Custom UI

[Nowful]

Hi everyone,

I’m developing a custom TestStand step type and exploring ways to provide a custom configuration panel for it.
Currently, I’ve built a Qt-based DLL (using ShowSettingsPanel() in C++) that opens a popup dialog for step configuration.

I understand that TestStand allows configuration UIs through ActiveX, .NET, or CVI DLLs via the Edit Tab Controls feature. However, I’m wondering if it’s technically possible to embed a custom UI (like a Qt panel) directly inside the Step Settings tab (similar to how the built-in “Call Executable” or “Message Popup” steps show their controls).

[Oli_Wachno]

Can't ultimately really answer your question, yet you can find the source code for the built-in steps / step settings in the subfolders of %TestStand%\Components\StepTypes.

Maybe this helps

[Nowful]

Thank you for your reply!
I’m currently exploring the approach you suggested by checking the source code under the %TestStand%\Components\StepTypes subfolders.

[santo_13]

You need to build the Edit Tab for the custom step in WinForms only.

[Nowful]

Thank you for your reply.
As of now, using the Edit Tabs option in my custom step type, I’m able to add a tab and include a button inside it — which I can use to launch my configuration dialog.

So does that mean using .NET WinForms, it is actually possible to make a fully embedded configuration tab (with controls directly inside the tab) — similar to the built-in steps like Call Executable or Message Popup?

[santo_13 · Accepted solution]

Yes, you can build complex Edit Tabs using WinForms.

Please refer to Creating Custom Step Type Edit Tabs in the Sequence Editor - NI

and here is the example code https://download.ni.com/evaluation/teststand/customstepeditpanel.zip 

[Nowful]

Thank you for your reply, Santhosh.
I tried the method you suggested, but it’s showing an error. I’ve attached the error img here for your reference — could you please take a look and let me know what might be causing it?

Thanks in advance!

[Nowful]

Hi Santhosh,

Thank you so much for your kind information and guidance. I was able to fix the issue, and it’s now working exactly as expected. I really appreciate your support and detailed explanations!

[santo_13]

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@Nowful wrote:

Hi Santhosh,

Thank you so much for your kind information and guidance. I was able to fix the issue, and it’s now working exactly as expected. I really appreciate your support and detailed explanations!

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Please share the issue and fix so that anyone trying to replicate is also benefitted.