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Cabbage
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Install

Using Cabbage 3

Working with Instruments

Once the Cabbage extension is enabled in Visual Studio Code, you can start developing instruments immediately. When Compile On Save is enabled (the default), saving a .csd file (Unified Csound Document) that contains a <Cabbage> JSON block automatically loads the instrument’s UI in a live preview panel. If Compile On Save is disabled, use the Compile Cabbage Instrument command instead. This lets you view and interact with the interface in real time, giving immediate feedback on your design.

To access Edit Mode, open the command palette (press Ctrl+Shift+P on Windows/Linux or Cmd+Shift+P on macOS) and select the Cabbage: Edit Mode command. In Edit Mode, you can adjust widget properties such as dimensions, colors, fonts, and more to customize your instrument’s UI. Each modification updates the instrument’s Cabbage JSON code in real-time, enabling quick iteration.

Once you’re satisfied with your changes, save the .csd file ( you will need to focus the .csd text). Saving will close the UI editor and return you to Performance Mode, where you can test the instrument as it would appear in a live environment.