feat: enhance project management with custom icon support and UI improvements

- Introduced custom icon functionality for projects, allowing users to upload and manage their own icons.
- Updated Project and ProjectRef types to include customIconPath.
- Enhanced the ProjectSwitcher component to display custom icons alongside preset icons.
- Added EditProjectDialog for inline editing of project details, including icon uploads.
- Improved AppearanceSection to support custom icon uploads and display.
- Updated sidebar and project switcher UI for better user experience and accessibility.

Implements #469

CONTRIBUTING.md

@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ For complete details on contribution terms and rights assignment, please review
     - [Development Setup](#development-setup)
     - [Project Structure](#project-structure)
   - [Pull Request Process](#pull-request-process)
+    - [Branching Strategy (RC Branches)](#branching-strategy-rc-branches)
     - [Branch Naming Convention](#branch-naming-convention)
     - [Commit Message Format](#commit-message-format)
     - [Submitting a Pull Request](#submitting-a-pull-request)
@@ -186,6 +187,59 @@ automaker/
 
 This section covers everything you need to know about contributing changes through pull requests, from creating your branch to getting your code merged.
 
+### Branching Strategy (RC Branches)
+
+Automaker uses **Release Candidate (RC) branches** for all development work. Understanding this workflow is essential before contributing.
+
+**How it works:**
+
+1. **All development happens on RC branches** - We maintain version-specific RC branches (e.g., `v0.10.0rc`, `v0.11.0rc`) where all active development occurs
+2. **RC branches are eventually merged to main** - Once an RC branch is stable and ready for release, it gets merged into `main`
+3. **Main branch is for releases only** - The `main` branch contains only released, stable code
+
+**Before creating a PR:**
+
+1. **Check for the latest RC branch** - Before starting work, check the repository for the current RC branch:
+
+   ```bash
+   git fetch upstream
+   git branch -r | grep rc
+   ```
+
+2. **Base your work on the RC branch** - Create your feature branch from the latest RC branch, not from `main`:
+
+   ```bash
+   # Find the latest RC branch (e.g., v0.11.0rc)
+   git checkout upstream/v0.11.0rc
+   git checkout -b feature/your-feature-name
+   ```
+
+3. **Target the RC branch in your PR** - When opening your pull request, set the base branch to the current RC branch, not `main`
+
+**Example workflow:**
+
+```bash
+# 1. Fetch latest changes
+git fetch upstream
+
+# 2. Check for RC branches
+git branch -r | grep rc
+# Output: upstream/v0.11.0rc
+
+# 3. Create your branch from the RC
+git checkout -b feature/add-dark-mode upstream/v0.11.0rc
+
+# 4. Make your changes and commit
+git commit -m "feat: Add dark mode support"
+
+# 5. Push to your fork
+git push origin feature/add-dark-mode
+
+# 6. Open PR targeting the RC branch (v0.11.0rc), NOT main
+```
+
+**Important:** PRs opened directly against `main` will be asked to retarget to the current RC branch.
+
 ### Branch Naming Convention
 
 We use a consistent branch naming pattern to keep our repository organized:
@@ -275,14 +329,14 @@ Follow these steps to submit your contribution:
 
 #### 1. Prepare Your Changes
 
-Ensure you've synced with the latest upstream changes:
+Ensure you've synced with the latest upstream changes from the RC branch:
 
 ```bash
 # Fetch latest changes from upstream
 git fetch upstream
 
-# Rebase your branch on main (if needed)
+# Rebase your branch on the current RC branch (if needed)
-git rebase upstream/main
+git rebase upstream/v0.11.0rc  # Use the current RC branch name
 ```
 
 #### 2. Run Pre-submission Checks
@@ -314,18 +368,19 @@ git push origin feature/your-feature-name
 
 1. Go to your fork on GitHub
 2. Click "Compare & pull request" for your branch
-3. Ensure the base repository is `AutoMaker-Org/automaker` and base branch is `main`
+3. **Important:** Set the base repository to `AutoMaker-Org/automaker` and the base branch to the **current RC branch** (e.g., `v0.11.0rc`), not `main`
 4. Fill out the PR template completely
 
 #### PR Requirements Checklist
 
 Your PR should include:
 
+- [ ] **Targets the current RC branch** (not `main`) - see [Branching Strategy](#branching-strategy-rc-branches)
 - [ ] **Clear title** describing the change (use conventional commit format)
 - [ ] **Description** explaining what changed and why
 - [ ] **Link to related issue** (if applicable): `Closes #123` or `Fixes #456`
 - [ ] **All CI checks passing** (format, lint, build, tests)
-- [ ] **No merge conflicts** with main branch
+- [ ] **No merge conflicts** with the RC branch
 - [ ] **Tests included** for new functionality
 - [ ] **Documentation updated** if adding/changing public APIs
 

apps/ui/package.json

@@ -56,6 +56,7 @@
     "@radix-ui/react-label": "2.1.8",
     "@radix-ui/react-popover": "1.1.15",
     "@radix-ui/react-radio-group": "1.3.8",
+    "@radix-ui/react-scroll-area": "^1.2.10",
     "@radix-ui/react-select": "2.2.6",
     "@radix-ui/react-slider": "1.3.6",
     "@radix-ui/react-slot": "1.2.4",

apps/ui/src/components/layout/project-switcher/components/edit-project-dialog.tsx

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-import { useState } from 'react';
+import { useState, useRef } from 'react';
 import {
   Dialog,
   DialogContent,
@@ -9,7 +9,10 @@ import {
 import { Button } from '@/components/ui/button';
 import { Input } from '@/components/ui/input';
 import { Label } from '@/components/ui/label';
+import { Upload, X, ImageIcon } from 'lucide-react';
 import { useAppStore } from '@/store/app-store';
+import { getAuthenticatedImageUrl } from '@/lib/api-fetch';
+import { getHttpApiClient } from '@/lib/http-api-client';
 import type { Project } from '@/lib/electron';
 import { IconPicker } from './icon-picker';
 
@@ -20,20 +23,75 @@ interface EditProjectDialogProps {
 }
 
 export function EditProjectDialog({ project, open, onOpenChange }: EditProjectDialogProps) {
-  const { setProjectName, setProjectIcon } = useAppStore();
+  const { setProjectName, setProjectIcon, setProjectCustomIcon } = useAppStore();
   const [name, setName] = useState(project.name);
-  const [icon, setIcon] = useState<string | null>(project.icon || null);
+  const [icon, setIcon] = useState<string | null>((project as any).icon || null);
+  const [customIconPath, setCustomIconPath] = useState<string | null>(
+    (project as any).customIconPath || null
+  );
+  const [isUploadingIcon, setIsUploadingIcon] = useState(false);
+  const fileInputRef = useRef<HTMLInputElement>(null);
 
   const handleSave = () => {
     if (name.trim() !== project.name) {
       setProjectName(project.id, name.trim());
     }
-    if (icon !== project.icon) {
+    if (icon !== (project as any).icon) {
       setProjectIcon(project.id, icon);
     }
+    if (customIconPath !== (project as any).customIconPath) {
+      setProjectCustomIcon(project.id, customIconPath);
+    }
     onOpenChange(false);
   };
 
+  const handleCustomIconUpload = async (e: React.ChangeEvent<HTMLInputElement>) => {
+    const file = e.target.files?.[0];
+    if (!file) return;
+
+    // Validate file type
+    const validTypes = ['image/jpeg', 'image/png', 'image/gif', 'image/webp'];
+    if (!validTypes.includes(file.type)) {
+      return;
+    }
+
+    // Validate file size (max 2MB for icons)
+    if (file.size > 2 * 1024 * 1024) {
+      return;
+    }
+
+    setIsUploadingIcon(true);
+    try {
+      // Convert to base64
+      const reader = new FileReader();
+      reader.onload = async () => {
+        const base64Data = reader.result as string;
+        const result = await getHttpApiClient().saveImageToTemp(
+          base64Data,
+          `project-icon-${file.name}`,
+          file.type,
+          project.path
+        );
+        if (result.success && result.path) {
+          setCustomIconPath(result.path);
+          // Clear the Lucide icon when custom icon is set
+          setIcon(null);
+        }
+        setIsUploadingIcon(false);
+      };
+      reader.readAsDataURL(file);
+    } catch {
+      setIsUploadingIcon(false);
+    }
+  };
+
+  const handleRemoveCustomIcon = () => {
+    setCustomIconPath(null);
+    if (fileInputRef.current) {
+      fileInputRef.current.value = '';
+    }
+  };
+
   return (
     <Dialog open={open} onOpenChange={onOpenChange}>
       <DialogContent className="sm:max-w-md">
@@ -41,7 +99,7 @@ export function EditProjectDialog({ project, open, onOpenChange }: EditProjectDi
           <DialogTitle>Edit Project</DialogTitle>
         </DialogHeader>
 
-        <div className="space-y-4 py-4">
+        <div className="space-y-4 py-4 overflow-y-auto flex-1 min-h-0">
           {/* Project Name */}
           <div className="space-y-2">
             <Label htmlFor="project-name">Project Name</Label>
@@ -56,11 +114,66 @@ export function EditProjectDialog({ project, open, onOpenChange }: EditProjectDi
           {/* Icon Picker */}
           <div className="space-y-2">
             <Label>Project Icon</Label>
-            <IconPicker selectedIcon={icon} onSelectIcon={setIcon} />
+            <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground mb-2">
+              Choose a preset icon or upload a custom image
+            </p>
+
+            {/* Custom Icon Upload */}
+            <div className="mb-4">
+              <div className="flex items-center gap-3">
+                {customIconPath ? (
+                  <div className="relative">
+                    <img
+                      src={getAuthenticatedImageUrl(customIconPath, project.path)}
+                      alt="Custom project icon"
+                      className="w-12 h-12 rounded-lg object-cover border border-border"
+                    />
+                    <button
+                      type="button"
+                      onClick={handleRemoveCustomIcon}
+                      className="absolute -top-1.5 -right-1.5 w-5 h-5 rounded-full bg-destructive text-destructive-foreground flex items-center justify-center hover:bg-destructive/90"
+                    >
+                      <X className="w-3 h-3" />
+                    </button>
+                  </div>
+                ) : (
+                  <div className="w-12 h-12 rounded-lg border border-dashed border-border flex items-center justify-center bg-accent/30">
+                    <ImageIcon className="w-5 h-5 text-muted-foreground" />
+                  </div>
+                )}
+                <div className="flex-1">
+                  <input
+                    ref={fileInputRef}
+                    type="file"
+                    accept="image/jpeg,image/png,image/gif,image/webp"
+                    onChange={handleCustomIconUpload}
+                    className="hidden"
+                    id="custom-icon-upload-dialog"
+                  />
+                  <Button
+                    type="button"
+                    variant="outline"
+                    size="sm"
+                    onClick={() => fileInputRef.current?.click()}
+                    disabled={isUploadingIcon}
+                    className="gap-1.5"
+                  >
+                    <Upload className="w-3.5 h-3.5" />
+                    {isUploadingIcon ? 'Uploading...' : 'Upload Custom Icon'}
+                  </Button>
+                  <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground mt-1">
+                    PNG, JPG, GIF or WebP. Max 2MB.
+                  </p>
+                </div>
+              </div>
+            </div>
+
+            {/* Preset Icon Picker - only show if no custom icon */}
+            {!customIconPath && <IconPicker selectedIcon={icon} onSelectIcon={setIcon} />}
           </div>
         </div>
 
-        <DialogFooter>
+        <DialogFooter className="flex-shrink-0">
           <Button variant="outline" onClick={() => onOpenChange(false)}>
             Cancel
           </Button>

apps/ui/src/components/layout/project-switcher/components/project-context-menu.tsx

@@ -1,20 +1,24 @@
-import { useEffect, useRef, useState } from 'react';
+import { useEffect, useRef } from 'react';
-import { Edit2, Trash2, ImageIcon } from 'lucide-react';
+import { Edit2, Trash2 } from 'lucide-react';
 import { cn } from '@/lib/utils';
 import { useAppStore } from '@/store/app-store';
 import type { Project } from '@/lib/electron';
-import { EditProjectDialog } from './edit-project-dialog';
 
 interface ProjectContextMenuProps {
   project: Project;
   position: { x: number; y: number };
   onClose: () => void;
+  onEdit: (project: Project) => void;
 }
 
-export function ProjectContextMenu({ project, position, onClose }: ProjectContextMenuProps) {
+export function ProjectContextMenu({
+  project,
+  position,
+  onClose,
+  onEdit,
+}: ProjectContextMenuProps) {
   const menuRef = useRef<HTMLDivElement>(null);
   const { moveProjectToTrash } = useAppStore();
-  const [showEditDialog, setShowEditDialog] = useState(false);
 
   useEffect(() => {
     const handleClickOutside = (event: MouseEvent) => {
@@ -39,72 +43,61 @@ export function ProjectContextMenu({ project, position, onClose }: ProjectContex
   }, [onClose]);
 
   const handleEdit = () => {
-    setShowEditDialog(true);
+    onEdit(project);
-    onClose();
   };
 
   const handleRemove = () => {
-    if (confirm(`Move "${project.name}" to trash?`)) {
+    if (confirm(`Remove "${project.name}" from the project list?`)) {
       moveProjectToTrash(project.id);
     }
     onClose();
   };
 
   return (
-    <>
+    <div
-      <div
+      ref={menuRef}
-        ref={menuRef}
+      className={cn(
-        className={cn(
+        'fixed z-[100] min-w-48 rounded-lg',
-          'fixed z-[100] min-w-48 rounded-lg',
+        'bg-popover text-popover-foreground',
-          'bg-popover text-popover-foreground',
+        'border border-border shadow-lg',
-          'border border-border shadow-lg',
+        'animate-in fade-in zoom-in-95 duration-100'
-          'animate-in fade-in zoom-in-95 duration-100'
-        )}
-        style={{
-          top: position.y,
-          left: position.x,
-        }}
-        data-testid="project-context-menu"
-      >
-        <div className="p-1">
-          <button
-            onClick={handleEdit}
-            className={cn(
-              'w-full flex items-center gap-2 px-3 py-2 rounded-md',
-              'text-sm font-medium text-left',
-              'hover:bg-accent transition-colors',
-              'focus:outline-none focus:bg-accent'
-            )}
-            data-testid="edit-project-button"
-          >
-            <Edit2 className="w-4 h-4" />
-            <span>Edit Name & Icon</span>
-          </button>
-
-          <button
-            onClick={handleRemove}
-            className={cn(
-              'w-full flex items-center gap-2 px-3 py-2 rounded-md',
-              'text-sm font-medium text-left',
-              'text-destructive hover:bg-destructive/10',
-              'transition-colors',
-              'focus:outline-none focus:bg-destructive/10'
-            )}
-            data-testid="remove-project-button"
-          >
-            <Trash2 className="w-4 h-4" />
-            <span>Move to Trash</span>
-          </button>
-        </div>
-      </div>
-
-      {showEditDialog && (
-        <EditProjectDialog
-          project={project}
-          open={showEditDialog}
-          onOpenChange={setShowEditDialog}
-        />
       )}
-    </>
+      style={{
+        top: position.y,
+        left: position.x,
+      }}
+      data-testid="project-context-menu"
+    >
+      <div className="p-1">
+        <button
+          onClick={handleEdit}
+          className={cn(
+            'w-full flex items-center gap-2 px-3 py-2 rounded-md',
+            'text-sm font-medium text-left',
+            'hover:bg-accent transition-colors',
+            'focus:outline-none focus:bg-accent'
+          )}
+          data-testid="edit-project-button"
+        >
+          <Edit2 className="w-4 h-4" />
+          <span>Edit Name & Icon</span>
+        </button>
+
+        <button
+          onClick={handleRemove}
+          className={cn(
+            'w-full flex items-center gap-2 px-3 py-2 rounded-md',
+            'text-sm font-medium text-left',
+            'text-destructive hover:bg-destructive/10',
+            'transition-colors',
+            'focus:outline-none focus:bg-destructive/10'
+          )}
+          data-testid="remove-project-button"
+        >
+          <Trash2 className="w-4 h-4" />
+          <span>Remove Project</span>
+        </button>
+      </div>
+    </div>
   );
 }

apps/ui/src/components/layout/project-switcher/components/project-switcher-item.tsx

@@ -1,11 +1,13 @@
 import { Folder, LucideIcon } from 'lucide-react';
 import * as LucideIcons from 'lucide-react';
 import { cn } from '@/lib/utils';
+import { getAuthenticatedImageUrl } from '@/lib/api-fetch';
 import type { Project } from '@/lib/electron';
 
 interface ProjectSwitcherItemProps {
   project: Project;
   isActive: boolean;
+  hotkeyIndex?: number; // 0-9 for hotkeys 1-9, 0
   onClick: () => void;
   onContextMenu: (event: React.MouseEvent) => void;
 }
@@ -13,9 +15,17 @@ interface ProjectSwitcherItemProps {
 export function ProjectSwitcherItem({
   project,
   isActive,
+  hotkeyIndex,
   onClick,
   onContextMenu,
 }: ProjectSwitcherItemProps) {
+  // Convert index to hotkey label: 0 -> "1", 1 -> "2", ..., 8 -> "9", 9 -> "0"
+  const hotkeyLabel =
+    hotkeyIndex !== undefined && hotkeyIndex >= 0 && hotkeyIndex <= 9
+      ? hotkeyIndex === 9
+        ? '0'
+        : String(hotkeyIndex + 1)
+      : undefined;
   // Get the icon component from lucide-react
   const getIconComponent = (): LucideIcon => {
     if (project.icon && project.icon in LucideIcons) {
@@ -25,6 +35,7 @@ export function ProjectSwitcherItem({
   };
 
   const IconComponent = getIconComponent();
+  const hasCustomIcon = !!project.customIconPath;
 
   return (
     <button
@@ -51,14 +62,25 @@ export function ProjectSwitcherItem({
       title={project.name}
       data-testid={`project-switcher-${project.id}`}
     >
-      <IconComponent
+      {hasCustomIcon ? (
-        className={cn(
+        <img
-          'w-6 h-6 transition-all duration-200',
+          src={getAuthenticatedImageUrl(project.customIconPath!, project.path)}
-          isActive
+          alt={project.name}
-            ? 'text-brand-500 drop-shadow-sm'
+          className={cn(
-            : 'text-muted-foreground group-hover:text-brand-400 group-hover:scale-110'
+            'w-8 h-8 rounded-lg object-cover transition-all duration-200',
-        )}
+            isActive ? 'ring-1 ring-brand-500/50' : 'group-hover:scale-110'
-      />
+          )}
+        />
+      ) : (
+        <IconComponent
+          className={cn(
+            'w-6 h-6 transition-all duration-200',
+            isActive
+              ? 'text-brand-500 drop-shadow-sm'
+              : 'text-muted-foreground group-hover:text-brand-400 group-hover:scale-110'
+          )}
+        />
+      )}
 
       {/* Tooltip on hover */}
       <span
@@ -73,6 +95,22 @@ export function ProjectSwitcherItem({
       >
         {project.name}
       </span>
+
+      {/* Hotkey badge */}
+      {hotkeyLabel && (
+        <span
+          className={cn(
+            'absolute bottom-0.5 right-0.5 min-w-[16px] h-4 px-1',
+            'flex items-center justify-center',
+            'text-[10px] font-medium rounded',
+            'bg-muted/80 text-muted-foreground',
+            'border border-border/50',
+            'pointer-events-none'
+          )}
+        >
+          {hotkeyLabel}
+        </span>
+      )}
     </button>
   );
 }

apps/ui/src/components/layout/project-switcher/project-switcher.tsx

@@ -1,19 +1,72 @@
-import { useState } from 'react';
+import { useState, useCallback, useEffect } from 'react';
-import { Plus } from 'lucide-react';
+import { Plus, Bug } from 'lucide-react';
 import { useNavigate } from '@tanstack/react-router';
 import { cn } from '@/lib/utils';
 import { useAppStore } from '@/store/app-store';
+import { useOSDetection } from '@/hooks/use-os-detection';
 import { ProjectSwitcherItem } from './components/project-switcher-item';
 import { ProjectContextMenu } from './components/project-context-menu';
+import { EditProjectDialog } from './components/edit-project-dialog';
+import { NewProjectModal } from '@/components/dialogs/new-project-modal';
+import { OnboardingDialog } from '@/components/layout/sidebar/dialogs';
+import { useProjectCreation, useProjectTheme } from '@/components/layout/sidebar/hooks';
 import type { Project } from '@/lib/electron';
+import { getElectronAPI } from '@/lib/electron';
+
+function getOSAbbreviation(os: string): string {
+  switch (os) {
+    case 'mac':
+      return 'M';
+    case 'windows':
+      return 'W';
+    case 'linux':
+      return 'L';
+    default:
+      return '?';
+  }
+}
 
 export function ProjectSwitcher() {
   const navigate = useNavigate();
-  const { projects, currentProject, setCurrentProject } = useAppStore();
+  const {
+    projects,
+    currentProject,
+    setCurrentProject,
+    trashedProjects,
+    upsertAndSetCurrentProject,
+  } = useAppStore();
   const [contextMenuProject, setContextMenuProject] = useState<Project | null>(null);
   const [contextMenuPosition, setContextMenuPosition] = useState<{ x: number; y: number } | null>(
     null
   );
+  const [editDialogProject, setEditDialogProject] = useState<Project | null>(null);
+
+  // Version info
+  const appVersion = typeof __APP_VERSION__ !== 'undefined' ? __APP_VERSION__ : '0.0.0';
+  const { os } = useOSDetection();
+  const appMode = import.meta.env.VITE_APP_MODE || '?';
+  const versionSuffix = `${getOSAbbreviation(os)}${appMode}`;
+
+  // Get global theme for project creation
+  const { globalTheme } = useProjectTheme();
+
+  // Project creation state and handlers
+  const {
+    showNewProjectModal,
+    setShowNewProjectModal,
+    isCreatingProject,
+    showOnboardingDialog,
+    setShowOnboardingDialog,
+    newProjectName,
+    handleCreateBlankProject,
+    handleCreateFromTemplate,
+    handleCreateFromCustomUrl,
+  } = useProjectCreation({
+    trashedProjects,
+    currentProject,
+    globalTheme,
+    upsertAndSetCurrentProject,
+  });
 
   const handleContextMenu = (project: Project, event: React.MouseEvent) => {
     event.preventDefault();
@@ -26,16 +79,70 @@ export function ProjectSwitcher() {
     setContextMenuPosition(null);
   };
 
-  const handleProjectClick = (project: Project) => {
+  const handleEditProject = (project: Project) => {
-    setCurrentProject(project);
+    setEditDialogProject(project);
-    // Navigate to board view when switching projects
+    handleCloseContextMenu();
+  };
+
+  const handleProjectClick = useCallback(
+    (project: Project) => {
+      setCurrentProject(project);
+      // Navigate to board view when switching projects
+      navigate({ to: '/board' });
+    },
+    [setCurrentProject, navigate]
+  );
+
+  const handleNewProject = () => {
+    // Open the new project modal
+    setShowNewProjectModal(true);
+  };
+
+  const handleOnboardingSkip = () => {
+    setShowOnboardingDialog(false);
     navigate({ to: '/board' });
   };
 
-  const handleNewProject = () => {
+  const handleBugReportClick = useCallback(() => {
-    // Navigate to dashboard where users can create new projects
+    const api = getElectronAPI();
-    navigate({ to: '/dashboard' });
+    api.openExternalLink('https://github.com/AutoMaker-Org/automaker/issues');
-  };
+  }, []);
+
+  // Keyboard shortcuts for project switching (1-9, 0)
+  useEffect(() => {
+    const handleKeyDown = (event: KeyboardEvent) => {
+      // Ignore if user is typing in an input, textarea, or contenteditable
+      const target = event.target as HTMLElement;
+      if (target.tagName === 'INPUT' || target.tagName === 'TEXTAREA' || target.isContentEditable) {
+        return;
+      }
+
+      // Ignore if modifier keys are pressed (except for standalone number keys)
+      if (event.ctrlKey || event.metaKey || event.altKey) {
+        return;
+      }
+
+      // Map key to project index: "1" -> 0, "2" -> 1, ..., "9" -> 8, "0" -> 9
+      const key = event.key;
+      let projectIndex: number | null = null;
+
+      if (key >= '1' && key <= '9') {
+        projectIndex = parseInt(key, 10) - 1; // "1" -> 0, "9" -> 8
+      } else if (key === '0') {
+        projectIndex = 9; // "0" -> 9
+      }
+
+      if (projectIndex !== null && projectIndex < projects.length) {
+        const targetProject = projects[projectIndex];
+        if (targetProject && targetProject.id !== currentProject?.id) {
+          handleProjectClick(targetProject);
+        }
+      }
+    };
+
+    window.addEventListener('keydown', handleKeyDown);
+    return () => window.removeEventListener('keydown', handleKeyDown);
+  }, [projects, currentProject, handleProjectClick]);
 
   return (
     <>
@@ -49,23 +156,110 @@ export function ProjectSwitcher() {
         )}
         data-testid="project-switcher"
       >
+        {/* Automaker Logo and Version */}
+        <div className="flex flex-col items-center pt-3 pb-2 px-2">
+          <button
+            onClick={() => navigate({ to: '/dashboard' })}
+            className="group flex flex-col items-center gap-0.5"
+            title="Go to Dashboard"
+          >
+            <svg
+              xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"
+              viewBox="0 0 256 256"
+              role="img"
+              aria-label="Automaker Logo"
+              className="size-10 group-hover:rotate-12 transition-transform duration-300 ease-out"
+            >
+              <defs>
+                <linearGradient
+                  id="bg-switcher"
+                  x1="0"
+                  y1="0"
+                  x2="256"
+                  y2="256"
+                  gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"
+                >
+                  <stop offset="0%" style={{ stopColor: 'var(--brand-400)' }} />
+                  <stop offset="100%" style={{ stopColor: 'var(--brand-600)' }} />
+                </linearGradient>
+              </defs>
+              <rect x="16" y="16" width="224" height="224" rx="56" fill="url(#bg-switcher)" />
+              <g
+                fill="none"
+                stroke="#FFFFFF"
+                strokeWidth="20"
+                strokeLinecap="round"
+                strokeLinejoin="round"
+              >
+                <path d="M92 92 L52 128 L92 164" />
+                <path d="M144 72 L116 184" />
+                <path d="M164 92 L204 128 L164 164" />
+              </g>
+            </svg>
+            <span className="text-[0.625rem] text-muted-foreground leading-none font-medium">
+              v{appVersion} {versionSuffix}
+            </span>
+          </button>
+          <div className="w-full h-px bg-border mt-3" />
+        </div>
+
         {/* Projects List */}
         <div className="flex-1 overflow-y-auto py-3 px-2 space-y-2">
-          {projects.map((project) => (
+          {projects.map((project, index) => (
             <ProjectSwitcherItem
               key={project.id}
               project={project}
               isActive={currentProject?.id === project.id}
+              hotkeyIndex={index < 10 ? index : undefined}
               onClick={() => handleProjectClick(project)}
               onContextMenu={(e) => handleContextMenu(project, e)}
             />
           ))}
+
+          {/* Horizontal rule and Add Project Button - only show if there are projects */}
+          {projects.length > 0 && (
+            <>
+              <div className="w-full h-px bg-border/40 my-2" />
+              <button
+                onClick={handleNewProject}
+                className={cn(
+                  'w-full aspect-square rounded-xl flex items-center justify-center',
+                  'transition-all duration-200 ease-out',
+                  'text-muted-foreground hover:text-foreground',
+                  'hover:bg-accent/50 border border-transparent hover:border-border/40',
+                  'hover:shadow-sm hover:scale-105 active:scale-95'
+                )}
+                title="New Project"
+                data-testid="new-project-button"
+              >
+                <Plus className="w-5 h-5" />
+              </button>
+            </>
+          )}
+
+          {/* Add Project Button - when no projects, show without rule */}
+          {projects.length === 0 && (
+            <button
+              onClick={handleNewProject}
+              className={cn(
+                'w-full aspect-square rounded-xl flex items-center justify-center',
+                'transition-all duration-200 ease-out',
+                'text-muted-foreground hover:text-foreground',
+                'hover:bg-accent/50 border border-transparent hover:border-border/40',
+                'hover:shadow-sm hover:scale-105 active:scale-95'
+              )}
+              title="New Project"
+              data-testid="new-project-button"
+            >
+              <Plus className="w-5 h-5" />
+            </button>
+          )}
         </div>
 
-        {/* Add Project Button */}
+        {/* Bug Report Button at the very bottom */}
         <div className="p-2 border-t border-border/40">
           <button
-            onClick={handleNewProject}
+            onClick={handleBugReportClick}
             className={cn(
               'w-full aspect-square rounded-xl flex items-center justify-center',
               'transition-all duration-200 ease-out',
@@ -73,10 +267,10 @@ export function ProjectSwitcher() {
               'hover:bg-accent/50 border border-transparent hover:border-border/40',
               'hover:shadow-sm hover:scale-105 active:scale-95'
             )}
-            title="New Project"
+            title="Report Bug / Feature Request"
-            data-testid="new-project-button"
+            data-testid="bug-report-button"
           >
-            <Plus className="w-5 h-5" />
+            <Bug className="w-5 h-5" />
           </button>
         </div>
       </aside>
@@ -87,8 +281,37 @@ export function ProjectSwitcher() {
           project={contextMenuProject}
           position={contextMenuPosition}
           onClose={handleCloseContextMenu}
+          onEdit={handleEditProject}
         />
       )}
+
+      {/* Edit Project Dialog */}
+      {editDialogProject && (
+        <EditProjectDialog
+          project={editDialogProject}
+          open={!!editDialogProject}
+          onOpenChange={(open) => !open && setEditDialogProject(null)}
+        />
+      )}
+
+      {/* New Project Modal */}
+      <NewProjectModal
+        open={showNewProjectModal}
+        onOpenChange={setShowNewProjectModal}
+        onCreateBlankProject={handleCreateBlankProject}
+        onCreateFromTemplate={handleCreateFromTemplate}
+        onCreateFromCustomUrl={handleCreateFromCustomUrl}
+        isCreating={isCreatingProject}
+      />
+
+      {/* Onboarding Dialog */}
+      <OnboardingDialog
+        open={showOnboardingDialog}
+        onOpenChange={setShowOnboardingDialog}
+        newProjectName={newProjectName}
+        onSkip={handleOnboardingSkip}
+        onGenerateSpec={handleOnboardingSkip}
+      />
     </>
   );
 }

apps/ui/src/components/layout/sidebar.tsx

@@ -18,7 +18,6 @@ import {
   CollapseToggleButton,
   SidebarHeader,
   SidebarNavigation,
-  ProjectSelectorWithOptions,
   SidebarFooter,
 } from './sidebar/components';
 import { TrashDialog, OnboardingDialog } from './sidebar/dialogs';
@@ -64,9 +63,6 @@ export function Sidebar() {
   // Get customizable keyboard shortcuts
   const shortcuts = useKeyboardShortcutsConfig();
 
-  // State for project picker (needed for keyboard shortcuts)
-  const [isProjectPickerOpen, setIsProjectPickerOpen] = useState(false);
-
   // State for delete project confirmation dialog
   const [showDeleteProjectDialog, setShowDeleteProjectDialog] = useState(false);
 
@@ -240,7 +236,6 @@ export function Sidebar() {
     navigate,
     toggleSidebar,
     handleOpenFolder,
-    setIsProjectPickerOpen,
     cyclePrevProject,
     cycleNextProject,
     unviewedValidationsCount,
@@ -288,14 +283,7 @@ export function Sidebar() {
         />
 
         <div className="flex-1 flex flex-col overflow-hidden">
-          <SidebarHeader sidebarOpen={sidebarOpen} navigate={navigate} />
+          <SidebarHeader sidebarOpen={sidebarOpen} currentProject={currentProject} />
-
-          <ProjectSelectorWithOptions
-            sidebarOpen={sidebarOpen}
-            isProjectPickerOpen={isProjectPickerOpen}
-            setIsProjectPickerOpen={setIsProjectPickerOpen}
-            setShowDeleteProjectDialog={setShowDeleteProjectDialog}
-          />
 
           <SidebarNavigation
             currentProject={currentProject}

apps/ui/src/components/layout/sidebar/components/sidebar-header.tsx

@@ -1,43 +1,64 @@
-import type { NavigateOptions } from '@tanstack/react-router';
+import { Folder, LucideIcon } from 'lucide-react';
+import * as LucideIcons from 'lucide-react';
 import { cn, isMac } from '@/lib/utils';
-import { AutomakerLogo } from './automaker-logo';
+import { getAuthenticatedImageUrl } from '@/lib/api-fetch';
-import { BugReportButton } from './bug-report-button';
+import type { Project } from '@/lib/electron';
 
 interface SidebarHeaderProps {
   sidebarOpen: boolean;
-  navigate: (opts: NavigateOptions) => void;
+  currentProject: Project | null;
 }
 
-export function SidebarHeader({ sidebarOpen, navigate }: SidebarHeaderProps) {
+export function SidebarHeader({ sidebarOpen, currentProject }: SidebarHeaderProps) {
-  return (
+  // Get the icon component from lucide-react
-    <>
+  const getIconComponent = (): LucideIcon => {
-      {/* Logo */}
+    if (currentProject?.icon && currentProject.icon in LucideIcons) {
-      <div
+      return (LucideIcons as Record<string, LucideIcon>)[currentProject.icon];
-        className={cn(
+    }
-          'h-20 shrink-0 titlebar-drag-region',
+    return Folder;
-          // Subtle bottom border with gradient fade
+  };
-          'border-b border-border/40',
-          // Background gradient for depth
-          'bg-gradient-to-b from-transparent to-background/5',
-          'flex items-center',
-          sidebarOpen ? 'px-4 lg:px-5 justify-start' : 'px-3 justify-center',
-          // Add padding on macOS to avoid overlapping with traffic light buttons
-          isMac && sidebarOpen && 'pt-4',
-          // Smaller top padding on macOS when collapsed
-          isMac && !sidebarOpen && 'pt-4'
-        )}
-      >
-        <AutomakerLogo sidebarOpen={sidebarOpen} navigate={navigate} />
-        {/* Bug Report Button - Inside logo container when expanded */}
-        {sidebarOpen && <BugReportButton sidebarExpanded />}
-      </div>
 
-      {/* Bug Report Button - Collapsed sidebar version */}
+  const IconComponent = getIconComponent();
-      {!sidebarOpen && (
+  const hasCustomIcon = !!currentProject?.customIconPath;
-        <div className="px-3 mt-1.5 flex justify-center">
+
-          <BugReportButton sidebarExpanded={false} />
+  return (
+    <div
+      className={cn(
+        'shrink-0 flex flex-col',
+        // Add minimal padding on macOS for traffic light buttons
+        isMac && 'pt-2'
+      )}
+    >
+      {/* Project name and icon display */}
+      {currentProject && (
+        <div
+          className={cn('flex items-center gap-3 px-4 py-3', !sidebarOpen && 'justify-center px-2')}
+        >
+          {/* Project Icon */}
+          <div className="shrink-0">
+            {hasCustomIcon ? (
+              <img
+                src={getAuthenticatedImageUrl(currentProject.customIconPath!, currentProject.path)}
+                alt={currentProject.name}
+                className="w-8 h-8 rounded-lg object-cover ring-1 ring-border/50"
+              />
+            ) : (
+              <div className="w-8 h-8 rounded-lg bg-brand-500/10 border border-brand-500/20 flex items-center justify-center">
+                <IconComponent className="w-5 h-5 text-brand-500" />
+              </div>
+            )}
+          </div>
+
+          {/* Project Name - only show when sidebar is open */}
+          {sidebarOpen && (
+            <div className="flex-1 min-w-0">
+              <h2 className="text-sm font-semibold text-foreground truncate">
+                {currentProject.name}
+              </h2>
+            </div>
+          )}
         </div>
       )}
-    </>
+    </div>
   );
 }

apps/ui/src/components/layout/sidebar/hooks/use-navigation.ts

@@ -45,7 +45,6 @@ interface UseNavigationProps {
   navigate: (opts: NavigateOptions) => void;
   toggleSidebar: () => void;
   handleOpenFolder: () => void;
-  setIsProjectPickerOpen: (value: boolean | ((prev: boolean) => boolean)) => void;
   cyclePrevProject: () => void;
   cycleNextProject: () => void;
   /** Count of unviewed validations to show on GitHub Issues nav item */
@@ -65,7 +64,6 @@ export function useNavigation({
   navigate,
   toggleSidebar,
   handleOpenFolder,
-  setIsProjectPickerOpen,
   cyclePrevProject,
   cycleNextProject,
   unviewedValidationsCount,
@@ -230,15 +228,6 @@ export function useNavigation({
       description: 'Open folder selection dialog',
     });
 
-    // Project picker shortcut - only when we have projects
-    if (projects.length > 0) {
-      shortcutsList.push({
-        key: shortcuts.projectPicker,
-        action: () => setIsProjectPickerOpen((prev) => !prev),
-        description: 'Toggle project picker',
-      });
-    }
-
     // Project cycling shortcuts - only when we have project history
     if (projectHistory.length > 1) {
       shortcutsList.push({
@@ -288,7 +277,6 @@ export function useNavigation({
     cyclePrevProject,
     cycleNextProject,
     navSections,
-    setIsProjectPickerOpen,
   ]);
 
   return {

apps/ui/src/components/ui/scroll-area.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,73 @@
+import * as React from 'react';
+import * as ScrollAreaPrimitive from '@radix-ui/react-scroll-area';
+
+import { cn } from '@/lib/utils';
+
+// Type-safe wrappers for Radix UI primitives (React 19 compatibility)
+const ScrollAreaRootPrimitive = ScrollAreaPrimitive.Root as React.ForwardRefExoticComponent<
+  React.ComponentPropsWithoutRef<typeof ScrollAreaPrimitive.Root> & {
+    children?: React.ReactNode;
+    className?: string;
+  } & React.RefAttributes<HTMLDivElement>
+>;
+
+const ScrollAreaViewportPrimitive = ScrollAreaPrimitive.Viewport as React.ForwardRefExoticComponent<
+  React.ComponentPropsWithoutRef<typeof ScrollAreaPrimitive.Viewport> & {
+    children?: React.ReactNode;
+    className?: string;
+  } & React.RefAttributes<HTMLDivElement>
+>;
+
+const ScrollAreaScrollbarPrimitive =
+  ScrollAreaPrimitive.Scrollbar as React.ForwardRefExoticComponent<
+    React.ComponentPropsWithoutRef<typeof ScrollAreaPrimitive.Scrollbar> & {
+      children?: React.ReactNode;
+      className?: string;
+    } & React.RefAttributes<HTMLDivElement>
+  >;
+
+const ScrollAreaThumbPrimitive = ScrollAreaPrimitive.Thumb as React.ForwardRefExoticComponent<
+  React.ComponentPropsWithoutRef<typeof ScrollAreaPrimitive.Thumb> & {
+    className?: string;
+  } & React.RefAttributes<HTMLDivElement>
+>;
+
+const ScrollArea = React.forwardRef<
+  HTMLDivElement,
+  React.ComponentPropsWithoutRef<typeof ScrollAreaPrimitive.Root>
+>(({ className, children, ...props }, ref) => (
+  <ScrollAreaRootPrimitive
+    ref={ref}
+    className={cn('relative overflow-hidden', className)}
+    {...props}
+  >
+    <ScrollAreaViewportPrimitive className="h-full w-full rounded-[inherit]">
+      {children}
+    </ScrollAreaViewportPrimitive>
+    <ScrollBar />
+    <ScrollAreaPrimitive.Corner />
+  </ScrollAreaRootPrimitive>
+));
+ScrollArea.displayName = ScrollAreaPrimitive.Root.displayName;
+
+const ScrollBar = React.forwardRef<
+  HTMLDivElement,
+  React.ComponentPropsWithoutRef<typeof ScrollAreaPrimitive.Scrollbar>
+>(({ className, orientation = 'vertical', ...props }, ref) => (
+  <ScrollAreaScrollbarPrimitive
+    ref={ref}
+    orientation={orientation}
+    className={cn(
+      'flex touch-none select-none transition-colors',
+      orientation === 'vertical' && 'h-full w-2.5 border-l border-l-transparent p-[1px]',
+      orientation === 'horizontal' && 'h-2.5 flex-col border-t border-t-transparent p-[1px]',
+      className
+    )}
+    {...props}
+  >
+    <ScrollAreaThumbPrimitive className="relative flex-1 rounded-full bg-border" />
+  </ScrollAreaScrollbarPrimitive>
+));
+ScrollBar.displayName = ScrollAreaPrimitive.Scrollbar.displayName;
+
+export { ScrollArea, ScrollBar };

apps/ui/src/components/views/settings-view.tsx

@@ -67,6 +67,8 @@ export function SettingsView() {
       name: project.name,
       path: project.path,
       theme: project.theme as Theme | undefined,
+      icon: project.icon,
+      customIconPath: project.customIconPath,
     };
   };
 

apps/ui/src/components/views/settings-view/appearance/appearance-section.tsx

@@ -1,12 +1,14 @@
-import { useState } from 'react';
+import { useState, useRef, useEffect } from 'react';
 import { Label } from '@/components/ui/label';
 import { Input } from '@/components/ui/input';
 import { Button } from '@/components/ui/button';
-import { Palette, Moon, Sun, Edit2 } from 'lucide-react';
+import { Palette, Moon, Sun, Upload, X, ImageIcon } from 'lucide-react';
 import { darkThemes, lightThemes } from '@/config/theme-options';
 import { cn } from '@/lib/utils';
 import { useAppStore } from '@/store/app-store';
 import { IconPicker } from '@/components/layout/project-switcher/components/icon-picker';
+import { getAuthenticatedImageUrl } from '@/lib/api-fetch';
+import { getHttpApiClient } from '@/lib/http-api-client';
 import type { Theme, Project } from '../shared/types';
 
 interface AppearanceSectionProps {
@@ -20,31 +22,95 @@ export function AppearanceSection({
   currentProject,
   onThemeChange,
 }: AppearanceSectionProps) {
-  const { setProjectIcon, setProjectName } = useAppStore();
+  const { setProjectIcon, setProjectName, setProjectCustomIcon } = useAppStore();
   const [activeTab, setActiveTab] = useState<'dark' | 'light'>('dark');
-  const [editingProject, setEditingProject] = useState(false);
   const [projectName, setProjectNameLocal] = useState(currentProject?.name || '');
-  const [projectIcon, setProjectIconLocal] = useState<string | null>(
+  const [projectIcon, setProjectIconLocal] = useState<string | null>(currentProject?.icon || null);
-    (currentProject as any)?.icon || null
+  const [customIconPath, setCustomIconPathLocal] = useState<string | null>(
+    currentProject?.customIconPath || null
   );
+  const [isUploadingIcon, setIsUploadingIcon] = useState(false);
+  const fileInputRef = useRef<HTMLInputElement>(null);
+
+  // Sync local state when currentProject changes
+  useEffect(() => {
+    setProjectNameLocal(currentProject?.name || '');
+    setProjectIconLocal(currentProject?.icon || null);
+    setCustomIconPathLocal(currentProject?.customIconPath || null);
+  }, [currentProject]);
 
   const themesToShow = activeTab === 'dark' ? darkThemes : lightThemes;
 
-  const handleSaveProjectDetails = () => {
+  // Auto-save when values change
-    if (!currentProject) return;
+  const handleNameChange = (name: string) => {
-    if (projectName.trim() !== currentProject.name) {
+    setProjectNameLocal(name);
-      setProjectName(currentProject.id, projectName.trim());
+    if (currentProject && name.trim() && name.trim() !== currentProject.name) {
+      setProjectName(currentProject.id, name.trim());
     }
-    if (projectIcon !== (currentProject as any)?.icon) {
-      setProjectIcon(currentProject.id, projectIcon);
-    }
-    setEditingProject(false);
   };
 
-  const handleCancelEdit = () => {
+  const handleIconChange = (icon: string | null) => {
-    setProjectNameLocal(currentProject?.name || '');
+    setProjectIconLocal(icon);
-    setProjectIconLocal((currentProject as any)?.icon || null);
+    if (currentProject) {
-    setEditingProject(false);
+      setProjectIcon(currentProject.id, icon);
+    }
+  };
+
+  const handleCustomIconChange = (path: string | null) => {
+    setCustomIconPathLocal(path);
+    if (currentProject) {
+      setProjectCustomIcon(currentProject.id, path);
+      // Clear Lucide icon when custom icon is set
+      if (path) {
+        setProjectIconLocal(null);
+        setProjectIcon(currentProject.id, null);
+      }
+    }
+  };
+
+  const handleCustomIconUpload = async (e: React.ChangeEvent<HTMLInputElement>) => {
+    const file = e.target.files?.[0];
+    if (!file || !currentProject) return;
+
+    // Validate file type
+    const validTypes = ['image/jpeg', 'image/png', 'image/gif', 'image/webp'];
+    if (!validTypes.includes(file.type)) {
+      return;
+    }
+
+    // Validate file size (max 2MB for icons)
+    if (file.size > 2 * 1024 * 1024) {
+      return;
+    }
+
+    setIsUploadingIcon(true);
+    try {
+      // Convert to base64
+      const reader = new FileReader();
+      reader.onload = async () => {
+        const base64Data = reader.result as string;
+        const result = await getHttpApiClient().saveImageToTemp(
+          base64Data,
+          `project-icon-${file.name}`,
+          file.type,
+          currentProject.path
+        );
+        if (result.success && result.path) {
+          handleCustomIconChange(result.path);
+        }
+        setIsUploadingIcon(false);
+      };
+      reader.readAsDataURL(file);
+    } catch {
+      setIsUploadingIcon(false);
+    }
+  };
+
+  const handleRemoveCustomIcon = () => {
+    handleCustomIconChange(null);
+    if (fileInputRef.current) {
+      fileInputRef.current.value = '';
+    }
   };
 
   return (
@@ -71,60 +137,79 @@ export function AppearanceSection({
         {/* Project Details Section */}
         {currentProject && (
           <div className="space-y-4 pb-6 border-b border-border/50">
-            <div className="flex items-center justify-between">
+            <div className="space-y-4">
-              <Label className="text-foreground font-medium">Project Details</Label>
+              <div className="space-y-2">
-              {!editingProject && (
+                <Label htmlFor="project-name-settings">Project Name</Label>
-                <Button
+                <Input
-                  variant="ghost"
+                  id="project-name-settings"
-                  size="sm"
+                  value={projectName}
-                  onClick={() => setEditingProject(true)}
+                  onChange={(e) => handleNameChange(e.target.value)}
-                  className="h-8"
+                  placeholder="Enter project name"
-                >
+                />
-                  <Edit2 className="w-3.5 h-3.5 mr-1.5" />
-                  Edit
-                </Button>
-              )}
-            </div>
-
-            {editingProject ? (
-              <div className="space-y-4">
-                <div className="space-y-2">
-                  <Label htmlFor="project-name-settings">Project Name</Label>
-                  <Input
-                    id="project-name-settings"
-                    value={projectName}
-                    onChange={(e) => setProjectNameLocal(e.target.value)}
-                    placeholder="Enter project name"
-                  />
-                </div>
-
-                <div className="space-y-2">
-                  <Label>Project Icon</Label>
-                  <IconPicker
-                    selectedIcon={projectIcon}
-                    onSelectIcon={setProjectIconLocal}
-                  />
-                </div>
-
-                <div className="flex gap-2 justify-end">
-                  <Button variant="outline" size="sm" onClick={handleCancelEdit}>
-                    Cancel
-                  </Button>
-                  <Button size="sm" onClick={handleSaveProjectDetails} disabled={!projectName.trim()}>
-                    Save Changes
-                  </Button>
-                </div>
               </div>
-            ) : (
+
-              <div className="space-y-3">
+              <div className="space-y-2">
-                <div className="flex items-center gap-3 p-3 rounded-lg bg-accent/30 border border-border/50">
+                <Label>Project Icon</Label>
-                  <div className="text-sm">
+                <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground mb-2">
-                    <div className="font-medium text-foreground">{currentProject.name}</div>
+                  Choose a preset icon or upload a custom image
-                    <div className="text-muted-foreground text-xs mt-0.5">{currentProject.path}</div>
+                </p>
+
+                {/* Custom Icon Upload */}
+                <div className="mb-4">
+                  <div className="flex items-center gap-3">
+                    {customIconPath ? (
+                      <div className="relative">
+                        <img
+                          src={getAuthenticatedImageUrl(customIconPath, currentProject.path)}
+                          alt="Custom project icon"
+                          className="w-12 h-12 rounded-lg object-cover border border-border"
+                        />
+                        <button
+                          type="button"
+                          onClick={handleRemoveCustomIcon}
+                          className="absolute -top-1.5 -right-1.5 w-5 h-5 rounded-full bg-destructive text-destructive-foreground flex items-center justify-center hover:bg-destructive/90"
+                        >
+                          <X className="w-3 h-3" />
+                        </button>
+                      </div>
+                    ) : (
+                      <div className="w-12 h-12 rounded-lg border border-dashed border-border flex items-center justify-center bg-accent/30">
+                        <ImageIcon className="w-5 h-5 text-muted-foreground" />
+                      </div>
+                    )}
+                    <div className="flex-1">
+                      <input
+                        ref={fileInputRef}
+                        type="file"
+                        accept="image/jpeg,image/png,image/gif,image/webp"
+                        onChange={handleCustomIconUpload}
+                        className="hidden"
+                        id="custom-icon-upload"
+                      />
+                      <Button
+                        type="button"
+                        variant="outline"
+                        size="sm"
+                        onClick={() => fileInputRef.current?.click()}
+                        disabled={isUploadingIcon}
+                        className="gap-1.5"
+                      >
+                        <Upload className="w-3.5 h-3.5" />
+                        {isUploadingIcon ? 'Uploading...' : 'Upload Custom Icon'}
+                      </Button>
+                      <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground mt-1">
+                        PNG, JPG, GIF or WebP. Max 2MB.
+                      </p>
+                    </div>
                   </div>
                 </div>
+
+                {/* Preset Icon Picker - only show if no custom icon */}
+                {!customIconPath && (
+                  <IconPicker selectedIcon={projectIcon} onSelectIcon={handleIconChange} />
+                )}
               </div>
-            )}
+            </div>
           </div>
         )}
 

apps/ui/src/components/views/settings-view/shared/types.ts

@@ -26,6 +26,8 @@ export interface Project {
   name: string;
   path: string;
   theme?: string;
+  icon?: string;
+  customIconPath?: string;
 }
 
 export interface ApiKeys {

apps/ui/src/hooks/use-settings-migration.ts

@@ -533,6 +533,8 @@ export function hydrateStoreFromSettings(settings: GlobalSettings): void {
     lastOpened: ref.lastOpened,
     theme: ref.theme,
     isFavorite: ref.isFavorite,
+    icon: ref.icon,
+    customIconPath: ref.customIconPath,
     features: [], // Features are loaded separately when project is opened
   }));
 

apps/ui/src/lib/electron.ts

@@ -3105,6 +3105,7 @@ export interface Project {
   theme?: string; // Per-project theme override (uses ThemeMode from app-store)
   isFavorite?: boolean; // Pin project to top of dashboard
   icon?: string; // Lucide icon name for project identification
+  customIconPath?: string; // Path to custom uploaded icon image in .automaker/images/
 }
 
 export interface TrashedProject extends Project {

apps/ui/src/store/app-store.ts

@@ -874,6 +874,7 @@ export interface AppActions {
   clearProjectHistory: () => void; // Clear history, keeping only current project
   toggleProjectFavorite: (projectId: string) => void; // Toggle project favorite status
   setProjectIcon: (projectId: string, icon: string | null) => void; // Set project icon (null to clear)
+  setProjectCustomIcon: (projectId: string, customIconPath: string | null) => void; // Set custom project icon image path (null to clear)
   setProjectName: (projectId: string, name: string) => void; // Update project name
 
   // View actions
@@ -1579,6 +1580,25 @@ export const useAppStore = create<AppState & AppActions>()((set, get) => ({
     }
   },
 
+  setProjectCustomIcon: (projectId, customIconPath) => {
+    const { projects, currentProject } = get();
+    const updatedProjects = projects.map((p) =>
+      p.id === projectId
+        ? { ...p, customIconPath: customIconPath === null ? undefined : customIconPath }
+        : p
+    );
+    set({ projects: updatedProjects });
+    // Also update currentProject if it matches
+    if (currentProject?.id === projectId) {
+      set({
+        currentProject: {
+          ...currentProject,
+          customIconPath: customIconPath === null ? undefined : customIconPath,
+        },
+      });
+    }
+  },
+
   setProjectName: (projectId, name) => {
     const { projects, currentProject } = get();
     const updatedProjects = projects.map((p) => (p.id === projectId ? { ...p, name } : p));

libs/types/src/settings.ts

@@ -295,6 +295,8 @@ export interface ProjectRef {
   isFavorite?: boolean;
   /** Lucide icon name for project identification */
   icon?: string;
+  /** Custom icon image path for project switcher */
+  customIconPath?: string;
 }
 
 /**
@@ -600,6 +602,10 @@ export interface ProjectSettings {
   /** Project-specific board background settings */
   boardBackground?: BoardBackgroundSettings;
 
+  // Project Branding
+  /** Custom icon image path for project switcher (relative to .automaker/) */
+  customIconPath?: string;
+
   // UI Visibility
   /** Whether the worktree panel row is visible (default: true) */
   worktreePanelVisible?: boolean;

package-lock.json

@@ -101,6 +101,7 @@
         "@radix-ui/react-label": "2.1.8",
         "@radix-ui/react-popover": "1.1.15",
         "@radix-ui/react-radio-group": "1.3.8",
+        "@radix-ui/react-scroll-area": "^1.2.10",
         "@radix-ui/react-select": "2.2.6",
         "@radix-ui/react-slider": "1.3.6",
         "@radix-ui/react-slot": "1.2.4",
@@ -1479,7 +1480,7 @@
     },
     "node_modules/@electron/node-gyp": {
       "version": "10.2.0-electron.1",
-      "resolved": "git+ssh://git@github.com/electron/node-gyp.git#06b29aafb7708acef8b3669835c8a7857ebc92d2",
+      "resolved": "git+https://github.com/electron/node-gyp.git#06b29aafb7708acef8b3669835c8a7857ebc92d2",
       "integrity": "sha512-4MSBTT8y07YUDqf69/vSh80Hh791epYqGtWHO3zSKhYFwQg+gx9wi1PqbqP6YqC4WMsNxZ5l9oDmnWdK5pfCKQ==",
       "dev": true,
       "license": "MIT",
@@ -4744,6 +4745,37 @@
         }
       }
     },
+    "node_modules/@radix-ui/react-scroll-area": {
+      "version": "1.2.10",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@radix-ui/react-scroll-area/-/react-scroll-area-1.2.10.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-tAXIa1g3sM5CGpVT0uIbUx/U3Gs5N8T52IICuCtObaos1S8fzsrPXG5WObkQN3S6NVl6wKgPhAIiBGbWnvc97A==",
+      "license": "MIT",
+      "dependencies": {
+        "@radix-ui/number": "1.1.1",
+        "@radix-ui/primitive": "1.1.3",
+        "@radix-ui/react-compose-refs": "1.1.2",
+        "@radix-ui/react-context": "1.1.2",
+        "@radix-ui/react-direction": "1.1.1",
+        "@radix-ui/react-presence": "1.1.5",
+        "@radix-ui/react-primitive": "2.1.3",
+        "@radix-ui/react-use-callback-ref": "1.1.1",
+        "@radix-ui/react-use-layout-effect": "1.1.1"
+      },
+      "peerDependencies": {
+        "@types/react": "*",
+        "@types/react-dom": "*",
+        "react": "^16.8 || ^17.0 || ^18.0 || ^19.0 || ^19.0.0-rc",
+        "react-dom": "^16.8 || ^17.0 || ^18.0 || ^19.0 || ^19.0.0-rc"
+      },
+      "peerDependenciesMeta": {
+        "@types/react": {
+          "optional": true
+        },
+        "@types/react-dom": {
+          "optional": true
+        }
+      }
+    },
     "node_modules/@radix-ui/react-select": {
       "version": "2.2.6",
       "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@radix-ui/react-select/-/react-select-2.2.6.tgz",