Qt & QML Development for Embedded HMIs and Desktop Applications
Qt and QML development for demanding user interfaces – from the first UX sketch to a fluid, hardware-accelerated UI on your target hardware. What sets bitshift dynamics apart: we don't just build the Qt/QML interface, we own the embedded stack beneath it – Embedded Linux, the Yocto BSP and board bring-up. So your HMI runs reliably on the real device, not just on a developer laptop.
What does Qt and QML development at bitshift include?
We build complete Qt applications – from the user interface to the application logic – for embedded devices and the desktop.
- Qt Widgets & Qt Quick / QML for classic tools as well as modern, animated HMIs
- Custom HMI and interaction concepts: UX, interaction design and component libraries that fit your product
- Cross-platform desktop apps for Windows, Linux and macOS from a single codebase
- Robust application logic in modern C++ with the right Qt modules (Qt Network, Qt SQL, the State Machine Framework, Qt D-Bus)
- Integration of existing C++ libraries and hardware into the Qt application
How is Qt on embedded devices different from desktop Qt?
On embedded devices the interface competes for limited CPU, GPU and memory – it has to boot quickly and stay fluid.
Instead of a desktop windowing system, Qt runs directly on EGLFS or LinuxFB, or under a Wayland compositor. Rendering is hardware-accelerated via OpenGL ES or Vulkan, so even low-cost hardware gets a lean, responsive QML interface. Boot time to first frame and memory footprint are critical – we optimise both deliberately. For microcontrollers without full Linux, Qt for MCUs is an option.
The decisive difference from a pure UI shop: because we also handle board bring-up, device trees and the Yocto BSP, the HMI and the Embedded Linux platform beneath it come from one team – tuned to each other rather than stitched together at the seam.
Should we migrate from Qt 5 to Qt 6?
In most cases, yes: Qt 5 is approaching the end of its commercial support life cycle, while Qt 6 brings a modern graphics stack and long-term maintainability.
We migrate incrementally rather than in a big bang: we analyse changed QML modules and Qt Quick APIs, deprecations and the move to CMake, produce a risk assessment up front and modernise the codebase in a controlled way. This applies even when you’ve inherited a Qt application and don’t want to start from scratch.
Which products and industries are Qt and QML suited for?
Qt and QML are a good fit wherever long-lived devices need a high-quality, maintainable interface.
Typical applications are industrial HMIs and control panels, medical, measurement and laboratory devices, automotive-style displays and clusters, IoT gateways and classic desktop tools. You’ll find concrete reference projects in our portfolio.
Why bitshift dynamics for your Qt project?
Because the full embedded stack comes from one team: C++, Qt/QML, Embedded Linux and Yocto.
We bring many years of experience in hardware-related software, are based in Lörrach in the tri-border region, and work in German and English. Our focus is long-term maintainability over throwaway prototypes – as a sparring partner at eye level, not just an implementer.
Frequently asked questions
- Which Qt license do we need – open source or commercial?
- Qt is available under LGPLv3/GPL and under a commercial license. For many products LGPLv3 with dynamic linking is enough; static linking, certain modules or app-store distribution may require a commercial license. We advise you on the implications – the licensing decision is yours.
- Qt or alternatives like Flutter, Slint or web?
- For long-lived embedded devices that need native performance, broad hardware support and tight C++ integration, Qt is usually the most durable choice. For short-lived or mobile-only interfaces, alternatives may fit. We assess this based on your hardware, expected product lifetime and team situation.
- Can you take over an existing Qt/QML codebase?
- Yes. We take over existing Qt projects, review them, modernise the codebase and continue development – including migration from Qt 5 to Qt 6.
- Do you work remotely or on-site, and in which language?
- We work remote-first and on-site in the DACH region when needed. Collaboration is available in German and English.
Related services
Embedded Testrack
Real CI/CD with real hardware: we integrate your embedded systems into an automated test rack and validate every release through the actual input and output interfaces – 24/7, without simulated mockups.
Learn more →Embedded Linux
From board bring-up to application: reliable Embedded Linux systems focused on stability, boot time and long-term maintainability.
Learn more →Yocto BSP & Distributions
Tailored Linux distributions with the Yocto Project – reproducible builds, custom layers and a maintainable update path for your product.
Learn more →C++ Software Engineering
High-performance, maintainable C++ software – from architecture to delivery. Modern C++ (17/20/23), clean design and solid test coverage.
Learn more →Let's talk about your project
Whether it's a new product, modernizing an existing application, or a bottleneck in your team – we look forward to hearing from you.
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