User interface

Expert Controller Plus uses a graphical User Interface (UI). The UI style and operation aligns with modern macOS UI design principles, therefore the interface should be familiar to all macOS users.

As a UI design concept application windows are sized to have a small footprint on the macOS desktop and to grow as their content increases. Generally windows are not resizable by users. Two windows are user resizable: The LCD and Buttons window and the LCD only window.

When using macOS 15 or later, Expert Controller Plus enables key windows to remain visible above all others on the macOS desktop. This capability is known in macOS as floating windows. Windows that enable this capability have a pin icon in the top-right side of their title-bar. When a window is set to float, the pin icon is coloured blue, when floating is disabled it is grey with a diagonal line.

The image below provides an example of a key window and the pin icon.

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Expert Controller Plus respects macOS Light and Dark modes and will automatically transition between them when requested by macOS. Several colour schemes are available in Light mode and one, named Green black, in Dark mode. Each amplifier connection may be configured to use a different colour scheme.

Expert Controller Plus uses the macOS menu-bar, presented by macOS at the top of a display to facilitate access to its capabilities. Where appropriate, custom keyboard shortcuts have been created to enable quick-access to capabilities.

The macOS Menu bar provides access to the following capabilities:

  • About Expert Controller Plus
  • Check for update (Not available when purchased using the Apple App Store)
  • Group, Connection, Amplifier and Application settings
  • Amplifier view windows
  • Amplifier connections overview
  • Audible amplifier connection status reports
  • Start, Stop, Wake and Sleep for Connections and Groups.

The ‘Help’ menu provides links to the g0rvm.uk support site that provides easy access to: this User Guide, a Release Note, News and Support. All require Internet connectivity.