diff --git a/pydm/layouts/__init__.py b/pydm/layouts/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..e69de29bb
diff --git a/pydm/layouts/absolute_geometry_layout.py b/pydm/layouts/absolute_geometry_layout.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..733a7e4c9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/pydm/layouts/absolute_geometry_layout.py
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+"""
+Layout Manager for MEDM widgets.
+
+Widgets are placed on this layout in absolute coordinates.
+When the layout is resized, the manager will resize each of the
+widgets in the layout.
+"""
+
+import logging
+
+from qtpy.QtWidgets import QLayout, QVBoxLayout
+from qtpy import QtDesigner
+
+logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
+
+
+class AbsoluteGeometryLayout(QLayout):
+    """
+    Layout Manager for widgets laid out by absolute geometry (such as MEDM).
+
+    Widgets are added to this layout with absolute geometry (x,y,height,width).
+    When the layout is resized, the manager will resize each of the
+    widgets in the layout.
+    """
diff --git a/pydm/widgets/qtplugins.py b/pydm/widgets/qtplugins.py
index fe40715f4..47d62fcb2 100644
--- a/pydm/widgets/qtplugins.py
+++ b/pydm/widgets/qtplugins.py
@@ -45,6 +45,7 @@
 from .template_repeater import PyDMTemplateRepeater
 from .terminator import PyDMTerminator
 
+from ..layouts.absolute_geometry_layout import AbsoluteGeometryLayout
 from ..utilities.iconfont import IconFont
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
@@ -261,3 +262,10 @@
 PyDMTerminatorPlugin = qtplugin_factory(PyDMTerminator,
                                         group=WidgetCategory.MISC,
                                         extensions=BASE_EXTENSIONS)
+
+# ------ layouts (may be replaced by a custom widget that uses this layout)
+
+AbsoluteGeometryLayoutPlugin = qtplugin_factory(AbsoluteGeometryLayout,
+                                                group='PyDM Layouts',
+                                                is_container=True,
+                                                extensions=BASE_EXTENSIONS)