DockTemplate is a starter framework for building IDE-style, plugin-driven desktop applications with Avalonia.
It goes beyond simple docking demos by enabling real collaboration and extensibility out of the box.
DockTemplate is more than just a docking demo—it’s built around real-world extensibility and collaboration:
| Benefit | What It Enables |
|---|---|
| Debug as Source | Develop plugins as part of your solution—set breakpoints, step through code, and iterate. |
| Ship as Plugins | At build-time, plugins are packaged into standalone .dockplugin files for distribution. |
| Team Collaboration | Teams can share tools (editors, visualizations, dashboards) without exposing source code. |
| Loose Coupling | Communication via lightweight messages keeps components independent and robust. |
| Out-of-the-Box Features | Includes theming, logging, file explorer, and extensibility points—no need to reinvent basics. |
Imagine DockTemplate as a cross-platform VS Shell, sculpted for simplicity, modularity, and cross-team effectiveness.
- Clone this repo and run the starter app.
- Build or grab a
.dockpluginfile. - Drop it into the
Pluginsfolder and restart. - Your new tool appears docked and fully functional — no core changes needed.
plugin_load.mov
Just drag any .dockplugin file onto the application for instant installation with hot-loading
Above example with disabled acrylic
- Complete dockable IDE layout with working panels
- Component system: each control on the UX is fully standalone, loaded or installed! Check DockComponent.Base/README.md file.
- Beautiful Material Design icons with VS Code-inspired colors
- Real-time logging with filtering (try different log levels!)
- File explorer with intelligent file type recognition
- Light/Dark theme switching
- Solid ReactiveUI + DI architecture
- Charting and data visualization examples in development
- Error List - double click on Error in Errors tab to jump to source
Will there be more? Yes, this project will be perpetually expanded with snippets I find useful in my other pet projects. Coming soon:
- More real-world integration patterns being added
- .NET template for auto-generation of the base for your tools
- list will be expanded as we go :)
| Library | Purpose | Why It's Awesome |
|---|---|---|
| Avalonia UI | Cross-platform UI framework | Write once, run everywhere |
| Dock | Dockable layout system | Professional IDE-like interface |
| Material.Icons.Avalonia | Material Design icons | Crisp, beautiful iconography |
| FontAwesome | Icon system | Reliable icon fallbacks |
| ReactiveUI | MVVM framework | Modern reactive patterns |
| AvaloniaEdit | Text editor component | Syntax highlighting magic |
| NLog | Logging framework | Professional logging system |
| ScottPlot | Charting library | Very easy to use |
New to Avalonia or the libraries we use? Check these out:
This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.
Huge thanks to the amazing developers who created the libraries that make this possible:
- Wiesław Šoltés for the incredible Dock layout system
- The Avalonia Team for building an amazing cross-platform UI framework
- SKProCH for the beautiful Material.Icons.Avalonia
- The ReactiveUI Community for making MVVM actually enjoyable
- All contributors to the open source ecosystem