2.24.1

Automatically generated by python-semantic-release

.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
+name: Bug report
+description: File a bug report.
+title: "[BUG]: "
+labels: ["bug"]
+
+body:
+  - type: markdown
+    attributes:
+      value: |
+        Bug report:
+  - type: textarea
+    id: description
+    attributes:
+      label: Provide a brief description of the bug.
+  - type: textarea
+    id: expected
+    attributes:
+      label: Describe what you expected to happen and what actually happened.
+  - type: textarea
+    id: reproduction
+    attributes:
+      label: Outline the steps that lead to the bug's occurrence. Be specific and provide a clear sequence of actions.
+  - type: input
+    id: version
+    attributes:
+      label: bec_widgets version
+      description: which version of BEC widgets was running?
+  - type: input
+    id: bec-version
+    attributes:
+      label: bec core version
+      description: which version of BEC core was running?
+  - type: textarea
+    id: extra
+    attributes:
+      label: Any extra info / data? e.g. log output...
+  - type: input
+    id: issues
+    attributes:
+      label: Related issues
+      description: please tag any related issues

.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/documentation_update.md

@@ -1,3 +1,13 @@
+---
+name: Documentation update request
+about: Suggest an update to the docs
+title: '[DOCS]: '
+type: documentation
+label: documentation
+assignees: ''
+
+---
+
 ## Documentation Section
 
 [Specify the section or page of the documentation that needs updating]

.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/feature_request.md

@@ -1,3 +1,13 @@
+---
+name: Feature request
+about: Suggest an idea for this project
+title: '[FEAT]: '
+type: feature
+label: feature
+assignees: ''
+
+---
+
 ## Feature Summary
 
 [Provide a brief and clear summary of the new feature you are requesting]
@@ -37,4 +47,3 @@
 ## Additional Information
 
 [Provide any additional information that might be relevant to the feature request, such as user feedback, market trends, or similar features in other products]
-

.github/actions/bw_install/action.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,64 @@
+name: "BEC Widgets Install"
+description: "Install BEC Widgets and related os dependencies"
+inputs:
+  BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH: # id of input
+    required: false
+    default: "main"
+    description: "Branch of BEC Widgets to install"
+  BEC_CORE_BRANCH: # id of input
+    required: false
+    default: "main"
+    description: "Branch of BEC Core to install"
+  OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH: # id of input
+    required: false
+    default: "main"
+    description: "Branch of Ophyd Devices to install"
+  PYTHON_VERSION: # id of input
+    required: false
+    default: "3.11"
+    description: "Python version to use"
+
+runs:
+  using: "composite"
+  steps:
+    - name: Setup Python
+      uses: actions/setup-python@v5
+      with:
+        python-version: ${{ inputs.PYTHON_VERSION }}
+
+    - name: Checkout BEC Core
+      uses: actions/checkout@v4
+      with:
+        repository: bec-project/bec
+        ref: ${{ inputs.BEC_CORE_BRANCH }}
+        path: ./bec
+
+    - name: Checkout Ophyd Devices
+      uses: actions/checkout@v4
+      with:
+        repository: bec-project/ophyd_devices
+        ref: ${{ inputs.OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH }}
+        path: ./ophyd_devices
+
+    - name: Checkout BEC Widgets
+      uses: actions/checkout@v4
+      with:
+        repository: bec-project/bec_widgets
+        ref: ${{ inputs.BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH }}
+        path: ./bec_widgets
+
+    - name: Install dependencies
+      shell: bash
+      run: |
+        sudo apt-get update
+        sudo apt-get install -y libgl1 libegl1 x11-utils libxkbcommon-x11-0 libdbus-1-3 xvfb
+        sudo apt-get -y install libnss3 libxdamage1 libasound2t64 libatomic1 libxcursor1
+
+    - name: Install Python dependencies
+      shell: bash
+      run: |
+        pip install uv
+        uv pip install --system -e ./ophyd_devices
+        uv pip install --system -e ./bec/bec_lib[dev]
+        uv pip install --system -e ./bec/bec_ipython_client
+        uv pip install --system -e ./bec_widgets[dev,pyside6]

.github/pull_request_template.md

@@ -1,19 +1,24 @@
 ## Description
 
-[Provide a brief description of the changes introduced by this merge request.]
+[Provide a brief description of the changes introduced by this pull request.]
 
 ## Related Issues
 
-[Cite any related issues or feature requests that are addressed or resolved by this merge request. Use the gitlab syntax for linking issues, for example, `fixes #123` or `closes #123`.]
+[Cite any related issues or feature requests that are addressed or resolved by this pull request. Link the associated issue, for example, with `fixes #123` or `closes #123`.]
 
 ## Type of Change
 
 - Change 1
 - Change 2
 
+## How to test
+
+- Run unit tests
+- Open [widget] in designer and play around with the properties
+
 ## Potential side effects
 
-[Describe any potential side effects or risks of merging this MR.]
+[Describe any potential side effects or risks of merging this PR.]
 
 ## Screenshots / GIFs (if applicable)
 

.github/scripts/pr_issue_sync/pr_issue_sync.py

@@ -0,0 +1,342 @@
+import functools
+import os
+from typing import Literal
+
+import requests
+from github import Github
+from pydantic import BaseModel
+
+
+class GHConfig(BaseModel):
+    token: str
+    organization: str
+    repository: str
+    project_number: int
+    graphql_url: str
+    rest_url: str
+    headers: dict
+
+
+class ProjectItemHandler:
+    """
+    A class to handle GitHub project items.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, gh_config: GHConfig):
+        self.gh_config = gh_config
+        self.gh = Github(gh_config.token)
+        self.repo = self.gh.get_repo(f"{gh_config.organization}/{gh_config.repository}")
+        self.project_node_id = self.get_project_node_id()
+
+    def set_issue_status(
+        self,
+        status: Literal[
+            "Selected for Development",
+            "Weekly Backlog",
+            "In Development",
+            "Ready For Review",
+            "On Hold",
+            "Done",
+        ],
+        issue_number: int | None = None,
+        issue_node_id: str | None = None,
+    ):
+        """
+        Set the status field of a GitHub issue in the project.
+
+        Args:
+            status (str): The status to set. Must be one of the predefined statuses.
+            issue_number (int, optional): The issue number. If not provided, issue_node_id must be provided.
+            issue_node_id (str, optional): The issue node ID. If not provided, issue_number must be provided.
+        """
+        if not issue_number and not issue_node_id:
+            raise ValueError("Either issue_number or issue_node_id must be provided.")
+        if issue_number and issue_node_id:
+            raise ValueError("Only one of issue_number or issue_node_id must be provided.")
+        if issue_number is not None:
+            issue = self.repo.get_issue(issue_number)
+            issue_id = self.get_issue_info(issue.node_id)[0]["id"]
+        else:
+            issue_id = issue_node_id
+        field_id, option_id = self.get_status_field_id(field_name=status)
+        self.set_field_option(issue_id, field_id, option_id)
+
+    def run_graphql(self, query: str, variables: dict) -> dict:
+        """
+        Execute a GraphQL query against the GitHub API.
+
+        Args:
+            query (str): The GraphQL query to execute.
+            variables (dict): The variables to pass to the query.
+
+        Returns:
+            dict: The response from the GitHub API.
+        """
+        response = requests.post(
+            self.gh_config.graphql_url,
+            json={"query": query, "variables": variables},
+            headers=self.gh_config.headers,
+            timeout=10,
+        )
+        if response.status_code != 200:
+            raise Exception(
+                f"Query failed with status code {response.status_code}: {response.text}"
+            )
+        return response.json()
+
+    def get_project_node_id(self):
+        """
+        Retrieve the project node ID from the GitHub API.
+        """
+        query = """
+      query($owner: String!, $number: Int!) {
+        organization(login: $owner) {
+          projectV2(number: $number) {
+            id
+          }
+        }
+      }
+      """
+        variables = {"owner": self.gh_config.organization, "number": self.gh_config.project_number}
+        resp = self.run_graphql(query, variables)
+        return resp["data"]["organization"]["projectV2"]["id"]
+
+    def get_issue_info(self, issue_node_id: str):
+        """
+        Get the project-related information for a given issue node ID.
+
+        Args:
+            issue_node_id (str): The node ID of the issue. Please note that this is not the issue number and typically starts with "I".
+
+        Returns:
+            list[dict]: A list of project items associated with the issue.
+        """
+        query = """
+        query($issueId: ID!) {
+          node(id: $issueId) {
+            ... on Issue {
+              projectItems(first: 10) {
+                nodes {
+                  project {
+                    id
+                    title
+                  }
+                  id
+                  fieldValues(first: 20) {
+                    nodes {
+                      ... on ProjectV2ItemFieldSingleSelectValue {
+                        name
+                        field {
+                          ... on ProjectV2SingleSelectField {
+                            name
+                          }
+                        }
+                      }
+                    }
+                  }
+                }
+              }
+            }
+          }
+        }
+        """
+        variables = {"issueId": issue_node_id}
+        resp = self.run_graphql(query, variables)
+        return resp["data"]["node"]["projectItems"]["nodes"]
+
+    def get_status_field_id(
+        self,
+        field_name: Literal[
+            "Selected for Development",
+            "Weekly Backlog",
+            "In Development",
+            "Ready For Review",
+            "On Hold",
+            "Done",
+        ],
+    ) -> tuple[str, str]:
+        """
+        Get the status field ID and option ID for the given field name in the project.
+
+        Args:
+            field_name (str): The name of the field to retrieve.
+                Must be one of the predefined statuses.
+
+        Returns:
+            tuple[str, str]: A tuple containing the field ID and option ID.
+        """
+        field_id = None
+        option_id = None
+        project_fields = self.get_project_fields()
+        for field in project_fields:
+            if field["name"] != "Status":
+                continue
+            field_id = field["id"]
+            for option in field["options"]:
+                if option["name"] == field_name:
+                    option_id = option["id"]
+                    break
+        if not field_id or not option_id:
+            raise ValueError(f"Field '{field_name}' not found in project fields.")
+
+        return field_id, option_id
+
+    def set_field_option(self, item_id, field_id, option_id):
+        """
+        Set the option of a project item for a single-select field.
+
+        Args:
+            item_id (str): The ID of the project item to update.
+            field_id (str): The ID of the field to update.
+            option_id (str): The ID of the option to set.
+        """
+
+        mutation = """
+        mutation($projectId: ID!, $itemId: ID!, $fieldId: ID!, $optionId: String!) {
+          updateProjectV2ItemFieldValue(
+            input: {
+              projectId: $projectId
+              itemId: $itemId
+              fieldId: $fieldId
+              value: { singleSelectOptionId: $optionId }
+            }
+          ) {
+            projectV2Item {
+              id
+            }
+          }
+        }
+        """
+        variables = {
+            "projectId": self.project_node_id,
+            "itemId": item_id,
+            "fieldId": field_id,
+            "optionId": option_id,
+        }
+        return self.run_graphql(mutation, variables)
+
+    @functools.lru_cache(maxsize=1)
+    def get_project_fields(self) -> list[dict]:
+        """
+        Get the available fields in the project.
+        This method caches the result to avoid multiple API calls.
+
+        Returns:
+            list[dict]: A list of fields in the project.
+        """
+
+        query = """
+    query($projectId: ID!) {
+      node(id: $projectId) {
+        ... on ProjectV2 {
+          fields(first: 50) {
+            nodes {
+              ... on ProjectV2SingleSelectField {
+                id
+                name
+                options {
+                  id
+                  name
+                }
+              }
+            }
+          }
+        }
+      }
+    }
+    """
+        variables = {"projectId": self.project_node_id}
+        resp = self.run_graphql(query, variables)
+        return list(filter(bool, resp["data"]["node"]["fields"]["nodes"]))
+
+    def get_pull_request_linked_issues(self, pr_number: int) -> list[dict]:
+        """
+        Get the linked issues of a pull request.
+
+        Args:
+            pr_number (int): The pull request number.
+
+        Returns:
+            list[dict]: A list of linked issues.
+        """
+        query = """
+    query($number: Int!, $owner: String!, $repo: String!) {
+      repository(owner: $owner, name: $repo) {
+        pullRequest(number: $number) {
+          id
+          closingIssuesReferences(first: 50) {
+            edges {
+              node {
+                id
+                body
+                number
+                title
+              }
+            }
+          }
+        }
+      }
+    }
+    """
+        variables = {
+            "number": pr_number,
+            "owner": self.gh_config.organization,
+            "repo": self.gh_config.repository,
+        }
+        resp = self.run_graphql(query, variables)
+        edges = resp["data"]["repository"]["pullRequest"]["closingIssuesReferences"]["edges"]
+        return [edge["node"] for edge in edges if edge.get("node")]
+
+
+def main():
+    # GitHub settings
+    token = os.getenv("TOKEN")
+    org = os.getenv("ORG")
+    repo = os.getenv("REPO")
+    project_number = os.getenv("PROJECT_NUMBER")
+    pr_number = os.getenv("PR_NUMBER")
+
+    if not token:
+        raise ValueError("GitHub token is not set. Please set the TOKEN environment variable.")
+    if not org:
+        raise ValueError("GitHub organization is not set. Please set the ORG environment variable.")
+    if not repo:
+        raise ValueError("GitHub repository is not set. Please set the REPO environment variable.")
+    if not project_number:
+        raise ValueError(
+            "GitHub project number is not set. Please set the PROJECT_NUMBER environment variable."
+        )
+    if not pr_number:
+        raise ValueError(
+            "Pull request number is not set. Please set the PR_NUMBER environment variable."
+        )
+
+    project_number = int(project_number)
+    pr_number = int(pr_number)
+
+    gh_config = GHConfig(
+        token=token,
+        organization=org,
+        repository=repo,
+        project_number=project_number,
+        graphql_url="https://api.github.com/graphql",
+        rest_url=f"https://api.github.com/repos/{org}/{repo}/issues",
+        headers={"Authorization": f"Bearer {token}", "Accept": "application/vnd.github+json"},
+    )
+    project_item_handler = ProjectItemHandler(gh_config=gh_config)
+
+    # Get PR info
+    pr = project_item_handler.repo.get_pull(pr_number)
+
+    # Get the linked issues of the pull request
+    linked_issues = project_item_handler.get_pull_request_linked_issues(pr_number=pr_number)
+    print(f"Linked issues: {linked_issues}")
+
+    target_status = "In Development" if pr.draft else "Ready For Review"
+    print(f"Target status: {target_status}")
+    for issue in linked_issues:
+        project_item_handler.set_issue_status(issue_number=issue["number"], status=target_status)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    main()

.github/scripts/pr_issue_sync/requirements.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+pydantic
+pygithub

.github/workflows/check_pr.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+name: Check PR status for branch
+on:
+  workflow_call:
+    outputs:
+      branch-pr:
+        description: The PR number if the branch is in one
+        value: ${{ jobs.pr.outputs.branch-pr }}
+
+jobs:
+  pr:
+    runs-on: "ubuntu-latest"
+    outputs:
+      branch-pr: ${{ steps.script.outputs.result }}
+    steps:
+      - uses: actions/github-script@v7
+        id: script
+        if: github.event_name == 'push' && github.event.ref_type != 'tag'
+        with:
+          script: |
+            const prs = await github.rest.pulls.list({
+              owner: context.repo.owner,
+              repo: context.repo.repo,
+              head: context.repo.owner + ':${{ github.ref_name }}'
+            })
+            if (prs.data.length) {
+              console.log(`::notice ::Skipping CI on branch push as it is already run in PR #${prs.data[0]["number"]}`)
+              return prs.data[0]["number"]
+            }

.github/workflows/ci.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,60 @@
+name: Full CI
+on: 
+  push:
+  pull_request:
+  workflow_dispatch:
+    inputs:
+      BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH:
+        description: 'Branch of BEC Widgets to install'
+        required: false
+        type: string
+      BEC_CORE_BRANCH:
+        description: 'Branch of BEC Core to install'
+        required: false
+        type: string
+      OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH:
+        description: 'Branch of Ophyd Devices to install'
+        required: false
+        type: string
+
+permissions:
+  pull-requests: write
+
+jobs:
+  check_pr_status:
+    uses: ./.github/workflows/check_pr.yml
+
+  formatter:
+    needs: check_pr_status
+    if: needs.check_pr_status.outputs.branch-pr == ''
+    uses: ./.github/workflows/formatter.yml
+
+  unit-test:
+    needs: [check_pr_status, formatter]
+    if: needs.check_pr_status.outputs.branch-pr == ''
+    uses: ./.github/workflows/pytest.yml
+    with:
+      BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH || github.head_ref }}
+      BEC_CORE_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.BEC_CORE_BRANCH || 'main' }}
+      OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH || 'main' }}
+    secrets:
+      CODECOV_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.CODECOV_TOKEN }}
+
+  unit-test-matrix:
+    needs: [check_pr_status, formatter]
+    if: needs.check_pr_status.outputs.branch-pr == ''
+    uses: ./.github/workflows/pytest-matrix.yml
+    with:
+      BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH || github.head_ref || github.sha}}
+      BEC_CORE_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.BEC_CORE_BRANCH || 'main' }}
+      OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH || 'main' }}
+
+  generate-cli-test:
+    needs: [check_pr_status, formatter]
+    if: needs.check_pr_status.outputs.branch-pr == ''
+    uses: ./.github/workflows/generate-cli-check.yml
+
+  end2end-test:
+    needs: [check_pr_status, formatter]
+    if: needs.check_pr_status.outputs.branch-pr == ''
+    uses: ./.github/workflows/end2end-conda.yml

.github/workflows/end2end-conda.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+name: Run Pytest with Coverage
+on: [workflow_call]
+
+jobs:
+  pytest:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    defaults:
+      run:
+        shell: bash -el {0}
+
+    env:
+      CHILD_PIPELINE_BRANCH: main  # Set the branch you want for ophyd_devices
+      BEC_CORE_BRANCH: main        # Set the branch you want for bec
+      OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH: main   # Set the branch you want for ophyd_devices
+      PLUGIN_REPO_BRANCH: main     # Set the branch you want for the plugin repo
+      PROJECT_PATH: ${{ github.repository }}
+      QTWEBENGINE_DISABLE_SANDBOX: 1
+      QT_QPA_PLATFORM: "offscreen"
+
+    steps:
+      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+      - name: Set up Conda
+        uses: conda-incubator/setup-miniconda@v3
+        with:
+            auto-update-conda: true
+            auto-activate-base: true
+            python-version: '3.11'
+
+      - name: Install dependencies
+        run: |
+          sudo apt-get update
+          sudo apt-get install -y libgl1 libegl1 x11-utils libxkbcommon-x11-0 libdbus-1-3 xvfb
+          sudo apt-get -y install libnss3 libxdamage1 libasound2t64 libatomic1 libxcursor1
+
+      - name: Conda install and run pytest
+        run: |
+          echo -e "\033[35;1m Using branch $BEC_CORE_BRANCH of BEC CORE \033[0;m";
+          git clone --branch $BEC_CORE_BRANCH https://github.com/bec-project/bec.git
+          echo -e "\033[35;1m Using branch $OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH of OPHYD_DEVICES \033[0;m";
+          git clone --branch $OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH https://github.com/bec-project/ophyd_devices.git
+          export OHPYD_DEVICES_PATH=$PWD/ophyd_devices
+          echo -e "\033[35;1m Using branch $PLUGIN_REPO_BRANCH of bec_testing_plugin \033[0;m";
+          git clone --branch $PLUGIN_REPO_BRANCH https://github.com/bec-project/bec_testing_plugin.git
+          cd ./bec
+          conda create -q -n test-environment python=3.11
+          source ./bin/install_bec_dev.sh -t
+          cd ../
+          pip install -e ./ophyd_devices -e .[dev,pyside6] -e ./bec_testing_plugin
+          pytest -v --files-path ./ --start-servers --random-order  ./tests/end-2-end
+
+      - name: Upload logs if job fails
+        if: failure()
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
+        with:
+          name: pytest-logs
+          path: ./logs/*.log
+          retention-days: 7

.github/workflows/formatter.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,66 @@
+name: Formatter and Pylint jobs
+on: [workflow_call]
+jobs:
+
+  Formatter:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      - name: Check out repository code
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+      - name: Set up Python
+        uses: actions/setup-python@v5
+        with:
+          python-version: '3.13' 
+
+      - name: Run black and isort
+        run: |
+          pip install uv
+          uv pip install --system black isort
+          uv pip install --system -e .[dev]
+          black --check --diff --color .
+          isort --check --diff ./
+      
+      - name: Check for disallowed imports from PySide
+        run: '! grep -re "from PySide6\." bec_widgets/ tests/ | grep  -v -e "PySide6.QtDesigner" -e "PySide6.scripts"'
+
+  Pylint:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+
+    steps:
+      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+      - name: Set up Python
+        uses: actions/setup-python@v5
+        with:
+          python-version: '3.13'
+
+      - name: Install dependencies
+        run: |
+          python -m pip install --upgrade pip
+          pip install pylint pylint-exit anybadge
+
+      - name: Run Pylint
+        run: |
+          mkdir -p ./pylint
+          set +e
+          pylint ./${{ github.event.repository.name }} --output-format=text > ./pylint/pylint.log
+          pylint-exit $?
+          set -e
+
+      - name: Extract Pylint Score
+        id: score
+        run: |
+          SCORE=$(sed -n 's/^Your code has been rated at \([-0-9.]*\)\/.*/\1/p' ./pylint/pylint.log)
+          echo "score=$SCORE" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+
+      - name: Create Badge
+        run: |
+          anybadge --label=Pylint --file=./pylint/pylint.svg --value="${{ steps.score.outputs.score }}" 2=red 4=orange 8=yellow 10=green
+
+      - name: Upload Artifacts
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
+        with:
+          name: pylint-artifacts
+          path: |
+            # ./pylint/pylint.log # not sure why this isn't working
+            ./pylint/pylint.svg

.github/workflows/generate-cli-check.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
+name: Run bw-generate-cli
+on: [workflow_call]
+
+jobs:
+  pytest:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    defaults:
+      run:
+        shell: bash -el {0}
+
+    env:
+      CHILD_PIPELINE_BRANCH: main  # Set the branch you want for ophyd_devices
+      BEC_CORE_BRANCH: main        # Set the branch you want for bec
+      OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH: main   # Set the branch you want for ophyd_devices
+      PROJECT_PATH: ${{ github.repository }}
+      QTWEBENGINE_DISABLE_SANDBOX: 1
+      QT_QPA_PLATFORM: "offscreen"
+
+    steps:
+      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+      - name: Set up Python
+        uses: actions/setup-python@v5
+        with:
+          python-version: "3.11"
+
+      - name: Install os dependencies
+        run: |
+          sudo apt-get update
+          sudo apt-get install -y libgl1 libegl1 x11-utils libxkbcommon-x11-0 libdbus-1-3 xvfb
+          sudo apt-get -y install libnss3 libxdamage1 libasound2t64 libatomic1 libxcursor1
+
+      - name: Clone and install dependencies
+        run: |
+            echo -e "\033[35;1m Using branch $BEC_CORE_BRANCH of BEC CORE \033[0;m";
+            git clone --branch $BEC_CORE_BRANCH https://github.com/bec-project/bec.git
+            echo -e "\033[35;1m Using branch $OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH of OPHYD_DEVICES \033[0;m";
+            git clone --branch $OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH https://github.com/bec-project/ophyd_devices.git
+            export OHPYD_DEVICES_PATH=$PWD/ophyd_devices
+            pip install -e ./ophyd_devices
+            pip install -e ./bec/bec_lib[dev]
+            pip install -e ./bec/bec_ipython_client
+            pip install -e .[dev,pyside6]
+
+      - name: Run bw-generate-cli
+        run: |
+            bw-generate-cli --target bec_widgets 
+            git diff --exit-code
+            

.github/workflows/pytest-matrix.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+name: Run Pytest with different Python versions
+on: 
+  workflow_call:
+    inputs:
+      pr_number:
+        description: 'Pull request number'
+        required: false
+        type: number
+      BEC_CORE_BRANCH:
+        description: 'Branch of BEC Core to install'
+        required: false
+        default: 'main'
+        type: string
+      OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH:
+        description: 'Branch of Ophyd Devices to install'
+        required: false
+        default: 'main'
+        type: string
+      BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH:
+        description: 'Branch of BEC Widgets to install'
+        required: false
+        default: 'main'
+        type: string
+
+jobs:
+  pytest-matrix:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    strategy:
+      matrix:
+        python-version: ["3.10", "3.11", "3.12"]
+
+    env:
+      BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH: main  # Set the branch you want for bec_widgets
+      BEC_CORE_BRANCH: main        # Set the branch you want for bec
+      OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH: main   # Set the branch you want for ophyd_devices
+      PROJECT_PATH: ${{ github.repository }}
+      QTWEBENGINE_DISABLE_SANDBOX: 1
+      QT_QPA_PLATFORM: "offscreen"
+
+    steps:
+
+      - name: Checkout BEC Widgets
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          repository: bec-project/bec_widgets
+          ref: ${{ inputs.BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH }}
+
+      - name: Install BEC Widgets and dependencies
+        uses: ./.github/actions/bw_install
+        with:
+          BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH }}
+          BEC_CORE_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.BEC_CORE_BRANCH }}
+          OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH }}
+          PYTHON_VERSION: ${{ matrix.python-version }}
+
+      - name: Run Pytest
+        run: |
+          pip install pytest pytest-random-order
+          pytest -v --junitxml=report.xml --random-order ./tests/unit_tests

.github/workflows/pytest.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,64 @@
+name: Run Pytest with Coverage
+on: 
+  workflow_call:
+    inputs:
+      pr_number:
+        description: 'Pull request number'
+        required: false
+        type: number
+      BEC_CORE_BRANCH:
+        description: 'Branch of BEC Core to install'
+        required: false
+        default: 'main'
+        type: string
+      OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH:
+        description: 'Branch of Ophyd Devices to install'
+        required: false
+        default: 'main'
+        type: string
+      BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH:
+        description: 'Branch of BEC Widgets to install'
+        required: false
+        default: 'main'
+        type: string
+    secrets:
+      CODECOV_TOKEN:
+        required: true
+
+
+
+permissions:
+  pull-requests: write
+
+jobs:
+  pytest:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+
+    env:
+      QTWEBENGINE_DISABLE_SANDBOX: 1
+      QT_QPA_PLATFORM: "offscreen"
+
+    steps:
+      - name: Checkout BEC Widgets
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          repository: bec-project/bec_widgets
+          ref: ${{ inputs.BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH }}
+
+      - name: Install BEC Widgets and dependencies
+        uses: ./.github/actions/bw_install
+        with:
+          BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH }}
+          BEC_CORE_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.BEC_CORE_BRANCH }}
+          OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH }}
+          PYTHON_VERSION: 3.11
+
+      - name: Run Pytest with Coverage
+        id: coverage
+        run: pytest --random-order --cov=bec_widgets --cov-config=pyproject.toml --cov-branch --cov-report=xml --no-cov-on-fail tests/unit_tests/
+
+      - name: Upload coverage to Codecov
+        uses: codecov/codecov-action@v5
+        with:
+          token: ${{ secrets.CODECOV_TOKEN }}
+          slug: bec-project/bec_widgets

.github/workflows/semantic_release.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,103 @@
+name: Continuous Delivery
+
+on:
+  push:
+    branches:
+      - main
+
+# default: least privileged permissions across all jobs
+permissions:
+  contents: read
+
+
+
+jobs:
+  release:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    concurrency:
+      group: ${{ github.workflow }}-release-${{ github.ref_name }}
+      cancel-in-progress: false
+
+    env:
+      CHILD_PIPELINE_BRANCH: main  # Set the branch you want for ophyd_devices
+      BEC_CORE_BRANCH: main        # Set the branch you want for bec
+      OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH: main   # Set the branch you want for ophyd_devices
+      PROJECT_PATH: ${{ github.repository }}
+      QTWEBENGINE_DISABLE_SANDBOX: 1
+      QT_QPA_PLATFORM: "offscreen"
+
+    permissions:
+      contents: write
+
+    steps:
+      # Note: We checkout the repository at the branch that triggered the workflow
+      # with the entire history to ensure to match PSR's release branch detection
+      # and history evaluation.
+      # However, we forcefully reset the branch to the workflow sha because it is
+      # possible that the branch was updated while the workflow was running. This
+      # prevents accidentally releasing un-evaluated changes.
+      - name: Setup | Checkout Repository on Release Branch
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          ref: ${{ github.ref_name }}
+          fetch-depth: 0
+          ssh-key: ${{ secrets.CI_DEPLOY_SSH_KEY }}
+          ssh-known-hosts: ${{ secrets.CI_DEPLOY_SSH_KNOWN_HOSTS }}
+
+      - name: Set up Python
+        uses: actions/setup-python@v5
+        with:
+          python-version: '3.11'
+
+      - name: Setup | Force release branch to be at workflow sha
+        run: |
+          git reset --hard ${{ github.sha }}
+      - name: Evaluate | Verify upstream has NOT changed
+        # Last chance to abort before causing an error as another PR/push was applied to
+        # the upstream branch while this workflow was running. This is important
+        # because we are committing a version change (--commit). You may omit this step
+        # if you have 'commit: false' in your configuration.
+        #
+        # You may consider moving this to a repo script and call it from this step instead
+        # of writing it in-line.
+        shell: bash
+        run: |
+          set +o pipefail
+
+          UPSTREAM_BRANCH_NAME="$(git status -sb | head -n 1 | cut -d' ' -f2 | grep -E '\.{3}' | cut -d'.' -f4)"
+          printf '%s\n' "Upstream branch name: $UPSTREAM_BRANCH_NAME"
+
+          set -o pipefail
+
+          if [ -z "$UPSTREAM_BRANCH_NAME" ]; then
+              printf >&2 '%s\n' "::error::Unable to determine upstream branch name!"
+              exit 1
+          fi
+
+          git fetch "${UPSTREAM_BRANCH_NAME%%/*}"
+
+          if ! UPSTREAM_SHA="$(git rev-parse "$UPSTREAM_BRANCH_NAME")"; then
+              printf >&2 '%s\n' "::error::Unable to determine upstream branch sha!"
+              exit 1
+          fi
+
+          HEAD_SHA="$(git rev-parse HEAD)"
+
+          if [ "$HEAD_SHA" != "$UPSTREAM_SHA" ]; then
+              printf >&2 '%s\n' "[HEAD SHA] $HEAD_SHA != $UPSTREAM_SHA [UPSTREAM SHA]"
+              printf >&2 '%s\n' "::error::Upstream has changed, aborting release..."
+              exit 1
+          fi
+
+          printf '%s\n' "Verified upstream branch has not changed, continuing with release..."
+
+      - name: Semantic Version Release
+        id: release
+        env:
+          GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
+        run: |
+          pip install python-semantic-release==9.* wheel build twine
+          semantic-release -vv version
+          if [ ! -d dist ]; then echo No release will be made; exit 0; fi
+          twine upload dist/* -u __token__ -p ${{ secrets.CI_PYPI_TOKEN }} --skip-existing
+          semantic-release publish

.github/workflows/stale-issues.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+name: 'Close stale issues and PRs'
+on:
+  schedule:
+    - cron: '00 10 * * *'
+
+jobs:
+  stale:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      - uses: actions/stale@v9
+        with:
+          stale-issue-message: 'This issue is stale because it has been open 60 days with no activity. Remove stale label or comment or this will be closed in 7 days.'
+          stale-pr-message: 'This PR is stale because it has been open 60 days with no activity. Remove stale label or comment or this will be closed in 7 days.'
+          days-before-stale: 60
+          days-before-close: 7

.github/workflows/sync-issues-pr.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+name: Sync PR to Project
+
+on:
+  pull_request:
+    types: [opened, edited, ready_for_review, converted_to_draft, reopened, synchronize]
+
+jobs:
+  sync-project:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+
+    permissions:
+      issues: write
+      pull-requests: read
+      contents: read
+
+    env:
+        PROJECT_NUMBER: 3 # BEC Project
+        ORG: 'bec-project'
+        REPO: 'bec_widgets'
+        TOKEN: ${{ secrets.ADD_ISSUE_TO_PROJECT }}
+        PR_NUMBER: ${{ github.event.pull_request.number }}
+
+    steps:
+      - name: Set up python environment
+        uses: actions/setup-python@v4
+        with:
+          python-version: 3.11
+
+      - name: Checkout repo
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          repository: ${{ github.repository }}
+          ref: ${{ github.event.pull_request.head.ref }}
+
+      - name: Install dependencies
+        run: |
+          pip install -r ./.github/scripts/pr_issue_sync/requirements.txt
+      - name: Sync PR to Project
+        run: |
+          python ./.github/scripts/pr_issue_sync/pr_issue_sync.py

.gitignore

@@ -64,6 +64,9 @@ coverage.xml
 .pytest_cache/
 cover/
 
+# Output from end2end testing
+tests/reference_failures/
+
 # Translations
 *.mo
 *.pot

.gitlab-ci.yml

@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ variables:
     value: main
   CHILD_PIPELINE_BRANCH: $CI_DEFAULT_BRANCH
   CHECK_PKG_VERSIONS:
-    description: Whether to run additional tests against min/max/random selection of dependencies. Set to 1 for running. 
+    description: Whether to run additional tests against min/max/random selection of dependencies. Set to 1 for running.
     value: 0
 
 workflow:
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ formatter:
   stage: Formatter
   needs: []
   script:
-    - pip install bec_lib[dev]
+    - pip install -e ./[dev]
     - isort --check --diff --line-length=100 --profile=black --multi-line=3 --trailing-comma ./
     - black --check --diff --color --line-length=100 --skip-magic-trailing-comma ./
   rules:
@@ -162,6 +162,20 @@ tests:
       - tests/reference_failures/
     when: always
 
+generate-client-check:
+  stage: test
+  needs: []
+  variables:
+    QT_QPA_PLATFORM: "offscreen"
+  script:
+    - *clone-repos
+    - *install-os-packages
+    - *install-repos
+    - pip install -e .[dev,pyside6]
+    - bw-generate-cli --target bec_widgets
+    # if there are changes in the generated files, fail the job
+    - git diff --exit-code
+
 test-matrix:
   parallel:
     matrix:
@@ -189,7 +203,7 @@ test-matrix:
 end-2-end-conda:
   stage: End2End
   needs: []
-  image: continuumio/miniconda3
+  image: continuumio/miniconda3:25.1.1-2
   allow_failure: false
   variables:
     QT_QPA_PLATFORM: "offscreen"
@@ -216,7 +230,7 @@ end-2-end-conda:
     - pip install -e ./ophyd_devices
 
     - pip install -e .[dev,pyside6]
-    - pytest -v --files-path ./ --start-servers --flush-redis --random-order  ./tests/end-2-end
+    - pytest -v --files-path ./ --start-servers --random-order  ./tests/end-2-end
 
   artifacts:
     when: on_failure
@@ -231,7 +245,7 @@ end-2-end-conda:
     - if: '$CI_PIPELINE_SOURCE == "parent_pipeline"'
     - if: '$CI_MERGE_REQUEST_TARGET_BRANCH_NAME == "main"'
     - if: '$CI_MERGE_REQUEST_TARGET_BRANCH_NAME == "production"'
-    - if: '$CI_MERGE_REQUEST_TARGET_BRANCH_NAME =~ /^pre_release.*$/'
+    - if: "$CI_MERGE_REQUEST_TARGET_BRANCH_NAME =~ /^pre_release.*$/"
 
 semver:
   stage: Deploy

.gitlab/issue_templates/bug_report_template.md

@@ -1,17 +0,0 @@
-## Bug report
-
-## Summary
-
-[Provide a brief description of the bug.]
-
-## Expected Behavior vs Actual Behavior
-
-[Describe what you expected to happen and what actually happened.]
-
-## Steps to Reproduce
-
-[Outline the steps that lead to the bug's occurrence. Be specific and provide a clear sequence of actions.]
-
-## Related Issues
-
-[Paste links to any related issues or feature requests.]

.readthedocs.yaml

@@ -7,13 +7,13 @@ version: 2
 
 # Set the version of Python and other tools you might need
 build:
-  os: ubuntu-20.04
+  os: ubuntu-22.04
   tools:
-    python: "3.10"
+    python: "3.11"
 
 # Build documentation in the docs/ directory with Sphinx
 sphinx:
-   configuration: docs/conf.py
+  configuration: docs/conf.py
 
 # If using Sphinx, optionally build your docs in additional formats such as PDF
 # formats:
@@ -21,5 +21,7 @@ sphinx:
 
 # Optionally declare the Python requirements required to build your docs
 python:
-   install:
-   - requirements: docs/requirements.txt
+  install:
+    - requirements: docs/requirements.txt
+    - method: pip
+      path: .[dev]

LICENSE

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 BSD 3-Clause License
 
-Copyright (c) 2023, bec
+Copyright (c) 2025, Paul Scherrer Institute
 All rights reserved.
 
 Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without

README.md

@@ -1,5 +1,16 @@
 # BEC Widgets
 
+
+[![CI](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/actions/workflows/ci.yml/badge.svg)](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/actions/workflows/ci.yml)
+[![badge](https://img.shields.io/pypi/v/bec-widgets)](https://pypi.org/project/bec-widgets/)
+[![License](https://img.shields.io/github/license/bec-project/bec_widgets)](./LICENSE)
+[![Code style: black](https://img.shields.io/badge/code%20style-black-000000.svg)](https://github.com/psf/black)
+[![Python](https://img.shields.io/badge/python-3.10%20%7C%203.11%20%7C%203.12-blue?logo=python&logoColor=white)](https://www.python.org)
+[![PySide6](https://img.shields.io/badge/PySide6-blue?logo=qt&logoColor=white)](https://doc.qt.io/qtforpython/)
+[![Conventional Commits](https://img.shields.io/badge/conventional%20commits-1.0.0-yellow?logo=conventionalcommits&logoColor=white)](https://conventionalcommits.org)
+[![codecov](https://codecov.io/gh/bec-project/bec_widgets/graph/badge.svg?token=0Z9IQRJKMY)](https://codecov.io/gh/bec-project/bec_widgets)
+
+
 **⚠️ Important Notice:**
 
 🚨 **PyQt6 is no longer supported** due to incompatibilities with Qt Designer. Please use **PySide6** instead. 🚨

bec_widgets/applications/launch_window.py

@@ -2,11 +2,11 @@ from __future__ import annotations
 
 import os
 import xml.etree.ElementTree as ET
-from typing import TYPE_CHECKING
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Callable
 
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
-from qtpy.QtCore import Qt, Signal
-from qtpy.QtGui import QPainter, QPainterPath, QPixmap
+from qtpy.QtCore import Qt, Signal  # type: ignore
+from qtpy.QtGui import QFontMetrics, QPainter, QPainterPath, QPixmap
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
     QApplication,
     QComboBox,
@@ -21,11 +21,13 @@ from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
 
 import bec_widgets
 from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_register import RPCRegister
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_plugin_helper import get_all_plugin_widgets
 from bec_widgets.utils.container_utils import WidgetContainerUtils
 from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.utils.name_utils import pascal_to_snake
 from bec_widgets.utils.plugin_utils import get_plugin_auto_updates
 from bec_widgets.utils.round_frame import RoundedFrame
-from bec_widgets.utils.toolbar import ModularToolBar
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.toolbar import ModularToolBar
 from bec_widgets.utils.ui_loader import UILoader
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.auto_update.auto_updates import AutoUpdates
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock.dock_area import BECDockArea
@@ -35,11 +37,14 @@ from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.visual.dark_mode_button.dark_mode_button import
 if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
     from qtpy.QtCore import QObject
 
+    from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
+
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
 
 
 class LaunchTile(RoundedFrame):
+    DEFAULT_SIZE = (250, 300)
     open_signal = Signal()
 
     def __init__(
@@ -50,9 +55,15 @@ class LaunchTile(RoundedFrame):
         main_label: str | None = None,
         description: str | None = None,
         show_selector: bool = False,
+        tile_size: tuple[int, int] | None = None,
     ):
         super().__init__(parent=parent, orientation="vertical")
 
+        # Provide a per‑instance TILE_SIZE so the class can compute layout
+        if tile_size is None:
+            tile_size = self.DEFAULT_SIZE
+        self.tile_size = tile_size
+
         self.icon_label = QLabel(parent=self)
         self.icon_label.setFixedSize(100, 100)
         self.icon_label.setScaledContents(True)
@@ -83,12 +94,26 @@ class LaunchTile(RoundedFrame):
 
         # Main label
         self.main_label = QLabel(main_label)
+
+        # Desired default appearance
         font_main = self.main_label.font()
         font_main.setPointSize(14)
         font_main.setBold(True)
         self.main_label.setFont(font_main)
-        self.main_label.setWordWrap(True)
         self.main_label.setAlignment(Qt.AlignCenter)
+
+        # Shrink font if the default would wrap on this platform / DPI
+        content_width = (
+            self.tile_size[0]
+            - self.layout.contentsMargins().left()
+            - self.layout.contentsMargins().right()
+        )
+        self._fit_label_to_width(self.main_label, content_width)
+
+        # Give every tile the same reserved height for the title so the
+        # description labels start at an identical y‑offset.
+        self.main_label.setFixedHeight(QFontMetrics(self.main_label.font()).height() + 2)
+
         self.layout.addWidget(self.main_label)
 
         self.spacer_top = QSpacerItem(0, 10, QSizePolicy.Fixed, QSizePolicy.Fixed)
@@ -129,6 +154,29 @@ class LaunchTile(RoundedFrame):
         )
         self.layout.addWidget(self.action_button, alignment=Qt.AlignCenter)
 
+    def _fit_label_to_width(self, label: QLabel, max_width: int, min_pt: int = 10):
+        """
+        Fit the label text to the specified maximum width by adjusting the font size.
+
+        Args:
+            label(QLabel): The label to adjust.
+            max_width(int): The maximum width the label can occupy.
+            min_pt(int): The minimum font point size to use.
+        """
+        font = label.font()
+        for pt in range(font.pointSize(), min_pt - 1, -1):
+            font.setPointSize(pt)
+            metrics = QFontMetrics(font)
+            if metrics.horizontalAdvance(label.text()) <= max_width:
+                label.setFont(font)
+                label.setWordWrap(False)
+                return
+        # If nothing fits, fall back to eliding
+        metrics = QFontMetrics(font)
+        label.setFont(font)
+        label.setWordWrap(False)
+        label.setText(metrics.elidedText(label.text(), Qt.ElideRight, max_width))
+
 
 class LaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
     RPC = True
@@ -141,6 +189,9 @@ class LaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
         super().__init__(parent=parent, gui_id=gui_id, window_title=window_title, **kwargs)
 
         self.app = QApplication.instance()
+        self.tiles: dict[str, LaunchTile] = {}
+        # Track the smallest main‑label font size chosen so far
+        self._min_main_label_pt: int | None = None
 
         # Toolbar
         self.dark_mode_button = DarkModeButton(parent=self, toolbar=True)
@@ -156,58 +207,125 @@ class LaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
         self.central_widget.layout = QHBoxLayout(self.central_widget)
         self.setCentralWidget(self.central_widget)
 
-        self.tile_dock_area = LaunchTile(
+        self.register_tile(
+            name="dock_area",
             icon_path=os.path.join(MODULE_PATH, "assets", "app_icons", "bec_widgets_icon.png"),
             top_label="Get started",
             main_label="BEC Dock Area",
             description="Highly flexible and customizable dock area application with modular widgets.",
+            action_button=lambda: self.launch("dock_area"),
+            show_selector=False,
         )
-        self.tile_dock_area.setFixedSize(*self.TILE_SIZE)
 
-        self.tile_auto_update = LaunchTile(
+        self.available_auto_updates: dict[str, type[AutoUpdates]] = (
+            self._update_available_auto_updates()
+        )
+        self.register_tile(
+            name="auto_update",
             icon_path=os.path.join(MODULE_PATH, "assets", "app_icons", "auto_update.png"),
             top_label="Get automated",
             main_label="BEC Auto Update Dock Area",
             description="Dock area with auto update functionality for BEC widgets plotting.",
+            action_button=self._open_auto_update,
             show_selector=True,
+            selector_items=list(self.available_auto_updates.keys()) + ["Default"],
         )
-        self.tile_auto_update.setFixedSize(*self.TILE_SIZE)
 
-        self.tile_ui_file = LaunchTile(
+        self.register_tile(
+            name="custom_ui_file",
             icon_path=os.path.join(MODULE_PATH, "assets", "app_icons", "ui_loader_tile.png"),
             top_label="Get customized",
             main_label="Launch Custom UI File",
             description="GUI application with custom UI file.",
+            action_button=self._open_custom_ui_file,
+            show_selector=False,
         )
-        self.tile_ui_file.setFixedSize(*self.TILE_SIZE)
 
-        # Add tiles to the main layout
-        self.central_widget.layout.addWidget(self.tile_dock_area)
-        self.central_widget.layout.addWidget(self.tile_auto_update)
-        self.central_widget.layout.addWidget(self.tile_ui_file)
-
-        # hacky solution no time to waste
-        self.tiles = [self.tile_dock_area, self.tile_auto_update, self.tile_ui_file]
-
-        # Connect signals
-        self.tile_dock_area.action_button.clicked.connect(lambda: self.launch("dock_area"))
-        self.tile_auto_update.action_button.clicked.connect(self._open_auto_update)
-        self.tile_ui_file.action_button.clicked.connect(self._open_custom_ui_file)
-        self._update_theme()
-
-        # Auto updates
-        self.available_auto_updates: dict[str, type[AutoUpdates]] = (
-            self._update_available_auto_updates()
-        )
-        if self.tile_auto_update.selector is not None:
-            self.tile_auto_update.selector.addItems(
-                list(self.available_auto_updates.keys()) + ["Default"]
+        # plugin widgets
+        self.available_widgets: dict[str, type[BECWidget]] = get_all_plugin_widgets().as_dict()
+        if self.available_widgets:
+            plugin_repo_name = next(iter(self.available_widgets.values())).__module__.split(".")[0]
+            plugin_repo_name = plugin_repo_name.removesuffix("_bec").upper()
+            self.register_tile(
+                name="widget",
+                icon_path=os.path.join(
+                    MODULE_PATH, "assets", "app_icons", "widget_launch_tile.png"
+                ),
+                top_label="Get quickly started",
+                main_label=f"Launch a {plugin_repo_name} Widget",
+                description=f"GUI application with one widget from the {plugin_repo_name} repository.",
+                action_button=self._open_widget,
+                show_selector=True,
+                selector_items=list(self.available_widgets.keys()),
             )
 
+        self._update_theme()
+
         self.register = RPCRegister()
         self.register.callbacks.append(self._turn_off_the_lights)
         self.register.broadcast()
 
+    def register_tile(
+        self,
+        name: str,
+        icon_path: str | None = None,
+        top_label: str | None = None,
+        main_label: str | None = None,
+        description: str | None = None,
+        action_button: Callable | None = None,
+        show_selector: bool = False,
+        selector_items: list[str] | None = None,
+    ):
+        """
+        Register a tile in the launcher window.
+
+        Args:
+            name(str): The name of the tile.
+            icon_path(str): The path to the icon.
+            top_label(str): The top label of the tile.
+            main_label(str): The main label of the tile.
+            description(str): The description of the tile.
+            action_button(callable): The action to be performed when the button is clicked.
+            show_selector(bool): Whether to show a selector or not.
+            selector_items(list[str]): The items to be shown in the selector.
+        """
+
+        tile = LaunchTile(
+            icon_path=icon_path,
+            top_label=top_label,
+            main_label=main_label,
+            description=description,
+            show_selector=show_selector,
+            tile_size=self.TILE_SIZE,
+        )
+        tile.setFixedWidth(self.TILE_SIZE[0])
+        tile.setMinimumHeight(self.TILE_SIZE[1])
+        tile.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Fixed, QSizePolicy.MinimumExpanding)
+        if action_button:
+            tile.action_button.clicked.connect(action_button)
+        if show_selector and selector_items:
+            tile.selector.addItems(selector_items)
+        self.central_widget.layout.addWidget(tile)
+
+        # keep all tiles' main labels at a unified point size
+        current_pt = tile.main_label.font().pointSize()
+        if self._min_main_label_pt is None or current_pt < self._min_main_label_pt:
+            # New global minimum – shrink every existing tile to this size
+            self._min_main_label_pt = current_pt
+            for t in self.tiles.values():
+                f = t.main_label.font()
+                f.setPointSize(self._min_main_label_pt)
+                t.main_label.setFont(f)
+                t.main_label.setFixedHeight(QFontMetrics(f).height() + 2)
+        elif current_pt > self._min_main_label_pt:
+            # Tile is larger than global minimum – shrink it to match
+            f = tile.main_label.font()
+            f.setPointSize(self._min_main_label_pt)
+            tile.main_label.setFont(f)
+            tile.main_label.setFixedHeight(QFontMetrics(f).height() + 2)
+
+        self.tiles[name] = tile
+
     def launch(
         self,
         launch_script: str,
@@ -235,10 +353,8 @@ class LaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
                     raise ValueError(
                         f"Name {name} must be unique for dock areas, but already exists: {existing_dock_areas}."
                     )
-                if not WidgetContainerUtils.has_name_valid_chars(name):
-                    raise ValueError(
-                        f"Name {name} contains invalid characters. Only alphanumeric characters, underscores, and dashes are allowed."
-                    )
+                WidgetContainerUtils.raise_for_invalid_name(name)
+
             else:
                 name = "dock_area"
                 name = WidgetContainerUtils.generate_unique_name(name, existing_dock_areas)
@@ -258,6 +374,12 @@ class LaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
                 auto_update = kwargs.pop("auto_update", None)
                 return self._launch_auto_update(auto_update)
 
+            if launch_script == "widget":
+                widget = kwargs.pop("widget", None)
+                if widget is None:
+                    raise ValueError("Widget name must be provided.")
+                return self._launch_widget(widget)
+
             launch = getattr(bw_launch, launch_script, None)
             if launch is None:
                 raise ValueError(f"Launch script {launch_script} not found.")
@@ -275,6 +397,7 @@ class LaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
             else:
                 window = BECMainWindow()
                 window.setCentralWidget(result_widget)
+                window.setWindowTitle(f"BEC - {result_widget.objectName()}")
                 window.show()
             return result_widget
 
@@ -284,6 +407,8 @@ class LaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
             raise ValueError("UI file must be provided for custom UI file launch.")
         filename = os.path.basename(ui_file).split(".")[0]
 
+        WidgetContainerUtils.raise_for_invalid_name(filename)
+
         tree = ET.parse(ui_file)
         root = tree.getroot()
         # Check if the top-level widget is a QMainWindow
@@ -321,11 +446,28 @@ class LaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
         window.show()
         return window
 
+    def _launch_widget(self, widget: type[BECWidget]) -> QWidget:
+        name = pascal_to_snake(widget.__name__)
+
+        WidgetContainerUtils.raise_for_invalid_name(name)
+
+        window = BECMainWindow()
+
+        widget_instance = widget(root_widget=True, object_name=name)
+        assert isinstance(widget_instance, QWidget)
+        QApplication.processEvents()
+
+        window.setCentralWidget(widget_instance)
+        window.resize(window.minimumSizeHint())
+        window.setWindowTitle(f"BEC - {widget_instance.objectName()}")
+        window.show()
+        return window
+
     def apply_theme(self, theme: str):
         """
         Change the theme of the application.
         """
-        for tile in self.tiles:
+        for tile in self.tiles.values():
             tile.apply_theme(theme)
 
         super().apply_theme(theme)
@@ -334,14 +476,25 @@ class LaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
         """
         Open the auto update window.
         """
-        if self.tile_auto_update.selector is None:
+        if self.tiles["auto_update"].selector is None:
             auto_update = None
         else:
-            auto_update = self.tile_auto_update.selector.currentText()
+            auto_update = self.tiles["auto_update"].selector.currentText()
             if auto_update == "Default":
                 auto_update = None
         return self.launch("auto_update", auto_update=auto_update)
 
+    def _open_widget(self):
+        """
+        Open a widget from the available widgets.
+        """
+        if self.tiles["widget"].selector is None:
+            return
+        widget = self.tiles["widget"].selector.currentText()
+        if widget not in self.available_widgets:
+            raise ValueError(f"Widget {widget} not found in available widgets.")
+        return self.launch("widget", widget=self.available_widgets[widget])
+
     @SafeSlot(popup_error=True)
     def _open_custom_ui_file(self):
         """
@@ -389,7 +542,7 @@ class LaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
         remaining_connections = [
             connection for connection in connections.values() if connection.parent_id != self.gui_id
         ]
-        return len(remaining_connections) <= 1
+        return len(remaining_connections) <= 4
 
     def _turn_off_the_lights(self, connections: dict):
         """

bec_widgets/cli/generate_cli.py

@@ -41,6 +41,7 @@ class ClientGenerator:
 import inspect
 import traceback
 from functools import reduce
+from operator import add
 from typing import Literal, Optional
 """
             if self._base
@@ -110,7 +111,7 @@ _Widgets = {
             self.content += """
 
 try:
-    _plugin_widgets = get_all_plugin_widgets()
+    _plugin_widgets = get_all_plugin_widgets().as_dict()
     plugin_client = get_plugin_client_module()
     Widgets = _WidgetsEnumType("Widgets", {name: name for name in _plugin_widgets} | _Widgets)
 
@@ -222,18 +223,18 @@ class {class_name}(RPCBase):"""
         # Combine header and content, then format with black
         full_content = self.header + "\n" + self.content
         try:
-            formatted_content = black.format_str(full_content, mode=black.FileMode(line_length=100))
+            formatted_content = black.format_str(full_content, mode=black.Mode(line_length=100))
         except black.NothingChanged:
             formatted_content = full_content
 
-        isort.Config(
+        config = isort.Config(
             profile="black",
             line_length=100,
             multi_line_output=3,
-            include_trailing_comma=True,
+            include_trailing_comma=False,
             known_first_party=["bec_widgets"],
         )
-        formatted_content = isort.code(formatted_content)
+        formatted_content = isort.code(formatted_content, config=config)
 
         with open(file_name, "w", encoding="utf-8") as file:
             file.write(formatted_content)
@@ -318,5 +319,5 @@ def main():
 if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
     import sys
 
-    sys.argv = ["bw-generate-cli", "--target", "csaxs_bec"]
+    sys.argv = ["bw-generate-cli", "--target", "bec_widgets"]
     main()

bec_widgets/cli/rpc/rpc_widget_handler.py

@@ -31,10 +31,9 @@ class RPCWidgetHandler:
         Returns:
             None
         """
-        clss = get_custom_classes("bec_widgets")
-        self._widget_classes = get_all_plugin_widgets() | {
-            cls.__name__: cls for cls in clss.widgets if cls.__name__ not in IGNORE_WIDGETS
-        }
+        self._widget_classes = (
+            get_custom_classes("bec_widgets") + get_all_plugin_widgets()
+        ).as_dict(IGNORE_WIDGETS)
 
     def create_widget(self, widget_type, **kwargs) -> BECWidget:
         """

bec_widgets/cli/server.py

@@ -6,7 +6,6 @@ import os
 import signal
 import sys
 from contextlib import redirect_stderr, redirect_stdout
-from typing import cast
 
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from bec_lib.service_config import ServiceConfig
@@ -38,6 +37,10 @@ class SimpleFileLikeFromLogOutputFunc:
             self._log_func(lines)
         self._buffer = [remaining]
 
+    @property
+    def encoding(self):
+        return "utf-8"
+
     def close(self):
         return
 

bec_widgets/examples/jupyter_console/jupyter_console_window.py

@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ class JupyterConsoleWindow(QWidget):  # pragma: no cover:
                     "pg": pg,
                     "wh": wh,
                     "dock": self.dock,
-                    # "im": self.im,
+                    "im": self.im,
                     # "mi": self.mi,
                     # "mm": self.mm,
                     # "lm": self.lm,
@@ -112,13 +112,13 @@ class JupyterConsoleWindow(QWidget):  # pragma: no cover:
         # tab_widget.addTab(fifth_tab, "Waveform Next Gen")
         # tab_widget.setCurrentIndex(4)
         #
-        # sixth_tab = QWidget()
-        # sixth_tab_layout = QVBoxLayout(sixth_tab)
-        # self.im = Image()
-        # self.mi = self.im.main_image
-        # sixth_tab_layout.addWidget(self.im)
-        # tab_widget.addTab(sixth_tab, "Image Next Gen")
-        # tab_widget.setCurrentIndex(5)
+        sixth_tab = QWidget()
+        sixth_tab_layout = QVBoxLayout(sixth_tab)
+        self.im = Image(popups=True)
+        self.mi = self.im.main_image
+        sixth_tab_layout.addWidget(self.im)
+        tab_widget.addTab(sixth_tab, "Image Next Gen")
+        tab_widget.setCurrentIndex(1)
         #
         # seventh_tab = QWidget()
         # seventh_tab_layout = QVBoxLayout(seventh_tab)

bec_widgets/tests/utils.py

@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ class FakeDevice(BECDevice):
             "readoutPriority": "baseline",
             "deviceClass": "ophyd.Device",
             "deviceConfig": {},
-            "deviceTags": ["user device"],
+            "deviceTags": {"user device"},
             "enabled": enabled,
             "readOnly": False,
             "name": self.name,
@@ -89,16 +89,28 @@ class FakePositioner(BECPositioner):
             "readoutPriority": "baseline",
             "deviceClass": "ophyd_devices.SimPositioner",
             "deviceConfig": {"delay": 1, "tolerance": 0.01, "update_frequency": 400},
-            "deviceTags": ["user motors"],
+            "deviceTags": {"user motors"},
             "enabled": enabled,
             "readOnly": False,
             "name": self.name,
         }
         self._info = {
             "signals": {
-                "readback": {"kind_str": "5"},  # hinted
-                "setpoint": {"kind_str": "1"},  # normal
-                "velocity": {"kind_str": "2"},  # config
+                "readback": {
+                    "kind_str": "hinted",
+                    "component_name": "readback",
+                    "obj_name": self.name,
+                },  # hinted
+                "setpoint": {
+                    "kind_str": "normal",
+                    "component_name": "setpoint",
+                    "obj_name": f"{self.name}_setpoint",
+                },  # normal
+                "velocity": {
+                    "kind_str": "config",
+                    "component_name": "velocity",
+                    "obj_name": f"{self.name}_velocity",
+                },  # config
             }
         }
         self.signals = {
@@ -184,8 +196,8 @@ class FakePositioner(BECPositioner):
 class Positioner(FakePositioner):
     """just placeholder for testing embedded isinstance check in DeviceCombobox"""
 
-    def __init__(self, name="test", limits=None, read_value=1.0):
-        super().__init__(name, limits, read_value)
+    def __init__(self, name="test", limits=None, read_value=1.0, enabled=True):
+        super().__init__(name, limits=limits, read_value=read_value, enabled=enabled)
 
 
 class Device(FakeDevice):
@@ -200,10 +212,49 @@ class DMMock:
         self.devices = DeviceContainer()
         self.enabled_devices = [device for device in self.devices if device.enabled]
 
-    def add_devives(self, devices: list):
+    def add_devices(self, devices: list):
+        """
+        Add devices to the DeviceContainer.
+
+        Args:
+            devices (list): List of device instances to add.
+        """
         for device in devices:
             self.devices[device.name] = device
 
+    def get_bec_signals(self, signal_class_name: str):
+        """
+        Emulate DeviceManager.get_bec_signals for unit-tests.
+
+        For “AsyncSignal” we list every device whose readout_priority is
+        ReadoutPriority.ASYNC and build a minimal tuple
+        (device_name, signal_name, signal_info_dict) that matches the real
+        API shape used by Waveform._check_async_signal_found.
+        """
+        signals: list[tuple[str, str, dict]] = []
+        if signal_class_name != "AsyncSignal":
+            return signals
+
+        for device in self.devices.values():
+            if getattr(device, "readout_priority", None) == ReadoutPriority.ASYNC:
+                device_name = device.name
+                signal_name = device.name  # primary signal in our mocks
+                signal_info = {
+                    "component_name": signal_name,
+                    "obj_name": signal_name,
+                    "kind_str": "hinted",
+                    "signal_class": signal_class_name,
+                    "metadata": {
+                        "connected": True,
+                        "precision": None,
+                        "read_access": True,
+                        "timestamp": 0.0,
+                        "write_access": True,
+                    },
+                }
+                signals.append((device_name, signal_name, signal_info))
+        return signals
+
 
 DEVICES = [
     FakePositioner("samx", limits=[-10, 10], read_value=2.0),

bec_widgets/utils/bec_connector.py

@@ -186,7 +186,6 @@ class BECConnector:
         except:
             logger.error(f"Error getting parent_id for {self.__class__.__name__}")
 
-    @SafeSlot()
     def _run_cleanup_on_deleted_parent(self) -> None:
         """
         Run cleanup on the deleted parent.
@@ -205,6 +204,17 @@ class BECConnector:
                 f"This is not necessarily an error as the parent may be deleted before the child and includes already a cleanup. The following exception was raised:\n{content}"
             )
 
+    def change_object_name(self, name: str) -> None:
+        """
+        Change the object name of the widget. Unregister old name and register the new one.
+
+        Args:
+            name (str): The new object name.
+        """
+        self.rpc_register.remove_rpc(self)
+        self.setObjectName(name.replace("-", "_").replace(" ", "_"))
+        QTimer.singleShot(0, self._update_object_name)
+
     def _update_object_name(self) -> None:
         """
         Enforce a unique object name among siblings and register the object for RPC.

bec_widgets/utils/bec_designer.py

@@ -16,9 +16,9 @@ if PYSIDE6:
     from PySide6.scripts.pyside_tool import (
         _extend_path_var,
         init_virtual_env,
-        qt_tool_wrapper,
         is_pyenv_python,
         is_virtual_env,
+        qt_tool_wrapper,
         ui_tool_binary,
     )
 
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ def list_editable_packages() -> set[str]:
     return editable_packages
 
 
-def patch_designer():  # pragma: no cover
+def patch_designer(cmd_args: list[str] = []):  # pragma: no cover
     if not PYSIDE6:
         print("PYSIDE6 is not available in the environment. Cannot patch designer.")
         return
@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@ def patch_designer():  # pragma: no cover
             editable_packages = list_editable_packages()
             for pckg in editable_packages:
                 _extend_path_var("PYTHONPATH", pckg, True)
-    qt_tool_wrapper(ui_tool_binary("designer"), sys.argv[1:])
+    qt_tool_wrapper(ui_tool_binary("designer"), cmd_args)
 
 
 def find_plugin_paths(base_path: Path):
@@ -147,7 +147,7 @@ def set_plugin_environment_variable(plugin_paths):
 
 
 # Patch the designer function
-def main():  # pragma: no cover
+def open_designer(cmd_args: list[str] = []):  # pragma: no cover
     if not PYSIDE6:
         print("PYSIDE6 is not available in the environment. Exiting...")
         return
@@ -160,7 +160,11 @@ def main():  # pragma: no cover
 
     set_plugin_environment_variable(plugin_paths)
 
-    patch_designer()
+    patch_designer(cmd_args)
+
+
+def main():
+    open_designer(sys.argv[1:])
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover

bec_widgets/utils/bec_dispatcher.py

@@ -4,8 +4,9 @@ import collections
 import random
 import string
 from collections.abc import Callable
-from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Union
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, DefaultDict, Hashable, Union
 
+import louie
 import redis
 from bec_lib.client import BECClient
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
@@ -25,21 +26,41 @@ if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
 
 
 class QtThreadSafeCallback(QObject):
+    """QtThreadSafeCallback is a wrapper around a callback function to make it thread-safe for Qt."""
+
     cb_signal = pyqtSignal(dict, dict)
 
-    def __init__(self, cb):
+    def __init__(self, cb: Callable, cb_info: dict | None = None):
+        """
+        Initialize the QtThreadSafeCallback.
+
+        Args:
+            cb (Callable): The callback function to be wrapped.
+            cb_info (dict, optional): Additional information about the callback. Defaults to None.
+        """
         super().__init__()
+        self.cb_info = cb_info
 
         self.cb = cb
+        self.cb_ref = louie.saferef.safe_ref(cb)
         self.cb_signal.connect(self.cb)
+        self.topics = set()
 
     def __hash__(self):
         # make 2 differents QtThreadSafeCallback to look
         # identical when used as dictionary keys, if the
         # callback is the same
-        return id(self.cb)
+        return f"{id(self.cb_ref)}{self.cb_info}".__hash__()
+
+    def __eq__(self, other):
+        if not isinstance(other, QtThreadSafeCallback):
+            return False
+        return self.cb_ref == other.cb_ref and self.cb_info == other.cb_info
 
     def __call__(self, msg_content, metadata):
+        if self.cb_ref() is None:
+            # callback has been deleted
+            return
         self.cb_signal.emit(msg_content, metadata)
 
 
@@ -86,7 +107,7 @@ class BECDispatcher:
         cls,
         client=None,
         config: str | ServiceConfig | None = None,
-        gui_id: str = None,
+        gui_id: str | None = None,
         *args,
         **kwargs,
     ):
@@ -99,7 +120,9 @@ class BECDispatcher:
         if self._initialized:
             return
 
-        self._slots = collections.defaultdict(set)
+        self._registered_slots: DefaultDict[Hashable, QtThreadSafeCallback] = (
+            collections.defaultdict()
+        )
         self.client = client
 
         if self.client is None:
@@ -140,7 +163,8 @@ class BECDispatcher:
     def connect_slot(
         self,
         slot: Callable,
-        topics: Union[EndpointInfo, str, list[Union[EndpointInfo, str]]],
+        topics: EndpointInfo | str | list[EndpointInfo] | list[str],
+        cb_info: dict | None = None,
         **kwargs,
     ) -> None:
         """Connect widget's qt slot, so that it is called on new pub/sub topic message.
@@ -148,34 +172,40 @@ class BECDispatcher:
         Args:
             slot (Callable): A slot method/function that accepts two inputs: content and metadata of
                 the corresponding pub/sub message
-            topics (EndpointInfo | str | list): A topic or list of topics that can typically be acquired via bec_lib.MessageEndpoints
+            topics EndpointInfo | str | list[EndpointInfo] | list[str]: A topic or list of topics that can typically be acquired via bec_lib.MessageEndpoints
+            cb_info (dict | None): A dictionary containing information about the callback. Defaults to None.
         """
-        slot = QtThreadSafeCallback(slot)
-        self.client.connector.register(topics, cb=slot, **kwargs)
+        qt_slot = QtThreadSafeCallback(cb=slot, cb_info=cb_info)
+        if qt_slot not in self._registered_slots:
+            self._registered_slots[qt_slot] = qt_slot
+        qt_slot = self._registered_slots[qt_slot]
+        self.client.connector.register(topics, cb=qt_slot, **kwargs)
         topics_str, _ = self.client.connector._convert_endpointinfo(topics)
-        self._slots[slot].update(set(topics_str))
+        qt_slot.topics.update(set(topics_str))
 
-    def disconnect_slot(self, slot: Callable, topics: Union[str, list]):
+    def disconnect_slot(
+        self, slot: Callable, topics: EndpointInfo | str | list[EndpointInfo] | list[str]
+    ):
         """
         Disconnect a slot from a topic.
 
         Args:
             slot(Callable): The slot to disconnect
-            topics(Union[str, list]): The topic(s) to disconnect from
+            topics EndpointInfo | str | list[EndpointInfo] | list[str]: A topic or list of topics to unsub from.
         """
         # find the right slot to disconnect from ;
         # slot callbacks are wrapped in QtThreadSafeCallback objects,
         # but the slot we receive here is the original callable
-        for connected_slot in self._slots:
+        for connected_slot in self._registered_slots.values():
             if connected_slot.cb == slot:
                 break
         else:
             return
         self.client.connector.unregister(topics, cb=connected_slot)
         topics_str, _ = self.client.connector._convert_endpointinfo(topics)
-        self._slots[connected_slot].difference_update(set(topics_str))
-        if not self._slots[connected_slot]:
-            del self._slots[connected_slot]
+        self._registered_slots[connected_slot].topics.difference_update(set(topics_str))
+        if not self._registered_slots[connected_slot].topics:
+            del self._registered_slots[connected_slot]
 
     def disconnect_topics(self, topics: Union[str, list]):
         """
@@ -186,11 +216,16 @@ class BECDispatcher:
         """
         self.client.connector.unregister(topics)
         topics_str, _ = self.client.connector._convert_endpointinfo(topics)
-        for slot in list(self._slots.keys()):
-            slot_topics = self._slots[slot]
-            slot_topics.difference_update(set(topics_str))
-            if not slot_topics:
-                del self._slots[slot]
+
+        remove_slots = []
+        for connected_slot in self._registered_slots.values():
+            connected_slot.topics.difference_update(set(topics_str))
+
+            if not connected_slot.topics:
+                remove_slots.append(connected_slot)
+
+        for connected_slot in remove_slots:
+            self._registered_slots.pop(connected_slot, None)
 
     def disconnect_all(self, *args, **kwargs):
         """

bec_widgets/utils/bec_plugin_helper.py

@@ -3,12 +3,17 @@ from __future__ import annotations
 import importlib.metadata
 import inspect
 import pkgutil
+import traceback
 from importlib import util as importlib_util
 from importlib.machinery import FileFinder, ModuleSpec, SourceFileLoader
 from types import ModuleType
 from typing import Generator
 
-from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.plugin_utils import BECClassContainer, BECClassInfo
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
 
 
 def _submodule_specs(module: ModuleType) -> tuple[ModuleSpec | None, ...]:
@@ -21,7 +26,7 @@ def _submodule_specs(module: ModuleType) -> tuple[ModuleSpec | None, ...]:
 
 
 def _loaded_submodules_from_specs(
-    submodule_specs: tuple[ModuleSpec | None, ...]
+    submodule_specs: tuple[ModuleSpec | None, ...],
 ) -> Generator[ModuleType, None, None]:
     """Load all submodules from the given specs."""
     for submodule in (
@@ -30,7 +35,12 @@ def _loaded_submodules_from_specs(
         assert isinstance(
             submodule.__loader__, SourceFileLoader
         ), "Module found from FileFinder should have SourceFileLoader!"
-        submodule.__loader__.exec_module(submodule)
+        try:
+            submodule.__loader__.exec_module(submodule)
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.error(
+                f"Error loading plugin {submodule}: \n{''.join(traceback.format_exception(e))}"
+            )
         yield submodule
 
 
@@ -41,27 +51,29 @@ def _submodule_by_name(module: ModuleType, name: str):
     return None
 
 
-def _get_widgets_from_module(module: ModuleType) -> dict[str, "type[BECWidget]"]:
-    """Find any BECWidget subclasses in the given module and return them with their names."""
+def _get_widgets_from_module(module: ModuleType) -> BECClassContainer:
+    """Find any BECWidget subclasses in the given module and return them with their info."""
     from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget  # avoid circular import
 
-    return dict(
-        inspect.getmembers(
-            module,
-            predicate=lambda item: inspect.isclass(item)
-            and issubclass(item, BECWidget)
-            and item is not BECWidget,
-        )
+    classes = inspect.getmembers(
+        module,
+        predicate=lambda item: inspect.isclass(item)
+        and issubclass(item, BECWidget)
+        and item is not BECWidget,
+    )
+    return BECClassContainer(
+        BECClassInfo(name=k, module=module.__name__, file=module.__loader__.get_filename(), obj=v)
+        for k, v in classes
     )
 
 
-def _all_widgets_from_all_submods(module):
+def _all_widgets_from_all_submods(module) -> BECClassContainer:
     """Recursively load submodules, find any BECWidgets, and return them all as a flat dict."""
     widgets = _get_widgets_from_module(module)
     if not hasattr(module, "__path__"):
         return widgets
     for submod in _loaded_submodules_from_specs(_submodule_specs(module)):
-        widgets.update(_all_widgets_from_all_submods(submod))
+        widgets += _all_widgets_from_all_submods(submod)
     return widgets
 
 
@@ -75,15 +87,16 @@ def get_plugin_client_module() -> ModuleType | None:
     return _submodule_by_name(plugin, "client") if (plugin := user_widget_plugin()) else None
 
 
-def get_all_plugin_widgets() -> dict[str, "type[BECWidget]"]:
+def get_all_plugin_widgets() -> BECClassContainer:
     """If there is a plugin repository installed, load all widgets from it."""
     if plugin := user_widget_plugin():
         return _all_widgets_from_all_submods(plugin)
     else:
-        return {}
+        return BECClassContainer()
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
-    #  print(get_all_plugin_widgets())
+
     client = get_plugin_client_module()
+    print(get_all_plugin_widgets())
     ...

bec_widgets/utils/bec_signal_proxy.py

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
-""" This custom class is a thin wrapper around the SignalProxy class to allow signal calls to be blocked.
+"""This custom class is a thin wrapper around the SignalProxy class to allow signal calls to be blocked.
 Unblocking the proxy needs to be done through the slot unblock_proxy. The most likely use case for this class is
-when the callback function is potentially initiating a slower progress, i.e. requesting a data analysis routine to 
+when the callback function is potentially initiating a slower progress, i.e. requesting a data analysis routine to
 analyse data. Requesting a new fit may lead to request piling up and an overall slow done of performance. This proxy
 will allow you to decide by yourself when to unblock and execute the callback again."""
 

bec_widgets/utils/clickable_label.py

@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from qtpy.QtCore import Signal
+from qtpy.QtGui import QMouseEvent
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QLabel
+
+
+class ClickableLabel(QLabel):
+    clicked = Signal()
+
+    def mouseReleaseEvent(self, ev: QMouseEvent) -> None:
+        self.clicked.emit()
+        return super().mouseReleaseEvent(ev)

bec_widgets/utils/colors.py

@@ -15,12 +15,15 @@ if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
     from bec_qthemes._main import AccentColors
 
 
-def get_theme_palette():
+def get_theme_name():
     if QApplication.instance() is None or not hasattr(QApplication.instance(), "theme"):
-        theme = "dark"
+        return "dark"
     else:
-        theme = QApplication.instance().theme.theme
-    return bec_qthemes.load_palette(theme)
+        return QApplication.instance().theme.theme
+
+
+def get_theme_palette():
+    return bec_qthemes.load_palette(get_theme_name())
 
 
 def get_accent_colors() -> AccentColors | None:

bec_widgets/utils/container_utils.py

@@ -1,11 +1,10 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
-import itertools
-from typing import Literal, Type
+from typing import Any, Type
 
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
-from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_register import RPCRegister
+from bec_widgets.cli.client_utils import BECGuiClient
 
 
 class WidgetContainerUtils:
@@ -73,3 +72,36 @@ class WidgetContainerUtils:
             return None
         else:
             raise ValueError(f"No widget of class {widget_class} found.")
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def name_is_protected(name: str, container: Any = None) -> bool:
+        """
+        Check if the name is not protected.
+
+        Args:
+            name(str): The name to be checked.
+
+        Returns:
+            bool: True if the name is not protected, False otherwise.
+        """
+        if container is None:
+            container = BECGuiClient
+        gui_client_methods = set(filter(lambda x: not x.startswith("_"), dir(container)))
+        return name in gui_client_methods
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def raise_for_invalid_name(name: str, container: Any = None) -> None:
+        """
+        Check if the name is valid. If not, raise a ValueError.
+
+        Args:
+            name(str): The name to be checked.
+        Raises:
+            ValueError: If the name is not valid.
+        """
+        if not WidgetContainerUtils.has_name_valid_chars(name):
+            raise ValueError(
+                f"Name '{name}' contains invalid characters. Only alphanumeric characters, underscores, and dashes are allowed."
+            )
+        if WidgetContainerUtils.name_is_protected(name, container):
+            raise ValueError(f"Name '{name}' is protected. Please choose another name.")

bec_widgets/utils/crosshair.py

@@ -5,9 +5,13 @@ from typing import Any
 
 import numpy as np
 import pyqtgraph as pg
-from qtpy.QtCore import QObject, Qt, Signal, Slot
+from qtpy.QtCore import QObject, QPointF, Qt, Signal
+from qtpy.QtGui import QCursor, QTransform
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
 
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.image.image_item import ImageItem
+
 
 class CrosshairScatterItem(pg.ScatterPlotItem):
     def setDownsampling(self, ds=None, auto=None, method=None):
@@ -34,13 +38,21 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
     coordinatesChanged2D = Signal(tuple)
     coordinatesClicked2D = Signal(tuple)
 
-    def __init__(self, plot_item: pg.PlotItem, precision: int = 3, parent=None):
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        plot_item: pg.PlotItem,
+        precision: int | None = None,
+        *,
+        min_precision: int = 2,
+        parent=None,
+    ):
         """
         Crosshair for 1D and 2D plots.
 
         Args:
             plot_item (pyqtgraph.PlotItem): The plot item to which the crosshair will be attached.
-            precision (int, optional): Number of decimal places to round the coordinates to. Defaults to None.
+            precision (int | None, optional): Fixed number of decimal places to display. If *None*, precision is chosen dynamically from the current view range.
+            min_precision (int, optional): The lower bound (in decimal places) used when dynamic precision is enabled. Defaults to 2.
             parent (QObject, optional): Parent object for the QObject. Defaults to None.
         """
         super().__init__(parent)
@@ -48,7 +60,9 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
         self.is_log_x = None
         self.is_derivative = None
         self.plot_item = plot_item
-        self.precision = precision
+        self._precision = precision
+        self._min_precision = max(0, int(min_precision))  # ensure non‑negative
+
         self.v_line = pg.InfiniteLine(angle=90, movable=False)
         self.v_line.skip_auto_range = True
         self.h_line = pg.InfiniteLine(angle=0, movable=False)
@@ -85,13 +99,64 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
         self.items = []
         self.marker_moved_1d = {}
         self.marker_clicked_1d = {}
-        self.marker_2d = None
+        self.marker_2d_row = None
+        self.marker_2d_col = None
         self.update_markers()
         self.check_log()
         self.check_derivatives()
 
         self._connect_to_theme_change()
 
+    @property
+    def precision(self) -> int | None:
+        """Fixed number of decimals; ``None`` enables dynamic mode."""
+        return self._precision
+
+    @precision.setter
+    def precision(self, value: int | None):
+        """
+        Set the fixed number of decimals to display.
+
+        Args:
+            value(int | None): The number of decimals to display. If `None`, dynamic precision is used based on the view range.
+        """
+        self._precision = value
+
+    @property
+    def min_precision(self) -> int:
+        """Lower bound on decimals when dynamic precision is used."""
+        return self._min_precision
+
+    @min_precision.setter
+    def min_precision(self, value: int):
+        """
+        Set the lower bound on decimals when dynamic precision is used.
+
+        Args:
+            value(int): The minimum number of decimals to display. Must be non-negative.
+        """
+        self._min_precision = max(0, int(value))
+
+    def _current_precision(self) -> int:
+        """
+        Get the current precision based on the view range or fixed precision.
+        """
+        if self._precision is not None:
+            return self._precision
+
+        # Dynamically choose precision from the smaller visible span
+        view_range = self.plot_item.vb.viewRange()
+        x_span = abs(view_range[0][1] - view_range[0][0])
+        y_span = abs(view_range[1][1] - view_range[1][0])
+
+        # Ignore zero spans that can appear during initialisation
+        spans = [s for s in (x_span, y_span) if s > 0]
+        span = min(spans) if spans else 1.0
+
+        exponent = np.floor(np.log10(span))  # order of magnitude
+        decimals = max(0, int(-exponent) + 1)
+        return max(self._min_precision, decimals)
+
     def _connect_to_theme_change(self):
         """Connect to the theme change signal."""
         qapp = QApplication.instance()
@@ -99,7 +164,7 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
             qapp.theme_signal.theme_updated.connect(self._update_theme)
             self._update_theme()
 
-    @Slot(str)
+    @SafeSlot(str)
     def _update_theme(self, theme: str | None = None):
         """Update the theme."""
         if theme is None:
@@ -126,7 +191,7 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
         self.coord_label.fill = pg.mkBrush(label_bg_color)
         self.coord_label.border = pg.mkPen(None)
 
-    @Slot(int)
+    @SafeSlot(int)
     def update_highlighted_curve(self, curve_index: int):
         """
         Update the highlighted curve in the case of multiple curves in a plot item.
@@ -195,13 +260,55 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
                         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:
+                if self.marker_2d_row is not None and self.marker_2d_col is not None:
                     continue
-                self.marker_2d = pg.ROI(
-                    [0, 0], size=[1, 1], pen=pg.mkPen("r", width=2), movable=False
+                # Create horizontal ROI for row highlighting
+                if item.image is None:
+                    continue
+                self.marker_2d_row = pg.ROI(
+                    [0, 0], size=[item.image.shape[0], 1], pen=pg.mkPen("r", width=2), movable=False
                 )
-                self.marker_2d.skip_auto_range = True
-                self.plot_item.addItem(self.marker_2d)
+                self.marker_2d_row.skip_auto_range = True
+                if item.image_transform is not None:
+                    self.marker_2d_row.setTransform(item.image_transform)
+                self.plot_item.addItem(self.marker_2d_row)
+
+                # Create vertical ROI for column highlighting
+                self.marker_2d_col = pg.ROI(
+                    [0, 0], size=[1, item.image.shape[1]], pen=pg.mkPen("r", width=2), movable=False
+                )
+                if item.image_transform is not None:
+                    self.marker_2d_col.setTransform(item.image_transform)
+                self.marker_2d_col.skip_auto_range = True
+                self.plot_item.addItem(self.marker_2d_col)
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def update_markers_on_image_change(self):
+        """
+        Update markers when the image changes, e.g. when the
+        image shape or transformation changes.
+        """
+        for item in self.items:
+            if not isinstance(item, pg.ImageItem):
+                continue
+            if self.marker_2d_row is not None:
+                self.marker_2d_row.setSize([item.image.shape[0], 1])
+                self.marker_2d_row.setTransform(item.image_transform)
+            if self.marker_2d_col is not None:
+                self.marker_2d_col.setSize([1, item.image.shape[1]])
+                self.marker_2d_col.setTransform(item.image_transform)
+            # Get the current mouse position
+            views = self.plot_item.vb.scene().views()
+            if not views:
+                return
+            view = views[0]
+            global_pos = QCursor.pos()
+            view_pos = view.mapFromGlobal(global_pos)
+            scene_pos = view.mapToScene(view_pos)
+
+            if self.plot_item.vb.sceneBoundingRect().contains(scene_pos):
+                plot_pt = self.plot_item.vb.mapSceneToView(scene_pos)
+                self.mouse_moved(manual_pos=(plot_pt.x(), plot_pt.y()))
 
     def snap_to_data(
         self, x: float, y: float
@@ -241,11 +348,29 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
                     y_values[name] = closest_y
                     x_values[name] = closest_x
             elif isinstance(item, pg.ImageItem):  # 2D plot
-                name = item.config.monitor or str(id(item))
+                name = item.objectName() or str(id(item))
                 image_2d = item.image
-                # 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))
+                if image_2d is None:
+                    continue
+                # Map scene coordinates (plot units) back to image pixel coordinates
+                if item.image_transform is not None:
+                    inv_transform, _ = item.image_transform.inverted()
+                    xy_trans = inv_transform.map(QPointF(x, y))
+                else:
+                    xy_trans = QPointF(x, y)
+
+                # Define valid pixel coordinate bounds
+                min_x_px, min_y_px = 0, 0
+                max_x_px = image_2d.shape[0] - 1  # columns
+                max_y_px = image_2d.shape[1] - 1  # rows
+
+                # Clip the mapped coordinates to the image bounds
+                px = int(np.clip(xy_trans.x(), min_x_px, max_x_px))
+                py = int(np.clip(xy_trans.y(), min_y_px, max_y_px))
+
+                # Store snapped pixel positions
+                x_values[name] = px
+                y_values[name] = py
 
         if x_values and y_values:
             if all(v is None for v in x_values.values()) or all(
@@ -285,56 +410,74 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
 
         return list_x[original_index], list_y[original_index]
 
-    def mouse_moved(self, event):
-        """Handles the mouse moved event, updating the crosshair position and emitting signals.
+    @SafeSlot(object, tuple)
+    def mouse_moved(self, event=None, manual_pos=None):
+        """
+        Handles the mouse moved event, updating the crosshair position and emitting signals.
 
         Args:
-            event: The mouse moved event
+            event(object): The mouse moved event, which contains the scene position.
+            manual_pos(tuple, optional): A tuple containing the (x, y) coordinates to manually set the crosshair position.
         """
-        pos = event[0]
+        # Determine target (x, y) in *plot* coordinates
+        if manual_pos is not None:
+            x, y = manual_pos
+        else:
+            if event is None:
+                return  # nothing to do
+            scene_pos = event[0]  # SignalProxy bundle
+            if not self.plot_item.vb.sceneBoundingRect().contains(scene_pos):
+                return
+            view_pos = self.plot_item.vb.mapSceneToView(scene_pos)
+            x, y = view_pos.x(), view_pos.y()
+
+        # Update cross‑hair visuals
+        self.v_line.setPos(x)
+        self.h_line.setPos(y)
+
         self.update_markers()
-        if self.plot_item.vb.sceneBoundingRect().contains(pos):
-            mouse_point = self.plot_item.vb.mapSceneToView(pos)
-            x, y = mouse_point.x(), mouse_point.y()
-            self.v_line.setPos(x)
-            self.h_line.setPos(y)
-            scaled_x, scaled_y = self.scale_emitted_coordinates(mouse_point.x(), mouse_point.y())
-            self.crosshairChanged.emit((scaled_x, scaled_y))
-            self.positionChanged.emit((x, y))
+        scaled_x, scaled_y = self.scale_emitted_coordinates(x, y)
+        self.crosshairChanged.emit((scaled_x, scaled_y))
+        self.positionChanged.emit((x, y))
 
-            x_snap_values, y_snap_values = self.snap_to_data(x, y)
-            if x_snap_values is None or y_snap_values is None:
-                return
-            if all(v is None for v in x_snap_values.values()) or all(
-                v is None for v in y_snap_values.values()
-            ):
-                # not sure how we got here, but just to be safe...
-                return
+        snap_x_vals, snap_y_vals = self.snap_to_data(x, y)
+        if snap_x_vals is None or snap_y_vals is None:
+            return
+        if all(v is None for v in snap_x_vals.values()) or all(
+            v is None for v in snap_y_vals.values()
+        ):
+            return
 
-            for item in self.items:
-                if isinstance(item, pg.PlotDataItem):
-                    name = item.name() or str(id(item))
-                    x, y = x_snap_values[name], y_snap_values[name]
-                    if x is None or y is None:
-                        continue
-                    self.marker_moved_1d[name].setData([x], [y])
-                    x_snapped_scaled, y_snapped_scaled = self.scale_emitted_coordinates(x, y)
-                    coordinate_to_emit = (
-                        name,
-                        round(x_snapped_scaled, self.precision),
-                        round(y_snapped_scaled, self.precision),
-                    )
-                    self.coordinatesChanged1D.emit(coordinate_to_emit)
-                elif isinstance(item, pg.ImageItem):
-                    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
-                    self.marker_2d.setPos([x, y])
-                    coordinate_to_emit = (name, x, y)
-                    self.coordinatesChanged2D.emit(coordinate_to_emit)
-                else:
+        precision = self._current_precision()
+
+        for item in self.items:
+            if isinstance(item, pg.PlotDataItem):
+                name = item.name() or str(id(item))
+                sx, sy = snap_x_vals[name], snap_y_vals[name]
+                if sx is None or sy is None:
                     continue
+                self.marker_moved_1d[name].setData([sx], [sy])
+                sx_s, sy_s = self.scale_emitted_coordinates(sx, sy)
+                self.coordinatesChanged1D.emit(
+                    (name, round(sx_s, precision), round(sy_s, precision))
+                )
+
+            elif isinstance(item, pg.ImageItem):
+                name = item.objectName() or str(id(item))
+                px, py = snap_x_vals[name], snap_y_vals[name]
+                if px is None or py is None:
+                    continue
+
+                # Respect image transforms
+                if isinstance(item, ImageItem) and item.image_transform is not None:
+                    row, col = self._get_transformed_position(px, py, item.image_transform)
+                    self.marker_2d_row.setPos(row)
+                    self.marker_2d_col.setPos(col)
+                else:
+                    self.marker_2d_row.setPos([0, py])
+                    self.marker_2d_col.setPos([px, 0])
+
+                self.coordinatesChanged2D.emit((name, px, py))
 
     def mouse_clicked(self, event):
         """Handles the mouse clicked event, updating the crosshair position and emitting signals.
@@ -364,6 +507,7 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
                 # not sure how we got here, but just to be safe...
                 return
 
+            precision = self._current_precision()
             for item in self.items:
                 if isinstance(item, pg.PlotDataItem):
                     name = item.name() or str(id(item))
@@ -375,21 +519,44 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
                     x_snapped_scaled, y_snapped_scaled = self.scale_emitted_coordinates(x, y)
                     coordinate_to_emit = (
                         name,
-                        round(x_snapped_scaled, self.precision),
-                        round(y_snapped_scaled, self.precision),
+                        round(x_snapped_scaled, precision),
+                        round(y_snapped_scaled, precision),
                     )
                     self.coordinatesClicked1D.emit(coordinate_to_emit)
                 elif isinstance(item, pg.ImageItem):
-                    name = item.config.monitor or str(id(item))
+                    name = item.objectName() or str(id(item))
                     x, y = x_snap_values[name], y_snap_values[name]
                     if x is None or y is None:
                         continue
-                    self.marker_2d.setPos([x, y])
+
+                    if isinstance(item, ImageItem) and item.image_transform is not None:
+                        row, col = self._get_transformed_position(x, y, item.image_transform)
+                        self.marker_2d_row.setPos(row)
+                        self.marker_2d_col.setPos(col)
+                    else:
+                        self.marker_2d_row.setPos([0, y])
+                        self.marker_2d_col.setPos([x, 0])
+
                     coordinate_to_emit = (name, x, y)
                     self.coordinatesClicked2D.emit(coordinate_to_emit)
                 else:
                     continue
 
+    def _get_transformed_position(
+        self, x: float, y: float, transform: QTransform
+    ) -> tuple[QPointF, QPointF]:
+        """
+        Maps the given x and y coordinates to the transformed position using the provided transform.
+        Args:
+            x (float): The x-coordinate to transform.
+            y (float): The y-coordinate to transform.
+            transform (QTransform): The transformation to apply.
+        """
+        origin = transform.map(QPointF(0, 0))
+        row = transform.map(QPointF(0, y)) - origin
+        col = transform.map(QPointF(x, 0)) - origin
+        return row, col
+
     def clear_markers(self):
         """Clears the markers from the plot."""
         for marker in self.marker_moved_1d.values():
@@ -424,14 +591,27 @@ 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})"
+        precision = self._current_precision()
+        text = f"({x_scaled:.{precision}f}, {y_scaled:.{precision}f})"
         for item in self.items:
             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))
+                if image is None:
+                    continue
+
+                if item.image_transform is not None:
+                    inv_transform, _ = item.image_transform.inverted()
+                    pt = inv_transform.map(QPointF(x, y))
+                    px, py = pt.x(), pt.y()
+                else:
+                    px, py = x, y
+
+                # Clip to valid pixel indices
+                ix = int(np.clip(px, 0, image.shape[0] - 1))  # column
+                iy = int(np.clip(py, 0, image.shape[1] - 1))  # row
+
                 intensity = image[ix, iy]
-                text += f"\nIntensity: {intensity:.{self.precision}g}"
+                text += f"\nIntensity: {intensity:.{precision}f}"
                 break
         # Update coordinate label
         self.coord_label.setText(text)
@@ -449,12 +629,19 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
         self.is_derivative = self.plot_item.ctrl.derivativeCheck.isChecked()
         self.clear_markers()
 
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def reset(self):
+        """Resets the crosshair to its initial state."""
+        if self.marker_2d_row is not None:
+            self.plot_item.removeItem(self.marker_2d_row)
+            self.marker_2d_row = None
+        if self.marker_2d_col is not None:
+            self.plot_item.removeItem(self.marker_2d_col)
+            self.marker_2d_col = None
+        self.clear_markers()
+
     def cleanup(self):
-        if self.marker_2d is not None:
-            self.plot_item.removeItem(self.marker_2d)
-            self.marker_2d = None
+        self.reset()
         self.plot_item.removeItem(self.v_line)
         self.plot_item.removeItem(self.h_line)
         self.plot_item.removeItem(self.coord_label)
-
-        self.clear_markers()

bec_widgets/utils/entry_validator.py

@@ -17,13 +17,23 @@ class EntryValidator:
             raise ValueError(f"Device '{name}' not found in current BEC session")
 
         device = self.devices[name]
-        description = device.describe()
+
+        # Build list of available signal entries from device._info['signals']
+        signals_dict = getattr(device, "_info", {}).get("signals", {})
+        available_entries = [
+            sig.get("obj_name") for sig in signals_dict.values() if sig.get("obj_name")
+        ]
+
+        # If no signals are found, means device is a signal, use the device name as the entry
+        if not available_entries:
+            available_entries = [name]
 
         if entry is None or entry == "":
             entry = next(iter(device._hints), name) if hasattr(device, "_hints") else name
-        if entry not in description:
+        if entry not in available_entries:
             raise ValueError(
-                f"Entry '{entry}' not found in device '{name}' signals. Available signals: {description.keys()}"
+                f"Entry '{entry}' not found in device '{name}' signals. "
+                f"Available signals: '{available_entries}'"
             )
 
         return entry

bec_widgets/utils/error_popups.py

@@ -99,16 +99,30 @@ def SafeSlot(*slot_args, **slot_kwargs):  # pylint: disable=invalid-name
     'verify_sender' keyword argument can be passed with boolean value if the sender should be verified
     before executing the slot. If True, the slot will only execute if the sender is a QObject. This is
     useful to prevent function calls from already deleted objects.
+    'raise_error' keyword argument can be passed with boolean value if the error should be raised
+    after the error is displayed. This is useful to propagate the error to the caller but should be used
+    with great care to avoid segfaults.
+
+    The keywords above are stored in a container which can be overridden by passing
+    '_override_slot_params' keyword argument with a dictionary containing the keywords to override.
+    This is useful to override the default behavior of the decorator for a specific function call.
+
     """
-    popup_error = bool(slot_kwargs.pop("popup_error", False))
-    verify_sender = bool(slot_kwargs.pop("verify_sender", False))
+    _slot_params = {
+        "popup_error": bool(slot_kwargs.pop("popup_error", False)),
+        "verify_sender": bool(slot_kwargs.pop("verify_sender", False)),
+        "raise_error": bool(slot_kwargs.pop("raise_error", False)),
+    }
 
     def error_managed(method):
         @Slot(*slot_args, **slot_kwargs)
         @functools.wraps(method)
         def wrapper(*args, **kwargs):
+
+            _override_slot_params = kwargs.pop("_override_slot_params", {})
+            _slot_params.update(_override_slot_params)
             try:
-                if not verify_sender or len(args) == 0:
+                if not _slot_params["verify_sender"] or len(args) == 0:
                     return method(*args, **kwargs)
 
                 _instance = args[0]
@@ -126,11 +140,11 @@ def SafeSlot(*slot_args, **slot_kwargs):  # pylint: disable=invalid-name
             except Exception:
                 slot_name = f"{method.__module__}.{method.__qualname__}"
                 error_msg = traceback.format_exc()
-                if popup_error:
-                    ErrorPopupUtility().custom_exception_hook(
-                        *sys.exc_info(), popup_error=popup_error
-                    )
+                if _slot_params["popup_error"]:
+                    ErrorPopupUtility().custom_exception_hook(*sys.exc_info(), popup_error=True)
                 logger.error(f"SafeSlot error in slot '{slot_name}':\n{error_msg}")
+                if _slot_params["raise_error"]:
+                    raise
 
         return wrapper
 

bec_widgets/utils/expandable_frame.py

@@ -1,7 +1,9 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
 from bec_qthemes import material_icon
+from qtpy.QtCore import Signal
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
+    QApplication,
     QFrame,
     QHBoxLayout,
     QLabel,
@@ -12,15 +14,20 @@ from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
     QWidget,
 )
 
+from bec_widgets.utils.clickable_label import ClickableLabel
 from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeProperty, SafeSlot
 
 
 class ExpandableGroupFrame(QFrame):
 
+    expansion_state_changed = Signal()
+
     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:
+    def __init__(
+        self, parent: QWidget | None = None, title: str = "", expanded: bool = True, icon: str = ""
+    ) -> None:
         super().__init__(parent=parent)
         self._expanded = expanded
 
@@ -29,19 +36,33 @@ class ExpandableGroupFrame(QFrame):
         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._create_title_layout(title, icon)
 
         self._contents = QWidget(self)
         self._layout.addWidget(self._contents)
 
         self._expansion_button.clicked.connect(self.switch_expanded_state)
         self.expanded = self._expanded  # type: ignore
+        self.expansion_state_changed.emit()
+
+    def _create_title_layout(self, title: str, icon: str):
+        self._title_layout = QHBoxLayout()
+        self._layout.addLayout(self._title_layout)
+
+        self._title = ClickableLabel(f"<b>{title}</b>")
+        self._title_icon = ClickableLabel()
+        self._title_layout.addWidget(self._title_icon)
+        self._title_layout.addWidget(self._title)
+        self.icon_name = icon
+        self._title.clicked.connect(self.switch_expanded_state)
+        self._title_icon.clicked.connect(self.switch_expanded_state)
+
+        self._title_layout.addStretch(1)
+
+        self._expansion_button = QToolButton()
+        self._update_expansion_icon()
+        self._title_layout.addWidget(self._expansion_button, stretch=1)
 
     def set_layout(self, layout: QLayout) -> None:
         self._contents.setLayout(layout)
@@ -50,7 +71,8 @@ class ExpandableGroupFrame(QFrame):
     @SafeSlot()
     def switch_expanded_state(self):
         self.expanded = not self.expanded  # type: ignore
-        self._update_icon()
+        self._update_expansion_icon()
+        self.expansion_state_changed.emit()
 
     @SafeProperty(bool)
     def expanded(self):  # type: ignore
@@ -61,8 +83,9 @@ class ExpandableGroupFrame(QFrame):
         self._expanded = expanded
         self._contents.setVisible(expanded)
         self.updateGeometry()
+        self.adjustSize()
 
-    def _update_icon(self):
+    def _update_expansion_icon(self):
         self._expansion_button.setIcon(
             material_icon(icon_name=self.EXPANDED_ICON_NAME, size=(10, 10), convert_to_pixmap=False)
             if self.expanded
@@ -70,3 +93,36 @@ class ExpandableGroupFrame(QFrame):
                 icon_name=self.COLLAPSED_ICON_NAME, size=(10, 10), convert_to_pixmap=False
             )
         )
+
+    @SafeProperty(str)
+    def icon_name(self):  # type: ignore
+        return self._title_icon_name
+
+    @icon_name.setter
+    def icon_name(self, icon_name: str):
+        self._title_icon_name = icon_name
+        self._set_title_icon(self._title_icon_name)
+
+    def _set_title_icon(self, icon_name: str):
+        if icon_name:
+            self._title_icon.setVisible(True)
+            self._title_icon.setPixmap(
+                material_icon(icon_name=icon_name, size=(20, 20), convert_to_pixmap=True)
+            )
+        else:
+            self._title_icon.setVisible(False)
+
+
+# Application example
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+
+    app = QApplication([])
+    frame = ExpandableGroupFrame()
+    layout = QVBoxLayout()
+    frame.set_layout(layout)
+    layout.addWidget(QLabel("test1"))
+    layout.addWidget(QLabel("test2"))
+    layout.addWidget(QLabel("test3"))
+
+    frame.show()
+    app.exec()

bec_widgets/utils/filter_io.py

@@ -8,6 +8,8 @@ from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from qtpy.QtCore import QStringListModel
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QComboBox, QCompleter, QLineEdit
 
+from bec_widgets.utils.ophyd_kind_util import Kind
+
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 
 
@@ -15,11 +17,13 @@ class WidgetFilterHandler(ABC):
     """Abstract base class for widget filter handlers"""
 
     @abstractmethod
-    def set_selection(self, widget, selection: list) -> None:
+    def set_selection(self, widget, selection: list[str | tuple]) -> None:
         """Set the filtered_selection for the widget
 
         Args:
-            selection (list): Filtered selection of items
+            widget: Widget instance
+            selection (list[str | tuple]): Filtered selection of items.
+                If tuple, it contains (text, data) pairs.
         """
 
     @abstractmethod
@@ -34,17 +38,37 @@ class WidgetFilterHandler(ABC):
             bool: True if the input text is in the filtered selection
         """
 
+    @abstractmethod
+    def update_with_kind(
+        self, kind: Kind, signal_filter: set, device_info: dict, device_name: str
+    ) -> list[str | tuple]:
+        """Update the selection based on the kind of signal.
+
+        Args:
+            kind (Kind): The kind of signal to filter.
+            signal_filter (set): Set of signal kinds to filter.
+            device_info (dict): Dictionary containing device information.
+            device_name (str): Name of the device.
+
+        Returns:
+            list[str | tuple]: A list of filtered signals based on the kind.
+        """
+        # This method should be implemented in subclasses or extended as needed
+
 
 class LineEditFilterHandler(WidgetFilterHandler):
     """Handler for QLineEdit widget"""
 
-    def set_selection(self, widget: QLineEdit, selection: list) -> None:
+    def set_selection(self, widget: QLineEdit, selection: list[str | tuple]) -> None:
         """Set the selection for the widget to the completer model
 
         Args:
             widget (QLineEdit): The QLineEdit widget
-            selection (list): Filtered selection of items
+            selection (list[str | tuple]): Filtered selection of items. If tuple, it contains (text, data) pairs.
         """
+        if isinstance(selection, tuple):
+            # If selection is a tuple, it contains (text, data) pairs
+            selection = [text for text, _ in selection]
         if not isinstance(widget.completer, QCompleter):
             completer = QCompleter(widget)
             widget.setCompleter(completer)
@@ -64,19 +88,47 @@ class LineEditFilterHandler(WidgetFilterHandler):
         model_data = [model.data(model.index(i)) for i in range(model.rowCount())]
         return text in model_data
 
+    def update_with_kind(
+        self, kind: Kind, signal_filter: set, device_info: dict, device_name: str
+    ) -> list[str | tuple]:
+        """Update the selection based on the kind of signal.
+
+        Args:
+            kind (Kind): The kind of signal to filter.
+            signal_filter (set): Set of signal kinds to filter.
+            device_info (dict): Dictionary containing device information.
+            device_name (str): Name of the device.
+
+        Returns:
+            list[str | tuple]: A list of filtered signals based on the kind.
+        """
+
+        return [
+            signal
+            for signal, signal_info in device_info.items()
+            if kind in signal_filter and (signal_info.get("kind_str", None) == str(kind.name))
+        ]
+
 
 class ComboBoxFilterHandler(WidgetFilterHandler):
     """Handler for QComboBox widget"""
 
-    def set_selection(self, widget: QComboBox, selection: list) -> None:
+    def set_selection(self, widget: QComboBox, selection: list[str | tuple]) -> None:
         """Set the selection for the widget to the completer model
 
         Args:
             widget (QComboBox): The QComboBox widget
-            selection (list): Filtered selection of items
+            selection (list[str | tuple]): Filtered selection of items. If tuple, it contains (text, data) pairs.
         """
         widget.clear()
-        widget.addItems(selection)
+        if len(selection) == 0:
+            return
+        for element in selection:
+            if isinstance(element, str):
+                widget.addItem(element)
+            elif isinstance(element, tuple):
+                # If element is a tuple, it contains (text, data) pairs
+                widget.addItem(*element)
 
     def check_input(self, widget: QComboBox, text: str) -> bool:
         """Check if the input text is in the filtered selection
@@ -90,6 +142,40 @@ class ComboBoxFilterHandler(WidgetFilterHandler):
         """
         return text in [widget.itemText(i) for i in range(widget.count())]
 
+    def update_with_kind(
+        self, kind: Kind, signal_filter: set, device_info: dict, device_name: str
+    ) -> list[str | tuple]:
+        """Update the selection based on the kind of signal.
+
+        Args:
+            kind (Kind): The kind of signal to filter.
+            signal_filter (set): Set of signal kinds to filter.
+            device_info (dict): Dictionary containing device information.
+            device_name (str): Name of the device.
+
+        Returns:
+            list[str | tuple]: A list of filtered signals based on the kind.
+        """
+        out = []
+        for signal, signal_info in device_info.items():
+            if kind not in signal_filter or (signal_info.get("kind_str", None) != str(kind.name)):
+                continue
+            obj_name = signal_info.get("obj_name", "")
+            component_name = signal_info.get("component_name", "")
+            signal_wo_device = obj_name.removeprefix(f"{device_name}_")
+            if not signal_wo_device:
+                signal_wo_device = obj_name
+
+            if signal_wo_device != signal and component_name.replace(".", "_") != signal_wo_device:
+                # If the object name is not the same as the signal name, we use the object name
+                # to display in the combobox.
+                out.append((f"{signal_wo_device} ({signal})", signal_info))
+            else:
+                # If the object name is the same as the signal name, we do not change it.
+                out.append((signal, signal_info))
+
+        return out
+
 
 class FilterIO:
     """Public interface to set filters for input widgets.
@@ -99,13 +185,14 @@ class FilterIO:
     _handlers = {QLineEdit: LineEditFilterHandler, QComboBox: ComboBoxFilterHandler}
 
     @staticmethod
-    def set_selection(widget, selection: list, ignore_errors=True):
+    def set_selection(widget, selection: list[str | tuple], ignore_errors=True):
         """
         Retrieve value from the widget instance.
 
         Args:
             widget: Widget instance.
-            selection(list): List of filtered selection items.
+            selection (list[str | tuple]): Filtered selection of items.
+                If tuple, it contains (text, data) pairs.
             ignore_errors(bool, optional): Whether to ignore if no handler is found.
         """
         handler_class = FilterIO._find_handler(widget)
@@ -139,6 +226,35 @@ class FilterIO:
             )
         return None
 
+    @staticmethod
+    def update_with_kind(
+        widget, kind: Kind, signal_filter: set, device_info: dict, device_name: str
+    ) -> list[str | tuple]:
+        """
+        Update the selection based on the kind of signal.
+
+        Args:
+            widget: Widget instance.
+            kind (Kind): The kind of signal to filter.
+            signal_filter (set): Set of signal kinds to filter.
+            device_info (dict): Dictionary containing device information.
+            device_name (str): Name of the device.
+
+        Returns:
+            list[str | tuple]: A list of filtered signals based on the kind.
+        """
+        handler_class = FilterIO._find_handler(widget)
+        if handler_class:
+            return handler_class().update_with_kind(
+                kind=kind,
+                signal_filter=signal_filter,
+                device_info=device_info,
+                device_name=device_name,
+            )
+        raise ValueError(
+            f"No matching handler for widget type: {type(widget)} in handler list {FilterIO._handlers}"
+        )
+
     @staticmethod
     def _find_handler(widget):
         """

bec_widgets/utils/forms_from_types/forms.py

@@ -1,76 +1,107 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
-from decimal import Decimal
 from types import NoneType
+from typing import NamedTuple
 
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from bec_qthemes import material_icon
 from pydantic import BaseModel, ValidationError
 from qtpy.QtCore import Signal  # type: ignore
-from qtpy.QtWidgets import QGridLayout, QLabel, QLayout, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QGridLayout, QLabel, QSizePolicy, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
 from bec_widgets.utils.compact_popup import CompactPopupWidget
-from bec_widgets.utils.forms_from_types.items import FormItemSpec, widget_from_type
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeProperty
+from bec_widgets.utils.forms_from_types import styles
+from bec_widgets.utils.forms_from_types.items import (
+    DynamicFormItem,
+    DynamicFormItemType,
+    FormItemSpec,
+    widget_from_type,
+)
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 
 
+class GridRow(NamedTuple):
+    i: int
+    label: QLabel
+    widget: DynamicFormItem
+
+
 class TypedForm(BECWidget, QWidget):
     PLUGIN = True
     ICON_NAME = "list_alt"
 
     value_changed = Signal()
 
-    RPC = False
+    RPC = True
+    USER_ACCESS = ["enabled", "enabled.setter"]
 
     def __init__(
         self,
         parent=None,
         items: list[tuple[str, type]] | None = None,
         form_item_specs: list[FormItemSpec] | None = None,
+        enabled: bool = True,
+        pretty_display: bool = False,
         client=None,
         **kwargs,
     ):
         """Widget with a list of form items based on a list of types.
 
         Args:
-            items (list[tuple[str, type]]): list of tuples of a name for the field and its type.
-                                            Should be a type supported by the logic in items.py
-            form_item_specs (list[FormItemSpec]): list of form item specs, equivalent to items.
-                                                  only one of items or form_item_specs should be
-                                                  supplied.
-
+            items (list[tuple[str, type]]):         list of tuples of a name for the field and its type.
+                                                    Should be a type supported by the logic in items.py
+            form_item_specs (list[FormItemSpec]):   list of form item specs, equivalent to items.
+                                                    only one of items or form_item_specs should be
+                                                    supplied.
+            enabled (bool, optional):               whether fields are enabled for editing.
+            pretty_display (bool, optional): Whether to use a pretty display for the widget. Defaults to False. If True, disables the widget, doesn't add a clear button, and adapts the stylesheet for non-editable display.
         """
-        if (items is not None and form_item_specs is not None) or (
-            items is None and form_item_specs is None
-        ):
-            raise ValueError("Must specify one and only one of items and form_item_specs")
+        if items is not None and form_item_specs is not None:
+            logger.error(
+                "Must specify one and only one of items and form_item_specs! Ignoring `items`."
+            )
+            items = None
+        if items is None and form_item_specs is None:
+            logger.error("Must specify one and only one of items and form_item_specs!")
+            items = []
         super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, **kwargs)
-        self._items = (
-            form_item_specs
-            if form_item_specs is not None
-            else [
-                FormItemSpec(name=name, item_type=item_type)
-                for name, item_type in items  # type: ignore
-            ]
-        )
+        self._items = form_item_specs or [
+            FormItemSpec(name=name, item_type=item_type, pretty_display=pretty_display)
+            for name, item_type in items  # type: ignore
+        ]
+        self.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.MinimumExpanding, QSizePolicy.Minimum)
         self._layout = QVBoxLayout()
         self._layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
         self.setLayout(self._layout)
 
+        self._enabled: bool = enabled
+
         self._form_grid_container = QWidget(parent=self)
+        self._form_grid_container.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.MinimumExpanding, QSizePolicy.Minimum)
         self._form_grid = QWidget(parent=self._form_grid_container)
+        self._form_grid.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.MinimumExpanding, QSizePolicy.Minimum)
         self._layout.addWidget(self._form_grid_container)
         self._form_grid_container.setLayout(QVBoxLayout())
         self._form_grid.setLayout(self._new_grid_layout())
 
+        self._widget_types: dict | None = None
+        self._widget_from_type = widget_from_type
+        self._post_init()
+
+    def _post_init(self):
+        """Override this if a subclass should do things after super().__init__ and before populate()"""
         self.populate()
+        self.enabled = self._enabled  # type: ignore # QProperty
 
     def populate(self):
         self._clear_grid()
         for r, item in enumerate(self._items):
             self._add_griditem(item, r)
+        gl: QGridLayout = self._form_grid.layout()
+        gl.setRowStretch(gl.rowCount(), 1)
 
     def _add_griditem(self, item: FormItemSpec, row: int):
         grid = self._form_grid.layout()
@@ -78,19 +109,22 @@ class TypedForm(BECWidget, QWidget):
         label.setProperty("_model_field_name", item.name)
         label.setToolTip(item.info.description or item.name)
         grid.addWidget(label, row, 0)
-        widget = widget_from_type(item.item_type)(parent=self, spec=item)
+        widget = self._widget_from_type(item, self._widget_types)(parent=self, spec=item)
         widget.valueChanged.connect(self.value_changed)
+        widget.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.MinimumExpanding, QSizePolicy.Minimum)
         grid.addWidget(widget, row, 1)
 
-    def _dict_from_grid(self) -> dict[str, str | int | float | Decimal | bool]:
+    def enumerate_form_widgets(self):
+        """Return a generator over the rows of the form, with the row number, the label widget (to
+        which the field name is attached as a property "_model_field_name"), and the entry widget"""
         grid: QGridLayout = self._form_grid.layout()  # type: ignore
+        for i in range(grid.rowCount() - 1):  # One extra row for stretch
+            yield GridRow(i, grid.itemAtPosition(i, 0).widget(), grid.itemAtPosition(i, 1).widget())
+
+    def _dict_from_grid(self) -> dict[str, DynamicFormItemType]:
         return {
-            grid.itemAtPosition(i, 0)
-            .widget()
-            .property("_model_field_name"): grid.itemAtPosition(i, 1)
-            .widget()
-            .getValue()  # type: ignore # we only add 'DynamicFormItem's here
-            for i in range(grid.rowCount())
+            row.label.property("_model_field_name"): row.widget.getValue()
+            for row in self.enumerate_form_widgets()
         }
 
     def _clear_grid(self):
@@ -103,10 +137,13 @@ class TypedForm(BECWidget, QWidget):
             old_layout.deleteLater()
             self._form_grid.deleteLater()
         self._form_grid = QWidget()
-
+        self._form_grid.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.MinimumExpanding, QSizePolicy.Minimum)
         self._form_grid.setLayout(self._new_grid_layout())
         self._form_grid_container.layout().addWidget(self._form_grid)
 
+        self.update_size()
+
+    def update_size(self):
         self._form_grid.adjustSize()
         self._form_grid_container.adjustSize()
         self.adjustSize()
@@ -114,27 +151,61 @@ class TypedForm(BECWidget, QWidget):
     def _new_grid_layout(self):
         new_grid = QGridLayout()
         new_grid.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
-        new_grid.setSizeConstraint(QLayout.SizeConstraint.SetFixedSize)
         return new_grid
 
+    @property
+    def widget_dict(self):
+        return {
+            row.label.property("_model_field_name"): row.widget
+            for row in self.enumerate_form_widgets()
+        }
+
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
+    def enabled(self):
+        return self._enabled
+
+    @enabled.setter
+    def enabled(self, value: bool):
+        self._enabled = value
+        self.setEnabled(value)
+
 
 class PydanticModelForm(TypedForm):
-    metadata_updated = Signal(dict)
-    metadata_cleared = Signal(NoneType)
+    form_data_updated = Signal(dict)
+    form_data_cleared = Signal(NoneType)
+    validity_proc = Signal(bool)
 
-    def __init__(self, parent=None, metadata_model: type[BaseModel] = None, client=None, **kwargs):
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        parent=None,
+        data_model: type[BaseModel] | None = None,
+        enabled: bool = True,
+        pretty_display: bool = False,
+        client=None,
+        **kwargs,
+    ):
         """
         A form generated from a pydantic model.
 
         Args:
-            metadata_model (type[BaseModel]): the model class for which to generate a form.
+            data_model (type[BaseModel]): the model class for which to generate a form.
+            enabled (bool, optional): whether fields are enabled for editing.
+            pretty_display (bool, optional): Whether to use a pretty display for the widget. Defaults to False. If True, disables the widget, doesn't add a clear button, and adapts the stylesheet for non-editable display.
+
         """
-        self._md_schema = metadata_model
-        super().__init__(parent=parent, form_item_specs=self._form_item_specs(), client=client)
+        self._pretty_display = pretty_display
+        self._md_schema = data_model
+        super().__init__(
+            parent=parent,
+            form_item_specs=self._form_item_specs(),
+            enabled=enabled,
+            client=client,
+            **kwargs,
+        )
 
         self._validity = CompactPopupWidget()
         self._validity.compact_view = True  # type: ignore
-        self._validity.label = "Metadata validity"  # type: ignore
+        self._validity.label = "Validity"  # type: ignore
         self._validity.compact_show_popup.setIcon(
             material_icon(icon_name="info", size=(10, 10), convert_to_pixmap=False)
         )
@@ -143,13 +214,40 @@ class PydanticModelForm(TypedForm):
         self._layout.addWidget(self._validity)
         self.value_changed.connect(self.validate_form)
 
+        self._connect_to_theme_change()
+
+    def set_pretty_display_theme(self, theme: str = "dark"):
+        if self._pretty_display:
+            self.setStyleSheet(styles.pretty_display_theme(theme))
+
+    def _connect_to_theme_change(self):
+        """Connect to the theme change signal."""
+        qapp = QApplication.instance()
+        if hasattr(qapp, "theme_signal"):
+            qapp.theme_signal.theme_updated.connect(self.set_pretty_display_theme)  # type: ignore
+
     def set_schema(self, schema: type[BaseModel]):
         self._md_schema = schema
         self.populate()
 
+    def set_data(self, data: BaseModel):
+        """Fill the data for the form.
+
+        Args:
+            data (BaseModel):   the data to enter into the form. Must be the same type as the
+                                currently set schema, raises TypeError otherwise."""
+        if not self._md_schema:
+            raise ValueError("Schema not set - can't set data")
+        if not isinstance(data, self._md_schema):
+            raise TypeError(f"Supplied data {data} not of type {self._md_schema}")
+        for form_item in self.enumerate_form_widgets():
+            form_item.widget.setValue(getattr(data, form_item.label.property("_model_field_name")))
+
     def _form_item_specs(self):
         return [
-            FormItemSpec(name=name, info=info, item_type=info.annotation)
+            FormItemSpec(
+                name=name, info=info, item_type=info.annotation, pretty_display=self._pretty_display
+            )
             for name, info in self._md_schema.model_fields.items()
         ]
 
@@ -167,16 +265,18 @@ class PydanticModelForm(TypedForm):
     def validate_form(self, *_) -> bool:
         """validate the currently entered metadata against the pydantic schema.
         If successful, returns on metadata_emitted and returns true.
-        Otherwise, emits on metadata_cleared and returns false."""
+        Otherwise, emits on form_data_cleared and returns false."""
         try:
             metadata_dict = self.get_form_data()
             self._md_schema.model_validate(metadata_dict)
             self._validity.set_global_state("success")
             self._validity_message.setText("No errors!")
-            self.metadata_updated.emit(metadata_dict)
+            self.form_data_updated.emit(metadata_dict)
+            self.validity_proc.emit(True)
             return True
         except ValidationError as e:
             self._validity.set_global_state("emergency")
             self._validity_message.setText(str(e))
-            self.metadata_cleared.emit(None)
+            self.form_data_cleared.emit(None)
+            self.validity_proc.emit(False)
             return False

bec_widgets/utils/forms_from_types/items.py

@@ -1,31 +1,44 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+import typing
 from abc import abstractmethod
 from decimal import Decimal
-from types import UnionType
-from typing import Callable, Protocol
+from types import GenericAlias, UnionType
+from typing import Callable, Final, Iterable, Literal, NamedTuple, OrderedDict, get_args
 
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from bec_qthemes import material_icon
-from pydantic import BaseModel, ConfigDict, Field
+from pydantic import BaseModel, ConfigDict, Field, field_validator
 from pydantic.fields import FieldInfo
-from qtpy.QtCore import Signal  # type: ignore
+from pydantic_core import PydanticUndefined
+from qtpy import QtCore
+from qtpy.QtCore import QSize, Qt, Signal  # type: ignore
+from qtpy.QtGui import QFontMetrics
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
     QApplication,
     QButtonGroup,
     QCheckBox,
+    QComboBox,
     QDoubleSpinBox,
     QGridLayout,
     QHBoxLayout,
     QLabel,
     QLayout,
     QLineEdit,
+    QListWidget,
+    QListWidgetItem,
+    QPushButton,
     QRadioButton,
+    QSizePolicy,
     QSpinBox,
     QToolButton,
+    QVBoxLayout,
     QWidget,
 )
 
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.utils.widget_io import WidgetIO
+from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.dict_backed_table import DictBackedTable
 from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.scan_metadata._util import (
     clearable_required,
     field_default,
@@ -34,6 +47,7 @@ from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.scan_metadata._util import (
     field_minlen,
     field_precision,
 )
+from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.toggle.toggle import ToggleSwitch
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 
@@ -46,9 +60,36 @@ class FormItemSpec(BaseModel):
     """
 
     model_config = ConfigDict(arbitrary_types_allowed=True)
-    item_type: type | UnionType
+
+    item_type: type | UnionType | GenericAlias
     name: str
     info: FieldInfo = FieldInfo()
+    pretty_display: bool = Field(
+        default=False,
+        description="Whether to use a pretty display for the widget. Defaults to False. If True, disables the widget, doesn't add a clear button, and adapts the stylesheet for non-editable display.",
+    )
+
+    @field_validator("item_type", mode="before")
+    @classmethod
+    def _validate_type(cls, v):
+        allowed_primitives = [str, int, float, bool]
+        if isinstance(v, (type, UnionType)):
+            return v
+        if isinstance(v, GenericAlias):
+            if v.__origin__ in [list, dict, set] and all(
+                arg in allowed_primitives for arg in v.__args__
+            ):
+                return v
+            raise ValueError(
+                f"Generics of type {v} are not supported - only lists, dicts and sets of primitive types {allowed_primitives}"
+            )
+        if type(v) is type(Literal[""]):  # _LiteralGenericAlias is not exported from typing
+            arg_types = set(type(arg) for arg in v.__args__)
+            if len(arg_types) != 1:
+                raise ValueError("Mixtures of literal types are not supported!")
+            if (t := arg_types.pop()) in allowed_primitives:
+                return t
+            raise ValueError(f"Literals of type {t} are not supported")
 
 
 class ClearableBoolEntry(QWidget):
@@ -94,10 +135,20 @@ class ClearableBoolEntry(QWidget):
         self._false.setToolTip(tooltip)
 
 
+DynamicFormItemType = str | int | float | Decimal | bool | dict | list | None
+
+
 class DynamicFormItem(QWidget):
     valueChanged = Signal()
 
     def __init__(self, parent: QWidget | None = None, *, spec: FormItemSpec) -> None:
+        """
+        Initializes the form item widget.
+
+        Args:
+            parent (QWidget | None, optional): The parent widget. Defaults to None.
+            spec (FormItemSpec): The specification for the form item.
+        """
         super().__init__(parent)
         self._spec = spec
         self._layout = QHBoxLayout()
@@ -107,11 +158,17 @@ class DynamicFormItem(QWidget):
         self._desc = self._spec.info.description
         self.setLayout(self._layout)
         self._add_main_widget()
-        if clearable_required(spec.info):
-            self._add_clear_button()
+        assert isinstance(self._main_widget, QWidget), "Please set a widget in _add_main_widget()"  # type: ignore
+        self._main_widget.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Minimum, QSizePolicy.Minimum)
+        self.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Minimum, QSizePolicy.Minimum)
+        if not spec.pretty_display:
+            if clearable_required(spec.info):
+                self._add_clear_button()
+        else:
+            self._set_pretty_display()
 
     @abstractmethod
-    def getValue(self): ...
+    def getValue(self) -> DynamicFormItemType: ...
 
     @abstractmethod
     def setValue(self, value): ...
@@ -121,6 +178,11 @@ class DynamicFormItem(QWidget):
         """Add the main data entry widget to self._main_widget and appply any
         constraints from the field info"""
 
+    def _set_pretty_display(self):
+        self.setEnabled(False)
+        if button := getattr(self, "_clear_button", None):
+            button.setVisible(False)
+
     def _describe(self, pad=" "):
         return pad + (self._desc if self._desc else "")
 
@@ -138,7 +200,7 @@ class DynamicFormItem(QWidget):
         self.valueChanged.emit()
 
 
-class StrMetadataField(DynamicFormItem):
+class StrFormItem(DynamicFormItem):
     def __init__(self, parent: QWidget | None = None, *, spec: FormItemSpec) -> None:
         super().__init__(parent=parent, spec=spec)
         self._main_widget.textChanged.connect(self._value_changed)
@@ -163,11 +225,11 @@ class StrMetadataField(DynamicFormItem):
 
     def setValue(self, value: str):
         if value is None:
-            self._main_widget.setText("")
-        self._main_widget.setText(value)
+            return self._main_widget.setText("")
+        self._main_widget.setText(str(value))
 
 
-class IntMetadataField(DynamicFormItem):
+class IntFormItem(DynamicFormItem):
     def __init__(self, parent: QWidget | None = None, *, spec: FormItemSpec) -> None:
         super().__init__(parent=parent, spec=spec)
         self._main_widget.textChanged.connect(self._value_changed)
@@ -196,18 +258,18 @@ class IntMetadataField(DynamicFormItem):
         self._main_widget.setValue(value)
 
 
-class FloatDecimalMetadataField(DynamicFormItem):
+class FloatDecimalFormItem(DynamicFormItem):
     def __init__(self, parent: QWidget | None = None, *, spec: FormItemSpec) -> None:
         super().__init__(parent=parent, spec=spec)
         self._main_widget.textChanged.connect(self._value_changed)
 
     def _add_main_widget(self) -> None:
+        precision = field_precision(self._spec.info)
         self._main_widget = QDoubleSpinBox()
         self._layout.addWidget(self._main_widget)
-        min_, max_ = field_limits(self._spec.info, int)
+        min_, max_ = field_limits(self._spec.info, float, precision)
         self._main_widget.setMinimum(min_)
         self._main_widget.setMaximum(max_)
-        precision = field_precision(self._spec.info)
         if precision:
             self._main_widget.setDecimals(precision)
         minstr = f"{float(min_):.3f}" if abs(min_) <= 1000 else f"{float(min_):.3e}"
@@ -224,13 +286,13 @@ class FloatDecimalMetadataField(DynamicFormItem):
             return self._default
         return self._main_widget.value()
 
-    def setValue(self, value: float):
+    def setValue(self, value: float | Decimal):
         if value is None:
             self._main_widget.clear()
-        self._main_widget.setValue(value)
+        self._main_widget.setValue(float(value))
 
 
-class BoolMetadataField(DynamicFormItem):
+class BoolFormItem(DynamicFormItem):
     def __init__(self, *, parent: QWidget | None = None, spec: FormItemSpec) -> None:
         super().__init__(parent=parent, spec=spec)
         self._main_widget.stateChanged.connect(self._value_changed)
@@ -251,36 +313,312 @@ class BoolMetadataField(DynamicFormItem):
         self._main_widget.setChecked(value)
 
 
-def widget_from_type(annotation: type | UnionType | None) -> type[DynamicFormItem]:
-    if annotation in [str, str | None]:
-        return StrMetadataField
-    if annotation in [int, int | None]:
-        return IntMetadataField
-    if annotation in [float, float | None, Decimal, Decimal | None]:
-        return FloatDecimalMetadataField
-    if annotation in [bool, bool | None]:
-        return BoolMetadataField
-    else:
-        logger.warning(f"Type {annotation} is not (yet) supported in metadata form creation.")
-        return StrMetadataField
+class BoolToggleFormItem(BoolFormItem):
+    def __init__(self, *, parent: QWidget | None = None, spec: FormItemSpec) -> None:
+        if spec.info.default is PydanticUndefined:
+            spec.info.default = False
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, spec=spec)
+
+    def _add_main_widget(self) -> None:
+        self._main_widget = ToggleSwitch()
+        self._layout.addWidget(self._main_widget)
+        self._main_widget.setToolTip(self._describe(""))
+        if self._default is not None:
+            self._main_widget.setChecked(self._default)
+
+
+class DictFormItem(DynamicFormItem):
+    def __init__(self, *, parent: QWidget | None = None, spec: FormItemSpec) -> None:
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, spec=spec)
+        self._main_widget.data_changed.connect(self._value_changed)
+        if spec.info.default is not PydanticUndefined:
+            self._main_widget.set_default(spec.info.default)
+
+    def _set_pretty_display(self):
+        self._main_widget.set_button_visibility(False)
+        super()._set_pretty_display()
+
+    def _add_main_widget(self) -> None:
+        self._main_widget = DictBackedTable(self, [])
+        self._layout.addWidget(self._main_widget)
+        self._main_widget.setToolTip(self._describe(""))
+
+    def getValue(self):
+        return self._main_widget.dump_dict()
+
+    def setValue(self, value):
+        self._main_widget.replace_data(value)
+
+
+class _ItemAndWidgetType(NamedTuple):
+    # TODO: this should be generic but not supported in 3.10
+    item: type[int | float | str]
+    widget: type[QWidget]
+    default: int | float | str
+
+
+class ListFormItem(DynamicFormItem):
+    def __init__(self, *, parent: QWidget | None = None, spec: FormItemSpec) -> None:
+        if spec.info.annotation is list:
+            self._types = _ItemAndWidgetType(str, QLineEdit, "")
+        elif isinstance(spec.info.annotation, GenericAlias):
+            args = set(typing.get_args(spec.info.annotation))
+            if args == {str}:
+                self._types = _ItemAndWidgetType(str, QLineEdit, "")
+            if args == {int}:
+                self._types = _ItemAndWidgetType(int, QSpinBox, 0)
+            if args == {float} or args == {int, float}:
+                self._types = _ItemAndWidgetType(float, QDoubleSpinBox, 0.0)
+        else:
+            self._types = _ItemAndWidgetType(str, QLineEdit, "")
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, spec=spec)
+        self.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Minimum, QSizePolicy.Minimum)
+        self._main_widget: QListWidget
+        self._data = []
+        self._min_lines = 2 if spec.pretty_display else 4
+        self._repop(self._data)
+
+    def sizeHint(self):
+        default = super().sizeHint()
+        return QSize(default.width(), QFontMetrics(self.font()).height() * 6)
+
+    def _add_main_widget(self) -> None:
+        self._main_widget = QListWidget()
+        self._layout.addWidget(self._main_widget)
+        self._layout.setAlignment(Qt.AlignmentFlag.AlignTop)
+        self._add_buttons()
+
+    def _add_buttons(self):
+        self._button_holder = QWidget()
+        self._button_holder.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Minimum, QSizePolicy.Minimum)
+        self._buttons = QVBoxLayout()
+        self._buttons.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        self._button_holder.setLayout(self._buttons)
+        self._layout.addWidget(self._button_holder)
+
+        self._add_remove_button_holder = QWidget()
+        self._add_remove_button_layout = QHBoxLayout()
+        self._add_remove_button_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        self._add_remove_button_holder.setLayout(self._add_remove_button_layout)
+
+        self._add_button = QPushButton("+")
+        self._add_button.setMinimumHeight(15)
+        self._add_button.setToolTip("add a new row")
+        self._remove_button = QPushButton("-")
+        self._remove_button.setMinimumHeight(15)
+        self._remove_button.setToolTip("delete the focused row (if any)")
+        self._add_button.clicked.connect(self._add_row)
+        self._remove_button.clicked.connect(self._delete_row)
+
+        self._buttons.addWidget(self._add_remove_button_holder)
+        self._add_remove_button_layout.addWidget(self._add_button)
+        self._add_remove_button_layout.addWidget(self._remove_button)
+
+    def _set_pretty_display(self):
+        super()._set_pretty_display()
+        self._button_holder.setHidden(True)
+
+    def _repop(self, data):
+        self._main_widget.clear()
+        for val in data:
+            self._add_list_item(val)
+        self.scale_to_data()
+
+    def _add_data_item(self, val=None):
+        val = val or self._types.default
+        self._data.append(val)
+        self._add_list_item(val)
+        self._repop(self._data)
+
+    def _add_list_item(self, val):
+        item = QListWidgetItem(self._main_widget)
+        item.setFlags(item.flags() | QtCore.Qt.ItemIsEditable | QtCore.Qt.ItemIsEditable)
+        item_widget = self._types.widget(parent=self)
+        WidgetIO.set_value(item_widget, val)
+        self._main_widget.setItemWidget(item, item_widget)
+        self._main_widget.addItem(item)
+        WidgetIO.connect_widget_change_signal(item_widget, self._update)
+        return item_widget
+
+    def _update(self, _, value, *args):
+        self._data[self._main_widget.currentRow()] = value
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def _add_row(self):
+        self._add_data_item(self._types.default)
+        self._repop(self._data)
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def _delete_row(self):
+        if selected := self._main_widget.currentItem():
+            self._main_widget.removeItemWidget(selected)
+            row = self._main_widget.currentRow()
+            self._main_widget.takeItem(row)
+            self._data.pop(row)
+        self._repop(self._data)
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def clear(self):
+        self._repop([])
+
+    def getValue(self):
+        return self._data
+
+    def setValue(self, value: Iterable):
+        if set(map(type, value)) | {self._types.item} != {self._types.item}:
+            raise ValueError(f"This widget only accepts items of type {self._types.item}")
+        self._data = list(value)
+        self._repop(self._data)
+
+    def _line_height(self):
+        return QFontMetrics(self._main_widget.font()).height()
+
+    def set_max_height_in_lines(self, lines: int):
+        outer_inc = 1 if self._spec.pretty_display else 3
+        self._main_widget.setFixedHeight(self._line_height() * max(lines, self._min_lines))
+        self._button_holder.setFixedHeight(self._line_height() * (max(lines, self._min_lines) + 1))
+        self.setFixedHeight(self._line_height() * (max(lines, self._min_lines) + outer_inc))
+
+    def scale_to_data(self, *_):
+        self.set_max_height_in_lines(self._main_widget.count() + 1)
+
+
+class SetFormItem(ListFormItem):
+    def _add_main_widget(self) -> None:
+        super()._add_main_widget()
+        self._add_item_field = self._types.widget()
+        self._buttons.addWidget(QLabel("Add new:"))
+        self._buttons.addWidget(self._add_item_field)
+        self.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Policy.MinimumExpanding, QSizePolicy.Policy.Minimum)
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def _add_row(self):
+        self._add_data_item(WidgetIO.get_value(self._add_item_field))
+        self._repop(self._data)
+
+    def _update(self, _, value, *args):
+        if value in self._data:
+            return
+        return super()._update(_, value, *args)
+
+    def _add_data_item(self, val=None):
+        val = val or self._types.default
+        if val == self._types.default or val in self._data:
+            return
+        self._data.append(val)
+        self._add_list_item(val)
+
+    def _add_list_item(self, val):
+        item_widget = super()._add_list_item(val)
+        if isinstance(item_widget, QLineEdit):
+            item_widget.setReadOnly(True)
+        return item_widget
+
+    def getValue(self):
+        return set(self._data)
+
+    def setValue(self, value: set):
+        return super().setValue(set(value))
+
+
+class StrLiteralFormItem(DynamicFormItem):
+    def _add_main_widget(self) -> None:
+        self._main_widget = QComboBox()
+        self._options = get_args(self._spec.info.annotation)
+        for opt in self._options:
+            self._main_widget.addItem(opt)
+        self._layout.addWidget(self._main_widget)
+
+    def getValue(self):
+        return self._main_widget.currentText()
+
+    def setValue(self, value: str | None):
+        if value is None:
+            self.clear()
+        for i in range(self._main_widget.count()):
+            if self._main_widget.itemText(i) == value:
+                self._main_widget.setCurrentIndex(i)
+                return
+        raise ValueError(f"Cannot set value: {value}, options are: {self._options}")
+
+    def clear(self):
+        self._main_widget.setCurrentIndex(-1)
+
+
+WidgetTypeRegistry = OrderedDict[str, tuple[Callable[[FormItemSpec], bool], type[DynamicFormItem]]]
+
+DEFAULT_WIDGET_TYPES: Final[WidgetTypeRegistry] = OrderedDict() | {
+    # dict literals are ordered already but TypedForm subclasses may modify coppies of this dict
+    # and delete/insert keys or change the order
+    "literal_str": (
+        lambda spec: type(spec.info.annotation) is type(Literal[""])
+        and set(type(arg) for arg in get_args(spec.info.annotation)) == {str},
+        StrLiteralFormItem,
+    ),
+    "str": (lambda spec: spec.item_type in [str, str | None, None], StrFormItem),
+    "int": (lambda spec: spec.item_type in [int, int | None], IntFormItem),
+    "float_decimal": (
+        lambda spec: spec.item_type in [float, float | None, Decimal, Decimal | None],
+        FloatDecimalFormItem,
+    ),
+    "bool": (lambda spec: spec.item_type in [bool, bool | None], BoolFormItem),
+    "dict": (
+        lambda spec: spec.item_type in [dict, dict | None]
+        or (isinstance(spec.item_type, GenericAlias) and spec.item_type.__origin__ is dict),
+        DictFormItem,
+    ),
+    "list": (
+        lambda spec: spec.item_type in [list, list | None]
+        or (isinstance(spec.item_type, GenericAlias) and spec.item_type.__origin__ is list),
+        ListFormItem,
+    ),
+    "set": (
+        lambda spec: spec.item_type in [set, set | None]
+        or (isinstance(spec.item_type, GenericAlias) and spec.item_type.__origin__ is set),
+        SetFormItem,
+    ),
+}
+
+
+def widget_from_type(
+    spec: FormItemSpec, widget_types: WidgetTypeRegistry | None = None
+) -> type[DynamicFormItem]:
+    widget_types = widget_types or DEFAULT_WIDGET_TYPES
+    for predicate, widget_type in widget_types.values():
+        if predicate(spec):
+            return widget_type
+    logger.warning(
+        f"Type {spec.item_type=} / {spec.info.annotation=} is not (yet) supported in dynamic form creation."
+    )
+    return StrFormItem
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
 
     class TestModel(BaseModel):
+        value0: set = Field(set(["a", "b"]))
         value1: str | None = Field(None)
         value2: bool | None = Field(None)
         value3: bool = Field(True)
         value4: int = Field(123)
         value5: int | None = Field()
+        value6: list[int] = Field()
+        value7: list = Field()
 
     app = QApplication([])
     w = QWidget()
     layout = QGridLayout()
     w.setLayout(layout)
+    items = []
     for i, (field_name, info) in enumerate(TestModel.model_fields.items()):
+        spec = spec = FormItemSpec(item_type=info.annotation, name=field_name, info=info)
         layout.addWidget(QLabel(field_name), i, 0)
-        layout.addWidget(widget_from_type(info.annotation)(info), i, 1)
+        widg = widget_from_type(spec)(spec=spec)
+        items.append(widg)
+        layout.addWidget(widg, i, 1)
+
+    items[6].setValue([1, 2, 3, 4])
+    items[7].setValue(["1", "2", "asdfg", "qwerty"])
 
     w.show()
     app.exec()

bec_widgets/utils/forms_from_types/styles.py

@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+import bec_qthemes
+
+
+def pretty_display_theme(theme: str = "dark"):
+    palette = bec_qthemes.load_palette(theme)
+    foreground = palette.text().color().name()
+    background = palette.base().color().name()
+    border = palette.shadow().color().name()
+    accent = palette.accent().color().name()
+    return f"""
+QWidget {{color: {foreground}; background-color: {background}}}
+QLabel {{ font-weight: bold; }}
+QLineEdit,QLabel,QTreeView {{ border-style: solid; border-width: 2px; border-color: {border} }}
+QRadioButton {{ color: {foreground}; }}
+QRadioButton::indicator::checked {{ color: {accent}; }}
+QCheckBox {{ color: {accent}; }}
+"""
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    print(pretty_display_theme())

bec_widgets/utils/generate_designer_plugin.py

@@ -8,6 +8,9 @@ from qtpy.QtCore import QObject
 from bec_widgets.utils.name_utils import pascal_to_snake
 
 EXCLUDED_PLUGINS = ["BECConnector", "BECDockArea", "BECDock", "BECFigure"]
+_PARENT_ARG_REGEX = r".__init__\(\s*(?:parent\)|parent=parent,?|parent,?)"
+_SELF_PARENT_ARG_REGEX = r".__init__\(\s*self,\s*(?:parent\)|parent=parent,?|parent,?)"
+SUPER_INIT_REGEX = re.compile(r"super\(\)" + _PARENT_ARG_REGEX, re.MULTILINE)
 
 
 class PluginFilenames(NamedTuple):
@@ -90,34 +93,20 @@ class DesignerPluginGenerator:
 
         # Check if the widget class calls the super constructor with parent argument
         init_source = inspect.getsource(self.widget.__init__)
-        cls_init_found = (
-            bool(init_source.find(f"{base_cls[0].__name__}.__init__(self, parent=parent") > 0)
-            or bool(init_source.find(f"{base_cls[0].__name__}.__init__(self, parent)") > 0)
-            or bool(init_source.find(f"{base_cls[0].__name__}.__init__(self, parent,") > 0)
-        )
-        super_init_found = (
-            bool(
-                init_source.find(f"super({base_cls[0].__name__}, self).__init__(parent=parent") > 0
-            )
-            or bool(init_source.find(f"super({base_cls[0].__name__}, self).__init__(parent,") > 0)
-            or bool(init_source.find(f"super({base_cls[0].__name__}, self).__init__(parent)") > 0)
+        class_re = re.compile(base_cls[0].__name__ + _SELF_PARENT_ARG_REGEX, re.MULTILINE)
+        cls_init_found = class_re.search(init_source) is not None
+        super_self_re = re.compile(
+            rf"super\({base_cls[0].__name__}, self\)" + _PARENT_ARG_REGEX, re.MULTILINE
         )
+        super_init_found = super_self_re.search(init_source) is not None
         if issubclass(self.widget.__bases__[0], QObject) and not super_init_found:
-            super_init_found = (
-                bool(init_source.find("super().__init__(parent=parent") > 0)
-                or bool(init_source.find("super().__init__(parent,") > 0)
-                or bool(init_source.find("super().__init__(parent)") > 0)
-            )
+            super_init_found = SUPER_INIT_REGEX.search(init_source) is not None
 
         # for the new style classes, we only have one super call. We can therefore check if the
         # number of __init__ calls is 2 (the class itself and the super class)
         num_inits = re.findall(r"__init__", init_source)
         if len(num_inits) == 2 and not super_init_found:
-            super_init_found = bool(
-                init_source.find("super().__init__(parent=parent") > 0
-                or init_source.find("super().__init__(parent,") > 0
-                or init_source.find("super().__init__(parent)") > 0
-            )
+            super_init_found = SUPER_INIT_REGEX.search(init_source) is not None
 
         if not cls_init_found and not super_init_found:
             raise ValueError(

bec_widgets/utils/linear_region_selector.py

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
-""" Module for a thin wrapper (LinearRegionWrapper) around the LinearRegionItem in pyqtgraph.
-The class is mainly designed for usage with the BECWaveform and 1D plots. """
+"""Module for a thin wrapper (LinearRegionWrapper) around the LinearRegionItem in pyqtgraph.
+The class is mainly designed for usage with the BECWaveform and 1D plots."""
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 

bec_widgets/utils/plugin_utils.py

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import importlib
 import inspect
 import os
 from dataclasses import dataclass
-from typing import TYPE_CHECKING
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Iterable
 
 from bec_lib.plugin_helper import _get_available_plugins
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QGraphicsWidget, QWidget
@@ -90,15 +90,15 @@ class BECClassInfo:
     name: str
     module: str
     file: str
-    obj: type
+    obj: type[BECWidget]
     is_connector: bool = False
     is_widget: bool = False
     is_plugin: bool = False
 
 
 class BECClassContainer:
-    def __init__(self):
-        self._collection: list[BECClassInfo] = []
+    def __init__(self, initial: Iterable[BECClassInfo] = []):
+        self._collection: list[BECClassInfo] = list(initial)
 
     def __repr__(self):
         return str(list(cl.name for cl in self.collection))
@@ -106,6 +106,16 @@ class BECClassContainer:
     def __iter__(self):
         return self._collection.__iter__()
 
+    def __add__(self, other: BECClassContainer):
+        return BECClassContainer((*self, *(c for c in other if c.name not in self.names)))
+
+    def as_dict(self, ignores: list[str] = []) -> dict[str, type[BECWidget]]:
+        """get a dict of {name: Type} for all the entries in the collection.
+
+        Args:
+            ignores(list[str]): a list of class names to exclude from the dictionary."""
+        return {c.name: c.obj for c in self if c.name not in ignores}
+
     def add_class(self, class_info: BECClassInfo):
         """
         Add a class to the collection.
@@ -115,53 +125,44 @@ class BECClassContainer:
         """
         self.collection.append(class_info)
 
+    @property
+    def names(self):
+        """Return a list of class names"""
+        return [c.name for c in self]
+
     @property
     def collection(self):
-        """
-        Get the collection of classes.
-        """
+        """Get the collection of classes."""
         return self._collection
 
     @property
     def connector_classes(self):
-        """
-        Get all connector classes.
-        """
+        """Get all connector classes."""
         return [info.obj for info in self.collection if info.is_connector]
 
     @property
     def top_level_classes(self):
-        """
-        Get all top-level classes.
-        """
+        """Get all top-level classes."""
         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.
-        """
+        """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_plugin]
 
     @property
     def widgets(self):
-        """
-        Get all widgets. These are all classes inheriting from BECWidget.
-        """
+        """Get all widgets. These are all classes inheriting from BECWidget."""
         return [info.obj for info in self.collection if info.is_widget]
 
     @property
     def rpc_top_level_classes(self):
-        """
-        Get all top-level classes that are RPC-enabled. These are all classes that users can choose from.
-        """
+        """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_plugin and info.is_connector]
 
     @property
     def classes(self):
-        """
-        Get all classes.
-        """
+        """Get all classes."""
         return [info.obj for info in self.collection]
 
 
@@ -197,7 +198,7 @@ def get_custom_classes(repo_name: str) -> BECClassContainer:
                 if not hasattr(obj, "__module__") or obj.__module__ != module.__name__:
                     continue
                 if isinstance(obj, type):
-                    class_info = BECClassInfo(name=name, module=module_name, file=path, obj=obj)
+                    class_info = BECClassInfo(name=name, module=module.__name__, file=path, obj=obj)
                     if issubclass(obj, BECConnector):
                         class_info.is_connector = True
                     if issubclass(obj, BECWidget):

bec_widgets/utils/rpc_server.py

@@ -195,7 +195,7 @@ class RPCServer:
             return
         self._broadcasted_data = data
 
-        logger.info(f"Broadcasting registry update: {data} for {self.gui_id}")
+        logger.debug(f"Broadcasting registry update: {data} for {self.gui_id}")
         self.client.connector.xadd(
             MessageEndpoints.gui_registry_state(self.gui_id),
             msg_dict={"data": messages.GUIRegistryStateMessage(state=data)},

bec_widgets/utils/settings_dialog.py

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
-from PySide6.QtGui import QCloseEvent
+from qtpy.QtGui import QCloseEvent
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QDialog, QDialogButtonBox, QHBoxLayout, QPushButton, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot

bec_widgets/utils/side_panel.py

@@ -16,7 +16,8 @@ from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
     QWidget,
 )
 
-from bec_widgets.utils.toolbar import MaterialIconAction, ModularToolBar
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.bundles import ToolbarBundle
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.toolbar import MaterialIconAction, ModularToolBar
 
 
 class SidePanel(QWidget):
@@ -31,6 +32,7 @@ class SidePanel(QWidget):
         panel_max_width: int = 200,
         animation_duration: int = 200,
         animations_enabled: bool = True,
+        show_toolbar: bool = True,
     ):
         super().__init__(parent=parent)
 
@@ -40,6 +42,7 @@ class SidePanel(QWidget):
         self._panel_max_width = panel_max_width
         self._animation_duration = animation_duration
         self._animations_enabled = animations_enabled
+        self._show_toolbar = show_toolbar
 
         self._panel_width = 0
         self._panel_height = 0
@@ -59,7 +62,7 @@ class SidePanel(QWidget):
             self.main_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
             self.main_layout.setSpacing(0)
 
-            self.toolbar = ModularToolBar(parent=self, target_widget=self, orientation="vertical")
+            self.toolbar = ModularToolBar(parent=self, orientation="vertical")
 
             self.container = QWidget()
             self.container.layout = QVBoxLayout(self.container)
@@ -71,13 +74,14 @@ class SidePanel(QWidget):
             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)
+            if self._orientation in ("left", "right"):
+                if self._show_toolbar:
+                    self.main_layout.addWidget(self.toolbar)
 
+                if self._orientation == "left":
+                    self.main_layout.addWidget(self.container)
+                else:
+                    self.main_layout.insertWidget(0, self.container)
             self.container.layout.addWidget(self.stack_widget)
 
             self.menu_anim = QPropertyAnimation(self, b"panel_width")
@@ -89,7 +93,7 @@ class SidePanel(QWidget):
             self.main_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
             self.main_layout.setSpacing(0)
 
-            self.toolbar = ModularToolBar(parent=self, target_widget=self, orientation="horizontal")
+            self.toolbar = ModularToolBar(parent=self, orientation="horizontal")
 
             self.container = QWidget()
             self.container.layout = QVBoxLayout(self.container)
@@ -102,11 +106,13 @@ class SidePanel(QWidget):
             self.stack_widget.setMaximumHeight(self._panel_max_width)
 
             if self._orientation == "top":
-                self.main_layout.addWidget(self.toolbar)
+                if self._show_toolbar:
+                    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)
+                if self._show_toolbar:
+                    self.main_layout.addWidget(self.toolbar)
 
             self.container.layout.addWidget(self.stack_widget)
 
@@ -233,21 +239,24 @@ class SidePanel(QWidget):
 
     def add_menu(
         self,
-        action_id: str,
-        icon_name: str,
-        tooltip: str,
         widget: QWidget,
+        action_id: str | None = None,
+        icon_name: str | None = None,
+        tooltip: str | None = None,
         title: str | None = None,
-    ):
+    ) -> int:
         """
         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.
+            action_id(str | None): The ID of the action. Optional if no toolbar action is needed.
+            icon_name(str | None): The name of the icon. Optional if no toolbar action is needed.
+            tooltip(str | None): The tooltip for the action. Optional if no toolbar action is needed.
+            title(str | None): The title of the panel.
+
+        Returns:
+            int: The index of the added panel, which can be used with show_panel() and switch_to().
         """
         # container_widget: top-level container for the stacked page
         container_widget = QWidget()
@@ -278,32 +287,43 @@ class SidePanel(QWidget):
         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)
+        # Add an action to the toolbar if action_id, icon_name, and tooltip are provided
+        if action_id is not None and icon_name is not None and tooltip is not None:
+            action = MaterialIconAction(
+                icon_name=icon_name, tooltip=tooltip, checkable=True, parent=self
+            )
+            self.toolbar.components.add_safe(action_id, action)
+            bundle = ToolbarBundle(action_id, self.toolbar.components)
+            bundle.add_action(action_id)
+            self.toolbar.add_bundle(bundle)
+            shown_bundles = self.toolbar.shown_bundles
+            shown_bundles.append(action_id)
+            self.toolbar.show_bundles(shown_bundles)
 
-        def on_action_toggled(checked: bool):
-            if self.switching_actions:
-                return
+            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
+                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
+                    self.current_action = action.action
 
-                if not self.panel_visible:
-                    self.show_panel(index)
+                    if not self.panel_visible:
+                        self.show_panel(index)
+                    else:
+                        self.switch_to(index)
                 else:
-                    self.switch_to(index)
-            else:
-                if self.current_action == action.action:
-                    self.current_action = None
-                    self.hide_panel()
+                    if self.current_action == action.action:
+                        self.current_action = None
+                        self.hide_panel()
 
-        action.action.toggled.connect(on_action_toggled)
+            action.action.toggled.connect(on_action_toggled)
+
+        return index
 
 
 ############################################
@@ -332,41 +352,56 @@ class ExampleApp(QMainWindow):  # pragma: no cover
         self.add_side_menus()
 
     def add_side_menus(self):
+        # Example 1: With action, icon, and tooltip
         widget1 = QWidget()
         layout1 = QVBoxLayout(widget1)
         for i in range(15):
             layout1.addWidget(QLabel(f"Widget 1 label row {i}"))
         self.side_panel.add_menu(
+            widget=widget1,
             action_id="widget1",
             icon_name="counter_1",
             tooltip="Show Widget 1",
-            widget=widget1,
             title="Widget 1 Panel",
         )
 
+        # Example 2: With action, icon, and tooltip
         widget2 = QWidget()
         layout2 = QVBoxLayout(widget2)
         layout2.addWidget(QLabel("Short widget 2 content"))
         self.side_panel.add_menu(
+            widget=widget2,
             action_id="widget2",
             icon_name="counter_2",
             tooltip="Show Widget 2",
-            widget=widget2,
             title="Widget 2 Panel",
         )
 
+        # Example 3: With action, icon, and tooltip
         widget3 = QWidget()
         layout3 = QVBoxLayout(widget3)
         for i in range(10):
             layout3.addWidget(QLabel(f"Line {i} for Widget 3"))
         self.side_panel.add_menu(
+            widget=widget3,
             action_id="widget3",
             icon_name="counter_3",
             tooltip="Show Widget 3",
-            widget=widget3,
             title="Widget 3 Panel",
         )
 
+        # Example 4: Without action, icon, and tooltip (can only be shown programmatically)
+        widget4 = QWidget()
+        layout4 = QVBoxLayout(widget4)
+        layout4.addWidget(QLabel("This panel has no toolbar button"))
+        layout4.addWidget(QLabel("It can only be shown programmatically"))
+        self.hidden_panel_index = self.side_panel.add_menu(widget=widget4, title="Hidden Panel")
+
+        # Example of how to show the hidden panel programmatically after 3 seconds
+        from qtpy.QtCore import QTimer
+
+        QTimer.singleShot(3000, lambda: self.side_panel.show_panel(self.hidden_panel_index))
+
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
     app = QApplication(sys.argv)

bec_widgets/utils/toolbars/actions.py

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

bec_widgets/utils/toolbars/bundles.py

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

bec_widgets/utils/toolbars/connections.py

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

bec_widgets/utils/toolbars/performance.py

@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.actions import MaterialIconAction
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.bundles import ToolbarBundle
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.connections import BundleConnection
+
+if TYPE_CHECKING:
+    from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.toolbar import ToolbarComponents
+
+
+def performance_bundle(components: ToolbarComponents) -> ToolbarBundle:
+    """
+    Creates a performance toolbar bundle.
+
+    Args:
+        components (ToolbarComponents): The components to be added to the bundle.
+
+    Returns:
+        ToolbarBundle: The performance toolbar bundle.
+    """
+    components.add_safe(
+        "fps_monitor",
+        MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="speed", tooltip="Show FPS Monitor", checkable=True, parent=components.toolbar
+        ),
+    )
+    bundle = ToolbarBundle("performance", components)
+    bundle.add_action("fps_monitor")
+    return bundle
+
+
+class PerformanceConnection(BundleConnection):
+
+    def __init__(self, components: ToolbarComponents, target_widget=None):
+        self.bundle_name = "performance"
+        self.components = components
+        self.target_widget = target_widget
+        if not hasattr(self.target_widget, "enable_fps_monitor"):
+            raise AttributeError("Target widget must implement 'enable_fps_monitor'.")
+        super().__init__()
+        self._connected = False
+
+    def connect(self):
+        self._connected = True
+        # Connect the action to the target widget's method
+        self.components.get_action_reference("fps_monitor")().action.toggled.connect(
+            lambda checked: setattr(self.target_widget, "enable_fps_monitor", checked)
+        )
+
+    def disconnect(self):
+        if not self._connected:
+            return
+        # Disconnect the action from the target widget's method
+        self.components.get_action_reference("fps_monitor")().action.toggled.disconnect(
+            lambda checked: setattr(self.target_widget, "enable_fps_monitor", checked)
+        )

bec_widgets/utils/toolbars/toolbar.py

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

bec_widgets/utils/ui_loader.py

@@ -2,13 +2,14 @@ from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from qtpy import PYQT6, PYSIDE6
 from qtpy.QtCore import QFile, QIODevice
 
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_plugin_helper import get_all_plugin_widgets
 from bec_widgets.utils.generate_designer_plugin import DesignerPluginInfo
 from bec_widgets.utils.plugin_utils import get_custom_classes
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 
 if PYSIDE6:
-    from PySide6.QtUiTools import QUiLoader
+    from qtpy.QtUiTools import QUiLoader
 
     class CustomUiLoader(QUiLoader):
         def __init__(self, baseinstance, custom_widgets: dict | None = None):
@@ -30,9 +31,9 @@ class UILoader:
     def __init__(self, parent=None):
         self.parent = parent
 
-        widgets = get_custom_classes("bec_widgets").classes
-
-        self.custom_widgets = {widget.__name__: widget for widget in widgets}
+        self.custom_widgets = (
+            get_custom_classes("bec_widgets") + get_all_plugin_widgets()
+        ).as_dict()
 
         if PYSIDE6:
             self.loader = self.load_ui_pyside6

bec_widgets/utils/widget_io.py

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

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock/dock.py

@@ -303,11 +303,7 @@ class BECDock(BECWidget, Dock):
             shift(Literal["down", "up", "left", "right"]): The direction to shift the widgets if the position is occupied.
         """
         if name is not None:
-            if not WidgetContainerUtils.has_name_valid_chars(name):
-                raise ValueError(
-                    f"Name {name} contains invalid characters. "
-                    f"Only alphanumeric characters and underscores are allowed."
-                )
+            WidgetContainerUtils.raise_for_invalid_name(name, container=self)
 
         if row is None:
             row = self.layout.rowCount()

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock/dock_area.py

@@ -15,18 +15,20 @@ from bec_widgets.utils import ConnectionConfig, WidgetContainerUtils
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
 from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
 from bec_widgets.utils.name_utils import pascal_to_snake
-from bec_widgets.utils.toolbar import (
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.actions import (
     ExpandableMenuAction,
     MaterialIconAction,
-    ModularToolBar,
-    SeparatorAction,
+    WidgetAction,
 )
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.bundles import ToolbarBundle
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.toolbar import ModularToolBar
 from bec_widgets.utils.widget_io import WidgetHierarchy
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock.dock import BECDock, DockConfig
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.main_window import BECMainWindow
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box import PositionerBox
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.scan_control.scan_control import ScanControl
 from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.vscode.vscode import VSCodeEditor
+from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.heatmap.heatmap import Heatmap
 from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.image.image import Image
 from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.motor_map.motor_map import MotorMap
 from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.multi_waveform.multi_waveform import MultiWaveform
@@ -104,140 +106,233 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
 
         self.dark_mode_button = DarkModeButton(parent=self, toolbar=True)
         self.dock_area = DockArea(parent=self)
-        self.toolbar = ModularToolBar(
-            parent=self,
-            actions={
-                "menu_plots": ExpandableMenuAction(
-                    label="Add Plot ",
-                    actions={
-                        "waveform": MaterialIconAction(
-                            icon_name=Waveform.ICON_NAME, tooltip="Add Waveform", filled=True
-                        ),
-                        "scatter_waveform": MaterialIconAction(
-                            icon_name=ScatterWaveform.ICON_NAME,
-                            tooltip="Add Scatter Waveform",
-                            filled=True,
-                        ),
-                        "multi_waveform": MaterialIconAction(
-                            icon_name=MultiWaveform.ICON_NAME,
-                            tooltip="Add Multi Waveform",
-                            filled=True,
-                        ),
-                        "image": MaterialIconAction(
-                            icon_name=Image.ICON_NAME, tooltip="Add Image", filled=True
-                        ),
-                        "motor_map": MaterialIconAction(
-                            icon_name=MotorMap.ICON_NAME, tooltip="Add Motor Map", filled=True
-                        ),
-                    },
-                ),
-                "separator_0": SeparatorAction(),
-                "menu_devices": ExpandableMenuAction(
-                    label="Add Device Control ",
-                    actions={
-                        "scan_control": MaterialIconAction(
-                            icon_name=ScanControl.ICON_NAME, tooltip="Add Scan Control", filled=True
-                        ),
-                        "positioner_box": MaterialIconAction(
-                            icon_name=PositionerBox.ICON_NAME, tooltip="Add Device Box", filled=True
-                        ),
-                    },
-                ),
-                "separator_1": SeparatorAction(),
-                "menu_utils": ExpandableMenuAction(
-                    label="Add Utils ",
-                    actions={
-                        "queue": MaterialIconAction(
-                            icon_name=BECQueue.ICON_NAME, tooltip="Add Scan Queue", filled=True
-                        ),
-                        "vs_code": MaterialIconAction(
-                            icon_name=VSCodeEditor.ICON_NAME, tooltip="Add VS Code", filled=True
-                        ),
-                        "status": MaterialIconAction(
-                            icon_name=BECStatusBox.ICON_NAME,
-                            tooltip="Add BEC Status Box",
-                            filled=True,
-                        ),
-                        "progress_bar": MaterialIconAction(
-                            icon_name=RingProgressBar.ICON_NAME,
-                            tooltip="Add Circular ProgressBar",
-                            filled=True,
-                        ),
-                        "log_panel": MaterialIconAction(
-                            icon_name=LogPanel.ICON_NAME, tooltip="Add LogPanel", filled=True
-                        ),
-                    },
-                ),
-                "separator_2": SeparatorAction(),
-                "attach_all": MaterialIconAction(
-                    icon_name="zoom_in_map", tooltip="Attach all floating docks"
-                ),
-                "save_state": MaterialIconAction(icon_name="bookmark", tooltip="Save Dock State"),
-                "restore_state": MaterialIconAction(
-                    icon_name="frame_reload", tooltip="Restore Dock State"
-                ),
-            },
-            target_widget=self,
-        )
+        self.toolbar = ModularToolBar(parent=self)
+        self._setup_toolbar()
 
         self.layout.addWidget(self.toolbar)
         self.layout.addWidget(self.dock_area)
-        self.spacer = QWidget(parent=self)
-        self.spacer.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Expanding)
-        self.toolbar.addWidget(self.spacer)
-        self.toolbar.addWidget(self.dark_mode_button)
+
         self._hook_toolbar()
+        self.toolbar.show_bundles(
+            ["menu_plots", "menu_devices", "menu_utils", "dock_actions", "dark_mode"]
+        )
 
     def minimumSizeHint(self):
         return QSize(800, 600)
 
+    def _setup_toolbar(self):
+
+        # Add plot menu
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe(
+            "menu_plots",
+            ExpandableMenuAction(
+                label="Add Plot ",
+                actions={
+                    "waveform": MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name=Waveform.ICON_NAME,
+                        tooltip="Add Waveform",
+                        filled=True,
+                        parent=self,
+                    ),
+                    "scatter_waveform": MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name=ScatterWaveform.ICON_NAME,
+                        tooltip="Add Scatter Waveform",
+                        filled=True,
+                        parent=self,
+                    ),
+                    "multi_waveform": MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name=MultiWaveform.ICON_NAME,
+                        tooltip="Add Multi Waveform",
+                        filled=True,
+                        parent=self,
+                    ),
+                    "image": MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name=Image.ICON_NAME, tooltip="Add Image", filled=True, parent=self
+                    ),
+                    "motor_map": MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name=MotorMap.ICON_NAME,
+                        tooltip="Add Motor Map",
+                        filled=True,
+                        parent=self,
+                    ),
+                    "heatmap": MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name=Heatmap.ICON_NAME, tooltip="Add Heatmap", filled=True, parent=self
+                    ),
+                },
+            ),
+        )
+
+        bundle = ToolbarBundle("menu_plots", self.toolbar.components)
+        bundle.add_action("menu_plots")
+        self.toolbar.add_bundle(bundle)
+
+        # Add control menu
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe(
+            "menu_devices",
+            ExpandableMenuAction(
+                label="Add Device Control ",
+                actions={
+                    "scan_control": MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name=ScanControl.ICON_NAME,
+                        tooltip="Add Scan Control",
+                        filled=True,
+                        parent=self,
+                    ),
+                    "positioner_box": MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name=PositionerBox.ICON_NAME,
+                        tooltip="Add Device Box",
+                        filled=True,
+                        parent=self,
+                    ),
+                },
+            ),
+        )
+        bundle = ToolbarBundle("menu_devices", self.toolbar.components)
+        bundle.add_action("menu_devices")
+        self.toolbar.add_bundle(bundle)
+
+        # Add utils menu
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe(
+            "menu_utils",
+            ExpandableMenuAction(
+                label="Add Utils ",
+                actions={
+                    "queue": MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name=BECQueue.ICON_NAME,
+                        tooltip="Add Scan Queue",
+                        filled=True,
+                        parent=self,
+                    ),
+                    "vs_code": MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name=VSCodeEditor.ICON_NAME,
+                        tooltip="Add VS Code",
+                        filled=True,
+                        parent=self,
+                    ),
+                    "status": MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name=BECStatusBox.ICON_NAME,
+                        tooltip="Add BEC Status Box",
+                        filled=True,
+                        parent=self,
+                    ),
+                    "progress_bar": MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name=RingProgressBar.ICON_NAME,
+                        tooltip="Add Circular ProgressBar",
+                        filled=True,
+                        parent=self,
+                    ),
+                    # FIXME temporarily disabled -> issue #644
+                    "log_panel": MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name=LogPanel.ICON_NAME,
+                        tooltip="Add LogPanel - Disabled",
+                        filled=True,
+                        parent=self,
+                    ),
+                    "sbb_monitor": MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name="train", tooltip="Add SBB Monitor", filled=True, parent=self
+                    ),
+                },
+            ),
+        )
+        bundle = ToolbarBundle("menu_utils", self.toolbar.components)
+        bundle.add_action("menu_utils")
+        self.toolbar.add_bundle(bundle)
+
+        ########## Dock Actions ##########
+        spacer = QWidget(parent=self)
+        spacer.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Expanding)
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe("spacer", WidgetAction(widget=spacer, adjust_size=False))
+
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe(
+            "dark_mode", WidgetAction(widget=self.dark_mode_button, adjust_size=False)
+        )
+
+        bundle = ToolbarBundle("dark_mode", self.toolbar.components)
+        bundle.add_action("spacer")
+        bundle.add_action("dark_mode")
+        self.toolbar.add_bundle(bundle)
+
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe(
+            "attach_all",
+            MaterialIconAction(
+                icon_name="zoom_in_map", tooltip="Attach all floating docks", parent=self
+            ),
+        )
+
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe(
+            "save_state",
+            MaterialIconAction(icon_name="bookmark", tooltip="Save Dock State", parent=self),
+        )
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe(
+            "restore_state",
+            MaterialIconAction(icon_name="frame_reload", tooltip="Restore Dock State", parent=self),
+        )
+
+        bundle = ToolbarBundle("dock_actions", self.toolbar.components)
+        bundle.add_action("attach_all")
+        bundle.add_action("save_state")
+        bundle.add_action("restore_state")
+        self.toolbar.add_bundle(bundle)
+
     def _hook_toolbar(self):
-        # Menu Plot
-        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_plots"].widgets["waveform"].triggered.connect(
+        menu_plots = self.toolbar.components.get_action("menu_plots")
+        menu_devices = self.toolbar.components.get_action("menu_devices")
+        menu_utils = self.toolbar.components.get_action("menu_utils")
+
+        menu_plots.actions["waveform"].action.triggered.connect(
             lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="Waveform")
         )
-        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_plots"].widgets["scatter_waveform"].triggered.connect(
+
+        menu_plots.actions["scatter_waveform"].action.triggered.connect(
             lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="ScatterWaveform")
         )
-        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_plots"].widgets["multi_waveform"].triggered.connect(
+        menu_plots.actions["multi_waveform"].action.triggered.connect(
             lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="MultiWaveform")
         )
-        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_plots"].widgets["image"].triggered.connect(
+        menu_plots.actions["image"].action.triggered.connect(
             lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="Image")
         )
-        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_plots"].widgets["motor_map"].triggered.connect(
+        menu_plots.actions["motor_map"].action.triggered.connect(
             lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="MotorMap")
         )
+        menu_plots.actions["heatmap"].action.triggered.connect(
+            lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="Heatmap")
+        )
 
         # Menu Devices
-        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_devices"].widgets["scan_control"].triggered.connect(
+        menu_devices.actions["scan_control"].action.triggered.connect(
             lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="ScanControl")
         )
-        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_devices"].widgets["positioner_box"].triggered.connect(
+        menu_devices.actions["positioner_box"].action.triggered.connect(
             lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="PositionerBox")
         )
 
         # Menu Utils
-        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_utils"].widgets["queue"].triggered.connect(
+        menu_utils.actions["queue"].action.triggered.connect(
             lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="BECQueue")
         )
-        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_utils"].widgets["status"].triggered.connect(
+        menu_utils.actions["status"].action.triggered.connect(
             lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="BECStatusBox")
         )
-        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_utils"].widgets["vs_code"].triggered.connect(
+        menu_utils.actions["vs_code"].action.triggered.connect(
             lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="VSCodeEditor")
         )
-        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_utils"].widgets["progress_bar"].triggered.connect(
+        menu_utils.actions["progress_bar"].action.triggered.connect(
             lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="RingProgressBar")
         )
-        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_utils"].widgets["log_panel"].triggered.connect(
-            lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="LogPanel")
+        # FIXME temporarily disabled -> issue #644
+        menu_utils.actions["log_panel"].action.setEnabled(False)
+
+        menu_utils.actions["sbb_monitor"].action.triggered.connect(
+            lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="SBBMonitor")
         )
 
         # Icons
-        self.toolbar.widgets["attach_all"].action.triggered.connect(self.attach_all)
-        self.toolbar.widgets["save_state"].action.triggered.connect(self.save_state)
-        self.toolbar.widgets["restore_state"].action.triggered.connect(self.restore_state)
+        self.toolbar.components.get_action("attach_all").action.triggered.connect(self.attach_all)
+        self.toolbar.components.get_action("save_state").action.triggered.connect(self.save_state)
+        self.toolbar.components.get_action("restore_state").action.triggered.connect(
+            self.restore_state
+        )
 
     @SafeSlot()
     def _create_widget_from_toolbar(self, widget_name: str) -> None:
@@ -366,11 +461,8 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
                     f"Name {name} must be unique for docks, but already exists in DockArea "
                     f"with name: {self.object_name} and id {self.gui_id}."
                 )
-            if not WidgetContainerUtils.has_name_valid_chars(name):
-                raise ValueError(
-                    f"Name {name} contains invalid characters. "
-                    f"Only alphanumeric characters and underscores are allowed."
-                )
+            WidgetContainerUtils.raise_for_invalid_name(name, container=self)
+
         else:  # Name is not provided
             name = WidgetContainerUtils.generate_unique_name(name="dock", list_of_names=dock_names)
 

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/layout_manager/layout_manager.py

@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ class LayoutManagerWidget(QWidget):
         self,
         widget: QWidget | str,
         row: int | None = None,
-        col: Optional[int] = None,
+        col: int | None = None,
         rowspan: int = 1,
         colspan: int = 1,
         shift_existing: bool = True,
@@ -138,6 +138,39 @@ class LayoutManagerWidget(QWidget):
         ref_row, ref_col, ref_rowspan, ref_colspan = self.widget_positions[reference_widget]
 
         # Determine new widget position based on the specified relative position
+
+        # If adding to the left or right with shifting, shift the entire column
+        if (
+            position in ("left", "right")
+            and shift_existing
+            and shift_direction in ("left", "right")
+        ):
+            column = ref_col
+            # Collect all rows in this column and sort for safe shifting
+            rows = sorted(
+                {row for (row, col) in self.position_widgets.keys() if col == column},
+                reverse=(shift_direction == "right"),
+            )
+            # Shift each widget in the column
+            for r in rows:
+                self.shift_widgets(direction=shift_direction, start_row=r, start_col=column)
+            # Update reference widget's position after the column shift
+            ref_row, ref_col, ref_rowspan, ref_colspan = self.widget_positions[reference_widget]
+            new_row = ref_row
+            # Compute insertion column based on relative position
+            if position == "left":
+                new_col = ref_col - ref_colspan
+            else:
+                new_col = ref_col + ref_colspan
+            # Add the new widget without triggering another shift
+            return self.add_widget(
+                widget=widget,
+                row=new_row,
+                col=new_col,
+                rowspan=rowspan,
+                colspan=colspan,
+                shift_existing=False,
+            )
         if position == "left":
             new_row = ref_row
             new_col = ref_col - 1

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

@@ -0,0 +1,115 @@
+import sys
+
+from qtpy.QtCore import QPoint, Qt
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QHBoxLayout, QLabel, QProgressBar, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
+
+
+class WidgetTooltip(QWidget):
+    """Frameless, always-on-top window that behaves like a tooltip."""
+
+    def __init__(self, content: QWidget) -> None:
+        super().__init__(None, Qt.ToolTip | Qt.FramelessWindowHint | Qt.WindowStaysOnTopHint)
+        self.setAttribute(Qt.WA_ShowWithoutActivating)
+        self.setMouseTracking(True)
+        self.content = content
+
+        layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
+        layout.setContentsMargins(6, 6, 6, 6)
+        layout.addWidget(self.content)
+        self.adjustSize()
+
+    def leaveEvent(self, _event) -> None:
+        self.hide()
+
+    def show_above(self, global_pos: QPoint, offset: int = 8) -> None:
+        self.adjustSize()
+        screen = QApplication.screenAt(global_pos) or QApplication.primaryScreen()
+        screen_geo = screen.availableGeometry()
+        geom = self.geometry()
+
+        x = global_pos.x() - geom.width() // 2
+        y = global_pos.y() - geom.height() - offset
+
+        x = max(screen_geo.left(), min(x, screen_geo.right() - geom.width()))
+        y = max(screen_geo.top(), min(y, screen_geo.bottom() - geom.height()))
+
+        self.move(x, y)
+        self.show()
+
+
+class HoverWidget(QWidget):
+
+    def __init__(self, parent: QWidget | None = None, *, simple: QWidget, full: QWidget):
+        super().__init__(parent)
+        self._simple = simple
+        self._full = full
+        self._full.setVisible(False)
+        self._tooltip = None
+
+        lay = QVBoxLayout(self)
+        lay.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        lay.addWidget(simple)
+
+    def enterEvent(self, event):
+        # suppress empty-label tooltips for labels
+        if isinstance(self._full, QLabel) and not self._full.text():
+            return
+
+        if self._tooltip is None:  # first time only
+            self._tooltip = WidgetTooltip(self._full)
+            self._full.setVisible(True)
+
+        centre = self.mapToGlobal(self.rect().center())
+        self._tooltip.show_above(centre)
+        super().enterEvent(event)
+
+    def leaveEvent(self, event):
+        if self._tooltip and self._tooltip.isVisible():
+            self._tooltip.hide()
+        super().leaveEvent(event)
+
+    def close(self):
+        if self._tooltip:
+            self._tooltip.close()
+            self._tooltip.deleteLater()
+            self._tooltip = None
+        super().close()
+
+
+################################################################################
+# Demo
+# Just a simple example to show how the HoverWidget can be used to display
+# a tooltip with a full widget inside (two different widgets are used
+# for the simple and full versions).
+################################################################################
+
+
+class DemoSimpleWidget(QLabel):  # pragma: no cover
+    """A simple widget to be used as a trigger for the tooltip."""
+
+    def __init__(self) -> None:
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setText("Hover me for a preview!")
+
+
+class DemoFullWidget(QProgressBar):  # pragma: no cover
+    """A full widget to be shown in the tooltip."""
+
+    def __init__(self) -> None:
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setRange(0, 100)
+        self.setValue(75)
+        self.setFixedWidth(320)
+        self.setFixedHeight(30)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+
+    window = QWidget()
+    window.layout = QHBoxLayout(window)
+    hover_widget = HoverWidget(simple=DemoSimpleWidget(), full=DemoFullWidget())
+    window.layout.addWidget(hover_widget)
+    window.show()
+
+    sys.exit(app.exec_())

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

@@ -0,0 +1,110 @@
+from qtpy.QtCore import QTimer
+from qtpy.QtGui import QFontMetrics, QPainter
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QLabel
+
+
+class ScrollLabel(QLabel):
+    """A QLabel that scrolls its text horizontally across the widget."""
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None, speed_ms=30, step_px=1, delay_ms=2000):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent)
+        self._offset = 0
+        self._text_width = 0
+
+        # scrolling timer (runs continuously once started)
+        self._timer = QTimer(self)
+        self._timer.setInterval(speed_ms)
+        self._timer.timeout.connect(self._scroll)
+
+        # delay‑before‑scroll timer (single‑shot)
+        self._delay_timer = QTimer(self)
+        self._delay_timer.setSingleShot(True)
+        self._delay_timer.setInterval(delay_ms)
+        self._delay_timer.timeout.connect(self._timer.start)
+
+        self._step_px = step_px
+
+    def setText(self, text):
+        """
+        Overridden to ensure that new text replaces the current one
+        immediately.
+        If the label was already scrolling (or in its delay phase),
+        the next message starts **without** the extra delay.
+        """
+        # Determine whether the widget was already in a scrolling cycle
+        was_scrolling = self._timer.isActive() or self._delay_timer.isActive()
+
+        super().setText(text)
+
+        fm = QFontMetrics(self.font())
+        self._text_width = fm.horizontalAdvance(text)
+        self._offset = 0
+
+        # Skip the delay when we were already scrolling
+        self._update_timer(skip_delay=was_scrolling)
+
+    def resizeEvent(self, event):
+        super().resizeEvent(event)
+        self._update_timer()
+
+    def _update_timer(self, *, skip_delay: bool = False):
+        """
+        Decide whether to start or stop scrolling.
+
+        If the text is wider than the visible area, start a single‑shot
+        delay timer (2s by default). Scrolling begins only after this
+        delay. Any change (resize or new text) restarts the logic.
+        """
+        needs_scroll = self._text_width > self.width()
+
+        if needs_scroll:
+            # Reset any running timers
+            if self._timer.isActive():
+                self._timer.stop()
+            if self._delay_timer.isActive():
+                self._delay_timer.stop()
+
+            self._offset = 0
+
+            # Start scrolling immediately when we should skip the delay,
+            # otherwise apply the configured delay_ms interval
+            if skip_delay:
+                self._timer.start()
+            else:
+                self._delay_timer.start()
+        else:
+            if self._delay_timer.isActive():
+                self._delay_timer.stop()
+            if self._timer.isActive():
+                self._timer.stop()
+            self.update()
+
+    def _scroll(self):
+        self._offset += self._step_px
+        if self._offset >= self._text_width:
+            self._offset = 0
+        self.update()
+
+    def paintEvent(self, event):
+        painter = QPainter(self)
+        painter.setRenderHint(QPainter.TextAntialiasing)
+        text = self.text()
+        if not text:
+            return
+        fm = QFontMetrics(self.font())
+        y = (self.height() + fm.ascent() - fm.descent()) // 2
+        if self._text_width <= self.width():
+            painter.drawText(0, y, text)
+        else:
+            x = -self._offset
+            gap = 50  # space between repeating text blocks
+            while x < self.width():
+                painter.drawText(x, y, text)
+                x += self._text_width + gap
+
+    def cleanup(self):
+        """Stop all timers to prevent memory leaks."""
+        if self._timer.isActive():
+            self._timer.stop()
+        if self._delay_timer.isActive():
+            self._delay_timer.stop()

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/main_window/main_window.py

@@ -1,17 +1,31 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
 import os
 
-from qtpy.QtCore import QSize
+from bec_lib.endpoints import MessageEndpoints
+from qtpy.QtCore import QEasingCurve, QEvent, QPropertyAnimation, QSize, Qt, QTimer
 from qtpy.QtGui import QAction, QActionGroup, QIcon
-from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QMainWindow, QStyle
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
+    QApplication,
+    QFrame,
+    QHBoxLayout,
+    QLabel,
+    QMainWindow,
+    QStyle,
+    QVBoxLayout,
+    QWidget,
+)
 
 import bec_widgets
 from bec_widgets.utils import UILoader
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
 from bec_widgets.utils.colors import apply_theme
-from bec_widgets.utils.container_utils import WidgetContainerUtils
 from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
 from bec_widgets.utils.widget_io import WidgetHierarchy
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.addons.hover_widget import HoverWidget
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.addons.scroll_label import ScrollLabel
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.addons.web_links import BECWebLinksMixin
+from bec_widgets.widgets.progress.scan_progressbar.scan_progressbar import ScanProgressBar
 
 MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
 
@@ -19,6 +33,8 @@ MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
 class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
     RPC = False
     PLUGIN = False
+    SCAN_PROGRESS_WIDTH = 100  # px
+    STATUS_BAR_WIDGETS_EXPIRE_TIME = 60_000  # milliseconds
 
     def __init__(
         self,
@@ -32,10 +48,19 @@ class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
         super().__init__(parent=parent, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
 
         self.app = QApplication.instance()
+        self.status_bar = self.statusBar()
         self.setWindowTitle(window_title)
         self._init_ui()
         self._connect_to_theme_change()
 
+        # Connections to BEC Notifications
+        self.bec_dispatcher.connect_slot(
+            self.display_client_message, MessageEndpoints.client_info()
+        )
+
+    ################################################################################
+    # MainWindow Elements Initialization
+    ################################################################################
     def _init_ui(self):
 
         # Set the icon
@@ -43,40 +68,189 @@ class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
 
         # Set Menu and Status bar
         self._setup_menu_bar()
+        self._init_status_bar_widgets()
 
         # BEC Specific UI
         self.display_app_id()
 
+    def _init_status_bar_widgets(self):
+        """
+        Prepare the BEC specific widgets in the status bar.
+        """
+
+        # Left: App‑ID label
+        self._app_id_label = QLabel()
+        self._app_id_label.setAlignment(
+            Qt.AlignmentFlag.AlignHCenter | Qt.AlignmentFlag.AlignVCenter
+        )
+        self.status_bar.addWidget(self._app_id_label)
+
+        # Add a separator after the app ID label
+        self._add_separator()
+
+        # Centre: Client‑info label (stretch=1 so it expands)
+        self._add_client_info_label()
+
+        # Add scan_progress bar with display logic
+        self._add_scan_progress_bar()
+
+    ################################################################################
+    # Client message status bar widget helpers
+
+    def _add_client_info_label(self):
+        """
+        Add a client info label to the status bar.
+        This label will display messages from the BEC dispatcher.
+        """
+
+        # Scroll label for client info in Status Bar
+        self._client_info_label = ScrollLabel(self)
+        self._client_info_label.setAlignment(
+            Qt.AlignmentFlag.AlignHCenter | Qt.AlignmentFlag.AlignVCenter
+        )
+        # Full label used in the hover widget
+        self._client_info_label_full = QLabel(self)
+        self._client_info_label_full.setAlignment(
+            Qt.AlignmentFlag.AlignHCenter | Qt.AlignmentFlag.AlignVCenter
+        )
+        # Hover widget to show the full client info label
+        self._client_info_hover = HoverWidget(
+            self, simple=self._client_info_label, full=self._client_info_label_full
+        )
+        self.status_bar.addWidget(self._client_info_hover, 1)
+
+        # Timer to automatically clear client messages once they expire
+        self._client_info_expire_timer = QTimer(self)
+        self._client_info_expire_timer.setSingleShot(True)
+        self._client_info_expire_timer.timeout.connect(lambda: self._client_info_label.setText(""))
+        self._client_info_expire_timer.timeout.connect(
+            lambda: self._client_info_label_full.setText("")
+        )
+
+    ################################################################################
+    # Progress‑bar helpers
+    def _add_scan_progress_bar(self):
+
+        # Setting HoverWidget for the scan progress bar - minimal and full version
+        self._scan_progress_bar_simple = ScanProgressBar(self, one_line_design=True)
+        self._scan_progress_bar_simple.show_elapsed_time = False
+        self._scan_progress_bar_simple.show_remaining_time = False
+        self._scan_progress_bar_simple.show_source_label = False
+        self._scan_progress_bar_simple.progressbar.label_template = ""
+        self._scan_progress_bar_simple.progressbar.setFixedHeight(8)
+        self._scan_progress_bar_simple.progressbar.setFixedWidth(80)
+        self._scan_progress_bar_full = ScanProgressBar(self)
+        self._scan_progress_hover = HoverWidget(
+            self, simple=self._scan_progress_bar_simple, full=self._scan_progress_bar_full
+        )
+
+        # Bundle the progress bar with a separator
+        separator = self._add_separator(separate_object=True)
+        self._scan_progress_bar_with_separator = QWidget()
+        self._scan_progress_bar_with_separator.layout = QHBoxLayout(
+            self._scan_progress_bar_with_separator
+        )
+        self._scan_progress_bar_with_separator.layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        self._scan_progress_bar_with_separator.layout.setSpacing(0)
+        self._scan_progress_bar_with_separator.layout.addWidget(separator)
+        self._scan_progress_bar_with_separator.layout.addWidget(self._scan_progress_hover)
+
+        # Set Size
+        self._scan_progress_bar_target_width = self.SCAN_PROGRESS_WIDTH
+        self._scan_progress_bar_with_separator.setMaximumWidth(self._scan_progress_bar_target_width)
+
+        self.status_bar.addWidget(self._scan_progress_bar_with_separator)
+
+        # Visibility logic
+        self._scan_progress_bar_with_separator.hide()
+        self._scan_progress_bar_with_separator.setMaximumWidth(0)
+
+        # Timer for hiding logic
+        self._scan_progress_hide_timer = QTimer(self)
+        self._scan_progress_hide_timer.setSingleShot(True)
+        self._scan_progress_hide_timer.setInterval(self.STATUS_BAR_WIDGETS_EXPIRE_TIME)
+        self._scan_progress_hide_timer.timeout.connect(self._animate_hide_scan_progress_bar)
+
+        # Show / hide behaviour
+        self._scan_progress_bar_simple.progress_started.connect(self._show_scan_progress_bar)
+        self._scan_progress_bar_simple.progress_finished.connect(self._delay_hide_scan_progress_bar)
+
+    def _show_scan_progress_bar(self):
+        if self._scan_progress_hide_timer.isActive():
+            self._scan_progress_hide_timer.stop()
+        if self._scan_progress_bar_with_separator.isVisible():
+            return
+
+        # Make visible and reset width
+        self._scan_progress_bar_with_separator.show()
+        self._scan_progress_bar_with_separator.setMaximumWidth(0)
+
+        self._show_container_anim = QPropertyAnimation(
+            self._scan_progress_bar_with_separator, b"maximumWidth", self
+        )
+        self._show_container_anim.setDuration(300)
+        self._show_container_anim.setStartValue(0)
+        self._show_container_anim.setEndValue(self._scan_progress_bar_target_width)
+        self._show_container_anim.setEasingCurve(QEasingCurve.OutCubic)
+        self._show_container_anim.start()
+
+    def _delay_hide_scan_progress_bar(self):
+        """Start the countdown to hide the scan progress bar."""
+        if hasattr(self, "_scan_progress_hide_timer"):
+            self._scan_progress_hide_timer.start()
+
+    def _animate_hide_scan_progress_bar(self):
+        """Shrink container to the right, then hide."""
+        self._hide_container_anim = QPropertyAnimation(
+            self._scan_progress_bar_with_separator, b"maximumWidth", self
+        )
+        self._hide_container_anim.setDuration(300)
+        self._hide_container_anim.setStartValue(self._scan_progress_bar_with_separator.width())
+        self._hide_container_anim.setEndValue(0)
+        self._hide_container_anim.setEasingCurve(QEasingCurve.InCubic)
+        self._hide_container_anim.finished.connect(self._scan_progress_bar_with_separator.hide)
+        self._hide_container_anim.start()
+
+    def _add_separator(self, separate_object: bool = False) -> QWidget | None:
+        """
+        Add a vertically centred separator to the status bar or just return it as a separate object.
+        """
+        status_bar = self.statusBar()
+
+        # The actual line
+        line = QFrame()
+        line.setFrameShape(QFrame.VLine)
+        line.setFrameShadow(QFrame.Sunken)
+        line.setFixedHeight(status_bar.sizeHint().height() - 2)
+
+        # Wrapper to center the line vertically -> work around for QFrame not being able to center itself
+        wrapper = QWidget()
+        vbox = QVBoxLayout(wrapper)
+        vbox.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        vbox.addStretch()
+        vbox.addWidget(line, alignment=Qt.AlignHCenter)
+        vbox.addStretch()
+        wrapper.setFixedWidth(line.sizeHint().width())
+
+        if separate_object:
+            return wrapper
+        status_bar.addWidget(wrapper)
+
     def _init_bec_icon(self):
         icon = self.app.windowIcon()
         if icon.isNull():
-            print("No icon is set, setting default icon")
             icon = QIcon()
             icon.addFile(
                 os.path.join(MODULE_PATH, "assets", "app_icons", "bec_widgets_icon.png"),
                 size=QSize(48, 48),
             )
             self.app.setWindowIcon(icon)
-        else:
-            print("An icon is set")
 
     def load_ui(self, ui_file):
         loader = UILoader(self)
         self.ui = loader.loader(ui_file)
         self.setCentralWidget(self.ui)
 
-    def display_app_id(self):
-        """
-        Display the app ID in the status bar.
-        """
-        if self.bec_dispatcher.cli_server is None:
-            status_message = "Not connected"
-        else:
-            # Get the server ID from the dispatcher
-            server_id = self.bec_dispatcher.cli_server.gui_id
-            status_message = f"App ID: {server_id}"
-        self.statusBar().showMessage(status_message)
-
     def _fetch_theme(self) -> str:
         return self.app.theme.theme
 
@@ -164,14 +338,64 @@ class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
         help_menu.addAction(widgets_docs)
         help_menu.addAction(bug_report)
 
+    ################################################################################
+    # Status Bar Addons
+    ################################################################################
+    def display_app_id(self):
+        """
+        Display the app ID in the status bar.
+        """
+        if self.bec_dispatcher.cli_server is None:
+            status_message = "Not connected"
+        else:
+            # Get the server ID from the dispatcher
+            server_id = self.bec_dispatcher.cli_server.gui_id
+            status_message = f"App ID: {server_id}"
+        self._app_id_label.setText(status_message)
+
+    @SafeSlot(dict, dict)
+    def display_client_message(self, msg: dict, meta: dict):
+        """
+        Display a client message in the status bar.
+
+        Args:
+            msg(dict): The message to display, should contain:
+            meta(dict): Metadata about the message, usually empty.
+        """
+        message = msg.get("message", "")
+        expiration = msg.get("expire", 0)  # 0 → never expire
+        self._client_info_label.setText(message)
+        self._client_info_label_full.setText(message)
+
+        # Restart the expiration timer if necessary
+        if hasattr(self, "_client_info_expire_timer") and self._client_info_expire_timer.isActive():
+            self._client_info_expire_timer.stop()
+        if expiration and expiration > 0:
+            self._client_info_expire_timer.start(int(expiration * 1000))
+
+    ################################################################################
+    # General and Cleanup Methods
+    ################################################################################
     @SafeSlot(str)
     def change_theme(self, theme: str):
+        """
+        Change the theme of the application.
+
+        Args:
+            theme(str): The theme to apply, either "light" or "dark".
+        """
         apply_theme(theme)
 
+    def event(self, event):
+        if event.type() == QEvent.Type.StatusTip:
+            return True
+        return super().event(event)
+
     def cleanup(self):
         central_widget = self.centralWidget()
-        central_widget.close()
-        central_widget.deleteLater()
+        if central_widget is not None:
+            central_widget.close()
+            central_widget.deleteLater()
         if not isinstance(central_widget, BECWidget):
             # if the central widget is not a BECWidget, we need to call the cleanup method
             # of all widgets whose parent is the current BECMainWindow
@@ -182,8 +406,39 @@ class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
                     child.cleanup()
                     child.close()
                     child.deleteLater()
+
+        # Timer cleanup
+        if hasattr(self, "_client_info_expire_timer") and self._client_info_expire_timer.isActive():
+            self._client_info_expire_timer.stop()
+        if hasattr(self, "_scan_progress_hide_timer") and self._scan_progress_hide_timer.isActive():
+            self._scan_progress_hide_timer.stop()
+
+        ########################################
+        # Status bar widgets cleanup
+
+        # Client info label cleanup
+        self._client_info_label.cleanup()
+        self._client_info_hover.close()
+        self._client_info_hover.deleteLater()
+        # Scan progress bar cleanup
+        self._scan_progress_bar_simple.close()
+        self._scan_progress_bar_simple.deleteLater()
+        self._scan_progress_bar_full.close()
+        self._scan_progress_bar_full.deleteLater()
+        self._scan_progress_hover.close()
+        self._scan_progress_hover.deleteLater()
         super().cleanup()
 
 
 class UILaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
     RPC = True
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    import sys
+
+    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+    main_window = UILaunchWindow()
+    main_window.show()
+    main_window.resize(800, 600)
+    sys.exit(app.exec())

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

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-""" Module for a PositionerGroup widget to control a positioner device."""
+"""Module for a PositionerGroup widget to control a positioner device."""
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 

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

@@ -6,10 +6,10 @@ from bec_lib.device import ComputedSignal, Device, Positioner, ReadoutPriority
 from bec_lib.device import Signal as BECSignal
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from pydantic import field_validator
-from qtpy.QtCore import Property, Signal, Slot
 
 from bec_widgets.utils import ConnectionConfig
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeProperty, SafeSlot
 from bec_widgets.utils.filter_io import FilterIO
 from bec_widgets.utils.widget_io import WidgetIO
 
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ class DeviceInputBase(BECWidget):
 
     ### QtSlots ###
 
-    @Slot(str)
+    @SafeSlot(str)
     def set_device(self, device: str):
         """
         Set the device.
@@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ class DeviceInputBase(BECWidget):
         else:
             logger.warning(f"Device {device} is not in the filtered selection.")
 
-    @Slot()
+    @SafeSlot()
     def update_devices_from_filters(self):
         """Update the devices based on the current filter selection
         in self.device_filter and self.readout_filter. If apply_filter is False,
@@ -133,7 +133,7 @@ class DeviceInputBase(BECWidget):
         self.devices = [device.name for device in devs]
         self.set_device(current_device)
 
-    @Slot(list)
+    @SafeSlot(list)
     def set_available_devices(self, devices: list[str]):
         """
         Set the devices. If a device in the list is not valid, it will not be considered.
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@ class DeviceInputBase(BECWidget):
 
     ### QtProperties ###
 
-    @Property(
+    @SafeProperty(
         "QStringList",
         doc="List of devices. If updated, it will disable the apply filters property.",
     )
@@ -165,7 +165,7 @@ class DeviceInputBase(BECWidget):
         self.config.devices = value
         FilterIO.set_selection(widget=self, selection=value)
 
-    @Property(str)
+    @SafeProperty(str)
     def default(self):
         """Get the default device name. If set through this property, it will update only if the device is within the filtered selection."""
         return self.config.default
@@ -177,7 +177,7 @@ class DeviceInputBase(BECWidget):
         self.config.default = value
         WidgetIO.set_value(widget=self, value=value)
 
-    @Property(bool)
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
     def apply_filter(self):
         """Apply the filters on the devices."""
         return self.config.apply_filter
@@ -187,7 +187,7 @@ class DeviceInputBase(BECWidget):
         self.config.apply_filter = value
         self.update_devices_from_filters()
 
-    @Property(bool)
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
     def filter_to_device(self):
         """Include devices in filters."""
         return BECDeviceFilter.DEVICE in self.device_filter
@@ -200,7 +200,7 @@ class DeviceInputBase(BECWidget):
             self._device_filter.remove(BECDeviceFilter.DEVICE)
         self.update_devices_from_filters()
 
-    @Property(bool)
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
     def filter_to_positioner(self):
         """Include devices of type Positioner in filters."""
         return BECDeviceFilter.POSITIONER in self.device_filter
@@ -213,7 +213,7 @@ class DeviceInputBase(BECWidget):
             self._device_filter.remove(BECDeviceFilter.POSITIONER)
         self.update_devices_from_filters()
 
-    @Property(bool)
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
     def filter_to_signal(self):
         """Include devices of type Signal in filters."""
         return BECDeviceFilter.SIGNAL in self.device_filter
@@ -226,7 +226,7 @@ class DeviceInputBase(BECWidget):
             self._device_filter.remove(BECDeviceFilter.SIGNAL)
         self.update_devices_from_filters()
 
-    @Property(bool)
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
     def filter_to_computed_signal(self):
         """Include devices of type ComputedSignal in filters."""
         return BECDeviceFilter.COMPUTED_SIGNAL in self.device_filter
@@ -239,7 +239,7 @@ class DeviceInputBase(BECWidget):
             self._device_filter.remove(BECDeviceFilter.COMPUTED_SIGNAL)
         self.update_devices_from_filters()
 
-    @Property(bool)
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
     def readout_monitored(self):
         """Include devices with readout priority Monitored in filters."""
         return ReadoutPriority.MONITORED in self.readout_filter
@@ -252,7 +252,7 @@ class DeviceInputBase(BECWidget):
             self._readout_filter.remove(ReadoutPriority.MONITORED)
         self.update_devices_from_filters()
 
-    @Property(bool)
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
     def readout_baseline(self):
         """Include devices with readout priority Baseline in filters."""
         return ReadoutPriority.BASELINE in self.readout_filter
@@ -265,7 +265,7 @@ class DeviceInputBase(BECWidget):
             self._readout_filter.remove(ReadoutPriority.BASELINE)
         self.update_devices_from_filters()
 
-    @Property(bool)
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
     def readout_async(self):
         """Include devices with readout priority Async in filters."""
         return ReadoutPriority.ASYNC in self.readout_filter
@@ -278,7 +278,7 @@ class DeviceInputBase(BECWidget):
             self._readout_filter.remove(ReadoutPriority.ASYNC)
         self.update_devices_from_filters()
 
-    @Property(bool)
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
     def readout_continuous(self):
         """Include devices with readout priority continuous in filters."""
         return ReadoutPriority.CONTINUOUS in self.readout_filter
@@ -291,7 +291,7 @@ class DeviceInputBase(BECWidget):
             self._readout_filter.remove(ReadoutPriority.CONTINUOUS)
         self.update_devices_from_filters()
 
-    @Property(bool)
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
     def readout_on_request(self):
         """Include devices with readout priority OnRequest in filters."""
         return ReadoutPriority.ON_REQUEST in self.readout_filter
@@ -397,7 +397,7 @@ class DeviceInputBase(BECWidget):
             object: Device object, can be device of type Device, Positioner, Signal or ComputedSignal.
         """
         self.validate_device(device)
-        dev = getattr(self.dev, device.lower(), None)
+        dev = getattr(self.dev, device, None)
         if dev is None:
             raise ValueError(
                 f"Device {device} is not found in the device manager {self.dev} as enabled device."

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

@@ -1,11 +1,12 @@
 from bec_lib.callback_handler import EventType
 from bec_lib.device import Signal
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
-from qtpy.QtCore import Property, Slot
+from qtpy.QtCore import Property
 
 from bec_widgets.utils import ConnectionConfig
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
-from bec_widgets.utils.filter_io import FilterIO
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.utils.filter_io import FilterIO, LineEditFilterHandler
 from bec_widgets.utils.ophyd_kind_util import Kind
 from bec_widgets.utils.widget_io import WidgetIO
 
@@ -36,29 +37,31 @@ class DeviceSignalInputBase(BECWidget):
         Kind.config: "include_config_signals",
     }
 
-    def __init__(self, client=None, config=None, gui_id: str = None, **kwargs):
-        if config is None:
-            config = DeviceSignalInputBaseConfig(widget_class=self.__class__.__name__)
-        else:
-            if isinstance(config, dict):
-                config = DeviceSignalInputBaseConfig(**config)
-            self.config = config
-        super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        client=None,
+        config: DeviceSignalInputBaseConfig | dict | None = None,
+        gui_id: str = None,
+        **kwargs,
+    ):
+
+        self.config = self._process_config_input(config)
+        super().__init__(client=client, config=self.config, gui_id=gui_id, **kwargs)
 
         self._device = None
         self.get_bec_shortcuts()
-        self._signal_filter = []
+        self._signal_filter = set()
         self._signals = []
         self._hinted_signals = []
         self._normal_signals = []
         self._config_signals = []
-        self.bec_dispatcher.client.callbacks.register(
+        self._device_update_register = self.bec_dispatcher.client.callbacks.register(
             EventType.DEVICE_UPDATE, self.update_signals_from_filters
         )
 
     ### Qt Slots ###
 
-    @Slot(str)
+    @SafeSlot(str)
     def set_signal(self, signal: str):
         """
         Set the signal.
@@ -66,7 +69,7 @@ class DeviceSignalInputBase(BECWidget):
         Args:
             signal (str): signal name.
         """
-        if self.validate_signal(signal) is True:
+        if self.validate_signal(signal):
             WidgetIO.set_value(widget=self, value=signal)
             self.config.default = signal
         else:
@@ -74,10 +77,10 @@ class DeviceSignalInputBase(BECWidget):
                 f"Signal {signal} not found for device {self.device} and filtered selection {self.signal_filter}."
             )
 
-    @Slot(str)
+    @SafeSlot(str)
     def set_device(self, device: str | None):
         """
-        Set the device. If device is not valid, device will be set to None which happpens
+        Set the device. If device is not valid, device will be set to None which happens
 
         Args:
             device(str): device name.
@@ -88,8 +91,8 @@ class DeviceSignalInputBase(BECWidget):
             self._device = device
         self.update_signals_from_filters()
 
-    @Slot(dict, dict)
-    @Slot()
+    @SafeSlot(dict, dict)
+    @SafeSlot()
     def update_signals_from_filters(
         self, content: dict | None = None, metadata: dict | None = None
     ):
@@ -102,41 +105,40 @@ class DeviceSignalInputBase(BECWidget):
         """
         self.config.signal_filter = self.signal_filter
         # pylint: disable=protected-access
-        self._hinted_signals = []
-        self._normal_signals = []
-        self._config_signals = []
-        if self.validate_device(self._device) is False:
+        if not self.validate_device(self._device):
             self._device = None
             self.config.device = self._device
+            self._signals = []
+            self._hinted_signals = []
+            self._normal_signals = []
+            self._config_signals = []
+            FilterIO.set_selection(widget=self, selection=self._signals)
             return
         device = self.get_device_object(self._device)
+        device_info = device._info.get("signals", {})
+
         # See above convention for Signals and ComputedSignals
         if isinstance(device, Signal):
-            self._signals = [self._device]
-            FilterIO.set_selection(widget=self, selection=[self._device])
+            self._signals = [(self._device, {})]
+            self._hinted_signals = [(self._device, {})]
+            self._normal_signals = []
+            self._config_signals = []
+            FilterIO.set_selection(widget=self, selection=self._signals)
             return
-        device_info = device._info["signals"]
-        if Kind.hinted in self.signal_filter:
-            hinted_signals = [
-                signal
-                for signal, signal_info in device_info.items()
-                if (signal_info.get("kind_str", None) == str(Kind.hinted.value))
-            ]
-            self._hinted_signals = hinted_signals
-        if Kind.normal in self.signal_filter:
-            normal_signals = [
-                signal
-                for signal, signal_info in device_info.items()
-                if (signal_info.get("kind_str", None) == str(Kind.normal.value))
-            ]
-            self._normal_signals = normal_signals
-        if Kind.config in self.signal_filter:
-            config_signals = [
-                signal
-                for signal, signal_info in device_info.items()
-                if (signal_info.get("kind_str", None) == str(Kind.config.value))
-            ]
-            self._config_signals = config_signals
+
+        def _update(kind: Kind):
+            return FilterIO.update_with_kind(
+                widget=self,
+                kind=kind,
+                signal_filter=self.signal_filter,
+                device_info=device_info,
+                device_name=self._device,
+            )
+
+        self._hinted_signals = _update(Kind.hinted)
+        self._normal_signals = _update(Kind.normal)
+        self._config_signals = _update(Kind.config)
+
         self._signals = self._hinted_signals + self._normal_signals + self._config_signals
         FilterIO.set_selection(widget=self, selection=self.signals)
 
@@ -164,9 +166,9 @@ class DeviceSignalInputBase(BECWidget):
     @include_hinted_signals.setter
     def include_hinted_signals(self, value: bool):
         if value:
-            self._signal_filter.append(Kind.hinted)
+            self._signal_filter.add(Kind.hinted)
         else:
-            self._signal_filter.remove(Kind.hinted)
+            self._signal_filter.discard(Kind.hinted)
         self.update_signals_from_filters()
 
     @Property(bool)
@@ -177,9 +179,9 @@ class DeviceSignalInputBase(BECWidget):
     @include_normal_signals.setter
     def include_normal_signals(self, value: bool):
         if value:
-            self._signal_filter.append(Kind.normal)
+            self._signal_filter.add(Kind.normal)
         else:
-            self._signal_filter.remove(Kind.normal)
+            self._signal_filter.discard(Kind.normal)
         self.update_signals_from_filters()
 
     @Property(bool)
@@ -190,9 +192,9 @@ class DeviceSignalInputBase(BECWidget):
     @include_config_signals.setter
     def include_config_signals(self, value: bool):
         if value:
-            self._signal_filter.append(Kind.config)
+            self._signal_filter.add(Kind.config)
         else:
-            self._signal_filter.remove(Kind.config)
+            self._signal_filter.discard(Kind.config)
         self.update_signals_from_filters()
 
     ### Properties and Methods ###
@@ -250,7 +252,7 @@ class DeviceSignalInputBase(BECWidget):
             object: Device object, can be device of type Device, Positioner, Signal or ComputedSignal.
         """
         self.validate_device(device)
-        dev = getattr(self.dev, device.lower(), None)
+        dev = getattr(self.dev, device, None)
         if dev is None:
             logger.warning(f"Device {device} not found in devicemanager.")
             return None
@@ -276,6 +278,21 @@ class DeviceSignalInputBase(BECWidget):
         Args:
             signal(str): Signal to validate.
         """
-        if signal in self.signals:
-            return True
+        for entry in self.signals:
+            if isinstance(entry, tuple):
+                entry = entry[0]
+            if entry == signal:
+                return True
         return False
+
+    def _process_config_input(self, config: DeviceSignalInputBaseConfig | dict | None):
+        if config is None:
+            return DeviceSignalInputBaseConfig(widget_class=self.__class__.__name__)
+        return DeviceSignalInputBaseConfig.model_validate(config)
+
+    def cleanup(self):
+        """
+        Cleanup the widget.
+        """
+        self.bec_dispatcher.client.callbacks.remove(self._device_update_register)
+        super().cleanup()

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

@@ -22,14 +22,19 @@ class DeviceComboBox(DeviceInputBase, QComboBox):
         config: Device input configuration.
         gui_id: GUI ID.
         device_filter: Device filter, name of the device class from BECDeviceFilter and BECReadoutPriority. Check DeviceInputBase for more details.
+        readout_priority_filter: Readout priority filter, name of the readout priority class from BECDeviceFilter and BECReadoutPriority. Check DeviceInputBase for more details.
+        available_devices: List of available devices, if passed, it sets apply filters to false and device/readout priority filters will not be applied.
         default: Default device name.
         arg_name: Argument name, can be used for the other widgets which has to call some other function in bec using correct argument names.
     """
 
+    USER_ACCESS = ["set_device", "devices"]
+
     ICON_NAME = "list_alt"
     PLUGIN = True
 
     device_selected = Signal(str)
+    device_reset = Signal()
     device_config_update = Signal()
 
     def __init__(
@@ -140,11 +145,31 @@ class DeviceComboBox(DeviceInputBase, QComboBox):
         """
         if self.validate_device(input_text) is True:
             self._is_valid_input = True
-            self.device_selected.emit(input_text.lower())
+            self.device_selected.emit(input_text)
         else:
             self._is_valid_input = False
+            self.device_reset.emit()
         self.update()
 
+    def validate_device(self, device: str) -> bool:  # type: ignore[override]
+        """
+        Extend validation so that preview‑signal pseudo‑devices (labels like
+        ``"eiger_preview"``) are accepted as valid choices.
+
+        The validation run only on device not on the preview‑signal.
+
+        Args:
+            device: The text currently entered/selected.
+
+        Returns:
+            True if the device is a genuine BEC device *or* one of the
+            whitelisted preview‑signal entries.
+        """
+        idx = self.findText(device)
+        if idx >= 0 and isinstance(self.itemData(idx), tuple):
+            device = self.itemData(idx)[0]  # type: ignore[assignment]
+        return super().validate_device(device)
+
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
     # pylint: disable=import-outside-toplevel

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

@@ -24,11 +24,15 @@ class DeviceLineEdit(DeviceInputBase, QLineEdit):
         client: BEC client object.
         config: Device input configuration.
         gui_id: GUI ID.
-        device_filter: Device filter, name of the device class from BECDeviceFilter and ReadoutPriority. Check DeviceInputBase for more details.
+        device_filter: Device filter, name of the device class from BECDeviceFilter and BECReadoutPriority. Check DeviceInputBase for more details.
+        readout_priority_filter: Readout priority filter, name of the readout priority class from BECDeviceFilter and BECReadoutPriority. Check DeviceInputBase for more details.
+        available_devices: List of available devices, if passed, it sets apply filters to false and device/readout priority filters will not be applied.
         default: Default device name.
         arg_name: Argument name, can be used for the other widgets which has to call some other function in bec using correct argument names.
     """
 
+    USER_ACCESS = ["set_device", "devices", "_is_valid_input"]
+
     device_selected = Signal(str)
     device_config_update = Signal()
 
@@ -51,7 +55,7 @@ class DeviceLineEdit(DeviceInputBase, QLineEdit):
         **kwargs,
     ):
         self._callback_id = None
-        self._is_valid_input = False
+        self.__is_valid_input = False
         self._accent_colors = get_accent_colors()
         super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, config=config, **kwargs)
         self.completer = QCompleter(self)
@@ -95,6 +99,20 @@ class DeviceLineEdit(DeviceInputBase, QLineEdit):
         self.textChanged.connect(self.check_validity)
         self.check_validity(self.text())
 
+    @property
+    def _is_valid_input(self) -> bool:
+        """
+        Check if the current value is a valid device name.
+
+        Returns:
+            bool: True if the current value is a valid device name, False otherwise.
+        """
+        return self.__is_valid_input
+
+    @_is_valid_input.setter
+    def _is_valid_input(self, value: bool) -> None:
+        self.__is_valid_input = value
+
     def on_device_update(self, action: str, content: dict) -> None:
         """
         Callback for device update events. Triggers the device_update signal.
@@ -147,7 +165,7 @@ class DeviceLineEdit(DeviceInputBase, QLineEdit):
         """
         if self.validate_device(input_text) is True:
             self._is_valid_input = True
-            self.device_selected.emit(input_text.lower())
+            self.device_selected.emit(input_text)
         else:
             self._is_valid_input = False
         self.update()

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

@@ -1,11 +1,13 @@
 from bec_lib.device import Positioner
-from qtpy.QtCore import QSize, Signal, Slot
+from qtpy.QtCore import QSize, Signal
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QComboBox, QSizePolicy
 
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
 from bec_widgets.utils.filter_io import ComboBoxFilterHandler, FilterIO
 from bec_widgets.utils.ophyd_kind_util import Kind
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_input.base_classes.device_signal_input_base import (
     DeviceSignalInputBase,
+    DeviceSignalInputBaseConfig,
 )
 
 
@@ -23,8 +25,11 @@ class SignalComboBox(DeviceSignalInputBase, QComboBox):
         arg_name: Argument name, can be used for the other widgets which has to call some other function in bec using correct argument names.
     """
 
+    USER_ACCESS = ["set_signal", "set_device", "signals"]
+
     ICON_NAME = "list_alt"
     PLUGIN = True
+    RPC = True
 
     device_signal_changed = Signal(str)
 
@@ -32,7 +37,7 @@ class SignalComboBox(DeviceSignalInputBase, QComboBox):
         self,
         parent=None,
         client=None,
-        config: DeviceSignalInputBase = None,
+        config: DeviceSignalInputBaseConfig | None = None,
         gui_id: str | None = None,
         device: str | None = None,
         signal_filter: str | list[str] | None = None,
@@ -62,9 +67,13 @@ class SignalComboBox(DeviceSignalInputBase, QComboBox):
         if default is not None:
             self.set_signal(default)
 
-    def update_signals_from_filters(self):
+    @SafeSlot()
+    @SafeSlot(dict, dict)
+    def update_signals_from_filters(
+        self, content: dict | None = None, metadata: dict | None = None
+    ):
         """Update the filters for the combobox"""
-        super().update_signals_from_filters()
+        super().update_signals_from_filters(content, metadata)
         # pylint: disable=protected-access
         if FilterIO._find_handler(self) is ComboBoxFilterHandler:
             if len(self._config_signals) > 0:
@@ -81,7 +90,45 @@ class SignalComboBox(DeviceSignalInputBase, QComboBox):
                 self.insertItem(0, "Hinted Signals")
                 self.model().item(0).setEnabled(False)
 
-    @Slot(str)
+    def set_to_obj_name(self, obj_name: str) -> bool:
+        """
+        Set the combobox to the object name of the signal.
+
+        Args:
+            obj_name (str): Object name of the signal.
+
+        Returns:
+            bool: True if the object name was found and set, False otherwise.
+        """
+        for i in range(self.count()):
+            signal_data = self.itemData(i)
+            if signal_data and signal_data.get("obj_name") == obj_name:
+                self.setCurrentIndex(i)
+                return True
+        return False
+
+    def set_to_first_enabled(self) -> bool:
+        """
+        Set the combobox to the first enabled item.
+
+        Returns:
+            bool: True if an enabled item was found and set, False otherwise.
+        """
+        for i in range(self.count()):
+            if self.model().item(i).isEnabled():
+                self.setCurrentIndex(i)
+                return True
+        return False
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def reset_selection(self):
+        """Reset the selection of the combobox."""
+        self.clear()
+        self.setItemText(0, "Select a device")
+        self.update_signals_from_filters()
+        self.device_signal_changed.emit("")
+
+    @SafeSlot(str)
     def on_text_changed(self, text: str):
         """Slot for text changed. If a device is selected and the signal is changed and valid it emits a signal.
         For a positioner, the readback value has to be renamed to the device name.
@@ -93,11 +140,11 @@ class SignalComboBox(DeviceSignalInputBase, QComboBox):
             return
         if self.validate_signal(text) is False:
             return
-        if text == "readback" and isinstance(self.get_device_object(self.device), Positioner):
-            device_signal = self.device
-        else:
-            device_signal = f"{self.device}_{text}"
-        self.device_signal_changed.emit(device_signal)
+        self.device_signal_changed.emit(text)
+
+    @property
+    def selected_signal_comp_name(self) -> str:
+        return dict(self.signals).get(self.currentText(), {}).get("component_name", "")
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover

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

@@ -24,9 +24,12 @@ class SignalLineEdit(DeviceSignalInputBase, QLineEdit):
         arg_name: Argument name, can be used for the other widgets which has to call some other function in bec using correct argument names.
     """
 
+    USER_ACCESS = ["_is_valid_input", "set_signal", "set_device", "signals"]
+
     device_signal_changed = Signal(str)
 
     PLUGIN = True
+    RPC = True
     ICON_NAME = "vital_signs"
 
     def __init__(
@@ -41,7 +44,7 @@ class SignalLineEdit(DeviceSignalInputBase, QLineEdit):
         arg_name: str | None = None,
         **kwargs,
     ):
-        self._is_valid_input = False
+        self.__is_valid_input = False
         super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, config=config, **kwargs)
         self._accent_colors = get_accent_colors()
         self.completer = QCompleter(self)
@@ -65,8 +68,22 @@ class SignalLineEdit(DeviceSignalInputBase, QLineEdit):
             self.set_device(device)
         if default is not None:
             self.set_signal(default)
-        self.textChanged.connect(self.validate_device)
-        self.validate_device(self.text())
+        self.textChanged.connect(self.check_validity)
+        self.check_validity(self.text())
+
+    @property
+    def _is_valid_input(self) -> bool:
+        """
+        Check if the current value is a valid device name.
+
+        Returns:
+            bool: True if the current value is a valid device name, False otherwise.
+        """
+        return self.__is_valid_input
+
+    @_is_valid_input.setter
+    def _is_valid_input(self, value: bool) -> None:
+        self.__is_valid_input = value
 
     def get_current_device(self) -> object:
         """
@@ -131,6 +148,9 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
     from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
 
     from bec_widgets.utils.colors import set_theme
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_input.device_combobox.device_combobox import (
+        DeviceComboBox,
+    )
 
     app = QApplication([])
     set_theme("dark")
@@ -138,6 +158,12 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
     widget.setFixedSize(200, 200)
     layout = QVBoxLayout()
     widget.setLayout(layout)
-    layout.addWidget(SignalLineEdit(device="samx"))
+    device_line_edit = DeviceComboBox()
+    device_line_edit.filter_to_positioner = True
+    signal_line_edit = SignalLineEdit()
+    device_line_edit.device_selected.connect(signal_line_edit.set_device)
+
+    layout.addWidget(device_line_edit)
+    layout.addWidget(signal_line_edit)
     widget.show()
     app.exec_()

bec_widgets/widgets/control/scan_control/scan_control.py

@@ -89,6 +89,7 @@ class ScanControl(BECWidget, QWidget):
         self.config.allowed_scans = allowed_scans
 
         self._scan_metadata: dict | None = None
+        self._metadata_form = ScanMetadata(parent=self)
 
         # Create and set main layout
         self._init_UI()
@@ -165,12 +166,11 @@ class ScanControl(BECWidget, QWidget):
         self.layout.addStretch()
 
     def _add_metadata_form(self):
-        self._metadata_form = ScanMetadata(parent=self)
         self.layout.addWidget(self._metadata_form)
         self._metadata_form.update_with_new_scan(self.comboBox_scan_selection.currentText())
         self.scan_selected.connect(self._metadata_form.update_with_new_scan)
-        self._metadata_form.metadata_updated.connect(self.update_scan_metadata)
-        self._metadata_form.metadata_cleared.connect(self.update_scan_metadata)
+        self._metadata_form.form_data_updated.connect(self.update_scan_metadata)
+        self._metadata_form.form_data_cleared.connect(self.update_scan_metadata)
         self._metadata_form.validate_form()
 
     def populate_scans(self):
@@ -203,35 +203,40 @@ class ScanControl(BECWidget, QWidget):
         """
         Requests the last executed scan parameters from BEC and restores them to the scan control widget.
         """
-        enabled = self.toggle.checked
-        current_scan = self.comboBox_scan_selection.currentText()
-        if enabled:
-            history = self.client.connector.lrange(MessageEndpoints.scan_queue_history(), 0, -1)
+        self.last_scan_found = False
+        if not self.toggle.checked:
+            return
 
-            for scan in history:
-                scan_name = scan.content["info"]["request_blocks"][-1]["msg"].content["scan_type"]
-                if scan_name == current_scan:
-                    args_dict = scan.content["info"]["request_blocks"][-1]["msg"].content[
-                        "parameter"
-                    ]["args"]
-                    args_list = []
-                    for key, value in args_dict.items():
-                        args_list.append(key)
-                        args_list.extend(value)
-                    if len(args_list) > 1 and self.arg_box is not None:
-                        self.arg_box.set_parameters(args_list)
-                    kwargs = scan.content["info"]["request_blocks"][-1]["msg"].content["parameter"][
-                        "kwargs"
-                    ]
-                    if kwargs and self.kwarg_boxes:
-                        for box in self.kwarg_boxes:
-                            box.set_parameters(kwargs)
-                    self.last_scan_found = True
-                    break
-                else:
-                    self.last_scan_found = False
-        else:
-            self.last_scan_found = False
+        current_scan = self.comboBox_scan_selection.currentText()
+        history = (
+            self.client.connector.xread(
+                MessageEndpoints.scan_history(), from_start=True, user_id=self.object_name
+            )
+            or []
+        )
+
+        for scan in reversed(history):
+            scan_data = scan.get("data")
+            if not scan_data:
+                continue
+
+            if scan_data.scan_name != current_scan:
+                continue
+
+            ri = getattr(scan_data, "request_inputs", {}) or {}
+            args_list = ri.get("arg_bundle", [])
+            if args_list and self.arg_box:
+                self.arg_box.set_parameters(args_list)
+
+            inputs = ri.get("inputs", {})
+            kwargs = ri.get("kwargs", {})
+            merged = {**inputs, **kwargs}
+            if merged and self.kwarg_boxes:
+                for box in self.kwarg_boxes:
+                    box.set_parameters(merged)
+
+            self.last_scan_found = True
+            break
 
     @SafeProperty(str)
     def current_scan(self):

bec_widgets/widgets/dap/dap_combo_box/dap_combo_box.py

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-""" Module for DapComboBox widget class to select a DAP model from a combobox. """
+"""Module for DapComboBox widget class to select a DAP model from a combobox."""
 
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from qtpy.QtCore import Property, Signal, Slot

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/console/console.py

@@ -1,870 +0,0 @@
-"""
-BECConsole is a Qt widget that runs a Bash shell. 
-
-BECConsole VT100 emulation is powered by Pyte,
-(https://github.com/selectel/pyte).
-"""
-
-import collections
-import fcntl
-import html
-import os
-import pty
-import re
-import signal
-import sys
-import time
-
-import pyte
-from pygments.token import Token
-from pyte.screens import History
-from qtpy import QtCore, QtGui, QtWidgets
-from qtpy.QtCore import Property as pyqtProperty
-from qtpy.QtCore import QSize, QSocketNotifier, Qt, QTimer
-from qtpy.QtCore import Signal as pyqtSignal
-from qtpy.QtGui import QClipboard, QColor, QPalette, QTextCursor
-from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QHBoxLayout, QScrollBar, QSizePolicy
-
-from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot as Slot
-
-ansi_colors = {
-    "black": "#000000",
-    "red": "#CD0000",
-    "green": "#00CD00",
-    "brown": "#996633",  # Brown, replacing the yellow
-    "blue": "#0000EE",
-    "magenta": "#CD00CD",
-    "cyan": "#00CDCD",
-    "white": "#E5E5E5",
-    "brightblack": "#7F7F7F",
-    "brightred": "#FF0000",
-    "brightgreen": "#00FF00",
-    "brightyellow": "#FFFF00",
-    "brightblue": "#5C5CFF",
-    "brightmagenta": "#FF00FF",
-    "brightcyan": "#00FFFF",
-    "brightwhite": "#FFFFFF",
-}
-
-control_keys_mapping = {
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_A: b"\x01",  # Ctrl-A
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_B: b"\x02",  # Ctrl-B
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_C: b"\x03",  # Ctrl-C
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_D: b"\x04",  # Ctrl-D
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_E: b"\x05",  # Ctrl-E
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_F: b"\x06",  # Ctrl-F
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_G: b"\x07",  # Ctrl-G (Bell)
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_H: b"\x08",  # Ctrl-H (Backspace)
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_I: b"\x09",  # Ctrl-I (Tab)
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_J: b"\x0A",  # Ctrl-J (Line Feed)
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_K: b"\x0B",  # Ctrl-K (Vertical Tab)
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_L: b"\x0C",  # Ctrl-L (Form Feed)
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_M: b"\x0D",  # Ctrl-M (Carriage Return)
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_N: b"\x0E",  # Ctrl-N
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_O: b"\x0F",  # Ctrl-O
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_P: b"\x10",  # Ctrl-P
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_Q: b"\x11",  # Ctrl-Q
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_R: b"\x12",  # Ctrl-R
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_S: b"\x13",  # Ctrl-S
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_T: b"\x14",  # Ctrl-T
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_U: b"\x15",  # Ctrl-U
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_V: b"\x16",  # Ctrl-V
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_W: b"\x17",  # Ctrl-W
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_X: b"\x18",  # Ctrl-X
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_Y: b"\x19",  # Ctrl-Y
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_Z: b"\x1A",  # Ctrl-Z
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_Escape: b"\x1B",  # Ctrl-Escape
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_Backslash: b"\x1C",  # Ctrl-\
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_Underscore: b"\x1F",  # Ctrl-_
-}
-
-normal_keys_mapping = {
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_Return: b"\n",
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_Space: b" ",
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_Enter: b"\n",
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_Tab: b"\t",
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_Backspace: b"\x08",
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_Home: b"\x47",
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_End: b"\x4f",
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_Left: b"\x02",
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_Up: b"\x10",
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_Right: b"\x06",
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_Down: b"\x0E",
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_PageUp: b"\x49",
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_PageDown: b"\x51",
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_F1: b"\x1b\x31",
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_F2: b"\x1b\x32",
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_F3: b"\x1b\x33",
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_F4: b"\x1b\x34",
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_F5: b"\x1b\x35",
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_F6: b"\x1b\x36",
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_F7: b"\x1b\x37",
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_F8: b"\x1b\x38",
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_F9: b"\x1b\x39",
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_F10: b"\x1b\x30",
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_F11: b"\x45",
-    QtCore.Qt.Key_F12: b"\x46",
-}
-
-
-def QtKeyToAscii(event):
-    """
-    Convert the Qt key event to the corresponding ASCII sequence for
-    the terminal. This works fine for standard alphanumerical characters, but
-    most other characters require terminal specific control sequences.
-
-    The conversion below works for TERM="linux" terminals.
-    """
-    if sys.platform == "darwin":
-        # special case for MacOS
-        # /!\ Qt maps ControlModifier to CMD
-        # CMD-C, CMD-V for copy/paste
-        # CTRL-C and other modifiers -> key mapping
-        if event.modifiers() == QtCore.Qt.MetaModifier:
-            if event.key() == Qt.Key_Backspace:
-                return control_keys_mapping.get(Qt.Key_W)
-            return control_keys_mapping.get(event.key())
-        elif event.modifiers() == QtCore.Qt.ControlModifier:
-            if event.key() == Qt.Key_C:
-                # copy
-                return "copy"
-            elif event.key() == Qt.Key_V:
-                # paste
-                return "paste"
-            return None
-        else:
-            return normal_keys_mapping.get(event.key(), event.text().encode("utf8"))
-    if event.modifiers() == QtCore.Qt.ControlModifier:
-        return control_keys_mapping.get(event.key())
-    else:
-        return normal_keys_mapping.get(event.key(), event.text().encode("utf8"))
-
-
-class Screen(pyte.HistoryScreen):
-    def __init__(self, stdin_fd, cols, rows, historyLength):
-        super().__init__(cols, rows, historyLength, ratio=1 / rows)
-        self._fd = stdin_fd
-
-    def write_process_input(self, data):
-        """Response to CPR request (for example),
-        this can be for other requests
-        """
-        try:
-            os.write(self._fd, data.encode("utf-8"))
-        except (IOError, OSError):
-            pass
-
-    def resize(self, lines, columns):
-        lines = lines or self.lines
-        columns = columns or self.columns
-
-        if lines == self.lines and columns == self.columns:
-            return  # No changes.
-
-        self.dirty.clear()
-        self.dirty.update(range(lines))
-
-        self.save_cursor()
-        if lines < self.lines:
-            if lines <= self.cursor.y:
-                nlines_to_move_up = self.lines - lines
-                for i in range(nlines_to_move_up):
-                    line = self.buffer[i]  # .pop(0)
-                    self.history.top.append(line)
-                self.cursor_position(0, 0)
-                self.delete_lines(nlines_to_move_up)
-                self.restore_cursor()
-                self.cursor.y -= nlines_to_move_up
-        else:
-            self.restore_cursor()
-
-        self.lines, self.columns = lines, columns
-        self.history = History(
-            self.history.top,
-            self.history.bottom,
-            1 / self.lines,
-            self.history.size,
-            self.history.position,
-        )
-        self.set_margins()
-
-
-class Backend(QtCore.QObject):
-    """
-    Poll Bash.
-
-    This class will run as a qsocketnotifier (started in ``_TerminalWidget``) and poll the
-    file descriptor of the Bash terminal.
-    """
-
-    # Signals to communicate with ``_TerminalWidget``.
-    dataReady = pyqtSignal(object)
-    processExited = pyqtSignal()
-
-    def __init__(self, fd, cols, rows):
-        super().__init__()
-
-        # File descriptor that connects to Bash process.
-        self.fd = fd
-
-        # Setup Pyte (hard coded display size for now).
-        self.screen = Screen(self.fd, cols, rows, 10000)
-        self.stream = pyte.ByteStream()
-        self.stream.attach(self.screen)
-
-        self.notifier = QSocketNotifier(fd, QSocketNotifier.Read)
-        self.notifier.activated.connect(self._fd_readable)
-
-    def _fd_readable(self):
-        """
-        Poll the Bash output, run it through Pyte, and notify
-        """
-        # Read the shell output until the file descriptor is closed.
-        try:
-            out = os.read(self.fd, 2**16)
-        except OSError:
-            self.processExited.emit()
-            self.notifier.setEnabled(False)
-            return
-
-        # Feed output into Pyte's state machine and send the new screen
-        # output to the GUI
-        self.stream.feed(out)
-        self.dataReady.emit(self.screen)
-
-
-class BECConsole(QtWidgets.QWidget):
-    """Container widget for the terminal text area"""
-
-    PLUGIN = True
-    ICON_NAME = "terminal"
-
-    prompt = pyqtSignal(bool)
-
-    def __init__(self, parent=None, cols=132):
-        super().__init__(parent)
-
-        self.term = _TerminalWidget(self, cols, rows=43)
-        self.term.prompt.connect(self.prompt)  # forward signal from term to this widget
-
-        self.scroll_bar = QScrollBar(Qt.Vertical, self)
-        # self.scroll_bar.hide()
-        layout = QHBoxLayout(self)
-        layout.addWidget(self.term)
-        layout.addWidget(self.scroll_bar)
-        layout.setAlignment(Qt.AlignLeft | Qt.AlignTop)
-        layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
-        self.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Minimum, QSizePolicy.Expanding)
-
-        pal = QPalette()
-        self.set_bgcolor(pal.window().color())
-        self.set_fgcolor(pal.windowText().color())
-        self.term.set_scroll_bar(self.scroll_bar)
-        self.set_cmd("bec --nogui")
-
-        self._check_designer_timer = QTimer()
-        self._check_designer_timer.timeout.connect(self.check_designer)
-        self._check_designer_timer.start(1000)
-
-    def minimumSizeHint(self):
-        size = self.term.sizeHint()
-        size.setWidth(size.width() + self.scroll_bar.width())
-        return size
-
-    def sizeHint(self):
-        return self.minimumSizeHint()
-
-    def check_designer(self, calls={"n": 0}):
-        calls["n"] += 1
-        if self.term.fd is not None:
-            # already started
-            self._check_designer_timer.stop()
-        elif self.window().windowTitle().endswith("[Preview]"):
-            # assuming Designer preview -> start
-            self._check_designer_timer.stop()
-            self.term.start()
-        elif calls["n"] >= 3:
-            # assuming not in Designer -> stop checking
-            self._check_designer_timer.stop()
-
-    def get_rows(self):
-        return self.term.rows
-
-    def set_rows(self, rows):
-        self.term.rows = rows
-        self.adjustSize()
-        self.updateGeometry()
-
-    def get_cols(self):
-        return self.term.cols
-
-    def set_cols(self, cols):
-        self.term.cols = cols
-        self.adjustSize()
-        self.updateGeometry()
-
-    def get_bgcolor(self):
-        return QColor.fromString(self.term.bg_color)
-
-    def set_bgcolor(self, color):
-        self.term.bg_color = color.name(QColor.HexRgb)
-
-    def get_fgcolor(self):
-        return QColor.fromString(self.term.fg_color)
-
-    def set_fgcolor(self, color):
-        self.term.fg_color = color.name(QColor.HexRgb)
-
-    def get_cmd(self):
-        return self.term._cmd
-
-    def set_cmd(self, cmd):
-        self.term._cmd = cmd
-        if self.term.fd is None:
-            # not started yet
-            self.term.clear()
-            self.term.appendHtml(f"<h2>BEC Console - {repr(cmd)}</h2>")
-
-    def start(self, deactivate_ctrl_d=True):
-        self.term.start(deactivate_ctrl_d=deactivate_ctrl_d)
-
-    def push(self, text, hit_return=False):
-        """Push some text to the terminal"""
-        return self.term.push(text, hit_return=hit_return)
-
-    def execute_command(self, command):
-        self.push(command, hit_return=True)
-
-    def set_prompt_tokens(self, *tokens):
-        """Prepare regexp to identify prompt, based on tokens
-
-        Tokens are returned from get_ipython().prompts.in_prompt_tokens()
-        """
-        regex_parts = []
-        for token_type, token_value in tokens:
-            if token_type == Token.PromptNum:  # Handle dynamic prompt number
-                regex_parts.append(r"[\d\?]+")  # Match one or more digits or '?'
-            else:
-                # Escape other prompt parts (e.g., "In [", "]: ")
-                if not token_value:
-                    regex_parts.append(".+?")  # arbitrary string
-                else:
-                    regex_parts.append(re.escape(token_value))
-
-        # Combine into a single regex
-        prompt_pattern = "".join(regex_parts)
-        self.term._prompt_re = re.compile(prompt_pattern + r"\s*$")
-
-    def terminate(self, timeout=10):
-        self.term.stop(timeout=timeout)
-
-    def send_ctrl_c(self, timeout=None):
-        self.term.send_ctrl_c(timeout)
-
-    cols = pyqtProperty(int, get_cols, set_cols)
-    rows = pyqtProperty(int, get_rows, set_rows)
-    bgcolor = pyqtProperty(QColor, get_bgcolor, set_bgcolor)
-    fgcolor = pyqtProperty(QColor, get_fgcolor, set_fgcolor)
-    cmd = pyqtProperty(str, get_cmd, set_cmd)
-
-
-class _TerminalWidget(QtWidgets.QPlainTextEdit):
-    """
-    Start ``Backend`` process and render Pyte output as text.
-    """
-
-    prompt = pyqtSignal(bool)
-
-    def __init__(self, parent, cols=125, rows=50, **kwargs):
-        # regexp to match prompt
-        self._prompt_re = None
-        # last prompt
-        self._prompt_str = None
-        # process pid
-        self.pid = None
-        # file descriptor to communicate with the subprocess
-        self.fd = None
-        self.backend = None
-        # command to execute
-        self._cmd = ""
-        # should ctrl-d be deactivated ? (prevent Python exit)
-        self._deactivate_ctrl_d = False
-
-        # Default colors
-        pal = QPalette()
-        self._fg_color = pal.text().color().name()
-        self._bg_color = pal.base().color().name()
-
-        # Specify the terminal size in terms of lines and columns.
-        self._rows = rows
-        self._cols = cols
-        self.output = collections.deque()
-
-        super().__init__(parent)
-
-        self.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.MinimumExpanding, QSizePolicy.Expanding)
-
-        # Disable default scrollbars (we use our own, to be set via .set_scroll_bar())
-        self.setVerticalScrollBarPolicy(Qt.ScrollBarAlwaysOff)
-        self.setHorizontalScrollBarPolicy(Qt.ScrollBarAlwaysOff)
-        self.scroll_bar = None
-
-        # Use Monospace fonts and disable line wrapping.
-        self.setFont(QtGui.QFont("Courier", 9))
-        self.setFont(QtGui.QFont("Monospace"))
-        self.setLineWrapMode(QtWidgets.QPlainTextEdit.NoWrap)
-        fmt = QtGui.QFontMetrics(self.font())
-        char_width = fmt.width("w")
-        self.setCursorWidth(char_width)
-
-        self.adjustSize()
-        self.updateGeometry()
-        self.update_stylesheet()
-
-    @property
-    def bg_color(self):
-        return self._bg_color
-
-    @bg_color.setter
-    def bg_color(self, hexcolor):
-        self._bg_color = hexcolor
-        self.update_stylesheet()
-
-    @property
-    def fg_color(self):
-        return self._fg_color
-
-    @fg_color.setter
-    def fg_color(self, hexcolor):
-        self._fg_color = hexcolor
-        self.update_stylesheet()
-
-    def update_stylesheet(self):
-        self.setStyleSheet(
-            f"QPlainTextEdit {{ border: 0; color: {self._fg_color}; background-color: {self._bg_color}; }} "
-        )
-
-    @property
-    def rows(self):
-        return self._rows
-
-    @rows.setter
-    def rows(self, rows: int):
-        if self.backend is None:
-            # not initialized yet, ok to change
-            self._rows = rows
-            self.adjustSize()
-            self.updateGeometry()
-        else:
-            raise RuntimeError("Cannot change rows after console is started.")
-
-    @property
-    def cols(self):
-        return self._cols
-
-    @cols.setter
-    def cols(self, cols: int):
-        if self.fd is None:
-            # not initialized yet, ok to change
-            self._cols = cols
-            self.adjustSize()
-            self.updateGeometry()
-        else:
-            raise RuntimeError("Cannot change cols after console is started.")
-
-    def start(self, deactivate_ctrl_d: bool = False):
-        self._deactivate_ctrl_d = deactivate_ctrl_d
-
-        self.update_term_size()
-
-        # Start the Bash process
-        self.pid, self.fd = self.fork_shell()
-
-        if self.fd:
-            # Create the ``Backend`` object
-            self.backend = Backend(self.fd, self.cols, self.rows)
-            self.backend.dataReady.connect(self.data_ready)
-            self.backend.processExited.connect(self.process_exited)
-        else:
-            self.process_exited()
-
-    def process_exited(self):
-        self.fd = None
-        self.clear()
-        self.appendHtml(f"<br><h2>{repr(self._cmd)} - Process exited.</h2>")
-        self.setReadOnly(True)
-
-    def send_ctrl_c(self, wait_prompt=True, timeout=None):
-        """Send CTRL-C to the process
-
-        If wait_prompt=True (default), wait for a new prompt after CTRL-C
-        If no prompt is displayed after 'timeout' seconds, TimeoutError is raised
-        """
-        os.kill(self.pid, signal.SIGINT)
-        if wait_prompt:
-            timeout_error = False
-            if timeout:
-
-                def set_timeout_error():
-                    nonlocal timeout_error
-                    timeout_error = True
-
-                timeout_timer = QTimer()
-                timeout_timer.singleShot(timeout * 1000, set_timeout_error)
-            while self._prompt_str is None:
-                QApplication.instance().process_events()
-                if timeout_error:
-                    raise TimeoutError(
-                        f"CTRL-C: could not get back to prompt after {timeout} seconds."
-                    )
-
-    def _is_running(self):
-        if os.waitpid(self.pid, os.WNOHANG) == (0, 0):
-            return True
-        return False
-
-    def stop(self, kill=True, timeout=None):
-        """Stop the running process
-
-        SIGTERM is the default signal for terminating processes.
-
-        If kill=True (default), SIGKILL will be sent if the process does not exit after timeout
-        """
-        # try to exit gracefully
-        os.kill(self.pid, signal.SIGTERM)
-
-        # wait until process is truly dead
-        t0 = time.perf_counter()
-        while self._is_running():
-            time.sleep(1)
-            if timeout is not None and time.perf_counter() - t0 > timeout:
-                # still alive after 'timeout' seconds
-                if kill:
-                    # send SIGKILL and make a last check in loop
-                    os.kill(self.pid, signal.SIGKILL)
-                    kill = False
-                else:
-                    # still running after timeout...
-                    raise TimeoutError(
-                        f"Could not terminate process with pid: {self.pid} within timeout"
-                    )
-        self.process_exited()
-
-    def data_ready(self, screen):
-        """Handle new screen: redraw, set scroll bar max and slider, move cursor to its position
-
-        This method is triggered via a signal from ``Backend``.
-        """
-        self.redraw_screen()
-        self.adjust_scroll_bar()
-        self.move_cursor()
-
-    def minimumSizeHint(self):
-        """Return minimum size for current cols and rows"""
-        fmt = QtGui.QFontMetrics(self.font())
-        char_width = fmt.width("w")
-        char_height = fmt.height()
-        width = char_width * self.cols
-        height = char_height * self.rows
-        return QSize(width, height)
-
-    def sizeHint(self):
-        return self.minimumSizeHint()
-
-    def set_scroll_bar(self, scroll_bar):
-        self.scroll_bar = scroll_bar
-        self.scroll_bar.setMinimum(0)
-        self.scroll_bar.valueChanged.connect(self.scroll_value_change)
-
-    def scroll_value_change(self, value, old={"value": -1}):
-        if self.backend is None:
-            return
-        if old["value"] == -1:
-            old["value"] = self.scroll_bar.maximum()
-        if value <= old["value"]:
-            # scroll up
-            # value is number of lines from the start
-            nlines = old["value"] - value
-            # history ratio gives prev_page == 1 line
-            for i in range(nlines):
-                self.backend.screen.prev_page()
-        else:
-            # scroll down
-            nlines = value - old["value"]
-            for i in range(nlines):
-                self.backend.screen.next_page()
-        old["value"] = value
-        self.redraw_screen()
-
-    def adjust_scroll_bar(self):
-        sb = self.scroll_bar
-        sb.valueChanged.disconnect(self.scroll_value_change)
-        tmp = len(self.backend.screen.history.top) + len(self.backend.screen.history.bottom)
-        sb.setMaximum(tmp if tmp > 0 else 0)
-        sb.setSliderPosition(tmp if tmp > 0 else 0)
-        # if tmp > 0:
-        #    # show scrollbar, but delayed - prevent recursion with widget size change
-        #    QTimer.singleShot(0, scrollbar.show)
-        # else:
-        #    QTimer.singleShot(0, scrollbar.hide)
-        sb.valueChanged.connect(self.scroll_value_change)
-
-    def write(self, data):
-        try:
-            os.write(self.fd, data)
-        except (IOError, OSError):
-            self.process_exited()
-
-    @Slot(object)
-    def keyPressEvent(self, event):
-        """
-        Redirect all keystrokes to the terminal process.
-        """
-        if self.fd is None:
-            # not started
-            return
-        # Convert the Qt key to the correct ASCII code.
-        if (
-            self._deactivate_ctrl_d
-            and event.modifiers() == QtCore.Qt.ControlModifier
-            and event.key() == QtCore.Qt.Key_D
-        ):
-            return None
-
-        code = QtKeyToAscii(event)
-        if code == "copy":
-            # MacOS only: CMD-C handling
-            self.copy()
-        elif code == "paste":
-            # MacOS only: CMD-V handling
-            self._push_clipboard()
-        elif code is not None:
-            self.write(code)
-
-    def push(self, text, hit_return=False):
-        """
-        Write 'text' to terminal
-        """
-        self.write(text.encode("utf-8"))
-        if hit_return:
-            self.write(b"\n")
-
-    def contextMenuEvent(self, event):
-        if self.fd is None:
-            return
-        menu = self.createStandardContextMenu()
-        for action in menu.actions():
-            # remove all actions except copy and paste
-            if "opy" in action.text():
-                # redefine text without shortcut
-                # since it probably clashes with control codes (like CTRL-C etc)
-                action.setText("Copy")
-                continue
-            if "aste" in action.text():
-                # redefine text without shortcut
-                action.setText("Paste")
-                # paste -> have to insert with self.push
-                action.triggered.connect(self._push_clipboard)
-                continue
-            menu.removeAction(action)
-        menu.exec_(event.globalPos())
-
-    def _push_clipboard(self):
-        clipboard = QApplication.instance().clipboard()
-        self.push(clipboard.text())
-
-    def move_cursor(self):
-        textCursor = self.textCursor()
-        textCursor.setPosition(0)
-        textCursor.movePosition(
-            QTextCursor.Down, QTextCursor.MoveAnchor, self.backend.screen.cursor.y
-        )
-        textCursor.movePosition(
-            QTextCursor.Right, QTextCursor.MoveAnchor, self.backend.screen.cursor.x
-        )
-        self.setTextCursor(textCursor)
-
-    def mouseReleaseEvent(self, event):
-        if self.fd is None:
-            return
-        if event.button() == Qt.MiddleButton:
-            # push primary selection buffer ("mouse clipboard") to terminal
-            clipboard = QApplication.instance().clipboard()
-            if clipboard.supportsSelection():
-                self.push(clipboard.text(QClipboard.Selection))
-            return None
-        elif event.button() == Qt.LeftButton:
-            # left button click
-            textCursor = self.textCursor()
-            if textCursor.selectedText():
-                # mouse was used to select text -> nothing to do
-                pass
-            else:
-                # a simple 'click', move scrollbar to end
-                self.scroll_bar.setSliderPosition(self.scroll_bar.maximum())
-                self.move_cursor()
-                return None
-        return super().mouseReleaseEvent(event)
-
-    def redraw_screen(self):
-        """
-        Render the screen as formatted text into the widget.
-        """
-        screen = self.backend.screen
-
-        # Clear the widget
-        if screen.dirty:
-            self.clear()
-            while len(self.output) < (max(screen.dirty) + 1):
-                self.output.append("")
-            while len(self.output) > (max(screen.dirty) + 1):
-                self.output.pop()
-
-            # Prepare the HTML output
-            for line_no in screen.dirty:
-                line = text = ""
-                style = old_style = ""
-                old_idx = 0
-                for idx, ch in screen.buffer[line_no].items():
-                    text += " " * (idx - old_idx - 1)
-                    old_idx = idx
-                    style = f"{'background-color:%s;' % ansi_colors.get(ch.bg, ansi_colors['black']) if ch.bg!='default' else ''}{'color:%s;' % ansi_colors.get(ch.fg, ansi_colors['white']) if ch.fg!='default' else ''}{'font-weight:bold;' if ch.bold else ''}{'font-style:italic;' if ch.italics else ''}"
-                    if style != old_style:
-                        if old_style:
-                            line += f"<span style={repr(old_style)}>{html.escape(text, quote=True)}</span>"
-                        else:
-                            line += html.escape(text, quote=True)
-                        text = ""
-                        old_style = style
-                    text += ch.data
-                if style:
-                    line += f"<span style={repr(style)}>{html.escape(text, quote=True)}</span>"
-                else:
-                    line += html.escape(text, quote=True)
-                # do a check at the cursor position:
-                # it is possible x pos > output line length,
-                # for example if last escape codes are "cursor forward" past end of text,
-                # like IPython does for "..." prompt (in a block, like "for" loop or "while" for example)
-                # In this case, cursor is at 12 but last text output is at 8 -> insert spaces
-                if line_no == screen.cursor.y:
-                    llen = len(screen.buffer[line_no])
-                    if llen < screen.cursor.x:
-                        line += " " * (screen.cursor.x - llen)
-                self.output[line_no] = line
-            # fill the text area with HTML contents in one go
-            self.appendHtml(f"<pre>{chr(10).join(self.output)}</pre>")
-
-            if self._prompt_re is not None:
-                text_buf = self.toPlainText()
-                prompt = self._prompt_re.search(text_buf)
-                if prompt is None:
-                    if self._prompt_str:
-                        self.prompt.emit(False)
-                    self._prompt_str = None
-                else:
-                    prompt_str = prompt.string.rstrip()
-                    if prompt_str != self._prompt_str:
-                        self._prompt_str = prompt_str
-                        self.prompt.emit(True)
-
-            # did updates, all clean
-            screen.dirty.clear()
-
-    def update_term_size(self):
-        fmt = QtGui.QFontMetrics(self.font())
-        char_width = fmt.width("w")
-        char_height = fmt.height()
-        self._cols = int(self.width() / char_width)
-        self._rows = int(self.height() / char_height)
-
-    def resizeEvent(self, event):
-        self.update_term_size()
-        if self.fd:
-            self.backend.screen.resize(self._rows, self._cols)
-            self.redraw_screen()
-            self.adjust_scroll_bar()
-            self.move_cursor()
-
-    def wheelEvent(self, event):
-        if not self.fd:
-            return
-        y = event.angleDelta().y()
-        if y > 0:
-            self.backend.screen.prev_page()
-        else:
-            self.backend.screen.next_page()
-        self.redraw_screen()
-
-    def fork_shell(self):
-        """
-        Fork the current process and execute bec in shell.
-        """
-        try:
-            pid, fd = pty.fork()
-        except (IOError, OSError):
-            return False
-        if pid == 0:
-            try:
-                ls = os.environ["LANG"].split(".")
-            except KeyError:
-                ls = []
-            if len(ls) < 2:
-                ls = ["en_US", "UTF-8"]
-            os.putenv("COLUMNS", str(self.cols))
-            os.putenv("LINES", str(self.rows))
-            os.putenv("TERM", "linux")
-            os.putenv("LANG", ls[0] + ".UTF-8")
-            if not self._cmd:
-                self._cmd = os.environ["SHELL"]
-            cmd = self._cmd
-            if isinstance(cmd, str):
-                cmd = cmd.split()
-            try:
-                os.execvp(cmd[0], cmd)
-            except (IOError, OSError):
-                pass
-            os._exit(0)
-        else:
-            # We are in the parent process.
-            # Set file control
-            fcntl.fcntl(fd, fcntl.F_SETFL, os.O_NONBLOCK)
-            return pid, fd
-
-
-if __name__ == "__main__":
-    import os
-    import sys
-
-    from qtpy import QtGui, QtWidgets
-
-    # Create the Qt application and console.
-    app = QtWidgets.QApplication([])
-    mainwin = QtWidgets.QMainWindow()
-    title = "BECConsole"
-    mainwin.setWindowTitle(title)
-
-    console = BECConsole(mainwin)
-    mainwin.setCentralWidget(console)
-
-    def check_prompt(at_prompt):
-        if at_prompt:
-            print("NEW PROMPT")
-        else:
-            print("EXECUTING SOMETHING...")
-
-    console.set_prompt_tokens(
-        (Token.OutPromptNum, "•"),
-        (Token.Prompt, ""),  # will match arbitrary string,
-        (Token.Prompt, " ["),
-        (Token.PromptNum, "3"),
-        (Token.Prompt, "/"),
-        (Token.PromptNum, "1"),
-        (Token.Prompt, "] "),
-        (Token.Prompt, "❯❯"),
-    )
-    console.prompt.connect(check_prompt)
-    console.start()
-
-    # Show widget and launch Qt's event loop.
-    mainwin.show()
-    sys.exit(app.exec_())

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/console/console.pyproject

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

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/dict_backed_table.py

@@ -2,7 +2,9 @@ from __future__ import annotations
 
 from typing import Any
 
+from qtpy import QtWidgets
 from qtpy.QtCore import QAbstractTableModel, QModelIndex, Qt, Signal  # type: ignore
+from qtpy.QtGui import QFontMetrics
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
     QApplication,
     QHBoxLayout,
@@ -13,7 +15,9 @@ from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
     QWidget,
 )
 
-from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeProperty, SafeSlot
+
+_NOT_SET = object()
 
 
 class DictBackedTableModel(QAbstractTableModel):
@@ -25,6 +29,7 @@ class DictBackedTableModel(QAbstractTableModel):
             data (list[list[str]]): list of key-value pairs to initialise with"""
         super().__init__()
         self._data: list[list[str]] = data
+        self._default = _NOT_SET
         self._disallowed_keys: list[str] = []
 
     # pylint: disable=missing-function-docstring
@@ -45,17 +50,31 @@ class DictBackedTableModel(QAbstractTableModel):
 
     def data(self, index, role=Qt.ItemDataRole):
         if index.isValid():
-            if role == Qt.ItemDataRole.DisplayRole or role == Qt.ItemDataRole.EditRole:
-                return str(self._data[index.row()][index.column()])
+            if role in [
+                Qt.ItemDataRole.DisplayRole,
+                Qt.ItemDataRole.EditRole,
+                Qt.ItemDataRole.ToolTipRole,
+            ]:
+                try:
+                    return str(self._data[index.row()][index.column()])
+                except IndexError:
+                    return None
 
     def setData(self, index, value, role):
         if role == Qt.ItemDataRole.EditRole:
             if value in self._disallowed_keys or value in self._other_keys(index.row()):
                 return False
             self._data[index.row()][index.column()] = str(value)
+            self.dataChanged.emit(index, index)
             return True
         return False
 
+    def replaceData(self, data: dict):
+        self.delete_rows(list(range(len(self._data))))
+        self.resetInternalData()
+        self._data = [[str(k), str(v)] for k, v in data.items()]
+        self.dataChanged.emit(self.index(0, 0), self.index(len(self._data), 1))
+
     def update_disallowed_keys(self, keys: list[str]):
         """Set the list of keys which may not be used.
 
@@ -65,7 +84,7 @@ class DictBackedTableModel(QAbstractTableModel):
         for i, item in enumerate(self._data):
             if item[0] in self._disallowed_keys:
                 self._data[i][0] = ""
-                self.dataChanged.emit(self.index(i, 0), self.index(i, 0))
+                self.dataChanged.emit(self.index(i, 0), self.index(i, 1))
 
     def _other_keys(self, row: int):
         return [r[0] for r in self._data[:row] + self._data[row + 1 :]]
@@ -94,44 +113,74 @@ class DictBackedTableModel(QAbstractTableModel):
     @SafeSlot()
     def add_row(self):
         self.insertRow(self.rowCount())
+        self.dataChanged.emit(self.index(self.rowCount(), 0), self.index(self.rowCount(), 1), 0)
 
     @SafeSlot(list)
     def delete_rows(self, rows: list[int]):
         # delete from the end so indices stay correct
         for row in sorted(rows, reverse=True):
+            self.dataChanged.emit(self.index(row, 0), self.index(row, 1), 0)
             self.removeRows(row, 1, QModelIndex())
 
+    def set_default(self, value: dict | None):
+        self._default = value
+
     def dump_dict(self):
-        if self._data == [[]]:
+        if self._data in [[], [[]], [["", ""]]]:
+            if self._default is not _NOT_SET:
+                return self._default
             return {}
         return dict(self._data)
 
+    def length(self):
+        return len(self._data)
+
 
 class DictBackedTable(QWidget):
     delete_rows = Signal(list)
+    data_changed = Signal(dict)
 
-    def __init__(self, initial_data: list[list[str]]):
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        parent: QWidget | None = None,
+        initial_data: list[list[str]] = [],
+        autoscale_to_data: bool = True,
+    ):
         """Widget which uses a DictBackedTableModel to display an editable table
         which can be extracted as a dict.
 
         Args:
             initial_data (list[list[str]]): list of key-value pairs to initialise with
         """
-        super().__init__()
+        super().__init__(parent)
 
         self._layout = QHBoxLayout()
         self.setLayout(self._layout)
+        self._layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+
         self._table_model = DictBackedTableModel(initial_data)
         self._table_view = QTreeView()
+
         self._table_view.setModel(self._table_model)
+        self._min_lines = 3
+        self.set_height_in_lines(len(initial_data))
         self._table_view.setSizePolicy(
-            QSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Policy.Minimum, QSizePolicy.Policy.Minimum)
+            QSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Policy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Policy.Minimum)
         )
         self._table_view.setAlternatingRowColors(True)
+        self._table_view.setUniformRowHeights(True)
+        self._table_view.setWordWrap(False)
+        self._table_view.header().setSectionResizeMode(QtWidgets.QHeaderView.ResizeToContents)
+        self._table_view.header().setSectionResizeMode(5, QtWidgets.QHeaderView.Stretch)
+        self.autoscale = autoscale_to_data
+        if self.autoscale:
+            self.data_changed.connect(self.scale_to_data)
         self._layout.addWidget(self._table_view)
 
+        self._button_holder = QWidget()
         self._buttons = QVBoxLayout()
-        self._layout.addLayout(self._buttons)
+        self._button_holder.setLayout(self._buttons)
+        self._layout.addWidget(self._button_holder)
         self._add_button = QPushButton("+")
         self._add_button.setToolTip("add a new row")
         self._remove_button = QPushButton("-")
@@ -142,6 +191,21 @@ class DictBackedTable(QWidget):
         self._remove_button.clicked.connect(self.delete_selected_rows)
         self.delete_rows.connect(self._table_model.delete_rows)
 
+        self._table_model.dataChanged.connect(lambda *_: self.data_changed.emit(self.dump_dict()))
+
+    def set_default(self, value: dict | None):
+        self._table_model.set_default(value)
+
+    def set_button_visibility(self, value: bool):
+        self._button_holder.setVisible(value)
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def clear(self):
+        self._table_model.replaceData({})
+
+    def replace_data(self, data: dict | None):
+        self._table_model.replaceData(data or {})
+
     def delete_selected_rows(self):
         """Delete rows which are part of the selection model"""
         cells: list[QModelIndex] = self._table_view.selectionModel().selectedIndexes()
@@ -160,6 +224,29 @@ class DictBackedTable(QWidget):
             keys (list[str]): list of keys which are forbidden."""
         self._table_model.update_disallowed_keys(keys)
 
+    def set_height_in_lines(self, lines: int):
+        self._table_view.setMaximumHeight(
+            int(QFontMetrics(self._table_view.font()).height() * max(lines + 2, self._min_lines))
+        )
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    @SafeSlot(dict)
+    def scale_to_data(self, *_):
+        self.set_height_in_lines(self._table_model.length())
+
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
+    def autoscale(self):  # type: ignore
+        return self._autoscale
+
+    @autoscale.setter
+    def autoscale(self, autoscale: bool):
+        self._autoscale = autoscale
+        if self._autoscale:
+            self.scale_to_data()
+            self.data_changed.connect(self.scale_to_data)
+        else:
+            self.data_changed.disconnect(self.scale_to_data)
+
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
     from bec_widgets.utils.colors import set_theme
@@ -167,6 +254,6 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
     app = QApplication([])
     set_theme("dark")
 
-    window = DictBackedTable([["key1", "value1"], ["key2", "value2"], ["key3", "value3"]])
+    window = DictBackedTable(None, [["key1", "value1"], ["key2", "value2"], ["key3", "value3"]])
     window.show()
     app.exec()

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/sbb_monitor/register_sbb_monitor.py

@@ -6,9 +6,9 @@ def main():  # pragma: no cover
         return
     from PySide6.QtDesigner import QPyDesignerCustomWidgetCollection
 
-    from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.console.console_plugin import BECConsolePlugin
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.sbb_monitor.sbb_monitor_plugin import SBBMonitorPlugin
 
-    QPyDesignerCustomWidgetCollection.addCustomWidget(BECConsolePlugin())
+    QPyDesignerCustomWidgetCollection.addCustomWidget(SBBMonitorPlugin())
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/sbb_monitor/sbb_monitor.py

@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.website.website import WebsiteWidget
+
+
+class SBBMonitor(WebsiteWidget):
+    """
+    A widget to display the SBB monitor website.
+    """
+
+    PLUGIN = True
+    ICON_NAME = "train"
+    USER_ACCESS = []
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None, **kwargs):
+        url = "https://free.oevplus.ch/monitor/?viewType=splitView&layout=1&showClock=true&showPerron=true&stationGroup1Title=Villigen%2C%20PSI%20West&stationGroup2Title=Siggenthal-Würenlingen&station_1_id=85%3A3592&station_1_name=Villigen%2C%20PSI%20West&station_1_quantity=5&station_1_group=1&station_2_id=85%3A3502&station_2_name=Siggenthal-Würenlingen&station_2_quantity=5&station_2_group=2"
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, url=url, **kwargs)

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/sbb_monitor/sbb_monitor.pyproject

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

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/sbb_monitor/sbb_monitor_plugin.py

@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
+# Copyright (C) 2022 The Qt Company Ltd.
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
+
+from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
+from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.sbb_monitor.sbb_monitor import SBBMonitor
+
+DOM_XML = """
+<ui language='c++'>
+    <widget class='SBBMonitor' name='sbb_monitor'>
+    </widget>
+</ui>
+"""
+
+
+class SBBMonitorPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self._form_editor = None
+
+    def createWidget(self, parent):
+        t = SBBMonitor(parent)
+        return t
+
+    def domXml(self):
+        return DOM_XML
+
+    def group(self):
+        return ""
+
+    def icon(self):
+        return designer_material_icon(SBBMonitor.ICON_NAME)
+
+    def includeFile(self):
+        return "sbb_monitor"
+
+    def initialize(self, form_editor):
+        self._form_editor = form_editor
+
+    def isContainer(self):
+        return False
+
+    def isInitialized(self):
+        return self._form_editor is not None
+
+    def name(self):
+        return "SBBMonitor"
+
+    def toolTip(self):
+        return ""
+
+    def whatsThis(self):
+        return self.toolTip()

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/scan_metadata/_util.py

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ from __future__ import annotations
 
 import sys
 from decimal import Decimal
-from math import inf, nextafter
+from math import copysign, inf, nextafter
 from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, TypeVar, get_args
 
 from annotated_types import Ge, Gt, Le, Lt
@@ -23,16 +23,19 @@ _MAXFLOAT = sys.float_info.max
 T = TypeVar("T", int, float, Decimal)
 
 
-def field_limits(info: FieldInfo, type_: type[T]) -> tuple[T, T]:
+def field_limits(info: FieldInfo, type_: type[T], prec: int | None = None) -> tuple[T, T]:
+    def _nextafter(x, y):
+        return nextafter(x, y) if prec is None else x + (10 ** (-prec)) * (copysign(1, y))
+
     _min = _MININT if type_ is int else _MINFLOAT
     _max = _MAXINT if type_ is int else _MAXFLOAT
     for md in info.metadata:
         if isinstance(md, Ge):
             _min = type_(md.ge)  # type: ignore
         if isinstance(md, Gt):
-            _min = type_(md.gt) + 1 if type_ is int else nextafter(type_(md.gt), inf)  # type: ignore
+            _min = type_(md.gt) + 1 if type_ is int else _nextafter(type_(md.gt), inf)  # type: ignore
         if isinstance(md, Lt):
-            _max = type_(md.lt) - 1 if type_ is int else nextafter(type_(md.lt), -inf)  # type: ignore
+            _max = type_(md.lt) - 1 if type_ is int else _nextafter(type_(md.lt), -inf)  # type: ignore
         if isinstance(md, Le):
             _max = type_(md.le)  # type: ignore
     return _min, _max  # type: ignore
@@ -64,4 +67,6 @@ def field_default(info: FieldInfo):
 
 
 def clearable_required(info: FieldInfo):
-    return type(None) in get_args(info.annotation) or info.is_required()
+    return type(None) in get_args(info.annotation) or (
+        info.is_required() and info.default is PydanticUndefined
+    )

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/scan_metadata/scan_metadata.py

@@ -16,6 +16,9 @@ logger = bec_logger.logger
 
 
 class ScanMetadata(PydanticModelForm):
+
+    RPC = False
+
     def __init__(
         self,
         parent=None,
@@ -36,15 +39,18 @@ class ScanMetadata(PydanticModelForm):
 
         # self.populate() gets called in super().__init__
         # so make sure self._additional_metadata exists
-        self._additional_md_box = ExpandableGroupFrame("Additional metadata", expanded=False)
+        self._additional_md_box = ExpandableGroupFrame(
+            parent, "Additional metadata", expanded=False
+        )
         self._additional_md_box_layout = QHBoxLayout()
         self._additional_md_box.set_layout(self._additional_md_box_layout)
 
-        self._additional_metadata = DictBackedTable(initial_extras or [])
+        self._additional_metadata = DictBackedTable(parent, initial_extras or [])
         self._scan_name = scan_name or ""
         self._md_schema = get_metadata_schema_for_scan(self._scan_name)
+        self._additional_metadata.data_changed.connect(self.validate_form)
 
-        super().__init__(parent=parent, metadata_model=self._md_schema, client=client, **kwargs)
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, data_model=self._md_schema, client=client, **kwargs)
 
         self._layout.addWidget(self._additional_md_box)
         self._additional_md_box_layout.addWidget(self._additional_metadata)
@@ -126,6 +132,7 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
         w.setLayout(layout)
 
         scan_metadata = ScanMetadata(
+            parent=w,
             scan_name="grid_scan",
             initial_extras=[["key1", "value1"], ["key2", "value2"], ["key3", "value3"]],
         )

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/web_console/register_web_console.py

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

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/web_console/web_console.py

@@ -0,0 +1,230 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import secrets
+import subprocess
+import time
+
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
+from louie.saferef import safe_ref
+from qtpy.QtCore import QUrl, qInstallMessageHandler
+from qtpy.QtWebEngineWidgets import QWebEnginePage, QWebEngineView
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+
+
+class WebConsoleRegistry:
+    """
+    A registry for the WebConsole class to manage its instances.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self):
+        """
+        Initialize the registry.
+        """
+        self._instances = {}
+        self._server_process = None
+        self._server_port = None
+        self._token = secrets.token_hex(16)
+
+    def register(self, instance: WebConsole):
+        """
+        Register an instance of WebConsole.
+        """
+        self._instances[instance.gui_id] = safe_ref(instance)
+        self.cleanup()
+
+        if self._server_process is None:
+            # Start the ttyd server if not already running
+            self.start_ttyd()
+
+    def start_ttyd(self, use_zsh: bool | None = None):
+        """
+        Start the ttyd server
+        ttyd -q -W -t 'theme={"background": "black"}' zsh
+
+        Args:
+            use_zsh (bool): Whether to use zsh or bash. If None, it will try to detect if zsh is available.
+        """
+
+        # First, check if ttyd is installed
+        try:
+            subprocess.run(["ttyd", "--version"], check=True, stdout=subprocess.PIPE)
+        except FileNotFoundError:
+            # pylint: disable=raise-missing-from
+            raise RuntimeError("ttyd is not installed. Please install it first.")
+
+        if use_zsh is None:
+            # Check if we can use zsh
+            try:
+                subprocess.run(["zsh", "--version"], check=True, stdout=subprocess.PIPE)
+                use_zsh = True
+            except FileNotFoundError:
+                use_zsh = False
+
+        command = [
+            "ttyd",
+            "-p",
+            "0",
+            "-W",
+            "-t",
+            'theme={"background": "black"}',
+            "-c",
+            f"user:{self._token}",
+        ]
+        if use_zsh:
+            command.append("zsh")
+        else:
+            command.append("bash")
+
+        # Start the ttyd server
+        self._server_process = subprocess.Popen(
+            command, stdout=subprocess.PIPE, stderr=subprocess.PIPE
+        )
+
+        self._wait_for_server_port()
+
+        self._server_process.stdout.close()
+        self._server_process.stderr.close()
+
+    def _wait_for_server_port(self, timeout: float = 10):
+        """
+        Wait for the ttyd server to start and get the port number.
+
+        Args:
+            timeout (float): The timeout in seconds to wait for the server to start.
+        """
+        start_time = time.time()
+        while True:
+            output = self._server_process.stderr.readline()
+            if output == b"" and self._server_process.poll() is not None:
+                break
+            if not output:
+                continue
+
+            output = output.decode("utf-8").strip()
+            if "Listening on" in output:
+                # Extract the port number from the output
+                self._server_port = int(output.split(":")[-1])
+                logger.info(f"ttyd server started on port {self._server_port}")
+                break
+            if time.time() - start_time > timeout:
+                raise TimeoutError(
+                    "Timeout waiting for ttyd server to start. Please check if ttyd is installed and available in your PATH."
+                )
+
+    def cleanup(self):
+        """
+        Clean up the registry by removing any instances that are no longer valid.
+        """
+        for gui_id, weak_ref in list(self._instances.items()):
+            if weak_ref() is None:
+                del self._instances[gui_id]
+
+        if not self._instances and self._server_process:
+            # If no instances are left, terminate the server process
+            self._server_process.terminate()
+            self._server_process = None
+            self._server_port = None
+            logger.info("ttyd server terminated")
+
+    def unregister(self, instance: WebConsole):
+        """
+        Unregister an instance of WebConsole.
+
+        Args:
+            instance (WebConsole): The instance to unregister.
+        """
+        if instance.gui_id in self._instances:
+            del self._instances[instance.gui_id]
+
+        self.cleanup()
+
+
+_web_console_registry = WebConsoleRegistry()
+
+
+def suppress_qt_messages(type_, context, msg):
+    if context.category in ["js", "default"]:
+        return
+    print(msg)
+
+
+qInstallMessageHandler(suppress_qt_messages)
+
+
+class BECWebEnginePage(QWebEnginePage):
+    def javaScriptConsoleMessage(self, level, message, lineNumber, sourceID):
+        logger.info(f"[JS Console] {level.name} at line {lineNumber} in {sourceID}: {message}")
+
+
+class WebConsole(BECWidget, QWidget):
+    """
+    A simple widget to display a website
+    """
+
+    PLUGIN = True
+    ICON_NAME = "terminal"
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None, config=None, client=None, gui_id=None, **kwargs):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, config=config, **kwargs)
+        _web_console_registry.register(self)
+        self._token = _web_console_registry._token
+        layout = QVBoxLayout()
+        layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        self.browser = QWebEngineView(self)
+        self.page = BECWebEnginePage(self)
+        self.page.authenticationRequired.connect(self._authenticate)
+        self.browser.setPage(self.page)
+        layout.addWidget(self.browser)
+        self.setLayout(layout)
+        self.page.setUrl(QUrl(f"http://localhost:{_web_console_registry._server_port}"))
+
+    def write(self, data: str, send_return: bool = True):
+        """
+        Send data to the web page
+        """
+        self.page.runJavaScript(f"window.term.paste('{data}');")
+        if send_return:
+            self.send_return()
+
+    def _authenticate(self, _, auth):
+        """
+        Authenticate the request with the provided username and password.
+        """
+        auth.setUser("user")
+        auth.setPassword(self._token)
+
+    def send_return(self):
+        """
+        Send return to the web page
+        """
+        self.page.runJavaScript(
+            "document.querySelector('textarea.xterm-helper-textarea').dispatchEvent(new KeyboardEvent('keypress', {charCode: 13}))"
+        )
+
+    def send_ctrl_c(self):
+        """
+        Send Ctrl+C to the web page
+        """
+        self.page.runJavaScript(
+            "document.querySelector('textarea.xterm-helper-textarea').dispatchEvent(new KeyboardEvent('keypress', {charCode: 3}))"
+        )
+
+    def cleanup(self):
+        """
+        Clean up the registry by removing any instances that are no longer valid.
+        """
+        _web_console_registry.unregister(self)
+        super().cleanup()
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+    import sys
+
+    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+    widget = WebConsole()
+    widget.show()
+    sys.exit(app.exec_())

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/web_console/web_console.pyproject

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

bec_widgets/widgets/editors/web_console/web_console_plugin.py

@@ -1,30 +1,26 @@
 # Copyright (C) 2022 The Qt Company Ltd.
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
-import os
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
 
-import bec_widgets
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
-from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.console.console import BECConsole
+from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.web_console.web_console import WebConsole
 
 DOM_XML = """
 <ui language='c++'>
-    <widget class='BECConsole' name='bec_console'>
+    <widget class='WebConsole' name='web_console'>
     </widget>
 </ui>
 """
 
-MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
 
-
-class BECConsolePlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
+class WebConsolePlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
     def __init__(self):
         super().__init__()
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
-        t = BECConsole(parent)
+        t = WebConsole(parent)
         return t
 
     def domXml(self):
@@ -34,10 +30,10 @@ class BECConsolePlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         return "BEC Console"
 
     def icon(self):
-        return designer_material_icon(BECConsole.ICON_NAME)
+        return designer_material_icon(WebConsole.ICON_NAME)
 
     def includeFile(self):
-        return "bec_console"
+        return "web_console"
 
     def initialize(self, form_editor):
         self._form_editor = form_editor
@@ -49,10 +45,10 @@ class BECConsolePlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         return self._form_editor is not None
 
     def name(self):
-        return "BECConsole"
+        return "WebConsole"
 
     def toolTip(self):
-        return "A terminal-like vt100 widget."
+        return ""
 
     def whatsThis(self):
         return self.toolTip()

bec_widgets/widgets/plots/heatmap/heatmap.py

@@ -0,0 +1,773 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import functools
+import json
+from typing import Literal
+
+import numpy as np
+import pyqtgraph as pg
+from bec_lib import bec_logger, messages
+from bec_lib.endpoints import MessageEndpoints
+from pydantic import BaseModel, Field, field_validator
+from qtpy.QtCore import QTimer, Signal
+from qtpy.QtGui import QTransform
+from scipy.interpolate import LinearNDInterpolator
+from scipy.spatial import cKDTree
+from toolz import partition
+
+from bec_widgets.utils import Colors
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_connector import ConnectionConfig
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeProperty, SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.utils.settings_dialog import SettingsDialog
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.actions import MaterialIconAction
+from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.heatmap.settings.heatmap_setting import HeatmapSettings
+from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.image.image_base import ImageBase
+from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.image.image_item import ImageItem
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+
+
+class HeatmapDeviceSignal(BaseModel):
+    """The configuration of a signal in the scatter waveform widget."""
+
+    name: str
+    entry: str
+
+    model_config: dict = {"validate_assignment": True}
+
+
+class HeatmapConfig(ConnectionConfig):
+    parent_id: str | None = Field(None, description="The parent plot of the curve.")
+    color_map: str | None = Field(
+        "plasma", description="The color palette of the heatmap widget.", validate_default=True
+    )
+    color_bar: Literal["full", "simple"] | None = Field(
+        None, description="The type of the color bar."
+    )
+    lock_aspect_ratio: bool = Field(
+        False, description="Whether to lock the aspect ratio of the image."
+    )
+    x_device: HeatmapDeviceSignal | None = Field(
+        None, description="The x device signal of the heatmap."
+    )
+    y_device: HeatmapDeviceSignal | None = Field(
+        None, description="The y device signal of the heatmap."
+    )
+    z_device: HeatmapDeviceSignal | None = Field(
+        None, description="The z device signal of the heatmap."
+    )
+
+    model_config: dict = {"validate_assignment": True}
+    _validate_color_palette = field_validator("color_map")(Colors.validate_color_map)
+
+
+class Heatmap(ImageBase):
+    """
+    Heatmap widget for visualizing 2d grid data with color mapping for the z-axis.
+    """
+
+    USER_ACCESS = [
+        # General PlotBase Settings
+        "enable_toolbar",
+        "enable_toolbar.setter",
+        "enable_side_panel",
+        "enable_side_panel.setter",
+        "enable_fps_monitor",
+        "enable_fps_monitor.setter",
+        "set",
+        "title",
+        "title.setter",
+        "x_label",
+        "x_label.setter",
+        "y_label",
+        "y_label.setter",
+        "x_limits",
+        "x_limits.setter",
+        "y_limits",
+        "y_limits.setter",
+        "x_grid",
+        "x_grid.setter",
+        "y_grid",
+        "y_grid.setter",
+        "inner_axes",
+        "inner_axes.setter",
+        "outer_axes",
+        "outer_axes.setter",
+        "auto_range_x",
+        "auto_range_x.setter",
+        "auto_range_y",
+        "auto_range_y.setter",
+        "minimal_crosshair_precision",
+        "minimal_crosshair_precision.setter",
+        # ImageView Specific Settings
+        "color_map",
+        "color_map.setter",
+        "v_range",
+        "v_range.setter",
+        "v_min",
+        "v_min.setter",
+        "v_max",
+        "v_max.setter",
+        "lock_aspect_ratio",
+        "lock_aspect_ratio.setter",
+        "autorange",
+        "autorange.setter",
+        "autorange_mode",
+        "autorange_mode.setter",
+        "enable_colorbar",
+        "enable_simple_colorbar",
+        "enable_simple_colorbar.setter",
+        "enable_full_colorbar",
+        "enable_full_colorbar.setter",
+        "fft",
+        "fft.setter",
+        "log",
+        "log.setter",
+        "main_image",
+        "add_roi",
+        "remove_roi",
+        "rois",
+        "plot",
+    ]
+
+    PLUGIN = True
+    RPC = True
+    ICON_NAME = "dataset"
+
+    new_scan = Signal()
+    new_scan_id = Signal(str)
+    sync_signal_update = Signal()
+    heatmap_property_changed = Signal()
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None, config: HeatmapConfig | None = None, **kwargs):
+        if config is None:
+            config = HeatmapConfig(widget_class=self.__class__.__name__)
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, config=config, **kwargs)
+        self._image_config = config
+        self.scan_id = None
+        self.old_scan_id = None
+        self.scan_item = None
+        self.status_message = None
+        self._grid_index = None
+        self.heatmap_dialog = None
+        self.reload = False
+        self.bec_dispatcher.connect_slot(self.on_scan_status, MessageEndpoints.scan_status())
+        self.bec_dispatcher.connect_slot(self.on_scan_progress, MessageEndpoints.scan_progress())
+
+        self.proxy_update_sync = pg.SignalProxy(
+            self.sync_signal_update, rateLimit=5, slot=self.update_plot
+        )
+        self._init_toolbar_heatmap()
+        self.toolbar.show_bundles(
+            [
+                "heatmap_settings",
+                "plot_export",
+                "image_crosshair",
+                "mouse_interaction",
+                "image_autorange",
+                "image_colorbar",
+                "image_processing",
+                "axis_popup",
+            ]
+        )
+
+    @property
+    def main_image(self) -> ImageItem:
+        """Access the main image item."""
+        return self.layer_manager["main"].image
+
+    ################################################################################
+    # Widget Specific GUI interactions
+    ################################################################################
+
+    @SafeSlot(popup_error=True)
+    def plot(
+        self,
+        x_name: str,
+        y_name: str,
+        z_name: str,
+        x_entry: None | str = None,
+        y_entry: None | str = None,
+        z_entry: None | str = None,
+        color_map: str | None = "plasma",
+        label: str | None = None,
+        validate_bec: bool = True,
+        reload: bool = False,
+    ):
+        """
+        Plot the heatmap with the given x, y, and z data.
+        """
+        if validate_bec:
+            x_entry = self.entry_validator.validate_signal(x_name, x_entry)
+            y_entry = self.entry_validator.validate_signal(y_name, y_entry)
+            z_entry = self.entry_validator.validate_signal(z_name, z_entry)
+
+        if x_entry is None or y_entry is None or z_entry is None:
+            raise ValueError("x, y, and z entries must be provided.")
+        if x_name is None or y_name is None or z_name is None:
+            raise ValueError("x, y, and z names must be provided.")
+
+        self._image_config = HeatmapConfig(
+            parent_id=self.gui_id,
+            x_device=HeatmapDeviceSignal(name=x_name, entry=x_entry),
+            y_device=HeatmapDeviceSignal(name=y_name, entry=y_entry),
+            z_device=HeatmapDeviceSignal(name=z_name, entry=z_entry),
+            color_map=color_map,
+        )
+        self.color_map = color_map
+        self.reload = reload
+        self.update_labels()
+
+        self._fetch_running_scan()
+        self.sync_signal_update.emit()
+
+    def _fetch_running_scan(self):
+        scan = self.client.queue.scan_storage.current_scan
+        if scan is not None:
+            self.scan_item = scan
+            self.scan_id = scan.scan_id
+        elif self.client.history and len(self.client.history) > 0:
+            self.scan_item = self.client.history[-1]
+            self.scan_id = self.client.history._scan_ids[-1]
+            self.old_scan_id = None
+            self.update_plot()
+
+    def update_labels(self):
+        """
+        Update the labels of the x, y, and z axes.
+        """
+        if self._image_config is None:
+            return
+        x_name = self._image_config.x_device.name
+        y_name = self._image_config.y_device.name
+        z_name = self._image_config.z_device.name
+
+        if x_name is not None:
+            self.x_label = x_name  # type: ignore
+            x_dev = self.dev.get(x_name)
+            if x_dev and hasattr(x_dev, "egu"):
+                self.x_label_units = x_dev.egu()
+        if y_name is not None:
+            self.y_label = y_name  # type: ignore
+            y_dev = self.dev.get(y_name)
+            if y_dev and hasattr(y_dev, "egu"):
+                self.y_label_units = y_dev.egu()
+        if z_name is not None:
+            self.title = z_name
+
+    def _init_toolbar_heatmap(self):
+        """
+        Initialize the toolbar for the heatmap widget, adding actions for heatmap settings.
+        """
+        self.toolbar.add_action(
+            "heatmap_settings",
+            MaterialIconAction(
+                icon_name="scatter_plot",
+                tooltip="Show Heatmap Settings",
+                checkable=True,
+                parent=self,
+            ),
+        )
+
+        self.toolbar.components.get_action("heatmap_settings").action.triggered.connect(
+            self.show_heatmap_settings
+        )
+
+        # disable all processing actions except for the fft and log
+        bundle = self.toolbar.get_bundle("image_processing")
+        for name, action in bundle.bundle_actions.items():
+            if name not in ["image_processing_fft", "image_processing_log"]:
+                action().action.setVisible(False)
+
+    def show_heatmap_settings(self):
+        """
+        Show the heatmap settings dialog.
+        """
+        heatmap_settings_action = self.toolbar.components.get_action("heatmap_settings").action
+        if self.heatmap_dialog is None or not self.heatmap_dialog.isVisible():
+            heatmap_settings = HeatmapSettings(parent=self, target_widget=self, popup=True)
+            self.heatmap_dialog = SettingsDialog(
+                self, settings_widget=heatmap_settings, window_title="Heatmap Settings", modal=False
+            )
+            self.heatmap_dialog.resize(620, 200)
+            # When the dialog is closed, update the toolbar icon and clear the reference
+            self.heatmap_dialog.finished.connect(self._heatmap_dialog_closed)
+            self.heatmap_dialog.show()
+            heatmap_settings_action.setChecked(True)
+        else:
+            # If already open, bring it to the front
+            self.heatmap_dialog.raise_()
+            self.heatmap_dialog.activateWindow()
+            heatmap_settings_action.setChecked(True)  # keep it toggled
+
+    def _heatmap_dialog_closed(self):
+        """
+        Slot for when the heatmap settings dialog is closed.
+        """
+        self.heatmap_dialog = None
+        self.toolbar.components.get_action("heatmap_settings").action.setChecked(False)
+
+    @SafeSlot(dict, dict)
+    def on_scan_status(self, msg: dict, meta: dict):
+        """
+        Initial scan status message handler, which is triggered at the begging and end of scan.
+
+        Args:
+            msg(dict): The message content.
+            meta(dict): The message metadata.
+        """
+        current_scan_id = msg.get("scan_id", None)
+        if current_scan_id is None:
+            return
+        if current_scan_id != self.scan_id:
+            self.reset()
+            self.new_scan.emit()
+            self.new_scan_id.emit(current_scan_id)
+            self.old_scan_id = self.scan_id
+            self.scan_id = current_scan_id
+            self.scan_item = self.queue.scan_storage.find_scan_by_ID(self.scan_id)  # type: ignore
+
+            # First trigger to update the scan curves
+            self.sync_signal_update.emit()
+
+    @SafeSlot(dict, dict)
+    def on_scan_progress(self, msg: dict, meta: dict):
+        self.sync_signal_update.emit()
+        status = msg.get("done")
+        if status:
+            QTimer.singleShot(100, self.update_plot)
+            QTimer.singleShot(300, self.update_plot)
+
+    @SafeSlot(verify_sender=True)
+    def update_plot(self, _=None) -> None:
+        """
+        Update the plot with the current data.
+        """
+        if self.scan_item is None:
+            logger.info("No scan executed so far; skipping update.")
+            return
+        data, access_key = self._fetch_scan_data_and_access()
+        if data == "none":
+            logger.info("No scan executed so far; skipping update.")
+            return
+
+        if self._image_config is None:
+            return
+        try:
+            x_name = self._image_config.x_device.name
+            x_entry = self._image_config.x_device.entry
+            y_name = self._image_config.y_device.name
+            y_entry = self._image_config.y_device.entry
+            z_name = self._image_config.z_device.name
+            z_entry = self._image_config.z_device.entry
+        except AttributeError:
+            return
+
+        if access_key == "val":
+            x_data = data.get(x_name, {}).get(x_entry, {}).get(access_key, None)
+            y_data = data.get(y_name, {}).get(y_entry, {}).get(access_key, None)
+            z_data = data.get(z_name, {}).get(z_entry, {}).get(access_key, None)
+        else:
+            x_data = data.get(x_name, {}).get(x_entry, {}).read().get("value", None)
+            y_data = data.get(y_name, {}).get(y_entry, {}).read().get("value", None)
+            z_data = data.get(z_name, {}).get(z_entry, {}).read().get("value", None)
+
+            if not isinstance(x_data, list):
+                x_data = x_data.tolist() if isinstance(x_data, np.ndarray) else None
+            if not isinstance(y_data, list):
+                y_data = y_data.tolist() if isinstance(y_data, np.ndarray) else None
+            if not isinstance(z_data, list):
+                z_data = z_data.tolist() if isinstance(z_data, np.ndarray) else None
+
+        if x_data is None or y_data is None or z_data is None:
+            logger.warning("x, y, or z data is None; skipping update.")
+            return
+        if len(x_data) != len(y_data) or len(x_data) != len(z_data):
+            logger.warning(
+                "x, y, and z data lengths do not match; skipping update. "
+                f"Lengths: x={len(x_data)}, y={len(y_data)}, z={len(z_data)}"
+            )
+            return
+
+        if hasattr(self.scan_item, "status_message"):
+            scan_msg = self.scan_item.status_message
+        elif hasattr(self.scan_item, "metadata"):
+            metadata = self.scan_item.metadata["bec"]
+            status = metadata["exit_status"]
+            scan_id = metadata["scan_id"]
+            scan_name = metadata["scan_name"]
+            scan_type = metadata["scan_type"]
+            request_inputs = metadata["request_inputs"]
+            if "arg_bundle" in request_inputs and isinstance(request_inputs["arg_bundle"], str):
+                # Convert the arg_bundle from a JSON string to a dictionary
+                request_inputs["arg_bundle"] = json.loads(request_inputs["arg_bundle"])
+            positions = metadata.get("positions", [])
+            positions = positions.tolist() if isinstance(positions, np.ndarray) else positions
+
+            scan_msg = messages.ScanStatusMessage(
+                status=status,
+                scan_id=scan_id,
+                scan_name=scan_name,
+                scan_type=scan_type,
+                request_inputs=request_inputs,
+                info={"positions": positions},
+            )
+        else:
+            scan_msg = None
+
+        if scan_msg is None:
+            logger.warning("Scan message is None; skipping update.")
+            return
+        self.status_message = scan_msg
+
+        img, transform = self.get_image_data(x_data=x_data, y_data=y_data, z_data=z_data)
+        if img is None:
+            logger.warning("Image data is None; skipping update.")
+            return
+
+        if self._color_bar is not None:
+            self._color_bar.blockSignals(True)
+        self.main_image.set_data(img, transform=transform)
+        if self._color_bar is not None:
+            self._color_bar.blockSignals(False)
+        self.image_updated.emit()
+        if self.crosshair is not None:
+            self.crosshair.update_markers_on_image_change()
+
+    def get_image_data(
+        self,
+        x_data: list[float] | None = None,
+        y_data: list[float] | None = None,
+        z_data: list[float] | None = None,
+    ) -> tuple[np.ndarray | None, QTransform | None]:
+        """
+        Get the image data for the heatmap. Depending on the scan type, it will
+        either pre-allocate the grid (grid_scan) or interpolate the data (step scan).
+
+        Args:
+            x_data (np.ndarray): The x data.
+            y_data (np.ndarray): The y data.
+            z_data (np.ndarray): The z data.
+            msg (messages.ScanStatusMessage): The scan status message.
+
+        Returns:
+            tuple[np.ndarray, QTransform]: The image data and the QTransform.
+        """
+        msg = self.status_message
+        if x_data is None or y_data is None or z_data is None or msg is None:
+            logger.warning("x, y, or z data is None; skipping update.")
+            return None, None
+
+        if msg.scan_name == "grid_scan":
+            # We only support the grid scan mode if both scanning motors
+            # are configured in the heatmap config.
+            device_x = self._image_config.x_device.entry
+            device_y = self._image_config.y_device.entry
+            if (
+                device_x in msg.request_inputs["arg_bundle"]
+                and device_y in msg.request_inputs["arg_bundle"]
+            ):
+                return self.get_grid_scan_image(z_data, msg)
+        if len(z_data) < 4:
+            # LinearNDInterpolator requires at least 4 points to interpolate
+            return None, None
+        return self.get_step_scan_image(x_data, y_data, z_data, msg)
+
+    def get_grid_scan_image(
+        self, z_data: list[float], msg: messages.ScanStatusMessage
+    ) -> tuple[np.ndarray, QTransform]:
+        """
+        Get the image data for a grid scan.
+        Args:
+            z_data (np.ndarray): The z data.
+            msg (messages.ScanStatusMessage): The scan status message.
+
+        Returns:
+            tuple[np.ndarray, QTransform]: The image data and the QTransform.
+        """
+
+        args = self.arg_bundle_to_dict(4, msg.request_inputs["arg_bundle"])
+
+        shape = (
+            args[self._image_config.x_device.entry][-1],
+            args[self._image_config.y_device.entry][-1],
+        )
+
+        data = self.main_image.raw_data
+
+        if data is None or data.shape != shape:
+            data = np.empty(shape)
+            data.fill(np.nan)
+
+        def _get_grid_data(axis, snaked=True):
+            x_grid, y_grid = np.meshgrid(axis[0], axis[1])
+            if snaked:
+                y_grid.T[::2] = np.fliplr(y_grid.T[::2])
+            x_flat = x_grid.T.ravel()
+            y_flat = y_grid.T.ravel()
+            positions = np.vstack((x_flat, y_flat)).T
+            return positions
+
+        snaked = msg.request_inputs["kwargs"].get("snaked", True)
+
+        # If the scan's fast axis is x, we need to swap the x and y axes
+        swap = bool(msg.request_inputs["arg_bundle"][4] == self._image_config.x_device.entry)
+
+        # calculate the QTransform to put (0,0) at the axis origin
+        scan_pos = np.asarray(msg.info["positions"])
+        x_min = min(scan_pos[:, 0])
+        x_max = max(scan_pos[:, 0])
+        y_min = min(scan_pos[:, 1])
+        y_max = max(scan_pos[:, 1])
+
+        x_range = x_max - x_min
+        y_range = y_max - y_min
+
+        pixel_size_x = x_range / (shape[0] - 1)
+        pixel_size_y = y_range / (shape[1] - 1)
+
+        transform = QTransform()
+        if swap:
+            transform.scale(pixel_size_y, pixel_size_x)
+            transform.translate(y_min / pixel_size_y - 0.5, x_min / pixel_size_x - 0.5)
+        else:
+            transform.scale(pixel_size_x, pixel_size_y)
+            transform.translate(x_min / pixel_size_x - 0.5, y_min / pixel_size_y - 0.5)
+
+        target_positions = _get_grid_data(
+            (np.arange(shape[int(swap)]), np.arange(shape[int(not swap)])), snaked=snaked
+        )
+
+        # Fill the data array with the z values
+        if self._grid_index is None or self.reload:
+            self._grid_index = 0
+            self.reload = False
+
+        for i in range(self._grid_index, len(z_data)):
+            data[target_positions[i, int(swap)], target_positions[i, int(not swap)]] = z_data[i]
+        self._grid_index = len(z_data)
+        return data, transform
+
+    def get_step_scan_image(
+        self,
+        x_data: list[float],
+        y_data: list[float],
+        z_data: list[float],
+        msg: messages.ScanStatusMessage,
+    ) -> tuple[np.ndarray, QTransform]:
+        """
+        Get the image data for an arbitrary step scan.
+
+        Args:
+            x_data (list[float]): The x data.
+            y_data (list[float]): The y data.
+            z_data (list[float]): The z data.
+            msg (messages.ScanStatusMessage): The scan status message.
+
+        Returns:
+            tuple[np.ndarray, QTransform]: The image data and the QTransform.
+        """
+        xy_data = np.column_stack((x_data, y_data))
+        grid_x, grid_y, transform = self.get_image_grid(xy_data)
+
+        # Interpolate the z data onto the grid
+        interp = LinearNDInterpolator(xy_data, z_data)
+        grid_z = interp(grid_x, grid_y)
+
+        return grid_z, transform
+
+    def get_image_grid(self, positions) -> tuple[np.ndarray, np.ndarray, QTransform]:
+        """
+        LRU-cached calculation of the grid for the image. The lru cache is indexed by the scan_id
+        to avoid recalculating the grid for the same scan.
+
+        Args:
+            _scan_id (str): The scan ID. Needed for caching but not used in the function.
+
+        Returns:
+            tuple[np.ndarray, np.ndarray, QTransform]: The grid x and y coordinates and the QTransform.
+        """
+
+        width, height = self.estimate_image_resolution(positions)
+
+        # Create a grid of points for interpolation
+        grid_x, grid_y = np.mgrid[
+            min(positions[:, 0]) : max(positions[:, 0]) : width * 1j,
+            min(positions[:, 1]) : max(positions[:, 1]) : height * 1j,
+        ]
+
+        # Calculate the QTransform to put (0,0) at the axis origin
+        x_min = min(positions[:, 0])
+        y_min = min(positions[:, 1])
+        x_max = max(positions[:, 0])
+        y_max = max(positions[:, 1])
+        x_range = x_max - x_min
+        y_range = y_max - y_min
+        x_scale = x_range / width
+        y_scale = y_range / height
+
+        transform = QTransform()
+        transform.scale(x_scale, y_scale)
+        transform.translate(x_min / x_scale - 0.5, y_min / y_scale - 0.5)
+
+        return grid_x, grid_y, transform
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def estimate_image_resolution(coords: np.ndarray) -> tuple[int, int]:
+        """
+        Estimate the number of pixels needed for the image based on the coordinates.
+
+        Args:
+            coords (np.ndarray): The coordinates of the points.
+
+        Returns:
+            tuple[int, int]: The estimated width and height of the image."""
+        if coords.ndim != 2 or coords.shape[1] != 2:
+            raise ValueError("Input must be an (m x 2) array of (x, y) coordinates.")
+
+        x_min, x_max = coords[:, 0].min(), coords[:, 0].max()
+        y_min, y_max = coords[:, 1].min(), coords[:, 1].max()
+
+        tree = cKDTree(coords)
+        distances, _ = tree.query(coords, k=2)
+        distances = distances[:, 1]  # Get the second nearest neighbor distance
+        avg_distance = np.mean(distances)
+
+        width_extent = x_max - x_min
+        height_extent = y_max - y_min
+
+        # Calculate the number of pixels needed based on the average distance
+        width_pixels = int(np.ceil(width_extent / avg_distance))
+        height_pixels = int(np.ceil(height_extent / avg_distance))
+
+        return max(1, width_pixels), max(1, height_pixels)
+
+    def arg_bundle_to_dict(self, bundle_size: int, args: list) -> dict:
+        """
+        Convert the argument bundle to a dictionary.
+
+        Args:
+            args (list): The argument bundle.
+
+        Returns:
+            dict: The dictionary representation of the argument bundle.
+        """
+        params = {}
+        for cmds in partition(bundle_size, args):
+            params[cmds[0]] = list(cmds[1:])
+        return params
+
+    def _fetch_scan_data_and_access(self):
+        """
+        Decide whether the widget is in live or historical mode
+        and return the appropriate data dict and access key.
+
+        Returns:
+            data_dict (dict): The data structure for the current scan.
+            access_key (str): Either 'val' (live) or 'value' (history).
+        """
+        if self.scan_item is None:
+            # Optionally fetch the latest from history if nothing is set
+            # self.update_with_scan_history(-1)
+            if self.scan_item is None:
+                logger.info("No scan executed so far; skipping device curves categorisation.")
+                return "none", "none"
+
+        if hasattr(self.scan_item, "live_data"):
+            # Live scan
+            return self.scan_item.live_data, "val"
+
+        # Historical
+        scan_devices = self.scan_item.devices
+        return scan_devices, "value"
+
+    def reset(self):
+        self._grid_index = None
+        self.main_image.clear()
+        if self.crosshair is not None:
+            self.crosshair.reset()
+        super().reset()
+
+    ################################################################################
+    # Post Processing
+    ################################################################################
+
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
+    def fft(self) -> bool:
+        """
+        Whether FFT postprocessing is enabled.
+        """
+        return self.main_image.fft
+
+    @fft.setter
+    def fft(self, enable: bool):
+        """
+        Set FFT postprocessing.
+
+        Args:
+            enable(bool): Whether to enable FFT postprocessing.
+        """
+        self.main_image.fft = enable
+
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
+    def log(self) -> bool:
+        """
+        Whether logarithmic scaling is applied.
+        """
+        return self.main_image.log
+
+    @log.setter
+    def log(self, enable: bool):
+        """
+        Set logarithmic scaling.
+
+        Args:
+            enable(bool): Whether to enable logarithmic scaling.
+        """
+        self.main_image.log = enable
+
+    @SafeProperty(int)
+    def num_rotation_90(self) -> int:
+        """
+        The number of 90° rotations to apply counterclockwise.
+        """
+        return self.main_image.num_rotation_90
+
+    @num_rotation_90.setter
+    def num_rotation_90(self, value: int):
+        """
+        Set the number of 90° rotations to apply counterclockwise.
+
+        Args:
+            value(int): The number of 90° rotations to apply.
+        """
+        self.main_image.num_rotation_90 = value
+
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
+    def transpose(self) -> bool:
+        """
+        Whether the image is transposed.
+        """
+        return self.main_image.transpose
+
+    @transpose.setter
+    def transpose(self, enable: bool):
+        """
+        Set the image to be transposed.
+
+        Args:
+            enable(bool): Whether to enable transposing the image.
+        """
+        self.main_image.transpose = enable
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+    import sys
+
+    from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
+
+    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+    heatmap = Heatmap()
+    heatmap.plot(x_name="samx", y_name="samy", z_name="bpm4i")
+    heatmap.show()
+    sys.exit(app.exec_())

bec_widgets/widgets/plots/heatmap/heatmap.pyproject

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

bec_widgets/widgets/plots/heatmap/heatmap_plugin.py

@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
+# Copyright (C) 2022 The Qt Company Ltd.
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
+
+from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
+from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.heatmap.heatmap import Heatmap
+
+DOM_XML = """
+<ui language='c++'>
+    <widget class='Heatmap' name='heatmap'>
+    </widget>
+</ui>
+"""
+
+
+class HeatmapPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self._form_editor = None
+
+    def createWidget(self, parent):
+        t = Heatmap(parent)
+        return t
+
+    def domXml(self):
+        return DOM_XML
+
+    def group(self):
+        return ""
+
+    def icon(self):
+        return designer_material_icon(Heatmap.ICON_NAME)
+
+    def includeFile(self):
+        return "heatmap"
+
+    def initialize(self, form_editor):
+        self._form_editor = form_editor
+
+    def isContainer(self):
+        return False
+
+    def isInitialized(self):
+        return self._form_editor is not None
+
+    def name(self):
+        return "Heatmap"
+
+    def toolTip(self):
+        return ""
+
+    def whatsThis(self):
+        return self.toolTip()

bec_widgets/widgets/plots/heatmap/register_heatmap.py

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

bec_widgets/widgets/plots/heatmap/settings/heatmap_setting.py

@@ -0,0 +1,138 @@
+import os
+
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QFrame, QScrollArea, QVBoxLayout
+
+from bec_widgets.utils import UILoader
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.utils.settings_dialog import SettingWidget
+
+
+class HeatmapSettings(SettingWidget):
+    def __init__(self, parent=None, target_widget=None, popup=False, *args, **kwargs):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, *args, **kwargs)
+
+        # This is a settings widget that depends on the target widget
+        # and should mirror what is in the target widget.
+        # Saving settings for this widget could result in recursively setting the target widget.
+        self.setProperty("skip_settings", True)
+
+        current_path = os.path.dirname(__file__)
+        if popup:
+            form = UILoader().load_ui(
+                os.path.join(current_path, "heatmap_settings_horizontal.ui"), self
+            )
+        else:
+            form = UILoader().load_ui(
+                os.path.join(current_path, "heatmap_settings_vertical.ui"), self
+            )
+
+        self.target_widget = target_widget
+        self.popup = popup
+
+        # # Scroll area
+        self.scroll_area = QScrollArea(self)
+        self.scroll_area.setWidgetResizable(True)
+        self.scroll_area.setFrameShape(QFrame.NoFrame)
+        self.scroll_area.setWidget(form)
+
+        self.layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
+        self.layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        self.layout.addWidget(self.scroll_area)
+        self.ui = form
+
+        self.fetch_all_properties()
+
+        self.target_widget.heatmap_property_changed.connect(self.fetch_all_properties)
+        if popup is False:
+            self.ui.button_apply.clicked.connect(self.accept_changes)
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def fetch_all_properties(self):
+        """
+        Fetch all properties from the target widget and update the settings widget.
+        """
+        if not self.target_widget:
+            return
+
+        # Get properties from the target widget
+        color_map = getattr(self.target_widget, "color_map", None)
+
+        # Default values for device properties
+        x_name, x_entry = None, None
+        y_name, y_entry = None, None
+        z_name, z_entry = None, None
+
+        # Safely access device properties
+        if hasattr(self.target_widget, "_image_config") and self.target_widget._image_config:
+            config = self.target_widget._image_config
+
+            if hasattr(config, "x_device") and config.x_device:
+                x_name = getattr(config.x_device, "name", None)
+                x_entry = getattr(config.x_device, "entry", None)
+
+            if hasattr(config, "y_device") and config.y_device:
+                y_name = getattr(config.y_device, "name", None)
+                y_entry = getattr(config.y_device, "entry", None)
+
+            if hasattr(config, "z_device") and config.z_device:
+                z_name = getattr(config.z_device, "name", None)
+                z_entry = getattr(config.z_device, "entry", None)
+
+        # Apply the properties to the settings widget
+        if hasattr(self.ui, "color_map"):
+            self.ui.color_map.colormap = color_map
+
+        if hasattr(self.ui, "x_name"):
+            self.ui.x_name.set_device(x_name)
+        if hasattr(self.ui, "x_entry") and x_entry is not None:
+            self.ui.x_entry.setText(x_entry)
+
+        if hasattr(self.ui, "y_name"):
+            self.ui.y_name.set_device(y_name)
+        if hasattr(self.ui, "y_entry") and y_entry is not None:
+            self.ui.y_entry.setText(y_entry)
+
+        if hasattr(self.ui, "z_name"):
+            self.ui.z_name.set_device(z_name)
+        if hasattr(self.ui, "z_entry") and z_entry is not None:
+            self.ui.z_entry.setText(z_entry)
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def accept_changes(self):
+        """
+        Apply all properties from the settings widget to the target widget.
+        """
+        x_name = self.ui.x_name.text()
+        x_entry = self.ui.x_entry.text()
+        y_name = self.ui.y_name.text()
+        y_entry = self.ui.y_entry.text()
+        z_name = self.ui.z_name.text()
+        z_entry = self.ui.z_entry.text()
+        validate_bec = self.ui.validate_bec.checked
+        color_map = self.ui.color_map.colormap
+
+        self.target_widget.plot(
+            x_name=x_name,
+            y_name=y_name,
+            z_name=z_name,
+            x_entry=x_entry,
+            y_entry=y_entry,
+            z_entry=z_entry,
+            color_map=color_map,
+            validate_bec=validate_bec,
+            reload=True,
+        )
+
+    def cleanup(self):
+        self.ui.x_name.close()
+        self.ui.x_name.deleteLater()
+        self.ui.x_entry.close()
+        self.ui.x_entry.deleteLater()
+        self.ui.y_name.close()
+        self.ui.y_name.deleteLater()
+        self.ui.y_entry.close()
+        self.ui.y_entry.deleteLater()
+        self.ui.z_name.close()
+        self.ui.z_name.deleteLater()
+        self.ui.z_entry.close()
+        self.ui.z_entry.deleteLater()

bec_widgets/widgets/plots/heatmap/settings/heatmap_settings_horizontal.ui

@@ -0,0 +1,203 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
+<ui version="4.0">
+ <class>Form</class>
+ <widget class="QWidget" name="Form">
+  <property name="geometry">
+   <rect>
+    <x>0</x>
+    <y>0</y>
+    <width>604</width>
+    <height>166</height>
+   </rect>
+  </property>
+  <property name="windowTitle">
+   <string>Form</string>
+  </property>
+  <layout class="QVBoxLayout" name="verticalLayout">
+   <item>
+    <layout class="QHBoxLayout" name="horizontalLayout_2">
+     <item>
+      <widget class="QLabel" name="label_7">
+       <property name="text">
+        <string>Validate BEC</string>
+       </property>
+      </widget>
+     </item>
+     <item>
+      <widget class="ToggleSwitch" name="validate_bec"/>
+     </item>
+     <item>
+      <widget class="BECColorMapWidget" name="color_map"/>
+     </item>
+    </layout>
+   </item>
+   <item>
+    <layout class="QHBoxLayout" name="horizontalLayout">
+     <item>
+      <widget class="QGroupBox" name="groupBox">
+       <property name="title">
+        <string>X Device</string>
+       </property>
+       <layout class="QGridLayout" name="gridLayout">
+        <item row="0" column="0">
+         <widget class="QLabel" name="label">
+          <property name="text">
+           <string>Name</string>
+          </property>
+         </widget>
+        </item>
+        <item row="0" column="1">
+         <widget class="DeviceLineEdit" name="x_name"/>
+        </item>
+        <item row="1" column="0">
+         <widget class="QLabel" name="label_2">
+          <property name="text">
+           <string>Signal</string>
+          </property>
+         </widget>
+        </item>
+        <item row="1" column="1">
+         <widget class="QLineEdit" name="x_entry"/>
+        </item>
+       </layout>
+      </widget>
+     </item>
+     <item>
+      <widget class="QGroupBox" name="groupBox_2">
+       <property name="title">
+        <string>Y Device</string>
+       </property>
+       <layout class="QGridLayout" name="gridLayout_2">
+        <item row="0" column="0">
+         <widget class="QLabel" name="label_3">
+          <property name="text">
+           <string>Name</string>
+          </property>
+         </widget>
+        </item>
+        <item row="0" column="1">
+         <widget class="DeviceLineEdit" name="y_name"/>
+        </item>
+        <item row="1" column="0">
+         <widget class="QLabel" name="label_4">
+          <property name="text">
+           <string>Signal</string>
+          </property>
+         </widget>
+        </item>
+        <item row="1" column="1">
+         <widget class="QLineEdit" name="y_entry"/>
+        </item>
+       </layout>
+      </widget>
+     </item>
+     <item>
+      <widget class="QGroupBox" name="groupBox_3">
+       <property name="title">
+        <string>Z Device</string>
+       </property>
+       <layout class="QGridLayout" name="gridLayout_3">
+        <item row="0" column="0">
+         <widget class="QLabel" name="label_5">
+          <property name="text">
+           <string>Name</string>
+          </property>
+         </widget>
+        </item>
+        <item row="1" column="0">
+         <widget class="QLabel" name="label_6">
+          <property name="text">
+           <string>Signal</string>
+          </property>
+         </widget>
+        </item>
+        <item row="1" column="1">
+         <widget class="QLineEdit" name="z_entry"/>
+        </item>
+        <item row="0" column="1">
+         <widget class="DeviceLineEdit" name="z_name"/>
+        </item>
+       </layout>
+      </widget>
+     </item>
+    </layout>
+   </item>
+  </layout>
+ </widget>
+ <customwidgets>
+  <customwidget>
+   <class>DeviceLineEdit</class>
+   <extends>QLineEdit</extends>
+   <header>device_line_edit</header>
+  </customwidget>
+  <customwidget>
+   <class>ToggleSwitch</class>
+   <extends>QWidget</extends>
+   <header>toggle_switch</header>
+  </customwidget>
+  <customwidget>
+   <class>BECColorMapWidget</class>
+   <extends>QWidget</extends>
+   <header>bec_color_map_widget</header>
+  </customwidget>
+ </customwidgets>
+ <tabstops>
+  <tabstop>x_name</tabstop>
+  <tabstop>x_entry</tabstop>
+  <tabstop>y_name</tabstop>
+  <tabstop>y_entry</tabstop>
+  <tabstop>z_name</tabstop>
+  <tabstop>z_entry</tabstop>
+ </tabstops>
+ <resources/>
+ <connections>
+  <connection>
+   <sender>x_name</sender>
+   <signal>textChanged(QString)</signal>
+   <receiver>x_entry</receiver>
+   <slot>clear()</slot>
+   <hints>
+    <hint type="sourcelabel">
+     <x>134</x>
+     <y>95</y>
+    </hint>
+    <hint type="destinationlabel">
+     <x>138</x>
+     <y>128</y>
+    </hint>
+   </hints>
+  </connection>
+  <connection>
+   <sender>y_name</sender>
+   <signal>textChanged(QString)</signal>
+   <receiver>y_entry</receiver>
+   <slot>clear()</slot>
+   <hints>
+    <hint type="sourcelabel">
+     <x>351</x>
+     <y>91</y>
+    </hint>
+    <hint type="destinationlabel">
+     <x>349</x>
+     <y>121</y>
+    </hint>
+   </hints>
+  </connection>
+  <connection>
+   <sender>z_name</sender>
+   <signal>textChanged(QString)</signal>
+   <receiver>z_entry</receiver>
+   <slot>clear()</slot>
+   <hints>
+    <hint type="sourcelabel">
+     <x>520</x>
+     <y>98</y>
+    </hint>
+    <hint type="destinationlabel">
+     <x>522</x>
+     <y>127</y>
+    </hint>
+   </hints>
+  </connection>
+ </connections>
+</ui>

bec_widgets/widgets/plots/heatmap/settings/heatmap_settings_vertical.ui

@@ -0,0 +1,204 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
+<ui version="4.0">
+    <class>Form</class>
+    <widget class="QWidget" name="Form">
+        <property name="geometry">
+            <rect>
+                <x>0</x>
+                <y>0</y>
+                <width>233</width>
+                <height>427</height>
+            </rect>
+        </property>
+        <property name="maximumSize">
+            <size>
+                <width>16777215</width>
+                <height>427</height>
+            </size>
+        </property>
+        <property name="windowTitle">
+            <string>Form</string>
+        </property>
+        <layout class="QVBoxLayout" name="verticalLayout">
+            <item>
+                <widget class="QPushButton" name="button_apply">
+                    <property name="text">
+                        <string>Apply</string>
+                    </property>
+                </widget>
+            </item>
+            <item>
+                <widget class="BECColorMapWidget" name="color_map"/>
+            </item>
+            <item>
+                <layout class="QHBoxLayout" name="horizontalLayout">
+                    <item>
+                        <widget class="QLabel" name="label_7">
+                            <property name="text">
+                                <string>Validate BEC</string>
+                            </property>
+                        </widget>
+                    </item>
+                    <item>
+                        <widget class="ToggleSwitch" name="validate_bec"/>
+                    </item>
+                </layout>
+            </item>
+            <item>
+                <widget class="QGroupBox" name="groupBox">
+                    <property name="title">
+                        <string>X Device</string>
+                    </property>
+                    <layout class="QGridLayout" name="gridLayout">
+                        <item row="0" column="0">
+                            <widget class="QLabel" name="label">
+                                <property name="text">
+                                    <string>Name</string>
+                                </property>
+                            </widget>
+                        </item>
+                        <item row="0" column="1">
+                            <widget class="DeviceLineEdit" name="x_name"/>
+                        </item>
+                        <item row="1" column="0">
+                            <widget class="QLabel" name="label_2">
+                                <property name="text">
+                                    <string>Signal</string>
+                                </property>
+                            </widget>
+                        </item>
+                        <item row="1" column="1">
+                            <widget class="QLineEdit" name="x_entry"/>
+                        </item>
+                    </layout>
+                </widget>
+            </item>
+            <item>
+                <widget class="QGroupBox" name="groupBox_2">
+                    <property name="title">
+                        <string>Y Device</string>
+                    </property>
+                    <layout class="QGridLayout" name="gridLayout_2">
+                        <item row="0" column="0">
+                            <widget class="QLabel" name="label_3">
+                                <property name="text">
+                                    <string>Name</string>
+                                </property>
+                            </widget>
+                        </item>
+                        <item row="0" column="1">
+                            <widget class="DeviceLineEdit" name="y_name"/>
+                        </item>
+                        <item row="1" column="0">
+                            <widget class="QLabel" name="label_4">
+                                <property name="text">
+                                    <string>Signal</string>
+                                </property>
+                            </widget>
+                        </item>
+                        <item row="1" column="1">
+                            <widget class="QLineEdit" name="y_entry"/>
+                        </item>
+                    </layout>
+                </widget>
+            </item>
+            <item>
+                <widget class="QGroupBox" name="groupBox_3">
+                    <property name="title">
+                        <string>Z Device</string>
+                    </property>
+                    <layout class="QGridLayout" name="gridLayout_3">
+                        <item row="0" column="0">
+                            <widget class="QLabel" name="label_5">
+                                <property name="text">
+                                    <string>Name</string>
+                                </property>
+                            </widget>
+                        </item>
+                        <item row="0" column="1">
+                            <widget class="DeviceLineEdit" name="z_name"/>
+                        </item>
+                        <item row="1" column="0">
+                            <widget class="QLabel" name="label_6">
+                                <property name="text">
+                                    <string>Signal</string>
+                                </property>
+                            </widget>
+                        </item>
+                        <item row="1" column="1">
+                            <widget class="QLineEdit" name="z_entry"/>
+                        </item>
+                    </layout>
+                </widget>
+            </item>
+        </layout>
+    </widget>
+    <customwidgets>
+        <customwidget>
+            <class>DeviceLineEdit</class>
+            <extends>QLineEdit</extends>
+            <header>device_line_edit</header>
+        </customwidget>
+        <customwidget>
+            <class>ToggleSwitch</class>
+            <extends>QWidget</extends>
+            <header>toggle_switch</header>
+        </customwidget>
+        <customwidget>
+            <class>BECColorMapWidget</class>
+            <extends>QWidget</extends>
+            <header>bec_color_map_widget</header>
+        </customwidget>
+    </customwidgets>
+    <resources/>
+    <connections>
+        <connection>
+            <sender>x_name</sender>
+            <signal>textChanged(QString)</signal>
+            <receiver>x_entry</receiver>
+            <slot>clear()</slot>
+            <hints>
+                <hint type="sourcelabel">
+                    <x>156</x>
+                    <y>123</y>
+                </hint>
+                <hint type="destinationlabel">
+                    <x>158</x>
+                    <y>157</y>
+                </hint>
+            </hints>
+        </connection>
+        <connection>
+            <sender>y_name</sender>
+            <signal>textChanged(QString)</signal>
+            <receiver>y_entry</receiver>
+            <slot>clear()</slot>
+            <hints>
+                <hint type="sourcelabel">
+                    <x>116</x>
+                    <y>229</y>
+                </hint>
+                <hint type="destinationlabel">
+                    <x>116</x>
+                    <y>251</y>
+                </hint>
+            </hints>
+        </connection>
+        <connection>
+            <sender>z_name</sender>
+            <signal>textChanged(QString)</signal>
+            <receiver>z_entry</receiver>
+            <slot>clear()</slot>
+            <hints>
+                <hint type="sourcelabel">
+                    <x>110</x>
+                    <y>326</y>
+                </hint>
+                <hint type="destinationlabel">
+                    <x>110</x>
+                    <y>352</y>
+                </hint>
+            </hints>
+        </connection>
+    </connections>
+</ui>