Keil Studio is Arm's new IDE that brings powerful embedded development capabilities directly into Visual Studio Code. As the successor to the µVision IDE, Keil Studio represents a modern approach to embedded development, offering seamless integration with industry-standard tools, version control systems, and command line interface (CLI) for continuous integration (CI) workflows.
Being part of Arm Keil MDK 6, Keil Studio provides comprehensive support for Cortex-M based microcontrollers. It combines the reliability and maturity of the Arm Compiler and extensive device support, with the flexibility and extensibility of Visual Studio Code.
When using Keil Studio the VS Code Activity Bar provides these views:
- The CMSIS view gives you access to the application source code and lets you manage multiple projects, target hardware, and debug configurations.
- The Run and Debug view gives you full control over program execution through pyOCD (for ST-Link, CMSIS-DAP and ULink) or J-Link Server.
- The Trace and Live view provides real-time variable monitoring while the application runs, and software component viewers for middleware and system services.
- The Source Control view lets you work directly with Git through a graphical interface. Keil Studio creates the
.gitignorefile for your workspace.
Install this extension and use the Create New Solution dialog in the CMSIS view. Select your board or device to access board-specific examples or blank templates for starting from scratch.
Most Board Support Packs provide a ready-to-run Blinky example for quick verification. By default, the required tools and packs are installed automatically when you build a solution. Optionally, clone projects directly from repositories, such as github.com/ARM-examples using the built-in Git support.
Note: License activation is required for commercial tools but a free MDK-Community license is available for evaluation and non-commercial use. For complete installation instructions, see the Keil Studio User's Guide.
Keil Studio is designed for all types of embedded projects, ranging from bare-metal firmware to complex RTOS-based systems. It provides direct hardware access, kernel awareness for supported RTOSes, and software component viewers for middleware and system services.
Selecting between bare-metal, Keil RTX, FreeRTOS, and Zephyr depends on system complexity, longevity, and non-functional requirements. Bare-metal designs favor simplicity, minimal overhead, and unrestricted hardware control. FreeRTOS and Keil RTX provide a middle ground, offering multitasking with relatively low overhead. Zephyr targets product-scale systems that benefit from a rich ecosystem and enforced structure.
The MDK Professional Edition includes safety features that help developers achieve compliance with standards like ISO 26262 (Automotive), IEC 61508 (Industrial), and IEC 62304 (Medical). It includes the Arm Compiler for Embedded FuSa and the Arm FuSa Run-Time System. For integration of third-party tools for static code analysis and MISRA checking, Keil Studio creates a standard database.
Open a workspace folder and use the Arm Tools Environment Manager to install a compiler, the CMSIS-Toolbox with CMake and Ninja, and optionally FVP simulation models. Required software packs for device and board support are installed automatically when creating or building a CMSIS solution, or can be manually added using the cpackget command.
- Arm Keil Studio for VS Code user's guide explains how to use this IDE.
- Arm Example projects are complete applications that help you set up your own embedded projects.
- MDK-Middleware provides examples for IPv4 and IPv6 networking, USB Host and Device communication, and File System for data storage.
Keil Studio is an extension pack that installs:
- Arm CMSIS Solution: Develop embedded applications using CMSIS solutions (csolution projects).
- Arm CMSIS Debugger: Creates the debug platform for embedded applications based on Arm Cortex-M.
- Arm Tools Environment Manager: Installs development tools specified in a manifest (e.g., Arm Compiler, CMSIS-Toolbox, CMake, Ninja).
- clangd: Adds intelligent code features such as completion, diagnostics, and navigation.
- YAML: Enables syntax support and context help for YAML files.
- CDT GDB Debug Adapter Extension: Debug with gdb or any other debugger that supports the MI protocol.
- Memory Inspector: Analyze and monitor system memory during development.
- Peripheral Inspector: Displays register-level peripheral information using CMSIS-SVD files.
- Serial Monitor: View text output from or send text messages to serial or TCP ports.
Submit feedback via our support page.
Keil Studio collects usage data in accordance with VS Code telemetry settings. You can adjust telemetry behavior in the VS Code settings menu.
Use of this extension indicates acceptance of the End User License Agreement.