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Compose Hot Reload lets you make UI code changes in a Compose Multiplatform app and see the results instantly, without needing to restart. The JetBrains Runtime intelligently reloads your code whenever it changes, allowing your creativity to flow when designing multiplatform user interfaces.

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What is Compose Hot Reload?

Compose Hot Reload is a Gradle plugin that enables instant UI updates during development. When you save changes to your Compose code, the JetBrains Runtime reloads only the modified parts of your application, preserving application state and eliminating the need for full restarts.
Compose Hot Reload requires a JVM target in your multiplatform project. Support for other targets is being explored for the future.

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Why use Compose Hot Reload?

Instant Feedback

See your UI changes immediately without waiting for full rebuilds and restarts

State Preservation

Application state is retained during hot reload, so you don’t lose your place in the app

Cross-Module Support

Hot reload works across project modules, updating dependencies automatically

Seamless Integration

Works directly in IntelliJ IDEA and Android Studio with the Kotlin Multiplatform plugin

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Key Features

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Two Reload Modes

  • Explicit Mode: Manually trigger reloads when you’re ready to see changes
  • Auto Mode: Automatically reload when file changes are detected using Gradle’s continuous build system

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IDE Integration

Run hot reload directly from the IDE gutter, trigger reloads with keyboard shortcuts, and access the floating toolbar for quick controls.

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CLI Support

Use Gradle tasks to run your application with hot reload from the command line: 
./gradlew :app:hotRunJvm

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Use Cases

Compose Hot Reload is ideal for:
  • UI Design & Iteration: Rapidly prototype and refine user interfaces
  • Theme Development: Instantly preview color schemes, typography, and styling changes
  • Layout Adjustments: Fine-tune spacing, alignment, and component positioning
  • Animation Tweaking: Iterate on animation parameters and timing
  • Component Development: Build and test reusable UI components

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Getting Started

Quickstart

Get up and running with hot reload in minutes

Installation

Detailed setup instructions for new and existing projects

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Requirements

To be compatible with JetBrains Runtime, your project must target Java 21 or earlier.
Ensure your project meets these minimum version requirements:
  • Kotlin: 2.1.20 or higher
  • Compose Compiler: 2.1.20 or higher
  • Compose Multiplatform: 1.8.2 or higher
  • JetBrains Runtime: Required (see installation for provisioning options)
For the best development experience:
  • IntelliJ IDEA 2025.2.2 or higher, or Android Studio Otter 2025.2.1 or higher
  • Kotlin Multiplatform IDE plugin installed

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