Layout Patterns
Five archetypes for creating aesthetic, personality-driven layouts. Choose one pattern and follow its principles for a cohesive design.
Hero Element
One dominant element (visualizer or massive knob) defines the plugin’s identity. Everything else supports it.
Principles
- Hero element takes 40-60% of visual space
- 3-5 supporting controls maximum
- Hero is usually centered or slightly off-center
- Supporting controls are smaller, placed around edges
Best For
- Filter plugins
- Creative effects
- Lo-fi plugins
- Pitch/modulation effects
Example Structure
┌─────────────────────────────┐
│ PLUGIN NAME │
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────┐ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ BIG HERO │ │
│ │ VISUALIZER │ │
│ │ │ │
│ └─────────────────┘ │
│ │
│ [knob] [knob] [knob] │
└─────────────────────────────┘
Asymmetric
Deliberately unbalanced layout creates visual interest and guides the eye.
Principles
- Group controls in clusters of 2-3
- Leave intentional empty space
- Title can be in corner, not centered
- Different knob sizes create hierarchy
Best For
- Creative effects
- Multi-FX
- Modulation plugins
Example Structure
┌─────────────────────────────┐
│ PLUGIN │
│ │
│ [LARGE] │
│ [knob] ┌────────┐ │
│ │ viz │ │
│ [sm] [sm] └────────┘ │
│ │
│ [med] [med] │
└─────────────────────────────┘
Minimal
Maximum impact with minimum controls. Every element earns its place.
Principles
- 3-6 controls total
- Generous white space (40%+ empty)
- Large, confident typography for plugin name
- One visualizer OR one hero control, not both
Best For
- Utility plugins
- Filter plugins
- Simple compressors
- Lo-fi effects
Example Structure
┌─────────────────────────────┐
│ │
│ CRUSH │
│ │
│ [ ] [ ] │
│ AMOUNT TONE │
│ │
│ [ ] [ ] │
│ MIX ON │
│ │
└─────────────────────────────┘
Immersive
Visualizer dominates, controls are secondary. The shader IS the interface.
Principles
- Visualizer covers 60-80% of faceplate
- Controls float at edges or overlay the visualizer
- Use creative visualizers (plasma, blob, fractal, radial)
- Minimal labeling - let the visual speak
Best For
- Creative effects
- Reverb plugins
- Delay plugins
- Synth modules
Example Structure
┌─────────────────────────────┐
│ ┌─────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ FULL VISUALIZER │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ │ │
│ └─────────────────────────┘ │
│ [knob] [knob] [knob] [tog] │
└─────────────────────────────┘
Clustered
Related controls grouped together in distinct zones without formal sections.
Principles
- 2-3 visual clusters
- No section borders - proximity creates grouping
- Each cluster has one “lead” control (larger)
- Visualizer can be its own cluster
Best For
- Amp simulators
- Distortion plugins
- Multi-FX
- Channel strips
Example Structure
┌─────────────────────────────┐
│ AMP NAME │
│ │
│ [GAIN] [MASTER] │
│ [sm][sm] [viz] [sm][sm] │
│ │
│ INPUT EQ OUTPUT │
└─────────────────────────────┘
Choosing a Pattern
| Plugin Type | Recommended Pattern |
|---|---|
| Utility | Minimal |
| EQ | Clustered or Minimal |
| Compressor | Minimal or Clustered |
| Distortion | Clustered or Hero |
| Amp Sim | Clustered |
| Delay | Immersive or Hero |
| Reverb | Immersive or Hero |
| Modulation | Hero or Asymmetric |
| Lo-Fi | Hero or Minimal |
| Creative | Immersive or Asymmetric |
Tips
Don’t Mix Patterns
Pick one pattern and commit. Mixing creates visual confusion.
Start with Content
- List the controls you need
- Identify the most important one
- Choose a pattern that fits
- Size faceplate to content
Break Rules Intentionally
Once you understand the patterns, you can break them for effect. But know the rules first.