KUIML - GUI language in Plug'n Script
If you're looking to create custom GUIs in Plug'n Script, learning KUIML is a must. It’s a fun, though sometimes tricky, language that opens up a lot of possibilities.
Developed by Blue Cat Audio, KUIML is an XML-based language, making it feel familiar to anyone with web development experience. Since its initial release in 2006, KUIML has evolved significantly. As of mid-2025, version 2.7.4 is available, and each update has brought new features in step with Blue Cat’s plugin releases.
Despite some limitations, KUIML offers many advantages:
- Cross-platform support for Windows and macOS
- Faster and more enjoyable development compared to raw C++
- Dynamic layout engine: supports resizing, drag-and-drop, adding/removing elements, etc.
- Flexible UI design with multi-layered layout capabilities
- Built-in components like knobs, sliders, meters, switches, and popup menus. Use factory graphics or import your own
- Support for persistent parameters, preset management, undo/redo, scaling, SVG, CANVAS drawing, basic OpenGL rendering, and much more
- Active developer support through the Blue Cat Audio forum
- And it keeps improving with each new release
But there are some drawbacks:
- Exported GUI XML files can be viewed and edited by users
- Some KUIML parameters are not changeable on-the-fly. Scripts in GUI cannot access some attributes.
- You can’t extend it with custom C++ code if a feature is missing. Though you can create custom elements with what is already there.
- (yet) Lack of examples and not very big community of users.
AngelScript
With help of AngelScript, which is used a scripting addon for KUIML (since version 2), you can modify skin "on the fly", load and save files, read keyboard and mouse, use drawing API (based on Cairo), and do much much more.
Manual
The official KUIML manual is available on the Blue Cat Audio site.
However, we hope our upcoming tutorial will give you some great examples on how modern KUIML works and how you can make very complex and good looking interfaces with it.
So, join our Facebook Group and stay tuned.
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