diff --git a/ecp5/arch.h b/ecp5/arch.h
index d450321d..cd103b12 100644
--- a/ecp5/arch.h
+++ b/ecp5/arch.h
@@ -454,6 +454,7 @@ struct Arch : BaseCtx
         bel_to_cell[bel] = cell;
         cells[cell]->bel = bel;
         cells[cell]->belStrength = strength;
+        refreshUiBel(bel);
     }
 
     void unbindBel(BelId bel)
@@ -463,6 +464,7 @@ struct Arch : BaseCtx
         cells[bel_to_cell[bel]]->bel = BelId();
         cells[bel_to_cell[bel]]->belStrength = STRENGTH_NONE;
         bel_to_cell[bel] = IdString();
+        refreshUiBel(bel);
     }
 
     Loc getBelLocation(BelId bel) const
diff --git a/gui/base.qrc b/gui/base.qrc
index 7b3fa55c..8f58f585 100644
--- a/gui/base.qrc
+++ b/gui/base.qrc
@@ -14,5 +14,13 @@
         <file>resources/zoom_out.png</file>
         <file>resources/shape_handles.png</file>
         <file>resources/shape_square.png</file>
+        <file>resources/control_play.png</file>
+        <file>resources/control_pause.png</file>
+        <file>resources/control_stop.png</file>
+        <file>resources/pack.png</file>
+        <file>resources/place.png</file>
+        <file>resources/route.png</file>
+        <file>resources/time_add.png</file>
+        <file>resources/open_json.png</file>
     </qresource>
 </RCC>
diff --git a/gui/basewindow.cc b/gui/basewindow.cc
index 685a205f..37141fd6 100644
--- a/gui/basewindow.cc
+++ b/gui/basewindow.cc
@@ -23,9 +23,12 @@
 #include <QFileDialog>
 #include <QGridLayout>
 #include <QIcon>
+#include <QInputDialog>
 #include <QSplitter>
+#include <fstream>
 #include "designwidget.h"
 #include "fpgaviewwidget.h"
+#include "jsonparse.h"
 #include "log.h"
 #include "mainwindow.h"
 #include "pythontab.h"
@@ -35,7 +38,7 @@ static void initBasenameResource() { Q_INIT_RESOURCE(base); }
 NEXTPNR_NAMESPACE_BEGIN
 
 BaseMainWindow::BaseMainWindow(std::unique_ptr<Context> context, QWidget *parent)
-        : QMainWindow(parent), ctx(std::move(context))
+        : QMainWindow(parent), ctx(std::move(context)), timing_driven(false)
 {
     initBasenameResource();
     qRegisterMetaType<std::string>();
@@ -46,10 +49,10 @@ BaseMainWindow::BaseMainWindow(std::unique_ptr<Context> context, QWidget *parent
     setObjectName("BaseMainWindow");
     resize(1024, 768);
 
-    createMenusAndBars();
+    task = new TaskManager();
 
+    // Create and deploy widgets on main screen
     QWidget *centralWidget = new QWidget(this);
-
     QGridLayout *gridLayout = new QGridLayout(centralWidget);
     gridLayout->setSpacing(6);
     gridLayout->setContentsMargins(11, 11, 11, 11);
@@ -70,38 +73,54 @@ BaseMainWindow::BaseMainWindow(std::unique_ptr<Context> context, QWidget *parent
 
     console = new PythonTab();
     tabWidget->addTab(console, "Console");
-    connect(this, SIGNAL(contextChanged(Context *)), console, SLOT(newContext(Context *)));
 
     centralTabWidget = new QTabWidget();
     centralTabWidget->setTabsClosable(true);
-    connect(centralTabWidget, SIGNAL(tabCloseRequested(int)), this, SLOT(closeTab(int)));
 
     fpgaView = new FPGAViewWidget();
     centralTabWidget->addTab(fpgaView, "Device");
     centralTabWidget->tabBar()->setTabButton(0, QTabBar::RightSide, 0);
     centralTabWidget->tabBar()->setTabButton(0, QTabBar::LeftSide, 0);
 
-    connect(this, SIGNAL(contextChanged(Context *)), fpgaView, SLOT(newContext(Context *)));
-    connect(designview, SIGNAL(selected(std::vector<DecalXY>, bool)), fpgaView,
-            SLOT(onSelectedArchItem(std::vector<DecalXY>, bool)));
-    connect(fpgaView, SIGNAL(clickedBel(BelId, bool)), designview, SLOT(onClickedBel(BelId, bool)));
-    connect(fpgaView, SIGNAL(clickedWire(WireId, bool)), designview, SLOT(onClickedWire(WireId, bool)));
-    connect(fpgaView, SIGNAL(clickedPip(PipId, bool)), designview, SLOT(onClickedPip(PipId, bool)));
-    connect(designview, SIGNAL(zoomSelected()), fpgaView, SLOT(zoomSelected()));
-
-    connect(designview, SIGNAL(highlight(std::vector<DecalXY>, int)), fpgaView,
-            SLOT(onHighlightGroupChanged(std::vector<DecalXY>, int)));
-
-    connect(this, SIGNAL(contextChanged(Context *)), designview, SLOT(newContext(Context *)));
-    connect(this, SIGNAL(updateTreeView()), designview, SLOT(updateTree()));
-
-    connect(designview, SIGNAL(info(std::string)), this, SLOT(writeInfo(std::string)));
-
     splitter_v->addWidget(centralTabWidget);
     splitter_v->addWidget(tabWidget);
+
+    // Connect Worker
+    connect(task, &TaskManager::log, this, &BaseMainWindow::writeInfo);
+    connect(task, &TaskManager::pack_finished, this, &BaseMainWindow::pack_finished);
+    connect(task, &TaskManager::budget_finish, this, &BaseMainWindow::budget_finish);
+    connect(task, &TaskManager::place_finished, this, &BaseMainWindow::place_finished);
+    connect(task, &TaskManager::route_finished, this, &BaseMainWindow::route_finished);
+    connect(task, &TaskManager::taskCanceled, this, &BaseMainWindow::taskCanceled);
+    connect(task, &TaskManager::taskStarted, this, &BaseMainWindow::taskStarted);
+    connect(task, &TaskManager::taskPaused, this, &BaseMainWindow::taskPaused);
+
+    // Events for context change
+    connect(this, &BaseMainWindow::contextChanged, task, &TaskManager::contextChanged);
+    connect(this, &BaseMainWindow::contextChanged, console, &PythonTab::newContext);
+    connect(this, &BaseMainWindow::contextChanged, fpgaView, &FPGAViewWidget::newContext);
+    connect(this, &BaseMainWindow::contextChanged, designview, &DesignWidget::newContext);
+
+    // Catch close tab events
+    connect(centralTabWidget, &QTabWidget::tabCloseRequested, this, &BaseMainWindow::closeTab);
+
+    // Propagate events from design view to device view
+    connect(designview, &DesignWidget::selected, fpgaView, &FPGAViewWidget::onSelectedArchItem);
+    connect(designview, &DesignWidget::zoomSelected, fpgaView, &FPGAViewWidget::zoomSelected);
+    connect(designview, &DesignWidget::highlight, fpgaView, &FPGAViewWidget::onHighlightGroupChanged);
+
+    // Click event on device view
+    connect(fpgaView, &FPGAViewWidget::clickedBel, designview, &DesignWidget::onClickedBel);
+    connect(fpgaView, &FPGAViewWidget::clickedWire, designview, &DesignWidget::onClickedWire);
+    connect(fpgaView, &FPGAViewWidget::clickedPip, designview, &DesignWidget::onClickedPip);
+
+    // Update tree event
+    connect(this, &BaseMainWindow::updateTreeView, designview, &DesignWidget::updateTree);
+
+    createMenusAndBars();
 }
 
-BaseMainWindow::~BaseMainWindow() {}
+BaseMainWindow::~BaseMainWindow() { delete task; }
 
 void BaseMainWindow::closeTab(int index) { delete centralTabWidget->widget(index); }
 
@@ -109,44 +128,162 @@ void BaseMainWindow::writeInfo(std::string text) { console->info(text); }
 
 void BaseMainWindow::createMenusAndBars()
 {
+    // File menu / project toolbar actions
     actionNew = new QAction("New", this);
     actionNew->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/new.png"));
     actionNew->setShortcuts(QKeySequence::New);
     actionNew->setStatusTip("New project file");
-    connect(actionNew, SIGNAL(triggered()), this, SLOT(new_proj()));
+    connect(actionNew, &QAction::triggered, this, &BaseMainWindow::new_proj);
 
     actionOpen = new QAction("Open", this);
     actionOpen->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/open.png"));
     actionOpen->setShortcuts(QKeySequence::Open);
     actionOpen->setStatusTip("Open an existing project file");
-    connect(actionOpen, SIGNAL(triggered()), this, SLOT(open_proj()));
+    connect(actionOpen, &QAction::triggered, this, &BaseMainWindow::open_proj);
 
     actionSave = new QAction("Save", this);
     actionSave->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/save.png"));
     actionSave->setShortcuts(QKeySequence::Save);
     actionSave->setStatusTip("Save existing project to disk");
     actionSave->setEnabled(false);
-    connect(actionSave, SIGNAL(triggered()), this, SLOT(save_proj()));
+    connect(actionSave, &QAction::triggered, this, &BaseMainWindow::save_proj);
 
     QAction *actionExit = new QAction("Exit", this);
     actionExit->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/exit.png"));
     actionExit->setShortcuts(QKeySequence::Quit);
     actionExit->setStatusTip("Exit the application");
-    connect(actionExit, SIGNAL(triggered()), this, SLOT(close()));
+    connect(actionExit, &QAction::triggered, this, &BaseMainWindow::close);
 
+    // Help menu actions
     QAction *actionAbout = new QAction("About", this);
 
+    // Design menu options
+    actionLoadJSON = new QAction("Open JSON", this);
+    actionLoadJSON->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/open_json.png"));
+    actionLoadJSON->setStatusTip("Open an existing JSON file");
+    actionLoadJSON->setEnabled(true);
+    connect(actionLoadJSON, &QAction::triggered, this, &BaseMainWindow::open_json);
+
+    actionPack = new QAction("Pack", this);
+    actionPack->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/pack.png"));
+    actionPack->setStatusTip("Pack current design");
+    actionPack->setEnabled(false);
+    connect(actionPack, &QAction::triggered, task, &TaskManager::pack);
+
+    actionAssignBudget = new QAction("Assign Budget", this);
+    actionAssignBudget->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/time_add.png"));
+    actionAssignBudget->setStatusTip("Assign time budget for current design");
+    actionAssignBudget->setEnabled(false);
+    connect(actionAssignBudget, &QAction::triggered, this, &BaseMainWindow::budget);
+
+    actionPlace = new QAction("Place", this);
+    actionPlace->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/place.png"));
+    actionPlace->setStatusTip("Place current design");
+    actionPlace->setEnabled(false);
+    connect(actionPlace, &QAction::triggered, this, &BaseMainWindow::place);
+
+    actionRoute = new QAction("Route", this);
+    actionRoute->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/route.png"));
+    actionRoute->setStatusTip("Route current design");
+    actionRoute->setEnabled(false);
+    connect(actionRoute, &QAction::triggered, task, &TaskManager::route);
+
+    // Worker control toolbar actions
+    actionPlay = new QAction("Play", this);
+    actionPlay->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/control_play.png"));
+    actionPlay->setStatusTip("Continue running task");
+    actionPlay->setEnabled(false);
+    connect(actionPlay, &QAction::triggered, task, &TaskManager::continue_thread);
+
+    actionPause = new QAction("Pause", this);
+    actionPause->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/control_pause.png"));
+    actionPause->setStatusTip("Pause running task");
+    actionPause->setEnabled(false);
+    connect(actionPause, &QAction::triggered, task, &TaskManager::pause_thread);
+
+    actionStop = new QAction("Stop", this);
+    actionStop->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/control_stop.png"));
+    actionStop->setStatusTip("Stop running task");
+    actionStop->setEnabled(false);
+    connect(actionStop, &QAction::triggered, task, &TaskManager::terminate_thread);
+
+    // Device view control toolbar actions
+    QAction *actionZoomIn = new QAction("Zoom In", this);
+    actionZoomIn->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/zoom_in.png"));
+    connect(actionZoomIn, &QAction::triggered, fpgaView, &FPGAViewWidget::zoomIn);
+
+    QAction *actionZoomOut = new QAction("Zoom Out", this);
+    actionZoomOut->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/zoom_out.png"));
+    connect(actionZoomOut, &QAction::triggered, fpgaView, &FPGAViewWidget::zoomOut);
+
+    QAction *actionZoomSelected = new QAction("Zoom Selected", this);
+    actionZoomSelected->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/shape_handles.png"));
+    connect(actionZoomSelected, &QAction::triggered, fpgaView, &FPGAViewWidget::zoomSelected);
+
+    QAction *actionZoomOutbound = new QAction("Zoom Outbound", this);
+    actionZoomOutbound->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/shape_square.png"));
+    connect(actionZoomOutbound, &QAction::triggered, fpgaView, &FPGAViewWidget::zoomOutbound);
+
+    // Add main menu
     menuBar = new QMenuBar();
     menuBar->setGeometry(QRect(0, 0, 1024, 27));
-    QMenu *menu_File = new QMenu("&File", menuBar);
-    QMenu *menu_Help = new QMenu("&Help", menuBar);
-    menuBar->addAction(menu_File->menuAction());
-    menuBar->addAction(menu_Help->menuAction());
     setMenuBar(menuBar);
+    QMenu *menuFile = new QMenu("&File", menuBar);
+    QMenu *menuHelp = new QMenu("&Help", menuBar);
+    menuDesign = new QMenu("&Design", menuBar);
+    menuBar->addAction(menuFile->menuAction());
+    menuBar->addAction(menuDesign->menuAction());
+    menuBar->addAction(menuHelp->menuAction());
 
-    mainToolBar = new QToolBar();
-    addToolBar(Qt::TopToolBarArea, mainToolBar);
+    // Add File menu actions
+    menuFile->addAction(actionNew);
+    menuFile->addAction(actionOpen);
+    menuFile->addAction(actionSave);
+    menuFile->addSeparator();
+    menuFile->addAction(actionExit);
 
+    // Add Design menu actions
+    menuDesign->addAction(actionLoadJSON);
+    menuDesign->addAction(actionPack);
+    menuDesign->addAction(actionAssignBudget);
+    menuDesign->addAction(actionPlace);
+    menuDesign->addAction(actionRoute);
+
+    // Add Help menu actions
+    menuHelp->addAction(actionAbout);
+
+    // Project toolbar
+    QToolBar *projectToolBar = new QToolBar("Project");
+    addToolBar(Qt::TopToolBarArea, projectToolBar);
+    projectToolBar->addAction(actionNew);
+    projectToolBar->addAction(actionOpen);
+    projectToolBar->addAction(actionSave);
+
+    // Main action bar
+    mainActionBar = new QToolBar("Main");
+    addToolBar(Qt::TopToolBarArea, mainActionBar);
+    mainActionBar->addAction(actionLoadJSON);
+    mainActionBar->addAction(actionPack);
+    mainActionBar->addAction(actionAssignBudget);
+    mainActionBar->addAction(actionPlace);
+    mainActionBar->addAction(actionRoute);
+
+    // Add worker control toolbar
+    QToolBar *workerControlToolBar = new QToolBar("Worker");
+    addToolBar(Qt::TopToolBarArea, workerControlToolBar);
+    workerControlToolBar->addAction(actionPlay);
+    workerControlToolBar->addAction(actionPause);
+    workerControlToolBar->addAction(actionStop);
+
+    // Add device view control toolbar
+    QToolBar *deviceViewToolBar = new QToolBar("Device");
+    addToolBar(Qt::TopToolBarArea, deviceViewToolBar);
+    deviceViewToolBar->addAction(actionZoomIn);
+    deviceViewToolBar->addAction(actionZoomOut);
+    deviceViewToolBar->addAction(actionZoomSelected);
+    deviceViewToolBar->addAction(actionZoomOutbound);
+
+    // Add status bar with progress bar
     statusBar = new QStatusBar();
     progressBar = new QProgressBar(statusBar);
     progressBar->setAlignment(Qt::AlignRight);
@@ -155,43 +292,137 @@ void BaseMainWindow::createMenusAndBars()
     progressBar->setValue(0);
     progressBar->setEnabled(false);
     setStatusBar(statusBar);
-
-    menu_File->addAction(actionNew);
-    menu_File->addAction(actionOpen);
-    menu_File->addAction(actionSave);
-    menu_File->addSeparator();
-    menu_File->addAction(actionExit);
-    menu_Help->addAction(actionAbout);
-
-    mainToolBar->addAction(actionNew);
-    mainToolBar->addAction(actionOpen);
-    mainToolBar->addAction(actionSave);
 }
 
-void BaseMainWindow::createGraphicsBar()
+void BaseMainWindow::load_json(std::string filename)
 {
-    QAction *actionZoomIn = new QAction("Zoom In", this);
-    actionZoomIn->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/zoom_in.png"));
-    connect(actionZoomIn, SIGNAL(triggered()), fpgaView, SLOT(zoomIn()));
+    disableActions();
+    currentJson = filename;
+    std::ifstream f(filename);
+    if (parse_json_file(f, filename, ctx.get())) {
+        log("Loading design successful.\n");
+        Q_EMIT updateTreeView();
+        actionPack->setEnabled(true);
+        onJsonLoaded();
+    } else {
+        actionLoadJSON->setEnabled(true);
+        log("Loading design failed.\n");
+    }
+}
 
-    QAction *actionZoomOut = new QAction("Zoom Out", this);
-    actionZoomOut->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/zoom_out.png"));
-    connect(actionZoomOut, SIGNAL(triggered()), fpgaView, SLOT(zoomOut()));
+void BaseMainWindow::open_json()
+{
+    QString fileName = QFileDialog::getOpenFileName(this, QString("Open JSON"), QString(), QString("*.json"));
+    if (!fileName.isEmpty()) {
+        load_json(fileName.toStdString());
+    }
+}
 
-    QAction *actionZoomSelected = new QAction("Zoom Selected", this);
-    actionZoomSelected->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/shape_handles.png"));
-    connect(actionZoomSelected, SIGNAL(triggered()), fpgaView, SLOT(zoomSelected()));
+void BaseMainWindow::pack_finished(bool status)
+{
+    disableActions();
+    if (status) {
+        log("Packing design successful.\n");
+        Q_EMIT updateTreeView();
+        actionPlace->setEnabled(true);
+        actionAssignBudget->setEnabled(true);
+        onPackFinished();
+    } else {
+        log("Packing design failed.\n");
+    }
+}
 
-    QAction *actionZoomOutbound = new QAction("Zoom Outbound", this);
-    actionZoomOutbound->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/shape_square.png"));
-    connect(actionZoomOutbound, SIGNAL(triggered()), fpgaView, SLOT(zoomOutbound()));
+void BaseMainWindow::budget_finish(bool status)
+{
+    disableActions();
+    if (status) {
+        log("Assigning timing budget successful.\n");
+        actionPlace->setEnabled(true);
+        onBudgetFinished();
+    } else {
+        log("Assigning timing budget failed.\n");
+    }
+}
 
-    graphicsToolBar = new QToolBar();
-    addToolBar(Qt::TopToolBarArea, graphicsToolBar);
-    graphicsToolBar->addAction(actionZoomIn);
-    graphicsToolBar->addAction(actionZoomOut);
-    graphicsToolBar->addAction(actionZoomSelected);
-    graphicsToolBar->addAction(actionZoomOutbound);
+void BaseMainWindow::place_finished(bool status)
+{
+    disableActions();
+    if (status) {
+        log("Placing design successful.\n");
+        Q_EMIT updateTreeView();
+        actionRoute->setEnabled(true);
+        onPlaceFinished();
+    } else {
+        log("Placing design failed.\n");
+    }
+}
+void BaseMainWindow::route_finished(bool status)
+{
+    disableActions();
+    if (status) {
+        log("Routing design successful.\n");
+        Q_EMIT updateTreeView();
+        onRouteFinished();
+    } else
+        log("Routing design failed.\n");
+}
+
+void BaseMainWindow::taskCanceled()
+{
+    log("CANCELED\n");
+    disableActions();
+}
+
+void BaseMainWindow::taskStarted()
+{
+    disableActions();
+    actionPause->setEnabled(true);
+    actionStop->setEnabled(true);
+
+    actionNew->setEnabled(false);
+    actionOpen->setEnabled(false);
+}
+
+void BaseMainWindow::taskPaused()
+{
+    disableActions();
+    actionPlay->setEnabled(true);
+    actionStop->setEnabled(true);
+
+    actionNew->setEnabled(false);
+    actionOpen->setEnabled(false);
+}
+
+void BaseMainWindow::budget()
+{
+    bool ok;
+    double freq = QInputDialog::getDouble(this, "Assign timing budget", "Frequency [MHz]:", 50, 0, 250, 2, &ok);
+    if (ok) {
+        freq *= 1e6;
+        timing_driven = true;
+        Q_EMIT task->budget(freq);
+    }
+}
+
+void BaseMainWindow::place() { Q_EMIT task->place(timing_driven); }
+
+void BaseMainWindow::disableActions()
+{
+    actionLoadJSON->setEnabled(false);
+    actionPack->setEnabled(false);
+    actionAssignBudget->setEnabled(false);
+    actionPlace->setEnabled(false);
+    actionRoute->setEnabled(false);
+
+    actionPlay->setEnabled(false);
+    actionPause->setEnabled(false);
+    actionStop->setEnabled(false);
+
+    actionNew->setEnabled(true);
+    actionOpen->setEnabled(true);
+    actionSave->setEnabled(!currentJson.empty());
+
+    onDisableActions();
 }
 
 NEXTPNR_NAMESPACE_END
diff --git a/gui/basewindow.h b/gui/basewindow.h
index a25a2854..5cec24c5 100644
--- a/gui/basewindow.h
+++ b/gui/basewindow.h
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@
 #define BASEMAINWINDOW_H
 
 #include "nextpnr.h"
+#include "worker.h"
 
 #include <QMainWindow>
 #include <QMenu>
@@ -48,9 +49,17 @@ class BaseMainWindow : public QMainWindow
     virtual ~BaseMainWindow();
     Context *getContext() { return ctx.get(); }
 
+    void load_json(std::string filename);
+
   protected:
     void createMenusAndBars();
-    void createGraphicsBar();
+    void disableActions();
+    virtual void onDisableActions(){};
+    virtual void onJsonLoaded(){};
+    virtual void onPackFinished(){};
+    virtual void onBudgetFinished(){};
+    virtual void onPlaceFinished(){};
+    virtual void onRouteFinished(){};
 
   protected Q_SLOTS:
     void writeInfo(std::string text);
@@ -60,26 +69,56 @@ class BaseMainWindow : public QMainWindow
     virtual void open_proj() = 0;
     virtual bool save_proj() = 0;
 
+    void open_json();
+    void budget();
+    void place();
+
+    void pack_finished(bool status);
+    void budget_finish(bool status);
+    void place_finished(bool status);
+    void route_finished(bool status);
+
+    void taskCanceled();
+    void taskStarted();
+    void taskPaused();
+
   Q_SIGNALS:
     void contextChanged(Context *ctx);
     void updateTreeView();
 
   protected:
+    // state variables
     std::unique_ptr<Context> ctx;
+    TaskManager *task;
+    bool timing_driven;
+    std::string currentJson;
+
+    // main widgets
     QTabWidget *tabWidget;
     QTabWidget *centralTabWidget;
     PythonTab *console;
+    DesignWidget *designview;
+    FPGAViewWidget *fpgaView;
 
+    // Menus, bars and actions
     QMenuBar *menuBar;
-    QToolBar *mainToolBar;
-    QToolBar *graphicsToolBar;
+    QMenu *menuDesign;
     QStatusBar *statusBar;
+    QToolBar *mainActionBar;
+    QProgressBar *progressBar;
+
     QAction *actionNew;
     QAction *actionOpen;
     QAction *actionSave;
-    QProgressBar *progressBar;
-    DesignWidget *designview;
-    FPGAViewWidget *fpgaView;
+
+    QAction *actionLoadJSON;
+    QAction *actionPack;
+    QAction *actionAssignBudget;
+    QAction *actionPlace;
+    QAction *actionRoute;
+    QAction *actionPlay;
+    QAction *actionPause;
+    QAction *actionStop;
 };
 
 NEXTPNR_NAMESPACE_END
diff --git a/gui/designwidget.cc b/gui/designwidget.cc
index 276b8b20..5a448235 100644
--- a/gui/designwidget.cc
+++ b/gui/designwidget.cc
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ DesignWidget::DesignWidget(QWidget *parent) : QWidget(parent), ctx(nullptr), sel
     searchEdit->setClearButtonEnabled(true);
     searchEdit->addAction(QIcon(":/icons/resources/zoom.png"), QLineEdit::LeadingPosition);
     searchEdit->setPlaceholderText("Search...");
-    connect(searchEdit, SIGNAL(returnPressed()), this, SLOT(onSearchInserted()));
+    connect(searchEdit, &QLineEdit::returnPressed, this, &DesignWidget::onSearchInserted);
 
     actionFirst = new QAction("", this);
     actionFirst->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/resultset_first.png"));
@@ -162,8 +162,7 @@ DesignWidget::DesignWidget(QWidget *parent) : QWidget(parent), ctx(nullptr), sel
     connect(treeView, &QTreeView::customContextMenuRequested, this, &DesignWidget::prepareMenuTree);
     connect(treeView, &QTreeView::doubleClicked, this, &DesignWidget::onDoubleClicked);
     selectionModel = treeView->selectionModel();
-    connect(selectionModel, SIGNAL(selectionChanged(const QItemSelection &, const QItemSelection &)),
-            SLOT(onSelectionChanged(const QItemSelection &, const QItemSelection &)));
+    connect(selectionModel, &QItemSelectionModel::selectionChanged, this, &DesignWidget::onSelectionChanged);
 
     history_index = -1;
     history_ignore = false;
@@ -317,7 +316,7 @@ QtProperty *DesignWidget::addSubGroup(QtProperty *topItem, const QString &name)
 
 void DesignWidget::onClickedBel(BelId bel, bool keep)
 {
-    boost::optional<TreeModel::Item*> item;
+    boost::optional<TreeModel::Item *> item;
     {
         std::lock_guard<std::mutex> lock_ui(ctx->ui_mutex);
         std::lock_guard<std::mutex> lock(ctx->mutex);
@@ -334,7 +333,7 @@ void DesignWidget::onClickedBel(BelId bel, bool keep)
 
 void DesignWidget::onClickedWire(WireId wire, bool keep)
 {
-    boost::optional<TreeModel::Item*> item;
+    boost::optional<TreeModel::Item *> item;
     {
         std::lock_guard<std::mutex> lock_ui(ctx->ui_mutex);
         std::lock_guard<std::mutex> lock(ctx->mutex);
@@ -351,7 +350,7 @@ void DesignWidget::onClickedWire(WireId wire, bool keep)
 
 void DesignWidget::onClickedPip(PipId pip, bool keep)
 {
-    boost::optional<TreeModel::Item*> item;
+    boost::optional<TreeModel::Item *> item;
     {
         std::lock_guard<std::mutex> lock_ui(ctx->ui_mutex);
         std::lock_guard<std::mutex> lock(ctx->mutex);
diff --git a/gui/designwidget.h b/gui/designwidget.h
index 628586f4..c78d7232 100644
--- a/gui/designwidget.h
+++ b/gui/designwidget.h
@@ -53,7 +53,6 @@ class DesignWidget : public QWidget
     std::vector<DecalXY> getDecals(ElementType type, IdString value);
     void updateHighlightGroup(QList<TreeModel::Item *> item, int group);
   Q_SIGNALS:
-    void info(std::string text);
     void selected(std::vector<DecalXY> decal, bool keep);
     void highlight(std::vector<DecalXY> decal, int group);
     void zoomSelected();
diff --git a/gui/ecp5/mainwindow.cc b/gui/ecp5/mainwindow.cc
index 4b1c7e3b..935daefd 100644
--- a/gui/ecp5/mainwindow.cc
+++ b/gui/ecp5/mainwindow.cc
@@ -36,13 +36,7 @@ MainWindow::MainWindow(std::unique_ptr<Context> context, QWidget *parent) : Base
 
 MainWindow::~MainWindow() {}
 
-void MainWindow::createMenu()
-{
-    QMenu *menu_Custom = new QMenu("&Generic", menuBar);
-    menuBar->addAction(menu_Custom->menuAction());
-
-    createGraphicsBar();
-}
+void MainWindow::createMenu() {}
 
 void MainWindow::new_proj() {}
 
diff --git a/gui/generic/mainwindow.cc b/gui/generic/mainwindow.cc
index 1efc73bb..70ee600d 100644
--- a/gui/generic/mainwindow.cc
+++ b/gui/generic/mainwindow.cc
@@ -36,13 +36,7 @@ MainWindow::MainWindow(std::unique_ptr<Context> context, QWidget *parent) : Base
 
 MainWindow::~MainWindow() {}
 
-void MainWindow::createMenu()
-{
-    QMenu *menu_Custom = new QMenu("&Generic", menuBar);
-    menuBar->addAction(menu_Custom->menuAction());
-
-    createGraphicsBar();
-}
+void MainWindow::createMenu() {}
 
 void MainWindow::new_proj() {}
 
diff --git a/gui/ice40/mainwindow.cc b/gui/ice40/mainwindow.cc
index f06971b6..2fa2e561 100644
--- a/gui/ice40/mainwindow.cc
+++ b/gui/ice40/mainwindow.cc
@@ -37,130 +37,45 @@ static void initMainResource() { Q_INIT_RESOURCE(nextpnr); }
 NEXTPNR_NAMESPACE_BEGIN
 
 MainWindow::MainWindow(std::unique_ptr<Context> context, ArchArgs args, QWidget *parent)
-        : BaseMainWindow(std::move(context), parent), timing_driven(false), chipArgs(args)
+        : BaseMainWindow(std::move(context), parent), chipArgs(args)
 {
     initMainResource();
 
     std::string title = "nextpnr-ice40 - [EMPTY]";
     setWindowTitle(title.c_str());
 
-    task = new TaskManager();
-    connect(task, SIGNAL(log(std::string)), this, SLOT(writeInfo(std::string)));
-
-    connect(task, SIGNAL(loadfile_finished(bool)), this, SLOT(loadfile_finished(bool)));
-    connect(task, SIGNAL(loadpcf_finished(bool)), this, SLOT(loadpcf_finished(bool)));
-    connect(task, SIGNAL(saveasc_finished(bool)), this, SLOT(saveasc_finished(bool)));
-    connect(task, SIGNAL(pack_finished(bool)), this, SLOT(pack_finished(bool)));
-    connect(task, SIGNAL(budget_finish(bool)), this, SLOT(budget_finish(bool)));
-    connect(task, SIGNAL(place_finished(bool)), this, SLOT(place_finished(bool)));
-    connect(task, SIGNAL(route_finished(bool)), this, SLOT(route_finished(bool)));
-
-    connect(task, SIGNAL(taskCanceled()), this, SLOT(taskCanceled()));
-    connect(task, SIGNAL(taskStarted()), this, SLOT(taskStarted()));
-    connect(task, SIGNAL(taskPaused()), this, SLOT(taskPaused()));
-
-    connect(this, SIGNAL(contextChanged(Context *)), this, SLOT(newContext(Context *)));
-    connect(this, SIGNAL(contextChanged(Context *)), task, SIGNAL(contextChanged(Context *)));
+    connect(this, &BaseMainWindow::contextChanged, this, &MainWindow::newContext);
 
     createMenu();
 
     Q_EMIT contextChanged(ctx.get());
 }
 
-MainWindow::~MainWindow() { delete task; }
+MainWindow::~MainWindow() {}
 
 void MainWindow::createMenu()
 {
-    QMenu *menu_Design = new QMenu("&Design", menuBar);
-    menuBar->addAction(menu_Design->menuAction());
-
-    actionLoadJSON = new QAction("Open JSON", this);
-    actionLoadJSON->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/open_json.png"));
-    actionLoadJSON->setStatusTip("Open an existing JSON file");
-    actionLoadJSON->setEnabled(true);
-    connect(actionLoadJSON, SIGNAL(triggered()), this, SLOT(open_json()));
-
+    // Add arch specific actions
     actionLoadPCF = new QAction("Open PCF", this);
     actionLoadPCF->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/open_pcf.png"));
     actionLoadPCF->setStatusTip("Open PCF file");
     actionLoadPCF->setEnabled(false);
-    connect(actionLoadPCF, SIGNAL(triggered()), this, SLOT(open_pcf()));
-
-    actionPack = new QAction("Pack", this);
-    actionPack->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/pack.png"));
-    actionPack->setStatusTip("Pack current design");
-    actionPack->setEnabled(false);
-    connect(actionPack, SIGNAL(triggered()), task, SIGNAL(pack()));
-
-    actionAssignBudget = new QAction("Assign Budget", this);
-    actionAssignBudget->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/time_add.png"));
-    actionAssignBudget->setStatusTip("Assign time budget for current design");
-    actionAssignBudget->setEnabled(false);
-    connect(actionAssignBudget, SIGNAL(triggered()), this, SLOT(budget()));
-
-    actionPlace = new QAction("Place", this);
-    actionPlace->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/place.png"));
-    actionPlace->setStatusTip("Place current design");
-    actionPlace->setEnabled(false);
-    connect(actionPlace, SIGNAL(triggered()), this, SLOT(place()));
-
-    actionRoute = new QAction("Route", this);
-    actionRoute->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/route.png"));
-    actionRoute->setStatusTip("Route current design");
-    actionRoute->setEnabled(false);
-    connect(actionRoute, SIGNAL(triggered()), task, SIGNAL(route()));
+    connect(actionLoadPCF, &QAction::triggered, this, &MainWindow::open_pcf);
 
     actionSaveAsc = new QAction("Save ASC", this);
     actionSaveAsc->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/save_asc.png"));
     actionSaveAsc->setStatusTip("Save ASC file");
     actionSaveAsc->setEnabled(false);
-    connect(actionSaveAsc, SIGNAL(triggered()), this, SLOT(save_asc()));
+    connect(actionSaveAsc, &QAction::triggered, this, &MainWindow::save_asc);
 
-    QToolBar *taskFPGABar = new QToolBar();
-    addToolBar(Qt::TopToolBarArea, taskFPGABar);
+    // Add actions in menus
+    mainActionBar->addSeparator();
+    mainActionBar->addAction(actionLoadPCF);
+    mainActionBar->addAction(actionSaveAsc);
 
-    taskFPGABar->addAction(actionLoadJSON);
-    taskFPGABar->addAction(actionLoadPCF);
-    taskFPGABar->addAction(actionPack);
-    taskFPGABar->addAction(actionAssignBudget);
-    taskFPGABar->addAction(actionPlace);
-    taskFPGABar->addAction(actionRoute);
-    taskFPGABar->addAction(actionSaveAsc);
-
-    menu_Design->addAction(actionLoadJSON);
-    menu_Design->addAction(actionLoadPCF);
-    menu_Design->addAction(actionPack);
-    menu_Design->addAction(actionAssignBudget);
-    menu_Design->addAction(actionPlace);
-    menu_Design->addAction(actionRoute);
-    menu_Design->addAction(actionSaveAsc);
-
-    actionPlay = new QAction("Play", this);
-    actionPlay->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/control_play.png"));
-    actionPlay->setStatusTip("Continue running task");
-    actionPlay->setEnabled(false);
-    connect(actionPlay, SIGNAL(triggered()), task, SLOT(continue_thread()));
-
-    actionPause = new QAction("Pause", this);
-    actionPause->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/control_pause.png"));
-    actionPause->setStatusTip("Pause running task");
-    actionPause->setEnabled(false);
-    connect(actionPause, SIGNAL(triggered()), task, SLOT(pause_thread()));
-
-    actionStop = new QAction("Stop", this);
-    actionStop->setIcon(QIcon(":/icons/resources/control_stop.png"));
-    actionStop->setStatusTip("Stop running task");
-    actionStop->setEnabled(false);
-    connect(actionStop, SIGNAL(triggered()), task, SLOT(terminate_thread()));
-
-    QToolBar *taskToolBar = new QToolBar();
-    addToolBar(Qt::TopToolBarArea, taskToolBar);
-
-    taskToolBar->addAction(actionPlay);
-    taskToolBar->addAction(actionPause);
-    taskToolBar->addAction(actionStop);
-
-    createGraphicsBar();
+    menuDesign->addSeparator();
+    menuDesign->addAction(actionLoadPCF);
+    menuDesign->addAction(actionSaveAsc);
 }
 
 #if defined(_MSC_VER)
@@ -238,19 +153,18 @@ void MainWindow::new_proj()
     }
 }
 
-void MainWindow::load_json(std::string filename, std::string pcf)
-{
-    disableActions();
-    currentJson = filename;
-    currentPCF = pcf;
-    Q_EMIT task->loadfile(filename);
-}
-
 void MainWindow::load_pcf(std::string filename)
 {
     disableActions();
     currentPCF = filename;
-    Q_EMIT task->loadpcf(filename);
+    std::ifstream f(filename);
+    if (apply_pcf(ctx.get(), f)) {
+        log("Loading PCF successful.\n");
+        actionPack->setEnabled(true);
+    } else {
+        actionLoadPCF->setEnabled(true);
+        log("Loading PCF failed.\n");
+    }
 }
 
 void MainWindow::newContext(Context *ctx)
@@ -331,20 +245,14 @@ void MainWindow::open_proj()
             }
 
             log_info("Loading json: %s...\n", json.c_str());
-            load_json(json, pcf);
+            load_json(json);
+            if (!pcf.empty())
+                load_pcf(json);
         } catch (log_execution_error_exception) {
         }
     }
 }
 
-void MainWindow::open_json()
-{
-    QString fileName = QFileDialog::getOpenFileName(this, QString("Open JSON"), QString(), QString("*.json"));
-    if (!fileName.isEmpty()) {
-        load_json(fileName.toStdString(), "");
-    }
-}
-
 void MainWindow::open_pcf()
 {
     QString fileName = QFileDialog::getOpenFileName(this, QString("Open PCF"), QString(), QString("*.pcf"));
@@ -389,149 +297,19 @@ void MainWindow::save_asc()
     if (!fileName.isEmpty()) {
         std::string fn = fileName.toStdString();
         disableActions();
-        Q_EMIT task->saveasc(fn);
-    }
-}
-
-void MainWindow::disableActions()
-{
-    actionLoadJSON->setEnabled(false);
-    actionLoadPCF->setEnabled(false);
-    actionPack->setEnabled(false);
-    actionAssignBudget->setEnabled(false);
-    actionPlace->setEnabled(false);
-    actionRoute->setEnabled(false);
-    actionSaveAsc->setEnabled(false);
-
-    actionPlay->setEnabled(false);
-    actionPause->setEnabled(false);
-    actionStop->setEnabled(false);
-
-    actionNew->setEnabled(true);
-    actionOpen->setEnabled(true);
-    actionSave->setEnabled(!currentJson.empty());
-}
-
-void MainWindow::loadfile_finished(bool status)
-{
-    disableActions();
-    if (status) {
-        log("Loading design successful.\n");
-        actionLoadPCF->setEnabled(true);
-        actionPack->setEnabled(true);
-        if (!currentPCF.empty())
-            load_pcf(currentPCF);
-        Q_EMIT updateTreeView();
-    } else {
-        log("Loading design failed.\n");
-        currentPCF = "";
-    }
-}
-
-void MainWindow::loadpcf_finished(bool status)
-{
-    disableActions();
-    if (status) {
-        log("Loading PCF successful.\n");
-        actionPack->setEnabled(true);
-    } else {
-        log("Loading PCF failed.\n");
-    }
-}
-
-void MainWindow::saveasc_finished(bool status)
-{
-    disableActions();
-    if (status) {
+        std::ofstream f(fn);
+        write_asc(ctx.get(), f);
         log("Saving ASC successful.\n");
-    } else {
-        log("Saving ASC failed.\n");
     }
 }
 
-void MainWindow::pack_finished(bool status)
+void MainWindow::onDisableActions()
 {
-    disableActions();
-    if (status) {
-        log("Packing design successful.\n");
-        Q_EMIT updateTreeView();
-        actionPlace->setEnabled(true);
-        actionAssignBudget->setEnabled(true);
-    } else {
-        log("Packing design failed.\n");
-    }
+    actionLoadPCF->setEnabled(false);
+    actionSaveAsc->setEnabled(false);
 }
 
-void MainWindow::budget_finish(bool status)
-{
-    disableActions();
-    if (status) {
-        log("Assigning timing budget successful.\n");
-        actionPlace->setEnabled(true);
-    } else {
-        log("Assigning timing budget failed.\n");
-    }
-}
-
-void MainWindow::place_finished(bool status)
-{
-    disableActions();
-    if (status) {
-        log("Placing design successful.\n");
-        Q_EMIT updateTreeView();
-        actionRoute->setEnabled(true);
-    } else {
-        log("Placing design failed.\n");
-    }
-}
-void MainWindow::route_finished(bool status)
-{
-    disableActions();
-    if (status) {
-        log("Routing design successful.\n");
-        Q_EMIT updateTreeView();
-        actionSaveAsc->setEnabled(true);
-    } else
-        log("Routing design failed.\n");
-}
-
-void MainWindow::taskCanceled()
-{
-    log("CANCELED\n");
-    disableActions();
-}
-
-void MainWindow::taskStarted()
-{
-    disableActions();
-    actionPause->setEnabled(true);
-    actionStop->setEnabled(true);
-
-    actionNew->setEnabled(false);
-    actionOpen->setEnabled(false);
-}
-
-void MainWindow::taskPaused()
-{
-    disableActions();
-    actionPlay->setEnabled(true);
-    actionStop->setEnabled(true);
-
-    actionNew->setEnabled(false);
-    actionOpen->setEnabled(false);
-}
-
-void MainWindow::budget()
-{
-    bool ok;
-    double freq = QInputDialog::getDouble(this, "Assign timing budget", "Frequency [MHz]:", 50, 0, 250, 2, &ok);
-    if (ok) {
-        freq *= 1e6;
-        timing_driven = true;
-        Q_EMIT task->budget(freq);
-    }
-}
-
-void MainWindow::place() { Q_EMIT task->place(timing_driven); }
+void MainWindow::onJsonLoaded() { actionLoadPCF->setEnabled(true); }
+void MainWindow::onRouteFinished() { actionSaveAsc->setEnabled(true); }
 
 NEXTPNR_NAMESPACE_END
diff --git a/gui/ice40/mainwindow.h b/gui/ice40/mainwindow.h
index 4600d1da..230ccc4e 100644
--- a/gui/ice40/mainwindow.h
+++ b/gui/ice40/mainwindow.h
@@ -21,7 +21,6 @@
 #define MAINWINDOW_H
 
 #include "../basewindow.h"
-#include "worker.h"
 
 NEXTPNR_NAMESPACE_BEGIN
 
@@ -35,53 +34,30 @@ class MainWindow : public BaseMainWindow
 
   public:
     void createMenu();
-    void load_json(std::string filename, std::string pcf);
     void load_pcf(std::string filename);
+
+  protected:
+    void onDisableActions() override;
+    void onJsonLoaded() override;
+    void onRouteFinished() override;
+
   protected Q_SLOTS:
     virtual void new_proj();
     virtual void open_proj();
     virtual bool save_proj();
 
-    void open_json();
     void open_pcf();
-    void budget();
-    void place();
     void save_asc();
 
-    void loadfile_finished(bool status);
-    void loadpcf_finished(bool status);
-    void saveasc_finished(bool status);
-    void pack_finished(bool status);
-    void budget_finish(bool status);
-    void place_finished(bool status);
-    void route_finished(bool status);
-
-    void taskCanceled();
-    void taskStarted();
-    void taskPaused();
-
     void newContext(Context *ctx);
 
   private:
-    void disableActions();
-
-    TaskManager *task;
-    QAction *actionLoadJSON;
     QAction *actionLoadPCF;
-    QAction *actionPack;
-    QAction *actionAssignBudget;
-    QAction *actionPlace;
-    QAction *actionRoute;
     QAction *actionSaveAsc;
-    QAction *actionPlay;
-    QAction *actionPause;
-    QAction *actionStop;
 
-    bool timing_driven;
     ArchArgs chipArgs;
 
     std::string currentProj;
-    std::string currentJson;
     std::string currentPCF;
 };
 
diff --git a/gui/ice40/nextpnr.qrc b/gui/ice40/nextpnr.qrc
index 3c86057d..8eca1e09 100644
--- a/gui/ice40/nextpnr.qrc
+++ b/gui/ice40/nextpnr.qrc
@@ -1,14 +1,6 @@
 <RCC>
     <qresource prefix="/icons">
-        <file>resources/control_play.png</file>
-        <file>resources/control_pause.png</file>
-        <file>resources/control_stop.png</file>
-        <file>resources/pack.png</file>
-        <file>resources/place.png</file>
-        <file>resources/route.png</file>
-        <file>resources/time_add.png</file>
         <file>resources/open_pcf.png</file>
         <file>resources/save_asc.png</file>
-        <file>resources/open_json.png</file>
     </qresource>
 </RCC>
diff --git a/gui/line_editor.cc b/gui/line_editor.cc
index 23415092..b25f4031 100644
--- a/gui/line_editor.cc
+++ b/gui/line_editor.cc
@@ -32,13 +32,13 @@ LineEditor::LineEditor(ParseHelper *helper, QWidget *parent) : QLineEdit(parent)
     setContextMenuPolicy(Qt::CustomContextMenu);
     QAction *clearAction = new QAction("Clear &history", this);
     clearAction->setStatusTip("Clears line edit history");
-    connect(clearAction, SIGNAL(triggered()), this, SLOT(clearHistory()));
+    connect(clearAction, &QAction::triggered, this, &LineEditor::clearHistory);
     contextMenu = createStandardContextMenu();
     contextMenu->addSeparator();
     contextMenu->addAction(clearAction);
 
-    connect(this, SIGNAL(returnPressed()), SLOT(textInserted()));
-    connect(this, SIGNAL(customContextMenuRequested(const QPoint)), this, SLOT(showContextMenu(const QPoint)));
+    connect(this, &LineEditor::returnPressed, this, &LineEditor::textInserted);
+    connect(this, &LineEditor::customContextMenuRequested, this, &LineEditor::showContextMenu);
 }
 
 void LineEditor::keyPressEvent(QKeyEvent *ev)
diff --git a/gui/pythontab.cc b/gui/pythontab.cc
index e761128d..80d731e9 100644
--- a/gui/pythontab.cc
+++ b/gui/pythontab.cc
@@ -42,18 +42,18 @@ PythonTab::PythonTab(QWidget *parent) : QWidget(parent), initialized(false)
     console->setContextMenuPolicy(Qt::CustomContextMenu);
     QAction *clearAction = new QAction("Clear &buffer", this);
     clearAction->setStatusTip("Clears display buffer");
-    connect(clearAction, SIGNAL(triggered()), this, SLOT(clearBuffer()));
+    connect(clearAction, &QAction::triggered, this, &PythonTab::clearBuffer);
     contextMenu = console->createStandardContextMenu();
     contextMenu->addSeparator();
     contextMenu->addAction(clearAction);
-    connect(console, SIGNAL(customContextMenuRequested(const QPoint)), this, SLOT(showContextMenu(const QPoint)));
+    connect(console, &PythonConsole::customContextMenuRequested, this, &PythonTab::showContextMenu);
 
     lineEdit = new LineEditor(&parseHelper);
     lineEdit->setMinimumHeight(30);
     lineEdit->setMaximumHeight(30);
     lineEdit->setFont(f);
     lineEdit->setPlaceholderText(PythonTab::PROMPT);
-    connect(lineEdit, SIGNAL(textLineInserted(QString)), this, SLOT(editLineReturnPressed(QString)));
+    connect(lineEdit, &LineEditor::textLineInserted, this, &PythonTab::editLineReturnPressed);
 
     QGridLayout *mainLayout = new QGridLayout();
     mainLayout->addWidget(console, 0, 0);
diff --git a/gui/ice40/resources/control_pause.png b/gui/resources/control_pause.png
similarity index 100%
rename from gui/ice40/resources/control_pause.png
rename to gui/resources/control_pause.png
diff --git a/gui/ice40/resources/control_play.png b/gui/resources/control_play.png
similarity index 100%
rename from gui/ice40/resources/control_play.png
rename to gui/resources/control_play.png
diff --git a/gui/ice40/resources/control_stop.png b/gui/resources/control_stop.png
similarity index 100%
rename from gui/ice40/resources/control_stop.png
rename to gui/resources/control_stop.png
diff --git a/gui/ice40/resources/open_json.png b/gui/resources/open_json.png
similarity index 100%
rename from gui/ice40/resources/open_json.png
rename to gui/resources/open_json.png
diff --git a/gui/ice40/resources/pack.png b/gui/resources/pack.png
similarity index 100%
rename from gui/ice40/resources/pack.png
rename to gui/resources/pack.png
diff --git a/gui/ice40/resources/place.png b/gui/resources/place.png
similarity index 100%
rename from gui/ice40/resources/place.png
rename to gui/resources/place.png
diff --git a/gui/ice40/resources/route.png b/gui/resources/route.png
similarity index 100%
rename from gui/ice40/resources/route.png
rename to gui/resources/route.png
diff --git a/gui/ice40/resources/time_add.png b/gui/resources/time_add.png
similarity index 100%
rename from gui/ice40/resources/time_add.png
rename to gui/resources/time_add.png
diff --git a/gui/ice40/worker.cc b/gui/worker.cc
similarity index 77%
rename from gui/ice40/worker.cc
rename to gui/worker.cc
index 09093ec8..b009ecd3 100644
--- a/gui/ice40/worker.cc
+++ b/gui/worker.cc
@@ -19,11 +19,8 @@
 
 #include "worker.h"
 #include <fstream>
-#include "bitstream.h"
 #include "design_utils.h"
-#include "jsonparse.h"
 #include "log.h"
-#include "pcf.h"
 #include "timing.h"
 
 NEXTPNR_NAMESPACE_BEGIN
@@ -55,43 +52,6 @@ Worker::Worker(TaskManager *parent) : ctx(nullptr)
 
 void Worker::newContext(Context *ctx_) { ctx = ctx_; }
 
-void Worker::loadfile(const std::string &filename)
-{
-    Q_EMIT taskStarted();
-    std::string fn = filename;
-    std::ifstream f(fn);
-    try {
-        Q_EMIT loadfile_finished(parse_json_file(f, fn, ctx));
-    } catch (WorkerInterruptionRequested) {
-        Q_EMIT taskCanceled();
-    }
-}
-
-void Worker::loadpcf(const std::string &filename)
-{
-    Q_EMIT taskStarted();
-    std::string fn = filename;
-    std::ifstream f(fn);
-    try {
-        Q_EMIT loadpcf_finished(apply_pcf(ctx, f));
-    } catch (WorkerInterruptionRequested) {
-        Q_EMIT taskCanceled();
-    }
-}
-
-void Worker::saveasc(const std::string &filename)
-{
-    Q_EMIT taskStarted();
-    std::string fn = filename;
-    std::ofstream f(fn);
-    try {
-        write_asc(ctx, f);
-        Q_EMIT saveasc_finished(true);
-    } catch (WorkerInterruptionRequested) {
-        Q_EMIT taskCanceled();
-    }
-}
-
 void Worker::pack()
 {
     Q_EMIT taskStarted();
@@ -144,9 +104,6 @@ TaskManager::TaskManager() : toTerminate(false), toPause(false)
 
     connect(&workerThread, &QThread::finished, worker, &QObject::deleteLater);
 
-    connect(this, &TaskManager::loadfile, worker, &Worker::loadfile);
-    connect(this, &TaskManager::loadpcf, worker, &Worker::loadpcf);
-    connect(this, &TaskManager::saveasc, worker, &Worker::saveasc);
     connect(this, &TaskManager::pack, worker, &Worker::pack);
     connect(this, &TaskManager::budget, worker, &Worker::budget);
     connect(this, &TaskManager::place, worker, &Worker::place);
@@ -155,9 +112,6 @@ TaskManager::TaskManager() : toTerminate(false), toPause(false)
     connect(this, &TaskManager::contextChanged, worker, &Worker::newContext);
 
     connect(worker, &Worker::log, this, &TaskManager::info);
-    connect(worker, &Worker::loadfile_finished, this, &TaskManager::loadfile_finished);
-    connect(worker, &Worker::loadpcf_finished, this, &TaskManager::loadpcf_finished);
-    connect(worker, &Worker::saveasc_finished, this, &TaskManager::saveasc_finished);
     connect(worker, &Worker::pack_finished, this, &TaskManager::pack_finished);
     connect(worker, &Worker::budget_finish, this, &TaskManager::budget_finish);
     connect(worker, &Worker::place_finished, this, &TaskManager::place_finished);
diff --git a/gui/ice40/worker.h b/gui/worker.h
similarity index 83%
rename from gui/ice40/worker.h
rename to gui/worker.h
index f4369535..12a11977 100644
--- a/gui/ice40/worker.h
+++ b/gui/worker.h
@@ -35,18 +35,12 @@ class Worker : public QObject
     explicit Worker(TaskManager *parent);
   public Q_SLOTS:
     void newContext(Context *);
-    void loadfile(const std::string &);
-    void loadpcf(const std::string &);
-    void saveasc(const std::string &);
     void pack();
     void budget(double freq);
     void place(bool timing_driven);
     void route();
   Q_SIGNALS:
     void log(const std::string &text);
-    void loadfile_finished(bool status);
-    void loadpcf_finished(bool status);
-    void saveasc_finished(bool status);
     void pack_finished(bool status);
     void budget_finish(bool status);
     void place_finished(bool status);
@@ -78,9 +72,6 @@ class TaskManager : public QObject
   Q_SIGNALS:
     void contextChanged(Context *ctx);
     void terminate();
-    void loadfile(const std::string &);
-    void loadpcf(const std::string &);
-    void saveasc(const std::string &);
     void pack();
     void budget(double freq);
     void place(bool timing_driven);
@@ -88,9 +79,6 @@ class TaskManager : public QObject
 
     // redirected signals
     void log(const std::string &text);
-    void loadfile_finished(bool status);
-    void loadpcf_finished(bool status);
-    void saveasc_finished(bool status);
     void pack_finished(bool status);
     void budget_finish(bool status);
     void place_finished(bool status);
diff --git a/ice40/main.cc b/ice40/main.cc
index 358b46ba..4a2e9532 100644
--- a/ice40/main.cc
+++ b/ice40/main.cc
@@ -406,9 +406,11 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
             if (vm.count("json")) {
                 std::string filename = vm["json"].as<std::string>();
                 std::string pcf = "";
-                if (vm.count("pcf"))
+                w.load_json(filename);
+                if (vm.count("pcf")) {
                     pcf = vm["pcf"].as<std::string>();
-                w.load_json(filename, pcf);
+                    w.load_pcf(pcf);
+                }
             }
             w.show();