jalv.gtk3 - Man Page

run an LV2 plugin with a GTK3 interface

Synopsis

jalv.gtk3[-dghmpstx] [-b, --buffer-size=size] [-c, --control=setting] [-l, --load=dir] [-n, --jack-name=name] [-P, --preset=uri] [-r, --update-frequency=hz] [-S, --scale-factor=scale] [-U, --ui-uri=uri] [plugin_state]

Description

jalv.gtk3 is a simple LV2 host that runs a single plugin. This version has a GTK3 interface that shows either generic controls or a custom plugin GUI.

jalv.gtk3 has one positional argument, which can be a plugin URI, preset URI, or the path to a bundle or data file that describes one. If none is given, then a plugin selector dialog is initially displayed.

The options are as follows:

-b, --buffer-size=size

Buffer size for plugin <=> UI communication.

-c, --control=setting

Set control value, for example, -c vol=1.4 where “vol” is the symbol of some control port on the plugin.

-d, --dump

Dump plugin <=> UI communication.

-g, --generic-ui

Show generic UI instead of custom plugin GUI.

-h, --help

Print the command line options.

-l, --load=dir

Load state from the given directory before running the plugin.

-m, --minimal-ui

Show only the plugin interface without any application extras.

-n, --jack-name=name

Use the given JACK client name. Note that JACK may adjust the name if necessary unless -x is also given.

-P, --preset=uri

Load the given preset before running plugin.

-p, --print-controls

Print control output changes to stdout.

-r, --update-frequency=hz

Set the UI update frequency. By default the screen refresh rate is used, typically 30 or 60 Hz.

-S, --scale-factor=factor

Override the UI scale factor.

-s, --show-hidden

Show controls that are normally hidden.

-t, --trace

Print debug trace messages. This enables the “trace” LV2 log, which is used by some plugins to print debugging output. Some extra internal error messages are also enabled. Note that this may print in the audio thread, which can cause dropouts.

-U, --ui-uri=uri

Load the UI with the given URI.

-x, --exact-jack-name

Use only the exact JACK client name given by -n or exit if it's unavailable.

Environment

LV2_PATH

Search path for LV2 bundles, in PATH format.

See Also

jalv(1), jalv.qt5(1)

Authors

jalv was written by David Robillard <d@drobilla.net> with contributions by others. The original GTK interface was added by Alexandros Theodotou and Nick Lanham.

Referenced By

jalv(1), jalv.qt5(1), jalv.qt6(1).

August 1, 2025