Tag: Updates

AVStudio HTML5 GUI Editor Updates Version 3.4.0 | New features for Crestron Control System GUIs

At AVgator Inc., we are committed to evolving our AVStudio HTML5 GUI Editor to empower system integrators with faster, smarter, and more flexible tools. Our recent updates — versions 3.4.0 through 3.4.2 — bring exciting new features and capabilities that help Crestron HTML5 GUI developers deliver exceptional, customized control system user interfaces.

Premium Widgets for a One-Click Integration

NEW

With version 3.4.0, we launched the Autonomic Premium Widget — AVStudio’s first widget designed for one-click integration within your Control System Custom GUI project.

This new AVStudio HTML5 GUI Editor feature is developed to accelerate your Crestron Control System GUI design. Simply drag and drop the widget, enter the IP address, and you instantly get a sleek, fully responsive media player interface ready to use. No complicated setup — just rapid deployment that saves time and impresses clients.

Key features include:

• Only the IP field is required to get started
• Fully responsive design that fits any space
• Comprehensive support for the Autonomic API:
  • Full transport control (Play, Pause, Skip, etc.)
  • Real-time metadata display (album art, track info, artist name)
  • Volume control
  • Player selection
  • Seamless integration with Crestron, Global Caché, and other AV control systems

This launch marks the start of our vision to develop a diverse portfolio of premium widgets supporting one-click integration with multiple hardware and software platforms. These widgets will be tailored for residential, corporate, hospitality, and education use cases.

We are committed to making AVStudio the go-to Crestron HTML5 GUI Editor for seamless, drag-and-drop integrations across all environments.

Web Connectors to add IP-controlled devices

NEW

In addition to the existing Crestron Connectors, which enable fast development and testing of Crestron HTML5 GUIs within AVStudio, this new release introduces new Web Connectors. These empower you to integrate and control a wide range of other IP-based devices and control systems within the AVStudio HTML5 GUI Editor.

Managing HTTP resources in your AVStudio GUI projects is now easier with the new Web Connectors feature. Accessible from your project’s global settings, Web Connectors let you centrally store and manage data properties used across your HTTP actions, making edits faster and your Custom GUI Editor projects more consistent.

The New Web Connectors feature extends your GUI project capabilities far beyond standard Crestron hardware and makes AVStudio the go-to GUI Editor for system integrators working across AMX, Control4, Extron, Global Cache, and other various control systems and devices.

WebSocket connectors are currently under development and will soon complement the existing Web Connectors. This new functionality will enhance the handling of real-time data streams and support remote data sources, expanding your options for dynamic and responsive integrations in future AVstudio updates.

Redesigned Manage Actions Layout

NEW

To streamline your workflow, we redesigned the Manage Actions interface in the HTML5 GUI Editor to occupy almost the full screen and group actions thematically. This reorganization helps you quickly find and manage the actions you need, keeping your focus on building powerful GUIs without unnecessary distractions.

Workflow Improvements

BUGFIX

Between updates 3.4.1 and 3.4.2, we delivered key fixes and enhancements to make your control system GUI design experience within AVStudio more stable and smooth:

• Fixed issues with attaching dynamic page names in route actions
• Improved stability of routing-back operations
• Introduced the new Editor Connection Manager for better connection handling inside the editor
• Several minor improvements and bug fixes for overall performance

Fixed issues with attaching dynamic page names in route actions

Improved stability of routing-back operations

Introduced the new Editor Connection Manager for better connection handling inside the editor

Several minor improvements and bug fixes for overall performance

Explore these new features and enhancements in the AVstudio HTML5 GUI Editor for your projects completely free and accessible anytime at avstudio.app. Registration is quick and simple, so you can start building without delay.

Interested in early access to new features, direct communication with our developers, and opportunities to influence the future of Control System GUI design? Join our growing community of beta testers! Apply now to become a beta tester or contact us directly to learn more.

We are excited to introduce the latest updates in AVstudio, bringing you new features and improvements that will enhance your design experience. This version includes community templates, new design options like Shadow and Reflect, support for custom fonts, and various usability enhancements such as better hotkeys and the ability to switch between element modes by name. Additionally, performance optimizations and bug fixes ensure a smoother workflow. These updates are designed to provide you with more creative options and streamline your projects.

Community templates

 NEW

The first free community template is available in AVstudio. Feel free to clone these projects and reuse or modify them any way you want.

We plan to regularly add new templates, so stay in touch to not miss new stunning, free-to-use AV GUI templates!

Community templates

Try it yourself by following the link!

Design option: Shadow

 NEW

Shadow introduces a subtle, elevated look to your elements, creating a sense of depth. This design option enhances visual hierarchy and can make your elements stand out more effectively.

Design option: Reflect

 NEW

Reflect allows you to create mirrored versions of your elements with just a few clicks. This can be particularly useful for design symmetry and creating visually balanced layouts.

Custom Fonts

 NEW

Upload and use beautiful custom fonts everywhere you need to impress your customers!

Fonts can be attached from element settings or by using custom project CSS.

Switch between element mode by name

 UPDATE

You can now switch between element modes by using their names directly, making the design process more intuitive and streamlined.

Better Hotkeys

 UPDATE

Add hotkeys for quick copy/paste of elements. This works even between projects, but for now, it does not include associated data like datasets, attached functions, nested subpages, etc. Deep copy will be available later.

Current available hotkeys are:

ctrl/cmd + shift + z (redo)

ctrl/cmd + c (copy)

ctrl/cmd + v (paste)

ctrl/cmd + s (save)

ctrl/cmd + z (undo)

Double click to edit text fast

 NEW

You can double-click on text and button elements to open a text editor modal.

Override global project theme vars

 NEW

Take control of project variables such as colors, backgrounds, and more. In the near future, the list of available overrides will be expanded.

Functions: AVgator® project methods info

 UPDATE

You can now access a variety of built-in functions directly through the Window object. These include methods for data manipulation, element control, sending and listening to events, page flips, and more.

Large list loading optimization

 UPDATE

Now you can easily handle a large number of elements on one page without any performance issues.

Added keypad design options for colors, backgrounds and gaps

 UPDATE

Keypad design options have become more flexible.

Post-processing functions

 NEW

Post-processing functions let you apply effects and modifications to element values to alter the result. For example, based on a signal or string variable’s value, you can calculate and return the proper element’s mode index (or name) using some logic.

Image Sizing

BUGFIX

There were sizing issues with image elements and inside elements where images were used (such as in the shades widget). Sometimes, images were larger than expected and did not fit the container. This issue has been fixed.

Element modes

 NEW

We have added the capability to create mods for elements (all of them!). This allows for significant alteration of both the appearance and actions of the element depending on dynamic data. This functionality extends to page lists as well: you can easily modify the structure of the list with just a few clicks.

Mode creation dialog

Media upload: support for .svg (color inheritance included) and .webp

 NEW

We have implemented the ability to upload images in the webp format. Additionally, you now have the unique opportunity to upload images in the .svg format. It is important to understand that an SVG image containing ‘currentColor’ as a color indication will adopt the element’s color settings—this is particularly convenient for creating unique icons.

Extended media upload box

We recommend to use this icons: Open Source Icon Sets – Iconify

Use any .svg image as icon. Animated .svg also supported.

Granural Padding & Border Radius Control

 NEW

It has become convenient to set different value for different sides. Feel free to utilize this feature!

Advanced border radius control

Extended Background Size & Position

 NEW

Now you have more control over the background at the page, project, and other supported element. You can now specify sizes and positions as well.

Background Image for Containers

 NEW

The ability to specify a background for the container is now available. Control for position, opacity, size, blur included!

Containers with custom background Images

Border Radius for Containers

 NEW

Utilize border radius directives for the container to enhance the appearance of your project.

Container border radius

Text Wrap Behavior for Button & Text Elements

 NEW

Working with long text has become more convenient. Later we will add convenient tools for automatic truncation of long text.

Control over text wrap

Global Override Theme Design Settings

 NEW

We have moved global project background settings into a separate category in the menu. Additionally, in this menu item you now have the option to specify custom settings for the main colors used. In the future we plan to significantly extend control over the appearance at a global level and allow users to create and share their own design/color themes.

Override global theme color/background settings

Blur Content behind Subpage or Container

 NEW

At the container and subPage level, it is now possible to control the degree of blurring of elements/content beneath them. This is very convenient for highlighting, creating visually appealing effects and improving the readability of your interface.

Background blur effect

Containers are sortable again!

NEW

New Function Creation Modal

NEW

A new editor has been designed for creating functions. Writing and testing functions has become much more convenient. Additionally, integrated documentation with all available global data and variables for use will be added to this modal soon.

New Function Creation Modal

New DateTime Widget

NEW

We have added a DateTime widget for convenient and fast visualization of the current time and date with detailed formatting options and the ability to specify time zones.

DateTime widget

Precache External Images

 NEW

If your project extensively uses images from external sources you can now cache them in advance so that users will see them instantly when using your GUI.

Add datasource with urls array should be precached

Image Lazy Load Option

NEW

Using this option will allow you to defer the immediate loading of heavy images and improve the user experience.

Image lazy loading

Shades Control Widget Improved

 NEW

Advanced settings and bug fixes have been implemented for the shades control widget. You can now configure the curtain style in more detail. Additionally, users can adjust the degree of opening and closing by directly dragging the curtain fabric.

Added support for dynamic classnames

 NEW

We have added the ability to assign dynamic CSS classes to any element on your page. This allows you to change the appearance of elements using not only built-in settings but also custom CSS styles.

You can assign as many classes as you want separated by a space.

Dynamic CSS classnames for any element

Environments

 NEW

We are pleased to introduce our new feature, Environments. Now, each project can have multiple environments, each storing specific settings that can be used in various scenarios. For example, different connection settings to the processor that you can use at your workplace as well as for final testing on the client’s hardware. It’s easy to switch between environments both during interface creation and when selecting them for building. When changing the active environment in the page editor, the live preview instantly applies all the current settings you have selected.

Crestron processor auth token support

 NEW

We have implemented support for authorization tokens for connecting to processors. This allows us to avoid redirects during authentication.

Variables Side Effects

 NEW

Now you have the ability to react to changes in variable values. In the event of a variable change, you can create as many actions as needed. This can include actions to send any type of signal, assign a variable, change a page, or anything else necessary to implement your scenario.

Updated variables table

Variables side effects form

Dynamic subpage inside overlay

 NEW

Now, when opening the overlay you can specify the page that should appear in it dynamically. This allows us to implement various interface logic within a single element as part of an action.

Call overlay by subpage name

Video element updated: new options and HLS support

 NEW

The video element has been significantly enhanced. It now includes extended settings for controlling the display of player interface elements as well as support for the new format: HLS.

Updated video element

New action type: Run Function

 NEW

We have introduced the ability to create an action that allows you to execute any JavaScript function you have previously created. This action can be applied to any element.

Function runner

Bugfix & Small improvements

 UPDATE   BUGFIX

• Better behavior for text input element, slider, circle slider, toggle, checkbox, switch.
• Fix Button element pressed state styles
• Update fullscreen editors (html block, css)
• Back routing doesn’t trigger action if actually no back page exist
• Click on image allow open overlay
• Better webxpanel initialization method, webxpanel updated to latest version
• Fix bugs on touch click events
• Fix bugs when sometimes overlay cannot be closed
• Stop execute actions from list elements while it scrolling
• Edit action form bug with representing wrong initial data
• Click event may triggered twice on iOS – fixed
• Fix project clone process
• Improve page/subpage search
• Improve subpage search whet setting up a route action
• Live session isolation: one per login instance
• Fixed unresponsive field while editing assigned dataset
• Fixed: Color field doesn’t show current color value (text element for example)
• Fixed: Dpad keep working when disabled
• Fixed: Circle slider send wrong value when ends with zero and using fraction
• Add project clone progress indicator

New Element: Text Input

 NEW

A new widget for controlling shades with rich appearance and display settings.

Shades control

HTML block element

 NEW

A new element has been introduced allowing you to embed HTML code, including tags, styles, and scripts. For example, in about 30 seconds, you can insert a fully functional web widget for weather, and it will work seamlessly and display on your page.

More control over the management of pages and subpages

 NEW

Fast filtering as well as mutual mapping of utilized pages and subpages, allows for quick orientation and navigating to edit relevant components, understanding their hierarchy.

Pages & Subpages interface updated

Extend dynamic support

 NEW

We’ve introduced dynamic support for color settings across almost all elements. Additionally, the image source specification is now entirely dynamic—you can use both URLs and dynamically reference images previously loaded into the library, including the use of variables and/or a datasource.

Video element

 NEW

A video element has been added. Currently, it’s the most basic implementation; later, we’ll update the list of supported properties and display settings for this element.

Actions updates: OnChange, Page Actions, new properties

 NEW

Actions for pages (and subpages) have been added, which can be triggered upon the loading or unloading of a page (subpage).

For all types of events, you can now set a delay in the action execution.

For elements that imply a change in the value of something (such as sliders, checkboxes, inputs, etc.), onChange actions are available. These actions allow you to trigger any events before or after the value changes, as well as directly manipulate the changing value.

For the digital type action, numerous new options have been added for working with the sent value: momentaries and toggles are now available. Additionally, for the Pulse value type you can configure the delay for value transitions.

Image as Icon

 NEW

In all elements where there is an icon specification (for example, a button), you can attach not only an icon available in one of the preinstalled libraries but also use any image. Moreover, this image can be loaded either from the library or dynamically.

Overlay: Any Click to Close

 NEW

An important option has been added for overlay control: the ability to close the overlay by clicking anywhere on the screen. This is useful for implementing informational pop-ups that do not require user interaction.

CSS & Code Editors updates

 NEW

We have reformatted the appearance and display settings for code editors used for writing CSS and HTML block code. You can relocate the code edit and also expand it to full screen.

Bugfix & Small improvements

 UPDATE BUGFIX

• Fix touch actions in Crestron One
• Added border support to many element
• Fix bugs with value in multiply circle sliders on the page
• More stable functions
• Fix deep nested parameters values
• Fix action info in sidebar, add ability to edit actions without need to recreate them
• Create user profile page
• Added background color for toggle widget
• Change JSON viewer to the code editor
• Added dynamic support to the page BG
• Added filtering for the single element generation
• Fix show Overlay when subpage is a trigger
• Fix element selection in global container
• Improved element reposition by drag
• Added background blur option for overlay
• Added text uppercase option
• Added text color to button, text elements
• Better image caching
• …and many more

Ability to attach actions to Text, Image and Subpage elements

 NEW

You can now associate various types of actions with new elements, such as subpages, images, and text. It’s important to note that any actions used within a subpage are executed independently.

New slider handle style options

 NEW

• Hand border options including border radius
• Hand background color

Pages & Subpages sorting

 NEW

Allow set signal value in action as dynamic value (json, variables, etc)

 NEW

Project global joins

 NEW

• Analog flip page signal

Initiate a page flip from the processor using analog feedback. Remember to manually set the page flip ID for this operation.

• Serial flip page signal

Trigger a page flip using the page name as a reference.

• Notification signal

Inside your project settings, you have the option to define a serial signal name. When feedback is received from the processor, the text will be displayed as a notification using the specified signal name.

• Refresh DataSources

Activate a datasources update by using signal feedback.

Element extended visibility

 NEW

• By orientation

Element orientation visibility refers to the position of an element, such as text, an image, or any other component, and whether it’s currently visible within the current orientation.

• By dynamic value (variable, parameter, json datasource)

By utilizing dynamic values within your project, you can dynamically update whether elements are visible or not, all without the need for external processor interactions.

Added button height property

 NEW

Subpage optional default fixed size

 NEW

You can enable the option to set a fixed width and height for a subpage.

Added Checkbox element

 NEW

Added Toggle Switch widget

 NEW

Added Circle Slider widget

 NEW

A highly customizable circular slider widget that can be employed for various purposes, including climate and sound controls, among others. It allows dynamic content configuration for all elements inside.

Subpage parameters

 NEW

Pass data from the parent element down to a nested subpage as input parameters and utilize this data within the subpage.

Overlays

 NEW

A new action type has been introduced, functioning as a trigger to display an overlay. The overlay can be any type of subpage containing various data, appearing on top of the page content. Numerous customization options are available, including:

• Adjustable overlay placement on the page.
• Customizable overlay mask styles and local mask design.
• Automatic closure by timeout or clicking outside the overlay.

Set icon dynamically

 NEW

You can now set the icon name as a string, even when it’s sourced dynamically. To discover the full range of available icons, you can utilize the Icon Explorer feature, providing greater flexibility in choosing and displaying icons within your project.

Dynamic image external source

NEW

Project variables

 NEW

We have added local variables that can be used in your project. There are three types of variables: string, number, and boolean. The variables have default values and can be modified within the UI interaction, either without the involvement of the central processor or with its involvement taking on the value of signal feedback.

As a result you can implement a significant part of internal logic without involving the processor.

Variable list

Variable form

Action to change variable

Project Datasources

 NEW

A new feature has been added that allows you to connect JSON data to the project, either through a remote link or locally. These data can be used in any way you prefer: as text labels, numeric values for styling elements, data for building lists of items and much more.

Currently, after building, some of the logic with data sources may not work properly. However, in the upcoming updates, full support for data sources will be provided.

Datasource list

Datasource Modal

Rich text datasource & Variables support

 NEW

Rich text content can now contain more than just plain text and print output signals feedback. It also supports working with connected data sources and local variables.

New Element: Button List

 NEW

We have started adding a new type of element – lists. The first one released is called ButtonList, which is a set of buttons that can be generated based on static data or using a data source attached to the element.

Lists have a wide range of display settings for their child elements. These settings include specifying the scroll axis, the number of rows and columns, positioning within the container, and much more.

Presets for elements

NEW

We have added presets for elements, which allow you to save the appearance and settings of an element and efficiently reuse it. Additionally, you can easily change the appearance of all buttons in the project that are linked to a preset with just a few clicks.

Media player Widget

 NEW

Beautiful and flexible media player widget.

Handle scroll automatically inside container of elements

 NEW

Doesn’t matter how many elements you add to the container – it will always looks nice and all child scroll smooth and accessible from any type/size of screens.

Updated Rich Text Editor and Feedback Printing

NEW

Extended Button Design options

NEW

Now support background color and rich border options, padding in size section.

Building ch5z project is now possible

 NEW

Now you can build your project in one click and do the following:

1. Run it on your own web server
2. Upload the project to a Crestron processor and use it as a web project or a Crestron One project
3. Run on touch panel

Widget: Clock

 NEW

A label for the current device time can be printed, and it will be updated with the ability to set time zones and many more features.

Element: Dpad

 NEW

Nice, simple and customizable dpad element added

Element: Keypad

 NEW

Project and Page background

 NEW

Now it’s easy to set a Background color and/or image globally to project and to current page.

Options are: color, image (from library or external link), background image opacity, background image blur, background image mix blend mode value.

CSS built in editor

 NEW

Project cloning

 NEW

Clone any project in one click.

Project media library

 NEW

View and control all of your project’s media assets in one place.

New Element: Text Input

NEW

This feature includes the ability to manage input and output serial signals, control statements with focus management, and adjust size options.

Elements state and behavior control

 NEW

Now all elements have at least visibility and enabled state control. Depending on the element type, other controls are available.

State control options for Text Input Element

Project Media Library added

 NEW

Upload your media file and use it as an Image element or background image. Now we allow file formats: .jpg, .png. New updates allow attaching more media formats: .svg, .webm, .mp3, .mp4, and more to create a video background, animated & interactive SVG objects, and other effects.

New Element added – Image

 NEW

Image elements allow rendering images from the project media library or external URL.

Has rich stretching and size options.

Background Color for containers

 NEW

Now containers support background-color property.

Accept any kind of color format.

Editor/Preview mode UI changed

 UPDATE

More clear implementation of changing development mode in the header from icon to Editor/Preview buttons.