Hey JUCE community! 
I’ve been working on SliderDesigner - a visual design tool for creating custom sliders and knobs for audio plugins, and I’m excited to share it with you.
What is it?
SliderDesigner is a macOS app that lets you design sliders visually using a layer-based system (shapes, text, images) with effects and value bindings. Export as JSON, C++ code, Base64, or filmstrips - then load instantly with the companion JUCE module.
Key Features:
• Free MIT-licensed JUCE module (zaplab_layered_slider)
• One-line integration: mySlider.loadPresetFile("MyKnob.sliderdesign");
• JSON-based presets - version control friendly, human-readable
• Lightweight - no external dependencies, pure JUCE
Design Features:
• Layer system with shapes, text, and images
• Effects: shadows, glows, bevels, blur, color overlays
• Value bindings with curves (rotation, position, scale, opacity, arc angles)
• Real-time preview
Export Options:
• JSON presets - clean, readable, version control friendly
• C++ code - direct code generation for your project
• Base64 embedded - compact data for inline embedding
• Filmstrip images - traditional filmstrip export
The Module (MIT Licensed)
GitHub: zaplab_layered_slider
• Drop into your modules/ folder
• Works with CMake & Projucer
• Full source included - customize as needed
The App (Free)
Download from zaplab.dev
• macOS 10.15+
• 13 default presets included
Quick Start:
- Download SliderDesigner and design your knob
- Save as
.sliderdesignfile - Add
zaplab_layered_slidermodule to your project - Load with one line:
zaplab::LayeredSlider mySlider;
mySlider.loadPresetFile("MyKnob.sliderdesign");
addAndMakeVisible(mySlider);
Why I Built This:
After spending countless hours tweaking knob coordinates and rotation angles in code, I wanted a visual way to design sliders that was more flexible than filmstrips and easier than hand-coding. I’ve been using it internally for my audio products (acusmagic.com) and wanted to share it with the community.
I’d love your feedback!
• What features would be most useful for your workflow?
• What preset packs would you like to see?
• Share your creations - I’d love to showcase them!
Thanks for checking it out!
Paolo (zaplab.dev)
!