feat: annotation UX overhaul, animated packing, toolbar redesign

- PinOverlay: zero-allocation rendering with in-place Graphics/Text updates,
  fix WebGL texture crash (addressModeU null) from orphaned Text objects
- Pins always visible on media, track during drag via updatePositions() fast path
- Replace eraser with Review mode in toolbar tool group (orange gradient)
- Add tool instruction hints bar below toolbar (context-sensitive per tool)
- Feedback panel: glassmorphism, improved ThreadDetail/CommentItem/ThreadListItem
- Timestamps: relative with "ago" suffix, full date on hover tooltip
- De-emphasize pin numbers, show status text in thread list
- Animated arrangement transitions (easeOutCubic, 320ms) for pack/grid/row/column
- Disable snap guides (user requested)
- Paste now selects newly created items
- Remove eraser keyboard shortcuts, remap tool shortcuts
- Orphaned thread cleanup: safe destroy check for deleted media pins

frontend/src/canvas/PinOverlay.ts

@@ -2,63 +2,64 @@ import { Container, Graphics, Text, TextStyle } from 'pixi.js';
 import type { Viewport } from 'pixi-viewport';
 import type { AnnotationStore } from '../stores/annotationStore';
 import type { SceneManager } from './SceneManager';
+import { getItemWorldBounds } from './SceneManager';
 import { getAuthorColorHex, getAuthorInitial } from '../utils/authorColors';
 
-const PIN_RADIUS = 12;
+const PIN_RADIUS = 11;
 const PIN_COLOR_RESOLVED = 0x555555;
+const TAIL_WIDTH = 6;
+const TAIL_HEIGHT = 8;
 
-// Tail direction: 225° (down-left) in standard math coords.
+function drawBubble(gfx: Graphics, r: number, color: number, alpha: number, scale: number): void {
-// In PixiJS screen coords (+y down), 225° maps to:
+  const padding = r * 0.3;
-//   cos(225°) = -√2/2  (left)
+  const bubbleW = r * 2 + padding * 2;
-//   sin(225°) = +√2/2  (down, because +y is down in screen space)
+  const bubbleH = r * 2 + padding;
-// So the circle center is offset UP-RIGHT from the anchor tip:
+  const cornerR = r * 0.4;
-//   cx_offset = +r * √2/2,  cy_offset = -r * √2/2
+  const tailW = TAIL_WIDTH * scale;
-const SIN45 = Math.SQRT1_2; // √2/2 ≈ 0.7071
+  const tailH = TAIL_HEIGHT * scale;
+  const bx = -bubbleW / 2;
+  const by = -tailH - bubbleH;
 
-/**
+  gfx.roundRect(bx, by, bubbleW, bubbleH, cornerR);
- * Draws a Figma-style teardrop pin whose tip lands at (0, 0).
+  gfx.fill({ color, alpha });
- * The circle body is offset up-right; the tail points down-left to (0,0).
+  gfx.moveTo(-tailW, -tailH);
- *
+  gfx.lineTo(0, 0);
- * @param gfx     Graphics object (drawn in its own local space, tip = origin)
+  gfx.lineTo(tailW, -tailH);
- * @param r       Pin radius (already scaled to world space)
- * @param color   Fill color (0xRRGGBB)
- * @param alpha   Fill alpha
- */
-function drawTeardrop(gfx: Graphics, r: number, color: number, alpha: number): void {
-  // Circle center relative to tip
-  const cx = r * SIN45;
-  const cy = -r * SIN45;
-
-  // Half-angle of the tail aperture from the tip (in radians).
-  // Controls how wide/sharp the tail looks. ~20° gives a nice taper.
-  const tailHalfAngle = (20 * Math.PI) / 180;
-
-  // Angle from circle center toward tip = 225° in screen coords
-  const tipAngle = (225 * Math.PI) / 180;
-
-  // The two "wing" angles on the circle where the tail edges start
-  const wingAngle1 = tipAngle - tailHalfAngle;
-  const wingAngle2 = tipAngle + tailHalfAngle;
-
-  // Build the teardrop as a single filled path:
-  // start at wing1 on circle → arc around (the "long way" CCW past top) → wing2 → line to tip → close
-  gfx.moveTo(cx + r * Math.cos(wingAngle1), cy + r * Math.sin(wingAngle1));
-  // Arc from wingAngle1 to wingAngle2 going CCW (counterclockwise = increasing angle in screen space)
-  // "long way" means going through the top of the circle (not through 225°).
-  // In PixiJS, arc() takes (cx, cy, r, startAngle, endAngle, anticlockwise).
-  // We want the arc that does NOT pass through 225°, so go anticlockwise from wingAngle1 to wingAngle2.
-  gfx.arc(cx, cy, r, wingAngle1, wingAngle2, true);
-  gfx.lineTo(0, 0); // tip at anchor
   gfx.closePath();
   gfx.fill({ color, alpha });
+  gfx.roundRect(bx, by, bubbleW, bubbleH, cornerR);
+  gfx.stroke({ color: 0xffffff, width: 1.2 * scale, alpha: alpha * 0.5 });
 }
 
+// Shared TextStyle to avoid recreating per pin
+const sharedStyle = new TextStyle({
+  fill: '#ffffff',
+  fontWeight: 'bold',
+  fontFamily: 'Inter, system-ui, sans-serif',
+});
+
+interface PinData {
+  container: Container;
+  gfx: Graphics;
+  initialText: Text;
+  badge: Graphics | null;
+  badgeText: Text | null;
+  version: string; // tracks thread data changes
+}
+
+/**
+ * PinOverlay — comment bubbles in a separate overlay Container.
+ *
+ * Position: uses getItemWorldBounds() which reads item.data.x/y (always current).
+ * Visuals: Graphics redrawn in-place (clear + redraw), Text objects reused.
+ * No objects are created or destroyed during drag — only position.set() calls.
+ */
 export class PinOverlay extends Container {
-  private _pins = new Map<string, Container>();
+  private _pins = new Map<string, PinData>();
-  private _pool: Container[] = [];
   private _viewport: Viewport;
   private _scene: SceneManager;
   private _store: AnnotationStore;
+  private _lastScale = -1;
 
   constructor(viewport: Viewport, scene: SceneManager, store: AnnotationStore) {
     super();
@@ -67,124 +68,212 @@ export class PinOverlay extends Container {
     this._store = store;
   }
 
-  private _acquire(): Container {
+  private _threadVersion(t: { status: string; created_by: string; comment_count: number }): string {
-    const c = this._pool.pop() || new Container();
+    return `${t.status}|${t.created_by}|${t.comment_count}`;
-    c.removeChildren();
-    c.visible = true;
-    c.eventMode = 'none';
-    c.cursor = 'default';
-    return c;
   }
 
-  private _release(c: Container) {
+  private _getAnchorWorld(thread: { object_id: string; anchor_type: string; pin_x: number | null; pin_y: number | null }): { x: number; y: number } | null {
-    c.visible = false;
+    const item = this._scene.items.get(thread.object_id);
-    this._pool.push(c);
+    if (!item) return null;
+    const b = getItemWorldBounds(item);
+    if (thread.anchor_type === 'point' && thread.pin_x != null && thread.pin_y != null) {
+      return { x: b.x + thread.pin_x * b.w, y: b.y + thread.pin_y * b.h };
+    }
+    return { x: b.x + b.w * 0.9, y: b.y };
   }
 
-  /** Call on every viewport moved/zoomed event and on store change */
+  /**
+   * Fast path: only update positions. Called during drag.
+   * Zero allocations, zero texture work.
+   */
+  updatePositions() {
+    for (const [threadId, entry] of this._pins) {
+      const thread = this._store.threads.get(threadId);
+      if (!thread) continue;
+      const pos = this._getAnchorWorld(thread);
+      if (pos) {
+        entry.container.position.set(pos.x, pos.y);
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Full refresh: sync pins with store, rebuild visuals on zoom/data change.
+   * Call on zoom, store change, or scene change — NOT during drag (use updatePositions).
+   */
   refresh(showResolved = false) {
     const scale = 1 / this._viewport.scale.x;
-
+    const scaleChanged = Math.abs(scale - this._lastScale) > 0.0001;
-    // Return current pins to pool
+    this._lastScale = scale;
-    for (const c of this._pins.values()) this._release(c);
-    this._pins.clear();
 
     const r = PIN_RADIUS * scale;
+    const active = new Set<string>();
 
     for (const thread of this._store.threads.values()) {
       if (thread.status === 'resolved' && !showResolved) continue;
 
-      const item = this._scene.items.get(thread.object_id);
+      const pos = this._getAnchorWorld(thread);
-      if (!item || !item.displayObject) continue;
+      if (!pos) continue;
 
-      const bounds = item.displayObject.getBounds();
+      active.add(thread.id);
-      let wx: number, wy: number;
+      const version = this._threadVersion(thread);
+      const existing = this._pins.get(thread.id);
 
-      if (thread.anchor_type === 'point' && thread.pin_x != null && thread.pin_y != null) {
+      if (existing) {
-        wx = bounds.x + thread.pin_x * bounds.width;
+        existing.container.position.set(pos.x, pos.y);
-        wy = bounds.y + thread.pin_y * bounds.height;
+
-      } else {
+        if (existing.version !== version || scaleChanged) {
-        // Default: top-right corner of object bounds
+          this._updateVisuals(existing, thread, r, scale);
-        wx = bounds.x + bounds.width;
+          existing.version = version;
-        wy = bounds.y;
+        }
+        continue;
       }
 
+      // Create new pin — only happens on store change, never during drag
+      const entry = this._createPin(thread, r, scale, pos);
+      this._pins.set(thread.id, entry);
+    }
+
+    // Remove pins whose threads are gone
+    for (const [id, entry] of this._pins) {
+      if (!active.has(id)) {
+        this._destroyPin(entry);
+        this._pins.delete(id);
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  private _createPin(thread: any, r: number, scale: number, pos: { x: number; y: number }): PinData {
+    const container = new Container();
+    container.position.set(pos.x, pos.y);
+    container.eventMode = 'static';
+    container.cursor = 'pointer';
+    (container as any)._threadId = thread.id;
+
+    const gfx = new Graphics();
+    container.addChild(gfx);
+
+    const initialText = new Text({ text: '', style: sharedStyle.clone() });
+    initialText.anchor.set(0.5);
+    container.addChild(initialText);
+
+    const badge = new Graphics();
+    badge.visible = false;
+    container.addChild(badge);
+
+    const badgeText = new Text({ text: '', style: sharedStyle.clone() });
+    badgeText.anchor.set(0.5);
+    badgeText.visible = false;
+    container.addChild(badgeText);
+
+    const entry: PinData = { container, gfx, initialText, badge, badgeText, version: '' };
+    this._updateVisuals(entry, thread, r, scale);
+    entry.version = this._threadVersion(thread);
+
+    this.addChild(container);
+
+    // Entrance animation
+    container.alpha = 0;
+    container.scale.set(0.6);
+    this._animateEntrance(container);
+
+    return entry;
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Update visuals IN PLACE — no object creation or destruction.
+   * Graphics are cleared and redrawn. Text content/style updated.
+   */
+  private _updateVisuals(entry: PinData, thread: any, r: number, scale: number) {
     const isResolved = thread.status === 'resolved';
     const fillColor = isResolved ? PIN_COLOR_RESOLVED : getAuthorColorHex(thread.created_by);
-      const fillAlpha = isResolved ? 0.5 : 1.0;
+    const fillAlpha = isResolved ? 0.45 : 0.92;
 
-      // Container whose origin = anchor tip
+    // Redraw bubble — clear() keeps the same GPU buffer
-      const pin = this._acquire();
+    entry.gfx.clear();
-      pin.position.set(wx, wy);
+    drawBubble(entry.gfx, r, fillColor, fillAlpha, scale);
-      pin.eventMode = 'static';
-      pin.cursor = 'pointer';
-      (pin as any)._threadId = thread.id;
 
-      // ── Teardrop body ──
+    // Update initial text
-      const gfx = new Graphics();
-      drawTeardrop(gfx, r, fillColor, fillAlpha);
-      // White stroke around the circle part only (drawn as a separate circle stroke)
-      gfx.circle(r * SIN45, -r * SIN45, r);
-      gfx.stroke({ color: 0xffffff, width: 1.5 * scale, alpha: isResolved ? 0.4 : 0.85 });
-      pin.addChild(gfx);
-
-      // ── Author initial ──
     const authorName = thread.comments[0]?.author_name ?? '';
     const initial = getAuthorInitial(authorName);
-      const initialText = new Text({
+    const tailH = TAIL_HEIGHT * scale;
-        text: initial,
+    const bubbleH = r * 2 + r * 0.3;
-        style: new TextStyle({
+    const bubbleCenterY = -tailH - bubbleH / 2;
-          fontSize: r * 1.1,
-          fill: '#ffffff',
-          fontWeight: 'bold',
-          fontFamily: 'Inter, system-ui, sans-serif',
-        }),
-      });
-      initialText.anchor.set(0.5);
-      // Center on the circle body
-      initialText.position.set(r * SIN45, -r * SIN45);
-      pin.addChild(initialText);
 
-      // ── Pin number label (#N) ──
+    entry.initialText.text = initial;
-      const pinNum = this._store.getPinNumber(thread.id);
+    entry.initialText.style.fontSize = r * 1.05;
-      const numLabel = new Text({
+    entry.initialText.position.set(0, bubbleCenterY);
-        text: `#${pinNum}`,
-        style: new TextStyle({
-          fontSize: r * 0.75,
-          fill: '#ffffff',
-          fontWeight: 'bold',
-          fontFamily: 'Inter, system-ui, sans-serif',
-          dropShadow: {
-            color: '#000000',
-            blur: 2 * scale,
-            distance: 0,
-            alpha: 0.6,
-          },
-        }),
-      });
-      numLabel.anchor.set(0, 1);
-      // Place just to the right of the circle top
-      numLabel.position.set(r * SIN45 + r * 1.1, -r * SIN45 - r * 0.9);
-      pin.addChild(numLabel);
 
-      if (!pin.parent) this.addChild(pin);
+    // Update badge
-      this._pins.set(thread.id, pin);
+    if (thread.comment_count > 1) {
+      const padding = r * 0.3;
+      const bubbleW = r * 2 + padding * 2;
+      const badgeR = r * 0.45;
+      const badgeX = bubbleW / 2 - badgeR * 0.5;
+      const badgeY = -tailH - bubbleH + badgeR * 0.5;
+
+      entry.badge!.clear();
+      entry.badge!.circle(badgeX, badgeY, badgeR);
+      entry.badge!.fill({ color: 0x000000, alpha: 0.6 });
+      entry.badge!.circle(badgeX, badgeY, badgeR);
+      entry.badge!.stroke({ color: 0xffffff, width: 0.8 * scale, alpha: 0.5 });
+      entry.badge!.visible = true;
+
+      entry.badgeText!.text = `${thread.comment_count}`;
+      entry.badgeText!.style.fontSize = r * 0.55;
+      entry.badgeText!.position.set(badgeX, badgeY);
+      entry.badgeText!.visible = true;
+    } else {
+      entry.badge!.visible = false;
+      entry.badgeText!.visible = false;
     }
   }
 
+  private _destroyPin(entry: PinData) {
+    if (!entry.container.destroyed) {
+      entry.container.destroy({ children: true });
+    }
+  }
+
+  private _animateEntrance(pin: Container) {
+    const tick = () => {
+      if (pin.destroyed) return;
+      let done = true;
+      if (pin.alpha < 0.99) {
+        pin.alpha += (1 - pin.alpha) * 0.3;
+        done = false;
+      } else {
+        pin.alpha = 1;
+      }
+      const s = pin.scale.x;
+      if (s < 0.99) {
+        pin.scale.set(s + (1 - s) * 0.3);
+        done = false;
+      } else {
+        pin.scale.set(1);
+      }
+      if (!done) requestAnimationFrame(tick);
+    };
+    requestAnimationFrame(tick);
+  }
+
   getThreadIdAtPoint(worldX: number, worldY: number): string | null {
     const scale = 1 / this._viewport.scale.x;
     const r = PIN_RADIUS * scale;
-    // Hit-test against the circle body of each pin (not the tail tip)
+    const tailH = TAIL_HEIGHT * scale;
-    const cx_off = r * SIN45;
+    const bubbleH = r * 2 + r * 0.3;
-    const cy_off = -r * SIN45;
 
-    for (const [threadId, pin] of this._pins) {
+    for (const [threadId, entry] of this._pins) {
-      const circleCx = pin.position.x + cx_off;
+      const bx = entry.container.position.x;
-      const circleCy = pin.position.y + cy_off;
+      const by = entry.container.position.y;
-      const dx = circleCx - worldX;
+      const halfW = r + r * 0.3;
-      const dy = circleCy - worldY;
+
-      if (dx * dx + dy * dy <= r * r) {
+      if (
+        worldX >= bx - halfW &&
+        worldX <= bx + halfW &&
+        worldY >= by - tailH - bubbleH &&
+        worldY <= by
+      ) {
         return threadId;
       }
     }
@@ -192,10 +281,10 @@ export class PinOverlay extends Container {
   }
 
   override destroy(options?: any) {
-    for (const c of this._pins.values()) c.destroy({ children: true });
+    for (const entry of this._pins.values()) {
-    for (const c of this._pool) c.destroy({ children: true });
+      this._destroyPin(entry);
+    }
     this._pins.clear();
-    this._pool = [];
     super.destroy(options);
   }
 }

frontend/src/canvas/SelectionManager.ts

@@ -249,8 +249,8 @@ export class SelectionManager {
         // Lift shadow + spring scale on all selected image sprites
         this._applyLift();
 
-        // Begin snap guide session
+        // Snap guides disabled — users found it annoying
-        this._snapGuides.beginSession(this.selectedIds);
+        // this._snapGuides.beginSession(this.selectedIds);
       }
 
       if (this._objectDragging) {
@@ -266,11 +266,11 @@ export class SelectionManager {
         prospective.x += ddx;
         prospective.y += ddy;
 
-        // Snap to alignment guides
+        // Snap guides disabled
-        const snap = this._snapGuides.computeSnap(prospective, this._viewport);
+        // const snap = this._snapGuides.computeSnap(prospective, this._viewport);
-        ddx += snap.dx;
+        // ddx += snap.dx;
-        ddy += snap.dy;
+        // ddy += snap.dy;
-        this._snapGuides.drawGuides(snap.guides, this._viewport);
+        // this._snapGuides.drawGuides(snap.guides, this._viewport);
 
         // Move all selected items by corrected delta and broadcast all together
         for (const item of selected) {
@@ -311,7 +311,7 @@ export class SelectionManager {
     if (this._objectDragging) {
       // End object drag — drop shadow + spring scale back
       this._applyDrop();
-      this._snapGuides.endSession();
+      // this._snapGuides.endSession();
       this._objectDragging = false;
 
       // Resume viewport drag

frontend/src/canvas/TransformBox.ts

@@ -227,9 +227,9 @@ export class TransformBox extends Container {
       origTransforms,
     };
 
-    // Begin snap session excluding current items
+    // Snap guides disabled
-    const itemIds = new Set(this._items.map((it) => it.id));
+    // const itemIds = new Set(this._items.map((it) => it.id));
-    this._snapGuides?.beginSession(itemIds);
+    // this._snapGuides?.beginSession(itemIds);
   }
 
   private _onHandleMove(e: FederatedPointerEvent): void {
@@ -346,21 +346,11 @@ export class TransformBox extends Container {
 
     this.update(this._items);
 
-    // Snap guides during resize
+    // Snap guides disabled
-    if (this._snapGuides && this._viewport) {
+    // if (this._snapGuides && this._viewport) {
-      const snap = this._snapGuides.computeSnap(this._bounds, this._viewport);
+    //   const snap = this._snapGuides.computeSnap(this._bounds, this._viewport);
-      if (snap.dx !== 0 || snap.dy !== 0) {
+    //   ...
-        // Apply snap correction to all items
+    // }
-        for (const item of this._items) {
-          item.data.x += snap.dx;
-          item.data.y += snap.dy;
-          item.displayObject.position.set(item.data.x, item.data.y);
-          this._onItemTransform?.(item);
-        }
-        this.update(this._items);
-      }
-      this._snapGuides.drawGuides(snap.guides, this._viewport);
-    }
 
     // Show dimension label
     const bounds = this._bounds;
@@ -399,7 +389,7 @@ export class TransformBox extends Container {
       this._drag = null;
       this._dimLabel.visible = false;
       this._dimLabelBg.visible = false;
-      this._snapGuides?.endSession();
+      // this._snapGuides?.endSession();
       // Notify that drag ended — persist/sync the final state
       this._onDragEnd?.(this._items.map(i => i.id));
     }

frontend/src/canvas/context-menu-items.ts

@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import type { Viewport } from 'pixi-viewport';
 import type { GroupObject } from './scene-format';
 import { FrameSprite } from './sprites/FrameSprite';
 import * as ops from './operations';
+import { onArrangeAnimationDone } from './operations';
 
 export interface MenuItem {
   label: string;
@@ -135,11 +136,11 @@ export function buildContextMenuItems(ctx: MenuContext): MenuItem[] {
     { label: '', shortcut: '', onClick: () => {}, divider: true },
 
     // -- Arrangement --
-    { label: 'Arrange Pack', shortcut: 'Ctrl+Shift+P', onClick: () => { ops.arrangeOptimal(selected); selection?.transformBox.update(selected); ctx.onChange(ids); }, disabled: !multiSel },
+    { label: 'Arrange Pack', shortcut: 'Ctrl+Shift+P', onClick: () => { onArrangeAnimationDone(() => selection?.transformBox.update(selected)); ops.arrangeOptimal(selected); ctx.onChange(ids); }, disabled: !multiSel },
-    { label: 'Arrange Grid', shortcut: '', onClick: () => { ops.arrangeGrid(selected); selection?.transformBox.update(selected); ctx.onChange(ids); }, disabled: !multiSel },
+    { label: 'Arrange Grid', shortcut: '', onClick: () => { onArrangeAnimationDone(() => selection?.transformBox.update(selected)); ops.arrangeGrid(selected); ctx.onChange(ids); }, disabled: !multiSel },
-    { label: 'Arrange Row', shortcut: '', onClick: () => { ops.arrangeRow(selected); selection?.transformBox.update(selected); ctx.onChange(ids); }, disabled: !multiSel },
+    { label: 'Arrange Row', shortcut: '', onClick: () => { onArrangeAnimationDone(() => selection?.transformBox.update(selected)); ops.arrangeRow(selected); ctx.onChange(ids); }, disabled: !multiSel },
-    { label: 'Arrange Column', shortcut: '', onClick: () => { ops.arrangeColumn(selected); selection?.transformBox.update(selected); ctx.onChange(ids); }, disabled: !multiSel },
+    { label: 'Arrange Column', shortcut: '', onClick: () => { onArrangeAnimationDone(() => selection?.transformBox.update(selected)); ops.arrangeColumn(selected); ctx.onChange(ids); }, disabled: !multiSel },
-    { label: 'Stack', shortcut: 'Ctrl+Alt+S', onClick: () => { ops.stackObjects(selected); selection?.transformBox.update(selected); ctx.onChange(ids); }, disabled: !multiSel },
+    { label: 'Stack', shortcut: 'Ctrl+Alt+S', onClick: () => { onArrangeAnimationDone(() => selection?.transformBox.update(selected)); ops.stackObjects(selected); ctx.onChange(ids); }, disabled: !multiSel },
     { label: '', shortcut: '', onClick: () => {}, divider: true },
 
     // -- Normalize --

frontend/src/canvas/operations.ts

@@ -18,9 +18,66 @@ function scaledH(item: SceneItem): number {
   return item.data.h * item.data.sy;
 }
 
-/** Sync displayObject position from item.data. */
+// ─── Animated position sync ───
+
+let _animTargets = new Map<SceneItem, { startX: number; startY: number; endX: number; endY: number; t: number }>();
+let _animRaf = 0;
+let _animCallback: ((items: SceneItem[]) => void) | null = null;
+const ANIM_DURATION = 320; // ms
+const ANIM_STEP = 1000 / 60;
+
+function easeOutCubic(t: number): number {
+  return 1 - Math.pow(1 - t, 3);
+}
+
+function _animTick() {
+  const dt = ANIM_STEP / ANIM_DURATION;
+  let done = true;
+
+  for (const [item, anim] of _animTargets) {
+    anim.t = Math.min(1, anim.t + dt);
+    const e = easeOutCubic(anim.t);
+    item.displayObject.position.set(
+      anim.startX + (anim.endX - anim.startX) * e,
+      anim.startY + (anim.endY - anim.startY) * e,
+    );
+    if (anim.t < 1) done = false;
+  }
+
+  if (!done) {
+    _animRaf = requestAnimationFrame(_animTick);
+  } else {
+    // Snap to final positions and clean up
+    for (const [item, anim] of _animTargets) {
+      item.displayObject.position.set(anim.endX, anim.endY);
+    }
+    const items = Array.from(_animTargets.keys());
+    _animTargets.clear();
+    _animRaf = 0;
+    _animCallback?.(items);
+  }
+}
+
+/** Sync displayObject position from item.data with smooth animation. */
 function syncPosition(item: SceneItem): void {
-  item.displayObject.position.set(item.data.x, item.data.y);
+  _animTargets.set(item, {
+    startX: item.displayObject.x,
+    startY: item.displayObject.y,
+    endX: item.data.x,
+    endY: item.data.y,
+    t: 0,
+  });
+  if (!_animRaf) {
+    _animRaf = requestAnimationFrame(_animTick);
+  }
+}
+
+/**
+ * Register a callback that fires once when the current arrangement animation finishes.
+ * Use this to persist/broadcast final positions.
+ */
+export function onArrangeAnimationDone(cb: (items: SceneItem[]) => void): void {
+  _animCallback = cb;
 }
 
 /** Sync displayObject scale from item.data. */

frontend/src/canvas/shortcut-definitions.ts

@@ -99,6 +99,14 @@ async function _pasteInternal(ctx: ShortcutContext): Promise<void> {
   }
   ctx.clipboardRef.current = newItems;
   ctx.scene._applyZOrder();
+
+  // Select the newly pasted items
+  ctx.selection.selectedIds.clear();
+  for (const item of newItems) {
+    ctx.selection.selectedIds.add(item.id);
+  }
+  ctx.selection.transformBox.update(newItems);
+
   ctx.onChange();
 }
 
@@ -110,6 +118,15 @@ function _opUpdate(ctx: ShortcutContext, op: (items: SceneItem[]) => void): void
   ctx.onChange(items.map(i => i.id));
 }
 
+/** Like _opUpdate but defers transformBox update until animation completes */
+function _opUpdateAnimated(ctx: ShortcutContext, op: (items: SceneItem[]) => void): void {
+  const items = ctx.selection.getSelectedItems();
+  const { onArrangeAnimationDone } = require('./operations');
+  onArrangeAnimationDone(() => ctx.selection.transformBox.update(items));
+  op(items);
+  ctx.onChange(items.map(i => i.id));
+}
+
 export const shortcuts: ShortcutDef[] = [
 
   // ═══════════════════════════════════════
@@ -184,27 +201,27 @@ export const shortcuts: ShortcutDef[] = [
   {
     id: 'arrange-optimal', keys: { key: 'p', ctrl: true, shift: true },
     category: 'arrangement', description: 'Arrange optimal (pack)', needsSelection: true, minSelection: 2,
-    handler: (ctx) => _opUpdate(ctx, ops.arrangeOptimal),
+    handler: (ctx) => _opUpdateAnimated(ctx, ops.arrangeOptimal),
   },
   {
     id: 'arrange-by-name', keys: { key: 'n', ctrl: true, alt: true },
     category: 'arrangement', description: 'Arrange by name', needsSelection: true, minSelection: 2,
-    handler: (ctx) => _opUpdate(ctx, ops.arrangeByName),
+    handler: (ctx) => _opUpdateAnimated(ctx, ops.arrangeByName),
   },
   {
     id: 'arrange-by-order', keys: { key: 'o', ctrl: true, alt: true },
     category: 'arrangement', description: 'Arrange by z-order', needsSelection: true, minSelection: 2,
-    handler: (ctx) => _opUpdate(ctx, ops.arrangeByZOrder),
+    handler: (ctx) => _opUpdateAnimated(ctx, ops.arrangeByZOrder),
   },
   {
     id: 'arrange-random', keys: { key: 'r', ctrl: true, alt: true },
     category: 'arrangement', description: 'Arrange randomly', needsSelection: true, minSelection: 2,
-    handler: (ctx) => _opUpdate(ctx, ops.arrangeRandomly),
+    handler: (ctx) => _opUpdateAnimated(ctx, ops.arrangeRandomly),
   },
   {
     id: 'stack', keys: { key: 's', ctrl: true, alt: true },
     category: 'arrangement', description: 'Stack (pile on top)', needsSelection: true, minSelection: 2,
-    handler: (ctx) => _opUpdate(ctx, ops.stackObjects),
+    handler: (ctx) => _opUpdateAnimated(ctx, ops.stackObjects),
   },
 
   // ═══════════════════════════════════════
@@ -322,12 +339,12 @@ export const shortcuts: ShortcutDef[] = [
   {
     id: 'equal-spacing-h', keys: { key: 'h', ctrl: true, shift: true },
     category: 'arrangement', description: 'Equal horizontal spacing', needsSelection: true, minSelection: 2,
-    handler: (ctx) => _opUpdate(ctx, ops.equalSpacingH),
+    handler: (ctx) => _opUpdateAnimated(ctx, ops.equalSpacingH),
   },
   {
     id: 'equal-spacing-v', keys: { key: 'v', ctrl: true, shift: true },
     category: 'arrangement', description: 'Equal vertical spacing', needsSelection: true, minSelection: 2,
-    handler: (ctx) => _opUpdate(ctx, ops.equalSpacingV),
+    handler: (ctx) => _opUpdateAnimated(ctx, ops.equalSpacingV),
   },
 
   // ═══════════════════════════════════════

frontend/src/canvas/tools.ts

@@ -279,10 +279,8 @@ export const toolShortcuts: Record<string, ToolType> = {
   h: ToolType.PAN,
   p: ToolType.PEN,
   t: ToolType.TEXT,
-  e: ToolType.ERASER,
   '1': ToolType.SELECT,
   '2': ToolType.PAN,
   '3': ToolType.PEN,
   '4': ToolType.TEXT,
-  '5': ToolType.ERASER,
 };

frontend/src/components/Toolbar.tsx

@@ -73,11 +73,13 @@ function IconText() {
   );
 }
 
-function IconEraser() {
+function IconReview() {
   return (
     <svg width="16" height="16" viewBox="0 0 16 16" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="1.5">
-      <path d="M6.5 14H14M2 10l4.5-4.5 4 4L6 14H3l-1-1v-3z" strokeLinejoin="round" />
+      <path d="M2.5 3A1.5 1.5 0 014 1.5h8A1.5 1.5 0 0113.5 3v7A1.5 1.5 0 0112 11.5H7l-3.5 3V11.5H4A1.5 1.5 0 012.5 10V3z" />
-      <path d="M6.5 5.5L14 2" strokeLinecap="round" />
+      <circle cx="6" cy="6.5" r="0.7" fill="currentColor" stroke="none" />
+      <circle cx="8" cy="6.5" r="0.7" fill="currentColor" stroke="none" />
+      <circle cx="10" cy="6.5" r="0.7" fill="currentColor" stroke="none" />
     </svg>
   );
 }
@@ -118,14 +120,15 @@ function IconLayers() {
   );
 }
 
-const toolButtons: { tool: ToolType; label: string; shortcut: string; numKey: string; Icon: React.FC }[] = [
+const toolButtons: { tool: ToolType; label: string; shortcut: string; numKey: string; Icon: React.FC; hint?: string }[] = [
-  { tool: ToolType.SELECT, label: 'Select', shortcut: 'V', numKey: '1', Icon: IconSelect },
+  { tool: ToolType.SELECT, label: 'Select', shortcut: 'V', numKey: '1', Icon: IconSelect, hint: 'Click to select, drag to move, Shift+click for multi-select' },
-  { tool: ToolType.PAN, label: 'Pan', shortcut: 'H', numKey: '2', Icon: IconPan },
+  { tool: ToolType.PAN, label: 'Pan', shortcut: 'H', numKey: '2', Icon: IconPan, hint: 'Click and drag to pan the canvas' },
-  { tool: ToolType.PEN, label: 'Draw', shortcut: 'P', numKey: '3', Icon: IconPen },
+  { tool: ToolType.PEN, label: 'Draw', shortcut: 'P', numKey: '3', Icon: IconPen, hint: 'Click and drag to draw freehand' },
-  { tool: ToolType.TEXT, label: 'Text', shortcut: 'T', numKey: '4', Icon: IconText },
+  { tool: ToolType.TEXT, label: 'Text', shortcut: 'T', numKey: '4', Icon: IconText, hint: 'Click on the canvas to place text' },
-  { tool: ToolType.ERASER, label: 'Eraser', shortcut: 'E', numKey: '5', Icon: IconEraser },
 ];
 
+const REVIEW_HINT = 'Click an image to leave a comment. Press . to toggle.';
+
 export default function Toolbar({
   activeTool,
   onToolChange,
@@ -158,26 +161,30 @@ export default function Toolbar({
   const showStroke = activeTool === ToolType.PEN;
   const showFontSize = activeTool === ToolType.TEXT;
 
+  // Determine active hint
+  const activeToolDef = toolButtons.find((t) => t.tool === activeTool);
+  const activeHint = reviewMode ? REVIEW_HINT : activeToolDef?.hint || '';
+
   return (
+    <div style={{ flexShrink: 0 }}>
     <div style={{
       display: 'flex',
       alignItems: 'center',
       gap: '2px',
       padding: '4px 8px',
       background: '#1a1a1a',
-      borderBottom: '1px solid #2a2a2a',
+      borderBottom: activeHint ? 'none' : '1px solid #2a2a2a',
-      flexShrink: 0,
       height: '44px',
       boxSizing: 'border-box',
     }}>
       {/* Tool buttons */}
       <div style={{ display: 'flex', gap: '1px', background: '#222', borderRadius: '8px', padding: '2px' }}>
         {toolButtons.map(({ tool, label, shortcut, numKey, Icon }) => {
-          const active = activeTool === tool;
+          const active = activeTool === tool && !reviewMode;
           return (
             <button
               key={tool}
-              onClick={() => onToolChange(tool)}
+              onClick={() => { onToolChange(tool); if (reviewMode && onToggleReview) onToggleReview(); }}
               title={`${label} (${shortcut} or ${numKey})`}
               style={{
                 display: 'flex', alignItems: 'center', justifyContent: 'center',
@@ -205,6 +212,36 @@ export default function Toolbar({
             </button>
           );
         })}
+        {/* Review mode — in tool group */}
+        {onToggleReview && (
+          <button
+            onClick={onToggleReview}
+            title="Review (.)"
+            style={{
+              display: 'flex', alignItems: 'center', justifyContent: 'center',
+              gap: '4px', height: '32px', padding: '0 10px',
+              background: reviewMode ? 'linear-gradient(135deg, #f97316, #ea580c)' : 'transparent',
+              border: 'none', borderRadius: '6px',
+              color: reviewMode ? '#fff' : '#777',
+              cursor: 'pointer',
+              transition: 'all 0.15s ease',
+              boxShadow: reviewMode ? '0 1px 4px rgba(249,115,22,0.3)' : 'none',
+            }}
+            onMouseEnter={(e) => { if (!reviewMode) { e.currentTarget.style.background = '#2a2a2a'; e.currentTarget.style.color = '#bbb'; } }}
+            onMouseLeave={(e) => { if (!reviewMode) { e.currentTarget.style.background = 'transparent'; e.currentTarget.style.color = '#777'; } }}
+          >
+            <IconReview />
+            <span style={{ fontSize: '11px', fontWeight: reviewMode ? 600 : 400, letterSpacing: '0.2px' }}>Review</span>
+            <span style={{
+              fontSize: '9px', color: reviewMode ? 'rgba(255,255,255,0.5)' : '#555',
+              background: reviewMode ? 'rgba(255,255,255,0.1)' : '#1a1a1a',
+              padding: '1px 4px', borderRadius: '3px', fontWeight: 500,
+              lineHeight: '14px', minWidth: '14px', textAlign: 'center',
+            }}>
+              .
+            </span>
+          </button>
+        )}
       </div>
 
       <Divider />
@@ -313,15 +350,6 @@ export default function Toolbar({
         </ActionBtn>
       )}
 
-      {/* Review / Feedback */}
-      {onToggleReview && (
-        <ActionBtn onClick={onToggleReview} title="Review Mode (.)" active={reviewMode}>
-          <svg width="14" height="14" viewBox="0 0 14 14" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" strokeWidth="1.3">
-            <path d="M2 2.5A1.5 1.5 0 013.5 1h7A1.5 1.5 0 0112 2.5v6A1.5 1.5 0 0110.5 10H6l-3 3v-3H3.5A1.5 1.5 0 012 8.5v-6z" />
-          </svg>
-        </ActionBtn>
-      )}
-
       {/* Spacer */}
       <div style={{ flex: 1 }} />
 
@@ -370,6 +398,21 @@ export default function Toolbar({
         </button>
       )}
     </div>
+    {/* Tool hint bar */}
+    {activeHint && (
+      <div style={{
+        padding: '4px 16px',
+        background: '#141416',
+        borderBottom: '1px solid #2a2a2a',
+        fontSize: '11px',
+        color: '#666',
+        letterSpacing: '0.2px',
+        lineHeight: '16px',
+      }}>
+        {activeHint}
+      </div>
+    )}
+    </div>
   );
 }
 

frontend/src/components/feedback/CommentItem.tsx

@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
 import React from 'react';
 import { Comment } from '../../stores/annotationStore';
 import { getAuthorColor, getAuthorInitial } from '../../utils/authorColors';
-import { relativeTime } from '../../utils/relativeTime';
+import { relativeTime, fullTimestamp } from '../../utils/relativeTime';
-import { TEXT_PRIMARY, TEXT_MUTED, BORDER } from './feedbackStyles';
+import { TEXT_PRIMARY, TEXT_SECONDARY, TEXT_MUTED, BORDER, HOVER_BG } from './feedbackStyles';
 
 interface CommentItemProps {
   comment: Comment;
@@ -11,13 +11,23 @@ interface CommentItemProps {
 }
 
 export default function CommentItem({ comment, isOwn, onDelete }: CommentItemProps) {
+  const [hovered, setHovered] = React.useState(false);
+
   return (
-    <div style={{ padding: '10px 0', borderBottom: `1px solid ${BORDER}` }}>
+    <div
+      style={{
+        padding: '12px 0',
+        borderBottom: `1px solid ${BORDER}`,
+        transition: 'background 0.1s ease',
+      }}
+      onMouseEnter={() => setHovered(true)}
+      onMouseLeave={() => setHovered(false)}
+    >
       <div style={{ display: 'flex', alignItems: 'center', gap: '8px', marginBottom: '6px' }}>
         <span
           style={{
-            width: '22px',
+            width: '24px',
-            height: '22px',
+            height: '24px',
             borderRadius: '50%',
             background: getAuthorColor(comment.user_id),
             display: 'flex',
@@ -31,30 +41,31 @@ export default function CommentItem({ comment, isOwn, onDelete }: CommentItemPro
         >
           {getAuthorInitial(comment.author_name)}
         </span>
-        <span style={{ color: TEXT_PRIMARY, fontSize: '12px', fontWeight: 600 }}>
+        <span style={{ color: TEXT_PRIMARY, fontSize: '12px', fontWeight: 600, letterSpacing: '0.2px' }}>
           {comment.author_name}
         </span>
-        <span style={{ color: TEXT_MUTED, fontSize: '10px' }}>
+        <span style={{ color: TEXT_MUTED, fontSize: '10px' }} title={fullTimestamp(comment.created_at)}>
           {relativeTime(comment.created_at)}
         </span>
         {comment.edited_at && (
-          <span style={{ color: TEXT_MUTED, fontSize: '10px' }}>(edited)</span>
+          <span style={{ color: TEXT_MUTED, fontSize: '10px', fontStyle: 'italic' }}>edited</span>
         )}
         <div style={{ flex: 1 }} />
-        {isOwn && onDelete && (
+        {isOwn && onDelete && hovered && (
           <button
             onClick={onDelete}
             style={{
-              background: 'none',
+              background: 'rgba(240, 72, 72, 0.08)',
-              border: 'none',
+              border: '1px solid rgba(240, 72, 72, 0.12)',
-              color: '#633',
+              borderRadius: '4px',
+              color: TEXT_MUTED,
               cursor: 'pointer',
               fontSize: '10px',
-              opacity: 0.6,
+              padding: '2px 6px',
-              transition: 'opacity 0.1s',
+              transition: 'all 0.1s',
             }}
-            onMouseEnter={(e) => (e.currentTarget.style.opacity = '1')}
+            onMouseEnter={(e) => { e.currentTarget.style.color = '#f04848'; e.currentTarget.style.background = 'rgba(240, 72, 72, 0.15)'; }}
-            onMouseLeave={(e) => (e.currentTarget.style.opacity = '0.6')}
+            onMouseLeave={(e) => { e.currentTarget.style.color = TEXT_MUTED; e.currentTarget.style.background = 'rgba(240, 72, 72, 0.08)'; }}
           >
             Delete
           </button>
@@ -62,10 +73,10 @@ export default function CommentItem({ comment, isOwn, onDelete }: CommentItemPro
       </div>
       <div
         style={{
-          color: '#ccc',
+          color: TEXT_SECONDARY,
           fontSize: '13px',
           lineHeight: 1.5,
-          marginLeft: '30px',
+          marginLeft: '32px',
           whiteSpace: 'pre-wrap',
           wordBreak: 'break-word',
         }}

frontend/src/components/feedback/ThreadDetail.tsx

@@ -3,12 +3,13 @@ import { Thread, AnnotationStore } from '../../stores/annotationStore';
 import CommentItem from './CommentItem';
 import CommentInput from './CommentInput';
 import {
-  PANEL_BG,
+  panelContainerStyle,
-  PANEL_WIDTH,
   BORDER,
   TEXT_PRIMARY,
+  TEXT_SECONDARY,
   TEXT_MUTED,
   ACCENT,
+  HOVER_BG,
   STATUS_OPEN,
   STATUS_RESOLVED,
 } from './feedbackStyles';
@@ -58,25 +59,11 @@ export default function ThreadDetail({
   };
 
   return (
-    <div
+    <div style={panelContainerStyle}>
-      style={{
-        position: 'absolute',
-        right: 0,
-        top: 0,
-        bottom: 0,
-        width: `${PANEL_WIDTH}px`,
-        background: PANEL_BG,
-        borderLeft: `1px solid ${BORDER}`,
-        zIndex: 100,
-        display: 'flex',
-        flexDirection: 'column',
-        userSelect: 'none',
-      }}
-    >
       {/* Header */}
       <div
         style={{
-          padding: '10px 14px',
+          padding: '14px 16px',
           borderBottom: `1px solid ${BORDER}`,
           display: 'flex',
           alignItems: 'center',
@@ -90,13 +77,17 @@ export default function ThreadDetail({
             border: 'none',
             color: TEXT_MUTED,
             cursor: 'pointer',
-            fontSize: '14px',
+            fontSize: '16px',
-            padding: '2px',
+            padding: '2px 4px',
+            borderRadius: '4px',
+            transition: 'color 0.1s',
           }}
+          onMouseEnter={(e) => (e.currentTarget.style.color = TEXT_PRIMARY)}
+          onMouseLeave={(e) => (e.currentTarget.style.color = TEXT_MUTED)}
         >
           &larr;
         </button>
-        <span style={{ color: TEXT_MUTED, fontSize: '11px', fontFamily: 'monospace' }}>
+        <span style={{ color: TEXT_SECONDARY, fontSize: '11px', fontFamily: 'monospace', fontWeight: 500 }}>
           #{pinNumber}
         </span>
         <span
@@ -105,8 +96,9 @@ export default function ThreadDetail({
             fontWeight: 600,
             padding: '2px 8px',
             borderRadius: '10px',
-            background: isOpen ? '#2a1515' : '#152a15',
+            background: isOpen ? 'rgba(240, 72, 72, 0.1)' : 'rgba(52, 210, 123, 0.1)',
             color: isOpen ? STATUS_OPEN : STATUS_RESOLVED,
+            letterSpacing: '0.3px',
           }}
         >
           {isOpen ? 'Open' : 'Resolved'}
@@ -116,12 +108,17 @@ export default function ThreadDetail({
           <button
             onClick={() => onJumpToObject(thread.object_id)}
             style={{
-              background: 'none',
+              background: 'rgba(74, 158, 255, 0.08)',
-              border: 'none',
+              border: `1px solid rgba(74, 158, 255, 0.15)`,
+              borderRadius: '6px',
               color: ACCENT,
               cursor: 'pointer',
               fontSize: '11px',
+              padding: '4px 10px',
+              transition: 'all 0.15s ease',
             }}
+            onMouseEnter={(e) => (e.currentTarget.style.background = 'rgba(74, 158, 255, 0.15)')}
+            onMouseLeave={(e) => (e.currentTarget.style.background = 'rgba(74, 158, 255, 0.08)')}
           >
             Jump
           </button>
@@ -130,14 +127,18 @@ export default function ThreadDetail({
           <button
             onClick={() => onResolve(thread.id, 'resolved')}
             style={{
-              background: '#152a15',
+              background: 'rgba(52, 210, 123, 0.1)',
-              border: 'none',
+              border: `1px solid rgba(52, 210, 123, 0.15)`,
               borderRadius: '6px',
               color: STATUS_RESOLVED,
               padding: '4px 10px',
               cursor: 'pointer',
               fontSize: '11px',
+              fontWeight: 500,
+              transition: 'all 0.15s ease',
             }}
+            onMouseEnter={(e) => (e.currentTarget.style.background = 'rgba(52, 210, 123, 0.18)')}
+            onMouseLeave={(e) => (e.currentTarget.style.background = 'rgba(52, 210, 123, 0.1)')}
           >
             Resolve
           </button>
@@ -145,14 +146,18 @@ export default function ThreadDetail({
           <button
             onClick={() => onResolve(thread.id, 'open')}
             style={{
-              background: '#1a1a2a',
+              background: 'rgba(74, 158, 255, 0.08)',
-              border: 'none',
+              border: `1px solid rgba(74, 158, 255, 0.15)`,
               borderRadius: '6px',
-              color: '#88f',
+              color: ACCENT,
               padding: '4px 10px',
               cursor: 'pointer',
               fontSize: '11px',
+              fontWeight: 500,
+              transition: 'all 0.15s ease',
             }}
+            onMouseEnter={(e) => (e.currentTarget.style.background = 'rgba(74, 158, 255, 0.15)')}
+            onMouseLeave={(e) => (e.currentTarget.style.background = 'rgba(74, 158, 255, 0.08)')}
           >
             Reopen
           </button>
@@ -194,11 +199,16 @@ export default function ThreadDetail({
               style={{
                 background: 'none',
                 border: 'none',
-                color: '#633',
+                color: TEXT_MUTED,
                 cursor: 'pointer',
-                fontSize: '13px',
+                fontSize: '14px',
-                padding: '2px',
+                padding: '2px 4px',
+                borderRadius: '4px',
+                opacity: 0.6,
+                transition: 'all 0.1s',
               }}
+              onMouseEnter={(e) => { e.currentTarget.style.opacity = '1'; e.currentTarget.style.color = STATUS_OPEN; }}
+              onMouseLeave={(e) => { e.currentTarget.style.opacity = '0.6'; e.currentTarget.style.color = TEXT_MUTED; }}
               title="Delete thread"
             >
               &times;
@@ -207,7 +217,7 @@ export default function ThreadDetail({
       </div>
 
       {/* Comments */}
-      <div style={{ flex: 1, overflowY: 'auto', padding: '0 14px' }}>
+      <div style={{ flex: 1, overflowY: 'auto', padding: '0 16px', scrollbarWidth: 'thin', scrollbarColor: '#2a2a2e transparent' }}>
         {thread.comments.map((c) => (
           <CommentItem
             key={c.id}
@@ -219,7 +229,7 @@ export default function ThreadDetail({
       </div>
 
       {/* Reply input */}
-      <div style={{ padding: '10px 14px', borderTop: `1px solid ${BORDER}` }}>
+      <div style={{ padding: '12px 16px', borderTop: `1px solid ${BORDER}` }}>
         <CommentInput
           value={replyText}
           onChange={setReplyText}

frontend/src/components/feedback/ThreadList.tsx

@@ -3,13 +3,14 @@ import { Thread, AnnotationStore } from '../../stores/annotationStore';
 import ThreadListItem from './ThreadListItem';
 import CommentInput from './CommentInput';
 import {
-  PANEL_BG,
+  panelContainerStyle,
-  PANEL_WIDTH,
   BORDER,
   TEXT_PRIMARY,
+  TEXT_SECONDARY,
   TEXT_MUTED,
   STATUS_OPEN,
   FILTER_ACTIVE_BG,
+  ACCENT,
 } from './feedbackStyles';
 
 export type FilterType = 'open' | 'resolved' | 'all' | 'mine';
@@ -23,7 +24,6 @@ interface ThreadListProps {
   onFilterChange: (f: FilterType) => void;
   onSelectThread: (id: string) => void;
   onCollapse: () => void;
-  // New comment
   selectedObjectId: string | null;
   selectedObjectLabel: string;
   newCommentText: string;
@@ -49,32 +49,21 @@ export default function ThreadList({
   const [showOrphans, setShowOrphans] = React.useState(false);
 
   return (
-    <div
+    <div style={panelContainerStyle}>
-      style={{
-        position: 'absolute',
-        right: 0,
-        top: 0,
-        bottom: 0,
-        width: `${PANEL_WIDTH}px`,
-        background: PANEL_BG,
-        borderLeft: `1px solid ${BORDER}`,
-        zIndex: 100,
-        display: 'flex',
-        flexDirection: 'column',
-        userSelect: 'none',
-      }}
-    >
       {/* Header */}
       <div
         style={{
-          padding: '12px 14px',
+          padding: '14px 16px',
           borderBottom: `1px solid ${BORDER}`,
           display: 'flex',
           alignItems: 'center',
-          gap: '8px',
+          gap: '10px',
         }}
       >
-        <span style={{ color: TEXT_PRIMARY, fontSize: '14px', fontWeight: 600, flex: 1 }}>
+        <svg width="16" height="16" viewBox="0 0 14 14" fill="none" stroke={TEXT_SECONDARY} strokeWidth="1.2" style={{ flexShrink: 0 }}>
+          <path d="M2 2.5A1.5 1.5 0 013.5 1h7A1.5 1.5 0 0112 2.5v6A1.5 1.5 0 0110.5 10H6l-3 3v-3H3.5A1.5 1.5 0 012 8.5v-6z" />
+        </svg>
+        <span style={{ color: TEXT_PRIMARY, fontSize: '13px', fontWeight: 600, flex: 1, letterSpacing: '0.3px' }}>
           Feedback
         </span>
         {openCount > 0 && (
@@ -82,12 +71,13 @@ export default function ThreadList({
             style={{
               background: STATUS_OPEN,
               color: '#fff',
-              fontSize: '11px',
+              fontSize: '10px',
-              fontWeight: 600,
+              fontWeight: 700,
-              padding: '1px 7px',
+              padding: '2px 7px',
               borderRadius: '10px',
               minWidth: '18px',
               textAlign: 'center',
+              lineHeight: '14px',
             }}
           >
             {openCount}
@@ -102,8 +92,12 @@ export default function ThreadList({
             cursor: 'pointer',
             fontSize: '16px',
             lineHeight: 1,
-            padding: '2px',
+            padding: '2px 4px',
+            borderRadius: '4px',
+            transition: 'color 0.1s',
           }}
+          onMouseEnter={(e) => (e.currentTarget.style.color = TEXT_PRIMARY)}
+          onMouseLeave={(e) => (e.currentTarget.style.color = TEXT_MUTED)}
         >
           &times;
         </button>
@@ -112,10 +106,10 @@ export default function ThreadList({
       {/* Filter bar */}
       <div
         style={{
-          padding: '8px 14px',
+          padding: '8px 16px',
           borderBottom: `1px solid ${BORDER}`,
           display: 'flex',
-          gap: '6px',
+          gap: '4px',
         }}
       >
         {(['open', 'resolved', 'all', 'mine'] as const).map((f) => (
@@ -124,15 +118,16 @@ export default function ThreadList({
             onClick={() => onFilterChange(f)}
             style={{
               background: filter === f ? FILTER_ACTIVE_BG : 'transparent',
-              border: 'none',
+              border: filter === f ? `1px solid ${BORDER}` : '1px solid transparent',
               borderRadius: '6px',
-              color: filter === f ? '#fff' : TEXT_MUTED,
+              color: filter === f ? TEXT_PRIMARY : TEXT_MUTED,
               padding: '4px 10px',
               cursor: 'pointer',
               fontSize: '11px',
               fontWeight: filter === f ? 600 : 400,
               textTransform: 'capitalize',
-              transition: 'all 0.1s ease',
+              transition: 'all 0.15s ease',
+              lineHeight: '16px',
             }}
           >
             {f}
@@ -142,9 +137,12 @@ export default function ThreadList({
 
       {/* New comment input (when object selected) */}
       {selectedObjectId && (
-        <div style={{ padding: '10px 14px', borderBottom: `1px solid ${BORDER}` }}>
+        <div style={{ padding: '12px 16px', borderBottom: `1px solid ${BORDER}`, background: 'rgba(74, 158, 255, 0.03)' }}>
-          <div style={{ color: TEXT_MUTED, fontSize: '10px', marginBottom: '6px' }}>
+          <div style={{ color: TEXT_MUTED, fontSize: '10px', marginBottom: '8px', textTransform: 'uppercase', letterSpacing: '0.5px' }}>
-            Comment on: <span style={{ color: TEXT_PRIMARY }}>{selectedObjectLabel}</span>
+            Comment on
+          </div>
+          <div style={{ color: TEXT_PRIMARY, fontSize: '12px', marginBottom: '10px', fontWeight: 500 }}>
+            {selectedObjectLabel}
           </div>
           <CommentInput
             value={newCommentText}
@@ -157,24 +155,23 @@ export default function ThreadList({
       )}
 
       {/* Thread list */}
-      <div style={{ flex: 1, overflowY: 'auto' }}>
+      <div style={{ flex: 1, overflowY: 'auto', scrollbarWidth: 'thin', scrollbarColor: '#2a2a2e transparent' }}>
         {threads.length === 0 && (
-          <div style={{ padding: '32px 20px', textAlign: 'center' }}>
+          <div style={{ padding: '40px 24px', textAlign: 'center' }}>
-            <svg
+            <div style={{
-              width="32"
+              width: '48px', height: '48px', borderRadius: '50%',
-              height="32"
+              background: 'rgba(74, 158, 255, 0.06)', border: `1px solid rgba(74, 158, 255, 0.1)`,
-              viewBox="0 0 14 14"
+              display: 'flex', alignItems: 'center', justifyContent: 'center',
-              fill="none"
+              margin: '0 auto 16px',
-              stroke="#333"
+            }}>
-              strokeWidth="1"
+              <svg width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 14 14" fill="none" stroke={TEXT_MUTED} strokeWidth="1">
-              style={{ marginBottom: '12px' }}
-            >
                 <path d="M2 2.5A1.5 1.5 0 013.5 1h7A1.5 1.5 0 0112 2.5v6A1.5 1.5 0 0110.5 10H6l-3 3v-3H3.5A1.5 1.5 0 012 8.5v-6z" />
               </svg>
-            <div style={{ color: TEXT_MUTED, fontSize: '12px', lineHeight: 1.5 }}>
+            </div>
+            <div style={{ color: TEXT_MUTED, fontSize: '12px', lineHeight: 1.6 }}>
               {selectedObjectId
                 ? 'No comments on this item.'
-                : 'No comments yet.\nSelect an image and add a comment.'}
+                : <>No comments yet.<br /><span style={{ color: TEXT_SECONDARY }}>Select an image to leave feedback.</span></>}
             </div>
           </div>
         )}
@@ -193,14 +190,14 @@ export default function ThreadList({
             <div
               onClick={() => setShowOrphans(!showOrphans)}
               style={{
-                padding: '10px 14px',
+                padding: '10px 16px',
                 cursor: 'pointer',
                 color: TEXT_MUTED,
                 fontSize: '11px',
                 borderTop: `1px solid ${BORDER}`,
-                transition: 'background 0.1s ease',
+                transition: 'background 0.15s ease',
               }}
-              onMouseEnter={(e) => (e.currentTarget.style.background = '#151515')}
+              onMouseEnter={(e) => (e.currentTarget.style.background = '#16161a')}
               onMouseLeave={(e) => (e.currentTarget.style.background = 'transparent')}
             >
               {showOrphans ? '\u25BE' : '\u25B8'} Deleted items ({orphanedThreads.length})

frontend/src/components/feedback/ThreadListItem.tsx

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 import React from 'react';
 import { Thread } from '../../stores/annotationStore';
 import { getAuthorColor, getAuthorInitial } from '../../utils/authorColors';
-import { relativeTime } from '../../utils/relativeTime';
+import { relativeTime, fullTimestamp } from '../../utils/relativeTime';
 import {
   TEXT_PRIMARY,
   TEXT_SECONDARY,
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ export default function ThreadListItem({ thread, pinNumber, onClick }: ThreadLis
     <div
       onClick={onClick}
       style={{
-        padding: '10px 14px',
+        padding: '12px 16px',
         borderBottom: `1px solid ${BORDER}`,
         cursor: 'pointer',
         transition: 'background 0.1s ease',
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ export default function ThreadListItem({ thread, pinNumber, onClick }: ThreadLis
         >
           {firstComment?.author_name || 'Unknown'}
         </span>
-        <span style={{ color: TEXT_MUTED, fontSize: '10px', flexShrink: 0 }}>
+        <span style={{ color: TEXT_MUTED, fontSize: '10px', flexShrink: 0 }} title={fullTimestamp(thread.last_commented_at || thread.created_at)}>
           {relativeTime(thread.last_commented_at || thread.created_at)}
         </span>
       </div>
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ export default function ThreadListItem({ thread, pinNumber, onClick }: ThreadLis
         </div>
       )}
 
-      {/* Row 3: meta — pin #, replies, status dot */}
+      {/* Row 3: meta — replies, status */}
       <div
         style={{
           display: 'flex',
@@ -99,9 +99,6 @@ export default function ThreadListItem({ thread, pinNumber, onClick }: ThreadLis
           marginLeft: '32px',
         }}
       >
-        <span style={{ color: TEXT_MUTED, fontSize: '10px', fontFamily: 'monospace' }}>
-          #{pinNumber}
-        </span>
         {thread.comment_count > 1 && (
           <span style={{ color: TEXT_MUTED, fontSize: '10px' }}>
             {thread.comment_count - 1} {thread.comment_count === 2 ? 'reply' : 'replies'}
@@ -109,13 +106,15 @@ export default function ThreadListItem({ thread, pinNumber, onClick }: ThreadLis
         )}
         <span
           style={{
-            width: '6px',
+            fontSize: '10px',
-            height: '6px',
+            fontWeight: 500,
-            borderRadius: '50%',
+            color: isResolved ? STATUS_RESOLVED : STATUS_OPEN,
-            background: isResolved ? STATUS_RESOLVED : STATUS_OPEN,
             marginLeft: 'auto',
+            textTransform: 'capitalize',
           }}
-        />
+        >
+          {thread.status}
+        </span>
       </div>
     </div>
   );

frontend/src/components/feedback/feedbackStyles.ts

@@ -1,18 +1,40 @@
 // Design tokens for the feedback/annotation system
-export const PANEL_WIDTH = 300;
+export const PANEL_WIDTH = 320;
-export const PANEL_BG = '#0d0d0d';
+export const PANEL_BG = 'rgba(12, 12, 14, 0.95)';
-export const BORDER = '#1e1e1e';
+export const PANEL_BG_SOLID = '#0c0c0e';
+export const BORDER = '#1a1a1e';
 
-export const TEXT_PRIMARY = '#e0e0e0';
+export const TEXT_PRIMARY = '#eaeaea';
-export const TEXT_SECONDARY = '#999';
+export const TEXT_SECONDARY = '#a0a0a8';
-export const TEXT_MUTED = '#666';
+export const TEXT_MUTED = '#5a5a64';
 
 export const ACCENT = '#4a9eff';
-export const STATUS_OPEN = '#ef4444';
+export const STATUS_OPEN = '#f04848';
-export const STATUS_RESOLVED = '#22c55e';
+export const STATUS_RESOLVED = '#34d27b';
 
-export const INPUT_BG = '#141414';
+export const INPUT_BG = '#131316';
-export const INPUT_BORDER = '#2a2a2a';
+export const INPUT_BORDER = '#26262c';
-export const INPUT_BORDER_FOCUS = '#3a3a3a';
+export const INPUT_BORDER_FOCUS = '#4a9eff44';
-export const HOVER_BG = '#151515';
+export const HOVER_BG = '#16161a';
-export const FILTER_ACTIVE_BG = '#2a2a2a';
+export const FILTER_ACTIVE_BG = '#1e1e24';
+
+// Shared panel container style
+export const panelContainerStyle: React.CSSProperties = {
+  position: 'absolute',
+  right: 0,
+  top: 0,
+  bottom: 0,
+  width: `${PANEL_WIDTH}px`,
+  background: PANEL_BG,
+  backdropFilter: 'blur(16px)',
+  WebkitBackdropFilter: 'blur(16px)',
+  borderLeft: `1px solid ${BORDER}`,
+  zIndex: 100,
+  display: 'flex',
+  flexDirection: 'column',
+  userSelect: 'none',
+  fontFamily: "'Inter', system-ui, -apple-system, sans-serif",
+};
+
+// Import this in components that need React.CSSProperties type
+import type React from 'react';

frontend/src/hooks/useCanvasSetup.ts

@@ -135,21 +135,25 @@ export function useCanvasSetup(deps: CanvasSetupDeps) {
           },
         });
 
-        // Wire live drag/resize transforms to sync broadcast (batched for multi-select)
+        // Wire live drag/resize transforms to sync broadcast + pin position update
+        // updatePositions() is the fast path — zero allocations, just position.set()
         selection.onItemsTransform = (items) => {
           syncRef.current?.broadcastTransform(items);
+          pinOverlayRef.current?.updatePositions();
         };
         selection.onItemTransform = (item) => {
           syncRef.current?.broadcastTransform(item);
+          pinOverlayRef.current?.updatePositions();
         };
         selection.transformBox.onItemTransform = (item) => {
           syncRef.current?.broadcastTransform(item);
+          pinOverlayRef.current?.updatePositions();
         };
         selection.onObjectDragEnd = (itemIds) => {
           onCanvasChange(itemIds); // broadcasts elements + saves + undo + spatial refresh
         };
         selection.transformBox.onDragEnd = (itemIds) => {
-          onCanvasChange(itemIds); // broadcasts elements + saves + undo + spatial refresh
+          onCanvasChange(itemIds);
         };
 
         socket.on('user:joined', (data: any) => {
@@ -335,20 +339,19 @@ export function useCanvasSetup(deps: CanvasSetupDeps) {
         socket.on('comment:delete', (data: any) => {
           annotationStoreRef.current?.onCommentDelete(data.threadId, data.commentId);
         });
-        // ── Pin overlay (hidden by default, shown in Review Mode) ──
+        // ── Pin overlay — separate Container, positions from item.data directly ──
         const pinOverlay = new PinOverlay(viewport, scene, annotationStoreRef.current!);
-        pinOverlay.visible = false;
+        pinOverlay.visible = true;
         viewport.addChild(pinOverlay);
         pinOverlayRef.current = pinOverlay;
 
-        // Refresh overlay on viewport move
+        // Refresh on viewport move (zoom changes scale) and store changes
         const onViewportMoved = () => {
-          if (pinOverlay.visible) pinOverlay.refresh();
+          pinOverlay.refresh();
         };
         viewport.on('moved', onViewportMoved);
-        // Refresh on store change (save unsub for cleanup)
         const unsubPinOverlay = annotationStoreRef.current!.subscribe(() => {
-          if (pinOverlay.visible) pinOverlay.refresh();
+          pinOverlay.refresh();
         });
         (pinOverlay as any)._cleanup = () => {
           viewport.off('moved', onViewportMoved);

frontend/src/pages/Editor.tsx

@@ -176,27 +176,26 @@ export default function Editor({ isPublicView }: EditorProps) {
     // eslint-disable-next-line react-hooks/exhaustive-deps
   }, [objectCount]);
 
-  // Toggle pin overlay visibility with review mode + wire pin clicks
+  // Pins are always visible; review mode just controls the panel + click-to-comment
   useEffect(() => {
     if (!pinOverlay) return;
-    pinOverlay.visible = reviewMode;
+    pinOverlay.visible = true;
-    if (reviewMode) pinOverlay.refresh();
+    pinOverlay.refresh();
 
-    // Pin click → expand thread in panel
+    // Pin click → expand thread in panel (listen on viewport since pins are item children)
-    const onClick = (e: any) => {
     const vp = canvasRef.current?.getViewport();
     if (!vp) return;
+    const onClick = (e: any) => {
       const worldPos = vp.toWorld(e.global);
       const threadId = pinOverlay.getThreadIdAtPoint(worldPos.x, worldPos.y);
       if (threadId) {
+        if (!reviewMode) setReviewMode(true);
         setFocusedThreadId(threadId);
-        // Reset so it can be triggered again for the same pin
         requestAnimationFrame(() => setFocusedThreadId(null));
       }
     };
-    pinOverlay.eventMode = 'static';
+    vp.on('pointerdown', onClick);
-    pinOverlay.on('pointerdown', onClick);
+    return () => { vp.off('pointerdown', onClick); };
-    return () => { pinOverlay.off('pointerdown', onClick); };
   }, [reviewMode, pinOverlay]);
 
   // Tool activation
@@ -386,8 +385,9 @@ export default function Editor({ isPublicView }: EditorProps) {
       });
     }
 
-    // Refresh annotation pins so they follow transforms
+    // Pin positions follow media automatically (children of displayObjects).
-    if (pinOverlay?.visible) pinOverlay.refresh();
+    // Only refresh on zoom to update counter-scale.
+    pinOverlay?.refresh();
   }, [pinOverlay]);
 
   // Listen to viewport moved event for overlay updates (throttled)

frontend/src/utils/relativeTime.ts

@@ -1,11 +1,25 @@
 export function relativeTime(iso: string): string {
-  const diff = Date.now() - new Date(iso).getTime();
+  const date = new Date(iso);
+  const diff = Date.now() - date.getTime();
   const mins = Math.floor(diff / 60000);
   if (mins < 1) return 'now';
-  if (mins < 60) return `${mins}m`;
+  if (mins < 60) return `${mins}m ago`;
   const hrs = Math.floor(mins / 60);
-  if (hrs < 24) return `${hrs}h`;
+  if (hrs < 24) return `${hrs}h ago`;
   const days = Math.floor(hrs / 24);
-  if (days < 7) return `${days}d`;
+  if (days < 7) return `${days}d ago`;
-  return new Date(iso).toLocaleDateString();
+  // Show date for older comments
+  return date.toLocaleDateString(undefined, { month: 'short', day: 'numeric' });
+}
+
+/** Full timestamp for tooltip hover */
+export function fullTimestamp(iso: string): string {
+  const date = new Date(iso);
+  return date.toLocaleString(undefined, {
+    month: 'short',
+    day: 'numeric',
+    year: 'numeric',
+    hour: '2-digit',
+    minute: '2-digit',
+  });
 }