diff --git a/artiq/gui/applets.py b/artiq/gui/applets.py
index de282c846..6d128b7a1 100644
--- a/artiq/gui/applets.py
+++ b/artiq/gui/applets.py
@@ -68,9 +68,11 @@ class EntryArea(QtWidgets.QTreeWidget):
         self.bottom_item.setHidden(True)
     
     def setattr_argument(self, key, processor, group=None, tooltip=None):
+        self.setattr_argument_procdesc(key, processor.describe(), group, tooltip)
+
+    def setattr_argument_procdesc(self, key, procdesc, group=None, tooltip=None):
         argument = dict()
-        desc = processor.describe()
-        argument["desc"] = desc
+        argument["desc"] = procdesc
         argument["group"] = group
         argument["tooltip"] = tooltip
         self._arguments[key] = argument