feat(mcp): adopt mcp__server__tool naming convention

Port from anomalyco/opencode#33533. Native MCP tools now register as
mcp__<server>__<tool> (double-underscore delimiter) instead of
mcp_<server>_<tool>, aligning with the convention used by Claude Code,
Codex, and OpenCode.

The double-underscore delimiter disambiguates the server/tool boundary
even when either component contains underscores (the single-underscore
form was ambiguous, which is why is_mcp_tool_parallel_safe already had to
track provenance in a side-map). It also unifies native registration with
the Anthropic-OAuth wire form (_MCP_TOOL_PREFIX = 'mcp__'), so the
single->double promotion that path performed is now a no-op for native
tools while still handling legacy replayed names.

- tools/mcp_tool.py: add MCP_TOOL_NAME_PREFIX + mcp_prefixed_tool_name()
  helper; route _convert_mcp_schema, utility schemas, refresh stale-set,
  and the parallel-safe prefix gate through it
- agent/transports/codex_event_projector.py: mirror convention in the
  deterministic call_id input for MCP server-executed tool calls
- tests: update produced-name assertions to the new convention

.github/workflows/ci.yml

@@ -12,7 +12,6 @@ name: CI
 
 on:
   pull_request:
-    branches: [main]
   push:
     branches: [main]
 

.github/workflows/docker-publish.yml

@@ -16,7 +16,6 @@ on:
   # reports a status (path-gated workflows leave checks "pending" forever
   # when no matching files change, which blocks merge).
   pull_request:
-    branches: [main]
 
   release:
     types: [published]

acp_adapter/tools.py

@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ _POLISHED_TOOLS = {
     "kanban_create", "kanban_show", "kanban_comment", "kanban_complete",
     "kanban_block", "kanban_link", "kanban_heartbeat",
     "yb_query_group_info", "yb_query_group_members", "yb_search_sticker",
-    "yb_send_dm", "yb_send_sticker", "mixture_of_agents",
+    "yb_send_dm", "yb_send_sticker",
 }
 
 

agent/agent_init.py

@@ -106,7 +106,12 @@ def _custom_provider_extra_body_for_agent(
     base_url: str,
     custom_providers: List[Dict[str, Any]],
 ) -> Optional[Dict[str, Any]]:
-    if (provider or "").strip().lower() != "custom":
+    provider_norm = (provider or "").strip().lower()
+    if provider_norm == "custom":
+        provider_key_filter = ""
+    elif provider_norm.startswith("custom:"):
+        provider_key_filter = provider_norm.split(":", 1)[1].strip()
+    else:
         return None
 
     target_url = _normalized_custom_base_url(base_url)
@@ -117,6 +122,13 @@ def _custom_provider_extra_body_for_agent(
     for entry in custom_providers or []:
         if not isinstance(entry, dict):
             continue
+        if provider_key_filter:
+            entry_keys = {
+                str(entry.get("provider_key", "") or "").strip().lower(),
+                str(entry.get("name", "") or "").strip().lower(),
+            }
+            if provider_key_filter not in entry_keys:
+                continue
         if _normalized_custom_base_url(entry.get("base_url")) != target_url:
             continue
         extra_body = entry.get("extra_body")
@@ -707,6 +719,15 @@ def init_agent(
                     print("🔑 Using credentials: Microsoft Entra ID")
                 elif isinstance(effective_key, str) and len(effective_key) > 12:
                     print(f"🔑 Using token: {effective_key[:8]}...{effective_key[-4:]}")
+    elif agent.provider == "moa":
+        from agent.moa_loop import MoAClient
+        agent.api_mode = "chat_completions"
+        agent.client = MoAClient(agent.model or "default")
+        agent._client_kwargs = {}
+        agent.api_key = api_key or "moa-virtual-provider"
+        agent.base_url = base_url or "moa://local"
+        if not agent.quiet_mode:
+            print(f"🤖 AI Agent initialized with MoA preset: {agent.model}")
     elif agent.api_mode == "bedrock_converse":
         # AWS Bedrock — uses boto3 directly, no OpenAI client needed.
         # Region is extracted from the base_url or defaults to us-east-1.

agent/agent_runtime_helpers.py

@@ -1697,6 +1697,27 @@ def switch_model(agent, new_model, new_provider, api_key='', base_url='', api_mo
         old_model, old_provider, new_model, new_provider,
     )
 
+    # ── Persist billing route to session DB ──
+    # The agent's _session_db / session_id may not be set in all contexts
+    # (tests, bare agents without a session DB, etc.).  This ensures the
+    # dashboard Model cards show the actual provider after a mid-session
+    # /model switch instead of the stale session-creation provider.
+    # See #48248 for the full bug description.
+    _session_db = getattr(agent, "_session_db", None)
+    _session_id = getattr(agent, "session_id", None)
+    if _session_db is not None and _session_id:
+        try:
+            _session_db.update_session_billing_route(
+                _session_id,
+                provider=agent.provider,
+                base_url=agent.base_url,
+                billing_mode=getattr(agent, "api_mode", None),
+            )
+        except Exception:
+            logger.warning(
+                "Failed to persist billing route after model switch",
+                exc_info=True,
+            )
 
 
 def invoke_tool(agent, function_name: str, function_args: dict, effective_task_id: str,

agent/auxiliary_client.py

@@ -101,6 +101,7 @@ class _OpenAIProxy:
 OpenAI = _OpenAIProxy()  # module-level name, resolves lazily on call/isinstance
 
 from agent.credential_pool import load_pool
+from agent.model_metadata import MINIMUM_CONTEXT_LENGTH, get_model_context_length
 from hermes_cli.config import get_hermes_home
 from hermes_constants import OPENROUTER_BASE_URL
 from utils import base_url_host_matches, base_url_hostname, env_float, model_forces_max_completion_tokens, normalize_proxy_env_vars
@@ -2470,7 +2471,7 @@ def _is_payment_error(exc: Exception) -> bool:
     # but sometimes wrap them in 429 or other codes.
     # Daily quota exhaustion from Bedrock, Vertex AI, and similar providers
     # uses different language but is semantically identical to credit exhaustion.
-    if status in {402, 404, 429, None}:
+    if status in {402, 403, 404, 429, None}:
         if any(kw in err_lower for kw in (
             "credits", "insufficient funds",
             "can only afford", "billing",
@@ -2479,6 +2480,8 @@ def _is_payment_error(exc: Exception) -> bool:
             "balance_depleted", "no usable credits",
             "model_not_supported_on_free_tier",
             "not available on the free tier",
+            "requires a subscription", "upgrade for access",
+            "upgrade for higher limits", "reached your session usage limit",
             # Daily / monthly / weekly quota exhaustion keywords
             "quota exceeded", "quota_exceeded",
             "too many tokens per day", "daily limit",
@@ -2697,6 +2700,60 @@ def _is_model_not_found_error(exc: Exception) -> bool:
     ))
 
 
+def _is_model_incompatible_error(exc: Exception) -> bool:
+    """Detect "this route cannot serve this model" 400s (capability mismatch).
+
+    Distinct from :func:`_is_model_not_found_error` (the model does not exist
+    anywhere): here the model name is valid but the *current provider/account*
+    is structurally unable to run it. The canonical case is a configured
+    fallback that cannot run the main model — e.g. an ``openai-codex`` /
+    ChatGPT-account fallback asked to compress a ``glm-5.2`` conversation::
+
+        Error code: 400 - {'detail': "The 'glm-5.2' model is not supported
+        when using Codex with a ChatGPT account."}
+
+    The candidate authenticates fine and builds a client, so the auth and
+    payment predicates don't fire and the call would otherwise raise and
+    abort the whole auxiliary task (commonly compression — which then drops
+    middle turns and churns the session, destroying the prompt cache).
+    Treating it as a fallback-worthy capability error lets the chain skip the
+    incapable route and continue to the next candidate, mirroring the
+    context-window feasibility screen (#52392).
+
+    Billing/quota 400s belong to :func:`_is_payment_error`; "model does not
+    exist" 400s belong to :func:`_is_model_not_found_error`. This predicate
+    explicitly excludes both so the three don't overlap.
+    """
+    status = getattr(exc, "status_code", None)
+    if status not in {400, None}:
+        return False
+    err_lower = str(exc).lower()
+    # Not-found 400s ("invalid model ID", "model does not exist") are owned by
+    # _is_model_not_found_error. Billing/free-tier 400s are owned by the
+    # payment path — key on the billing keywords directly here rather than
+    # calling _is_payment_error(), because that predicate is status-gated
+    # ({402,403,404,429,None}) and would not recognise a 400-coded billing
+    # body, letting it leak into this capability bucket.
+    if _is_model_not_found_error(exc):
+        return False
+    if any(kw in err_lower for kw in (
+        "credits", "insufficient funds", "billing", "out of funds",
+        "balance_depleted", "no usable credits", "payment required",
+        "free tier", "free-tier", "not available on the free tier",
+        "model_not_supported_on_free_tier", "quota",
+    )):
+        return False
+    return any(kw in err_lower for kw in (
+        "is not supported when using",   # codex/ChatGPT-account model gating
+        "model is not supported",
+        "not supported with this",
+        "not supported for this account",
+        "model_not_supported",
+        "does not support this model",
+        "unsupported model",
+    ))
+
+
 def _evict_cached_clients(provider: str) -> None:
     """Drop cached auxiliary clients for a provider so fresh creds are used."""
     normalized = _normalize_aux_provider(provider)
@@ -3147,6 +3204,88 @@ def _try_main_agent_model_fallback(
     return client, resolved_model or main_model, label
 
 
+# ── Context-window screening for runtime fallback chains (issue #52392) ──
+#
+# When the runtime auxiliary fallback chain selects a candidate that is
+# reachable but has a context window smaller than the compression task
+# requires, the call errors out instead of continuing to the next, viable
+# candidate. The startup feasibility check in
+# ``agent.conversation_compression.check_compression_model_feasibility``
+# already filters too-small auxiliary models at startup, but the runtime
+# fallback chain (``_try_configured_fallback_chain`` and
+# ``_try_main_fallback_chain``) does not apply the same filter, so
+# compression can stop at the first alive door even if the room behind it
+# is too small.
+#
+# The helpers below screen each candidate by its effective context window
+# before it is returned. ``None`` results from ``get_model_context_length``
+# are passed through (we cannot prove a model is too small, so we do not
+# block it). This preserves the existing fallback surface for
+# unrecognised/custom models while closing the gap on the well-known ones.
+
+def _task_minimum_context_length(task: Optional[str]) -> Optional[int]:
+    """Return the minimum context length required for an auxiliary task.
+
+    Only ``compression`` carries an explicit minimum today (the same
+    ``MINIMUM_CONTEXT_LENGTH`` (64K) floor that
+    ``check_compression_model_feasibility`` already enforces at startup).
+    Other tasks (``vision``, ``title_generation``, ``web_extract``,
+    ``skills_hub``, ``mcp``, ``session_search``) return ``None`` — they
+    have no per-task context floor and the runtime chain must remain
+    permissive for them.
+
+    Returns ``None`` for an empty/``None`` task name so the helper is a
+    safe no-op when called from generic sites.
+    """
+    if not task:
+        return None
+    if task == "compression":
+        return MINIMUM_CONTEXT_LENGTH
+    return None
+
+
+def _candidate_context_window(
+    provider: str,
+    model: str,
+    base_url: str = "",
+    api_key: str = "",
+) -> Optional[int]:
+    """Resolve the effective context window for a fallback candidate.
+
+    Thin wrapper around :func:`agent.model_metadata.get_model_context_length`
+    that swallows probe failures (returns ``None``). Callers treat
+    ``None`` as "unknown — pass through" so the existing fallback
+    surface is preserved when the context-length resolver chain cannot
+    determine a value (custom endpoints, models not in the registry,
+    offline endpoints).
+
+    Best-effort, never raises — the runtime fallback chain must keep
+    moving even if the resolver hits a probe error.
+    """
+    if not model:
+        return None
+    try:
+        ctx = get_model_context_length(
+            model,
+            base_url=base_url,
+            api_key=api_key,
+            provider=provider,
+        )
+    except Exception as exc:
+        logger.debug(
+            "Auxiliary fallback: could not resolve context window for %s/%s: %s",
+            provider, model, exc,
+        )
+        return None
+    # ``get_model_context_length`` returns an int (with a 256K default
+    # fallback when nothing else matches). We still propagate ``None`` if
+    # a future change returns ``Optional[int]`` — being explicit is
+    # cheap and the test suite covers both shapes.
+    if isinstance(ctx, int) and ctx > 0:
+        return ctx
+    return None
+
+
 def _try_configured_fallback_chain(
     task: str,
     failed_provider: str,
@@ -3171,6 +3310,7 @@ def _try_configured_fallback_chain(
 
     skip = failed_provider.lower().strip()
     tried = []
+    min_ctx = _task_minimum_context_length(task)
 
     for i, entry in enumerate(chain):
         if not isinstance(entry, dict):
@@ -3188,6 +3328,20 @@ def _try_configured_fallback_chain(
             fb_client, resolved_model = None, None
 
         if fb_client is not None:
+            if min_ctx is not None and resolved_model:
+                fb_ctx = _candidate_context_window(
+                    fb_provider,
+                    resolved_model,
+                    base_url=str(entry.get("base_url") or ""),
+                    api_key=_fallback_entry_api_key(entry) or "",
+                )
+                if fb_ctx is not None and fb_ctx < min_ctx:
+                    logger.info(
+                        "Auxiliary %s: skipping %s (%s context=%d < min=%d), continuing chain",
+                        task, label, resolved_model, fb_ctx, min_ctx,
+                    )
+                    tried.append(f"{label} (context too small: {fb_ctx}<{min_ctx})")
+                    continue
             logger.info(
                 "Auxiliary %s: %s on %s — configured fallback to %s (%s)",
                 task, reason, failed_provider, label, resolved_model or fb_model or "default",
@@ -3203,6 +3357,28 @@ def _try_configured_fallback_chain(
     return None, None, ""
 
 
+def _try_configured_fallback_for_unavailable_client(
+    task: Optional[str],
+    failed_provider: str,
+) -> Tuple[Optional[Any], Optional[str], str]:
+    """Try task fallback_chain when an explicit aux provider cannot build.
+
+    This covers the "no client" case before any request is sent: missing
+    raw env key, unavailable OAuth/pool credentials, or provider resolver
+    returning ``(None, None)``.  It deliberately stops at the configured
+    per-task fallback chain; the main-agent model remains the last-resort
+    runtime fallback for request-time capacity errors.
+    """
+    explicit = (failed_provider or "").strip().lower()
+    if not task or not explicit or explicit in {"auto"}:
+        return None, None, ""
+    return _try_configured_fallback_chain(
+        task,
+        explicit,
+        reason="provider unavailable",
+    )
+
+
 def _fallback_entry_api_key(entry: Dict[str, Any]) -> Optional[str]:
     """Resolve inline or env-backed API key from a fallback-chain entry."""
     explicit = str(entry.get("api_key") or "").strip()
@@ -3261,6 +3437,7 @@ def _try_main_fallback_chain(
     main_norm = (_read_main_provider() or "").strip().lower()
     skip = {p for p in (failed_norm, main_norm, "auto") if p}
     tried: List[str] = []
+    min_ctx = _task_minimum_context_length(task)
 
     for i, entry in enumerate(chain):
         if not isinstance(entry, dict):
@@ -3284,6 +3461,20 @@ def _try_main_fallback_chain(
             logger.debug("Auxiliary %s: main fallback %s failed to resolve: %s", task or "call", label, exc)
             fb_client, resolved_model = None, None
         if fb_client is not None:
+            if min_ctx is not None:
+                fb_ctx = _candidate_context_window(
+                    fb_provider,
+                    resolved_model or fb_model,
+                    base_url=str(entry.get("base_url") or ""),
+                    api_key=_fallback_entry_api_key(entry) or "",
+                )
+                if fb_ctx is not None and fb_ctx < min_ctx:
+                    logger.info(
+                        "Auxiliary %s: skipping %s (context=%d < min=%d), continuing chain",
+                        task or "call", label, fb_ctx, min_ctx,
+                    )
+                    tried.append(f"{label} (context too small: {fb_ctx}<{min_ctx})")
+                    continue
             logger.info(
                 "Auxiliary %s: %s on %s — main fallback chain to %s (%s)",
                 task or "call", reason, failed_provider or "auto", label,
@@ -5344,21 +5535,30 @@ def call_llm(
         )
         if client is None:
             # When the user explicitly chose a non-OpenRouter provider but no
-            # credentials were found, fail fast instead of silently routing
-            # through OpenRouter (which causes confusing 404s).
+            # credentials were found, honor the task fallback_chain before
+            # raising.  Missing raw env keys are recoverable for auxiliary
+            # tasks because fallback entries may use OAuth / credential-pool
+            # auth (for example openai-codex).
             _explicit = (resolved_provider or "").strip().lower()
             if _explicit and _explicit not in {"auto", "openrouter", "custom"}:
-                raise RuntimeError(
-                    f"Provider '{_explicit}' is set in config.yaml but no API key "
-                    f"was found. Set the {_explicit.upper()}_API_KEY environment "
-                    f"variable, or switch to a different provider with `hermes model`."
+                fb_client, fb_model, fb_label = _try_configured_fallback_for_unavailable_client(
+                    task, _explicit,
                 )
+                if fb_client is not None:
+                    client, final_model = fb_client, fb_model
+                    resolved_provider = fb_label or resolved_provider
+                else:
+                    raise RuntimeError(
+                        f"Provider '{_explicit}' is set in config.yaml but no API key "
+                        f"was found. Set the {_explicit.upper()}_API_KEY environment "
+                        f"variable, or switch to a different provider with `hermes model`."
+                    )
             # For auto/custom with no credentials, try the full auto chain
             # rather than hardcoding OpenRouter (which may be depleted).
             # Pass model=None so each provider uses its own default —
             # resolved_model may be an OpenRouter-format slug that doesn't
             # work on other providers.
-            if not resolved_base_url:
+            if client is None and not resolved_base_url:
                 logger.info("Auxiliary %s: provider %s unavailable, trying auto-detection chain",
                             task or "call", resolved_provider)
                 client, final_model = _get_cached_client("auto", main_runtime=main_runtime, task=task)
@@ -5657,6 +5857,7 @@ def call_llm(
             _is_payment_error(first_err)
             or _is_connection_error(first_err)
             or _is_rate_limit_error(first_err)
+            or _is_model_incompatible_error(first_err)
         )
         # Respect explicit provider choice for transient errors (auth, request
         # validation, etc.) but allow fallback when the provider clearly cannot
@@ -5667,7 +5868,19 @@ def call_llm(
         is_auto = resolved_provider in {"auto", "", None}
         # Capacity errors bypass the explicit-provider gate: the provider
         # literally cannot serve this request regardless of user intent.
-        is_capacity_error = _is_payment_error(first_err) or _is_connection_error(first_err)
+        # Rate limits are included: after retries are exhausted, a 429 means
+        # the provider cannot serve this request — fall back. See #52228.
+        # Model-incompatibility 400s are also a hard capability mismatch (the
+        # route cannot run this model at all — e.g. a codex/ChatGPT-account
+        # fallback asked to compress a glm-5.2 conversation), so they bypass
+        # the explicit-provider gate and continue to the next candidate
+        # instead of aborting the auxiliary task and churning the session.
+        is_capacity_error = (
+            _is_payment_error(first_err)
+            or _is_connection_error(first_err)
+            or _is_rate_limit_error(first_err)
+            or _is_model_incompatible_error(first_err)
+        )
         if should_fallback and (is_auto or is_capacity_error):
             if _is_payment_error(first_err):
                 reason = "payment error"
@@ -5680,6 +5893,8 @@ def call_llm(
                 )
             elif _is_rate_limit_error(first_err):
                 reason = "rate limit"
+            elif _is_model_incompatible_error(first_err):
+                reason = "model incompatible with route"
             else:
                 reason = "connection error"
             logger.info("Auxiliary %s: %s on %s (%s), trying fallback",
@@ -5854,12 +6069,21 @@ async def async_call_llm(
         if client is None:
             _explicit = (resolved_provider or "").strip().lower()
             if _explicit and _explicit not in {"auto", "openrouter", "custom"}:
-                raise RuntimeError(
-                    f"Provider '{_explicit}' is set in config.yaml but no API key "
-                    f"was found. Set the {_explicit.upper()}_API_KEY environment "
-                    f"variable, or switch to a different provider with `hermes model`."
+                fb_client, fb_model, fb_label = _try_configured_fallback_for_unavailable_client(
+                    task, _explicit,
                 )
-            if not resolved_base_url:
+                if fb_client is not None:
+                    client, final_model = _to_async_client(
+                        fb_client, fb_model or "", is_vision=(task == "vision")
+                    )
+                    resolved_provider = fb_label or resolved_provider
+                else:
+                    raise RuntimeError(
+                        f"Provider '{_explicit}' is set in config.yaml but no API key "
+                        f"was found. Set the {_explicit.upper()}_API_KEY environment "
+                        f"variable, or switch to a different provider with `hermes model`."
+                    )
+            if client is None and not resolved_base_url:
                 logger.info("Auxiliary %s: provider %s unavailable, trying auto-detection chain",
                             task or "call", resolved_provider)
                 client, final_model = _get_cached_client("auto", async_mode=True, main_runtime=main_runtime, task=task)
@@ -6109,12 +6333,22 @@ async def async_call_llm(
             _is_payment_error(first_err)
             or _is_connection_error(first_err)
             or _is_rate_limit_error(first_err)
+            or _is_model_incompatible_error(first_err)
         )
-        # Capacity errors (payment/quota/connection) bypass the explicit-provider
-        # gate — the provider cannot serve the request regardless of user intent.
+        # Capacity errors (payment/quota/connection/rate-limit) bypass the
+        # explicit-provider gate — the provider cannot serve the request
+        # regardless of user intent. Rate limits are included: after retries
+        # are exhausted, a 429 means the provider is at capacity. See #52228.
         # See #26803: daily token quota must fall back like a 402 credit error.
+        # Model-incompatibility 400s (route cannot run this model at all)
+        # bypass the gate too — see the sync call_llm() path for rationale.
         is_auto = resolved_provider in {"auto", "", None}
-        is_capacity_error = _is_payment_error(first_err) or _is_connection_error(first_err)
+        is_capacity_error = (
+            _is_payment_error(first_err)
+            or _is_connection_error(first_err)
+            or _is_rate_limit_error(first_err)
+            or _is_model_incompatible_error(first_err)
+        )
         if should_fallback and (is_auto or is_capacity_error):
             if _is_payment_error(first_err):
                 reason = "payment error"
@@ -6123,6 +6357,8 @@ async def async_call_llm(
                 )
             elif _is_rate_limit_error(first_err):
                 reason = "rate limit"
+            elif _is_model_incompatible_error(first_err):
+                reason = "model incompatible with route"
             else:
                 reason = "connection error"
             logger.info("Auxiliary %s (async): %s on %s (%s), trying fallback",

agent/coding_context.py

@@ -83,6 +83,59 @@ _PROJECT_MARKERS = (
 # Agent-instruction files surfaced separately from manifests in the snapshot.
 _CONTEXT_FILES = ("AGENTS.md", "CLAUDE.md", ".cursorrules")
 
+# Source-file extensions that make a git repo a *code* workspace even with no
+# manifest. Without this, `git init` on a notes/writing/research folder (a huge
+# non-coding use case) would flip the whole session into the coding posture just
+# for having a `.git`. A manifest still wins on its own (see `_PROJECT_MARKERS`).
+_CODE_EXTENSIONS = frozenset({
+    ".py", ".pyi", ".ipynb", ".js", ".jsx", ".ts", ".tsx", ".mjs", ".cjs",
+    ".go", ".rs", ".java", ".kt", ".kts", ".scala", ".rb", ".php", ".c", ".h",
+    ".cc", ".cpp", ".hpp", ".cs", ".swift", ".m", ".mm", ".dart", ".ex", ".exs",
+    ".lua", ".sh", ".bash", ".zsh", ".sql", ".vue", ".svelte", ".r", ".jl",
+    ".hs", ".clj", ".erl", ".pl",
+})
+
+# Dirs never worth scanning for the code check (deps/build/vcs/venv noise).
+_CODE_SCAN_SKIP_DIRS = frozenset({
+    ".git", "node_modules", "venv", ".venv", "__pycache__", "dist", "build",
+    "target", ".next", ".turbo", "vendor",
+})
+
+# Bounded sweep: a code workspace reveals itself in the first handful of entries.
+_CODE_SCAN_MAX_ENTRIES = 500
+
+
+def _has_code_files(root: Path) -> bool:
+    """Cheap, bounded check for source files in a repo's top two levels.
+
+    Lets a git repo of loose scripts (no manifest) still read as a code
+    workspace while a bare notes/writing repo does not. Scans the root and its
+    immediate subdirectories only, capped at ``_CODE_SCAN_MAX_ENTRIES`` stats —
+    a handful of readdirs at session start, not a full walk.
+    """
+    seen = 0
+    stack = [(root, True)]
+    while stack:
+        directory, is_root = stack.pop()
+        try:
+            with os.scandir(directory) as entries:
+                for entry in entries:
+                    seen += 1
+                    if seen > _CODE_SCAN_MAX_ENTRIES:
+                        return False
+                    name = entry.name
+                    try:
+                        if entry.is_file():
+                            if os.path.splitext(name)[1].lower() in _CODE_EXTENSIONS:
+                                return True
+                        elif is_root and entry.is_dir() and name not in _CODE_SCAN_SKIP_DIRS and not name.startswith("."):
+                            stack.append((Path(entry.path), False))
+                    except OSError:
+                        continue
+        except OSError:
+            continue
+    return False
+
 # Lockfile → package manager, checked in priority order.
 _PY_LOCKFILES = (("uv.lock", "uv"), ("poetry.lock", "poetry"), ("Pipfile.lock", "pipenv"))
 _JS_LOCKFILES = (
@@ -368,10 +421,16 @@ def _detect_profile_name(mode: str, platform: str, cwd_str: str) -> str:
     if platform and platform.strip().lower() not in INTERACTIVE_CODING_PLATFORMS:
         return GENERAL_PROFILE.name
     cwd = Path(cwd_str)
+    # A recognized project root (manifest / AGENTS.md / .cursorrules) is a code
+    # workspace on its own — cheap stat checks, no scan.
+    if _marker_root(cwd) is not None:
+        return CODING_PROFILE.name
     git_root = _git_root(cwd)
     if git_root is not None and git_root == _home():
         git_root = None  # dotfiles repo at $HOME — not a code workspace
-    if git_root is not None or _marker_root(cwd) is not None:
+    # A bare git repo only counts when it actually holds code, so `git init` on a
+    # notes/writing/research folder stays in the general posture.
+    if git_root is not None and _has_code_files(git_root):
         return CODING_PROFILE.name
     return GENERAL_PROFILE.name
 

agent/conversation_compression.py

@@ -90,6 +90,7 @@ def check_compression_model_feasibility(agent: Any) -> None:
     try:
         from agent.auxiliary_client import (
             _resolve_task_provider_model,
+            _try_configured_fallback_for_unavailable_client,
             get_text_auxiliary_client,
         )
         from agent.model_metadata import (
@@ -97,10 +98,6 @@ def check_compression_model_feasibility(agent: Any) -> None:
             get_model_context_length,
         )
 
-        client, aux_model = get_text_auxiliary_client(
-            "compression",
-            main_runtime=agent._current_main_runtime(),
-        )
         # Best-effort aux provider label for the warning message. The
         # configured provider may be "auto", in which case we fall back
         # to the client's base_url hostname so the user can still tell
@@ -109,6 +106,19 @@ def check_compression_model_feasibility(agent: Any) -> None:
             _aux_cfg_provider, _, _, _, _ = _resolve_task_provider_model("compression")
         except Exception:
             _aux_cfg_provider = ""
+        client, aux_model = get_text_auxiliary_client(
+            "compression",
+            main_runtime=agent._current_main_runtime(),
+        )
+        if client is None or not aux_model:
+            fb_client, fb_model, fb_label = _try_configured_fallback_for_unavailable_client(
+                "compression",
+                _aux_cfg_provider,
+            )
+            if fb_client is not None and fb_model:
+                client, aux_model = fb_client, fb_model
+                if "(" in fb_label and fb_label.endswith(")"):
+                    _aux_cfg_provider = fb_label.rsplit("(", 1)[1][:-1]
         if client is None or not aux_model:
             if _aux_cfg_provider and _aux_cfg_provider != "auto":
                 msg = (

agent/conversation_loop.py

@@ -35,6 +35,7 @@ from agent.turn_context import build_turn_context
 from agent.turn_retry_state import TurnRetryState
 from agent.memory_manager import build_memory_context_block
 from agent.message_sanitization import (
+    close_interrupted_tool_sequence,
     _repair_tool_call_arguments,
     _sanitize_messages_non_ascii,
     _sanitize_messages_surrogates,
@@ -55,7 +56,7 @@ from agent.model_metadata import (
 )
 from agent.process_bootstrap import _install_safe_stdio
 from agent.prompt_caching import apply_anthropic_cache_control
-from agent.retry_utils import jittered_backoff
+from agent.retry_utils import adaptive_rate_limit_backoff, jittered_backoff
 from agent.trajectory import has_incomplete_scratchpad
 from agent.usage_pricing import estimate_usage_cost, normalize_usage
 from hermes_constants import PARTIAL_STREAM_STUB_ID
@@ -501,6 +502,7 @@ def run_conversation(
     stream_callback: Optional[callable] = None,
     persist_user_message: Optional[str] = None,
     persist_user_timestamp: Optional[float] = None,
+    moa_config: Optional[dict[str, Any]] = None,
 ) -> Dict[str, Any]:
     """
     Run a complete conversation with tool calling until completion.
@@ -523,6 +525,19 @@ def run_conversation(
     Returns:
         Dict: Complete conversation result with final response and message history
     """
+    if moa_config is None:
+        try:
+            from hermes_cli.moa_config import decode_moa_turn
+
+            _decoded_message, _decoded_moa_config = decode_moa_turn(user_message)
+            if _decoded_moa_config is not None:
+                user_message = _decoded_message
+                moa_config = _decoded_moa_config
+                if persist_user_message is None:
+                    persist_user_message = _decoded_message
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
     # ── Per-turn setup (the prologue) ──
     # All once-per-turn setup — stdio guarding, retry-counter resets, user
     # message sanitization, todo/nudge hydration, system-prompt restore-or-
@@ -801,6 +816,29 @@ def run_conversation(
         if effective_system:
             api_messages = [{"role": "system", "content": effective_system}] + api_messages
 
+        if moa_config:
+            try:
+                from agent.moa_loop import aggregate_moa_context
+
+                _moa_context = aggregate_moa_context(
+                    user_prompt=original_user_message if isinstance(original_user_message, str) else str(original_user_message),
+                    api_messages=api_messages,
+                    reference_models=moa_config.get("reference_models") or [],
+                    aggregator=moa_config.get("aggregator") or {},
+                    temperature=float(moa_config.get("reference_temperature", 0.6) or 0.6),
+                    aggregator_temperature=float(moa_config.get("aggregator_temperature", 0.4) or 0.4),
+                    max_tokens=int(moa_config.get("max_tokens", 4096) or 4096),
+                )
+                if _moa_context:
+                    for _msg in reversed(api_messages):
+                        if _msg.get("role") == "user":
+                            _base = _msg.get("content", "")
+                            if isinstance(_base, str):
+                                _msg["content"] = _base + "\n\n" + _moa_context
+                            break
+            except Exception as _moa_exc:
+                logger.warning("MoA context aggregation failed: %s", _moa_exc)
+
         # Inject ephemeral prefill messages right after the system prompt
         # but before conversation history. Same API-call-time-only pattern.
         if agent.prefill_messages:
@@ -1122,7 +1160,7 @@ def run_conversation(
                 # stream.  Mirror the ACP exclusion used for Responses
                 # API upgrade (lines ~1083-1085).
                 elif (
-                    agent.provider == "copilot-acp"
+                    agent.provider in {"copilot-acp", "moa"}
                     or str(agent.base_url or "").lower().startswith("acp://copilot")
                     or str(agent.base_url or "").lower().startswith("acp+tcp://")
                 ):
@@ -1396,10 +1434,12 @@ def run_conversation(
                     while time.time() < sleep_end:
                         if agent._interrupt_requested:
                             agent._vprint(f"{agent.log_prefix}⚡ Interrupt detected during retry wait, aborting.", force=True)
+                            _interrupt_text = f"Operation interrupted during retry ({_failure_hint}, attempt {retry_count}/{max_retries})."
+                            close_interrupted_tool_sequence(messages, _interrupt_text)
                             agent._persist_session(messages, conversation_history)
                             agent.clear_interrupt()
                             return {
-                                "final_response": f"Operation interrupted during retry ({_failure_hint}, attempt {retry_count}/{max_retries}).",
+                                "final_response": _interrupt_text,
                                 "messages": messages,
                                 "api_calls": api_call_count,
                                 "completed": False,
@@ -2663,10 +2703,12 @@ def run_conversation(
                 # Check for interrupt before deciding to retry
                 if agent._interrupt_requested:
                     agent._vprint(f"{agent.log_prefix}⚡ Interrupt detected during error handling, aborting retries.", force=True)
+                    _interrupt_text = f"Operation interrupted: handling API error ({error_type}: {agent._clean_error_message(str(api_error))})."
+                    close_interrupted_tool_sequence(messages, _interrupt_text)
                     agent._persist_session(messages, conversation_history)
                     agent.clear_interrupt()
                     return {
-                        "final_response": f"Operation interrupted: handling API error ({error_type}: {agent._clean_error_message(str(api_error))}).",
+                        "final_response": _interrupt_text,
                         "messages": messages,
                         "api_calls": api_call_count,
                         "completed": False,
@@ -3537,16 +3579,38 @@ def run_conversation(
                             except (TypeError, ValueError):
                                 pass
                 wait_time = _retry_after if _retry_after else jittered_backoff(retry_count, base_delay=2.0, max_delay=60.0)
+                _backoff_policy = None
+                if is_rate_limited and not _retry_after:
+                    wait_time, _backoff_policy = adaptive_rate_limit_backoff(
+                        retry_count,
+                        base_url=str(_base),
+                        model=_model,
+                        error=api_error,
+                        default_wait=wait_time,
+                    )
                 if is_rate_limited:
-                    agent._buffer_status(f"⏱️ Rate limited. Waiting {wait_time:.1f}s (attempt {retry_count + 1}/{max_retries})...")
+                    _policy_note = ""
+                    if _backoff_policy == "zai_coding_overload_long":
+                        _policy_note = " (Z.AI Coding overload adaptive long backoff)"
+                    elif _backoff_policy == "zai_coding_overload_short":
+                        _policy_note = " (Z.AI Coding overload short retry)"
+                    _rate_limit_status = f"⏱️ Rate limited. Waiting {wait_time:.1f}s (attempt {retry_count + 1}/{max_retries}){_policy_note}..."
+                    # Normal retries are buffered to avoid noisy transient chatter. Long
+                    # Z.AI Coding waits are different: they can last minutes, so surface
+                    # progress immediately instead of making the TUI look frozen.
+                    if _backoff_policy == "zai_coding_overload_long":
+                        agent._emit_status(_rate_limit_status)
+                    else:
+                        agent._buffer_status(_rate_limit_status)
                 else:
                     agent._buffer_status(f"⏳ Retrying in {wait_time:.1f}s (attempt {retry_count}/{max_retries})...")
                 logger.warning(
-                    "Retrying API call in %ss (attempt %s/%s) %s error=%s",
+                    "Retrying API call in %ss (attempt %s/%s) %s policy=%s error=%s",
                     wait_time,
                     retry_count,
                     max_retries,
                     agent._client_log_context(),
+                    _backoff_policy or "default",
                     api_error,
                 )
                 # Sleep in small increments so we can respond to interrupts quickly
@@ -3556,10 +3620,12 @@ def run_conversation(
                 while time.time() < sleep_end:
                     if agent._interrupt_requested:
                         agent._vprint(f"{agent.log_prefix}⚡ Interrupt detected during retry wait, aborting.", force=True)
+                        _interrupt_text = f"Operation interrupted: retrying API call after error (retry {retry_count}/{max_retries})."
+                        close_interrupted_tool_sequence(messages, _interrupt_text)
                         agent._persist_session(messages, conversation_history)
                         agent.clear_interrupt()
                         return {
-                            "final_response": f"Operation interrupted: retrying API call after error (retry {retry_count}/{max_retries}).",
+                            "final_response": _interrupt_text,
                             "messages": messages,
                             "api_calls": api_call_count,
                             "completed": False,
@@ -4492,9 +4558,10 @@ def run_conversation(
                 final_msg = agent._build_assistant_message(assistant_message, finish_reason)
 
                 # Pop thinking-only prefill and empty-response retry
-                # scaffolding before appending the final response.  These
-                # internal turns are only for the next API retry and should
-                # not become durable transcript context.
+                # scaffolding before appending either a final response or a
+                # verification-stop follow-up. These internal turns are only
+                # for the next API retry and should not become durable
+                # transcript context.
                 while (
                     messages
                     and isinstance(messages[-1], dict)
@@ -4506,6 +4573,44 @@ def run_conversation(
                 ):
                     messages.pop()
 
+                try:
+                    from agent.verification_stop import (
+                        build_verify_on_stop_nudge,
+                        verify_on_stop_enabled,
+                    )
+
+                    if verify_on_stop_enabled():
+                        _verify_nudge = build_verify_on_stop_nudge(
+                            session_id=getattr(agent, "session_id", None),
+                            changed_paths=getattr(agent, "_turn_file_mutation_paths", set()),
+                            attempts=getattr(agent, "_verification_stop_nudges", 0),
+                        )
+                    else:
+                        _verify_nudge = None
+                except Exception:
+                    logger.debug("verification stop-loop check failed", exc_info=True)
+                    _verify_nudge = None
+
+                if _verify_nudge:
+                    agent._verification_stop_nudges = (
+                        getattr(agent, "_verification_stop_nudges", 0) + 1
+                    )
+                    final_msg["finish_reason"] = "verification_required"
+                    messages.append(final_msg)
+                    # Keep the attempted final answer in model history so the
+                    # synthetic user nudge preserves role alternation, but do
+                    # not surface it to the user as an interim answer. The
+                    # whole point of this guard is to prevent premature
+                    # "done" claims before checks run.
+                    messages.append({
+                        "role": "user",
+                        "content": _verify_nudge,
+                        "_verification_stop_synthetic": True,
+                    })
+                    agent._session_messages = messages
+                    agent._emit_status("↻ Verification required before finishing")
+                    continue
+
                 messages.append(final_msg)
                 
                 _turn_exit_reason = f"text_response(finish_reason={finish_reason})"

agent/display.py

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ Used by AIAgent._execute_tool_calls for CLI feedback.
 
 import logging
 import os
+import re
 import sys
 import threading
 import time
@@ -177,6 +178,167 @@ def _truncate_preview(text: str, max_len: int | None) -> str:
     return text
 
 
+_SHELL_SILENT_HEADS = {"cd", "pushd", "popd", "export", "set", "unset", "source", ".", "true", "false", ":"}
+_SHELL_PIPE_TAIL_HEADS = {"head", "tail", "wc", "sort", "uniq"}
+
+
+def _shell_basename(head: str) -> str:
+    return head.rsplit("/", 1)[-1] if head else ""
+
+
+def _split_shell_words(segment: str) -> list[str]:
+    words: list[str] = []
+    buf: list[str] = []
+    quote: str | None = None
+
+    for i, ch in enumerate(segment):
+        if quote:
+            buf.append(ch)
+            if ch == quote and (i == 0 or segment[i - 1] != "\\"):
+                quote = None
+            continue
+
+        if ch in {"'", '"'}:
+            quote = ch
+            buf.append(ch)
+            continue
+
+        if ch.isspace():
+            if buf:
+                words.append("".join(buf))
+                buf = []
+            continue
+
+        buf.append(ch)
+
+    if buf:
+        words.append("".join(buf))
+
+    return words
+
+
+def _strip_shell_pipe_tail(segment: str) -> str:
+    words = _split_shell_words(segment)
+    out: list[str] = []
+
+    for i, word in enumerate(words):
+        if word == "|" and _shell_basename(words[i + 1] if i + 1 < len(words) else "") in _SHELL_PIPE_TAIL_HEADS:
+            break
+        out.append(word)
+
+    return " ".join(out).strip()
+
+
+def _split_shell_compound(command: str) -> list[str]:
+    segments: list[str] = []
+    buf: list[str] = []
+    quote: str | None = None
+    i = 0
+
+    while i < len(command):
+        ch = command[i]
+
+        if quote:
+            buf.append(ch)
+            if ch == quote and (i == 0 or command[i - 1] != "\\"):
+                quote = None
+            i += 1
+            continue
+
+        if ch in {"'", '"'}:
+            quote = ch
+            buf.append(ch)
+            i += 1
+            continue
+
+        op_len = 2 if command.startswith("&&", i) or command.startswith("||", i) else 1 if ch in {";", "\n"} else 0
+        if op_len:
+            segment = _strip_shell_pipe_tail("".join(buf).strip())
+            if segment:
+                segments.append(segment)
+            buf = []
+            i += op_len
+            continue
+
+        buf.append(ch)
+        i += 1
+
+    segment = _strip_shell_pipe_tail("".join(buf).strip())
+    if segment:
+        segments.append(segment)
+
+    return segments
+
+
+def _shell_head_word(segment: str) -> str:
+    words = _split_shell_words(segment)
+    index = 0
+    while index < len(words) and re.match(r"^[A-Za-z_]\w*=", words[index]):
+        index += 1
+    return _shell_basename(words[index] if index < len(words) else "")
+
+
+def _clean_shell_segment(segment: str) -> str:
+    words = _split_shell_words(segment)
+    out: list[str] = []
+    i = 0
+    while i < len(words):
+        word = words[i]
+        if re.match(r"^\d*(?:>>?|<)$", word):
+            i += 2
+            continue
+        if re.match(r"^\d*(?:>&|<&)\d+$", word) or re.match(r"^\d*>&\d+$", word):
+            i += 1
+            continue
+        out.append(word)
+        i += 1
+    return " ".join(out).strip()
+
+
+def _is_shell_boundary_echo(segment: str) -> bool:
+    words = _split_shell_words(segment)
+    if _shell_basename(words[0] if words else "") != "echo":
+        return False
+    rest = " ".join(words[1:])
+    return bool(re.search(r"-{2,}|_exit=|(?:^|\s|=)\$[?{]|PIPESTATUS", rest))
+
+
+def summarize_shell_command(command: str) -> str:
+    """Compact shell wrapper/plumbing for display while preserving raw command elsewhere."""
+    original = _oneline(command)
+    if not original:
+        return ""
+
+    segments = _split_shell_compound(original)
+    if len(segments) <= 1:
+        return _clean_shell_segment(segments[0] if segments else original) or original
+
+    core: list[str] = []
+    for segment in segments:
+        cleaned = _clean_shell_segment(segment)
+        head = _shell_head_word(cleaned)
+        if cleaned and head not in _SHELL_SILENT_HEADS and not _is_shell_boundary_echo(cleaned):
+            core.append(cleaned)
+
+    if not core:
+        return original
+    if len(core) == 1:
+        return core[0]
+
+    count = len(core) - 1
+    return f"{core[0]} + {count} {'command' if count == 1 else 'commands'}"
+
+
+def _read_file_line_label(args: dict) -> str:
+    offset = args.get("offset")
+    limit = args.get("limit")
+    if not isinstance(offset, int) or offset <= 0:
+        return ""
+    if not isinstance(limit, int) or limit <= 1:
+        return f"L{offset}"
+    return f"L{offset}-{offset + limit - 1}"
+
+
 def _delegate_task_goal_parts(tasks: Any, *, per_goal_len: int) -> tuple[int, list[str]]:
     if not isinstance(tasks, list):
         return 0, []
@@ -206,7 +368,7 @@ def build_tool_preview(tool_name: str, args: dict, max_len: int | None = None) -
         "search_files": "pattern", "browser_navigate": "url",
         "browser_click": "ref", "browser_type": "text",
         "image_generate": "prompt", "text_to_speech": "text",
-        "vision_analyze": "question", "mixture_of_agents": "user_prompt",
+        "vision_analyze": "question",
         "skill_view": "name", "skills_list": "category",
         "cronjob": "action",
         "execute_code": "code", "delegate_task": "goal",
@@ -253,6 +415,23 @@ def build_tool_preview(tool_name: str, args: dict, max_len: int | None = None) -
         else:
             return f"planning {len(todos_arg)} task(s)"
 
+    if tool_name in {"terminal", "execute_code"}:
+        key = "code" if tool_name == "execute_code" else "command"
+        command = args.get(key)
+        if command is None:
+            return None
+        preview = summarize_shell_command(str(command))
+        return _truncate_preview(preview, max_len) if preview else None
+
+    if tool_name == "read_file":
+        path = args.get("path") or args.get("file") or args.get("filepath")
+        if path is None:
+            return None
+        label = Path(str(path).replace("\\", "/")).name or str(path)
+        line_label = _read_file_line_label(args)
+        preview = f"{label} {line_label}".strip()
+        return _truncate_preview(preview, max_len) if preview else None
+
     if tool_name == "session_search":
         query = _oneline(args.get("query", ""))
         return f"recall: \"{query[:25]}{'...' if len(query) > 25 else ''}\""
@@ -943,7 +1122,7 @@ def get_cute_tool_message(
             return _wrap(f"┊ 📄 fetch     {_trunc(domain, 35)}{extra}  {dur}")
         return _wrap(f"┊ 📄 fetch     pages  {dur}")
     if tool_name == "terminal":
-        return _wrap(f"┊ 💻 $         {_trunc(args.get('command', ''), 42)}  {dur}")
+        return _wrap(f"┊ 💻 $         {_trunc(build_tool_preview(tool_name, args) or args.get('command', ''), 42)}  {dur}")
     if tool_name == "process":
         action = args.get("action", "?")
         sid = args.get("session_id", "")[:12]
@@ -951,7 +1130,7 @@ def get_cute_tool_message(
                   "wait": f"wait {sid}", "kill": f"kill {sid}", "write": f"write {sid}", "submit": f"submit {sid}"}
         return _wrap(f"┊ ⚙️  proc      {labels.get(action, f'{action} {sid}')}  {dur}")
     if tool_name == "read_file":
-        return _wrap(f"┊ 📖 read      {_path(args.get('path', ''))}  {dur}")
+        return _wrap(f"┊ 📖 read      {_trunc(build_tool_preview(tool_name, args) or args.get('path', ''), 42)}  {dur}")
     if tool_name == "write_file":
         return _wrap(f"┊ ✍️  write     {_path(args.get('path', ''))}  {dur}")
     if tool_name == "patch":
@@ -1037,8 +1216,6 @@ def get_cute_tool_message(
         return _wrap(f"┊ 🔊 speak     {_trunc(args.get('text', ''), 30)}  {dur}")
     if tool_name == "vision_analyze":
         return _wrap(f"┊ 👁️  vision    {_trunc(args.get('question', ''), 30)}  {dur}")
-    if tool_name == "mixture_of_agents":
-        return _wrap(f"┊ 🧠 reason    {_trunc(args.get('user_prompt', ''), 30)}  {dur}")
     if tool_name == "send_message":
         return _wrap(f"┊ 📨 send      {args.get('target', '?')}: \"{_trunc(args.get('message', ''), 25)}\"  {dur}")
     if tool_name == "cronjob":

agent/learn_prompt.py

@@ -28,15 +28,35 @@ from __future__ import annotations
 # (HARDLINE)" and the hermes-agent-dev new-skill salvage reference. Embedded in
 # the prompt so the agent authors skills the way a maintainer would by hand.
 _AUTHORING_STANDARDS = """\
-Follow the Hermes skill-authoring standards exactly:
+Follow the Hermes skill-authoring standards exactly. These are the same
+HARDLINE rules a maintainer enforces in review:
 
 Frontmatter:
 - name: lowercase-hyphenated, <=64 chars, no spaces.
-- description: ONE sentence, <=60 characters, ends with a period. State the
+- description: ONE sentence, **<=60 characters**, ends with a period. State the
   capability, not the implementation. No marketing words (powerful,
-  comprehensive, seamless, advanced). Do NOT repeat the skill name. If the
-  description contains a colon, wrap the whole value in double quotes.
+  comprehensive, seamless, advanced, robust). Do NOT repeat the skill name. If
+  the description contains a colon, wrap the whole value in double quotes.
+  This is the most-violated rule and it is NOT cosmetic: the system-prompt
+  skill index truncates the description to 60 chars and loads it every
+  session, so anything past char 60 is silently cut and never routes. After
+  you write the description, COUNT the characters; if it is over 60, cut it
+  down before saving — do not ship a sentence and hope.
+    Good (<=60): `Search arXiv papers by keyword, author, or ID.`
+    Bad (123):   `A comprehensive skill that lets the agent search arXiv for
+                  academic papers using keywords, authors, and categories.`
 - version: 0.1.0
+- author: always the literal value `Hermes`. NEVER fill it from the host
+  environment — the OS/login username (e.g. the `user=` line in your
+  environment hints), git config, or any identity you can probe must not be
+  written. Skills get shared and published, so an environment-derived name is
+  a privacy leak the user never opted into; the skill names itself as Hermes.
+- platforms: declare `[macos]`, `[linux]`, and/or `[windows]` IF the skill
+  uses OS-bound primitives (osascript/apt/systemctl => the matching OS; /proc,
+  os.setsid, signal.SIGKILL => linux; fcntl/termios => POSIX). Prefer fixing it
+  cross-platform first (tempfile.gettempdir(), pathlib.Path, psutil); gate only
+  when the dependency is genuinely platform-bound. Omit the field for portable
+  skills.
 - metadata.hermes.tags: a few Capitalized, Relevant, Tags.
 
 Body section order (omit a section only if it genuinely has no content):
@@ -52,10 +72,16 @@ Body section order (omit a section only if it genuinely has no content):
 
 Hermes-tool framing (this is what makes it a skill, not shell docs):
 - Frame running scripts as "invoke through the `terminal` tool".
-- Use `read_file` (not cat/head/tail), `search_files` (not grep/find/ls),
-  `patch` (not sed/awk), `web_extract` (not curl-to-scrape),
-  `vision_analyze` for images. Reference these tools by name in backticks.
-- Do NOT name shell utilities the agent already has wrapped.
+- Reference Hermes tools by name in backticks: `terminal`, `read_file`,
+  `write_file`, `search_files`, `patch`, `web_extract`, `web_search`,
+  `vision_analyze`, `browser_navigate`, `delegate_task`, `image_generate`,
+  `text_to_speech`, `cronjob`, `memory`, `skill_view`, `execute_code`.
+- Do NOT name shell utilities the agent already has wrapped: say `read_file`
+  not cat/head/tail, `search_files` not grep/rg/find/ls, `patch` not sed/awk,
+  `web_extract` not curl-to-scrape, `write_file` not echo>file or heredocs.
+- Third-party CLIs (ffmpeg, gh, an SDK) are fine inside a script file, but the
+  prose still frames them as "invoke through the `terminal` tool". If the
+  skill needs an MCP server, name it and document its setup in Prerequisites.
 
 Quality bar:
 - Prefer exact commands, endpoint URLs, function signatures, and config keys
@@ -66,7 +92,8 @@ Quality bar:
 - Don't write a router/index/hub skill that only points at other skills.
 - Larger scripts/parsers belong in a `scripts/` file (add via
   `skill_manage` write_file), referenced from SKILL.md by relative path — not
-  inlined for the agent to re-type every run."""
+  inlined for the agent to re-type every run. References go in `references/`,
+  templates in `templates/`."""
 
 
 def build_learn_prompt(user_request: str) -> str:

agent/message_sanitization.py

@@ -279,6 +279,38 @@ def _repair_tool_call_arguments(raw_args: str, tool_name: str = "?") -> str:
     return "{}"
 
 
+def close_interrupted_tool_sequence(messages: list, final_response: Any = None) -> bool:
+    """Append a synthetic assistant turn when an interrupted tail is a tool result.
+
+    A turn cut short by ``/stop`` can leave the transcript ending on a raw
+    ``tool`` message (a tool finished, or its execution was cancelled, but the
+    model never streamed a closing assistant turn). Persisting that tail means
+    the next user message lands as ``… tool → user`` — a role-alternation
+    violation that strict providers (Gemini, Claude) react to by hallucinating
+    a continuation of the user's message and ignoring prior context, which
+    reads to the user as "lost context" (#48879).
+
+    ``finalize_turn`` closes this on the happy interrupt path, but the
+    retry/backoff/error interrupt aborts in ``conversation_loop`` ``return``
+    early and never reach it — this shared helper closes the sequence on all of
+    them. ``final_response`` is usually empty on an interrupt, so an explicit
+    placeholder is used rather than an empty-content assistant turn.
+
+    Mutates ``messages`` in place. Returns True if a closing turn was appended.
+    """
+    if not messages:
+        return False
+    last = messages[-1]
+    if not isinstance(last, dict) or last.get("role") != "tool":
+        return False
+    text = final_response if isinstance(final_response, str) else ""
+    messages.append({
+        "role": "assistant",
+        "content": text.strip() or "Operation interrupted.",
+    })
+    return True
+
+
 def _strip_non_ascii(text: str) -> str:
     """Remove non-ASCII characters, replacing with closest ASCII equivalent or removing.
 
@@ -431,6 +463,7 @@ def _sanitize_structure_non_ascii(payload: Any) -> bool:
 
 __all__ = [
     "_SURROGATE_RE",
+    "close_interrupted_tool_sequence",
     "_sanitize_surrogates",
     "_sanitize_structure_surrogates",
     "_sanitize_messages_surrogates",

agent/moa_loop.py

@@ -0,0 +1,306 @@
+"""Mixture-of-Agents runtime helpers for /moa turns.
+
+The slash command is deliberately not a model tool. It marks one user turn as
+MoA-enabled; the normal Hermes agent loop still owns tool calling and turn
+termination, while this module gathers reference-model context before each model
+iteration.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import logging
+from concurrent.futures import ThreadPoolExecutor
+from typing import Any
+
+from agent.auxiliary_client import call_llm
+from agent.transports import get_transport
+
+logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
+
+# Upper bound on concurrent reference-model calls. References are independent
+# advisory calls (no tools, no inter-dependence), so we fan them out the same
+# way delegate_task runs a batch: all in flight at once, results collected when
+# every reference finishes. Presets rarely list more than a handful of
+# references; this cap just protects against a pathologically large preset
+# opening dozens of sockets at once.
+_MAX_REFERENCE_WORKERS = 8
+
+
+def _slot_label(slot: dict[str, str]) -> str:
+    return f"{slot.get('provider', '').strip()}:{slot.get('model', '').strip()}"
+
+
+def _run_reference(
+    slot: dict[str, str],
+    ref_messages: list[dict[str, Any]],
+    *,
+    temperature: float,
+    max_tokens: int,
+) -> tuple[str, str]:
+    """Call one reference model and return ``(label, text)``.
+
+    Never raises: a failed reference becomes a labelled note so the aggregator
+    can still act with partial context. Designed to run inside a thread pool —
+    ``call_llm`` is synchronous/blocking, so threads (not asyncio) are the right
+    concurrency primitive, mirroring ``delegate_task``'s batch fan-out.
+    """
+    label = _slot_label(slot)
+    try:
+        response = call_llm(
+            task="moa_reference",
+            provider=slot["provider"],
+            model=slot["model"],
+            messages=ref_messages,
+            temperature=temperature,
+            max_tokens=max_tokens,
+        )
+        return label, _extract_text(response) or "(empty response)"
+    except Exception as exc:
+        logger.warning("MoA reference model %s failed: %s", label, exc)
+        return label, f"[failed: {exc}]"
+
+
+def _run_references_parallel(
+    reference_models: list[dict[str, str]],
+    ref_messages: list[dict[str, Any]],
+    *,
+    temperature: float,
+    max_tokens: int,
+) -> list[tuple[str, str]]:
+    """Fan out all reference models in parallel, returning outputs in order.
+
+    Like ``delegate_task``'s batch mode, every reference is dispatched at once
+    and we block until all of them finish before handing the joined results to
+    the aggregator. Output order matches ``reference_models`` so the
+    ``Reference {idx}`` labelling stays stable. MoA presets that reference
+    another MoA preset are skipped here (recursion guard) with a labelled note.
+    """
+    if not reference_models:
+        return []
+
+    results: list[tuple[str, str] | None] = [None] * len(reference_models)
+    futures = {}
+    workers = min(_MAX_REFERENCE_WORKERS, len(reference_models))
+    with ThreadPoolExecutor(max_workers=workers) as executor:
+        for idx, slot in enumerate(reference_models):
+            if slot.get("provider") == "moa":
+                results[idx] = (
+                    _slot_label(slot),
+                    "[skipped: MoA presets cannot recursively reference MoA]",
+                )
+                continue
+            futures[
+                executor.submit(
+                    _run_reference,
+                    slot,
+                    ref_messages,
+                    temperature=temperature,
+                    max_tokens=max_tokens,
+                )
+            ] = idx
+        # Collect every reference before returning — the aggregator needs the
+        # complete set, so there is no early-exit / first-completed path here.
+        for future, idx in futures.items():
+            results[idx] = future.result()
+
+    return [r for r in results if r is not None]
+
+
+def _reference_messages(messages: list[dict[str, Any]]) -> list[dict[str, Any]]:
+    """Build an advisory-safe view of the conversation for reference models.
+
+    Reference calls are advisory: they never call tools and never emit the
+    ``tool_calls`` the main model did. Replaying the full transcript verbatim
+    (a) re-bills the ~8K-token Hermes system prompt per reference per
+    iteration and (b) risks 400s from strict providers (Mistral, Fireworks)
+    that reject orphan ``tool`` messages or ``tool_calls`` the reference never
+    produced. We keep only the user/assistant *text* turns, dropping the
+    system prompt, any ``tool``-role messages, and any ``tool_calls`` payloads.
+    """
+    trimmed: list[dict[str, Any]] = []
+    for msg in messages:
+        role = msg.get("role")
+        if role not in ("user", "assistant"):
+            # Drop system prompt and tool-result messages.
+            continue
+        content = msg.get("content")
+        if not isinstance(content, str):
+            # Skip non-text (multimodal/tool-call-only) assistant turns.
+            if not content:
+                continue
+        text = content if isinstance(content, str) else ""
+        if role == "assistant" and not text.strip():
+            # Assistant turn that was purely tool calls — nothing advisory.
+            continue
+        trimmed.append({"role": role, "content": text})
+    if not trimmed:
+        # Degenerate case (e.g. first turn was stripped): fall back to a
+        # minimal user turn so the reference still has something to answer.
+        for msg in reversed(messages):
+            if msg.get("role") == "user" and isinstance(msg.get("content"), str):
+                return [{"role": "user", "content": msg["content"]}]
+    return trimmed
+
+
+
+def _extract_text(response: Any) -> str:
+    try:
+        transport = get_transport("chat_completions")
+        if transport is None:
+            raise RuntimeError("chat_completions transport unavailable")
+        normalized = transport.normalize_response(response)
+        text = (normalized.content or "").strip()
+        if text:
+            return text
+    except Exception:
+        pass
+    try:
+        content = response.choices[0].message.content
+        return (content or "").strip()
+    except Exception:
+        return ""
+
+
+def aggregate_moa_context(
+    *,
+    user_prompt: str,
+    api_messages: list[dict[str, Any]],
+    reference_models: list[dict[str, str]],
+    aggregator: dict[str, str],
+    temperature: float = 0.6,
+    aggregator_temperature: float = 0.4,
+    max_tokens: int = 4096,
+) -> str:
+    """Run configured reference models and synthesize their advice.
+
+    Failures are returned as model-specific notes instead of aborting the normal
+    agent loop; the main model can still act with partial context.
+    """
+    reference_outputs: list[tuple[str, str]] = []
+    ref_messages = _reference_messages(api_messages)
+    reference_outputs = _run_references_parallel(
+        reference_models,
+        ref_messages,
+        temperature=temperature,
+        max_tokens=max_tokens,
+    )
+
+    joined = "\n\n".join(
+        f"Reference {idx} — {label}:\n{text}"
+        for idx, (label, text) in enumerate(reference_outputs, start=1)
+    )
+    synth_prompt = (
+        "You are the aggregator in a Mixture of Agents process. Synthesize the "
+        "reference responses into concise, actionable guidance for the main "
+        "Hermes agent. Focus on next steps, tool-use strategy, risks, and any "
+        "disagreements. Do not answer the user directly unless that is all that "
+        "is needed; produce context the main agent should use in its normal loop.\n\n"
+        f"Original user prompt:\n{user_prompt}\n\n"
+        f"Reference responses:\n{joined}"
+    )
+
+    agg_label = _slot_label(aggregator)
+    try:
+        response = call_llm(
+            task="moa_aggregator",
+            provider=aggregator["provider"],
+            model=aggregator["model"],
+            messages=[{"role": "user", "content": synth_prompt}],
+            temperature=aggregator_temperature,
+            max_tokens=max_tokens,
+        )
+        synthesis = _extract_text(response)
+    except Exception as exc:
+        logger.warning("MoA aggregator model %s failed: %s", agg_label, exc)
+        synthesis = ""
+
+    if not synthesis:
+        synthesis = joined
+
+    return (
+        "[Mixture of Agents context — use this as private guidance for the "
+        "normal Hermes agent loop. You may call tools, continue reasoning, or "
+        "finish normally.]\n"
+        f"Aggregator: {agg_label}\n"
+        f"References: {', '.join(_slot_label(slot) for slot in reference_models)}\n\n"
+        f"{synthesis.strip()}"
+    )
+
+
+class MoAChatCompletions:
+    """OpenAI-chat-compatible facade where the aggregator is the acting model."""
+
+    def __init__(self, preset_name: str):
+        self.preset_name = preset_name or "default"
+
+    def create(self, **api_kwargs: Any) -> Any:
+        from hermes_cli.config import load_config
+        from hermes_cli.moa_config import resolve_moa_preset
+
+        preset = resolve_moa_preset(load_config().get("moa") or {}, self.preset_name)
+        messages = list(api_kwargs.get("messages") or [])
+        reference_models = preset.get("reference_models") or []
+        aggregator = preset.get("aggregator") or {}
+        max_tokens = int(preset.get("max_tokens", api_kwargs.get("max_tokens") or 4096) or 4096)
+        temperature = float(preset.get("reference_temperature", 0.6) or 0.6)
+        aggregator_temperature = float(preset.get("aggregator_temperature", api_kwargs.get("temperature") or 0.4) or 0.4)
+
+        # When the preset is disabled, skip the reference fan-out and let the
+        # configured aggregator act alone — it is the preset's acting model, so
+        # a disabled MoA preset is simply "use the aggregator directly."
+        if not preset.get("enabled", True):
+            reference_models = []
+
+        reference_outputs: list[tuple[str, str]] = []
+        ref_messages = _reference_messages(messages)
+        reference_outputs = _run_references_parallel(
+            reference_models,
+            ref_messages,
+            temperature=temperature,
+            max_tokens=max_tokens,
+        )
+
+        agg_messages = [dict(m) for m in messages]
+        if reference_outputs:
+            joined = "\n\n".join(
+                f"Reference {idx} — {label}:\n{text}"
+                for idx, (label, text) in enumerate(reference_outputs, start=1)
+            )
+            guidance = (
+                "[Mixture of Agents reference context]\n"
+                f"Preset: {self.preset_name}\n"
+                f"Aggregator/acting model: {_slot_label(aggregator)}\n"
+                f"References: {', '.join(label for label, _ in reference_outputs)}\n\n"
+                "Use the reference responses below as private context. You are the aggregator and acting model: "
+                "answer the user directly or call tools as needed.\n\n"
+                f"{joined}"
+            )
+            for msg in reversed(agg_messages):
+                if msg.get("role") == "user" and isinstance(msg.get("content"), str):
+                    msg["content"] = msg["content"] + "\n\n" + guidance
+                    break
+            else:
+                agg_messages.append({"role": "user", "content": guidance})
+
+        if aggregator.get("provider") == "moa":
+            raise RuntimeError("MoA aggregator cannot be another MoA preset")
+        agg_kwargs = dict(api_kwargs)
+        agg_kwargs["messages"] = agg_messages
+        agg_kwargs["model"] = aggregator.get("model")
+        agg_kwargs["temperature"] = aggregator_temperature
+        return call_llm(
+            task="moa_aggregator",
+            provider=aggregator.get("provider"),
+            model=aggregator.get("model"),
+            messages=agg_messages,
+            temperature=aggregator_temperature,
+            max_tokens=agg_kwargs.get("max_tokens"),
+            tools=agg_kwargs.get("tools"),
+            extra_body=agg_kwargs.get("extra_body"),
+        )
+
+
+class MoAClient:
+    def __init__(self, preset_name: str):
+        self.chat = type("_MoAChat", (), {})()
+        self.chat.completions = MoAChatCompletions(preset_name)

agent/pet/generate/atlas.py

@@ -127,6 +127,22 @@ def _near_key_mask(image, key: tuple[int, int, int], tol: int = 48):
     )
 
 
+def _defringe(rgba):
+    """Shave the 1px antialiased edge ring left after keying.
+
+    Chroma keying can't catch the antialiased band where the sprite meets the
+    backdrop — those pixels are a key/sprite blend, too far from the key to be
+    removed, so they ring the cutout in magenta/green. Erode the alpha by one
+    pixel (a 3x3 min filter) to drop that contaminated ring; the sprite's own
+    thick dark outline keeps the silhouette intact. Built on a C-level filter, no
+    per-pixel Python.
+    """
+    from PIL import ImageFilter
+
+    rgba.putalpha(rgba.getchannel("A").filter(ImageFilter.MinFilter(3)))
+    return rgba
+
+
 def remove_background(image, *, chroma_key: tuple[int, int, int] | None = None, threshold: float = 90.0):
     """Return *image* (RGBA) with its flat background keyed out to transparent.
 
@@ -163,7 +179,8 @@ def remove_background(image, *, chroma_key: tuple[int, int, int] | None = None,
         near = _near_key_mask(rgba, key)  # L mask, 255 where near key
         opaque = rgba.getchannel("A").point(lambda a: 255 if a > _ALPHA_FLOOR else 0)
         remove_mask = ImageChops.darker(near, opaque)
-        return Image.composite(Image.new("RGBA", rgba.size, (0, 0, 0, 0)), rgba, remove_mask)
+        keyed = Image.composite(Image.new("RGBA", rgba.size, (0, 0, 0, 0)), rgba, remove_mask)
+        return _defringe(keyed)
 
     visited = bytearray(w * h)
     # Mark removals in a flat mask and apply them in one C composite at the end —
@@ -209,7 +226,7 @@ def remove_background(image, *, chroma_key: tuple[int, int, int] | None = None,
     # One C-level composite instead of millions of per-pixel writes: paint the
     # flooded pixels to (0,0,0,0) wherever the mask is set.
     mask = Image.frombytes("L", (w, h), bytes(remove)).point(lambda v: 255 if v else 0)
-    return Image.composite(Image.new("RGBA", rgba.size, (0, 0, 0, 0)), rgba, mask)
+    return _defringe(Image.composite(Image.new("RGBA", rgba.size, (0, 0, 0, 0)), rgba, mask))
 
 
 def _repair_internal_alpha_holes(image):
@@ -369,6 +386,279 @@ def _drop_side_bleed(image):
     return rgba
 
 
+def _erase_long_axis_lines(image):
+    """Remove thin slot-spanning guide/floor/divider lines.
+
+    Gemini will sometimes satisfy "baseline" / "cell" language by drawing
+    literal horizontal floors or vertical panel dividers. They survive chroma
+    keying and connect otherwise clean poses. Drop only *thin* rows/columns that
+    span nearly the whole slot; thick sprite body rows are left alone.
+    """
+    from PIL import Image
+
+    rgba = image.convert("RGBA").copy()
+    w, h = rgba.size
+    alpha = rgba.getchannel("A")
+
+    def _thin_groups(indices: list[int]) -> list[tuple[int, int]]:
+        groups: list[tuple[int, int]] = []
+        start: int | None = None
+        prev: int | None = None
+        for idx in indices:
+            if start is None:
+                start = prev = idx
+                continue
+            if prev is not None and idx == prev + 1:
+                prev = idx
+                continue
+            if start is not None and prev is not None and prev - start + 1 <= 4:
+                groups.append((start, prev + 1))
+            start = prev = idx
+        if start is not None and prev is not None and prev - start + 1 <= 4:
+            groups.append((start, prev + 1))
+        return groups
+
+    wide_rows = [
+        y
+        for y in range(h)
+        if sum(1 for x in range(w) if alpha.getpixel((x, y)) > _ALPHA_FLOOR) >= w * 0.85
+    ]
+    tall_cols = [
+        x
+        for x in range(w)
+        if sum(1 for y in range(h) if alpha.getpixel((x, y)) > _ALPHA_FLOOR) >= h * 0.85
+    ]
+
+    clear = Image.new("RGBA", rgba.size, (0, 0, 0, 0))
+    for top, bottom in _thin_groups(wide_rows):
+        rgba.paste(clear.crop((0, top, w, bottom)), (0, top))
+    for left, right in _thin_groups(tall_cols):
+        rgba.paste(clear.crop((left, 0, right, h)), (left, 0))
+    return rgba
+
+
+def _component_boxes(image) -> list[tuple[tuple[int, int, int, int], int]]:
+    """Connected opaque components as ``[(bbox, mass)]``.
+
+    A full ML segmenter would be overkill here: after chroma keying, "the pet" is
+    the dominant connected alpha component inside each known slot. Tiny detached
+    sparkles, tears, UI dots, and neighbour slivers are separate components.
+    """
+    from collections import deque
+
+    rgba = image.convert("RGBA")
+    bbox = rgba.getbbox()
+    if bbox is None:
+        return []
+    l0, t0, r0, b0 = bbox
+    w, h = r0 - l0, b0 - t0
+    alpha = rgba.getchannel("A").load()
+    visited = bytearray(w * h)
+    out: list[tuple[tuple[int, int, int, int], int]] = []
+
+    for start in range(w * h):
+        if visited[start]:
+            continue
+        sx, sy = start % w, start // w
+        ax, ay = l0 + sx, t0 + sy
+        visited[start] = 1
+        if alpha[ax, ay] <= _ALPHA_FLOOR:
+            continue
+
+        queue: deque[tuple[int, int]] = deque([(sx, sy)])
+        left = right = sx
+        top = bottom = sy
+        mass = 0
+        while queue:
+            x, y = queue.popleft()
+            mass += 1
+            left, right = min(left, x), max(right, x)
+            top, bottom = min(top, y), max(bottom, y)
+            for nx, ny in ((x + 1, y), (x - 1, y), (x, y + 1), (x, y - 1)):
+                if 0 <= nx < w and 0 <= ny < h:
+                    idx = ny * w + nx
+                    if not visited[idx]:
+                        visited[idx] = 1
+                        if alpha[l0 + nx, t0 + ny] > _ALPHA_FLOOR:
+                            queue.append((nx, ny))
+        out.append(((l0 + left, t0 + top, l0 + right + 1, t0 + bottom + 1), mass))
+    return out
+
+
+def _isolate_slot_subject(image):
+    """Keep the slot's real subject; drop detached effects/noise."""
+    from PIL import Image
+
+    rgba = _erase_long_axis_lines(image)
+    comps = _component_boxes(rgba)
+    if not comps:
+        return rgba
+
+    main_box, main_mass = max(comps, key=lambda item: item[1])
+    ml, mt, mr, mb = main_box
+    mw = max(1, mr - ml)
+    keep: list[tuple[int, int, int, int]] = []
+    for box, mass in comps:
+        if box == main_box:
+            keep.append(box)
+            continue
+        left, _top, right, _bottom = box
+        overlap = max(0, min(right, mr) - max(left, ml))
+        center_x = (left + right) / 2
+        near_main = (ml - mw * 0.25) <= center_x <= (mr + mw * 0.25)
+        # Keep meaningful attached-looking accessories such as halos; drop
+        # sparkles/tears/noise that don't overlap the body column.
+        if mass >= max(24, main_mass * 0.035) and (overlap >= mw * 0.3 or near_main):
+            keep.append(box)
+
+    out = Image.new("RGBA", rgba.size, (0, 0, 0, 0))
+    for box in keep:
+        out.alpha_composite(rgba.crop(box), (box[0], box[1]))
+    return out
+
+
+def _has_slot_padding(image) -> bool:
+    """True when content has empty room on all four slot edges."""
+    bbox = image.getbbox()
+    if bbox is None:
+        return False
+    w, h = image.size
+    left, top, right, bottom = bbox
+    min_x = max(4, min(12, round(w * 0.025)))
+    min_y = max(4, min(16, round(h * 0.02)))
+    return left >= min_x and top >= min_y and w - right >= min_x and h - bottom >= min_y
+
+
+def _slot_bounds(width: int, frame_count: int) -> list[tuple[int, int]]:
+    return [
+        (round(i * width / frame_count), round((i + 1) * width / frame_count))
+        for i in range(frame_count)
+    ]
+
+
+def _group_component_rows(boxes: list[tuple[int, int, int, int]]) -> list[list[tuple[int, int, int, int]]]:
+    """Group component boxes into visual rows, then sort left→right."""
+    if not boxes:
+        return []
+    heights = sorted(max(1, b[3] - b[1]) for b in boxes)
+    row_tol = max(12, heights[len(heights) // 2] * 0.55)
+    rows: list[list[tuple[int, int, int, int]]] = []
+    centers: list[float] = []
+    for box in sorted(boxes, key=lambda b: (b[1] + b[3]) / 2):
+        cy = (box[1] + box[3]) / 2
+        for i, center in enumerate(centers):
+            if abs(cy - center) <= row_tol:
+                rows[i].append(box)
+                centers[i] = sum((b[1] + b[3]) / 2 for b in rows[i]) / len(rows[i])
+                break
+        else:
+            rows.append([box])
+            centers.append(cy)
+    ordered = [row for _center, row in sorted(zip(centers, rows, strict=False), key=lambda item: item[0])]
+    for row in ordered:
+        row.sort(key=lambda b: (b[0] + b[2]) / 2)
+    return ordered
+
+
+def _merge_related_boxes(boxes: list[tuple[int, int, int, int]]) -> list[tuple[int, int, int, int]]:
+    """Merge disconnected parts that clearly belong to one subject.
+
+    Capes, tails, horns, and held props sometimes key as separate components.
+    Merge components on the same visual row when their vertical spans overlap and
+    the horizontal gap is tiny compared with the component size. Do not bridge the
+    much larger gaps between separate poses.
+    """
+    boxes = list(boxes)
+    changed = True
+    while changed:
+        changed = False
+        merged: list[tuple[int, int, int, int]] = []
+        used = [False] * len(boxes)
+        for i, a in enumerate(boxes):
+            if used[i]:
+                continue
+            al, at, ar, ab = a
+            used[i] = True
+            for j in range(i + 1, len(boxes)):
+                if used[j]:
+                    continue
+                bl, bt, br, bb = boxes[j]
+                v_overlap = max(0, min(ab, bb) - max(at, bt))
+                min_h = max(1, min(ab - at, bb - bt))
+                gap = max(0, max(al, bl) - min(ar, br))
+                min_w = max(1, min(ar - al, br - bl))
+                if v_overlap >= min_h * 0.45 and gap <= max(14, min_w * 0.22):
+                    al, at, ar, ab = min(al, bl), min(at, bt), max(ar, br), max(ab, bb)
+                    used[j] = True
+                    changed = True
+            merged.append((al, at, ar, ab))
+        boxes = merged
+    return boxes
+
+
+def _component_crops(strip, frame_count: int, *, require_padding: bool = False) -> list | None:
+    """Extract frame subjects as connected non-background objects.
+
+    This is the robust path for models that ignore "one horizontal row" and emit a
+    2D sprite grid. We count real opaque subject components, discard tiny
+    detached effects, sort in reading order, and return exactly *frame_count*
+    frames. Slot slicing is only a fallback when object detection can't satisfy
+    the contract.
+    """
+    from PIL import Image
+
+    def attempt(source) -> list | None:
+        comps = _component_boxes(source)
+        if not comps:
+            return None
+
+        max_mass = max(m for _box, m in comps)
+        subjects = _merge_related_boxes([box for box, mass in comps if mass >= max(64, max_mass * 0.12)])
+        if len(subjects) < frame_count:
+            return None
+
+        rows = _group_component_rows(subjects)
+        ordered = [box for row in rows for box in row][:frame_count]
+        if len(ordered) < frame_count:
+            return None
+
+        if require_padding:
+            min_x = max(4, min(12, round(source.width * 0.01)))
+            min_y = max(4, min(16, round(source.height * 0.015)))
+            for left, top, right, bottom in ordered:
+                if left < min_x or top < min_y or source.width - right < min_x or source.height - bottom < min_y:
+                    return None
+
+        multirow = len(rows) > 1
+        frames = []
+        for left, top, right, bottom in ordered:
+            pad_x = max(8, round((right - left) * 0.08))
+            pad_y = max(8, round((bottom - top) * 0.08))
+            if multirow:
+                crop_box = (
+                    max(0, left - pad_x),
+                    max(0, top - pad_y),
+                    min(source.width, right + pad_x),
+                    min(source.height, bottom + pad_y),
+                )
+            elif frame_count == 1:
+                crop_box = (0, 0, source.width, source.height)
+            else:
+                # Preserve vertical motion for true one-row strips (jumping,
+                # bobbing) while still narrowing X around the object.
+                crop_box = (max(0, left - pad_x), 0, min(source.width, right + pad_x), source.height)
+            frame = Image.new("RGBA", (crop_box[2] - crop_box[0], crop_box[3] - crop_box[1]), (0, 0, 0, 0))
+            rel = (left - crop_box[0], top - crop_box[1], right - crop_box[0], bottom - crop_box[1])
+            frame.alpha_composite(source.crop((left, top, right, bottom)), (rel[0], rel[1]))
+            # The global component pass already chose the subject box. Do not run
+            # another component filter here: capes/tails can be legitimate
+            # disconnected lobes inside the chosen subject box.
+            frames.append(frame)
+        return frames
+
+    return attempt(strip) or attempt(_erase_long_axis_lines(strip))
+
+
 def _sever_expected_gutters(strip, frame_count: int):
     """Cut thin vertical gutters at expected frame boundaries before labeling.
 
@@ -397,17 +687,23 @@ def _sever_expected_gutters(strip, frame_count: int):
     return out
 
 
-def _slot_crops(strip, frame_count: int) -> list:
+def _slot_crops(strip, frame_count: int, *, require_padding: bool = False) -> list | None:
     """Slice *strip* into *frame_count* uniform columns (one coordinate space).
 
     Equal-width columns keep every frame in a single shared coordinate frame, so
     a later union-crop + shared placement (:func:`normalize_cells`) preserves the
     row's real motion without the per-frame re-centering that makes a pet visibly
-    slide. Neighbour side-bleed is trimmed per column.
+    slide. Each slot is cleaned independently so detached effects, floors,
+    dividers, and neighbour slivers do not become "frames".
     """
-    w0 = max(1, strip.width // frame_count)
     h = strip.height
-    return [_drop_side_bleed(strip.crop((i * w0, 0, i * w0 + w0, h))) for i in range(frame_count)]
+    frames = []
+    for left, right in _slot_bounds(strip.width, frame_count):
+        slot = _drop_side_bleed(_isolate_slot_subject(strip.crop((left, 0, right, h))))
+        if require_padding and not _has_slot_padding(slot):
+            return None
+        frames.append(slot)
+    return frames
 
 
 def _content_runs(profile: list[int], *, threshold: int = 2) -> list[tuple[int, int]]:
@@ -465,6 +761,52 @@ def _frame_x_ranges(strip, frame_count: int) -> list[tuple[int, int]] | None:
     return [(l, r) for l, r in groups]
 
 
+def _significant_subject_boxes(image) -> list[tuple[int, int, int, int]]:
+    comps = _component_boxes(image)
+    if not comps:
+        return []
+    max_mass = max(mass for _box, mass in comps)
+    return _merge_related_boxes([box for box, mass in comps if mass >= max(32, max_mass * 0.12)])
+
+
+def _validate_extracted_frames(frames: list, frame_count: int) -> None:
+    """Reject rows where one "frame" is really multiple poses.
+
+    A bad provider roll can collapse a strip into tiny repeated poses. If we let
+    that through, normalization sees a huge motion envelope and shrinks the
+    entire pet to postage-stamp size. Catch the row here so hatch can regenerate
+    it instead of saving a technically non-empty but visually broken atlas.
+    """
+    if len(frames) != frame_count:
+        raise ValueError(f"expected {frame_count} frames, got {len(frames)}")
+
+    boxes = []
+    for i, frame in enumerate(frames):
+        bbox = frame.getbbox()
+        if bbox is None:
+            raise ValueError(f"frame {i} is empty")
+        subjects = _significant_subject_boxes(frame)
+        if len(subjects) >= 3:
+            raise ValueError(f"frame {i} contains multiple separated subjects")
+        boxes.append(bbox)
+
+    if frame_count <= 1:
+        return
+
+    widths = sorted(b[2] - b[0] for b in boxes)
+    heights = sorted(b[3] - b[1] for b in boxes)
+    med_w = max(1, widths[len(widths) // 2])
+    med_h = max(1, heights[len(heights) // 2])
+    for i, (left, top, right, bottom) in enumerate(boxes):
+        width = right - left
+        height = bottom - top
+        # A legitimate wing/arm can be wider than the median pose. A frame that is
+        # several times wider while not proportionally taller is usually multiple
+        # mini-poses packed into one accepted frame.
+        if width > max(med_w * 3.0, med_w + 96) and height <= med_h * 1.6:
+            raise ValueError(f"frame {i} is a multi-pose width outlier")
+
+
 def extract_strip_frames(
     strip,
     frame_count: int,
@@ -475,15 +817,15 @@ def extract_strip_frames(
 ) -> list:
     """Turn one generated row strip into *frame_count* frames.
 
-    The background is keyed out, thin connecting bridges at the expected
-    boundaries are severed, then the strip is sliced at its empty chroma gutters
-    (:func:`_frame_x_ranges`) — the plain "find each object, make a frame" cut
-    that works once poses are spaced apart (which generation now enforces).
+    The background is keyed out, then strict extraction treats the requested
+    frame count as the source of truth: slice known equal slots, isolate the real
+    subject in each slot, and require empty padding on X and Y. Empty chroma
+    gutters are only a lenient salvage fallback.
 
     Each frame is cropped at full cell height so tall ears / halos are never
-    clipped; :func:`_drop_side_bleed` trims any faint neighbour sliver. When the
-    poses are touching (fewer gutters than frames) ``components`` raises and
-    ``auto`` falls back to equal-width slots.
+    clipped; detached effects and neighbour slivers are dropped per slot. When a
+    pose does not have required space around it, ``components`` raises and
+    ``auto`` falls back to best-effort slicing.
 
     *fit* (default) fits+centers each frame into a 192x208 cell — the standalone
     contract for callers that don't normalize. Hatching passes ``fit=False`` to
@@ -500,28 +842,38 @@ def extract_strip_frames(
 
     strip = remove_background(strip, chroma_key=chroma_key)
 
-    # Prefer the real gutters as-is: when poses are already spaced (generation
-    # enforces this), slicing the strip untouched keeps each pose's own bounds and
-    # never cuts through an unevenly-placed silhouette. Only fall back to severing
-    # the expected boundaries when gaps alone can't separate the row — i.e. poses
-    # are bridged by a shared shadow/glow/1px line and read as one blob.
-    source = strip
-    ranges = _frame_x_ranges(source, frame_count)
-    if ranges is None:
-        source = _sever_expected_gutters(strip, frame_count)
-        ranges = _frame_x_ranges(source, frame_count)
-
-    if ranges is None:
+    # Strict path: count actual non-background subjects first. This handles both
+    # the intended one-row strip and model-cheated 2D grids without ever stacking
+    # two visual rows into one frame.
+    frames = _component_crops(strip, frame_count, require_padding=True)
+    if frames is None:
+        frames = _slot_crops(strip, frame_count, require_padding=True)
+    if frames is None:
         if method == "components":
-            raise ValueError(f"could not segment {frame_count} sprites from strip")
-        frames = _slot_crops(source, frame_count)
-    else:
-        h = source.height
-        pad = max(2, min(16, round((source.width / max(1, frame_count)) * 0.04)))
-        frames = [
-            _drop_side_bleed(source.crop((max(0, left - pad), 0, min(source.width, right + pad), h)))
-            for left, right in ranges
-        ]
+            raise ValueError(f"could not segment {frame_count} padded sprites from strip")
+
+        # Lenient salvage for the final attempt: prefer real gutters when they
+        # exist, then sever expected boundaries, then fall back to raw slots. Still
+        # try object extraction first, just without edge-padding enforcement, so
+        # cached/borderline model rolls can be inspected without stacking a 2D grid.
+        frames = _component_crops(strip, frame_count, require_padding=False)
+    if frames is None:
+        source = strip
+        ranges = _frame_x_ranges(source, frame_count)
+        if ranges is None:
+            source = _sever_expected_gutters(strip, frame_count)
+            ranges = _frame_x_ranges(source, frame_count)
+
+        if ranges is None:
+            frames = _slot_crops(source, frame_count, require_padding=False) or []
+        else:
+            h = source.height
+            pad = max(2, min(16, round((source.width / max(1, frame_count)) * 0.04)))
+            frames = [
+                _drop_side_bleed(_isolate_slot_subject(source.crop((max(0, left - pad), 0, min(source.width, right + pad), h))))
+                for left, right in ranges
+            ]
+    _validate_extracted_frames(frames, frame_count)
     return [_fit_to_cell(f) for f in frames] if fit else frames
 
 
@@ -746,22 +1098,72 @@ def validate_atlas(atlas) -> dict:
         return {"ok": False, "width": atlas.width, "height": atlas.height, "errors": errors, "warnings": warnings, "filled_states": []}
 
     filled_states: list[str] = []
+    cell_boxes_by_state: dict[str, list[tuple[int, int, int, int]]] = {}
     for state, row, count in ROW_SPECS:
         row_pixels = 0
+        boxes: list[tuple[int, int, int, int]] = []
         for col in range(count):
             left = col * CELL_WIDTH
             top = row * CELL_HEIGHT
             cell = atlas.crop((left, top, left + CELL_WIDTH, top + CELL_HEIGHT))
             nonblank = sum(cell.getchannel("A").histogram()[1:])
             row_pixels += nonblank
+            bbox = cell.getbbox()
+            if bbox is not None:
+                boxes.append(bbox)
         if row_pixels > 0:
             filled_states.append(state)
+            cell_boxes_by_state[state] = boxes
         else:
             warnings.append(f"state '{state}' has no frames")
 
     if not filled_states:
         errors.append("atlas is empty — no state produced any frames")
 
+    # A visually valid pet must occupy the cell. A single bad row can otherwise
+    # poison global normalization and shrink every state to a tiny postage stamp
+    # while still passing the old "non-empty cells" check.
+    all_widths = sorted(
+        right - left
+        for boxes in cell_boxes_by_state.values()
+        for left, _top, right, _bottom in boxes
+    )
+    all_heights = sorted(
+        bottom - top
+        for boxes in cell_boxes_by_state.values()
+        for _left, top, _right, bottom in boxes
+    )
+    global_med_w = 0
+    global_med_h = 0
+    if all_widths and all_heights:
+        global_med_w = all_widths[len(all_widths) // 2]
+        median_h = all_heights[len(all_heights) // 2]
+        global_med_h = median_h
+        min_h = max(56, round(CELL_HEIGHT * 0.28))
+        if median_h < min_h:
+            errors.append(f"atlas sprites are too small after normalization (median frame height {median_h}px)")
+
+    for state, boxes in cell_boxes_by_state.items():
+        if len(boxes) <= 1:
+            continue
+        widths = sorted(right - left for left, _top, right, _bottom in boxes)
+        heights = sorted(bottom - top for _left, top, _right, bottom in boxes)
+        med_w = max(1, widths[len(widths) // 2])
+        med_h = max(1, heights[len(heights) // 2])
+        max_w = widths[-1]
+        max_h = heights[-1]
+        if max_w > max(med_w * 3.0, med_w + 96) and max_h <= med_h * 1.6:
+            errors.append(f"state '{state}' contains a multi-pose frame outlier")
+        # Per-state collapse guard: one malformed row (tiny slivers / chopped
+        # fragments) should not pass because other rows are healthy.
+        if global_med_w and global_med_h:
+            min_state_w = max(32, round(global_med_w * 0.42))
+            min_state_h = max(40, round(global_med_h * 0.50))
+            if med_w < min_state_w or med_h < min_state_h:
+                errors.append(
+                    f"state '{state}' appears collapsed (median {med_w}x{med_h}px, global median {global_med_w}x{global_med_h}px)"
+                )
+
     # Transparent pixels must carry zero RGB (no halo residue).
     data = atlas.tobytes()
     residue = 0

agent/pet/generate/imagegen.py

@@ -14,29 +14,40 @@ producing an ungrounded, drifting pet.
 from __future__ import annotations
 
 import logging
+import os
 from dataclasses import dataclass
 from pathlib import Path
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
-# Providers that can ground generation on a reference image.
-# openrouter / nous reach Gemini Flash Image (and friends) over the
-# OpenRouter-compatible chat-completions image protocol, which accepts
-# reference images for grounding. Nous Portal proxies OpenRouter, so both
-# qualify.
-_REF_CAPABLE = ("openai", "openai-codex", "krea", "openrouter", "nous")
+# Providers that can ground generation on a reference image, in preference order
+# (Nous Portal → OpenAI → OpenRouter → …). OpenRouter/Nous run a quality-first
+# model chain and may fall back depending on account access and endpoint behavior,
+# so fidelity can vary by configured backend + model availability.
+_REF_CAPABLE = ("nous", "openai", "openai-codex", "openrouter", "krea")
 
-# Friendly label + one-line speed/quality note per reference-capable provider,
-# surfaced in the desktop pet-gen picker so users can trade speed for fidelity.
-_PROVIDER_META: dict[str, dict[str, str]] = {
-    "nous": {"label": "Nous Portal", "note": "Fast, balanced quality"},
-    "openrouter": {"label": "OpenRouter", "note": "Fastest — Gemini Flash Image"},
-    "openai": {"label": "OpenAI", "note": "Highest fidelity, slower"},
-    "openai-codex": {"label": "OpenAI (Codex)", "note": "Highest fidelity, slower"},
-    "krea": {"label": "Krea", "note": "Stylized, style-reference grounding"},
+# Friendly display label per reference-capable provider, surfaced in the desktop
+# pet-gen picker.
+_PROVIDER_LABELS: dict[str, str] = {
+    "nous": "Nous Portal",
+    "openrouter": "OpenRouter",
+    "openai": "OpenAI",
+    "openai-codex": "OpenAI (Codex)",
+    "krea": "Krea",
 }
 
 
+def _forced_provider_from_env() -> str | None:
+    """Optional QA override to force a pet-gen backend.
+
+    `HERMES_PET_IMAGE_PROVIDER=<name>` (e.g. `openrouter`) bypasses the normal
+    active/default provider resolution for pet generation only. Unknown values are
+    ignored so existing users are unaffected.
+    """
+    forced = os.environ.get("HERMES_PET_IMAGE_PROVIDER", "").strip().lower()
+    return forced if forced in _REF_CAPABLE else None
+
+
 class GenerationError(RuntimeError):
     """Raised on any image-generation failure (no provider, API error, IO)."""
 
@@ -71,6 +82,14 @@ def resolve_provider(*, require_references: bool = True, prefer: str | None = No
     _discover()
     from agent.image_gen_registry import get_active_provider, get_provider
 
+    # QA override: force one provider for pet-gen iteration regardless of the
+    # globally active image_gen backend.
+    forced = _forced_provider_from_env()
+    if forced:
+        chosen = get_provider(forced)
+        if chosen is not None and chosen.is_available():
+            return SpriteProvider(name=forced, provider=chosen, supports_references=True)
+
     # An explicit user pick wins when it's reference-capable and has credentials;
     # otherwise we ignore it and fall through to the normal resolution.
     if prefer:
@@ -110,10 +129,11 @@ def resolve_provider(*, require_references: bool = True, prefer: str | None = No
 def list_sprite_providers() -> list[dict]:
     """The reference-capable providers available to pick for pet generation.
 
-    Returns ``[{name, label, note, default}]`` for every ref-capable provider the
-    user actually has credentials for, marking the one :func:`resolve_provider`
-    would choose with no explicit preference. Empty when none is configured (the
-    picker hides itself). Best-effort: discovery hiccups yield an empty list.
+    Returns ``[{name, label, default}]`` for every ref-capable provider the user
+    actually has credentials for, in preference order, marking the one
+    :func:`resolve_provider` would choose with no explicit preference. Empty when
+    none is configured (the picker hides itself). Best-effort: discovery hiccups
+    yield an empty list.
     """
     _discover()
     from agent.image_gen_registry import get_provider
@@ -128,12 +148,10 @@ def list_sprite_providers() -> list[dict]:
         provider = get_provider(name)
         if provider is None or not provider.is_available():
             continue
-        meta = _PROVIDER_META.get(name, {})
         out.append(
             {
                 "name": name,
-                "label": meta.get("label", name),
-                "note": meta.get("note", ""),
+                "label": _PROVIDER_LABELS.get(name, name),
                 "default": name == default_name,
             }
         )

agent/pet/generate/orchestrate.py

@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ _MAX_PARALLEL_GENERATIONS = 4
 # How many times to (re)generate a single row before accepting a best-effort
 # slice. Early attempts demand clean per-pose gutters; the last is lenient so a
 # stubborn row still yields frames instead of dropping out entirely.
-_ROW_GEN_ATTEMPTS = 2
+_ROW_GEN_ATTEMPTS = 3
 _MIN_FILLED_STATES = 6
 _REQUIRED_STATES = frozenset({"idle", "running-right", "waving"})
 

agent/pet/generate/prompts.py

@@ -63,12 +63,14 @@ _STYLE_HINTS: dict[str, str] = {
 }
 
 _BACKGROUND = (
-    "Center one full-body character on a flat, uniform, high-contrast chroma-key "
-    "background (prefer pure hot magenta #FF00FF unless that color appears on "
-    "the character). The background must completely surround the character: one "
-    "even color with NO gradient, vignette, texture, pattern, scenery, shadow, "
-    "ground line, frame, or border, so it keys out cleanly. The background color "
-    "must not appear anywhere on the character itself. No text, no labels."
+    "Center the character on a SINGLE flat, uniform, high-contrast chroma-key "
+    "background — pure hot magenta #FF00FF (only if magenta appears on the "
+    "character, use pure green #00FF00 instead). The background is ONE continuous "
+    "even color that completely surrounds the character with NO gradient, "
+    "vignette, texture, pattern, scenery, shadow, ground line, frame, border, "
+    "panel, comic cell, gutter line, grid, or divider of any kind, so it keys out "
+    "cleanly. The background color must not appear anywhere on the character. "
+    "No text, no labels, no speech bubbles, no UI."
 )
 
 
@@ -149,8 +151,12 @@ def build_row_prompt(state: str, frame_count: int, concept: str, *, style: str |
         f"(same species, face, colors, markings, proportions, and props), "
         "preserving the same emotional tone/mood (e.g., scary stays scary, cute stays cute), "
         f"draw a single WIDE horizontal strip of {frame_count} animation frames showing {action}. "
-        f"LAYOUT: split the wide strip into {frame_count} equal vertical cells, one "
-        "pose centered in each cell. "
+        f"LAYOUT: arrange {frame_count} poses in ONE horizontal row at equal spacing, "
+        "each pose centered in its own imaginary equal region. Draw NO panel borders, "
+        "NO comic cells, NO boxes, NO vertical divider/gutter lines, NO grid, NO frame "
+        "outlines between poses — the backdrop is one unbroken flat field behind all of them. "
+        "Fill the WHOLE strip with the SAME single flat chroma-key color as the attached "
+        "reference image's background (identical hue in every frame, no per-pose color shifts). "
         f"SPACING (critical): draw each pose at a consistent, healthy, clearly "
         f"visible size (roughly {pose_px}px wide on a {_ASSUMED_STRIP_WIDTH}px "
         f"strip) — do NOT shrink it tiny — but keep its ENTIRE silhouette "
@@ -166,8 +172,9 @@ def build_row_prompt(state: str, frame_count: int, concept: str, *, style: str |
         # so only the action moves — this is what stops the loop sliding/pulsing.
         "REGISTRATION (critical): the character is the SAME height and SAME width "
         "in every frame, drawn at the SAME scale, centered over the SAME point, "
-        "with all feet resting on ONE shared horizontal ground line across the "
-        "whole strip. Keep the body's center, size, and stance fixed frame to "
+        "with all feet aligned to the SAME invisible horizontal baseline across the "
+        "whole strip — this baseline is conceptual ONLY: draw NO ground line, floor, "
+        "platform, horizon, or contact shadow beneath the feet. Keep the body's center, size, and stance fixed frame to "
         "frame — ONLY the limbs/features the action needs may move. Capes, cloaks, "
         "bags, and scarves stay in the SAME place and shape every frame (no "
         "swinging, flowing, or drifting) unless the action itself requires it. No "

agent/prompt_builder.py

@@ -243,7 +243,10 @@ KANBAN_GUIDANCE = (
     "- **Workspace.** `cd $HERMES_KANBAN_WORKSPACE` first. For a `worktree` kind "
     "with no `.git`, `git worktree add <path> "
     "${HERMES_KANBAN_BRANCH:-wt/$HERMES_KANBAN_TASK}` from the main repo, then "
-    "cd there.\n"
+    "cd there. For a project-linked task the workspace is a fresh "
+    "`<repo>/.worktrees/<task-id>` and `$HERMES_KANBAN_BRANCH` a deterministic "
+    "`<project-slug>/<task-id>` — the main repo is two levels up, so run "
+    "`git worktree add` from there.\n"
     "- **Deliverables.** Files a human wants go in "
     "`kanban_complete(artifacts=[<absolute paths>])` (top-level param; paths in "
     "`metadata` are NOT uploaded). Files must exist at completion.\n"

agent/retry_utils.py

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ rate-limited provider concurrently.
 import random
 import threading
 import time
+from typing import Any
 
 # Monotonic counter for jitter seed uniqueness within the same process.
 # Protected by a lock to avoid race conditions in concurrent retry paths
@@ -15,6 +16,14 @@ import time
 _jitter_counter = 0
 _jitter_lock = threading.Lock()
 
+# Z.AI Coding Plan's GLM-5.2 endpoint often returns HTTP 429 code 1305
+# ("The service may be temporarily overloaded...") for otherwise valid
+# Hermes requests. Short retries tend to hammer the same overloaded window;
+# after a few normal retries, progressively widen the wait window. Keep the
+# cap interactive-friendly: a simple TUI message should fail visibly in minutes,
+# not sit silent for 20+ minutes.
+_ZAI_CODING_OVERLOAD_LONG_BACKOFF = (30.0, 60.0, 90.0, 120.0)
+
 
 def jittered_backoff(
     attempt: int,
@@ -55,3 +64,66 @@ def jittered_backoff(
     jitter = rng.uniform(0, jitter_ratio * delay)
 
     return delay + jitter
+
+
+def _error_text(error: Any) -> str:
+    """Best-effort flattened provider error text for retry classification."""
+    parts = [
+        error,
+        getattr(error, "message", None),
+        getattr(error, "body", None),
+        getattr(error, "response", None),
+    ]
+    return " ".join(str(part) for part in parts if part is not None).lower()
+
+
+def is_zai_coding_overload_error(*, base_url: str | None, model: str | None, error: Any) -> bool:
+    """Return True for Z.AI Coding Plan transient overload 429s.
+
+    The coding-plan endpoint reports overload as HTTP 429 with body code 1305
+    and message "The service may be temporarily overloaded...". Treat only
+    that narrow shape specially so ordinary quota/billing 429s still fail fast
+    through the existing classifier.
+    """
+    base = (base_url or "").lower()
+    model_name = (model or "").lower()
+    status = getattr(error, "status_code", None)
+    text = _error_text(error)
+    return (
+        status == 429
+        and "api.z.ai/api/coding/paas/v4" in base
+        and "glm-5.2" in model_name
+        and ("1305" in text or "temporarily overloaded" in text)
+    )
+
+
+def adaptive_rate_limit_backoff(
+    attempt: int,
+    *,
+    base_url: str | None,
+    model: str | None,
+    error: Any,
+    default_wait: float,
+    short_attempts: int = 3,
+) -> tuple[float, str | None]:
+    """Provider-aware rate-limit backoff.
+
+    For most providers this returns ``default_wait`` unchanged. For Z.AI
+    Coding Plan GLM-5.2 overloads, keep the first ``short_attempts`` retries on
+    the normal short exponential schedule, then switch to progressively longer
+    waits (30s → 60s → 90s → 120s, capped) plus light jitter.
+
+    ``attempt`` is 1-based, matching the retry loop's logged attempt number.
+    Returns ``(wait_seconds, reason_label)`` where ``reason_label`` is suitable
+    for status/log decoration when a provider-specific policy fired.
+    """
+    if not is_zai_coding_overload_error(base_url=base_url, model=model, error=error):
+        return default_wait, None
+    if attempt <= short_attempts:
+        return default_wait, "zai_coding_overload_short"
+
+    idx = min(attempt - short_attempts - 1, len(_ZAI_CODING_OVERLOAD_LONG_BACKOFF) - 1)
+    base_delay = _ZAI_CODING_OVERLOAD_LONG_BACKOFF[idx]
+    # A smaller jitter ratio keeps long waits readable while still avoiding
+    # synchronized retry storms across concurrent Hermes sessions.
+    return jittered_backoff(1, base_delay=base_delay, max_delay=base_delay, jitter_ratio=0.2), "zai_coding_overload_long"

agent/tool_dispatch_helpers.py

@@ -11,7 +11,8 @@ Pure module-level utilities extracted from ``run_agent.py``:
   ``_append_subdir_hint_to_multimodal`` — envelope helpers for the
   ``{"_multimodal": True, "content": [...], "text_summary": ...}`` dict
   shape returned by tools like ``computer_use``.
-* ``_extract_file_mutation_targets`` / ``_extract_error_preview`` —
+* ``_extract_file_mutation_targets`` / ``_extract_landed_file_mutation_paths`` /
+  ``_extract_error_preview`` —
   per-turn file-mutation verifier inputs.
 * ``_trajectory_normalize_msg`` — strip image blobs from a message for
   trajectory saving.
@@ -269,6 +270,35 @@ def _extract_file_mutation_targets(tool_name: str, args: Dict[str, Any]) -> List
     return []
 
 
+def _extract_landed_file_mutation_paths(
+    tool_name: str,
+    args: Dict[str, Any],
+    result: Any,
+) -> List[str]:
+    """Return the concrete file paths a successful mutation reports."""
+    targets = _extract_file_mutation_targets(tool_name, args)
+    if tool_name not in _FILE_MUTATING_TOOLS or not isinstance(result, str):
+        return targets
+    try:
+        data = json.loads(result.strip())
+    except Exception:
+        return targets
+    if not isinstance(data, dict):
+        return targets
+
+    files = data.get("files_modified")
+    if isinstance(files, list):
+        landed = [str(p) for p in files if p]
+        if landed:
+            return landed
+
+    resolved = data.get("resolved_path")
+    if resolved:
+        return [str(resolved)]
+
+    return targets
+
+
 def _extract_error_preview(result: Any, max_len: int = 180) -> str:
     """Pull a one-line error summary out of a tool result for footer display."""
     text = _multimodal_text_summary(result) if result is not None else ""
@@ -411,6 +441,7 @@ __all__ = [
     "_multimodal_text_summary",
     "_append_subdir_hint_to_multimodal",
     "_extract_file_mutation_targets",
+    "_extract_landed_file_mutation_paths",
     "_extract_error_preview",
     "_trajectory_normalize_msg",
     "make_tool_result_message",

agent/transports/codex.py

@@ -5,12 +5,47 @@ This transport owns format conversion and normalization — NOT client lifecycle
 streaming, or the _run_codex_stream() call path.
 """
 
+import hashlib
+import json
 from typing import Any, Dict, List, Optional
 
 from agent.transports.base import ProviderTransport
 from agent.transports.types import NormalizedResponse, ToolCall
 
 
+def _content_cache_key(instructions: str, tools: Optional[List[Dict[str, Any]]]) -> Optional[str]:
+    """Content-address the prompt cache key from the static request prefix.
+
+    Returns ``pck_<sha256[:24]>`` of (instructions + sorted tool schemas), or
+    None when there is nothing static to key on. The cache key is a routing
+    hint only — never a correctness boundary — so two requests sharing a system
+    prompt and tool set intentionally resolve to the same warm prefix bucket.
+
+    The fix this exists for: recurring cron jobs build session_id as
+    ``cron_<id>_<timestamp>``, so using session_id as the cache key made every
+    fire cache-cold. The static prefix (identity + tools) is identical across
+    fires, so hashing it gives a stable key that stays warm within the
+    provider's cache TTL. Sorting tools by name keeps the hash insertion-order
+    independent.
+    """
+    if not instructions and not tools:
+        return None
+    tools_part = ""
+    if tools:
+        sorted_tools = sorted(
+            (t for t in tools if isinstance(t, dict)),
+            key=lambda t: str(t.get("name") or t.get("type") or ""),
+        )
+        tools_part = json.dumps(
+            sorted_tools, sort_keys=True, ensure_ascii=False, separators=(",", ":")
+        )
+    # \x00 separator so instructions ending in the tool JSON can't collide with
+    # a request whose instructions contain that JSON and whose tools are empty.
+    content = f"{instructions or ''}\x00{tools_part}"
+    digest = hashlib.sha256(content.encode("utf-8", errors="replace")).hexdigest()[:24]
+    return f"pck_{digest}"
+
+
 class ResponsesApiTransport(ProviderTransport):
     """Transport for api_mode='codex_responses'.
 
@@ -71,7 +106,10 @@ class ResponsesApiTransport(ProviderTransport):
         params:
             instructions: str — system prompt (extracted from messages[0] if not given)
             reasoning_config: dict | None — {effort, enabled}
-            session_id: str | None — used for prompt_cache_key + xAI conv header
+            session_id: str | None — transcript/session id; drives the xAI
+                x-grok-conv-id header and the Codex cache-scope headers, and is
+                the fallback prompt_cache_key when there is no static prefix to
+                content-address
             max_tokens: int | None — max_output_tokens
             timeout: float | None — per-request timeout forwarded to the SDK
             request_overrides: dict | None — extra kwargs merged in
@@ -212,10 +250,17 @@ class ResponsesApiTransport(ProviderTransport):
             kwargs["parallel_tool_calls"] = True
 
         session_id = params.get("session_id")
+        # prompt_cache_key is content-addressed from the static prefix
+        # (instructions + tools), NOT session_id — recurring cron jobs carry a
+        # per-fire timestamp in session_id (cron_<id>_<ts>) that made every run
+        # cache-cold. session_id is left untouched for transcript isolation and
+        # the cache-scope routing headers below. Falls back to session_id when
+        # there is no static content to hash.
+        cache_key = _content_cache_key(instructions, response_tools) or session_id
         # xAI Responses takes prompt_cache_key in extra_body (set further
         # down); GitHub Models opts out of cache-key routing entirely.
-        if not is_github_responses and not is_xai_responses and session_id:
-            kwargs["prompt_cache_key"] = session_id
+        if not is_github_responses and not is_xai_responses and cache_key:
+            kwargs["prompt_cache_key"] = cache_key
 
         if reasoning_enabled and is_xai_responses:
             from agent.model_metadata import grok_supports_reasoning_effort
@@ -326,7 +371,7 @@ class ResponsesApiTransport(ProviderTransport):
             merged_extra_body: Dict[str, Any] = {}
             if isinstance(existing_extra_body, dict):
                 merged_extra_body.update(existing_extra_body)
-            merged_extra_body.setdefault("prompt_cache_key", session_id)
+            merged_extra_body.setdefault("prompt_cache_key", cache_key)
             kwargs["extra_body"] = merged_extra_body
 
         return kwargs

agent/transports/codex_event_projector.py

@@ -217,7 +217,9 @@ class CodexEventProjector:
     def _project_mcp_tool_call(self, item: dict, item_id: str) -> ProjectionResult:
         server = item.get("server") or "mcp"
         tool = item.get("tool") or "unknown"
-        call_id = _deterministic_call_id(f"mcp_{server}_{tool}", item_id)
+        # Mirror the native MCP tool-name convention (mcp__server__tool) so the
+        # deterministic call_id input stays consistent with registration names.
+        call_id = _deterministic_call_id(f"mcp__{server}__{tool}", item_id)
         args = item.get("arguments") or {}
         if not isinstance(args, dict):
             args = {"arguments": args}

agent/turn_context.py

@@ -142,7 +142,13 @@ def build_turn_context(
     # Guard stdio against OSError from broken pipes (systemd/headless/daemon).
     install_safe_stdio()
 
-    agent._ensure_db_session()
+    # NOTE: the DB session row is created later, AFTER the system prompt is
+    # restored/built (see _ensure_db_session() below the system-prompt block).
+    # Creating it here — before _cached_system_prompt is populated — inserts a
+    # row with system_prompt=NULL on a fresh API/gateway agent that carries
+    # client-managed history, which then trips the "stored system prompt is
+    # null; rebuilding from scratch" warning and a needless first-turn prefix
+    # cache miss. (Issue #45499.)
 
     # Tell auxiliary_client what the live main provider/model are for this turn.
     try:
@@ -309,6 +315,11 @@ def build_turn_context(
 
     active_system_prompt = agent._cached_system_prompt
 
+    # Create the DB session row now that _cached_system_prompt is populated, so
+    # the persisted snapshot is written non-NULL on the first turn (Issue
+    # #45499). Idempotent: _ensure_db_session() no-ops once the row exists.
+    agent._ensure_db_session()
+
     # Crash-resilience: persist the inbound user turn as soon as the session row exists.
     try:
         agent._persist_session(messages, conversation_history)
@@ -427,6 +438,8 @@ def build_turn_context(
 
     # Per-turn file-mutation verifier state.
     agent._turn_failed_file_mutations = {}
+    agent._turn_file_mutation_paths = set()
+    agent._verification_stop_nudges = 0
 
     # Record the execution thread so interrupt()/clear_interrupt() can scope
     # the tool-level interrupt signal to THIS agent's thread only.

agent/turn_finalizer.py

@@ -181,13 +181,9 @@ def finalize_turn(
         # here instead. On an interrupt ``final_response`` is typically
         # empty, so fall back to an explicit placeholder rather than
         # persisting an empty-content assistant turn.
-        if interrupted and messages and messages[-1].get("role") == "tool":
-            messages.append(
-                {
-                    "role": "assistant",
-                    "content": (final_response or "").strip() or "Operation interrupted.",
-                }
-            )
+        if interrupted:
+            from agent.message_sanitization import close_interrupted_tool_sequence
+            close_interrupted_tool_sequence(messages, final_response)
 
         agent._persist_session(messages, conversation_history)
     except Exception as _persist_err:

agent/verification_evidence.py

@@ -0,0 +1,618 @@
+"""Coding verification evidence ledger.
+
+This module records what the agent actually proved while working in a code
+workspace. It is deliberately passive: it never decides to run a suite, never
+blocks completion, and never upgrades targeted checks into "repo green".
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import json
+import re
+import shlex
+import sqlite3
+import tempfile
+import threading
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+from datetime import datetime, timedelta, timezone
+from pathlib import Path
+from typing import Any, Optional
+
+from hermes_constants import get_hermes_home
+
+
+_DB_LOCK = threading.Lock()
+_MAX_OUTPUT_SUMMARY_CHARS = 2000
+_MAX_EVIDENCE_AGE_DAYS = 30
+_MAX_EVENTS_PER_SESSION_ROOT = 100
+_MAX_TOTAL_UNREFERENCED_EVENTS = 10_000
+_AD_HOC_SCRIPT_NAME_PREFIXES = ("hermes-verify-", "hermes-ad-hoc-")
+_VERIFY_SCHEMA_VERSION = 1
+_SHELL_SPLIT_RE = re.compile(r"\s*(?:&&|\|\||;)\s*")
+
+
+@dataclass(frozen=True)
+class VerificationEvidence:
+    """A classified command result worth recording."""
+
+    command: str
+    canonical_command: str
+    kind: str
+    scope: str
+    status: str
+    exit_code: int
+    cwd: str
+    root: str
+    session_id: str
+    output_summary: str = ""
+
+
+def _utc_now() -> str:
+    return datetime.now(timezone.utc).isoformat()
+
+
+def _retention_cutoff() -> str:
+    return (datetime.now(timezone.utc) - timedelta(days=_MAX_EVIDENCE_AGE_DAYS)).isoformat()
+
+
+def _db_path() -> Path:
+    return get_hermes_home() / "verification_evidence.db"
+
+
+def _connect() -> sqlite3.Connection:
+    path = _db_path()
+    path.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+    conn = sqlite3.connect(path)
+    conn.execute("PRAGMA journal_mode=WAL")
+    conn.execute("PRAGMA busy_timeout=5000")
+    conn.row_factory = sqlite3.Row
+    _ensure_schema(conn)
+    return conn
+
+
+def _ensure_schema(conn: sqlite3.Connection) -> None:
+    conn.execute(
+        """
+        CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS meta (
+            key TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
+            value TEXT NOT NULL
+        )
+        """
+    )
+    conn.execute(
+        """
+        CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS verification_events (
+            id INTEGER PRIMARY KEY AUTOINCREMENT,
+            created_at TEXT NOT NULL,
+            session_id TEXT NOT NULL,
+            cwd TEXT NOT NULL,
+            root TEXT NOT NULL,
+            command TEXT NOT NULL,
+            canonical_command TEXT NOT NULL,
+            kind TEXT NOT NULL,
+            scope TEXT NOT NULL,
+            status TEXT NOT NULL,
+            exit_code INTEGER NOT NULL,
+            output_summary TEXT NOT NULL
+        )
+        """
+    )
+    conn.execute(
+        """
+        CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS verification_state (
+            session_id TEXT NOT NULL,
+            root TEXT NOT NULL,
+            last_event_id INTEGER,
+            last_edit_at TEXT,
+            changed_paths_json TEXT NOT NULL DEFAULT '[]',
+            PRIMARY KEY (session_id, root)
+        )
+        """
+    )
+    conn.execute(
+        """
+        CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_verification_events_session_root
+        ON verification_events(session_id, root, id DESC)
+        """
+    )
+    conn.execute(
+        "INSERT OR REPLACE INTO meta(key, value) VALUES ('schema_version', ?)",
+        (str(_VERIFY_SCHEMA_VERSION),),
+    )
+    conn.commit()
+
+
+def _split_segment_tokens(command: str) -> list[list[str]]:
+    segments: list[list[str]] = []
+    for segment in _SHELL_SPLIT_RE.split(command.strip()):
+        if not segment:
+            continue
+        try:
+            tokens = shlex.split(segment)
+        except ValueError:
+            continue
+        if tokens:
+            segments.append(tokens)
+    return segments
+
+
+def _clean_token(token: str) -> str:
+    token = token.strip()
+    while token.startswith("./"):
+        token = token[2:]
+    return token
+
+
+def _canonical_tokens(canonical: str) -> list[str]:
+    try:
+        return [_clean_token(t) for t in shlex.split(canonical) if t]
+    except ValueError:
+        return []
+
+
+def _find_subsequence(tokens: list[str], needle: list[str]) -> Optional[int]:
+    if not tokens or not needle or len(needle) > len(tokens):
+        return None
+    cleaned = [_clean_token(t) for t in tokens]
+    for idx in range(0, len(cleaned) - len(needle) + 1):
+        if cleaned[idx:idx + len(needle)] == needle:
+            return idx
+    return None
+
+
+def _strip_command_prefix(tokens: list[str]) -> list[str]:
+    """Remove harmless command prefixes before matching canonical commands."""
+    remaining = list(tokens)
+    if remaining and remaining[0] == "env":
+        remaining = remaining[1:]
+    while remaining and "=" in remaining[0] and not remaining[0].startswith("-"):
+        remaining = remaining[1:]
+    while remaining and remaining[0] in {"command", "time", "noglob"}:
+        remaining = remaining[1:]
+    return remaining
+
+
+def _equivalent_needles(needle: list[str]) -> list[list[str]]:
+    """Return command spellings equivalent to the detected canonical command."""
+    candidates = [needle]
+    if len(needle) >= 3 and needle[1] == "run":
+        package_manager = needle[0]
+        script_name = needle[2]
+        if package_manager in {"npm", "pnpm", "yarn", "bun"}:
+            candidates.append([package_manager, script_name])
+    if len(needle) == 1 and "/" in needle[0]:
+        candidates.extend([["bash", needle[0]], ["sh", needle[0]]])
+    if needle == ["pytest"]:
+        candidates.extend(
+            [
+                ["python", "-m", "pytest"],
+                ["python3", "-m", "pytest"],
+                ["uv", "run", "pytest"],
+                ["poetry", "run", "pytest"],
+                ["pipenv", "run", "pytest"],
+            ]
+        )
+    return candidates
+
+
+def _find_canonical_match(command: str, canonical_commands: list[str]) -> Optional[tuple[str, list[str]]]:
+    """Return ``(canonical, trailing_args)`` for the first detected command."""
+
+    segments = _split_segment_tokens(command)
+    for canonical in canonical_commands:
+        needle = _canonical_tokens(canonical)
+        if not needle:
+            continue
+        for tokens in segments:
+            candidate_tokens = _strip_command_prefix(tokens)
+            for candidate in _equivalent_needles(needle):
+                if candidate_tokens[:len(candidate)] == candidate:
+                    return canonical, candidate_tokens[len(candidate):]
+    return None
+
+
+def _kind_for_command(canonical: str) -> str:
+    lowered = canonical.lower()
+    if any(word in lowered for word in ("lint", "eslint", "ruff")):
+        return "lint"
+    if any(word in lowered for word in ("typecheck", "tsc", "mypy", "pyright", "ty")):
+        return "typecheck"
+    if "build" in lowered:
+        return "build"
+    if "fmt" in lowered or "format" in lowered:
+        return "format"
+    if "check" in lowered and "test" not in lowered:
+        return "check"
+    return "test"
+
+
+def _looks_like_target(arg: str) -> bool:
+    if not arg or arg.startswith("-") or "=" in arg:
+        return False
+    return (
+        "/" in arg
+        or "\\" in arg
+        or "::" in arg
+        or arg.endswith((".py", ".js", ".jsx", ".ts", ".tsx", ".rs", ".go", ".java"))
+        or arg.startswith(("test_", "tests", "spec", "__tests__"))
+    )
+
+
+def _scope_for_args(args: list[str]) -> str:
+    return "targeted" if any(_looks_like_target(arg) for arg in args) else "full"
+
+
+def _is_under_temp_dir(token: str) -> bool:
+    if not token or token.startswith("-"):
+        return False
+    try:
+        path = Path(token).expanduser()
+        if not path.is_absolute():
+            return False
+        resolved = path.resolve()
+        temp_root = Path(tempfile.gettempdir()).resolve()
+        return resolved == temp_root or temp_root in resolved.parents
+    except Exception:
+        return False
+
+
+def _is_under_root(token: str, root: str | Path | None) -> bool:
+    if not root:
+        return False
+    try:
+        path = Path(token).expanduser().resolve()
+        root_path = Path(root).expanduser().resolve()
+        return path == root_path or root_path in path.parents
+    except Exception:
+        return False
+
+
+def _is_temp_script_path(token: str, root: str | Path | None) -> bool:
+    try:
+        name = Path(token).expanduser().name
+    except Exception:
+        return False
+    return (
+        name.startswith(_AD_HOC_SCRIPT_NAME_PREFIXES)
+        and _is_under_temp_dir(token)
+        and not _is_under_root(token, root)
+    )
+
+
+def _ad_hoc_script_args(tokens: list[str], root: str | Path | None) -> Optional[list[str]]:
+    candidate_tokens = _strip_command_prefix(tokens)
+    if not candidate_tokens:
+        return None
+    command = candidate_tokens[0]
+    if _is_temp_script_path(command, root):
+        return candidate_tokens[1:]
+    if command in {"python", "python3", "node", "bash", "sh", "ruby", "perl"}:
+        for idx, token in enumerate(candidate_tokens[1:], start=1):
+            if token == "--":
+                continue
+            if _is_temp_script_path(token, root):
+                return candidate_tokens[idx + 1:]
+            if not token.startswith("-"):
+                return None
+    return None
+
+
+def _find_ad_hoc_match(command: str, root: str | Path | None) -> Optional[list[str]]:
+    for tokens in _split_segment_tokens(command):
+        trailing_args = _ad_hoc_script_args(tokens, root)
+        if trailing_args is not None:
+            return trailing_args
+    return None
+
+
+def _summarize_output(output: str) -> str:
+    text = (output or "").strip()
+    if len(text) <= _MAX_OUTPUT_SUMMARY_CHARS:
+        return text
+    head = _MAX_OUTPUT_SUMMARY_CHARS // 3
+    tail = _MAX_OUTPUT_SUMMARY_CHARS - head
+    return (
+        text[:head]
+        + f"\n... [{len(text) - _MAX_OUTPUT_SUMMARY_CHARS} chars omitted] ...\n"
+        + text[-tail:]
+    )
+
+
+def _prune_old_events(conn: sqlite3.Connection, *, session_id: str, root: str) -> None:
+    """Bound ledger growth without deleting the current state pointer."""
+    cutoff = _retention_cutoff()
+    conn.execute(
+        """
+        DELETE FROM verification_events
+        WHERE session_id = ?
+          AND root = ?
+          AND id NOT IN (
+              SELECT id FROM verification_events
+              WHERE session_id = ? AND root = ?
+              ORDER BY id DESC
+              LIMIT ?
+          )
+        """,
+        (session_id, root, session_id, root, _MAX_EVENTS_PER_SESSION_ROOT),
+    )
+    conn.execute(
+        """
+        DELETE FROM verification_state
+        WHERE (
+            last_edit_at IS NOT NULL
+            AND last_edit_at < ?
+        )
+        OR (
+            last_edit_at IS NULL
+            AND last_event_id IN (
+                SELECT id FROM verification_events
+                WHERE created_at < ?
+            )
+        )
+        """,
+        (cutoff, cutoff),
+    )
+    conn.execute(
+        """
+        DELETE FROM verification_events
+        WHERE created_at < ?
+          AND id NOT IN (
+              SELECT last_event_id FROM verification_state
+              WHERE last_event_id IS NOT NULL
+          )
+        """,
+        (cutoff,),
+    )
+    conn.execute(
+        """
+        DELETE FROM verification_events
+        WHERE id NOT IN (
+            SELECT id FROM verification_events
+            ORDER BY id DESC
+            LIMIT ?
+        )
+          AND id NOT IN (
+              SELECT last_event_id FROM verification_state
+              WHERE last_event_id IS NOT NULL
+          )
+        """,
+        (_MAX_TOTAL_UNREFERENCED_EVENTS,),
+    )
+
+
+def classify_verification_command(
+    command: str,
+    *,
+    cwd: str | Path | None = None,
+    session_id: str | None = None,
+    exit_code: int = 0,
+    output: str = "",
+) -> Optional[VerificationEvidence]:
+    """Classify a terminal command as verification evidence, if applicable."""
+
+    if not command or not isinstance(command, str):
+        return None
+    try:
+        from agent.coding_context import project_facts_for
+
+        facts = project_facts_for(cwd)
+    except Exception:
+        facts = None
+    if not facts:
+        return None
+
+    verify_commands = list(facts.get("verifyCommands") or [])
+    match = _find_canonical_match(command, verify_commands)
+    is_ad_hoc = False
+    if match is None and not verify_commands:
+        ad_hoc_args = _find_ad_hoc_match(command, facts.get("root"))
+        if ad_hoc_args is not None:
+            match = ("ad-hoc verification script", ad_hoc_args)
+            is_ad_hoc = True
+    if match is None:
+        return None
+
+    canonical, trailing_args = match
+    return VerificationEvidence(
+        command=command,
+        canonical_command=canonical,
+        kind="ad_hoc" if is_ad_hoc else _kind_for_command(canonical),
+        scope="targeted" if is_ad_hoc else _scope_for_args(trailing_args),
+        status="passed" if int(exit_code) == 0 else "failed",
+        exit_code=int(exit_code),
+        cwd=str(Path(cwd or ".").resolve()),
+        root=str(facts.get("root") or Path(cwd or ".").resolve()),
+        session_id=str(session_id or "default"),
+        output_summary=_summarize_output(output),
+    )
+
+
+def record_terminal_result(
+    *,
+    command: str,
+    cwd: str | Path | None,
+    session_id: str | None,
+    exit_code: int,
+    output: str = "",
+) -> Optional[dict[str, Any]]:
+    """Record a foreground terminal result when it is verification evidence."""
+
+    evidence = classify_verification_command(
+        command,
+        cwd=cwd,
+        session_id=session_id,
+        exit_code=exit_code,
+        output=output,
+    )
+    if evidence is None:
+        return None
+
+    created_at = _utc_now()
+    with _DB_LOCK:
+        with _connect() as conn:
+            cur = conn.execute(
+                """
+                INSERT INTO verification_events(
+                    created_at, session_id, cwd, root, command, canonical_command,
+                    kind, scope, status, exit_code, output_summary
+                ) VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?)
+                """,
+                (
+                    created_at,
+                    evidence.session_id,
+                    evidence.cwd,
+                    evidence.root,
+                    evidence.command,
+                    evidence.canonical_command,
+                    evidence.kind,
+                    evidence.scope,
+                    evidence.status,
+                    evidence.exit_code,
+                    evidence.output_summary,
+                ),
+            )
+            if cur.lastrowid is None:
+                raise RuntimeError("verification event insert did not return an id")
+            event_id = int(cur.lastrowid)
+            conn.execute(
+                """
+                INSERT INTO verification_state(
+                    session_id, root, last_event_id, last_edit_at, changed_paths_json
+                ) VALUES (?, ?, ?, NULL, '[]')
+                ON CONFLICT(session_id, root) DO UPDATE SET
+                    last_event_id = excluded.last_event_id,
+                    last_edit_at = NULL,
+                    changed_paths_json = '[]'
+                """,
+                (evidence.session_id, evidence.root, event_id),
+            )
+            _prune_old_events(conn, session_id=evidence.session_id, root=evidence.root)
+            conn.commit()
+
+    return {"id": event_id, **evidence.__dict__, "created_at": created_at}
+
+
+def mark_workspace_edited(
+    *,
+    session_id: str | None,
+    cwd: str | Path | None,
+    paths: list[str] | tuple[str, ...] | None = None,
+) -> Optional[dict[str, Any]]:
+    """Mark verification evidence stale after a successful file edit."""
+
+    try:
+        from agent.coding_context import project_facts_for
+
+        facts = project_facts_for(cwd)
+    except Exception:
+        facts = None
+    if not facts:
+        return None
+
+    sid = str(session_id or "default")
+    root = str(facts.get("root") or Path(cwd or ".").resolve())
+    changed_paths = sorted({str(p) for p in (paths or []) if p})
+    edited_at = _utc_now()
+
+    with _DB_LOCK:
+        with _connect() as conn:
+            row = conn.execute(
+                """
+                SELECT changed_paths_json FROM verification_state
+                WHERE session_id = ? AND root = ?
+                """,
+                (sid, root),
+            ).fetchone()
+            existing: set[str] = set()
+            if row is not None:
+                try:
+                    existing = set(json.loads(row["changed_paths_json"] or "[]"))
+                except (TypeError, ValueError):
+                    existing = set()
+            merged = sorted((existing | set(changed_paths)))[-200:]
+            conn.execute(
+                """
+                INSERT INTO verification_state(
+                    session_id, root, last_event_id, last_edit_at, changed_paths_json
+                ) VALUES (?, ?, NULL, ?, ?)
+                ON CONFLICT(session_id, root) DO UPDATE SET
+                    last_edit_at = excluded.last_edit_at,
+                    changed_paths_json = excluded.changed_paths_json
+                """,
+                (sid, root, edited_at, json.dumps(merged)),
+            )
+            conn.commit()
+
+    return {"session_id": sid, "root": root, "last_edit_at": edited_at, "changed_paths": changed_paths}
+
+
+def verification_status(
+    *,
+    session_id: str | None,
+    cwd: str | Path | None,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Return the best known verification state for a session/workspace."""
+
+    try:
+        from agent.coding_context import project_facts_for
+
+        facts = project_facts_for(cwd)
+    except Exception:
+        facts = None
+    if not facts:
+        return {"status": "not_applicable", "evidence": None}
+
+    sid = str(session_id or "default")
+    root = str(facts.get("root") or Path(cwd or ".").resolve())
+    with _DB_LOCK:
+        with _connect() as conn:
+            state = conn.execute(
+                """
+                SELECT last_event_id, last_edit_at, changed_paths_json
+                FROM verification_state
+                WHERE session_id = ? AND root = ?
+                """,
+                (sid, root),
+            ).fetchone()
+            if state is None:
+                return {
+                    "status": "unverified",
+                    "evidence": None,
+                    "root": root,
+                    "session_id": sid,
+                    "changed_paths": [],
+                }
+            event = None
+            if state["last_event_id"] is not None:
+                event = conn.execute(
+                    "SELECT * FROM verification_events WHERE id = ?",
+                    (state["last_event_id"],),
+                ).fetchone()
+
+    changed_paths: list[str] = []
+    try:
+        changed_paths = json.loads(state["changed_paths_json"] or "[]")
+    except (TypeError, ValueError):
+        changed_paths = []
+
+    if event is None:
+        return {
+            "status": "unverified",
+            "evidence": None,
+            "root": root,
+            "session_id": sid,
+            "changed_paths": changed_paths,
+        }
+
+    evidence = dict(event)
+    if state["last_edit_at"] and state["last_edit_at"] > evidence["created_at"]:
+        status = "stale"
+    else:
+        status = evidence["status"]
+    return {
+        "status": status,
+        "evidence": evidence,
+        "root": root,
+        "session_id": sid,
+        "changed_paths": changed_paths,
+    }

agent/verification_stop.py

@@ -0,0 +1,164 @@
+"""Turn-end verification guard for coding edits.
+
+This module is intentionally policy-only. It never runs checks itself; it turns
+the passive verification ledger into a bounded follow-up when the model tries to
+finish immediately after editing code without fresh evidence.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+import tempfile
+from pathlib import Path
+from typing import Any, Iterable
+
+
+_MAX_CHANGED_PATHS_IN_NUDGE = 8
+
+
+def verify_on_stop_enabled(config: dict[str, Any] | None = None) -> bool:
+    """Return whether edit -> verify-before-finish behavior is enabled."""
+    env = os.environ.get("HERMES_VERIFY_ON_STOP")
+    if env is not None:
+        return env.strip().lower() not in {"0", "false", "no", "off"}
+    if config is None:
+        try:
+            from hermes_cli.config import load_config
+
+            config = load_config()
+        except Exception:
+            config = {}
+    agent_cfg = (config or {}).get("agent") if isinstance(config, dict) else None
+    if isinstance(agent_cfg, dict) and "verify_on_stop" in agent_cfg:
+        return bool(agent_cfg.get("verify_on_stop"))
+    return True
+
+
+def _candidate_cwds(paths: Iterable[str]) -> list[Path]:
+    candidates: list[Path] = []
+    seen: set[str] = set()
+    for raw in paths:
+        if not raw:
+            continue
+        try:
+            path = Path(raw).expanduser()
+            candidate = path if path.is_dir() else path.parent
+            resolved = str(candidate.resolve())
+        except Exception:
+            continue
+        if resolved not in seen:
+            seen.add(resolved)
+            candidates.append(Path(resolved))
+    return candidates
+
+
+def _verification_snapshot(
+    *,
+    session_id: str | None,
+    changed_paths: list[str],
+) -> tuple[dict[str, Any], dict[str, Any]] | None:
+    """Return ``(status, facts)`` for the first edited workspace needing proof."""
+    try:
+        from agent.coding_context import project_facts_for
+        from agent.verification_evidence import verification_status
+    except Exception:
+        return None
+
+    first_snapshot: tuple[dict[str, Any], dict[str, Any]] | None = None
+    for cwd in _candidate_cwds(changed_paths):
+        facts = project_facts_for(cwd)
+        if not facts:
+            continue
+        status = verification_status(session_id=session_id, cwd=cwd)
+        snapshot = (status, facts)
+        if first_snapshot is None:
+            first_snapshot = snapshot
+        if str(status.get("status") or "unverified") != "passed":
+            return snapshot
+    return first_snapshot
+
+
+def _format_changed_paths(paths: list[str]) -> str:
+    shown = paths[:_MAX_CHANGED_PATHS_IN_NUDGE]
+    lines = [f"- `{path}`" for path in shown]
+    remaining = len(paths) - len(shown)
+    if remaining > 0:
+        lines.append(f"- ... and {remaining} more")
+    return "\n".join(lines)
+
+
+def _status_detail(status: dict[str, Any]) -> str:
+    state = str(status.get("status") or "unverified")
+    evidence = status.get("evidence") if isinstance(status.get("evidence"), dict) else None
+    if not evidence:
+        return state
+
+    command = evidence.get("canonical_command") or evidence.get("command")
+    summary = str(evidence.get("output_summary") or "").strip()
+    parts = [state]
+    if command:
+        parts.append(f"last command `{command}`")
+    if summary:
+        max_summary = 1200
+        if len(summary) > max_summary:
+            summary = summary[:max_summary].rstrip() + "\n... [truncated]"
+        parts.append(f"last output:\n{summary}")
+    return "\n".join(parts)
+
+
+def build_verify_on_stop_nudge(
+    *,
+    session_id: str | None,
+    changed_paths: Iterable[str],
+    attempts: int = 0,
+    max_attempts: int = 2,
+) -> str | None:
+    """Return a synthetic follow-up when edited code lacks fresh verification."""
+    paths = sorted({str(p) for p in changed_paths if p})
+    if not paths or attempts >= max_attempts:
+        return None
+
+    snapshot = _verification_snapshot(session_id=session_id, changed_paths=paths)
+    if snapshot is None:
+        return None
+    status, facts = snapshot
+
+    verify_commands = [
+        str(cmd).strip()
+        for cmd in (facts.get("verifyCommands") or [])
+        if str(cmd).strip()
+    ]
+
+    state = str(status.get("status") or "unverified")
+    if state == "passed":
+        return None
+
+    if verify_commands:
+        command_instruction = (
+            "Run the relevant verification command now ("
+            + ", ".join(f"`{cmd}`" for cmd in verify_commands[:3])
+            + (", ..." if len(verify_commands) > 3 else "")
+            + "), read any failure, repair the code, and summarize what passed."
+        )
+    else:
+        temp_dir = tempfile.gettempdir()
+        command_instruction = (
+            "No canonical test/lint/build command was detected. Create a focused "
+            f"temporary verification script under `{temp_dir}` using an OS-safe "
+            "`tempfile` path with a `hermes-verify-` filename prefix, run it "
+            "against the changed behavior, clean it up when possible, and "
+            "summarize it explicitly as ad-hoc verification rather than suite "
+            "green."
+        )
+
+    return (
+        "[System: You edited code in this turn, but the workspace does not have "
+        "fresh passing verification evidence yet.\n\n"
+        f"Verification status: {_status_detail(status)}\n\n"
+        f"Changed paths:\n{_format_changed_paths(paths)}\n\n"
+        f"{command_instruction} If verification is not possible, explain the "
+        "concrete blocker instead of claiming the work is fully verified.]"
+    )
+
+
+__all__ = ["build_verify_on_stop_nudge", "verify_on_stop_enabled"]

apps/desktop/components.json

@@ -17,5 +17,5 @@
     "lib": "@/lib",
     "hooks": "@/hooks"
   },
-  "iconLibrary": "lucide"
+  "iconLibrary": "tabler"
 }

apps/desktop/electron/backend-ready.cjs

@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+const fs = require('node:fs')
+
 const _READY_RE = /^HERMES_DASHBOARD_READY port=(\d+)/m
 
 // The announcement clock starts the instant the backend process is spawned —
@@ -94,8 +96,75 @@ function waitForDashboardPort(child, timeoutMs = resolvePortAnnounceTimeoutMs())
   })
 }
 
+function readDashboardReadyFile(readyFile) {
+  if (!readyFile) return null
+  try {
+    const parsed = JSON.parse(fs.readFileSync(readyFile, 'utf8'))
+    const port = Number(parsed?.port)
+    return Number.isInteger(port) && port > 0 ? port : null
+  } catch {
+    return null
+  }
+}
+
+function waitForDashboardReadyFile(readyFile, child, timeoutMs = resolvePortAnnounceTimeoutMs()) {
+  return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
+    let done = false
+    let interval = null
+
+    function cleanup() {
+      if (done) return
+      done = true
+      clearTimeout(timer)
+      if (interval) clearInterval(interval)
+      child.off('exit', onExit)
+      child.off('error', onError)
+    }
+
+    function check() {
+      const port = readDashboardReadyFile(readyFile)
+      if (port) {
+        cleanup()
+        resolve(port)
+      }
+    }
+
+    function onExit(code, signal) {
+      cleanup()
+      reject(new Error(`Hermes backend: exited before port announcement (${signal || code})`))
+    }
+
+    function onError(err) {
+      cleanup()
+      reject(err)
+    }
+
+    const timer = setTimeout(() => {
+      cleanup()
+      reject(new Error(`Timed out waiting for Hermes backend port announcement (${timeoutMs}ms)`))
+    }, timeoutMs)
+
+    child.on('exit', onExit)
+    child.on('error', onError)
+    interval = setInterval(check, 50)
+    if (typeof interval.unref === 'function') interval.unref()
+    check()
+  })
+}
+
+function waitForDashboardPortAnnouncement(child, options = {}) {
+  const timeoutMs = options.timeoutMs ?? resolvePortAnnounceTimeoutMs()
+  if (options.readyFile) {
+    return waitForDashboardReadyFile(options.readyFile, child, timeoutMs)
+  }
+  return waitForDashboardPort(child, timeoutMs)
+}
+
 module.exports = {
   waitForDashboardPort,
+  waitForDashboardPortAnnouncement,
+  waitForDashboardReadyFile,
+  readDashboardReadyFile,
   resolvePortAnnounceTimeoutMs,
   DEFAULT_PORT_ANNOUNCE_TIMEOUT_MS,
   MIN_PORT_ANNOUNCE_TIMEOUT_MS,

apps/desktop/electron/backend-ready.test.cjs

@@ -14,9 +14,15 @@
 const test = require('node:test')
 const assert = require('node:assert/strict')
 const { EventEmitter } = require('node:events')
+const fs = require('node:fs')
+const os = require('node:os')
+const path = require('node:path')
 
 const {
+  readDashboardReadyFile,
   waitForDashboardPort,
+  waitForDashboardPortAnnouncement,
+  waitForDashboardReadyFile,
   resolvePortAnnounceTimeoutMs,
   DEFAULT_PORT_ANNOUNCE_TIMEOUT_MS,
   MIN_PORT_ANNOUNCE_TIMEOUT_MS,
@@ -119,3 +125,75 @@ test('a late announcement after timeout does not throw (listeners torn down)', a
     child.stdout.emit('data', 'HERMES_DASHBOARD_READY port=9999\n')
   })
 })
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// ready-file port announcement
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+function mkTmpReadyFile() {
+  const dir = fs.mkdtempSync(path.join(os.tmpdir(), 'hermes-ready-test-'))
+  return {
+    dir,
+    file: path.join(dir, 'ready.json'),
+    cleanup: () => fs.rmSync(dir, { recursive: true, force: true })
+  }
+}
+
+test('readDashboardReadyFile returns a valid port from JSON', () => {
+  const tmp = mkTmpReadyFile()
+  try {
+    fs.writeFileSync(tmp.file, JSON.stringify({ port: 4567 }))
+    assert.equal(readDashboardReadyFile(tmp.file), 4567)
+  } finally {
+    tmp.cleanup()
+  }
+})
+
+test('readDashboardReadyFile ignores missing, malformed, or invalid files', () => {
+  const tmp = mkTmpReadyFile()
+  try {
+    assert.equal(readDashboardReadyFile(tmp.file), null)
+    fs.writeFileSync(tmp.file, '{')
+    assert.equal(readDashboardReadyFile(tmp.file), null)
+    fs.writeFileSync(tmp.file, JSON.stringify({ port: 0 }))
+    assert.equal(readDashboardReadyFile(tmp.file), null)
+  } finally {
+    tmp.cleanup()
+  }
+})
+
+test('waitForDashboardReadyFile resolves when the ready file appears', async () => {
+  const tmp = mkTmpReadyFile()
+  const child = makeFakeChild()
+  try {
+    const p = waitForDashboardReadyFile(tmp.file, child, 1000)
+    setTimeout(() => fs.writeFileSync(tmp.file, JSON.stringify({ port: 8765 })), 20)
+    assert.equal(await p, 8765)
+  } finally {
+    tmp.cleanup()
+  }
+})
+
+test('waitForDashboardPortAnnouncement uses ready file when provided', async () => {
+  const tmp = mkTmpReadyFile()
+  const child = makeFakeChild()
+  try {
+    const p = waitForDashboardPortAnnouncement(child, { readyFile: tmp.file, timeoutMs: 1000 })
+    setTimeout(() => fs.writeFileSync(tmp.file, JSON.stringify({ port: 9876 })), 20)
+    assert.equal(await p, 9876)
+  } finally {
+    tmp.cleanup()
+  }
+})
+
+test('waitForDashboardReadyFile rejects when the child exits before file readiness', async () => {
+  const tmp = mkTmpReadyFile()
+  const child = makeFakeChild()
+  try {
+    const p = waitForDashboardReadyFile(tmp.file, child, 1000)
+    child.emit('exit', 1, null)
+    await assert.rejects(p, /exited before port announcement/)
+  } finally {
+    tmp.cleanup()
+  }
+})

apps/desktop/electron/git-repo-scan.cjs

@@ -0,0 +1,98 @@
+'use strict'
+
+// Repo-first discovery: walk bounded roots for git repos using only Node's `fs`
+// — no native addon, so it just works for anyone who pulls main (no
+// electron-rebuild). Mirrors how GitHub Desktop scans: stop at the first `.git`
+// (don't descend into a repo), cap depth, and skip heavy non-repo trees so the
+// first scan stays fast. Results are cached by the backend after the first run.
+
+const fs = require('node:fs')
+const os = require('node:os')
+const path = require('node:path')
+
+const fsp = fs.promises
+
+// Shallow on purpose: real projects live a few levels under home
+// (`~/www/repo`, `~/code/org/repo`); deeper `.git` dirs are almost always
+// fixtures/vendored/eval checkouts (e.g. `~/www/ha-evals/tasks/*/repo`). Repos
+// you actually use but keep deeper still surface via session-derived discovery,
+// so this only prunes noise, never repos with history.
+const DEFAULT_MAX_DEPTH = 3
+const MAX_CONCURRENCY = 32
+
+// Big trees that are never themselves repos and would waste the walk. Anything
+// hidden (dotdirs like .cache/.Trash/.npm) is skipped wholesale below, so this
+// only needs the non-hidden heavyweights.
+const JUNK_DIRS = new Set(['Applications', 'Library', 'node_modules', 'site-packages', 'vendor', 'venv'])
+
+async function mapLimit(items, limit, fn) {
+  let cursor = 0
+
+  async function worker() {
+    while (cursor < items.length) {
+      const index = cursor
+      cursor += 1
+      await fn(items[index])
+    }
+  }
+
+  await Promise.all(Array.from({ length: Math.min(limit, items.length) }, worker))
+}
+
+/**
+ * Scan `roots` (default: the home dir) for git repositories. Returns deduped
+ * `{ root, label }` entries. `options.maxDepth` caps recursion (default 3).
+ */
+async function scanGitRepos(roots, options = {}) {
+  const maxDepth = Number(options.maxDepth) || DEFAULT_MAX_DEPTH
+  const searchRoots = Array.isArray(roots) && roots.length > 0 ? roots : [os.homedir()]
+  const found = new Map()
+
+  async function walk(dir, depth) {
+    if (depth > maxDepth) {
+      return
+    }
+
+    let entries
+    try {
+      entries = await fsp.readdir(dir, { withFileTypes: true })
+    } catch {
+      return // unreadable / permission denied
+    }
+
+    // A `.git` DIRECTORY marks a real repo root (a main checkout). A `.git`
+    // FILE is a linked worktree or submodule — those belong to their parent
+    // repo as lanes, not as separate projects, so we don't list them (and we
+    // keep descending in case a real repo sits deeper). This is what kills the
+    // worktree/eval-repo duplicate explosion.
+    if (entries.some(entry => entry.name === '.git' && entry.isDirectory())) {
+      const root = dir.replace(/[/\\]+$/, '')
+      found.set(root, path.basename(root) || root)
+
+      return
+    }
+
+    const subdirs = []
+    for (const entry of entries) {
+      // Real directories only (skip symlinks to avoid loops), no hidden dirs, no
+      // known heavy trees.
+      if (!entry.isDirectory() || entry.name.startsWith('.') || JUNK_DIRS.has(entry.name)) {
+        continue
+      }
+
+      subdirs.push(path.join(dir, entry.name))
+    }
+
+    await mapLimit(subdirs, MAX_CONCURRENCY, sub => walk(sub, depth + 1))
+  }
+
+  await mapLimit(
+    searchRoots.map(root => String(root || '').trim()).filter(Boolean),
+    MAX_CONCURRENCY,
+    root => walk(root, 0)
+  )
+
+  return [...found.entries()].map(([root, label]) => ({ label, root }))
+}
+
+module.exports = { scanGitRepos }

apps/desktop/electron/git-review-ops.cjs

@@ -0,0 +1,679 @@
+'use strict'
+
+// Git ops backing the coding rail + Codex-style review pane. Built on `simple-git`
+// (a maintained wrapper around the system git binary — same git the rest of the
+// app shells to, no native build) so we read structured status()/diffSummary()
+// results instead of hand-parsing porcelain. Reads degrade to null/empty on a
+// non-repo / remote backend; mutations reject so the renderer can toast.
+
+const { execFile } = require('node:child_process')
+const fs = require('node:fs/promises')
+const path = require('node:path')
+
+const simpleGit = require('simple-git')
+
+const { resolveRequestedPathForIpc } = require('./hardening.cjs')
+
+const COMMIT_CONTEXT_DIFF_MAX_CHARS = 120_000
+const COMMIT_CONTEXT_UNTRACKED_MAX = 80
+const UNTRACKED_LINE_COUNT_CONCURRENCY = 16
+const UNTRACKED_LINE_COUNT_MAX_BYTES = 1024 * 1024
+
+// GUI-launched Electron apps on macOS inherit only a minimal PATH (no
+// /opt/homebrew/bin or /usr/local/bin), so `gh` — and the `git` gh shells out
+// to — aren't found. Augment PATH with the resolved gh dir + the common
+// package-manager bins so gh runs the same way it does in a terminal.
+function ghEnv(ghBin) {
+  const extra = [ghBin ? path.dirname(ghBin) : '', '/opt/homebrew/bin', '/usr/local/bin', '/usr/bin'].filter(
+    dir => dir && dir !== '.'
+  )
+
+  return { ...process.env, PATH: [...extra, process.env.PATH].filter(Boolean).join(path.delimiter) }
+}
+
+// Run the `gh` CLI in a repo. Resolves { ok, stdout } so callers branch on
+// availability/auth without a throw. gh missing/unauthed → ok:false.
+function runGh(args, cwd, ghBin) {
+  return new Promise(resolve => {
+    execFile(
+      ghBin || 'gh',
+      args,
+      { cwd, env: ghEnv(ghBin), windowsHide: true, timeout: 30_000, maxBuffer: 8 * 1024 * 1024 },
+      (err, stdout) => resolve({ ok: !err, stdout: String(stdout || '') })
+    )
+  })
+}
+
+function gitFor(cwd, gitBin) {
+  return simpleGit({ baseDir: cwd, binary: gitBin || 'git', maxConcurrentProcesses: 4, trimmed: false })
+}
+
+// simple-git reports renames as `old => new` (and `dir/{old => new}/f`); resolve
+// to the NEW path so the row addresses the real file for diff/stage.
+function resolveRenamePath(raw) {
+  const path = String(raw || '').trim()
+
+  if (!path.includes(' => ')) {
+    return path
+  }
+
+  const brace = path.match(/^(.*)\{(.*) => (.*)\}(.*)$/)
+
+  if (brace) {
+    const [, prefix, , to, suffix] = brace
+
+    return `${prefix}${to}${suffix}`.replace(/\/{2,}/g, '/')
+  }
+
+  return path.split(' => ').pop().trim()
+}
+
+// DiffResult.files → Map<path, {added, removed}> (binary files carry no line
+// delta).
+function countsByPath(summary) {
+  const map = new Map()
+
+  for (const file of summary.files) {
+    map.set(resolveRenamePath(file.file), {
+      added: file.binary ? 0 : file.insertions,
+      removed: file.binary ? 0 : file.deletions
+    })
+  }
+
+  return map
+}
+
+// Untracked files don't appear in diffSummary(); count insertions from disk so
+// the review tree can show +N for new files (matches an all-add diff view).
+// Insertions = line count: newline bytes, plus one for a final unterminated
+// line. Binary (NUL byte) → 0, mirroring git numstat's "-".
+async function untrackedInsertions(cwd, relPath) {
+  try {
+    const fullPath = path.join(cwd, relPath)
+    const stat = await fs.stat(fullPath)
+
+    if (!stat.isFile() || stat.size > UNTRACKED_LINE_COUNT_MAX_BYTES) {
+      return 0
+    }
+
+    const buf = await fs.readFile(fullPath)
+
+    if (buf.includes(0)) {
+      return 0
+    }
+
+    let lines = 0
+
+    for (const byte of buf) {
+      if (byte === 10) {
+        lines++
+      }
+    }
+
+    return buf.length > 0 && buf[buf.length - 1] !== 10 ? lines + 1 : lines
+  } catch {
+    return 0
+  }
+}
+
+function capText(text, maxChars, label = 'truncated') {
+  const value = String(text || '')
+
+  if (value.length <= maxChars) {
+    return value
+  }
+
+  return `${value.slice(0, maxChars)}\n# ${label}: ${value.length - maxChars} chars omitted\n`
+}
+
+async function fillUntrackedCounts(cwd, files) {
+  const pending = files.filter(file => file.status === '?' && file.added === 0 && file.removed === 0)
+
+  for (let i = 0; i < pending.length; i += UNTRACKED_LINE_COUNT_CONCURRENCY) {
+    await Promise.all(
+      pending.slice(i, i + UNTRACKED_LINE_COUNT_CONCURRENCY).map(async file => {
+        file.added = await untrackedInsertions(cwd, file.path)
+      })
+    )
+  }
+}
+
+// Resolve the base ref for "all branch changes": merge-base with the remote
+// default branch (origin/HEAD), falling back to common trunk names.
+async function branchBase(git) {
+  const candidates = []
+
+  try {
+    const head = (await git.revparse(['--abbrev-ref', 'origin/HEAD'])).trim()
+
+    if (head) {
+      candidates.push(head)
+    }
+  } catch {
+    // No origin/HEAD configured.
+  }
+
+  candidates.push('origin/main', 'origin/master', 'main', 'master')
+
+  for (const ref of candidates) {
+    try {
+      const base = (await git.raw(['merge-base', 'HEAD', ref])).trim()
+
+      if (base) {
+        return base
+      }
+    } catch {
+      // Ref doesn't exist; try the next candidate.
+    }
+  }
+
+  return null
+}
+
+// Resolve the repo's default branch NAME ("main" / "master" / …), preferring
+// the remote's HEAD, then common local trunk names. Null when none is found
+// (e.g. a fresh repo with only a feature branch). Used to offer "branch off the
+// trunk" regardless of which branch you're currently on.
+async function defaultBranchName(git) {
+  try {
+    const head = (await git.revparse(['--abbrev-ref', 'origin/HEAD'])).trim()
+
+    // "origin/main" → "main"; skip the bare "origin/HEAD" placeholder.
+    if (head && head !== 'origin/HEAD') {
+      return head.replace(/^origin\//, '')
+    }
+  } catch {
+    // No origin/HEAD configured.
+  }
+
+  // Prefer a local trunk, then a remote-only one (returns the clean name either
+  // way) so "branch off main" works even before main is checked out locally.
+  for (const ref of ['refs/heads/main', 'refs/heads/master', 'refs/remotes/origin/main', 'refs/remotes/origin/master']) {
+    try {
+      await git.raw(['rev-parse', '--verify', '--quiet', ref])
+
+      return ref.replace(/^refs\/(?:heads|remotes\/origin)\//, '')
+    } catch {
+      // Ref doesn't exist; try the next candidate.
+    }
+  }
+
+  return null
+}
+
+// A status file's single-letter classification, preferring the staged (index)
+// code over the worktree code; untracked wins (simple-git marks both '?').
+function statusLetter(file) {
+  if (file.index === '?' || file.working_dir === '?') {
+    return '?'
+  }
+
+  const code = file.index && file.index !== ' ' ? file.index : file.working_dir
+
+  return (code || 'M').toUpperCase()
+}
+
+const isStaged = file => Boolean(file.index && file.index !== ' ' && file.index !== '?')
+
+async function reviewList(repoPath, scope, baseRef, gitBin) {
+  let cwd
+
+  try {
+    cwd = resolveRequestedPathForIpc(repoPath, { purpose: 'Review list' })
+  } catch {
+    return { files: [], base: null }
+  }
+
+  const git = gitFor(cwd, gitBin)
+
+  try {
+    if (scope === 'branch' || scope === 'lastTurn') {
+      const base = scope === 'branch' ? await branchBase(git) : baseRef
+
+      if (!base) {
+        return { files: [], base: null }
+      }
+
+      const range = scope === 'branch' ? `${base}...HEAD` : base
+      const summary = await git.diffSummary([range])
+      const files = summary.files.map(file => ({
+        path: resolveRenamePath(file.file),
+        added: file.binary ? 0 : file.insertions,
+        removed: file.binary ? 0 : file.deletions,
+        status: 'M',
+        staged: false
+      }))
+
+      // "Last turn" also surfaces files created since the baseline (untracked).
+      if (scope === 'lastTurn') {
+        const status = await git.status()
+
+        for (const path of status.not_added) {
+          if (!files.some(f => f.path === path)) {
+            files.push({ path, added: 0, removed: 0, status: '?', staged: false })
+          }
+        }
+      }
+
+      files.sort((a, b) => a.path.localeCompare(b.path))
+      await fillUntrackedCounts(cwd, files)
+
+      return { files, base }
+    }
+
+    // Default: uncommitted (staged + unstaged + untracked), one row per path.
+    const [status, staged, unstaged] = await Promise.all([
+      git.status(),
+      git.diffSummary(['--cached']),
+      git.diffSummary([])
+    ])
+    const stagedCounts = countsByPath(staged)
+    const unstagedCounts = countsByPath(unstaged)
+
+    const files = status.files.map(file => {
+      const filePath = resolveRenamePath(file.path)
+      const sc = stagedCounts.get(filePath) || { added: 0, removed: 0 }
+      const uc = unstagedCounts.get(filePath) || { added: 0, removed: 0 }
+
+      return {
+        path: filePath,
+        added: sc.added + uc.added,
+        removed: sc.removed + uc.removed,
+        status: statusLetter(file),
+        staged: isStaged(file)
+      }
+    })
+
+    files.sort((a, b) => a.path.localeCompare(b.path))
+    await fillUntrackedCounts(cwd, files)
+
+    return { files, base: null }
+  } catch {
+    return { files: [], base: null }
+  }
+}
+
+async function reviewDiff(repoPath, filePath, scope, baseRef, staged, gitBin) {
+  let cwd
+
+  try {
+    cwd = resolveRequestedPathForIpc(repoPath, { purpose: 'Review diff' })
+  } catch {
+    return ''
+  }
+
+  const git = gitFor(cwd, gitBin)
+  const safe = args => git.diff(args).catch(() => '')
+
+  if (scope === 'branch') {
+    const base = await branchBase(git)
+
+    return base ? safe([`${base}...HEAD`, '--', filePath]) : ''
+  }
+
+  if (scope === 'lastTurn') {
+    return baseRef ? safe([baseRef, '--', filePath]) : ''
+  }
+
+  if (staged) {
+    return safe(['--cached', '--', filePath])
+  }
+
+  const worktree = await safe(['--', filePath])
+
+  if (worktree.trim()) {
+    return worktree
+  }
+
+  // Untracked file: no worktree diff exists, so synthesize an all-add diff via
+  // --no-index (exits non-zero by design when files differ, so go around
+  // simple-git's reject-on-nonzero with a raw execFile).
+  return new Promise(resolve => {
+    execFile(
+      gitBin || 'git',
+      ['diff', '--no-index', '--', '/dev/null', filePath],
+      { cwd, windowsHide: true, timeout: 30_000, maxBuffer: 32 * 1024 * 1024 },
+      (_err, stdout) => resolve(String(stdout || ''))
+    )
+  })
+}
+
+// Working-tree-vs-HEAD diff for ONE file — the "what changed since the last
+// commit" view used by the file preview. Unlike reviewDiff this never synthesizes
+// a full-add for a clean tracked file (so a pristine file shows no diff); it only
+// all-adds a genuinely untracked file.
+async function fileDiffVsHead(repoPath, filePath, gitBin) {
+  let cwd
+
+  try {
+    cwd = resolveRequestedPathForIpc(repoPath, { purpose: 'File diff' })
+  } catch {
+    return ''
+  }
+
+  const git = gitFor(cwd, gitBin)
+  const head = await git.diff(['HEAD', '--', filePath]).catch(() => '')
+
+  if (head.trim()) {
+    return head
+  }
+
+  // No tracked changes vs HEAD. Only synthesize an all-add diff for a file git
+  // doesn't know yet; a clean tracked file must return empty.
+  const status = await git.raw(['status', '--porcelain', '--', filePath]).catch(() => '')
+
+  if (!status.trim().startsWith('??')) {
+    return ''
+  }
+
+  return new Promise(resolve => {
+    execFile(
+      gitBin || 'git',
+      ['diff', '--no-index', '--', '/dev/null', filePath],
+      { cwd, windowsHide: true, timeout: 30_000, maxBuffer: 32 * 1024 * 1024 },
+      (_err, stdout) => resolve(String(stdout || ''))
+    )
+  })
+}
+
+async function reviewStage(repoPath, filePath, gitBin) {
+  const cwd = resolveRequestedPathForIpc(repoPath, { purpose: 'Review stage' })
+
+  await gitFor(cwd, gitBin).raw(filePath ? ['add', '--', filePath] : ['add', '-A'])
+
+  return { ok: true }
+}
+
+async function reviewUnstage(repoPath, filePath, gitBin) {
+  const cwd = resolveRequestedPathForIpc(repoPath, { purpose: 'Review unstage' })
+
+  await gitFor(cwd, gitBin).raw(filePath ? ['reset', '-q', 'HEAD', '--', filePath] : ['reset', '-q', 'HEAD'])
+
+  return { ok: true }
+}
+
+// Discard changes back to the committed state. Destructive — the renderer
+// confirms first. Restores tracked files and removes untracked ones.
+async function reviewRevert(repoPath, filePath, gitBin) {
+  const cwd = resolveRequestedPathForIpc(repoPath, { purpose: 'Review revert' })
+  const git = gitFor(cwd, gitBin)
+
+  if (filePath) {
+    await git.raw(['checkout', 'HEAD', '--', filePath]).catch(() => undefined)
+    await git.raw(['clean', '-fd', '--', filePath]).catch(() => undefined)
+  } else {
+    await git.raw(['checkout', 'HEAD', '--', '.']).catch(() => undefined)
+    await git.raw(['clean', '-fd']).catch(() => undefined)
+  }
+
+  return { ok: true }
+}
+
+// Resolve a ref to a commit sha (captures the turn baseline for "Last turn").
+async function reviewRevParse(repoPath, ref, gitBin) {
+  let cwd
+
+  try {
+    cwd = resolveRequestedPathForIpc(repoPath, { purpose: 'Review rev-parse' })
+  } catch {
+    return null
+  }
+
+  try {
+    return (await gitFor(cwd, gitBin).revparse([ref || 'HEAD'])).trim() || null
+  } catch {
+    return null
+  }
+}
+
+// Commit the working tree. Mirrors VS Code: if nothing is staged, stage
+// everything first ("commit all"), then commit. Optionally push afterward,
+// setting upstream on the first push.
+async function reviewCommit(repoPath, message, push, gitBin) {
+  const cwd = resolveRequestedPathForIpc(repoPath, { purpose: 'Review commit' })
+  const git = gitFor(cwd, gitBin)
+  const status = await git.status()
+
+  if (status.staged.length === 0) {
+    await git.raw(['add', '-A'])
+  }
+
+  await git.commit(message)
+
+  if (push) {
+    const fresh = await git.status()
+
+    if (fresh.tracking) {
+      await git.push()
+    } else if (fresh.current) {
+      await git.raw(['push', '-u', 'origin', fresh.current])
+    }
+  }
+
+  return { ok: true }
+}
+
+// Gather the context the model needs to draft a commit message: the diff of
+// what *will* be committed (staged when anything is staged, else everything
+// vs HEAD — mirroring reviewCommit's "stage all when nothing staged" rule),
+// the names of untracked files (which carry no diff), and recent commit
+// subjects for style. Diff is capped so the payload stays bounded. Reads only.
+async function reviewCommitContext(repoPath, gitBin) {
+  let cwd
+
+  try {
+    cwd = resolveRequestedPathForIpc(repoPath, { purpose: 'Review commit context' })
+  } catch {
+    return { diff: '', recent: '' }
+  }
+
+  const git = gitFor(cwd, gitBin)
+  const safe = args => git.diff(args).catch(() => '')
+
+  let status
+  try {
+    status = await git.status()
+  } catch {
+    return { diff: '', recent: '' }
+  }
+
+  // What will land: staged changes if any, otherwise all tracked changes vs HEAD.
+  let diff = capText(
+    status.staged.length > 0 ? await safe(['--cached']) : await safe(['HEAD']),
+    COMMIT_CONTEXT_DIFF_MAX_CHARS,
+    'diff truncated for commit-message generation'
+  )
+
+  // Untracked files have no diff — list them so new files aren't invisible.
+  const untracked = status.not_added || []
+  if (untracked.length > 0) {
+    const visible = untracked.slice(0, COMMIT_CONTEXT_UNTRACKED_MAX)
+    const omitted = untracked.length - visible.length
+    const note =
+      `\n# New (untracked) files:\n${visible.map(p => `#   ${p}`).join('\n')}\n` +
+      (omitted > 0 ? `#   ... ${omitted} more omitted\n` : '')
+
+    diff = diff ? `${diff}${note}` : note
+  }
+
+  const recent = await git.raw(['log', '-n', '10', '--pretty=format:%s']).catch(() => '')
+
+  return { diff: diff || '', recent: String(recent || '').trim() }
+}
+
+async function reviewPush(repoPath, gitBin) {
+  const cwd = resolveRequestedPathForIpc(repoPath, { purpose: 'Review push' })
+  const git = gitFor(cwd, gitBin)
+  const status = await git.status()
+
+  if (status.tracking) {
+    await git.push()
+  } else if (status.current) {
+    await git.raw(['push', '-u', 'origin', status.current])
+  }
+
+  return { ok: true }
+}
+
+// gh availability + auth + whether this branch already has a PR. Reads only;
+// drives the PR button's enabled/label state. `ghReady` is false when gh is
+// missing OR not authenticated — either way the PR action can't run.
+async function reviewShipInfo(repoPath, ghBin) {
+  let cwd
+
+  try {
+    cwd = resolveRequestedPathForIpc(repoPath, { purpose: 'Review ship info' })
+  } catch {
+    return { ghReady: false, pr: null }
+  }
+
+  const auth = await runGh(['auth', 'status'], cwd, ghBin)
+
+  if (!auth.ok) {
+    return { ghReady: false, pr: null }
+  }
+
+  const view = await runGh(['pr', 'view', '--json', 'url,state,number'], cwd, ghBin)
+
+  if (!view.ok) {
+    // gh exits non-zero when no PR exists for the branch — that's not an error.
+    return { ghReady: true, pr: null }
+  }
+
+  try {
+    const pr = JSON.parse(view.stdout)
+
+    return { ghReady: true, pr: pr && pr.url ? { url: pr.url, state: pr.state, number: pr.number } : null }
+  } catch {
+    return { ghReady: true, pr: null }
+  }
+}
+
+// Create a PR for the current branch (pushing first so gh has a remote ref),
+// letting gh fill title/body from the commits. Returns the new PR url.
+async function reviewCreatePr(repoPath, gitBin, ghBin) {
+  const cwd = resolveRequestedPathForIpc(repoPath, { purpose: 'Review create PR' })
+
+  await reviewPush(repoPath, gitBin).catch(() => undefined)
+
+  const created = await runGh(['pr', 'create', '--fill'], cwd, ghBin)
+
+  if (!created.ok) {
+    throw new Error('gh pr create failed (is gh installed and authenticated?)')
+  }
+
+  const url = created.stdout.trim().split('\n').filter(Boolean).pop() || ''
+
+  return { url }
+}
+
+// Compact working-tree status for the composer coding rail: branch, ahead/behind,
+// per-state change counts, +/- vs HEAD, and a capped changed-file list.
+async function repoStatus(repoPath, gitBin) {
+  let cwd
+
+  try {
+    cwd = resolveRequestedPathForIpc(repoPath, { purpose: 'Repo status' })
+  } catch {
+    return null
+  }
+
+  // Session cwds can point at a deleted worktree for a moment (or forever in a
+  // stale row). simple-git throws at construction time on a missing baseDir, so
+  // fail soft and hide the coding rail instead of spamming IPC handler errors.
+  try {
+    const stat = await fs.stat(cwd)
+    if (!stat.isDirectory()) {
+      return null
+    }
+  } catch {
+    return null
+  }
+
+  let git
+  try {
+    git = gitFor(cwd, gitBin)
+  } catch {
+    return null
+  }
+  let status
+
+  try {
+    status = await git.status()
+  } catch {
+    // Not a repo / git unavailable / remote backend.
+    return null
+  }
+
+  const detached = typeof status.detached === 'boolean' ? status.detached : !status.current
+  const files = status.files.map(file => ({
+    path: file.path,
+    staged: isStaged(file),
+    unstaged: Boolean(file.working_dir && file.working_dir !== ' ' && file.working_dir !== '?'),
+    untracked: file.index === '?' || file.working_dir === '?',
+    conflicted: file.index === 'U' || file.working_dir === 'U'
+  }))
+
+  const result = {
+    branch: detached ? null : status.current || null,
+    defaultBranch: await defaultBranchName(git),
+    detached,
+    ahead: status.ahead || 0,
+    behind: status.behind || 0,
+    staged: files.filter(f => f.staged).length,
+    unstaged: files.filter(f => f.unstaged).length,
+    untracked: status.not_added.length,
+    conflicted: status.conflicted.length,
+    changed: files.length,
+    added: 0,
+    removed: 0,
+    files: files.slice(0, 200)
+  }
+
+  // +/- vs HEAD (staged + unstaged tracked changes). No HEAD yet → leave 0.
+  try {
+    const summary = await git.diffSummary(['HEAD'])
+    result.added = summary.insertions
+    result.removed = summary.deletions
+  } catch {
+    // No commits yet.
+  }
+
+  // `git diff HEAD` ignores untracked files, so a turn that only creates new
+  // files (the common case — a fresh module, a demo dir) showed +0 in the rail
+  // while the review pane counted them. Fold untracked insertions into `added`
+  // so the rail matches reality. Bounded (size cap + concurrency) like the
+  // review tree; only the capped file slice is counted so a huge untracked tree
+  // can't stall the probe.
+  try {
+    const untracked = status.not_added.slice(0, 500)
+    for (let i = 0; i < untracked.length; i += UNTRACKED_LINE_COUNT_CONCURRENCY) {
+      const batch = await Promise.all(
+        untracked.slice(i, i + UNTRACKED_LINE_COUNT_CONCURRENCY).map(path => untrackedInsertions(cwd, path))
+      )
+      result.added += batch.reduce((sum, n) => sum + n, 0)
+    }
+  } catch {
+    // Best-effort: a probe failure just leaves untracked lines uncounted.
+  }
+
+  return result
+}
+
+module.exports = {
+  branchBase,
+  fileDiffVsHead,
+  repoStatus,
+  resolveRenamePath,
+  reviewCommit,
+  reviewCommitContext,
+  reviewCreatePr,
+  reviewDiff,
+  reviewList,
+  reviewPush,
+  reviewRevParse,
+  reviewRevert,
+  reviewShipInfo,
+  reviewStage,
+  reviewUnstage
+}

apps/desktop/electron/git-review-ops.test.cjs

@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+'use strict'
+
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict')
+const test = require('node:test')
+
+const { resolveRenamePath } = require('./git-review-ops.cjs')
+
+test('resolveRenamePath: plain path is unchanged', () => {
+  assert.equal(resolveRenamePath('src/a.ts'), 'src/a.ts')
+})
+
+test('resolveRenamePath: simple rename resolves to the new path', () => {
+  assert.equal(resolveRenamePath('old.ts => new.ts'), 'new.ts')
+})
+
+test('resolveRenamePath: brace rename resolves to the new path', () => {
+  assert.equal(resolveRenamePath('src/{old => new}/file.ts'), 'src/new/file.ts')
+})
+
+test('resolveRenamePath: brace rename collapsing a segment', () => {
+  assert.equal(resolveRenamePath('src/{lib => }/file.ts'), 'src/file.ts')
+})

apps/desktop/electron/git-worktree-ops.cjs

@@ -0,0 +1,339 @@
+'use strict'
+
+// Git-driven worktree operations for the desktop "Start work" flow: spin up a
+// fresh worktree the lightest way (`git worktree add -b`), list real worktrees,
+// and remove them. Git is the source of truth; the renderer just drives these.
+
+const path = require('node:path')
+const fs = require('node:fs')
+const { execFile } = require('node:child_process')
+
+const { resolveRequestedPathForIpc } = require('./hardening.cjs')
+
+function runGit(gitBin, args, cwd) {
+  return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
+    execFile(
+      gitBin,
+      args,
+      { cwd, windowsHide: true, timeout: 30_000, maxBuffer: 8 * 1024 * 1024 },
+      (err, stdout, stderr) => {
+        if (err) {
+          err.stderr = String(stderr || '')
+          reject(err)
+
+          return
+        }
+
+        resolve(String(stdout || ''))
+      }
+    )
+  })
+}
+
+// Parse `git worktree list --porcelain`. The first record is the main worktree.
+function parseWorktrees(out) {
+  const trees = []
+  let cur = null
+
+  for (const line of out.split('\n')) {
+    if (line.startsWith('worktree ')) {
+      if (cur) {
+        trees.push(cur)
+      }
+
+      cur = { path: line.slice(9).trim(), branch: null, detached: false, bare: false, locked: false }
+    } else if (!cur) {
+      continue
+    } else if (line.startsWith('branch ')) {
+      cur.branch = line.slice(7).trim().replace(/^refs\/heads\//, '')
+    } else if (line === 'detached') {
+      cur.detached = true
+    } else if (line === 'bare') {
+      cur.bare = true
+    } else if (line.startsWith('locked')) {
+      cur.locked = true
+    }
+  }
+
+  if (cur) {
+    trees.push(cur)
+  }
+
+  return trees
+}
+
+async function listWorktrees(repoPath, gitBin) {
+  let resolved
+
+  try {
+    resolved = resolveRequestedPathForIpc(repoPath, { purpose: 'Worktree list' })
+  } catch {
+    return []
+  }
+
+  try {
+    const out = await runGit(gitBin, ['worktree', 'list', '--porcelain'], resolved)
+
+    return parseWorktrees(out).map((tree, index) => ({
+      path: tree.path,
+      branch: tree.branch,
+      isMain: index === 0,
+      detached: tree.detached,
+      locked: tree.locked
+    }))
+  } catch {
+    return []
+  }
+}
+
+// A git-ref-safe branch name (spaces → "-", drop forbidden chars, trim edges),
+// or "" when nothing usable remains. Mirrors the renderer's `gitRef`, so a bad
+// value can't reach `git` no matter the caller (the GUI also enforces live).
+function sanitizeBranch(name) {
+  return String(name || '')
+    .replace(/\s+/g, '-')
+    .replace(/[^\w./-]/g, '')
+    .replace(/-{2,}/g, '-')
+    .replace(/\/{2,}/g, '/')
+    .replace(/\.{2,}/g, '.')
+    .replace(/^[-./]+|[-./]+$/g, '')
+}
+
+function slugify(name) {
+  const slug = String(name || '')
+    .trim()
+    .toLowerCase()
+    .replace(/[^a-z0-9]+/g, '-')
+    .replace(/^-+|-+$/g, '')
+    .slice(0, 40)
+    .replace(/-+$/g, '')
+
+  return slug || 'work'
+}
+
+const TRUNK_BRANCHES = ['main', 'master']
+
+async function gitLine(gitBin, args, cwd) {
+  try {
+    return (await runGit(gitBin, args, cwd)).trim()
+  } catch {
+    return ''
+  }
+}
+
+async function defaultBranch(gitBin, cwd) {
+  const remote = (await gitLine(gitBin, ['symbolic-ref', '--quiet', '--short', 'refs/remotes/origin/HEAD'], cwd)).replace(
+    /^origin\//,
+    ''
+  )
+
+  if (remote) {
+    return remote
+  }
+
+  const configured = await gitLine(gitBin, ['config', '--get', 'init.defaultBranch'], cwd)
+
+  if (configured) {
+    return configured
+  }
+
+  for (const branch of TRUNK_BRANCHES) {
+    if (await gitLine(gitBin, ['show-ref', '--verify', `refs/heads/${branch}`], cwd)) {
+      return branch
+    }
+  }
+
+  return ''
+}
+
+// A brand-new project folder isn't a git repo — and a freshly-init'd one has no
+// commit to branch from — so `git worktree add` would fail. Make the dir a repo
+// with a root commit on the user's behalf so worktrees "just work". No-op for a
+// repo that already has commits; never touches the user's files (the seed commit
+// is `--allow-empty`), and never inits a dir that already lives inside a repo.
+async function ensureGitRepo(gitBin, dir) {
+  let needsRoot = false
+
+  try {
+    const inside = (await runGit(gitBin, ['rev-parse', '--is-inside-work-tree'], dir)).trim()
+
+    if (inside !== 'true') {
+      await runGit(gitBin, ['init'], dir)
+      needsRoot = true
+    } else {
+      // Repo exists; a worktree still needs a HEAD to branch from.
+      try {
+        await runGit(gitBin, ['rev-parse', '--verify', 'HEAD'], dir)
+      } catch {
+        needsRoot = true
+      }
+    }
+  } catch {
+    await runGit(gitBin, ['init'], dir)
+    needsRoot = true
+  }
+
+  if (needsRoot) {
+    // Inline identity so the seed commit lands even with no global git config.
+    await runGit(
+      gitBin,
+      ['-c', 'user.email=hermes@localhost', '-c', 'user.name=Hermes', 'commit', '--allow-empty', '-m', 'Initial commit'],
+      dir
+    )
+  }
+}
+
+// Resolve the repo's MAIN worktree root, so `.worktrees/` always nests under the
+// primary checkout even when called from a linked worktree.
+async function mainRoot(gitBin, cwd) {
+  const list = await listWorktrees(cwd, gitBin)
+  const main = list.find(tree => tree.isMain)
+
+  return main ? main.path : cwd
+}
+
+function uniqueDir(base) {
+  let dir = base
+  let n = 1
+
+  while (fs.existsSync(dir)) {
+    n += 1
+    dir = `${base}-${n}`
+  }
+
+  return dir
+}
+
+async function addExistingBranchWorktree(gitBin, root, name) {
+  const branch = sanitizeBranch(name)
+
+  if (!branch) {
+    throw new Error('Branch name is required.')
+  }
+
+  if (branch === (await defaultBranch(gitBin, root))) {
+    await runGit(gitBin, ['switch', branch], root)
+
+    return { path: root, branch, repoRoot: root }
+  }
+
+  const dir = uniqueDir(path.join(root, '.worktrees', slugify(branch)))
+  await runGit(gitBin, ['worktree', 'add', dir, branch], root)
+
+  return { path: dir, branch, repoRoot: root }
+}
+
+async function addWorktree(repoPath, options, gitBin) {
+  const resolved = resolveRequestedPathForIpc(repoPath, { purpose: 'Worktree add' })
+  // A new project's folder may not be a git repo yet — init it (with a root
+  // commit) so the worktree has something to branch from.
+  await ensureGitRepo(gitBin, resolved)
+  const root = await mainRoot(gitBin, resolved)
+  const opts = options || {}
+
+  if (opts.existingBranch) {
+    return addExistingBranchWorktree(gitBin, root, opts.existingBranch)
+  }
+
+  const slug = slugify(opts.name || `work-${Date.now().toString(36)}`)
+  const branch = sanitizeBranch(opts.branch) || `hermes/${slug}`
+  const dir = uniqueDir(path.join(root, '.worktrees', slug))
+
+  const args = ['worktree', 'add', '-b', branch, dir]
+
+  if (opts.base) {
+    args.push(String(opts.base))
+  }
+
+  try {
+    await runGit(gitBin, args, root)
+  } catch (err) {
+    // Branch name may already exist — retry checking out the existing branch
+    // into a fresh worktree dir instead of failing the whole flow.
+    if (/already exists/i.test(err.stderr || '')) {
+      await runGit(gitBin, ['worktree', 'add', dir, branch], root)
+    } else {
+      throw err
+    }
+  }
+
+  return { path: dir, branch, repoRoot: root }
+}
+
+async function removeWorktree(repoPath, worktreePath, options, gitBin) {
+  const resolvedRepo = resolveRequestedPathForIpc(repoPath, { purpose: 'Worktree remove (repo)' })
+  const resolvedTree = resolveRequestedPathForIpc(worktreePath, { purpose: 'Worktree remove (tree)' })
+  const root = await mainRoot(gitBin, resolvedRepo)
+  const args = ['worktree', 'remove']
+
+  if (options && options.force) {
+    args.push('--force')
+  }
+
+  args.push(resolvedTree)
+  await runGit(gitBin, args, root)
+
+  return { removed: resolvedTree }
+}
+
+// List local branches for the "convert a branch into a worktree" picker, most
+// recently committed first. Each carries whether it's already checked out in a
+// worktree and, when checked out, that worktree's path. Empty on a non-repo /
+// remote backend where the probe can't run.
+async function listBranches(repoPath, gitBin) {
+  let resolved
+
+  try {
+    resolved = resolveRequestedPathForIpc(repoPath, { purpose: 'Branch list' })
+  } catch {
+    return []
+  }
+
+  try {
+    const out = await runGit(
+      gitBin,
+      ['for-each-ref', '--format=%(refname:short)', '--sort=-committerdate', 'refs/heads'],
+      resolved
+    )
+    const trees = await listWorktrees(resolved, gitBin)
+    const pathByBranch = new Map(trees.filter(tree => tree.branch).map(tree => [tree.branch, tree.path]))
+    const trunk = await defaultBranch(gitBin, resolved)
+
+    return out
+      .split('\n')
+      .map(line => line.trim())
+      .filter(Boolean)
+      .map(name => ({
+        name,
+        checkedOut: pathByBranch.has(name),
+        isDefault: Boolean(trunk && name === trunk),
+        worktreePath: pathByBranch.get(name) || null
+      }))
+  } catch {
+    return []
+  }
+}
+
+async function switchBranch(repoPath, branch, gitBin) {
+  const resolved = resolveRequestedPathForIpc(repoPath, { purpose: 'Branch switch' })
+  const target = sanitizeBranch(branch)
+
+  if (!target) {
+    throw new Error('Branch name is required.')
+  }
+
+  await runGit(gitBin, ['switch', target], resolved)
+
+  return { branch: target }
+}
+
+module.exports = {
+  addWorktree,
+  ensureGitRepo,
+  listBranches,
+  listWorktrees,
+  parseWorktrees,
+  removeWorktree,
+  sanitizeBranch,
+  switchBranch
+}

apps/desktop/electron/git-worktree-ops.test.cjs

@@ -0,0 +1,214 @@
+'use strict'
+
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict')
+const { execFileSync } = require('node:child_process')
+const fs = require('node:fs')
+const os = require('node:os')
+const path = require('node:path')
+const test = require('node:test')
+
+const {
+  addWorktree,
+  ensureGitRepo,
+  listBranches,
+  parseWorktrees,
+  sanitizeBranch,
+  switchBranch
+} = require('./git-worktree-ops.cjs')
+
+test('sanitizeBranch: spaces → hyphens, forbidden chars dropped, edges trimmed', () => {
+  assert.equal(sanitizeBranch('beach vibes'), 'beach-vibes')
+  assert.equal(sanitizeBranch('feat/cool thing'), 'feat/cool-thing')
+  assert.equal(sanitizeBranch('  wip~^:? '), 'wip')
+  assert.equal(sanitizeBranch('///'), '')
+})
+
+test('parseWorktrees: main checkout + linked worktree', () => {
+  const out = [
+    'worktree /repo',
+    'HEAD abc123',
+    'branch refs/heads/main',
+    '',
+    'worktree /repo/.worktrees/feat',
+    'HEAD def456',
+    'branch refs/heads/hermes/feat',
+    ''
+  ].join('\n')
+
+  const trees = parseWorktrees(out)
+
+  assert.equal(trees.length, 2)
+  assert.equal(trees[0].path, '/repo')
+  assert.equal(trees[0].branch, 'main')
+  assert.equal(trees[1].path, '/repo/.worktrees/feat')
+  assert.equal(trees[1].branch, 'hermes/feat')
+})
+
+test('parseWorktrees: detached + locked flags', () => {
+  const out = ['worktree /repo/wt', 'HEAD abc', 'detached', 'locked reason', ''].join('\n')
+  const trees = parseWorktrees(out)
+
+  assert.equal(trees.length, 1)
+  assert.equal(trees[0].detached, true)
+  assert.equal(trees[0].locked, true)
+  assert.equal(trees[0].branch, null)
+})
+
+test('parseWorktrees: empty input', () => {
+  assert.deepEqual(parseWorktrees(''), [])
+})
+
+test('ensureGitRepo: inits a plain dir with a root commit so worktrees branch', async () => {
+  const dir = fs.mkdtempSync(path.join(os.tmpdir(), 'hermes-wt-'))
+  const git = (...args) => execFileSync('git', args, { cwd: dir }).toString().trim()
+
+  try {
+    await ensureGitRepo('git', dir)
+    assert.match(git('rev-parse', '--verify', 'HEAD'), /^[0-9a-f]{7,}$/)
+
+    // The whole point: a worktree can now branch off the seeded root commit.
+    execFileSync('git', ['worktree', 'add', '-b', 'wt', path.join(dir, '.worktrees', 'wt')], { cwd: dir })
+    assert.ok(fs.existsSync(path.join(dir, '.worktrees', 'wt')))
+
+    // Idempotent: an already-committed repo gets no extra commit.
+    await ensureGitRepo('git', dir)
+    assert.equal(git('rev-list', '--count', 'HEAD'), '1')
+  } finally {
+    fs.rmSync(dir, { recursive: true, force: true })
+  }
+})
+
+test('switchBranch: switches a normal checkout branch', async () => {
+  const dir = fs.mkdtempSync(path.join(os.tmpdir(), 'hermes-switch-'))
+  const git = (...args) => execFileSync('git', args, { cwd: dir }).toString().trim()
+
+  try {
+    await ensureGitRepo('git', dir)
+    execFileSync('git', ['branch', 'feature'], { cwd: dir })
+
+    await switchBranch(dir, 'feature', 'git')
+
+    assert.equal(git('branch', '--show-current'), 'feature')
+  } finally {
+    fs.rmSync(dir, { recursive: true, force: true })
+  }
+})
+
+test('listBranches: lists locals and flags the checked-out branch', async () => {
+  const dir = fs.mkdtempSync(path.join(os.tmpdir(), 'hermes-branches-'))
+
+  try {
+    await ensureGitRepo('git', dir)
+    const current = execFileSync('git', ['branch', '--show-current'], { cwd: dir }).toString().trim()
+    execFileSync('git', ['branch', 'feature'], { cwd: dir })
+
+    const branches = await listBranches(dir, 'git')
+    const names = branches.map(b => b.name).sort()
+
+    assert.deepEqual(names, [current, 'feature'].sort())
+    // The repo's own checkout is flagged; the unused branch is convertible.
+    assert.equal(branches.find(b => b.name === current).checkedOut, true)
+    assert.equal(branches.find(b => b.name === current).isDefault, true)
+    assert.equal(fs.realpathSync(branches.find(b => b.name === current).worktreePath), fs.realpathSync(dir))
+    assert.equal(branches.find(b => b.name === 'feature').checkedOut, false)
+    assert.equal(branches.find(b => b.name === 'feature').isDefault, false)
+    assert.equal(branches.find(b => b.name === 'feature').worktreePath, null)
+  } finally {
+    fs.rmSync(dir, { recursive: true, force: true })
+  }
+})
+
+test('listBranches: flags a free default branch as default, not checked out', async () => {
+  const dir = fs.mkdtempSync(path.join(os.tmpdir(), 'hermes-branches-default-'))
+  const git = (...args) => execFileSync('git', args, { cwd: dir }).toString().trim()
+
+  try {
+    await ensureGitRepo('git', dir)
+    const trunk = git('branch', '--show-current')
+    execFileSync('git', ['switch', '-c', 'rawr'], { cwd: dir })
+
+    const branches = await listBranches(dir, 'git')
+    const defaultBranch = branches.find(b => b.name === trunk)
+
+    assert.equal(defaultBranch.checkedOut, false)
+    assert.equal(defaultBranch.isDefault, true)
+    assert.equal(defaultBranch.worktreePath, null)
+  } finally {
+    fs.rmSync(dir, { recursive: true, force: true })
+  }
+})
+
+test('listBranches: a branch claimed by a worktree is flagged checked out', async () => {
+  const dir = fs.mkdtempSync(path.join(os.tmpdir(), 'hermes-branches-wt-'))
+
+  try {
+    await ensureGitRepo('git', dir)
+    execFileSync('git', ['branch', 'feature'], { cwd: dir })
+    // addWorktree converts the existing "feature" branch into a worktree.
+    const result = await addWorktree(dir, { existingBranch: 'feature' }, 'git')
+
+    assert.equal(result.branch, 'feature')
+    assert.ok(fs.existsSync(result.path))
+
+    const branches = await listBranches(dir, 'git')
+
+    assert.equal(branches.find(b => b.name === 'feature').checkedOut, true)
+  } finally {
+    fs.rmSync(dir, { recursive: true, force: true })
+  }
+})
+
+test('listBranches: empty on a non-repo path', async () => {
+  const dir = fs.mkdtempSync(path.join(os.tmpdir(), 'hermes-nonrepo-'))
+
+  try {
+    assert.deepEqual(await listBranches(dir, 'git'), [])
+  } finally {
+    fs.rmSync(dir, { recursive: true, force: true })
+  }
+})
+
+test('addWorktree: existingBranch checks the branch out without a new branch', async () => {
+  const dir = fs.mkdtempSync(path.join(os.tmpdir(), 'hermes-convert-'))
+  const git = (...args) => execFileSync('git', args, { cwd: dir }).toString().trim()
+
+  try {
+    await ensureGitRepo('git', dir)
+    execFileSync('git', ['branch', 'cool/feature'], { cwd: dir })
+
+    const before = git('branch', '--list').split('\n').length
+    const result = await addWorktree(dir, { existingBranch: 'cool/feature' }, 'git')
+
+    // No new branch was created — only the existing one is checked out.
+    assert.equal(git('branch', '--list').split('\n').length, before)
+    assert.equal(result.branch, 'cool/feature')
+    // Dir is named off the branch slug, nested under the main repo's .worktrees.
+    assert.match(result.path, /[/\\]\.worktrees[/\\]cool-feature/)
+    assert.equal(
+      execFileSync('git', ['branch', '--show-current'], { cwd: result.path }).toString().trim(),
+      'cool/feature'
+    )
+  } finally {
+    fs.rmSync(dir, { recursive: true, force: true })
+  }
+})
+
+test('addWorktree: existing default branch switches the main checkout, not .worktrees/main', async () => {
+  const dir = fs.mkdtempSync(path.join(os.tmpdir(), 'hermes-convert-default-'))
+  const git = (...args) => execFileSync('git', args, { cwd: dir }).toString().trim()
+
+  try {
+    await ensureGitRepo('git', dir)
+    const trunk = git('branch', '--show-current')
+    execFileSync('git', ['switch', '-c', 'rawr'], { cwd: dir })
+
+    const result = await addWorktree(dir, { existingBranch: trunk }, 'git')
+
+    assert.equal(result.branch, trunk)
+    assert.equal(fs.realpathSync(result.path), fs.realpathSync(dir))
+    assert.equal(git('branch', '--show-current'), trunk)
+    assert.equal(fs.existsSync(path.join(dir, '.worktrees', trunk)), false)
+  } finally {
+    fs.rmSync(dir, { recursive: true, force: true })
+  }
+})

apps/desktop/electron/git-worktrees.cjs

@@ -1,174 +0,0 @@
-'use strict'
-
-// Resolve git-worktree relationships for a set of session cwds, reading git's
-// on-disk metadata directly (no `git` spawn per path):
-//
-//   - A normal checkout has a `.git` DIRECTORY at its root → it's the main
-//     worktree; its repo root IS that directory's parent.
-//   - A linked worktree has a `.git` FILE: `gitdir: <repo>/.git/worktrees/<name>`.
-//     That admin dir's `commondir` points back at the shared `<repo>/.git`, whose
-//     parent is the main repo root.
-//
-// Grouping by repoRoot therefore clusters a repo's main checkout with all of its
-// linked worktrees, regardless of how the worktree directories are named. The
-// branch (read from the worktree's own HEAD) gives each worktree a meaningful
-// label.
-
-const fs = require('node:fs')
-const path = require('node:path')
-const { resolveRequestedPathForIpc } = require('./hardening.cjs')
-
-// Walk up from `start` to the nearest ancestor that carries a `.git` entry
-// (file for a linked worktree, dir for the main checkout). Capped so a stray
-// path can't loop forever.
-function findGitHost(start, fsImpl) {
-  let dir = start
-
-  for (let i = 0; i < 64; i += 1) {
-    const dotgit = path.join(dir, '.git')
-
-    try {
-      if (fsImpl.existsSync(dotgit)) {
-        return dir
-      }
-    } catch {
-      return null
-    }
-
-    const parent = path.dirname(dir)
-
-    if (parent === dir) {
-      return null
-    }
-
-    dir = parent
-  }
-
-  return null
-}
-
-function readBranch(gitDir, fsImpl) {
-  try {
-    const head = fsImpl.readFileSync(path.join(gitDir, 'HEAD'), 'utf8').trim()
-    const ref = head.match(/^ref:\s*refs\/heads\/(.+)$/)
-
-    if (ref) {
-      return ref[1]
-    }
-
-    // Detached HEAD: surface a short sha so the worktree still gets a label.
-    return /^[0-9a-f]{7,40}$/i.test(head) ? head.slice(0, 8) : null
-  } catch {
-    return null
-  }
-}
-
-// Given the directory that owns the `.git` entry, resolve its worktree identity.
-function resolveFromHost(host, fsImpl) {
-  const dotgit = path.join(host, '.git')
-  let stat
-
-  try {
-    stat = fsImpl.statSync(dotgit)
-  } catch {
-    return null
-  }
-
-  if (stat.isDirectory()) {
-    return {
-      repoRoot: host,
-      worktreeRoot: host,
-      isMainWorktree: true,
-      branch: readBranch(dotgit, fsImpl)
-    }
-  }
-
-  // Linked worktree: `.git` is a file pointing at the admin dir.
-  let contents
-
-  try {
-    contents = fsImpl.readFileSync(dotgit, 'utf8').trim()
-  } catch {
-    return null
-  }
-
-  const match = contents.match(/^gitdir:\s*(.+)$/m)
-
-  if (!match) {
-    return null
-  }
-
-  const adminDir = path.resolve(host, match[1].trim())
-
-  // `commondir` resolves to the shared `<repo>/.git`; fall back to walking two
-  // levels up from `<repo>/.git/worktrees/<name>` if it's missing.
-  let commonDir
-
-  try {
-    const rel = fsImpl.readFileSync(path.join(adminDir, 'commondir'), 'utf8').trim()
-    commonDir = path.resolve(adminDir, rel)
-  } catch {
-    commonDir = path.dirname(path.dirname(adminDir))
-  }
-
-  return {
-    repoRoot: path.dirname(commonDir),
-    worktreeRoot: host,
-    isMainWorktree: false,
-    branch: readBranch(adminDir, fsImpl)
-  }
-}
-
-function resolveWorktree(startPath, fsImpl = fs) {
-  let resolved
-
-  try {
-    resolved = resolveRequestedPathForIpc(startPath, { purpose: 'Worktree lookup' })
-  } catch {
-    return null
-  }
-
-  let start = resolved
-
-  try {
-    const stat = fsImpl.statSync(resolved)
-
-    if (!stat.isDirectory()) {
-      start = path.dirname(resolved)
-    }
-  } catch {
-    return null
-  }
-
-  const host = findGitHost(start, fsImpl)
-
-  if (!host) {
-    return null
-  }
-
-  return resolveFromHost(host, fsImpl)
-}
-
-// Batch entry point for the renderer: maps each requested cwd to its worktree
-// info (or null when it isn't inside a git checkout / can't be read). Dedupes so
-// many sessions sharing a cwd cost one lookup.
-async function worktreesForIpc(cwds, options = {}) {
-  const fsImpl = options.fs || fs
-  const list = Array.isArray(cwds) ? cwds : []
-  const out = {}
-
-  for (const cwd of list) {
-    if (typeof cwd !== 'string' || !cwd.trim() || cwd in out) {
-      continue
-    }
-
-    out[cwd] = resolveWorktree(cwd, fsImpl)
-  }
-
-  return out
-}
-
-module.exports = {
-  resolveWorktree,
-  worktreesForIpc
-}

apps/desktop/electron/main.cjs

@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ const { canImportHermesCli, verifyHermesCli } = require('./backend-probes.cjs')
 const { createLinkTitleWindow } = require('./link-title-window.cjs')
 const { probeGatewayWebSocket } = require('./gateway-ws-probe.cjs')
 const { adoptServedDashboardToken } = require('./dashboard-token.cjs')
-const { waitForDashboardPort } = require('./backend-ready.cjs')
+const { waitForDashboardPortAnnouncement } = require('./backend-ready.cjs')
 const { serializeJsonBody, setJsonRequestHeaders } = require('./oauth-net-request.cjs')
 const { fetchMarketplaceThemes, searchMarketplaceThemes } = require('./vscode-marketplace.cjs')
 const { buildDesktopBackendEnv, normalizeHermesHomeRoot } = require('./backend-env.cjs')
@@ -55,7 +55,23 @@ const {
   buildRelaunchScript
 } = require('./update-relaunch.cjs')
 const { gitRootForIpc } = require('./git-root.cjs')
-const { worktreesForIpc } = require('./git-worktrees.cjs')
+const { addWorktree, listBranches, listWorktrees, removeWorktree, switchBranch } = require('./git-worktree-ops.cjs')
+const {
+  fileDiffVsHead,
+  repoStatus,
+  reviewCommit,
+  reviewCommitContext,
+  reviewCreatePr,
+  reviewDiff,
+  reviewList,
+  reviewPush,
+  reviewRevParse,
+  reviewRevert,
+  reviewShipInfo,
+  reviewStage,
+  reviewUnstage
+} = require('./git-review-ops.cjs')
+const { scanGitRepos } = require('./git-repo-scan.cjs')
 const { OFFICIAL_REPO_HTTPS_URL, isOfficialSshRemote } = require('./update-remote.cjs')
 const { resolveBehindCount, shouldCountCommits } = require('./update-count.cjs')
 const { runRebuildWithRetry } = require('./update-rebuild.cjs')
@@ -744,6 +760,9 @@ let rendererReloadTimes = []
 // instead of re-running install.ps1 in a hot loop. Cleared explicitly by
 // the renderer's "Reload and retry" path or by quitting the app.
 let bootstrapFailure = null
+// Latched non-bootstrap backend spawn failure — stops getConnection() from
+// respawning hermes dashboard children in a tight loop while boot is broken.
+let backendStartFailure = null
 // Active first-launch install, so the renderer's Cancel button (and app quit)
 // can abort the in-flight install.sh/ps1 instead of leaving it running.
 let bootstrapAbortController = null
@@ -1254,6 +1273,39 @@ function isCommandScript(command) {
   return IS_WINDOWS && /\.(cmd|bat)$/i.test(command || '')
 }
 
+function unwrapWindowsVenvHermesCommand(command, dashboardArgs) {
+  if (!IS_WINDOWS || !command || isCommandScript(command)) return null
+
+  const resolved = path.resolve(String(command))
+  if (!/^hermes(?:\.exe)?$/i.test(path.basename(resolved))) return null
+
+  const scriptsDir = path.dirname(resolved)
+  if (path.basename(scriptsDir).toLowerCase() !== 'scripts') return null
+
+  const venvRoot = path.dirname(scriptsDir)
+  const python = getNoConsoleVenvPython(venvRoot)
+  if (!fileExists(python)) return null
+
+  const root = path.dirname(venvRoot)
+  return {
+    label: `existing Hermes no-console Python at ${python}`,
+    command: python,
+    args: ['-m', 'hermes_cli.main', ...dashboardArgs],
+    bootstrap: false,
+    env: buildDesktopBackendEnv({
+      hermesHome: HERMES_HOME,
+      pythonPathEntries: [
+        ...(directoryExists(root) ? [root] : []),
+        ...getVenvSitePackagesEntries(venvRoot)
+      ],
+      venvRoot
+    }),
+    kind: 'python',
+    readyFile: true,
+    shell: false
+  }
+}
+
 function normalizeExecutablePathForCompare(commandPath) {
   if (!commandPath) return null
 
@@ -1474,6 +1526,99 @@ function getVenvPython(venvRoot) {
   return path.join(venvRoot, IS_WINDOWS ? path.join('Scripts', 'python.exe') : path.join('bin', 'python'))
 }
 
+function readVenvHome(venvRoot) {
+  try {
+    const cfg = fs.readFileSync(path.join(venvRoot, 'pyvenv.cfg'), 'utf8')
+    const match = cfg.match(/^home\s*=\s*(.+?)\s*$/im)
+    return match ? match[1].trim() : null
+  } catch {
+    return null
+  }
+}
+
+function getNoConsoleVenvPython(venvRoot) {
+  if (!IS_WINDOWS) return getVenvPython(venvRoot)
+
+  // Prefer the venv's own pythonw shim — it carries pyvenv.cfg / site-packages
+  // wiring. Falling back to the base uv/python.org pythonw.exe skips the venv
+  // and breaks imports (yaml, hermes_cli, …) even when PYTHONPATH is patched.
+  const venvPythonw = path.join(venvRoot, 'Scripts', 'pythonw.exe')
+  if (fileExists(venvPythonw)) return venvPythonw
+
+  const baseHome = readVenvHome(venvRoot)
+  if (baseHome) {
+    const basePythonw = path.join(baseHome, 'pythonw.exe')
+    if (fileExists(basePythonw)) return basePythonw
+  }
+
+  return venvPythonw
+}
+
+function toNoConsolePython(pythonPath) {
+  if (!IS_WINDOWS || !pythonPath) return pythonPath
+
+  const resolved = String(pythonPath)
+  if (/pythonw\.exe$/i.test(resolved)) return resolved
+
+  if (/python\.exe$/i.test(resolved)) {
+    const pythonw = path.join(path.dirname(resolved), 'pythonw.exe')
+    if (fileExists(pythonw)) return pythonw
+  }
+
+  return pythonPath
+}
+
+function applyWindowsNoConsoleSpawnHints(backend) {
+  if (!IS_WINDOWS || !backend?.command) return backend
+
+  const usesHermesModule =
+    backend.kind === 'python' ||
+    (Array.isArray(backend.args) &&
+      backend.args[0] === '-m' &&
+      backend.args[1] === 'hermes_cli.main')
+
+  if (!usesHermesModule) return backend
+
+  backend.command = toNoConsolePython(backend.command)
+  if (/pythonw\.exe$/i.test(path.basename(String(backend.command || '')))) {
+    backend.readyFile = true
+  }
+
+  return backend
+}
+
+function getVenvSitePackagesEntries(venvRoot) {
+  const entries = []
+  if (!venvRoot) return entries
+
+  if (IS_WINDOWS) {
+    const sitePackages = path.join(venvRoot, 'Lib', 'site-packages')
+    if (directoryExists(sitePackages)) entries.push(sitePackages)
+    return entries
+  }
+
+  const version = (() => {
+    try {
+      const cfg = fs.readFileSync(path.join(venvRoot, 'pyvenv.cfg'), 'utf8')
+      const match = cfg.match(/^version_info\s*=\s*(\d+\.\d+)/im)
+      return match ? match[1].trim() : null
+    } catch {
+      return null
+    }
+  })()
+  if (version) {
+    const sitePackages = path.join(venvRoot, 'lib', `python${version}`, 'site-packages')
+    if (directoryExists(sitePackages)) entries.push(sitePackages)
+  }
+  return entries
+}
+
+function makeDashboardReadyFile() {
+  const dir = path.join(app.getPath('userData'), 'backend-ready')
+  fs.mkdirSync(dir, { recursive: true })
+  return path.join(dir, `dashboard-${process.pid}-${Date.now()}-${crypto.randomBytes(6).toString('hex')}.json`)
+}
+
 // resolveGitBinary — locate git.exe on Windows. A fresh installer-driven
 // install only has PortableGit under %LOCALAPPDATA%\hermes\git (never on
 // PATH), so a bare spawn('git') ENOENTs and self-update checks fail with
@@ -1503,6 +1648,30 @@ function resolveGitBinary() {
   return _gitBinaryCache
 }
 
+// resolveGhBinary — locate the GitHub CLI. GUI-launched apps get a minimal PATH
+// that omits Homebrew (/opt/homebrew/bin, /usr/local/bin) where `gh` usually
+// lives, so a bare spawn('gh') ENOENTs even though `gh` works in the user's
+// terminal. Check the common install locations first, then PATH. Cached.
+let _ghBinaryCache = null
+function resolveGhBinary() {
+  if (_ghBinaryCache) return _ghBinaryCache
+
+  const candidates = []
+
+  if (IS_WINDOWS) {
+    candidates.push(path.join(process.env['ProgramFiles'] || 'C:\\Program Files', 'GitHub CLI', 'gh.exe'))
+    if (process.env.LOCALAPPDATA) {
+      candidates.push(path.join(process.env.LOCALAPPDATA, 'Microsoft', 'WinGet', 'Links', 'gh.exe'))
+    }
+  } else {
+    const home = app.getPath('home')
+    candidates.push('/opt/homebrew/bin/gh', '/usr/local/bin/gh', '/usr/bin/gh', path.join(home, '.local', 'bin', 'gh'))
+  }
+
+  _ghBinaryCache = candidates.find(fileExists) || findOnPath('gh') || 'gh'
+  return _ghBinaryCache
+}
+
 function recentHermesLog() {
   return hermesLog.slice(-20).join('\n')
 }
@@ -2590,20 +2759,25 @@ function createPythonBackend(root, label, dashboardArgs, options = {}) {
   const python = findPythonForRoot(root)
   if (!python) return null
 
-  return {
+  const venvRoot = path.join(root, 'venv')
+  const venvPython = getVenvPython(venvRoot)
+  const command =
+    IS_WINDOWS && fileExists(venvPython) ? getNoConsoleVenvPython(venvRoot) : toNoConsolePython(python)
+
+  return applyWindowsNoConsoleSpawnHints({
     kind: 'python',
     label,
-    command: python,
+    command,
     args: ['-m', 'hermes_cli.main', ...dashboardArgs],
     env: buildDesktopBackendEnv({
       hermesHome: HERMES_HOME,
       pythonPathEntries: [root],
-      venvRoot: path.join(root, 'venv')
+      venvRoot
     }),
     root,
     bootstrap: Boolean(options.bootstrap),
     shell: false
-  }
+  })
 }
 
 // createActiveBackend — build a backend pointing at ACTIVE_HERMES_ROOT, the
@@ -2612,11 +2786,14 @@ function createPythonBackend(root, label, dashboardArgs, options = {}) {
 // ensureRuntime() to create / refresh it before launch.
 function createActiveBackend(dashboardArgs) {
   const venvPython = getVenvPython(VENV_ROOT)
+  const command = fileExists(venvPython)
+    ? getNoConsoleVenvPython(VENV_ROOT)
+    : toNoConsolePython(findSystemPython())
 
-  return {
+  return applyWindowsNoConsoleSpawnHints({
     kind: 'python',
     label: `Hermes at ${ACTIVE_HERMES_ROOT}`,
-    command: fileExists(venvPython) ? venvPython : findSystemPython(),
+    command,
     args: ['-m', 'hermes_cli.main', ...dashboardArgs],
     env: buildDesktopBackendEnv({
       hermesHome: HERMES_HOME,
@@ -2626,7 +2803,7 @@ function createActiveBackend(dashboardArgs) {
     root: ACTIVE_HERMES_ROOT,
     bootstrap: true,
     shell: false
-  }
+  })
 }
 
 function resolveHermesBackend(dashboardArgs) {
@@ -2687,6 +2864,11 @@ function resolveHermesBackend(dashboardArgs) {
     }
 
     if (hermesCommand) {
+      const unwrapped = unwrapWindowsVenvHermesCommand(hermesCommand, dashboardArgs)
+      if (unwrapped) {
+        return unwrapped
+      }
+
       // Smoke-test the candidate before trusting it. A `hermes` shim
       // left behind by a half-uninstalled pip install (or a venv
       // entry-point pointing at a deleted interpreter) still resolves
@@ -2696,7 +2878,7 @@ function resolveHermesBackend(dashboardArgs) {
       // and lets the resolver fall through to step 6 / bootstrap.
       const shellForProbe = isCommandScript(hermesCommand)
       if (verifyHermesCli(hermesCommand, { shell: shellForProbe })) {
-        return {
+        return unwrapWindowsVenvHermesCommand(hermesCommand, dashboardArgs) || {
           label: `existing Hermes CLI at ${hermesCommand}`,
           command: hermesCommand,
           args: dashboardArgs,
@@ -2726,15 +2908,15 @@ function resolveHermesBackend(dashboardArgs) {
     // failure, fall through to step 6 so the bootstrap runner pulls
     // a uv-managed 3.11 into %LOCALAPPDATA%\hermes\hermes-agent\venv.
     if (canImportHermesCli(python)) {
-      return {
+      return applyWindowsNoConsoleSpawnHints({
         kind: 'python',
         label: `installed hermes_cli module via ${python}`,
-        command: python,
+        command: toNoConsolePython(python),
         args: ['-m', 'hermes_cli.main', ...dashboardArgs],
         bootstrap: false,
         env: {},
         shell: false
-      }
+      })
     }
     rememberLog(`Ignoring system Python ${python}: hermes_cli is not importable; falling through to bootstrap.`)
   }
@@ -2768,7 +2950,7 @@ function resolveHermesBackend(dashboardArgs) {
 async function ensureRuntime(backend) {
   if (!backend.bootstrap) {
     await advanceBootProgress('runtime.external', `Using ${backend.label}`, 32)
-    return backend
+    return applyWindowsNoConsoleSpawnHints(backend)
   }
 
   // backend.kind === 'bootstrap-needed' means resolveHermesBackend couldn't
@@ -2908,7 +3090,7 @@ async function ensureRuntime(backend) {
     )
   }
 
-  backend.command = venvPython
+  backend.command = getNoConsoleVenvPython(VENV_ROOT)
   backend.label = `Hermes at ${ACTIVE_HERMES_ROOT} (venv: ${VENV_ROOT})`
   updateBootProgress({
     phase: 'runtime.ready',
@@ -2917,10 +3099,9 @@ async function ensureRuntime(backend) {
     running: true,
     error: null
   })
-  return backend
+  return applyWindowsNoConsoleSpawnHints(backend)
 }
 
-
 function fetchJson(url, token, options = {}) {
   return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
     const body = options.body === undefined ? undefined : Buffer.from(JSON.stringify(options.body))
@@ -4831,6 +5012,7 @@ function resetBootProgressForReconnect() {
 
 function resetHermesConnection() {
   connectionPromise = null
+  backendStartFailure = null
 
   if (hermesProcess && !hermesProcess.killed) {
     hermesProcess.kill('SIGTERM')
@@ -4992,6 +5174,7 @@ async function spawnPoolBackend(profile, entry) {
   const backend = await ensureRuntime(resolveHermesBackend(dashboardArgs))
   const hermesCwd = resolveHermesCwd()
   const webDist = resolveWebDist()
+  const readyFile = backend.readyFile ? makeDashboardReadyFile() : null
 
   rememberLog(`Starting Hermes backend for profile "${profile}" via ${backend.label}`)
 
@@ -5012,7 +5195,8 @@ async function spawnPoolBackend(profile, entry) {
         // Marks this dashboard backend as desktop-spawned so it runs the cron
         // scheduler tick loop (the gateway isn't running under the app).
         HERMES_DESKTOP: '1',
-        HERMES_WEB_DIST: webDist
+        HERMES_WEB_DIST: webDist,
+        ...(readyFile ? { HERMES_DESKTOP_READY_FILE: readyFile } : {})
       },
       shell: backend.shell,
       stdio: ['ignore', 'pipe', 'pipe']
@@ -5045,7 +5229,10 @@ async function spawnPoolBackend(profile, entry) {
   })
 
   // Discover the ephemeral port the child bound to
-  const port = await Promise.race([waitForDashboardPort(child), startFailed])
+  const port = await Promise.race([waitForDashboardPortAnnouncement(child, { readyFile }), startFailed])
+  if (readyFile) {
+    fs.unlink(readyFile, () => {})
+  }
   entry.port = port
 
   const baseUrl = `http://127.0.0.1:${port}`
@@ -5158,6 +5345,9 @@ async function startHermes() {
   if (bootstrapFailure) {
     throw bootstrapFailure
   }
+  if (backendStartFailure) {
+    throw backendStartFailure
+  }
   if (connectionPromise) return connectionPromise
 
   connectionPromise = (async () => {
@@ -5211,6 +5401,7 @@ async function startHermes() {
     const backend = await ensureRuntime(resolveHermesBackend(dashboardArgs))
     const hermesCwd = resolveHermesCwd()
     const webDist = resolveWebDist()
+    const readyFile = backend.readyFile ? makeDashboardReadyFile() : null
 
     await advanceBootProgress('backend.spawn', `Starting Hermes backend via ${backend.label}`, 84)
     rememberLog(`Starting Hermes backend via ${backend.label}`)
@@ -5237,7 +5428,8 @@ async function startHermes() {
           // Marks this dashboard backend as desktop-spawned so it runs the cron
           // scheduler tick loop (the gateway isn't running under the app).
           HERMES_DESKTOP: '1',
-          HERMES_WEB_DIST: webDist
+          HERMES_WEB_DIST: webDist,
+          ...(readyFile ? { HERMES_DESKTOP_READY_FILE: readyFile } : {})
         },
         shell: backend.shell,
         stdio: ['ignore', 'pipe', 'pipe']
@@ -5293,12 +5485,16 @@ async function startHermes() {
 
     await advanceBootProgress('backend.port', 'Waiting for Hermes backend to launch', 86)
     // Discover the ephemeral port the child bound to
-    const port = await Promise.race([waitForDashboardPort(hermesProcess), backendStartFailed])
+    const port = await Promise.race([waitForDashboardPortAnnouncement(hermesProcess, { readyFile }), backendStartFailed])
+    if (readyFile) {
+      fs.unlink(readyFile, () => {})
+    }
 
     const baseUrl = `http://127.0.0.1:${port}`
     await advanceBootProgress('backend.wait', 'Waiting for Hermes backend to become ready', 90)
     await Promise.race([waitForHermes(baseUrl, token), backendStartFailed])
     backendReady = true
+    backendStartFailure = null
     const authToken = await adoptServedDashboardToken(baseUrl, token, {
       // The exit/error handlers null hermesProcess when the child dies.
       childAlive: () => hermesProcess !== null && hermesProcess.exitCode === null && !hermesProcess.killed,
@@ -5324,6 +5520,7 @@ async function startHermes() {
     }
   })().catch(error => {
     const message = error instanceof Error ? error.message : String(error)
+    backendStartFailure = error instanceof Error ? error : new Error(message)
     updateBootProgress(
       {
         error: message,
@@ -5889,6 +6086,7 @@ ipcMain.handle('hermes:bootstrap:reset', async () => {
   rememberLog('[bootstrap] reset requested by renderer; clearing latched failure')
   await teardownPrimaryBackendAndWait()
   bootstrapFailure = null
+  backendStartFailure = null
   bootstrapState = {
     active: false,
     manifest: null,
@@ -5915,6 +6113,7 @@ ipcMain.handle('hermes:bootstrap:repair', async () => {
     rememberLog(`[bootstrap] failed to remove marker during repair: ${error.message}`)
   }
   bootstrapFailure = null
+  backendStartFailure = null
   resetHermesConnection()
   return { ok: true }
 })
@@ -6596,7 +6795,164 @@ ipcMain.handle('hermes:fs:readDir', async (_event, dirPath) => readDirForIpc(dir
 
 ipcMain.handle('hermes:fs:gitRoot', async (_event, startPath) => gitRootForIpc(startPath))
 
-ipcMain.handle('hermes:fs:worktrees', async (_event, cwds) => worktreesForIpc(cwds))
+// Reveal a path in the OS file manager (Finder / Explorer / Files).
+ipcMain.handle('hermes:fs:reveal', async (_event, targetPath) => {
+  const target = String(targetPath || '').trim()
+
+  if (!target) {
+    return false
+  }
+
+  try {
+    shell.showItemInFolder(target)
+
+    return true
+  } catch {
+    return false
+  }
+})
+
+// Rename a file/folder in place. The renderer passes the existing path + a new
+// base name; the destination is resolved in the SAME parent dir so a rename can
+// never move the item elsewhere or traverse out. Rejects on a name collision.
+ipcMain.handle('hermes:fs:rename', async (_event, targetPath, newName) => {
+  const src = String(targetPath || '').trim()
+  const name = String(newName || '').trim()
+
+  if (!src || !name || name === '.' || name === '..' || name.includes('/') || name.includes('\\')) {
+    throw new Error('Invalid rename')
+  }
+
+  const dst = path.join(path.dirname(src), name)
+
+  if (dst === src) {
+    return { path: dst }
+  }
+
+  if (fs.existsSync(dst)) {
+    throw new Error(`"${name}" already exists`)
+  }
+
+  await fs.promises.rename(src, dst)
+
+  return { path: dst }
+})
+
+// Write a small UTF-8 text file (e.g. a project's IDEA.md at creation). The path
+// is hardened (resolveRequestedPathForIpc) and the parent must already exist —
+// this never creates directory trees or escapes the allowed roots, and content
+// is size-capped so it can't be abused as a bulk-write primitive.
+ipcMain.handle('hermes:fs:writeText', async (_event, filePath, content) => {
+  const raw = String(filePath || '').trim()
+
+  if (!raw) {
+    throw new Error('Invalid path')
+  }
+
+  const text = String(content ?? '')
+
+  if (text.length > 1_000_000) {
+    throw new Error('Content too large')
+  }
+
+  const resolved = resolveRequestedPathForIpc(expandUserPath(raw), { purpose: 'Write text file' })
+
+  if (!directoryExists(path.dirname(resolved))) {
+    throw new Error('Parent directory does not exist')
+  }
+
+  await fs.promises.writeFile(resolved, text, 'utf8')
+
+  return { path: resolved }
+})
+
+// Move a file/folder to the OS trash (recoverable) — the VS Code "Delete"
+// default. `shell.trashItem` routes to Finder/Explorer/Files trash per platform.
+ipcMain.handle('hermes:fs:trash', async (_event, targetPath) => {
+  const target = String(targetPath || '').trim()
+
+  if (!target) {
+    throw new Error('Invalid delete')
+  }
+
+  await shell.trashItem(target)
+
+  return true
+})
+
+// Git-driven worktree management ("Start work" flow). Errors surface to the
+// renderer as rejected promises so it can toast a friendly message.
+ipcMain.handle('hermes:git:worktreeList', async (_event, repoPath) =>
+  listWorktrees(repoPath, resolveGitBinary())
+)
+
+ipcMain.handle('hermes:git:worktreeAdd', async (_event, repoPath, options) =>
+  addWorktree(repoPath, options || {}, resolveGitBinary())
+)
+
+ipcMain.handle('hermes:git:worktreeRemove', async (_event, repoPath, worktreePath, options) =>
+  removeWorktree(repoPath, worktreePath, options || {}, resolveGitBinary())
+)
+
+ipcMain.handle('hermes:git:branchSwitch', async (_event, repoPath, branch) =>
+  switchBranch(repoPath, branch, resolveGitBinary())
+)
+
+ipcMain.handle('hermes:git:branchList', async (_event, repoPath) =>
+  listBranches(repoPath, resolveGitBinary())
+)
+
+// Compact repo status (branch, ahead/behind, change counts + files) for the
+// composer coding rail. Returns null on a non-repo / remote backend so the rail
+// hides cleanly rather than erroring.
+ipcMain.handle('hermes:git:repoStatus', async (_event, repoPath) => repoStatus(repoPath, resolveGitBinary()))
+
+// Codex-style review pane: list changed files for a scope, fetch one file's
+// unified diff, and stage / unstage / revert. Reads return empty on failure;
+// mutations reject so the renderer can toast.
+ipcMain.handle('hermes:git:review:list', async (_event, repoPath, scope, baseRef) =>
+  reviewList(repoPath, scope, baseRef, resolveGitBinary())
+)
+ipcMain.handle('hermes:git:review:diff', async (_event, repoPath, filePath, scope, baseRef, staged) =>
+  reviewDiff(repoPath, filePath, scope, baseRef, staged, resolveGitBinary())
+)
+// Working-tree-vs-HEAD diff for one file (the preview's "show the diff" view).
+ipcMain.handle('hermes:git:fileDiff', async (_event, repoPath, filePath) =>
+  fileDiffVsHead(repoPath, filePath, resolveGitBinary())
+)
+ipcMain.handle('hermes:git:review:stage', async (_event, repoPath, filePath) =>
+  reviewStage(repoPath, filePath ?? null, resolveGitBinary())
+)
+ipcMain.handle('hermes:git:review:unstage', async (_event, repoPath, filePath) =>
+  reviewUnstage(repoPath, filePath ?? null, resolveGitBinary())
+)
+ipcMain.handle('hermes:git:review:revert', async (_event, repoPath, filePath) =>
+  reviewRevert(repoPath, filePath ?? null, resolveGitBinary())
+)
+ipcMain.handle('hermes:git:review:revParse', async (_event, repoPath, ref) =>
+  reviewRevParse(repoPath, ref, resolveGitBinary())
+)
+ipcMain.handle('hermes:git:review:commit', async (_event, repoPath, message, push) =>
+  reviewCommit(repoPath, message, Boolean(push), resolveGitBinary())
+)
+ipcMain.handle('hermes:git:review:commitContext', async (_event, repoPath) =>
+  reviewCommitContext(repoPath, resolveGitBinary())
+)
+ipcMain.handle('hermes:git:review:push', async (_event, repoPath) => reviewPush(repoPath, resolveGitBinary()))
+ipcMain.handle('hermes:git:review:shipInfo', async (_event, repoPath) => reviewShipInfo(repoPath, resolveGhBinary()))
+ipcMain.handle('hermes:git:review:createPr', async (_event, repoPath) =>
+  reviewCreatePr(repoPath, resolveGitBinary(), resolveGhBinary())
+)
+
+// Repo-first project discovery: scan bounded roots for git repos (pure fs walk,
+// no native addon). Never throws to the renderer — failures yield an empty list.
+ipcMain.handle('hermes:git:scanRepos', async (_event, roots, options) => {
+  try {
+    return await scanGitRepos(roots || [], options || {})
+  } catch {
+    return []
+  }
+})
 
 ipcMain.handle('hermes:terminal:start', async (event, payload = {}) => {
   if (!nodePty) {

apps/desktop/electron/preload.cjs

@@ -82,7 +82,35 @@ contextBridge.exposeInMainWorld('hermesDesktop', {
   getRecentLogs: () => ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:logs:recent'),
   readDir: dirPath => ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:fs:readDir', dirPath),
   gitRoot: startPath => ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:fs:gitRoot', startPath),
-  worktrees: cwds => ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:fs:worktrees', cwds),
+  revealPath: targetPath => ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:fs:reveal', targetPath),
+  renamePath: (targetPath, newName) => ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:fs:rename', targetPath, newName),
+  writeTextFile: (filePath, content) => ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:fs:writeText', filePath, content),
+  trashPath: targetPath => ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:fs:trash', targetPath),
+  git: {
+    worktreeList: repoPath => ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:git:worktreeList', repoPath),
+    worktreeAdd: (repoPath, options) => ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:git:worktreeAdd', repoPath, options),
+    worktreeRemove: (repoPath, worktreePath, options) =>
+      ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:git:worktreeRemove', repoPath, worktreePath, options),
+    branchSwitch: (repoPath, branch) => ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:git:branchSwitch', repoPath, branch),
+    branchList: repoPath => ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:git:branchList', repoPath),
+    repoStatus: repoPath => ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:git:repoStatus', repoPath),
+    fileDiff: (repoPath, filePath) => ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:git:fileDiff', repoPath, filePath),
+    scanRepos: (roots, options) => ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:git:scanRepos', roots, options),
+    review: {
+      list: (repoPath, scope, baseRef) => ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:git:review:list', repoPath, scope, baseRef),
+      diff: (repoPath, filePath, scope, baseRef, staged) =>
+        ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:git:review:diff', repoPath, filePath, scope, baseRef, staged),
+      stage: (repoPath, filePath) => ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:git:review:stage', repoPath, filePath),
+      unstage: (repoPath, filePath) => ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:git:review:unstage', repoPath, filePath),
+      revert: (repoPath, filePath) => ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:git:review:revert', repoPath, filePath),
+      revParse: (repoPath, ref) => ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:git:review:revParse', repoPath, ref),
+      commit: (repoPath, message, push) => ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:git:review:commit', repoPath, message, push),
+      commitContext: repoPath => ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:git:review:commitContext', repoPath),
+      push: repoPath => ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:git:review:push', repoPath),
+      shipInfo: repoPath => ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:git:review:shipInfo', repoPath),
+      createPr: repoPath => ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:git:review:createPr', repoPath)
+    }
+  },
   terminal: {
     dispose: id => ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:terminal:dispose', id),
     resize: (id, size) => ipcRenderer.invoke('hermes:terminal:resize', id, size),

apps/desktop/electron/windows-child-process.test.cjs

@@ -12,7 +12,8 @@ function readElectronFile(name) {
 }
 
 function requireHiddenChildOptions(source, needle) {
-  const index = source.indexOf(needle)
+  const match = needle instanceof RegExp ? needle.exec(source) : null
+  const index = needle instanceof RegExp ? match?.index ?? -1 : source.indexOf(needle)
   assert.notEqual(index, -1, `missing call site: ${needle}`)
   const snippet = source.slice(index, index + 700)
   assert.match(
@@ -28,14 +29,28 @@ test('desktop background child processes opt into hidden Windows consoles', () =
   assert.match(source, /function hiddenWindowsChildOptions\(options = \{\}\)/)
 
   requireHiddenChildOptions(source, "execFileSync(\n          'reg'")
-  requireHiddenChildOptions(source, 'execFileSync(pyExe')
-  requireHiddenChildOptions(source, 'spawn(resolveGitBinary()')
+  requireHiddenChildOptions(source, /execFileSync\(\s*pyExe/)
+  requireHiddenChildOptions(source, /spawn\(\s*resolveGitBinary\(\)/)
   requireHiddenChildOptions(source, "execFileSync('taskkill'")
-  requireHiddenChildOptions(source, 'spawn(command, args')
+  requireHiddenChildOptions(source, /spawn\(\s*command,\s*args/)
   requireHiddenChildOptions(source, "spawn('curl'")
-  requireHiddenChildOptions(source, 'spawn(backend.command, backend.args')
-  requireHiddenChildOptions(source, 'hermesProcess = spawn(backend.command, backend.args')
-  requireHiddenChildOptions(source, "spawn(py, ['-m', 'hermes_cli.main', 'uninstall', '--gui-summary']")
+  requireHiddenChildOptions(source, /spawn\(\s*backend\.command,\s*backend\.args/)
+  requireHiddenChildOptions(source, /hermesProcess = spawn\(\s*backend\.command,\s*backend\.args/)
+  requireHiddenChildOptions(source, /spawn\(\s*py,\s*\['-m', 'hermes_cli\.main', 'uninstall', '--gui-summary'\]/)
+
+  assert.match(source, /function unwrapWindowsVenvHermesCommand\(command, dashboardArgs\)/)
+  assert.match(source, /existing Hermes no-console Python at/)
+  assert.match(source, /function getNoConsoleVenvPython\(venvRoot\)/)
+  assert.match(source, /function toNoConsolePython\(pythonPath\)/)
+  assert.match(source, /function applyWindowsNoConsoleSpawnHints\(backend\)/)
+  assert.match(source, /function readVenvHome\(venvRoot\)/)
+  assert.match(source, /path\.join\(venvRoot, 'Scripts', 'pythonw\.exe'\)/)
+  assert.match(source, /backendStartFailure/)
+  assert.match(source, /HERMES_DESKTOP_READY_FILE/)
+  assert.match(source, /readyFile: true/)
+  assert.match(source, /function getVenvSitePackagesEntries\(venvRoot\)/)
+  assert.match(source, /path\.join\(venvRoot, 'Lib', 'site-packages'\)/)
+  assert.match(source, /args: \['-m', 'hermes_cli\.main', \.\.\.dashboardArgs\]/)
 })
 
 test('intentional or interactive desktop child processes stay documented', () => {

apps/desktop/package.json

@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@
     "profile:main": "wait-on http://127.0.0.1:5174 && cross-env XCURSOR_SIZE=24 HERMES_DESKTOP_DEV_SERVER=http://127.0.0.1:5174 electron --inspect=9229 .",
     "profile:main:cpu": "wait-on http://127.0.0.1:5174 && cross-env XCURSOR_SIZE=24 NODE_OPTIONS=--cpu-prof HERMES_DESKTOP_DEV_SERVER=http://127.0.0.1:5174 electron .",
     "start": "npm run build && electron .",
-    "build": "node scripts/assert-root-install.cjs && node scripts/write-build-stamp.cjs && node scripts/stage-native-deps.cjs && tsc -b && vite build && npm run postbuild",
+    "build": "node scripts/assert-root-install.cjs && node scripts/write-build-stamp.cjs && node scripts/stage-native-deps.cjs && tsc -b && vite build &&  node scripts/bundle-electron-main.mjs && npm run postbuild",
     "postbuild": "node scripts/assert-dist-built.cjs",
     "prebuilder": "node scripts/patch-electron-builder-mac-binary.cjs",
     "builder": "cross-env NODE_OPTIONS=--max-old-space-size=16384 node scripts/run-electron-builder.cjs",
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
     "test:desktop:nsis": "node scripts/test-desktop.mjs nsis",
     "test:desktop:existing": "node scripts/test-desktop.mjs existing",
     "test:desktop:fresh": "node scripts/test-desktop.mjs fresh",
-    "test:desktop:platforms": "node --test electron/bootstrap-platform.test.cjs electron/hardening.test.cjs electron/backend-env.test.cjs electron/backend-probes.test.cjs electron/backend-ready.test.cjs electron/bootstrap-runner.test.cjs electron/connection-config.test.cjs electron/dashboard-token.test.cjs electron/gateway-ws-probe.test.cjs electron/oauth-net-request.test.cjs electron/desktop-uninstall.test.cjs electron/session-windows.test.cjs electron/link-title-window.test.cjs electron/workspace-cwd.test.cjs electron/fs-read-dir.test.cjs electron/git-root.test.cjs electron/windows-child-process.test.cjs electron/update-remote.test.cjs electron/update-count.test.cjs electron/update-rebuild.test.cjs electron/update-marker.test.cjs electron/update-relaunch.test.cjs electron/windows-user-env.test.cjs electron/window-state.test.cjs",
+    "test:desktop:platforms": "node --test electron/bootstrap-platform.test.cjs electron/hardening.test.cjs electron/backend-env.test.cjs electron/backend-probes.test.cjs electron/backend-ready.test.cjs electron/bootstrap-runner.test.cjs electron/connection-config.test.cjs electron/dashboard-token.test.cjs electron/gateway-ws-probe.test.cjs electron/oauth-net-request.test.cjs electron/desktop-uninstall.test.cjs electron/session-windows.test.cjs electron/link-title-window.test.cjs electron/workspace-cwd.test.cjs electron/fs-read-dir.test.cjs electron/git-root.test.cjs electron/git-worktree-ops.test.cjs electron/windows-child-process.test.cjs electron/update-remote.test.cjs electron/update-count.test.cjs electron/update-rebuild.test.cjs electron/update-marker.test.cjs electron/update-relaunch.test.cjs electron/windows-user-env.test.cjs electron/window-state.test.cjs",
     "typecheck": "tsc -p . --noEmit",
     "lint": "eslint src/ electron/",
     "lint:fix": "eslint src/ electron/ --fix",
@@ -93,6 +93,7 @@
     "remark-math": "^6.0.0",
     "remend": "^1.3.0",
     "shiki": "^4.0.2",
+    "simple-git": "^3.36.0",
     "streamdown": "^2.5.0",
     "tailwind-merge": "^3.5.0",
     "tailwindcss": "^4.2.4",

apps/desktop/scripts/bundle-electron-main.mjs

@@ -0,0 +1,33 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env node
+// bundle-electron-main.mjs — bundles electron/main.cjs into a single
+// self-contained file so the nix build doesn't need to ship node_modules/.
+//
+// `electron` is provided by the runtime; `node-pty` is staged separately
+// via stage-native-deps.cjs.  `preload.cjs` is NOT require()'d by main —
+// Electron loads it via path.join(__dirname, 'preload.cjs') — so it stays
+// as a separate file and doesn't need bundling.
+import { build } from 'esbuild'
+import { resolve, dirname } from 'node:path'
+import { fileURLToPath } from 'node:url'
+import { renameSync } from 'node:fs'
+
+const here = dirname(fileURLToPath(import.meta.url))
+const root = resolve(here, '..')
+const entry = resolve(root, 'electron/main.cjs')
+const tmp = resolve(root, 'electron/main.bundled.cjs')
+
+await build({
+  entryPoints: [entry],
+  bundle: true,
+  platform: 'node',
+  format: 'cjs',
+  target: 'node20',
+  outfile: tmp,
+  external: ['electron', 'node-pty'],
+  logLevel: 'info'
+})
+
+// Overwrite the original with the bundled version.
+renameSync(tmp, entry)
+
+console.log(`bundled ${entry}`)

apps/desktop/src/app/agents/index.tsx

@@ -4,9 +4,10 @@ import { type ReactNode, useEffect, useMemo, useState } from 'react'
 import { useElapsedSeconds } from '@/components/chat/activity-timer'
 import { ActivityTimerText } from '@/components/chat/activity-timer-text'
 import { FadeText } from '@/components/ui/fade-text'
+import { Codicon } from '@/components/ui/codicon'
 import { GlyphSpinner } from '@/components/ui/glyph-spinner'
 import { type Translations, useI18n } from '@/i18n'
-import { AlertCircle, CheckCircle2, Sparkles } from '@/lib/icons'
+import { AlertCircle, CheckCircle2 } from '@/lib/icons'
 import { useEnterAnimation } from '@/lib/use-enter-animation'
 import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
 import {
@@ -209,7 +210,7 @@ function SubagentTree({ tree }: { tree: SubagentNode[] }) {
   if (tree.length === 0) {
     return (
       <div className="grid place-items-center gap-3 py-12 text-center">
-        <Sparkles className="size-6 text-muted-foreground/60" />
+        <Codicon className="text-muted-foreground/60" name="hubot" size="1.5rem" />
         <p className="text-sm font-medium text-foreground/90">{t.agents.emptyTitle}</p>
         <p className="max-w-md text-xs leading-relaxed text-muted-foreground/75">{t.agents.emptyDesc}</p>
       </div>

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/composer/focus.ts

@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@
  * steal focus from the composer effect.
  */
 
-import { RICH_INPUT_SLOT } from './rich-editor'
 import type { InlineRefInput } from './inline-refs'
+import { RICH_INPUT_SLOT } from './rich-editor'
 
 export type ComposerTarget = 'edit' | 'main'
 export type ComposerInsertMode = 'block' | 'inline'
@@ -34,8 +34,14 @@ interface InsertRefsDetail {
 const FOCUS_EVENT = 'hermes:composer-focus'
 const INSERT_EVENT = 'hermes:composer-insert'
 const INSERT_REFS_EVENT = 'hermes:composer-insert-refs'
+const SUBMIT_EVENT = 'hermes:composer-submit'
 const VOICE_TOGGLE_EVENT = 'hermes:composer-voice-toggle'
 
+interface SubmitDetail {
+  target: ComposerTarget
+  text: string
+}
+
 let activeTarget: ComposerTarget = 'main'
 
 const resolve = (target: ComposerTarget | 'active') => (target === 'active' ? activeTarget : target)
@@ -106,6 +112,23 @@ export const requestComposerInsertRefs = (
 export const onComposerInsertRefsRequest = (handler: (detail: InsertRefsDetail) => void) =>
   subscribe<InsertRefsDetail>(INSERT_REFS_EVENT, handler)
 
+/** Submit a prompt through a composer as if the user typed + sent it. Lets
+ * external panels (e.g. the review pane's "let the agent ship it" button) hand
+ * the agent a task without the user round-tripping through the input. */
+export const requestComposerSubmit = (
+  text: string,
+  { target = 'active' }: { target?: ComposerTarget | 'active' } = {}
+) => {
+  const trimmed = text.trim()
+
+  if (trimmed) {
+    dispatch<SubmitDetail>(SUBMIT_EVENT, { target: resolve(target), text: trimmed })
+  }
+}
+
+export const onComposerSubmitRequest = (handler: (detail: SubmitDetail) => void) =>
+  subscribe<SubmitDetail>(SUBMIT_EVENT, handler)
+
 /** Toggle the active composer's voice conversation — the `composer.voice`
  *  hotkey (Ctrl+B) reaching into the composer that owns the voice state. */
 export const requestVoiceToggle = () => dispatch<{ at: number }>(VOICE_TOGGLE_EVENT, { at: Date.now() })

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/composer/index.tsx

@@ -45,8 +45,8 @@ import {
   $composerPoppedOut,
   POPOUT_WIDTH_REM,
   readPopoutBounds,
-  setComposerPoppedOut,
-  setComposerPopoutPosition
+  setComposerPopoutPosition,
+  setComposerPoppedOut
 } from '@/store/composer-popout'
 import {
   $queuedPromptsBySession,
@@ -60,8 +60,10 @@ import {
   updateQueuedPrompt
 } from '@/store/composer-queue'
 import { $statusItemsBySession } from '@/store/composer-status'
-import { $previewStatusBySession } from '@/store/preview-status'
 import { notify } from '@/store/notifications'
+import { $previewStatusBySession } from '@/store/preview-status'
+import { listRepoBranches, requestStartWorkSession, startWorkInRepo, switchBranchInRepo } from '@/store/projects'
+import { toggleReview } from '@/store/review'
 import { $gatewayState, $messages, setSessionPickerOpen } from '@/store/session'
 import { $threadScrolledUp } from '@/store/thread-scroll'
 import { isSecondaryWindow } from '@/store/windows'
@@ -80,6 +82,7 @@ import {
   onComposerFocusRequest,
   onComposerInsertRefsRequest,
   onComposerInsertRequest,
+  onComposerSubmitRequest,
   onComposerVoiceToggleRequest
 } from './focus'
 import { HelpHint } from './help-hint'
@@ -108,6 +111,7 @@ import {
   slashChipElement
 } from './rich-editor'
 import { ComposerStatusStack } from './status-stack'
+import { CodingStatusRow } from './status-stack/coding-row'
 import { detectTrigger, extractClipboardImageBlobs, textBeforeCaret, type TriggerState } from './text-utils'
 import { ComposerTriggerPopover } from './trigger-popover'
 import type { ChatBarProps } from './types'
@@ -1351,6 +1355,80 @@ export function ChatBar({
     }
   }, [setComposerText])
 
+  // Hand a worktree off to the controller: open a fresh session anchored there,
+  // carrying the composer draft as its first turn. Clearing here means the draft
+  // travels to the new session instead of getting stashed under this one.
+  const openInWorktree = useCallback(
+    (path: string) => {
+      const text = draftRef.current
+      clearDraft()
+      clearComposerAttachments()
+      requestStartWorkSession(path, text)
+    },
+    [clearDraft]
+  )
+
+  // Branch off into a NEW worktree (base = branch name, or current HEAD). A
+  // create failure throws back to the row (which toasts) before we touch the
+  // draft; a missing cwd / remote backend no-ops (the row hides the affordance).
+  const handleBranchOff = useCallback(
+    async (branch: string, base?: string) => {
+      const repoPath = cwd?.trim()
+      const result = repoPath && (await startWorkInRepo(repoPath, { base, branch, name: branch }))
+
+      if (result) {
+        openInWorktree(result.path)
+      }
+    },
+    [cwd, openInWorktree]
+  )
+
+  // Convert an EXISTING branch into a fresh worktree + session (no new branch).
+  // Mirrors handleBranchOff's hand-off: create the worktree, then open a session
+  // anchored there carrying the draft.
+  const handleConvertBranch = useCallback(
+    async (branch: string, path?: null | string, isDefault?: boolean) => {
+      if (path?.trim()) {
+        openInWorktree(path)
+
+        return
+      }
+
+      const repoPath = cwd?.trim()
+
+      if (repoPath && isDefault) {
+        await switchBranchInRepo(repoPath, branch)
+        openInWorktree(repoPath)
+
+        return
+      }
+
+      const result = repoPath && (await startWorkInRepo(repoPath, { existingBranch: branch }))
+
+      if (result) {
+        openInWorktree(result.path)
+      }
+    },
+    [cwd, openInWorktree]
+  )
+
+  const handleListBranches = useCallback(async () => {
+    const repoPath = cwd?.trim()
+
+    return repoPath ? listRepoBranches(repoPath) : []
+  }, [cwd])
+
+  const handleSwitchBranch = useCallback(
+    async (branch: string) => {
+      const repoPath = cwd?.trim()
+
+      if (repoPath) {
+        await switchBranchInRepo(repoPath, branch)
+      }
+    },
+    [cwd]
+  )
+
   const loadIntoComposer = (text: string, attachments: ComposerAttachment[]) => {
     draftRef.current = text
     setComposerText(text)
@@ -1674,6 +1752,41 @@ export function ChatBar({
     }
   }, [autoDrainNext, busy, queuedPrompts.length])
 
+  // Esc cancels the in-flight turn when the CHAT has focus — not just the
+  // composer input (which has its own handler above). Clicking into the
+  // transcript and hitting Esc now stops the run, matching the Stop button.
+  // Intentional only: we bail if (a) the composer/another field already
+  // handled Esc (defaultPrevented), (b) focus is in any input/textarea/
+  // contenteditable (you're typing, not stopping), or (c) a dialog/popover is
+  // open — Esc must close that overlay, never double as canceling the stream
+  // behind it. A latest-handler ref keeps the listener registered once.
+  const escCancelRef = useRef<(event: globalThis.KeyboardEvent) => void>(() => {})
+  escCancelRef.current = (event: globalThis.KeyboardEvent) => {
+    if (event.key !== 'Escape' || event.defaultPrevented || !busy) {
+      return
+    }
+
+    const active = document.activeElement as HTMLElement | null
+    if (active && (active.tagName === 'INPUT' || active.tagName === 'TEXTAREA' || active.isContentEditable)) {
+      return
+    }
+
+    if (document.querySelector('[role="dialog"],[role="alertdialog"],[data-radix-popper-content-wrapper]')) {
+      return
+    }
+
+    event.preventDefault()
+    triggerHaptic('cancel')
+    void Promise.resolve(onCancel())
+  }
+
+  useEffect(() => {
+    const onKeyDown = (event: globalThis.KeyboardEvent) => escCancelRef.current(event)
+    window.addEventListener('keydown', onKeyDown)
+
+    return () => window.removeEventListener('keydown', onKeyDown)
+  }, [])
+
   // Queue-edit cleanup: on session swap the scope effect already stashed the
   // edit snapshot; only restore into the composer when still on the same scope.
   useEffect(() => {
@@ -1706,6 +1819,22 @@ export function ChatBar({
       .catch(restore)
   }
 
+  // External "submit this prompt" requests (e.g. the review pane's agent-ship
+  // button) route through the same send path. A ref keeps the listener stable
+  // while always calling the latest dispatchSubmit closure.
+  const dispatchSubmitRef = useRef(dispatchSubmit)
+  dispatchSubmitRef.current = dispatchSubmit
+
+  useEffect(
+    () =>
+      onComposerSubmitRequest(({ target, text }) => {
+        if (target === 'main' && !inputDisabled) {
+          dispatchSubmitRef.current(text)
+        }
+      }),
+    [inputDisabled]
+  )
+
   const submitDraft = () => {
     if (disabled) {
       return
@@ -2099,7 +2228,7 @@ export function ChatBar({
           <div className="relative w-full rounded-[inherit]">
             <div
               className={cn(
-                'group/composer-surface relative z-4 isolate rounded-[inherit] border border-[color-mix(in_srgb,var(--dt-composer-ring)_calc(18%*var(--composer-ring-strength)),var(--dt-input))] transition-[border-color] duration-200 ease-out focus-within:border-[color-mix(in_srgb,var(--dt-composer-ring)_calc(45%*var(--composer-ring-strength)),transparent)]',
+                'group/composer-surface relative z-4 isolate grid grid-rows-[auto_1fr] overflow-hidden rounded-[inherit] border border-[color-mix(in_srgb,var(--dt-composer-ring)_calc(18%*var(--composer-ring-strength)),var(--dt-input))]',
                 COMPOSER_DROP_FADE_CLASS,
                 dragActive && COMPOSER_DROP_ACTIVE_CLASS
               )}
@@ -2114,6 +2243,14 @@ export function ChatBar({
                   composerSurfaceGlass
                 )}
               />
+              <CodingStatusRow
+                onBranchOff={handleBranchOff}
+                onConvertBranch={handleConvertBranch}
+                onListBranches={handleListBranches}
+                onOpen={toggleReview}
+                onOpenWorktree={openInWorktree}
+                onSwitchBranch={handleSwitchBranch}
+              />
               <div
                 className={cn(
                   'relative z-1 flex min-h-0 w-full flex-col gap-(--composer-row-gap) overflow-hidden rounded-[inherit] px-(--composer-surface-pad-x) py-(--composer-surface-pad-y) transition-opacity duration-200 ease-out',

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/composer/status-stack/coding-row.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,475 @@
+import { useStore } from '@nanostores/react'
+import { memo, useCallback, useEffect, useRef, useState } from 'react'
+
+import { StatusRow } from '@/components/chat/status-row'
+import { Button } from '@/components/ui/button'
+import { Codicon } from '@/components/ui/codicon'
+import {
+  Command,
+  CommandEmpty,
+  CommandGroup,
+  CommandInput,
+  CommandItem,
+  CommandList
+} from '@/components/ui/command'
+import {
+  Dialog,
+  DialogContent,
+  DialogDescription,
+  DialogFooter,
+  DialogHeader,
+  DialogTitle
+} from '@/components/ui/dialog'
+import { DiffCount } from '@/components/ui/diff-count'
+import {
+  DropdownMenu,
+  DropdownMenuContent,
+  DropdownMenuItem,
+  DropdownMenuLabel,
+  DropdownMenuSeparator,
+  DropdownMenuTrigger
+} from '@/components/ui/dropdown-menu'
+import { SanitizedInput } from '@/components/ui/sanitized-input'
+import type { HermesGitBranch } from '@/global'
+import { useI18n } from '@/i18n'
+import { gitRef } from '@/lib/sanitize'
+import { $repoStatus, $repoWorktrees } from '@/store/coding-status'
+import { notifyError } from '@/store/notifications'
+import { $newWorktreeRequest } from '@/store/projects'
+
+// Tiny uppercase section header, matching the composer "+" menu's labels.
+const MENU_SECTION = 'text-[0.625rem] font-semibold uppercase tracking-wider text-(--ui-text-tertiary)'
+
+interface BranchActionCopy {
+  branchCreateWorktree: string
+  branchOpenExisting: string
+  branchSwitchHome: string
+}
+
+const branchActionLabel = (branch: HermesGitBranch, copy: BranchActionCopy) => {
+  if (branch.checkedOut) {
+    return copy.branchOpenExisting
+  }
+
+  return branch.isDefault ? copy.branchSwitchHome : copy.branchCreateWorktree
+}
+
+interface CodingStatusRowProps {
+  /** Branch the current draft off into a fresh worktree + session, based on
+   *  `base` (a branch name; omitted = current HEAD). The composer owns the
+   *  draft, so it supplies the orchestration; the row just collects the new
+   *  branch name + base. Omitted (e.g. remote backend) hides the affordance. */
+  onBranchOff?: (branch: string, base?: string) => Promise<void>
+  /** Check an existing branch out into a fresh worktree + session (no new
+   *  branch). Drives the dialog's "convert a branch" picker. */
+  onConvertBranch?: (branch: string, path?: null | string, isDefault?: boolean) => Promise<void>
+  /** List the repo's local branches for the "convert a branch" picker. */
+  onListBranches?: () => Promise<HermesGitBranch[]>
+  /** Open the review pane (changed files + diffs). */
+  onOpen?: () => void
+  /** Jump into an existing worktree (open a fresh session anchored there). */
+  onOpenWorktree?: (path: string) => void
+  /** Switch the current repo checkout to another branch. */
+  onSwitchBranch?: (branch: string) => Promise<void>
+}
+
+/**
+ * The always-on coding-context row, the BASE of the composer status stack:
+ * current branch, dirty summary (+/-), and ahead/behind. A touch more prominent
+ * than the per-turn rows above it (larger branch label, accent glyph), and the
+ * entry point to the review pane. Hidden when the active session isn't in a
+ * local git repo (the probe returns null).
+ */
+export const CodingStatusRow = memo(function CodingStatusRow({
+  onBranchOff,
+  onConvertBranch,
+  onListBranches,
+  onOpen,
+  onOpenWorktree,
+  onSwitchBranch
+}: CodingStatusRowProps) {
+  const { t } = useI18n()
+  const s = t.statusStack.coding
+  const p = t.sidebar.projects
+  const status = useStore($repoStatus)
+  const worktrees = useStore($repoWorktrees)
+
+  const [branchOpen, setBranchOpen] = useState(false)
+  const [branchName, setBranchName] = useState('')
+  const [branchBase, setBranchBase] = useState<string | undefined>(undefined)
+  const [branchPending, setBranchPending] = useState(false)
+  const [convertMode, setConvertMode] = useState(false)
+  const [branches, setBranches] = useState<HermesGitBranch[]>([])
+  const [branchesLoading, setBranchesLoading] = useState(false)
+
+  const loadBranches = useCallback(async () => {
+    if (!onListBranches) {
+      return
+    }
+
+    setBranchesLoading(true)
+
+    try {
+      setBranches(await onListBranches())
+    } catch {
+      setBranches([])
+    } finally {
+      setBranchesLoading(false)
+    }
+  }, [onListBranches])
+
+  // Open the name dialog for a chosen base. Deferred so the dropdown finishes
+  // closing before the dialog grabs focus (Radix focus-trap handoff races
+  // otherwise).
+  const startBranch = (base: string | undefined) => {
+    setBranchBase(base)
+    setBranchName('')
+    setConvertMode(false)
+    setTimeout(() => setBranchOpen(true), 0)
+  }
+
+  const startConvert = () => {
+    setBranchBase(undefined)
+    setBranchName('')
+    setConvertMode(true)
+    void loadBranches()
+    setTimeout(() => setBranchOpen(true), 0)
+  }
+
+  const enterConvert = () => {
+    setConvertMode(true)
+    void loadBranches()
+  }
+
+  const convertBranch = async (branch: HermesGitBranch) => {
+    if (branchPending || !branch || !onConvertBranch) {
+      return
+    }
+
+    setBranchPending(true)
+
+    try {
+      await onConvertBranch(branch.name, branch.worktreePath, branch.isDefault)
+      setBranchOpen(false)
+    } catch (err) {
+      notifyError(err, p.startWorkFailed)
+    } finally {
+      setBranchPending(false)
+    }
+  }
+
+  // Global ⌘⇧B (workspace.newWorktree): open the name dialog for a worktree off
+  // current HEAD. The rail only renders inside a repo, so the hotkey naturally
+  // no-ops elsewhere. Guarded by a token ref so it fires on the keypress, not on
+  // mount or unrelated re-renders.
+  const worktreeReq = useStore($newWorktreeRequest)
+  const lastWorktreeReqRef = useRef(worktreeReq)
+
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (worktreeReq === lastWorktreeReqRef.current) {
+      return
+    }
+
+    lastWorktreeReqRef.current = worktreeReq
+
+    if (!onBranchOff) {
+      return
+    }
+
+    setBranchBase(undefined)
+    setBranchName('')
+    setConvertMode(false)
+    setBranchOpen(true)
+  }, [onBranchOff, worktreeReq])
+
+  const submitBranch = async () => {
+    const branch = branchName.trim()
+
+    if (branchPending || !branch || !onBranchOff) {
+      return
+    }
+
+    setBranchPending(true)
+
+    try {
+      await onBranchOff(branch, branchBase)
+      setBranchOpen(false)
+      setBranchName('')
+    } catch (err) {
+      notifyError(err, p.startWorkFailed)
+    } finally {
+      setBranchPending(false)
+    }
+  }
+
+  const switchToBranch = async (branch: string) => {
+    if (!onSwitchBranch) {
+      return
+    }
+
+    try {
+      await onSwitchBranch(branch)
+    } catch (err) {
+      notifyError(err, s.switchFailed(branch))
+    }
+  }
+
+  if (!status) {
+    return null
+  }
+
+  const branchLabel = status.detached ? s.detached : status.branch || s.noBranch
+  // The kebab offers branching off the trunk and/or the current branch. The
+  // worktree-add bases the new branch on `base` (a branch name; undefined =
+  // current HEAD). We dedupe so "on main" shows a single trunk entry, and fall
+  // back to a plain off-HEAD branch when no trunk is detected.
+  const current = status.detached ? null : status.branch
+  const branchTargets: { base: string | undefined; label: string }[] = []
+
+  // Current branch first (the 99% "branch off where I am"), then the trunk just
+  // below it ("New branch from main"), deduped when they're the same.
+  if (current) {
+    branchTargets.push({ base: current, label: s.branchOffFrom(current) })
+  }
+
+  if (status.defaultBranch && status.defaultBranch !== current) {
+    branchTargets.push({ base: status.defaultBranch, label: s.branchOffFrom(status.defaultBranch) })
+  }
+
+  if (branchTargets.length === 0) {
+    branchTargets.push({ base: undefined, label: s.newBranch })
+  }
+
+  const switchTarget = onSwitchBranch && current && status.defaultBranch && status.defaultBranch !== current ? status.defaultBranch : null
+
+  // Other worktrees to jump into — everything except the one we're already in
+  // (matched by its checked-out branch) and the bare/main placeholder entry.
+  const otherWorktrees = onOpenWorktree
+    ? worktrees.filter(w => w.path && !w.detached && w.branch && w.branch !== current)
+    : []
+
+  const hasLineDelta = status.added > 0 || status.removed > 0
+  // Untracked files carry no line delta vs HEAD, so surface them as a count when
+  // they're the only change (otherwise +/- tells the story).
+  const untrackedOnly = !hasLineDelta && status.untracked > 0
+
+  return (
+    <>
+      <StatusRow
+        // The base "where am I working" strip is part of the composer surface
+        // itself, so it inherits the composer's width and clipped top radius.
+        className="coding-status-bar min-h-7 rounded-t-[inherit] rounded-b-none border-b border-(--ui-stroke-tertiary) px-3.5 py-1.5 hover:bg-transparent"
+        // Static branch glyph — never the loading spinner. This row only renders
+        // once `status` exists, so a spinner here only ever fired on *refreshes*
+        // of an already-loaded repo (window focus, turn settle), reading as an
+        // annoying icon "blip" with no first-load value. Refreshes are silent.
+        leading={<Codicon className="text-(--ui-green)" name="git-branch" size="0.8rem" />}
+        onActivate={onOpen}
+      >
+        <div className="flex min-w-0 flex-1 items-center gap-1">
+          <span
+            className="min-w-0 truncate text-xs font-normal text-muted-foreground/92 transition-colors group-hover/status-row:text-foreground/90"
+            title={branchLabel}
+          >
+            {branchLabel}
+          </span>
+
+          {/* Branch actions kebab — same pattern as the session/worktree rows.
+              ALWAYS laid out; only its opacity flips on hover/focus/open, so
+              revealing it never reflows the row (no layout shift). pointer-events
+              follow opacity so the invisible trigger isn't clickable at rest. */}
+          {onBranchOff && (
+            <DropdownMenu>
+              <DropdownMenuTrigger asChild>
+                <Button
+                  aria-label={s.newBranch}
+                  className="pointer-events-none size-4 shrink-0 text-muted-foreground/60 opacity-0 transition hover:text-foreground group-hover/status-row:pointer-events-auto group-hover/status-row:opacity-100 group-focus-within/status-row:pointer-events-auto group-focus-within/status-row:opacity-100 data-[state=open]:pointer-events-auto data-[state=open]:opacity-100"
+                  onClick={event => event.stopPropagation()}
+                  onKeyDown={event => {
+                    // The row's onActivate also fires on Enter/Space; keep it from
+                    // opening the review pane when the kebab is the focus target.
+                    if (event.key === 'Enter' || event.key === ' ') {
+                      event.stopPropagation()
+                    }
+                  }}
+                  size="icon-xs"
+                  variant="ghost"
+                >
+                  <Codicon name="kebab-vertical" size="0.8rem" />
+                </Button>
+              </DropdownMenuTrigger>
+              {/* The row sits at the bottom of the screen (above the composer),
+                  so the menu opens upward. */}
+              <DropdownMenuContent align="end" className="w-60" side="top" sideOffset={6}>
+                <DropdownMenuLabel className={MENU_SECTION}>{s.newBranch}</DropdownMenuLabel>
+                {branchTargets.map(target => (
+                  <DropdownMenuItem key={target.base ?? '__head__'} onSelect={() => startBranch(target.base)}>
+                    <span className="truncate">{target.label}</span>
+                  </DropdownMenuItem>
+                ))}
+
+                {switchTarget && (
+                  <DropdownMenuItem onSelect={() => void switchToBranch(switchTarget)}>
+                    <span className="truncate">{s.switchTo(switchTarget)}</span>
+                  </DropdownMenuItem>
+                )}
+
+                <DropdownMenuSeparator />
+                <DropdownMenuLabel className={MENU_SECTION}>{s.worktrees}</DropdownMenuLabel>
+                {otherWorktrees.map(worktree => (
+                  <DropdownMenuItem key={worktree.path} onSelect={() => onOpenWorktree?.(worktree.path)}>
+                    <span className="truncate">{worktree.branch}</span>
+                  </DropdownMenuItem>
+                ))}
+                {/* Create a fresh worktree off the current HEAD (the generic
+                    "spin up a worktree here", mirroring the sidebar's + button). */}
+                <DropdownMenuItem onSelect={() => startBranch(undefined)}>
+                  <span className="truncate">{p.startWork}</span>
+                </DropdownMenuItem>
+                {/* Check an EXISTING branch out into a worktree (no new branch). */}
+                {onConvertBranch && (
+                  <DropdownMenuItem onSelect={() => startConvert()}>
+                    <span className="truncate">{p.convertBranch}</span>
+                  </DropdownMenuItem>
+                )}
+              </DropdownMenuContent>
+            </DropdownMenu>
+          )}
+        </div>
+
+        {(status.ahead > 0 || status.behind > 0) && (
+          <span className="ml-auto flex shrink-0 items-center gap-1.5 text-[0.68rem] leading-4 text-muted-foreground/75 tabular-nums">
+            {status.ahead > 0 && (
+              <span className="flex items-center gap-0.5" title={s.ahead(status.ahead)}>
+                <span aria-hidden>↑</span>
+                {status.ahead}
+              </span>
+            )}
+            {status.behind > 0 && (
+              <span className="flex items-center gap-0.5" title={s.behind(status.behind)}>
+                <span aria-hidden>↓</span>
+                {status.behind}
+              </span>
+            )}
+          </span>
+        )}
+
+        {hasLineDelta ? (
+          <DiffCount
+            added={status.added}
+            className={`text-[0.72rem] leading-4 ${status.ahead === 0 && status.behind === 0 ? 'ml-auto' : ''}`}
+            removed={status.removed}
+          />
+        ) : untrackedOnly ? (
+          <span
+            className={`shrink-0 text-[0.72rem] leading-4 text-amber-500/90 ${status.ahead === 0 && status.behind === 0 ? 'ml-auto' : ''}`}
+          >
+            {s.changed(status.untracked)}
+          </span>
+        ) : null}
+      </StatusRow>
+
+      <Dialog onOpenChange={open => !branchPending && setBranchOpen(open)} open={branchOpen}>
+        <DialogContent className="max-w-md">
+          <DialogHeader>
+            <DialogTitle>{convertMode ? p.convertBranchTitle : p.newWorktreeTitle}</DialogTitle>
+            <DialogDescription>
+              {convertMode ? p.convertBranchDesc : p.newWorktreeDesc}
+              {!convertMode && branchBase && (
+                <span className="mt-1 block text-(--ui-text-secondary)">{s.branchOffFrom(branchBase)}</span>
+              )}
+            </DialogDescription>
+          </DialogHeader>
+
+          {convertMode ? (
+            <Command
+              className="rounded-md border border-(--ui-stroke-tertiary)"
+              // The branch name is the authoritative key; filter on it directly.
+              filter={(value, search) => (value.toLowerCase().includes(search.toLowerCase()) ? 1 : 0)}
+            >
+              <CommandInput autoFocus disabled={branchPending} placeholder={p.convertBranchPlaceholder} />
+              <CommandList className="max-h-64">
+                <CommandEmpty>{branchesLoading ? p.branchesLoading : p.noBranches}</CommandEmpty>
+                <CommandGroup>
+                  {branches.map(branch => (
+                    <CommandItem
+                      disabled={branchPending}
+                      key={branch.name}
+                      onSelect={() => void convertBranch(branch)}
+                      value={branch.name}
+                    >
+                      <Codicon className="shrink-0 text-(--ui-text-tertiary)" name="git-branch" size="0.8rem" />
+                      <span className="truncate">{branch.name}</span>
+                      <span className="ml-auto shrink-0 text-[0.625rem] text-(--ui-text-tertiary)">
+                        {branchActionLabel(branch, p)}
+                      </span>
+                    </CommandItem>
+                  ))}
+                </CommandGroup>
+              </CommandList>
+            </Command>
+          ) : (
+            <SanitizedInput
+              autoFocus
+              disabled={branchPending}
+              onKeyDown={event => {
+                if (event.key === 'Enter') {
+                  event.preventDefault()
+                  void submitBranch()
+                } else if (event.key === 'Escape') {
+                  setBranchOpen(false)
+                }
+              }}
+              onValueChange={setBranchName}
+              placeholder={p.branchPlaceholder}
+              sanitize={gitRef}
+              value={branchName}
+            />
+          )}
+
+          {convertMode ? (
+            <DialogFooter className="sm:justify-start">
+              <Button
+                className="px-0 text-(--ui-text-secondary) hover:text-foreground"
+                disabled={branchPending}
+                onClick={() => setConvertMode(false)}
+                type="button"
+                variant="link"
+              >
+                {t.common.cancel}
+              </Button>
+            </DialogFooter>
+          ) : (
+            <DialogFooter className="sm:justify-between">
+              {onConvertBranch ? (
+                <Button
+                  className="px-0 text-(--ui-text-secondary) hover:text-foreground"
+                  disabled={branchPending}
+                  onClick={enterConvert}
+                  type="button"
+                  variant="link"
+                >
+                  {p.convertBranchInstead}
+                </Button>
+              ) : (
+                <span />
+              )}
+              <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
+                <Button disabled={branchPending} onClick={() => setBranchOpen(false)} type="button" variant="ghost">
+                  {t.common.cancel}
+                </Button>
+                <Button
+                  disabled={branchPending || !branchName.trim()}
+                  onClick={() => void submitBranch()}
+                  type="button"
+                >
+                  {p.startWork}
+                </Button>
+              </div>
+            </DialogFooter>
+          )}
+        </DialogContent>
+      </Dialog>
+    </>
+  )
+})

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/composer/status-stack/index.tsx

@@ -30,6 +30,19 @@ import { StatusItemRow } from './status-row'
 // emit no event when they die). Only armed while a running row is on screen.
 const BACKGROUND_POLL_MS = 5_000
 
+// A localhost/loopback preview is only meaningful while its dev server is up, so
+// we tie it to a live background process rather than persisting dismissals or
+// letting dead URLs pile up. File previews (a real on-disk artifact) stand alone.
+const isLocalhostPreview = (target: string): boolean => /\b(?:localhost|127\.0\.0\.1|0\.0\.0\.0)\b/i.test(target)
+
+// Real codicons per group (no sparkles): a checklist for todos, a bot for
+// subagents, a background process glyph for background tasks.
+const GROUP_ICON: Record<StatusGroup['type'], string> = {
+  todo: 'checklist',
+  subagent: 'hubot',
+  background: 'server-process'
+}
+
 const groupLabel = (group: StatusGroup, s: Translations['statusStack']) => {
   if (group.type === 'todo') {
     return s.todos(group.items.filter(i => i.todoStatus === 'completed').length, group.items.length)
@@ -74,6 +87,10 @@ export function ComposerStatusStack({ queue, sessionId }: ComposerStatusStackPro
 
   const hasRunningBackground = groups.some(g => g.type === 'background' && g.items.some(i => i.state === 'running'))
 
+  // Drop localhost previews once no dev server is left running — that's what made
+  // dead `localhost:5174` chips stick around. On-disk file previews are kept.
+  const visiblePreviews = previews.filter(item => hasRunningBackground || !isLocalhostPreview(item.target))
+
   useEffect(() => {
     if (!sessionId || !hasRunningBackground) {
       return
@@ -89,6 +106,18 @@ export function ComposerStatusStack({ queue, sessionId }: ComposerStatusStackPro
   const openSubagent = (item: ComposerStatusItem) =>
     item.sessionId ? void openSessionInNewWindow(item.sessionId, { watch: true }) : openAgents()
 
+  // Preview links live as child rows of the background group — a localhost dev
+  // server and its preview are the same thing — so they no longer float as an
+  // odd, differently-indented standalone block under the stack.
+  const previewRows =
+    visiblePreviews.length > 0 && sessionId
+      ? visiblePreviews.map(item => (
+          <PreviewStatusRow item={item} key={item.id} onDismiss={id => dismissPreviewArtifact(sessionId, id)} />
+        ))
+      : []
+
+  const hasBackgroundGroup = groups.some(g => g.type === 'background')
+
   const sections: { key: string; node: ReactNode }[] = groups.map(group => ({
     key: group.type,
     node: (
@@ -107,11 +136,7 @@ export function ComposerStatusStack({ queue, sessionId }: ComposerStatusStackPro
           ) : undefined
         }
         defaultCollapsed={group.type !== 'todo'}
-        icon={
-          group.type === 'todo' ? (
-            <Codicon className="text-muted-foreground/70" name="checklist" size="0.8rem" />
-          ) : undefined
-        }
+        icon={<Codicon className="text-muted-foreground/70" name={GROUP_ICON[group.type]} size="0.8rem" />}
         label={groupLabel(group, t.statusStack)}
       >
         {group.items.map(item => (
@@ -120,25 +145,20 @@ export function ComposerStatusStack({ queue, sessionId }: ComposerStatusStackPro
             key={item.id}
             onDismiss={sessionId ? id => dismissBackgroundProcess(sessionId, id) : undefined}
             onOpen={() => openSubagent(item)}
-            onStop={sessionId ? id => stopBackgroundProcess(sessionId, id) : undefined}
+            onStop={sessionId ? id => void stopBackgroundProcess(sessionId, id) : undefined}
           />
         ))}
+        {group.type === 'background' && previewRows}
       </StatusSection>
     )
   }))
 
-  if (previews.length > 0 && sessionId) {
+  // No background group to host them (e.g. a standalone on-disk file preview):
+  // keep the previews as their own row block so they don't disappear.
+  if (previewRows.length > 0 && !hasBackgroundGroup) {
     sections.push({
       key: 'preview',
-      // Not a collapsible group — preview links just sit there, one line each,
-      // each individually closeable.
-      node: (
-        <div className="px-1 py-0.5">
-          {previews.map(item => (
-            <PreviewStatusRow item={item} key={item.id} onDismiss={id => dismissPreviewArtifact(sessionId, id)} />
-          ))}
-        </div>
-      )
+      node: <div className="px-1 py-0.5">{previewRows}</div>
     })
   }
 
@@ -190,12 +210,10 @@ export function ComposerStatusStack({ queue, sessionId }: ComposerStatusStackPro
 
   return (
     <div
-      // Sits above the composer (bottom-full), nudged down by the shell's 0.5rem
-      // top pad (pt-2 on composer-root) plus 1px so its bottom edge overlaps the
-      // composer surface's top border. z BELOW the surface (z-4) so the surface's
-      // top border paints over our transparent bottom border — one seam, no
-      // double line.
-      className="absolute inset-x-0 bottom-full z-3 max-h-[40vh] translate-y-[calc(0.5rem+1px)] overflow-y-auto"
+      // Sits in the overlay lane above the composer. The composer root has pt-2
+      // before the actual surface; translate by that amount so the stack returns
+      // to its original attachment point without intruding into the repo strip.
+      className="absolute inset-x-0 bottom-full z-3 max-h-[40vh] translate-y-2 overflow-y-auto"
       onPointerDownCapture={() => blurComposerInput()}
       ref={stackRef}
     >
@@ -205,17 +223,19 @@ export function ComposerStatusStack({ queue, sessionId }: ComposerStatusStackPro
           Rounded top, square bottom; the bottom border is TRANSPARENT — the
           composer surface's visible top border (which sits at a higher z) is the
           single shared seam, so the two read as one fused capsule. */}
-      <div className={cn(composerDockCard('top'), 'mx-2 rounded-b-none border-b border-b-transparent pt-0.5 pb-1')}>
-        <div
-          className={cn(
-            'transition-opacity duration-200 ease-out',
-            scrolledUp ? 'opacity-30 group-hover/composer:opacity-100' : 'opacity-100'
-          )}
-        >
-          {sections.map(section => (
-            <div key={section.key}>{section.node}</div>
-          ))}
-        </div>
+      <div
+        className={cn(
+          composerDockCard('top'),
+          // Inset (mx-2) so the stack reads slightly narrower than the composer
+          // surface below it — the original look.
+          'mx-2 overflow-hidden rounded-b-none border-b border-b-transparent pt-0.5',
+          'transition-opacity duration-200 ease-out',
+          scrolledUp ? 'opacity-30 group-hover/composer:opacity-100' : 'opacity-100'
+        )}
+      >
+        {sections.map(section => (
+          <div key={section.key}>{section.node}</div>
+        ))}
       </div>
     </div>
   )

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/composer/status-stack/preview-row.tsx

@@ -6,7 +6,6 @@ import { Button } from '@/components/ui/button'
 import { Codicon } from '@/components/ui/codicon'
 import { Tip } from '@/components/ui/tooltip'
 import { useI18n } from '@/i18n'
-import { ChevronRight, X } from '@/lib/icons'
 import { normalizeOrLocalPreviewTarget } from '@/lib/local-preview'
 import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
 import { PREVIEW_PANE_ID } from '@/store/layout'
@@ -76,50 +75,47 @@ export const PreviewStatusRow = memo(function PreviewStatusRow({ item, onDismiss
 
   return (
     <StatusRow
-      leading={<ChevronRight aria-hidden className="size-3 text-muted-foreground/80" />}
-      onActivate={() => void togglePreview()}
+      leading={
+        <Codicon aria-hidden className={cn('text-muted-foreground/70', opening && 'animate-pulse')} name="globe" size="0.8rem" />
+      }
+      // Plain click opens the link in the browser; ⌘/Ctrl-click opens it in the
+      // in-app preview pane instead. (isOpen still toggles the pane closed.)
+      onActivate={event => {
+        if (event.metaKey || event.ctrlKey) {
+          void togglePreview()
+        } else {
+          void openInBrowser()
+        }
+      }}
       trailing={
-        <span className="-my-1 flex items-center gap-0.5">
-          <Tip label={t.preview.openInBrowser}>
-            <Button
-              aria-label={t.preview.openInBrowser}
-              className="size-4 rounded-md text-muted-foreground/60 hover:text-foreground/90"
-              onClick={event => {
-                event.stopPropagation()
-                void openInBrowser()
-              }}
-              size="icon-xs"
-              type="button"
-              variant="ghost"
-            >
-              <Codicon name="link-external" size="0.75rem" />
-            </Button>
-          </Tip>
-          <Tip label={t.statusStack.dismiss}>
-            <Button
-              aria-label={t.statusStack.dismiss}
-              className="size-4 rounded-md text-muted-foreground/60 hover:text-foreground/90"
-              onClick={event => {
-                event.stopPropagation()
-                onDismiss(item.id)
-              }}
-              size="icon-xs"
-              type="button"
-              variant="ghost"
-            >
-              <X size={12} />
-            </Button>
-          </Tip>
-        </span>
+        <Tip label={t.statusStack.dismiss}>
+          <Button
+            aria-label={t.statusStack.dismiss}
+            className="-my-1 size-4 rounded-md text-muted-foreground/60 hover:text-foreground/90"
+            onClick={event => {
+              event.stopPropagation()
+              onDismiss(item.id)
+            }}
+            size="icon-xs"
+            type="button"
+            variant="ghost"
+          >
+            <Codicon name="close" size="0.75rem" />
+          </Button>
+        </Tip>
       }
       trailingVisible
     >
-      <span className="min-w-0 max-w-[18rem] truncate text-[0.73rem] leading-4 text-foreground/92" title={item.target}>
-        {item.label}
-      </span>
-      <span className={cn('shrink-0 text-[0.62rem] leading-4 text-muted-foreground/70', opening && 'animate-pulse')}>
-        {opening ? t.preview.opening : isOpen ? t.preview.hide : t.preview.openPreview}
-      </span>
+      <Tip
+        label={
+          <span className="flex flex-col gap-0.5">
+            <span>{item.target}</span>
+            <span className="opacity-70">{t.preview.linkHint}</span>
+          </span>
+        }
+      >
+        <span className="min-w-0 max-w-[18rem] truncate text-[0.73rem] leading-4 text-foreground/92">{item.label}</span>
+      </Tip>
     </StatusRow>
   )
 })

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/composer/status-stack/status-row.tsx

@@ -8,7 +8,6 @@ import { DisclosureCaret } from '@/components/ui/disclosure-caret'
 import { GlyphSpinner } from '@/components/ui/glyph-spinner'
 import { Tip } from '@/components/ui/tooltip'
 import { type Translations, useI18n } from '@/i18n'
-import { ArrowUpRight, X } from '@/lib/icons'
 import type { TodoStatus } from '@/lib/todos'
 import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
 import type { ComposerStatusItem } from '@/store/composer-status'
@@ -50,7 +49,7 @@ function leadingGlyph(item: ComposerStatusItem, s: Translations['statusStack']):
     return (
       <GlyphSpinner
         ariaLabel={s.running}
-        className="text-[0.9rem] leading-none text-muted-foreground/80"
+        className="text-[0.85rem] leading-none text-muted-foreground/80"
         spinner="braille"
       />
     )
@@ -117,11 +116,11 @@ export const StatusItemRow = memo(function StatusItemRow({ item, onDismiss, onOp
                 type="button"
                 variant="ghost"
               >
-                <X size={12} />
+                <Codicon name="close" size="0.75rem" />
               </Button>
             </Tip>
           ) : canOpen ? (
-            <ArrowUpRight aria-hidden className="size-3.5 text-muted-foreground/55" />
+            <Codicon aria-hidden className="text-muted-foreground/55" name="link-external" size="0.85rem" />
           ) : undefined
         }
       >

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/index.tsx

@@ -88,7 +88,10 @@ interface ChatViewProps extends Omit<React.ComponentProps<'div'>, 'onSubmit'> {
   onThreadMessagesChange: (messages: readonly ThreadMessage[]) => void
   onEdit: (message: AppendMessage) => Promise<void>
   onReload: (parentId: string | null) => Promise<void>
-  onRestoreToMessage?: (messageId: string) => Promise<void>
+  onRestoreToMessage?: (
+    messageId: string,
+    target?: { text?: string; userOrdinal?: number | null }
+  ) => Promise<void>
   onRetryResume: (sessionId: string) => void
   onTranscribeAudio?: (audio: Blob) => Promise<string>
   onDismissError?: (messageId: string) => void

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/right-rail/preview-file.tsx

@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ import type {
   MouseEvent as ReactMouseEvent,
   ReactNode
 } from 'react'
-import { useEffect, useMemo, useState } from 'react'
+import { Fragment, useEffect, useMemo, useState } from 'react'
 import ShikiHighlighter from 'react-shiki'
 import { Streamdown } from 'streamdown'
 
@@ -14,15 +14,21 @@ import { requestComposerFocus, requestComposerInsertRefs } from '@/app/chat/comp
 import { droppedFileInlineRef } from '@/app/chat/composer/inline-refs'
 import { HERMES_PATHS_MIME } from '@/app/chat/hooks/use-composer-actions'
 import { isAddSelectionShortcut } from '@/app/right-sidebar/terminal/selection'
+import { FileDiffPanel } from '@/components/chat/diff-lines'
+import { chunkTextLines, useFixedRowWindow } from '@/components/chat/fixed-row-window'
 import { PageLoader } from '@/components/page-loader'
 import { translateNow, useI18n } from '@/i18n'
-import { readDesktopFileDataUrl, readDesktopFileText } from '@/lib/desktop-fs'
+import { desktopFileDiff, desktopGitRoot, readDesktopFileDataUrl, readDesktopFileText } from '@/lib/desktop-fs'
+import { shikiLanguageForFilename } from '@/lib/markdown-code'
 import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
 import type { PreviewTarget } from '@/store/preview'
 import { $currentCwd } from '@/store/session'
 
 const SHIKI_THEME = { dark: 'github-dark-default', light: 'github-light-default' } as const
 const TEXT_PREVIEW_MAX_BYTES = 512 * 1024
+const SOURCE_CHUNK_LINES = 200
+const SOURCE_LINE_PX = 20
+const SOURCE_OVERSCAN_LINES = 400
 
 type EmptyStateTone = 'neutral' | 'warning'
 
@@ -126,6 +132,8 @@ interface LocalPreviewState {
   binary?: boolean
   byteSize?: number
   dataUrl?: string
+  /** Working-tree-vs-HEAD unified diff, when the file has uncommitted changes. */
+  diff?: string
   error?: string
   language?: string
   loading: boolean
@@ -299,28 +307,44 @@ function MarkdownPreview({ text }: { text: string }) {
   )
 }
 
-function PreviewToggle({ asSource, onToggle }: { asSource: boolean; onToggle: () => void }) {
+function PreviewModeSwitcher({
+  active,
+  modes,
+  onSelect
+}: {
+  active: PreviewViewMode
+  modes: PreviewViewMode[]
+  onSelect: (mode: PreviewViewMode) => void
+}) {
   const { t } = useI18n()
 
+  const label: Record<PreviewViewMode, string> = {
+    diff: t.preview.diff,
+    rendered: t.preview.renderedPreview,
+    source: t.preview.source
+  }
+
   return (
-    <div className="sticky top-0 z-10 flex justify-end border-b border-border/40 bg-transparent px-3 py-1 backdrop-blur">
-      <button
-        className="text-[0.625rem] font-bold text-muted-foreground underline decoration-current/20 underline-offset-4 transition-colors hover:text-foreground"
-        onClick={onToggle}
-        type="button"
-      >
-        {asSource ? t.preview.renderedPreview : t.preview.source}
-      </button>
+    <div className="flex shrink-0 justify-end gap-3 border-b border-border/40 px-3 py-1">
+      {modes.map(mode => (
+        <button
+          className={cn(
+            'text-[0.625rem] font-bold underline-offset-4 transition-colors',
+            mode === active
+              ? 'text-foreground underline decoration-current/30'
+              : 'text-muted-foreground hover:text-foreground'
+          )}
+          key={mode}
+          onClick={() => onSelect(mode)}
+          type="button"
+        >
+          {label[mode]}
+        </button>
+      ))}
     </div>
   )
 }
 
-// Gutter and Shiki output share `font-mono text-xs leading-relaxed py-3` so
-// each line aligns vertically. The selection overlay relies on the same
-// `text-xs * leading-relaxed = 1.21875rem` line-height to position itself.
-const SOURCE_LINE_HEIGHT_REM = 1.21875
-const SOURCE_PAD_Y_REM = 0.75
-
 interface LineSelection {
   end: number
   start: number
@@ -337,7 +361,18 @@ function startLineDrag(event: ReactDragEvent<HTMLElement>, filePath: string, { e
 
 function SourceView({ filePath, language, text }: { filePath: string; language: string; text: string }) {
   const { t } = useI18n()
-  const lineCount = useMemo(() => Math.max(1, text.split('\n').length), [text])
+  const chunks = useMemo(() => chunkTextLines(text, SOURCE_CHUNK_LINES), [text])
+  const lastChunk = chunks.at(-1)
+  const totalLines = lastChunk ? lastChunk.start + lastChunk.lines.length : 0
+
+  const { afterRows, beforeRows, endChunk, onScroll, scrollerRef, startChunk } = useFixedRowWindow({
+    overscanRows: SOURCE_OVERSCAN_LINES,
+    rowPx: SOURCE_LINE_PX,
+    rowsPerChunk: SOURCE_CHUNK_LINES,
+    totalRows: totalLines
+  })
+
+  const visibleChunks = chunks.slice(startChunk, endChunk + 1)
   const [selection, setSelection] = useState<LineSelection | null>(null)
   const inSelection = (line: number) => selection != null && line >= selection.start && line <= selection.end
 
@@ -394,69 +429,76 @@ function SourceView({ filePath, language, text }: { filePath: string; language:
   }, [filePath, selection])
 
   return (
-    <div className="grid min-w-max grid-cols-[auto_minmax(0,1fr)] font-mono text-xs leading-relaxed">
-      <div className="select-none py-3 text-right text-muted-foreground/55">
-        {Array.from({ length: lineCount }, (_, index) => {
-          const line = index + 1
-          const selected = inSelection(line)
-
-          return (
-            <div
-              className={cn(
-                'cursor-pointer px-3 tabular-nums transition-colors',
-                selected
-                  ? 'bg-amber-200/45 text-amber-900 dark:bg-amber-300/20 dark:text-amber-100'
-                  : 'hover:text-foreground'
-              )}
-              draggable
-              key={line}
-              onClick={event => handleLineClick(event, line)}
-              onDragStart={event => handleDragStart(event, line)}
-              title={t.preview.sourceLineTitle}
-            >
-              {line}
-            </div>
-          )
-        })}
-      </div>
-      <div
-        className="relative [&_pre]:m-0 [&_pre]:px-3 [&_pre]:py-3 [&_pre]:bg-transparent!"
-        data-selectable-text="true"
-      >
-        {selection && (
-          <div
-            aria-hidden
-            className="pointer-events-none absolute inset-x-0 bg-amber-200/35 dark:bg-amber-300/10"
-            style={{
-              top: `calc(${SOURCE_PAD_Y_REM}rem + ${selection.start - 1} * ${SOURCE_LINE_HEIGHT_REM}rem)`,
-              height: `calc(${selection.end - selection.start + 1} * ${SOURCE_LINE_HEIGHT_REM}rem)`
-            }}
-          />
+    <div className="h-full overflow-auto" onScroll={onScroll} ref={scrollerRef}>
+      <div className="grid min-w-max grid-cols-[auto_minmax(0,1fr)] font-mono text-[0.7rem] leading-relaxed">
+        {beforeRows > 0 && (
+          <div aria-hidden className="col-span-2" style={{ height: beforeRows * SOURCE_LINE_PX }} />
+        )}
+        {visibleChunks.map(chunk => (
+          <Fragment key={chunk.start}>
+            <div className="select-none text-right text-muted-foreground/55">
+              {chunk.lines.map((_lineText, offset) => {
+                const line = chunk.start + offset + 1
+                const selected = inSelection(line)
+
+                return (
+                  <div
+                    className={cn(
+                      'h-5 w-9 cursor-pointer pr-2 leading-5 tabular-nums transition-colors',
+                      selected
+                        ? 'bg-amber-200/45 text-amber-900 dark:bg-amber-300/20 dark:text-amber-100'
+                        : 'hover:text-foreground'
+                    )}
+                    draggable
+                    key={line}
+                    onClick={event => handleLineClick(event, line)}
+                    onDragStart={event => handleDragStart(event, line)}
+                    title={t.preview.sourceLineTitle}
+                  >
+                    {line}
+                  </div>
+                )
+              })}
+            </div>
+            <div className="preview-source-code min-w-0 [&_pre]:m-0" data-selectable-text="true">
+              <ShikiHighlighter
+                addDefaultStyles={false}
+                as="div"
+                defaultColor="light-dark()"
+                delay={80}
+                language={language || 'text'}
+                showLanguage={false}
+                theme={SHIKI_THEME}
+              >
+                {chunk.text}
+              </ShikiHighlighter>
+            </div>
+          </Fragment>
+        ))}
+        {afterRows > 0 && (
+          <div aria-hidden className="col-span-2" style={{ height: afterRows * SOURCE_LINE_PX }} />
         )}
-        <ShikiHighlighter
-          addDefaultStyles={false}
-          as="div"
-          defaultColor="light-dark()"
-          delay={80}
-          language={language || 'text'}
-          showLanguage={false}
-          theme={SHIKI_THEME}
-        >
-          {text}
-        </ShikiHighlighter>
       </div>
     </div>
   )
 }
 
+type PreviewViewMode = 'diff' | 'rendered' | 'source'
+
 export function LocalFilePreview({ reloadKey, target }: { reloadKey: number; target: PreviewTarget }) {
   const { t } = useI18n()
   const [state, setState] = useState<LocalPreviewState>({ loading: true })
   const [forcePreview, setForcePreview] = useState(false)
-  const [renderMarkdownAsSource, setRenderMarkdownAsSource] = useState(false)
+  // User-picked view; null = auto (diff when changed, else rendered markdown,
+  // else source). Reset when the previewed file changes.
+  const [userMode, setUserMode] = useState<null | PreviewViewMode>(null)
   const filePath = filePathForTarget(target)
   const isImage = target.previewKind === 'image'
 
+  useEffect(() => {
+    setUserMode(null)
+  }, [filePath, reloadKey])
+
   // HTML files are rendered as source code, not in a webview - so they take
   // the same path as plain text files. `previewKind === 'binary'` arrives
   // when the file is forcibly previewed past the binary refusal screen.
@@ -508,6 +550,22 @@ export function LocalFilePreview({ reloadKey, target }: { reloadKey: number; tar
             text: shouldBlock ? undefined : result.text,
             truncated: result.truncated
           })
+
+          // Best-effort: fetch the file's working-tree-vs-HEAD diff so the
+          // preview can offer a DIFF view when there are uncommitted changes.
+          // Empty (clean file / not a repo / remote) just hides the option.
+          if (!shouldBlock) {
+            try {
+              const root = await desktopGitRoot(filePath)
+              const diff = root ? await desktopFileDiff(root, filePath) : ''
+
+              if (active && diff.trim()) {
+                setState(prev => (prev.text === result.text ? { ...prev, diff } : prev))
+              }
+            } catch {
+              // No diff available; the preview just shows source.
+            }
+          }
         }
       } catch (error) {
         if (active) {
@@ -571,21 +629,50 @@ export function LocalFilePreview({ reloadKey, target }: { reloadKey: number; tar
 
   if (isText && state.text !== undefined) {
     const isMarkdown = (state.language || target.language) === 'markdown'
-    const showRendered = isMarkdown && !renderMarkdownAsSource
+    const hasDiff = Boolean(state.diff && state.diff.trim())
+    // Order the toggle reads left→right; default lands on the most useful view.
+    const modes: PreviewViewMode[] = []
+
+    if (isMarkdown) {
+      modes.push('rendered')
+    }
+
+    modes.push('source')
+
+    if (hasDiff) {
+      modes.push('diff')
+    }
+
+    const autoMode: PreviewViewMode = hasDiff ? 'diff' : isMarkdown ? 'rendered' : 'source'
+    const mode = userMode && modes.includes(userMode) ? userMode : autoMode
 
     return (
-      <div className="h-full overflow-auto bg-transparent">
+      <div className="flex h-full flex-col overflow-hidden bg-transparent">
         {state.truncated && (
           <div className="border-b border-border/60 bg-muted/35 px-3 py-1.5 text-[0.68rem] text-muted-foreground">
             {t.preview.truncated}
           </div>
         )}
-        {isMarkdown && <PreviewToggle asSource={!showRendered} onToggle={() => setRenderMarkdownAsSource(s => !s)} />}
-        {showRendered ? (
-          <MarkdownPreview text={state.text} />
-        ) : (
-          <SourceView filePath={filePath} language={state.language || 'text'} text={state.text} />
-        )}
+        {modes.length > 1 && <PreviewModeSwitcher active={mode} modes={modes} onSelect={setUserMode} />}
+        <div className="min-h-0 flex-1 overflow-auto">
+          {mode === 'rendered' ? (
+            <MarkdownPreview text={state.text} />
+          ) : mode === 'diff' ? (
+            <FileDiffPanel
+              className="mx-0 mb-0 h-full max-h-none"
+              diff={state.diff ?? ''}
+              fullText={state.text}
+              path={filePath}
+              showLineNumbers
+            />
+          ) : (
+            <SourceView
+              filePath={filePath}
+              language={shikiLanguageForFilename(filePath) || state.language || 'text'}
+              text={state.text}
+            />
+          )}
+        </div>
       </div>
     )
   }

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/right-rail/preview.tsx

@@ -3,10 +3,19 @@ import { useEffect, useMemo } from 'react'
 
 import type { SetTitlebarToolGroup } from '@/app/shell/titlebar-controls'
 import { Codicon } from '@/components/ui/codicon'
+import {
+  ContextMenu,
+  ContextMenuContent,
+  ContextMenuItem,
+  ContextMenuSeparator,
+  ContextMenuTrigger
+} from '@/components/ui/context-menu'
 import { Tip } from '@/components/ui/tooltip'
 import { translateNow, useI18n } from '@/i18n'
+import { formatCombo } from '@/lib/keybinds/combo'
 import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
 import {
+  $panesFlipped,
   $rightRailActiveTabId,
   RIGHT_RAIL_PREVIEW_TAB_ID,
   type RightRailTabId,
@@ -16,8 +25,10 @@ import {
   $filePreviewTabs,
   $previewReloadRequest,
   $previewTarget,
+  closeOtherRightRailTabs,
   closeRightRail,
   closeRightRailTab,
+  closeRightRailTabsToRight,
   type PreviewTarget
 } from '@/store/preview'
 
@@ -56,6 +67,7 @@ export function ChatPreviewRail({ onRestartServer, setTitlebarToolGroup }: ChatP
   const { t } = useI18n()
   const previewReloadRequest = useStore($previewReloadRequest)
   const activeTabId = useStore($rightRailActiveTabId)
+  const panesFlipped = useStore($panesFlipped)
   const filePreviewTabs = useStore($filePreviewTabs)
   const previewTarget = useStore($previewTarget)
 
@@ -82,68 +94,92 @@ export function ChatPreviewRail({ onRestartServer, setTitlebarToolGroup }: ChatP
   const isPreview = activeTab.id === RIGHT_RAIL_PREVIEW_TAB_ID
 
   return (
-    <aside className="relative flex h-full w-full min-w-0 flex-col overflow-hidden border-l border-(--ui-stroke-tertiary) bg-(--ui-editor-surface-background) text-(--ui-text-tertiary)">
+    <aside
+      className={cn(
+        'relative flex h-full w-full min-w-0 flex-col overflow-hidden border-(--ui-stroke-tertiary) bg-(--ui-editor-surface-background) text-(--ui-text-tertiary)',
+        panesFlipped ? 'border-r' : 'border-l'
+      )}
+    >
       <div className="group/rail-tabs flex h-(--titlebar-height) shrink-0 border-b border-(--ui-stroke-tertiary) bg-(--ui-sidebar-surface-background)">
         <div
           className="flex min-w-0 flex-1 overflow-x-auto overflow-y-hidden overscroll-x-contain [-ms-overflow-style:none] [scrollbar-width:none] [&::-webkit-scrollbar]:hidden"
           role="tablist"
         >
-          {tabs.map(tab => {
+          {tabs.map((tab, index) => {
             const active = tab.id === activeTab.id
+            const hasOthers = tabs.length > 1
+            const hasTabsToRight = index < tabs.length - 1
 
             return (
-              <div
-                className={cn(
-                  'group/tab relative flex h-full min-w-0 max-w-48 shrink-0 items-center text-[0.6875rem] font-medium [-webkit-app-region:no-drag] last:border-r last:border-(--ui-stroke-quaternary)',
-                  active
-                    ? 'bg-(--ui-editor-surface-background) text-foreground [--tab-bg:var(--ui-editor-surface-background)]'
-                    : 'border-r border-(--ui-stroke-quaternary) text-(--ui-text-tertiary) [--tab-bg:var(--ui-sidebar-surface-background)] hover:bg-(--chrome-action-hover) hover:text-foreground'
-                )}
-                key={tab.id}
-                // Middle-click closes the tab, matching browser/IDE muscle
-                // memory. `onMouseDown` swallows the middle-button press so
-                // Chromium doesn't switch into autoscroll mode.
-                onAuxClick={event => {
-                  if (event.button !== 1) {
-                    return
-                  }
+              <ContextMenu key={tab.id}>
+                <ContextMenuTrigger asChild>
+                  <div
+                    className={cn(
+                      'group/tab relative flex h-full min-w-0 max-w-48 shrink-0 items-center text-[0.6875rem] font-medium [-webkit-app-region:no-drag] last:border-r last:border-(--ui-stroke-quaternary)',
+                      active
+                        ? 'bg-(--ui-editor-surface-background) text-foreground [--tab-bg:var(--ui-editor-surface-background)]'
+                        : 'border-r border-(--ui-stroke-quaternary) text-(--ui-text-tertiary) [--tab-bg:var(--ui-sidebar-surface-background)] hover:bg-(--chrome-action-hover) hover:text-foreground'
+                    )}
+                    // Middle-click closes the tab, matching browser/IDE muscle
+                    // memory. `onMouseDown` swallows the middle-button press so
+                    // Chromium doesn't switch into autoscroll mode.
+                    onAuxClick={event => {
+                      if (event.button !== 1) {
+                        return
+                      }
 
-                  event.preventDefault()
-                  closeRightRailTab(tab.id)
-                }}
-                onMouseDown={event => {
-                  if (event.button === 1) {
-                    event.preventDefault()
-                  }
-                }}
-              >
-                {active && (
-                  <span aria-hidden="true" className="absolute inset-x-0 top-0 h-px bg-(--ui-stroke-primary)" />
-                )}
-                <Tip label={tab.label}>
-                  <button
-                    aria-selected={active}
-                    className="flex h-full min-w-0 max-w-full items-center overflow-hidden pl-3 pr-2 text-left outline-none"
-                    onClick={() => selectRightRailTab(tab.id)}
-                    role="tab"
-                    type="button"
+                      event.preventDefault()
+                      closeRightRailTab(tab.id)
+                    }}
+                    onMouseDown={event => {
+                      if (event.button === 1) {
+                        event.preventDefault()
+                      }
+                    }}
                   >
-                    <span className="block min-w-0 truncate">{tab.label}</span>
-                  </button>
-                </Tip>
-                <span
-                  aria-hidden="true"
-                  className="pointer-events-none absolute inset-y-0 right-0 w-9 bg-[linear-gradient(to_right,transparent,var(--tab-bg)_55%)] opacity-0 transition-opacity group-hover/tab:opacity-100 group-focus-within/tab:opacity-100"
-                />
-                <button
-                  aria-label={t.preview.closeTab(tab.label)}
-                  className="pointer-events-none absolute right-1.5 top-1/2 grid size-4 -translate-y-1/2 place-items-center rounded-sm text-(--ui-text-tertiary) opacity-0 transition-[background-color,color,opacity] hover:bg-(--ui-bg-secondary) hover:text-foreground focus-visible:pointer-events-auto focus-visible:opacity-100 group-hover/tab:pointer-events-auto group-hover/tab:opacity-100 group-focus-within/tab:pointer-events-auto group-focus-within/tab:opacity-100"
-                  onClick={() => closeRightRailTab(tab.id)}
-                  type="button"
-                >
-                  <Codicon name="close" size="0.75rem" />
-                </button>
-              </div>
+                    {active && (
+                      <span aria-hidden="true" className="absolute inset-x-0 top-0 h-px bg-(--ui-stroke-primary)" />
+                    )}
+                    <Tip label={tab.target.path || tab.target.url || tab.label}>
+                      <button
+                        aria-selected={active}
+                        className="flex h-full min-w-0 max-w-full items-center overflow-hidden pl-3 pr-2 text-left outline-none"
+                        onClick={() => selectRightRailTab(tab.id)}
+                        role="tab"
+                        type="button"
+                      >
+                        <span className="block min-w-0 truncate">{tab.label}</span>
+                      </button>
+                    </Tip>
+                    <span
+                      aria-hidden="true"
+                      className="pointer-events-none absolute inset-y-0 right-0 w-9 bg-[linear-gradient(to_right,transparent,var(--tab-bg)_55%)] opacity-0 transition-opacity group-hover/tab:opacity-100 group-focus-within/tab:opacity-100"
+                    />
+                    <button
+                      aria-label={t.preview.closeTab(tab.label)}
+                      className="pointer-events-none absolute right-1.5 top-1/2 grid size-4 -translate-y-1/2 place-items-center rounded-sm text-(--ui-text-tertiary) opacity-0 transition-[background-color,color,opacity] hover:bg-(--ui-bg-secondary) hover:text-foreground focus-visible:pointer-events-auto focus-visible:opacity-100 group-hover/tab:pointer-events-auto group-hover/tab:opacity-100 group-focus-within/tab:pointer-events-auto group-focus-within/tab:opacity-100"
+                      onClick={() => closeRightRailTab(tab.id)}
+                      type="button"
+                    >
+                      <Codicon name="close" size="0.75rem" />
+                    </button>
+                  </div>
+                </ContextMenuTrigger>
+                <ContextMenuContent>
+                  <ContextMenuItem onSelect={() => closeRightRailTab(tab.id)}>
+                    {t.common.close}
+                    <span className="ml-auto pl-4 text-(--ui-text-tertiary)">{formatCombo('mod+w')}</span>
+                  </ContextMenuItem>
+                  <ContextMenuItem disabled={!hasOthers} onSelect={() => closeOtherRightRailTabs(tab.id)}>
+                    {t.preview.closeOthers}
+                  </ContextMenuItem>
+                  <ContextMenuItem disabled={!hasTabsToRight} onSelect={() => closeRightRailTabsToRight(tab.id)}>
+                    {t.preview.closeToRight}
+                  </ContextMenuItem>
+                  <ContextMenuSeparator />
+                  <ContextMenuItem onSelect={closeRightRail}>{t.preview.closeAll}</ContextMenuItem>
+                </ContextMenuContent>
+              </ContextMenu>
             )
           })}
         </div>

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/sidebar/chrome.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,158 @@
+import type * as React from 'react'
+
+import { Codicon } from '@/components/ui/codicon'
+import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
+
+// Shared, content-agnostic sidebar chrome — used by both the flat session
+// sections and the project/workspace tree, so it lives outside either to keep
+// imports one-directional (no index <-> projects cycle).
+
+/** `loaded/total` when there's more on the server, else just the loaded count. */
+export const countLabel = (loaded: number, total: number): string =>
+  total > loaded ? `${loaded}/${total}` : String(loaded)
+
+/** The muted count chip next to a section/workspace label. */
+export function SidebarCount({ children }: { children: React.ReactNode }) {
+  return <span className="text-[0.6875rem] font-medium text-(--ui-text-quaternary)">{children}</span>
+}
+
+// ── Row geometry (session row is canonical — everything composes these) ─────
+//
+// Height lives ONLY on SidebarRowShell (min-h-[1.625rem]). Inset children
+// stretch to fill the cell and center content internally — never items-center
+// on the shell grid, or short clusters (projects) float 1–2px off sessions.
+
+const rowMinH = 'min-h-[1.625rem]'
+const rowPadX = 'pl-2 pr-1'
+const rowGap = 'gap-1.5'
+const rowLead = 'grid size-3.5 shrink-0 place-items-center'
+const rowInset = cn(rowPadX, rowGap, 'flex h-full min-w-0 items-center self-stretch py-0.5')
+const rowLabel = 'min-w-0 truncate text-[0.8125rem] leading-none text-(--ui-text-secondary)'
+
+/** Codicon size in sidebar row leads — matches the file tree (`tree.tsx`). */
+export const SIDEBAR_LEAD_ICON_SIZE = '0.875rem' as const
+
+/** Vertical stack of rows (gap-px, single column). */
+export function SidebarRowStack({ className, ...props }: React.ComponentProps<'div'>) {
+  return <div className={cn('grid grid-cols-[minmax(0,1fr)] gap-px', className)} {...props} />
+}
+
+/** Nested rows (session previews, worktree bodies). */
+export function SidebarRowNest({ className, ...props }: React.ComponentProps<'div'>) {
+  return <SidebarRowStack className={cn('pb-1 pl-4', className)} {...props} />
+}
+
+/** Outer grid — sole owner of row height. */
+export function SidebarRowShell({
+  actions,
+  children,
+  className,
+  ...props
+}: React.ComponentProps<'div'> & { actions?: React.ReactNode }) {
+  return (
+    <div className={cn(rowMinH, 'grid grid-cols-[minmax(0,1fr)_auto] items-stretch rounded-md', className)} {...props}>
+      {children}
+      {actions ? <div className="flex shrink-0 items-center self-center">{actions}</div> : null}
+    </div>
+  )
+}
+
+/** Multi-control left cluster (project rows). */
+export function SidebarRowCluster({ className, ...props }: React.ComponentProps<'div'>) {
+  return <div className={cn(rowInset, className)} {...props} />
+}
+
+/** Session row main tap target. */
+export function SidebarRowBody({ className, ...props }: React.ComponentProps<'button'>) {
+  return <button className={cn(rowInset, 'bg-transparent text-left', className)} type="button" {...props} />
+}
+
+/** Tappable label — underline/truncate live on the inner span, not the button. */
+export function SidebarRowLink({
+  className,
+  labelClassName,
+  children,
+  ...props
+}: React.ComponentProps<'button'> & { labelClassName?: string }) {
+  return (
+    <button className={cn('min-w-0 shrink bg-transparent p-0 text-left', className)} type="button" {...props}>
+      <span className={cn(rowLabel, labelClassName)}>{children}</span>
+    </button>
+  )
+}
+
+/** Fixed leading column (dot, icon, drag handle). */
+export function SidebarRowLead({ className, ...props }: React.ComponentProps<'span'>) {
+  return <span className={cn(rowLead, className)} {...props} />
+}
+
+/** Standard row label typography. */
+export function SidebarRowLabel({ className, ...props }: React.ComponentProps<'span'>) {
+  return <span className={cn(rowLabel, className)} {...props} />
+}
+
+/** Dot ↔ grabber swap for dnd-kit reorder rows. */
+export function SidebarRowGrab({
+  ariaLabel,
+  children,
+  className,
+  dragging = false,
+  dragHandleProps,
+  leadClassName
+}: {
+  ariaLabel: string
+  children: React.ReactNode
+  className?: string
+  dragging?: boolean
+  dragHandleProps?: React.HTMLAttributes<HTMLElement>
+  leadClassName?: string
+}) {
+  return (
+    <SidebarRowLead
+      {...dragHandleProps}
+      aria-label={ariaLabel}
+      className={cn(
+        'group/handle relative cursor-grab touch-none overflow-hidden active:cursor-grabbing',
+        leadClassName,
+        className
+      )}
+      data-reorder-handle
+      onClick={event => event.stopPropagation()}
+    >
+      <span className="grid size-full place-items-center transition-opacity group-hover/handle:opacity-0 group-focus-within/handle:opacity-0">
+        {children}
+      </span>
+      <Codicon
+        className={cn(
+          'absolute text-(--ui-text-quaternary) opacity-0 transition-opacity group-hover/handle:opacity-80 group-focus-within/handle:opacity-80 hover:text-(--ui-text-secondary)',
+          dragging && 'text-(--ui-text-secondary) opacity-100'
+        )}
+        name="grabber"
+        size="0.75rem"
+      />
+    </SidebarRowLead>
+  )
+}
+
+/** Icon/dot slot inside SidebarRowLead — caps visual size so rows align. */
+export function SidebarRowLeadGlyph({
+  children,
+  className,
+  style
+}: {
+  children: React.ReactNode
+  className?: string
+  style?: React.CSSProperties
+}) {
+  return (
+    <span
+      className={cn(
+        'grid size-full place-items-center text-(--ui-text-tertiary) [&_.codicon]:leading-none',
+        className
+      )}
+      style={style}
+    >
+      {children}
+    </span>
+  )
+}

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/sidebar/cron-jobs-section.tsx

@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ import { useEffect, useMemo, useState } from 'react'
 
 import { Codicon } from '@/components/ui/codicon'
 import { DisclosureCaret } from '@/components/ui/disclosure-caret'
+import { GlyphSpinner } from '@/components/ui/glyph-spinner'
 import { SidebarGroup, SidebarGroupContent } from '@/components/ui/sidebar'
 import { Tip } from '@/components/ui/tooltip'
 import { getCronJobRuns, type SessionInfo } from '@/hermes'
@@ -328,7 +329,7 @@ function CronJobSidebarRuns({ jobId, onOpenRun }: { jobId: string; onOpenRun: (s
     <div className="mb-1 ml-[1.375rem] flex flex-col gap-px">
       {runs === null ? (
         <div className="flex items-center gap-1.5 py-1 pl-1 text-[0.6875rem] text-(--ui-text-tertiary)">
-          <Codicon name="loading" size="0.75rem" spinning />
+          <GlyphSpinner ariaLabel={c.loading} className="text-[0.75rem]" />
         </div>
       ) : runs.length === 0 ? (
         <div className="py-1 pl-1 text-[0.6875rem] text-(--ui-text-tertiary)">{c.noRuns}</div>

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/sidebar/load-more-row.tsx

@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 import { Codicon } from '@/components/ui/codicon'
+import { GlyphSpinner } from '@/components/ui/glyph-spinner'
 import { useI18n } from '@/i18n'
 
 interface SidebarLoadMoreRowProps {
@@ -7,24 +8,22 @@ interface SidebarLoadMoreRowProps {
   loading?: boolean
 }
 
-// "Load N more" affordance shared by the recents, messaging, and cron sections.
-// The chevron sits in the same w-3.5 column the rows use for their dot, so it
-// lines up with the list above.
+// Compact "load more" affordance shared by recents, messaging, and cron. Kept
+// intentionally identical to workspace "show more" controls (ellipsis button)
+// so pagination reads as one interaction everywhere.
 export function SidebarLoadMoreRow({ step, onClick, loading = false }: SidebarLoadMoreRowProps) {
   const { t } = useI18n()
   const label = loading ? t.sidebar.loading : step > 0 ? t.sidebar.loadCount(step) : t.sidebar.loadMore
 
   return (
     <button
-      className="flex min-h-5 items-center gap-1.5 self-start bg-transparent pl-2 text-left text-[0.6875rem] text-(--ui-text-tertiary) transition-colors duration-100 ease-out hover:text-foreground hover:transition-none disabled:cursor-default disabled:opacity-60 disabled:hover:text-(--ui-text-tertiary)"
+      aria-label={label}
+      className="ml-auto grid size-5 place-items-center rounded-sm bg-transparent text-(--ui-text-tertiary) transition-colors hover:bg-(--ui-control-hover-background) hover:text-foreground disabled:cursor-default disabled:opacity-60 disabled:hover:bg-transparent disabled:hover:text-(--ui-text-tertiary)"
       disabled={loading}
       onClick={onClick}
       type="button"
     >
-      <span className="grid w-3.5 shrink-0 place-items-center">
-        <Codicon className="opacity-70" name={loading ? 'loading' : 'chevron-down'} size="0.75rem" spinning={loading} />
-      </span>
-      <span>{label}</span>
+      {loading ? <GlyphSpinner ariaLabel={label} className="text-[0.75rem]" /> : <Codicon name="ellipsis" size="0.75rem" />}
     </button>
   )
 }

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/sidebar/order.ts

@@ -1,3 +1,12 @@
+/** New ids first, then ids still present in the persisted order. */
+export function reconcileFreshFirst(currentIds: string[], orderIds: string[]): string[] {
+  const current = new Set(currentIds)
+  const retained = orderIds.filter(id => current.has(id))
+  const retainedSet = new Set(retained)
+
+  return [...currentIds.filter(id => !retainedSet.has(id)), ...retained]
+}
+
 export function resolveManualSessionOrderIds(currentIds: string[], orderIds: string[], manual: boolean): string[] {
   if (!manual || !currentIds.length || !orderIds.length) {
     return []
@@ -10,8 +19,5 @@ export function resolveManualSessionOrderIds(currentIds: string[], orderIds: str
     return []
   }
 
-  const retainedSet = new Set(retained)
-  const fresh = currentIds.filter(id => !retainedSet.has(id))
-
-  return [...fresh, ...retained]
+  return reconcileFreshFirst(currentIds, orderIds)
 }

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/sidebar/profile-switcher.tsx

@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ import { useNavigate } from 'react-router-dom'
 
 import { Button } from '@/components/ui/button'
 import { Codicon } from '@/components/ui/codicon'
+import { ColorSwatches } from '@/components/ui/color-swatches'
 import { ContextMenu, ContextMenuContent, ContextMenuItem, ContextMenuTrigger } from '@/components/ui/context-menu'
 import { Popover, PopoverAnchor, PopoverContent } from '@/components/ui/popover'
 import { Tip, Tooltip, TooltipContent, TooltipProvider, TooltipTrigger } from '@/components/ui/tooltip'
@@ -494,30 +495,14 @@ function ProfileSquare({ active, color, label, onDelete, onRecolor, onRename, on
         collisionPadding={{ bottom: 44, left: 8, right: 8, top: 8 }}
         side="top"
       >
-        <div className="grid grid-cols-6 gap-1.5">
-          {PROFILE_SWATCHES.map(swatch => (
-            <button
-              aria-label={p.setColor(swatch)}
-              className="size-5 rounded-full transition-transform hover:scale-110"
-              key={swatch}
-              onClick={() => pickColor(swatch)}
-              style={{
-                backgroundColor: swatch,
-                boxShadow: swatch === color ? '0 0 0 2px var(--ui-bg-elevated), 0 0 0 3.5px currentColor' : undefined,
-                color: swatch
-              }}
-              type="button"
-            />
-          ))}
-        </div>
-        <button
-          className="mt-2 flex w-full items-center justify-center gap-1.5 rounded-md py-1 text-xs text-(--ui-text-tertiary) transition hover:bg-(--ui-control-hover-background) hover:text-foreground"
-          onClick={() => pickColor(null)}
-          type="button"
-        >
-          <Codicon name="sync" size="0.75rem" />
-          {p.autoColor}
-        </button>
+        <ColorSwatches
+          clearIcon="sync"
+          clearLabel={p.autoColor}
+          onChange={pickColor}
+          swatches={PROFILE_SWATCHES}
+          swatchLabel={p.setColor}
+          value={color}
+        />
       </PopoverContent>
     </Popover>
   )

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/sidebar/project-dialog.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,289 @@
+import { useStore } from '@nanostores/react'
+import { useEffect, useRef, useState } from 'react'
+
+import { Button } from '@/components/ui/button'
+import { Codicon } from '@/components/ui/codicon'
+import { Dialog, DialogContent, DialogDescription, DialogFooter, DialogHeader, DialogTitle } from '@/components/ui/dialog'
+import { GenerateButton } from '@/components/ui/generate-button'
+import { Input } from '@/components/ui/input'
+import { Textarea } from '@/components/ui/textarea'
+import { useI18n } from '@/i18n'
+import { type ProjectIdeaTemplate, randomIdeaTemplates } from '@/lib/project-idea-templates'
+import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
+import { notifyError } from '@/store/notifications'
+import {
+  $projectDialog,
+  addProjectFolder,
+  closeProjectDialog,
+  createProject,
+  generateProjectIdea,
+  pickProjectFolder,
+  renameProject
+} from '@/store/projects'
+
+// Single dialog mounted once in the sidebar; it renders create / rename /
+// add-folder flows driven by the $projectDialog atom. Folders are chosen via
+// the native directory picker (reused from the default-project-dir setting).
+export function ProjectDialog() {
+  const { t } = useI18n()
+  const p = t.sidebar.projects
+  const state = useStore($projectDialog)
+  const open = state !== null
+  const mode = state?.mode ?? 'create'
+
+  const [name, setName] = useState('')
+  const [folders, setFolders] = useState<string[]>([])
+  const [idea, setIdea] = useState('')
+  const [templates, setTemplates] = useState<ProjectIdeaTemplate[]>([])
+  const [generatingIdea, setGeneratingIdea] = useState(false)
+  const [submitting, setSubmitting] = useState(false)
+  const nameRef = useRef<HTMLInputElement>(null)
+
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (open) {
+      setName(state?.name ?? '')
+      setFolders([])
+      setIdea('')
+      setTemplates(randomIdeaTemplates())
+      setGeneratingIdea(false)
+      setSubmitting(false)
+
+      if (mode !== 'add-folder') {
+        window.setTimeout(() => nameRef.current?.select(), 0)
+      }
+    }
+  }, [open, mode, state?.name])
+
+  const onOpenChange = (next: boolean) => {
+    if (!next) {
+      closeProjectDialog()
+    }
+  }
+
+  // One submit beat for every flow: guard re-entry, run the write, close on
+  // success, surface a toast on failure. Callers pass only the write.
+  const runSubmit = async (write: () => Promise<unknown>) => {
+    if (submitting) {
+      return
+    }
+
+    setSubmitting(true)
+
+    try {
+      await write()
+      closeProjectDialog()
+    } catch (err) {
+      notifyError(err, p.createFailed)
+    } finally {
+      setSubmitting(false)
+    }
+  }
+
+  const pickFolder = async () => {
+    const dir = await pickProjectFolder()
+
+    if (!dir) {
+      return
+    }
+
+    const projectId = state?.projectId
+
+    if (mode === 'add-folder' && projectId) {
+      await runSubmit(() => addProjectFolder(projectId, dir))
+
+      return
+    }
+
+    setFolders(prev => (prev.includes(dir) ? prev : [...prev, dir]))
+  }
+
+  const submit = async () => {
+    const trimmed = name.trim()
+    const projectId = state?.projectId
+
+    if (mode === 'rename' && projectId) {
+      if (trimmed) {
+        await runSubmit(() => renameProject(projectId, trimmed))
+      }
+
+      return
+    }
+
+    // A project owns sessions by folder (cwd-prefix), so creation requires at
+    // least one — a folder-less project couldn't hold a session anyway.
+    if (mode === 'create' && trimmed && folders.length) {
+      await runSubmit(() => createProject({ folders, idea: idea.trim() || undefined, name: trimmed, use: true }))
+    }
+  }
+
+  const generateIdea = async () => {
+    if (generatingIdea) {
+      return
+    }
+
+    setGeneratingIdea(true)
+
+    try {
+      const text = await generateProjectIdea(name)
+
+      if (text) {
+        setIdea(text)
+      }
+    } finally {
+      setGeneratingIdea(false)
+    }
+  }
+
+  const title = mode === 'rename' ? p.renameTitle : mode === 'add-folder' ? p.addFolderTitle : p.createTitle
+
+  return (
+    <Dialog onOpenChange={onOpenChange} open={open}>
+      <DialogContent className="max-w-md">
+        <DialogHeader>
+          <DialogTitle>{title}</DialogTitle>
+          {mode === 'create' && <DialogDescription>{p.createDesc}</DialogDescription>}
+        </DialogHeader>
+
+        {mode !== 'add-folder' && (
+          <Input
+            autoFocus
+            disabled={submitting}
+            onChange={event => setName(event.target.value)}
+            onKeyDown={event => {
+              if (event.key === 'Enter') {
+                event.preventDefault()
+                void submit()
+              } else if (event.key === 'Escape') {
+                onOpenChange(false)
+              }
+            }}
+            placeholder={p.namePlaceholder}
+            ref={nameRef}
+            value={name}
+          />
+        )}
+
+        {mode === 'create' && (
+          <div className="flex flex-col gap-1.5">
+            <span className="text-[0.6875rem] font-medium text-(--ui-text-tertiary)">{p.foldersLabel}</span>
+            {folders.length === 0 ? (
+              <span className="text-[0.75rem] text-(--ui-text-quaternary)">{p.noFolders}</span>
+            ) : (
+              <ul className="flex flex-col gap-1">
+                {folders.map((folder, index) => (
+                  <li
+                    className={cn(
+                      'flex items-center gap-2 rounded-md bg-(--ui-control-hover-background) px-2 py-1 text-[0.75rem]'
+                    )}
+                    key={folder}
+                  >
+                    <Codicon className="shrink-0 text-(--ui-text-tertiary)" name="folder" size="0.75rem" />
+                    <span className="min-w-0 flex-1 truncate" title={folder}>
+                      {folder}
+                    </span>
+                    {index === 0 && (
+                      <span className="shrink-0 text-[0.625rem] uppercase text-(--ui-text-quaternary)">
+                        {p.primaryBadge}
+                      </span>
+                    )}
+                    <Button
+                      aria-label={p.removeFolder}
+                      className="size-5 shrink-0 text-(--ui-text-quaternary) hover:text-foreground"
+                      onClick={() => setFolders(prev => prev.filter(f => f !== folder))}
+                      size="icon-xs"
+                      type="button"
+                      variant="ghost"
+                    >
+                      <Codicon name="close" size="0.75rem" />
+                    </Button>
+                  </li>
+                ))}
+              </ul>
+            )}
+            <Button
+              className="self-start"
+              disabled={submitting}
+              onClick={() => void pickFolder()}
+              size="sm"
+              type="button"
+              variant="ghost"
+            >
+              <Codicon name="add" size="0.75rem" />
+              {p.addFolder}
+            </Button>
+          </div>
+        )}
+
+        {mode === 'create' && (
+          <div className="flex flex-col gap-1.5">
+            <span className="text-[0.6875rem] font-medium text-(--ui-text-tertiary)">{p.ideaLabel}</span>
+            <div className="relative">
+              <Textarea
+                className="min-h-20 pr-8 text-[0.8125rem]"
+                disabled={submitting}
+                onChange={event => setIdea(event.target.value)}
+                placeholder={p.ideaPlaceholder}
+                value={idea}
+              />
+              <GenerateButton
+                className="absolute top-1 right-1"
+                disabled={submitting}
+                generating={generatingIdea}
+                generatingLabel={p.ideaGenerating}
+                label={p.ideaGenerate}
+                onGenerate={() => void generateIdea()}
+              />
+            </div>
+            <div className="flex flex-wrap items-center gap-1">
+              {templates.map(template => (
+                <button
+                  className="flex items-center gap-1 rounded-full border border-(--ui-stroke-tertiary) px-2 py-0.5 text-[0.6875rem] text-(--ui-text-secondary) transition-colors hover:border-(--ui-stroke-secondary) hover:bg-(--ui-control-hover-background) hover:text-foreground disabled:opacity-50"
+                  disabled={submitting}
+                  key={template.label}
+                  onClick={() => setIdea(template.idea)}
+                  type="button"
+                >
+                  <span aria-hidden>{template.emoji}</span>
+                  {template.label}
+                </button>
+              ))}
+              <Button
+                aria-label={p.ideaShuffle}
+                className="size-5 text-(--ui-text-quaternary) hover:text-foreground"
+                disabled={submitting}
+                onClick={() => setTemplates(randomIdeaTemplates())}
+                size="icon-xs"
+                type="button"
+                variant="ghost"
+              >
+                <Codicon name="refresh" size="0.75rem" />
+              </Button>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+        )}
+
+        {mode === 'add-folder' && (
+          <Button disabled={submitting} onClick={() => void pickFolder()} type="button">
+            <Codicon name="folder-opened" size="0.875rem" />
+            {p.addFolder}
+          </Button>
+        )}
+
+        {mode !== 'add-folder' && (
+          <DialogFooter>
+            <Button disabled={submitting} onClick={() => onOpenChange(false)} type="button" variant="ghost">
+              {t.common.cancel}
+            </Button>
+            <Button
+              disabled={submitting || !name.trim() || (mode === 'create' && folders.length === 0)}
+              onClick={() => void submit()}
+              type="button"
+            >
+              {mode === 'rename' ? t.common.save : p.create}
+            </Button>
+          </DialogFooter>
+        )}
+      </DialogContent>
+    </Dialog>
+  )
+}

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/sidebar/projects/entered-content.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,265 @@
+import { useStore } from '@nanostores/react'
+import type * as React from 'react'
+import { useMemo, useState } from 'react'
+
+import { Button } from '@/components/ui/button'
+import { Codicon } from '@/components/ui/codicon'
+import { Dialog, DialogContent, DialogDescription, DialogFooter, DialogHeader, DialogTitle } from '@/components/ui/dialog'
+import type { HermesGitWorktree } from '@/global'
+import type { SessionInfo } from '@/hermes'
+import { useI18n } from '@/i18n'
+import { $dismissedWorktreeIds, dismissWorktree } from '@/store/layout'
+import { notifyError } from '@/store/notifications'
+import { removeWorktreePath } from '@/store/projects'
+
+import { SidebarRowStack } from '../chrome'
+
+import { useWorkspaceNodeOpen } from './model'
+import { SidebarWorkspaceGroup } from './workspace-group'
+import {
+  mergeRepoWorktreeGroups,
+  overlayRepoLanes,
+  type SidebarProjectTree,
+  type SidebarSessionGroup,
+  type SidebarWorkspaceTree
+} from './workspace-groups'
+import { WorkspaceAddButton, WorkspaceHeader } from './workspace-header'
+
+// The entered project's body. Main-checkout sessions render directly — no
+// redundant repo/branch header (the breadcrumb already names the project). Only
+// linked worktrees nest, shown by branch. Multi-folder projects keep per-repo
+// headers so the folders stay distinguishable.
+export function EnteredProjectContent({
+  project,
+  renderRows,
+  onNewSession,
+  repoWorktrees,
+  liveSessions,
+  removedSessionIds
+}: {
+  project: SidebarProjectTree
+  renderRows: (sessions: SessionInfo[]) => React.ReactNode
+  onNewSession?: (path: null | string) => void
+  repoWorktrees?: Record<string, HermesGitWorktree[]>
+  liveSessions?: SessionInfo[]
+  removedSessionIds?: ReadonlySet<string>
+}) {
+  if (!project.repos.length) {
+    return null
+  }
+
+  const single = project.repos.length === 1
+
+  return (
+    <>
+      {project.repos.map(repo => (
+        <RepoFlatSection
+          discoveredWorktrees={repo.path ? repoWorktrees?.[repo.path] : undefined}
+          key={repo.id}
+          liveSessions={liveSessions}
+          onNewSession={onNewSession}
+          removedSessionIds={removedSessionIds}
+          renderRows={renderRows}
+          repo={repo}
+          showHeader={!single}
+        />
+      ))}
+    </>
+  )
+}
+
+function RepoFlatSection({
+  repo,
+  showHeader,
+  renderRows,
+  onNewSession,
+  discoveredWorktrees,
+  liveSessions,
+  removedSessionIds
+}: {
+  repo: SidebarWorkspaceTree
+  showHeader: boolean
+  renderRows: (sessions: SessionInfo[]) => React.ReactNode
+  onNewSession?: (path: null | string) => void
+  discoveredWorktrees?: HermesGitWorktree[]
+  liveSessions?: SessionInfo[]
+  removedSessionIds?: ReadonlySet<string>
+}) {
+  const { t } = useI18n()
+  const s = t.sidebar
+  const [open, toggleOpen] = useWorkspaceNodeOpen(repo.id)
+  const dismissedWorktrees = useStore($dismissedWorktreeIds)
+
+  // The repo's session lanes already come fully built from the backend; this
+  // only injects empty VISUAL lanes from a live `git worktree list`.
+  const mergedGroups = useMemo(() => mergeRepoWorktreeGroups(repo, discoveredWorktrees), [repo, discoveredWorktrees])
+
+  // Optimistic placement runs against the MERGED lane set (backend + visual
+  // git-worktree lanes) so out-of-tree/sibling worktrees — which exist as visual
+  // lanes before the snapshot carries their sessions — get the new row. The
+  // overlay drops lanes it empties, so re-merge to restore still-real worktrees.
+  const overlaidGroups = useMemo(() => {
+    if (!(liveSessions?.length || removedSessionIds?.size)) {
+      return mergedGroups
+    }
+
+    const { groups } = overlayRepoLanes({ ...repo, groups: mergedGroups }, liveSessions ?? [], removedSessionIds)
+
+    return mergeRepoWorktreeGroups({ id: repo.id, path: repo.path, groups }, discoveredWorktrees)
+  }, [repo, mergedGroups, discoveredWorktrees, liveSessions, removedSessionIds])
+
+  const discoveredWorktreePaths = useMemo(
+    () =>
+      new Set(
+        (discoveredWorktrees ?? [])
+          .map(worktree => worktree.path?.trim())
+          .filter((path): path is string => Boolean(path))
+      ),
+    [discoveredWorktrees]
+  )
+
+  // Main lanes are always visible; linked worktrees can be user-dismissed.
+  // A live `git worktree list` hit wins over an old dismissal: if git says the
+  // worktree exists again (or still exists after "hide from sidebar"), surface it.
+  const ordered = overlaidGroups.filter(
+    group => group.isMain || !dismissedWorktrees.includes(group.id) || (group.path && discoveredWorktreePaths.has(group.path))
+  )
+
+  const repoCount = ordered.reduce((sum, group) => sum + group.sessions.length, 0)
+
+  // Removal asks how: actually `git worktree remove` it, or just hide the lane
+  // and leave the worktree on disk. A dirty worktree escalates to a force prompt
+  // instead of erroring (those changes are usually throwaway).
+  const [removeTarget, setRemoveTarget] = useState<null | SidebarSessionGroup>(null)
+  const [forceTarget, setForceTarget] = useState<null | SidebarSessionGroup>(null)
+
+  const removeViaGit = async (group: SidebarSessionGroup, force = false) => {
+    if (!repo.path || !group.path) {
+      return
+    }
+
+    try {
+      await removeWorktreePath(repo.path, group.path, { force })
+      dismissWorktree(group.id)
+    } catch (err) {
+      // git refuses a non-force remove on a dirty/locked worktree — offer force
+      // rather than dead-ending on an error toast.
+      if (!force && /force|modified|untracked|dirty|locked|contains/i.test(String((err as Error)?.message ?? ''))) {
+        setForceTarget(group)
+      } else {
+        notifyError(err, s.projects.removeWorktreeFailed)
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  const body = (
+    <>
+      {ordered.map(group => (
+        <SidebarWorkspaceGroup
+          group={group}
+          key={group.id}
+          // The kanban bucket is read-only: it aggregates many task worktrees, so
+          // "new session here" and "remove worktree" have no single target.
+          onNewSession={group.isKanban ? undefined : onNewSession}
+          onRemove={group.isMain || group.isKanban ? undefined : () => setRemoveTarget(group)}
+          renderRows={renderRows}
+        />
+      ))}
+    </>
+  )
+
+  // Both removal prompts share the shape (hide-from-sidebar + cancel + a
+  // destructive action); only the copy and the destructive handler differ.
+  const worktreeDialog = (
+    target: null | SidebarSessionGroup,
+    setTarget: (next: null | SidebarSessionGroup) => void,
+    description: string,
+    destructiveLabel: string,
+    onDestructive: (group: SidebarSessionGroup) => void
+  ) => (
+    <Dialog onOpenChange={isOpen => !isOpen && setTarget(null)} open={Boolean(target)}>
+      <DialogContent>
+        <DialogHeader>
+          <DialogTitle>{`${s.projects.removeWorktree} "${target?.label ?? ''}"?`}</DialogTitle>
+          <DialogDescription>{description}</DialogDescription>
+        </DialogHeader>
+        <DialogFooter>
+          <Button onClick={() => setTarget(null)} variant="ghost">
+            {t.common.cancel}
+          </Button>
+          <Button
+            onClick={() => {
+              if (target) {
+                dismissWorktree(target.id)
+              }
+
+              setTarget(null)
+            }}
+            variant="secondary"
+          >
+            {s.projects.removeFromSidebar}
+          </Button>
+          <Button
+            onClick={() => {
+              setTarget(null)
+
+              if (target) {
+                onDestructive(target)
+              }
+            }}
+            variant="destructive"
+          >
+            {destructiveLabel}
+          </Button>
+        </DialogFooter>
+      </DialogContent>
+    </Dialog>
+  )
+
+  const removeDialog = (
+    <>
+      {worktreeDialog(
+        removeTarget,
+        setRemoveTarget,
+        s.projects.removeWorktreeConfirm,
+        s.projects.removeWorktree,
+        group => void removeViaGit(group)
+      )}
+      {worktreeDialog(
+        forceTarget,
+        setForceTarget,
+        s.projects.removeWorktreeDirty,
+        s.projects.forceRemove,
+        group => void removeViaGit(group, true)
+      )}
+    </>
+  )
+
+  if (!showHeader) {
+    return (
+      <>
+        {body}
+        {removeDialog}
+      </>
+    )
+  }
+
+  return (
+    <SidebarRowStack>
+      <WorkspaceHeader
+        action={
+          onNewSession && <WorkspaceAddButton label={s.newSessionIn(repo.label)} onClick={() => onNewSession(repo.path)} />
+        }
+        count={repoCount}
+        emphasis
+        icon={<Codicon className="shrink-0 text-(--ui-text-tertiary)" name="repo" size="0.75rem" />}
+        label={repo.label}
+        onToggle={toggleOpen}
+        open={open}
+        title={repo.path ?? undefined}
+      />
+      {open && <SidebarRowStack className="pl-2.5">{body}</SidebarRowStack>}
+      {removeDialog}
+    </SidebarRowStack>
+  )
+}

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/sidebar/projects/index.ts

@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+// Public surface of the project/worktree sidebar, consumed by the sidebar root.
+export { EnteredProjectContent } from './entered-content'
+export { PROJECT_PREVIEW_COUNT, projectTreeCwd, sortProjectsForOverview, useRepoWorktreeMap } from './model'
+export { ProjectBackRow, ProjectOverviewRow } from './overview-row'
+export { ProjectMenu } from './project-menu'
+export { SidebarWorkspaceGroup } from './workspace-group'
+export {
+  overlayLiveLanes,
+  overlayLivePreviews,
+  sessionRecency,
+  type SidebarProjectTree,
+  type SidebarSessionGroup,
+  type SidebarWorkspaceTree
+} from './workspace-groups'
+export { StartWorkButton } from './workspace-header'

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/sidebar/projects/model.ts

@@ -0,0 +1,128 @@
+import { useStore } from '@nanostores/react'
+import { useEffect, useMemo, useState } from 'react'
+
+import type { HermesGitWorktree } from '@/global'
+import type { SessionInfo } from '@/hermes'
+import { mapPool } from '@/lib/pool'
+import { $sidebarWorkspaceCollapsedIds, toggleWorkspaceNodeCollapsed } from '@/store/layout'
+import { $worktreeRefreshToken } from '@/store/projects'
+
+import { sessionRecency, type SidebarProjectTree } from './workspace-groups'
+
+// Page size when revealing more already-loaded rows within a workspace group.
+export const SIDEBAR_GROUP_PAGE = 5
+
+// Recent sessions previewed under each project in the overview.
+export const PROJECT_PREVIEW_COUNT = 3
+
+// Max concurrent `git worktree list` probes when a project spans many repos.
+const WORKTREE_PROBE_CONCURRENCY = 4
+
+const pathListKey = (paths: string[]): string =>
+  paths.map(path => path.trim()).filter(Boolean).sort((a, b) => a.localeCompare(b)).join('\n')
+
+// Every session in a project, across its repos/worktrees (order-agnostic).
+const projectSessions = (project: SidebarProjectTree): SessionInfo[] =>
+  project.repos.flatMap(repo => repo.groups.flatMap(group => group.sessions))
+
+export const projectTreeCwd = (project: SidebarProjectTree): null | string =>
+  project.path || project.repos.find(repo => repo.path)?.path || null
+
+// Overview rows carry their activity stamp from the backend (lanes are empty in
+// overview mode), falling back to loaded session times when present.
+const projectActivityTime = (project: SidebarProjectTree): number =>
+  Math.max(
+    project.lastActive ?? 0,
+    projectSessions(project).reduce((latest, s) => Math.max(latest, sessionRecency(s)), 0)
+  )
+
+// The project's most-recent sessions, for the overview preview under each row.
+export const latestProjectSessions = (project: SidebarProjectTree, limit: number): SessionInfo[] =>
+  [...projectSessions(project)].sort((a, b) => sessionRecency(b) - sessionRecency(a)).slice(0, limit)
+
+export function sortProjectsForOverview(
+  projects: SidebarProjectTree[],
+  activeProjectId: null | string
+): SidebarProjectTree[] {
+  return [...projects].sort((a, b) => {
+    const aActive = Boolean(activeProjectId && a.id === activeProjectId && !a.isAuto)
+    const bActive = Boolean(activeProjectId && b.id === activeProjectId && !b.isAuto)
+
+    if (aActive !== bActive) {
+      return aActive ? -1 : 1
+    }
+
+    if (!a.isAuto !== !b.isAuto) {
+      return a.isAuto ? 1 : -1
+    }
+
+    const aHasSessions = a.sessionCount > 0
+    const bHasSessions = b.sessionCount > 0
+
+    if (aHasSessions !== bHasSessions) {
+      return aHasSessions ? -1 : 1
+    }
+
+    return projectActivityTime(b) - projectActivityTime(a) || a.label.localeCompare(b.label, undefined, { sensitivity: 'base' })
+  })
+}
+
+// Project drill-in lanes are git-driven: source them from `git worktree list` so
+// linked worktrees still appear even when their sessions aren't in the recents
+// payload currently loaded in memory.
+export function useRepoWorktreeMap(
+  repoPaths: string[],
+  enabled: boolean
+): [Record<string, HermesGitWorktree[]>, boolean] {
+  const [map, setMap] = useState<Record<string, HermesGitWorktree[]>>({})
+  const [loading, setLoading] = useState(false)
+  const key = useMemo(() => pathListKey(repoPaths), [repoPaths])
+  // Refetch when a worktree is added/removed so a new lane shows immediately.
+  const refreshToken = useStore($worktreeRefreshToken)
+
+  useEffect(() => {
+    const git = window.hermesDesktop?.git
+
+    if (!enabled || !repoPaths.length || !git?.worktreeList) {
+      setMap({})
+      setLoading(false)
+
+      return
+    }
+
+    let cancelled = false
+
+    setLoading(true)
+    // Bounded so a many-repo project doesn't spawn a `git` process per repo at once.
+    void mapPool(repoPaths, WORKTREE_PROBE_CONCURRENCY, async repoPath => {
+      try {
+        return [repoPath, await git.worktreeList(repoPath)] as const
+      } catch {
+        return [repoPath, []] as const
+      }
+    })
+      .then(entries => void (cancelled || setMap(Object.fromEntries(entries))))
+      .finally(() => void (cancelled || setLoading(false)))
+
+    return () => {
+      cancelled = true
+    }
+  }, [enabled, key, repoPaths, refreshToken])
+
+  return [map, loading]
+}
+
+// Persisted open/collapse for a repo/worktree node. Lets a project's folder
+// layout auto-restore when you enter it, and survive reloads.
+//
+// The persisted set is an OVERRIDE of `defaultOpen`, not an absolute "collapsed"
+// list: XOR lets one store serve both polarities. A default-open node (repo,
+// populated lane) lists collapses; a default-collapsed node (an EMPTY lane — no
+// sessions yet) instead records an explicit expand. So empty worktree/branch
+// lanes start collapsed and only open when the user clicks in.
+export function useWorkspaceNodeOpen(id: string, defaultOpen = true): [boolean, () => void] {
+  const collapsed = useStore($sidebarWorkspaceCollapsedIds)
+  const overridden = collapsed.includes(id)
+
+  return [defaultOpen ? !overridden : overridden, () => toggleWorkspaceNodeCollapsed(id)]
+}

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/sidebar/projects/overview-row.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,155 @@
+import type * as React from 'react'
+import { useRef } from 'react'
+
+import { Codicon } from '@/components/ui/codicon'
+import { DisclosureCaret } from '@/components/ui/disclosure-caret'
+import type { SessionInfo } from '@/hermes'
+import { useI18n } from '@/i18n'
+import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
+
+import {
+  SIDEBAR_LEAD_ICON_SIZE,
+  SidebarRowBody,
+  SidebarRowCluster,
+  SidebarRowGrab,
+  SidebarRowLabel,
+  SidebarRowLead,
+  SidebarRowLeadGlyph,
+  SidebarRowLink,
+  SidebarRowNest,
+  SidebarRowShell
+} from '../chrome'
+
+import { latestProjectSessions, PROJECT_PREVIEW_COUNT, useWorkspaceNodeOpen } from './model'
+import { ProjectMenu } from './project-menu'
+import type { SidebarProjectTree } from './workspace-groups'
+import { WorkspaceAddButton } from './workspace-header'
+
+// A bare color dot (no icon) or an icon glyph — tinted by `color` when set, else
+// the lead's default tertiary. The glyph wrapper centers + caps size either way.
+export function projectIcon({ color, icon }: SidebarProjectTree) {
+  if (color && !icon) {
+    return (
+      <SidebarRowLeadGlyph>
+        <span aria-hidden="true" className="size-1 rounded-full" style={{ backgroundColor: color }} />
+      </SidebarRowLeadGlyph>
+    )
+  }
+
+  return (
+    <SidebarRowLeadGlyph style={color ? { color } : undefined}>
+      <Codicon name={icon || 'folder-library'} size={SIDEBAR_LEAD_ICON_SIZE} />
+    </SidebarRowLeadGlyph>
+  )
+}
+
+export function ProjectBackRow({ label, onClick }: { label: string; onClick: () => void }) {
+  return (
+    <SidebarRowShell>
+      <SidebarRowBody
+        className="group/back w-full text-(--ui-text-tertiary) opacity-40 hover:text-foreground"
+        onClick={onClick}
+      >
+        <SidebarRowLead>
+          <SidebarRowLeadGlyph>
+            <Codicon name="arrow-left" size={SIDEBAR_LEAD_ICON_SIZE} />
+          </SidebarRowLeadGlyph>
+        </SidebarRowLead>
+        <SidebarRowLabel className="text-xs underline-offset-4 group-hover/back:underline">{label}</SidebarRowLabel>
+      </SidebarRowBody>
+    </SidebarRowShell>
+  )
+}
+
+interface ProjectOverviewRowProps {
+  project: SidebarProjectTree
+  onEnter?: (id: string) => void
+  onNewSession?: (path: null | string) => void
+  renderRows?: (sessions: SessionInfo[]) => React.ReactNode
+  activeProjectId?: null | string
+  previewSessions?: SessionInfo[]
+  reorderable?: boolean
+  dragging?: boolean
+  dragHandleProps?: React.HTMLAttributes<HTMLElement>
+  ref?: React.Ref<HTMLDivElement>
+  style?: React.CSSProperties
+}
+
+export function ProjectOverviewRow({
+  project,
+  onEnter,
+  onNewSession,
+  renderRows,
+  activeProjectId,
+  previewSessions,
+  reorderable = false,
+  dragging = false,
+  dragHandleProps,
+  ref,
+  style
+}: ProjectOverviewRowProps) {
+  const { t } = useI18n()
+  const s = t.sidebar
+  const isActive = project.id === activeProjectId
+  const [open, toggleOpen] = useWorkspaceNodeOpen(project.id)
+  // The appearance popover anchors here (the full row) so it opens flush with
+  // the sidebar's content edge regardless of which side the sidebar is on.
+  const rowRef = useRef<HTMLDivElement>(null)
+  const fetched = (previewSessions ?? []).slice(0, PROJECT_PREVIEW_COUNT)
+  const preview = renderRows ? (fetched.length ? fetched : latestProjectSessions(project, PROJECT_PREVIEW_COUNT)) : []
+
+  const lead = reorderable ? (
+    <SidebarRowGrab
+      ariaLabel={s.projects.reorder(project.label)}
+      dragging={dragging}
+      dragHandleProps={dragHandleProps}
+      leadClassName="overflow-visible"
+    >
+      {projectIcon(project)}
+    </SidebarRowGrab>
+  ) : (
+    <SidebarRowLead>{projectIcon(project)}</SidebarRowLead>
+  )
+
+  return (
+    <div className={cn(dragging && 'relative z-10')} ref={ref} style={style}>
+      <SidebarRowShell
+        actions={
+          <>
+            {onNewSession && <WorkspaceAddButton label={s.newSessionIn(project.label)} onClick={() => onNewSession(project.path)} />}
+            <ProjectMenu anchorRef={rowRef} isActive={isActive} project={project} />
+          </>
+        }
+        className={cn('group/workspace', dragging && 'cursor-grabbing bg-(--ui-sidebar-surface-background)')}
+        ref={rowRef}
+      >
+        <SidebarRowCluster className="min-w-0 flex-1">
+          {lead}
+          <SidebarRowLink
+            aria-label={s.projects.enter(project.label)}
+            labelClassName={cn('hover:text-foreground hover:underline', isActive && 'text-foreground')}
+            onClick={() => onEnter?.(project.id)}
+          >
+            {project.label}
+          </SidebarRowLink>
+          {preview.length > 0 ? (
+            <button
+              aria-label={s.projects.toggle(project.label)}
+              className="flex flex-1 items-center self-stretch bg-transparent p-0"
+              onClick={toggleOpen}
+              type="button"
+            >
+              <DisclosureCaret
+                className="shrink-0 text-(--ui-text-tertiary) opacity-0 transition group-hover/workspace:opacity-100"
+                open={open}
+              />
+            </button>
+          ) : (
+            <span className="flex-1" />
+          )}
+        </SidebarRowCluster>
+      </SidebarRowShell>
+      {open && preview.length > 0 && <SidebarRowNest>{renderRows?.(preview)}</SidebarRowNest>}
+    </div>
+  )
+}

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/sidebar/projects/project-menu.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,206 @@
+import { useStore } from '@nanostores/react'
+import type * as React from 'react'
+import { useState } from 'react'
+
+import { Codicon } from '@/components/ui/codicon'
+import { ColorSwatches } from '@/components/ui/color-swatches'
+import { ConfirmDialog } from '@/components/ui/confirm-dialog'
+import {
+  DropdownMenu,
+  DropdownMenuContent,
+  DropdownMenuItem,
+  DropdownMenuSeparator,
+  DropdownMenuTrigger
+} from '@/components/ui/dropdown-menu'
+import { Popover, PopoverAnchor, PopoverContent } from '@/components/ui/popover'
+import { useI18n } from '@/i18n'
+import { PROFILE_SWATCHES } from '@/lib/profile-color'
+import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
+import { $panesFlipped, dismissAutoProject } from '@/store/layout'
+import {
+  copyPath,
+  deleteProject,
+  openProjectAddFolder,
+  openProjectRename,
+  revealPath,
+  setActiveProject,
+  updateProject
+} from '@/store/projects'
+
+import type { SidebarProjectTree } from './workspace-groups'
+
+// Curated codicons for the project glyph (tinted by the chosen color).
+const ICONS = [
+  'folder-library', 'repo', 'rocket', 'beaker', 'flame', 'star-full', 'heart',
+  'zap', 'target', 'lightbulb', 'tools', 'device-desktop', 'device-mobile', 'terminal',
+  'dashboard', 'globe', 'broadcast', 'cloud', 'database', 'package', 'book',
+  'organization', 'bug', 'shield', 'key', 'gift', 'telescope', 'home'
+]
+
+// Per-project actions, modeled on git GUIs (GitHub Desktop / GitKraken): reveal
+// in the file manager, copy path, and "Remove from sidebar" (never deletes files
+// — auto projects are dismissed, explicit ones drop their entry). Explicit
+// projects additionally get rename / add folder / set active. Hidden until the
+// row is hovered (group/workspace), matching the + affordance.
+export function ProjectMenu({
+  project,
+  isActive,
+  scoped = false,
+  onExitScope,
+  anchorRef
+}: {
+  project: SidebarProjectTree
+  isActive: boolean
+  // True when rendered in the entered-project header, so removal can leave the
+  // now-defunct scope.
+  scoped?: boolean
+  onExitScope?: () => void
+  // Anchor the appearance popover to the whole row instead of the kebab, so it
+  // opens flush against the sidebar's content-facing edge — otherwise a
+  // right-side sidebar drags the picker across the entire panel (the kebab
+  // lives at the row's outer edge). Falls back to the kebab when absent.
+  anchorRef?: React.RefObject<HTMLElement | null>
+}) {
+  const { t } = useI18n()
+  const p = t.sidebar.projects
+  const target = { id: project.id, name: project.label }
+  const [confirmDeleteOpen, setConfirmDeleteOpen] = useState(false)
+  const [appearanceOpen, setAppearanceOpen] = useState(false)
+  // Open toward the content area: right when the sidebar is on the left, left
+  // when the panes are flipped (sidebar on the right).
+  const panesFlipped = useStore($panesFlipped)
+
+  const removeAuto = () => {
+    dismissAutoProject(project.id)
+
+    if (scoped) {
+      onExitScope?.()
+    }
+  }
+
+  const confirmDelete = async () => {
+    await deleteProject(project.id)
+
+    if (scoped) {
+      onExitScope?.()
+    }
+  }
+
+  const trigger = (
+    <DropdownMenuTrigger asChild>
+      <button
+        aria-label={p.menu}
+        className={cn(
+          'grid size-4 shrink-0 place-items-center rounded-sm bg-transparent text-(--ui-text-quaternary) opacity-0 transition-opacity hover:bg-(--ui-control-hover-background) hover:text-foreground data-[state=open]:opacity-100',
+          // In the project header reveal on the whole header hover; in overview
+          // rows reveal on the row hover.
+          scoped ? 'group-hover/section:opacity-100' : 'group-hover/workspace:opacity-100'
+        )}
+        onClick={event => event.stopPropagation()}
+        type="button"
+      >
+        <Codicon name="kebab-vertical" size="0.75rem" />
+      </button>
+    </DropdownMenuTrigger>
+  )
+
+  return (
+    <Popover onOpenChange={setAppearanceOpen} open={appearanceOpen}>
+      {/* Position the appearance popover against the row (when a ref is wired);
+          the kebab is only the dropdown trigger then. */}
+      {anchorRef ? <PopoverAnchor virtualRef={anchorRef as React.RefObject<HTMLElement>} /> : null}
+      <DropdownMenu>
+        {anchorRef ? trigger : <PopoverAnchor asChild>{trigger}</PopoverAnchor>}
+        {/* Closing the menu refocuses the trigger (also the popover anchor),
+            which the appearance popover would read as focus-outside and die on.
+            Suppress that refocus so it survives. */}
+        <DropdownMenuContent align="end" className="w-48" onCloseAutoFocus={event => event.preventDefault()} sideOffset={6}>
+          {!project.isAuto && (
+            <>
+              <DropdownMenuItem onSelect={() => openProjectRename(target)}>
+                <Codicon name="edit" size="0.875rem" />
+                <span>{p.menuRename}</span>
+              </DropdownMenuItem>
+              <DropdownMenuItem onSelect={() => setAppearanceOpen(true)}>
+                <Codicon name="symbol-color" size="0.875rem" />
+                <span>{p.menuAppearance}</span>
+              </DropdownMenuItem>
+              <DropdownMenuItem onSelect={() => openProjectAddFolder(target)}>
+                <Codicon name="new-folder" size="0.875rem" />
+                <span>{p.menuAddFolder}</span>
+              </DropdownMenuItem>
+              <DropdownMenuItem disabled={isActive} onSelect={() => void setActiveProject(project.id)}>
+                <Codicon name="target" size="0.875rem" />
+                <span>{p.menuSetActive}</span>
+              </DropdownMenuItem>
+              <DropdownMenuSeparator />
+            </>
+          )}
+          <DropdownMenuItem disabled={!project.path} onSelect={() => void revealPath(project.path)}>
+            <Codicon name="folder-opened" size="0.875rem" />
+            <span>{p.reveal}</span>
+          </DropdownMenuItem>
+          <DropdownMenuItem disabled={!project.path} onSelect={() => void copyPath(project.path)}>
+            <Codicon name="copy" size="0.875rem" />
+            <span>{p.copyPath}</span>
+          </DropdownMenuItem>
+          <DropdownMenuSeparator />
+          {project.isAuto ? (
+            <DropdownMenuItem onSelect={removeAuto} variant="destructive">
+              <Codicon name="trash" size="0.875rem" />
+              <span>{p.removeFromSidebar}</span>
+            </DropdownMenuItem>
+          ) : (
+            <DropdownMenuItem onSelect={() => setConfirmDeleteOpen(true)} variant="destructive">
+              <Codicon name="trash" size="0.875rem" />
+              <span>{`${p.menuDelete}…`}</span>
+            </DropdownMenuItem>
+          )}
+        </DropdownMenuContent>
+      </DropdownMenu>
+      <PopoverContent
+        align="start"
+        className="w-auto p-2"
+        onClick={event => event.stopPropagation()}
+        side={panesFlipped ? 'left' : 'right'}
+        sideOffset={6}
+      >
+        <ColorSwatches
+          clearIcon="circle-slash"
+          clearLabel={p.noColor}
+          onChange={color => void updateProject(project.id, { color })}
+          swatches={PROFILE_SWATCHES}
+          value={project.color ?? null}
+        />
+        {/* Same 6 columns + gap as the swatch grid so the popover keeps the
+            profile picker's width (icons flex to fill, not fixed-width). */}
+        <div className="mt-2 grid grid-cols-6 gap-1.5">
+          {ICONS.map(name => (
+            <button
+              aria-label={name}
+              className={cn(
+                'grid aspect-square place-items-center rounded-md text-(--ui-text-tertiary) transition hover:bg-(--ui-control-hover-background)',
+                project.icon === name && 'bg-(--ui-control-active-background) text-foreground'
+              )}
+              key={name}
+              onClick={() => void updateProject(project.id, { icon: project.icon === name ? null : name })}
+              style={project.icon === name && project.color ? { color: project.color } : undefined}
+              type="button"
+            >
+              <Codicon name={name} size="0.8125rem" />
+            </button>
+          ))}
+        </div>
+      </PopoverContent>
+      <ConfirmDialog
+        confirmLabel={p.menuDelete}
+        description={p.deleteConfirm}
+        destructive
+        onClose={() => setConfirmDeleteOpen(false)}
+        onConfirm={confirmDelete}
+        open={confirmDeleteOpen}
+        title={`${p.menuDelete} "${project.label}"?`}
+      />
+    </Popover>
+  )
+}

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/sidebar/projects/workspace-group.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,144 @@
+import type * as React from 'react'
+import { useState } from 'react'
+
+import { Codicon } from '@/components/ui/codicon'
+import type { SessionInfo } from '@/hermes'
+import { useI18n } from '@/i18n'
+import { notifyError } from '@/store/notifications'
+import { newSessionInProfile } from '@/store/profile'
+import { switchBranchInRepo } from '@/store/projects'
+
+import { countLabel, SidebarRowStack } from '../chrome'
+import { SidebarLoadMoreRow } from '../load-more-row'
+
+import { SIDEBAR_GROUP_PAGE, useWorkspaceNodeOpen } from './model'
+import type { SidebarSessionGroup } from './workspace-groups'
+import { WorkspaceAddButton, WorkspaceHeader, WorkspaceMenu, WorkspaceShowMoreButton } from './workspace-header'
+
+interface SidebarWorkspaceGroupProps {
+  group: SidebarSessionGroup
+  renderRows: (sessions: SessionInfo[]) => React.ReactNode
+  onNewSession?: (path: null | string) => void
+  // When set (linked worktree rows), shows a remove affordance that runs a real
+  // `git worktree remove`.
+  onRemove?: () => void
+}
+
+export function SidebarWorkspaceGroup({ group, renderRows, onNewSession, onRemove }: SidebarWorkspaceGroupProps) {
+  const { t } = useI18n()
+  const s = t.sidebar
+  const isProfileGroup = group.mode === 'profile'
+  // Empty worktree/branch lanes start collapsed — they only show a "No sessions
+  // yet" placeholder, so defaulting them open just adds noise. Profile lanes and
+  // lanes that already hold sessions default open.
+  const defaultOpen = isProfileGroup || group.sessions.length > 0
+  const [open, toggleOpen] = useWorkspaceNodeOpen(group.id, defaultOpen)
+  const [visibleCount, setVisibleCount] = useState(SIDEBAR_GROUP_PAGE)
+
+  const loadedCount = group.sessions.length
+  // Profile groups know their on-disk total (children excluded); workspace
+  // groups only ever page within what's already loaded.
+  const totalCount = isProfileGroup ? Math.max(group.totalCount ?? loadedCount, loadedCount) : loadedCount
+  const visibleSessions = group.sessions.slice(0, visibleCount)
+  const hiddenCount = Math.max(0, totalCount - visibleSessions.length)
+  const nextCount = Math.min(SIDEBAR_GROUP_PAGE, hiddenCount)
+
+  // Leading glyph: profile color dot, a home mark for the repo's primary
+  // checkout (labeled by its live branch), or a branch/kanban mark otherwise.
+  const leadingIcon = group.color ? (
+    <span aria-hidden="true" className="size-2 shrink-0 rounded-full" style={{ backgroundColor: group.color }} />
+  ) : (
+    <Codicon
+      className="shrink-0 text-(--ui-text-tertiary)"
+      name={group.isKanban ? 'checklist' : group.isHome ? 'home' : 'git-branch'}
+      size="0.75rem"
+    />
+  )
+
+  // Reveal already-loaded rows first; only hit the backend when the next page
+  // crosses what's been fetched for this profile.
+  const handleProfileLoadMore = () => {
+    const target = visibleCount + SIDEBAR_GROUP_PAGE
+
+    setVisibleCount(target)
+
+    if (target > loadedCount && loadedCount < totalCount) {
+      group.onLoadMore?.()
+    }
+  }
+
+  const handleNewSession = async () => {
+    if (isProfileGroup) {
+      newSessionInProfile(group.id)
+
+      return
+    }
+
+    if (!onNewSession) {
+      return
+    }
+
+    // Main-checkout lanes are branch-labeled views over the same repo root path.
+    // Clicking "+" on `main` should open on `main`, not whatever branch the root
+    // currently sits on (`test0`, etc.), so explicitly switch first.
+    if (group.isMain && group.path && group.label) {
+      try {
+        await switchBranchInRepo(group.path, group.label)
+      } catch (err) {
+        notifyError(err, t.statusStack.coding.switchFailed(group.label))
+
+        return
+      }
+    }
+
+    onNewSession(group.path)
+  }
+
+  return (
+    <SidebarRowStack>
+      <WorkspaceHeader
+        action={
+          (onNewSession || isProfileGroup || onRemove) && (
+            <div className="flex items-center">
+              {(onNewSession || isProfileGroup) && (
+                <WorkspaceAddButton
+                  label={s.newSessionIn(group.label)}
+                  // Profile groups start a fresh session in that profile but keep
+                  // the all-profiles browse view; workspace groups seed the new
+                  // session's cwd. Main checkout lanes are branch-targeted.
+                  onClick={() => void handleNewSession()}
+                />
+              )}
+              {onRemove && <WorkspaceMenu onRemove={onRemove} path={group.path} />}
+            </div>
+          )
+        }
+        count={isProfileGroup ? countLabel(visibleSessions.length, totalCount) : group.sessions.length}
+        icon={leadingIcon}
+        label={group.label}
+        onToggle={toggleOpen}
+        open={open}
+        title={group.path ?? undefined}
+      />
+      {open && (
+        <>
+          {visibleSessions.length === 0 ? (
+            <div className="min-h-7 pl-2 text-[0.75rem] leading-7 text-(--ui-text-quaternary)">{s.noSessions}</div>
+          ) : (
+            renderRows(visibleSessions)
+          )}
+          {hiddenCount > 0 &&
+            (isProfileGroup ? (
+              <SidebarLoadMoreRow loading={Boolean(group.loadingMore)} onClick={handleProfileLoadMore} step={nextCount} />
+            ) : (
+              <WorkspaceShowMoreButton
+                count={nextCount}
+                label={group.label}
+                onClick={() => setVisibleCount(count => count + SIDEBAR_GROUP_PAGE)}
+              />
+            ))}
+        </>
+      )}
+    </SidebarRowStack>
+  )
+}

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/sidebar/projects/workspace-groups.test.ts

@@ -0,0 +1,635 @@
+import { describe, expect, it } from 'vitest'
+
+import type { HermesGitWorktree } from '@/global'
+import type { ProjectInfo, SessionInfo } from '@/types/hermes'
+
+import {
+  baseName,
+  kanbanWorktreeDir,
+  liveSessionProjectId,
+  mergeRepoWorktreeGroups,
+  overlayLiveLanes,
+  overlayLivePreviews,
+  type SidebarProjectTree,
+  type SidebarSessionGroup,
+  sortWorktreeGroups
+} from './workspace-groups'
+
+// The grouping itself now lives on the backend (tui_gateway/project_tree.py,
+// covered by tests/tui_gateway/test_project_tree.py). This file only covers the
+// thin render helpers the desktop still owns + the VISUAL worktree enhancer.
+
+let nextId = 0
+
+function makeSession(cwd: null | string, overrides: Partial<SessionInfo> = {}): SessionInfo {
+  return {
+    archived: false,
+    cwd,
+    ended_at: null,
+    id: `s${nextId++}`,
+    input_tokens: 0,
+    is_active: false,
+    last_active: 1_000,
+    message_count: 1,
+    model: 'claude',
+    output_tokens: 0,
+    preview: null,
+    source: 'cli',
+    started_at: 1_000,
+    title: null,
+    tool_call_count: 0,
+    ...overrides
+  }
+}
+
+const lane = (over: Partial<SidebarSessionGroup> & Pick<SidebarSessionGroup, 'id' | 'label'>): SidebarSessionGroup => ({
+  path: null,
+  sessions: [],
+  ...over
+})
+
+describe('baseName', () => {
+  it('returns the final path segment, ignoring trailing slashes and separators', () => {
+    expect(baseName('/www/hermes-agent/')).toBe('hermes-agent')
+    expect(baseName('C:\\repos\\app')).toBe('app')
+    expect(baseName('')).toBeUndefined()
+  })
+})
+
+describe('kanbanWorktreeDir', () => {
+  it('matches a kanban task worktree (t_<hex>) and returns its .worktrees dir', () => {
+    expect(kanbanWorktreeDir('/repo/.worktrees/t_aaaaaaaa')).toBe('/repo/.worktrees')
+  })
+
+  it('does NOT match a user-named "New worktree" under .worktrees/ (its own lane)', () => {
+    expect(kanbanWorktreeDir('/repo/.worktrees/test-gui-stuff')).toBeNull()
+  })
+
+  it('returns null for non-kanban paths', () => {
+    expect(kanbanWorktreeDir('/repo/src')).toBeNull()
+    expect(kanbanWorktreeDir('/repo')).toBeNull()
+  })
+})
+
+describe('sortWorktreeGroups', () => {
+  it('pins trunk to the top, sinks kanban to the bottom, and orders the rest by recency', () => {
+    const at = (t: number) => [makeSession('/x', { last_active: t })]
+
+    const groups = [
+      lane({ id: 'k', label: 'kanban', isKanban: true, sessions: at(999) }),
+      lane({ id: 'stale', label: 'stale-branch', isMain: true, sessions: at(10) }),
+      lane({ id: 'wt', label: 'busy-worktree', isMain: false, sessions: at(500) }),
+      lane({ id: 'main', label: 'main', isMain: true, sessions: at(1) })
+    ]
+
+    // main (trunk) first despite being least recent; kanban last despite being
+    // most recent; busy-worktree ahead of stale-branch by activity.
+    expect(sortWorktreeGroups(groups).map(g => g.label)).toEqual(['main', 'busy-worktree', 'stale-branch', 'kanban'])
+  })
+
+  it('pins the live home checkout above trunk, even when it has no sessions yet', () => {
+    const groups = [
+      lane({ id: 'main', label: 'main', isMain: true, sessions: [makeSession('/x', { last_active: 999 })] }),
+      lane({ id: 'home', label: 'bb/projects-paradigm', isMain: true, isHome: true })
+    ]
+
+    expect(sortWorktreeGroups(groups).map(g => g.label)).toEqual(['bb/projects-paradigm', 'main'])
+  })
+
+  it('falls back to label order for equally-idle lanes', () => {
+    const groups = [
+      lane({ id: 'b', label: 'beta', isMain: false }),
+      lane({ id: 'a', label: 'alpha', isMain: false })
+    ]
+
+    expect(sortWorktreeGroups(groups).map(g => g.label)).toEqual(['alpha', 'beta'])
+  })
+})
+
+describe('mergeRepoWorktreeGroups (visual enhancer)', () => {
+  it('injects a linked worktree lane discovered by git that has no sessions yet', () => {
+    const repo = { id: '/repo', path: '/repo', groups: [lane({ id: '/repo::branch::main', label: 'main', isMain: true, path: '/repo' })] }
+
+    const discovered: HermesGitWorktree[] = [
+      { branch: 'feature', detached: false, isMain: false, locked: false, path: '/repo-wt-feature' }
+    ]
+
+    const merged = mergeRepoWorktreeGroups(repo, discovered)
+
+    expect(merged.map(g => g.label)).toEqual(['main', 'feature'])
+    // The injected lane is empty (visual only — never carries sessions).
+    expect(merged.find(g => g.label === 'feature')?.sessions).toEqual([])
+  })
+
+  it('never spawns a lane per kanban task worktree', () => {
+    const repo = { id: '/repo', path: '/repo', groups: [lane({ id: '/repo::branch::main', label: 'main', isMain: true, path: '/repo' })] }
+
+    const discovered: HermesGitWorktree[] = [
+      { branch: 'wt/t_aaaaaaaa', detached: false, isMain: false, locked: false, path: '/repo/.worktrees/t_aaaaaaaa' },
+      { branch: 'wt/t_bbbbbbbb', detached: false, isMain: false, locked: false, path: '/repo/.worktrees/t_bbbbbbbb' }
+    ]
+
+    expect(mergeRepoWorktreeGroups(repo, discovered).map(g => g.label)).toEqual(['main'])
+  })
+
+  it('does not duplicate a lane already present from the backend (by id/path)', () => {
+    const repo = {
+      id: '/repo',
+      path: '/repo',
+      groups: [
+        lane({ id: '/repo::branch::main', label: 'main', isMain: true, path: '/repo', sessions: [makeSession('/repo')] })
+      ]
+    }
+
+    const discovered: HermesGitWorktree[] = [
+      { branch: 'main', detached: false, isMain: true, locked: false, path: '/repo' }
+    ]
+
+    const merged = mergeRepoWorktreeGroups(repo, discovered)
+
+    expect(merged).toHaveLength(1)
+    // The backend lane keeps its session rows; the enhancer left it untouched.
+    expect(merged[0].sessions).toHaveLength(1)
+  })
+
+  it('is a no-op when git worktree list is unavailable (remote backend)', () => {
+    const groups = [lane({ id: '/repo::branch::main', label: 'main', isMain: true, path: '/repo' })]
+
+    expect(mergeRepoWorktreeGroups({ id: '/repo', path: '/repo', groups }, undefined).map(g => g.label)).toEqual(['main'])
+  })
+
+  it('does not add a second "main" for a linked worktree checked out on main', () => {
+    const groups = [lane({ id: '/repo::branch::main', label: 'main', isMain: true, path: '/repo', sessions: [makeSession('/repo')] })]
+
+    const discovered: HermesGitWorktree[] = [
+      { branch: 'main', detached: false, isMain: false, locked: false, path: '/repo/.worktrees/main-mirror' }
+    ]
+
+    expect(mergeRepoWorktreeGroups({ id: '/repo', path: '/repo', groups }, discovered).filter(g => g.label === 'main')).toHaveLength(1)
+  })
+
+  it('surfaces a user-named "New worktree" under .worktrees/ as its own lane', () => {
+    const discovered: HermesGitWorktree[] = [
+      { branch: 'hermes/test-gui-stuff', detached: false, isMain: false, locked: false, path: '/repo/.worktrees/test-gui-stuff' }
+    ]
+
+    const merged = mergeRepoWorktreeGroups({ id: '/repo', path: '/repo', groups: [] }, discovered)
+
+    expect(merged.map(g => g.label)).toContain('hermes/test-gui-stuff')
+  })
+
+  it('relabels a dir-named linked worktree lane to its live checked-out branch', () => {
+    // Backend labels the lane by the worktree dir (`hermes-agent-ci`); the live
+    // `git worktree list` says HEAD there is `bb/ci-affected-only` → branch wins.
+    const repo = {
+      id: '/repo',
+      path: '/repo',
+      groups: [
+        lane({ id: '/repo::branch::main', label: 'main', isMain: true, path: '/repo', sessions: [makeSession('/repo')] }),
+        lane({
+          id: '/repo-ci',
+          label: 'hermes-agent-ci',
+          isMain: false,
+          path: '/repo-ci',
+          sessions: [makeSession('/repo-ci')]
+        })
+      ]
+    }
+
+    const discovered: HermesGitWorktree[] = [
+      { branch: 'main', detached: false, isMain: true, locked: false, path: '/repo' },
+      { branch: 'bb/ci-affected-only', detached: false, isMain: false, locked: false, path: '/repo-ci' }
+    ]
+
+    const merged = mergeRepoWorktreeGroups(repo, discovered)
+    const ci = merged.find(g => g.id === '/repo-ci')
+
+    expect(ci?.label).toBe('bb/ci-affected-only')
+    // The relabel is label-only — the lane keeps its id, path, and sessions.
+    expect(ci?.path).toBe('/repo-ci')
+    expect(ci?.sessions).toHaveLength(1)
+  })
+
+  it('re-anchors a lane whose path drifted from git truth back to its branch path', () => {
+    // The reported bug: a lane is correctly labeled by its branch (`bb/attempts`)
+    // but its stored PATH points at a stale/old worktree dir. git pins a branch
+    // to exactly one worktree, so the lane must follow the branch's real path —
+    // otherwise "reveal in Finder" opens a completely different worktree.
+    const repo = {
+      id: '/repo',
+      path: '/repo',
+      groups: [
+        lane({
+          id: '/repo/.worktrees/attempts',
+          label: 'bb/attempts',
+          isMain: false,
+          path: '/repo/.worktrees/attempts',
+          sessions: [makeSession('/repo/.worktrees/attempts')]
+        })
+      ]
+    }
+
+    // git now has `bb/attempts` at a sibling dir, not the stale `.worktrees` one.
+    const discovered: HermesGitWorktree[] = [
+      { branch: 'bb/attempts', detached: false, isMain: false, locked: false, path: '/repo-pr-attempts' }
+    ]
+
+    const merged = mergeRepoWorktreeGroups(repo, discovered)
+    const attempts = merged.filter(g => g.label === 'bb/attempts')
+
+    // Exactly one lane, re-pointed at git's real path (label preserved, sessions
+    // preserved), and NO leftover lane on the stale path.
+    expect(attempts).toHaveLength(1)
+    expect(attempts[0].path).toBe('/repo-pr-attempts')
+    expect(attempts[0].sessions).toHaveLength(1)
+    expect(merged.some(g => g.path === '/repo/.worktrees/attempts')).toBe(false)
+  })
+
+  it('collapses a re-anchored lane onto the real lane that already holds that path', () => {
+    // A stale lane (branch label, wrong path) AND the real worktree lane both
+    // exist. Re-anchoring the stale one onto git's path must not leave a twin —
+    // keep the richer (more sessions) lane.
+    const repo = {
+      id: '/repo',
+      path: '/repo',
+      groups: [
+        lane({ id: 'stale', label: 'bb/feature', isMain: false, path: '/repo/.worktrees/old', sessions: [] }),
+        lane({
+          id: '/repo-feature',
+          label: 'bb/feature',
+          isMain: false,
+          path: '/repo-feature',
+          sessions: [makeSession('/repo-feature'), makeSession('/repo-feature')]
+        })
+      ]
+    }
+
+    const discovered: HermesGitWorktree[] = [
+      { branch: 'bb/feature', detached: false, isMain: false, locked: false, path: '/repo-feature' }
+    ]
+
+    const merged = mergeRepoWorktreeGroups(repo, discovered)
+    const feature = merged.filter(g => g.path === '/repo-feature')
+
+    expect(feature).toHaveLength(1)
+    expect(feature[0].sessions).toHaveLength(2)
+    expect(merged.some(g => g.path === '/repo/.worktrees/old')).toBe(false)
+  })
+
+  it('keeps the dir label for a detached-HEAD worktree (no branch to show)', () => {
+    const repo = {
+      id: '/repo',
+      path: '/repo',
+      groups: [
+        lane({ id: '/repo-ci', label: 'repo-ci', isMain: false, path: '/repo-ci', sessions: [makeSession('/repo-ci')] })
+      ]
+    }
+
+    const discovered: HermesGitWorktree[] = [
+      { branch: null, detached: true, isMain: false, locked: false, path: '/repo-ci' }
+    ]
+
+    expect(mergeRepoWorktreeGroups(repo, discovered).find(g => g.id === '/repo-ci')?.label).toBe('repo-ci')
+  })
+
+  it('collapses the main checkout into one home lane labeled by the live branch (off-trunk)', () => {
+    const repo = {
+      id: '/repo',
+      path: '/repo',
+      groups: [
+        lane({ id: '/repo::branch::main', label: 'main', isMain: true, path: '/repo', sessions: [makeSession('/repo')] })
+      ]
+    }
+
+    // The repo root is switched to a feature branch. The historical "main"
+    // sessions fold into ONE home lane labeled by the live branch — no stale
+    // "main" lane lingering beside it.
+    const discovered: HermesGitWorktree[] = [
+      { branch: 'some-feature', detached: false, isMain: true, locked: false, path: '/repo' }
+    ]
+
+    const merged = mergeRepoWorktreeGroups(repo, discovered)
+    const home = merged.find(g => g.isHome)
+
+    expect(merged.filter(g => g.isMain)).toHaveLength(1)
+    expect(home?.label).toBe('some-feature')
+    expect(home?.path).toBe('/repo')
+    expect(home?.sessions).toHaveLength(1)
+    expect(merged.some(g => g.label === 'main')).toBe(false)
+  })
+
+  it('labels the home lane "main" (still home-flagged) when the root is on trunk', () => {
+    const repo = {
+      id: '/repo',
+      path: '/repo',
+      groups: [lane({ id: '/repo::branch::main', label: 'main', isMain: true, path: '/repo', sessions: [makeSession('/repo')] })]
+    }
+
+    const discovered: HermesGitWorktree[] = [{ branch: 'main', detached: false, isMain: true, locked: false, path: '/repo' }]
+
+    const home = mergeRepoWorktreeGroups(repo, discovered).find(g => g.isHome)
+
+    expect(home?.label).toBe('main')
+    expect(home?.isHome).toBe(true)
+  })
+
+  it('folds multiple historical main-checkout branch lanes into the single live home lane', () => {
+    const repo = {
+      id: '/repo',
+      path: '/repo',
+      groups: [
+        lane({ id: '/repo::branch::main', label: 'main', isMain: true, path: '/repo', sessions: [makeSession('/repo', { id: 'a' })] }),
+        lane({ id: '/repo::branch::old', label: 'old-feature', isMain: true, path: '/repo', sessions: [makeSession('/repo', { id: 'b' })] })
+      ]
+    }
+
+    const discovered: HermesGitWorktree[] = [{ branch: 'bb/live', detached: false, isMain: true, locked: false, path: '/repo' }]
+
+    const merged = mergeRepoWorktreeGroups(repo, discovered)
+    const home = merged.find(g => g.isHome)
+
+    expect(merged.filter(g => g.isMain)).toHaveLength(1)
+    expect(home?.label).toBe('bb/live')
+    expect(home?.sessions.map(s => s.id).sort()).toEqual(['a', 'b'])
+  })
+
+  it('leaves main lanes untouched on a remote backend (no git probe)', () => {
+    const repo = { id: '/repo', path: '/repo', groups: [lane({ id: '/repo::branch::main', label: 'main', isMain: true, path: '/repo', sessions: [makeSession('/repo')] })] }
+
+    // No discovered worktrees → no live branch truth → backend label stands.
+    const merged = mergeRepoWorktreeGroups(repo, undefined)
+
+    expect(merged.map(g => g.label)).toEqual(['main'])
+    expect(merged[0].isHome).toBeFalsy()
+  })
+})
+
+const makeProject = (id: string, folders: string[]): ProjectInfo => ({
+  archived: false,
+  board_slug: null,
+  color: null,
+  created_at: 0,
+  description: null,
+  folders: folders.map((path, i) => ({ added_at: 0, is_primary: i === 0, label: null, path })),
+  icon: null,
+  id,
+  name: id,
+  primary_path: folders[0] ?? null,
+  slug: id
+})
+
+const projectNode = (over: Partial<SidebarProjectTree> & Pick<SidebarProjectTree, 'id'>): SidebarProjectTree => ({
+  label: over.id,
+  path: over.id,
+  repos: [],
+  sessionCount: 0,
+  ...over
+})
+
+describe('liveSessionProjectId', () => {
+  it('maps a brand-new (unpersisted) session to its auto project (the repo root)', () => {
+    expect(liveSessionProjectId(makeSession('/www/app'), [])).toBe('/www/app')
+  })
+
+  it('routes a session under an explicit project folder to that project', () => {
+    const id = liveSessionProjectId(makeSession('/www/app/src', { git_repo_root: '/www/app', git_branch: 'feat' }), [
+      makeProject('p_app', ['/www/app'])
+    ])
+
+    expect(id).toBe('p_app')
+  })
+
+  it('skips cwd-less, kanban-task, and out-of-tree (sibling) worktree sessions', () => {
+    expect(liveSessionProjectId(makeSession(null), [])).toBeNull()
+    // Kanban task worktree → folds into the kanban bucket, not a project preview.
+    expect(liveSessionProjectId(makeSession('/repo/.worktrees/t_aaaaaaaa'), [])).toBeNull()
+    // Sibling worktree OUTSIDE the repo root → project can't be derived from the row.
+    expect(liveSessionProjectId(makeSession('/elsewhere/wt', { git_repo_root: '/repo' }), [])).toBeNull()
+  })
+
+  it('places an in-tree worktree session under its repo project (the root is in the path)', () => {
+    // "Convert a branch" / "new worktree" land at `<repoRoot>/.worktrees/<slug>`,
+    // so they belong to the same auto project as the repo root and must show in
+    // the overview at once, not wait for the next backend refresh.
+    expect(
+      liveSessionProjectId(makeSession('/www/app/.worktrees/test1', { git_repo_root: '/www/app' }), [])
+    ).toBe('/www/app')
+  })
+
+  it('routes an in-tree worktree session to the owning explicit project', () => {
+    const id = liveSessionProjectId(makeSession('/www/app/.worktrees/test1', { git_repo_root: '/www/app' }), [
+      makeProject('p_app', ['/www/app'])
+    ])
+
+    expect(id).toBe('p_app')
+  })
+})
+
+describe('overlayLiveLanes', () => {
+  it('injects a live session into the matching main lane instantly', () => {
+    const project = projectNode({
+      id: '/www/app',
+      isAuto: true,
+      repos: [{ id: '/www/app', label: 'app', path: '/www/app', sessionCount: 0, groups: [] }]
+    })
+
+    const live = [makeSession('/www/app', { id: 'fresh', git_branch: 'main' })]
+
+    const overlaid = overlayLiveLanes(project, live)
+    const lane = overlaid.repos[0].groups.find(g => g.label === 'main')
+
+    expect(lane?.sessions.map(session => session.id)).toContain('fresh')
+    expect(overlaid.sessionCount).toBe(1)
+  })
+
+  it('injects a session created in a fresh worktree into that worktree lane (no git_repo_root yet)', () => {
+    // The brand-new session row has only a cwd — no git_repo_root. The entered
+    // project knows its repo root, so the worktree session still lands in its
+    // own lane (not kanban, not skipped) optimistically.
+    const project = projectNode({
+      id: '/www/app',
+      isAuto: true,
+      repos: [{ id: '/www/app', label: 'app', path: '/www/app', sessionCount: 0, groups: [] }]
+    })
+
+    const live = [makeSession('/www/app/.worktrees/baby', { id: 'fresh' })]
+
+    const overlaid = overlayLiveLanes(project, live)
+    const lane = overlaid.repos[0].groups.find(g => g.id === '/www/app/.worktrees/baby')
+
+    expect(lane?.label).toBe('baby')
+    expect(lane?.sessions.map(s => s.id)).toEqual(['fresh'])
+  })
+
+  it('folds a kanban-task worktree session into the kanban lane', () => {
+    const project = projectNode({
+      id: '/www/app',
+      isAuto: true,
+      repos: [{ id: '/www/app', label: 'app', path: '/www/app', sessionCount: 0, groups: [] }]
+    })
+
+    const live = [makeSession('/www/app/.worktrees/t_abc12345', { id: 'k' })]
+
+    const overlaid = overlayLiveLanes(project, live)
+    const lane = overlaid.repos[0].groups.find(g => g.isKanban)
+
+    expect(lane?.id).toBe('/www/app::kanban')
+    expect(lane?.sessions.map(s => s.id)).toEqual(['k'])
+  })
+
+  it('does not duplicate a session already present in a backend lane', () => {
+    const existing = makeSession('/www/app', { id: 'dup', git_branch: 'main' })
+
+    const project = projectNode({
+      id: '/www/app',
+      repos: [
+        {
+          id: '/www/app',
+          label: 'app',
+          path: '/www/app',
+          sessionCount: 1,
+          groups: [lane({ id: '/www/app::branch::main', label: 'main', isMain: true, path: '/www/app', sessions: [existing] })]
+        }
+      ]
+    })
+
+    const overlaid = overlayLiveLanes(project, [existing])
+
+    expect(overlaid.repos[0].groups.flatMap(g => g.sessions.map(s => s.id))).toEqual(['dup'])
+  })
+
+  it('adds a new session to an existing worktree lane keyed by a divergent id (matches by path)', () => {
+    // Backend keyed the worktree lane off a branch-style id (no live git probe),
+    // but the lane PATH is the worktree dir. A new session under that worktree
+    // must join the existing lane, not spawn a twin.
+    const existing = makeSession('/www/app/.worktrees/baby', { id: 'old' })
+
+    const project = projectNode({
+      id: '/www/app',
+      repos: [
+        {
+          id: '/www/app',
+          label: 'app',
+          path: '/www/app',
+          sessionCount: 1,
+          groups: [
+            lane({ id: '/www/app::branch::baby', label: 'baby', path: '/www/app/.worktrees/baby', sessions: [existing] })
+          ]
+        }
+      ]
+    })
+
+    const fresh = makeSession('/www/app/.worktrees/baby', { id: 'fresh' })
+
+    const overlaid = overlayLiveLanes(project, [existing, fresh])
+    const lanes = overlaid.repos[0].groups.filter(g => g.path === '/www/app/.worktrees/baby')
+
+    expect(lanes).toHaveLength(1)
+    expect(lanes[0].sessions.map(s => s.id).sort()).toEqual(['fresh', 'old'])
+  })
+
+  it('places a session into an out-of-tree (sibling) worktree lane by its path', () => {
+    // `hermes-agent-ci` is a linked worktree living BESIDE the repo, not under
+    // it — repo-root nesting fails, but the existing lane carries its real path.
+    const existing = makeSession('/www/app-ci', { id: 'old' })
+
+    const project = projectNode({
+      id: '/www/app',
+      repos: [
+        {
+          id: '/www/app',
+          label: 'app',
+          path: '/www/app',
+          sessionCount: 1,
+          groups: [
+            lane({ id: '/www/app::branch::main', label: 'main', isMain: true, path: '/www/app', sessions: [] }),
+            lane({ id: '/www/app-ci', label: 'app-ci', path: '/www/app-ci', sessions: [existing] })
+          ]
+        }
+      ]
+    })
+
+    const fresh = makeSession('/www/app-ci', { id: 'fresh' })
+
+    const overlaid = overlayLiveLanes(project, [existing, fresh])
+    const ci = overlaid.repos[0].groups.find(g => g.path === '/www/app-ci')
+    const main = overlaid.repos[0].groups.find(g => g.label === 'main')
+
+    expect(ci?.sessions.map(s => s.id).sort()).toEqual(['fresh', 'old'])
+    expect(main?.sessions ?? []).toHaveLength(0)
+  })
+
+  it('places into a visual-only discovered worktree lane after merge', () => {
+    const discovered = [{ path: '/www/app-retry', branch: 'bb/ci-install-retry', isMain: false, detached: false, locked: false }]
+    const groups = mergeRepoWorktreeGroups({ id: '/www/app', path: '/www/app', groups: [] }, discovered)
+
+    const project = projectNode({
+      id: '/www/app',
+      repos: [{ id: '/www/app', label: 'app', path: '/www/app', sessionCount: 0, groups }]
+    })
+
+    const fresh = makeSession('/www/app-retry', { id: 'fresh' })
+
+    const overlaid = overlayLiveLanes(project, [fresh])
+    const lane = overlaid.repos[0].groups.find(g => g.path === '/www/app-retry')
+
+    expect(lane?.sessions.map(s => s.id)).toEqual(['fresh'])
+  })
+
+  it('evicts a deleted/archived snapshot row (and drops the lane once empty)', () => {
+    const a = makeSession('/www/app', { id: 'keep', git_branch: 'main' })
+    const b = makeSession('/www/app/.worktrees/baby', { id: 'gone' })
+
+    const project = projectNode({
+      id: '/www/app',
+      repos: [
+        {
+          id: '/www/app',
+          label: 'app',
+          path: '/www/app',
+          sessionCount: 2,
+          groups: [
+            lane({ id: '/www/app::branch::main', label: 'main', isMain: true, path: '/www/app', sessions: [a] }),
+            lane({ id: '/www/app/.worktrees/baby', label: 'baby', path: '/www/app/.worktrees/baby', sessions: [b] })
+          ]
+        }
+      ]
+    })
+
+    // No live rows (both deleted from $sessions); only 'gone' is tombstoned.
+    const overlaid = overlayLiveLanes(project, [a], new Set(['gone']))
+
+    expect(overlaid.repos[0].groups.map(g => g.id)).toEqual(['/www/app::branch::main'])
+    expect(overlaid.repos[0].groups[0].sessions.map(s => s.id)).toEqual(['keep'])
+    expect(overlaid.sessionCount).toBe(1)
+  })
+})
+
+describe('overlayLivePreviews', () => {
+  it('merges live sessions into a project preview, live first, capped to the limit', () => {
+    const project = projectNode({
+      id: '/www/app',
+      previewSessions: [makeSession('/www/app', { id: 'old', started_at: 1, last_active: 1 })]
+    })
+
+    const live = [makeSession('/www/app', { id: 'fresh', started_at: 99, last_active: 99 })]
+
+    const previews = overlayLivePreviews([project], live, [], 3)
+
+    expect(previews['/www/app'].map(s => s.id)).toEqual(['fresh', 'old'])
+  })
+
+  it('evicts a deleted session from a project preview (snapshot + live)', () => {
+    const project = projectNode({
+      id: '/www/app',
+      previewSessions: [
+        makeSession('/www/app', { id: 'gone', started_at: 5, last_active: 5 }),
+        makeSession('/www/app', { id: 'old', started_at: 1, last_active: 1 })
+      ]
+    })
+
+    const previews = overlayLivePreviews([project], [], [], 3, new Set(['gone']))
+
+    expect(previews['/www/app'].map(s => s.id)).toEqual(['old'])
+  })
+})

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/sidebar/projects/workspace-groups.ts

@@ -0,0 +1,582 @@
+import type { HermesGitWorktree } from '@/global'
+import type { ProjectInfo, SessionInfo } from '@/hermes'
+
+// Session grouping is now computed authoritatively on the backend
+// (`tui_gateway/project_tree.py`, exposed via `projects.tree` /
+// `projects.project_sessions`). The desktop is a thin renderer: this module
+// only holds the render contract (the three tree interfaces) plus a couple of
+// pure helpers and the VISUAL-ONLY worktree enhancer that injects empty lanes
+// from `git worktree list`. It never decides session membership.
+
+export interface SidebarSessionGroup {
+  id: string
+  label: string
+  path: null | string
+  sessions: SessionInfo[]
+  // Profile color for the ALL-profiles view; absent for workspace groups.
+  color?: null | string
+  // True when this group is a repo's main checkout (vs a linked worktree).
+  isMain?: boolean
+  // True for the repo's primary ("home") checkout lane — the single lane that
+  // collapses all main-checkout sessions, labeled by the worktree's LIVE branch
+  // (defaulting to `main`). Renders a home glyph and pins to the top.
+  isHome?: boolean
+  // True for the synthetic lane that collapses all of a repo's kanban task
+  // worktrees (`<repo>/.worktrees/t_*`) into one row, so a heavy board doesn't
+  // spray hundreds of throwaway branch lanes across the sidebar.
+  isKanban?: boolean
+  loadingMore?: boolean
+  mode?: 'profile' | 'source' | 'workspace'
+  onLoadMore?: () => void
+  sourceId?: string
+  totalCount?: number
+}
+
+/** A repo node: holds its branch/worktree lanes (`repo -> lane -> sessions`). */
+export interface SidebarWorkspaceTree {
+  id: string
+  label: string
+  path: null | string
+  groups: SidebarSessionGroup[]
+  sessionCount: number
+}
+
+/** A project node: human-named (or repo-derived), holds its repo subtree. */
+export interface SidebarProjectTree {
+  id: string
+  label: string
+  path: null | string
+  color?: null | string
+  icon?: null | string
+  archived?: boolean
+  // A git repo root promoted automatically (not a user-created projects.db row).
+  // Deletable = dismissable.
+  isAuto?: boolean
+  // The synthetic "No project" bucket for cwd-less sessions.
+  isNoProject?: boolean
+  repos: SidebarWorkspaceTree[]
+  sessionCount: number
+  // Max activity timestamp across the project's sessions (overview sort key).
+  lastActive?: number
+  // Up to N most-recent sessions for the overview preview (set by `projects.tree`).
+  previewSessions?: SessionInfo[]
+}
+
+/** Path split into segments, ignoring trailing slashes and mixed separators. */
+const segments = (path: string): string[] =>
+  path
+    .replace(/[/\\]+$/, '')
+    .split(/[/\\]/)
+    .filter(Boolean)
+
+/** A path with trailing separators stripped, for stable equality checks. */
+const normalizePath = (path: null | string | undefined): string => (path ?? '').replace(/[/\\]+$/, '')
+
+/** Last path segment. */
+export const baseName = (path: string): string | undefined => segments(path).pop()
+
+// The `.worktrees` dir for a KANBAN-TASK worktree path, else null. Only matches
+// task worktrees (`<repo>/.worktrees/t_<hex>`, the `t_…` id kanban_db mints) so
+// the many ephemeral task worktrees collapse into one lane — while user-named
+// "New worktree" dirs (`<repo>/.worktrees/<slug>`) stay as their own lanes.
+const KANBAN_DIR_RE = /^(.*[/\\]\.worktrees)[/\\]t_[0-9a-f]+[/\\]?$/
+
+export function kanbanWorktreeDir(path: string): null | string {
+  return path.match(KANBAN_DIR_RE)?.[1] ?? null
+}
+
+/** Label for a main-checkout lane whose session recorded no branch. */
+export const DEFAULT_BRANCH_LABEL = 'main'
+
+/** The one definition of a main-checkout lane id (must match the backend tree). */
+export const branchLaneId = (repoRoot: string, branch?: string): string =>
+  `${repoRoot}::branch::${(branch ?? '').trim()}`
+
+/** A session's recency stamp (last activity, falling back to creation). */
+export const sessionRecency = (session: SessionInfo): number => session.last_active || session.started_at || 0
+
+/** Default-branch names that pin to the top and read as the repo's trunk. */
+const TRUNK_BRANCHES = new Set(['main', 'master', 'trunk', 'develop'])
+
+const isTrunkLane = (group: SidebarSessionGroup): boolean =>
+  Boolean(group.isMain) && TRUNK_BRANCHES.has(group.label.toLowerCase())
+
+/** A lane's recency = its most-recently-active session (empty lanes sink). */
+const laneActivity = (group: SidebarSessionGroup): number =>
+  group.sessions.reduce((max, session) => Math.max(max, sessionRecency(session)), 0)
+
+// Lane tiers (low sorts first): the repo's primary ("home") checkout pins above
+// everything (it's "where you are", labeled by its live branch), then trunk,
+// then ordinary branches/worktrees, then the kanban aggregate.
+const laneRank = (group: SidebarSessionGroup): number =>
+  group.isHome ? 0 : isTrunkLane(group) ? 1 : group.isKanban ? 3 : 2
+
+/**
+ * Sort by tier (home → trunk → branches/worktrees → kanban); within a tier, by
+ * most-recent activity (empty lanes fall last), label as the tiebreak.
+ */
+function compareWorktreeGroups(a: SidebarSessionGroup, b: SidebarSessionGroup): number {
+  const byRank = laneRank(a) - laneRank(b)
+
+  if (byRank !== 0) {
+    return byRank
+  }
+
+  const byActivity = laneActivity(b) - laneActivity(a)
+
+  return byActivity || a.label.localeCompare(b.label, undefined, { sensitivity: 'base' })
+}
+
+export function sortWorktreeGroups(groups: SidebarSessionGroup[]): SidebarSessionGroup[] {
+  return [...groups].sort(compareWorktreeGroups)
+}
+
+/**
+ * VISUAL enhancer only: inject empty lanes from a live `git worktree list` so a
+ * repo shows its branches/worktrees even when they have no Hermes sessions yet.
+ * The repo's real session lanes already come fully built from the backend
+ * (`projects.project_sessions`); this never adds or moves session rows, and it
+ * degrades to a no-op on remote backends (where the Electron probe returns
+ * nothing). Lanes already present (by id/path) are left untouched.
+ */
+export function mergeRepoWorktreeGroups(
+  repo: Pick<SidebarWorkspaceTree, 'groups' | 'id' | 'path'>,
+  discoveredWorktrees?: HermesGitWorktree[]
+): SidebarSessionGroup[] {
+  // Branch-primary labels: a linked worktree's identity in every git UI (VS
+  // Code, JetBrains, lazygit, …) is its CHECKED-OUT BRANCH, not the directory it
+  // happens to live in. The backend labels these lanes by dir/slug; relabel them
+  // to the live branch from `git worktree list` so the sidebar matches the
+  // composer's branch strip. Detached worktrees (no branch) keep their dir label.
+  const liveBranchByPath = new Map<string, string>()
+  // Inverse: branch → its ONE live worktree path. git guarantees a branch is
+  // checked out in at most one worktree, so this mapping is a function and can
+  // re-anchor a lane whose stored path has drifted from git truth.
+  const livePathByBranch = new Map<string, string>()
+
+  for (const worktree of discoveredWorktrees ?? []) {
+    const wtPath = normalizePath(worktree.path)
+    const branch = worktree.branch?.trim()
+
+    if (wtPath && branch && !worktree.detached) {
+      liveBranchByPath.set(wtPath, branch)
+      livePathByBranch.set(branch.toLowerCase(), worktree.path.trim())
+    }
+  }
+
+  // The primary ("home") checkout's LIVE branch. A repo dir is only ever on ONE
+  // branch, so every main-checkout session lane (historical branches over the
+  // same root path) collapses into a single home lane labeled by this live
+  // branch, defaulting to `main`. Known only when the local git probe ran;
+  // remote backends keep the backend's recorded-branch main lane untouched.
+  const mainWorktree = (discoveredWorktrees ?? []).find(w => w.isMain)
+  const homeBranch = mainWorktree && !mainWorktree.detached ? mainWorktree.branch?.trim() || DEFAULT_BRANCH_LABEL : ''
+
+  // Reconcile a LINKED worktree lane against git truth so its label AND path
+  // describe the SAME worktree. Two repair directions:
+  //  1. Path git knows → relabel to that path's live branch (git UIs identify a
+  //     worktree by its checked-out branch, not the dir it lives in).
+  //  2. Path git DOESN'T know but the label IS a live branch → the lane's path
+  //     has gone stale; re-anchor it to that branch's real path, else "reveal"
+  //     opens a different, stale checkout. The home checkout is folded
+  //     separately (below), never here.
+  const reconcile = (group: SidebarSessionGroup): SidebarSessionGroup => {
+    if (group.isMain || group.isKanban) {
+      return group
+    }
+
+    const branchForPath = liveBranchByPath.get(normalizePath(group.path))
+
+    if (branchForPath) {
+      return branchForPath !== group.label ? { ...group, label: branchForPath } : group
+    }
+
+    const livePath = livePathByBranch.get(group.label.trim().toLowerCase())
+
+    if (livePath && normalizePath(livePath) !== normalizePath(group.path)) {
+      return { ...group, id: livePath, path: livePath }
+    }
+
+    return group
+  }
+
+  const dedupeById = (sessions: SessionInfo[]): SessionInfo[] => {
+    const byId = new Map<string, SessionInfo>()
+
+    for (const session of sessions) {
+      byId.set(session.id, byId.get(session.id) ?? session)
+    }
+
+    return [...byId.values()]
+  }
+
+  // Fold every main-checkout lane into one home lane labeled by the live branch
+  // (the root dir is only ever on one branch); reconcile the linked worktrees.
+  // Always shown, even with no sessions on the current branch yet. Remote
+  // backends (no probe → no homeBranch) keep their main lanes untouched.
+  const mainGroups = repo.groups.filter(group => group.isMain)
+  const reconciled = repo.groups.filter(group => !group.isMain).map(reconcile)
+
+  if (homeBranch) {
+    reconciled.push({
+      id: branchLaneId(repo.id, homeBranch),
+      label: homeBranch,
+      path: repo.path,
+      isMain: true,
+      isHome: true,
+      sessions: dedupeById(mainGroups.flatMap(group => group.sessions))
+    })
+  } else {
+    reconciled.push(...mainGroups)
+  }
+
+  // Collapse any duplicate a re-anchor produced (a stale lane re-pointed onto a
+  // path a real lane already holds) — keep the richer (more sessions) lane.
+  const byPath = new Map<string, SidebarSessionGroup>()
+  const merged: SidebarSessionGroup[] = []
+
+  for (const group of reconciled) {
+    const key = !group.isMain && group.path ? normalizePath(group.path) : ''
+    const existing = key ? byPath.get(key) : undefined
+
+    if (existing) {
+      if (group.sessions.length > existing.sessions.length) {
+        merged[merged.indexOf(existing)] = group
+        byPath.set(key, group)
+      }
+
+      continue
+    }
+
+    if (key) {
+      byPath.set(key, group)
+    }
+
+    merged.push(group)
+  }
+
+  const seenIds = new Set(merged.map(group => group.id))
+  const seenPaths = new Set(merged.map(group => group.path).filter((path): path is string => Boolean(path)))
+  // Dedupe by branch label too: a branch shows once even if it's checked out in
+  // a linked worktree AND already has a session lane.
+  const seenLabels = new Set(merged.map(group => group.label.toLowerCase()))
+
+  for (const worktree of discoveredWorktrees ?? []) {
+    const wtPath = worktree.path?.trim()
+
+    if (!wtPath) {
+      continue
+    }
+
+    // The home checkout is already the collapsed home lane (above).
+    if (worktree.isMain && homeBranch) {
+      continue
+    }
+
+    // Kanban task worktrees never get their own lane — they fold into the
+    // session-derived `::kanban` bucket. Listing every `git worktree list` entry
+    // here is exactly what blew the sidebar up to hundreds of empty rows.
+    if (!worktree.isMain && kanbanWorktreeDir(wtPath)) {
+      continue
+    }
+
+    const label = (worktree.isMain ? worktree.branch?.trim() || DEFAULT_BRANCH_LABEL : worktree.branch?.trim()) || baseName(wtPath) || wtPath
+    const id = worktree.isMain ? branchLaneId(repo.id, label) : wtPath
+
+    const alreadySeen =
+      seenIds.has(id) || seenLabels.has(label.toLowerCase()) || (!worktree.isMain && seenPaths.has(wtPath))
+
+    if (alreadySeen) {
+      continue
+    }
+
+    merged.push({ id, isMain: worktree.isMain, label, path: wtPath, sessions: [] })
+    seenIds.add(id)
+    seenPaths.add(wtPath)
+    seenLabels.add(label.toLowerCase())
+  }
+
+  return sortWorktreeGroups(merged)
+}
+
+// ── Live session overlay ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+// The backend tree is a snapshot (sessions with >=1 message, refreshed on a
+// turn boundary). For parity with the flat Recents list — instant insertion of
+// a freshly-created session and the live "working" arc — we overlay the live
+// `$sessions` store onto the tree at render time. This is ADDITIVE only: the
+// backend still owns membership, structure, counts, and history. The overlay
+// just places rows already present in `$sessions` into the project/lane the
+// backend would put them in, using the same id scheme. Worktree/kanban folding
+// needs the backend common-root probe, so those rows are left for the next
+// tree refresh; the common case (a new main-checkout session) overlays here.
+
+/** True when `target` equals `folder` or is nested under it (segment-wise). */
+function isPathUnder(folder: string, target: string): boolean {
+  const f = segments(folder)
+  const t = segments(target)
+
+  if (!f.length || f.length > t.length) {
+    return false
+  }
+
+  return f.every((seg, i) => seg === t[i])
+}
+
+/**
+ * The project a live session belongs to (overview membership) — explicit project
+ * by longest-prefix folder, else the repo root (the auto-project id). An IN-TREE
+ * linked worktree (`<repoRoot>/.worktrees/<slug>`) belongs to the SAME project as
+ * its repo root (the root is right there in the path), so a freshly-created
+ * worktree session — e.g. from "convert a branch" / "new worktree" — surfaces in
+ * the overview at once instead of waiting for the next backend refresh. Returns
+ * null only for sessions we genuinely can't place from the row alone: cwd-less,
+ * kanban-task worktrees (they fold into the kanban bucket), or a worktree that
+ * lives OUTSIDE the repo root (a sibling dir whose project can't be derived).
+ */
+export function liveSessionProjectId(session: SessionInfo, explicitProjects: ProjectInfo[]): null | string {
+  const cwd = (session.cwd || '').trim()
+
+  if (!cwd || kanbanWorktreeDir(cwd)) {
+    return null
+  }
+
+  // No persisted repo root yet (brand-new session) → the cwd is the root.
+  const repoRoot = (session.git_repo_root || '').trim() || cwd
+  const underRepo = cwd === repoRoot || cwd.startsWith(`${repoRoot}/`) || cwd.startsWith(`${repoRoot}\\`)
+
+  if (!underRepo) {
+    return null
+  }
+
+  let projectId = ''
+  let bestLen = -1
+
+  for (const project of explicitProjects) {
+    if (project.archived) {
+      continue
+    }
+
+    for (const folder of project.folders) {
+      if (isPathUnder(folder.path, cwd) || isPathUnder(folder.path, repoRoot)) {
+        const len = segments(folder.path).length
+
+        if (len > bestLen) {
+          bestLen = len
+          projectId = project.id
+        }
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  return projectId || repoRoot
+}
+
+const upsertSession = (rows: SessionInfo[], session: SessionInfo): SessionInfo[] =>
+  [session, ...rows.filter(row => row.id !== session.id)].sort((a, b) => b.started_at - a.started_at)
+
+/**
+ * The lane a live session belongs to WITHIN a known repo root, by path — the
+ * entered project already knows its repo roots, so we don't need the session's
+ * (often-unset, on a fresh row) git_repo_root. Mirrors the backend's lane ids:
+ * main checkout -> branch lane, `.worktrees/t_<hex>` -> kanban, any other
+ * `.worktrees/<slug>` -> that worktree's own lane.
+ */
+function liveLaneForRepo(repoRoot: string, session: SessionInfo): null | SidebarSessionGroup {
+  const cwd = (session.cwd || '').trim()
+
+  if (!cwd || !isPathUnder(repoRoot, cwd)) {
+    return null
+  }
+
+  const wt = cwd.match(/^(.*[/\\]\.worktrees)[/\\]([^/\\]+)/)
+
+  if (wt) {
+    const [worktreeRoot, worktreesDir, slug] = [wt[0], wt[1], wt[2]]
+
+    return /^t_[0-9a-f]+$/.test(slug)
+      ? { id: `${repoRoot}::kanban`, isKanban: true, isMain: false, label: 'kanban', path: worktreesDir, sessions: [] }
+      : { id: worktreeRoot, isMain: false, label: slug, path: worktreeRoot, sessions: [] }
+  }
+
+  const branch = (session.git_branch || '').trim() || DEFAULT_BRANCH_LABEL
+
+  return { id: branchLaneId(repoRoot, branch), isMain: true, label: branch, path: repoRoot, sessions: [] }
+}
+
+const NO_REMOVED: ReadonlySet<string> = new Set()
+
+/**
+ * Reconcile ONE repo's lanes against the live `$sessions` cache: evict
+ * deleted/archived rows (`removed`) and inject freshly-created ones, so a lane
+ * mutates exactly like the flat Recents list. The backend snapshot stays the
+ * datasource for structure and off-page history; this is the optimistic layer
+ * on top (Apollo-style), reconciled away on the next snapshot refresh. Returns
+ * the same repo ref when nothing changes (memo-stable).
+ */
+export function overlayRepoLanes(
+  repo: SidebarWorkspaceTree,
+  live: SessionInfo[],
+  removed: ReadonlySet<string> = NO_REMOVED
+): SidebarWorkspaceTree {
+  const repoRoot = normalizePath(repo.path)
+  let changed = false
+
+  // Snapshot lanes minus anything the user just deleted/archived.
+  const lanes = repo.groups.map(g => {
+    if (!removed.size) {
+      return { ...g, sessions: [...g.sessions] }
+    }
+
+    const kept = g.sessions.filter(s => !removed.has(s.id))
+
+    changed ||= kept.length !== g.sessions.length
+
+    return { ...g, sessions: kept }
+  })
+
+  for (const session of live) {
+    const cwd = (session.cwd || '').trim()
+
+    if (removed.has(session.id) || !cwd) {
+      continue
+    }
+
+    // (1) Join an EXISTING worktree lane by its own path. A linked worktree can
+    // live anywhere on disk (often a repo sibling, e.g. `repo-ci`), so nesting
+    // under the repo root isn't reliable — but the lane carries its real dir.
+    // Longest match wins; skip the root lane so an in-tree `.worktrees/<slug>`
+    // session isn't swallowed by main.
+    let lane: SidebarSessionGroup | undefined
+    let bestLen = -1
+
+    for (const g of lanes) {
+      const lanePath = normalizePath(g.path)
+
+      if (!lanePath || lanePath === repoRoot || !isPathUnder(lanePath, cwd)) {
+        continue
+      }
+
+      const len = segments(lanePath).length
+
+      if (len > bestLen) {
+        bestLen = len
+        lane = g
+      }
+    }
+
+    // (2) Else place under the repo root via a computed lane (main / branch /
+    // in-tree `.worktrees` / kanban). Match by id, then path (the backend may
+    // key a worktree lane off the git-probed root OR a branch-style id), then
+    // the main-lane label; create it when the snapshot lacked it.
+    if (!lane) {
+      const placed = repo.path ? liveLaneForRepo(repo.path, session) : null
+
+      if (!placed) {
+        continue
+      }
+
+      const placedPath = normalizePath(placed.path)
+
+      lane =
+        lanes.find(g => g.id === placed.id) ??
+        (placed.isMain ? lanes.find(g => g.isMain && g.label.toLowerCase() === placed.label.toLowerCase()) : undefined) ??
+        (!placed.isMain && placedPath ? lanes.find(g => normalizePath(g.path) === placedPath) : undefined)
+
+      if (!lane) {
+        lane = { ...placed, sessions: [] }
+        lanes.push(lane)
+      }
+    }
+
+    lane.sessions = upsertSession(lane.sessions, session)
+    changed = true
+  }
+
+  if (!changed) {
+    return repo
+  }
+
+  // Drop lanes emptied by eviction (the server only emits non-empty lanes; the
+  // git-worktree enhancer re-adds any still-real worktree as an empty lane).
+  const groups = sortWorktreeGroups(lanes.filter(g => g.sessions.length > 0))
+
+  return { ...repo, groups, sessionCount: groups.reduce((n, g) => n + g.sessions.length, 0) }
+}
+
+/** Project-level overlay: {@link overlayRepoLanes} across every repo subtree. */
+export function overlayLiveLanes(
+  project: SidebarProjectTree,
+  live: SessionInfo[],
+  removed: ReadonlySet<string> = NO_REMOVED
+): SidebarProjectTree {
+  let changed = false
+
+  const repos = project.repos.map(repo => {
+    const next = overlayRepoLanes(repo, live, removed)
+
+    changed ||= next !== repo
+
+    return next
+  })
+
+  if (!changed) {
+    return project
+  }
+
+  return { ...project, repos, sessionCount: repos.reduce((n, repo) => n + repo.sessionCount, 0) }
+}
+
+/** Merge live sessions into per-project overview previews, keyed by project path. */
+export function overlayLivePreviews(
+  projects: SidebarProjectTree[],
+  live: SessionInfo[],
+  explicitProjects: ProjectInfo[],
+  limit: number,
+  removed: ReadonlySet<string> = new Set()
+): Record<string, SessionInfo[]> {
+  const byProject = new Map<string, SessionInfo[]>()
+
+  for (const session of live) {
+    if (removed.has(session.id)) {
+      continue
+    }
+
+    const projectId = liveSessionProjectId(session, explicitProjects)
+
+    if (!projectId) {
+      continue
+    }
+
+    const arr = byProject.get(projectId) ?? []
+    arr.push(session)
+    byProject.set(projectId, arr)
+  }
+
+  const out: Record<string, SessionInfo[]> = {}
+
+  for (const node of projects) {
+    if (!node.path) {
+      continue
+    }
+
+    const liveRows = byProject.get(node.id) ?? []
+    const base = (node.previewSessions ?? []).filter(session => !removed.has(session.id))
+
+    if (!liveRows.length && !base.length) {
+      continue
+    }
+
+    // Live rows take precedence (fresher title/activity/working state).
+    const map = new Map<string, SessionInfo>()
+
+    for (const session of [...liveRows, ...base]) {
+      if (!map.has(session.id)) {
+        map.set(session.id, session)
+      }
+    }
+
+    out[node.path] = [...map.values()].sort((a, b) => sessionRecency(b) - sessionRecency(a)).slice(0, limit)
+  }
+
+  return out
+}

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/sidebar/projects/workspace-header.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,373 @@
+import type * as React from 'react'
+import { useCallback, useState } from 'react'
+
+import { Button } from '@/components/ui/button'
+import { Codicon } from '@/components/ui/codicon'
+import { Command, CommandEmpty, CommandGroup, CommandInput, CommandItem, CommandList } from '@/components/ui/command'
+import { Dialog, DialogContent, DialogDescription, DialogFooter, DialogHeader, DialogTitle } from '@/components/ui/dialog'
+import { DisclosureCaret } from '@/components/ui/disclosure-caret'
+import {
+  DropdownMenu,
+  DropdownMenuContent,
+  DropdownMenuItem,
+  DropdownMenuSeparator,
+  DropdownMenuTrigger
+} from '@/components/ui/dropdown-menu'
+import { SanitizedInput } from '@/components/ui/sanitized-input'
+import type { HermesGitBranch } from '@/global'
+import { useI18n } from '@/i18n'
+import { gitRef } from '@/lib/sanitize'
+import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
+import { notifyError } from '@/store/notifications'
+import { copyPath, listRepoBranches, revealPath, startWorkInRepo, switchBranchInRepo } from '@/store/projects'
+
+import { SidebarCount, SidebarRowLead } from '../chrome'
+
+// Branch/worktree labels routinely share a long prefix (`bb/coding-context-…`),
+// so plain end-truncation (`truncate`) hides exactly the suffix that tells two
+// lanes apart — both render as "bb/coding-context…". Keep the tail pinned and
+// ellipsize the HEAD instead, so `…context-facts-rpc` and `…context-persona`
+// stay distinguishable. Falls back to whole-string for short labels.
+function LaneLabel({ label, title }: { label: string; title?: string }) {
+  const tailLen = Math.min(14, Math.floor(label.length / 2))
+  const head = label.slice(0, label.length - tailLen)
+  const tail = label.slice(label.length - tailLen)
+
+  return (
+    <span className="flex min-w-0" title={title}>
+      <span className="truncate">{head}</span>
+      <span className="shrink-0 whitespace-pre">{tail}</span>
+    </span>
+  )
+}
+
+interface BranchActionCopy {
+  branchCreateWorktree: string
+  branchOpenExisting: string
+  branchSwitchHome: string
+}
+
+const branchActionLabel = (branch: HermesGitBranch, copy: BranchActionCopy) => {
+  if (branch.checkedOut) {
+    return copy.branchOpenExisting
+  }
+
+  return branch.isDefault ? copy.branchSwitchHome : copy.branchCreateWorktree
+}
+
+// "+" affordance shared by repo and worktree headers — reveals on header hover.
+export function WorkspaceAddButton({ label, onClick }: { label: string; onClick: () => void }) {
+  return (
+    <button
+      aria-label={label}
+      className="grid size-4 shrink-0 place-items-center rounded-sm bg-transparent text-(--ui-text-quaternary) opacity-0 transition-opacity hover:bg-(--ui-control-hover-background) hover:text-foreground group-hover/workspace:opacity-100"
+      onClick={onClick}
+      type="button"
+    >
+      <Codicon name="add" size="0.75rem" />
+    </button>
+  )
+}
+
+// Reveals the next page of already-loaded rows within a workspace/worktree.
+export function WorkspaceShowMoreButton({ count, label, onClick }: { count: number; label: string; onClick: () => void }) {
+  const { t } = useI18n()
+  const text = t.sidebar.showMoreIn(count, label)
+
+  return (
+    <button
+      aria-label={text}
+      className="ml-auto grid size-5 place-items-center rounded-sm bg-transparent text-(--ui-text-tertiary) transition-colors hover:bg-(--ui-control-hover-background) hover:text-foreground"
+      onClick={onClick}
+      type="button"
+    >
+      <Codicon name="ellipsis" size="0.75rem" />
+    </button>
+  )
+}
+
+// Per-worktree actions (linked worktree lanes only), mirroring the session row
+// and ProjectMenu kebab: reveal in the file manager, copy path, and remove the
+// worktree (runs a real `git worktree remove` via the caller's confirm dialog).
+export function WorkspaceMenu({ path, onRemove }: { path: null | string; onRemove: () => void }) {
+  const { t } = useI18n()
+  const p = t.sidebar.projects
+
+  return (
+    <DropdownMenu>
+      <DropdownMenuTrigger asChild>
+        <button
+          aria-label={p.menu}
+          className="grid size-4 shrink-0 place-items-center rounded-sm bg-transparent text-(--ui-text-quaternary) opacity-0 transition-opacity hover:bg-(--ui-control-hover-background) hover:text-foreground group-hover/workspace:opacity-100 data-[state=open]:opacity-100"
+          onClick={event => event.stopPropagation()}
+          type="button"
+        >
+          <Codicon name="kebab-vertical" size="0.75rem" />
+        </button>
+      </DropdownMenuTrigger>
+      <DropdownMenuContent align="end" className="w-48" sideOffset={6}>
+        <DropdownMenuItem disabled={!path} onSelect={() => void revealPath(path)}>
+          <Codicon name="folder-opened" size="0.875rem" />
+          <span>{p.reveal}</span>
+        </DropdownMenuItem>
+        <DropdownMenuItem disabled={!path} onSelect={() => void copyPath(path)}>
+          <Codicon name="copy" size="0.875rem" />
+          <span>{p.copyPath}</span>
+        </DropdownMenuItem>
+        <DropdownMenuSeparator />
+        <DropdownMenuItem onSelect={onRemove} variant="destructive">
+          <Codicon name="trash" size="0.875rem" />
+          <span>{`${p.removeWorktree}…`}</span>
+        </DropdownMenuItem>
+      </DropdownMenuContent>
+    </DropdownMenu>
+  )
+}
+
+// "New worktree": prompt for a branch name, then git spins up a fresh worktree
+// for that branch under the repo (the lightest way) and we open a new session
+// inside it. Naming is explicit — no auto-generated `hermes/work-<ts>` trees.
+export function StartWorkButton({ repoPath, onStarted }: { repoPath: string; onStarted: (path: string) => void }) {
+  const { t } = useI18n()
+  const s = t.sidebar
+  const p = s.projects
+  const [open, setOpen] = useState(false)
+  const [name, setName] = useState('')
+  const [pending, setPending] = useState(false)
+  const [convertMode, setConvertMode] = useState(false)
+  const [branches, setBranches] = useState<HermesGitBranch[]>([])
+  const [branchesLoading, setBranchesLoading] = useState(false)
+
+  const loadBranches = useCallback(async () => {
+    if (!repoPath) {
+      return
+    }
+
+    setBranchesLoading(true)
+
+    try {
+      setBranches(await listRepoBranches(repoPath))
+    } catch {
+      setBranches([])
+    } finally {
+      setBranchesLoading(false)
+    }
+  }, [repoPath])
+
+  const submit = async () => {
+    const branch = name.trim()
+
+    if (pending || !repoPath || !branch) {
+      return
+    }
+
+    setPending(true)
+
+    try {
+      // Pass the typed value as both the dir slug source and the branch, so the
+      // branch is exactly what the user named (the dir is slugified git-side).
+      const result = await startWorkInRepo(repoPath, { branch, name: branch })
+
+      if (result) {
+        onStarted(result.path)
+        setOpen(false)
+        setName('')
+      }
+    } catch (err) {
+      notifyError(err, p.startWorkFailed)
+    } finally {
+      setPending(false)
+    }
+  }
+
+  const convert = async (branch: HermesGitBranch) => {
+    if (pending || !repoPath || !branch) {
+      return
+    }
+
+    setPending(true)
+
+    try {
+      let result: null | { branch: string; path: string }
+
+      if (branch.worktreePath) {
+        result = { branch: branch.name, path: branch.worktreePath }
+      } else if (branch.isDefault) {
+        await switchBranchInRepo(repoPath, branch.name)
+        result = { branch: branch.name, path: repoPath }
+      } else {
+        result = await startWorkInRepo(repoPath, { existingBranch: branch.name })
+      }
+
+      if (result) {
+        onStarted(result.path)
+        setOpen(false)
+      }
+    } catch (err) {
+      notifyError(err, p.startWorkFailed)
+    } finally {
+      setPending(false)
+    }
+  }
+
+  const enterConvert = () => {
+    setConvertMode(true)
+    void loadBranches()
+  }
+
+  return (
+    <>
+      <button
+        aria-label={p.startWork}
+        className="grid size-4 shrink-0 place-items-center rounded-sm bg-transparent text-(--ui-text-quaternary) opacity-0 transition-opacity hover:bg-(--ui-control-hover-background) hover:text-foreground group-hover/section:opacity-100 focus-visible:opacity-100"
+        onClick={() => {
+          setConvertMode(false)
+          setName('')
+          setOpen(true)
+        }}
+        type="button"
+      >
+        <Codicon name="git-branch" size="0.75rem" />
+      </button>
+      <Dialog onOpenChange={next => !pending && setOpen(next)} open={open}>
+        <DialogContent className="max-w-md">
+          <DialogHeader>
+            <DialogTitle>{convertMode ? p.convertBranchTitle : p.newWorktreeTitle}</DialogTitle>
+            <DialogDescription>{convertMode ? p.convertBranchDesc : p.newWorktreeDesc}</DialogDescription>
+          </DialogHeader>
+
+          {convertMode ? (
+            <Command
+              className="rounded-md border border-(--ui-stroke-tertiary)"
+              filter={(value, search) => (value.toLowerCase().includes(search.toLowerCase()) ? 1 : 0)}
+            >
+              <CommandInput autoFocus disabled={pending} placeholder={p.convertBranchPlaceholder} />
+              <CommandList className="max-h-64">
+                <CommandEmpty>{branchesLoading ? p.branchesLoading : p.noBranches}</CommandEmpty>
+                <CommandGroup>
+                  {branches.map(branch => (
+                    <CommandItem
+                      disabled={pending}
+                      key={branch.name}
+                      onSelect={() => void convert(branch)}
+                      value={branch.name}
+                    >
+                      <Codicon className="shrink-0 text-(--ui-text-tertiary)" name="git-branch" size="0.8rem" />
+                      <span className="truncate">{branch.name}</span>
+                      <span className="ml-auto shrink-0 text-[0.625rem] text-(--ui-text-tertiary)">
+                        {branchActionLabel(branch, p)}
+                      </span>
+                    </CommandItem>
+                  ))}
+                </CommandGroup>
+              </CommandList>
+            </Command>
+          ) : (
+            <SanitizedInput
+              autoFocus
+              disabled={pending}
+              onKeyDown={event => {
+                if (event.key === 'Enter') {
+                  event.preventDefault()
+                  void submit()
+                } else if (event.key === 'Escape') {
+                  setOpen(false)
+                }
+              }}
+              onValueChange={setName}
+              placeholder={p.branchPlaceholder}
+              sanitize={gitRef}
+              value={name}
+            />
+          )}
+
+          {convertMode ? (
+            <DialogFooter className="sm:justify-start">
+              <Button
+                className="px-0 text-(--ui-text-secondary) hover:text-foreground"
+                disabled={pending}
+                onClick={() => setConvertMode(false)}
+                type="button"
+                variant="link"
+              >
+                {t.common.cancel}
+              </Button>
+            </DialogFooter>
+          ) : (
+            <DialogFooter className="sm:justify-between">
+              <Button
+                className="px-0 text-(--ui-text-secondary) hover:text-foreground"
+                disabled={pending}
+                onClick={enterConvert}
+                type="button"
+                variant="link"
+              >
+                {p.convertBranchInstead}
+              </Button>
+              <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
+                <Button disabled={pending} onClick={() => setOpen(false)} type="button" variant="ghost">
+                  {t.common.cancel}
+                </Button>
+                <Button disabled={pending || !name.trim()} onClick={() => void submit()} type="button">
+                  {p.startWork}
+                </Button>
+              </div>
+            </DialogFooter>
+          )}
+        </DialogContent>
+      </Dialog>
+    </>
+  )
+}
+
+// Collapsible header shared by the repo (emphasis) and worktree levels: a toggle
+// button with a leading glyph, plus an optional trailing action (the +).
+export function WorkspaceHeader({
+  action,
+  count,
+  emphasis = false,
+  icon,
+  label,
+  onToggle,
+  open,
+  title
+}: {
+  action?: React.ReactNode
+  count: React.ReactNode
+  emphasis?: boolean
+  icon: React.ReactNode
+  label: string
+  onToggle: () => void
+  open: boolean
+  /** Hover tooltip — the lane's full on-disk path (worktree / repo root). */
+  title?: string
+}) {
+  return (
+    <div
+      className={cn(
+        'group/workspace flex min-h-6 items-center gap-1 px-2 pt-1 text-[0.6875rem]',
+        emphasis ? 'font-semibold text-(--ui-text-secondary)' : 'font-medium text-(--ui-text-tertiary)'
+      )}
+    >
+      <button
+        className={cn(
+          'flex min-w-0 flex-1 items-center gap-1.5 bg-transparent text-left',
+          emphasis ? 'hover:text-foreground' : 'hover:text-(--ui-text-secondary)'
+        )}
+        onClick={onToggle}
+        type="button"
+      >
+        <SidebarRowLead>{icon}</SidebarRowLead>
+        <LaneLabel label={label} title={title ? `${label}\n${title}` : label} />
+        <span className="shrink-0">
+          <SidebarCount>{count}</SidebarCount>
+        </span>
+        <DisclosureCaret
+          className="shrink-0 text-(--ui-text-tertiary) opacity-0 transition group-hover/workspace:opacity-100"
+          open={open}
+        />
+      </button>
+      {action}
+    </div>
+  )
+}

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/sidebar/session-actions-menu.tsx

@@ -77,6 +77,7 @@ interface SessionActions {
   pinned?: boolean
   profile?: string
   onPin?: () => void
+  onBranch?: () => void
   onArchive?: () => void
   onDelete?: () => void
 }
@@ -92,7 +93,7 @@ interface ItemSpec {
   variant?: 'destructive'
 }
 
-function useSessionActions({ sessionId, title, pinned = false, profile, onPin, onArchive, onDelete }: SessionActions) {
+function useSessionActions({ sessionId, title, pinned = false, profile, onPin, onBranch, onArchive, onDelete }: SessionActions) {
   const { t } = useI18n()
   const r = t.sidebar.row
   const [renameOpen, setRenameOpen] = useState(false)
@@ -130,6 +131,15 @@ function useSessionActions({ sessionId, title, pinned = false, profile, onPin, o
         void exportSession(sessionId, { profile, title })
       }
     },
+    {
+      disabled: !onBranch,
+      icon: 'git-branch',
+      label: r.branchFrom,
+      onSelect: () => {
+        triggerHaptic('selection')
+        onBranch?.()
+      }
+    },
     {
       disabled: !sessionId,
       icon: 'edit',
@@ -175,6 +185,7 @@ function useSessionActions({ sessionId, title, pinned = false, profile, onPin, o
         appearance={Item === DropdownMenuItem ? 'menu-item' : 'context-menu-item'}
         disabled={!sessionId}
         errorMessage={r.copyIdFailed}
+        iconClassName="size-3.5 text-current"
         key={r.copyId}
         label={r.copyId}
         onCopyError={err => notifyError(err, r.copyIdFailed)}

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/sidebar/session-row.tsx

@@ -15,14 +15,18 @@ import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
 import { $attentionSessionIds } from '@/store/session'
 import { canOpenSessionWindow, openSessionInNewWindow } from '@/store/windows'
 
+import { SidebarRowBody, SidebarRowGrab, SidebarRowLabel, SidebarRowLead, SidebarRowShell } from './chrome'
 import { SessionActionsMenu, SessionContextMenu } from './session-actions-menu'
 
 interface SidebarSessionRowProps extends React.ComponentProps<'div'> {
   session: SessionInfo
+  /** TUI-style tree stem for branched sessions (`└─ ` / `├─ `). */
+  branchStem?: string
   isPinned: boolean
   isSelected: boolean
   isWorking: boolean
   onArchive: () => void
+  onBranch?: () => void
   onDelete: () => void
   onPin: () => void
   onResume: () => void
@@ -51,10 +55,12 @@ function formatAge(seconds: number, r: Translations['sidebar']['row']): string {
 
 export function SidebarSessionRow({
   session,
+  branchStem,
   isPinned,
   isSelected,
   isWorking,
   onArchive,
+  onBranch,
   onDelete,
   onPin,
   onResume,
@@ -84,6 +90,7 @@ export function SidebarSessionRow({
   return (
     <SessionContextMenu
       onArchive={onArchive}
+      onBranch={onBranch}
       onDelete={onDelete}
       onPin={onPin}
       pinned={isPinned}
@@ -91,9 +98,38 @@ export function SidebarSessionRow({
       sessionId={session.id}
       title={title}
     >
-      <div
+      <SidebarRowShell
+        actions={
+          <div className="relative z-2 grid w-[1.375rem] place-items-center">
+            {!isWorking && (
+              <span className="pointer-events-none absolute right-6 top-1/2 min-w-6 -translate-y-1/2 text-right text-[0.625rem] leading-none text-(--ui-text-tertiary) opacity-0 transition-opacity group-hover:opacity-100">
+                {age}
+              </span>
+            )}
+            <SessionActionsMenu
+              onArchive={onArchive}
+              onBranch={onBranch}
+              onDelete={onDelete}
+              onPin={onPin}
+              pinned={isPinned}
+              profile={session.profile}
+              sessionId={session.id}
+              title={title}
+            >
+              <Button
+                aria-label={r.actionsFor(title)}
+                className="size-5 rounded-[4px] bg-transparent text-transparent transition-colors duration-100 hover:bg-(--ui-control-active-background) hover:text-foreground focus-visible:bg-(--ui-control-active-background) focus-visible:text-foreground focus-visible:ring-0 data-[state=open]:bg-(--ui-control-active-background) data-[state=open]:text-foreground group-hover:text-(--ui-text-tertiary) [&_svg]:size-3.5!"
+                size="icon"
+                title={r.sessionActions}
+                variant="ghost"
+              >
+                <Codicon name="kebab-vertical" size="0.875rem" />
+              </Button>
+            </SessionActionsMenu>
+          </div>
+        }
         className={cn(
-          'group relative grid min-h-[1.625rem] cursor-pointer grid-cols-[minmax(0,1fr)_1.375rem] items-center rounded-md transition-colors duration-100 ease-out hover:bg-(--ui-row-hover-background) hover:transition-none',
+          'group relative cursor-pointer transition-colors duration-100 ease-out hover:bg-(--ui-row-hover-background) hover:transition-none',
           isSelected && 'bg-(--ui-row-active-background)',
           isWorking && 'text-foreground',
           // Opaque surface while lifted so the dragged row erases what's under
@@ -123,9 +159,7 @@ export function SidebarSessionRow({
         {...rest}
       >
         {isWorking && !needsInput && <span aria-hidden="true" className="arc-border" />}
-        <button
-          className="z-0 flex min-w-0 items-center gap-1.5 bg-transparent py-0.5 pl-2 pr-1 text-left group-hover:pr-12"
-          onClick={event => {
+        <SidebarRowBody className={cn('z-0 group-hover:pr-12', branchStem && 'pl-3.5')} onClick={event => {
             if (event.shiftKey) {
               event.preventDefault()
               event.stopPropagation()
@@ -150,49 +184,25 @@ export function SidebarSessionRow({
 
             onResume()
           }}
-          type="button"
         >
           {reorderable ? (
-            <span
-              {...dragHandleProps}
-              aria-label={handleLabel}
-              className={cn(
-                // Scope the dot↔grabber swap to a local group so the grabber
-                // only reveals when hovering/focusing the handle itself, not
-                // anywhere on the row. Width MUST match the non-reorderable dot
-                // column (w-3.5) so rows don't shift horizontally when reorder is
-                // toggled (e.g. scoped → ALL-profiles view).
-                'group/handle relative -my-0.5 grid w-3.5 shrink-0 cursor-grab touch-none place-items-center self-stretch overflow-hidden active:cursor-grabbing',
-                // The quest-glow box-shadow extends past the dot; let it bleed
-                // out instead of being clipped by this handle's overflow-hidden.
-                needsInput && 'overflow-visible'
-              )}
-              data-reorder-handle
-              onClick={event => event.stopPropagation()}
+            <SidebarRowGrab
+              ariaLabel={handleLabel}
+              dragging={dragging}
+              dragHandleProps={dragHandleProps}
+              leadClassName={needsInput ? 'overflow-visible' : undefined}
             >
-              <SidebarRowDot
+              <SessionRowLeadDot
+                branchStem={branchStem}
                 className="transition-opacity group-hover/handle:opacity-0 group-focus-within/handle:opacity-0"
                 isWorking={isWorking}
                 needsInput={needsInput}
               />
-              <Codicon
-                className={cn(
-                  'absolute text-(--ui-text-quaternary) opacity-0 transition-opacity group-hover/handle:opacity-80 group-focus-within/handle:opacity-80 hover:text-(--ui-text-secondary)',
-                  dragging && 'text-(--ui-text-secondary) opacity-100'
-                )}
-                name="grabber"
-                size="0.75rem"
-              />
-            </span>
+            </SidebarRowGrab>
           ) : (
-            <span
-              className={cn(
-                'grid w-3.5 shrink-0 place-items-center',
-                needsInput ? 'overflow-visible' : 'overflow-hidden'
-              )}
-            >
-              <SidebarRowDot isWorking={isWorking} needsInput={needsInput} />
-            </span>
+            <SidebarRowLead className={needsInput ? 'overflow-visible' : 'overflow-hidden'}>
+              <SessionRowLeadDot branchStem={branchStem} isWorking={isWorking} needsInput={needsInput} />
+            </SidebarRowLead>
           )}
           {handoffSource && handoffLabel ? (
             <Tip label={r.handoffOrigin(handoffLabel)}>
@@ -203,41 +213,38 @@ export function SidebarSessionRow({
               />
             </Tip>
           ) : null}
-          <span className="min-w-0 flex-1 truncate text-[0.8125rem] font-normal text-(--ui-text-secondary) group-hover:text-foreground group-data-[working=true]:text-foreground/90">
+          <SidebarRowLabel className="flex-1 font-normal group-hover:text-foreground group-data-[working=true]:text-foreground/90">
             {title}
-          </span>
-        </button>
-        <div className="relative z-2 grid w-[1.375rem] place-items-center">
-          {!isWorking && (
-            <span className="pointer-events-none absolute right-6 top-1/2 min-w-6 -translate-y-1/2 text-right text-[0.625rem] leading-none text-(--ui-text-tertiary) opacity-0 transition-opacity group-hover:opacity-100">
-              {age}
-            </span>
-          )}
-          <SessionActionsMenu
-            onArchive={onArchive}
-            onDelete={onDelete}
-            onPin={onPin}
-            pinned={isPinned}
-            profile={session.profile}
-            sessionId={session.id}
-            title={title}
-          >
-            <Button
-              aria-label={r.actionsFor(title)}
-              className="size-5 rounded-[4px] bg-transparent text-transparent transition-colors duration-100 hover:bg-(--ui-control-active-background) hover:text-foreground focus-visible:bg-(--ui-control-active-background) focus-visible:text-foreground focus-visible:ring-0 data-[state=open]:bg-(--ui-control-active-background) data-[state=open]:text-foreground group-hover:text-(--ui-text-tertiary) [&_svg]:size-3.5!"
-              size="icon"
-              title={r.sessionActions}
-              variant="ghost"
-            >
-              <Codicon name="ellipsis" size="0.875rem" />
-            </Button>
-          </SessionActionsMenu>
-        </div>
-      </div>
+          </SidebarRowLabel>
+        </SidebarRowBody>
+      </SidebarRowShell>
     </SessionContextMenu>
   )
 }
 
+function SessionRowLeadDot({
+  branchStem,
+  isWorking,
+  needsInput = false,
+  className
+}: {
+  branchStem?: string
+  isWorking: boolean
+  needsInput?: boolean
+  className?: string
+}) {
+  return (
+    <span className={cn('flex items-center gap-0.5', className)}>
+      {branchStem ? (
+        <span aria-hidden className="shrink-0 font-mono text-[0.625rem] leading-none text-(--ui-text-quaternary)">
+          {branchStem}
+        </span>
+      ) : null}
+      <SidebarRowDot isWorking={isWorking} needsInput={needsInput} />
+    </span>
+  )
+}
+
 function SidebarRowDot({
   isWorking,
   needsInput = false,

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/sidebar/virtual-session-list.tsx

@@ -4,30 +4,35 @@ import { useVirtualizer } from '@tanstack/react-virtual'
 import { type FC, useCallback, useRef } from 'react'
 
 import type { SessionInfo } from '@/hermes'
+import { type SidebarSessionEntry } from '@/lib/session-branch-tree'
 import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
 import { sessionPinId } from '@/store/session'
 
 import { SidebarSessionRow } from './session-row'
 
 interface SessionRowCommonProps {
+  branchStem?: string
   isPinned: boolean
   isSelected: boolean
   isWorking: boolean
   onArchive: () => void
+  onBranch?: () => void
   onDelete: () => void
   onPin: () => void
   onResume: () => void
+  reorderable?: boolean
 }
 
 interface VirtualSessionListProps {
   activeSessionId: null | string
   className?: string
+  entries: SidebarSessionEntry[]
   onArchiveSession: (sessionId: string) => void
+  onBranchSession?: (sessionId: string, profile?: string) => void
   onDeleteSession: (sessionId: string) => void
   onResumeSession: (sessionId: string) => void
   onTogglePin: (sessionId: string) => void
   pinned: boolean
-  sessions: SessionInfo[]
   sortable: boolean
   workingSessionIdSet: Set<string>
 }
@@ -38,21 +43,22 @@ const OVERSCAN_ROWS = 12
 export const VirtualSessionList: FC<VirtualSessionListProps> = ({
   activeSessionId,
   className,
+  entries,
   onArchiveSession,
+  onBranchSession,
   onDeleteSession,
   onResumeSession,
   onTogglePin,
   pinned,
-  sessions,
   sortable,
   workingSessionIdSet
 }) => {
   const scrollerRef = useRef<HTMLDivElement | null>(null)
 
   const virtualizer = useVirtualizer({
-    count: sessions.length,
+    count: entries.length,
     estimateSize: () => ROW_ESTIMATE_PX,
-    getItemKey: index => sessions[index]?.id ?? index,
+    getItemKey: index => entries[index]?.session.id ?? index,
     getScrollElement: () => scrollerRef.current,
     // jsdom-friendly default; the real rect takes over on first observe.
     initialRect: { height: 600, width: 240 },
@@ -65,23 +71,29 @@ export const VirtualSessionList: FC<VirtualSessionListProps> = ({
   const paddingBottom = Math.max(0, totalSize - (virtualItems[virtualItems.length - 1]?.end ?? 0))
 
   const rows = virtualItems.map(virtualItem => {
-    const session = sessions[virtualItem.index]
+    const entry = entries[virtualItem.index]
 
-    if (!session) {
+    if (!entry) {
       return null
     }
 
+    const { branchStem, session } = entry
+    const reorderable = sortable && !branchStem
+
     const commonProps: SessionRowCommonProps = {
+      branchStem,
       isPinned: pinned,
       isSelected: session.id === activeSessionId,
       isWorking: workingSessionIdSet.has(session.id),
       onArchive: () => onArchiveSession(session.id),
+      onBranch: onBranchSession ? () => onBranchSession(session.id, session.profile) : undefined,
       onDelete: () => onDeleteSession(session.id),
       onPin: () => onTogglePin(sessionPinId(session)),
-      onResume: () => onResumeSession(session.id)
+      onResume: () => onResumeSession(session.id),
+      reorderable
     }
 
-    return sortable ? (
+    return reorderable ? (
       <VirtualSortableRow
         index={virtualItem.index}
         key={session.id}

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/sidebar/workspace-groups.test.ts

@@ -1,149 +0,0 @@
-import { describe, expect, it } from 'vitest'
-
-import type { HermesWorktreeInfo } from '@/global'
-import type { SessionInfo } from '@/types/hermes'
-
-import { uniqueCwds, workspaceGroupsFor, workspaceTreeFor, type WorktreeResolver } from './workspace-groups'
-
-let nextId = 0
-
-function makeSession(cwd: null | string, overrides: Partial<SessionInfo> = {}): SessionInfo {
-  return {
-    archived: false,
-    cwd,
-    ended_at: null,
-    id: `s${nextId++}`,
-    input_tokens: 0,
-    is_active: false,
-    last_active: 1_000,
-    message_count: 1,
-    model: 'claude',
-    output_tokens: 0,
-    preview: null,
-    source: 'cli',
-    started_at: 1_000,
-    title: null,
-    tool_call_count: 0,
-    ...overrides
-  }
-}
-
-const labels = (sessions: SessionInfo[]) => workspaceGroupsFor(sessions, 'No workspace').map(g => g.label)
-
-describe('workspaceGroupsFor', () => {
-  it('groups by full cwd, not by basename — same-named folders are separate groups', () => {
-    const groups = workspaceGroupsFor(
-      [makeSession('/a/hermes-agent/apps/desktop'), makeSession('/a/hermes-agent-wt-rtl/apps/desktop')],
-      'No workspace'
-    )
-
-    expect(groups).toHaveLength(2)
-  })
-
-  it('disambiguates colliding basenames by walking up the path', () => {
-    expect(
-      labels([makeSession('/a/hermes-agent/apps/desktop'), makeSession('/a/hermes-agent-wt-rtl/apps/desktop')])
-    ).toEqual(['hermes-agent/apps/desktop', 'hermes-agent-wt-rtl/apps/desktop'])
-  })
-
-  it('leaves a unique basename as its short label', () => {
-    expect(labels([makeSession('/a/hermes-agent/apps/desktop'), makeSession('/b/heval-py')])).toEqual([
-      'desktop',
-      'heval-py'
-    ])
-  })
-
-  it('grows the prefix past one segment when the parent also collides', () => {
-    expect(labels([makeSession('/x/proj/apps/desktop'), makeSession('/y/proj/apps/desktop')])).toEqual([
-      'x/proj/apps/desktop',
-      'y/proj/apps/desktop'
-    ])
-  })
-
-  it('keeps the synthetic no-workspace group untouched even if a real group shares its label', () => {
-    const groups = workspaceGroupsFor([makeSession(null), makeSession('/a/No workspace')], 'No workspace')
-    const noWorkspace = groups.find(g => g.path === null)
-
-    expect(noWorkspace?.label).toBe('No workspace')
-  })
-})
-
-const info = (over: Partial<HermesWorktreeInfo> & Pick<HermesWorktreeInfo, 'repoRoot' | 'worktreeRoot'>): HermesWorktreeInfo => ({
-  branch: null,
-  isMainWorktree: false,
-  ...over
-})
-
-describe('workspaceTreeFor', () => {
-  it('heuristic nests `<repo>-wt-<branch>` under its sibling repo', () => {
-    const tree = workspaceTreeFor(
-      [makeSession('/www/hermes-agent'), makeSession('/www/hermes-agent-wt-rtl')],
-      'No workspace'
-    )
-
-    expect(tree).toHaveLength(1)
-    expect(tree[0].label).toBe('hermes-agent')
-    expect(tree[0].groups.map(g => g.label).sort()).toEqual(['hermes-agent', 'rtl'])
-  })
-
-  it('git metadata is authoritative — worktrees group by repoRoot regardless of directory naming', () => {
-    const resolver: WorktreeResolver = cwd => {
-      if (cwd === '/www/hermes-agent') {
-        return info({ repoRoot: '/www/hermes-agent', worktreeRoot: '/www/hermes-agent', isMainWorktree: true, branch: 'main' })
-      }
-
-      if (cwd === '/elsewhere/ha-rtl') {
-        return info({ repoRoot: '/www/hermes-agent', worktreeRoot: '/elsewhere/ha-rtl', branch: 'rtl' })
-      }
-
-      return null
-    }
-
-    const tree = workspaceTreeFor(
-      [makeSession('/www/hermes-agent'), makeSession('/elsewhere/ha-rtl')],
-      'No workspace',
-      resolver
-    )
-
-    expect(tree).toHaveLength(1)
-    expect(tree[0].label).toBe('hermes-agent')
-    // The main checkout labels by directory (its branch is transient — using it
-    // would misattribute old sessions to the currently checked-out branch);
-    // linked worktrees label by branch.
-    expect(tree[0].groups.map(g => g.label)).toEqual(['hermes-agent', 'rtl'])
-  })
-
-  it('a standalone directory is its own parent (always parent → worktree → sessions)', () => {
-    const tree = workspaceTreeFor([makeSession('/www/heval-node')], 'No workspace')
-
-    expect(tree).toHaveLength(1)
-    expect(tree[0].label).toBe('heval-node')
-    expect(tree[0].groups).toHaveLength(1)
-    expect(tree[0].groups[0].label).toBe('heval-node')
-  })
-
-  it('aggregates session counts across a repo’s worktrees', () => {
-    const tree = workspaceTreeFor(
-      [makeSession('/www/ha'), makeSession('/www/ha-wt-x'), makeSession('/www/ha-wt-x')],
-      'No workspace'
-    )
-
-    const parent = tree.find(p => p.label === 'ha')
-
-    expect(parent?.sessionCount).toBe(3)
-  })
-
-  it('no-workspace sessions form their own parent', () => {
-    const tree = workspaceTreeFor([makeSession(null)], 'No workspace')
-
-    expect(tree).toHaveLength(1)
-    expect(tree[0].label).toBe('No workspace')
-    expect(tree[0].path).toBeNull()
-  })
-})
-
-describe('uniqueCwds', () => {
-  it('dedupes and drops empty/whitespace cwds', () => {
-    expect(uniqueCwds([makeSession('/a'), makeSession('/a'), makeSession(null), makeSession('   ')])).toEqual(['/a'])
-  })
-})

apps/desktop/src/app/chat/sidebar/workspace-groups.ts

@@ -1,326 +0,0 @@
-import type { HermesWorktreeInfo } from '@/global'
-import type { SessionInfo } from '@/hermes'
-
-export interface SidebarSessionGroup {
-  id: string
-  label: string
-  path: null | string
-  sessions: SessionInfo[]
-  // Profile color for the ALL-profiles view; absent for workspace groups.
-  color?: null | string
-  loadingMore?: boolean
-  mode?: 'profile' | 'source' | 'workspace'
-  onLoadMore?: () => void
-  sourceId?: string
-  totalCount?: number
-}
-
-const NO_WORKSPACE_ID = '__no_workspace__'
-
-/** Path split into segments, ignoring trailing slashes and mixed separators. */
-const segments = (path: string): string[] => path.replace(/[/\\]+$/, '').split(/[/\\]/).filter(Boolean)
-
-/** Last path segment. */
-export const baseName = (path: string): string | undefined => segments(path).pop()
-
-/** The segments above the basename. */
-const parentSegments = (path: string): string[] => segments(path).slice(0, -1)
-
-interface Labelable {
-  id: string
-  label: string
-  path: null | string
-}
-
-/**
- * Disambiguate groups whose basename collides (worktrees all end in the same
- * `apps/desktop`, sibling repos share a folder name, etc.) by walking up the
- * path and prepending parent segments until each colliding label is unique —
- * e.g. `hermes-agent/desktop` vs `hermes-agent-wt-rtl/desktop`. Groups with a
- * unique basename keep their short label untouched.
- */
-function disambiguateLabels(groups: Labelable[]): void {
-  const byLabel = new Map<string, Labelable[]>()
-
-  for (const group of groups) {
-    const bucket = byLabel.get(group.label)
-
-    if (bucket) {
-      bucket.push(group)
-    } else {
-      byLabel.set(group.label, [group])
-    }
-  }
-
-  for (const bucket of byLabel.values()) {
-    if (bucket.length < 2) {
-      continue
-    }
-
-    // Only groups backed by a real path can grow a prefix; the synthetic
-    // "No workspace" group has no path and stays as-is.
-    const pathed = bucket.filter(group => group.path)
-
-    if (pathed.length < 2) {
-      continue
-    }
-
-    const parents = new Map(pathed.map(group => [group.id, parentSegments(group.path!)]))
-    let depth = 1
-
-    // Grow the prefix one parent segment at a time until every label in the
-    // bucket is distinct, or we run out of parent segments to add.
-    while (depth <= Math.max(...pathed.map(g => parents.get(g.id)!.length))) {
-      const labels = new Map<string, number>()
-
-      for (const group of pathed) {
-        const segs = parents.get(group.id)!
-        const prefix = segs.slice(-depth).join('/')
-        const base = baseName(group.path!) ?? group.path!
-        group.label = prefix ? `${prefix}/${base}` : base
-        labels.set(group.label, (labels.get(group.label) ?? 0) + 1)
-      }
-
-      if ([...labels.values()].every(count => count === 1)) {
-        break
-      }
-
-      depth += 1
-    }
-  }
-}
-
-export function workspaceGroupsFor(
-  sessions: SessionInfo[],
-  noWorkspaceLabel: string,
-  options: { preserveSessionOrder?: boolean } = {}
-): SidebarSessionGroup[] {
-  const groups = new Map<string, SidebarSessionGroup>()
-
-  for (const session of sessions) {
-    const path = session.cwd?.trim() || ''
-    const id = path || NO_WORKSPACE_ID
-    const label = baseName(path) || path || noWorkspaceLabel
-
-    const group = groups.get(id) ?? { id, label, path: path || null, sessions: [] }
-    group.sessions.push(session)
-    groups.set(id, group)
-  }
-
-  if (!options.preserveSessionOrder) {
-    // Groups keep recency order (Map insertion = first-seen in the recency-sorted
-    // input, so an active project floats up), but rows *within* a group sort by
-    // creation time so they don't reshuffle every time a message lands — keeps
-    // muscle memory intact.
-    for (const group of groups.values()) {
-      group.sessions.sort((a, b) => b.started_at - a.started_at)
-    }
-  }
-
-  const result = [...groups.values()]
-  disambiguateLabels(result)
-
-  return result
-}
-
-/**
- * A worktree's main repo and all its linked worktrees collapse into ONE parent
- * (keyed by the repo root); each worktree is a child group; sessions hang off
- * the worktree they ran in. `parent → worktree → sessions`.
- */
-export interface SidebarWorkspaceTree {
-  id: string
-  label: string
-  path: null | string
-  groups: SidebarSessionGroup[]
-  sessionCount: number
-}
-
-/** Resolves a session cwd to git-worktree identity (from the local fs probe). */
-export type WorktreeResolver = (cwd: string) => HermesWorktreeInfo | null | undefined
-
-interface WorkspacePlacement {
-  parentKey: string
-  parentLabel: string
-  parentPath: string
-  worktreeKey: string
-  worktreeLabel: string
-  worktreePath: string
-}
-
-/** Replace a path's final segment, preserving its prefix + separators. */
-const withBaseName = (path: string, name: string): string =>
-  path.replace(/[/\\]+$/, '').replace(/[^/\\]+$/, name)
-
-/**
- * Path-only fallback for when git metadata is unavailable (remote backends,
- * unreadable paths). Mirrors the git layout: a `<repo>-wt-<branch>` directory
- * nests under its sibling `<repo>`; any other directory is its own repo root.
- */
-function placeByHeuristic(path: string): WorkspacePlacement | null {
-  const base = baseName(path)
-
-  if (!base) {
-    return null
-  }
-
-  const worktreeMatch = base.match(/^(.+)-wt-(.+)$/)
-
-  if (worktreeMatch) {
-    const repo = worktreeMatch[1]
-    const repoPath = withBaseName(path, repo)
-
-    return {
-      parentKey: repoPath,
-      parentLabel: repo,
-      parentPath: repoPath,
-      worktreeKey: path,
-      worktreeLabel: worktreeMatch[2],
-      worktreePath: path
-    }
-  }
-
-  return {
-    parentKey: path,
-    parentLabel: base,
-    parentPath: path,
-    worktreeKey: path,
-    worktreeLabel: base,
-    worktreePath: path
-  }
-}
-
-function placeWorkspace(path: string, resolver?: WorktreeResolver): WorkspacePlacement | null {
-  const info = resolver?.(path)
-
-  if (info?.repoRoot && info.worktreeRoot) {
-    const dirLabel = baseName(info.worktreeRoot) || info.worktreeRoot
-
-    return {
-      parentKey: info.repoRoot,
-      parentLabel: baseName(info.repoRoot) ?? info.repoRoot,
-      parentPath: info.repoRoot,
-      worktreeKey: info.worktreeRoot,
-      // The main checkout's branch is transient — it changes as you work, so a
-      // branch label would misattribute every past session to whatever branch
-      // is checked out *now*. Label it by directory. Linked worktrees are
-      // per-branch by construction, so branch is the clearest label there.
-      worktreeLabel: info.isMainWorktree ? dirLabel : info.branch || dirLabel,
-      worktreePath: info.worktreeRoot
-    }
-  }
-
-  return placeByHeuristic(path)
-}
-
-/** Unique, non-empty session cwds — the batch to probe for worktree info. */
-export function uniqueCwds(sessions: SessionInfo[]): string[] {
-  const seen = new Set<string>()
-
-  for (const session of sessions) {
-    const path = session.cwd?.trim()
-
-    if (path) {
-      seen.add(path)
-    }
-  }
-
-  return [...seen]
-}
-
-/**
- * Build the `parent → worktree → sessions` tree. Parents keep recency order
- * (first-seen in the recency-sorted input); worktree groups within a parent do
- * too, while rows inside a worktree sort by creation time (stable muscle memory,
- * matching `workspaceGroupsFor`).
- */
-export function workspaceTreeFor(
-  sessions: SessionInfo[],
-  noWorkspaceLabel: string,
-  resolver?: WorktreeResolver,
-  options: { preserveSessionOrder?: boolean } = {}
-): SidebarWorkspaceTree[] {
-  interface WorktreeEntry {
-    group: SidebarSessionGroup
-    parentKey: string
-    parentLabel: string
-    parentPath: string
-  }
-
-  const worktrees = new Map<string, WorktreeEntry>()
-  const noWorkspace: SessionInfo[] = []
-
-  for (const session of sessions) {
-    const path = session.cwd?.trim() || ''
-
-    if (!path) {
-      noWorkspace.push(session)
-
-      continue
-    }
-
-    const placement = placeWorkspace(path, resolver)
-
-    if (!placement) {
-      noWorkspace.push(session)
-
-      continue
-    }
-
-    let entry = worktrees.get(placement.worktreeKey)
-
-    if (!entry) {
-      entry = {
-        group: { id: placement.worktreeKey, label: placement.worktreeLabel, path: placement.worktreePath, sessions: [] },
-        parentKey: placement.parentKey,
-        parentLabel: placement.parentLabel,
-        parentPath: placement.parentPath
-      }
-      worktrees.set(placement.worktreeKey, entry)
-    }
-
-    entry.group.sessions.push(session)
-  }
-
-  if (!options.preserveSessionOrder) {
-    for (const entry of worktrees.values()) {
-      entry.group.sessions.sort((a, b) => b.started_at - a.started_at)
-    }
-  }
-
-  const parents = new Map<string, SidebarWorkspaceTree>()
-
-  for (const entry of worktrees.values()) {
-    let parent = parents.get(entry.parentKey)
-
-    if (!parent) {
-      parent = { id: entry.parentKey, label: entry.parentLabel, path: entry.parentPath, groups: [], sessionCount: 0 }
-      parents.set(entry.parentKey, parent)
-    }
-
-    parent.groups.push(entry.group)
-    parent.sessionCount += entry.group.sessions.length
-  }
-
-  const result = [...parents.values()]
-
-  if (noWorkspace.length) {
-    result.push({
-      id: NO_WORKSPACE_ID,
-      label: noWorkspaceLabel,
-      path: null,
-      groups: [{ id: NO_WORKSPACE_ID, label: noWorkspaceLabel, path: null, sessions: noWorkspace }],
-      sessionCount: noWorkspace.length
-    })
-  }
-
-  // Parents that collide on basename grow a path prefix; worktree labels that
-  // collide inside a parent do the same.
-  disambiguateLabels(result)
-
-  for (const parent of result) {
-    disambiguateLabels(parent.groups)
-  }
-
-  return result
-}

apps/desktop/src/app/command-center/index.tsx

@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
 import { useStore } from '@nanostores/react'
-import { IconBookmark, IconBookmarkFilled, IconDownload, IconTrash } from '@tabler/icons-react'
 import { type MouseEvent, type ReactNode, useCallback, useEffect, useMemo, useRef, useState } from 'react'
 
 import { PageLoader } from '@/components/page-loader'
@@ -17,7 +16,7 @@ import {
 import type { ActionStatusResponse, AnalyticsResponse, StatusResponse } from '@/hermes'
 import { useI18n } from '@/i18n'
 import { sessionTitle } from '@/lib/chat-runtime'
-import { Activity, AlertCircle, BarChart3, Pin } from '@/lib/icons'
+import { Activity, AlertCircle, BarChart3, Bookmark, BookmarkFilled, Download, Pin, Trash2 } from '@/lib/icons'
 import { exportSession } from '@/lib/session-export'
 import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
 import { upsertDesktopActionTask } from '@/store/activity'
@@ -338,23 +337,23 @@ export function CommandCenterView({ initialSection, onClose, onDeleteSession, on
                             title={pinned ? cc.unpinSession : cc.pinSession}
                           >
                             {pinned ? (
-                              <IconBookmarkFilled className="size-3.5" />
+                              <BookmarkFilled className="size-3.5" />
                             ) : (
-                              <IconBookmark className="size-3.5" />
+                              <Bookmark className="size-3.5" />
                             )}
                           </RowIconButton>
                           <RowIconButton
                             onClick={() => void exportSession(session.id, { session, title: sessionTitle(session) })}
                             title={cc.exportSession}
                           >
-                            <IconDownload className="size-3.5" />
+                            <Download className="size-3.5" />
                           </RowIconButton>
                           <RowIconButton
                             className="hover:text-destructive"
                             onClick={() => void onDeleteSession(session.id)}
                             title={cc.deleteSession}
                           >
-                            <IconTrash className="size-3.5" />
+                            <Trash2 className="size-3.5" />
                           </RowIconButton>
                         </div>
                       </li>
@@ -455,20 +454,6 @@ function formatTokens(value: null | number | undefined): string {
   return num.toLocaleString()
 }
 
-function formatCost(value: null | number | undefined): string {
-  const num = Number(value || 0)
-
-  if (num === 0) {
-    return '$0.00'
-  }
-
-  if (num < 0.01) {
-    return '<$0.01'
-  }
-
-  return `$${num.toFixed(2)}`
-}
-
 function formatInteger(value: null | number | undefined): string {
   return Number(value ?? 0).toLocaleString()
 }
@@ -525,18 +510,13 @@ function UsagePanel({ error, loading, onRefresh, period, usage }: UsagePanelProp
         </span>
       )}
 
-      <div className="grid grid-cols-2 gap-x-4 gap-y-4 border-b border-(--ui-stroke-tertiary) pb-5 sm:grid-cols-4">
+      <div className="grid grid-cols-2 gap-x-4 gap-y-4 border-b border-(--ui-stroke-tertiary) pb-5 sm:grid-cols-3">
         <UsageStat label={cc.statSessions} value={formatInteger(totals.total_sessions)} />
         <UsageStat label={cc.statApiCalls} value={formatInteger(totals.total_api_calls)} />
         <UsageStat
           label={cc.statTokens}
           value={`${formatTokens(totals.total_input)} / ${formatTokens(totals.total_output)}`}
         />
-        <UsageStat
-          hint={totals.total_actual_cost > 0 ? cc.actualCost(formatCost(totals.total_actual_cost)) : undefined}
-          label={cc.statCost}
-          value={formatCost(totals.total_estimated_cost)}
-        />
       </div>
 
       <section>
@@ -596,7 +576,7 @@ function UsagePanel({ error, loading, onRefresh, period, usage }: UsagePanelProp
           rows={byModel.slice(0, 6).map(entry => ({
             key: entry.model,
             label: entry.model,
-            value: `${formatTokens((entry.input_tokens || 0) + (entry.output_tokens || 0))} · ${formatCost(entry.estimated_cost)}`
+            value: `${formatTokens((entry.input_tokens || 0) + (entry.output_tokens || 0))}`
           }))}
           title={cc.topModels}
         />

apps/desktop/src/app/command-palette/index.tsx

@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ import {
   Cpu,
   Download,
   Egg,
+  GitBranch,
   Globe,
   type IconComponent,
   Info,
@@ -42,9 +43,11 @@ import {
   Zap
 } from '@/lib/icons'
 import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
+import { $repoWorktrees } from '@/store/coding-status'
 import { $commandPaletteOpen, $commandPalettePage, closeCommandPalette, setCommandPaletteOpen } from '@/store/command-palette'
 import { $bindings } from '@/store/keybinds'
 import { openPetGenerate } from '@/store/pet-generate'
+import { requestStartWorkSession } from '@/store/projects'
 import { runGatewayRestart } from '@/store/system-actions'
 import { luminance } from '@/themes/color'
 import { type ThemeMode, useTheme } from '@/themes/context'
@@ -213,6 +216,7 @@ export function CommandPalette() {
   const open = useStore($commandPaletteOpen)
   const pendingPage = useStore($commandPalettePage)
   const bindings = useStore($bindings)
+  const worktrees = useStore($repoWorktrees)
   const navigate = useNavigate()
   const { availableThemes, resolvedMode, setMode, setTheme, themeName } = useTheme()
   const [search, setSearch] = useState('')
@@ -291,6 +295,30 @@ export function CommandPalette() {
     const settingsTab = (tab: string) => `${SETTINGS_ROUTE}?tab=${tab}`
     const cc = t.commandCenter
 
+    // The active repo's worktrees → "new conversation in <branch>". This is the
+    // ⌘K-typed "I want to work on <branch>" reflex: each entry seeds a fresh
+    // session anchored to that worktree's checkout (requestStartWorkSession),
+    // so git is the source of truth and edits land in the right tree.
+    const branchGroup: PaletteGroup[] =
+      worktrees.length > 0
+        ? [
+            {
+              heading: cc.branches,
+              items: worktrees.map(wt => {
+                const name = wt.branch?.trim() || wt.path.split('/').pop() || wt.path
+
+                return {
+                  icon: GitBranch,
+                  id: `worktree-${wt.path}`,
+                  keywords: ['branch', 'worktree', 'switch', name, wt.path],
+                  label: cc.startInBranch(name),
+                  run: () => requestStartWorkSession(wt.path)
+                }
+              })
+            }
+          ]
+        : []
+
     return [
       {
         heading: cc.goTo,
@@ -352,6 +380,7 @@ export function CommandPalette() {
           { action: 'nav.agents', icon: Cpu, id: 'nav-agents', label: t.agents.title, run: go(AGENTS_ROUTE) }
         ]
       },
+      ...branchGroup,
       {
         heading: cc.commandCenter,
         items: [
@@ -441,7 +470,7 @@ export function CommandPalette() {
         ]
       }
     ]
-  }, [go, settingsSectionLabel, t])
+  }, [go, settingsSectionLabel, t, worktrees])
 
   // The long, granular lists (settings fields, API keys, MCP servers, archived
   // chats) only surface once the user types — otherwise they'd bury the

apps/desktop/src/app/desktop-controller.tsx

@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ import {
   FILE_BROWSER_MIN_WIDTH,
   pinSession,
   PREVIEW_PANE_ID,
+  restoreWorktree,
   setSidebarOverlayMounted,
   SIDEBAR_DEFAULT_WIDTH,
   SIDEBAR_MAX_WIDTH,
@@ -52,6 +53,8 @@ import {
   normalizeProfileKey,
   refreshActiveProfile
 } from '../store/profile'
+import { $startWorkSessionRequest, followActiveSessionCwd, resolveNewSessionCwd } from '../store/projects'
+import { $reviewOpen, REVIEW_PANE_ID } from '../store/review'
 import {
   $activeSessionId,
   $attentionSessionIds,
@@ -60,13 +63,14 @@ import {
   $gatewayState,
   $messages,
   $messagingSessions,
-  $resumeFailedSessionId,
   $resumeExhaustedSessionId,
+  $resumeFailedSessionId,
   $selectedStoredSessionId,
   $sessions,
   $workingSessionIds,
   CRON_SECTION_LIMIT,
   getRecentlySettledSessionIds,
+  getRememberedSessionId,
   mergeSessionPage,
   MESSAGING_SECTION_LIMIT,
   sessionPinId,
@@ -81,6 +85,7 @@ import {
   setMessagingPlatformTotals,
   setMessagingSessions,
   setMessagingTruncated,
+  setRememberedSessionId,
   setSessionProfileTotals,
   setSessions,
   setSessionsLoading,
@@ -110,6 +115,8 @@ import { ModelPickerOverlay } from './model-picker-overlay'
 import { ModelVisibilityOverlay } from './model-visibility-overlay'
 import { PetGenerateOverlay } from './pet-generate/pet-generate-overlay'
 import { RightSidebarPane } from './right-sidebar'
+import { FileActionDialogs } from './right-sidebar/file-actions'
+import { ReviewPane } from './right-sidebar/review'
 import { $terminalTakeover } from './right-sidebar/store'
 import { PersistentTerminal, TerminalSlot } from './right-sidebar/terminal/persistent'
 import { CRON_ROUTE, NEW_CHAT_ROUTE, routeSessionId, sessionRoute, SETTINGS_ROUTE } from './routes'
@@ -215,6 +222,7 @@ export function DesktopController() {
   const previewTarget = useStore($previewTarget)
   const selectedStoredSessionId = useStore($selectedStoredSessionId)
   const terminalTakeover = useStore($terminalTakeover)
+  const reviewOpen = useStore($reviewOpen)
   const panesFlipped = useStore($panesFlipped)
   const profileScope = useStore($profileScope)
   // Below SIDEBAR_COLLAPSE_BREAKPOINT_PX there's no room for a docked rail —
@@ -283,6 +291,36 @@ export function DesktopController() {
     }
   }, [])
 
+  // Remember the open chat so a relaunch reopens it instead of an empty new-chat.
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (routedSessionId) {
+      setRememberedSessionId(routedSessionId)
+    }
+  }, [routedSessionId])
+
+  // Restore that chat once, on cold start only (we're at the new-chat route and
+  // haven't navigated yet). A dead/deleted id self-clears via the exhausted latch
+  // below, so we never boot-loop into an error screen.
+  const restoredLastSessionRef = useRef(false)
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (restoredLastSessionRef.current) {
+      return
+    }
+
+    restoredLastSessionRef.current = true
+    const last = getRememberedSessionId()
+
+    if (last && location.pathname === NEW_CHAT_ROUTE) {
+      navigate(sessionRoute(last), { replace: true })
+    }
+  }, [location.pathname, navigate])
+
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (resumeExhaustedSessionId && getRememberedSessionId() === resumeExhaustedSessionId) {
+      setRememberedSessionId(null)
+    }
+  }, [resumeExhaustedSessionId])
+
   // Notification click: the main process already focused the window; jump to its
   // session. Notifications are tagged with the gateway *runtime* session id, but
   // the chat route is keyed by the *stored* id — navigating with the runtime id
@@ -476,9 +514,9 @@ export function DesktopController() {
     void refreshMessagingSessions()
   }, [profileScope, refreshCronSessions, refreshCronJobs, refreshMessagingSessions])
 
-  const loadMoreSessions = useCallback(() => {
+  const loadMoreSessions = useCallback(async () => {
     bumpSessionsLimit()
-    void refreshSessions()
+    await refreshSessions()
   }, [refreshSessions])
 
   // Another window mutated the shared session list (e.g. a chat started in the
@@ -551,7 +589,7 @@ export function DesktopController() {
     [activeSessionIdRef, updateSessionState]
   )
 
-  const { changeSessionCwd, refreshProjectBranch } = useCwdActions({
+  const { refreshProjectBranch } = useCwdActions({
     activeSessionId,
     activeSessionIdRef,
     onSessionRuntimeInfo: updateActiveSessionRuntimeInfo,
@@ -667,6 +705,7 @@ export function DesktopController() {
   const {
     archiveSession,
     branchCurrentSession,
+    branchStoredSession,
     createBackendSessionForSend,
     openSettings,
     removeSession,
@@ -799,7 +838,10 @@ export function DesktopController() {
     (path: null | string) => {
       startFreshSessionDraft()
 
-      const target = path?.trim()
+      // A worktree lane carries its own path; the trunk "+" can be path-less (the
+      // main checkout is implicit), so fall back to the active project's root
+      // instead of no-op'ing on null — that was "+ on main does nothing".
+      const target = path?.trim() || resolveNewSessionCwd()
 
       if (!target) {
         return
@@ -810,14 +852,50 @@ export function DesktopController() {
       setCurrentCwd(target)
       void requestGateway<{ branch?: string; cwd?: string }>('config.get', { key: 'project', cwd: target })
         .then(info => {
-          setCurrentCwd(info.cwd || target)
+          const resolved = info.cwd || target
+
+          setCurrentCwd(resolved)
           setCurrentBranch(info.branch || '')
+
+          // An EXPLICIT target (a worktree/lane path — e.g. just-created via
+          // "convert a branch" / "new worktree") drills the sidebar into that
+          // project so the new lane is visible at once. Without this, a brand-new
+          // worktree session is invisible from the all-projects overview (the
+          // live overlay skips `.worktrees` rows, and the session.info cwd-follow
+          // only fires on a same-session move, not a fresh session). The
+          // path-less trunk "+" keeps the current scope untouched.
+          if (path?.trim()) {
+            restoreWorktree(resolved)
+            void followActiveSessionCwd(resolved)
+          }
         })
         .catch(() => undefined)
     },
     [requestGateway, startFreshSessionDraft]
   )
 
+  // Composer "branch off into a new worktree": the composer already created the
+  // worktree and cleared its draft; open a fresh session anchored to that tree,
+  // then prefill the task that kicked it off. startSessionInWorkspace owns the
+  // reset+cwd seed (it runs startFreshSessionDraft, which would otherwise stomp
+  // the cwd back to the default), so the prefill is dispatched right after — its
+  // deferred event lands once the fresh composer has remounted and rebound.
+  const startWorkSessionRequest = useStore($startWorkSessionRequest)
+  const lastStartWorkTokenRef = useRef(startWorkSessionRequest?.token ?? 0)
+
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (!startWorkSessionRequest || startWorkSessionRequest.token === lastStartWorkTokenRef.current) {
+      return
+    }
+
+    lastStartWorkTokenRef.current = startWorkSessionRequest.token
+    startSessionInWorkspace(startWorkSessionRequest.path)
+
+    if (startWorkSessionRequest.draft) {
+      requestComposerInsert(startWorkSessionRequest.draft, { target: 'main' })
+    }
+  }, [startSessionInWorkspace, startWorkSessionRequest])
+
   const handleSkinCommand = useSkinCommand()
 
   const {
@@ -981,6 +1059,7 @@ export function DesktopController() {
     <ChatSidebar
       currentView={currentView}
       onArchiveSession={sessionId => void archiveSession(sessionId)}
+      onBranchSession={sessionId => void branchStoredSession(sessionId)}
       onDeleteSession={sessionId => void removeSession(sessionId)}
       onLoadMoreMessaging={loadMoreMessagingForPlatform}
       onLoadMoreProfileSessions={loadMoreSessionsForProfile}
@@ -1031,6 +1110,7 @@ export function DesktopController() {
       <CommandPalette />
       <PetGenerateOverlay />
       <SessionSwitcher />
+      <FileActionDialogs />
 
       {settingsOpen && (
         <Suspense fallback={null}>
@@ -1158,14 +1238,43 @@ export function DesktopController() {
       side={railSide}
       width={FILE_BROWSER_DEFAULT_WIDTH}
     >
+      {/* Key on the project (cwd) so switching projects unmounts the old tree and
+          mounts a fresh one straight into its skeleton — no stale-then-blip. */}
       <RightSidebarPane
+        key={currentCwd || 'no-cwd'}
         onActivateFile={path => composer.insertContextPathInlineRef(path)}
         onActivateFolder={path => composer.insertContextPathInlineRef(path, true)}
-        onChangeCwd={changeSessionCwd}
       />
     </Pane>
   )
 
+  const reviewPane = (
+    <Pane
+      defaultOpen
+      // The diff pane only makes sense in a workspace, so force it shut when the
+      // session is detached — "No diffs" then only ever shows inside a project,
+      // never as a second empty panel next to the file browser.
+      // Docked (wide): `reviewOpen` gates it. Narrow: drop `reviewOpen` from the
+      // gate so the pane stays mounted as a collapsed overlay — `toggleReview`
+      // then slides it in/out via the forced-reveal pin, exactly like ⌘B for the
+      // sidebar. Still requires a repo (no diffs to show otherwise).
+      disabled={!chatOpen || !currentCwd.trim() || (!narrowViewport && !reviewOpen)}
+      forceCollapsed={narrowViewport}
+      hoverReveal
+      id={REVIEW_PANE_ID}
+      key="review"
+      maxWidth={FILE_BROWSER_MAX_WIDTH}
+      minWidth={FILE_BROWSER_MIN_WIDTH}
+      // Mobile overlay sits at its min width — compact, doesn't bury the chat.
+      overlayWidth={FILE_BROWSER_MIN_WIDTH}
+      resizable
+      side={railSide}
+      width={FILE_BROWSER_DEFAULT_WIDTH}
+    >
+      <ReviewPane key={currentCwd || 'no-cwd'} />
+    </Pane>
+  )
+
   const terminalPane = (
     <Pane
       defaultOpen
@@ -1258,6 +1367,7 @@ export function DesktopController() {
       */}
       {panesFlipped ? fileBrowserPane : terminalPane}
       {previewPane}
+      {reviewPane}
       {panesFlipped ? terminalPane : fileBrowserPane}
     </AppShell>
   )

apps/desktop/src/app/hooks/use-keybinds.ts

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ import { PANE_TOGGLE_REVEAL_EVENT } from '@/components/pane-shell'
 import { matchesQuery } from '@/hooks/use-media-query'
 import { PROFILE_SLOT_COUNT, SESSION_SLOT_COUNT } from '@/lib/keybinds/actions'
 import { comboAllowedInInput, comboFromEvent, isEditableTarget } from '@/lib/keybinds/combo'
+import { $repoStatus } from '@/store/coding-status'
 import { toggleCommandPalette } from '@/store/command-palette'
 import { $capture, $comboIndex, endCapture, setBinding, toggleKeybindPanel } from '@/store/keybinds'
 import {
@@ -25,6 +26,8 @@ import {
   switchToDefaultProfile,
   toggleShowAllProfiles
 } from '@/store/profile'
+import { requestNewWorktree } from '@/store/projects'
+import { toggleReview } from '@/store/review'
 import { setModelPickerOpen } from '@/store/session'
 import {
   $switcherOpen,
@@ -140,6 +143,9 @@ export function useKeybinds(deps: KeybindRuntimeDeps): void {
     ...sessionSlotHandlers,
     'session.focusSearch': requestSessionSearchFocus,
     'session.togglePin': deps.toggleSelectedPin,
+    // Only meaningful inside a git repo — a no-op otherwise (the key falls
+    // through instead of silently doing nothing).
+    'workspace.newWorktree': () => $repoStatus.get() && requestNewWorktree(),
 
     'view.toggleSidebar': () => {
       if (matchesQuery(SIDEBAR_COLLAPSE_MEDIA_QUERY)) {
@@ -155,6 +161,7 @@ export function useKeybinds(deps: KeybindRuntimeDeps): void {
         toggleFileBrowserOpen()
       }
     },
+    'view.toggleReview': toggleReview,
     'view.showFiles': showFiles,
     'view.showTerminal': () => setTerminalTakeover(!$terminalTakeover.get()),
     'view.flipPanes': togglePanesFlipped,

apps/desktop/src/app/pet-generate/components/draft-grid.tsx

@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 import { PixelEggSprite } from '@/components/pet/pixel-egg-sprite'
 import { Button } from '@/components/ui/button'
+import { Codicon } from '@/components/ui/codicon'
+import { Tip } from '@/components/ui/tooltip'
 import { useI18n } from '@/i18n'
 import { PawPrint } from '@/lib/icons'
 import { selectableCardClass } from '@/lib/selectable-card'
@@ -13,11 +15,21 @@ interface DraftGridProps {
   hasDrafts: boolean
   onCancel: () => void
   onHatch: () => void
+  onRemix: (draft: { index: number; dataUri: string }) => void
   onSelect: (index: number) => void
   selected: number | null
 }
 
-export function DraftGrid({ drafts, generating, hasDrafts, onCancel, onHatch, onSelect, selected }: DraftGridProps) {
+export function DraftGrid({
+  drafts,
+  generating,
+  hasDrafts,
+  onCancel,
+  onHatch,
+  onRemix,
+  onSelect,
+  selected
+}: DraftGridProps) {
   const { t } = useI18n()
   const copy = t.commandCenter.generatePet
 
@@ -43,32 +55,56 @@ export function DraftGrid({ drafts, generating, hasDrafts, onCancel, onHatch, on
           const isSelected = draft != null && selected === draft.index
 
           return (
-            <button
-              className={cn(
-                'relative flex aspect-[192/208] items-center justify-center overflow-hidden',
-                selectableCardClass({ active: isSelected, prominent: true })
+            <div className="group relative aspect-[192/208]" key={draft ? `draft-${draft.index}` : `slot-${i}`}>
+              <button
+                className={cn(
+                  'absolute inset-0 flex items-center justify-center overflow-hidden',
+                  selectableCardClass({ active: isSelected, prominent: true })
+                )}
+                disabled={draft == null}
+                onClick={() => draft != null && onSelect(draft.index)}
+                type="button"
+              >
+                {draft != null ? (
+                  // Hatches into place as each draft streams back.
+                  <img
+                    alt=""
+                    className="pet-reveal size-full object-contain p-1.5"
+                    draggable={false}
+                    src={draft.dataUri}
+                  />
+                ) : (
+                  // Incubating: a creme egg bouncing on its contact shadow.
+                  <div className="relative z-10 flex flex-col items-center">
+                    <PixelEggSprite index={i} mode="bounce" size={48} />
+                    <span className="pet-egg-shadow pet-egg-shadow--sm" style={{ marginTop: '-0.3rem' }} />
+                  </div>
+                )}
+              </button>
+
+              {/* Remix: branch a new round off this look. Revealed on hover/focus. */}
+              {draft != null && !generating && (
+                <Tip label={copy.remix}>
+                  <Button
+                    aria-label={copy.remix}
+                    className={cn(
+                      'absolute right-1 top-1 z-20',
+                      'text-(--ui-text-tertiary) opacity-10 transition',
+                      'hover:bg-transparent hover:text-foreground focus-visible:opacity-100 group-hover:opacity-100'
+                    )}
+                    onClick={event => {
+                      event.stopPropagation()
+                      onRemix(draft)
+                    }}
+                    size="icon-xs"
+                    type="button"
+                    variant="ghost"
+                  >
+                    <Codicon name="git-branch" size={12} />
+                  </Button>
+                </Tip>
               )}
-              disabled={draft == null}
-              key={draft ? `draft-${draft.index}` : `slot-${i}`}
-              onClick={() => draft != null && onSelect(draft.index)}
-              type="button"
-            >
-              {draft != null ? (
-                // Hatches into place as each draft streams back.
-                <img
-                  alt=""
-                  className="pet-reveal size-full object-contain p-1.5"
-                  draggable={false}
-                  src={draft.dataUri}
-                />
-              ) : (
-                // Incubating: a creme egg bouncing on its contact shadow.
-                <div className="relative z-10 flex flex-col items-center">
-                  <PixelEggSprite index={i} mode="bounce" size={48} />
-                  <span className="pet-egg-shadow pet-egg-shadow--sm" style={{ marginTop: '-0.3rem' }} />
-                </div>
-              )}
-            </button>
+            </div>
           )
         })}
       </div>

apps/desktop/src/app/pet-generate/components/provider-picker.tsx

@@ -5,8 +5,9 @@ import { Check, ChevronDown } from '@/lib/icons'
 import { $petGenProvider, $petGenProviders, setPetGenProvider } from '@/store/pet-generate'
 
 // Image-backend picker for pet generation — the composer's model-pill pattern:
-// a quiet trigger + a dropdown of options, each with a one-line speed/quality
-// note. Hidden unless there are 2+ reference-capable backends (nothing to pick).
+// a quiet trigger + a dropdown of options. No per-option notes: every backend
+// resolves to the same faithful OpenAI image model, so there's no tradeoff to
+// describe. Hidden unless there are 2+ reference-capable backends (nothing to pick).
 export function ProviderPicker() {
   const providers = useStore($petGenProviders)
   const picked = useStore($petGenProvider)
@@ -32,19 +33,16 @@ export function ProviderPicker() {
       </DropdownMenuTrigger>
       {/* The picker lives inside the pet-gen Dialog (z-130) and portals to body,
           so lift its menu above the dialog or it opens behind it. */}
-      <DropdownMenuContent align="start" className="z-[140] w-56">
+      <DropdownMenuContent align="start" className="z-[140]">
         {providers.map(provider => (
           <DropdownMenuItem
-            className="flex-col items-start gap-0.5"
+            className="flex items-center gap-1.5"
             key={provider.name}
             // Picking the default clears the override (no need to pin it).
             onSelect={() => setPetGenProvider(provider.default ? '' : provider.name)}
           >
-            <span className="flex w-full items-center gap-1.5">
-              <span className="min-w-0 flex-1 truncate font-medium text-foreground">{provider.label}</span>
-              {provider.name === current?.name && <Check className="size-3.5 text-primary" />}
-            </span>
-            {provider.note && <span className="text-[0.6875rem] text-(--ui-text-tertiary)">{provider.note}</span>}
+            <span className="min-w-0 flex-1 truncate font-medium text-foreground">{provider.label}</span>
+            {provider.name === current?.name && <Check className="size-3.5 text-primary" />}
           </DropdownMenuItem>
         ))}
       </DropdownMenuContent>

apps/desktop/src/app/pet-generate/pet-generate-content.tsx

@@ -1,10 +1,11 @@
 import { useStore } from '@nanostores/react'
-import { useEffect, useRef } from 'react'
+import { useEffect, useRef, useState } from 'react'
 import { useNavigate } from 'react-router-dom'
 
 import { useGatewayRequest } from '@/app/gateway/hooks/use-gateway-request'
 import { SETTINGS_ROUTE } from '@/app/routes'
 import { Alert, AlertDescription } from '@/components/ui/alert'
+import { ConfirmDialog } from '@/components/ui/confirm-dialog'
 import { DialogHeader, DialogTitle } from '@/components/ui/dialog'
 import { GenerateButton } from '@/components/ui/generate-button'
 import { Input } from '@/components/ui/input'
@@ -20,6 +21,7 @@ import {
   $petGenPreview,
   $petGenRefImage,
   $petGenRefName,
+  $petGenRemixConfirmed,
   $petGenSelected,
   $petGenStage,
   $petGenStatus,
@@ -31,7 +33,8 @@ import {
   discardDrafts,
   discardHatched,
   generateDrafts,
-  hatchSelected
+  hatchSelected,
+  markRemixConfirmed
 } from '@/store/pet-generate'
 
 import { DraftGrid } from './components/draft-grid'
@@ -68,6 +71,9 @@ export function PetGenerateContent() {
   const refName = useStore($petGenRefName)
   const fileRef = useRef<HTMLInputElement>(null)
 
+  // The draft awaiting the one-time "remix regenerates" confirmation.
+  const [remixPending, setRemixPending] = useState<{ dataUri: string } | null>(null)
+
   // Probe backend availability on open — and again whenever the content
   // remounts (e.g. after returning from the providers settings), so adding a
   // key flips the setup card to the prompt with no manual refresh.
@@ -139,6 +145,27 @@ export function PetGenerateContent() {
     void generateDrafts(requestGateway, { prompt: example })
   }
 
+  // A remix re-runs generation grounded on an existing draft — same prompt, stay
+  // on step 2 — so the user explores variations without starting over.
+  const runRemix = (draft: { dataUri: string }) => {
+    void generateDrafts(requestGateway, { prompt: prompt.trim(), referenceImage: draft.dataUri })
+  }
+
+  // Slow, and it replaces the current drafts — so confirm once, then remember it.
+  const remixDraft = (draft: { dataUri: string }) => {
+    if (busy) {
+      return
+    }
+
+    if ($petGenRemixConfirmed.get()) {
+      runRemix(draft)
+
+      return
+    }
+
+    setRemixPending(draft)
+  }
+
   // Hatch the selected draft. The user can pick one before the rest stream in —
   // if so, abort the remaining generations first (keeping the drafts we have).
   // The prompt is grounding text, not a label; the user names it on reveal.
@@ -283,11 +310,27 @@ export function PetGenerateContent() {
             hasDrafts={hasDrafts}
             onCancel={discardDrafts}
             onHatch={hatch}
+            onRemix={remixDraft}
             onSelect={index => $petGenSelected.set(index)}
             selected={selected}
           />
         )}
       </div>
+
+      <ConfirmDialog
+        confirmLabel={copy.remix}
+        description={copy.remixConfirmBody}
+        onClose={() => setRemixPending(null)}
+        onConfirm={() => {
+          markRemixConfirmed()
+
+          if (remixPending) {
+            runRemix(remixPending)
+          }
+        }}
+        open={remixPending !== null}
+        title={copy.remixConfirmTitle}
+      />
     </>
   )
 }

apps/desktop/src/app/pet-generate/pet-generate-overlay.tsx

@@ -62,10 +62,11 @@ export function PetGenerateOverlay() {
 
   // The footer banner narrates the dialog's async state: the failure reason on a
   // dead-end error, else the "you can close this, we'll notify you" reassurance
-  // while a generate/hatch runs in the background.
+  // while a generate/hatch runs in the background. On step 1, show a neutral ETA.
   const working = status === 'generating' || status === 'hatching'
   const errored = status === 'error' && drafts.length === 0
-  const banner = errored ? error || copy.genericError : working ? copy.backgroundHint : undefined
+  const stepOne = status === 'idle' || status === 'ready'
+  const banner = errored ? error || copy.genericError : working ? copy.backgroundHint : stepOne ? copy.slowProviderHint : undefined
 
   return (
     <Dialog onOpenChange={handleOpenChange} open={open}>

apps/desktop/src/app/profiles/index.tsx

@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ import {
   DialogHeader,
   DialogTitle
 } from '@/components/ui/dialog'
-import { Input } from '@/components/ui/input'
+import { SanitizedInput } from '@/components/ui/sanitized-input'
 import { Select, SelectContent, SelectItem, SelectTrigger, SelectValue } from '@/components/ui/select'
 import { Textarea } from '@/components/ui/textarea'
 import {
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ import {
 } from '@/hermes'
 import { useI18n } from '@/i18n'
 import { AlertTriangle, Pencil, Save, Terminal, Trash2, Users } from '@/lib/icons'
+import { slug } from '@/lib/sanitize'
 import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
 import { notify, notifyError } from '@/store/notifications'
 
@@ -519,12 +520,13 @@ function CreateProfileDialog({
             <label className="text-xs font-medium" htmlFor="new-profile-name">
               {p.nameLabel}
             </label>
-            <Input
+            <SanitizedInput
               aria-invalid={invalid}
               autoFocus
               id="new-profile-name"
-              onChange={event => setName(event.target.value)}
+              onValueChange={setName}
               placeholder="my-profile"
+              sanitize={slug}
               value={name}
             />
             <p className={cn('text-[0.66rem] leading-4', invalid ? 'text-destructive' : 'text-muted-foreground')}>
@@ -648,11 +650,12 @@ function RenameProfileDialog({
             <label className="text-xs font-medium" htmlFor="rename-profile-name">
               {p.newNameLabel}
             </label>
-            <Input
+            <SanitizedInput
               aria-invalid={invalid}
               autoFocus
               id="rename-profile-name"
-              onChange={event => setName(event.target.value)}
+              onValueChange={setName}
+              sanitize={slug}
               value={name}
             />
             <p className={cn('text-[0.66rem] leading-4', invalid ? 'text-destructive' : 'text-muted-foreground')}>

apps/desktop/src/app/right-sidebar/file-actions.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,202 @@
+import { useStore } from '@nanostores/react'
+import { type KeyboardEvent as ReactKeyboardEvent, type ReactNode, useRef, useState } from 'react'
+
+import { ConfirmDialog } from '@/components/ui/confirm-dialog'
+import {
+  ContextMenu,
+  ContextMenuContent,
+  ContextMenuItem,
+  ContextMenuSeparator,
+  ContextMenuTrigger
+} from '@/components/ui/context-menu'
+import { translateNow, useI18n } from '@/i18n'
+import { isDesktopFsRemoteMode } from '@/lib/desktop-fs'
+import { IS_MAC } from '@/lib/keybinds/combo'
+import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
+import {
+  $fileActionDialog,
+  beginInlineRename,
+  cancelInlineRename,
+  closeFileActionDialog,
+  copyFilePath,
+  executeFileDelete,
+  executeFileRename,
+  type FileActionTarget,
+  requestFileDelete,
+  revealFile,
+  toRelativePath
+} from '@/store/file-actions'
+import { notifyError } from '@/store/notifications'
+
+const IS_WIN = typeof navigator !== 'undefined' && /win/i.test(navigator.platform || navigator.userAgent || '')
+
+// F2 starts a rename anywhere; Enter starts one when a row is focused (VS Code).
+export function isRenameShortcut(event: KeyboardEvent | ReactKeyboardEvent): boolean {
+  return event.key === 'F2' || event.key === 'Enter'
+}
+
+/** The platform-appropriate "reveal in file manager" label (Finder / Explorer
+ *  / containing folder). Shared so every file menu reads consistently. */
+export function pickRevealLabel(finder: string, explorer: string, fileManager: string): string {
+  return IS_MAC ? finder : IS_WIN ? explorer : fileManager
+}
+
+interface FileEntryContextMenuProps {
+  children: ReactNode
+  isDirectory: boolean
+  /** Display name (basename). */
+  name: string
+  /** Absolute path on disk. */
+  path: string
+  /** Base dir for "Copy Relative Path" (the cwd / repo root). Omit to hide it. */
+  relativeTo?: null | string
+}
+
+/** Right-click menu shared by both file trees (browser + review/git). */
+export function FileEntryContextMenu({ children, isDirectory, name, path, relativeTo }: FileEntryContextMenuProps) {
+  const { t } = useI18n()
+  const m = t.fileMenu
+  // Reveal / rename / delete need the local filesystem; hide them on a remote
+  // backend (copy-path still works everywhere).
+  const localFs = !isDesktopFsRemoteMode()
+  const target: FileActionTarget = { isDirectory, name, path }
+  const revealLabel = pickRevealLabel(m.revealFinder, m.revealExplorer, m.revealFileManager)
+
+  return (
+    <ContextMenu>
+      <ContextMenuTrigger asChild>{children}</ContextMenuTrigger>
+      {/* Don't restore focus to the row on close: "Rename" mounts an autofocused
+          inline input, and the default focus-return would blur it immediately. */}
+      <ContextMenuContent onCloseAutoFocus={event => event.preventDefault()}>
+        {localFs && (
+          <>
+            <ContextMenuItem onSelect={() => void revealFile(path)}>{revealLabel}</ContextMenuItem>
+            <ContextMenuSeparator />
+          </>
+        )}
+        <ContextMenuItem onSelect={() => void copyFilePath(path)}>{m.copyPath}</ContextMenuItem>
+        {relativeTo && (
+          <ContextMenuItem onSelect={() => void copyFilePath(toRelativePath(path, relativeTo))}>
+            {m.copyRelativePath}
+          </ContextMenuItem>
+        )}
+        {localFs && (
+          <>
+            <ContextMenuSeparator />
+            <ContextMenuItem onSelect={() => beginInlineRename(path)}>{m.rename}</ContextMenuItem>
+            <ContextMenuItem onSelect={() => requestFileDelete(target)} variant="destructive">
+              {m.delete}
+            </ContextMenuItem>
+          </>
+        )}
+      </ContextMenuContent>
+    </ContextMenu>
+  )
+}
+
+/** Mounted once near the app root: the delete confirm dialog for shared file
+ *  actions. Rename is inline (see {@link InlineRenameInput}). */
+export function FileActionDialogs() {
+  const { t } = useI18n()
+  const dialog = useStore($fileActionDialog)
+  const deleting = dialog?.kind === 'delete'
+
+  return (
+    <ConfirmDialog
+      confirmLabel={t.fileMenu.delete}
+      description={t.fileMenu.deleteBody}
+      destructive
+      onClose={closeFileActionDialog}
+      onConfirm={() => {
+        if (deleting) {
+          return executeFileDelete(dialog.path)
+        }
+      }}
+      open={deleting}
+      title={deleting ? t.fileMenu.deleteTitle(dialog.name) : ''}
+    />
+  )
+}
+
+interface InlineRenameInputProps {
+  className?: string
+  /** Display name (basename) to seed the editor. */
+  name: string
+  /** Absolute path being renamed. */
+  path: string
+}
+
+/** The in-row rename editor (VS Code style): seeded with the name (stem
+ *  pre-selected), commits on Enter/blur, cancels on Esc. Render it in place of a
+ *  row's label when `$renamingPath === path`. */
+export function InlineRenameInput({ className, name, path }: InlineRenameInputProps) {
+  const [value, setValue] = useState(name)
+  // Enter then the resulting blur must not both commit; latch on first finish.
+  const done = useRef(false)
+  // Focus churn right after mount (context-menu close, arborist refocus, the
+  // fall-through click on the row) would blur→commit→cancel instantly; ignore
+  // blurs in this window and grab focus back instead.
+  const mountedAt = useRef(Date.now())
+
+  const finish = async (commit: boolean) => {
+    if (done.current) {
+      return
+    }
+
+    done.current = true
+    const next = value.trim()
+
+    if (commit && next && next !== name) {
+      try {
+        await executeFileRename(path, next)
+      } catch (error) {
+        notifyError(error, translateNow('errors.genericFailure'))
+      }
+    }
+
+    cancelInlineRename()
+  }
+
+  return (
+    <input
+      aria-label={translateNow('fileMenu.renameLabel')}
+      autoCapitalize="off"
+      autoComplete="off"
+      autoCorrect="off"
+      autoFocus
+      className={cn(
+        'min-w-0 flex-1 rounded-sm border border-[color-mix(in_srgb,var(--dt-composer-ring)_55%,transparent)] bg-(--ui-bg-elevated) px-1 py-0 text-xs text-foreground outline-none',
+        className
+      )}
+      onBlur={event => {
+        if (Date.now() - mountedAt.current < 250) {
+          event.currentTarget.focus()
+
+          return
+        }
+
+        void finish(true)
+      }}
+      onChange={event => setValue(event.target.value)}
+      onClick={event => event.stopPropagation()}
+      onDoubleClick={event => event.stopPropagation()}
+      onFocus={event => {
+        const dot = event.currentTarget.value.lastIndexOf('.')
+        event.currentTarget.setSelectionRange(0, dot > 0 ? dot : event.currentTarget.value.length)
+      }}
+      onKeyDown={event => {
+        event.stopPropagation()
+
+        if (event.key === 'Enter') {
+          event.preventDefault()
+          void finish(true)
+        } else if (event.key === 'Escape') {
+          event.preventDefault()
+          void finish(false)
+        }
+      }}
+      spellCheck={false}
+      value={value}
+    />
+  )
+}

apps/desktop/src/app/right-sidebar/files/ipc.ts

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 import ignore from 'ignore'
 
 import { desktopFsCacheKey, desktopGitRoot, readDesktopDir, readDesktopFileDataUrl } from '@/lib/desktop-fs'
+import { ALWAYS_EXCLUDED } from '@/lib/excluded-paths'
 import type { HermesReadDirEntry, HermesReadDirResult } from '@/global'
 
 export type ProjectTreeEntry = HermesReadDirEntry
@@ -68,7 +69,7 @@ async function gitRootFor(start: string) {
   let cached = gitRootCache.get(key)
 
   if (!cached) {
-    cached = desktopGitRoot(start)
+    cached = desktopGitRoot(clean(start))
     gitRootCache.set(key, cached)
   }
 
@@ -136,7 +137,7 @@ export async function readProjectDir(dirPath: string, rootPath = dirPath): Promi
   }
 
   const result = await readDesktopDir(dirPath)
-  const entries = result?.entries ?? []
+  const entries = (result?.entries ?? []).filter(entry => !ALWAYS_EXCLUDED.has(entry.name))
 
   return { ...result, entries: await filterIgnored(entries, rootPath, dirPath) }
 }

apps/desktop/src/app/right-sidebar/files/tree.tsx

@@ -1,19 +1,36 @@
-import { useCallback, useRef, useState } from 'react'
-import { type NodeApi, type NodeRendererProps, Tree, type TreeApi } from 'react-arborist'
+import { useStore } from '@nanostores/react'
+import { type KeyboardEvent as ReactKeyboardEvent, useCallback, useEffect, useRef, useState } from 'react'
+import { type NodeApi, type NodeRendererProps, type RowRendererProps, Tree, type TreeApi } from 'react-arborist'
 
-import { PageLoader } from '@/components/page-loader'
+import { TreeSkeleton } from '@/components/chat/skeletons'
 import { Codicon } from '@/components/ui/codicon'
 import { useResizeObserver } from '@/hooks/use-resize-observer'
-import { useI18n } from '@/i18n'
 import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
+import { $repoChangeByPath, type RepoChangeKind } from '@/store/coding-status'
+import { $renamingPath, beginInlineRename } from '@/store/file-actions'
+import { $revealInTreeRequest } from '@/store/layout'
+
+import { FileEntryContextMenu, InlineRenameInput, isRenameShortcut } from '../file-actions'
 
 import { getFileTreeDndManager } from './dnd-manager'
 import type { TreeNode } from './use-project-tree'
 
 const ROW_HEIGHT = 22
 const INDENT = 10
-/** Base inset for every row; react-arborist owns paddingLeft for depth indent. */
-const TREE_ROW_INSET = 12
+/** Fixed base inset (`px-6.5`) layered on top of arborist's depth indent. */
+const TREE_ROW_INSET = '17px'
+
+function withTreeInset(paddingLeft: number | string | undefined): string {
+  if (typeof paddingLeft === 'number') {
+    return `calc(${paddingLeft}px + ${TREE_ROW_INSET})`
+  }
+
+  if (!paddingLeft) {
+    return TREE_ROW_INSET
+  }
+
+  return `calc(${paddingLeft} + ${TREE_ROW_INSET})`
+}
 
 interface ProjectTreeProps {
   collapseNonce: number
@@ -41,6 +58,7 @@ export function ProjectTree({
   const containerRef = useRef<HTMLDivElement | null>(null)
   const treeRef = useRef<TreeApi<TreeNode> | null>(null)
   const [size, setSize] = useState({ height: 0, width: 0 })
+  const changeByPath = useStore($repoChangeByPath)
 
   const syncTreeSize = useCallback(() => {
     const el = containerRef.current
@@ -79,17 +97,85 @@ export function ProjectTree({
     [onLoadChildren, onNodeOpenChange]
   )
 
+  // "Reveal in side bar": expand each ancestor folder top-down (lazy-loading its
+  // children first so the node exists), then select + scroll to the target. The
+  // pane is opened by the caller; this drives the tree to the file.
+  const revealNode = useCallback(
+    async (absPath: string) => {
+      const root = cwd.replace(/[\\/]+$/, '')
+      const target = absPath.replace(/[\\/]+$/, '')
+      const rel = target.startsWith(root) ? target.slice(root.length).replace(/^[\\/]+/, '') : ''
+      const segments = rel.split(/[\\/]/).filter(Boolean)
+
+      let acc = root
+
+      for (let i = 0; i < segments.length - 1; i += 1) {
+        acc = `${acc}/${segments[i]}`
+        const node = treeRef.current?.get(acc)
+
+        if (node?.data?.isDirectory && node.data.children === undefined) {
+          await onLoadChildren(acc)
+        }
+
+        onNodeOpenChange(acc, true)
+        treeRef.current?.open(acc)
+        await new Promise(resolve => requestAnimationFrame(() => resolve(undefined)))
+      }
+
+      treeRef.current?.select(target)
+      // 'start' lands the file at/near the top (instant — arborist sets scrollTop
+      // directly, no smooth scroll).
+      treeRef.current?.scrollTo(target, 'start')
+    },
+    [cwd, onLoadChildren, onNodeOpenChange]
+  )
+
+  useEffect(
+    () =>
+      $revealInTreeRequest.subscribe(path => {
+        if (!path) {
+          return
+        }
+
+        $revealInTreeRequest.set(null)
+        void revealNode(path)
+      }),
+    [revealNode]
+  )
+
   const handleActivate = useCallback(
     (node: NodeApi<TreeNode>) => {
-      if (node.data && !node.data.isDirectory) {
+      // arborist fires onActivate on click/dblclick/Enter — independent of the
+      // row's own handlers. Suppress it for the row being renamed so the
+      // context-menu "Rename" (and its fall-through) can't open the preview.
+      if (node.data && !node.data.isDirectory && $renamingPath.get() !== node.data.id) {
         onPreviewFile?.(node.data.id)
       }
     },
     [onPreviewFile]
   )
 
+  // F2 / Enter on the selected row begins an inline rename. Capture-phase so it
+  // beats arborist's own Enter-to-activate; skipped while an edit is in progress
+  // (the editor input owns Enter/Esc then) and for placeholder rows.
+  const handleRenameShortcut = useCallback((event: ReactKeyboardEvent<HTMLDivElement>) => {
+    if (!isRenameShortcut(event) || $renamingPath.get()) {
+      return
+    }
+
+    const node = treeRef.current?.selectedNodes?.[0]
+
+    if (!node?.data || node.data.placeholder) {
+      return
+    }
+
+    event.preventDefault()
+    event.stopPropagation()
+    beginInlineRename(node.data.id)
+  }, [])
+
   return (
-    <div className="min-h-0 flex-1 overflow-hidden" ref={containerRef}>
+    <div className="min-h-0 flex-1 overflow-hidden" onKeyDownCapture={handleRenameShortcut} ref={containerRef}>
       {size.height > 0 && size.width > 0 ? (
         <Tree<TreeNode>
           childrenAccessor={node => (node?.isDirectory ? (node.children ?? []) : null)}
@@ -107,15 +193,18 @@ export function ProjectTree({
           openByDefault={false}
           padding={0}
           ref={treeRef}
+          renderRow={ProjectTreeRowContainer}
           rowHeight={ROW_HEIGHT}
           width={size.width}
         >
           {props => (
             <ProjectTreeRow
               {...props}
+              changeKind={props.node.data ? changeByPath.get(props.node.data.id) : undefined}
               onAttachFile={onActivateFile}
               onAttachFolder={onActivateFolder}
               onPreviewFile={onPreviewFile}
+              relativeTo={cwd}
             />
           )}
         </Tree>
@@ -127,23 +216,51 @@ export function ProjectTree({
 }
 
 function TreeSizingState() {
-  const { t } = useI18n()
+  return <TreeSkeleton />
+}
 
-  return <PageLoader aria-label={t.rightSidebar.loadingFiles} className="min-h-24 px-3" />
+// arborist's default row hardcodes `min-width: max-content` (so a highlight can
+// span horizontally-scrolled content), which grows the row to its full name
+// width and defeats the inner `truncate`. We don't scroll sideways — pin the row
+// to the viewport so long names ellipsize instead of clipping at the pane edge.
+function ProjectTreeRowContainer({ attrs, children, innerRef, node }: RowRendererProps<TreeNode>) {
+  return (
+    <div
+      {...attrs}
+      onClick={node.handleClick}
+      onFocus={e => e.stopPropagation()}
+      ref={innerRef}
+      style={{ ...attrs.style, minWidth: 0, width: '100%' }}
+    >
+      {children}
+    </div>
+  )
+}
+
+const CHANGE_TINT: Record<RepoChangeKind, string> = {
+  added: 'text-(--ui-green)',
+  conflicted: 'text-(--ui-red)',
+  modified: 'text-(--ui-yellow)'
 }
 
 function ProjectTreeRow({
+  changeKind,
   dragHandle,
   node,
   onAttachFile,
   onAttachFolder,
   onPreviewFile,
+  relativeTo,
   style
 }: NodeRendererProps<TreeNode> & {
+  changeKind?: RepoChangeKind
   onAttachFile: (path: string) => void
   onAttachFolder: (path: string) => void
   onPreviewFile?: (path: string) => void
+  relativeTo?: null | string
 }) {
+  const renamingPath = useStore($renamingPath)
+
   if (!node.data) {
     return <div style={style} />
   }
@@ -151,21 +268,25 @@ function ProjectTreeRow({
   const isFolder = node.data.isDirectory
   const isPlaceholder = Boolean(node.data.placeholder)
   const isErrorPlaceholder = node.data.placeholder === 'error'
+  const editing = !isPlaceholder && renamingPath === node.data.id
 
-  return (
+  const row = (
     <div
       aria-expanded={isFolder ? node.isOpen : undefined}
       aria-selected={node.isSelected}
       className={cn(
-        'group/row flex h-full cursor-pointer select-none items-center gap-1 border border-transparent px-3 text-xs font-normal leading-(--file-tree-row-height) text-(--ui-text-secondary) transition-colors hover:bg-(--ui-row-hover-background) hover:text-foreground',
+        'group/row flex h-full cursor-pointer select-none items-center gap-1 border border-transparent px-3 text-xs font-normal leading-(--file-tree-row-height) text-(--ui-text-secondary) transition-colors duration-100 ease-out hover:bg-(--ui-row-hover-background) hover:text-foreground hover:transition-none',
         node.isSelected && 'bg-(--ui-row-active-background) text-foreground',
         isPlaceholder && 'pointer-events-none italic text-muted-foreground/70'
       )}
-      draggable={!isPlaceholder}
+      draggable={!isPlaceholder && !editing}
       onClick={event => {
         event.stopPropagation()
 
-        if (isPlaceholder) {
+        // Read the rename atom LIVE (not the render closure): the fall-through
+        // click from a context-menu close can fire before the editing re-render
+        // commits, so a stale closure would still select/activate and yank focus.
+        if (isPlaceholder || $renamingPath.get() === node.data.id) {
           return
         }
 
@@ -184,12 +305,12 @@ function ProjectTreeRow({
       onDoubleClick={event => {
         event.stopPropagation()
 
-        if (!isFolder && !isPlaceholder) {
+        if (!isFolder && !isPlaceholder && $renamingPath.get() !== node.data.id) {
           onPreviewFile?.(node.data.id)
         }
       }}
       onDragStart={event => {
-        if (isPlaceholder) {
+        if (isPlaceholder || $renamingPath.get() === node.data.id) {
           event.preventDefault()
 
           return
@@ -204,11 +325,9 @@ function ProjectTreeRow({
       ref={dragHandle}
       style={{
         ...style,
-        paddingLeft:
-          (typeof style.paddingLeft === 'number'
-            ? style.paddingLeft
-            : Number.parseFloat(String(style.paddingLeft ?? 0)) || 0) + TREE_ROW_INSET
+        paddingLeft: withTreeInset(style.paddingLeft)
       }}
+      title={node.data.id}
     >
       {/* No chevron column — the folder icon (open/closed) already carries the
           expand state, so the extra glyph was pure noise. */}
@@ -223,7 +342,23 @@ function ProjectTreeRow({
           <Codicon name="file" size="0.875rem" />
         )}
       </span>
-      <span className="min-w-0 flex-1 truncate">{node.data.name}</span>
+      {editing ? (
+        <InlineRenameInput name={node.data.name} path={node.data.id} />
+      ) : (
+        // Git decoration (VS Code-style): tint changed files; the explicit color
+        // wins over the row's hover/selected text color, so it persists.
+        <span className={cn('min-w-0 flex-1 truncate', changeKind && CHANGE_TINT[changeKind])}>{node.data.name}</span>
+      )}
     </div>
   )
+
+  if (isPlaceholder) {
+    return row
+  }
+
+  return (
+    <FileEntryContextMenu isDirectory={isFolder} name={node.data.name} path={node.data.id} relativeTo={relativeTo}>
+      {row}
+    </FileEntryContextMenu>
+  )
 }

apps/desktop/src/app/right-sidebar/files/use-project-tree.ts

@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ import { atom } from 'nanostores'
 import { useCallback, useEffect, useMemo } from 'react'
 
 import { $connection } from '@/store/session'
+import { $workspaceChangeTick } from '@/store/workspace-events'
 
 import { clearProjectDirCache, readProjectDir } from './ipc'
 
@@ -219,6 +220,52 @@ export function resetProjectTreeState() {
   clearProjectDirCache()
 }
 
+// Non-destructive refresh: re-read every currently-loaded directory and merge
+// entries (add new files/folders, drop deleted ones) while preserving expansion
+// and already-loaded subtrees. Unlike `loadRoot({force})` this never collapses
+// the tree, so it's safe to run live as the agent edits — and because node ids
+// (absolute paths) stay stable across merges, rows can animate in/out.
+async function revalidateTree(cwd: string): Promise<void> {
+  const state = $projectTree.get()
+
+  if (!cwd || state.cwd !== cwd || !state.loaded) {
+    return
+  }
+
+  const rootPath = state.resolvedCwd || cwd
+  clearProjectDirCache()
+
+  const reconcile = async (dirPath: string, existing: TreeNode[]): Promise<TreeNode[]> => {
+    const { entries, error } = await readProjectDir(dirPath, rootPath)
+
+    if (error) {
+      return existing // keep the last-known children on a transient read error
+    }
+
+    const byId = new Map(existing.filter(node => !node.placeholder).map(node => [node.id, node]))
+    const merged: TreeNode[] = []
+
+    for (const entry of entries) {
+      const prev = byId.get(entry.path)
+
+      if (prev?.isDirectory && prev.children) {
+        // Loaded folder: recurse so deep edits surface without a re-expand.
+        merged.push({ ...prev, children: await reconcile(prev.id, prev.children) })
+      } else if (prev) {
+        merged.push(prev)
+      } else {
+        merged.push(makeNode(entry.path, entry.name, entry.isDirectory))
+      }
+    }
+
+    return merged
+  }
+
+  const nextData = await reconcile(rootPath, state.data)
+
+  setProjectTree(latest => (latest.cwd === cwd && latest.loaded ? { ...latest, data: nextData } : latest))
+}
+
 /**
  * Lazy-loads a directory tree rooted at `cwd`. Children are fetched on first
  * expand and cached in this feature-owned atom so unrelated chat rerenders or
@@ -229,6 +276,7 @@ export function resetProjectTreeState() {
 export function useProjectTree(cwd: string): UseProjectTreeResult {
   const state = useStore($projectTree)
   const connection = useStore($connection)
+  const workspaceTick = useStore($workspaceChangeTick)
   const connectionKey = `${connection?.mode || 'local'}:${connection?.profile || ''}:${connection?.baseUrl || ''}`
 
   const refreshRoot = useCallback(() => loadRoot(cwd, { force: true }), [cwd])
@@ -308,6 +356,14 @@ export function useProjectTree(cwd: string): UseProjectTreeResult {
     [cwd]
   )
 
+  // Live, non-destructive refresh when the agent touches the tree (skip the
+  // very first render: tick 0 is the initial value, not a real change).
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (workspaceTick > 0) {
+      void revalidateTree(cwd)
+    }
+  }, [workspaceTick, cwd])
+
   useEffect(() => {
     const connectionChanged = lastConnectionKey !== '' && lastConnectionKey !== connectionKey
     lastConnectionKey = connectionKey

apps/desktop/src/app/right-sidebar/index.test.tsx

@@ -9,32 +9,17 @@ import { resetProjectTreeState } from './files/use-project-tree'
 import { RightSidebarPane } from './index'
 
 const readDir = vi.fn<(path: string) => Promise<HermesReadDirResult>>()
-const selectPaths = vi.fn()
-
-function ok(entries: { name: string; path: string; isDirectory: boolean }[]): HermesReadDirResult {
-  return { entries }
-}
 
 function installBridge() {
-  ;(
-    window as unknown as {
-      hermesDesktop: {
-        readDir: typeof readDir
-        selectPaths: typeof selectPaths
-      }
-    }
-  ).hermesDesktop = { readDir, selectPaths }
+  ;(window as unknown as { hermesDesktop: { readDir: typeof readDir } }).hermesDesktop = { readDir }
 }
 
 describe('RightSidebarPane', () => {
   beforeEach(() => {
     $connection.set(null)
     resetProjectTreeState()
-    setCurrentCwd('/repo')
     readDir.mockReset()
-    selectPaths.mockReset()
-    readDir.mockResolvedValue(ok([{ name: 'README.md', path: '/repo/README.md', isDirectory: false }]))
-    selectPaths.mockResolvedValue(['/repo-next'])
+    readDir.mockResolvedValue({ entries: [{ isDirectory: false, name: 'README.md', path: '/repo/README.md' }] })
     installBridge()
   })
 
@@ -46,30 +31,27 @@ describe('RightSidebarPane', () => {
     delete (window as unknown as { hermesDesktop?: unknown }).hermesDesktop
   })
 
-  it('refreshes the current tree without opening the folder picker', async () => {
-    const onChangeCwd = vi.fn()
+  it('renders the tree whenever the session has a working dir (repo or not) — no picker', async () => {
+    setCurrentCwd('/repo')
 
-    render(<RightSidebarPane onActivateFile={vi.fn()} onActivateFolder={vi.fn()} onChangeCwd={onChangeCwd} />)
+    render(<RightSidebarPane onActivateFile={vi.fn()} onActivateFolder={vi.fn()} />)
 
-    await waitFor(() => expect(screen.getByRole('button', { name: 'Refresh tree' }).hasAttribute('disabled')).toBe(false))
+    const refresh = await screen.findByRole('button', { name: 'Refresh tree' })
 
     readDir.mockClear()
-
-    fireEvent.click(screen.getByRole('button', { name: 'Refresh tree' }))
-
+    fireEvent.click(refresh)
     await waitFor(() => expect(readDir).toHaveBeenCalledWith('/repo'))
-    expect(selectPaths).not.toHaveBeenCalled()
 
-    fireEvent.click(screen.getByRole('button', { name: 'Open folder' }))
+    // The freeform folder picker is retired.
+    expect(screen.queryByRole('button', { name: 'Open folder' })).toBeNull()
+  })
 
-    await waitFor(() =>
-      expect(selectPaths).toHaveBeenCalledWith({
-        defaultPath: '/repo',
-        directories: true,
-        multiple: false,
-        title: 'Change working directory'
-      })
-    )
-    await waitFor(() => expect(onChangeCwd).toHaveBeenCalledWith('/repo-next'))
+  it('shows no tree for a detached chat (no working dir)', async () => {
+    setCurrentCwd('')
+
+    render(<RightSidebarPane onActivateFile={vi.fn()} onActivateFolder={vi.fn()} />)
+
+    await waitFor(() => expect(screen.queryByRole('button', { name: 'Refresh tree' })).toBeNull())
+    expect(readDir).not.toHaveBeenCalled()
   })
 })

apps/desktop/src/app/right-sidebar/index.tsx

@@ -1,13 +1,12 @@
 import { useStore } from '@nanostores/react'
-import type { ReactNode } from 'react'
+import type { ComponentProps } from 'react'
 
+import { TreeSkeleton } from '@/components/chat/skeletons'
 import { ErrorBoundary } from '@/components/error-boundary'
 import { Button } from '@/components/ui/button'
 import { Codicon } from '@/components/ui/codicon'
-import { Loader } from '@/components/ui/loader'
-import { Tip } from '@/components/ui/tooltip'
+import { useDelayedTrue } from '@/hooks/use-delayed-true'
 import { useI18n } from '@/i18n'
-import { selectDesktopPaths } from '@/lib/desktop-fs'
 import { normalizeOrLocalPreviewTarget } from '@/lib/local-preview'
 import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
 import { $panesFlipped } from '@/store/layout'
@@ -24,15 +23,19 @@ import { useProjectTree } from './files/use-project-tree'
 interface RightSidebarPaneProps {
   onActivateFile: (path: string) => void
   onActivateFolder: (path: string) => void
-  onChangeCwd: (path: string) => Promise<void> | void
 }
 
-export function RightSidebarPane({ onActivateFile, onActivateFolder, onChangeCwd }: RightSidebarPaneProps) {
+export function RightSidebarPane({ onActivateFile, onActivateFolder }: RightSidebarPaneProps) {
   const { t } = useI18n()
   const r = t.rightSidebar
   const panesFlipped = useStore($panesFlipped)
   const currentCwd = useStore($currentCwd).trim()
-  const hasCwd = currentCwd.length > 0
+
+  // The file tree is simply "browse the session's working directory". If the
+  // session has a cwd — a repo, a sibling worktree, or any folder — show it. A
+  // bare/detached chat (resolveNewSessionCwd → '') has none, so it shows the
+  // empty hint instead of whatever dir Hermes happens to run from.
+  const hasWorkspace = Boolean(currentCwd)
 
   const {
     collapseAll,
@@ -45,30 +48,16 @@ export function RightSidebarPane({ onActivateFile, onActivateFolder, onChangeCwd
     rootError,
     rootLoading,
     setNodeOpen
-  } = useProjectTree(currentCwd)
+  } = useProjectTree(hasWorkspace ? currentCwd : '')
 
-  const cwdName = hasCwd
-    ? (effectiveCwd
-        .split(/[\\/]+/)
-        .filter(Boolean)
-        .pop() ?? effectiveCwd)
-    : r.noFolderSelected
+  const cwdName =
+    effectiveCwd
+      .split(/[\\/]+/)
+      .filter(Boolean)
+      .pop() ?? effectiveCwd
 
   const canCollapse = Object.values(openState).some(Boolean)
 
-  const chooseFolder = async () => {
-    const selected = await selectDesktopPaths({
-      defaultPath: hasCwd ? effectiveCwd : undefined,
-      directories: true,
-      multiple: false,
-      title: r.changeCwdTitle
-    })
-
-    if (selected?.[0]) {
-      await onChangeCwd(selected[0])
-    }
-  }
-
   const previewFile = async (path: string) => {
     try {
       const preview = await normalizeOrLocalPreviewTarget(path, effectiveCwd || undefined)
@@ -102,11 +91,10 @@ export function RightSidebarPane({ onActivateFile, onActivateFolder, onChangeCwd
         cwdName={cwdName}
         data={data}
         error={rootError}
-        hasCwd={hasCwd}
+        hasWorkspace={hasWorkspace}
         loading={rootLoading}
         onActivateFile={onActivateFile}
         onActivateFolder={onActivateFolder}
-        onChangeFolder={chooseFolder}
         onCollapseAll={collapseAll}
         onLoadChildren={loadChildren}
         onNodeOpenChange={setNodeOpen}
@@ -121,8 +109,7 @@ export function RightSidebarPane({ onActivateFile, onActivateFolder, onChangeCwd
 interface FilesystemTabProps extends FileTreeBodyProps {
   canCollapse: boolean
   cwdName: string
-  hasCwd: boolean
-  onChangeFolder: () => Promise<void> | void
+  hasWorkspace: boolean
   onCollapseAll: () => void
   onRefresh: () => void
 }
@@ -141,11 +128,10 @@ function FilesystemTab({
   cwdName,
   data,
   error,
-  hasCwd,
+  hasWorkspace,
   loading,
   onActivateFile,
   onActivateFolder,
-  onChangeFolder,
   onCollapseAll,
   onLoadChildren,
   onNodeOpenChange,
@@ -156,53 +142,40 @@ function FilesystemTab({
   const { t } = useI18n()
   const r = t.rightSidebar
 
+  // No working directory (a bare/detached chat) → no tree, just a terse hint.
+  // Switching workspace is a project/worktree action, never a raw folder picker.
+  if (!hasWorkspace) {
+    return <PaneEmptyState label={r.noProjectOpen} />
+  }
+
   return (
     <div className="flex min-h-0 flex-1 flex-col">
       <RightSidebarSectionHeader>
         <div className="flex min-w-0 flex-1">
-          <button
-            className="flex w-full min-w-0 items-center rounded-md text-left hover:text-(--ui-text-secondary)"
-            onClick={() => void onChangeFolder()}
-            type="button"
-          >
-            <SidebarPanelLabel>{cwdName}</SidebarPanelLabel>
-          </button>
+          <SidebarPanelLabel>{cwdName}</SidebarPanelLabel>
         </div>
-        <Tip label={r.refreshTree} side="left">
-          <Button
-            aria-label={r.refreshTree}
-            className={HEADER_ACTION_LABEL_REVEAL}
-            disabled={!hasCwd || loading}
-            onClick={onRefresh}
-            size="icon-xs"
-            variant="ghost"
-          >
-            <Codicon name="refresh" size="0.8125rem" spinning={loading} />
-          </Button>
-        </Tip>
-        <Tip label={r.openFolder} side="left">
-          <Button
-            aria-label={r.openFolder}
-            className={HEADER_ACTION_CLASS}
-            onClick={() => void onChangeFolder()}
-            size="icon-xs"
-            variant="ghost"
-          >
-            <Codicon name="folder-opened" size="0.8125rem" />
-          </Button>
-        </Tip>
-        <Tip label={r.collapseAll} side="left">
-          <Button
-            aria-label={r.collapseAll}
-            className={cn(HEADER_ACTION_CLASS, !canCollapse && 'pointer-events-none opacity-0')}
-            disabled={!hasCwd || !canCollapse}
-            onClick={onCollapseAll}
-            size="icon-xs"
-            variant="ghost"
-          >
-            <Codicon name="collapse-all" size="0.8125rem" />
-          </Button>
-        </Tip>
+        <Button
+          aria-label={r.refreshTree}
+          className={HEADER_ACTION_LABEL_REVEAL}
+          disabled={loading}
+          onClick={onRefresh}
+          size="icon-xs"
+          title={r.refreshTree}
+          variant="ghost"
+        >
+          <Codicon name="refresh" size="0.8125rem" spinning={loading} />
+        </Button>
+        <Button
+          aria-label={r.collapseAll}
+          className={cn(HEADER_ACTION_CLASS, !canCollapse && 'pointer-events-none opacity-0')}
+          disabled={!canCollapse}
+          onClick={onCollapseAll}
+          size="icon-xs"
+          title={r.collapseAll}
+          variant="ghost"
+        >
+          <Codicon name="collapse-all" size="0.8125rem" />
+        </Button>
       </RightSidebarSectionHeader>
       <FileTreeBody
         collapseNonce={collapseNonce}
@@ -222,8 +195,12 @@ function FilesystemTab({
   )
 }
 
-export function RightSidebarSectionHeader({ children }: { children: ReactNode }) {
-  return <div className="group/project-header flex h-7 shrink-0 items-center px-2.5">{children}</div>
+export function RightSidebarSectionHeader({ children, className, ...props }: ComponentProps<'div'>) {
+  return (
+    <div className={cn('group/project-header flex h-7 shrink-0 items-center px-2.5', className)} {...props}>
+      {children}
+    </div>
+  )
 }
 
 interface FileTreeBodyProps {
@@ -259,6 +236,9 @@ function FileTreeBody({
 }: FileTreeBodyProps) {
   const { t } = useI18n()
   const r = t.rightSidebar
+  // Stay blank for a beat, then skeleton — so a fast project switch doesn't
+  // flash a jarring loading state.
+  const showSkeleton = useDelayedTrue(loading && data.length === 0)
 
   if (!cwd) {
     return <EmptyState body={r.noProjectBody} title={r.noProjectTitle} />
@@ -282,7 +262,7 @@ function FileTreeBody({
   }
 
   if (loading && data.length === 0) {
-    return <FileTreeLoadingState />
+    return showSkeleton ? <FileTreeLoadingState /> : <div className="min-h-0 flex-1" />
   }
 
   if (data.length === 0) {
@@ -325,23 +305,30 @@ function FileTreeLoadingState() {
   const { t } = useI18n()
 
   return (
-    <div aria-label={t.rightSidebar.loadingTree} className="grid min-h-0 flex-1 place-items-center px-3" role="status">
-      <Loader
-        aria-hidden="true"
-        className="size-8 text-(--ui-text-tertiary)"
-        pathSteps={180}
-        role="presentation"
-        strokeScale={0.68}
-        type="spiral-search"
-      />
+    <div aria-label={t.rightSidebar.loadingTree} className="min-h-0 flex-1" role="status">
+      <TreeSkeleton />
     </div>
   )
 }
 
-function EmptyState({ body, title }: { body: string; title: string }) {
+// Terse pane empty state ("No files" / "No diffs"): the panel label itself —
+// same uppercase/tracking + dither dot — just muted instead of theme-primary,
+// centered. Shared by the file tree and review panes so both read identically.
+export function PaneEmptyState({ label }: { label: string }) {
+  return (
+    <div className="flex min-h-0 flex-1 items-center justify-center px-4">
+      <SidebarPanelLabel className="pl-0 text-(--ui-text-quaternary)">{label}</SidebarPanelLabel>
+    </div>
+  )
+}
+
+// Richer empty/error state (title + body) for the file tree's read failures.
+export function EmptyState({ body, title }: { body: string; title?: string }) {
   return (
     <div className="flex min-h-0 flex-1 flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1 px-4 text-center">
-      <div className="text-[0.7rem] font-semibold uppercase tracking-[0.07em] text-muted-foreground/75">{title}</div>
+      {title && (
+        <div className="text-[0.7rem] font-semibold uppercase tracking-[0.07em] text-muted-foreground/75">{title}</div>
+      )}
       <div className="text-[0.68rem] leading-relaxed text-muted-foreground/65">{body}</div>
     </div>
   )

apps/desktop/src/app/right-sidebar/review/churn-bar.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+import { useStore } from '@nanostores/react'
+import { useMemo } from 'react'
+
+import type { HermesReviewFile } from '@/global'
+import { $reviewMaxChurn } from '@/store/review'
+
+// Per-row "digital rain" churn bar: a right-anchored, clipped stream of
+// Matrix-ish glyphs whose width is the file's churn relative to the biggest
+// changed file. Not wired in — drop `<ChurnBar file={file} />` into a review row
+// (which must be `relative isolate overflow-hidden`) to revive it.
+const GLYPHS = 'ｱｲｳｴｵｶｷｸｹｺｻｼｽｾｿﾀﾁﾂﾃﾅﾆﾇﾉﾊﾋﾌﾍﾎﾏﾐﾑﾒﾓﾔﾕﾖﾗﾘﾚﾜ0123456789:=*+<>¦'
+
+const MASK = 'linear-gradient(to left, #000 45%, transparent)'
+
+// Deterministic glyph run (FNV-1a seed → xorshift) so a file's rain is stable
+// across renders instead of reshuffling every paint.
+function rain(seed: string, len: number): string {
+  let h = 2166136261
+
+  for (let i = 0; i < seed.length; i++) {
+    h = Math.imul(h ^ seed.charCodeAt(i), 16777619)
+  }
+
+  let out = ''
+
+  for (let i = 0; i < len; i++) {
+    h ^= h << 13
+    h ^= h >>> 17
+    h ^= h << 5
+    out += GLYPHS[Math.abs(h) % GLYPHS.length]
+  }
+
+  return out
+}
+
+export function ChurnBar({ file }: { file: HermesReviewFile }) {
+  const max = useStore($reviewMaxChurn)
+  const fill = useMemo(() => rain(file.path, 200), [file.path])
+  const width = max > 0 ? ((file.added + file.removed) / max) * 100 : 0
+
+  if (width <= 0) {
+    return null
+  }
+
+  return (
+    <span
+      aria-hidden
+      className="pointer-events-none absolute inset-y-0 right-0 -z-10 block overflow-hidden text-right font-mono text-[0.7rem] leading-6 tracking-tight whitespace-nowrap opacity-30 dark:opacity-40"
+      style={{
+        WebkitMaskImage: MASK,
+        color: `var(--ui-${file.added >= file.removed ? 'green' : 'red'})`,
+        maskImage: MASK,
+        width: `${width}%`
+      }}
+    >
+      {fill}
+    </span>
+  )
+}

apps/desktop/src/app/right-sidebar/review/file-tree.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,443 @@
+import { useStore } from '@nanostores/react'
+import { AnimatePresence, motion } from 'motion/react'
+import { type CSSProperties, type ReactNode, useEffect, useMemo, useRef, useState } from 'react'
+
+import { Button } from '@/components/ui/button'
+import { Codicon } from '@/components/ui/codicon'
+import {
+  ContextMenu,
+  ContextMenuContent,
+  ContextMenuItem,
+  ContextMenuSeparator,
+  ContextMenuTrigger
+} from '@/components/ui/context-menu'
+import { DiffCount } from '@/components/ui/diff-count'
+import { Tip } from '@/components/ui/tooltip'
+import type { HermesReviewFile } from '@/global'
+import { useI18n } from '@/i18n'
+import { isDesktopFsRemoteMode } from '@/lib/desktop-fs'
+import { normalizeOrLocalPreviewTarget } from '@/lib/local-preview'
+import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
+import { $renamingPath, copyFilePath, revealFile, toRelativePath } from '@/store/file-actions'
+import { $sidebarWorkspaceCollapsedIds, revealFileInTree, toggleWorkspaceNodeCollapsed } from '@/store/layout'
+import { notifyError } from '@/store/notifications'
+import { setCurrentSessionPreviewTarget } from '@/store/preview'
+import {
+  $reviewFiles,
+  $reviewLoading,
+  $reviewOpen,
+  $reviewSelectedPath,
+  $reviewTreeMode,
+  requestRevert,
+  selectReviewFile,
+  stageReviewFile,
+  unstageReviewFile
+} from '@/store/review'
+import { $currentCwd } from '@/store/session'
+
+import { pickRevealLabel } from '../file-actions'
+
+import { buildReviewFlatList, buildReviewTree, type ReviewTreeNode } from './tree-data'
+
+const INDENT = 12
+
+// Per git status letter: a tinted diff codicon so the file's nature reads at a
+// glance (added / modified / deleted / renamed / untracked).
+const STATUS_GLYPH: Record<string, { icon: string; tone: string }> = {
+  A: { icon: 'diff-added', tone: 'text-(--ui-green)' },
+  C: { icon: 'diff-added', tone: 'text-(--ui-green)' },
+  D: { icon: 'diff-removed', tone: 'text-(--ui-red)' },
+  M: { icon: 'diff-modified', tone: 'text-amber-500/85' },
+  R: { icon: 'diff-renamed', tone: 'text-sky-500/85' },
+  U: { icon: 'warning', tone: 'text-(--ui-red)' },
+  '?': { icon: 'diff-added', tone: 'text-muted-foreground/60' }
+}
+
+// Review paths are repo-relative; the composer drop expects absolute paths, so
+// join against the active session cwd (the repo we probed).
+function absolutePath(relative: string): string {
+  if (/^([a-zA-Z]:[\\/]|\/)/.test(relative)) {
+    return relative
+  }
+
+  const cwd = $currentCwd
+    .get()
+    ?.trim()
+    .replace(/[\\/]+$/, '')
+
+  return cwd ? `${cwd}/${relative}` : relative
+}
+
+// Fast, layout-aware row: `layout` slides siblings when one is inserted/removed
+// (a new file at index N pushes the rest down), AnimatePresence fades the
+// enter/exit. A tight, near-critically-damped spring keeps it crisp (quick
+// settle, no bounce) so adds/deletes read as snappy, not floaty.
+const ROW_TRANSITION = { type: 'spring', stiffness: 1100, damping: 48, mass: 0.32 } as const
+
+// Instant (no animation) — used while the pane is settling open so the initial
+// batch of rows doesn't fly in.
+const ROW_INSTANT = { duration: 0 } as const
+
+// Past this many changed files, drop the per-row motion (AnimatePresence +
+// layout springs on every node is the heaviest cost) and lean on CSS
+// content-visibility so off-screen rows skip layout/paint.
+const HEAVY_LIST_CAP = 60
+
+// Reserve a stable row height (h-6 = 1.5rem) so the scrollbar stays correct
+// while off-screen rows are skipped.
+const ROW_CV_STYLE: CSSProperties = { containIntrinsicSize: 'auto 1.5rem', contentVisibility: 'auto' }
+
+export function ReviewFileTree() {
+  const files = useStore($reviewFiles)
+  const open = useStore($reviewOpen)
+  const loading = useStore($reviewLoading)
+  const mode = useStore($reviewTreeMode)
+
+  const tree = useMemo(
+    () => (mode === 'tree' ? buildReviewTree(files) : buildReviewFlatList(files)),
+    [files, mode]
+  )
+
+  const heavy = tree.length > HEAVY_LIST_CAP
+
+  // The Pane keeps this tree mounted while collapsed, so opening it doesn't
+  // remount (AnimatePresence `initial={false}` can't help). The first refresh
+  // after opening can also surface a batch of edits made while it was closed.
+  // Suppress row enter/exit until that first post-open refresh settles; real
+  // edits made while the pane stays open then animate normally.
+  const [animate, setAnimate] = useState(false)
+  const armed = useRef(false)
+
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (!open) {
+      armed.current = false
+      setAnimate(false)
+    }
+  }, [open])
+
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (open && !loading && !armed.current) {
+      armed.current = true
+      const id = requestAnimationFrame(() => setAnimate(true))
+
+      return () => cancelAnimationFrame(id)
+    }
+  }, [open, loading])
+
+  return (
+    <div className="min-h-0 flex-1 overflow-y-auto overflow-x-hidden px-1 py-1" data-suppress-pane-reveal-side="">
+      <ReviewNodeList animate={animate && !heavy} depth={0} motion={!heavy} nodes={tree} />
+    </div>
+  )
+}
+
+function ReviewNodeList({
+  animate,
+  depth,
+  motion: useMotion,
+  nodes
+}: {
+  animate: boolean
+  depth: number
+  motion: boolean
+  nodes: ReviewTreeNode[]
+}) {
+  // Heavy lists: plain rows + content-visibility, no motion.
+  if (!useMotion) {
+    return (
+      <>
+        {nodes.map(node => (
+          <div key={node.id} style={ROW_CV_STYLE}>
+            {node.isDir ? (
+              <ReviewDirRow animate={false} depth={depth} motion={useMotion} node={node} />
+            ) : (
+              <ReviewFileRow depth={depth} node={node} />
+            )}
+          </div>
+        ))}
+      </>
+    )
+  }
+
+  return (
+    <AnimatePresence initial={false}>
+      {nodes.map(node => (
+        <motion.div
+          animate={{ opacity: 1, y: 0 }}
+          exit={{ opacity: 0, y: -2 }}
+          initial={animate ? { opacity: 0, y: -4 } : false}
+          key={node.id}
+          layout="position"
+          transition={animate ? ROW_TRANSITION : ROW_INSTANT}
+        >
+          {node.isDir ? (
+            <ReviewDirRow animate={animate} depth={depth} motion={useMotion} node={node} />
+          ) : (
+            <ReviewFileRow depth={depth} node={node} />
+          )}
+        </motion.div>
+      ))}
+    </AnimatePresence>
+  )
+}
+
+// Depth-0 rows align their icon to the panel header's dither glyph: the tree
+// body has px-1 (4px) and the header glyph sits at px-2.5 (10px) + the label's
+// pl-2 (8px) = 18px, so the base inset is 18 − 4 = 14px.
+const ROW_BASE_INSET = 14
+
+function rowStyle(depth: number): CSSProperties {
+  return { paddingLeft: `${depth * INDENT + ROW_BASE_INSET}px` }
+}
+
+function ReviewDirRow({
+  animate,
+  depth,
+  motion: useMotion,
+  node
+}: {
+  animate: boolean
+  depth: number
+  motion: boolean
+  node: ReviewTreeNode
+}) {
+  const collapsed = useStore($sidebarWorkspaceCollapsedIds)
+  const id = `review:${node.id}`
+  const open = !collapsed.includes(id)
+  const toggle = () => toggleWorkspaceNodeCollapsed(id)
+
+  return (
+    <>
+      <div
+        className="group/review-row flex h-6 cursor-pointer select-none items-center gap-1.5 rounded-md pr-1.5 text-xs text-(--ui-text-secondary) transition-colors duration-100 ease-out hover:bg-(--ui-row-hover-background) hover:text-foreground hover:transition-none"
+        onClick={toggle}
+        style={rowStyle(depth)}
+      >
+        <Codicon
+          className="shrink-0 text-(--ui-text-tertiary)"
+          name={open ? 'folder-opened' : 'folder'}
+          size="0.8rem"
+        />
+        <span className="min-w-0 flex-1 truncate" title={node.name}>
+          {node.name}
+        </span>
+      </div>
+      {open && node.children && (
+        <ReviewNodeList animate={animate} depth={depth + 1} motion={useMotion} nodes={node.children} />
+      )}
+    </>
+  )
+}
+
+function ReviewFileRow({ node, depth }: { node: ReviewTreeNode; depth: number }) {
+  const { t } = useI18n()
+  const c = t.statusStack.coding
+  const selectedPath = useStore($reviewSelectedPath)
+  const file = node.file!
+  const selected = file.path === selectedPath
+  const glyph = STATUS_GLYPH[file.status] ?? STATUS_GLYPH.M
+  const dragPath = absolutePath(file.path)
+  const cwd = useStore($currentCwd)
+
+  // Single-click shows the inline diff; double-click opens the file in the main
+  // preview pane (matching the file browser). They're mutually exclusive: defer
+  // the single-click select briefly so a double-click can cancel it, otherwise a
+  // double-click would fire BOTH (inline diff + main preview = two previews).
+  const clickTimer = useRef<null | ReturnType<typeof setTimeout>>(null)
+
+  useEffect(
+    () => () => {
+      if (clickTimer.current != null) {
+        clearTimeout(clickTimer.current)
+      }
+    },
+    []
+  )
+
+  const handleClick = () => {
+    // A file-browser rename of the same path is active → ignore the fall-through
+    // click so it doesn't open the diff / steal focus from that editor.
+    if ($renamingPath.get() === dragPath) {
+      return
+    }
+
+    if (clickTimer.current != null) {
+      clearTimeout(clickTimer.current)
+    }
+
+    clickTimer.current = setTimeout(() => {
+      clickTimer.current = null
+      void selectReviewFile(file)
+    }, 200)
+  }
+
+  const openInPreview = () => {
+    void (async () => {
+      try {
+        const preview = await normalizeOrLocalPreviewTarget(dragPath)
+
+        if (preview) {
+          setCurrentSessionPreviewTarget(preview, 'file-browser', dragPath)
+        }
+      } catch (error) {
+        notifyError(error, t.rightSidebar.previewUnavailable)
+      }
+    })()
+  }
+
+  const handleDoubleClick = () => {
+    if (clickTimer.current != null) {
+      clearTimeout(clickTimer.current)
+      clickTimer.current = null
+    }
+
+    openInPreview()
+  }
+
+  return (
+    <ReviewFileContextMenu
+      cwd={cwd}
+      dragPath={dragPath}
+      file={file}
+      onOpenChanges={() => void selectReviewFile(file)}
+      onOpenFile={openInPreview}
+    >
+      <div
+        aria-selected={selected}
+        className={cn(
+          'group/review-row flex h-6 cursor-pointer select-none items-center gap-1.5 rounded-md pr-1.5 text-xs text-(--ui-text-secondary) transition-colors duration-100 ease-out hover:bg-(--ui-row-hover-background) hover:text-foreground hover:transition-none',
+          selected && 'bg-(--ui-row-active-background) text-foreground'
+        )}
+        draggable
+        onClick={handleClick}
+        onDoubleClick={handleDoubleClick}
+        onDragStart={event => {
+          event.dataTransfer.effectAllowed = 'copy'
+          event.dataTransfer.setData(
+            'application/x-hermes-paths',
+            JSON.stringify([{ isDirectory: false, path: dragPath }])
+          )
+          event.dataTransfer.setData('text/plain', dragPath)
+        }}
+        style={rowStyle(depth)}
+        title={dragPath}
+      >
+        <Codicon className={cn('shrink-0', glyph.tone)} name={glyph.icon} size="0.8rem" />
+        {/* Dir collapses first (huge shrink); the name only ellipsizes once the
+            dir is gone — either way neither runs into the diff count. */}
+        <span className="flex min-w-0 flex-1 items-baseline gap-1.5">
+          <span className="min-w-0 shrink truncate" title={node.name}>
+            {node.name}
+          </span>
+          {node.dir && (
+            <span className="min-w-0 shrink-[9999] truncate text-[0.68rem] text-(--ui-text-tertiary)" title={node.dir}>
+              {node.dir}
+            </span>
+          )}
+        </span>
+
+        <span className="hidden shrink-0 items-center gap-0.5 group-hover/review-row:flex">
+          <Tip label={file.staged ? c.unstage : c.stage}>
+            <Button
+              aria-label={file.staged ? c.unstage : c.stage}
+              className="size-4 rounded text-muted-foreground/70 hover:text-foreground"
+              onClick={event => {
+                event.stopPropagation()
+                void (file.staged ? unstageReviewFile(file.path) : stageReviewFile(file.path))
+              }}
+              size="icon-xs"
+              variant="ghost"
+            >
+              <Codicon name={file.staged ? 'remove' : 'add'} size="0.7rem" />
+            </Button>
+          </Tip>
+          <Tip label={c.revert}>
+            <Button
+              aria-label={c.revert}
+              className="size-4 rounded text-muted-foreground/70 hover:text-(--ui-red)"
+              onClick={event => {
+                event.stopPropagation()
+                requestRevert(file.path)
+              }}
+              size="icon-xs"
+              variant="ghost"
+            >
+              <Codicon name="discard" size="0.7rem" />
+            </Button>
+          </Tip>
+        </span>
+
+        <DiffCount
+          added={node.added}
+          className="text-[0.64rem] leading-4 group-hover/review-row:hidden"
+          removed={node.removed}
+        />
+        {file.staged && (
+          <span aria-hidden className="size-1.5 shrink-0 rounded-full bg-(--ui-green)/70" title={c.staged} />
+        )}
+      </div>
+    </ReviewFileContextMenu>
+  )
+}
+
+// Git-specific right-click menu for a changed file (VS Code's SCM menu shape):
+// open changes / open file, stage·unstage, discard, then reveal / copy path. No
+// rename or delete here — those belong to the file browser; this tree just
+// reflects the working-tree state.
+function ReviewFileContextMenu({
+  children,
+  cwd,
+  dragPath,
+  file,
+  onOpenChanges,
+  onOpenFile
+}: {
+  children: ReactNode
+  cwd: null | string
+  dragPath: string
+  file: HermesReviewFile
+  onOpenChanges: () => void
+  onOpenFile: () => void
+}) {
+  const { t } = useI18n()
+  const c = t.statusStack.coding
+  const m = t.fileMenu
+  const localFs = !isDesktopFsRemoteMode()
+
+  return (
+    <ContextMenu>
+      <ContextMenuTrigger asChild>{children}</ContextMenuTrigger>
+      <ContextMenuContent>
+        <ContextMenuItem onSelect={onOpenChanges}>{c.openChanges}</ContextMenuItem>
+        <ContextMenuItem onSelect={onOpenFile}>{c.openFile}</ContextMenuItem>
+        <ContextMenuSeparator />
+        <ContextMenuItem
+          onSelect={() =>
+            void (file.staged ? unstageReviewFile(file.path) : stageReviewFile(file.path)).catch(err =>
+              notifyError(err, file.staged ? c.unstage : c.stage)
+            )
+          }
+        >
+          {file.staged ? c.unstage : c.stage}
+        </ContextMenuItem>
+        <ContextMenuItem onSelect={() => requestRevert(file.path)} variant="destructive">
+          {c.revert}
+        </ContextMenuItem>
+        <ContextMenuSeparator />
+        <ContextMenuItem onSelect={() => revealFileInTree(dragPath)}>{m.revealInSidebar}</ContextMenuItem>
+        {localFs && (
+          <ContextMenuItem onSelect={() => void revealFile(dragPath)}>
+            {pickRevealLabel(m.revealFinder, m.revealExplorer, m.revealFileManager)}
+          </ContextMenuItem>
+        )}
+        <ContextMenuSeparator />
+        <ContextMenuItem onSelect={() => void copyFilePath(dragPath)}>{m.copyPath}</ContextMenuItem>
+        {cwd && (
+          <ContextMenuItem onSelect={() => void copyFilePath(toRelativePath(dragPath, cwd))}>
+            {m.copyRelativePath}
+          </ContextMenuItem>
+        )}
+      </ContextMenuContent>
+    </ContextMenu>
+  )
+}

apps/desktop/src/app/right-sidebar/review/index.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,241 @@
+import { useStore } from '@nanostores/react'
+
+import { FileDiffPanel } from '@/components/chat/diff-lines'
+import { DiffSkeleton, TreeSkeleton } from '@/components/chat/skeletons'
+import { Button } from '@/components/ui/button'
+import { Codicon } from '@/components/ui/codicon'
+import {
+  Dialog,
+  DialogContent,
+  DialogDescription,
+  DialogFooter,
+  DialogHeader,
+  DialogTitle
+} from '@/components/ui/dialog'
+import { DiffCount } from '@/components/ui/diff-count'
+import { Tip } from '@/components/ui/tooltip'
+import { useDelayedTrue } from '@/hooks/use-delayed-true'
+import { useI18n } from '@/i18n'
+import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
+import { $panesFlipped } from '@/store/layout'
+import { notifyError } from '@/store/notifications'
+import {
+  $reviewDiff,
+  $reviewDiffLoading,
+  $reviewFiles,
+  $reviewIsRepo,
+  $reviewLoading,
+  $reviewRevertTarget,
+  $reviewSelectedPath,
+  $reviewTreeMode,
+  cancelRevert,
+  clearReviewSelection,
+  closeReview,
+  confirmRevert,
+  refreshReview,
+  requestRevert,
+  stageReviewFile,
+  toggleReviewTreeMode,
+  unstageReviewFile
+} from '@/store/review'
+
+import { SidebarPanelLabel } from '../../shell/sidebar-label'
+import { PaneEmptyState, RightSidebarSectionHeader } from '../index'
+
+import { ReviewFileTree } from './file-tree'
+import { ReviewShipBar } from './ship-bar'
+
+// Compact header/diff action buttons — micro hit targets packed tight, matching
+// the rest of the app's icon-action rows.
+const ACTION_BTN = 'size-5'
+
+export function ReviewPane() {
+  const { t } = useI18n()
+  const c = t.statusStack.coding
+  const panesFlipped = useStore($panesFlipped)
+  const files = useStore($reviewFiles)
+  const loading = useStore($reviewLoading)
+  const isRepo = useStore($reviewIsRepo)
+  const selectedPath = useStore($reviewSelectedPath)
+  const diff = useStore($reviewDiff)
+  const diffLoading = useStore($reviewDiffLoading)
+  const revertTarget = useStore($reviewRevertTarget)
+  const treeMode = useStore($reviewTreeMode)
+
+  const selectedFile = files.find(file => file.path === selectedPath)
+  const hasFiles = files.length > 0
+  // `{ path: null }` → revert all; `{ path: '…' }` → revert one file.
+  const revertingAll = revertTarget?.path == null
+  // Delay the skeletons so fast loads (most project switches) just blank → content
+  // instead of flashing a jarring loading state.
+  const showTreeSkeleton = useDelayedTrue(loading && !hasFiles)
+  const showDiffSkeleton = useDelayedTrue(diffLoading)
+
+  return (
+    <aside
+      aria-label={c.review}
+      className={cn(
+        'before:pointer-events-none relative flex h-full w-full min-w-0 flex-col overflow-hidden border-(--ui-stroke-secondary) bg-(--ui-sidebar-surface-background) pt-(--titlebar-height) text-(--ui-text-tertiary)',
+        panesFlipped
+          ? 'border-r shadow-[inset_-0.0625rem_0_0_color-mix(in_srgb,white_18%,transparent)]'
+          : 'border-l shadow-[inset_0.0625rem_0_0_color-mix(in_srgb,white_18%,transparent)]'
+      )}
+    >
+      {(loading || isRepo) && (
+        <RightSidebarSectionHeader data-suppress-pane-reveal-side="">
+        <div className="flex min-w-0 flex-1">
+          <SidebarPanelLabel>{c.review}</SidebarPanelLabel>
+        </div>
+        <Tip label={treeMode === 'tree' ? c.viewAsList : c.viewAsTree}>
+          <Button
+            aria-label={treeMode === 'tree' ? c.viewAsList : c.viewAsTree}
+            className={ACTION_BTN}
+            disabled={!hasFiles}
+            onClick={toggleReviewTreeMode}
+            size="icon-xs"
+            variant="ghost"
+          >
+            <Codicon name={treeMode === 'tree' ? 'list-flat' : 'list-tree'} size="0.8125rem" />
+          </Button>
+        </Tip>
+        <Tip label={c.stageAll}>
+          <Button
+            aria-label={c.stageAll}
+            className={ACTION_BTN}
+            disabled={!hasFiles}
+            onClick={() => void stageReviewFile(null).catch(err => notifyError(err, c.stageAll))}
+            size="icon-xs"
+            variant="ghost"
+          >
+            <Codicon name="add" size="0.8125rem" />
+          </Button>
+        </Tip>
+        <Tip label={c.revertAll}>
+          <Button
+            aria-label={c.revertAll}
+            className={ACTION_BTN}
+            disabled={!hasFiles}
+            onClick={() => requestRevert(null)}
+            size="icon-xs"
+            variant="ghost"
+          >
+            <Codicon name="discard" size="0.8125rem" />
+          </Button>
+        </Tip>
+        <Tip label={t.rightSidebar.refreshTree}>
+          <Button
+            aria-label={t.rightSidebar.refreshTree}
+            className={ACTION_BTN}
+            onClick={() => void refreshReview()}
+            size="icon-xs"
+            variant="ghost"
+          >
+            <Codicon name="refresh" size="0.8125rem" spinning={loading} />
+          </Button>
+        </Tip>
+        <Tip label={c.close}>
+          <Button aria-label={c.close} className={ACTION_BTN} onClick={closeReview} size="icon-xs" variant="ghost">
+            <Codicon name="close" size="0.8125rem" />
+          </Button>
+        </Tip>
+        </RightSidebarSectionHeader>
+      )}
+
+      {loading || isRepo ? (
+        hasFiles ? (
+          <ReviewFileTree />
+        ) : showTreeSkeleton ? (
+          <TreeSkeleton />
+        ) : loading ? (
+          <div className="min-h-0 flex-1" />
+        ) : (
+          <PaneEmptyState label={t.rightSidebar.noDiffs} />
+        )
+      ) : (
+        // No repo at all → same terse empty state, just without the chrome.
+        <PaneEmptyState label={t.rightSidebar.noDiffs} />
+      )}
+
+      {/* Selected file's diff — reuses the shiki-highlighted FileDiffPanel. */}
+      {selectedFile && (
+        <div className="flex max-h-[55%] shrink-0 flex-col border-t border-(--ui-stroke-secondary)">
+          <div className="flex items-center gap-1 px-2.5 py-1.5" data-suppress-pane-reveal-side="">
+            <span
+              className="min-w-0 flex-1 truncate font-mono text-[0.66rem] text-(--ui-text-secondary)"
+              title={selectedFile.path}
+            >
+              {selectedFile.path}
+            </span>
+            <DiffCount added={selectedFile.added} className="text-[0.64rem] leading-4" removed={selectedFile.removed} />
+            <Tip label={selectedFile.staged ? c.unstage : c.stage}>
+              <Button
+                aria-label={selectedFile.staged ? c.unstage : c.stage}
+                className={ACTION_BTN}
+                onClick={() =>
+                  void (
+                    selectedFile.staged ? unstageReviewFile(selectedFile.path) : stageReviewFile(selectedFile.path)
+                  ).catch(err => notifyError(err, c.stage))
+                }
+                size="icon-xs"
+                variant="ghost"
+              >
+                <Codicon name={selectedFile.staged ? 'remove' : 'add'} size="0.8rem" />
+              </Button>
+            </Tip>
+            <Tip label={c.close}>
+              <Button
+                aria-label={c.close}
+                className={ACTION_BTN}
+                onClick={clearReviewSelection}
+                size="icon-xs"
+                variant="ghost"
+              >
+                <Codicon name="close" size="0.8rem" />
+              </Button>
+            </Tip>
+          </div>
+          <div className="min-h-0 flex-1 overflow-auto px-1 pb-1">
+            {diffLoading ? (
+              showDiffSkeleton ? (
+                <DiffSkeleton />
+              ) : null
+            ) : diff ? (
+              <FileDiffPanel diff={diff} path={selectedFile.path} />
+            ) : (
+              <div className="py-6 text-center text-[0.66rem] text-muted-foreground/60">{c.noDiff}</div>
+            )}
+          </div>
+        </div>
+      )}
+
+      <ReviewShipBar />
+
+      <Dialog onOpenChange={open => !open && cancelRevert()} open={revertTarget !== undefined}>
+        <DialogContent>
+          <DialogHeader>
+            <DialogTitle>{revertingAll ? c.revertAll : c.revert}</DialogTitle>
+            <DialogDescription>
+              {revertingAll ? c.revertAllConfirm : c.revertConfirm}
+              {!revertingAll && revertTarget?.path && (
+                <span
+                  className="mt-2 block truncate font-mono text-[0.7rem] text-(--ui-text-secondary)"
+                  title={revertTarget.path}
+                >
+                  {revertTarget.path}
+                </span>
+              )}
+            </DialogDescription>
+          </DialogHeader>
+          <DialogFooter>
+            <Button onClick={cancelRevert} variant="ghost">
+              {t.common.cancel}
+            </Button>
+            <Button onClick={() => void confirmRevert().catch(err => notifyError(err, c.revert))} variant="destructive">
+              {revertingAll ? c.revertAll : c.revert}
+            </Button>
+          </DialogFooter>
+        </DialogContent>
+      </Dialog>
+    </aside>
+  )
+}

apps/desktop/src/app/right-sidebar/review/ship-bar.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,154 @@
+import { useStore } from '@nanostores/react'
+import { useState } from 'react'
+
+import { requestComposerSubmit } from '@/app/chat/composer/focus'
+import { Button } from '@/components/ui/button'
+import { Codicon } from '@/components/ui/codicon'
+import { GenerateButton } from '@/components/ui/generate-button'
+import { SplitButton } from '@/components/ui/split-button'
+import { Textarea } from '@/components/ui/textarea'
+import { Tip } from '@/components/ui/tooltip'
+import { useI18n } from '@/i18n'
+import { notifyError } from '@/store/notifications'
+import {
+  $reviewCommitDefault,
+  $reviewCommitMsgBusy,
+  $reviewFiles,
+  $reviewShipBusy,
+  $reviewShipInfo,
+  cancelCommitMessage,
+  type CommitAction,
+  commitChanges,
+  createOrOpenPr,
+  generateCommitMessage
+} from '@/store/review'
+
+// One size for every glyph in the bar so the row reads as a set of peers.
+const ICON = '0.85rem'
+
+// The commit / push / PR action bar at the bottom of the review pane. Supports
+// both paths: the user drives it directly, OR hands the whole thing to the agent
+// with one click (requestComposerSubmit sends it a task through the composer).
+export function ReviewShipBar() {
+  const { t } = useI18n()
+  const c = t.statusStack.coding
+  const files = useStore($reviewFiles)
+  const ship = useStore($reviewShipInfo)
+  const busy = useStore($reviewShipBusy)
+  const generating = useStore($reviewCommitMsgBusy)
+  const commitDefault = useStore($reviewCommitDefault)
+  const [message, setMessage] = useState('')
+  const prLabel = ship.pr?.url ? c.openPr : c.createPr
+
+  const hasFiles = files.length > 0
+  const canCommit = hasFiles && message.trim().length > 0 && !busy
+  const canGenerate = hasFiles && !generating && !busy
+
+  // Nothing to commit → no ship bar at all; the pane just shows the tree /
+  // "No changes" state.
+  if (!hasFiles) {
+    return null
+  }
+
+  const runCommit = (action: CommitAction) => {
+    if (!canCommit) {
+      return
+    }
+
+    void commitChanges(message, { push: action === 'commitPush' })
+      .then(() => setMessage(''))
+      .catch(err => notifyError(err, c.commit))
+  }
+
+  // Draft the commit message off-thread (VS Code style); pass the current text
+  // so a re-press regenerates instead of returning the same thing.
+  const runGenerate = () => {
+    if (!canGenerate) {
+      return
+    }
+
+    void generateCommitMessage(message)
+      .then(text => text && setMessage(text))
+      .catch(err => notifyError(err, c.generateCommitMessage))
+  }
+
+  return (
+    <div className="flex shrink-0 flex-col gap-1.5 p-2" data-suppress-pane-reveal-side="">
+      {/* Auto-growing message field (CSS field-sizing); generate/stop action
+          fills the right edge on one row, then sticks to the top as it grows. */}
+      <div className="relative">
+        <Textarea
+          className="field-sizing-content max-h-40 min-h-0 resize-none pr-9"
+          disabled={generating}
+          onChange={event => setMessage(event.target.value)}
+          onKeyDown={event => {
+            if ((event.metaKey || event.ctrlKey) && event.key === 'Enter') {
+              event.preventDefault()
+              runCommit(commitDefault)
+            }
+          }}
+          placeholder={c.commitPlaceholder}
+          rows={1}
+          size="sm"
+          value={message}
+        />
+        <GenerateButton
+          className="absolute top-px right-px h-6 w-8 rounded-l-none rounded-r-[2px]"
+          disabled={!canGenerate}
+          generating={generating}
+          generatingLabel={c.stopGenerating}
+          iconSize={ICON}
+          label={c.generateCommitMessage}
+          onCancel={cancelCommitMessage}
+          onGenerate={runGenerate}
+        />
+      </div>
+
+      {/* Commit split (VS Code style). */}
+      <div className="flex min-w-0">
+        <SplitButton
+          actions={[
+            { id: 'commit', label: c.commit },
+            { id: 'commitPush', label: c.commitAndPush }
+          ]}
+          className="min-w-0 flex-1"
+          disabled={!canCommit}
+          onTrigger={id => runCommit(id as CommitAction)}
+          onValueChange={id => $reviewCommitDefault.set(id as CommitAction)}
+          primaryIcon={<Codicon name="check" size={ICON} />}
+          value={commitDefault}
+          variant="default"
+        />
+      </div>
+
+      {/* Hand it to the agent (one click sends a commit+PR task to the composer).
+          The PR button floats on the right (out of flow) so the label centers on
+          the whole bar; px-7 reserves the icon's width on both sides. */}
+      <div className="relative flex min-w-0 items-center">
+        <Button
+          className="min-w-0 flex-1 justify-center px-7 text-[0.7rem] text-muted-foreground/85 hover:text-foreground"
+          disabled={!hasFiles}
+          onClick={() => requestComposerSubmit(c.agentShipPrompt, { target: 'main' })}
+          size="sm"
+          variant="ghost"
+        >
+          <span className="truncate underline underline-offset-2">{c.agentShip}</span>
+        </Button>
+        <Tip label={ship.ghReady ? prLabel : c.ghMissing}>
+          <span className="absolute inset-y-0 right-0 flex items-center">
+            <Button
+              aria-label={prLabel}
+              className="size-7 text-muted-foreground/80 hover:text-foreground"
+              disabled={!ship.ghReady || busy}
+              onClick={() => void createOrOpenPr().catch(err => notifyError(err, prLabel))}
+              size="icon-xs"
+              variant="ghost"
+            >
+              <Codicon name="git-pull-request" size={ICON} />
+            </Button>
+          </span>
+        </Tip>
+      </div>
+    </div>
+  )
+}

apps/desktop/src/app/right-sidebar/review/tree-data.test.ts

@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+import { describe, expect, it } from 'vitest'
+
+import type { HermesReviewFile } from '@/global'
+
+import { buildReviewTree } from './tree-data'
+
+const file = (path: string, added = 1, removed = 0): HermesReviewFile => ({
+  path,
+  added,
+  removed,
+  status: 'M',
+  staged: false
+})
+
+describe('buildReviewTree', () => {
+  it('nests files under their folders and sorts dirs before files', () => {
+    const tree = buildReviewTree([file('src/a.ts'), file('readme.md'), file('src/b.ts')], false)
+
+    expect(tree.map(n => n.name)).toEqual(['src', 'readme.md'])
+    const src = tree[0]
+    expect(src.isDir).toBe(true)
+    expect(src.children?.map(n => n.name)).toEqual(['a.ts', 'b.ts'])
+  })
+
+  it('aggregates +/- onto directories', () => {
+    const tree = buildReviewTree([file('src/a.ts', 5, 2), file('src/b.ts', 3, 1)], false)
+
+    expect(tree[0].added).toBe(8)
+    expect(tree[0].removed).toBe(3)
+  })
+
+  it('compacts single-child directory chains', () => {
+    const tree = buildReviewTree([file('a/b/c/deep.ts')], true)
+
+    expect(tree[0].name).toBe('a/b/c')
+    expect(tree[0].children?.[0].name).toBe('deep.ts')
+  })
+
+  it('does not compact when a directory has multiple children', () => {
+    const tree = buildReviewTree([file('a/b/one.ts'), file('a/other.ts')], true)
+
+    expect(tree[0].name).toBe('a')
+    expect(tree[0].children?.map(n => n.name).sort()).toEqual(['b', 'other.ts'])
+  })
+})

apps/desktop/src/app/right-sidebar/review/tree-data.ts

@@ -0,0 +1,126 @@
+import type { HermesReviewFile } from '@/global'
+
+// A node in the review changed-files tree. Directories aggregate their
+// descendants' +/- so a collapsed folder still shows its total churn (Codex's
+// folder hierarchy view).
+export interface ReviewTreeNode {
+  id: string
+  name: string
+  isDir: boolean
+  added: number
+  removed: number
+  /** For a flat-list file row: the parent dir (relative), shown dimmed. */
+  dir?: string
+  file?: HermesReviewFile
+  children?: ReviewTreeNode[]
+}
+
+// Flat changed-file list (VS Code's default SCM "List" view): one row per file,
+// filename + a dimmed parent-dir path, sorted by path. No folder nodes.
+export function buildReviewFlatList(files: HermesReviewFile[]): ReviewTreeNode[] {
+  return [...files]
+    .sort((a, b) => a.path.localeCompare(b.path))
+    .map(file => {
+      const segments = file.path.split('/').filter(Boolean)
+      const name = segments.pop() ?? file.path
+
+      return {
+        id: file.path,
+        name,
+        dir: segments.join('/'),
+        isDir: false,
+        added: file.added,
+        removed: file.removed,
+        file
+      }
+    })
+}
+
+interface MutableDir {
+  id: string
+  name: string
+  added: number
+  removed: number
+  dirs: Map<string, MutableDir>
+  files: ReviewTreeNode[]
+}
+
+const makeDir = (id: string, name: string): MutableDir => ({
+  id,
+  name,
+  added: 0,
+  removed: 0,
+  dirs: new Map(),
+  files: []
+})
+
+// Build a folder hierarchy from the flat changed-file list. With `compact`,
+// single-child directory chains collapse into one row (`a/b/c`), the way VS Code
+// and Codex render sparse trees.
+export function buildReviewTree(files: HermesReviewFile[], compact = true): ReviewTreeNode[] {
+  const root = makeDir('', '')
+
+  for (const file of files) {
+    const segments = file.path.split('/').filter(Boolean)
+    const fileName = segments.pop() ?? file.path
+    let dir = root
+
+    dir.added += file.added
+    dir.removed += file.removed
+
+    let prefix = ''
+
+    for (const segment of segments) {
+      prefix = prefix ? `${prefix}/${segment}` : segment
+      let child = dir.dirs.get(segment)
+
+      if (!child) {
+        child = makeDir(prefix, segment)
+        dir.dirs.set(segment, child)
+      }
+
+      child.added += file.added
+      child.removed += file.removed
+      dir = child
+    }
+
+    dir.files.push({
+      id: file.path,
+      name: fileName,
+      isDir: false,
+      added: file.added,
+      removed: file.removed,
+      file
+    })
+  }
+
+  const finalize = (dir: MutableDir): ReviewTreeNode[] => {
+    const dirNodes: ReviewTreeNode[] = [...dir.dirs.values()]
+      .sort((a, b) => a.name.localeCompare(b.name))
+      .map(child => {
+        let node: ReviewTreeNode = {
+          id: child.id,
+          name: child.name,
+          isDir: true,
+          added: child.added,
+          removed: child.removed,
+          children: finalize(child)
+        }
+
+        // Compact a chain: a folder whose only child is one folder merges into
+        // `parent/child` so deep sparse paths read on one row.
+        while (compact && node.children?.length === 1 && node.children[0].isDir) {
+          const only = node.children[0]
+          node = { ...only, name: `${node.name}/${only.name}` }
+        }
+
+        return node
+      })
+
+    const fileNodes = [...dir.files].sort((a, b) => a.name.localeCompare(b.name))
+
+    return [...dirNodes, ...fileNodes]
+  }
+
+  return finalize(root)
+}

apps/desktop/src/app/right-sidebar/terminal/persistent.tsx

@@ -2,6 +2,8 @@ import { useStore } from '@nanostores/react'
 import { atom } from 'nanostores'
 import { type CSSProperties, useEffect, useLayoutEffect, useRef, useState } from 'react'
 
+import { $terminalTakeover } from '../store'
+
 import { TerminalTab } from './index'
 
 /**
@@ -54,6 +56,7 @@ const sameRect = (a: Rect | null, b: Rect) =>
 
 export function PersistentTerminal({ cwd, onAddSelectionToChat }: PersistentTerminalProps) {
   const slot = useStore($slot)
+  const terminalTakeover = useStore($terminalTakeover)
   const [rect, setRect] = useState<Rect | null>(null)
   const [ready, setReady] = useState(false)
 
@@ -111,12 +114,12 @@ export function PersistentTerminal({ cwd, onAddSelectionToChat }: PersistentTerm
     contain: 'layout size paint'
   }
 
-  // Defer mount until real dims — booting xterm at 0×0 starts the shell at
-  // 80×24, then the first ResizeObserver SIGWINCH redraws the prompt on a
-  // new line. After first measurement we keep it mounted forever.
+  // Defer mount until the terminal sidebar is open and the slot has real dims.
+  // Booting xterm/node-pty at 0×0 starts the shell at 80×24 and spawns a
+  // visible conhost on Windows even when the pane is collapsed.
   return (
     <div aria-hidden={!visible} style={style}>
-      {ready && <TerminalTab cwd={cwd} onAddSelectionToChat={onAddSelectionToChat} />}
+      {terminalTakeover && ready && <TerminalTab cwd={cwd} onAddSelectionToChat={onAddSelectionToChat} />}
     </div>
   )
 }

apps/desktop/src/app/session/hooks/use-message-stream.ts

@@ -36,7 +36,9 @@ import { notify } from '@/store/notifications'
 import { requestDesktopOnboarding } from '@/store/onboarding'
 import { flashPetActivity, markPetUnread, setPetActivity } from '@/store/pet'
 import { clearAllPrompts, setApprovalRequest, setSecretRequest, setSudoRequest } from '@/store/prompts'
+import { followActiveSessionCwd } from '@/store/projects'
 import {
+  $currentCwd,
   setCurrentBranch,
   setCurrentCwd,
   setCurrentFastMode,
@@ -46,6 +48,7 @@ import {
   setCurrentReasoningEffort,
   setCurrentServiceTier,
   setCurrentUsage,
+  setSessions,
   setTurnStartedAt,
   setYoloActive
 } from '@/store/session'
@@ -53,6 +56,7 @@ import { broadcastSessionsChanged } from '@/store/session-sync'
 import { clearSessionSubagents, pruneDelegateFallbackSubagents, upsertSubagent } from '@/store/subagents'
 import { setSessionTodos } from '@/store/todos'
 import { recordToolDiff } from '@/store/tool-diffs'
+import { notifyWorkspaceChanged, toolMayMutateFiles } from '@/store/workspace-events'
 import type { RpcEvent } from '@/types/hermes'
 
 import type { ClientSessionState } from '../../types'
@@ -339,6 +343,9 @@ export function useMessageStream({
   const nativeSubagentSessionsRef = useRef<Set<string>>(new Set())
   // Turns that auto-compacted: skip post-turn hydrate so live scrollback survives.
   const compactedTurnRef = useRef<Set<string>>(new Set())
+  // Last session we applied a session.info cwd for — lets us tell an agent
+  // relocating the SAME session (follow it) from a session switch (don't yank).
+  const lastCwdInfoSessionRef = useRef<null | string>(null)
 
   const flushQueuedDeltas = useCallback(
     (sessionId?: string) => {
@@ -746,7 +753,20 @@ export function useMessageStream({
           }
 
           if (typeof payload?.cwd === 'string') {
+            // The active session's agent can relocate itself (new repo/worktree
+            // via the terminal). When the SAME active session's cwd actually
+            // moves, follow it — refresh the project tree + scope so the sidebar
+            // tracks the live thread. A fresh selection (different session id)
+            // is a switch, not a move, so it refreshes data without yanking scope.
+            const cwdMoved = payload.cwd !== $currentCwd.get()
+            const sameSession = !!sessionId && sessionId === lastCwdInfoSessionRef.current
+
+            lastCwdInfoSessionRef.current = sessionId
             setCurrentCwd(payload.cwd)
+
+            if (cwdMoved && sameSession) {
+              void followActiveSessionCwd(payload.cwd)
+            }
           }
 
           if (typeof payload?.branch === 'string') {
@@ -923,6 +943,16 @@ export function useMessageStream({
         if (payload?.usage) {
           setCurrentUsage(current => ({ ...current, ...payload.usage }))
         }
+      } else if (event.type === 'session.title') {
+        // Live auto-title push (titler runs async, after the turn's refresh).
+        const storedId = typeof payload?.session_id === 'string' ? payload.session_id : ''
+        const nextTitle = typeof payload?.title === 'string' ? payload.title.trim() : ''
+
+        if (storedId && nextTitle) {
+          setSessions(prev =>
+            prev.map(s => (s.id === storedId || s._lineage_root_id === storedId ? { ...s, title: nextTitle } : s))
+          )
+        }
       } else if (event.type === 'tool.start' || event.type === 'tool.progress' || event.type === 'tool.generating') {
         if (!sessionId) {
           return
@@ -959,6 +989,13 @@ export function useMessageStream({
         if (typeof payload?.inline_diff === 'string' && payload.inline_diff.trim()) {
           recordToolDiff(payload.tool_id || payload.name || '', payload.inline_diff)
         }
+
+        // A file-mutating tool just finished — nudge the git-mirroring surfaces
+        // (coding rail, review pane, file tree) to refresh. Event-driven, not
+        // polled: fires exactly when the agent touches the tree.
+        if (payload && toolMayMutateFiles(payload)) {
+          notifyWorkspaceChanged()
+        }
       } else if (SUBAGENT_EVENT_TYPES.has(event.type)) {
         if (sessionId && payload && !sessionInterrupted(sessionId)) {
           if (!nativeSubagentSessionsRef.current.has(sessionId)) {

apps/desktop/src/app/session/hooks/use-prompt-actions.test.tsx

@@ -44,7 +44,10 @@ function sessionInfo(overrides: Partial<SessionInfo> = {}): SessionInfo {
 
 interface HarnessHandle {
   cancelRun: () => Promise<void>
-  restoreToMessage: (messageId: string) => Promise<void>
+  restoreToMessage: (
+    messageId: string,
+    target?: { text?: string; userOrdinal?: number | null }
+  ) => Promise<void>
   steerPrompt: (text: string) => Promise<boolean>
   submitText: (
     text: string,
@@ -642,17 +645,45 @@ describe('usePromptActions restoreToMessage', () => {
     })
   })
 
-  it('ignores non-user targets and unknown ids without touching the gateway', async () => {
+  it('rejects non-user targets and unknown ids without touching the gateway', async () => {
     const requestGateway = vi.fn(async () => ({}) as never)
 
     let handle: HarnessHandle | null = null
     render(<Harness onReady={h => (handle = h)} refreshSessions={async () => undefined} requestGateway={requestGateway} />)
 
-    await handle!.restoreToMessage('a1')
-    await handle!.restoreToMessage('missing')
+    await expect(handle!.restoreToMessage('a1')).rejects.toThrow('Could not find the message to restore.')
+    await expect(handle!.restoreToMessage('missing')).rejects.toThrow('Could not find the message to restore.')
 
     expect(requestGateway).not.toHaveBeenCalled()
   })
+
+  it('uses the clicked runtime user ordinal when the rendered message id is stale', async () => {
+    const requestGateway = vi.fn(async () => ({}) as never)
+
+    let lastState: Record<string, unknown> = {}
+    let handle: HarnessHandle | null = null
+    render(
+      <Harness
+        onReady={h => (handle = h)}
+        onSeedState={state => (lastState = state)}
+        refreshSessions={async () => undefined}
+        requestGateway={requestGateway}
+        seedMessages={$messages.get()}
+      />
+    )
+
+    await handle!.restoreToMessage('runtime-user-id-not-in-store', {
+      text: 'first prompt',
+      userOrdinal: 0
+    })
+
+    expect(requestGateway).toHaveBeenCalledWith('prompt.submit', {
+      session_id: RUNTIME_SESSION_ID,
+      text: 'first prompt',
+      truncate_before_user_ordinal: 0
+    })
+    expect((lastState.messages as { id: string }[]).map(m => m.id)).toEqual(['u1'])
+  })
 })
 
 describe('usePromptActions file attachment sync', () => {

apps/desktop/src/app/session/hooks/use-prompt-actions.ts

@@ -38,11 +38,11 @@ import {
   updateComposerAttachment
 } from '@/store/composer'
 import { resetSessionBackground } from '@/store/composer-status'
-import { clearPreviewArtifacts } from '@/store/preview-status'
 import { clearNotifications, notify, notifyError } from '@/store/notifications'
 import { requestDesktopOnboarding } from '@/store/onboarding'
 import { setPetScale } from '@/store/pet-gallery'
 import { $petGenInput, openPetGenerate } from '@/store/pet-generate'
+import { clearPreviewArtifacts } from '@/store/preview-status'
 import { $activeGatewayProfile, $newChatProfile, ensureGatewayProfile, normalizeProfileKey } from '@/store/profile'
 import {
   $busy,
@@ -157,6 +157,13 @@ async function withSessionBusyRetry<T>(call: () => Promise<T>): Promise<T> {
   }
 }
 
+// Hard guard: at most one prompt.submit in flight per session. Every submit
+// path — user Enter, queue drain, busy-retry, slash fallthrough — funnels
+// through submitPromptText. Without this, a stalled turn (e.g. a context-bloated
+// session whose first call hangs) let the SAME prompt launch several real turns
+// at once (the "message stacked 5×" bug). Keyed by stored/active session id.
+const _submitInFlight = new Set<string>()
+
 function base64FromDataUrl(dataUrl: string): string {
   const comma = dataUrl.indexOf(',')
 
@@ -384,6 +391,31 @@ function visibleUserOrdinal(messages: readonly ChatMessage[], end: number): numb
   return messages.slice(0, end).filter(m => m.role === 'user' && !m.hidden).length
 }
 
+function visibleUserIndexAtOrdinal(messages: readonly ChatMessage[], targetOrdinal: number): number {
+  let ordinal = 0
+
+  for (let index = 0; index < messages.length; index += 1) {
+    const message = messages[index]
+
+    if (message.role !== 'user' || message.hidden) {
+      continue
+    }
+
+    if (ordinal === targetOrdinal) {
+      return index
+    }
+
+    ordinal += 1
+  }
+
+  return -1
+}
+
+interface RestoreMessageTarget {
+  text?: string
+  userOrdinal?: number | null
+}
+
 export function usePromptActions({
   activeSessionId,
   activeSessionIdRef,
@@ -555,7 +587,14 @@ export function usePromptActions({
     async (rawText: string, options?: SubmitTextOptions) => {
       const visibleText = rawText.trim()
       const usingComposerAttachments = !options?.attachments
-      const attachments = options?.attachments ?? $composerAttachments.get()
+      // Drop undefined/null holes a session switch or draft restore can leave in
+      // the attachments array (same bug class as AttachmentList #49624). Without
+      // this, the sibling iterations below (a.kind / a.label / a.refText, and the
+      // sync step) throw "Cannot read properties of undefined (reading 'refText')"
+      // and break the chat surface.
+      const attachments = (options?.attachments ?? $composerAttachments.get()).filter(
+        (a): a is ComposerAttachment => Boolean(a)
+      )
 
       const terminalContextBlocks = terminalContextBlocksFromDraft(rawText).join('\n\n')
       const hasImage = attachments.some(a => a.kind === 'image')
@@ -568,14 +607,17 @@ export function usePromptActions({
       let attachmentRefs = attachments.map(optimisticAttachmentRef).filter((r): r is string => Boolean(r))
 
       const buildContextText = (atts: ComposerAttachment[]): string => {
-        const contextRefs = atts
+        // atts may be the post-sync array, which can reintroduce holes; filter
+        // before touching a.refText / a.kind.
+        const present = atts.filter((a): a is ComposerAttachment => Boolean(a))
+        const contextRefs = present
           .map(a => a.refText)
           .filter(Boolean)
           .join('\n')
 
         return (
           [contextRefs, terminalContextBlocks, visibleText].filter(Boolean).join('\n\n') ||
-          (atts.some(a => a.kind === 'image') ? 'What do you see in this image?' : '')
+          (present.some(a => a.kind === 'image') ? 'What do you see in this image?' : '')
         )
       }
 
@@ -589,6 +631,23 @@ export function usePromptActions({
         return false
       }
 
+      // One submit in flight per session — drop any concurrent re-fire so a
+      // stalled turn can't stack the same prompt into multiple real turns.
+      const submitLockKey = selectedStoredSessionIdRef.current || activeSessionId || '__pending_new__'
+
+      if (_submitInFlight.has(submitLockKey)) {
+        return false
+      }
+
+      _submitInFlight.add(submitLockKey)
+      let submitLockReleased = false
+      const releaseSubmitLock = () => {
+        if (!submitLockReleased) {
+          submitLockReleased = true
+          _submitInFlight.delete(submitLockKey)
+        }
+      }
+
       const optimisticId = `user-${Date.now()}-${Math.random().toString(36).slice(2, 8)}`
 
       const buildUserMessage = (): ChatMessage => ({
@@ -599,6 +658,7 @@ export function usePromptActions({
       })
 
       const releaseBusy = () => {
+        releaseSubmitLock()
         setMutableRef(busyRef, false)
         setBusy(false)
         setAwaitingResponse(false)
@@ -740,6 +800,10 @@ export function usePromptActions({
           clearComposerAttachments()
         }
 
+        // Submit landed — the turn now runs (busy stays true), but the submit
+        // window is closed, so release the lock for the next (sequential) send.
+        releaseSubmitLock()
+
         return true
       } catch (err) {
         releaseBusy()
@@ -1634,55 +1698,78 @@ export function usePromptActions({
   // mechanism — `prompt.submit` with `truncate_before_user_ordinal` drops that
   // user turn and everything after it from the session history, then the same
   // text is submitted as a fresh turn. Callers confirm before invoking; errors
-  // are rethrown so the confirmation dialog can surface them inline.
-  // Submit a rewind (truncate-before-ordinal + resubmit). Because edit/restore
-  // can fire while a turn is streaming, interrupt the live turn first — the
-  // cooperative interrupt takes a beat, so the shared busy-retry rides it out.
+  // are rethrown so callers can surface failures. Idle rewinds submit directly:
+  // interrupting an idle agent can leave a stale interrupt flag that cancels the
+  // fresh turn. Live/stuck turns interrupt first, and a raced "session busy"
+  // response interrupts + retries through the shared busy gate.
   const submitRewindPrompt = useCallback(
-    async (sessionId: string, text: string, truncateOrdinal: number | undefined, wasRunning: boolean) => {
-      if (wasRunning) {
+    async (sessionId: string, text: string, truncateOrdinal: number | undefined, interruptFirst: boolean) => {
+      const interrupt = async () => {
         try {
           await requestGateway('session.interrupt', { session_id: sessionId })
         } catch {
-          // Best-effort — the busy-retry below still gates the submit.
+          // Best-effort. The submit path still gates on the gateway state.
         }
       }
 
-      await withSessionBusyRetry(() =>
+      const submit = () =>
         requestGateway('prompt.submit', {
           session_id: sessionId,
           text,
           ...(truncateOrdinal !== undefined && { truncate_before_user_ordinal: truncateOrdinal })
         })
-      )
+
+      if (interruptFirst) {
+        await interrupt()
+      }
+
+      try {
+        await submit()
+      } catch (err) {
+        if (!isSessionBusyError(err)) {
+          throw err
+        }
+
+        await interrupt()
+        await withSessionBusyRetry(submit)
+      }
     },
     [requestGateway]
   )
 
   const restoreToMessage = useCallback(
-    async (messageId: string) => {
+    async (messageId: string, target?: RestoreMessageTarget) => {
       const sessionId = activeSessionId || activeSessionIdRef.current
 
       if (!sessionId) {
-        return
+        throw new Error('No active session to restore.')
       }
 
       const messages = $messages.get()
-      const sourceIndex = messages.findIndex(m => m.id === messageId)
+      const idIndex = messages.findIndex(m => m.id === messageId && m.role === 'user')
+
+      const fallbackIndex =
+        target?.userOrdinal === null || target?.userOrdinal === undefined
+          ? -1
+          : visibleUserIndexAtOrdinal(messages, target.userOrdinal)
+
+      const sourceIndex = idIndex >= 0 ? idIndex : fallbackIndex
       const source = messages[sourceIndex]
 
       if (!source || source.role !== 'user') {
-        return
+        throw new Error('Could not find the message to restore.')
       }
 
-      const text = chatMessageText(source).trim()
+      const text = (chatMessageText(source).trim() || target?.text?.trim() || '').trim()
 
       if (!text) {
-        return
+        throw new Error('Cannot restore an empty message.')
       }
 
-      const wasRunning = $busy.get()
-      const truncateBeforeUserOrdinal = visibleUserOrdinal(messages, sourceIndex)
+      const truncateBeforeUserOrdinal =
+        target?.userOrdinal === null || target?.userOrdinal === undefined
+          ? visibleUserOrdinal(messages, sourceIndex)
+          : target.userOrdinal
 
       // The turns we're discarding may have spawned todos and background
       // processes; they belong to the abandoned timeline, so wipe their status
@@ -1706,12 +1793,21 @@ export function usePromptActions({
       }))
 
       try {
-        await submitRewindPrompt(sessionId, text, truncateBeforeUserOrdinal, wasRunning)
+        await submitRewindPrompt(sessionId, text, truncateBeforeUserOrdinal, busyRef.current || $busy.get())
       } catch (err) {
+        // The rewind never landed (e.g. the gateway stayed busy past the retry
+        // deadline). Roll the optimistic truncation back to the full original
+        // history so the UI doesn't desync from what's persisted — leaving it
+        // truncated is what made subsequent sends look duplicative.
         setMutableRef(busyRef, false)
         setBusy(false)
         setAwaitingResponse(false)
-        updateSessionState(sessionId, state => ({ ...state, busy: false, awaitingResponse: false }))
+        updateSessionState(sessionId, state => ({
+          ...state,
+          busy: false,
+          awaitingResponse: false,
+          messages
+        }))
         throw err
       }
     },
@@ -1737,9 +1833,8 @@ export function usePromptActions({
       }
 
       // Sending an edit is a revert: rewind to this prompt and re-run with the
-      // new text. It can fire mid-turn, so capture the live state — the submit
-      // helper interrupts first when a turn is running.
-      const wasRunning = $busy.get()
+      // new text. It can fire mid-turn; submitRewindPrompt always interrupts
+      // first, so a live turn is wound down before the resubmit.
 
       // Failed turn: optimistic user msg never reached the gateway, so truncating
       // by ordinal would 422. Submit as a plain resend instead.
@@ -1772,7 +1867,12 @@ export function usePromptActions({
         /no longer in session history|not in session history/i.test(err instanceof Error ? err.message : String(err))
 
       try {
-        await submitRewindPrompt(sessionId, text, isFailedTurn ? undefined : visibleUserOrdinal(messages, sourceIndex), wasRunning)
+        await submitRewindPrompt(
+          sessionId,
+          text,
+          isFailedTurn ? undefined : visibleUserOrdinal(messages, sourceIndex),
+          busyRef.current || $busy.get()
+        )
       } catch (err) {
         let surfaced = err
 
@@ -1787,10 +1887,13 @@ export function usePromptActions({
           }
         }
 
+        // Roll the optimistic edit/truncation back to the original history so the
+        // UI stays in sync with what's persisted instead of stranding a partial
+        // timeline.
         setMutableRef(busyRef, false)
         setBusy(false)
         setAwaitingResponse(false)
-        updateSessionState(sessionId, state => ({ ...state, busy: false, awaitingResponse: false }))
+        updateSessionState(sessionId, state => ({ ...state, busy: false, awaitingResponse: false, messages }))
         notifyError(surfaced, copy.editFailed)
       }
     },

apps/desktop/src/app/session/hooks/use-session-actions.test.tsx

@@ -256,4 +256,29 @@ describe('resumeSession failure recovery', () => {
 
     expect($resumeFailedSessionId.get()).toBeNull()
   })
+
+  it('resumes via the gateway default (deferred build) — not lazy, no eager opt-out', async () => {
+    // The switch-latency fix lives backend-side: a normal cold resume gets the
+    // gateway's default DEFERRED build (transcript returns immediately, agent
+    // pre-warms in the background). The client must NOT force the synchronous
+    // path (eager_build) and is only `lazy` for subagent watch windows.
+    let resumeParams: Record<string, unknown> | undefined
+
+    const requestGateway = vi.fn(async (method: string, params?: Record<string, unknown>) => {
+      if (method === 'session.resume') {
+        resumeParams = params
+
+        return { session_id: 'runtime-1', resumed: params?.session_id, messages: [], info: {} } as never
+      }
+
+      return {} as never
+    })
+
+    vi.mocked(getSessionMessages).mockResolvedValue({ messages: [] } as never)
+
+    await runResume(requestGateway)
+
+    expect(resumeParams).not.toHaveProperty('lazy')
+    expect(resumeParams).not.toHaveProperty('eager_build')
+  })
 })

apps/desktop/src/app/session/hooks/use-session-actions.ts

@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ import { $pinnedSessionIds } from '@/store/layout'
 import { clearNotifications, notify, notifyError } from '@/store/notifications'
 import { requestDesktopOnboarding } from '@/store/onboarding'
 import { $activeGatewayProfile, $newChatProfile, $profiles, ensureGatewayProfile, normalizeProfileKey } from '@/store/profile'
+import { resolveNewSessionCwd, tombstoneSessions, untombstoneSessions } from '@/store/projects'
 import {
   $currentCwd,
   $currentFastMode,
@@ -175,20 +176,37 @@ function reconcileResumeMessages(nextMessages: ChatMessage[], previousMessages:
   })
 }
 
+interface BranchMessage {
+  content: string
+  role: ChatMessage['role']
+  source: ChatMessage
+}
+
+// The copyable spine of a branch: user/assistant turns that carry text.
+const toBranchMessages = (messages: ChatMessage[]): BranchMessage[] =>
+  messages
+    .map(message => ({ content: chatMessageText(message), role: message.role, source: message }))
+    .filter(({ content, role }) => content.trim() && (role === 'assistant' || role === 'user'))
+
 function upsertOptimisticSession(
   created: SessionCreateResponse,
   id: string,
   title: string | null = null,
-  preview: string | null = null
+  preview: string | null = null,
+  parentSessionId: string | null = null,
+  lastActive?: number
 ) {
-  const now = Date.now() / 1000
+  const now = lastActive ?? Date.now() / 1000
   // Stamp the profile the session was just created on (= the live gateway's
   // profile) so the scoped sidebar shows the new row immediately instead of
   // filtering it out as "default" until the aggregator re-fetches.
   const profileKey = normalizeProfileKey($activeGatewayProfile.get())
 
   const session: SessionInfo = {
-    cwd: created.info?.cwd ?? null,
+    // Seed cwd so the grouped sidebar can place the new row in its repo/worktree
+    // lane immediately (the overlay groups by path); fall back to the workspace
+    // the session was just started in when the create response omits it.
+    cwd: created.info?.cwd ?? ($currentCwd.get().trim() || null),
     ended_at: null,
     id,
     input_tokens: 0,
@@ -198,6 +216,7 @@ function upsertOptimisticSession(
     message_count: created.message_count ?? created.messages?.length ?? 0,
     model: created.info?.model ?? null,
     output_tokens: 0,
+    parent_session_id: parentSessionId,
     preview,
     profile: profileKey,
     source: 'tui',
@@ -372,6 +391,16 @@ function applyStoredSessionPreviewRuntimeInfo(stored: { model?: null | string }
   setCurrentPersonality('')
 }
 
+// A "session genuinely doesn't exist" failure (deleted, or an id from a wiped /
+// rotated backend) — the REST transcript 404s with `Session not found`. Distinct
+// from a transient/wedged backend (ECONNREFUSED, timeout), which must still
+// retry rather than discard the id.
+function isSessionGoneError(err: unknown): boolean {
+  const message = err instanceof Error ? err.message : String(err ?? '')
+
+  return message.includes('404') || /session not found/i.test(message)
+}
+
 export function useSessionActions({
   activeSessionId,
   activeSessionIdRef,
@@ -421,7 +450,10 @@ export function useSessionActions({
       // is cleared.
       setCurrentServiceTier('')
       setYoloActive(false)
-      setCurrentCwd(workspaceCwdForNewSession())
+      // In a project → the repo's default-branch (main worktree) checkout; not in
+      // a project → detached. So cmd-n "knows" the project instead of inheriting
+      // whatever linked worktree the last session drifted into.
+      setCurrentCwd(resolveNewSessionCwd())
       setCurrentBranch('')
       // Never clear the composer here — ChatBar's per-thread draft swap owns it.
       setFreshDraftReady(true)
@@ -706,6 +738,11 @@ export function useSessionActions({
         const resumePromise = requestGateway<SessionResumeResponse>('session.resume', {
           session_id: storedSessionId,
           cols: 96,
+          // Watch windows attach lazily (live mirror). Every other cold resume
+          // gets the gateway's default deferred build: the RPC returns the
+          // transcript immediately instead of blocking the switch on _make_agent
+          // (MCP discovery / prompt build), and the agent pre-warms in the
+          // background while the prefetch above paints the transcript.
           ...(watchWindow ? { lazy: true } : {}),
           ...(sessionProfile ? { profile: sessionProfile } : {})
         })
@@ -754,7 +791,13 @@ export function useSessionActions({
                 return chatMessageArraysEquivalent(currentMessages, resumedMessages) ? currentMessages : resumedMessages
               })()
 
-        const messagesForView = preserveLocalAssistantErrors(preferredMessages, currentMessages)
+        // Prefetch-hit fast path: `preferredMessages` IS the live `$messages`
+        // array (already error-merged when `localSnapshot` was built), so reuse
+        // the ref instead of rebuilding a throwaway transcript+Map every switch.
+        const messagesForView =
+          preferredMessages === currentMessages
+            ? currentMessages
+            : preserveLocalAssistantErrors(preferredMessages, currentMessages)
 
         setActiveSessionId(resumed.session_id)
         activeSessionIdRef.current = resumed.session_id
@@ -788,6 +831,8 @@ export function useSessionActions({
         // empty transcript. That is the exact state the thread loader latches on
         // forever (messagesEmpty && !activeSessionId) with no recovery path —
         // the "open in new window stays stuck loading, even after a nap" bug.
+        let fallbackError: unknown = null
+
         try {
           const fallback = await getSessionMessages(storedSessionId, sessionProfile)
 
@@ -796,14 +841,31 @@ export function useSessionActions({
           }
 
           setMessages(preserveLocalAssistantErrors(toChatMessages(fallback.messages), $messages.get()))
-        } catch {
+        } catch (e) {
           // Fallback also failed: nothing to paint. Leave whatever messages are
           // already shown and fall through to arm the resume-failure latch so
           // use-route-resume re-attempts the resume on the next render / window
           // focus / gateway reconnect instead of stranding the loader.
+          fallbackError = e
         }
 
-        if (isCurrentResume() && $messages.get().length === 0) {
+        if (!isCurrentResume()) {
+          return
+        }
+
+        // The session is genuinely gone (deleted, or a stale id from a wiped /
+        // rotated backend): the resume RPC and the authoritative REST transcript
+        // both 404. There's nothing to recover — silently drop to a fresh draft
+        // instead of toasting an error and hot-looping the bounded retry on a
+        // permanently-dead id. (Booting straight into a no-longer-existent
+        // last-session id is the common trigger.)
+        if ($messages.get().length === 0 && isSessionGoneError(fallbackError)) {
+          startFreshSessionDraft(true)
+
+          return
+        }
+
+        if ($messages.get().length === 0) {
           // Arm the self-heal ONLY when the window is still empty: the gateway
           // resume rejected AND the REST fallback failed to paint a transcript.
           // That is the exact stranded state the loader latches on
@@ -832,93 +894,53 @@ export function useSessionActions({
       runtimeIdByStoredSessionIdRef,
       selectedStoredSessionIdRef,
       sessionStateByRuntimeIdRef,
+      startFreshSessionDraft,
       syncSessionStateToView,
       updateSessionState
     ]
   )
 
-  const branchCurrentSession = useCallback(
-    async (messageId?: string): Promise<boolean> => {
-      const sourceSessionId = activeSessionIdRef.current
-
-      if (!sourceSessionId) {
-        notify({
-          kind: 'warning',
-          title: copy.nothingToBranch,
-          message: copy.branchNeedsChat
-        })
-
-        return false
-      }
-
-      if (busyRef.current) {
-        notify({
-          kind: 'warning',
-          title: copy.sessionBusy,
-          message: copy.branchStopCurrent
-        })
-
-        return false
-      }
-
+  // Shared fork: create a child session seeded with `branchMessages`, linked to
+  // `parentStoredId` so it nests under its parent, then make it the active chat.
+  const forkBranch = useCallback(
+    async (branchMessages: BranchMessage[], parentStoredId: null | string, cwd?: string): Promise<boolean> => {
       creatingSessionRef.current = true
 
       try {
-        const currentMessages = $messages.get()
-
-        const targetIndex = messageId
-          ? currentMessages.findIndex(message => message.id === messageId)
-          : currentMessages.findLastIndex(message => message.role === 'assistant' || message.role === 'user')
-
-        const branchStart = targetIndex >= 0 ? targetIndex : Math.max(currentMessages.length - 1, 0)
-        const branchEnd = targetIndex >= 0 ? targetIndex + 1 : currentMessages.length
-
-        const branchMessages = currentMessages
-          .slice(branchStart, branchEnd)
-          .map(message => ({
-            content: chatMessageText(message),
-            source: message,
-            role: message.role
-          }))
-          .filter(message => message.content.trim() && ['assistant', 'user'].includes(message.role))
-
-        if (!branchMessages.length) {
-          notify({
-            kind: 'warning',
-            title: copy.nothingToBranch,
-            message: copy.branchNoText
-          })
-
-          return false
-        }
-
-        clearNotifications()
-
-        const cwd = $currentCwd.get().trim()
-
+        // No title: the backend auto-names the branch from its parent's lineage.
         const branched = await requestGateway<SessionCreateResponse>('session.create', {
           cols: 96,
           ...(cwd && { cwd }),
           messages: branchMessages.map(({ content, role }) => ({ content, role })),
-          title: copy.branchTitle
+          ...(parentStoredId && { parent_session_id: parentStoredId })
         })
 
         const routedSessionId = branched.stored_session_id ?? branched.session_id
         const preview = branchMessages.map(({ content }) => content).find(Boolean) ?? null
+        // Draft until submit: nest under the parent at the parent's recency so it
+        // doesn't bubble to the top until a real message lands (backend persists
+        // + auto-names it then). The selected row survives refreshes (sessionsToKeep).
+        const rows = $sessions.get()
+        const parent = parentStoredId ? rows.find(session => sessionMatchesStoredId(session, parentStoredId)) : null
+        const siblings = parentStoredId
+          ? rows.filter(session => session.parent_session_id?.trim() === parentStoredId).length
+          : 0
 
         setFreshDraftReady(false)
-        upsertOptimisticSession(branched, routedSessionId, copy.branchTitle, preview)
+        upsertOptimisticSession(
+          branched,
+          routedSessionId,
+          copy.branchTitle(siblings + 1).toLowerCase(),
+          preview,
+          parentStoredId,
+          parent ? parent.last_active || parent.started_at : undefined
+        )
         ensureSessionState(branched.session_id, routedSessionId)
         setActiveSessionId(branched.session_id)
         activeSessionIdRef.current = branched.session_id
         updateSessionState(
           branched.session_id,
-          state => ({
-            ...state,
-            messages: branchMessages.map(({ source }) => source),
-            busy: false,
-            awaitingResponse: false
-          }),
+          state => ({ ...state, messages: branchMessages.map(({ source }) => source), busy: false, awaitingResponse: false }),
           routedSessionId
         )
         setSelectedStoredSessionId(routedSessionId)
@@ -926,7 +948,6 @@ export function useSessionActions({
         navigate(sessionRoute(routedSessionId))
 
         const runtimeInfo = applyRuntimeInfo(branched.info)
-
         patchSessionWorkspace(routedSessionId, runtimeInfo?.cwd)
 
         if (runtimeInfo) {
@@ -944,17 +965,74 @@ export function useSessionActions({
         }, 0)
       }
     },
-    [
-      activeSessionIdRef,
-      busyRef,
-      copy,
-      creatingSessionRef,
-      ensureSessionState,
-      navigate,
-      requestGateway,
-      selectedStoredSessionIdRef,
-      updateSessionState
-    ]
+    [activeSessionIdRef, copy, creatingSessionRef, ensureSessionState, navigate, requestGateway, selectedStoredSessionIdRef, updateSessionState]
+  )
+
+  // Branch the open chat — optionally from a specific message — off its live transcript.
+  const branchCurrentSession = useCallback(
+    async (messageId?: string): Promise<boolean> => {
+      if (!activeSessionIdRef.current) {
+        notify({ kind: 'warning', title: copy.nothingToBranch, message: copy.branchNeedsChat })
+
+        return false
+      }
+
+      if (busyRef.current) {
+        notify({ kind: 'warning', title: copy.sessionBusy, message: copy.branchStopCurrent })
+
+        return false
+      }
+
+      const messages = $messages.get()
+      const at = messageId
+        ? messages.findIndex(message => message.id === messageId)
+        : messages.findLastIndex(message => message.role === 'assistant' || message.role === 'user')
+      const start = at >= 0 ? at : Math.max(messages.length - 1, 0)
+      const end = at >= 0 ? at + 1 : messages.length
+      const branchMessages = toBranchMessages(messages.slice(start, end))
+
+      if (!branchMessages.length) {
+        notify({ kind: 'warning', title: copy.nothingToBranch, message: copy.branchNoText })
+
+        return false
+      }
+
+      clearNotifications()
+
+      return forkBranch(branchMessages, selectedStoredSessionIdRef.current, $currentCwd.get().trim())
+    },
+    [activeSessionIdRef, busyRef, copy, forkBranch, selectedStoredSessionIdRef]
+  )
+
+  // Branch any listed session, not just the open one. Reads the target's stored
+  // transcript directly (no resume/active-session dependency), so it works on
+  // right-click and nests under its parent.
+  const branchStoredSession = useCallback(
+    async (storedSessionId: string, sessionProfile?: string | null): Promise<boolean> => {
+      clearNotifications()
+
+      const stored = $sessions.get().find(session => sessionMatchesStoredId(session, storedSessionId))
+      const profile = sessionProfile ?? stored?.profile
+
+      try {
+        await ensureGatewayProfile(profile)
+        const { messages } = await getSessionMessages(storedSessionId, profile)
+        const branchMessages = toBranchMessages(toChatMessages(messages))
+
+        if (!branchMessages.length) {
+          notify({ kind: 'warning', title: copy.nothingToBranch, message: copy.branchNoText })
+
+          return false
+        }
+
+        return await forkBranch(branchMessages, stored?.id ?? storedSessionId, stored?.cwd?.trim())
+      } catch (err) {
+        notifyError(err, copy.branchFailed)
+
+        return false
+      }
+    },
+    [copy, forkBranch]
   )
 
   const removeSession = useCallback(
@@ -971,6 +1049,10 @@ export function useSessionActions({
       const removedPinId = removed ? sessionPinId(removed) : storedSessionId
 
       setSessions(prev => prev.filter(session => !sessionMatchesStoredId(session, storedSessionId)))
+      // Evict from the project tree's optimistic layer too (the backend snapshot
+      // still lists it until its next refresh), so grouped + flat views drop the
+      // row in lockstep.
+      tombstoneSessions([storedSessionId, removed?.id, removed?._lineage_root_id])
       // Keep $sessionsTotal in sync so the sidebar's "Load N more" footer
       // doesn't keep claiming the removed row is still on the server.
       setSessionsTotal(prev => Math.max(0, prev - 1))
@@ -999,6 +1081,7 @@ export function useSessionActions({
           setSessionsTotal(prev => prev + 1)
         }
 
+        untombstoneSessions([storedSessionId, removed?.id, removed?._lineage_root_id])
         $pinnedSessionIds.set(previousPinned)
 
         if (wasSelected) {
@@ -1053,6 +1136,7 @@ export function useSessionActions({
 
       // Soft-hide: drop from the sidebar immediately, keep the data.
       setSessions(prev => prev.filter(session => !sessionMatchesStoredId(session, storedSessionId)))
+      tombstoneSessions([storedSessionId, archived?.id, archived?._lineage_root_id])
       // Archived sessions are hidden by the listSessions(min_messages=1) query
       // on the next refresh, so they count as "removed" for the load-more
       // footer math.
@@ -1078,6 +1162,7 @@ export function useSessionActions({
           setSessionsTotal(prev => prev + 1)
         }
 
+        untombstoneSessions([storedSessionId, archived?.id, archived?._lineage_root_id])
         $pinnedSessionIds.set(previousPinned)
         notifyError(err, copy.archiveFailed)
       }
@@ -1088,6 +1173,7 @@ export function useSessionActions({
   return {
     archiveSession,
     branchCurrentSession,
+    branchStoredSession,
     closeSettings,
     createBackendSessionForSend,
     openSettings,

apps/desktop/src/app/settings/about-settings.tsx

@@ -3,8 +3,9 @@ import { useEffect, useState } from 'react'
 
 import { BrandMark } from '@/components/brand-mark'
 import { Button } from '@/components/ui/button'
+import { Codicon } from '@/components/ui/codicon'
 import { type Translations, useI18n } from '@/i18n'
-import { CheckCircle2, ExternalLink, Loader2, RefreshCw, Sparkles } from '@/lib/icons'
+import { CheckCircle2, ExternalLink, Loader2, RefreshCw } from '@/lib/icons'
 import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
 import {
   $desktopVersion,
@@ -117,7 +118,7 @@ export function AboutSettings() {
         >
           <div className="flex items-start gap-2">
             {statusTone === 'available' ? (
-              <Sparkles className="mt-0.5 size-4 shrink-0 text-primary" />
+              <Codicon className="mt-0.5 size-4 shrink-0 text-primary" name="cloud-download" size="1rem" />
             ) : statusTone === 'error' ? null : (
               <CheckCircle2 className="mt-0.5 size-4 shrink-0 text-emerald-600 dark:text-emerald-400" />
             )}

apps/desktop/src/app/settings/constants.ts

@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+import { codiconIcon } from '@/components/ui/codicon'
 import {
   Brain,
   type IconComponent,
@@ -7,7 +8,6 @@ import {
   Monitor,
   Moon,
   Palette,
-  Sparkles,
   Sun,
   Wrench
 } from '@/lib/icons'
@@ -501,7 +501,7 @@ export const SECTIONS: DesktopConfigSection[] = [
   {
     id: 'model',
     label: 'Model',
-    icon: Sparkles,
+    icon: codiconIcon('hubot'),
     keys: ['model_context_length', 'fallback_providers']
   },
   {