diff --git a/easy_gen/frontend/app.js b/easy_gen/frontend/app.js
index 23fd7743..992d37a6 100644
--- a/easy_gen/frontend/app.js
+++ b/easy_gen/frontend/app.js
@@ -276,7 +276,7 @@
     }
     // First run (or a wizard interrupted by an install restart) gets the setup flow;
     // everyone else gets the project picker they already know.
-    if (!loaded && !window.Onboarding?.maybeOpen()) window.ProjectMenu.open({ dismissable: false });
+    if (!loaded) window.Onboarding?.maybeOpen();
     // After the project is in place, so a run targeting it re-attaches fully (result and
     // all) instead of falling back to the queue-watch path. Not awaited — it runs for as
     // long as the generation does.
diff --git a/movie_editor/frontend/index.html b/movie_editor/frontend/index.html
index d515eb2c..e7c874fd 100644
--- a/movie_editor/frontend/index.html
+++ b/movie_editor/frontend/index.html
@@ -136,7 +136,6 @@
   <script src="autocomplete.js"></script>
   <script src="suggestions.js"></script>
   <script src="slot_picker.js"></script>
-  <script src="welcome.js"></script>
   <script src="pipeline_setup.js"></script>
   <script src="onboarding.js"></script>
   <script src="inspector.js"></script>
diff --git a/movie_editor/frontend/inspector.js b/movie_editor/frontend/inspector.js
index 08d8d254..6262785f 100644
--- a/movie_editor/frontend/inspector.js
+++ b/movie_editor/frontend/inspector.js
@@ -137,7 +137,7 @@
     wrap.append(el("span", null, m.label));
 
     const sel = el("select"); sel.dataset.k = "sc-" + kind + "mode";
-    [["project", "Inherit project global"], ["timeline", "Inherit timeline (trim)"], ["custom", "Custom"]]
+    [["project", "Project default"], ["timeline", "Timeline trim"], ["custom", "Custom"]]
       .forEach(([v, l]) => { const o = el("option", null, l); o.value = v; if (v === mode) o.selected = true; sel.append(o); });
     sel.onchange = () => {
       const patch = { [kind + "_mode"]: sel.value };
diff --git a/movie_editor/frontend/onboarding.js b/movie_editor/frontend/onboarding.js
index 0a5eaafc..2e166543 100644
--- a/movie_editor/frontend/onboarding.js
+++ b/movie_editor/frontend/onboarding.js
@@ -15,7 +15,6 @@
   const API = () => window.MovieEditorAPI;
   const LS_DONE = "funpack_onboarded";
   const LS_RUN = "funpack_wizard";       // an unfinished run (see save())
-  const SS_SKIP = "funpack_wizard_skip"; // this tab session declined it
 
   let root = null;       // the full-screen overlay
   let stage = null;      // the animated content column
@@ -139,11 +138,76 @@
       sub: "Markers that cut one written prompt into separate scenes.",
       mount: (body) => ({ cleanup: window.Composer.mountPane("splits", body) }),
     },
+    projects: {
+      title: "Your projects",
+      sub: "Open one, or bring in a project file from somewhere else.",
+      mount: (body, setActions) => mountProjects(body, setActions),
+    },
   };
 
+  // The project picker. This screen replaced a separate welcome card — two different
+  // front doors for the same decision was one too many.
+  function mountProjects(body, setActions) {
+    const importInput = el("input");
+    importInput.type = "file";
+    importInput.accept = ".json,.funpack_project.json,application/json";
+    importInput.style.display = "none";
+    importInput.onchange = async () => {
+      const file = importInput.files?.[0];
+      importInput.value = "";
+      if (!file) return;
+      await S().importProject(file);
+      close();
+    };
+    body.append(importInput);
+
+    const imp = el("button", "btn ghost tiny", "Import project file…");
+    imp.type = "button";
+    imp.onclick = () => importInput.click();
+    setActions([imp]);
+
+    const list = el("div", "oo-projects");
+    body.append(list);
+
+    const paintList = async () => {
+      clear(list);
+      let projects = [];
+      try { projects = (await API().listProjects()).projects || []; } catch (_) {}
+      projects.sort((a, b) => (b.updated_at || 0) - (a.updated_at || 0));
+      if (!projects.length) {
+        list.append(el("p", "oo-body", "No projects yet. Go back and press Begin."));
+        return;
+      }
+      projects.forEach((p) => {
+        const row = el("button", "oo-project");
+        row.type = "button";
+        const main = el("div", "oo-project-main");
+        main.append(el("div", "oo-project-name", p.name));
+        const n = p.scene_count || 0;
+        main.append(el("div", "oo-project-meta",
+          `${n} ${n === 1 ? "scene" : "scenes"} · ${when(p.updated_at)}`));
+        row.append(main);
+        row.onclick = () => { close(); S().loadProject(p.id); };
+        list.append(row);
+      });
+    };
+    paintList();
+    return { cleanup: () => {} };
+  }
+
+  function when(ts) {
+    if (!ts) return "never opened";
+    const days = Math.floor((Date.now() / 1000 - ts) / 86400);
+    if (days <= 0) return "today";
+    if (days === 1) return "yesterday";
+    if (days < 30) return days + " days ago";
+    return new Date(ts * 1000).toLocaleDateString();
+  }
+
   function openPane(kind) {
     const spec = PANES[kind];
     if (!spec) return;
+    const fromSplash = !panel && !!root?.querySelector(".oo-splash");
     closePane();
     const box = el("div", "oo-pane");
     const head = el("div", "oo-pane-head");
@@ -164,17 +228,20 @@
       body.append(el("p", "oo-body", "This part of the setup isn't available in this build."));
     }
 
-    panel = { kind, cleanup: mounted?.cleanup || null };
+    panel = { kind, fromSplash, cleanup: mounted?.cleanup || null };
     paint(box, "pane:" + kind, { pane: true });
-    root.append(actions({ primary: "Done", onPrimary: closePane }));
+    root.append(actions({ primary: fromSplash ? "Back" : "Done", onPrimary: closePane }));
     root.classList.add("oo-has-actions");
   }
 
   function closePane() {
     if (!panel) return;
+    const backToSplash = panel.fromSplash;
     try { panel.cleanup?.(); } catch (_) {}
     panel = null;
-    if (root) renderStep();
+    if (!root) return;
+    if (backToSplash) paint(splash(), null);
+    else renderStep();
   }
 
   // ── step registry ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
@@ -508,7 +575,6 @@
       resumeBtn.textContent = "Continue with “" + p.name + "”";
       resumeBtn.hidden = false;
       resumeBtn.onclick = () => {
-        suppressSession();
         close();
         (S().loadProject(p.id) || Promise.resolve()).catch(() => {});
       };
@@ -568,15 +634,7 @@
     next();
   }
 
-  // Loading a project IS an answer to the wizard's question, so it stops asking for the
-  // rest of this session — including the tour, which would only get in the way of work
-  // that is already under way.
-  function openExisting() {
-    suppressSession();
-    close();
-    if (isEasyGen()) window.ProjectMenu.open({ dismissable: true });
-    else window.WelcomePage.open();
-  }
+  function openExisting() { openPane("projects"); }
 
   // ── navigation ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
@@ -657,16 +715,6 @@
     try { localStorage.removeItem(LS_RUN); } catch (_) {}
   }
 
-  // Suppressed for the rest of this tab's session: the user answered the wizard's own
-  // question by loading a project instead. sessionStorage, not localStorage — next time
-  // they open the app fresh, an unfinished setup is worth offering again.
-  function suppressSession() {
-    try { sessionStorage.setItem(SS_SKIP, "1"); } catch (_) {}
-  }
-  function sessionSuppressed() {
-    try { return sessionStorage.getItem(SS_SKIP) === "1"; } catch (_) { return false; }
-  }
-
   // The tour lives in its own page mode against a sandbox project, so it cannot start
   // over the editor — finishing navigates there.
   function startTour() {
@@ -681,7 +729,6 @@
   function finish() {
     try { localStorage.setItem(LS_DONE, "1"); } catch (_) {}
     clearSaved();
-    suppressSession();
     // The wizard IS the pipeline setup — without this its modal reopens over the editor
     // and asks for the family and the node packs all over again.
     window.PipelineSetup?.markHandled?.();
@@ -747,25 +794,21 @@
     try { return localStorage.getItem(LS_DONE) === "1"; } catch (_) { return false; }
   }
 
-  // Called by each host's boot instead of its old welcome screen.
+  // The start screen for both frontends: shown whenever nothing is open, not just on a
+  // first run. Its splash carries Begin, the last project, the project list, and the
+  // maintenance actions, so there is one front door instead of two.
   function maybeOpen() {
     if (window.__FUNPACK_TOUR__) return false;
-    if (sessionSuppressed()) return false;
-    // Something is already open — a resumed generation, a restored project. Setup is not
-    // the screen anyone wants in front of work that is already there.
-    if (S()?.get?.().project) return false;
+    if (S()?.get?.().project) return false;   // work already open — don't cover it
     const saved = restore();
     if (saved?.resumable) { open({ resume: true }); return true; }
     // An unfinished run that did NOT end in a deliberate restart: start over.
-    if (saved) { open({ carry: true }); return true; }
-    if (done()) return false;
-    open();
+    open(saved ? { carry: true } : undefined);
     return true;
   }
 
   // Menu entry: run setup again on demand, whatever state the app is in.
   function reopen() {
-    try { sessionStorage.removeItem(SS_SKIP); } catch (_) {}
     clearSaved();
     open();
   }
diff --git a/movie_editor/frontend/store.js b/movie_editor/frontend/store.js
index e8eb9bc7..a900479e 100644
--- a/movie_editor/frontend/store.js
+++ b/movie_editor/frontend/store.js
@@ -824,7 +824,6 @@
     refreshPreview();
     await loadModels();
     _validateSceneRenders();
-    window.WelcomePage?.close?.();
     window.PipelineSetup?.maybePrompt?.();
   }
 
@@ -849,7 +848,7 @@
     if (state.projects[0]) await loadProject(state.projects[0].id);
     else {
       notify();
-      if (window.WelcomePage) window.WelcomePage.open();
+      window.Onboarding?.open?.();
     }
   }
 
@@ -4341,11 +4340,9 @@
       }
     } catch (_) { /* queue unreachable — boot normally */ }
     notify();
-    // First run (or a wizard interrupted by an install restart) gets the setup flow;
-    // everyone else gets the project picker they already know.
+    // One front door: the full-screen welcome, unless a running generation was resumed.
     if (resumed) return;
-    if (window.Onboarding?.maybeOpen()) return;
-    if (window.WelcomePage) window.WelcomePage.open();
+    window.Onboarding?.maybeOpen();
   }
 
   // Backstop for a suspended save the user walks away from. Unconditional is safe:
diff --git a/movie_editor/frontend/styles.css b/movie_editor/frontend/styles.css
index bc9063cc..21ce4ba2 100644
--- a/movie_editor/frontend/styles.css
+++ b/movie_editor/frontend/styles.css
@@ -316,7 +316,7 @@ button, input, select, textarea { font-family: inherit; color: var(--text); }
 }
 .brand { font-family: var(--font-display); font-weight: 800; letter-spacing: .2px; font-size: var(--fs-title-3); display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; }
 .brand-mark { color: var(--accent); font-size: 12px; transform: translateY(-1px); filter: drop-shadow(0 0 6px var(--accent-soft)); }
-.brand-sub { color: var(--faint); font-weight: 500; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: uppercase; }
+.brand-sub { color: var(--faint); font-weight: 500; font-size: var(--fs-callout); }
 /* The brand is a link back to the hub in both frontends. */
 a.brand { text-decoration: none; color: inherit; }
 a.brand:hover .brand-sub { color: var(--accent-hi); }
@@ -342,16 +342,17 @@ a.brand:hover .brand-sub { color: var(--accent-hi); }
 }
 .menu-item:hover { background: var(--accent-soft); color: var(--accent-hi); }
 .menu-item.disabled { color: var(--faint); pointer-events: none; }
-.menu-item .hint { color: var(--faint); font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 11px; }
+.menu-item .hint { color: var(--faint); font-size: var(--fs-subhead); }
 .menu-item:hover .hint { color: var(--accent); }
 .menu-sep { height: 1px; background: var(--line); margin: 5px 6px; }
-.menu-label { padding: 4px 10px 3px; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 1.4px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--faint); }
+.menu-label { padding: 4px 10px 3px; font-size: 11px; color: var(--faint); font-weight: 600;}
 .menu-veil { position: fixed; inset: 0; z-index: 150; }
 
 .menubar-right { margin-left: auto; display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 12px; }
 .health-chip, .save-chip {
-  font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 11px; color: var(--muted);
-  display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 6px; padding: 3px 9px; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 20px;
+  font-size: var(--fs-subhead); line-height: var(--lh-subhead); color: var(--muted);
+  display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 6px; padding: 3px var(--sp-2);
+  border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 20px;
 }
 .health-chip .led { width: 7px; height: 7px; border-radius: 50%; background: var(--faint); }
 .health-chip.ok .led { background: var(--good); box-shadow: 0 0 8px var(--good); }
@@ -361,7 +362,7 @@ a.brand:hover .brand-sub { color: var(--accent-hi); }
 
 /* backend log viewer */
 .log-btn { background: var(--ink-2); border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 20px; color: var(--muted);
-  font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: .5px; padding: 3px 11px; cursor: pointer; }
+ font-size: 11px; padding: 3px 11px; cursor: pointer; }
 .log-btn:hover { color: var(--accent-hi); background: var(--ink-3); }
 .log-btn.active { color: var(--accent-hi); border-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--accent) 45%, var(--line)); }
 .log-panel { position: fixed; z-index: 9000; right: 14px; top: 48px; width: min(720px, 88vw); height: min(420px, 60vh);
@@ -402,9 +403,8 @@ a.brand:hover .brand-sub { color: var(--accent-hi); }
 /* panel toggle tabs (timeline header, top-right) */
 .dock-tabs { display: flex; gap: 4px; margin-left: 12px; flex: 0 0 auto; }
 .dock-tab {
-  background: var(--ink-2); border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 6px;
-  color: var(--faint); font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: .8px;
-  text-transform: uppercase; padding: 4px 10px; cursor: pointer; transition: background .12s, color .12s, border-color .12s;
+ background: var(--ink-2); border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 6px;
+ color: var(--faint); font-size: 11px; padding: 4px 10px; cursor: pointer; transition: background .12s, color .12s, border-color .12s;
 }
 .dock-tab:hover { color: var(--muted); border-color: var(--muted); }
 .dock-tab.on { background: var(--accent-soft); color: var(--accent-hi); border-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--accent) 45%, var(--line)); }
@@ -419,11 +419,11 @@ a.brand:hover .brand-sub { color: var(--accent-hi); }
   border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line);
 }
 .zone-title {
-  font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--muted);
+  font-size: var(--fs-callout); line-height: var(--lh-callout); color: var(--text); font-weight: 600;
 }
-.zone-title::before { content: ""; display: inline-block; width: 6px; height: 6px; margin-right: 9px; border-radius: 1px; background: var(--accent); transform: translateY(-1px); box-shadow: 0 0 7px var(--accent-soft); }
+.zone-title::before { content: ""; display: inline-block; width: 5px; height: 5px; margin-right: var(--sp-2); border-radius: 50%; background: var(--accent); transform: translateY(-1px); }
 .transport-actions { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 6px; flex: 0 0 auto; }
-.transport-actions .btn.compact { min-height: var(--ctl-h-sm); padding: 0 var(--sp-2); font-size: var(--fs-subhead); font-family: var(--font-mono); }
+.transport-actions .btn.compact { min-height: var(--ctl-h-sm); padding: 0 var(--sp-2); font-size: var(--fs-subhead); }
 .transport-actions .btn:disabled { opacity: 0.42; pointer-events: none; cursor: default; }
 .transport-actions .btn.render {
   background: linear-gradient(var(--teal-2), var(--teal-3)); color: var(--on-teal); border-color: var(--teal-2);
@@ -433,7 +433,7 @@ a.brand:hover .brand-sub { color: var(--accent-hi); }
 .zone-head-right { margin-left: auto; font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: var(--fs-subhead);
   color: var(--faint); display: flex; gap: var(--sp-1) var(--sp-2); align-items: center;
   flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: flex-end; min-width: 0; }
-.zone-body { flex: 1; overflow: auto; padding: 12px; min-height: 0; }
+.zone-body { flex: 1; overflow: auto; padding: var(--sp-4); min-height: 0; }
 
 /* splitters */
 .splitter { background: transparent; position: relative; flex: 0 0 auto; }
@@ -468,11 +468,12 @@ a.brand:hover .brand-sub { color: var(--accent-hi); }
 .btn.tiny { min-height: var(--ctl-h-sm); padding: 0 var(--sp-2); font-size: var(--fs-subhead); }
 
 label.field { display: block; margin-bottom: 12px; }
-label.field > span { display: block; font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 1px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--faint); margin-bottom: 5px; }
+label.field > span { display: block; font-size: var(--fs-subhead); line-height: var(--lh-subhead);
+  color: var(--muted); margin-bottom: var(--sp-1); font-weight: 500; }
 /* Field label with an inline enable toggle (e.g. Postfix). Matches the field-label look. */
 .field-toggle { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 6px; margin-bottom: 5px; cursor: pointer; }
 .field-toggle > input { width: auto; margin: 0; }
-.field-toggle > span { font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 1px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--faint); }
+.field-toggle > span { font-size: 11px; color: var(--faint); font-weight: 600;}
 .field > textarea:disabled { opacity: .45; cursor: not-allowed; }
 input, select, textarea {
   width: 100%; background: var(--ink-0); border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: var(--ctl-r);
@@ -489,7 +490,9 @@ input[type=number] { font-family: var(--font-mono); }
 
 /* ───────────────────────── MEDIA BROWSER ───────────────────────── */
 .mb-section { margin-bottom: 18px; }
-.mb-section-title { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 1.5px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--faint); margin-bottom: 8px; }
+.mb-section-title { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between;
+  font-size: var(--fs-subhead); line-height: var(--lh-subhead); color: var(--muted);
+  margin-bottom: var(--sp-2); font-weight: 600; }
 .project-row { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: var(--sp-2); padding: 6px var(--sp-2); border-radius: var(--ctl-r); cursor: pointer; border: 1px solid transparent; }
 .project-row:hover { background: var(--ink-2); }
 .project-row.active { background: var(--accent-soft); border-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--accent) 27%, transparent); }
@@ -616,7 +619,7 @@ input[type=number] { font-family: var(--font-mono); }
 .media-bin-cols { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; }
 .media-bin-cols-switch { flex: 1; min-width: 0; }
 .media-bin-cols-switch .insp-seg { flex: 1; min-width: 0; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; }
-.media-bin-sort-lbl { flex: 0 0 auto; font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 9px; letter-spacing: .8px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--faint); }
+.media-bin-sort-lbl { flex: 0 0 auto; font-size: 11px; color: var(--faint); font-weight: 600;}
 .media-bin-sort-sel { flex: 1; min-width: 0; padding: 5px 7px; font-size: 12px; }
 .media-bin-count { margin: 0; }
 .media-grid-empty { grid-column: 1 / -1; padding: 4px 2px; }
@@ -653,9 +656,9 @@ input[type=number] { font-family: var(--font-mono); }
 /* library add/edit form */
 .lib-form { border: 1px solid var(--accent); border-radius: 8px; background: var(--ink-2); padding: 10px; margin: 8px 0; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 8px; }
 .lib-form.lib-form-modal { border: none; background: transparent; padding: 0; margin: 0; }
-.lib-form-title { font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 1px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--accent); }
+.lib-form-title { font-size: 11px; color: var(--accent); font-weight: 600;}
 .lib-field { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 3px; }
-.lib-field > span { font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 9px; letter-spacing: .8px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--faint); }
+.lib-field > span { font-size: 11px; color: var(--faint); font-weight: 600;}
 .lib-in { width: 100%; background: var(--ink-0); border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 6px; color: var(--text); font-size: 12px; padding: 5px 7px; font-family: var(--font-mono); resize: vertical; }
 .lib-form-actions { display: flex; gap: 6px; }
 
@@ -772,14 +775,14 @@ input[type=number] { font-family: var(--font-mono); }
 .pm-anchor-btn { font-size: 12px; white-space: nowrap; }
 
 /* ───────────────────────── INSPECTOR ───────────────────────── */
-.insp-tag { font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 1px; color: var(--accent); text-transform: uppercase; }
+.insp-tag { font-size: var(--fs-subhead); line-height: var(--lh-subhead); color: var(--muted); font-weight: 600; }
 .insp-hint { font-size: 11px; color: var(--faint); margin: -4px 0 12px; }
 .insp-hint.warn { color: var(--accent-hi, var(--accent)); }
 .insp-block { margin-bottom: 16px; }
 /* global prompt — first entry in the inspector list (scrolls with content) */
 .insp-global { margin: 0 0 14px; padding: 10px 10px 8px;
   background: var(--ink-2); border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 9px; }
-.insp-global-title { font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 1px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--accent); margin-bottom: 6px; }
+.insp-global-title { font-size: 11px; color: var(--accent); margin-bottom: 6px; font-weight: 600;}
 .insp-global-ta { width: 100%; background: var(--ink-0); border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 7px;
   color: var(--text); font-size: 12px; padding: 7px 8px; resize: vertical; font-family: var(--font-mono); line-height: 1.45; }
 .insp-global .insp-hint { margin: 6px 0 0; }
@@ -787,7 +790,7 @@ input[type=number] { font-family: var(--font-mono); }
 /* project / scene switch */
 .insp-switch { display: flex; gap: 0; margin-bottom: 14px; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 8px; overflow: hidden; }
 .insp-seg { flex: 1; background: var(--ink-1); border: none; color: var(--muted); padding: 7px 0; cursor: pointer;
-  font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: 1px; text-transform: uppercase; transition: background .12s, color .12s; }
+ font-size: 11px; transition: background .12s, color .12s; }
 .insp-seg + .insp-seg { border-left: 1px solid var(--line); }
 .insp-seg:hover:not(:disabled) { background: var(--ink-3); color: var(--accent-hi); }
 .insp-seg.active { background: var(--accent-soft); color: var(--accent-hi); }
@@ -863,8 +866,8 @@ input[type=number] { font-family: var(--font-mono); }
 .tl-toolbar .btn.ghost:disabled:hover { color: var(--muted); background: transparent; border-color: transparent; }
 .tl-toolbar .tl-spacer { flex: 1; }
 .tl-tc { font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 11px; color: var(--muted); }
-.tl-zlabel { font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 1px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--faint); }
-.tl-keys { font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: .5px; color: var(--faint); margin-right: 10px; opacity: .8; }
+.tl-zlabel { font-size: 11px; color: var(--faint); font-weight: 600;}
+.tl-keys { font-size: 11px; color: var(--faint); margin-right: 10px; opacity: .8; }
 .tl-notice { margin-left: 12px; font-size: 11px; color: var(--accent-hi); display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 6px; }
 .tl-notice-dismiss { border: none; background: transparent; color: var(--faint); cursor: pointer; font-size: 11px; padding: 0 2px; }
 .tl-notice-dismiss:hover { color: var(--text); }
@@ -930,9 +933,8 @@ input[type=number] { font-family: var(--font-mono); }
   position: sticky; top: 0; z-index: 9; background: var(--ink-1); }
 .tl-gutter-tracks { flex: 0 0 auto; display: flex; flex-direction: column; }
 .tl-gutter-lane { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; text-align: center;
-  padding: 0 4px; font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 9px; letter-spacing: .5px; text-transform: uppercase;
-  color: var(--faint); border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line-2); overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;
-  box-sizing: border-box; flex: 0 0 auto; }
+ padding: 0 4px; font-size: 11px; color: var(--faint); border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line-2); overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;
+ box-sizing: border-box; flex: 0 0 auto; }
 .tl-gutter-lane.video { color: var(--faint); }
 .tl-gutter-aud { flex: 0 0 auto; border-top: 1px solid var(--line); }
 .tl-gutter-aud .tl-gutter-lane:last-child { border-bottom: none; }
@@ -1056,7 +1058,7 @@ input[type=number] { font-family: var(--font-mono); }
 .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-label { font-size: 11px; color: var(--muted); font-weight: 600;}
 .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, var(--violet) 45%, var(--line)); box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px color-mix(in srgb, var(--violet) 12%, transparent); }
@@ -1142,7 +1144,7 @@ body.tl-spacing { cursor: grabbing; user-select: none; }
   background: var(--surface-raised-7); border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 8px; padding: 8px;
   display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 7px; box-shadow: 0 8px 22px color-mix(in srgb, var(--shadow-ink) 64.7%, transparent); }
 .tl-dd-panel[hidden] { display: none; }
-.tl-dd-head { font-size: 11px; color: var(--muted); text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: .04em; }
+.tl-dd-head { font-size: 11px; color: var(--muted); font-weight: 600;}
 .tl-dd-sel { width: 100%; }
 .tl-dd-val { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; gap: 8px; font-size: 12px; }
 .tl-dd-val[hidden] { display: none; }
@@ -1212,10 +1214,10 @@ body.tl-spacing { cursor: grabbing; user-select: none; }
 .clip.selected.focus.clip-video::before,
 .clip.selected.focus.src-v2v::before { background: var(--teal); opacity: 1; }
 .tl-sel-badge {
-  font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 10px; font-weight: 600; color: var(--teal);
-  background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--teal) 12%, transparent);
-  border: 1px solid color-mix(in srgb, var(--teal-soft) 55%, var(--line));
-  border-radius: 10px; padding: 2px 8px; white-space: nowrap; flex-shrink: 0;
+ font-size: 11px; font-weight: 600; color: var(--teal);
+ background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--teal) 12%, transparent);
+ border: 1px solid color-mix(in srgb, var(--teal-soft) 55%, var(--line));
+ border-radius: 10px; padding: 2px 8px; white-space: nowrap; flex-shrink: 0;
 }
 .clip-src-stack { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 1px; line-height: 1; }
 .clip-anchor-mark { font-size: 11px; color: var(--accent); }
@@ -1336,59 +1338,10 @@ body.tl-spacing { cursor: grabbing; user-select: none; }
 
 .empty-stage { color: var(--faint); padding: 30px; text-align: center; width: 100%; }
 
-/* ───────────────────────── WELCOME (first load) ───────────────────────── */
-.welcome-overlay {
-  position: fixed;
-  left: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0;
-  top: var(--menubar-h);
-  z-index: 350;
-  display: flex;
-  align-items: center;
-  justify-content: center;
-  padding: 24px;
-  background:
-    radial-gradient(900px 480px at 50% 20%, color-mix(in srgb, var(--accent) 8%, transparent) 0%, transparent 55%),
-    radial-gradient(700px 400px at 80% 80%, color-mix(in srgb, var(--teal) 6%, transparent) 0%, transparent 50%),
-    var(--backdrop-2);
-  backdrop-filter: blur(6px);
-  animation: fade .2s ease;
-}
-.welcome-card {
-  width: min(520px, 96vw);
-  padding: 34px 32px 28px;
-  border-radius: 16px;
-  border: 1px solid var(--line);
-  background: linear-gradient(165deg, var(--surface-raised-6) 0%, var(--surface-deep-3) 100%);
-  box-shadow: var(--shadow), 0 0 0 1px var(--overlay-1) inset;
-  animation: pop .18s ease;
-}
-.welcome-brand {
-  display: flex;
-  align-items: baseline;
-  gap: 10px;
-  flex-wrap: wrap;
-  margin-bottom: 12px;
-}
-.welcome-mark { color: var(--accent); font-size: 13px; filter: drop-shadow(0 0 8px var(--accent-soft)); }
-.welcome-title { font-family: var(--font-display); font-weight: 800; font-size: 28px; letter-spacing: .2px; }
-.welcome-sub {
-  font-family: var(--font-display);
-  font-weight: 500;
-  font-size: 11px;
-  letter-spacing: 2.5px;
-  text-transform: uppercase;
-  color: var(--faint);
-}
-.welcome-lead {
-  margin: 0 0 22px;
-  color: var(--muted);
-  font-size: 13px;
-  line-height: 1.55;
-  max-width: 42em;
-}
+/* ── project-menu buttons (Easy Gen) ──────────────────────────────────────
+   The Editor's welcome card is gone — the full-screen wizard splash is the only
+   start screen now. Easy Gen's project menu still uses these button styles. */
 .welcome-actions { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 10px; }
-.welcome-maint { margin-top: 12px; padding-top: 12px; border-top: 1px solid var(--line); }
-.welcome-maint .welcome-btn { padding-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 8px; }
 .welcome-btn {
   display: flex;
   flex-direction: column;
@@ -1425,7 +1378,6 @@ body.tl-spacing { cursor: grabbing; user-select: none; }
 .welcome-btn-hint { font-size: 11px; color: var(--faint); line-height: 1.35; }
 @media (max-width: 520px) {
   .welcome-actions { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
-  .welcome-card { padding: 24px 20px 20px; }
 }
 
 /* ───────────────────────── MODALS (Models settings) ───────────────────────── */
@@ -1455,7 +1407,7 @@ body.tl-spacing { cursor: grabbing; user-select: none; }
 .composer { background: var(--ink-0); border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 10px; padding: 14px; margin-bottom: 18px; }
 .composer.flash { animation: composer-flash .9s ease; }
 @keyframes composer-flash { 0%, 100% { box-shadow: none; border-color: var(--line); } 25% { box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px var(--accent); border-color: var(--accent); } }
-.composer-title { font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 1.5px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--accent); margin-bottom: 10px; }
+.composer-title { font-size: 11px; color: var(--accent); margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: 600;}
 .composer-row { display: flex; gap: 10px; align-items: center; }
 .composer-row select { flex: 1; }
 .composer-row .composer-search { flex: 1.2; min-width: 0; }
@@ -1487,8 +1439,8 @@ body.tl-spacing { cursor: grabbing; user-select: none; }
 /* config validation banner */
 /* Pipeline requirements panel */
 .req-panel { margin-bottom: 18px; }
-.req-title { font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 1.5px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--teal); margin-bottom: 8px; }
-.req-opt-head { font-size: 10px; color: var(--faint); margin: 8px 0 4px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1px; }
+.req-title { font-size: 11px; color: var(--teal); margin-bottom: 8px; font-weight: 600;}
+.req-opt-head { font-size: 11px; color: var(--faint); margin: 8px 0 4px; font-weight: 600;}
 .req-row { display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 8px; padding: 6px 10px; border-radius: 6px; margin-bottom: 4px; font-size: 12px; flex-wrap: wrap; }
 .req-row.ok { background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--teal) 8%, transparent); }
 .req-row.missing { background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--danger) 8%, transparent); border: 1px solid color-mix(in srgb, var(--danger) 30%, transparent); }
@@ -1581,7 +1533,7 @@ label.field.linked input, label.field.linked select { opacity: .6; }
 .chip-x:hover { color: var(--danger); }
 
 .wire-box { margin-top: 12px; padding-top: 10px; border-top: 1px dashed var(--line); }
-.wire-title { font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 1.5px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--teal); margin-bottom: 8px; }
+.wire-title { font-size: 11px; color: var(--teal); margin-bottom: 8px; font-weight: 600;}
 .wire-row { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; margin-bottom: 6px; min-width: 0; }
 .wire-out { font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 11px; color: var(--muted); flex: 0 0 auto; min-width: 130px; }
 .wire-arrow { color: var(--teal); }
@@ -1659,7 +1611,7 @@ label.field.linked input, label.field.linked select { opacity: .6; }
 .insp-fold-sum { cursor: pointer; font-size: 12px; color: var(--muted); padding: 8px 0; list-style: none; }
 .insp-fold-sum::-webkit-details-marker { display: none; }
 .engine-preset-bar { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items: center; gap: 8px; margin-bottom: 12px; }
-.engine-preset-label { font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 10px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--faint); }
+.engine-preset-label { font-size: 11px; color: var(--faint); font-weight: 600;}
 .slot-picker-overlay { z-index: 12000; }
 .slot-picker-modal { max-width: 420px; }
 .slot-picker-list { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 6px; margin: 12px 0; max-height: 50vh; overflow-y: auto; }
@@ -1779,8 +1731,8 @@ body.tour-mode { overflow: hidden; }
 .composer-btn {
   display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 6px;
   background: var(--ink-2); border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 6px;
-  color: var(--faint); font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: .8px;
-  text-transform: uppercase; padding: 4px 10px; cursor: pointer; transition: background .12s, color .12s, border-color .12s;
+  color: var(--faint); font-size: var(--fs-subhead); line-height: var(--lh-subhead);
+  padding: 4px var(--sp-2); cursor: pointer; transition: background .12s, color .12s, border-color .12s;
 }
 .composer-btn:hover { color: var(--muted); border-color: var(--muted); }
 .composer-btn .composer-dot { font-size: 9px; color: var(--teal); transform: translateY(-.5px); }
@@ -1811,7 +1763,7 @@ body.tour-mode { overflow: hidden; }
 .fw-title { display: flex; align-items: baseline; gap: 9px; min-width: 0; }
 .fw-dot { color: var(--teal); font-size: 9px; }
 .fw-title-text { font-family: var(--font-display); font-weight: 700; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: .2px; }
-.fw-sub { font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 1px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--faint); }
+.fw-sub { font-size: 11px; color: var(--faint); font-weight: 600;}
 .fw-ctrls { margin-left: auto; display: flex; gap: 4px; }
 .fw-btn {
   width: 24px; height: 24px; display: grid; place-items: center; padding: 0;
@@ -2397,6 +2349,24 @@ body.tour-mode { overflow: hidden; }
 .oo-pane-body { flex: 1; min-height: 0; display: flex; flex-direction: column; overflow: auto; }
 .oo-pane-body > * { min-height: 0; }
 
+.oo-projects {
+  display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fill, minmax(240px, 1fr));
+  gap: var(--sp-2); padding: var(--sp-3) 0; align-content: start;
+}
+.oo-project {
+  display: flex; align-items: center; gap: var(--sp-3); text-align: left;
+  padding: var(--sp-3); border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 10px;
+  background: var(--ink-1); color: var(--text); font-family: inherit; cursor: pointer;
+  transition: border-color .12s, background .12s;
+}
+.oo-project:hover { border-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--accent) 50%, var(--line)); background: var(--ink-2); }
+.oo-project-main { min-width: 0; }
+.oo-project-name {
+  font-size: var(--fs-body); line-height: var(--lh-body); font-weight: 600;
+  overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;
+}
+.oo-project-meta { font-size: var(--fs-subhead); line-height: var(--lh-subhead); color: var(--faint); margin-top: 2px; }
+
 @media (max-width: 700px) {
   .oo-root { padding: 60px 20px 128px; }
   .oo-splash-title { font-size: 40px; line-height: 46px; letter-spacing: -.8px; }
diff --git a/movie_editor/frontend/welcome.js b/movie_editor/frontend/welcome.js
deleted file mode 100644
index 05215483..00000000
--- a/movie_editor/frontend/welcome.js
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,109 +0,0 @@
-// First-load welcome screen: pick a project before entering the editor.
-(function () {
-  const { el } = window.dom;
-  const S = window.Store;
-  let overlay = null;
-
-  const loadFileInput = (function () {
-    const inp = document.createElement("input");
-    inp.type = "file";
-    inp.accept = ".json,.funpack_project.json,application/json";
-    inp.style.display = "none";
-    inp.onchange = async () => {
-      const file = inp.files?.[0];
-      inp.value = "";
-      if (!file) return;
-      await S.importProject(file);
-    };
-    document.body.appendChild(inp);
-    return inp;
-  })();
-
-  function latestProject() {
-    const list = S.get().projects || [];
-    return list.length ? list[0] : null;
-  }
-
-  function promptNewProject() {
-    if (window.SlotPicker?.openPrompt) {
-      window.SlotPicker.openPrompt({
-        title: "New project",
-        value: "Untitled montage",
-        placeholder: "Project name",
-        onPick: (name) => S.newProject(name),
-      });
-      return;
-    }
-    const name = prompt("Project name:", "Untitled montage");
-    if (name != null) S.newProject(name || "Untitled montage");
-  }
-
-  function openLatest() {
-    const p = latestProject();
-    if (!p) return;
-    S.loadProject(p.id);
-  }
-
-  function loadProjectFile() {
-    loadFileInput.click();
-  }
-
-  function welcomeTour() {
-    close();
-    const u = window.TourSandbox?.tourUrl?.() || (window.location.pathname + "?mode=tour");
-    window.location.href = u;
-  }
-
-  function close() {
-    if (overlay) {
-      overlay.remove();
-      overlay = null;
-    }
-  }
-
-  function open() {
-    close();
-    overlay = el("div", "welcome-overlay");
-    const card = el("div", "welcome-card");
-
-    const brand = el("div", "welcome-brand");
-    brand.append(el("span", "welcome-mark", "◉"));
-    brand.append(el("span", "welcome-title", "FunPack"));
-    brand.append(el("span", "welcome-sub", "Cutting Room"));
-    card.append(brand);
-
-    card.append(el("p", "welcome-lead",
-      "Build multi-scene montages with FunPack Studio and preview them on a real timeline."));
-
-    const latest = latestProject();
-    const actions = el("div", "welcome-actions");
-
-    const mkBtn = (label, cls, hint, disabled, fn) => {
-      const b = el("button", "welcome-btn" + (cls ? " " + cls : "") + (disabled ? " disabled" : ""));
-      b.type = "button";
-      b.append(el("span", "welcome-btn-label", label));
-      if (hint) b.append(el("span", "welcome-btn-hint", hint));
-      if (!disabled && fn) b.onclick = fn;
-      return b;
-    };
-
-    actions.append(
-      mkBtn("New Project", "primary", "Start a blank montage", false, promptNewProject),
-      mkBtn("Open Latest Project", "",
-        latest ? latest.name : "No saved projects yet",
-        !latest, openLatest),
-      mkBtn("Load Project", "", "Import a .json project file", false, loadProjectFile),
-      mkBtn("Welcome Tour", "ghost", "Interactive walkthrough (demo project)", false, welcomeTour),
-    );
-    card.append(actions);
-
-    // Update / Switch branch / Restart, reachable without first loading a project — a
-    // branch swap shouldn't mean opening a montage you didn't want just to reach the menu.
-    card.append(window.FunPackGit.maintenanceRow("welcome-maint"));
-
-    overlay.append(card);
-    document.body.append(overlay);
-  }
-
-  window.WelcomePage = { open, close, isOpen: () => !!overlay, openTour: welcomeTour };
-})();