    \"\"\"{class_docs}\"\"\"
-    """
-        if not cls.USER_ACCESS:
-            self.content += """...
-    """
-
-        for method in cls.USER_ACCESS:
-            is_property_setter = False
-            obj = getattr(cls, method, None)
-            if obj is None:
-                obj = getattr(cls, method.split(".setter")[0], None)
-                is_property_setter = True
-                method = method.split(".setter")[0]
+    \"\"\"{class_docs}\"\"\"\n"""
+        user_access_entries = self._get_user_access_entries(cls)
+        self.content += f'    _IMPORT_MODULE="{cls.__module__}"\n'
+        for method_entry in user_access_entries:
+            method, obj, is_property_setter = self._resolve_method_object(cls, method_entry)
             if obj is None:
                 raise AttributeError(
                     f"Method {method} not found in class {cls.__name__}. "
@@ -216,6 +183,34 @@ class {class_name}(RPCBase):"""
 {doc}
         \"\"\""""
 
+    @staticmethod
+    def _get_user_access_entries(cls) -> list[str]:
+        entries = list(getattr(cls, "USER_ACCESS", []))
+        content_cls = getattr(cls, "RPC_CONTENT_CLASS", None)
+        if content_cls is not None:
+            entries.extend(getattr(content_cls, "USER_ACCESS", []))
+        return list(dict.fromkeys(entries))
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def _resolve_method_object(cls, method_entry: str):
+        method_name = method_entry
+        is_property_setter = False
+
+        if method_entry.endswith(".setter"):
+            is_property_setter = True
+            method_name = method_entry.split(".setter")[0]
+
+        candidate_classes = [cls]
+        content_cls = getattr(cls, "RPC_CONTENT_CLASS", None)
+        if content_cls is not None:
+            candidate_classes.append(content_cls)
+
+        for candidate_cls in candidate_classes:
+            obj = getattr(candidate_cls, method_name, None)
+            if obj is not None:
+                return method_name, obj, is_property_setter
+        return method_name, None, is_property_setter
+
     def _rpc_call(self, timeout_info: dict[str, float | None]):
         """
         Decorator to mark a method as an RPC call.
@@ -291,7 +286,8 @@ def main():
 
     client_path = module_dir / client_subdir / "client.py"
 
-    rpc_classes = get_custom_classes(module_name)
+    packages = ("widgets", "applications") if module_name == "bec_widgets" else ("widgets",)
+    rpc_classes = get_custom_classes(module_name, packages=packages)
     logger.info(f"Obtained classes with RPC objects: {rpc_classes!r}")
 
     generator = ClientGenerator(base=module_name == "bec_widgets")

bec_widgets/utils/guided_tour.py

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ from __future__ import annotations
 
 import sys
 import weakref
-from typing import Callable, Dict, List, TypedDict
+from typing import Callable, Dict, List, Literal, TypedDict
 from uuid import uuid4
 
 import louie
@@ -12,15 +12,18 @@ from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from bec_qthemes import material_icon
 from louie import saferef
 from qtpy.QtCore import QEvent, QObject, QRect, Qt, Signal
-from qtpy.QtGui import QAction, QColor, QPainter, QPen
+from qtpy.QtGui import QAction, QColor, QKeySequence, QPainter, QPen, QShortcut
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
+    QAbstractItemView,
     QApplication,
     QFrame,
     QHBoxLayout,
     QLabel,
     QMainWindow,
+    QMenu,
     QMenuBar,
     QPushButton,
+    QTableWidgetItem,
     QToolBar,
     QVBoxLayout,
     QWidget,
@@ -40,9 +43,9 @@ class TourStep(TypedDict):
     widget_ref: (
         louie.saferef.BoundMethodWeakref
         | weakref.ReferenceType[
-            QWidget | QAction | Callable[[], tuple[QWidget | QAction, str | None]]
+            QWidget | QAction | QRect | Callable[[], tuple[QWidget | QAction | QRect, str | None]]
         ]
-        | Callable[[], tuple[QWidget | QAction, str | None]]
+        | Callable[[], tuple[QWidget | QAction | QRect, str | None]]
         | None
     )
     text: str
@@ -64,15 +67,13 @@ class TutorialOverlay(QWidget):
         box = QFrame(self)
         app = QApplication.instance()
         bg_color = app.palette().window().color()
-        box.setStyleSheet(
-            f"""
+        box.setStyleSheet(f"""
             QFrame {{
                 background-color: {bg_color.name()};
                 border-radius: 8px;
                 padding: 8px;
             }}
-        """
-        )
+        """)
         layout = QVBoxLayout(box)
 
         # Top layout with close button (left) and step indicator (right)
@@ -103,10 +104,12 @@ class TutorialOverlay(QWidget):
         # Back button with material icon
         self.back_btn = QPushButton("Back")
         self.back_btn.setIcon(material_icon("arrow_back"))
+        self.back_btn.setToolTip("Press Backspace to go back")
 
         # Next button with material icon
         self.next_btn = QPushButton("Next")
         self.next_btn.setIcon(material_icon("arrow_forward"))
+        self.next_btn.setToolTip("Press Enter to continue")
 
         btn_layout.addStretch()
         btn_layout.addWidget(self.back_btn)
@@ -115,6 +118,15 @@ class TutorialOverlay(QWidget):
         layout.addLayout(top_layout)
         layout.addWidget(self.label)
         layout.addLayout(btn_layout)
+
+        # Escape closes the tour
+        QShortcut(QKeySequence(Qt.Key.Key_Escape), self, activated=self.close_btn.click)
+        # Enter and Return activates the next button
+        QShortcut(QKeySequence(Qt.Key.Key_Return), self, activated=self.next_btn.click)
+        QShortcut(QKeySequence(Qt.Key.Key_Enter), self, activated=self.next_btn.click)
+        # Map Backspace to the back button
+        QShortcut(QKeySequence(Qt.Key.Key_Backspace), self, activated=self.back_btn.click)
+
         return box
 
     def paintEvent(self, event):  # pylint: disable=unused-argument
@@ -223,6 +235,9 @@ class TutorialOverlay(QWidget):
         self.message_box.show()
         self.update()
 
+        # Update the focus policy of the buttons
+        self.back_btn.setEnabled(current_step > 1)
+
     def eventFilter(self, obj, event):
         if event.type() == QEvent.Type.Resize:
             self.setGeometry(obj.rect())
@@ -262,7 +277,9 @@ class GuidedTour(QObject):
     def register_widget(
         self,
         *,
-        widget: QWidget | QAction | Callable[[], tuple[QWidget | QAction, str | None]],
+        widget: (
+            QWidget | QAction | QRect | Callable[[], tuple[QWidget | QAction | QRect, str | None]]
+        ),
         text: str = "",
         title: str = "",
     ) -> str:
@@ -270,7 +287,7 @@ class GuidedTour(QObject):
         Register a widget with help text for tours.
 
         Args:
-            widget (QWidget | QAction | Callable[[], tuple[QWidget | QAction, str | None]]): The target widget or a callable that returns the widget and its help text.
+            widget (QWidget | QAction | QRect | Callable[[], tuple[QWidget | QAction | QRect, str | None]]): The target widget or a callable that returns the widget and its help text.
             text (str): The help text for the widget. This will be shown during the tour.
             title (str, optional): A title for the widget (defaults to its class name or action text).
 
@@ -293,6 +310,9 @@ class GuidedTour(QObject):
 
             widget_ref = _resolve_toolbar_button
             default_title = getattr(widget, "tooltip", "Toolbar Menu")
+        elif isinstance(widget, QRect):
+            widget_ref = widget
+            default_title = "Area"
         else:
             widget_ref = saferef.safe_ref(widget)
             default_title = widget.__class__.__name__ if hasattr(widget, "__class__") else "Widget"
@@ -327,11 +347,14 @@ class GuidedTour(QObject):
             if mb and mb not in menubars:
                 menubars.append(mb)
         menubars += [mb for mb in mw.findChildren(QMenuBar) if mb not in menubars]
+        menubars += [mb for mb in mw.findChildren(QMenu) if mb not in menubars]
+
         for mb in menubars:
             if action in mb.actions():
                 ar = mb.actionGeometry(action)
                 top_left = mb.mapTo(mw, ar.topLeft())
                 return QRect(top_left, ar.size())
+
         return None
 
     def unregister_widget(self, step_id: str) -> bool:
@@ -452,9 +475,9 @@ class GuidedTour(QObject):
 
         if self._current_index > 0:
             self._current_index -= 1
-            self._show_current_step()
+            self._show_current_step(direction="prev")
 
-    def _show_current_step(self):
+    def _show_current_step(self, direction: Literal["next"] | Literal["prev"] = "next"):
         """Display the current step."""
         if not self._active or not self.overlay:
             return
@@ -464,7 +487,9 @@ class GuidedTour(QObject):
 
         target, step_text = self._resolve_step_target(step)
         if target is None:
-            self._advance_past_invalid_step(step_title, reason="Step target no longer exists.")
+            self._advance_past_invalid_step(
+                step_title, reason="Step target no longer exists.", direction=direction
+            )
             return
 
         main_window = self.main_window
@@ -473,7 +498,9 @@ class GuidedTour(QObject):
             self.stop_tour()
             return
 
-        highlight_rect = self._get_highlight_rect(main_window, target, step_title)
+        highlight_rect = self._get_highlight_rect(
+            main_window, target, step_title, direction=direction
+        )
         if highlight_rect is None:
             return
 
@@ -483,9 +510,6 @@ class GuidedTour(QObject):
 
         self.overlay.show_step(highlight_rect, step_title, step_text, current_step, total_steps)
 
-        # Update button states
-        self.overlay.back_btn.setEnabled(self._current_index > 0)
-
         # Update next button text and state
         is_last_step = self._current_index >= len(self._tour_steps) - 1
         if is_last_step:
@@ -499,7 +523,7 @@ class GuidedTour(QObject):
 
         self.step_changed.emit(self._current_index + 1, len(self._tour_steps))
 
-    def _resolve_step_target(self, step: TourStep) -> tuple[QWidget | QAction | None, str]:
+    def _resolve_step_target(self, step: TourStep) -> tuple[QWidget | QAction | QRect | None, str]:
         """
         Resolve the target widget/action for the given step.
 
@@ -507,7 +531,7 @@ class GuidedTour(QObject):
             step(TourStep): The tour step to resolve.
 
         Returns:
-            tuple[QWidget | QAction | None, str]: The resolved target and the step text.
+            tuple[QWidget | QAction | QRect | None, str]: The resolved target, optional QRect, and the step text.
         """
         widget_ref = step.get("widget_ref")
         step_text = step.get("text", "")
@@ -520,7 +544,7 @@ class GuidedTour(QObject):
         if target is None:
             return None, step_text
 
-        if callable(target) and not isinstance(target, (QWidget, QAction)):
+        if callable(target) and not isinstance(target, (QWidget, QAction, QRect)):
             result = target()
             if isinstance(result, tuple):
                 target, alt_text = result
@@ -532,7 +556,11 @@ class GuidedTour(QObject):
         return target, step_text
 
     def _get_highlight_rect(
-        self, main_window: QWidget, target: QWidget | QAction, step_title: str
+        self,
+        main_window: QWidget,
+        target: QWidget | QAction | QRect,
+        step_title: str,
+        direction: Literal["next"] | Literal["prev"] = "next",
     ) -> QRect | None:
         """
         Get the QRect in main_window coordinates to highlight for the given target.
@@ -545,12 +573,15 @@ class GuidedTour(QObject):
         Returns:
             QRect | None: The rectangle to highlight, or None if not found/visible.
         """
+        if isinstance(target, QRect):
+            return target
         if isinstance(target, QAction):
             rect = self._action_highlight_rect(target)
             if rect is None:
                 self._advance_past_invalid_step(
                     step_title,
                     reason=f"Could not find visible widget or menu for QAction {target.text()!r}.",
+                    direction=direction,
                 )
                 return None
             return rect
@@ -559,28 +590,60 @@ class GuidedTour(QObject):
             if self._visible_check:
                 if not target.isVisible():
                     self._advance_past_invalid_step(
-                        step_title, reason=f"Widget {target!r} is not visible."
+                        step_title, reason=f"Widget {target!r} is not visible.", direction=direction
                     )
                     return None
             rect = target.rect()
             top_left = target.mapTo(main_window, rect.topLeft())
             return QRect(top_left, rect.size())
 
+        if isinstance(target, QTableWidgetItem):
+            # NOTE: On header items (which are also QTableWidgetItems), this does not work,
+            # Header items are just used as data containers by Qt, thus, we have to directly
+            # pass the QRect through the method (+ make sure the appropriate header section
+            # is visible). This can be handled in the callable method.)
+            table = target.tableWidget()
+
+            if self._visible_check:
+                if not table.isVisible():
+                    self._advance_past_invalid_step(
+                        step_title,
+                        reason=f"Table widget {table!r} is not visible.",
+                        direction=direction,
+                    )
+                    return None
+
+            # Table item
+            if table.item(target.row(), target.column()) == target:
+                table.scrollToItem(target, QAbstractItemView.ScrollHint.PositionAtCenter)
+                rect = table.visualItemRect(target)
+                top_left = table.viewport().mapTo(main_window, rect.topLeft())
+                return QRect(top_left, rect.size())
+
         self._advance_past_invalid_step(
-            step_title, reason=f"Unsupported step target type: {type(target)}"
+            step_title, reason=f"Unsupported step target type: {type(target)}", direction=direction
         )
         return None
 
-    def _advance_past_invalid_step(self, step_title: str, *, reason: str):
+    def _advance_past_invalid_step(
+        self, step_title: str, *, reason: str, direction: Literal["next"] | Literal["prev"] = "next"
+    ):
         """
         Skip the current step (or stop the tour) when the target cannot be visualised.
         """
-        logger.warning("%s Skipping step %r.", reason, step_title)
-        if self._current_index < len(self._tour_steps) - 1:
-            self._current_index += 1
-            self._show_current_step()
-        else:
-            self.stop_tour()
+        logger.warning(f"{reason} Skipping step {step_title!r}.")
+        if direction == "next":
+            if self._current_index < len(self._tour_steps) - 1:
+                self._current_index += 1
+                self._show_current_step()
+            else:
+                self.stop_tour()
+        elif direction == "prev":
+            if self._current_index > 0:
+                self._current_index -= 1
+                self._show_current_step(direction="prev")
+            else:
+                self.stop_tour()
 
     def get_registered_widgets(self) -> Dict[str, TourStep]:
         """Get all registered widgets."""
@@ -663,8 +726,33 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):  # pragma: no cover
             title="Tools Menu",
         )
 
+        sub_menu_action = self.tools_menu_actions["notes"].action
+
+        def get_sub_menu_action():
+            # open the tools menu
+            menu_button = self.tools_menu_action._button_ref()
+            if menu_button:
+                menu_button.showMenu()
+
+            return (
+                self.tools_menu_action.actions["notes"].action,
+                "This action allows you to add notes.",
+            )
+
+        sub_menu = self.guided_help.register_widget(
+            widget=get_sub_menu_action,
+            text="This is a sub-action within the tools menu.",
+            title="Add Note Action",
+        )
+
         # Create tour from registered widgets
-        self.tour_step_ids = [primary_step, secondary_step, toolbar_action_step, tools_menu_step]
+        self.tour_step_ids = [
+            sub_menu,
+            primary_step,
+            secondary_step,
+            toolbar_action_step,
+            tools_menu_step,
+        ]
         widget_ids = self.tour_step_ids
         self.guided_help.create_tour(widget_ids)
 

bec_widgets/utils/help_inspector/help_inspector.py

@@ -129,7 +129,7 @@ class HelpInspector(BECWidget, QtWidgets.QWidget):
                 # TODO check what happens if the HELP Inspector itself is embedded in another BECWidget
                 # I suppose we would like to get the first ancestor that is a BECWidget, not the topmost one
                 if not isinstance(widget, BECWidget):
-                    widget = WidgetHierarchy._get_becwidget_ancestor(widget)
+                    widget = WidgetHierarchy.get_becwidget_ancestor(widget)
                 if widget:
                     if widget is self:
                         self._toggle_mode(False)

bec_widgets/utils/ophyd_kind_util.py

@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ class Kind(IFBase):
     """
     This is used in the .kind attribute of all OphydObj (Signals, Devices).
 
-    A Device examines its components' .kind atttribute to decide whether to
+    A Device examines its components' .kind attribute to decide whether to
     traverse it in read(), read_configuration(), or neither. Additionally, if
     decides whether to include its name in `hints['fields']`.
     """

bec_widgets/utils/plugin_templates/plugin.template

@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ class {plugin_name_pascal}Plugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
         if parent is None:
-           return QWidget()
+            return QWidget()
         t = {plugin_name_pascal}(parent)
         return t
 

bec_widgets/utils/plugin_utils.py

@@ -7,9 +7,9 @@ from dataclasses import dataclass
 from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Iterable
 
 from bec_lib.plugin_helper import _get_available_plugins
-from qtpy.QtWidgets import QGraphicsWidget, QWidget
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
-from bec_widgets.utils import BECConnector
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_connector import BECConnector
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
@@ -166,18 +166,17 @@ class BECClassContainer:
         return [info.obj for info in self.collection]
 
 
-def get_custom_classes(repo_name: str) -> BECClassContainer:
-    """
-    Get all RPC-enabled classes in the specified repository.
-
-    Args:
-        repo_name(str): The name of the repository.
-
-    Returns:
-        dict: A dictionary with keys "connector_classes" and "top_level_classes" and values as lists of classes.
-    """
+def _collect_classes_from_package(repo_name: str, package: str) -> BECClassContainer:
+    """Collect classes from a package subtree (for example ``widgets`` or ``applications``)."""
     collection = BECClassContainer()
-    anchor_module = importlib.import_module(f"{repo_name}.widgets")
+    try:
+        anchor_module = importlib.import_module(f"{repo_name}.{package}")
+    except ModuleNotFoundError as exc:
+        # Some plugin repositories expose only one subtree. Skip gracefully if it does not exist.
+        if exc.name == f"{repo_name}.{package}":
+            return collection
+        raise
+
     directory = os.path.dirname(anchor_module.__file__)
     for root, _, files in sorted(os.walk(directory)):
         for file in files:
@@ -185,13 +184,13 @@ def get_custom_classes(repo_name: str) -> BECClassContainer:
                 continue
 
             path = os.path.join(root, file)
-            subs = os.path.dirname(os.path.relpath(path, directory)).split("/")
-            if len(subs) == 1 and not subs[0]:
+            rel_dir = os.path.dirname(os.path.relpath(path, directory))
+            if rel_dir in ("", "."):
                 module_name = file.split(".")[0]
             else:
-                module_name = ".".join(subs + [file.split(".")[0]])
+                module_name = ".".join(rel_dir.split(os.sep) + [file.split(".")[0]])
 
-            module = importlib.import_module(f"{repo_name}.widgets.{module_name}")
+            module = importlib.import_module(f"{repo_name}.{package}.{module_name}")
 
             for name in dir(module):
                 obj = getattr(module, name)
@@ -203,12 +202,30 @@ def get_custom_classes(repo_name: str) -> BECClassContainer:
                         class_info.is_connector = True
                     if issubclass(obj, QWidget) or issubclass(obj, BECWidget):
                         class_info.is_widget = True
-                    if len(subs) == 1 and (
-                        issubclass(obj, QWidget) or issubclass(obj, QGraphicsWidget)
-                    ):
-                        class_info.is_top_level = True
                     if hasattr(obj, "PLUGIN") and obj.PLUGIN:
                         class_info.is_plugin = True
                     collection.add_class(class_info)
-
+    return collection
+
+
+def get_custom_classes(
+    repo_name: str, packages: tuple[str, ...] | None = None
+) -> BECClassContainer:
+    """
+    Get all relevant classes for RPC/CLI in the specified repository.
+
+    By default, discovery is limited to ``<repo>.widgets`` for backward compatibility.
+    Additional package subtrees (for example ``applications``) can be included explicitly.
+
+    Args:
+        repo_name(str): The name of the repository.
+        packages(tuple[str, ...] | None): Optional tuple of package names to scan. Defaults to ("widgets",) for backward compatibility.
+
+    Returns:
+        BECClassContainer: Container with collected class information.
+    """
+    selected_packages = packages or ("widgets",)
+    collection = BECClassContainer()
+    for package in selected_packages:
+        collection += _collect_classes_from_package(repo_name, package)
     return collection

bec_widgets/utils/round_frame.py

@@ -69,13 +69,11 @@ class RoundedFrame(QFrame):
         """
         Update the style of the frame based on the background color.
         """
-        self.setStyleSheet(
-            f"""
+        self.setStyleSheet(f"""
                 QFrame#roundedFrame {{
                     border-radius: {self._radius}px;
                 }}
-            """
-        )
+            """)
         self.apply_plot_widget_style()
 
     def apply_plot_widget_style(self, border: str = "none"):

bec_widgets/utils/rpc_server.py

@@ -4,20 +4,24 @@ import functools
 import traceback
 import types
 from contextlib import contextmanager
-from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Callable, TypeVar
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Callable, Literal, TypeVar
 
 from bec_lib.client import BECClient
 from bec_lib.endpoints import MessageEndpoints
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from bec_lib.utils.import_utils import lazy_import
 from qtpy.QtCore import Qt, QTimer
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 from redis.exceptions import RedisError
 
-from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_register import RPCRegister
-from bec_widgets.utils import BECDispatcher
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_connector import BECConnector
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_dispatcher import BECDispatcher
+from bec_widgets.utils.container_utils import WidgetContainerUtils
 from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import ErrorPopupUtility
-from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.main_window import BECMainWindow
+from bec_widgets.utils.rpc_register import RPCRegister
+from bec_widgets.utils.screen_utils import apply_window_geometry
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area import BECDockArea
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.main_window import BECMainWindow, BECMainWindowNoRPC
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
     from bec_lib import messages
@@ -114,11 +118,14 @@ class RPCServer:
         logger.debug(f"Received RPC instruction: {msg}, metadata: {metadata}")
         with rpc_exception_hook(functools.partial(self.send_response, request_id, False)):
             try:
-                obj = self.get_object_from_config(msg["parameter"])
                 method = msg["action"]
                 args = msg["parameter"].get("args", [])
                 kwargs = msg["parameter"].get("kwargs", {})
-                res = self.run_rpc(obj, method, args, kwargs)
+                if method.startswith("system."):
+                    res = self.run_system_rpc(method, args, kwargs)
+                else:
+                    obj = self.get_object_from_config(msg["parameter"])
+                    res = self.run_rpc(obj, method, args, kwargs)
             except Exception:
                 content = traceback.format_exc()
                 logger.error(f"Error while executing RPC instruction: {content}")
@@ -149,7 +156,7 @@ class RPCServer:
             if method == "raise" and hasattr(
                 obj, "setWindowState"
             ):  # special case for raising windows, should work even if minimized
-                # this is a special case for raising windows for gnome on rethat 9 systems where changing focus is supressed by default
+                # this is a special case for raising windows for gnome on Red Hat (RHEL) 9 systems where changing focus is suppressed by default
                 # The procedure is as follows:
                 # 1. Get the current window state to check if the window is minimized and remove minimized flag
                 # 2. Then in order to force gnome to raise the window, we set the window to stay on top temporarily
@@ -174,18 +181,96 @@ class RPCServer:
                 obj.show()
                 res = None
             else:
-                method_obj = getattr(obj, method)
+                target_obj, method_obj = self._resolve_rpc_target(obj, method)
                 # check if the method accepts args and kwargs
                 if not callable(method_obj):
                     if not args:
                         res = method_obj
                     else:
-                        setattr(obj, method, args[0])
+                        setattr(target_obj, method, args[0])
                         res = None
                 else:
                     res = method_obj(*args, **kwargs)
         return res
 
+    def _resolve_rpc_target(self, obj, method: str) -> tuple[object, object]:
+        """
+        Resolve a method/property access target for RPC execution.
+
+        Primary target is the object itself. If not found there and the class defines
+        ``RPC_CONTENT_CLASS``, unresolved method names can be delegated to the content
+        widget referenced by ``RPC_CONTENT_ATTR`` (default ``content``), but only when
+        the method is explicitly listed in the content class ``USER_ACCESS``.
+        """
+        if hasattr(obj, method):
+            return obj, getattr(obj, method)
+
+        content_cls = getattr(type(obj), "RPC_CONTENT_CLASS", None)
+        if content_cls is None:
+            raise AttributeError(f"{type(obj).__name__} has no attribute '{method}'")
+
+        content_user_access = set()
+        for entry in getattr(content_cls, "USER_ACCESS", []):
+            if entry.endswith(".setter"):
+                content_user_access.add(entry.split(".setter")[0])
+            else:
+                content_user_access.add(entry)
+
+        if method not in content_user_access:
+            raise AttributeError(f"{type(obj).__name__} has no attribute '{method}'")
+
+        content_attr = getattr(type(obj), "RPC_CONTENT_ATTR", "content")
+        target_obj = getattr(obj, content_attr, None)
+        if target_obj is None:
+            raise AttributeError(
+                f"{type(obj).__name__} has no content target '{content_attr}' for RPC delegation"
+            )
+        if not isinstance(target_obj, content_cls):
+            raise AttributeError(
+                f"{type(obj).__name__}.{content_attr} is not instance of {content_cls.__name__}"
+            )
+        if not hasattr(target_obj, method):
+            raise AttributeError(f"{content_cls.__name__} has no attribute '{method}'")
+        return target_obj, getattr(target_obj, method)
+
+    def run_system_rpc(self, method: str, args: list, kwargs: dict):
+        if method == "system.launch_dock_area":
+            return self._launch_dock_area(*args, **kwargs)
+        if method == "system.list_capabilities":
+            return {"system.launch_dock_area": True}
+        raise ValueError(f"Unknown system RPC method: {method}")
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def _launch_dock_area(
+        name: str | None = None,
+        geometry: tuple[int, int, int, int] | None = None,
+        startup_profile: str | Literal["restore", "skip"] | None = None,
+    ) -> QWidget | None:
+        from bec_widgets.applications import bw_launch
+
+        with RPCRegister.delayed_broadcast() as rpc_register:
+            existing_dock_areas = rpc_register.get_names_of_rpc_by_class_type(BECDockArea)
+            if name is not None:
+                WidgetContainerUtils.raise_for_invalid_name(name)
+                if name in existing_dock_areas:
+                    name = WidgetContainerUtils.generate_unique_name(name, existing_dock_areas)
+            else:
+                name = WidgetContainerUtils.generate_unique_name("dock_area", existing_dock_areas)
+
+            result_widget = bw_launch.dock_area(object_name=name, startup_profile=startup_profile)
+            result_widget.window().setWindowTitle(f"BEC - {name}")
+
+            if isinstance(result_widget, BECMainWindow):
+                apply_window_geometry(result_widget, geometry)
+                result_widget.show()
+            else:
+                window = BECMainWindowNoRPC()
+                window.setCentralWidget(result_widget)
+                window.setWindowTitle(f"BEC - {result_widget.objectName()}")
+                apply_window_geometry(window, geometry)
+                window.show()
+            return result_widget
+
     def serialize_result_and_send(self, request_id: str, res: object):
         """
         Serialize the result of an RPC call and send it back to the client.
@@ -255,6 +340,9 @@ class RPCServer:
         # Respect RPC = False
         if getattr(obj, "RPC", True) is False:
             return None
+        # Respect rpc_exposed = False
+        if getattr(obj, "rpc_exposed", True) is False:
+            return None
         return self._serialize_bec_connector(obj, wait=True)
 
     def emit_heartbeat(self) -> None:
@@ -283,6 +371,8 @@ class RPCServer:
                 continue
             if not getattr(val, "RPC", True):
                 continue
+            if not getattr(val, "rpc_exposed", True):
+                continue
             data[key] = self._serialize_bec_connector(val)
         if self._broadcasted_data == data:
             return
@@ -333,23 +423,9 @@ class RPCServer:
             "widget_class": widget_class,
             "config": config_dict,
             "container_proxy": container_proxy,
-            "__rpc__": True,
+            "__rpc__": getattr(connector, "rpc_exposed", True),
         }
 
-    @staticmethod
-    def _get_becwidget_ancestor(widget: QObject) -> BECConnector | None:
-        """
-        Traverse up the parent chain to find the nearest BECConnector.
-        Returns None if none is found.
-        """
-
-        parent = widget.parent()
-        while parent is not None:
-            if isinstance(parent, BECConnector):
-                return parent
-            parent = parent.parent()
-        return None
-
     # Suppose clients register callbacks to receive updates
     def add_registry_update_callback(self, cb: Callable) -> None:
         """
@@ -366,5 +442,5 @@ class RPCServer:
         self.status = messages.BECStatus.IDLE
         self._heartbeat_timer.stop()
         self.emit_heartbeat()
-        logger.info("Succeded in shutting down CLI server")
+        logger.info("Succeeded in shutting down CLI server")
         self.client.shutdown()

bec_widgets/utils/rpc_widget_handler.py

@@ -32,7 +32,8 @@ class RPCWidgetHandler:
             None
         """
         self._widget_classes = (
-            get_custom_classes("bec_widgets") + get_all_plugin_widgets()
+            get_custom_classes("bec_widgets", packages=("widgets", "applications"))
+            + get_all_plugin_widgets()
         ).as_dict(IGNORE_WIDGETS)
 
     def create_widget(self, widget_type, **kwargs) -> BECWidget:

bec_widgets/utils/toolbars/actions.py

@@ -35,16 +35,19 @@ logger = bec_logger.logger
 MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
 
 
-def create_action_with_text(toolbar_action, toolbar: QToolBar):
+def create_action_with_text(toolbar_action, toolbar: QToolBar, min_size: QSize | None = None):
     """
     Helper function to create a toolbar button with text beside or under the icon.
 
     Args:
         toolbar_action(ToolBarAction): The toolbar action to create the button for.
         toolbar(ModularToolBar): The toolbar to add the button to.
+        min_size(QSize, optional): The minimum size for the button. Defaults to None.
     """
 
     btn = QToolButton(parent=toolbar)
+    if min_size is not None:
+        btn.setMinimumSize(min_size)
     if getattr(toolbar_action, "label_text", None):
         toolbar_action.action.setText(toolbar_action.label_text)
     if getattr(toolbar_action, "tooltip", None):
@@ -599,16 +602,14 @@ class ExpandableMenuAction(ToolBarAction):
             button.setIcon(QIcon(self.icon_path))
         button.setText(self.tooltip)
         button.setPopupMode(QToolButton.ToolButtonPopupMode.InstantPopup)
-        button.setStyleSheet(
-            """
+        button.setStyleSheet("""
                    QToolButton {
                        font-size: 14px;
                    }
                    QMenu {
                        font-size: 14px;
                    }
-               """
-        )
+               """)
         menu = QMenu(button)
         for action_container in self.actions.values():
             action: QAction = action_container.action

bec_widgets/utils/toolbars/splitter.py

@@ -106,8 +106,7 @@ class ResizableSpacer(QWidget):
 
         self.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Policy.Fixed, QSizePolicy.Policy.Fixed)
 
-        self.setStyleSheet(
-            """
+        self.setStyleSheet("""
             ResizableSpacer {
                 background-color: transparent;
                 margin: 0px;
@@ -117,8 +116,7 @@ class ResizableSpacer(QWidget):
             ResizableSpacer:hover {
                 background-color: rgba(100, 100, 200, 80);
             }
-        """
-        )
+        """)
 
         self.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
 

bec_widgets/utils/toolbars/toolbar.py

@@ -291,8 +291,7 @@ class ModularToolBar(QToolBar):
         menu = QMenu(self)
         theme = get_theme_name()
         if theme == "dark":
-            menu.setStyleSheet(
-                """
+            menu.setStyleSheet("""
                 QMenu {
                     background-color: rgba(50, 50, 50, 0.9);
                     border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2);
@@ -300,12 +299,10 @@ class ModularToolBar(QToolBar):
                 QMenu::item:selected {
                     background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.2);
                 }
-            """
-            )
+            """)
         else:
             # Light theme styling
-            menu.setStyleSheet(
-                """
+            menu.setStyleSheet("""
                 QMenu {
                     background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9);
                     border: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);
@@ -313,8 +310,7 @@ class ModularToolBar(QToolBar):
                 QMenu::item:selected {
                     background-color: rgba(0, 0, 255, 0.2);
                 }
-            """
-            )
+            """)
         for ii, bundle in enumerate(self.shown_bundles):
             self.handle_bundle_context_menu(menu, bundle)
             if ii < len(self.shown_bundles) - 1:

bec_widgets/utils/widget_highlighter.py

@@ -0,0 +1,95 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import shiboken6
+from qtpy.QtCore import QPropertyAnimation, QRect, QSequentialAnimationGroup, Qt
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QFrame, QWidget
+
+
+class WidgetHighlighter:
+    """
+    Utility that highlights widgets by drawing a temporary frame around them.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        *,
+        frame_parent: QWidget | None = None,
+        window_flags: Qt.WindowType | Qt.WindowFlags = Qt.WindowType.Tool
+        | Qt.WindowType.FramelessWindowHint
+        | Qt.WindowType.WindowStaysOnTopHint,
+        style_sheet: str = "border: 2px solid #FF00FF; border-radius: 6px; background: transparent;",
+    ) -> None:
+        self._frame_parent = frame_parent
+        self._window_flags = window_flags
+        self._style_sheet = style_sheet
+        self._frame: QFrame | None = None
+        self._animation_group: QSequentialAnimationGroup | None = None
+
+    def highlight(self, widget: QWidget | None) -> None:
+        """
+        Highlight the given widget with a pulsing frame.
+        """
+        if widget is None or not shiboken6.isValid(widget):
+            return
+
+        frame = self._ensure_frame()
+        frame.hide()
+
+        geom = widget.frameGeometry()
+        top_left = widget.mapToGlobal(widget.rect().topLeft())
+        frame.setGeometry(top_left.x(), top_left.y(), geom.width(), geom.height())
+        frame.setWindowOpacity(1.0)
+        frame.show()
+
+        start_rect = QRect(
+            top_left.x() - 5, top_left.y() - 5, geom.width() + 10, geom.height() + 10
+        )
+
+        pulse = QPropertyAnimation(frame, b"geometry", frame)
+        pulse.setDuration(300)
+        pulse.setStartValue(start_rect)
+        pulse.setEndValue(QRect(top_left.x(), top_left.y(), geom.width(), geom.height()))
+
+        fade = QPropertyAnimation(frame, b"windowOpacity", frame)
+        fade.setDuration(2000)
+        fade.setStartValue(1.0)
+        fade.setEndValue(0.0)
+        fade.finished.connect(frame.hide)
+
+        if self._animation_group is not None:
+            old_group = self._animation_group
+            self._animation_group = None
+            old_group.stop()
+            old_group.deleteLater()
+
+        animation = QSequentialAnimationGroup(frame)
+        animation.addAnimation(pulse)
+        animation.addAnimation(fade)
+        animation.start()
+
+        self._animation_group = animation
+
+    def cleanup(self) -> None:
+        """
+        Delete the highlight frame and cancel pending animations.
+        """
+        if self._animation_group is not None:
+            self._animation_group.stop()
+            self._animation_group.deleteLater()
+            self._animation_group = None
+        if self._frame is not None:
+            self._frame.hide()
+            self._frame.deleteLater()
+            self._frame = None
+
+    @property
+    def frame(self) -> QFrame | None:
+        """Return the currently allocated highlight frame (if any)."""
+        return self._frame
+
+    def _ensure_frame(self) -> QFrame:
+        if self._frame is None:
+            self._frame = QFrame(self._frame_parent, self._window_flags)
+            self._frame.setAttribute(Qt.WidgetAttribute.WA_TransparentForMouseEvents)
+            self._frame.setStyleSheet(self._style_sheet)
+        return self._frame

bec_widgets/utils/widget_io.py

@@ -2,10 +2,12 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
 from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
+from dataclasses import dataclass
 from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Type, TypeVar, cast
 
 import shiboken6 as shb
 from bec_lib import bec_logger
+from qtpy.QtCore import Qt
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
     QApplication,
     QCheckBox,
@@ -24,13 +26,21 @@ from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
 from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.toggle.toggle import ToggleSwitch
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
-    from bec_widgets.utils import BECConnector
+    from bec_widgets.utils.bec_connector import BECConnector
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 
 TAncestor = TypeVar("TAncestor", bound=QWidget)
 
 
+@dataclass(frozen=True)
+class WidgetTreeNode:
+    widget: QWidget
+    parent: QWidget | None
+    depth: int
+    prefix: str
+
+
 class WidgetHandler(ABC):
     """Abstract base class for all widget handlers."""
 
@@ -320,6 +330,72 @@ class WidgetIO:
 
 
 class WidgetHierarchy:
+    @staticmethod
+    def iter_widget_tree(widget: QWidget, *, exclude_internal_widgets: bool = True):
+        """
+        Yield WidgetTreeNode entries for the widget hierarchy.
+        """
+        visited: set[int] = set()
+        yield from WidgetHierarchy._iter_widget_tree_nodes(
+            widget, None, exclude_internal_widgets, visited, [], 0
+        )
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def _iter_widget_tree_nodes(
+        widget: QWidget,
+        parent: QWidget | None,
+        exclude_internal_widgets: bool,
+        visited: set[int],
+        branch_flags: list[bool],
+        depth: int,
+    ):
+        if widget is None or not shb.isValid(widget):
+            return
+        widget_id = id(widget)
+        if widget_id in visited:
+            return
+        visited.add(widget_id)
+
+        prefix = WidgetHierarchy._build_prefix(branch_flags)
+        yield WidgetTreeNode(widget=widget, parent=parent, depth=depth, prefix=prefix)
+
+        children = WidgetHierarchy._filtered_children(widget, exclude_internal_widgets)
+        for idx, child in enumerate(children):
+            is_last = idx == len(children) - 1
+            yield from WidgetHierarchy._iter_widget_tree_nodes(
+                child,
+                widget,
+                exclude_internal_widgets,
+                visited,
+                branch_flags + [is_last],
+                depth + 1,
+            )
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def _build_prefix(branch_flags: list[bool]) -> str:
+        if not branch_flags:
+            return ""
+        parts: list[str] = []
+        for flag in branch_flags[:-1]:
+            parts.append("   " if flag else "│  ")
+        parts.append("└─ " if branch_flags[-1] else "├─ ")
+        return "".join(parts)
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def _filtered_children(widget: QWidget, exclude_internal_widgets: bool) -> list[QWidget]:
+        children: list[QWidget] = []
+        for child in widget.findChildren(QWidget, options=Qt.FindDirectChildrenOnly):
+            if not shb.isValid(child):
+                continue
+            if (
+                exclude_internal_widgets
+                and isinstance(widget, QComboBox)
+                and child.__class__.__name__ in ["QFrame", "QBoxLayout", "QListView"]
+            ):
+                continue
+            children.append(child)
+        return children
+
     @staticmethod
     def print_widget_hierarchy(
         widget,
@@ -342,55 +418,36 @@ class WidgetHierarchy:
             only_bec_widgets(bool, optional): Whether to print only widgets that are instances of BECWidget.
             show_parent(bool, optional): Whether to display which BECWidget is the parent of each discovered BECWidget.
         """
-        from bec_widgets.utils import BECConnector
+        from bec_widgets.utils.bec_connector import BECConnector
         from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.waveform.waveform import Waveform
 
-        # 1) Filter out widgets that are not BECConnectors (if 'only_bec_widgets' is True)
-        is_bec = isinstance(widget, BECConnector)
-        if only_bec_widgets and not is_bec:
-            return
-
-        # 2) Determine and print the parent's info (closest BECConnector)
-        parent_info = ""
-        if show_parent and is_bec:
-            ancestor = WidgetHierarchy._get_becwidget_ancestor(widget)
-            if ancestor:
-                parent_label = ancestor.objectName() or ancestor.__class__.__name__
-                parent_info = f" parent={parent_label}"
-            else:
-                parent_info = " parent=None"
-
-        widget_info = f"{widget.__class__.__name__} ({widget.objectName()}){parent_info}"
-        print(prefix + widget_info)
-
-        # 3) If it's a Waveform, explicitly print the curves
-        if isinstance(widget, Waveform):
-            for curve in widget.curves:
-                curve_prefix = prefix + "  └─ "
-                print(
-                    f"{curve_prefix}{curve.__class__.__name__} ({curve.objectName()}) "
-                    f"parent={widget.objectName()}"
-                )
-
-        # 4) Recursively handle each child if:
-        #    - It's a QWidget
-        #    - It is a BECConnector (or we don't care about filtering)
-        #    - Its closest BECConnector parent is the current widget
-        for child in widget.findChildren(QWidget):
-            if only_bec_widgets and not isinstance(child, BECConnector):
+        for node in WidgetHierarchy.iter_widget_tree(
+            widget, exclude_internal_widgets=exclude_internal_widgets
+        ):
+            current = node.widget
+            is_bec = isinstance(current, BECConnector)
+            if only_bec_widgets and not is_bec:
                 continue
 
-            # if WidgetHierarchy._get_becwidget_ancestor(child) == widget:
-            child_prefix = prefix + "  └─ "
-            WidgetHierarchy.print_widget_hierarchy(
-                child,
-                indent=indent + 1,
-                grab_values=grab_values,
-                prefix=child_prefix,
-                exclude_internal_widgets=exclude_internal_widgets,
-                only_bec_widgets=only_bec_widgets,
-                show_parent=show_parent,
-            )
+            parent_info = ""
+            if show_parent and is_bec:
+                ancestor = WidgetHierarchy.get_becwidget_ancestor(current)
+                if ancestor:
+                    parent_label = ancestor.objectName() or ancestor.__class__.__name__
+                    parent_info = f" parent={parent_label}"
+                else:
+                    parent_info = " parent=None"
+
+            widget_info = f"{current.__class__.__name__} ({current.objectName()}){parent_info}"
+            print(node.prefix + widget_info)
+
+            if isinstance(current, Waveform):
+                for curve in current.curves:
+                    curve_prefix = node.prefix + "   "
+                    print(
+                        f"{curve_prefix}└─ {curve.__class__.__name__} ({curve.objectName()}) "
+                        f"parent={current.objectName()}"
+                    )
 
     @staticmethod
     def print_becconnector_hierarchy_from_app():
@@ -411,7 +468,7 @@ class WidgetHierarchy:
 
         from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
 
-        from bec_widgets.utils import BECConnector
+        from bec_widgets.utils.bec_connector import BECConnector
         from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.plot_base import PlotBase
 
         # 1) Gather ALL QWidget-based BECConnector objects
@@ -430,7 +487,7 @@ class WidgetHierarchy:
         # 3) Build a map of (closest BECConnector parent) -> list of children
         parent_map = defaultdict(list)
         for w in bec_widgets:
-            parent_bec = WidgetHierarchy._get_becwidget_ancestor(w)
+            parent_bec = WidgetHierarchy.get_becwidget_ancestor(w)
             parent_map[parent_bec].append(w)
 
         # 4) Define a recursive printer to show each object's children
@@ -467,12 +524,17 @@ class WidgetHierarchy:
             print_tree(root, prefix="   ")
 
     @staticmethod
-    def _get_becwidget_ancestor(widget):
+    def get_becwidget_ancestor(widget):
         """
         Traverse up the parent chain to find the nearest BECConnector.
-        Returns None if none is found.
+
+        Args:
+            widget: Starting widget to find the ancestor for.
+
+        Returns:
+            The nearest ancestor that is a BECConnector, or None if not found.
         """
-        from bec_widgets.utils import BECConnector
+        from bec_widgets.utils.bec_connector import BECConnector
 
         # Guard against deleted/invalid Qt wrappers
         if not shb.isValid(widget):
@@ -574,13 +636,13 @@ class WidgetHierarchy:
         Return all BECConnector instances whose closest BECConnector ancestor is the given widget,
         including the widget itself if it is a BECConnector.
         """
-        from bec_widgets.utils import BECConnector
+        from bec_widgets.utils.bec_connector import BECConnector
 
         connectors: list[BECConnector] = []
         if isinstance(widget, BECConnector):
             connectors.append(widget)
         for child in widget.findChildren(BECConnector):
-            if WidgetHierarchy._get_becwidget_ancestor(child) is widget:
+            if WidgetHierarchy.get_becwidget_ancestor(child) is widget:
                 connectors.append(child)
         return connectors
 
@@ -602,7 +664,7 @@ class WidgetHierarchy:
             return None
 
         try:
-            from bec_widgets.utils import BECConnector  # local import to avoid cycles
+            from bec_widgets.utils.bec_connector import BECConnector  # local import to avoid cycles
 
             is_bec_target = False
             if isinstance(ancestor_class, str):
@@ -611,7 +673,7 @@ class WidgetHierarchy:
                 is_bec_target = issubclass(ancestor_class, BECConnector)
 
             if is_bec_target:
-                ancestor = WidgetHierarchy._get_becwidget_ancestor(widget)
+                ancestor = WidgetHierarchy.get_becwidget_ancestor(widget)
                 return cast(TAncestor, ancestor)
         except Exception as e:
             logger.error(f"Error importing BECConnector: {e}")

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/auto_update/auto_updates.py

@@ -41,12 +41,12 @@ class AutoUpdates(BECMainWindow):
             parent=self,
             object_name="dock_area",
             enable_profile_management=False,
-            restore_initial_profile=False,
+            startup_profile="skip",
         )
         self.setCentralWidget(self.dock_area)
         self._auto_update_selected_device: str | None = None
 
-        self._default_dock = None  # type:ignore
+        self._default_dock = None  # type: ignore
         self.current_widget: BECWidget | None = None
         self.dock_name = None
         self._enabled = True
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ class AutoUpdates(BECMainWindow):
         Disconnect all connections for the auto updates.
         """
         self.bec_dispatcher.disconnect_slot(
-            self._on_scan_status, MessageEndpoints.scan_status()  # type:ignore
+            self._on_scan_status, MessageEndpoints.scan_status()  # type: ignore
         )
 
     @property
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ class AutoUpdates(BECMainWindow):
         """
         Callback for scan status messages.
         """
-        msg = ScanStatusMessage.model_validate({**content, "metadata": metadata})
+        msg = ScanStatusMessage(**content, metadata=metadata)
         if not self.enabled:
             return
 
@@ -244,10 +244,10 @@ class AutoUpdates(BECMainWindow):
         wf = self.set_dock_to_widget("Waveform")
 
         # Get the scan report devices reported by the scan
-        dev_x = info.scan_report_devices[0]  # type:ignore
+        dev_x = info.scan_report_devices[0]  # type: ignore
 
         # For the y axis, get the selected device
-        dev_y = self.get_selected_device(info.readout_priority["monitored"])  # type:ignore
+        dev_y = self.get_selected_device(info.readout_priority["monitored"])  # type: ignore
         if not dev_y:
             return
 
@@ -256,8 +256,8 @@ class AutoUpdates(BECMainWindow):
         # as the label and title
         wf.clear_all()
         wf.plot(
-            x_name=dev_x,
-            y_name=dev_y,
+            device_x=dev_x,
+            device_y=dev_y,
             label=f"Scan {info.scan_number} - {dev_y}",
             title=f"Scan {info.scan_number}",
             x_label=dev_x,
@@ -265,7 +265,7 @@ class AutoUpdates(BECMainWindow):
         )
 
         logger.info(
-            f"Auto Update [simple_line_scan]: Started plot with: x_name={dev_x}, y_name={dev_y}"
+            f"Auto Update [simple_line_scan]: Started plot with: device_x={dev_x}, device_y={dev_y}"
         )
 
     def simple_grid_scan(self, info: ScanStatusMessage) -> None:
@@ -279,8 +279,8 @@ class AutoUpdates(BECMainWindow):
         scatter = self.set_dock_to_widget("ScatterWaveform")
 
         # Get the scan report devices reported by the scan
-        dev_x, dev_y = info.scan_report_devices[0], info.scan_report_devices[1]  # type:ignore
-        dev_z = self.get_selected_device(info.readout_priority["monitored"])  # type:ignore
+        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
@@ -288,11 +288,14 @@ class AutoUpdates(BECMainWindow):
         # Clear the scatter waveform widget and plot the data
         scatter.clear_all()
         scatter.plot(
-            x_name=dev_x, y_name=dev_y, z_name=dev_z, label=f"Scan {info.scan_number} - {dev_z}"
+            device_x=dev_x,
+            device_y=dev_y,
+            device_z=dev_z,
+            label=f"Scan {info.scan_number} - {dev_z}",
         )
 
         logger.info(
-            f"Auto Update [simple_grid_scan]: Started plot with: x_name={dev_x}, y_name={dev_y}, z_name={dev_z}"
+            f"Auto Update [simple_grid_scan]: Started plot with: device_x={dev_x}, device_y={dev_y}, device_z={dev_z}"
         )
 
     def best_effort(self, info: ScanStatusMessage) -> None:
@@ -306,8 +309,8 @@ class AutoUpdates(BECMainWindow):
         # If the scan report devices are empty, there is nothing we can do
         if not info.scan_report_devices:
             return
-        dev_x = info.scan_report_devices[0]  # type:ignore
-        dev_y = self.get_selected_device(info.readout_priority["monitored"])  # type:ignore
+        dev_x = info.scan_report_devices[0]  # type: ignore
+        dev_y = self.get_selected_device(info.readout_priority["monitored"])  # type: ignore
         if not dev_y:
             return
 
@@ -317,15 +320,17 @@ class AutoUpdates(BECMainWindow):
         # Clear the waveform widget and plot the data
         wf.clear_all()
         wf.plot(
-            x_name=dev_x,
-            y_name=dev_y,
+            device_x=dev_x,
+            device_y=dev_y,
             label=f"Scan {info.scan_number} - {dev_y}",
             title=f"Scan {info.scan_number}",
             x_label=dev_x,
             y_label=dev_y,
         )
 
-        logger.info(f"Auto Update [best_effort]: Started plot with: x_name={dev_x}, y_name={dev_y}")
+        logger.info(
+            f"Auto Update [best_effort]: Started plot with: device_x={dev_x}, device_y={dev_y}"
+        )
 
     #######################################################################
     ################# GUI Callbacks #######################################

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock_area/basic_dock_area.py

@@ -13,8 +13,9 @@ from shiboken6 import isValid
 
 import bec_widgets.widgets.containers.qt_ads as QtAds
 from bec_widgets import BECWidget, SafeSlot
-from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_widget_handler import widget_handler
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_connector import BECConnector
 from bec_widgets.utils.property_editor import PropertyEditor
+from bec_widgets.utils.rpc_widget_handler import widget_handler
 from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.actions import MaterialIconAction
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.qt_ads import (
     CDockAreaWidget,
@@ -112,6 +113,7 @@ class DockAreaWidget(BECWidget, QWidget):
         )
 
         self._root_layout.addWidget(self.dock_manager, 1)
+        self._install_manager_parent_guards()
 
     ################################################################################
     # Dock Utility Helpers
@@ -254,6 +256,54 @@ class DockAreaWidget(BECWidget, QWidget):
 
         return lambda dock: self._default_close_handler(dock, widget)
 
+    def _install_manager_parent_guards(self) -> None:
+        """
+        Track ADS structural changes so drag/drop-created tab areas keep stable parenting.
+        """
+        self.dock_manager.dockAreaCreated.connect(self._normalize_all_dock_parents)
+        self.dock_manager.dockWidgetAdded.connect(self._normalize_all_dock_parents)
+        self.dock_manager.stateRestored.connect(self._normalize_all_dock_parents)
+        self.dock_manager.restoringState.connect(self._normalize_all_dock_parents)
+        self.dock_manager.focusedDockWidgetChanged.connect(self._normalize_all_dock_parents)
+        self._normalize_all_dock_parents()
+
+    def _iter_all_dock_areas(self) -> list[CDockAreaWidget]:
+        """Return all dock areas from all known dock containers."""
+        areas: list[CDockAreaWidget] = []
+        for i in range(self.dock_manager.dockAreaCount()):
+            area = self.dock_manager.dockArea(i)
+            if area is None or not isValid(area):
+                continue
+            areas.append(area)
+        return areas
+
+    def _connect_dock_area_parent_guards(self) -> None:
+        """Bind area-level tab/view events to parent normalization."""
+        for area in self._iter_all_dock_areas():
+            try:
+                area.currentChanged.connect(
+                    self._normalize_all_dock_parents, Qt.ConnectionType.UniqueConnection
+                )
+                area.viewToggled.connect(
+                    self._normalize_all_dock_parents, Qt.ConnectionType.UniqueConnection
+                )
+            except TypeError:
+                area.currentChanged.connect(self._normalize_all_dock_parents)
+                area.viewToggled.connect(self._normalize_all_dock_parents)
+
+    def _normalize_all_dock_parents(self, *_args) -> None:
+        """
+        Ensure each dock has a stable parent after tab switches, re-docking, or restore.
+        """
+        self._connect_dock_area_parent_guards()
+        for dock in self.dock_list():
+            if dock is None or not isValid(dock):
+                continue
+            area_widget = dock.dockAreaWidget()
+            target_parent = area_widget if area_widget is not None else self.dock_manager
+            if dock.parent() is not target_parent:
+                dock.setParent(target_parent)
+
     def _make_dock(
         self,
         widget: QWidget,
@@ -356,6 +406,7 @@ class DockAreaWidget(BECWidget, QWidget):
                 self._apply_floating_state_to_dock(dock, floating_state)
         if resolved_icon is not None:
             dock.setIcon(resolved_icon)
+        self._normalize_all_dock_parents()
         return dock
 
     def _delete_dock(self, dock: CDockWidget) -> None:
@@ -1264,7 +1315,7 @@ class DockAreaWidget(BECWidget, QWidget):
                 or a sequence of button names to hide.
             show_settings_action(bool | None): Control whether a dock settings/property action should
                 be installed. Defaults to ``False`` for the basic dock area; subclasses
-                such as `AdvancedDockArea` override the default to ``True``.
+                such as `BECDockArea` override the default to ``True``.
             promote_central(bool): When True, promote the created dock to be the dock manager's
                 central widget (useful for editor stacks or other root content).
             dock_icon(QIcon | None): Optional icon applied to the dock via ``CDockWidget.setIcon``.
@@ -1334,37 +1385,40 @@ class DockAreaWidget(BECWidget, QWidget):
         dock = self._create_dock_from_spec(spec)
         return dock if return_dock else widget
 
-    def _iter_all_docks(self) -> list[CDockWidget]:
-        """Return all docks, including those hosted in floating containers."""
-        docks = list(self.dock_manager.dockWidgets())
-        seen = {id(d) for d in docks}
-        for container in self.dock_manager.floatingWidgets():
-            if container is None:
-                continue
-            for dock in container.dockWidgets():
-                if dock is None:
-                    continue
-                if id(dock) in seen:
-                    continue
-                docks.append(dock)
-                seen.add(id(dock))
-        return docks
-
     def dock_map(self) -> dict[str, CDockWidget]:
         """Return the dock widgets map as dictionary with names as keys."""
-        return {dock.objectName(): dock for dock in self._iter_all_docks() if dock.objectName()}
+        return self.dock_manager.dockWidgetsMap()
 
     def dock_list(self) -> list[CDockWidget]:
         """Return the list of dock widgets."""
-        return self._iter_all_docks()
+        return list(self.dock_map().values())
 
-    def widget_map(self) -> dict[str, QWidget]:
-        """Return a dictionary mapping widget names to their corresponding widgets."""
-        return {dock.objectName(): dock.widget() for dock in self.dock_list()}
+    def widget_map(self, bec_widgets_only: bool = True) -> dict[str, QWidget]:
+        """
+        Return a dictionary mapping widget names to their corresponding widgets.
 
-    def widget_list(self) -> list[QWidget]:
-        """Return a list of all widgets contained in the dock area."""
-        return [dock.widget() for dock in self.dock_list() if isinstance(dock.widget(), QWidget)]
+        Args:
+            bec_widgets_only(bool): If True, only include widgets that are BECConnector instances.
+        """
+
+        widgets: dict[str, QWidget] = {}
+        for dock in self.dock_list():
+            widget = dock.widget()
+            if not isinstance(widget, QWidget):
+                continue
+            if bec_widgets_only and not isinstance(widget, BECConnector):
+                continue
+            widgets[dock.objectName()] = widget
+        return widgets
+
+    def widget_list(self, bec_widgets_only: bool = True) -> list[QWidget]:
+        """
+        Return a list of widgets contained in the dock area.
+
+        Args:
+            bec_widgets_only(bool): If True, only include widgets that are BECConnector instances.
+        """
+        return list(self.widget_map(bec_widgets_only=bec_widgets_only).values())
 
     @SafeSlot()
     def attach_all(self):

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock_area/dock_area.py

@@ -19,10 +19,11 @@ from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
 
 import bec_widgets.widgets.containers.qt_ads as QtAds
 from bec_widgets import BECWidget, SafeProperty, SafeSlot
-from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_widget_handler import widget_handler
-from bec_widgets.utils import BECDispatcher
+from bec_widgets.applications.views.view import ViewTourSteps
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_dispatcher import BECDispatcher
 from bec_widgets.utils.colors import apply_theme
 from bec_widgets.utils.rpc_decorator import rpc_timeout
+from bec_widgets.utils.rpc_widget_handler import widget_handler
 from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.actions import (
     ExpandableMenuAction,
     MaterialIconAction,
@@ -34,25 +35,25 @@ from bec_widgets.utils.widget_state_manager import WidgetStateManager
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.basic_dock_area import DockAreaWidget
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.profile_utils import (
     SETTINGS_KEYS,
-    default_profile_candidates,
+    baseline_profile_candidates,
     delete_profile_files,
     get_last_profile,
     is_profile_read_only,
     is_quick_select,
     list_profiles,
     list_quick_profiles,
-    load_default_profile_screenshot,
-    load_user_profile_screenshot,
+    load_baseline_profile_screenshot,
+    load_runtime_profile_screenshot,
     now_iso_utc,
-    open_default_settings,
-    open_user_settings,
+    open_baseline_settings,
+    open_runtime_settings,
     profile_origin,
     profile_origin_display,
     read_manifest,
-    restore_user_from_default,
+    restore_runtime_from_baseline,
+    runtime_profile_candidates,
     set_last_profile,
     set_quick_select,
-    user_profile_candidates,
     write_manifest,
 )
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.settings.dialogs import (
@@ -68,7 +69,7 @@ from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.main_window import BECMainWindow
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.qt_ads import CDockWidget
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box import PositionerBox, PositionerBox2D
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.scan_control import ScanControl
-from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.web_console.web_console import BECShell, WebConsole
+from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.bec_console.bec_console import BecConsole, BECShell
 from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.heatmap.heatmap import Heatmap
 from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.image.image import Image
 from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.motor_map.motor_map import MotorMap
@@ -78,7 +79,7 @@ from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.waveform.waveform import Waveform
 from bec_widgets.widgets.progress.ring_progress_bar.ring_progress_bar import RingProgressBar
 from bec_widgets.widgets.services.bec_queue.bec_queue import BECQueue
 from bec_widgets.widgets.services.bec_status_box.bec_status_box import BECStatusBox
-from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.logpanel import LogPanel
+from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.logpanel.logpanel import LogPanel
 from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.visual.dark_mode_button.dark_mode_button import DarkModeButton
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
@@ -86,6 +87,7 @@ logger = bec_logger.logger
 _PROFILE_NAMESPACE_UNSET = object()
 
 PROFILE_STATE_KEYS = {key: SETTINGS_KEYS[key] for key in ("geom", "state", "ads_state")}
+StartupProfile = Literal["restore", "skip"] | str | None
 
 
 class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
@@ -106,6 +108,7 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
         "list_profiles",
         "save_profile",
         "load_profile",
+        "restore_baseline_profile",
         "delete_profile",
     ]
 
@@ -123,9 +126,7 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
         instance_id: str | None = None,
         auto_save_upon_exit: bool = True,
         enable_profile_management: bool = True,
-        restore_initial_profile: bool = True,
-        init_profile: str | None = None,
-        start_empty: bool = False,
+        startup_profile: StartupProfile = "restore",
         **kwargs,
     ):
         self._profile_namespace_hint = profile_namespace
@@ -134,14 +135,9 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
         self._instance_id = slugify.slugify(instance_id, separator="_") if instance_id else None
         self._auto_save_upon_exit = auto_save_upon_exit
         self._profile_management_enabled = enable_profile_management
-        self._restore_initial_profile = restore_initial_profile
-        self._init_profile = init_profile
-        self._start_empty = start_empty
+        self._startup_profile = self._normalize_startup_profile(startup_profile)
         super().__init__(
-            parent,
-            default_add_direction=default_add_direction,
-            title="Advanced Dock Area",
-            **kwargs,
+            parent, default_add_direction=default_add_direction, title="BEC Dock Area", **kwargs
         )
 
         # Initialize mode property first (before toolbar setup)
@@ -161,14 +157,16 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
         self._root_layout.insertWidget(0, self.toolbar)
 
         # Populate and hook the workspace combo
-        self._refresh_workspace_list()
         self._current_profile_name = None
+        self._empty_profile_active = False
+        self._empty_profile_consumed = False
         self._pending_autosave_skip: tuple[str, str] | None = None
         self._exit_snapshot_written = False
+        self._refresh_workspace_list()
 
         # State manager
         self.state_manager = WidgetStateManager(
-            self, serialize_from_root=True, root_id="AdvancedDockArea"
+            self, serialize_from_root=True, root_id="BECDockArea"
         )
 
         # Developer mode state
@@ -176,83 +174,81 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
         # Initialize default editable state based on current lock
         self._set_editable(True)  # default to editable; will sync toolbar toggle below
 
-        if self._ensure_initial_profile():
-            self._refresh_workspace_list()
-
         # Apply the requested mode after everything is set up
         self.mode = mode
-        if self._restore_initial_profile:
-            self._fetch_initial_profile()
+        self._fetch_initial_profile()
 
-    def _ensure_initial_profile(self) -> bool:
+    @staticmethod
+    def _normalize_startup_profile(startup_profile: StartupProfile) -> StartupProfile:
         """
-        Ensure the "general" workspace profile always exists for the current namespace.
-        The "general" profile is mandatory and will be recreated if deleted.
-        If list_profile fails due to file permission or corrupted profiles, no action taken.
-
-        Returns:
-            bool: True if a profile was created, False otherwise.
+        Normalize startup profile values.
         """
-        namespace = self.profile_namespace
-        try:
-            existing_profiles = list_profiles(namespace)
-        except Exception as exc:  # pragma: no cover - defensive guard
-            logger.warning(f"Unable to enumerate profiles for namespace '{namespace}': {exc}")
-            return False
+        if startup_profile == "":
+            return None
+        return startup_profile
 
-        # Always ensure "general" profile exists
-        name = "general"
-        if name in existing_profiles:
-            return False
-
-        logger.info(
-            f"Profile '{name}' not found in namespace '{namespace}'. Creating mandatory '{name}' workspace."
-        )
-
-        self._write_profile_settings(name, namespace, save_preview=False)
-        set_quick_select(name, True, namespace=namespace)
-        set_last_profile(name, namespace=namespace, instance=self._last_profile_instance_id())
-        return True
-
-    def _fetch_initial_profile(self):
-        # Restore last-used profile if available; otherwise fall back to combo selection
+    def _resolve_restore_startup_profile(self) -> str | None:
+        """
+        Resolve the profile name when startup profile is set to "restore".
+        """
         combo = self.toolbar.components.get_action("workspace_combo").widget
         namespace = self.profile_namespace
-        init_profile = None
 
-        # First priority: use init_profile if explicitly provided
-        if self._init_profile:
-            init_profile = self._init_profile
-        else:
-            # Try to restore from last used profile
-            instance_id = self._last_profile_instance_id()
-            if instance_id:
-                inst_profile = get_last_profile(
-                    namespace=namespace, instance=instance_id, allow_namespace_fallback=False
-                )
-                if inst_profile and self._profile_exists(inst_profile, namespace):
-                    init_profile = inst_profile
-            if not init_profile:
-                last = get_last_profile(namespace=namespace)
-                if last and self._profile_exists(last, namespace):
-                    init_profile = last
-                else:
-                    text = combo.currentText()
-                    init_profile = text if text else None
-            if not init_profile:
-                # Fall back to "general" profile which is guaranteed to exist
-                if self._profile_exists("general", namespace):
-                    init_profile = "general"
-        if init_profile:
-            self._load_initial_profile(init_profile)
+        instance_id = self._last_profile_instance_id()
+        if instance_id:
+            inst_profile = get_last_profile(
+                namespace=namespace, instance=instance_id, allow_namespace_fallback=False
+            )
+            if inst_profile and self._profile_exists(inst_profile, namespace):
+                return inst_profile
+
+        last = get_last_profile(namespace=namespace)
+        if last and self._profile_exists(last, namespace):
+            return last
+
+        combo_text = combo.currentText().strip()
+        if combo_text and self._profile_exists(combo_text, namespace):
+            return combo_text
+
+        return None
+
+    def _fetch_initial_profile(self):
+        startup_profile = self._startup_profile
+
+        if startup_profile == "skip":
+            logger.debug("Skipping startup profile initialization.")
+            return
+
+        if startup_profile == "restore":
+            restored = self._resolve_restore_startup_profile()
+            if restored:
+                self._load_initial_profile(restored)
+                return
+            self._start_empty_workspace()
+            return
+
+        if startup_profile is None:
+            self._start_empty_workspace()
+            return
+
+        self._load_initial_profile(startup_profile)
 
     def _load_initial_profile(self, name: str) -> None:
         """Load the initial profile."""
-        self.load_profile(name, start_empty=self._start_empty)
-        combo = self.toolbar.components.get_action("workspace_combo").widget
-        combo.blockSignals(True)
-        combo.setCurrentText(name)
-        combo.blockSignals(False)
+        self.load_profile(name)
+        if not self._empty_profile_active:
+            self._set_workspace_combo_text_silent(name)
+
+    def _start_empty_workspace(self) -> None:
+        """
+        Initialize the dock area in transient empty-profile mode.
+        """
+        if (
+            getattr(self, "_current_profile_name", None) is None
+            and not self._empty_profile_consumed
+        ):
+            self.delete_all()
+            self._enter_empty_profile_state()
 
     def _customize_dock(self, dock: CDockWidget, widget: QWidget) -> None:
         prefs = getattr(dock, "_dock_preferences", {}) or {}
@@ -303,7 +299,7 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
                 or a sequence of button names to hide.
             show_settings_action(bool | None): Control whether a dock settings/property action should
                 be installed. Defaults to ``False`` for the basic dock area; subclasses
-                such as `AdvancedDockArea` override the default to ``True``.
+                such as `BECDockArea` override the default to ``True``.
             promote_central(bool): When True, promote the created dock to be the dock manager's
                 central widget (useful for editor stacks or other root content).
             object_name(str | None): Optional object name to assign to the created widget.
@@ -374,10 +370,11 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
                 "Add Circular ProgressBar",
                 "RingProgressBar",
             ),
-            "terminal": (WebConsole.ICON_NAME, "Add Terminal", "WebConsole"),
+            "terminal": (BecConsole.ICON_NAME, "Add Terminal", "BecConsole"),
             "bec_shell": (BECShell.ICON_NAME, "Add BEC Shell", "BECShell"),
             "log_panel": (LogPanel.ICON_NAME, "Add LogPanel - Disabled", "LogPanel"),
             "sbb_monitor": ("train", "Add SBB Monitor", "SBBMonitor"),
+            "log_panel": (LogPanel.ICON_NAME, "Add LogPanel", "LogPanel"),
         }
 
         # Create expandable menu actions (original behavior)
@@ -489,9 +486,7 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
             # first two items not needed for this part
             for key, (_, _, widget_type) in mapping.items():
                 act = menu.actions[key].action
-                if widget_type == "LogPanel":
-                    act.setEnabled(False)  # keep disabled per issue #644
-                elif key == "terminal":
+                if key == "terminal":
                     act.triggered.connect(
                         lambda _, t=widget_type: self.new(widget=t, closable=True, startup_cmd=None)
                     )
@@ -512,10 +507,7 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
             for action_id, (_, _, widget_type) in mapping.items():
                 flat_action_id = f"flat_{action_id}"
                 flat_action = self.toolbar.components.get_action(flat_action_id).action
-                if widget_type == "LogPanel":
-                    flat_action.setEnabled(False)  # keep disabled per issue #644
-                else:
-                    flat_action.triggered.connect(lambda _, t=widget_type: self.new(t))
+                flat_action.triggered.connect(lambda _, t=widget_type: self.new(t))
 
         _connect_flat_actions(self._ACTION_MAPPINGS["menu_plots"])
         _connect_flat_actions(self._ACTION_MAPPINGS["menu_devices"])
@@ -597,20 +589,13 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
 
     @property
     def profile_namespace(self) -> str | None:
-        """Namespace used to scope user/default profile files for this dock area."""
+        """Namespace used to scope runtime/baseline profile files for this dock area."""
         return self._resolve_profile_namespace()
 
-    def _active_profile_name_or_default(self) -> str:
-        name = getattr(self, "_current_profile_name", None)
-        if not name:
-            name = "general"
-            self._current_profile_name = name
-        return name
-
     def _profile_exists(self, name: str, namespace: str | None) -> bool:
         return any(
-            os.path.exists(path) for path in user_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
-        ) or any(os.path.exists(path) for path in default_profile_candidates(name, namespace))
+            os.path.exists(path) for path in runtime_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
+        ) or any(os.path.exists(path) for path in baseline_profile_candidates(name, namespace))
 
     def _write_snapshot_to_settings(self, settings, save_preview: bool = True) -> None:
         """
@@ -636,35 +621,34 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
         name: str,
         namespace: str | None,
         *,
-        write_default: bool = True,
-        write_user: bool = True,
+        write_baseline: bool = True,
+        write_runtime: bool = True,
         save_preview: bool = True,
     ) -> None:
         """
-        Write profile settings to default and/or user settings files.
+        Write profile settings to baseline and/or runtime settings files.
 
         Args:
             name: The profile name.
             namespace: The profile namespace.
-            write_default: Whether to write to the default settings file.
-            write_user: Whether to write to the user settings file.
+            write_baseline: Whether to write to the baseline settings file.
+            write_runtime: Whether to write to the runtime settings file.
             save_preview: Whether to save a screenshot preview.
         """
-        if write_default:
-            ds = open_default_settings(name, namespace=namespace)
-            self._write_snapshot_to_settings(ds, save_preview=save_preview)
-            if not ds.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], ""):
-                ds.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], now_iso_utc())
-            if not ds.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["is_quick_select"], None):
-                ds.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["is_quick_select"], True)
 
-        if write_user:
-            us = open_user_settings(name, namespace=namespace)
-            self._write_snapshot_to_settings(us, save_preview=save_preview)
-            if not us.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], ""):
-                us.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], now_iso_utc())
-            if not us.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["is_quick_select"], None):
-                us.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["is_quick_select"], True)
+        def _write_settings(open_settings) -> None:
+            settings = open_settings(name, namespace=namespace)
+            self._write_snapshot_to_settings(settings, save_preview=save_preview)
+            if not settings.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], ""):
+                settings.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], now_iso_utc())
+            if not settings.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["is_quick_select"], None):
+                settings.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["is_quick_select"], True)
+
+        if write_baseline:
+            _write_settings(open_baseline_settings)
+
+        if write_runtime:
+            _write_settings(open_runtime_settings)
 
     def _finalize_profile_change(self, name: str, namespace: str | None) -> None:
         """
@@ -674,12 +658,34 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
             name: The profile name.
             namespace: The profile namespace.
         """
+        self._empty_profile_active = False
+        self._empty_profile_consumed = True
         self._current_profile_name = name
         self.profile_changed.emit(name)
         set_last_profile(name, namespace=namespace, instance=self._last_profile_instance_id())
         combo = self.toolbar.components.get_action("workspace_combo").widget
         combo.refresh_profiles(active_profile=name)
 
+    def _set_workspace_combo_text_silent(self, text: str) -> None:
+        combo = self.toolbar.components.get_action("workspace_combo").widget
+        was_blocked = combo.blockSignals(True)
+        try:
+            combo.setCurrentText(text)
+        finally:
+            combo.blockSignals(was_blocked)
+
+    def _enter_empty_profile_state(self) -> None:
+        """
+        Switch to the transient empty workspace state.
+
+        In this mode there is no active profile name, the toolbar shows an
+        explicit blank profile entry, and no autosave on shutdown is performed.
+        """
+        self._empty_profile_active = True
+        self._current_profile_name = None
+        self._pending_autosave_skip = None
+        self._refresh_workspace_list()
+
     @SafeSlot()
     def list_profiles(self) -> list[str]:
         """
@@ -704,10 +710,10 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
         Save the current workspace profile.
 
         On first save of a given name:
-          - writes a default copy to states/default/<name>.ini with tag=default and created_at
-          - writes a user copy   to states/user/<name>.ini    with tag=user    and created_at
-        On subsequent saves of user-owned profiles:
-          - updates both the default and user copies so restore uses the latest snapshot.
+          - writes a baseline copy to profiles/baseline/<name>.ini with created_at
+          - writes a runtime copy to profiles/runtime/<name>.ini with created_at
+        On subsequent saves:
+          - updates both the baseline and runtime copies so restore uses the latest snapshot.
         Read-only bundled profiles cannot be overwritten.
 
         Args:
@@ -771,7 +777,7 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
             overwrite_existing = origin == "settings"
 
         origin_before_save = profile_origin(name, namespace=namespace)
-        overwrite_default = overwrite_existing and origin_before_save == "settings"
+        overwrite_baseline = overwrite_existing and origin_before_save == "settings"
 
         # Display saving placeholder in toolbar
         workspace_combo = self.toolbar.components.get_action("workspace_combo").widget
@@ -780,12 +786,12 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
         workspace_combo.setCurrentIndex(0)
         workspace_combo.blockSignals(False)
 
-        # Write to default and/or user settings
-        should_write_default = overwrite_default or not any(
-            os.path.exists(path) for path in default_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
+        # Write to baseline and/or runtime settings
+        should_write_baseline = overwrite_baseline or not any(
+            os.path.exists(path) for path in baseline_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
         )
         self._write_profile_settings(
-            name, namespace, write_default=should_write_default, write_user=True
+            name, namespace, write_baseline=should_write_baseline, write_runtime=True
         )
 
         set_quick_select(name, quickselect, namespace=namespace)
@@ -795,7 +801,6 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
             self._pending_autosave_skip = (current_profile, name)
         else:
             self._pending_autosave_skip = None
-        workspace_combo.setCurrentText(name)
         self._finalize_profile_change(name, namespace)
 
     @SafeSlot()
@@ -813,20 +818,27 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
         """
         self.save_profile(name, show_dialog=True)
 
+    @SafeSlot()
     @SafeSlot(str)
     @SafeSlot(str, bool)
     @rpc_timeout(None)
-    def load_profile(self, name: str | None = None, start_empty: bool = False):
+    def load_profile(self, name: str | None = None, restore_baseline: bool = False):
         """
         Load a workspace profile.
 
-        Before switching, persist the current profile to the user copy.
-        Prefer loading the user copy; fall back to the default copy.
+        Before switching, persist the current profile to the runtime copy.
+        Prefer loading the runtime copy; fall back to the baseline copy. When
+        ``restore_baseline`` is True, first overwrite the runtime copy with the
+        baseline profile and then load it.
 
         Args:
             name (str | None): The name of the profile to load. If None, prompts the user.
-            start_empty (bool): If True, load a profile without any widgets. Danger of overwriting the dynamic state of that profile.
+            restore_baseline (bool): If True, restore the runtime copy from the
+                baseline before loading. Defaults to False.
         """
+        if name == "":
+            return
+
         if not name:  # Gui fallback if the name is not provided
             name, ok = QInputDialog.getText(
                 self, "Load Workspace", "Enter the name of the workspace profile to load:"
@@ -841,14 +853,17 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
             if skip_pair and skip_pair == (prev_name, name):
                 self._pending_autosave_skip = None
             else:
-                us_prev = open_user_settings(prev_name, namespace=namespace)
+                us_prev = open_runtime_settings(prev_name, namespace=namespace)
                 self._write_snapshot_to_settings(us_prev, save_preview=True)
 
+        if restore_baseline:
+            restore_runtime_from_baseline(name, namespace=namespace)
+
         settings = None
-        if any(os.path.exists(path) for path in user_profile_candidates(name, namespace)):
-            settings = open_user_settings(name, namespace=namespace)
-        elif any(os.path.exists(path) for path in default_profile_candidates(name, namespace)):
-            settings = open_default_settings(name, namespace=namespace)
+        if any(os.path.exists(path) for path in runtime_profile_candidates(name, namespace)):
+            settings = open_runtime_settings(name, namespace=namespace)
+        elif any(os.path.exists(path) for path in baseline_profile_candidates(name, namespace)):
+            settings = open_baseline_settings(name, namespace=namespace)
         if settings is None:
             logger.warning(f"Profile '{name}' not found in namespace '{namespace}'. Creating new.")
             self.delete_all()
@@ -858,10 +873,6 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
         # Clear existing docks and remove all widgets
         self.delete_all()
 
-        if start_empty:
-            self._finalize_profile_change(name, namespace)
-            return
-
         # Rebuild widgets and restore states
         for item in read_manifest(settings):
             obj_name = item["object_name"]
@@ -894,32 +905,36 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
 
     @SafeSlot()
     @SafeSlot(str)
-    def restore_user_profile_from_default(self, name: str | None = None):
+    @SafeSlot(str, bool)
+    @rpc_timeout(None)
+    def restore_baseline_profile(self, name: str | None = None, show_dialog: bool = False):
         """
-        Overwrite the user copy of *name* with the default baseline.
+        Overwrite the runtime copy of *name* with the baseline.
         If *name* is None, target the currently active profile.
 
         Args:
             name (str | None): The name of the profile to restore. If None, uses the current profile.
+            show_dialog (bool): If True, ask for confirmation before restoring.
         """
         target = name or getattr(self, "_current_profile_name", None)
         if not target:
             return
         namespace = self.profile_namespace
 
-        current_pixmap = None
-        if self.isVisible():
-            current_pixmap = QPixmap()
-            ba = bytes(self.screenshot_bytes())
-            current_pixmap.loadFromData(ba)
-        if current_pixmap is None or current_pixmap.isNull():
-            current_pixmap = load_user_profile_screenshot(target, namespace=namespace)
-        default_pixmap = load_default_profile_screenshot(target, namespace=namespace)
+        if show_dialog:
+            current_pixmap = None
+            if self.isVisible():
+                current_pixmap = QPixmap()
+                ba = bytes(self.screenshot_bytes())
+                current_pixmap.loadFromData(ba)
+            if current_pixmap is None or current_pixmap.isNull():
+                current_pixmap = load_runtime_profile_screenshot(target, namespace=namespace)
+            baseline_pixmap = load_baseline_profile_screenshot(target, namespace=namespace)
 
-        if not RestoreProfileDialog.confirm(self, current_pixmap, default_pixmap):
-            return
+            if not RestoreProfileDialog.confirm(self, current_pixmap, baseline_pixmap):
+                return
 
-        restore_user_from_default(target, namespace=namespace)
+        restore_runtime_from_baseline(target, namespace=namespace)
         self.delete_all()
         self.load_profile(target)
 
@@ -1007,25 +1022,36 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
         """
         combo = self.toolbar.components.get_action("workspace_combo").widget
         active_profile = getattr(self, "_current_profile_name", None)
+        empty_profile_active = bool(getattr(self, "_empty_profile_active", False))
         namespace = self.profile_namespace
         if hasattr(combo, "set_quick_profile_provider"):
             combo.set_quick_profile_provider(lambda ns=namespace: list_quick_profiles(namespace=ns))
         if hasattr(combo, "refresh_profiles"):
-            combo.refresh_profiles(active_profile)
+            if empty_profile_active:
+                combo.refresh_profiles(active_profile, show_empty_profile=True)
+            else:
+                combo.refresh_profiles(active_profile)
         else:
             # Fallback for regular QComboBox
             combo.blockSignals(True)
             combo.clear()
             quick_profiles = list_quick_profiles(namespace=namespace)
-            items = list(quick_profiles)
+            items = [""] if empty_profile_active else []
+            items.extend(quick_profiles)
             if active_profile and active_profile not in items:
                 items.insert(0, active_profile)
             combo.addItems(items)
-            if active_profile:
+            if empty_profile_active:
+                idx = combo.findText("")
+                if idx >= 0:
+                    combo.setCurrentIndex(idx)
+            elif active_profile:
                 idx = combo.findText(active_profile)
                 if idx >= 0:
                     combo.setCurrentIndex(idx)
-            if active_profile and active_profile not in quick_profiles:
+            if empty_profile_active:
+                combo.setToolTip("Unsaved empty workspace")
+            elif active_profile and active_profile not in quick_profiles:
                 combo.setToolTip("Active profile is not in quick select")
             else:
                 combo.setToolTip("")
@@ -1043,7 +1069,7 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
         manage_action = self.toolbar.components.get_action("manage_workspaces").action
         if self.manage_dialog is None or not self.manage_dialog.isVisible():
             self.manage_widget = WorkSpaceManager(
-                self, target_widget=self, default_profile=self._current_profile_name
+                self, target_widget=self, active_profile=self._current_profile_name
             )
             self.manage_dialog = QDialog(modal=False)
 
@@ -1130,14 +1156,50 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
             logger.info("ADS prepare_for_shutdown: skipping (already handled or destroyed)")
             return
 
-        name = self._active_profile_name_or_default()
+        if getattr(self, "_empty_profile_active", False):
+            logger.info("ADS prepare_for_shutdown: skipping autosave for unsaved empty workspace")
+            self._exit_snapshot_written = True
+            return
+
+        name = getattr(self, "_current_profile_name", None)
+        if not name:
+            logger.info("ADS prepare_for_shutdown: skipping autosave (no active profile)")
+            self._exit_snapshot_written = True
+            return
 
         namespace = self.profile_namespace
-        settings = open_user_settings(name, namespace=namespace)
+        settings = open_runtime_settings(name, namespace=namespace)
         self._write_snapshot_to_settings(settings)
         set_last_profile(name, namespace=namespace, instance=self._last_profile_instance_id())
         self._exit_snapshot_written = True
 
+    def register_tour_steps(self, guided_tour, main_app):
+        """Register Dock Area components with the guided tour.
+
+        Args:
+            guided_tour: The GuidedTour instance to register with.
+            main_app: The main application instance (for accessing set_current).
+
+        Returns:
+            ViewTourSteps | None: Model containing view title and step IDs.
+        """
+
+        step_ids = []
+
+        # Register Dock Area toolbar
+        def get_dock_toolbar():
+            main_app.set_current("dock_area")
+            return (self.toolbar, None)
+
+        step_id = guided_tour.register_widget(
+            widget=get_dock_toolbar,
+            title="Dock Area Toolbar",
+            text="Use this toolbar to add widgets, manage workspaces, save and load profiles, and control the layout of your workspace.",
+        )
+        step_ids.append(step_id)
+
+        return ViewTourSteps(view_title="Dock Area Workspace", step_ids=step_ids)
+
     def cleanup(self):
         """
         Cleanup the dock area.

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock_area/profile_utils.py

@@ -1,10 +1,14 @@
 """
-Utilities for managing AdvancedDockArea profiles stored in INI files.
+Utilities for managing BECDockArea profiles stored in INI files.
 
 Policy:
-- All created/modified profiles are stored under the BEC settings root: <base_path>/profiles/{default,user}
-- Bundled read-only defaults are discovered in BW core states/default and plugin bec_widgets/profiles but never written to.
-- Lookup order when reading: user → settings default → app or plugin bundled default.
+- All created/modified profiles are stored under the BEC settings root:
+  <base_path>/profiles/{baseline,runtime}
+- Bundled read-only baselines are discovered in BW core profiles and plugin
+  bec_widgets/profiles but never written to.
+- Lookup order when reading: runtime → settings baseline → app or plugin bundled baseline.
+- Legacy settings paths profiles/{default,user} are read through a thin segment
+  alias layer and copied to the canonical location on first access.
 """
 
 from __future__ import annotations
@@ -32,16 +36,22 @@ logger = bec_logger.logger
 MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(__file__)))
 
 ProfileOrigin = Literal["module", "plugin", "settings", "unknown"]
+ProfileSegment = Literal["baseline", "runtime"]
+
+_PROFILE_SEGMENT_ALIASES: dict[ProfileSegment, tuple[str, str]] = {
+    "baseline": ("baseline", "default"),
+    "runtime": ("runtime", "user"),
+}
 
 
 def module_profiles_dir() -> str:
     """
-    Return the built-in AdvancedDockArea profiles directory bundled with the module.
+    Return the built-in BECDockArea profiles directory bundled with the module.
 
     Returns:
         str: Absolute path of the read-only module profiles directory.
     """
-    return os.path.join(MODULE_PATH, "containers", "advanced_dock_area", "profiles")
+    return os.path.join(MODULE_PATH, "containers", "dock_area", "profiles")
 
 
 @lru_cache(maxsize=1)
@@ -115,12 +125,12 @@ def _settings_profiles_root() -> str:
         str: Absolute path to the profiles root. The directory is created if missing.
     """
     client = BECClient()
-    bec_widgets_settings = client._service_config.config.get("bec_widgets_settings")
+    bec_widgets_settings = client._service_config.config.get("widgets_settings")
     bec_widgets_setting_path = (
         bec_widgets_settings.get("base_path") if bec_widgets_settings else None
     )
     default_path = os.path.join(bec_widgets_setting_path, "profiles")
-    root = os.environ.get("BECWIDGETS_PROFILE_DIR", default_path)
+    root = os.path.expanduser(os.environ.get("BECWIDGETS_PROFILE_DIR", default_path))
     os.makedirs(root, exist_ok=True)
     return root
 
@@ -130,7 +140,7 @@ def _profiles_dir(segment: str, namespace: str | None) -> str:
     Build (and ensure) the directory that holds profiles for a namespace segment.
 
     Args:
-        segment (str): Either ``"user"`` or ``"default"``.
+        segment (str): Profile segment directory name.
         namespace (str | None): Optional namespace label to scope profiles.
 
     Returns:
@@ -138,162 +148,180 @@ def _profiles_dir(segment: str, namespace: str | None) -> str:
     """
     base = os.path.join(_settings_profiles_root(), segment)
     ns = slugify.slugify(namespace, separator="_") if namespace else None
-    path = os.path.join(base, ns) if ns else base
+    path = os.path.expanduser(os.path.join(base, ns) if ns else base)
     os.makedirs(path, exist_ok=True)
     return path
 
 
-def _user_path_candidates(name: str, namespace: str | None) -> list[str]:
-    """
-    Generate candidate user-profile paths honoring namespace fallbacks.
-
-    Args:
-        name (str): Profile name without extension.
-        namespace (str | None): Optional namespace label.
-
-    Returns:
-        list[str]: Ordered list of candidate user profile paths (.ini files).
-    """
+def _candidate_namespaces(namespace: str | None) -> list[str | None]:
     ns = slugify.slugify(namespace, separator="_") if namespace else None
-    primary = os.path.join(_profiles_dir("user", ns), f"{name}.ini")
     if not ns:
-        return [primary]
-    legacy = os.path.join(_profiles_dir("user", None), f"{name}.ini")
-    return [primary, legacy] if legacy != primary else [primary]
+        return [None]
+    return [ns, None]
 
 
-def _default_path_candidates(name: str, namespace: str | None) -> list[str]:
+def _segment_profile_path(segment_name: str, name: str, namespace: str | None) -> str:
+    return os.path.join(_profiles_dir(segment_name, namespace), f"{name}.ini")
+
+
+def _canonical_profile_path(segment: ProfileSegment, name: str, namespace: str | None) -> str:
+    return _segment_profile_path(_PROFILE_SEGMENT_ALIASES[segment][0], name, namespace)
+
+
+def _segment_path_candidates(
+    segment: ProfileSegment,
+    name: str,
+    namespace: str | None,
+    *,
+    include_legacy: bool = True,
+    migrate_legacy: bool = True,
+) -> list[str]:
     """
-    Generate candidate default-profile paths honoring namespace fallbacks.
+    Generate profile candidates for a canonical segment.
 
-    Args:
-        name (str): Profile name without extension.
-        namespace (str | None): Optional namespace label.
-
-    Returns:
-        list[str]: Ordered list of candidate default profile paths (.ini files).
+    Canonical baseline/runtime files are always preferred. Namespace fallback
+    files and legacy default/user files are copied to the primary canonical path
+    when the primary file does not exist.
     """
-    ns = slugify.slugify(namespace, separator="_") if namespace else None
-    primary = os.path.join(_profiles_dir("default", ns), f"{name}.ini")
-    if not ns:
-        return [primary]
-    legacy = os.path.join(_profiles_dir("default", None), f"{name}.ini")
-    return [primary, legacy] if legacy != primary else [primary]
+    canonical = [
+        _segment_profile_path(_PROFILE_SEGMENT_ALIASES[segment][0], name, ns)
+        for ns in _candidate_namespaces(namespace)
+    ]
+    legacy = []
+    if include_legacy:
+        legacy = [
+            _segment_profile_path(_PROFILE_SEGMENT_ALIASES[segment][1], name, ns)
+            for ns in _candidate_namespaces(namespace)
+        ]
+
+    primary_canonical = canonical[0]
+    if migrate_legacy and not os.path.exists(primary_canonical):
+        canonical_src = next((path for path in canonical[1:] if os.path.exists(path)), None)
+        if canonical_src:
+            os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(primary_canonical), exist_ok=True)
+            shutil.copy2(canonical_src, primary_canonical)
+        elif include_legacy:
+            legacy_src = next((path for path in legacy if os.path.exists(path)), None)
+            if legacy_src:
+                os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(primary_canonical), exist_ok=True)
+                shutil.copy2(legacy_src, primary_canonical)
+
+    return list(dict.fromkeys(canonical + legacy))
 
 
-def default_profiles_dir(namespace: str | None = None) -> str:
+def baseline_profiles_dir(namespace: str | None = None) -> str:
     """
-    Return the directory that stores default profiles for the namespace.
+    Return the directory that stores baseline profiles for the namespace.
 
     Args:
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        str: Absolute path to the default profile directory.
+        str: Absolute path to the baseline profile directory.
     """
-    return _profiles_dir("default", namespace)
+    return _profiles_dir("baseline", namespace)
 
 
-def user_profiles_dir(namespace: str | None = None) -> str:
+def runtime_profiles_dir(namespace: str | None = None) -> str:
     """
-    Return the directory that stores user profiles for the namespace.
+    Return the directory that stores runtime profiles for the namespace.
 
     Args:
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        str: Absolute path to the user profile directory.
+        str: Absolute path to the runtime profile directory.
     """
-    return _profiles_dir("user", namespace)
+    return _profiles_dir("runtime", namespace)
 
 
-def default_profile_path(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> str:
+def baseline_profile_path(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> str:
     """
-    Compute the canonical default profile path for a profile name.
+    Compute the canonical baseline profile path for a profile name.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        str: Absolute path to the default profile file (.ini).
+        str: Absolute path to the baseline profile file (.ini).
     """
-    return _default_path_candidates(name, namespace)[0]
+    return _canonical_profile_path("baseline", name, namespace)
 
 
-def user_profile_path(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> str:
+def runtime_profile_path(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> str:
     """
-    Compute the canonical user profile path for a profile name.
+    Compute the canonical runtime profile path for a profile name.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        str: Absolute path to the user profile file (.ini).
+        str: Absolute path to the runtime profile file (.ini).
     """
-    return _user_path_candidates(name, namespace)[0]
+    return _canonical_profile_path("runtime", name, namespace)
 
 
-def user_profile_candidates(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> list[str]:
+def runtime_profile_candidates(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> list[str]:
     """
-    List all user profile path candidates for a profile name.
+    List all runtime profile path candidates for a profile name.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        list[str]: De-duplicated list of candidate user profile paths.
+        list[str]: De-duplicated list of candidate runtime profile paths.
     """
-    return list(dict.fromkeys(_user_path_candidates(name, namespace)))
+    return _segment_path_candidates("runtime", name, namespace)
 
 
-def default_profile_candidates(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> list[str]:
+def baseline_profile_candidates(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> list[str]:
     """
-    List all default profile path candidates for a profile name.
+    List all baseline profile path candidates for a profile name.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        list[str]: De-duplicated list of candidate default profile paths.
+        list[str]: De-duplicated list of candidate baseline profile paths.
     """
-    return list(dict.fromkeys(_default_path_candidates(name, namespace)))
+    return _segment_path_candidates("baseline", name, namespace)
 
 
-def _existing_user_settings(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QSettings | None:
+def _existing_runtime_settings(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QSettings | None:
     """
-    Resolve the first existing user profile settings object.
+    Resolve the first existing runtime profile settings object.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label to search. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        QSettings | None: Config for the first existing user profile candidate, or ``None``
+        QSettings | None: Config for the first existing runtime profile candidate, or ``None``
             when no files are present.
     """
-    for path in user_profile_candidates(name, namespace):
+    for path in runtime_profile_candidates(name, namespace):
         if os.path.exists(path):
             return QSettings(path, QSettings.IniFormat)
     return None
 
 
-def _existing_default_settings(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QSettings | None:
+def _existing_baseline_settings(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QSettings | None:
     """
-    Resolve the first existing default profile settings object.
+    Resolve the first existing baseline profile settings object.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label to search. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        QSettings | None: Config for the first existing default profile candidate, or ``None``
+        QSettings | None: Config for the first existing baseline profile candidate, or ``None``
             when no files are present.
     """
-    for path in default_profile_candidates(name, namespace):
+    for path in baseline_profile_candidates(name, namespace):
         if os.path.exists(path):
             return QSettings(path, QSettings.IniFormat)
     return None
@@ -347,7 +375,7 @@ def profile_origin(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> ProfileOrigin:
     plugin_path = plugin_profile_path(name)
     if plugin_path and os.path.exists(plugin_path):
         return "plugin"
-    for path in user_profile_candidates(name, namespace) + default_profile_candidates(
+    for path in runtime_profile_candidates(name, namespace) + baseline_profile_candidates(
         name, namespace
     ):
         if os.path.exists(path):
@@ -406,8 +434,8 @@ def delete_profile_files(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> bool:
     read_only = is_profile_read_only(name, namespace)
 
     removed = False
-    # Always allow removing user copies; keep default copies for read-only origins.
-    for path in set(user_profile_candidates(name, namespace)):
+    # Always allow removing runtime copies; keep baseline copies for read-only origins.
+    for path in set(runtime_profile_candidates(name, namespace)):
         try:
             os.remove(path)
             removed = True
@@ -415,7 +443,7 @@ def delete_profile_files(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> bool:
             continue
 
     if not read_only:
-        for path in set(default_profile_candidates(name, namespace)):
+        for path in set(baseline_profile_candidates(name, namespace)):
             try:
                 os.remove(path)
                 removed = True
@@ -443,7 +471,7 @@ SETTINGS_KEYS = {
 
 def list_profiles(namespace: str | None = None) -> list[str]:
     """
-    Enumerate all known profile names, syncing bundled defaults when missing locally.
+    Enumerate all known profile names, syncing bundled baselines when missing locally.
 
     Args:
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label scoped to the profile set.
@@ -459,16 +487,27 @@ def list_profiles(namespace: str | None = None) -> list[str]:
             return set()
         return {os.path.splitext(f)[0] for f in os.listdir(directory) if f.endswith(".ini")}
 
-    settings_dirs = {default_profiles_dir(namespace), user_profiles_dir(namespace)}
+    settings_dirs = {baseline_profiles_dir(namespace), runtime_profiles_dir(namespace)}
     if ns:
-        settings_dirs.add(default_profiles_dir(None))
-        settings_dirs.add(user_profiles_dir(None))
+        settings_dirs.add(baseline_profiles_dir(None))
+        settings_dirs.add(runtime_profiles_dir(None))
+
+    for segment in ("baseline", "runtime"):
+        for legacy_dir in [
+            _profiles_dir(_PROFILE_SEGMENT_ALIASES[segment][1], item)
+            for item in _candidate_namespaces(namespace)
+        ]:
+            settings_dirs.add(legacy_dir)
 
     settings_names: set[str] = set()
     for directory in settings_dirs:
         settings_names |= _collect_from(directory)
 
-    # Also consider read-only defaults from core module and beamline plugin repositories
+    for name in sorted(settings_names):
+        runtime_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
+        baseline_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
+
+    # Also consider read-only baselines from core module and beamline plugin repositories
     read_only_sources: dict[str, tuple[str, str]] = {}
     sources: list[tuple[str, str | None]] = [
         ("module", module_profiles_dir()),
@@ -484,17 +523,17 @@ def list_profiles(namespace: str | None = None) -> list[str]:
             read_only_sources.setdefault(name, (origin, os.path.join(directory, filename)))
 
     for name, (_origin, src) in sorted(read_only_sources.items()):
-        # Ensure a copy in the namespace-specific settings default directory
-        dst_default = default_profile_path(name, namespace)
-        if not os.path.exists(dst_default):
-            os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(dst_default), exist_ok=True)
-            shutil.copyfile(src, dst_default)
-        # Ensure a user copy exists to allow edits in the writable settings area
-        dst_user = user_profile_path(name, namespace)
-        if not os.path.exists(dst_user):
-            os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(dst_user), exist_ok=True)
-            shutil.copyfile(src, dst_user)
-            s = open_user_settings(name, namespace)
+        # Ensure a copy in the namespace-specific settings baseline directory.
+        dst_baseline = baseline_profile_path(name, namespace)
+        if not os.path.exists(dst_baseline):
+            os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(dst_baseline), exist_ok=True)
+            shutil.copy2(src, dst_baseline)
+        # Ensure a runtime copy exists to allow edits in the writable settings area.
+        dst_runtime = runtime_profile_path(name, namespace)
+        if not os.path.exists(dst_runtime):
+            os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(dst_runtime), exist_ok=True)
+            shutil.copy2(src, dst_runtime)
+            s = open_runtime_settings(name, namespace)
             if s.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], "") == "":
                 s.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], now_iso_utc())
 
@@ -504,32 +543,34 @@ def list_profiles(namespace: str | None = None) -> list[str]:
     return sorted(settings_names)
 
 
-def open_default_settings(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QSettings:
+def open_baseline_settings(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QSettings:
     """
-    Open (and create if necessary) the default profile settings file.
+    Open (and create if necessary) the baseline profile settings file.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        QSettings: Settings instance targeting the default profile file.
+        QSettings: Settings instance targeting the baseline profile file.
     """
-    return QSettings(default_profile_path(name, namespace), QSettings.IniFormat)
+    baseline_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
+    return QSettings(baseline_profile_path(name, namespace), QSettings.IniFormat)
 
 
-def open_user_settings(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QSettings:
+def open_runtime_settings(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QSettings:
     """
-    Open (and create if necessary) the user profile settings file.
+    Open (and create if necessary) the runtime profile settings file.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        QSettings: Settings instance targeting the user profile file.
+        QSettings: Settings instance targeting the runtime profile file.
     """
-    return QSettings(user_profile_path(name, namespace), QSettings.IniFormat)
+    runtime_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
+    return QSettings(runtime_profile_path(name, namespace), QSettings.IniFormat)
 
 
 def _app_settings() -> QSettings:
@@ -759,26 +800,26 @@ def read_manifest(settings: QSettings) -> list[dict]:
     return items
 
 
-def restore_user_from_default(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> None:
+def restore_runtime_from_baseline(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> None:
     """
-    Copy the default profile to the user profile, preserving quick-select flag.
+    Copy the baseline profile to the runtime profile, preserving quick-select flag.
 
     Args:
         name(str): Profile name without extension.
         namespace(str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
     """
     src = None
-    for candidate in default_profile_candidates(name, namespace):
+    for candidate in baseline_profile_candidates(name, namespace):
         if os.path.exists(candidate):
             src = candidate
             break
     if not src:
         return
-    dst = user_profile_path(name, namespace)
+    dst = runtime_profile_path(name, namespace)
     preserve_quick_select = is_quick_select(name, namespace)
     os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(dst), exist_ok=True)
     shutil.copyfile(src, dst)
-    s = open_user_settings(name, namespace)
+    s = open_runtime_settings(name, namespace)
     if not s.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], ""):
         s.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], now_iso_utc())
     if preserve_quick_select:
@@ -796,9 +837,9 @@ def is_quick_select(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> bool:
     Returns:
         bool: True if quick-select is enabled for the profile.
     """
-    s = _existing_user_settings(name, namespace)
+    s = _existing_runtime_settings(name, namespace)
     if s is None:
-        s = _existing_default_settings(name, namespace)
+        s = _existing_baseline_settings(name, namespace)
     if s is None:
         return False
     return s.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["is_quick_select"], False, type=bool)
@@ -813,13 +854,13 @@ def set_quick_select(name: str, enabled: bool, namespace: str | None = None) ->
         enabled(bool): True to enable quick-select, False to disable.
         namespace(str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
     """
-    s = open_user_settings(name, namespace)
+    s = open_runtime_settings(name, namespace)
     s.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["is_quick_select"], bool(enabled))
 
 
 def list_quick_profiles(namespace: str | None = None) -> list[str]:
     """
-    List only profiles that have quick-select enabled (user wins over default).
+    List only profiles that have quick-select enabled (runtime wins over baseline).
 
     Args:
         namespace(str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
@@ -909,8 +950,8 @@ class ProfileInfo(BaseModel):
     is_quick_select: bool = False
     widget_count: int = 0
     size_kb: int = 0
-    user_path: str = ""
-    default_path: str = ""
+    runtime_path: str = ""
+    baseline_path: str = ""
     origin: ProfileOrigin = "unknown"
     is_read_only: bool = False
 
@@ -924,19 +965,19 @@ def get_profile_info(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> ProfileInfo:
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        ProfileInfo: Structured profile metadata, preferring the user copy when present.
+        ProfileInfo: Structured profile metadata, preferring the runtime copy when present.
     """
-    user_paths = user_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
-    default_paths = default_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
-    u_path = next((p for p in user_paths if os.path.exists(p)), user_paths[0])
-    d_path = next((p for p in default_paths if os.path.exists(p)), default_paths[0])
+    runtime_paths = runtime_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
+    baseline_paths = baseline_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
+    r_path = next((p for p in runtime_paths if os.path.exists(p)), runtime_paths[0])
+    b_path = next((p for p in baseline_paths if os.path.exists(p)), baseline_paths[0])
     origin = profile_origin(name, namespace)
     read_only = origin in {"module", "plugin"}
-    prefer_user = os.path.exists(u_path)
-    if prefer_user:
-        s = QSettings(u_path, QSettings.IniFormat)
-    elif os.path.exists(d_path):
-        s = QSettings(d_path, QSettings.IniFormat)
+    prefer_runtime = os.path.exists(r_path)
+    if prefer_runtime:
+        s = QSettings(r_path, QSettings.IniFormat)
+    elif os.path.exists(b_path):
+        s = QSettings(b_path, QSettings.IniFormat)
     else:
         s = None
     if s is None:
@@ -957,14 +998,14 @@ def get_profile_info(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> ProfileInfo:
             is_quick_select=False,
             widget_count=0,
             size_kb=0,
-            user_path=u_path,
-            default_path=d_path,
+            runtime_path=r_path,
+            baseline_path=b_path,
             origin=origin,
             is_read_only=read_only,
         )
 
     created = s.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], "", type=str) or now_iso_utc()
-    src_path = u_path if prefer_user else d_path
+    src_path = r_path if prefer_runtime else b_path
     modified = _file_modified_iso(src_path)
     count = _manifest_count(s)
     try:
@@ -990,8 +1031,8 @@ def get_profile_info(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> ProfileInfo:
         is_quick_select=is_quick_select(name, namespace),
         widget_count=count,
         size_kb=size_kb,
-        user_path=u_path,
-        default_path=d_path,
+        runtime_path=r_path,
+        baseline_path=b_path,
         origin=origin,
         is_read_only=read_only,
     )
@@ -999,7 +1040,7 @@ def get_profile_info(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> ProfileInfo:
 
 def load_profile_screenshot(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QPixmap | None:
     """
-    Load the stored screenshot pixmap for a profile from settings (user preferred).
+    Load the stored screenshot pixmap for a profile from settings (runtime preferred).
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
@@ -1008,17 +1049,17 @@ def load_profile_screenshot(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QPixmap
     Returns:
         QPixmap | None: Screenshot pixmap or ``None`` if unavailable.
     """
-    s = _existing_user_settings(name, namespace)
+    s = _existing_runtime_settings(name, namespace)
     if s is None:
-        s = _existing_default_settings(name, namespace)
+        s = _existing_baseline_settings(name, namespace)
     if s is None:
         return None
     return _load_screenshot_from_settings(s)
 
 
-def load_default_profile_screenshot(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QPixmap | None:
+def load_baseline_profile_screenshot(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QPixmap | None:
     """
-    Load the screenshot from the default profile copy, if available.
+    Load the screenshot from the baseline profile copy, if available.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
@@ -1027,15 +1068,15 @@ def load_default_profile_screenshot(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) ->
     Returns:
         QPixmap | None: Screenshot pixmap or ``None`` if unavailable.
     """
-    s = _existing_default_settings(name, namespace)
+    s = _existing_baseline_settings(name, namespace)
     if s is None:
         return None
     return _load_screenshot_from_settings(s)
 
 
-def load_user_profile_screenshot(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QPixmap | None:
+def load_runtime_profile_screenshot(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QPixmap | None:
     """
-    Load the screenshot from the user profile copy, if available.
+    Load the screenshot from the runtime profile copy, if available.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
@@ -1044,7 +1085,7 @@ def load_user_profile_screenshot(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QPi
     Returns:
         QPixmap | None: Screenshot pixmap or ``None`` if unavailable.
     """
-    s = _existing_user_settings(name, namespace)
+    s = _existing_runtime_settings(name, namespace)
     if s is None:
         return None
     return _load_screenshot_from_settings(s)

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock_area/settings/dialogs.py

@@ -160,7 +160,7 @@ class SaveProfileDialog(QDialog):
                 self,
                 "Read-only profile",
                 (
-                    f"'{name}' is a default profile provided by {provider} and cannot be overwritten.\n"
+                    f"'{name}' is a baseline profile provided by {provider} and cannot be overwritten.\n"
                     "Please choose a different name."
                 ),
             )
@@ -179,7 +179,7 @@ class SaveProfileDialog(QDialog):
                 "Overwrite profile",
                 (
                     f"A profile named '{name}' already exists.\n\n"
-                    "Overwriting will update both the saved profile and its restore default.\n"
+                    "Overwriting will update both the runtime profile and its restore baseline.\n"
                     "Do you want to continue?"
                 ),
                 QMessageBox.StandardButton.Yes | QMessageBox.StandardButton.No,
@@ -257,21 +257,24 @@ class PreviewPanel(QGroupBox):
 
 class RestoreProfileDialog(QDialog):
     """
-    Confirmation dialog that previews the current profile screenshot against the default baseline.
+    Confirmation dialog that previews the current runtime screenshot against the baseline.
     """
 
     def __init__(
-        self, parent: QWidget | None, current_pixmap: QPixmap | None, default_pixmap: QPixmap | None
+        self,
+        parent: QWidget | None,
+        current_pixmap: QPixmap | None,
+        baseline_pixmap: QPixmap | None,
     ):
         super().__init__(parent)
-        self.setWindowTitle("Restore Profile to Default")
+        self.setWindowTitle("Restore Profile to Baseline")
         self.setModal(True)
         self.resize(880, 480)
 
         layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
 
         info_label = QLabel(
-            "Restoring will discard your custom layout and replace it with the default profile."
+            "Restoring will discard your runtime layout and replace it with the baseline profile."
         )
         info_label.setWordWrap(True)
         layout.addWidget(info_label)
@@ -280,7 +283,7 @@ class RestoreProfileDialog(QDialog):
         layout.addLayout(preview_row)
 
         current_preview = PreviewPanel("Current", current_pixmap, self)
-        default_preview = PreviewPanel("Default", default_pixmap, self)
+        baseline_preview = PreviewPanel("Baseline", baseline_pixmap, self)
 
         # Equal expansion left/right
         preview_row.addWidget(current_preview, 1)
@@ -292,7 +295,7 @@ class RestoreProfileDialog(QDialog):
         arrow_label.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Fixed, QSizePolicy.Expanding)
         preview_row.addWidget(arrow_label)
 
-        preview_row.addWidget(default_preview, 1)
+        preview_row.addWidget(baseline_preview, 1)
 
         # Enforce equal stretch for both previews
         preview_row.setStretch(0, 1)
@@ -300,7 +303,7 @@ class RestoreProfileDialog(QDialog):
         preview_row.setStretch(2, 1)
 
         warn_label = QLabel(
-            "This action cannot be undone. Do you want to restore the default layout now?"
+            "This action cannot be undone. Do you want to restore the baseline layout now?"
         )
         warn_label.setWordWrap(True)
         layout.addWidget(warn_label)
@@ -324,7 +327,7 @@ class RestoreProfileDialog(QDialog):
 
     @staticmethod
     def confirm(
-        parent: QWidget | None, current_pixmap: QPixmap | None, default_pixmap: QPixmap | None
+        parent: QWidget | None, current_pixmap: QPixmap | None, baseline_pixmap: QPixmap | None
     ) -> bool:
-        dialog = RestoreProfileDialog(parent, current_pixmap, default_pixmap)
+        dialog = RestoreProfileDialog(parent, current_pixmap, baseline_pixmap)
         return dialog.exec() == QDialog.Accepted

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock_area/settings/workspace_manager.py

@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ class WorkSpaceManager(BECWidget, QWidget):
     HEADERS = ["Actions", "Profile", "Author"]
 
     def __init__(
-        self, parent=None, target_widget=None, default_profile: str | None = None, **kwargs
+        self, parent=None, target_widget=None, active_profile: str | None = None, **kwargs
     ):
         super().__init__(parent=parent, **kwargs)
         self.target_widget = target_widget
@@ -59,13 +59,13 @@ class WorkSpaceManager(BECWidget, QWidget):
         self._init_ui()
         if self.target_widget is not None and hasattr(self.target_widget, "profile_changed"):
             self.target_widget.profile_changed.connect(self.on_profile_changed)
-        if default_profile is not None:
-            self._select_by_name(default_profile)
-            self._show_profile_details(default_profile)
+        if active_profile is not None:
+            self._select_by_name(active_profile)
+            self._show_profile_details(active_profile)
 
     def _init_ui(self):
         self.root_layout = QHBoxLayout(self)
-        self.splitter = QSplitter(Qt.Horizontal, self)
+        self.splitter = QSplitter(Qt.Orientation.Horizontal, self)
         self.root_layout.addWidget(self.splitter)
 
         # Init components
@@ -89,7 +89,9 @@ class WorkSpaceManager(BECWidget, QWidget):
         left_panel.setMinimumWidth(220)
 
         # Make the screenshot preview expand to fill remaining space
-        self.screenshot_label.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Expanding)
+        self.screenshot_label.setSizePolicy(
+            QSizePolicy.Policy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Policy.Expanding
+        )
 
         self.right_box = QGroupBox("Profile Screenshot Preview", self)
         right_col = QVBoxLayout(self.right_box)
@@ -250,8 +252,8 @@ class WorkSpaceManager(BECWidget, QWidget):
             ("Quick select", "Yes" if info.is_quick_select else "No"),
             ("Widgets", str(info.widget_count)),
             ("Size (KB)", str(info.size_kb)),
-            ("User path", info.user_path or ""),
-            ("Default path", info.default_path or ""),
+            ("Runtime path", info.runtime_path or ""),
+            ("Baseline path", info.baseline_path or ""),
         ]
         for k, v in entries:
             self.profile_details_tree.addTopLevelItem(QTreeWidgetItem([k, v]))
@@ -330,7 +332,7 @@ class WorkSpaceManager(BECWidget, QWidget):
             return
 
         self.target_widget.save_profile_dialog()
-        # AdvancedDockArea will emit profile_changed which will trigger table refresh,
+        # BECDockArea will emit profile_changed which will trigger table refresh,
         # but ensure the UI stays in sync even if the signal is delayed.
         self.render_table()
         current = getattr(self.target_widget, "_current_profile_name", None)

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock_area/toolbar_components/workspace_actions.py

@@ -24,24 +24,30 @@ class ProfileComboBox(QComboBox):
     def set_quick_profile_provider(self, provider: Callable[[], list[str]]) -> None:
         self._quick_provider = provider
 
-    def refresh_profiles(self, active_profile: str | None = None):
-        """
-        Refresh the profile list and ensure the active profile is visible.
-
-        Args:
-            active_profile(str | None): The currently active profile name.
-        """
-
-        current_text = active_profile or self.currentText()
-        self.blockSignals(True)
+    def _refresh_profiles(
+        self, current_text: str, active_profile: str | None = None, show_empty_profile: bool = False
+    ) -> None:
         self.clear()
 
         quick_profiles = self._quick_provider()
         quick_set = set(quick_profiles)
 
-        items = list(quick_profiles)
+        items: list[str] = []
+        if show_empty_profile:
+            items.append("")
+
         if active_profile and active_profile not in quick_set:
-            items.insert(0, active_profile)
+            items.append(active_profile)
+
+        for profile in quick_profiles:
+            if profile not in items:
+                items.append(profile)
+
+        if active_profile and active_profile not in quick_set:
+            # keep active profile at the top when not in quick list
+            items.remove(active_profile)
+            insert_pos = 1 if show_empty_profile else 0
+            items.insert(insert_pos, active_profile)
 
         for profile in items:
             self.addItem(profile)
@@ -52,6 +58,15 @@ class ProfileComboBox(QComboBox):
             self.setItemData(idx, None, Qt.ItemDataRole.ToolTipRole)
             self.setItemData(idx, None, Qt.ItemDataRole.ForegroundRole)
 
+            if profile == "":
+                self.setItemData(idx, "Unsaved empty workspace", Qt.ItemDataRole.ToolTipRole)
+                if active_profile is None:
+                    font = QFont(self.font())
+                    font.setItalic(True)
+                    self.setItemData(idx, font, Qt.ItemDataRole.FontRole)
+                    self.setCurrentIndex(idx)
+                continue
+
             if active_profile and profile == active_profile:
                 tooltip = "Active workspace profile"
                 if profile not in quick_set:
@@ -69,27 +84,52 @@ class ProfileComboBox(QComboBox):
                 self.setItemData(idx, "Not in quick select", Qt.ItemDataRole.ToolTipRole)
 
         # Restore selection if possible
-        index = self.findText(current_text)
-        if index >= 0:
-            self.setCurrentIndex(index)
+        if show_empty_profile and active_profile is None:
+            empty_idx = self.findText("")
+            if empty_idx >= 0:
+                self.setCurrentIndex(empty_idx)
+        else:
+            index = self.findText(current_text)
+            if index >= 0:
+                self.setCurrentIndex(index)
 
-        self.blockSignals(False)
         if active_profile and self.currentText() != active_profile:
             idx = self.findText(active_profile)
             if idx >= 0:
                 self.setCurrentIndex(idx)
-        if active_profile and active_profile not in quick_set:
+        if show_empty_profile and self.currentText() == "":
+            self.setToolTip("Unsaved empty workspace")
+        elif active_profile and active_profile not in quick_set:
             self.setToolTip("Active profile is not in quick select")
         else:
             self.setToolTip("")
 
+    def refresh_profiles(
+        self, active_profile: str | None = None, show_empty_profile: bool = False
+    ) -> None:
+        """
+        Refresh the profile list and ensure the active profile is visible.
+
+        Args:
+            active_profile(str | None): The currently active profile name.
+            show_empty_profile(bool): If True, show an explicit empty unsaved workspace entry.
+        """
+
+        current_text = active_profile or self.currentText()
+        was_blocked = self.blockSignals(True)
+        try:
+            self._refresh_profiles(current_text, active_profile, show_empty_profile)
+        finally:
+            self.blockSignals(was_blocked)
+
 
 def workspace_bundle(components: ToolbarComponents, enable_tools: bool = True) -> ToolbarBundle:
     """
-    Creates a workspace toolbar bundle for AdvancedDockArea.
+    Creates a workspace toolbar bundle for BECDockArea.
 
     Args:
         components (ToolbarComponents): The components to be added to the bundle.
+        enable_tools(bool): If True, show the workspace management tools; otherwise, only show the profile combo.
 
     Returns:
         ToolbarBundle: The workspace toolbar bundle.
@@ -111,15 +151,15 @@ def workspace_bundle(components: ToolbarComponents, enable_tools: bool = True) -
     components.get_action("save_workspace").action.setVisible(enable_tools)
 
     components.add_safe(
-        "reset_default_workspace",
+        "reset_baseline_workspace",
         MaterialIconAction(
             icon_name="undo",
-            tooltip="Refresh Current Workspace",
+            tooltip="Restore Baseline Profile",
             checkable=False,
             parent=components.toolbar,
         ),
     )
-    components.get_action("reset_default_workspace").action.setVisible(enable_tools)
+    components.get_action("reset_baseline_workspace").action.setVisible(enable_tools)
 
     components.add_safe(
         "manage_workspaces",
@@ -132,14 +172,14 @@ def workspace_bundle(components: ToolbarComponents, enable_tools: bool = True) -
     bundle = ToolbarBundle("workspace", components)
     bundle.add_action("workspace_combo")
     bundle.add_action("save_workspace")
-    bundle.add_action("reset_default_workspace")
+    bundle.add_action("reset_baseline_workspace")
     bundle.add_action("manage_workspaces")
     return bundle
 
 
 class WorkspaceConnection(BundleConnection):
     """
-    Connection class for workspace actions in AdvancedDockArea.
+    Connection class for workspace actions in BECDockArea.
     """
 
     def __init__(self, components: ToolbarComponents, target_widget=None):
@@ -162,9 +202,9 @@ class WorkspaceConnection(BundleConnection):
             self.target_widget.load_profile
         )
 
-        reset_action = self.components.get_action("reset_default_workspace").action
+        reset_action = self.components.get_action("reset_baseline_workspace").action
         if reset_action.isVisible():
-            reset_action.triggered.connect(self._reset_workspace_to_default)
+            reset_action.triggered.connect(self._reset_workspace_to_baseline)
 
         manage_action = self.components.get_action("manage_workspaces").action
         if manage_action.isVisible():
@@ -181,9 +221,9 @@ class WorkspaceConnection(BundleConnection):
             self.target_widget.load_profile
         )
 
-        reset_action = self.components.get_action("reset_default_workspace").action
+        reset_action = self.components.get_action("reset_baseline_workspace").action
         if reset_action.isVisible():
-            reset_action.triggered.disconnect(self._reset_workspace_to_default)
+            reset_action.triggered.disconnect(self._reset_workspace_to_baseline)
 
         manage_action = self.components.get_action("manage_workspaces").action
         if manage_action.isVisible():
@@ -191,8 +231,8 @@ class WorkspaceConnection(BundleConnection):
         self._connected = False
 
     @SafeSlot()
-    def _reset_workspace_to_default(self):
+    def _reset_workspace_to_baseline(self):
         """
         Refreshes the current workspace.
         """
-        self.target_widget.restore_user_profile_from_default()
+        self.target_widget.restore_baseline_profile(show_dialog=True)

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/explorer/explorer.py

@@ -101,14 +101,12 @@ class Explorer(BECWidget, QWidget):
         palette = get_theme_palette()
         separator_color = palette.mid().color()
 
-        self.splitter.setStyleSheet(
-            f"""
+        self.splitter.setStyleSheet(f"""
             QSplitter::handle {{
                 height: 0.1px;
                 background-color: rgba({separator_color.red()}, {separator_color.green()}, {separator_color.blue()}, 60);
             }}
-        """
-        )
+        """)
 
     def _update_spacer(self) -> None:
         """Update the spacer size based on section states"""

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/explorer/script_tree_widget.py

@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ class ScriptTreeWidget(QWidget):
         layout.setSpacing(0)
 
         # Create tree view
-        self.tree = QTreeView()
+        self.tree = QTreeView(parent=self)
         self.tree.setHeaderHidden(True)
         self.tree.setRootIsDecorated(True)
 
@@ -71,12 +71,12 @@ class ScriptTreeWidget(QWidget):
         self.tree.setMouseTracking(True)
 
         # Create file system model
-        self.model = QFileSystemModel()
+        self.model = QFileSystemModel(parent=self)
         self.model.setNameFilters(["*.py"])
         self.model.setNameFilterDisables(False)
 
         # Create proxy model to filter out underscore directories
-        self.proxy_model = QSortFilterProxyModel()
+        self.proxy_model = QSortFilterProxyModel(parent=self)
         self.proxy_model.setFilterRegularExpression(QRegularExpression("^[^_].*"))
         self.proxy_model.setSourceModel(self.model)
         self.tree.setModel(self.proxy_model)

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/layout_manager/layout_manager.py

@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
 )
 from typeguard import typechecked
 
-from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_widget_handler import widget_handler
+from bec_widgets.utils.rpc_widget_handler import widget_handler
 
 
 class LayoutManagerWidget(QWidget):

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/main_window/addons/hover_widget.py

@@ -1,27 +1,83 @@
 import sys
 
+from qtpy import QtGui, QtWidgets
 from qtpy.QtCore import QPoint, Qt
-from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QHBoxLayout, QLabel, QProgressBar, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
+    QApplication,
+    QFrame,
+    QHBoxLayout,
+    QLabel,
+    QProgressBar,
+    QVBoxLayout,
+    QWidget,
+)
 
 
 class WidgetTooltip(QWidget):
     """Frameless, always-on-top window that behaves like a tooltip."""
 
     def __init__(self, content: QWidget) -> None:
-        super().__init__(None, Qt.ToolTip | Qt.FramelessWindowHint | Qt.WindowStaysOnTopHint)
-        self.setAttribute(Qt.WA_ShowWithoutActivating)
+        super().__init__(
+            None,
+            Qt.WindowType.ToolTip
+            | Qt.WindowType.FramelessWindowHint
+            | Qt.WindowType.WindowStaysOnTopHint,
+        )
+        self.setAttribute(Qt.WidgetAttribute.WA_ShowWithoutActivating)
+        self.setAttribute(Qt.WidgetAttribute.WA_TranslucentBackground)
         self.setMouseTracking(True)
         self.content = content
 
         layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
-        layout.setContentsMargins(6, 6, 6, 6)
-        layout.addWidget(self.content)
+        layout.setContentsMargins(14, 14, 14, 14)
+
+        self._card = QFrame(self)
+        self._card.setObjectName("WidgetTooltipCard")
+        card_layout = QVBoxLayout(self._card)
+        card_layout.setContentsMargins(12, 10, 12, 10)
+        card_layout.addWidget(self.content)
+
+        shadow = QtWidgets.QGraphicsDropShadowEffect(self._card)
+        shadow.setBlurRadius(18)
+        shadow.setOffset(0, 2)
+        shadow.setColor(QtGui.QColor(0, 0, 0, 140))
+        self._card.setGraphicsEffect(shadow)
+
+        layout.addWidget(self._card)
+        self.apply_theme()
         self.adjustSize()
 
     def leaveEvent(self, _event) -> None:
         self.hide()
 
+    def apply_theme(self) -> None:
+        palette = QApplication.palette()
+        base = palette.color(QtGui.QPalette.ColorRole.Base)
+        text = palette.color(QtGui.QPalette.ColorRole.Text)
+        border = palette.color(QtGui.QPalette.ColorRole.Mid)
+        background = QtGui.QColor(base)
+        background.setAlpha(242)
+        self._card.setStyleSheet(f"""
+            QFrame#WidgetTooltipCard {{
+                background: {background.name(QtGui.QColor.NameFormat.HexArgb)};
+                border: 1px solid {border.name()};
+                border-radius: 12px;
+            }}
+            QFrame#WidgetTooltipCard QLabel {{
+                color: {text.name()};
+                background: transparent;
+            }}
+            """)
+
     def show_above(self, global_pos: QPoint, offset: int = 8) -> None:
+        """
+        Show the tooltip above a global position, adjusting to stay within screen bounds.
+
+        Args:
+            global_pos(QPoint): The global position to show above.
+            offset(int, optional): The vertical offset from the global position. Defaults to 8 pixels.
+        """
+        self.apply_theme()
         self.adjustSize()
         screen = QApplication.screenAt(global_pos) or QApplication.primaryScreen()
         screen_geo = screen.availableGeometry()
@@ -30,11 +86,43 @@ class WidgetTooltip(QWidget):
         x = global_pos.x() - geom.width() // 2
         y = global_pos.y() - geom.height() - offset
 
+        self._navigate_screen_coordinates(screen_geo, geom, x, y)
+
+    def show_near(self, global_pos: QPoint, offset: QPoint | None = None) -> None:
+        """
+        Show the tooltip near a global position, adjusting to stay within screen bounds.
+        By default, it will try to show below and to the right of the position,
+        but if that would cause it to go off-screen, it will flip to the other side.
+
+        Args:
+            global_pos(QPoint): The global position to show near.
+            offset(QPoint, optional): The offset from the global position. Defaults to QPoint(12, 16).
+        """
+
+        self.apply_theme()
+        self.adjustSize()
+        offset = offset or QPoint(12, 16)
+        screen = QApplication.screenAt(global_pos) or QApplication.primaryScreen()
+        screen_geo = screen.availableGeometry()
+        geom = self.geometry()
+
+        x = global_pos.x() + offset.x()
+        y = global_pos.y() + offset.y()
+
+        if x + geom.width() > screen_geo.right():
+            x = global_pos.x() - geom.width() - abs(offset.x())
+        if y + geom.height() > screen_geo.bottom():
+            y = global_pos.y() - geom.height() - abs(offset.y())
+
+        self._navigate_screen_coordinates(screen_geo, geom, x, y)
+
+    def _navigate_screen_coordinates(self, screen_geo, geom, x, y):
         x = max(screen_geo.left(), min(x, screen_geo.right() - geom.width()))
         y = max(screen_geo.top(), min(y, screen_geo.bottom() - geom.height()))
 
         self.move(x, y)
         self.show()
+        self.raise_()
 
 
 class HoverWidget(QWidget):

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/main_window/addons/notification_center/notification_banner.py

@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ from qtpy.QtCore import QObject, QTimer
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QFrame, QMainWindow, QScrollArea, QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets import SafeProperty, SafeSlot
-from bec_widgets.utils import BECConnector
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_connector import BECConnector
 from bec_widgets.utils.colors import apply_theme
 from bec_widgets.utils.widget_io import WidgetIO
 
@@ -134,15 +134,13 @@ class NotificationToast(QFrame):
         bg.setAlphaF(0.30)
         icon_bg = bg.name(QtGui.QColor.HexArgb)
         icon_btn.setFixedSize(40, 40)
-        icon_btn.setStyleSheet(
-            f"""
+        icon_btn.setStyleSheet(f"""
             QToolButton {{
                 background: {icon_bg};
                 border: none;
                 border-radius: 20px;   /* perfect circle */
             }}
-            """
-        )
+            """)
 
         title_lbl = QtWidgets.QLabel(self._title)
 
@@ -327,15 +325,13 @@ class NotificationToast(QFrame):
         bg = QtGui.QColor(SEVERITY[value.value]["color"])
         bg.setAlphaF(0.30)
         icon_bg = bg.name(QtGui.QColor.HexArgb)
-        self._icon_btn.setStyleSheet(
-            f"""
+        self._icon_btn.setStyleSheet(f"""
             QToolButton {{
                 background: {icon_bg};
                 border: none;
                 border-radius: 20px;
             }}
-            """
-        )
+            """)
         self.apply_theme(self._theme)
         # keep injected gradient in sync
         if getattr(self, "_hg_enabled", False):
@@ -391,8 +387,7 @@ class NotificationToast(QFrame):
             card_bg.setAlphaF(0.88)
             btn_hover = self._accent_color.name()
 
-        self.setStyleSheet(
-            f"""
+        self.setStyleSheet(f"""
             #NotificationToast {{
                 background: {card_bg.name(QtGui.QColor.HexArgb)};
                 border-radius: 12px;
@@ -406,18 +401,15 @@ class NotificationToast(QFrame):
                 font-size: 14px;
             }}
             #NotificationToast QPushButton:hover {{ color: {btn_hover}; }}
-            """
-        )
+            """)
         # traceback panel colours
         trace_bg = "#1e1e1e" if theme == "dark" else "#f0f0f0"
-        self.trace_view.setStyleSheet(
-            f"""
+        self.trace_view.setStyleSheet(f"""
             background:{trace_bg};
             color:{palette['body']};
             border:none;
             border-radius:8px;
-            """
-        )
+            """)
 
         # icon glyph vs badge background: darker badge, lighter icon in light mode
         icon_fg = "#ffffff" if theme == "light" else self._accent_color.name()
@@ -438,15 +430,13 @@ class NotificationToast(QFrame):
         else:
             badge_bg.setAlphaF(0.30)
         icon_bg = badge_bg.name(QtGui.QColor.HexArgb)
-        self._icon_btn.setStyleSheet(
-            f"""
+        self._icon_btn.setStyleSheet(f"""
             QToolButton {{
                 background: {icon_bg};
                 border: none;
                 border-radius: 20px;
             }}
-            """
-        )
+            """)
 
         # stronger accent wash in light mode, slightly stronger in dark too
         self._accent_alpha = 110 if theme == "light" else 60
@@ -593,8 +583,7 @@ class NotificationCentre(QScrollArea):
         self.setWidgetResizable(True)
         # transparent background so only the toast cards are visible
         self.setAttribute(QtCore.Qt.WA_TranslucentBackground, True)
-        self.setStyleSheet(
-            """
+        self.setStyleSheet("""
             #NotificationCentre { background: transparent; }
             #NotificationCentre QScrollBar:vertical {
                 background: transparent;
@@ -610,8 +599,7 @@ class NotificationCentre(QScrollArea):
             #NotificationCentre QScrollBar::sub-line:vertical { height: 0; }
             #NotificationCentre QScrollBar::add-page:vertical,
             #NotificationCentre QScrollBar::sub-page:vertical { background: transparent; }
-            """
-        )
+            """)
         self.setHorizontalScrollBarPolicy(QtCore.Qt.ScrollBarAlwaysOff)
         self.setFrameShape(QtWidgets.QFrame.NoFrame)
         self.setFixedWidth(fixed_width)
@@ -958,8 +946,7 @@ class NotificationIndicator(QWidget):
         self._group.buttonToggled.connect(self._button_toggled)
 
         # minimalistic look: no frames or backgrounds on the buttons
-        self.setStyleSheet(
-            """
+        self.setStyleSheet("""
             QToolButton {
                 border: none;
                 background: transparent;
@@ -970,8 +957,7 @@ class NotificationIndicator(QWidget):
                 background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 40);
                 font-weight: 600;
             }
-            """
-        )
+            """)
 
         # initial state: none checked (auto‑dismiss behaviour)
         for k in kinds:

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/main_window/main_window.py

@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
 import os
-from typing import TYPE_CHECKING
 
+from bec_lib import bec_logger
 from bec_lib.endpoints import MessageEndpoints
 from qtpy.QtCore import QEvent, QSize, Qt, QTimer
 from qtpy.QtGui import QAction, QActionGroup, QIcon
@@ -18,10 +18,10 @@ from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
 )
 
 import bec_widgets
-from bec_widgets.utils import UILoader
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
 from bec_widgets.utils.colors import apply_theme
 from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.utils.ui_loader import UILoader
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.addons.hover_widget import HoverWidget
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.addons.notification_center.notification_banner import (
     BECNotificationBroker,
@@ -31,12 +31,17 @@ from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.addons.notification_center.notif
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.addons.scroll_label import ScrollLabel
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.addons.web_links import BECWebLinksMixin
 from bec_widgets.widgets.progress.scan_progressbar.scan_progressbar import ScanProgressBar
+from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.widget_hierarchy_tree.widget_hierarchy_tree import (
+    WidgetHierarchyDialog,
+)
 
 MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
 
 # Ensure the application does not use the native menu bar on macOS to be consistent with linux development.
 QApplication.setAttribute(Qt.ApplicationAttribute.AA_DontUseNativeMenuBar, True)
 
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+
 
 class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
     RPC = True
@@ -49,6 +54,7 @@ class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
 
         self.app = QApplication.instance()
         self.status_bar = self.statusBar()
+        self._launcher_window = None
         self.setWindowTitle(window_title)
         self.setAttribute(Qt.WidgetAttribute.WA_DeleteOnClose, True)
 
@@ -57,6 +63,7 @@ class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
         self.notification_broker = BECNotificationBroker(parent=self)
         self._nc_margin = 16
         self._position_notification_centre()
+        self._widget_hierarchy_dialog: WidgetHierarchyDialog | None = None
 
         # Init ui
         self._init_ui()
@@ -189,14 +196,18 @@ class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
     def _add_scan_progress_bar(self):
 
         # Setting HoverWidget for the scan progress bar - minimal and full version
-        self._scan_progress_bar_simple = ScanProgressBar(self, one_line_design=True)
+        self._scan_progress_bar_simple = ScanProgressBar(
+            self, one_line_design=True, rpc_exposed=False, rpc_passthrough_children=False
+        )
         self._scan_progress_bar_simple.show_elapsed_time = False
         self._scan_progress_bar_simple.show_remaining_time = False
         self._scan_progress_bar_simple.show_source_label = False
         self._scan_progress_bar_simple.progressbar.label_template = ""
         self._scan_progress_bar_simple.progressbar.setFixedHeight(self.SCAN_PROGRESS_HEIGHT)
         self._scan_progress_bar_simple.progressbar.setFixedWidth(self.SCAN_PROGRESS_WIDTH)
-        self._scan_progress_bar_full = ScanProgressBar(self)
+        self._scan_progress_bar_full = ScanProgressBar(
+            self, rpc_exposed=False, rpc_passthrough_children=False
+        )
         self._scan_progress_hover = HoverWidget(
             self, simple=self._scan_progress_bar_simple, full=self._scan_progress_bar_full
         )
@@ -254,7 +265,7 @@ class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
         self.ui = loader.loader(ui_file)
         self.setCentralWidget(self.ui)
 
-    def _fetch_theme(self) -> str:
+    def fetch_theme(self) -> str:
         return self.app.theme.theme
 
     def _get_launcher_from_qapp(self):
@@ -275,6 +286,16 @@ class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
         Show the launcher if it exists.
         """
         launcher = self._get_launcher_from_qapp()
+        if launcher is None:
+            from bec_widgets.applications.launch_window import LaunchWindow
+
+            cli_server = getattr(self.bec_dispatcher, "cli_server", None)
+            if cli_server is None:
+                logger.warning("Cannot open launcher: CLI server is not available.")
+                return
+            launcher = LaunchWindow(gui_id=f"{cli_server.gui_id}:launcher")
+            launcher.setAttribute(Qt.WA_ShowWithoutActivating)  # type: ignore[arg-type]
+            self._launcher_window = launcher
         if launcher:
             launcher.show()
             launcher.activateWindow()
@@ -312,6 +333,11 @@ class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
         light_theme_action.triggered.connect(lambda: self.change_theme("light"))
         dark_theme_action.triggered.connect(lambda: self.change_theme("dark"))
 
+        theme_menu.addSeparator()
+        widget_tree_action = QAction("Show Widget Hierarchy", self)
+        widget_tree_action.triggered.connect(self._show_widget_hierarchy_dialog)
+        theme_menu.addAction(widget_tree_action)
+
         # Set the default theme
         if hasattr(self.app, "theme") and self.app.theme:
             theme_name = self.app.theme.theme.lower()
@@ -395,7 +421,23 @@ class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
             return True
         return super().event(event)
 
+    def _show_widget_hierarchy_dialog(self):
+        if self._widget_hierarchy_dialog is None:
+            dialog = WidgetHierarchyDialog(root_widget=None, parent=self)
+            dialog.setAttribute(Qt.WidgetAttribute.WA_DeleteOnClose, True)
+            dialog.destroyed.connect(lambda: setattr(self, "_widget_hierarchy_dialog", None))
+            self._widget_hierarchy_dialog = dialog
+        self._widget_hierarchy_dialog.refresh()
+        self._widget_hierarchy_dialog.show()
+        self._widget_hierarchy_dialog.raise_()
+        self._widget_hierarchy_dialog.activateWindow()
+
     def cleanup(self):
+        # Widget hierarchy dialog cleanup
+        if self._widget_hierarchy_dialog is not None:
+            self._widget_hierarchy_dialog.close()
+            self._widget_hierarchy_dialog = None
+
         # Timer cleanup
         if hasattr(self, "_client_info_expire_timer") and self._client_info_expire_timer.isActive():
             self._client_info_expire_timer.stop()

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

@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@
-from .positioner_box_base import PositionerBoxBase
-
-__ALL__ = ["PositionerBoxBase"]

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

@@ -11,12 +11,12 @@ from qtpy.QtCore import Qt, Signal
 from qtpy.QtGui import QDoubleValidator
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QDoubleSpinBox
 
-from bec_widgets.utils import UILoader
 from bec_widgets.utils.colors import apply_theme, get_accent_colors
 from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeProperty, SafeSlot
-from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box._base import PositionerBoxBase
-from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box._base.positioner_box_base import (
+from bec_widgets.utils.ui_loader import UILoader
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box.positioner_box_base import (
     DeviceUpdateUIComponents,
+    PositionerBoxBase,
 )
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
@@ -63,10 +63,10 @@ class PositionerBox(PositionerBoxBase):
 
         self.ui = UILoader(self).loader(os.path.join(self.current_path, self.ui_file))
 
-        self.addWidget(self.ui)
-        self.layout.setSpacing(0)
-        self.layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
-        self.layout.setAlignment(Qt.AlignmentFlag.AlignVCenter | Qt.AlignmentFlag.AlignHCenter)
+        self.main_layout.addWidget(self.ui)
+        self.main_layout.setSpacing(0)
+        self.main_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        self.main_layout.setAlignment(Qt.AlignmentFlag.AlignVCenter | Qt.AlignmentFlag.AlignHCenter)
         ui_min_size = self.ui.minimumSize()
         ui_min_hint = self.ui.minimumSizeHint()
         self.setMinimumSize(
@@ -115,8 +115,6 @@ class PositionerBox(PositionerBoxBase):
             return
         old_device = self._device
         self._device = value
-        if not self.label:
-            self.label = value
         self.device_changed.emit(old_device, value)
 
     @SafeProperty(bool)

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

@@ -12,12 +12,12 @@ from qtpy.QtCore import Signal
 from qtpy.QtGui import QDoubleValidator
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QDoubleSpinBox
 
-from bec_widgets.utils import UILoader
 from bec_widgets.utils.colors import apply_theme
 from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeProperty, SafeSlot
-from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box._base import PositionerBoxBase
-from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box._base.positioner_box_base import (
+from bec_widgets.utils.ui_loader import UILoader
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box.positioner_box_base import (
     DeviceUpdateUIComponents,
+    PositionerBoxBase,
 )
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
@@ -96,9 +96,9 @@ class PositionerBox2D(PositionerBoxBase):
 
     def connect_ui(self):
         """Connect the UI components to signals, data, or routines"""
-        self.addWidget(self.ui)
-        self.layout.setSpacing(0)
-        self.layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        self.main_layout.addWidget(self.ui)
+        self.main_layout.setSpacing(0)
+        self.main_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
 
         def _init_ui(val: QDoubleValidator, device_id: DeviceId):
             ui = self._device_ui_components_hv(device_id)
@@ -200,7 +200,6 @@ class PositionerBox2D(PositionerBoxBase):
             return
         old_device = self._device_hor
         self._device_hor = value
-        self.label = f"{self._device_hor}, {self._device_ver}"
         self.device_changed_hor.emit(old_device, value)
         self._init_device(self.device_hor, self.position_update_hor.emit, self.update_limits_hor)
 
@@ -220,7 +219,6 @@ class PositionerBox2D(PositionerBoxBase):
             return
         old_device = self._device_ver
         self._device_ver = value
-        self.label = f"{self._device_hor}, {self._device_ver}"
         self.device_changed_ver.emit(old_device, value)
         self._init_device(self.device_ver, self.position_update_ver.emit, self.update_limits_ver)
 

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

@@ -14,10 +14,10 @@ from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
     QLineEdit,
     QPushButton,
     QVBoxLayout,
+    QWidget,
 )
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
-from bec_widgets.utils.compact_popup import CompactPopupWidget
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.position_indicator.position_indicator import (
     PositionIndicator,
 )
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ class DeviceUpdateUIComponents(TypedDict):
     units: QLabel
 
 
-class PositionerBoxBase(BECWidget, CompactPopupWidget):
+class PositionerBoxBase(BECWidget, QWidget):
     """Contains some core logic for positioner box widgets"""
 
     current_path = ""
@@ -57,7 +57,10 @@ class PositionerBoxBase(BECWidget, CompactPopupWidget):
             parent: The parent widget.
             device (Positioner): The device to control.
         """
-        super().__init__(parent=parent, layout=QVBoxLayout, **kwargs)
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, **kwargs)
+        self.main_layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
+        self.main_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        self.main_layout.setSpacing(0)
         self._dialog = None
         self.get_bec_shortcuts()
 
@@ -123,7 +126,7 @@ class PositionerBoxBase(BECWidget, CompactPopupWidget):
             queue="emergency",
             metadata={"RID": request_id, "response": False},
         )
-        self.client.connector.send(MessageEndpoints.scan_queue_request(), msg)
+        self.client.connector.send(MessageEndpoints.scan_queue_request(self.client.username), msg)
 
     # pylint: disable=unused-argument
     def _on_device_readback(
@@ -173,11 +176,9 @@ class PositionerBoxBase(BECWidget, CompactPopupWidget):
             if is_moving:
                 spinner.start()
                 spinner.setToolTip("Device is moving")
-                self.set_global_state("warning")
             else:
                 spinner.stop()
                 spinner.setToolTip("Device is idle")
-                self.set_global_state("success")
         else:
             spinner.setVisible(False)
 
@@ -196,9 +197,8 @@ class PositionerBoxBase(BECWidget, CompactPopupWidget):
             pos = (readback_val - limits[0]) / (limits[1] - limits[0])
             position_indicator.set_value(pos)
 
-    def _update_limits_ui(
-        self, limits: tuple[float, float], position_indicator, setpoint_validator
-    ):
+    @staticmethod
+    def _update_limits_ui(limits: tuple[float, float], position_indicator, setpoint_validator):
         if limits is not None and limits[0] != limits[1]:
             position_indicator.setToolTip(f"Min: {limits[0]}, Max: {limits[1]}")
             setpoint_validator.setRange(limits[0], limits[1])
@@ -223,8 +223,9 @@ class PositionerBoxBase(BECWidget, CompactPopupWidget):
         self.bec_dispatcher.disconnect_slot(slot, MessageEndpoints.device_readback(old_device))
         self.bec_dispatcher.connect_slot(slot, MessageEndpoints.device_readback(new_device))
 
-    def _toggle_enable_buttons(self, ui: DeviceUpdateUIComponents, enable: bool) -> None:
-        """Toogle enable/disable on available buttons
+    @staticmethod
+    def _toggle_enable_buttons(ui: DeviceUpdateUIComponents, enable: bool) -> None:
+        """Toggle enable/disable on available buttons
 
         Args:
             enable (bool): Enable buttons

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

@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
 import os
 
 from bec_lib.device import Positioner
+from qtpy.QtCore import Qt
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QSizePolicy
 
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box import PositionerBox
 
@@ -22,7 +24,82 @@ class PositionerControlLine(PositionerBox):
             device (Positioner): The device to control.
         """
         self.current_path = os.path.dirname(__file__)
+        self._indicator_switch_width = 0
+        self._horizontal_indicator_width = 0
+        self._vertical_indicator_width = 15
+        self._indicator_thickness = 10
+        self._indicator_is_horizontal = False
+        self._line_height = self.dimensions[0]
         super().__init__(parent=parent, device=device, *args, **kwargs)
+        self._configure_line_layout()
+        self._update_indicator_orientation()
+
+    def _configure_line_layout(self):
+        device_box = self.ui.device_box
+        indicator = self.ui.position_indicator
+
+        self.main_layout.setAlignment(Qt.AlignmentFlag(0))
+        self.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Policy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Policy.Fixed)
+        self.ui.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Policy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Policy.Fixed)
+        device_box.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Policy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Policy.Fixed)
+
+        self._line_height = max(
+            self.dimensions[0],
+            self.ui.minimumSizeHint().height(),
+            self.ui.sizeHint().height(),
+            device_box.minimumSizeHint().height(),
+            device_box.sizeHint().height(),
+        )
+        device_box.setFixedHeight(self._line_height)
+        device_box.setMinimumWidth(self.dimensions[1])
+        device_box.setMaximumWidth(16777215)
+        self.setFixedHeight(self._line_height)
+        self.setMinimumWidth(self.dimensions[1])
+
+        self.ui.verticalLayout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        self.ui.verticalLayout.setSpacing(0)
+        self.ui.readback.setMaximumWidth(16777215)
+        self.ui.setpoint.setMaximumWidth(16777215)
+        self.ui.step_size.setMaximumWidth(16777215)
+
+        indicator_hint = indicator.minimumSizeHint()
+        step_hint = self.ui.step_size.sizeHint()
+        self._indicator_thickness = max(indicator_hint.height(), 10)
+        self._vertical_indicator_width = max(indicator.minimumWidth(), 15)
+        self._horizontal_indicator_width = max(90, step_hint.width())
+        base_width = max(device_box.minimumSizeHint().width(), self.dimensions[1])
+        self._indicator_switch_width = (
+            base_width - self._vertical_indicator_width + self._horizontal_indicator_width
+        )
+
+    def resizeEvent(self, event):
+        super().resizeEvent(event)
+        self._update_indicator_orientation()
+
+    def _update_indicator_orientation(self):
+        if not hasattr(self, "ui"):
+            return
+
+        indicator = self.ui.position_indicator
+        available_width = self.ui.device_box.width() or self.width() or self.dimensions[1]
+        should_use_horizontal = available_width >= self._indicator_switch_width
+        if should_use_horizontal == self._indicator_is_horizontal:
+            return
+
+        self._indicator_is_horizontal = should_use_horizontal
+        indicator.vertical = not should_use_horizontal
+
+        if should_use_horizontal:
+            indicator.setMinimumSize(self._horizontal_indicator_width, self._indicator_thickness)
+            indicator.setMaximumHeight(self._indicator_thickness)
+            indicator.setMaximumWidth(16777215)
+            indicator.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Policy.MinimumExpanding, QSizePolicy.Policy.Fixed)
+        else:
+            indicator.setMinimumSize(self._vertical_indicator_width, self._indicator_thickness)
+            indicator.setMaximumSize(self._vertical_indicator_width, 16777215)
+            indicator.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Policy.Fixed, QSizePolicy.Policy.Preferred)
+
+        indicator.updateGeometry()
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover

bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_control/positioner_box/positioner_control_line/positioner_control_line.ui

@@ -2,12 +2,18 @@
 <ui version="4.0">
  <class>Form</class>
  <widget class="QWidget" name="Form">
+  <property name="sizePolicy">
+   <sizepolicy hsizetype="Expanding" vsizetype="Fixed">
+    <horstretch>0</horstretch>
+    <verstretch>0</verstretch>
+   </sizepolicy>
+  </property>
   <property name="geometry">
    <rect>
     <x>0</x>
     <y>0</y>
-    <width>612</width>
-    <height>91</height>
+    <width>592</width>
+    <height>76</height>
    </rect>
   </property>
   <property name="minimumSize">
@@ -26,8 +32,29 @@
    <string>Form</string>
   </property>
   <layout class="QVBoxLayout" name="verticalLayout">
+   <property name="spacing">
+    <number>0</number>
+   </property>
+   <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="QGroupBox" name="device_box">
+     <property name="sizePolicy">
+      <sizepolicy hsizetype="Expanding" vsizetype="Fixed">
+       <horstretch>0</horstretch>
+       <verstretch>0</verstretch>
+      </sizepolicy>
+     </property>
      <property name="title">
       <string>Device Name</string>
      </property>
@@ -227,12 +254,12 @@
  <customwidgets>
   <customwidget>
    <class>PositionIndicator</class>
-   <extends>QWidget</extends>
+   <extends></extends>
    <header>position_indicator</header>
   </customwidget>
   <customwidget>
    <class>SpinnerWidget</class>
-   <extends>QWidget</extends>
+   <extends></extends>
    <header>spinner_widget</header>
   </customwidget>
  </customwidgets>

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

@@ -27,30 +27,13 @@ class PositionerGroupBox(QGroupBox):
         self.layout().setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
         self.layout().setSpacing(0)
         self.widget = PositionerBox(self, dev_name)
-        self.widget.compact_view = True
-        self.widget.expand_popup = False
         self.layout().addWidget(self.widget)
         self.widget.position_update.connect(self._on_position_update)
-        self.widget.expand.connect(self._on_expand)
         self.setTitle(self.device_name)
         self.widget.force_update_readback()
 
-    def _on_expand(self, expand):
-        if expand:
-            self.setTitle("")
-            self.setFlat(True)
-        else:
-            self.setTitle(self.device_name)
-            self.setFlat(False)
-
     def _on_position_update(self, pos: float):
         self.position_update.emit(pos)
-        precision = getattr(self.widget.dev[self.widget.device], "precision", 8)
-        try:
-            precision = int(precision)
-        except (TypeError, ValueError):
-            precision = int(8)
-        self.widget.label = f"{pos:.{precision}f}"
 
     def close(self):
         self.widget.close()

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

@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ from bec_lib.device import Signal as BECSignal
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from pydantic import field_validator
 
-from bec_widgets.utils import ConnectionConfig
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_connector import ConnectionConfig
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
 from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeProperty, SafeSlot
 from bec_widgets.utils.filter_io import FilterIO

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

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ from bec_lib.device import Signal
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from qtpy.QtCore import Property
 
-from bec_widgets.utils import ConnectionConfig
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_connector import ConnectionConfig
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
 from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
 from bec_widgets.utils.filter_io import FilterIO
@@ -266,6 +266,7 @@ class DeviceSignalInputBase(BECWidget):
 
         Args:
             device(str): Device to validate.
+            raise_on_false(bool): Raise ValueError if device is not found.
         """
         if device in self.dev:
             return True

bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_manager/components/_util.py

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 import json
 from typing import Any, Callable, Generator, Iterable, TypeVar
 
-from bec_lib.utils.json import ExtendedEncoder
+from bec_lib.utils.json_extended import ExtendedEncoder
 from qtpy.QtCore import QByteArray, QMimeData, QObject, Signal  # type: ignore
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QListWidgetItem
 

bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_manager/components/available_device_resources/available_device_group.py

@@ -51,8 +51,7 @@ class _DeviceEntryWidget(QFrame):
         self.setToolTip(self._rich_text())
 
     def _rich_text(self):
-        return dedent(
-            f"""
+        return dedent(f"""
         <b><u><h2> {self._device_spec.name}: </h2></u></b>
         <table>
         <tr><td> description: </td><td><i> {self._device_spec.description}  </i></td></tr>
@@ -60,8 +59,7 @@ class _DeviceEntryWidget(QFrame):
         <tr><td> enabled:     </td><td><i> {self._device_spec.enabled}      </i></td></tr>
         <tr><td> read only:   </td><td><i> {self._device_spec.readOnly}     </i></td></tr>
         </table>
-        """
-        )
+        """)
 
     def setup_title_layout(self, device_spec: HashableDevice):
         self._title_layout = QHBoxLayout()

bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_manager/components/available_device_resources/available_device_group_ui.py

@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ if TYPE_CHECKING:
     from .available_device_group import AvailableDeviceGroup
 
 
-class _DeviceListWiget(QListWidget):
+class _DeviceListWidget(QListWidget):
 
     def _item_iter(self):
         return (self.item(i) for i in range(self.count()))
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ class Ui_AvailableDeviceGroup(object):
         self.n_included.setObjectName("n_included")
         title_layout.addWidget(self.n_included)
 
-        self.device_list = _DeviceListWiget(AvailableDeviceGroup)
+        self.device_list = _DeviceListWidget(AvailableDeviceGroup)
         self.device_list.setSelectionMode(QListWidget.SelectionMode.ExtendedSelection)
         self.device_list.setObjectName("device_list")
         self.device_list.setFrameStyle(0)

bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_manager/components/available_device_resources/device_resource_backend.py

@@ -34,13 +34,13 @@ class HashModel(str, Enum):
 class DeviceResourceBackend(Protocol):
     @property
     def tag_groups(self) -> dict[str, set[HashableDevice]]:
-        """A dictionary of all availble devices separated by tag groups. The same device may
+        """A dictionary of all available devices separated by tag groups. The same device may
         appear more than once (in different groups)."""
         ...
 
     @property
     def all_devices(self) -> set[HashableDevice]:
-        """A set of all availble devices. The same device may not appear more than once."""
+        """A set of all available devices. The same device may not appear more than once."""
         ...
 
     @property

bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_manager/components/device_table/device_table.py

@@ -5,9 +5,8 @@ in DeviceTableRow entries.
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
-import traceback
 from copy import deepcopy
-from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Any, Callable, Iterable, Literal, Tuple
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Any, Callable, Iterable, Tuple
 
 from bec_lib.atlas_models import Device as DeviceModel
 from bec_lib.callback_handler import EventType
@@ -19,6 +18,7 @@ from thefuzz import fuzz
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
 from bec_widgets.utils.colors import get_accent_colors
 from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.utils.fuzzy_search import is_match
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_manager.components.device_table.device_table_row import (
     DeviceTableRow,
 )
@@ -37,34 +37,6 @@ _DeviceCfgIter = Iterable[dict[str, Any]]
 # DeviceValidationResult: device_config, config_status, connection_status, error_message
 _ValidationResultIter = Iterable[Tuple[dict[str, Any], ConfigStatus, ConnectionStatus, str]]
 
-FUZZY_SEARCH_THRESHOLD = 80
-
-
-def is_match(
-    text: str, row_data: dict[str, Any], relevant_keys: list[str], enable_fuzzy: bool
-) -> bool:
-    """
-    Check if the text matches any of the relevant keys in the row data.
-
-    Args:
-        text (str): The text to search for.
-        row_data (dict[str, Any]): The row data to search in.
-        relevant_keys (list[str]): The keys to consider for searching.
-        enable_fuzzy (bool): Whether to use fuzzy matching.
-    Returns:
-        bool: True if a match is found, False otherwise.
-    """
-    for key in relevant_keys:
-        data = str(row_data.get(key, "") or "")
-        if enable_fuzzy:
-            match_ratio = fuzz.partial_ratio(text.lower(), data.lower())
-            if match_ratio >= FUZZY_SEARCH_THRESHOLD:
-                return True
-        else:
-            if text.lower() in data.lower():
-                return True
-    return False
-
 
 class TableSortOnHold:
     """Context manager for putting table sorting on hold. Works with nested calls."""

bec_widgets/widgets/control/scan_control/scan_control.py

@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ from qtpy.QtGui import QColor
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
     QApplication,
     QComboBox,
+    QGroupBox,
     QHBoxLayout,
     QLabel,
     QPushButton,
@@ -18,7 +19,7 @@ from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
     QWidget,
 )
 
-from bec_widgets.utils import ConnectionConfig
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_connector import ConnectionConfig
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
 from bec_widgets.utils.colors import apply_theme, get_accent_colors
 from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeProperty, SafeSlot
@@ -171,7 +172,13 @@ class ScanControl(BECWidget, QWidget):
         self.layout.addStretch()
 
     def _add_metadata_form(self):
-        self.layout.addWidget(self._metadata_form)
+        # Wrap metadata form in a group box
+        self._metadata_group = QGroupBox("Scan Metadata", self)
+        self._metadata_group.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Policy.Preferred, QSizePolicy.Policy.Fixed)
+        metadata_layout = QVBoxLayout(self._metadata_group)
+        metadata_layout.addWidget(self._metadata_form)
+
+        self.layout.addWidget(self._metadata_group)
         self._metadata_form.update_with_new_scan(self.comboBox_scan_selection.currentText())
         self.scan_selected.connect(self._metadata_form.update_with_new_scan)
         self._metadata_form.form_data_updated.connect(self.update_scan_metadata)

bec_widgets/widgets/control/scan_control/scan_group_box.py

@@ -347,14 +347,14 @@ class ScanGroupBox(QGroupBox):
 
     def get_parameters(self, device_object: bool = True):
         """
-        Returns the parameters from the widgets in the scan control layout formated to run scan from BEC.
+        Returns the parameters from the widgets in the scan control layout formatted to run scan from BEC.
         """
         if self.box_type == "args":
-            return self._get_arg_parameterts(device_object=device_object)
+            return self._get_arg_parameters(device_object=device_object)
         elif self.box_type == "kwargs":
             return self._get_kwarg_parameters(device_object=device_object)
 
-    def _get_arg_parameterts(self, device_object: bool = True):
+    def _get_arg_parameters(self, device_object: bool = True):
         args = []
         for i in range(1, self.layout.rowCount()):
             for j in range(self.layout.columnCount()):

bec_widgets/widgets/dap/dap_combo_box/dap_combo_box.py

@@ -2,22 +2,19 @@
 
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from qtpy.QtCore import Property, Signal, Slot
-from qtpy.QtWidgets import QComboBox, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QComboBox
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 
 
-class DapComboBox(BECWidget, QWidget):
+class DapComboBox(BECWidget, QComboBox):
     """
-    The DAPComboBox widget is an extension to the QComboBox with all avaialble DAP model from BEC.
+    Editable combobox listing the available DAP models.
 
-    Args:
-        parent: Parent widget.
-        client: BEC client object.
-        gui_id: GUI ID.
-        default: Default device name.
+    The widget behaves as a plain QComboBox and keeps ``fit_model_combobox`` as an alias to itself
+    for backwards compatibility with older call sites.
     """
 
     ICON_NAME = "data_exploration"
@@ -45,19 +42,20 @@ class DapComboBox(BECWidget, QWidget):
         **kwargs,
     ):
         super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
-        self.layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
-        self.fit_model_combobox = QComboBox(self)
-        self.layout.addWidget(self.fit_model_combobox)
-        self.layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
-        self._available_models = None
+        self.fit_model_combobox = self  # Just for backwards compatibility with older call sites, the widget itself is the combobox
+        self._available_models: list[str] = []
         self._x_axis = None
         self._y_axis = None
-        self.populate_fit_model_combobox()
-        self.fit_model_combobox.currentTextChanged.connect(self._update_current_fit)
-        # Set default fit model
-        self.select_default_fit(default_fit)
+        self._is_valid_input = False
 
-    def select_default_fit(self, default_fit: str | None):
+        self.setEditable(True)
+
+        self.populate_fit_model_combobox()
+        self.currentTextChanged.connect(self._on_text_changed)
+        self.select_default_fit(default_fit)
+        self.check_validity(self.currentText())
+
+    def select_default_fit(self, default_fit: str | None = "GaussianModel"):
         """Set the default fit model.
 
         Args:
@@ -65,8 +63,8 @@ class DapComboBox(BECWidget, QWidget):
         """
         if self._validate_dap_model(default_fit):
             self.select_fit_model(default_fit)
-        else:
-            self.select_fit_model("GaussianModel")
+        elif self.available_models:
+            self.select_fit_model(self.available_models[0])
 
     @property
     def available_models(self):
@@ -114,12 +112,40 @@ class DapComboBox(BECWidget, QWidget):
         self._y_axis = y_axis
         self.y_axis_updated.emit(y_axis)
 
-    def _update_current_fit(self, fit_name: str):
-        """Update the current fit."""
+    @Slot(str)
+    def _on_text_changed(self, fit_name: str):
+        """
+        Validate and emit updates for the current text.
+
+        Args:
+            fit_name(str): The current text in the combobox, representing the selected fit model.
+        """
+        self.check_validity(fit_name)
+        if not self._is_valid_input:
+            return
+
         self.fit_model_updated.emit(fit_name)
         if self.x_axis is not None and self.y_axis is not None:
             self.new_dap_config.emit(self._x_axis, self._y_axis, fit_name)
 
+    @Slot(str)
+    def check_validity(self, fit_name: str):
+        """
+        Highlight invalid manual entries similarly to DeviceComboBox.
+
+        Args:
+            fit_name(str): The current text in the combobox, representing the selected fit model.
+        """
+        if self._validate_dap_model(fit_name):
+            self._is_valid_input = True
+            self.setStyleSheet("border: 1px solid transparent;")
+        else:
+            self._is_valid_input = False
+            if self.isEnabled():
+                self.setStyleSheet("border: 1px solid red;")
+            else:
+                self.setStyleSheet("border: 1px solid transparent;")
+
     @Slot(str)
     def select_x_axis(self, x_axis: str):
         """Slot to update the x axis.
@@ -128,7 +154,7 @@ class DapComboBox(BECWidget, QWidget):
             x_axis(str): X axis.
         """
         self.x_axis = x_axis
-        self._update_current_fit(self.fit_model_combobox.currentText())
+        self._on_text_changed(self.currentText())
 
     @Slot(str)
     def select_y_axis(self, y_axis: str):
@@ -138,25 +164,26 @@ class DapComboBox(BECWidget, QWidget):
             y_axis(str): Y axis.
         """
         self.y_axis = y_axis
-        self._update_current_fit(self.fit_model_combobox.currentText())
+        self._on_text_changed(self.currentText())
 
     @Slot(str)
     def select_fit_model(self, fit_name: str | None):
         """Slot to update the fit model.
 
         Args:
-            default_device(str): Default device name.
+            fit_name(str): Fit model name.
         """
         if not self._validate_dap_model(fit_name):
             raise ValueError(f"Fit {fit_name} is not valid.")
-        self.fit_model_combobox.setCurrentText(fit_name)
+        self.setCurrentText(fit_name)
 
     def populate_fit_model_combobox(self):
         """Populate the fit_model_combobox with the devices."""
         # pylint: disable=protected-access
-        self.available_models = [model for model in self.client.dap._available_dap_plugins.keys()]
-        self.fit_model_combobox.clear()
-        self.fit_model_combobox.addItems(self.available_models)
+        available_plugins = getattr(getattr(self.client, "dap", None), "_available_dap_plugins", {})
+        self.available_models = [model for model in available_plugins.keys()]
+        self.clear()
+        self.addItems(self.available_models)
 
     def _validate_dap_model(self, model: str | None) -> bool:
         """Validate the DAP model.
@@ -166,23 +193,23 @@ class DapComboBox(BECWidget, QWidget):
         """
         if model is None:
             return False
-        if model not in self.available_models:
-            return False
-        return True
+        return model in self.available_models
+
+    @property
+    def is_valid_input(self) -> bool:
+        """Whether the current text matches an available DAP model."""
+        return self._is_valid_input
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
-    # pylint: disable=import-outside-toplevel
+    import sys
+
     from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
 
     from bec_widgets.utils.colors import apply_theme
 
-    app = QApplication([])
+    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
     apply_theme("dark")
-    widget = QWidget()
-    widget.setFixedSize(200, 200)
-    layout = QVBoxLayout()
-    widget.setLayout(layout)
-    layout.addWidget(DapComboBox())
-    widget.show()
-    app.exec_()
+    dialog = DapComboBox()
+    dialog.show()
+    sys.exit(app.exec_())

bec_widgets/widgets/dap/lmfit_dialog/lmfit_dialog.py

@@ -1,13 +1,14 @@
 import os
 
+import shiboken6
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from qtpy.QtCore import Signal
-from qtpy.QtWidgets import QPushButton, QTreeWidgetItem, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QPushButton, QSizePolicy, QTreeWidgetItem, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
 
-from bec_widgets.utils import UILoader
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
 from bec_widgets.utils.colors import get_accent_colors
 from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeProperty, SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.utils.ui_loader import UILoader
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 
@@ -34,7 +35,7 @@ class LMFitDialog(BECWidget, QWidget):
         **kwargs,
     ):
         """
-        Initialises the LMFitDialog widget.
+        Initializes the LMFitDialog widget.
 
         Args:
             parent (QWidget): The parent widget.
@@ -68,6 +69,27 @@ class LMFitDialog(BECWidget, QWidget):
         self._hide_curve_selection = False
         self._hide_summary = False
         self._hide_parameters = False
+        self._configure_embedded_size_policy()
+
+    def _configure_embedded_size_policy(self):
+        """Allow the compact dialog to shrink more gracefully in embedded layouts."""
+        if self._ui_file != "lmfit_dialog_compact.ui":
+            return
+
+        self.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Policy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Policy.Preferred)
+        self.ui.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Policy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Policy.Preferred)
+
+        for group in (
+            self.ui.group_curve_selection,
+            self.ui.group_summary,
+            self.ui.group_parameters,
+        ):
+            group.setMinimumHeight(0)
+            group.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Policy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Policy.Preferred)
+
+        for view in (self.ui.curve_list, self.ui.summary_tree, self.ui.param_tree):
+            view.setMinimumHeight(0)
+            view.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Policy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Policy.Ignored)
 
     @property
     def enable_actions(self) -> bool:
@@ -77,8 +99,14 @@ class LMFitDialog(BECWidget, QWidget):
     @enable_actions.setter
     def enable_actions(self, enable: bool):
         self._enable_actions = enable
-        for button in self.action_buttons.values():
+        valid_buttons = {}
+        for name, button in self.action_buttons.items():
+            # just to be sure we have a valid c++ object
+            if button is None or not shiboken6.isValid(button):
+                continue
             button.setEnabled(enable)
+            valid_buttons[name] = button
+        self.action_buttons = valid_buttons
 
     @SafeProperty(list)
     def active_action_list(self) -> list[str]:
@@ -89,16 +117,6 @@ class LMFitDialog(BECWidget, QWidget):
     def active_action_list(self, actions: list[str]):
         self._active_actions = actions
 
-    # This SafeSlot needed?
-    @SafeSlot(bool)
-    def set_actions_enabled(self, enable: bool) -> bool:
-        """SafeSlot to enable the move to buttons.
-
-        Args:
-            enable (bool): Whether to enable the action buttons.
-        """
-        self.enable_actions = enable
-
     @SafeProperty(bool)
     def always_show_latest(self):
         """SafeProperty to indicate if always the latest DAP update is displayed."""
@@ -154,19 +172,21 @@ class LMFitDialog(BECWidget, QWidget):
         self.ui.group_parameters.setVisible(not show)
 
     @property
-    def fit_curve_id(self) -> str:
+    def fit_curve_id(self) -> str | None:
         """SafeProperty for the currently displayed fit curve_id."""
         return self._fit_curve_id
 
     @fit_curve_id.setter
-    def fit_curve_id(self, curve_id: str):
+    def fit_curve_id(self, curve_id: str | None):
         """Setter for the currently displayed fit curve_id.
 
         Args:
-            fit_curve_id (str): The curve_id of the fit curve to be displayed.
+            curve_id (str | None): The curve_id of the fit curve to be displayed,
+                or None to clear the selection.
         """
         self._fit_curve_id = curve_id
-        self.selected_fit.emit(curve_id)
+        if curve_id is not None:
+            self.selected_fit.emit(curve_id)
 
     @SafeSlot(str)
     def remove_dap_data(self, curve_id: str):
@@ -176,6 +196,15 @@ class LMFitDialog(BECWidget, QWidget):
             curve_id (str): The curve_id of the DAP data to be removed.
         """
         self.summary_data.pop(curve_id, None)
+        if self.fit_curve_id == curve_id:
+            self.action_buttons = {}
+            self.ui.summary_tree.clear()
+            self.ui.param_tree.clear()
+            remaining = list(self.summary_data.keys())
+            if remaining:
+                self.fit_curve_id = remaining[0]
+            else:
+                self._fit_curve_id = None
         self.refresh_curve_list()
 
     @SafeSlot(str)
@@ -251,6 +280,7 @@ class LMFitDialog(BECWidget, QWidget):
             params (list): List of LMFit parameters for the fit curve.
         """
         self._move_buttons = []
+        self.action_buttons = {}
         self.ui.param_tree.clear()
         for param in params:
             param_name = param[0]
@@ -269,18 +299,16 @@ class LMFitDialog(BECWidget, QWidget):
             if param_name in self.active_action_list:  # pylint: disable=unsupported-membership-test
                 # Create a push button to move the motor to a specific position
                 widget = QWidget()
-                button = QPushButton(f"Move to {param_name}")
+                button = QPushButton("Move")
                 button.clicked.connect(self._create_move_action(param_name, param[1]))
-                if self.enable_actions is True:
+                if self.enable_actions:
                     button.setEnabled(True)
                 else:
                     button.setEnabled(False)
-                button.setStyleSheet(
-                    f"""
+                button.setStyleSheet(f"""
                     QPushButton:enabled {{ background-color: {self._accent_colors.success.name()};color: white; }} 
                     QPushButton:disabled {{ background-color: grey;color: white; }}
-                    """
-                )
+                    """)
                 self.action_buttons[param_name] = button
                 layout = QVBoxLayout()
                 layout.addWidget(self.action_buttons[param_name])

bec_widgets/widgets/dap/lmfit_dialog/lmfit_dialog_compact.ui

@@ -14,6 +14,18 @@
    <string>Form</string>
   </property>
   <layout class="QGridLayout" name="gridLayout">
+   <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 row="0" column="0">
     <widget class="QSplitter" name="splitter_2">
      <property name="sizePolicy">
@@ -22,15 +34,6 @@
        <verstretch>0</verstretch>
       </sizepolicy>
      </property>
-     <property name="frameShape">
-      <enum>QFrame::Shape::VLine</enum>
-     </property>
-     <property name="frameShadow">
-      <enum>QFrame::Shadow::Plain</enum>
-     </property>
-     <property name="lineWidth">
-      <number>1</number>
-     </property>
      <property name="orientation">
       <enum>Qt::Orientation::Horizontal</enum>
      </property>
@@ -41,6 +44,12 @@
       <bool>true</bool>
      </property>
      <widget class="QGroupBox" name="group_curve_selection">
+      <property name="minimumSize">
+       <size>
+        <width>120</width>
+        <height>0</height>
+       </size>
+      </property>
       <property name="title">
        <string>Select Curve</string>
       </property>
@@ -58,18 +67,36 @@
        </sizepolicy>
       </property>
       <property name="orientation">
-       <enum>Qt::Orientation::Vertical</enum>
+       <enum>Qt::Orientation::Horizontal</enum>
       </property>
       <widget class="QGroupBox" name="group_summary">
+       <property name="minimumSize">
+        <size>
+         <width>180</width>
+         <height>0</height>
+        </size>
+       </property>
        <property name="title">
         <string>Fit Summary</string>
        </property>
        <layout class="QVBoxLayout" name="verticalLayout_2">
         <item>
          <widget class="QTreeWidget" name="summary_tree">
+          <property name="alternatingRowColors">
+           <bool>true</bool>
+          </property>
+             <property name="indentation">
+                 <number>0</number>
+             </property>
+             <property name="rootIsDecorated">
+                 <bool>false</bool>
+             </property>
           <property name="uniformRowHeights">
            <bool>false</bool>
           </property>
+          <attribute name="headerDefaultSectionSize">
+           <number>90</number>
+          </attribute>
           <column>
            <property name="text">
             <string>Property</string>
@@ -85,12 +112,33 @@
        </layout>
       </widget>
       <widget class="QGroupBox" name="group_parameters">
+       <property name="minimumSize">
+        <size>
+         <width>240</width>
+         <height>0</height>
+        </size>
+       </property>
        <property name="title">
         <string>Parameter Details</string>
        </property>
        <layout class="QVBoxLayout" name="verticalLayout_3">
         <item>
          <widget class="QTreeWidget" name="param_tree">
+          <property name="alternatingRowColors">
+           <bool>true</bool>
+          </property>
+             <property name="indentation">
+                 <number>0</number>
+             </property>
+             <property name="rootIsDecorated">
+                 <bool>false</bool>
+          </property>
+          <property name="columnCount">
+           <number>4</number>
+          </property>
+          <attribute name="headerDefaultSectionSize">
+           <number>80</number>
+          </attribute>
           <column>
            <property name="text">
             <string>Parameter</string>
@@ -106,6 +154,11 @@
             <string>Std</string>
            </property>
           </column>
+          <column>
+           <property name="text">
+            <string>Action</string>
+           </property>
+          </column>
          </widget>
         </item>
        </layout>

bec_widgets/widgets/dap/lmfit_dialog/lmfit_dialog_vertical.ui

@@ -95,6 +95,12 @@
           <height>0</height>
          </size>
         </property>
+           <property name="indentation">
+               <number>0</number>
+           </property>
+           <property name="rootIsDecorated">
+               <bool>false</bool>
+           </property>
         <property name="uniformRowHeights">
          <bool>false</bool>
         </property>
@@ -147,6 +153,12 @@
           <width>0</width>
           <height>0</height>
          </size>
+        </property>
+           <property name="indentation">
+               <number>0</number>
+           </property>
+           <property name="rootIsDecorated">
+               <bool>false</bool>
         </property>
         <property name="columnCount">
          <number>4</number>

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/bec_console/bec_console.py

@@ -0,0 +1,605 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import enum
+from dataclasses import dataclass, field
+from uuid import uuid4
+from weakref import WeakValueDictionary
+
+import shiboken6
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
+from qtpy.QtCore import Qt, Signal
+from qtpy.QtGui import QMouseEvent
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
+    QApplication,
+    QHBoxLayout,
+    QLabel,
+    QStackedLayout,
+    QTabWidget,
+    QVBoxLayout,
+    QWidget,
+)
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
+from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.bec_term.protocol import BecTerminal
+from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.bec_term.util import get_current_bec_term_class
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+
+_BecTermClass = get_current_bec_term_class()
+
+# Note on definitions:
+# Terminal: an instance of a terminal widget with a system shell
+# Console: one of possibly several widgets which may share ownership of one single terminal
+# Shell: a Console set to start the BEC IPython client in its terminal
+
+
+class ConsoleMode(str, enum.Enum):
+    ACTIVE = "active"
+    INACTIVE = "inactive"
+    HIDDEN = "hidden"
+
+
+@dataclass
+class _TerminalOwnerInfo:
+    """Should be managed only by the BecConsoleRegistry. Consoles should ask the registry for
+    necessary ownership info."""
+
+    owner_console_id: str | None = None
+    registered_console_ids: set[str] = field(default_factory=set)
+    instance: BecTerminal | None = None
+    terminal_id: str = ""
+    initialized: bool = False
+    persist_session: bool = False
+    fallback_holder: QWidget | None = None
+
+
+class BecConsoleRegistry:
+    """
+    A registry for the BecConsole class to manage its instances.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self):
+        """
+        Initialize the registry.
+        """
+        self._consoles: WeakValueDictionary[str, BecConsole] = WeakValueDictionary()
+        self._terminal_registry: dict[str, _TerminalOwnerInfo] = {}
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def _is_valid_qobject(obj: object | None) -> bool:
+        return obj is not None and shiboken6.isValid(obj)
+
+    def _connect_app_cleanup(self) -> None:
+        app = QApplication.instance()
+        if app is None:
+            return
+        app.aboutToQuit.connect(self.clear, Qt.ConnectionType.UniqueConnection)
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def _new_terminal_info(console: BecConsole) -> _TerminalOwnerInfo:
+        term = _BecTermClass()
+        return _TerminalOwnerInfo(
+            registered_console_ids={console.console_id},
+            owner_console_id=console.console_id,
+            instance=term,
+            terminal_id=console.terminal_id,
+            persist_session=console.persist_terminal_session,
+        )
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def _replace_terminal(info: _TerminalOwnerInfo, console: BecConsole) -> None:
+        info.instance = _BecTermClass()
+        info.initialized = False
+        info.owner_console_id = console.console_id
+        info.registered_console_ids.add(console.console_id)
+        info.persist_session = info.persist_session or console.persist_terminal_session
+
+    def _delete_terminal_info(self, info: _TerminalOwnerInfo) -> None:
+        if self._is_valid_qobject(info.instance):
+            info.instance.deleteLater()  # type: ignore[union-attr]
+        info.instance = None
+        if self._is_valid_qobject(info.fallback_holder):
+            info.fallback_holder.deleteLater()
+        info.fallback_holder = None
+
+    def _parking_parent(
+        self,
+        info: _TerminalOwnerInfo,
+        console: BecConsole | None = None,
+        *,
+        avoid_console: bool = False,
+    ) -> QWidget | None:
+        for console_id in info.registered_console_ids:
+            candidate = self._consoles.get(console_id)
+            if candidate is None or candidate is console:
+                continue
+            if self._is_valid_qobject(candidate):
+                return candidate._term_holder
+
+        if console is None or not self._is_valid_qobject(console):
+            return None
+
+        window = console.window()
+        if window is not None and window is not console and self._is_valid_qobject(window):
+            return window
+
+        if not avoid_console:
+            return console._term_holder
+        return None
+
+    def _fallback_holder(
+        self,
+        info: _TerminalOwnerInfo,
+        console: BecConsole | None = None,
+        *,
+        avoid_console: bool = False,
+    ) -> QWidget:
+        if not self._is_valid_qobject(info.fallback_holder):
+            info.fallback_holder = QWidget(
+                parent=self._parking_parent(info, console, avoid_console=avoid_console)
+            )
+            info.fallback_holder.setObjectName(f"_bec_console_terminal_holder_{info.terminal_id}")
+            info.fallback_holder.hide()
+        return info.fallback_holder
+
+    def _park_terminal(
+        self,
+        info: _TerminalOwnerInfo,
+        console: BecConsole | None = None,
+        *,
+        avoid_console: bool = False,
+    ) -> None:
+        if not self._is_valid_qobject(info.instance):
+            return
+
+        parent = self._parking_parent(info, console, avoid_console=avoid_console)
+        if parent is None and info.persist_session:
+            parent = self._fallback_holder(info, console, avoid_console=avoid_console)
+
+        info.instance.hide()  # type: ignore[union-attr]
+        info.instance.setParent(parent)  # type: ignore[union-attr]
+
+    def clear(self) -> None:
+        """Delete every tracked terminal and holder."""
+        for info in list(self._terminal_registry.values()):
+            self._delete_terminal_info(info)
+        self._terminal_registry.clear()
+        self._consoles.clear()
+
+    def register(self, console: BecConsole):
+        """
+        Register an instance of BecConsole. If there is already a terminal with the associated
+        terminal_id, this does not automatically grant ownership.
+
+        Args:
+            console (BecConsole): The instance to register.
+        """
+        self._connect_app_cleanup()
+        self._consoles[console.console_id] = console
+        console_id, terminal_id = console.console_id, console.terminal_id
+        term_info = self._terminal_registry.get(terminal_id)
+        if term_info is None:
+            self._terminal_registry[terminal_id] = self._new_terminal_info(console)
+            return
+
+        term_info.persist_session = term_info.persist_session or console.persist_terminal_session
+        had_registered_consoles = bool(term_info.registered_console_ids)
+        term_info.registered_console_ids.add(console_id)
+        if not self._is_valid_qobject(term_info.instance):
+            self._replace_terminal(term_info, console)
+            return
+        if (
+            term_info.owner_console_id is not None
+            and term_info.owner_console_id not in self._consoles
+        ):
+            term_info.owner_console_id = None
+        if term_info.owner_console_id is None and not had_registered_consoles:
+            term_info.owner_console_id = console_id
+        logger.info(f"Registered new console {console_id} for terminal {terminal_id}")
+
+    def unregister(self, console: BecConsole):
+        """
+        Unregister an instance of BecConsole.
+
+        Args:
+            console (BecConsole): The instance to unregister.
+        """
+        console_id, terminal_id = console.console_id, console.terminal_id
+        if console_id in self._consoles:
+            del self._consoles[console_id]
+        if (term_info := self._terminal_registry.get(terminal_id)) is None:
+            return
+        detached = console._detach_terminal_widget(term_info.instance)
+        if console_id in term_info.registered_console_ids:
+            term_info.registered_console_ids.remove(console_id)
+        if term_info.owner_console_id == console_id:
+            term_info.owner_console_id = None
+        if not term_info.registered_console_ids:
+            if term_info.persist_session and self._is_valid_qobject(term_info.instance):
+                self._park_terminal(term_info, console, avoid_console=True)
+                logger.info(f"Unregistered console {console_id} for terminal {terminal_id}")
+                return
+
+            self._delete_terminal_info(term_info)
+            del self._terminal_registry[terminal_id]
+        elif detached:
+            self._park_terminal(term_info, console, avoid_console=True)
+
+        logger.info(f"Unregistered console {console_id} for terminal {terminal_id}")
+
+    def is_owner(self, console: BecConsole):
+        """Returns true if the given console is the owner of its terminal"""
+        if console not in self._consoles.values():
+            return False
+        if (info := self._terminal_registry.get(console.terminal_id)) is None:
+            logger.warning(f"Console {console.console_id} references an unknown terminal!")
+            return False
+        if not self._is_valid_qobject(info.instance):
+            return False
+        return info.owner_console_id == console.console_id
+
+    def take_ownership(self, console: BecConsole) -> BecTerminal | None:
+        """
+        Transfer ownership of a terminal to the given console.
+
+        Args:
+            console: the console which wishes to take ownership of its associated terminal.
+        Returns:
+            BecTerminal | None: The instance if ownership transfer was successful, None otherwise.
+        """
+        console_id, terminal_id = console.console_id, console.terminal_id
+
+        if terminal_id not in self._terminal_registry:
+            self.register(console)
+
+        instance_info = self._terminal_registry[terminal_id]
+        if not self._is_valid_qobject(instance_info.instance):
+            self._replace_terminal(instance_info, console)
+        if (old_owner_console_ide := instance_info.owner_console_id) is not None:
+            if (
+                old_owner_console_ide != console_id
+                and (old_owner := self._consoles.get(old_owner_console_ide)) is not None
+            ):
+                old_owner.yield_ownership()  # call this on the old owner to make sure it is updated
+        instance_info.owner_console_id = console_id
+        instance_info.registered_console_ids.add(console_id)
+        logger.info(f"Transferred ownership of terminal {terminal_id} to {console_id}")
+        return instance_info.instance
+
+    def try_get_term(self, console: BecConsole) -> BecTerminal | None:
+        """
+        Return the terminal instance if the requesting console is the owner
+
+        Args:
+            console: the requesting console.
+        Returns:
+            BecTerminal | None: The instance if the console is the owner, None otherwise.
+        """
+        console_id, terminal_id = console.console_id, console.terminal_id
+        logger.debug(f"checking term for {console_id}")
+        if terminal_id not in self._terminal_registry:
+            logger.warning(f"Terminal {terminal_id} not found in registry")
+            return None
+
+        instance_info = self._terminal_registry[terminal_id]
+        if not self._is_valid_qobject(instance_info.instance):
+            if instance_info.owner_console_id == console_id:
+                self._replace_terminal(instance_info, console)
+            else:
+                return None
+        if instance_info.owner_console_id == console_id:
+            return instance_info.instance
+
+    def yield_ownership(self, console: BecConsole):
+        """
+        Yield ownership of an instance without destroying it. The instance remains in the
+        registry with no owner, available for another widget to claim.
+
+        Args:
+            console (BecConsole): The console which wishes to yield ownership of its associated terminal.
+        """
+        console_id, terminal_id = console.console_id, console.terminal_id
+        logger.debug(f"Console {console_id} attempted to yield ownership")
+        if console_id not in self._consoles or terminal_id not in self._terminal_registry:
+            return
+
+        term_info = self._terminal_registry[terminal_id]
+        if term_info.owner_console_id != console_id:
+            logger.debug(f"But it was not the owner, which was {term_info.owner_console_id}!")
+            return
+        term_info.owner_console_id = None
+        console._detach_terminal_widget(term_info.instance)
+        self._park_terminal(term_info, console)
+
+    def should_initialize(self, console: BecConsole) -> bool:
+        """Return true if the console should send its startup command to the terminal."""
+        info = self._terminal_registry.get(console.terminal_id)
+        if info is None:
+            return False
+        return (
+            info.owner_console_id == console.console_id
+            and not info.initialized
+            and self._is_valid_qobject(info.instance)
+        )
+
+    def mark_initialized(self, console: BecConsole) -> None:
+        info = self._terminal_registry.get(console.terminal_id)
+        if info is not None and info.owner_console_id == console.console_id:
+            info.initialized = True
+
+    def owner_is_visible(self, term_id: str) -> bool:
+        """
+        Check if the owner of an instance is currently visible.
+
+        Args:
+            term_id (str): The terminal ID to check.
+        Returns:
+            bool: True if the owner is visible, False otherwise.
+        """
+        instance_info = self._terminal_registry.get(term_id)
+        if (
+            instance_info is None
+            or instance_info.owner_console_id is None
+            or not self._is_valid_qobject(instance_info.instance)
+        ):
+            return False
+
+        if (owner := self._consoles.get(instance_info.owner_console_id)) is None:
+            return False
+        return owner.isVisible()
+
+
+_bec_console_registry = BecConsoleRegistry()
+
+
+class _Overlay(QWidget):
+    def __init__(self, console: BecConsole):
+        super().__init__(parent=console)
+        self._console = console
+
+    def mousePressEvent(self, event: QMouseEvent) -> None:
+        if event.button() == Qt.MouseButton.LeftButton:
+            self._console.take_terminal_ownership()
+            event.accept()
+            return
+        return super().mousePressEvent(event)
+
+
+class BecConsole(BECWidget, QWidget):
+    """A console widget with access to a shared registry of terminals, such that instances can be moved around."""
+
+    _js_callback = Signal(bool)
+    initialized = Signal()
+
+    PLUGIN = True
+    ICON_NAME = "terminal"
+    persist_terminal_session = False
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        parent=None,
+        config=None,
+        client=None,
+        gui_id=None,
+        startup_cmd: str | None = None,
+        terminal_id: str | None = None,
+        **kwargs,
+    ):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, config=config, **kwargs)
+        self._mode = ConsoleMode.INACTIVE
+        self._startup_cmd = startup_cmd
+        self._is_initialized = False
+        self.terminal_id = terminal_id or str(uuid4())
+        self.console_id = self.gui_id
+        self.term: BecTerminal | None = None  # Will be set in _set_up_instance
+
+        self._set_up_instance()
+
+    def _set_up_instance(self):
+        """
+        Set up the web instance and UI elements.
+        """
+        self._stacked_layout = QStackedLayout()
+        # self._stacked_layout.setStackingMode(QStackedLayout.StackingMode.StackAll)
+        self._term_holder = QWidget()
+        self._term_layout = QVBoxLayout()
+        self._term_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        self._term_holder.setLayout(self._term_layout)
+
+        self.setLayout(self._stacked_layout)
+
+        # prepare overlay
+        self._overlay = _Overlay(self)
+        layout = QVBoxLayout(self._overlay)
+        layout.setAlignment(Qt.AlignmentFlag.AlignCenter)
+        label = QLabel("Click to activate terminal", self._overlay)
+        layout.addWidget(label)
+
+        self._stacked_layout.addWidget(self._term_holder)
+        self._stacked_layout.addWidget(self._overlay)
+
+        # will create a new terminal instance if there isn't already one for this ID
+        _bec_console_registry.register(self)
+        self._infer_mode()
+        self._ensure_startup_started()
+
+    def _infer_mode(self):
+        self.term = _bec_console_registry.try_get_term(self)
+        if self.term:
+            self._set_mode(ConsoleMode.ACTIVE)
+        elif self.isHidden():
+            self._set_mode(ConsoleMode.HIDDEN)
+        else:
+            self._set_mode(ConsoleMode.INACTIVE)
+
+    def _set_mode(self, mode: ConsoleMode):
+        """
+        Set the mode of the web console.
+
+        Args:
+            mode (ConsoleMode): The mode to set.
+        """
+
+        match mode:
+            case ConsoleMode.ACTIVE:
+                if self.term:
+                    if self._term_layout.indexOf(self.term) == -1:  # type: ignore[arg-type]
+                        self._term_layout.addWidget(self.term)  # type: ignore # BecTerminal is QWidget
+                    self.term.show()  # type: ignore[attr-defined]
+                    self._stacked_layout.setCurrentIndex(0)
+                    self._mode = mode
+                else:
+                    self._stacked_layout.setCurrentIndex(1)
+                    self._mode = ConsoleMode.INACTIVE
+            case ConsoleMode.INACTIVE:
+                self._stacked_layout.setCurrentIndex(1)
+                self._mode = mode
+            case ConsoleMode.HIDDEN:
+                self._stacked_layout.setCurrentIndex(1)
+                self._mode = mode
+
+    @property
+    def startup_cmd(self):
+        """
+        Get the startup command for the web console.
+        """
+        return self._startup_cmd
+
+    @startup_cmd.setter
+    def startup_cmd(self, cmd: str | None):
+        """
+        Set the startup command for the console.
+        """
+        self._startup_cmd = cmd
+
+    def write(self, data: str, send_return: bool = True):
+        """
+        Send data to the console
+
+        Args:
+            data (str): The data to send.
+            send_return (bool): Whether to send a return after the data.
+        """
+        if self.term:
+            self.term.write(data, send_return)
+
+    def _ensure_startup_started(self):
+        if not self.startup_cmd or not _bec_console_registry.should_initialize(self):
+            return
+        self.write(self.startup_cmd, True)
+        _bec_console_registry.mark_initialized(self)
+
+    def _detach_terminal_widget(self, term: BecTerminal | None) -> bool:
+        if term is None or not BecConsoleRegistry._is_valid_qobject(term):
+            if self.term is term:
+                self.term = None
+            return False
+
+        is_child = self.isAncestorOf(term)  # type: ignore[arg-type]
+        if self._term_layout.indexOf(term) != -1:  # type: ignore[arg-type]
+            self._term_layout.removeWidget(term)  # type: ignore[arg-type]
+            is_child = True
+        if is_child:
+            term.hide()  # type: ignore[attr-defined]
+            term.setParent(None)  # type: ignore[attr-defined]
+        if self.term is term:
+            self.term = None
+        return is_child
+
+    def take_terminal_ownership(self):
+        """
+        Take ownership of a web instance from the registry. This will transfer the instance
+        from its current owner (if any) to this widget.
+        """
+        # Get the instance from registry
+        self.term = _bec_console_registry.take_ownership(self)
+        self._infer_mode()
+        self._ensure_startup_started()
+        if self._mode == ConsoleMode.ACTIVE:
+            logger.debug(f"Widget {self.gui_id} took ownership of instance {self.terminal_id}")
+
+    def yield_ownership(self):
+        """
+        Yield ownership of the instance. The instance remains in the registry with no owner,
+        available for another widget to claim. This is automatically called when the
+        widget becomes hidden.
+        """
+        _bec_console_registry.yield_ownership(self)
+        self._infer_mode()
+        if self._mode != ConsoleMode.ACTIVE:
+            logger.debug(f"Widget {self.gui_id} yielded ownership of instance {self.terminal_id}")
+
+    def hideEvent(self, event):
+        """Called when the widget is hidden. Automatically yields ownership."""
+        self.yield_ownership()
+        super().hideEvent(event)
+
+    def showEvent(self, event):
+        """Called when the widget is shown. Updates UI state based on ownership."""
+        super().showEvent(event)
+        if not _bec_console_registry.is_owner(self):
+            if not _bec_console_registry.owner_is_visible(self.terminal_id):
+                self.take_terminal_ownership()
+
+    def cleanup(self):
+        """Unregister this console on destruction."""
+        _bec_console_registry.unregister(self)
+        super().cleanup()
+
+
+class BECShell(BecConsole):
+    """
+    A BecConsole pre-configured to run the BEC shell.
+    We cannot simply expose the web console properties to Qt as we need to have a deterministic
+    startup behavior for sharing the same shell instance across multiple widgets.
+    """
+
+    ICON_NAME = "hub"
+    persist_terminal_session = True
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None, config=None, client=None, gui_id=None, **kwargs):
+        super().__init__(
+            parent=parent,
+            config=config,
+            client=client,
+            gui_id=gui_id,
+            terminal_id="bec_shell",
+            **kwargs,
+        )
+
+    @property
+    def startup_cmd(self):
+        """
+        Get the startup command for the BEC shell.
+        """
+        if self.bec_dispatcher.cli_server is None:
+            return "bec --nogui"
+        return f"bec --gui-id {self.bec_dispatcher.cli_server.gui_id}"
+
+    @startup_cmd.setter
+    def startup_cmd(self, cmd: str | None): ...
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+    import sys
+
+    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+    widget = QTabWidget()
+
+    # Create two consoles with different unique_ids
+    bec_console_1a = BecConsole(startup_cmd="htop", gui_id="console_1_a", terminal_id="terminal_1")
+    bec_console_1b = BecConsole(startup_cmd="htop", gui_id="console_1_b", terminal_id="terminal_1")
+    bec_console_1 = QWidget()
+    bec_console_1_layout = QHBoxLayout(bec_console_1)
+    bec_console_1_layout.addWidget(bec_console_1a)
+    bec_console_1_layout.addWidget(bec_console_1b)
+    bec_console2 = BECShell()
+    bec_console3 = BecConsole(gui_id="console_3", terminal_id="terminal_1")
+    widget.addTab(bec_console_1, "Console 1")
+    widget.addTab(bec_console2, "Console 2 - BEC Shell")
+    widget.addTab(bec_console3, "Console 3 -- mirror of Console 1")
+    widget.show()
+
+    widget.resize(800, 600)
+
+    sys.exit(app.exec_())

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/bec_console/bec_console.pyproject

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

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/bec_console/bec_console_plugin.py

@@ -5,17 +5,17 @@ from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
-from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.web_console.web_console import WebConsole
+from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.bec_console.bec_console import BecConsole
 
 DOM_XML = """
 <ui language='c++'>
-    <widget class='WebConsole' name='web_console'>
+    <widget class='BecConsole' name='bec_console'>
     </widget>
 </ui>
 """
 
 
-class WebConsolePlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
+class BecConsolePlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
     def __init__(self):
         super().__init__()
         self._form_editor = None
@@ -23,20 +23,20 @@ class WebConsolePlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
     def createWidget(self, parent):
         if parent is None:
             return QWidget()
-        t = WebConsole(parent)
+        t = BecConsole(parent)
         return t
 
     def domXml(self):
         return DOM_XML
 
     def group(self):
-        return "BEC Developer"
+        return ""
 
     def icon(self):
-        return designer_material_icon(WebConsole.ICON_NAME)
+        return designer_material_icon(BecConsole.ICON_NAME)
 
     def includeFile(self):
-        return "web_console"
+        return "bec_console"
 
     def initialize(self, form_editor):
         self._form_editor = form_editor
@@ -48,10 +48,10 @@ class WebConsolePlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         return self._form_editor is not None
 
     def name(self):
-        return "WebConsole"
+        return "BecConsole"
 
     def toolTip(self):
-        return ""
+        return "A console widget with access to a shared registry of terminals, such that instances can be moved around."
 
     def whatsThis(self):
         return self.toolTip()

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/bec_console/bec_shell.pyproject

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

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/bec_console/bec_shell_plugin.py

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
-from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.web_console.web_console import BECShell
+from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.bec_console.bec_console import BECShell
 
 DOM_XML = """
 <ui language='c++'>