diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 5ebc2d2..21fc4da 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -71,6 +71,9 @@ inside your existing Wayland desktop.
 ## Configure
 
 Open **Control Center → Settings** or edit `~/.config/ferese/config.kdl`.
+The [visual direction notes](docs/development/visual-direction.md) document the
+Graphite dark/light family and the responsive settings layout.
+
 This fork adds a grouped **Appearance** settings hub. **General → Language**
 supports the system language, 简体中文 and English and saves the choice as
 `ui { language "zh-CN"; }` (`auto` and `en` are also supported). It changes
diff --git a/crates/ferese-config/locales/zh-CN.json b/crates/ferese-config/locales/zh-CN.json
index 3f259c3..7b167d9 100644
--- a/crates/ferese-config/locales/zh-CN.json
+++ b/crates/ferese-config/locales/zh-CN.json
@@ -567,5 +567,7 @@
   "Application icons": "应用图标",
   "Refresh applications": "刷新应用列表",
   "Panel status icons": "面板状态图标",
-  "Install the matching Ferese compositor beside Settings.": "请将匹配版本的 Ferese 主程序与设置程序安装在同一目录。"
+  "Install the matching Ferese compositor beside Settings.": "请将匹配版本的 Ferese 主程序与设置程序安装在同一目录。",
+  "Quick access": "快速访问",
+  "Saving…": "正在保存…"
 }
diff --git a/crates/ferese-config/src/families.rs b/crates/ferese-config/src/families.rs
index c6ed147..022627f 100644
--- a/crates/ferese-config/src/families.rs
+++ b/crates/ferese-config/src/families.rs
@@ -1,13 +1,14 @@
 use crate::theme::Appearance;
 pub use ferese_theme_model::families::{Family, Palette};
 
-pub const BUILTINS: [(&str, &str, &str, &str); 6] = [
+pub const BUILTINS: [(&str, &str, &str, &str); 7] = [
     (
         "ferese-blue",
         "Ferese Blue",
         "ferese-blue-light",
         "ferese-blue",
     ),
+    ("graphite", "Graphite", "graphite-light", "graphite"),
     (
         "catppuccin",
         "Catppuccin",
diff --git a/crates/ferese-config/src/presets.rs b/crates/ferese-config/src/presets.rs
index 5993b32..f31f97d 100644
--- a/crates/ferese-config/src/presets.rs
+++ b/crates/ferese-config/src/presets.rs
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ pub struct Preset {
     pub shadow_opacity: f64,
 }
 
-pub const PRESETS: [Preset; 12] = [
+pub const PRESETS: [Preset; 14] = [
     Preset {
         appearance: Appearance::Dark,
         id: "ferese-blue",
@@ -38,6 +38,24 @@ pub const PRESETS: [Preset; 12] = [
         tint_strength: 0.5,
         shadow_opacity: 0.2,
     },
+    Preset {
+        appearance: Appearance::Dark,
+        id: "graphite",
+        name: "Graphite",
+        description: "Quiet graphite",
+        base: "#101113",
+        raised: "#1B1D21",
+        application_background: "#141518",
+        text: "#E7E9ED",
+        muted: "#9A9FA9",
+        accent: "#8EABD8",
+        border: "#FFFFFF16",
+        gradient_end: "#8EABD8",
+        opacity: 0.96,
+        blur_radius: 8.0,
+        tint_strength: 0.06,
+        shadow_opacity: 0.12,
+    },
     Preset {
         appearance: Appearance::Dark,
         id: "catppuccin-mocha",
@@ -146,6 +164,24 @@ pub const PRESETS: [Preset; 12] = [
         tint_strength: 1.0,
         shadow_opacity: 0.1,
     },
+    Preset {
+        appearance: Appearance::Light,
+        id: "graphite-light",
+        name: "Graphite",
+        description: "Quiet paper",
+        base: "#F7F8FA",
+        raised: "#FFFFFF",
+        application_background: "#F1F3F5",
+        text: "#23262C",
+        muted: "#626A76",
+        accent: "#3F6DAA",
+        border: "#00000018",
+        gradient_end: "#3F6DAA",
+        opacity: 0.98,
+        blur_radius: 4.0,
+        tint_strength: 0.02,
+        shadow_opacity: 0.08,
+    },
     Preset {
         appearance: Appearance::Light,
         id: "catppuccin-latte",
diff --git a/crates/ferese-config/src/theme.rs b/crates/ferese-config/src/theme.rs
index 8a1b520..3c30b27 100644
--- a/crates/ferese-config/src/theme.rs
+++ b/crates/ferese-config/src/theme.rs
@@ -1358,8 +1358,8 @@ mod tests {
             .iter()
             .filter(|p| p.appearance == Appearance::Light)
             .collect();
-        assert_eq!(dark.len(), 6);
-        assert_eq!(light.len(), 6);
+        assert_eq!(dark.len(), crate::families::BUILTINS.len());
+        assert_eq!(light.len(), crate::families::BUILTINS.len());
         for (dark, light) in dark.iter().zip(light) {
             assert_eq!(dark.name, light.name);
             assert_ne!(dark.base, light.base);
@@ -1443,7 +1443,7 @@ mod tests {
                 );
                 assert_eq!(resolved.policy.light.family.as_deref(), Some("gruvbox"));
                 assert_eq!(resolved.policy.dark.family.as_deref(), Some("catppuccin"));
-                assert_eq!(resolved.families.len(), 6);
+                assert_eq!(resolved.families.len(), crate::families::BUILTINS.len());
             }
         }
         let resolved = candidate(r#"theme { mode "light"; family "catppuccin"; split #true; light { family "gruvbox"; }; dark { family "everforest"; }; }"#).unwrap();
diff --git a/crates/ferese-rime/src/bin/probe.rs b/crates/ferese-rime/src/bin/probe.rs
index 1051ac3..0ec8a94 100644
--- a/crates/ferese-rime/src/bin/probe.rs
+++ b/crates/ferese-rime/src/bin/probe.rs
@@ -107,6 +107,7 @@ fn main() -> Result<(), Box<dyn Error>> {
     }
     let mut sequences: Vec<Vec<u32>> = Vec::new();
     let mut clicks = Vec::new();
+    let mut hovers = Vec::new();
     let mut drag = None;
     let mut extent = (1280, 800);
     let mut args = std::env::args().skip(1);
@@ -119,6 +120,13 @@ fn main() -> Result<(), Box<dyn Error>> {
                 }
                 extent = (v[0], v[1]);
             }
+            "--hover" => {
+                let v = parse_numbers(&args.next().ok_or("missing hover position")?)?;
+                if v.len() != 2 {
+                    return Err("invalid hover".into());
+                }
+                hovers.push((v[0], v[1]));
+            }
             "--click" => {
                 let v = parse_numbers(&args.next().ok_or("missing click position")?)?;
                 if v.len() != 2 {
@@ -247,12 +255,24 @@ fn main() -> Result<(), Box<dyn Error>> {
             std::thread::sleep(Duration::from_millis(35));
         }
     }
-    if !clicks.is_empty() || drag.is_some() {
+    if !clicks.is_empty() || !hovers.is_empty() || drag.is_some() {
         let pointer = state
             .pointer_manager
             .as_ref()
             .ok_or("test pointer is not enabled on this compositor")?
             .create_virtual_pointer(state.seat.as_ref(), &qh, ());
+        for (x, y) in hovers {
+            pointer.motion_absolute(
+                started.elapsed().as_millis() as u32,
+                x,
+                y,
+                extent.0,
+                extent.1,
+            );
+            pointer.frame();
+            queue.roundtrip(&mut state)?;
+            std::thread::sleep(Duration::from_millis(120));
+        }
         for (x, y) in clicks {
             pointer.motion_absolute(
                 started.elapsed().as_millis() as u32,
diff --git a/crates/ferese-theme/src/controls.rs b/crates/ferese-theme/src/controls.rs
index bc1100d..3888561 100644
--- a/crates/ferese-theme/src/controls.rs
+++ b/crates/ferese-theme/src/controls.rs
@@ -116,14 +116,24 @@ pub fn settings_input(p: Palette) -> theme::TextInput {
     let appearance = move |focused: bool, hovered: bool| cosmic::widget::text_input::Appearance {
         shape: Some(BorderShape::Continuous),
         outline: None,
-        background: mix(p.card, p.text, if hovered { 0.06 } else { 0.035 }).into(),
+        background: mix(p.background, p.card, if hovered { 0.55 } else { 0.35 }).into(),
         border_radius: p.radius.min(7.).into(),
         border_width: 1.,
         border_offset: None,
         border_color: if focused {
             p.accent
         } else {
-            mix(p.card, p.text, if hovered { 0.26 } else { 0.18 })
+            mix(
+                p.card,
+                p.text,
+                if p.high_contrast {
+                    0.5
+                } else if hovered {
+                    0.20
+                } else {
+                    0.10
+                },
+            )
         },
         icon_color: Some(p.muted),
         text_color: Some(p.text),
@@ -166,25 +176,52 @@ fn styled_button(
     opacity: f32,
     focus_visible: bool,
 ) -> theme::Button {
-    let style = move |hover: bool, focused: bool| {
-        let background = if selected {
-            mix(p.sidebar, p.accent, if hover { 0.24 } else { 0.17 })
-        } else if hover {
-            if navigation {
-                mix(p.card, crate::surface_shade(p.sidebar), 0.06)
-            } else {
-                mix(p.card, p.text, 0.08)
-            }
-        } else if navigation {
+    let style = move |hover: bool, focused: bool, pressed: bool| {
+        let resting = if navigation {
             p.sidebar
         } else {
-            mix(p.card, p.text, 0.035)
+            mix(p.background, p.card, 0.5)
         };
-        let (background, on) = if selected {
-            crate::accent_pair(background, p.text)
+        let selected_strength = if navigation { 0.09 } else { 0.10 };
+        let background = if selected && navigation {
+            mix(
+                resting,
+                p.text,
+                if pressed {
+                    0.16
+                } else if hover {
+                    0.13
+                } else {
+                    selected_strength
+                },
+            )
+        } else if selected {
+            mix(
+                resting,
+                p.accent,
+                if pressed {
+                    0.20
+                } else if hover {
+                    0.16
+                } else {
+                    selected_strength
+                },
+            )
+        } else if hover {
+            mix(resting, p.text, if pressed { 0.09 } else { 0.055 })
         } else {
-            (background, p.text)
+            resting
         };
+        let mut on = crate::foreground(background, p.text);
+        if p.high_contrast && crate::contrast(background, on) < 7. {
+            on = if crate::contrast(background, Color::BLACK)
+                >= crate::contrast(background, Color::WHITE)
+            {
+                Color::BLACK
+            } else {
+                Color::WHITE
+            };
+        }
 
         let mut background = background;
         background.a *= if hover && opacity < 1.0 {
@@ -193,9 +230,15 @@ fn styled_button(
             opacity
         };
 
-        let fill = if selected {
+        let fill = if selected && !navigation {
             p.selected_background(
-                if hover { 0.24 } else { 0.17 },
+                if pressed {
+                    0.20
+                } else if hover {
+                    0.16
+                } else {
+                    0.10
+                },
                 background.a,
                 on,
                 background,
@@ -211,11 +254,23 @@ fn styled_button(
             text_color: Some(on),
             icon_color: Some(on),
             border_radius: p.radius.min(9.).into(),
-            border_width: if selected || !navigation { 1. } else { 0. },
+            border_width: if !navigation || (selected && p.high_contrast) {
+                1.
+            } else {
+                0.
+            },
             border_color: if selected {
-                p.accent
+                if p.high_contrast {
+                    p.accent
+                } else {
+                    mix(background, p.accent, 0.40)
+                }
             } else if !navigation {
-                mix(p.card, p.text, 0.18)
+                mix(
+                    background,
+                    p.text,
+                    if p.high_contrast { 0.50 } else { 0.10 },
+                )
             } else {
                 Color::TRANSPARENT
             },
@@ -227,10 +282,17 @@ fn styled_button(
     };
 
     theme::Button::Custom {
-        active: Box::new(move |focused, _| style(false, focused)),
-        hovered: Box::new(move |focused, _| style(true, focused)),
-        pressed: Box::new(move |focused, _| style(true, focused)),
-        disabled: Box::new(move |_| style(false, false)),
+        active: Box::new(move |focused, _| style(false, focused, false)),
+        hovered: Box::new(move |focused, _| style(true, focused, false)),
+        pressed: Box::new(move |focused, _| style(true, focused, true)),
+        disabled: Box::new(move |_| {
+            let mut disabled = style(false, false, false);
+            if !selected {
+                disabled.text_color = Some(p.muted);
+                disabled.icon_color = Some(p.muted);
+            }
+            disabled
+        }),
     }
 }
 
@@ -433,6 +495,45 @@ pub fn filled_button(fill: Color, foreground: Color, radius: f32, opacity: f32)
 mod tests {
     use super::*;
 
+    #[test]
+    fn navigation_selection_is_quiet_but_keyboard_focus_and_press_are_explicit() {
+        use cosmic::widget::button::Catalog;
+        for preset in ferese_config::presets::PRESETS {
+            let mut resolved = ferese_config::theme::default_theme();
+            resolved.appearance = preset.appearance;
+            resolved.tokens = ferese_config::theme::preset(preset.id, preset.appearance).unwrap();
+            for high_contrast in [false, true] {
+                resolved.accessibility.increase_contrast = high_contrast;
+                let palette = Palette::from_resolved(&resolved);
+                let native = palette.native_theme();
+                for selected in [false, true] {
+                    let class = navigation_style(palette, selected);
+                    let resting = native.active(false, selected, &class);
+                    let focus = native.active(true, selected, &class);
+                    assert_eq!(resting.outline_width, 0.);
+                    assert_eq!(focus.outline_width, 2.);
+                    assert_eq!(
+                        resting.border_width,
+                        if selected && high_contrast { 1. } else { 0. }
+                    );
+                    let Some(Background::Color(fill)) = resting.background else {
+                        panic!("navigation should not be a gradient")
+                    };
+                    assert!(
+                        crate::contrast(fill, resting.text_color.unwrap())
+                            >= if high_contrast { 7. } else { 4.5 },
+                        "{}",
+                        preset.id
+                    );
+                    assert_ne!(
+                        native.hovered(false, selected, &class).background,
+                        native.pressed(false, selected, &class).background
+                    );
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn hiding_modal_focus_preserves_button_borders_and_materials() {
         use cosmic::widget::button::Catalog;
diff --git a/docs/development/visual-direction.md b/docs/development/visual-direction.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9f25d4a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/development/visual-direction.md
@@ -0,0 +1,56 @@
+# Ferese visual direction: quiet structure
+
+Reference reviewed on 2026-10-28: the user supplied a 9.78-second, 60 fps
+2168 × 2160 screen recording. It is an edited design progression, not a recording
+of a working desktop's interaction latency or animation timings. Local analysis
+frames and the source fingerprint live in `.artifacts/visual-reference-20261028/`.
+
+## What the reference changes
+
+| Segment | Observed change | Ferese application |
+| --- | --- | --- |
+| 0–3 s | Spacing guides replace uneven navigation and card offsets. | A 4 px spacing scale; 24 px page/section rhythm, 12 px card gutters, 36 px navigation rows. |
+| 3–5 s | Purple glows and saturated surfaces recede into neutral planes. | A selectable Graphite family, paired dark and light appearances; near-opaque surfaces and restrained tint/shadow. |
+| 5–7 s | Outline icons, a smaller brand, consistent insets and quieter selection. | 24 px brand mark, small outline icons, neutral navigation selection plus an accent marker. Keyboard focus stays explicit. |
+| 7–9.78 s | Typography and content become the hierarchy; color remains on meaningful data. | MiSans retained; medium-weight page/card titles, readable secondary text, color reserved for active state and status. |
+
+## Implemented layout
+
+Appearance is a configuration overview, with no invented metrics or dashboard
+content. Quick access puts language/general preferences and the complete editor
+on the first row. Desktop, interaction and system settings follow as grouped,
+equal-width cards. The card text owns the flexible space; chevrons align to the
+far edge. Above 680 logical pixels of content width the overview has two columns;
+below that it becomes one column. Card height follows the text, including Chinese
+and English line wrapping.
+
+Normal settings use thin section boundaries instead of large colored blocks.
+Each 36 px navigation hit area centers the complete content row vertically; the
+row then centers its text, icon and indicator internally. Both layers are necessary
+because the native custom button places its child at the top padding.
+Navigation selection and keyboard focus are independent: the former uses a quiet
+fill and a small accent marker, while keyboard focus has a clear outline. Stronger
+boundaries remain available through the existing high-contrast preference.
+Explicit gradient theme choices still apply to theme controls and window focus.
+
+Graphite is an ordinary registered theme family (`graphite`, `graphite-light`),
+so the Shell, Settings, locker and native Rime candidate popup receive it through
+the existing theme protocol. Theme selection changes only in the isolated preview
+for this review; choosing another family remains available in Appearance → Theme.
+No new configuration keys or input gestures are introduced by the visual update.
+
+## Acceptance
+
+Check both Graphite appearances and all existing presets, keyboard focus and text
+contrast, a narrow single-column view and a wide two-column view, card boundaries
+and reachability, the complete editor's scrolling, and a native Rime candidate.
+The edited video does not provide evidence for copying an easing curve or duration;
+existing motion and Reduce motion settings continue to own those behaviors.
+
+Validation completed in this fork: 115 Settings tests, 32 shared theme/control
+tests, 247 Shell tests and 46 configuration tests; optional profiling tests remain
+ignored. Native captures cover dark/light appearances and a 631 px window.
+All 15 navigation items have a centering regression check, including the three
+Interaction destinations selected in turn; a hover-only native probe confirms
+Windows aligns inside its highlighted hit area. Native Rime input, horizontal
+candidates, paging, theme changes and service recovery also passed.
diff --git a/shell/ferese-settings/src/all_options.rs b/shell/ferese-settings/src/all_options.rs
index b95d23d..9c60e07 100644
--- a/shell/ferese-settings/src/all_options.rs
+++ b/shell/ferese-settings/src/all_options.rs
@@ -501,43 +501,83 @@ impl App {
         }
         Task::none()
     }
-    pub fn settings_hub(&self) -> Element<'_, Message> {
-        let mut out = column([]).spacing(18);
+    pub fn settings_hub(&self, width: f32) -> Element<'_, Message> {
+        self.hub_layout(if width >= 680. { 2 } else { 1 })
+    }
+    fn hub_layout(&self, columns: usize) -> Element<'_, Message> {
+        let palette = visuals::Palette::from_resolved(&self.resolved.presented);
+        let mut out = column([]).spacing(24);
         for (name, pages) in Page::NAVIGATION {
-            if name == "Appearance" {
+            if name == "Advanced" {
                 continue;
             }
-            out = out.push(self.panel_heading(tr(name), 15.));
-            for &p in pages {
-                out = out.push(self.hub_card(p));
+            let pages = if name == "Appearance" {
+                vec![Page::General, Page::Configuration]
+            } else {
+                pages
+                    .iter()
+                    .copied()
+                    .filter(|p| *p != Page::Appearance)
+                    .collect::<Vec<_>>()
+            };
+            let mut section = column([]).spacing(8).push(
+                self.panel_heading(
+                    tr(if name == "Appearance" {
+                        "Quick access"
+                    } else {
+                        name
+                    }),
+                    12.,
+                )
+                .class(cosmic::theme::Text::Color(palette.muted)),
+            );
+            for pair in pages.chunks(columns) {
+                let mut cards = row([]).spacing(12);
+                for &page in pair {
+                    cards = cards.push(self.hub_card(page));
+                }
+                if pair.len() < columns {
+                    cards = cards.push(cosmic::widget::Space::new().width(Length::Fill));
+                }
+                section = section.push(cards);
             }
+            out = out.push(section);
         }
-        column([])
-            .spacing(12)
-            .push(self.hub_card(Page::General))
-            .push(out)
-            .into()
+        out.into()
     }
     fn hub_card(&self, p: Page) -> Element<'static, Message> {
         let palette = visuals::Palette::from_resolved(&self.resolved.presented);
-        button::custom(
-            row([])
-                .spacing(12)
-                .align_y(Alignment::Center)
-                .push(visuals::icon(p, palette.accent))
-                .push(
-                    column([])
-                        .spacing(3)
-                        .push(self.label(p.title(), 15.))
-                        .push(self.label(p.subtitle(), 12.)),
-                )
-                .push(self.label(ferese_config::tr!("›"), 20.)),
+        let content = row([])
+            .spacing(12)
+            .align_y(Alignment::Center)
+            .push(visuals::icon(p, palette.muted))
+            .push(
+                column([])
+                    .spacing(4)
+                    .push(self.label(p.title(), 14.).font(cosmic::iced::Font {
+                        weight: cosmic::iced::font::Weight::Medium,
+                        ..self.font
+                    }))
+                    .push(
+                        self.label(p.subtitle(), 12.)
+                            .class(cosmic::theme::Text::Color(palette.muted)),
+                    )
+                    .width(Length::Fill),
+            )
+            .push(visuals::action_icon("M9 5l7 7-7 7", palette.muted));
+        container(
+            button::custom(content)
+                .name(p.title())
+                .padding(16)
+                .width(Length::Fill)
+                .class(visuals::button_style(palette, false))
+                .on_press(Message::Page(p)),
         )
-        .name(p.title())
-        .padding(14)
+        .id(cosmic::widget::Id::new(format!(
+            "settings-hub-{}",
+            p as usize
+        )))
         .width(Length::Fill)
-        .class(visuals::button_style(palette, false))
-        .on_press(Message::Page(p))
         .into()
     }
     pub fn all_options_view(&self) -> Element<'_, Message> {
diff --git a/shell/ferese-settings/src/form_controls.rs b/shell/ferese-settings/src/form_controls.rs
index 68c91a6..9a96b94 100644
--- a/shell/ferese-settings/src/form_controls.rs
+++ b/shell/ferese-settings/src/form_controls.rs
@@ -248,9 +248,9 @@ impl App {
                 .push(labels)
                 .push(control),
         )
-        .padding([7, 10])
+        .padding([10, 12])
         .width(Length::Fill)
-        .class(visuals::surface(palette.card, 0.))
+        .class(visuals::surface(cosmic::iced::Color::TRANSPARENT, 0.))
         .into()
     }
 }
diff --git a/shell/ferese-settings/src/pages.rs b/shell/ferese-settings/src/pages.rs
index bc04a0c..84688cf 100644
--- a/shell/ferese-settings/src/pages.rs
+++ b/shell/ferese-settings/src/pages.rs
@@ -8,17 +8,17 @@ pub(super) const SIDEBAR_BREAKPOINT: f32 = 960.;
 impl App {
     pub(super) fn page_view(&self) -> Element<'_, Message> {
         cosmic::iced::widget::responsive(move |size| {
-            self.page_layout(size.width < SIDEBAR_BREAKPOINT, size.height)
+            self.page_layout(size.width < SIDEBAR_BREAKPOINT, size.height, size.width)
         })
         .width(Length::Fill)
         .height(Length::Fill)
         .into()
     }
 
-    fn page_layout(&self, compact: bool, height: f32) -> Element<'_, Message> {
+    fn page_layout(&self, compact: bool, height: f32, width: f32) -> Element<'_, Message> {
         let palette = visuals::Palette::from_resolved(&self.resolved.presented);
         let mut sidebar = column([])
-            .spacing(3)
+            .spacing(4)
             .push(
                 widget::mouse_area(
                     row([])
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ impl App {
                         .align_y(Alignment::Center)
                         .push(visuals::brand_icon())
                         .push(
-                            self.label(ferese_config::tr!("Ferese"), 16.)
+                            self.label(ferese_config::tr!("Ferese"), 14.)
                                 .class(cosmic::theme::Text::Color(palette.text)),
                         )
                         .width(Length::Fill),
@@ -52,37 +52,83 @@ impl App {
                 false,
             ));
         }
-        let mut navigation = column([]).spacing(16);
+        let mut navigation = column([]).spacing(24);
         for (title, pages) in Page::NAVIGATION {
             let mut section = column([]).spacing(3).push(
                 container(
-                    self.label(ferese_config::locale::text(title), 11.)
-                        .class(cosmic::theme::Text::Color(palette.muted)),
+                    self.label(
+                        ferese_config::locale::text(if title == "Appearance" {
+                            "Settings"
+                        } else {
+                            title
+                        }),
+                        11.,
+                    )
+                    .class(cosmic::theme::Text::Color(palette.muted)),
                 )
                 .padding([0, 8]),
             );
             for &page in pages {
                 let selected = self.page.navigation_page() == page;
+                let indicator = container(widget::Space::new().width(2).height(14))
+                    .id(widget::Id::new(format!(
+                        "settings-nav-marker-{}",
+                        page as usize
+                    )))
+                    .class(visuals::surface(
+                        if selected {
+                            palette.accent
+                        } else {
+                            cosmic::iced::Color::TRANSPARENT
+                        },
+                        1.,
+                    ));
+                let icon = container(visuals::icon(
+                    page,
+                    if selected {
+                        palette.accent
+                    } else {
+                        palette.muted
+                    },
+                ))
+                .id(widget::Id::new(format!(
+                    "settings-nav-icon-{}",
+                    page as usize
+                )));
+                let label = container(self.label(page.title(), 13.)).id(widget::Id::new(format!(
+                    "settings-nav-label-{}",
+                    page as usize
+                )));
+                let content = container(
+                    row([])
+                        .spacing(8)
+                        .align_y(Alignment::Center)
+                        .push(indicator)
+                        .push(icon)
+                        .push(label),
+                )
+                .id(widget::Id::new(format!(
+                    "settings-nav-content-{}",
+                    page as usize
+                )));
+                // The button lays its child out at its top padding. Center the
+                // entire row inside its 36 px hit area, as well as row children.
                 section =
                     section.push(
                         button::custom(
-                            row([])
-                                .spacing(8)
-                                .align_y(Alignment::Center)
-                                .push(visuals::icon(
-                                    page,
-                                    if selected {
-                                        palette.accent
-                                    } else {
-                                        palette.muted
-                                    },
-                                ))
-                                .push(self.label(page.title(), 13.)),
+                            container(content)
+                                .center_y(Length::Fill)
+                                .width(Length::Fill),
                         )
-                        .width(Length::Fill)
-                        .padding([8, 8])
-                        .class(visuals::navigation_style(palette, selected))
+                        .id(widget::Id::new(format!(
+                            "settings-nav-button-{}",
+                            page as usize
+                        )))
                         .name(page.title())
+                        .width(Length::Fill)
+                        .height(36)
+                        .padding([0, 8])
+                        .class(visuals::navigation_style(palette, selected))
                         .on_press(Message::Page(if selected { self.page } else { page })),
                     );
             }
@@ -90,21 +136,27 @@ impl App {
         }
         let sidebar = container(sidebar.push(scrollable(navigation).height(Length::Fill)))
             .id("settings-sidebar")
-            .width(if compact { 244 } else { 204 })
+            .width(if compact { 244 } else { 208 })
             .height(Length::Fill)
-            .padding([20, 10])
-            .class(visuals::surface(palette.sidebar, 0.));
+            .padding([24, 12])
+            .class(visuals::sidebar(palette));
         let mut heading = row([]).align_y(Alignment::Center).spacing(12).push(
             column([])
                 .spacing(3)
-                .push(self.label(
-                    if self.search.is_empty() {
-                        self.page.navigation_page().title()
-                    } else {
-                        "Search"
-                    },
-                    20.,
-                ))
+                .push(
+                    self.label(
+                        if self.search.is_empty() {
+                            self.page.navigation_page().title()
+                        } else {
+                            "Search"
+                        },
+                        24.,
+                    )
+                    .font(cosmic::iced::Font {
+                        weight: cosmic::iced::font::Weight::Medium,
+                        ..self.font
+                    }),
+                )
                 .push(
                     self.label(
                         if self.search.is_empty() {
@@ -207,7 +259,9 @@ impl App {
             }
         } else {
             if self.page == Page::Appearance {
-                body = body.push(self.settings_hub());
+                body = body.push(
+                    self.settings_hub((width - if compact { 0. } else { 208. }).min(1040.) - 62.),
+                );
             }
             if self.page == Page::Configuration {
                 body = body.push(self.all_options_view());
@@ -306,11 +360,7 @@ impl App {
                         group = group.push(self.theme_file_picker());
                     }
                 }
-                body = body.push(
-                    container(group)
-                        .padding(4)
-                        .class(visuals::surface(palette.card, 14.)),
-                );
+                body = body.push(container(group).padding(4).class(visuals::section(palette)));
             }
 
             match self.page {
@@ -364,11 +414,8 @@ impl App {
                                 )
                                 .padding([7, 10]),
                             );
-                        body = body.push(
-                            container(group)
-                                .padding(4)
-                                .class(visuals::surface(palette.card, 14.)),
-                        );
+                        body =
+                            body.push(container(group).padding(4).class(visuals::section(palette)));
                     }
                     body = body.push(
                         row([])
@@ -453,7 +500,7 @@ impl App {
                                 container(group)
                                     .padding(4)
                                     .height(164)
-                                    .class(visuals::surface(palette.card, 14.))
+                                    .class(visuals::section(palette))
                                     .into()
                             } else {
                                 widget::Space::new().height(164).width(Length::Fill).into()
@@ -492,9 +539,7 @@ impl App {
                 .on_press(Message::DragWindow)
                 .interaction(cosmic::iced::mouse::Interaction::Grab),
         );
-        let mut content = column([])
-            .spacing(if self.page == Page::Bar { 16 } else { 8 })
-            .push(page_heading);
+        let mut content = column([]).spacing(16).push(page_heading);
         if self.search.is_empty() && !self.page.subpages().is_empty() {
             content = content.push(
                 container(
@@ -579,7 +624,18 @@ impl App {
                 ),
                 widget::tooltip::Position::Top,
             ))
-            .push(widget::Space::new().width(Length::Fill))
+            .push(
+                self.label(
+                    if self.saving {
+                        ferese_config::tr!("Saving…").to_owned()
+                    } else {
+                        ferese_config::locale::translate(&self.status)
+                    },
+                    11.,
+                )
+                .class(cosmic::theme::Text::Color(palette.muted))
+                .width(Length::Fill),
+            )
             .push(widget::tooltip(
                 button::custom(visuals::action_icon(
                     "M3 10h8 M3 10V3 M3 10c3-7 17-6 17 3a7 7 0 0 1-7 7",
@@ -653,12 +709,12 @@ impl App {
                         .spacing(6),
                 )
                 .padding(cosmic::iced::Padding {
-                    top: 20.,
-                    right: 20.,
+                    top: 24.,
+                    right: 24.,
                     bottom: 8.,
-                    left: 20.,
+                    left: 24.,
                 })
-                .max_width(if self.page == Page::Bar { 1120 } else { 840 })
+                .max_width(if self.page == Page::Bar { 1120 } else { 1040 })
                 .width(Length::Fill)
                 .height(Length::Fill),
             )
diff --git a/shell/ferese-settings/src/scroll_tests.rs b/shell/ferese-settings/src/scroll_tests.rs
index f5b61ac..7709551 100644
--- a/shell/ferese-settings/src/scroll_tests.rs
+++ b/shell/ferese-settings/src/scroll_tests.rs
@@ -1021,10 +1021,10 @@ fn sidebar_collapses_at_the_breakpoint_and_compact_navigation_dismisses() {
         let compact = width < 960.;
         assert_eq!(bounds.sidebar.is_none(), compact);
         assert_eq!(bounds.toggle.is_some(), compact);
-        assert_eq!(bounds.page.unwrap().x, if compact { 0. } else { 204. });
+        assert_eq!(bounds.page.unwrap().x, if compact { 0. } else { 208. });
         assert_eq!(
             bounds.page.unwrap().width,
-            if compact { width } else { width - 204. }
+            if compact { width } else { width - 208. }
         );
     }
     let _ = app.update(Message::Sidebar(true));
@@ -1084,3 +1084,173 @@ fn sidebar_collapses_at_the_breakpoint_and_compact_navigation_dismisses() {
     );
     assert!(app.pending.is_empty() && !app.saving);
 }
+
+#[test]
+fn appearance_cards_reflow_without_overlap_and_keep_every_destination() {
+    #[derive(Default)]
+    struct Cards {
+        bounds: std::collections::HashMap<usize, Rectangle>,
+    }
+    impl Operation for Cards {
+        fn traverse(&mut self, children: &mut dyn FnMut(&mut dyn Operation)) {
+            children(self);
+        }
+        fn container(&mut self, id: Option<&widget::Id>, bounds: Rectangle) {
+            for page in Page::ALL {
+                if id == Some(&widget::Id::new(format!("settings-hub-{}", page as usize))) {
+                    self.bounds.insert(page as usize, bounds);
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+    let runtime = tokio::runtime::Builder::new_current_thread()
+        .enable_all()
+        .build()
+        .unwrap();
+    let renderer = runtime
+        .block_on(<cosmic::Renderer as Headless>::new(
+            Font::default(),
+            Pixels(14.),
+            Some("tiny-skia"),
+        ))
+        .unwrap();
+    let app = App::init(
+        Core::default(),
+        (
+            "/unused/overview.kdl".into(),
+            Snapshot::parse(String::new()),
+            None,
+        ),
+    )
+    .0;
+    for width in [480., 720., 960., 1280., 1800.] {
+        let mut view = app.page_view();
+        let mut tree = Tree::new(&view);
+        let node = view.as_widget_mut().layout(
+            &mut tree,
+            &renderer,
+            &layout::Limits::new(Size::ZERO, Size::new(width, 760.)),
+        );
+        let mut cards = Cards::default();
+        view.as_widget_mut()
+            .operate(&mut tree, Layout::new(&node), &renderer, &mut cards);
+        assert_eq!(
+            cards.bounds.len(),
+            14,
+            "{width}: all settings destinations must be reachable"
+        );
+        for bounds in cards.bounds.values() {
+            assert!(
+                bounds.x >= 0. && bounds.x + bounds.width <= width + 0.5,
+                "{width}: {bounds:?}"
+            );
+            assert!(bounds.width > 200. && bounds.height > 40.);
+        }
+        let general = cards.bounds[&(Page::General as usize)];
+        let complete = cards.bounds[&(Page::Configuration as usize)];
+        if width <= 720. {
+            assert!((general.x - complete.x).abs() < 0.5);
+            assert!(complete.y >= general.y + general.height);
+        } else {
+            assert!((general.y - complete.y).abs() < 0.5);
+            assert!(complete.x >= general.x + general.width + 8.);
+        }
+        let rectangles = cards.bounds.values().collect::<Vec<_>>();
+        for (i, a) in rectangles.iter().enumerate() {
+            for b in &rectangles[i + 1..] {
+                assert!(
+                    a.intersection(*b).is_none(),
+                    "{width}: cards overlap: {a:?} {b:?}"
+                );
+            }
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn sidebar_rows_center_inside_the_full_button_hit_area() {
+    #[derive(Default)]
+    struct Centers {
+        buttons: std::collections::HashMap<usize, Rectangle>,
+        parts: Vec<(usize, Rectangle)>,
+    }
+    impl Operation for Centers {
+        fn traverse(&mut self, children: &mut dyn FnMut(&mut dyn Operation)) {
+            children(self);
+        }
+        fn focusable(
+            &mut self,
+            id: Option<&widget::Id>,
+            bounds: Rectangle,
+            _: &mut dyn cosmic::iced::advanced::widget::operation::Focusable,
+        ) {
+            for page in Page::ALL {
+                if id
+                    == Some(&widget::Id::new(format!(
+                        "settings-nav-button-{}",
+                        page as usize
+                    )))
+                {
+                    self.buttons.insert(page as usize, bounds);
+                }
+            }
+        }
+        fn container(&mut self, id: Option<&widget::Id>, bounds: Rectangle) {
+            for page in Page::ALL {
+                for part in ["content", "icon", "label", "marker"] {
+                    if id
+                        == Some(&widget::Id::new(format!(
+                            "settings-nav-{part}-{}",
+                            page as usize
+                        )))
+                    {
+                        self.parts.push((page as usize, bounds));
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+    let runtime = tokio::runtime::Builder::new_current_thread()
+        .enable_all()
+        .build()
+        .unwrap();
+    let renderer = runtime
+        .block_on(<cosmic::Renderer as Headless>::new(
+            Font::default(),
+            Pixels(14.),
+            Some("tiny-skia"),
+        ))
+        .unwrap();
+    let mut app = App::init(
+        Core::default(),
+        (
+            "/unused/navigation-centers.kdl".into(),
+            Snapshot::parse(String::new()),
+            None,
+        ),
+    )
+    .0;
+    for selected in [Page::Windows, Page::Keyboard, Page::Accessibility] {
+        app.page = selected;
+        let mut view = app.page_view();
+        let mut tree = Tree::new(&view);
+        let node = view.as_widget_mut().layout(
+            &mut tree,
+            &renderer,
+            &layout::Limits::new(Size::ZERO, Size::new(1280., 760.)),
+        );
+        let mut centers = Centers::default();
+        view.as_widget_mut()
+            .operate(&mut tree, Layout::new(&node), &renderer, &mut centers);
+        assert_eq!(centers.buttons.len(), 15);
+        assert_eq!(centers.parts.len(), 60);
+        for (page, part) in &centers.parts {
+            let button = centers.buttons[page];
+            assert_eq!(button.height, 36.);
+            assert!(
+                ((part.y + part.height / 2.) - (button.y + button.height / 2.)).abs() < 0.51,
+                "page {page}: content {part:?} is not centered in {button:?}"
+            );
+        }
+    }
+}
diff --git a/shell/ferese-settings/src/theme_controls.rs b/shell/ferese-settings/src/theme_controls.rs
index 8dd4ac0..8835ab0 100644
--- a/shell/ferese-settings/src/theme_controls.rs
+++ b/shell/ferese-settings/src/theme_controls.rs
@@ -389,6 +389,7 @@ mod tests {
         )
         .unwrap();
         let mut families = ferese_config::families::builtins();
+        let builtins = families.len();
         let mut imported = families[0].clone();
         imported.id = "sunset".into();
         families.insert(1, imported.clone());
@@ -398,9 +399,16 @@ mod tests {
         legacy.id = "monokai".into();
         families.push(legacy);
         let sections = FamilySections::new(&families, &snapshot);
-        assert_eq!(sections.custom.as_slice(), &[1, 7]);
-        assert_eq!(sections.built_in.as_slice(), &[0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8]);
-        assert_eq!(sections.position(7), Some((true, 1)));
-        assert_eq!(sections.position(8), Some((false, 6)));
+        assert_eq!(sections.custom.as_slice(), &[1, builtins + 1]);
+        assert_eq!(
+            sections.built_in.as_slice(),
+            std::iter::once(0)
+                .chain(2..=builtins)
+                .chain(std::iter::once(builtins + 2))
+                .collect::<Vec<_>>()
+                .as_slice()
+        );
+        assert_eq!(sections.position(builtins + 1), Some((true, 1)));
+        assert_eq!(sections.position(builtins + 2), Some((false, builtins)));
     }
 }
diff --git a/shell/ferese-settings/src/visuals.rs b/shell/ferese-settings/src/visuals.rs
index 5cabdfc..48eae6c 100644
--- a/shell/ferese-settings/src/visuals.rs
+++ b/shell/ferese-settings/src/visuals.rs
@@ -61,6 +61,38 @@ pub fn panel_select<'a>(
     cosmic::widget::container(content).class(surface(ferese_theme::mix(p.card, p.text, 0.035), 7.))
 }
 
+/// Low-contrast section planes replace large filled cards. High contrast
+/// preferences strengthen boundaries without changing the section hierarchy.
+pub fn section(p: Palette) -> cosmic::theme::Container<'static> {
+    cosmic::theme::Container::custom(move |_| cosmic::widget::container::Style {
+        background: Some(ferese_theme::mix(p.background, p.card, 0.42).into()),
+        border: cosmic::iced::Border {
+            width: 1.,
+            color: ferese_theme::mix(
+                p.background,
+                p.text,
+                if p.high_contrast { 0.45 } else { 0.09 },
+            ),
+            radius: p.radius.min(10.).into(),
+            shape: cosmic::iced::border::Shape::Continuous,
+            ..Default::default()
+        },
+        ..Default::default()
+    })
+}
+pub fn sidebar(p: Palette) -> cosmic::theme::Container<'static> {
+    cosmic::theme::Container::custom(move |_| cosmic::widget::container::Style {
+        background: Some(p.sidebar.into()),
+        border: cosmic::iced::Border {
+            width: 1.,
+            color: ferese_theme::mix(p.sidebar, p.text, if p.high_contrast { 0.45 } else { 0.07 }),
+            radius: 0.into(),
+            ..Default::default()
+        },
+        ..Default::default()
+    })
+}
+
 pub fn color(value: &str, fallback: Color) -> Color {
     ferese_theme::parse_color(value).unwrap_or(fallback)
 }
@@ -86,7 +118,7 @@ pub fn brand_icon() -> svg_icon::Icon {
     cosmic::widget::icon::from_svg_bytes(ferese_theme::icons::APPLICATION)
         .symbolic(false)
         .icon()
-        .size(32)
+        .size(24)
         .content_fit(cosmic::iced::ContentFit::Contain)
 }