Design Guide
Create distinctive, professional faceplates that stand out from generic plugin UIs. This guide covers layout patterns, color theory, control naming, and common mistakes to avoid.
Design Principles
1. Personality Over Function
Your plugin’s appearance should reflect its sonic character, not just its technical function. A warm vintage compressor shouldn’t look like a clinical utility.
2. Less is More
Fewer controls = more impact. Every element should earn its place. Ask: “Does this need to be here?“
3. Visual Hierarchy
Size and position communicate importance:
- Largest = most important
- Center = primary focus
- Edges = secondary controls
4. Consistency
Pick a style and stick with it:
- Same knob style throughout
- Consistent label formatting
- Unified color palette
Guides
Layout Patterns
Five archetypes for creating aesthetic, personality-driven layouts:
- Hero Element
- Asymmetric
- Minimal
- Immersive
- Clustered
Choosing Visualizers
How to select the right visualizer based on plugin personality, not just function.
Control Naming
Give your controls evocative names that make users want to turn the knob.
Color Theory
Color principles for controls and visualizers.
Anti-Patterns
Common mistakes that make plugins look generic. Avoid these.
Quick Reference
Widget Sizes (Grid Units)
| Widget | Small | Medium | Large |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knob | 2×2 | 3×3 | 4×4 |
| Slider (V) | 1.5×6 | 2×8 | - |
| Toggle | 1.5×1.5 | 2×1 | 2×2 |
| Visualizer | 4×3 | 6×4 | 9×5 |
Padding Constants
| Area | Grid Units |
|---|---|
| Faceplate edge | 1 |
| Section inner | 1 |
| Section label height | 1.5 |
| Widget gap | 0.5 |
| Widget to section edge | 1 |
Aspect Ratios
| Control Count | Typical Size | Aspect |
|---|---|---|
| 3-4 minimal | 260-340 × 300-380 | Square-ish |
| 5-7 standard | 340-480 × 320-420 | Varies |
| 8-10 complex | 420-560 × 380-480 | Wider |
| Immersive | 400-520 × 280-360 | Wide |
Design Process
- Start with function - What does the plugin do?
- Define personality - Warm? Aggressive? Clean? Vintage?
- Choose layout pattern - Hero, minimal, asymmetric, etc.
- Select widgets - Knobs, sliders, visualizer
- Apply colors - Match personality
- Name controls - Evocative, not technical
- Review - Does it feel right?
Checklist
Before finalizing your design:
- Does the design match the plugin’s sonic character?
- Is there clear visual hierarchy?
- Are controls sized appropriately?
- Is spacing consistent?
- Do control names evoke feeling?
- Does the visualizer serve a purpose?
- Would you recognize this plugin from its silhouette?