diff --git a/TODO.md b/TODO.md
index 0078fd6..9ded46e 100644
--- a/TODO.md
+++ b/TODO.md
@@ -116,20 +116,34 @@ All event renderers now protected with error boundaries:
 
 ### Layout System Enhancements
 **Completed**: 2024-12-18
-**Files**: `src/lib/layout-presets.ts`, `src/components/LayoutControls.tsx`, `src/components/TabBar.tsx`, `src/core/logic.ts`, `src/core/state.ts`
+**Files**: `src/lib/layout-presets.ts`, `src/components/LayoutControls.tsx`, `src/components/TabBar.tsx`
 
 Quick-win improvements to window management:
-- **Balance Splits**: New action to equalize all split percentages to 50/50 after manual resizing
-  - Recursive tree traversal preserves window IDs and directions
-  - Added to Actions section in LayoutControls dropdown
-  - Smooth animation on balance operation
-- **Keyboard Workspace Switching**: Cmd+1-9 (or Ctrl+1-9) to instantly switch to workspace by number
+- **Keyboard Workspace Switching**: Cmd+1-9 (or Ctrl+1-9) to instantly switch to workspace by position
   - Browser-safe shortcuts (prevents default browser behavior)
+  - Switches by visual position in tab bar, not workspace number
   - Significantly faster workflow for power users
-- Comprehensive test coverage for balanceLayout function
+- **Adaptive Layout Presets**: All presets now handle any number of windows
+  - Grid layout adapts to any N ≥ 2 windows (2×2, 2×3, 3×3, etc.)
+  - Side-by-side handles 2-4 windows with equal splits
+  - Main+sidebar naturally adapts to any number
+- Comprehensive test coverage for grid layouts with odd numbers
 
 ## Window Management Improvements
 
+### Balance Splits
+**Priority**: Medium | **Effort**: Low (1 hour)
+**Description**: Action to equalize all split percentages to 50/50 after manual resizing
+**Implementation**:
+- Recursive tree traversal that preserves window IDs and directions
+- Reset all `splitPercentage` values to 50
+- Add to layout dropdown (once basic features are validated)
+- Smooth animation on balance operation
+
+**Use Case**: After manually resizing windows, quickly restore clean 50/50 proportions
+
+**Note**: Deferred until core preset/insertion features are validated in real usage
+
 ### Fullscreen Mode
 **Priority**: High | **Effort**: Medium (2-3 hours)
 **Description**: Toggle window to fill entire workspace with minimal chrome
diff --git a/package-lock.json b/package-lock.json
index 732e229..6e5f74b 100644
--- a/package-lock.json
+++ b/package-lock.json
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@
         "@radix-ui/react-popover": "^1.1.15",
         "@radix-ui/react-progress": "^1.1.8",
         "@radix-ui/react-scroll-area": "^1.2.10",
+        "@radix-ui/react-slider": "^1.3.6",
         "@radix-ui/react-slot": "^1.2.4",
         "@radix-ui/react-tooltip": "^1.2.8",
         "applesauce-accounts": "^4.1.0",
@@ -2949,6 +2950,80 @@
         }
       }
     },
+    "node_modules/@radix-ui/react-slider": {
+      "version": "1.3.6",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@radix-ui/react-slider/-/react-slider-1.3.6.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-JPYb1GuM1bxfjMRlNLE+BcmBC8onfCi60Blk7OBqi2MLTFdS+8401U4uFjnwkOr49BLmXxLC6JHkvAsx5OJvHw==",
+      "license": "MIT",
+      "dependencies": {
+        "@radix-ui/number": "1.1.1",
+        "@radix-ui/primitive": "1.1.3",
+        "@radix-ui/react-collection": "1.1.7",
+        "@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-primitive": "2.1.3",
+        "@radix-ui/react-use-controllable-state": "1.2.2",
+        "@radix-ui/react-use-layout-effect": "1.1.1",
+        "@radix-ui/react-use-previous": "1.1.1",
+        "@radix-ui/react-use-size": "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-slider/node_modules/@radix-ui/react-primitive": {
+      "version": "2.1.3",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@radix-ui/react-primitive/-/react-primitive-2.1.3.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-m9gTwRkhy2lvCPe6QJp4d3G1TYEUHn/FzJUtq9MjH46an1wJU+GdoGC5VLof8RX8Ft/DlpshApkhswDLZzHIcQ==",
+      "license": "MIT",
+      "dependencies": {
+        "@radix-ui/react-slot": "1.2.3"
+      },
+      "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-slider/node_modules/@radix-ui/react-slot": {
+      "version": "1.2.3",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@radix-ui/react-slot/-/react-slot-1.2.3.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-aeNmHnBxbi2St0au6VBVC7JXFlhLlOnvIIlePNniyUNAClzmtAUEY8/pBiK3iHjufOlwA+c20/8jngo7xcrg8A==",
+      "license": "MIT",
+      "dependencies": {
+        "@radix-ui/react-compose-refs": "1.1.2"
+      },
+      "peerDependencies": {
+        "@types/react": "*",
+        "react": "^16.8 || ^17.0 || ^18.0 || ^19.0 || ^19.0.0-rc"
+      },
+      "peerDependenciesMeta": {
+        "@types/react": {
+          "optional": true
+        }
+      }
+    },
     "node_modules/@radix-ui/react-slot": {
       "version": "1.2.4",
       "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@radix-ui/react-slot/-/react-slot-1.2.4.tgz",
diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
index 3183fb7..a094598 100644
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@
     "@radix-ui/react-popover": "^1.1.15",
     "@radix-ui/react-progress": "^1.1.8",
     "@radix-ui/react-scroll-area": "^1.2.10",
+    "@radix-ui/react-slider": "^1.3.6",
     "@radix-ui/react-slot": "^1.2.4",
     "@radix-ui/react-tooltip": "^1.2.8",
     "applesauce-accounts": "^4.1.0",
diff --git a/src/components/LayoutControls.tsx b/src/components/LayoutControls.tsx
index e1113e1..e6f7a19 100644
--- a/src/components/LayoutControls.tsx
+++ b/src/components/LayoutControls.tsx
@@ -6,9 +6,9 @@ import {
   Sparkles,
   SplitSquareHorizontal,
   SplitSquareVertical,
-  Scale,
 } from "lucide-react";
 import { Button } from "./ui/button";
+import { Slider } from "./ui/slider";
 import { useGrimoire } from "@/core/state";
 import { cn } from "@/lib/utils";
 import { getAllPresets } from "@/lib/layout-presets";
@@ -21,12 +21,17 @@ import {
 } from "./ui/dropdown-menu";
 import { toast } from "sonner";
 import type { LayoutConfig } from "@/types/app";
+import { useState } from "react";
 
 export function LayoutControls() {
-  const { state, applyPresetLayout, balanceLayout, updateLayoutConfig } =
-    useGrimoire();
+  const { state, applyPresetLayout, updateLayoutConfig } = useGrimoire();
   const { workspaces, activeWorkspaceId, layoutConfig } = state;
 
+  // Local state for immediate slider feedback (debounced persistence)
+  const [localSplitPercentage, setLocalSplitPercentage] = useState<
+    number | null
+  >(null);
+
   const activeWorkspace = workspaces[activeWorkspaceId];
   const windowCount = activeWorkspace?.windowIds.length || 0;
   const presets = getAllPresets();
@@ -71,13 +76,13 @@ export function LayoutControls() {
   const getPresetIcon = (presetId: string) => {
     switch (presetId) {
       case "side-by-side":
-        return <Columns2 className="h-4 w-4" />;
+        return <Columns2 className="h-4 w-4 text-muted-foreground" />;
       case "main-sidebar":
-        return <Split className="h-4 w-4" />;
+        return <Split className="h-4 w-4 text-muted-foreground" />;
       case "grid":
-        return <Grid2X2 className="h-4 w-4" />;
+        return <Grid2X2 className="h-4 w-4 text-muted-foreground" />;
       default:
-        return <Grid2X2 className="h-4 w-4" />;
+        return <Grid2X2 className="h-4 w-4 text-muted-foreground" />;
     }
   };
 
@@ -91,33 +96,9 @@ export function LayoutControls() {
     { id: "column", label: "Vertical", icon: SplitSquareVertical },
   ];
 
-  const handleSplitChange = (increment: number) => {
-    const newValue = Math.max(
-      20,
-      Math.min(80, layoutConfig.splitPercentage + increment)
-    );
-    updateLayoutConfig({ splitPercentage: newValue });
-  };
-
-  const handleBalance = () => {
-    try {
-      // Enable animations for smooth transition
-      document.body.classList.add("animating-layout");
-
-      balanceLayout();
-
-      // Remove animation class after transition completes
-      setTimeout(() => {
-        document.body.classList.remove("animating-layout");
-      }, 180);
-    } catch (error) {
-      document.body.classList.remove("animating-layout");
-      toast.error(`Failed to balance layout`, {
-        description:
-          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Unknown error occurred",
-      });
-    }
-  };
+  // Current split percentage (local state during drag, global state otherwise)
+  const displayedSplitPercentage =
+    localSplitPercentage ?? layoutConfig.splitPercentage;
 
   return (
     <DropdownMenu>
@@ -128,29 +109,16 @@ export function LayoutControls() {
           className="h-6 w-6"
           aria-label="Layout settings"
         >
-          <SlidersHorizontal className="h-3 w-3" />
+          <SlidersHorizontal className="h-3 w-3 text-muted-foreground" />
         </Button>
       </DropdownMenuTrigger>
       <DropdownMenuContent align="end" className="w-64">
-        {/* Presets Section */}
+        {/* Layouts Section */}
         <div className="px-2 py-1.5 text-xs font-semibold text-muted-foreground">
-          Presets
+          Layouts
         </div>
         {presets.map((preset) => {
-          const hasMin = windowCount >= preset.minSlots;
-          const hasMax = !preset.maxSlots || windowCount <= preset.maxSlots;
-          const canApply = hasMin && hasMax;
-
-          let statusText = "";
-          if (!hasMin) {
-            statusText = `Needs ${preset.minSlots}+ (have ${windowCount})`;
-          } else if (!hasMax) {
-            statusText = `Max ${preset.maxSlots} (have ${windowCount})`;
-          } else if (preset.maxSlots) {
-            statusText = `${preset.minSlots}-${preset.maxSlots} windows`;
-          } else {
-            statusText = `${preset.minSlots}+ windows`;
-          }
+          const canApply = windowCount >= preset.minSlots;
 
           return (
             <DropdownMenuItem
@@ -162,9 +130,6 @@ export function LayoutControls() {
               <div className="flex-shrink-0">{getPresetIcon(preset.id)}</div>
               <div className="flex-1 min-w-0">
                 <div className="font-medium text-sm">{preset.name}</div>
-                <div className="text-xs text-muted-foreground truncate">
-                  {statusText}
-                </div>
               </div>
             </DropdownMenuItem>
           );
@@ -172,9 +137,12 @@ export function LayoutControls() {
 
         <DropdownMenuSeparator />
 
-        {/* Insertion Mode Section */}
-        <div className="px-2 py-1.5 text-xs font-semibold text-muted-foreground">
-          Insert Mode
+        {/* Placement Section */}
+        <div className="px-2 py-1.5 space-y-0.5">
+          <div className="text-xs font-semibold text-muted-foreground">
+            Placement
+          </div>
+          <div className="text-xs text-muted-foreground">Window insertion</div>
         </div>
         {insertionModes.map((mode) => {
           const Icon = mode.icon;
@@ -185,7 +153,7 @@ export function LayoutControls() {
               onClick={() => updateLayoutConfig({ insertionMode: mode.id })}
               className="flex items-center gap-2 cursor-pointer"
             >
-              <Icon className="h-3.5 w-3.5" />
+              <Icon className="h-3.5 w-3.5 text-muted-foreground" />
               <span className="flex-1">{mode.label}</span>
               {isActive && (
                 <div className="h-1.5 w-1.5 rounded-full bg-accent" />
@@ -198,64 +166,32 @@ export function LayoutControls() {
 
         {/* Split Ratio Section */}
         <div className="px-2 py-2 space-y-2">
-          <div className="flex items-center justify-between text-xs">
-            <span className="font-semibold text-muted-foreground">Split</span>
-            <span className="text-foreground">
-              {layoutConfig.splitPercentage}/
-              {100 - layoutConfig.splitPercentage}
-            </span>
-          </div>
-          <div className="flex items-center gap-1">
-            <Button
-              variant="outline"
-              size="sm"
-              className="h-6 px-2 text-xs"
-              onClick={() => handleSplitChange(-10)}
-            >
-              -
-            </Button>
-            <input
-              type="range"
-              min="20"
-              max="80"
-              value={layoutConfig.splitPercentage}
-              onChange={(e) =>
-                updateLayoutConfig({
-                  splitPercentage: Number(e.target.value),
-                })
-              }
-              className="flex-1 h-1.5 bg-muted rounded-lg appearance-none cursor-pointer accent-accent"
-            />
-            <Button
-              variant="outline"
-              size="sm"
-              className="h-6 px-2 text-xs"
-              onClick={() => handleSplitChange(10)}
-            >
-              +
-            </Button>
+          <div className="space-y-0.5">
+            <div className="flex items-center justify-between text-xs">
+              <span className="font-semibold text-muted-foreground">
+                Split Ratio
+              </span>
+              <span className="text-foreground">
+                {displayedSplitPercentage}/{100 - displayedSplitPercentage}
+              </span>
+            </div>
+            <div className="text-xs text-muted-foreground">
+              Default split for new windows
+            </div>
           </div>
+          <Slider
+            value={[displayedSplitPercentage]}
+            onValueChange={([value]) => setLocalSplitPercentage(value)}
+            onValueCommit={([value]) => {
+              updateLayoutConfig({ splitPercentage: value });
+              setLocalSplitPercentage(null); // Clear local state after persist
+            }}
+            min={20}
+            max={80}
+            step={1}
+            className="w-full"
+          />
         </div>
-
-        <DropdownMenuSeparator />
-
-        {/* Actions Section */}
-        <div className="px-2 py-1.5 text-xs font-semibold text-muted-foreground">
-          Actions
-        </div>
-        <DropdownMenuItem
-          onClick={handleBalance}
-          disabled={windowCount < 2}
-          className="flex items-center gap-2 cursor-pointer"
-        >
-          <Scale className="h-3.5 w-3.5" />
-          <span className="flex-1">Balance Splits</span>
-          {windowCount < 2 && (
-            <span className="text-xs text-muted-foreground">
-              Need 2+ windows
-            </span>
-          )}
-        </DropdownMenuItem>
       </DropdownMenuContent>
     </DropdownMenu>
   );
diff --git a/src/components/LayoutViewer.tsx b/src/components/LayoutViewer.tsx
deleted file mode 100644
index 84d095e..0000000
--- a/src/components/LayoutViewer.tsx
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,216 +0,0 @@
-import { useState } from "react";
-import { useGrimoire } from "@/core/state";
-import { getAllPresets } from "@/lib/layout-presets";
-import type { LayoutPreset } from "@/lib/layout-presets";
-import { Button } from "./ui/button";
-import { Grid2X2, Columns2, Split, CheckCircle2, AlertCircle } from "lucide-react";
-import { toast } from "sonner";
-
-interface LayoutViewerProps {
-  presetId?: string;
-  error?: string;
-}
-
-/**
- * LAYOUT viewer - displays available layout presets and allows applying them
- */
-export function LayoutViewer({ presetId, error }: LayoutViewerProps) {
-  const { state, applyPresetLayout } = useGrimoire();
-  const activeWorkspace = state.workspaces[state.activeWorkspaceId];
-  const windowCount = activeWorkspace.windowIds.length;
-  const presets = getAllPresets();
-  const [applying, setApplying] = useState<string | null>(null);
-
-  // If a preset was specified via command line, show error or success
-  const specifiedPreset = presetId
-    ? presets.find((p) => p.id === presetId)
-    : null;
-
-  const handleApplyPreset = async (preset: LayoutPreset) => {
-    if (windowCount < preset.slots) {
-      toast.error(`Not enough windows`, {
-        description: `Preset "${preset.name}" requires ${preset.slots} windows, but only ${windowCount} available.`,
-      });
-      return;
-    }
-
-    setApplying(preset.id);
-    try {
-      applyPresetLayout(preset);
-      toast.success(`Layout applied`, {
-        description: `Applied "${preset.name}" preset to workspace ${activeWorkspace.number}`,
-      });
-    } catch (error) {
-      toast.error(`Failed to apply layout`, {
-        description:
-          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Unknown error occurred",
-      });
-    } finally {
-      setApplying(null);
-    }
-  };
-
-  const getPresetIcon = (presetId: string) => {
-    switch (presetId) {
-      case "side-by-side":
-        return <Columns2 className="h-8 w-8" />;
-      case "main-sidebar":
-        return <Split className="h-8 w-8" />;
-      case "grid":
-        return <Grid2X2 className="h-8 w-8" />;
-      default:
-        return <Grid2X2 className="h-8 w-8" />;
-    }
-  };
-
-  const getPresetDiagram = (preset: LayoutPreset) => {
-    // Visual representation of the layout
-    switch (preset.id) {
-      case "side-by-side":
-        return (
-          <div className="flex gap-2 h-16">
-            <div className="flex-1 border-2 border-muted-foreground/30 rounded bg-muted/20" />
-            <div className="flex-1 border-2 border-muted-foreground/30 rounded bg-muted/20" />
-          </div>
-        );
-      case "main-sidebar":
-        return (
-          <div className="flex gap-2 h-16">
-            <div className="flex-[7] border-2 border-muted-foreground/30 rounded bg-muted/20" />
-            <div className="flex-[3] border-2 border-muted-foreground/30 rounded bg-muted/20" />
-          </div>
-        );
-      case "grid":
-        return (
-          <div className="grid grid-cols-2 grid-rows-2 gap-2 h-16">
-            <div className="border-2 border-muted-foreground/30 rounded bg-muted/20" />
-            <div className="border-2 border-muted-foreground/30 rounded bg-muted/20" />
-            <div className="border-2 border-muted-foreground/30 rounded bg-muted/20" />
-            <div className="border-2 border-muted-foreground/30 rounded bg-muted/20" />
-          </div>
-        );
-      default:
-        return null;
-    }
-  };
-
-  return (
-    <div className="h-full w-full flex flex-col bg-background text-foreground">
-      <div className="flex-1 overflow-y-auto p-6">
-        {/* Header */}
-        <div className="mb-6">
-          <h1 className="text-2xl font-bold mb-2">Layout Presets</h1>
-          <p className="text-muted-foreground text-sm">
-            Apply preset layouts to reorganize windows in workspace{" "}
-            {activeWorkspace.number}
-          </p>
-          <div className="mt-2 text-sm">
-            <span className="text-muted-foreground">Current windows: </span>
-            <span className="font-semibold">{windowCount}</span>
-          </div>
-        </div>
-
-        {/* Command-line specified preset with error */}
-        {error && (
-          <div className="mb-6 p-4 rounded-lg bg-destructive/10 border border-destructive/50 flex items-start gap-3">
-            <AlertCircle className="h-5 w-5 text-destructive mt-0.5 flex-shrink-0" />
-            <div className="flex-1">
-              <div className="font-semibold text-destructive mb-1">
-                Command Error
-              </div>
-              <div className="text-sm text-muted-foreground">{error}</div>
-            </div>
-          </div>
-        )}
-
-        {/* Command-line specified preset (valid) */}
-        {specifiedPreset && !error && (
-          <div className="mb-6 p-4 rounded-lg bg-accent/10 border border-accent/50 flex items-start gap-3">
-            <CheckCircle2 className="h-5 w-5 text-accent-foreground mt-0.5 flex-shrink-0" />
-            <div className="flex-1">
-              <div className="font-semibold mb-1">
-                Preset: {specifiedPreset.name}
-              </div>
-              <div className="text-sm text-muted-foreground mb-3">
-                {specifiedPreset.description}
-              </div>
-              {windowCount < specifiedPreset.slots ? (
-                <div className="text-sm text-destructive">
-                  ⚠️ Not enough windows (requires {specifiedPreset.slots}, have{" "}
-                  {windowCount})
-                </div>
-              ) : (
-                <Button
-                  onClick={() => handleApplyPreset(specifiedPreset)}
-                  size="sm"
-                  disabled={applying === specifiedPreset.id}
-                >
-                  {applying === specifiedPreset.id
-                    ? "Applying..."
-                    : "Apply Preset"}
-                </Button>
-              )}
-            </div>
-          </div>
-        )}
-
-        {/* Preset Gallery */}
-        <div className="grid grid-cols-1 md:grid-cols-2 lg:grid-cols-3 gap-4">
-          {presets.map((preset) => {
-            const canApply = windowCount >= preset.slots;
-            const isApplying = applying === preset.id;
-
-            return (
-              <div
-                key={preset.id}
-                className={`p-4 rounded-lg border transition-colors ${
-                  canApply
-                    ? "border-border hover:border-accent/50 hover:bg-accent/5"
-                    : "border-muted-foreground/20 opacity-60"
-                }`}
-              >
-                {/* Icon and Title */}
-                <div className="flex items-center gap-3 mb-3">
-                  <div className="text-muted-foreground">
-                    {getPresetIcon(preset.id)}
-                  </div>
-                  <div>
-                    <div className="font-semibold">{preset.name}</div>
-                    <div className="text-xs text-muted-foreground">
-                      {preset.slots} windows
-                    </div>
-                  </div>
-                </div>
-
-                {/* Description */}
-                <p className="text-sm text-muted-foreground mb-3">
-                  {preset.description}
-                </p>
-
-                {/* Visual Diagram */}
-                <div className="mb-3">{getPresetDiagram(preset)}</div>
-
-                {/* Apply Button */}
-                {canApply ? (
-                  <Button
-                    onClick={() => handleApplyPreset(preset)}
-                    className="w-full"
-                    variant="outline"
-                    size="sm"
-                    disabled={isApplying}
-                  >
-                    {isApplying ? "Applying..." : "Apply"}
-                  </Button>
-                ) : (
-                  <div className="text-xs text-muted-foreground text-center py-2">
-                    Requires {preset.slots} windows (have {windowCount})
-                  </div>
-                )}
-              </div>
-            );
-          })}
-        </div>
-      </div>
-    </div>
-  );
-}
diff --git a/src/components/WindowRenderer.tsx b/src/components/WindowRenderer.tsx
index 19ce20e..91ab763 100644
--- a/src/components/WindowRenderer.tsx
+++ b/src/components/WindowRenderer.tsx
@@ -27,9 +27,6 @@ const DebugViewer = lazy(() =>
   import("./DebugViewer").then((m) => ({ default: m.DebugViewer })),
 );
 const ConnViewer = lazy(() => import("./ConnViewer"));
-const LayoutViewer = lazy(() =>
-  import("./LayoutViewer").then((m) => ({ default: m.LayoutViewer })),
-);
 
 // Loading fallback component
 function ViewerLoading() {
@@ -165,14 +162,6 @@ export function WindowRenderer({ window, onClose }: WindowRendererProps) {
       case "conn":
         content = <ConnViewer />;
         break;
-      case "layout":
-        content = (
-          <LayoutViewer
-            presetId={window.props.presetId}
-            error={window.props.error}
-          />
-        );
-        break;
       default:
         content = (
           <div className="p-4 text-muted-foreground">
diff --git a/src/components/nostr/kinds/LiveActivityDetailRenderer.tsx b/src/components/nostr/kinds/LiveActivityDetailRenderer.tsx
index bb3003c..bc9a8e9 100644
--- a/src/components/nostr/kinds/LiveActivityDetailRenderer.tsx
+++ b/src/components/nostr/kinds/LiveActivityDetailRenderer.tsx
@@ -6,12 +6,10 @@ import {
   getLiveHost,
 } from "@/lib/live-activity";
 import { VideoPlayer } from "@/components/live/VideoPlayer";
-import { ChatView } from "@/components/nostr/ChatView";
 import { StatusBadge } from "@/components/live/StatusBadge";
 import { UserName } from "../UserName";
+import { Label } from "@/components/ui/Label";
 import { Calendar } from "lucide-react";
-import { useOutboxRelays } from "@/hooks/useOutboxRelays";
-import { useLiveTimeline } from "@/hooks/useLiveTimeline";
 
 interface LiveActivityDetailRendererProps {
   event: NostrEvent;
@@ -24,36 +22,6 @@ export function LiveActivityDetailRenderer({
   const status = useMemo(() => getLiveStatus(event), [event]);
   const hostPubkey = useMemo(() => getLiveHost(event), [event]);
 
-  // Get host's relay list for chat
-  const { relays: hostRelays } = useOutboxRelays({
-    authors: [hostPubkey],
-  });
-
-  // Combine stream relays + host relays for chat events
-  const allRelays = useMemo(
-    () => Array.from(new Set([...activity.relays, ...hostRelays])),
-    [activity.relays, hostRelays],
-  );
-
-  // Fetch chat messages (kind 1311) and zaps (kind 9735) that a-tag this stream
-  const timelineFilter = useMemo(
-    () => ({
-      kinds: [1311, 9735],
-      "#a": [
-        `${event.kind}:${event.pubkey}:${event.tags.find((t) => t[0] === "d")?.[1] || ""}`,
-      ],
-      limit: 100,
-    }),
-    [event],
-  );
-
-  const { events: chatEvents } = useLiveTimeline(
-    `stream-feed-${event.id}`,
-    timelineFilter,
-    allRelays,
-    { stream: true },
-  );
-
   const videoUrl =
     status === "live" && activity.streaming
       ? activity.streaming
@@ -62,7 +30,7 @@ export function LiveActivityDetailRenderer({
         : null;
 
   return (
-    <div className="flex flex-col h-full bg-background">
+    <div className="flex flex-col h-full bg-background overflow-y-auto">
       {/* Video Section */}
       <div className="flex-shrink-0">
         {videoUrl ? (
@@ -94,27 +62,48 @@ export function LiveActivityDetailRenderer({
         ) : (
           <div className="aspect-video bg-neutral-800 flex items-center justify-center">
             <div className="text-center text-neutral-400">
-              <StatusBadge status={status} size="md" />
+              <StatusBadge status={status} />
               <p className="mt-4">No stream available</p>
             </div>
           </div>
         )}
       </div>
 
-      {/* Compact title bar */}
-      <div className="flex items-center justify-between gap-4">
-        <h1 className="text-lg font-bold flex-1 line-clamp-1">
-          {activity.title || "Untitled Live Activity"}
-        </h1>
+      {/* Stream Info Section */}
+      <div className="flex-1 p-2 space-y-3">
+        {/* Title and Status Badge */}
+        <div className="flex items-start justify-between gap-4">
+          <h1 className="text-2xl font-bold text-balance">
+            {activity.title || "Untitled Live Activity"}
+          </h1>
+          <StatusBadge status={status} />
+        </div>
+
+        {/* Host */}
         <UserName
           pubkey={hostPubkey}
-          className="text-sm font-semibold line-clamp-1"
+          className="text-sm text-accent"
         />
-      </div>
 
-      {/* Chat Section */}
-      <div className="flex-1 min-h-0">
-        <ChatView events={chatEvents} className="h-full" />
+        {/* Description */}
+        {activity.summary && (
+          <p className="text-base text-muted-foreground leading-relaxed">
+            {activity.summary}
+          </p>
+        )}
+
+        {/* Hashtags */}
+        {activity.hashtags.filter((t) => !t.includes(":")).length > 0 && (
+          <div className="flex items-center gap-2 flex-wrap">
+            {activity.hashtags
+              .filter((t) => !t.includes(":"))
+              .map((tag) => (
+                <Label key={tag} size="sm">
+                  {tag}
+                </Label>
+              ))}
+          </div>
+        )}
       </div>
     </div>
   );
diff --git a/src/components/nostr/kinds/LiveActivityRenderer.tsx b/src/components/nostr/kinds/LiveActivityRenderer.tsx
index e4d0b4a..bd6ef6d 100644
--- a/src/components/nostr/kinds/LiveActivityRenderer.tsx
+++ b/src/components/nostr/kinds/LiveActivityRenderer.tsx
@@ -112,7 +112,7 @@ export function LiveActivityRenderer({ event }: LiveActivityRendererProps) {
         <div className="flex items-center gap-2 text-xs flex-wrap">
           {/* Hashtags */}
           {activity.hashtags
-            .filter((t) => !t.startsWith("internal:"))
+            .filter((t) => !t.includes(":"))
             .map((tag) => (
               <Label key={tag} size="sm">
                 {tag}
diff --git a/src/components/ui/slider.tsx b/src/components/ui/slider.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9398b33
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/components/ui/slider.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+import * as React from "react"
+import * as SliderPrimitive from "@radix-ui/react-slider"
+
+import { cn } from "@/lib/utils"
+
+const Slider = React.forwardRef<
+  React.ElementRef<typeof SliderPrimitive.Root>,
+  React.ComponentPropsWithoutRef<typeof SliderPrimitive.Root>
+>(({ className, ...props }, ref) => (
+  <SliderPrimitive.Root
+    ref={ref}
+    className={cn(
+      "relative flex w-full touch-none select-none items-center",
+      className
+    )}
+    {...props}
+  >
+    <SliderPrimitive.Track className="relative h-1.5 w-full grow overflow-hidden rounded-full bg-primary/20">
+      <SliderPrimitive.Range className="absolute h-full bg-primary" />
+    </SliderPrimitive.Track>
+    <SliderPrimitive.Thumb className="block h-4 w-4 rounded-full border border-primary/50 bg-background shadow transition-colors focus-visible:outline-none focus-visible:ring-1 focus-visible:ring-ring disabled:pointer-events-none disabled:opacity-50" />
+  </SliderPrimitive.Root>
+))
+Slider.displayName = SliderPrimitive.Root.displayName
+
+export { Slider }
diff --git a/src/core/logic.ts b/src/core/logic.ts
index beaff9a..a719d6a 100644
--- a/src/core/logic.ts
+++ b/src/core/logic.ts
@@ -2,11 +2,7 @@ import { v4 as uuidv4 } from "uuid";
 import type { MosaicNode } from "react-mosaic-component";
 import { GrimoireState, WindowInstance, UserRelays } from "@/types/app";
 import { insertWindow } from "@/lib/layout-utils";
-import {
-  applyPresetToLayout,
-  balanceLayout,
-  type LayoutPreset,
-} from "@/lib/layout-presets";
+import { applyPresetToLayout, type LayoutPreset } from "@/lib/layout-presets";
 
 /**
  * Finds the lowest available workspace number.
@@ -398,28 +394,3 @@ export const applyPresetLayout = (
     return state;
   }
 };
-
-/**
- * Balances all split percentages in the active workspace to 50/50.
- * Useful for equalizing splits after manual resizing.
- */
-export const balanceLayoutInWorkspace = (
-  state: GrimoireState,
-): GrimoireState => {
-  const activeId = state.activeWorkspaceId;
-  const ws = state.workspaces[activeId];
-
-  // Balance the layout tree
-  const balancedLayout = balanceLayout(ws.layout);
-
-  return {
-    ...state,
-    workspaces: {
-      ...state.workspaces,
-      [activeId]: {
-        ...ws,
-        layout: balancedLayout,
-      },
-    },
-  };
-};
diff --git a/src/core/state.ts b/src/core/state.ts
index 667e5d5..609bfd3 100644
--- a/src/core/state.ts
+++ b/src/core/state.ts
@@ -241,11 +241,6 @@ export const useGrimoire = () => {
     [setState],
   );
 
-  const balanceLayout = useCallback(
-    () => setState((prev) => Logic.balanceLayoutInWorkspace(prev)),
-    [setState],
-  );
-
   return {
     state,
     locale: state.locale || browserLocale,
@@ -261,6 +256,5 @@ export const useGrimoire = () => {
     setActiveAccountRelays,
     updateLayoutConfig,
     applyPresetLayout,
-    balanceLayout,
   };
 };
diff --git a/src/lib/layout-parser.ts b/src/lib/layout-parser.ts
deleted file mode 100644
index 0d4eb57..0000000
--- a/src/lib/layout-parser.ts
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,39 +0,0 @@
-import { getPreset, getAllPresets } from "./layout-presets";
-
-export interface LayoutCommandResult {
-  /** The preset ID to apply, or undefined to show preset list */
-  presetId?: string;
-  /** Error message if parsing failed */
-  error?: string;
-}
-
-/**
- * Parses the /layout command arguments
- *
- * Usage:
- *   /layout              - Show all available presets
- *   /layout side-by-side - Apply the side-by-side preset
- *   /layout grid         - Apply the grid preset
- */
-export function parseLayoutCommand(args: string[]): LayoutCommandResult {
-  // No arguments - show preset list
-  if (args.length === 0) {
-    return {};
-  }
-
-  // Get the preset ID (first argument)
-  const presetId = args[0].toLowerCase();
-
-  // Validate preset exists
-  const preset = getPreset(presetId);
-  if (!preset) {
-    const availablePresets = getAllPresets()
-      .map((p) => p.id)
-      .join(", ");
-    return {
-      error: `Unknown preset "${presetId}". Available presets: ${availablePresets}`,
-    };
-  }
-
-  return { presetId };
-}
diff --git a/src/lib/layout-presets.test.ts b/src/lib/layout-presets.test.ts
index e12aa36..adfac1d 100644
--- a/src/lib/layout-presets.test.ts
+++ b/src/lib/layout-presets.test.ts
@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@ import { describe, it, expect } from "vitest";
 import {
   collectWindowIds,
   applyPresetToLayout,
-  balanceLayout,
   BUILT_IN_PRESETS,
 } from "./layout-presets";
 import type { MosaicNode } from "react-mosaic-component";
@@ -151,16 +150,23 @@ describe("layout-presets", () => {
       expect(windowIds).toEqual(["w1", "w2", "w3"]);
     });
 
-    it("handles 4 windows (max allowed)", () => {
+    it("handles 4 windows", () => {
       const layout = sideBySidePreset.generate(["w1", "w2", "w3", "w4"]);
       const windowIds = collectWindowIds(layout);
       expect(windowIds).toEqual(["w1", "w2", "w3", "w4"]);
     });
 
-    it("throws error for 5+ windows", () => {
-      expect(() =>
-        sideBySidePreset.generate(["w1", "w2", "w3", "w4", "w5"])
-      ).toThrow("maximum 4 windows");
+    it("handles 5 windows", () => {
+      const layout = sideBySidePreset.generate(["w1", "w2", "w3", "w4", "w5"]);
+      const windowIds = collectWindowIds(layout);
+      expect(windowIds).toEqual(["w1", "w2", "w3", "w4", "w5"]);
+    });
+
+    it("handles 8 windows (many splits)", () => {
+      const windows = Array.from({ length: 8 }, (_, i) => `w${i + 1}`);
+      const layout = sideBySidePreset.generate(windows);
+      const windowIds = collectWindowIds(layout);
+      expect(windowIds).toEqual(windows);
     });
   });
 
@@ -194,84 +200,6 @@ describe("layout-presets", () => {
     });
   });
 
-  describe("balanceLayout", () => {
-    it("returns null for null layout", () => {
-      expect(balanceLayout(null)).toBeNull();
-    });
-
-    it("returns single window unchanged", () => {
-      expect(balanceLayout("w1")).toBe("w1");
-    });
-
-    it("balances a simple binary split", () => {
-      const unbalanced: MosaicNode<string> = {
-        direction: "row",
-        first: "w1",
-        second: "w2",
-        splitPercentage: 70,
-      };
-      const balanced = balanceLayout(unbalanced);
-      expect(balanced).toEqual({
-        direction: "row",
-        first: "w1",
-        second: "w2",
-        splitPercentage: 50,
-      });
-    });
-
-    it("balances nested splits recursively", () => {
-      const unbalanced: MosaicNode<string> = {
-        direction: "row",
-        first: {
-          direction: "column",
-          first: "w1",
-          second: "w2",
-          splitPercentage: 30,
-        },
-        second: {
-          direction: "column",
-          first: "w3",
-          second: "w4",
-          splitPercentage: 80,
-        },
-        splitPercentage: 60,
-      };
-      const balanced = balanceLayout(unbalanced);
-
-      // All splits should be 50%
-      expect(balanced).toMatchObject({
-        splitPercentage: 50,
-        first: { splitPercentage: 50 },
-        second: { splitPercentage: 50 },
-      });
-    });
-
-    it("preserves window IDs and directions", () => {
-      const original: MosaicNode<string> = {
-        direction: "column",
-        first: "w1",
-        second: {
-          direction: "row",
-          first: "w2",
-          second: "w3",
-          splitPercentage: 75,
-        },
-        splitPercentage: 25,
-      };
-      const balanced = balanceLayout(original);
-      const windowIds = collectWindowIds(balanced);
-      expect(windowIds).toEqual(["w1", "w2", "w3"]);
-
-      // Check directions preserved
-      if (balanced && typeof balanced !== "string") {
-        expect(balanced.direction).toBe("column");
-        if (typeof balanced.second !== "string") {
-          expect(balanced.second.direction).toBe("row");
-        }
-      }
-    });
-  });
-
   describe("applyPresetToLayout", () => {
     it("throws error if too few windows", () => {
       const layout: MosaicNode<string> = "w1";
@@ -280,33 +208,6 @@ describe("layout-presets", () => {
       ).toThrow("at least 2 windows");
     });
 
-    it("throws error if too many windows for side-by-side", () => {
-      const layout: MosaicNode<string> = {
-        direction: "row",
-        first: {
-          direction: "row",
-          first: "w1",
-          second: "w2",
-          splitPercentage: 50,
-        },
-        second: {
-          direction: "row",
-          first: {
-            direction: "row",
-            first: "w3",
-            second: "w4",
-            splitPercentage: 50,
-          },
-          second: "w5",
-          splitPercentage: 50,
-        },
-        splitPercentage: 50,
-      };
-      expect(() =>
-        applyPresetToLayout(layout, BUILT_IN_PRESETS["side-by-side"])
-      ).toThrow("maximum 4 windows");
-    });
-
     it("applies grid preset to existing layout", () => {
       const existingLayout: MosaicNode<string> = {
         direction: "row",
diff --git a/src/lib/layout-presets.ts b/src/lib/layout-presets.ts
index ed84ae9..8930b9b 100644
--- a/src/lib/layout-presets.ts
+++ b/src/lib/layout-presets.ts
@@ -114,13 +114,9 @@ export const BUILT_IN_PRESETS: Record<string, LayoutPreset> = {
   "side-by-side": {
     id: "side-by-side",
     name: "Side by Side",
-    description: "All windows in a single row (max 4)",
+    description: "All windows in a single row",
     minSlots: 2,
-    maxSlots: 4,
     generate: (windowIds: string[]) => {
-      if (windowIds.length > 4) {
-        throw new Error("Side-by-side layout supports maximum 4 windows");
-      }
       return buildHorizontalRow(windowIds);
     },
   },
@@ -203,31 +199,6 @@ export function applyPresetToLayout(
   return preset.generate(windowIds);
 }
 
-/**
- * Balances all split percentages in a layout tree to 50/50
- * Useful for equalizing splits after manual resizing
- */
-export function balanceLayout(
-  layout: MosaicNode<string> | null
-): MosaicNode<string> | null {
-  if (layout === null) {
-    return null;
-  }
-
-  // Leaf node (window ID), return as-is
-  if (typeof layout === "string") {
-    return layout;
-  }
-
-  // Branch node, balance this split and recurse
-  return {
-    direction: layout.direction,
-    first: balanceLayout(layout.first),
-    second: balanceLayout(layout.second),
-    splitPercentage: 50,
-  };
-}
-
 /**
  * Get a preset by ID
  */
diff --git a/src/types/app.ts b/src/types/app.ts
index 2a5717c..add17fd 100644
--- a/src/types/app.ts
+++ b/src/types/app.ts
@@ -15,8 +15,7 @@ export type AppId =
   | "decode"
   | "relay"
   | "debug"
-  | "conn"
-  | "layout";
+  | "conn";
 
 export interface WindowInstance {
   id: string;
diff --git a/src/types/man.ts b/src/types/man.ts
index 43cc20e..45602df 100644
--- a/src/types/man.ts
+++ b/src/types/man.ts
@@ -4,7 +4,6 @@ import type { AppId } from "./app";
 import { parseOpenCommand } from "@/lib/open-parser";
 import { parseProfileCommand } from "@/lib/profile-parser";
 import { parseRelayCommand } from "@/lib/relay-parser";
-import { parseLayoutCommand } from "@/lib/layout-parser";
 import { resolveNip05Batch } from "@/lib/nip05";
 
 export interface ManPageEntry {
@@ -458,30 +457,4 @@ export const manPages: Record<string, ManPageEntry> = {
     category: "System",
     defaultProps: {},
   },
-  layout: {
-    name: "layout",
-    section: "1",
-    synopsis: "layout [preset-name]",
-    description:
-      "Apply a preset layout to reorganize windows in the current workspace. Presets provide common layout arrangements like side-by-side splits, main+sidebar configurations, and grid layouts. Running without arguments shows all available presets.",
-    options: [
-      {
-        flag: "[preset-name]",
-        description: "Preset layout to apply (side-by-side, main-sidebar, grid)",
-      },
-    ],
-    examples: [
-      "layout                View all available presets",
-      "layout side-by-side   Apply 50/50 horizontal split (2 windows)",
-      "layout main-sidebar   Apply 70/30 horizontal split (2 windows)",
-      "layout grid           Apply 2×2 grid layout (4 windows)",
-    ],
-    seeAlso: ["man"],
-    appId: "layout",
-    category: "System",
-    argParser: (args: string[]) => {
-      const result = parseLayoutCommand(args);
-      return result;
-    },
-  },
 };