Your first plugin — PexarBolt Docs

Build your first pluginStart in PexarBolt Plugin Studio, the desktop workspace for plugin developers. Change a working timer, try its controls, then export it for the PexarBolt consumer app. You can start without a Dock or a website account.Get Plugin Studio

Download the desktop app for your computer.

Install and open PexarBolt Plugin Studio.

Open the bundled Pomodoro plugin.

Select Continue Vibe editing to make a private draft.

AI creation uses an installed, authenticated Codex or Claude provider. Select your provider in the composer. To work with your own source, choose Open source folder instead. Studio and the consumer PexarBolt app keep separate workspaces.Make a small change

Ask for one change, such as a shorter default focus session.

Wait for the draft check to finish.

Inspect the updated Dock preview.

Try pause, reset, and dial actions.

The preview runs with sample integrations. It does not grant access to your Dock, credentials or files. Keep private data out of fixtures.If you write code, read the plugin contract before adding capabilities. Compile TypeScript and bundle dependencies into browser ESM before packaging. Plugin installation does not run npm scripts.Test on a Dock

Disconnect the Dock from the other host app.

In Studio, choose its port and select Connect Dock.

Review the plugin's settings and permissions.

Install and open it on the Dock.

Verify the real services and controls your plugin uses.

Use the simulator in Studio's Developer tools for native layout checks. Fixture success does not prove physical compatibility; follow the hardware test guide.Use it every day

Add the checked draft to Studio's plugin workspace.

Open More options → Export plugin and save the .boltplugin.

In the consumer PexarBolt app, choose Plugins → Add Existing Plugin.

Import the archive, configure it, review permissions, and enable it.

Plugin creation, previews, simulator and authoring MCP belong to Studio. The consumer app installs, configures and runs the plugins you use. Exported packages do not carry saved credentials, grants or private plugin data.Optional: terminal workflowThe standalone authoring tools are available for developers who prefer a CLI or their own MCP client. Install Node.js 22 LTS, download the tools archive, and install it outside the plugin source directory.npm install /path/to/pexarbolt-plugin-tools-0.1.0.tgz npm rebuild electron npx bolt-plugin check ./my-focus npx bolt-plugin preview ./my-focus npx bolt-plugin package ./my-focus ./my-focus.boltpluginChecks and previews need a graphical desktop. Linux CI can use Xvfb. The tools bundle the SDK contract, examples and MCP server.Publish your pluginUpload the exported .boltplugin through the developer console. The website checks it and creates a draft using the packaged files as source. If you compile or bundle your code, export a .boltsubmission with the original source using the CLI or Studio's plugin_submission MCP tool instead.npx bolt-plugin submission ./my-focus ./my-focus.boltsubmissionIf you compile the runtime, include the original project with --source, build instructions and a dependency lockfile. Every registered user can submit a plugin. Uploads receive automatic basic-check feedback, and publication requires independent review; local creation and downloads do not require a website account.Continue with publishing, screen design, or AI development.Navigate between pagesUse Projection.pages and root-node page tags for Dock-local left/right/up/down swipes in both Host-connected and independent native plugins. Optional read-only pageChange reports {from,to,direction} to Host. Requires pages.swipe.v1 firmware. See local page navigation, the page-deck example and SDK types.