Creating modern user interfaces on microcontrollers can be challenging—but not when you’re using TouchGFX. If you’re working with STM32 devices and wondering how to design a smooth, interactive GUI, this guide will explain everything in plain, simple terms.
At Controllers Tech, we’ve helped thousands of developers build powerful embedded projects. This article gives you a clear look at what TouchGFX is, how it fits into STM32 development, and what you need to get started.
What Is TouchGFX?
TouchGFX is a free graphical user interface framework created by STMicroelectronics. It lets you build responsive, touchscreen-based interfaces for STM32 microcontrollers.
Using TouchGFX, you don’t need to write every bit of UI code manually. Instead, you design screens visually with drag-and-drop widgets, add animations, and connect it all to backend C++ logic.
This makes it perfect for:
- Industrial displays
- Smart home panels
- Medical devices
- Consumer electronics
- Wearables
Why Use TouchGFX with STM32?
STM32 microcontrollers are widely used in embedded systems. When combined with TouchGFX, they become a complete solution for rich, modern GUIs.
Here’s why developers love this combination:
- Low power, high performance: STM32 MCUs like STM32H7 or STM32F7 can run smooth UIs without external processors.
- Built-in support: TouchGFX integrates with STM32CubeMX and STM32CubeIDE.
- Rapid prototyping: You can go from idea to working GUI much faster.
- Free to use: No licensing cost for the tools.
According to STMicroelectronics, TouchGFX allows developers to reduce UI-related code by over 50%, which speeds up both prototyping and production.
Which STM32 Boards Work with TouchGFX?
TouchGFX works best with STM32 MCUs that have:
- LCD-TFT controllers (LTDC)
- DMA2D hardware acceleration
- Enough RAM (usually 512KB or more)
- Optional external SDRAM for high-resolution displays
Popular boards that support TouchGFX include:
- STM32F746G-DISCO
- STM32H735G-DK
- STM32H7B3I-DK
- STM32F769I-DISCO
If you're just starting out, these boards offer full hardware support, and you’ll find many TouchGFX tutorials online for them.
What Can You Create with TouchGFX?
TouchGFX gives you the tools to build sleek, user-friendly interfaces that include:
- Buttons, sliders, and toggles
- Real-time data displays
- Animations and transitions
- Custom fonts and themes
- Graphs, meters, and gauges
You can build anything from a simple control panel to a fully animated touchscreen device.
Tools You Need to Get Started
You’ll need a few free tools before jumping into GUI development with STM32 and TouchGFX:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| STM32CubeMX | Microcontroller configuration |
| STM32CubeIDE | C/C++ development environment |
| TouchGFX Designer | UI design tool |
| ST-Link Utility / CubeProgrammer | Flash your code to the board |
All of these tools are available from STMicroelectronics’ official site.
How TouchGFX Works with STM32
The process of building a GUI with TouchGFX follows a clear workflow:
- Configure your MCU in STM32CubeMX
- Generate the code, including TouchGFX support
- Design your interface in TouchGFX Designer
- Write backend code in STM32CubeIDE
- Compile and flash the project to your STM32 board
- Test and improve as needed
TouchGFX uses a hybrid approach—visual design paired with C++ logic. This helps keep your code clean and modular.
Performance Tips for STM32 + TouchGFX
To get the best results on STM32 hardware, keep these tips in mind:
- Use DMA2D and LTDC for better performance
- Avoid high-res images on low-memory devices
- Enable caching for frequently used graphics
- Keep fonts and assets small when possible
- Use only what you need—extra widgets slow things down
Proper hardware configuration makes a huge difference. Even a 1-second delay in screen refresh can affect user experience.
Examples of Where TouchGFX Is Used
TouchGFX and STM32 are used in many real-world products:
- Smart thermostats with touchscreens
- Industrial meters with animated gauges
- Fitness trackers with live step counters
- Home appliances like ovens or washing machines
- Automotive dashboards for vehicle stats
Many of these devices run on mid-range STM32 chips using optimized TouchGFX code to ensure fast startup and real-time responsiveness.
How to Learn TouchGFX Quickly
The fastest way to learn TouchGFX is by doing hands-on projects. At Controllers Tech, we’ve created step-by-step TouchGFX tutorials that walk you through common tasks:
- Creating screens
- Adding buttons and text
- Linking GUI with backend code
- Displaying sensor data
- Creating animations
These tutorials are made for real hardware and focus on practical use—not just theory.
Pros and Cons of Using TouchGFX
Let’s look at some of the strengths and limitations:
Pros:
- Easy to learn
- Good community support
- Seamless STM32 integration
- Works on free tools (STM32CubeIDE)
- Professional-looking GUIs
Cons:
- May require external RAM for large UIs
- Slower on very low-end MCUs
- Learning curve for backend logic
Still, for most STM32 developers, TouchGFX strikes a great balance between performance and ease of use.
FAQs
What makes TouchGFX different from other GUI frameworks?
TouchGFX is optimized specifically for STM32 microcontrollers. Unlike some generic frameworks, it uses hardware features like DMA2D and LTDC for speed and efficiency.
How do I start with TouchGFX on STM32?
Download STM32CubeMX, STM32CubeIDE, and TouchGFX Designer. Choose a supported board like STM32F746G-DISCO, configure your project, and start designing your UI.
Where can I find beginner-friendly TouchGFX tutorials?
You can find clear, step-by-step tutorials at Controllers Tech. We cover real examples using popular STM32 boards.
Will TouchGFX slow down my system?
If used correctly, no. TouchGFX is designed to run efficiently. But if your assets are too large or animations are overused, it could affect performance.
Who should use TouchGFX?
TouchGFX is ideal for embedded developers, students, and engineers building products with STM32 and LCD displays. It’s simple enough for beginners, yet powerful for experts.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're designing a touchscreen for a smart appliance or building your own embedded project, TouchGFX for STM32 gives you all the tools you need to create great interfaces.
It’s fast, free, and backed by STMicroelectronics—making it one of the best choices for GUI development on embedded hardware.
And remember, if you're stuck or just getting started, Controllers Tech has a growing library of TouchGFX tutorials to help you learn and build with confidence.
