diff --git a/examples/Arrow.py b/examples/Arrow.py
index 7f5a5c97..b2234c2b 100644
--- a/examples/Arrow.py
+++ b/examples/Arrow.py
@@ -51,4 +51,4 @@ anim = a.makeAnimation(loop=-1)
 anim.start()
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/BarGraphItem.py b/examples/BarGraphItem.py
index a5b0a0c2..b3efb2c3 100644
--- a/examples/BarGraphItem.py
+++ b/examples/BarGraphItem.py
@@ -35,4 +35,4 @@ bg = BarGraph(x=x, y=y1*0.3+2, height=0.4+y1*0.2, width=0.8)
 win.addItem(bg)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/CLIexample.py b/examples/CLIexample.py
index 02bb989b..677660f8 100644
--- a/examples/CLIexample.py
+++ b/examples/CLIexample.py
@@ -19,4 +19,4 @@ data = np.random.normal(size=(500,500))
 pg.image(data, title="Simplest possible image example")
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/ColorBarItem.py b/examples/ColorBarItem.py
index ee3f6485..687d97a9 100644
--- a/examples/ColorBarItem.py
+++ b/examples/ColorBarItem.py
@@ -97,4 +97,4 @@ main_window = MainWindow()
 
 ## Start Qt event loop
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/ColorButton.py b/examples/ColorButton.py
index c9621f54..34691978 100644
--- a/examples/ColorButton.py
+++ b/examples/ColorButton.py
@@ -27,4 +27,4 @@ btn.sigColorChanging.connect(change)
 btn.sigColorChanged.connect(done)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/ColorGradientPlots.py b/examples/ColorGradientPlots.py
index 2a46009d..ca1a1d72 100644
--- a/examples/ColorGradientPlots.py
+++ b/examples/ColorGradientPlots.py
@@ -144,4 +144,4 @@ main_window = MainWindow()
 
 ## Start Qt event loop
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/ConsoleWidget.py b/examples/ConsoleWidget.py
index ab390a9c..a461d445 100644
--- a/examples/ConsoleWidget.py
+++ b/examples/ConsoleWidget.py
@@ -30,4 +30,4 @@ c.show()
 c.setWindowTitle('pyqtgraph example: ConsoleWidget')
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/CustomGraphItem.py b/examples/CustomGraphItem.py
index ff40f571..0ac00473 100644
--- a/examples/CustomGraphItem.py
+++ b/examples/CustomGraphItem.py
@@ -130,4 +130,4 @@ g.setData(pos=pos, adj=adj, pen=lines, size=1, symbol=symbols, pxMode=False, tex
 
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/DataSlicing.py b/examples/DataSlicing.py
index 610dd194..3dc048d7 100644
--- a/examples/DataSlicing.py
+++ b/examples/DataSlicing.py
@@ -58,4 +58,4 @@ imv1.setLevels(-0.003, 0.003)
 update()
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/DataTreeWidget.py b/examples/DataTreeWidget.py
index e129f137..1307b0a0 100644
--- a/examples/DataTreeWidget.py
+++ b/examples/DataTreeWidget.py
@@ -43,4 +43,4 @@ tree.resize(600,600)
 
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/DateAxisItem.py b/examples/DateAxisItem.py
index 86be0176..b420b6ac 100644
--- a/examples/DateAxisItem.py
+++ b/examples/DateAxisItem.py
@@ -27,4 +27,4 @@ w.setWindowTitle('pyqtgraph example: DateAxisItem')
 w.show()
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    app.exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/DateAxisItem_QtDesigner.py b/examples/DateAxisItem_QtDesigner.py
index a7dc46a3..713f152f 100644
--- a/examples/DateAxisItem_QtDesigner.py
+++ b/examples/DateAxisItem_QtDesigner.py
@@ -43,4 +43,4 @@ window.setWindowTitle('pyqtgraph example: DateAxisItem_QtDesigner')
 window.show()
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    app.exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/DiffTreeWidget.py b/examples/DiffTreeWidget.py
index 0c7fcd78..1846c33b 100644
--- a/examples/DiffTreeWidget.py
+++ b/examples/DiffTreeWidget.py
@@ -46,4 +46,4 @@ tree.resize(1000, 800)
 
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/Draw.py b/examples/Draw.py
index 22ddf7e9..691d6a87 100644
--- a/examples/Draw.py
+++ b/examples/Draw.py
@@ -43,4 +43,4 @@ img.setDrawKernel(kern, mask=kern, center=(1,1), mode='add')
 img.setLevels([0, 10])
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/ErrorBarItem.py b/examples/ErrorBarItem.py
index 5748f913..50e9a386 100644
--- a/examples/ErrorBarItem.py
+++ b/examples/ErrorBarItem.py
@@ -27,4 +27,4 @@ plt.addItem(err)
 plt.plot(x, y, symbol='o', pen={'color': 0.8, 'width': 2})
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/ExampleApp.py b/examples/ExampleApp.py
index 01d00567..68b7307d 100644
--- a/examples/ExampleApp.py
+++ b/examples/ExampleApp.py
@@ -385,7 +385,7 @@ class ExampleLoader(QtGui.QMainWindow):
 def main():
     app = pg.mkQApp()
     loader = ExampleLoader()
-    app.exec_()
+    pg.exec()
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
     main()
diff --git a/examples/FillBetweenItem.py b/examples/FillBetweenItem.py
index c53276bb..36fedbbc 100644
--- a/examples/FillBetweenItem.py
+++ b/examples/FillBetweenItem.py
@@ -46,4 +46,4 @@ timer.start(30)
 
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/Flowchart.py b/examples/Flowchart.py
index f9167872..336d3fd4 100644
--- a/examples/Flowchart.py
+++ b/examples/Flowchart.py
@@ -76,4 +76,4 @@ fc.connectTerminals(fNode['Out'], pw2Node['In'])
 fc.connectTerminals(fNode['Out'], fc['dataOut'])
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/FlowchartCustomNode.py b/examples/FlowchartCustomNode.py
index 48927224..a941a0b2 100644
--- a/examples/FlowchartCustomNode.py
+++ b/examples/FlowchartCustomNode.py
@@ -151,4 +151,4 @@ fc.connectTerminals(fNode['dataOut'], v2Node['data'])
 fc.connectTerminals(fNode['dataOut'], fc['dataOut'])
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/GLBarGraphItem.py b/examples/GLBarGraphItem.py
index 84a44a48..5d1cbcb3 100644
--- a/examples/GLBarGraphItem.py
+++ b/examples/GLBarGraphItem.py
@@ -40,4 +40,4 @@ bg = gl.GLBarGraphItem(pos, size)
 w.addItem(bg)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/GLImageItem.py b/examples/GLImageItem.py
index f5663df4..8648391c 100644
--- a/examples/GLImageItem.py
+++ b/examples/GLImageItem.py
@@ -51,4 +51,4 @@ ax = gl.GLAxisItem()
 w.addItem(ax)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/GLIsosurface.py b/examples/GLIsosurface.py
index 1afe797c..83fcd09b 100644
--- a/examples/GLIsosurface.py
+++ b/examples/GLIsosurface.py
@@ -60,4 +60,4 @@ w.addItem(m2)
 m2.translate(-25, -25, -50)
     
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/GLLinePlotItem.py b/examples/GLLinePlotItem.py
index 82e1f6fb..c77034fc 100644
--- a/examples/GLLinePlotItem.py
+++ b/examples/GLLinePlotItem.py
@@ -41,4 +41,4 @@ for i in range(n):
     w.addItem(plt)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/GLMeshItem.py b/examples/GLMeshItem.py
index 16a647b4..30b8ed7a 100644
--- a/examples/GLMeshItem.py
+++ b/examples/GLMeshItem.py
@@ -118,4 +118,4 @@ w.addItem(m5)
 w.addItem(m6)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/GLScatterPlotItem.py b/examples/GLScatterPlotItem.py
index 1d8d5e06..f07e0091 100644
--- a/examples/GLScatterPlotItem.py
+++ b/examples/GLScatterPlotItem.py
@@ -108,4 +108,4 @@ t.timeout.connect(update)
 t.start(50)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/GLSurfacePlot.py b/examples/GLSurfacePlot.py
index 0cee2adc..29783988 100644
--- a/examples/GLSurfacePlot.py
+++ b/examples/GLSurfacePlot.py
@@ -93,4 +93,4 @@ timer.timeout.connect(update)
 timer.start(30)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/GLViewWidget.py b/examples/GLViewWidget.py
index dec4f89a..5bc23ba6 100644
--- a/examples/GLViewWidget.py
+++ b/examples/GLViewWidget.py
@@ -28,4 +28,4 @@ ax2.setParentItem(b)
 b.translate(1,1,1)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/GLVolumeItem.py b/examples/GLVolumeItem.py
index ba67514b..e09a8643 100644
--- a/examples/GLVolumeItem.py
+++ b/examples/GLVolumeItem.py
@@ -59,4 +59,4 @@ ax = gl.GLAxisItem()
 w.addItem(ax)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/GLshaders.py b/examples/GLshaders.py
index 38e6988d..03f2b0b3 100644
--- a/examples/GLshaders.py
+++ b/examples/GLshaders.py
@@ -100,4 +100,4 @@ w.addItem(m6)
 #m2.translate(-25, -25, -50)
     
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/GradientEditor.py b/examples/GradientEditor.py
index e334f501..88eca1c7 100644
--- a/examples/GradientEditor.py
+++ b/examples/GradientEditor.py
@@ -21,4 +21,4 @@ ge = pg.GradientEditorItem()
 mw.setCentralItem(ge)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/GradientWidget.py b/examples/GradientWidget.py
index 1ae53bc4..59adfca7 100644
--- a/examples/GradientWidget.py
+++ b/examples/GradientWidget.py
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ l.addWidget(w4, 1, 0)
 l.addWidget(label, 1, 1)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
 
 
 
diff --git a/examples/GraphItem.py b/examples/GraphItem.py
index 8e4e5c99..13677c6d 100644
--- a/examples/GraphItem.py
+++ b/examples/GraphItem.py
@@ -58,4 +58,4 @@ lines = np.array([
 g.setData(pos=pos, adj=adj, pen=lines, size=1, symbol=symbols, pxMode=False)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/GraphicsLayout.py b/examples/GraphicsLayout.py
index 8edea2e6..4fb366fb 100644
--- a/examples/GraphicsLayout.py
+++ b/examples/GraphicsLayout.py
@@ -79,4 +79,4 @@ p4.plot([1,3,2,4,3,5])
 p5.plot([1,3,2,4,3,5])
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/GraphicsScene.py b/examples/GraphicsScene.py
index 3caf87c6..9af51c1c 100644
--- a/examples/GraphicsScene.py
+++ b/examples/GraphicsScene.py
@@ -59,4 +59,4 @@ g = pg.GridItem()
 vb.addItem(g)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/HistogramLUT.py b/examples/HistogramLUT.py
index 826dcc6b..aea8f033 100644
--- a/examples/HistogramLUT.py
+++ b/examples/HistogramLUT.py
@@ -59,4 +59,4 @@ vb.autoRange()
 hist.setImageItem(img)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/ImageItem.py b/examples/ImageItem.py
index 29994826..d3904fb1 100644
--- a/examples/ImageItem.py
+++ b/examples/ImageItem.py
@@ -59,4 +59,4 @@ timer.timeout.connect(updateData)
 updateData()
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/ImageView.py b/examples/ImageView.py
index 8c776a97..7bf92292 100644
--- a/examples/ImageView.py
+++ b/examples/ImageView.py
@@ -64,4 +64,4 @@ imv.ui.roiBtn.setChecked(True)
 imv.roiClicked()
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/InfiniteLine.py b/examples/InfiniteLine.py
index 78ead34b..27c496de 100644
--- a/examples/InfiniteLine.py
+++ b/examples/InfiniteLine.py
@@ -82,4 +82,4 @@ p1.addItem(lr)
 label = pg.InfLineLabel(lr.lines[1], "region 1", position=0.95, rotateAxis=(1,0), anchor=(1, 1))
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/JoystickButton.py b/examples/JoystickButton.py
index 8288ad8f..1da98622 100644
--- a/examples/JoystickButton.py
+++ b/examples/JoystickButton.py
@@ -47,4 +47,4 @@ timer.timeout.connect(update)
 timer.start(30)
     
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/Legend.py b/examples/Legend.py
index 73cecf5e..7903ad4d 100644
--- a/examples/Legend.py
+++ b/examples/Legend.py
@@ -40,4 +40,4 @@ legend.addItem(c2, 'curve2')
 legend.addItem(s1, 'scatter')
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/LogPlotTest.py b/examples/LogPlotTest.py
index eb34bcea..df18d32c 100644
--- a/examples/LogPlotTest.py
+++ b/examples/LogPlotTest.py
@@ -31,4 +31,4 @@ p5.setLogMode(x=True, y=False)
 
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/MouseSelection.py b/examples/MouseSelection.py
index a964932b..5c0a6152 100644
--- a/examples/MouseSelection.py
+++ b/examples/MouseSelection.py
@@ -31,4 +31,4 @@ for c in curves:
     c.sigClicked.connect(plotClicked)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/MultiPlotSpeedTest.py b/examples/MultiPlotSpeedTest.py
index bcdd1d83..3ee684e6 100644
--- a/examples/MultiPlotSpeedTest.py
+++ b/examples/MultiPlotSpeedTest.py
@@ -63,4 +63,4 @@ timer.timeout.connect(update)
 timer.start(0)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/MultiPlotWidget.py b/examples/MultiPlotWidget.py
index f8670785..55b6910f 100644
--- a/examples/MultiPlotWidget.py
+++ b/examples/MultiPlotWidget.py
@@ -33,5 +33,5 @@ ma = MetaArray(data, info=[
 pw.plot(ma, pen='y')
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
 
diff --git a/examples/MultiplePlotAxes.py b/examples/MultiplePlotAxes.py
index 7215cbf3..9f66acb7 100644
--- a/examples/MultiplePlotAxes.py
+++ b/examples/MultiplePlotAxes.py
@@ -61,4 +61,4 @@ p2.addItem(pg.PlotCurveItem([10,20,40,80,40,20], pen='b'))
 p3.addItem(pg.PlotCurveItem([3200,1600,800,400,200,100], pen='r'))
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/NonUniformImage.py b/examples/NonUniformImage.py
index 5c7f974e..0161d377 100644
--- a/examples/NonUniformImage.py
+++ b/examples/NonUniformImage.py
@@ -80,4 +80,4 @@ p.axes['bottom']['item'].setZValue(1000)
 p.axes['left']['item'].setZValue(1000)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/PColorMeshItem.py b/examples/PColorMeshItem.py
index fbf920e5..928ae21c 100644
--- a/examples/PColorMeshItem.py
+++ b/examples/PColorMeshItem.py
@@ -84,4 +84,4 @@ timer.timeout.connect(updateData)
 updateData()
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/PanningPlot.py b/examples/PanningPlot.py
index 161fd1f1..1849c4b5 100644
--- a/examples/PanningPlot.py
+++ b/examples/PanningPlot.py
@@ -31,4 +31,4 @@ timer.timeout.connect(update)
 timer.start(50)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/PlotAutoRange.py b/examples/PlotAutoRange.py
index c6b6077b..2e804251 100644
--- a/examples/PlotAutoRange.py
+++ b/examples/PlotAutoRange.py
@@ -41,4 +41,4 @@ timer.timeout.connect(update)
 timer.start(50)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/PlotSpeedTest.py b/examples/PlotSpeedTest.py
index 90d8f7ee..2a2ba73e 100644
--- a/examples/PlotSpeedTest.py
+++ b/examples/PlotSpeedTest.py
@@ -49,4 +49,4 @@ timer.timeout.connect(update)
 timer.start(0)
     
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/PlotWidget.py b/examples/PlotWidget.py
index ea8e3feb..a2f0b0d9 100644
--- a/examples/PlotWidget.py
+++ b/examples/PlotWidget.py
@@ -87,4 +87,4 @@ pw3.addItem(line)
 line.setBounds([0,200])
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/Plotting.py b/examples/Plotting.py
index ea831110..52abce64 100644
--- a/examples/Plotting.py
+++ b/examples/Plotting.py
@@ -96,4 +96,4 @@ p9.sigXRangeChanged.connect(updateRegion)
 updatePlot()
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/ROIExamples.py b/examples/ROIExamples.py
index 23721f0f..8e6f248c 100644
--- a/examples/ROIExamples.py
+++ b/examples/ROIExamples.py
@@ -158,4 +158,4 @@ def remove():
 r4.sigRemoveRequested.connect(remove)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/ROItypes.py b/examples/ROItypes.py
index b65e544f..86961940 100644
--- a/examples/ROItypes.py
+++ b/examples/ROItypes.py
@@ -119,4 +119,4 @@ t.timeout.connect(updateImage)
 t.start(50)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/RemoteGraphicsView.py b/examples/RemoteGraphicsView.py
index 5810f222..ba867aa3 100644
--- a/examples/RemoteGraphicsView.py
+++ b/examples/RemoteGraphicsView.py
@@ -27,4 +27,4 @@ v.setCentralItem(plt)
 plt.plot([1,4,2,3,6,2,3,4,2,3], pen='g')
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/RemoteSpeedTest.py b/examples/RemoteSpeedTest.py
index cd62e173..e41b2a17 100644
--- a/examples/RemoteSpeedTest.py
+++ b/examples/RemoteSpeedTest.py
@@ -73,4 +73,4 @@ timer.timeout.connect(update)
 timer.start(0)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/ScaleBar.py b/examples/ScaleBar.py
index 7c7e0cd4..399055b4 100644
--- a/examples/ScaleBar.py
+++ b/examples/ScaleBar.py
@@ -25,4 +25,4 @@ scale.setParentItem(vb)
 scale.anchor((1, 1), (1, 1), offset=(-20, -20))
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/ScatterPlot.py b/examples/ScatterPlot.py
index 1e3e9409..dc317b5f 100644
--- a/examples/ScatterPlot.py
+++ b/examples/ScatterPlot.py
@@ -135,4 +135,4 @@ w4.addItem(s4)
 s4.sigClicked.connect(clicked)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/ScatterPlotSpeedTest.py b/examples/ScatterPlotSpeedTest.py
index 4c7f89c7..1140a603 100644
--- a/examples/ScatterPlotSpeedTest.py
+++ b/examples/ScatterPlotSpeedTest.py
@@ -129,4 +129,4 @@ timer.timeout.connect(update)
 timer.start(0)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/ScatterPlotWidget.py b/examples/ScatterPlotWidget.py
index b2d95340..b8be5570 100644
--- a/examples/ScatterPlotWidget.py
+++ b/examples/ScatterPlotWidget.py
@@ -63,4 +63,4 @@ spw.setData(data)
 spw.show()
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/SimplePlot.py b/examples/SimplePlot.py
index 8a190689..e548d4de 100644
--- a/examples/SimplePlot.py
+++ b/examples/SimplePlot.py
@@ -6,4 +6,4 @@ import numpy as np
 plt = pg.plot(np.random.normal(size=100), title="Simplest possible plotting example")
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/SpinBox.py b/examples/SpinBox.py
index e7bff2e4..beab05bc 100644
--- a/examples/SpinBox.py
+++ b/examples/SpinBox.py
@@ -129,4 +129,4 @@ layout.addWidget(changedLabel, 2, 1)
 
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/Symbols.py b/examples/Symbols.py
index 9eaf7371..fabe7baf 100755
--- a/examples/Symbols.py
+++ b/examples/Symbols.py
@@ -36,4 +36,4 @@ plot.plot([14, 15, 16, 17, 18], pen=(248, 187, 208), symbolBrush=(248, 187, 208)
 plot.setXRange(-2, 4)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/TableWidget.py b/examples/TableWidget.py
index 8bc86e34..c0c985ed 100644
--- a/examples/TableWidget.py
+++ b/examples/TableWidget.py
@@ -27,4 +27,4 @@ data = np.array([
 w.setData(data)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/TreeWidget.py b/examples/TreeWidget.py
index feea83a7..8535c4e1 100644
--- a/examples/TreeWidget.py
+++ b/examples/TreeWidget.py
@@ -49,4 +49,4 @@ b1 = QtGui.QPushButton("Button")
 w.setItemWidget(i1, 1, b1)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/VideoSpeedTest.py b/examples/VideoSpeedTest.py
index 92c9d609..790e82c2 100644
--- a/examples/VideoSpeedTest.py
+++ b/examples/VideoSpeedTest.py
@@ -296,4 +296,4 @@ timer.timeout.connect(update)
 timer.start(0)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/ViewBox.py b/examples/ViewBox.py
index eca55ef5..a4b15cf3 100644
--- a/examples/ViewBox.py
+++ b/examples/ViewBox.py
@@ -94,4 +94,4 @@ t.timeout.connect(updateData)
 t.start(50)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/ViewBoxFeatures.py b/examples/ViewBoxFeatures.py
index 239b13f2..b29e5eb0 100644
--- a/examples/ViewBoxFeatures.py
+++ b/examples/ViewBoxFeatures.py
@@ -82,4 +82,4 @@ l6 = pg.PlotDataItem(y)
 v6.addItem(l6)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/ViewLimits.py b/examples/ViewLimits.py
index 4f2e85fc..c22c15c9 100644
--- a/examples/ViewLimits.py
+++ b/examples/ViewLimits.py
@@ -8,4 +8,4 @@ plt = pg.plot(np.random.normal(size=100), title="View limit example")
 plt.centralWidget.vb.setLimits(xMin=-20, xMax=120, minXRange=5, maxXRange=100)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/beeswarm.py b/examples/beeswarm.py
index 3f119eb2..88aa5c4b 100644
--- a/examples/beeswarm.py
+++ b/examples/beeswarm.py
@@ -32,4 +32,4 @@ win.addItem(err)
 
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/colorMaps.py b/examples/colorMaps.py
index 18425672..501ce4da 100644
--- a/examples/colorMaps.py
+++ b/examples/colorMaps.py
@@ -91,4 +91,4 @@ for map_name in list_of_maps:
 lw.setFixedHeight(num_bars * (height+5) )
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/contextMenu.py b/examples/contextMenu.py
index adc6c7b7..72fb45ca 100644
--- a/examples/contextMenu.py
+++ b/examples/contextMenu.py
@@ -136,4 +136,4 @@ box2.setPos(5, 5)
 box2.setScale(0.2)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/crosshair.py b/examples/crosshair.py
index 15102adb..b1d8cc46 100644
--- a/examples/crosshair.py
+++ b/examples/crosshair.py
@@ -81,4 +81,4 @@ proxy = pg.SignalProxy(p1.scene().sigMouseMoved, rateLimit=60, slot=mouseMoved)
 
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/customGraphicsItem.py b/examples/customGraphicsItem.py
index bc006a23..ea553743 100644
--- a/examples/customGraphicsItem.py
+++ b/examples/customGraphicsItem.py
@@ -55,4 +55,4 @@ plt.addItem(item)
 plt.setWindowTitle('pyqtgraph example: customGraphicsItem')
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/customPlot.py b/examples/customPlot.py
index ec632f73..f30b5b7b 100644
--- a/examples/customPlot.py
+++ b/examples/customPlot.py
@@ -92,4 +92,4 @@ r = pg.PolyLineROI([(0,0), (10, 10)])
 pw.addItem(r)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/designerExample.py b/examples/designerExample.py
index 2c33bddd..2181bcfb 100644
--- a/examples/designerExample.py
+++ b/examples/designerExample.py
@@ -39,4 +39,4 @@ class MainWindow(TemplateBaseClass):
 win = MainWindow()
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/dockarea.py b/examples/dockarea.py
index a678ee02..104548d1 100644
--- a/examples/dockarea.py
+++ b/examples/dockarea.py
@@ -112,4 +112,4 @@ win.show()
 
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/fractal.py b/examples/fractal.py
index 05cd2409..38248bf4 100644
--- a/examples/fractal.py
+++ b/examples/fractal.py
@@ -107,4 +107,4 @@ depthSpin.valueChanged.connect(update)
 update()
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/hdf5.py b/examples/hdf5.py
index 338a44ff..2ff89947 100644
--- a/examples/hdf5.py
+++ b/examples/hdf5.py
@@ -142,4 +142,4 @@ curve.setHDF5(f['data'])
 plt.addItem(curve)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/histogram.py b/examples/histogram.py
index d91631d2..c7557b73 100644
--- a/examples/histogram.py
+++ b/examples/histogram.py
@@ -30,4 +30,4 @@ y = pg.pseudoScatter(vals, spacing=0.15)
 plt2.plot(vals, y, pen=None, symbol='o', symbolSize=5, symbolPen=(255,255,255,200), symbolBrush=(0,0,255,150))
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/imageAnalysis.py b/examples/imageAnalysis.py
index 0a821420..f4e76219 100644
--- a/examples/imageAnalysis.py
+++ b/examples/imageAnalysis.py
@@ -114,4 +114,4 @@ def imageHoverEvent(event):
 img.hoverEvent = imageHoverEvent
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/infiniteline_performance.py b/examples/infiniteline_performance.py
index 86d62b62..b2f0257b 100644
--- a/examples/infiniteline_performance.py
+++ b/examples/infiniteline_performance.py
@@ -45,4 +45,4 @@ timer.timeout.connect(update)
 timer.start(0)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/isocurve.py b/examples/isocurve.py
index 767107f5..3393ade0 100644
--- a/examples/isocurve.py
+++ b/examples/isocurve.py
@@ -54,4 +54,4 @@ timer.timeout.connect(update)
 timer.start(50)
     
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/linkedViews.py b/examples/linkedViews.py
index 794ef092..bcccefe7 100644
--- a/examples/linkedViews.py
+++ b/examples/linkedViews.py
@@ -41,5 +41,5 @@ p3.setLabel('left', "Label to test offset")
 #QtGui.QApplication.processEvents()
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
 
diff --git a/examples/logAxis.py b/examples/logAxis.py
index 5d1e179e..99945f4b 100644
--- a/examples/logAxis.py
+++ b/examples/logAxis.py
@@ -35,4 +35,4 @@ p3.plot(x, y)
 #p.getAxis('bottom').setLogMode(True)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/multiplePlotSpeedTest.py b/examples/multiplePlotSpeedTest.py
index 4bc39ed9..035b07f2 100644
--- a/examples/multiplePlotSpeedTest.py
+++ b/examples/multiplePlotSpeedTest.py
@@ -87,4 +87,4 @@ else:
 plt.autoRange()
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/optics_demos.py b/examples/optics_demos.py
index 40211af4..6891f3c5 100644
--- a/examples/optics_demos.py
+++ b/examples/optics_demos.py
@@ -160,4 +160,4 @@ timer.timeout.connect(update)
 timer.start(40)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/parametertree.py b/examples/parametertree.py
index 6ce54918..af1cf3ab 100644
--- a/examples/parametertree.py
+++ b/examples/parametertree.py
@@ -179,4 +179,4 @@ s = p.saveState()
 p.restoreState(s)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/relativity/relativity.py b/examples/relativity/relativity.py
index c255fb00..c51a361b 100644
--- a/examples/relativity/relativity.py
+++ b/examples/relativity/relativity.py
@@ -760,4 +760,4 @@ if __name__ == '__main__':
     win.show()
     win.resize(1100,700)
 
-    app.exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/relativity_demo.py b/examples/relativity_demo.py
index f278a26a..bfa681b8 100644
--- a/examples/relativity_demo.py
+++ b/examples/relativity_demo.py
@@ -17,4 +17,4 @@ win.show()
 win.loadPreset(None, 'Twin Paradox (grid)')
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/scrollingPlots.py b/examples/scrollingPlots.py
index def2594e..ce553795 100644
--- a/examples/scrollingPlots.py
+++ b/examples/scrollingPlots.py
@@ -110,4 +110,4 @@ timer.timeout.connect(update)
 timer.start(50)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/template.py b/examples/template.py
index a462ac91..2d0ea142 100644
--- a/examples/template.py
+++ b/examples/template.py
@@ -16,4 +16,4 @@ app = mkQApp()
 # win.setWindowTitle('pyqtgraph example: ____')
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/test_ExampleApp.py b/examples/test_ExampleApp.py
index 3162ffcf..cddb539f 100644
--- a/examples/test_ExampleApp.py
+++ b/examples/test_ExampleApp.py
@@ -8,4 +8,4 @@ from examples.ExampleApp import ExampleLoader
 loader = ExampleLoader()
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/test_examples.py b/examples/test_examples.py
index 5b8aa07f..a979c2e5 100644
--- a/examples/test_examples.py
+++ b/examples/test_examples.py
@@ -163,7 +163,7 @@ try:
     print("test complete")
     sys.stdout.flush()
     pg.Qt.QtCore.QTimer.singleShot(1000, pg.Qt.QtWidgets.QApplication.quit)
-    pg.Qt.QtWidgets.QApplication.instance().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
     names = [x for x in dir({1}) if not x.startswith('_')]
     for name in names:
         delattr({1}, name)
diff --git a/examples/text.py b/examples/text.py
index 50c87159..0a7f6e14 100644
--- a/examples/text.py
+++ b/examples/text.py
@@ -53,4 +53,4 @@ timer.timeout.connect(update)
 timer.start(10)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()
diff --git a/examples/verlet_chain_demo.py b/examples/verlet_chain_demo.py
index d8aac5ca..907dbd18 100644
--- a/examples/verlet_chain_demo.py
+++ b/examples/verlet_chain_demo.py
@@ -119,4 +119,4 @@ timer.timeout.connect(update)
 timer.start(16)
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    pg.mkQApp().exec_()
+    pg.exec()