# Extending UI of editor

**URL:** <https://discourse.nodered.org/t/extending-ui-of-editor/26667>\
**Category:** General\
**Created:** [14 May 2020 16:46 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/extending-ui-of-editor/26667 "2020-05-14T16:46:14Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![azigzag](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c6cbf5/32.png) [@azigzag](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/azigzag)\
**Post date:** [14 May 2020 16:46 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/extending-ui-of-editor/26667/1 "2020-05-14T16:46:14Z")

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Hi,

I want to add a functionality to Node-RED editor, which analyzes the current model and performs some actions. For example, configuring an external system based on a flow. I don't want to implement it as a new node type as I think this is not a flow step. I rather want to have it as a button on the top tool bar or as an entry in the menu or somewhere else.

I would be very happy if someone could advice how to proceed.

Best regards  
Andreas

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**Author:** ![Steve-Mcl](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/steve-mcl/32/4826_2.png) [@Steve-Mcl](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Steve-Mcl)\
**Post date:** [14 May 2020 16:52 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/extending-ui-of-editor/26667/2 "2020-05-14T16:52:07Z")

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It is possible to develop your own side bar panel without modifying the core.

Take a look at Barts [node-red-contrib-xterm](https://github.com/bartbutenaers/node-red-contrib-xterm)

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**Author:** ![TotallyInformation](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/totallyinformation/32/31_2.png) [@TotallyInformation](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/TotallyInformation)\
**Post date:** [14 May 2020 20:45 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/extending-ui-of-editor/26667/3 "2020-05-14T20:45:38Z")

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It is mainly front-end code so as long as what you want to do can be written as a front-end web app, it should be possible. You have ready access to a number of libraries including D3.js and jQuery, jQueryUI plus some others.

The main issue would likely be how robust it would be when Node-RED is updated since, of course, the core development would not take your development into account.

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**Author:** ![azigzag](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c6cbf5/32.png) [@azigzag](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/azigzag)\
**Post date:** [18 May 2020 12:29 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/extending-ui-of-editor/26667/4 "2020-05-18T12:29:42Z")

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Thanks for the advice. I'll give it a trial. I'll let you know once I get stuck. 😉

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**Author:** ![system](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/uploads/nodered/original/1X/d073cd938eafa2e558d7c2cd59003b3ef4963033.png) [@system](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/system)\
**Post date:** [17 July 2020 12:29 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/extending-ui-of-editor/26667/5 "2020-07-17T12:29:43Z")

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