diff --git a/movie_editor/backend/nle_overlays.py b/movie_editor/backend/nle_overlays.py
index 1ceb166c..bc569630 100644
--- a/movie_editor/backend/nle_overlays.py
+++ b/movie_editor/backend/nle_overlays.py
@@ -1,10 +1,53 @@
 """Timeline graphics overlays (images + text) for preview/export ffmpeg compositing."""
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+import os
 import re
 from typing import Any
 
 
+# Common system font paths (first match wins at export time).
+_FONT_PATHS: dict[str, list[str]] = {
+    "arial": [
+        "/System/Library/Fonts/Supplemental/Arial.ttf",
+        "/Library/Fonts/Arial.ttf",
+        "/usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts/Arial.ttf",
+        "/usr/share/fonts/truetype/liberation/LiberationSans-Regular.ttf",
+    ],
+    "helvetica": [
+        "/System/Library/Fonts/Helvetica.ttc",
+        "/System/Library/Fonts/Supplemental/Arial.ttf",
+        "/usr/share/fonts/truetype/dejavu/DejaVuSans.ttf",
+    ],
+    "georgia": [
+        "/System/Library/Fonts/Supplemental/Georgia.ttf",
+        "/Library/Fonts/Georgia.ttf",
+        "/usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts/Georgia.ttf",
+    ],
+    "times": [
+        "/System/Library/Fonts/Supplemental/Times New Roman.ttf",
+        "/Library/Fonts/Times New Roman.ttf",
+        "/usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts/Times_New_Roman.ttf",
+        "/usr/share/fonts/truetype/liberation/LiberationSerif-Regular.ttf",
+    ],
+    "courier": [
+        "/System/Library/Fonts/Supplemental/Courier New.ttf",
+        "/Library/Fonts/Courier New.ttf",
+        "/usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts/Courier_New.ttf",
+        "/usr/share/fonts/truetype/liberation/LiberationMono-Regular.ttf",
+    ],
+    "verdana": [
+        "/System/Library/Fonts/Supplemental/Verdana.ttf",
+        "/Library/Fonts/Verdana.ttf",
+        "/usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts/Verdana.ttf",
+    ],
+    "impact": [
+        "/System/Library/Fonts/Supplemental/Impact.ttf",
+        "/Library/Fonts/Impact.ttf",
+    ],
+}
+
+
 def _escape_drawtext(text: str) -> str:
     s = str(text or "")
     s = s.replace("\\", "\\\\").replace(":", "\\:").replace("'", "\\'").replace("%", "\\%")
@@ -12,6 +55,34 @@ def _escape_drawtext(text: str) -> str:
     return s
 
 
+def _resolve_fontfile(font_family: str | None) -> str | None:
+    key = (font_family or "system-ui").strip().lower()
+    if key in ("", "system-ui", "default"):
+        return None
+    for path in _FONT_PATHS.get(key, []):
+        if os.path.isfile(path):
+            return path
+    return None
+
+
+def sort_overlays_for_composite(
+    overlays: list[dict],
+    lanes: list[dict] | None = None,
+) -> list[dict]:
+    """Bottom lanes first, then start time within a lane."""
+    lane_list = list(lanes or [])
+    if not lane_list:
+        return list(overlays or [])
+    order = {str(l.get("id") or ""): i for i, l in enumerate(lane_list)}
+    fallback = str(lane_list[0].get("id") or "")
+
+    def key(ov: dict) -> tuple[int, float]:
+        lid = str(ov.get("lane_id") or fallback)
+        return (order.get(lid, 0), float(ov.get("start_sec") or 0))
+
+    return sorted(list(overlays or []), key=key)
+
+
 def build_overlay_video_filter(
     base_label: str,
     overlays: list[dict],
@@ -53,8 +124,10 @@ def build_overlay_video_filter(
             alpha = f":alpha={opacity:.3f}" if opacity < 0.999 else ""
             x_expr = f"{nx:.6f}*W-text_w/2"
             y_expr = f"{ny:.6f}*H-text_h/2"
+            fontfile = _resolve_fontfile(ov.get("font_family"))
+            font_opt = f":fontfile='{fontfile}'" if fontfile else ""
             parts.append(
-                f"{cur}drawtext=text='{text}':fontsize={size}:fontcolor={fontcolor}{alpha}:"
+                f"{cur}drawtext=text='{text}':fontsize={size}:fontcolor={fontcolor}{alpha}{font_opt}:"
                 f"x={x_expr}:y={y_expr}:{enable}{out}"
             )
             cur = out
diff --git a/movie_editor/backend/timeline.py b/movie_editor/backend/timeline.py
index 8cfacdd9..7beb54a9 100644
--- a/movie_editor/backend/timeline.py
+++ b/movie_editor/backend/timeline.py
@@ -619,10 +619,10 @@ class Project:
     # Overlay tracks use absolute timeline start_sec and persist across scene edits.
     keep_original_audio: bool = True
     audio_tracks: list = field(default_factory=list)
-    # Graphics overlays composited on top of the final montage (one timeline lane):
-    #   image — {id, kind:"image", media_ref, start_sec, duration_sec, x, y, scale, opacity, label}
-    #   text  — {id, kind:"text", text, font_size, color, start_sec, duration_sec, x, y, opacity}
-    # x/y are normalized center position (0..1). Later items draw on top when times overlap.
+    # Graphics overlay lanes (bottom → top). Each lane is one timeline row; higher lanes draw on top.
+    #   lane — {id, label}
+    #   clip — {id, lane_id, kind:"image"|"text", start_sec, duration_sec, x, y, …}
+    overlay_lanes: list = field(default_factory=list)
     overlay_tracks: list = field(default_factory=list)
     # Per-project pipeline config: the configured loader/node slots + linked inputs
     # (same shape as the global models.json). Empty {"slots": []} falls back to the
@@ -663,6 +663,7 @@ class Project:
             sampler_inputs=dict(d.get("sampler_inputs") or {}),
             keep_original_audio=bool(d.get("keep_original_audio", True)),
             audio_tracks=list(d.get("audio_tracks") or []),
+            overlay_lanes=list(d.get("overlay_lanes") or []),
             overlay_tracks=list(d.get("overlay_tracks") or []),
             models=dict(d.get("models") or {"slots": []}),
             guide_settings=dict(d.get("guide_settings") or {}),
diff --git a/movie_editor/frontend/index.html b/movie_editor/frontend/index.html
index 09603258..dffad0a3 100644
--- a/movie_editor/frontend/index.html
+++ b/movie_editor/frontend/index.html
@@ -115,6 +115,7 @@
   <script src="mediabrowser.js"></script>
   <script src="log.js"></script>
   <script src="player.js"></script>
+  <script src="overlay_ui.js"></script>
   <script src="overlay_preview.js"></script>
   <script src="sampler_panel.js"></script>
   <script src="engine_settings.js"></script>
diff --git a/movie_editor/frontend/inspector.js b/movie_editor/frontend/inspector.js
index 4683d425..61ca2af2 100644
--- a/movie_editor/frontend/inspector.js
+++ b/movie_editor/frontend/inspector.js
@@ -777,6 +777,11 @@
       size.oninput = () => S.updateOverlayTrack(ov.id, { font_size: parseInt(size.value || "42", 10) }, true);
       sec.append(field("Font size", size));
 
+      const fontSel = window.OverlayUI
+        ? window.OverlayUI.fontSelect(ov.font_family || "system-ui", (v) => S.updateOverlayTrack(ov.id, { font_family: v }, true))
+        : el("select");
+      sec.append(field("Font", fontSel));
+
       const color = el("input");
       color.type = "color";
       color.value = (ov.color || "#ffffff").match(/^#/) ? ov.color : "#ffffff";
@@ -815,6 +820,28 @@
     op.oninput = () => S.updateOverlayTrack(ov.id, { opacity: parseFloat(op.value) }, true);
     sec.append(field("Opacity", op));
 
+    const lane = S.overlayLaneById ? S.overlayLaneById(ov.lane_id) : null;
+    const laneIdx = S.overlayLaneIndex ? S.overlayLaneIndex(ov.lane_id) : -1;
+    const laneCount = (st.project?.overlay_lanes || []).length;
+    sec.append(el("div", "insp-hint", lane
+      ? `Track ${laneIdx + 1} of ${laneCount} · higher tracks draw on top.`
+      : "Higher overlay tracks draw on top when times overlap."));
+
+    const layerRow = el("div", "insp-layer-actions");
+    const mkLayerBtn = (label, fn, title) => {
+      const b = el("button", "btn ghost tiny", label);
+      b.title = title;
+      b.onclick = fn;
+      return b;
+    };
+    layerRow.append(
+      mkLayerBtn("To back", () => S.sendOverlayToBack(ov.id), "Move to bottom overlay track"),
+      mkLayerBtn("↓", () => S.sendOverlayBackward(ov.id), "One track down"),
+      mkLayerBtn("↑", () => S.bringOverlayForward(ov.id), "One track up"),
+      mkLayerBtn("To front", () => S.bringOverlayToFront(ov.id), "Move to top overlay track"),
+    );
+    sec.append(layerRow);
+
     sec.append(el("div", "insp-hint", "Drag on the preview to reposition. Double-click the timeline clip to edit."));
     const rm = el("button", "btn danger tiny", "Remove overlay");
     rm.onclick = () => S.removeOverlayTrack(ov.id);
diff --git a/movie_editor/frontend/overlay_preview.js b/movie_editor/frontend/overlay_preview.js
index 40302405..c44e1118 100644
--- a/movie_editor/frontend/overlay_preview.js
+++ b/movie_editor/frontend/overlay_preview.js
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 (function () {
   const S = window.Store;
   const API = window.MovieEditorAPI;
+  const OUI = window.OverlayUI;
   let layer = null;
   let dragging = null;
 
@@ -36,6 +37,13 @@
     box.style.opacity = ov.opacity != null ? ov.opacity : 1;
   }
 
+  function applyTextStyle(box, ov) {
+    box.textContent = ov.text || "Text";
+    box.style.fontSize = (ov.font_size || 42) + "px";
+    box.style.color = ov.color || "#ffffff";
+    if (OUI) box.style.fontFamily = OUI.cssFamily(ov.font_family);
+  }
+
   function startDrag(e, ov, box, rect) {
     e.preventDefault();
     e.stopPropagation();
@@ -44,33 +52,34 @@
     const boxRect = box.getBoundingClientRect();
     const grabOffX = e.clientX - (boxRect.left + boxRect.width / 2);
     const grabOffY = e.clientY - (boxRect.top + boxRect.height / 2);
-    const ox = ov.x != null ? ov.x : 0.5;
-    const oy = ov.y != null ? ov.y : 0.5;
-    dragging = { id: ov.id, ox, oy, grabOffX, grabOffY, rect };
-    box.classList.add("dragging");
 
     const posAt = (clientX, clientY) => {
-      const cx = clientX - dragging.rect.left - dragging.grabOffX;
-      const cy = clientY - dragging.rect.top - dragging.grabOffY;
-      const nx = Math.max(0, Math.min(1, cx / dragging.rect.width));
-      const ny = Math.max(0, Math.min(1, cy / dragging.rect.height));
-      return { nx, ny };
+      const cx = clientX - rect.left - grabOffX;
+      const cy = clientY - rect.top - grabOffY;
+      return {
+        nx: Math.max(0, Math.min(1, cx / rect.width)),
+        ny: Math.max(0, Math.min(1, cy / rect.height)),
+      };
     };
 
+    dragging = { id: ov.id, grabOffX, grabOffY, rect, box };
+    box.classList.add("dragging");
+
     const onMove = (ev) => {
       if (!dragging) return;
       const { nx, ny } = posAt(ev.clientX, ev.clientY);
-      box.style.left = (nx * dragging.rect.width) + "px";
-      box.style.top = (ny * dragging.rect.height) + "px";
+      dragging.box.style.left = (nx * dragging.rect.width) + "px";
+      dragging.box.style.top = (ny * dragging.rect.height) + "px";
     };
     const onUp = (ev) => {
       if (!dragging) return;
       const { nx, ny } = posAt(ev.clientX, ev.clientY);
-      S.updateOverlayTrack(dragging.id, { x: nx, y: ny }, true);
+      const id = dragging.id;
+      dragging.box.classList.remove("dragging");
       dragging = null;
-      box.classList.remove("dragging");
       document.removeEventListener("pointermove", onMove);
       document.removeEventListener("pointerup", onUp);
+      S.updateOverlayTrack(id, { x: nx, y: ny }, true);
     };
     document.addEventListener("pointermove", onMove);
     document.addEventListener("pointerup", onUp);
@@ -85,12 +94,12 @@
       host.style.display = "none";
       return;
     }
+    if (dragging) return;
     host.style.display = "";
-    const tracks = st.project?.overlay_tracks || [];
+    const tracks = S.sortedOverlayTracks ? S.sortedOverlayTracks() : (st.project?.overlay_tracks || []);
     const t = window.Player?.getPlayhead?.() ?? 0;
     const sel = st.selectedOverlayId;
     const rect = host.getBoundingClientRect();
-    if (dragging) return;
     host.replaceChildren();
 
     tracks.forEach((ov) => {
@@ -100,9 +109,7 @@
       box.title = ov.label || ov.text || "Overlay";
 
       if (ov.kind === "text") {
-        box.textContent = ov.text || "Text";
-        box.style.fontSize = (ov.font_size || 42) + "px";
-        box.style.color = ov.color || "#ffffff";
+        applyTextStyle(box, ov);
       } else {
         const asset = (st.mediaBin || []).find((m) => m.id === ov.media_ref);
         if (asset?.kind === "image") {
@@ -126,8 +133,8 @@
     });
   }
 
-  if (window.ViewBus) {
-    window.ViewBus.subscribePlayer(render);
+  if (window.ViewBus?.subscribeOverlays) {
+    window.ViewBus.subscribeOverlays(render);
   } else {
     S.subscribe(render);
   }
diff --git a/movie_editor/frontend/overlay_ui.js b/movie_editor/frontend/overlay_ui.js
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..3bd97639
--- /dev/null
+++ b/movie_editor/frontend/overlay_ui.js
@@ -0,0 +1,101 @@
+// Shared overlay fonts + modal shell for text/image overlay dialogs.
+(function () {
+  const FONTS = [
+    { id: "system-ui", label: "System default", css: "system-ui, -apple-system, sans-serif" },
+    { id: "arial", label: "Arial", css: "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" },
+    { id: "helvetica", label: "Helvetica Neue", css: "'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" },
+    { id: "georgia", label: "Georgia", css: "Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif" },
+    { id: "times", label: "Times New Roman", css: "'Times New Roman', Times, serif" },
+    { id: "courier", label: "Courier New", css: "'Courier New', Courier, monospace" },
+    { id: "verdana", label: "Verdana", css: "Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" },
+    { id: "impact", label: "Impact", css: "Impact, Haettenschweiler, sans-serif" },
+  ];
+
+  function cssFamily(id) {
+    const f = FONTS.find((x) => x.id === id) || FONTS[0];
+    return f.css;
+  }
+
+  function fontSelect(value, onChange) {
+    const sel = document.createElement("select");
+    sel.className = "ov-input";
+    FONTS.forEach((f) => {
+      const o = document.createElement("option");
+      o.value = f.id;
+      o.textContent = f.label;
+      o.style.fontFamily = f.css;
+      if (f.id === (value || "system-ui")) o.selected = true;
+      sel.appendChild(o);
+    });
+    sel.onchange = () => onChange(sel.value);
+    return sel;
+  }
+
+  function openModal({ title, subtitle, widthClass, onClose }) {
+    const overlay = document.createElement("div");
+    overlay.className = "modal-overlay ov-modal-overlay";
+    const box = document.createElement("div");
+    box.className = "modal ov-modal" + (widthClass ? " " + widthClass : "");
+    const head = document.createElement("div");
+    head.className = "ov-modal-head";
+    const headText = document.createElement("div");
+    headText.className = "ov-modal-head-text";
+    const titleEl = document.createElement("div");
+    titleEl.className = "ov-modal-title";
+    titleEl.textContent = title;
+    headText.appendChild(titleEl);
+    if (subtitle) {
+      const sub = document.createElement("div");
+      sub.className = "ov-modal-sub";
+      sub.textContent = subtitle;
+      headText.appendChild(sub);
+    }
+    const closeBtn = document.createElement("button");
+    closeBtn.type = "button";
+    closeBtn.className = "ov-modal-close";
+    closeBtn.title = "Close";
+    closeBtn.textContent = "×";
+    head.append(headText, closeBtn);
+    const body = document.createElement("div");
+    body.className = "ov-modal-body";
+    const foot = document.createElement("div");
+    foot.className = "ov-modal-foot";
+    box.append(head, body, foot);
+    overlay.append(box);
+    const close = () => {
+      overlay.remove();
+      if (onClose) onClose();
+    };
+    closeBtn.onclick = close;
+    overlay.addEventListener("click", (e) => { if (e.target === overlay) close(); });
+    document.body.append(overlay);
+    return { overlay, body, foot, close };
+  }
+
+  function field(label, control, opts) {
+    opts = opts || {};
+    const row = document.createElement("label");
+    row.className = "ov-field" + (opts.full ? " full" : "");
+    const lab = document.createElement("span");
+    lab.className = "ov-label";
+    lab.textContent = label;
+    row.append(lab, control);
+    return row;
+  }
+
+  function rangeField(label, input, valueEl) {
+    const wrap = document.createElement("div");
+    wrap.className = "ov-field full ov-range-field";
+    const top = document.createElement("div");
+    top.className = "ov-range-top";
+    const lab = document.createElement("span");
+    lab.className = "ov-label";
+    lab.textContent = label;
+    top.append(lab, valueEl || null);
+    input.className = "ov-range";
+    wrap.append(top, input);
+    return wrap;
+  }
+
+  window.OverlayUI = { FONTS, cssFamily, fontSelect, openModal, field, rangeField };
+})();
diff --git a/movie_editor/frontend/store.js b/movie_editor/frontend/store.js
index 9d2d55f8..11a8dc45 100644
--- a/movie_editor/frontend/store.js
+++ b/movie_editor/frontend/store.js
@@ -609,6 +609,7 @@
     state.gen = { state: "idle", promptId: null, media: [], msg: "" };
     state.sceneRenders = JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(state.project.scene_renders || {}));
     state.sceneGhosts = JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(state.project.scene_ghosts || []));
+    normalizeOverlayLanes(state.project);
     state.models = JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(state.project.models || { slots: [] }));
     if (_clearOrphanRatings()) {
       _syncEditorStateToProject();
@@ -1600,6 +1601,130 @@
     return (state.project?.overlay_tracks || []).find((t) => t.id === id) || null;
   }
 
+  function normalizeOverlayLanes(project) {
+    if (!project) return;
+    project.overlay_tracks = project.overlay_tracks || [];
+    let lanes = project.overlay_lanes = project.overlay_lanes || [];
+    if (!lanes.length) {
+      const id = _uid();
+      lanes = project.overlay_lanes = [{ id, label: "Overlay 1" }];
+    }
+    const ids = new Set(lanes.map((l) => l.id));
+    const fallback = lanes[0].id;
+    project.overlay_tracks.forEach((t) => {
+      if (!t.lane_id || !ids.has(t.lane_id)) t.lane_id = fallback;
+    });
+  }
+
+  function ensureOverlayLanes() {
+    if (!state.project) return [];
+    normalizeOverlayLanes(state.project);
+    return state.project.overlay_lanes;
+  }
+
+  function overlayLaneById(laneId) {
+    return ensureOverlayLanes().find((l) => l.id === laneId) || null;
+  }
+
+  function overlayLaneIndex(laneId) {
+    return ensureOverlayLanes().findIndex((l) => l.id === laneId);
+  }
+
+  function sortedOverlayTracks() {
+    ensureOverlayLanes();
+    const tracks = [...(state.project.overlay_tracks || [])];
+    tracks.sort((a, b) => {
+      const ai = overlayLaneIndex(a.lane_id);
+      const bi = overlayLaneIndex(b.lane_id);
+      if (ai !== bi) return ai - bi;
+      return (a.start_sec || 0) - (b.start_sec || 0);
+    });
+    return tracks;
+  }
+
+  function defaultOverlayLaneId() {
+    const lanes = ensureOverlayLanes();
+    return lanes[lanes.length - 1]?.id || lanes[0]?.id;
+  }
+
+  function addOverlayLane(opts) {
+    if (!state.project) return null;
+    _historyRecord();
+    ensureOverlayLanes();
+    const id = _uid();
+    const n = state.project.overlay_lanes.length + 1;
+    const lane = { id, label: `Overlay ${n}` };
+    if (opts?.belowId) {
+      const idx = state.project.overlay_lanes.findIndex((l) => l.id === opts.belowId);
+      state.project.overlay_lanes.splice(Math.max(0, idx), 0, lane);
+    } else {
+      state.project.overlay_lanes.push(lane);
+    }
+    notify(); scheduleSave();
+    return id;
+  }
+
+  function removeOverlayLane(laneId) {
+    if (!state.project) return;
+    ensureOverlayLanes();
+    if (state.project.overlay_lanes.length <= 1) return;
+    const hasClips = state.project.overlay_tracks.some((t) => t.lane_id === laneId);
+    if (hasClips && !confirm("Remove this overlay track and all clips on it?")) return;
+    _historyRecord();
+    state.project.overlay_tracks = state.project.overlay_tracks.filter((t) => t.lane_id !== laneId);
+    state.project.overlay_lanes = state.project.overlay_lanes.filter((l) => l.id !== laneId);
+    notify(); scheduleSave();
+  }
+
+  function _setOverlayLane(overlayId, laneId) {
+    const t = overlayTrack(overlayId);
+    if (!t || !overlayLaneById(laneId)) return;
+    t.lane_id = laneId;
+    notify(); scheduleSave();
+  }
+
+  function bringOverlayToFront(overlayId) {
+    const lanes = ensureOverlayLanes();
+    if (!lanes.length) return;
+    _historyRecord();
+    _setOverlayLane(overlayId, lanes[lanes.length - 1].id);
+  }
+
+  function sendOverlayToBack(overlayId) {
+    const lanes = ensureOverlayLanes();
+    if (!lanes.length) return;
+    _historyRecord();
+    _setOverlayLane(overlayId, lanes[0].id);
+  }
+
+  function bringOverlayForward(overlayId) {
+    const t = overlayTrack(overlayId);
+    if (!t) return;
+    const lanes = ensureOverlayLanes();
+    const idx = overlayLaneIndex(t.lane_id);
+    if (idx < 0 || idx >= lanes.length - 1) return;
+    _historyRecord();
+    _setOverlayLane(overlayId, lanes[idx + 1].id);
+  }
+
+  function sendOverlayBackward(overlayId) {
+    const t = overlayTrack(overlayId);
+    if (!t) return;
+    const lanes = ensureOverlayLanes();
+    const idx = overlayLaneIndex(t.lane_id);
+    if (idx <= 0) return;
+    _historyRecord();
+    _setOverlayLane(overlayId, lanes[idx - 1].id);
+  }
+
+  function assignMediaToOverlayLane(laneId, mediaId) {
+    if (!state.project || !laneId || !mediaId) return;
+    ensureOverlayLanes();
+    if (!overlayLaneById(laneId)) return;
+    const asset = (state.mediaBin || []).find((m) => m.id === mediaId);
+    if (asset?.kind === "image") addImageOverlay(mediaId, undefined, laneId);
+  }
+
   function selectOverlay(id) {
     state.selectedOverlayId = id || null;
     if (id) {
@@ -1610,14 +1735,17 @@
     notify();
   }
 
-  function addImageOverlay(mediaId, startSec) {
+  function addImageOverlay(mediaId, startSec, laneId) {
     if (!state.project || !mediaId) return;
     _historyRecord();
+    ensureOverlayLanes();
     const asset = (state.mediaBin || []).find((m) => m.id === mediaId);
+    const lane = laneId && overlayLaneById(laneId) ? laneId : defaultOverlayLaneId();
     state.project.overlay_tracks = state.project.overlay_tracks || [];
     const id = _uid();
     state.project.overlay_tracks.push({
       id,
+      lane_id: lane,
       kind: "image",
       media_ref: mediaId,
       start_sec: Math.max(0, +(startSec ?? _playheadSec())),
@@ -1632,16 +1760,20 @@
     scheduleSave();
   }
 
-  function addTextOverlay(text, startSec) {
+  function addTextOverlay(text, startSec, laneId) {
     if (!state.project) return;
     _historyRecord();
+    ensureOverlayLanes();
+    const lane = laneId && overlayLaneById(laneId) ? laneId : defaultOverlayLaneId();
     state.project.overlay_tracks = state.project.overlay_tracks || [];
     const id = _uid();
     state.project.overlay_tracks.push({
       id,
+      lane_id: lane,
       kind: "text",
       text: String(text || "Title").trim() || "Title",
       font_size: 42,
+      font_family: "system-ui",
       color: "#ffffff",
       start_sec: Math.max(0, +(startSec ?? _playheadSec())),
       duration_sec: 3,
@@ -3000,7 +3132,10 @@
     buildPreviewSegments, previewTotalSec, segmentDurationSec, sceneDurationSec, clipSourceInSec,
     addAudioTrack, updateAudioTrack, removeAudioTrack, separateSceneAudio, separatedTrackForScene,
     separatedTrackMedia, separatedTrackInSec, separatedTrackDurSec,
-    overlayTrack, selectOverlay, addImageOverlay, addTextOverlay, updateOverlayTrack, removeOverlayTrack,
+    overlayTrack, selectOverlay, ensureOverlayLanes, sortedOverlayTracks, overlayLaneById, overlayLaneIndex,
+    addOverlayLane, removeOverlayLane, assignMediaToOverlayLane,
+    bringOverlayToFront, sendOverlayToBack, bringOverlayForward, sendOverlayBackward,
+    addImageOverlay, addTextOverlay, updateOverlayTrack, removeOverlayTrack,
     isOverlayAudioTrack, isSeparatedAudioTrack,
     resizeScene, splitScene, snapFrames, setSourceTrim, trimSceneLeft, slipScene,
     applyEnginePreset, ENGINE_PRESETS, undo, redo,
diff --git a/movie_editor/frontend/styles.css b/movie_editor/frontend/styles.css
index ff1e67df..684e65f8 100644
--- a/movie_editor/frontend/styles.css
+++ b/movie_editor/frontend/styles.css
@@ -687,8 +687,15 @@ input[type=number] { font-family: var(--font-mono); }
 /* overlay graphics lane (text + images) */
 .tl-overlay-lanes { border-top: 1px solid var(--line); }
 .tl-overlay-lane { position: relative; border-top: 1px solid #ffffff08; background: color-mix(in srgb, #c084fc 4%, var(--ink-0)); }
-.tl-overlay-lane-body { position: relative; height: 100%; }
-.tl-gutter-lane.overlay { color: #d8b4fe; }
+.tl-overlay-lane.top { background: color-mix(in srgb, #c084fc 7%, var(--ink-0)); }
+.tl-overlay-lane.drop-target { background: color-mix(in srgb, #c084fc 14%, var(--ink-0)); box-shadow: inset 0 0 0 1px #c084fc55; }
+.tl-overlay-lane-body { position: relative; height: 100%; min-height: 36px; }
+.tl-gutter-ov { flex: 0 0 auto; border-top: 1px solid var(--line); }
+.tl-gutter-ov .tl-gutter-lane.overlay { color: #d8b4fe; flex: 0 0 40px; height: 40px; font-size: 10px; }
+.tl-gutter-ov .tl-gutter-lane.overlay.top { color: #e9d5ff; font-weight: 600; }
+.tl-gutter-add-ov { flex: 0 0 28px; height: 28px; margin: 4px 6px 6px; border: 1px dashed color-mix(in srgb, #c084fc 35%, var(--line)); border-radius: 6px; background: transparent; color: #d8b4fe; cursor: pointer; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1; }
+.tl-gutter-add-ov:hover { background: color-mix(in srgb, #c084fc 10%, transparent); border-color: #c084fc; }
+.insp-layer-actions { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 6px; margin: 8px 0 4px; }
 .tl-ov-clip {
   position: absolute; top: 4px; bottom: 4px; min-width: 40px;
   border-radius: 6px; border: 1px solid color-mix(in srgb, #c084fc 40%, var(--line));
@@ -722,6 +729,41 @@ input[type=number] { font-family: var(--font-mono); }
 .pm-ov-box.dragging { cursor: grabbing; opacity: .92; }
 .pm-ov-box img { display: block; max-height: 70vh; pointer-events: none; }
 
+/* overlay settings modals */
+.ov-modal-overlay { align-items: center; padding: 24px 16px; }
+.ov-modal { width: min(420px, 94vw); max-height: min(88vh, 720px); border-radius: 16px; border-color: color-mix(in srgb, #c084fc 18%, var(--line)); box-shadow: 0 24px 64px rgba(0,0,0,.55); }
+.ov-modal.ov-modal-md { width: min(560px, 94vw); }
+.ov-modal-head { display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 12px; padding: 18px 20px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); background: linear-gradient(180deg, color-mix(in srgb, #c084fc 6%, #1a1712), #14110d); }
+.ov-modal-head-text { flex: 1; min-width: 0; }
+.ov-modal-title { font-family: var(--font-display); font-weight: 700; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: -.01em; }
+.ov-modal-sub { margin-top: 4px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.45; color: var(--muted); }
+.ov-modal-close { flex: 0 0 32px; width: 32px; height: 32px; border: none; border-radius: 8px; background: transparent; color: var(--muted); font-size: 22px; line-height: 1; cursor: pointer; }
+.ov-modal-close:hover { background: #ffffff10; color: var(--text); }
+.ov-modal-body { padding: 18px 20px; overflow: auto; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 16px; }
+.ov-modal-foot { display: flex; justify-content: flex-end; gap: 8px; padding: 12px 20px 18px; border-top: 1px solid var(--line); background: #12100c; }
+.ov-form { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 12px; }
+.ov-form-row { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 12px; }
+.ov-field { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 6px; min-width: 0; }
+.ov-field.full { grid-column: 1 / -1; }
+.ov-label { font-size: 11px; font-family: var(--font-mono); letter-spacing: .06em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--muted); }
+.ov-input, .ov-textarea { width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 10px; background: var(--ink-2); color: var(--text); padding: 10px 12px; font: inherit; }
+.ov-textarea { min-height: 72px; resize: vertical; line-height: 1.35; }
+.ov-input:focus, .ov-textarea:focus, .ov-color:focus { outline: none; border-color: color-mix(in srgb, #c084fc 45%, var(--line)); box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px color-mix(in srgb, #c084fc 12%, transparent); }
+.ov-color { width: 100%; height: 40px; padding: 4px; cursor: pointer; border-radius: 10px; border: 1px solid var(--line); background: var(--ink-2); }
+.ov-range-field { gap: 8px; }
+.ov-range-top { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; gap: 8px; }
+.ov-range-val { font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 11px; color: #d8b4fe; }
+.ov-range { width: 100%; accent-color: #c084fc; }
+.ov-text-preview { border-radius: 12px; border: 1px solid var(--line); background: radial-gradient(ellipse at center, #2a2430 0%, #121018 72%); min-height: 96px; display: grid; place-items: center; padding: 20px; }
+.ov-text-preview-inner { max-width: 100%; text-align: center; text-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.85); white-space: pre-wrap; line-height: 1.15; word-break: break-word; }
+.ov-image-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fill, minmax(108px, 1fr)); gap: 10px; }
+.ov-image-card { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 6px; padding: 8px; border-radius: 12px; border: 1px solid var(--line); background: var(--ink-2); cursor: pointer; text-align: left; }
+.ov-image-card:hover { border-color: color-mix(in srgb, #c084fc 35%, var(--line)); background: color-mix(in srgb, #c084fc 5%, var(--ink-2)); }
+.ov-image-card.selected { border-color: #c084fc; box-shadow: 0 0 0 1px color-mix(in srgb, #c084fc 40%, transparent); }
+.ov-image-card img { width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 16 / 10; object-fit: cover; border-radius: 8px; background: #000; display: block; }
+.ov-image-name { font-size: 11px; color: var(--muted); overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap; }
+.ov-empty { font-size: 13px; color: var(--muted); line-height: 1.45; }
+
 .tl-audio-lane-body { position: absolute; inset: 0; }
 .tl-aud-clip { position: absolute; top: 4px; bottom: 4px; box-sizing: border-box;
   background: linear-gradient(180deg, #1e3a2f, #152820); border: 1px solid #2d5a45; border-radius: 5px;
diff --git a/movie_editor/frontend/timeline.js b/movie_editor/frontend/timeline.js
index f0f886f2..8adf9201 100644
--- a/movie_editor/frontend/timeline.js
+++ b/movie_editor/frontend/timeline.js
@@ -505,8 +505,8 @@
   function onDrag(startEvt, onMove, onUp) {
     startEvt.preventDefault(); startEvt.stopPropagation();
     const x0 = startEvt.clientX;
-    const move = (e) => onMove(e.clientX - x0);
-    const up = (e) => { document.removeEventListener("mousemove", move); document.removeEventListener("mouseup", up); if (onUp) onUp(e.clientX - x0); };
+    const move = (e) => onMove(e.clientX - x0, e);
+    const up = (e) => { document.removeEventListener("mousemove", move); document.removeEventListener("mouseup", up); if (onUp) onUp(e.clientX - x0, e); };
     document.addEventListener("mousemove", move);
     document.addEventListener("mouseup", up);
   }
@@ -860,8 +860,9 @@
     addRow("Video", "Add an imported video clip from the Media Browser", () => openVideoClipModal(st));
     addRow("Effects", "Post-render clip effect (zoom, blur, fade…)", () => openNleSettingsModal("effect", st));
     addRow("Transitions", "Video blend on the outgoing edge of the clip", () => openNleSettingsModal("transition", st));
-    addRow("Text", "Add a title or label on the timeline", () => openTextOverlayModal(st));
+    addRow("Text", "Add a title or label on the top overlay track", () => openTextOverlayModal(st));
     addRow("Image", "Add a picture overlay from the Media Browser", () => openImageOverlayModal(st));
+    addRow("Overlay track", "Add another compositing layer (higher tracks draw on top)", () => S.addOverlayLane());
     addRow("Audio", "Add an audio track from the Media Browser", () => openAudioTrackModal(st));
 
     btn.onclick = (e) => {
@@ -937,38 +938,25 @@
     document.body.append(_addModal);
   }
 
-  // ── audio lanes (NLE-style, below video) ───────────────────────────────────────
-  function modalField(label, control) {
-    const wrap = el("div");
-    wrap.style.marginBottom = "10px";
-    wrap.append(el("div", "pj-meta", label));
-    wrap.append(control);
-    return wrap;
-  }
-
+  // ── overlay modals ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
   function openImageOverlayModal(st, existing) {
     closeAddModal();
+    const OUI = window.OverlayUI;
+    const API = window.MovieEditorAPI;
     const images = (st.mediaBin || []).filter((m) => m.kind === "image");
     const editing = existing && existing.kind === "image";
-    _addModal = el("div", "modal-overlay");
-    const box = el("div", "modal");
-    const head = el("div", "modal-head");
-    head.append(el("div", "modal-title", editing ? "Image overlay settings" : "Add image overlay"));
-    const headRight = el("div", "modal-head-right");
-    const closeBtn = el("button", "btn ghost tiny", "✕");
-    closeBtn.onclick = closeAddModal;
-    headRight.append(closeBtn);
-    head.append(headRight);
-    box.append(head);
-    const content = el("div", "modal-content");
-    const pick = (mediaId) => {
-      if (editing) S.updateOverlayTrack(existing.id, { media_ref: mediaId, label: (images.find((m) => m.id === mediaId)?.name) || "Image" });
-      else S.addImageOverlay(mediaId);
-      closeAddModal();
-    };
+    const { body, foot } = OUI.openModal({
+      title: editing ? "Image overlay" : "Add image",
+      subtitle: editing ? "Pick a source and adjust size on the preview." : "Placed at the playhead · drag on preview to move.",
+      widthClass: "ov-modal-md",
+      onClose: () => { _addModal = null; },
+    });
+    _addModal = body.closest(".modal-overlay");
+
+    const form = el("div", "ov-form");
     if (!images.length) {
-      content.append(el("div", "pj-meta", "Upload images in the Media Browser, then pick one here."));
-      const uploadBtn = el("button", "btn primary tiny", "Upload image");
+      form.append(el("div", "ov-empty", "Upload images in the Media Browser first."));
+      const uploadBtn = el("button", "btn primary", "Upload image");
       const fileIn = el("input");
       fileIn.type = "file";
       fileIn.accept = "image/*,.png,.jpg,.jpeg,.webp,.gif";
@@ -979,95 +967,151 @@
         fileIn.value = "";
         if (!files.length) return;
         await S.uploadMedia(files);
-        const fresh = S.get();
-        const added = (fresh.mediaBin || []).filter((m) => m.kind === "image");
-        if (added[0]) pick(added[0].id);
-        else closeAddModal();
+        closeAddModal();
+        openImageOverlayModal(S.get(), existing);
       };
-      content.append(uploadBtn, fileIn);
+      form.append(uploadBtn, fileIn);
     } else {
-      content.append(el("div", "pj-meta", editing ? "Change image or adjust settings below." : "Placed at the playhead. Drag on the preview to reposition."));
+      const grid = el("div", "ov-image-grid");
       images.forEach((m) => {
-        const row = el("button", "tl-add-row aud-pick-row" + (editing && existing.media_ref === m.id ? " selected" : ""), m.name || m.id);
-        row.type = "button";
-        row.onclick = () => pick(m.id);
-        content.append(row);
+        const card = el("button", "ov-image-card" + (editing && existing.media_ref === m.id ? " selected" : ""));
+        card.type = "button";
+        const img = el("img");
+        img.src = API.mediaUrl(m.id);
+        img.alt = m.name || "";
+        img.loading = "lazy";
+        card.append(img, el("span", "ov-image-name", m.name || m.id));
+        card.onclick = () => {
+          if (editing) S.updateOverlayTrack(existing.id, { media_ref: m.id, label: m.name || "Image" });
+          else S.addImageOverlay(m.id);
+          closeAddModal();
+        };
+        grid.append(card);
       });
+      form.append(grid);
     }
+
     if (editing) {
       const scale = el("input");
       scale.type = "range"; scale.min = "0.05"; scale.max = "1"; scale.step = "0.01";
       scale.value = existing.scale != null ? existing.scale : 0.35;
-      scale.oninput = () => S.updateOverlayTrack(existing.id, { scale: parseFloat(scale.value) }, true);
-      content.append(modalField("Size", scale));
+      const scaleVal = el("span", "ov-range-val", Math.round(parseFloat(scale.value) * 100) + "%");
+      scale.oninput = () => {
+        scaleVal.textContent = Math.round(parseFloat(scale.value) * 100) + "%";
+        S.updateOverlayTrack(existing.id, { scale: parseFloat(scale.value) }, true);
+      };
+      form.append(OUI.rangeField("Size", scale, scaleVal));
       const op = el("input");
       op.type = "range"; op.min = "0"; op.max = "1"; op.step = "0.05";
       op.value = existing.opacity != null ? existing.opacity : 1;
-      op.oninput = () => S.updateOverlayTrack(existing.id, { opacity: parseFloat(op.value) }, true);
-      content.append(modalField("Opacity", op));
+      const opVal = el("span", "ov-range-val", Math.round(parseFloat(op.value) * 100) + "%");
+      op.oninput = () => {
+        opVal.textContent = Math.round(parseFloat(op.value) * 100) + "%";
+        S.updateOverlayTrack(existing.id, { opacity: parseFloat(op.value) }, true);
+      };
+      form.append(OUI.rangeField("Opacity", op, opVal));
     }
-    const cancel = el("button", "btn ghost tiny", editing ? "Close" : "Cancel");
+
+    body.append(form);
+    const cancel = el("button", "btn ghost", editing ? "Close" : "Cancel");
     cancel.onclick = closeAddModal;
-    content.append(cancel);
-    box.append(content);
-    _addModal.append(box);
-    _addModal.addEventListener("click", (e) => { if (e.target === _addModal) closeAddModal(); });
-    document.body.append(_addModal);
+    foot.append(cancel);
   }
 
   function openTextOverlayModal(st, existing) {
     closeAddModal();
+    const OUI = window.OverlayUI;
     const editing = existing && existing.kind === "text";
-    _addModal = el("div", "modal-overlay");
-    const box = el("div", "modal");
-    const head = el("div", "modal-head");
-    head.append(el("div", "modal-title", editing ? "Text overlay settings" : "Add text overlay"));
-    const headRight = el("div", "modal-head-right");
-    const closeBtn = el("button", "btn ghost tiny", "✕");
-    closeBtn.onclick = closeAddModal;
-    headRight.append(closeBtn);
-    head.append(headRight);
-    box.append(head);
-    const content = el("div", "modal-content");
-    if (!editing) content.append(el("div", "pj-meta", "Placed at the playhead. Drag on the preview to reposition."));
-    const ta = el("textarea", "insp-global-ta");
+    const state = {
+      text: editing ? (existing.text || "") : "Title",
+      font_size: editing ? (existing.font_size != null ? existing.font_size : 42) : 42,
+      font_family: editing ? (existing.font_family || "system-ui") : "system-ui",
+      color: editing ? ((existing.color || "#ffffff").match(/^#/) ? existing.color : "#ffffff") : "#ffffff",
+      opacity: editing ? (existing.opacity != null ? existing.opacity : 1) : 1,
+    };
+
+    const { body, foot } = OUI.openModal({
+      title: editing ? "Text overlay" : "Add text",
+      subtitle: "Drag on the program monitor to reposition.",
+      widthClass: "ov-modal-sm",
+      onClose: () => { _addModal = null; },
+    });
+    _addModal = body.closest(".modal-overlay");
+
+    const preview = el("div", "ov-text-preview");
+    const previewInner = el("div", "ov-text-preview-inner");
+    preview.append(previewInner);
+
+    const syncPreview = () => {
+      previewInner.textContent = state.text || "Title";
+      previewInner.style.fontSize = state.font_size + "px";
+      previewInner.style.color = state.color;
+      previewInner.style.fontFamily = OUI.cssFamily(state.font_family);
+      previewInner.style.opacity = state.opacity;
+    };
+    syncPreview();
+
+    const form = el("div", "ov-form");
+    const ta = el("textarea", "ov-input ov-textarea");
     ta.rows = 2;
-    ta.value = editing ? (existing.text || "") : "Title";
+    ta.value = state.text;
     ta.placeholder = "Enter text…";
-    content.append(modalField("Text", ta));
-    const size = el("input");
+    ta.oninput = () => { state.text = ta.value; syncPreview(); };
+    form.append(OUI.field("Text", ta, { full: true }));
+
+    const row = el("div", "ov-form-row");
+    const size = el("input", "ov-input");
     size.type = "number"; size.min = "8"; size.max = "200"; size.step = "1";
-    size.value = editing ? (existing.font_size != null ? existing.font_size : 42) : 42;
-    content.append(modalField("Font size", size));
-    const color = el("input");
+    size.value = state.font_size;
+    size.oninput = () => { state.font_size = parseInt(size.value || "42", 10); syncPreview(); };
+    row.append(OUI.field("Size", size));
+
+    const fontSel = OUI.fontSelect(state.font_family, (v) => { state.font_family = v; syncPreview(); });
+    row.append(OUI.field("Font", fontSel));
+    form.append(row);
+
+    const row2 = el("div", "ov-form-row");
+    const color = el("input", "ov-color");
     color.type = "color";
-    color.value = editing ? ((existing.color || "#ffffff").match(/^#/) ? existing.color : "#ffffff") : "#ffffff";
-    content.append(modalField("Color", color));
+    color.value = state.color;
+    color.oninput = () => { state.color = color.value; syncPreview(); };
+    row2.append(OUI.field("Color", color));
+    form.append(row2);
+
     const op = el("input");
     op.type = "range"; op.min = "0"; op.max = "1"; op.step = "0.05";
-    op.value = editing ? (existing.opacity != null ? existing.opacity : 1) : 1;
-    content.append(modalField("Opacity", op));
-    const actions = el("div", "lib-form-actions");
-    const ok = el("button", "btn primary tiny", editing ? "Save" : "Add");
+    op.value = state.opacity;
+    const opVal = el("span", "ov-range-val", Math.round(state.opacity * 100) + "%");
+    op.oninput = () => {
+      state.opacity = parseFloat(op.value);
+      opVal.textContent = Math.round(state.opacity * 100) + "%";
+      syncPreview();
+    };
+    form.append(OUI.rangeField("Opacity", op, opVal));
+
+    body.append(preview, form);
+
+    const cancel = el("button", "btn ghost", "Cancel");
+    cancel.onclick = closeAddModal;
+    const ok = el("button", "btn primary", editing ? "Save" : "Add");
     ok.onclick = () => {
-      const text = ta.value.trim() || "Title";
-      if (editing) {
-        S.updateOverlayTrack(existing.id, { text, font_size: parseInt(size.value || "42", 10), color: color.value, opacity: parseFloat(op.value), label: "Text" });
-      } else {
-        S.addTextOverlay(text);
+      const payload = {
+        text: (state.text || "").trim() || "Title",
+        font_size: state.font_size,
+        font_family: state.font_family,
+        color: state.color,
+        opacity: state.opacity,
+        label: "Text",
+      };
+      if (editing) S.updateOverlayTrack(existing.id, payload);
+      else {
+        S.addTextOverlay(payload.text);
         const ov = (S.get().project?.overlay_tracks || []).slice(-1)[0];
-        if (ov) S.updateOverlayTrack(ov.id, { font_size: parseInt(size.value || "42", 10), color: color.value, opacity: parseFloat(op.value) }, true);
+        if (ov) S.updateOverlayTrack(ov.id, payload, true);
       }
       closeAddModal();
     };
-    const cancel = el("button", "btn ghost tiny", "Cancel");
-    cancel.onclick = closeAddModal;
-    actions.append(ok, cancel);
-    content.append(actions);
-    box.append(content);
-    _addModal.append(box);
-    _addModal.addEventListener("click", (e) => { if (e.target === _addModal) closeAddModal(); });
-    document.body.append(_addModal);
+    foot.append(cancel, ok);
     ta.focus();
     if (!editing) ta.select();
   }
@@ -1079,7 +1123,7 @@
     else openImageOverlayModal(st, track);
   }
 
-  function openAudioTrackModal(st) {
+  // ── audio lanes (NLE-style, below video) ───────────────────────────────────────
     closeAddModal();
     const audioAssets = (st.mediaBin || []).filter(isAudioAsset);
 
@@ -1285,7 +1329,7 @@
     return lane;
   }
 
-  function overlayBlock(st, track) {
+  function overlayBlock(st, track, laneId) {
     const startSec = track.start_sec || 0;
     const durSec = Math.max(0.25, track.duration_sec || 3);
     const w = Math.max(durSec * pxPerSec, 40);
@@ -1359,13 +1403,26 @@
       S.selectOverlay(track.id);
       const baseLeft = startSec * pxPerSec;
       const anchors = timelineSnapAnchorsPx(st, st.project);
-      coalescedDrag(e, (dx) => {
+      document.querySelectorAll(".tl-overlay-lane").forEach((l) => l.classList.remove("drop-target"));
+      coalescedDrag(e, (dx, moveEv) => {
         const snapped = snapPx(baseLeft + dx, anchors, 10);
         const sec = Math.max(0, snapped / pxPerSec);
         block.style.left = (sec * pxPerSec) + "px";
-      }, (dx) => {
+        if (moveEv) {
+          document.querySelectorAll(".tl-overlay-lane").forEach((l) => l.classList.remove("drop-target"));
+          const laneEl = document.elementFromPoint(moveEv.clientX, moveEv.clientY)?.closest?.(".tl-overlay-lane");
+          if (laneEl) laneEl.classList.add("drop-target");
+        }
+      }, (dx, upEv) => {
         const snapped = snapPx(baseLeft + dx, anchors, 10);
         S.updateOverlayTrack(track.id, { start_sec: Math.max(0, snapped / pxPerSec) });
+        const hit = document.elementFromPoint(upEv.clientX, upEv.clientY);
+        const laneEl = hit?.closest?.(".tl-overlay-lane");
+        const newLaneId = laneEl?.dataset?.laneId;
+        if (newLaneId && newLaneId !== laneId) {
+          S.updateOverlayTrack(track.id, { lane_id: newLaneId }, true);
+        }
+        document.querySelectorAll(".tl-overlay-lane").forEach((l) => l.classList.remove("drop-target"));
       });
     });
 
@@ -1405,10 +1462,25 @@
       gAud.append(gutterLane(short, title, "audio" + (isOverlay ? " overlay" : isSep ? " sep" : "")));
     });
     gTracks.append(gAud);
-    const ovTracks = p.overlay_tracks || [];
-    if (ovTracks.length) {
-      gTracks.append(gutterLane("Overlays", "Text and image overlays composited on export", "overlay"));
-    }
+    S.ensureOverlayLanes();
+    const ovLanes = p.overlay_lanes || [];
+    const gOv = el("div", "tl-gutter-ov");
+    ovLanes.forEach((lane, i) => {
+      const top = i === ovLanes.length - 1;
+      const bottom = i === 0;
+      const label = ovLanes.length > 1 ? `O${i + 1}` : "Overlay";
+      const hint = top ? "top layer" : bottom ? "bottom layer" : "middle layer";
+      const gl = gutterLane(label, `${lane.label || "Overlay"} · ${hint}`, "overlay" + (top ? " top" : ""));
+      gl.style.height = OVERLAY_LANE_H + "px";
+      gl.style.flex = `0 0 ${OVERLAY_LANE_H}px`;
+      gOv.append(gl);
+    });
+    const addOv = el("button", "tl-gutter-add-ov", "+");
+    addOv.type = "button";
+    addOv.title = "Add overlay track (draws above existing tracks)";
+    addOv.onclick = (e) => { e.stopPropagation(); S.addOverlayLane(); };
+    gOv.append(addOv);
+    gTracks.append(gOv);
     gutter.append(gTracks);
     return gutter;
   }
@@ -1424,16 +1496,44 @@
     return wrap;
   }
 
-  function overlayLanes(st, p) {
-    const tracks = p.overlay_tracks || [];
-    if (!tracks.length) return null;
-    const lane = el("div", "tl-overlay-lane");
-    lane.style.height = OVERLAY_LANE_H + "px";
+  function attachOverlayLaneDrop(laneEl, body, laneId) {
+    body.addEventListener("dragover", (e) => {
+      if (e.dataTransfer.types.includes("application/funpack-media")) {
+        e.preventDefault();
+        e.dataTransfer.dropEffect = "copy";
+        laneEl.classList.add("drop-target");
+      }
+    });
+    body.addEventListener("dragleave", (e) => {
+      if (!body.contains(e.relatedTarget)) laneEl.classList.remove("drop-target");
+    });
+    body.addEventListener("drop", (e) => {
+      laneEl.classList.remove("drop-target");
+      const id = e.dataTransfer.getData("application/funpack-media");
+      if (!id) return;
+      e.preventDefault();
+      e.stopPropagation();
+      S.assignMediaToOverlayLane(laneId, id);
+    });
+  }
+
+  function overlayLaneEl(st, p, lane, laneIndex, laneCount) {
+    const laneEl = el("div", "tl-overlay-lane" + (laneIndex === laneCount - 1 ? " top" : laneIndex === 0 ? " bottom" : ""));
+    laneEl.style.height = OVERLAY_LANE_H + "px";
+    laneEl.dataset.laneId = lane.id;
     const body = el("div", "tl-overlay-lane-body");
-    tracks.forEach((t) => body.append(overlayBlock(st, t)));
-    lane.append(body);
+    const tracks = (p.overlay_tracks || []).filter((t) => t.lane_id === lane.id);
+    tracks.forEach((t) => body.append(overlayBlock(st, t, lane.id)));
+    attachOverlayLaneDrop(laneEl, body, lane.id);
+    laneEl.append(body);
+    return laneEl;
+  }
+
+  function overlayLanes(st, p) {
+    S.ensureOverlayLanes();
+    const lanes = p.overlay_lanes || [];
     const wrap = el("div", "tl-overlay-lanes");
-    wrap.append(lane);
+    lanes.forEach((lane, i) => wrap.append(overlayLaneEl(st, p, lane, i, lanes.length)));
     return wrap;
   }
 
@@ -1658,8 +1758,7 @@
     if (!lay.length) track.append(el("div", "tl-emptyhint", "No clips yet — add one from the toolbar."));
     tracks.append(track);
     tracks.append(audioLanes(st, p, sceneLay));
-    const ovLanes = overlayLanes(st, p);
-    if (ovLanes) tracks.append(ovLanes);
+    tracks.append(overlayLanes(st, p));
     const phSec = Math.min(window.Player?.getPlayhead() ?? 0, totalSec);
     tlPhEl = el("div", "tl-playhead"); tlPhEl.style.left = (phSec * pxPerSec) + "px"; tracks.append(tlPhEl);
     content.append(tracks);
diff --git a/movie_editor/frontend/view_bus.js b/movie_editor/frontend/view_bus.js
index d567e49c..72e52cfc 100644
--- a/movie_editor/frontend/view_bus.js
+++ b/movie_editor/frontend/view_bus.js
@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@
       ghosts: st.sceneGhosts,
       audio: p.audio_tracks,
       overlays: p.overlay_tracks,
+      ovLanes: p.overlay_lanes,
       keepAud: p.keep_original_audio,
       gen: st.gen?.state,
       labels: (st.ratingLabels || []).length,
@@ -44,6 +45,7 @@
       sels: st.selectedSceneIds,
       overlay: st.selectedOverlayId,
       overlays: p.overlay_tracks,
+      ovLanes: p.overlay_lanes,
       scene: sc,
       proj: sc ? null : {
         name: p.name, anchor: p.anchor, global_prompt: p.global_prompt,
@@ -89,7 +91,6 @@
       renders: st.sceneRenders,
       ghosts: st.sceneGhosts,
       audio: p.audio_tracks,
-      overlays: p.overlay_tracks,
       keepAud: p.keep_original_audio,
       gen: { state: st.gen?.state, media: st.gen?.media },
       mediaPreview: st.mediaPreviewId,
@@ -97,6 +98,17 @@
     });
   }
 
+  function fpOverlays(st) {
+    if (!st.project) return "none";
+    return hash({
+      pid: st.project.id,
+      overlays: st.project.overlay_tracks,
+      ovLanes: st.project.overlay_lanes,
+      sel: st.selectedOverlayId,
+      mediaPreview: st.mediaPreviewId,
+    });
+  }
+
   function fpActionbar(st) {
     return hash({
       pid: st.project?.id,
@@ -135,8 +147,9 @@
     subscribeTimeline: (fn) => subscribeZone("timeline", fn, fpTimeline),
     subscribeInspector: (fn) => subscribeZone("inspector", fn, fpInspector),
     subscribePlayer: (fn) => subscribeZone("player", fn, fpPlayer),
+    subscribeOverlays: (fn) => subscribeZone("overlays", fn, fpOverlays),
     subscribeActionbar: (fn) => subscribeZone("actionbar", fn, fpActionbar),
     subscribeMediabrowser: (fn) => subscribeZone("mediabrowser", fn, fpMediabrowser),
-    fingerprints: { fpTimeline, fpTimelineData, fpTimelineSel, fpInspector, fpPlayer, fpActionbar, fpMediabrowser },
+    fingerprints: { fpTimeline, fpTimelineData, fpTimelineSel, fpInspector, fpPlayer, fpOverlays, fpActionbar, fpMediabrowser },
   };
 })();
diff --git a/movie_editor/server.py b/movie_editor/server.py
index c1059ccf..64f26f90 100644
--- a/movie_editor/server.py
+++ b/movie_editor/server.py
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ except Exception:  # pragma: no cover - only available inside ComfyUI
 
 from .backend import bridge, builder, config, git_update, media, nodes, pipeline_caps, pipeline_wiring, projects, workflow_import
 from .backend.nle_effects import zoompan_z_expr
-from .backend.nle_overlays import build_overlay_video_filter
+from .backend.nle_overlays import build_overlay_video_filter, sort_overlays_for_composite
 from .backend.timeline import (
     Project,
     build_combined_prompt,
@@ -674,7 +674,10 @@ def _append_overlay_filters(
     image_input_base: int,
 ) -> None:
     """Append overlay compositing after [vbase]; sets final [vout]."""
-    overlays = list(getattr(proj, "overlay_tracks", None) or [])
+    overlays = sort_overlays_for_composite(
+        list(getattr(proj, "overlay_tracks", None) or []),
+        list(getattr(proj, "overlay_lanes", None) or []),
+    )
     if not overlays:
         parts.append("[vbase]null[vout]")
         return
diff --git a/movie_editor/tests/test_nle_overlays.py b/movie_editor/tests/test_nle_overlays.py
index fa4cb379..ed93a18b 100644
--- a/movie_editor/tests/test_nle_overlays.py
+++ b/movie_editor/tests/test_nle_overlays.py
@@ -18,6 +18,36 @@ def test_build_overlay_text_filter():
     assert final.startswith("[vov")
 
 
+def test_build_overlay_text_with_font():
+    parts, _ = build_overlay_video_filter(
+        "[vbase]",
+        [{"kind": "text", "text": "Hi", "font_family": "system-ui", "start_sec": 0, "duration_sec": 1}],
+        canvas_w=768,
+        canvas_h=512,
+        image_input_labels=[],
+    )
+    assert "drawtext" in parts[0]
+    assert "fontfile=" not in parts[0]
+
+
+def test_resolve_fontfile_optional():
+    from movie_editor.backend.nle_overlays import _resolve_fontfile
+    assert _resolve_fontfile("system-ui") is None
+    assert _resolve_fontfile(None) is None
+
+
+def test_sort_overlays_by_lane():
+    from movie_editor.backend.nle_overlays import sort_overlays_for_composite
+    lanes = [{"id": "a"}, {"id": "b"}, {"id": "c"}]
+    tracks = [
+        {"id": "1", "lane_id": "c", "start_sec": 0},
+        {"id": "2", "lane_id": "a", "start_sec": 1},
+        {"id": "3", "lane_id": "b", "start_sec": 0},
+    ]
+    out = sort_overlays_for_composite(tracks, lanes)
+    assert [t["id"] for t in out] == ["2", "3", "1"]
+
+
 def test_build_overlay_image_filter():
     parts, final = build_overlay_video_filter(
         "[vbase]",