fix: macro support

Note: this is only meant as a placeholder for the procedures

.github/workflows/child_repos.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,64 @@
+name: Run Pytest with Coverage
+on: 
+  workflow_call:
+    inputs:
+      BEC_CORE_BRANCH:
+        description: 'Branch for BEC Core'
+        required: false
+        default: 'main'
+        type: string
+      OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH:
+        description: 'Branch for Ophyd Devices'
+        required: false
+        default: 'main'
+        type: string
+      BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH:
+        description: 'Branch for BEC Widgets'
+        required: false
+        default: 'main'
+        type: string
+
+
+jobs:
+  bec:
+    name: BEC Unit Tests
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    defaults:
+      run:
+        shell: bash -el {0}
+
+    steps:
+      - name: Checkout BEC
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          repository: bec-project/bec
+          ref: ${{ inputs.BEC_CORE_BRANCH }}
+
+      - name: Install BEC and dependencies
+        uses: ./.github/actions/bec_install
+        with:
+          BEC_CORE_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.BEC_CORE_BRANCH }}
+          OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH }}
+          PYTHON_VERSION: '3.11'
+      - name: Run Pytest
+        run: |
+          cd ./bec
+          pip install pytest pytest-random-order
+          pytest -v --maxfail=2 --junitxml=report.xml --random-order ./bec_server/tests ./bec_ipython_client/tests/client_tests ./bec_lib/tests
+  bec-e2e-test:
+    name: BEC End2End Tests
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      - name: Checkout BEC
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          repository: bec-project/bec
+          ref: ${{ inputs.BEC_CORE_BRANCH }}
+
+      - name: Run E2E Tests
+        uses: ./.github/actions/bec_e2e_install
+        with:
+          BEC_CORE_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.BEC_CORE_BRANCH }}
+          OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH }}
+          BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH }}
+          PYTHON_VERSION: '3.11'

.github/workflows/ci.yml

@@ -57,4 +57,24 @@ jobs:
   end2end-test:
     needs: [check_pr_status, formatter]
     if: needs.check_pr_status.outputs.branch-pr == ''
-    uses: ./.github/workflows/end2end-conda.yml
+    uses: ./.github/workflows/end2end-conda.yml
+
+  child-repos:
+    needs: [check_pr_status, formatter]
+    if: needs.check_pr_status.outputs.branch-pr == ''
+    uses: ./.github/workflows/child_repos.yml
+    with:
+      BEC_CORE_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.BEC_CORE_BRANCH || 'main' }}
+      OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH || 'main'}} 
+      BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH || github.head_ref || github.sha }}
+  
+  plugin_repos:
+    needs: [check_pr_status, formatter]
+    if: needs.check_pr_status.outputs.branch-pr == ''
+    uses: bec-project/bec/.github/workflows/plugin_repos.yml@main
+    with:
+      BEC_CORE_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.BEC_CORE_BRANCH || 'main' }}
+      BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH: ${{ inputs.BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH || github.head_ref || github.sha }}
+
+    secrets:
+      GH_READ_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GH_READ_TOKEN }}

.github/workflows/pytest-matrix.yml

@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ jobs:
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
     strategy:
       matrix:
-        python-version: ["3.10", "3.11", "3.12"]
+        python-version: ["3.11", "3.12", "3.13"]
 
     env:
       BEC_WIDGETS_BRANCH: main  # Set the branch you want for bec_widgets
@@ -56,4 +56,4 @@ jobs:
       - name: Run Pytest
         run: |
           pip install pytest pytest-random-order
-          pytest -v --maxfail=2 --junitxml=report.xml --random-order ./tests/unit_tests
+          pytest -v --junitxml=report.xml --random-order ./tests/unit_tests

.github/workflows/pytest.yml

@@ -57,6 +57,14 @@ jobs:
         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 test artifacts
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
+        if: failure()
+        with:
+          name: image-references
+          path: bec_widgets/tests/reference_failures/
+          if-no-files-found: ignore
+
       - name: Upload coverage to Codecov
         uses: codecov/codecov-action@v5
         with:

.github/workflows/stale-issues.yml

@@ -2,10 +2,14 @@ name: 'Close stale issues and PRs'
 on:
   schedule:
     - cron: '00 10 * * *'
+  workflow_dispatch:
 
 jobs:
   stale:
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    permissions:
+      issues: write
+      pull-requests: write
     steps:
       - uses: actions/stale@v9
         with:

.gitlab-ci.yml

@@ -1,289 +0,0 @@
-# This file is a template, and might need editing before it works on your project.
-# Official language image. Look for the different tagged releases at:
-# https://hub.docker.com/r/library/python/tags/
-image: $CI_DEPENDENCY_PROXY_GROUP_IMAGE_PREFIX/python:3.11
-#commands to run in the Docker container before starting each job.
-variables:
-  DOCKER_TLS_CERTDIR: ""
-  BEC_CORE_BRANCH:
-    description: bec branch
-    value: main
-  OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH:
-    description: ophyd_devices branch
-    value: main
-  CHILD_PIPELINE_BRANCH: $CI_DEFAULT_BRANCH
-  CHECK_PKG_VERSIONS:
-    description: Whether to run additional tests against min/max/random selection of dependencies. Set to 1 for running.
-    value: 0
-
-workflow:
-  rules:
-    - if: $CI_PIPELINE_SOURCE == "schedule"
-    - if: $CI_PIPELINE_SOURCE == "web"
-    - if: $CI_PIPELINE_SOURCE == "pipeline"
-    - if: $CI_PIPELINE_SOURCE == "parent_pipeline"
-    - if: $CI_PIPELINE_SOURCE == "merge_request_event"
-    - if: $CI_COMMIT_BRANCH && $CI_OPEN_MERGE_REQUESTS
-      when: never
-    - if: $CI_COMMIT_BRANCH
-
-include:
-  - template: Security/Secret-Detection.gitlab-ci.yml
-  - project: "bec/awi_utils"
-    file: "/templates/check-packages-job.yml"
-    inputs:
-      stage: test
-      path: "."
-      pytest_args: "-v,--random-order,tests/unit_tests"
-      pip_args: ".[dev]"
-
-# different stages in the pipeline
-stages:
-  - Formatter
-  - test
-  - AdditionalTests
-  - End2End
-  - Deploy
-
-.install-qt-webengine-deps: &install-qt-webengine-deps
-  - apt-get -y install libnss3 libxdamage1 libasound2 libatomic1 libxcursor1
-  - export QTWEBENGINE_DISABLE_SANDBOX=1
-
-.clone-repos: &clone-repos
-  - echo -e "\033[35;1m Using branch $BEC_CORE_BRANCH of BEC CORE \033[0;m";
-  - git clone --branch $BEC_CORE_BRANCH https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec.git
-  - echo -e "\033[35;1m Using branch $OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH of OPHYD_DEVICES \033[0;m";
-  - git clone --branch $OPHYD_DEVICES_BRANCH https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/ophyd_devices.git
-  - export OHPYD_DEVICES_PATH=$PWD/ophyd_devices
-
-.install-repos: &install-repos
-  - pip install -e ./ophyd_devices
-  - pip install -e ./bec/bec_lib[dev]
-  - pip install -e ./bec/bec_ipython_client
-  - pip install -e ./bec/pytest_bec_e2e
-
-.install-os-packages: &install-os-packages
-  - apt-get update
-  - apt-get install -y libgl1-mesa-glx libegl1-mesa x11-utils libxkbcommon-x11-0 libdbus-1-3 xvfb
-  - *install-qt-webengine-deps
-
-before_script:
-  - if [[ "$CI_PROJECT_PATH" != "bec/bec_widgets" ]]; then
-    echo -e "\033[35;1m Using branch $CHILD_PIPELINE_BRANCH of BEC Widgets \033[0;m";
-    test -d bec_widgets || git clone --branch $CHILD_PIPELINE_BRANCH https://gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets.git; cd bec_widgets;
-    fi
-
-formatter:
-  stage: Formatter
-  needs: []
-  script:
-    - 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:
-    - if: $CI_PROJECT_PATH == "bec/bec_widgets"
-
-pylint:
-  stage: Formatter
-  needs: []
-  before_script:
-    - pip install pylint pylint-exit anybadge
-    - pip install -e .[dev]
-  script:
-    - mkdir ./pylint
-    - pylint ./bec_widgets --output-format=text --output=./pylint/pylint.log | tee ./pylint/pylint.log || pylint-exit $?
-    - PYLINT_SCORE=$(sed -n 's/^Your code has been rated at \([-0-9.]*\)\/.*/\1/p' ./pylint/pylint.log)
-    - anybadge --label=Pylint --file=pylint/pylint.svg --value=$PYLINT_SCORE 2=red 4=orange 8=yellow 10=green
-    - echo "Pylint score is $PYLINT_SCORE"
-  artifacts:
-    paths:
-      - ./pylint/
-    expire_in: 1 week
-  rules:
-    - if: $CI_PROJECT_PATH == "bec/bec_widgets"
-
-pylint-check:
-  stage: Formatter
-  needs: []
-  allow_failure: true
-  before_script:
-    - pip install pylint pylint-exit anybadge
-    - apt-get update
-    - apt-get install -y bc
-  script:
-    - git fetch origin $CI_MERGE_REQUEST_TARGET_BRANCH_NAME
-    # Identify changed Python files
-    - if [ "$CI_PIPELINE_SOURCE" == "merge_request_event" ]; then
-      TARGET_BRANCH_COMMIT_SHA=$(git rev-parse origin/$CI_MERGE_REQUEST_TARGET_BRANCH_NAME);
-      CHANGED_FILES=$(git diff --name-only $TARGET_BRANCH_COMMIT_SHA HEAD | grep '\.py$' || true);
-      else
-      CHANGED_FILES=$(git diff --name-only $CI_COMMIT_BEFORE_SHA $CI_COMMIT_SHA | grep '\.py$' || true);
-      fi
-    - if [ -z "$CHANGED_FILES" ]; then echo "No Python files changed."; exit 0; fi
-
-    - echo "Changed Python files:"
-      - $CHANGED_FILES
-    # Run pylint only on changed files
-    - mkdir ./pylint
-    - pylint $CHANGED_FILES --output-format=text | tee ./pylint/pylint_changed_files.log || pylint-exit $?
-    - PYLINT_SCORE=$(sed -n 's/^Your code has been rated at \([-0-9.]*\)\/.*/\1/p' ./pylint/pylint_changed_files.log)
-    - echo "Pylint score is $PYLINT_SCORE"
-
-    # Fail the job if the pylint score is below 9
-    - if [ "$(echo "$PYLINT_SCORE < 9" | bc)" -eq 1 ]; then echo "Your pylint score is below the acceptable threshold (9)."; exit 1; fi
-  artifacts:
-    paths:
-      - ./pylint/
-    expire_in: 1 week
-  rules:
-    - if: $CI_PROJECT_PATH == "bec/bec_widgets"
-
-tests:
-  stage: test
-  needs: []
-  variables:
-    QT_QPA_PLATFORM: "offscreen"
-  script:
-    - *clone-repos
-    - *install-os-packages
-    - *install-repos
-    - pip install -e .[dev,pyside6]
-    - coverage run --source=./bec_widgets -m pytest -v --junitxml=report.xml --maxfail=2 --random-order --full-trace ./tests/unit_tests
-    - coverage report
-    - coverage xml
-  coverage: '/(?i)total.*? (100(?:\.0+)?\%|[1-9]?\d(?:\.\d+)?\%)$/'
-  artifacts:
-    reports:
-      junit: report.xml
-      coverage_report:
-        coverage_format: cobertura
-        path: coverage.xml
-    paths:
-      - 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:
-      - PYTHON_VERSION:
-          - "3.10"
-          - "3.11"
-          - "3.12"
-        QT_PCKG:
-          - "pyside6"
-
-  stage: AdditionalTests
-  needs: []
-  variables:
-    QT_QPA_PLATFORM: "offscreen"
-    PYTHON_VERSION: ""
-    QT_PCKG: ""
-  image: $CI_DEPENDENCY_PROXY_GROUP_IMAGE_PREFIX/python:$PYTHON_VERSION
-  script:
-    - *clone-repos
-    - *install-os-packages
-    - *install-repos
-    - pip install -e .[dev,$QT_PCKG]
-    - pytest -v --maxfail=2 --junitxml=report.xml --random-order ./tests/unit_tests
-
-end-2-end-conda:
-  stage: End2End
-  needs: []
-  image: continuumio/miniconda3:25.1.1-2
-  allow_failure: false
-  variables:
-    QT_QPA_PLATFORM: "offscreen"
-  script:
-    - *clone-repos
-    - *install-os-packages
-    - conda config --show-sources
-    - conda config --add channels conda-forge
-    - conda config --system --remove channels https://repo.anaconda.com/pkgs/main
-    - conda config --system --remove channels https://repo.anaconda.com/pkgs/r
-    - conda config --remove channels https://repo.anaconda.com/pkgs/main
-    - conda config --remove channels https://repo.anaconda.com/pkgs/r
-    - conda config --show-sources
-    - conda config --set channel_priority strict
-    - conda config --set always_yes yes --set changeps1 no
-    - conda create -q -n test-environment python=3.11
-    - conda init bash
-    - source ~/.bashrc
-    - conda activate test-environment
-
-    - cd ./bec
-    - source ./bin/install_bec_dev.sh -t
-    - cd ../
-    - pip install -e ./ophyd_devices
-
-    - pip install -e .[dev,pyside6]
-    - pytest -v --files-path ./ --start-servers --random-order  ./tests/end-2-end
-
-  artifacts:
-    when: on_failure
-    paths:
-      - ./logs/*.log
-    expire_in: 1 week
-
-  rules:
-    - if: '$CI_PIPELINE_SOURCE == "schedule"'
-    - if: '$CI_PIPELINE_SOURCE == "web"'
-    - if: '$CI_PIPELINE_SOURCE == "pipeline"'
-    - if: '$CI_PIPELINE_SOURCE == "parent_pipeline"'
-    - if: '$CI_MERGE_REQUEST_TARGET_BRANCH_NAME == "main"'
-    - if: '$CI_MERGE_REQUEST_TARGET_BRANCH_NAME == "production"'
-    - if: "$CI_MERGE_REQUEST_TARGET_BRANCH_NAME =~ /^pre_release.*$/"
-
-semver:
-  stage: Deploy
-  needs: ["tests"]
-  script:
-    - git config --global user.name "ci_update_bot"
-    - git config --global user.email "ci_update_bot@bec.ch"
-    - git checkout "$CI_COMMIT_REF_NAME"
-    - git reset --hard origin/"$CI_COMMIT_REF_NAME"
-
-    # delete all local tags
-    - git tag -l | xargs git tag -d
-    - git fetch --tags
-    - git tag
-
-    # build and publish package
-    - pip install python-semantic-release==9.* wheel build twine
-    - export GL_TOKEN=$CI_UPDATES
-    - semantic-release -vv version
-
-    # check if any artifacts were created
-    - if [ ! -d dist ]; then echo No release will be made; exit 0; fi
-    - twine upload dist/* -u __token__ -p $CI_PYPI_TOKEN --skip-existing
-    - semantic-release publish
-
-  allow_failure: false
-  rules:
-    - if: '$CI_COMMIT_REF_NAME == "main" && $CI_PROJECT_PATH == "bec/bec_widgets"'
-
-pages:
-  stage: Deploy
-  needs: ["semver"]
-  variables:
-    TARGET_BRANCH: $CI_COMMIT_REF_NAME
-  rules:
-    - if: "$CI_COMMIT_TAG != null"
-      variables:
-        TARGET_BRANCH: $CI_COMMIT_TAG
-    - if: '$CI_COMMIT_REF_NAME == "main" && $CI_PROJECT_PATH == "bec/bec_widgets"'
-  script:
-    - curl -X POST -d "branches=$CI_COMMIT_REF_NAME" -d "token=$RTD_TOKEN" https://readthedocs.org/api/v2/webhook/bec-widgets/253243/

.pylintrc

@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ persistent=yes
 
 # Minimum Python version to use for version dependent checks. Will default to
 # the version used to run pylint.
-py-version=3.10
+py-version=3.11
 
 # When enabled, pylint would attempt to guess common misconfiguration and emit
 # user-friendly hints instead of false-positive error messages.

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -1,6 +1,711 @@
 # CHANGELOG
 
 
+## v2.39.0 (2025-09-24)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **rpc**: Fix hide/show
+  ([`975404f`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/975404f483ddae041d9f4d819f39c53cec191439))
+
+### Features
+
+- **rpc_base**: Windows can be raised to front from CLI
+  ([`565c0bd`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/565c0bd1e7f4684d8401b6a2827c35422b1125c4))
+
+
+## v2.38.4 (2025-09-23)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **image**: Add support for specifying preview signals through cli
+  ([`108ddae`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/108ddae6ca3501a57b499c7080a36cf41a653074))
+
+
+## v2.38.3 (2025-09-23)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **connector**: Only flush pending events
+  ([`475ca9f`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/475ca9f2d81bcc2bb0c7b104c0712b13d6616c08))
+
+- **ringprogressbar**: Fix client signature
+  ([`65bc5f5`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/65bc5f5421077da70ef5068d51e36119e1055955))
+
+- **ringprogressbar**: Various fixes and improvements
+  ([`bbb5fc6`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/bbb5fc6ce17248a948c6fd4a7652d17d64a79d2a))
+
+### Chores
+
+- Deprecate 3.10, add 3.13
+  ([`3e33934`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/3e339348dd3d0a3b12522312132fca139dc22835))
+
+### Testing
+
+- **ringprogressbar**: Extend e2e test
+  ([`b1b6c5e`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/b1b6c5e6a5dd81965baa5c742e9bdae8cdb4f09b))
+
+
+## v2.38.2 (2025-09-11)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **crosshair**: Ignore fetching data and markers from invisible items
+  ([`72b6f74`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/72b6f74252e1f36339945c549049b166cccf3561))
+
+- **plot_base**: Crosshair items are excluded from visible curves and from auto_range
+  ([`4dc4ede`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/4dc4ede1d251d081e5bcf3d37fcc784982c9258e))
+
+- **plot_base**: Visible items injected into plot item
+  ([`b703b37`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/b703b37bbdbf97182b58ac4c69c1384fa78d0c12))
+
+- **waveform**: Changing curve visibility refresh markers
+  ([`556832f`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/556832fd48bcb16b95df8cf91417d7045bbca2a3))
+
+### Continuous Integration
+
+- Fix stale issues job permissions; add workflow dispatch option
+  ([`fe67a4f`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/fe67a4f325cbd41f13102e5698d86ed9e90b048e))
+
+### Documentation
+
+- Move to autoapi
+  ([`18ef35f`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/18ef35f22a1b7496b13f833e63a4f3875e1497e3))
+
+### Testing
+
+- **crosshair**: Visibility test added with plotbase fixture
+  ([`3a2ec9f`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/3a2ec9f1b74c4bb5f239940b874576a877ce45c0))
+
+
+## v2.38.1 (2025-08-22)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- Move thefuzz dependency to prod
+  ([`ad7cdc6`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/ad7cdc60dd6da6c5291f8b42932aacb12aa671a6))
+
+
+## v2.38.0 (2025-08-19)
+
+### Features
+
+- **device_manager**: Devicemanager view of config session
+  ([`6e05157`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/6e05157abb61ec569eec10ff7295c28cb6a2ec45))
+
+
+## v2.37.0 (2025-08-19)
+
+### Features
+
+- Add explorer widget
+  ([`1bec9bd`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/1bec9bd9b2238ed484e8d25e691326efe5730f6b))
+
+
+## v2.36.0 (2025-08-18)
+
+### Features
+
+- **scan control**: Add support for literals
+  ([`f2e5a85`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/f2e5a85e616aa76d4b7ad3b3c76a24ba114ebdd1))
+
+
+## v2.35.0 (2025-08-14)
+
+### Build System
+
+- Pyside6 upgraded to 6.9.0
+  ([`44ba720`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/44ba7201b4914d63281bbed5e62d07e5c240595a))
+
+### Features
+
+- **property_manager**: Property manager widget
+  ([`926d722`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/926d7229559d189d382fe034b3afbc544e709efa))
+
+
+## v2.34.0 (2025-08-07)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- Plugin widget import machinery
+  ([`9de5484`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/9de548446b9975c0f692757c66ffa07b9a849f15))
+
+- lazy import client so plugin widgets can import BECWidgets which use it indirectly - exclude
+  classes originating from bec_widgets core from plugin discovery - better errors
+
+- Use better source for plugin repo name
+  ([`f4af6eb`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/f4af6ebc5fabf5b62ec87b580476d93d52690b08))
+
+### Features
+
+- Autoformat compiled file and add docs
+  ([`a923f12`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/a923f12c974192909222fcada9eca97325866d74))
+
+- **plugin manager**: Add cli commands
+  ([`49ac7de`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/49ac7decf7d4cf461e6437f7285dc6967ee36d96))
+
+
+## v2.33.3 (2025-07-31)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **scan-history-view**: Account for async loading of scan history
+  ([`6df1d0c`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/6df1d0c31fb58c25b01e95e2247277ff2dd5d00e))
+
+### Refactoring
+
+- Improve scan history performance on loading full scan lists
+  ([`a5adf3a`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/a5adf3a97d9ff05cef833445c1e6cd8f35a9a2fa))
+
+- Make ids a set, cleanup
+  ([`c1f62ad`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/c1f62ad6cb00d9b392a8e0b6247f5260dfb37256))
+
+- Use client callback for scan history reload
+  ([`d22a331`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/d22a3317baeccfcc4e074dcef4e3912301d210c5))
+
+- **scan-history**: Add spinner for loading time of history
+  ([`50c84a7`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/50c84a766a2b021768fb2c0e8ee00b8e5f058ba7))
+
+- **scan-history**: Fix insert logic; cleanup
+  ([`946752a`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/946752a4b05804c2f59cb5c21e4c1d11709a7d44))
+
+
+## v2.33.2 (2025-07-31)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- Delete choice dialog on close
+  ([`23413cf`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/23413cffabe721e35bb5bb726ec34d74dc4ffe05))
+
+- Display short lists in SignalDisplay
+  ([`4bbb8fa`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/4bbb8fa519e8a90eebfcfa34e157493c9baa7880))
+
+- Don't warn on empty DeviceEdit init
+  ([`f18eeb9`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/f18eeb9c5dccbd9348b6ee6d1477a8b7925d40fc))
+
+- Remove config, directly set device+signal
+  ([`32ce8e2`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/32ce8e2818ceacda87e48399e3ed4df0cabb2335))
+
+
+## v2.33.1 (2025-07-31)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **cli**: Ensure guis are not started twice
+  ([`cd81e7f`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/cd81e7f9ba40be23f6b930d250f743276720b277))
+
+
+## v2.33.0 (2025-07-29)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **monaco**: Forward text changed signal
+  ([`a51ef04`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/a51ef04cdf0ac8abdb7008d78b13c75b86ce9e06))
+
+### Build System
+
+- Update bec and qtmonaco min dependencies
+  ([`5f925ba`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/5f925ba4e3840219e4473d6346ece6746076f718))
+
+### Features
+
+- **monaco**: Add insert, delete and lsp header
+  ([`fc68d2c`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/fc68d2cf2d6b161d8e3b9fc9daf6185d9197deba))
+
+- **monaco**: Add vim mode
+  ([`627b49b`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/627b49b33a30e45b2bfecb57f090eecfa31af09d))
+
+- **web console**: Add set_readonly method
+  ([`c2e1642`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/c2e16429c91de7cc0e672ba36224e9031c1c4234))
+
+- **web console**: Add signal to indicate when the js backend is initialized
+  ([`2b9fe6c`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/2b9fe6c9590c8d18b7542307273176e118828681))
+
+### Testing
+
+- **web console**: Add tests for the web console
+  ([`40f4bce`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/40f4bce2854bcf333ce261229bd1703b80ced538))
+
+
+## v2.32.0 (2025-07-29)
+
+### Features
+
+- **dock area**: Add screenshot toolbar action
+  ([`fd5af01`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/fd5af0184279400ca6d8e5d2042f31be88d180f3))
+
+- **rpc_timeout**: Add decorator to override the rpc timeout
+  ([`8a214c8`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/8a214c897899d0d94d5f262591a001c127d1b155))
+
+
+## v2.31.3 (2025-07-29)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **waveform**: Fallback mechanism for auto mode to use index if scan_report_devices are not
+  available
+  ([`6bf84ae`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/6bf84aea2508ff01fe201c045ec055684da88593))
+
+
+## v2.31.2 (2025-07-29)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **bec widgets**: Always call cleanup of child widgets on cleanup
+  ([`bf86a03`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/bf86a030a08b325a08e031ff71d0716a2f2f122b))
+
+
+## v2.31.1 (2025-07-29)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **image_base**: Fix cleanup of uninitialized image layer
+  ([`c1bdc50`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/c1bdc506e8099f178acdccbe0e1109deeeaaca38))
+
+
+## v2.31.0 (2025-07-29)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **bec_main_window**: Main window have unified status bar on macOS
+  ([`1d0490f`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/1d0490fff428d51f2cdb7d35a954a7cd62cbb65c))
+
+- **color_button_native**: Removed BECWidget inheritance
+  ([`e42ffd7`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/e42ffd7c015a026d8e0967ac6b5866cbbea7bfed))
+
+- **decimal_spinbox**: Removed BECWidget inheritance
+  ([`2bd6d00`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/2bd6d0089955172134afb4d39939890026ed43f0))
+
+- **launch_window**: Logic for custom main window apps adjusted
+  ([`e090ac4`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/e090ac49b72fa15ebf1c09164ff3c6de577cb939))
+
+- **plugin_utils**: Plugins can be created from QWidgets, no need for BECWidget base class for
+  plugin creation
+  ([`c2a918e`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/c2a918ef4b77ccd7fa43d1bc0b907d55a17a6c95))
+
+- **scan_progressbar**: Added kwargs to init
+  ([`7073e75`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/7073e75adf0eeb81f4f8e27eb99fc1b7a395c751))
+
+- **utils**: Plugin template createWidget do not initialise widgets by default
+  ([`728d4ef`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/728d4efd9646ffcecd7d1a2f70988a7d7c799124))
+
+- **widgets**: Added missing __init__ files
+  ([`6bbf512`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/6bbf5126cf586063ed08d6cd489d6a9af28eac35))
+
+### Features
+
+- **bec_main_window**: Plugin and rpc created
+  ([`e4521d9`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/e4521d95286bbc598c3c05f357d247d950477b71))
+
+### Refactoring
+
+- **widgets**: All plugins regenerated
+  ([`10cbb9a`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/10cbb9a05cb96a791448caff4ffc4115b76146d7))
+
+### Testing
+
+- **launch_window**: Mainwindow raise test removed, features is supported now
+  ([`0854175`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/0854175acbda1d4de71358aec028539552a26448))
+
+
+## v2.30.6 (2025-07-26)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **waveform**: Autorange is applied with 150ms delay after curve is added
+  ([`61e5bde`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/61e5bde15f0e1ebe185ddbe81cd71ad581ae6009))
+
+
+## v2.30.5 (2025-07-25)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **positioner-box**: Test to fix handling of none integer values for precision
+  ([`b718b43`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/b718b438bacff6eb6cd6015f1a67dcf75c05dce4))
+
+### Refactoring
+
+- **positioner-box**: Cleanup, accept float precision
+  ([`4d5df96`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/4d5df9608a9438b9f6d7508c323eb3772e53f37d))
+
+
+## v2.30.4 (2025-07-25)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **cli**: Remove stderr from cli output when not using rpc
+  ([`b4e0664`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/b4e0664011682cae9966aa2632210a6b60e11714))
+
+
+## v2.30.3 (2025-07-23)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- Cleanup subscriptions in device browser
+  ([`0d81bdd`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/0d81bdd4ddb4ec474a414b107cbc7fc865253934))
+
+
+## v2.30.2 (2025-07-23)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- Factor out device name function and add test
+  ([`8eb8225`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/8eb8225a7f56014d6093aa142b3a5d071837982e))
+
+- **rpc_base**: Rpc_call wrapper passes full_name for Devices indeed of name
+  ([`491d044`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/491d04467c8ce4e116d61e614895d1dcc6b4b201))
+
+### Testing
+
+- **test_plotting_framework_e2e**: Added test for waveform with passing device from dev container
+  ([`3fd09fc`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/3fd09fceef2ffa7e7c3eee20176304bafb00d0db))
+
+
+## v2.30.1 (2025-07-22)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- Ignore KeyError in SignalLabel
+  ([`608590c`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/608590c5421368d5bba0e4b0f5187d90cac323be))
+
+
+## v2.30.0 (2025-07-22)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **device_browser**: Display signal for signals
+  ([`3384ca0`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/3384ca02bdb5a2798ad3339ecf3e2ba7c121e28f))
+
+- **device_signal_display**: Don't read omitted
+  ([`b9af36a`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/b9af36a4f1c91e910d4fc738b17b90e92287a7e3))
+
+- **signal_label**: Rewrite reading selection logic
+  ([`cd17a4a`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/cd17a4aad905296eb0460ecc27e5920f5c2e8fe5))
+
+- **signal_label**: Show all signals by default
+  ([`22beadc`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/22beadcad061b328c986414f30fef57b64bad693))
+
+- **signal_label**: Update signal from dialog correctly
+  ([`959cedb`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/959cedbbd5a123eef5f3370287bf6476c48caab9))
+
+- **signal_label**: Use read() instead of get() for init
+  ([`f0dc992`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/f0dc99258607a5cc8af51686d01f7fd54ae2779f))
+
+### Chores
+
+- Update client.py
+  ([`fd1f994`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/fd1f9941e046b7ae1e247dde39c20bcbc37ac189))
+
+### Features
+
+- **signal_label**: Property to display array data or not
+  ([`ca4f975`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/ca4f97503bf06363e8e8a5d494a9857223da4104))
+
+
+## v2.29.0 (2025-07-22)
+
+### Features
+
+- **notification_banner**: Notification centre for alarms implemented into BECMainWindow
+  ([`cd9d22d`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/cd9d22d0b40d633af76cb1188b57feb7b6a5dbf2))
+
+### Refactoring
+
+- **notification_banner**: Becnotificationbroker done as singleton to sync all windows in the
+  session
+  ([`7cda2ed`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/7cda2ed846d3c27799f4f15f6c5c667631b1ca55))
+
+
+## v2.28.0 (2025-07-21)
+
+### Features
+
+- Disable editing while scan active
+  ([`1397655`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/13976557fbdb71a1161029521d81a655d25dd134))
+
+- Remove and readd device for config changes
+  ([`8489ef4`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/8489ef4a69d69b39648b1a9270012f14f95c6121))
+
+- Save and load config from devicebrowser
+  ([`7f0098f`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/7f0098f1533d419cc75801c4d6cbea485c7bbf94))
+
+
+## v2.27.1 (2025-07-17)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **image_roi_tree**: Rois signals are disconnected when roi tree widget is closed
+  ([`00e3713`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/00e3713181916a432e4e9dec8a0d80205914cf77))
+
+
+## v2.27.0 (2025-07-17)
+
+### Features
+
+- Add monaco editor
+  ([`2373c7e`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/2373c7e996566a5b84c5a50e1c3e69de885713db))
+
+
+## v2.26.0 (2025-07-17)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **config label**: Reset offset when toggling the label action
+  ([`b8ae7b2`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/b8ae7b2e96071b6dc59dae7ffa72bbedc6aaea23))
+
+- **performance_bundle**: Fix performance bundle cleanup
+  ([`23674cc`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/23674ccf592a2caa0b57ae64ad1499c270b7d469))
+
+### Features
+
+- **device combobox**: Add option to insert an empty element
+  ([`debd347`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/debd347b64a3d2ca07ddcd5ef3a3394d1ffb67e3))
+
+- **heatmap**: Add interpolation and oversampling UI components
+  ([`1d8069e`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/1d8069e391412e3096a3c1e7181398dd4e609650))
+
+### Refactoring
+
+- **image_base**: Cleanup
+  ([`46a9178`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/46a91784d237137128965ad585e38085e931e5d4))
+
+### Testing
+
+- **history**: Add history message helper methods to conftest
+  ([`44cc061`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/44cc06137ccfbc087bdd3005156ff28effe05f23))
+
+
+## v2.25.0 (2025-07-17)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **bec-progressbar**: Add flag for theme update
+  ([`694a6c4`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/694a6c49608b68e25dc0c76b58855b96f3f0ef0b))
+
+### Continuous Integration
+
+- **bec**: Add child_repos test for bec (unit and e2e tests)
+  ([`a9c8995`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/a9c8995ac0b39f6bc327887f43f7d4d6e6e89db2))
+
+- **plugin**: Add plugin repository test to BW ci
+  ([`2b06e34`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/2b06e34ecff8c0a92a2b235f375e837729736b2a))
+
+### Features
+
+- **scan-history-browser**: Add history browser and history metadata viewer
+  ([`9caae4c`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/9caae4cf40d3876175b827abb735ae227ae0bcea))
+
+### Refactoring
+
+- Add additional components for history metadata, device view and popup ui
+  ([`cf97cc1`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/cf97cc1805e16073c7849d1f9375e2ebd2176b70))
+
+- Cleanup, add compact popup view for scan_history_browser and update tests
+  ([`25b2737`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/25b2737aacfaa45f255afb6ebf467d5781165a8e))
+
+
+## v2.24.1 (2025-07-15)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- Update signal label for device_edit changes
+  ([`bde5238`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/bde523806fdb6ab224b485f65b615f89dfe20b7b))
+
+
+## v2.24.0 (2025-07-15)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- Hide validity LED, show message as tooltip
+  ([`530797a`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/530797a5568957dde9f47f417310f5c4d2493906))
+
+- Validate some config data
+  ([`c660e51`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/c660e5141f191a782c224ee1b83536793639eecb))
+
+- **device_browser**: Un-nest exception
+  ([`8b2d605`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/8b2d6052e808f8b4063e5f45c40e4460524f044e))
+
+### Documentation
+
+- Docstring for config dialog
+  ([`1925e6a`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/1925e6ac7f98875eb5980637ae3293e22b459e28))
+
+### Features
+
+- (#495) add devices through browser
+  ([`170be0c`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/170be0c7d3bb1f6e5f2305958909ef68cd987fbd))
+
+- **#495**: Add validation against existing device names
+  ([`900153b`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/900153bc0b8cec7bad82e23b3772c66e84900a17))
+
+- **device_browser**: Connect update to item refresh
+  ([`130cc24`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/130cc24b351684358558ab81c0111f10f9abb11f))
+
+- **device_browser**: Device deletion from config
+  ([`8dc7265`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/8dc72656ef46ae7be886f9da59beb768f5381b4f))
+
+
+## v2.23.0 (2025-07-11)
+
+### Features
+
+- **widget_finder**: Widget to fetch any other widget by class from currently running app
+  ([`a9fce17`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/a9fce175b720ad85a5cefcab99d79fbcb971ff4a))
+
+- **widget_io**: Utility function to find widget in the app by class
+  ([`783d042`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/783d042e8c469774fc8407921462a99c96f6d408))
+
+
+## v2.22.2 (2025-07-11)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **plot_base**: Autorange takes into account only visible curves
+  ([`7643986`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/76439866c1fd09cb7d9d48dfccdc7b1943bfbc0f))
+
+
+## v2.22.1 (2025-07-11)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **crosshair**: Crosshair mouse_moved can be set manually
+  ([`63a8da6`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/63a8da680d263a50102aacf463ec6f6252562f9d))
+
+- **heatmap**: Fix pixel size calculation for arbitrary shapes
+  ([`6c49425`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/6c494258f82059a2472f43bb8287390ce1aba704))
+
+
+## v2.22.0 (2025-07-10)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **crosshair**: Add slot to reset mouse markers
+  ([`adaad4f`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/adaad4f4d5ebf775a337e23a944ba9eb289d01a0))
+
+- **crosshair**: Fix crosshair support for transformations
+  ([`3ba0fc4`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/3ba0fc4b442e5926f27a13f09d628c30987f2cf8))
+
+- **image**: Reset crosshair on new scan
+  ([`e594de3`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/e594de3ca39970f91f5842693eeb1fac393eaa34))
+
+- **image item**: Fix processor for nans in images
+  ([`39c316d`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/39c316d6eadfdfbd483661b67720a7e224a46712))
+
+- **image_base**: Move cbar init to image base
+  ([`8929778`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/8929778f073c40a9eabba7eda2415fc9af1072bb))
+
+- **image_processor**: Support for nans in nd arrays
+  ([`a6fc799`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/a6fc7993a3d22cfd086310c8e6dad3f9f3d1e9fe))
+
+### Features
+
+- Add heatmap widget
+  ([`0c76b0c`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/0c76b0c49598d1456aab266b483de327788028fd))
+
+- **image_item**: Add support for qtransform
+  ([`324a5bd`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/324a5bd3d9ed278495c6ba62453b02061900ae32))
+
+
+## v2.21.4 (2025-07-08)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **image_roi_tree**: Changing color dialog from ColorButtonNative is open once
+  ([`244bca4`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/244bca4e1ec7c00109534b9f503ff2eb125c1ffe))
+
+
+## v2.21.3 (2025-07-03)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **connector**: Remove safeslot for now
+  ([`25f28c4`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/25f28c47e32af1be7778803dc27d8c2a367172ed))
+
+### Refactoring
+
+- **toolbar**: Split toolbar into components, bundles and connections
+  ([`db720e8`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/db720e8fa46bb2fb10c73afa1b4f039cd256d68b))
+
+
+## v2.21.2 (2025-06-30)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **waveform**: Fix waveform categorisation for aborted scans
+  ([`09c5a44`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/09c5a443aac675f02fa1e38179deb9863af152e2))
+
+### Testing
+
+- Assert config for equality, not identity
+  ([`3f5ab14`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/3f5ab142a3cb5446261c4faebdc7b13f10ef4a80))
+
+
+## v2.21.1 (2025-06-29)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **sbb monitor**: Add missing pyproject file
+  ([`371bc48`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/371bc485d060404433082c9e3e00780961ce6ae3))
+
+
+## v2.21.0 (2025-06-28)
+
+### Features
+
+- **sbb monitor**: Add sbb monitor widget
+  ([`3d59c25`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/3d59c25aa93590a62ab4d31a4ab08589402bf407))
+
+
+## v2.20.1 (2025-06-28)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **signal input base**: Unregister callback to avoid accessing deleted qt objects
+  ([`7ba8863`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/7ba8863d6a0c21f772e4ef8a5d4180c2a7ab49cb))
+
+
+## v2.20.0 (2025-06-26)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **curve_settings**: Larger minimalWidth for the x device combobox selection
+  ([`48a0e58`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/48a0e5831feccd30f24218821bbc9d73f8c47933))
+
+### Features
+
+- **waveform**: Move x axis selection to a combobox
+  ([`d10328c`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/d10328cb5c775a9b7b40ed4e9f2889e63eb039ff))
+
+### Refactoring
+
+- **curve settings**: Move signal logic to SignalCombobox
+  ([`e841468`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/e84146889210165de1c4e63eb20b39f30cc5c623))
+
+### Testing
+
+- **curve settings**: Add curve tree elements to the dialog test
+  ([`1e9dd4c`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/1e9dd4cd2561d37bdda1cd86b511295c259b2831))
+
+
+## v2.19.4 (2025-06-26)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **curve tree**: Remove manual interception of the close event; call parent cleanup
+  ([`bc3085a`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/bc3085ab8cb6688da358df4a7c07fc213a99f2df))
+
+- **waveform**: Curve tree elements must clean up signal combobox
+  ([`9cba696`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/9cba696afd3300a76678dfdc4226604696cc3696))
+
+
+## v2.19.3 (2025-06-25)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **scan_control**: Safeguard against empty history; reversed history to fetch the newest scan
+  ([`29a26b1`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/29a26b19f9ab829b0d877c3233613a0936db0a12))
+
+
 ## v2.19.2 (2025-06-23)
 
 ### Bug Fixes

README.md

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 [![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)
+[![Python](https://img.shields.io/badge/python-3.11%20%7C%203.12%20%7C%203.13-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)

bec_widgets/__init__.py

@@ -1,4 +1,20 @@
+import os
+import sys
+
+import PySide6QtAds as QtAds
+
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
 from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeProperty, SafeSlot
 
+if sys.platform.startswith("linux"):
+    qt_platform = os.environ.get("QT_QPA_PLATFORM", "")
+    if qt_platform != "offscreen":
+        os.environ["QT_QPA_PLATFORM"] = "xcb"
+
+# Default QtAds configuration
+QtAds.CDockManager.setConfigFlag(QtAds.CDockManager.eConfigFlag.FocusHighlighting, True)
+QtAds.CDockManager.setConfigFlag(
+    QtAds.CDockManager.eConfigFlag.RetainTabSizeWhenCloseButtonHidden, True
+)
+
 __all__ = ["BECWidget", "SafeSlot", "SafeProperty"]

bec_widgets/applications/launch_window.py

@@ -27,11 +27,11 @@ 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
-from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.main_window import BECMainWindow, UILaunchWindow
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.main_window import BECMainWindow, BECMainWindowNoRPC
 from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.visual.dark_mode_button.dark_mode_button import DarkModeButton
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
@@ -395,20 +395,24 @@ class LaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
             if isinstance(result_widget, BECMainWindow):
                 result_widget.show()
             else:
-                window = BECMainWindow()
+                window = BECMainWindowNoRPC()
                 window.setCentralWidget(result_widget)
                 window.setWindowTitle(f"BEC - {result_widget.objectName()}")
                 window.show()
             return result_widget
 
     def _launch_custom_ui_file(self, ui_file: str | None) -> BECMainWindow:
-        # Load the custom UI file
+        """
+        Load a custom .ui file. If the top-level widget is a MainWindow subclass,
+        instantiate it directly; otherwise, embed it in a UILaunchWindow.
+        """
         if ui_file is None:
             raise ValueError("UI file must be provided for custom UI file launch.")
         filename = os.path.basename(ui_file).split(".")[0]
 
         WidgetContainerUtils.raise_for_invalid_name(filename)
 
+        # Parse the UI to detect top-level widget class
         tree = ET.parse(ui_file)
         root = tree.getroot()
         # Check if the top-level widget is a QMainWindow
@@ -416,19 +420,22 @@ class LaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
         if widget is None:
             raise ValueError("No widget found in the UI file.")
 
-        if widget.attrib.get("class") == "QMainWindow":
-            raise ValueError(
-                "Loading a QMainWindow from a UI file is currently not supported. "
-                "If you need this, please contact the BEC team or create a ticket on gitlab.psi.ch/bec/bec_widgets."
-            )
+        # Load the UI into a widget
+        loader = UILoader(None)
+        loaded = loader.loader(ui_file)
+
+        # Display the UI in a BECMainWindow
+        if isinstance(loaded, BECMainWindow):
+            window = loaded
+            window.object_name = filename
+        else:
+            window = BECMainWindow(object_name=filename)
+            window.setCentralWidget(loaded)
 
-        window = UILaunchWindow(object_name=filename)
         QApplication.processEvents()
-        result_widget = UILoader(window).loader(ui_file)
-        window.setCentralWidget(result_widget)
-        window.setWindowTitle(f"BEC - {window.object_name}")
+        window.setWindowTitle(f"BEC - {filename}")
         window.show()
-        logger.info(f"Object name of new instance: {result_widget.objectName()}, {window.gui_id}")
+        logger.info(f"Launched custom UI: {filename}, type: {type(window).__name__}")
         return window
 
     def _launch_auto_update(self, auto_update: str) -> AutoUpdates:
@@ -451,7 +458,7 @@ class LaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
 
         WidgetContainerUtils.raise_for_invalid_name(name)
 
-        window = BECMainWindow()
+        window = BECMainWindowNoRPC()
 
         widget_instance = widget(root_widget=True, object_name=name)
         assert isinstance(widget_instance, QWidget)

bec_widgets/applications/main_app.py

@@ -0,0 +1,226 @@
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QHBoxLayout, QStackedWidget, QWidget
+
+from bec_widgets.applications.navigation_centre.reveal_animator import ANIMATION_DURATION
+from bec_widgets.applications.navigation_centre.side_bar import SideBar
+from bec_widgets.applications.navigation_centre.side_bar_components import NavigationItem
+from bec_widgets.applications.views.device_manager_view.device_manager_widget import (
+    DeviceManagerWidget,
+)
+from bec_widgets.applications.views.view import ViewBase, WaveformViewInline, WaveformViewPopup
+from bec_widgets.examples.developer_view.developer_view import DeveloperView
+from bec_widgets.utils.colors import apply_theme
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.advanced_dock_area.advanced_dock_area import AdvancedDockArea
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.main_window import BECMainWindow
+
+
+class BECMainApp(BECMainWindow):
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        parent=None,
+        *args,
+        anim_duration: int = ANIMATION_DURATION,
+        show_examples: bool = False,
+        **kwargs,
+    ):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, *args, **kwargs)
+        self._show_examples = bool(show_examples)
+
+        # --- Compose central UI (sidebar + stack)
+        self.sidebar = SideBar(parent=self, anim_duration=anim_duration)
+        self.stack = QStackedWidget(self)
+
+        container = QWidget(self)
+        layout = QHBoxLayout(container)
+        layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        layout.setSpacing(0)
+        layout.addWidget(self.sidebar, 0)
+        layout.addWidget(self.stack, 1)
+        self.setCentralWidget(container)
+
+        # Mapping for view switching
+        self._view_index: dict[str, int] = {}
+        self._current_view_id: str | None = None
+        self.sidebar.view_selected.connect(self._on_view_selected)
+
+        self._add_views()
+
+    def _add_views(self):
+        self.add_section("BEC Applications", "bec_apps")
+        self.ads = AdvancedDockArea(self)
+        self.device_manager = DeviceManagerWidget(self)
+        self.developer_view = DeveloperView(self)
+
+        self.add_view(
+            icon="widgets", title="Dock Area", id="dock_area", widget=self.ads, mini_text="Docks"
+        )
+        self.add_view(
+            icon="display_settings",
+            title="Device Manager",
+            id="device_manager",
+            widget=self.device_manager,
+            mini_text="DM",
+        )
+        self.add_view(
+            icon="code_blocks",
+            title="IDE",
+            widget=self.developer_view,
+            id="developer_view",
+            exclusive=True,
+        )
+
+        if self._show_examples:
+            self.add_section("Examples", "examples")
+            waveform_view_popup = WaveformViewPopup(
+                parent=self, id="waveform_view_popup", title="Waveform Plot"
+            )
+            waveform_view_stack = WaveformViewInline(
+                parent=self, id="waveform_view_stack", title="Waveform Plot"
+            )
+
+            self.add_view(
+                icon="show_chart",
+                title="Waveform With Popup",
+                id="waveform_popup",
+                widget=waveform_view_popup,
+                mini_text="Popup",
+            )
+            self.add_view(
+                icon="show_chart",
+                title="Waveform InLine Stack",
+                id="waveform_stack",
+                widget=waveform_view_stack,
+                mini_text="Stack",
+            )
+
+        self.set_current("dock_area")
+        self.sidebar.add_dark_mode_item()
+
+    # --- Public API ------------------------------------------------------
+    def add_section(self, title: str, id: str, position: int | None = None):
+        return self.sidebar.add_section(title, id, position)
+
+    def add_separator(self):
+        return self.sidebar.add_separator()
+
+    def add_dark_mode_item(self, id: str = "dark_mode", position: int | None = None):
+        return self.sidebar.add_dark_mode_item(id=id, position=position)
+
+    def add_view(
+        self,
+        *,
+        icon: str,
+        title: str,
+        id: str,
+        widget: QWidget,
+        mini_text: str | None = None,
+        position: int | None = None,
+        from_top: bool = True,
+        toggleable: bool = True,
+        exclusive: bool = True,
+    ) -> NavigationItem:
+        """
+        Register a view in the stack and create a matching nav item in the sidebar.
+
+        Args:
+            icon(str): Icon name for the nav item.
+            title(str): Title for the nav item.
+            id(str): Unique ID for the view/item.
+            widget(QWidget): The widget to add to the stack.
+            mini_text(str, optional): Short text for the nav item when sidebar is collapsed.
+            position(int, optional): Position to insert the nav item.
+            from_top(bool, optional): Whether to count position from the top or bottom.
+            toggleable(bool, optional): Whether the nav item is toggleable.
+            exclusive(bool, optional): Whether the nav item is exclusive.
+
+        Returns:
+            NavigationItem: The created navigation item.
+
+
+        """
+        item = self.sidebar.add_item(
+            icon=icon,
+            title=title,
+            id=id,
+            mini_text=mini_text,
+            position=position,
+            from_top=from_top,
+            toggleable=toggleable,
+            exclusive=exclusive,
+        )
+        # Wrap plain widgets into a ViewBase so enter/exit hooks are available
+        if isinstance(widget, ViewBase):
+            view_widget = widget
+            view_widget.view_id = id
+            view_widget.view_title = title
+        else:
+            view_widget = ViewBase(content=widget, parent=self, id=id, title=title)
+
+        idx = self.stack.addWidget(view_widget)
+        self._view_index[id] = idx
+        return item
+
+    def set_current(self, id: str) -> None:
+        if id in self._view_index:
+            self.sidebar.activate_item(id)
+
+    # Internal: route sidebar selection to the stack
+    def _on_view_selected(self, vid: str) -> None:
+        # Determine current view
+        current_index = self.stack.currentIndex()
+        current_view = (
+            self.stack.widget(current_index) if 0 <= current_index < self.stack.count() else None
+        )
+
+        # Ask current view whether we may leave
+        if current_view is not None and hasattr(current_view, "on_exit"):
+            may_leave = current_view.on_exit()
+            if may_leave is False:
+                # Veto: restore previous highlight without re-emitting selection
+                if self._current_view_id is not None:
+                    self.sidebar.activate_item(self._current_view_id, emit_signal=False)
+                return
+
+        # Proceed with switch
+        idx = self._view_index.get(vid)
+        if idx is None or not (0 <= idx < self.stack.count()):
+            return
+        self.stack.setCurrentIndex(idx)
+        new_view = self.stack.widget(idx)
+        self._current_view_id = vid
+        if hasattr(new_view, "on_enter"):
+            new_view.on_enter()
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+    import argparse
+    import sys
+
+    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description="BEC Main Application")
+    parser.add_argument(
+        "--examples", action="store_true", help="Show the Examples section with waveform demo views"
+    )
+    # Let Qt consume the remaining args
+    args, qt_args = parser.parse_known_args(sys.argv[1:])
+
+    app = QApplication([sys.argv[0], *qt_args])
+    apply_theme("dark")
+    w = BECMainApp(show_examples=args.examples)
+
+    screen = app.primaryScreen()
+    screen_geometry = screen.availableGeometry()
+    screen_width = screen_geometry.width()
+    screen_height = screen_geometry.height()
+    # 70% of screen height, keep 16:9 ratio
+    height = int(screen_height * 0.9)
+    width = int(height * (16 / 9))
+
+    # If width exceeds screen width, scale down
+    if width > screen_width * 0.9:
+        width = int(screen_width * 0.9)
+        height = int(width / (16 / 9))
+
+    w.resize(width, height)
+    w.show()
+
+    sys.exit(app.exec())

bec_widgets/applications/navigation_centre/reveal_animator.py

@@ -0,0 +1,114 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from qtpy.QtCore import QEasingCurve, QParallelAnimationGroup, QPropertyAnimation
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QGraphicsOpacityEffect, QWidget
+
+ANIMATION_DURATION = 500  # ms
+
+
+class RevealAnimator:
+    """Animate reveal/hide for a single widget using opacity + max W/H.
+
+    This keeps the widget always visible to avoid jitter from setVisible().
+    Collapsed state: opacity=0, maxW=0, maxH=0.
+    Expanded state: opacity=1, maxW=sizeHint.width(), maxH=sizeHint.height().
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        widget: QWidget,
+        duration: int = ANIMATION_DURATION,
+        easing: QEasingCurve.Type = QEasingCurve.InOutCubic,
+        initially_revealed: bool = False,
+        *,
+        animate_opacity: bool = True,
+        animate_width: bool = True,
+        animate_height: bool = True,
+    ):
+        self.widget = widget
+        self.animate_opacity = animate_opacity
+        self.animate_width = animate_width
+        self.animate_height = animate_height
+        # Opacity effect
+        self.fx = QGraphicsOpacityEffect(widget)
+        widget.setGraphicsEffect(self.fx)
+        # Animations
+        self.opacity_anim = (
+            QPropertyAnimation(self.fx, b"opacity") if self.animate_opacity else None
+        )
+        self.width_anim = (
+            QPropertyAnimation(widget, b"maximumWidth") if self.animate_width else None
+        )
+        self.height_anim = (
+            QPropertyAnimation(widget, b"maximumHeight") if self.animate_height else None
+        )
+        for anim in (self.opacity_anim, self.width_anim, self.height_anim):
+            if anim is not None:
+                anim.setDuration(duration)
+                anim.setEasingCurve(easing)
+        # Initialize to requested state
+        self.set_immediate(initially_revealed)
+
+    def _natural_sizes(self) -> tuple[int, int]:
+        sh = self.widget.sizeHint()
+        w = max(sh.width(), 1)
+        h = max(sh.height(), 1)
+        return w, h
+
+    def set_immediate(self, revealed: bool):
+        """
+        Immediately set the widget to the target revealed/collapsed state.
+
+        Args:
+            revealed(bool): True to reveal, False to collapse.
+        """
+        w, h = self._natural_sizes()
+        if self.animate_opacity:
+            self.fx.setOpacity(1.0 if revealed else 0.0)
+        if self.animate_width:
+            self.widget.setMaximumWidth(w if revealed else 0)
+        if self.animate_height:
+            self.widget.setMaximumHeight(h if revealed else 0)
+
+    def setup(self, reveal: bool):
+        """
+        Prepare animations to transition to the target revealed/collapsed state.
+
+        Args:
+            reveal(bool): True to reveal, False to collapse.
+        """
+        # Prepare animations from current state to target
+        target_w, target_h = self._natural_sizes()
+        if self.opacity_anim is not None:
+            self.opacity_anim.setStartValue(self.fx.opacity())
+            self.opacity_anim.setEndValue(1.0 if reveal else 0.0)
+        if self.width_anim is not None:
+            self.width_anim.setStartValue(self.widget.maximumWidth())
+            self.width_anim.setEndValue(target_w if reveal else 0)
+        if self.height_anim is not None:
+            self.height_anim.setStartValue(self.widget.maximumHeight())
+            self.height_anim.setEndValue(target_h if reveal else 0)
+
+    def add_to_group(self, group: QParallelAnimationGroup):
+        """
+        Add the prepared animations to the given animation group.
+
+        Args:
+            group(QParallelAnimationGroup): The animation group to add to.
+        """
+        if self.opacity_anim is not None:
+            group.addAnimation(self.opacity_anim)
+        if self.width_anim is not None:
+            group.addAnimation(self.width_anim)
+        if self.height_anim is not None:
+            group.addAnimation(self.height_anim)
+
+    def animations(self):
+        """
+        Get a list of all animations (non-None) for adding to a group.
+        """
+        return [
+            anim
+            for anim in (self.opacity_anim, self.height_anim, self.width_anim)
+            if anim is not None
+        ]

bec_widgets/applications/navigation_centre/side_bar.py

@@ -0,0 +1,357 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from bec_qthemes import material_icon
+from qtpy import QtWidgets
+from qtpy.QtCore import QEasingCurve, QParallelAnimationGroup, QPropertyAnimation, Qt, Signal
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
+    QGraphicsOpacityEffect,
+    QHBoxLayout,
+    QLabel,
+    QScrollArea,
+    QToolButton,
+    QVBoxLayout,
+    QWidget,
+)
+
+from bec_widgets import SafeProperty, SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.applications.navigation_centre.reveal_animator import ANIMATION_DURATION
+from bec_widgets.applications.navigation_centre.side_bar_components import (
+    DarkModeNavItem,
+    NavigationItem,
+    SectionHeader,
+    SideBarSeparator,
+)
+
+
+class SideBar(QScrollArea):
+    view_selected = Signal(str)
+    toggled = Signal(bool)
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        parent=None,
+        title: str = "Control Panel",
+        collapsed_width: int = 56,
+        expanded_width: int = 250,
+        anim_duration: int = ANIMATION_DURATION,
+    ):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent)
+        self.setObjectName("SideBar")
+
+        # private attributes
+        self._is_expanded = False
+        self._collapsed_width = collapsed_width
+        self._expanded_width = expanded_width
+        self._anim_duration = anim_duration
+
+        # containers
+        self.components = {}
+        self._item_opts: dict[str, dict] = {}
+
+        # Scroll area properties
+        self.setWidgetResizable(True)
+        self.setHorizontalScrollBarPolicy(Qt.ScrollBarAlwaysOff)
+        self.setVerticalScrollBarPolicy(Qt.ScrollBarAlwaysOff)
+        self.setFrameShape(QtWidgets.QFrame.NoFrame)
+        self.setFixedWidth(self._collapsed_width)
+
+        # Content widget holding buttons for switching views
+        self.content = QWidget(self)
+        self.content_layout = QVBoxLayout(self.content)
+        self.content_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        self.content_layout.setSpacing(4)
+        self.setWidget(self.content)
+
+        # Track active navigation item
+        self._active_id = None
+
+        # Top row with title and toggle button
+        self.toggle_row = QWidget(self)
+        self.toggle_row_layout = QHBoxLayout(self.toggle_row)
+
+        self.title_label = QLabel(title, self)
+        self.title_label.setObjectName("TopTitle")
+        self.title_label.setStyleSheet("font-weight: 600;")
+        self.title_fx = QGraphicsOpacityEffect(self.title_label)
+        self.title_label.setGraphicsEffect(self.title_fx)
+        self.title_fx.setOpacity(0.0)
+        self.title_label.setVisible(False)  # TODO dirty trick to avoid layout shift
+
+        self.toggle = QToolButton(self)
+        self.toggle.setCheckable(False)
+        self.toggle.setIcon(material_icon("keyboard_arrow_right", convert_to_pixmap=False))
+        self.toggle.clicked.connect(self.on_expand)
+
+        self.toggle_row_layout.addWidget(self.title_label, 1, Qt.AlignLeft | Qt.AlignVCenter)
+        self.toggle_row_layout.addWidget(self.toggle, 1, Qt.AlignHCenter | Qt.AlignVCenter)
+
+        # To push the content up always
+        self._bottom_spacer = QtWidgets.QSpacerItem(
+            0, 0, QtWidgets.QSizePolicy.Minimum, QtWidgets.QSizePolicy.Expanding
+        )
+
+        # Add core widgets to layout
+        self.content_layout.addWidget(self.toggle_row)
+        self.content_layout.addItem(self._bottom_spacer)
+
+        # Animations
+        self.width_anim = QPropertyAnimation(self, b"bar_width")
+        self.width_anim.setDuration(self._anim_duration)
+        self.width_anim.setEasingCurve(QEasingCurve.InOutCubic)
+
+        self.title_anim = QPropertyAnimation(self.title_fx, b"opacity")
+        self.title_anim.setDuration(self._anim_duration)
+        self.title_anim.setEasingCurve(QEasingCurve.InOutCubic)
+
+        self.group = QParallelAnimationGroup(self)
+        self.group.addAnimation(self.width_anim)
+        self.group.addAnimation(self.title_anim)
+        self.group.finished.connect(self._on_anim_finished)
+
+        app = QtWidgets.QApplication.instance()
+        if app is not None and hasattr(app, "theme") and hasattr(app.theme, "theme_changed"):
+            app.theme.theme_changed.connect(self._on_theme_changed)
+
+    @SafeProperty(int)
+    def bar_width(self) -> int:
+        """
+        Get the current width of the side bar.
+
+        Returns:
+            int: The current width of the side bar.
+        """
+        return self.width()
+
+    @bar_width.setter
+    def bar_width(self, width: int):
+        """
+        Set the width of the side bar.
+
+        Args:
+            width(int): The new width of the side bar.
+        """
+        self.setFixedWidth(width)
+
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
+    def is_expanded(self) -> bool:
+        """
+        Check if the side bar is expanded.
+
+        Returns:
+            bool: True if the side bar is expanded, False otherwise.
+        """
+        return self._is_expanded
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    @SafeSlot(bool)
+    def on_expand(self):
+        """
+        Toggle the expansion state of the side bar.
+        """
+        self._is_expanded = not self._is_expanded
+        self.toggle.setIcon(
+            material_icon(
+                "keyboard_arrow_left" if self._is_expanded else "keyboard_arrow_right",
+                convert_to_pixmap=False,
+            )
+        )
+
+        if self._is_expanded:
+            self.toggle_row_layout.setAlignment(self.toggle, Qt.AlignRight | Qt.AlignVCenter)
+
+        self.group.stop()
+        # Setting limits for animations of the side bar
+        self.width_anim.setStartValue(self.width())
+        self.width_anim.setEndValue(
+            self._expanded_width if self._is_expanded else self._collapsed_width
+        )
+        self.title_anim.setStartValue(self.title_fx.opacity())
+        self.title_anim.setEndValue(1.0 if self._is_expanded else 0.0)
+
+        # Setting limits for animations of the components
+        for comp in self.components.values():
+            if hasattr(comp, "setup_animations"):
+                comp.setup_animations(self._is_expanded)
+
+        self.group.start()
+        if self._is_expanded:
+            # TODO do not like this trick, but it is what it is for now
+            self.title_label.setVisible(self._is_expanded)
+            for comp in self.components.values():
+                if hasattr(comp, "set_visible"):
+                    comp.set_visible(self._is_expanded)
+        self.toggled.emit(self._is_expanded)
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def _on_anim_finished(self):
+        if not self._is_expanded:
+            self.toggle_row_layout.setAlignment(self.toggle, Qt.AlignHCenter | Qt.AlignVCenter)
+            # TODO do not like this trick, but it is what it is for now
+            self.title_label.setVisible(self._is_expanded)
+            for comp in self.components.values():
+                if hasattr(comp, "set_visible"):
+                    comp.set_visible(self._is_expanded)
+
+    @SafeSlot(str)
+    def _on_theme_changed(self, theme_name: str):
+        # Refresh toggle arrow icon so it picks up the new theme
+        self.toggle.setIcon(
+            material_icon(
+                "keyboard_arrow_left" if self._is_expanded else "keyboard_arrow_right",
+                convert_to_pixmap=False,
+            )
+        )
+        # Refresh each component that supports it
+        for comp in self.components.values():
+            if hasattr(comp, "refresh_theme"):
+                comp.refresh_theme()
+            else:
+                comp.style().unpolish(comp)
+                comp.style().polish(comp)
+                comp.update()
+        self.style().unpolish(self)
+        self.style().polish(self)
+        self.update()
+
+    def add_section(self, title: str, id: str, position: int | None = None) -> SectionHeader:
+        """
+        Add a section header to the side bar.
+
+        Args:
+            title(str): The title of the section.
+            id(str): Unique ID for the section.
+            position(int, optional): Position to insert the section header.
+
+        Returns:
+            SectionHeader: The created section header.
+
+        """
+        header = SectionHeader(self, title, anim_duration=self._anim_duration)
+        position = position if position is not None else self.content_layout.count() - 1
+        self.content_layout.insertWidget(position, header)
+        for anim in header.animations:
+            self.group.addAnimation(anim)
+        self.components[id] = header
+        return header
+
+    def add_separator(
+        self, *, from_top: bool = True, position: int | None = None
+    ) -> SideBarSeparator:
+        """
+        Add a separator line to the side bar. Separators are treated like regular
+        items; you can place multiple separators anywhere using `from_top` and `position`.
+        """
+        line = SideBarSeparator(self)
+        line.setStyleSheet("margin:12px;")
+        self._insert_nav_item(line, from_top=from_top, position=position)
+        return line
+
+    def add_item(
+        self,
+        icon: str,
+        title: str,
+        id: str,
+        mini_text: str | None = None,
+        position: int | None = None,
+        *,
+        from_top: bool = True,
+        toggleable: bool = True,
+        exclusive: bool = True,
+    ) -> NavigationItem:
+        """
+        Add a navigation item to the side bar.
+
+        Args:
+            icon(str): Icon name for the nav item.
+            title(str): Title for the nav item.
+            id(str): Unique ID for the nav item.
+            mini_text(str, optional): Short text for the nav item when sidebar is collapsed.
+            position(int, optional): Position to insert the nav item.
+            from_top(bool, optional): Whether to count position from the top or bottom.
+            toggleable(bool, optional): Whether the nav item is toggleable.
+            exclusive(bool, optional): Whether the nav item is exclusive.
+
+        Returns:
+            NavigationItem: The created navigation item.
+        """
+        item = NavigationItem(
+            parent=self,
+            title=title,
+            icon_name=icon,
+            mini_text=mini_text,
+            toggleable=toggleable,
+            exclusive=exclusive,
+            anim_duration=self._anim_duration,
+        )
+        self._insert_nav_item(item, from_top=from_top, position=position)
+        for anim in item.build_animations():
+            self.group.addAnimation(anim)
+        self.components[id] = item
+        # Connect activation to activation logic, passing id unchanged
+        item.activated.connect(lambda id=id: self.activate_item(id))
+        return item
+
+    def activate_item(self, target_id: str, *, emit_signal: bool = True):
+        target = self.components.get(target_id)
+        if target is None:
+            return
+        # Non-toggleable acts like an action: do not change any toggled states
+        if hasattr(target, "toggleable") and not target.toggleable:
+            self._active_id = target_id
+            if emit_signal:
+                self.view_selected.emit(target_id)
+            return
+
+        is_exclusive = getattr(target, "exclusive", True)
+        if is_exclusive:
+            # Radio-like behavior among exclusive items only
+            for comp_id, comp in self.components.items():
+                if not isinstance(comp, NavigationItem):
+                    continue
+                if comp is target:
+                    comp.set_active(True)
+                else:
+                    # Only untoggle other items that are also exclusive
+                    if getattr(comp, "exclusive", True):
+                        comp.set_active(False)
+                    # Leave non-exclusive items as they are
+        else:
+            # Non-exclusive toggles independently
+            target.set_active(not target.is_active())
+
+        self._active_id = target_id
+        if emit_signal:
+            self.view_selected.emit(target_id)
+
+    def add_dark_mode_item(
+        self, id: str = "dark_mode", position: int | None = None
+    ) -> DarkModeNavItem:
+        """
+        Add a dark mode toggle item to the side bar.
+
+        Args:
+            id(str): Unique ID for the dark mode item.
+            position(int, optional): Position to insert the dark mode item.
+
+        Returns:
+            DarkModeNavItem: The created dark mode navigation item.
+        """
+        item = DarkModeNavItem(parent=self, id=id, anim_duration=self._anim_duration)
+        # compute bottom insertion point (same semantics as from_top=False)
+        self._insert_nav_item(item, from_top=False, position=position)
+        for anim in item.build_animations():
+            self.group.addAnimation(anim)
+        self.components[id] = item
+        item.activated.connect(lambda id=id: self.activate_item(id))
+        return item
+
+    def _insert_nav_item(
+        self, item: QWidget, *, from_top: bool = True, position: int | None = None
+    ):
+        if from_top:
+            base_index = self.content_layout.indexOf(self._bottom_spacer)
+            pos = base_index if position is None else min(base_index, position)
+        else:
+            base = self.content_layout.indexOf(self._bottom_spacer) + 1
+            pos = base if position is None else base + max(0, position)
+        self.content_layout.insertWidget(pos, item)

bec_widgets/applications/navigation_centre/side_bar_components.py

@@ -0,0 +1,372 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from bec_qthemes import material_icon
+from qtpy import QtCore
+from qtpy.QtCore import QEasingCurve, QPropertyAnimation, Qt
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
+    QApplication,
+    QFrame,
+    QHBoxLayout,
+    QLabel,
+    QSizePolicy,
+    QToolButton,
+    QVBoxLayout,
+    QWidget,
+)
+
+from bec_widgets import SafeProperty
+from bec_widgets.applications.navigation_centre.reveal_animator import (
+    ANIMATION_DURATION,
+    RevealAnimator,
+)
+
+
+def get_on_primary():
+    app = QApplication.instance()
+    if app is not None and hasattr(app, "theme"):
+        return app.theme.color("ON_PRIMARY")
+    return "#FFFFFF"
+
+
+def get_fg():
+    app = QApplication.instance()
+    if app is not None and hasattr(app, "theme"):
+        return app.theme.color("FG")
+    return "#FFFFFF"
+
+
+class SideBarSeparator(QFrame):
+    """A horizontal line separator for use in SideBar."""
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None):
+        super().__init__(parent)
+        self.setObjectName("SideBarSeparator")
+        self.setFrameShape(QFrame.NoFrame)
+        self.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Fixed)
+        self.setFixedHeight(2)
+        self.setProperty("variant", "separator")
+
+
+class SectionHeader(QWidget):
+    """A section header with a label and a horizontal line below."""
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None, text: str = None, anim_duration: int = ANIMATION_DURATION):
+        super().__init__(parent)
+        self.setObjectName("SectionHeader")
+
+        self.lbl = QLabel(text, self)
+        self.lbl.setObjectName("SectionHeaderLabel")
+        self.lbl.setAlignment(Qt.AlignLeft | Qt.AlignVCenter)
+        self._reveal = RevealAnimator(self.lbl, duration=anim_duration, initially_revealed=False)
+
+        self.line = SideBarSeparator(self)
+
+        lay = QVBoxLayout(self)
+        # keep your margins/spacing preferences here if needed
+        lay.setContentsMargins(12, 0, 12, 0)
+        lay.setSpacing(6)
+        lay.addWidget(self.lbl)
+        lay.addWidget(self.line)
+
+        self.animations = self.build_animations()
+
+    def build_animations(self) -> list[QPropertyAnimation]:
+        """
+        Build and return animations for expanding/collapsing the sidebar.
+
+        Returns:
+            list[QPropertyAnimation]: List of animations.
+        """
+        return self._reveal.animations()
+
+    def setup_animations(self, expanded: bool):
+        """
+        Setup animations for expanding/collapsing the sidebar.
+
+        Args:
+            expanded(bool): True if the sidebar is expanded, False if collapsed.
+        """
+        self._reveal.setup(expanded)
+
+
+class NavigationItem(QWidget):
+    """A nav tile with an icon + labels and an optional expandable body.
+    Provides animations for collapsed/expanded sidebar states via
+    build_animations()/setup_animations(), similar to SectionHeader.
+    """
+
+    activated = QtCore.Signal()
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        parent=None,
+        *,
+        title: str,
+        icon_name: str,
+        mini_text: str | None = None,
+        toggleable: bool = True,
+        exclusive: bool = True,
+        anim_duration: int = ANIMATION_DURATION,
+    ):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent)
+        self.setObjectName("NavigationItem")
+
+        # Private attributes
+        self._title = title
+        self._icon_name = icon_name
+        self._mini_text = mini_text or title
+        self._toggleable = toggleable
+        self._toggled = False
+        self._exclusive = exclusive
+
+        # Main Icon
+        self.icon_btn = QToolButton(self)
+        self.icon_btn.setIcon(material_icon(self._icon_name, filled=False, convert_to_pixmap=False))
+        self.icon_btn.setAutoRaise(True)
+        self._icon_size_collapsed = QtCore.QSize(20, 20)
+        self._icon_size_expanded = QtCore.QSize(26, 26)
+        self.icon_btn.setIconSize(self._icon_size_collapsed)
+        # Remove QToolButton hover/pressed background/outline
+        self.icon_btn.setStyleSheet(
+            """
+            QToolButton:hover { background: transparent; border: none; }
+            QToolButton:pressed { background: transparent; border: none; }
+            """
+        )
+
+        # Mini label below icon
+        self.mini_lbl = QLabel(self._mini_text, self)
+        self.mini_lbl.setObjectName("NavMiniLabel")
+        self.mini_lbl.setAlignment(Qt.AlignCenter)
+        self.mini_lbl.setStyleSheet("font-size: 10px;")
+        self.reveal_mini_lbl = RevealAnimator(
+            widget=self.mini_lbl,
+            initially_revealed=True,
+            animate_width=False,
+            duration=anim_duration,
+        )
+
+        # Container for icon + mini label
+        self.mini_icon = QWidget(self)
+        mini_lay = QVBoxLayout(self.mini_icon)
+        mini_lay.setContentsMargins(0, 2, 0, 2)
+        mini_lay.setSpacing(2)
+        mini_lay.addWidget(self.icon_btn, 0, Qt.AlignCenter)
+        mini_lay.addWidget(self.mini_lbl, 0, Qt.AlignCenter)
+
+        # Title label
+        self.title_lbl = QLabel(self._title, self)
+        self.title_lbl.setObjectName("NavTitleLabel")
+        self.title_lbl.setAlignment(Qt.AlignLeft | Qt.AlignVCenter)
+        self.title_lbl.setStyleSheet("font-size: 13px;")
+        self.reveal_title_lbl = RevealAnimator(
+            widget=self.title_lbl,
+            initially_revealed=False,
+            animate_height=False,
+            duration=anim_duration,
+        )
+        self.title_lbl.setVisible(False)  # TODO dirty trick to avoid layout shift
+
+        lay = QHBoxLayout(self)
+        lay.setContentsMargins(12, 2, 12, 2)
+        lay.setSpacing(6)
+        lay.addWidget(self.mini_icon, 0, Qt.AlignHCenter | Qt.AlignTop)
+        lay.addWidget(self.title_lbl, 1, Qt.AlignLeft | Qt.AlignVCenter)
+
+        self.icon_size_anim = QPropertyAnimation(self.icon_btn, b"iconSize")
+        self.icon_size_anim.setDuration(anim_duration)
+        self.icon_size_anim.setEasingCurve(QEasingCurve.InOutCubic)
+
+        # Connect icon button to emit activation
+        self.icon_btn.clicked.connect(self._emit_activated)
+        self.setMouseTracking(True)
+        self.setAttribute(Qt.WA_StyledBackground, True)
+
+    def is_active(self) -> bool:
+        """Return whether the item is currently active/selected."""
+        return self.property("toggled") is True
+
+    def build_animations(self) -> list[QPropertyAnimation]:
+        """
+        Build and return animations for expanding/collapsing the sidebar.
+
+        Returns:
+            list[QPropertyAnimation]: List of animations.
+        """
+        return (
+            self.reveal_title_lbl.animations()
+            + self.reveal_mini_lbl.animations()
+            + [self.icon_size_anim]
+        )
+
+    def setup_animations(self, expanded: bool):
+        """
+        Setup animations for expanding/collapsing the sidebar.
+
+        Args:
+            expanded(bool): True if the sidebar is expanded, False if collapsed.
+        """
+        self.reveal_mini_lbl.setup(not expanded)
+        self.reveal_title_lbl.setup(expanded)
+        self.icon_size_anim.setStartValue(self.icon_btn.iconSize())
+        self.icon_size_anim.setEndValue(
+            self._icon_size_expanded if expanded else self._icon_size_collapsed
+        )
+
+    def set_visible(self, visible: bool):
+        """Set visibility of the title label."""
+        self.title_lbl.setVisible(visible)
+
+    def _emit_activated(self):
+        self.activated.emit()
+
+    def set_active(self, active: bool):
+        """
+        Set the active/selected state of the item.
+
+        Args:
+            active(bool): True to set active, False to deactivate.
+        """
+        self.setProperty("toggled", active)
+        self.toggled = active
+        # ensure style refresh
+        self.style().unpolish(self)
+        self.style().polish(self)
+        self.update()
+
+    def mousePressEvent(self, event):
+        self.activated.emit()
+        super().mousePressEvent(event)
+
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
+    def toggleable(self) -> bool:
+        """
+        Whether the item is toggleable (like a button) or not (like an action).
+
+        Returns:
+            bool: True if toggleable, False otherwise.
+        """
+        return self._toggleable
+
+    @toggleable.setter
+    def toggleable(self, value: bool):
+        """
+        Set whether the item is toggleable (like a button) or not (like an action).
+        Args:
+            value(bool): True to make toggleable, False otherwise.
+        """
+        self._toggleable = bool(value)
+
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
+    def toggled(self) -> bool:
+        """
+        Whether the item is currently toggled/selected.
+
+        Returns:
+            bool: True if toggled, False otherwise.
+        """
+        return self._toggled
+
+    @toggled.setter
+    def toggled(self, value: bool):
+        """
+        Set whether the item is currently toggled/selected.
+
+        Args:
+            value(bool): True to set toggled, False to untoggle.
+        """
+        self._toggled = value
+        if value:
+            new_icon = material_icon(
+                self._icon_name, filled=True, color=get_on_primary(), convert_to_pixmap=False
+            )
+        else:
+            new_icon = material_icon(
+                self._icon_name, filled=False, color=get_fg(), convert_to_pixmap=False
+            )
+        self.icon_btn.setIcon(new_icon)
+        # Re-polish so QSS applies correct colors to icon/labels
+        for w in (self, self.icon_btn, self.title_lbl, self.mini_lbl):
+            w.style().unpolish(w)
+            w.style().polish(w)
+            w.update()
+
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
+    def exclusive(self) -> bool:
+        """
+        Whether the item is exclusive in its toggle group.
+
+        Returns:
+            bool: True if exclusive, False otherwise.
+        """
+        return self._exclusive
+
+    @exclusive.setter
+    def exclusive(self, value: bool):
+        """
+        Set whether the item is exclusive in its toggle group.
+
+        Args:
+            value(bool): True to make exclusive, False otherwise.
+        """
+        self._exclusive = bool(value)
+
+    def refresh_theme(self):
+        # Recompute icon/label colors according to current theme and state
+        # Trigger the toggled setter to rebuild the icon with the correct color
+        self.toggled = self._toggled
+        # Ensure QSS-driven text/icon colors refresh
+        for w in (self, self.icon_btn, self.title_lbl, self.mini_lbl):
+            w.style().unpolish(w)
+            w.style().polish(w)
+            w.update()
+
+
+class DarkModeNavItem(NavigationItem):
+    """Bottom action item that toggles app theme and updates its icon/text."""
+
+    def __init__(
+        self, parent=None, *, id: str = "dark_mode", anim_duration: int = ANIMATION_DURATION
+    ):
+        super().__init__(
+            parent=parent,
+            title="Dark mode",
+            icon_name="dark_mode",
+            mini_text="Dark",
+            toggleable=False,  # action-like, no selection highlight changes
+            exclusive=False,
+            anim_duration=anim_duration,
+        )
+        self._id = id
+        self._sync_from_qapp_theme()
+        self.activated.connect(self.toggle_theme)
+
+    def _qapp_dark_enabled(self) -> bool:
+        qapp = QApplication.instance()
+        return bool(getattr(getattr(qapp, "theme", None), "theme", None) == "dark")
+
+    def _sync_from_qapp_theme(self):
+        is_dark = self._qapp_dark_enabled()
+        # Update labels
+        self.title_lbl.setText("Light mode" if is_dark else "Dark mode")
+        self.mini_lbl.setText("Light" if is_dark else "Dark")
+        # Update icon
+        self.icon_btn.setIcon(
+            material_icon("light_mode" if is_dark else "dark_mode", convert_to_pixmap=False)
+        )
+
+    def refresh_theme(self):
+        self._sync_from_qapp_theme()
+        for w in (self, self.icon_btn, self.title_lbl, self.mini_lbl):
+            w.style().unpolish(w)
+            w.style().polish(w)
+            w.update()
+
+    def toggle_theme(self):
+        """Toggle application theme and update icon/text."""
+        from bec_widgets.utils.colors import apply_theme
+
+        is_dark = self._qapp_dark_enabled()
+
+        apply_theme("light" if is_dark else "dark")
+        self._sync_from_qapp_theme()

bec_widgets/applications/views/device_manager_view/device_manager_view.py

@@ -0,0 +1,564 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+from functools import partial
+from typing import List
+
+import PySide6QtAds as QtAds
+import yaml
+from bec_lib import config_helper
+from bec_lib.bec_yaml_loader import yaml_load
+from bec_lib.file_utils import DeviceConfigWriter
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
+from bec_lib.plugin_helper import plugin_package_name, plugin_repo_path
+from bec_qthemes import apply_theme
+from PySide6QtAds import CDockManager, CDockWidget
+from qtpy.QtCore import Qt, QThreadPool, QTimer
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QFileDialog, QMessageBox, QSplitter, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
+
+from bec_widgets import BECWidget
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.actions import MaterialIconAction
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.bundles import ToolbarBundle
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.toolbar import ModularToolBar
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_manager.components import (
+    DeviceTableView,
+    DMConfigView,
+    DMOphydTest,
+    DocstringView,
+)
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_manager.components._util import SharedSelectionSignal
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_manager.components.available_device_resources.available_device_resources import (
+    AvailableDeviceResources,
+)
+from bec_widgets.widgets.services.device_browser.device_item.config_communicator import (
+    CommunicateConfigAction,
+)
+from bec_widgets.widgets.services.device_browser.device_item.device_config_dialog import (
+    PresetClassDeviceConfigDialog,
+)
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+
+_yes_no_question = partial(
+    QMessageBox.question,
+    buttons=QMessageBox.StandardButton.Yes | QMessageBox.StandardButton.No,
+    defaultButton=QMessageBox.StandardButton.No,
+)
+
+
+def set_splitter_weights(splitter: QSplitter, weights: List[float]) -> None:
+    """
+    Apply initial sizes to a splitter using weight ratios, e.g. [1,3,2,1].
+    Works for horizontal or vertical splitters and sets matching stretch factors.
+    """
+
+    def apply():
+        n = splitter.count()
+        if n == 0:
+            return
+        w = list(weights[:n]) + [1] * max(0, n - len(weights))
+        w = [max(0.0, float(x)) for x in w]
+        tot_w = sum(w)
+        if tot_w <= 0:
+            w = [1.0] * n
+            tot_w = float(n)
+        total_px = (
+            splitter.width()
+            if splitter.orientation() == Qt.Orientation.Horizontal
+            else splitter.height()
+        )
+        if total_px < 2:
+            QTimer.singleShot(0, apply)
+            return
+        sizes = [max(1, int(total_px * (wi / tot_w))) for wi in w]
+        diff = total_px - sum(sizes)
+        if diff != 0:
+            idx = max(range(n), key=lambda i: w[i])
+            sizes[idx] = max(1, sizes[idx] + diff)
+        splitter.setSizes(sizes)
+        for i, wi in enumerate(w):
+            splitter.setStretchFactor(i, max(1, int(round(wi * 100))))
+
+    QTimer.singleShot(0, apply)
+
+
+class DeviceManagerView(BECWidget, QWidget):
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None, *args, **kwargs):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, client=None, *args, **kwargs)
+
+        self._config_helper = config_helper.ConfigHelper(self.client.connector)
+        self._shared_selection = SharedSelectionSignal()
+
+        # Top-level layout hosting a toolbar and the dock manager
+        self._root_layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
+        self._root_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        self._root_layout.setSpacing(0)
+        self.dock_manager = CDockManager(self)
+        self.dock_manager.setStyleSheet("")
+        self._root_layout.addWidget(self.dock_manager)
+
+        # Available Resources Widget
+        self.available_devices = AvailableDeviceResources(
+            self, shared_selection_signal=self._shared_selection
+        )
+        self.available_devices_dock = QtAds.CDockWidget(
+            self.dock_manager, "Available Devices", self
+        )
+        self.available_devices_dock.setWidget(self.available_devices)
+
+        # Device Table View widget
+        self.device_table_view = DeviceTableView(
+            self, shared_selection_signal=self._shared_selection
+        )
+        self.device_table_view_dock = QtAds.CDockWidget(self.dock_manager, "Device Table", self)
+        self.device_table_view_dock.setWidget(self.device_table_view)
+
+        # Device Config View widget
+        self.dm_config_view = DMConfigView(self)
+        self.dm_config_view_dock = QtAds.CDockWidget(self.dock_manager, "Device Config View", self)
+        self.dm_config_view_dock.setWidget(self.dm_config_view)
+
+        # Docstring View
+        self.dm_docs_view = DocstringView(self)
+        self.dm_docs_view_dock = QtAds.CDockWidget(self.dock_manager, "Docstring View", self)
+        self.dm_docs_view_dock.setWidget(self.dm_docs_view)
+
+        # Ophyd Test view
+        self.ophyd_test_view = DMOphydTest(self)
+        self.ophyd_test_dock_view = QtAds.CDockWidget(self.dock_manager, "Ophyd Test View", self)
+        self.ophyd_test_dock_view.setWidget(self.ophyd_test_view)
+
+        # Arrange widgets within the QtAds dock manager
+
+        # Central widget area
+        self.central_dock_area = self.dock_manager.setCentralWidget(self.device_table_view_dock)
+        self.dock_manager.addDockWidget(
+            QtAds.DockWidgetArea.BottomDockWidgetArea,
+            self.dm_docs_view_dock,
+            self.central_dock_area,
+        )
+
+        # Left Area
+        self.left_dock_area = self.dock_manager.addDockWidget(
+            QtAds.DockWidgetArea.LeftDockWidgetArea, self.available_devices_dock
+        )
+        self.dock_manager.addDockWidget(
+            QtAds.DockWidgetArea.BottomDockWidgetArea, self.dm_config_view_dock, self.left_dock_area
+        )
+
+        # Right area
+        self.dock_manager.addDockWidget(
+            QtAds.DockWidgetArea.RightDockWidgetArea, self.ophyd_test_dock_view
+        )
+
+        for dock in self.dock_manager.dockWidgets():
+            # dock.setFeature(CDockWidget.DockWidgetDeleteOnClose, True)#TODO implement according to MonacoDock or AdvancedDockArea
+            # dock.setFeature(CDockWidget.CustomCloseHandling, True) #TODO same
+            dock.setFeature(CDockWidget.DockWidgetClosable, False)
+            dock.setFeature(CDockWidget.DockWidgetFloatable, False)
+            dock.setFeature(CDockWidget.DockWidgetMovable, False)
+
+        # Fetch all dock areas of the dock widgets (on our case always one dock area)
+        for dock in self.dock_manager.dockWidgets():
+            area = dock.dockAreaWidget()
+            area.titleBar().setVisible(False)
+
+        # Apply stretch after the layout is done
+        self.set_default_view([2, 8, 2], [3, 1])
+        # self.set_default_view([2, 8, 2], [2, 2, 4])
+
+        # Connect slots
+        for signal, slots in [
+            (
+                self.device_table_view.selected_devices,
+                (self.dm_config_view.on_select_config, self.dm_docs_view.on_select_config),
+            ),
+            (
+                self.available_devices.selected_devices,
+                (self.dm_config_view.on_select_config, self.dm_docs_view.on_select_config),
+            ),
+            (
+                self.ophyd_test_view.device_validated,
+                (self.device_table_view.update_device_validation,),
+            ),
+            (
+                self.device_table_view.device_configs_changed,
+                (
+                    self.ophyd_test_view.change_device_configs,
+                    self.available_devices.mark_devices_used,
+                ),
+            ),
+            (
+                self.available_devices.add_selected_devices,
+                (self.device_table_view.add_device_configs,),
+            ),
+            (
+                self.available_devices.del_selected_devices,
+                (self.device_table_view.remove_device_configs,),
+            ),
+        ]:
+            for slot in slots:
+                signal.connect(slot)
+
+        self._add_toolbar()
+
+    def _add_toolbar(self):
+        self.toolbar = ModularToolBar(self)
+
+        # Add IO actions
+        self._add_io_actions()
+        self._add_table_actions()
+        self.toolbar.show_bundles(["IO", "Table"])
+        self._root_layout.insertWidget(0, self.toolbar)
+
+    def _add_io_actions(self):
+        # Create IO bundle
+        io_bundle = ToolbarBundle("IO", self.toolbar.components)
+
+        load = MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="file_open",
+            parent=self,
+            tooltip="Load configuration file from disk",
+            label_text="Load Config",
+        )
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe("load", load)
+        load.action.triggered.connect(self._load_file_action)
+        io_bundle.add_action("load")
+
+        # Add safe to disk
+        safe_to_disk = MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="file_save",
+            parent=self,
+            tooltip="Save config to disk",
+            label_text="Save Config",
+        )
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe("safe_to_disk", safe_to_disk)
+        safe_to_disk.action.triggered.connect(self._save_to_disk_action)
+        io_bundle.add_action("safe_to_disk")
+
+        # Add load config from redis
+        load_redis = MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="cached",
+            parent=self,
+            tooltip="Load current config from Redis",
+            label_text="Reload Config",
+        )
+        load_redis.action.triggered.connect(self._load_redis_action)
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe("load_redis", load_redis)
+        io_bundle.add_action("load_redis")
+
+        # Update config action
+        update_config_redis = MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="cloud_upload",
+            parent=self,
+            tooltip="Update current config in Redis",
+            label_text="Update Config",
+        )
+        update_config_redis.action.triggered.connect(self._update_redis_action)
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe("update_config_redis", update_config_redis)
+        io_bundle.add_action("update_config_redis")
+
+        # Add load config from plugin dir
+        self.toolbar.add_bundle(io_bundle)
+
+    # Table actions
+
+    def _add_table_actions(self) -> None:
+        table_bundle = ToolbarBundle("Table", self.toolbar.components)
+
+        # Reset composed view
+        reset_composed = MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="delete_sweep",
+            parent=self,
+            tooltip="Reset current composed config view",
+            label_text="Reset Config",
+        )
+        reset_composed.action.triggered.connect(self._reset_composed_view)
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe("reset_composed", reset_composed)
+        table_bundle.add_action("reset_composed")
+
+        # Add device
+        add_device = MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="add", parent=self, tooltip="Add new device", label_text="Add Device"
+        )
+        add_device.action.triggered.connect(self._add_device_action)
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe("add_device", add_device)
+        table_bundle.add_action("add_device")
+
+        # Remove device
+        remove_device = MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="remove", parent=self, tooltip="Remove device", label_text="Remove Device"
+        )
+        remove_device.action.triggered.connect(self._remove_device_action)
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe("remove_device", remove_device)
+        table_bundle.add_action("remove_device")
+
+        # Rerun validation
+        rerun_validation = MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="checklist",
+            parent=self,
+            tooltip="Run device validation with 'connect' on selected devices",
+            label_text="Rerun Validation",
+        )
+        rerun_validation.action.triggered.connect(self._rerun_validation_action)
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe("rerun_validation", rerun_validation)
+        table_bundle.add_action("rerun_validation")
+
+        # Add load config from plugin dir
+        self.toolbar.add_bundle(table_bundle)
+
+        # Most likly, no actions on available devices
+        # Actions (vielleicht bundle fuer available devices )
+        # - reset composed view
+        # - add new device (EpicsMotor, EpicsMotorECMC, EpicsSignal, CustomDevice)
+        # - remove device
+        # - rerun validation (with/without connect)
+
+    # IO actions
+    def _coming_soon(self):
+        return QMessageBox.question(
+            self,
+            "Not implemented yet",
+            "This feature has not been implemented yet, will be coming soon...!!",
+            QMessageBox.StandardButton.Cancel,
+            QMessageBox.StandardButton.Cancel,
+        )
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def _load_file_action(self):
+        """Action for the 'load' action to load a config from disk for the io_bundle of the toolbar."""
+        # Check if plugin repo is installed...
+        try:
+            plugin_path = plugin_repo_path()
+            plugin_name = plugin_package_name()
+            config_path = os.path.join(plugin_path, plugin_name, "device_configs")
+        except ValueError:
+            # Get the recovery config path as fallback
+            config_path = self._get_recovery_config_path()
+            logger.warning(
+                f"No plugin repository installed, fallback to recovery config path: {config_path}"
+            )
+
+        # Implement the file loading logic here
+        start_dir = os.path.abspath(config_path)
+        file_path, _ = QFileDialog.getOpenFileName(
+            self, caption="Select Config File", dir=start_dir
+        )
+        if file_path:
+            try:
+                config = [{"name": k, **v} for k, v in yaml_load(file_path).items()]
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.error(f"Failed to load config from file {file_path}. Error: {e}")
+                return
+            self.device_table_view.set_device_config(
+                config
+            )  # TODO ADD QDialog with 'replace', 'add' & 'cancel'
+
+    # TODO would we ever like to add the current config to an existing composition
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def _load_redis_action(self):
+        """Action for the 'load_redis' action to load the current config from Redis for the io_bundle of the toolbar."""
+        reply = _yes_no_question(
+            self,
+            "Load currently active config",
+            "Do you really want to discard the current config and reload?",
+        )
+        if reply == QMessageBox.StandardButton.Yes and self.client.device_manager is not None:
+            self.device_table_view.set_device_config(
+                self.client.device_manager._get_redis_device_config()
+            )
+        else:
+            return
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def _update_redis_action(self):
+        """Action to push the current composition to Redis"""
+        reply = _yes_no_question(
+            self,
+            "Push composition to Redis",
+            "Do you really want to replace the active configuration in the BEC server with the current composition? ",
+        )
+        if reply != QMessageBox.StandardButton.Yes:
+            return
+        if self.device_table_view.table.contains_invalid_devices():
+            return QMessageBox.warning(
+                self, "Validation has errors!", "Please resolve before proceeding."
+            )
+        if self.ophyd_test_view.validation_running():
+            return QMessageBox.warning(
+                self, "Validation has not completed.", "Please wait for the validation to finish."
+            )
+        self._push_compositiion_to_redis()
+
+    def _push_compositiion_to_redis(self):
+        config = {cfg.pop("name"): cfg for cfg in self.device_table_view.table.all_configs()}
+        threadpool = QThreadPool.globalInstance()
+        comm = CommunicateConfigAction(self._config_helper, None, config, "set")
+        threadpool.start(comm)
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def _save_to_disk_action(self):
+        """Action for the 'safe_to_disk' action to save the current config to disk."""
+        # Check if plugin repo is installed...
+        try:
+            config_path = self._get_recovery_config_path()
+        except ValueError:
+            # Get the recovery config path as fallback
+            config_path = os.path.abspath(os.path.expanduser("~"))
+            logger.warning(f"Failed to find recovery config path, fallback to: {config_path}")
+
+        # Implement the file loading logic here
+        file_path, _ = QFileDialog.getSaveFileName(
+            self, caption="Save Config File", dir=config_path
+        )
+        if file_path:
+            config = {cfg.pop("name"): cfg for cfg in self.device_table_view.get_device_config()}
+            with open(file_path, "w") as file:
+                file.write(yaml.dump(config))
+
+    # Table actions
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def _reset_composed_view(self):
+        """Action for the 'reset_composed_view' action to reset the composed view."""
+        reply = _yes_no_question(
+            self,
+            "Clear View",
+            "You are about to clear the current composed config view, please confirm...",
+        )
+        if reply == QMessageBox.StandardButton.Yes:
+            self.device_table_view.clear_device_configs()
+
+    # TODO We want to have a combobox to choose from EpicsMotor, EpicsMotorECMC, EpicsSignal, EpicsSignalRO, and maybe EpicsSignalWithRBV and custom Device
+    # For all default Epics devices, we would like to preselect relevant fields, and prompt them with the proper deviceConfig args already, i.e. 'prefix', 'read_pv', 'write_pv' etc..
+    # For custom Device, they should receive all options. It might be cool to get a side panel with docstring view of the class upon inspecting it to make it easier in case deviceConfig entries are required..
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def _add_device_action(self):
+        """Action for the 'add_device' action to add a new device."""
+        # Implement the logic to add a new device
+        dialog = PresetClassDeviceConfigDialog(parent=self)
+        dialog.accepted_data.connect(self._add_to_table_from_dialog)
+        dialog.open()
+
+    @SafeSlot(dict)
+    def _add_to_table_from_dialog(self, data):
+        self.device_table_view.add_device_configs([data])
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def _remove_device_action(self):
+        """Action for the 'remove_device' action to remove a device."""
+        self.device_table_view.remove_selected_rows()
+
+    # TODO implement proper logic for validation. We should also carefully review how these jobs update the table, and how we can cancel pending validations
+    # in case they are no longer relevant. We might want to 'block' the interactivity on the items for which validation runs with 'connect'!
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def _rerun_validation_action(self):
+        """Action for the 'rerun_validation' action to rerun validation on selected devices."""
+        configs = self.device_table_view.table.selected_configs()
+        self.ophyd_test_view.change_device_configs(configs, True, True)
+
+    ####### Default view has to be done with setting up splitters ########
+    def set_default_view(
+        self, horizontal_weights: list, vertical_weights: list
+    ):  # TODO separate logic for all ads based widgets
+        """Apply initial weights to every horizontal and vertical splitter.
+
+        Examples:
+            horizontal_weights = [1, 3, 2, 1]
+            vertical_weights   = [3, 7]  # top:bottom = 30:70
+        """
+        splitters_h = []
+        splitters_v = []
+        for splitter in self.findChildren(QSplitter):
+            if splitter.orientation() == Qt.Orientation.Horizontal:
+                splitters_h.append(splitter)
+            elif splitter.orientation() == Qt.Orientation.Vertical:
+                splitters_v.append(splitter)
+
+        def apply_all():
+            for s in splitters_h:
+                set_splitter_weights(s, horizontal_weights)
+            for s in splitters_v:
+                set_splitter_weights(s, vertical_weights)
+
+        QTimer.singleShot(0, apply_all)
+
+    def set_stretch(
+        self, *, horizontal=None, vertical=None
+    ):  # TODO separate logic for all ads based widgets
+        """Update splitter weights and re-apply to all splitters.
+
+        Accepts either a list/tuple of weights (e.g., [1,3,2,1]) or a role dict
+        for convenience: horizontal roles = {"left","center","right"},
+        vertical roles = {"top","bottom"}.
+        """
+
+        def _coerce_h(x):
+            if x is None:
+                return None
+            if isinstance(x, (list, tuple)):
+                return list(map(float, x))
+            if isinstance(x, dict):
+                return [
+                    float(x.get("left", 1)),
+                    float(x.get("center", x.get("middle", 1))),
+                    float(x.get("right", 1)),
+                ]
+            return None
+
+        def _coerce_v(x):
+            if x is None:
+                return None
+            if isinstance(x, (list, tuple)):
+                return list(map(float, x))
+            if isinstance(x, dict):
+                return [float(x.get("top", 1)), float(x.get("bottom", 1))]
+            return None
+
+        h = _coerce_h(horizontal)
+        v = _coerce_v(vertical)
+        if h is None:
+            h = [1, 1, 1]
+        if v is None:
+            v = [1, 1]
+        self.set_default_view(h, v)
+
+    def _get_recovery_config_path(self) -> str:
+        """Get the recovery config path from the log_writer config."""
+        # pylint: disable=protected-access
+        log_writer_config = self.client._service_config.config.get("log_writer", {})
+        writer = DeviceConfigWriter(service_config=log_writer_config)
+        return os.path.abspath(os.path.expanduser(writer.get_recovery_directory()))
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    import sys
+    from copy import deepcopy
+
+    from bec_lib.bec_yaml_loader import yaml_load
+    from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
+
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.visual.dark_mode_button.dark_mode_button import DarkModeButton
+
+    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+    w = QWidget()
+    l = QVBoxLayout()
+    w.setLayout(l)
+    apply_theme("dark")
+    button = DarkModeButton()
+    l.addWidget(button)
+    device_manager_view = DeviceManagerView()
+    l.addWidget(device_manager_view)
+    # config_path = "/Users/appel_c/work_psi_awi/bec_workspace/csaxs_bec/csaxs_bec/device_configs/first_light.yaml"
+    # cfg = yaml_load(config_path)
+    # cfg.update({"device_will_fail": {"name": "device_will_fail", "some_param": 1}})
+
+    # # config = device_manager_view.client.device_manager._get_redis_device_config()
+    # device_manager_view.device_table_view.set_device_config(cfg)
+    w.show()
+    w.setWindowTitle("Device Manager View")
+    w.resize(1920, 1080)
+    # developer_view.set_stretch(horizontal=[1, 3, 2], vertical=[5, 5]) #can be set during runtime
+    sys.exit(app.exec_())

bec_widgets/applications/views/device_manager_view/device_manager_widget.py

@@ -0,0 +1,119 @@
+"""Top Level wrapper for device_manager widget"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+
+from bec_lib.bec_yaml_loader import yaml_load
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
+from bec_qthemes import material_icon
+from qtpy import QtCore, QtWidgets
+
+from bec_widgets.applications.views.device_manager_view.device_manager_view import DeviceManagerView
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+
+
+class DeviceManagerWidget(BECWidget, QtWidgets.QWidget):
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None, client=None):
+        super().__init__(client=client, parent=parent)
+        self.stacked_layout = QtWidgets.QStackedLayout()
+        self.stacked_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        self.stacked_layout.setSpacing(0)
+        self.stacked_layout.setStackingMode(QtWidgets.QStackedLayout.StackAll)
+        self.setLayout(self.stacked_layout)
+
+        # Add device manager view
+        self.device_manager_view = DeviceManagerView()
+        self.stacked_layout.addWidget(self.device_manager_view)
+
+        # Add overlay widget
+        self._overlay_widget = QtWidgets.QWidget(self)
+        self._customize_overlay()
+        self.stacked_layout.addWidget(self._overlay_widget)
+        self.stacked_layout.setCurrentWidget(self._overlay_widget)
+
+    def _customize_overlay(self):
+        self._overlay_widget.setAutoFillBackground(True)
+        self._overlay_layout = QtWidgets.QVBoxLayout()
+        self._overlay_layout.setAlignment(QtCore.Qt.AlignmentFlag.AlignCenter)
+        self._overlay_widget.setLayout(self._overlay_layout)
+        self._overlay_widget.setSizePolicy(
+            QtWidgets.QSizePolicy.Policy.Expanding, QtWidgets.QSizePolicy.Policy.Expanding
+        )
+        # Load current config
+        self.button_load_current_config = QtWidgets.QPushButton("Load Current Config")
+        icon = material_icon(icon_name="database", size=(24, 24), convert_to_pixmap=False)
+        self.button_load_current_config.setIcon(icon)
+        self._overlay_layout.addWidget(self.button_load_current_config)
+        self.button_load_current_config.clicked.connect(self._load_config_clicked)
+        # Load config from disk
+        self.button_load_config_from_file = QtWidgets.QPushButton("Load Config From File")
+        icon = material_icon(icon_name="folder", size=(24, 24), convert_to_pixmap=False)
+        self.button_load_config_from_file.setIcon(icon)
+        self._overlay_layout.addWidget(self.button_load_config_from_file)
+        self.button_load_config_from_file.clicked.connect(self._load_config_from_file_clicked)
+        self._overlay_widget.setVisible(True)
+
+    def _load_config_from_file_clicked(self):
+        """Handle click on 'Load Config From File' button."""
+        start_dir = os.path.expanduser("~")
+        file_path, _ = QtWidgets.QFileDialog.getOpenFileName(
+            self, caption="Select Config File", dir=start_dir
+        )
+        if file_path:
+            self._load_config_from_file(file_path)
+
+    def _load_config_from_file(self, file_path: str):
+        try:
+            config = yaml_load(file_path)
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.error(f"Failed to load config from file {file_path}. Error: {e}")
+            return
+        config_list = []
+        for name, cfg in config.items():
+            config_list.append(cfg)
+            config_list[-1]["name"] = name
+        self.device_manager_view.device_table_view.set_device_config(config_list)
+        # self.device_manager_view.ophyd_test.on_device_config_update(config)
+        self.stacked_layout.setCurrentWidget(self.device_manager_view)
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def _load_config_clicked(self):
+        """Handle click on 'Load Current Config' button."""
+        config = self.client.device_manager._get_redis_device_config()
+        self.device_manager_view.device_table_view.set_device_config(config)
+        self.stacked_layout.setCurrentWidget(self.device_manager_view)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+    import sys
+
+    from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
+
+    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+    from bec_widgets.utils.colors import apply_theme
+
+    apply_theme("light")
+
+    widget = QtWidgets.QWidget()
+    layout = QtWidgets.QVBoxLayout(widget)
+    widget.setLayout(layout)
+    layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+    layout.setSpacing(0)
+    device_manager = DeviceManagerWidget()
+    # config = device_manager.client.device_manager._get_redis_device_config()
+    # device_manager.device_table_view.set_device_config(config)
+    layout.addWidget(device_manager)
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.visual.dark_mode_button.dark_mode_button import DarkModeButton
+
+    dark_mode_button = DarkModeButton()
+    layout.addWidget(dark_mode_button)
+    widget.show()
+    device_manager.setWindowTitle("Device Manager View")
+    device_manager.resize(1600, 1200)
+    # developer_view.set_stretch(horizontal=[1, 3, 2], vertical=[5, 5]) #can be set during runtime
+    sys.exit(app.exec_())

bec_widgets/applications/views/view.py

@@ -0,0 +1,363 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from typing import List
+
+from qtpy.QtCore import QEventLoop, Qt, QTimer
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
+    QDialog,
+    QDialogButtonBox,
+    QFormLayout,
+    QHBoxLayout,
+    QLabel,
+    QMessageBox,
+    QPushButton,
+    QSplitter,
+    QStackedLayout,
+    QVBoxLayout,
+    QWidget,
+)
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_input.device_combobox.device_combobox import DeviceComboBox
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_input.signal_combobox.signal_combobox import SignalComboBox
+from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.waveform.waveform import Waveform
+
+
+def set_splitter_weights(splitter: QSplitter, weights: List[float]) -> None:
+    """
+    Apply initial sizes to a splitter using weight ratios, e.g. [1,3,2,1].
+    Works for horizontal or vertical splitters and sets matching stretch factors.
+    """
+
+    def apply():
+        n = splitter.count()
+        if n == 0:
+            return
+        w = list(weights[:n]) + [1] * max(0, n - len(weights))
+        w = [max(0.0, float(x)) for x in w]
+        tot_w = sum(w)
+        if tot_w <= 0:
+            w = [1.0] * n
+            tot_w = float(n)
+        total_px = (
+            splitter.width()
+            if splitter.orientation() == Qt.Orientation.Horizontal
+            else splitter.height()
+        )
+        if total_px < 2:
+            QTimer.singleShot(0, apply)
+            return
+        sizes = [max(1, int(total_px * (wi / tot_w))) for wi in w]
+        diff = total_px - sum(sizes)
+        if diff != 0:
+            idx = max(range(n), key=lambda i: w[i])
+            sizes[idx] = max(1, sizes[idx] + diff)
+        splitter.setSizes(sizes)
+        for i, wi in enumerate(w):
+            splitter.setStretchFactor(i, max(1, int(round(wi * 100))))
+
+    QTimer.singleShot(0, apply)
+
+
+class ViewBase(QWidget):
+    """Wrapper for a content widget used inside the main app's stacked view.
+
+    Subclasses can implement `on_enter` and `on_exit` to run custom logic when the view becomes visible or is about to be hidden.
+
+    Args:
+        content (QWidget): The actual view widget to display.
+        parent (QWidget | None): Parent widget.
+        id (str | None): Optional view id, useful for debugging or introspection.
+        title (str | None): Optional human-readable title.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        parent: QWidget | None = None,
+        content: QWidget | None = None,
+        *,
+        id: str | None = None,
+        title: str | None = None,
+    ):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent)
+        self.content: QWidget | None = None
+        self.view_id = id
+        self.view_title = title
+
+        lay = QVBoxLayout(self)
+        lay.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        lay.setSpacing(0)
+
+        if content is not None:
+            self.set_content(content)
+
+    def set_content(self, content: QWidget) -> None:
+        """Replace the current content widget with a new one."""
+        if self.content is not None:
+            self.content.setParent(None)
+        self.content = content
+        self.layout().addWidget(content)
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def on_enter(self) -> None:
+        """Called after the view becomes current/visible.
+
+        Default implementation does nothing. Override in subclasses.
+        """
+        pass
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def on_exit(self) -> bool:
+        """Called before the view is switched away/hidden.
+
+        Return True to allow switching, or False to veto.
+        Default implementation allows switching.
+        """
+        return True
+
+    ####### Default view has to be done with setting up splitters ########
+    def set_default_view(self, horizontal_weights: list, vertical_weights: list):
+        """Apply initial weights to every horizontal and vertical splitter.
+
+        Examples:
+            horizontal_weights = [1, 3, 2, 1]
+            vertical_weights   = [3, 7]  # top:bottom = 30:70
+        """
+        splitters_h = []
+        splitters_v = []
+        for splitter in self.findChildren(QSplitter):
+            if splitter.orientation() == Qt.Orientation.Horizontal:
+                splitters_h.append(splitter)
+            elif splitter.orientation() == Qt.Orientation.Vertical:
+                splitters_v.append(splitter)
+
+        def apply_all():
+            for s in splitters_h:
+                set_splitter_weights(s, horizontal_weights)
+            for s in splitters_v:
+                set_splitter_weights(s, vertical_weights)
+
+        QTimer.singleShot(0, apply_all)
+
+    def set_stretch(self, *, horizontal=None, vertical=None):
+        """Update splitter weights and re-apply to all splitters.
+
+        Accepts either a list/tuple of weights (e.g., [1,3,2,1]) or a role dict
+        for convenience: horizontal roles = {"left","center","right"},
+        vertical roles = {"top","bottom"}.
+        """
+
+        def _coerce_h(x):
+            if x is None:
+                return None
+            if isinstance(x, (list, tuple)):
+                return list(map(float, x))
+            if isinstance(x, dict):
+                return [
+                    float(x.get("left", 1)),
+                    float(x.get("center", x.get("middle", 1))),
+                    float(x.get("right", 1)),
+                ]
+            return None
+
+        def _coerce_v(x):
+            if x is None:
+                return None
+            if isinstance(x, (list, tuple)):
+                return list(map(float, x))
+            if isinstance(x, dict):
+                return [float(x.get("top", 1)), float(x.get("bottom", 1))]
+            return None
+
+        h = _coerce_h(horizontal)
+        v = _coerce_v(vertical)
+        if h is None:
+            h = [1, 1, 1]
+        if v is None:
+            v = [1, 1]
+        self.set_default_view(h, v)
+
+
+####################################################################################################
+# Example views for demonstration/testing purposes
+####################################################################################################
+
+
+# --- Popup UI version ---
+class WaveformViewPopup(ViewBase):  # pragma: no cover
+    def __init__(self, parent=None, *args, **kwargs):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, *args, **kwargs)
+
+        self.waveform = Waveform(parent=self)
+        self.set_content(self.waveform)
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def on_enter(self) -> None:
+        dialog = QDialog(self)
+        dialog.setWindowTitle("Configure Waveform View")
+
+        label = QLabel("Select device and signal for the waveform plot:", parent=dialog)
+
+        # same as in the CurveRow used in waveform
+        self.device_edit = DeviceComboBox(parent=self)
+        self.device_edit.insertItem(0, "")
+        self.device_edit.setEditable(True)
+        self.device_edit.setCurrentIndex(0)
+        self.entry_edit = SignalComboBox(parent=self)
+        self.entry_edit.include_config_signals = False
+        self.entry_edit.insertItem(0, "")
+        self.entry_edit.setEditable(True)
+        self.device_edit.currentTextChanged.connect(self.entry_edit.set_device)
+        self.device_edit.device_reset.connect(self.entry_edit.reset_selection)
+
+        form = QFormLayout()
+        form.addRow(label)
+        form.addRow("Device", self.device_edit)
+        form.addRow("Signal", self.entry_edit)
+
+        buttons = QDialogButtonBox(QDialogButtonBox.Ok | QDialogButtonBox.Cancel, parent=dialog)
+        buttons.accepted.connect(dialog.accept)
+        buttons.rejected.connect(dialog.reject)
+
+        v = QVBoxLayout(dialog)
+        v.addLayout(form)
+        v.addWidget(buttons)
+
+        if dialog.exec_() == QDialog.Accepted:
+            self.waveform.plot(
+                y_name=self.device_edit.currentText(), y_entry=self.entry_edit.currentText()
+            )
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def on_exit(self) -> bool:
+        ans = QMessageBox.question(
+            self,
+            "Switch and clear?",
+            "Do you want to switch views and clear the plot?",
+            QMessageBox.Yes | QMessageBox.No,
+            QMessageBox.No,
+        )
+        if ans == QMessageBox.Yes:
+            self.waveform.clear_all()
+            return True
+        return False
+
+
+# --- Inline stacked UI version ---
+class WaveformViewInline(ViewBase):  # pragma: no cover
+    def __init__(self, parent=None, *args, **kwargs):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, *args, **kwargs)
+
+        # Root layout for this view uses a stacked layout
+        self.stack = QStackedLayout()
+        container = QWidget(self)
+        container.setLayout(self.stack)
+        self.set_content(container)
+
+        # --- Page 0: Settings page (inline form)
+        self.settings_page = QWidget()
+        sp_layout = QVBoxLayout(self.settings_page)
+        sp_layout.setContentsMargins(16, 16, 16, 16)
+        sp_layout.setSpacing(12)
+
+        title = QLabel("Select device and signal for the waveform plot:", parent=self.settings_page)
+        self.device_edit = DeviceComboBox(parent=self.settings_page)
+        self.device_edit.insertItem(0, "")
+        self.device_edit.setEditable(True)
+        self.device_edit.setCurrentIndex(0)
+
+        self.entry_edit = SignalComboBox(parent=self.settings_page)
+        self.entry_edit.include_config_signals = False
+        self.entry_edit.insertItem(0, "")
+        self.entry_edit.setEditable(True)
+        self.device_edit.currentTextChanged.connect(self.entry_edit.set_device)
+        self.device_edit.device_reset.connect(self.entry_edit.reset_selection)
+
+        form = QFormLayout()
+        form.addRow(title)
+        form.addRow("Device", self.device_edit)
+        form.addRow("Signal", self.entry_edit)
+
+        btn_row = QHBoxLayout()
+        ok_btn = QPushButton("OK", parent=self.settings_page)
+        cancel_btn = QPushButton("Cancel", parent=self.settings_page)
+        btn_row.addStretch(1)
+        btn_row.addWidget(cancel_btn)
+        btn_row.addWidget(ok_btn)
+
+        sp_layout.addLayout(form)
+        sp_layout.addLayout(btn_row)
+
+        # --- Page 1: Waveform page
+        self.waveform_page = QWidget()
+        wf_layout = QVBoxLayout(self.waveform_page)
+        wf_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        self.waveform = Waveform(parent=self.waveform_page)
+        wf_layout.addWidget(self.waveform)
+
+        # --- Page 2: Exit confirmation page (inline)
+        self.confirm_page = QWidget()
+        cp_layout = QVBoxLayout(self.confirm_page)
+        cp_layout.setContentsMargins(16, 16, 16, 16)
+        cp_layout.setSpacing(12)
+        qlabel = QLabel("Do you want to switch views and clear the plot?", parent=self.confirm_page)
+        cp_buttons = QHBoxLayout()
+        no_btn = QPushButton("No", parent=self.confirm_page)
+        yes_btn = QPushButton("Yes", parent=self.confirm_page)
+        cp_buttons.addStretch(1)
+        cp_buttons.addWidget(no_btn)
+        cp_buttons.addWidget(yes_btn)
+        cp_layout.addWidget(qlabel)
+        cp_layout.addLayout(cp_buttons)
+
+        # Add pages to the stack
+        self.stack.addWidget(self.settings_page)  # index 0
+        self.stack.addWidget(self.waveform_page)  # index 1
+        self.stack.addWidget(self.confirm_page)  # index 2
+
+        # Wire settings buttons
+        ok_btn.clicked.connect(self._apply_settings_and_show_waveform)
+        cancel_btn.clicked.connect(self._show_waveform_without_changes)
+
+        # Prepare result holder for the inline confirmation
+        self._exit_choice_yes = None
+        yes_btn.clicked.connect(lambda: self._exit_reply(True))
+        no_btn.clicked.connect(lambda: self._exit_reply(False))
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def on_enter(self) -> None:
+        # Always start on the settings page when entering
+        self.stack.setCurrentIndex(0)
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def on_exit(self) -> bool:
+        # Show inline confirmation page and synchronously wait for a choice
+        # -> trick to make the choice blocking, however popup would be cleaner solution
+        self._exit_choice_yes = None
+        self.stack.setCurrentIndex(2)
+        loop = QEventLoop()
+        self._exit_loop = loop
+        loop.exec_()
+
+        if self._exit_choice_yes:
+            self.waveform.clear_all()
+            return True
+        # Revert to waveform view if user cancelled switching
+        self.stack.setCurrentIndex(1)
+        return False
+
+    def _apply_settings_and_show_waveform(self):
+        dev = self.device_edit.currentText()
+        sig = self.entry_edit.currentText()
+        if dev and sig:
+            self.waveform.plot(y_name=dev, y_entry=sig)
+        self.stack.setCurrentIndex(1)
+
+    def _show_waveform_without_changes(self):
+        # Just show waveform page without plotting
+        self.stack.setCurrentIndex(1)
+
+    def _exit_reply(self, yes: bool):
+        self._exit_choice_yes = bool(yes)
+        if hasattr(self, "_exit_loop") and self._exit_loop.isRunning():
+            self._exit_loop.quit()

bec_widgets/cli/client_utils.py

@@ -14,18 +14,21 @@ from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Literal, TypeAlias, cast
 
 from bec_lib.endpoints import MessageEndpoints
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
-from bec_lib.utils.import_utils import lazy_import_from
+from bec_lib.utils.import_utils import lazy_import, lazy_import_from
 from rich.console import Console
 from rich.table import Table
 
-import bec_widgets.cli.client as client
 from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_base import RPCBase, RPCReference
 from bec_widgets.utils.serialization import register_serializer_extension
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
     from bec_lib.messages import GUIRegistryStateMessage
+
+    import bec_widgets.cli.client as client
 else:
     GUIRegistryStateMessage = lazy_import_from("bec_lib.messages", "GUIRegistryStateMessage")
+    client = lazy_import("bec_widgets.cli.client")
+
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 
@@ -51,7 +54,7 @@ def _filter_output(output: str) -> str:
 
 
 def _get_output(process, logger) -> None:
-    log_func = {process.stdout: logger.debug, process.stderr: logger.error}
+    log_func = {process.stdout: logger.debug, process.stderr: logger.info}
     stream_buffer = {process.stdout: [], process.stderr: []}
     try:
         os.set_blocking(process.stdout.fileno(), False)
@@ -151,8 +154,10 @@ def wait_for_server(client: BECGuiClient):
             raise RuntimeError("GUI is not alive")
     try:
         if client._gui_started_event.wait(timeout=timeout):
-            client._gui_started_timer.cancel()
-            client._gui_started_timer.join()
+            if client._gui_started_timer is not None:
+                # cancel the timer, we are done
+                client._gui_started_timer.cancel()
+                client._gui_started_timer.join()
         else:
             raise TimeoutError("Could not connect to GUI server")
     finally:
@@ -261,18 +266,37 @@ class BECGuiClient(RPCBase):
 
     def start(self, wait: bool = False) -> None:
         """Start the GUI server."""
+        logger.warning("Using <gui>.start() is deprecated, use <gui>.show() instead.")
         return self._start(wait=wait)
 
-    def show(self):
-        """Show the GUI window."""
+    def show(self, wait=True) -> None:
+        """
+        Show the GUI window.
+        If the GUI server is not running, it will be started.
+
+        Args:
+            wait(bool): Whether to wait for the server to start. Defaults to True.
+        """
         if self._check_if_server_is_alive():
             return self._show_all()
-        return self.start(wait=True)
+        return self._start(wait=wait)
 
     def hide(self):
         """Hide the GUI window."""
         return self._hide_all()
 
+    def raise_window(self, wait: bool = True) -> None:
+        """
+        Bring GUI windows to the front.
+        If the GUI server is not running, it will be started.
+
+        Args:
+            wait(bool): Whether to wait for the server to start. Defaults to True.
+        """
+        if self._check_if_server_is_alive():
+            return self._raise_all()
+        return self._start(wait=wait)
+
     def new(
         self,
         name: str | None = None,
@@ -382,6 +406,9 @@ class BECGuiClient(RPCBase):
         """
         Start the GUI server, and execute callback when it is launched
         """
+        if self._gui_is_alive():
+            self._gui_started_event.set()
+            return
         if self._process is None or self._process.poll() is not None:
             logger.success("GUI starting...")
             self._startup_timeout = 5
@@ -428,8 +455,8 @@ class BECGuiClient(RPCBase):
         self._update_dynamic_namespace(self._server_registry)
 
     def _do_show_all(self):
-        rpc_client = RPCBase(gui_id=f"{self._gui_id}:launcher", parent=self)
-        rpc_client._run_rpc("show")  # pylint: disable=protected-access
+        if self.launcher and len(self._top_level) == 0:
+            self.launcher._run_rpc("show")  # pylint: disable=protected-access
         for window in self._top_level.values():
             window.show()
 
@@ -439,11 +466,24 @@ class BECGuiClient(RPCBase):
 
     def _hide_all(self):
         with wait_for_server(self):
-            rpc_client = RPCBase(gui_id=f"{self._gui_id}:launcher", parent=self)
-            rpc_client._run_rpc("hide")  # pylint: disable=protected-access
-            if not self._killed:
-                for window in self._top_level.values():
-                    window.hide()
+            if self._killed:
+                return
+            self.launcher._run_rpc("hide")
+            for window in self._top_level.values():
+                window.hide()
+
+    def _do_raise_all(self):
+        """Bring GUI windows to the front."""
+        if self.launcher and len(self._top_level) == 0:
+            self.launcher._run_rpc("raise")  # pylint: disable=protected-access
+        for window in self._top_level.values():
+            window._run_rpc("raise")  # type: ignore[attr-defined]
+
+    def _raise_all(self):
+        with wait_for_server(self):
+            if self._killed:
+                return
+            return self._do_raise_all()
 
     def _update_dynamic_namespace(self, server_registry: dict):
         """
@@ -524,7 +564,7 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
         # Test the client_utils.py module
         gui = BECGuiClient()
 
-        gui.start(wait=True)
+        gui.show(wait=True)
         gui.new().new(widget="Waveform")
         time.sleep(10)
     finally:

bec_widgets/cli/generate_cli.py

@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ from __future__ import annotations
 {base_imports}
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 
-from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_base import RPCBase, rpc_call
+from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_base import RPCBase, rpc_call, rpc_timeout
 {"from bec_widgets.utils.bec_plugin_helper import get_all_plugin_widgets, get_plugin_client_module" if self._base else ""}
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
@@ -180,7 +180,10 @@ class {class_name}(RPCBase):"""
                     f"Method {method} not found in class {cls.__name__}. "
                     f"Please check the USER_ACCESS list."
                 )
-
+            if hasattr(obj, "__rpc_timeout__"):
+                timeout = {"value": obj.__rpc_timeout__}
+            else:
+                timeout = {}
             if isinstance(obj, (property, QtProperty)):
                 # for the cli, we can map qt properties to regular properties
                 if is_property_setter:
@@ -205,14 +208,26 @@ class {class_name}(RPCBase):"""
     def {method}{str(sig_overload)}: ...
     """
 
-                self.content += """
-    @rpc_call"""
+                self.content += f"""
+    {self._rpc_call(timeout)}"""
             self.content += f"""
     def {method}{str(sig)}:
         \"\"\"
 {doc}
         \"\"\""""
 
+    def _rpc_call(self, timeout_info: dict[str, float | None]):
+        """
+        Decorator to mark a method as an RPC call.
+        This is used to generate the client code for the method.
+        """
+        if not timeout_info:
+            return "@rpc_call"
+        timeout = timeout_info.get("value", None)
+        return f"""
+    @rpc_timeout({timeout})
+    @rpc_call"""
+
     def write(self, file_name: str):
         """
         Write the content to a file, automatically formatted with black.

bec_widgets/cli/rpc/rpc_base.py

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ from functools import wraps
 from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Any, cast
 
 from bec_lib.client import BECClient
+from bec_lib.device import DeviceBaseWithConfig
 from bec_lib.endpoints import MessageEndpoints
 from bec_lib.utils.import_utils import lazy_import, lazy_import_from
 
@@ -24,6 +25,43 @@ else:
 # pylint: disable=protected-access
 
 
+def _name_arg(arg):
+    if isinstance(arg, DeviceBaseWithConfig):
+        # if dev.<device> is passed to GUI, it passes full_name
+        if hasattr(arg, "full_name"):
+            return arg.full_name
+    elif hasattr(arg, "name"):
+        return arg.name
+    return arg
+
+
+def _transform_args_kwargs(args, kwargs) -> tuple[tuple, dict]:
+    return tuple(_name_arg(arg) for arg in args), {k: _name_arg(v) for k, v in kwargs.items()}
+
+
+def rpc_timeout(timeout):
+    """
+    A decorator to set a timeout for an RPC call.
+
+    Args:
+        timeout: The timeout in seconds.
+
+    Returns:
+        The decorated function.
+    """
+
+    def decorator(func):
+        @wraps(func)
+        def wrapper(self, *args, **kwargs):
+            if "timeout" not in kwargs:
+                kwargs["timeout"] = timeout
+            return func(self, *args, **kwargs)
+
+        return wrapper
+
+    return decorator
+
+
 def rpc_call(func):
     """
     A decorator for calling a function on the server.
@@ -47,15 +85,7 @@ def rpc_call(func):
                 return None  # func(*args, **kwargs)
             caller_frame = caller_frame.f_back
 
-        out = []
-        for arg in args:
-            if hasattr(arg, "name"):
-                arg = arg.name
-            out.append(arg)
-        args = tuple(out)
-        for key, val in kwargs.items():
-            if hasattr(val, "name"):
-                kwargs[key] = val.name
+        args, kwargs = _transform_args_kwargs(args, kwargs)
         if not self._root._gui_is_alive():
             raise RuntimeError("GUI is not alive")
         return self._run_rpc(func.__name__, *args, **kwargs)
@@ -172,6 +202,11 @@ class RPCBase:
             parent = parent._parent
         return parent  # type: ignore
 
+    def raise_window(self):
+        """Bring this widget (or its container) to the front."""
+        # Use explicit call to ensure action name is 'raise' (not 'raise_')
+        return self._run_rpc("raise")
+
     def _run_rpc(
         self,
         method,
@@ -195,6 +230,12 @@ class RPCBase:
         Returns:
             The result of the RPC call.
         """
+        if method in ["show", "hide", "raise"] and gui_id is None:
+            obj = self._root._server_registry.get(self._gui_id)
+            if obj is None:
+                raise ValueError(f"Widget {self._gui_id} not found.")
+            gui_id = obj.get("container_proxy")  # type: ignore
+
         request_id = str(uuid.uuid4())
         rpc_msg = messages.GUIInstructionMessage(
             action=method,

bec_widgets/cli/server.py

@@ -7,8 +7,11 @@ import signal
 import sys
 from contextlib import redirect_stderr, redirect_stdout
 
+import darkdetect
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from bec_lib.service_config import ServiceConfig
+from bec_qthemes import apply_theme
+from qtmonaco.pylsp_provider import pylsp_server
 from qtpy.QtCore import QSize, Qt
 from qtpy.QtGui import QIcon
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
@@ -91,6 +94,11 @@ class GUIServer:
         Run the GUI server.
         """
         self.app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+        if darkdetect.isDark():
+            apply_theme("dark")
+        else:
+            apply_theme("light")
+
         self.app.setApplicationName("BEC")
         self.app.gui_id = self.gui_id  # type: ignore
         self.setup_bec_icon()
@@ -142,6 +150,8 @@ class GUIServer:
         """
         Shutdown the GUI server.
         """
+        if pylsp_server.is_running():
+            pylsp_server.stop()
         if self.dispatcher:
             self.dispatcher.stop_cli_server()
             self.dispatcher.disconnect_all()

bec_widgets/examples/developer_view/developer_view.py

@@ -0,0 +1,63 @@
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
+
+from bec_widgets.applications.views.view import ViewBase
+from bec_widgets.examples.developer_view.developer_widget import DeveloperWidget
+
+
+class DeveloperView(ViewBase):
+    """
+    A view for users to write scripts and macros and execute them within the application.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        parent: QWidget | None = None,
+        content: QWidget | None = None,
+        *,
+        id: str | None = None,
+        title: str | None = None,
+    ):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, content=content, id=id, title=title)
+        self.developer_widget = DeveloperWidget(parent=self)
+        self.set_content(self.developer_widget)
+
+        # Apply stretch after the layout is done
+        self.set_default_view([2, 5, 3], [7, 3])
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    import sys
+
+    from bec_qthemes import apply_theme
+    from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
+
+    from bec_widgets.applications.main_app import BECMainApp
+
+    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+    apply_theme("dark")
+
+    _app = BECMainApp()
+    screen = app.primaryScreen()
+    screen_geometry = screen.availableGeometry()
+    screen_width = screen_geometry.width()
+    screen_height = screen_geometry.height()
+    # 70% of screen height, keep 16:9 ratio
+    height = int(screen_height * 0.9)
+    width = int(height * (16 / 9))
+
+    # If width exceeds screen width, scale down
+    if width > screen_width * 0.9:
+        width = int(screen_width * 0.9)
+        height = int(width / (16 / 9))
+
+    _app.resize(width, height)
+    developer_view = DeveloperView()
+    _app.add_view(
+        icon="code_blocks", title="IDE", widget=developer_view, id="developer_view", exclusive=True
+    )
+    _app.show()
+    # developer_view.show()
+    # developer_view.setWindowTitle("Developer View")
+    # developer_view.resize(1920, 1080)
+    # developer_view.set_stretch(horizontal=[1, 3, 2], vertical=[5, 5]) #can be set during runtime
+    sys.exit(app.exec_())

bec_widgets/examples/developer_view/developer_widget.py

@@ -0,0 +1,347 @@
+import re
+
+import markdown
+import PySide6QtAds as QtAds
+from bec_lib.endpoints import MessageEndpoints
+from bec_lib.script_executor import upload_script
+from bec_qthemes import material_icon
+from PySide6QtAds import CDockManager, CDockWidget
+from qtpy.QtGui import QKeySequence, QShortcut
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QTextEdit, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
+
+from bec_widgets import BECWidget
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.actions import MaterialIconAction
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.bundles import ToolbarBundle
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.toolbar import ModularToolBar
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.advanced_dock_area.advanced_dock_area import AdvancedDockArea
+from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.monaco.monaco_tab import MonacoDock
+from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.web_console.web_console import WebConsole
+from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.ide_explorer.ide_explorer import IDEExplorer
+
+
+def markdown_to_html(md_text: str) -> str:
+    """Convert Markdown with syntax highlighting to HTML (Qt-compatible)."""
+
+    # Preprocess: convert consecutive >>> lines to Python code blocks
+    def replace_python_examples(match):
+        indent = match.group(1)
+        examples = match.group(2)
+        # Remove >>> prefix and clean up the code
+        lines = []
+        for line in examples.strip().split("\n"):
+            line = line.strip()
+            if line.startswith(">>> "):
+                lines.append(line[4:])  # Remove '>>> '
+            elif line.startswith(">>>"):
+                lines.append(line[3:])  # Remove '>>>'
+        code = "\n".join(lines)
+
+        return f"{indent}```python\n{indent}{code}\n{indent}```"
+
+    # Match one or more consecutive >>> lines (with same indentation)
+    pattern = r"^(\s*)((?:>>> .+(?:\n|$))+)"
+    md_text = re.sub(pattern, replace_python_examples, md_text, flags=re.MULTILINE)
+
+    extensions = ["fenced_code", "codehilite", "tables", "sane_lists"]
+    html = markdown.markdown(
+        md_text,
+        extensions=extensions,
+        extension_configs={
+            "codehilite": {"linenums": False, "guess_lang": False, "noclasses": True}
+        },
+        output_format="html",
+    )
+
+    # Remove hardcoded background colors that conflict with themes
+    html = re.sub(r'style="background: #[^"]*"', 'style="background: transparent"', html)
+    html = re.sub(r"background: #[^;]*;", "", html)
+
+    # Add CSS to force code blocks to wrap
+    css = """
+    <style>
+    pre, code {
+        white-space: pre-wrap !important;
+        word-wrap: break-word !important;
+        overflow-wrap: break-word !important;
+    }
+    .codehilite pre {
+        white-space: pre-wrap !important;
+        word-wrap: break-word !important;
+        overflow-wrap: break-word !important;
+    }
+    </style>
+    """
+
+    return css + html
+
+
+class DeveloperWidget(BECWidget, QWidget):
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None, **kwargs):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, **kwargs)
+
+        # Top-level layout hosting a toolbar and the dock manager
+        self._root_layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
+        self._root_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        self._root_layout.setSpacing(0)
+        self.toolbar = ModularToolBar(self)
+        self.init_developer_toolbar()
+        self._root_layout.addWidget(self.toolbar)
+
+        self.dock_manager = CDockManager(self)
+        self.dock_manager.setStyleSheet("")
+        self._root_layout.addWidget(self.dock_manager)
+
+        # Initialize the widgets
+        self.explorer = IDEExplorer(self)
+        self.console = WebConsole(self)
+        self.terminal = WebConsole(self, startup_cmd="")
+        self.monaco = MonacoDock(self)
+        self.monaco.save_enabled.connect(self._on_save_enabled_update)
+        self.plotting_ads = AdvancedDockArea(self, mode="plot", default_add_direction="bottom")
+        self.signature_help = QTextEdit(self)
+        self.signature_help.setAcceptRichText(True)
+        self.signature_help.setReadOnly(True)
+        self.signature_help.setLineWrapMode(QTextEdit.LineWrapMode.WidgetWidth)
+        opt = self.signature_help.document().defaultTextOption()
+        opt.setWrapMode(opt.WrapMode.WrapAnywhere)
+        self.signature_help.document().setDefaultTextOption(opt)
+        self.monaco.signature_help.connect(
+            lambda text: self.signature_help.setHtml(markdown_to_html(text))
+        )
+
+        # Create the dock widgets
+        self.explorer_dock = QtAds.CDockWidget("Explorer", self)
+        self.explorer_dock.setWidget(self.explorer)
+
+        self.console_dock = QtAds.CDockWidget("Console", self)
+        self.console_dock.setWidget(self.console)
+
+        self.monaco_dock = QtAds.CDockWidget("Monaco Editor", self)
+        self.monaco_dock.setWidget(self.monaco)
+
+        self.terminal_dock = QtAds.CDockWidget("Terminal", self)
+        self.terminal_dock.setWidget(self.terminal)
+
+        # Monaco will be central widget
+        self.dock_manager.setCentralWidget(self.monaco_dock)
+
+        # Add the dock widgets to the dock manager
+        area_bottom = self.dock_manager.addDockWidget(
+            QtAds.DockWidgetArea.BottomDockWidgetArea, self.console_dock
+        )
+        self.dock_manager.addDockWidgetTabToArea(self.terminal_dock, area_bottom)
+
+        area_left = self.dock_manager.addDockWidget(
+            QtAds.DockWidgetArea.LeftDockWidgetArea, self.explorer_dock
+        )
+        area_left.titleBar().setVisible(False)
+
+        for dock in self.dock_manager.dockWidgets():
+            # dock.setFeature(CDockWidget.DockWidgetDeleteOnClose, True)#TODO implement according to MonacoDock or AdvancedDockArea
+            # dock.setFeature(CDockWidget.CustomCloseHandling, True) #TODO same
+            dock.setFeature(CDockWidget.DockWidgetClosable, False)
+            dock.setFeature(CDockWidget.DockWidgetFloatable, False)
+            dock.setFeature(CDockWidget.DockWidgetMovable, False)
+
+        self.plotting_ads_dock = QtAds.CDockWidget("Plotting Area", self)
+        self.plotting_ads_dock.setWidget(self.plotting_ads)
+
+        self.signature_dock = QtAds.CDockWidget("Signature Help", self)
+        self.signature_dock.setWidget(self.signature_help)
+
+        area_right = self.dock_manager.addDockWidget(
+            QtAds.DockWidgetArea.RightDockWidgetArea, self.plotting_ads_dock
+        )
+        self.dock_manager.addDockWidgetTabToArea(self.signature_dock, area_right)
+
+        # Connect editor signals
+        self.explorer.file_open_requested.connect(self._open_new_file)
+        self.monaco.macro_file_updated.connect(self.explorer.refresh_macro_file)
+
+        self.toolbar.show_bundles(["save", "execution", "settings"])
+
+    def init_developer_toolbar(self):
+        """Initialize the developer toolbar with necessary actions and widgets."""
+        save_button = MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="save", tooltip="Save", label_text="Save", filled=True, parent=self
+        )
+        save_button.action.triggered.connect(self.on_save)
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe("save", save_button)
+
+        save_as_button = MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="save_as", tooltip="Save As", label_text="Save As", parent=self
+        )
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe("save_as", save_as_button)
+
+        save_bundle = ToolbarBundle("save", self.toolbar.components)
+        save_bundle.add_action("save")
+        save_bundle.add_action("save_as")
+        self.toolbar.add_bundle(save_bundle)
+
+        run_action = MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="play_arrow",
+            tooltip="Run current file",
+            label_text="Run",
+            filled=True,
+            parent=self,
+        )
+        run_action.action.triggered.connect(self.on_execute)
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe("run", run_action)
+
+        stop_action = MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="stop",
+            tooltip="Stop current execution",
+            label_text="Stop",
+            filled=True,
+            parent=self,
+        )
+        stop_action.action.triggered.connect(self.on_stop)
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe("stop", stop_action)
+
+        execution_bundle = ToolbarBundle("execution", self.toolbar.components)
+        execution_bundle.add_action("run")
+        execution_bundle.add_action("stop")
+        self.toolbar.add_bundle(execution_bundle)
+
+        vim_action = MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="vim",
+            tooltip="Toggle Vim Mode",
+            label_text="Vim",
+            filled=True,
+            parent=self,
+            checkable=True,
+        )
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe("vim", vim_action)
+        vim_action.action.triggered.connect(self.on_vim_triggered)
+
+        settings_bundle = ToolbarBundle("settings", self.toolbar.components)
+        settings_bundle.add_action("vim")
+        self.toolbar.add_bundle(settings_bundle)
+
+        save_shortcut = QShortcut(QKeySequence("Ctrl+S"), self)
+        save_shortcut.activated.connect(self.on_save)
+        save_as_shortcut = QShortcut(QKeySequence("Ctrl+Shift+S"), self)
+        save_as_shortcut.activated.connect(self.on_save_as)
+
+    def _open_new_file(self, file_name: str, scope: str):
+        self.monaco.open_file(file_name, scope)
+
+        # Set read-only mode for shared files
+        if "shared" in scope:
+            self.monaco.set_file_readonly(file_name, True)
+
+        # Add appropriate icon based on file type
+        if "script" in scope:
+            # Use script icon for script files
+            icon = material_icon("script", size=(24, 24))
+            self.monaco.set_file_icon(file_name, icon)
+        elif "macro" in scope:
+            # Use function icon for macro files
+            icon = material_icon("function", size=(24, 24))
+            self.monaco.set_file_icon(file_name, icon)
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def on_save(self):
+        self.monaco.save_file()
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def on_save_as(self):
+        self.monaco.save_file(force_save_as=True)
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def on_vim_triggered(self):
+        self.monaco.set_vim_mode(self.toolbar.components.get_action("vim").action.isChecked())
+
+    @SafeSlot(bool)
+    def _on_save_enabled_update(self, enabled: bool):
+        self.toolbar.components.get_action("save").action.setEnabled(enabled)
+        self.toolbar.components.get_action("save_as").action.setEnabled(enabled)
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def on_execute(self):
+        self.script_editor_tab = self.monaco.last_focused_editor
+        if not self.script_editor_tab:
+            return
+        self.current_script_id = upload_script(
+            self.client.connector, self.script_editor_tab.widget().get_text()
+        )
+        self.console.write(f'bec._run_script("{self.current_script_id}")')
+        print(f"Uploaded script with ID: {self.current_script_id}")
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def on_stop(self):
+        print("Stopping execution...")
+
+    @property
+    def current_script_id(self):
+        return self._current_script_id
+
+    @current_script_id.setter
+    def current_script_id(self, value):
+        if not isinstance(value, str):
+            raise ValueError("Script ID must be a string.")
+        self._current_script_id = value
+        self._update_subscription()
+
+    def _update_subscription(self):
+        if self.current_script_id:
+            self.bec_dispatcher.connect_slot(
+                self.on_script_execution_info,
+                MessageEndpoints.script_execution_info(self.current_script_id),
+            )
+        else:
+            self.bec_dispatcher.disconnect_slot(
+                self.on_script_execution_info,
+                MessageEndpoints.script_execution_info(self.current_script_id),
+            )
+
+    @SafeSlot(dict, dict)
+    def on_script_execution_info(self, content: dict, metadata: dict):
+        print(f"Script execution info: {content}")
+        current_lines = content.get("current_lines")
+        if not current_lines:
+            self.script_editor_tab.widget().clear_highlighted_lines()
+            return
+        line_number = current_lines[0]
+        self.script_editor_tab.widget().clear_highlighted_lines()
+        self.script_editor_tab.widget().set_highlighted_lines(line_number, line_number)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    import sys
+
+    from bec_qthemes import apply_theme
+    from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
+
+    from bec_widgets.applications.main_app import BECMainApp
+
+    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+    apply_theme("dark")
+
+    _app = BECMainApp()
+    screen = app.primaryScreen()
+    screen_geometry = screen.availableGeometry()
+    screen_width = screen_geometry.width()
+    screen_height = screen_geometry.height()
+    # 70% of screen height, keep 16:9 ratio
+    height = int(screen_height * 0.9)
+    width = int(height * (16 / 9))
+
+    # If width exceeds screen width, scale down
+    if width > screen_width * 0.9:
+        width = int(screen_width * 0.9)
+        height = int(width / (16 / 9))
+
+    _app.resize(width, height)
+    developer_view = DeveloperView()
+    _app.add_view(
+        icon="code_blocks", title="IDE", widget=developer_view, id="developer_view", exclusive=True
+    )
+    _app.show()
+    # developer_view.show()
+    # developer_view.setWindowTitle("Developer View")
+    # developer_view.resize(1920, 1080)
+    # developer_view.set_stretch(horizontal=[1, 3, 2], vertical=[5, 5]) #can be set during runtime
+    sys.exit(app.exec_())

bec_widgets/examples/jupyter_console/jupyter_console_window.py

@@ -15,7 +15,9 @@ from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
 )
 
 from bec_widgets.utils import BECDispatcher
+from bec_widgets.utils.colors import apply_theme
 from bec_widgets.utils.widget_io import WidgetHierarchy as wh
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.advanced_dock_area.advanced_dock_area import AdvancedDockArea
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock import BECDockArea
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.layout_manager.layout_manager import LayoutManagerWidget
 from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.jupyter_console.jupyter_console import BECJupyterConsole
@@ -44,6 +46,7 @@ class JupyterConsoleWindow(QWidget):  # pragma: no cover:
                     "wh": wh,
                     "dock": self.dock,
                     "im": self.im,
+                    "ads": self.ads,
                     # "mi": self.mi,
                     # "mm": self.mm,
                     # "lm": self.lm,
@@ -120,14 +123,12 @@ class JupyterConsoleWindow(QWidget):  # pragma: no cover:
         tab_widget.addTab(sixth_tab, "Image Next Gen")
         tab_widget.setCurrentIndex(1)
         #
-        # seventh_tab = QWidget()
-        # seventh_tab_layout = QVBoxLayout(seventh_tab)
-        # self.scatter = ScatterWaveform()
-        # self.scatter_mi = self.scatter.main_curve
-        # self.scatter.plot("samx", "samy", "bpm4i")
-        # seventh_tab_layout.addWidget(self.scatter)
-        # tab_widget.addTab(seventh_tab, "Scatter Waveform")
-        # tab_widget.setCurrentIndex(6)
+        seventh_tab = QWidget()
+        seventh_tab_layout = QVBoxLayout(seventh_tab)
+        self.ads = AdvancedDockArea(gui_id="ads")
+        seventh_tab_layout.addWidget(self.ads)
+        tab_widget.addTab(seventh_tab, "ADS")
+        tab_widget.setCurrentIndex(2)
         #
         # eighth_tab = QWidget()
         # eighth_tab_layout = QVBoxLayout(eighth_tab)
@@ -169,6 +170,7 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
     module_path = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
 
     app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+    apply_theme("dark")
     app.setApplicationName("Jupyter Console")
     app.setApplicationDisplayName("Jupyter Console")
     icon = material_icon("terminal", color=(255, 255, 255, 255), filled=True)

bec_widgets/utils/bec_connector.py

@@ -77,6 +77,8 @@ class BECConnector:
 
     USER_ACCESS = ["_config_dict", "_get_all_rpc", "_rpc_id"]
     EXIT_HANDLERS = {}
+    widget_removed = Signal()
+    name_established = Signal(str)
 
     def __init__(
         self,
@@ -161,8 +163,6 @@ class BECConnector:
 
         # 2) Enforce unique objectName among siblings with the same BECConnector parent
         self.setParent(parent)
-        if isinstance(self.parent(), QObject) and hasattr(self, "cleanup"):
-            self.parent().destroyed.connect(self._run_cleanup_on_deleted_parent)
 
         # Error popups
         self.error_utility = ErrorPopupUtility()
@@ -186,25 +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.
-        This method is called when the parent is deleted.
-        """
-        if not hasattr(self, "cleanup"):
-            return
-        try:
-            if not self._destroyed:
-                self.cleanup()
-                self._destroyed = True
-        except Exception:
-            content = traceback.format_exc()
-            logger.info(
-                "Failed to run cleanup on deleted parent. "
-                f"This is not necessarily an error as the parent may be deleted before the child and includes already a cleanup. The following exception was raised:\n{content}"
-            )
-
     def change_object_name(self, name: str) -> None:
         """
         Change the object name of the widget. Unregister old name and register the new one.
@@ -225,6 +206,10 @@ class BECConnector:
         self._enforce_unique_sibling_name()
         # 2) Register the object for RPC
         self.rpc_register.add_rpc(self)
+        try:
+            self.name_established.emit(self.object_name)
+        except RuntimeError:
+            return
 
     def _enforce_unique_sibling_name(self):
         """
@@ -234,7 +219,7 @@ class BECConnector:
           - If there's a nearest BECConnector parent, only compare with children of that parent.
           - If parent is None (i.e., top-level object), compare with all other top-level BECConnectors.
         """
-        QApplication.processEvents()
+        QApplication.sendPostedEvents()
         parent_bec = WidgetHierarchy._get_becwidget_ancestor(self)
 
         if parent_bec:
@@ -471,6 +456,7 @@ class BECConnector:
         # i.e. Curve Item from Waveform
         else:
             self.rpc_register.remove_rpc(self)
+        self.widget_removed.emit()  # Emit the remove signal to notify listeners (eg docks in QtADS)
 
     def get_config(self, dict_output: bool = True) -> dict | BaseModel:
         """

bec_widgets/utils/bec_plugin_helper.py

@@ -38,9 +38,11 @@ def _loaded_submodules_from_specs(
         try:
             submodule.__loader__.exec_module(submodule)
         except Exception as e:
-            logger.error(
-                f"Error loading plugin {submodule}: \n{''.join(traceback.format_exception(e))}"
-            )
+            exception_text = "".join(traceback.format_exception(e))
+            if "(most likely due to a circular import)" in exception_text:
+                logger.warning(f"Circular import encountered while loading {submodule}")
+            else:
+                logger.error(f"Error loading plugin {submodule}: \n{exception_text}")
         yield submodule
 
 
@@ -59,7 +61,8 @@ def _get_widgets_from_module(module: ModuleType) -> BECClassContainer:
         module,
         predicate=lambda item: inspect.isclass(item)
         and issubclass(item, BECWidget)
-        and item is not BECWidget,
+        and item is not BECWidget
+        and not item.__module__.startswith("bec_widgets"),
     )
     return BECClassContainer(
         BECClassInfo(name=k, module=module.__name__, file=module.__loader__.get_filename(), obj=v)

bec_widgets/utils/bec_plugin_manager/create/widget.py

@@ -0,0 +1,86 @@
+import traceback
+from pathlib import Path
+from typing import Annotated
+
+import copier
+import typer
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
+from bec_lib.plugin_helper import plugin_repo_path
+from bec_lib.utils.plugin_manager._constants import ANSWER_KEYS
+from bec_lib.utils.plugin_manager._util import existing_data, git_stage_files, make_commit
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_plugin_manager.edit_ui import open_and_watch_ui_editor
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+_app = typer.Typer(rich_markup_mode="rich")
+
+
+def _commit_added_widget(repo: Path, name: str):
+    git_stage_files(repo, [".copier-answers.yml"])
+    git_stage_files(repo / repo.name / "bec_widgets" / "widgets" / name, [])
+    make_commit(repo, f"plugin-manager added new widget: {name}")
+    logger.info(f"Committing new widget {name}")
+
+
+def _widget_exists(widget_list: list[dict[str, str | bool]], name: str):
+    return name in [w["name"] for w in widget_list]
+
+
+def _editor_cb(ctx: typer.Context, value: bool):
+    if value and not ctx.params["use_ui"]:
+        raise typer.BadParameter("Can only open the editor if creating a .ui file!")
+    return value
+
+
+_bold_blue = "\033[34m\033[1m"
+_off = "\033[0m"
+_USE_UI_MSG = "Generate a .ui file for use in bec-designer."
+_OPEN_DESIGNER_MSG = f"""This app can watch for changes and recompile them to a python file imported to the widget whenever it is saved.
+To open this editor independently, you can use {_bold_blue}bec-plugin-manager edit-ui [widget_name]{_off}.
+Open the created widget .ui file in bec-designer now?"""
+
+
+@_app.command()
+def widget(
+    name: Annotated[str, typer.Argument(help="Enter a name for your widget in snake_case")],
+    use_ui: Annotated[bool, typer.Option(prompt=_USE_UI_MSG, help=_USE_UI_MSG)] = True,
+    open_editor: Annotated[
+        bool, typer.Option(prompt=_OPEN_DESIGNER_MSG, help=_OPEN_DESIGNER_MSG, callback=_editor_cb)
+    ] = True,
+):
+    """Create a new widget plugin with the given name.
+
+If [bold white]use_ui[/bold white] is set, a bec-designer .ui file will also be created. If \
+[bold white]open_editor[/bold white] is additionally set, the .ui file will be opened in \
+bec-designer and the compiled python version will be updated when changes are made and saved."""
+    if (formatted_name := name.lower().replace("-", "_")) != name:
+        logger.warning(f"Adjusting widget name from {name} to {formatted_name}")
+    if not formatted_name.isidentifier():
+        logger.error(
+            f"{name} is not a valid name for a widget (even after converting to {formatted_name}) - please enter something in snake_case"
+        )
+        exit(-1)
+    logger.info(f"Adding new widget {formatted_name} to the template...")
+    try:
+        repo = Path(plugin_repo_path())
+        plugin_data = existing_data(repo, [ANSWER_KEYS.VERSION, ANSWER_KEYS.WIDGETS])
+        if _widget_exists(plugin_data[ANSWER_KEYS.WIDGETS], formatted_name):
+            logger.error(f"Widget {formatted_name} already exists!")
+            exit(-1)
+        plugin_data[ANSWER_KEYS.WIDGETS].append({"name": formatted_name, "use_ui": use_ui})
+        copier.run_update(
+            repo,
+            data=plugin_data,
+            defaults=True,
+            unsafe=True,
+            overwrite=True,
+            vcs_ref=plugin_data[ANSWER_KEYS.VERSION],
+        )
+        _commit_added_widget(repo, formatted_name)
+    except Exception:
+        logger.error(traceback.format_exc())
+        logger.error("exiting...")
+        exit(-1)
+    logger.success(f"Added widget {formatted_name}!")
+    if open_editor:
+        open_and_watch_ui_editor(formatted_name)

bec_widgets/utils/bec_plugin_manager/edit_ui.py

@@ -0,0 +1,136 @@
+import re
+import subprocess
+from pathlib import Path
+
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
+from bec_lib.plugin_helper import plugin_package_name, plugin_repo_path
+from watchdog.events import (
+    DirCreatedEvent,
+    DirModifiedEvent,
+    DirMovedEvent,
+    FileCreatedEvent,
+    FileModifiedEvent,
+    FileMovedEvent,
+    FileSystemEvent,
+    FileSystemEventHandler,
+)
+from watchdog.observers import Observer
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import open_designer
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_plugin_helper import get_all_plugin_widgets
+from bec_widgets.utils.plugin_utils import get_custom_classes
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+
+
+class RecompileHandler(FileSystemEventHandler):
+    def __init__(self, in_file: Path, out_file: Path) -> None:
+        super().__init__()
+        self.in_file = str(in_file)
+        self.out_file = str(out_file)
+        self._pyside_import_re = re.compile(r"from PySide6\.(.*) import ")
+        self._widget_import_re = re.compile(
+            r"^from ([a-zA-Z_]*) import ([a-zA-Z_]*)$", re.MULTILINE
+        )
+        self._widget_modules = {
+            c.name: c.module for c in (get_custom_classes("bec_widgets") + get_all_plugin_widgets())
+        }
+
+    def on_created(self, event: DirCreatedEvent | FileCreatedEvent) -> None:
+        self.recompile(event)
+
+    def on_modified(self, event: DirModifiedEvent | FileModifiedEvent) -> None:
+        self.recompile(event)
+
+    def on_moved(self, event: DirMovedEvent | FileMovedEvent) -> None:
+        self.recompile(event)
+
+    def recompile(self, event: FileSystemEvent) -> None:
+        if event.src_path == self.in_file or event.dest_path == self.in_file:
+            self._recompile()
+
+    def _recompile(self):
+        logger.success(".ui file modified, recompiling...")
+        code = subprocess.call(
+            ["pyside6-uic", "--absolute-imports", self.in_file, "-o", self.out_file]
+        )
+        logger.success(f"compilation exited with code {code}")
+        if code != 0:
+            return
+        self._add_comment_to_file()
+        logger.success("updating imports...")
+        self._update_imports()
+        logger.success("formatting...")
+        code = subprocess.call(
+            ["black", "--line-length=100", "--skip-magic-trailing-comma", self.out_file]
+        )
+        if code != 0:
+            logger.error(f"Error while running black on {self.out_file}, code: {code}")
+            return
+        code = subprocess.call(
+            [
+                "isort",
+                "--line-length=100",
+                "--profile=black",
+                "--multi-line=3",
+                "--trailing-comma",
+                self.out_file,
+            ]
+        )
+        if code != 0:
+            logger.error(f"Error while running isort on {self.out_file}, code: {code}")
+            return
+        logger.success("done!")
+
+    def _add_comment_to_file(self):
+        with open(self.out_file, "r+") as f:
+            initial = f.read()
+            f.seek(0)
+            f.write(f"# Generated from {self.in_file} by bec-plugin-manager - do not edit! \n")
+            f.write(
+                "# Use 'bec-plugin-manager edit-ui [widget_name]' to make changes, and this file will be updated accordingly. \n\n"
+            )
+            f.write(initial)
+
+    def _update_imports(self):
+        with open(self.out_file, "r+") as f:
+            initial = f.read()
+            f.seek(0)
+            qtpy_imports = re.sub(
+                self._pyside_import_re, lambda ob: f"from qtpy.{ob.group(1)} import ", initial
+            )
+            print(self._widget_modules)
+            print(re.findall(self._widget_import_re, qtpy_imports))
+            widget_imports = re.sub(
+                self._widget_import_re,
+                lambda ob: (
+                    f"from {module} import {ob.group(2)}"
+                    if (module := self._widget_modules.get(ob.group(2))) is not None
+                    else ob.group(1)
+                ),
+                qtpy_imports,
+            )
+            f.write(widget_imports)
+            f.truncate()
+
+
+def open_and_watch_ui_editor(widget_name: str):
+    logger.info(f"Opening the editor for {widget_name}, and watching")
+    repo = Path(plugin_repo_path())
+    widget_dir = repo / plugin_package_name() / "bec_widgets" / "widgets" / widget_name
+    ui_file = widget_dir / f"{widget_name}.ui"
+    ui_outfile = widget_dir / f"{widget_name}_ui.py"
+
+    logger.info(
+        f"Opening the editor for {widget_name}, and watching {ui_file} for changes. Whenever you save the file, it will be recompiled to {ui_outfile}"
+    )
+    recompile_handler = RecompileHandler(ui_file, ui_outfile)
+    observer = Observer()
+    observer.schedule(recompile_handler, str(ui_file.parent))
+    observer.start()
+    try:
+        open_designer([str(ui_file)])
+    finally:
+        observer.stop()
+        observer.join()
+    logger.info("Editing session ended, exiting...")

bec_widgets/utils/bec_widget.py

@@ -1,15 +1,19 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import datetime
 from typing import TYPE_CHECKING
 
-import darkdetect
+import PySide6QtAds as QtAds
+import shiboken6
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
-from qtpy.QtCore import QObject, Slot
-from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
+from qtpy.QtCore import QObject
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QFileDialog, QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_register import RPCRegister
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_connector import BECConnector, ConnectionConfig
-from bec_widgets.utils.colors import set_theme
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeConnect, SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.utils.rpc_decorator import rpc_timeout
+from bec_widgets.utils.widget_io import WidgetHierarchy
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
     from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock import BECDock
@@ -23,7 +27,7 @@ class BECWidget(BECConnector):
     # The icon name is the name of the icon in the icon theme, typically a name taken
     # from fonts.google.com/icons. Override this in subclasses to set the icon name.
     ICON_NAME = "widgets"
-    USER_ACCESS = ["remove"]
+    USER_ACCESS = ["remove", "attach", "detach"]
 
     # pylint: disable=too-many-arguments
     def __init__(
@@ -32,6 +36,8 @@ class BECWidget(BECConnector):
         config: ConnectionConfig = None,
         gui_id: str | None = None,
         theme_update: bool = False,
+        start_busy: bool = False,
+        busy_text: str = "Loading…",
         parent_dock: BECDock | None = None,  # TODO should go away -> issue created #473
         **kwargs,
     ):
@@ -41,8 +47,7 @@ class BECWidget(BECConnector):
 
         >>> class MyWidget(BECWidget, QWidget):
         >>>     def __init__(self, parent=None, client=None, config=None, gui_id=None):
-        >>>         super().__init__(client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id)
-        >>>         QWidget.__init__(self, parent=parent)
+        >>>         super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, config=config, gui_id=gui_id)
 
 
         Args:
@@ -58,25 +63,32 @@ class BECWidget(BECConnector):
         )
         if not isinstance(self, QObject):
             raise RuntimeError(f"{repr(self)} is not a subclass of QWidget")
-        app = QApplication.instance()
-        if not hasattr(app, "theme"):
-            # DO NOT SET THE THEME TO AUTO! Otherwise, the qwebengineview will segfault
-            # Instead, we will set the theme to the system setting on startup
-            if darkdetect.isDark():
-                set_theme("dark")
-            else:
-                set_theme("light")
-
         if theme_update:
             logger.debug(f"Subscribing to theme updates for {self.__class__.__name__}")
             self._connect_to_theme_change()
 
+        # Initialize optional busy loader overlay utility (lazy by default)
+        self._busy_overlay = None
+        self._loading = False
+        if start_busy and isinstance(self, QWidget):
+            try:
+                overlay = self._ensure_busy_overlay(busy_text=busy_text)
+                if overlay is not None:
+                    overlay.setGeometry(self.rect())
+                    overlay.raise_()
+                    overlay.show()
+                    self._loading = True
+            except Exception as exc:
+                logger.debug(f"Busy loader init skipped: {exc}")
+
     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._update_theme)
+        if hasattr(qapp, "theme"):
+            SafeConnect(self, qapp.theme.theme_changed, self._update_theme)
 
+    @SafeSlot(str)
+    @SafeSlot()
     def _update_theme(self, theme: str | None = None):
         """Update the theme."""
         if theme is None:
@@ -85,9 +97,78 @@ class BECWidget(BECConnector):
                 theme = qapp.theme.theme
             else:
                 theme = "dark"
+        self._update_overlay_theme(theme)
         self.apply_theme(theme)
 
-    @Slot(str)
+    def _ensure_busy_overlay(self, *, busy_text: str = "Loading…"):
+        """Create the busy overlay on demand and cache it in _busy_overlay.
+        Returns the overlay instance or None if not a QWidget.
+        """
+        if not isinstance(self, QWidget):
+            return None
+        overlay = getattr(self, "_busy_overlay", None)
+        if overlay is None:
+            from bec_widgets.utils.busy_loader import install_busy_loader
+
+            overlay = install_busy_loader(self, text=busy_text, start_loading=False)
+            self._busy_overlay = overlay
+        return overlay
+
+    def _init_busy_loader(self, *, start_busy: bool = False, busy_text: str = "Loading…") -> None:
+        """Create and attach the loading overlay to this widget if QWidget is present."""
+        if not isinstance(self, QWidget):
+            return
+        self._ensure_busy_overlay(busy_text=busy_text)
+        if start_busy and self._busy_overlay is not None:
+            self._busy_overlay.setGeometry(self.rect())
+            self._busy_overlay.raise_()
+            self._busy_overlay.show()
+
+    def set_busy(self, enabled: bool, text: str | None = None) -> None:
+        """
+        Enable/disable the loading overlay. Optionally update the text.
+
+        Args:
+            enabled(bool): Whether to enable the loading overlay.
+            text(str, optional): The text to display on the overlay. If None, the text is not changed.
+        """
+        if not isinstance(self, QWidget):
+            return
+        if getattr(self, "_busy_overlay", None) is None:
+            self._ensure_busy_overlay(busy_text=text or "Loading…")
+        if text is not None:
+            self.set_busy_text(text)
+        if enabled:
+            self._busy_overlay.setGeometry(self.rect())
+            self._busy_overlay.raise_()
+            self._busy_overlay.show()
+        else:
+            self._busy_overlay.hide()
+        self._loading = bool(enabled)
+
+    def is_busy(self) -> bool:
+        """
+        Check if the loading overlay is enabled.
+
+        Returns:
+            bool: True if the loading overlay is enabled, False otherwise.
+        """
+        return bool(getattr(self, "_loading", False))
+
+    def set_busy_text(self, text: str) -> None:
+        """
+        Update the text on the loading overlay.
+
+        Args:
+            text(str): The text to display on the overlay.
+        """
+        overlay = getattr(self, "_busy_overlay", None)
+        if overlay is None:
+            overlay = self._ensure_busy_overlay(busy_text=text)
+        if overlay is not None:
+            overlay.set_text(text)
+
+    @SafeSlot(str)
     def apply_theme(self, theme: str):
         """
         Apply the theme to the widget.
@@ -96,12 +177,87 @@ class BECWidget(BECConnector):
             theme(str, optional): The theme to be applied.
         """
 
+    def _update_overlay_theme(self, theme: str):
+        try:
+            overlay = getattr(self, "_busy_overlay", None)
+            if overlay is not None and hasattr(overlay, "update_palette"):
+                overlay.update_palette()
+        except Exception:
+            logger.warning(f"Failed to apply theme {theme} to {self}")
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    @SafeSlot(str)
+    @rpc_timeout(None)
+    def screenshot(self, file_name: str | None = None):
+        """
+        Take a screenshot of the dock area and save it to a file.
+        """
+        if not isinstance(self, QWidget):
+            logger.error("Cannot take screenshot of non-QWidget instance")
+            return
+
+        screenshot = self.grab()
+        if file_name is None:
+            file_name, _ = QFileDialog.getSaveFileName(
+                self,
+                "Save Screenshot",
+                f"bec_{datetime.now().strftime('%Y%m%d_%H%M%S')}.png",
+                "PNG Files (*.png);;JPEG Files (*.jpg *.jpeg);;All Files (*)",
+            )
+        if not file_name:
+            return
+        screenshot.save(file_name)
+        logger.info(f"Screenshot saved to {file_name}")
+
+    def attach(self):
+        dock = WidgetHierarchy.find_ancestor(self, QtAds.CDockWidget)
+        if dock is None:
+            return
+
+        if not dock.isFloating():
+            return
+        dock.dockManager().addDockWidget(QtAds.DockWidgetArea.RightDockWidgetArea, dock)
+
+    def detach(self):
+        """
+        Detach the widget from its parent dock widget (if widget is in the dock), making it a floating widget.
+        """
+        dock = WidgetHierarchy.find_ancestor(self, QtAds.CDockWidget)
+        if dock is None:
+            return
+        if dock.isFloating():
+            return
+        dock.setFloating()
+
     def cleanup(self):
         """Cleanup the widget."""
         with RPCRegister.delayed_broadcast():
             # All widgets need to call super().cleanup() in their cleanup method
             logger.info(f"Registry cleanup for widget {self.__class__.__name__}")
             self.rpc_register.remove_rpc(self)
+        children = self.findChildren(BECWidget)
+        for child in children:
+            if not shiboken6.isValid(child):
+                # If the child is not valid, it means it has already been deleted
+                continue
+            child.close()
+            child.deleteLater()
+
+        # Tear down busy overlay explicitly to stop spinner and remove filters
+        overlay = getattr(self, "_busy_overlay", None)
+        if overlay is not None and shiboken6.isValid(overlay):
+            try:
+                overlay.hide()
+                filt = getattr(overlay, "_filter", None)
+                if filt is not None and shiboken6.isValid(filt):
+                    try:
+                        self.removeEventFilter(filt)
+                    except Exception as exc:
+                        logger.warning(f"Failed to remove event filter from busy overlay: {exc}")
+                overlay.deleteLater()
+            except Exception as exc:
+                logger.warning(f"Failed to delete busy overlay: {exc}")
+        self._busy_overlay = None
 
     def closeEvent(self, event):
         """Wrap the close even to ensure the rpc_register is cleaned up."""

bec_widgets/utils/busy_loader.py

@@ -0,0 +1,253 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from qtpy.QtCore import QEvent, QObject, Qt, QTimer
+from qtpy.QtGui import QColor, QFont
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
+    QApplication,
+    QFrame,
+    QHBoxLayout,
+    QLabel,
+    QMainWindow,
+    QPushButton,
+    QVBoxLayout,
+    QWidget,
+)
+
+from bec_widgets import BECWidget
+from bec_widgets.utils.colors import apply_theme
+from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.waveform.waveform import Waveform
+from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.spinner.spinner import SpinnerWidget
+
+
+class _OverlayEventFilter(QObject):
+    """Keeps the overlay sized and stacked over its target widget."""
+
+    def __init__(self, target: QWidget, overlay: QWidget):
+        super().__init__(target)
+        self._target = target
+        self._overlay = overlay
+
+    def eventFilter(self, obj, event):
+        if obj is self._target and event.type() in (
+            QEvent.Resize,
+            QEvent.Show,
+            QEvent.LayoutRequest,
+            QEvent.Move,
+        ):
+            self._overlay.setGeometry(self._target.rect())
+            self._overlay.raise_()
+        return False
+
+
+class BusyLoaderOverlay(QWidget):
+    """
+    A semi-transparent scrim with centered text and an animated spinner.
+    Call show()/hide() directly, or use via `install_busy_loader(...)`.
+
+    Args:
+        parent(QWidget): The parent widget to overlay.
+        text(str): Initial text to display.
+        opacity(float): Overlay opacity (0..1).
+
+    Returns:
+        BusyLoaderOverlay: The overlay instance.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, parent: QWidget, text: str = "Loading…", opacity: float = 0.85, **kwargs):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, **kwargs)
+        self.setAttribute(Qt.WA_StyledBackground, True)
+        self.setAutoFillBackground(False)
+        self.setAttribute(Qt.WA_TranslucentBackground, True)
+        self._opacity = opacity
+
+        self._label = QLabel(text, self)
+        self._label.setAlignment(Qt.AlignHCenter | Qt.AlignVCenter)
+        f = QFont(self._label.font())
+        f.setBold(True)
+        f.setPointSize(f.pointSize() + 1)
+        self._label.setFont(f)
+
+        self._spinner = SpinnerWidget(self)
+        self._spinner.setFixedSize(42, 42)
+
+        lay = QVBoxLayout(self)
+        lay.setContentsMargins(24, 24, 24, 24)
+        lay.setSpacing(10)
+        lay.addStretch(1)
+        lay.addWidget(self._spinner, 0, Qt.AlignHCenter)
+        lay.addWidget(self._label, 0, Qt.AlignHCenter)
+        lay.addStretch(1)
+
+        self._frame = QFrame(self)
+        self._frame.setObjectName("busyFrame")
+        self._frame.setAttribute(Qt.WA_TransparentForMouseEvents, True)
+        self._frame.lower()
+
+        # Defaults
+        self._scrim_color = QColor(0, 0, 0, 110)
+        self._label_color = QColor(240, 240, 240)
+        self.update_palette()
+
+        # Start hidden; interactions beneath are blocked while visible
+        self.hide()
+
+    # --- API ---
+    def set_text(self, text: str):
+        """
+        Update the overlay text.
+
+        Args:
+            text(str): The text to display on the overlay.
+        """
+        self._label.setText(text)
+
+    def set_opacity(self, opacity: float):
+        """
+        Set overlay opacity (0..1).
+
+        Args:
+            opacity(float): The opacity value between 0.0 (fully transparent) and 1.0 (fully opaque).
+        """
+        self._opacity = max(0.0, min(1.0, float(opacity)))
+        # Re-apply alpha using the current theme color
+        if isinstance(self._scrim_color, QColor):
+            base = QColor(self._scrim_color)
+            base.setAlpha(int(255 * self._opacity))
+            self._scrim_color = base
+        self.update()
+
+    def update_palette(self):
+        """
+        Update colors from the current application theme.
+        """
+        app = QApplication.instance()
+        if hasattr(app, "theme"):
+            theme = app.theme  # type: ignore[attr-defined]
+            self._bg = theme.color("BORDER")
+            self._fg = theme.color("FG")
+            self._primary = theme.color("PRIMARY")
+        else:
+            # Fallback neutrals
+            self._bg = QColor(30, 30, 30)
+            self._fg = QColor(230, 230, 230)
+        # Semi-transparent scrim derived from bg
+        self._scrim_color = QColor(self._bg)
+        self._scrim_color.setAlpha(int(255 * max(0.0, min(1.0, getattr(self, "_opacity", 0.35)))))
+        self._spinner.update()
+        fg_hex = self._fg.name() if isinstance(self._fg, QColor) else str(self._fg)
+        self._label.setStyleSheet(f"color: {fg_hex};")
+        self._frame.setStyleSheet(
+            f"#busyFrame {{ border: 2px dashed {fg_hex}; border-radius: 9px; background-color: rgba(128, 128, 128, 110); }}"
+        )
+        self.update()
+
+    # --- QWidget overrides ---
+    def showEvent(self, e):
+        self._spinner.start()
+        super().showEvent(e)
+
+    def hideEvent(self, e):
+        self._spinner.stop()
+        super().hideEvent(e)
+
+    def resizeEvent(self, e):
+        super().resizeEvent(e)
+        r = self.rect().adjusted(10, 10, -10, -10)
+        self._frame.setGeometry(r)
+
+    def paintEvent(self, e):
+        super().paintEvent(e)
+
+
+def install_busy_loader(
+    target: QWidget, text: str = "Loading…", start_loading: bool = False, opacity: float = 0.35
+) -> BusyLoaderOverlay:
+    """
+    Attach a BusyLoaderOverlay to `target` and keep it sized and stacked.
+
+    Args:
+        target(QWidget): The widget to overlay.
+        text(str): Initial text to display.
+        start_loading(bool): If True, show the overlay immediately.
+        opacity(float): Overlay opacity (0..1).
+
+    Returns:
+        BusyLoaderOverlay: The overlay instance.
+    """
+    overlay = BusyLoaderOverlay(target, text=text, opacity=opacity)
+    overlay.setGeometry(target.rect())
+    filt = _OverlayEventFilter(target, overlay)
+    overlay._filter = filt  # type: ignore[attr-defined]
+    target.installEventFilter(filt)
+    if start_loading:
+        overlay.show()
+    return overlay
+
+
+# --------------------------
+# Launchable demo
+# --------------------------
+class DemoWidget(BECWidget, QWidget):  # pragma: no cover
+    def __init__(self, parent=None):
+        super().__init__(
+            parent=parent, theme_update=True, start_busy=True, busy_text="Demo: Initializing…"
+        )
+
+        self._title = QLabel("Demo Content", self)
+        self._title.setAlignment(Qt.AlignCenter)
+        self._title.setFrameStyle(QFrame.Panel | QFrame.Sunken)
+        lay = QVBoxLayout(self)
+        lay.addWidget(self._title)
+        waveform = Waveform(self)
+        waveform.plot([1, 2, 3, 4, 5])
+        lay.addWidget(waveform, 1)
+
+        QTimer.singleShot(5000, self._ready)
+
+    def _ready(self):
+        self._title.setText("Ready ✓")
+        self.set_busy(False)
+
+
+class DemoWindow(QMainWindow):
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setWindowTitle("Busy Loader — BECWidget demo")
+
+        left = DemoWidget()
+        right = DemoWidget()
+
+        btn_on = QPushButton("Right → Loading")
+        btn_off = QPushButton("Right → Ready")
+        btn_text = QPushButton("Set custom text")
+        btn_on.clicked.connect(lambda: right.set_busy(True, "Fetching data…"))
+        btn_off.clicked.connect(lambda: right.set_busy(False))
+        btn_text.clicked.connect(lambda: right.set_busy_text("Almost there…"))
+
+        panel = QWidget()
+        prow = QVBoxLayout(panel)
+        prow.addWidget(btn_on)
+        prow.addWidget(btn_off)
+        prow.addWidget(btn_text)
+        prow.addStretch(1)
+
+        central = QWidget()
+        row = QHBoxLayout(central)
+        row.setContentsMargins(12, 12, 12, 12)
+        row.setSpacing(12)
+        row.addWidget(left, 1)
+        row.addWidget(right, 1)
+        row.addWidget(panel, 0)
+
+        self.setCentralWidget(central)
+        self.resize(900, 420)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+    import sys
+
+    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+    apply_theme("light")
+    w = DemoWindow()
+    w.show()
+    sys.exit(app.exec())

bec_widgets/utils/colors.py

@@ -1,19 +1,17 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
 import re
-from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Literal
+from typing import Literal
 
-import bec_qthemes
 import numpy as np
 import pyqtgraph as pg
-from bec_qthemes._os_appearance.listener import OSThemeSwitchListener
+from bec_qthemes import apply_theme as apply_theme_global
+from bec_qthemes._theme import AccentColors
 from pydantic_core import PydanticCustomError
+from qtpy.QtCore import QEvent, QEventLoop
 from qtpy.QtGui import QColor
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
 
-if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
-    from bec_qthemes._main import AccentColors
-
 
 def get_theme_name():
     if QApplication.instance() is None or not hasattr(QApplication.instance(), "theme"):
@@ -23,118 +21,35 @@ def get_theme_name():
 
 
 def get_theme_palette():
-    return bec_qthemes.load_palette(get_theme_name())
+    # FIXME this is legacy code, should be removed in the future
+    app = QApplication.instance()
+    palette = app.palette()
+    return palette
 
 
-def get_accent_colors() -> AccentColors | None:
+def get_accent_colors() -> AccentColors:
     """
     Get the accent colors for the current theme. These colors are extensions of the color palette
     and are used to highlight specific elements in the UI.
     """
     if QApplication.instance() is None or not hasattr(QApplication.instance(), "theme"):
-        return None
+        accent_colors = AccentColors()
+        return accent_colors
     return QApplication.instance().theme.accent_colors
 
 
-def _theme_update_callback():
-    """
-    Internal callback function to update the theme based on the system theme.
-    """
-    app = QApplication.instance()
-    # pylint: disable=protected-access
-    app.theme.theme = app.os_listener._theme.lower()
-    app.theme_signal.theme_updated.emit(app.theme.theme)
-    apply_theme(app.os_listener._theme.lower())
-
-
-def set_theme(theme: Literal["dark", "light", "auto"]):
-    """
-    Set the theme for the application.
-
-    Args:
-        theme (Literal["dark", "light", "auto"]): The theme to set. "auto" will automatically switch between dark and light themes based on the system theme.
-    """
-    app = QApplication.instance()
-    bec_qthemes.setup_theme(theme, install_event_filter=False)
-
-    app.theme_signal.theme_updated.emit(theme)
-    apply_theme(theme)
-
-    if theme != "auto":
-        return
-
-    if not hasattr(app, "os_listener") or app.os_listener is None:
-        app.os_listener = OSThemeSwitchListener(_theme_update_callback)
-        app.installEventFilter(app.os_listener)
+def process_all_deferred_deletes(qapp):
+    qapp.sendPostedEvents(None, QEvent.DeferredDelete)
+    qapp.processEvents(QEventLoop.AllEvents)
 
 
 def apply_theme(theme: Literal["dark", "light"]):
     """
-    Apply the theme to all pyqtgraph widgets. Do not use this function directly. Use set_theme instead.
+    Apply the theme via the global theming API. This updates QSS, QPalette, and pyqtgraph globally.
     """
-    app = QApplication.instance()
-    graphic_layouts = [
-        child
-        for top in app.topLevelWidgets()
-        for child in top.findChildren(pg.GraphicsLayoutWidget)
-    ]
-
-    plot_items = [
-        item
-        for gl in graphic_layouts
-        for item in gl.ci.items.keys()  # ci is internal pg.GraphicsLayout that hosts all items
-        if isinstance(item, pg.PlotItem)
-    ]
-
-    histograms = [
-        item
-        for gl in graphic_layouts
-        for item in gl.ci.items.keys()  # ci is internal pg.GraphicsLayout that hosts all items
-        if isinstance(item, pg.HistogramLUTItem)
-    ]
-
-    # Update background color based on the theme
-    if theme == "light":
-        background_color = "#e9ecef"  # Subtle contrast for light mode
-        foreground_color = "#141414"
-        label_color = "#000000"
-        axis_color = "#666666"
-    else:
-        background_color = "#141414"  # Dark mode
-        foreground_color = "#e9ecef"
-        label_color = "#FFFFFF"
-        axis_color = "#CCCCCC"
-
-    # update GraphicsLayoutWidget
-    pg.setConfigOptions(foreground=foreground_color, background=background_color)
-    for pg_widget in graphic_layouts:
-        pg_widget.setBackground(background_color)
-
-    # update PlotItems
-    for plot_item in plot_items:
-        for axis in ["left", "right", "top", "bottom"]:
-            plot_item.getAxis(axis).setPen(pg.mkPen(color=axis_color))
-            plot_item.getAxis(axis).setTextPen(pg.mkPen(color=label_color))
-
-        # Change title color
-        plot_item.titleLabel.setText(plot_item.titleLabel.text, color=label_color)
-
-        # Change legend color
-        if hasattr(plot_item, "legend") and plot_item.legend is not None:
-            plot_item.legend.setLabelTextColor(label_color)
-            # if legend is in plot item and theme is changed, has to be like that because of pg opt logic
-            for sample, label in plot_item.legend.items:
-                label_text = label.text
-                label.setText(label_text, color=label_color)
-
-    # update HistogramLUTItem
-    for histogram in histograms:
-        histogram.axis.setPen(pg.mkPen(color=axis_color))
-        histogram.axis.setTextPen(pg.mkPen(color=label_color))
-
-    # now define stylesheet according to theme and apply it
-    style = bec_qthemes.load_stylesheet(theme)
-    app.setStyleSheet(style)
+    process_all_deferred_deletes(QApplication.instance())
+    apply_theme_global(theme)
+    process_all_deferred_deletes(QApplication.instance())
 
 
 class Colors:

bec_widgets/utils/compact_popup.py

@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
     QPushButton,
     QSizePolicy,
     QSpacerItem,
+    QToolButton,
     QVBoxLayout,
     QWidget,
 )
@@ -122,15 +123,14 @@ class CompactPopupWidget(QWidget):
         self.compact_view_widget = QWidget(self)
         self.compact_view_widget.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Fixed)
         QHBoxLayout(self.compact_view_widget)
-        self.compact_view_widget.layout().setSpacing(0)
+        self.compact_view_widget.layout().setSpacing(5)
         self.compact_view_widget.layout().setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
         self.compact_view_widget.layout().addSpacerItem(
             QSpacerItem(0, 0, QSizePolicy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Fixed)
         )
         self.compact_label = QLabel(self.compact_view_widget)
         self.compact_status = LedLabel(self.compact_view_widget)
-        self.compact_show_popup = QPushButton(self.compact_view_widget)
-        self.compact_show_popup.setFlat(True)
+        self.compact_show_popup = QToolButton(self.compact_view_widget)
         self.compact_show_popup.setIcon(
             material_icon(icon_name="expand_content", size=(10, 10), convert_to_pixmap=False)
         )
@@ -259,12 +259,3 @@ class CompactPopupWidget(QWidget):
     @expand_popup.setter
     def expand_popup(self, popup: bool):
         self._expand_popup = popup
-
-    def closeEvent(self, event):
-        # Called by Qt, on closing - since the children widgets can be
-        # BECWidgets, it is good to explicitely call 'close' on them,
-        # to ensure proper resources cleanup
-        for child in self.container.findChildren(QWidget, options=Qt.FindDirectChildrenOnly):
-            child.close()
-
-        super().closeEvent(event)

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):
@@ -160,7 +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:
@@ -187,7 +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.
@@ -205,8 +209,11 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
         if self.highlighted_curve_index is not None and hasattr(self.plot_item, "visible_curves"):
             # Focus on the highlighted curve only
             self.items = [self.plot_item.visible_curves[self.highlighted_curve_index]]
-        else:
-            # Handle all curves
+        elif hasattr(self.plot_item, "visible_items"):  # PlotBase general case
+            # Handle visible items in the plot item
+            self.items = self.plot_item.visible_items()
+        else:  # Non PlotBase case
+            # Handle all items
             self.items = self.plot_item.items
 
         # Create or update markers
@@ -265,15 +272,47 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
                     [0, 0], size=[item.image.shape[0], 1], pen=pg.mkPen("r", width=2), movable=False
                 )
                 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
     ) -> tuple[None, None] | tuple[defaultdict[Any, list], defaultdict[Any, list]]:
@@ -316,9 +355,25 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
                 image_2d = item.image
                 if image_2d is None:
                     continue
-                # 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))
+                # 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(
@@ -358,60 +413,74 @@ 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
 
-            precision = self._current_precision()
-            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, precision),
-                        round(y_snapped_scaled, precision),
-                    )
-                    self.coordinatesChanged1D.emit(coordinate_to_emit)
-                elif isinstance(item, pg.ImageItem):
-                    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
-                    # Set position of horizontal ROI (row)
-                    self.marker_2d_row.setPos([0, y])
-                    # Set position of vertical ROI (column)
-                    self.marker_2d_col.setPos([x, 0])
-                    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.
@@ -462,15 +531,35 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
                     x, y = x_snap_values[name], y_snap_values[name]
                     if x is None or y is None:
                         continue
-                    # Set position of horizontal ROI (row)
-                    self.marker_2d_row.setPos([0, y])
-                    # Set position of vertical ROI (column)
-                    self.marker_2d_col.setPos([x, 0])
+
+                    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():
@@ -512,8 +601,18 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
                 image = item.image
                 if image is None:
                     continue
-                ix = int(np.clip(x, 0, image.shape[0] - 1))
-                iy = int(np.clip(y, 0, image.shape[1] - 1))
+
+                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:.{precision}f}"
                 break
@@ -533,15 +632,19 @@ class Crosshair(QObject):
         self.is_derivative = self.plot_item.ctrl.derivativeCheck.isChecked()
         self.clear_markers()
 
-    def cleanup(self):
+    @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):
+        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

@@ -28,6 +28,10 @@ class EntryValidator:
         if not available_entries:
             available_entries = [name]
 
+        # edge case for if name is passed instead of full_name, should not happen
+        if entry in signals_dict:
+            entry = signals_dict[entry].get("obj_name", entry)
+
         if entry is None or entry == "":
             entry = next(iter(device._hints), name) if hasattr(device, "_hints") else name
         if entry not in available_entries:

bec_widgets/utils/error_popups.py

@@ -2,7 +2,9 @@ import functools
 import sys
 import traceback
 
+import shiboken6
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
+from louie.saferef import safe_ref
 from qtpy.QtCore import Property, QObject, Qt, Signal, Slot
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QMessageBox, QPushButton, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
 
@@ -90,6 +92,52 @@ def SafeProperty(prop_type, *prop_args, popup_error: bool = False, default=None,
     return decorator
 
 
+def _safe_connect_slot(weak_instance, weak_slot, *connect_args):
+    """Internal function used by SafeConnect to handle weak references to slots."""
+    instance = weak_instance()
+    slot_func = weak_slot()
+
+    # Check if the python object has already been garbage collected
+    if instance is None or slot_func is None:
+        return
+
+    # Check if the python object has already been marked for deletion
+    if getattr(instance, "_destroyed", False):
+        return
+
+    # Check if the C++ object is still valid
+    if not shiboken6.isValid(instance):
+        return
+
+    if connect_args:
+        slot_func(*connect_args)
+    slot_func()
+
+
+def SafeConnect(instance, signal, slot):  # pylint: disable=invalid-name
+    """
+    Method to safely handle Qt signal-slot connections. The python object is only forwarded
+    as a weak reference to avoid stale objects.
+
+    Args:
+        instance: The instance to connect.
+        signal: The signal to connect to.
+        slot: The slot to connect.
+
+    Example:
+        >>> SafeConnect(self, qapp.theme.theme_changed, self._update_theme)
+
+    """
+    weak_instance = safe_ref(instance)
+    weak_slot = safe_ref(slot)
+
+    # Create a partial function that will check weak references before calling the actual slot
+    safe_slot = functools.partial(_safe_connect_slot, weak_instance, weak_slot)
+
+    # Connect the signal to the safe connect slot wrapper
+    return signal.connect(safe_slot)
+
+
 def SafeSlot(*slot_args, **slot_kwargs):  # pylint: disable=invalid-name
     """Function with args, acting like a decorator, applying "error_managed" decorator + Qt Slot
     to the passed function, to display errors instead of potentially raising an exception

bec_widgets/utils/expandable_frame.py

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
 from bec_qthemes import material_icon
-from qtpy.QtCore import Signal
+from qtpy.QtCore import QSize, Signal
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
     QApplication,
     QFrame,
@@ -19,7 +19,8 @@ from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeProperty, SafeSlot
 
 
 class ExpandableGroupFrame(QFrame):
-
+    broadcast_size_hint = Signal(QSize)
+    imminent_deletion = Signal()
     expansion_state_changed = Signal()
 
     EXPANDED_ICON_NAME: str = "collapse_all"
@@ -31,10 +32,11 @@ class ExpandableGroupFrame(QFrame):
         super().__init__(parent=parent)
         self._expanded = expanded
 
-        self.setFrameStyle(QFrame.Shape.StyledPanel | QFrame.Shadow.Plain)
+        self._title_text = f"<b>{title}</b>"
+        self.setFrameStyle(QFrame.Shape.StyledPanel | QFrame.Shadow.Raised)
         self.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Policy.Minimum, QSizePolicy.Policy.Minimum)
         self._layout = QVBoxLayout()
-        self._layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        self._layout.setContentsMargins(5, 0, 0, 0)
         self.setLayout(self._layout)
 
         self._create_title_layout(title, icon)
@@ -49,21 +51,27 @@ class ExpandableGroupFrame(QFrame):
     def _create_title_layout(self, title: str, icon: str):
         self._title_layout = QHBoxLayout()
         self._layout.addLayout(self._title_layout)
+        self._internal_title_layout = QHBoxLayout()
+        self._title_layout.addLayout(self._internal_title_layout)
 
-        self._title = ClickableLabel(f"<b>{title}</b>")
+        self._title = ClickableLabel()
+        self._set_title_text(self._title_text)
         self._title_icon = ClickableLabel()
-        self._title_layout.addWidget(self._title_icon)
-        self._title_layout.addWidget(self._title)
+        self._internal_title_layout.addWidget(self._title_icon)
+        self._internal_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._internal_title_layout.addStretch(1)
 
         self._expansion_button = QToolButton()
         self._update_expansion_icon()
         self._title_layout.addWidget(self._expansion_button, stretch=1)
 
+    def get_title_layout(self) -> QHBoxLayout:
+        return self._internal_title_layout
+
     def set_layout(self, layout: QLayout) -> None:
         self._contents.setLayout(layout)
         self._contents.layout().setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)  # type: ignore
@@ -112,6 +120,18 @@ class ExpandableGroupFrame(QFrame):
         else:
             self._title_icon.setVisible(False)
 
+    @SafeProperty(str)
+    def title_text(self):  # type: ignore
+        return self._title_text
+
+    @title_text.setter
+    def title_text(self, title_text: str):
+        self._title_text = title_text
+        self._set_title_text(self._title_text)
+
+    def _set_title_text(self, title_text: str):
+        self._title.setText(title_text)
+
 
 # Application example
 if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover

bec_widgets/utils/forms_from_types/forms.py

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
-from types import NoneType
+from types import GenericAlias, NoneType, UnionType
 from typing import NamedTuple
 
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QGridLayout, QLabel, QSizePolicy, QVBox
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
 from bec_widgets.utils.compact_popup import CompactPopupWidget
-from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeProperty
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeProperty, SafeSlot
 from bec_widgets.utils.forms_from_types import styles
 from bec_widgets.utils.forms_from_types.items import (
     DynamicFormItem,
@@ -171,8 +171,9 @@ class TypedForm(BECWidget, QWidget):
 
 
 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,
@@ -204,7 +205,7 @@ class PydanticModelForm(TypedForm):
 
         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)
         )
@@ -215,6 +216,9 @@ class PydanticModelForm(TypedForm):
 
         self._connect_to_theme_change()
 
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def clear(self): ...
+
     def set_pretty_display_theme(self, theme: str = "dark"):
         if self._pretty_display:
             self.setStyleSheet(styles.pretty_display_theme(theme))
@@ -264,16 +268,39 @@ 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
+
+
+class PydanticModelFormItem(DynamicFormItem):
+    def __init__(
+        self, parent: QWidget | None = None, *, spec: FormItemSpec, model: type[BaseModel]
+    ) -> None:
+        self._data_model = model
+
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, spec=spec)
+        self._main_widget.form_data_updated.connect(self._value_changed)
+
+    def _add_main_widget(self) -> None:
+
+        self._main_widget = PydanticModelForm(data_model=self._data_model)
+        self._layout.addWidget(self._main_widget)
+
+    def getValue(self):
+        return self._main_widget.get_form_data()
+
+    def setValue(self, value: dict):
+        self._main_widget.set_data(self._data_model.model_validate(value))

bec_widgets/utils/forms_from_types/items.py

@@ -1,10 +1,23 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+import inspect
 import typing
 from abc import abstractmethod
 from decimal import Decimal
 from types import GenericAlias, UnionType
-from typing import Callable, Final, Iterable, Literal, NamedTuple, OrderedDict, get_args
+from typing import (
+    Callable,
+    Final,
+    Generic,
+    Iterable,
+    Literal,
+    NamedTuple,
+    OrderedDict,
+    Protocol,
+    TypeVar,
+    get_args,
+    runtime_checkable,
+)
 
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from bec_qthemes import material_icon
@@ -158,9 +171,10 @@ class DynamicFormItem(QWidget):
         self._desc = self._spec.info.description
         self.setLayout(self._layout)
         self._add_main_widget()
+        # Sadly, QWidget and ABC are not compatible
         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)
+        self._main_widget.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Policy.Minimum, QSizePolicy.Policy.Minimum)
+        self.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Policy.Minimum, QSizePolicy.Policy.Minimum)
         if not spec.pretty_display:
             if clearable_required(spec.info):
                 self._add_clear_button()
@@ -175,6 +189,7 @@ class DynamicFormItem(QWidget):
 
     @abstractmethod
     def _add_main_widget(self) -> None:
+        self._main_widget: QWidget
         """Add the main data entry widget to self._main_widget and appply any
         constraints from the field info"""
 
@@ -350,11 +365,13 @@ class DictFormItem(DynamicFormItem):
         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]
+_IW = TypeVar("_IW", bound=int | float | str)
+
+
+class _ItemAndWidgetType(NamedTuple, Generic[_IW]):
+    item: type[_IW]
     widget: type[QWidget]
-    default: int | float | str
+    default: _IW
 
 
 class ListFormItem(DynamicFormItem):
@@ -380,7 +397,7 @@ class ListFormItem(DynamicFormItem):
 
     def sizeHint(self):
         default = super().sizeHint()
-        return QSize(default.width(), QFontMetrics(self.font()).height() * 6)
+        return QSize(default.width(), QFontMetrics(self.font()).height() * 4)
 
     def _add_main_widget(self) -> None:
         self._main_widget = QListWidget()
@@ -390,17 +407,29 @@ class ListFormItem(DynamicFormItem):
 
     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_button)
-        self._buttons.addWidget(self._remove_button)
+
+        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()
@@ -418,10 +447,17 @@ class ListFormItem(DynamicFormItem):
         self._add_list_item(val)
         self._repop(self._data)
 
+    def _item_height(self):
+        return int(QFontMetrics(self.font()).height() * 1.5)
+
     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)
+        item_widget.setMinimumHeight(self._item_height())
+        self._main_widget.setGridSize(QSize(0, self._item_height()))
+        if (layout := item_widget.layout()) is not None:
+            layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
         WidgetIO.set_value(item_widget, val)
         self._main_widget.setItemWidget(item, item_widget)
         self._main_widget.addItem(item)
@@ -458,14 +494,11 @@ class ListFormItem(DynamicFormItem):
         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))
+        self._main_widget.setFixedHeight(self._item_height() * max(lines, self._min_lines))
+        self._button_holder.setFixedHeight(self._item_height() * (max(lines, self._min_lines) + 1))
+        self.setFixedHeight(self._item_height() * (max(lines, self._min_lines) + outer_inc))
 
     def scale_to_data(self, *_):
         self.set_max_height_in_lines(self._main_widget.count() + 1)
@@ -533,7 +566,14 @@ class StrLiteralFormItem(DynamicFormItem):
         self._main_widget.setCurrentIndex(-1)
 
 
-WidgetTypeRegistry = OrderedDict[str, tuple[Callable[[FormItemSpec], bool], type[DynamicFormItem]]]
+@runtime_checkable
+class _ItemTypeFn(Protocol):
+    def __call__(self, spec: FormItemSpec) -> type[DynamicFormItem]: ...
+
+
+WidgetTypeRegistry = OrderedDict[
+    str, tuple[Callable[[FormItemSpec], bool], type[DynamicFormItem] | _ItemTypeFn]
+]
 
 DEFAULT_WIDGET_TYPES: Final[WidgetTypeRegistry] = OrderedDict() | {
     # dict literals are ordered already but TypedForm subclasses may modify coppies of this dict
@@ -574,7 +614,10 @@ def widget_from_type(
     widget_types = widget_types or DEFAULT_WIDGET_TYPES
     for predicate, widget_type in widget_types.values():
         if predicate(spec):
-            return widget_type
+            if inspect.isclass(widget_type) and issubclass(widget_type, DynamicFormItem):
+                return widget_type
+            return widget_type(spec)
+
     logger.warning(
         f"Type {spec.item_type=} / {spec.info.annotation=} is not (yet) supported in dynamic form creation."
     )

bec_widgets/utils/generate_designer_plugin.py

@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ from qtpy.QtCore import QObject
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.name_utils import pascal_to_snake
 
-EXCLUDED_PLUGINS = ["BECConnector", "BECDockArea", "BECDock", "BECFigure"]
+EXCLUDED_PLUGINS = ["BECConnector", "BECDock"]
 _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)

bec_widgets/utils/list_of_expandable_frames.py

@@ -0,0 +1,133 @@
+import re
+from functools import partial
+from re import Pattern
+from typing import Generic, Iterable, NamedTuple, TypeVar
+
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
+from qtpy.QtCore import QSize, Qt
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QListWidget, QListWidgetItem, QWidget
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.utils.expandable_frame import ExpandableGroupFrame
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_manager.components._util import (
+    SORT_KEY_ROLE,
+    SortableQListWidgetItem,
+)
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+
+
+_EF = TypeVar("_EF", bound=ExpandableGroupFrame)
+
+
+class ListOfExpandableFrames(QListWidget, Generic[_EF]):
+    def __init__(
+        self, /, parent: QWidget | None = None, item_class: type[_EF] = ExpandableGroupFrame
+    ) -> None:
+        super().__init__(parent)
+        _Items = NamedTuple("_Items", (("item", QListWidgetItem), ("widget", _EF)))
+        self.item_tuple = _Items
+        self._item_class = item_class
+        self._item_dict: dict[str, _Items] = {}
+
+    def __contains__(self, id: str):
+        return id in self._item_dict
+
+    def clear(self) -> None:
+        self._item_dict = {}
+        return super().clear()
+
+    def add_item(self, id: str, *args, **kwargs) -> tuple[QListWidgetItem, _EF]:
+        """Adds the specified type of widget as an item. args and kwargs are passed to the constructor.
+
+        Args:
+            id (str): the key under which to store the list item in the internal dict
+
+        Returns:
+            The widget created in the addition process
+        """
+
+        def _remove_item(item: QListWidgetItem):
+            self.takeItem(self.row(item))
+            del self._item_dict[id]
+            self.sortItems()
+
+        def _updatesize(item: QListWidgetItem, item_widget: _EF):
+            item_widget.adjustSize()
+            item.setSizeHint(QSize(item_widget.width(), item_widget.height()))
+
+        item = SortableQListWidgetItem(self)
+        item.setData(SORT_KEY_ROLE, id)  # used for sorting
+
+        item_widget = self._item_class(*args, **kwargs)
+        item_widget.expansion_state_changed.connect(partial(_updatesize, item, item_widget))
+        item_widget.imminent_deletion.connect(partial(_remove_item, item))
+        item_widget.broadcast_size_hint.connect(item.setSizeHint)
+
+        self.addItem(item)
+        self.setItemWidget(item, item_widget)
+        self._item_dict[id] = self.item_tuple(item, item_widget)
+
+        item.setSizeHint(item_widget.sizeHint())
+        return (item, item_widget)
+
+    def sort_by_key(self, role=SORT_KEY_ROLE, order=Qt.SortOrder.AscendingOrder):
+        items = [self.takeItem(0) for i in range(self.count())]
+        items.sort(key=lambda it: it.data(role), reverse=(order == Qt.SortOrder.DescendingOrder))
+
+        for it in items:
+            self.addItem(it)
+            # reattach its custom widget
+            widget = self.itemWidget(it)
+            if widget:
+                self.setItemWidget(it, widget)
+
+    def item_widget_pairs(self):
+        return self._item_dict.values()
+
+    def widgets(self):
+        return (i.widget for i in self._item_dict.values())
+
+    def get_item_widget(self, id: str):
+        if (item := self._item_dict.get(id)) is None:
+            return None
+        return item
+
+    def set_hidden_pattern(self, pattern: Pattern):
+        self.hide_all()
+        self._set_hidden(filter(pattern.search, self._item_dict.keys()), False)
+
+    def set_hidden(self, ids: Iterable[str]):
+        self._set_hidden(ids, True)
+
+    def _set_hidden(self, ids: Iterable[str], hidden: bool):
+        for id in ids:
+            if (_item := self._item_dict.get(id)) is not None:
+                _item.item.setHidden(hidden)
+                _item.widget.setHidden(hidden)
+            else:
+                logger.warning(
+                    f"List {self.__qualname__} does not have an item with ID {id} to hide!"
+                )
+        self.sortItems()
+
+    def hide_all(self):
+        self.set_hidden_state_on_all(True)
+
+    def unhide_all(self):
+        self.set_hidden_state_on_all(False)
+
+    def set_hidden_state_on_all(self, hidden: bool):
+        for _item in self._item_dict.values():
+            _item.item.setHidden(hidden)
+            _item.widget.setHidden(hidden)
+        self.sortItems()
+
+    @SafeSlot(str)
+    def update_filter(self, value: str):
+        if value == "":
+            return self.unhide_all()
+        try:
+            self.set_hidden_pattern(re.compile(value, re.IGNORECASE))
+        except Exception:
+            self.unhide_all()

bec_widgets/utils/plugin_templates/plugin.template

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 {widget_import}
@@ -20,6 +21,8 @@ class {plugin_name_pascal}Plugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+           return QWidget()
         t = {plugin_name_pascal}(parent)
         return t
 

bec_widgets/utils/plugin_utils.py

@@ -201,7 +201,7 @@ def get_custom_classes(repo_name: str) -> BECClassContainer:
                     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):
+                    if issubclass(obj, QWidget) or issubclass(obj, BECWidget):
                         class_info.is_widget = True
                     if len(subs) == 1 and (
                         issubclass(obj, QWidget) or issubclass(obj, QGraphicsWidget)

bec_widgets/utils/property_editor.py

@@ -0,0 +1,694 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from qtpy.QtCore import QLocale, QMetaEnum, Qt, QTimer
+from qtpy.QtGui import QColor, QCursor, QFont, QIcon, QPalette
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
+    QCheckBox,
+    QColorDialog,
+    QComboBox,
+    QDoubleSpinBox,
+    QFileDialog,
+    QFontDialog,
+    QHBoxLayout,
+    QHeaderView,
+    QLabel,
+    QLineEdit,
+    QMenu,
+    QPushButton,
+    QSizePolicy,
+    QSpinBox,
+    QToolButton,
+    QTreeWidget,
+    QTreeWidgetItem,
+    QVBoxLayout,
+    QWidget,
+)
+
+
+class PropertyEditor(QWidget):
+    def __init__(self, target: QWidget, parent: QWidget | None = None, show_only_bec: bool = True):
+        super().__init__(parent)
+        self._target = target
+        self._bec_only = show_only_bec
+
+        layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
+        layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+
+        # Name row
+        name_row = QHBoxLayout()
+        name_row.addWidget(QLabel("Name:"))
+        self.name_edit = QLineEdit(target.objectName())
+        self.name_edit.setEnabled(False)  # TODO implement with RPC broadcast
+        name_row.addWidget(self.name_edit)
+        layout.addLayout(name_row)
+
+        # BEC only checkbox
+        filter_row = QHBoxLayout()
+        self.chk_show_qt = QCheckBox("Show Qt properties")
+        self.chk_show_qt.setChecked(False)
+        filter_row.addWidget(self.chk_show_qt)
+        filter_row.addStretch(1)
+        layout.addLayout(filter_row)
+        self.chk_show_qt.toggled.connect(lambda checked: self.set_show_only_bec(not checked))
+
+        # Main tree widget
+        self.tree = QTreeWidget(self)
+        self.tree.setColumnCount(2)
+        self.tree.setHeaderLabels(["Property", "Value"])
+        self.tree.setAlternatingRowColors(True)
+        self.tree.setRootIsDecorated(False)
+        layout.addWidget(self.tree)
+        self._build()
+
+    def _class_chain(self):
+        chain = []
+        mo = self._target.metaObject()
+        while mo is not None:
+            chain.append(mo)
+            mo = mo.superClass()
+        return chain
+
+    def set_show_only_bec(self, flag: bool):
+        self._bec_only = flag
+        self._build()
+
+    def _set_equal_columns(self):
+        header = self.tree.header()
+        header.setSectionResizeMode(0, QHeaderView.Interactive)
+        header.setSectionResizeMode(1, QHeaderView.Interactive)
+        w = self.tree.viewport().width() or self.tree.width()
+        if w > 0:
+            half = max(1, w // 2)
+            self.tree.setColumnWidth(0, half)
+            self.tree.setColumnWidth(1, w - half)
+
+    def _build(self):
+        self.tree.clear()
+        for mo in self._class_chain():
+            class_name = mo.className()
+            if self._bec_only and not self._is_bec_metaobject(mo):
+                continue
+            group_item = QTreeWidgetItem(self.tree, [class_name])
+            group_item.setFirstColumnSpanned(True)
+            start = mo.propertyOffset()
+            end = mo.propertyCount()
+            for i in range(start, end):
+                prop = mo.property(i)
+                if (
+                    not prop.isReadable()
+                    or not prop.isWritable()
+                    or not prop.isStored()
+                    or not prop.isDesignable()
+                ):
+                    continue
+                name = prop.name()
+                if name == "objectName":
+                    continue
+                value = self._target.property(name)
+                self._add_property_row(group_item, name, value, prop)
+            if group_item.childCount() == 0:
+                idx = self.tree.indexOfTopLevelItem(group_item)
+                self.tree.takeTopLevelItem(idx)
+        self.tree.expandAll()
+        QTimer.singleShot(0, self._set_equal_columns)
+
+    def _enum_int(self, obj) -> int:
+        return int(getattr(obj, "value", obj))
+
+    def _make_sizepolicy_editor(self, name: str, sp):
+        if not isinstance(sp, QSizePolicy):
+            return None
+        wrap = QWidget(self)
+        row = QHBoxLayout(wrap)
+        row.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        row.setSpacing(4)
+        h_combo = QComboBox(wrap)
+        v_combo = QComboBox(wrap)
+        hs = QSpinBox(wrap)
+        vs = QSpinBox(wrap)
+        for b in (hs, vs):
+            b.setRange(0, 16777215)
+        policies = [
+            (QSizePolicy.Fixed, "Fixed"),
+            (QSizePolicy.Minimum, "Minimum"),
+            (QSizePolicy.Maximum, "Maximum"),
+            (QSizePolicy.Preferred, "Preferred"),
+            (QSizePolicy.Expanding, "Expanding"),
+            (QSizePolicy.MinimumExpanding, "MinExpanding"),
+            (QSizePolicy.Ignored, "Ignored"),
+        ]
+        for pol, text in policies:
+            h_combo.addItem(text, self._enum_int(pol))
+            v_combo.addItem(text, self._enum_int(pol))
+
+        def _set_current(combo, val):
+            idx = combo.findData(self._enum_int(val))
+            if idx >= 0:
+                combo.setCurrentIndex(idx)
+
+        _set_current(h_combo, sp.horizontalPolicy())
+        _set_current(v_combo, sp.verticalPolicy())
+        hs.setValue(sp.horizontalStretch())
+        vs.setValue(sp.verticalStretch())
+
+        def apply_changes():
+            hp = QSizePolicy.Policy(h_combo.currentData())
+            vp = QSizePolicy.Policy(v_combo.currentData())
+            nsp = QSizePolicy(hp, vp)
+            nsp.setHorizontalStretch(hs.value())
+            nsp.setVerticalStretch(vs.value())
+            self._target.setProperty(name, nsp)
+
+        h_combo.currentIndexChanged.connect(lambda _=None: apply_changes())
+        v_combo.currentIndexChanged.connect(lambda _=None: apply_changes())
+        hs.valueChanged.connect(lambda _=None: apply_changes())
+        vs.valueChanged.connect(lambda _=None: apply_changes())
+        row.addWidget(h_combo)
+        row.addWidget(v_combo)
+        row.addWidget(hs)
+        row.addWidget(vs)
+        return wrap
+
+    def _make_locale_editor(self, name: str, loc):
+        if not isinstance(loc, QLocale):
+            return None
+        wrap = QWidget(self)
+        row = QHBoxLayout(wrap)
+        row.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        row.setSpacing(4)
+        lang_combo = QComboBox(wrap)
+        country_combo = QComboBox(wrap)
+        for lang in QLocale.Language:
+            try:
+                lang_int = self._enum_int(lang)
+            except Exception:
+                continue
+            if lang_int < 0:
+                continue
+            name_txt = QLocale.languageToString(QLocale.Language(lang_int))
+            lang_combo.addItem(name_txt, lang_int)
+
+        def populate_countries():
+            country_combo.blockSignals(True)
+            country_combo.clear()
+            for terr in QLocale.Country:
+                try:
+                    terr_int = self._enum_int(terr)
+                except Exception:
+                    continue
+                if terr_int < 0:
+                    continue
+                text = QLocale.countryToString(QLocale.Country(terr_int))
+                country_combo.addItem(text, terr_int)
+            cur_country = self._enum_int(loc.country())
+            idx = country_combo.findData(cur_country)
+            if idx >= 0:
+                country_combo.setCurrentIndex(idx)
+            country_combo.blockSignals(False)
+
+        cur_lang = self._enum_int(loc.language())
+        idx = lang_combo.findData(cur_lang)
+        if idx >= 0:
+            lang_combo.setCurrentIndex(idx)
+        populate_countries()
+
+        def apply_locale():
+            lang = QLocale.Language(int(lang_combo.currentData()))
+            country = QLocale.Country(int(country_combo.currentData()))
+            self._target.setProperty(name, QLocale(lang, country))
+
+        lang_combo.currentIndexChanged.connect(lambda _=None: populate_countries())
+        lang_combo.currentIndexChanged.connect(lambda _=None: apply_locale())
+        country_combo.currentIndexChanged.connect(lambda _=None: apply_locale())
+        row.addWidget(lang_combo)
+        row.addWidget(country_combo)
+        return wrap
+
+    def _make_icon_editor(self, name: str, icon):
+        btn = QPushButton(self)
+        btn.setText("Choose…")
+        if isinstance(icon, QIcon) and not icon.isNull():
+            btn.setIcon(icon)
+
+        def pick():
+            path, _ = QFileDialog.getOpenFileName(
+                self, "Select Icon", "", "Images (*.png *.jpg *.jpeg *.bmp *.svg)"
+            )
+            if path:
+                ic = QIcon(path)
+                self._target.setProperty(name, ic)
+                btn.setIcon(ic)
+
+        btn.clicked.connect(pick)
+        return btn
+
+    def _spin_pair(self, ints: bool = True):
+        box1 = QSpinBox(self) if ints else QDoubleSpinBox(self)
+        box2 = QSpinBox(self) if ints else QDoubleSpinBox(self)
+        if ints:
+            box1.setRange(-10_000_000, 10_000_000)
+            box2.setRange(-10_000_000, 10_000_000)
+        else:
+            for b in (box1, box2):
+                b.setDecimals(6)
+                b.setRange(-1e12, 1e12)
+                b.setSingleStep(0.1)
+        row = QHBoxLayout()
+        row.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        row.setSpacing(4)
+        wrap = QWidget(self)
+        wrap.setLayout(row)
+        row.addWidget(box1)
+        row.addWidget(box2)
+        return wrap, box1, box2
+
+    def _spin_quad(self, ints: bool = True):
+        s = QSpinBox if ints else QDoubleSpinBox
+        boxes = [s(self) for _ in range(4)]
+        if ints:
+            for b in boxes:
+                b.setRange(-10_000_000, 10_000_000)
+        else:
+            for b in boxes:
+                b.setDecimals(6)
+                b.setRange(-1e12, 1e12)
+                b.setSingleStep(0.1)
+        row = QHBoxLayout()
+        row.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        row.setSpacing(4)
+        wrap = QWidget(self)
+        wrap.setLayout(row)
+        for b in boxes:
+            row.addWidget(b)
+        return wrap, boxes
+
+    def _make_font_editor(self, name: str, value):
+        btn = QPushButton(self)
+        if isinstance(value, QFont):
+            btn.setText(f"{value.family()}, {value.pointSize()}pt")
+        else:
+            btn.setText("Select font…")
+
+        def pick():
+            ok, font = QFontDialog.getFont(
+                value if isinstance(value, QFont) else QFont(), self, "Select Font"
+            )
+            if ok:
+                self._target.setProperty(name, font)
+                btn.setText(f"{font.family()}, {font.pointSize()}pt")
+
+        btn.clicked.connect(pick)
+        return btn
+
+    def _make_color_editor(self, initial: QColor, apply_cb):
+        btn = QPushButton(self)
+        if isinstance(initial, QColor):
+            btn.setText(initial.name())
+            btn.setStyleSheet(f"background:{initial.name()};")
+        else:
+            btn.setText("Select color…")
+
+        def pick():
+            col = QColorDialog.getColor(
+                initial if isinstance(initial, QColor) else QColor(), self, "Select Color"
+            )
+            if col.isValid():
+                apply_cb(col)
+                btn.setText(col.name())
+                btn.setStyleSheet(f"background:{col.name()};")
+
+        btn.clicked.connect(pick)
+        return btn
+
+    def _apply_palette_color(
+        self,
+        name: str,
+        pal: QPalette,
+        group: QPalette.ColorGroup,
+        role: QPalette.ColorRole,
+        col: QColor,
+    ):
+        pal.setColor(group, role, col)
+        self._target.setProperty(name, pal)
+
+    def _make_palette_editor(self, name: str, pal: QPalette):
+        if not isinstance(pal, QPalette):
+            return None
+        wrap = QWidget(self)
+        row = QHBoxLayout(wrap)
+        row.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        group_combo = QComboBox(wrap)
+        role_combo = QComboBox(wrap)
+        pick_btn = self._make_color_editor(
+            pal.color(QPalette.Active, QPalette.WindowText),
+            lambda col: self._apply_palette_color(
+                name, pal, QPalette.Active, QPalette.WindowText, col
+            ),
+        )
+        groups = [
+            (QPalette.Active, "Active"),
+            (QPalette.Inactive, "Inactive"),
+            (QPalette.Disabled, "Disabled"),
+        ]
+        for g, label in groups:
+            group_combo.addItem(label, int(getattr(g, "value", g)))
+        roles = [
+            (QPalette.WindowText, "WindowText"),
+            (QPalette.Window, "Window"),
+            (QPalette.Base, "Base"),
+            (QPalette.AlternateBase, "AlternateBase"),
+            (QPalette.ToolTipBase, "ToolTipBase"),
+            (QPalette.ToolTipText, "ToolTipText"),
+            (QPalette.Text, "Text"),
+            (QPalette.Button, "Button"),
+            (QPalette.ButtonText, "ButtonText"),
+            (QPalette.BrightText, "BrightText"),
+            (QPalette.Highlight, "Highlight"),
+            (QPalette.HighlightedText, "HighlightedText"),
+        ]
+        for r, label in roles:
+            role_combo.addItem(label, int(getattr(r, "value", r)))
+
+        def rewire_button():
+            g = QPalette.ColorGroup(int(group_combo.currentData()))
+            r = QPalette.ColorRole(int(role_combo.currentData()))
+            col = pal.color(g, r)
+            while row.count() > 2:
+                w = row.takeAt(2).widget()
+                if w:
+                    w.deleteLater()
+            btn = self._make_color_editor(
+                col, lambda c: self._apply_palette_color(name, pal, g, r, c)
+            )
+            row.addWidget(btn)
+
+        group_combo.currentIndexChanged.connect(lambda _: rewire_button())
+        role_combo.currentIndexChanged.connect(lambda _: rewire_button())
+        row.addWidget(group_combo)
+        row.addWidget(role_combo)
+        row.addWidget(pick_btn)
+        return wrap
+
+    def _make_cursor_editor(self, name: str, value):
+        combo = QComboBox(self)
+        shapes = [
+            (Qt.ArrowCursor, "Arrow"),
+            (Qt.IBeamCursor, "IBeam"),
+            (Qt.WaitCursor, "Wait"),
+            (Qt.CrossCursor, "Cross"),
+            (Qt.UpArrowCursor, "UpArrow"),
+            (Qt.SizeAllCursor, "SizeAll"),
+            (Qt.PointingHandCursor, "PointingHand"),
+            (Qt.ForbiddenCursor, "Forbidden"),
+            (Qt.WhatsThisCursor, "WhatsThis"),
+            (Qt.BusyCursor, "Busy"),
+        ]
+        current_shape = None
+        if isinstance(value, QCursor):
+            try:
+                enum_val = value.shape()
+                current_shape = int(getattr(enum_val, "value", enum_val))
+            except Exception:
+                current_shape = None
+        for shape, text in shapes:
+            combo.addItem(text, int(getattr(shape, "value", shape)))
+        if current_shape is not None:
+            idx = combo.findData(current_shape)
+            if idx >= 0:
+                combo.setCurrentIndex(idx)
+
+        def apply_index(i):
+            shape_val = int(combo.itemData(i))
+            self._target.setProperty(name, QCursor(Qt.CursorShape(shape_val)))
+
+        combo.currentIndexChanged.connect(apply_index)
+        return combo
+
+    def _add_property_row(self, parent: QTreeWidgetItem, name: str, value, prop):
+        item = QTreeWidgetItem(parent, [name, ""])
+        editor = self._make_editor(name, value, prop)
+        if editor is not None:
+            self.tree.setItemWidget(item, 1, editor)
+        else:
+            item.setText(1, repr(value))
+
+    def _is_bec_metaobject(self, mo) -> bool:
+        cname = mo.className()
+        for cls in type(self._target).mro():
+            if getattr(cls, "__name__", None) == cname:
+                mod = getattr(cls, "__module__", "")
+                return mod.startswith("bec_widgets")
+        return False
+
+    def _enum_text(self, meta_enum: QMetaEnum, value_int: int) -> str:
+        if not meta_enum.isFlag():
+            key = meta_enum.valueToKey(value_int)
+            return key.decode() if isinstance(key, (bytes, bytearray)) else (key or str(value_int))
+        parts = []
+        for i in range(meta_enum.keyCount()):
+            k = meta_enum.key(i)
+            v = meta_enum.value(i)
+            if value_int & v:
+                k = k.decode() if isinstance(k, (bytes, bytearray)) else k
+                parts.append(k)
+        return " | ".join(parts) if parts else "0"
+
+    def _enum_value_to_int(self, meta_enum: QMetaEnum, value) -> int:
+        try:
+            return int(value)
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        v = getattr(value, "value", None)
+        if isinstance(v, (int,)):
+            return int(v)
+        n = getattr(value, "name", None)
+        if isinstance(n, str):
+            res = meta_enum.keyToValue(n)
+            if res != -1:
+                return int(res)
+        s = str(value)
+        parts = [p.strip() for p in s.replace(",", "|").split("|")]
+        keys = []
+        for p in parts:
+            if "." in p:
+                p = p.split(".")[-1]
+            keys.append(p)
+        keystr = "|".join(keys)
+        try:
+            res = meta_enum.keysToValue(keystr)
+            if res != -1:
+                return int(res)
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        return 0
+
+    def _make_enum_editor(self, name: str, value, prop):
+        meta_enum = prop.enumerator()
+        current = self._enum_value_to_int(meta_enum, value)
+
+        if not meta_enum.isFlag():
+            combo = QComboBox(self)
+            for i in range(meta_enum.keyCount()):
+                key = meta_enum.key(i)
+                key = key.decode() if isinstance(key, (bytes, bytearray)) else key
+                combo.addItem(key, meta_enum.value(i))
+            idx = combo.findData(current)
+            if idx < 0:
+                txt = self._enum_text(meta_enum, current)
+                idx = combo.findText(txt)
+            combo.setCurrentIndex(max(idx, 0))
+
+            def apply_index(i):
+                v = combo.itemData(i)
+                self._target.setProperty(name, int(v))
+
+            combo.currentIndexChanged.connect(apply_index)
+            return combo
+
+        btn = QToolButton(self)
+        btn.setText(self._enum_text(meta_enum, current))
+        btn.setPopupMode(QToolButton.InstantPopup)
+        menu = QMenu(btn)
+        actions = []
+        for i in range(meta_enum.keyCount()):
+            key = meta_enum.key(i)
+            key = key.decode() if isinstance(key, (bytes, bytearray)) else key
+            act = menu.addAction(key)
+            act.setCheckable(True)
+            act.setChecked(bool(current & meta_enum.value(i)))
+            actions.append(act)
+        btn.setMenu(menu)
+
+        def apply_flags():
+            flags = 0
+            for i, act in enumerate(actions):
+                if act.isChecked():
+                    flags |= meta_enum.value(i)
+            self._target.setProperty(name, int(flags))
+            btn.setText(self._enum_text(meta_enum, flags))
+
+        menu.triggered.connect(lambda _a: apply_flags())
+        return btn
+
+    def _make_editor(self, name: str, value, prop):
+        from qtpy.QtCore import QPoint, QPointF, QRect, QRectF, QSize, QSizeF
+
+        if prop.isEnumType():
+            return self._make_enum_editor(name, value, prop)
+        if isinstance(value, QColor):
+            return self._make_color_editor(value, lambda col: self._target.setProperty(name, col))
+        if isinstance(value, QFont):
+            return self._make_font_editor(name, value)
+        if isinstance(value, QPalette):
+            return self._make_palette_editor(name, value)
+        if isinstance(value, QCursor):
+            return self._make_cursor_editor(name, value)
+        if isinstance(value, QSizePolicy):
+            ed = self._make_sizepolicy_editor(name, value)
+            if ed is not None:
+                return ed
+        if isinstance(value, QLocale):
+            ed = self._make_locale_editor(name, value)
+            if ed is not None:
+                return ed
+        if isinstance(value, QIcon):
+            ed = self._make_icon_editor(name, value)
+            if ed is not None:
+                return ed
+        if isinstance(value, QSize):
+            wrap, w, h = self._spin_pair(ints=True)
+            w.setValue(value.width())
+            h.setValue(value.height())
+            w.valueChanged.connect(
+                lambda _: self._target.setProperty(name, QSize(w.value(), h.value()))
+            )
+            h.valueChanged.connect(
+                lambda _: self._target.setProperty(name, QSize(w.value(), h.value()))
+            )
+            return wrap
+        if isinstance(value, QSizeF):
+            wrap, w, h = self._spin_pair(ints=False)
+            w.setValue(value.width())
+            h.setValue(value.height())
+            w.valueChanged.connect(
+                lambda _: self._target.setProperty(name, QSizeF(w.value(), h.value()))
+            )
+            h.valueChanged.connect(
+                lambda _: self._target.setProperty(name, QSizeF(w.value(), h.value()))
+            )
+            return wrap
+        if isinstance(value, QPoint):
+            wrap, x, y = self._spin_pair(ints=True)
+            x.setValue(value.x())
+            y.setValue(value.y())
+            x.valueChanged.connect(
+                lambda _: self._target.setProperty(name, QPoint(x.value(), y.value()))
+            )
+            y.valueChanged.connect(
+                lambda _: self._target.setProperty(name, QPoint(x.value(), y.value()))
+            )
+            return wrap
+        if isinstance(value, QPointF):
+            wrap, x, y = self._spin_pair(ints=False)
+            x.setValue(value.x())
+            y.setValue(value.y())
+            x.valueChanged.connect(
+                lambda _: self._target.setProperty(name, QPointF(x.value(), y.value()))
+            )
+            y.valueChanged.connect(
+                lambda _: self._target.setProperty(name, QPointF(x.value(), y.value()))
+            )
+            return wrap
+        if isinstance(value, QRect):
+            wrap, boxes = self._spin_quad(ints=True)
+            for b, v in zip(boxes, (value.x(), value.y(), value.width(), value.height())):
+                b.setValue(v)
+
+            def apply_rect():
+                self._target.setProperty(
+                    name,
+                    QRect(boxes[0].value(), boxes[1].value(), boxes[2].value(), boxes[3].value()),
+                )
+
+            for b in boxes:
+                b.valueChanged.connect(lambda _=None: apply_rect())
+            return wrap
+        if isinstance(value, QRectF):
+            wrap, boxes = self._spin_quad(ints=False)
+            for b, v in zip(boxes, (value.x(), value.y(), value.width(), value.height())):
+                b.setValue(v)
+
+            def apply_rectf():
+                self._target.setProperty(
+                    name,
+                    QRectF(boxes[0].value(), boxes[1].value(), boxes[2].value(), boxes[3].value()),
+                )
+
+            for b in boxes:
+                b.valueChanged.connect(lambda _=None: apply_rectf())
+            return wrap
+        if isinstance(value, bool):
+            w = QCheckBox(self)
+            w.setChecked(bool(value))
+            w.toggled.connect(lambda v: self._target.setProperty(name, v))
+            return w
+        if isinstance(value, int) and not isinstance(value, bool):
+            w = QSpinBox(self)
+            w.setRange(-10_000_000, 10_000_000)
+            w.setValue(int(value))
+            w.valueChanged.connect(lambda v: self._target.setProperty(name, v))
+            return w
+        if isinstance(value, float):
+            w = QDoubleSpinBox(self)
+            w.setDecimals(6)
+            w.setRange(-1e12, 1e12)
+            w.setSingleStep(0.1)
+            w.setValue(float(value))
+            w.valueChanged.connect(lambda v: self._target.setProperty(name, v))
+            return w
+        if isinstance(value, str):
+            w = QLineEdit(self)
+            w.setText(value)
+            w.editingFinished.connect(lambda: self._target.setProperty(name, w.text()))
+            return w
+        return None
+
+
+class DemoApp(QWidget):  # pragma: no cover:
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+
+        layout = QHBoxLayout(self)
+
+        # Create a BECWidget instance example
+        waveform = self.create_waveform()
+
+        # property editor for the BECWidget
+        property_editor = PropertyEditor(waveform, show_only_bec=True)
+
+        layout.addWidget(waveform)
+        layout.addWidget(property_editor)
+
+    def create_waveform(self):
+        """Create a new waveform widget."""
+
+        from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.waveform.waveform import Waveform
+
+        waveform = Waveform(parent=self)
+        waveform.title = "New Waveform"
+        waveform.x_label = "X Axis"
+        waveform.y_label = "Y Axis"
+        return waveform
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover:
+    import sys
+
+    from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
+
+    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+    demo = DemoApp()
+    demo.setWindowTitle("Property Editor Demo")
+    demo.resize(1200, 800)
+    demo.show()
+    sys.exit(app.exec())

bec_widgets/utils/round_frame.py

@@ -1,11 +1,12 @@
 import pyqtgraph as pg
-from qtpy.QtCore import Property
+from qtpy.QtCore import Property, Qt
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QFrame, QHBoxLayout, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.visual.dark_mode_button.dark_mode_button import DarkModeButton
 
 
 class RoundedFrame(QFrame):
+    # TODO this should be removed completely in favor of QSS styling, no time now
     """
     A custom QFrame with rounded corners and optional theme updates.
     The frame can contain any QWidget, however it is mainly designed to wrap PlotWidgets to provide a consistent look and feel with other BEC Widgets.
@@ -28,6 +29,9 @@ class RoundedFrame(QFrame):
         self.setProperty("skip_settings", True)
         self.setObjectName("roundedFrame")
 
+        # Ensure QSS can paint background/border on this widget
+        self.setAttribute(Qt.WA_StyledBackground, True)
+
         # Create a layout for the frame
         if orientation == "vertical":
             self.layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
@@ -45,22 +49,10 @@ class RoundedFrame(QFrame):
 
         # Automatically apply initial styles to the GraphicalLayoutWidget if applicable
         self.apply_plot_widget_style()
+        self.update_style()
 
     def apply_theme(self, theme: str):
-        """
-        Apply the theme to the frame and its content if theme updates are enabled.
-        """
-        if self.content_widget is not None and isinstance(
-            self.content_widget, pg.GraphicsLayoutWidget
-        ):
-            self.content_widget.setBackground(self.background_color)
-
-        # Update background color based on the theme
-        if theme == "light":
-            self.background_color = "#e9ecef"  # Subtle contrast for light mode
-        else:
-            self.background_color = "#141414"  # Dark mode
-
+        """Deprecated: RoundedFrame no longer handles theme; styling is QSS-driven."""
         self.update_style()
 
     @Property(int)
@@ -77,34 +69,21 @@ class RoundedFrame(QFrame):
         """
         Update the style of the frame based on the background color.
         """
-        if self.background_color:
-            self.setStyleSheet(
-                f"""
+        self.setStyleSheet(
+            f"""
                 QFrame#roundedFrame {{
-                    background-color: {self.background_color}; 
-                    border-radius: {self._radius}; /* Rounded corners */
+                    border-radius: {self._radius}px;
                 }}
             """
-            )
+        )
         self.apply_plot_widget_style()
 
     def apply_plot_widget_style(self, border: str = "none"):
         """
-        Automatically apply background, border, and axis styles to the PlotWidget.
-
-        Args:
-            border (str): Border style (e.g., 'none', '1px solid red').
+        Let QSS/pyqtgraph handle plot styling; avoid overriding here.
         """
         if isinstance(self.content_widget, pg.GraphicsLayoutWidget):
-            # Apply border style via stylesheet
-            self.content_widget.setStyleSheet(
-                f"""
-                GraphicsLayoutWidget {{
-                    border: {border}; /* Explicitly set the border */
-                }}
-            """
-            )
-            self.content_widget.setBackground(self.background_color)
+            self.content_widget.setStyleSheet("")
 
 
 class ExampleApp(QWidget):  # pragma: no cover
@@ -128,24 +107,14 @@ class ExampleApp(QWidget):  # pragma: no cover
         plot_item_2.plot([1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32], pen="r")
         plot2.plot_item = plot_item_2
 
-        # Wrap PlotWidgets in RoundedFrame
-        rounded_plot1 = RoundedFrame(parent=self, content_widget=plot1)
-        rounded_plot2 = RoundedFrame(parent=self, content_widget=plot2)
-
-        # Add to layout
+        # Add to layout (no RoundedFrame wrapper; QSS styles plots)
         layout.addWidget(dark_button)
-        layout.addWidget(rounded_plot1)
-        layout.addWidget(rounded_plot2)
+        layout.addWidget(plot1)
+        layout.addWidget(plot2)
 
         self.setLayout(layout)
 
-        from qtpy.QtCore import QTimer
-
-        def change_theme():
-            rounded_plot1.apply_theme("light")
-            rounded_plot2.apply_theme("dark")
-
-        QTimer.singleShot(100, change_theme)
+        # Theme flip demo removed; global theming applies automatically
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover

bec_widgets/utils/rpc_decorator.py

@@ -13,3 +13,17 @@ def register_rpc_methods(cls):
         if getattr(method, "rpc_public", False):
             cls.USER_ACCESS.add(name)
     return cls
+
+
+def rpc_timeout(timeout: float | None):
+    """
+    Decorator to set a timeout for RPC methods.
+    The actual implementation of timeout handling is within the cli module. This decorator
+    is solely to inform the generate-cli command about the timeout value.
+    """
+
+    def decorator(func):
+        func.__rpc_timeout__ = timeout  # Store the timeout value in the function
+        return func
+
+    return decorator

bec_widgets/utils/rpc_server.py

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
 import functools
+import time
 import traceback
 import types
 from contextlib import contextmanager
@@ -229,6 +230,8 @@ class RPCServer:
         if wait:
             while not self.rpc_register.object_is_registered(connector):
                 QApplication.processEvents()
+                logger.info(f"Waiting for {connector} to be registered...")
+                time.sleep(0.1)
 
         widget_class = getattr(connector, "rpc_widget_class", None)
         if not widget_class:

bec_widgets/utils/serialization.py

@@ -1,3 +1,6 @@
+from typing import Type
+
+from bec_lib.codecs import BECCodec
 from bec_lib.serialization import msgpack
 from qtpy.QtCore import QPointF
 
@@ -6,39 +9,26 @@ def register_serializer_extension():
     """
     Register the serializer extension for the BECConnector.
     """
-    if not module_is_registered("bec_widgets.utils.serialization"):
-        msgpack.register_object_hook(encode_qpointf, decode_qpointf)
+    if not msgpack.is_registered(QPointF):
+        msgpack.register_codec(QPointFEncoder)
 
 
-def module_is_registered(module_name: str) -> bool:
-    """
-    Check if the module is registered in the encoder.
+class QPointFEncoder(BECCodec):
+    obj_type: Type = QPointF
 
-    Args:
-        module_name (str): The name of the module to check.
+    @staticmethod
+    def encode(obj: QPointF) -> str:
+        """
+        Encode a QPointF object to a list of floats. As this is mostly used for sending
+        data to the client, it is not necessary to convert it back to a QPointF object.
+        """
+        if isinstance(obj, QPointF):
+            return [obj.x(), obj.y()]
+        return obj
 
-    Returns:
-        bool: True if the module is registered, False otherwise.
-    """
-    # pylint: disable=protected-access
-    for enc in msgpack._encoder:
-        if enc[0].__module__ == module_name:
-            return True
-    return False
-
-
-def encode_qpointf(obj):
-    """
-    Encode a QPointF object to a list of floats. As this is mostly used for sending
-    data to the client, it is not necessary to convert it back to a QPointF object.
-    """
-    if isinstance(obj, QPointF):
-        return [obj.x(), obj.y()]
-    return obj
-
-
-def decode_qpointf(obj):
-    """
-    no-op function since QPointF is encoded as a list of floats.
-    """
-    return obj
+    @staticmethod
+    def decode(type_name: str, data: list[float]) -> list[float]:
+        """
+        no-op function since QPointF is encoded as a list of floats.
+        """
+        return data

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):
@@ -61,7 +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)
@@ -92,7 +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)
@@ -288,8 +289,16 @@ class SidePanel(QWidget):
 
         # 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)
-            self.toolbar.add_action(action_id, action, target_widget=self)
+            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:

bec_widgets/utils/toolbars/actions.py

@@ -0,0 +1,583 @@
+# 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__)
+
+
+def create_action_with_text(toolbar_action, toolbar: QToolBar):
+    """
+    Helper function to create a toolbar button with text beside or under the icon.
+
+    Args:
+        toolbar_action(ToolBarAction): The toolbar action to create the button for.
+        toolbar(ModularToolBar): The toolbar to add the button to.
+    """
+
+    btn = QToolButton(parent=toolbar)
+    btn.setDefaultAction(toolbar_action.action)
+    btn.setAutoRaise(True)
+    if toolbar_action.text_position == "beside":
+        btn.setToolButtonStyle(Qt.ToolButtonTextBesideIcon)
+    else:
+        btn.setToolButtonStyle(Qt.ToolButtonTextUnderIcon)
+    btn.setText(toolbar_action.label_text)
+    toolbar.addWidget(btn)
+
+
+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,
+        label_text: str | None = None,
+        text_position: Literal["beside", "under"] | None = None,
+        parent=None,
+    ):
+        """
+        Action with a standard Qt icon for the toolbar.
+
+        Args:
+            standard_icon: The standard icon from QStyle.
+            tooltip(str, optional): The tooltip for the action. Defaults to None.
+            checkable(bool, optional): Whether the action is checkable. Defaults to False.
+            label_text(str | None, optional): Optional label text to display beside or under the icon.
+            text_position(Literal["beside", "under"] | None, optional): Position of text relative to icon.
+            parent(QWidget or None, optional): Parent widget for the underlying QAction.
+        """
+        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)
+        self.label_text = label_text
+        self.text_position = text_position
+
+    def add_to_toolbar(self, toolbar, target):
+        if self.label_text is not None:
+            create_action_with_text(toolbar_action=self, toolbar=toolbar)
+        else:
+            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.
+        label_text (str | None, optional): Optional label text to display beside or under the icon.
+        text_position (Literal["beside", "under"] | None, optional): Position of text relative to icon.
+        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,
+        label_text: str | None = None,
+        text_position: Literal["beside", "under"] | None = None,
+        parent=None,
+    ):
+        """
+        MaterialIconAction for toolbar: if label_text and text_position are provided, show text beside or under icon.
+        This enables per-action icon text without breaking the existing API.
+        """
+        super().__init__(icon_path=None, tooltip=tooltip, checkable=checkable)
+        self.icon_name = icon_name
+        self.filled = filled
+        self.color = color
+        self.label_text = label_text
+        self.text_position = text_position
+        # 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.
+        """
+        if self.label_text is not None:
+            create_action_with_text(toolbar_action=self, toolbar=toolbar)
+        else:
+            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)
+        button.setObjectName("toolbarMenuButton")
+        button.setAutoRaise(True)
+        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 +1,64 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeSlot
+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
+
+    @SafeSlot(bool)
+    def set_fps_monitor(self, enabled: bool):
+        setattr(self.target_widget, "enable_fps_monitor", enabled)
+
+    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(
+            self.set_fps_monitor
+        )
+
+    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(
+            self.set_fps_monitor
+        )
+        self._connected = False

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 apply_theme, get_theme_name
+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)
+    apply_theme("light")
+    main_window = MainWindow()
+    main_window.show()
+    sys.exit(app.exec_())

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 ##################
 
@@ -423,13 +465,19 @@ class WidgetHierarchy:
         """
         from bec_widgets.utils import BECConnector
 
+        # Guard against deleted/invalid Qt wrappers
         if not shb.isValid(widget):
             return None
-        parent = widget.parent()
+
+        # Retrieve first parent
+        parent = widget.parent() if hasattr(widget, "parent") else None
+        # Walk up, validating each step
         while parent is not None:
+            if not shb.isValid(parent):
+                return None
             if isinstance(parent, BECConnector):
                 return parent
-            parent = parent.parent()
+            parent = parent.parent() if hasattr(parent, "parent") else None
         return None
 
     @staticmethod
@@ -511,6 +559,64 @@ class WidgetHierarchy:
                     WidgetIO.set_value(child, value)
                 WidgetHierarchy.import_config_from_dict(child, widget_config, set_values)
 
+    @staticmethod
+    def get_bec_connectors_from_parent(widget) -> list:
+        """
+        Return all BECConnector instances whose closest BECConnector ancestor is the given widget,
+        including the widget itself if it is a BECConnector.
+        """
+        from bec_widgets.utils import BECConnector
+
+        connectors: list[BECConnector] = []
+        if isinstance(widget, BECConnector):
+            connectors.append(widget)
+        for child in widget.findChildren(BECConnector):
+            if WidgetHierarchy._get_becwidget_ancestor(child) is widget:
+                connectors.append(child)
+        return connectors
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def find_ancestor(widget, ancestor_class) -> QWidget | None:
+        """
+        Traverse up the parent chain to find the nearest ancestor matching ancestor_class.
+        ancestor_class may be a class or a class-name string.
+        Returns the matching ancestor, or None if none is found.
+        """
+        # Guard against deleted/invalid Qt wrappers
+        if not shb.isValid(widget):
+            return None
+
+        # If searching for BECConnector specifically, reuse the dedicated helper
+        try:
+            from bec_widgets.utils import BECConnector  # local import to avoid cycles
+
+            if ancestor_class is BECConnector or (
+                isinstance(ancestor_class, str) and ancestor_class == "BECConnector"
+            ):
+                return WidgetHierarchy._get_becwidget_ancestor(widget)
+        except Exception:
+            # If import fails, fall back to generic traversal below
+            pass
+
+        # Generic traversal across QObject parent chain
+        parent = getattr(widget, "parent", None)
+        if callable(parent):
+            parent = parent()
+        while parent is not None:
+            if not shb.isValid(parent):
+                return None
+            try:
+                if isinstance(ancestor_class, str):
+                    if parent.__class__.__name__ == ancestor_class:
+                        return parent
+                else:
+                    if isinstance(parent, ancestor_class):
+                        return parent
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+            parent = parent.parent() if hasattr(parent, "parent") else None
+        return None
+
 
 # Example usage
 def hierarchy_example():  # pragma: no cover

bec_widgets/utils/widget_state_manager.py

@@ -15,6 +15,8 @@ from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
     QWidget,
 )
 
+from bec_widgets.utils.widget_io import WidgetHierarchy
+
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 
 
@@ -29,43 +31,58 @@ class WidgetStateManager:
     def __init__(self, widget):
         self.widget = widget
 
-    def save_state(self, filename: str = None):
+    def save_state(self, filename: str | None = None, settings: QSettings | None = None):
         """
         Save the state of the widget to an INI file.
 
         Args:
             filename(str): The filename to save the state to.
+            settings(QSettings): Optional QSettings object to save the state to.
         """
-        if not filename:
+        if not filename and not settings:
             filename, _ = QFileDialog.getSaveFileName(
                 self.widget, "Save Settings", "", "INI Files (*.ini)"
             )
         if filename:
             settings = QSettings(filename, QSettings.IniFormat)
             self._save_widget_state_qsettings(self.widget, settings)
+        elif settings:
+            # If settings are provided, save the state to the provided QSettings object
+            self._save_widget_state_qsettings(self.widget, settings)
+        else:
+            logger.warning("No filename or settings provided for saving state.")
 
-    def load_state(self, filename: str = None):
+    def load_state(self, filename: str | None = None, settings: QSettings | None = None):
         """
         Load the state of the widget from an INI file.
 
         Args:
             filename(str): The filename to load the state from.
+            settings(QSettings): Optional QSettings object to load the state from.
         """
-        if not filename:
+        if not filename and not settings:
             filename, _ = QFileDialog.getOpenFileName(
                 self.widget, "Load Settings", "", "INI Files (*.ini)"
             )
         if filename:
             settings = QSettings(filename, QSettings.IniFormat)
             self._load_widget_state_qsettings(self.widget, settings)
+        elif settings:
+            # If settings are provided, load the state from the provided QSettings object
+            self._load_widget_state_qsettings(self.widget, settings)
+        else:
+            logger.warning("No filename or settings provided for saving state.")
 
-    def _save_widget_state_qsettings(self, widget: QWidget, settings: QSettings):
+    def _save_widget_state_qsettings(
+        self, widget: QWidget, settings: QSettings, recursive: bool = True
+    ):
         """
         Save the state of the widget to QSettings.
 
         Args:
             widget(QWidget): The widget to save the state for.
             settings(QSettings): The QSettings object to save the state to.
+            recursive(bool): Whether to recursively save the state of child widgets.
         """
         if widget.property("skip_settings") is True:
             return
@@ -88,21 +105,32 @@ class WidgetStateManager:
         settings.endGroup()
 
         # Recursively process children (only if they aren't skipped)
-        for child in widget.children():
+        if not recursive:
+            return
+
+        direct_children = widget.children()
+        bec_connector_children = WidgetHierarchy.get_bec_connectors_from_parent(widget)
+        all_children = list(
+            set(direct_children) | set(bec_connector_children)
+        )  # to avoid duplicates
+        for child in all_children:
             if (
                 child.objectName()
                 and child.property("skip_settings") is not True
                 and not isinstance(child, QLabel)
             ):
-                self._save_widget_state_qsettings(child, settings)
+                self._save_widget_state_qsettings(child, settings, False)
 
-    def _load_widget_state_qsettings(self, widget: QWidget, settings: QSettings):
+    def _load_widget_state_qsettings(
+        self, widget: QWidget, settings: QSettings, recursive: bool = True
+    ):
         """
         Load the state of the widget from QSettings.
 
         Args:
             widget(QWidget): The widget to load the state for.
             settings(QSettings): The QSettings object to load the state from.
+            recursive(bool): Whether to recursively load the state of child widgets.
         """
         if widget.property("skip_settings") is True:
             return
@@ -118,14 +146,21 @@ class WidgetStateManager:
                 widget.setProperty(name, value)
         settings.endGroup()
 
+        if not recursive:
+            return
         # Recursively process children (only if they aren't skipped)
-        for child in widget.children():
+        direct_children = widget.children()
+        bec_connector_children = WidgetHierarchy.get_bec_connectors_from_parent(widget)
+        all_children = list(
+            set(direct_children) | set(bec_connector_children)
+        )  # to avoid duplicates
+        for child in all_children:
             if (
                 child.objectName()
                 and child.property("skip_settings") is not True
                 and not isinstance(child, QLabel)
             ):
-                self._load_widget_state_qsettings(child, settings)
+                self._load_widget_state_qsettings(child, settings, False)
 
     def _get_full_widget_name(self, widget: QWidget):
         """

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/advanced_dock_area/advanced_dock_area.py

@@ -0,0 +1,913 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+from typing import Literal, cast
+
+import PySide6QtAds as QtAds
+from PySide6QtAds import CDockManager, CDockWidget
+from qtpy.QtCore import Signal
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
+    QApplication,
+    QCheckBox,
+    QDialog,
+    QHBoxLayout,
+    QInputDialog,
+    QLabel,
+    QLineEdit,
+    QMessageBox,
+    QPushButton,
+    QSizePolicy,
+    QVBoxLayout,
+    QWidget,
+)
+from shiboken6 import isValid
+
+from bec_widgets import BECWidget, SafeProperty, SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.cli.rpc.rpc_widget_handler import widget_handler
+from bec_widgets.utils import BECDispatcher
+from bec_widgets.utils.colors import apply_theme
+from bec_widgets.utils.property_editor import PropertyEditor
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.actions import (
+    ExpandableMenuAction,
+    MaterialIconAction,
+    WidgetAction,
+)
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.bundles import ToolbarBundle
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.toolbar import ModularToolBar
+from bec_widgets.utils.widget_state_manager import WidgetStateManager
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.advanced_dock_area.profile_utils import (
+    SETTINGS_KEYS,
+    is_profile_readonly,
+    list_profiles,
+    open_settings,
+    profile_path,
+    read_manifest,
+    set_profile_readonly,
+    write_manifest,
+)
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.advanced_dock_area.toolbar_components.workspace_actions import (
+    WorkspaceConnection,
+    workspace_bundle,
+)
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.main_window import BECMainWindowNoRPC
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box import PositionerBox
+from bec_widgets.widgets.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
+from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.scatter_waveform.scatter_waveform import ScatterWaveform
+from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.waveform.waveform import Waveform
+from bec_widgets.widgets.progress.ring_progress_bar import RingProgressBar
+from bec_widgets.widgets.services.bec_queue.bec_queue import BECQueue
+from bec_widgets.widgets.services.bec_status_box.bec_status_box import BECStatusBox
+from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.logpanel import LogPanel
+from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.visual.dark_mode_button.dark_mode_button import DarkModeButton
+
+
+class DockSettingsDialog(QDialog):
+
+    def __init__(self, parent: QWidget, target: QWidget):
+        super().__init__(parent)
+        self.setWindowTitle("Dock Settings")
+        self.setModal(True)
+        layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
+
+        # Property editor
+        self.prop_editor = PropertyEditor(target, self, show_only_bec=True)
+        layout.addWidget(self.prop_editor)
+
+
+class SaveProfileDialog(QDialog):
+    """Dialog for saving workspace profiles with read-only option."""
+
+    def __init__(self, parent: QWidget, current_name: str = ""):
+        super().__init__(parent)
+        self.setWindowTitle("Save Workspace Profile")
+        self.setModal(True)
+        self.resize(400, 150)
+        layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
+
+        # Name input
+        name_row = QHBoxLayout()
+        name_row.addWidget(QLabel("Profile Name:"))
+        self.name_edit = QLineEdit(current_name)
+        self.name_edit.setPlaceholderText("Enter profile name...")
+        name_row.addWidget(self.name_edit)
+        layout.addLayout(name_row)
+
+        # Read-only checkbox
+        self.readonly_checkbox = QCheckBox("Mark as read-only (cannot be overwritten or deleted)")
+        layout.addWidget(self.readonly_checkbox)
+
+        # Info label
+        info_label = QLabel("Read-only profiles are protected from modification and deletion.")
+        info_label.setStyleSheet("color: gray; font-size: 10px;")
+        layout.addWidget(info_label)
+
+        # Buttons
+        btn_row = QHBoxLayout()
+        btn_row.addStretch(1)
+        self.save_btn = QPushButton("Save")
+        self.save_btn.setDefault(True)
+        cancel_btn = QPushButton("Cancel")
+        self.save_btn.clicked.connect(self.accept)
+        cancel_btn.clicked.connect(self.reject)
+        btn_row.addWidget(self.save_btn)
+        btn_row.addWidget(cancel_btn)
+        layout.addLayout(btn_row)
+
+        # Enable/disable save button based on name input
+        self.name_edit.textChanged.connect(self._update_save_button)
+        self._update_save_button()
+
+    def _update_save_button(self):
+        """Enable save button only when name is not empty."""
+        self.save_btn.setEnabled(bool(self.name_edit.text().strip()))
+
+    def get_profile_name(self) -> str:
+        """Get the entered profile name."""
+        return self.name_edit.text().strip()
+
+    def is_readonly(self) -> bool:
+        """Check if the profile should be marked as read-only."""
+        return self.readonly_checkbox.isChecked()
+
+
+class AdvancedDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
+    RPC = True
+    PLUGIN = False
+    USER_ACCESS = [
+        "new",
+        "widget_map",
+        "widget_list",
+        "lock_workspace",
+        "attach_all",
+        "delete_all",
+        "mode",
+        "mode.setter",
+    ]
+
+    # Define a signal for mode changes
+    mode_changed = Signal(str)
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        parent=None,
+        mode: str = "developer",
+        default_add_direction: Literal["left", "right", "top", "bottom"] = "right",
+        *args,
+        **kwargs,
+    ):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, *args, **kwargs)
+
+        # Title (as a top-level QWidget it can have a window title)
+        self.setWindowTitle("Advanced Dock Area")
+
+        # Top-level layout hosting a toolbar and the dock manager
+        self._root_layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
+        self._root_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        self._root_layout.setSpacing(0)
+
+        # Init Dock Manager
+        self.dock_manager = CDockManager(self)
+        self.dock_manager.setStyleSheet("")
+
+        # Dock manager helper variables
+        self._locked = False  # Lock state of the workspace
+
+        # Initialize mode property first (before toolbar setup)
+        self._mode = "developer"
+        self._default_add_direction = (
+            default_add_direction
+            if default_add_direction in ("left", "right", "top", "bottom")
+            else "right"
+        )
+
+        # Toolbar
+        self.dark_mode_button = DarkModeButton(parent=self, toolbar=True)
+        self._setup_toolbar()
+        self._hook_toolbar()
+
+        # Place toolbar and dock manager into layout
+        self._root_layout.addWidget(self.toolbar)
+        self._root_layout.addWidget(self.dock_manager, 1)
+
+        # Populate and hook the workspace combo
+        self._refresh_workspace_list()
+
+        # State manager
+        self.state_manager = WidgetStateManager(self)
+
+        # Developer mode state
+        self._editable = None
+        # Initialize default editable state based on current lock
+        self._set_editable(True)  # default to editable; will sync toolbar toggle below
+
+        # Sync Developer toggle icon state after initial setup
+        dev_action = self.toolbar.components.get_action("developer_mode").action
+        dev_action.setChecked(self._editable)
+
+        # Apply the requested mode after everything is set up
+        self.mode = mode
+
+    def _make_dock(
+        self,
+        widget: QWidget,
+        *,
+        closable: bool,
+        floatable: bool,
+        movable: bool = True,
+        area: QtAds.DockWidgetArea = QtAds.DockWidgetArea.RightDockWidgetArea,
+        start_floating: bool = False,
+    ) -> CDockWidget:
+        dock = CDockWidget(widget.objectName())
+        dock.setWidget(widget)
+        dock.setFeature(CDockWidget.DockWidgetDeleteOnClose, True)
+        dock.setFeature(CDockWidget.CustomCloseHandling, True)
+        dock.setFeature(CDockWidget.DockWidgetClosable, closable)
+        dock.setFeature(CDockWidget.DockWidgetFloatable, floatable)
+        dock.setFeature(CDockWidget.DockWidgetMovable, movable)
+
+        self._install_dock_settings_action(dock, widget)
+
+        def on_dock_close():
+            widget.close()
+            dock.closeDockWidget()
+            dock.deleteDockWidget()
+
+        def on_widget_destroyed():
+            if not isValid(dock):
+                return
+            dock.closeDockWidget()
+            dock.deleteDockWidget()
+
+        dock.closeRequested.connect(on_dock_close)
+        if hasattr(widget, "widget_removed"):
+            widget.widget_removed.connect(on_widget_destroyed)
+
+        dock.setMinimumSizeHintMode(CDockWidget.eMinimumSizeHintMode.MinimumSizeHintFromDockWidget)
+        self.dock_manager.addDockWidget(area, dock)
+        if start_floating:
+            dock.setFloating()
+        return dock
+
+    def _install_dock_settings_action(self, dock: CDockWidget, widget: QWidget) -> None:
+        action = MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="settings", tooltip="Dock settings", filled=True, parent=self
+        ).action
+        action.setToolTip("Dock settings")
+        action.setObjectName("dockSettingsAction")
+        action.triggered.connect(lambda: self._open_dock_settings_dialog(dock, widget))
+        dock.setTitleBarActions([action])
+        dock.setting_action = action
+
+    def _open_dock_settings_dialog(self, dock: CDockWidget, widget: QWidget) -> None:
+        dlg = DockSettingsDialog(self, widget)
+        dlg.resize(600, 600)
+        dlg.exec()
+
+    def _apply_dock_lock(self, locked: bool) -> None:
+        if locked:
+            self.dock_manager.lockDockWidgetFeaturesGlobally()
+        else:
+            self.dock_manager.lockDockWidgetFeaturesGlobally(QtAds.CDockWidget.NoDockWidgetFeatures)
+
+    def _delete_dock(self, dock: CDockWidget) -> None:
+        w = dock.widget()
+        if w and isValid(w):
+            w.close()
+            w.deleteLater()
+        if isValid(dock):
+            dock.closeDockWidget()
+            dock.deleteDockWidget()
+
+    def _area_from_where(self, where: str | None) -> QtAds.DockWidgetArea:
+        """Return ADS DockWidgetArea from a human-friendly direction string.
+        If *where* is None, fall back to instance default.
+        """
+        d = (where or getattr(self, "_default_add_direction", "right") or "right").lower()
+        mapping = {
+            "left": QtAds.DockWidgetArea.LeftDockWidgetArea,
+            "right": QtAds.DockWidgetArea.RightDockWidgetArea,
+            "top": QtAds.DockWidgetArea.TopDockWidgetArea,
+            "bottom": QtAds.DockWidgetArea.BottomDockWidgetArea,
+        }
+        return mapping.get(d, QtAds.DockWidgetArea.RightDockWidgetArea)
+
+    ################################################################################
+    # Toolbar Setup
+    ################################################################################
+
+    def _setup_toolbar(self):
+        self.toolbar = ModularToolBar(parent=self)
+
+        PLOT_ACTIONS = {
+            "waveform": (Waveform.ICON_NAME, "Add Waveform", "Waveform"),
+            "scatter_waveform": (
+                ScatterWaveform.ICON_NAME,
+                "Add Scatter Waveform",
+                "ScatterWaveform",
+            ),
+            "multi_waveform": (MultiWaveform.ICON_NAME, "Add Multi Waveform", "MultiWaveform"),
+            "image": (Image.ICON_NAME, "Add Image", "Image"),
+            "motor_map": (MotorMap.ICON_NAME, "Add Motor Map", "MotorMap"),
+            "heatmap": (Heatmap.ICON_NAME, "Add Heatmap", "Heatmap"),
+        }
+        DEVICE_ACTIONS = {
+            "scan_control": (ScanControl.ICON_NAME, "Add Scan Control", "ScanControl"),
+            "positioner_box": (PositionerBox.ICON_NAME, "Add Device Box", "PositionerBox"),
+        }
+        UTIL_ACTIONS = {
+            "queue": (BECQueue.ICON_NAME, "Add Scan Queue", "BECQueue"),
+            "vs_code": (VSCodeEditor.ICON_NAME, "Add VS Code", "VSCodeEditor"),
+            "status": (BECStatusBox.ICON_NAME, "Add BEC Status Box", "BECStatusBox"),
+            "progress_bar": (
+                RingProgressBar.ICON_NAME,
+                "Add Circular ProgressBar",
+                "RingProgressBar",
+            ),
+            "log_panel": (LogPanel.ICON_NAME, "Add LogPanel - Disabled", "LogPanel"),
+            "sbb_monitor": ("train", "Add SBB Monitor", "SBBMonitor"),
+        }
+
+        # Create expandable menu actions (original behavior)
+        def _build_menu(key: str, label: str, mapping: dict[str, tuple[str, str, str]]):
+            self.toolbar.components.add_safe(
+                key,
+                ExpandableMenuAction(
+                    label=label,
+                    actions={
+                        k: MaterialIconAction(
+                            icon_name=v[0], tooltip=v[1], filled=True, parent=self
+                        )
+                        for k, v in mapping.items()
+                    },
+                ),
+            )
+            b = ToolbarBundle(key, self.toolbar.components)
+            b.add_action(key)
+            self.toolbar.add_bundle(b)
+
+        _build_menu("menu_plots", "Add Plot ", PLOT_ACTIONS)
+        _build_menu("menu_devices", "Add Device Control ", DEVICE_ACTIONS)
+        _build_menu("menu_utils", "Add Utils ", UTIL_ACTIONS)
+
+        # Create flat toolbar bundles for each widget type
+        def _build_flat_bundles(category: str, mapping: dict[str, tuple[str, str, str]]):
+            bundle = ToolbarBundle(f"flat_{category}", self.toolbar.components)
+
+            for action_id, (icon_name, tooltip, widget_type) in mapping.items():
+                # Create individual action for each widget type
+                flat_action_id = f"flat_{action_id}"
+                self.toolbar.components.add_safe(
+                    flat_action_id,
+                    MaterialIconAction(
+                        icon_name=icon_name, tooltip=tooltip, filled=True, parent=self
+                    ),
+                )
+                bundle.add_action(flat_action_id)
+
+            self.toolbar.add_bundle(bundle)
+
+        _build_flat_bundles("plots", PLOT_ACTIONS)
+        _build_flat_bundles("devices", DEVICE_ACTIONS)
+        _build_flat_bundles("utils", UTIL_ACTIONS)
+
+        # Workspace
+        spacer_bundle = ToolbarBundle("spacer_bundle", self.toolbar.components)
+        spacer = QWidget(parent=self.toolbar.components.toolbar)
+        spacer.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Expanding)
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe("spacer", WidgetAction(widget=spacer, adjust_size=False))
+        spacer_bundle.add_action("spacer")
+        self.toolbar.add_bundle(spacer_bundle)
+
+        self.toolbar.add_bundle(workspace_bundle(self.toolbar.components))
+        self.toolbar.connect_bundle(
+            "workspace", WorkspaceConnection(components=self.toolbar.components, target_widget=self)
+        )
+
+        # Dock actions
+        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(
+            "screenshot",
+            MaterialIconAction(icon_name="photo_camera", tooltip="Take Screenshot", parent=self),
+        )
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe(
+            "dark_mode", WidgetAction(widget=self.dark_mode_button, adjust_size=False, parent=self)
+        )
+        # Developer mode toggle (moved from menu into toolbar)
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe(
+            "developer_mode",
+            MaterialIconAction(
+                icon_name="code", tooltip="Developer Mode", checkable=True, parent=self
+            ),
+        )
+        bda = ToolbarBundle("dock_actions", self.toolbar.components)
+        bda.add_action("attach_all")
+        bda.add_action("screenshot")
+        bda.add_action("dark_mode")
+        bda.add_action("developer_mode")
+        self.toolbar.add_bundle(bda)
+
+        # Default bundle configuration (show menus by default)
+        self.toolbar.show_bundles(
+            [
+                "menu_plots",
+                "menu_devices",
+                "menu_utils",
+                "spacer_bundle",
+                "workspace",
+                "dock_actions",
+            ]
+        )
+
+        # Store mappings on self for use in _hook_toolbar
+        self._ACTION_MAPPINGS = {
+            "menu_plots": PLOT_ACTIONS,
+            "menu_devices": DEVICE_ACTIONS,
+            "menu_utils": UTIL_ACTIONS,
+        }
+
+    def _hook_toolbar(self):
+
+        def _connect_menu(menu_key: str):
+            menu = self.toolbar.components.get_action(menu_key)
+            mapping = self._ACTION_MAPPINGS[menu_key]
+            for key, (_, _, widget_type) in mapping.items():
+                act = menu.actions[key].action
+                if widget_type == "LogPanel":
+                    act.setEnabled(False)  # keep disabled per issue #644
+                else:
+                    act.triggered.connect(lambda _, t=widget_type: self.new(widget=t))
+
+        _connect_menu("menu_plots")
+        _connect_menu("menu_devices")
+        _connect_menu("menu_utils")
+
+        # Connect flat toolbar actions
+        def _connect_flat_actions(category: str, mapping: dict[str, tuple[str, str, str]]):
+            for action_id, (_, _, widget_type) in mapping.items():
+                flat_action_id = f"flat_{action_id}"
+                flat_action = self.toolbar.components.get_action(flat_action_id).action
+                if widget_type == "LogPanel":
+                    flat_action.setEnabled(False)  # keep disabled per issue #644
+                else:
+                    flat_action.triggered.connect(lambda _, t=widget_type: self.new(widget=t))
+
+        _connect_flat_actions("plots", self._ACTION_MAPPINGS["menu_plots"])
+        _connect_flat_actions("devices", self._ACTION_MAPPINGS["menu_devices"])
+        _connect_flat_actions("utils", self._ACTION_MAPPINGS["menu_utils"])
+
+        self.toolbar.components.get_action("attach_all").action.triggered.connect(self.attach_all)
+        self.toolbar.components.get_action("screenshot").action.triggered.connect(self.screenshot)
+        # Developer mode toggle
+        self.toolbar.components.get_action("developer_mode").action.toggled.connect(
+            self._on_developer_mode_toggled
+        )
+
+    def _set_editable(self, editable: bool) -> None:
+        self.lock_workspace = not editable
+        self._editable = editable
+
+        # Sync the toolbar lock toggle with current mode
+        lock_action = self.toolbar.components.get_action("lock").action
+        lock_action.setChecked(not editable)
+        lock_action.setVisible(editable)
+
+        attach_all_action = self.toolbar.components.get_action("attach_all").action
+        attach_all_action.setVisible(editable)
+
+        # Show full creation menus only when editable; otherwise keep minimal set
+        if editable:
+            self.toolbar.show_bundles(
+                [
+                    "menu_plots",
+                    "menu_devices",
+                    "menu_utils",
+                    "spacer_bundle",
+                    "workspace",
+                    "dock_actions",
+                ]
+            )
+        else:
+            self.toolbar.show_bundles(["spacer_bundle", "workspace", "dock_actions"])
+
+        # Keep Developer mode UI in sync
+        self.toolbar.components.get_action("developer_mode").action.setChecked(editable)
+
+    def _on_developer_mode_toggled(self, checked: bool) -> None:
+        """Handle developer mode checkbox toggle."""
+        self._set_editable(checked)
+
+    ################################################################################
+    # Adding widgets
+    ################################################################################
+    @SafeSlot(popup_error=True)
+    def new(
+        self,
+        widget: BECWidget | str,
+        closable: bool = True,
+        floatable: bool = True,
+        movable: bool = True,
+        start_floating: bool = False,
+        where: Literal["left", "right", "top", "bottom"] | None = None,
+    ) -> BECWidget:
+        """
+        Create a new widget (or reuse an instance) and add it as a dock.
+
+        Args:
+            widget: Widget instance or a string widget type (factory-created).
+            closable: Whether the dock is closable.
+            floatable: Whether the dock is floatable.
+            movable: Whether the dock is movable.
+            start_floating: Start the dock in a floating state.
+            where: Preferred area to add the dock: "left" | "right" | "top" | "bottom".
+                   If None, uses the instance default passed at construction time.
+        Returns:
+            The widget instance.
+        """
+        target_area = self._area_from_where(where)
+
+        # 1) Instantiate or look up the widget
+        if isinstance(widget, str):
+            widget = cast(BECWidget, widget_handler.create_widget(widget_type=widget, parent=self))
+            widget.name_established.connect(
+                lambda: self._create_dock_with_name(
+                    widget=widget,
+                    closable=closable,
+                    floatable=floatable,
+                    movable=movable,
+                    start_floating=start_floating,
+                    area=target_area,
+                )
+            )
+            return widget
+
+        # If a widget instance is passed, dock it immediately
+        self._create_dock_with_name(
+            widget=widget,
+            closable=closable,
+            floatable=floatable,
+            movable=movable,
+            start_floating=start_floating,
+            area=target_area,
+        )
+        return widget
+
+    def _create_dock_with_name(
+        self,
+        widget: BECWidget,
+        closable: bool = True,
+        floatable: bool = False,
+        movable: bool = True,
+        start_floating: bool = False,
+        area: QtAds.DockWidgetArea | None = None,
+    ):
+        target_area = area or self._area_from_where(None)
+        self._make_dock(
+            widget,
+            closable=closable,
+            floatable=floatable,
+            movable=movable,
+            area=target_area,
+            start_floating=start_floating,
+        )
+        self.dock_manager.setFocus()
+
+    ################################################################################
+    # Dock Management
+    ################################################################################
+
+    def dock_map(self) -> dict[str, CDockWidget]:
+        """
+        Return the dock widgets map as dictionary with names as keys and dock widgets as values.
+
+        Returns:
+            dict: A dictionary mapping widget names to their corresponding dock widgets.
+        """
+        return self.dock_manager.dockWidgetsMap()
+
+    def dock_list(self) -> list[CDockWidget]:
+        """
+        Return the list of dock widgets.
+
+        Returns:
+            list: A list of all dock widgets in the dock area.
+        """
+        return self.dock_manager.dockWidgets()
+
+    def widget_map(self) -> dict[str, QWidget]:
+        """
+        Return a dictionary mapping widget names to their corresponding BECWidget instances.
+
+        Returns:
+            dict: A dictionary mapping widget names to BECWidget instances.
+        """
+        return {dock.objectName(): dock.widget() for dock in self.dock_list()}
+
+    def widget_list(self) -> list[QWidget]:
+        """
+        Return a list of all BECWidget instances in the dock area.
+
+        Returns:
+            list: A list of all BECWidget instances in the dock area.
+        """
+        return [dock.widget() for dock in self.dock_list() if isinstance(dock.widget(), QWidget)]
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def attach_all(self):
+        """
+        Return all floating docks to the dock area, preserving tab groups within each floating container.
+        """
+        for container in self.dock_manager.floatingWidgets():
+            docks = container.dockWidgets()
+            if not docks:
+                continue
+            target = docks[0]
+            self.dock_manager.addDockWidget(QtAds.DockWidgetArea.RightDockWidgetArea, target)
+            for d in docks[1:]:
+                self.dock_manager.addDockWidgetTab(
+                    QtAds.DockWidgetArea.RightDockWidgetArea, d, target
+                )
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def delete_all(self):
+        """Delete all docks and widgets."""
+        for dock in list(self.dock_manager.dockWidgets()):
+            self._delete_dock(dock)
+
+    ################################################################################
+    # Workspace Management
+    ################################################################################
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
+    def lock_workspace(self) -> bool:
+        """
+        Get or set the lock state of the workspace.
+
+        Returns:
+            bool: True if the workspace is locked, False otherwise.
+        """
+        return self._locked
+
+    @lock_workspace.setter
+    def lock_workspace(self, value: bool):
+        """
+        Set the lock state of the workspace. Docks remain resizable, but are not movable or closable.
+
+        Args:
+            value (bool): True to lock the workspace, False to unlock it.
+        """
+        self._locked = value
+        self._apply_dock_lock(value)
+        self.toolbar.components.get_action("save_workspace").action.setVisible(not value)
+        self.toolbar.components.get_action("delete_workspace").action.setVisible(not value)
+        for dock in self.dock_list():
+            dock.setting_action.setVisible(not value)
+
+    @SafeSlot(str)
+    def save_profile(self, name: str | None = None):
+        """
+        Save the current workspace profile.
+
+        Args:
+            name (str | None): The name of the profile. If None, a dialog will prompt for a name.
+        """
+        if not name:
+            # Use the new SaveProfileDialog instead of QInputDialog
+            dialog = SaveProfileDialog(self)
+            if dialog.exec() != QDialog.Accepted:
+                return
+            name = dialog.get_profile_name()
+            readonly = dialog.is_readonly()
+
+            # Check if profile already exists and is read-only
+            if os.path.exists(profile_path(name)) and is_profile_readonly(name):
+                suggested_name = f"{name}_custom"
+                reply = QMessageBox.warning(
+                    self,
+                    "Read-only Profile",
+                    f"The profile '{name}' is marked as read-only and cannot be overwritten.\n\n"
+                    f"Would you like to save it with a different name?\n"
+                    f"Suggested name: '{suggested_name}'",
+                    QMessageBox.Yes | QMessageBox.No,
+                    QMessageBox.Yes,
+                )
+                if reply == QMessageBox.Yes:
+                    # Show dialog again with suggested name pre-filled
+                    dialog = SaveProfileDialog(self, suggested_name)
+                    if dialog.exec() != QDialog.Accepted:
+                        return
+                    name = dialog.get_profile_name()
+                    readonly = dialog.is_readonly()
+
+                    # Check again if the new name is also read-only (recursive protection)
+                    if os.path.exists(profile_path(name)) and is_profile_readonly(name):
+                        return self.save_profile()
+                else:
+                    return
+        else:
+            # If name is provided directly, assume not read-only unless already exists
+            readonly = False
+            if os.path.exists(profile_path(name)) and is_profile_readonly(name):
+                QMessageBox.warning(
+                    self,
+                    "Read-only Profile",
+                    f"The profile '{name}' is marked as read-only and cannot be overwritten.",
+                    QMessageBox.Ok,
+                )
+                return
+
+        # Display saving placeholder
+        workspace_combo = self.toolbar.components.get_action("workspace_combo").widget
+        workspace_combo.blockSignals(True)
+        workspace_combo.insertItem(0, f"{name}-saving")
+        workspace_combo.setCurrentIndex(0)
+        workspace_combo.blockSignals(False)
+
+        # Save the profile
+        settings = open_settings(name)
+        settings.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["geom"], self.saveGeometry())
+        settings.setValue(
+            SETTINGS_KEYS["state"], b""
+        )  # No QMainWindow state; placeholder for backward compat
+        settings.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["ads_state"], self.dock_manager.saveState())
+        self.dock_manager.addPerspective(name)
+        self.dock_manager.savePerspectives(settings)
+        self.state_manager.save_state(settings=settings)
+        write_manifest(settings, self.dock_list())
+
+        # Set read-only status if specified
+        if readonly:
+            set_profile_readonly(name, readonly)
+
+        settings.sync()
+        self._refresh_workspace_list()
+        workspace_combo.setCurrentText(name)
+
+    def load_profile(self, name: str | None = None):
+        """
+        Load a workspace profile.
+
+        Args:
+            name (str | None): The name of the profile. If None, a dialog will prompt for a name.
+        """
+        # FIXME this has to be tweaked
+        if not name:
+            name, ok = QInputDialog.getText(
+                self, "Load Workspace", "Enter the name of the workspace profile to load:"
+            )
+            if not ok or not name:
+                return
+        settings = open_settings(name)
+
+        for item in read_manifest(settings):
+            obj_name = item["object_name"]
+            widget_class = item["widget_class"]
+            if obj_name not in self.widget_map():
+                w = widget_handler.create_widget(widget_type=widget_class, parent=self)
+                w.setObjectName(obj_name)
+                self._make_dock(
+                    w,
+                    closable=item["closable"],
+                    floatable=item["floatable"],
+                    movable=item["movable"],
+                    area=QtAds.DockWidgetArea.RightDockWidgetArea,
+                )
+
+        geom = settings.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["geom"])
+        if geom:
+            self.restoreGeometry(geom)
+        # No window state for QWidget-based host; keep for backwards compat read
+        # window_state = settings.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["state"])  # ignored
+        dock_state = settings.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["ads_state"])
+        if dock_state:
+            self.dock_manager.restoreState(dock_state)
+        self.dock_manager.loadPerspectives(settings)
+        self.state_manager.load_state(settings=settings)
+        self._set_editable(self._editable)
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def delete_profile(self):
+        """
+        Delete the currently selected workspace profile file and refresh the combo list.
+        """
+        combo = self.toolbar.components.get_action("workspace_combo").widget
+        name = combo.currentText()
+        if not name:
+            return
+
+        # Check if profile is read-only
+        if is_profile_readonly(name):
+            QMessageBox.warning(
+                self,
+                "Read-only Profile",
+                f"The profile '{name}' is marked as read-only and cannot be deleted.\n\n"
+                f"Read-only profiles are protected from modification and deletion.",
+                QMessageBox.Ok,
+            )
+            return
+
+        # Confirm deletion for regular profiles
+        reply = QMessageBox.question(
+            self,
+            "Delete Profile",
+            f"Are you sure you want to delete the profile '{name}'?\n\n"
+            f"This action cannot be undone.",
+            QMessageBox.Yes | QMessageBox.No,
+            QMessageBox.No,
+        )
+        if reply != QMessageBox.Yes:
+            return
+
+        file_path = profile_path(name)
+        try:
+            os.remove(file_path)
+        except FileNotFoundError:
+            return
+        self._refresh_workspace_list()
+
+    def _refresh_workspace_list(self):
+        """
+        Populate the workspace combo box with all saved profile names (without .ini).
+        """
+        combo = self.toolbar.components.get_action("workspace_combo").widget
+        if hasattr(combo, "refresh_profiles"):
+            combo.refresh_profiles()
+        else:
+            # Fallback for regular QComboBox
+            combo.blockSignals(True)
+            combo.clear()
+            combo.addItems(list_profiles())
+            combo.blockSignals(False)
+
+    ################################################################################
+    # Mode Switching
+    ################################################################################
+
+    @SafeProperty(str)
+    def mode(self) -> str:
+        return self._mode
+
+    @mode.setter
+    def mode(self, new_mode: str):
+        if new_mode not in ["plot", "device", "utils", "developer", "user"]:
+            raise ValueError(f"Invalid mode: {new_mode}")
+        self._mode = new_mode
+        self.mode_changed.emit(new_mode)
+
+        # Update toolbar visibility based on mode
+        if new_mode == "user":
+            # User mode: show only essential tools
+            self.toolbar.show_bundles(["spacer_bundle", "workspace", "dock_actions"])
+        elif new_mode == "developer":
+            # Developer mode: show all tools (use menu bundles)
+            self.toolbar.show_bundles(
+                [
+                    "menu_plots",
+                    "menu_devices",
+                    "menu_utils",
+                    "spacer_bundle",
+                    "workspace",
+                    "dock_actions",
+                ]
+            )
+        elif new_mode in ["plot", "device", "utils"]:
+            # Specific modes: show flat toolbar for that category
+            bundle_name = f"flat_{new_mode}s" if new_mode != "utils" else "flat_utils"
+            self.toolbar.show_bundles([bundle_name])
+            # self.toolbar.show_bundles([bundle_name, "spacer_bundle", "workspace", "dock_actions"])
+        else:
+            # Fallback to user mode
+            self.toolbar.show_bundles(["spacer_bundle", "workspace", "dock_actions"])
+
+    def cleanup(self):
+        """
+        Cleanup the dock area.
+        """
+        self.delete_all()
+        self.dark_mode_button.close()
+        self.dark_mode_button.deleteLater()
+        self.toolbar.cleanup()
+        super().cleanup()
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    import sys
+
+    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+    apply_theme("dark")
+    dispatcher = BECDispatcher(gui_id="ads")
+    window = BECMainWindowNoRPC()
+    ads = AdvancedDockArea(mode="developer", root_widget=True)
+    window.setCentralWidget(ads)
+    window.show()
+    window.resize(800, 600)
+
+    sys.exit(app.exec())

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/advanced_dock_area/profile_utils.py

@@ -0,0 +1,79 @@
+import os
+
+from PySide6QtAds import CDockWidget
+from qtpy.QtCore import QSettings
+
+MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(__file__)))
+_DEFAULT_PROFILES_DIR = os.path.join(os.path.dirname(__file__), "states", "default")
+_USER_PROFILES_DIR = os.path.join(os.path.dirname(__file__), "states", "user")
+
+
+def profiles_dir() -> str:
+    path = os.environ.get("BECWIDGETS_PROFILE_DIR", _USER_PROFILES_DIR)
+    os.makedirs(path, exist_ok=True)
+    return path
+
+
+def profile_path(name: str) -> str:
+    return os.path.join(profiles_dir(), f"{name}.ini")
+
+
+SETTINGS_KEYS = {
+    "geom": "mainWindow/Geometry",
+    "state": "mainWindow/State",
+    "ads_state": "mainWindow/DockingState",
+    "manifest": "manifest/widgets",
+    "readonly": "profile/readonly",
+}
+
+
+def list_profiles() -> list[str]:
+    return sorted(os.path.splitext(f)[0] for f in os.listdir(profiles_dir()) if f.endswith(".ini"))
+
+
+def is_profile_readonly(name: str) -> bool:
+    """Check if a profile is marked as read-only."""
+    settings = open_settings(name)
+    return settings.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["readonly"], False, type=bool)
+
+
+def set_profile_readonly(name: str, readonly: bool) -> None:
+    """Set the read-only status of a profile."""
+    settings = open_settings(name)
+    settings.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["readonly"], readonly)
+    settings.sync()
+
+
+def open_settings(name: str) -> QSettings:
+    return QSettings(profile_path(name), QSettings.IniFormat)
+
+
+def write_manifest(settings: QSettings, docks: list[CDockWidget]) -> None:
+    settings.beginWriteArray(SETTINGS_KEYS["manifest"], len(docks))
+    for i, dock in enumerate(docks):
+        settings.setArrayIndex(i)
+        w = dock.widget()
+        settings.setValue("object_name", w.objectName())
+        settings.setValue("widget_class", w.__class__.__name__)
+        settings.setValue("closable", getattr(dock, "_default_closable", True))
+        settings.setValue("floatable", getattr(dock, "_default_floatable", True))
+        settings.setValue("movable", getattr(dock, "_default_movable", True))
+    settings.endArray()
+
+
+def read_manifest(settings: QSettings) -> list[dict]:
+    items: list[dict] = []
+    count = settings.beginReadArray(SETTINGS_KEYS["manifest"])
+    for i in range(count):
+        settings.setArrayIndex(i)
+        items.append(
+            {
+                "object_name": settings.value("object_name"),
+                "widget_class": settings.value("widget_class"),
+                "closable": settings.value("closable", type=bool),
+                "floatable": settings.value("floatable", type=bool),
+                "movable": settings.value("movable", type=bool),
+            }
+        )
+    settings.endArray()
+    return items

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

@@ -0,0 +1,183 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from bec_qthemes import material_icon
+from qtpy.QtCore import Qt
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QComboBox, QSizePolicy, QWidget
+
+from bec_widgets import SafeSlot
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.actions import MaterialIconAction, WidgetAction
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.bundles import ToolbarBundle, ToolbarComponents
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.connections import BundleConnection
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.advanced_dock_area.profile_utils import (
+    is_profile_readonly,
+    list_profiles,
+)
+
+
+class ProfileComboBox(QComboBox):
+    """Custom combobox that displays icons for read-only profiles."""
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None):
+        super().__init__(parent)
+        self.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Fixed)
+
+    def refresh_profiles(self):
+        """Refresh the profile list with appropriate icons."""
+
+        current_text = self.currentText()
+        self.blockSignals(True)
+        self.clear()
+
+        lock_icon = material_icon("edit_off", size=(16, 16), convert_to_pixmap=False)
+
+        for profile in list_profiles():
+            if is_profile_readonly(profile):
+                self.addItem(lock_icon, f"{profile}")
+                # Set tooltip for read-only profiles
+                self.setItemData(self.count() - 1, "Read-only profile", Qt.ToolTipRole)
+            else:
+                self.addItem(profile)
+
+        # Restore selection if possible
+        index = self.findText(current_text)
+        if index >= 0:
+            self.setCurrentIndex(index)
+
+        self.blockSignals(False)
+
+
+def workspace_bundle(components: ToolbarComponents) -> ToolbarBundle:
+    """
+    Creates a workspace toolbar bundle for AdvancedDockArea.
+
+    Args:
+        components (ToolbarComponents): The components to be added to the bundle.
+
+    Returns:
+        ToolbarBundle: The workspace toolbar bundle.
+    """
+    # Lock icon action
+    components.add_safe(
+        "lock",
+        MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="lock_open_right",
+            tooltip="Lock Workspace",
+            checkable=True,
+            parent=components.toolbar,
+        ),
+    )
+
+    # Workspace combo
+    combo = ProfileComboBox(parent=components.toolbar)
+    components.add_safe("workspace_combo", WidgetAction(widget=combo, adjust_size=False))
+
+    # Save the current workspace icon
+    components.add_safe(
+        "save_workspace",
+        MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="save",
+            tooltip="Save Current Workspace",
+            checkable=False,
+            parent=components.toolbar,
+        ),
+    )
+    # Delete workspace icon
+    components.add_safe(
+        "refresh_workspace",
+        MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="refresh",
+            tooltip="Refresh Current Workspace",
+            checkable=False,
+            parent=components.toolbar,
+        ),
+    )
+    # Delete workspace icon
+    components.add_safe(
+        "delete_workspace",
+        MaterialIconAction(
+            icon_name="delete",
+            tooltip="Delete Current Workspace",
+            checkable=False,
+            parent=components.toolbar,
+        ),
+    )
+
+    bundle = ToolbarBundle("workspace", components)
+    bundle.add_action("lock")
+    bundle.add_action("workspace_combo")
+    bundle.add_action("save_workspace")
+    bundle.add_action("refresh_workspace")
+    bundle.add_action("delete_workspace")
+    return bundle
+
+
+class WorkspaceConnection(BundleConnection):
+    """
+    Connection class for workspace actions in AdvancedDockArea.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, components: ToolbarComponents, target_widget=None):
+        super().__init__(parent=components.toolbar)
+        self.bundle_name = "workspace"
+        self.components = components
+        self.target_widget = target_widget
+        if not hasattr(self.target_widget, "lock_workspace"):
+            raise AttributeError("Target widget must implement 'lock_workspace'.")
+        self._connected = False
+
+    def connect(self):
+        self._connected = True
+        # Connect the action to the target widget's method
+        self.components.get_action("lock").action.toggled.connect(self._lock_workspace)
+        self.components.get_action("save_workspace").action.triggered.connect(
+            self.target_widget.save_profile
+        )
+        self.components.get_action("workspace_combo").widget.currentTextChanged.connect(
+            self.target_widget.load_profile
+        )
+        self.components.get_action("refresh_workspace").action.triggered.connect(
+            self._refresh_workspace
+        )
+        self.components.get_action("delete_workspace").action.triggered.connect(
+            self.target_widget.delete_profile
+        )
+
+    def disconnect(self):
+        if not self._connected:
+            return
+        # Disconnect the action from the target widget's method
+        self.components.get_action("lock").action.toggled.disconnect(self._lock_workspace)
+        self.components.get_action("save_workspace").action.triggered.disconnect(
+            self.target_widget.save_profile
+        )
+        self.components.get_action("workspace_combo").widget.currentTextChanged.disconnect(
+            self.target_widget.load_profile
+        )
+        self.components.get_action("refresh_workspace").action.triggered.disconnect(
+            self._refresh_workspace
+        )
+        self.components.get_action("delete_workspace").action.triggered.disconnect(
+            self.target_widget.delete_profile
+        )
+        self._connected = False
+
+    @SafeSlot(bool)
+    def _lock_workspace(self, value: bool):
+        """
+        Switches the workspace lock state and change the icon accordingly.
+        """
+        setattr(self.target_widget, "lock_workspace", value)
+        self.components.get_action("lock").action.setChecked(value)
+        icon = material_icon(
+            "lock" if value else "lock_open_right", size=(20, 20), convert_to_pixmap=False
+        )
+        self.components.get_action("lock").action.setIcon(icon)
+
+    @SafeSlot()
+    def _refresh_workspace(self):
+        """
+        Refreshes the current workspace.
+        """
+        combo = self.components.get_action("workspace_combo").widget
+        current_workspace = combo.currentText()
+        self.target_widget.load_profile(current_workspace)

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/auto_update/auto_updates.py

@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ class AutoUpdates(BECMainWindow):
     _default_dock: BECDock
     USER_ACCESS = ["enabled", "enabled.setter", "selected_device", "selected_device.setter"]
     RPC = True
+    PLUGIN = False
 
     # enforce that subclasses have the same rpc widget class
     rpc_widget_class = "AutoUpdates"

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock/bec_dock_area.pyproject

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

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock/bec_dock_area_plugin.py

@@ -1,22 +1,19 @@
 # Copyright (C) 2022 The Qt Company Ltd.
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
-import os
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
-import bec_widgets
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
-from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock import BECDockArea
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock.dock_area import BECDockArea
 
 DOM_XML = """
 <ui language='c++'>
-    <widget class='BECDockArea' name='dock_area'>
+    <widget class='BECDockArea' name='bec_dock_area'>
     </widget>
 </ui>
 """
 
-MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
-
 
 class BECDockAreaPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
     def __init__(self):
@@ -24,6 +21,8 @@ class BECDockAreaPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = BECDockArea(parent)
         return t
 
@@ -31,13 +30,13 @@ class BECDockAreaPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         return DOM_XML
 
     def group(self):
-        return "BEC Plots"
+        return "BEC Containers"
 
     def icon(self):
         return designer_material_icon(BECDockArea.ICON_NAME)
 
     def includeFile(self):
-        return "dock_area"
+        return "bec_dock_area"
 
     def initialize(self, form_editor):
         self._form_editor = form_editor
@@ -52,7 +51,7 @@ class BECDockAreaPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         return "BECDockArea"
 
     def toolTip(self):
-        return "BECDockArea"
+        return ""
 
     def whatsThis(self):
         return self.toolTip()

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock/dock.py

@@ -389,6 +389,7 @@ class BECDock(BECWidget, Dock):
         if widget in self.widgets:
             self.widgets.remove(widget)
         widget.close()
+        widget.deleteLater()
 
     def delete_all(self):
         """

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
@@ -69,6 +71,7 @@ class BECDockArea(BECWidget, QWidget):
         "detach_dock",
         "attach_all",
         "save_state",
+        "screenshot",
         "restore_state",
     ]
 
@@ -104,145 +107,239 @@ 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,
-                        ),
-                        # FIXME temporarily disabled  -> issue #644
-                        "log_panel": MaterialIconAction(
-                            icon_name=LogPanel.ICON_NAME,
-                            tooltip="Add LogPanel - Disabled",
-                            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),
+        )
+        self.toolbar.components.add_safe(
+            "screenshot",
+            MaterialIconAction(icon_name="photo_camera", tooltip="Take Screenshot", parent=self),
+        )
+
+        bundle = ToolbarBundle("dock_actions", self.toolbar.components)
+        bundle.add_action("attach_all")
+        bundle.add_action("save_state")
+        bundle.add_action("restore_state")
+        bundle.add_action("screenshot")
+        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")
         )
         # FIXME temporarily disabled -> issue #644
-        self.toolbar.widgets["menu_utils"].widgets["log_panel"].setEnabled(False)
-        # self.toolbar.widgets["menu_utils"].widgets["log_panel"].triggered.connect(
-        #     lambda: self._create_widget_from_toolbar(widget_name="LogPanel")
-        # )
+        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
+        )
+        self.toolbar.components.get_action("screenshot").action.triggered.connect(self.screenshot)
 
     @SafeSlot()
     def _create_widget_from_toolbar(self, widget_name: str) -> None:
@@ -519,10 +616,10 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
 
     import sys
 
-    from bec_widgets.utils.colors import set_theme
+    from bec_widgets.utils.colors import apply_theme
 
     app = QApplication([])
-    set_theme("auto")
+    apply_theme("dark")
     dock_area = BECDockArea()
     dock_1 = dock_area.new(name="dock_0", widget="DarkModeButton")
     dock_1.new(widget="DarkModeButton")

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock/dock_area.pyproject

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

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock/register_bec_dock_area.py

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

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/explorer/collapsible_tree_section.py

@@ -0,0 +1,213 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from bec_qthemes import material_icon
+from qtpy.QtCore import QMimeData, Qt, Signal
+from qtpy.QtGui import QDrag
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QHBoxLayout, QPushButton, QSizePolicy, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.colors import get_theme_palette
+from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeProperty
+
+
+class CollapsibleSection(QWidget):
+    """A widget that combines a header button with any content widget for collapsible sections
+
+    This widget contains a header button with a title and a content widget.
+    The content widget can be any QWidget. The header button can be expanded or collapsed.
+    The header also contains an "Add" button that is only visible when hovering over the section.
+
+    Signals:
+        section_reorder_requested(str, str): Emitted when the section is dragged and dropped
+                                             onto another section for reordering.
+                                             Arguments are (source_title, target_title).
+    """
+
+    section_reorder_requested = Signal(str, str)  # (source_title, target_title)
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        parent=None,
+        title="",
+        indentation=10,
+        show_add_button=False,
+        tooltip: str | None = None,
+    ):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent)
+        self.title = title
+        self.content_widget = None
+        self.setAcceptDrops(True)
+        self._expanded = True
+
+        # Setup layout
+        self.main_layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
+        self.main_layout.setContentsMargins(indentation, 0, 0, 0)
+        self.main_layout.setSpacing(0)
+
+        header_layout = QHBoxLayout()
+        header_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 4, 0)
+        header_layout.setSpacing(0)
+
+        # Create header button
+        self.header_button = QPushButton()
+        self.header_button.clicked.connect(self.toggle_expanded)
+
+        # Enable drag and drop for reordering
+        self.header_button.setAcceptDrops(True)
+        self.header_button.mousePressEvent = self._header_mouse_press_event
+        self.header_button.mouseMoveEvent = self._header_mouse_move_event
+        self.header_button.dragEnterEvent = self._header_drag_enter_event
+        self.header_button.dropEvent = self._header_drop_event
+        if tooltip:
+            self.header_button.setToolTip(tooltip)
+
+        self.drag_start_position = None
+
+        # Add header to layout
+        header_layout.addWidget(self.header_button)
+        header_layout.addStretch()
+
+        self.header_add_button = QPushButton()
+        self.header_add_button.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Policy.Fixed, QSizePolicy.Policy.Fixed)
+        self.header_add_button.setFixedSize(20, 20)
+        self.header_add_button.setToolTip("Add item")
+        self.header_add_button.setVisible(show_add_button)
+
+        self.header_add_button.setIcon(material_icon("add", size=(20, 20)))
+        header_layout.addWidget(self.header_add_button)
+
+        self.main_layout.addLayout(header_layout)
+
+        self._update_expanded_state()
+
+    def set_widget(self, widget):
+        """Set the content widget for this collapsible section"""
+        # Remove existing content widget if any
+        if self.content_widget and self.content_widget.parent() == self:
+            self.main_layout.removeWidget(self.content_widget)
+            self.content_widget.close()
+            self.content_widget.deleteLater()
+
+        self.content_widget = widget
+        if self.content_widget:
+            self.main_layout.addWidget(self.content_widget)
+
+        self._update_expanded_state()
+
+    def _update_appearance(self):
+        """Update the header button appearance based on expanded state"""
+        # Use material icons with consistent sizing to match tree items
+        icon_name = "keyboard_arrow_down" if self.expanded else "keyboard_arrow_right"
+        icon = material_icon(icon_name=icon_name, size=(20, 20), convert_to_pixmap=False)
+
+        self.header_button.setIcon(icon)
+        self.header_button.setText(self.title)
+
+        # Get theme colors
+        palette = get_theme_palette()
+        text_color = palette.text().color().name()
+
+        self.header_button.setStyleSheet(
+            f"""
+            QPushButton {{
+                font-weight: bold;
+                text-align: left;
+                margin: 0;
+                padding: 0px;
+                border: none;
+                background: transparent;
+                color: {text_color};
+                icon-size: 20px 20px;
+            }}
+        """
+        )
+
+    def toggle_expanded(self):
+        """Toggle the expanded state and update size policy"""
+        self.expanded = not self.expanded
+        self._update_expanded_state()
+
+    def _update_expanded_state(self):
+        """Update the expanded state based on current state"""
+        self._update_appearance()
+        if self.expanded:
+            if self.content_widget:
+                self.content_widget.show()
+            self.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Policy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Policy.Expanding)
+        else:
+            if self.content_widget:
+                self.content_widget.hide()
+            self.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Policy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Policy.Fixed)
+
+    @SafeProperty(bool)
+    def expanded(self) -> bool:
+        """Get the expanded state"""
+        return self._expanded
+
+    @expanded.setter
+    def expanded(self, value: bool):
+        """Set the expanded state programmatically"""
+        if not isinstance(value, bool):
+            raise ValueError("Expanded state must be a boolean")
+        if self._expanded == value:
+            return
+        self._expanded = value
+        self._update_appearance()
+
+    def connect_add_button(self, slot):
+        """Connect a slot to the add button's clicked signal.
+
+        Args:
+            slot: The function to call when the add button is clicked.
+        """
+        self.header_add_button.clicked.connect(slot)
+
+    def _header_mouse_press_event(self, event):
+        """Handle mouse press on header for drag start"""
+        if event.button() == Qt.MouseButton.LeftButton:
+            self.drag_start_position = event.pos()
+        QPushButton.mousePressEvent(self.header_button, event)
+
+    def _header_mouse_move_event(self, event):
+        """Handle mouse move to start drag operation"""
+        if event.buttons() & Qt.MouseButton.LeftButton and self.drag_start_position is not None:
+
+            # Check if we've moved far enough to start a drag
+            if (event.pos() - self.drag_start_position).manhattanLength() >= 10:
+
+                self._start_drag()
+        QPushButton.mouseMoveEvent(self.header_button, event)
+
+    def _start_drag(self):
+        """Start the drag operation with a properly aligned widget pixmap"""
+        drag = QDrag(self.header_button)
+        mime_data = QMimeData()
+        mime_data.setText(f"section:{self.title}")
+        drag.setMimeData(mime_data)
+
+        # Grab a pixmap of the widget
+        widget_pixmap = self.header_button.grab()
+
+        drag.setPixmap(widget_pixmap)
+
+        # Set the hotspot to where the mouse was pressed on the widget
+        drag.setHotSpot(self.drag_start_position)
+
+        drag.exec_(Qt.MoveAction)
+
+    def _header_drag_enter_event(self, event):
+        """Handle drag enter on header"""
+        if event.mimeData().hasText() and event.mimeData().text().startswith("section:"):
+            event.acceptProposedAction()
+        else:
+            event.ignore()
+
+    def _header_drop_event(self, event):
+        """Handle drop on header"""
+        if event.mimeData().hasText() and event.mimeData().text().startswith("section:"):
+            source_title = event.mimeData().text().replace("section:", "")
+            if source_title != self.title:
+                # Emit signal to parent to handle reordering
+                self.section_reorder_requested.emit(source_title, self.title)
+            event.acceptProposedAction()
+        else:
+            event.ignore()

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/explorer/explorer.py

@@ -0,0 +1,179 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from qtpy.QtCore import Qt
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QSizePolicy, QSpacerItem, QSplitter, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
+from bec_widgets.utils.colors import get_theme_palette
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.explorer.collapsible_tree_section import CollapsibleSection
+
+
+class Explorer(BECWidget, QWidget):
+    """
+    A widget that combines multiple collapsible sections for an explorer-like interface.
+    Each section can be expanded or collapsed, and sections can be reordered. The explorer
+    can contain also sub-explorers for nested structures.
+    """
+
+    RPC = False
+    PLUGIN = False
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None, **kwargs):
+        super().__init__(parent=parent, **kwargs)
+
+        # Main layout
+        self.main_layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
+        self.main_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        self.main_layout.setSpacing(0)
+
+        # Splitter for sections
+        self.splitter = QSplitter(Qt.Orientation.Vertical)
+        self.main_layout.addWidget(self.splitter)
+
+        # Spacer for when all sections are collapsed
+        self.expander = QSpacerItem(0, 0)
+        self.main_layout.addItem(self.expander)
+
+        # Registry of sections
+        self.sections: list[CollapsibleSection] = []
+
+        # Setup splitter styling
+        self._setup_splitter_styling()
+
+    def add_section(self, section: CollapsibleSection) -> None:
+        """
+        Add a collapsible section to the explorer
+
+        Args:
+            section (CollapsibleSection): The section to add
+        """
+        if not isinstance(section, CollapsibleSection):
+            raise TypeError("section must be an instance of CollapsibleSection")
+
+        if section in self.sections:
+            return
+
+        self.sections.append(section)
+        self.splitter.addWidget(section)
+
+        # Connect the section's toggle to update spacer
+        section.header_button.clicked.connect(self._update_spacer)
+
+        # Connect section reordering if supported
+        if hasattr(section, "section_reorder_requested"):
+            section.section_reorder_requested.connect(self._handle_section_reorder)
+
+        self._update_spacer()
+
+    def remove_section(self, section: CollapsibleSection) -> None:
+        """
+        Remove a collapsible section from the explorer
+
+        Args:
+            section (CollapsibleSection): The section to remove
+        """
+        if section not in self.sections:
+            return
+        self.sections.remove(section)
+        section.deleteLater()
+        section.close()
+
+        # Disconnect signals
+        try:
+            section.header_button.clicked.disconnect(self._update_spacer)
+            if hasattr(section, "section_reorder_requested"):
+                section.section_reorder_requested.disconnect(self._handle_section_reorder)
+        except RuntimeError:
+            # Signals already disconnected
+            pass
+
+        self._update_spacer()
+
+    def get_section(self, title: str) -> CollapsibleSection | None:
+        """Get a section by its title"""
+        for section in self.sections:
+            if section.title == title:
+                return section
+        return None
+
+    def _setup_splitter_styling(self) -> None:
+        """Setup the splitter styling with theme colors"""
+        palette = get_theme_palette()
+        separator_color = palette.mid().color()
+
+        self.splitter.setStyleSheet(
+            f"""
+            QSplitter::handle {{
+                height: 0.1px;
+                background-color: rgba({separator_color.red()}, {separator_color.green()}, {separator_color.blue()}, 60);
+            }}
+        """
+        )
+
+    def _update_spacer(self) -> None:
+        """Update the spacer size based on section states"""
+        any_expanded = any(section.expanded for section in self.sections)
+
+        if any_expanded:
+            self.expander.changeSize(0, 0, QSizePolicy.Policy.Fixed, QSizePolicy.Policy.Fixed)
+        else:
+            self.expander.changeSize(
+                0, 10, QSizePolicy.Policy.Maximum, QSizePolicy.Policy.Expanding
+            )
+
+    def _handle_section_reorder(self, source_title: str, target_title: str) -> None:
+        """Handle reordering of sections"""
+        if source_title == target_title:
+            return
+
+        source_section = self.get_section(source_title)
+        target_section = self.get_section(target_title)
+
+        if not source_section or not target_section:
+            return
+
+        # Get current indices
+        source_index = self.splitter.indexOf(source_section)
+        target_index = self.splitter.indexOf(target_section)
+
+        if source_index == -1 or target_index == -1:
+            return
+
+        # Insert at target position
+        self.splitter.insertWidget(target_index, source_section)
+
+        # Update sections
+        self.sections.remove(source_section)
+        self.sections.insert(target_index, source_section)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    import os
+
+    from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication, QLabel
+
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.explorer.script_tree_widget import ScriptTreeWidget
+
+    app = QApplication([])
+    explorer = Explorer()
+    section = CollapsibleSection(title="SCRIPTS", indentation=0)
+
+    script_explorer = Explorer()
+    script_widget = ScriptTreeWidget()
+    local_scripts_section = CollapsibleSection(title="Local")
+    local_scripts_section.set_widget(script_widget)
+    script_widget.set_directory(os.path.abspath("./"))
+    script_explorer.add_section(local_scripts_section)
+
+    section.set_widget(script_explorer)
+    explorer.add_section(section)
+    shared_script_section = CollapsibleSection(title="Shared")
+    shared_script_widget = ScriptTreeWidget()
+    shared_script_widget.set_directory(os.path.abspath("./"))
+    shared_script_section.set_widget(shared_script_widget)
+    script_explorer.add_section(shared_script_section)
+    macros_section = CollapsibleSection(title="MACROS", indentation=0)
+    macros_section.set_widget(QLabel("Macros will be implemented later"))
+    explorer.add_section(macros_section)
+    explorer.show()
+    app.exec()

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/explorer/macro_tree_widget.py

@@ -0,0 +1,467 @@
+import ast
+import os
+from pathlib import Path
+from typing import Any
+
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
+from qtpy.QtCore import QModelIndex, QRect, Qt, Signal
+from qtpy.QtGui import QPainter, QStandardItem, QStandardItemModel
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QStyledItemDelegate, QTreeView, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.colors import get_theme_palette
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.actions import MaterialIconAction
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+
+
+class MacroItemDelegate(QStyledItemDelegate):
+    """Custom delegate to show action buttons on hover for macro functions"""
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None):
+        super().__init__(parent)
+        self.hovered_index = QModelIndex()
+        self.macro_actions: list[Any] = []
+        self.button_rects: list[QRect] = []
+        self.current_macro_info = {}
+
+    def add_macro_action(self, action: Any) -> None:
+        """Add an action for macro functions"""
+        self.macro_actions.append(action)
+
+    def clear_actions(self) -> None:
+        """Remove all actions"""
+        self.macro_actions.clear()
+
+    def paint(self, painter, option, index):
+        """Paint the item with action buttons on hover"""
+        # Paint the default item
+        super().paint(painter, option, index)
+
+        # Early return if not hovering over this item
+        if index != self.hovered_index:
+            return
+
+        # Only show actions for macro functions (not directories)
+        item = index.model().itemFromIndex(index)
+        if not item or not item.data(Qt.ItemDataRole.UserRole):
+            return
+
+        macro_info = item.data(Qt.ItemDataRole.UserRole)
+        if not isinstance(macro_info, dict) or "function_name" not in macro_info:
+            return
+
+        self.current_macro_info = macro_info
+
+        if self.macro_actions:
+            self._draw_action_buttons(painter, option, self.macro_actions)
+
+    def _draw_action_buttons(self, painter, option, actions: list[Any]):
+        """Draw action buttons on the right side"""
+        button_size = 18
+        margin = 4
+        spacing = 2
+
+        # Calculate total width needed for all buttons
+        total_width = len(actions) * button_size + (len(actions) - 1) * spacing
+
+        # Clear previous button rects and create new ones
+        self.button_rects.clear()
+
+        # Calculate starting position (right side of the item)
+        start_x = option.rect.right() - total_width - margin
+        current_x = start_x
+
+        painter.save()
+        painter.setRenderHint(QPainter.RenderHint.Antialiasing)
+
+        # Get theme colors for better integration
+        palette = get_theme_palette()
+        button_bg = palette.button().color()
+        button_bg.setAlpha(150)  # Semi-transparent
+
+        for action in actions:
+            if not action.isVisible():
+                continue
+
+            # Calculate button position
+            button_rect = QRect(
+                current_x,
+                option.rect.top() + (option.rect.height() - button_size) // 2,
+                button_size,
+                button_size,
+            )
+            self.button_rects.append(button_rect)
+
+            # Draw button background
+            painter.setBrush(button_bg)
+            painter.setPen(palette.mid().color())
+            painter.drawRoundedRect(button_rect, 3, 3)
+
+            # Draw action icon
+            icon = action.icon()
+            if not icon.isNull():
+                icon_rect = button_rect.adjusted(2, 2, -2, -2)
+                icon.paint(painter, icon_rect)
+
+            # Move to next button position
+            current_x += button_size + spacing
+
+        painter.restore()
+
+    def editorEvent(self, event, model, option, index):
+        """Handle mouse events for action buttons"""
+        # Early return if not a left click
+        if not (
+            event.type() == event.Type.MouseButtonPress
+            and event.button() == Qt.MouseButton.LeftButton
+        ):
+            return super().editorEvent(event, model, option, index)
+
+        # Check which button was clicked
+        visible_actions = [action for action in self.macro_actions if action.isVisible()]
+        for i, button_rect in enumerate(self.button_rects):
+            if button_rect.contains(event.pos()) and i < len(visible_actions):
+                # Trigger the action
+                visible_actions[i].trigger()
+                return True
+
+        return super().editorEvent(event, model, option, index)
+
+    def set_hovered_index(self, index):
+        """Set the currently hovered index"""
+        self.hovered_index = index
+
+
+class MacroTreeWidget(QWidget):
+    """A tree widget that displays macro functions from Python files"""
+
+    macro_selected = Signal(str, str)  # Function name, file path
+    macro_open_requested = Signal(str, str)  # Function name, file path
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None):
+        super().__init__(parent)
+
+        # Create layout
+        layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
+        layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        layout.setSpacing(0)
+
+        # Create tree view
+        self.tree = QTreeView()
+        self.tree.setHeaderHidden(True)
+        self.tree.setRootIsDecorated(True)
+
+        # Disable editing to prevent renaming on double-click
+        self.tree.setEditTriggers(QTreeView.EditTrigger.NoEditTriggers)
+
+        # Enable mouse tracking for hover effects
+        self.tree.setMouseTracking(True)
+
+        # Create model for macro functions
+        self.model = QStandardItemModel()
+        self.tree.setModel(self.model)
+
+        # Create and set custom delegate
+        self.delegate = MacroItemDelegate(self.tree)
+        self.tree.setItemDelegate(self.delegate)
+
+        # Add default open button for macros
+        action = MaterialIconAction(icon_name="file_open", tooltip="Open macro file", parent=self)
+        action.action.triggered.connect(self._on_macro_open_requested)
+        self.delegate.add_macro_action(action.action)
+
+        # Apply BEC styling
+        self._apply_styling()
+
+        # Macro specific properties
+        self.directory = None
+
+        # Connect signals
+        self.tree.clicked.connect(self._on_item_clicked)
+        self.tree.doubleClicked.connect(self._on_item_double_clicked)
+
+        # Install event filter for hover tracking
+        self.tree.viewport().installEventFilter(self)
+
+        # Add to layout
+        layout.addWidget(self.tree)
+
+    def _apply_styling(self):
+        """Apply styling to the tree widget"""
+        # Get theme colors for subtle tree lines
+        palette = get_theme_palette()
+        subtle_line_color = palette.mid().color()
+        subtle_line_color.setAlpha(80)
+
+        # Standard editable styling
+        opacity_modifier = ""
+        cursor_style = ""
+
+        # pylint: disable=f-string-without-interpolation
+        tree_style = f""" 
+            QTreeView {{ 
+                border: none;
+                outline: 0;
+                show-decoration-selected: 0;
+                {opacity_modifier}
+                {cursor_style}
+            }}
+            QTreeView::branch {{
+                border-image: none;
+                background: transparent;
+            }}
+
+            QTreeView::item {{
+                border: none;
+                padding: 0px;
+                margin: 0px;
+            }}
+            QTreeView::item:hover {{
+                background: palette(midlight);
+                border: none;
+                padding: 0px;
+                margin: 0px;
+                text-decoration: none;
+            }}
+            QTreeView::item:selected {{
+                background: palette(highlight);
+                color: palette(highlighted-text);
+            }}
+            QTreeView::item:selected:hover {{
+                background: palette(highlight);
+            }}
+        """
+
+        self.tree.setStyleSheet(tree_style)
+
+    def eventFilter(self, obj, event):
+        """Handle mouse move events for hover tracking"""
+        # Early return if not the tree viewport
+        if obj != self.tree.viewport():
+            return super().eventFilter(obj, event)
+
+        if event.type() == event.Type.MouseMove:
+            index = self.tree.indexAt(event.pos())
+            if index.isValid():
+                self.delegate.set_hovered_index(index)
+            else:
+                self.delegate.set_hovered_index(QModelIndex())
+            self.tree.viewport().update()
+            return super().eventFilter(obj, event)
+
+        if event.type() == event.Type.Leave:
+            self.delegate.set_hovered_index(QModelIndex())
+            self.tree.viewport().update()
+            return super().eventFilter(obj, event)
+
+        return super().eventFilter(obj, event)
+
+    def set_directory(self, directory):
+        """Set the macros directory and scan for macro functions"""
+        self.directory = directory
+
+        # Early return if directory doesn't exist
+        if not directory or not os.path.exists(directory):
+            return
+
+        self._scan_macro_functions()
+
+    def _create_file_item(self, py_file: Path) -> QStandardItem | None:
+        """Create a file item with its functions
+
+        Args:
+            py_file: Path to the Python file
+
+        Returns:
+            QStandardItem representing the file, or None if no functions found
+        """
+        # Skip files starting with underscore
+        if py_file.name.startswith("_"):
+            return None
+
+        try:
+            functions = self._extract_functions_from_file(py_file)
+            if not functions:
+                return None
+
+            # Create a file node
+            file_item = QStandardItem(py_file.stem)
+            file_item.setData({"file_path": str(py_file), "type": "file"}, Qt.ItemDataRole.UserRole)
+
+            # Add function nodes
+            for func_name, func_info in functions.items():
+                func_item = QStandardItem(func_name)
+                func_data = {
+                    "function_name": func_name,
+                    "file_path": str(py_file),
+                    "line_number": func_info.get("line_number", 1),
+                    "type": "function",
+                }
+                func_item.setData(func_data, Qt.ItemDataRole.UserRole)
+                file_item.appendRow(func_item)
+
+            return file_item
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.warning(f"Failed to parse {py_file}: {e}")
+            return None
+
+    def _scan_macro_functions(self):
+        """Scan the directory for Python files and extract macro functions"""
+        self.model.clear()
+        self.model.setHorizontalHeaderLabels(["Macros"])
+
+        if not self.directory or not os.path.exists(self.directory):
+            return
+
+        # Get all Python files in the directory
+        python_files = list(Path(self.directory).glob("*.py"))
+
+        for py_file in python_files:
+            file_item = self._create_file_item(py_file)
+            if file_item:
+                self.model.appendRow(file_item)
+
+        self.tree.expandAll()
+
+    def _extract_functions_from_file(self, file_path: Path) -> dict:
+        """Extract function definitions from a Python file"""
+        functions = {}
+
+        try:
+            with open(file_path, "r", encoding="utf-8") as f:
+                content = f.read()
+
+            # Parse the AST
+            tree = ast.parse(content)
+
+            # Only get top-level function definitions
+            for node in tree.body:
+                if isinstance(node, ast.FunctionDef):
+                    functions[node.name] = {
+                        "line_number": node.lineno,
+                        "docstring": ast.get_docstring(node) or "",
+                    }
+
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.warning(f"Failed to parse {file_path}: {e}")
+
+        return functions
+
+    def _on_item_clicked(self, index: QModelIndex):
+        """Handle item clicks"""
+        item = self.model.itemFromIndex(index)
+        if not item:
+            return
+
+        data = item.data(Qt.ItemDataRole.UserRole)
+        if not data:
+            return
+
+        if data.get("type") == "function":
+            function_name = data.get("function_name")
+            file_path = data.get("file_path")
+            if function_name and file_path:
+                logger.info(f"Macro function selected: {function_name} in {file_path}")
+                self.macro_selected.emit(function_name, file_path)
+
+    def _on_item_double_clicked(self, index: QModelIndex):
+        """Handle item double-clicks"""
+        item = self.model.itemFromIndex(index)
+        if not item:
+            return
+
+        data = item.data(Qt.ItemDataRole.UserRole)
+        if not data:
+            return
+
+        if data.get("type") == "function":
+            function_name = data.get("function_name")
+            file_path = data.get("file_path")
+            if function_name and file_path:
+                logger.info(
+                    f"Macro open requested via double-click: {function_name} in {file_path}"
+                )
+                self.macro_open_requested.emit(function_name, file_path)
+
+    def _on_macro_open_requested(self):
+        """Handle macro open action triggered"""
+        logger.info("Macro open requested")
+        # Early return if no hovered item
+        if not self.delegate.hovered_index.isValid():
+            return
+
+        macro_info = self.delegate.current_macro_info
+        if not macro_info or macro_info.get("type") != "function":
+            return
+
+        function_name = macro_info.get("function_name")
+        file_path = macro_info.get("file_path")
+        if function_name and file_path:
+            self.macro_open_requested.emit(function_name, file_path)
+
+    def add_macro_action(self, action: Any) -> None:
+        """Add an action for macro items"""
+        self.delegate.add_macro_action(action)
+
+    def clear_actions(self) -> None:
+        """Remove all actions from items"""
+        self.delegate.clear_actions()
+
+    def refresh(self):
+        """Refresh the tree view"""
+        if self.directory is None:
+            return
+        self._scan_macro_functions()
+
+    def refresh_file_item(self, file_path: str):
+        """Refresh a single file item by re-scanning its functions
+
+        Args:
+            file_path: Path to the Python file to refresh
+        """
+        if not file_path or not os.path.exists(file_path):
+            logger.warning(f"Cannot refresh file item: {file_path} does not exist")
+            return
+
+        py_file = Path(file_path)
+
+        # Find existing file item in the model
+        existing_item = None
+        existing_row = -1
+        for row in range(self.model.rowCount()):
+            item = self.model.item(row)
+            if not item or not item.data(Qt.ItemDataRole.UserRole):
+                continue
+            item_data = item.data(Qt.ItemDataRole.UserRole)
+            if item_data.get("type") == "file" and item_data.get("file_path") == str(py_file):
+                existing_item = item
+                existing_row = row
+                break
+
+        # Store expansion state if item exists
+        was_expanded = existing_item and self.tree.isExpanded(existing_item.index())
+
+        # Remove existing item if found
+        if existing_item and existing_row >= 0:
+            self.model.removeRow(existing_row)
+
+        # Create new item using the helper method
+        new_item = self._create_file_item(py_file)
+        if new_item:
+            # Insert at the same position or append if it was a new file
+            insert_row = existing_row if existing_row >= 0 else self.model.rowCount()
+            self.model.insertRow(insert_row, new_item)
+
+            # Restore expansion state
+            if was_expanded:
+                self.tree.expand(new_item.index())
+            else:
+                self.tree.expand(new_item.index())
+
+    def expand_all(self):
+        """Expand all items in the tree"""
+        self.tree.expandAll()
+
+    def collapse_all(self):
+        """Collapse all items in the tree"""
+        self.tree.collapseAll()

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/explorer/script_tree_widget.py

@@ -0,0 +1,394 @@
+import os
+from pathlib import Path
+
+from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
+from qtpy.QtCore import QModelIndex, QRect, QRegularExpression, QSortFilterProxyModel, Qt, Signal
+from qtpy.QtGui import QPainter
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QFileSystemModel, QStyledItemDelegate, QTreeView, QVBoxLayout, QWidget
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.colors import get_theme_palette
+from bec_widgets.utils.toolbars.actions import MaterialIconAction
+
+logger = bec_logger.logger
+
+
+class FileItemDelegate(QStyledItemDelegate):
+    """Custom delegate to show action buttons on hover"""
+
+    def __init__(self, tree_widget):
+        super().__init__(tree_widget)
+        self.setObjectName("file_item_delegate")
+        self.hovered_index = QModelIndex()
+        self.file_actions = []
+        self.dir_actions = []
+        self.button_rects = []
+        self.current_file_path = ""
+
+    def add_file_action(self, action) -> None:
+        """Add an action for files"""
+        self.file_actions.append(action)
+
+    def add_dir_action(self, action) -> None:
+        """Add an action for directories"""
+        self.dir_actions.append(action)
+
+    def clear_actions(self) -> None:
+        """Remove all actions"""
+        self.file_actions.clear()
+        self.dir_actions.clear()
+
+    def paint(self, painter, option, index):
+        """Paint the item with action buttons on hover"""
+        # Paint the default item
+        super().paint(painter, option, index)
+
+        # Early return if not hovering over this item
+        if index != self.hovered_index:
+            return
+
+        tree_view = self.parent()
+        if not isinstance(tree_view, QTreeView):
+            return
+
+        proxy_model = tree_view.model()
+        if not isinstance(proxy_model, QSortFilterProxyModel):
+            return
+
+        source_index = proxy_model.mapToSource(index)
+        source_model = proxy_model.sourceModel()
+        if not isinstance(source_model, QFileSystemModel):
+            return
+
+        is_dir = source_model.isDir(source_index)
+        file_path = source_model.filePath(source_index)
+        self.current_file_path = file_path
+
+        # Choose appropriate actions based on item type
+        actions = self.dir_actions if is_dir else self.file_actions
+        if actions:
+            self._draw_action_buttons(painter, option, actions)
+
+    def _draw_action_buttons(self, painter, option, actions):
+        """Draw action buttons on the right side"""
+        button_size = 18
+        margin = 4
+        spacing = 2
+
+        # Calculate total width needed for all buttons
+        total_width = len(actions) * button_size + (len(actions) - 1) * spacing
+
+        # Clear previous button rects and create new ones
+        self.button_rects.clear()
+
+        # Calculate starting position (right side of the item)
+        start_x = option.rect.right() - total_width - margin
+        current_x = start_x
+
+        painter.save()
+        painter.setRenderHint(QPainter.RenderHint.Antialiasing)
+
+        # Get theme colors for better integration
+        palette = get_theme_palette()
+        button_bg = palette.button().color()
+        button_bg.setAlpha(150)  # Semi-transparent
+
+        for action in actions:
+            if not action.isVisible():
+                continue
+
+            # Calculate button position
+            button_rect = QRect(
+                current_x,
+                option.rect.top() + (option.rect.height() - button_size) // 2,
+                button_size,
+                button_size,
+            )
+            self.button_rects.append(button_rect)
+
+            # Draw button background
+            painter.setBrush(button_bg)
+            painter.setPen(palette.mid().color())
+            painter.drawRoundedRect(button_rect, 3, 3)
+
+            # Draw action icon
+            icon = action.icon()
+            if not icon.isNull():
+                icon_rect = button_rect.adjusted(2, 2, -2, -2)
+                icon.paint(painter, icon_rect)
+
+            # Move to next button position
+            current_x += button_size + spacing
+
+        painter.restore()
+
+    def editorEvent(self, event, model, option, index):
+        """Handle mouse events for action buttons"""
+        # Early return if not a left click
+        if not (
+            event.type() == event.Type.MouseButtonPress
+            and event.button() == Qt.MouseButton.LeftButton
+        ):
+            return super().editorEvent(event, model, option, index)
+
+        # Early return if not a proxy model
+        if not isinstance(model, QSortFilterProxyModel):
+            return super().editorEvent(event, model, option, index)
+
+        source_index = model.mapToSource(index)
+        source_model = model.sourceModel()
+
+        # Early return if not a file system model
+        if not isinstance(source_model, QFileSystemModel):
+            return super().editorEvent(event, model, option, index)
+
+        is_dir = source_model.isDir(source_index)
+        actions = self.dir_actions if is_dir else self.file_actions
+
+        # Check which button was clicked
+        visible_actions = [action for action in actions if action.isVisible()]
+        for i, button_rect in enumerate(self.button_rects):
+            if button_rect.contains(event.pos()) and i < len(visible_actions):
+                # Trigger the action
+                visible_actions[i].trigger()
+                return True
+
+        return super().editorEvent(event, model, option, index)
+
+    def set_hovered_index(self, index):
+        """Set the currently hovered index"""
+        self.hovered_index = index
+
+
+class ScriptTreeWidget(QWidget):
+    """A simple tree widget for scripts using QFileSystemModel - designed to be injected into CollapsibleSection"""
+
+    file_selected = Signal(str)  # Script file path selected
+    file_open_requested = Signal(str)  # File open button clicked
+    file_renamed = Signal(str, str)  # Old path, new path
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None):
+        super().__init__(parent)
+
+        # Create layout
+        layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
+        layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        layout.setSpacing(0)
+
+        # Create tree view
+        self.tree = QTreeView()
+        self.tree.setHeaderHidden(True)
+        self.tree.setRootIsDecorated(True)
+
+        # Enable mouse tracking for hover effects
+        self.tree.setMouseTracking(True)
+
+        # Create file system model
+        self.model = QFileSystemModel()
+        self.model.setNameFilters(["*.py"])
+        self.model.setNameFilterDisables(False)
+
+        # Create proxy model to filter out underscore directories
+        self.proxy_model = QSortFilterProxyModel()
+        self.proxy_model.setFilterRegularExpression(QRegularExpression("^[^_].*"))
+        self.proxy_model.setSourceModel(self.model)
+        self.tree.setModel(self.proxy_model)
+
+        # Create and set custom delegate
+        self.delegate = FileItemDelegate(self.tree)
+        self.tree.setItemDelegate(self.delegate)
+
+        # Add default open button for files
+        action = MaterialIconAction(icon_name="file_open", tooltip="Open file", parent=self)
+        action.action.triggered.connect(self._on_file_open_requested)
+        self.delegate.add_file_action(action.action)
+
+        # Remove unnecessary columns
+        self.tree.setColumnHidden(1, True)  # Hide size column
+        self.tree.setColumnHidden(2, True)  # Hide type column
+        self.tree.setColumnHidden(3, True)  # Hide date modified column
+
+        # Apply BEC styling
+        self._apply_styling()
+
+        # Script specific properties
+        self.directory = None
+
+        # Connect signals
+        self.tree.clicked.connect(self._on_item_clicked)
+        self.tree.doubleClicked.connect(self._on_item_double_clicked)
+
+        # Install event filter for hover tracking
+        self.tree.viewport().installEventFilter(self)
+
+        # Add to layout
+        layout.addWidget(self.tree)
+
+    def _apply_styling(self):
+        """Apply styling to the tree widget"""
+        # Get theme colors for subtle tree lines
+        palette = get_theme_palette()
+        subtle_line_color = palette.mid().color()
+        subtle_line_color.setAlpha(80)
+
+        # Standard editable styling
+        opacity_modifier = ""
+        cursor_style = ""
+
+        # pylint: disable=f-string-without-interpolation
+        tree_style = f""" 
+            QTreeView {{ 
+                border: none;
+                outline: 0;
+                show-decoration-selected: 0;
+                {opacity_modifier}
+                {cursor_style}
+            }}
+            QTreeView::branch {{
+                border-image: none;
+                background: transparent;
+            }}
+
+            QTreeView::item {{
+                border: none;
+                padding: 0px;
+                margin: 0px;
+            }}
+            QTreeView::item:hover {{
+                background: palette(midlight);
+                border: none;
+                padding: 0px;
+                margin: 0px;
+                text-decoration: none;
+            }}
+            QTreeView::item:selected {{
+                background: palette(highlight);
+                color: palette(highlighted-text);
+            }}
+            QTreeView::item:selected:hover {{
+                background: palette(highlight);
+            }}
+        """
+
+        self.tree.setStyleSheet(tree_style)
+
+    def eventFilter(self, obj, event):
+        """Handle mouse move events for hover tracking"""
+        # Early return if not the tree viewport
+        if obj != self.tree.viewport():
+            return super().eventFilter(obj, event)
+
+        if event.type() == event.Type.MouseMove:
+            index = self.tree.indexAt(event.pos())
+            if index.isValid():
+                self.delegate.set_hovered_index(index)
+            else:
+                self.delegate.set_hovered_index(QModelIndex())
+            self.tree.viewport().update()
+            return super().eventFilter(obj, event)
+
+        if event.type() == event.Type.Leave:
+            self.delegate.set_hovered_index(QModelIndex())
+            self.tree.viewport().update()
+            return super().eventFilter(obj, event)
+
+        return super().eventFilter(obj, event)
+
+    def set_directory(self, directory):
+        """Set the scripts directory"""
+        self.directory = directory
+
+        # Early return if directory doesn't exist
+        if not directory or not os.path.exists(directory):
+            return
+
+        root_index = self.model.setRootPath(directory)
+        # Map the source model index to proxy model index
+        proxy_root_index = self.proxy_model.mapFromSource(root_index)
+        self.tree.setRootIndex(proxy_root_index)
+        self.tree.expandAll()
+
+    def _on_item_clicked(self, index: QModelIndex):
+        """Handle item clicks"""
+        # Map proxy index back to source index
+        source_index = self.proxy_model.mapToSource(index)
+
+        # Early return for directories
+        if self.model.isDir(source_index):
+            return
+
+        file_path = self.model.filePath(source_index)
+
+        # Early return if not a valid file
+        if not file_path or not os.path.isfile(file_path):
+            return
+
+        path_obj = Path(file_path)
+
+        # Only emit signal for Python files
+        if path_obj.suffix.lower() == ".py":
+            logger.info(f"Script selected: {file_path}")
+            self.file_selected.emit(file_path)
+
+    def _on_item_double_clicked(self, index: QModelIndex):
+        """Handle item double-clicks"""
+        # Map proxy index back to source index
+        source_index = self.proxy_model.mapToSource(index)
+
+        # Early return for directories
+        if self.model.isDir(source_index):
+            return
+
+        file_path = self.model.filePath(source_index)
+
+        # Early return if not a valid file
+        if not file_path or not os.path.isfile(file_path):
+            return
+
+        # Emit signal to open the file
+        logger.info(f"File open requested via double-click: {file_path}")
+        self.file_open_requested.emit(file_path)
+
+    def _on_file_open_requested(self):
+        """Handle file open action triggered"""
+        logger.info("File open requested")
+        # Early return if no hovered item
+        if not self.delegate.hovered_index.isValid():
+            return
+
+        source_index = self.proxy_model.mapToSource(self.delegate.hovered_index)
+        file_path = self.model.filePath(source_index)
+
+        # Early return if not a valid file
+        if not file_path or not os.path.isfile(file_path):
+            return
+
+        self.file_open_requested.emit(file_path)
+
+    def add_file_action(self, action) -> None:
+        """Add an action for file items"""
+        self.delegate.add_file_action(action)
+
+    def add_dir_action(self, action) -> None:
+        """Add an action for directory items"""
+        self.delegate.add_dir_action(action)
+
+    def clear_actions(self) -> None:
+        """Remove all actions from items"""
+        self.delegate.clear_actions()
+
+    def refresh(self):
+        """Refresh the tree view"""
+        if self.directory is None:
+            return
+        self.model.setRootPath("")  # Reset
+        root_index = self.model.setRootPath(self.directory)
+        proxy_root_index = self.proxy_model.mapFromSource(root_index)
+        self.tree.setRootIndex(proxy_root_index)
+
+    def expand_all(self):
+        """Expand all items in the tree"""
+        self.tree.expandAll()
+
+    def collapse_all(self):
+        """Collapse all items in the tree"""
+        self.tree.collapseAll()

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/main_window/bec_main_window.pyproject

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

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/main_window/bec_main_window_plugin.py

@@ -0,0 +1,73 @@
+# Copyright (C) 2022 The Qt Company Ltd.
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
+from qtpy.QtCore import QSize
+from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtGui import QIcon
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
+from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.main_window import BECMainWindow
+
+DOM_XML = """
+<ui language='c++'>
+    <widget class='BECMainWindow' name='bec_main_window'>
+    </widget>
+</ui>
+"""
+
+
+class BECMainWindowPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self._form_editor = None
+
+    def createWidget(self, parent):
+        # We want to initialize BECMainWindow upon starting designer
+        t = BECMainWindow(parent)
+        return t
+
+    def domXml(self):
+        return DOM_XML
+
+    def group(self):
+        return "BEC Containers"
+
+    def icon(self):
+        return designer_material_icon(BECMainWindow.ICON_NAME)
+
+    def includeFile(self):
+        return "bec_main_window"
+
+    def initialize(self, form_editor):
+        import os
+
+        from qtpy.QtCore import Qt
+        from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication
+
+        import bec_widgets
+
+        MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
+        QApplication.setAttribute(Qt.AA_DontUseNativeMenuBar, True)
+        app = QApplication.instance()
+        icon = QIcon()
+        icon.addFile(
+            os.path.join(MODULE_PATH, "assets", "app_icons", "BEC-General-App.png"),
+            size=QSize(48, 48),
+        )
+        app.setWindowIcon(icon)
+        self._form_editor = form_editor
+
+    def isContainer(self):
+        return True
+
+    def isInitialized(self):
+        return self._form_editor is not None
+
+    def name(self):
+        return "BECMainWindow"
+
+    def toolTip(self):
+        return "BECMainWindow"
+
+    def whatsThis(self):
+        return self.toolTip()

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/main_window/main_window.py

@@ -23,16 +23,24 @@ from bec_widgets.utils.colors import apply_theme
 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.notification_center.notification_banner import (
+    BECNotificationBroker,
+    NotificationCentre,
+    NotificationIndicator,
+)
 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__)
 
+# Ensure the application does not use the native menu bar on macOS to be consistent with linux development.
+QApplication.setAttribute(Qt.AA_DontUseNativeMenuBar, True)
+
 
 class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
-    RPC = False
-    PLUGIN = False
+    RPC = True
+    PLUGIN = True
     SCAN_PROGRESS_WIDTH = 100  # px
     STATUS_BAR_WIDGETS_EXPIRE_TIME = 60_000  # milliseconds
 
@@ -50,6 +58,14 @@ class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
         self.app = QApplication.instance()
         self.status_bar = self.statusBar()
         self.setWindowTitle(window_title)
+
+        # Notification Centre overlay
+        self.notification_centre = NotificationCentre(parent=self)  # Notification layer
+        self.notification_broker = BECNotificationBroker()
+        self._nc_margin = 16
+        self._position_notification_centre()
+
+        # Init ui
         self._init_ui()
         self._connect_to_theme_change()
 
@@ -58,6 +74,34 @@ class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
             self.display_client_message, MessageEndpoints.client_info()
         )
 
+    def setCentralWidget(self, widget: QWidget, qt_default: bool = False):  # type: ignore[override]
+        """
+        Re‑implement QMainWindow.setCentralWidget so that the *main content*
+        widget always lives on the lower layer of the stacked layout that
+        hosts our notification overlays.
+
+        Args:
+            widget: The widget that should become the new central content.
+            qt_default: When *True* the call is forwarded to the base class so
+                that Qt behaves exactly as the original implementation (used
+                during __init__ when we first install ``self._full_content``).
+        """
+        super().setCentralWidget(widget)
+        self.notification_centre.raise_()
+        self.statusBar().raise_()
+
+    def resizeEvent(self, event):
+        super().resizeEvent(event)
+        self._position_notification_centre()
+
+    def _position_notification_centre(self):
+        """Keep the notification panel at a fixed margin top-right."""
+        if not hasattr(self, "notification_centre"):
+            return
+        margin = getattr(self, "_nc_margin", 16)  # px
+        nc = self.notification_centre
+        nc.move(self.width() - nc.width() - margin, margin)
+
     ################################################################################
     # MainWindow Elements Initialization
     ################################################################################
@@ -94,6 +138,26 @@ class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
         # Add scan_progress bar with display logic
         self._add_scan_progress_bar()
 
+        # Setup NotificationIndicator to bottom right of the status bar
+        self._add_notification_indicator()
+
+    ################################################################################
+    # Notification indicator and Notification Centre helpers
+
+    def _add_notification_indicator(self):
+        """
+        Add the notification indicator to the status bar and hook the signals.
+        """
+        # Add the notification indicator to the status bar
+        self.notification_indicator = NotificationIndicator(self)
+        self.status_bar.addPermanentWidget(self.notification_indicator)
+
+        # Connect the notification broker to the indicator
+        self.notification_centre.counts_updated.connect(self.notification_indicator.update_counts)
+        self.notification_indicator.filter_changed.connect(self.notification_centre.apply_filter)
+        self.notification_indicator.show_all_requested.connect(self.notification_centre.show_all)
+        self.notification_indicator.hide_all_requested.connect(self.notification_centre.hide_all)
+
     ################################################################################
     # Client message status bar widget helpers
 
@@ -293,7 +357,7 @@ class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
 
         ########################################
         # Theme menu
-        theme_menu = menu_bar.addMenu("Theme")
+        theme_menu = menu_bar.addMenu("View")
 
         theme_group = QActionGroup(self)
         light_theme_action = QAction("Light Theme", self, checkable=True)
@@ -310,11 +374,12 @@ class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
         dark_theme_action.triggered.connect(lambda: self.change_theme("dark"))
 
         # Set the default theme
-        theme = self.app.theme.theme
-        if theme == "light":
-            light_theme_action.setChecked(True)
-        elif theme == "dark":
-            dark_theme_action.setChecked(True)
+        if hasattr(self.app, "theme") and self.app.theme:
+            theme_name = self.app.theme.theme.lower()
+            if "light" in theme_name:
+                light_theme_action.setChecked(True)
+            elif "dark" in theme_name:
+                dark_theme_action.setChecked(True)
 
         ########################################
         # Help menu
@@ -379,12 +444,12 @@ class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
     @SafeSlot(str)
     def change_theme(self, theme: str):
         """
-        Change the theme of the application.
+        Change the theme of the application and propagate it to widgets.
 
         Args:
-            theme(str): The theme to apply, either "light" or "dark".
+            theme(str): Either "light" or "dark".
         """
-        apply_theme(theme)
+        apply_theme(theme)  # emits theme_updated and applies palette globally
 
     def event(self, event):
         if event.type() == QEvent.Type.StatusTip:
@@ -430,15 +495,16 @@ class BECMainWindow(BECWidget, QMainWindow):
         super().cleanup()
 
 
-class UILaunchWindow(BECMainWindow):
-    RPC = True
+class BECMainWindowNoRPC(BECMainWindow):
+    RPC = False
+    PLUGIN = False
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     import sys
 
     app = QApplication(sys.argv)
-    main_window = UILaunchWindow()
+    main_window = BECMainWindow()
     main_window.show()
     main_window.resize(800, 600)
     sys.exit(app.exec())

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/main_window/register_bec_main_window.py

@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+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.containers.main_window.bec_main_window_plugin import (
+        BECMainWindowPlugin,
+    )
+
+    QPyDesignerCustomWidgetCollection.addCustomWidget(BECMainWindowPlugin())
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
+    main()

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

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.buttons.button_abort.button_abort import AbortButton
@@ -20,6 +21,8 @@ class AbortButtonPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = AbortButton(parent)
         return t
 

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

@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ class AbortButton(BECWidget, QWidget):
 
     PLUGIN = True
     ICON_NAME = "cancel"
-    RPC = True
+    RPC = False
 
     def __init__(
         self,
@@ -38,9 +38,6 @@ class AbortButton(BECWidget, QWidget):
         else:
             self.button = QPushButton()
             self.button.setText("Abort")
-            self.button.setStyleSheet(
-                "background-color:  #666666; color: white; font-weight: bold; font-size: 12px;"
-            )
         self.button.clicked.connect(self.abort_scan)
 
         self.layout.addWidget(self.button)

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

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

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

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.buttons.button_reset.button_reset import ResetButton
@@ -20,6 +21,8 @@ class ResetButtonPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = ResetButton(parent)
         return t
 
@@ -48,7 +51,7 @@ class ResetButtonPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         return "ResetButton"
 
     def toolTip(self):
-        return "A button that reset the scan queue."
+        return "A button that resets the scan queue."
 
     def whatsThis(self):
         return self.toolTip()

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

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.buttons.button_resume.button_resume import ResumeButton
@@ -20,6 +21,8 @@ class ResumeButtonPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = ResumeButton(parent)
         return t
 

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

@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ class StopButton(BECWidget, QWidget):
 
     PLUGIN = True
     ICON_NAME = "dangerous"
-    RPC = True
+    RPC = False
 
     def __init__(self, parent=None, client=None, config=None, gui_id=None, toolbar=False, **kwargs):
         super().__init__(parent=parent, client=client, gui_id=gui_id, config=config, **kwargs)
@@ -31,9 +31,7 @@ class StopButton(BECWidget, QWidget):
             self.button = QPushButton()
             self.button.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Policy.Minimum, QSizePolicy.Policy.Fixed)
             self.button.setText("Stop")
-            self.button.setStyleSheet(
-                f"background-color:  #cc181e; color: white; font-weight: bold; font-size: 12px;"
-            )
+            self.button.setProperty("variant", "danger")
         self.button.clicked.connect(self.stop_scan)
 
         self.layout.addWidget(self.button)

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

@@ -1,10 +1,9 @@
 # Copyright (C) 2022 The Qt Company Ltd.
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
-import os
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
-import bec_widgets
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.buttons.stop_button.stop_button import StopButton
 
@@ -15,8 +14,6 @@ DOM_XML = """
 </ui>
 """
 
-MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
-
 
 class StopButtonPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
     def __init__(self):
@@ -24,6 +21,8 @@ class StopButtonPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = StopButton(parent)
         return t
 

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

@@ -1,10 +1,9 @@
 # Copyright (C) 2022 The Qt Company Ltd.
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
-import os
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
-import bec_widgets
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.position_indicator.position_indicator import (
     PositionIndicator,
@@ -17,8 +16,6 @@ DOM_XML = """
 </ui>
 """
 
-MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(bec_widgets.__file__)
-
 
 class PositionIndicatorPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
     def __init__(self):
@@ -26,6 +23,8 @@ class PositionIndicatorPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cov
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = PositionIndicator(parent)
         return t
 
@@ -54,7 +53,7 @@ class PositionIndicatorPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cov
         return "PositionIndicator"
 
     def toolTip(self):
-        return "PositionIndicator"
+        return ""
 
     def whatsThis(self):
         return self.toolTip()

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

@@ -138,7 +138,11 @@ class PositionerBoxBase(BECWidget, CompactPopupWidget):
         signals = msg_content.get("signals", {})
         # pylint: disable=protected-access
         hinted_signals = self.dev[device]._hints
-        precision = self.dev[device].precision
+        precision = getattr(self.dev[device], "precision", 8)
+        try:
+            precision = int(precision)
+        except (TypeError, ValueError):
+            precision = int(8)
 
         spinner = ui_components["spinner"]
         position_indicator = ui_components["position_indicator"]
@@ -178,11 +182,13 @@ class PositionerBoxBase(BECWidget, CompactPopupWidget):
             spinner.setVisible(False)
 
         if readback_val is not None:
-            readback.setText(f"{readback_val:.{precision}f}")
+            text = f"{readback_val:.{precision}f}"
+            readback.setText(text)
             position_emit(readback_val)
 
         if setpoint_val is not None:
-            setpoint.setText(f"{setpoint_val:.{precision}f}")
+            text = f"{setpoint_val:.{precision}f}"
+            setpoint.setText(text)
 
         limits = self.dev[device].limits
         limit_update(limits)
@@ -205,10 +211,13 @@ class PositionerBoxBase(BECWidget, CompactPopupWidget):
         ui["readback"].setToolTip(f"{device} readback")
         ui["setpoint"].setToolTip(f"{device} setpoint")
         ui["step_size"].setToolTip(f"Step size for {device}")
-        precision = self.dev[device].precision
-        if precision is not None:
-            ui["step_size"].setDecimals(precision)
-            ui["step_size"].setValue(10**-precision * 10)
+        precision = getattr(self.dev[device], "precision", 8)
+        try:
+            precision = int(precision)
+        except (TypeError, ValueError):
+            precision = int(8)
+        ui["step_size"].setDecimals(precision)
+        ui["step_size"].setValue(10**-precision * 10)
 
     def _swap_readback_signal_connection(self, slot, old_device, new_device):
         self.bec_dispatcher.disconnect_slot(slot, MessageEndpoints.device_readback(old_device))

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

@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ from qtpy.QtGui import QDoubleValidator
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import QDoubleSpinBox
 
 from bec_widgets.utils import UILoader
-from bec_widgets.utils.colors import get_accent_colors, set_theme
+from bec_widgets.utils.colors import apply_theme, get_accent_colors
 from bec_widgets.utils.error_popups import SafeProperty, SafeSlot
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box._base import PositionerBoxBase
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box._base.positioner_box_base import (
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ class PositionerBox(PositionerBoxBase):
     PLUGIN = True
     RPC = True
 
-    USER_ACCESS = ["set_positioner"]
+    USER_ACCESS = ["set_positioner", "attach", "detach", "screenshot"]
     device_changed = Signal(str, str)
     # Signal emitted to inform listeners about a position update
     position_update = Signal(float)
@@ -259,7 +259,7 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
     from qtpy.QtWidgets import QApplication  # pylint: disable=ungrouped-imports
 
     app = QApplication(sys.argv)
-    set_theme("dark")
+    apply_theme("dark")
     widget = PositionerBox(device="bpm4i")
 
     widget.show()

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

@@ -1,12 +1,13 @@
 # Copyright (C) 2022 The Qt Company Ltd.
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
 
-import os
-
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
-from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box import PositionerBox
+from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box.positioner_box.positioner_box import (
+    PositionerBox,
+)
 
 DOM_XML = """
 <ui language='c++'>
@@ -14,7 +15,6 @@ DOM_XML = """
     </widget>
 </ui>
 """
-MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(__file__)))
 
 
 class PositionerBoxPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
@@ -23,6 +23,8 @@ class PositionerBoxPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = PositionerBox(parent)
         return t
 
@@ -30,7 +32,7 @@ class PositionerBoxPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         return DOM_XML
 
     def group(self):
-        return "Device Control"
+        return "BEC Device Control"
 
     def icon(self):
         return designer_material_icon(PositionerBox.ICON_NAME)

bec_widgets/widgets/control/device_control/positioner_box/positioner_box_2d/positioner_box2_d_plugin.py

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: LicenseRef-Qt-Commercial OR BSD-3-Clause
 
 from qtpy.QtDesigner import QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_designer import designer_material_icon
 from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box.positioner_box_2d.positioner_box_2d import (
@@ -22,6 +23,8 @@ class PositionerBox2DPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         self._form_editor = None
 
     def createWidget(self, parent):
+        if parent is None:
+            return QWidget()
         t = PositionerBox2D(parent)
         return t
 
@@ -29,7 +32,7 @@ class PositionerBox2DPlugin(QDesignerCustomWidgetInterface):  # pragma: no cover
         return DOM_XML
 
     def group(self):
-        return "Device Control"
+        return "BEC Device Control"
 
     def icon(self):
         return designer_material_icon(PositionerBox2D.ICON_NAME)