fix: test bw-generate-cli

Automatically generated by python-semantic-release

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -1,6 +1,35 @@
 # CHANGELOG
 
 
+## v3.8.0 (2026-05-01)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **dock_area**: Change to show_dialo=False for CLI profile baseline restore
+  ([`0b1f0b4`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/0b1f0b4c262ff31469b7114b9f00bf0a7b85e8f2))
+
+- **dock_area**: Cli call load_profile has restore_baseline kwarg
+  ([`cc82597`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/cc825972c202cd9ded32f8b2d1ce5f822c2ebdba))
+
+### Features
+
+- **dock_area**: Add CLI restore current profile from baseline with optional confirmation dialog
+  ([`17865a2`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/17865a2c338a4a1f944659dde4ec05c25a8dd963))
+
+
+## v3.7.3 (2026-05-01)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **dock_area**: Profile names changed, default->baseline, user->runtime
+  ([`dd32caf`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/dd32caf6e815fd1922b6aae84d00decad9dbf869))
+
+### Testing
+
+- **dock_area**: Remove low-value tests
+  ([`717d74b`](https://github.com/bec-project/bec_widgets/commit/717d74b19e8c6960209190c47ba32732ffaa0094))
+
+
 ## v3.7.2 (2026-04-29)
 
 ### Bug Fixes

bec_widgets/cli/client.py

@@ -340,10 +340,10 @@ class BECDockArea(RPCBase):
         Save the current workspace profile.
 
         On first save of a given name:
-          - writes a default copy to states/default/<name>.ini with tag=default and created_at
-          - writes a user copy   to states/user/<name>.ini    with tag=user    and created_at
-        On subsequent saves of user-owned profiles:
-          - updates both the default and user copies so restore uses the latest snapshot.
+          - writes a baseline copy to profiles/baseline/<name>.ini with created_at
+          - writes a runtime copy to profiles/runtime/<name>.ini with created_at
+        On subsequent saves:
+          - updates both the baseline and runtime copies so restore uses the latest snapshot.
         Read-only bundled profiles cannot be overwritten.
 
         Args:
@@ -358,15 +358,31 @@ class BECDockArea(RPCBase):
 
     @rpc_timeout(None)
     @rpc_call
-    def load_profile(self, name: "str | None" = None):
+    def load_profile(self, name: "str | None" = None, restore_baseline: "bool" = False):
         """
         Load a workspace profile.
 
-        Before switching, persist the current profile to the user copy.
-        Prefer loading the user copy; fall back to the default copy.
+        Before switching, persist the current profile to the runtime copy.
+        Prefer loading the runtime copy; fall back to the baseline copy. When
+        ``restore_baseline`` is True, first overwrite the runtime copy with the
+        baseline profile and then load it.
 
         Args:
             name (str | None): The name of the profile to load. If None, prompts the user.
+            restore_baseline (bool): If True, restore the runtime copy from the
+                baseline before loading. Defaults to False.
+        """
+
+    @rpc_timeout(None)
+    @rpc_call
+    def restore_baseline_profile(self, name: "str | None" = None, show_dialog: "bool" = False):
+        """
+        Overwrite the runtime copy of *name* with the baseline.
+        If *name* is None, target the currently active profile.
+
+        Args:
+            name (str | None): The name of the profile to restore. If None, uses the current profile.
+            show_dialog (bool): If True, ask for confirmation before restoring.
         """
 
     @rpc_call
@@ -1348,10 +1364,10 @@ class DockAreaView(RPCBase):
         Save the current workspace profile.
 
         On first save of a given name:
-          - writes a default copy to states/default/<name>.ini with tag=default and created_at
-          - writes a user copy   to states/user/<name>.ini    with tag=user    and created_at
-        On subsequent saves of user-owned profiles:
-          - updates both the default and user copies so restore uses the latest snapshot.
+          - writes a baseline copy to profiles/baseline/<name>.ini with created_at
+          - writes a runtime copy to profiles/runtime/<name>.ini with created_at
+        On subsequent saves:
+          - updates both the baseline and runtime copies so restore uses the latest snapshot.
         Read-only bundled profiles cannot be overwritten.
 
         Args:
@@ -1366,15 +1382,31 @@ class DockAreaView(RPCBase):
 
     @rpc_timeout(None)
     @rpc_call
-    def load_profile(self, name: "str | None" = None):
+    def load_profile(self, name: "str | None" = None, restore_baseline: "bool" = False):
         """
         Load a workspace profile.
 
-        Before switching, persist the current profile to the user copy.
-        Prefer loading the user copy; fall back to the default copy.
+        Before switching, persist the current profile to the runtime copy.
+        Prefer loading the runtime copy; fall back to the baseline copy. When
+        ``restore_baseline`` is True, first overwrite the runtime copy with the
+        baseline profile and then load it.
 
         Args:
             name (str | None): The name of the profile to load. If None, prompts the user.
+            restore_baseline (bool): If True, restore the runtime copy from the
+                baseline before loading. Defaults to False.
+        """
+
+    @rpc_timeout(None)
+    @rpc_call
+    def restore_baseline_profile(self, name: "str | None" = None, show_dialog: "bool" = False):
+        """
+        Overwrite the runtime copy of *name* with the baseline.
+        If *name* is None, target the currently active profile.
+
+        Args:
+            name (str | None): The name of the profile to restore. If None, uses the current profile.
+            show_dialog (bool): If True, ask for confirmation before restoring.
         """
 
     @rpc_call

bec_widgets/cli/designer_plugins.py

@@ -0,0 +1,171 @@
+# This file was automatically generated by generate_cli.py
+# type: ignore
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+# pylint: skip-file
+
+designer_plugins = {
+    "AbortButton": ("bec_widgets.widgets.control.buttons.button_abort.button_abort", "AbortButton"),
+    "BECColorMapWidget": (
+        "bec_widgets.widgets.utility.visual.colormap_widget.colormap_widget",
+        "BECColorMapWidget",
+    ),
+    "BECMainWindow": ("bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.main_window", "BECMainWindow"),
+    "BECProgressBar": (
+        "bec_widgets.widgets.progress.bec_progressbar.bec_progressbar",
+        "BECProgressBar",
+    ),
+    "BECQueue": ("bec_widgets.widgets.services.bec_queue.bec_queue", "BECQueue"),
+    "BECShell": ("bec_widgets.widgets.editors.bec_console.bec_console", "BECShell"),
+    "BECSpinBox": ("bec_widgets.widgets.utility.spinbox.decimal_spinbox", "BECSpinBox"),
+    "BECStatusBox": ("bec_widgets.widgets.services.bec_status_box.bec_status_box", "BECStatusBox"),
+    "BecConsole": ("bec_widgets.widgets.editors.bec_console.bec_console", "BecConsole"),
+    "ColorButton": ("bec_widgets.widgets.utility.visual.color_button.color_button", "ColorButton"),
+    "ColorButtonNative": (
+        "bec_widgets.widgets.utility.visual.color_button_native.color_button_native",
+        "ColorButtonNative",
+    ),
+    "ColormapSelector": (
+        "bec_widgets.widgets.utility.visual.colormap_selector.colormap_selector",
+        "ColormapSelector",
+    ),
+    "DapComboBox": ("bec_widgets.widgets.dap.dap_combo_box.dap_combo_box", "DapComboBox"),
+    "DarkModeButton": (
+        "bec_widgets.widgets.utility.visual.dark_mode_button.dark_mode_button",
+        "DarkModeButton",
+    ),
+    "DeviceBrowser": (
+        "bec_widgets.widgets.services.device_browser.device_browser",
+        "DeviceBrowser",
+    ),
+    "DeviceComboBox": (
+        "bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_input.device_combobox.device_combobox",
+        "DeviceComboBox",
+    ),
+    "DeviceLineEdit": (
+        "bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_input.device_line_edit.device_line_edit",
+        "DeviceLineEdit",
+    ),
+    "Heatmap": ("bec_widgets.widgets.plots.heatmap.heatmap", "Heatmap"),
+    "IDEExplorer": ("bec_widgets.widgets.utility.ide_explorer.ide_explorer", "IDEExplorer"),
+    "Image": ("bec_widgets.widgets.plots.image.image", "Image"),
+    "LMFitDialog": ("bec_widgets.widgets.dap.lmfit_dialog.lmfit_dialog", "LMFitDialog"),
+    "LogPanel": ("bec_widgets.widgets.utility.logpanel.logpanel", "LogPanel"),
+    "Minesweeper": ("bec_widgets.widgets.games.minesweeper", "Minesweeper"),
+    "MonacoWidget": ("bec_widgets.widgets.editors.monaco.monaco_widget", "MonacoWidget"),
+    "MotorMap": ("bec_widgets.widgets.plots.motor_map.motor_map", "MotorMap"),
+    "MultiWaveform": ("bec_widgets.widgets.plots.multi_waveform.multi_waveform", "MultiWaveform"),
+    "PdfViewerWidget": ("bec_widgets.widgets.utility.pdf_viewer.pdf_viewer", "PdfViewerWidget"),
+    "PositionIndicator": (
+        "bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.position_indicator.position_indicator",
+        "PositionIndicator",
+    ),
+    "PositionerBox": (
+        "bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box.positioner_box.positioner_box",
+        "PositionerBox",
+    ),
+    "PositionerBox2D": (
+        "bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box.positioner_box_2d.positioner_box_2d",
+        "PositionerBox2D",
+    ),
+    "PositionerControlLine": (
+        "bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box.positioner_control_line.positioner_control_line",
+        "PositionerControlLine",
+    ),
+    "PositionerGroup": (
+        "bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_group.positioner_group",
+        "PositionerGroup",
+    ),
+    "ResetButton": ("bec_widgets.widgets.control.buttons.button_reset.button_reset", "ResetButton"),
+    "ResumeButton": (
+        "bec_widgets.widgets.control.buttons.button_resume.button_resume",
+        "ResumeButton",
+    ),
+    "RingProgressBar": (
+        "bec_widgets.widgets.progress.ring_progress_bar.ring_progress_bar",
+        "RingProgressBar",
+    ),
+    "SBBMonitor": ("bec_widgets.widgets.editors.sbb_monitor.sbb_monitor", "SBBMonitor"),
+    "ScanControl": ("bec_widgets.widgets.control.scan_control.scan_control", "ScanControl"),
+    "ScanMetadata": ("bec_widgets.widgets.editors.scan_metadata.scan_metadata", "ScanMetadata"),
+    "ScanProgressBar": (
+        "bec_widgets.widgets.progress.scan_progressbar.scan_progressbar",
+        "ScanProgressBar",
+    ),
+    "ScatterWaveform": (
+        "bec_widgets.widgets.plots.scatter_waveform.scatter_waveform",
+        "ScatterWaveform",
+    ),
+    "SignalComboBox": (
+        "bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_input.signal_combobox.signal_combobox",
+        "SignalComboBox",
+    ),
+    "SignalLabel": ("bec_widgets.widgets.utility.signal_label.signal_label", "SignalLabel"),
+    "SignalLineEdit": (
+        "bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_input.signal_line_edit.signal_line_edit",
+        "SignalLineEdit",
+    ),
+    "SpinnerWidget": ("bec_widgets.widgets.utility.spinner.spinner", "SpinnerWidget"),
+    "StopButton": ("bec_widgets.widgets.control.buttons.stop_button.stop_button", "StopButton"),
+    "TextBox": ("bec_widgets.widgets.editors.text_box.text_box", "TextBox"),
+    "ToggleSwitch": ("bec_widgets.widgets.utility.toggle.toggle", "ToggleSwitch"),
+    "Waveform": ("bec_widgets.widgets.plots.waveform.waveform", "Waveform"),
+    "WebsiteWidget": ("bec_widgets.widgets.editors.website.website", "WebsiteWidget"),
+    "WidgetFinderComboBox": (
+        "bec_widgets.widgets.utility.widget_finder.widget_finder",
+        "WidgetFinderComboBox",
+    ),
+}
+
+widget_icons = {
+    "AbortButton": "cancel",
+    "BECColorMapWidget": "palette",
+    "BECMainWindow": "widgets",
+    "BECProgressBar": "page_control",
+    "BECQueue": "edit_note",
+    "BECShell": "hub",
+    "BECSpinBox": "123",
+    "BECStatusBox": "widgets",
+    "BecConsole": "terminal",
+    "ColorButton": "colors",
+    "ColorButtonNative": "colors",
+    "ColormapSelector": "palette",
+    "DapComboBox": "data_exploration",
+    "DarkModeButton": "dark_mode",
+    "DeviceBrowser": "lists",
+    "DeviceComboBox": "list_alt",
+    "DeviceLineEdit": "edit_note",
+    "Heatmap": "dataset",
+    "IDEExplorer": "widgets",
+    "Image": "image",
+    "LMFitDialog": "monitoring",
+    "LogPanel": "browse_activity",
+    "Minesweeper": "videogame_asset",
+    "MonacoWidget": "code",
+    "MotorMap": "my_location",
+    "MultiWaveform": "ssid_chart",
+    "PdfViewerWidget": "picture_as_pdf",
+    "PositionIndicator": "horizontal_distribute",
+    "PositionerBox": "switch_right",
+    "PositionerBox2D": "switch_right",
+    "PositionerControlLine": "switch_left",
+    "PositionerGroup": "grid_view",
+    "ResetButton": "restart_alt",
+    "ResumeButton": "resume",
+    "RingProgressBar": "track_changes",
+    "SBBMonitor": "train",
+    "ScanControl": "tune",
+    "ScanMetadata": "list_alt",
+    "ScanProgressBar": "timelapse",
+    "ScatterWaveform": "scatter_plot",
+    "SignalComboBox": "list_alt",
+    "SignalLabel": "scoreboard",
+    "SignalLineEdit": "vital_signs",
+    "SpinnerWidget": "progress_activity",
+    "StopButton": "dangerous",
+    "TextBox": "chat",
+    "ToggleSwitch": "toggle_on",
+    "Waveform": "show_chart",
+    "WebsiteWidget": "travel_explore",
+    "WidgetFinderComboBox": "frame_inspect",
+}

bec_widgets/examples/jupyter_console/jupyter_console_window.py

@@ -206,7 +206,6 @@ class JupyterConsoleWindow(QWidget):  # pragma: no cover:
 
     def _populate_registry_widgets(self):
         try:
-            widget_handler.update_available_widgets()
             items = sorted(widget_handler.widget_classes.keys())
         except Exception as exc:
             print(f"Failed to load registered widgets: {exc}")
@@ -335,20 +334,13 @@ class JupyterConsoleWindow(QWidget):  # pragma: no cover:
 
         If kwargs does not contain `object_name`, it will default to the provided shortcut.
         """
-        # Ensure registry is loaded
-        widget_handler.update_available_widgets()
-        cls = widget_handler.widget_classes.get(widget_type)
-        if cls is None:
-            raise ValueError(f"Unknown registered widget type: {widget_type}")
-
         if kwargs is None:
             kwargs = {"object_name": shortcut}
         else:
             kwargs = dict(kwargs)
             kwargs.setdefault("object_name", shortcut)
 
-        # Instantiate and add
-        widget = cls(**kwargs)
+        widget = widget_handler.create_widget(widget_type, **kwargs)
         if not isinstance(widget, QWidget):
             raise TypeError(
                 f"Instantiated object for type '{widget_type}' is not a QWidget: {type(widget)}"

bec_widgets/utils/bec_plugin_helper.py

@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import importlib.metadata
 import inspect
 import pkgutil
 import traceback
+from functools import lru_cache
 from importlib import util as importlib_util
 from importlib.machinery import FileFinder, ModuleSpec, SourceFileLoader
 from types import ModuleType
@@ -11,7 +12,11 @@ from typing import Generator
 
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 
-from bec_widgets.utils.plugin_utils import BECClassContainer, BECClassInfo
+from bec_widgets.utils.plugin_utils import (
+    BECClassContainer,
+    BECClassInfo,
+    rpc_widget_registry_from_source,
+)
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 
@@ -53,6 +58,14 @@ def _submodule_by_name(module: ModuleType, name: str):
     return None
 
 
+def _submodule_spec_by_name(module: ModuleType, name: str) -> ModuleSpec | None:
+    for module_info in pkgutil.iter_modules(module.__path__):
+        if module_info.name != name or not isinstance(module_info.module_finder, FileFinder):
+            continue
+        return module_info.module_finder.find_spec(module_info.name)
+    return None
+
+
 def _get_widgets_from_module(module: ModuleType) -> BECClassContainer:
     """Find any BECWidget subclasses in the given module and return them with their info."""
     from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget  # avoid circular import
@@ -90,16 +103,55 @@ def get_plugin_client_module() -> ModuleType | None:
     return _submodule_by_name(plugin, "client") if (plugin := user_widget_plugin()) else None
 
 
+def get_plugin_designer_module() -> ModuleType | None:
+    """If there is a plugin repository installed, return the designer module."""
+    return (
+        _submodule_by_name(plugin, "designer_plugins") if (plugin := user_widget_plugin()) else None
+    )
+
+
+@lru_cache
+def get_plugin_rpc_widget_registry() -> dict[str, tuple[str, str]]:
+    """If there is a plugin repository installed, return the RPC widget registry."""
+    plugin = user_widget_plugin()
+    if plugin is None:
+        return {}
+
+    client_spec = _submodule_spec_by_name(plugin, "client")
+    if client_spec is not None and client_spec.origin:
+        try:
+            return rpc_widget_registry_from_source(client_spec.origin)
+        except (OSError, SyntaxError) as exc:
+            logger.warning(f"Could not parse plugin RPC widget registry: {exc}")
+
+    client_module = get_plugin_client_module()
+    if client_module is None:
+        return {}
+    registry = {}
+    for plugin_name, plugin_class in inspect.getmembers(client_module, inspect.isclass):
+        if hasattr(plugin_class, "_IMPORT_MODULE"):
+            registry[plugin_name] = (plugin_class._IMPORT_MODULE, plugin_class.__name__)
+    return registry
+
+
+@lru_cache
+def get_plugin_designer_registry() -> dict[str, tuple[str, str]]:
+    """If there is a plugin repository installed, return the designer plugin registry."""
+    designer_module = get_plugin_designer_module()
+    if designer_module and hasattr(designer_module, "designer_plugins"):
+        return designer_module.designer_plugins
+    return {}
+
+
 def get_all_plugin_widgets() -> BECClassContainer:
     """If there is a plugin repository installed, load all widgets from it."""
     if plugin := user_widget_plugin():
         return _all_widgets_from_all_submods(plugin)
-    else:
-        return BECClassContainer()
+    return BECClassContainer()
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
-
+    widgets = get_plugin_rpc_widget_registry()
     client = get_plugin_client_module()
     print(get_all_plugin_widgets())
     ...

bec_widgets/utils/generate_cli.py

@@ -14,7 +14,11 @@ import isort
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
 from qtpy.QtCore import Property as QtProperty
 
-from bec_widgets.utils.generate_designer_plugin import DesignerPluginGenerator, plugin_filenames
+from bec_widgets.utils.generate_designer_plugin import (
+    DesignerPluginGenerator,
+    DesignerPluginInfo,
+    plugin_filenames,
+)
 from bec_widgets.utils.plugin_utils import BECClassContainer, get_custom_classes
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
@@ -250,6 +254,58 @@ class {class_name}(RPCBase):\n"""
             file.write(formatted_content)
 
 
+def write_designer_plugins(plugin_infos: list[DesignerPluginInfo], file_name: str):
+    """
+    Write a registry of Qt widget classes with designer plugins.
+
+    Args:
+        plugin_infos(list[DesignerPluginInfo]): The designer plugin metadata to write.
+        file_name(str): The name of the file to write to.
+    """
+    plugin_infos = sorted(plugin_infos, key=lambda info: info.plugin_name_pascal)
+    content = """# This file was automatically generated by generate_cli.py
+# type: ignore
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+# pylint: skip-file
+
+designer_plugins = {
+"""
+    for info in plugin_infos:
+        widget_module = info.plugin_class.__module__
+        widget_class = info.plugin_name_pascal
+        content += f'    "{info.plugin_name_pascal}": ("{widget_module}", "{widget_class}"),\n'
+
+    content += """
+}
+
+widget_icons = {
+"""
+    for info in plugin_infos:
+        content += f'    "{info.plugin_name_pascal}": "{info.icon_name}",\n'
+
+    content += """
+}
+"""
+
+    try:
+        formatted_content = black.format_str(content, mode=black.Mode(line_length=100))
+    except black.NothingChanged:
+        formatted_content = content
+
+    config = isort.Config(
+        profile="black",
+        line_length=100,
+        multi_line_output=3,
+        include_trailing_comma=False,
+        known_first_party=["bec_widgets"],
+    )
+    formatted_content = isort.code(formatted_content, config=config)
+
+    with open(file_name, "w", encoding="utf-8") as file:
+        file.write(formatted_content)
+
+
 def main():
     """
     Main entry point for the script, controlled by command line arguments.
@@ -303,6 +359,8 @@ def main():
     else:
         non_overwrite_classes = []
 
+    designer_plugin_infos = []
+
     for cls in rpc_classes.plugins:
         logger.info(f"Writing bec-designer plugin files for {cls.__name__}...")
 
@@ -310,21 +368,30 @@ def main():
             logger.error(
                 f"Not writing plugin files for {cls.__name__} because a built-in widget with that name exists"
             )
+            continue
 
         plugin = DesignerPluginGenerator(cls)
-        if not hasattr(plugin, "info"):
+        if not hasattr(plugin, "info") or plugin.excluded:
             continue
 
         def _exists(file: str):
             return os.path.exists(os.path.join(plugin.info.base_path, file))
 
         if any(_exists(file) for file in plugin_filenames(plugin.info.plugin_name_snake)):
+            if _exists(plugin.filenames.plugin):
+                designer_plugin_infos.append(plugin.info)
             logger.debug(
                 f"Skipping generation of extra plugin files for {plugin.info.plugin_name_snake} - at least one file out of 'plugin.py', 'pyproject', and 'register_{plugin.info.plugin_name_snake}.py' already exists."
             )
             continue
 
         plugin.run()
+        designer_plugin_infos.append(plugin.info)
+
+    # Write designer_plugins.py with plugin import metadata for all widgets with designer plugins.
+    designer_plugins_path = module_dir / client_subdir / "designer_plugins.py"
+    logger.info(f"Generating designer plugin registry at {designer_plugins_path}")
+    write_designer_plugins(designer_plugin_infos, str(designer_plugins_path))
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover

bec_widgets/utils/generate_designer_plugin.py

@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@ class DesignerPluginInfo:
         self.plugin_name_pascal = plugin_class.__name__
         self.plugin_name_snake = pascal_to_snake(self.plugin_name_pascal)
         self.widget_import = f"from {plugin_class.__module__} import {self.plugin_name_pascal}"
+        self.icon_name = getattr(plugin_class, "ICON_NAME", "")
         plugin_module = (
             ".".join(plugin_class.__module__.split(".")[:-1]) + f".{self.plugin_name_snake}_plugin"
         )
@@ -63,6 +64,10 @@ class DesignerPluginGenerator:
     def filenames(self):
         return plugin_filenames(self.info.plugin_name_snake)
 
+    @property
+    def excluded(self):
+        return self._excluded
+
     def run(self, validate=True):
         if self._excluded:
             print(f"Plugin {self.widget.__name__} is excluded from generation.")

bec_widgets/utils/plugin_utils.py

@@ -1,56 +1,22 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+import ast
 import importlib
 import inspect
 import os
 from dataclasses import dataclass
+from functools import lru_cache
+from pathlib import Path
 from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Iterable
 
-from bec_lib.plugin_helper import _get_available_plugins
-from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
-
-from bec_widgets.utils.bec_connector import BECConnector
-from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
-
 if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
+    from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
+
+    from bec_widgets.utils.bec_connector import BECConnector
+    from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
     from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.auto_update.auto_updates import AutoUpdates
 
 
-def get_plugin_widgets() -> dict[str, BECConnector]:
-    """
-    Get all available widgets from the plugin directory. Widgets are classes that inherit from BECConnector.
-    The plugins are provided through python plugins and specified in the respective pyproject.toml file using
-    the following key:
-
-        [project.entry-points."bec.widgets.user_widgets"]
-        plugin_widgets = "path.to.plugin.module"
-
-    e.g.
-        [project.entry-points."bec.widgets.user_widgets"]
-        plugin_widgets = "pxiii_bec.bec_widgets.widgets"
-
-        assuming that the widgets module for the package pxiii_bec is located at pxiii_bec/bec_widgets/widgets and
-        contains the widgets to be loaded within the pxiii_bec/bec_widgets/widgets/__init__.py file.
-
-    Returns:
-        dict[str, BECConnector]: A dictionary of widget names and their respective classes.
-    """
-    modules = _get_available_plugins("bec.widgets.user_widgets")
-    loaded_plugins = {}
-    print(modules)
-    for module in modules:
-        mods = inspect.getmembers(module, predicate=_filter_plugins)
-        for name, mod_cls in mods:
-            if name in loaded_plugins:
-                print(f"Duplicated widgets plugin {name}.")
-            loaded_plugins[name] = mod_cls
-    return loaded_plugins
-
-
-def _filter_plugins(obj):
-    return inspect.isclass(obj) and issubclass(obj, BECConnector)
-
-
 def get_plugin_auto_updates() -> dict[str, type[AutoUpdates]]:
     """
     Get all available auto update classes from the plugin directory. AutoUpdates must inherit from AutoUpdate and be
@@ -66,6 +32,8 @@ def get_plugin_auto_updates() -> dict[str, type[AutoUpdates]]:
     Returns:
         dict[str, AutoUpdates]: A dictionary of widget names and their respective classes.
     """
+    from bec_lib.plugin_helper import _get_available_plugins
+
     modules = _get_available_plugins("bec.widgets.auto_updates")
     loaded_plugins = {}
     for module in modules:
@@ -168,6 +136,11 @@ class BECClassContainer:
 
 def _collect_classes_from_package(repo_name: str, package: str) -> BECClassContainer:
     """Collect classes from a package subtree (for example ``widgets`` or ``applications``)."""
+    from qtpy.QtWidgets import QWidget
+
+    from bec_widgets.utils.bec_connector import BECConnector
+    from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
+
     collection = BECClassContainer()
     try:
         anchor_module = importlib.import_module(f"{repo_name}.{package}")
@@ -194,17 +167,18 @@ def _collect_classes_from_package(repo_name: str, package: str) -> BECClassConta
 
             for name in dir(module):
                 obj = getattr(module, name)
+                if not isinstance(obj, type):
+                    continue
                 if not hasattr(obj, "__module__") or obj.__module__ != module.__name__:
                     continue
-                if isinstance(obj, type):
-                    class_info = BECClassInfo(name=name, module=module.__name__, file=path, obj=obj)
-                    if issubclass(obj, BECConnector):
-                        class_info.is_connector = True
-                    if issubclass(obj, QWidget) or issubclass(obj, BECWidget):
-                        class_info.is_widget = True
-                    if hasattr(obj, "PLUGIN") and obj.PLUGIN:
-                        class_info.is_plugin = True
-                    collection.add_class(class_info)
+                class_info = BECClassInfo(name=name, module=module.__name__, file=path, obj=obj)
+                if issubclass(obj, BECConnector):
+                    class_info.is_connector = True
+                if issubclass(obj, QWidget) or issubclass(obj, BECWidget):
+                    class_info.is_widget = True
+                if hasattr(obj, "PLUGIN") and obj.PLUGIN:
+                    class_info.is_plugin = True
+                collection.add_class(class_info)
     return collection
 
 
@@ -229,3 +203,89 @@ def get_custom_classes(
     for package in selected_packages:
         collection += _collect_classes_from_package(repo_name, package)
     return collection
+
+
+def _get_designer_registry() -> dict[str, tuple[str, str]]:
+    from bec_widgets.cli.designer_plugins import designer_plugins
+
+    return designer_plugins
+
+
+def _resolve_widget_from_registry(import_path: str, widget_name: str) -> type[QWidget]:
+    widget = importlib.import_module(import_path)
+    return getattr(widget, widget_name)
+
+
+def designer_plugin_exists(name: str) -> bool:
+    from bec_widgets.utils.bec_plugin_helper import get_plugin_designer_registry
+
+    internal_registry = _get_designer_registry()
+    external_registry = get_plugin_designer_registry()
+    return name in internal_registry or name in external_registry
+
+
+def get_designer_plugin(name: str, raise_on_missing: bool = True) -> type[QWidget] | None:
+    from bec_widgets.utils.bec_plugin_helper import get_plugin_designer_registry
+
+    internal_registry = _get_designer_registry()
+    external_registry = get_plugin_designer_registry()
+    if name in external_registry:
+        import_path, widget_name = external_registry[name]
+        return _resolve_widget_from_registry(import_path, widget_name)
+    if name in internal_registry:
+        import_path, widget_name = internal_registry[name]
+        return _resolve_widget_from_registry(import_path, widget_name)
+
+    if raise_on_missing:
+        raise ValueError(
+            f"Designer plugin {name} not found in either internal or external registry."
+        )
+    return None
+
+
+def rpc_widget_registry_from_source(path: str | Path) -> dict[str, tuple[str, str]]:
+    """Parse a generated RPC client module and return its widget registry."""
+    source_path = Path(path)
+    module_node = ast.parse(source_path.read_text(encoding="utf-8"), filename=str(source_path))
+    registry = {}
+    for node in module_node.body:
+        if not isinstance(node, ast.ClassDef):
+            continue
+        for item in node.body:
+            if not isinstance(item, ast.Assign):
+                continue
+            if not any(
+                isinstance(target, ast.Name) and target.id == "_IMPORT_MODULE"
+                for target in item.targets
+            ):
+                continue
+            if isinstance(item.value, ast.Constant) and isinstance(item.value.value, str):
+                registry[node.name] = (item.value.value, node.name)
+            break
+    return registry
+
+
+@lru_cache
+def get_rpc_widget_registry() -> dict[str, tuple[str, str]]:
+    client_path = Path(__file__).resolve().parents[1] / "cli" / "client.py"
+    return rpc_widget_registry_from_source(client_path)
+
+
+@lru_cache
+def rpc_widget_registry() -> dict[str, tuple[str, str]]:
+    from bec_widgets.utils.bec_plugin_helper import get_plugin_rpc_widget_registry
+
+    internal_registry = get_rpc_widget_registry()
+    external_registry = get_plugin_rpc_widget_registry()
+    return {**external_registry, **internal_registry}
+
+
+def get_rpc_widget(name: str, raise_on_missing: bool = True) -> type[QWidget] | None:
+    registry = rpc_widget_registry()
+    if name in registry:
+        import_path, widget_name = registry[name]
+        return _resolve_widget_from_registry(import_path, widget_name)
+
+    if raise_on_missing:
+        raise ValueError(f"RPC widget {name} not found in registry.")
+    return None

bec_widgets/utils/rpc_widget_handler.py

@@ -1,42 +1,34 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
-from bec_widgets.cli.client_utils import IGNORE_WIDGETS
-from bec_widgets.utils.bec_plugin_helper import get_all_plugin_widgets
-from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
-from bec_widgets.utils.plugin_utils import get_custom_classes
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING
+
+from bec_widgets.utils.plugin_utils import get_rpc_widget, rpc_widget_registry
+
+if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
+    from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
 
 
 class RPCWidgetHandler:
     """Handler class for creating widgets from RPC messages."""
 
     def __init__(self):
-        self._widget_classes = None
+        self._widget_registry = None
 
     @property
-    def widget_classes(self) -> dict[str, type[BECWidget]]:
+    def widget_classes(self) -> dict[str, tuple[str, str]]:
         """
         Get the available widget classes.
 
         Returns:
             dict: The available widget classes.
         """
-        if self._widget_classes is None:
-            self.update_available_widgets()
-        return self._widget_classes  # type: ignore
+        registry = rpc_widget_registry()
+        if not registry:
+            return {}
+        return registry
 
-    def update_available_widgets(self):
-        """
-        Update the available widgets.
-
-        Returns:
-            None
-        """
-        self._widget_classes = (
-            get_custom_classes("bec_widgets", packages=("widgets", "applications"))
-            + get_all_plugin_widgets()
-        ).as_dict(IGNORE_WIDGETS)
-
-    def create_widget(self, widget_type, **kwargs) -> BECWidget:
+    @staticmethod
+    def create_widget(widget_type, **kwargs) -> BECWidget:
         """
         Create a widget from an RPC message.
 
@@ -48,9 +40,9 @@ class RPCWidgetHandler:
         Returns:
             widget(BECWidget): The created widget.
         """
-        widget_class = self.widget_classes.get(widget_type)  # type: ignore
-        if widget_class:
-            return widget_class(**kwargs)
+        widget = get_rpc_widget(widget_type, raise_on_missing=False)
+        if widget:
+            return widget(**kwargs)
         raise ValueError(f"Unknown widget type: {widget_type}")
 
 

bec_widgets/utils/ui_loader.py

@@ -1,10 +1,8 @@
 from bec_lib.logger import bec_logger
-from qtpy import PYQT6, PYSIDE6
+from qtpy import PYSIDE6
 from qtpy.QtCore import QFile, QIODevice
 
-from bec_widgets.utils.bec_plugin_helper import get_all_plugin_widgets
-from bec_widgets.utils.generate_designer_plugin import DesignerPluginInfo
-from bec_widgets.utils.plugin_utils import get_custom_classes
+from bec_widgets.utils.plugin_utils import get_designer_plugin
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 
@@ -12,16 +10,14 @@ if PYSIDE6:
     from qtpy.QtUiTools import QUiLoader
 
     class CustomUiLoader(QUiLoader):
-        def __init__(self, baseinstance, custom_widgets: dict | None = None):
+        def __init__(self, baseinstance):
             super().__init__(baseinstance)
-            self.custom_widgets = custom_widgets or {}
-
             self.baseinstance = baseinstance
 
         def createWidget(self, class_name, parent=None, name=""):
-            if class_name in self.custom_widgets:
-                widget = self.custom_widgets[class_name](self.baseinstance)
-                return widget
+            widget = get_designer_plugin(class_name, raise_on_missing=False)
+            if widget is not None:
+                return widget(self.baseinstance)
             return super().createWidget(class_name, self.baseinstance, name)
 
 
@@ -31,16 +27,9 @@ class UILoader:
     def __init__(self, parent=None):
         self.parent = parent
 
-        self.custom_widgets = (
-            get_custom_classes("bec_widgets") + get_all_plugin_widgets()
-        ).as_dict()
-
-        if PYSIDE6:
-            self.loader = self.load_ui_pyside6
-        elif PYQT6:
-            self.loader = self.load_ui_pyqt6
-        else:
+        if not PYSIDE6:
             raise ImportError("No compatible Qt bindings found.")
+        self.loader = self.load_ui_pyside6
 
     def load_ui_pyside6(self, ui_file, parent=None):
         """
@@ -53,7 +42,7 @@ class UILoader:
             QWidget: The loaded widget.
         """
         parent = parent or self.parent
-        loader = CustomUiLoader(parent, self.custom_widgets)
+        loader = CustomUiLoader(parent)
         file = QFile(ui_file)
         if not file.open(QIODevice.ReadOnly):
             raise IOError(f"Cannot open file: {ui_file}")
@@ -61,71 +50,6 @@ class UILoader:
         file.close()
         return widget
 
-    def load_ui_pyqt6(self, ui_file, parent=None):
-        """
-        Specific loader for PyQt6 using loadUi.
-        Args:
-            ui_file(str): Path to the .ui file.
-            parent(QWidget): Parent widget.
-
-        Returns:
-            QWidget: The loaded widget.
-        """
-        from PyQt6.uic.Loader.loader import DynamicUILoader
-
-        class CustomDynamicUILoader(DynamicUILoader):
-            def __init__(self, package, custom_widgets: dict = None):
-                super().__init__(package)
-                self.custom_widgets = custom_widgets or {}
-
-            def _handle_custom_widgets(self, el):
-                """Handle the <customwidgets> element."""
-
-                def header2module(header):
-                    """header2module(header) -> string
-
-                    Convert paths to C++ header files to according Python modules
-                    >>> header2module("foo/bar/baz.h")
-                    'foo.bar.baz'
-                    """
-
-                    if header.endswith(".h"):
-                        header = header[:-2]
-
-                    mpath = []
-                    for part in header.split("/"):
-                        # Ignore any empty parts or those that refer to the current
-                        # directory.
-                        if part not in ("", "."):
-                            if part == "..":
-                                # We should allow this for Python3.
-                                raise SyntaxError(
-                                    "custom widget header file name may not contain '..'."
-                                )
-
-                            mpath.append(part)
-
-                    return ".".join(mpath)
-
-                for custom_widget in el:
-                    classname = custom_widget.findtext("class")
-                    header = custom_widget.findtext("header")
-                    if header:
-                        header = self._translate_bec_widgets_header(header)
-                    self.factory.addCustomWidget(
-                        classname,
-                        custom_widget.findtext("extends") or "QWidget",
-                        header2module(header),
-                    )
-
-            def _translate_bec_widgets_header(self, header):
-                for name, value in self.custom_widgets.items():
-                    if header == DesignerPluginInfo.pascal_to_snake(name):
-                        return value.__module__
-                return header
-
-        return CustomDynamicUILoader("", self.custom_widgets).loadUi(ui_file, parent)
-
     def load_ui(self, ui_file, parent=None):
         """
         Universal UI loader method.

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock_area/dock_area.py

@@ -19,8 +19,7 @@ from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
 
 import bec_widgets.widgets.containers.qt_ads as QtAds
 from bec_widgets import BECWidget, SafeProperty, SafeSlot
-from bec_widgets.applications.views.view import ViewTourSteps
-from bec_widgets.utils.bec_dispatcher import BECDispatcher
+from bec_widgets.cli.designer_plugins import widget_icons
 from bec_widgets.utils.colors import apply_theme
 from bec_widgets.utils.rpc_decorator import rpc_timeout
 from bec_widgets.utils.rpc_widget_handler import widget_handler
@@ -35,25 +34,25 @@ from bec_widgets.utils.widget_state_manager import WidgetStateManager
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.basic_dock_area import DockAreaWidget
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.profile_utils import (
     SETTINGS_KEYS,
-    default_profile_candidates,
+    baseline_profile_candidates,
     delete_profile_files,
     get_last_profile,
     is_profile_read_only,
     is_quick_select,
     list_profiles,
     list_quick_profiles,
-    load_default_profile_screenshot,
-    load_user_profile_screenshot,
+    load_baseline_profile_screenshot,
+    load_runtime_profile_screenshot,
     now_iso_utc,
-    open_default_settings,
-    open_user_settings,
+    open_baseline_settings,
+    open_runtime_settings,
     profile_origin,
     profile_origin_display,
     read_manifest,
-    restore_user_from_default,
+    restore_runtime_from_baseline,
+    runtime_profile_candidates,
     set_last_profile,
     set_quick_select,
-    user_profile_candidates,
     write_manifest,
 )
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.settings.dialogs import (
@@ -65,22 +64,7 @@ from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.toolbar_components.workspace_actio
     WorkspaceConnection,
     workspace_bundle,
 )
-from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.main_window import BECMainWindowNoRPC
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.qt_ads import CDockWidget
-from bec_widgets.widgets.control.device_control.positioner_box import PositionerBox, PositionerBox2D
-from bec_widgets.widgets.control.scan_control import ScanControl
-from bec_widgets.widgets.editors.bec_console.bec_console import BecConsole, BECShell
-from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.heatmap.heatmap import Heatmap
-from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.image.image import Image
-from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.motor_map.motor_map import MotorMap
-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.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.logpanel import LogPanel
-from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.visual.dark_mode_button.dark_mode_button import DarkModeButton
 
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 
@@ -108,6 +92,7 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
         "list_profiles",
         "save_profile",
         "load_profile",
+        "restore_baseline_profile",
         "delete_profile",
     ]
 
@@ -143,6 +128,10 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
         self._mode = mode
 
         # Toolbar
+        from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.visual.dark_mode_button.dark_mode_button import (
+            DarkModeButton,
+        )
+
         self.dark_mode_button = DarkModeButton(parent=self, toolbar=True)
         self.dark_mode_button.setVisible(enable_profile_management)
         self._setup_toolbar()
@@ -341,39 +330,42 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
         self.toolbar = ModularToolBar(parent=self)
 
         plot_actions = {
-            "waveform": (Waveform.ICON_NAME, "Add Waveform", "Waveform"),
+            "waveform": (widget_icons["Waveform"], "Add Waveform", "Waveform"),
             "scatter_waveform": (
-                ScatterWaveform.ICON_NAME,
+                widget_icons["ScatterWaveform"],
                 "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"),
+            "multi_waveform": (
+                widget_icons["MultiWaveform"],
+                "Add Multi Waveform",
+                "MultiWaveform",
+            ),
+            "image": (widget_icons["Image"], "Add Image", "Image"),
+            "motor_map": (widget_icons["MotorMap"], "Add Motor Map", "MotorMap"),
+            "heatmap": (widget_icons["Heatmap"], "Add Heatmap", "Heatmap"),
         }
         device_actions = {
-            "scan_control": (ScanControl.ICON_NAME, "Add Scan Control", "ScanControl"),
-            "positioner_box": (PositionerBox.ICON_NAME, "Add Device Box", "PositionerBox"),
+            "scan_control": (widget_icons["ScanControl"], "Add Scan Control", "ScanControl"),
+            "positioner_box": (widget_icons["PositionerBox"], "Add Device Box", "PositionerBox"),
             "positioner_box_2D": (
-                PositionerBox2D.ICON_NAME,
+                widget_icons["PositionerBox2D"],
                 "Add Device 2D Box",
                 "PositionerBox2D",
             ),
         }
         util_actions = {
-            "queue": (BECQueue.ICON_NAME, "Add Scan Queue", "BECQueue"),
-            "status": (BECStatusBox.ICON_NAME, "Add BEC Status Box", "BECStatusBox"),
+            "queue": (widget_icons["BECQueue"], "Add Scan Queue", "BECQueue"),
+            "status": (widget_icons["BECStatusBox"], "Add BEC Status Box", "BECStatusBox"),
             "progress_bar": (
-                RingProgressBar.ICON_NAME,
+                widget_icons["RingProgressBar"],
                 "Add Circular ProgressBar",
                 "RingProgressBar",
             ),
-            "terminal": (BecConsole.ICON_NAME, "Add Terminal", "BecConsole"),
-            "bec_shell": (BECShell.ICON_NAME, "Add BEC Shell", "BECShell"),
-            "log_panel": (LogPanel.ICON_NAME, "Add LogPanel - Disabled", "LogPanel"),
-            "sbb_monitor": ("train", "Add SBB Monitor", "SBBMonitor"),
-            "log_panel": (LogPanel.ICON_NAME, "Add LogPanel", "LogPanel"),
+            "terminal": (widget_icons["BecConsole"], "Add Terminal", "BecConsole"),
+            "bec_shell": (widget_icons["BECShell"], "Add BEC Shell", "BECShell"),
+            "sbb_monitor": (widget_icons["SBBMonitor"], "Add SBB Monitor", "SBBMonitor"),
+            "log_panel": (widget_icons["LogPanel"], "Add LogPanel", "LogPanel"),
         }
 
         # Create expandable menu actions (original behavior)
@@ -588,13 +580,13 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
 
     @property
     def profile_namespace(self) -> str | None:
-        """Namespace used to scope user/default profile files for this dock area."""
+        """Namespace used to scope runtime/baseline profile files for this dock area."""
         return self._resolve_profile_namespace()
 
     def _profile_exists(self, name: str, namespace: str | None) -> bool:
         return any(
-            os.path.exists(path) for path in user_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
-        ) or any(os.path.exists(path) for path in default_profile_candidates(name, namespace))
+            os.path.exists(path) for path in runtime_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
+        ) or any(os.path.exists(path) for path in baseline_profile_candidates(name, namespace))
 
     def _write_snapshot_to_settings(self, settings, save_preview: bool = True) -> None:
         """
@@ -620,35 +612,34 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
         name: str,
         namespace: str | None,
         *,
-        write_default: bool = True,
-        write_user: bool = True,
+        write_baseline: bool = True,
+        write_runtime: bool = True,
         save_preview: bool = True,
     ) -> None:
         """
-        Write profile settings to default and/or user settings files.
+        Write profile settings to baseline and/or runtime settings files.
 
         Args:
             name: The profile name.
             namespace: The profile namespace.
-            write_default: Whether to write to the default settings file.
-            write_user: Whether to write to the user settings file.
+            write_baseline: Whether to write to the baseline settings file.
+            write_runtime: Whether to write to the runtime settings file.
             save_preview: Whether to save a screenshot preview.
         """
-        if write_default:
-            ds = open_default_settings(name, namespace=namespace)
-            self._write_snapshot_to_settings(ds, save_preview=save_preview)
-            if not ds.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], ""):
-                ds.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], now_iso_utc())
-            if not ds.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["is_quick_select"], None):
-                ds.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["is_quick_select"], True)
 
-        if write_user:
-            us = open_user_settings(name, namespace=namespace)
-            self._write_snapshot_to_settings(us, save_preview=save_preview)
-            if not us.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], ""):
-                us.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], now_iso_utc())
-            if not us.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["is_quick_select"], None):
-                us.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["is_quick_select"], True)
+        def _write_settings(open_settings) -> None:
+            settings = open_settings(name, namespace=namespace)
+            self._write_snapshot_to_settings(settings, save_preview=save_preview)
+            if not settings.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], ""):
+                settings.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], now_iso_utc())
+            if not settings.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["is_quick_select"], None):
+                settings.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["is_quick_select"], True)
+
+        if write_baseline:
+            _write_settings(open_baseline_settings)
+
+        if write_runtime:
+            _write_settings(open_runtime_settings)
 
     def _finalize_profile_change(self, name: str, namespace: str | None) -> None:
         """
@@ -710,10 +701,10 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
         Save the current workspace profile.
 
         On first save of a given name:
-          - writes a default copy to states/default/<name>.ini with tag=default and created_at
-          - writes a user copy   to states/user/<name>.ini    with tag=user    and created_at
-        On subsequent saves of user-owned profiles:
-          - updates both the default and user copies so restore uses the latest snapshot.
+          - writes a baseline copy to profiles/baseline/<name>.ini with created_at
+          - writes a runtime copy to profiles/runtime/<name>.ini with created_at
+        On subsequent saves:
+          - updates both the baseline and runtime copies so restore uses the latest snapshot.
         Read-only bundled profiles cannot be overwritten.
 
         Args:
@@ -777,7 +768,7 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
             overwrite_existing = origin == "settings"
 
         origin_before_save = profile_origin(name, namespace=namespace)
-        overwrite_default = overwrite_existing and origin_before_save == "settings"
+        overwrite_baseline = overwrite_existing and origin_before_save == "settings"
 
         # Display saving placeholder in toolbar
         workspace_combo = self.toolbar.components.get_action("workspace_combo").widget
@@ -786,12 +777,12 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
         workspace_combo.setCurrentIndex(0)
         workspace_combo.blockSignals(False)
 
-        # Write to default and/or user settings
-        should_write_default = overwrite_default or not any(
-            os.path.exists(path) for path in default_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
+        # Write to baseline and/or runtime settings
+        should_write_baseline = overwrite_baseline or not any(
+            os.path.exists(path) for path in baseline_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
         )
         self._write_profile_settings(
-            name, namespace, write_default=should_write_default, write_user=True
+            name, namespace, write_baseline=should_write_baseline, write_runtime=True
         )
 
         set_quick_select(name, quickselect, namespace=namespace)
@@ -820,16 +811,21 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
 
     @SafeSlot()
     @SafeSlot(str)
+    @SafeSlot(str, bool)
     @rpc_timeout(None)
-    def load_profile(self, name: str | None = None):
+    def load_profile(self, name: str | None = None, restore_baseline: bool = False):
         """
         Load a workspace profile.
 
-        Before switching, persist the current profile to the user copy.
-        Prefer loading the user copy; fall back to the default copy.
+        Before switching, persist the current profile to the runtime copy.
+        Prefer loading the runtime copy; fall back to the baseline copy. When
+        ``restore_baseline`` is True, first overwrite the runtime copy with the
+        baseline profile and then load it.
 
         Args:
             name (str | None): The name of the profile to load. If None, prompts the user.
+            restore_baseline (bool): If True, restore the runtime copy from the
+                baseline before loading. Defaults to False.
         """
         if name == "":
             return
@@ -848,14 +844,17 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
             if skip_pair and skip_pair == (prev_name, name):
                 self._pending_autosave_skip = None
             else:
-                us_prev = open_user_settings(prev_name, namespace=namespace)
+                us_prev = open_runtime_settings(prev_name, namespace=namespace)
                 self._write_snapshot_to_settings(us_prev, save_preview=True)
 
+        if restore_baseline:
+            restore_runtime_from_baseline(name, namespace=namespace)
+
         settings = None
-        if any(os.path.exists(path) for path in user_profile_candidates(name, namespace)):
-            settings = open_user_settings(name, namespace=namespace)
-        elif any(os.path.exists(path) for path in default_profile_candidates(name, namespace)):
-            settings = open_default_settings(name, namespace=namespace)
+        if any(os.path.exists(path) for path in runtime_profile_candidates(name, namespace)):
+            settings = open_runtime_settings(name, namespace=namespace)
+        elif any(os.path.exists(path) for path in baseline_profile_candidates(name, namespace)):
+            settings = open_baseline_settings(name, namespace=namespace)
         if settings is None:
             logger.warning(f"Profile '{name}' not found in namespace '{namespace}'. Creating new.")
             self.delete_all()
@@ -897,32 +896,36 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
 
     @SafeSlot()
     @SafeSlot(str)
-    def restore_user_profile_from_default(self, name: str | None = None):
+    @SafeSlot(str, bool)
+    @rpc_timeout(None)
+    def restore_baseline_profile(self, name: str | None = None, show_dialog: bool = False):
         """
-        Overwrite the user copy of *name* with the default baseline.
+        Overwrite the runtime copy of *name* with the baseline.
         If *name* is None, target the currently active profile.
 
         Args:
             name (str | None): The name of the profile to restore. If None, uses the current profile.
+            show_dialog (bool): If True, ask for confirmation before restoring.
         """
         target = name or getattr(self, "_current_profile_name", None)
         if not target:
             return
         namespace = self.profile_namespace
 
-        current_pixmap = None
-        if self.isVisible():
-            current_pixmap = QPixmap()
-            ba = bytes(self.screenshot_bytes())
-            current_pixmap.loadFromData(ba)
-        if current_pixmap is None or current_pixmap.isNull():
-            current_pixmap = load_user_profile_screenshot(target, namespace=namespace)
-        default_pixmap = load_default_profile_screenshot(target, namespace=namespace)
+        if show_dialog:
+            current_pixmap = None
+            if self.isVisible():
+                current_pixmap = QPixmap()
+                ba = bytes(self.screenshot_bytes())
+                current_pixmap.loadFromData(ba)
+            if current_pixmap is None or current_pixmap.isNull():
+                current_pixmap = load_runtime_profile_screenshot(target, namespace=namespace)
+            baseline_pixmap = load_baseline_profile_screenshot(target, namespace=namespace)
 
-        if not RestoreProfileDialog.confirm(self, current_pixmap, default_pixmap):
-            return
+            if not RestoreProfileDialog.confirm(self, current_pixmap, baseline_pixmap):
+                return
 
-        restore_user_from_default(target, namespace=namespace)
+        restore_runtime_from_baseline(target, namespace=namespace)
         self.delete_all()
         self.load_profile(target)
 
@@ -1057,7 +1060,7 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
         manage_action = self.toolbar.components.get_action("manage_workspaces").action
         if self.manage_dialog is None or not self.manage_dialog.isVisible():
             self.manage_widget = WorkSpaceManager(
-                self, target_widget=self, default_profile=self._current_profile_name
+                self, target_widget=self, active_profile=self._current_profile_name
             )
             self.manage_dialog = QDialog(modal=False)
 
@@ -1156,7 +1159,7 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
             return
 
         namespace = self.profile_namespace
-        settings = open_user_settings(name, namespace=namespace)
+        settings = open_runtime_settings(name, namespace=namespace)
         self._write_snapshot_to_settings(settings)
         set_last_profile(name, namespace=namespace, instance=self._last_profile_instance_id())
         self._exit_snapshot_written = True
@@ -1186,6 +1189,8 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
         )
         step_ids.append(step_id)
 
+        from bec_widgets.applications.views.view import ViewTourSteps
+
         return ViewTourSteps(view_title="Dock Area Workspace", step_ids=step_ids)
 
     def cleanup(self):
@@ -1206,6 +1211,9 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
 if __name__ == "__main__":  # pragma: no cover
     import sys
 
+    from bec_widgets.utils.bec_dispatcher import BECDispatcher
+    from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.main_window.main_window import BECMainWindowNoRPC
+
     app = QApplication(sys.argv)
     apply_theme("dark")
     dispatcher = BECDispatcher(gui_id="ads")

bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock_area/profile_utils.py

@@ -2,9 +2,13 @@
 Utilities for managing BECDockArea profiles stored in INI files.
 
 Policy:
-- All created/modified profiles are stored under the BEC settings root: <base_path>/profiles/{default,user}
-- Bundled read-only defaults are discovered in BW core states/default and plugin bec_widgets/profiles but never written to.
-- Lookup order when reading: user → settings default → app or plugin bundled default.
+- All created/modified profiles are stored under the BEC settings root:
+  <base_path>/profiles/{baseline,runtime}
+- Bundled read-only baselines are discovered in BW core profiles and plugin
+  bec_widgets/profiles but never written to.
+- Lookup order when reading: runtime → settings baseline → app or plugin bundled baseline.
+- Legacy settings paths profiles/{default,user} are read through a thin segment
+  alias layer and copied to the canonical location on first access.
 """
 
 from __future__ import annotations
@@ -32,6 +36,12 @@ logger = bec_logger.logger
 MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(__file__)))
 
 ProfileOrigin = Literal["module", "plugin", "settings", "unknown"]
+ProfileSegment = Literal["baseline", "runtime"]
+
+_PROFILE_SEGMENT_ALIASES: dict[ProfileSegment, tuple[str, str]] = {
+    "baseline": ("baseline", "default"),
+    "runtime": ("runtime", "user"),
+}
 
 
 def module_profiles_dir() -> str:
@@ -130,7 +140,7 @@ def _profiles_dir(segment: str, namespace: str | None) -> str:
     Build (and ensure) the directory that holds profiles for a namespace segment.
 
     Args:
-        segment (str): Either ``"user"`` or ``"default"``.
+        segment (str): Profile segment directory name.
         namespace (str | None): Optional namespace label to scope profiles.
 
     Returns:
@@ -143,157 +153,175 @@ def _profiles_dir(segment: str, namespace: str | None) -> str:
     return path
 
 
-def _user_path_candidates(name: str, namespace: str | None) -> list[str]:
-    """
-    Generate candidate user-profile paths honoring namespace fallbacks.
-
-    Args:
-        name (str): Profile name without extension.
-        namespace (str | None): Optional namespace label.
-
-    Returns:
-        list[str]: Ordered list of candidate user profile paths (.ini files).
-    """
+def _candidate_namespaces(namespace: str | None) -> list[str | None]:
     ns = slugify.slugify(namespace, separator="_") if namespace else None
-    primary = os.path.join(_profiles_dir("user", ns), f"{name}.ini")
     if not ns:
-        return [primary]
-    legacy = os.path.join(_profiles_dir("user", None), f"{name}.ini")
-    return [primary, legacy] if legacy != primary else [primary]
+        return [None]
+    return [ns, None]
 
 
-def _default_path_candidates(name: str, namespace: str | None) -> list[str]:
+def _segment_profile_path(segment_name: str, name: str, namespace: str | None) -> str:
+    return os.path.join(_profiles_dir(segment_name, namespace), f"{name}.ini")
+
+
+def _canonical_profile_path(segment: ProfileSegment, name: str, namespace: str | None) -> str:
+    return _segment_profile_path(_PROFILE_SEGMENT_ALIASES[segment][0], name, namespace)
+
+
+def _segment_path_candidates(
+    segment: ProfileSegment,
+    name: str,
+    namespace: str | None,
+    *,
+    include_legacy: bool = True,
+    migrate_legacy: bool = True,
+) -> list[str]:
     """
-    Generate candidate default-profile paths honoring namespace fallbacks.
+    Generate profile candidates for a canonical segment.
 
-    Args:
-        name (str): Profile name without extension.
-        namespace (str | None): Optional namespace label.
-
-    Returns:
-        list[str]: Ordered list of candidate default profile paths (.ini files).
+    Canonical baseline/runtime files are always preferred. Namespace fallback
+    files and legacy default/user files are copied to the primary canonical path
+    when the primary file does not exist.
     """
-    ns = slugify.slugify(namespace, separator="_") if namespace else None
-    primary = os.path.join(_profiles_dir("default", ns), f"{name}.ini")
-    if not ns:
-        return [primary]
-    legacy = os.path.join(_profiles_dir("default", None), f"{name}.ini")
-    return [primary, legacy] if legacy != primary else [primary]
+    canonical = [
+        _segment_profile_path(_PROFILE_SEGMENT_ALIASES[segment][0], name, ns)
+        for ns in _candidate_namespaces(namespace)
+    ]
+    legacy = []
+    if include_legacy:
+        legacy = [
+            _segment_profile_path(_PROFILE_SEGMENT_ALIASES[segment][1], name, ns)
+            for ns in _candidate_namespaces(namespace)
+        ]
+
+    primary_canonical = canonical[0]
+    if migrate_legacy and not os.path.exists(primary_canonical):
+        canonical_src = next((path for path in canonical[1:] if os.path.exists(path)), None)
+        if canonical_src:
+            os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(primary_canonical), exist_ok=True)
+            shutil.copy2(canonical_src, primary_canonical)
+        elif include_legacy:
+            legacy_src = next((path for path in legacy if os.path.exists(path)), None)
+            if legacy_src:
+                os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(primary_canonical), exist_ok=True)
+                shutil.copy2(legacy_src, primary_canonical)
+
+    return list(dict.fromkeys(canonical + legacy))
 
 
-def default_profiles_dir(namespace: str | None = None) -> str:
+def baseline_profiles_dir(namespace: str | None = None) -> str:
     """
-    Return the directory that stores default profiles for the namespace.
+    Return the directory that stores baseline profiles for the namespace.
 
     Args:
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        str: Absolute path to the default profile directory.
+        str: Absolute path to the baseline profile directory.
     """
-    return _profiles_dir("default", namespace)
+    return _profiles_dir("baseline", namespace)
 
 
-def user_profiles_dir(namespace: str | None = None) -> str:
+def runtime_profiles_dir(namespace: str | None = None) -> str:
     """
-    Return the directory that stores user profiles for the namespace.
+    Return the directory that stores runtime profiles for the namespace.
 
     Args:
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        str: Absolute path to the user profile directory.
+        str: Absolute path to the runtime profile directory.
     """
-    return _profiles_dir("user", namespace)
+    return _profiles_dir("runtime", namespace)
 
 
-def default_profile_path(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> str:
+def baseline_profile_path(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> str:
     """
-    Compute the canonical default profile path for a profile name.
+    Compute the canonical baseline profile path for a profile name.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        str: Absolute path to the default profile file (.ini).
+        str: Absolute path to the baseline profile file (.ini).
     """
-    return _default_path_candidates(name, namespace)[0]
+    return _canonical_profile_path("baseline", name, namespace)
 
 
-def user_profile_path(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> str:
+def runtime_profile_path(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> str:
     """
-    Compute the canonical user profile path for a profile name.
+    Compute the canonical runtime profile path for a profile name.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        str: Absolute path to the user profile file (.ini).
+        str: Absolute path to the runtime profile file (.ini).
     """
-    return _user_path_candidates(name, namespace)[0]
+    return _canonical_profile_path("runtime", name, namespace)
 
 
-def user_profile_candidates(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> list[str]:
+def runtime_profile_candidates(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> list[str]:
     """
-    List all user profile path candidates for a profile name.
+    List all runtime profile path candidates for a profile name.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        list[str]: De-duplicated list of candidate user profile paths.
+        list[str]: De-duplicated list of candidate runtime profile paths.
     """
-    return list(dict.fromkeys(_user_path_candidates(name, namespace)))
+    return _segment_path_candidates("runtime", name, namespace)
 
 
-def default_profile_candidates(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> list[str]:
+def baseline_profile_candidates(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> list[str]:
     """
-    List all default profile path candidates for a profile name.
+    List all baseline profile path candidates for a profile name.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        list[str]: De-duplicated list of candidate default profile paths.
+        list[str]: De-duplicated list of candidate baseline profile paths.
     """
-    return list(dict.fromkeys(_default_path_candidates(name, namespace)))
+    return _segment_path_candidates("baseline", name, namespace)
 
 
-def _existing_user_settings(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QSettings | None:
+def _existing_runtime_settings(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QSettings | None:
     """
-    Resolve the first existing user profile settings object.
+    Resolve the first existing runtime profile settings object.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label to search. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        QSettings | None: Config for the first existing user profile candidate, or ``None``
+        QSettings | None: Config for the first existing runtime profile candidate, or ``None``
             when no files are present.
     """
-    for path in user_profile_candidates(name, namespace):
+    for path in runtime_profile_candidates(name, namespace):
         if os.path.exists(path):
             return QSettings(path, QSettings.IniFormat)
     return None
 
 
-def _existing_default_settings(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QSettings | None:
+def _existing_baseline_settings(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QSettings | None:
     """
-    Resolve the first existing default profile settings object.
+    Resolve the first existing baseline profile settings object.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label to search. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        QSettings | None: Config for the first existing default profile candidate, or ``None``
+        QSettings | None: Config for the first existing baseline profile candidate, or ``None``
             when no files are present.
     """
-    for path in default_profile_candidates(name, namespace):
+    for path in baseline_profile_candidates(name, namespace):
         if os.path.exists(path):
             return QSettings(path, QSettings.IniFormat)
     return None
@@ -347,7 +375,7 @@ def profile_origin(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> ProfileOrigin:
     plugin_path = plugin_profile_path(name)
     if plugin_path and os.path.exists(plugin_path):
         return "plugin"
-    for path in user_profile_candidates(name, namespace) + default_profile_candidates(
+    for path in runtime_profile_candidates(name, namespace) + baseline_profile_candidates(
         name, namespace
     ):
         if os.path.exists(path):
@@ -406,8 +434,8 @@ def delete_profile_files(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> bool:
     read_only = is_profile_read_only(name, namespace)
 
     removed = False
-    # Always allow removing user copies; keep default copies for read-only origins.
-    for path in set(user_profile_candidates(name, namespace)):
+    # Always allow removing runtime copies; keep baseline copies for read-only origins.
+    for path in set(runtime_profile_candidates(name, namespace)):
         try:
             os.remove(path)
             removed = True
@@ -415,7 +443,7 @@ def delete_profile_files(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> bool:
             continue
 
     if not read_only:
-        for path in set(default_profile_candidates(name, namespace)):
+        for path in set(baseline_profile_candidates(name, namespace)):
             try:
                 os.remove(path)
                 removed = True
@@ -443,7 +471,7 @@ SETTINGS_KEYS = {
 
 def list_profiles(namespace: str | None = None) -> list[str]:
     """
-    Enumerate all known profile names, syncing bundled defaults when missing locally.
+    Enumerate all known profile names, syncing bundled baselines when missing locally.
 
     Args:
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label scoped to the profile set.
@@ -459,16 +487,27 @@ def list_profiles(namespace: str | None = None) -> list[str]:
             return set()
         return {os.path.splitext(f)[0] for f in os.listdir(directory) if f.endswith(".ini")}
 
-    settings_dirs = {default_profiles_dir(namespace), user_profiles_dir(namespace)}
+    settings_dirs = {baseline_profiles_dir(namespace), runtime_profiles_dir(namespace)}
     if ns:
-        settings_dirs.add(default_profiles_dir(None))
-        settings_dirs.add(user_profiles_dir(None))
+        settings_dirs.add(baseline_profiles_dir(None))
+        settings_dirs.add(runtime_profiles_dir(None))
+
+    for segment in ("baseline", "runtime"):
+        for legacy_dir in [
+            _profiles_dir(_PROFILE_SEGMENT_ALIASES[segment][1], item)
+            for item in _candidate_namespaces(namespace)
+        ]:
+            settings_dirs.add(legacy_dir)
 
     settings_names: set[str] = set()
     for directory in settings_dirs:
         settings_names |= _collect_from(directory)
 
-    # Also consider read-only defaults from core module and beamline plugin repositories
+    for name in sorted(settings_names):
+        runtime_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
+        baseline_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
+
+    # Also consider read-only baselines from core module and beamline plugin repositories
     read_only_sources: dict[str, tuple[str, str]] = {}
     sources: list[tuple[str, str | None]] = [
         ("module", module_profiles_dir()),
@@ -484,17 +523,17 @@ def list_profiles(namespace: str | None = None) -> list[str]:
             read_only_sources.setdefault(name, (origin, os.path.join(directory, filename)))
 
     for name, (_origin, src) in sorted(read_only_sources.items()):
-        # Ensure a copy in the namespace-specific settings default directory
-        dst_default = default_profile_path(name, namespace)
-        if not os.path.exists(dst_default):
-            os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(dst_default), exist_ok=True)
-            shutil.copyfile(src, dst_default)
-        # Ensure a user copy exists to allow edits in the writable settings area
-        dst_user = user_profile_path(name, namespace)
-        if not os.path.exists(dst_user):
-            os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(dst_user), exist_ok=True)
-            shutil.copyfile(src, dst_user)
-            s = open_user_settings(name, namespace)
+        # Ensure a copy in the namespace-specific settings baseline directory.
+        dst_baseline = baseline_profile_path(name, namespace)
+        if not os.path.exists(dst_baseline):
+            os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(dst_baseline), exist_ok=True)
+            shutil.copy2(src, dst_baseline)
+        # Ensure a runtime copy exists to allow edits in the writable settings area.
+        dst_runtime = runtime_profile_path(name, namespace)
+        if not os.path.exists(dst_runtime):
+            os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(dst_runtime), exist_ok=True)
+            shutil.copy2(src, dst_runtime)
+            s = open_runtime_settings(name, namespace)
             if s.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], "") == "":
                 s.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], now_iso_utc())
 
@@ -504,32 +543,34 @@ def list_profiles(namespace: str | None = None) -> list[str]:
     return sorted(settings_names)
 
 
-def open_default_settings(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QSettings:
+def open_baseline_settings(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QSettings:
     """
-    Open (and create if necessary) the default profile settings file.
+    Open (and create if necessary) the baseline profile settings file.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        QSettings: Settings instance targeting the default profile file.
+        QSettings: Settings instance targeting the baseline profile file.
     """
-    return QSettings(default_profile_path(name, namespace), QSettings.IniFormat)
+    baseline_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
+    return QSettings(baseline_profile_path(name, namespace), QSettings.IniFormat)
 
 
-def open_user_settings(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QSettings:
+def open_runtime_settings(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QSettings:
     """
-    Open (and create if necessary) the user profile settings file.
+    Open (and create if necessary) the runtime profile settings file.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        QSettings: Settings instance targeting the user profile file.
+        QSettings: Settings instance targeting the runtime profile file.
     """
-    return QSettings(user_profile_path(name, namespace), QSettings.IniFormat)
+    runtime_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
+    return QSettings(runtime_profile_path(name, namespace), QSettings.IniFormat)
 
 
 def _app_settings() -> QSettings:
@@ -759,26 +800,26 @@ def read_manifest(settings: QSettings) -> list[dict]:
     return items
 
 
-def restore_user_from_default(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> None:
+def restore_runtime_from_baseline(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> None:
     """
-    Copy the default profile to the user profile, preserving quick-select flag.
+    Copy the baseline profile to the runtime profile, preserving quick-select flag.
 
     Args:
         name(str): Profile name without extension.
         namespace(str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
     """
     src = None
-    for candidate in default_profile_candidates(name, namespace):
+    for candidate in baseline_profile_candidates(name, namespace):
         if os.path.exists(candidate):
             src = candidate
             break
     if not src:
         return
-    dst = user_profile_path(name, namespace)
+    dst = runtime_profile_path(name, namespace)
     preserve_quick_select = is_quick_select(name, namespace)
     os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(dst), exist_ok=True)
     shutil.copyfile(src, dst)
-    s = open_user_settings(name, namespace)
+    s = open_runtime_settings(name, namespace)
     if not s.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], ""):
         s.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], now_iso_utc())
     if preserve_quick_select:
@@ -796,9 +837,9 @@ def is_quick_select(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> bool:
     Returns:
         bool: True if quick-select is enabled for the profile.
     """
-    s = _existing_user_settings(name, namespace)
+    s = _existing_runtime_settings(name, namespace)
     if s is None:
-        s = _existing_default_settings(name, namespace)
+        s = _existing_baseline_settings(name, namespace)
     if s is None:
         return False
     return s.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["is_quick_select"], False, type=bool)
@@ -813,13 +854,13 @@ def set_quick_select(name: str, enabled: bool, namespace: str | None = None) ->
         enabled(bool): True to enable quick-select, False to disable.
         namespace(str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
     """
-    s = open_user_settings(name, namespace)
+    s = open_runtime_settings(name, namespace)
     s.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["is_quick_select"], bool(enabled))
 
 
 def list_quick_profiles(namespace: str | None = None) -> list[str]:
     """
-    List only profiles that have quick-select enabled (user wins over default).
+    List only profiles that have quick-select enabled (runtime wins over baseline).
 
     Args:
         namespace(str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
@@ -909,8 +950,8 @@ class ProfileInfo(BaseModel):
     is_quick_select: bool = False
     widget_count: int = 0
     size_kb: int = 0
-    user_path: str = ""
-    default_path: str = ""
+    runtime_path: str = ""
+    baseline_path: str = ""
     origin: ProfileOrigin = "unknown"
     is_read_only: bool = False
 
@@ -924,19 +965,19 @@ def get_profile_info(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> ProfileInfo:
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        ProfileInfo: Structured profile metadata, preferring the user copy when present.
+        ProfileInfo: Structured profile metadata, preferring the runtime copy when present.
     """
-    user_paths = user_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
-    default_paths = default_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
-    u_path = next((p for p in user_paths if os.path.exists(p)), user_paths[0])
-    d_path = next((p for p in default_paths if os.path.exists(p)), default_paths[0])
+    runtime_paths = runtime_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
+    baseline_paths = baseline_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
+    r_path = next((p for p in runtime_paths if os.path.exists(p)), runtime_paths[0])
+    b_path = next((p for p in baseline_paths if os.path.exists(p)), baseline_paths[0])
     origin = profile_origin(name, namespace)
     read_only = origin in {"module", "plugin"}
-    prefer_user = os.path.exists(u_path)
-    if prefer_user:
-        s = QSettings(u_path, QSettings.IniFormat)
-    elif os.path.exists(d_path):
-        s = QSettings(d_path, QSettings.IniFormat)
+    prefer_runtime = os.path.exists(r_path)
+    if prefer_runtime:
+        s = QSettings(r_path, QSettings.IniFormat)
+    elif os.path.exists(b_path):
+        s = QSettings(b_path, QSettings.IniFormat)
     else:
         s = None
     if s is None:
@@ -957,14 +998,14 @@ def get_profile_info(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> ProfileInfo:
             is_quick_select=False,
             widget_count=0,
             size_kb=0,
-            user_path=u_path,
-            default_path=d_path,
+            runtime_path=r_path,
+            baseline_path=b_path,
             origin=origin,
             is_read_only=read_only,
         )
 
     created = s.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], "", type=str) or now_iso_utc()
-    src_path = u_path if prefer_user else d_path
+    src_path = r_path if prefer_runtime else b_path
     modified = _file_modified_iso(src_path)
     count = _manifest_count(s)
     try:
@@ -990,8 +1031,8 @@ def get_profile_info(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> ProfileInfo:
         is_quick_select=is_quick_select(name, namespace),
         widget_count=count,
         size_kb=size_kb,
-        user_path=u_path,
-        default_path=d_path,
+        runtime_path=r_path,
+        baseline_path=b_path,
         origin=origin,
         is_read_only=read_only,
     )
@@ -999,7 +1040,7 @@ def get_profile_info(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> ProfileInfo:
 
 def load_profile_screenshot(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QPixmap | None:
     """
-    Load the stored screenshot pixmap for a profile from settings (user preferred).
+    Load the stored screenshot pixmap for a profile from settings (runtime preferred).
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
@@ -1008,17 +1049,17 @@ def load_profile_screenshot(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QPixmap
     Returns:
         QPixmap | None: Screenshot pixmap or ``None`` if unavailable.
     """
-    s = _existing_user_settings(name, namespace)
+    s = _existing_runtime_settings(name, namespace)
     if s is None:
-        s = _existing_default_settings(name, namespace)
+        s = _existing_baseline_settings(name, namespace)
     if s is None:
         return None
     return _load_screenshot_from_settings(s)
 
 
-def load_default_profile_screenshot(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QPixmap | None:
+def load_baseline_profile_screenshot(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QPixmap | None:
     """
-    Load the screenshot from the default profile copy, if available.
+    Load the screenshot from the baseline profile copy, if available.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
@@ -1027,15 +1068,15 @@ def load_default_profile_screenshot(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) ->
     Returns:
         QPixmap | None: Screenshot pixmap or ``None`` if unavailable.
     """
-    s = _existing_default_settings(name, namespace)
+    s = _existing_baseline_settings(name, namespace)
     if s is None:
         return None
     return _load_screenshot_from_settings(s)
 
 
-def load_user_profile_screenshot(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QPixmap | None:
+def load_runtime_profile_screenshot(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QPixmap | None:
     """
-    Load the screenshot from the user profile copy, if available.
+    Load the screenshot from the runtime profile copy, if available.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
@@ -1044,7 +1085,7 @@ def load_user_profile_screenshot(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QPi
     Returns:
         QPixmap | None: Screenshot pixmap or ``None`` if unavailable.
     """
-    s = _existing_user_settings(name, namespace)
+    s = _existing_runtime_settings(name, namespace)
     if s is None:
         return None
     return _load_screenshot_from_settings(s)

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

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

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

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

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

@@ -151,15 +151,15 @@ def workspace_bundle(components: ToolbarComponents, enable_tools: bool = True) -
     components.get_action("save_workspace").action.setVisible(enable_tools)
 
     components.add_safe(
-        "reset_default_workspace",
+        "reset_baseline_workspace",
         MaterialIconAction(
             icon_name="undo",
-            tooltip="Refresh Current Workspace",
+            tooltip="Restore Baseline Profile",
             checkable=False,
             parent=components.toolbar,
         ),
     )
-    components.get_action("reset_default_workspace").action.setVisible(enable_tools)
+    components.get_action("reset_baseline_workspace").action.setVisible(enable_tools)
 
     components.add_safe(
         "manage_workspaces",
@@ -172,7 +172,7 @@ def workspace_bundle(components: ToolbarComponents, enable_tools: bool = True) -
     bundle = ToolbarBundle("workspace", components)
     bundle.add_action("workspace_combo")
     bundle.add_action("save_workspace")
-    bundle.add_action("reset_default_workspace")
+    bundle.add_action("reset_baseline_workspace")
     bundle.add_action("manage_workspaces")
     return bundle
 
@@ -202,9 +202,9 @@ class WorkspaceConnection(BundleConnection):
             self.target_widget.load_profile
         )
 
-        reset_action = self.components.get_action("reset_default_workspace").action
+        reset_action = self.components.get_action("reset_baseline_workspace").action
         if reset_action.isVisible():
-            reset_action.triggered.connect(self._reset_workspace_to_default)
+            reset_action.triggered.connect(self._reset_workspace_to_baseline)
 
         manage_action = self.components.get_action("manage_workspaces").action
         if manage_action.isVisible():
@@ -221,9 +221,9 @@ class WorkspaceConnection(BundleConnection):
             self.target_widget.load_profile
         )
 
-        reset_action = self.components.get_action("reset_default_workspace").action
+        reset_action = self.components.get_action("reset_baseline_workspace").action
         if reset_action.isVisible():
-            reset_action.triggered.disconnect(self._reset_workspace_to_default)
+            reset_action.triggered.disconnect(self._reset_workspace_to_baseline)
 
         manage_action = self.components.get_action("manage_workspaces").action
         if manage_action.isVisible():
@@ -231,8 +231,8 @@ class WorkspaceConnection(BundleConnection):
         self._connected = False
 
     @SafeSlot()
-    def _reset_workspace_to_default(self):
+    def _reset_workspace_to_baseline(self):
         """
         Refreshes the current workspace.
         """
-        self.target_widget.restore_user_profile_from_default()
+        self.target_widget.restore_baseline_profile(show_dialog=True)

bec_widgets/widgets/plots/heatmap/heatmap.py

@@ -2,21 +2,16 @@ from __future__ import annotations
 
 import json
 from dataclasses import dataclass
-from typing import Literal
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Literal
 
 import numpy as np
 import pyqtgraph as pg
 from bec_lib import bec_logger, messages
 from bec_lib.endpoints import MessageEndpoints
+from bec_lib.utils.import_utils import lazy_import, lazy_import_from
 from pydantic import BaseModel, Field, field_validator
 from qtpy.QtCore import QObject, Qt, QThread, QTimer, Signal
 from qtpy.QtGui import QTransform
-from scipy.interpolate import (
-    CloughTocher2DInterpolator,
-    LinearNDInterpolator,
-    NearestNDInterpolator,
-)
-from scipy.spatial import cKDTree
 from toolz import partition
 
 from bec_widgets.utils.bec_connector import ConnectionConfig
@@ -32,6 +27,22 @@ from bec_widgets.widgets.plots.plot_base import PlotBase
 logger = bec_logger.logger
 
 
+if TYPE_CHECKING:
+    from scipy.interpolate import (
+        CloughTocher2DInterpolator,
+        LinearNDInterpolator,
+        NearestNDInterpolator,
+    )
+    from scipy.spatial import cKDTree
+else:
+
+    CloughTocher2DInterpolator, LinearNDInterpolator, NearestNDInterpolator = lazy_import_from(
+        "scipy.interpolate",
+        ["CloughTocher2DInterpolator", "LinearNDInterpolator", "NearestNDInterpolator"],
+    )
+    cKDTree = lazy_import_from("scipy.spatial", ["cKDTree"])
+
+
 class HeatmapDeviceSignal(BaseModel):
     """The configuration of a signal in the scatter waveform widget."""
 

bec_widgets/widgets/plots/waveform/waveform.py

@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ from bec_lib.device import Positioner
 from bec_lib.endpoints import MessageEndpoints
 from bec_lib.lmfit_serializer import serialize_lmfit_params, serialize_param_object
 from bec_lib.scan_data_container import ScanDataContainer
+from bec_lib.utils.import_utils import lazy_import
 from pydantic import Field, ValidationError, field_validator
 from qtpy.QtCore import Qt, QTimer, Signal
 from qtpy.QtWidgets import (
@@ -54,13 +55,7 @@ _DAP_PARAM = object()
 if TYPE_CHECKING:  # pragma: no cover
     import lmfit  # type: ignore
 else:
-    try:
-        import lmfit  # type: ignore
-    except Exception as e:  # pragma: no cover
-        logger.warning(
-            f"lmfit could not be imported: {e}. Custom DAP functionality will be unavailable."
-        )
-        lmfit = None
+    lmfit = lazy_import("lmfit")
 
 
 # noinspection PyDataclass

pyproject.toml

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 [project]
 name = "bec_widgets"
-version = "3.7.2"
+version = "3.8.0"
 description = "BEC Widgets"
 requires-python = ">=3.11"
 classifiers = [

tests/unit_tests/test_dock_area.py

@@ -19,19 +19,19 @@ from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.basic_dock_area import (
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area import BECDockArea, SaveProfileDialog
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.profile_utils import (
     SETTINGS_KEYS,
-    default_profile_path,
+    baseline_profile_path,
     get_profile_info,
     is_profile_read_only,
     is_quick_select,
     list_profiles,
-    load_default_profile_screenshot,
-    load_user_profile_screenshot,
-    open_default_settings,
-    open_user_settings,
+    load_baseline_profile_screenshot,
+    load_runtime_profile_screenshot,
+    open_baseline_settings,
+    open_runtime_settings,
     read_manifest,
-    restore_user_from_default,
+    restore_runtime_from_baseline,
+    runtime_profile_path,
     set_quick_select,
-    user_profile_path,
     write_manifest,
 )
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.settings.dialogs import (
@@ -188,17 +188,17 @@ class _NamespaceProfiles:
     def __init__(self, widget: BECDockArea):
         self.namespace = widget.profile_namespace
 
-    def open_user(self, name: str):
-        return open_user_settings(name, namespace=self.namespace)
+    def open_runtime(self, name: str):
+        return open_runtime_settings(name, namespace=self.namespace)
 
-    def open_default(self, name: str):
-        return open_default_settings(name, namespace=self.namespace)
+    def open_baseline(self, name: str):
+        return open_baseline_settings(name, namespace=self.namespace)
 
-    def user_path(self, name: str) -> str:
-        return user_profile_path(name, namespace=self.namespace)
+    def runtime_path(self, name: str) -> str:
+        return runtime_profile_path(name, namespace=self.namespace)
 
-    def default_path(self, name: str) -> str:
-        return default_profile_path(name, namespace=self.namespace)
+    def baseline_path(self, name: str) -> str:
+        return baseline_profile_path(name, namespace=self.namespace)
 
     def list_profiles(self) -> list[str]:
         return list_profiles(namespace=self.namespace)
@@ -239,7 +239,7 @@ class TestBasicDockArea:
         assert basic_dock_area.widget_map(bec_widgets_only=False)["panel_bec"] is panel_bec
 
     def test_new_widget_string_creates_widget(self, basic_dock_area, qtbot):
-        basic_dock_area.new("DarkModeButton")
+        basic_dock_area.new("RingProgressBar")
         qtbot.waitUntil(lambda: len(basic_dock_area.dock_list()) > 0, timeout=1000)
 
         assert basic_dock_area.widget_list()
@@ -615,35 +615,6 @@ class TestBasicDockArea:
         ]
 
 
-class TestAdvancedDockAreaInit:
-    """Test initialization and basic properties."""
-
-    def test_init(self, advanced_dock_area):
-        assert advanced_dock_area is not None
-        assert isinstance(advanced_dock_area, BECDockArea)
-        assert advanced_dock_area.mode == "creator"
-        assert hasattr(advanced_dock_area, "dock_manager")
-        assert hasattr(advanced_dock_area, "toolbar")
-        assert hasattr(advanced_dock_area, "dark_mode_button")
-        assert hasattr(advanced_dock_area, "state_manager")
-
-    def test_rpc_and_plugin_flags(self):
-        assert BECDockArea.RPC is True
-        assert BECDockArea.PLUGIN is False
-
-    def test_user_access_list(self):
-        expected_methods = [
-            "new",
-            "widget_map",
-            "widget_list",
-            "workspace_is_locked",
-            "attach_all",
-            "delete_all",
-        ]
-        for method in expected_methods:
-            assert method in BECDockArea.USER_ACCESS
-
-
 class TestDockManagement:
     """Test dock creation, management, and manipulation."""
 
@@ -652,7 +623,7 @@ class TestDockManagement:
         initial_count = len(advanced_dock_area.dock_list())
 
         # Create a widget by string name
-        widget = advanced_dock_area.new("DarkModeButton")
+        widget = advanced_dock_area.new("RingProgressBar")
 
         # Wait for the dock to be created (since it's async)
         qtbot.wait(200)
@@ -720,7 +691,7 @@ class TestDockManagement:
         initial_count = len(widget_map)
 
         # Create a widget
-        advanced_dock_area.new("DarkModeButton")
+        advanced_dock_area.new("RingProgressBar")
         qtbot.wait(200)
 
         # Check widget map updated
@@ -734,7 +705,7 @@ class TestDockManagement:
         initial_count = len(widget_list)
 
         # Create a widget
-        advanced_dock_area.new("DarkModeButton")
+        advanced_dock_area.new("RingProgressBar")
         qtbot.wait(200)
 
         # Check widget list updated
@@ -744,8 +715,8 @@ class TestDockManagement:
     def test_delete_all(self, advanced_dock_area, qtbot):
         """Test delete_all functionality."""
         # Create multiple widgets
-        advanced_dock_area.new("DarkModeButton")
-        advanced_dock_area.new("DarkModeButton")
+        advanced_dock_area.new("RingProgressBar")
+        advanced_dock_area.new("RingProgressBar")
 
         # Wait for docks to be created
         qtbot.wait(200)
@@ -801,7 +772,7 @@ class TestWorkspaceLocking:
     def test_lock_workspace_property_setter(self, advanced_dock_area, qtbot):
         """Test workspace_is_locked property setter."""
         # Create a dock first
-        advanced_dock_area.new("DarkModeButton")
+        advanced_dock_area.new("RingProgressBar")
         qtbot.wait(200)
 
         # Initially unlocked
@@ -851,16 +822,6 @@ class TestDeveloperMode:
 class TestToolbarFunctionality:
     """Test toolbar setup and functionality."""
 
-    def test_toolbar_setup(self, advanced_dock_area):
-        """Test toolbar is properly set up."""
-        assert hasattr(advanced_dock_area, "toolbar")
-        assert hasattr(advanced_dock_area, "_ACTION_MAPPINGS")
-
-        # Check that action mappings are properly set
-        assert "menu_plots" in advanced_dock_area._ACTION_MAPPINGS
-        assert "menu_devices" in advanced_dock_area._ACTION_MAPPINGS
-        assert "menu_utils" in advanced_dock_area._ACTION_MAPPINGS
-
     def test_toolbar_plot_actions(self, advanced_dock_area):
         """Test plot toolbar actions trigger widget creation."""
         plot_actions = [
@@ -926,8 +887,8 @@ class TestToolbarFunctionality:
     def test_attach_all_action(self, advanced_dock_area, qtbot):
         """Test attach_all toolbar action."""
         # Create floating docks
-        advanced_dock_area.new("DarkModeButton", start_floating=True)
-        advanced_dock_area.new("DarkModeButton", start_floating=True)
+        advanced_dock_area.new("RingProgressBar", start_floating=True)
+        advanced_dock_area.new("RingProgressBar", start_floating=True)
 
         qtbot.wait(200)
 
@@ -946,7 +907,7 @@ class TestToolbarFunctionality:
 
     def test_load_profile_restores_floating_dock(self, advanced_dock_area, qtbot):
         helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
-        settings = helper.open_user("floating_profile")
+        settings = helper.open_runtime("floating_profile")
         settings.clear()
 
         settings.setValue("profile/created_at", "2025-11-23T00:00:00Z")
@@ -955,7 +916,7 @@ class TestToolbarFunctionality:
         # Floating entry
         settings.setArrayIndex(0)
         settings.setValue("object_name", "FloatingWaveform")
-        settings.setValue("widget_class", "DarkModeButton")
+        settings.setValue("widget_class", "RingProgressBar")
         settings.setValue("closable", True)
         settings.setValue("floatable", True)
         settings.setValue("movable", True)
@@ -973,7 +934,7 @@ class TestToolbarFunctionality:
         # Anchored entry
         settings.setArrayIndex(1)
         settings.setValue("object_name", "EmbeddedWaveform")
-        settings.setValue("widget_class", "DarkModeButton")
+        settings.setValue("widget_class", "RingProgressBar")
         settings.setValue("closable", True)
         settings.setValue("floatable", True)
         settings.setValue("movable", True)
@@ -1215,18 +1176,6 @@ class TestPreviewPanel:
         assert "No preview available" in panel.image_label.text()
 
 
-class TestRestoreProfileDialog:
-    """Test restore dialog confirmation flow."""
-
-    def test_confirm_accepts(self, monkeypatch):
-        monkeypatch.setattr(RestoreProfileDialog, "exec", lambda self: QDialog.Accepted)
-        assert RestoreProfileDialog.confirm(None, QPixmap(), QPixmap()) is True
-
-    def test_confirm_rejects(self, monkeypatch):
-        monkeypatch.setattr(RestoreProfileDialog, "exec", lambda self: QDialog.Rejected)
-        assert RestoreProfileDialog.confirm(None, QPixmap(), QPixmap()) is False
-
-
 class TestProfileInfoAndScreenshots:
     """Tests for profile utilities metadata and screenshot helpers."""
 
@@ -1246,9 +1195,9 @@ class TestProfileInfoAndScreenshots:
         settings.endArray()
         settings.sync()
 
-    def test_get_profile_info_user_origin(self, temp_profile_dir):
-        name = "info_user"
-        settings = open_user_settings(name)
+    def test_get_profile_info_runtime_origin(self, temp_profile_dir):
+        name = "info_runtime"
+        settings = open_runtime_settings(name)
         settings.setValue(profile_utils.SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], "2023-01-01T00:00:00Z")
         settings.setValue("profile/author", "Custom")
         set_quick_select(name, True)
@@ -1262,22 +1211,22 @@ class TestProfileInfoAndScreenshots:
         assert info.is_quick_select is True
         assert info.widget_count == 3
         assert info.author == "User"
-        assert info.user_path.endswith(f"{name}.ini")
+        assert info.runtime_path.endswith(f"{name}.ini")
         assert info.size_kb >= 0
 
-    def test_get_profile_info_default_only(self, temp_profile_dir):
-        name = "info_default"
-        settings = open_default_settings(name)
+    def test_get_profile_info_baseline_only(self, temp_profile_dir):
+        name = "info_baseline"
+        settings = open_baseline_settings(name)
         self._write_manifest(settings, count=1)
 
-        user_path = user_profile_path(name)
-        if os.path.exists(user_path):
-            os.remove(user_path)
+        runtime_path = runtime_profile_path(name)
+        if os.path.exists(runtime_path):
+            os.remove(runtime_path)
 
         info = get_profile_info(name)
 
         assert info.origin == "settings"
-        assert info.user_path.endswith(f"{name}.ini")
+        assert info.baseline_path.endswith(f"{name}.ini")
         assert info.widget_count == 1
 
     def test_get_profile_info_module_readonly(self, module_profile_factory):
@@ -1289,10 +1238,10 @@ class TestProfileInfoAndScreenshots:
 
     def test_get_profile_info_unknown_profile(self):
         name = "nonexistent_profile"
-        if os.path.exists(user_profile_path(name)):
-            os.remove(user_profile_path(name))
-        if os.path.exists(default_profile_path(name)):
-            os.remove(default_profile_path(name))
+        if os.path.exists(runtime_profile_path(name)):
+            os.remove(runtime_profile_path(name))
+        if os.path.exists(baseline_profile_path(name)):
+            os.remove(baseline_profile_path(name))
 
         info = get_profile_info(name)
 
@@ -1300,29 +1249,29 @@ class TestProfileInfoAndScreenshots:
         assert info.is_read_only is False
         assert info.widget_count == 0
 
-    def test_load_user_profile_screenshot(self, temp_profile_dir):
-        name = "user_screenshot"
-        settings = open_user_settings(name)
+    def test_load_runtime_profile_screenshot(self, temp_profile_dir):
+        name = "runtime_screenshot"
+        settings = open_runtime_settings(name)
         settings.setValue(profile_utils.SETTINGS_KEYS["screenshot"], self.PNG_BYTES)
         settings.sync()
 
-        pix = load_user_profile_screenshot(name)
+        pix = load_runtime_profile_screenshot(name)
 
         assert pix is not None and not pix.isNull()
 
-    def test_load_default_profile_screenshot(self, temp_profile_dir):
-        name = "default_screenshot"
-        settings = open_default_settings(name)
+    def test_load_baseline_profile_screenshot(self, temp_profile_dir):
+        name = "baseline_screenshot"
+        settings = open_baseline_settings(name)
         settings.setValue(profile_utils.SETTINGS_KEYS["screenshot"], self.PNG_BYTES)
         settings.sync()
 
-        pix = load_default_profile_screenshot(name)
+        pix = load_baseline_profile_screenshot(name)
 
         assert pix is not None and not pix.isNull()
 
     def test_load_screenshot_from_settings_invalid(self, temp_profile_dir):
         name = "invalid_screenshot"
-        settings = open_user_settings(name)
+        settings = open_runtime_settings(name)
         settings.setValue(profile_utils.SETTINGS_KEYS["screenshot"], "not-an-image")
         settings.sync()
 
@@ -1332,7 +1281,7 @@ class TestProfileInfoAndScreenshots:
 
     def test_load_screenshot_from_settings_bytes(self, temp_profile_dir):
         name = "bytes_screenshot"
-        settings = open_user_settings(name)
+        settings = open_runtime_settings(name)
         settings.setValue(profile_utils.SETTINGS_KEYS["screenshot"], self.PNG_BYTES)
         settings.sync()
 
@@ -1347,7 +1296,7 @@ class TestWorkSpaceManager:
     @staticmethod
     def _create_profiles(names):
         for name in names:
-            settings = open_user_settings(name)
+            settings = open_runtime_settings(name)
             settings.setValue("meta", "value")
             settings.sync()
 
@@ -1411,7 +1360,7 @@ class TestWorkSpaceManager:
 
         manager.delete_profile(name)
 
-        assert not os.path.exists(user_profile_path(name))
+        assert not os.path.exists(runtime_profile_path(name))
         assert target.refresh_calls >= 1
 
     def test_delete_readonly_profile_shows_message(
@@ -1441,21 +1390,23 @@ class TestWorkSpaceManager:
 class TestAdvancedDockAreaRestoreAndDialogs:
     """Additional coverage for restore flows and workspace dialogs."""
 
-    def test_restore_user_profile_from_default_confirm_true(self, advanced_dock_area, monkeypatch):
+    def test_restore_runtime_profile_from_baseline_confirm_true(
+        self, advanced_dock_area, monkeypatch
+    ):
         profile_name = "profile_restore_true"
         helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
-        helper.open_default(profile_name).sync()
-        helper.open_user(profile_name).sync()
+        helper.open_baseline(profile_name).sync()
+        helper.open_runtime(profile_name).sync()
         advanced_dock_area._current_profile_name = profile_name
         advanced_dock_area.isVisible = lambda: False
         pix = QPixmap(8, 8)
         pix.fill(Qt.red)
         monkeypatch.setattr(
-            "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.load_user_profile_screenshot",
+            "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.load_runtime_profile_screenshot",
             lambda name, namespace=None: pix,
         )
         monkeypatch.setattr(
-            "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.load_default_profile_screenshot",
+            "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.load_baseline_profile_screenshot",
             lambda name, namespace=None: pix,
         )
         monkeypatch.setattr(
@@ -1465,12 +1416,12 @@ class TestAdvancedDockAreaRestoreAndDialogs:
 
         with (
             patch(
-                "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.restore_user_from_default"
+                "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.restore_runtime_from_baseline"
             ) as mock_restore,
             patch.object(advanced_dock_area, "delete_all") as mock_delete_all,
             patch.object(advanced_dock_area, "load_profile") as mock_load_profile,
         ):
-            advanced_dock_area.restore_user_profile_from_default()
+            advanced_dock_area.restore_baseline_profile(show_dialog=True)
 
         assert mock_restore.call_count == 1
         args, kwargs = mock_restore.call_args
@@ -1479,20 +1430,22 @@ class TestAdvancedDockAreaRestoreAndDialogs:
         mock_delete_all.assert_called_once()
         mock_load_profile.assert_called_once_with(profile_name)
 
-    def test_restore_user_profile_from_default_confirm_false(self, advanced_dock_area, monkeypatch):
+    def test_restore_runtime_profile_from_baseline_confirm_false(
+        self, advanced_dock_area, monkeypatch
+    ):
         profile_name = "profile_restore_false"
         helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
-        helper.open_default(profile_name).sync()
-        helper.open_user(profile_name).sync()
+        helper.open_baseline(profile_name).sync()
+        helper.open_runtime(profile_name).sync()
         advanced_dock_area._current_profile_name = profile_name
         advanced_dock_area.isVisible = lambda: False
         monkeypatch.setattr(
-            "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.load_user_profile_screenshot",
-            lambda name: QPixmap(),
+            "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.load_runtime_profile_screenshot",
+            lambda name, namespace=None: QPixmap(),
         )
         monkeypatch.setattr(
-            "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.load_default_profile_screenshot",
-            lambda name: QPixmap(),
+            "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.load_baseline_profile_screenshot",
+            lambda name, namespace=None: QPixmap(),
         )
         monkeypatch.setattr(
             "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.RestoreProfileDialog.confirm",
@@ -1500,24 +1453,49 @@ class TestAdvancedDockAreaRestoreAndDialogs:
         )
 
         with patch(
-            "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.restore_user_from_default"
+            "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.restore_runtime_from_baseline"
         ) as mock_restore:
-            advanced_dock_area.restore_user_profile_from_default()
+            advanced_dock_area.restore_baseline_profile(show_dialog=True)
 
         mock_restore.assert_not_called()
 
-    def test_restore_user_profile_from_default_no_target(self, advanced_dock_area, monkeypatch):
+    def test_restore_runtime_profile_from_baseline_without_dialog(self, advanced_dock_area):
+        profile_name = "alignment_scan"
+        helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
+        helper.open_baseline(profile_name).sync()
+        helper.open_runtime(profile_name).sync()
+
+        with (
+            patch(
+                "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.RestoreProfileDialog.confirm"
+            ) as mock_confirm,
+            patch(
+                "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.restore_runtime_from_baseline"
+            ) as mock_restore,
+            patch.object(advanced_dock_area, "delete_all") as mock_delete_all,
+            patch.object(advanced_dock_area, "load_profile") as mock_load_profile,
+        ):
+            advanced_dock_area.restore_baseline_profile(profile_name, show_dialog=False)
+
+        mock_confirm.assert_not_called()
+        mock_restore.assert_called_once_with(
+            profile_name, namespace=advanced_dock_area.profile_namespace
+        )
+        mock_delete_all.assert_called_once()
+        mock_load_profile.assert_called_once_with(profile_name)
+
+    def test_restore_runtime_profile_from_baseline_no_target(self, advanced_dock_area, monkeypatch):
         advanced_dock_area._current_profile_name = None
         with patch(
             "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.RestoreProfileDialog.confirm"
         ) as mock_confirm:
-            advanced_dock_area.restore_user_profile_from_default()
+            advanced_dock_area.restore_baseline_profile(show_dialog=True)
         mock_confirm.assert_not_called()
 
     def test_refresh_workspace_list_with_refresh_profiles(self, advanced_dock_area):
         profile_name = "refresh_profile"
         helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
-        helper.open_user(profile_name).sync()
+        helper.open_runtime(profile_name).sync()
         # Simulate a normal named-profile state (not transient empty startup mode).
         advanced_dock_area._empty_profile_active = False
         advanced_dock_area._current_profile_name = profile_name
@@ -1572,8 +1550,8 @@ class TestAdvancedDockAreaRestoreAndDialogs:
         active = "active_profile"
         quick = "quick_profile"
         helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
-        helper.open_user(active).sync()
-        helper.open_user(quick).sync()
+        helper.open_runtime(active).sync()
+        helper.open_runtime(quick).sync()
         helper.set_quick_select(quick, True)
 
         combo_stub = ComboStub()
@@ -1600,7 +1578,7 @@ class TestAdvancedDockAreaRestoreAndDialogs:
 
         advanced_dock_area._current_profile_name = "manager_profile"
         helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
-        helper.open_user("manager_profile").sync()
+        helper.open_runtime("manager_profile").sync()
 
         advanced_dock_area.show_workspace_manager()
 
@@ -1635,18 +1613,104 @@ class TestProfileManagement:
 
     def test_profile_path(self, temp_profile_dir):
         """Test profile path generation."""
-        path = user_profile_path("test_profile")
-        expected = os.path.join(temp_profile_dir, "user", "test_profile.ini")
+        path = runtime_profile_path("test_profile")
+        expected = os.path.join(temp_profile_dir, "runtime", "test_profile.ini")
         assert path == expected
 
-        default_path = default_profile_path("test_profile")
-        expected_default = os.path.join(temp_profile_dir, "default", "test_profile.ini")
-        assert default_path == expected_default
+        baseline_path = baseline_profile_path("test_profile")
+        expected_baseline = os.path.join(temp_profile_dir, "baseline", "test_profile.ini")
+        assert baseline_path == expected_baseline
 
-    def test_open_settings(self, temp_profile_dir):
-        """Test opening settings for a profile."""
-        settings = open_user_settings("test_profile")
-        assert isinstance(settings, QSettings)
+    def test_legacy_user_profile_is_mapped_to_runtime(self, temp_profile_dir):
+        """Legacy user profiles are copied into the canonical runtime segment."""
+        name = "legacy_runtime"
+        legacy_dir = os.path.join(temp_profile_dir, "user")
+        os.makedirs(legacy_dir, exist_ok=True)
+        legacy_path = os.path.join(legacy_dir, f"{name}.ini")
+        legacy_settings = QSettings(legacy_path, QSettings.IniFormat)
+        legacy_settings.setValue("test/value", "legacy")
+        legacy_settings.sync()
+
+        canonical_path = runtime_profile_path(name)
+        assert not os.path.exists(canonical_path)
+
+        assert name in list_profiles()
+
+        assert os.path.exists(canonical_path)
+        assert open_runtime_settings(name).value("test/value", "", type=str) == "legacy"
+
+    def test_legacy_default_profile_is_mapped_to_baseline(self, temp_profile_dir):
+        """Legacy default profiles are copied into the canonical baseline segment."""
+        name = "legacy_baseline"
+        legacy_dir = os.path.join(temp_profile_dir, "default")
+        os.makedirs(legacy_dir, exist_ok=True)
+        legacy_path = os.path.join(legacy_dir, f"{name}.ini")
+        legacy_settings = QSettings(legacy_path, QSettings.IniFormat)
+        legacy_settings.setValue("test/value", "legacy")
+        legacy_settings.sync()
+
+        canonical_path = baseline_profile_path(name)
+        assert not os.path.exists(canonical_path)
+
+        assert name in list_profiles()
+
+        assert os.path.exists(canonical_path)
+        assert open_baseline_settings(name).value("test/value", "", type=str) == "legacy"
+
+    def test_runtime_namespace_fallback_is_materialized(self, temp_profile_dir):
+        """Canonical runtime namespace fallback is copied before opening primary settings."""
+        name = "runtime_namespace_fallback"
+        fallback_settings = open_runtime_settings(name)
+        fallback_settings.setValue("test/value", "fallback")
+        fallback_settings.sync()
+
+        namespaced_path = runtime_profile_path(name, namespace="beamline")
+        assert not os.path.exists(namespaced_path)
+
+        settings = open_runtime_settings(name, namespace="beamline")
+
+        assert os.path.exists(namespaced_path)
+        assert settings.value("test/value", "", type=str) == "fallback"
+
+    def test_baseline_namespace_fallback_is_materialized(self, temp_profile_dir):
+        """Canonical baseline namespace fallback is copied before opening primary settings."""
+        name = "baseline_namespace_fallback"
+        fallback_settings = open_baseline_settings(name)
+        fallback_settings.setValue("test/value", "fallback")
+        fallback_settings.sync()
+
+        namespaced_path = baseline_profile_path(name, namespace="beamline")
+        assert not os.path.exists(namespaced_path)
+
+        settings = open_baseline_settings(name, namespace="beamline")
+
+        assert os.path.exists(namespaced_path)
+        assert settings.value("test/value", "", type=str) == "fallback"
+
+    def test_canonical_profile_wins_over_legacy_profile(self, temp_profile_dir):
+        """Canonical runtime/baseline files are not overwritten by legacy fallback files."""
+        name = "canonical_wins"
+        runtime_settings = open_runtime_settings(name)
+        runtime_settings.setValue("test/value", "canonical-runtime")
+        runtime_settings.sync()
+        baseline_settings = open_baseline_settings(name)
+        baseline_settings.setValue("test/value", "canonical-baseline")
+        baseline_settings.sync()
+
+        for segment, value in (("user", "legacy-runtime"), ("default", "legacy-baseline")):
+            legacy_dir = os.path.join(temp_profile_dir, segment)
+            os.makedirs(legacy_dir, exist_ok=True)
+            legacy_settings = QSettings(
+                os.path.join(legacy_dir, f"{name}.ini"), QSettings.IniFormat
+            )
+            legacy_settings.setValue("test/value", value)
+            legacy_settings.sync()
+
+        assert name in list_profiles()
+        assert open_runtime_settings(name).value("test/value", "", type=str) == "canonical-runtime"
+        assert (
+            open_baseline_settings(name).value("test/value", "", type=str) == "canonical-baseline"
+        )
 
     def test_list_profiles_empty(self, temp_profile_dir):
         """Test listing profiles when directory is empty."""
@@ -1666,7 +1730,7 @@ class TestProfileManagement:
         # Create some test profile files
         profile_names = ["profile1", "profile2", "profile3"]
         for name in profile_names:
-            settings = open_user_settings(name)
+            settings = open_runtime_settings(name)
             settings.setValue("test", "value")
             settings.sync()
 
@@ -1676,29 +1740,29 @@ class TestProfileManagement:
 
     def test_readonly_profile_operations(self, temp_profile_dir, module_profile_factory):
         """Test read-only profile functionality."""
-        profile_name = "user_profile"
+        profile_name = "runtime_profile"
 
         # Initially should not be read-only
         assert not is_profile_read_only(profile_name)
 
-        # Create a user profile and ensure it's writable
-        settings = open_user_settings(profile_name)
+        # Create a runtime profile and ensure it's writable
+        settings = open_runtime_settings(profile_name)
         settings.setValue("test", "value")
         settings.sync()
         assert not is_profile_read_only(profile_name)
 
         # Verify a bundled module profile is detected as read-only
-        readonly_name = module_profile_factory("module_default")
+        readonly_name = module_profile_factory("module_baseline")
         assert is_profile_read_only(readonly_name)
 
     def test_write_and_read_manifest(self, temp_profile_dir, advanced_dock_area, qtbot):
         """Test writing and reading dock manifest."""
-        settings = open_user_settings("test_manifest")
+        settings = open_runtime_settings("test_manifest")
 
         # Create real docks
-        advanced_dock_area.new("DarkModeButton")
-        advanced_dock_area.new("DarkModeButton")
-        advanced_dock_area.new("DarkModeButton")
+        advanced_dock_area.new("RingProgressBar")
+        advanced_dock_area.new("RingProgressBar")
+        advanced_dock_area.new("RingProgressBar")
 
         # Wait for docks to be created
         qtbot.wait(1000)
@@ -1723,18 +1787,18 @@ class TestProfileManagement:
     def test_restore_preserves_quick_select(self, temp_profile_dir):
         """Ensure restoring keeps the quick select flag when it was enabled."""
         profile_name = "restorable_profile"
-        default_settings = open_default_settings(profile_name)
-        default_settings.setValue("test", "default")
-        default_settings.sync()
+        baseline_settings = open_baseline_settings(profile_name)
+        baseline_settings.setValue("test", "baseline")
+        baseline_settings.sync()
 
-        user_settings = open_user_settings(profile_name)
-        user_settings.setValue("test", "user")
-        user_settings.sync()
+        runtime_settings = open_runtime_settings(profile_name)
+        runtime_settings.setValue("test", "runtime")
+        runtime_settings.sync()
 
         set_quick_select(profile_name, True)
         assert is_quick_select(profile_name)
 
-        restore_user_from_default(profile_name)
+        restore_runtime_from_baseline(profile_name)
 
         assert is_quick_select(profile_name)
 
@@ -1758,7 +1822,7 @@ class TestWorkspaceProfileOperations:
             widget.prepare_for_shutdown()
         mock_write.assert_not_called()
 
-        helper.open_user("real_profile").sync()
+        helper.open_runtime("real_profile").sync()
         widget.load_profile("real_profile")
         assert widget._empty_profile_active is False
         assert widget._empty_profile_consumed is True
@@ -1772,7 +1836,7 @@ class TestWorkspaceProfileOperations:
         profile_name = module_profile_factory("readonly_profile")
         new_profile = f"{profile_name}_custom"
         helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
-        target_path = helper.user_path(new_profile)
+        target_path = helper.runtime_path(new_profile)
         if os.path.exists(target_path):
             os.remove(target_path)
 
@@ -1802,11 +1866,11 @@ class TestWorkspaceProfileOperations:
         helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
 
         # Create a profile with manifest
-        settings = helper.open_user(profile_name)
+        settings = helper.open_runtime(profile_name)
         settings.beginWriteArray("manifest/widgets", 1)
         settings.setArrayIndex(0)
         settings.setValue("object_name", "test_widget")
-        settings.setValue("widget_class", "DarkModeButton")
+        settings.setValue("widget_class", "RingProgressBar")
         settings.setValue("closable", True)
         settings.setValue("floatable", True)
         settings.setValue("movable", True)
@@ -1823,6 +1887,83 @@ class TestWorkspaceProfileOperations:
         widget_map = advanced_dock_area.widget_map()
         assert "test_widget" in widget_map
 
+    def test_load_profile_default_does_not_restore_baseline(self, advanced_dock_area):
+        """Regular profile loading should not restore the runtime copy."""
+        profile_name = "load_without_baseline_restore"
+        helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
+        helper.open_runtime(profile_name).sync()
+
+        with patch(
+            "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.restore_runtime_from_baseline"
+        ) as mock_restore:
+            advanced_dock_area.load_profile(profile_name)
+
+        mock_restore.assert_not_called()
+        assert advanced_dock_area._current_profile_name == profile_name
+
+    def test_load_profile_restores_baseline_without_dialog(self, advanced_dock_area):
+        """CLI loading can restore the runtime copy from baseline without confirmation."""
+        profile_name = "alignment_scan"
+        helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
+        helper.open_baseline(profile_name).sync()
+        helper.open_runtime(profile_name).sync()
+
+        with (
+            patch(
+                "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.RestoreProfileDialog.confirm"
+            ) as mock_confirm,
+            patch(
+                "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.restore_runtime_from_baseline"
+            ) as mock_restore,
+        ):
+            advanced_dock_area.load_profile(profile_name, restore_baseline=True)
+
+        mock_confirm.assert_not_called()
+        mock_restore.assert_called_once_with(
+            profile_name, namespace=advanced_dock_area.profile_namespace
+        )
+        assert advanced_dock_area._current_profile_name == profile_name
+
+    def test_load_profile_materializes_runtime_namespace_fallback(self, advanced_dock_area):
+        """Loading a runtime fallback copies it into the active namespace before opening."""
+        profile_name = "load_runtime_namespace_fallback"
+        helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
+        fallback_settings = open_runtime_settings(profile_name)
+        fallback_settings.setValue("test/value", "fallback")
+        fallback_settings.sync()
+
+        namespaced_path = helper.runtime_path(profile_name)
+        assert not os.path.exists(namespaced_path)
+
+        advanced_dock_area.load_profile(profile_name)
+
+        assert os.path.exists(namespaced_path)
+        assert (
+            QSettings(namespaced_path, QSettings.IniFormat).value("test/value", "", type=str)
+            == "fallback"
+        )
+        assert advanced_dock_area._current_profile_name == profile_name
+
+    def test_load_profile_materializes_baseline_namespace_fallback(self, advanced_dock_area):
+        """Loading a baseline fallback copies it into the active namespace before opening."""
+        profile_name = "load_baseline_namespace_fallback"
+        helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
+        fallback_settings = open_baseline_settings(profile_name)
+        fallback_settings.setValue("test/value", "fallback")
+        fallback_settings.sync()
+
+        namespaced_path = helper.baseline_path(profile_name)
+        assert not os.path.exists(namespaced_path)
+
+        advanced_dock_area.load_profile(profile_name)
+
+        assert os.path.exists(namespaced_path)
+        assert (
+            QSettings(namespaced_path, QSettings.IniFormat).value("test/value", "", type=str)
+            == "fallback"
+        )
+        assert advanced_dock_area._current_profile_name == profile_name
+
     def test_save_as_skips_autosave_source_profile(
         self, advanced_dock_area, temp_profile_dir, qtbot
     ):
@@ -1831,11 +1972,11 @@ class TestWorkspaceProfileOperations:
         new_profile = "autosave_new"
         helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
 
-        settings = helper.open_user(source_profile)
+        settings = helper.open_runtime(source_profile)
         settings.beginWriteArray("manifest/widgets", 1)
         settings.setArrayIndex(0)
         settings.setValue("object_name", "source_widget")
-        settings.setValue("widget_class", "DarkModeButton")
+        settings.setValue("widget_class", "RingProgressBar")
         settings.setValue("closable", True)
         settings.setValue("floatable", True)
         settings.setValue("movable", True)
@@ -1844,7 +1985,7 @@ class TestWorkspaceProfileOperations:
 
         advanced_dock_area.load_profile(source_profile)
         qtbot.wait(500)
-        advanced_dock_area.new("DarkModeButton")
+        advanced_dock_area.new("RingProgressBar")
         qtbot.wait(500)
 
         class StubDialog:
@@ -1871,8 +2012,8 @@ class TestWorkspaceProfileOperations:
 
         qtbot.wait(500)
         assert list(advanced_dock_area.widget_list()) == widgets_before_save
-        source_manifest = read_manifest(helper.open_user(source_profile))
-        new_manifest = read_manifest(helper.open_user(new_profile))
+        source_manifest = read_manifest(helper.open_runtime(source_profile))
+        new_manifest = read_manifest(helper.open_runtime(new_profile))
 
         assert len(source_manifest) == 1
         assert len(new_manifest) == 2
@@ -1884,11 +2025,11 @@ class TestWorkspaceProfileOperations:
         helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
 
         for profile in (profile_a, profile_b):
-            settings = helper.open_user(profile)
+            settings = helper.open_runtime(profile)
             settings.beginWriteArray("manifest/widgets", 1)
             settings.setArrayIndex(0)
             settings.setValue("object_name", f"{profile}_widget")
-            settings.setValue("widget_class", "DarkModeButton")
+            settings.setValue("widget_class", "RingProgressBar")
             settings.setValue("closable", True)
             settings.setValue("floatable", True)
             settings.setValue("movable", True)
@@ -1897,13 +2038,13 @@ class TestWorkspaceProfileOperations:
 
         advanced_dock_area.load_profile(profile_a)
         qtbot.wait(500)
-        advanced_dock_area.new("DarkModeButton")
+        advanced_dock_area.new("RingProgressBar")
         qtbot.wait(500)
 
         advanced_dock_area.load_profile(profile_b)
         qtbot.wait(500)
 
-        manifest_a = read_manifest(helper.open_user(profile_a))
+        manifest_a = read_manifest(helper.open_runtime(profile_a))
         assert len(manifest_a) == 2
 
     def test_delete_profile_readonly(
@@ -1912,15 +2053,15 @@ class TestWorkspaceProfileOperations:
         """Test deleting bundled profile removes only the writable copy."""
         profile_name = module_profile_factory("readonly_profile")
         helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
-        helper.list_profiles()  # ensure default and user copies are materialized
-        helper.open_default(profile_name).sync()
-        settings = helper.open_user(profile_name)
+        helper.list_profiles()  # ensure baseline and runtime copies are materialized
+        helper.open_baseline(profile_name).sync()
+        settings = helper.open_runtime(profile_name)
         settings.setValue("test", "value")
         settings.sync()
-        user_path = helper.user_path(profile_name)
-        default_path = helper.default_path(profile_name)
-        assert os.path.exists(user_path)
-        assert os.path.exists(default_path)
+        runtime_path = helper.runtime_path(profile_name)
+        baseline_path = helper.baseline_path(profile_name)
+        assert os.path.exists(runtime_path)
+        assert os.path.exists(baseline_path)
 
         with patch.object(advanced_dock_area.toolbar.components, "get_action") as mock_get_action:
             mock_combo = MagicMock()
@@ -1941,9 +2082,9 @@ class TestWorkspaceProfileOperations:
 
                 mock_question.assert_not_called()
                 mock_info.assert_called_once()
-                # Read-only profile should remain intact (user + default copies)
-                assert os.path.exists(user_path)
-                assert os.path.exists(default_path)
+                # Read-only profile should remain intact (runtime + baseline copies)
+                assert os.path.exists(runtime_path)
+                assert os.path.exists(baseline_path)
 
     def test_delete_profile_success(self, advanced_dock_area, temp_profile_dir):
         """Test successful profile deletion."""
@@ -1951,11 +2092,11 @@ class TestWorkspaceProfileOperations:
         helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
 
         # Create regular profile
-        settings = helper.open_user(profile_name)
+        settings = helper.open_runtime(profile_name)
         settings.setValue("test", "value")
         settings.sync()
-        user_path = helper.user_path(profile_name)
-        assert os.path.exists(user_path)
+        runtime_path = helper.runtime_path(profile_name)
+        assert os.path.exists(runtime_path)
 
         with patch.object(advanced_dock_area.toolbar.components, "get_action") as mock_get_action:
             mock_combo = MagicMock()
@@ -1973,7 +2114,7 @@ class TestWorkspaceProfileOperations:
                     mock_question.assert_called_once()
                     mock_refresh.assert_called_once()
                     # Profile should be deleted
-                    assert not os.path.exists(user_path)
+                    assert not os.path.exists(runtime_path)
 
     def test_delete_profile_cli_usage(self, advanced_dock_area, temp_profile_dir):
         """Test delete_profile with explicit name (CLI usage - no dialog by default)."""
@@ -1981,24 +2122,24 @@ class TestWorkspaceProfileOperations:
         helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
 
         # Create regular profile
-        settings = helper.open_user(profile_name)
+        settings = helper.open_runtime(profile_name)
         settings.setValue("test", "value")
         settings.sync()
-        user_path = helper.user_path(profile_name)
-        assert os.path.exists(user_path)
+        runtime_path = helper.runtime_path(profile_name)
+        assert os.path.exists(runtime_path)
 
         # Delete without dialog (CLI usage - default behavior)
         result = advanced_dock_area.delete_profile(profile_name)
 
         assert result is True
-        assert not os.path.exists(user_path)
+        assert not os.path.exists(runtime_path)
 
     def test_refresh_workspace_list(self, advanced_dock_area, temp_profile_dir):
         """Test refreshing workspace list."""
         # Create some profiles
         helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
         for name in ["profile1", "profile2"]:
-            settings = helper.open_user(name)
+            settings = helper.open_runtime(name)
             settings.setValue("test", "value")
             settings.sync()
 
@@ -2038,20 +2179,6 @@ class TestCleanupAndMisc:
         # Verify dock was removed
         assert len(advanced_dock_area.dock_list()) == initial_count - 1
 
-    def test_apply_dock_lock(self, advanced_dock_area, qtbot):
-        """Test _apply_dock_lock functionality."""
-        # Create a dock first
-        advanced_dock_area.new("DarkModeButton")
-        qtbot.wait(200)
-
-        # Test locking
-        advanced_dock_area._apply_dock_lock(True)
-        # No assertion needed - just verify it doesn't crash
-
-        # Test unlocking
-        advanced_dock_area._apply_dock_lock(False)
-        # No assertion needed - just verify it doesn't crash
-
     def test_make_dock(self, advanced_dock_area):
         """Test _make_dock functionality."""
         from bec_widgets.widgets.utility.visual.dark_mode_button.dark_mode_button import (
@@ -2341,8 +2468,8 @@ class TestModeTransitions:
     def test_mode_switching_preserves_existing_docks(self, advanced_dock_area, qtbot):
         """Test that mode switching doesn't affect existing docked widgets."""
         # Create some widgets
-        advanced_dock_area.new("DarkModeButton")
-        advanced_dock_area.new("DarkModeButton")
+        advanced_dock_area.new("RingProgressBar")
+        advanced_dock_area.new("RingProgressBar")
         qtbot.wait(200)
 
         initial_dock_count = len(advanced_dock_area.dock_list())

tests/unit_tests/test_generate_cli_client.py

@@ -5,7 +5,8 @@ import black
 import isort
 import pytest
 
-from bec_widgets.utils.generate_cli import ClientGenerator
+from bec_widgets.utils.generate_cli import ClientGenerator, write_designer_plugins
+from bec_widgets.utils.generate_designer_plugin import DesignerPluginInfo
 from bec_widgets.utils.plugin_utils import BECClassContainer, BECClassInfo
 
 # pylint: disable=missing-function-docstring
@@ -59,6 +60,14 @@ class MockViewWithContent:
         """Activate view."""
 
 
+class MockDesignerWidgetBase:
+    ICON_NAME = "mock_icon"
+
+
+class MockDesignerWidget(MockDesignerWidgetBase):
+    pass
+
+
 def test_client_generator_with_black_formatting():
     generator = ClientGenerator(base=True)
     container = BECClassContainer()
@@ -285,3 +294,18 @@ c = a + b"""
         content = file.read()
 
     assert corrected in content
+
+
+def test_write_designer_plugins(tmp_path):
+    file_name = tmp_path / "designer_plugins.py"
+
+    write_designer_plugins([DesignerPluginInfo(MockDesignerWidget)], str(file_name))
+
+    with open(file_name, "r", encoding="utf-8") as file:
+        content = file.read()
+
+    assert '"MockDesignerWidget":' in content
+    assert '"tests.unit_tests.test_generate_cli_client"' in content
+    assert '"MockDesignerWidget"' in content
+    assert '"MockDesignerWidget": "mock_icon"' in content
+    assert "MockDesignerWidgetPlugin" not in content

tests/unit_tests/test_rpc_widget_handler.py

@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 from unittest.mock import patch
 
-from bec_widgets.utils.bec_widget import BECWidget
-from bec_widgets.utils.plugin_utils import BECClassContainer, BECClassInfo
+from bec_widgets.utils import plugin_utils
 from bec_widgets.utils.rpc_widget_handler import RPCWidgetHandler
 
 
@@ -10,21 +9,22 @@ def test_rpc_widget_handler():
     assert "Image" in handler.widget_classes
     assert "RingProgressBar" in handler.widget_classes
     assert "BECDockArea" in handler.widget_classes
-
-
-class _TestPluginWidget(BECWidget): ...
+    assert isinstance(handler.widget_classes["Image"], tuple)
 
 
 @patch(
-    "bec_widgets.utils.rpc_widget_handler.get_all_plugin_widgets",
-    return_value=BECClassContainer(
-        [
-            BECClassInfo(name="DeviceComboBox", obj=_TestPluginWidget, module="", file=""),
-            BECClassInfo(name="NewPluginWidget", obj=_TestPluginWidget, module="", file=""),
-        ]
-    ),
+    "bec_widgets.utils.bec_plugin_helper.get_plugin_rpc_widget_registry",
+    return_value={
+        "Image": ("plugin.module", "PluginImage"),
+        "NewPluginWidget": ("plugin.module", "NewPluginWidget"),
+    },
 )
 def test_duplicate_plugins_not_allowed(_):
-    handler = RPCWidgetHandler()
-    assert handler.widget_classes["DeviceComboBox"] is not _TestPluginWidget
-    assert handler.widget_classes["NewPluginWidget"] is _TestPluginWidget
+    plugin_utils.rpc_widget_registry.cache_clear()
+
+    try:
+        handler = RPCWidgetHandler()
+        assert handler.widget_classes["Image"] != ("plugin.module", "PluginImage")
+        assert handler.widget_classes["NewPluginWidget"] == ("plugin.module", "NewPluginWidget")
+    finally:
+        plugin_utils.rpc_widget_registry.cache_clear()