WIP waveform with super bad convergence

Automatically generated by python-semantic-release

.gitlab-ci.yml

@@ -12,6 +12,9 @@ variables:
     description: ophyd_devices branch
     value: main
   CHILD_PIPELINE_BRANCH: $CI_DEFAULT_BRANCH
+  CHECK_PKG_VERSIONS:
+    description: Whether to run additional tests against min/max/random selection of dependencies. Set to 1 for running. 
+    value: 0
 
 workflow:
   rules:
@@ -31,8 +34,9 @@ include:
     inputs:
       stage: test
       path: "."
-      pytest_args: "-v --random-order tests/"
+      pytest_args: "-v,--random-order,tests/unit_tests"
-      exclude_packages: ""
+      ignore_dep_group: "pyqt6"
+      pip_args: ".[dev,pyside6]"
 
 # different stages in the pipeline
 stages:
@@ -57,6 +61,7 @@ stages:
   - pip install -e ./ophyd_devices
   - pip install -e ./bec/bec_lib[dev]
   - pip install -e ./bec/bec_ipython_client
+  - pip install -e ./bec/pytest_bec_e2e
 
 .install-os-packages: &install-os-packages
   - apt-get update
@@ -73,9 +78,9 @@ formatter:
   stage: Formatter
   needs: []
   script:
-    - pip install black isort
+    - pip install bec_lib[dev]
-    - isort --check --diff ./
+    - isort --check --diff --line-length=100 --profile=black --multi-line=3 --trailing-comma ./
-    - black --check --diff --color ./
+    - black --check --diff --color --line-length=100 --skip-magic-trailing-comma ./
   rules:
     - if: $CI_PROJECT_PATH == "bec/bec_widgets"
 
@@ -143,7 +148,7 @@ tests:
     - *clone-repos
     - *install-os-packages
     - *install-repos
-    - pip install -e .[dev,pyqt6]
+    - pip install -e .[dev,pyside6]
     - coverage run --source=./bec_widgets -m pytest -v --junitxml=report.xml --maxfail=2 --random-order --full-trace ./tests/unit_tests
     - coverage report
     - coverage xml
@@ -167,7 +172,6 @@ test-matrix:
           - "3.12"
         QT_PCKG:
           - "pyside6"
-          - "pyqt6"
 
   stage: AdditionalTests
   needs: []
@@ -193,7 +197,13 @@ end-2-end-conda:
   script:
     - *clone-repos
     - *install-os-packages
-    - conda config --prepend channels conda-forge
+    - conda config --show-sources
+    - conda config --add channels conda-forge
+    - conda config --system --remove channels https://repo.anaconda.com/pkgs/main
+    - conda config --system --remove channels https://repo.anaconda.com/pkgs/r
+    - conda config --remove channels https://repo.anaconda.com/pkgs/main
+    - conda config --remove channels https://repo.anaconda.com/pkgs/r
+    - conda config --show-sources
     - conda config --set channel_priority strict
     - conda config --set always_yes yes --set changeps1 no
     - conda create -q -n test-environment python=3.11
@@ -206,7 +216,7 @@ end-2-end-conda:
     - cd ../
     - pip install -e ./ophyd_devices
 
-    - pip install -e .[dev,pyqt6]
+    - pip install -e .[dev,pyside6]
     - cd ./tests/end-2-end
     - pytest -v --start-servers --flush-redis --random-order
 
@@ -223,6 +233,7 @@ end-2-end-conda:
     - if: '$CI_PIPELINE_SOURCE == "parent_pipeline"'
     - if: '$CI_MERGE_REQUEST_TARGET_BRANCH_NAME == "main"'
     - if: '$CI_MERGE_REQUEST_TARGET_BRANCH_NAME == "production"'
+    - if: '$CI_MERGE_REQUEST_TARGET_BRANCH_NAME =~ /^pre_release.*$/'
 
 semver:
   stage: Deploy

README.md

@@ -1,12 +1,17 @@
 # BEC Widgets
 
+**⚠️ Important Notice:**
+
+🚨 **PyQt6 is no longer supported** due to incompatibilities with Qt Designer. Please use **PySide6** instead. 🚨
+
 BEC Widgets is a GUI framework designed for interaction with [BEC (Beamline Experiment Control)](https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec).
+
 ## Installation
 
 Use the package manager [pip](https://pip.pypa.io/en/stable/) to install BEC Widgets:
 
 ```bash
-pip install bec_widgets PyQt6
+pip install bec_widgets[pyside6]
 ```
 
 For development purposes, you can clone the repository and install the package locally in editable mode:
@@ -14,22 +19,12 @@ For development purposes, you can clone the repository and install the package l
 ```bash
 git clone https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec-widgets
 cd bec_widgets
-pip install -e .[dev,pyqt6]
+pip install -e .[dev,pyside6]
 ```
 
-BEC Widgets currently supports both Pyside6 and PyQt6, however, no default distribution is specified. As a result, users must install one of the supported
+BEC Widgets now **only supports PySide6**. Users must manually install PySide6 as no default Qt distribution is
-Python Qt distributions manually.
+specified.
 
-To select a specific Python Qt distribution, install the package with an additional tag:
-
-```bash
-pip install bec_widgets[pyqt6]
-```
-or 
-
-```bash
-pip install bec_widgets[pyside6]
-```
 ## Documentation
 
 Documentation of BEC Widgets can be found [here](https://bec-widgets.readthedocs.io/en/latest/). The documentation of the BEC can be found [here](https://bec.readthedocs.io/en/latest/).
@@ -39,7 +34,7 @@ Documentation of BEC Widgets can be found [here](https://bec-widgets.readthedocs
 All commits should use the Angular commit scheme:
 
 > #### <a name="commit-header"></a>Angular Commit Message Header
-> 
+>
 > ```
 > <type>(<scope>): <short summary>
 >   │       │             │
@@ -53,13 +48,13 @@ All commits should use the Angular commit scheme:
 >   │
 >   └─⫸ Commit Type: build|ci|docs|feat|fix|perf|refactor|test
 > ```
-> 
+>
 > The `<type>` and `<summary>` fields are mandatory, the `(<scope>)` field is optional.
 
 > ##### Type
-> 
+>
 > Must be one of the following:
-> 
+>
 > * **build**: Changes that affect the build system or external dependencies (example scopes: gulp, broccoli, npm)
 > * **ci**: Changes to our CI configuration files and scripts (examples: CircleCi, SauceLabs)
 > * **docs**: Documentation only changes
@@ -71,4 +66,5 @@ All commits should use the Angular commit scheme:
 
 ## License
 
-[BSD-3-Clause](https://choosealicense.com/licenses/bsd-3-clause/)
+[BSD-3-Clause](https://choosealicense.com/licenses/bsd-3-clause/)
+

bec_widgets/applications/alignment/alignment_1d/alignment_1d.py

@@ -5,41 +5,31 @@ It is a preliminary version of the GUI, which will be added to the main branch a
 import os
 from typing import Optional
 
-from bec_lib.device import Positioner as BECPositioner
 from bec_lib.device import Signal as BECSignal
 from bec_lib.endpoints import MessageEndpoints
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
-from qtpy.QtCore import QSize, Signal
+from qtpy.QtCore import QSize
 from qtpy.QtGui import QIcon
-from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
-    QApplication,
-    QCheckBox,
-    QDoubleSpinBox,
-    QMainWindow,
-    QPushButton,
-    QSpinBox,
-)
 
 import bec_widgets
 from bec_widgets.qt_utils.error_popups import SafeSlot as Slot
-from bec_widgets.qt_utils.toolbar import WidgetAction
 from bec_widgets.utils import UILoader
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_dispatcher import BECDispatcher
-from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
 from bec_widgets.utils.colors import get_accent_colors
-from bec_widgets.widgets.bec_progressbar.bec_progressbar import BECProgressBar
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.buttons.stop_button.stop_button import StopButton
-from bec_widgets.widgets.device_line_edit.device_line_edit import DeviceLineEdit
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_group.positioner_group import (
-from bec_widgets.widgets.lmfit_dialog.lmfit_dialog import LMFitDialog
+    PositionerGroup,
-from bec_widgets.widgets.positioner_box.positioner_box import PositionerBox
+)
-from bec_widgets.widgets.positioner_group.positioner_group import PositionerGroup
+from bec_widgets.widgets.dap.lmfit_dialog.lmfit_dialog import LMFitDialog
-from bec_widgets.widgets.stop_button.stop_button import StopButton
+from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.waveform.waveform_widget import BECWaveformWidget
-from bec_widgets.widgets.toggle.toggle import ToggleSwitch
+from bec_widgets.widgets.progress.bec_progressbar.bec_progressbar import BECProgressBar
-from bec_widgets.widgets.waveform.waveform_widget import BECWaveformWidget
 
 MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 
 
+# FIXME BECWaveFormWidget is gone, this app will not work until adapted to new Waveform
 class Alignment1D:
     """Alignment GUI to perform 1D scans"""
 

bec_widgets/cli/auto_updates.py

@@ -27,25 +27,17 @@ class AutoUpdates:
 
     def __init__(self, gui: BECDockArea):
         self.gui = gui
-        self.msg_queue = Queue()
+        self._default_dock = None
-        self.auto_update_thread = None
+        self._default_fig = None
-        self._shutdown_sentinel = object()
-        self.start()
-
-    def start(self):
-        """
-        Start the auto update thread.
-        """
-        self.auto_update_thread = threading.Thread(target=self.process_queue)
-        self.auto_update_thread.start()
 
     def start_default_dock(self):
         """
         Create a default dock for the auto updates.
         """
-        dock = self.gui.add_dock("default_figure")
-        dock.add_widget("BECFigure")
         self.dock_name = "default_figure"
+        self._default_dock = self.gui.new(self.dock_name)
+        self._default_dock.new("BECFigure")
+        self._default_fig = self._default_dock.elements_list[0]
 
     @staticmethod
     def get_scan_info(msg) -> ScanInfo:
@@ -73,15 +65,9 @@ class AutoUpdates:
         """
         Get the default figure from the GUI.
         """
-        dock = self.gui.panels.get(self.dock_name, [])
+        return self._default_fig
-        if not dock:
-            return None
-        widgets = dock.widget_list
-        if not widgets:
-            return None
-        return widgets[0]
 
-    def run(self, msg):
+    def do_update(self, msg):
         """
         Run the update function if enabled.
         """
@@ -90,20 +76,9 @@ class AutoUpdates:
         if msg.status != "open":
             return
         info = self.get_scan_info(msg)
-        self.handler(info)
+        return self.handler(info)
 
-    def process_queue(self):
+    def get_selected_device(self, monitored_devices, selected_device):
-        """
-        Process the message queue.
-        """
-        while True:
-            msg = self.msg_queue.get()
-            if msg is self._shutdown_sentinel:
-                break
-            self.run(msg)
-
-    @staticmethod
-    def get_selected_device(monitored_devices, selected_device):
         """
         Get the selected device for the plot. If no device is selected, the first
         device in the monitored devices list is selected.
@@ -120,14 +95,11 @@ class AutoUpdates:
         Default update function.
         """
         if info.scan_name == "line_scan" and info.scan_report_devices:
-            self.simple_line_scan(info)
+            return self.simple_line_scan(info)
-            return
         if info.scan_name == "grid_scan" and info.scan_report_devices:
-            self.simple_grid_scan(info)
+            return self.simple_grid_scan(info)
-            return
         if info.scan_report_devices:
-            self.best_effort(info)
+            return self.best_effort(info)
-            return
 
     def simple_line_scan(self, info: ScanInfo) -> None:
         """
@@ -137,12 +109,19 @@ class AutoUpdates:
         if not fig:
             return
         dev_x = info.scan_report_devices[0]
-        dev_y = self.get_selected_device(info.monitored_devices, self.gui.selected_device)
+        selected_device = yield self.gui.selected_device
+        dev_y = self.get_selected_device(info.monitored_devices, selected_device)
         if not dev_y:
             return
-        fig.clear_all()
+        yield fig.clear_all()
-        plt = fig.plot(x_name=dev_x, y_name=dev_y, label=f"Scan {info.scan_number} - {dev_y}")
+        yield fig.plot(
-        plt.set(title=f"Scan {info.scan_number}", x_label=dev_x, y_label=dev_y)
+            x_name=dev_x,
+            y_name=dev_y,
+            label=f"Scan {info.scan_number} - {dev_y}",
+            title=f"Scan {info.scan_number}",
+            x_label=dev_x,
+            y_label=dev_y,
+        )
 
     def simple_grid_scan(self, info: ScanInfo) -> None:
         """
@@ -153,12 +132,18 @@ class AutoUpdates:
             return
         dev_x = info.scan_report_devices[0]
         dev_y = info.scan_report_devices[1]
-        dev_z = self.get_selected_device(info.monitored_devices, self.gui.selected_device)
+        selected_device = yield self.gui.selected_device
-        fig.clear_all()
+        dev_z = self.get_selected_device(info.monitored_devices, selected_device)
-        plt = fig.plot(
+        yield fig.clear_all()
-            x_name=dev_x, y_name=dev_y, z_name=dev_z, label=f"Scan {info.scan_number} - {dev_z}"
+        yield fig.plot(
+            x_name=dev_x,
+            y_name=dev_y,
+            z_name=dev_z,
+            label=f"Scan {info.scan_number} - {dev_z}",
+            title=f"Scan {info.scan_number}",
+            x_label=dev_x,
+            y_label=dev_y,
         )
-        plt.set(title=f"Scan {info.scan_number}", x_label=dev_x, y_label=dev_y)
 
     def best_effort(self, info: ScanInfo) -> None:
         """
@@ -168,17 +153,16 @@ class AutoUpdates:
         if not fig:
             return
         dev_x = info.scan_report_devices[0]
-        dev_y = self.get_selected_device(info.monitored_devices, self.gui.selected_device)
+        selected_device = yield self.gui.selected_device
+        dev_y = self.get_selected_device(info.monitored_devices, selected_device)
         if not dev_y:
             return
-        fig.clear_all()
+        yield fig.clear_all()
-        plt = fig.plot(x_name=dev_x, y_name=dev_y, label=f"Scan {info.scan_number} - {dev_y}")
+        yield fig.plot(
-        plt.set(title=f"Scan {info.scan_number}", x_label=dev_x, y_label=dev_y)
+            x_name=dev_x,
-
+            y_name=dev_y,
-    def shutdown(self):
+            label=f"Scan {info.scan_number} - {dev_y}",
-        """
+            title=f"Scan {info.scan_number}",
-        Shutdown the auto update thread.
+            x_label=dev_x,
-        """
+            y_label=dev_y,
-        self.msg_queue.put(self._shutdown_sentinel)
+        )
-        if self.auto_update_thread:
-            self.auto_update_thread.join()

bec_widgets/cli/client_utils.py

@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+"""Client utilities for the BEC GUI."""
+
 from __future__ import annotations
 
 import importlib
@@ -7,59 +9,42 @@ import os
 import select
 import subprocess
 import threading
-import time
+from contextlib import contextmanager
-import uuid
-from functools import wraps
 from typing import TYPE_CHECKING
 
-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 isinstance_based_on_class_name, lazy_import, lazy_import_from
+from bec_lib.utils.import_utils import lazy_import, lazy_import_from
+from rich.console import Console
+from rich.table import Table
 
 import bec_widgets.cli.client as client
 from bec_widgets.cli.auto_updates import AutoUpdates
+from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_base import RPCBase
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:
+    from bec_lib import messages
+    from bec_lib.connector import MessageObject
     from bec_lib.device import DeviceBase
-
+    from bec_lib.redis_connector import StreamMessage
-messages = lazy_import("bec_lib.messages")
+else:
-# from bec_lib.connector import MessageObject
+    messages = lazy_import("bec_lib.messages")
-MessageObject = lazy_import_from("bec_lib.connector", ("MessageObject",))
+    MessageObject = lazy_import_from("bec_lib.connector", ("MessageObject",))
-BECDispatcher = lazy_import_from("bec_widgets.utils.bec_dispatcher", ("BECDispatcher",))
+    StreamMessage = lazy_import_from("bec_lib.redis_connector", ("StreamMessage",))
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 
+IGNORE_WIDGETS = ["BECDockArea", "BECDock"]
 
-def rpc_call(func):
+
+def _filter_output(output: str) -> str:
     """
-    A decorator for calling a function on the server.
+    Filter out the output from the process.
-
-    Args:
-        func: The function to call.
-
-    Returns:
-        The result of the function call.
     """
-
+    if "IMKClient" in output:
-    @wraps(func)
+        # only relevant on macOS
-    def wrapper(self, *args, **kwargs):
+        # see https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255761734?sortBy=rank
-        # we could rely on a strict type check here, but this is more flexible
+        return ""
-        # moreover, it would anyway crash for objects...
+    return output
-        out = []
-        for arg in args:
-            if hasattr(arg, "name"):
-                arg = arg.name
-            out.append(arg)
-        args = tuple(out)
-        for key, val in kwargs.items():
-            if hasattr(val, "name"):
-                kwargs[key] = val.name
-        if not self.gui_is_alive():
-            raise RuntimeError("GUI is not alive")
-        return self._run_rpc(func.__name__, *args, **kwargs)
-
-    return wrapper
 
 
 def _get_output(process, logger) -> None:
@@ -75,6 +60,7 @@ def _get_output(process, logger) -> None:
                 if stream in readylist:
                     buf.append(stream.read(4096))
                 output, _, remaining = "".join(buf).rpartition("\n")
+                output = _filter_output(output)
                 if output:
                     log_func[stream](output)
                     buf.clear()
@@ -83,7 +69,9 @@ def _get_output(process, logger) -> None:
         logger.error(f"Error reading process output: {str(e)}")
 
 
-def _start_plot_process(gui_id: str, gui_class: type, config: dict | str, logger=None) -> None:
+def _start_plot_process(
+    gui_id: str, gui_class: type, gui_class_id: str, config: dict | str, logger=None
+) -> tuple[subprocess.Popen[str], threading.Thread | None]:
     """
     Start the plot in a new process.
 
@@ -92,11 +80,20 @@ def _start_plot_process(gui_id: str, gui_class: type, config: dict | str, logger
     process will not be captured.
     """
     # pylint: disable=subprocess-run-check
-    command = ["bec-gui-server", "--id", gui_id, "--gui_class", gui_class.__name__]
+    command = [
+        "bec-gui-server",
+        "--id",
+        gui_id,
+        "--gui_class",
+        gui_class.__name__,
+        "--gui_class_id",
+        gui_class_id,
+        "--hide",
+    ]
     if config:
         if isinstance(config, dict):
             config = json.dumps(config)
-        command.extend(["--config", config])
+        command.extend(["--config", str(config)])
 
     env_dict = os.environ.copy()
     env_dict["PYTHONUNBUFFERED"] = "1"
@@ -126,14 +123,117 @@ def _start_plot_process(gui_id: str, gui_class: type, config: dict | str, logger
     return process, process_output_processing_thread
 
 
-class BECGuiClientMixin:
+class RepeatTimer(threading.Timer):
+    """RepeatTimer class."""
+
+    def run(self):
+        while not self.finished.wait(self.interval):
+            self.function(*self.args, **self.kwargs)
+
+
+# pylint: disable=protected-access
+@contextmanager
+def wait_for_server(client: BECGuiClient):
+    """Context manager to wait for the server to start."""
+    timeout = client._startup_timeout
+    if not timeout:
+        if client._gui_is_alive():
+            # there is hope, let's wait a bit
+            timeout = 1
+        else:
+            raise RuntimeError("GUI is not alive")
+    try:
+        if client._gui_started_event.wait(timeout=timeout):
+            client._gui_started_timer.cancel()
+            client._gui_started_timer.join()
+        else:
+            raise TimeoutError("Could not connect to GUI server")
+    finally:
+        # after initial waiting period, do not wait so much any more
+        # (only relevant if GUI didn't start)
+        client._startup_timeout = 0
+    yield
+
+
+class WidgetNameSpace:
+    def __repr__(self):
+        console = Console()
+        table = Table(title="Available widgets for BEC CLI usage")
+        table.add_column("Widget Name", justify="left", style="magenta")
+        table.add_column("Description", justify="left")
+        for attr, value in self.__dict__.items():
+            docs = value.__doc__
+            docs = docs if docs else "No description available"
+            table.add_row(attr, docs)
+        console.print(table)
+        return f""
+
+
+class AvailableWidgetsNamespace:
+    """Namespace for available widgets in the BEC GUI."""
+
+    def __init__(self):
+        for widget in client.Widgets:
+            name = widget.value
+            if name in IGNORE_WIDGETS:
+                continue
+            setattr(self, name, name)
+
+    def __repr__(self):
+        console = Console()
+        table = Table(title="Available widgets for BEC CLI usage")
+        table.add_column("Widget Name", justify="left", style="magenta")
+        table.add_column("Description", justify="left")
+        for attr_name, _ in self.__dict__.items():
+            docs = getattr(client, attr_name).__doc__
+            docs = docs if docs else "No description available"
+            table.add_row(attr_name, docs if len(docs.strip()) > 0 else "No description available")
+        console.print(table)
+        return ""  # f"<{self.__class__.__name__}>"
+
+
+class BECDockArea(client.BECDockArea):
+    """Extend the BECDockArea class and add namespaces to access widgets of docks."""
+
+    def __init__(self, gui_id=None, config=None, name=None, parent=None):
+        super().__init__(gui_id, config, name, parent)
+        # Add namespaces for DockArea
+        self.elements = WidgetNameSpace()
+
+
+class BECGuiClient(RPCBase):
+    """BEC GUI client class. Container for GUI applications within Python."""
+
+    _top_level: dict[str, BECDockArea] = {}
+
     def __init__(self, **kwargs) -> None:
         super().__init__(**kwargs)
+        self._default_dock_name = "bec"
+        self._auto_updates_enabled = True
+        self._auto_updates = None
+        self._killed = False
+        self._startup_timeout = 0
+        self._gui_started_timer = None
+        self._gui_started_event = threading.Event()
         self._process = None
         self._process_output_processing_thread = None
-        self.auto_updates = self._get_update_script()
+
-        self._target_endpoint = MessageEndpoints.scan_status()
+    @property
-        self._selected_device = None
+    def windows(self) -> dict:
+        """Dictionary with dock areas in the GUI."""
+        return self._top_level
+
+    @property
+    def window_list(self) -> list:
+        """List with dock areas in the GUI."""
+        return list(self._top_level.values())
+
+    # FIXME AUTO UPDATES
+    # @property
+    # def auto_updates(self):
+    #     if self._auto_updates_enabled:
+    #         with wait_for_server(self):
+    #             return self._auto_updates
 
     def _get_update_script(self) -> AutoUpdates | None:
         eps = imd.entry_points(group="bec.widgets.auto_updates")
@@ -144,197 +244,226 @@ class BECGuiClientMixin:
                     # if the module is not found, we skip it
                     if spec is None:
                         continue
-                    return ep.load()(gui=self)
+                    return ep.load()(gui=self._top_level["main"])
                 except Exception as e:
                     logger.error(f"Error loading auto update script from plugin: {str(e)}")
         return None
 
-    @property
+    # FIXME AUTO UPDATES
-    def selected_device(self):
+    # @property
-        """
+    # def selected_device(self) -> str | None:
-        Selected device for the plot.
+    #     """
-        """
+    #     Selected device for the plot.
-        return self._selected_device
+    #     """
+    #     auto_update_config_ep = MessageEndpoints.gui_auto_update_config(self._gui_id)
+    #     auto_update_config = self._client.connector.get(auto_update_config_ep)
+    #     if auto_update_config:
+    #         return auto_update_config.selected_device
+    #     return None
 
-    @selected_device.setter
+    # @selected_device.setter
-    def selected_device(self, device: str | DeviceBase):
+    # def selected_device(self, device: str | DeviceBase):
-        if isinstance_based_on_class_name(device, "bec_lib.device.DeviceBase"):
+    #     if isinstance_based_on_class_name(device, "bec_lib.device.DeviceBase"):
-            self._selected_device = device.name
+    #         self._client.connector.set_and_publish(
-        elif isinstance(device, str):
+    #             MessageEndpoints.gui_auto_update_config(self._gui_id),
-            self._selected_device = device
+    #             messages.GUIAutoUpdateConfigMessage(selected_device=device.name),
-        else:
+    #         )
-            raise ValueError("Device must be a string or a device object")
+    #     elif isinstance(device, str):
+    #         self._client.connector.set_and_publish(
+    #             MessageEndpoints.gui_auto_update_config(self._gui_id),
+    #             messages.GUIAutoUpdateConfigMessage(selected_device=device),
+    #         )
+    #     else:
+    #         raise ValueError("Device must be a string or a device object")
 
-    def _start_update_script(self) -> None:
+    # FIXME AUTO UPDATES
-        self._client.connector.register(
+    # def _start_update_script(self) -> None:
-            self._target_endpoint, cb=self._handle_msg_update, parent=self
+    #     self._client.connector.register(MessageEndpoints.scan_status(), cb=self._handle_msg_update)
+
+    # def _handle_msg_update(self, msg: StreamMessage) -> None:
+    #     if self.auto_updates is not None:
+    #         # pylint: disable=protected-access
+    #         return self._update_script_msg_parser(msg.value)
+
+    # def _update_script_msg_parser(self, msg: messages.BECMessage) -> None:
+    #     if isinstance(msg, messages.ScanStatusMessage):
+    #         if not self._gui_is_alive():
+    #             return
+    #         if self._auto_updates_enabled:
+    #             return self.auto_updates.do_update(msg)
+
+    def _gui_post_startup(self):
+        # if self._auto_updates_enabled:
+        #     if self._auto_updates is None:
+        #         auto_updates = self._get_update_script()
+        #         if auto_updates is None:
+        #             AutoUpdates.create_default_dock = True
+        #             AutoUpdates.enabled = True
+        #             auto_updates = AutoUpdates(self._top_level["main"].widget)
+        #         if auto_updates.create_default_dock:
+        #             auto_updates.start_default_dock()
+        #         self._start_update_script()
+        #         self._auto_updates = auto_updates
+        self._top_level[self._default_dock_name] = BECDockArea(
+            gui_id=f"{self._default_dock_name}", name=self._default_dock_name, parent=self
         )
+        self._do_show_all()
+        self._gui_started_event.set()
 
-    @staticmethod
+    def _start_server(self, wait: bool = False) -> None:
-    def _handle_msg_update(msg: MessageObject, parent: BECGuiClientMixin) -> None:
-        if parent.auto_updates is not None:
-            # pylint: disable=protected-access
-            parent._update_script_msg_parser(msg.value)
-
-    def _update_script_msg_parser(self, msg: messages.BECMessage) -> None:
-        if isinstance(msg, messages.ScanStatusMessage):
-            if not self.gui_is_alive():
-                return
-            self.auto_updates.msg_queue.put(msg)
-
-    def show(self) -> None:
         """
-        Show the figure.
+        Start the GUI server, and execute callback when it is launched
         """
         if self._process is None or self._process.poll() is not None:
-            self._start_update_script()
+            logger.success("GUI starting...")
+            self._startup_timeout = 5
+            self._gui_started_event.clear()
             self._process, self._process_output_processing_thread = _start_plot_process(
-                self._gui_id, self.__class__, self._client._service_config.config, logger=logger
+                self._gui_id,
+                self.__class__,
+                gui_class_id=self._default_dock_name,
+                config=self._client._service_config.config,  # pylint: disable=protected-access
+                logger=logger,
             )
-        while not self.gui_is_alive():
-            print("Waiting for GUI to start...")
-            time.sleep(1)
-        logger.success(f"GUI started with id: {self._gui_id}")
 
-    def close(self) -> None:
+            def gui_started_callback(callback):
+                try:
+                    if callable(callback):
+                        callback()
+                finally:
+                    threading.current_thread().cancel()
+
+            self._gui_started_timer = RepeatTimer(
+                0.5, lambda: self._gui_is_alive() and gui_started_callback(self._gui_post_startup)
+            )
+            self._gui_started_timer.start()
+
+        if wait:
+            self._gui_started_event.wait()
+
+    def _dump(self):
+        rpc_client = RPCBase(gui_id=f"{self._gui_id}:window", parent=self)
+        return rpc_client._run_rpc("_dump")
+
+    def start(self, wait: bool = True) -> None:
+        """Start the server and show the GUI window."""
+        return self._start_server(wait=wait)
+
+    def _do_show_all(self):
+        rpc_client = RPCBase(gui_id=f"{self._gui_id}:window", parent=self)
+        rpc_client._run_rpc("show")  # pylint: disable=protected-access
+        for window in self._top_level.values():
+            window.show()
+
+    def _show_all(self):
+        with wait_for_server(self):
+            return self._do_show_all()
+
+    def _hide_all(self):
+        with wait_for_server(self):
+            rpc_client = RPCBase(gui_id=f"{self._gui_id}:window", parent=self)
+            rpc_client._run_rpc("hide")  # pylint: disable=protected-access
+            # because of the registry callbacks, we may have
+            # dock areas that are already killed, but not yet
+            # removed from the registry state
+            if not self._killed:
+                for window in self._top_level.values():
+                    window.hide()
+
+    def show(self):
+        """Show the GUI window."""
+        if self._process is not None:
+            return self._show_all()
+        # backward compatibility: show() was also starting server
+        return self._start_server(wait=True)
+
+    def hide(self):
+        """Hide the GUI window."""
+        return self._hide_all()
+
+    def new(
+        self,
+        name: str | None = None,
+        wait: bool = True,
+        geometry: tuple[int, int, int, int] | None = None,
+    ) -> BECDockArea:
+        """Create a new top-level dock area.
+
+        Args:
+            name(str, optional): The name of the dock area. Defaults to None.
+            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)
+        Returns:
+            BECDockArea: The new dock area.
         """
-        Close the gui window.
+        if len(self.window_list) == 0:
+            self.show()
+        if wait:
+            with wait_for_server(self):
+                rpc_client = RPCBase(gui_id=f"{self._gui_id}:window", parent=self)
+                widget = rpc_client._run_rpc(
+                    "new_dock_area", name, geometry
+                )  # pylint: disable=protected-access
+                self._top_level[widget.widget_name] = widget
+                return widget
+        rpc_client = RPCBase(gui_id=f"{self._gui_id}:window", parent=self)
+        widget = rpc_client._run_rpc(
+            "new_dock_area", name, geometry
+        )  # pylint: disable=protected-access
+        self._top_level[widget.widget_name] = widget
+        return widget
+
+    def delete(self, name: str) -> None:
+        """Delete a dock area.
+
+        Args:
+            name(str): The name of the dock area.
         """
+        widget = self.windows.get(name)
+        if widget is None:
+            raise ValueError(f"Dock area {name} not found.")
+        widget._run_rpc("close")  # pylint: disable=protected-access
+
+    def delete_all(self) -> None:
+        """Delete all dock areas."""
+        for widget_name in self.windows.keys():
+            self.delete(widget_name)
+
+    def close(self):
+        """Deprecated. Use kill_server() instead."""
+        # FIXME, deprecated in favor of kill, will be removed in the future
+        self.kill_server()
+
+    def kill_server(self) -> None:
+        """Kill the GUI server."""
+        self._top_level.clear()
+        self._killed = True
+
+        if self._gui_started_timer is not None:
+            self._gui_started_timer.cancel()
+            self._gui_started_timer.join()
+
         if self._process is None:
             return
 
-        self._client.shutdown()
         if self._process:
+            logger.success("Stopping GUI...")
             self._process.terminate()
             if self._process_output_processing_thread:
                 self._process_output_processing_thread.join()
             self._process.wait()
             self._process = None
-        if self.auto_updates is not None:
-            self.auto_updates.shutdown()
 
 
-class RPCResponseTimeoutError(Exception):
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
-    """Exception raised when an RPC response is not received within the expected time."""
+    from bec_lib.client import BECClient
+    from bec_lib.service_config import ServiceConfig
 
-    def __init__(self, request_id, timeout):
+    config = ServiceConfig()
-        super().__init__(
+    client = BECClient(config)
-            f"RPC response not received within {timeout} seconds for request ID {request_id}"
+    client.start()
-        )
 
-
+    # Test the client_utils.py module
-class RPCBase:
+    gui = BECGuiClient()
-    def __init__(self, gui_id: str = None, config: dict = None, parent=None) -> None:
+    gui.start()
-        self._client = BECClient()  # BECClient is a singleton; here, we simply get the instance
+    print(gui.window_list)
-        self._config = config if config is not None else {}
-        self._gui_id = gui_id if gui_id is not None else str(uuid.uuid4())[:5]
-        self._parent = parent
-        self._msg_wait_event = threading.Event()
-        self._rpc_response = None
-        super().__init__()
-        # print(f"RPCBase: {self._gui_id}")
-
-    def __repr__(self):
-        type_ = type(self)
-        qualname = type_.__qualname__
-        return f"<{qualname} object at {hex(id(self))}>"
-
-    @property
-    def _root(self):
-        """
-        Get the root widget. This is the BECFigure widget that holds
-        the anchor gui_id.
-        """
-        parent = self
-        # pylint: disable=protected-access
-        while parent._parent is not None:
-            parent = parent._parent
-        return parent
-
-    def _run_rpc(self, method, *args, wait_for_rpc_response=True, timeout=3, **kwargs):
-        """
-        Run the RPC call.
-
-        Args:
-            method: The method to call.
-            args: The arguments to pass to the method.
-            wait_for_rpc_response: Whether to wait for the RPC response.
-            kwargs: The keyword arguments to pass to the method.
-
-        Returns:
-            The result of the RPC call.
-        """
-        request_id = str(uuid.uuid4())
-        rpc_msg = messages.GUIInstructionMessage(
-            action=method,
-            parameter={"args": args, "kwargs": kwargs, "gui_id": self._gui_id},
-            metadata={"request_id": request_id},
-        )
-
-        # pylint: disable=protected-access
-        receiver = self._root._gui_id
-        if wait_for_rpc_response:
-            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,
-            )
-
-        self._client.connector.set_and_publish(MessageEndpoints.gui_instructions(receiver), rpc_msg)
-
-        if wait_for_rpc_response:
-            try:
-                finished = self._msg_wait_event.wait(10)
-                if not finished:
-                    raise RPCResponseTimeoutError(request_id, timeout)
-            finally:
-                self._msg_wait_event.clear()
-                self._client.connector.unregister(
-                    MessageEndpoints.gui_instruction_response(request_id), cb=self._on_rpc_response
-                )
-            # get class name
-            if not self._rpc_response.accepted:
-                raise ValueError(self._rpc_response.message["error"])
-            msg_result = self._rpc_response.message.get("result")
-            self._rpc_response = None
-            return self._create_widget_from_msg_result(msg_result)
-
-    @staticmethod
-    def _on_rpc_response(msg: MessageObject, parent: RPCBase) -> None:
-        msg = msg.value
-        parent._msg_wait_event.set()
-        parent._rpc_response = msg
-
-    def _create_widget_from_msg_result(self, msg_result):
-        if msg_result is None:
-            return None
-        if isinstance(msg_result, list):
-            return [self._create_widget_from_msg_result(res) for res in msg_result]
-        if isinstance(msg_result, dict):
-            if "__rpc__" not in msg_result:
-                return {
-                    key: self._create_widget_from_msg_result(val) for key, val in msg_result.items()
-                }
-            cls = msg_result.pop("widget_class", None)
-            msg_result.pop("__rpc__", None)
-
-            if not cls:
-                return msg_result
-
-            cls = getattr(client, cls)
-            # print(msg_result)
-            return cls(parent=self, **msg_result)
-        return msg_result
-
-    def gui_is_alive(self):
-        """
-        Check if the GUI is alive.
-        """
-        heart = self._client.connector.get(MessageEndpoints.gui_heartbeat(self._root._gui_id))
-        if heart is None:
-            return False
-        if heart.status == messages.BECStatus.RUNNING:
-            return True
-        return False

bec_widgets/cli/generate_cli.py

@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ import isort
 from qtpy.QtCore import Property as QtProperty
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.generate_designer_plugin import DesignerPluginGenerator
-from bec_widgets.utils.plugin_utils import BECClassContainer, get_rpc_classes
+from bec_widgets.utils.plugin_utils import BECClassContainer, get_custom_classes
 
 if sys.version_info >= (3, 11):
     from typing import get_overloads
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ from __future__ import annotations
 import enum
 from typing import Literal, Optional, overload
 
-from bec_widgets.cli.client_utils import RPCBase, rpc_call, BECGuiClientMixin
+from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_base import RPCBase, rpc_call
 
 # pylint: skip-file"""
 
@@ -43,14 +43,21 @@ from bec_widgets.cli.client_utils import RPCBase, rpc_call, BECGuiClientMixin
 
     def generate_client(self, class_container: BECClassContainer):
         """
-        Generate the client for the published classes.
+        Generate the client for the published classes, skipping any classes
+        that have `RPC = False`.
 
         Args:
             class_container: The class container with the classes to generate the client for.
         """
-        rpc_top_level_classes = class_container.rpc_top_level_classes
+        # Filter out classes that explicitly have RPC=False
+        rpc_top_level_classes = [
+            cls for cls in class_container.rpc_top_level_classes if getattr(cls, "RPC", True)
+        ]
         rpc_top_level_classes.sort(key=lambda x: x.__name__)
-        connector_classes = class_container.connector_classes
+
+        connector_classes = [
+            cls for cls in class_container.connector_classes if getattr(cls, "RPC", True)
+        ]
         connector_classes.sort(key=lambda x: x.__name__)
 
         self.write_client_enum(rpc_top_level_classes)
@@ -81,16 +88,28 @@ class Widgets(str, enum.Enum):
 
         class_name = cls.__name__
 
-        # Generate the content
+        if class_name == "BECDockArea":
-        if cls.__name__ == "BECDockArea":
             self.content += f"""
-class {class_name}(RPCBase, BECGuiClientMixin):"""
+class {class_name}(RPCBase):"""
         else:
             self.content += f"""
 class {class_name}(RPCBase):"""
+
+        if cls.__doc__:
+            # We only want the first line of the docstring
+            # But skip the first line if it's a blank line
+            first_line = cls.__doc__.split("\n")[0]
+            if first_line:
+                class_docs = first_line
+            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)
@@ -100,8 +119,10 @@ class {class_name}(RPCBase):"""
                 method = method.split(".setter")[0]
             if obj is None:
                 raise AttributeError(
-                    f"Method {method} not found in class {cls.__name__}. Please check the USER_ACCESS list."
+                    f"Method {method} not found in class {cls.__name__}. "
+                    f"Please check the USER_ACCESS list."
                 )
+
             if isinstance(obj, (property, QtProperty)):
                 # for the cli, we can map qt properties to regular properties
                 if is_property_setter:
@@ -175,7 +196,7 @@ def main():
         current_path = os.path.dirname(__file__)
         client_path = os.path.join(current_path, "client.py")
 
-        rpc_classes = get_rpc_classes("bec_widgets")
+        rpc_classes = get_custom_classes("bec_widgets")
 
         generator = ClientGenerator()
         generator.generate_client(rpc_classes)

bec_widgets/cli/rpc/rpc_base.py

@@ -0,0 +1,197 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import threading
+import uuid
+from functools import wraps
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Any, cast
+
+from bec_lib.client import BECClient
+from bec_lib.endpoints import MessageEndpoints
+from bec_lib.utils.import_utils import lazy_import, lazy_import_from
+
+import bec_widgets.cli.client as client
+
+if TYPE_CHECKING:
+    from bec_lib import messages
+    from bec_lib.connector import MessageObject
+else:
+    messages = lazy_import("bec_lib.messages")
+    # from bec_lib.connector import MessageObject
+    MessageObject = lazy_import_from("bec_lib.connector", ("MessageObject",))
+
+
+def rpc_call(func):
+    """
+    A decorator for calling a function on the server.
+
+    Args:
+        func: The function to call.
+
+    Returns:
+        The result of the function call.
+    """
+
+    @wraps(func)
+    def wrapper(self, *args, **kwargs):
+        # we could rely on a strict type check here, but this is more flexible
+        # moreover, it would anyway crash for objects...
+        out = []
+        for arg in args:
+            if hasattr(arg, "name"):
+                arg = arg.name
+            out.append(arg)
+        args = tuple(out)
+        for key, val in kwargs.items():
+            if hasattr(val, "name"):
+                kwargs[key] = val.name
+        if not self._root._gui_is_alive():
+            raise RuntimeError("GUI is not alive")
+        return self._run_rpc(func.__name__, *args, **kwargs)
+
+    return wrapper
+
+
+class RPCResponseTimeoutError(Exception):
+    """Exception raised when an RPC response is not received within the expected time."""
+
+    def __init__(self, request_id, timeout):
+        super().__init__(
+            f"RPC response not received within {timeout} seconds for request ID {request_id}"
+        )
+
+
+class RPCBase:
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        gui_id: str | None = None,
+        config: dict | None = None,
+        name: str | None = None,
+        parent=None,
+    ) -> None:
+        self._client = BECClient()  # BECClient is a singleton; here, we simply get the instance
+        self._config = config if config is not None else {}
+        self._gui_id = gui_id if gui_id is not None else str(uuid.uuid4())[:5]
+        self._name = name if name is not None else str(uuid.uuid4())[:5]
+        self._parent = parent
+        self._msg_wait_event = threading.Event()
+        self._rpc_response = None
+        super().__init__()
+        # print(f"RPCBase: {self._gui_id}")
+
+    def __repr__(self):
+        type_ = type(self)
+        qualname = type_.__qualname__
+        return f"<{qualname} with name: {self.widget_name}>"
+
+    def remove(self):
+        """
+        Remove the widget.
+        """
+        self._run_rpc("remove")
+
+    @property
+    def widget_name(self):
+        """
+        Get the widget name.
+        """
+        return self._name
+
+    @property
+    def _root(self):
+        """
+        Get the root widget. This is the BECFigure widget that holds
+        the anchor gui_id.
+        """
+        parent = self
+        # pylint: disable=protected-access
+        while parent._parent is not None:
+            parent = parent._parent
+        return parent
+
+    def _run_rpc(self, method, *args, wait_for_rpc_response=True, timeout=3, **kwargs) -> Any:
+        """
+        Run the RPC call.
+
+        Args:
+            method: The method to call.
+            args: The arguments to pass to the method.
+            wait_for_rpc_response: Whether to wait for the RPC response.
+            kwargs: The keyword arguments to pass to the method.
+
+        Returns:
+            The result of the RPC call.
+        """
+        request_id = str(uuid.uuid4())
+        rpc_msg = messages.GUIInstructionMessage(
+            action=method,
+            parameter={"args": args, "kwargs": kwargs, "gui_id": self._gui_id},
+            metadata={"request_id": request_id},
+        )
+
+        # pylint: disable=protected-access
+        receiver = self._root._gui_id
+        if wait_for_rpc_response:
+            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,
+            )
+
+        self._client.connector.set_and_publish(MessageEndpoints.gui_instructions(receiver), rpc_msg)
+
+        if wait_for_rpc_response:
+            try:
+                finished = self._msg_wait_event.wait(timeout)
+                if not finished:
+                    raise RPCResponseTimeoutError(request_id, timeout)
+            finally:
+                self._msg_wait_event.clear()
+                self._client.connector.unregister(
+                    MessageEndpoints.gui_instruction_response(request_id), cb=self._on_rpc_response
+                )
+            # get class name
+            if not self._rpc_response.accepted:
+                raise ValueError(self._rpc_response.message["error"])
+            msg_result = self._rpc_response.message.get("result")
+            self._rpc_response = None
+            return self._create_widget_from_msg_result(msg_result)
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def _on_rpc_response(msg: MessageObject, parent: RPCBase) -> None:
+        msg = msg.value
+        parent._msg_wait_event.set()
+        parent._rpc_response = msg
+
+    def _create_widget_from_msg_result(self, msg_result):
+        if msg_result is None:
+            return None
+        if isinstance(msg_result, list):
+            return [self._create_widget_from_msg_result(res) for res in msg_result]
+        if isinstance(msg_result, dict):
+            if "__rpc__" not in msg_result:
+                return {
+                    key: self._create_widget_from_msg_result(val) for key, val in msg_result.items()
+                }
+            cls = msg_result.pop("widget_class", None)
+            msg_result.pop("__rpc__", None)
+
+            if not cls:
+                return msg_result
+
+            cls = getattr(client, cls)
+            # print(msg_result)
+            return cls(parent=self, **msg_result)
+        return msg_result
+
+    def _gui_is_alive(self):
+        """
+        Check if the GUI is alive.
+        """
+        heart = self._client.connector.get(MessageEndpoints.gui_heartbeat(self._root._gui_id))
+        if heart is None:
+            return False
+        if heart.status == messages.BECStatus.RUNNING:
+            return True
+        return False

bec_widgets/cli/rpc/rpc_register.py

@@ -1,8 +1,21 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from functools import wraps
 from threading import Lock
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Callable
 from weakref import WeakValueDictionary
 
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from qtpy.QtCore import QObject
 
+if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
+    from bec_widgets.utils.bec_connector import BECConnector
+    from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock.dock import BECDock
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock.dock_area import BECDockArea
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+
 
 class RPCRegister:
     """
@@ -47,7 +60,7 @@ class RPCRegister:
             raise ValueError(f"RPC object {rpc} must have a 'gui_id' attribute.")
         self._rpc_register.pop(rpc.gui_id, None)
 
-    def get_rpc_by_id(self, gui_id: str) -> QObject:
+    def get_rpc_by_id(self, gui_id: str) -> QObject | None:
         """
         Get an RPC object by its ID.
 
@@ -55,7 +68,7 @@ class RPCRegister:
             gui_id(str): The ID of the RPC object to be retrieved.
 
         Returns:
-            QObject: The RPC object with the given ID.
+            QObject | None: The RPC object with the given ID or None
         """
         rpc_object = self._rpc_register.get(gui_id, None)
         return rpc_object
@@ -71,6 +84,19 @@ class RPCRegister:
             connections = dict(self._rpc_register)
         return connections
 
+    def get_names_of_rpc_by_class_type(
+        self, cls: BECWidget | BECConnector | BECDock | BECDockArea
+    ) -> list[str]:
+        """Get all the names of the widgets.
+
+        Args:
+            cls(BECWidget | BECConnector): The class of the RPC object to be retrieved.
+        """
+        # This retrieves any rpc objects that are subclass of BECWidget,
+        # i.e. curve and image items are excluded
+        widgets = [rpc for rpc in self._rpc_register.values() if isinstance(rpc, cls)]
+        return [widget._name for widget in widgets]
+
     @classmethod
     def reset_singleton(cls):
         """

bec_widgets/cli/rpc/rpc_widget_handler.py

@@ -1,4 +1,9 @@
-from bec_widgets.utils import BECConnector
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from typing import Any
+
+from bec_widgets.cli.client_utils import IGNORE_WIDGETS
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
 
 
 class RPCWidgetHandler:
@@ -8,7 +13,7 @@ class RPCWidgetHandler:
         self._widget_classes = None
 
     @property
-    def widget_classes(self):
+    def widget_classes(self) -> dict[str, type[BECWidget]]:
         """
         Get the available widget classes.
 
@@ -17,7 +22,7 @@ class RPCWidgetHandler:
         """
         if self._widget_classes is None:
             self.update_available_widgets()
-        return self._widget_classes
+        return self._widget_classes  # type: ignore
 
     def update_available_widgets(self):
         """
@@ -26,27 +31,28 @@ class RPCWidgetHandler:
         Returns:
             None
         """
-        from bec_widgets.utils.plugin_utils import get_rpc_classes
+        from bec_widgets.utils.plugin_utils import get_custom_classes
 
-        clss = get_rpc_classes("bec_widgets")
+        clss = get_custom_classes("bec_widgets")
-        self._widget_classes = {cls.__name__: cls for cls in clss.top_level_classes}
+        self._widget_classes = {
+            cls.__name__: cls for cls in clss.widgets if cls.__name__ not in IGNORE_WIDGETS
+        }
 
-    def create_widget(self, widget_type, **kwargs) -> BECConnector:
+    def create_widget(self, widget_type, name: str | None = None, **kwargs) -> BECWidget:
         """
         Create a widget from an RPC message.
 
         Args:
             widget_type(str): The type of the widget.
+            name (str): The name of the widget.
             **kwargs: The keyword arguments for the widget.
 
         Returns:
-            widget(BECConnector): The created widget.
+            widget(BECWidget): The created widget.
         """
-        if self._widget_classes is None:
+        widget_class = self.widget_classes.get(widget_type)  # type: ignore
-            self.update_available_widgets()
-        widget_class = self._widget_classes.get(widget_type)
         if widget_class:
-            return widget_class(**kwargs)
+            return widget_class(name=name, **kwargs)
         raise ValueError(f"Unknown widget type: {widget_type}")
 
 

bec_widgets/cli/server.py

@@ -1,29 +1,56 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
-import inspect
+import functools
 import json
 import signal
 import sys
-from contextlib import redirect_stderr, redirect_stdout
+import types
+from contextlib import contextmanager, redirect_stderr, redirect_stdout
 from typing import Union
 
 from bec_lib.endpoints import MessageEndpoints
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from bec_lib.service_config import ServiceConfig
 from bec_lib.utils.import_utils import lazy_import
-from qtpy.QtCore import QTimer
+from qtpy.QtCore import Qt, QTimer
+from redis.exceptions import RedisError
 
-from bec_widgets.cli.rpc_register import RPCRegister
+from bec_widgets.cli.rpc import rpc_register
+from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_register import RPCRegister
+from bec_widgets.qt_utils.error_popups import ErrorPopupUtility
 from bec_widgets.utils import BECDispatcher
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_connector import BECConnector
-from bec_widgets.utils.bec_dispatcher import QtRedisConnector
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock import BECDockArea
-from bec_widgets.widgets.dock.dock_area import BECDockArea
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.figure import BECFigure
-from bec_widgets.widgets.figure import BECFigure
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.main_window import BECMainWindow
 
 messages = lazy_import("bec_lib.messages")
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 
 
+@contextmanager
+def rpc_exception_hook(err_func):
+    """This context replaces the popup message box for error display with a specific hook"""
+    # get error popup utility singleton
+    popup = ErrorPopupUtility()
+    # save current setting
+    old_exception_hook = popup.custom_exception_hook
+
+    # install err_func, if it is a callable
+    # IMPORTANT, Keep self here, because this method is overwriting the custom_exception_hook
+    # of the ErrorPopupUtility (popup instance) class.
+    def custom_exception_hook(self, exc_type, value, tb, **kwargs):
+        err_func({"error": popup.get_error_message(exc_type, value, tb)})
+
+    popup.custom_exception_hook = types.MethodType(custom_exception_hook, popup)
+
+    try:
+        yield popup
+    finally:
+        # restore state of error popup utility singleton
+        popup.custom_exception_hook = old_exception_hook
+
+
 class BECWidgetsCLIServer:
 
     def __init__(
@@ -32,16 +59,18 @@ class BECWidgetsCLIServer:
         dispatcher: BECDispatcher = None,
         client=None,
         config=None,
-        gui_class: Union[BECFigure, BECDockArea] = BECFigure,
+        gui_class: Union[BECFigure, BECDockArea] = BECDockArea,
+        gui_class_id: str = "bec",
     ) -> None:
         self.status = messages.BECStatus.BUSY
         self.dispatcher = BECDispatcher(config=config) if dispatcher is None else dispatcher
         self.client = self.dispatcher.client if client is None else client
         self.client.start()
         self.gui_id = gui_id
-        self.gui = gui_class(gui_id=self.gui_id)
+        # register broadcast callback
         self.rpc_register = RPCRegister()
-        self.rpc_register.add_rpc(self.gui)
+        self.gui = gui_class(parent=None, name=gui_class_id, gui_id=gui_class_id)
+        # self.rpc_register.add_rpc(self.gui)
 
         self.dispatcher.connect_slot(
             self.on_rpc_update, MessageEndpoints.gui_instructions(self.gui_id)
@@ -54,22 +83,24 @@ class BECWidgetsCLIServer:
 
         self.status = messages.BECStatus.RUNNING
         logger.success(f"Server started with gui_id: {self.gui_id}")
+        # Create initial object -> BECFigure or BECDockArea
 
     def on_rpc_update(self, msg: dict, metadata: dict):
         request_id = metadata.get("request_id")
         logger.debug(f"Received RPC instruction: {msg}, metadata: {metadata}")
-        try:
+        with rpc_exception_hook(functools.partial(self.send_response, request_id, False)):
-            obj = self.get_object_from_config(msg["parameter"])
+            try:
-            method = msg["action"]
+                obj = self.get_object_from_config(msg["parameter"])
-            args = msg["parameter"].get("args", [])
+                method = msg["action"]
-            kwargs = msg["parameter"].get("kwargs", {})
+                args = msg["parameter"].get("args", [])
-            res = self.run_rpc(obj, method, args, kwargs)
+                kwargs = msg["parameter"].get("kwargs", {})
-        except Exception as e:
+                res = self.run_rpc(obj, method, args, kwargs)
-            logger.error(f"Error while executing RPC instruction: {e}")
+            except Exception as e:
-            self.send_response(request_id, False, {"error": str(e)})
+                logger.error(f"Error while executing RPC instruction: {e}")
-        else:
+                self.send_response(request_id, False, {"error": str(e)})
-            logger.debug(f"RPC instruction executed successfully: {res}")
+            else:
-            self.send_response(request_id, True, {"result": res})
+                logger.debug(f"RPC instruction executed successfully: {res}")
+                self.send_response(request_id, True, {"result": res})
 
     def send_response(self, request_id: str, accepted: bool, msg: dict):
         self.client.connector.set_and_publish(
@@ -96,11 +127,7 @@ class BECWidgetsCLIServer:
                 setattr(obj, method, args[0])
                 res = None
         else:
-            sig = inspect.signature(method_obj)
+            res = method_obj(*args, **kwargs)
-            if sig.parameters:
-                res = method_obj(*args, **kwargs)
-            else:
-                res = method_obj()
 
         if isinstance(res, list):
             res = [self.serialize_object(obj) for obj in res]
@@ -114,6 +141,9 @@ class BECWidgetsCLIServer:
         if isinstance(obj, BECConnector):
             return {
                 "gui_id": obj.gui_id,
+                "name": (
+                    obj._name if hasattr(obj, "_name") else obj.__class__.__name__
+                ),  # pylint: disable=protected-access
                 "widget_class": obj.__class__.__name__,
                 "config": obj.config.model_dump(),
                 "__rpc__": True,
@@ -122,11 +152,14 @@ class BECWidgetsCLIServer:
 
     def emit_heartbeat(self):
         logger.trace(f"Emitting heartbeat for {self.gui_id}")
-        self.client.connector.set(
+        try:
-            MessageEndpoints.gui_heartbeat(self.gui_id),
+            self.client.connector.set(
-            messages.StatusMessage(name=self.gui_id, status=self.status, info={}),
+                MessageEndpoints.gui_heartbeat(self.gui_id),
-            expire=10,
+                messages.StatusMessage(name=self.gui_id, status=self.status, info={}),
-        )
+                expire=10,
+            )
+        except RedisError as exc:
+            logger.error(f"Error while emitting heartbeat: {exc}")
 
     def shutdown(self):  # TODO not sure if needed when cleanup is done at level of BECConnector
         logger.info(f"Shutting down server with gui_id: {self.gui_id}")
@@ -155,7 +188,12 @@ class SimpleFileLikeFromLogOutputFunc:
         return
 
 
-def _start_server(gui_id: str, gui_class: Union[BECFigure, BECDockArea], config: str | None = None):
+def _start_server(
+    gui_id: str,
+    gui_class: Union[BECFigure, BECDockArea],
+    gui_class_id: str = "bec",
+    config: str | None = None,
+):
     if config:
         try:
             config = json.loads(config)
@@ -172,7 +210,9 @@ def _start_server(gui_id: str, gui_class: Union[BECFigure, BECDockArea], config:
     #     service_name="BECWidgetsCLIServer",
     #     service_config=service_config.service_config,
     # )
-    server = BECWidgetsCLIServer(gui_id=gui_id, config=service_config, gui_class=gui_class)
+    server = BECWidgetsCLIServer(
+        gui_id=gui_id, config=service_config, gui_class=gui_class, gui_class_id=gui_class_id
+    )
     return server
 
 
@@ -182,42 +222,52 @@ def main():
 
     from qtpy.QtCore import QSize
     from qtpy.QtGui import QIcon
-    from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QMainWindow
+    from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
 
     import bec_widgets
 
-    bec_logger.level = bec_logger.LOGLEVEL.DEBUG
-    if __name__ != "__main__":
-        # if not running as main, set the log level to critical
-        # pylint: disable=protected-access
-        bec_logger._stderr_log_level = bec_logger.LOGLEVEL.CRITICAL
-
     parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description="BEC Widgets CLI Server")
-    parser.add_argument("--id", type=str, help="The id of the server")
+    parser.add_argument("--id", type=str, default="test", help="The id of the server")
     parser.add_argument(
         "--gui_class",
         type=str,
         help="Name of the gui class to be rendered. Possible values: \n- BECFigure\n- BECDockArea",
     )
+    parser.add_argument(
+        "--gui_class_id",
+        type=str,
+        default="bec",
+        help="The id of the gui class that is added to the QApplication",
+    )
     parser.add_argument("--config", type=str, help="Config file or config string.")
+    parser.add_argument("--hide", action="store_true", help="Hide on startup")
 
     args = parser.parse_args()
 
-    if args.gui_class == "BECFigure":
+    bec_logger.level = bec_logger.LOGLEVEL.INFO
-        gui_class = BECFigure
+    if args.hide:
-    elif args.gui_class == "BECDockArea":
+        # pylint: disable=protected-access
+        bec_logger._stderr_log_level = bec_logger.LOGLEVEL.ERROR
+        bec_logger._update_sinks()
+
+    if args.gui_class == "BECDockArea":
         gui_class = BECDockArea
+    elif args.gui_class == "BECFigure":
+        gui_class = BECFigure
     else:
         print(
             "Please specify a valid gui_class to run. Use -h for help."
             "\n Starting with default gui_class BECFigure."
         )
-        gui_class = BECFigure
+        gui_class = BECDockArea
 
     with redirect_stdout(SimpleFileLikeFromLogOutputFunc(logger.info)):
         with redirect_stderr(SimpleFileLikeFromLogOutputFunc(logger.error)):
             app = QApplication(sys.argv)
-            app.setApplicationName("BEC Figure")
+            # set close on last window, only if not under control of client ;
+            # indeed, Qt considers a hidden window a closed window, so if all windows
+            # are hidden by default it exits
+            app.setQuitOnLastWindowClosed(not args.hide)
             module_path = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
             icon = QIcon()
             icon.addFile(
@@ -225,22 +275,33 @@ def main():
                 size=QSize(48, 48),
             )
             app.setWindowIcon(icon)
+            # store gui id within QApplication object, to make it available to all widgets
+            app.gui_id = args.id
 
-            win = QMainWindow()
+            # args.id = "abff6"
-            win.setWindowTitle("BEC Widgets")
+            server = _start_server(args.id, gui_class, args.gui_class_id, args.config)
 
-            server = _start_server(args.id, gui_class, args.config)
+            win = BECMainWindow(gui_id=f"{server.gui_id}:window")
+            win.setAttribute(Qt.WA_ShowWithoutActivating)
+            win.setWindowTitle("BEC")
 
+            RPCRegister().add_rpc(win)
             gui = server.gui
             win.setCentralWidget(gui)
-            win.resize(800, 600)
+            if not args.hide:
-            win.show()
+                win.show()
 
             app.aboutToQuit.connect(server.shutdown)
 
             def sigint_handler(*args):
                 # display message, for people to let it terminate gracefully
                 print("Caught SIGINT, exiting")
+                # first hide all top level windows
+                # this is to discriminate the cases between "user clicks on [X]"
+                # (which should be filtered, to not close -see BECDockArea-)
+                # or "app is asked to close"
+                for window in app.topLevelWidgets():
+                    window.hide()  # so, we know we can exit because it is hidden
                 app.quit()
 
             signal.signal(signal.SIGINT, sigint_handler)
@@ -249,6 +310,5 @@ def main():
             sys.exit(app.exec())
 
 
-if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+if __name__ == "__main__":
-    sys.argv = ["bec_widgets.cli.server", "--id", "e2860", "--gui_class", "BECDockArea"]
     main()

bec_widgets/examples/jupyter_console/jupyter_console_window.py

@@ -3,12 +3,11 @@ import os
 import numpy as np
 import pyqtgraph as pg
 from bec_qthemes import material_icon
-from qtpy.QtCore import QSize
-from qtpy.QtGui import QIcon
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
     QApplication,
     QGroupBox,
     QHBoxLayout,
+    QPushButton,
     QSplitter,
     QTabWidget,
     QVBoxLayout,
@@ -16,10 +15,15 @@ from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
 )
 
 from bec_widgets.utils import BECDispatcher
-from bec_widgets.utils.colors import apply_theme
+from bec_widgets.utils.widget_io import WidgetHierarchy as wh
-from bec_widgets.widgets.dock.dock_area import BECDockArea
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock import BECDockArea
-from bec_widgets.widgets.figure import BECFigure
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.figure import BECFigure
-from bec_widgets.widgets.jupyter_console.jupyter_console import BECJupyterConsole
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.layout_manager.layout_manager import LayoutManagerWidget
+from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.jupyter_console.jupyter_console import BECJupyterConsole
+from bec_widgets.widgets.plots_next_gen.image.image import Image
+from bec_widgets.widgets.plots_next_gen.plot_base import PlotBase
+from bec_widgets.widgets.plots_next_gen.scatter_waveform.scatter_waveform import ScatterWaveform
+from bec_widgets.widgets.plots_next_gen.waveform.waveform import Waveform
 
 
 class JupyterConsoleWindow(QWidget):  # pragma: no cover:
@@ -36,6 +40,7 @@ class JupyterConsoleWindow(QWidget):  # pragma: no cover:
                 {
                     "np": np,
                     "pg": pg,
+                    "wh": wh,
                     "fig": self.figure,
                     "dock": self.dock,
                     "w1": self.w1,
@@ -49,13 +54,22 @@ class JupyterConsoleWindow(QWidget):  # pragma: no cover:
                     "w9": self.w9,
                     "w10": self.w10,
                     "d0": self.d0,
-                    "d1": self.d1,
-                    "d2": self.d2,
-                    "wave": self.wf,
-                    # "bar": self.bar,
-                    # "cm": self.colormap,
                     "im": self.im,
+                    "mi": self.mi,
                     "mm": self.mm,
+                    "mw": self.mw,
+                    "lm": self.lm,
+                    "btn1": self.btn1,
+                    "btn2": self.btn2,
+                    "btn3": self.btn3,
+                    "btn4": self.btn4,
+                    "btn5": self.btn5,
+                    "btn6": self.btn6,
+                    "pb": self.pb,
+                    "pi": self.pi,
+                    "wf": self.wf,
+                    "scatter": self.scatter,
+                    "scatter_mi": self.scatter,
                 }
             )
 
@@ -80,11 +94,61 @@ class JupyterConsoleWindow(QWidget):  # pragma: no cover:
         second_tab_layout.addWidget(self.figure)
         tab_widget.addTab(second_tab, "BEC Figure")
 
+        third_tab = QWidget()
+        third_tab_layout = QVBoxLayout(third_tab)
+        self.lm = LayoutManagerWidget()
+        third_tab_layout.addWidget(self.lm)
+        tab_widget.addTab(third_tab, "Layout Manager Widget")
+
+        fourth_tab = QWidget()
+        fourth_tab_layout = QVBoxLayout(fourth_tab)
+        self.pb = PlotBase()
+        self.pi = self.pb.plot_item
+        fourth_tab_layout.addWidget(self.pb)
+        tab_widget.addTab(fourth_tab, "PlotBase")
+
+        tab_widget.setCurrentIndex(3)
+
         group_box = QGroupBox("Jupyter Console", splitter)
         group_box_layout = QVBoxLayout(group_box)
         self.console = BECJupyterConsole(inprocess=True)
         group_box_layout.addWidget(self.console)
 
+        # Some buttons for layout testing
+        self.btn1 = QPushButton("Button 1")
+        self.btn2 = QPushButton("Button 2")
+        self.btn3 = QPushButton("Button 3")
+        self.btn4 = QPushButton("Button 4")
+        self.btn5 = QPushButton("Button 5")
+        self.btn6 = QPushButton("Button 6")
+
+        fifth_tab = QWidget()
+        fifth_tab_layout = QVBoxLayout(fifth_tab)
+        self.wf = Waveform()
+        fifth_tab_layout.addWidget(self.wf)
+        tab_widget.addTab(fifth_tab, "Waveform Next Gen")
+        tab_widget.setCurrentIndex(4)
+
+        sixth_tab = QWidget()
+        sixth_tab_layout = QVBoxLayout(sixth_tab)
+        self.im = Image()
+        self.mi = self.im.main_image
+        sixth_tab_layout.addWidget(self.im)
+        tab_widget.addTab(sixth_tab, "Image Next Gen")
+        tab_widget.setCurrentIndex(5)
+
+        seventh_tab = QWidget()
+        seventh_tab_layout = QVBoxLayout(seventh_tab)
+        self.scatter = ScatterWaveform()
+        self.scatter_mi = self.scatter.main_curve
+        self.scatter.plot("samx", "samy", "bpm4i")
+        seventh_tab_layout.addWidget(self.scatter)
+        tab_widget.addTab(seventh_tab, "Scatter Waveform")
+        tab_widget.setCurrentIndex(6)
+
+        # add stuff to the new Waveform widget
+        self._init_waveform()
+
         # add stuff to figure
         self._init_figure()
 
@@ -93,16 +157,15 @@ class JupyterConsoleWindow(QWidget):  # pragma: no cover:
 
         self.setWindowTitle("Jupyter Console Window")
 
+    def _init_waveform(self):
+        # self.wfng._add_curve_custom(x=np.arange(10), y=np.random.rand(10), label="curve1")
+        # self.wfng._add_curve_custom(x=np.arange(10), y=np.random.rand(10), label="curve2")
+        # self.wfng._add_curve_custom(x=np.arange(10), y=np.random.rand(10), label="curve3")
+        self.wf.plot(y_name="bpm4i", y_entry="bpm4i", dap="GaussianModel")
+        self.wf.plot(y_name="bpm3a", y_entry="bpm3a", dap="GaussianModel")
+
     def _init_figure(self):
-        self.w1 = self.figure.plot(
+        self.w1 = self.figure.plot(x_name="samx", y_name="bpm4i", row=0, col=0)
-            x_name="samx",
-            y_name="bpm4i",
-            # title="Standard Plot with sync device, custom labels - w1",
-            # x_label="Motor Position",
-            # y_label="Intensity (A.U.)",
-            row=0,
-            col=0,
-        )
         self.w1.set(
             title="Standard Plot with sync device, custom labels - w1",
             x_label="Motor Position",
@@ -158,24 +221,11 @@ class JupyterConsoleWindow(QWidget):  # pragma: no cover:
 
     def _init_dock(self):
 
-        self.d0 = self.dock.add_dock(name="dock_0")
+        self.d0 = self.dock.new(name="dock_0")
-        self.mm = self.d0.add_widget("BECMotorMapWidget")
+        self.mm = self.d0.new("BECMotorMapWidget")
         self.mm.change_motors("samx", "samy")
 
-        self.d1 = self.dock.add_dock(name="dock_1", position="right")
+        self.mw = None  # self.wf.multi_waveform(monitor="waveform")  # , config=config)
-        self.im = self.d1.add_widget("BECImageWidget")
-        self.im.image("waveform", "1d")
-
-        self.d2 = self.dock.add_dock(name="dock_2", position="bottom")
-        self.wf = self.d2.add_widget("BECWaveformWidget", row=0, col=0)
-        self.wf.plot(x_name="samx", y_name="bpm3a")
-        self.wf.plot(x_name="samx", y_name="bpm4i", dap="GaussianModel")
-        # self.bar = self.d2.add_widget("RingProgressBar", row=0, col=1)
-        # self.bar.set_diameter(200)
-
-        # self.d3 = self.dock.add_dock(name="dock_3", position="bottom")
-        # self.colormap = pg.GradientWidget()
-        # self.d3.add_widget(self.colormap, row=0, col=0)
 
         self.dock.save_state()
 
@@ -200,8 +250,7 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
     app = QApplication(sys.argv)
     app.setApplicationName("Jupyter Console")
     app.setApplicationDisplayName("Jupyter Console")
-    apply_theme("dark")
+    icon = material_icon("terminal", color=(255, 255, 255, 255), filled=True)
-    icon = material_icon("terminal", color="#434343", filled=True)
     app.setWindowIcon(icon)
 
     bec_dispatcher = BECDispatcher()
@@ -210,6 +259,7 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
 
     win = JupyterConsoleWindow()
     win.show()
+    win.resize(1500, 800)
 
     app.aboutToQuit.connect(win.close)
     sys.exit(app.exec_())

bec_widgets/qt_utils/collapsible_panel_manager.py

@@ -0,0 +1,380 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import sys
+from typing import Literal
+
+import pyqtgraph as pg
+from qtpy.QtCore import Property, QEasingCurve, QObject, QPropertyAnimation
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
+    QApplication,
+    QHBoxLayout,
+    QMainWindow,
+    QPushButton,
+    QSizePolicy,
+    QVBoxLayout,
+    QWidget,
+)
+from typeguard import typechecked
+
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.layout_manager.layout_manager import LayoutManagerWidget
+
+
+class DimensionAnimator(QObject):
+    """
+    Helper class to animate the size of a panel widget.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, panel_widget: QWidget, direction: str):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.panel_widget = panel_widget
+        self.direction = direction
+        self._size = 0
+
+    @Property(int)
+    def panel_width(self):
+        """
+        Returns the current width of the panel widget.
+        """
+        return self._size
+
+    @panel_width.setter
+    def panel_width(self, val: int):
+        """
+        Set the width of the panel widget.
+
+        Args:
+            val(int): The width to set.
+        """
+        self._size = val
+        self.panel_widget.setFixedWidth(val)
+
+    @Property(int)
+    def panel_height(self):
+        """
+        Returns the current height of the panel widget.
+        """
+        return self._size
+
+    @panel_height.setter
+    def panel_height(self, val: int):
+        """
+        Set the height of the panel widget.
+
+        Args:
+            val(int): The height to set.
+        """
+        self._size = val
+        self.panel_widget.setFixedHeight(val)
+
+
+class CollapsiblePanelManager(QObject):
+    """
+    Manager class to handle collapsible panels from a main widget using LayoutManagerWidget.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, layout_manager: LayoutManagerWidget, reference_widget: QWidget, parent=None):
+        super().__init__(parent)
+        self.layout_manager = layout_manager
+        self.reference_widget = reference_widget
+        self.animations = {}
+        self.panels = {}
+        self.direction_settings = {
+            "left": {"property": b"maximumWidth", "default_size": 200},
+            "right": {"property": b"maximumWidth", "default_size": 200},
+            "top": {"property": b"maximumHeight", "default_size": 150},
+            "bottom": {"property": b"maximumHeight", "default_size": 150},
+        }
+
+    def add_panel(
+        self,
+        direction: Literal["left", "right", "top", "bottom"],
+        panel_widget: QWidget,
+        target_size: int | None = None,
+        duration: int = 300,
+    ):
+        """
+        Add a panel widget to the layout manager.
+
+        Args:
+            direction(Literal["left", "right", "top", "bottom"]): Direction of the panel.
+            panel_widget(QWidget): The panel widget to add.
+            target_size(int, optional): The target size of the panel. Defaults to None.
+            duration(int): The duration of the animation in milliseconds. Defaults to 300.
+        """
+        if direction not in self.direction_settings:
+            raise ValueError("Direction must be one of 'left', 'right', 'top', 'bottom'.")
+
+        if target_size is None:
+            target_size = self.direction_settings[direction]["default_size"]
+
+        self.layout_manager.add_widget_relative(
+            widget=panel_widget, reference_widget=self.reference_widget, position=direction
+        )
+        panel_widget.setVisible(False)
+
+        # Set initial constraints as flexible
+        if direction in ["left", "right"]:
+            panel_widget.setMaximumWidth(0)
+            panel_widget.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Expanding)
+        else:
+            panel_widget.setMaximumHeight(0)
+            panel_widget.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Expanding)
+
+        self.panels[direction] = {
+            "widget": panel_widget,
+            "direction": direction,
+            "target_size": target_size,
+            "duration": duration,
+            "animator": None,
+        }
+
+    def toggle_panel(
+        self,
+        direction: Literal["left", "right", "top", "bottom"],
+        target_size: int | None = None,
+        duration: int | None = None,
+        easing_curve: QEasingCurve = QEasingCurve.InOutQuad,
+        ensure_max: bool = False,
+        scale: float | None = None,
+        animation: bool = True,
+    ):
+        """
+        Toggle the specified panel.
+
+        Parameters:
+            direction (Literal["left", "right", "top", "bottom"]): Direction of the panel to toggle.
+            target_size (int, optional): Override target size for this toggle.
+            duration (int, optional): Override the animation duration.
+            easing_curve (QEasingCurve): Animation easing curve.
+            ensure_max (bool): If True, animate as a fixed-size panel.
+            scale (float, optional): If provided, calculate target_size from main widget size.
+            animation (bool): If False, no animation is performed; panel instantly toggles.
+        """
+        if direction not in self.panels:
+            raise ValueError(f"No panel found in direction '{direction}'.")
+
+        panel_info = self.panels[direction]
+        panel_widget = panel_info["widget"]
+        dir_settings = self.direction_settings[direction]
+
+        # Determine final target size
+        if scale is not None:
+            main_rect = self.reference_widget.geometry()
+            if direction in ["left", "right"]:
+                computed_target = int(main_rect.width() * scale)
+            else:
+                computed_target = int(main_rect.height() * scale)
+            final_target_size = computed_target
+        else:
+            if target_size is None:
+                final_target_size = panel_info["target_size"]
+            else:
+                final_target_size = target_size
+
+        if duration is None:
+            duration = panel_info["duration"]
+
+        expanding_property = dir_settings["property"]
+        currently_visible = panel_widget.isVisible()
+
+        if ensure_max:
+            if panel_info["animator"] is None:
+                panel_info["animator"] = DimensionAnimator(panel_widget, direction)
+            animator = panel_info["animator"]
+
+            if direction in ["left", "right"]:
+                prop_name = b"panel_width"
+            else:
+                prop_name = b"panel_height"
+        else:
+            animator = None
+            prop_name = expanding_property
+
+        if currently_visible:
+            # Hide the panel
+            if ensure_max:
+                start_value = final_target_size
+                end_value = 0
+                finish_callback = lambda w=panel_widget, d=direction: self._after_hide_reset(w, d)
+            else:
+                start_value = (
+                    panel_widget.width()
+                    if direction in ["left", "right"]
+                    else panel_widget.height()
+                )
+                end_value = 0
+                finish_callback = lambda w=panel_widget: w.setVisible(False)
+        else:
+            # Show the panel
+            start_value = 0
+            end_value = final_target_size
+            finish_callback = None
+            if ensure_max:
+                # Fix panel exactly
+                if direction in ["left", "right"]:
+                    panel_widget.setMinimumWidth(0)
+                    panel_widget.setMaximumWidth(final_target_size)
+                    panel_widget.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Fixed, QSizePolicy.Expanding)
+                else:
+                    panel_widget.setMinimumHeight(0)
+                    panel_widget.setMaximumHeight(final_target_size)
+                    panel_widget.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Fixed)
+            else:
+                # Flexible mode
+                if direction in ["left", "right"]:
+                    panel_widget.setMinimumWidth(0)
+                    panel_widget.setMaximumWidth(final_target_size)
+                    panel_widget.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Expanding)
+                else:
+                    panel_widget.setMinimumHeight(0)
+                    panel_widget.setMaximumHeight(final_target_size)
+                    panel_widget.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Expanding)
+
+            panel_widget.setVisible(True)
+
+        if not animation:
+            # No animation: instantly set final state
+            if end_value == 0:
+                # Hiding
+                if ensure_max:
+                    # Reset after hide
+                    self._after_hide_reset(panel_widget, direction)
+                else:
+                    panel_widget.setVisible(False)
+            else:
+                # Showing
+                if ensure_max:
+                    # Already set fixed size
+                    if direction in ["left", "right"]:
+                        panel_widget.setFixedWidth(end_value)
+                    else:
+                        panel_widget.setFixedHeight(end_value)
+                else:
+                    # Just set maximum dimension
+                    if direction in ["left", "right"]:
+                        panel_widget.setMaximumWidth(end_value)
+                    else:
+                        panel_widget.setMaximumHeight(end_value)
+            return
+
+        # With animation
+        animation = QPropertyAnimation(animator if ensure_max else panel_widget, prop_name)
+        animation.setDuration(duration)
+        animation.setStartValue(start_value)
+        animation.setEndValue(end_value)
+        animation.setEasingCurve(easing_curve)
+
+        if end_value == 0 and finish_callback:
+            animation.finished.connect(finish_callback)
+        elif end_value == 0 and not finish_callback:
+            animation.finished.connect(lambda w=panel_widget: w.setVisible(False))
+
+        animation.start()
+        self.animations[panel_widget] = animation
+
+    @typechecked
+    def _after_hide_reset(
+        self, panel_widget: QWidget, direction: Literal["left", "right", "top", "bottom"]
+    ):
+        """
+        Reset the panel widget after hiding it in ensure_max mode.
+
+        Args:
+            panel_widget(QWidget): The panel widget to reset.
+            direction(Literal["left", "right", "top", "bottom"]): The direction of the panel.
+        """
+        # Called after hiding a panel in ensure_max mode
+        panel_widget.setVisible(False)
+        if direction in ["left", "right"]:
+            panel_widget.setMinimumWidth(0)
+            panel_widget.setMaximumWidth(0)
+            panel_widget.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Expanding)
+        else:
+            panel_widget.setMinimumHeight(0)
+            panel_widget.setMaximumHeight(16777215)
+            panel_widget.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Expanding)
+
+
+####################################################################################################
+# The following code is for the GUI control panel to interact with the CollapsiblePanelManager.
+# It is not covered by any tests as it serves only as an example for the CollapsiblePanelManager class.
+####################################################################################################
+
+
+class MainWindow(QMainWindow):  # pragma: no cover
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setWindowTitle("Panels with ensure_max, scale, and animation toggle")
+        self.resize(800, 600)
+
+        central_widget = QWidget()
+        self.setCentralWidget(central_widget)
+        main_layout = QVBoxLayout(central_widget)
+        main_layout.setContentsMargins(10, 10, 10, 10)
+        main_layout.setSpacing(10)
+
+        # Buttons
+        buttons_layout = QHBoxLayout()
+        self.btn_left = QPushButton("Toggle Left (ensure_max=True)")
+        self.btn_top = QPushButton("Toggle Top (scale=0.5, no animation)")
+        self.btn_right = QPushButton("Toggle Right (ensure_max=True, scale=0.3)")
+        self.btn_bottom = QPushButton("Toggle Bottom (no animation)")
+
+        buttons_layout.addWidget(self.btn_left)
+        buttons_layout.addWidget(self.btn_top)
+        buttons_layout.addWidget(self.btn_right)
+        buttons_layout.addWidget(self.btn_bottom)
+
+        main_layout.addLayout(buttons_layout)
+
+        self.layout_manager = LayoutManagerWidget()
+        main_layout.addWidget(self.layout_manager)
+
+        # Main widget
+        self.main_plot = pg.PlotWidget()
+        self.main_plot.plot([1, 2, 3, 4], [4, 3, 2, 1])
+        self.layout_manager.add_widget(self.main_plot, 0, 0)
+
+        self.panel_manager = CollapsiblePanelManager(self.layout_manager, self.main_plot)
+
+        # Panels
+        self.left_panel = pg.PlotWidget()
+        self.left_panel.plot([1, 2, 3], [3, 2, 1])
+        self.panel_manager.add_panel("left", self.left_panel, target_size=200)
+
+        self.right_panel = pg.PlotWidget()
+        self.right_panel.plot([10, 20, 30], [1, 10, 1])
+        self.panel_manager.add_panel("right", self.right_panel, target_size=200)
+
+        self.top_panel = pg.PlotWidget()
+        self.top_panel.plot([1, 2, 3], [1, 2, 3])
+        self.panel_manager.add_panel("top", self.top_panel, target_size=150)
+
+        self.bottom_panel = pg.PlotWidget()
+        self.bottom_panel.plot([2, 4, 6], [10, 5, 10])
+        self.panel_manager.add_panel("bottom", self.bottom_panel, target_size=150)
+
+        # Connect buttons
+        # Left with ensure_max
+        self.btn_left.clicked.connect(
+            lambda: self.panel_manager.toggle_panel("left", ensure_max=True)
+        )
+        # Top with scale=0.5 and no animation
+        self.btn_top.clicked.connect(
+            lambda: self.panel_manager.toggle_panel("top", scale=0.5, animation=False)
+        )
+        # Right with ensure_max, scale=0.3
+        self.btn_right.clicked.connect(
+            lambda: self.panel_manager.toggle_panel("right", ensure_max=True, scale=0.3)
+        )
+        # Bottom no animation
+        self.btn_bottom.clicked.connect(
+            lambda: self.panel_manager.toggle_panel("bottom", target_size=100, animation=False)
+        )
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+    w = MainWindow()
+    w.show()
+    sys.exit(app.exec())

bec_widgets/qt_utils/error_popups.py

@@ -2,9 +2,93 @@ import functools
 import sys
 import traceback
 
-from qtpy.QtCore import QObject, Qt, Signal, Slot
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
+from qtpy.QtCore import Property, QObject, Qt, Signal, Slot
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QMessageBox, QPushButton, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
 
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+
+
+def SafeProperty(prop_type, *prop_args, popup_error: bool = False, default=None, **prop_kwargs):
+    """
+    Decorator to create a Qt Property with safe getter and setter so that
+    Qt Designer won't crash if an exception occurs in either method.
+
+    Args:
+        prop_type: The property type (e.g., str, bool, int, custom classes, etc.)
+        popup_error (bool): If True, show a popup for any error; otherwise, ignore or log silently.
+        default: Any default/fallback value to return if the getter raises an exception.
+        *prop_args, **prop_kwargs: Passed along to the underlying Qt Property constructor.
+
+    Usage:
+        @SafeProperty(int, default=-1)
+        def some_value(self) -> int:
+            # your getter logic
+            return ...   # if an exception is raised, returns -1
+
+        @some_value.setter
+        def some_value(self, val: int):
+            # your setter logic
+            ...
+    """
+
+    def decorator(py_getter):
+        """Decorator for the user's property getter function."""
+
+        @functools.wraps(py_getter)
+        def safe_getter(self_):
+            try:
+                return py_getter(self_)
+            except Exception:
+                # Identify which property function triggered error
+                prop_name = f"{py_getter.__module__}.{py_getter.__qualname__}"
+                error_msg = traceback.format_exc()
+
+                if popup_error:
+                    ErrorPopupUtility().custom_exception_hook(*sys.exc_info(), popup_error=True)
+                logger.error(f"SafeProperty error in GETTER of '{prop_name}':\n{error_msg}")
+                return default
+
+        class PropertyWrapper:
+            """
+            Intermediate wrapper used so that the user can optionally chain .setter(...).
+            """
+
+            def __init__(self, getter_func):
+                # We store only our safe_getter in the wrapper
+                self.getter_func = safe_getter
+
+            def setter(self, setter_func):
+                """Wraps the user-defined setter to handle errors safely."""
+
+                @functools.wraps(setter_func)
+                def safe_setter(self_, value):
+                    try:
+                        return setter_func(self_, value)
+                    except Exception:
+                        prop_name = f"{setter_func.__module__}.{setter_func.__qualname__}"
+                        error_msg = traceback.format_exc()
+
+                        if popup_error:
+                            ErrorPopupUtility().custom_exception_hook(
+                                *sys.exc_info(), popup_error=True
+                            )
+                        logger.error(f"SafeProperty error in SETTER of '{prop_name}':\n{error_msg}")
+                        return
+
+                # Return the full read/write Property
+                return Property(prop_type, self.getter_func, safe_setter, *prop_args, **prop_kwargs)
+
+            def __call__(self):
+                """
+                If user never calls `.setter(...)`, produce a read-only property.
+                """
+                return Property(prop_type, self.getter_func, None, *prop_args, **prop_kwargs)
+
+        return PropertyWrapper(py_getter)
+
+    return decorator
+
 
 def SafeSlot(*slot_args, **slot_kwargs):  # pylint: disable=invalid-name
     """Function with args, acting like a decorator, applying "error_managed" decorator + Qt Slot
@@ -22,7 +106,13 @@ def SafeSlot(*slot_args, **slot_kwargs):  # pylint: disable=invalid-name
             try:
                 return method(*args, **kwargs)
             except Exception:
-                ErrorPopupUtility().custom_exception_hook(*sys.exc_info(), popup_error=popup_error)
+                slot_name = f"{method.__module__}.{method.__qualname__}"
+                error_msg = traceback.format_exc()
+                if popup_error:
+                    ErrorPopupUtility().custom_exception_hook(
+                        *sys.exc_info(), popup_error=popup_error
+                    )
+                logger.error(f"SafeSlot error in slot '{slot_name}':\n{error_msg}")
 
         return wrapper
 
@@ -91,6 +181,12 @@ class _ErrorPopupUtility(QObject):
         msg.setMinimumHeight(400)
         msg.exec_()
 
+    def show_property_error(self, title, message, widget):
+        """
+        Show a property-specific error message.
+        """
+        self.error_occurred.emit(title, message, widget)
+
     def format_traceback(self, traceback_message: str) -> str:
         """
         Format the traceback message to be displayed in the error popup by adding indentation to each line.
@@ -127,12 +223,14 @@ class _ErrorPopupUtility(QObject):
             error_message = " ".join(captured_message)
         return error_message
 
+    def get_error_message(self, exctype, value, tb):
+        return "".join(traceback.format_exception(exctype, value, tb))
+
     def custom_exception_hook(self, exctype, value, tb, popup_error=False):
         if popup_error or self.enable_error_popup:
-            error_message = traceback.format_exception(exctype, value, tb)
             self.error_occurred.emit(
                 "Method error" if popup_error else "Application Error",
-                "".join(error_message),
+                self.get_error_message(exctype, value, tb),
                 self.parent(),
             )
         else:

bec_widgets/qt_utils/expandable_frame.py

@@ -0,0 +1,72 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from bec_qthemes import material_icon
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
+    QFrame,
+    QHBoxLayout,
+    QLabel,
+    QLayout,
+    QSizePolicy,
+    QToolButton,
+    QVBoxLayout,
+    QWidget,
+)
+
+from bec_widgets.qt_utils.error_popups import SafeProperty, SafeSlot
+
+
+class ExpandableGroupFrame(QFrame):
+
+    EXPANDED_ICON_NAME: str = "collapse_all"
+    COLLAPSED_ICON_NAME: str = "expand_all"
+
+    def __init__(self, title: str, parent: QWidget | None = None, expanded: bool = True) -> None:
+        super().__init__(parent=parent)
+        self._expanded = expanded
+
+        self.setFrameStyle(QFrame.Shape.StyledPanel | QFrame.Shadow.Plain)
+        self.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Policy.Minimum, QSizePolicy.Policy.Minimum)
+        self._layout = QVBoxLayout()
+        self._layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        self.setLayout(self._layout)
+        self._title_layout = QHBoxLayout()
+        self._layout.addLayout(self._title_layout)
+        self._expansion_button = QToolButton()
+        self._update_icon()
+        self._title = QLabel(f"<b>{title}</b>")
+        self._title_layout.addWidget(self._expansion_button)
+        self._title_layout.addWidget(self._title)
+
+        self._contents = QWidget()
+        self._layout.addWidget(self._contents)
+
+        self._expansion_button.clicked.connect(self.switch_expanded_state)
+        self.expanded = self._expanded  # type: ignore
+
+    def set_layout(self, layout: QLayout) -> None:
+        self._contents.setLayout(layout)
+        self._contents.layout().setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)  # type: ignore
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def switch_expanded_state(self):
+        self.expanded = not self.expanded  # type: ignore
+        self._update_icon()
+
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
+    def expanded(self):  # type: ignore
+        return self._expanded
+
+    @expanded.setter
+    def expanded(self, expanded: bool):
+        self._expanded = expanded
+        self._contents.setVisible(expanded)
+        self.updateGeometry()
+
+    def _update_icon(self):
+        self._expansion_button.setIcon(
+            material_icon(icon_name=self.EXPANDED_ICON_NAME, size=(10, 10), convert_to_pixmap=False)
+            if self.expanded
+            else material_icon(
+                icon_name=self.COLLAPSED_ICON_NAME, size=(10, 10), convert_to_pixmap=False
+            )
+        )

bec_widgets/qt_utils/palette_viewer.py

@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
 from bec_widgets.utils.colors import get_accent_colors, get_theme_palette
-from bec_widgets.widgets.dark_mode_button.dark_mode_button import DarkModeButton
+from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.visual.dark_mode_button.dark_mode_button import DarkModeButton
 
 
 class PaletteViewer(BECWidget, QWidget):

bec_widgets/qt_utils/round_frame.py

@@ -0,0 +1,157 @@
+import pyqtgraph as pg
+from qtpy.QtCore import Property
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QFrame, QHBoxLayout, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
+from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.visual.dark_mode_button.dark_mode_button import DarkModeButton
+
+
+class RoundedFrame(BECWidget, QFrame):
+    """
+    A custom QFrame with rounded corners and optional theme updates.
+    The frame can contain any QWidget, however it is mainly designed to wrap PlotWidgets to provide a consistent look and feel with other BEC Widgets.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        parent=None,
+        content_widget: QWidget = None,
+        background_color: str = None,
+        theme_update: bool = True,
+        radius: int = 10,
+        **kwargs,
+    ):
+        super().__init__(**kwargs)
+        QFrame.__init__(self, parent)
+
+        self.background_color = background_color
+        self.theme_update = theme_update if background_color is None else False
+        self._radius = radius
+
+        # Apply rounded frame styling
+        self.setProperty("skip_settings", True)
+        self.setObjectName("roundedFrame")
+
+        # Create a layout for the frame
+        self.layout = QHBoxLayout(self)
+        self.layout.setContentsMargins(5, 5, 5, 5)  # Set 5px margin
+
+        # Add the content widget to the layout
+        if content_widget:
+            self.layout.addWidget(content_widget)
+
+        # Store reference to the content widget
+        self.content_widget = content_widget
+
+        # Automatically apply initial styles to the GraphicalLayoutWidget if applicable
+        self.apply_plot_widget_style()
+
+        self._connect_to_theme_change()
+
+    def apply_theme(self, theme: str):
+        """
+        Apply the theme to the frame and its content if theme updates are enabled.
+        """
+        if not self.theme_update:
+            return
+
+        # Update background color based on the theme
+        if theme == "light":
+            self.background_color = "#e9ecef"  # Subtle contrast for light mode
+        else:
+            self.background_color = "#141414"  # Dark mode
+
+        self.update_style()
+
+    @Property(int)
+    def radius(self):
+        """Radius of the rounded corners."""
+        return self._radius
+
+    @radius.setter
+    def radius(self, value: int):
+        self._radius = value
+        self.update_style()
+
+    def update_style(self):
+        """
+        Update the style of the frame based on the background color.
+        """
+        if self.background_color:
+            self.setStyleSheet(
+                f"""
+                QFrame#roundedFrame {{
+                    background-color: {self.background_color}; 
+                    border-radius: {self._radius}; /* Rounded corners */
+                }}
+            """
+            )
+        self.apply_plot_widget_style()
+
+    def apply_plot_widget_style(self, border: str = "none"):
+        """
+        Automatically apply background, border, and axis styles to the PlotWidget.
+
+        Args:
+            border (str): Border style (e.g., 'none', '1px solid red').
+        """
+        if isinstance(self.content_widget, pg.GraphicsLayoutWidget):
+            # Apply border style via stylesheet
+            self.content_widget.setStyleSheet(
+                f"""
+                GraphicsLayoutWidget {{
+                    border: {border}; /* Explicitly set the border */
+                }}
+            """
+            )
+            self.content_widget.setBackground(self.background_color)
+
+
+class ExampleApp(QWidget):  # pragma: no cover
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setWindowTitle("Rounded Plots Example")
+
+        # Main layout
+        layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
+
+        dark_button = DarkModeButton()
+
+        # Create PlotWidgets
+        plot1 = pg.GraphicsLayoutWidget()
+        plot_item_1 = pg.PlotItem()
+        plot_item_1.plot([1, 3, 2, 4, 6, 5], pen="r")
+        plot1.plot_item = plot_item_1
+
+        plot2 = pg.GraphicsLayoutWidget()
+        plot_item_2 = pg.PlotItem()
+        plot_item_2.plot([1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32], pen="r")
+        plot2.plot_item = plot_item_2
+
+        # Wrap PlotWidgets in RoundedFrame
+        rounded_plot1 = RoundedFrame(content_widget=plot1, theme_update=True)
+        rounded_plot2 = RoundedFrame(content_widget=plot2, theme_update=True)
+
+        # Add to layout
+        layout.addWidget(dark_button)
+        layout.addWidget(rounded_plot1)
+        layout.addWidget(rounded_plot2)
+
+        self.setLayout(layout)
+
+        from qtpy.QtCore import QTimer
+
+        def change_theme():
+            rounded_plot1.apply_theme("light")
+            rounded_plot2.apply_theme("dark")
+
+        QTimer.singleShot(100, change_theme)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+    app = QApplication([])
+
+    window = ExampleApp()
+    window.show()
+
+    app.exec()

bec_widgets/qt_utils/settings_dialog.py

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QDialog, QDialogButtonBox, QHBoxLayout, QPushButton, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
 
-from bec_widgets.qt_utils.error_popups import SafeSlot as Slot
+from bec_widgets.qt_utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
 
 
 class SettingWidget(QWidget):
@@ -20,14 +20,14 @@ class SettingWidget(QWidget):
     def set_target_widget(self, target_widget: QWidget):
         self.target_widget = target_widget
 
-    @Slot()
+    @SafeSlot()
     def accept_changes(self):
         """
         Accepts the changes made in the settings widget and applies them to the target widget.
         """
         pass
 
-    @Slot(dict)
+    @SafeSlot(dict)
     def display_current_settings(self, config_dict: dict):
         """
         Displays the current settings of the target widget in the settings widget.
@@ -54,12 +54,13 @@ class SettingsDialog(QDialog):
         settings_widget: SettingWidget = None,
         window_title: str = "Settings",
         config: dict = None,
+        modal: bool = False,
         *args,
         **kwargs,
     ):
         super().__init__(parent, *args, **kwargs)
 
-        self.setModal(False)
+        self.setModal(modal)
 
         self.setWindowTitle(window_title)
 
@@ -92,7 +93,7 @@ class SettingsDialog(QDialog):
         ok_button.setDefault(True)
         ok_button.setAutoDefault(True)
 
-    @Slot()
+    @SafeSlot()
     def accept(self):
         """
         Accept the changes made in the settings widget and close the dialog.
@@ -100,7 +101,7 @@ class SettingsDialog(QDialog):
         self.widget.accept_changes()
         super().accept()
 
-    @Slot()
+    @SafeSlot()
     def apply_changes(self):
         """
         Apply the changes made in the settings widget without closing the dialog.

bec_widgets/qt_utils/side_panel.py

@@ -0,0 +1,369 @@
+import sys
+from typing import Literal, Optional
+
+from qtpy.QtCore import Property, QEasingCurve, QPropertyAnimation
+from qtpy.QtGui import QAction
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
+    QApplication,
+    QFrame,
+    QHBoxLayout,
+    QLabel,
+    QMainWindow,
+    QScrollArea,
+    QSizePolicy,
+    QStackedWidget,
+    QVBoxLayout,
+    QWidget,
+)
+
+from bec_widgets.qt_utils.toolbar import MaterialIconAction, ModularToolBar
+
+
+class SidePanel(QWidget):
+    """
+    Side panel widget that can be placed on the left, right, top, or bottom of the main widget.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        parent=None,
+        orientation: Literal["left", "right", "top", "bottom"] = "left",
+        panel_max_width: int = 200,
+        animation_duration: int = 200,
+        animations_enabled: bool = True,
+    ):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent)
+
+        self.setProperty("skip_settings", True)
+        self.setObjectName("SidePanel")
+
+        self._orientation = orientation
+        self._panel_max_width = panel_max_width
+        self._animation_duration = animation_duration
+        self._animations_enabled = animations_enabled
+
+        self._panel_width = 0
+        self._panel_height = 0
+        self.panel_visible = False
+        self.current_action: Optional[QAction] = None
+        self.current_index: Optional[int] = None
+        self.switching_actions = False
+
+        self._init_ui()
+
+    def _init_ui(self):
+        """
+        Initialize the UI elements.
+        """
+        if self._orientation in ("left", "right"):
+            self.main_layout = QHBoxLayout(self)
+            self.main_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+            self.main_layout.setSpacing(0)
+
+            self.toolbar = ModularToolBar(target_widget=self, orientation="vertical")
+
+            self.container = QWidget()
+            self.container.layout = QVBoxLayout(self.container)
+            self.container.layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+            self.container.layout.setSpacing(0)
+
+            self.stack_widget = QStackedWidget()
+            self.stack_widget.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Fixed, QSizePolicy.Expanding)
+            self.stack_widget.setMinimumWidth(5)
+            self.stack_widget.setMaximumWidth(self._panel_max_width)
+
+            if self._orientation == "left":
+                self.main_layout.addWidget(self.toolbar)
+                self.main_layout.addWidget(self.container)
+            else:
+                self.main_layout.addWidget(self.container)
+                self.main_layout.addWidget(self.toolbar)
+
+            self.container.layout.addWidget(self.stack_widget)
+
+            self.menu_anim = QPropertyAnimation(self, b"panel_width")
+            self.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Fixed, QSizePolicy.Expanding)
+            self.panel_width = 0  # start hidden
+
+        else:
+            self.main_layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
+            self.main_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+            self.main_layout.setSpacing(0)
+
+            self.toolbar = ModularToolBar(target_widget=self, orientation="horizontal")
+
+            self.container = QWidget()
+            self.container.layout = QVBoxLayout(self.container)
+            self.container.layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+            self.container.layout.setSpacing(0)
+
+            self.stack_widget = QStackedWidget()
+            self.stack_widget.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Fixed)
+            self.stack_widget.setMinimumHeight(5)
+            self.stack_widget.setMaximumHeight(self._panel_max_width)
+
+            if self._orientation == "top":
+                self.main_layout.addWidget(self.toolbar)
+                self.main_layout.addWidget(self.container)
+            else:
+                self.main_layout.addWidget(self.container)
+                self.main_layout.addWidget(self.toolbar)
+
+            self.container.layout.addWidget(self.stack_widget)
+
+            self.menu_anim = QPropertyAnimation(self, b"panel_height")
+            self.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Fixed)
+            self.panel_height = 0  # start hidden
+
+        self.menu_anim.setDuration(self._animation_duration)
+        self.menu_anim.setEasingCurve(QEasingCurve.InOutQuad)
+
+    @Property(int)
+    def panel_width(self):
+        """Get the panel width."""
+        return self._panel_width
+
+    @panel_width.setter
+    def panel_width(self, width: int):
+        """Set the panel width."""
+        self._panel_width = width
+        if self._orientation in ("left", "right"):
+            self.stack_widget.setFixedWidth(width)
+
+    @Property(int)
+    def panel_height(self):
+        """Get the panel height."""
+        return self._panel_height
+
+    @panel_height.setter
+    def panel_height(self, height: int):
+        """Set the panel height."""
+        self._panel_height = height
+        if self._orientation in ("top", "bottom"):
+            self.stack_widget.setFixedHeight(height)
+
+    @Property(int)
+    def panel_max_width(self):
+        """Get the maximum width of the panel."""
+        return self._panel_max_width
+
+    @panel_max_width.setter
+    def panel_max_width(self, size: int):
+        """Set the maximum width of the panel."""
+        self._panel_max_width = size
+        if self._orientation in ("left", "right"):
+            self.stack_widget.setMaximumWidth(self._panel_max_width)
+        else:
+            self.stack_widget.setMaximumHeight(self._panel_max_width)
+
+    @Property(int)
+    def animation_duration(self):
+        """Get the duration of the animation."""
+        return self._animation_duration
+
+    @animation_duration.setter
+    def animation_duration(self, duration: int):
+        """Set the duration of the animation."""
+        self._animation_duration = duration
+        self.menu_anim.setDuration(duration)
+
+    @Property(bool)
+    def animations_enabled(self):
+        """Get the status of the animations."""
+        return self._animations_enabled
+
+    @animations_enabled.setter
+    def animations_enabled(self, enabled: bool):
+        """Set the status of the animations."""
+        self._animations_enabled = enabled
+
+    def show_panel(self, idx: int):
+        """
+        Show the side panel with animation and switch to idx.
+        """
+        self.stack_widget.setCurrentIndex(idx)
+        self.panel_visible = True
+        self.current_index = idx
+
+        if self._orientation in ("left", "right"):
+            start_val, end_val = 0, self._panel_max_width
+        else:
+            start_val, end_val = 0, self._panel_max_width
+
+        if self._animations_enabled:
+            self.menu_anim.stop()
+            self.menu_anim.setStartValue(start_val)
+            self.menu_anim.setEndValue(end_val)
+            self.menu_anim.start()
+        else:
+            if self._orientation in ("left", "right"):
+                self.panel_width = end_val
+            else:
+                self.panel_height = end_val
+
+    def hide_panel(self):
+        """
+        Hide the side panel with animation.
+        """
+        self.panel_visible = False
+        self.current_index = None
+
+        if self._orientation in ("left", "right"):
+            start_val, end_val = self._panel_max_width, 0
+        else:
+            start_val, end_val = self._panel_max_width, 0
+
+        if self._animations_enabled:
+            self.menu_anim.stop()
+            self.menu_anim.setStartValue(start_val)
+            self.menu_anim.setEndValue(end_val)
+            self.menu_anim.start()
+        else:
+            if self._orientation in ("left", "right"):
+                self.panel_width = end_val
+            else:
+                self.panel_height = end_val
+
+    def switch_to(self, idx: int):
+        """
+        Switch to the specified index without animation.
+        """
+        if self.current_index != idx:
+            self.stack_widget.setCurrentIndex(idx)
+            self.current_index = idx
+
+    def add_menu(self, action_id: str, icon_name: str, tooltip: str, widget: QWidget, title: str):
+        """
+        Add a menu to the side panel.
+
+        Args:
+            action_id(str): The ID of the action.
+            icon_name(str): The name of the icon.
+            tooltip(str): The tooltip for the action.
+            widget(QWidget): The widget to add to the panel.
+            title(str): The title of the panel.
+        """
+        # container_widget: top-level container for the stacked page
+        container_widget = QWidget()
+        container_layout = QVBoxLayout(container_widget)
+        container_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        container_layout.setSpacing(5)
+
+        title_label = QLabel(f"<b>{title}</b>")
+        title_label.setStyleSheet("font-size: 16px;")
+        container_layout.addWidget(title_label)
+
+        # Create a QScrollArea for the actual widget to ensure scrolling if the widget inside is too large
+        scroll_area = QScrollArea()
+        scroll_area.setFrameShape(QFrame.NoFrame)
+        scroll_area.setWidgetResizable(True)
+        # Let the scroll area expand in both directions if there's room
+        scroll_area.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Expanding)
+        scroll_area.setWidget(widget)
+
+        # Put the scroll area in the container layout
+        container_layout.addWidget(scroll_area)
+
+        # Optionally stretch the scroll area to fill vertical space
+        container_layout.setStretchFactor(scroll_area, 1)
+
+        # Add container_widget to the stacked widget
+        index = self.stack_widget.count()
+        self.stack_widget.addWidget(container_widget)
+
+        # Add an action to the toolbar
+        action = MaterialIconAction(icon_name=icon_name, tooltip=tooltip, checkable=True)
+        self.toolbar.add_action(action_id, action, target_widget=self)
+
+        def on_action_toggled(checked: bool):
+            if self.switching_actions:
+                return
+
+            if checked:
+                if self.current_action and self.current_action != action.action:
+                    self.switching_actions = True
+                    self.current_action.setChecked(False)
+                    self.switching_actions = False
+
+                self.current_action = action.action
+
+                if not self.panel_visible:
+                    self.show_panel(index)
+                else:
+                    self.switch_to(index)
+            else:
+                if self.current_action == action.action:
+                    self.current_action = None
+                    self.hide_panel()
+
+        action.action.toggled.connect(on_action_toggled)
+
+
+############################################
+# DEMO APPLICATION
+############################################
+
+
+class ExampleApp(QMainWindow):  # pragma: no cover
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setWindowTitle("Side Panel Example")
+
+        central_widget = QWidget()
+        self.setCentralWidget(central_widget)
+        self.layout = QHBoxLayout(central_widget)
+
+        # Create side panel
+        self.side_panel = SidePanel(self, orientation="left", panel_max_width=250)
+        self.layout.addWidget(self.side_panel)
+
+        from bec_widgets.widgets.plots_next_gen.waveform.waveform import Waveform
+
+        self.plot = Waveform()
+        self.layout.addWidget(self.plot)
+
+        self.add_side_menus()
+
+    def add_side_menus(self):
+        widget1 = QWidget()
+        layout1 = QVBoxLayout(widget1)
+        for i in range(15):
+            layout1.addWidget(QLabel(f"Widget 1 label row {i}"))
+        self.side_panel.add_menu(
+            action_id="widget1",
+            icon_name="counter_1",
+            tooltip="Show Widget 1",
+            widget=widget1,
+            title="Widget 1 Panel",
+        )
+
+        widget2 = QWidget()
+        layout2 = QVBoxLayout(widget2)
+        layout2.addWidget(QLabel("Short widget 2 content"))
+        self.side_panel.add_menu(
+            action_id="widget2",
+            icon_name="counter_2",
+            tooltip="Show Widget 2",
+            widget=widget2,
+            title="Widget 2 Panel",
+        )
+
+        widget3 = QWidget()
+        layout3 = QVBoxLayout(widget3)
+        for i in range(10):
+            layout3.addWidget(QLabel(f"Line {i} for Widget 3"))
+        self.side_panel.add_menu(
+            action_id="widget3",
+            icon_name="counter_3",
+            tooltip="Show Widget 3",
+            widget=widget3,
+            title="Widget 3 Panel",
+        )
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+    window = ExampleApp()
+    window.resize(1000, 700)
+    window.show()
+    sys.exit(app.exec())

bec_widgets/qt_utils/toolbar.py

@@ -2,28 +2,70 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
 import os
+import sys
 from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
 from collections import defaultdict
-from typing import Literal
+from typing import Dict, List, Literal, Tuple
 
 from bec_qthemes._icon.material_icons import material_icon
-from qtpy.QtCore import QSize, Qt
+from qtpy.QtCore import QSize, Qt, QTimer
 from qtpy.QtGui import QAction, QColor, QIcon
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
+    QApplication,
     QComboBox,
     QHBoxLayout,
     QLabel,
+    QMainWindow,
     QMenu,
     QSizePolicy,
+    QStyle,
     QToolBar,
     QToolButton,
+    QVBoxLayout,
     QWidget,
 )
 
 import bec_widgets
+from bec_widgets.utils.colors import set_theme
+from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.visual.dark_mode_button.dark_mode_button import DarkModeButton
 
 MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
 
+# Ensure that icons are shown in menus (especially on macOS)
+QApplication.setAttribute(Qt.AA_DontShowIconsInMenus, False)
+
+
+class LongPressToolButton(QToolButton):
+    def __init__(self, *args, long_press_threshold=500, **kwargs):
+        super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
+        self.long_press_threshold = long_press_threshold
+        self._long_press_timer = QTimer(self)
+        self._long_press_timer.setSingleShot(True)
+        self._long_press_timer.timeout.connect(self.handleLongPress)
+        self._pressed = False
+        self._longPressed = False
+
+    def mousePressEvent(self, event):
+        self._pressed = True
+        self._longPressed = False
+        self._long_press_timer.start(self.long_press_threshold)
+        super().mousePressEvent(event)
+
+    def mouseReleaseEvent(self, event):
+        self._pressed = False
+        if self._longPressed:
+            self._longPressed = False
+            self._long_press_timer.stop()
+            event.accept()  # Prevent normal click action after a long press
+            return
+        self._long_press_timer.stop()
+        super().mouseReleaseEvent(event)
+
+    def handleLongPress(self):
+        if self._pressed:
+            self._longPressed = True
+            self.showMenu()
+
 
 class ToolBarAction(ABC):
     """
@@ -31,7 +73,7 @@ class ToolBarAction(ABC):
 
     Args:
         icon_path (str, optional): The name of the icon file from `assets/toolbar_icons`. Defaults to None.
-        tooltip (bool, optional): The tooltip for the action. Defaults to None.
+        tooltip (str, optional): The tooltip for the action. Defaults to None.
         checkable (bool, optional): Whether the action is checkable. Defaults to False.
     """
 
@@ -81,15 +123,33 @@ class IconAction(ToolBarAction):
         toolbar.addAction(self.action)
 
 
-class MaterialIconAction:
+class QtIconAction(ToolBarAction):
+    def __init__(self, standard_icon, tooltip=None, checkable=False, parent=None):
+        super().__init__(icon_path=None, tooltip=tooltip, checkable=checkable)
+        self.standard_icon = standard_icon
+        self.icon = QApplication.style().standardIcon(standard_icon)
+        self.action = QAction(self.icon, self.tooltip, parent)
+        self.action.setCheckable(self.checkable)
+
+    def add_to_toolbar(self, toolbar, target):
+        toolbar.addAction(self.action)
+
+    def get_icon(self):
+        return self.icon
+
+
+class MaterialIconAction(ToolBarAction):
     """
     Action with a Material icon for the toolbar.
 
     Args:
-        icon_path (str, optional): The name of the Material icon. Defaults to None.
+        icon_name (str, optional): The name of the Material icon. Defaults to None.
-        tooltip (bool, optional): The tooltip for the action. Defaults to None.
+        tooltip (str, optional): The tooltip for the action. Defaults to None.
         checkable (bool, optional): Whether the action is checkable. Defaults to False.
         filled (bool, optional): Whether the icon is filled. Defaults to False.
+        color (str | tuple | QColor | dict[Literal["dark", "light"], str] | None, optional): The color of the icon.
+            Defaults to None.
+        parent (QWidget or None, optional): Parent widget for the underlying QAction.
     """
 
     def __init__(
@@ -99,30 +159,41 @@ class MaterialIconAction:
         checkable: bool = False,
         filled: bool = False,
         color: str | tuple | QColor | dict[Literal["dark", "light"], str] | None = None,
+        parent=None,
     ):
+        super().__init__(icon_path=None, tooltip=tooltip, checkable=checkable)
         self.icon_name = icon_name
-        self.tooltip = tooltip
-        self.checkable = checkable
-        self.action = None
         self.filled = filled
         self.color = color
-
+        # Generate the icon using the material_icon helper
-    def add_to_toolbar(self, toolbar: QToolBar, target: QWidget):
+        self.icon = material_icon(
-        icon = self.get_icon()
-        self.action = QAction(icon, self.tooltip, target)
-        self.action.setCheckable(self.checkable)
-        toolbar.addAction(self.action)
-
-    def get_icon(self):
-
-        icon = material_icon(
             self.icon_name,
             size=(20, 20),
             convert_to_pixmap=False,
             filled=self.filled,
             color=self.color,
         )
-        return icon
+        self.action = QAction(self.icon, self.tooltip, parent=parent)
+        self.action.setCheckable(self.checkable)
+
+    def add_to_toolbar(self, toolbar: QToolBar, target: QWidget):
+        """
+        Adds the action to the toolbar.
+
+        Args:
+            toolbar(QToolBar): The toolbar to add the action to.
+            target(QWidget): The target widget for the action.
+        """
+        toolbar.addAction(self.action)
+
+    def get_icon(self):
+        """
+        Returns the icon for the action.
+
+        Returns:
+            QIcon: The icon for the action.
+        """
+        return self.icon
 
 
 class DeviceSelectionAction(ToolBarAction):
@@ -132,10 +203,9 @@ class DeviceSelectionAction(ToolBarAction):
     Args:
         label (str): The label for the combobox.
         device_combobox (DeviceComboBox): The combobox for selecting the device.
-
     """
 
-    def __init__(self, label: str, device_combobox):
+    def __init__(self, label: str | None = None, device_combobox=None):
         super().__init__()
         self.label = label
         self.device_combobox = device_combobox
@@ -144,15 +214,131 @@ class DeviceSelectionAction(ToolBarAction):
     def add_to_toolbar(self, toolbar, target):
         widget = QWidget()
         layout = QHBoxLayout(widget)
-        label = QLabel(f"{self.label}")
+        layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
-        layout.addWidget(label)
+        layout.setSpacing(0)
-        layout.addWidget(self.device_combobox)
+        if self.label is not None:
-        toolbar.addWidget(widget)
+            label = QLabel(f"{self.label}")
+            layout.addWidget(label)
+        if self.device_combobox is not None:
+            layout.addWidget(self.device_combobox)
+            toolbar.addWidget(widget)
 
     def set_combobox_style(self, color: str):
         self.device_combobox.setStyleSheet(f"QComboBox {{ background-color: {color}; }}")
 
 
+class SwitchableToolBarAction(ToolBarAction):
+    """
+    A split toolbar action that combines a main action and a drop-down menu for additional actions.
+
+    The main button displays the currently selected action's icon and tooltip. Clicking on the main button
+    triggers that action. Clicking on the drop-down arrow displays a menu with alternative actions. When an
+    alternative action is selected, it becomes the new default and its callback is immediately executed.
+
+    This design mimics the behavior seen in Adobe Photoshop or Affinity Designer toolbars.
+
+    Args:
+        actions (dict): A dictionary mapping a unique key to a ToolBarAction instance.
+        initial_action (str, optional): The key of the initial default action. If not provided, the first action is used.
+        tooltip (str, optional): An optional tooltip for the split action; if provided, it overrides the default action's tooltip.
+        checkable (bool, optional): Whether the action is checkable. Defaults to True.
+        parent (QWidget, optional): Parent widget for the underlying QAction.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        actions: Dict[str, ToolBarAction],
+        initial_action: str = None,
+        tooltip: str = None,
+        checkable: bool = True,
+        default_state_checked: bool = False,
+        parent=None,
+    ):
+        super().__init__(icon_path=None, tooltip=tooltip, checkable=checkable)
+        self.actions = actions
+        self.current_key = initial_action if initial_action is not None else next(iter(actions))
+        self.parent = parent
+        self.checkable = checkable
+        self.default_state_checked = default_state_checked
+        self.main_button = None
+        self.menu_actions: Dict[str, QAction] = {}
+
+    def add_to_toolbar(self, toolbar: QToolBar, target: QWidget):
+        """
+        Adds the split action to the toolbar.
+
+        Args:
+            toolbar (QToolBar): The toolbar to add the action to.
+            target (QWidget): The target widget for the action.
+        """
+        self.main_button = LongPressToolButton(toolbar)
+        self.main_button.setPopupMode(QToolButton.MenuButtonPopup)
+        self.main_button.setCheckable(self.checkable)
+        default_action = self.actions[self.current_key]
+        self.main_button.setIcon(default_action.get_icon())
+        self.main_button.setToolTip(default_action.tooltip)
+        self.main_button.clicked.connect(self._trigger_current_action)
+        menu = QMenu(self.main_button)
+        for key, action_obj in self.actions.items():
+            menu_action = QAction(action_obj.get_icon(), action_obj.tooltip, self.main_button)
+            menu_action.setIconVisibleInMenu(True)
+            menu_action.setCheckable(self.checkable)
+            menu_action.setChecked(key == self.current_key)
+            menu_action.triggered.connect(lambda checked, k=key: self.set_default_action(k))
+            menu.addAction(menu_action)
+        self.main_button.setMenu(menu)
+        toolbar.addWidget(self.main_button)
+
+    def _trigger_current_action(self):
+        """
+        Triggers the current action associated with the main button.
+        """
+        action_obj = self.actions[self.current_key]
+        action_obj.action.trigger()
+
+    def set_default_action(self, key: str):
+        """
+        Sets the default action for the split action.
+
+        Args:
+            key(str): The key of the action to set as default.
+        """
+        self.current_key = key
+        new_action = self.actions[self.current_key]
+        self.main_button.setIcon(new_action.get_icon())
+        self.main_button.setToolTip(new_action.tooltip)
+        # Update check state of menu items
+        for k, menu_act in self.actions.items():
+            menu_act.action.setChecked(False)
+        new_action.action.trigger()
+        # Active action chosen from menu is always checked, uncheck through main button
+        if self.checkable:
+            new_action.action.setChecked(True)
+            self.main_button.setChecked(True)
+
+    def block_all_signals(self, block: bool = True):
+        """
+        Blocks or unblocks all signals for the actions in the toolbar.
+
+        Args:
+            block (bool): Whether to block signals. Defaults to True.
+        """
+        self.main_button.blockSignals(block)
+        for action in self.actions.values():
+            action.action.blockSignals(block)
+
+    def set_state_all(self, state: bool):
+        """
+        Uncheck all actions in the toolbar.
+        """
+        for action in self.actions.values():
+            action.action.setChecked(state)
+        self.main_button.setChecked(state)
+
+    def get_icon(self) -> QIcon:
+        return self.actions[self.current_key].get_icon()
+
+
 class WidgetAction(ToolBarAction):
     """
     Action for adding any widget to the toolbar.
@@ -160,19 +346,33 @@ class WidgetAction(ToolBarAction):
     Args:
         label (str|None): The label for the widget.
         widget (QWidget): The widget to be added to the toolbar.
-
     """
 
-    def __init__(self, label: str | None = None, widget: QWidget = None, parent=None):
+    def __init__(
-        super().__init__(parent)
+        self,
+        label: str | None = None,
+        widget: QWidget = None,
+        adjust_size: bool = True,
+        parent=None,
+    ):
+        super().__init__(icon_path=None, tooltip=label, checkable=False)
         self.label = label
         self.widget = widget
+        self.container = None
+        self.adjust_size = adjust_size
 
     def add_to_toolbar(self, toolbar: QToolBar, target: QWidget):
-        container = QWidget()
+        """
-        layout = QHBoxLayout(container)
+        Adds the widget to the toolbar.
+
+        Args:
+            toolbar (QToolBar): The toolbar to add the widget to.
+            target (QWidget): The target widget for the action.
+        """
+        self.container = QWidget()
+        layout = QHBoxLayout(self.container)
         layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
-        layout.setSpacing(5)
+        layout.setSpacing(0)
 
         if self.label is not None:
             label_widget = QLabel(f"{self.label}")
@@ -180,7 +380,7 @@ class WidgetAction(ToolBarAction):
             label_widget.setAlignment(Qt.AlignVCenter | Qt.AlignRight)
             layout.addWidget(label_widget)
 
-        if isinstance(self.widget, QComboBox):
+        if isinstance(self.widget, QComboBox) and self.adjust_size:
             self.widget.setSizeAdjustPolicy(QComboBox.AdjustToContents)
 
             size_policy = QSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Fixed)
@@ -193,19 +393,12 @@ class WidgetAction(ToolBarAction):
 
         layout.addWidget(self.widget)
 
-        toolbar.addWidget(container)
+        toolbar.addWidget(self.container)
+        # Store the container as the action to allow toggling visibility.
+        self.action = self.container
 
     @staticmethod
     def calculate_minimum_width(combo_box: QComboBox) -> int:
-        """
-        Calculate the minimum width required to display the longest item in the combo box.
-
-        Args:
-            combo_box (QComboBox): The combo box to calculate the width for.
-
-        Returns:
-            int: The calculated minimum width in pixels.
-        """
         font_metrics = combo_box.fontMetrics()
         max_width = max(font_metrics.width(combo_box.itemText(i)) for i in range(combo_box.count()))
         return max_width + 60
@@ -219,7 +412,6 @@ class ExpandableMenuAction(ToolBarAction):
         label (str): The label for the menu.
         actions (dict): A dictionary of actions to populate the menu.
         icon_path (str, optional): The path to the icon file. Defaults to None.
-
     """
 
     def __init__(self, label: str, actions: dict, icon_path: str = None):
@@ -246,12 +438,15 @@ class ExpandableMenuAction(ToolBarAction):
         menu = QMenu(button)
         for action_id, action in self.actions.items():
             sub_action = QAction(action.tooltip, target)
-            if hasattr(action, "icon_path"):
+            sub_action.setIconVisibleInMenu(True)
+            if action.icon_path:
                 icon = QIcon()
                 icon.addFile(action.icon_path, size=QSize(20, 20))
                 sub_action.setIcon(icon)
-            elif hasattr(action, "get_icon"):
+            elif hasattr(action, "get_icon") and callable(action.get_icon):
-                sub_action.setIcon(action.get_icon())
+                sub_icon = action.get_icon()
+                if sub_icon and not sub_icon.isNull():
+                    sub_action.setIcon(sub_icon)
             sub_action.setCheckable(action.checkable)
             menu.addAction(sub_action)
             self.widgets[action_id] = sub_action
@@ -259,38 +454,547 @@ class ExpandableMenuAction(ToolBarAction):
         toolbar.addWidget(button)
 
 
-class ModularToolBar(QToolBar):
+class ToolbarBundle:
-    """Modular toolbar with optional automatic initialization.
+    """
-    Args:
+    Represents a bundle of toolbar actions, keyed by action_id.
-        parent (QWidget, optional): The parent widget of the toolbar. Defaults to None.
+    Allows direct dictionary-like access: self.actions["some_id"] -> ToolBarAction object.
-        actions (list[ToolBarAction], optional): A list of action creators to populate the toolbar. Defaults to None.
-        target_widget (QWidget, optional): The widget that the actions will target. Defaults to None.
     """
 
-    def __init__(self, parent=None, actions: dict | None = None, target_widget=None):
+    def __init__(self, bundle_id: str = None, actions=None):
+        """
+        Args:
+            bundle_id (str): Unique identifier for the bundle.
+            actions: Either None or a list of (action_id, ToolBarAction) tuples.
+        """
+        self.bundle_id = bundle_id
+        self._actions: dict[str, ToolBarAction] = {}
+
+        if actions is not None:
+            for action_id, action in actions:
+                self._actions[action_id] = action
+
+    def add_action(self, action_id: str, action: ToolBarAction):
+        """
+        Adds or replaces an action in the bundle.
+
+        Args:
+            action_id (str): Unique identifier for the action.
+            action (ToolBarAction): The action to add.
+        """
+        self._actions[action_id] = action
+
+    def remove_action(self, action_id: str):
+        """
+        Removes an action from the bundle by ID.
+        Ignores if not present.
+
+        Args:
+            action_id (str): Unique identifier for the action to remove.
+        """
+        self._actions.pop(action_id, None)
+
+    @property
+    def actions(self) -> dict[str, ToolBarAction]:
+        """
+        Return the internal dictionary of actions so that you can do
+        bundle.actions["drag_mode"] -> ToolBarAction instance.
+        """
+        return self._actions
+
+
+class ModularToolBar(QToolBar):
+    """Modular toolbar with optional automatic initialization.
+
+    Args:
+        parent (QWidget, optional): The parent widget of the toolbar. Defaults to None.
+        actions (dict, optional): A dictionary of action creators to populate the toolbar. Defaults to None.
+        target_widget (QWidget, optional): The widget that the actions will target. Defaults to None.
+        orientation (Literal["horizontal", "vertical"], optional): The initial orientation of the toolbar. Defaults to "horizontal".
+        background_color (str, optional): The background color of the toolbar. Defaults to "rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)".
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        parent=None,
+        actions: dict | None = None,
+        target_widget=None,
+        orientation: Literal["horizontal", "vertical"] = "horizontal",
+        background_color: str = "rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)",
+    ):
         super().__init__(parent)
 
         self.widgets = defaultdict(dict)
-        self.set_background_color()
+        self.background_color = background_color
+        self.set_background_color(self.background_color)
+
+        # Set the initial orientation
+        self.set_orientation(orientation)
+
+        # Initialize bundles
+        self.bundles = {}
+        self.toolbar_items = []
 
         if actions is not None and target_widget is not None:
             self.populate_toolbar(actions, target_widget)
 
-    def populate_toolbar(self, actions: dict, target_widget):
+    def populate_toolbar(self, actions: dict, target_widget: QWidget):
         """Populates the toolbar with a set of actions.
 
         Args:
-            actions (list[ToolBarAction]): A list of action creators to populate the toolbar.
+            actions (dict): A dictionary of action creators to populate the toolbar.
             target_widget (QWidget): The widget that the actions will target.
         """
         self.clear()
+        self.toolbar_items.clear()  # Reset the order tracking
         for action_id, action in actions.items():
             action.add_to_toolbar(self, target_widget)
             self.widgets[action_id] = action
+            self.toolbar_items.append(("action", action_id))
+        self.update_separators()  # Ensure separators are updated after populating
 
-    def set_background_color(self):
+    def set_background_color(self, color: str = "rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)"):
+        """
+        Sets the background color and other appearance settings.
+
+        Args:
+            color (str): The background color of the toolbar.
+        """
         self.setIconSize(QSize(20, 20))
         self.setMovable(False)
         self.setFloatable(False)
         self.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
-        self.setStyleSheet("QToolBar { background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: none; }")
+        self.background_color = color
+        self.setStyleSheet(f"QToolBar {{ background-color: {color}; border: none; }}")
+
+    def set_orientation(self, orientation: Literal["horizontal", "vertical"]):
+        """Sets the orientation of the toolbar.
+
+        Args:
+            orientation (Literal["horizontal", "vertical"]): The desired orientation of the toolbar.
+        """
+        if orientation == "horizontal":
+            self.setOrientation(Qt.Horizontal)
+        elif orientation == "vertical":
+            self.setOrientation(Qt.Vertical)
+        else:
+            raise ValueError("Orientation must be 'horizontal' or 'vertical'.")
+
+    def update_material_icon_colors(self, new_color: str | tuple | QColor):
+        """
+        Updates the color of all MaterialIconAction icons.
+
+        Args:
+            new_color (str | tuple | QColor): The new color.
+        """
+        for action in self.widgets.values():
+            if isinstance(action, MaterialIconAction):
+                action.color = new_color
+                updated_icon = action.get_icon()
+                action.action.setIcon(updated_icon)
+
+    def add_action(self, action_id: str, action: ToolBarAction, target_widget: QWidget):
+        """
+        Adds a new standalone action dynamically.
+
+        Args:
+            action_id (str): Unique identifier.
+            action (ToolBarAction): The action to add.
+            target_widget (QWidget): The target widget.
+        """
+        if action_id in self.widgets:
+            raise ValueError(f"Action with ID '{action_id}' already exists.")
+        action.add_to_toolbar(self, target_widget)
+        self.widgets[action_id] = action
+        self.toolbar_items.append(("action", action_id))
+        self.update_separators()
+
+    def hide_action(self, action_id: str):
+        """
+        Hides a specific action.
+
+        Args:
+            action_id (str): Unique identifier.
+        """
+        if action_id not in self.widgets:
+            raise ValueError(f"Action with ID '{action_id}' does not exist.")
+        action = self.widgets[action_id]
+        if hasattr(action, "action") and action.action is not None:
+            action.action.setVisible(False)
+            self.update_separators()
+
+    def show_action(self, action_id: str):
+        """
+        Shows a specific action.
+
+        Args:
+            action_id (str): Unique identifier.
+        """
+        if action_id not in self.widgets:
+            raise ValueError(f"Action with ID '{action_id}' does not exist.")
+        action = self.widgets[action_id]
+        if hasattr(action, "action") and action.action is not None:
+            action.action.setVisible(True)
+            self.update_separators()
+
+    def add_bundle(self, bundle: ToolbarBundle, target_widget: QWidget):
+        """
+        Adds a bundle of actions, separated by a separator.
+
+        Args:
+            bundle (ToolbarBundle): The bundle.
+            target_widget (QWidget): The target widget.
+        """
+        if bundle.bundle_id in self.bundles:
+            raise ValueError(f"ToolbarBundle with ID '{bundle.bundle_id}' already exists.")
+
+        if self.toolbar_items:
+            sep = SeparatorAction()
+            sep.add_to_toolbar(self, target_widget)
+            self.toolbar_items.append(("separator", None))
+
+        for action_id, action_obj in bundle.actions.items():
+            action_obj.add_to_toolbar(self, target_widget)
+            self.widgets[action_id] = action_obj
+
+        self.bundles[bundle.bundle_id] = list(bundle.actions.keys())
+        self.toolbar_items.append(("bundle", bundle.bundle_id))
+        self.update_separators()
+
+    def add_action_to_bundle(self, bundle_id: str, action_id: str, action, target_widget: QWidget):
+        """
+        Dynamically adds an action to an existing bundle.
+
+        Args:
+            bundle_id (str): The bundle ID.
+            action_id (str): Unique identifier.
+            action (ToolBarAction): The action to add.
+            target_widget (QWidget): The target widget.
+        """
+        if bundle_id not in self.bundles:
+            raise ValueError(f"Bundle '{bundle_id}' does not exist.")
+        if action_id in self.widgets:
+            raise ValueError(f"Action with ID '{action_id}' already exists.")
+
+        action.add_to_toolbar(self, target_widget)
+        new_qaction = action.action
+        self.removeAction(new_qaction)
+
+        bundle_action_ids = self.bundles[bundle_id]
+        if bundle_action_ids:
+            last_bundle_action = self.widgets[bundle_action_ids[-1]].action
+            actions_list = self.actions()
+            try:
+                index = actions_list.index(last_bundle_action)
+            except ValueError:
+                self.addAction(new_qaction)
+            else:
+                if index + 1 < len(actions_list):
+                    before_action = actions_list[index + 1]
+                    self.insertAction(before_action, new_qaction)
+                else:
+                    self.addAction(new_qaction)
+        else:
+            self.addAction(new_qaction)
+
+        self.widgets[action_id] = action
+        self.bundles[bundle_id].append(action_id)
+        self.update_separators()
+
+    def contextMenuEvent(self, event):
+        """
+        Overrides the context menu event to show toolbar actions with checkboxes and icons.
+
+        Args:
+            event (QContextMenuEvent): The context menu event.
+        """
+        menu = QMenu(self)
+        for item_type, identifier in self.toolbar_items:
+            if item_type == "separator":
+                menu.addSeparator()
+            elif item_type == "bundle":
+                self.handle_bundle_context_menu(menu, identifier)
+            elif item_type == "action":
+                self.handle_action_context_menu(menu, identifier)
+        menu.triggered.connect(self.handle_menu_triggered)
+        menu.exec_(event.globalPos())
+
+    def handle_bundle_context_menu(self, menu: QMenu, bundle_id: str):
+        """
+        Adds bundle actions to the context menu.
+
+        Args:
+            menu (QMenu): The context menu.
+            bundle_id (str): The bundle identifier.
+        """
+        action_ids = self.bundles.get(bundle_id, [])
+        for act_id in action_ids:
+            toolbar_action = self.widgets.get(act_id)
+            if not isinstance(toolbar_action, ToolBarAction) or not hasattr(
+                toolbar_action, "action"
+            ):
+                continue
+            qaction = toolbar_action.action
+            if not isinstance(qaction, QAction):
+                continue
+            display_name = qaction.text() or toolbar_action.tooltip or act_id
+            menu_action = QAction(display_name, self)
+            menu_action.setCheckable(True)
+            menu_action.setChecked(qaction.isVisible())
+            menu_action.setData(act_id)  # Store the action_id
+
+            # Set the icon if available
+            if qaction.icon() and not qaction.icon().isNull():
+                menu_action.setIcon(qaction.icon())
+            menu.addAction(menu_action)
+
+    def handle_action_context_menu(self, menu: QMenu, action_id: str):
+        """
+        Adds a single toolbar action to the context menu.
+
+        Args:
+            menu (QMenu): The context menu to which the action is added.
+            action_id (str): Unique identifier for the action.
+        """
+        toolbar_action = self.widgets.get(action_id)
+        if not isinstance(toolbar_action, ToolBarAction) or not hasattr(toolbar_action, "action"):
+            return
+        qaction = toolbar_action.action
+        if not isinstance(qaction, QAction):
+            return
+        display_name = qaction.text() or toolbar_action.tooltip or action_id
+        menu_action = QAction(display_name, self)
+        menu_action.setCheckable(True)
+        menu_action.setChecked(qaction.isVisible())
+        menu_action.setData(action_id)  # Store the action_id
+
+        # Set the icon if available
+        if qaction.icon() and not qaction.icon().isNull():
+            menu_action.setIcon(qaction.icon())
+
+        menu.addAction(menu_action)
+
+    def handle_menu_triggered(self, action):
+        """
+        Handles the triggered signal from the context menu.
+
+        Args:
+            action: Action triggered.
+        """
+        action_id = action.data()
+        if action_id:
+            self.toggle_action_visibility(action_id, action.isChecked())
+
+    def toggle_action_visibility(self, action_id: str, visible: bool):
+        """
+        Toggles the visibility of a specific action.
+
+        Args:
+            action_id (str): Unique identifier.
+            visible (bool): Whether the action should be visible.
+        """
+        if action_id not in self.widgets:
+            return
+        tool_action = self.widgets[action_id]
+        if hasattr(tool_action, "action") and tool_action.action is not None:
+            tool_action.action.setVisible(visible)
+            self.update_separators()
+
+    def update_separators(self):
+        """
+        Hide separators that are adjacent to another separator or have no non-separator actions between them.
+        """
+        toolbar_actions = self.actions()
+        # First pass: set visibility based on surrounding non-separator actions.
+        for i, action in enumerate(toolbar_actions):
+            if not action.isSeparator():
+                continue
+            prev_visible = None
+            for j in range(i - 1, -1, -1):
+                if toolbar_actions[j].isVisible():
+                    prev_visible = toolbar_actions[j]
+                    break
+            next_visible = None
+            for j in range(i + 1, len(toolbar_actions)):
+                if toolbar_actions[j].isVisible():
+                    next_visible = toolbar_actions[j]
+                    break
+            if (prev_visible is None or prev_visible.isSeparator()) and (
+                next_visible is None or next_visible.isSeparator()
+            ):
+                action.setVisible(False)
+            else:
+                action.setVisible(True)
+        # Second pass: ensure no two visible separators are adjacent.
+        prev = None
+        for action in toolbar_actions:
+            if action.isVisible() and action.isSeparator():
+                if prev and prev.isSeparator():
+                    action.setVisible(False)
+                else:
+                    prev = action
+            else:
+                if action.isVisible():
+                    prev = action
+
+
+class MainWindow(QMainWindow):  # pragma: no cover
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setWindowTitle("Toolbar / ToolbarBundle Demo")
+        self.central_widget = QWidget()
+        self.setCentralWidget(self.central_widget)
+        self.test_label = QLabel(text="This is a test label.")
+        self.central_widget.layout = QVBoxLayout(self.central_widget)
+        self.central_widget.layout.addWidget(self.test_label)
+
+        self.toolbar = ModularToolBar(parent=self, target_widget=self)
+        self.addToolBar(self.toolbar)
+
+        self.add_switchable_button_checkable()
+        self.add_switchable_button_non_checkable()
+        self.add_widget_actions()
+        self.add_bundles()
+        self.add_menus()
+
+        # For theme testing
+
+        self.dark_button = DarkModeButton(toolbar=True)
+        dark_mode_action = WidgetAction(label=None, widget=self.dark_button)
+        self.toolbar.add_action("dark_mode", dark_mode_action, self)
+
+    def add_bundles(self):
+        home_action = MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="home", tooltip="Home", checkable=False, parent=self
+        )
+        settings_action = MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="settings", tooltip="Settings", checkable=True, parent=self
+        )
+        profile_action = MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="person", tooltip="Profile", checkable=True, parent=self
+        )
+        main_actions_bundle = ToolbarBundle(
+            bundle_id="main_actions",
+            actions=[
+                ("home_action", home_action),
+                ("settings_action", settings_action),
+                ("profile_action", profile_action),
+            ],
+        )
+        self.toolbar.add_bundle(main_actions_bundle, target_widget=self)
+        home_action.action.triggered.connect(lambda: self.switchable_action.set_state_all(False))
+
+        search_action = MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="search", tooltip="Search", checkable=False, parent=self
+        )
+        help_action = MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="help", tooltip="Help", checkable=False, parent=self
+        )
+        second_bundle = ToolbarBundle(
+            bundle_id="secondary_actions",
+            actions=[("search_action", search_action), ("help_action", help_action)],
+        )
+        self.toolbar.add_bundle(second_bundle, target_widget=self)
+
+        new_action = MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="counter_1", tooltip="New Action", checkable=True, parent=self
+        )
+        self.toolbar.add_action_to_bundle(
+            "main_actions", "new_action", new_action, target_widget=self
+        )
+
+    def add_menus(self):
+        menu_material_actions = {
+            "mat1": MaterialIconAction(
+                icon_name="home", tooltip="Material Home", checkable=True, parent=self
+            ),
+            "mat2": MaterialIconAction(
+                icon_name="settings", tooltip="Material Settings", checkable=True, parent=self
+            ),
+            "mat3": MaterialIconAction(
+                icon_name="info", tooltip="Material Info", checkable=True, parent=self
+            ),
+        }
+        menu_qt_actions = {
+            "qt1": QtIconAction(
+                standard_icon=QStyle.SP_FileIcon, tooltip="Qt File", checkable=True, parent=self
+            ),
+            "qt2": QtIconAction(
+                standard_icon=QStyle.SP_DirIcon, tooltip="Qt Directory", checkable=True, parent=self
+            ),
+            "qt3": QtIconAction(
+                standard_icon=QStyle.SP_TrashIcon, tooltip="Qt Trash", checkable=True, parent=self
+            ),
+        }
+        expandable_menu_material = ExpandableMenuAction(
+            label="Material Menu", actions=menu_material_actions
+        )
+        expandable_menu_qt = ExpandableMenuAction(label="Qt Menu", actions=menu_qt_actions)
+
+        self.toolbar.add_action("material_menu", expandable_menu_material, self)
+        self.toolbar.add_action("qt_menu", expandable_menu_qt, self)
+
+    def add_switchable_button_checkable(self):
+        action1 = MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="hdr_auto", tooltip="Action 1", checkable=True, parent=self
+        )
+        action2 = MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="hdr_auto", tooltip="Action 2", checkable=True, filled=True, parent=self
+        )
+
+        self.switchable_action = SwitchableToolBarAction(
+            actions={"action1": action1, "action2": action2},
+            initial_action="action1",
+            tooltip="Switchable Action",
+            checkable=True,
+            parent=self,
+        )
+        self.toolbar.add_action("switchable_action", self.switchable_action, self)
+
+        action1.action.toggled.connect(
+            lambda checked: self.test_label.setText(f"Action 1 triggered, checked = {checked}")
+        )
+        action2.action.toggled.connect(
+            lambda checked: self.test_label.setText(f"Action 2 triggered, checked = {checked}")
+        )
+
+    def add_switchable_button_non_checkable(self):
+        action1 = MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="counter_1", tooltip="Action 1", checkable=False, parent=self
+        )
+        action2 = MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="counter_2", tooltip="Action 2", checkable=False, parent=self
+        )
+
+        switchable_action = SwitchableToolBarAction(
+            actions={"action1": action1, "action2": action2},
+            initial_action="action1",
+            tooltip="Switchable Action",
+            checkable=False,
+            parent=self,
+        )
+        self.toolbar.add_action("switchable_action_no_toggle", switchable_action, self)
+
+        action1.action.triggered.connect(
+            lambda checked: self.test_label.setText(
+                f"Action 1 (non-checkable) triggered, checked = {checked}"
+            )
+        )
+        action2.action.triggered.connect(
+            lambda checked: self.test_label.setText(
+                f"Action 2 (non-checkable) triggered, checked = {checked}"
+            )
+        )
+        switchable_action.actions["action1"].action.setChecked(True)
+
+    def add_widget_actions(self):
+        combo = QComboBox()
+        combo.addItems(["Option 1", "Option 2", "Option 3"])
+        self.toolbar.add_action("device_combo", WidgetAction(label="Device:", widget=combo), self)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+    set_theme("light")
+    main_window = MainWindow()
+    main_window.show()
+    sys.exit(app.exec_())

bec_widgets/tests/utils.py

@@ -224,3 +224,11 @@ DEVICES = [
     Positioner("test", limits=[-10, 10], read_value=2.0),
     Device("test_device"),
 ]
+
+
+def check_remote_data_size(widget, plot_name, num_elements):
+    """
+    Check if the remote data has the correct number of elements.
+    Used in the qtbot.waitUntil function.
+    """
+    return len(widget.get_all_data()[plot_name]["x"]) == num_elements

bec_widgets/utils/bec_connector.py

@@ -4,7 +4,8 @@ from __future__ import annotations
 import os
 import time
 import uuid
-from typing import Optional
+from datetime import datetime
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Optional
 
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from bec_lib.utils.import_utils import lazy_import_from
@@ -12,11 +13,15 @@ from pydantic import BaseModel, Field, field_validator
 from qtpy.QtCore import QObject, QRunnable, QThreadPool, Signal
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
 
-from bec_widgets.cli.rpc_register import RPCRegister
+from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_register import RPCRegister
 from bec_widgets.qt_utils.error_popups import ErrorPopupUtility
 from bec_widgets.qt_utils.error_popups import SafeSlot as pyqtSlot
+from bec_widgets.utils.container_utils import WidgetContainerUtils
 from bec_widgets.utils.yaml_dialog import load_yaml, load_yaml_gui, save_yaml, save_yaml_gui
 
+if TYPE_CHECKING:
+    from bec_widgets.utils.bec_dispatcher import BECDispatcher
+
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 BECDispatcher = lazy_import_from("bec_widgets.utils.bec_dispatcher", ("BECDispatcher",))
 
@@ -36,8 +41,7 @@ class ConnectionConfig(BaseModel):
         """Generate a GUI ID if none is provided."""
         if v is None:
             widget_class = values.data["widget_class"]
-            v = f"{widget_class}_{str(time.time())}"
+            v = f"{widget_class}_{datetime.now().strftime('%Y_%m_%d_%H_%M_%S_%f')}"
-            return v
         return v
 
 
@@ -69,10 +73,16 @@ class Worker(QRunnable):
 class BECConnector:
     """Connection mixin class to handle BEC client and device manager"""
 
-    USER_ACCESS = ["_config_dict", "_get_all_rpc"]
+    USER_ACCESS = ["_config_dict", "_get_all_rpc", "_rpc_id"]
     EXIT_HANDLERS = {}
 
-    def __init__(self, client=None, config: ConnectionConfig = None, gui_id: str = None):
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        client=None,
+        config: ConnectionConfig | None = None,
+        gui_id: str | None = None,
+        name: str | None = None,
+    ):
         # BEC related connections
         self.bec_dispatcher = BECDispatcher(client=client)
         self.client = self.bec_dispatcher.client if client is None else client
@@ -100,15 +110,22 @@ class BECConnector:
             )
             self.config = ConnectionConfig(widget_class=self.__class__.__name__)
 
+        # I feel that we should not allow BECConnector to be created with a custom gui_id
+        # because this would break with the logic in the RPCRegister of retrieving widgets by type
+        # iterating over all widgets and checkinf if the register widget starts with the string that is passsed.
+        # If the gui_id is randomly generated, this would break since that widget would have a
+        # gui_id that is generated in a different way.
         if gui_id:
             self.config.gui_id = gui_id
-            self.gui_id = gui_id
+            self.gui_id: str = gui_id
         else:
-            self.gui_id = self.config.gui_id
+            self.gui_id: str = self.config.gui_id  # type: ignore
-
+        if name is None:
-        # register widget to rpc register
+            name = self.__class__.__name__
-        # be careful: when registering, and the object is not a BECWidget,
+        else:
-        # cleanup has to called manually since there is no 'closeEvent'
+            if not WidgetContainerUtils.has_name_valid_chars(name):
+                raise ValueError(f"Name {name} contains invalid characters.")
+        self._name = name if name else self.__class__.__name__
         self.rpc_register = RPCRegister()
         self.rpc_register.add_rpc(self)
 
@@ -116,6 +133,8 @@ class BECConnector:
         self.error_utility = ErrorPopupUtility()
 
         self._thread_pool = QThreadPool.globalInstance()
+        # Store references to running workers so they're not garbage collected prematurely.
+        self._workers = []
 
     def submit_task(self, fn, *args, on_complete: pyqtSlot = None, **kwargs) -> Worker:
         """
@@ -144,11 +163,14 @@ class BECConnector:
             >>> def on_complete():
             >>>     print("Task complete")
             >>> self.submit_task(my_function, 1, 2, on_complete=on_complete)
-
         """
         worker = Worker(fn, *args, **kwargs)
         if on_complete:
             worker.signals.completed.connect(on_complete)
+        # Keep a reference to the worker so it is not garbage collected.
+        self._workers.append(worker)
+        # When the worker is done, remove it from our list.
+        worker.signals.completed.connect(lambda: self._workers.remove(worker))
         self._thread_pool.start(worker)
         return worker
 
@@ -180,37 +202,39 @@ class BECConnector:
     @_config_dict.setter
     def _config_dict(self, config: BaseModel) -> None:
         """
-        Get the configuration of the widget.
+        Set the configuration of the widget.
 
-        Returns:
+        Args:
-            dict: The configuration of the widget.
+            config (BaseModel): The new configuration model.
         """
         self.config = config
 
+    # FIXME some thoughts are required to decide how thhis should work with rpc registry
     def apply_config(self, config: dict, generate_new_id: bool = True) -> None:
         """
         Apply the configuration to the widget.
 
         Args:
-            config(dict): Configuration settings.
+            config (dict): Configuration settings.
-            generate_new_id(bool): If True, generate a new GUI ID for the widget.
+            generate_new_id (bool): If True, generate a new GUI ID for the widget.
         """
         self.config = ConnectionConfig(**config)
         if generate_new_id is True:
             gui_id = str(uuid.uuid4())
             self.rpc_register.remove_rpc(self)
-            self.set_gui_id(gui_id)
+            self._set_gui_id(gui_id)
             self.rpc_register.add_rpc(self)
         else:
             self.gui_id = self.config.gui_id
 
+    # FIXME some thoughts are required to decide how thhis should work with rpc registry
     def load_config(self, path: str | None = None, gui: bool = False):
         """
         Load the configuration of the widget from YAML.
 
         Args:
-            path(str): Path to the configuration file for non-GUI dialog mode.
+            path (str | None): Path to the configuration file for non-GUI dialog mode.
-            gui(bool): If True, use the GUI dialog to load the configuration file.
+            gui (bool): If True, use the GUI dialog to load the configuration file.
         """
         if gui is True:
             config = load_yaml_gui(self)
@@ -229,8 +253,8 @@ class BECConnector:
         Save the configuration of the widget to YAML.
 
         Args:
-            path(str): Path to save the configuration file for non-GUI dialog mode.
+            path (str | None): Path to save the configuration file for non-GUI dialog mode.
-            gui(bool): If True, use the GUI dialog to save the configuration file.
+            gui (bool): If True, use the GUI dialog to save the configuration file.
         """
         if gui is True:
             save_yaml_gui(self, self._config_dict)
@@ -238,16 +262,15 @@ class BECConnector:
             if path is None:
                 path = os.getcwd()
             file_path = os.path.join(path, f"{self.__class__.__name__}_config.yaml")
-
             save_yaml(file_path, self._config_dict)
 
-    @pyqtSlot(str)
+    # @pyqtSlot(str)
-    def set_gui_id(self, gui_id: str) -> None:
+    def _set_gui_id(self, gui_id: str) -> None:
         """
         Set the GUI ID for the widget.
 
         Args:
-            gui_id(str): GUI ID
+            gui_id (str): GUI ID.
         """
         self.config.gui_id = gui_id
         self.gui_id = gui_id
@@ -268,7 +291,7 @@ class BECConnector:
         """Update the client and device manager from BEC and create object for BEC shortcuts.
 
         Args:
-            client: BEC client
+            client: BEC client.
         """
         self.client = client
         self.get_bec_shortcuts()
@@ -279,25 +302,68 @@ class BECConnector:
         Update the configuration for the widget.
 
         Args:
-            config(ConnectionConfig): Configuration settings.
+            config (ConnectionConfig | dict): Configuration settings.
         """
+        gui_id = getattr(config, "gui_id", None)
         if isinstance(config, dict):
             config = ConnectionConfig(**config)
-            # TODO add error handler
-
         self.config = config
+        if gui_id and config.gui_id != gui_id:  # Recreating config should not overwrite the gui_id
+            self.config.gui_id = gui_id
+
+    def remove(self):
+        """Cleanup the BECConnector"""
+        if hasattr(self, "close"):
+            self.close()
+            if hasattr(self, "deleteLater"):
+                self.deleteLater()
+        else:
+            self.rpc_register.remove_rpc(self)
 
     def get_config(self, dict_output: bool = True) -> dict | BaseModel:
         """
         Get the configuration of the widget.
 
         Args:
-            dict_output(bool): If True, return the configuration as a dictionary. If False, return the configuration as a pydantic model.
+            dict_output (bool): If True, return the configuration as a dictionary.
+                                If False, return the configuration as a pydantic model.
 
         Returns:
-            dict: The configuration of the plot widget.
+            dict | BaseModel: The configuration of the widget.
         """
         if dict_output:
             return self.config.model_dump()
         else:
             return self.config
+
+
+# --- Example usage of BECConnector: running a simple task ---
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+    import sys
+
+    # Create a QApplication instance (required for QThreadPool)
+    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+
+    connector = BECConnector()
+
+    def print_numbers():
+        """
+        Task function that prints numbers 1 to 10 with a 0.5 second delay between each.
+        """
+        for i in range(1, 11):
+            print(i)
+            time.sleep(0.5)
+
+    def task_complete():
+        """
+        Called when the task is complete.
+        """
+        print("Task complete")
+        # Exit the application after the task completes.
+        app.quit()
+
+    # Submit the task using the connector's submit_task method.
+    connector.submit_task(print_numbers, on_complete=task_complete)
+
+    # Start the Qt event loop.
+    sys.exit(app.exec_())

bec_widgets/utils/bec_designer.py

@@ -93,17 +93,24 @@ def patch_designer():  # pragma: no cover
             _extend_path_var("PATH", os.fspath(Path(sys._base_executable).parent), True)
     else:
         if sys.platform == "linux":
-            suffix = f"{sys.abiflags}.so"
             env_var = "LD_PRELOAD"
+            current_pid = os.getpid()
+            with open(f"/proc/{current_pid}/maps", "rt") as f:
+                for line in f:
+                    if "libpython" in line:
+                        lib_path = line.split()[-1]
+                        os.environ[env_var] = lib_path
+                        break
+
         elif sys.platform == "darwin":
             suffix = ".dylib"
             env_var = "DYLD_INSERT_LIBRARIES"
+            version = f"{major_version}.{minor_version}"
+            library_name = f"libpython{version}{suffix}"
+            lib_path = str(Path(sysconfig.get_config_var("LIBDIR")) / library_name)
+            os.environ[env_var] = lib_path
         else:
             raise RuntimeError(f"Unsupported platform: {sys.platform}")
-        version = f"{major_version}.{minor_version}"
-        library_name = f"libpython{version}{suffix}"
-        lib_path = str(Path(sysconfig.get_config_var("LIBDIR")) / library_name)
-        os.environ[env_var] = lib_path
 
         if is_pyenv_python() or is_virtual_env():
             # append all editable packages to the PYTHONPATH

bec_widgets/utils/bec_signal_proxy.py

@@ -5,28 +5,43 @@ analyse data. Requesting a new fit may lead to request piling up and an overall
 will allow you to decide by yourself when to unblock and execute the callback again."""
 
 from pyqtgraph import SignalProxy
-from qtpy.QtCore import Signal, Slot
+from qtpy.QtCore import QTimer, Signal
+
+from bec_widgets.qt_utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
 
 
 class BECSignalProxy(SignalProxy):
-    """Thin wrapper around the SignalProxy class to allow signal calls to be blocked, but args still being stored
+    """
+    Thin wrapper around the SignalProxy class to allow signal calls to be blocked,
+    but arguments still being stored.
 
     Args:
-        *args: Arguments to pass to the SignalProxy class
+        *args: Arguments to pass to the SignalProxy class.
-        rateLimit (int): The rateLimit of the proxy
+        rateLimit (int): The rateLimit of the proxy.
-        **kwargs: Keyword arguments to pass to the SignalProxy class
+        timeout (float): The number of seconds after which the proxy automatically
+                         unblocks if still blocked. Default is 10.0 seconds.
+        **kwargs: Keyword arguments to pass to the SignalProxy class.
 
     Example:
-    >>> proxy = BECSignalProxy(signal, rate_limit=25, slot=callback)"""
+        >>> proxy = BECSignalProxy(signal, rate_limit=25, slot=callback)
+    """
 
     is_blocked = Signal(bool)
 
-    def __init__(self, *args, rateLimit=25, **kwargs):
+    def __init__(self, *args, rateLimit=25, timeout=10.0, **kwargs):
         super().__init__(*args, rateLimit=rateLimit, **kwargs)
         self._blocking = False
         self.old_args = None
         self.new_args = None
 
+        # Store timeout value (in seconds)
+        self._timeout = timeout
+
+        # Create a single-shot timer for auto-unblocking
+        self._timer = QTimer()
+        self._timer.setSingleShot(True)
+        self._timer.timeout.connect(self._timeout_unblock)
+
     @property
     def blocked(self):
         """Returns if the proxy is blocked"""
@@ -46,9 +61,30 @@ class BECSignalProxy(SignalProxy):
         self.old_args = args
         super().signalReceived(*args)
 
-    @Slot()
+        self._timer.start(int(self._timeout * 1000))
+
+    @SafeSlot()
     def unblock_proxy(self):
         """Unblock the proxy, and call the signalReceived method in case there was an update of the args."""
-        self.blocked = False
+        if self.blocked:
-        if self.new_args != self.old_args:
+            self._timer.stop()
-            self.signalReceived(*self.new_args)
+            self.blocked = False
+            if self.new_args != self.old_args:
+                self.signalReceived(*self.new_args)
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def _timeout_unblock(self):
+        """
+        Internal method called by the QTimer upon timeout. Unblocks the proxy
+        automatically if it is still blocked.
+        """
+        if self.blocked:
+            self.unblock_proxy()
+
+    def cleanup(self):
+        """
+        Cleanup the proxy by stopping the timer and disconnecting the timeout signal.
+        """
+        self._timer.stop()
+        self._timer.timeout.disconnect(self._timeout_unblock)
+        self._timer.deleteLater()

bec_widgets/utils/bec_widget.py

@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING
+
 import darkdetect
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from qtpy.QtCore import Slot
@@ -7,6 +9,10 @@ from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_connector import BECConnector, ConnectionConfig
 from bec_widgets.utils.colors import set_theme
+from bec_widgets.utils.container_utils import WidgetContainerUtils
+
+if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock import BECDock
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 
@@ -17,13 +23,18 @@ class BECWidget(BECConnector):
     # The icon name is the name of the icon in the icon theme, typically a name taken
     # from fonts.google.com/icons. Override this in subclasses to set the icon name.
     ICON_NAME = "widgets"
+    USER_ACCESS = ["remove"]
 
+    # pylint: disable=too-many-arguments
     def __init__(
         self,
         client=None,
         config: ConnectionConfig = None,
-        gui_id: str = None,
+        gui_id: str | None = None,
         theme_update: bool = False,
+        name: str | None = None,
+        parent_dock: BECDock | None = None,
+        **kwargs,
     ):
         """
         Base class for all BEC widgets. This class should be used as a mixin class for all BEC widgets, e.g.:
@@ -44,9 +55,9 @@ class BECWidget(BECConnector):
         """
         if not isinstance(self, QWidget):
             raise RuntimeError(f"{repr(self)} is not a subclass of QWidget")
-        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id)
 
-        # Set the theme to auto if it is not set yet
+        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, name=name)
+        self._parent_dock = parent_dock
         app = QApplication.instance()
         if not hasattr(app, "theme"):
             # DO NOT SET THE THEME TO AUTO! Otherwise, the qwebengineview will segfault
@@ -66,7 +77,7 @@ class BECWidget(BECConnector):
         if hasattr(qapp, "theme_signal"):
             qapp.theme_signal.theme_updated.connect(self._update_theme)
 
-    def _update_theme(self, theme: str):
+    def _update_theme(self, theme: str | None = None):
         """Update the theme."""
         if theme is None:
             qapp = QApplication.instance()
@@ -87,10 +98,12 @@ class BECWidget(BECConnector):
 
     def cleanup(self):
         """Cleanup the widget."""
+        # All widgets need to call super().cleanup() in their cleanup method
+        self.rpc_register.remove_rpc(self)
 
     def closeEvent(self, event):
-        self.rpc_register.remove_rpc(self)
+        """Wrap the close even to ensure the rpc_register is cleaned up."""
         try:
             self.cleanup()
         finally:
-            super().closeEvent(event)
+            super().closeEvent(event)  # pylint: disable=no-member

bec_widgets/utils/colors.py

@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
-import itertools
 import re
 from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Literal
 
@@ -71,15 +70,64 @@ def apply_theme(theme: Literal["dark", "light"]):
     Apply the theme to all pyqtgraph widgets. Do not use this function directly. Use set_theme instead.
     """
     app = QApplication.instance()
-    # go through all pyqtgraph widgets and set background
+    graphic_layouts = [
-    children = itertools.chain.from_iterable(
+        child
-        top.findChildren(pg.GraphicsLayoutWidget) for top in app.topLevelWidgets()
+        for top in app.topLevelWidgets()
-    )
+        for child in top.findChildren(pg.GraphicsLayoutWidget)
-    pg.setConfigOptions(
+    ]
-        foreground="d" if theme == "dark" else "k", background="k" if theme == "dark" else "w"
+
-    )
+    plot_items = [
-    for pg_widget in children:
+        item
-        pg_widget.setBackground("k" if theme == "dark" else "w")
+        for gl in graphic_layouts
+        for item in gl.ci.items.keys()  # ci is internal pg.GraphicsLayout that hosts all items
+        if isinstance(item, pg.PlotItem)
+    ]
+
+    histograms = [
+        item
+        for gl in graphic_layouts
+        for item in gl.ci.items.keys()  # ci is internal pg.GraphicsLayout that hosts all items
+        if isinstance(item, pg.HistogramLUTItem)
+    ]
+
+    # Update background color based on the theme
+    if theme == "light":
+        background_color = "#e9ecef"  # Subtle contrast for light mode
+        foreground_color = "#141414"
+        label_color = "#000000"
+        axis_color = "#666666"
+    else:
+        background_color = "#141414"  # Dark mode
+        foreground_color = "#e9ecef"
+        label_color = "#FFFFFF"
+        axis_color = "#CCCCCC"
+
+    # update GraphicsLayoutWidget
+    pg.setConfigOptions(foreground=foreground_color, background=background_color)
+    for pg_widget in graphic_layouts:
+        pg_widget.setBackground(background_color)
+
+    # update PlotItems
+    for plot_item in plot_items:
+        for axis in ["left", "right", "top", "bottom"]:
+            plot_item.getAxis(axis).setPen(pg.mkPen(color=axis_color))
+            plot_item.getAxis(axis).setTextPen(pg.mkPen(color=label_color))
+
+        # Change title color
+        plot_item.titleLabel.setText(plot_item.titleLabel.text, color=label_color)
+
+        # Change legend color
+        if hasattr(plot_item, "legend") and plot_item.legend is not None:
+            plot_item.legend.setLabelTextColor(label_color)
+            # if legend is in plot item and theme is changed, has to be like that because of pg opt logic
+            for sample, label in plot_item.legend.items:
+                label_text = label.text
+                label.setText(label_text, color=label_color)
+
+    # update HistogramLUTItem
+    for histogram in histograms:
+        histogram.axis.setPen(pg.mkPen(color=axis_color))
+        histogram.axis.setTextPen(pg.mkPen(color=label_color))
 
     # now define stylesheet according to theme and apply it
     style = bec_qthemes.load_stylesheet(theme)

bec_widgets/utils/container_utils.py

@@ -1,30 +1,55 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
 import itertools
-from typing import Type
+from typing import Literal, Type
 
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
+from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_register import RPCRegister
+
 
 class WidgetContainerUtils:
 
+    # We need one handler that checks if a WIDGET of a given name is already created for that DOCKAREA
+    # 1. If the name exists, then it depends whether the name was auto-generated -> add _1 to the name
+    #    or alternatively raise an error that it can't be added again ( just raise an error)
+    # 2. Dock names in between docks should also be unique
+
     @staticmethod
-    def generate_unique_widget_id(container: dict, prefix: str = "widget") -> str:
+    def has_name_valid_chars(name: str) -> bool:
-        """
+        """Check if the name is valid.
-        Generate a unique widget ID.
 
         Args:
-            container(dict): The container of widgets.
+            name(str): The name to be checked.
-            prefix(str): The prefix of the widget ID.
 
         Returns:
-            widget_id(str): The unique widget ID.
+            bool: True if the name is valid, False otherwise.
         """
-        existing_ids = set(container.keys())
+        if not name or len(name) > 256:
-        for i in itertools.count(1):
+            return False  # Don't accept empty names or names longer than 256 characters
-            widget_id = f"{prefix}_{i}"
+        check_value = name.replace("_", "").replace("-", "")
-            if widget_id not in existing_ids:
+        if not check_value.isalnum() or not check_value.isascii():
-                return widget_id
+            return False
+        return True
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def generate_unique_name(name: str, list_of_names: list[str] | None = None) -> str:
+        """Generate a unique ID.
+
+        Args:
+            name(str): The name of the widget.
+        Returns:
+            tuple (str): The unique name
+        """
+        if list_of_names is None:
+            list_of_names = []
+        ii = 0
+        while ii < 1000:  # 1000 is arbritrary!
+            name_candidate = f"{name}_{ii}"
+            if name_candidate not in list_of_names:
+                return name_candidate
+            ii += 1
+        raise ValueError("Could not generate a unique name after within 1000 attempts.")
 
     @staticmethod
     def find_first_widget_by_class(

bec_widgets/utils/crosshair.py

@@ -1,4 +1,7 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
 from collections import defaultdict
+from typing import Any
 
 import numpy as np
 import pyqtgraph as pg
@@ -6,13 +9,16 @@ from qtpy.QtCore import QObject, Qt, Signal, Slot
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
 
 
-class NonDownsamplingScatterPlotItem(pg.ScatterPlotItem):
+class CrosshairScatterItem(pg.ScatterPlotItem):
     def setDownsampling(self, ds=None, auto=None, method=None):
         pass
 
     def setClipToView(self, state):
         pass
 
+    def setAlpha(self, *args, **kwargs):
+        pass
+
 
 class Crosshair(QObject):
     # QT Position of mouse cursor
@@ -47,9 +53,15 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
         self.v_line.skip_auto_range = True
         self.h_line = pg.InfiniteLine(angle=0, movable=False)
         self.h_line.skip_auto_range = True
+        # Add custom attribute to identify crosshair lines
+        self.v_line.is_crosshair = True
+        self.h_line.is_crosshair = True
         self.plot_item.addItem(self.v_line, ignoreBounds=True)
         self.plot_item.addItem(self.h_line, ignoreBounds=True)
 
+        # Initialize highlighted curve in a case of multiple curves
+        self.highlighted_curve_index = None
+
         # Add TextItem to display coordinates
         self.coord_label = pg.TextItem("", anchor=(1, 1), fill=(0, 0, 0, 100))
         self.coord_label.setVisible(False)  # Hide initially
@@ -70,6 +82,7 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
         self.plot_item.ctrl.downsampleSpin.valueChanged.connect(self.clear_markers)
 
         # Initialize markers
+        self.items = []
         self.marker_moved_1d = {}
         self.marker_clicked_1d = {}
         self.marker_2d = None
@@ -113,61 +126,103 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
         self.coord_label.fill = pg.mkBrush(label_bg_color)
         self.coord_label.border = pg.mkPen(None)
 
+    @Slot(int)
+    def update_highlighted_curve(self, curve_index: int):
+        """
+        Update the highlighted curve in the case of multiple curves in a plot item.
+
+        Args:
+            curve_index(int): The index of curve to highlight
+        """
+        self.highlighted_curve_index = curve_index
+        self.clear_markers()
+        self.update_markers()
+
     def update_markers(self):
         """Update the markers for the crosshair, creating new ones if necessary."""
 
-        # Create new markers
+        if self.highlighted_curve_index is not None and hasattr(self.plot_item, "visible_curves"):
-        for item in self.plot_item.items:
+            # Focus on the highlighted curve only
+            self.items = [self.plot_item.visible_curves[self.highlighted_curve_index]]
+        else:
+            # Handle all curves
+            self.items = self.plot_item.items
+
+        # Create or update markers
+        for item in self.items:
             if isinstance(item, pg.PlotDataItem):  # 1D plot
-                if item.name() in self.marker_moved_1d:
-                    continue
                 pen = item.opts["pen"]
                 color = pen.color() if hasattr(pen, "color") else pg.mkColor(pen)
-                marker_moved = NonDownsamplingScatterPlotItem(
+                name = item.name() or str(id(item))
-                    size=10, pen=pg.mkPen(color), brush=pg.mkBrush(None)
+                if name in self.marker_moved_1d:
-                )
+                    # Update existing markers
-                marker_moved.skip_auto_range = True
+                    marker_moved = self.marker_moved_1d[name]
-                self.marker_moved_1d[item.name()] = marker_moved
+                    marker_moved.setPen(pg.mkPen(color))
-                self.plot_item.addItem(marker_moved)
+                    # Update clicked markers' brushes
-
+                    for marker_clicked in self.marker_clicked_1d[name]:
-                # Create glowing effect markers for clicked events
+                        alpha = marker_clicked.opts["brush"].color().alpha()
-                for size, alpha in [(18, 64), (14, 128), (10, 255)]:
+                        marker_clicked.setBrush(
-                    marker_clicked = NonDownsamplingScatterPlotItem(
+                            pg.mkBrush(color.red(), color.green(), color.blue(), alpha)
-                        size=size,
+                        )
-                        pen=pg.mkPen(None),
+                    # Update z-values
-                        brush=pg.mkBrush(color.red(), color.green(), color.blue(), alpha),
+                    marker_moved.setZValue(item.zValue() + 1)
+                    for marker_clicked in self.marker_clicked_1d[name]:
+                        marker_clicked.setZValue(item.zValue() + 1)
+                else:
+                    # Create new markers
+                    marker_moved = CrosshairScatterItem(
+                        size=10, pen=pg.mkPen(color), brush=pg.mkBrush(None)
                     )
-                    marker_clicked.skip_auto_range = True
+                    marker_moved.skip_auto_range = True
-                    self.marker_clicked_1d[item.name()] = marker_clicked
+                    marker_moved.is_crosshair = True
-                    self.plot_item.addItem(marker_clicked)
+                    self.marker_moved_1d[name] = marker_moved
+                    self.plot_item.addItem(marker_moved)
+                    # Set marker z-value higher than the curve
+                    marker_moved.setZValue(item.zValue() + 1)
 
+                    # Create glowing effect markers for clicked events
+                    marker_clicked_list = []
+                    for size, alpha in [(18, 64), (14, 128), (10, 255)]:
+                        marker_clicked = CrosshairScatterItem(
+                            size=size,
+                            pen=pg.mkPen(None),
+                            brush=pg.mkBrush(color.red(), color.green(), color.blue(), alpha),
+                        )
+                        marker_clicked.skip_auto_range = True
+                        marker_clicked.is_crosshair = True
+                        self.plot_item.addItem(marker_clicked)
+                        marker_clicked.setZValue(item.zValue() + 1)
+                        marker_clicked_list.append(marker_clicked)
+                    self.marker_clicked_1d[name] = marker_clicked_list
             elif isinstance(item, pg.ImageItem):  # 2D plot
                 if self.marker_2d is not None:
                     continue
                 self.marker_2d = pg.ROI(
                     [0, 0], size=[1, 1], pen=pg.mkPen("r", width=2), movable=False
                 )
+                self.marker_2d.skip_auto_range = True
                 self.plot_item.addItem(self.marker_2d)
 
-    def snap_to_data(self, x, y) -> tuple[defaultdict[list], defaultdict[list]]:
+    def snap_to_data(
+        self, x: float, y: float
+    ) -> tuple[None, None] | tuple[defaultdict[Any, list], defaultdict[Any, list]]:
         """
         Finds the nearest data points to the given x and y coordinates.
 
         Args:
-            x: The x-coordinate of the mouse cursor
+            x(float): The x-coordinate of the mouse cursor
-            y: The y-coordinate of the mouse cursor
+            y(float): The y-coordinate of the mouse cursor
 
         Returns:
             tuple: x and y values snapped to the nearest data
         """
         y_values = defaultdict(list)
         x_values = defaultdict(list)
-        image_2d = None
 
         # Iterate through items in the plot
-        for item in self.plot_item.items:
+        for item in self.items:
             if isinstance(item, pg.PlotDataItem):  # 1D plot
-                name = item.name()
+                name = item.name() or str(id(item))
                 plot_data = item._getDisplayDataset()
                 if plot_data is None:
                     continue
@@ -186,9 +241,9 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
                     y_values[name] = closest_y
                     x_values[name] = closest_x
             elif isinstance(item, pg.ImageItem):  # 2D plot
-                name = item.config.monitor
+                name = item.config.monitor or str(id(item))
                 image_2d = item.image
-                # clip the x and y values to the image dimensions to avoid out of bounds errors
+                # Clip the x and y values to the image dimensions to avoid out of bounds errors
                 y_values[name] = int(np.clip(y, 0, image_2d.shape[1] - 1))
                 x_values[name] = int(np.clip(x, 0, image_2d.shape[0] - 1))
 
@@ -256,9 +311,9 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
                 # not sure how we got here, but just to be safe...
                 return
 
-            for item in self.plot_item.items:
+            for item in self.items:
                 if isinstance(item, pg.PlotDataItem):
-                    name = item.name()
+                    name = item.name() or str(id(item))
                     x, y = x_snap_values[name], y_snap_values[name]
                     if x is None or y is None:
                         continue
@@ -271,7 +326,7 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
                     )
                     self.coordinatesChanged1D.emit(coordinate_to_emit)
                 elif isinstance(item, pg.ImageItem):
-                    name = item.config.monitor
+                    name = item.config.monitor or str(id(item))
                     x, y = x_snap_values[name], y_snap_values[name]
                     if x is None or y is None:
                         continue
@@ -309,13 +364,14 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
                 # not sure how we got here, but just to be safe...
                 return
 
-            for item in self.plot_item.items:
+            for item in self.items:
                 if isinstance(item, pg.PlotDataItem):
-                    name = item.name()
+                    name = item.name() or str(id(item))
                     x, y = x_snap_values[name], y_snap_values[name]
                     if x is None or y is None:
                         continue
-                    self.marker_clicked_1d[name].setData([x], [y])
+                    for marker_clicked in self.marker_clicked_1d[name]:
+                        marker_clicked.setData([x], [y])
                     x_snapped_scaled, y_snapped_scaled = self.scale_emitted_coordinates(x, y)
                     coordinate_to_emit = (
                         name,
@@ -324,7 +380,7 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
                     )
                     self.coordinatesClicked1D.emit(coordinate_to_emit)
                 elif isinstance(item, pg.ImageItem):
-                    name = item.config.monitor
+                    name = item.config.monitor or str(id(item))
                     x, y = x_snap_values[name], y_snap_values[name]
                     if x is None or y is None:
                         continue
@@ -337,9 +393,12 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
     def clear_markers(self):
         """Clears the markers from the plot."""
         for marker in self.marker_moved_1d.values():
-            marker.clear()
+            self.plot_item.removeItem(marker)
-        for marker in self.marker_clicked_1d.values():
+        for markers in self.marker_clicked_1d.values():
-            marker.clear()
+            for marker in markers:
+                self.plot_item.removeItem(marker)
+        self.marker_moved_1d.clear()
+        self.marker_clicked_1d.clear()
 
     def scale_emitted_coordinates(self, x, y):
         """Scales the emitted coordinates if the axes are in log scale.
@@ -365,9 +424,17 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
         """
         x, y = pos
         x_scaled, y_scaled = self.scale_emitted_coordinates(x, y)
-
+        text = f"({x_scaled:.{self.precision}g}, {y_scaled:.{self.precision}g})"
-        # # Update coordinate label
+        for item in self.items:
-        self.coord_label.setText(f"({x_scaled:.{self.precision}g}, {y_scaled:.{self.precision}g})")
+            if isinstance(item, pg.ImageItem):
+                image = item.image
+                ix = int(np.clip(x, 0, image.shape[0] - 1))
+                iy = int(np.clip(y, 0, image.shape[1] - 1))
+                intensity = image[ix, iy]
+                text += f"\nIntensity: {intensity:.{self.precision}g}"
+                break
+        # Update coordinate label
+        self.coord_label.setText(text)
         self.coord_label.setPos(x, y)
         self.coord_label.setVisible(True)
 
@@ -383,6 +450,9 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
         self.clear_markers()
 
     def cleanup(self):
+        if self.marker_2d is not None:
+            self.plot_item.removeItem(self.marker_2d)
+            self.marker_2d = None
         self.plot_item.removeItem(self.v_line)
         self.plot_item.removeItem(self.h_line)
         self.plot_item.removeItem(self.coord_label)

bec_widgets/utils/entry_validator.py

@@ -22,7 +22,9 @@ class EntryValidator:
         if entry is None or entry == "":
             entry = next(iter(device._hints), name) if hasattr(device, "_hints") else name
         if entry not in description:
-            raise ValueError(f"Entry '{entry}' not found in device '{name}' signals")
+            raise ValueError(
+                f"Entry '{entry}' not found in device '{name}' signals. Available signals: {description.keys()}"
+            )
 
         return entry
 

bec_widgets/utils/generate_designer_plugin.py

@@ -143,7 +143,7 @@ class DesignerPluginGenerator:
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
     # from bec_widgets.widgets.bec_queue.bec_queue import BECQueue
-    from bec_widgets.widgets.spinner.spinner import SpinnerWidget
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.spinner import SpinnerWidget
 
     generator = DesignerPluginGenerator(SpinnerWidget)
     generator.run(validate=False)

bec_widgets/utils/plot_indicator_items.py

@@ -148,10 +148,7 @@ class BECTickItem(BECIndicatorItem):
     def cleanup(self) -> None:
         """Cleanup the item"""
         self.remove_from_plot()
-        if self.tick_item is not None:
+        self.tick_item = None
-            self.tick_item.close()
-            self.tick_item.deleteLater()
-            self.tick_item = None
 
 
 class BECArrowItem(BECIndicatorItem):

bec_widgets/utils/plugin_utils.py

@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ class BECClassInfo:
     obj: type
     is_connector: bool = False
     is_widget: bool = False
-    is_top_level: bool = False
+    is_plugin: bool = False
 
 
 class BECClassContainer:
@@ -88,14 +88,14 @@ class BECClassContainer:
         """
         Get all top-level classes.
         """
-        return [info.obj for info in self.collection if info.is_top_level]
+        return [info.obj for info in self.collection if info.is_plugin]
 
     @property
     def plugins(self):
         """
         Get all plugins. These are all classes that are on the top level and are widgets.
         """
-        return [info.obj for info in self.collection if info.is_widget and info.is_top_level]
+        return [info.obj for info in self.collection if info.is_widget and info.is_plugin]
 
     @property
     def widgets(self):
@@ -109,10 +109,17 @@ class BECClassContainer:
         """
         Get all top-level classes that are RPC-enabled. These are all classes that users can choose from.
         """
-        return [info.obj for info in self.collection if info.is_top_level and info.is_connector]
+        return [info.obj for info in self.collection if info.is_plugin and info.is_connector]
+
+    @property
+    def classes(self):
+        """
+        Get all classes.
+        """
+        return [info.obj for info in self.collection]
 
 
-def get_rpc_classes(repo_name: str) -> BECClassContainer:
+def get_custom_classes(repo_name: str) -> BECClassContainer:
     """
     Get all RPC-enabled classes in the specified repository.
 
@@ -153,6 +160,8 @@ def get_rpc_classes(repo_name: str) -> BECClassContainer:
                         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

bec_widgets/utils/ui_loader.py

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ from qtpy import PYQT6, PYSIDE6, QT_VERSION
 from qtpy.QtCore import QFile, QIODevice
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.generate_designer_plugin import DesignerPluginInfo
-from bec_widgets.utils.plugin_utils import get_rpc_classes
+from bec_widgets.utils.plugin_utils import get_custom_classes
 
 if PYSIDE6:
     from PySide6.QtUiTools import QUiLoader
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ class UILoader:
     def __init__(self, parent=None):
         self.parent = parent
 
-        widgets = get_rpc_classes("bec_widgets").top_level_classes
+        widgets = get_custom_classes("bec_widgets").classes
 
         self.custom_widgets = {widget.__name__: widget for widget in widgets}
 

bec_widgets/utils/widget_io.py

@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 # pylint: disable=no-name-in-module
 from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
-from typing import Literal
 
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
     QApplication,
@@ -16,6 +15,8 @@ from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
     QWidget,
 )
 
+from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.toggle.toggle import ToggleSwitch
+
 
 class WidgetHandler(ABC):
     """Abstract base class for all widget handlers."""
@@ -28,6 +29,15 @@ class WidgetHandler(ABC):
     def set_value(self, widget: QWidget, value):
         """Set a value on the widget instance."""
 
+    def connect_change_signal(self, widget: QWidget, slot):
+        """
+        Connect a change signal from this widget to the given slot.
+        If the widget type doesn't have a known "value changed" signal, do nothing.
+
+        slot: a function accepting two arguments (widget, value)
+        """
+        pass
+
 
 class LineEditHandler(WidgetHandler):
     """Handler for QLineEdit widgets."""
@@ -38,6 +48,9 @@ class LineEditHandler(WidgetHandler):
     def set_value(self, widget: QLineEdit, value: str) -> None:
         widget.setText(value)
 
+    def connect_change_signal(self, widget: QLineEdit, slot):
+        widget.textChanged.connect(lambda text, w=widget: slot(w, text))
+
 
 class ComboBoxHandler(WidgetHandler):
     """Handler for QComboBox widgets."""
@@ -53,6 +66,11 @@ class ComboBoxHandler(WidgetHandler):
         if isinstance(value, int):
             widget.setCurrentIndex(value)
 
+    def connect_change_signal(self, widget: QComboBox, slot):
+        # currentIndexChanged(int) or currentIndexChanged(str) both possible.
+        # We use currentIndexChanged(int) for a consistent behavior.
+        widget.currentIndexChanged.connect(lambda idx, w=widget: slot(w, self.get_value(w)))
+
 
 class TableWidgetHandler(WidgetHandler):
     """Handler for QTableWidget widgets."""
@@ -72,6 +90,16 @@ class TableWidgetHandler(WidgetHandler):
                 item = QTableWidgetItem(str(cell_value))
                 widget.setItem(row, col, item)
 
+    def connect_change_signal(self, widget: QTableWidget, slot):
+        # If desired, we could connect cellChanged(row, col) and then fetch all data.
+        # This might be noisy if table is large.
+        # For demonstration, connect cellChanged to update entire table value.
+        def on_cell_changed(row, col, w=widget):
+            val = self.get_value(w)
+            slot(w, val)
+
+        widget.cellChanged.connect(on_cell_changed)
+
 
 class SpinBoxHandler(WidgetHandler):
     """Handler for QSpinBox and QDoubleSpinBox widgets."""
@@ -82,6 +110,9 @@ class SpinBoxHandler(WidgetHandler):
     def set_value(self, widget, value):
         widget.setValue(value)
 
+    def connect_change_signal(self, widget: QSpinBox | QDoubleSpinBox, slot):
+        widget.valueChanged.connect(lambda val, w=widget: slot(w, val))
+
 
 class CheckBoxHandler(WidgetHandler):
     """Handler for QCheckBox widgets."""
@@ -92,6 +123,22 @@ class CheckBoxHandler(WidgetHandler):
     def set_value(self, widget, value):
         widget.setChecked(value)
 
+    def connect_change_signal(self, widget: QCheckBox, slot):
+        widget.toggled.connect(lambda val, w=widget: slot(w, val))
+
+
+class ToggleSwitchHandler(WidgetHandler):
+    """Handler for ToggleSwitch widgets."""
+
+    def get_value(self, widget, **kwargs):
+        return widget.checked
+
+    def set_value(self, widget, value):
+        widget.checked = value
+
+    def connect_change_signal(self, widget: ToggleSwitch, slot):
+        widget.enabled.connect(lambda val, w=widget: slot(w, val))
+
 
 class LabelHandler(WidgetHandler):
     """Handler for QLabel widgets."""
@@ -99,12 +146,15 @@ class LabelHandler(WidgetHandler):
     def get_value(self, widget, **kwargs):
         return widget.text()
 
-    def set_value(self, widget, value):
+    def set_value(self, widget: QLabel, value):
         widget.setText(value)
 
+    # QLabel typically doesn't have user-editable changes. No signal to connect.
+    # If needed, this can remain empty.
+
 
 class WidgetIO:
-    """Public interface for getting and setting values using handler mapping"""
+    """Public interface for getting, setting values and connecting signals using handler mapping"""
 
     _handlers = {
         QLineEdit: LineEditHandler,
@@ -114,6 +164,7 @@ class WidgetIO:
         QDoubleSpinBox: SpinBoxHandler,
         QCheckBox: CheckBoxHandler,
         QLabel: LabelHandler,
+        ToggleSwitch: ToggleSwitchHandler,
     }
 
     @staticmethod
@@ -148,6 +199,17 @@ class WidgetIO:
         elif not ignore_errors:
             raise ValueError(f"No handler for widget type: {type(widget)}")
 
+    @staticmethod
+    def connect_widget_change_signal(widget, slot):
+        """
+        Connect the widget's value-changed signal to a generic slot function (widget, value).
+        This now delegates the logic to the widget's handler.
+        """
+        handler_class = WidgetIO._find_handler(widget)
+        if handler_class:
+            handler = handler_class()
+            handler.connect_change_signal(widget, slot)
+
     @staticmethod
     def check_and_adjust_limits(spin_box: QDoubleSpinBox, number: float):
         """
@@ -309,8 +371,8 @@ class WidgetHierarchy:
                 WidgetHierarchy.import_config_from_dict(child, widget_config, set_values)
 
 
-# Example application to demonstrate the usage of the functions
+# Example usage
-if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+def hierarchy_example():  # pragma: no cover
     app = QApplication([])
 
     # Create instance of WidgetHierarchy
@@ -365,3 +427,37 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
     print(f"Config dict new REDUCED: {config_dict_new_reduced}")
 
     app.exec()
+
+
+def widget_io_signal_example():  # pragma: no cover
+    app = QApplication([])
+
+    main_widget = QWidget()
+    layout = QVBoxLayout(main_widget)
+    line_edit = QLineEdit(main_widget)
+    combo_box = QComboBox(main_widget)
+    spin_box = QSpinBox(main_widget)
+    combo_box.addItems(["Option 1", "Option 2", "Option 3"])
+
+    layout.addWidget(line_edit)
+    layout.addWidget(combo_box)
+    layout.addWidget(spin_box)
+
+    main_widget.show()
+
+    def universal_slot(w, val):
+        print(f"Widget {w.objectName() or w} changed, new value: {val}")
+
+    # Connect all supported widgets through their handlers
+    WidgetIO.connect_widget_change_signal(line_edit, universal_slot)
+    WidgetIO.connect_widget_change_signal(combo_box, universal_slot)
+    WidgetIO.connect_widget_change_signal(spin_box, universal_slot)
+
+    app.exec_()
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+    # Change example function to test different scenarios
+
+    # hierarchy_example()
+    widget_io_signal_example()

bec_widgets/utils/widget_state_manager.py

@@ -0,0 +1,223 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from bec_lib import bec_logger
+from qtpy.QtCore import QSettings
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
+    QApplication,
+    QCheckBox,
+    QFileDialog,
+    QHBoxLayout,
+    QLabel,
+    QLineEdit,
+    QPushButton,
+    QSpinBox,
+    QVBoxLayout,
+    QWidget,
+)
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+
+
+class WidgetStateManager:
+    """
+    A class to manage the state of a widget by saving and loading the state to and from a INI file.
+
+    Args:
+        widget(QWidget): The widget to manage the state for.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, widget):
+        self.widget = widget
+
+    def save_state(self, filename: str = None):
+        """
+        Save the state of the widget to an INI file.
+
+        Args:
+            filename(str): The filename to save the state to.
+        """
+        if not filename:
+            filename, _ = QFileDialog.getSaveFileName(
+                self.widget, "Save Settings", "", "INI Files (*.ini)"
+            )
+        if filename:
+            settings = QSettings(filename, QSettings.IniFormat)
+            self._save_widget_state_qsettings(self.widget, settings)
+
+    def load_state(self, filename: str = None):
+        """
+        Load the state of the widget from an INI file.
+
+        Args:
+            filename(str): The filename to load the state from.
+        """
+        if not filename:
+            filename, _ = QFileDialog.getOpenFileName(
+                self.widget, "Load Settings", "", "INI Files (*.ini)"
+            )
+        if filename:
+            settings = QSettings(filename, QSettings.IniFormat)
+            self._load_widget_state_qsettings(self.widget, settings)
+
+    def _save_widget_state_qsettings(self, widget: QWidget, settings: QSettings):
+        """
+        Save the state of the widget to QSettings.
+
+        Args:
+            widget(QWidget): The widget to save the state for.
+            settings(QSettings): The QSettings object to save the state to.
+        """
+        if widget.property("skip_settings") is True:
+            return
+
+        meta = widget.metaObject()
+        widget_name = self._get_full_widget_name(widget)
+        settings.beginGroup(widget_name)
+        for i in range(meta.propertyCount()):
+            prop = meta.property(i)
+            name = prop.name()
+            if (
+                name == "objectName"
+                or not prop.isReadable()
+                or not prop.isWritable()
+                or not prop.isStored()  # can be extended to fine filter
+            ):
+                continue
+            value = widget.property(name)
+            settings.setValue(name, value)
+        settings.endGroup()
+
+        # Recursively process children (only if they aren't skipped)
+        for child in widget.children():
+            if (
+                child.objectName()
+                and child.property("skip_settings") is not True
+                and not isinstance(child, QLabel)
+            ):
+                self._save_widget_state_qsettings(child, settings)
+
+    def _load_widget_state_qsettings(self, widget: QWidget, settings: QSettings):
+        """
+        Load the state of the widget from QSettings.
+
+        Args:
+            widget(QWidget): The widget to load the state for.
+            settings(QSettings): The QSettings object to load the state from.
+        """
+        if widget.property("skip_settings") is True:
+            return
+
+        meta = widget.metaObject()
+        widget_name = self._get_full_widget_name(widget)
+        settings.beginGroup(widget_name)
+        for i in range(meta.propertyCount()):
+            prop = meta.property(i)
+            name = prop.name()
+            if settings.contains(name):
+                value = settings.value(name)
+                widget.setProperty(name, value)
+        settings.endGroup()
+
+        # Recursively process children (only if they aren't skipped)
+        for child in widget.children():
+            if (
+                child.objectName()
+                and child.property("skip_settings") is not True
+                and not isinstance(child, QLabel)
+            ):
+                self._load_widget_state_qsettings(child, settings)
+
+    def _get_full_widget_name(self, widget: QWidget):
+        """
+        Get the full name of the widget including its parent names.
+
+        Args:
+            widget(QWidget): The widget to get the full name for.
+
+        Returns:
+            str: The full name of the widget.
+        """
+        name = widget.objectName()
+        parent = widget.parent()
+        while parent:
+            obj_name = parent.objectName() or parent.metaObject().className()
+            name = obj_name + "." + name
+            parent = parent.parent()
+        return name
+
+
+class ExampleApp(QWidget):  # pragma: no cover:
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setObjectName("MainWindow")
+        self.setWindowTitle("State Manager Example")
+
+        layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
+
+        # A line edit to store some user text
+        self.line_edit = QLineEdit(self)
+        self.line_edit.setObjectName("MyLineEdit")
+        self.line_edit.setPlaceholderText("Enter some text here...")
+        layout.addWidget(self.line_edit)
+
+        # A spin box to hold a numeric value
+        self.spin_box = QSpinBox(self)
+        self.spin_box.setObjectName("MySpinBox")
+        self.spin_box.setRange(0, 100)
+        layout.addWidget(self.spin_box)
+
+        # A checkbox to hold a boolean value
+        self.check_box = QCheckBox("Enable feature?", self)
+        self.check_box.setObjectName("MyCheckBox")
+        layout.addWidget(self.check_box)
+
+        # A checkbox that we want to skip
+        self.check_box_skip = QCheckBox("Enable feature - skip save?", self)
+        self.check_box_skip.setProperty("skip_state", True)
+        self.check_box_skip.setObjectName("MyCheckBoxSkip")
+        layout.addWidget(self.check_box_skip)
+
+        #  CREATE A "SIDE PANEL" with nested structure and skip all what is inside
+        self.side_panel = QWidget(self)
+        self.side_panel.setObjectName("SidePanel")
+        self.side_panel.setProperty("skip_settings", True)  # skip the ENTIRE panel
+        layout.addWidget(self.side_panel)
+
+        # Put some sub-widgets inside side_panel
+        panel_layout = QVBoxLayout(self.side_panel)
+        self.panel_label = QLabel("Label in side panel", self.side_panel)
+        self.panel_label.setObjectName("PanelLabel")
+        panel_layout.addWidget(self.panel_label)
+
+        self.panel_edit = QLineEdit(self.side_panel)
+        self.panel_edit.setObjectName("PanelLineEdit")
+        self.panel_edit.setPlaceholderText("I am inside side panel")
+        panel_layout.addWidget(self.panel_edit)
+
+        self.panel_checkbox = QCheckBox("Enable feature in side panel?", self.side_panel)
+        self.panel_checkbox.setObjectName("PanelCheckBox")
+        panel_layout.addWidget(self.panel_checkbox)
+
+        # Save/Load buttons
+        button_layout = QHBoxLayout()
+        self.save_button = QPushButton("Save State", self)
+        self.load_button = QPushButton("Load State", self)
+        button_layout.addWidget(self.save_button)
+        button_layout.addWidget(self.load_button)
+        layout.addLayout(button_layout)
+
+        # Create the state manager
+        self.state_manager = WidgetStateManager(self)
+
+        # Connect buttons
+        self.save_button.clicked.connect(lambda: self.state_manager.save_state())
+        self.load_button.clicked.connect(lambda: self.state_manager.load_state())
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover:
+    import sys
+
+    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+    w = ExampleApp()
+    w.show()
+    sys.exit(app.exec_())

bec_widgets/widgets/__init__.py

@@ -1 +0,0 @@
-

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock/dock.py

@@ -1,25 +1,33 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
-from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Any, Literal, Optional
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Any, Literal, Optional, cast
 
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from pydantic import Field
 from pyqtgraph.dockarea import Dock, DockLabel
 from qtpy import QtCore, QtGui
 
-from bec_widgets.cli.rpc_wigdet_handler import widget_handler
+from bec_widgets.cli.client_utils import IGNORE_WIDGETS
+from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_register import RPCRegister
+from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_widget_handler import widget_handler
 from bec_widgets.utils import ConnectionConfig, GridLayoutManager
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
+from bec_widgets.utils.container_utils import WidgetContainerUtils
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:
     from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock.dock_area import BECDockArea
+
 
 class DockConfig(ConnectionConfig):
     widgets: dict[str, Any] = Field({}, description="The widgets in the dock.")
     position: Literal["bottom", "top", "left", "right", "above", "below"] = Field(
         "bottom", description="The position of the dock."
     )
-    parent_dock_area: Optional[str] = Field(
+    parent_dock_area: Optional[str] | None = Field(
         None, description="The GUI ID of parent dock area of the dock."
     )
 
@@ -103,16 +111,17 @@ class BECDock(BECWidget, Dock):
     ICON_NAME = "widgets"
     USER_ACCESS = [
         "_config_dict",
-        "_rpc_id",
+        "element_list",
-        "widget_list",
+        "elements",
+        "new",
+        "show",
+        "hide",
         "show_title_bar",
-        "hide_title_bar",
-        "get_widgets_positions",
         "set_title",
-        "add_widget",
+        "hide_title_bar",
-        "list_eligible_widgets",
+        "available_widgets",
-        "move_widget",
+        "delete",
-        "remove_widget",
+        "delete_all",
         "remove",
         "attach",
         "detach",
@@ -121,7 +130,7 @@ class BECDock(BECWidget, Dock):
     def __init__(
         self,
         parent: QWidget | None = None,
-        parent_dock_area: QWidget | None = None,
+        parent_dock_area: BECDockArea | None = None,
         config: DockConfig | None = None,
         name: str | None = None,
         client=None,
@@ -129,21 +138,24 @@ class BECDock(BECWidget, Dock):
         closable: bool = True,
         **kwargs,
     ) -> None:
+
         if config is None:
             config = DockConfig(
-                widget_class=self.__class__.__name__, parent_dock_area=parent_dock_area.gui_id
+                widget_class=self.__class__.__name__,
+                parent_dock_area=parent_dock_area.gui_id if parent_dock_area else None,
             )
         else:
             if isinstance(config, dict):
                 config = DockConfig(**config)
             self.config = config
-        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id)
+        super().__init__(
+            client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, name=name
+        )  # Name was checked and created in BEC Widget
         label = CustomDockLabel(text=name, closable=closable)
-        Dock.__init__(self, name=name, label=label, **kwargs)
+        Dock.__init__(self, name=name, label=label, parent=self, **kwargs)
         # Dock.__init__(self, name=name, **kwargs)
 
         self.parent_dock_area = parent_dock_area
-
         # Layout Manager
         self.layout_manager = GridLayoutManager(self.layout)
 
@@ -173,7 +185,18 @@ class BECDock(BECWidget, Dock):
             super().float()
 
     @property
-    def widget_list(self) -> list[BECWidget]:
+    def elements(self) -> dict[str, BECWidget]:
+        """
+        Get the widgets in the dock.
+
+        Returns:
+            widgets(dict): The widgets in the dock.
+        """
+        # pylint: disable=protected-access
+        return dict((widget._name, widget) for widget in self.element_list)
+
+    @property
+    def element_list(self) -> list[BECWidget]:
         """
         Get the widgets in the dock.
 
@@ -182,10 +205,6 @@ class BECDock(BECWidget, Dock):
         """
         return self.widgets
 
-    @widget_list.setter
-    def widget_list(self, value: list[BECWidget]):
-        self.widgets = value
-
     def hide_title_bar(self):
         """
         Hide the title bar of the dock.
@@ -194,6 +213,20 @@ class BECDock(BECWidget, Dock):
         self.label.hide()
         self.labelHidden = True
 
+    def show(self):
+        """
+        Show the dock.
+        """
+        super().show()
+        self.show_title_bar()
+
+    def hide(self):
+        """
+        Hide the dock.
+        """
+        self.hide_title_bar()
+        super().hide()
+
     def show_title_bar(self):
         """
         Hide the title bar of the dock.
@@ -211,7 +244,6 @@ class BECDock(BECWidget, Dock):
         """
         self.orig_area.docks[title] = self.orig_area.docks.pop(self.name())
         self.setTitle(title)
-        self._name = title
 
     def get_widgets_positions(self) -> dict:
         """
@@ -222,7 +254,7 @@ class BECDock(BECWidget, Dock):
         """
         return self.layout_manager.get_widgets_positions()
 
-    def list_eligible_widgets(
+    def available_widgets(
         self,
     ) -> list:  # TODO can be moved to some util mixin like container class for rpc widgets
         """
@@ -233,20 +265,29 @@ class BECDock(BECWidget, Dock):
         """
         return list(widget_handler.widget_classes.keys())
 
-    def add_widget(
+    def _get_list_of_widget_name_of_parent_dock_area(self):
+        docks = self.parent_dock_area.panel_list
+        widgets = []
+        for dock in docks:
+            widgets.extend(dock.elements.keys())
+        return widgets
+
+    def new(
         self,
         widget: BECWidget | str,
-        row=None,
+        name: str | None = None,
-        col=0,
+        row: int | None = None,
-        rowspan=1,
+        col: int = 0,
-        colspan=1,
+        rowspan: int = 1,
+        colspan: int = 1,
         shift: Literal["down", "up", "left", "right"] = "down",
     ) -> BECWidget:
         """
         Add a widget to the dock.
 
         Args:
-            widget(QWidget): The widget to add.
+            widget(QWidget): The widget to add. It can not be BECDock or BECDockArea.
+            name(str): The name of the widget.
             row(int): The row to add the widget to. If None, the widget will be added to the next available row.
             col(int): The column to add the widget to.
             rowspan(int): The number of rows the widget should span.
@@ -254,15 +295,39 @@ class BECDock(BECWidget, Dock):
             shift(Literal["down", "up", "left", "right"]): The direction to shift the widgets if the position is occupied.
         """
         if row is None:
+            # row = cast(int, self.layout.rowCount())  # type:ignore
             row = self.layout.rowCount()
+            # row = cast(int, row)
 
         if self.layout_manager.is_position_occupied(row, col):
             self.layout_manager.shift_widgets(shift, start_row=row)
 
+        existing_widgets_parent_dock = self._get_list_of_widget_name_of_parent_dock_area()
+
+        if name is not None:  # Name is provided
+            if name in existing_widgets_parent_dock:
+                # pylint: disable=protected-access
+                raise ValueError(
+                    f"Name {name} must be unique for widgets, but already exists in DockArea "
+                    f"with name: {self.parent_dock_area._name} and id {self.parent_dock_area.gui_id}."
+                )
+        else:  # Name is not provided
+            widget_class_name = widget if isinstance(widget, str) else widget.__class__.__name__
+            name = WidgetContainerUtils.generate_unique_name(
+                name=widget_class_name, list_of_names=existing_widgets_parent_dock
+            )
+        # Check that Widget is not BECDock or BECDockArea
+        widget_class_name = widget if isinstance(widget, str) else widget.__class__.__name__
+        if widget_class_name in IGNORE_WIDGETS:
+            raise ValueError(f"Widget {widget} can not be added to dock.")
+
         if isinstance(widget, str):
-            widget = widget_handler.create_widget(widget)
+            widget = cast(
+                BECWidget,
+                widget_handler.create_widget(widget_type=widget, name=name, parent_dock=self),
+            )
         else:
-            widget = widget
+            widget._name = name  # pylint: disable=protected-access
 
         self.addWidget(widget, row=row, col=col, rowspan=rowspan, colspan=colspan)
 
@@ -294,37 +359,72 @@ class BECDock(BECWidget, Dock):
         """
         self.float()
 
-    def remove_widget(self, widget_rpc_id: str):
-        """
-        Remove a widget from the dock.
-
-        Args:
-            widget_rpc_id(str): The ID of the widget to remove.
-        """
-        widget = self.rpc_register.get_rpc_by_id(widget_rpc_id)
-        self.layout.removeWidget(widget)
-        self.config.widgets.pop(widget_rpc_id, None)
-        widget.close()
-
     def remove(self):
         """
         Remove the dock from the parent dock area.
         """
-        # self.cleanup()
+        self.parent_dock_area.delete(self._name)
-        self.parent_dock_area.remove_dock(self.name())
+
+    def delete(self, widget_name: str) -> None:
+        """
+        Remove a widget from the dock.
+
+        Args:
+            widget_name(str): Delete the widget with the given name.
+        """
+        # pylint: disable=protected-access
+        widgets = [widget for widget in self.widgets if widget._name == widget_name]
+        if len(widgets) == 0:
+            logger.warning(
+                f"Widget with name {widget_name} not found in dock {self.name()}. "
+                f"Checking if gui_id was passed as widget_name."
+            )
+            # Try to find the widget in the RPC register, maybe the gui_id was passed as widget_name
+            widget = self.rpc_register.get_rpc_by_id(widget_name)
+            if widget is None:
+                logger.warning(
+                    f"Widget not found for name or gui_id: {widget_name} in dock {self.name()}"
+                )
+                return
+        else:
+            widget = widgets[0]
+        self.layout.removeWidget(widget)
+        self.config.widgets.pop(widget._name, None)
+        if widget in self.widgets:
+            self.widgets.remove(widget)
+        widget.close()
+        # self._broadcast_update()
+
+    def delete_all(self):
+        """
+        Remove all widgets from the dock.
+        """
+        for widget in self.widgets:
+            self.delete(widget._name)  # pylint: disable=protected-access
 
     def cleanup(self):
         """
         Clean up the dock, including all its widgets.
         """
-        for widget in self.widgets:
+        # Remove the dock from the parent dock area
-            if hasattr(widget, "cleanup"):
+        if self.parent_dock_area:
-                widget.cleanup()
+            self.parent_dock_area.dock_area.docks.pop(self.name(), None)
+            self.parent_dock_area.config.docks.pop(self.name(), None)
+        self.delete_all()
         self.widgets.clear()
         self.label.close()
         self.label.deleteLater()
         super().cleanup()
 
+    # def closeEvent(self, event):  # pylint: disable=uselsess-parent-delegation
+    #     """Close Event for dock and cleanup.
+
+    #     This wrapper ensures that the BECWidget close event is triggered.
+    #     If removed, the closeEvent from pyqtgraph will be triggered, which
+    #     is not calling super().closeEvent(event) and will not trigger the BECWidget close event.
+    #     """
+    #     return super().closeEvent(event)
+
     def close(self):
         """
         Close the dock area and cleanup.
@@ -332,4 +432,15 @@ class BECDock(BECWidget, Dock):
         """
         self.cleanup()
         super().close()
-        self.parent_dock_area.dock_area.docks.pop(self.name(), None)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+    import sys
+
+    from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
+
+    app = QApplication([])
+    dock = BECDock(name="dock")
+    dock.show()
+    app.exec_()
+    sys.exit(app.exec_())

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock/dock_area.py

@@ -3,12 +3,15 @@ from __future__ import annotations
 from typing import Literal, Optional
 from weakref import WeakValueDictionary
 
+from bec_lib.endpoints import MessageEndpoints
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from pydantic import Field
 from pyqtgraph.dockarea.DockArea import DockArea
-from qtpy.QtCore import Qt
+from qtpy.QtCore import QSize, Qt
 from qtpy.QtGui import QPainter, QPaintEvent
-from qtpy.QtWidgets import QSizePolicy, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QSizePolicy, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
 
+from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_register import RPCRegister
 from bec_widgets.qt_utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
 from bec_widgets.qt_utils.toolbar import (
     ExpandableMenuAction,
@@ -18,17 +21,22 @@ from bec_widgets.qt_utils.toolbar import (
 )
 from bec_widgets.utils import ConnectionConfig, WidgetContainerUtils
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
-from bec_widgets.widgets.bec_queue.bec_queue import BECQueue
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock.dock import BECDock, DockConfig
-from bec_widgets.widgets.bec_status_box.bec_status_box import BECStatusBox
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box import PositionerBox
-from bec_widgets.widgets.dark_mode_button.dark_mode_button import DarkModeButton
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.scan_control.scan_control import ScanControl
-from bec_widgets.widgets.dock.dock import BECDock, DockConfig
+from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.vscode.vscode import VSCodeEditor
-from bec_widgets.widgets.image.image_widget import BECImageWidget
+from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.motor_map.motor_map_widget import BECMotorMapWidget
-from bec_widgets.widgets.motor_map.motor_map_widget import BECMotorMapWidget
+from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.multi_waveform.multi_waveform_widget import BECMultiWaveformWidget
-from bec_widgets.widgets.positioner_box.positioner_box import PositionerBox
+from bec_widgets.widgets.plots_next_gen.image.image import Image
-from bec_widgets.widgets.ring_progress_bar.ring_progress_bar import RingProgressBar
+from bec_widgets.widgets.plots_next_gen.scatter_waveform.scatter_waveform import ScatterWaveform
-from bec_widgets.widgets.scan_control.scan_control import ScanControl
+from bec_widgets.widgets.plots_next_gen.waveform.waveform import Waveform
-from bec_widgets.widgets.vscode.vscode import VSCodeEditor
+from bec_widgets.widgets.progress.ring_progress_bar.ring_progress_bar import RingProgressBar
-from bec_widgets.widgets.waveform.waveform_widget import BECWaveformWidget
+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.logpanel import LogPanel
+from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.visual.dark_mode_button.dark_mode_button import DarkModeButton
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
 
 
 class DockAreaConfig(ConnectionConfig):
@@ -39,18 +47,21 @@ class DockAreaConfig(ConnectionConfig):
 
 
 class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
+    PLUGIN = True
     USER_ACCESS = [
-        "_config_dict",
+        "new",
+        "show",
+        "hide",
         "panels",
-        "save_state",
+        "panel_list",
-        "remove_dock",
+        "delete",
-        "restore_state",
+        "delete_all",
-        "add_dock",
+        "remove",
-        "clear_all",
         "detach_dock",
         "attach_all",
-        "_get_all_rpc",
+        "selected_device",
-        "temp_areas",
+        "save_state",
+        "restore_state",
     ]
 
     def __init__(
@@ -59,6 +70,8 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
         config: DockAreaConfig | None = None,
         client=None,
         gui_id: str = None,
+        name: str | None = None,
+        **kwargs,
     ) -> None:
         if config is None:
             config = DockAreaConfig(widget_class=self.__class__.__name__)
@@ -66,8 +79,9 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
             if isinstance(config, dict):
                 config = DockAreaConfig(**config)
             self.config = config
-        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id)
+        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, name=name, **kwargs)
         QWidget.__init__(self, parent=parent)
+        self._parent = parent
         self.layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
         self.layout.setSpacing(5)
         self.layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
@@ -81,12 +95,20 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
                     label="Add Plot ",
                     actions={
                         "waveform": MaterialIconAction(
-                            icon_name=BECWaveformWidget.ICON_NAME,
+                            icon_name=Waveform.ICON_NAME, tooltip="Add Waveform", filled=True
-                            tooltip="Add Waveform",
+                        ),
+                        "scatter_waveform": MaterialIconAction(
+                            icon_name=ScatterWaveform.ICON_NAME,
+                            tooltip="Add Scatter Waveform",
+                            filled=True,
+                        ),
+                        "multi_waveform": MaterialIconAction(
+                            icon_name=BECMultiWaveformWidget.ICON_NAME,
+                            tooltip="Add Multi Waveform",
                             filled=True,
                         ),
                         "image": MaterialIconAction(
-                            icon_name=BECImageWidget.ICON_NAME, tooltip="Add Image", filled=True
+                            icon_name=Image.ICON_NAME, tooltip="Add Image", filled=True
                         ),
                         "motor_map": MaterialIconAction(
                             icon_name=BECMotorMapWidget.ICON_NAME,
@@ -127,6 +149,9 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
                             tooltip="Add Circular ProgressBar",
                             filled=True,
                         ),
+                        "log_panel": MaterialIconAction(
+                            icon_name=LogPanel.ICON_NAME, tooltip="Add LogPanel", filled=True
+                        ),
                     },
                 ),
                 "separator_2": SeparatorAction(),
@@ -149,38 +174,50 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
         self.toolbar.addWidget(DarkModeButton(toolbar=True))
         self._hook_toolbar()
 
+    def minimumSizeHint(self):
+        return QSize(800, 600)
+
     def _hook_toolbar(self):
         # Menu Plot
         self.toolbar.widgets["menu_plots"].widgets["waveform"].triggered.connect(
-            lambda: self.add_dock(widget="BECWaveformWidget", prefix="waveform")
+            lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="Waveform")
+        )
+        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_plots"].widgets["scatter_waveform"].triggered.connect(
+            lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="ScatterWaveform")
+        )
+        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_plots"].widgets["multi_waveform"].triggered.connect(
+            lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="BECMultiWaveformWidget")
         )
         self.toolbar.widgets["menu_plots"].widgets["image"].triggered.connect(
-            lambda: self.add_dock(widget="BECImageWidget", prefix="image")
+            lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="Image")
         )
         self.toolbar.widgets["menu_plots"].widgets["motor_map"].triggered.connect(
-            lambda: self.add_dock(widget="BECMotorMapWidget", prefix="motor_map")
+            lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="BECMotorMapWidget")
         )
 
         # Menu Devices
         self.toolbar.widgets["menu_devices"].widgets["scan_control"].triggered.connect(
-            lambda: self.add_dock(widget="ScanControl", prefix="scan_control")
+            lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="ScanControl")
         )
         self.toolbar.widgets["menu_devices"].widgets["positioner_box"].triggered.connect(
-            lambda: self.add_dock(widget="PositionerBox", prefix="positioner_box")
+            lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="PositionerBox")
         )
 
         # Menu Utils
         self.toolbar.widgets["menu_utils"].widgets["queue"].triggered.connect(
-            lambda: self.add_dock(widget="BECQueue", prefix="queue")
+            lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="BECQueue")
         )
         self.toolbar.widgets["menu_utils"].widgets["status"].triggered.connect(
-            lambda: self.add_dock(widget="BECStatusBox", prefix="status")
+            lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="BECStatusBox")
         )
         self.toolbar.widgets["menu_utils"].widgets["vs_code"].triggered.connect(
-            lambda: self.add_dock(widget="VSCodeEditor", prefix="vs_code")
+            lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="VSCodeEditor")
         )
         self.toolbar.widgets["menu_utils"].widgets["progress_bar"].triggered.connect(
-            lambda: self.add_dock(widget="RingProgressBar", prefix="progress_bar")
+            lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="RingProgressBar")
+        )
+        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_utils"].widgets["log_panel"].triggered.connect(
+            lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="LogPanel")
         )
 
         # Icons
@@ -188,6 +225,11 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
         self.toolbar.widgets["save_state"].action.triggered.connect(self.save_state)
         self.toolbar.widgets["restore_state"].action.triggered.connect(self.restore_state)
 
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def _create_widget_from_toolbar(self, widget_name: str) -> None:
+        dock_name = WidgetContainerUtils.generate_unique_name(widget_name, self.panels.keys())
+        self.new(name=dock_name, widget=widget_name)
+
     def paintEvent(self, event: QPaintEvent):  # TODO decide if we want any default instructions
         super().paintEvent(event)
         if self._instructions_visible:
@@ -195,9 +237,20 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
             painter.drawText(
                 self.rect(),
                 Qt.AlignCenter,
-                "Add docks using 'add_dock' method from CLI\n or \n Add widget docks using the toolbar",
+                "Add docks using 'new' method from CLI\n or \n Add widget docks using the toolbar",
             )
 
+    @property
+    def selected_device(self) -> str:
+        gui_id = QApplication.instance().gui_id
+        auto_update_config = self.client.connector.get(
+            MessageEndpoints.gui_auto_update_config(gui_id)
+        )
+        try:
+            return auto_update_config.selected_device
+        except AttributeError:
+            return None
+
     @property
     def panels(self) -> dict[str, BECDock]:
         """
@@ -209,7 +262,17 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
 
     @panels.setter
     def panels(self, value: dict[str, BECDock]):
-        self.dock_area.docks = WeakValueDictionary(value)
+        self.dock_area.docks = WeakValueDictionary(value)  # This can not work can it?
+
+    @property
+    def panel_list(self) -> list[BECDock]:
+        """
+        Get the docks in the dock area.
+
+        Returns:
+            list: The docks in the dock area.
+        """
+        return list(self.dock_area.docks.values())
 
     @property
     def temp_areas(self) -> list:
@@ -253,36 +316,17 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
         self.config.docks_state = last_state
         return last_state
 
-    def remove_dock(self, name: str):
-        """
-        Remove a dock by name and ensure it is properly closed and cleaned up.
-
-        Args:
-            name(str): The name of the dock to remove.
-        """
-        dock = self.dock_area.docks.pop(name, None)
-        self.config.docks.pop(name, None)
-        if dock:
-            dock.close()
-            dock.deleteLater()
-            if len(self.dock_area.docks) <= 1:
-                for dock in self.dock_area.docks.values():
-                    dock.hide_title_bar()
-
-        else:
-            raise ValueError(f"Dock with name {name} does not exist.")
-
     @SafeSlot(popup_error=True)
-    def add_dock(
+    def new(
         self,
-        name: str = None,
+        name: str | None = None,
-        position: Literal["bottom", "top", "left", "right", "above", "below"] = None,
+        widget: str | QWidget | None = None,
+        widget_name: str | None = None,
+        position: Literal["bottom", "top", "left", "right", "above", "below"] = "bottom",
         relative_to: BECDock | None = None,
         closable: bool = True,
         floating: bool = False,
-        prefix: str = "dock",
+        row: int | None = None,
-        widget: str | QWidget | None = None,
-        row: int = None,
         col: int = 0,
         rowspan: int = 1,
         colspan: int = 1,
@@ -292,12 +336,11 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
 
         Args:
             name(str): The name of the dock to be displayed and for further references. Has to be unique.
+            widget(str|QWidget|None): The widget to be added to the dock. While using RPC, only BEC RPC widgets from RPCWidgetHandler are allowed.
             position(Literal["bottom", "top", "left", "right", "above", "below"]): The position of the dock.
             relative_to(BECDock): The dock to which the new dock should be added relative to.
             closable(bool): Whether the dock is closable.
             floating(bool): Whether the dock is detached after creating.
-            prefix(str): The prefix for the dock name if no name is provided.
-            widget(str|QWidget|None): The widget to be added to the dock. While using RPC, only BEC RPC widgets from RPCWidgetHandler are allowed.
             row(int): The row of the added widget.
             col(int): The column of the added widget.
             rowspan(int): The rowspan of the added widget.
@@ -306,21 +349,20 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
         Returns:
             BECDock: The created dock.
         """
-        if name is None:
+        dock_names = [dock._name for dock in self.panel_list]  # pylint: disable=protected-access
-            name = WidgetContainerUtils.generate_unique_widget_id(
+        if name is not None:  # Name is provided
-                container=self.dock_area.docks, prefix=prefix
+            if name in dock_names:
-            )
+                raise ValueError(
-
+                    f"Name {name} must be unique for docks, but already exists in DockArea "
-        if name in set(self.dock_area.docks.keys()):
+                    f"with name: {self._name} and id {self.gui_id}."
-            raise ValueError(f"Dock with name {name} already exists.")
+                )
-
+        else:  # Name is not provided
-        if position is None:
+            name = WidgetContainerUtils.generate_unique_name(name="dock", list_of_names=dock_names)
-            position = "bottom"
 
         dock = BECDock(name=name, parent_dock_area=self, closable=closable)
         dock.config.position = position
-        self.config.docks[name] = dock.config
+        self.config.docks[dock.name()] = dock.config
-
+        # The dock.name is equal to the name passed to BECDock
         self.dock_area.addDock(dock=dock, position=position, relativeTo=relative_to)
 
         if len(self.dock_area.docks) <= 1:
@@ -329,10 +371,11 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
             for dock in self.dock_area.docks.values():
                 dock.show_title_bar()
 
-        if widget is not None and isinstance(widget, str):
+        if widget is not None:
-            dock.add_widget(widget=widget, row=row, col=col, rowspan=rowspan, colspan=colspan)
+            # Check if widget name exists.
-        elif widget is not None and isinstance(widget, QWidget):
+            dock.new(
-            dock.addWidget(widget, row=row, col=col, rowspan=rowspan, colspan=colspan)
+                widget=widget, name=widget_name, row=row, col=col, rowspan=rowspan, colspan=colspan
+            )
         if (
             self._instructions_visible
         ):  # TODO still decide how initial instructions should be handled
@@ -370,46 +413,90 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
         Remove a temporary area from the dock area.
         This is a patched method of pyqtgraph's removeTempArea
         """
+        if area not in self.dock_area.tempAreas:
+            # FIXME add some context for the logging, I am not sure which object is passed.
+            # It looks like a pyqtgraph.DockArea
+            logger.info(f"Attempted to remove dock_area, but was not floating.")
+            return
         self.dock_area.tempAreas.remove(area)
         area.window().close()
         area.window().deleteLater()
 
-    def clear_all(self):
-        """
-        Close all docks and remove all temp areas.
-        """
-        self.attach_all()
-        for dock in dict(self.dock_area.docks).values():
-            dock.remove()
-        self.dock_area.docks.clear()
-
     def cleanup(self):
         """
         Cleanup the dock area.
         """
-        self.clear_all()
+        self.delete_all()
         self.toolbar.close()
         self.toolbar.deleteLater()
         self.dock_area.close()
         self.dock_area.deleteLater()
         super().cleanup()
 
-    def close(self):
+    def show(self):
+        """Show all windows including floating docks."""
+        super().show()
+        for docks in self.panels.values():
+            if docks.window() is self:
+                # avoid recursion
+                continue
+            docks.window().show()
+
+    def hide(self):
+        """Hide all windows including floating docks."""
+        super().hide()
+        for docks in self.panels.values():
+            if docks.window() is self:
+                # avoid recursion
+                continue
+            docks.window().hide()
+
+    def delete_all(self) -> None:
         """
-        Close the dock area and cleanup.
+        Delete all docks.
-        Has to be implemented to overwrite pyqtgraph event accept in Container close.
         """
-        self.cleanup()
+        self.attach_all()
-        super().close()
+        for dock_name in self.panels.keys():
+            self.delete(dock_name)
+
+    def delete(self, dock_name: str):
+        """
+        Delete a dock by name.
+
+        Args:
+            dock_name(str): The name of the dock to delete.
+        """
+        dock = self.dock_area.docks.pop(dock_name, None)
+        self.config.docks.pop(dock_name, None)
+        if dock:
+            dock.close()
+            dock.deleteLater()
+            if len(self.dock_area.docks) <= 1:
+                for dock in self.dock_area.docks.values():
+                    dock.hide_title_bar()
+        else:
+            raise ValueError(f"Dock with name {dock_name} does not exist.")
+        # self._broadcast_update()
+
+    def remove(self) -> None:
+        """Remove the dock area."""
+        self.close()
 
 
-if __name__ == "__main__":
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
-    from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
+
+    import sys
 
     from bec_widgets.utils.colors import set_theme
 
     app = QApplication([])
     set_theme("auto")
     dock_area = BECDockArea()
+    dock_1 = dock_area.new(name="dock_0", widget="Waveform")
+    # dock_1 = dock_area.new(name="dock_0", widget="Waveform")
+    dock_area.new(widget="Waveform")
     dock_area.show()
+    dock_area.setGeometry(100, 100, 800, 600)
+    app.topLevelWidgets()
     app.exec_()
+    sys.exit(app.exec_())

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock/dock_area_plugin.py

@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
 
 import bec_widgets
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
-from bec_widgets.widgets.dock import BECDockArea
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock import BECDockArea
 
 DOM_XML = """
 <ui language='c++'>

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock/register_dock_area.py

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

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/figure/figure.py

@@ -16,10 +16,20 @@ from typeguard import typechecked
 from bec_widgets.utils import ConnectionConfig, WidgetContainerUtils
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
 from bec_widgets.utils.colors import apply_theme
-from bec_widgets.widgets.figure.plots.image.image import BECImageShow, ImageConfig
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.figure.plots.image.image import BECImageShow, ImageConfig
-from bec_widgets.widgets.figure.plots.motor_map.motor_map import BECMotorMap, MotorMapConfig
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.figure.plots.motor_map.motor_map import (
-from bec_widgets.widgets.figure.plots.plot_base import BECPlotBase, SubplotConfig
+    BECMotorMap,
-from bec_widgets.widgets.figure.plots.waveform.waveform import BECWaveform, Waveform1DConfig
+    MotorMapConfig,
+)
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.figure.plots.multi_waveform.multi_waveform import (
+    BECMultiWaveform,
+    BECMultiWaveformConfig,
+)
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.figure.plots.plot_base import BECPlotBase, SubplotConfig
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.figure.plots.waveform.waveform import (
+    BECWaveform,
+    Waveform1DConfig,
+)
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 
@@ -64,16 +74,11 @@ class WidgetHandler:
             "BECWaveform": (BECWaveform, Waveform1DConfig),
             "BECImageShow": (BECImageShow, ImageConfig),
             "BECMotorMap": (BECMotorMap, MotorMapConfig),
+            "BECMultiWaveform": (BECMultiWaveform, BECMultiWaveformConfig),
         }
 
     def create_widget(
-        self,
+        self, widget_type: str, parent_figure, parent_id: str, config: dict = None, **axis_kwargs
-        widget_type: str,
-        widget_id: str,
-        parent_figure,
-        parent_id: str,
-        config: dict = None,
-        **axis_kwargs,
     ) -> BECPlotBase:
         """
         Create and configure a widget based on its type.
@@ -98,7 +103,6 @@ class WidgetHandler:
         widget_config_dict = {
             "widget_class": widget_class.__name__,
             "parent_id": parent_id,
-            "gui_id": widget_id,
             **(config if config is not None else {}),
         }
         widget_config = config_class(**widget_config_dict)
@@ -134,8 +138,14 @@ class BECFigure(BECWidget, pg.GraphicsLayoutWidget):
         "BECWaveform": BECWaveform,
         "BECImageShow": BECImageShow,
         "BECMotorMap": BECMotorMap,
+        "BECMultiWaveform": BECMultiWaveform,
+    }
+    widget_method_map = {
+        "BECWaveform": "plot",
+        "BECImageShow": "image",
+        "BECMotorMap": "motor_map",
+        "BECMultiWaveform": "multi_waveform",
     }
-    widget_method_map = {"BECWaveform": "plot", "BECImageShow": "image", "BECMotorMap": "motor_map"}
 
     clean_signal = pyqtSignal()
 
@@ -145,13 +155,14 @@ class BECFigure(BECWidget, pg.GraphicsLayoutWidget):
         config: Optional[FigureConfig] = None,
         client=None,
         gui_id: Optional[str] = None,
+        **kwargs,
     ) -> None:
         if config is None:
             config = FigureConfig(widget_class=self.__class__.__name__)
         else:
             if isinstance(config, dict):
                 config = FigureConfig(**config)
-        super().__init__(client=client, gui_id=gui_id)
+        super().__init__(client=client, gui_id=gui_id, config=config, **kwargs)
         pg.GraphicsLayoutWidget.__init__(self, parent)
 
         self.widget_handler = WidgetHandler()
@@ -445,10 +456,27 @@ class BECFigure(BECWidget, pg.GraphicsLayoutWidget):
 
         return motor_map
 
+    def multi_waveform(
+        self,
+        monitor: str = None,
+        new: bool = False,
+        row: int | None = None,
+        col: int | None = None,
+        config: dict | None = None,
+        **axis_kwargs,
+    ):
+        multi_waveform = self.subplot_factory(
+            widget_type="BECMultiWaveform", config=config, row=row, col=col, new=new, **axis_kwargs
+        )
+        if config is not None:
+            return multi_waveform
+        multi_waveform.set_monitor(monitor)
+        return multi_waveform
+
     def subplot_factory(
         self,
         widget_type: Literal[
-            "BECPlotBase", "BECWaveform", "BECImageShow", "BECMotorMap"
+            "BECPlotBase", "BECWaveform", "BECImageShow", "BECMotorMap", "BECMultiWaveform"
         ] = "BECPlotBase",
         row: int = None,
         col: int = None,
@@ -500,7 +528,7 @@ class BECFigure(BECWidget, pg.GraphicsLayoutWidget):
     def add_widget(
         self,
         widget_type: Literal[
-            "BECPlotBase", "BECWaveform", "BECImageShow", "BECMotorMap"
+            "BECPlotBase", "BECWaveform", "BECImageShow", "BECMotorMap", "BECMultiWaveform"
         ] = "BECPlotBase",
         widget_id: str = None,
         row: int = None,
@@ -533,15 +561,12 @@ class BECFigure(BECWidget, pg.GraphicsLayoutWidget):
 
         widget = self.widget_handler.create_widget(
             widget_type=widget_type,
-            widget_id=widget_id,
             parent_figure=self,
             parent_id=self.gui_id,
             config=config,
             **axis_kwargs,
         )
-        # has to be changed manually to ensure unique id, if config is copied from existing widget, the id could be
+        widget_id = widget.gui_id
-        # used otherwise multiple times
-        widget.set_gui_id(widget_id)
 
         widget.config.row = row
         widget.config.col = col
@@ -554,6 +579,7 @@ class BECFigure(BECWidget, pg.GraphicsLayoutWidget):
         self.config.num_cols = max(self.config.num_cols, col + 1)
 
         # Saving config for future referencing
+
         self.config.widgets[widget_id] = widget.config
         self._widgets[widget_id] = widget
 

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/figure/plots/image/image.py

@@ -6,19 +6,22 @@ from typing import Any, Literal, Optional
 import numpy as np
 from bec_lib.endpoints import MessageEndpoints
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
-from pydantic import BaseModel, Field, ValidationError
+from pydantic import Field, ValidationError
 from qtpy.QtCore import QThread, Slot
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 # from bec_widgets.qt_utils.error_popups import SafeSlot as Slot
 from bec_widgets.utils import EntryValidator
-from bec_widgets.widgets.figure.plots.image.image_item import BECImageItem, ImageItemConfig
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.figure.plots.image.image_item import (
-from bec_widgets.widgets.figure.plots.image.image_processor import (
+    BECImageItem,
+    ImageItemConfig,
+)
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.figure.plots.image.image_processor import (
     ImageProcessor,
     ImageStats,
     ProcessorWorker,
 )
-from bec_widgets.widgets.figure.plots.plot_base import BECPlotBase, SubplotConfig
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.figure.plots.plot_base import BECPlotBase, SubplotConfig
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 
@@ -30,6 +33,7 @@ class ImageConfig(SubplotConfig):
     )
 
 
+# TODO old version will be deprecated
 class BECImageShow(BECPlotBase):
     USER_ACCESS = [
         "_rpc_id",

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/figure/plots/image/image_item.py

@@ -8,10 +8,13 @@ from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from pydantic import Field
 
 from bec_widgets.utils import BECConnector, ConnectionConfig
-from bec_widgets.widgets.figure.plots.image.image_processor import ImageStats, ProcessingConfig
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.figure.plots.image.image_processor import (
+    ImageStats,
+    ProcessingConfig,
+)
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:
-    from bec_widgets.widgets.figure.plots.image.image import BECImageShow
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.figure.plots.image.image import BECImageShow
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 
@@ -38,6 +41,7 @@ class ImageItemConfig(ConnectionConfig):
     )
 
 
+# TODO old version will be deprecated
 class BECImageItem(BECConnector, pg.ImageItem):
     USER_ACCESS = [
         "_rpc_id",
@@ -69,7 +73,7 @@ class BECImageItem(BECConnector, pg.ImageItem):
             self.config = config
         else:
             self.config = config
-        super().__init__(config=config, gui_id=gui_id)
+        super().__init__(config=config, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
         pg.ImageItem.__init__(self)
 
         self.parent_image = parent_image

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/figure/plots/image/image_processor.py

@@ -7,6 +7,8 @@ import numpy as np
 from pydantic import BaseModel, Field
 from qtpy.QtCore import QObject, Signal, Slot
 
+# TODO will be deleted
+
 
 @dataclass
 class ImageStats:

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/figure/plots/motor_map/motor_map.py

@@ -15,8 +15,8 @@ from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.qt_utils.error_popups import SafeSlot as Slot
 from bec_widgets.utils import Colors, EntryValidator
-from bec_widgets.widgets.figure.plots.plot_base import BECPlotBase, SubplotConfig
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.figure.plots.plot_base import BECPlotBase, SubplotConfig
-from bec_widgets.widgets.figure.plots.waveform.waveform import Signal, SignalData
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.figure.plots.waveform.waveform import Signal, SignalData
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/figure/plots/multi_waveform/multi_waveform.py

@@ -0,0 +1,340 @@
+from collections import deque
+from typing import Literal, Optional
+
+import pyqtgraph as pg
+from bec_lib.endpoints import MessageEndpoints
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
+from pydantic import Field, field_validator
+from pyqtgraph.exporters import MatplotlibExporter
+from qtpy.QtCore import Signal, Slot
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
+
+from bec_widgets.utils import Colors
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.figure.plots.plot_base import BECPlotBase, SubplotConfig
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+
+
+class BECMultiWaveformConfig(SubplotConfig):
+    color_palette: Optional[str] = Field(
+        "magma", description="The color palette of the figure widget.", validate_default=True
+    )
+    curve_limit: Optional[int] = Field(
+        200, description="The maximum number of curves to display on the plot."
+    )
+    flush_buffer: Optional[bool] = Field(
+        False, description="Flush the buffer of the plot widget when the curve limit is reached."
+    )
+    monitor: Optional[str] = Field(
+        None, description="The monitor to set for the plot widget."
+    )  # TODO validate monitor in bec -> maybe make it as SignalData class for validation purpose
+    curve_width: Optional[int] = Field(1, description="The width of the curve on the plot.")
+    opacity: Optional[int] = Field(50, description="The opacity of the curve on the plot.")
+    highlight_last_curve: Optional[bool] = Field(
+        True, description="Highlight the last curve on the plot."
+    )
+
+    model_config: dict = {"validate_assignment": True}
+    _validate_color_map_z = field_validator("color_palette")(Colors.validate_color_map)
+
+
+class BECMultiWaveform(BECPlotBase):
+    monitor_signal_updated = Signal()
+    highlighted_curve_index_changed = Signal(int)
+    USER_ACCESS = [
+        "_rpc_id",
+        "_config_dict",
+        "curves",
+        "set_monitor",
+        "set_opacity",
+        "set_curve_limit",
+        "set_curve_highlight",
+        "set_colormap",
+        "set",
+        "set_title",
+        "set_x_label",
+        "set_y_label",
+        "set_x_scale",
+        "set_y_scale",
+        "set_x_lim",
+        "set_y_lim",
+        "set_grid",
+        "set_colormap",
+        "enable_fps_monitor",
+        "lock_aspect_ratio",
+        "export",
+        "get_all_data",
+        "remove",
+    ]
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        parent: Optional[QWidget] = None,
+        parent_figure=None,
+        config: Optional[BECMultiWaveformConfig] = None,
+        client=None,
+        gui_id: Optional[str] = None,
+    ):
+        if config is None:
+            config = BECMultiWaveformConfig(widget_class=self.__class__.__name__)
+        super().__init__(
+            parent=parent, parent_figure=parent_figure, config=config, client=client, gui_id=gui_id
+        )
+        self.old_scan_id = None
+        self.scan_id = None
+        self.monitor = None
+        self.connected = False
+        self.current_highlight_index = 0
+        self._curves = deque()
+        self.visible_curves = []
+        self.number_of_visible_curves = 0
+
+        # Get bec shortcuts dev, scans, queue, scan_storage, dap
+        self.get_bec_shortcuts()
+
+    @property
+    def curves(self) -> deque:
+        """
+        Get the curves of the plot widget as a deque.
+        Returns:
+            deque: Deque of curves.
+        """
+        return self._curves
+
+    @curves.setter
+    def curves(self, value: deque):
+        self._curves = value
+
+    @property
+    def highlight_last_curve(self) -> bool:
+        """
+        Get the highlight_last_curve property.
+        Returns:
+            bool: The highlight_last_curve property.
+        """
+        return self.config.highlight_last_curve
+
+    @highlight_last_curve.setter
+    def highlight_last_curve(self, value: bool):
+        self.config.highlight_last_curve = value
+
+    def set_monitor(self, monitor: str):
+        """
+        Set the monitor for the plot widget.
+        Args:
+            monitor (str): The monitor to set.
+        """
+        self.config.monitor = monitor
+        self._connect_monitor()
+
+    def _connect_monitor(self):
+        """
+        Connect the monitor to the plot widget.
+        """
+        try:
+            previous_monitor = self.monitor
+        except AttributeError:
+            previous_monitor = None
+
+        if previous_monitor and self.connected is True:
+            self.bec_dispatcher.disconnect_slot(
+                self.on_monitor_1d_update, MessageEndpoints.device_monitor_1d(previous_monitor)
+            )
+        if self.config.monitor and self.connected is False:
+            self.bec_dispatcher.connect_slot(
+                self.on_monitor_1d_update, MessageEndpoints.device_monitor_1d(self.config.monitor)
+            )
+            self.connected = True
+            self.monitor = self.config.monitor
+
+    @Slot(dict, dict)
+    def on_monitor_1d_update(self, msg: dict, metadata: dict):
+        """
+        Update the plot widget with the monitor data.
+
+        Args:
+            msg(dict): The message data.
+            metadata(dict): The metadata of the message.
+        """
+        data = msg.get("data", None)
+        current_scan_id = metadata.get("scan_id", None)
+
+        if current_scan_id != self.scan_id:
+            self.scan_id = current_scan_id
+            self.clear_curves()
+            self.curves.clear()
+            if self.crosshair:
+                self.crosshair.clear_markers()
+
+        # Always create a new curve and add it
+        curve = pg.PlotDataItem()
+        curve.setData(data)
+        self.plot_item.addItem(curve)
+        self.curves.append(curve)
+
+        # Max Trace and scale colors
+        self.set_curve_limit(self.config.curve_limit, self.config.flush_buffer)
+
+        self.monitor_signal_updated.emit()
+
+    @Slot(int)
+    def set_curve_highlight(self, index: int):
+        """
+        Set the curve highlight based on visible curves.
+
+        Args:
+            index (int): The index of the curve to highlight among visible curves.
+        """
+        self.plot_item.visible_curves = [curve for curve in self.curves if curve.isVisible()]
+        num_visible_curves = len(self.plot_item.visible_curves)
+        self.number_of_visible_curves = num_visible_curves
+
+        if num_visible_curves == 0:
+            return  # No curves to highlight
+
+        if index >= num_visible_curves:
+            index = num_visible_curves - 1
+        elif index < 0:
+            index = num_visible_curves + index
+        self.current_highlight_index = index
+        num_colors = num_visible_curves
+        colors = Colors.evenly_spaced_colors(
+            colormap=self.config.color_palette, num=num_colors, format="HEX"
+        )
+        for i, curve in enumerate(self.plot_item.visible_curves):
+            curve.setPen()
+            if i == self.current_highlight_index:
+                curve.setPen(pg.mkPen(color=colors[i], width=5))
+                curve.setAlpha(alpha=1, auto=False)
+                curve.setZValue(1)
+            else:
+                curve.setPen(pg.mkPen(color=colors[i], width=1))
+                curve.setAlpha(alpha=self.config.opacity / 100, auto=False)
+                curve.setZValue(0)
+
+        self.highlighted_curve_index_changed.emit(self.current_highlight_index)
+
+    @Slot(int)
+    def set_opacity(self, opacity: int):
+        """
+        Set the opacity of the curve on the plot.
+
+        Args:
+            opacity(int): The opacity of the curve. 0-100.
+        """
+        self.config.opacity = max(0, min(100, opacity))
+        self.set_curve_highlight(self.current_highlight_index)
+
+    @Slot(int, bool)
+    def set_curve_limit(self, max_trace: int, flush_buffer: bool = False):
+        """
+        Set the maximum number of traces to display on the plot.
+
+        Args:
+            max_trace (int): The maximum number of traces to display.
+            flush_buffer (bool): Flush the buffer.
+        """
+        self.config.curve_limit = max_trace
+        self.config.flush_buffer = flush_buffer
+
+        if self.config.curve_limit is None:
+            self.scale_colors()
+            return
+
+        if self.config.flush_buffer:
+            # Remove excess curves from the plot and the deque
+            while len(self.curves) > self.config.curve_limit:
+                curve = self.curves.popleft()
+                self.plot_item.removeItem(curve)
+        else:
+            # Hide or show curves based on the new max_trace
+            num_curves_to_show = min(self.config.curve_limit, len(self.curves))
+            for i, curve in enumerate(self.curves):
+                if i < len(self.curves) - num_curves_to_show:
+                    curve.hide()
+                else:
+                    curve.show()
+        self.scale_colors()
+
+    def scale_colors(self):
+        """
+        Scale the colors of the curves based on the current colormap.
+        """
+        if self.config.highlight_last_curve:
+            self.set_curve_highlight(-1)  # Use -1 to highlight the last visible curve
+        else:
+            self.set_curve_highlight(self.current_highlight_index)
+
+    def set_colormap(self, colormap: str):
+        """
+        Set the colormap for the curves.
+
+        Args:
+            colormap(str): Colormap for the curves.
+        """
+        self.config.color_palette = colormap
+        self.set_curve_highlight(self.current_highlight_index)
+
+    def hook_crosshair(self) -> None:
+        super().hook_crosshair()
+        if self.crosshair:
+            self.highlighted_curve_index_changed.connect(self.crosshair.update_highlighted_curve)
+            if self.curves:
+                self.crosshair.update_highlighted_curve(self.current_highlight_index)
+
+    def get_all_data(self, output: Literal["dict", "pandas"] = "dict") -> dict:
+        """
+        Extract all curve data into a dictionary or a pandas DataFrame.
+
+        Args:
+            output (Literal["dict", "pandas"]): Format of the output data.
+
+        Returns:
+            dict | pd.DataFrame: Data of all curves in the specified format.
+        """
+        data = {}
+        try:
+            import pandas as pd
+        except ImportError:
+            pd = None
+            if output == "pandas":
+                logger.warning(
+                    "Pandas is not installed. "
+                    "Please install pandas using 'pip install pandas'."
+                    "Output will be dictionary instead."
+                )
+                output = "dict"
+
+        curve_keys = []
+        curves_list = list(self.curves)
+        for i, curve in enumerate(curves_list):
+            x_data, y_data = curve.getData()
+            if x_data is not None or y_data is not None:
+                key = f"curve_{i}"
+                curve_keys.append(key)
+                if output == "dict":
+                    data[key] = {"x": x_data.tolist(), "y": y_data.tolist()}
+                elif output == "pandas" and pd is not None:
+                    data[key] = pd.DataFrame({"x": x_data, "y": y_data})
+
+        if output == "pandas" and pd is not None:
+            combined_data = pd.concat([data[key] for key in curve_keys], axis=1, keys=curve_keys)
+            return combined_data
+        return data
+
+    def clear_curves(self):
+        """
+        Remove all curves from the plot, excluding crosshair items.
+        """
+        items_to_remove = []
+        for item in self.plot_item.items:
+            if not getattr(item, "is_crosshair", False) and isinstance(item, pg.PlotDataItem):
+                items_to_remove.append(item)
+        for item in items_to_remove:
+            self.plot_item.removeItem(item)
+
+    def export_to_matplotlib(self):
+        """
+        Export current waveform to matplotlib GUI. Available only if matplotlib is installed in the environment.
+        """
+        MatplotlibExporter(self.plot_item).export()

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/figure/plots/plot_base.py

@@ -98,10 +98,11 @@ class BECPlotBase(BECConnector, pg.GraphicsLayout):
         config: Optional[SubplotConfig] = None,
         client=None,
         gui_id: Optional[str] = None,
+        **kwargs,
     ):
         if config is None:
             config = SubplotConfig(widget_class=self.__class__.__name__)
-        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id)
+        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
         pg.GraphicsLayout.__init__(self, parent)
 
         self.figure = parent_figure

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/figure/plots/waveform/waveform.py

@@ -19,8 +19,8 @@ from bec_widgets.qt_utils.error_popups import SafeSlot as Slot
 from bec_widgets.utils import Colors, EntryValidator
 from bec_widgets.utils.colors import get_accent_colors
 from bec_widgets.utils.linear_region_selector import LinearRegionWrapper
-from bec_widgets.widgets.figure.plots.plot_base import BECPlotBase, SubplotConfig
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.figure.plots.plot_base import BECPlotBase, SubplotConfig
-from bec_widgets.widgets.figure.plots.waveform.waveform_curve import (
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.figure.plots.waveform.waveform_curve import (
     BECCurve,
     CurveConfig,
     Signal,
@@ -99,11 +99,17 @@ class BECWaveform(BECPlotBase):
         config: Optional[Waveform1DConfig] = None,
         client=None,
         gui_id: Optional[str] = None,
+        **kwargs,
     ):
         if config is None:
             config = Waveform1DConfig(widget_class=self.__class__.__name__)
         super().__init__(
-            parent=parent, parent_figure=parent_figure, config=config, client=client, gui_id=gui_id
+            parent=parent,
+            parent_figure=parent_figure,
+            config=config,
+            client=client,
+            gui_id=gui_id,
+            **kwargs,
         )
 
         self._curves_data = defaultdict(dict)
@@ -120,6 +126,8 @@ class BECWaveform(BECPlotBase):
             "label_suffix": "",
         }
 
+        self._slice_index = None
+
         # Scan segment update proxy
         self.proxy_update_plot = pg.SignalProxy(
             self.scan_signal_update, rateLimit=25, slot=self._update_scan_curves
@@ -1242,16 +1250,24 @@ class BECWaveform(BECPlotBase):
             msg(dict): Message with the async data.
             metadata(dict): Metadata of the message.
         """
-        instruction = metadata.get("async_update")
+        y_data = None
-        for curve in self._curves_data["async"].values():
+        x_data = None
-            y_name = curve.config.signals.y.name
+        instruction = metadata.get("async_update", {}).get("type")
+        max_shape = metadata.get("async_update", {}).get("max_shape", [])
+        all_async_curves = self._curves_data["async"].values()
+        # for curve in self._curves_data["async"].values():
+        for curve in all_async_curves:
             y_entry = curve.config.signals.y.entry
             x_name = self._x_axis_mode["name"]
             for device, async_data in msg["signals"].items():
                 if device == y_entry:
                     data_plot = async_data["value"]
-                    if instruction == "extend":
+                    if instruction == "add":
-                        x_data, y_data = curve.get_data()
+                        if len(max_shape) > 1:
+                            if len(data_plot.shape) > 1:
+                                data_plot = data_plot[-1, :]
+                        else:
+                            x_data, y_data = curve.get_data()
                         if y_data is not None:
                             new_data = np.hstack((y_data, data_plot))
                         else:
@@ -1264,6 +1280,18 @@ class BECWaveform(BECPlotBase):
                             curve.setData(x_data, new_data)
                         else:
                             curve.setData(new_data)
+                    elif instruction == "add_slice":
+                        current_slice_id = metadata.get("async_update", {}).get("index")
+                        data_plot = async_data["value"]
+                        if current_slice_id != self._slice_index:
+                            self._slice_index = current_slice_id
+                            new_data = data_plot
+                        else:
+                            x_data, y_data = curve.get_data()
+                            new_data = np.hstack((y_data, data_plot))
+
+                        curve.setData(new_data)
+
                     elif instruction == "replace":
                         if x_name == "timestamp":
                             x_data = async_data["timestamp"]
@@ -1512,6 +1540,10 @@ class BECWaveform(BECPlotBase):
         for curve_id in curve_ids_to_remove:
             self.remove_curve(curve_id)
 
+    def reset(self):
+        self._slice_index = None
+        super().reset()
+
     def clear_all(self):
         sources = list(self._curves_data.keys())
         for source in sources:

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/figure/plots/waveform/waveform_curve.py

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
-from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Any, Literal, Optional
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Literal, Optional
 
 import numpy as np
 import pyqtgraph as pg
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ from qtpy import QtCore
 from bec_widgets.utils import BECConnector, Colors, ConnectionConfig
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:
-    from bec_widgets.widgets.figure.plots.waveform import BECWaveform1D
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.figure.plots.waveform import BECWaveform1D
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 
@@ -97,7 +97,7 @@ class BECCurve(BECConnector, pg.PlotDataItem):
         else:
             self.config = config
             # config.widget_class = self.__class__.__name__
-        super().__init__(config=config, gui_id=gui_id)
+        super().__init__(config=config, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
         pg.PlotDataItem.__init__(self, name=name)
 
         self.parent_item = parent_item

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/layout_manager/layout_manager.py

@@ -0,0 +1,882 @@
+import math
+import sys
+from typing import Dict, Literal, Optional, Set, Tuple, Union
+
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
+    QApplication,
+    QComboBox,
+    QGridLayout,
+    QGroupBox,
+    QHBoxLayout,
+    QLabel,
+    QLineEdit,
+    QMainWindow,
+    QMessageBox,
+    QPushButton,
+    QSpinBox,
+    QSplitter,
+    QVBoxLayout,
+    QWidget,
+)
+from typeguard import typechecked
+
+from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_widget_handler import widget_handler
+
+
+class LayoutManagerWidget(QWidget):
+    """
+    A robust layout manager that extends QGridLayout functionality, allowing
+    users to add/remove widgets, access widgets by coordinates, shift widgets,
+    and change the layout dynamically with automatic reindexing to keep the grid compact.
+
+    Supports adding widgets via QWidget instances or string identifiers referencing the widget handler.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None, auto_reindex=True):
+        super().__init__(parent)
+        self.setObjectName("LayoutManagerWidget")
+        self.layout = QGridLayout(self)
+        self.auto_reindex = auto_reindex
+
+        # Mapping from widget to its position (row, col, rowspan, colspan)
+        self.widget_positions: Dict[QWidget, Tuple[int, int, int, int]] = {}
+
+        # Mapping from (row, col) to widget
+        self.position_widgets: Dict[Tuple[int, int], QWidget] = {}
+
+        # Keep track of the current position for automatic placement
+        self.current_row = 0
+        self.current_col = 0
+
+    def add_widget(
+        self,
+        widget: QWidget | str,
+        row: int | None = None,
+        col: Optional[int] = None,
+        rowspan: int = 1,
+        colspan: int = 1,
+        shift_existing: bool = True,
+        shift_direction: Literal["down", "up", "left", "right"] = "right",
+    ) -> QWidget:
+        """
+        Add a widget to the grid with enhanced shifting capabilities.
+
+        Args:
+            widget (QWidget | str): The widget to add. If str, it is used to create a widget via widget_handler.
+            row (int, optional): The row to add the widget to. If None, the next available row is used.
+            col (int, optional): The column to add the widget to. If None, the next available column is used.
+            rowspan (int): Number of rows the widget spans. Default is 1.
+            colspan (int): Number of columns the widget spans. Default is 1.
+            shift_existing (bool): Whether to shift existing widgets if the target position is occupied. Default is True.
+            shift_direction (Literal["down", "up", "left", "right"]): Direction to shift existing widgets. Default is "right".
+
+        Returns:
+            QWidget: The widget that was added.
+        """
+        # Handle widget creation if a BECWidget string identifier is provided
+        if isinstance(widget, str):
+            widget = widget_handler.create_widget(widget)
+
+        if row is None:
+            row = self.current_row
+        if col is None:
+            col = self.current_col
+
+        if (row, col) in self.position_widgets:
+            if shift_existing:
+                # Attempt to shift the existing widget in the specified direction
+                self.shift_widgets(direction=shift_direction, start_row=row, start_col=col)
+            else:
+                raise ValueError(f"Position ({row}, {col}) is already occupied.")
+
+            # Add the widget to the layout
+        self.layout.addWidget(widget, row, col, rowspan, colspan)
+        self.widget_positions[widget] = (row, col, rowspan, colspan)
+        self.position_widgets[(row, col)] = widget
+
+        # Update current position for automatic placement
+        self.current_col = col + colspan
+        self.current_row = max(self.current_row, row)
+
+        if self.auto_reindex:
+            self.reindex_grid()
+
+        return widget
+
+    def add_widget_relative(
+        self,
+        widget: QWidget | str,
+        reference_widget: QWidget,
+        position: Literal["left", "right", "top", "bottom"],
+        rowspan: int = 1,
+        colspan: int = 1,
+        shift_existing: bool = True,
+        shift_direction: Literal["down", "up", "left", "right"] = "right",
+    ) -> QWidget:
+        """
+        Add a widget relative to an existing widget.
+
+        Args:
+            widget (QWidget | str): The widget to add. If str, it is used to create a widget via widget_handler.
+            reference_widget (QWidget): The widget relative to which the new widget will be placed.
+            position (Literal["left", "right", "top", "bottom"]): Position relative to the reference widget.
+            rowspan (int): Number of rows the widget spans. Default is 1.
+            colspan (int): Number of columns the widget spans. Default is 1.
+            shift_existing (bool): Whether to shift existing widgets if the target position is occupied.
+            shift_direction (Literal["down", "up", "left", "right"]): Direction to shift existing widgets.
+
+        Returns:
+            QWidget: The widget that was added.
+
+        Raises:
+            ValueError: If the reference widget is not found.
+        """
+        if reference_widget not in self.widget_positions:
+            raise ValueError("Reference widget not found in layout.")
+
+        ref_row, ref_col, ref_rowspan, ref_colspan = self.widget_positions[reference_widget]
+
+        # Determine new widget position based on the specified relative position
+        if position == "left":
+            new_row = ref_row
+            new_col = ref_col - 1
+        elif position == "right":
+            new_row = ref_row
+            new_col = ref_col + ref_colspan
+        elif position == "top":
+            new_row = ref_row - 1
+            new_col = ref_col
+        elif position == "bottom":
+            new_row = ref_row + ref_rowspan
+            new_col = ref_col
+        else:
+            raise ValueError("Invalid position. Choose from 'left', 'right', 'top', 'bottom'.")
+
+        # Add the widget at the calculated position
+        return self.add_widget(
+            widget=widget,
+            row=new_row,
+            col=new_col,
+            rowspan=rowspan,
+            colspan=colspan,
+            shift_existing=shift_existing,
+            shift_direction=shift_direction,
+        )
+
+    def move_widget_by_coords(
+        self,
+        current_row: int,
+        current_col: int,
+        new_row: int,
+        new_col: int,
+        shift: bool = True,
+        shift_direction: Literal["down", "up", "left", "right"] = "right",
+    ) -> None:
+        """
+        Move a widget from (current_row, current_col) to (new_row, new_col).
+
+        Args:
+            current_row (int): Current row of the widget.
+            current_col (int): Current column of the widget.
+            new_row (int): Target row.
+            new_col (int): Target column.
+            shift (bool): Whether to shift existing widgets if the target position is occupied.
+            shift_direction (Literal["down", "up", "left", "right"]): Direction to shift existing widgets.
+
+        Raises:
+            ValueError: If the widget is not found or target position is invalid.
+        """
+        self.move_widget(
+            old_row=current_row,
+            old_col=current_col,
+            new_row=new_row,
+            new_col=new_col,
+            shift=shift,
+            shift_direction=shift_direction,
+        )
+
+    @typechecked
+    def move_widget_by_object(
+        self,
+        widget: QWidget,
+        new_row: int,
+        new_col: int,
+        shift: bool = True,
+        shift_direction: Literal["down", "up", "left", "right"] = "right",
+    ) -> None:
+        """
+        Move a widget to a new position using the widget object.
+
+        Args:
+            widget (QWidget): The widget to move.
+            new_row (int): Target row.
+            new_col (int): Target column.
+            shift (bool): Whether to shift existing widgets if the target position is occupied.
+            shift_direction (Literal["down", "up", "left", "right"]): Direction to shift existing widgets.
+
+        Raises:
+            ValueError: If the widget is not found or target position is invalid.
+        """
+        if widget not in self.widget_positions:
+            raise ValueError("Widget not found in layout.")
+
+        old_position = self.widget_positions[widget]
+        old_row, old_col = old_position[0], old_position[1]
+
+        self.move_widget(
+            old_row=old_row,
+            old_col=old_col,
+            new_row=new_row,
+            new_col=new_col,
+            shift=shift,
+            shift_direction=shift_direction,
+        )
+
+    @typechecked
+    def move_widget(
+        self,
+        old_row: int | None = None,
+        old_col: int | None = None,
+        new_row: int | None = None,
+        new_col: int | None = None,
+        shift: bool = True,
+        shift_direction: Literal["down", "up", "left", "right"] = "right",
+    ) -> None:
+        """
+        Move a widget to a new position. If the new position is occupied and shift is True,
+        shift the existing widget to the specified direction.
+
+        Args:
+            old_row (int, optional): The current row of the widget.
+            old_col (int, optional): The current column of the widget.
+            new_row (int, optional): The target row to move the widget to.
+            new_col (int, optional): The target column to move the widget to.
+            shift (bool): Whether to shift existing widgets if the target position is occupied.
+            shift_direction (Literal["down", "up", "left", "right"]): Direction to shift existing widgets.
+
+        Raises:
+            ValueError: If the widget is not found or target position is invalid.
+        """
+        if new_row is None or new_col is None:
+            raise ValueError("Must provide both new_row and new_col to move a widget.")
+
+        if old_row is None and old_col is None:
+            raise ValueError(f"No widget found at position ({old_row}, {old_col}).")
+        widget = self.get_widget(old_row, old_col)
+
+        if (new_row, new_col) in self.position_widgets:
+            if not shift:
+                raise ValueError(f"Position ({new_row}, {new_col}) is already occupied.")
+            # Shift the existing widget to make space
+            self.shift_widgets(
+                direction=shift_direction,
+                start_row=new_row if shift_direction in ["down", "up"] else 0,
+                start_col=new_col if shift_direction in ["left", "right"] else 0,
+            )
+
+        # Proceed to move the widget
+        self.layout.removeWidget(widget)
+        old_position = self.widget_positions.pop(widget)
+        self.position_widgets.pop((old_position[0], old_position[1]))
+
+        self.layout.addWidget(widget, new_row, new_col, old_position[2], old_position[3])
+        self.widget_positions[widget] = (new_row, new_col, old_position[2], old_position[3])
+        self.position_widgets[(new_row, new_col)] = widget
+
+        # Update current_row and current_col for automatic placement if needed
+        self.current_row = max(self.current_row, new_row)
+        self.current_col = max(self.current_col, new_col + old_position[3])
+
+        if self.auto_reindex:
+            self.reindex_grid()
+
+    @typechecked
+    def shift_widgets(
+        self,
+        direction: Literal["down", "up", "left", "right"],
+        start_row: int = 0,
+        start_col: int = 0,
+    ) -> None:
+        """
+        Shift widgets in the grid in the specified direction starting from the given position.
+
+        Args:
+            direction (Literal["down", "up", "left", "right"]): Direction to shift widgets.
+            start_row (int): Starting row index.
+            start_col (int): Starting column index.
+
+        Raises:
+            ValueError: If shifting causes widgets to go out of grid boundaries.
+        """
+        shifts = []
+        positions_to_shift = [(start_row, start_col)]
+        visited_positions = set()
+
+        while positions_to_shift:
+            row, col = positions_to_shift.pop(0)
+            if (row, col) in visited_positions:
+                continue
+            visited_positions.add((row, col))
+
+            widget = self.position_widgets.get((row, col))
+            if widget is None:
+                continue  # No widget at this position
+
+            # Compute new position based on the direction
+            if direction == "down":
+                new_row = row + 1
+                new_col = col
+            elif direction == "up":
+                new_row = row - 1
+                new_col = col
+            elif direction == "right":
+                new_row = row
+                new_col = col + 1
+            elif direction == "left":
+                new_row = row
+                new_col = col - 1
+
+            # Check for negative indices
+            if new_row < 0 or new_col < 0:
+                raise ValueError("Shifting widgets out of grid boundaries.")
+
+            # If the new position is occupied, add it to the positions to shift
+            if (new_row, new_col) in self.position_widgets:
+                positions_to_shift.append((new_row, new_col))
+
+            shifts.append(
+                (widget, (row, col), (new_row, new_col), self.widget_positions[widget][2:])
+            )
+
+        # Remove all widgets from their old positions
+        for widget, (old_row, old_col), _, _ in shifts:
+            self.layout.removeWidget(widget)
+            self.position_widgets.pop((old_row, old_col))
+
+        # Add widgets to their new positions
+        for widget, _, (new_row, new_col), (rowspan, colspan) in shifts:
+            self.layout.addWidget(widget, new_row, new_col, rowspan, colspan)
+            self.widget_positions[widget] = (new_row, new_col, rowspan, colspan)
+            self.position_widgets[(new_row, new_col)] = widget
+
+            # Update current_row and current_col if needed
+            self.current_row = max(self.current_row, new_row)
+            self.current_col = max(self.current_col, new_col + colspan)
+
+    def shift_all_widgets(self, direction: Literal["down", "up", "left", "right"]) -> None:
+        """
+        Shift all widgets in the grid in the specified direction to make room and prevent negative indices.
+
+        Args:
+            direction (Literal["down", "up", "left", "right"]): Direction to shift all widgets.
+        """
+        # First, collect all the shifts to perform
+        shifts = []
+        for widget, (row, col, rowspan, colspan) in self.widget_positions.items():
+
+            if direction == "down":
+                new_row = row + 1
+                new_col = col
+            elif direction == "up":
+                new_row = row - 1
+                new_col = col
+            elif direction == "right":
+                new_row = row
+                new_col = col + 1
+            elif direction == "left":
+                new_row = row
+                new_col = col - 1
+
+            # Check for negative indices
+            if new_row < 0 or new_col < 0:
+                raise ValueError("Shifting widgets out of grid boundaries.")
+
+            shifts.append((widget, (row, col), (new_row, new_col), (rowspan, colspan)))
+
+        # Now perform the shifts
+        for widget, (old_row, old_col), (new_row, new_col), (rowspan, colspan) in shifts:
+            self.layout.removeWidget(widget)
+            self.position_widgets.pop((old_row, old_col))
+
+        for widget, (old_row, old_col), (new_row, new_col), (rowspan, colspan) in shifts:
+            self.layout.addWidget(widget, new_row, new_col, rowspan, colspan)
+            self.widget_positions[widget] = (new_row, new_col, rowspan, colspan)
+            self.position_widgets[(new_row, new_col)] = widget
+
+        # Update current_row and current_col based on new widget positions
+        self.current_row = max((pos[0] for pos in self.position_widgets.keys()), default=0)
+        self.current_col = max((pos[1] for pos in self.position_widgets.keys()), default=0)
+
+    def remove(
+        self,
+        row: int | None = None,
+        col: int | None = None,
+        coordinates: Tuple[int, int] | None = None,
+    ) -> None:
+        """
+        Remove a widget from the layout. Can be removed by widget ID or by coordinates.
+
+        Args:
+            row (int, optional): The row coordinate of the widget to remove.
+            col (int, optional): The column coordinate of the widget to remove.
+            coordinates (tuple[int, int], optional): The (row, col) coordinates of the widget to remove.
+
+        Raises:
+            ValueError: If the widget to remove is not found.
+        """
+        if coordinates:
+            row, col = coordinates
+            widget = self.get_widget(row, col)
+            if widget is None:
+                raise ValueError(f"No widget found at coordinates {coordinates}.")
+        elif row is not None and col is not None:
+            widget = self.get_widget(row, col)
+            if widget is None:
+                raise ValueError(f"No widget found at position ({row}, {col}).")
+        else:
+            raise ValueError(
+                "Must provide either widget_id, coordinates, or both row and col for removal."
+            )
+
+        self.remove_widget(widget)
+
+    def remove_widget(self, widget: QWidget) -> None:
+        """
+        Remove a widget from the grid and reindex the grid to keep it compact.
+
+        Args:
+            widget (QWidget): The widget to remove.
+
+        Raises:
+            ValueError: If the widget is not found in the layout.
+        """
+        if widget not in self.widget_positions:
+            raise ValueError("Widget not found in layout.")
+
+        position = self.widget_positions.pop(widget)
+        self.position_widgets.pop((position[0], position[1]))
+        self.layout.removeWidget(widget)
+        widget.setParent(None)  # Remove widget from the parent
+        widget.deleteLater()
+
+        # Reindex the grid to maintain compactness
+        if self.auto_reindex:
+            self.reindex_grid()
+
+    def get_widget(self, row: int, col: int) -> QWidget | None:
+        """
+        Get the widget at the specified position.
+
+        Args:
+            row (int): The row coordinate.
+            col (int): The column coordinate.
+
+        Returns:
+            QWidget | None: The widget at the specified position, or None if empty.
+        """
+        return self.position_widgets.get((row, col))
+
+    def get_widget_position(self, widget: QWidget) -> Tuple[int, int, int, int] | None:
+        """
+        Get the position of the specified widget.
+
+        Args:
+            widget (QWidget): The widget to query.
+
+        Returns:
+            Tuple[int, int, int, int] | None: The (row, col, rowspan, colspan) tuple, or None if not found.
+        """
+        return self.widget_positions.get(widget)
+
+    def change_layout(self, num_rows: int | None = None, num_cols: int | None = None) -> None:
+        """
+        Change the layout to have a certain number of rows and/or columns,
+        rearranging the widgets accordingly.
+
+        If only one of num_rows or num_cols is provided, the other is calculated automatically
+        based on the number of widgets and the provided constraint.
+
+        If both are provided, num_rows is calculated based on num_cols.
+
+        Args:
+            num_rows (int | None): The new maximum number of rows.
+            num_cols (int | None): The new maximum number of columns.
+        """
+        if num_rows is None and num_cols is None:
+            return  # Nothing to change
+
+        total_widgets = len(self.widget_positions)
+
+        if num_cols is not None:
+            # Calculate num_rows based on num_cols
+            num_rows = math.ceil(total_widgets / num_cols)
+        elif num_rows is not None:
+            # Calculate num_cols based on num_rows
+            num_cols = math.ceil(total_widgets / num_rows)
+
+        # Sort widgets by current position (row-major order)
+        widgets_sorted = sorted(
+            self.widget_positions.items(),
+            key=lambda item: (item[1][0], item[1][1]),  # Sort by row, then column
+        )
+
+        # Clear the layout without deleting widgets
+        for widget, _ in widgets_sorted:
+            self.layout.removeWidget(widget)
+
+        # Reset position mappings
+        self.widget_positions.clear()
+        self.position_widgets.clear()
+
+        # Re-add widgets based on new layout constraints
+        current_row, current_col = 0, 0
+        for widget, _ in widgets_sorted:
+            if current_col >= num_cols:
+                current_col = 0
+                current_row += 1
+            self.layout.addWidget(widget, current_row, current_col, 1, 1)
+            self.widget_positions[widget] = (current_row, current_col, 1, 1)
+            self.position_widgets[(current_row, current_col)] = widget
+            current_col += 1
+
+        # Update current_row and current_col for automatic placement
+        self.current_row = current_row
+        self.current_col = current_col
+
+        # Reindex the grid to ensure compactness
+        self.reindex_grid()
+
+    def clear_layout(self) -> None:
+        """
+        Remove all widgets from the layout without deleting them.
+        """
+        for widget in list(self.widget_positions):
+            self.layout.removeWidget(widget)
+            self.position_widgets.pop(
+                (self.widget_positions[widget][0], self.widget_positions[widget][1])
+            )
+            self.widget_positions.pop(widget)
+            widget.setParent(None)  # Optionally hide/remove the widget
+
+        self.current_row = 0
+        self.current_col = 0
+
+    def reindex_grid(self) -> None:
+        """
+        Reindex the grid to remove empty rows and columns, ensuring that
+        widget coordinates are contiguous and start from (0, 0).
+        """
+        # Step 1: Collect all occupied positions
+        occupied_positions = sorted(self.position_widgets.keys())
+
+        if not occupied_positions:
+            # No widgets to reindex
+            self.clear_layout()
+            return
+
+        # Step 2: Determine the new mapping by eliminating empty columns and rows
+        # Find unique rows and columns
+        unique_rows = sorted(set(pos[0] for pos in occupied_positions))
+        unique_cols = sorted(set(pos[1] for pos in occupied_positions))
+
+        # Create mappings from old to new indices
+        row_mapping = {old_row: new_row for new_row, old_row in enumerate(unique_rows)}
+        col_mapping = {old_col: new_col for new_col, old_col in enumerate(unique_cols)}
+
+        # Step 3: Collect widgets with their new positions
+        widgets_with_new_positions = []
+        for widget, (row, col, rowspan, colspan) in self.widget_positions.items():
+            new_row = row_mapping[row]
+            new_col = col_mapping[col]
+            widgets_with_new_positions.append((widget, new_row, new_col, rowspan, colspan))
+
+        # Step 4: Clear the layout and reset mappings
+        self.clear_layout()
+
+        # Reset current_row and current_col
+        self.current_row = 0
+        self.current_col = 0
+
+        # Step 5: Re-add widgets with new positions
+        for widget, new_row, new_col, rowspan, colspan in widgets_with_new_positions:
+            self.layout.addWidget(widget, new_row, new_col, rowspan, colspan)
+            self.widget_positions[widget] = (new_row, new_col, rowspan, colspan)
+            self.position_widgets[(new_row, new_col)] = widget
+
+            # Update current position for automatic placement
+            self.current_col = max(self.current_col, new_col + colspan)
+            self.current_row = max(self.current_row, new_row)
+
+    def get_widgets_positions(self) -> Dict[QWidget, Tuple[int, int, int, int]]:
+        """
+        Get the positions of all widgets in the layout.
+
+        Returns:
+            Dict[QWidget, Tuple[int, int, int, int]]: Mapping of widgets to their (row, col, rowspan, colspan).
+        """
+        return self.widget_positions.copy()
+
+    def print_all_button_text(self):
+        """Debug function to print the text of all QPushButton widgets."""
+        print("Coordinates - Button Text")
+        for coord, widget in self.position_widgets.items():
+            if isinstance(widget, QPushButton):
+                print(f"{coord} - {widget.text()}")
+
+
+####################################################################################################
+# The following code is for the GUI control panel to interact with the LayoutManagerWidget.
+# It is not covered by any tests as it serves only as an example for the LayoutManagerWidget class.
+####################################################################################################
+
+
+class ControlPanel(QWidget):  # pragma: no cover
+    def __init__(self, layout_manager: LayoutManagerWidget):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.layout_manager = layout_manager
+        self.init_ui()
+
+    def init_ui(self):
+        main_layout = QVBoxLayout()
+
+        # Add Widget by Coordinates
+        add_coord_group = QGroupBox("Add Widget by Coordinates")
+        add_coord_layout = QGridLayout()
+
+        add_coord_layout.addWidget(QLabel("Text:"), 0, 0)
+        self.text_input = QLineEdit()
+        add_coord_layout.addWidget(self.text_input, 0, 1)
+
+        add_coord_layout.addWidget(QLabel("Row:"), 1, 0)
+        self.row_input = QSpinBox()
+        self.row_input.setMinimum(0)
+        add_coord_layout.addWidget(self.row_input, 1, 1)
+
+        add_coord_layout.addWidget(QLabel("Column:"), 2, 0)
+        self.col_input = QSpinBox()
+        self.col_input.setMinimum(0)
+        add_coord_layout.addWidget(self.col_input, 2, 1)
+
+        self.add_button = QPushButton("Add at Coordinates")
+        self.add_button.clicked.connect(self.add_at_coordinates)
+        add_coord_layout.addWidget(self.add_button, 3, 0, 1, 2)
+
+        add_coord_group.setLayout(add_coord_layout)
+        main_layout.addWidget(add_coord_group)
+
+        # Add Widget Relative
+        add_rel_group = QGroupBox("Add Widget Relative to Existing")
+        add_rel_layout = QGridLayout()
+
+        add_rel_layout.addWidget(QLabel("Text:"), 0, 0)
+        self.rel_text_input = QLineEdit()
+        add_rel_layout.addWidget(self.rel_text_input, 0, 1)
+
+        add_rel_layout.addWidget(QLabel("Reference Widget:"), 1, 0)
+        self.ref_widget_combo = QComboBox()
+        add_rel_layout.addWidget(self.ref_widget_combo, 1, 1)
+
+        add_rel_layout.addWidget(QLabel("Position:"), 2, 0)
+        self.position_combo = QComboBox()
+        self.position_combo.addItems(["left", "right", "top", "bottom"])
+        add_rel_layout.addWidget(self.position_combo, 2, 1)
+
+        self.add_rel_button = QPushButton("Add Relative")
+        self.add_rel_button.clicked.connect(self.add_relative)
+        add_rel_layout.addWidget(self.add_rel_button, 3, 0, 1, 2)
+
+        add_rel_group.setLayout(add_rel_layout)
+        main_layout.addWidget(add_rel_group)
+
+        # Remove Widget
+        remove_group = QGroupBox("Remove Widget")
+        remove_layout = QGridLayout()
+
+        remove_layout.addWidget(QLabel("Row:"), 0, 0)
+        self.remove_row_input = QSpinBox()
+        self.remove_row_input.setMinimum(0)
+        remove_layout.addWidget(self.remove_row_input, 0, 1)
+
+        remove_layout.addWidget(QLabel("Column:"), 1, 0)
+        self.remove_col_input = QSpinBox()
+        self.remove_col_input.setMinimum(0)
+        remove_layout.addWidget(self.remove_col_input, 1, 1)
+
+        self.remove_button = QPushButton("Remove at Coordinates")
+        self.remove_button.clicked.connect(self.remove_widget)
+        remove_layout.addWidget(self.remove_button, 2, 0, 1, 2)
+
+        remove_group.setLayout(remove_layout)
+        main_layout.addWidget(remove_group)
+
+        # Change Layout
+        change_layout_group = QGroupBox("Change Layout")
+        change_layout_layout = QGridLayout()
+
+        change_layout_layout.addWidget(QLabel("Number of Rows:"), 0, 0)
+        self.change_rows_input = QSpinBox()
+        self.change_rows_input.setMinimum(1)
+        self.change_rows_input.setValue(1)  # Default value
+        change_layout_layout.addWidget(self.change_rows_input, 0, 1)
+
+        change_layout_layout.addWidget(QLabel("Number of Columns:"), 1, 0)
+        self.change_cols_input = QSpinBox()
+        self.change_cols_input.setMinimum(1)
+        self.change_cols_input.setValue(1)  # Default value
+        change_layout_layout.addWidget(self.change_cols_input, 1, 1)
+
+        self.change_layout_button = QPushButton("Apply Layout Change")
+        self.change_layout_button.clicked.connect(self.change_layout)
+        change_layout_layout.addWidget(self.change_layout_button, 2, 0, 1, 2)
+
+        change_layout_group.setLayout(change_layout_layout)
+        main_layout.addWidget(change_layout_group)
+
+        # Remove All Widgets
+        self.clear_all_button = QPushButton("Clear All Widgets")
+        self.clear_all_button.clicked.connect(self.clear_all_widgets)
+        main_layout.addWidget(self.clear_all_button)
+
+        # Refresh Reference Widgets and Print Button
+        self.refresh_button = QPushButton("Refresh Reference Widgets")
+        self.refresh_button.clicked.connect(self.refresh_references)
+        self.print_button = QPushButton("Print All Button Text")
+        self.print_button.clicked.connect(self.layout_manager.print_all_button_text)
+        main_layout.addWidget(self.refresh_button)
+        main_layout.addWidget(self.print_button)
+
+        main_layout.addStretch()
+        self.setLayout(main_layout)
+        self.refresh_references()
+
+    def refresh_references(self):
+        self.ref_widget_combo.clear()
+        widgets = self.layout_manager.get_widgets_positions()
+        for widget in widgets:
+            if isinstance(widget, QPushButton):
+                self.ref_widget_combo.addItem(widget.text(), widget)
+
+    def add_at_coordinates(self):
+        text = self.text_input.text()
+        row = self.row_input.value()
+        col = self.col_input.value()
+
+        if not text:
+            QMessageBox.warning(self, "Input Error", "Please enter text for the button.")
+            return
+
+        button = QPushButton(text)
+        try:
+            self.layout_manager.add_widget(widget=button, row=row, col=col)
+            self.refresh_references()
+        except Exception as e:
+            QMessageBox.critical(self, "Error", str(e))
+
+    def add_relative(self):
+        text = self.rel_text_input.text()
+        ref_index = self.ref_widget_combo.currentIndex()
+        ref_widget = self.ref_widget_combo.itemData(ref_index)
+        position = self.position_combo.currentText()
+
+        if not text:
+            QMessageBox.warning(self, "Input Error", "Please enter text for the button.")
+            return
+
+        if ref_widget is None:
+            QMessageBox.warning(self, "Input Error", "Please select a reference widget.")
+            return
+
+        button = QPushButton(text)
+        try:
+            self.layout_manager.add_widget_relative(
+                widget=button, reference_widget=ref_widget, position=position
+            )
+            self.refresh_references()
+        except Exception as e:
+            QMessageBox.critical(self, "Error", str(e))
+
+    def remove_widget(self):
+        row = self.remove_row_input.value()
+        col = self.remove_col_input.value()
+
+        try:
+            widget = self.layout_manager.get_widget(row, col)
+            if widget is None:
+                QMessageBox.warning(self, "Not Found", f"No widget found at ({row}, {col}).")
+                return
+            self.layout_manager.remove_widget(widget)
+            self.refresh_references()
+        except Exception as e:
+            QMessageBox.critical(self, "Error", str(e))
+
+    def change_layout(self):
+        num_rows = self.change_rows_input.value()
+        num_cols = self.change_cols_input.value()
+
+        try:
+            self.layout_manager.change_layout(num_rows=num_rows, num_cols=num_cols)
+            self.refresh_references()
+        except Exception as e:
+            QMessageBox.critical(self, "Error", str(e))
+
+    def clear_all_widgets(self):
+        reply = QMessageBox.question(
+            self,
+            "Confirm Clear",
+            "Are you sure you want to remove all widgets?",
+            QMessageBox.Yes | QMessageBox.No,
+            QMessageBox.No,
+        )
+
+        if reply == QMessageBox.Yes:
+            try:
+                self.layout_manager.clear_layout()
+                self.refresh_references()
+            except Exception as e:
+                QMessageBox.critical(self, "Error", str(e))
+
+
+class MainWindow(QMainWindow):  # pragma: no cover
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setWindowTitle("Layout Manager Demo")
+        self.resize(800, 600)
+        self.init_ui()
+
+    def init_ui(self):
+        central_widget = QWidget()
+        main_layout = QHBoxLayout()
+
+        # Layout Area GroupBox
+        layout_group = QGroupBox("Layout Area")
+        layout_group.setMinimumSize(400, 400)
+        layout_layout = QVBoxLayout()
+
+        self.layout_manager = LayoutManagerWidget()
+        layout_layout.addWidget(self.layout_manager)
+
+        layout_group.setLayout(layout_layout)
+
+        # Splitter
+        splitter = QSplitter()
+        splitter.addWidget(layout_group)
+
+        # Control Panel
+        control_panel = ControlPanel(self.layout_manager)
+        control_group = QGroupBox("Control Panel")
+        control_layout = QVBoxLayout()
+        control_layout.addWidget(control_panel)
+        control_layout.addStretch()
+        control_group.setLayout(control_layout)
+        splitter.addWidget(control_group)
+
+        main_layout.addWidget(splitter)
+        central_widget.setLayout(main_layout)
+        self.setCentralWidget(central_widget)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+    window = MainWindow()
+    window.show()
+    sys.exit(app.exec_())

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/main_window/main_window.py

@@ -0,0 +1,74 @@
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QMainWindow
+
+from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_register import RPCRegister
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
+from bec_widgets.utils.container_utils import WidgetContainerUtils
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock.dock_area import BECDockArea
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+
+
+class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
+    def __init__(self, gui_id: str = None, *args, **kwargs):
+        BECWidget.__init__(self, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
+        QMainWindow.__init__(self, *args, **kwargs)
+
+    def _dump(self):
+        """Return a dictionary with informations about the application state, for use in tests"""
+        # TODO: ModularToolBar and something else leak top-level widgets (3 or 4 QMenu + 2 QWidget);
+        # so, a filtering based on title is applied here, but the solution is to not have those widgets
+        # as top-level (so for now, a window with no title does not appear in _dump() result)
+
+        # NOTE: the main window itself is excluded, since we want to dump dock areas
+        info = {
+            tlw.gui_id: {
+                "title": tlw.windowTitle(),
+                "visible": tlw.isVisible(),
+                "class": str(type(tlw)),
+            }
+            for tlw in QApplication.instance().topLevelWidgets()
+            if tlw is not self and tlw.windowTitle()
+        }
+        # Add the main window dock area
+        info[self.centralWidget().gui_id] = {
+            "title": self.windowTitle(),
+            "visible": self.isVisible(),
+            "class": str(type(self.centralWidget())),
+        }
+        return info
+
+    def new_dock_area(
+        self, name: str | None = None, geometry: tuple[int, int, int, int] | None = None
+    ) -> BECDockArea:
+        """Create a new dock area.
+
+        Args:
+            name(str): The name of the dock area.
+            geometry(tuple): The geometry parameters to be passed to the dock area.
+        Returns:
+            BECDockArea: The newly created dock area.
+        """
+        rpc_register = RPCRegister()
+        existing_dock_areas = rpc_register.get_names_of_rpc_by_class_type(BECDockArea)
+        if name is not None:
+            if name in existing_dock_areas:
+                raise ValueError(
+                    f"Name {name} must be unique for dock areas, but already exists: {existing_dock_areas}."
+                )
+        else:
+            name = "dock_area"
+            name = WidgetContainerUtils.generate_unique_name(name, existing_dock_areas)
+        dock_area = BECDockArea(name=name)
+        dock_area.resize(dock_area.minimumSizeHint())
+        # TODO Should we simply use the specified name as title here?
+        dock_area.window().setWindowTitle(f"BEC - {name}")
+        logger.info(f"Created new dock area: {name}")
+        logger.info(f"Existing dock areas: {geometry}")
+        if geometry is not None:
+            dock_area.setGeometry(*geometry)
+        dock_area.show()
+        return dock_area
+
+    def cleanup(self):
+        super().close()

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

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
-from bec_widgets.widgets.button_abort.button_abort import AbortButton
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.buttons.button_abort.button_abort import AbortButton
 
 DOM_XML = """
 <ui language='c++'>

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

@@ -9,12 +9,20 @@ from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
 class AbortButton(BECWidget, QWidget):
     """A button that abort the scan."""
 
+    PLUGIN = True
     ICON_NAME = "cancel"
 
     def __init__(
-        self, parent=None, client=None, config=None, gui_id=None, toolbar=False, scan_id=None
+        self,
+        parent=None,
+        client=None,
+        config=None,
+        gui_id=None,
+        toolbar=False,
+        scan_id=None,
+        **kwargs,
     ):
-        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id)
+        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
         QWidget.__init__(self, parent=parent)
 
         self.get_bec_shortcuts()

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

@@ -6,7 +6,9 @@ def main():  # pragma: no cover
         return
     from PySide6.QtDesigner import QPyDesignerCustomWidgetCollection
 
-    from bec_widgets.widgets.button_abort.abort_button_plugin import AbortButtonPlugin
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.control.buttons.button_abort.abort_button_plugin import (
+        AbortButtonPlugin,
+    )
 
     QPyDesignerCustomWidgetCollection.addCustomWidget(AbortButtonPlugin())
 

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

@@ -9,10 +9,11 @@ from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
 class ResetButton(BECWidget, QWidget):
     """A button that resets the scan queue."""
 
+    PLUGIN = True
     ICON_NAME = "restart_alt"
 
-    def __init__(self, parent=None, client=None, config=None, gui_id=None, toolbar=False):
+    def __init__(self, parent=None, client=None, config=None, gui_id=None, toolbar=False, **kwargs):
-        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id)
+        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
         QWidget.__init__(self, parent=parent)
 
         self.get_bec_shortcuts()

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

@@ -6,7 +6,9 @@ def main():  # pragma: no cover
         return
     from PySide6.QtDesigner import QPyDesignerCustomWidgetCollection
 
-    from bec_widgets.widgets.button_reset.reset_button_plugin import ResetButtonPlugin
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.control.buttons.button_reset.reset_button_plugin import (
+        ResetButtonPlugin,
+    )
 
     QPyDesignerCustomWidgetCollection.addCustomWidget(ResetButtonPlugin())
 

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

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
-from bec_widgets.widgets.button_reset.button_reset import ResetButton
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.buttons.button_reset.button_reset import ResetButton
 
 DOM_XML = """
 <ui language='c++'>

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

@@ -9,10 +9,11 @@ from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
 class ResumeButton(BECWidget, QWidget):
     """A button that continue scan queue."""
 
+    PLUGIN = True
     ICON_NAME = "resume"
 
-    def __init__(self, parent=None, client=None, config=None, gui_id=None, toolbar=False):
+    def __init__(self, parent=None, client=None, config=None, gui_id=None, toolbar=False, **kwargs):
-        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id)
+        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
         QWidget.__init__(self, parent=parent)
 
         self.get_bec_shortcuts()

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

@@ -6,7 +6,9 @@ def main():  # pragma: no cover
         return
     from PySide6.QtDesigner import QPyDesignerCustomWidgetCollection
 
-    from bec_widgets.widgets.button_resume.resume_button_plugin import ResumeButtonPlugin
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.control.buttons.button_resume.resume_button_plugin import (
+        ResumeButtonPlugin,
+    )
 
     QPyDesignerCustomWidgetCollection.addCustomWidget(ResumeButtonPlugin())
 

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

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
-from bec_widgets.widgets.button_resume.button_resume import ResumeButton
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.buttons.button_resume.button_resume import ResumeButton
 
 DOM_XML = """
 <ui language='c++'>

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

@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ def main():  # pragma: no cover
         return
     from PySide6.QtDesigner import QPyDesignerCustomWidgetCollection
 
-    from bec_widgets.widgets.stop_button.stop_button_plugin import StopButtonPlugin
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.control.buttons.stop_button.stop_button_plugin import StopButtonPlugin
 
     QPyDesignerCustomWidgetCollection.addCustomWidget(StopButtonPlugin())
 

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

@@ -9,10 +9,11 @@ from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
 class StopButton(BECWidget, QWidget):
     """A button that stops the current scan."""
 
+    PLUGIN = True
     ICON_NAME = "dangerous"
 
-    def __init__(self, parent=None, client=None, config=None, gui_id=None, toolbar=False):
+    def __init__(self, parent=None, client=None, config=None, gui_id=None, toolbar=False, **kwargs):
-        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id)
+        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
         QWidget.__init__(self, parent=parent)
 
         self.get_bec_shortcuts()

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

@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
 
 import bec_widgets
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
-from bec_widgets.widgets.stop_button.stop_button import StopButton
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.buttons.stop_button.stop_button import StopButton
 
 DOM_XML = """
 <ui language='c++'>

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

@@ -9,11 +9,11 @@ from bec_widgets.utils.colors import get_accent_colors, get_theme_palette
 
 class PositionIndicator(BECWidget, QWidget):
     USER_ACCESS = ["set_value", "set_range", "vertical", "indicator_width", "rounded_corners"]
-
+    PLUGIN = True
     ICON_NAME = "horizontal_distribute"
 
-    def __init__(self, parent=None, client=None, config=None, gui_id=None):
+    def __init__(self, parent=None, client=None, config=None, gui_id=None, **kwargs):
-        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id)
+        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
         QWidget.__init__(self, parent=parent)
         self.position = 50
         self.min_value = 0

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

@@ -6,7 +6,9 @@ from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
 
 import bec_widgets
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
-from bec_widgets.widgets.position_indicator.position_indicator import PositionIndicator
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.position_indicator.position_indicator import (
+    PositionIndicator,
+)
 
 DOM_XML = """
 <ui language='c++'>

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

@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ def main():  # pragma: no cover
         return
     from PySide6.QtDesigner import QPyDesignerCustomWidgetCollection
 
-    from bec_widgets.widgets.position_indicator.position_indicator_plugin import (
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.position_indicator.position_indicator_plugin import (
         PositionIndicatorPlugin,
     )
 

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

@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box.positioner_box.positioner_box import (
+    PositionerBox,
+)
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box.positioner_box_2d.positioner_box_2d import (
+    PositionerBox2D,
+)
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box.positioner_control_line.positioner_control_line import (
+    PositionerControlLine,
+)
+
+__ALL__ = ["PositionerBox", "PositionerControlLine", "PositionerBox2D"]

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

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

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

@@ -0,0 +1,243 @@
+import uuid
+from abc import abstractmethod
+from ast import Tuple
+from typing import Callable, TypedDict
+
+from bec_lib.device import Positioner
+from bec_lib.endpoints import MessageEndpoints
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
+from bec_lib.messages import ScanQueueMessage
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
+    QDialog,
+    QDoubleSpinBox,
+    QGroupBox,
+    QLabel,
+    QLineEdit,
+    QPushButton,
+    QVBoxLayout,
+)
+
+from bec_widgets.qt_utils.compact_popup import CompactPopupWidget
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.position_indicator.position_indicator import (
+    PositionIndicator,
+)
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_input.base_classes.device_input_base import BECDeviceFilter
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_input.device_line_edit.device_line_edit import (
+    DeviceLineEdit,
+)
+from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.spinner.spinner import SpinnerWidget
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+
+
+class DeviceUpdateUIComponents(TypedDict):
+    spinner: SpinnerWidget
+    setpoint: QLineEdit
+    readback: QLabel
+    position_indicator: PositionIndicator
+    step_size: QDoubleSpinBox
+    device_box: QGroupBox
+    stop: QPushButton
+    tweak_increase: QPushButton
+    tweak_decrease: QPushButton
+
+
+class PositionerBoxBase(BECWidget, CompactPopupWidget):
+    """Contains some core logic for positioner box widgets"""
+
+    current_path = ""
+    ICON_NAME = "switch_right"
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None, **kwargs):
+        """Initialize the PositionerBox widget.
+
+        Args:
+            parent: The parent widget.
+            device (Positioner): The device to control.
+        """
+        super().__init__(**kwargs)
+        CompactPopupWidget.__init__(self, parent=parent, layout=QVBoxLayout)
+        self._dialog = None
+        self.get_bec_shortcuts()
+
+    def _check_device_is_valid(self, device: str):
+        """Check if the device is a positioner
+
+        Args:
+            device (str): The device name
+        """
+        if device not in self.dev:
+            logger.info(f"Device {device} not found in the device list")
+            return False
+        if not isinstance(self.dev[device], Positioner):
+            logger.info(f"Device {device} is not a positioner")
+            return False
+        return True
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    def _device_ui_components(self, device: str) -> DeviceUpdateUIComponents: ...
+
+    def _init_device(
+        self,
+        device: str,
+        position_emit: Callable[[float], None],
+        limit_update: Callable[[tuple[float, float]], None],
+    ):
+        """Init the device view and readback"""
+        if self._check_device_is_valid(device):
+            data = self.dev[device].read()
+            self._on_device_readback(
+                device,
+                self._device_ui_components(device),
+                {"signals": data},
+                {},
+                position_emit,
+                limit_update,
+            )
+
+    def _stop_device(self, device: str):
+        """Stop call"""
+        request_id = str(uuid.uuid4())
+        params = {"device": device, "rpc_id": request_id, "func": "stop", "args": [], "kwargs": {}}
+        msg = ScanQueueMessage(
+            scan_type="device_rpc",
+            parameter=params,
+            queue="emergency",
+            metadata={"RID": request_id, "response": False},
+        )
+        self.client.connector.send(MessageEndpoints.scan_queue_request(), msg)
+
+    # pylint: disable=unused-argument
+    def _on_device_readback(
+        self,
+        device: str,
+        ui_components: DeviceUpdateUIComponents,
+        msg_content: dict,
+        metadata: dict,
+        position_emit: Callable[[float], None],
+        limit_update: Callable[[tuple[float, float]], None],
+    ):
+        signals = msg_content.get("signals", {})
+        # pylint: disable=protected-access
+        hinted_signals = self.dev[device]._hints
+        precision = self.dev[device].precision
+
+        spinner = ui_components["spinner"]
+        position_indicator = ui_components["position_indicator"]
+        readback = ui_components["readback"]
+        setpoint = ui_components["setpoint"]
+
+        readback_val = None
+        setpoint_val = None
+
+        if len(hinted_signals) == 1:
+            signal = hinted_signals[0]
+            readback_val = signals.get(signal, {}).get("value")
+
+        for setpoint_signal in ["setpoint", "user_setpoint"]:
+            setpoint_val = signals.get(f"{device}_{setpoint_signal}", {}).get("value")
+            if setpoint_val is not None:
+                break
+
+        for moving_signal in ["motor_done_move", "motor_is_moving"]:
+            is_moving = signals.get(f"{device}_{moving_signal}", {}).get("value")
+            if is_moving is not None:
+                break
+
+        if is_moving is not None:
+            spinner.setVisible(True)
+            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)
+
+        if readback_val is not None:
+            readback.setText(f"{readback_val:.{precision}f}")
+            position_emit(readback_val)
+
+        if setpoint_val is not None:
+            setpoint.setText(f"{setpoint_val:.{precision}f}")
+
+        limits = self.dev[device].limits
+        limit_update(limits)
+        if limits is not None and readback_val is not None and limits[0] != limits[1]:
+            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
+    ):
+        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])
+        else:
+            position_indicator.setToolTip("No limits set")
+            setpoint_validator.setRange(float("-inf"), float("inf"))
+
+    def _update_device_ui(self, device: str, ui: DeviceUpdateUIComponents):
+        ui["device_box"].setTitle(device)
+        ui["readback"].setToolTip(f"{device} readback")
+        ui["setpoint"].setToolTip(f"{device} setpoint")
+        ui["step_size"].setToolTip(f"Step size for {device}")
+        precision = self.dev[device].precision
+        if precision is not None:
+            ui["step_size"].setDecimals(precision)
+            ui["step_size"].setValue(10**-precision * 10)
+
+    def _swap_readback_signal_connection(self, slot, old_device, new_device):
+        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
+
+        Args:
+            enable (bool): Enable buttons
+        """
+        ui["tweak_increase"].setEnabled(enable)
+        ui["tweak_decrease"].setEnabled(enable)
+        ui["stop"].setEnabled(enable)
+        ui["setpoint"].setEnabled(enable)
+        ui["step_size"].setEnabled(enable)
+
+    def _on_device_change(
+        self,
+        old_device: str,
+        new_device: str,
+        position_emit: Callable[[float], None],
+        limit_update: Callable[[tuple[float, float]], None],
+        on_device_readback: Callable,
+        ui: DeviceUpdateUIComponents,
+    ):
+        logger.info(f"Device changed from {old_device} to {new_device}")
+        self._toggle_enable_buttons(ui, True)
+        self._init_device(new_device, position_emit, limit_update)
+        self._swap_readback_signal_connection(on_device_readback, old_device, new_device)
+        self._update_device_ui(new_device, ui)
+
+    def _open_dialog_selection(self, set_positioner: Callable):
+        def _ods():
+            """Open dialog window for positioner selection"""
+            self._dialog = QDialog(self)
+            self._dialog.setWindowTitle("Positioner Selection")
+            layout = QVBoxLayout()
+            line_edit = DeviceLineEdit(
+                self, client=self.client, device_filter=[BECDeviceFilter.POSITIONER]
+            )
+            line_edit.textChanged.connect(set_positioner)
+            layout.addWidget(line_edit)
+            close_button = QPushButton("Close")
+            close_button.clicked.connect(self._dialog.accept)
+            layout.addWidget(close_button)
+            self._dialog.setLayout(layout)
+            self._dialog.exec()
+            self._dialog = None
+
+        return _ods

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

@@ -0,0 +1,242 @@
+""" Module for a PositionerBox widget to control a positioner device."""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+
+from bec_lib.device import Positioner
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
+from bec_qthemes import material_icon
+from qtpy.QtCore import Signal
+from qtpy.QtGui import QDoubleValidator
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QDoubleSpinBox
+
+from bec_widgets.qt_utils.error_popups import SafeProperty, SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.utils import UILoader
+from bec_widgets.utils.colors import get_accent_colors, set_theme
+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 (
+    DeviceUpdateUIComponents,
+)
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+
+MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(__file__)))
+
+
+class PositionerBox(PositionerBoxBase):
+    """Simple Widget to control a positioner in box form"""
+
+    ui_file = "positioner_box.ui"
+    dimensions = (234, 224)
+
+    PLUGIN = True
+
+    USER_ACCESS = ["set_positioner"]
+    device_changed = Signal(str, str)
+    # Signal emitted to inform listeners about a position update
+    position_update = Signal(float)
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None, device: Positioner | str | None = None, **kwargs):
+        """Initialize the PositionerBox widget.
+
+        Args:
+            parent: The parent widget.
+            device (Positioner): The device to control.
+        """
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, **kwargs)
+
+        self._device = ""
+        self._limits = None
+        if self.current_path == "":
+            self.current_path = os.path.dirname(__file__)
+
+        self.init_ui()
+        self.device = device
+        self._init_device(self.device, self.position_update.emit, self.update_limits)
+
+    def init_ui(self):
+        """Init the ui"""
+        self.device_changed.connect(self.on_device_change)
+
+        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)
+
+        # fix the size of the device box
+        db = self.ui.device_box
+        db.setFixedHeight(self.dimensions[0])
+        db.setFixedWidth(self.dimensions[1])
+
+        self.ui.step_size.setStepType(QDoubleSpinBox.AdaptiveDecimalStepType)
+        self.ui.stop.clicked.connect(self.on_stop)
+        self.ui.stop.setToolTip("Stop")
+        self.ui.stop.setStyleSheet(
+            f"QPushButton {{background-color: {get_accent_colors().emergency.name()}; color: white;}}"
+        )
+        self.ui.tweak_right.clicked.connect(self.on_tweak_right)
+        self.ui.tweak_right.setToolTip("Tweak right")
+        self.ui.tweak_left.clicked.connect(self.on_tweak_left)
+        self.ui.tweak_left.setToolTip("Tweak left")
+        self.ui.setpoint.returnPressed.connect(self.on_setpoint_change)
+
+        self.setpoint_validator = QDoubleValidator()
+        self.ui.setpoint.setValidator(self.setpoint_validator)
+        self.ui.spinner_widget.start()
+        self.ui.tool_button.clicked.connect(self._open_dialog_selection(self.set_positioner))
+        icon = material_icon(icon_name="edit_note", size=(16, 16), convert_to_pixmap=False)
+        self.ui.tool_button.setIcon(icon)
+
+    def force_update_readback(self):
+        self._init_device(self.device, self.position_update.emit, self.update_limits)
+
+    @SafeProperty(str)
+    def device(self):
+        """Property to set the device"""
+        return self._device
+
+    @device.setter
+    def device(self, value: str):
+        """Setter, checks if device is a string"""
+        if not value or not isinstance(value, str):
+            return
+        if not self._check_device_is_valid(value):
+            return
+        old_device = self._device
+        self._device = value
+        if not self.label:
+            self.label = value
+        self.device_changed.emit(old_device, value)
+
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
+    def hide_device_selection(self):
+        """Hide the device selection"""
+        return not self.ui.tool_button.isVisible()
+
+    @hide_device_selection.setter
+    def hide_device_selection(self, value: bool):
+        """Set the device selection visibility"""
+        self.ui.tool_button.setVisible(not value)
+
+    @SafeSlot(bool)
+    def show_device_selection(self, value: bool):
+        """Show the device selection
+
+        Args:
+            value (bool): Show the device selection
+        """
+        self.hide_device_selection = not value
+
+    @SafeSlot(str)
+    def set_positioner(self, positioner: str | Positioner):
+        """Set the device
+
+        Args:
+            positioner (Positioner | str) : Positioner to set, accepts str or the device
+        """
+        if isinstance(positioner, Positioner):
+            positioner = positioner.name
+        self.device = positioner
+
+    @SafeSlot(str, str)
+    def on_device_change(self, old_device: str, new_device: str):
+        """Upon changing the device, a check will be performed if the device is a Positioner.
+
+        Args:
+            old_device (str): The old device name.
+            new_device (str): The new device name.
+        """
+        if not self._check_device_is_valid(new_device):
+            return
+        self._on_device_change(
+            old_device,
+            new_device,
+            self.position_update.emit,
+            self.update_limits,
+            self.on_device_readback,
+            self._device_ui_components(new_device),
+        )
+
+    def _device_ui_components(self, device: str) -> DeviceUpdateUIComponents:
+        return {
+            "spinner": self.ui.spinner_widget,
+            "position_indicator": self.ui.position_indicator,
+            "readback": self.ui.readback,
+            "setpoint": self.ui.setpoint,
+            "step_size": self.ui.step_size,
+            "device_box": self.ui.device_box,
+            "stop": self.ui.stop,
+            "tweak_increase": self.ui.tweak_right,
+            "tweak_decrease": self.ui.tweak_left,
+        }
+
+    @SafeSlot(dict, dict)
+    def on_device_readback(self, msg_content: dict, metadata: dict):
+        """Callback for device readback.
+
+        Args:
+            msg_content (dict): The message content.
+            metadata (dict): The message metadata.
+        """
+        self._on_device_readback(
+            self.device,
+            self._device_ui_components(self.device),
+            msg_content,
+            metadata,
+            self.position_update.emit,
+            self.update_limits,
+        )
+
+    def update_limits(self, limits: tuple):
+        """Update limits
+
+        Args:
+            limits (tuple): Limits of the positioner
+        """
+        if limits == self._limits:
+            return
+        self._limits = limits
+        self._update_limits_ui(limits, self.ui.position_indicator, self.setpoint_validator)
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def on_stop(self):
+        self._stop_device(self.device)
+
+    @property
+    def step_size(self):
+        """Step size for tweak"""
+        return self.ui.step_size.value()
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def on_tweak_right(self):
+        """Tweak motor right"""
+        self.dev[self.device].move(self.step_size, relative=True)
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def on_tweak_left(self):
+        """Tweak motor left"""
+        self.dev[self.device].move(-self.step_size, relative=True)
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def on_setpoint_change(self):
+        """Change the setpoint for the motor"""
+        self.ui.setpoint.clearFocus()
+        setpoint = self.ui.setpoint.text()
+        self.dev[self.device].move(float(setpoint), relative=False)
+        self.ui.tweak_left.setToolTip(f"Tweak left by {self.step_size}")
+        self.ui.tweak_right.setToolTip(f"Tweak right by {self.step_size}")
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+    import sys
+
+    from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication  # pylint: disable=ungrouped-imports
+
+    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+    set_theme("dark")
+    widget = PositionerBox(device="bpm4i")
+
+    widget.show()
+    sys.exit(app.exec_())