Preview: a new modern plug-in platform for VisualNEO Win

#1 · August 5, 2026, 2:06 pm

Quote from luishp on August 5, 2026, 2:06 pm
I am currently working on a new plug-in platform for VisualNEO Win that will go far beyond what was possible with the classic plug-in system.

The objective is to allow developers to create fully integrated visual controls that behave much like the native VisualNEO Win objects.

The new platform is planned to include:

Custom tools added directly to the VisualNEO Win toolbox, each with its own icon.

Full Unicode support for captions, properties, scripts and other text.

Visual controls available both at design time and at runtime.

No programming required by the VisualNEO Win user: controls can be inserted, resized and configured visually.

An integrated property wizard where users can configure the properties exposed by the plug-in.

An actions and events editor showing the events provided by each control, such as Click, Mouse Enter or Mouse Exit.

NeoScript code associated with those events in the same way as with the built-in VisualNEO Win objects.

A much more consistent integration between third-party controls and the VisualNEO Win development environment.

Until now, classic plug-ins could add commands and functionality, but they could not provide this level of integration with the visual designer, object properties and event system.

Calssic plugins will work as usual as we will keep two different separated plugin systems: Classic Plugins and Modern Plugins.

The screenshots show an early reference plug-in implementing several geometry controls, including rectangles, rounded rectangles, ellipses, triangles, diamonds, hexagons and stars. These objects can be placed directly on the publication, configured through their own properties window and assigned NeoScript actions without requiring the user to write any integration code.

This is still a work in progress, but it represents an important step towards making VisualNEO Win much more extensible and opening the platform to a new generation of visual components and development tools.

I am currently working on a new plug-in platform for VisualNEO Win that will go far beyond what was possible with the classic plug-in system.

The objective is to allow developers to create fully integrated visual controls that behave much like the native VisualNEO Win objects.

The new platform is planned to include:

Custom tools added directly to the VisualNEO Win toolbox, each with its own icon.
Full Unicode support for captions, properties, scripts and other text.
Visual controls available both at design time and at runtime.
No programming required by the VisualNEO Win user: controls can be inserted, resized and configured visually.
An integrated property wizard where users can configure the properties exposed by the plug-in.
An actions and events editor showing the events provided by each control, such as Click, Mouse Enter or Mouse Exit.
NeoScript code associated with those events in the same way as with the built-in VisualNEO Win objects.
A much more consistent integration between third-party controls and the VisualNEO Win development environment.

Until now, classic plug-ins could add commands and functionality, but they could not provide this level of integration with the visual designer, object properties and event system.

Calssic plugins will work as usual as we will keep two different separated plugin systems: Classic Plugins and Modern Plugins.

The screenshots show an early reference plug-in implementing several geometry controls, including rectangles, rounded rectangles, ellipses, triangles, diamonds, hexagons and stars. These objects can be placed directly on the publication, configured through their own properties window and assigned NeoScript actions without requiring the user to write any integration code.

This is still a work in progress, but it represents an important step towards making VisualNEO Win much more extensible and opening the platform to a new generation of visual components and development tools.

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#2 · August 5, 2026, 2:57 pm

Wow. This is the game changer if it can be done. I know you don't want to hear this but I will say it. Take a look at EMO's EasyPy Desktop. I am not a huge Python person and VisualNeo Web is the platform I choose now because I want to be able to make apps for all platforms. BUT his designer is incredible. The easy drag n drop and visually see your objects work without a blank rectangle drew me to it fast. I use it with AI to make some stuff now but would rather use VN web.

Im not sure why your pumping up VN Win as WEB is the future for any new developers you want to attract. I think I read that 40 percent of world wide users use something other than Windows (IOS, MacOS Android etc). So if you can make this happen, please do it for WEB. I love that you are making great upgrades to what I think can be the worlds best Development tool for a huge majority of Pros and Hobbyists alike. You have a great niche that needs to be filled here.

Please take my words to heart because I am Joe Hobbyist that makes FREE apps for my little community I have and I am not a professional and have tested all the platforms and think this is the best. Thanks so much for your amazing invention.

#3 · August 6, 2026, 6:33 am

This looks interesting and I'm looking forward to seeing this!

I don't mean to highjack this thread, but I thought this needed a bit more info.

@no1g8tor96

I'm not sure why your pumping up VN Win as WEB is the future for any new developers you want to attract.

I completely understand your point about the massive importance of cross-platform development and VisualNeo Web. However, regarding Windows-specific web integration, the latest VisualNeo Win release by @luishp serves a very distinct purpose by leveraging the Modern Web Browser control.

The reason this is a game-changer for Windows is that it allows developers to build local, web-GUI interfaced applications without framework restrictions.

While cross-platform is vital, standalone Windows desktop apps fill a massive niche. Personally, I prefer local applications over server-based or SaaS models due to subscription fatigue and the risk of project abandonment. I even cancelled my AppSumo subscription for that very reason, when a SaaS developer walks away, you are left with zero utility.

Local Windows apps generally continue to function for years without ongoing costs, which is why we are seeing such a strong resurgence in third-party desktop tools. Having these advanced modern browser capabilities inside VN Win is a massive win for desktop longevity!

thanks!
Brad

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#4 · August 6, 2026, 8:30 am

It all depends on the market niche and the business model... I've seen entire multiplatform systems plummet in market share... I have a system built on VN Win on 90 PCs and used by 60 clients; I practically survive thanks to VN Win... In my area, internet outages are very frequent... I don't know why we keep hijacking Luis's thread for this. 😂🤣

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#5 · August 6, 2026, 2:09 pm

@darbdenral

I was looking at your website and you have some kick ass programs. I downloaded the WebEXE and very interested on exploring it more. I will be in touch soon on it.

I understand exactly what your saying about Windows Only Programs and Browser Integration. But I guess my novice brain is not understanding......Does VN Web not use browser only programming and cant it make Windows Only EXE. I have created many with it so far. Does the same as WIN but has more flexibility. I have several people I work with that are Mac only and can get it to them also. Yes, I make 99 percent windows programs but why would i lock myself into a making an app I cant distribute to who ever my customer is? This is what my point was. It was not about being a cross platform Guru.

I did "jumping jacks" when I saw Luis wanting to build "visual" plugins that you can see and tweak in real time vs drawing a rectangle and having to build blindly. I think is just as important for the VN Web since this is the Flagship Product. I am coming from Livecode where everything was visual, and you can see what you're designing in real time. Its very valuable. I also was able to test EMOs EasyPy Desktop and the interface was brilliant. I would love to be able to create a grid or Table visually so I can see it built in real time. Most "languages" do this and I use a lot of them. Just an example.

Anyways, just my thoughts as a newer user and the only way this survives long term is for new users to come onboard and support this. IMO.

Thanks all for the ear and let me give suggestions. Let me know when I am wrong. I want to learn what everyone is doing and keep these programs going. I am hooked.

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#6 · August 6, 2026, 2:29 pm

I think this is going to be genuinely surprising... :)
Take a look at this screenshot showing several different modern plug-ins already working together inside VisualNEO Win.
I still need to make some more adjustments and testing but the new plugin system works!

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#7 · August 10, 2026, 11:28 am

I'm being very ambitious with the next version... :)

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Preview: a new modern plug-in platform for VisualNEO Win - Forum

Preview: a new modern plug-in platform for VisualNEO Win