diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index bb02864..1e54846 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -15,4 +15,5 @@
 vendor/
 # Build outputs
 dist/
-.vscode/
\ No newline at end of file
+.vscode/
+_bin/
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Makefile b/Makefile
index 9fa3272..27bb3a1 100644
--- a/Makefile
+++ b/Makefile
@@ -5,3 +5,16 @@ build-cmd:
 ARGS ?=
 run-cmd: build-cmd
 	dist/go-gst $(ARGS)
+
+GOLANGCI_VERSION ?= 1.23.8
+GOLANGCI_LINT ?= _bin/golangci-lint
+GOLANGCI_DOWNLOAD_URL ?= https://github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/releases/download/v${GOLANGCI_VERSION}/golangci-lint-${GOLANGCI_VERSION}-$(shell uname | tr A-Z a-z)-amd64.tar.gz
+
+$(GOLANGCI_LINT):
+	mkdir -p $(dir $(GOLANGCI_LINT))
+	cd $(dir $(GOLANGCI_LINT)) && curl -JL $(GOLANGCI_DOWNLOAD_URL) | tar xzf -
+	chmod +x $(dir $(GOLANGCI_LINT))golangci-lint-$(GOLANGCI_VERSION)-$(shell uname | tr A-Z a-z)-amd64/golangci-lint
+	ln -s golangci-lint-$(GOLANGCI_VERSION)-$(shell uname | tr A-Z a-z)-amd64/golangci-lint $(GOLANGCI_LINT)
+
+lint: $(GOLANGCI_LINT)
+	$(GOLANGCI_LINT) run -v --timeout 300s --skip-dirs cmd/
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 0ad3617..a6b8a97 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -2,8 +2,8 @@
 
 Go bindings for the gstreamer C library
 
-[![go.dev reference](https://img.shields.io/badge/go.dev-reference-007d9c?logo=go&logoColor=white&style=flat-rounded)](https://pkg.go.dev/github.com/tinyzimmer/go-gst/gst)
-[![godoc reference](https://img.shields.io/badge/godoc-reference-blue.svg)](https://godoc.org/github.com/tinyzimmer/go-gst/gst)
+[![go.dev reference](https://img.shields.io/badge/go.dev-reference-007d9c?logo=go&logoColor=white&style=flat-rounded)](https://pkg.go.dev/github.com/tinyzimmer/go-gst)
+[![godoc reference](https://img.shields.io/badge/godoc-reference-blue.svg)](https://godoc.org/github.com/tinyzimmer/go-gst)
 [![GoReportCard example](https://goreportcard.com/badge/github.com/nanomsg/mangos)](https://goreportcard.com/report/github.com/tinyzimmer/go-gst)
 
 This package was originally written to aid the audio support in [`kvdi`](https://github.com/tinyzimmer/kvdi). 
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ For now the functionality is limitted to GIF encoing and other arbitrary pipelin
 If I extend it further I'll publish releases, but for now, you can retrieve it with `go get`.
 
 ```bash
-go get github.com/tinyzimmer/go-gst-launch/cmd/go-gst-launch
+go get github.com/tinyzimmer/go-gst/cmd/go-gst
 ```
 
 The usage is described below:
diff --git a/cmd/go-gst/completion.go b/cmd/go-gst/completion.go
index b80434b..a10e1ce 100644
--- a/cmd/go-gst/completion.go
+++ b/cmd/go-gst/completion.go
@@ -47,16 +47,25 @@ $ yourprogram completion fish > ~/.config/fish/completions/yourprogram.fish
 	DisableFlagsInUseLine: true,
 	ValidArgs:             []string{"bash", "zsh", "fish", "powershell"},
 	Args:                  cobra.ExactValidArgs(1),
-	Run: func(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) {
+	RunE: func(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 		switch args[0] {
 		case "bash":
-			cmd.Root().GenBashCompletion(os.Stdout)
+			if err := cmd.Root().GenBashCompletion(os.Stdout); err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
 		case "zsh":
-			cmd.Root().GenZshCompletion(os.Stdout)
+			if err := cmd.Root().GenZshCompletion(os.Stdout); err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
 		case "fish":
-			cmd.Root().GenFishCompletion(os.Stdout, true)
+			if err := cmd.Root().GenFishCompletion(os.Stdout, true); err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
 		case "powershell":
-			cmd.Root().GenPowerShellCompletion(os.Stdout)
+			if err := cmd.Root().GenPowerShellCompletion(os.Stdout); err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
 		}
+		return nil
 	},
 }
diff --git a/cmd/go-gst/gif.go b/cmd/go-gst/gif.go
index 53ffb6f..1262774 100644
--- a/cmd/go-gst/gif.go
+++ b/cmd/go-gst/gif.go
@@ -66,6 +66,9 @@ func gifEncode(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 	}
 
 	tmpDir, err := ioutil.TempDir("", "")
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
 	defer os.RemoveAll(tmpDir)
 
 	launchStr := fmt.Sprintf(
@@ -75,11 +78,11 @@ func gifEncode(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 
 	logInfo("gif", "Converting video to image frames")
 
-	gstPipeline, err := gst.NewPipelineFromLaunchString(launchStr, gst.PipelineInternalOnly)
+	gstPipeline, err := gst.NewPipelineFromString(launchStr)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	defer gstPipeline.Close()
+	defer gstPipeline.Destroy()
 
 	if err := gstPipeline.Start(); err != nil {
 		return err
diff --git a/cmd/go-gst/launch.go b/cmd/go-gst/launch.go
index 83736fd..fa4104f 100644
--- a/cmd/go-gst/launch.go
+++ b/cmd/go-gst/launch.go
@@ -3,10 +3,12 @@ package main
 import (
 	"errors"
 	"io"
+	"os"
 	"strings"
 
 	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
 	"github.com/tinyzimmer/go-gst-launch/gst"
+	"github.com/tinyzimmer/go-gst-launch/gst/gstauto"
 )
 
 func init() {
@@ -16,7 +18,7 @@ func init() {
 var launchCmd = &cobra.Command{
 	Use:   "launch",
 	Short: "Run a generic pipeline",
-	Long:  `Uses the provided pipeline string to encode/decode the data in the pipeline.`,
+	Long:  `Uses the provided gstreamer string to encode/decode the data in the pipeline.`,
 	PreRunE: func(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 		if len(args) == 0 {
 			return errors.New("The pipeline string cannot be empty")
@@ -33,41 +35,50 @@ func launch(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 		return err
 	}
 
-	var flags gst.PipelineFlags
-	if src != nil {
-		flags = flags | gst.PipelineWrite
-	}
-	if dest != nil {
-		flags = flags | gst.PipelineRead
-	}
-
 	pipelineString := strings.Join(args, " ")
 
 	logInfo("pipeline", "Creating pipeline")
-	gstPipeline, err := gst.NewPipelineFromLaunchString(pipelineString, flags)
+
+	pipeliner, err := getPipeline(src, dest, pipelineString)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 
-	defer gstPipeline.Close()
-
 	if verbose {
-		setupVerbosePipelineListeners(gstPipeline, "pipeline")
+		setupVerbosePipelineListeners(pipeliner.Pipeline(), "pipeline")
 	}
 
 	logInfo("pipeline", "Starting pipeline")
-	if err := gstPipeline.Start(); err != nil {
+	if err := pipeliner.Pipeline().Start(); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 
 	if src != nil {
-		go io.Copy(gstPipeline, src)
+		pipelineWriter := pipeliner.(gstauto.WritePipeliner)
+		go io.Copy(pipelineWriter, src)
+		defer pipelineWriter.Close()
 	}
 	if dest != nil {
-		go io.Copy(dest, gstPipeline)
+		pipelineReader := pipeliner.(gstauto.ReadPipeliner)
+		go io.Copy(dest, pipelineReader)
+		defer pipelineReader.Close()
+	} else {
+		defer pipeliner.Pipeline().Destroy()
 	}
 
-	gst.Wait(gstPipeline)
-
+	gst.Wait(pipeliner.Pipeline())
 	return nil
 }
+
+func getPipeline(src, dest *os.File, pipelineString string) (gstauto.Pipeliner, error) {
+	if src != nil && dest != nil {
+		return gstauto.NewPipelineReadWriterSimpleFromString(pipelineString)
+	}
+	if src != nil {
+		return gstauto.NewPipelineWriterSimpleFromString(pipelineString)
+	}
+	if dest != nil {
+		return gstauto.NewPipelineReaderSimpleFromString(pipelineString)
+	}
+	return gstauto.NewPipelinerSimpleFromString(pipelineString)
+}
diff --git a/cmd/go-gst/main.go b/cmd/go-gst/main.go
index a0c5796..7eb1f68 100644
--- a/cmd/go-gst/main.go
+++ b/cmd/go-gst/main.go
@@ -8,8 +8,8 @@ import (
 )
 
 var (
-	srcFile, destFile, pipelineStr string
-	verbose, fromStdin, toStdout   bool
+	srcFile, destFile            string
+	verbose, fromStdin, toStdout bool
 
 	rootCmd = &cobra.Command{
 		Use:   "go-gst",
diff --git a/cmd/go-gst/print_object_properties.go b/cmd/go-gst/print_object_properties.go
index 1cd3656..d140ab1 100644
--- a/cmd/go-gst/print_object_properties.go
+++ b/cmd/go-gst/print_object_properties.go
@@ -273,10 +273,12 @@ func printObjectPropertiesInfo(obj *gst.Object, description string) {
 				colorGreen.printf(`"%s"`, param.ValueType.Name())
 				if param.ValueType.Name() == "GstStructure" {
 					structure := gst.StructureFromGValue(param.DefaultValue)
-					for key, val := range structure.Values() {
-						colorReset.printIndent(26, "(gpointer)       ")
-						colorYellow.printf("%15s:", key)
-						colorBlue.printf("%v", val)
+					if structure != nil {
+						for key, val := range structure.Values() {
+							colorReset.printIndent(26, "(gpointer)       ")
+							colorYellow.printf("%15s:", key)
+							colorBlue.printf("%v", val)
+						}
 					}
 				}
 
diff --git a/cmd/go-gst/websocket.go b/cmd/go-gst/websocket.go
index 007001e..256c767 100644
--- a/cmd/go-gst/websocket.go
+++ b/cmd/go-gst/websocket.go
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
 	"github.com/tinyzimmer/go-gst-launch/gst"
+	"github.com/tinyzimmer/go-gst-launch/gst/gstauto"
 	"golang.org/x/net/websocket"
 )
 
@@ -109,72 +110,69 @@ func handleWebsocketConnection(wsconn *websocket.Conn) {
 	logInfo("websocket", "New connection from", wsconn.Request().RemoteAddr)
 	wsconn.PayloadType = websocket.BinaryFrame
 
-	var playbackPipeline, recordingPipeline, sinkPipeline *gst.Pipeline
-	var err error
-
-	playbackPipeline, err = newPlaybackPipeline()
+	playbackPipeline, err := newPlaybackPipeline()
 	if err != nil {
 		logInfo("websocket", "ERROR:", err.Error())
 		return
 	}
 
-	playbackPipeline.SetAutoFlush(true)
-
 	logInfo("websocket", "Starting playback pipeline")
 
-	if err = playbackPipeline.Start(); err != nil {
+	if err = playbackPipeline.Pipeline().Start(); err != nil {
 		logInfo("websocket", "ERROR:", err.Error())
 		return
 	}
 
 	if verbose {
-		setupVerbosePipelineListeners(playbackPipeline, "playback")
+		setupVerbosePipelineListeners(playbackPipeline.Pipeline(), "playback")
 	}
 
+	var recordingPipeline gstauto.WritePipeliner
+	var sinkPipeline gstauto.Pipeliner
 	if micFifo != "" {
-		recordingPipeline, err = newRecordingPipeline()
+		recordingPipeline, err := newRecordingPipeline()
 		if err != nil {
 			logInfo("websocket", "Could not open pipeline for recording:", err.Error())
 			return
 		}
 		defer recordingPipeline.Close()
-		sinkPipeline, err = newSinkPipeline()
+		sinkPipeline, err := newSinkPipeline()
 		if err != nil {
 			logInfo("websocket", "Could not open null sink pipeling. Disabling recording.")
 			return
 		}
-		defer sinkPipeline.Close()
+		defer sinkPipeline.Pipeline().Destroy()
 	}
 
 	if recordingPipeline != nil && sinkPipeline != nil {
 		logInfo("websocket", "Starting recording pipeline")
-		if err = recordingPipeline.Start(); err != nil {
+		if err = recordingPipeline.Pipeline().Start(); err != nil {
 			logInfo("websocket", "Could not start recording pipeline")
 			return
 		}
 		logInfo("websocket", "Starting sink pipeline")
-		if err = sinkPipeline.Start(); err != nil {
+		if err = sinkPipeline.Pipeline().Start(); err != nil {
 			logInfo("websocket", "Could not start sink pipeline")
 			return
 		}
 
 		if verbose {
-			setupVerbosePipelineListeners(sinkPipeline, "mic-null-sink")
+			setupVerbosePipelineListeners(sinkPipeline.Pipeline(), "mic-null-sink")
 		}
 
 		var runMicFunc func()
 		runMicFunc = func() {
 			if verbose {
-				setupVerbosePipelineListeners(recordingPipeline, "recorder")
+				setupVerbosePipelineListeners(recordingPipeline.Pipeline(), "recorder")
 			}
 			go io.Copy(recordingPipeline, wsconn)
 			go func() {
 				var lastState gst.State
-				for msg := range recordingPipeline.GetBus().MessageChan() {
+				for msg := range recordingPipeline.Pipeline().GetBus().MessageChan() {
 					defer msg.Unref()
 					switch msg.Type() {
 					case gst.MessageStateChanged:
-						if lastState == gst.StatePlaying && recordingPipeline.GetState() != gst.StatePlaying {
+						if lastState == gst.StatePlaying && recordingPipeline.Pipeline().GetState() != gst.StatePlaying {
 							var nerr error
 							recordingPipeline.Close()
 							recordingPipeline, nerr = newRecordingPipeline()
@@ -183,13 +181,13 @@ func handleWebsocketConnection(wsconn *websocket.Conn) {
 								return
 							}
 							logInfo("websocket", "Restarting recording pipeline")
-							if nerr = recordingPipeline.Start(); nerr != nil {
+							if nerr = recordingPipeline.Pipeline().Start(); nerr != nil {
 								logInfo("websocket", "Could not start new recording pipeline, stopping input stream")
 							}
 							runMicFunc()
 							return
 						}
-						lastState = recordingPipeline.GetState()
+						lastState = recordingPipeline.Pipeline().GetState()
 					}
 				}
 			}()
@@ -208,25 +206,17 @@ func handleWebsocketConnection(wsconn *websocket.Conn) {
 			return
 		}
 		defer srcFile.Close()
-		stat, err := srcFile.Stat()
-		if err != nil {
-			return
-		}
-		appSrc := playbackPipeline.GetAppSrc()
-		appSrc.SetSize(stat.Size())
-		appSrc.PushBuffer(srcFile)
-		for {
-			if ret := appSrc.EndStream(); ret == gst.FlowOK {
-				break
-			}
-		}
-
+		// stat, err := srcFile.Stat()
+		// if err != nil {
+		// 	return
+		// }
+		go io.Copy(playbackPipeline.(gstauto.ReadWritePipeliner), srcFile)
 	}
 
-	gst.Wait(playbackPipeline)
+	gst.Wait(playbackPipeline.Pipeline())
 }
 
-func newPlaybackPipelineFromString() (*gst.Pipeline, error) {
+func newPlaybackPipelineFromString() (gstauto.ReadWritePipeliner, error) {
 	pipelineString := "decodebin ! audioconvert ! audioresample"
 
 	switch encoding {
@@ -240,18 +230,18 @@ func newPlaybackPipelineFromString() (*gst.Pipeline, error) {
 		logInfo("playback", "Using pipeline string", pipelineString)
 	}
 
-	return gst.NewPipelineFromLaunchString(pipelineString, gst.PipelineReadWrite|gst.PipelineUseGstApp)
+	return gstauto.NewPipelineReadWriterSimpleFromString(pipelineString)
 }
 
-func newPlaybackPipeline() (*gst.Pipeline, error) {
+func newPlaybackPipeline() (gstauto.ReadPipeliner, error) {
 
 	if srcFile != "" {
 		return newPlaybackPipelineFromString()
 	}
 
-	cfg := &gst.PipelineConfig{Elements: []*gst.PipelineElement{}}
+	cfg := &gstauto.PipelineConfig{Elements: []*gstauto.PipelineElement{}}
 
-	pulseSrc := &gst.PipelineElement{
+	pulseSrc := &gstauto.PipelineElement{
 		Name:     "pulsesrc",
 		Data:     map[string]interface{}{"server": pulseServer},
 		SinkCaps: gst.NewRawCaps("S16LE", 24000, 2),
@@ -265,19 +255,19 @@ func newPlaybackPipeline() (*gst.Pipeline, error) {
 
 	switch encoding {
 	case "opus":
-		cfg.Elements = append(cfg.Elements, &gst.PipelineElement{Name: "cutter"})
-		cfg.Elements = append(cfg.Elements, &gst.PipelineElement{Name: "opusenc"})
-		cfg.Elements = append(cfg.Elements, &gst.PipelineElement{Name: "webmmux"})
+		cfg.Elements = append(cfg.Elements, &gstauto.PipelineElement{Name: "cutter"})
+		cfg.Elements = append(cfg.Elements, &gstauto.PipelineElement{Name: "opusenc"})
+		cfg.Elements = append(cfg.Elements, &gstauto.PipelineElement{Name: "webmmux"})
 	case "vorbis":
-		cfg.Elements = append(cfg.Elements, &gst.PipelineElement{Name: "vorbisenc"})
-		cfg.Elements = append(cfg.Elements, &gst.PipelineElement{Name: "oggmux"})
+		cfg.Elements = append(cfg.Elements, &gstauto.PipelineElement{Name: "vorbisenc"})
+		cfg.Elements = append(cfg.Elements, &gstauto.PipelineElement{Name: "oggmux"})
 	}
 
-	return gst.NewPipelineFromConfig(cfg, gst.PipelineRead|gst.PipelineUseGstApp, nil)
+	return gstauto.NewPipelineReaderSimpleFromConfig(cfg)
 }
 
-func newRecordingPipeline() (*gst.Pipeline, error) {
-	return gst.NewPipelineFromLaunchString(newPipelineStringFromOpts(), gst.PipelineWrite)
+func newRecordingPipeline() (gstauto.WritePipeliner, error) {
+	return gstauto.NewPipelineWriterSimpleFromString(newPipelineStringFromOpts())
 }
 
 func newPipelineStringFromOpts() string {
@@ -290,9 +280,9 @@ func newPipelineStringFromOpts() string {
 	)
 }
 
-func newSinkPipeline() (*gst.Pipeline, error) {
-	cfg := &gst.PipelineConfig{
-		Elements: []*gst.PipelineElement{
+func newSinkPipeline() (gstauto.Pipeliner, error) {
+	cfg := &gstauto.PipelineConfig{
+		Elements: []*gstauto.PipelineElement{
 			{
 				Name:     "pulsesrc",
 				Data:     map[string]interface{}{"server": pulseServer, "device": micName},
@@ -304,5 +294,5 @@ func newSinkPipeline() (*gst.Pipeline, error) {
 			},
 		},
 	}
-	return gst.NewPipelineFromConfig(cfg, gst.PipelineInternalOnly, nil)
+	return gstauto.NewPipelinerSimpleFromConfig(cfg)
 }
diff --git a/gst/doc.go b/gst/doc.go
index 61dfbea..d1bb558 100644
--- a/gst/doc.go
+++ b/gst/doc.go
@@ -1,141 +1,6 @@
 /*
-Package gst provides wrappers for building gstreamer pipelines and then
-reading and/or writing from either end of the pipeline.
-
-It uses cgo to interface with the gstreamer-1.0 C API.
-
-A simple opus/webm encoder created from a launch string could look like this:
-
-  import (
-	  "os"
-	  "github.com/tinyzimmer/go-gst-launch/gst"
-  )
-
-  func main() {
-	  gst.Init()
-	  encoder, err := gst.NewPipelineFromLaunchString("opusenc ! webmmux", gst.PipelineReadWrite)
-	  if err != nil {
-		  panic(err)
-	  }
-
-	  // You should close even if you don't start the pipeline, since this
-	  // will free resources created by gstreamer.
-	  defer encoder.Close()
-
-	  if err := encoder.Start() ; err != nil {
-	      panic(err)
-	  }
-
-	  go func() {
-		  encoder.Write(...)  // Write raw audio data to the pipeline
-	  }()
-
-	  // don't actually do this - copy encoded audio to stdout
-	  if _, err  := io.Copy(os.Stdout, encoder) ; err != nil {
-		  panic(err)
-	  }
-  }
-
-You can accomplish the same thing using the "configuration" functionality provided by NewPipelineFromConfig().
-Here is an example that will record from a pulse server and make opus/webm data available on the Reader.
-
-  import (
-	"io"
-	"os"
-	"github.com/tinyzimmer/go-gst-launch/gst"
-  )
-
-  func main() {
-	  gst.Init()
-	  encoder, err := gst.NewPipelineFromConfig(&gst.PipelineConfig{
-		  Plugins: []*gst.Plugin{
-			  {
-				  Name: "pulsesrc",
-				  Data: map[string]interface{}{
-					  "server": "/run/user/1000/pulse/native",
-					  "device": "playback-device.monitor",
-				  },
-				  SinkCaps: gst.NewRawCaps("S16LE", 24000, 2),
-			  },
-			  {
-				  Name: "opusenc",
-			  },
-			  {
-				  Name: "webmmux",
-			  },
-		  },
-	  }, gst.PipelineRead, nil)
-	  if err != nil {
-		  panic(err)
-	  }
-
-	  defer encoder.Close()
-
-	  if err := encoder.Start() ; err != nil {
-		  panic(err)
-	  }
-
-	  // Create an output file
-	  f, err := os.Create("out.opus")
-	  if err != nil {
-		  panic(err)
-	  }
-
-	  // Copy the data from the pipeline to the file
-	  if err := io.Copy(f, encoder) ; err != nil {
-		  panic(err)
-	  }
-
-  }
-
-
-There are two channels exported for listening for messages from the pipeline.
-An example of listening to messages on a fake pipeline for 10 seconds:
-
-  package main
-
-  import (
-	"fmt"
-	"time"
-
-	"github.com/tinyzimmer/go-gst-launch/gst"
-  )
-
-  func main() {
-	  gst.Init()
-
-	  pipeline, err := gst.NewPipelineFromLaunchString("audiotestsrc ! fakesink",  gst.PipelineInternalOnly)
-	  if err != nil {
-	 	  panic(err)
-	  }
-
-	  defer pipeline.Close()
-
-	  go func() {
-		  for msg := range pipeline.MessageChan() {
-			  fmt.Println("Got message:", msg.TypeName())
-		  }
-	  }()
-
-	  go func() {
-		  for msg := range pipeline.ErrorChan() {
-			  fmt.Println("Got error:", err)
-		  }
-	  }()
-
-	  if err := pipeline.Start(); err != nil {
-		  fmt.Println("Pipeline failed to start")
-		  return
-	  }
-
-	  time.Sleep(time.Second * 10)
-  }
-
-
-The package also exposes some low level functionality for building pipelines
-and doing dynamic linking yourself. See the NewPipeline() function for creating an
-empty pipeline that you can then build out using the other structs and methods provided
-by this package.
-
+Package gst contains bindings for the gstreamer C API. If you are trying
+to build simple pipelines quickly (and optiionally readers/writers) see
+the gstauto package.
 */
 package gst
diff --git a/gst/gst_app_src.go b/gst/gst_app_src.go
index 2298428..d911a4d 100644
--- a/gst/gst_app_src.go
+++ b/gst/gst_app_src.go
@@ -67,18 +67,4 @@ func (a *AppSrc) PushBuffer(data io.Reader) FlowReturn {
 	return FlowReturn(ret)
 }
 
-// FlowReturn is go type casting for GstFlowReturn.
-type FlowReturn C.GstFlowReturn
-
-// Type casting of the GstFlowReturn types. Custom ones are omitted for now.
-const (
-	FlowOK            FlowReturn = C.GST_FLOW_OK             // Data passing was ok
-	FlowNotLinked                = C.GST_FLOW_NOT_LINKED     // Pad is not linked
-	FlowFlushing                 = C.GST_FLOW_FLUSHING       // Pad is flushing
-	FlowEOS                      = C.GST_FLOW_EOS            // Pad is EOS
-	FlowNotNegotiated            = C.GST_FLOW_NOT_NEGOTIATED // Pad is not negotiated
-	FlowError                    = C.GST_FLOW_ERROR          // Some (fatal) error occurred
-	FlowNotSupported             = C.GST_FLOW_NOT_SUPPORTED  // The operation is not supported.
-)
-
 func wrapAppSrc(elem *Element) *AppSrc { return &AppSrc{elem} }
diff --git a/gst/gst_constants.go b/gst/gst_constants.go
index 0d63eef..8208fbd 100644
--- a/gst/gst_constants.go
+++ b/gst/gst_constants.go
@@ -196,3 +196,17 @@ const (
 	MiniObjectFlagMayBeLeaked  MiniObjectFlags = C.GST_MINI_OBJECT_FLAG_MAY_BE_LEAKED // (4) – the object is expected to stay alive even after gst_deinit has been called and so should be ignored by leak detection tools. (Since: 1.10)
 	MiniObjectFlagLast         MiniObjectFlags = C.GST_MINI_OBJECT_FLAG_LAST          // (16) – first flag that can be used by subclasses.
 )
+
+// FlowReturn is go type casting for GstFlowReturn.
+type FlowReturn int
+
+// Type casting of the GstFlowReturn types. Custom ones are omitted for now.
+const (
+	FlowOK            FlowReturn = C.GST_FLOW_OK             // Data passing was ok
+	FlowNotLinked     FlowReturn = C.GST_FLOW_NOT_LINKED     // Pad is not linked
+	FlowFlushing      FlowReturn = C.GST_FLOW_FLUSHING       // Pad is flushing
+	FlowEOS           FlowReturn = C.GST_FLOW_EOS            // Pad is EOS
+	FlowNotNegotiated FlowReturn = C.GST_FLOW_NOT_NEGOTIATED // Pad is not negotiated
+	FlowError         FlowReturn = C.GST_FLOW_ERROR          // Some (fatal) error occurred
+	FlowNotSupported  FlowReturn = C.GST_FLOW_NOT_SUPPORTED  // The operation is not supported.
+)
diff --git a/gst/gst_mini_object.go b/gst/gst_mini_object.go
index f40ac88..c6ceb43 100644
--- a/gst/gst_mini_object.go
+++ b/gst/gst_mini_object.go
@@ -39,8 +39,11 @@ func NewMiniObject(flags MiniObjectFlags, gtype glib.Type) *MiniObject {
 // native returns the pointer to the underlying object.
 func (m *MiniObject) unsafe() unsafe.Pointer { return m.ptr }
 
+// Parent returns the parent of this MiniObject
+func (m *MiniObject) Parent() *MiniObject { return m.parent }
+
 // Instance returns the native GstMiniObject instance.
-func (m *MiniObject) Instance() *C.GstMiniObject { return C.toGstMiniObject(m.ptr) }
+func (m *MiniObject) Instance() *C.GstMiniObject { return C.toGstMiniObject(m.unsafe()) }
 
 // Ref increases the ref count on this object by one.
 func (m *MiniObject) Ref() { C.gst_mini_object_ref(m.Instance()) }
diff --git a/gst/g_parameter_spec.go b/gst/gst_parameter_spec.go
similarity index 100%
rename from gst/g_parameter_spec.go
rename to gst/gst_parameter_spec.go
diff --git a/gst/gst_pipeline.go b/gst/gst_pipeline.go
index b9f6a8c..b50385e 100644
--- a/gst/gst_pipeline.go
+++ b/gst/gst_pipeline.go
@@ -9,39 +9,14 @@ package gst
 import "C"
 
 import (
-	"bufio"
 	"errors"
 	"fmt"
-	"io"
-	"os"
 	"strings"
 	"unsafe"
 
 	"github.com/gotk3/gotk3/glib"
 )
 
-// PipelineFlags represents arguments passed to a new Pipeline.
-type PipelineFlags int
-
-const (
-	// PipelineInternalOnly signals that this pipeline only handles data internally.
-	PipelineInternalOnly PipelineFlags = 1 << iota
-	// PipelineRead signals that the Read() method can be used on the end of this pipeline.
-	PipelineRead
-	// PipelineWrite signals that the Write() method can be used on the start of this pipeline.
-	PipelineWrite
-	// PipelineUseGstApp signals the desire to use an AppSink or AppSrc instead of the default
-	// os pipes, fdsrc, and fdsink.
-	// When using this flag, you should interact with the pipeline using the GetAppSink and
-	// GetAppSrc methods.
-	PipelineUseGstApp
-	// PipelineReadWrite signals that this pipeline can be both read and written to.
-	PipelineReadWrite = PipelineRead | PipelineWrite
-)
-
-// has returns true if these flags contain the given flag.
-func (p PipelineFlags) has(b PipelineFlags) bool { return p&b != 0 }
-
 // Pipeline is a go implementation of a GstPipeline. Helper methods are provided for constructing
 // pipelines either using file descriptors or the Appsrc/Appsink APIs. The struct itself implements
 // a ReadWriteCloser.
@@ -51,47 +26,25 @@ type Pipeline struct {
 	// a local reference to the bus so duplicates aren't created
 	// when retrieved by the user
 	bus *Bus
-
-	// The buffers backing the Read and Write methods
-	destBuf *bufio.Reader
-	srcBuf  *bufio.Writer
-
-	// used with PipelineWrite
-	srcReader, srcWriter *os.File
-	// used with PipelineRead
-	destReader, destWriter *os.File
-
-	// used with PipelineWrite AND PipelineGstApp
-	appSrc *AppSrc
-	// used with PipelineRead AND PipelineGstApp
-	appSink   *AppSink
-	autoFlush bool // when set to true, the contents of the app sink are automatically flushed to the read buffer.
-
-	// The element that represents the source/dest pipeline
-	// and any caps to apply to it.
-	srcElement  *Element
-	srcCaps     *Caps
-	destElement *Element
-
-	// whether or not the pipeline was built from a string. this is checked when
-	// starting to see who is responsible for build and linking the buffers.
-	pipelineFromHelper bool
-
-	// A channel where a caller can listen for errors asynchronously.
-	errCh chan error
-	// A channel where a caller can listen for messages
-	msgCh []chan *Message
 }
 
-func newEmptyPipeline() (*C.GstPipeline, error) {
-	pipeline := C.gst_pipeline_new((*C.gchar)(nil))
+// NewPipeline allocates and returns a new empty pipeline. If name is empty, one
+// is generated by gstreamer.
+func NewPipeline(name string) (*Pipeline, error) {
+	var cChar *C.char
+	if name != "" {
+		cChar = C.CString(name)
+		defer C.free(unsafe.Pointer(cChar))
+	}
+	pipeline := C.gst_pipeline_new((*C.gchar)(cChar))
 	if pipeline == nil {
 		return nil, errors.New("Could not create new pipeline")
 	}
-	return C.toGstPipeline(unsafe.Pointer(pipeline)), nil
+	return wrapPipeline(glib.Take(unsafe.Pointer(pipeline))), nil
 }
 
-func newPipelineFromString(launchv string) (*C.GstPipeline, error) {
+// NewPipelineFromString creates a new gstreamer pipeline from the given launch string.
+func NewPipelineFromString(launchv string) (*Pipeline, error) {
 	if len(strings.Split(launchv, "!")) < 2 {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("Given string is too short for a pipeline: %s", launchv)
 	}
@@ -104,143 +57,12 @@ func newPipelineFromString(launchv string) (*C.GstPipeline, error) {
 		errMsg := C.GoString(gerr.message)
 		return nil, errors.New(errMsg)
 	}
-	return C.toGstPipeline(unsafe.Pointer(pipeline)), nil
-}
-
-// NewPipeline builds and returns a new empty Pipeline instance.
-func NewPipeline(flags PipelineFlags) (*Pipeline, error) {
-	pipelineElement, err := newEmptyPipeline()
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
-	pipeline := wrapPipeline(glib.Take(unsafe.Pointer(pipelineElement)))
-
-	if err := applyFlags(pipeline, flags); err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
-	return pipeline, nil
-}
-
-func applyFlags(pipeline *Pipeline, flags PipelineFlags) error {
-	// If the user wants to be able to write to the pipeline, set up the
-	// write-buffers
-	if flags.has(PipelineWrite) {
-		// Set up a pipe
-		if err := pipeline.setupWriters(); err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-	}
-
-	// If the user wants to be able to read from the pipeline, setup the
-	// read-buffers.
-	if flags.has(PipelineRead) {
-		if err := pipeline.setupReaders(); err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-	}
-
-	return nil
-}
-
-func (p *Pipeline) setupWriters() error {
-	var err error
-	p.srcReader, p.srcWriter, err = os.Pipe()
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	p.srcBuf = bufio.NewWriter(p.srcWriter)
-	return nil
-}
-
-func (p *Pipeline) setupReaders() error {
-	var err error
-	p.destReader, p.destWriter, err = os.Pipe()
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	p.destBuf = bufio.NewReader(p.destReader)
-	return nil
+	return wrapPipeline(glib.Take(unsafe.Pointer(pipeline))), nil
 }
 
 // Instance returns the native GstPipeline instance.
 func (p *Pipeline) Instance() *C.GstPipeline { return C.toGstPipeline(p.unsafe()) }
 
-// Read implements a Reader and returns data from the read buffer.
-func (p *Pipeline) Read(b []byte) (int, error) {
-	if p.destBuf == nil {
-		return 0, io.ErrClosedPipe
-	}
-	return p.destBuf.Read(b)
-}
-
-// readerFd returns the file descriptor for the read buffer, or 0 if
-// there isn't one. It returns the file descriptor that can be written to
-// by gstreamer.
-func (p *Pipeline) readerFd() uintptr {
-	if p.destWriter == nil {
-		return 0
-	}
-	return p.destWriter.Fd()
-}
-
-// Write implements a Writer and places data in the write buffer.
-func (p *Pipeline) Write(b []byte) (int, error) {
-	if p.srcBuf == nil {
-		return 0, io.ErrClosedPipe
-	}
-	return p.srcBuf.Write(b)
-}
-
-// writerFd returns the file descriptor for the write buffer, or 0 if
-// there isn't one. It returns the file descriptor that can be read from
-// by gstreamer.
-func (p *Pipeline) writerFd() uintptr {
-	if p.srcWriter == nil {
-		return 0
-	}
-	return p.srcReader.Fd()
-}
-
-// SetWriterCaps sets the caps on the write-buffer. You will usually want to call this
-// on a custom pipeline, unless you are using downstream elements that do dynamic pad
-// linking.
-func (p *Pipeline) SetWriterCaps(caps *Caps) { p.srcCaps = caps }
-
-// LinkWriterTo links the write buffer on this Pipeline to the given element. This must
-// be called when the pipeline is constructed with PipelineWrite or PipelineReadWrite.
-func (p *Pipeline) LinkWriterTo(elem *Element) { p.srcElement = elem }
-
-// LinkReaderTo links the read buffer on this Pipeline to the given element. This must
-// be called when the pipeline is constructed with PipelineRead or PipelineReadWrite.
-func (p *Pipeline) LinkReaderTo(elem *Element) { p.destElement = elem }
-
-// IsUsingGstApp returns true if the current pipeline is using GstApp instead of file descriptors.
-func (p *Pipeline) IsUsingGstApp() bool {
-	return p.appSrc != nil || p.appSink != nil
-}
-
-// GetAppSrc returns the AppSrc for this pipeline if created with PipelineUseGstApp.
-// Unref after usage.
-func (p *Pipeline) GetAppSrc() *AppSrc {
-	if p.appSrc == nil {
-		return nil
-	}
-	// increases the ref count on the element
-	return wrapAppSrc(p.appSrc.Element)
-}
-
-// GetAppSink returns the AppSink for this pipeline if created with PipelineUseGstApp.
-// Unref after usage.
-func (p *Pipeline) GetAppSink() *AppSink {
-	if p.appSink == nil {
-		return nil
-	}
-	// increases the ref count
-	return wrapAppSink(p.appSink.Element)
-}
-
 // GetBus returns the message bus for this pipeline.
 func (p *Pipeline) GetBus() *Bus {
 	if p.bus == nil {
@@ -250,245 +72,23 @@ func (p *Pipeline) GetBus() *Bus {
 	return p.bus
 }
 
-// SetAutoFlush sets whether or not samples should be automatically flushed to the read-buffer
-// (default for pipelines not built with PipelineUseGstApp) and if messages should be flushed
-// on the bus when the pipeline is stopped.
-func (p *Pipeline) SetAutoFlush(b bool) {
-	p.Set("auto-flush-bus", b)
-	p.autoFlush = b
-}
-
-// AutoFlush returns true if the pipeline is using a GstAppSink and is configured to autoflush to the
-// read-buffer.
-func (p *Pipeline) AutoFlush() bool { return p.IsUsingGstApp() && p.autoFlush }
-
-// Flush flushes the app sink to the read buffer. It is usually more desirable to interface
-// with the PullSample and BlockPullSample methods on the AppSink interface directly. Or
-// to set autoflush to true.
-func (p *Pipeline) Flush() error {
-	sample, err := p.appSink.PullSample()
-	if err != nil { // err signals end of stream
-		return err
-	}
-	if sample == nil {
-		return nil
-	}
-	defer sample.Unref()
-	if _, err := io.Copy(p.destWriter, sample.GetBuffer()); err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	return nil
-}
-
-// BlockFlush is like Flush but it blocks until a sample is available. This is intended for
-// use with PipelineUseGstApp.
-func (p *Pipeline) BlockFlush() error {
-	sample, err := p.appSink.BlockPullSample()
-	if err != nil { // err signals end of stream
-		return err
-	}
-	if sample == nil {
-		return nil
-	}
-	defer sample.Unref()
-	if _, err := io.Copy(p.destWriter, sample.GetBuffer()); err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	return nil
-}
-
-// setupSrc sets up a source element with the given configuration.
-func (p *Pipeline) setupSrc(pluginName string, args map[string]interface{}) (*Element, error) {
-	elem, err := NewElement(pluginName)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-	for k, v := range args {
-		if err := elem.Set(k, v); err != nil {
-			return nil, err
-		}
-	}
-	if err := p.Add(elem); err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-	if p.srcCaps != nil {
-		return elem, elem.LinkFiltered(p.srcElement, p.srcCaps)
-	}
-	return elem, elem.Link(p.srcElement)
-}
-
-// setupFdSrc will setup a fdsrc as the source of the pipeline.
-func (p *Pipeline) setupFdSrc() error {
-	_, err := p.setupSrc("fdsrc", map[string]interface{}{
-		"fd": p.writerFd(),
-	})
-	return err
-}
-
-// setupAppSrc sets up an appsrc as the source of the pipeline
-func (p *Pipeline) setupAppSrc() error {
-	appSrc, err := p.setupSrc("appsrc", map[string]interface{}{
-		"block":        true,  // TODO: make this configurable
-		"emit-signals": false, // https://gstreamer.freedesktop.org/documentation/app/appsrc.html?gi-language=c
-	})
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	p.appSrc = &AppSrc{appSrc}
-	return nil
-}
-
-// setupSrcElement will setup the source element when the pipeline is constructed with
-// PipelineWrite.
-func (p *Pipeline) setupSrcElement() error {
-	if p.srcElement == nil {
-		return errors.New("Pipeline was constructed with PipelineWrite but LinkWriterTo was never called")
-	}
-	if p.IsUsingGstApp() {
-		return p.setupAppSrc()
-	}
-	return p.setupFdSrc()
-}
-
-// setupSink sets up a sink element with the given congifuration.
-func (p *Pipeline) setupSink(pluginName string, args map[string]interface{}) (*Element, error) {
-	elem, err := NewElement(pluginName)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-	for k, v := range args {
-		if err := elem.Set(k, v); err != nil {
-			return nil, err
-		}
-	}
-	if err := p.Add(elem); err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-	return elem, p.destElement.Link(elem)
-}
-
-// setupFdSink sets up a fdsink as the sink of the pipeline.
-func (p *Pipeline) setupFdSink() error {
-	_, err := p.setupSink("fdsink", map[string]interface{}{
-		"fd": p.readerFd(),
-	})
-	return err
-}
-
-// setupAppSink sets up an appsink as the sink of the pipeline.
-func (p *Pipeline) setupAppSink() error {
-	appSink, err := p.setupSink("appsink", map[string]interface{}{
-		"emit-signals": false,
-	})
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	p.appSink = wrapAppSink(appSink)
-	return nil
-}
-
-// setupDestElement will setup the destination (sink) element when the pipeline is constructed with
-// PipelineRead.
-func (p *Pipeline) setupDestElement() error {
-	if p.destElement == nil {
-		return errors.New("Pipeline was constructed with PipelineRead but LinkReaderTo was never called")
-	}
-	if p.IsUsingGstApp() {
-		return p.setupAppSink()
-	}
-	return p.setupFdSink()
-}
-
 // Start will start the GstPipeline. It is asynchronous so it does not need to be
 // called within a goroutine, however, it is still safe to do so.
 func (p *Pipeline) Start() error {
-	// If there is a write buffer on this pipeline, set up an fdsrc
-	if p.srcBuf != nil && !p.pipelineFromHelper {
-		if err := p.setupSrcElement(); err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-	}
-
-	// If there is a read buffer on this pipeline, set up an fdsink
-	if p.destBuf != nil && !p.pipelineFromHelper {
-		if err := p.setupDestElement(); err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-	}
-
-	return p.startPipeline()
+	return p.SetState(StatePlaying)
 }
 
-func (p *Pipeline) closeBuffers() error {
-	if p.srcBuf != nil && p.srcReader != nil && p.srcWriter != nil {
-		if err := p.srcReader.Close(); err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-		if err := p.srcWriter.Close(); err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-		p.srcBuf = nil
-	}
-	if p.destBuf != nil && p.destReader != nil && p.destWriter != nil {
-		if err := p.destReader.Close(); err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-		if err := p.destWriter.Close(); err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-		p.destBuf = nil
+// Destroy will attempt to stop the pipeline and then unref once the stream has
+// fully completed.
+func (p *Pipeline) Destroy() error {
+	if err := p.BlockSetState(StateNull); err != nil {
+		return err
 	}
+	p.Unref()
 	return nil
 }
 
-// ReadBufferSize returns the current size of the unread portion of the read-buffer.
-func (p *Pipeline) ReadBufferSize() int {
-	if p.destBuf == nil {
-		return 0
-	}
-	return p.destBuf.Buffered()
-}
-
-// WriteBufferSize returns the current size of the unread portion of the write-buffer.
-func (p *Pipeline) WriteBufferSize() int {
-	if p.srcBuf == nil {
-		return 0
-	}
-	return p.srcBuf.Buffered()
-}
-
-// TotalBufferSize returns the sum of the Read and Write buffer unread portions.
-func (p *Pipeline) TotalBufferSize() int { return p.WriteBufferSize() + p.ReadBufferSize() }
-
-// Close implements a Closer and closes all buffers.
-func (p *Pipeline) Close() error {
-	defer p.Unref()
-	if err := p.closeBuffers(); err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	return p.SetState(StateNull)
-}
-
-// startPipeline will set the GstPipeline to the PLAYING state.
-func (p *Pipeline) startPipeline() error {
-	if err := p.SetState(StatePlaying); err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	// If using GstApp with autoflush
-	if p.AutoFlush() {
-		go func() {
-			for {
-				if err := p.BlockFlush(); err != nil {
-					// err signals end of stream
-					return
-				}
-			}
-		}()
-	}
-	return nil
-}
-
-// Wait waits for the given pipeline to reach end of stream.
+// Wait waits for the given pipeline to reach end of stream or be stopped.
 func Wait(p *Pipeline) {
 	if p.Instance() == nil {
 		return
diff --git a/gst/gst_pipeline_config.go b/gst/gst_pipeline_config.go
deleted file mode 100644
index 54e7425..0000000
--- a/gst/gst_pipeline_config.go
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,194 +0,0 @@
-package gst
-
-import "fmt"
-
-// PipelineConfig represents a list of elements and their configurations
-// to be used with NewPipelineFromConfig.
-type PipelineConfig struct {
-	Elements []*PipelineElement
-}
-
-// GetElementByName returns the Element configuration for the given name.
-func (p *PipelineConfig) GetElementByName(name string) *PipelineElement {
-	for _, elem := range p.Elements {
-		if name == elem.GetName() {
-			return elem
-		}
-	}
-	return nil
-}
-
-// ElementNames returns a string slice of the names of all the plugins.
-func (p *PipelineConfig) ElementNames() []string {
-	names := make([]string, 0)
-	for _, elem := range p.Elements {
-		names = append(names, elem.GetName())
-	}
-	return names
-}
-
-// pushPluginToTop pushes a plugin to the top of the list.
-func (p *PipelineConfig) pushPluginToTop(elem *PipelineElement) {
-	newSlc := []*PipelineElement{elem}
-	newSlc = append(newSlc, p.Elements...)
-	p.Elements = newSlc
-}
-
-// PipelineElement represents an `GstElement` in a `GstPipeline` when building a Pipeline with `NewPipelineFromConfig`.
-// The Name should coorespond to a valid gstreamer plugin name. The data are additional
-// fields to set on the element. If SinkCaps is non-nil, they are applied to the sink of this
-// element.
-type PipelineElement struct {
-	Name     string
-	SinkCaps *Caps
-	Data     map[string]interface{}
-}
-
-// GetName returns the name to use when creating Elements from this configuration.
-func (p *PipelineElement) GetName() string { return p.Name }
-
-// NewPipelineFromConfig builds a new pipeline from the given PipelineConfig. The plugins provided
-// in the configuration will be linked in the order they are given.
-// If using PipelineWrite, you can optionally pass a Caps object to filter between the write-buffer
-// and the start of the pipeline.
-func NewPipelineFromConfig(cfg *PipelineConfig, flags PipelineFlags, caps *Caps) (pipeline *Pipeline, err error) {
-	// create a new empty pipeline instance
-	pipeline, err = NewPipeline(flags)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-	// if any error happens while setting up the pipeline, immediately free it
-	defer func() {
-		if err != nil {
-			if cerr := pipeline.Close(); cerr != nil {
-				fmt.Println("Failed to close pipeline:", err)
-			}
-		}
-	}()
-
-	if cfg.Elements == nil {
-		cfg.Elements = make([]*PipelineElement, 0)
-	}
-
-	if flags.has(PipelineWrite) {
-		if flags.has(PipelineUseGstApp) {
-			cfg.pushPluginToTop(&PipelineElement{
-				Name: "appsrc",
-				Data: map[string]interface{}{
-					"block":        true,  // TODO: make these all configurable
-					"emit-signals": false, // https://gstreamer.freedesktop.org/documentation/app/appsrc.html?gi-language=c
-					"is-live":      true,
-					"max-bytes":    200000,
-					// "size": 0, // If this is known we should specify it
-				},
-				SinkCaps: caps,
-			})
-		} else {
-			cfg.pushPluginToTop(&PipelineElement{
-				Name: "fdsrc",
-				Data: map[string]interface{}{
-					"fd": pipeline.writerFd(),
-				},
-				SinkCaps: caps,
-			})
-		}
-	}
-
-	if flags.has(PipelineRead) {
-		if flags.has(PipelineUseGstApp) {
-			cfg.Elements = append(cfg.Elements, &PipelineElement{
-				Name: "appsink",
-				Data: map[string]interface{}{
-					"emit-signals": false,
-				},
-			})
-		} else {
-			cfg.Elements = append(cfg.Elements, &PipelineElement{
-				Name: "fdsink",
-				Data: map[string]interface{}{
-					"fd": pipeline.readerFd(),
-				},
-			})
-		}
-	}
-
-	// retrieve a list of the plugin names
-	pluginNames := cfg.ElementNames()
-
-	// build all the elements
-	var elements map[int]*Element
-	elements, err = NewElementMany(pluginNames...)
-	if err != nil {
-		return
-	}
-
-	// iterate the plugin names and add them to the pipeline
-	for idx, name := range pluginNames {
-		// get the current plugin and element
-		currentPlugin := cfg.GetElementByName(name)
-		currentElem := elements[idx]
-
-		// Iterate any data with the plugin and set it on the element
-		for key, value := range currentPlugin.Data {
-			if err = currentElem.Set(key, value); err != nil {
-				return
-			}
-		}
-
-		// Add the element to the pipeline
-		if err = pipeline.Add(currentElem); err != nil {
-			return
-		}
-
-		// If this is the first element continue
-		if idx == 0 {
-			continue
-		}
-
-		// get the last element in the chain
-		lastPluginName := pluginNames[idx-1]
-		lastElem := elements[idx-1]
-		lastPlugin := cfg.GetElementByName(lastPluginName)
-
-		if lastPlugin == nil {
-			// this should never happen, since only used internally,
-			// but safety from panic
-			continue
-		}
-
-		// If this is the second element and we are configuring writing
-		// call link on the last element
-		if idx == 1 && flags.has(PipelineWrite) {
-			pipeline.LinkWriterTo(lastElem)
-			if flags.has(PipelineUseGstApp) {
-				pipeline.appSrc = wrapAppSrc(lastElem)
-			}
-		}
-
-		// If this is the last element and we are configuring reading
-		// call link on the element
-		if idx == len(pluginNames)-1 && flags.has(PipelineRead) {
-			pipeline.LinkReaderTo(currentElem)
-			if flags.has(PipelineUseGstApp) {
-				pipeline.appSink = wrapAppSink(currentElem)
-			}
-		}
-
-		// If there are sink caps on the last element, do a filtered link to this one and continue
-		if lastPlugin.SinkCaps != nil {
-			if err = lastElem.LinkFiltered(currentElem, lastPlugin.SinkCaps); err != nil {
-				return
-			}
-			continue
-		}
-
-		// link the last element to this element
-		if err = lastElem.Link(currentElem); err != nil {
-			return
-		}
-	}
-
-	pipeline.pipelineFromHelper = true
-
-	return
-}
diff --git a/gst/gst_pipeline_string.go b/gst/gst_pipeline_string.go
deleted file mode 100644
index c183409..0000000
--- a/gst/gst_pipeline_string.go
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,145 +0,0 @@
-package gst
-
-import (
-	"errors"
-	"fmt"
-	"strings"
-	"unsafe"
-
-	"github.com/gotk3/gotk3/glib"
-)
-
-// NewPipelineFromLaunchString returns a new GstPipeline from the given launch string. If flags
-// contain PipelineRead or PipelineWrite, the launch string is further formatted accordingly.
-//
-// If using PipelineWrite, you should generally start your pipeline with the caps of the source.
-func NewPipelineFromLaunchString(launchStr string, flags PipelineFlags) (*Pipeline, error) {
-	// reformat the string to point at the writerFd
-	if flags.has(PipelineWrite) {
-
-		if flags.has(PipelineUseGstApp) {
-			if launchStr == "" {
-				launchStr = "appsrc"
-			} else {
-				launchStr = fmt.Sprintf("appsrc ! %s", launchStr)
-			}
-		} else {
-			if launchStr == "" {
-				launchStr = "fdsrc"
-			} else {
-				launchStr = fmt.Sprintf("fdsrc ! %s", launchStr)
-			}
-		}
-
-	}
-
-	if flags.has(PipelineRead) {
-
-		if flags.has(PipelineUseGstApp) {
-			if launchStr == "" {
-				launchStr = "appsink emit-signals=false"
-			} else {
-				launchStr = fmt.Sprintf("%s ! appsink emit-signals=false", launchStr)
-			}
-		} else {
-			if launchStr == "" {
-				launchStr = "fdsink"
-			} else {
-				launchStr = fmt.Sprintf("%s ! fdsink", launchStr)
-			}
-		}
-
-	}
-
-	pipelineElement, err := newPipelineFromString(launchStr)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
-	pipeline := wrapPipeline(glib.Take(unsafe.Pointer(pipelineElement)))
-
-	if err := applyFlags(pipeline, flags); err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
-	if flags.has(PipelineWrite) {
-
-		sources, err := pipeline.GetSourceElements()
-		if err != nil {
-			return nil, err
-		}
-
-		var srcType string
-		if flags.has(PipelineUseGstApp) {
-			srcType = "appsrc"
-		} else {
-			srcType = "fdsrc"
-		}
-
-		var pipelineSrc *Element
-		for _, src := range sources {
-			if strings.Contains(src.Name(), srcType) {
-				pipelineSrc = src
-			} else {
-				src.Unref()
-			}
-		}
-
-		if pipelineSrc == nil {
-			return nil, errors.New("Could not detect pipeline source")
-		}
-
-		defer pipelineSrc.Unref()
-
-		if flags.has(PipelineUseGstApp) {
-			pipeline.appSrc = wrapAppSrc(pipelineSrc)
-		} else {
-			if err := pipelineSrc.Set("fd", pipeline.writerFd()); err != nil {
-				return nil, err
-			}
-		}
-	}
-
-	if flags.has(PipelineRead) {
-		sinks, err := pipeline.GetSinkElements()
-		if err != nil {
-			return nil, err
-		}
-
-		var sinkType string
-		if flags.has(PipelineUseGstApp) {
-			sinkType = "appsink"
-		} else {
-			sinkType = "fdsink"
-		}
-
-		var pipelineSink *Element
-		for _, sink := range sinks {
-			if strings.Contains(sink.Name(), sinkType) {
-				pipelineSink = sink
-			} else {
-				sink.Unref()
-			}
-		}
-
-		if pipelineSink == nil {
-			return nil, errors.New("Could not detect pipeline sink")
-		}
-
-		defer pipelineSink.Unref()
-
-		if flags.has(PipelineUseGstApp) {
-			pipeline.appSink = wrapAppSink(pipelineSink)
-		} else {
-			if err := pipelineSink.Set("fd", pipeline.readerFd()); err != nil {
-				return nil, err
-			}
-		}
-
-	}
-
-	// signal that this pipeline was made from a string and therefore already linked
-	pipeline.pipelineFromHelper = true
-
-	return pipeline, err
-}
diff --git a/gst/gst_structure.go b/gst/gst_structure.go
index 1bcc0e4..2a671d3 100644
--- a/gst/gst_structure.go
+++ b/gst/gst_structure.go
@@ -42,9 +42,13 @@ func NewStructureFromString(stStr string) *Structure {
 	return wrapStructure(structure)
 }
 
-// StructureFromGValue extracts the GstStructure from a glib.Value.
+// StructureFromGValue extracts the GstStructure from a glib.Value, or nil
+// if one does not exist.
 func StructureFromGValue(gval *glib.Value) *Structure {
 	st := C.gst_value_get_structure((*C.GValue)(gval.Native()))
+	if st == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
 	return wrapStructure(st)
 }
 
diff --git a/gst/gstauto/bufio.go b/gst/gstauto/bufio.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8842e00
--- /dev/null
+++ b/gst/gstauto/bufio.go
@@ -0,0 +1,101 @@
+package gstauto
+
+import (
+	"bufio"
+	"io"
+	"os"
+)
+
+// Blank assertions to ensure interfaces are implemented.
+var _ io.ReadCloser = &readCloser{}
+var _ io.WriteCloser = &writeCloser{}
+var _ io.ReadWriteCloser = &readWriteCloser{}
+
+// readCloser is a struct that provides a read buffer that can also be written to
+// internally.
+type readCloser struct {
+	rReader, rWriter *os.File
+	rBuf             *bufio.Reader
+}
+
+// newReadCloser returns a new readCloser.
+func newReadCloser() (*readCloser, error) {
+	r, w, err := os.Pipe()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return &readCloser{
+		rReader: r,
+		rWriter: w,
+		rBuf:    bufio.NewReader(r),
+	}, nil
+}
+
+// Read implements a Reader for objects embdedding this struct.
+func (r *readCloser) Read(p []byte) (int, error) { return r.rBuf.Read(p) }
+
+// Close implements a Closer for objects embedding this struct.
+func (r *readCloser) Close() error {
+	if err := r.rWriter.Close(); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	return r.rReader.Close()
+}
+
+// writeCloser is a struct that provides a read buffer that can also be
+// read from internally.
+type writeCloser struct {
+	wReader, wWriter *os.File
+	wBuf             *bufio.Writer
+}
+
+// newWriteCloser returns a new writeCloser.
+func newWriteCloser() (*writeCloser, error) {
+	r, w, err := os.Pipe()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return &writeCloser{
+		wReader: r,
+		wWriter: w,
+		wBuf:    bufio.NewWriter(w),
+	}, nil
+}
+
+// Write implements a Writer for objects embedding this struct.
+func (w *writeCloser) Write(p []byte) (int, error) { return w.wBuf.Write(p) }
+
+// Close implements a Closer for objects embedding this struct.
+func (w *writeCloser) Close() error {
+	if err := w.wWriter.Close(); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	return w.wReader.Close()
+}
+
+// readWriteCloser is a struct that provides both read and write buffers.
+type readWriteCloser struct {
+	*readCloser
+	*writeCloser
+}
+
+// newReadWriteCloser returns a new readWriteCloser.
+func newReadWriteCloser() (*readWriteCloser, error) {
+	rCloser, err := newReadCloser()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	wCloser, err := newWriteCloser()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return &readWriteCloser{readCloser: rCloser, writeCloser: wCloser}, nil
+}
+
+// Close implements a Closer for objects embedding this struct.
+func (rw *readWriteCloser) Close() error {
+	if err := rw.writeCloser.Close(); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	return rw.readCloser.Close()
+}
diff --git a/gst/gstauto/doc.go b/gst/gstauto/doc.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c5624f3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/gst/gstauto/doc.go
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+// Package gstauto contains helper methods and objects for building pipelines that
+// satisfy most use cases. It provides an abstraction over the lower-level building
+// blocks provided in the gst package.
+package gstauto
diff --git a/gst/gstauto/pipeline_config.go b/gst/gstauto/pipeline_config.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6d07986
--- /dev/null
+++ b/gst/gstauto/pipeline_config.go
@@ -0,0 +1,141 @@
+package gstauto
+
+import (
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+
+	"github.com/tinyzimmer/go-gst-launch/gst"
+)
+
+// PipelineElement represents an `GstElement` in a `GstPipeline` when building a Pipeline with `NewPipelineFromConfig`.
+// The Name should coorespond to a valid gstreamer plugin name. The data are additional
+// fields to set on the element. If SinkCaps is non-nil, they are applied to the sink of this
+// element.
+type PipelineElement struct {
+	Name     string
+	SinkCaps *gst.Caps
+	Data     map[string]interface{}
+}
+
+// GetName returns the name to use when creating Elements from this configuration.
+func (p *PipelineElement) GetName() string { return p.Name }
+
+// PipelineConfig represents a list of elements and their configurations
+// to be used with NewPipelineFromConfig.
+type PipelineConfig struct {
+	Elements []*PipelineElement
+}
+
+// GetElementByName returns the Element configuration for the given name.
+func (p *PipelineConfig) GetElementByName(name string) *PipelineElement {
+	for _, elem := range p.Elements {
+		if name == elem.GetName() {
+			return elem
+		}
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// ElementNames returns a string slice of the names of all the plugins.
+func (p *PipelineConfig) ElementNames() []string {
+	names := make([]string, 0)
+	for _, elem := range p.Elements {
+		names = append(names, elem.GetName())
+	}
+	return names
+}
+
+// pushPluginToTop pushes a plugin to the top of the list.
+func (p *PipelineConfig) pushPluginToTop(elem *PipelineElement) {
+	newSlc := []*PipelineElement{elem}
+	newSlc = append(newSlc, p.Elements...)
+	p.Elements = newSlc
+}
+
+// Apply applies this configuration to the given Pipeline.
+func (p *PipelineConfig) Apply(pipeline *gst.Pipeline) error {
+	// build all the elements
+	elementNames := p.ElementNames()
+	elements, err := gst.NewElementMany(elementNames...)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	// iterate the element names and add them to the pipeline
+	for idx, name := range elementNames {
+		// get the current config and element
+		currentCfg := p.GetElementByName(name)
+		currentElem := elements[idx]
+
+		// Iterate any data with the plugin and set it on the element
+		for key, value := range currentCfg.Data {
+			if err := currentElem.Set(key, value); err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
+		}
+
+		// Add the element to the pipeline
+		if err := pipeline.Add(currentElem); err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+
+		// If this is the first element continue
+		if idx == 0 {
+			continue
+		}
+
+		// get the last element in the chain
+		lastElemName := elementNames[idx-1]
+		lastElem := elements[idx-1]
+		lastCfg := p.GetElementByName(lastElemName)
+
+		if lastCfg == nil {
+			// this would never happen unless someone is messing with memory,
+			// but safety from panic
+			continue
+		}
+
+		// If there are sink caps on the last element, do a filtered link to this one and continue
+		if lastCfg.SinkCaps != nil {
+			if err := lastElem.LinkFiltered(currentElem, lastCfg.SinkCaps); err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
+			continue
+		}
+
+		// link the last element to this element
+		if err := lastElem.Link(currentElem); err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+// NewPipelineFromConfig builds a new pipeline from the given PipelineConfig. The plugins provided
+// in the configuration will be linked in the order they are given.
+func NewPipelineFromConfig(cfg *PipelineConfig) (*gst.Pipeline, error) {
+	if cfg.Elements == nil {
+		return nil, errors.New("Element cannot be empty in the configuration")
+	}
+
+	// create a new empty pipeline instance
+	pipeline, err := gst.NewPipeline("")
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+
+	// if any error happens while setting up the pipeline, immediately free it
+	defer func() {
+		if err != nil {
+			if destroyErr := pipeline.Destroy(); destroyErr != nil {
+				fmt.Println("[go-gst] Error while destroying failed pipeline instance:", err.Error())
+			}
+		}
+	}()
+
+	if err = cfg.Apply(pipeline); err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+
+	return pipeline, nil
+}
diff --git a/gst/gstauto/pipeline_interfaces.go b/gst/gstauto/pipeline_interfaces.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fc4b142
--- /dev/null
+++ b/gst/gstauto/pipeline_interfaces.go
@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+package gstauto
+
+import (
+	"io"
+
+	"github.com/tinyzimmer/go-gst-launch/gst"
+)
+
+// Pipeliner is a the base interface for structs extending the functionality of
+// the Pipeline object. It provides a single method which returns the underlying
+// Pipeline object.
+type Pipeliner interface {
+	Pipeline() *gst.Pipeline
+}
+
+// ReadPipeliner is a Pipeliner that also implements a ReadCloser.
+type ReadPipeliner interface {
+	Pipeliner
+	io.ReadCloser
+}
+
+// WritePipeliner is a Pipeliner that also implements a WriteCloser.
+type WritePipeliner interface {
+	Pipeliner
+	io.WriteCloser
+}
+
+// ReadWritePipeliner is a Pipeliner that also implements a ReadWriteCloser.
+type ReadWritePipeliner interface {
+	ReadPipeliner
+	WritePipeliner
+}
diff --git a/gst/gstauto/pipeline_reader.go b/gst/gstauto/pipeline_reader.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2415bd5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/gst/gstauto/pipeline_reader.go
@@ -0,0 +1,79 @@
+package gstauto
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+
+	"github.com/tinyzimmer/go-gst-launch/gst"
+)
+
+// Empty assignment to ensure PipelineReader satisfies the ReadPipeliner interface.
+var _ ReadPipeliner = &PipelineReader{}
+
+// PipelineReader is the base struct to be used to implement ReadPipeliners.
+type PipelineReader struct {
+	*readCloser
+	pipeline *gst.Pipeline
+}
+
+// NewPipelineReader returns a new PipelineReader with an empty pipeline. Use an empty name
+// to have gstreamer auto-generate one. This method is intended for use in the construction
+// of other interfaces.
+func NewPipelineReader(name string) (*PipelineReader, error) {
+	pipeline, err := gst.NewPipeline(name)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	rCloser, err := newReadCloser()
+	if err != nil {
+		if closeErr := pipeline.Destroy(); closeErr != nil {
+			fmt.Println("[gst-auto] Failed to destroy errored pipeline:", closeErr.Error())
+		}
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return &PipelineReader{
+		readCloser: rCloser,
+		pipeline:   pipeline,
+	}, nil
+}
+
+// NewPipelineReaderFromString returns a new PipelineReader with a pipeline populated
+// by the provided gstreamer launch string. If you are looking to build a simple
+// ReadPipeliner you probably want to use NewPipelineReaderSimpleFromString.
+func NewPipelineReaderFromString(launchStr string) (*PipelineReader, error) {
+	pipeline, err := gst.NewPipelineFromString(launchStr)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	rCloser, err := newReadCloser()
+	if err != nil {
+		if closeErr := pipeline.Destroy(); closeErr != nil {
+			fmt.Println("[gst-auto] Failed to destroy errored pipeline:", closeErr.Error())
+		}
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return &PipelineReader{
+		readCloser: rCloser,
+		pipeline:   pipeline,
+	}, nil
+}
+
+// Pipeline returns the underlying Pipeline instance for this pipeliner. It implements the
+// Pipeliner interface.
+func (r *PipelineReader) Pipeline() *gst.Pipeline { return r.pipeline }
+
+// ReaderFd returns the file descriptor that can be written to for the read-buffer. This value
+// is used when wanting to allow an underlying pipeline to write to the internal buffer (e.g. when using a fdsink).
+func (r *PipelineReader) ReaderFd() uintptr { return r.readCloser.rWriter.Fd() }
+
+// Close will stop and unref the underlying pipeline.
+func (r *PipelineReader) Close() error {
+	if err := r.Pipeline().Destroy(); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	return r.readCloser.Close()
+}
+
+// CloseAsync will close the underlying pipeline asynchronously. It is the caller's
+// responsibility to call Unref on the pipeline and close buffers once it is no longer being used.
+// This can be accomplished via calling a regular Close (which is idempotent).
+func (r *PipelineReader) CloseAsync() error { return r.pipeline.SetState(gst.StateNull) }
diff --git a/gst/gstauto/pipeline_readwriter.go b/gst/gstauto/pipeline_readwriter.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7a361b3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/gst/gstauto/pipeline_readwriter.go
@@ -0,0 +1,85 @@
+package gstauto
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+
+	"github.com/tinyzimmer/go-gst-launch/gst"
+)
+
+// Empty assignment to ensure PipelineReadWriter satisfies the ReadWritePipeliner interface.
+var _ ReadWritePipeliner = &PipelineReadWriter{}
+
+// PipelineReadWriter is the base struct to be used to implement ReadWritePipeliners.
+type PipelineReadWriter struct {
+	*readWriteCloser
+	pipeline *gst.Pipeline
+}
+
+// NewPipelineReadWriter returns a new PipelineReadWriter with an empty pipeline. Use an empty name
+// to have gstreamer auto-generate one. This method is intended for use in the construction
+// of other interfaces.
+func NewPipelineReadWriter(name string) (*PipelineReadWriter, error) {
+	pipeline, err := gst.NewPipeline(name)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	rwCloser, err := newReadWriteCloser()
+	if err != nil {
+		if closeErr := pipeline.Destroy(); closeErr != nil {
+			fmt.Println("[gst-auto] Failed to destroy errored pipeline:", closeErr.Error())
+		}
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return &PipelineReadWriter{
+		readWriteCloser: rwCloser,
+		pipeline:        pipeline,
+	}, nil
+}
+
+// NewPipelineReadWriterFromString returns a new PipelineReadWriter with a pipeline populated
+// by the provided gstreamer launch string. If you are looking to build a simple
+// ReadWritePipeliner you probably want to use NewPipelineReadWriterSimpleFromString.
+func NewPipelineReadWriterFromString(launchStr string) (*PipelineReadWriter, error) {
+	pipeline, err := gst.NewPipelineFromString(launchStr)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	rwCloser, err := newReadWriteCloser()
+	if err != nil {
+		if closeErr := pipeline.Destroy(); closeErr != nil {
+			fmt.Println("[gst-auto] Failed to destroy errored pipeline:", closeErr.Error())
+		}
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return &PipelineReadWriter{
+		readWriteCloser: rwCloser,
+		pipeline:        pipeline,
+	}, nil
+}
+
+// Pipeline returns the underlying Pipeline instance for this pipeliner. It implements the
+// Pipeliner interface.
+func (rw *PipelineReadWriter) Pipeline() *gst.Pipeline { return rw.pipeline }
+
+// ReaderFd returns the file descriptor that can be written to for the read-buffer. This value
+// is used when wanting to allow an underlying pipeline to write to the internal buffer
+// (e.g. when using a fdsink).
+func (rw *PipelineReadWriter) ReaderFd() uintptr { return rw.readWriteCloser.readCloser.rWriter.Fd() }
+
+// WriterFd returns the file descriptor that can be used to read from the write-buffer. This value
+// is used when wanting to allow an underlying pipeline the ability to read data written to the buffer
+// (e.g. when using a fdsrc).
+func (rw *PipelineReadWriter) WriterFd() uintptr { return rw.readWriteCloser.writeCloser.wReader.Fd() }
+
+// Close will stop and unref the underlying pipeline and read/write buffers.
+func (rw *PipelineReadWriter) Close() error {
+	if err := rw.Pipeline().Destroy(); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	return rw.readWriteCloser.Close()
+}
+
+// CloseAsync will close the underlying pipeline asynchronously. It is the caller's
+// responsibility to call Unref on the pipeline and close buffers once it is no longer being used.
+// This can be accomplished via calling a regular Close (which is idempotent).
+func (rw *PipelineReadWriter) CloseAsync() error { return rw.pipeline.SetState(gst.StateNull) }
diff --git a/gst/gstauto/pipeline_simple.go b/gst/gstauto/pipeline_simple.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fef303d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/gst/gstauto/pipeline_simple.go
@@ -0,0 +1,57 @@
+package gstauto
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+
+	"github.com/tinyzimmer/go-gst-launch/gst"
+)
+
+// Blank assignment to make sure PipelinerSimple satisfies the Pipeliner interface.
+var _ Pipeliner = &PipelinerSimple{}
+
+// PipelinerSimple is a simple struct that implements the Pipeliner interface.
+// It doesn't provide any additional read/write capabilities. Its primary intention
+// is for pipelines where the caller does not wish to personally read or write from
+// either end of the buffer.
+type PipelinerSimple struct {
+	pipeline *gst.Pipeline
+}
+
+// Pipeline implements the Pipeliner interface.
+func (s *PipelinerSimple) Pipeline() *gst.Pipeline { return s.pipeline }
+
+// NewPipelinerSimple returns a new empty PipelinerSimple. Pass an empty string
+// for name to use an auto-generated one.
+func NewPipelinerSimple(name string) (*PipelinerSimple, error) {
+	pipeline, err := gst.NewPipeline(name)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return &PipelinerSimple{pipeline: pipeline}, nil
+}
+
+// NewPipelinerSimpleFromString returns a new PipelinerSimpler from the given
+// launch string.
+func NewPipelinerSimpleFromString(launchStr string) (*PipelinerSimple, error) {
+	pipeline, err := gst.NewPipelineFromString(launchStr)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return &PipelinerSimple{pipeline: pipeline}, nil
+}
+
+// NewPipelinerSimpleFromConfig returns a new PipelinerSimple from the given
+// PipelineConfig.
+func NewPipelinerSimpleFromConfig(cfg *PipelineConfig) (*PipelinerSimple, error) {
+	pipeline, err := gst.NewPipeline("")
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	if err := cfg.Apply(pipeline); err != nil {
+		if destroyErr := pipeline.Destroy(); destroyErr != nil {
+			fmt.Println("[go-gst] Error while destroying failed pipeline instance:", destroyErr.Error())
+		}
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return &PipelinerSimple{pipeline: pipeline}, nil
+}
diff --git a/gst/gstauto/pipeline_simple_reader.go b/gst/gstauto/pipeline_simple_reader.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5139c91
--- /dev/null
+++ b/gst/gstauto/pipeline_simple_reader.go
@@ -0,0 +1,85 @@
+package gstauto
+
+import (
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/tinyzimmer/go-gst-launch/gst"
+)
+
+// PipelineReaderSimple implements a ReadPipeliner that configures gstreamer
+// to write directly to the internal read-buffer via an fdsink.
+type PipelineReaderSimple struct {
+	*PipelineReader
+}
+
+// NewPipelineReaderSimpleFromString returns a new PipelineReaderSimple populated from
+// the given launch string. An fdsink is added to the end of the launch string and tied
+// to the read buffer.
+func NewPipelineReaderSimpleFromString(launchStr string) (*PipelineReaderSimple, error) {
+	pipelineReader, err := NewPipelineReaderFromString(addFdSinkToStr(launchStr))
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+
+	defer func() {
+		if err != nil {
+			if destroyErr := pipelineReader.Pipeline().Destroy(); destroyErr != nil {
+				fmt.Println("[go-gst] Error while destroying failed pipeline instance:", destroyErr.Error())
+			}
+		}
+	}()
+
+	// Retrieve the sinks in the pipeline, most of the time there is just one
+	var sinks []*gst.Element
+	sinks, err = pipelineReader.Pipeline().GetSinkElements()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+
+	// Fetch the fdsink and reconfigure it to point to the read buffer.
+	for _, sink := range sinks {
+		if strings.Contains(sink.Name(), "fdsink") {
+			if err = sink.Set("fd", pipelineReader.ReaderFd()); err != nil {
+				return nil, err
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Return the pipeline
+	return &PipelineReaderSimple{pipelineReader}, nil
+}
+
+// NewPipelineReaderSimpleFromConfig returns a new PipelineReaderSimple populated from
+// the given launch config. An fdsink is added to the end of the launch config and tied
+// to the read buffer.
+func NewPipelineReaderSimpleFromConfig(cfg *PipelineConfig) (*PipelineReaderSimple, error) {
+	if cfg.Elements == nil {
+		return nil, errors.New("Elements cannot be nil in the config")
+	}
+	pipelineReader, err := NewPipelineReader("")
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	cfg.Elements = append(cfg.Elements, &PipelineElement{
+		Name: "fdsink",
+		Data: map[string]interface{}{
+			"fd": pipelineReader.ReaderFd(),
+		},
+	})
+	if err := cfg.Apply(pipelineReader.Pipeline()); err != nil {
+		if destroyErr := pipelineReader.Pipeline().Destroy(); destroyErr != nil {
+			fmt.Println("[go-gst] Error while destroying failed pipeline instance:", destroyErr.Error())
+		}
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return &PipelineReaderSimple{pipelineReader}, nil
+}
+
+func addFdSinkToStr(pstr string) string {
+	if pstr == "" {
+		return "fdsink"
+	}
+	return fmt.Sprintf("%s ! fdsink", pstr)
+}
diff --git a/gst/gstauto/pipeline_simple_readwriter.go b/gst/gstauto/pipeline_simple_readwriter.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f476a9d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/gst/gstauto/pipeline_simple_readwriter.go
@@ -0,0 +1,101 @@
+package gstauto
+
+import (
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/tinyzimmer/go-gst-launch/gst"
+)
+
+// PipelineReadWriterSimple implements a ReadWritePipeliner that configures gstreamer
+// to read from the internal write-buffer via an fdsrc and write to the internal read-buffer
+// via an fdsink.
+type PipelineReadWriterSimple struct {
+	*PipelineReadWriter
+}
+
+// NewPipelineReadWriterSimpleFromString returns a new PipelineReadWriterSimple from
+// the given launch string. An fdsrc listening on the write buffer and an fdsink to the read buffer
+// are formatted into the provided string.
+func NewPipelineReadWriterSimpleFromString(launchStr string) (*PipelineReadWriterSimple, error) {
+	pipelineReadWriter, err := NewPipelineReadWriterFromString(addFdSrcToStr(addFdSinkToStr(launchStr)))
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+
+	defer func() {
+		if err != nil {
+			if destroyErr := pipelineReadWriter.Pipeline().Destroy(); destroyErr != nil {
+				fmt.Println("[go-gst] Error while destroying failed pipeline instance:", destroyErr.Error())
+			}
+		}
+	}()
+
+	// Retrieve the sinks in the pipeline, most of the time there is just one
+	var sinks []*gst.Element
+	sinks, err = pipelineReadWriter.Pipeline().GetSinkElements()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+
+	// Fetch the fdsink and reconfigure it to point to the read buffer.
+	for _, sink := range sinks {
+		if strings.Contains(sink.Name(), "fdsink") {
+			if err = sink.Set("fd", pipelineReadWriter.ReaderFd()); err != nil {
+				return nil, err
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Retrieve the sources in the pipeline, most of the time there is just one
+	var sources []*gst.Element
+	sources, err = pipelineReadWriter.Pipeline().GetSourceElements()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+
+	// Fetch the fdsrc and reconfigure it to point to the write buffer.
+	for _, source := range sources {
+		if strings.Contains(source.Name(), "fdsrc") {
+			if err = source.Set("fd", pipelineReadWriter.WriterFd()); err != nil {
+				return nil, err
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Return the pipeline
+	return &PipelineReadWriterSimple{pipelineReadWriter}, nil
+}
+
+// NewPipelineReadWriterSimpleFromConfig returns a new PipelineReadWriterSimple populated from
+// the given launch config. An fdsrc is added to the start of the launch config and tied
+// to the write buffer, and an fdsink is added to the end tied to the read-buffer.
+func NewPipelineReadWriterSimpleFromConfig(cfg *PipelineConfig) (*PipelineReadWriterSimple, error) {
+	if cfg.Elements == nil {
+		return nil, errors.New("Elements cannot be nil in the config")
+	}
+	pipelineReadWriter, err := NewPipelineReadWriter("")
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	cfg.pushPluginToTop(&PipelineElement{
+		Name: "fdsrc",
+		Data: map[string]interface{}{
+			"fd": pipelineReadWriter.WriterFd(),
+		},
+	})
+	cfg.Elements = append(cfg.Elements, &PipelineElement{
+		Name: "fdsink",
+		Data: map[string]interface{}{
+			"fd": pipelineReadWriter.ReaderFd(),
+		},
+	})
+	if err := cfg.Apply(pipelineReadWriter.Pipeline()); err != nil {
+		if destroyErr := pipelineReadWriter.Pipeline().Destroy(); destroyErr != nil {
+			fmt.Println("[go-gst] Error while destroying failed pipeline instance:", destroyErr.Error())
+		}
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return &PipelineReadWriterSimple{pipelineReadWriter}, nil
+}
diff --git a/gst/gstauto/pipeline_simple_writer.go b/gst/gstauto/pipeline_simple_writer.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..57292e0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/gst/gstauto/pipeline_simple_writer.go
@@ -0,0 +1,85 @@
+package gstauto
+
+import (
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/tinyzimmer/go-gst-launch/gst"
+)
+
+// PipelineWriterSimple implements a WritePipeliner that configures gstreamer
+// to read directly from the internal write-buffer via a fdsrc.
+type PipelineWriterSimple struct {
+	*PipelineWriter
+}
+
+// NewPipelineWriterSimpleFromString returns a new PipelineWriterSimple populated from
+// the given launch string. An fdsrc is added to the beginning of the string and tied to
+// the write buffer.
+func NewPipelineWriterSimpleFromString(launchStr string) (*PipelineWriterSimple, error) {
+	pipelineWriter, err := NewPipelineWriterFromString(addFdSrcToStr(launchStr))
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+
+	defer func() {
+		if err != nil {
+			if destroyErr := pipelineWriter.Pipeline().Destroy(); destroyErr != nil {
+				fmt.Println("[go-gst] Error while destroying failed pipeline instance:", destroyErr.Error())
+			}
+		}
+	}()
+
+	// Retrieve the sources in the pipeline, most of the time there is just one
+	var sources []*gst.Element
+	sources, err = pipelineWriter.Pipeline().GetSourceElements()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+
+	// Fetch the fdsrc and reconfigure it to point to the write buffer.
+	for _, source := range sources {
+		if strings.Contains(source.Name(), "fdsrc") {
+			if err = source.Set("fd", pipelineWriter.WriterFd()); err != nil {
+				return nil, err
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Return the pipeline
+	return &PipelineWriterSimple{pipelineWriter}, nil
+}
+
+// NewPipelineWriterSimpleFromConfig returns a new PipelineWriterSimple populated from
+// the given launch config. An fdsrc is added to the start of the launch config and tied
+// to the write buffer.
+func NewPipelineWriterSimpleFromConfig(cfg *PipelineConfig) (*PipelineWriterSimple, error) {
+	if cfg.Elements == nil {
+		return nil, errors.New("Elements cannot be nil in the config")
+	}
+	pipelineWriter, err := NewPipelineWriter("")
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	cfg.pushPluginToTop(&PipelineElement{
+		Name: "fdsrc",
+		Data: map[string]interface{}{
+			"fd": pipelineWriter.WriterFd(),
+		},
+	})
+	if err := cfg.Apply(pipelineWriter.Pipeline()); err != nil {
+		if destroyErr := pipelineWriter.Pipeline().Destroy(); destroyErr != nil {
+			fmt.Println("[go-gst] Error while destroying failed pipeline instance:", destroyErr.Error())
+		}
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return &PipelineWriterSimple{pipelineWriter}, nil
+}
+
+func addFdSrcToStr(pstr string) string {
+	if pstr == "" {
+		return "fdsrc"
+	}
+	return fmt.Sprintf("fdsink ! %s", pstr)
+}
diff --git a/gst/gstauto/pipeline_writer.go b/gst/gstauto/pipeline_writer.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0fd1a1e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/gst/gstauto/pipeline_writer.go
@@ -0,0 +1,80 @@
+package gstauto
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+
+	"github.com/tinyzimmer/go-gst-launch/gst"
+)
+
+// Empty assignment to ensure PipelineWriter satisfies the WritePipeliner interface.
+var _ WritePipeliner = &PipelineWriter{}
+
+// PipelineWriter is the base struct to be used to implement WritePipeliners.
+type PipelineWriter struct {
+	*writeCloser
+	pipeline *gst.Pipeline
+}
+
+// NewPipelineWriter returns a new PipelineWriter with an empty pipeline. Use an empty name
+// to have gstreamer auto-generate one. This method is intended for use in the construction
+// of other interfaces.
+func NewPipelineWriter(name string) (*PipelineWriter, error) {
+	pipeline, err := gst.NewPipeline(name)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	wCloser, err := newWriteCloser()
+	if err != nil {
+		if closeErr := pipeline.Destroy(); closeErr != nil {
+			fmt.Println("[gst-auto] Failed to destroy errored pipeline:", closeErr.Error())
+		}
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return &PipelineWriter{
+		writeCloser: wCloser,
+		pipeline:    pipeline,
+	}, nil
+}
+
+// NewPipelineWriterFromString returns a new PipelineWriter with a pipeline populated
+// by the provided gstreamer launch string. If you are looking to build a simple
+// WritePipeliner you probably want to use NewPipelineWriterSimpleFromString.
+func NewPipelineWriterFromString(launchStr string) (*PipelineWriter, error) {
+	pipeline, err := gst.NewPipelineFromString(launchStr)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	wCloser, err := newWriteCloser()
+	if err != nil {
+		if closeErr := pipeline.Destroy(); closeErr != nil {
+			fmt.Println("[gst-auto] Failed to destroy errored pipeline:", closeErr.Error())
+		}
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return &PipelineWriter{
+		writeCloser: wCloser,
+		pipeline:    pipeline,
+	}, nil
+}
+
+// Pipeline returns the underlying Pipeline instance for this pipeliner. It implements the
+// Pipeliner interface.
+func (w *PipelineWriter) Pipeline() *gst.Pipeline { return w.pipeline }
+
+// WriterFd returns the file descriptor that can be used to read from the write-buffer. This value
+// is used when wanting to allow an underlying pipeline the ability to read data written to
+// the buffer (e.g. when using a fdsrc).
+func (w *PipelineWriter) WriterFd() uintptr { return w.writeCloser.wReader.Fd() }
+
+// Close will stop and unref the underlying pipeline.
+func (w *PipelineWriter) Close() error {
+	if err := w.Pipeline().Destroy(); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	return w.writeCloser.Close()
+}
+
+// CloseAsync will close the underlying pipeline asynchronously. It is the caller's
+// responsibility to call Unref on the pipeline and close buffers once it is no longer being used.
+// This can be accomplished via calling a regular Close (which is idempotent).
+func (w *PipelineWriter) CloseAsync() error { return w.pipeline.SetState(gst.StateNull) }