diff --git a/.github/scripts/check-ai-co-authors.sh b/.github/scripts/check-ai-co-authors.sh
new file mode 100755
index 000000000..842b1f2d8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/scripts/check-ai-co-authors.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,103 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env bash
+# Checks pull request commits for AI agent Co-authored-by trailers.
+# Exits non-zero when any are found and prints fix instructions.
+set -euo pipefail
+
+base_sha="${1:?usage: check-ai-co-authors.sh <base_sha> <head_sha>}"
+head_sha="${2:?usage: check-ai-co-authors.sh <base_sha> <head_sha>}"
+
+# Known AI coding-agent trailer patterns (case-insensitive).
+# Each entry is an extended-regex fragment matched against Co-authored-by lines.
+AGENT_PATTERNS=(
+    # Anthropic — Claude Code / Amp
+    'noreply@anthropic\.com'
+    # Cursor
+    'cursoragent@cursor\.com'
+    # GitHub Copilot
+    'copilot-swe-agent\[bot\]'
+    'copilot@github\.com'
+    # OpenAI Codex
+    'noreply@openai\.com'
+    'codex@openai\.com'
+    # Aider
+    'aider@aider\.chat'
+    # Google — Gemini / Jules
+    'gemini@google\.com'
+    'jules@google\.com'
+    # Windsurf / Codeium
+    '@codeium\.com'
+    # Devin
+    'devin-ai-integration\[bot\]'
+    'devin@cognition\.ai'
+    'devin@cognition-labs\.com'
+    # Amazon Q Developer
+    'amazon-q-developer'
+    '@amazon\.com.*[Qq].[Dd]eveloper'
+    # Cline
+    'cline-bot'
+    'cline@cline\.ai'
+    # Continue
+    'continue-agent'
+    'continue@continue\.dev'
+    # Sourcegraph
+    'noreply@sourcegraph\.com'
+    # Generic catch-alls for common agent name patterns
+    'Co-authored-by:.*\b[Cc]laude\b'
+    'Co-authored-by:.*\b[Cc]opilot\b'
+    'Co-authored-by:.*\b[Cc]ursor\b'
+    'Co-authored-by:.*\b[Cc]odex\b'
+    'Co-authored-by:.*\b[Gg]emini\b'
+    'Co-authored-by:.*\b[Aa]ider\b'
+    'Co-authored-by:.*\b[Dd]evin\b'
+    'Co-authored-by:.*\b[Ww]indsurf\b'
+    'Co-authored-by:.*\b[Cc]line\b'
+    'Co-authored-by:.*\b[Aa]mazon Q\b'
+    'Co-authored-by:.*\b[Jj]ules\b'
+    'Co-authored-by:.*\bOpenCode\b'
+)
+
+# Build a single alternation regex from all patterns.
+regex=""
+for pattern in "${AGENT_PATTERNS[@]}"; do
+    if [[ -n "$regex" ]]; then
+        regex="${regex}|${pattern}"
+    else
+        regex="$pattern"
+    fi
+done
+
+# Collect Co-authored-by lines from every commit in the PR range.
+violations=""
+while IFS= read -r sha; do
+    message="$(git log -1 --format='%B' "$sha")"
+    matched_lines="$(echo "$message" | grep -iE "^Co-authored-by:" || true)"
+    if [[ -z "$matched_lines" ]]; then
+        continue
+    fi
+
+    while IFS= read -r line; do
+        if echo "$line" | grep -iqE "$regex"; then
+            short="$(git log -1 --format='%h' "$sha")"
+            violations="${violations}  ${short}: ${line}"$'\n'
+        fi
+    done <<< "$matched_lines"
+done < <(git rev-list "${base_sha}..${head_sha}")
+
+if [[ -n "$violations" ]]; then
+    echo "::error::AI agent Co-authored-by trailers detected in PR commits."
+    echo ""
+    echo "The following commits contain Co-authored-by trailers from AI coding agents:"
+    echo ""
+    echo "$violations"
+    echo "These trailers should be removed before merging."
+    echo ""
+    echo "To fix, rewrite the commit messages with:"
+    echo "  git rebase -i ${base_sha}"
+    echo ""
+    echo "and remove the Co-authored-by lines, then force-push your branch."
+    echo ""
+    echo "If you believe this is a false positive, please open an issue."
+    exit 1
+fi
+
+echo "No AI agent Co-authored-by trailers found."
diff --git a/.github/workflows/check-ai-co-authors.yml b/.github/workflows/check-ai-co-authors.yml
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..2ad9ac972
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/workflows/check-ai-co-authors.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+name: Check AI Co-Authors
+
+on:
+  pull_request:
+    branches: ['*']
+
+jobs:
+  check-ai-co-authors:
+    name: Check for AI agent co-author trailers
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+
+    steps:
+      - name: Checkout code
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          fetch-depth: 0
+
+      - name: Check commits for AI co-author trailers
+        run: bash .github/scripts/check-ai-co-authors.sh "${{ github.event.pull_request.base.sha }}" "${{ github.event.pull_request.head.sha }}"
diff --git a/alembic_db/env.py b/alembic_db/env.py
index 4d7770679..4ce37c012 100644
--- a/alembic_db/env.py
+++ b/alembic_db/env.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ from alembic import context
 config = context.config
 
 
-from app.database.models import Base
+from app.database.models import Base, NAMING_CONVENTION
 target_metadata = Base.metadata
 
 # other values from the config, defined by the needs of env.py,
@@ -51,7 +51,10 @@ def run_migrations_online() -> None:
 
     with connectable.connect() as connection:
         context.configure(
-            connection=connection, target_metadata=target_metadata
+            connection=connection,
+            target_metadata=target_metadata,
+            render_as_batch=True,
+            naming_convention=NAMING_CONVENTION,
         )
 
         with context.begin_transaction():
diff --git a/alembic_db/versions/0003_add_metadata_job_id.py b/alembic_db/versions/0003_add_metadata_job_id.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..2a14ee924
--- /dev/null
+++ b/alembic_db/versions/0003_add_metadata_job_id.py
@@ -0,0 +1,98 @@
+"""
+Add system_metadata and job_id columns to asset_references.
+Change preview_id FK from assets.id to asset_references.id.
+
+Revision ID: 0003_add_metadata_job_id
+Revises: 0002_merge_to_asset_references
+Create Date: 2026-03-09
+"""
+
+from alembic import op
+import sqlalchemy as sa
+
+from app.database.models import NAMING_CONVENTION
+
+revision = "0003_add_metadata_job_id"
+down_revision = "0002_merge_to_asset_references"
+branch_labels = None
+depends_on = None
+
+
+def upgrade() -> None:
+    with op.batch_alter_table("asset_references") as batch_op:
+        batch_op.add_column(
+            sa.Column("system_metadata", sa.JSON(), nullable=True)
+        )
+        batch_op.add_column(
+            sa.Column("job_id", sa.String(length=36), nullable=True)
+        )
+
+    # Change preview_id FK from assets.id to asset_references.id (self-ref).
+    # Existing values are asset-content IDs that won't match reference IDs,
+    # so null them out first.
+    op.execute("UPDATE asset_references SET preview_id = NULL WHERE preview_id IS NOT NULL")
+    with op.batch_alter_table(
+        "asset_references", naming_convention=NAMING_CONVENTION
+    ) as batch_op:
+        batch_op.drop_constraint(
+            "fk_asset_references_preview_id_assets", type_="foreignkey"
+        )
+        batch_op.create_foreign_key(
+            "fk_asset_references_preview_id_asset_references",
+            "asset_references",
+            ["preview_id"],
+            ["id"],
+            ondelete="SET NULL",
+        )
+        batch_op.create_index(
+            "ix_asset_references_preview_id", ["preview_id"]
+        )
+
+    # Purge any all-null meta rows before adding the constraint
+    op.execute(
+        "DELETE FROM asset_reference_meta"
+        " WHERE val_str IS NULL AND val_num IS NULL AND val_bool IS NULL AND val_json IS NULL"
+    )
+    with op.batch_alter_table("asset_reference_meta") as batch_op:
+        batch_op.create_check_constraint(
+            "ck_asset_reference_meta_has_value",
+            "val_str IS NOT NULL OR val_num IS NOT NULL OR val_bool IS NOT NULL OR val_json IS NOT NULL",
+        )
+
+
+def downgrade() -> None:
+    # SQLite doesn't reflect CHECK constraints, so we must declare it
+    # explicitly via table_args for the batch recreate to find it.
+    # Use the fully-rendered constraint name to avoid the naming convention
+    # doubling the prefix.
+    with op.batch_alter_table(
+        "asset_reference_meta",
+        table_args=[
+            sa.CheckConstraint(
+                "val_str IS NOT NULL OR val_num IS NOT NULL OR val_bool IS NOT NULL OR val_json IS NOT NULL",
+                name="ck_asset_reference_meta_has_value",
+            ),
+        ],
+    ) as batch_op:
+        batch_op.drop_constraint(
+            "ck_asset_reference_meta_has_value", type_="check"
+        )
+
+    with op.batch_alter_table(
+        "asset_references", naming_convention=NAMING_CONVENTION
+    ) as batch_op:
+        batch_op.drop_index("ix_asset_references_preview_id")
+        batch_op.drop_constraint(
+            "fk_asset_references_preview_id_asset_references", type_="foreignkey"
+        )
+        batch_op.create_foreign_key(
+            "fk_asset_references_preview_id_assets",
+            "assets",
+            ["preview_id"],
+            ["id"],
+            ondelete="SET NULL",
+        )
+
+    with op.batch_alter_table("asset_references") as batch_op:
+        batch_op.drop_column("job_id")
+        batch_op.drop_column("system_metadata")
diff --git a/app/assets/api/routes.py b/app/assets/api/routes.py
index 40dee9f46..68126b6a5 100644
--- a/app/assets/api/routes.py
+++ b/app/assets/api/routes.py
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ from pydantic import ValidationError
 import folder_paths
 from app import user_manager
 from app.assets.api import schemas_in, schemas_out
+from app.assets.services import schemas
 from app.assets.api.schemas_in import (
     AssetValidationError,
     UploadError,
@@ -38,6 +39,7 @@ from app.assets.services import (
     update_asset_metadata,
     upload_from_temp_path,
 )
+from app.assets.services.tagging import list_tag_histogram
 
 ROUTES = web.RouteTableDef()
 USER_MANAGER: user_manager.UserManager | None = None
@@ -122,6 +124,61 @@ def _validate_sort_field(requested: str | None) -> str:
     return "created_at"
 
 
+def _build_preview_url_from_view(tags: list[str], user_metadata: dict[str, Any] | None) -> str | None:
+    """Build a /api/view preview URL from asset tags and user_metadata filename."""
+    if not user_metadata:
+        return None
+    filename = user_metadata.get("filename")
+    if not filename:
+        return None
+
+    if "input" in tags:
+        view_type = "input"
+    elif "output" in tags:
+        view_type = "output"
+    else:
+        return None
+
+    subfolder = ""
+    if "/" in filename:
+        subfolder, filename = filename.rsplit("/", 1)
+
+    encoded_filename = urllib.parse.quote(filename, safe="")
+    url = f"/api/view?type={view_type}&filename={encoded_filename}"
+    if subfolder:
+        url += f"&subfolder={urllib.parse.quote(subfolder, safe='')}"
+    return url
+
+
+def _build_asset_response(result: schemas.AssetDetailResult | schemas.UploadResult) -> schemas_out.Asset:
+    """Build an Asset response from a service result."""
+    if result.ref.preview_id:
+        preview_detail = get_asset_detail(result.ref.preview_id)
+        if preview_detail:
+            preview_url = _build_preview_url_from_view(preview_detail.tags, preview_detail.ref.user_metadata)
+        else:
+            preview_url = None
+    else:
+        preview_url = _build_preview_url_from_view(result.tags, result.ref.user_metadata)
+    return schemas_out.Asset(
+        id=result.ref.id,
+        name=result.ref.name,
+        asset_hash=result.asset.hash if result.asset else None,
+        size=int(result.asset.size_bytes) if result.asset else None,
+        mime_type=result.asset.mime_type if result.asset else None,
+        tags=result.tags,
+        preview_url=preview_url,
+        preview_id=result.ref.preview_id,
+        user_metadata=result.ref.user_metadata or {},
+        metadata=result.ref.system_metadata,
+        job_id=result.ref.job_id,
+        prompt_id=result.ref.job_id,  # deprecated: mirrors job_id for cloud compat
+        created_at=result.ref.created_at,
+        updated_at=result.ref.updated_at,
+        last_access_time=result.ref.last_access_time,
+    )
+
+
 @ROUTES.head("/api/assets/hash/{hash}")
 @_require_assets_feature_enabled
 async def head_asset_by_hash(request: web.Request) -> web.Response:
@@ -164,20 +221,7 @@ async def list_assets_route(request: web.Request) -> web.Response:
         order=order,
     )
 
-    summaries = [
-        schemas_out.AssetSummary(
-            id=item.ref.id,
-            name=item.ref.name,
-            asset_hash=item.asset.hash if item.asset else None,
-            size=int(item.asset.size_bytes) if item.asset else None,
-            mime_type=item.asset.mime_type if item.asset else None,
-            tags=item.tags,
-            created_at=item.ref.created_at,
-            updated_at=item.ref.updated_at,
-            last_access_time=item.ref.last_access_time,
-        )
-        for item in result.items
-    ]
+    summaries = [_build_asset_response(item) for item in result.items]
 
     payload = schemas_out.AssetsList(
         assets=summaries,
@@ -207,18 +251,7 @@ async def get_asset_route(request: web.Request) -> web.Response:
                 {"id": reference_id},
             )
 
-        payload = schemas_out.AssetDetail(
-            id=result.ref.id,
-            name=result.ref.name,
-            asset_hash=result.asset.hash if result.asset else None,
-            size=int(result.asset.size_bytes) if result.asset else None,
-            mime_type=result.asset.mime_type if result.asset else None,
-            tags=result.tags,
-            user_metadata=result.ref.user_metadata or {},
-            preview_id=result.ref.preview_id,
-            created_at=result.ref.created_at,
-            last_access_time=result.ref.last_access_time,
-        )
+        payload = _build_asset_response(result)
     except ValueError as e:
         return _build_error_response(
             404, "ASSET_NOT_FOUND", str(e), {"id": reference_id}
@@ -230,7 +263,7 @@ async def get_asset_route(request: web.Request) -> web.Response:
             USER_MANAGER.get_request_user_id(request),
         )
         return _build_error_response(500, "INTERNAL", "Unexpected server error.")
-    return web.json_response(payload.model_dump(mode="json"), status=200)
+    return web.json_response(payload.model_dump(mode="json", exclude_none=True), status=200)
 
 
 @ROUTES.get(f"/api/assets/{{id:{UUID_RE}}}/content")
@@ -312,32 +345,31 @@ async def create_asset_from_hash_route(request: web.Request) -> web.Response:
             400, "INVALID_JSON", "Request body must be valid JSON."
         )
 
+    # Derive name from hash if not provided
+    name = body.name
+    if name is None:
+        name = body.hash.split(":", 1)[1] if ":" in body.hash else body.hash
+
     result = create_from_hash(
         hash_str=body.hash,
-        name=body.name,
+        name=name,
         tags=body.tags,
         user_metadata=body.user_metadata,
         owner_id=USER_MANAGER.get_request_user_id(request),
+        mime_type=body.mime_type,
+        preview_id=body.preview_id,
     )
     if result is None:
         return _build_error_response(
             404, "ASSET_NOT_FOUND", f"Asset content {body.hash} does not exist"
         )
 
+    asset = _build_asset_response(result)
     payload_out = schemas_out.AssetCreated(
-        id=result.ref.id,
-        name=result.ref.name,
-        asset_hash=result.asset.hash,
-        size=int(result.asset.size_bytes),
-        mime_type=result.asset.mime_type,
-        tags=result.tags,
-        user_metadata=result.ref.user_metadata or {},
-        preview_id=result.ref.preview_id,
-        created_at=result.ref.created_at,
-        last_access_time=result.ref.last_access_time,
+        **asset.model_dump(),
         created_new=result.created_new,
     )
-    return web.json_response(payload_out.model_dump(mode="json"), status=201)
+    return web.json_response(payload_out.model_dump(mode="json", exclude_none=True), status=201)
 
 
 @ROUTES.post("/api/assets")
@@ -358,6 +390,8 @@ async def upload_asset(request: web.Request) -> web.Response:
                 "name": parsed.provided_name,
                 "user_metadata": parsed.user_metadata_raw,
                 "hash": parsed.provided_hash,
+                "mime_type": parsed.provided_mime_type,
+                "preview_id": parsed.provided_preview_id,
             }
         )
     except ValidationError as ve:
@@ -386,6 +420,8 @@ async def upload_asset(request: web.Request) -> web.Response:
                 tags=spec.tags,
                 user_metadata=spec.user_metadata or {},
                 owner_id=owner_id,
+                mime_type=spec.mime_type,
+                preview_id=spec.preview_id,
             )
             if result is None:
                 delete_temp_file_if_exists(parsed.tmp_path)
@@ -410,6 +446,8 @@ async def upload_asset(request: web.Request) -> web.Response:
                 client_filename=parsed.file_client_name,
                 owner_id=owner_id,
                 expected_hash=spec.hash,
+                mime_type=spec.mime_type,
+                preview_id=spec.preview_id,
             )
     except AssetValidationError as e:
         delete_temp_file_if_exists(parsed.tmp_path)
@@ -428,21 +466,13 @@ async def upload_asset(request: web.Request) -> web.Response:
         logging.exception("upload_asset failed for owner_id=%s", owner_id)
         return _build_error_response(500, "INTERNAL", "Unexpected server error.")
 
-    payload = schemas_out.AssetCreated(
-        id=result.ref.id,
-        name=result.ref.name,
-        asset_hash=result.asset.hash,
-        size=int(result.asset.size_bytes),
-        mime_type=result.asset.mime_type,
-        tags=result.tags,
-        user_metadata=result.ref.user_metadata or {},
-        preview_id=result.ref.preview_id,
-        created_at=result.ref.created_at,
-        last_access_time=result.ref.last_access_time,
+    asset = _build_asset_response(result)
+    payload_out = schemas_out.AssetCreated(
+        **asset.model_dump(),
         created_new=result.created_new,
     )
     status = 201 if result.created_new else 200
-    return web.json_response(payload.model_dump(mode="json"), status=status)
+    return web.json_response(payload_out.model_dump(mode="json", exclude_none=True), status=status)
 
 
 @ROUTES.put(f"/api/assets/{{id:{UUID_RE}}}")
@@ -464,15 +494,9 @@ async def update_asset_route(request: web.Request) -> web.Response:
             name=body.name,
             user_metadata=body.user_metadata,
             owner_id=USER_MANAGER.get_request_user_id(request),
+            preview_id=body.preview_id,
         )
-        payload = schemas_out.AssetUpdated(
-            id=result.ref.id,
-            name=result.ref.name,
-            asset_hash=result.asset.hash if result.asset else None,
-            tags=result.tags,
-            user_metadata=result.ref.user_metadata or {},
-            updated_at=result.ref.updated_at,
-        )
+        payload = _build_asset_response(result)
     except PermissionError as pe:
         return _build_error_response(403, "FORBIDDEN", str(pe), {"id": reference_id})
     except ValueError as ve:
@@ -486,7 +510,7 @@ async def update_asset_route(request: web.Request) -> web.Response:
             USER_MANAGER.get_request_user_id(request),
         )
         return _build_error_response(500, "INTERNAL", "Unexpected server error.")
-    return web.json_response(payload.model_dump(mode="json"), status=200)
+    return web.json_response(payload.model_dump(mode="json", exclude_none=True), status=200)
 
 
 @ROUTES.delete(f"/api/assets/{{id:{UUID_RE}}}")
@@ -555,7 +579,7 @@ async def get_tags(request: web.Request) -> web.Response:
     payload = schemas_out.TagsList(
         tags=tags, total=total, has_more=(query.offset + len(tags)) < total
     )
-    return web.json_response(payload.model_dump(mode="json"))
+    return web.json_response(payload.model_dump(mode="json", exclude_none=True))
 
 
 @ROUTES.post(f"/api/assets/{{id:{UUID_RE}}}/tags")
@@ -603,7 +627,7 @@ async def add_asset_tags(request: web.Request) -> web.Response:
         )
         return _build_error_response(500, "INTERNAL", "Unexpected server error.")
 
-    return web.json_response(payload.model_dump(mode="json"), status=200)
+    return web.json_response(payload.model_dump(mode="json", exclude_none=True), status=200)
 
 
 @ROUTES.delete(f"/api/assets/{{id:{UUID_RE}}}/tags")
@@ -650,7 +674,29 @@ async def delete_asset_tags(request: web.Request) -> web.Response:
         )
         return _build_error_response(500, "INTERNAL", "Unexpected server error.")
 
-    return web.json_response(payload.model_dump(mode="json"), status=200)
+    return web.json_response(payload.model_dump(mode="json", exclude_none=True), status=200)
+
+
+@ROUTES.get("/api/assets/tags/refine")
+@_require_assets_feature_enabled
+async def get_tags_refine(request: web.Request) -> web.Response:
+    """GET request to get tag histogram for filtered assets."""
+    query_dict = get_query_dict(request)
+    try:
+        q = schemas_in.TagsRefineQuery.model_validate(query_dict)
+    except ValidationError as ve:
+        return _build_validation_error_response("INVALID_QUERY", ve)
+
+    tag_counts = list_tag_histogram(
+        owner_id=USER_MANAGER.get_request_user_id(request),
+        include_tags=q.include_tags,
+        exclude_tags=q.exclude_tags,
+        name_contains=q.name_contains,
+        metadata_filter=q.metadata_filter,
+        limit=q.limit,
+    )
+    payload = schemas_out.TagHistogram(tag_counts=tag_counts)
+    return web.json_response(payload.model_dump(mode="json", exclude_none=True), status=200)
 
 
 @ROUTES.post("/api/assets/seed")
diff --git a/app/assets/api/schemas_in.py b/app/assets/api/schemas_in.py
index d255c938e..186a6ae1e 100644
--- a/app/assets/api/schemas_in.py
+++ b/app/assets/api/schemas_in.py
@@ -45,6 +45,8 @@ class ParsedUpload:
     user_metadata_raw: str | None
     provided_hash: str | None
     provided_hash_exists: bool | None
+    provided_mime_type: str | None = None
+    provided_preview_id: str | None = None
 
 
 class ListAssetsQuery(BaseModel):
@@ -98,11 +100,17 @@ class ListAssetsQuery(BaseModel):
 class UpdateAssetBody(BaseModel):
     name: str | None = None
     user_metadata: dict[str, Any] | None = None
+    preview_id: str | None = None  # references an asset_reference id, not an asset id
 
     @model_validator(mode="after")
     def _validate_at_least_one_field(self):
-        if self.name is None and self.user_metadata is None:
-            raise ValueError("Provide at least one of: name, user_metadata.")
+        if all(
+            v is None
+            for v in (self.name, self.user_metadata, self.preview_id)
+        ):
+            raise ValueError(
+                "Provide at least one of: name, user_metadata, preview_id."
+            )
         return self
 
 
@@ -110,9 +118,11 @@ class CreateFromHashBody(BaseModel):
     model_config = ConfigDict(extra="ignore", str_strip_whitespace=True)
 
     hash: str
-    name: str
+    name: str | None = None
     tags: list[str] = Field(default_factory=list)
     user_metadata: dict[str, Any] = Field(default_factory=dict)
+    mime_type: str | None = None
+    preview_id: str | None = None  # references an asset_reference id, not an asset id
 
     @field_validator("hash")
     @classmethod
@@ -138,6 +148,44 @@ class CreateFromHashBody(BaseModel):
         return []
 
 
+class TagsRefineQuery(BaseModel):
+    include_tags: list[str] = Field(default_factory=list)
+    exclude_tags: list[str] = Field(default_factory=list)
+    name_contains: str | None = None
+    metadata_filter: dict[str, Any] | None = None
+    limit: conint(ge=1, le=1000) = 100
+
+    @field_validator("include_tags", "exclude_tags", mode="before")
+    @classmethod
+    def _split_csv_tags(cls, v):
+        if v is None:
+            return []
+        if isinstance(v, str):
+            return [t.strip() for t in v.split(",") if t.strip()]
+        if isinstance(v, list):
+            out: list[str] = []
+            for item in v:
+                if isinstance(item, str):
+                    out.extend([t.strip() for t in item.split(",") if t.strip()])
+            return out
+        return v
+
+    @field_validator("metadata_filter", mode="before")
+    @classmethod
+    def _parse_metadata_json(cls, v):
+        if v is None or isinstance(v, dict):
+            return v
+        if isinstance(v, str) and v.strip():
+            try:
+                parsed = json.loads(v)
+            except Exception as e:
+                raise ValueError(f"metadata_filter must be JSON: {e}") from e
+            if not isinstance(parsed, dict):
+                raise ValueError("metadata_filter must be a JSON object")
+            return parsed
+        return None
+
+
 class TagsListQuery(BaseModel):
     model_config = ConfigDict(extra="ignore", str_strip_whitespace=True)
 
@@ -186,21 +234,25 @@ class TagsRemove(TagsAdd):
 class UploadAssetSpec(BaseModel):
     """Upload Asset operation.
 
-    - tags: ordered; first is root ('models'|'input'|'output');
+    - tags: optional list; if provided, first is root ('models'|'input'|'output');
             if root == 'models', second must be a valid category
     - name: display name
     - user_metadata: arbitrary JSON object (optional)
     - hash: optional canonical 'blake3:<hex>' for validation / fast-path
+    - mime_type: optional MIME type override
+    - preview_id: optional asset_reference ID for preview
 
     Files are stored using the content hash as filename stem.
     """
 
     model_config = ConfigDict(extra="ignore", str_strip_whitespace=True)
 
-    tags: list[str] = Field(..., min_length=1)
+    tags: list[str] = Field(default_factory=list)
     name: str | None = Field(default=None, max_length=512, description="Display Name")
     user_metadata: dict[str, Any] = Field(default_factory=dict)
     hash: str | None = Field(default=None)
+    mime_type: str | None = Field(default=None)
+    preview_id: str | None = Field(default=None)  # references an asset_reference id
 
     @field_validator("hash", mode="before")
     @classmethod
@@ -279,7 +331,7 @@ class UploadAssetSpec(BaseModel):
     @model_validator(mode="after")
     def _validate_order(self):
         if not self.tags:
-            raise ValueError("tags must be provided and non-empty")
+            raise ValueError("at least one tag is required for uploads")
         root = self.tags[0]
         if root not in {"models", "input", "output"}:
             raise ValueError("first tag must be one of: models, input, output")
diff --git a/app/assets/api/schemas_out.py b/app/assets/api/schemas_out.py
index f36447856..d99b1098d 100644
--- a/app/assets/api/schemas_out.py
+++ b/app/assets/api/schemas_out.py
@@ -4,7 +4,10 @@ from typing import Any
 from pydantic import BaseModel, ConfigDict, Field, field_serializer
 
 
-class AssetSummary(BaseModel):
+class Asset(BaseModel):
+    """API view of an asset. Maps to DB ``AssetReference`` joined with its ``Asset`` blob;
+    ``id`` here is the AssetReference id, not the content-addressed Asset id."""
+
     id: str
     name: str
     asset_hash: str | None = None
@@ -12,8 +15,14 @@ class AssetSummary(BaseModel):
     mime_type: str | None = None
     tags: list[str] = Field(default_factory=list)
     preview_url: str | None = None
-    created_at: datetime | None = None
-    updated_at: datetime | None = None
+    preview_id: str | None = None  # references an asset_reference id, not an asset id
+    user_metadata: dict[str, Any] = Field(default_factory=dict)
+    is_immutable: bool = False
+    metadata: dict[str, Any] | None = None
+    job_id: str | None = None
+    prompt_id: str | None = None  # deprecated: use job_id
+    created_at: datetime
+    updated_at: datetime
     last_access_time: datetime | None = None
 
     model_config = ConfigDict(from_attributes=True)
@@ -23,50 +32,16 @@ class AssetSummary(BaseModel):
         return v.isoformat() if v else None
 
 
+class AssetCreated(Asset):
+    created_new: bool
+
+
 class AssetsList(BaseModel):
-    assets: list[AssetSummary]
+    assets: list[Asset]
     total: int
     has_more: bool
 
 
-class AssetUpdated(BaseModel):
-    id: str
-    name: str
-    asset_hash: str | None = None
-    tags: list[str] = Field(default_factory=list)
-    user_metadata: dict[str, Any] = Field(default_factory=dict)
-    updated_at: datetime | None = None
-
-    model_config = ConfigDict(from_attributes=True)
-
-    @field_serializer("updated_at")
-    def _serialize_updated_at(self, v: datetime | None, _info):
-        return v.isoformat() if v else None
-
-
-class AssetDetail(BaseModel):
-    id: str
-    name: str
-    asset_hash: str | None = None
-    size: int | None = None
-    mime_type: str | None = None
-    tags: list[str] = Field(default_factory=list)
-    user_metadata: dict[str, Any] = Field(default_factory=dict)
-    preview_id: str | None = None
-    created_at: datetime | None = None
-    last_access_time: datetime | None = None
-
-    model_config = ConfigDict(from_attributes=True)
-
-    @field_serializer("created_at", "last_access_time")
-    def _serialize_datetime(self, v: datetime | None, _info):
-        return v.isoformat() if v else None
-
-
-class AssetCreated(AssetDetail):
-    created_new: bool
-
-
 class TagUsage(BaseModel):
     name: str
     count: int
@@ -91,3 +66,7 @@ class TagsRemove(BaseModel):
     removed: list[str] = Field(default_factory=list)
     not_present: list[str] = Field(default_factory=list)
     total_tags: list[str] = Field(default_factory=list)
+
+
+class TagHistogram(BaseModel):
+    tag_counts: dict[str, int]
diff --git a/app/assets/api/upload.py b/app/assets/api/upload.py
index 721c12f4d..13d3d372c 100644
--- a/app/assets/api/upload.py
+++ b/app/assets/api/upload.py
@@ -52,6 +52,8 @@ async def parse_multipart_upload(
     user_metadata_raw: str | None = None
     provided_hash: str | None = None
     provided_hash_exists: bool | None = None
+    provided_mime_type: str | None = None
+    provided_preview_id: str | None = None
 
     file_written = 0
     tmp_path: str | None = None
@@ -128,6 +130,16 @@ async def parse_multipart_upload(
             provided_name = (await field.text()) or None
         elif fname == "user_metadata":
             user_metadata_raw = (await field.text()) or None
+        elif fname == "id":
+            raise UploadError(
+                400,
+                "UNSUPPORTED_FIELD",
+                "Client-provided 'id' is not supported. Asset IDs are assigned by the server.",
+            )
+        elif fname == "mime_type":
+            provided_mime_type = ((await field.text()) or "").strip() or None
+        elif fname == "preview_id":
+            provided_preview_id = ((await field.text()) or "").strip() or None
 
     if not file_present and not (provided_hash and provided_hash_exists):
         raise UploadError(
@@ -152,6 +164,8 @@ async def parse_multipart_upload(
         user_metadata_raw=user_metadata_raw,
         provided_hash=provided_hash,
         provided_hash_exists=provided_hash_exists,
+        provided_mime_type=provided_mime_type,
+        provided_preview_id=provided_preview_id,
     )
 
 
diff --git a/app/assets/database/models.py b/app/assets/database/models.py
index 03c1c1707..a3af8a192 100644
--- a/app/assets/database/models.py
+++ b/app/assets/database/models.py
@@ -45,13 +45,7 @@ class Asset(Base):
         passive_deletes=True,
     )
 
-    preview_of: Mapped[list[AssetReference]] = relationship(
-        "AssetReference",
-        back_populates="preview_asset",
-        primaryjoin=lambda: Asset.id == foreign(AssetReference.preview_id),
-        foreign_keys=lambda: [AssetReference.preview_id],
-        viewonly=True,
-    )
+    # preview_id on AssetReference is a self-referential FK to asset_references.id
 
     __table_args__ = (
         Index("uq_assets_hash", "hash", unique=True),
@@ -91,11 +85,15 @@ class AssetReference(Base):
     owner_id: Mapped[str] = mapped_column(String(128), nullable=False, default="")
     name: Mapped[str] = mapped_column(String(512), nullable=False)
     preview_id: Mapped[str | None] = mapped_column(
-        String(36), ForeignKey("assets.id", ondelete="SET NULL")
+        String(36), ForeignKey("asset_references.id", ondelete="SET NULL")
     )
     user_metadata: Mapped[dict[str, Any] | None] = mapped_column(
         JSON(none_as_null=True)
     )
+    system_metadata: Mapped[dict[str, Any] | None] = mapped_column(
+        JSON(none_as_null=True), nullable=True, default=None
+    )
+    job_id: Mapped[str | None] = mapped_column(String(36), nullable=True, default=None)
     created_at: Mapped[datetime] = mapped_column(
         DateTime(timezone=False), nullable=False, default=get_utc_now
     )
@@ -115,10 +113,10 @@ class AssetReference(Base):
         foreign_keys=[asset_id],
         lazy="selectin",
     )
-    preview_asset: Mapped[Asset | None] = relationship(
-        "Asset",
-        back_populates="preview_of",
+    preview_ref: Mapped[AssetReference | None] = relationship(
+        "AssetReference",
         foreign_keys=[preview_id],
+        remote_side=lambda: [AssetReference.id],
     )
 
     metadata_entries: Mapped[list[AssetReferenceMeta]] = relationship(
@@ -152,6 +150,7 @@ class AssetReference(Base):
         Index("ix_asset_references_created_at", "created_at"),
         Index("ix_asset_references_last_access_time", "last_access_time"),
         Index("ix_asset_references_deleted_at", "deleted_at"),
+        Index("ix_asset_references_preview_id", "preview_id"),
         Index("ix_asset_references_owner_name", "owner_id", "name"),
         CheckConstraint(
             "(mtime_ns IS NULL) OR (mtime_ns >= 0)", name="ck_ar_mtime_nonneg"
@@ -192,6 +191,10 @@ class AssetReferenceMeta(Base):
         Index("ix_asset_reference_meta_key_val_str", "key", "val_str"),
         Index("ix_asset_reference_meta_key_val_num", "key", "val_num"),
         Index("ix_asset_reference_meta_key_val_bool", "key", "val_bool"),
+        CheckConstraint(
+            "val_str IS NOT NULL OR val_num IS NOT NULL OR val_bool IS NOT NULL OR val_json IS NOT NULL",
+            name="has_value",
+        ),
     )
 
 
diff --git a/app/assets/database/queries/__init__.py b/app/assets/database/queries/__init__.py
index 7888d0645..1632937b2 100644
--- a/app/assets/database/queries/__init__.py
+++ b/app/assets/database/queries/__init__.py
@@ -31,16 +31,21 @@ from app.assets.database.queries.asset_reference import (
     get_unenriched_references,
     get_unreferenced_unhashed_asset_ids,
     insert_reference,
+    list_all_file_paths_by_asset_id,
     list_references_by_asset_id,
     list_references_page,
     mark_references_missing_outside_prefixes,
+    rebuild_metadata_projection,
+    reference_exists,
     reference_exists_for_asset_id,
     restore_references_by_paths,
     set_reference_metadata,
     set_reference_preview,
+    set_reference_system_metadata,
     soft_delete_reference_by_id,
     update_reference_access_time,
     update_reference_name,
+    update_is_missing_by_asset_id,
     update_reference_timestamps,
     update_reference_updated_at,
     upsert_reference,
@@ -54,6 +59,7 @@ from app.assets.database.queries.tags import (
     bulk_insert_tags_and_meta,
     ensure_tags_exist,
     get_reference_tags,
+    list_tag_counts_for_filtered_assets,
     list_tags_with_usage,
     remove_missing_tag_for_asset_id,
     remove_tags_from_reference,
@@ -97,20 +103,26 @@ __all__ = [
     "get_unenriched_references",
     "get_unreferenced_unhashed_asset_ids",
     "insert_reference",
+    "list_all_file_paths_by_asset_id",
     "list_references_by_asset_id",
     "list_references_page",
+    "list_tag_counts_for_filtered_assets",
     "list_tags_with_usage",
     "mark_references_missing_outside_prefixes",
     "reassign_asset_references",
+    "rebuild_metadata_projection",
+    "reference_exists",
     "reference_exists_for_asset_id",
     "remove_missing_tag_for_asset_id",
     "remove_tags_from_reference",
     "restore_references_by_paths",
     "set_reference_metadata",
     "set_reference_preview",
+    "set_reference_system_metadata",
     "soft_delete_reference_by_id",
     "set_reference_tags",
     "update_asset_hash_and_mime",
+    "update_is_missing_by_asset_id",
     "update_reference_access_time",
     "update_reference_name",
     "update_reference_timestamps",
diff --git a/app/assets/database/queries/asset.py b/app/assets/database/queries/asset.py
index a21f5b68f..594d1f1b2 100644
--- a/app/assets/database/queries/asset.py
+++ b/app/assets/database/queries/asset.py
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ def upsert_asset(
         if asset.size_bytes != int(size_bytes) and int(size_bytes) > 0:
             asset.size_bytes = int(size_bytes)
             changed = True
-        if mime_type and asset.mime_type != mime_type:
+        if mime_type and not asset.mime_type:
             asset.mime_type = mime_type
             changed = True
         if changed:
@@ -118,7 +118,7 @@ def update_asset_hash_and_mime(
         return False
     if asset_hash is not None:
         asset.hash = asset_hash
-    if mime_type is not None:
+    if mime_type is not None and not asset.mime_type:
         asset.mime_type = mime_type
     return True
 
diff --git a/app/assets/database/queries/asset_reference.py b/app/assets/database/queries/asset_reference.py
index 6524791cc..084a32512 100644
--- a/app/assets/database/queries/asset_reference.py
+++ b/app/assets/database/queries/asset_reference.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ from decimal import Decimal
 from typing import NamedTuple, Sequence
 
 import sqlalchemy as sa
-from sqlalchemy import delete, exists, select
+from sqlalchemy import delete, select
 from sqlalchemy.dialects import sqlite
 from sqlalchemy.exc import IntegrityError
 from sqlalchemy.orm import Session, noload
@@ -24,12 +24,14 @@ from app.assets.database.models import (
 )
 from app.assets.database.queries.common import (
     MAX_BIND_PARAMS,
+    apply_metadata_filter,
+    apply_tag_filters,
     build_prefix_like_conditions,
     build_visible_owner_clause,
     calculate_rows_per_statement,
     iter_chunks,
 )
-from app.assets.helpers import escape_sql_like_string, get_utc_now, normalize_tags
+from app.assets.helpers import escape_sql_like_string, get_utc_now
 
 
 def _check_is_scalar(v):
@@ -44,15 +46,6 @@ def _check_is_scalar(v):
 
 def _scalar_to_row(key: str, ordinal: int, value) -> dict:
     """Convert a scalar value to a typed projection row."""
-    if value is None:
-        return {
-            "key": key,
-            "ordinal": ordinal,
-            "val_str": None,
-            "val_num": None,
-            "val_bool": None,
-            "val_json": None,
-        }
     if isinstance(value, bool):
         return {"key": key, "ordinal": ordinal, "val_bool": bool(value)}
     if isinstance(value, (int, float, Decimal)):
@@ -66,96 +59,19 @@ def _scalar_to_row(key: str, ordinal: int, value) -> dict:
 def convert_metadata_to_rows(key: str, value) -> list[dict]:
     """Turn a metadata key/value into typed projection rows."""
     if value is None:
-        return [_scalar_to_row(key, 0, None)]
+        return []
 
     if _check_is_scalar(value):
         return [_scalar_to_row(key, 0, value)]
 
     if isinstance(value, list):
         if all(_check_is_scalar(x) for x in value):
-            return [_scalar_to_row(key, i, x) for i, x in enumerate(value)]
-        return [{"key": key, "ordinal": i, "val_json": x} for i, x in enumerate(value)]
+            return [_scalar_to_row(key, i, x) for i, x in enumerate(value) if x is not None]
+        return [{"key": key, "ordinal": i, "val_json": x} for i, x in enumerate(value) if x is not None]
 
     return [{"key": key, "ordinal": 0, "val_json": value}]
 
 
-def _apply_tag_filters(
-    stmt: sa.sql.Select,
-    include_tags: Sequence[str] | None = None,
-    exclude_tags: Sequence[str] | None = None,
-) -> sa.sql.Select:
-    """include_tags: every tag must be present; exclude_tags: none may be present."""
-    include_tags = normalize_tags(include_tags)
-    exclude_tags = normalize_tags(exclude_tags)
-
-    if include_tags:
-        for tag_name in include_tags:
-            stmt = stmt.where(
-                exists().where(
-                    (AssetReferenceTag.asset_reference_id == AssetReference.id)
-                    & (AssetReferenceTag.tag_name == tag_name)
-                )
-            )
-
-    if exclude_tags:
-        stmt = stmt.where(
-            ~exists().where(
-                (AssetReferenceTag.asset_reference_id == AssetReference.id)
-                & (AssetReferenceTag.tag_name.in_(exclude_tags))
-            )
-        )
-    return stmt
-
-
-def _apply_metadata_filter(
-    stmt: sa.sql.Select,
-    metadata_filter: dict | None = None,
-) -> sa.sql.Select:
-    """Apply filters using asset_reference_meta projection table."""
-    if not metadata_filter:
-        return stmt
-
-    def _exists_for_pred(key: str, *preds) -> sa.sql.ClauseElement:
-        return sa.exists().where(
-            AssetReferenceMeta.asset_reference_id == AssetReference.id,
-            AssetReferenceMeta.key == key,
-            *preds,
-        )
-
-    def _exists_clause_for_value(key: str, value) -> sa.sql.ClauseElement:
-        if value is None:
-            no_row_for_key = sa.not_(
-                sa.exists().where(
-                    AssetReferenceMeta.asset_reference_id == AssetReference.id,
-                    AssetReferenceMeta.key == key,
-                )
-            )
-            null_row = _exists_for_pred(
-                key,
-                AssetReferenceMeta.val_json.is_(None),
-                AssetReferenceMeta.val_str.is_(None),
-                AssetReferenceMeta.val_num.is_(None),
-                AssetReferenceMeta.val_bool.is_(None),
-            )
-            return sa.or_(no_row_for_key, null_row)
-
-        if isinstance(value, bool):
-            return _exists_for_pred(key, AssetReferenceMeta.val_bool == bool(value))
-        if isinstance(value, (int, float, Decimal)):
-            num = value if isinstance(value, Decimal) else Decimal(str(value))
-            return _exists_for_pred(key, AssetReferenceMeta.val_num == num)
-        if isinstance(value, str):
-            return _exists_for_pred(key, AssetReferenceMeta.val_str == value)
-        return _exists_for_pred(key, AssetReferenceMeta.val_json == value)
-
-    for k, v in metadata_filter.items():
-        if isinstance(v, list):
-            ors = [_exists_clause_for_value(k, elem) for elem in v]
-            if ors:
-                stmt = stmt.where(sa.or_(*ors))
-        else:
-            stmt = stmt.where(_exists_clause_for_value(k, v))
-    return stmt
 
 
 def get_reference_by_id(
@@ -212,6 +128,21 @@ def reference_exists_for_asset_id(
     return session.execute(q).first() is not None
 
 
+def reference_exists(
+    session: Session,
+    reference_id: str,
+) -> bool:
+    """Return True if a reference with the given ID exists (not soft-deleted)."""
+    q = (
+        select(sa.literal(True))
+        .select_from(AssetReference)
+        .where(AssetReference.id == reference_id)
+        .where(AssetReference.deleted_at.is_(None))
+        .limit(1)
+    )
+    return session.execute(q).first() is not None
+
+
 def insert_reference(
     session: Session,
     asset_id: str,
@@ -336,8 +267,8 @@ def list_references_page(
         escaped, esc = escape_sql_like_string(name_contains)
         base = base.where(AssetReference.name.ilike(f"%{escaped}%", escape=esc))
 
-    base = _apply_tag_filters(base, include_tags, exclude_tags)
-    base = _apply_metadata_filter(base, metadata_filter)
+    base = apply_tag_filters(base, include_tags, exclude_tags)
+    base = apply_metadata_filter(base, metadata_filter)
 
     sort = (sort or "created_at").lower()
     order = (order or "desc").lower()
@@ -366,8 +297,8 @@ def list_references_page(
         count_stmt = count_stmt.where(
             AssetReference.name.ilike(f"%{escaped}%", escape=esc)
         )
-    count_stmt = _apply_tag_filters(count_stmt, include_tags, exclude_tags)
-    count_stmt = _apply_metadata_filter(count_stmt, metadata_filter)
+    count_stmt = apply_tag_filters(count_stmt, include_tags, exclude_tags)
+    count_stmt = apply_metadata_filter(count_stmt, metadata_filter)
 
     total = int(session.execute(count_stmt).scalar_one() or 0)
     refs = session.execute(base).unique().scalars().all()
@@ -379,7 +310,7 @@ def list_references_page(
             select(AssetReferenceTag.asset_reference_id, Tag.name)
             .join(Tag, Tag.name == AssetReferenceTag.tag_name)
             .where(AssetReferenceTag.asset_reference_id.in_(id_list))
-            .order_by(AssetReferenceTag.added_at)
+            .order_by(AssetReferenceTag.tag_name.asc())
         )
         for ref_id, tag_name in rows.all():
             tag_map[ref_id].append(tag_name)
@@ -492,6 +423,42 @@ def update_reference_updated_at(
     )
 
 
+def rebuild_metadata_projection(session: Session, ref: AssetReference) -> None:
+    """Delete and rebuild AssetReferenceMeta rows from merged system+user metadata.
+
+    The merged dict is ``{**system_metadata, **user_metadata}`` so user keys
+    override system keys of the same name.
+    """
+    session.execute(
+        delete(AssetReferenceMeta).where(
+            AssetReferenceMeta.asset_reference_id == ref.id
+        )
+    )
+    session.flush()
+
+    merged = {**(ref.system_metadata or {}), **(ref.user_metadata or {})}
+    if not merged:
+        return
+
+    rows: list[AssetReferenceMeta] = []
+    for k, v in merged.items():
+        for r in convert_metadata_to_rows(k, v):
+            rows.append(
+                AssetReferenceMeta(
+                    asset_reference_id=ref.id,
+                    key=r["key"],
+                    ordinal=int(r["ordinal"]),
+                    val_str=r.get("val_str"),
+                    val_num=r.get("val_num"),
+                    val_bool=r.get("val_bool"),
+                    val_json=r.get("val_json"),
+                )
+            )
+    if rows:
+        session.add_all(rows)
+        session.flush()
+
+
 def set_reference_metadata(
     session: Session,
     reference_id: str,
@@ -505,33 +472,24 @@ def set_reference_metadata(
     ref.updated_at = get_utc_now()
     session.flush()
 
-    session.execute(
-        delete(AssetReferenceMeta).where(
-            AssetReferenceMeta.asset_reference_id == reference_id
-        )
-    )
+    rebuild_metadata_projection(session, ref)
+
+
+def set_reference_system_metadata(
+    session: Session,
+    reference_id: str,
+    system_metadata: dict | None = None,
+) -> None:
+    """Set system_metadata on a reference and rebuild the merged projection."""
+    ref = session.get(AssetReference, reference_id)
+    if not ref:
+        raise ValueError(f"AssetReference {reference_id} not found")
+
+    ref.system_metadata = system_metadata or {}
+    ref.updated_at = get_utc_now()
     session.flush()
 
-    if not user_metadata:
-        return
-
-    rows: list[AssetReferenceMeta] = []
-    for k, v in user_metadata.items():
-        for r in convert_metadata_to_rows(k, v):
-            rows.append(
-                AssetReferenceMeta(
-                    asset_reference_id=reference_id,
-                    key=r["key"],
-                    ordinal=int(r["ordinal"]),
-                    val_str=r.get("val_str"),
-                    val_num=r.get("val_num"),
-                    val_bool=r.get("val_bool"),
-                    val_json=r.get("val_json"),
-                )
-            )
-    if rows:
-        session.add_all(rows)
-        session.flush()
+    rebuild_metadata_projection(session, ref)
 
 
 def delete_reference_by_id(
@@ -571,19 +529,19 @@ def soft_delete_reference_by_id(
 def set_reference_preview(
     session: Session,
     reference_id: str,
-    preview_asset_id: str | None = None,
+    preview_reference_id: str | None = None,
 ) -> None:
     """Set or clear preview_id and bump updated_at. Raises on unknown IDs."""
     ref = session.get(AssetReference, reference_id)
     if not ref:
         raise ValueError(f"AssetReference {reference_id} not found")
 
-    if preview_asset_id is None:
+    if preview_reference_id is None:
         ref.preview_id = None
     else:
-        if not session.get(Asset, preview_asset_id):
-            raise ValueError(f"Preview Asset {preview_asset_id} not found")
-        ref.preview_id = preview_asset_id
+        if not session.get(AssetReference, preview_reference_id):
+            raise ValueError(f"Preview AssetReference {preview_reference_id} not found")
+        ref.preview_id = preview_reference_id
 
     ref.updated_at = get_utc_now()
     session.flush()
@@ -609,6 +567,8 @@ def list_references_by_asset_id(
         session.execute(
             select(AssetReference)
             .where(AssetReference.asset_id == asset_id)
+            .where(AssetReference.is_missing == False)  # noqa: E712
+            .where(AssetReference.deleted_at.is_(None))
             .order_by(AssetReference.id.asc())
         )
         .scalars()
@@ -616,6 +576,25 @@ def list_references_by_asset_id(
     )
 
 
+def list_all_file_paths_by_asset_id(
+    session: Session,
+    asset_id: str,
+) -> list[str]:
+    """Return every file_path for an asset, including soft-deleted/missing refs.
+
+    Used for orphan cleanup where all on-disk files must be removed.
+    """
+    return list(
+        session.execute(
+            select(AssetReference.file_path)
+            .where(AssetReference.asset_id == asset_id)
+            .where(AssetReference.file_path.isnot(None))
+        )
+        .scalars()
+        .all()
+    )
+
+
 def upsert_reference(
     session: Session,
     asset_id: str,
@@ -855,6 +834,22 @@ def bulk_update_is_missing(
     return total
 
 
+def update_is_missing_by_asset_id(
+    session: Session, asset_id: str, value: bool
+) -> int:
+    """Set is_missing flag for ALL references belonging to an asset.
+
+    Returns: Number of rows updated
+    """
+    result = session.execute(
+        sa.update(AssetReference)
+        .where(AssetReference.asset_id == asset_id)
+        .where(AssetReference.deleted_at.is_(None))
+        .values(is_missing=value)
+    )
+    return result.rowcount
+
+
 def delete_references_by_ids(session: Session, reference_ids: list[str]) -> int:
     """Delete references by their IDs.
 
diff --git a/app/assets/database/queries/common.py b/app/assets/database/queries/common.py
index 194c39a1e..89bb49327 100644
--- a/app/assets/database/queries/common.py
+++ b/app/assets/database/queries/common.py
@@ -1,12 +1,14 @@
 """Shared utilities for database query modules."""
 
 import os
-from typing import Iterable
+from decimal import Decimal
+from typing import Iterable, Sequence
 
 import sqlalchemy as sa
+from sqlalchemy import exists
 
-from app.assets.database.models import AssetReference
-from app.assets.helpers import escape_sql_like_string
+from app.assets.database.models import AssetReference, AssetReferenceMeta, AssetReferenceTag
+from app.assets.helpers import escape_sql_like_string, normalize_tags
 
 MAX_BIND_PARAMS = 800
 
@@ -52,3 +54,74 @@ def build_prefix_like_conditions(
         escaped, esc = escape_sql_like_string(base)
         conds.append(AssetReference.file_path.like(escaped + "%", escape=esc))
     return conds
+
+
+def apply_tag_filters(
+    stmt: sa.sql.Select,
+    include_tags: Sequence[str] | None = None,
+    exclude_tags: Sequence[str] | None = None,
+) -> sa.sql.Select:
+    """include_tags: every tag must be present; exclude_tags: none may be present."""
+    include_tags = normalize_tags(include_tags)
+    exclude_tags = normalize_tags(exclude_tags)
+
+    if include_tags:
+        for tag_name in include_tags:
+            stmt = stmt.where(
+                exists().where(
+                    (AssetReferenceTag.asset_reference_id == AssetReference.id)
+                    & (AssetReferenceTag.tag_name == tag_name)
+                )
+            )
+
+    if exclude_tags:
+        stmt = stmt.where(
+            ~exists().where(
+                (AssetReferenceTag.asset_reference_id == AssetReference.id)
+                & (AssetReferenceTag.tag_name.in_(exclude_tags))
+            )
+        )
+    return stmt
+
+
+def apply_metadata_filter(
+    stmt: sa.sql.Select,
+    metadata_filter: dict | None = None,
+) -> sa.sql.Select:
+    """Apply filters using asset_reference_meta projection table."""
+    if not metadata_filter:
+        return stmt
+
+    def _exists_for_pred(key: str, *preds) -> sa.sql.ClauseElement:
+        return sa.exists().where(
+            AssetReferenceMeta.asset_reference_id == AssetReference.id,
+            AssetReferenceMeta.key == key,
+            *preds,
+        )
+
+    def _exists_clause_for_value(key: str, value) -> sa.sql.ClauseElement:
+        if value is None:
+            return sa.not_(
+                sa.exists().where(
+                    AssetReferenceMeta.asset_reference_id == AssetReference.id,
+                    AssetReferenceMeta.key == key,
+                )
+            )
+
+        if isinstance(value, bool):
+            return _exists_for_pred(key, AssetReferenceMeta.val_bool == bool(value))
+        if isinstance(value, (int, float, Decimal)):
+            num = value if isinstance(value, Decimal) else Decimal(str(value))
+            return _exists_for_pred(key, AssetReferenceMeta.val_num == num)
+        if isinstance(value, str):
+            return _exists_for_pred(key, AssetReferenceMeta.val_str == value)
+        return _exists_for_pred(key, AssetReferenceMeta.val_json == value)
+
+    for k, v in metadata_filter.items():
+        if isinstance(v, list):
+            ors = [_exists_clause_for_value(k, elem) for elem in v]
+            if ors:
+                stmt = stmt.where(sa.or_(*ors))
+        else:
+            stmt = stmt.where(_exists_clause_for_value(k, v))
+    return stmt
diff --git a/app/assets/database/queries/tags.py b/app/assets/database/queries/tags.py
index 8b25fee67..f4126dba8 100644
--- a/app/assets/database/queries/tags.py
+++ b/app/assets/database/queries/tags.py
@@ -8,12 +8,15 @@ from sqlalchemy.exc import IntegrityError
 from sqlalchemy.orm import Session
 
 from app.assets.database.models import (
+    Asset,
     AssetReference,
     AssetReferenceMeta,
     AssetReferenceTag,
     Tag,
 )
 from app.assets.database.queries.common import (
+    apply_metadata_filter,
+    apply_tag_filters,
     build_visible_owner_clause,
     iter_row_chunks,
 )
@@ -72,9 +75,9 @@ def get_reference_tags(session: Session, reference_id: str) -> list[str]:
         tag_name
         for (tag_name,) in (
             session.execute(
-                select(AssetReferenceTag.tag_name).where(
-                    AssetReferenceTag.asset_reference_id == reference_id
-                )
+                select(AssetReferenceTag.tag_name)
+                .where(AssetReferenceTag.asset_reference_id == reference_id)
+                .order_by(AssetReferenceTag.tag_name.asc())
             )
         ).all()
     ]
@@ -117,7 +120,7 @@ def set_reference_tags(
         )
         session.flush()
 
-    return SetTagsResult(added=to_add, removed=to_remove, total=desired)
+    return SetTagsResult(added=sorted(to_add), removed=sorted(to_remove), total=sorted(desired))
 
 
 def add_tags_to_reference(
@@ -272,6 +275,12 @@ def list_tags_with_usage(
         .select_from(AssetReferenceTag)
         .join(AssetReference, AssetReference.id == AssetReferenceTag.asset_reference_id)
         .where(build_visible_owner_clause(owner_id))
+        .where(
+            sa.or_(
+                AssetReference.is_missing == False,  # noqa: E712
+                AssetReferenceTag.tag_name == "missing",
+            )
+        )
         .where(AssetReference.deleted_at.is_(None))
         .group_by(AssetReferenceTag.tag_name)
         .subquery()
@@ -308,6 +317,12 @@ def list_tags_with_usage(
             select(AssetReferenceTag.tag_name)
             .join(AssetReference, AssetReference.id == AssetReferenceTag.asset_reference_id)
             .where(build_visible_owner_clause(owner_id))
+            .where(
+                sa.or_(
+                    AssetReference.is_missing == False,  # noqa: E712
+                    AssetReferenceTag.tag_name == "missing",
+                )
+            )
             .where(AssetReference.deleted_at.is_(None))
             .group_by(AssetReferenceTag.tag_name)
         )
@@ -320,6 +335,53 @@ def list_tags_with_usage(
     return rows_norm, int(total or 0)
 
 
+def list_tag_counts_for_filtered_assets(
+    session: Session,
+    owner_id: str = "",
+    include_tags: Sequence[str] | None = None,
+    exclude_tags: Sequence[str] | None = None,
+    name_contains: str | None = None,
+    metadata_filter: dict | None = None,
+    limit: int = 100,
+) -> dict[str, int]:
+    """Return tag counts for assets matching the given filters.
+
+    Uses the same filtering logic as list_references_page but returns
+    {tag_name: count} instead of paginated references.
+    """
+    # Build a subquery of matching reference IDs
+    ref_sq = (
+        select(AssetReference.id)
+        .join(Asset, Asset.id == AssetReference.asset_id)
+        .where(build_visible_owner_clause(owner_id))
+        .where(AssetReference.is_missing == False)  # noqa: E712
+        .where(AssetReference.deleted_at.is_(None))
+    )
+
+    if name_contains:
+        escaped, esc = escape_sql_like_string(name_contains)
+        ref_sq = ref_sq.where(AssetReference.name.ilike(f"%{escaped}%", escape=esc))
+
+    ref_sq = apply_tag_filters(ref_sq, include_tags, exclude_tags)
+    ref_sq = apply_metadata_filter(ref_sq, metadata_filter)
+    ref_sq = ref_sq.subquery()
+
+    # Count tags across those references
+    q = (
+        select(
+            AssetReferenceTag.tag_name,
+            func.count(AssetReferenceTag.asset_reference_id).label("cnt"),
+        )
+        .where(AssetReferenceTag.asset_reference_id.in_(select(ref_sq.c.id)))
+        .group_by(AssetReferenceTag.tag_name)
+        .order_by(func.count(AssetReferenceTag.asset_reference_id).desc(), AssetReferenceTag.tag_name.asc())
+        .limit(limit)
+    )
+
+    rows = session.execute(q).all()
+    return {tag_name: int(cnt) for tag_name, cnt in rows}
+
+
 def bulk_insert_tags_and_meta(
     session: Session,
     tag_rows: list[dict],
diff --git a/app/assets/scanner.py b/app/assets/scanner.py
index e27ea5123..4e05a97b5 100644
--- a/app/assets/scanner.py
+++ b/app/assets/scanner.py
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ from app.assets.database.queries import (
     mark_references_missing_outside_prefixes,
     reassign_asset_references,
     remove_missing_tag_for_asset_id,
-    set_reference_metadata,
+    set_reference_system_metadata,
     update_asset_hash_and_mime,
 )
 from app.assets.services.bulk_ingest import (
@@ -490,8 +490,8 @@ def enrich_asset(
             logging.warning("Failed to hash %s: %s", file_path, e)
 
     if extract_metadata and metadata:
-        user_metadata = metadata.to_user_metadata()
-        set_reference_metadata(session, reference_id, user_metadata)
+        system_metadata = metadata.to_user_metadata()
+        set_reference_system_metadata(session, reference_id, system_metadata)
 
     if full_hash:
         existing = get_asset_by_hash(session, full_hash)
diff --git a/app/assets/services/asset_management.py b/app/assets/services/asset_management.py
index 3fe7115c8..5aefd9956 100644
--- a/app/assets/services/asset_management.py
+++ b/app/assets/services/asset_management.py
@@ -16,10 +16,12 @@ from app.assets.database.queries import (
     get_reference_by_id,
     get_reference_with_owner_check,
     list_references_page,
+    list_all_file_paths_by_asset_id,
     list_references_by_asset_id,
     set_reference_metadata,
     set_reference_preview,
     set_reference_tags,
+    update_asset_hash_and_mime,
     update_reference_access_time,
     update_reference_name,
     update_reference_updated_at,
@@ -67,6 +69,8 @@ def update_asset_metadata(
     user_metadata: UserMetadata = None,
     tag_origin: str = "manual",
     owner_id: str = "",
+    mime_type: str | None = None,
+    preview_id: str | None = None,
 ) -> AssetDetailResult:
     with create_session() as session:
         ref = get_reference_with_owner_check(session, reference_id, owner_id)
@@ -103,6 +107,21 @@ def update_asset_metadata(
             )
             touched = True
 
+        if mime_type is not None:
+            updated = update_asset_hash_and_mime(
+                session, asset_id=ref.asset_id, mime_type=mime_type
+            )
+            if updated:
+                touched = True
+
+        if preview_id is not None:
+            set_reference_preview(
+                session,
+                reference_id=reference_id,
+                preview_reference_id=preview_id,
+            )
+            touched = True
+
         if touched and user_metadata is None:
             update_reference_updated_at(session, reference_id=reference_id)
 
@@ -159,11 +178,9 @@ def delete_asset_reference(
             session.commit()
             return True
 
-        # Orphaned asset - delete it and its files
-        refs = list_references_by_asset_id(session, asset_id=asset_id)
-        file_paths = [
-            r.file_path for r in (refs or []) if getattr(r, "file_path", None)
-        ]
+        # Orphaned asset - gather ALL file paths (including
+        # soft-deleted / missing refs) so their on-disk files get cleaned up.
+        file_paths = list_all_file_paths_by_asset_id(session, asset_id=asset_id)
         # Also include the just-deleted file path
         if file_path:
             file_paths.append(file_path)
@@ -185,7 +202,7 @@ def delete_asset_reference(
 
 def set_asset_preview(
     reference_id: str,
-    preview_asset_id: str | None = None,
+    preview_reference_id: str | None = None,
     owner_id: str = "",
 ) -> AssetDetailResult:
     with create_session() as session:
@@ -194,7 +211,7 @@ def set_asset_preview(
         set_reference_preview(
             session,
             reference_id=reference_id,
-            preview_asset_id=preview_asset_id,
+            preview_reference_id=preview_reference_id,
         )
 
         result = fetch_reference_asset_and_tags(
@@ -263,6 +280,47 @@ def list_assets_page(
         return ListAssetsResult(items=items, total=total)
 
 
+def resolve_hash_to_path(
+    asset_hash: str,
+    owner_id: str = "",
+) -> DownloadResolutionResult | None:
+    """Resolve a blake3 hash to an on-disk file path.
+
+    Only references visible to *owner_id* are considered (owner-less
+    references are always visible).
+
+    Returns a DownloadResolutionResult with abs_path, content_type, and
+    download_name, or None if no asset or live path is found.
+    """
+    with create_session() as session:
+        asset = queries_get_asset_by_hash(session, asset_hash)
+        if not asset:
+            return None
+        refs = list_references_by_asset_id(session, asset_id=asset.id)
+        visible = [
+            r for r in refs
+            if r.owner_id == "" or r.owner_id == owner_id
+        ]
+        abs_path = select_best_live_path(visible)
+        if not abs_path:
+            return None
+        display_name = os.path.basename(abs_path)
+        for ref in visible:
+            if ref.file_path == abs_path and ref.name:
+                display_name = ref.name
+                break
+        ctype = (
+            asset.mime_type
+            or mimetypes.guess_type(display_name)[0]
+            or "application/octet-stream"
+        )
+    return DownloadResolutionResult(
+        abs_path=abs_path,
+        content_type=ctype,
+        download_name=display_name,
+    )
+
+
 def resolve_asset_for_download(
     reference_id: str,
     owner_id: str = "",
diff --git a/app/assets/services/ingest.py b/app/assets/services/ingest.py
index 44d7aef36..90c51994f 100644
--- a/app/assets/services/ingest.py
+++ b/app/assets/services/ingest.py
@@ -11,13 +11,14 @@ from app.assets.database.queries import (
     add_tags_to_reference,
     fetch_reference_and_asset,
     get_asset_by_hash,
-    get_existing_asset_ids,
     get_reference_by_file_path,
     get_reference_tags,
     get_or_create_reference,
+    reference_exists,
     remove_missing_tag_for_asset_id,
     set_reference_metadata,
     set_reference_tags,
+    update_asset_hash_and_mime,
     upsert_asset,
     upsert_reference,
     validate_tags_exist,
@@ -26,6 +27,7 @@ from app.assets.helpers import normalize_tags
 from app.assets.services.file_utils import get_size_and_mtime_ns
 from app.assets.services.path_utils import (
     compute_relative_filename,
+    get_name_and_tags_from_asset_path,
     resolve_destination_from_tags,
     validate_path_within_base,
 )
@@ -65,7 +67,7 @@ def _ingest_file_from_path(
 
     with create_session() as session:
         if preview_id:
-            if preview_id not in get_existing_asset_ids(session, [preview_id]):
+            if not reference_exists(session, preview_id):
                 preview_id = None
 
         asset, asset_created, asset_updated = upsert_asset(
@@ -135,6 +137,8 @@ def _register_existing_asset(
     tags: list[str] | None = None,
     tag_origin: str = "manual",
     owner_id: str = "",
+    mime_type: str | None = None,
+    preview_id: str | None = None,
 ) -> RegisterAssetResult:
     user_metadata = user_metadata or {}
 
@@ -143,14 +147,25 @@ def _register_existing_asset(
         if not asset:
             raise ValueError(f"No asset with hash {asset_hash}")
 
+        if mime_type and not asset.mime_type:
+            update_asset_hash_and_mime(session, asset_id=asset.id, mime_type=mime_type)
+
+        if preview_id:
+            if not reference_exists(session, preview_id):
+                preview_id = None
+
         ref, ref_created = get_or_create_reference(
             session,
             asset_id=asset.id,
             owner_id=owner_id,
             name=name,
+            preview_id=preview_id,
         )
 
         if not ref_created:
+            if preview_id and ref.preview_id != preview_id:
+                ref.preview_id = preview_id
+
             tag_names = get_reference_tags(session, reference_id=ref.id)
             result = RegisterAssetResult(
                 ref=extract_reference_data(ref),
@@ -242,6 +257,8 @@ def upload_from_temp_path(
     client_filename: str | None = None,
     owner_id: str = "",
     expected_hash: str | None = None,
+    mime_type: str | None = None,
+    preview_id: str | None = None,
 ) -> UploadResult:
     try:
         digest, _ = hashing.compute_blake3_hash(temp_path)
@@ -270,6 +287,8 @@ def upload_from_temp_path(
             tags=tags or [],
             tag_origin="manual",
             owner_id=owner_id,
+            mime_type=mime_type,
+            preview_id=preview_id,
         )
         return UploadResult(
             ref=result.ref,
@@ -291,7 +310,7 @@ def upload_from_temp_path(
     dest_abs = os.path.abspath(os.path.join(dest_dir, hashed_basename))
     validate_path_within_base(dest_abs, base_dir)
 
-    content_type = (
+    content_type = mime_type or (
         mimetypes.guess_type(os.path.basename(src_for_ext), strict=False)[0]
         or mimetypes.guess_type(hashed_basename, strict=False)[0]
         or "application/octet-stream"
@@ -315,7 +334,7 @@ def upload_from_temp_path(
         mime_type=content_type,
         info_name=_sanitize_filename(name or client_filename, fallback=digest),
         owner_id=owner_id,
-        preview_id=None,
+        preview_id=preview_id,
         user_metadata=user_metadata or {},
         tags=tags,
         tag_origin="manual",
@@ -342,30 +361,99 @@ def upload_from_temp_path(
     )
 
 
+def register_file_in_place(
+    abs_path: str,
+    name: str,
+    tags: list[str],
+    owner_id: str = "",
+    mime_type: str | None = None,
+) -> UploadResult:
+    """Register an already-saved file in the asset database without moving it.
+
+    Tags are derived from the filesystem path (root category + subfolder names),
+    merged with any caller-provided tags, matching the behavior of the scanner.
+    If the path is not under a known root, only the caller-provided tags are used.
+    """
+    try:
+        _, path_tags = get_name_and_tags_from_asset_path(abs_path)
+    except ValueError:
+        path_tags = []
+    merged_tags = normalize_tags([*path_tags, *tags])
+
+    try:
+        digest, _ = hashing.compute_blake3_hash(abs_path)
+    except ImportError as e:
+        raise DependencyMissingError(str(e))
+    except Exception as e:
+        raise RuntimeError(f"failed to hash file: {e}")
+    asset_hash = "blake3:" + digest
+
+    size_bytes, mtime_ns = get_size_and_mtime_ns(abs_path)
+    content_type = mime_type or (
+        mimetypes.guess_type(abs_path, strict=False)[0]
+        or "application/octet-stream"
+    )
+
+    ingest_result = _ingest_file_from_path(
+        abs_path=abs_path,
+        asset_hash=asset_hash,
+        size_bytes=size_bytes,
+        mtime_ns=mtime_ns,
+        mime_type=content_type,
+        info_name=_sanitize_filename(name, fallback=digest),
+        owner_id=owner_id,
+        tags=merged_tags,
+        tag_origin="upload",
+        require_existing_tags=False,
+    )
+    reference_id = ingest_result.reference_id
+    if not reference_id:
+        raise RuntimeError("failed to create asset reference")
+
+    with create_session() as session:
+        pair = fetch_reference_and_asset(
+            session, reference_id=reference_id, owner_id=owner_id
+        )
+        if not pair:
+            raise RuntimeError("inconsistent DB state after ingest")
+        ref, asset = pair
+        tag_names = get_reference_tags(session, reference_id=ref.id)
+
+    return UploadResult(
+        ref=extract_reference_data(ref),
+        asset=extract_asset_data(asset),
+        tags=tag_names,
+        created_new=ingest_result.asset_created,
+    )
+
+
 def create_from_hash(
     hash_str: str,
     name: str,
     tags: list[str] | None = None,
     user_metadata: dict | None = None,
     owner_id: str = "",
+    mime_type: str | None = None,
+    preview_id: str | None = None,
 ) -> UploadResult | None:
     canonical = hash_str.strip().lower()
 
-    with create_session() as session:
-        asset = get_asset_by_hash(session, asset_hash=canonical)
-        if not asset:
-            return None
-
-    result = _register_existing_asset(
-        asset_hash=canonical,
-        name=_sanitize_filename(
-            name, fallback=canonical.split(":", 1)[1] if ":" in canonical else canonical
-        ),
-        user_metadata=user_metadata or {},
-        tags=tags or [],
-        tag_origin="manual",
-        owner_id=owner_id,
-    )
+    try:
+        result = _register_existing_asset(
+            asset_hash=canonical,
+            name=_sanitize_filename(
+                name, fallback=canonical.split(":", 1)[1] if ":" in canonical else canonical
+            ),
+            user_metadata=user_metadata or {},
+            tags=tags or [],
+            tag_origin="manual",
+            owner_id=owner_id,
+            mime_type=mime_type,
+            preview_id=preview_id,
+        )
+    except ValueError:
+        logging.warning("create_from_hash: no asset found for hash %s", canonical)
+        return None
 
     return UploadResult(
         ref=result.ref,
diff --git a/app/assets/services/schemas.py b/app/assets/services/schemas.py
index 8b1f1f4dc..0eb128f58 100644
--- a/app/assets/services/schemas.py
+++ b/app/assets/services/schemas.py
@@ -25,7 +25,9 @@ class ReferenceData:
     preview_id: str | None
     created_at: datetime
     updated_at: datetime
-    last_access_time: datetime | None
+    system_metadata: dict[str, Any] | None = None
+    job_id: str | None = None
+    last_access_time: datetime | None = None
 
 
 @dataclass(frozen=True)
@@ -93,6 +95,8 @@ def extract_reference_data(ref: AssetReference) -> ReferenceData:
         file_path=ref.file_path,
         user_metadata=ref.user_metadata,
         preview_id=ref.preview_id,
+        system_metadata=ref.system_metadata,
+        job_id=ref.job_id,
         created_at=ref.created_at,
         updated_at=ref.updated_at,
         last_access_time=ref.last_access_time,
diff --git a/app/assets/services/tagging.py b/app/assets/services/tagging.py
index 28900464d..37b612753 100644
--- a/app/assets/services/tagging.py
+++ b/app/assets/services/tagging.py
@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+from typing import Sequence
+
 from app.assets.database.queries import (
     AddTagsResult,
     RemoveTagsResult,
@@ -6,6 +8,7 @@ from app.assets.database.queries import (
     list_tags_with_usage,
     remove_tags_from_reference,
 )
+from app.assets.database.queries.tags import list_tag_counts_for_filtered_assets
 from app.assets.services.schemas import TagUsage
 from app.database.db import create_session
 
@@ -73,3 +76,23 @@ def list_tags(
         )
 
     return [TagUsage(name, tag_type, count) for name, tag_type, count in rows], total
+
+
+def list_tag_histogram(
+    owner_id: str = "",
+    include_tags: Sequence[str] | None = None,
+    exclude_tags: Sequence[str] | None = None,
+    name_contains: str | None = None,
+    metadata_filter: dict | None = None,
+    limit: int = 100,
+) -> dict[str, int]:
+    with create_session() as session:
+        return list_tag_counts_for_filtered_assets(
+            session,
+            owner_id=owner_id,
+            include_tags=include_tags,
+            exclude_tags=exclude_tags,
+            name_contains=name_contains,
+            metadata_filter=metadata_filter,
+            limit=limit,
+        )
diff --git a/app/database/models.py b/app/database/models.py
index e7572677a..b02856f6e 100644
--- a/app/database/models.py
+++ b/app/database/models.py
@@ -1,9 +1,18 @@
 from typing import Any
 from datetime import datetime
+from sqlalchemy import MetaData
 from sqlalchemy.orm import DeclarativeBase
 
+NAMING_CONVENTION = {
+    "ix": "ix_%(table_name)s_%(column_0_N_name)s",
+    "uq": "uq_%(table_name)s_%(column_0_N_name)s",
+    "ck": "ck_%(table_name)s_%(constraint_name)s",
+    "fk": "fk_%(table_name)s_%(column_0_name)s_%(referred_table_name)s",
+    "pk": "pk_%(table_name)s",
+}
+
 class Base(DeclarativeBase):
-    pass
+    metadata = MetaData(naming_convention=NAMING_CONVENTION)
 
 def to_dict(obj: Any, include_none: bool = False) -> dict[str, Any]:
     fields = obj.__table__.columns.keys()
diff --git a/app/user_manager.py b/app/user_manager.py
index e2c00dab2..e18afb71b 100644
--- a/app/user_manager.py
+++ b/app/user_manager.py
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ import uuid
 import glob
 import shutil
 import logging
+import tempfile
 from aiohttp import web
 from urllib import parse
 from comfy.cli_args import args
@@ -377,8 +378,15 @@ class UserManager():
             try:
                 body = await request.read()
 
-                with open(path, "wb") as f:
-                    f.write(body)
+                dir_name = os.path.dirname(path)
+                fd, tmp_path = tempfile.mkstemp(dir=dir_name)
+                try:
+                    with os.fdopen(fd, "wb") as f:
+                        f.write(body)
+                    os.replace(tmp_path, path)
+                except:
+                    os.unlink(tmp_path)
+                    raise
             except OSError as e:
                 logging.warning(f"Error saving file '{path}': {e}")
                 return web.Response(
diff --git a/comfy/cli_args.py b/comfy/cli_args.py
index e9832acaf..13612175e 100644
--- a/comfy/cli_args.py
+++ b/comfy/cli_args.py
@@ -83,6 +83,8 @@ fpte_group.add_argument("--fp16-text-enc", action="store_true", help="Store text
 fpte_group.add_argument("--fp32-text-enc", action="store_true", help="Store text encoder weights in fp32.")
 fpte_group.add_argument("--bf16-text-enc", action="store_true", help="Store text encoder weights in bf16.")
 
+parser.add_argument("--fp16-intermediates", action="store_true", help="Experimental: Use fp16 for intermediate tensors between nodes instead of fp32.")
+
 parser.add_argument("--force-channels-last", action="store_true", help="Force channels last format when inferencing the models.")
 
 parser.add_argument("--directml", type=int, nargs="?", metavar="DIRECTML_DEVICE", const=-1, help="Use torch-directml.")
@@ -147,6 +149,7 @@ parser.add_argument("--reserve-vram", type=float, default=None, help="Set the am
 parser.add_argument("--async-offload", nargs='?', const=2, type=int, default=None, metavar="NUM_STREAMS", help="Use async weight offloading. An optional argument controls the amount of offload streams. Default is 2. Enabled by default on Nvidia.")
 parser.add_argument("--disable-async-offload", action="store_true", help="Disable async weight offloading.")
 parser.add_argument("--disable-dynamic-vram", action="store_true", help="Disable dynamic VRAM and use estimate based model loading.")
+parser.add_argument("--enable-dynamic-vram", action="store_true", help="Enable dynamic VRAM on systems where it's not enabled by default.")
 
 parser.add_argument("--force-non-blocking", action="store_true", help="Force ComfyUI to use non-blocking operations for all applicable tensors. This may improve performance on some non-Nvidia systems but can cause issues with some workflows.")
 
@@ -260,4 +263,6 @@ else:
     args.fast = set(args.fast)
 
 def enables_dynamic_vram():
+    if args.enable_dynamic_vram:
+        return True
     return not args.disable_dynamic_vram and not args.highvram and not args.gpu_only and not args.novram and not args.cpu
diff --git a/comfy/context_windows.py b/comfy/context_windows.py
index b54f7f39a..cb44ee6e8 100644
--- a/comfy/context_windows.py
+++ b/comfy/context_windows.py
@@ -93,6 +93,50 @@ class IndexListCallbacks:
         return {}
 
 
+def slice_cond(cond_value, window: IndexListContextWindow, x_in: torch.Tensor, device, temporal_dim: int, temporal_scale: int=1, temporal_offset: int=0, retain_index_list: list[int]=[]):
+    if not (hasattr(cond_value, "cond") and isinstance(cond_value.cond, torch.Tensor)):
+        return None
+    cond_tensor = cond_value.cond
+    if temporal_dim >= cond_tensor.ndim:
+        return None
+
+    cond_size = cond_tensor.size(temporal_dim)
+
+    if temporal_scale == 1:
+        expected_size = x_in.size(window.dim) - temporal_offset
+        if cond_size != expected_size:
+            return None
+
+    if temporal_offset == 0 and temporal_scale == 1:
+        sliced = window.get_tensor(cond_tensor, device, dim=temporal_dim, retain_index_list=retain_index_list)
+        return cond_value._copy_with(sliced)
+
+    # skip leading latent positions that have no corresponding conditioning (e.g. reference frames)
+    if temporal_offset > 0:
+        indices = [i - temporal_offset for i in window.index_list[temporal_offset:]]
+        indices = [i for i in indices if 0 <= i]
+    else:
+        indices = list(window.index_list)
+
+    if not indices:
+        return None
+
+    if temporal_scale > 1:
+        scaled = []
+        for i in indices:
+            for k in range(temporal_scale):
+                si = i * temporal_scale + k
+                if si < cond_size:
+                    scaled.append(si)
+        indices = scaled
+        if not indices:
+            return None
+
+    idx = tuple([slice(None)] * temporal_dim + [indices])
+    sliced = cond_tensor[idx].to(device)
+    return cond_value._copy_with(sliced)
+
+
 @dataclass
 class ContextSchedule:
     name: str
@@ -177,10 +221,17 @@ class IndexListContextHandler(ContextHandlerABC):
                                     new_cond_item[cond_key] = result
                                     handled = True
                                     break
+                            if not handled and self._model is not None:
+                                result = self._model.resize_cond_for_context_window(
+                                    cond_key, cond_value, window, x_in, device,
+                                    retain_index_list=self.cond_retain_index_list)
+                                if result is not None:
+                                    new_cond_item[cond_key] = result
+                                    handled = True
                             if handled:
                                 continue
                             if isinstance(cond_value, torch.Tensor):
-                                if (self.dim < cond_value.ndim and cond_value(self.dim) == x_in.size(self.dim)) or \
+                                if (self.dim < cond_value.ndim and cond_value.size(self.dim) == x_in.size(self.dim)) or \
                                    (cond_value.ndim < self.dim and cond_value.size(0) == x_in.size(self.dim)):
                                     new_cond_item[cond_key] = window.get_tensor(cond_value, device)
                             # Handle audio_embed (temporal dim is 1)
@@ -224,6 +275,7 @@ class IndexListContextHandler(ContextHandlerABC):
         return context_windows
 
     def execute(self, calc_cond_batch: Callable, model: BaseModel, conds: list[list[dict]], x_in: torch.Tensor, timestep: torch.Tensor, model_options: dict[str]):
+        self._model = model
         self.set_step(timestep, model_options)
         context_windows = self.get_context_windows(model, x_in, model_options)
         enumerated_context_windows = list(enumerate(context_windows))
diff --git a/comfy/float.py b/comfy/float.py
index 88c47cd80..184b3d6d0 100644
--- a/comfy/float.py
+++ b/comfy/float.py
@@ -209,3 +209,39 @@ def stochastic_round_quantize_nvfp4_by_block(x, per_tensor_scale, pad_16x, seed=
         output_block[i:i + slice_size].copy_(block)
 
     return output_fp4, to_blocked(output_block, flatten=False)
+
+
+def stochastic_round_quantize_mxfp8_by_block(x, pad_32x, seed=0):
+    def roundup(x_val, multiple):
+        return ((x_val + multiple - 1) // multiple) * multiple
+
+    if pad_32x:
+        rows, cols = x.shape
+        padded_rows = roundup(rows, 32)
+        padded_cols = roundup(cols, 32)
+        if padded_rows != rows or padded_cols != cols:
+            x = torch.nn.functional.pad(x, (0, padded_cols - cols, 0, padded_rows - rows))
+
+    F8_E4M3_MAX = 448.0
+    E8M0_BIAS = 127
+    BLOCK_SIZE = 32
+
+    rows, cols = x.shape
+    x_blocked = x.reshape(rows, -1, BLOCK_SIZE)
+    max_abs = torch.amax(torch.abs(x_blocked), dim=-1)
+
+    # E8M0 block scales (power-of-2 exponents)
+    scale_needed = torch.clamp(max_abs.float() / F8_E4M3_MAX, min=2**(-127))
+    exp_biased = torch.clamp(torch.ceil(torch.log2(scale_needed)).to(torch.int32) + E8M0_BIAS, 0, 254)
+    block_scales_e8m0 = exp_biased.to(torch.uint8)
+
+    zero_mask = (max_abs == 0)
+    block_scales_f32 = (block_scales_e8m0.to(torch.int32) << 23).view(torch.float32)
+    block_scales_f32 = torch.where(zero_mask, torch.ones_like(block_scales_f32), block_scales_f32)
+
+    # Scale per-block then stochastic round
+    data_scaled = (x_blocked.float() / block_scales_f32.unsqueeze(-1)).reshape(rows, cols)
+    output_fp8 = stochastic_rounding(data_scaled, torch.float8_e4m3fn, seed=seed)
+
+    block_scales_e8m0 = torch.where(zero_mask, torch.zeros_like(block_scales_e8m0), block_scales_e8m0)
+    return output_fp8, to_blocked(block_scales_e8m0, flatten=False).view(torch.float8_e8m0fnu)
diff --git a/comfy/ldm/cascade/stage_a.py b/comfy/ldm/cascade/stage_a.py
index 145e6e69a..e4e30cacd 100644
--- a/comfy/ldm/cascade/stage_a.py
+++ b/comfy/ldm/cascade/stage_a.py
@@ -136,16 +136,7 @@ class ResBlock(nn.Module):
             ops.Linear(c_hidden, c),
         )
 
-        self.gammas = nn.Parameter(torch.zeros(6), requires_grad=True)
-
-        # Init weights
-        def _basic_init(module):
-            if isinstance(module, nn.Linear) or isinstance(module, nn.Conv2d):
-                torch.nn.init.xavier_uniform_(module.weight)
-                if module.bias is not None:
-                    nn.init.constant_(module.bias, 0)
-
-        self.apply(_basic_init)
+        self.gammas = nn.Parameter(torch.zeros(6), requires_grad=False)
 
     def _norm(self, x, norm):
         return norm(x.permute(0, 2, 3, 1)).permute(0, 3, 1, 2)
diff --git a/comfy/ldm/hunyuan3dv2_1/hunyuandit.py b/comfy/ldm/hunyuan3dv2_1/hunyuandit.py
index d48d9d642..f67ba84e9 100644
--- a/comfy/ldm/hunyuan3dv2_1/hunyuandit.py
+++ b/comfy/ldm/hunyuan3dv2_1/hunyuandit.py
@@ -343,6 +343,7 @@ class CrossAttention(nn.Module):
             k.reshape(b, s2, self.num_heads * self.head_dim),
             v,
             heads=self.num_heads,
+            low_precision_attention=False,
         )
 
         out = self.out_proj(x)
@@ -412,6 +413,7 @@ class Attention(nn.Module):
             key.reshape(B, N, self.num_heads * self.head_dim),
             value,
             heads=self.num_heads,
+            low_precision_attention=False,
         )
 
         x = self.out_proj(x)
diff --git a/comfy/ldm/lightricks/vae/causal_conv3d.py b/comfy/ldm/lightricks/vae/causal_conv3d.py
index b8341edbc..7515f0d4e 100644
--- a/comfy/ldm/lightricks/vae/causal_conv3d.py
+++ b/comfy/ldm/lightricks/vae/causal_conv3d.py
@@ -23,6 +23,11 @@ class CausalConv3d(nn.Module):
         self.in_channels = in_channels
         self.out_channels = out_channels
 
+        if isinstance(stride, int):
+            self.time_stride = stride
+        else:
+            self.time_stride = stride[0]
+
         kernel_size = (kernel_size, kernel_size, kernel_size)
         self.time_kernel_size = kernel_size[0]
 
@@ -58,16 +63,25 @@ class CausalConv3d(nn.Module):
         pieces = [ cached, x ]
         if is_end and not causal:
             pieces.append(x[:, :, -1:, :, :].repeat((1, 1, (self.time_kernel_size - 1) // 2, 1, 1)))
+        input_length = sum([piece.shape[2] for piece in pieces])
+        cache_length = (self.time_kernel_size - self.time_stride) + ((input_length - self.time_kernel_size) % self.time_stride)
 
         needs_caching = not is_end
-        if needs_caching and x.shape[2] >= self.time_kernel_size - 1:
+        if needs_caching and cache_length == 0:
+            self.temporal_cache_state[tid] = (x[:, :, :0, :, :], False)
             needs_caching = False
-            self.temporal_cache_state[tid] = (x[:, :, -(self.time_kernel_size - 1):, :, :], False)
+        if needs_caching and x.shape[2] >= cache_length:
+            needs_caching = False
+            self.temporal_cache_state[tid] = (x[:, :, -cache_length:, :, :], False)
 
         x = torch.cat(pieces, dim=2)
+        del pieces
+        del cached
 
         if needs_caching:
-            self.temporal_cache_state[tid] = (x[:, :, -(self.time_kernel_size - 1):, :, :], False)
+            self.temporal_cache_state[tid] = (x[:, :, -cache_length:, :, :], False)
+        elif is_end:
+            self.temporal_cache_state[tid] = (None, True)
 
         return self.conv(x) if x.shape[2] >= self.time_kernel_size else x[:, :, :0, :, :]
 
diff --git a/comfy/ldm/lightricks/vae/causal_video_autoencoder.py b/comfy/ldm/lightricks/vae/causal_video_autoencoder.py
index 5b57dfc5e..998122c85 100644
--- a/comfy/ldm/lightricks/vae/causal_video_autoencoder.py
+++ b/comfy/ldm/lightricks/vae/causal_video_autoencoder.py
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ from .causal_conv3d import CausalConv3d
 from .pixel_norm import PixelNorm
 from ..model import PixArtAlphaCombinedTimestepSizeEmbeddings
 import comfy.ops
+import comfy.model_management
 from comfy.ldm.modules.diffusionmodules.model import torch_cat_if_needed
 
 ops = comfy.ops.disable_weight_init
@@ -232,10 +233,7 @@ class Encoder(nn.Module):
 
         self.gradient_checkpointing = False
 
-    def forward_orig(self, sample: torch.FloatTensor) -> torch.FloatTensor:
-        r"""The forward method of the `Encoder` class."""
-
-        sample = patchify(sample, patch_size_hw=self.patch_size, patch_size_t=1)
+    def _forward_chunk(self, sample: torch.FloatTensor) -> Optional[torch.FloatTensor]:
         sample = self.conv_in(sample)
 
         checkpoint_fn = (
@@ -246,10 +244,14 @@ class Encoder(nn.Module):
 
         for down_block in self.down_blocks:
             sample = checkpoint_fn(down_block)(sample)
+            if sample is None or sample.shape[2] == 0:
+                return None
 
         sample = self.conv_norm_out(sample)
         sample = self.conv_act(sample)
         sample = self.conv_out(sample)
+        if sample is None or sample.shape[2] == 0:
+            return None
 
         if self.latent_log_var == "uniform":
             last_channel = sample[:, -1:, ...]
@@ -281,9 +283,35 @@ class Encoder(nn.Module):
 
         return sample
 
+    def forward_orig(self, sample: torch.FloatTensor, device=None) -> torch.FloatTensor:
+        r"""The forward method of the `Encoder` class."""
+
+        max_chunk_size = get_max_chunk_size(sample.device if device is None else device) * 2  # encoder is more memory-efficient than decoder
+        frame_size = sample[:, :, :1, :, :].numel() * sample.element_size()
+        frame_size = int(frame_size * (self.conv_in.out_channels / self.conv_in.in_channels))
+
+        outputs = []
+        samples = [sample[:, :, :1, :, :]]
+        if sample.shape[2] > 1:
+            chunk_t = max(2, max_chunk_size // frame_size)
+            if chunk_t < 4:
+                chunk_t = 2
+            elif chunk_t < 8:
+                chunk_t = 4
+            else:
+                chunk_t = (chunk_t // 8) * 8
+            samples += list(torch.split(sample[:, :, 1:, :, :], chunk_t, dim=2))
+        for chunk_idx, chunk in enumerate(samples):
+            if chunk_idx == len(samples) - 1:
+                mark_conv3d_ended(self)
+            chunk = patchify(chunk, patch_size_hw=self.patch_size, patch_size_t=1).to(device=device)
+            output = self._forward_chunk(chunk)
+            if output is not None:
+                outputs.append(output)
+
+        return torch_cat_if_needed(outputs, dim=2)
+
     def forward(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        #No encoder support so just flag the end so it doesnt use the cache.
-        mark_conv3d_ended(self)
         try:
             return self.forward_orig(*args, **kwargs)
         finally:
@@ -296,7 +324,23 @@ class Encoder(nn.Module):
                     module.temporal_cache_state.pop(tid, None)
 
 
-MAX_CHUNK_SIZE=(128 * 1024 ** 2)
+MIN_VRAM_FOR_CHUNK_SCALING = 6 * 1024 ** 3
+MAX_VRAM_FOR_CHUNK_SCALING = 24 * 1024 ** 3
+MIN_CHUNK_SIZE = 32 * 1024 ** 2
+MAX_CHUNK_SIZE = 128 * 1024 ** 2
+
+def get_max_chunk_size(device: torch.device) -> int:
+    total_memory = comfy.model_management.get_total_memory(dev=device)
+
+    if total_memory <= MIN_VRAM_FOR_CHUNK_SCALING:
+        return MIN_CHUNK_SIZE
+    if total_memory >= MAX_VRAM_FOR_CHUNK_SCALING:
+        return MAX_CHUNK_SIZE
+
+    interp = (total_memory - MIN_VRAM_FOR_CHUNK_SCALING) / (
+        MAX_VRAM_FOR_CHUNK_SCALING - MIN_VRAM_FOR_CHUNK_SCALING
+    )
+    return int(MIN_CHUNK_SIZE + interp * (MAX_CHUNK_SIZE - MIN_CHUNK_SIZE))
 
 class Decoder(nn.Module):
     r"""
@@ -456,6 +500,17 @@ class Decoder(nn.Module):
 
         self.gradient_checkpointing = False
 
+        # Precompute output scale factors: (channels, (t_scale, h_scale, w_scale), t_offset)
+        ts, hs, ws, to = 1, 1, 1, 0
+        for block in self.up_blocks:
+            if isinstance(block, DepthToSpaceUpsample):
+                ts *= block.stride[0]
+                hs *= block.stride[1]
+                ws *= block.stride[2]
+                if block.stride[0] > 1:
+                    to = to * block.stride[0] + 1
+        self._output_scale = (out_channels // (patch_size ** 2), (ts, hs * patch_size, ws * patch_size), to)
+
         self.timestep_conditioning = timestep_conditioning
 
         if timestep_conditioning:
@@ -477,11 +532,62 @@ class Decoder(nn.Module):
             )
 
 
-    # def forward(self, sample: torch.FloatTensor, target_shape) -> torch.FloatTensor:
+    def decode_output_shape(self, input_shape):
+        c, (ts, hs, ws), to = self._output_scale
+        return (input_shape[0], c, input_shape[2] * ts - to, input_shape[3] * hs, input_shape[4] * ws)
+
+    def run_up(self, idx, sample_ref, ended, timestep_shift_scale, scaled_timestep, checkpoint_fn, output_buffer, output_offset, max_chunk_size):
+        sample = sample_ref[0]
+        sample_ref[0] = None
+        if idx >= len(self.up_blocks):
+            sample = self.conv_norm_out(sample)
+            if timestep_shift_scale is not None:
+                shift, scale = timestep_shift_scale
+                sample = sample * (1 + scale) + shift
+            sample = self.conv_act(sample)
+            if ended:
+                mark_conv3d_ended(self.conv_out)
+            sample = self.conv_out(sample, causal=self.causal)
+            if sample is not None and sample.shape[2] > 0:
+                sample = unpatchify(sample, patch_size_hw=self.patch_size, patch_size_t=1)
+                t = sample.shape[2]
+                output_buffer[:, :, output_offset[0]:output_offset[0] + t].copy_(sample)
+                output_offset[0] += t
+            return
+
+        up_block = self.up_blocks[idx]
+        if ended:
+            mark_conv3d_ended(up_block)
+        if self.timestep_conditioning and isinstance(up_block, UNetMidBlock3D):
+            sample = checkpoint_fn(up_block)(
+                sample, causal=self.causal, timestep=scaled_timestep
+            )
+        else:
+            sample = checkpoint_fn(up_block)(sample, causal=self.causal)
+
+        if sample is None or sample.shape[2] == 0:
+            return
+
+        total_bytes = sample.numel() * sample.element_size()
+        num_chunks = (total_bytes + max_chunk_size - 1) // max_chunk_size
+
+        if num_chunks == 1:
+            # when we are not chunking, detach our x so the callee can free it as soon as they are done
+            next_sample_ref = [sample]
+            del sample
+            self.run_up(idx + 1, next_sample_ref, ended, timestep_shift_scale, scaled_timestep, checkpoint_fn, output_buffer, output_offset, max_chunk_size)
+            return
+        else:
+            samples = torch.chunk(sample, chunks=num_chunks, dim=2)
+
+            for chunk_idx, sample1 in enumerate(samples):
+                self.run_up(idx + 1, [sample1], ended and chunk_idx == len(samples) - 1, timestep_shift_scale, scaled_timestep, checkpoint_fn, output_buffer, output_offset, max_chunk_size)
+
     def forward_orig(
         self,
         sample: torch.FloatTensor,
         timestep: Optional[torch.Tensor] = None,
+        output_buffer: Optional[torch.Tensor] = None,
     ) -> torch.FloatTensor:
         r"""The forward method of the `Decoder` class."""
         batch_size = sample.shape[0]
@@ -496,6 +602,7 @@ class Decoder(nn.Module):
         )
 
         timestep_shift_scale = None
+        scaled_timestep = None
         if self.timestep_conditioning:
             assert (
                 timestep is not None
@@ -523,48 +630,18 @@ class Decoder(nn.Module):
             )
             timestep_shift_scale = ada_values.unbind(dim=1)
 
-        output = []
+        if output_buffer is None:
+            output_buffer = torch.empty(
+                self.decode_output_shape(sample.shape),
+                dtype=sample.dtype, device=comfy.model_management.intermediate_device(),
+            )
+        output_offset = [0]
 
-        def run_up(idx, sample, ended):
-            if idx >= len(self.up_blocks):
-                sample = self.conv_norm_out(sample)
-                if timestep_shift_scale is not None:
-                    shift, scale = timestep_shift_scale
-                    sample = sample * (1 + scale) + shift
-                sample = self.conv_act(sample)
-                if ended:
-                    mark_conv3d_ended(self.conv_out)
-                sample = self.conv_out(sample, causal=self.causal)
-                if sample is not None and sample.shape[2] > 0:
-                    output.append(sample)
-                return
+        max_chunk_size = get_max_chunk_size(sample.device)
 
-            up_block = self.up_blocks[idx]
-            if (ended):
-                mark_conv3d_ended(up_block)
-            if self.timestep_conditioning and isinstance(up_block, UNetMidBlock3D):
-                sample = checkpoint_fn(up_block)(
-                    sample, causal=self.causal, timestep=scaled_timestep
-                )
-            else:
-                sample = checkpoint_fn(up_block)(sample, causal=self.causal)
+        self.run_up(0, [sample], True, timestep_shift_scale, scaled_timestep, checkpoint_fn, output_buffer, output_offset, max_chunk_size)
 
-            if sample is None or sample.shape[2] == 0:
-                return
-
-            total_bytes = sample.numel() * sample.element_size()
-            num_chunks = (total_bytes + MAX_CHUNK_SIZE - 1) // MAX_CHUNK_SIZE
-            samples = torch.chunk(sample, chunks=num_chunks, dim=2)
-
-            for chunk_idx, sample1 in enumerate(samples):
-                run_up(idx + 1, sample1, ended and chunk_idx == len(samples) - 1)
-
-        run_up(0, sample, True)
-        sample = torch.cat(output, dim=2)
-
-        sample = unpatchify(sample, patch_size_hw=self.patch_size, patch_size_t=1)
-
-        return sample
+        return output_buffer
 
     def forward(self, *args, **kwargs):
         try:
@@ -688,12 +765,25 @@ class SpaceToDepthDownsample(nn.Module):
             causal=True,
             spatial_padding_mode=spatial_padding_mode,
         )
+        self.temporal_cache_state = {}
 
     def forward(self, x, causal: bool = True):
-        if self.stride[0] == 2:
+        tid = threading.get_ident()
+        cached, pad_first, cached_x, cached_input = self.temporal_cache_state.get(tid, (None, True, None, None))
+        if cached_input is not None:
+            x = torch_cat_if_needed([cached_input, x], dim=2)
+            cached_input = None
+
+        if self.stride[0] == 2 and pad_first:
             x = torch.cat(
                 [x[:, :, :1, :, :], x], dim=2
             )  # duplicate first frames for padding
+            pad_first = False
+
+        if x.shape[2] < self.stride[0]:
+            cached_input = x
+            self.temporal_cache_state[tid] = (cached, pad_first, cached_x, cached_input)
+            return None
 
         # skip connection
         x_in = rearrange(
@@ -708,15 +798,26 @@ class SpaceToDepthDownsample(nn.Module):
 
         # conv
         x = self.conv(x, causal=causal)
-        x = rearrange(
-            x,
-            "b c (d p1) (h p2) (w p3) -> b (c p1 p2 p3) d h w",
-            p1=self.stride[0],
-            p2=self.stride[1],
-            p3=self.stride[2],
-        )
+        if self.stride[0] == 2 and x.shape[2] == 1:
+            if cached_x is not None:
+                x = torch_cat_if_needed([cached_x, x], dim=2)
+                cached_x = None
+            else:
+                cached_x = x
+                x = None
 
-        x = x + x_in
+        if x is not None:
+            x = rearrange(
+                x,
+                "b c (d p1) (h p2) (w p3) -> b (c p1 p2 p3) d h w",
+                p1=self.stride[0],
+                p2=self.stride[1],
+                p3=self.stride[2],
+            )
+
+        cached = add_exchange_cache(x, cached, x_in, dim=2)
+
+        self.temporal_cache_state[tid] = (cached, pad_first, cached_x, cached_input)
 
         return x
 
@@ -1049,6 +1150,8 @@ class processor(nn.Module):
         return (x - self.get_buffer("mean-of-means").view(1, -1, 1, 1, 1).to(x)) / self.get_buffer("std-of-means").view(1, -1, 1, 1, 1).to(x)
 
 class VideoVAE(nn.Module):
+    comfy_has_chunked_io = True
+
     def __init__(self, version=0, config=None):
         super().__init__()
 
@@ -1191,14 +1294,15 @@ class VideoVAE(nn.Module):
             }
         return config
 
-    def encode(self, x):
-        frames_count = x.shape[2]
-        if ((frames_count - 1) % 8) != 0:
-            raise ValueError("Invalid number of frames: Encode input must have 1 + 8 * x frames (e.g., 1, 9, 17, ...). Please check your input.")
-        means, logvar = torch.chunk(self.encoder(x), 2, dim=1)
+    def encode(self, x, device=None):
+        x = x[:, :, :max(1, 1 + ((x.shape[2] - 1) // 8) * 8), :, :]
+        means, logvar = torch.chunk(self.encoder(x, device=device), 2, dim=1)
         return self.per_channel_statistics.normalize(means)
 
-    def decode(self, x):
+    def decode_output_shape(self, input_shape):
+        return self.decoder.decode_output_shape(input_shape)
+
+    def decode(self, x, output_buffer=None):
         if self.timestep_conditioning: #TODO: seed
             x = torch.randn_like(x) * self.decode_noise_scale + (1.0 - self.decode_noise_scale) * x
-        return self.decoder(self.per_channel_statistics.un_normalize(x), timestep=self.decode_timestep)
+        return self.decoder(self.per_channel_statistics.un_normalize(x), timestep=self.decode_timestep, output_buffer=output_buffer)
diff --git a/comfy/ldm/wan/vae.py b/comfy/ldm/wan/vae.py
index 71f73c64e..57b0dabf7 100644
--- a/comfy/ldm/wan/vae.py
+++ b/comfy/ldm/wan/vae.py
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ class Resample(nn.Module):
         else:
             self.resample = nn.Identity()
 
-    def forward(self, x, feat_cache=None, feat_idx=[0]):
+    def forward(self, x, feat_cache=None, feat_idx=[0], final=False):
         b, c, t, h, w = x.size()
         if self.mode == 'upsample3d':
             if feat_cache is not None:
@@ -109,22 +109,7 @@ class Resample(nn.Module):
                     feat_idx[0] += 1
                 else:
 
-                    cache_x = x[:, :, -CACHE_T:, :, :].clone()
-                    if cache_x.shape[2] < 2 and feat_cache[
-                            idx] is not None and feat_cache[idx] != 'Rep':
-                        # cache last frame of last two chunk
-                        cache_x = torch.cat([
-                            feat_cache[idx][:, :, -1, :, :].unsqueeze(2).to(
-                                cache_x.device), cache_x
-                        ],
-                                            dim=2)
-                    if cache_x.shape[2] < 2 and feat_cache[
-                            idx] is not None and feat_cache[idx] == 'Rep':
-                        cache_x = torch.cat([
-                            torch.zeros_like(cache_x).to(cache_x.device),
-                            cache_x
-                        ],
-                                            dim=2)
+                    cache_x = x[:, :, -CACHE_T:, :, :]
                     if feat_cache[idx] == 'Rep':
                         x = self.time_conv(x)
                     else:
@@ -145,19 +130,24 @@ class Resample(nn.Module):
             if feat_cache is not None:
                 idx = feat_idx[0]
                 if feat_cache[idx] is None:
-                    feat_cache[idx] = x.clone()
-                    feat_idx[0] += 1
+                    feat_cache[idx] = x
                 else:
 
-                    cache_x = x[:, :, -1:, :, :].clone()
-                    # if cache_x.shape[2] < 2 and feat_cache[idx] is not None and feat_cache[idx]!='Rep':
-                    #     # cache last frame of last two chunk
-                    #     cache_x = torch.cat([feat_cache[idx][:, :, -1, :, :].unsqueeze(2).to(cache_x.device), cache_x], dim=2)
-
+                    cache_x = x[:, :, -1:, :, :]
                     x = self.time_conv(
                         torch.cat([feat_cache[idx][:, :, -1:, :, :], x], 2))
                     feat_cache[idx] = cache_x
-                    feat_idx[0] += 1
+
+                    deferred_x = feat_cache[idx + 1]
+                    if deferred_x is not None:
+                        x = torch.cat([deferred_x, x], 2)
+                        feat_cache[idx + 1] = None
+
+                    if x.shape[2] == 1 and not final:
+                        feat_cache[idx + 1] = x
+                        x = None
+
+                feat_idx[0] += 2
         return x
 
 
@@ -177,19 +167,12 @@ class ResidualBlock(nn.Module):
         self.shortcut = CausalConv3d(in_dim, out_dim, 1) \
             if in_dim != out_dim else nn.Identity()
 
-    def forward(self, x, feat_cache=None, feat_idx=[0]):
+    def forward(self, x, feat_cache=None, feat_idx=[0], final=False):
         old_x = x
         for layer in self.residual:
             if isinstance(layer, CausalConv3d) and feat_cache is not None:
                 idx = feat_idx[0]
-                cache_x = x[:, :, -CACHE_T:, :, :].clone()
-                if cache_x.shape[2] < 2 and feat_cache[idx] is not None:
-                    # cache last frame of last two chunk
-                    cache_x = torch.cat([
-                        feat_cache[idx][:, :, -1, :, :].unsqueeze(2).to(
-                            cache_x.device), cache_x
-                    ],
-                                        dim=2)
+                cache_x = x[:, :, -CACHE_T:, :, :]
                 x = layer(x, cache_list=feat_cache, cache_idx=idx)
                 feat_cache[idx] = cache_x
                 feat_idx[0] += 1
@@ -213,7 +196,7 @@ class AttentionBlock(nn.Module):
         self.proj = ops.Conv2d(dim, dim, 1)
         self.optimized_attention = vae_attention()
 
-    def forward(self, x):
+    def forward(self, x, feat_cache=None, feat_idx=[0], final=False):
         identity = x
         b, c, t, h, w = x.size()
         x = rearrange(x, 'b c t h w -> (b t) c h w')
@@ -283,17 +266,10 @@ class Encoder3d(nn.Module):
             RMS_norm(out_dim, images=False), nn.SiLU(),
             CausalConv3d(out_dim, z_dim, 3, padding=1))
 
-    def forward(self, x, feat_cache=None, feat_idx=[0]):
+    def forward(self, x, feat_cache=None, feat_idx=[0], final=False):
         if feat_cache is not None:
             idx = feat_idx[0]
-            cache_x = x[:, :, -CACHE_T:, :, :].clone()
-            if cache_x.shape[2] < 2 and feat_cache[idx] is not None:
-                # cache last frame of last two chunk
-                cache_x = torch.cat([
-                    feat_cache[idx][:, :, -1, :, :].unsqueeze(2).to(
-                        cache_x.device), cache_x
-                ],
-                                    dim=2)
+            cache_x = x[:, :, -CACHE_T:, :, :]
             x = self.conv1(x, feat_cache[idx])
             feat_cache[idx] = cache_x
             feat_idx[0] += 1
@@ -303,14 +279,16 @@ class Encoder3d(nn.Module):
         ## downsamples
         for layer in self.downsamples:
             if feat_cache is not None:
-                x = layer(x, feat_cache, feat_idx)
+                x = layer(x, feat_cache, feat_idx, final=final)
+                if x is None:
+                    return None
             else:
                 x = layer(x)
 
         ## middle
         for layer in self.middle:
-            if isinstance(layer, ResidualBlock) and feat_cache is not None:
-                x = layer(x, feat_cache, feat_idx)
+            if feat_cache is not None:
+                x = layer(x, feat_cache, feat_idx, final=final)
             else:
                 x = layer(x)
 
@@ -318,14 +296,7 @@ class Encoder3d(nn.Module):
         for layer in self.head:
             if isinstance(layer, CausalConv3d) and feat_cache is not None:
                 idx = feat_idx[0]
-                cache_x = x[:, :, -CACHE_T:, :, :].clone()
-                if cache_x.shape[2] < 2 and feat_cache[idx] is not None:
-                    # cache last frame of last two chunk
-                    cache_x = torch.cat([
-                        feat_cache[idx][:, :, -1, :, :].unsqueeze(2).to(
-                            cache_x.device), cache_x
-                    ],
-                                        dim=2)
+                cache_x = x[:, :, -CACHE_T:, :, :]
                 x = layer(x, feat_cache[idx])
                 feat_cache[idx] = cache_x
                 feat_idx[0] += 1
@@ -389,18 +360,48 @@ class Decoder3d(nn.Module):
             RMS_norm(out_dim, images=False), nn.SiLU(),
             CausalConv3d(out_dim, output_channels, 3, padding=1))
 
+    def run_up(self, layer_idx, x_ref, feat_cache, feat_idx, out_chunks):
+        x = x_ref[0]
+        x_ref[0] = None
+        if layer_idx >= len(self.upsamples):
+            for layer in self.head:
+                if isinstance(layer, CausalConv3d) and feat_cache is not None:
+                    cache_x = x[:, :, -CACHE_T:, :, :]
+                    x = layer(x, feat_cache[feat_idx[0]])
+                    feat_cache[feat_idx[0]] = cache_x
+                    feat_idx[0] += 1
+                else:
+                    x = layer(x)
+            out_chunks.append(x)
+            return
+
+        layer = self.upsamples[layer_idx]
+        if feat_cache is not None:
+            x = layer(x, feat_cache, feat_idx)
+        else:
+            x = layer(x)
+
+        if isinstance(layer, Resample) and layer.mode == 'upsample3d' and x.shape[2] > 2:
+            for frame_idx in range(0, x.shape[2], 2):
+                self.run_up(
+                    layer_idx + 1,
+                    [x[:, :, frame_idx:frame_idx + 2, :, :]],
+                    feat_cache,
+                    feat_idx.copy(),
+                    out_chunks,
+                )
+            del x
+            return
+
+        next_x_ref = [x]
+        del x
+        self.run_up(layer_idx + 1, next_x_ref, feat_cache, feat_idx, out_chunks)
+
     def forward(self, x, feat_cache=None, feat_idx=[0]):
         ## conv1
         if feat_cache is not None:
             idx = feat_idx[0]
-            cache_x = x[:, :, -CACHE_T:, :, :].clone()
-            if cache_x.shape[2] < 2 and feat_cache[idx] is not None:
-                # cache last frame of last two chunk
-                cache_x = torch.cat([
-                    feat_cache[idx][:, :, -1, :, :].unsqueeze(2).to(
-                        cache_x.device), cache_x
-                ],
-                                    dim=2)
+            cache_x = x[:, :, -CACHE_T:, :, :]
             x = self.conv1(x, feat_cache[idx])
             feat_cache[idx] = cache_x
             feat_idx[0] += 1
@@ -409,42 +410,21 @@ class Decoder3d(nn.Module):
 
         ## middle
         for layer in self.middle:
-            if isinstance(layer, ResidualBlock) and feat_cache is not None:
-                x = layer(x, feat_cache, feat_idx)
-            else:
-                x = layer(x)
-
-        ## upsamples
-        for layer in self.upsamples:
             if feat_cache is not None:
                 x = layer(x, feat_cache, feat_idx)
             else:
                 x = layer(x)
 
-        ## head
-        for layer in self.head:
-            if isinstance(layer, CausalConv3d) and feat_cache is not None:
-                idx = feat_idx[0]
-                cache_x = x[:, :, -CACHE_T:, :, :].clone()
-                if cache_x.shape[2] < 2 and feat_cache[idx] is not None:
-                    # cache last frame of last two chunk
-                    cache_x = torch.cat([
-                        feat_cache[idx][:, :, -1, :, :].unsqueeze(2).to(
-                            cache_x.device), cache_x
-                    ],
-                                        dim=2)
-                x = layer(x, feat_cache[idx])
-                feat_cache[idx] = cache_x
-                feat_idx[0] += 1
-            else:
-                x = layer(x)
-        return x
+        out_chunks = []
+
+        self.run_up(0, [x], feat_cache, feat_idx, out_chunks)
+        return out_chunks
 
 
-def count_conv3d(model):
+def count_cache_layers(model):
     count = 0
     for m in model.modules():
-        if isinstance(m, CausalConv3d):
+        if isinstance(m, CausalConv3d) or (isinstance(m, Resample) and m.mode == 'downsample3d'):
             count += 1
     return count
 
@@ -482,11 +462,12 @@ class WanVAE(nn.Module):
         conv_idx = [0]
         ## cache
         t = x.shape[2]
-        iter_ = 1 + (t - 1) // 4
+        t = 1 + ((t - 1) // 4) * 4
+        iter_ = 1 + (t - 1) // 2
         feat_map = None
         if iter_ > 1:
-            feat_map = [None] * count_conv3d(self.encoder)
-        ## 对encode输入的x，按时间拆分为1、4、4、4....
+            feat_map = [None] * count_cache_layers(self.encoder)
+        ## 对encode输入的x，按时间拆分为1、2、2、2....(总帧数先按4N+1向下取整)
         for i in range(iter_):
             conv_idx = [0]
             if i == 0:
@@ -496,20 +477,23 @@ class WanVAE(nn.Module):
                     feat_idx=conv_idx)
             else:
                 out_ = self.encoder(
-                    x[:, :, 1 + 4 * (i - 1):1 + 4 * i, :, :],
+                    x[:, :, 1 + 2 * (i - 1):1 + 2 * i, :, :],
                     feat_cache=feat_map,
-                    feat_idx=conv_idx)
+                    feat_idx=conv_idx,
+                    final=(i == (iter_ - 1)))
+                if out_ is None:
+                    continue
                 out = torch.cat([out, out_], 2)
+
         mu, log_var = self.conv1(out).chunk(2, dim=1)
         return mu
 
     def decode(self, z):
-        conv_idx = [0]
         # z: [b,c,t,h,w]
-        iter_ = z.shape[2]
+        iter_ = 1 + z.shape[2] // 2
         feat_map = None
         if iter_ > 1:
-            feat_map = [None] * count_conv3d(self.decoder)
+            feat_map = [None] * count_cache_layers(self.decoder)
         x = self.conv2(z)
         for i in range(iter_):
             conv_idx = [0]
@@ -520,8 +504,8 @@ class WanVAE(nn.Module):
                     feat_idx=conv_idx)
             else:
                 out_ = self.decoder(
-                    x[:, :, i:i + 1, :, :],
+                    x[:, :, 1 + 2 * (i - 1):1 + 2 * i, :, :],
                     feat_cache=feat_map,
                     feat_idx=conv_idx)
-                out = torch.cat([out, out_], 2)
-        return out
+                out += out_
+        return torch.cat(out, 2)
diff --git a/comfy/memory_management.py b/comfy/memory_management.py
index 0b7da2852..f9078fe7c 100644
--- a/comfy/memory_management.py
+++ b/comfy/memory_management.py
@@ -1,9 +1,71 @@
 import math
+import ctypes
+import threading
+import dataclasses
 import torch
 from typing import NamedTuple
 
 from comfy.quant_ops import QuantizedTensor
 
+
+class TensorFileSlice(NamedTuple):
+    file_ref: object
+    thread_id: int
+    offset: int
+    size: int
+
+
+def read_tensor_file_slice_into(tensor, destination):
+
+    if isinstance(tensor, QuantizedTensor):
+        if not isinstance(destination, QuantizedTensor):
+            return False
+        if tensor._layout_cls != destination._layout_cls:
+            return False
+
+        if not read_tensor_file_slice_into(tensor._qdata, destination._qdata):
+            return False
+
+        dst_orig_dtype = destination._params.orig_dtype
+        destination._params.copy_from(tensor._params, non_blocking=False)
+        destination._params = dataclasses.replace(destination._params, orig_dtype=dst_orig_dtype)
+        return True
+
+    info = getattr(tensor.untyped_storage(), "_comfy_tensor_file_slice", None)
+    if info is None:
+        return False
+
+    file_obj = info.file_ref
+    if (destination.device.type != "cpu"
+            or file_obj is None
+            or threading.get_ident() != info.thread_id
+            or destination.numel() * destination.element_size() < info.size
+            or tensor.numel() * tensor.element_size() != info.size
+            or tensor.storage_offset() != 0
+            or not tensor.is_contiguous()):
+        return False
+
+    if info.size == 0:
+        return True
+
+    buf_type = ctypes.c_ubyte * info.size
+    view = memoryview(buf_type.from_address(destination.data_ptr()))
+
+    try:
+        file_obj.seek(info.offset)
+        done = 0
+        while done < info.size:
+            try:
+                n = file_obj.readinto(view[done:])
+            except OSError:
+                return False
+            if n <= 0:
+                return False
+            done += n
+        return True
+    finally:
+        view.release()
+
 class TensorGeometry(NamedTuple):
     shape: any
     dtype: torch.dtype
diff --git a/comfy/model_base.py b/comfy/model_base.py
index d9d5a9293..43ec93324 100644
--- a/comfy/model_base.py
+++ b/comfy/model_base.py
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ import comfy.ldm.hunyuan3dv2_1.hunyuandit
 import torch
 import logging
 import comfy.ldm.lightricks.av_model
+import comfy.context_windows
 from comfy.ldm.modules.diffusionmodules.openaimodel import UNetModel, Timestep
 from comfy.ldm.cascade.stage_c import StageC
 from comfy.ldm.cascade.stage_b import StageB
@@ -285,6 +286,12 @@ class BaseModel(torch.nn.Module):
             return data
         return None
 
+    def resize_cond_for_context_window(self, cond_key, cond_value, window, x_in, device, retain_index_list=[]):
+        """Override in subclasses to handle model-specific cond slicing for context windows.
+        Return a sliced cond object, or None to fall through to default handling.
+        Use comfy.context_windows.slice_cond() for common cases."""
+        return None
+
     def extra_conds(self, **kwargs):
         out = {}
         concat_cond = self.concat_cond(**kwargs)
@@ -1375,6 +1382,11 @@ class WAN21_Vace(WAN21):
         out['vace_strength'] = comfy.conds.CONDConstant(vace_strength)
         return out
 
+    def resize_cond_for_context_window(self, cond_key, cond_value, window, x_in, device, retain_index_list=[]):
+        if cond_key == "vace_context":
+            return comfy.context_windows.slice_cond(cond_value, window, x_in, device, temporal_dim=3, retain_index_list=retain_index_list)
+        return super().resize_cond_for_context_window(cond_key, cond_value, window, x_in, device, retain_index_list=retain_index_list)
+
 class WAN21_Camera(WAN21):
     def __init__(self, model_config, model_type=ModelType.FLOW, image_to_video=False, device=None):
         super(WAN21, self).__init__(model_config, model_type, device=device, unet_model=comfy.ldm.wan.model.CameraWanModel)
@@ -1427,6 +1439,11 @@ class WAN21_HuMo(WAN21):
 
         return out
 
+    def resize_cond_for_context_window(self, cond_key, cond_value, window, x_in, device, retain_index_list=[]):
+        if cond_key == "audio_embed":
+            return comfy.context_windows.slice_cond(cond_value, window, x_in, device, temporal_dim=1)
+        return super().resize_cond_for_context_window(cond_key, cond_value, window, x_in, device, retain_index_list=retain_index_list)
+
 class WAN22_Animate(WAN21):
     def __init__(self, model_config, model_type=ModelType.FLOW, image_to_video=False, device=None):
         super(WAN21, self).__init__(model_config, model_type, device=device, unet_model=comfy.ldm.wan.model_animate.AnimateWanModel)
@@ -1444,6 +1461,13 @@ class WAN22_Animate(WAN21):
             out['pose_latents'] = comfy.conds.CONDRegular(self.process_latent_in(pose_latents))
         return out
 
+    def resize_cond_for_context_window(self, cond_key, cond_value, window, x_in, device, retain_index_list=[]):
+        if cond_key == "face_pixel_values":
+            return comfy.context_windows.slice_cond(cond_value, window, x_in, device, temporal_dim=2, temporal_scale=4, temporal_offset=1)
+        if cond_key == "pose_latents":
+            return comfy.context_windows.slice_cond(cond_value, window, x_in, device, temporal_dim=2, temporal_offset=1)
+        return super().resize_cond_for_context_window(cond_key, cond_value, window, x_in, device, retain_index_list=retain_index_list)
+
 class WAN22_S2V(WAN21):
     def __init__(self, model_config, model_type=ModelType.FLOW, device=None):
         super(WAN21, self).__init__(model_config, model_type, device=device, unet_model=comfy.ldm.wan.model.WanModel_S2V)
@@ -1480,6 +1504,11 @@ class WAN22_S2V(WAN21):
             out['reference_motion'] = reference_motion.shape
         return out
 
+    def resize_cond_for_context_window(self, cond_key, cond_value, window, x_in, device, retain_index_list=[]):
+        if cond_key == "audio_embed":
+            return comfy.context_windows.slice_cond(cond_value, window, x_in, device, temporal_dim=1)
+        return super().resize_cond_for_context_window(cond_key, cond_value, window, x_in, device, retain_index_list=retain_index_list)
+
 class WAN22(WAN21):
     def __init__(self, model_config, model_type=ModelType.FLOW, image_to_video=False, device=None):
         super(WAN21, self).__init__(model_config, model_type, device=device, unet_model=comfy.ldm.wan.model.WanModel)
diff --git a/comfy/model_management.py b/comfy/model_management.py
index 81c89b180..2c250dacc 100644
--- a/comfy/model_management.py
+++ b/comfy/model_management.py
@@ -400,7 +400,7 @@ try:
         if args.use_split_cross_attention == False and args.use_quad_cross_attention == False:
             if aotriton_supported(arch):  # AMD efficient attention implementation depends on aotriton.
                 if torch_version_numeric >= (2, 7):  # works on 2.6 but doesn't actually seem to improve much
-                    if any((a in arch) for a in ["gfx90a", "gfx942", "gfx950", "gfx1100", "gfx1101", "gfx1151"]):  # TODO: more arches, TODO: gfx950
+                    if any((a in arch) for a in ["gfx90a", "gfx942", "gfx950", "gfx1100", "gfx1101", "gfx1150", "gfx1151"]):  # TODO: more arches, TODO: gfx950
                         ENABLE_PYTORCH_ATTENTION = True
                 if rocm_version >= (7, 0):
                    if any((a in arch) for a in ["gfx1200", "gfx1201"]):
@@ -505,6 +505,28 @@ def module_size(module):
         module_mem += t.nbytes
     return module_mem
 
+def module_mmap_residency(module, free=False):
+    mmap_touched_mem = 0
+    module_mem = 0
+    bounced_mmaps = set()
+    sd = module.state_dict()
+    for k in sd:
+        t = sd[k]
+        module_mem += t.nbytes
+        storage = t._qdata.untyped_storage() if isinstance(t, comfy.quant_ops.QuantizedTensor) else t.untyped_storage()
+        if not getattr(storage, "_comfy_tensor_mmap_touched", False):
+            continue
+        mmap_touched_mem += t.nbytes
+        if not free:
+            continue
+        storage._comfy_tensor_mmap_touched = False
+        mmap_obj = storage._comfy_tensor_mmap_refs[0]
+        if mmap_obj in bounced_mmaps:
+            continue
+        mmap_obj.bounce()
+        bounced_mmaps.add(mmap_obj)
+    return mmap_touched_mem, module_mem
+
 class LoadedModel:
     def __init__(self, model):
         self._set_model(model)
@@ -519,6 +541,7 @@ class LoadedModel:
         if model.parent is not None:
             self._parent_model = weakref.ref(model.parent)
             self._patcher_finalizer = weakref.finalize(model, self._switch_parent)
+            self._patcher_finalizer.atexit = False
 
     def _switch_parent(self):
         model = self._parent_model()
@@ -532,6 +555,9 @@ class LoadedModel:
     def model_memory(self):
         return self.model.model_size()
 
+    def model_mmap_residency(self, free=False):
+        return self.model.model_mmap_residency(free=free)
+
     def model_loaded_memory(self):
         return self.model.loaded_size()
 
@@ -562,6 +588,7 @@ class LoadedModel:
 
         self.real_model = weakref.ref(real_model)
         self.model_finalizer = weakref.finalize(real_model, cleanup_models)
+        self.model_finalizer.atexit = False
         return real_model
 
     def should_reload_model(self, force_patch_weights=False):
@@ -633,7 +660,7 @@ def extra_reserved_memory():
 def minimum_inference_memory():
     return (1024 * 1024 * 1024) * 0.8 + extra_reserved_memory()
 
-def free_memory(memory_required, device, keep_loaded=[], for_dynamic=False, ram_required=0):
+def free_memory(memory_required, device, keep_loaded=[], for_dynamic=False, pins_required=0, ram_required=0):
     cleanup_models_gc()
     unloaded_model = []
     can_unload = []
@@ -646,13 +673,14 @@ def free_memory(memory_required, device, keep_loaded=[], for_dynamic=False, ram_
                 can_unload.append((-shift_model.model_offloaded_memory(), sys.getrefcount(shift_model.model), shift_model.model_memory(), i))
                 shift_model.currently_used = False
 
-    for x in sorted(can_unload):
+    can_unload_sorted = sorted(can_unload)
+    for x in can_unload_sorted:
         i = x[-1]
         memory_to_free = 1e32
-        ram_to_free = 1e32
+        pins_to_free = 1e32
         if not DISABLE_SMART_MEMORY:
             memory_to_free = memory_required - get_free_memory(device)
-            ram_to_free = ram_required - get_free_ram()
+            pins_to_free = pins_required - get_free_ram()
             if current_loaded_models[i].model.is_dynamic() and for_dynamic:
                 #don't actually unload dynamic models for the sake of other dynamic models
                 #as that works on-demand.
@@ -661,9 +689,18 @@ def free_memory(memory_required, device, keep_loaded=[], for_dynamic=False, ram_
         if memory_to_free > 0 and current_loaded_models[i].model_unload(memory_to_free):
             logging.debug(f"Unloading {current_loaded_models[i].model.model.__class__.__name__}")
             unloaded_model.append(i)
-        if ram_to_free > 0:
+        if pins_to_free > 0:
+            logging.debug(f"PIN Unloading {current_loaded_models[i].model.model.__class__.__name__}")
+            current_loaded_models[i].model.partially_unload_ram(pins_to_free)
+
+    for x in can_unload_sorted:
+        i = x[-1]
+        ram_to_free = ram_required - psutil.virtual_memory().available
+        if ram_to_free <= 0 and i not in unloaded_model:
+            continue
+        resident_memory, _ = current_loaded_models[i].model_mmap_residency(free=True)
+        if resident_memory > 0:
             logging.debug(f"RAM Unloading {current_loaded_models[i].model.model.__class__.__name__}")
-            current_loaded_models[i].model.partially_unload_ram(ram_to_free)
 
     for i in sorted(unloaded_model, reverse=True):
         unloaded_models.append(current_loaded_models.pop(i))
@@ -729,17 +766,27 @@ def load_models_gpu(models, memory_required=0, force_patch_weights=False, minimu
 
 
     total_memory_required = {}
+    total_pins_required = {}
     total_ram_required = {}
     for loaded_model in models_to_load:
-        total_memory_required[loaded_model.device] = total_memory_required.get(loaded_model.device, 0) + loaded_model.model_memory_required(loaded_model.device)
-        #x2, one to make sure the OS can fit the model for loading in disk cache, and for us to do any pinning we
-        #want to do.
-        #FIXME: This should subtract off the to_load current pin consumption.
-        total_ram_required[loaded_model.device] = total_ram_required.get(loaded_model.device, 0) + loaded_model.model_memory() * 2
+        device = loaded_model.device
+        total_memory_required[device] = total_memory_required.get(device, 0) + loaded_model.model_memory_required(device)
+        resident_memory, model_memory = loaded_model.model_mmap_residency()
+        pinned_memory = loaded_model.model.pinned_memory_size()
+        #FIXME: This can over-free the pins as it budgets to pin the entire model. We should
+        #make this JIT to keep as much pinned as possible.
+        pins_required = model_memory - pinned_memory
+        ram_required = model_memory - resident_memory
+        total_pins_required[device] = total_pins_required.get(device, 0) + pins_required
+        total_ram_required[device] = total_ram_required.get(device, 0) + ram_required
 
     for device in total_memory_required:
         if device != torch.device("cpu"):
-            free_memory(total_memory_required[device] * 1.1 + extra_mem, device, for_dynamic=free_for_dynamic, ram_required=total_ram_required[device])
+            free_memory(total_memory_required[device] * 1.1 + extra_mem,
+                        device,
+                        for_dynamic=free_for_dynamic,
+                        pins_required=total_pins_required[device],
+                        ram_required=total_ram_required[device])
 
     for device in total_memory_required:
         if device != torch.device("cpu"):
@@ -1005,6 +1052,12 @@ def intermediate_device():
     else:
         return torch.device("cpu")
 
+def intermediate_dtype():
+    if args.fp16_intermediates:
+        return torch.float16
+    else:
+        return torch.float32
+
 def vae_device():
     if args.cpu_vae:
         return torch.device("cpu")
@@ -1225,6 +1278,11 @@ def cast_to_gathered(tensors, r, non_blocking=False, stream=None):
             dest_view = dest_views.pop(0)
             if tensor is None:
                 continue
+            if comfy.memory_management.read_tensor_file_slice_into(tensor, dest_view):
+                continue
+            storage = tensor._qdata.untyped_storage() if isinstance(tensor, comfy.quant_ops.QuantizedTensor) else tensor.untyped_storage()
+            if hasattr(storage, "_comfy_tensor_mmap_touched"):
+                storage._comfy_tensor_mmap_touched = True
             dest_view.copy_(tensor, non_blocking=non_blocking)
 
 
@@ -1662,6 +1720,19 @@ def supports_nvfp4_compute(device=None):
 
     return True
 
+def supports_mxfp8_compute(device=None):
+    if not is_nvidia():
+        return False
+
+    if torch_version_numeric < (2, 10):
+        return False
+
+    props = torch.cuda.get_device_properties(device)
+    if props.major < 10:
+        return False
+
+    return True
+
 def extended_fp16_support():
     # TODO: check why some models work with fp16 on newer torch versions but not on older
     if torch_version_numeric < (2, 7):
diff --git a/comfy/model_patcher.py b/comfy/model_patcher.py
index bc3a8f446..c26d37db2 100644
--- a/comfy/model_patcher.py
+++ b/comfy/model_patcher.py
@@ -297,6 +297,9 @@ class ModelPatcher:
         self.size = comfy.model_management.module_size(self.model)
         return self.size
 
+    def model_mmap_residency(self, free=False):
+        return comfy.model_management.module_mmap_residency(self.model, free=free)
+
     def get_ram_usage(self):
         return self.model_size()
 
@@ -1063,6 +1066,10 @@ class ModelPatcher:
 
             return self.model.model_loaded_weight_memory - current_used
 
+    def pinned_memory_size(self):
+        # Pinned memory pressure tracking is only implemented for DynamicVram loading
+        return 0
+
     def partially_unload_ram(self, ram_to_unload):
         pass
 
@@ -1653,6 +1660,16 @@ class ModelPatcherDynamic(ModelPatcher):
 
         return freed
 
+    def pinned_memory_size(self):
+        total = 0
+        loading = self._load_list(for_dynamic=True)
+        for x in loading:
+            _, _, _, _, m, _ = x
+            pin = comfy.pinned_memory.get_pin(m)
+            if pin is not None:
+                total += pin.numel() * pin.element_size()
+        return total
+
     def partially_unload_ram(self, ram_to_unload):
         loading = self._load_list(for_dynamic=True, default_device=self.offload_device)
         for x in loading:
diff --git a/comfy/ops.py b/comfy/ops.py
index 87b36b5c5..1518ec9de 100644
--- a/comfy/ops.py
+++ b/comfy/ops.py
@@ -306,10 +306,40 @@ class CastWeightBiasOp:
     bias_function = []
 
 class disable_weight_init:
+    @staticmethod
+    def _lazy_load_from_state_dict(module, state_dict, prefix, local_metadata,
+                                   missing_keys, unexpected_keys, weight_shape,
+                                   bias_shape=None):
+        assign_to_params_buffers = local_metadata.get("assign_to_params_buffers", False)
+        prefix_len = len(prefix)
+        for k, v in state_dict.items():
+            key = k[prefix_len:]
+            if key == "weight":
+                if not assign_to_params_buffers:
+                    v = v.clone()
+                module.weight = torch.nn.Parameter(v, requires_grad=False)
+            elif bias_shape is not None and key == "bias" and v is not None:
+                if not assign_to_params_buffers:
+                    v = v.clone()
+                module.bias = torch.nn.Parameter(v, requires_grad=False)
+            else:
+                unexpected_keys.append(k)
+
+        if module.weight is None:
+            module.weight = torch.nn.Parameter(torch.zeros(weight_shape), requires_grad=False)
+            missing_keys.append(prefix + "weight")
+
+        if bias_shape is not None and module.bias is None and getattr(module, "comfy_need_lazy_init_bias", False):
+            module.bias = torch.nn.Parameter(torch.zeros(bias_shape), requires_grad=False)
+            missing_keys.append(prefix + "bias")
+
     class Linear(torch.nn.Linear, CastWeightBiasOp):
 
         def __init__(self, in_features, out_features, bias=True, device=None, dtype=None):
-            if not comfy.model_management.WINDOWS or not comfy.memory_management.aimdo_enabled:
+            # don't trust subclasses that BYO state dict loader to call us.
+            if (not comfy.model_management.WINDOWS
+                or not comfy.memory_management.aimdo_enabled
+                or type(self)._load_from_state_dict is not disable_weight_init.Linear._load_from_state_dict):
                 super().__init__(in_features, out_features, bias, device, dtype)
                 return
 
@@ -330,32 +360,21 @@ class disable_weight_init:
         def _load_from_state_dict(self, state_dict, prefix, local_metadata,
                                 strict, missing_keys, unexpected_keys, error_msgs):
 
-            if not comfy.model_management.WINDOWS or not comfy.memory_management.aimdo_enabled:
+            if (not comfy.model_management.WINDOWS
+                or not comfy.memory_management.aimdo_enabled
+                or type(self)._load_from_state_dict is not disable_weight_init.Linear._load_from_state_dict):
                 return super()._load_from_state_dict(state_dict, prefix, local_metadata, strict,
                                                      missing_keys, unexpected_keys, error_msgs)
-            assign_to_params_buffers = local_metadata.get("assign_to_params_buffers", False)
-            prefix_len = len(prefix)
-            for k,v in state_dict.items():
-                if k[prefix_len:] == "weight":
-                    if not assign_to_params_buffers:
-                        v = v.clone()
-                    self.weight = torch.nn.Parameter(v, requires_grad=False)
-                elif k[prefix_len:] == "bias" and v is not None:
-                    if not assign_to_params_buffers:
-                        v = v.clone()
-                    self.bias = torch.nn.Parameter(v, requires_grad=False)
-                else:
-                    unexpected_keys.append(k)
-
-            #Reconcile default construction of the weight if its missing.
-            if self.weight is None:
-                v = torch.zeros(self.in_features, self.out_features)
-                self.weight = torch.nn.Parameter(v, requires_grad=False)
-                missing_keys.append(prefix+"weight")
-            if self.bias is None and self.comfy_need_lazy_init_bias:
-                v = torch.zeros(self.out_features,)
-                self.bias = torch.nn.Parameter(v, requires_grad=False)
-                missing_keys.append(prefix+"bias")
+            disable_weight_init._lazy_load_from_state_dict(
+                self,
+                state_dict,
+                prefix,
+                local_metadata,
+                missing_keys,
+                unexpected_keys,
+                weight_shape=(self.in_features, self.out_features),
+                bias_shape=(self.out_features,),
+            )
 
 
         def reset_parameters(self):
@@ -547,6 +566,53 @@ class disable_weight_init:
                 return super().forward(*args, **kwargs)
 
     class Embedding(torch.nn.Embedding, CastWeightBiasOp):
+        def __init__(self, num_embeddings, embedding_dim, padding_idx=None, max_norm=None,
+                     norm_type=2.0, scale_grad_by_freq=False, sparse=False, _weight=None,
+                     _freeze=False, device=None, dtype=None):
+            # don't trust subclasses that BYO state dict loader to call us.
+            if (not comfy.model_management.WINDOWS
+                or not comfy.memory_management.aimdo_enabled
+                or type(self)._load_from_state_dict is not disable_weight_init.Embedding._load_from_state_dict):
+                super().__init__(num_embeddings, embedding_dim, padding_idx, max_norm,
+                                 norm_type, scale_grad_by_freq, sparse, _weight,
+                                 _freeze, device, dtype)
+                return
+
+            torch.nn.Module.__init__(self)
+            self.num_embeddings = num_embeddings
+            self.embedding_dim = embedding_dim
+            self.padding_idx = padding_idx
+            self.max_norm = max_norm
+            self.norm_type = norm_type
+            self.scale_grad_by_freq = scale_grad_by_freq
+            self.sparse = sparse
+            # Keep shape/dtype visible for module introspection without reserving storage.
+            embedding_dtype = dtype if dtype is not None else torch.get_default_dtype()
+            self.weight = torch.nn.Parameter(
+                torch.empty((num_embeddings, embedding_dim), device="meta", dtype=embedding_dtype),
+                requires_grad=False,
+            )
+            self.bias = None
+            self.weight_comfy_model_dtype = dtype
+
+        def _load_from_state_dict(self, state_dict, prefix, local_metadata,
+                                strict, missing_keys, unexpected_keys, error_msgs):
+
+            if (not comfy.model_management.WINDOWS
+                or not comfy.memory_management.aimdo_enabled
+                or type(self)._load_from_state_dict is not disable_weight_init.Embedding._load_from_state_dict):
+                return super()._load_from_state_dict(state_dict, prefix, local_metadata, strict,
+                                                     missing_keys, unexpected_keys, error_msgs)
+            disable_weight_init._lazy_load_from_state_dict(
+                self,
+                state_dict,
+                prefix,
+                local_metadata,
+                missing_keys,
+                unexpected_keys,
+                weight_shape=(self.num_embeddings, self.embedding_dim),
+            )
+
         def reset_parameters(self):
             self.bias = None
             return None
@@ -710,6 +776,71 @@ from .quant_ops import (
 )
 
 
+class QuantLinearFunc(torch.autograd.Function):
+    """Custom autograd function for quantized linear: quantized forward, compute_dtype backward.
+    Handles any input rank by flattening to 2D for matmul and restoring shape after.
+    """
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def forward(ctx, input_float, weight, bias, layout_type, input_scale, compute_dtype):
+        input_shape = input_float.shape
+        inp = input_float.detach().flatten(0, -2)  # zero-cost view to 2D
+
+        # Quantize input (same as inference path)
+        if layout_type is not None:
+            q_input = QuantizedTensor.from_float(inp, layout_type, scale=input_scale)
+        else:
+            q_input = inp
+
+        w = weight.detach() if weight.requires_grad else weight
+        b = bias.detach() if bias is not None and bias.requires_grad else bias
+
+        output = torch.nn.functional.linear(q_input, w, b)
+
+        # Restore original input shape
+        if len(input_shape) > 2:
+            output = output.unflatten(0, input_shape[:-1])
+
+        ctx.save_for_backward(input_float, weight)
+        ctx.input_shape = input_shape
+        ctx.has_bias = bias is not None
+        ctx.compute_dtype = compute_dtype
+        ctx.weight_requires_grad = weight.requires_grad
+
+        return output
+
+    @staticmethod
+    @torch.autograd.function.once_differentiable
+    def backward(ctx, grad_output):
+        input_float, weight = ctx.saved_tensors
+        compute_dtype = ctx.compute_dtype
+        grad_2d = grad_output.flatten(0, -2).to(compute_dtype)
+
+        # Dequantize weight to compute dtype for backward matmul
+        if isinstance(weight, QuantizedTensor):
+            weight_f = weight.dequantize().to(compute_dtype)
+        else:
+            weight_f = weight.to(compute_dtype)
+
+        # grad_input = grad_output @ weight
+        grad_input = torch.mm(grad_2d, weight_f)
+        if len(ctx.input_shape) > 2:
+            grad_input = grad_input.unflatten(0, ctx.input_shape[:-1])
+
+        # grad_weight (only if weight requires grad, typically frozen for quantized training)
+        grad_weight = None
+        if ctx.weight_requires_grad:
+            input_f = input_float.flatten(0, -2).to(compute_dtype)
+            grad_weight = torch.mm(grad_2d.t(), input_f)
+
+        # grad_bias
+        grad_bias = None
+        if ctx.has_bias:
+            grad_bias = grad_2d.sum(dim=0)
+
+        return grad_input, grad_weight, grad_bias, None, None, None
+
+
 def mixed_precision_ops(quant_config={}, compute_dtype=torch.bfloat16, full_precision_mm=False, disabled=[]):
     class MixedPrecisionOps(manual_cast):
         _quant_config = quant_config
@@ -801,6 +932,22 @@ def mixed_precision_ops(quant_config={}, compute_dtype=torch.bfloat16, full_prec
                             orig_shape=(self.out_features, self.in_features),
                         )
 
+                    elif self.quant_format == "mxfp8":
+                        # MXFP8: E8M0 block scales stored as uint8 in safetensors
+                        block_scale = self._load_scale_param(state_dict, prefix, "weight_scale", device, manually_loaded_keys,
+                                                             dtype=torch.uint8)
+
+                        if block_scale is None:
+                            raise ValueError(f"Missing MXFP8 block scales for layer {layer_name}")
+
+                        block_scale = block_scale.view(torch.float8_e8m0fnu)
+
+                        params = layout_cls.Params(
+                            scale=block_scale,
+                            orig_dtype=MixedPrecisionOps._compute_dtype,
+                            orig_shape=(self.out_features, self.in_features),
+                        )
+
                     elif self.quant_format == "nvfp4":
                         # NVFP4: tensor_scale (weight_scale_2) + block_scale (weight_scale)
                         tensor_scale = self._load_scale_param(state_dict, prefix, "weight_scale_2", device, manually_loaded_keys)
@@ -888,10 +1035,37 @@ def mixed_precision_ops(quant_config={}, compute_dtype=torch.bfloat16, full_prec
                 #If cast needs to apply lora, it should be done in the compute dtype
                 compute_dtype = input.dtype
 
-                if (getattr(self, 'layout_type', None) is not None and
+                _use_quantized = (
+                    getattr(self, 'layout_type', None) is not None and
                     not isinstance(input, QuantizedTensor) and not self._full_precision_mm and
                     not getattr(self, 'comfy_force_cast_weights', False) and
-                    len(self.weight_function) == 0 and len(self.bias_function) == 0):
+                    len(self.weight_function) == 0 and len(self.bias_function) == 0
+                )
+
+                # Training path: quantized forward with compute_dtype backward via autograd function
+                if (input.requires_grad and _use_quantized):
+
+                    weight, bias, offload_stream = cast_bias_weight(
+                        self,
+                        input,
+                        offloadable=True,
+                        compute_dtype=compute_dtype,
+                        want_requant=True
+                    )
+
+                    scale = getattr(self, 'input_scale', None)
+                    if scale is not None:
+                        scale = comfy.model_management.cast_to_device(scale, input.device, None)
+
+                    output = QuantLinearFunc.apply(
+                        input, weight, bias, self.layout_type, scale, compute_dtype
+                    )
+
+                    uncast_bias_weight(self, weight, bias, offload_stream)
+                    return output
+
+                # Inference path (unchanged)
+                if _use_quantized:
 
                     # Reshape 3D tensors to 2D for quantization (needed for NVFP4 and others)
                     input_reshaped = input.reshape(-1, input_shape[2]) if input.ndim == 3 else input
@@ -939,7 +1113,10 @@ def mixed_precision_ops(quant_config={}, compute_dtype=torch.bfloat16, full_prec
                 for key, param in self._parameters.items():
                     if param is None:
                         continue
-                    self.register_parameter(key, torch.nn.Parameter(fn(param), requires_grad=False))
+                    p = fn(param)
+                    if p.is_inference():
+                        p = p.clone()
+                    self.register_parameter(key, torch.nn.Parameter(p, requires_grad=False))
                 for key, buf in self._buffers.items():
                     if buf is not None:
                         self._buffers[key] = fn(buf)
@@ -950,12 +1127,15 @@ def mixed_precision_ops(quant_config={}, compute_dtype=torch.bfloat16, full_prec
 def pick_operations(weight_dtype, compute_dtype, load_device=None, disable_fast_fp8=False, fp8_optimizations=False, model_config=None):
     fp8_compute = comfy.model_management.supports_fp8_compute(load_device) # TODO: if we support more ops this needs to be more granular
     nvfp4_compute = comfy.model_management.supports_nvfp4_compute(load_device)
+    mxfp8_compute = comfy.model_management.supports_mxfp8_compute(load_device)
 
     if model_config and hasattr(model_config, 'quant_config') and model_config.quant_config:
         logging.info("Using mixed precision operations")
         disabled = set()
         if not nvfp4_compute:
             disabled.add("nvfp4")
+        if not mxfp8_compute:
+            disabled.add("mxfp8")
         if not fp8_compute:
             disabled.add("float8_e4m3fn")
             disabled.add("float8_e5m2")
diff --git a/comfy/pinned_memory.py b/comfy/pinned_memory.py
index 8acc327a7..f6fb806c4 100644
--- a/comfy/pinned_memory.py
+++ b/comfy/pinned_memory.py
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
-import torch
 import comfy.model_management
 import comfy.memory_management
+import comfy_aimdo.host_buffer
+import comfy_aimdo.torch
 
 from comfy.cli_args import args
 
@@ -12,18 +13,31 @@ def pin_memory(module):
         return
     #FIXME: This is a RAM cache trigger event
     size = comfy.memory_management.vram_aligned_size([ module.weight, module.bias ])
-    pin = torch.empty((size,), dtype=torch.uint8)
-    if comfy.model_management.pin_memory(pin):
-        module._pin = pin
-    else:
+
+    if comfy.model_management.MAX_PINNED_MEMORY <= 0 or (comfy.model_management.TOTAL_PINNED_MEMORY + size) > comfy.model_management.MAX_PINNED_MEMORY:
         module.pin_failed = True
         return False
+
+    try:
+        hostbuf = comfy_aimdo.host_buffer.HostBuffer(size)
+    except RuntimeError:
+        module.pin_failed = True
+        return False
+
+    module._pin = comfy_aimdo.torch.hostbuf_to_tensor(hostbuf)
+    module._pin_hostbuf = hostbuf
+    comfy.model_management.TOTAL_PINNED_MEMORY += size
     return True
 
 def unpin_memory(module):
     if get_pin(module) is None:
         return 0
     size = module._pin.numel() * module._pin.element_size()
-    comfy.model_management.unpin_memory(module._pin)
+
+    comfy.model_management.TOTAL_PINNED_MEMORY -= size
+    if comfy.model_management.TOTAL_PINNED_MEMORY < 0:
+        comfy.model_management.TOTAL_PINNED_MEMORY = 0
+
     del module._pin
+    del module._pin_hostbuf
     return size
diff --git a/comfy/quant_ops.py b/comfy/quant_ops.py
index 15a4f457b..42ee08fb2 100644
--- a/comfy/quant_ops.py
+++ b/comfy/quant_ops.py
@@ -43,6 +43,18 @@ except ImportError as e:
     def get_layout_class(name):
         return None
 
+_CK_MXFP8_AVAILABLE = False
+if _CK_AVAILABLE:
+    try:
+        from comfy_kitchen.tensor import TensorCoreMXFP8Layout as _CKMxfp8Layout
+        _CK_MXFP8_AVAILABLE = True
+    except ImportError:
+        logging.warning("comfy_kitchen does not support MXFP8, please update comfy_kitchen.")
+
+if not _CK_MXFP8_AVAILABLE:
+    class _CKMxfp8Layout:
+        pass
+
 import comfy.float
 
 # ==============================================================================
@@ -84,6 +96,31 @@ class _TensorCoreFP8LayoutBase(_CKFp8Layout):
         return qdata, params
 
 
+class TensorCoreMXFP8Layout(_CKMxfp8Layout):
+    @classmethod
+    def quantize(cls, tensor, scale=None, stochastic_rounding=0, inplace_ops=False):
+        if tensor.dim() != 2:
+            raise ValueError(f"MXFP8 requires 2D tensor, got {tensor.dim()}D")
+
+        orig_dtype = tensor.dtype
+        orig_shape = tuple(tensor.shape)
+
+        padded_shape = cls.get_padded_shape(orig_shape)
+        needs_padding = padded_shape != orig_shape
+
+        if stochastic_rounding > 0:
+            qdata, block_scale = comfy.float.stochastic_round_quantize_mxfp8_by_block(tensor, pad_32x=needs_padding, seed=stochastic_rounding)
+        else:
+            qdata, block_scale = ck.quantize_mxfp8(tensor, pad_32x=needs_padding)
+
+        params = cls.Params(
+            scale=block_scale,
+            orig_dtype=orig_dtype,
+            orig_shape=orig_shape,
+        )
+        return qdata, params
+
+
 class TensorCoreNVFP4Layout(_CKNvfp4Layout):
     @classmethod
     def quantize(cls, tensor, scale=None, stochastic_rounding=0, inplace_ops=False):
@@ -137,6 +174,8 @@ register_layout_class("TensorCoreFP8Layout", TensorCoreFP8Layout)
 register_layout_class("TensorCoreFP8E4M3Layout", TensorCoreFP8E4M3Layout)
 register_layout_class("TensorCoreFP8E5M2Layout", TensorCoreFP8E5M2Layout)
 register_layout_class("TensorCoreNVFP4Layout", TensorCoreNVFP4Layout)
+if _CK_MXFP8_AVAILABLE:
+    register_layout_class("TensorCoreMXFP8Layout", TensorCoreMXFP8Layout)
 
 QUANT_ALGOS = {
     "float8_e4m3fn": {
@@ -157,6 +196,14 @@ QUANT_ALGOS = {
     },
 }
 
+if _CK_MXFP8_AVAILABLE:
+    QUANT_ALGOS["mxfp8"] = {
+        "storage_t": torch.float8_e4m3fn,
+        "parameters": {"weight_scale", "input_scale"},
+        "comfy_tensor_layout": "TensorCoreMXFP8Layout",
+        "group_size": 32,
+    }
+
 
 # ==============================================================================
 # Re-exports for backward compatibility
diff --git a/comfy/sample.py b/comfy/sample.py
index a2a39b527..653829582 100644
--- a/comfy/sample.py
+++ b/comfy/sample.py
@@ -8,12 +8,12 @@ import comfy.nested_tensor
 
 def prepare_noise_inner(latent_image, generator, noise_inds=None):
     if noise_inds is None:
-        return torch.randn(latent_image.size(), dtype=latent_image.dtype, layout=latent_image.layout, generator=generator, device="cpu")
+        return torch.randn(latent_image.size(), dtype=torch.float32, layout=latent_image.layout, generator=generator, device="cpu").to(dtype=latent_image.dtype)
 
     unique_inds, inverse = np.unique(noise_inds, return_inverse=True)
     noises = []
     for i in range(unique_inds[-1]+1):
-        noise = torch.randn([1] + list(latent_image.size())[1:], dtype=latent_image.dtype, layout=latent_image.layout, generator=generator, device="cpu")
+        noise = torch.randn([1] + list(latent_image.size())[1:], dtype=torch.float32, layout=latent_image.layout, generator=generator, device="cpu").to(dtype=latent_image.dtype)
         if i in unique_inds:
             noises.append(noise)
     noises = [noises[i] for i in inverse]
@@ -64,10 +64,10 @@ def sample(model, noise, steps, cfg, sampler_name, scheduler, positive, negative
     sampler = comfy.samplers.KSampler(model, steps=steps, device=model.load_device, sampler=sampler_name, scheduler=scheduler, denoise=denoise, model_options=model.model_options)
 
     samples = sampler.sample(noise, positive, negative, cfg=cfg, latent_image=latent_image, start_step=start_step, last_step=last_step, force_full_denoise=force_full_denoise, denoise_mask=noise_mask, sigmas=sigmas, callback=callback, disable_pbar=disable_pbar, seed=seed)
-    samples = samples.to(comfy.model_management.intermediate_device())
+    samples = samples.to(device=comfy.model_management.intermediate_device(), dtype=comfy.model_management.intermediate_dtype())
     return samples
 
 def sample_custom(model, noise, cfg, sampler, sigmas, positive, negative, latent_image, noise_mask=None, callback=None, disable_pbar=False, seed=None):
     samples = comfy.samplers.sample(model, noise, positive, negative, cfg, model.load_device, sampler, sigmas, model_options=model.model_options, latent_image=latent_image, denoise_mask=noise_mask, callback=callback, disable_pbar=disable_pbar, seed=seed)
-    samples = samples.to(comfy.model_management.intermediate_device())
+    samples = samples.to(device=comfy.model_management.intermediate_device(), dtype=comfy.model_management.intermediate_dtype())
     return samples
diff --git a/comfy/samplers.py b/comfy/samplers.py
index 8be449ef7..0a4d062db 100755
--- a/comfy/samplers.py
+++ b/comfy/samplers.py
@@ -985,8 +985,8 @@ class CFGGuider:
         self.inner_model, self.conds, self.loaded_models = comfy.sampler_helpers.prepare_sampling(self.model_patcher, noise.shape, self.conds, self.model_options)
         device = self.model_patcher.load_device
 
-        noise = noise.to(device)
-        latent_image = latent_image.to(device)
+        noise = noise.to(device=device, dtype=torch.float32)
+        latent_image = latent_image.to(device=device, dtype=torch.float32)
         sigmas = sigmas.to(device)
         cast_to_load_options(self.model_options, device=device, dtype=self.model_patcher.model_dtype())
 
@@ -1028,6 +1028,7 @@ class CFGGuider:
                 denoise_mask, _ = comfy.utils.pack_latents(denoise_masks)
             else:
                 denoise_mask = denoise_masks[0]
+            denoise_mask = denoise_mask.float()
 
         self.conds = {}
         for k in self.original_conds:
diff --git a/comfy/sd.py b/comfy/sd.py
index adcd67767..e207bb0fd 100644
--- a/comfy/sd.py
+++ b/comfy/sd.py
@@ -455,7 +455,7 @@ class VAE:
         self.output_channels = 3
         self.pad_channel_value = None
         self.process_input = lambda image: image * 2.0 - 1.0
-        self.process_output = lambda image: torch.clamp((image + 1.0) / 2.0, min=0.0, max=1.0)
+        self.process_output = lambda image: image.add_(1.0).div_(2.0).clamp_(0.0, 1.0)
         self.working_dtypes = [torch.bfloat16, torch.float32]
         self.disable_offload = False
         self.not_video = False
@@ -871,13 +871,16 @@ class VAE:
                 pixels = torch.nn.functional.pad(pixels, (0, self.output_channels - pixels.shape[-1]), mode=mode, value=value)
         return pixels
 
+    def vae_output_dtype(self):
+        return model_management.intermediate_dtype()
+
     def decode_tiled_(self, samples, tile_x=64, tile_y=64, overlap = 16):
         steps = samples.shape[0] * comfy.utils.get_tiled_scale_steps(samples.shape[3], samples.shape[2], tile_x, tile_y, overlap)
         steps += samples.shape[0] * comfy.utils.get_tiled_scale_steps(samples.shape[3], samples.shape[2], tile_x // 2, tile_y * 2, overlap)
         steps += samples.shape[0] * comfy.utils.get_tiled_scale_steps(samples.shape[3], samples.shape[2], tile_x * 2, tile_y // 2, overlap)
         pbar = comfy.utils.ProgressBar(steps)
 
-        decode_fn = lambda a: self.first_stage_model.decode(a.to(self.vae_dtype).to(self.device)).float()
+        decode_fn = lambda a: self.first_stage_model.decode(a.to(self.vae_dtype).to(self.device)).to(dtype=self.vae_output_dtype())
         output = self.process_output(
             (comfy.utils.tiled_scale(samples, decode_fn, tile_x // 2, tile_y * 2, overlap, upscale_amount = self.upscale_ratio, output_device=self.output_device, pbar = pbar) +
             comfy.utils.tiled_scale(samples, decode_fn, tile_x * 2, tile_y // 2, overlap, upscale_amount = self.upscale_ratio, output_device=self.output_device, pbar = pbar) +
@@ -887,16 +890,16 @@ class VAE:
 
     def decode_tiled_1d(self, samples, tile_x=256, overlap=32):
         if samples.ndim == 3:
-            decode_fn = lambda a: self.first_stage_model.decode(a.to(self.vae_dtype).to(self.device)).float()
+            decode_fn = lambda a: self.first_stage_model.decode(a.to(self.vae_dtype).to(self.device)).to(dtype=self.vae_output_dtype())
         else:
             og_shape = samples.shape
             samples = samples.reshape((og_shape[0], og_shape[1] * og_shape[2], -1))
-            decode_fn = lambda a: self.first_stage_model.decode(a.reshape((-1, og_shape[1], og_shape[2], a.shape[-1])).to(self.vae_dtype).to(self.device)).float()
+            decode_fn = lambda a: self.first_stage_model.decode(a.reshape((-1, og_shape[1], og_shape[2], a.shape[-1])).to(self.vae_dtype).to(self.device)).to(dtype=self.vae_output_dtype())
 
         return self.process_output(comfy.utils.tiled_scale_multidim(samples, decode_fn, tile=(tile_x,), overlap=overlap, upscale_amount=self.upscale_ratio, out_channels=self.output_channels, output_device=self.output_device))
 
     def decode_tiled_3d(self, samples, tile_t=999, tile_x=32, tile_y=32, overlap=(1, 8, 8)):
-        decode_fn = lambda a: self.first_stage_model.decode(a.to(self.vae_dtype).to(self.device)).float()
+        decode_fn = lambda a: self.first_stage_model.decode(a.to(self.vae_dtype).to(self.device)).to(dtype=self.vae_output_dtype())
         return self.process_output(comfy.utils.tiled_scale_multidim(samples, decode_fn, tile=(tile_t, tile_x, tile_y), overlap=overlap, upscale_amount=self.upscale_ratio, out_channels=self.output_channels, index_formulas=self.upscale_index_formula, output_device=self.output_device))
 
     def encode_tiled_(self, pixel_samples, tile_x=512, tile_y=512, overlap = 64):
@@ -905,7 +908,7 @@ class VAE:
         steps += pixel_samples.shape[0] * comfy.utils.get_tiled_scale_steps(pixel_samples.shape[3], pixel_samples.shape[2], tile_x * 2, tile_y // 2, overlap)
         pbar = comfy.utils.ProgressBar(steps)
 
-        encode_fn = lambda a: self.first_stage_model.encode((self.process_input(a)).to(self.vae_dtype).to(self.device)).float()
+        encode_fn = lambda a: self.first_stage_model.encode((self.process_input(a)).to(self.vae_dtype).to(self.device)).to(dtype=self.vae_output_dtype())
         samples = comfy.utils.tiled_scale(pixel_samples, encode_fn, tile_x, tile_y, overlap, upscale_amount = (1/self.downscale_ratio), out_channels=self.latent_channels, output_device=self.output_device, pbar=pbar)
         samples += comfy.utils.tiled_scale(pixel_samples, encode_fn, tile_x * 2, tile_y // 2, overlap, upscale_amount = (1/self.downscale_ratio), out_channels=self.latent_channels, output_device=self.output_device, pbar=pbar)
         samples += comfy.utils.tiled_scale(pixel_samples, encode_fn, tile_x // 2, tile_y * 2, overlap, upscale_amount = (1/self.downscale_ratio), out_channels=self.latent_channels, output_device=self.output_device, pbar=pbar)
@@ -914,7 +917,7 @@ class VAE:
 
     def encode_tiled_1d(self, samples, tile_x=256 * 2048, overlap=64 * 2048):
         if self.latent_dim == 1:
-            encode_fn = lambda a: self.first_stage_model.encode((self.process_input(a)).to(self.vae_dtype).to(self.device)).float()
+            encode_fn = lambda a: self.first_stage_model.encode((self.process_input(a)).to(self.vae_dtype).to(self.device)).to(dtype=self.vae_output_dtype())
             out_channels = self.latent_channels
             upscale_amount = 1 / self.downscale_ratio
         else:
@@ -923,7 +926,7 @@ class VAE:
             tile_x = tile_x // extra_channel_size
             overlap = overlap // extra_channel_size
             upscale_amount = 1 / self.downscale_ratio
-            encode_fn = lambda a: self.first_stage_model.encode((self.process_input(a)).to(self.vae_dtype).to(self.device)).reshape(1, out_channels, -1).float()
+            encode_fn = lambda a: self.first_stage_model.encode((self.process_input(a)).to(self.vae_dtype).to(self.device)).reshape(1, out_channels, -1).to(dtype=self.vae_output_dtype())
 
         out = comfy.utils.tiled_scale_multidim(samples, encode_fn, tile=(tile_x,), overlap=overlap, upscale_amount=upscale_amount, out_channels=out_channels, output_device=self.output_device)
         if self.latent_dim == 1:
@@ -932,7 +935,7 @@ class VAE:
             return out.reshape(samples.shape[0], self.latent_channels, extra_channel_size, -1)
 
     def encode_tiled_3d(self, samples, tile_t=9999, tile_x=512, tile_y=512, overlap=(1, 64, 64)):
-        encode_fn = lambda a: self.first_stage_model.encode((self.process_input(a)).to(self.vae_dtype).to(self.device)).float()
+        encode_fn = lambda a: self.first_stage_model.encode((self.process_input(a)).to(self.vae_dtype).to(self.device)).to(dtype=self.vae_output_dtype())
         return comfy.utils.tiled_scale_multidim(samples, encode_fn, tile=(tile_t, tile_x, tile_y), overlap=overlap, upscale_amount=self.downscale_ratio, out_channels=self.latent_channels, downscale=True, index_formulas=self.downscale_index_formula, output_device=self.output_device)
 
     def decode(self, samples_in, vae_options={}):
@@ -948,12 +951,23 @@ class VAE:
             batch_number = int(free_memory / memory_used)
             batch_number = max(1, batch_number)
 
+            # Pre-allocate output for VAEs that support direct buffer writes
+            preallocated = False
+            if getattr(self.first_stage_model, 'comfy_has_chunked_io', False):
+                pixel_samples = torch.empty(self.first_stage_model.decode_output_shape(samples_in.shape), device=self.output_device, dtype=self.vae_output_dtype())
+                preallocated = True
+
             for x in range(0, samples_in.shape[0], batch_number):
-                samples = samples_in[x:x+batch_number].to(self.vae_dtype).to(self.device)
-                out = self.process_output(self.first_stage_model.decode(samples, **vae_options).to(self.output_device).float())
-                if pixel_samples is None:
-                    pixel_samples = torch.empty((samples_in.shape[0],) + tuple(out.shape[1:]), device=self.output_device)
-                pixel_samples[x:x+batch_number] = out
+                samples = samples_in[x:x + batch_number].to(device=self.device, dtype=self.vae_dtype)
+                if preallocated:
+                    self.first_stage_model.decode(samples, output_buffer=pixel_samples[x:x+batch_number], **vae_options)
+                else:
+                    out = self.first_stage_model.decode(samples, **vae_options).to(device=self.output_device, dtype=self.vae_output_dtype(), copy=True)
+                    if pixel_samples is None:
+                        pixel_samples = torch.empty((samples_in.shape[0],) + tuple(out.shape[1:]), device=self.output_device, dtype=self.vae_output_dtype())
+                    pixel_samples[x:x+batch_number].copy_(out)
+                    del out
+                self.process_output(pixel_samples[x:x+batch_number])
         except Exception as e:
             model_management.raise_non_oom(e)
             logging.warning("Warning: Ran out of memory when regular VAE decoding, retrying with tiled VAE decoding.")
@@ -964,6 +978,7 @@ class VAE:
             do_tile = True
 
         if do_tile:
+            comfy.model_management.soft_empty_cache()
             dims = samples_in.ndim - 2
             if dims == 1 or self.extra_1d_channel is not None:
                 pixel_samples = self.decode_tiled_1d(samples_in)
@@ -1024,10 +1039,15 @@ class VAE:
             batch_number = max(1, batch_number)
             samples = None
             for x in range(0, pixel_samples.shape[0], batch_number):
-                pixels_in = self.process_input(pixel_samples[x:x + batch_number]).to(self.vae_dtype).to(self.device)
-                out = self.first_stage_model.encode(pixels_in).to(self.output_device).float()
+                pixels_in = self.process_input(pixel_samples[x:x + batch_number]).to(self.vae_dtype)
+                if getattr(self.first_stage_model, 'comfy_has_chunked_io', False):
+                    out = self.first_stage_model.encode(pixels_in, device=self.device)
+                else:
+                    pixels_in = pixels_in.to(self.device)
+                    out = self.first_stage_model.encode(pixels_in)
+                out = out.to(self.output_device).to(dtype=self.vae_output_dtype())
                 if samples is None:
-                    samples = torch.empty((pixel_samples.shape[0],) + tuple(out.shape[1:]), device=self.output_device)
+                    samples = torch.empty((pixel_samples.shape[0],) + tuple(out.shape[1:]), device=self.output_device, dtype=self.vae_output_dtype())
                 samples[x:x + batch_number] = out
 
         except Exception as e:
@@ -1040,6 +1060,7 @@ class VAE:
             do_tile = True
 
         if do_tile:
+            comfy.model_management.soft_empty_cache()
             if self.latent_dim == 3:
                 tile = 256
                 overlap = tile // 4
diff --git a/comfy/sd1_clip.py b/comfy/sd1_clip.py
index d89550840..0eb30df27 100644
--- a/comfy/sd1_clip.py
+++ b/comfy/sd1_clip.py
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ class ClipTokenWeightEncoder:
         out, pooled = o[:2]
 
         if pooled is not None:
-            first_pooled = pooled[0:1].to(model_management.intermediate_device())
+            first_pooled = pooled[0:1].to(device=model_management.intermediate_device())
         else:
             first_pooled = pooled
 
@@ -63,16 +63,16 @@ class ClipTokenWeightEncoder:
             output.append(z)
 
         if (len(output) == 0):
-            r = (out[-1:].to(model_management.intermediate_device()), first_pooled)
+            r = (out[-1:].to(device=model_management.intermediate_device()), first_pooled)
         else:
-            r = (torch.cat(output, dim=-2).to(model_management.intermediate_device()), first_pooled)
+            r = (torch.cat(output, dim=-2).to(device=model_management.intermediate_device()), first_pooled)
 
         if len(o) > 2:
             extra = {}
             for k in o[2]:
                 v = o[2][k]
                 if k == "attention_mask":
-                    v = v[:sections].flatten().unsqueeze(dim=0).to(model_management.intermediate_device())
+                    v = v[:sections].flatten().unsqueeze(dim=0).to(device=model_management.intermediate_device())
                 extra[k] = v
 
             r = r + (extra,)
diff --git a/comfy/utils.py b/comfy/utils.py
index 6e1d14419..78c491b98 100644
--- a/comfy/utils.py
+++ b/comfy/utils.py
@@ -20,6 +20,8 @@
 import torch
 import math
 import struct
+import ctypes
+import os
 import comfy.memory_management
 import safetensors.torch
 import numpy as np
@@ -32,7 +34,7 @@ from einops import rearrange
 from comfy.cli_args import args
 import json
 import time
-import mmap
+import threading
 import warnings
 
 MMAP_TORCH_FILES = args.mmap_torch_files
@@ -81,14 +83,17 @@ _TYPES = {
 }
 
 def load_safetensors(ckpt):
-    f = open(ckpt, "rb")
-    mapping = mmap.mmap(f.fileno(), 0, access=mmap.ACCESS_READ)
-    mv = memoryview(mapping)
+    import comfy_aimdo.model_mmap
 
-    header_size = struct.unpack("<Q", mapping[:8])[0]
-    header = json.loads(mapping[8:8+header_size].decode("utf-8"))
+    f = open(ckpt, "rb", buffering=0)
+    model_mmap = comfy_aimdo.model_mmap.ModelMMAP(ckpt)
+    file_size = os.path.getsize(ckpt)
+    mv = memoryview((ctypes.c_uint8 * file_size).from_address(model_mmap.get()))
 
-    mv = mv[8 + header_size:]
+    header_size = struct.unpack("<Q", mv[:8])[0]
+    header = json.loads(mv[8:8 + header_size].tobytes().decode("utf-8"))
+
+    mv = mv[(data_base_offset := 8 + header_size):]
 
     sd = {}
     for name, info in header.items():
@@ -102,7 +107,14 @@ def load_safetensors(ckpt):
             with warnings.catch_warnings():
                 #We are working with read-only RAM by design
                 warnings.filterwarnings("ignore", message="The given buffer is not writable")
-                sd[name] = torch.frombuffer(mv[start:end], dtype=_TYPES[info["dtype"]]).view(info["shape"])
+                tensor = torch.frombuffer(mv[start:end], dtype=_TYPES[info["dtype"]]).view(info["shape"])
+                storage = tensor.untyped_storage()
+                setattr(storage,
+                        "_comfy_tensor_file_slice",
+                        comfy.memory_management.TensorFileSlice(f, threading.get_ident(), data_base_offset + start, end - start))
+                setattr(storage, "_comfy_tensor_mmap_refs", (model_mmap, mv))
+                setattr(storage, "_comfy_tensor_mmap_touched", False)
+                sd[name] = tensor
 
     return sd, header.get("__metadata__", {}),
 
@@ -885,6 +897,10 @@ def set_attr(obj, attr, value):
     return prev
 
 def set_attr_param(obj, attr, value):
+    # Clone inference tensors (created under torch.inference_mode) since
+    # their version counter is frozen and nn.Parameter() cannot wrap them.
+    if (not torch.is_inference_mode_enabled()) and value.is_inference():
+        value = value.clone()
     return set_attr(obj, attr, torch.nn.Parameter(value, requires_grad=False))
 
 def set_attr_buffer(obj, attr, value):
@@ -1119,8 +1135,8 @@ def tiled_scale_multidim(samples, function, tile=(64, 64), overlap=8, upscale_am
                 pbar.update(1)
             continue
 
-        out = torch.zeros([s.shape[0], out_channels] + mult_list_upscale(s.shape[2:]), device=output_device)
-        out_div = torch.zeros([s.shape[0], out_channels] + mult_list_upscale(s.shape[2:]), device=output_device)
+        out = output[b:b+1].zero_()
+        out_div = torch.zeros([s.shape[0], 1] + mult_list_upscale(s.shape[2:]), device=output_device)
 
         positions = [range(0, s.shape[d+2] - overlap[d], tile[d] - overlap[d]) if s.shape[d+2] > tile[d] else [0] for d in range(dims)]
 
@@ -1135,7 +1151,7 @@ def tiled_scale_multidim(samples, function, tile=(64, 64), overlap=8, upscale_am
                 upscaled.append(round(get_pos(d, pos)))
 
             ps = function(s_in).to(output_device)
-            mask = torch.ones_like(ps)
+            mask = torch.ones([1, 1] + list(ps.shape[2:]), device=output_device)
 
             for d in range(2, dims + 2):
                 feather = round(get_scale(d - 2, overlap[d - 2]))
@@ -1158,7 +1174,7 @@ def tiled_scale_multidim(samples, function, tile=(64, 64), overlap=8, upscale_am
             if pbar is not None:
                 pbar.update(1)
 
-        output[b:b+1] = out/out_div
+        out.div_(out_div)
     return output
 
 def tiled_scale(samples, function, tile_x=64, tile_y=64, overlap = 8, upscale_amount = 4, out_channels = 3, output_device="cpu", pbar = None):
diff --git a/comfy_api/latest/__init__.py b/comfy_api/latest/__init__.py
index f2399422b..04973fea0 100644
--- a/comfy_api/latest/__init__.py
+++ b/comfy_api/latest/__init__.py
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ class ComfyAPI_latest(ComfyAPIBase):
         super().__init__()
         self.node_replacement = self.NodeReplacement()
         self.execution = self.Execution()
+        self.caching = self.Caching()
 
     class NodeReplacement(ProxiedSingleton):
         async def register(self, node_replace: io.NodeReplace) -> None:
@@ -84,6 +85,36 @@ class ComfyAPI_latest(ComfyAPIBase):
                 image=to_display,
             )
 
+    class Caching(ProxiedSingleton):
+        """
+        External cache provider API for sharing cached node outputs
+        across ComfyUI instances.
+
+        Example::
+
+            from comfy_api.latest import Caching
+
+            class MyCacheProvider(Caching.CacheProvider):
+                async def on_lookup(self, context):
+                    ...  # check external storage
+
+                async def on_store(self, context, value):
+                    ...  # store to external storage
+
+            Caching.register_provider(MyCacheProvider())
+        """
+        from ._caching import CacheProvider, CacheContext, CacheValue
+
+        async def register_provider(self, provider: "ComfyAPI_latest.Caching.CacheProvider") -> None:
+            """Register an external cache provider. Providers are called in registration order."""
+            from comfy_execution.cache_provider import register_cache_provider
+            register_cache_provider(provider)
+
+        async def unregister_provider(self, provider: "ComfyAPI_latest.Caching.CacheProvider") -> None:
+            """Unregister a previously registered cache provider."""
+            from comfy_execution.cache_provider import unregister_cache_provider
+            unregister_cache_provider(provider)
+
 class ComfyExtension(ABC):
     async def on_load(self) -> None:
         """
@@ -116,6 +147,9 @@ class Types:
     VOXEL = VOXEL
     File3D = File3D
 
+
+Caching = ComfyAPI_latest.Caching
+
 ComfyAPI = ComfyAPI_latest
 
 # Create a synchronous version of the API
@@ -135,6 +169,7 @@ __all__ = [
     "Input",
     "InputImpl",
     "Types",
+    "Caching",
     "ComfyExtension",
     "io",
     "IO",
diff --git a/comfy_api/latest/_caching.py b/comfy_api/latest/_caching.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..30c8848cd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/comfy_api/latest/_caching.py
@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
+from typing import Optional
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+
+
+@dataclass
+class CacheContext:
+    node_id: str
+    class_type: str
+    cache_key_hash: str  # SHA256 hex digest
+
+
+@dataclass
+class CacheValue:
+    outputs: list
+    ui: dict = None
+
+
+class CacheProvider(ABC):
+    """Abstract base class for external cache providers.
+    Exceptions from provider methods are caught by the caller and never break execution.
+    """
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    async def on_lookup(self, context: CacheContext) -> Optional[CacheValue]:
+        """Called on local cache miss. Return CacheValue if found, None otherwise."""
+        pass
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    async def on_store(self, context: CacheContext, value: CacheValue) -> None:
+        """Called after local store. Dispatched via asyncio.create_task."""
+        pass
+
+    def should_cache(self, context: CacheContext, value: Optional[CacheValue] = None) -> bool:
+        """Return False to skip external caching for this node. Default: True."""
+        return True
+
+    def on_prompt_start(self, prompt_id: str) -> None:
+        pass
+
+    def on_prompt_end(self, prompt_id: str) -> None:
+        pass
diff --git a/comfy_api_nodes/apis/gemini.py b/comfy_api_nodes/apis/gemini.py
index 639035fef..22879fe18 100644
--- a/comfy_api_nodes/apis/gemini.py
+++ b/comfy_api_nodes/apis/gemini.py
@@ -67,6 +67,7 @@ class GeminiPart(BaseModel):
     inlineData: GeminiInlineData | None = Field(None)
     fileData: GeminiFileData | None = Field(None)
     text: str | None = Field(None)
+    thought: bool | None = Field(None)
 
 
 class GeminiTextPart(BaseModel):
diff --git a/comfy_api_nodes/apis/quiver.py b/comfy_api_nodes/apis/quiver.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..bc8708754
--- /dev/null
+++ b/comfy_api_nodes/apis/quiver.py
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+from pydantic import BaseModel, Field
+
+
+class QuiverImageObject(BaseModel):
+    url: str = Field(...)
+
+
+class QuiverTextToSVGRequest(BaseModel):
+    model: str = Field(default="arrow-preview")
+    prompt: str = Field(...)
+    instructions: str | None = Field(default=None)
+    references: list[QuiverImageObject] | None = Field(default=None, max_length=4)
+    temperature: float | None = Field(default=None, ge=0, le=2)
+    top_p: float | None = Field(default=None, ge=0, le=1)
+    presence_penalty: float | None = Field(default=None, ge=-2, le=2)
+
+
+class QuiverImageToSVGRequest(BaseModel):
+    model: str = Field(default="arrow-preview")
+    image: QuiverImageObject = Field(...)
+    auto_crop: bool | None = Field(default=None)
+    target_size: int | None = Field(default=None, ge=128, le=4096)
+    temperature: float | None = Field(default=None, ge=0, le=2)
+    top_p: float | None = Field(default=None, ge=0, le=1)
+    presence_penalty: float | None = Field(default=None, ge=-2, le=2)
+
+
+class QuiverSVGResponseItem(BaseModel):
+    svg: str = Field(...)
+    mime_type: str | None = Field(default="image/svg+xml")
+
+
+class QuiverSVGUsage(BaseModel):
+    total_tokens: int | None = Field(default=None)
+    input_tokens: int | None = Field(default=None)
+    output_tokens: int | None = Field(default=None)
+
+
+class QuiverSVGResponse(BaseModel):
+    id: str | None = Field(default=None)
+    created: int | None = Field(default=None)
+    data: list[QuiverSVGResponseItem] = Field(...)
+    usage: QuiverSVGUsage | None = Field(default=None)
diff --git a/comfy_api_nodes/nodes_bytedance.py b/comfy_api_nodes/nodes_bytedance.py
index 6dbd5984e..de0c22e70 100644
--- a/comfy_api_nodes/nodes_bytedance.py
+++ b/comfy_api_nodes/nodes_bytedance.py
@@ -47,6 +47,10 @@ SEEDREAM_MODELS = {
 BYTEPLUS_TASK_ENDPOINT = "/proxy/byteplus/api/v3/contents/generations/tasks"
 BYTEPLUS_TASK_STATUS_ENDPOINT = "/proxy/byteplus/api/v3/contents/generations/tasks"  # + /{task_id}
 
+DEPRECATED_MODELS = {"seedance-1-0-lite-t2v-250428", "seedance-1-0-lite-i2v-250428"}
+
+logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
+
 
 def get_image_url_from_response(response: ImageTaskCreationResponse) -> str:
     if response.error:
@@ -135,6 +139,7 @@ class ByteDanceImageNode(IO.ComfyNode):
             price_badge=IO.PriceBadge(
                 expr="""{"type":"usd","usd":0.03}""",
             ),
+            is_deprecated=True,
         )
 
     @classmethod
@@ -942,7 +947,7 @@ class ByteDanceImageReferenceNode(IO.ComfyNode):
         ]
         return await process_video_task(
             cls,
-            payload=Image2VideoTaskCreationRequest(model=model, content=x),
+            payload=Image2VideoTaskCreationRequest(model=model, content=x, generate_audio=None),
             estimated_duration=max(1, math.ceil(VIDEO_TASKS_EXECUTION_TIME[model][resolution] * (duration / 10.0))),
         )
 
@@ -952,6 +957,12 @@ async def process_video_task(
     payload: Text2VideoTaskCreationRequest | Image2VideoTaskCreationRequest,
     estimated_duration: int | None,
 ) -> IO.NodeOutput:
+    if payload.model in DEPRECATED_MODELS:
+        logger.warning(
+            "Model '%s' is deprecated and will be deactivated on May 13, 2026. "
+            "Please switch to a newer model. Recommended: seedance-1-0-pro-fast-251015.",
+            payload.model,
+        )
     initial_response = await sync_op(
         cls,
         ApiEndpoint(path=BYTEPLUS_TASK_ENDPOINT, method="POST"),
diff --git a/comfy_api_nodes/nodes_gemini.py b/comfy_api_nodes/nodes_gemini.py
index 8225ea67e..25d747e76 100644
--- a/comfy_api_nodes/nodes_gemini.py
+++ b/comfy_api_nodes/nodes_gemini.py
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ GEMINI_IMAGE_2_PRICE_BADGE = IO.PriceBadge(
       $m := widgets.model;
       $r := widgets.resolution;
       $isFlash := $contains($m, "nano banana 2");
-      $flashPrices := {"1k": 0.0696, "2k": 0.0696, "4k": 0.123};
+      $flashPrices := {"1k": 0.0696, "2k": 0.1014, "4k": 0.154};
       $proPrices := {"1k": 0.134, "2k": 0.134, "4k": 0.24};
       $prices := $isFlash ? $flashPrices : $proPrices;
       {"type":"usd","usd": $lookup($prices, $r), "format":{"suffix":"/Image","approximate":true}}
@@ -188,10 +188,12 @@ def get_text_from_response(response: GeminiGenerateContentResponse) -> str:
     return "\n".join([part.text for part in parts])
 
 
-async def get_image_from_response(response: GeminiGenerateContentResponse) -> Input.Image:
+async def get_image_from_response(response: GeminiGenerateContentResponse, thought: bool = False) -> Input.Image:
     image_tensors: list[Input.Image] = []
     parts = get_parts_by_type(response, "image/*")
     for part in parts:
+        if (part.thought is True) != thought:
+            continue
         if part.inlineData:
             image_data = base64.b64decode(part.inlineData.data)
             returned_image = bytesio_to_image_tensor(BytesIO(image_data))
@@ -931,6 +933,11 @@ class GeminiNanoBanana2(IO.ComfyNode):
             outputs=[
                 IO.Image.Output(),
                 IO.String.Output(),
+                IO.Image.Output(
+                    display_name="thought_image",
+                    tooltip="First image from the model's thinking process. "
+                    "Only available with thinking_level HIGH and IMAGE+TEXT modality.",
+                ),
             ],
             hidden=[
                 IO.Hidden.auth_token_comfy_org,
@@ -992,7 +999,11 @@ class GeminiNanoBanana2(IO.ComfyNode):
             response_model=GeminiGenerateContentResponse,
             price_extractor=calculate_tokens_price,
         )
-        return IO.NodeOutput(await get_image_from_response(response), get_text_from_response(response))
+        return IO.NodeOutput(
+            await get_image_from_response(response),
+            get_text_from_response(response),
+            await get_image_from_response(response, thought=True),
+        )
 
 
 class GeminiExtension(ComfyExtension):
diff --git a/comfy_api_nodes/nodes_hunyuan3d.py b/comfy_api_nodes/nodes_hunyuan3d.py
index bd8bde997..753c09b6e 100644
--- a/comfy_api_nodes/nodes_hunyuan3d.py
+++ b/comfy_api_nodes/nodes_hunyuan3d.py
@@ -1,3 +1,7 @@
+import zipfile
+from io import BytesIO
+
+import torch
 from typing_extensions import override
 
 from comfy_api.latest import IO, ComfyExtension, Input, Types
@@ -17,7 +21,10 @@ from comfy_api_nodes.apis.hunyuan3d import (
 )
 from comfy_api_nodes.util import (
     ApiEndpoint,
+    bytesio_to_image_tensor,
+    download_url_to_bytesio,
     download_url_to_file_3d,
+    download_url_to_image_tensor,
     downscale_image_tensor_by_max_side,
     poll_op,
     sync_op,
@@ -36,6 +43,68 @@ def _is_tencent_rate_limited(status: int, body: object) -> bool:
     )
 
 
+class ObjZipResult:
+    __slots__ = ("obj", "texture", "metallic", "normal", "roughness")
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        obj: Types.File3D,
+        texture: Input.Image | None = None,
+        metallic: Input.Image | None = None,
+        normal: Input.Image | None = None,
+        roughness: Input.Image | None = None,
+    ):
+        self.obj = obj
+        self.texture = texture
+        self.metallic = metallic
+        self.normal = normal
+        self.roughness = roughness
+
+
+async def download_and_extract_obj_zip(url: str) -> ObjZipResult:
+    """The Tencent API returns OBJ results as ZIP archives containing the .obj mesh, and texture images.
+
+    When PBR is enabled, the ZIP may contain additional metallic, normal, and roughness maps
+    identified by their filename suffixes.
+    """
+    data = BytesIO()
+    await download_url_to_bytesio(url, data)
+    data.seek(0)
+    if not zipfile.is_zipfile(data):
+        data.seek(0)
+        return ObjZipResult(obj=Types.File3D(source=data, file_format="obj"))
+    data.seek(0)
+    obj_bytes = None
+    textures: dict[str, Input.Image] = {}
+    with zipfile.ZipFile(data) as zf:
+        for name in zf.namelist():
+            lower = name.lower()
+            if lower.endswith(".obj"):
+                obj_bytes = zf.read(name)
+            elif any(lower.endswith(ext) for ext in (".png", ".jpg", ".jpeg", ".bmp", ".tiff", ".webp")):
+                stem = lower.rsplit(".", 1)[0]
+                tensor = bytesio_to_image_tensor(BytesIO(zf.read(name)), mode="RGB")
+                matched_key = "texture"
+                for suffix, key in {
+                    "_metallic": "metallic",
+                    "_normal": "normal",
+                    "_roughness": "roughness",
+                }.items():
+                    if stem.endswith(suffix):
+                        matched_key = key
+                        break
+                textures[matched_key] = tensor
+    if obj_bytes is None:
+        raise ValueError("ZIP archive does not contain an OBJ file.")
+    return ObjZipResult(
+        obj=Types.File3D(source=BytesIO(obj_bytes), file_format="obj"),
+        texture=textures.get("texture"),
+        metallic=textures.get("metallic"),
+        normal=textures.get("normal"),
+        roughness=textures.get("roughness"),
+    )
+
+
 def get_file_from_response(
     response_objs: list[ResultFile3D], file_type: str, raise_if_not_found: bool = True
 ) -> ResultFile3D | None:
@@ -93,6 +162,7 @@ class TencentTextToModelNode(IO.ComfyNode):
                 IO.String.Output(display_name="model_file"),  # for backward compatibility only
                 IO.File3DGLB.Output(display_name="GLB"),
                 IO.File3DOBJ.Output(display_name="OBJ"),
+                IO.Image.Output(display_name="texture_image"),
             ],
             hidden=[
                 IO.Hidden.auth_token_comfy_org,
@@ -151,14 +221,14 @@ class TencentTextToModelNode(IO.ComfyNode):
             response_model=To3DProTaskResultResponse,
             status_extractor=lambda r: r.Status,
         )
+        obj_result = await download_and_extract_obj_zip(get_file_from_response(result.ResultFile3Ds, "obj").Url)
         return IO.NodeOutput(
             f"{task_id}.glb",
             await download_url_to_file_3d(
                 get_file_from_response(result.ResultFile3Ds, "glb").Url, "glb", task_id=task_id
             ),
-            await download_url_to_file_3d(
-                get_file_from_response(result.ResultFile3Ds, "obj").Url, "obj", task_id=task_id
-            ),
+            obj_result.obj,
+            obj_result.texture,
         )
 
 
@@ -211,6 +281,10 @@ class TencentImageToModelNode(IO.ComfyNode):
                 IO.String.Output(display_name="model_file"),  # for backward compatibility only
                 IO.File3DGLB.Output(display_name="GLB"),
                 IO.File3DOBJ.Output(display_name="OBJ"),
+                IO.Image.Output(display_name="texture_image"),
+                IO.Image.Output(display_name="optional_metallic"),
+                IO.Image.Output(display_name="optional_normal"),
+                IO.Image.Output(display_name="optional_roughness"),
             ],
             hidden=[
                 IO.Hidden.auth_token_comfy_org,
@@ -304,14 +378,17 @@ class TencentImageToModelNode(IO.ComfyNode):
             response_model=To3DProTaskResultResponse,
             status_extractor=lambda r: r.Status,
         )
+        obj_result = await download_and_extract_obj_zip(get_file_from_response(result.ResultFile3Ds, "obj").Url)
         return IO.NodeOutput(
             f"{task_id}.glb",
             await download_url_to_file_3d(
                 get_file_from_response(result.ResultFile3Ds, "glb").Url, "glb", task_id=task_id
             ),
-            await download_url_to_file_3d(
-                get_file_from_response(result.ResultFile3Ds, "obj").Url, "obj", task_id=task_id
-            ),
+            obj_result.obj,
+            obj_result.texture,
+            obj_result.metallic if obj_result.metallic is not None else torch.zeros(1, 1, 1, 3),
+            obj_result.normal if obj_result.normal is not None else torch.zeros(1, 1, 1, 3),
+            obj_result.roughness if obj_result.roughness is not None else torch.zeros(1, 1, 1, 3),
         )
 
 
@@ -431,7 +508,8 @@ class Tencent3DTextureEditNode(IO.ComfyNode):
             ],
             outputs=[
                 IO.File3DGLB.Output(display_name="GLB"),
-                IO.File3DFBX.Output(display_name="FBX"),
+                IO.File3DOBJ.Output(display_name="OBJ"),
+                IO.Image.Output(display_name="texture_image"),
             ],
             hidden=[
                 IO.Hidden.auth_token_comfy_org,
@@ -480,7 +558,8 @@ class Tencent3DTextureEditNode(IO.ComfyNode):
         )
         return IO.NodeOutput(
             await download_url_to_file_3d(get_file_from_response(result.ResultFile3Ds, "glb").Url, "glb"),
-            await download_url_to_file_3d(get_file_from_response(result.ResultFile3Ds, "fbx").Url, "fbx"),
+            await download_url_to_file_3d(get_file_from_response(result.ResultFile3Ds, "obj").Url, "obj"),
+            await download_url_to_image_tensor(get_file_from_response(result.ResultFile3Ds, "texture_image").Url),
         )
 
 
@@ -654,7 +733,7 @@ class TencentHunyuan3DExtension(ComfyExtension):
             TencentTextToModelNode,
             TencentImageToModelNode,
             TencentModelTo3DUVNode,
-            # Tencent3DTextureEditNode,
+            Tencent3DTextureEditNode,
             Tencent3DPartNode,
             TencentSmartTopologyNode,
         ]
diff --git a/comfy_api_nodes/nodes_kling.py b/comfy_api_nodes/nodes_kling.py
index 8963c335d..9a37ccc53 100644
--- a/comfy_api_nodes/nodes_kling.py
+++ b/comfy_api_nodes/nodes_kling.py
@@ -1459,6 +1459,7 @@ class OmniProEditVideoNode(IO.ComfyNode):
             node_id="KlingOmniProEditVideoNode",
             display_name="Kling 3.0 Omni Edit Video",
             category="api node/video/Kling",
+            essentials_category="Video Generation",
             description="Edit an existing video with the latest model from Kling.",
             inputs=[
                 IO.Combo.Input("model_name", options=["kling-v3-omni", "kling-video-o1"]),
diff --git a/comfy_api_nodes/nodes_quiver.py b/comfy_api_nodes/nodes_quiver.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..61533263f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/comfy_api_nodes/nodes_quiver.py
@@ -0,0 +1,291 @@
+from io import BytesIO
+
+from typing_extensions import override
+
+from comfy_api.latest import IO, ComfyExtension
+from comfy_api_nodes.apis.quiver import (
+    QuiverImageObject,
+    QuiverImageToSVGRequest,
+    QuiverSVGResponse,
+    QuiverTextToSVGRequest,
+)
+from comfy_api_nodes.util import (
+    ApiEndpoint,
+    sync_op,
+    upload_image_to_comfyapi,
+    validate_string,
+)
+from comfy_extras.nodes_images import SVG
+
+
+class QuiverTextToSVGNode(IO.ComfyNode):
+    @classmethod
+    def define_schema(cls):
+        return IO.Schema(
+            node_id="QuiverTextToSVGNode",
+            display_name="Quiver Text to SVG",
+            category="api node/image/Quiver",
+            description="Generate an SVG from a text prompt using Quiver AI.",
+            inputs=[
+                IO.String.Input(
+                    "prompt",
+                    multiline=True,
+                    default="",
+                    tooltip="Text description of the desired SVG output.",
+                ),
+                IO.String.Input(
+                    "instructions",
+                    multiline=True,
+                    default="",
+                    tooltip="Additional style or formatting guidance.",
+                    optional=True,
+                ),
+                IO.Autogrow.Input(
+                    "reference_images",
+                    template=IO.Autogrow.TemplatePrefix(
+                        IO.Image.Input("image"),
+                        prefix="ref_",
+                        min=0,
+                        max=4,
+                    ),
+                    tooltip="Up to 4 reference images to guide the generation.",
+                    optional=True,
+                ),
+                IO.DynamicCombo.Input(
+                    "model",
+                    options=[
+                        IO.DynamicCombo.Option(
+                            "arrow-preview",
+                            [
+                                IO.Float.Input(
+                                    "temperature",
+                                    default=1.0,
+                                    min=0.0,
+                                    max=2.0,
+                                    step=0.1,
+                                    display_mode=IO.NumberDisplay.slider,
+                                    tooltip="Randomness control. Higher values increase randomness.",
+                                    advanced=True,
+                                ),
+                                IO.Float.Input(
+                                    "top_p",
+                                    default=1.0,
+                                    min=0.05,
+                                    max=1.0,
+                                    step=0.05,
+                                    display_mode=IO.NumberDisplay.slider,
+                                    tooltip="Nucleus sampling parameter.",
+                                    advanced=True,
+                                ),
+                                IO.Float.Input(
+                                    "presence_penalty",
+                                    default=0.0,
+                                    min=-2.0,
+                                    max=2.0,
+                                    step=0.1,
+                                    display_mode=IO.NumberDisplay.slider,
+                                    tooltip="Token presence penalty.",
+                                    advanced=True,
+                                ),
+                            ],
+                        ),
+                    ],
+                    tooltip="Model to use for SVG generation.",
+                ),
+                IO.Int.Input(
+                    "seed",
+                    default=0,
+                    min=0,
+                    max=2147483647,
+                    control_after_generate=True,
+                    tooltip="Seed to determine if node should re-run; "
+                    "actual results are nondeterministic regardless of seed.",
+                ),
+            ],
+            outputs=[
+                IO.SVG.Output(),
+            ],
+            hidden=[
+                IO.Hidden.auth_token_comfy_org,
+                IO.Hidden.api_key_comfy_org,
+                IO.Hidden.unique_id,
+            ],
+            is_api_node=True,
+            price_badge=IO.PriceBadge(
+                expr="""{"type":"usd","usd":0.429}""",
+            ),
+        )
+
+    @classmethod
+    async def execute(
+        cls,
+        prompt: str,
+        model: dict,
+        seed: int,
+        instructions: str = None,
+        reference_images: IO.Autogrow.Type = None,
+    ) -> IO.NodeOutput:
+        validate_string(prompt, strip_whitespace=False, min_length=1)
+
+        references = None
+        if reference_images:
+            references = []
+            for key in reference_images:
+                url = await upload_image_to_comfyapi(cls, reference_images[key])
+                references.append(QuiverImageObject(url=url))
+            if len(references) > 4:
+                raise ValueError("Maximum 4 reference images are allowed.")
+
+        instructions_val = instructions.strip() if instructions else None
+        if instructions_val == "":
+            instructions_val = None
+
+        response = await sync_op(
+            cls,
+            ApiEndpoint(path="/proxy/quiver/v1/svgs/generations", method="POST"),
+            response_model=QuiverSVGResponse,
+            data=QuiverTextToSVGRequest(
+                model=model["model"],
+                prompt=prompt,
+                instructions=instructions_val,
+                references=references,
+                temperature=model.get("temperature"),
+                top_p=model.get("top_p"),
+                presence_penalty=model.get("presence_penalty"),
+            ),
+        )
+
+        svg_data = [BytesIO(item.svg.encode("utf-8")) for item in response.data]
+        return IO.NodeOutput(SVG(svg_data))
+
+
+class QuiverImageToSVGNode(IO.ComfyNode):
+    @classmethod
+    def define_schema(cls):
+        return IO.Schema(
+            node_id="QuiverImageToSVGNode",
+            display_name="Quiver Image to SVG",
+            category="api node/image/Quiver",
+            description="Vectorize a raster image into SVG using Quiver AI.",
+            inputs=[
+                IO.Image.Input(
+                    "image",
+                    tooltip="Input image to vectorize.",
+                ),
+                IO.Boolean.Input(
+                    "auto_crop",
+                    default=False,
+                    tooltip="Automatically crop to the dominant subject.",
+                ),
+                IO.DynamicCombo.Input(
+                    "model",
+                    options=[
+                        IO.DynamicCombo.Option(
+                            "arrow-preview",
+                            [
+                                IO.Int.Input(
+                                    "target_size",
+                                    default=1024,
+                                    min=128,
+                                    max=4096,
+                                    tooltip="Square resize target in pixels.",
+                                ),
+                                IO.Float.Input(
+                                    "temperature",
+                                    default=1.0,
+                                    min=0.0,
+                                    max=2.0,
+                                    step=0.1,
+                                    display_mode=IO.NumberDisplay.slider,
+                                    tooltip="Randomness control. Higher values increase randomness.",
+                                    advanced=True,
+                                ),
+                                IO.Float.Input(
+                                    "top_p",
+                                    default=1.0,
+                                    min=0.05,
+                                    max=1.0,
+                                    step=0.05,
+                                    display_mode=IO.NumberDisplay.slider,
+                                    tooltip="Nucleus sampling parameter.",
+                                    advanced=True,
+                                ),
+                                IO.Float.Input(
+                                    "presence_penalty",
+                                    default=0.0,
+                                    min=-2.0,
+                                    max=2.0,
+                                    step=0.1,
+                                    display_mode=IO.NumberDisplay.slider,
+                                    tooltip="Token presence penalty.",
+                                    advanced=True,
+                                ),
+                            ],
+                        ),
+                    ],
+                    tooltip="Model to use for SVG vectorization.",
+                ),
+                IO.Int.Input(
+                    "seed",
+                    default=0,
+                    min=0,
+                    max=2147483647,
+                    control_after_generate=True,
+                    tooltip="Seed to determine if node should re-run; "
+                    "actual results are nondeterministic regardless of seed.",
+                ),
+            ],
+            outputs=[
+                IO.SVG.Output(),
+            ],
+            hidden=[
+                IO.Hidden.auth_token_comfy_org,
+                IO.Hidden.api_key_comfy_org,
+                IO.Hidden.unique_id,
+            ],
+            is_api_node=True,
+            price_badge=IO.PriceBadge(
+                expr="""{"type":"usd","usd":0.429}""",
+            ),
+        )
+
+    @classmethod
+    async def execute(
+        cls,
+        image,
+        auto_crop: bool,
+        model: dict,
+        seed: int,
+    ) -> IO.NodeOutput:
+        image_url = await upload_image_to_comfyapi(cls, image)
+
+        response = await sync_op(
+            cls,
+            ApiEndpoint(path="/proxy/quiver/v1/svgs/vectorizations", method="POST"),
+            response_model=QuiverSVGResponse,
+            data=QuiverImageToSVGRequest(
+                model=model["model"],
+                image=QuiverImageObject(url=image_url),
+                auto_crop=auto_crop if auto_crop else None,
+                target_size=model.get("target_size"),
+                temperature=model.get("temperature"),
+                top_p=model.get("top_p"),
+                presence_penalty=model.get("presence_penalty"),
+            ),
+        )
+
+        svg_data = [BytesIO(item.svg.encode("utf-8")) for item in response.data]
+        return IO.NodeOutput(SVG(svg_data))
+
+
+class QuiverExtension(ComfyExtension):
+    @override
+    async def get_node_list(self) -> list[type[IO.ComfyNode]]:
+        return [
+            QuiverTextToSVGNode,
+            QuiverImageToSVGNode,
+        ]
+
+
+async def comfy_entrypoint() -> QuiverExtension:
+    return QuiverExtension()
diff --git a/comfy_api_nodes/nodes_recraft.py b/comfy_api_nodes/nodes_recraft.py
index 4d1d508fa..c60cfbc4a 100644
--- a/comfy_api_nodes/nodes_recraft.py
+++ b/comfy_api_nodes/nodes_recraft.py
@@ -833,6 +833,7 @@ class RecraftVectorizeImageNode(IO.ComfyNode):
             node_id="RecraftVectorizeImageNode",
             display_name="Recraft Vectorize Image",
             category="api node/image/Recraft",
+            essentials_category="Image Tools",
             description="Generates SVG synchronously from an input image.",
             inputs=[
                 IO.Image.Input("image"),
diff --git a/comfy_execution/cache_provider.py b/comfy_execution/cache_provider.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..d455d08e8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/comfy_execution/cache_provider.py
@@ -0,0 +1,138 @@
+from typing import Any, Optional, Tuple, List
+import hashlib
+import json
+import logging
+import threading
+
+# Public types — source of truth is comfy_api.latest._caching
+from comfy_api.latest._caching import CacheProvider, CacheContext, CacheValue  # noqa: F401 (re-exported)
+
+_logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
+
+
+_providers: List[CacheProvider] = []
+_providers_lock = threading.Lock()
+_providers_snapshot: Tuple[CacheProvider, ...] = ()
+
+
+def register_cache_provider(provider: CacheProvider) -> None:
+    """Register an external cache provider. Providers are called in registration order."""
+    global _providers_snapshot
+    with _providers_lock:
+        if provider in _providers:
+            _logger.warning(f"Provider {provider.__class__.__name__} already registered")
+            return
+        _providers.append(provider)
+        _providers_snapshot = tuple(_providers)
+        _logger.debug(f"Registered cache provider: {provider.__class__.__name__}")
+
+
+def unregister_cache_provider(provider: CacheProvider) -> None:
+    global _providers_snapshot
+    with _providers_lock:
+        try:
+            _providers.remove(provider)
+            _providers_snapshot = tuple(_providers)
+            _logger.debug(f"Unregistered cache provider: {provider.__class__.__name__}")
+        except ValueError:
+            _logger.warning(f"Provider {provider.__class__.__name__} was not registered")
+
+
+def _get_cache_providers() -> Tuple[CacheProvider, ...]:
+    return _providers_snapshot
+
+
+def _has_cache_providers() -> bool:
+    return bool(_providers_snapshot)
+
+
+def _clear_cache_providers() -> None:
+    global _providers_snapshot
+    with _providers_lock:
+        _providers.clear()
+        _providers_snapshot = ()
+
+
+def _canonicalize(obj: Any) -> Any:
+    # Convert to canonical JSON-serializable form with deterministic ordering.
+    # Frozensets have non-deterministic iteration order between Python sessions.
+    # Raises ValueError for non-cacheable types (Unhashable, unknown) so that
+    # _serialize_cache_key returns None and external caching is skipped.
+    if isinstance(obj, frozenset):
+        return ("__frozenset__", sorted(
+            [_canonicalize(item) for item in obj],
+            key=lambda x: json.dumps(x, sort_keys=True)
+        ))
+    elif isinstance(obj, set):
+        return ("__set__", sorted(
+            [_canonicalize(item) for item in obj],
+            key=lambda x: json.dumps(x, sort_keys=True)
+        ))
+    elif isinstance(obj, tuple):
+        return ("__tuple__", [_canonicalize(item) for item in obj])
+    elif isinstance(obj, list):
+        return [_canonicalize(item) for item in obj]
+    elif isinstance(obj, dict):
+        return {"__dict__": sorted(
+            [[_canonicalize(k), _canonicalize(v)] for k, v in obj.items()],
+            key=lambda x: json.dumps(x, sort_keys=True)
+        )}
+    elif isinstance(obj, (int, float, str, bool, type(None))):
+        return (type(obj).__name__, obj)
+    elif isinstance(obj, bytes):
+        return ("__bytes__", obj.hex())
+    else:
+        raise ValueError(f"Cannot canonicalize type: {type(obj).__name__}")
+
+
+def _serialize_cache_key(cache_key: Any) -> Optional[str]:
+    # Returns deterministic SHA256 hex digest, or None on failure.
+    # Uses JSON (not pickle) because pickle is non-deterministic across sessions.
+    try:
+        canonical = _canonicalize(cache_key)
+        json_str = json.dumps(canonical, sort_keys=True, separators=(',', ':'))
+        return hashlib.sha256(json_str.encode('utf-8')).hexdigest()
+    except Exception as e:
+        _logger.warning(f"Failed to serialize cache key: {e}")
+        return None
+
+
+def _contains_self_unequal(obj: Any) -> bool:
+    # Local cache matches by ==. Values where not (x == x) (NaN, etc.) will
+    # never hit locally, but serialized form would match externally. Skip these.
+    try:
+        if not (obj == obj):
+            return True
+    except Exception:
+        return True
+    if isinstance(obj, (frozenset, tuple, list, set)):
+        return any(_contains_self_unequal(item) for item in obj)
+    if isinstance(obj, dict):
+        return any(_contains_self_unequal(k) or _contains_self_unequal(v) for k, v in obj.items())
+    if hasattr(obj, 'value'):
+        return _contains_self_unequal(obj.value)
+    return False
+
+
+def _estimate_value_size(value: CacheValue) -> int:
+    try:
+        import torch
+    except ImportError:
+        return 0
+
+    total = 0
+
+    def estimate(obj):
+        nonlocal total
+        if isinstance(obj, torch.Tensor):
+            total += obj.numel() * obj.element_size()
+        elif isinstance(obj, dict):
+            for v in obj.values():
+                estimate(v)
+        elif isinstance(obj, (list, tuple)):
+            for item in obj:
+                estimate(item)
+
+    for output in value.outputs:
+        estimate(output)
+    return total
diff --git a/comfy_execution/caching.py b/comfy_execution/caching.py
index 326a279fc..78212bde3 100644
--- a/comfy_execution/caching.py
+++ b/comfy_execution/caching.py
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+import asyncio
 import bisect
 import gc
 import itertools
@@ -147,13 +148,15 @@ class CacheKeySetInputSignature(CacheKeySet):
                     self.get_ordered_ancestry_internal(dynprompt, ancestor_id, ancestors, order_mapping)
 
 class BasicCache:
-    def __init__(self, key_class):
+    def __init__(self, key_class, enable_providers=False):
         self.key_class = key_class
         self.initialized = False
+        self.enable_providers = enable_providers
         self.dynprompt: DynamicPrompt
         self.cache_key_set: CacheKeySet
         self.cache = {}
         self.subcaches = {}
+        self._pending_store_tasks: set = set()
 
     async def set_prompt(self, dynprompt, node_ids, is_changed_cache):
         self.dynprompt = dynprompt
@@ -196,18 +199,138 @@ class BasicCache:
     def poll(self, **kwargs):
         pass
 
-    def _set_immediate(self, node_id, value):
-        assert self.initialized
-        cache_key = self.cache_key_set.get_data_key(node_id)
-        self.cache[cache_key] = value
-
-    def _get_immediate(self, node_id):
+    def get_local(self, node_id):
         if not self.initialized:
             return None
         cache_key = self.cache_key_set.get_data_key(node_id)
         if cache_key in self.cache:
             return self.cache[cache_key]
-        else:
+        return None
+
+    def set_local(self, node_id, value):
+        assert self.initialized
+        cache_key = self.cache_key_set.get_data_key(node_id)
+        self.cache[cache_key] = value
+
+    async def _set_immediate(self, node_id, value):
+        assert self.initialized
+        cache_key = self.cache_key_set.get_data_key(node_id)
+        self.cache[cache_key] = value
+
+        await self._notify_providers_store(node_id, cache_key, value)
+
+    async def _get_immediate(self, node_id):
+        if not self.initialized:
+            return None
+        cache_key = self.cache_key_set.get_data_key(node_id)
+
+        if cache_key in self.cache:
+            return self.cache[cache_key]
+
+        external_result = await self._check_providers_lookup(node_id, cache_key)
+        if external_result is not None:
+            self.cache[cache_key] = external_result
+            return external_result
+
+        return None
+
+    async def _notify_providers_store(self, node_id, cache_key, value):
+        from comfy_execution.cache_provider import (
+            _has_cache_providers, _get_cache_providers,
+            CacheValue, _contains_self_unequal, _logger
+        )
+
+        if not self.enable_providers:
+            return
+        if not _has_cache_providers():
+            return
+        if not self._is_external_cacheable_value(value):
+            return
+        if _contains_self_unequal(cache_key):
+            return
+
+        context = self._build_context(node_id, cache_key)
+        if context is None:
+            return
+        cache_value = CacheValue(outputs=value.outputs, ui=value.ui)
+
+        for provider in _get_cache_providers():
+            try:
+                if provider.should_cache(context, cache_value):
+                    task = asyncio.create_task(self._safe_provider_store(provider, context, cache_value))
+                    self._pending_store_tasks.add(task)
+                    task.add_done_callback(self._pending_store_tasks.discard)
+            except Exception as e:
+                _logger.warning(f"Cache provider {provider.__class__.__name__} error on store: {e}")
+
+    @staticmethod
+    async def _safe_provider_store(provider, context, cache_value):
+        from comfy_execution.cache_provider import _logger
+        try:
+            await provider.on_store(context, cache_value)
+        except Exception as e:
+            _logger.warning(f"Cache provider {provider.__class__.__name__} async store error: {e}")
+
+    async def _check_providers_lookup(self, node_id, cache_key):
+        from comfy_execution.cache_provider import (
+            _has_cache_providers, _get_cache_providers,
+            CacheValue, _contains_self_unequal, _logger
+        )
+
+        if not self.enable_providers:
+            return None
+        if not _has_cache_providers():
+            return None
+        if _contains_self_unequal(cache_key):
+            return None
+
+        context = self._build_context(node_id, cache_key)
+        if context is None:
+            return None
+
+        for provider in _get_cache_providers():
+            try:
+                if not provider.should_cache(context):
+                    continue
+                result = await provider.on_lookup(context)
+                if result is not None:
+                    if not isinstance(result, CacheValue):
+                        _logger.warning(f"Provider {provider.__class__.__name__} returned invalid type")
+                        continue
+                    if not isinstance(result.outputs, (list, tuple)):
+                        _logger.warning(f"Provider {provider.__class__.__name__} returned invalid outputs")
+                        continue
+                    from execution import CacheEntry
+                    return CacheEntry(ui=result.ui, outputs=list(result.outputs))
+            except Exception as e:
+                _logger.warning(f"Cache provider {provider.__class__.__name__} error on lookup: {e}")
+
+        return None
+
+    def _is_external_cacheable_value(self, value):
+        return hasattr(value, 'outputs') and hasattr(value, 'ui')
+
+    def _get_class_type(self, node_id):
+        if not self.initialized or not self.dynprompt:
+            return ''
+        try:
+            return self.dynprompt.get_node(node_id).get('class_type', '')
+        except Exception:
+            return ''
+
+    def _build_context(self, node_id, cache_key):
+        from comfy_execution.cache_provider import CacheContext, _serialize_cache_key, _logger
+        try:
+            cache_key_hash = _serialize_cache_key(cache_key)
+            if cache_key_hash is None:
+                return None
+            return CacheContext(
+                node_id=node_id,
+                class_type=self._get_class_type(node_id),
+                cache_key_hash=cache_key_hash,
+            )
+        except Exception as e:
+            _logger.warning(f"Failed to build cache context for node {node_id}: {e}")
             return None
 
     async def _ensure_subcache(self, node_id, children_ids):
@@ -236,8 +359,8 @@ class BasicCache:
         return result
 
 class HierarchicalCache(BasicCache):
-    def __init__(self, key_class):
-        super().__init__(key_class)
+    def __init__(self, key_class, enable_providers=False):
+        super().__init__(key_class, enable_providers=enable_providers)
 
     def _get_cache_for(self, node_id):
         assert self.dynprompt is not None
@@ -257,16 +380,27 @@ class HierarchicalCache(BasicCache):
                 return None
         return cache
 
-    def get(self, node_id):
+    async def get(self, node_id):
         cache = self._get_cache_for(node_id)
         if cache is None:
             return None
-        return cache._get_immediate(node_id)
+        return await cache._get_immediate(node_id)
 
-    def set(self, node_id, value):
+    def get_local(self, node_id):
+        cache = self._get_cache_for(node_id)
+        if cache is None:
+            return None
+        return BasicCache.get_local(cache, node_id)
+
+    async def set(self, node_id, value):
         cache = self._get_cache_for(node_id)
         assert cache is not None
-        cache._set_immediate(node_id, value)
+        await cache._set_immediate(node_id, value)
+
+    def set_local(self, node_id, value):
+        cache = self._get_cache_for(node_id)
+        assert cache is not None
+        BasicCache.set_local(cache, node_id, value)
 
     async def ensure_subcache_for(self, node_id, children_ids):
         cache = self._get_cache_for(node_id)
@@ -287,18 +421,24 @@ class NullCache:
     def poll(self, **kwargs):
         pass
 
-    def get(self, node_id):
+    async def get(self, node_id):
         return None
 
-    def set(self, node_id, value):
+    def get_local(self, node_id):
+        return None
+
+    async def set(self, node_id, value):
+        pass
+
+    def set_local(self, node_id, value):
         pass
 
     async def ensure_subcache_for(self, node_id, children_ids):
         return self
 
 class LRUCache(BasicCache):
-    def __init__(self, key_class, max_size=100):
-        super().__init__(key_class)
+    def __init__(self, key_class, max_size=100, enable_providers=False):
+        super().__init__(key_class, enable_providers=enable_providers)
         self.max_size = max_size
         self.min_generation = 0
         self.generation = 0
@@ -322,18 +462,18 @@ class LRUCache(BasicCache):
                     del self.children[key]
         self._clean_subcaches()
 
-    def get(self, node_id):
+    async def get(self, node_id):
         self._mark_used(node_id)
-        return self._get_immediate(node_id)
+        return await self._get_immediate(node_id)
 
     def _mark_used(self, node_id):
         cache_key = self.cache_key_set.get_data_key(node_id)
         if cache_key is not None:
             self.used_generation[cache_key] = self.generation
 
-    def set(self, node_id, value):
+    async def set(self, node_id, value):
         self._mark_used(node_id)
-        return self._set_immediate(node_id, value)
+        return await self._set_immediate(node_id, value)
 
     async def ensure_subcache_for(self, node_id, children_ids):
         # Just uses subcaches for tracking 'live' nodes
@@ -366,20 +506,20 @@ RAM_CACHE_OLD_WORKFLOW_OOM_MULTIPLIER = 1.3
 
 class RAMPressureCache(LRUCache):
 
-    def __init__(self, key_class):
-        super().__init__(key_class, 0)
+    def __init__(self, key_class, enable_providers=False):
+        super().__init__(key_class, 0, enable_providers=enable_providers)
         self.timestamps = {}
 
     def clean_unused(self):
         self._clean_subcaches()
 
-    def set(self, node_id, value):
+    async def set(self, node_id, value):
         self.timestamps[self.cache_key_set.get_data_key(node_id)] = time.time()
-        super().set(node_id, value)
+        await super().set(node_id, value)
 
-    def get(self, node_id):
+    async def get(self, node_id):
         self.timestamps[self.cache_key_set.get_data_key(node_id)] = time.time()
-        return super().get(node_id)
+        return await super().get(node_id)
 
     def poll(self, ram_headroom):
         def _ram_gb():
diff --git a/comfy_execution/graph.py b/comfy_execution/graph.py
index 9d170b16e..c47f3c79b 100644
--- a/comfy_execution/graph.py
+++ b/comfy_execution/graph.py
@@ -204,12 +204,12 @@ class ExecutionList(TopologicalSort):
         self.execution_cache_listeners = {}
 
     def is_cached(self, node_id):
-        return self.output_cache.get(node_id) is not None
+        return self.output_cache.get_local(node_id) is not None
 
     def cache_link(self, from_node_id, to_node_id):
         if to_node_id not in self.execution_cache:
             self.execution_cache[to_node_id] = {}
-        self.execution_cache[to_node_id][from_node_id] = self.output_cache.get(from_node_id)
+        self.execution_cache[to_node_id][from_node_id] = self.output_cache.get_local(from_node_id)
         if from_node_id not in self.execution_cache_listeners:
             self.execution_cache_listeners[from_node_id] = set()
         self.execution_cache_listeners[from_node_id].add(to_node_id)
@@ -221,7 +221,7 @@ class ExecutionList(TopologicalSort):
         if value is None:
             return None
         #Write back to the main cache on touch.
-        self.output_cache.set(from_node_id, value)
+        self.output_cache.set_local(from_node_id, value)
         return value
 
     def cache_update(self, node_id, value):
diff --git a/comfy_extras/nodes_audio.py b/comfy_extras/nodes_audio.py
index 5d8d9bf6f..a395392d8 100644
--- a/comfy_extras/nodes_audio.py
+++ b/comfy_extras/nodes_audio.py
@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ class EmptyLatentAudio(IO.ComfyNode):
             node_id="EmptyLatentAudio",
             display_name="Empty Latent Audio",
             category="latent/audio",
+            essentials_category="Audio",
             inputs=[
                 IO.Float.Input("seconds", default=47.6, min=1.0, max=1000.0, step=0.1),
                 IO.Int.Input(
@@ -185,6 +186,7 @@ class SaveAudioMP3(IO.ComfyNode):
             search_aliases=["export mp3"],
             display_name="Save Audio (MP3)",
             category="audio",
+            essentials_category="Audio",
             inputs=[
                 IO.Audio.Input("audio"),
                 IO.String.Input("filename_prefix", default="audio/ComfyUI"),
diff --git a/comfy_extras/nodes_canny.py b/comfy_extras/nodes_canny.py
index 5e7c4eabb..648b4279d 100644
--- a/comfy_extras/nodes_canny.py
+++ b/comfy_extras/nodes_canny.py
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ from typing_extensions import override
 
 import comfy.model_management
 from comfy_api.latest import ComfyExtension, io
+import torch
 
 
 class Canny(io.ComfyNode):
@@ -29,8 +30,8 @@ class Canny(io.ComfyNode):
 
     @classmethod
     def execute(cls, image, low_threshold, high_threshold) -> io.NodeOutput:
-        output = canny(image.to(comfy.model_management.get_torch_device()).movedim(-1, 1), low_threshold, high_threshold)
-        img_out = output[1].to(comfy.model_management.intermediate_device()).repeat(1, 3, 1, 1).movedim(1, -1)
+        output = canny(image.to(device=comfy.model_management.get_torch_device(), dtype=torch.float32).movedim(-1, 1), low_threshold, high_threshold)
+        img_out = output[1].to(device=comfy.model_management.intermediate_device(), dtype=comfy.model_management.intermediate_dtype()).repeat(1, 3, 1, 1).movedim(1, -1)
         return io.NodeOutput(img_out)
 
 
diff --git a/comfy_extras/nodes_context_windows.py b/comfy_extras/nodes_context_windows.py
index 93a5204e1..0e43f2e44 100644
--- a/comfy_extras/nodes_context_windows.py
+++ b/comfy_extras/nodes_context_windows.py
@@ -27,8 +27,8 @@ class ContextWindowsManualNode(io.ComfyNode):
                 io.Combo.Input("fuse_method", options=comfy.context_windows.ContextFuseMethods.LIST_STATIC, default=comfy.context_windows.ContextFuseMethods.PYRAMID, tooltip="The method to use to fuse the context windows."),
                 io.Int.Input("dim", min=0, max=5, default=0, tooltip="The dimension to apply the context windows to."),
                 io.Boolean.Input("freenoise", default=False, tooltip="Whether to apply FreeNoise noise shuffling, improves window blending."),
-                #io.String.Input("cond_retain_index_list", default="", tooltip="List of latent indices to retain in the conditioning tensors for each window, for example setting this to '0' will use the initial start image for each window."),
-                #io.Boolean.Input("split_conds_to_windows", default=False, tooltip="Whether to split multiple conditionings (created by ConditionCombine) to each window based on region index."),
+                io.String.Input("cond_retain_index_list", default="", tooltip="List of latent indices to retain in the conditioning tensors for each window, for example setting this to '0' will use the initial start image for each window."),
+                io.Boolean.Input("split_conds_to_windows", default=False, tooltip="Whether to split multiple conditionings (created by ConditionCombine) to each window based on region index."),
             ],
             outputs=[
                 io.Model.Output(tooltip="The model with context windows applied during sampling."),
diff --git a/comfy_extras/nodes_image_compare.py b/comfy_extras/nodes_image_compare.py
index 8e9f809e6..3d943be67 100644
--- a/comfy_extras/nodes_image_compare.py
+++ b/comfy_extras/nodes_image_compare.py
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ class ImageCompare(IO.ComfyNode):
             display_name="Image Compare",
             description="Compares two images side by side with a slider.",
             category="image",
+            essentials_category="Image Tools",
             is_experimental=True,
             is_output_node=True,
             inputs=[
diff --git a/comfy_extras/nodes_images.py b/comfy_extras/nodes_images.py
index 4c57bb5cb..a8223cf8b 100644
--- a/comfy_extras/nodes_images.py
+++ b/comfy_extras/nodes_images.py
@@ -58,6 +58,7 @@ class ImageCropV2(IO.ComfyNode):
             search_aliases=["trim"],
             display_name="Image Crop",
             category="image/transform",
+            essentials_category="Image Tools",
             inputs=[
                 IO.Image.Input("image"),
                 IO.BoundingBox.Input("crop_region", component="ImageCrop"),
diff --git a/comfy_extras/nodes_post_processing.py b/comfy_extras/nodes_post_processing.py
index 4a0f7141a..06626f9dd 100644
--- a/comfy_extras/nodes_post_processing.py
+++ b/comfy_extras/nodes_post_processing.py
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ class Blend(io.ComfyNode):
             node_id="ImageBlend",
             display_name="Image Blend",
             category="image/postprocessing",
+            essentials_category="Image Tools",
             inputs=[
                 io.Image.Input("image1"),
                 io.Image.Input("image2"),
diff --git a/comfy_extras/nodes_train.py b/comfy_extras/nodes_train.py
index aa2d88673..0ad0acee6 100644
--- a/comfy_extras/nodes_train.py
+++ b/comfy_extras/nodes_train.py
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ import comfy.sampler_helpers
 import comfy.sd
 import comfy.utils
 import comfy.model_management
+from comfy.cli_args import args, PerformanceFeature
 import comfy_extras.nodes_custom_sampler
 import folder_paths
 import node_helpers
@@ -138,6 +139,7 @@ class TrainSampler(comfy.samplers.Sampler):
         training_dtype=torch.bfloat16,
         real_dataset=None,
         bucket_latents=None,
+        use_grad_scaler=False,
     ):
         self.loss_fn = loss_fn
         self.optimizer = optimizer
@@ -152,6 +154,8 @@ class TrainSampler(comfy.samplers.Sampler):
         self.bucket_latents: list[torch.Tensor] | None = (
             bucket_latents  # list of (Bi, C, Hi, Wi)
         )
+        # GradScaler for fp16 training
+        self.grad_scaler = torch.amp.GradScaler() if use_grad_scaler else None
         # Precompute bucket offsets and weights for sampling
         if bucket_latents is not None:
             self._init_bucket_data(bucket_latents)
@@ -204,10 +208,13 @@ class TrainSampler(comfy.samplers.Sampler):
                 batch_sigmas.requires_grad_(True),
                 **batch_extra_args,
             )
-            loss = self.loss_fn(x0_pred, x0)
+            loss = self.loss_fn(x0_pred.float(), x0.float())
         if bwd:
             bwd_loss = loss / self.grad_acc
-            bwd_loss.backward()
+            if self.grad_scaler is not None:
+                self.grad_scaler.scale(bwd_loss).backward()
+            else:
+                bwd_loss.backward()
         return loss
 
     def _generate_batch_sigmas(self, model_wrap, batch_size, device):
@@ -307,7 +314,10 @@ class TrainSampler(comfy.samplers.Sampler):
             )
             total_loss += loss
         total_loss = total_loss / self.grad_acc / len(indicies)
-        total_loss.backward()
+        if self.grad_scaler is not None:
+            self.grad_scaler.scale(total_loss).backward()
+        else:
+            total_loss.backward()
         if self.loss_callback:
             self.loss_callback(total_loss.item())
         pbar.set_postfix({"loss": f"{total_loss.item():.4f}"})
@@ -348,12 +358,18 @@ class TrainSampler(comfy.samplers.Sampler):
                 self._train_step_multires_mode(model_wrap, cond, extra_args, noisegen, latent_image, dataset_size, pbar)
 
             if (i + 1) % self.grad_acc == 0:
+                if self.grad_scaler is not None:
+                    self.grad_scaler.unscale_(self.optimizer)
                 for param_groups in self.optimizer.param_groups:
                     for param in param_groups["params"]:
                         if param.grad is None:
                             continue
                         param.grad.data = param.grad.data.to(param.data.dtype)
-                self.optimizer.step()
+                if self.grad_scaler is not None:
+                    self.grad_scaler.step(self.optimizer)
+                    self.grad_scaler.update()
+                else:
+                    self.optimizer.step()
                 self.optimizer.zero_grad()
             ui_pbar.update(1)
         torch.cuda.empty_cache()
@@ -1004,9 +1020,9 @@ class TrainLoraNode(io.ComfyNode):
                 ),
                 io.Combo.Input(
                     "training_dtype",
-                    options=["bf16", "fp32"],
+                    options=["bf16", "fp32", "none"],
                     default="bf16",
-                    tooltip="The dtype to use for training.",
+                    tooltip="The dtype to use for training. 'none' preserves the model's native compute dtype instead of overriding it. For fp16 models, GradScaler is automatically enabled.",
                 ),
                 io.Combo.Input(
                     "lora_dtype",
@@ -1035,7 +1051,7 @@ class TrainLoraNode(io.ComfyNode):
                 io.Boolean.Input(
                     "offloading",
                     default=False,
-                    tooltip="Offload the Model to RAM. Requires Bypass Mode.",
+                    tooltip="Offload model weights to CPU during training to save GPU memory.",
                 ),
                 io.Combo.Input(
                     "existing_lora",
@@ -1120,22 +1136,32 @@ class TrainLoraNode(io.ComfyNode):
 
         # Setup model and dtype
         mp = model.clone()
-        dtype = node_helpers.string_to_torch_dtype(training_dtype)
+        use_grad_scaler = False
+        if training_dtype != "none":
+            dtype = node_helpers.string_to_torch_dtype(training_dtype)
+            mp.set_model_compute_dtype(dtype)
+        else:
+            # Detect model's native dtype for autocast
+            model_dtype = mp.model.get_dtype()
+            if model_dtype == torch.float16:
+                dtype = torch.float16
+                use_grad_scaler = True
+                # Warn about fp16 accumulation instability during training
+                if PerformanceFeature.Fp16Accumulation in args.fast:
+                    logging.warning(
+                        "WARNING: FP16 model detected with fp16_accumulation enabled. "
+                        "This combination can be numerically unstable during training and may cause NaN values. "
+                        "Suggested fixes: 1) Set training_dtype to 'bf16', or 2) Disable fp16_accumulation (remove from --fast flags)."
+                    )
+            else:
+                # For fp8, bf16, or other dtypes, use bf16 autocast
+                dtype = torch.bfloat16
         lora_dtype = node_helpers.string_to_torch_dtype(lora_dtype)
-        mp.set_model_compute_dtype(dtype)
-
-        if mp.is_dynamic():
-            if not bypass_mode:
-                logging.info("Training MP is Dynamic - forcing bypass mode. Start comfy with --highvram to force weight diff mode")
-                bypass_mode = True
-            offloading = True
-        elif offloading:
-            if not bypass_mode:
-                logging.info("Training Offload selected - forcing bypass mode. Set bypass = True to remove this message")
 
         # Prepare latents and compute counts
+        latents_dtype = dtype if dtype not in (None,) else torch.bfloat16
         latents, num_images, multi_res = _prepare_latents_and_count(
-            latents, dtype, bucket_mode
+            latents, latents_dtype, bucket_mode
         )
 
         # Validate and expand conditioning
@@ -1201,6 +1227,7 @@ class TrainLoraNode(io.ComfyNode):
                     seed=seed,
                     training_dtype=dtype,
                     bucket_latents=latents,
+                    use_grad_scaler=use_grad_scaler,
                 )
             else:
                 train_sampler = TrainSampler(
@@ -1213,6 +1240,7 @@ class TrainLoraNode(io.ComfyNode):
                     seed=seed,
                     training_dtype=dtype,
                     real_dataset=latents if multi_res else None,
+                    use_grad_scaler=use_grad_scaler,
                 )
 
             # Setup guider
@@ -1337,7 +1365,7 @@ class SaveLoRA(io.ComfyNode):
                 io.Int.Input(
                     "steps",
                     optional=True,
-                    tooltip="Optional: The number of steps to LoRA has been trained for, used to name the saved file.",
+                    tooltip="Optional: The number of steps the LoRA has been trained for, used to name the saved file.",
                 ),
             ],
             outputs=[],
diff --git a/comfyui_version.py b/comfyui_version.py
index 2723d02e7..a3b7204dc 100644
--- a/comfyui_version.py
+++ b/comfyui_version.py
@@ -1,3 +1,3 @@
 # This file is automatically generated by the build process when version is
 # updated in pyproject.toml.
-__version__ = "0.16.4"
+__version__ = "0.18.0"
diff --git a/execution.py b/execution.py
index a7791efed..1a6c3429c 100644
--- a/execution.py
+++ b/execution.py
@@ -40,6 +40,7 @@ from comfy_execution.progress import get_progress_state, reset_progress_state, a
 from comfy_execution.utils import CurrentNodeContext
 from comfy_api.internal import _ComfyNodeInternal, _NodeOutputInternal, first_real_override, is_class, make_locked_method_func
 from comfy_api.latest import io, _io
+from comfy_execution.cache_provider import _has_cache_providers, _get_cache_providers, _logger as _cache_logger
 
 
 class ExecutionResult(Enum):
@@ -126,15 +127,15 @@ class CacheSet:
 
     # Performs like the old cache -- dump data ASAP
     def init_classic_cache(self):
-        self.outputs = HierarchicalCache(CacheKeySetInputSignature)
+        self.outputs = HierarchicalCache(CacheKeySetInputSignature, enable_providers=True)
         self.objects = HierarchicalCache(CacheKeySetID)
 
     def init_lru_cache(self, cache_size):
-        self.outputs = LRUCache(CacheKeySetInputSignature, max_size=cache_size)
+        self.outputs = LRUCache(CacheKeySetInputSignature, max_size=cache_size, enable_providers=True)
         self.objects = HierarchicalCache(CacheKeySetID)
 
     def init_ram_cache(self, min_headroom):
-        self.outputs = RAMPressureCache(CacheKeySetInputSignature)
+        self.outputs = RAMPressureCache(CacheKeySetInputSignature, enable_providers=True)
         self.objects = HierarchicalCache(CacheKeySetID)
 
     def init_null_cache(self):
@@ -418,7 +419,7 @@ async def execute(server, dynprompt, caches, current_item, extra_data, executed,
     inputs = dynprompt.get_node(unique_id)['inputs']
     class_type = dynprompt.get_node(unique_id)['class_type']
     class_def = nodes.NODE_CLASS_MAPPINGS[class_type]
-    cached = caches.outputs.get(unique_id)
+    cached = await caches.outputs.get(unique_id)
     if cached is not None:
         if server.client_id is not None:
             cached_ui = cached.ui or {}
@@ -474,10 +475,10 @@ async def execute(server, dynprompt, caches, current_item, extra_data, executed,
                 server.last_node_id = display_node_id
                 server.send_sync("executing", { "node": unique_id, "display_node": display_node_id, "prompt_id": prompt_id }, server.client_id)
 
-            obj = caches.objects.get(unique_id)
+            obj = await caches.objects.get(unique_id)
             if obj is None:
                 obj = class_def()
-                caches.objects.set(unique_id, obj)
+                await caches.objects.set(unique_id, obj)
 
             if issubclass(class_def, _ComfyNodeInternal):
                 lazy_status_present = first_real_override(class_def, "check_lazy_status") is not None
@@ -588,7 +589,7 @@ async def execute(server, dynprompt, caches, current_item, extra_data, executed,
 
         cache_entry = CacheEntry(ui=ui_outputs.get(unique_id), outputs=output_data)
         execution_list.cache_update(unique_id, cache_entry)
-        caches.outputs.set(unique_id, cache_entry)
+        await caches.outputs.set(unique_id, cache_entry)
 
     except comfy.model_management.InterruptProcessingException as iex:
         logging.info("Processing interrupted")
@@ -684,6 +685,19 @@ class PromptExecutor:
             }
             self.add_message("execution_error", mes, broadcast=False)
 
+    def _notify_prompt_lifecycle(self, event: str, prompt_id: str):
+        if not _has_cache_providers():
+            return
+
+        for provider in _get_cache_providers():
+            try:
+                if event == "start":
+                    provider.on_prompt_start(prompt_id)
+                elif event == "end":
+                    provider.on_prompt_end(prompt_id)
+            except Exception as e:
+                _cache_logger.warning(f"Cache provider {provider.__class__.__name__} error on {event}: {e}")
+
     def execute(self, prompt, prompt_id, extra_data={}, execute_outputs=[]):
         asyncio.run(self.execute_async(prompt, prompt_id, extra_data, execute_outputs))
 
@@ -700,66 +714,75 @@ class PromptExecutor:
         self.status_messages = []
         self.add_message("execution_start", { "prompt_id": prompt_id}, broadcast=False)
 
-        with torch.inference_mode():
-            dynamic_prompt = DynamicPrompt(prompt)
-            reset_progress_state(prompt_id, dynamic_prompt)
-            add_progress_handler(WebUIProgressHandler(self.server))
-            is_changed_cache = IsChangedCache(prompt_id, dynamic_prompt, self.caches.outputs)
-            for cache in self.caches.all:
-                await cache.set_prompt(dynamic_prompt, prompt.keys(), is_changed_cache)
-                cache.clean_unused()
+        self._notify_prompt_lifecycle("start", prompt_id)
 
-            cached_nodes = []
-            for node_id in prompt:
-                if self.caches.outputs.get(node_id) is not None:
-                    cached_nodes.append(node_id)
+        try:
+            with torch.inference_mode():
+                dynamic_prompt = DynamicPrompt(prompt)
+                reset_progress_state(prompt_id, dynamic_prompt)
+                add_progress_handler(WebUIProgressHandler(self.server))
+                is_changed_cache = IsChangedCache(prompt_id, dynamic_prompt, self.caches.outputs)
+                for cache in self.caches.all:
+                    await cache.set_prompt(dynamic_prompt, prompt.keys(), is_changed_cache)
+                    cache.clean_unused()
 
-            comfy.model_management.cleanup_models_gc()
-            self.add_message("execution_cached",
-                          { "nodes": cached_nodes, "prompt_id": prompt_id},
-                          broadcast=False)
-            pending_subgraph_results = {}
-            pending_async_nodes = {} # TODO - Unify this with pending_subgraph_results
-            ui_node_outputs = {}
-            executed = set()
-            execution_list = ExecutionList(dynamic_prompt, self.caches.outputs)
-            current_outputs = self.caches.outputs.all_node_ids()
-            for node_id in list(execute_outputs):
-                execution_list.add_node(node_id)
+                node_ids = list(prompt.keys())
+                cache_results = await asyncio.gather(
+                    *(self.caches.outputs.get(node_id) for node_id in node_ids)
+                )
+                cached_nodes = [
+                    node_id for node_id, result in zip(node_ids, cache_results)
+                    if result is not None
+                ]
 
-            while not execution_list.is_empty():
-                node_id, error, ex = await execution_list.stage_node_execution()
-                if error is not None:
-                    self.handle_execution_error(prompt_id, dynamic_prompt.original_prompt, current_outputs, executed, error, ex)
-                    break
+                comfy.model_management.cleanup_models_gc()
+                self.add_message("execution_cached",
+                              { "nodes": cached_nodes, "prompt_id": prompt_id},
+                              broadcast=False)
+                pending_subgraph_results = {}
+                pending_async_nodes = {} # TODO - Unify this with pending_subgraph_results
+                ui_node_outputs = {}
+                executed = set()
+                execution_list = ExecutionList(dynamic_prompt, self.caches.outputs)
+                current_outputs = self.caches.outputs.all_node_ids()
+                for node_id in list(execute_outputs):
+                    execution_list.add_node(node_id)
 
-                assert node_id is not None, "Node ID should not be None at this point"
-                result, error, ex = await execute(self.server, dynamic_prompt, self.caches, node_id, extra_data, executed, prompt_id, execution_list, pending_subgraph_results, pending_async_nodes, ui_node_outputs)
-                self.success = result != ExecutionResult.FAILURE
-                if result == ExecutionResult.FAILURE:
-                    self.handle_execution_error(prompt_id, dynamic_prompt.original_prompt, current_outputs, executed, error, ex)
-                    break
-                elif result == ExecutionResult.PENDING:
-                    execution_list.unstage_node_execution()
-                else: # result == ExecutionResult.SUCCESS:
-                    execution_list.complete_node_execution()
-                self.caches.outputs.poll(ram_headroom=self.cache_args["ram"])
-            else:
-                # Only execute when the while-loop ends without break
-                self.add_message("execution_success", { "prompt_id": prompt_id }, broadcast=False)
+                while not execution_list.is_empty():
+                    node_id, error, ex = await execution_list.stage_node_execution()
+                    if error is not None:
+                        self.handle_execution_error(prompt_id, dynamic_prompt.original_prompt, current_outputs, executed, error, ex)
+                        break
 
-            ui_outputs = {}
-            meta_outputs = {}
-            for node_id, ui_info in ui_node_outputs.items():
-                ui_outputs[node_id] = ui_info["output"]
-                meta_outputs[node_id] = ui_info["meta"]
-            self.history_result = {
-                "outputs": ui_outputs,
-                "meta": meta_outputs,
-            }
-            self.server.last_node_id = None
-            if comfy.model_management.DISABLE_SMART_MEMORY:
-                comfy.model_management.unload_all_models()
+                    assert node_id is not None, "Node ID should not be None at this point"
+                    result, error, ex = await execute(self.server, dynamic_prompt, self.caches, node_id, extra_data, executed, prompt_id, execution_list, pending_subgraph_results, pending_async_nodes, ui_node_outputs)
+                    self.success = result != ExecutionResult.FAILURE
+                    if result == ExecutionResult.FAILURE:
+                        self.handle_execution_error(prompt_id, dynamic_prompt.original_prompt, current_outputs, executed, error, ex)
+                        break
+                    elif result == ExecutionResult.PENDING:
+                        execution_list.unstage_node_execution()
+                    else: # result == ExecutionResult.SUCCESS:
+                        execution_list.complete_node_execution()
+                    self.caches.outputs.poll(ram_headroom=self.cache_args["ram"])
+                else:
+                    # Only execute when the while-loop ends without break
+                    self.add_message("execution_success", { "prompt_id": prompt_id }, broadcast=False)
+
+                ui_outputs = {}
+                meta_outputs = {}
+                for node_id, ui_info in ui_node_outputs.items():
+                    ui_outputs[node_id] = ui_info["output"]
+                    meta_outputs[node_id] = ui_info["meta"]
+                self.history_result = {
+                    "outputs": ui_outputs,
+                    "meta": meta_outputs,
+                }
+                self.server.last_node_id = None
+                if comfy.model_management.DISABLE_SMART_MEMORY:
+                    comfy.model_management.unload_all_models()
+        finally:
+            self._notify_prompt_lifecycle("end", prompt_id)
 
 
 async def validate_inputs(prompt_id, prompt, item, validated):
diff --git a/main.py b/main.py
index 8905fd09a..f99aee38e 100644
--- a/main.py
+++ b/main.py
@@ -206,8 +206,8 @@ import hook_breaker_ac10a0
 import comfy.memory_management
 import comfy.model_patcher
 
-if enables_dynamic_vram() and comfy.model_management.is_nvidia() and not comfy.model_management.is_wsl():
-    if comfy.model_management.torch_version_numeric < (2, 8):
+if args.enable_dynamic_vram or (enables_dynamic_vram() and comfy.model_management.is_nvidia() and not comfy.model_management.is_wsl()):
+    if (not args.enable_dynamic_vram) and (comfy.model_management.torch_version_numeric < (2, 8)):
         logging.warning("Unsupported Pytorch detected. DynamicVRAM support requires Pytorch version 2.8 or later. Falling back to legacy ModelPatcher. VRAM estimates may be unreliable especially on Windows")
     elif comfy_aimdo.control.init_device(comfy.model_management.get_torch_device().index):
         if args.verbose == 'DEBUG':
diff --git a/manager_requirements.txt b/manager_requirements.txt
index 6bcc3fb50..5b06b56f6 100644
--- a/manager_requirements.txt
+++ b/manager_requirements.txt
@@ -1 +1 @@
-comfyui_manager==4.1b2
\ No newline at end of file
+comfyui_manager==4.1b6
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/middleware/cache_middleware.py b/middleware/cache_middleware.py
index f02135369..7a18821b0 100644
--- a/middleware/cache_middleware.py
+++ b/middleware/cache_middleware.py
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ async def cache_control(
     )
 
     if request.path.endswith(".js") or request.path.endswith(".css") or is_entry_point:
-        response.headers.setdefault("Cache-Control", "no-cache")
+        response.headers.setdefault("Cache-Control", "no-store")
         return response
 
     # Early return for non-image files - no cache headers needed
diff --git a/nodes.py b/nodes.py
index eb63f9d44..2c4650a20 100644
--- a/nodes.py
+++ b/nodes.py
@@ -81,6 +81,7 @@ class CLIPTextEncode(ComfyNodeABC):
 
 
 class ConditioningCombine:
+    ESSENTIALS_CATEGORY = "Image Generation"
     @classmethod
     def INPUT_TYPES(s):
         return {"required": {"conditioning_1": ("CONDITIONING", ), "conditioning_2": ("CONDITIONING", )}}
@@ -951,7 +952,7 @@ class UNETLoader:
     @classmethod
     def INPUT_TYPES(s):
         return {"required": { "unet_name": (folder_paths.get_filename_list("diffusion_models"), ),
-                              "weight_dtype": (["default", "fp8_e4m3fn", "fp8_e4m3fn_fast", "fp8_e5m2"],)
+                              "weight_dtype": (["default", "fp8_e4m3fn", "fp8_e4m3fn_fast", "fp8_e5m2"], {"advanced": True})
                              }}
     RETURN_TYPES = ("MODEL",)
     FUNCTION = "load_unet"
@@ -1211,9 +1212,6 @@ class GLIGENTextBoxApply:
         return (c, )
 
 class EmptyLatentImage:
-    def __init__(self):
-        self.device = comfy.model_management.intermediate_device()
-
     @classmethod
     def INPUT_TYPES(s):
         return {
@@ -1232,7 +1230,7 @@ class EmptyLatentImage:
     SEARCH_ALIASES = ["empty", "empty latent", "new latent", "create latent", "blank latent", "blank"]
 
     def generate(self, width, height, batch_size=1):
-        latent = torch.zeros([batch_size, 4, height // 8, width // 8], device=self.device)
+        latent = torch.zeros([batch_size, 4, height // 8, width // 8], device=comfy.model_management.intermediate_device(), dtype=comfy.model_management.intermediate_dtype())
         return ({"samples": latent, "downscale_ratio_spacial": 8}, )
 
 
@@ -1724,6 +1722,8 @@ class LoadImage:
         output_masks = []
         w, h = None, None
 
+        dtype = comfy.model_management.intermediate_dtype()
+
         for i in ImageSequence.Iterator(img):
             i = node_helpers.pillow(ImageOps.exif_transpose, i)
 
@@ -1748,8 +1748,8 @@ class LoadImage:
                 mask = 1. - torch.from_numpy(mask)
             else:
                 mask = torch.zeros((64,64), dtype=torch.float32, device="cpu")
-            output_images.append(image)
-            output_masks.append(mask.unsqueeze(0))
+            output_images.append(image.to(dtype=dtype))
+            output_masks.append(mask.unsqueeze(0).to(dtype=dtype))
 
             if img.format == "MPO":
                 break  # ignore all frames except the first one for MPO format
@@ -1779,6 +1779,7 @@ class LoadImage:
         return True
 
 class LoadImageMask:
+    ESSENTIALS_CATEGORY = "Image Tools"
     SEARCH_ALIASES = ["import mask", "alpha mask", "channel mask"]
 
     _color_channels = ["alpha", "red", "green", "blue"]
@@ -1887,6 +1888,7 @@ class ImageScale:
         return (s,)
 
 class ImageScaleBy:
+    ESSENTIALS_CATEGORY = "Image Tools"
     upscale_methods = ["nearest-exact", "bilinear", "area", "bicubic", "lanczos"]
 
     @classmethod
@@ -1964,9 +1966,11 @@ class EmptyImage:
     CATEGORY = "image"
 
     def generate(self, width, height, batch_size=1, color=0):
-        r = torch.full([batch_size, height, width, 1], ((color >> 16) & 0xFF) / 0xFF)
-        g = torch.full([batch_size, height, width, 1], ((color >> 8) & 0xFF) / 0xFF)
-        b = torch.full([batch_size, height, width, 1], ((color) & 0xFF) / 0xFF)
+        dtype = comfy.model_management.intermediate_dtype()
+        device = comfy.model_management.intermediate_device()
+        r = torch.full([batch_size, height, width, 1], ((color >> 16) & 0xFF) / 0xFF, device=device, dtype=dtype)
+        g = torch.full([batch_size, height, width, 1], ((color >> 8) & 0xFF) / 0xFF, device=device, dtype=dtype)
+        b = torch.full([batch_size, height, width, 1], ((color) & 0xFF) / 0xFF, device=device, dtype=dtype)
         return (torch.cat((r, g, b), dim=-1), )
 
 class ImagePadForOutpaint:
diff --git a/pyproject.toml b/pyproject.toml
index 753b219b3..6db9b1267 100644
--- a/pyproject.toml
+++ b/pyproject.toml
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 [project]
 name = "ComfyUI"
-version = "0.16.4"
+version = "0.18.0"
 readme = "README.md"
 license = { file = "LICENSE" }
 requires-python = ">=3.10"
diff --git a/requirements.txt b/requirements.txt
index 511c62fee..ad0344ed4 100644
--- a/requirements.txt
+++ b/requirements.txt
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
-comfyui-frontend-package==1.41.18
-comfyui-workflow-templates==0.9.21
+comfyui-frontend-package==1.41.21
+comfyui-workflow-templates==0.9.26
 comfyui-embedded-docs==0.4.3
 torch
 torchsde
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ SQLAlchemy
 filelock
 av>=14.2.0
 comfy-kitchen>=0.2.8
-comfy-aimdo>=0.2.10
+comfy-aimdo>=0.2.12
 requests
 simpleeval>=1.0.0
 blake3
diff --git a/server.py b/server.py
index 76904ebc9..173a28376 100644
--- a/server.py
+++ b/server.py
@@ -35,6 +35,8 @@ from app.frontend_management import FrontendManager, parse_version
 from comfy_api.internal import _ComfyNodeInternal
 from app.assets.seeder import asset_seeder
 from app.assets.api.routes import register_assets_routes
+from app.assets.services.ingest import register_file_in_place
+from app.assets.services.asset_management import resolve_hash_to_path
 
 from app.user_manager import UserManager
 from app.model_manager import ModelFileManager
@@ -310,7 +312,7 @@ class PromptServer():
         @routes.get("/")
         async def get_root(request):
             response = web.FileResponse(os.path.join(self.web_root, "index.html"))
-            response.headers['Cache-Control'] = 'no-cache'
+            response.headers['Cache-Control'] = 'no-store, must-revalidate'
             response.headers["Pragma"] = "no-cache"
             response.headers["Expires"] = "0"
             return response
@@ -419,7 +421,24 @@ class PromptServer():
                         with open(filepath, "wb") as f:
                             f.write(image.file.read())
 
-                return web.json_response({"name" : filename, "subfolder": subfolder, "type": image_upload_type})
+                resp = {"name" : filename, "subfolder": subfolder, "type": image_upload_type}
+
+                if args.enable_assets:
+                    try:
+                        tag = image_upload_type if image_upload_type in ("input", "output") else "input"
+                        result = register_file_in_place(abs_path=filepath, name=filename, tags=[tag])
+                        resp["asset"] = {
+                            "id": result.ref.id,
+                            "name": result.ref.name,
+                            "asset_hash": result.asset.hash,
+                            "size": result.asset.size_bytes,
+                            "mime_type": result.asset.mime_type,
+                            "tags": result.tags,
+                        }
+                    except Exception:
+                        logging.warning("Failed to register uploaded image as asset", exc_info=True)
+
+                return web.json_response(resp)
             else:
                 return web.Response(status=400)
 
@@ -479,30 +498,43 @@ class PromptServer():
         async def view_image(request):
             if "filename" in request.rel_url.query:
                 filename = request.rel_url.query["filename"]
-                filename, output_dir = folder_paths.annotated_filepath(filename)
 
-                if not filename:
-                    return web.Response(status=400)
+                # The frontend's LoadImage combo widget uses asset_hash values
+                # (e.g. "blake3:...") as widget values. When litegraph renders the
+                # node preview, it constructs /view?filename=<asset_hash>, so this
+                # endpoint must resolve blake3 hashes to their on-disk file paths.
+                if filename.startswith("blake3:"):
+                    owner_id = self.user_manager.get_request_user_id(request)
+                    result = resolve_hash_to_path(filename, owner_id=owner_id)
+                    if result is None:
+                        return web.Response(status=404)
+                    file, filename, resolved_content_type = result.abs_path, result.download_name, result.content_type
+                else:
+                    resolved_content_type = None
+                    filename, output_dir = folder_paths.annotated_filepath(filename)
 
-                # validation for security: prevent accessing arbitrary path
-                if filename[0] == '/' or '..' in filename:
-                    return web.Response(status=400)
+                    if not filename:
+                        return web.Response(status=400)
 
-                if output_dir is None:
-                    type = request.rel_url.query.get("type", "output")
-                    output_dir = folder_paths.get_directory_by_type(type)
+                    # validation for security: prevent accessing arbitrary path
+                    if filename[0] == '/' or '..' in filename:
+                        return web.Response(status=400)
 
-                if output_dir is None:
-                    return web.Response(status=400)
+                    if output_dir is None:
+                        type = request.rel_url.query.get("type", "output")
+                        output_dir = folder_paths.get_directory_by_type(type)
 
-                if "subfolder" in request.rel_url.query:
-                    full_output_dir = os.path.join(output_dir, request.rel_url.query["subfolder"])
-                    if os.path.commonpath((os.path.abspath(full_output_dir), output_dir)) != output_dir:
-                        return web.Response(status=403)
-                    output_dir = full_output_dir
+                    if output_dir is None:
+                        return web.Response(status=400)
 
-                filename = os.path.basename(filename)
-                file = os.path.join(output_dir, filename)
+                    if "subfolder" in request.rel_url.query:
+                        full_output_dir = os.path.join(output_dir, request.rel_url.query["subfolder"])
+                        if os.path.commonpath((os.path.abspath(full_output_dir), output_dir)) != output_dir:
+                            return web.Response(status=403)
+                        output_dir = full_output_dir
+
+                    filename = os.path.basename(filename)
+                    file = os.path.join(output_dir, filename)
 
                 if os.path.isfile(file):
                     if 'preview' in request.rel_url.query:
@@ -562,8 +594,13 @@ class PromptServer():
                             return web.Response(body=alpha_buffer.read(), content_type='image/png',
                                                 headers={"Content-Disposition": f"filename=\"{filename}\""})
                     else:
-                        # Get content type from mimetype, defaulting to 'application/octet-stream'
-                        content_type = mimetypes.guess_type(filename)[0] or 'application/octet-stream'
+                        # Use the content type from asset resolution if available,
+                        # otherwise guess from the filename.
+                        content_type = (
+                            resolved_content_type
+                            or mimetypes.guess_type(filename)[0]
+                            or 'application/octet-stream'
+                        )
 
                         # For security, force certain mimetypes to download instead of display
                         if content_type in {'text/html', 'text/html-sandboxed', 'application/xhtml+xml', 'text/javascript', 'text/css'}:
diff --git a/tests-unit/app_test/test_migrations.py b/tests-unit/app_test/test_migrations.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..fa10c1727
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests-unit/app_test/test_migrations.py
@@ -0,0 +1,57 @@
+"""Test that Alembic migrations run cleanly on a file-backed SQLite DB.
+
+This catches problems like unnamed FK constraints that prevent batch-mode
+drop_constraint from working on real SQLite files (see MB-2).
+
+Migrations 0001 and 0002 are already shipped, so we only exercise
+upgrade/downgrade for 0003+.
+"""
+
+import os
+
+import pytest
+from alembic import command
+from alembic.config import Config
+
+
+# Oldest shipped revision — we upgrade to here as a baseline and never
+# downgrade past it.
+_BASELINE = "0002_merge_to_asset_references"
+
+
+def _make_config(db_path: str) -> Config:
+    root = os.path.join(os.path.dirname(__file__), "../..")
+    config_path = os.path.abspath(os.path.join(root, "alembic.ini"))
+    scripts_path = os.path.abspath(os.path.join(root, "alembic_db"))
+
+    cfg = Config(config_path)
+    cfg.set_main_option("script_location", scripts_path)
+    cfg.set_main_option("sqlalchemy.url", f"sqlite:///{db_path}")
+    return cfg
+
+
+@pytest.fixture
+def migration_db(tmp_path):
+    """Yield an alembic Config pre-upgraded to the baseline revision."""
+    db_path = str(tmp_path / "test_migration.db")
+    cfg = _make_config(db_path)
+    command.upgrade(cfg, _BASELINE)
+    yield cfg
+
+
+def test_upgrade_to_head(migration_db):
+    """Upgrade from baseline to head must succeed on a file-backed DB."""
+    command.upgrade(migration_db, "head")
+
+
+def test_downgrade_to_baseline(migration_db):
+    """Upgrade to head then downgrade back to baseline."""
+    command.upgrade(migration_db, "head")
+    command.downgrade(migration_db, _BASELINE)
+
+
+def test_upgrade_downgrade_cycle(migration_db):
+    """Full cycle: upgrade → downgrade → upgrade again."""
+    command.upgrade(migration_db, "head")
+    command.downgrade(migration_db, _BASELINE)
+    command.upgrade(migration_db, "head")
diff --git a/tests-unit/assets_test/queries/test_asset.py b/tests-unit/assets_test/queries/test_asset.py
index 08f84cd11..9b7eb4bac 100644
--- a/tests-unit/assets_test/queries/test_asset.py
+++ b/tests-unit/assets_test/queries/test_asset.py
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ from app.assets.database.queries import (
     get_asset_by_hash,
     upsert_asset,
     bulk_insert_assets,
+    update_asset_hash_and_mime,
 )
 
 
@@ -142,3 +143,45 @@ class TestBulkInsertAssets:
         session.commit()
 
         assert session.query(Asset).count() == 200
+
+
+class TestMimeTypeImmutability:
+    """mime_type on Asset is write-once: set on first ingest, never overwritten."""
+
+    @pytest.mark.parametrize(
+        "initial_mime,second_mime,expected_mime",
+        [
+            ("image/png", "image/jpeg", "image/png"),
+            (None, "image/png", "image/png"),
+        ],
+        ids=["preserves_existing", "fills_null"],
+    )
+    def test_upsert_mime_immutability(self, session: Session, initial_mime, second_mime, expected_mime):
+        h = f"blake3:upsert_{initial_mime}_{second_mime}"
+        upsert_asset(session, asset_hash=h, size_bytes=100, mime_type=initial_mime)
+        session.commit()
+
+        asset, created, _ = upsert_asset(session, asset_hash=h, size_bytes=100, mime_type=second_mime)
+        assert created is False
+        assert asset.mime_type == expected_mime
+
+    @pytest.mark.parametrize(
+        "initial_mime,update_mime,update_hash,expected_mime,expected_hash",
+        [
+            (None, "image/png", None, "image/png", "blake3:upd0"),
+            ("image/png", "image/jpeg", None, "image/png", "blake3:upd1"),
+            ("image/png", "image/jpeg", "blake3:upd2_new", "image/png", "blake3:upd2_new"),
+        ],
+        ids=["fills_null", "preserves_existing", "hash_updates_mime_locked"],
+    )
+    def test_update_asset_hash_and_mime_immutability(
+        self, session: Session, initial_mime, update_mime, update_hash, expected_mime, expected_hash,
+    ):
+        h = expected_hash.removesuffix("_new")
+        asset = Asset(hash=h, size_bytes=100, mime_type=initial_mime)
+        session.add(asset)
+        session.flush()
+
+        update_asset_hash_and_mime(session, asset_id=asset.id, mime_type=update_mime, asset_hash=update_hash)
+        assert asset.mime_type == expected_mime
+        assert asset.hash == expected_hash
diff --git a/tests-unit/assets_test/queries/test_asset_info.py b/tests-unit/assets_test/queries/test_asset_info.py
index 8f6c7fcdb..fe510e342 100644
--- a/tests-unit/assets_test/queries/test_asset_info.py
+++ b/tests-unit/assets_test/queries/test_asset_info.py
@@ -242,22 +242,24 @@ class TestSetReferencePreview:
         asset = _make_asset(session, "hash1")
         preview_asset = _make_asset(session, "preview_hash")
         ref = _make_reference(session, asset)
+        preview_ref = _make_reference(session, preview_asset, name="preview.png")
         session.commit()
 
-        set_reference_preview(session, reference_id=ref.id, preview_asset_id=preview_asset.id)
+        set_reference_preview(session, reference_id=ref.id, preview_reference_id=preview_ref.id)
         session.commit()
 
         session.refresh(ref)
-        assert ref.preview_id == preview_asset.id
+        assert ref.preview_id == preview_ref.id
 
     def test_clears_preview(self, session: Session):
         asset = _make_asset(session, "hash1")
         preview_asset = _make_asset(session, "preview_hash")
         ref = _make_reference(session, asset)
-        ref.preview_id = preview_asset.id
+        preview_ref = _make_reference(session, preview_asset, name="preview.png")
+        ref.preview_id = preview_ref.id
         session.commit()
 
-        set_reference_preview(session, reference_id=ref.id, preview_asset_id=None)
+        set_reference_preview(session, reference_id=ref.id, preview_reference_id=None)
         session.commit()
 
         session.refresh(ref)
@@ -265,15 +267,15 @@ class TestSetReferencePreview:
 
     def test_raises_for_nonexistent_reference(self, session: Session):
         with pytest.raises(ValueError, match="not found"):
-            set_reference_preview(session, reference_id="nonexistent", preview_asset_id=None)
+            set_reference_preview(session, reference_id="nonexistent", preview_reference_id=None)
 
     def test_raises_for_nonexistent_preview(self, session: Session):
         asset = _make_asset(session, "hash1")
         ref = _make_reference(session, asset)
         session.commit()
 
-        with pytest.raises(ValueError, match="Preview Asset"):
-            set_reference_preview(session, reference_id=ref.id, preview_asset_id="nonexistent")
+        with pytest.raises(ValueError, match="Preview AssetReference"):
+            set_reference_preview(session, reference_id=ref.id, preview_reference_id="nonexistent")
 
 
 class TestInsertReference:
@@ -351,13 +353,14 @@ class TestUpdateReferenceTimestamps:
         asset = _make_asset(session, "hash1")
         preview_asset = _make_asset(session, "preview_hash")
         ref = _make_reference(session, asset)
+        preview_ref = _make_reference(session, preview_asset, name="preview.png")
         session.commit()
 
-        update_reference_timestamps(session, ref, preview_id=preview_asset.id)
+        update_reference_timestamps(session, ref, preview_id=preview_ref.id)
         session.commit()
 
         session.refresh(ref)
-        assert ref.preview_id == preview_asset.id
+        assert ref.preview_id == preview_ref.id
 
 
 class TestSetReferenceMetadata:
diff --git a/tests-unit/assets_test/queries/test_metadata.py b/tests-unit/assets_test/queries/test_metadata.py
index 6a545e819..d7a747789 100644
--- a/tests-unit/assets_test/queries/test_metadata.py
+++ b/tests-unit/assets_test/queries/test_metadata.py
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ def _make_reference(
     asset: Asset,
     name: str,
     metadata: dict | None = None,
+    system_metadata: dict | None = None,
 ) -> AssetReference:
     now = get_utc_now()
     ref = AssetReference(
@@ -27,6 +28,7 @@ def _make_reference(
         name=name,
         asset_id=asset.id,
         user_metadata=metadata,
+        system_metadata=system_metadata,
         created_at=now,
         updated_at=now,
         last_access_time=now,
@@ -34,8 +36,10 @@ def _make_reference(
     session.add(ref)
     session.flush()
 
-    if metadata:
-        for key, val in metadata.items():
+    # Build merged projection: {**system_metadata, **user_metadata}
+    merged = {**(system_metadata or {}), **(metadata or {})}
+    if merged:
+        for key, val in merged.items():
             for row in convert_metadata_to_rows(key, val):
                 meta_row = AssetReferenceMeta(
                     asset_reference_id=ref.id,
@@ -182,3 +186,46 @@ class TestMetadataFilterEmptyDict:
 
         refs, _, total = list_references_page(session, metadata_filter={})
         assert total == 2
+
+
+class TestSystemMetadataProjection:
+    """Tests for system_metadata merging into the filter projection."""
+
+    def test_system_metadata_keys_are_filterable(self, session: Session):
+        """system_metadata keys should appear in the merged projection."""
+        asset = _make_asset(session, "hash1")
+        _make_reference(
+            session, asset, "with_sys",
+            system_metadata={"source": "scanner"},
+        )
+        _make_reference(session, asset, "without_sys")
+        session.commit()
+
+        refs, _, total = list_references_page(
+            session, metadata_filter={"source": "scanner"}
+        )
+        assert total == 1
+        assert refs[0].name == "with_sys"
+
+    def test_user_metadata_overrides_system_metadata(self, session: Session):
+        """user_metadata should win when both have the same key."""
+        asset = _make_asset(session, "hash1")
+        _make_reference(
+            session, asset, "overridden",
+            metadata={"origin": "user_upload"},
+            system_metadata={"origin": "auto_scan"},
+        )
+        session.commit()
+
+        # Should match the user value, not the system value
+        refs, _, total = list_references_page(
+            session, metadata_filter={"origin": "user_upload"}
+        )
+        assert total == 1
+        assert refs[0].name == "overridden"
+
+        # Should NOT match the system value (it was overridden)
+        refs, _, total = list_references_page(
+            session, metadata_filter={"origin": "auto_scan"}
+        )
+        assert total == 0
diff --git a/tests-unit/assets_test/services/test_asset_management.py b/tests-unit/assets_test/services/test_asset_management.py
index 101ef7292..e8ff989e9 100644
--- a/tests-unit/assets_test/services/test_asset_management.py
+++ b/tests-unit/assets_test/services/test_asset_management.py
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ from app.assets.services import (
     delete_asset_reference,
     set_asset_preview,
 )
+from app.assets.services.asset_management import resolve_hash_to_path
 
 
 def _make_asset(session: Session, hash_val: str = "blake3:test", size: int = 1024) -> Asset:
@@ -219,31 +220,33 @@ class TestSetAssetPreview:
         asset = _make_asset(session, hash_val="blake3:main")
         preview_asset = _make_asset(session, hash_val="blake3:preview")
         ref = _make_reference(session, asset)
+        preview_ref = _make_reference(session, preview_asset, name="preview.png")
         ref_id = ref.id
-        preview_id = preview_asset.id
+        preview_ref_id = preview_ref.id
         session.commit()
 
         set_asset_preview(
             reference_id=ref_id,
-            preview_asset_id=preview_id,
+            preview_reference_id=preview_ref_id,
         )
 
         # Verify by re-fetching from DB
         session.expire_all()
         updated_ref = session.get(AssetReference, ref_id)
-        assert updated_ref.preview_id == preview_id
+        assert updated_ref.preview_id == preview_ref_id
 
     def test_clears_preview(self, mock_create_session, session: Session):
         asset = _make_asset(session)
         preview_asset = _make_asset(session, hash_val="blake3:preview")
         ref = _make_reference(session, asset)
-        ref.preview_id = preview_asset.id
+        preview_ref = _make_reference(session, preview_asset, name="preview.png")
+        ref.preview_id = preview_ref.id
         ref_id = ref.id
         session.commit()
 
         set_asset_preview(
             reference_id=ref_id,
-            preview_asset_id=None,
+            preview_reference_id=None,
         )
 
         # Verify by re-fetching from DB
@@ -263,6 +266,45 @@ class TestSetAssetPreview:
         with pytest.raises(PermissionError, match="not owner"):
             set_asset_preview(
                 reference_id=ref.id,
-                preview_asset_id=None,
+                preview_reference_id=None,
                 owner_id="user2",
             )
+
+
+class TestResolveHashToPath:
+    def test_returns_none_for_unknown_hash(self, mock_create_session):
+        result = resolve_hash_to_path("blake3:" + "a" * 64)
+        assert result is None
+
+    @pytest.mark.parametrize(
+        "ref_owner, query_owner, expect_found",
+        [
+            ("user1", "user1", True),
+            ("user1", "user2", False),
+            ("", "anyone", True),
+            ("", "", True),
+        ],
+        ids=[
+            "owner_sees_own_ref",
+            "other_owner_blocked",
+            "ownerless_visible_to_anyone",
+            "ownerless_visible_to_empty",
+        ],
+    )
+    def test_owner_visibility(
+        self, ref_owner, query_owner, expect_found,
+        mock_create_session, session: Session, temp_dir,
+    ):
+        f = temp_dir / "file.bin"
+        f.write_bytes(b"data")
+        asset = _make_asset(session, hash_val="blake3:" + "b" * 64)
+        ref = _make_reference(session, asset, name="file.bin", owner_id=ref_owner)
+        ref.file_path = str(f)
+        session.commit()
+
+        result = resolve_hash_to_path(asset.hash, owner_id=query_owner)
+        if expect_found:
+            assert result is not None
+            assert result.abs_path == str(f)
+        else:
+            assert result is None
diff --git a/tests-unit/assets_test/services/test_ingest.py b/tests-unit/assets_test/services/test_ingest.py
index 367bc7721..dbb8441c2 100644
--- a/tests-unit/assets_test/services/test_ingest.py
+++ b/tests-unit/assets_test/services/test_ingest.py
@@ -113,11 +113,19 @@ class TestIngestFileFromPath:
         file_path = temp_dir / "with_preview.bin"
         file_path.write_bytes(b"data")
 
-        # Create a preview asset first
+        # Create a preview asset and reference
         preview_asset = Asset(hash="blake3:preview", size_bytes=100)
         session.add(preview_asset)
+        session.flush()
+        from app.assets.helpers import get_utc_now
+        now = get_utc_now()
+        preview_ref = AssetReference(
+            asset_id=preview_asset.id, name="preview.png", owner_id="",
+            created_at=now, updated_at=now, last_access_time=now,
+        )
+        session.add(preview_ref)
         session.commit()
-        preview_id = preview_asset.id
+        preview_id = preview_ref.id
 
         result = _ingest_file_from_path(
             abs_path=str(file_path),
diff --git a/tests-unit/assets_test/services/test_tag_histogram.py b/tests-unit/assets_test/services/test_tag_histogram.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..7bcd518ec
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests-unit/assets_test/services/test_tag_histogram.py
@@ -0,0 +1,123 @@
+"""Tests for list_tag_histogram service function."""
+from sqlalchemy.orm import Session
+
+from app.assets.database.models import Asset, AssetReference
+from app.assets.database.queries import ensure_tags_exist, add_tags_to_reference
+from app.assets.helpers import get_utc_now
+from app.assets.services.tagging import list_tag_histogram
+
+
+def _make_asset(session: Session, hash_val: str = "blake3:test") -> Asset:
+    asset = Asset(hash=hash_val, size_bytes=1024)
+    session.add(asset)
+    session.flush()
+    return asset
+
+
+def _make_reference(
+    session: Session,
+    asset: Asset,
+    name: str = "test",
+    owner_id: str = "",
+) -> AssetReference:
+    now = get_utc_now()
+    ref = AssetReference(
+        owner_id=owner_id,
+        name=name,
+        asset_id=asset.id,
+        created_at=now,
+        updated_at=now,
+        last_access_time=now,
+    )
+    session.add(ref)
+    session.flush()
+    return ref
+
+
+class TestListTagHistogram:
+    def test_returns_counts_for_all_tags(self, mock_create_session, session: Session):
+        ensure_tags_exist(session, ["alpha", "beta"])
+        a1 = _make_asset(session, "blake3:aaa")
+        r1 = _make_reference(session, a1, name="r1")
+        add_tags_to_reference(session, reference_id=r1.id, tags=["alpha", "beta"])
+
+        a2 = _make_asset(session, "blake3:bbb")
+        r2 = _make_reference(session, a2, name="r2")
+        add_tags_to_reference(session, reference_id=r2.id, tags=["alpha"])
+        session.commit()
+
+        result = list_tag_histogram()
+
+        assert result["alpha"] == 2
+        assert result["beta"] == 1
+
+    def test_empty_when_no_assets(self, mock_create_session, session: Session):
+        ensure_tags_exist(session, ["unused"])
+        session.commit()
+
+        result = list_tag_histogram()
+
+        assert result == {}
+
+    def test_include_tags_filter(self, mock_create_session, session: Session):
+        ensure_tags_exist(session, ["models", "loras", "input"])
+        a1 = _make_asset(session, "blake3:aaa")
+        r1 = _make_reference(session, a1, name="r1")
+        add_tags_to_reference(session, reference_id=r1.id, tags=["models", "loras"])
+
+        a2 = _make_asset(session, "blake3:bbb")
+        r2 = _make_reference(session, a2, name="r2")
+        add_tags_to_reference(session, reference_id=r2.id, tags=["input"])
+        session.commit()
+
+        result = list_tag_histogram(include_tags=["models"])
+
+        # Only r1 has "models", so only its tags appear
+        assert "models" in result
+        assert "loras" in result
+        assert "input" not in result
+
+    def test_exclude_tags_filter(self, mock_create_session, session: Session):
+        ensure_tags_exist(session, ["models", "loras", "input"])
+        a1 = _make_asset(session, "blake3:aaa")
+        r1 = _make_reference(session, a1, name="r1")
+        add_tags_to_reference(session, reference_id=r1.id, tags=["models", "loras"])
+
+        a2 = _make_asset(session, "blake3:bbb")
+        r2 = _make_reference(session, a2, name="r2")
+        add_tags_to_reference(session, reference_id=r2.id, tags=["input"])
+        session.commit()
+
+        result = list_tag_histogram(exclude_tags=["models"])
+
+        # r1 excluded, only r2's tags remain
+        assert "input" in result
+        assert "loras" not in result
+
+    def test_name_contains_filter(self, mock_create_session, session: Session):
+        ensure_tags_exist(session, ["alpha", "beta"])
+        a1 = _make_asset(session, "blake3:aaa")
+        r1 = _make_reference(session, a1, name="my_model.safetensors")
+        add_tags_to_reference(session, reference_id=r1.id, tags=["alpha"])
+
+        a2 = _make_asset(session, "blake3:bbb")
+        r2 = _make_reference(session, a2, name="picture.png")
+        add_tags_to_reference(session, reference_id=r2.id, tags=["beta"])
+        session.commit()
+
+        result = list_tag_histogram(name_contains="model")
+
+        assert "alpha" in result
+        assert "beta" not in result
+
+    def test_limit_caps_results(self, mock_create_session, session: Session):
+        tags = [f"tag{i}" for i in range(10)]
+        ensure_tags_exist(session, tags)
+        a = _make_asset(session, "blake3:aaa")
+        r = _make_reference(session, a, name="r1")
+        add_tags_to_reference(session, reference_id=r.id, tags=tags)
+        session.commit()
+
+        result = list_tag_histogram(limit=3)
+
+        assert len(result) == 3
diff --git a/tests-unit/assets_test/test_uploads.py b/tests-unit/assets_test/test_uploads.py
index d68e5b5d7..0f2b124a3 100644
--- a/tests-unit/assets_test/test_uploads.py
+++ b/tests-unit/assets_test/test_uploads.py
@@ -243,6 +243,15 @@ def test_upload_tags_traversal_guard(http: requests.Session, api_base: str):
     assert body["error"]["code"] in ("BAD_REQUEST", "INVALID_BODY")
 
 
+def test_upload_empty_tags_rejected(http: requests.Session, api_base: str):
+    files = {"file": ("notags.bin", b"A" * 64, "application/octet-stream")}
+    form = {"tags": json.dumps([]), "name": "notags.bin", "user_metadata": json.dumps({})}
+    r = http.post(api_base + "/api/assets", data=form, files=files, timeout=120)
+    body = r.json()
+    assert r.status_code == 400
+    assert body["error"]["code"] == "INVALID_BODY"
+
+
 @pytest.mark.parametrize("root", ["input", "output"])
 def test_duplicate_upload_same_display_name_does_not_clobber(
     root: str,
diff --git a/tests-unit/execution_test/test_cache_provider.py b/tests-unit/execution_test/test_cache_provider.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..ac3814746
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests-unit/execution_test/test_cache_provider.py
@@ -0,0 +1,403 @@
+"""Tests for external cache provider API."""
+
+import importlib.util
+import pytest
+from typing import Optional
+
+
+def _torch_available() -> bool:
+    """Check if PyTorch is available."""
+    return importlib.util.find_spec("torch") is not None
+
+
+from comfy_execution.cache_provider import (
+    CacheProvider,
+    CacheContext,
+    CacheValue,
+    register_cache_provider,
+    unregister_cache_provider,
+    _get_cache_providers,
+    _has_cache_providers,
+    _clear_cache_providers,
+    _serialize_cache_key,
+    _contains_self_unequal,
+    _estimate_value_size,
+    _canonicalize,
+)
+
+
+class TestCanonicalize:
+    """Test _canonicalize function for deterministic ordering."""
+
+    def test_frozenset_ordering_is_deterministic(self):
+        """Frozensets should produce consistent canonical form regardless of iteration order."""
+        # Create two frozensets with same content
+        fs1 = frozenset([("a", 1), ("b", 2), ("c", 3)])
+        fs2 = frozenset([("c", 3), ("a", 1), ("b", 2)])
+
+        result1 = _canonicalize(fs1)
+        result2 = _canonicalize(fs2)
+
+        assert result1 == result2
+
+    def test_nested_frozenset_ordering(self):
+        """Nested frozensets should also be deterministically ordered."""
+        inner1 = frozenset([1, 2, 3])
+        inner2 = frozenset([3, 2, 1])
+
+        fs1 = frozenset([("key", inner1)])
+        fs2 = frozenset([("key", inner2)])
+
+        result1 = _canonicalize(fs1)
+        result2 = _canonicalize(fs2)
+
+        assert result1 == result2
+
+    def test_dict_ordering(self):
+        """Dicts should be sorted by key."""
+        d1 = {"z": 1, "a": 2, "m": 3}
+        d2 = {"a": 2, "m": 3, "z": 1}
+
+        result1 = _canonicalize(d1)
+        result2 = _canonicalize(d2)
+
+        assert result1 == result2
+
+    def test_tuple_preserved(self):
+        """Tuples should be marked and preserved."""
+        t = (1, 2, 3)
+        result = _canonicalize(t)
+
+        assert result[0] == "__tuple__"
+
+    def test_list_preserved(self):
+        """Lists should be recursively canonicalized."""
+        lst = [{"b": 2, "a": 1}, frozenset([3, 2, 1])]
+        result = _canonicalize(lst)
+
+        # First element should be canonicalized dict
+        assert "__dict__" in result[0]
+        # Second element should be canonicalized frozenset
+        assert result[1][0] == "__frozenset__"
+
+    def test_primitives_include_type(self):
+        """Primitive types should include type name for disambiguation."""
+        assert _canonicalize(42) == ("int", 42)
+        assert _canonicalize(3.14) == ("float", 3.14)
+        assert _canonicalize("hello") == ("str", "hello")
+        assert _canonicalize(True) == ("bool", True)
+        assert _canonicalize(None) == ("NoneType", None)
+
+    def test_int_and_str_distinguished(self):
+        """int 7 and str '7' must produce different canonical forms."""
+        assert _canonicalize(7) != _canonicalize("7")
+
+    def test_bytes_converted(self):
+        """Bytes should be converted to hex string."""
+        b = b"\x00\xff"
+        result = _canonicalize(b)
+
+        assert result[0] == "__bytes__"
+        assert result[1] == "00ff"
+
+    def test_set_ordering(self):
+        """Sets should be sorted like frozensets."""
+        s1 = {3, 1, 2}
+        s2 = {1, 2, 3}
+
+        result1 = _canonicalize(s1)
+        result2 = _canonicalize(s2)
+
+        assert result1 == result2
+        assert result1[0] == "__set__"
+
+    def test_unknown_type_raises(self):
+        """Unknown types should raise ValueError (fail-closed)."""
+        class CustomObj:
+            pass
+        with pytest.raises(ValueError):
+            _canonicalize(CustomObj())
+
+    def test_object_with_value_attr_raises(self):
+        """Objects with .value attribute (Unhashable-like) should raise ValueError."""
+        class FakeUnhashable:
+            def __init__(self):
+                self.value = float('nan')
+        with pytest.raises(ValueError):
+            _canonicalize(FakeUnhashable())
+
+
+class TestSerializeCacheKey:
+    """Test _serialize_cache_key for deterministic hashing."""
+
+    def test_same_content_same_hash(self):
+        """Same content should produce same hash."""
+        key1 = frozenset([("node_1", frozenset([("input", "value")]))])
+        key2 = frozenset([("node_1", frozenset([("input", "value")]))])
+
+        hash1 = _serialize_cache_key(key1)
+        hash2 = _serialize_cache_key(key2)
+
+        assert hash1 == hash2
+
+    def test_different_content_different_hash(self):
+        """Different content should produce different hash."""
+        key1 = frozenset([("node_1", "value_a")])
+        key2 = frozenset([("node_1", "value_b")])
+
+        hash1 = _serialize_cache_key(key1)
+        hash2 = _serialize_cache_key(key2)
+
+        assert hash1 != hash2
+
+    def test_returns_hex_string(self):
+        """Should return hex string (SHA256 hex digest)."""
+        key = frozenset([("test", 123)])
+        result = _serialize_cache_key(key)
+
+        assert isinstance(result, str)
+        assert len(result) == 64  # SHA256 hex digest is 64 chars
+
+    def test_complex_nested_structure(self):
+        """Complex nested structures should hash deterministically."""
+        # Note: frozensets can only contain hashable types, so we use
+        # nested frozensets of tuples to represent dict-like structures
+        key = frozenset([
+            ("node_1", frozenset([
+                ("input_a", ("tuple", "value")),
+                ("input_b", frozenset([("nested", "dict")])),
+            ])),
+            ("node_2", frozenset([
+                ("param", 42),
+            ])),
+        ])
+
+        # Hash twice to verify determinism
+        hash1 = _serialize_cache_key(key)
+        hash2 = _serialize_cache_key(key)
+
+        assert hash1 == hash2
+
+    def test_dict_in_cache_key(self):
+        """Dicts passed directly to _serialize_cache_key should work."""
+        key = {"node_1": {"input": "value"}, "node_2": 42}
+
+        hash1 = _serialize_cache_key(key)
+        hash2 = _serialize_cache_key(key)
+
+        assert hash1 == hash2
+        assert isinstance(hash1, str)
+        assert len(hash1) == 64
+
+    def test_unknown_type_returns_none(self):
+        """Non-cacheable types should return None (fail-closed)."""
+        class CustomObj:
+            pass
+        assert _serialize_cache_key(CustomObj()) is None
+
+
+class TestContainsSelfUnequal:
+    """Test _contains_self_unequal utility function."""
+
+    def test_nan_float_detected(self):
+        """NaN floats should be detected (not equal to itself)."""
+        assert _contains_self_unequal(float('nan')) is True
+
+    def test_regular_float_not_detected(self):
+        """Regular floats are equal to themselves."""
+        assert _contains_self_unequal(3.14) is False
+        assert _contains_self_unequal(0.0) is False
+        assert _contains_self_unequal(-1.5) is False
+
+    def test_infinity_not_detected(self):
+        """Infinity is equal to itself."""
+        assert _contains_self_unequal(float('inf')) is False
+        assert _contains_self_unequal(float('-inf')) is False
+
+    def test_nan_in_list(self):
+        """NaN in list should be detected."""
+        assert _contains_self_unequal([1, 2, float('nan'), 4]) is True
+        assert _contains_self_unequal([1, 2, 3, 4]) is False
+
+    def test_nan_in_tuple(self):
+        """NaN in tuple should be detected."""
+        assert _contains_self_unequal((1, float('nan'))) is True
+        assert _contains_self_unequal((1, 2, 3)) is False
+
+    def test_nan_in_frozenset(self):
+        """NaN in frozenset should be detected."""
+        assert _contains_self_unequal(frozenset([1, float('nan')])) is True
+        assert _contains_self_unequal(frozenset([1, 2, 3])) is False
+
+    def test_nan_in_dict_value(self):
+        """NaN in dict value should be detected."""
+        assert _contains_self_unequal({"key": float('nan')}) is True
+        assert _contains_self_unequal({"key": 42}) is False
+
+    def test_nan_in_nested_structure(self):
+        """NaN in deeply nested structure should be detected."""
+        nested = {"level1": [{"level2": (1, 2, float('nan'))}]}
+        assert _contains_self_unequal(nested) is True
+
+    def test_non_numeric_types(self):
+        """Non-numeric types should not be self-unequal."""
+        assert _contains_self_unequal("string") is False
+        assert _contains_self_unequal(None) is False
+        assert _contains_self_unequal(True) is False
+
+    def test_object_with_nan_value_attribute(self):
+        """Objects wrapping NaN in .value should be detected."""
+        class NanWrapper:
+            def __init__(self):
+                self.value = float('nan')
+        assert _contains_self_unequal(NanWrapper()) is True
+
+    def test_custom_self_unequal_object(self):
+        """Custom objects where not (x == x) should be detected."""
+        class NeverEqual:
+            def __eq__(self, other):
+                return False
+        assert _contains_self_unequal(NeverEqual()) is True
+
+
+class TestEstimateValueSize:
+    """Test _estimate_value_size utility function."""
+
+    def test_empty_outputs(self):
+        """Empty outputs should have zero size."""
+        value = CacheValue(outputs=[])
+        assert _estimate_value_size(value) == 0
+
+    @pytest.mark.skipif(
+        not _torch_available(),
+        reason="PyTorch not available"
+    )
+    def test_tensor_size_estimation(self):
+        """Tensor size should be estimated correctly."""
+        import torch
+
+        # 1000 float32 elements = 4000 bytes
+        tensor = torch.zeros(1000, dtype=torch.float32)
+        value = CacheValue(outputs=[[tensor]])
+
+        size = _estimate_value_size(value)
+        assert size == 4000
+
+    @pytest.mark.skipif(
+        not _torch_available(),
+        reason="PyTorch not available"
+    )
+    def test_nested_tensor_in_dict(self):
+        """Tensors nested in dicts should be counted."""
+        import torch
+
+        tensor = torch.zeros(100, dtype=torch.float32)  # 400 bytes
+        value = CacheValue(outputs=[[{"samples": tensor}]])
+
+        size = _estimate_value_size(value)
+        assert size == 400
+
+
+class TestProviderRegistry:
+    """Test cache provider registration and retrieval."""
+
+    def setup_method(self):
+        """Clear providers before each test."""
+        _clear_cache_providers()
+
+    def teardown_method(self):
+        """Clear providers after each test."""
+        _clear_cache_providers()
+
+    def test_register_provider(self):
+        """Provider should be registered successfully."""
+        provider = MockCacheProvider()
+        register_cache_provider(provider)
+
+        assert _has_cache_providers() is True
+        providers = _get_cache_providers()
+        assert len(providers) == 1
+        assert providers[0] is provider
+
+    def test_unregister_provider(self):
+        """Provider should be unregistered successfully."""
+        provider = MockCacheProvider()
+        register_cache_provider(provider)
+        unregister_cache_provider(provider)
+
+        assert _has_cache_providers() is False
+
+    def test_multiple_providers(self):
+        """Multiple providers can be registered."""
+        provider1 = MockCacheProvider()
+        provider2 = MockCacheProvider()
+
+        register_cache_provider(provider1)
+        register_cache_provider(provider2)
+
+        providers = _get_cache_providers()
+        assert len(providers) == 2
+
+    def test_duplicate_registration_ignored(self):
+        """Registering same provider twice should be ignored."""
+        provider = MockCacheProvider()
+
+        register_cache_provider(provider)
+        register_cache_provider(provider)  # Should be ignored
+
+        providers = _get_cache_providers()
+        assert len(providers) == 1
+
+    def test_clear_providers(self):
+        """_clear_cache_providers should remove all providers."""
+        provider1 = MockCacheProvider()
+        provider2 = MockCacheProvider()
+
+        register_cache_provider(provider1)
+        register_cache_provider(provider2)
+        _clear_cache_providers()
+
+        assert _has_cache_providers() is False
+        assert len(_get_cache_providers()) == 0
+
+
+class TestCacheContext:
+    """Test CacheContext dataclass."""
+
+    def test_context_creation(self):
+        """CacheContext should be created with all fields."""
+        context = CacheContext(
+            node_id="node-456",
+            class_type="KSampler",
+            cache_key_hash="a" * 64,
+        )
+
+        assert context.node_id == "node-456"
+        assert context.class_type == "KSampler"
+        assert context.cache_key_hash == "a" * 64
+
+
+class TestCacheValue:
+    """Test CacheValue dataclass."""
+
+    def test_value_creation(self):
+        """CacheValue should be created with outputs."""
+        outputs = [[{"samples": "tensor_data"}]]
+        value = CacheValue(outputs=outputs)
+
+        assert value.outputs == outputs
+
+
+class MockCacheProvider(CacheProvider):
+    """Mock cache provider for testing."""
+
+    def __init__(self):
+        self.lookups = []
+        self.stores = []
+
+    async def on_lookup(self, context: CacheContext) -> Optional[CacheValue]:
+        self.lookups.append(context)
+        return None
+
+    async def on_store(self, context: CacheContext, value: CacheValue) -> None:
+        self.stores.append((context, value))
diff --git a/tests-unit/server_test/test_cache_control.py b/tests-unit/server_test/test_cache_control.py
index fa68d9408..1d0366387 100644
--- a/tests-unit/server_test/test_cache_control.py
+++ b/tests-unit/server_test/test_cache_control.py
@@ -28,31 +28,31 @@ CACHE_SCENARIOS = [
     },
     # JavaScript/CSS scenarios
     {
-        "name": "js_no_cache",
+        "name": "js_no_store",
         "path": "/script.js",
         "status": 200,
-        "expected_cache": "no-cache",
+        "expected_cache": "no-store",
         "should_have_header": True,
     },
     {
-        "name": "css_no_cache",
+        "name": "css_no_store",
         "path": "/styles.css",
         "status": 200,
-        "expected_cache": "no-cache",
+        "expected_cache": "no-store",
         "should_have_header": True,
     },
     {
-        "name": "index_json_no_cache",
+        "name": "index_json_no_store",
         "path": "/api/index.json",
         "status": 200,
-        "expected_cache": "no-cache",
+        "expected_cache": "no-store",
         "should_have_header": True,
     },
     {
-        "name": "localized_index_json_no_cache",
+        "name": "localized_index_json_no_store",
         "path": "/templates/index.zh.json",
         "status": 200,
-        "expected_cache": "no-cache",
+        "expected_cache": "no-store",
         "should_have_header": True,
     },
     # Non-matching files