# Introduction

![](https://175138337-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fvxlh3prlGsBGF30oqbYW%2Fuploads%2FMrGmjBMvNWDKwMKe2Afq%2Fhmi_file.png?alt=media\&token=241bf936-463c-4cbf-ae33-0c067a7f611c) **HMI Designer** is a tool provided by [Robpod Studio](https://docs.robpod.cloud/get-started/introduction) that can be used to develop custom user interface panels for robot programs.

<figure><img src="https://175138337-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fvxlh3prlGsBGF30oqbYW%2Fuploads%2F5PUShnm5iGCTiDVwOztR%2Fdesign-link-run-white.png?alt=media&#x26;token=4015ba4c-a435-47bb-8f32-520e672ed9cc" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Using HMI Designer graphical panels can be developed easily with **drag and drop** actions and linked with robot variables and functions.

Panels developed with HMI Designer can be viewed by users both on [robot teach pendant](https://docs.robpod.cloud/hmi-designer/design-steps/run-hmi-program) and on common [Desktop environments](https://docs.robpod.cloud/hmi-designer/desktop-hmi-viewer).

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/gX7d7fiKPas>" %}

### Get Started

* Check out how the HMI Designer [**user interface**](https://docs.robpod.cloud/hmi-designer/user-interface) is organized to learn how to navigate into it.&#x20;
* Follow [**Installation Instructions**](https://docs.robpod.cloud/hmi-designer/installation) to setup the HMI plugin on your robot.
* Check the[ **Design Steps**](https://docs.robpod.cloud/hmi-designer/design-steps) to learn how to develop a custom panel with HMI Designer or have a look at the [**Complete Tutorial** ](https://docs.robpod.cloud/hmi-designer/hmi-tutorials)videos.