G6: image variables swap linked files and keep bounds

Add VariableKind::Image with path values on datasets, makeImageDynamic,
panel/dialog UI, and MCP docs so data merge can drive placed images.

crates/doc/src/variables.rs

@@ -17,15 +17,18 @@ pub enum VariableKind {
     Text,
     /// Whether bound objects show.
     Visibility,
+    /// A linked image's file path (the pixels swap; the object's bounds stay).
+    Image,
 }
 
 impl VariableKind {
-    /// Parse the `kind` of `variable.define`: `text` or `visibility` (`visible` is accepted
-    /// as the same thing, as the panel and the docs call it both).
+    /// Parse the `kind` of `variable.define`: `text`, `visibility` (`visible` is accepted
+    /// as the same thing, as the panel and the docs call it both), or `image`.
     pub fn parse(s: &str) -> Option<Self> {
         match s.to_ascii_lowercase().as_str() {
             "text" => Some(Self::Text),
             "visibility" | "visible" => Some(Self::Visibility),
+            "image" => Some(Self::Image),
             _ => None,
         }
     }
@@ -35,6 +38,7 @@ impl VariableKind {
         match self {
             Self::Text => "text",
             Self::Visibility => "visibility",
+            Self::Image => "image",
         }
     }
 }
@@ -52,13 +56,18 @@ pub struct Variable {
 pub enum DataValue {
     Text(String),
     Visible(bool),
+    /// Absolute path of the image file an image variable should show.
+    Image(String),
 }
 
 impl DataValue {
     /// Whether this value fits the variable's kind (a dataset may carry values for
     /// variables of either kind; each binding takes what fits it).
     pub fn fits(&self, kind: VariableKind) -> bool {
-        matches!((self, kind), (Self::Text(_), VariableKind::Text) | (Self::Visible(_), VariableKind::Visibility))
+        matches!(
+            (self, kind),
+            (Self::Text(_), VariableKind::Text) | (Self::Visible(_), VariableKind::Visibility) | (Self::Image(_), VariableKind::Image)
+        )
     }
 }
 
@@ -174,9 +183,10 @@ impl Document {
         self.ancestry(id).is_some_and(|a| a.iter().all(|i| self.node(*i).is_some_and(|n| !n.locked && (n.visible || *i == id))))
     }
 
-    /// What the object `id` holds for the variable of `kind`: its characters, or whether it
-    /// shows. `None` when the object is gone, is not of that kind, or is locked or on a hidden
-    /// or locked layer (the document's value is whatever it was left at).
+    /// What the object `id` holds for the variable of `kind`: its characters, whether it shows,
+    /// or a linked image's path. `None` when the object is gone, is not of that kind, has no
+    /// link path yet (an embedded image), or is locked or on a hidden or locked layer (the
+    /// document's value is whatever it was left at).
     pub fn variable_value(&self, id: NodeId, kind: VariableKind) -> Option<DataValue> {
         if !self.variable_target(id) {
             return None;
@@ -185,7 +195,8 @@ impl Document {
         match (kind, &node.kind) {
             (VariableKind::Text, NodeKind::Text(t)) => Some(DataValue::Text(t.plain_text())),
             (VariableKind::Visibility, _) => Some(DataValue::Visible(node.visible)),
-            (VariableKind::Text, _) => None,
+            (VariableKind::Image, NodeKind::Image(im)) => im.link.as_ref().map(|l| DataValue::Image(l.path.clone())),
+            (VariableKind::Text | VariableKind::Image, _) => None,
         }
     }
 

crates/engine/src/cmd/links.rs

@@ -479,6 +479,16 @@ fn clip_image(d: &mut Document, id: NodeId, (frame, room): Clip) -> Result<()> {
     Ok(())
 }
 
+/// Replace image `id` with the raster at `path`, keeping the object's bounds (what an image
+/// variable does on `dataset.select`). The file is linked; a missing or unreadable path is an
+/// error so the dataset application can skip that binding.
+pub(crate) fn set_image_from_path(d: &mut Document, id: NodeId, path: &str) -> Result<()> {
+    let path = absolute_path(path);
+    let bytes = read_file(&path)?;
+    let read = (link_info(&path, &bytes), fileio::raster_image(&bytes)?);
+    install(d, &[id], read, true)
+}
+
 /// Image objects `ids` show the file read for `link` (`img`), each placed as its Placement
 /// Options say (`force`: as that Preserve choice says, whatever they say).
 fn install(d: &mut Document, ids: &[NodeId], (link, img): FileRead, force: Option<Preserve>) -> Result<()> {

crates/engine/src/cmd/variablecmds.rs

@@ -1,9 +1,10 @@
 //! Variables (data merge): named values bound to objects, applied per dataset.
 //!
 //! One template document produces many variants: bind a type object to a `text`
-//! variable and anything to a `visibility` variable, put a row of values in each
-//! dataset, and `dataset.select` swaps the whole document to that row in one undo
-//! step. Agents reach every command through `run_command`, like all engine commands.
+//! variable, anything to a `visibility` variable, and a linked image to an `image`
+//! variable, put a row of values in each dataset, and `dataset.select` swaps the
+//! whole document to that row in one undo step. Agents reach every command through
+//! `run_command`, like all engine commands.
 
 use std::collections::{BTreeMap, BTreeSet};
 
@@ -50,7 +51,8 @@ fn names_param(p: &Value, cmd: &str, fallback: Option<String>, nothing: &str) ->
 }
 
 /// Refuse what a variable of `kind` can't drive: art that is locked or on a hidden or locked
-/// layer is not the document's to rewrite, and a text variable only drives type.
+/// layer is not the document's to rewrite; a text variable only drives type; an image variable
+/// only drives an image object.
 fn check_bindable(doc: &vectorcraft_doc::Document, ids: &[NodeId], kind: VariableKind, cmd: &str) -> Result<()> {
     for id in ids {
         match doc.node(*id) {
@@ -59,6 +61,9 @@ fn check_bindable(doc: &vectorcraft_doc::Document, ids: &[NodeId], kind: Variabl
             Some(n) if kind == VariableKind::Text && !matches!(n.kind, NodeKind::Text(_)) => {
                 return Err(bad(cmd, format!("node {} is not type", id.0)));
             }
+            Some(n) if kind == VariableKind::Image && !matches!(n.kind, NodeKind::Image(_)) => {
+                return Err(bad(cmd, format!("node {} is not an image", id.0)));
+            }
             Some(_) => {}
         }
     }
@@ -83,6 +88,8 @@ fn dataset_value(cmd: &str, var: &str, kind: VariableKind, v: &Value) -> Result<
     match kind {
         VariableKind::Text => v.as_str().map(|t| DataValue::Text(t.to_string())),
         VariableKind::Visibility => v.as_bool().map(DataValue::Visible),
+        // An image value is a path string; empty is not a file to open.
+        VariableKind::Image => v.as_str().map(str::trim).filter(|t| !t.is_empty()).map(|t| DataValue::Image(t.to_string())),
     }
     .ok_or_else(|| bad(cmd, format!("value for `{var}` must match its variable kind")))
 }
@@ -104,7 +111,7 @@ fn values_param(vars: &Variables, p: &Value, cmd: &str) -> Result<BTreeMap<Strin
 fn define(s: &mut Session, p: &Value) -> Result<Value> {
     const C: &str = "variable.define";
     let name = var_name(p, C)?;
-    let kind = str_param(p, "kind").and_then(VariableKind::parse).ok_or_else(|| bad(C, "`kind` must be `text` or `visibility`"))?;
+    let kind = str_param(p, "kind").and_then(VariableKind::parse).ok_or_else(|| bad(C, "`kind` must be `text`, `visibility` or `image`"))?;
     if s.doc()?.doc.variables.variable(&name).is_some() {
         return Err(bad(C, format!("variable `{name}` is already defined")));
     }
@@ -147,7 +154,7 @@ fn rename(s: &mut Session, p: &Value) -> Result<Value> {
     Ok(json!({"from": from, "name": to}))
 }
 
-/// Make Text Dynamic / Make Visibility Dynamic: define a variable of that kind and bind the
+/// Make Text / Visibility / Image Dynamic: define a variable of that kind and bind the
 /// selection to it in one step, naming it after what it drives — the panel's buttons.
 fn make_dynamic(s: &mut Session, kind: VariableKind, stem: &str) -> Result<Value> {
     // Errors name the command that ran: `variable.make{stem}Dynamic`.
@@ -463,6 +470,8 @@ fn apply_dataset(s: &mut Session, name: &str) -> Result<Value> {
                     n.visible = *show;
                     true
                 }),
+                // Swap the linked file; keep the object's bounds. A missing path skips.
+                (VariableKind::Image, DataValue::Image(path)) => links::set_image_from_path(d, id, path).is_ok(),
                 _ => false,
             };
             if done {
@@ -502,7 +511,15 @@ fn dataset_step(s: &mut Session, cmd: &str, forward: bool) -> Result<Value> {
 
 pub fn specs() -> Vec<CommandSpec> {
     vec![
-        cmd!("variable.define", "New Variable…", ["Window", "Variables"], None, "{name, kind: text|visibility} define a variable", has_doc, define),
+        cmd!(
+            "variable.define",
+            "New Variable…",
+            ["Window", "Variables"],
+            None,
+            "{name, kind: text|visibility|image} define a variable",
+            has_doc,
+            define
+        ),
         cmd!(
             "variable.delete",
             "Delete Variable",
@@ -540,12 +557,21 @@ pub fn specs() -> Vec<CommandSpec> {
             has_selection,
             |s, _| make_dynamic(s, VariableKind::Visibility, "Visibility")
         ),
+        cmd!(
+            "variable.makeImageDynamic",
+            "Make Image Dynamic",
+            ["Window", "Variables"],
+            None,
+            "{} define an image variable over the selection, named after it and bound to it",
+            has_selection,
+            |s, _| make_dynamic(s, VariableKind::Image, "Image")
+        ),
         cmd!(
             "variable.bind",
             "Bind Variable",
             ["Window", "Variables"],
             None,
-            "{variable, ids?} bind objects (default: the selection) to a variable; text needs type, locked art is refused. An object may hold several variables, and binding it to one it already has changes nothing → {bound, already}",
+            "{variable, ids?} bind objects (default: the selection) to a variable; text needs type, image needs an image object, locked art is refused. An object may hold several variables, and binding it to one it already has changes nothing → {bound, already}",
             has_doc,
             bind
         ),

crates/engine/src/tests_variables.rs

@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@
 use serde_json::{Value, json};
 use vectorcraft_doc::NodeId;
 
+use super::tests_links::{BLUE, Folder, RED, bounds, image, place, png, write};
 use super::*;
 
 fn session() -> Session {
@@ -827,3 +828,52 @@ fn ids_and_names_from_an_agent_are_checked() {
     assert!(s.execute("variable.delete", &json!({"names": []})).is_err());
     assert!(s.execute("variable.delete", &json!({"names": [5]})).is_err());
 }
+
+/// Image variables swap the linked file and keep the object's bounds; capture records the path.
+#[test]
+fn image_datasets_swap_pixels_and_keep_bounds() {
+    let dir = Folder::new("vars-image");
+    let red_path = dir.file("red.png");
+    let blue_path = dir.file("blue.png");
+    write(&red_path, &png(40, 30, RED));
+    write(&blue_path, &png(80, 60, BLUE));
+
+    let mut s = session();
+    let id = place(&mut s, &red_path);
+    let before = bounds(&s, id);
+
+    s.execute("variable.define", &json!({"name": "Photo", "kind": "image"})).unwrap();
+    s.execute("variable.bind", &json!({"variable": "Photo", "ids": [id.0]})).unwrap();
+    // A text object can't take an image variable; a path must be a non-empty string.
+    let t = text(&mut s, "x");
+    assert!(s.execute("variable.bind", &json!({"variable": "Photo", "ids": [t.0]})).is_err());
+    assert!(s.execute("dataset.new", &json!({"name": "B", "values": {"Photo": ""}})).is_err());
+    assert!(s.execute("dataset.new", &json!({"name": "B", "values": {"Photo": true}})).is_err());
+
+    s.execute("dataset.new", &json!({"name": "Blue", "values": {"Photo": blue_path}})).unwrap();
+    let v = s.execute("dataset.select", &json!({"name": "Blue"})).unwrap();
+    assert_eq!((v["applied"].as_u64(), v["skipped"].as_u64()), (Some(1), Some(0)));
+    assert_eq!(image(&s, id).link.as_ref().map(|l| l.path.as_str()), Some(blue_path.as_str()));
+    assert_eq!(bounds(&s, id), before, "bounds stay when the file swaps");
+
+    // Capture records the path the art holds now; a missing file is skipped, not an abort.
+    s.execute("dataset.capture", &json!({"name": "Now"})).unwrap();
+    let sets = s.execute("dataset.list", &json!({})).unwrap();
+    let now = sets["datasets"].as_array().unwrap().iter().find(|d| d["name"] == "Now").unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(now["values"]["Photo"], json!({"image": blue_path}));
+
+    let gone = dir.file("gone.png");
+    s.execute("dataset.new", &json!({"name": "Missing", "values": {"Photo": gone}})).unwrap();
+    let skip = s.execute("dataset.select", &json!({"name": "Missing"})).unwrap();
+    assert_eq!((skip["applied"].as_u64(), skip["skipped"].as_u64()), (Some(0), Some(1)));
+    assert_eq!(image(&s, id).link.as_ref().map(|l| l.path.as_str()), Some(blue_path.as_str()));
+
+    // Make Image Dynamic: one step from a selection to a bound image variable.
+    let id2 = place(&mut s, &red_path);
+    s.execute("select.set", &json!({"ids": [id2.0]})).unwrap();
+    let made = s.execute("variable.makeImageDynamic", &json!({})).unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(made["kind"], "image");
+    assert_eq!(made["ids"], json!([id2.0]));
+    s.execute("select.set", &json!({"ids": [t.0]})).unwrap();
+    assert!(s.execute("variable.makeImageDynamic", &json!({})).is_err(), "type is not an image");
+}

crates/ui-egui/src/dialogs/variables.rs

@@ -3,8 +3,9 @@
 //!
 //! One dialog covers all of them: what it shows is what the command takes. A variable is a
 //! name and a kind; a dataset is a name and one field per variable — a text field for a
-//! `text` variable, a checkbox for a `visibility` one. `dataset.set` opens with the row's
-//! current values, so editing a row is editing what it already says.
+//! `text` or `image` variable (path for image), a checkbox for a `visibility` one.
+//! `dataset.set` opens with the row's current values, so editing a row is editing what it
+//! already says.
 
 use serde_json::{Value, json};
 use vectorcraft_doc::{DataValue, VariableKind, Variables};
@@ -19,11 +20,11 @@ use crate::widgets;
 pub const KIND: &str = "variables";
 
 /// The kinds a variable can have, as `variable.define` names them.
-const KINDS: [&str; 2] = ["text", "visibility"];
+const KINDS: [&str; 3] = ["text", "visibility", "image"];
 
 /// What the dialog shows for each of [`KINDS`].
-fn kind_labels() -> [&'static str; 2] {
-    [tl!("Text"), tl!("Visibility")]
+fn kind_labels() -> [&'static str; 3] {
+    [tl!("Text"), tl!("Visibility"), tl!("Image")]
 }
 
 pub(super) const SPEC: DialogSpec =
@@ -123,9 +124,10 @@ fn value_fields(vars: &Variables, current: Option<&std::collections::BTreeMap<St
         let value = match (current.and_then(|c| c.get(&v.name)), v.kind) {
             (Some(DataValue::Text(t)), _) => json!(t),
             (Some(DataValue::Visible(b)), _) => json!(b),
-            // Without a value in the row a text field starts empty (no value in this row) and
-            // a visibility one starts shown: its false is a value, so it is never "unset".
-            (None, VariableKind::Text) => json!(""),
+            (Some(DataValue::Image(p)), _) => json!(p),
+            // Without a value in the row a text/image field starts empty (no value in this row)
+            // and a visibility one starts shown: its false is a value, so it is never "unset".
+            (None, VariableKind::Text | VariableKind::Image) => json!(""),
             (None, VariableKind::Visibility) => json!(true),
         };
         out.insert(value_key(&v.name), value);
@@ -202,7 +204,7 @@ fn body(app: &mut VectorcraftApp, ui: &mut egui::Ui, d: &mut Dialog) -> bool {
                     label(ui, &v.name);
                     let key = value_key(&v.name);
                     match v.kind {
-                        VariableKind::Text => {
+                        VariableKind::Text | VariableKind::Image => {
                             text(ui, d, &key, 220.0);
                         }
                         VariableKind::Visibility => checkbox(ui, d, &key),
@@ -248,19 +250,22 @@ fn dropdown(ui: &mut egui::Ui, d: &mut Dialog, key: &str, options: &[&str], widt
     }
 }
 
-/// The `values` object the dialog's fields mean: a text variable whose field is empty carries
-/// no value in this row, and a visibility checkbox is always a value — its false, too.
+/// The `values` object the dialog's fields mean: a text or image variable whose field is empty
+/// carries no value in this row, and a visibility checkbox is always a value — its false, too.
 fn values_of(d: &Dialog, vars: &Variables) -> Value {
     let mut out = serde_json::Map::new();
     for v in &vars.variables {
         let key = value_key(&v.name);
-        if v.kind == VariableKind::Text {
-            let text = d.str(&key);
-            if !text.is_empty() {
-                out.insert(v.name.clone(), json!(text));
+        match v.kind {
+            VariableKind::Text | VariableKind::Image => {
+                let text = d.str(&key);
+                if !text.is_empty() {
+                    out.insert(v.name.clone(), json!(text));
+                }
+            }
+            VariableKind::Visibility => {
+                out.insert(v.name.clone(), json!(d.bool(&key)));
             }
-        } else {
-            out.insert(v.name.clone(), json!(d.bool(&key)));
         }
     }
     Value::Object(out)

crates/ui-egui/src/panels/variables.rs

@@ -72,13 +72,16 @@ struct Picked {
     selection_bound: bool,
     /// Make Text Dynamic needs exactly one type object: a text variable only drives type.
     single_type: bool,
+    /// Make Image Dynamic needs exactly one image object.
+    single_image: bool,
 }
 
 fn picked(st: &vectorcraft_engine::DocState) -> Picked {
     let selected: Vec<u64> = st.selection.objects.iter().map(|i| i.0).collect();
     let selection_bound = selected.iter().any(|id| st.doc.variables.bindings.contains_key(&NodeId(*id)));
     let single_type = matches!(selected.as_slice(), [one] if st.doc.node(NodeId(*one)).is_some_and(|n| matches!(n.kind, NodeKind::Text(_))));
-    Picked { has_selection: !selected.is_empty(), selected, selection_bound, single_type }
+    let single_image = matches!(selected.as_slice(), [one] if st.doc.node(NodeId(*one)).is_some_and(|n| matches!(n.kind, NodeKind::Image(_))));
+    Picked { has_selection: !selected.is_empty(), selected, selection_bound, single_type, single_image }
 }
 
 /// Delete Variable: the highlighted variable only (the command's default); the rest stay.
@@ -128,7 +131,7 @@ pub fn show(app: &mut VectorcraftApp, ui: &mut Ui) {
         })
         .collect();
     let active = sets.iter().find(|s| s.active);
-    let Picked { selected, has_selection, selection_bound, single_type } = picked(st);
+    let Picked { selected, has_selection, selection_bound, single_type, single_image } = picked(st);
     let highlighted = highlighted_row(st);
 
     // The current data set across the top: its name, and the arrows that step through them.
@@ -163,6 +166,7 @@ pub fn show(app: &mut VectorcraftApp, ui: &mut Ui) {
             let icon = match row.kind {
                 VariableKind::Text => "type",
                 VariableKind::Visibility => "eye",
+                VariableKind::Image => "image",
             };
             ui.add(egui::Image::new(crate::icons::source(icon)).fit_to_exact_size(egui::vec2(14.0, 14.0)));
             // The object a variable drives is named beside it, as the reference panel does.
@@ -205,6 +209,9 @@ pub fn show(app: &mut VectorcraftApp, ui: &mut Ui) {
         if widgets::icon_button_enabled(ui, "eye", tl!("Make Visibility Dynamic"), false, has_selection, 24.0).clicked() {
             app.run("variable.makeVisibilityDynamic", json!({})).ok();
         }
+        if widgets::icon_button_enabled(ui, "image", tl!("Make Image Dynamic"), false, single_image, 24.0).clicked() {
+            app.run("variable.makeImageDynamic", json!({})).ok();
+        }
         if widgets::icon_button(ui, "plus", tl!("New Variable…"), false, 24.0).clicked() {
             crate::menus::invoke(app, "variable.define", json!({}));
         }
@@ -239,7 +246,7 @@ pub fn menu(app: &mut VectorcraftApp, ui: &mut Ui) {
     let bound: Vec<u64> = st.doc.variables.bindings.keys().map(|i| i.0).collect();
     let highlighted = highlighted_row(st);
     let highlighted_bound: Vec<u64> = highlighted.as_ref().map(|h| bound_objects(st, h)).unwrap_or_default();
-    let Picked { selected, has_selection, selection_bound, single_type } = picked(st);
+    let Picked { selected, has_selection, selection_bound, single_type, single_image } = picked(st);
 
     if widgets::menu_item(ui, tl!("New Variable…"), true, false) {
         crate::menus::invoke(app, "variable.define", json!({}));
@@ -255,6 +262,9 @@ pub fn menu(app: &mut VectorcraftApp, ui: &mut Ui) {
     if widgets::menu_item(ui, tl!("Make Visibility Dynamic"), has_selection, false) {
         app.run("variable.makeVisibilityDynamic", json!({})).ok();
     }
+    if widgets::menu_item(ui, tl!("Make Image Dynamic"), single_image, false) {
+        app.run("variable.makeImageDynamic", json!({})).ok();
+    }
     if widgets::menu_item(ui, tl!("Unbind Variable"), selection_bound, false) {
         app.run("variable.unbind", json!({"ids": selected})).ok();
     }

docs/gaps.md

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 # Gaps
 
-> **Last reviewed:** 2026-10-10 · **Last updated:** 2026-10-15 · **Change:** minor (Warp Options controls verified by focused checks and original-image review; estimates unchanged; existing-guide Escape cancellation validated 2026-10-14; scores and hours unchanged; open-path anchor Delete keeps surviving runs separate; estimates unchanged; Artboard tab-switch follow-up historically validated on `a0671777`; scores and hours unchanged; Artboard clean active-tab close/Delete follow-up validated 2026-10-15; G13: Object › Intertwine landed, #1763; no entry closed, estimates unchanged; MCP `add_text` exposes the existing `vertical` option for point, area and path type; horizontal remains the default; scores and hours unchanged; Vertical fullwidth question and exclamation marks keep their nominal glyph upright when the font has no vertical alternate; scores and hours unchanged.; G1: Curvature curve geometry, #1236 in part; Width-point finite-arithmetic follow-up validated; scores and hours unchanged; Image Trace adjustment discovery; G9: legacy `.ai` of version 7 saved with type as text and hidden objects kept, legacy type read, #868; estimate unchanged; Revolve: automatic smooth shading and default-on Cap with continuous rims; later 2026-10-14: G8 untrusted files, #1852, #1862–#1873; G11 anchor X/Y/W/H, #1824, Snap to Grid over Snap to Pixel, #1816, redo during a drag, #1719, Dim Images, #1683, failed-save dialog, #1685; gaps noted for reporters: G1 Warp Options for Effect › Warp, #1760, Color Picker Tab order, #1692, key anchor, #1636; G7 custom toolbars, #1759, workspace panel widths, #1753; G11 Shape Builder gaps between closed shapes, #1691, interior anchor delete; G13 Intertwine, #1763, gradient mesh from an image, #1676, Image Trace radial gradients, #1849; G12 duplicated line removed; no entry closed, estimates unchanged; verified PngSuite downloads, #1729; synthetic control-input budgets, #1709; 2026-10-14 fixes: G11 anchor Align and Distribute, #1636, Delete and selection, #1674, #1666, #1743, #1686, Roughen and Scribble, #1643, #1648; G8 file and input hardening, #1776–#1783, #1786, #1807; G10 Wayland cursors and the Windows title bar, unconfirmed, #1645, #1758; no entry closed, estimates unchanged; later 2026-10-13 fixes, #1570, #1578, #1590, #1613, #1615, #1616, #1620 in part, #1602 in part; no entry closed, estimates unchanged; TIFF is available in Export for Screens and Asset Export with shared format settings; scores and hours unchanged; G1/M11: Artboard deletion and history selection normalization; history regressions and full workspace CI pass; scores and hours unchanged; Character styles retain explicit Auto leading, propagate resets and preserve local leading overrides; scores and hours unchanged; Width Point Edit: Shift-double-click enables adjoining adjustment; plain double-click keeps it off; scores and hours unchanged; G12: Identify Objects By acts, #394; ~16 → ~15 prefs still inert; G12: Appearance of Black › Printing / Exporting acts, #394; ~16 → ~15 prefs still inert; control transport deadlines, #1726; G1: Average and Join in one step with a corner or smooth choice added as missing (it was listed as done in ui-parity.md); Join after Average, #1533; guide objects, #1534; Keyboard Shortcuts, #1539; G9 and G11 fixes, #1528, #1530, #1544, #1553, #1512, #1537; estimates unchanged; Direct Selection anchor precedence, #1508; dialog slider rails, #1483; template layers in Outline view, #1486; Tabs panel stop drags, #1458; type that does not fit its frame is reported, #1471; 3D on outlined type, #1481, Twist range, #1524, twisted walls, #1525; print-size images, #1517; French catalog, #1511; estimates unchanged; G1: Split Into Grid options, #1462, Transform Objects and Reflect's angle, #1448 and #1460, Pathfinder on a group, #1450, value fields, #1457 and #1465 in part; G9: grayscale TIFFs with alpha, #1466 in part; G6: unknown parameter keys refused, #1442; G10: window surfaces past 8192 px, #1459 in part; G15: many-object edits, #1429 in part; estimates unchanged; G16: Vietnamese catalog added, complete under the tests; three key languages remain, 60–100 → 55–90 h; G3: Extrude & Bevel, Inflate and Rotate added, 45–75 → 25–45 h; G9: `.ai` compound path paint, #1410, overprint kept on import, #1388, text-only PDF parts, #1387; G1: Transform dialogs preview, #1412, transforms of direct-selected anchors, #1408, corner drags, #1229; G11: strokes wider than their shape, #1396; estimates unchanged; G9: `.ai` editing-data follow-ups (gradient stops, type placement, short area-type frames), #1390, #1391, #1392; G15: symbol instance art kept between frames, #1386; G1: dialog keyboard focus, #1367 and #1395; estimates unchanged; G9: placed (linked) files read from `.ai` editing data, #1264; G9: gradient shapes import as paths, #1304, and white constant alpha masks, #1286 in part; G15: linear deselect on hide or lock, #1353; estimates unchanged; G7: custom ruler origin done, #Line truncated
+> **Last reviewed:** 2026-10-10 · **Last updated:** 2026-10-15 · **Change:** minor (G6: image variables landed, estimate 8–14 → 6–12 h; Warp Options controls verified by focused checks and original-image review; estimates unchanged; existing-guide Escape cancellation validated 2026-10-14; scores and hours unchanged; open-path anchor Delete keeps surviving runs separate; estimates unchanged; Artboard tab-switch follow-up historically validated on `a0671777`; scores and hours unchanged; Artboard clean active-tab close/Delete follow-up validated 2026-10-15; G13: Object › Intertwine landed, #1763; no entry closed, estimates unchanged; MCP `add_text` exposes the existing `vertical` option for point, area and path type; horizontal remains the default; scores and hours unchanged; Vertical fullwidth question and exclamation marks keep their nominal glyph upright when the font has no vertical alternate; scores and hours unchanged.; G1: Curvature curve geometry, #1236 in part; Width-point finite-arithmetic follow-up validated; scores and hours unchanged; Image Trace adjustment discovery; G9: legacy `.ai` of version 7 saved with type as text and hidden objects kept, legacy type read, #868; estimate unchanged; Revolve: automatic smooth shading and default-on Cap with continuous rims; later 2026-10-14: G8 untrusted files, #1852, #1862–#1873; G11 anchor X/Y/W/H, #1824, Snap to Grid over Snap to Pixel, #1816, redo during a drag, #1719, Dim Images, #1683, failed-save dialog, #1685; gaps noted for reporters: G1 Warp Options for Effect › Warp, #1760, Color Picker Tab order, #1692, key anchor, #1636; G7 custom toolbars, #1759, workspace panel widths, #1753; G11 Shape Builder gaps between closed shapes, #1691, interior anchor delete; G13 Intertwine, #1763, gradient mesh from an image, #1676, Image Trace radial gradients, #1849; G12 duplicated line removed; no entry closed, estimates unchanged; verified PngSuite downloads, #1729; synthetic control-input budgets, #1709; 2026-10-14 fixes: G11 anchor Align and Distribute, #1636, Delete and selection, #1674, #1666, #1743, #1686, Roughen and Scribble, #1643, #1648; G8 file and input hardening, #1776–#1783, #1786, #1807; G10 Wayland cursors and the Windows title bar, unconfirmed, #1645, #1758; no entry closed, estimates unchanged; later 2026-10-13 fixes, #1570, #1578, #1590, #1613, #1615, #1616, #1620 in part, #1602 in part; no entry closed, estimates unchanged; TIFF is available in Export for Screens and Asset Export with shared format settings; scores and hours unchanged; G1/M11: Artboard deletion and history selection normalization; history regressions and full workspace CI pass; scores and hours unchanged; Character styles retain explicit Auto leading, propagate resets and preserve local leading overrides; scores and hours unchanged; Width Point Edit: Shift-double-click enables adjoining adjustment; plain double-click keeps it off; scores and hours unchanged; G12: Identify Objects By acts, #394; ~16 → ~15 prefs still inert; G12: Appearance of Black › Printing / Exporting acts, #394; ~16 → ~15 prefs still inert; control transport deadlines, #1726; G1: Average and Join in one step with a corner or smooth choice added as missing (it was listed as done in ui-parity.md); Join after Average, #1533; guide objects, #1534; Keyboard Shortcuts, #1539; G9 and G11 fixes, #1528, #1530, #1544, #1553, #1512, #1537; estimates unchanged; Direct Selection anchor precedence, #1508; dialog slider rails, #1483; template layers in Outline view, #1486; Tabs panel stop drags, #1458; type that does not fit its frame is reported, #1471; 3D on outlined type, #1481, Twist range, #1524, twisted walls, #1525; print-size images, #1517; French catalog, #1511; estimates unchanged; G1: Split Into Grid options, #1462, Transform Objects and Reflect's angle, #1448 and #1460, Pathfinder on a group, #1450, value fields, #1457 and #1465 in part; G9: grayscale TIFFs with alpha, #1466 in part; G6: unknown parameter keys refused, #1442; G10: window surfaces past 8192 px, #1459 in part; G15: many-object edits, #1429 in part; estimates unchanged; G16: Vietnamese catalog added, complete under the tests; three key languages remain, 60–100 → 55–90 h; G3: Extrude & Bevel, Inflate and Rotate added, 45–75 → 25–45 h; G9: `.ai` compound path paint, #1410, overprint kept on import, #1388, text-only PDF parts, #1387; G1: Transform dialogs preview, #1412, transforms of direct-selected anchors, #1408, corner drags, #1229; G11: strokes wider than their shape, #1396; estimates unchanged; G9: `.ai` editing-data follow-ups (gradient stops, type placement, short area-type frames), #1390, #1391, #1392; G15: symbol instance art kept between frames, #1386; G1: dialog keyboard focus, #1367 and #1395; estimates unchanged; G9: placed (linked) files read from `.ai` editing data, #1264; G9: gradient shapes import as paths, #1304, and white constant alpha masks, #1286 in part; G15: linear deselect on hide or lock, #Line truncated
 
 Every known shortfall against Illustrator, one entry each, **ranked by how much it stops a professional from
 switching**. This is the work list: unless you were given a task, pick the highest-ranked gap you can make
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ stage ([ROADMAP.md](../ROADMAP.md)).
 | 11 | [G5 Brushes, symbols and libraries](#g5-brushes-symbols-and-libraries) | 16–27 | no | [target-app-parity.md](target-app-parity.md) |
 | 12 | [G3 3D and Materials](#g3-3d-and-materials) | 25–45 | no | [effects-parity.md](effects-parity.md) |
 | 13 | [G7 Views and windows](#g7-views-and-windows) | 15–25 | no | [ui-parity.md](ui-parity.md) |
-| 14 | [G6 Automation and scripting](#g6-automation-and-scripting) | 8–14 | no | [target-app-parity.md](target-app-parity.md) |
+| 14 | [G6 Automation and scripting](#g6-automation-and-scripting) | 6–12 | no | [target-app-parity.md](target-app-parity.md) |
 | 15 | [G15 Performance budgets and a GPU renderer](#g15-performance-budgets-and-a-gpu-renderer) | 15–25 | budgets only | [hardware-parity.md](hardware-parity.md) |
 | 16 | [G16 Localization: the three missing key languages](#g16-localization-the-three-missing-key-languages) | 55–90 | no | [localization-parity.md](localization-parity.md) |
 | 17 | [G17 Ecosystem: third-party plug-ins](#g17-ecosystem-third-party-plug-ins) | 20–45 | no | — |
@@ -265,11 +265,13 @@ from G14 and the budget run of G15: **~170–270 h** one agent, ~50–80 h wall
 
 ## G6 Automation and scripting
 
+- **Missing:** a scripting surface over the command registry (Illustrator: JavaScript), Batch, graph variable
+  kinds, dataset import/export. Actions, Variables (text, visibility and image) and full agent control over
 - **Exposed in MCP:** `add_text {vertical: true}` uses the existing vertical point, area and path type commands. Horizontal writing remains the default; the broader automation gap and estimate are unchanged.
 - **Missing:** a scripting surface over the command registry (Illustrator: JavaScript), Batch, image and graph
   variable kinds, dataset import/export. Actions, Variables (text and visibility) and full agent control over
   MCP are done.
-- **Estimate:** 8–14 h.
+- **Estimate:** 6–12 h.
 
 ## G15 Performance budgets and a GPU renderer
 
@@ -317,6 +319,7 @@ from G14 and the budget run of G15: **~170–270 h** one agent, ~50–80 h wall
 
 | Date | Change | Summary |
 |---|---|---|
+| 2026-10-14 | minor | G6: image variables (`VariableKind::Image`, `variable.makeImageDynamic`, path values on `dataset.select` keeping bounds); remaining: scripting surface, Batch, graph variables, dataset import/export; estimate 8–14 → 6–12 h |
 | 2026-10-14 | minor | Effect > Warp: style, orientation and percent controls; focused checks passed and original captures reviewed; scores and hours unchanged |
 | 2026-10-14 | minor | G11: open-path anchor Delete removes adjoining segments without bridging the gap; explicit Remove Anchors keeps its reconnect/refit behavior. Scores and hours unchanged. |
 | 2026-10-15 | minor | G13: Object › Intertwine (#1763): Make, Edit, Release, the Intertwine tool (hover, click, drawn path) and `object.intertwine.arrange` (toggle, front, back). Bring Forward / Send Backward stay missing; adding objects through the Layers panel is untested. No entry closed, estimates unchanged |

docs/mcp.md

@@ -986,9 +986,9 @@ already walks Image Trace. Short agent entry points:
   `symbol.replace`, `symbol.edit`, `symbol.duplicate`, `symbol.selectInstances {name}`.
 - Brushes: `brush.list`, `brush.get {name}`, `brush.apply {name, ids?}`, `brush.new {type, name?, params?, ids?}`,
   `brush.setCurrent {name}`, `brush.options {name, params?}`, `brush.freehand`, `object.expandBrush {ids?}`.
-- Variables: `variable.list`, `variable.define {name, kind: text|visibility}`, `variable.bind {variable, ids?}`,
-  `variable.makeTextDynamic`, `variable.makeVisibilityDynamic`, `variable.unbind`, `dataset.new` / `dataset.set` /
-  `dataset.select`.
+- Variables: `variable.list`, `variable.define {name, kind: text|visibility|image}`, `variable.bind {variable, ids?}`,
+  `variable.makeTextDynamic`, `variable.makeVisibilityDynamic`, `variable.makeImageDynamic`, `variable.unbind`,
+  `dataset.new` / `dataset.set` / `dataset.select` (image values are file path strings; apply keeps object bounds).
 - Image Trace: `imageTrace.presets`, `imageTrace.make {id?, preset?, params?, view?}` (or `imageTrace.makeAndExpand`),
   `imageTrace.setView`, `imageTrace.expand`, `imageTrace.release`.
 

docs/target-app-parity.md

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 # Parity with Adobe Illustrator
 
-> **Last reviewed:** 2026-10-10 · **Last updated:** 2026-10-14 · **Change:** minor (Warp Options controls verified by focused checks and original-image review; estimates unchanged; G11: Asset Export Art Optimized seam (#983 / #1037) and supersampled thumbs; Export for Screens 85% → 90%; existing-guide Escape cancellation validated 2026-10-14; scores and hours unchanged; open-path anchor Delete keeps surviving runs separate; estimates unchanged; PDF.R1: shared PDF reader with windowed content scanning and explicit incomplete-content errors; scores and estimates unchanged; PDF.W1: guarded shared PDF writer; output behavior, scores and estimates unchanged; Artboard tab-switch follow-up historically validated on `a0671777`; scores and hours unchanged; Artboard clean active-tab close/Delete follow-up validated 2026-10-15; later 2026-10-14 merges: anchor X/Y/W/H, #1824; Snap to Grid over Snap to Pixel, #1816; toolbar and All Tools, #1751; Actions panel selection, #1629 in part; redo during a drag, #1719; preferences written on OK, #1747; type in symbols after reopening, #1738; macOS save sheets, #1855, the Format menu withdrawn; stroke outlines shared, #1667; untrusted files, #1852, #1862–#1873; failed-save dialog, #1685; effects, #1864, Dim Images, #1683; duplicated rows of the 2026-10-05 table noted for the owner; scores unchanged; Image Trace: Shapes rework, stroke caps, enhanced presets, gradients over noise, measured in `image-trace-quality.md`, score unchanged; verified PngSuite downloads, #1729; synthetic control-input budgets, #1709; 2026-10-14 merges: anchor Align and Distribute, #1636; Direct Selection and Delete fixes, #1674, #1666, #1743; Escape while typing, #1686; Pen clicks, #1663; Expand on repeats, #1756; Roughen and Scribble, #1643, #1648; file and input hardening, #1776–#1783, #1786, #1807; MCP limits and envelope, #1727, #1728; Image Trace levelling and Flat Logo on scans, #1647, #1657; scores unchanged; later 2026-10-13 merges: SVG import, #1565, #1596, #1568, #1598, #1601; type on a path from PDF and `.ai`, #1585, #1586; ICC tag alignment, #1584; saves, #1620 in part; Warp Arc, #1578; Zig Zag, #1558; Pathfinder strokes, #1570; OpenType features, #1607; intersect Smart Guides, #1602 in part; a guide's position in the Transform panel, #1597 in part, a convenience with no parity claim; scores unchanged; TIFF is available in Export for Screens and Asset Export with shared format settings; scores and hours unchanged; G1/M11: Artboard deletion and history selection normalization; history regressions and full workspace CI pass; scores and hours unchanged; Character styles retain explicit Auto leading, propagate resets and preserve local leading overrides; scores and hours unchanged; Width Point Edit: Shift-double-click enables adjoining adjustment; plain double-click keeps it off; scores and hours unchanged; Units › Identify Objects By (`identifyObjectsBy`) acts on Layers, Variables and Layer Options, #394, scores unchanged; Appearance of Black › Printing / Exporting (`blackOutput`) acts on RGB raster export and Print as Bitmap, #394, scores unchanged; per-corner radius fields with a link toggle, split from #1594; control transport deadlines, #1726; Color panel: the mode picked last comes back after a restart, #1675; Image Trace: shared edges, memory, thin lines, strokes, corners, and the Shapes, Auto Grouping and Gradients options, measured in `image-trace-quality.md`, score unchanged; 2026-10-13 merges: Polish interface, #1498; compact native saves, #1492; PDF and EPS paste as vector art, #1499; import fixes for `.ai`, PDF, EPS and SVG, #1528, #1530, #1531, #1544, #1551, #1553; guide objects, #1534; Join after Average, #1533; Keyboard Shortcuts lists commands outside the menus, #1539; correction: Average and Join with a corner or smooth choice is missing; scores unchanged; late 2026-10-12 merges: type that does not fit its frame is reported, #1471; Tabs panel drags, #1458; template layers in Outline view, #1486; dialog slider rails, #1483; Direct Selection anchor precedence, #1508; print-size images, #1517; 3D on outlined type, #1481; French catalog, #1511; scores unchanged; Split Into Grid options, #1462; Transform Objects and Reflect across an angle, #1448 and #1460; Pathfinder panel on a group, #1450; unknown parameter keys refused, #1442; grayscale TIFFs with alpha, #1466 in part; Localization: Vietnamese catalog added, 63% → 71%, hours 60–100 → 55–90, full readiness unchanged at ~62%; scores and hours unchanged; Image Trace places edges to a fraction of a pixel in every mode, measured in `image-trace-quality.md`, score unchanged; 3D and Materials: Extrude & Bevel, Inflate and Rotate added, 3D ~8% → ~25% (estimated), menu stubs 25 → 22; Affinity text frames too short for their first line show it, #1423; Transform dialogs preview, #1412, and the transform tools and commands act on direct-selected anchors, #1408; `.ai` compound path paint, #1410; strokes wider than theiLine truncated
+> **Last reviewed:** 2026-10-10 · **Last updated:** 2026-10-14 · **Change:** minor (G6 image variables: Automation ~60% → ~62% / detail ~65% → ~68%, hours lowered; Warp Options controls verified by focused checks and original-image review; estimates unchanged; G11: Asset Export Art Optimized seam (#983 / #1037) and supersampled thumbs; Export for Screens 85% → 90%; existing-guide Escape cancellation validated 2026-10-14; scores and hours unchanged; open-path anchor Delete keeps surviving runs separate; estimates unchanged; PDF.R1: shared PDF reader with windowed content scanning and explicit incomplete-content errors; scores and estimates unchanged; PDF.W1: guarded shared PDF writer; output behavior, scores and estimates unchanged; Artboard tab-switch follow-up historically validated on `a0671777`; scores and hours unchanged; Artboard clean active-tab close/Delete follow-up validated 2026-10-15; later 2026-10-14 merges: anchor X/Y/W/H, #1824; Snap to Grid over Snap to Pixel, #1816; toolbar and All Tools, #1751; Actions panel selection, #1629 in part; redo during a drag, #1719; preferences written on OK, #1747; type in symbols after reopening, #1738; macOS save sheets, #1855, the Format menu withdrawn; stroke outlines shared, #1667; untrusted files, #1852, #1862–#1873; failed-save dialog, #1685; effects, #1864, Dim Images, #1683; duplicated rows of the 2026-10-05 table noted for the owner; scores unchanged; Image Trace: Shapes rework, stroke caps, enhanced presets, gradients over noise, measured in `image-trace-quality.md`, score unchanged; verified PngSuite downloads, #1729; synthetic control-input budgets, #1709; 2026-10-14 merges: anchor Align and Distribute, #1636; Direct Selection and Delete fixes, #1674, #1666, #1743; Escape while typing, #1686; Pen clicks, #1663; Expand on repeats, #1756; Roughen and Scribble, #1643, #1648; file and input hardening, #1776–#1783, #1786, #1807; MCP limits and envelope, #1727, #1728; Image Trace levelling and Flat Logo on scans, #1647, #1657; scores unchanged; later 2026-10-13 merges: SVG import, #1565, #1596, #1568, #1598, #1601; type on a path from PDF and `.ai`, #1585, #1586; ICC tag alignment, #1584; saves, #1620 in part; Warp Arc, #1578; Zig Zag, #1558; Pathfinder strokes, #1570; OpenType features, #1607; intersect Smart Guides, #1602 in part; a guide's position in the Transform panel, #1597 in part, a convenience with no parity claim; scores unchanged; TIFF is available in Export for Screens and Asset Export with shared format settings; scores and hours unchanged; G1/M11: Artboard deletion and history selection normalization; history regressions and full workspace CI pass; scores and hours unchanged; Character styles retain explicit Auto leading, propagate resets and preserve local leading overrides; scores and hours unchanged; Width Point Edit: Shift-double-click enables adjoining adjustment; plain double-click keeps it off; scores and hours unchanged; Units › Identify Objects By (`identifyObjectsBy`) acts on Layers, Variables and Layer Options, #394, scores unchanged; Appearance of Black › Printing / Exporting (`blackOutput`) acts on RGB raster export and Print as Bitmap, #394, scores unchanged; per-corner radius fields with a link toggle, split from #1594; control transport deadlines, #1726; Color panel: the mode picked last comes back after a restart, #1675; Image Trace: shared edges, memory, thin lines, strokes, corners, and the Shapes, Auto Grouping and Gradients options, measured in `image-trace-quality.md`, score unchanged; 2026-10-13 merges: Polish interface, #1498; compact native saves, #1492; PDF and EPS paste as vector art, #1499; import fixes for `.ai`, PDF, EPS and SVG, #1528, #1530, #1531, #1544, #1551, #1553; guide objects, #1534; Join after Average, #1533; Keyboard Shortcuts lists commands outside the menus, #1539; correction: Average and Join with a corner or smooth choice is missing; scores unchanged; late 2026-10-12 merges: type that does not fit its frame is reported, #1471; Tabs panel drags, #1458; template layers in Outline view, #1486; dialog slider rails, #1483; Direct Selection anchor precedence, #1508; print-size images, #1517; 3D on outlined type, #1481; French catalog, #1511; scores unchanged; Split Into Grid options, #1462; Transform Objects and Reflect across an angle, #1448 and #1460; Pathfinder panel on a group, #1450; unknown parameter keys refused, #1442; grayscale TIFFs with alpha, #1466 in part; Localization: Vietnamese catalog added, 63% → 71%, hours 60–100 → 55–90, full readiness unchanged at ~62%; scores and hours unchanged; Image Trace places edges to a fraction of a pixel in every mode, measured in `image-trace-quality.md`, score unchanged; 3D and Materials: Extrude & Bevel, Inflate and Rotate added, 3D ~8% → ~25% (estimated), menu stubs 25 → 22; Affinity text frames too short for their first line show it, #1423; Transform dialogs preview, #1412, and the transform tools and commands act on direcLine truncated
 
 The authoritative parity assessment. [`ROADMAP.md`](../ROADMAP.md) summarizes it; [`gaps.md`](gaps.md) is
 the work list made from it. Deep areas have their own checklists: [UI and interaction](ui-parity.md),
@@ -89,6 +89,7 @@ dominate; 3D, graphs and automation are specialist). They sum to 105. Feature de
 | Guides, grids, smart guides, snapping, rulers | 3 | 80% | 30.0's tangent and perpendicular snapping and its snapping panel, "intersect" smart guides for a moved selection's anchors (drawn points and dragged anchors snap to intersections, #1658), global/artboard ruler mode switch and video rulers, distance readouts while drawing | 4–7 | estimated (lowered from 85%: target moved); new ruler-guide Alt orientation implemented |
 | Export for Screens, Asset Export, slices, Save for Web | 3 | 85% | anti-aliasing ghost borders (#983); TIFF choices and settings are implemented | 2–4 | estimated |
 | Print, colour management, separations, flattener | 3 | 80% | print preview fidelity | 2–4 | estimated |
+| Automation (Actions, Variables, scripting, batch) | 3 | 62% | a scripting surface (Illustrator: JavaScript/ExtendScript), Batch, graph variables, dataset import/export | 6–12 | estimated |
 | Automation (Actions, Variables, scripting, batch) | 3 | 60% | a scripting surface (Illustrator: JavaScript/ExtendScript), Batch, image and graph variables, dataset import/export | 8–14 | estimated; MCP `add_text` exposes existing vertical type; score and hours unchanged |
 | UI chrome (panels, Properties, workspaces, preferences) | 6 | 80% | Properties per context, ~16 Preferences options stored but unused (#394), panels outside the window, SVG Interactivity, context menus beyond the canvas, accessibility | 13–20 | estimated; macOS save Format menu implemented (#866), score and hours unchanged; Eyedropper cursor and precise setting checked (#1269), OS visual QA unverified; numeric-field focus and normal text drags regression-tested (#1326, in part); movements below the click threshold still select all; artboard navigation synchronizes the tool selection before destructive actions |
 | Libraries, Links, Package | 2 | 82% | shared libraries, linked graphics, gradients and patterns as library items (no cloud by design) | 2–3 | estimated |
@@ -335,6 +336,7 @@ about 1–1.5 agent-hours each, so the other rows (estimated on the older scale)
 | File formats | 6 | 85% | Affinity export, and the rest of Affinity import (effects, adjustments, brushes, master pages, live symbol instances), DWG (no open spec: DXF instead), PSD placement as layers (Photoshop Import Options; the merged image is done), EPS checked against more real files users send (Inkscape files open as vectors; other generators' constructs are tested with programs written from the PostScript Language Reference only; CID-keyed CJK type and `CCITTFaxDecode` images not read), legacy `.ai` files saved without the prolog that defines their operators (their own operator set isn't read yet), the rest of Illustrator's editing data (appearances and live effects, symbols, pattern fills, brushes, placed files: #637), the remaining fidelity polish; EPS, DXF, EMF/WMF, TIFF, BMP, Targa, PSD export, SVGZ, PDF security, PDF/X, PDF layers, presets and Affinity import are done | 6–10 (existing scope; Affinity export unestimated) |
 | Export for Screens, Asset Export, slices, Save for Web | 3 | 85% | polish only (all four are done) | 2–4 |
 | Print, colour management, separations, flattener | 3 | 80% | print preview fidelity (flattener presets in PDF and print, overprint in PDF and composite print, Print dialog, presets, PostScript, marks, separations, Print Tiling, print overprint/flattener/bitmap options and printer profile are done) | 1–2 |
+| Automation | 3 | 68% | scripting surface, batch (Variables: text/visibility/image variables bound to objects, an object may carry several, dataset rows applied in one undo step, panel and Window › Variables with dialogs; graph kinds and dataset import/export open) | 5–9 |
 | Automation | 3 | 65% | scripting surface, batch (MCP drops malformed app replies without replay; Variables: text/visibility variables bound to objects, an object may carry several, dataset rows applied in one undo step, panel and Window › Variables with dialogs; image/graph kinds and dataset import/export open) | 6–10 |
 | UI chrome (panels, contextual Properties, workspaces, prefs) | 6 | 80% | macOS native menu dismissal fixed (M14.8); Variables, Links, Asset Export, CSS Properties, Attributes and the canvas context menu are done; remaining: SVG Interactivity, Properties per context, Consolidate All Windows, floating panels outside the app window and docked into any group, context menus beyond the canvas, about 14 Preferences options stored but not yet acted on (#394: Highlight Alternate Glyphs, Open Documents As Tabs, Real-time Drawing, hyphenation language, devices…) | 13–20 |
 | Libraries, Links, Package | 2 | 82% | the Libraries panel is local only (no cloud by design: libraries are files on this machine) and has no shared libraries, linked graphics or gradients and patterns as items yet; its graphics, colours and text styles (#745) and its search, groups and library export/import as `.vclibrary` files (#926) are done; Links and Package are done; placed VectorCraft documents are done (linked by default, vectors in every output, previews, Break Link, Expand, Edit Original, refresh on save) | 2–3 |
@@ -411,7 +413,7 @@ Moved from the ROADMAP's "Shipped so far" on 2026-10-10. Update it when a featur
 - **Automation:**
   - Variables: Update Data Set writes what the art holds into the active data set for the variables that data set holds, and keeps the data set's value for a variable whose objects are locked or inside a hidden or locked layer or group; `dataset.update {all: true}` also adds the other variables that the art reports a value for.
   - Actions panel (record/playback, persisted), generic parameter dialogs for every "…" command.
-  - Variables (data merge): text and visibility variables bound to objects (an object may carry several), dataset rows applied in one undo step (`variable.*`, `dataset.*`) from a Variables panel and Window › Variables, with dialogs to define, bind and edit, Make Text/Visibility Dynamic, Capture/Update Data Set, and a row in italics when an edit leaves the art not matching it; bindings let go of deleted art and locked art is left alone; every command, like the rest, is drivable over MCP and the CLI.
+  - Variables (data merge): text, visibility and image variables bound to objects (an object may carry several), dataset rows applied in one undo step (`variable.*`, `dataset.*`) from a Variables panel and Window › Variables, with dialogs to define, bind and edit, Make Text/Visibility/Image Dynamic, Capture/Update Data Set, and a row in italics when an edit leaves the art not matching it; an image dataset value is a file path and apply keeps the object's bounds; bindings let go of deleted art and locked art is left alone; every command, like the rest, is drivable over MCP and the CLI.
   - JSON-lines control channel with real egui pointer and keyboard injection.
   - Synthetic input validates complete gestures before queue mutation: at most 256 drag steps, 16 clicks and 1,024 pending events; up to 64 control requests per frame, with later requests retained for the next frame (#1709).
   - The control server writes each reply through a 64 KiB buffer. On Windows 11 it sends the 17 MB `document.inspect` reply of a document with 50,000 objects on one layer to a client over loopback in 0.09 s instead of 34 s.
@@ -651,6 +653,7 @@ Moved from the ROADMAP's "Shipped so far" on 2026-10-10. Update it when a featur
 
 | Date | Change | Summary |
 |---|---|---|
+| 2026-10-14 | minor | Automation: image variables (`kind: image`, `variable.makeImageDynamic`, path values on datasets that keep object bounds); headline Automation ~60% → ~62%, detail ~65% → ~68%, hours 8–14 → 6–12 / 6–10 → 5–9 (estimated) |
 | 2026-10-14 | minor | Effect > Warp: style, orientation and percent controls; focused checks passed and original captures reviewed; scores and hours unchanged |
 | 2026-10-14 | minor | G11: open-path anchor Delete removes adjoining segments without bridging the gap; explicit Remove Anchors keeps its reconnect/refit behavior. Scores and hours unchanged. |
 | 2026-10-14 | minor | MCP `add_text` exposes the existing `vertical` option for point, area and path type; horizontal remains the default; scores and hours unchanged. |