A technical framework for developing custom vvvv gamma editor plugins using .HDE.vl patches, command registration, and UI docking.
Install & Download
1. ClawHub CLI
The fastest way to install a skill directly from the registry.
npx clawhub@latest install vvvv-editor-extensions
2. Manual Installation
Copy the skill folder to one of these locations
~/.openclaw/skills/ <project>/skills/ Priority: Workspace > Local > Bundled
3. Prompt Installation
Copy this prompt to OpenClaw to install it automatically.
Help me install vvvv-editor-extensions using Clawhub. If Clawhub is not installed, install it first (npm i -g clawhub).
Prefer to download?
Get the raw skill files in a ZIP archive.
What is vvvv Editor Extensions Skill?
vvvv editor extensions are specialized VL patches designed to extend the core functionality of the vvvv gamma environment. By utilizing the .HDE.vl file suffix, these patches are automatically recognized and executed within the editor context. This workflow enables developers to build custom tooling windows, automate repetitive editor tasks, and integrate new menu commands directly into the IDE. Through Openclaw Skills, developers can streamline the creation of these extensions by following standardized naming conventions and leveraging the built-in API nodes.
The skill focuses on the integration of VL.HDE and VL.Lang libraries, providing the necessary infrastructure for window management and editor session interaction. This allows for the creation of sophisticated, docked UI elements that react to the user's current selection or hover state within the editor, making it an essential resource for those looking to customize their vvvv development experience.
vvvv Editor Extensions Skill Use Cases
- Building custom menu items with dedicated keyboard shortcuts for editor automation.
- Developing floating or docked Skia-based utility windows using WindowFactory.
- Creating context-aware tools that interact with selected or hovered nodes via VL.Lang.
- Packaging editor-specific functionality into NuGets for distribution within the vvvv community.
- Streamlining internal team workflows by adding bespoke editor extensions to project repositories.
How vvvv Editor Extensions Skill Works
- Define the extension by creating a VL patch file and appending the .HDE.vl suffix to the filename.
- Add the required NuGet references, specifically VL.HDE for UI components and VL.Lang for editor API access.
- Register commands using the Command node to define labels, visibility, and keyboard shortcuts that appear in the editor menu.
- Implement the user interface by wrapping SkiaWindow or SkiaWindowTopMost nodes within a WindowFactory for proper docking.
- Access the active editor state through Session category nodes in VL.Lang to read or write pin values and node metadata.
- Test and iterate on the extension in real-time within the vvvv gamma editor.
vvvv Editor Extensions Skill Setup
To begin developing with this skill, ensure your vvvv gamma environment is configured with the following steps:
- Open your VL document and add the following dependencies via the NuGet command line or the VL editor:
# Required for UI and Commands
nuget install VL.HDE
# Required for Editor API access
nuget install VL.Lang
- Save your main extension patch using the required naming convention, for example:
VL.CustomTool.HDE.vl. - Restart the editor or use the developer shortcut to initialize the extension.
vvvv Editor Extensions Skill Data Schema & Taxonomy
The skill follows a strict file naming and metadata structure to ensure the vvvv editor correctly loads the extensions:
| Component | Requirement | Description |
|---|---|---|
| File Extension | .HDE.vl |
Must be present for the editor to run the patch as an extension. |
| Standalone Name | VL.Name.HDE.vl |
Standard naming for individual extension files. |
| NuGet ID | VL.Name.HDE |
The package ID for extensions distributed via NuGet. |
| Command Node | Label, Shortcut |
Pins used to define the entry point in the vvvv menu. |
| Window Types | SkiaWindow, SkiaWindowTopMost |
Defines the behavior and rendering style of extension windows. |
vvvv Editor Extensions Skill Advanced Features
- Real-time hot-reloading of all active extensions using the Shift+F9 developer shortcut.
- Support for multiple Command nodes within a single .HDE.vl document for complex plugin suites.
- Deep integration with the vvvv HelpBrowser via the API section for discovering new VL.Lang capabilities.
- Automated window docking and layout management through the WindowFactory and WindowContext system.
- Non-invasive UI overlays using SkiaWindowTopMost which prevents focus stealing during development.
SKILL.md
Loading
Related Openclaw Skills
vvvv-dotnet
A specialized skill for integrating C# and .NET libraries into the vvvv gamma visual programming environment.
vvvv-debugging
A professional toolset for configuring C# debugging environments and launch workflows in vvvv gamma.
vvvv Custom C# Nodes
A technical framework for AI agents to architect and generate optimized C# nodes for the vvvv gamma visual programming environment.
vvvv gamma Channels C# Integration
A comprehensive integration for managing vvvv gamma's reactive channel system directly through C# code and AI agents.
vvvv gamma File Format (.vl)
A comprehensive technical specification for the XML-based .vl file format used to encode visual dataflow programs in vvvv gamma.
vvvv gamma Fundamentals
A foundational skill for AI agents to master vvvv gamma visual programming, live C# compilation, and .NET 8 integration.
Featured*
