Pre-consolidation snapshot: backends, steganalysis, platform presets, and WIP changes

Snapshot of all uncommitted work before merging stegasoo into soosef monorepo.
Includes: pluggable backends registry, steganalysis detection, platform presets,
and various in-progress modifications across core modules.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 (1M context) <noreply@anthropic.com>

.dockerignore

@@ -25,7 +25,6 @@ rpi/
 *.img.xz
 *.img.zst
 *.img.zst.zip
-pishrink.sh
 
 # Docs
 *.md

.github/workflows/release.yml

@@ -37,7 +37,8 @@ jobs:
   publish:
     needs: test  # Only run if tests pass
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    
+    environment: pypi
+
     # Required for PyPI trusted publishing (recommended)
     permissions:
       id-token: write

.github/workflows/test.yml

@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ jobs:
     strategy:
       fail-fast: false  # Don't cancel other jobs if one fails
       matrix:
-        python-version: ["3.10", "3.11", "3.12"]
+        python-version: ["3.11", "3.12", "3.13"]
     
     steps:
       # 1. Get the code

.gitignore

@@ -1,3 +1,6 @@
+# Embedded repos (AUR packaging)
+aur-cli-upload/
+
 # Python
 __pycache__/
 *.py[cod]
@@ -64,9 +67,13 @@ htmlcov/
 # Output test files.
 test_data/*.png
 
-# Dev scripts (local convenience scripts - except validate-release.sh)
+# Dev scripts (local convenience scripts - except these)
 scripts/*
 !scripts/validate-release.sh
+!scripts/smoke-test.sh
+!scripts/setup-trusted-certs.sh
+!scripts/screenshots.sh
+!scripts/build.sh
 
 # Web UI auth database and SSL certs
 instance/
@@ -80,8 +87,8 @@ tests/
 *.img
 *.img.xz
 *.img.zst
-pishrink.sh
 *.img.zst.zip
+rpi/tools/pishrink.sh
 
 # Temp file storage
 frontends/web/temp_files/
@@ -93,3 +100,11 @@ rpi/*.tar.zst.zip
 rpi/*.img
 rpi/*.img.zst
 rpi/*.img.zst.zip
+
+# AUR build artifacts
+aur-upload/
+aur/.SRCINFO
+aur/*.pkg.tar.zst
+
+# Docker pre-built images and deps (release assets, too large for git)
+docker/*.tar.zst

API.md

@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ uvicorn main:app --host 0.0.0.0 --port 8000 --workers 4
 
 **Docker with channel key:**
 ```bash
-STEGASOO_CHANNEL_KEY=XXXX-XXXX-... docker-compose up api
+STEGASOO_CHANNEL_KEY=XXXX-XXXX-... docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml up api
 ```
 
 ---
@@ -843,7 +843,7 @@ curl -s -X POST "$BASE_URL/decode/multipart" \
 
 ## Docker Configuration
 
-### docker-compose.yml
+### docker/docker-compose.yml
 
 ```yaml
 x-common-env: &common-env

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -5,6 +5,25 @@ All notable changes to Stegasoo will be documented in this file.
 The format is based on [Keep a Changelog](https://keepachangelog.com/en/1.1.0/),
 and this project adheres to [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org).
 
+## [4.3.0] - 2026-02-27
+
+### Added
+- **Audio Steganography** — Hide messages in audio files (WAV, FLAC, MP3, OGG, AAC, M4A)
+  - LSB mode: Direct least-significant-bit embedding in audio samples
+  - Spread Spectrum mode: Noise-resistant encoding using pseudo-random spreading
+  - Automatic format transcoding to WAV for embedding
+  - Full CLI support: `stegasoo audio-encode`, `audio-decode`, `audio-info`
+  - REST API endpoints: `/audio/encode`, `/audio/decode`, `/audio/info`
+  - Web UI: Unified encode/decode pages with carrier type selector (Image/Audio)
+- New `AudioCapacityInfo`, `AudioEmbedStats`, `AudioInfo` model classes
+- Audio-specific exceptions: `AudioError`, `AudioValidationError`, `AudioCapacityError`, `AudioExtractionError`, `AudioTranscodeError`, `UnsupportedAudioFormatError`
+- Subprocess isolation for audio operations (crash protection)
+- `debug.py` module for structured logging across all steganography operations
+
+### Changed
+- Encode/Decode web pages now have a "Carrier Type" step to switch between Image and Audio
+- Version bumped to 4.3.0
+
 ## [4.1.5] - 2026-01-07
 
 ### Added
@@ -201,6 +220,7 @@ and this project adheres to [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org).
 - CLI interface
 - Basic PIN authentication
 
+[4.3.0]: https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo/compare/v4.2.1...v4.3.0
 [4.1.5]: https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo/compare/v4.1.3...v4.1.5
 [4.1.3]: https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo/compare/v4.1.0...v4.1.3
 [4.1.0]: https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo/compare/v4.0.2...v4.1.0

CLAUDE.md

@@ -0,0 +1,114 @@
+# Stegasoo — Claude Code Project Guide
+
+Stegasoo is a secure steganography toolkit with hybrid photo + passphrase + PIN authentication.
+Version 4.3.0 · Python >=3.11 · MIT License
+
+## Quick commands
+
+```bash
+pip install -e ".[dev]"                     # Install for development (includes all extras)
+pytest                                       # Run tests (coverage reported automatically)
+black src/ tests/ frontends/                 # Format code
+ruff check src/ tests/ frontends/ --fix      # Lint (auto-fix)
+mypy src/                                    # Type check
+pre-commit run --all-files                   # Run all pre-commit hooks
+PYTHONPATH=src python -m stegasoo.cli        # Run CLI directly without install
+```
+
+## Architecture
+
+```
+src/stegasoo/          Core library
+  crypto.py              Argon2id / PBKDF2 key derivation + AES-256-GCM encryption
+  steganography.py       LSB spatial embedding
+  dct_steganography.py   DCT domain embedding (JPEG-safe, needs [dct] extras)
+  validation.py          Input validation for all security factors
+  constants.py           All magic numbers, crypto params, limits
+  models.py              Dataclasses (EncodeResult, DecodeResult, etc.)
+  encode.py / decode.py  High-level encode/decode orchestration
+  channel.py             Channel key management (v4.0+)
+  audio_steganography.py  LSB audio embedding/extraction (v4.3.0)
+  spread_steganography.py Spread spectrum audio embedding (v4.3.0)
+  audio_utils.py          Audio format detection, validation, transcoding (v4.3.0)
+  debug.py                Structured logging for operations (v4.3.0)
+  compression.py         Zstandard / zlib / lz4 payload compression
+  cli.py                 Click CLI entry point
+  generate.py            Credential generation (passphrase, PIN, RSA keys)
+  exceptions.py          Exception hierarchy (all inherit StegasooError)
+  __init__.py            Public API surface (__all__)
+
+frontends/web/         Flask web UI  (entry: app.py)
+frontends/api/         FastAPI REST API  (entry: main.py)
+frontends/cli/         CLI extras
+
+tests/                 Pytest suite
+  test_stegasoo.py       Single test file covering core library
+```
+
+### Entry points
+
+| Interface | Entry point | Install extra |
+|-----------|-------------|---------------|
+| CLI | `stegasoo.cli:main` (`stegasoo` command) | `[cli]` |
+| Web UI | `frontends/web/app.py` | `[web]` |
+| REST API | `frontends/api/main.py` | `[api]` |
+
+## Code conventions
+
+- **Formatter**: Black, 100-char line length
+- **Linter**: Ruff — rules E, F, I, N, W, UP (E501 ignored). N803/N806 suppressed in `dct_steganography.py` for colorspace variable names
+- **Type hints**: Required on all new code. `mypy` with `ignore_missing_imports = true`
+- **Pre-commit hooks**: ruff, ruff-format, trailing-whitespace, end-of-file-fixer, check-yaml, check-toml, check-added-large-files (1MB), check-merge-conflict, debug-statements, bandit (excludes tests/)
+- **Branch naming**: `feature/`, `fix/`, `docs/`, `refactor/`
+- **Commits**: Imperative mood, clear subject line. Include what + why
+
+## Security-critical modules
+
+These files implement the cryptographic and steganographic core. Changes require extra care, thorough test coverage, and careful review:
+
+- **`crypto.py`** — Argon2id KDF (256 MB / 4 iterations / 4 parallelism) + PBKDF2 fallback (600K iterations) → AES-256-GCM authenticated encryption
+- **`steganography.py`** — LSB spatial embedding/extraction
+- **`dct_steganography.py`** — DCT domain embedding with Reed-Solomon error correction
+- **`validation.py`** — Input validation for all security factors (PIN, passphrase, image, RSA key, channel key)
+- **`constants.py`** — Crypto parameters (salt sizes, iteration counts, Argon2 memory cost, format versions). Do not change these casually — they affect backward compatibility and security margins
+
+## Public API
+
+`src/stegasoo/__init__.py` defines the full public API surface via `__all__`. Any new public function must be:
+1. Imported in `__init__.py`
+2. Added to the `__all__` list
+
+## Testing
+
+- Single test file: `tests/test_stegasoo.py`
+- Requires `pip install -e ".[dev]"` (includes DCT dependencies)
+- Coverage is reported automatically via pytest config (`--cov=stegasoo --cov-report=term-missing`)
+- Run: `pytest` (no extra flags needed)
+
+## Worktree workflow
+
+When working on features or fixes that touch multiple files, prefer using a git worktree for isolation:
+
+```bash
+# Claude Code can create worktrees automatically via /worktree or EnterWorktree
+# Manual creation:
+git worktree add .claude/worktrees/<name> -b <branch-name>
+```
+
+### Guidelines for worktree usage
+
+- **Use worktrees for**: multi-file refactors, experimental changes, anything that might need to be discarded
+- **Worktree location**: `.claude/worktrees/` (gitignored by Claude Code)
+- **Branch from**: always branch from `main` unless working on a version branch (e.g., `4.2`)
+- **Naming**: use the same conventions as branches — `feature/description`, `fix/description`, etc.
+- **Cleanup**: worktrees in `.claude/worktrees/` are ephemeral. Remove with `git worktree remove <path>` when done
+- **Testing in worktrees**: run `pip install -e ".[dev]"` inside the worktree before running tests, since the editable install points to the worktree's source
+- **Merging back**: create a PR from the worktree branch, or merge locally into `main`
+
+## Useful context
+
+- BIP-39 wordlist lives at `src/stegasoo/data/bip39-words.txt` (used for passphrase generation)
+- Docker support: `src/stegasoo/Dockerfile` + `docs/DOCKER_QUICKSTART.md`
+- Raspberry Pi builds: `rpi/` directory
+- AUR packages: `aur/`, `aur-cli/`, `aur-api/`
+- Version is defined in both `pyproject.toml` and `src/stegasoo/__init__.py` — keep them in sync

CLI.md

@@ -64,6 +64,18 @@ python -c "from stegasoo import has_dct_support; print('DCT:', 'available' if ha
 stegasoo channel show
 ```
 
+### Man Page
+
+```bash
+# Install man page
+sudo mkdir -p /usr/local/share/man/man1
+sudo cp docs/stegasoo.1 /usr/local/share/man/man1/
+sudo mandb
+
+# View
+man stegasoo
+```
+
 ---
 
 ## What's New in v4.1.0
@@ -152,7 +164,7 @@ stegasoo generate [OPTIONS]
 | `--pin/--no-pin` | | flag | `--pin` | Generate a PIN |
 | `--rsa/--no-rsa` | | flag | `--no-rsa` | Generate an RSA key |
 | `--pin-length` | | 6-9 | 6 | PIN length in digits |
-| `--rsa-bits` | | choice | 2048 | RSA key size (2048, 3072, 4096) |
+| `--rsa-bits` | | choice | 2048 | RSA key size (2048, 3072) |
 | `--words` | | 3-12 | 4 | Words in passphrase |
 | `--output` | `-o` | path | | Save RSA key to file |
 | `--password` | `-p` | string | | Password for RSA key file |
@@ -168,7 +180,7 @@ stegasoo generate
 stegasoo generate --words 6
 
 # Generate with RSA key
-stegasoo generate --rsa --rsa-bits 4096
+stegasoo generate --rsa --rsa-bits 3072
 
 # Save RSA key to encrypted file
 stegasoo generate --rsa -o mykey.pem -p "mysecretpassword"
@@ -798,7 +810,7 @@ stegasoo decode -r ref.jpg -s stego.png -p "phrase" --pin 123456
 
 ### Docker Deployment
 
-**docker-compose.yml:**
+**docker/docker-compose.yml:**
 ```yaml
 x-common-env: &common-env
   STEGASOO_CHANNEL_KEY: ${STEGASOO_CHANNEL_KEY:-}

DOCKER.md

@@ -6,14 +6,14 @@ Stegasoo provides Docker images for both the Web UI and REST API.
 
 ```bash
 # Build and start all services
-docker-compose up -d
+docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml up -d
 
 # Check status
-docker-compose ps
+docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml ps
 ```
 
 Access:
-- **Web UI**: http://localhost:5000
+- **Web UI**: https://localhost:5000 (HTTPS with self-signed cert)
 - **REST API**: http://localhost:8000
 
 ## Services
@@ -36,9 +36,12 @@ STEGASOO_CHANNEL_KEY=XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX
 # Web UI authentication (default: enabled)
 STEGASOO_AUTH_ENABLED=true
 
-# HTTPS support (default: disabled)
-STEGASOO_HTTPS_ENABLED=false
+# HTTPS support (default: enabled, generates self-signed cert)
+STEGASOO_HTTPS_ENABLED=true
 STEGASOO_HOSTNAME=localhost
+
+# To disable HTTPS:
+# STEGASOO_HTTPS_ENABLED=false
 ```
 
 ### Volume Mounts
@@ -58,10 +61,10 @@ Uses a pre-built base image with all dependencies:
 
 ```bash
 # First time only: build the base image
-docker build -f Dockerfile.base -t stegasoo-base:latest .
+docker build -f docker/Dockerfile.base -t stegasoo-base:latest .
 
 # Build services (fast - only copies app code)
-docker-compose build
+docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml build
 ```
 
 ### Full Build (No Base Image)
@@ -69,26 +72,26 @@ docker-compose build
 If you don't have the base image, the Dockerfile will build all dependencies (slower):
 
 ```bash
-docker-compose build
+docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml build
 ```
 
 ## Commands
 
 ```bash
 # Start services
-docker-compose up -d
+docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml up -d
 
 # View logs
-docker-compose logs -f
+docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml logs -f
 
 # Stop services
-docker-compose down
+docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml down
 
 # Rebuild after code changes
-docker-compose build && docker-compose up -d
+docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml build && docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml up -d
 
 # Full rebuild (no cache)
-docker-compose build --no-cache
+docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml build --no-cache
 ```
 
 ## Resource Limits
@@ -109,7 +112,7 @@ Both services include health checks:
 
 Check health status:
 ```bash
-docker-compose ps
+docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml ps
 ```
 
 ## Production Deployment
@@ -126,7 +129,7 @@ For production, consider:
    ```bash
    # Don't commit .env files with secrets
    export STEGASOO_CHANNEL_KEY=your-key
-   docker-compose up -d
+   docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml up -d
    ```
 
 3. **Reverse proxy**: Put behind nginx/traefik for TLS termination
@@ -142,12 +145,12 @@ For production, consider:
 ### Container won't start
 ```bash
 # Check logs
-docker-compose logs web
-docker-compose logs api
+docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml logs web
+docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml logs api
 ```
 
 ### Out of memory
-Increase Docker's memory allocation or reduce worker count in Dockerfile.
+Increase Docker's memory allocation or reduce worker count in `docker/Dockerfile`.
 
 ### Permission errors
 The containers run as non-root user `stego` (UID 1000). Ensure volume permissions match.

INSTALL.md

@@ -20,22 +20,23 @@ Complete installation instructions for all platforms and deployment methods.
 
 ## Requirements
 
-### ⚠️ Python Version Requirements
+### Python Version Requirements
 
 | Python Version | Status | Notes |
 |----------------|--------|-------|
-| 3.10 | ✅ Supported | |
-| 3.11 | ✅ Supported | Recommended |
+| 3.10 | ❌ Not Supported | Dropped in v4.2.1 |
+| 3.11 | ✅ Supported | Minimum version |
 | 3.12 | ✅ Supported | Recommended |
-| 3.13 | ❌ **Not Supported** | jpegio C extension incompatible |
+| 3.13 | ✅ Supported | |
+| 3.14 | ✅ Supported | Tested on Arch |
 
-**Important:** Python 3.13 (released October 2024) is **not compatible** with jpegio due to C extension ABI changes. Use Python 3.12 or earlier.
+**Note:** v4.2.1 switched from `jpegio` to `jpeglib` for DCT steganography, enabling Python 3.11-3.14 support.
 
 ### Minimum Requirements
 
 | Requirement | Value |
 |-------------|-------|
-| Python | 3.10-3.12 |
+| Python | 3.11-3.14 |
 | RAM | 512 MB minimum (256MB for Argon2) |
 | Disk | ~100 MB |
 
@@ -154,10 +155,10 @@ Build and run individual containers.
 #### Build Images
 
 ```bash
-# Build all targets
-docker build -t stegasoo-web --target web .
-docker build -t stegasoo-api --target api .
-docker build -t stegasoo-cli --target cli .
+# From project root - build all targets
+docker build -t stegasoo-web --target web -f docker/Dockerfile .
+docker build -t stegasoo-api --target api -f docker/Dockerfile .
+docker build -t stegasoo-cli --target cli -f docker/Dockerfile .
 ```
 
 #### Run Web UI
@@ -214,17 +215,17 @@ The easiest way to run all services.
 
 ```bash
 # Start in background
-docker-compose up -d
+docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml up -d
 
 # Start specific service
-docker-compose up -d web
-docker-compose up -d api
+docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml up -d web
+docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml up -d api
 
 # View logs
-docker-compose logs -f
+docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml logs -f
 
 # Stop all
-docker-compose down
+docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml down
 ```
 
 #### Authentication Configuration (v4.0.2)
@@ -239,7 +240,7 @@ STEGASOO_HOSTNAME=localhost     # Hostname for SSL cert
 STEGASOO_CHANNEL_KEY=           # Optional channel key
 
 # Then run
-docker-compose up -d web
+docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml up -d web
 ```
 
 On first access, you'll be prompted to create an admin account. The database and SSL certs are persisted in Docker volumes.
@@ -255,16 +256,16 @@ On first access, you'll be prompted to create an admin account. The database and
 
 ```bash
 # Build images and start
-docker-compose up -d --build
+docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml up -d --build
 
 # Force rebuild (no cache)
-docker-compose build --no-cache
-docker-compose up -d
+docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml build --no-cache
+docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml up -d
 ```
 
 #### Resource Configuration
 
-The `docker-compose.yml` includes resource limits:
+The `docker/docker-compose.yml` includes resource limits:
 
 ```yaml
 services:
@@ -423,16 +424,61 @@ pip install jpegio
 
 ### Windows
 
-1. Install Python 3.12 from [python.org](https://python.org) (NOT 3.13!)
-2. Install Visual Studio Build Tools
+Windows users have three options, listed from easiest to most complex:
+
+#### Option 1: Docker Desktop (Recommended)
+
+The easiest way to run Stegasoo on Windows. No Python installation needed.
+
+1. Install [Docker Desktop](https://www.docker.com/products/docker-desktop/)
+2. Enable WSL2 backend when prompted
+3. Clone and run:
+
+```powershell
+git clone https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo.git
+cd stegasoo
+docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml up -d web
+```
+
+Access at http://localhost:5000
+
+#### Option 2: WSL2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux)
+
+Run the Linux version natively on Windows.
+
+```powershell
+# Install WSL2 with Ubuntu
+wsl --install -d Ubuntu
+
+# Open Ubuntu terminal, then follow Linux instructions:
+sudo apt-get update
+sudo apt-get install -y python3.12 python3.12-venv libzbar0 libjpeg-dev
+git clone https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo.git
+cd stegasoo
+python3.12 -m venv venv
+source venv/bin/activate
+pip install -e ".[all]"
+stegasoo --version
+```
+
+#### Option 3: Native Windows (Advanced)
+
+Native Windows installation requires Visual Studio Build Tools for compiling C extensions.
+
+1. Install Python 3.11 or 3.12 from [python.org](https://python.org)
+2. Install [Visual Studio Build Tools](https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/visual-cpp-build-tools/) with "Desktop development with C++"
 3. Install from pip:
 
 ```powershell
 python -m venv venv
 .\venv\Scripts\activate
-pip install stegasoo[all]
+pip install stegasoo[cli]  # CLI only (easiest)
+# or
+pip install stegasoo[all]  # Full install (may require additional setup)
 ```
 
+**Note:** Native Windows installation may have issues with `jpegio` (DCT mode). Docker or WSL2 is recommended for full functionality.
+
 ### Raspberry Pi
 
 Stegasoo works on Raspberry Pi 4/5 (4GB+ RAM recommended for Web UI).
@@ -852,7 +898,7 @@ Argon2 needs 256MB per operation. Increase container memory:
 # Docker run
 docker run --memory=768m ...
 
-# Docker Compose - edit docker-compose.yml
+# Docker Compose - edit docker/docker-compose.yml
 deploy:
   resources:
     limits:

IdeasScout_PLANS_20260324.md

@@ -0,0 +1,294 @@
+# Stegasoo Ideas Scout — Implementation Plans (2026-03-24)
+
+Baseline: v4.3.0, Python >=3.11, FORMAT_VERSION 5, no existing users (no backward compat constraints).
+
+---
+
+## Tier 1 — Quick Wins
+
+### 1. Platform-Calibrated DCT Presets
+
+**Description**: `--platform telegram|discord|signal|whatsapp` flag for DCT encode. Bakes in each platform's known recompression parameters. Pre-verifies payload survives before outputting.
+
+**Implementation approach**:
+- New file `src/stegasoo/platform_presets.py` — `PlatformPreset` dataclass + `PRESETS` dict mapping platform → tuned `quant_step`, `jpeg_quality`, `embed_positions`, `max_dimension`, `recompress_quality`
+- `dct_steganography.py`: `_embed_scipy_dct_safe()` / `_embed_jpegio()` accept optional preset overrides for `QUANT_STEP`, `DEFAULT_EMBED_POSITIONS`, output quality
+- New `pre_verify_survival()` function: encode → re-save at platform quality → extract → pass/fail
+- Thread `platform` param through `encode.py` → `steganography.py` → DCT functions
+- `cli.py`: add `--platform` as `click.Choice` + `--verify/--no-verify` (pre-verification doubles encode time)
+- LSB + `--platform` should error early — LSB data is destroyed by any JPEG recompression
+
+**Known platform params** (from research):
+| Platform | Quality | Max Dimension | Notes |
+|----------|---------|---------------|-------|
+| Telegram | ~82 | 2560×2560 | ~81KB embeddable |
+| Discord | ~85 | Varies (Nitro) | |
+| Signal | ~80 | Aggressive | |
+| WhatsApp | ~70 | 1600×1600 | Most lossy |
+
+**Go/No-Go metrics**:
+- >95% payload survival rate per platform at 1KB message size in automated tests
+- Pre-verification correctly predicts real platform behavior (manual validation per platform at least once)
+
+**Complexity**: **M** — new file + parameter threading through 4-5 functions
+
+**Risks**: Platform params change without notice. Add version/date stamps to presets and a `stegasoo tools verify-platform` test command.
+
+---
+
+### 2. Steganalysis Self-Check (`stegasoo check`)
+
+**Description**: New CLI command running chi-square and RS (Regular-Singular) statistical analysis on stego images. Outputs detectability risk level (low/medium/high).
+
+**Implementation approach**:
+- New file `src/stegasoo/steganalysis.py`:
+  - `chi_square_analysis(image_data) -> float` — chi-square statistic on LSB distribution per channel
+  - `rs_analysis(image_data) -> float` — Regular-Singular groups analysis (requires numpy)
+  - `assess_risk(chi_p, rs_estimate) -> str` — maps to "low"/"medium"/"high"
+  - `check_image(image_data) -> dict` — orchestrator
+- `cli.py`: new `@cli.command("check")` with `IMAGE` arg, `--json`, `--mode lsb|dct|auto`
+- `constants.py`: threshold constants for chi-square p-value and RS boundaries
+- `__init__.py`: export `check_image` in `__all__`
+- Start LSB-only; DCT steganalysis (calibration attack) deferred
+
+**Go/No-Go metrics**:
+- Clean images → consistently "low risk"
+- Naive sequential LSB → "high risk"
+- Stegasoo LSB at <50% capacity → "low" or "medium"
+
+**Complexity**: **M** — ~150 lines numpy per test, straightforward CLI integration
+
+---
+
+### 3. Python 3.13 DCT Cleanup
+
+**Description**: The `jpegio` → `jpeglib` migration is already done in code. Remaining work: rename stale `jpegio` references and verify on 3.13.
+
+**Implementation approach**:
+- `dct_steganography.py`: rename `HAS_JPEGIO` → `HAS_JPEGLIB`, `_jpegio_*` functions → `_jpeglib_*`, update constant names (`JPEGIO_MAGIC` → `JPEGLIB_MAGIC`, etc.)
+- Verify `jpeglib.to_jpegio()` compatibility shim — if jpeglib plans to deprecate it, migrate to native API
+- Run full test suite on Python 3.13
+
+**Go/No-Go metrics**:
+- All DCT tests pass on Python 3.13
+- No deprecation warnings from jpeglib
+
+**Complexity**: **S** — renaming and verification only
+
+---
+
+## Tier 2 — Strategic
+
+### 4. Content-Adaptive Embedding (S-UNIWARD/WOW-inspired)
+
+**Description**: Replace uniform-random pixel selection with texture-weighted cost functions. Embed preferentially in busy/textured regions where changes are least detectable. 3-5x harder to detect statistically.
+
+**Implementation approach**:
+- New file `src/stegasoo/adaptive_cost.py`:
+  - `compute_cost_map(image_data) -> np.ndarray` — per-pixel distortion cost via directional high-pass filters (Daubechets wavelet bank / KB filter)
+  - `select_pixels_by_cost(cost_map, pixel_key, num_needed) -> list[int]` — weighted sampling, still ChaCha20-seeded for determinism
+- `steganography.py`:
+  - `generate_pixel_indices()`: add `cost_map` param, use weighted sampling when provided
+  - `_embed_lsb()`: compute cost map when adaptive mode enabled
+  - `_extract_lsb()`: must compute identical cost map to find same pixels
+- `dct_steganography.py`: adapt `DEFAULT_EMBED_POSITIONS` per-block based on block texture energy
+- Thread `adaptive: bool` through `encode.py`/`decode.py`
+- `constants.py`: add `EMBED_MODE_ADAPTIVE_LSB`, filter kernels, cost thresholds
+
+**Go/No-Go metrics**:
+- Chi-square test (Feature 2) shows measurable improvement vs uniform-random
+- **Critical**: cost map computation is deterministic across platforms (quantize to fixed-point integers)
+- Round-trip decode succeeds on Linux x86, Linux ARM, macOS
+
+**Complexity**: **L** — novel algorithm, cross-platform determinism requirement, touches core embedding
+
+**Risks**: Floating-point differences in wavelet computation could break extraction. Mitigate with integer quantization. Increases encode/decode time ~2-3x.
+
+---
+
+### 5. Per-Message Forward Secrecy via HKDF
+
+**Description**: Derive ephemeral per-message encryption keys using HKDF expansion from the Argon2id root key + random nonce. Compromising one message doesn't reveal others.
+
+**Implementation approach**:
+- `crypto.py`:
+  - Add `from cryptography.hazmat.primitives.kdf.hkdf import HKDFExpand`
+  - `derive_message_key(root_key, nonce) -> bytes` — HKDF-Expand with SHA-256
+  - `encrypt_message()`: generate 16-byte random nonce, derive per-message key, embed nonce in header
+  - `decrypt_message()`: extract nonce, derive same key
+  - Also derive pixel selection key via HKDF with different `info` param
+- `constants.py`:
+  - Bump `FORMAT_VERSION` to 6
+  - `HKDF_INFO_ENCRYPTION = b"stegasoo-v6-encrypt"`, `HKDF_INFO_PIXEL = b"stegasoo-v6-pixel"`
+  - `MESSAGE_NONCE_SIZE = 16`
+- Header grows from 66 → 82 bytes: add `message_nonce(16)` field
+- Update `HEADER_OVERHEAD` / `ENCRYPTION_OVERHEAD` in `steganography.py`
+
+**Go/No-Go metrics**:
+- Two messages with identical credentials produce different ciphertexts and different pixel locations
+- `cryptography` library HKDF works with existing Argon2id output
+
+**Complexity**: **M** — well-defined crypto change, touches security-critical header format
+
+---
+
+### 6. PWA Mobile Interface
+
+**Description**: Convert Flask Web UI to Progressive Web App. Mobile-optimized, installable, offline-capable static pages.
+
+**Implementation approach**:
+- New files in `frontends/web/static/`: `manifest.json`, `sw.js`, icon set (192×192, 512×512)
+- Base template: add manifest link, theme-color meta, viewport meta, service worker registration
+- `app.py`: serve manifest with correct MIME, add cache headers for static assets
+- Responsive CSS for encode/decode accordion forms
+- Camera capture: `<input type="file" accept="image/*" capture="environment">` for reference photo
+- Service worker caches static assets only — NOT encode/decode API endpoints
+
+**Go/No-Go metrics**:
+- Lighthouse PWA score >= 90
+- Installable on Android Chrome and iOS Safari
+- Offline: static pages load, encode/decode shows graceful "offline" message
+
+**Complexity**: **M** — frontend only, no core library changes
+
+**Risks**: Camera capture requires HTTPS (already supported via `ssl_utils.py`).
+
+---
+
+## Tier 3 — Moonshot
+
+### 7. Plausible Deniability / Dual-Payload Mode
+
+**Description**: Two independent encrypted payloads in one carrier, each with different credentials. Reveal decoy under coercion; real payload stays hidden.
+
+**Implementation approach**:
+- New file `src/stegasoo/dual_payload.py`:
+  - `encode_dual(message_a, message_b, carrier, creds_a, creds_b)`
+  - Partition available pixels into two disjoint pools using different seeds
+  - **Critical**: ALL images (single or dual) must fill unused pixel pool with random data so single-payload and dual-payload images are indistinguishable
+- `steganography.py`: `generate_pixel_indices()` gets `exclude_indices` param
+- `decode.py`: each credential set finds a different valid payload; wrong credentials produce garbage
+- CLI + Web UI: dual-payload encode workflow
+
+**Go/No-Go metrics**:
+- Single-payload and dual-payload images are statistically indistinguishable (chi-square can't differentiate)
+- Each payload decodes independently
+- Wrong credentials for one payload don't reveal other payload's existence
+
+**Complexity**: **XL** — novel design, halves capacity per payload, challenging UX, needs rigorous security analysis
+
+**Dependencies**: Feature 2 (validation), Feature 4 (detectability reduction)
+
+---
+
+## Architectural Improvements
+
+### 8. EmbeddingBackend Protocol
+
+**Description**: Typed plugin interface for all embedding algorithms. Replace if/elif dispatch in `steganography.py` with a registry.
+
+**Implementation approach**:
+- New package `src/stegasoo/backends/`:
+  - `protocol.py` — `EmbeddingBackend(Protocol)` with `embed()`, `extract()`, `calculate_capacity()`, `is_available()`
+  - `lsb.py`, `dct.py` — wrap existing functions
+  - `registry.py` — `BackendRegistry` mapping mode strings to backends
+- `steganography.py`: `embed_in_image()` / `extract_from_image()` dispatch via registry
+- `__init__.py`: export protocol and `register_backend()`
+
+**Complexity**: **M** — implement before Features 4 and 7 (they become new backends)
+
+---
+
+### 9. HKDF Key Separation
+
+Subsumed by Feature 5. The HKDF expansion provides:
+- Encryption key: `HKDF-Expand(root_key, info="stegasoo-encrypt", nonce)`
+- Pixel selection key: `HKDF-Expand(root_key, info="stegasoo-pixel", nonce)`
+- Future: MAC key, padding key, etc.
+
+---
+
+### 10. `[core]` Extra with Minimal Deps
+
+**Description**: Move Pillow to `[image]` extra, base deps = `cryptography` + `argon2-cffi` + `zstandard` only.
+
+**Complexity**: **S** — but Pillow is used in `crypto.py` for photo hashing (core to security model). Only worth it with a concrete headless use case. **Low priority.**
+
+---
+
+## Ecosystem Features
+
+### 11. Aletheia Integration
+
+Optional `--engine aletheia` backend for Feature 2's `stegasoo check`. BSD-licensed, provides SPA/RS/WS attacks + ML classifiers. **Complexity: S** (after Feature 2). **Depends on**: Feature 2.
+
+### 12. C2PA/AI Provenance Watermarking
+
+Embed C2PA metadata alongside stego payloads. **Complexity: L** — C2PA is a complex standard. Potentially conflicts with stego goals (adds detectable metadata). Research-heavy.
+
+### 13. Signal/Matrix Bot
+
+Bot that decodes stego images in a channel using configured channel key. **Complexity: M** — integration work, uses existing `decode()` API.
+
+### 14. Homebrew Tap + Nix Flake
+
+Package distribution for macOS/NixOS. **Complexity: S** — packaging only, no code changes.
+
+---
+
+## Summary Table
+
+| # | Feature | Tier | Size | Dependencies | Primary Files |
+|---|---------|------|------|-------------|---------------|
+| 1 | Platform DCT Presets | T1 | M | — | new `platform_presets.py`, `dct_steganography.py`, `encode.py`, `cli.py` |
+| 2 | Steganalysis Self-Check | T1 | M | — | new `steganalysis.py`, `cli.py`, `constants.py` |
+| 3 | Python 3.13 DCT Cleanup | T1 | S | — | `dct_steganography.py` |
+| 4 | Content-Adaptive Embedding | T2 | L | numpy, #2 | new `adaptive_cost.py`, `steganography.py`, `constants.py` |
+| 5 | HKDF Forward Secrecy | T2 | M | — | `crypto.py`, `constants.py`, `steganography.py` |
+| 6 | PWA Mobile Interface | T2 | M | — | `frontends/web/` templates + static |
+| 7 | Dual-Payload Mode | T3 | XL | #2, #4 | new `dual_payload.py`, `steganography.py`, `cli.py` |
+| 8 | EmbeddingBackend Protocol | Arch | M | — | new `backends/` package, `steganography.py` |
+| 9 | HKDF Key Separation | Arch | — | Included in #5 | `crypto.py` |
+| 10 | `[core]` Extra | Arch | S | — | `pyproject.toml` |
+| 11 | Aletheia Integration | Eco | S | #2 | `steganalysis.py` |
+| 12 | C2PA Watermarking | Eco | L | — | new module |
+| 13 | Signal/Matrix Bot | Eco | M | — | new `bots/` package |
+| 14 | Homebrew + Nix | Eco | S | — | packaging files only |
+
+---
+
+## Suggested Roadmap
+
+### Phase 1 — Foundations (v4.4.0)
+
+1. **#3** Python 3.13 DCT Cleanup (S) — unblocks CI on 3.13
+2. **#8** EmbeddingBackend Protocol (M) — architectural cleanup before new embedding work
+3. **#2** Steganalysis Self-Check (M) — validation tooling for everything that follows
+
+### Phase 2 — Security & Robustness (v4.5.0)
+
+4. **#5** HKDF Forward Secrecy (M) — FORMAT_VERSION bump to 6, improved crypto
+5. **#1** Platform-Calibrated DCT Presets (M) — high user value for social media
+6. **#14** Homebrew + Nix (S) — distribution expansion
+
+### Phase 3 — Advanced Steganography (v5.0.0)
+
+7. **#4** Content-Adaptive Embedding (L) — major security improvement
+8. **#6** PWA Mobile Interface (M) — parallel frontend work stream
+
+### Phase 4 — Moonshot (v5.x+)
+
+9. **#7** Dual-Payload Mode (XL) — after #2 and #4 are solid
+10. **#12** C2PA Watermarking (L) — research-heavy
+11. **#13** Signal/Matrix Bot (M) — community-driven
+
+---
+
+## Additional Ideas (Backlog)
+
+- **Animated GIF steganography** — LSB in GIF frames, natural multi-media extension
+- **PDF steganography** — whitespace/font metric/embedded image payloads
+- **Batch encode** — `stegasoo batch-encode --dir /photos/` with auto carrier selection (BATCH_* constants suggest this was planned)
+- **Stego identification** — `stegasoo identify image.png` probes for known stego signatures
+- **Per-device credential sync via QR** — channel key as stego image of reference photo
+- **`stegasoo verify`** — decode + confirm message matches expected hash without revealing contents

PLAN-4.1.6.md

@@ -0,0 +1,97 @@
+# Stegasoo v4.1.6 Planning
+
+## UI Tweaks
+
+### 1. Revamp Tron Lines Animation (Carrier/Stego Image)
+**Current state:**
+- 6-8 snake paths, each with 3-5 segments (~24-40 total lines)
+- 2px thick lines
+- 30-60px length per segment
+- Starting points spread across 80% of image area
+- Colors: yellow, cyan, purple, blue with glow
+
+**Target improvements:**
+- [x] Thinner lines (1px instead of 2px)
+- [x] More numerous (20-40 paths via 5x4 grid, ~60-200 segments total)
+- [x] Better distribution across entire image (grid-based seeding)
+- [x] Shorter segments (12-30px) for denser "circuit board" look
+
+**Files:**
+- `frontends/web/static/style.css` (~881-979) - `.embed-trace` styling
+- `frontends/web/static/js/stegasoo.js` (~333-390) - `generateEmbedTraces()`
+
+---
+
+## Tools Page Expansion
+
+### Analysis Tools
+- [x] **JPEG Compression Tester** - Preview image at different quality levels (10-100%), show file size delta. Useful for understanding stego survivability.
+- [ ] **LSB Plane Viewer** - Visualize least significant bit plane(s) of RGB channels. Classic stego analysis tool.
+- [ ] **Histogram Viewer** - Color distribution graph per channel. Anomalies can indicate hidden data.
+- [ ] **Image Diff** - Compare two images side-by-side with pixel difference highlighting. Great for original vs stego comparison.
+- [ ] **Noise Analysis** - Chi-square or similar statistical analysis for detecting LSB embedding.
+
+### Transform Tools
+- [x] **Rotate/Flip** - 90°/180°/270° rotation, horizontal/vertical flip
+- [ ] **Resize** - Scale with aspect ratio lock, common presets (50%, 25%, etc.)
+- [ ] **Crop** - Basic rectangular crop with preview
+- [x] **Format Convert** - PNG ↔ JPEG ↔ WebP with quality slider
+
+### Existing Tools (already done)
+- [x] Capacity Calculator
+- [x] EXIF Viewer
+- [x] EXIF Strip
+- [x] Image Peek (header analysis)
+
+### Tools UI/UX Overhaul
+
+**Final Layout: Office-style Ribbon + Two-Panel**
+```
+┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
+│  📏  📋  👁️  📊  ┃  ✂️  🔄  📐  🔀      Image Tools         │ ← Icon toolbar
+├────────────────────────────────────────┬────────────────────┤
+│  [Format: PNG ▼] [Quality: 85]         │                    │
+├────────────────────────────────────────┤  Capacity          │
+│                                        │  Calculator        │
+│    ┌────────────────────────────┐     │  ──────────────    │
+│    │                            │     │                    │
+│    │      Drop image here       │     │  Dimensions:       │
+│    │         or click           │     │  1920 × 1080       │
+│    │                            │     │                    │
+│    └────────────────────────────┘     │  LSB Capacity:     │
+│                                        │  245 KB            │
+│           [image.jpg]                  │                    │
+│                                        │  ──────────────    │
+│                                        │  [Clear] [Export]  │
+└────────────────────────────────────────┴────────────────────┘
+      Options + dropzone/preview             Results sidebar
+```
+
+- Top ribbon: Icon buttons grouped by category (Analyze | Transform)
+- Left panel: Tool options + dropzone/preview (INPUT)
+- Right panel: Tool name + results/metadata + actions (OUTPUT)
+- Flow: Left → Right (input → output)
+
+**Implementation Tasks:**
+- [x] Move inline CSS to style.css
+- [x] Build icon toolbar ribbon
+- [x] Build two-panel layout structure
+- [x] Migrate existing tools (Capacity, EXIF, Strip)
+- [x] Add new tools (Rotate, Compress, Convert)
+- [ ] Loading spinner on all async operations
+- [ ] Toast notifications instead of alerts
+- [ ] Consistent color coding (green=analysis, amber=transform)
+- [ ] Mobile: stack panels vertically
+
+---
+
+## CLI Improvements
+
+### (Add items here)
+
+---
+
+## Other UI Tweaks
+
+### (Add items here)
+

README.md

@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
 # Stegasoo
 
-A secure steganography system for hiding encrypted messages in images using hybrid authentication.
+A secure steganography system for hiding encrypted messages in images and audio using hybrid authentication.
 
 [![Tests](https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo/actions/workflows/test.yml/badge.svg)](https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo/actions/workflows/test.yml)
 [![Lint](https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo/actions/workflows/lint.yml/badge.svg)](https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo/actions/workflows/lint.yml)
-![Python](https://img.shields.io/badge/Python-3.10--3.12-blue)
+![Python](https://img.shields.io/badge/Python-3.11--3.14-blue)
 [![License: MIT](https://img.shields.io/badge/License-MIT-green.svg)](LICENSE)
 ![Security](https://img.shields.io/badge/Security-AES--256--GCM-red)
 
@@ -17,15 +17,25 @@ A secure steganography system for hiding encrypted messages in images using hybr
 - **Multiple interfaces**: CLI, Web UI, REST API
 - **File embedding**: Hide any file type (PDF, ZIP, documents)
 - **DCT steganography**: JPEG-resilient embedding for social media
+- **Audio steganography**: Hide messages in WAV, FLAC, MP3, OGG, AAC, M4A files (LSB and Spread Spectrum modes)
 - **Channel keys**: Private group communication channels
 
 ## Embedding Modes
 
+### Image Modes
+
 | Mode | Capacity (1080p) | JPEG Resilient | Best For |
 |------|------------------|----------------|----------|
 | **DCT** (default) | ~150 KB | Yes | Social media, messaging apps |
 | **LSB** | ~750 KB | No | Email, direct file transfer |
 
+### Audio Modes
+
+| Mode | Capacity (5 min WAV) | Noise Resistant | Best For |
+|------|---------------------|-----------------|----------|
+| **LSB** | ~1.3 MB | No | Direct file transfer |
+| **Spread Spectrum** | ~160 KB | Yes | Shared files, light processing |
+
 ## Web UI
 
 | Home | Encode | Decode | Generate |
@@ -105,15 +115,18 @@ ruff check src/ tests/ frontends/
 ## Docker
 
 ```bash
-# Quick start
-docker-compose up -d
+# Quick start (HTTPS enabled by default)
+docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml up -d
 
 # Access
-# Web UI:   http://localhost:5000
+# Web UI:   https://localhost:5000  (self-signed cert)
 # REST API: http://localhost:8000
+
+# Disable HTTPS if needed:
+STEGASOO_HTTPS_ENABLED=false docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml up -d
 ```
 
-See [DOCKER.md](DOCKER.md) for full documentation.
+See [DOCKER.md](DOCKER.md) and [docs/DOCKER_QUICKSTART.md](docs/DOCKER_QUICKSTART.md) for full documentation.
 
 ## Raspberry Pi
 
@@ -143,6 +156,7 @@ See [rpi/README.md](rpi/README.md) for manual installation.
 - [UNDER_THE_HOOD.md](UNDER_THE_HOOD.md) - Technical deep-dive
 - [CHANGELOG.md](CHANGELOG.md) - Version history
 - [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md) - Contributor guide
+- `man stegasoo` - Man page (install: `sudo cp docs/stegasoo.1 /usr/local/share/man/man1/ && sudo mandb`)
 
 ## License
 

RELEASE_CHECKLIST.md

@@ -21,12 +21,12 @@ Pre-release validation checklist. Complete all items before tagging a release.
 
 ## Docker Validation
 
-- [ ] Base image builds: `docker build -f Dockerfile.base -t stegasoo-base:latest .`
-- [ ] Web image builds: `docker-compose build web`
-- [ ] Container starts: `docker-compose up -d web`
+- [ ] Base image builds: `docker build -f docker/Dockerfile.base -t stegasoo-base:latest .`
+- [ ] Web image builds: `docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml build web`
+- [ ] Container starts: `docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml up -d web`
 - [ ] Web UI accessible at http://localhost:5000
 - [ ] Encode/decode works in container
-- [ ] Container stops cleanly: `docker-compose down`
+- [ ] Container stops cleanly: `docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml down`
 
 ## Release Process
 

RELEASE_NOTES.md

@@ -1,47 +1,173 @@
-## Stegasoo v4.1.5
+# v4.3.0 — Audio Steganography
 
-### Developer Experience
-- **Educational Code Comments**: Core modules now include detailed explanations
-  - DCT: zig-zag coefficient diagrams, QIM embedding math, Reed-Solomon "Voyager" reference
-  - LSB: visual bit manipulation examples, ChaCha20 pixel selection
-  - Crypto: multi-factor KDF flow diagrams, Argon2id memory-hardness reasoning
-  - CLI/Web: architectural patterns for future contributors
+**Release Date:** 2026-02-27
 
-### Raspberry Pi Improvements
-- **Streamlined Image Creation**: `pull-image.sh` now handles everything
-  - Auto-resizes rootfs to exactly 16GB (consistent images from any SD card)
-  - Disables Pi OS auto-expand
-  - Compresses with zstd
-  - Optional .zst.zip wrapper for GitHub releases
-- **16GB Minimum**: Pre-built images are now 16GB (was variable)
-- **Host Requirements**: `rpi/host-requirements.txt` documents all dependencies
-- **Test Automation**: `kickoff-pi-test.sh` for one-command flash+test cycles
+## Highlights
 
-### MOTD Polish
-- Dynamic temperature emoji (ice/cool/fire based on CPU temp)
-- Rocket emoji for service status
-- Cleaner formatting
+Stegasoo can now hide messages in audio files! This release adds full audio steganography support with two embedding modes:
 
-### Raspberry Pi Image
-Download `stegasoo-rpi-4.1.5.img.zst.zip` from Releases.
+- **LSB (Least Significant Bit)**: Embeds data directly in audio sample LSBs. High capacity, best for direct file transfers.
+- **Spread Spectrum**: Spreads data across audio frequencies using pseudo-random sequences. Lower capacity but more resistant to noise and light processing.
 
+## What's New
+
+### Audio Steganography
+- Support for WAV, FLAC, MP3, OGG, AAC, and M4A input formats
+- Automatic transcoding to WAV (16-bit PCM) for embedding
+- Same security model: reference photo + passphrase + PIN/RSA + channel key
+- Full CLI, REST API, and Web UI support
+
+### Unified Web UI
+- Encode and Decode pages now feature a "Carrier Type" selector
+- Switch between Image and Audio modes without leaving the page
+- Audio capacity display shows LSB and Spread Spectrum capacities
+- Audio preview player on encode result page
+
+### New Modules
+- `audio_steganography.py` — LSB audio embedding/extraction
+- `spread_steganography.py` — Spread spectrum embedding/extraction
+- `audio_utils.py` — Audio format detection, validation, transcoding
+- `debug.py` — Structured logging for all operations
+
+## Upgrade Notes
+
+Audio steganography requires `numpy` and `soundfile` packages. Install with:
 ```bash
-# Flash (auto-detects SD card)
-sudo ./rpi/flash-image.sh stegasoo-rpi-4.1.5.img.zst.zip
-
-# Or manual
-zstdcat stegasoo-rpi-4.1.5.img.zst | sudo dd of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress
+pip install stegasoo[audio]
 ```
 
+For full audio format support (MP3, AAC, etc.), install FFmpeg on your system.
+
+---
+
+## Stegasoo v4.2.1
+
+### API Security
+
+**API Key Authentication**
+- All protected endpoints require `X-API-Key` header
+- Keys stored hashed (SHA-256) in `~/.stegasoo/api_keys.json`
+- Auth disabled when no keys configured (easy onboarding)
+
+**TLS Support**
+- Self-signed certificates auto-generated on first run
+- Certs valid for localhost, all local IPs, hostname.local
+- CLI: `stegasoo api tls generate` to pre-generate
+
+### CLI Improvements
+
+**New API Management Commands**
+```bash
+stegasoo api keys create NAME    # Create new key
+stegasoo api keys list           # List API keys
+stegasoo api tls generate        # Generate TLS cert
+stegasoo api serve               # Start server with TLS
+```
+
+**New Image Tools**
+```bash
+stegasoo tools compress IMG -q 75   # JPEG compression
+stegasoo tools rotate IMG -r 90     # Lossless rotation
+stegasoo tools convert IMG -f png   # Format conversion
+```
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **DCT rotation**: Portrait photos no longer export rotated 90°
+- **jpegtran**: Removed `-trim` flag that destroyed DCT stego data
+- **CLI encode**: Now outputs JPEG when carrier is JPEG (was always PNG)
+- **Import paths**: Fixed for installed packages (AUR/pip)
+
+### Installation
+
+**AUR (Arch Linux)**
+```bash
+yay -S stegasoo-git       # Full (Web + API + CLI)
+yay -S stegasoo-cli-git   # CLI only
+```
+
+**Docker**
+```bash
+docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml up -d
+```
+
+**Raspberry Pi**
+Flash `stegasoo-rpi-4.2.1.img.zst.zip` to SD card.
 Default login: `admin` / `stegasoo`
 
-First boot runs the setup wizard for WiFi, HTTPS, and channel key configuration.
+### Requirements
 
-### Docker
-```bash
-docker-compose up -d web  # Web UI on :5000
-docker-compose up -d api  # REST API on :8000
-```
+- Python 3.11 - 3.14 (dropped 3.10 support)
+
+### Release Assets
+
+| File | Description |
+|------|-------------|
+| `stegasoo-rpi-4.2.1.img.zst.zip` | Raspberry Pi SD card image |
+| `stegasoo-docker-base-4.2.1.tar.zst` | Docker base image |
+| Source code (zip/tar.gz) | Auto-generated |
+
+---
+
+## Stegasoo v4.2.0
+
+### Performance Optimizations
+
+Major performance improvements for Raspberry Pi and resource-constrained deployments.
+
+#### DCT Vectorization (~14x faster)
+- Batch DCT processing using `scipy.fft.dctn` with `axes=(1,2)`
+- Processes 500 blocks at once instead of one-by-one
+- Decode time reduced from ~2.6s to ~0.8s on 1MB images
+
+#### Memory Optimization (50% reduction)
+- Switched from `float64` to `float32` for all DCT operations
+- Peak RAM: 211 MB → 107 MB for encode, 104 MB → 52 MB for decode
+- Critical for Pi 3/4 avoiding swap thrashing
+
+#### Progress Callbacks for Decode
+- `progress_file` parameter added to `decode()` and extraction functions
+- UI can now show decode progress (phases: loading, extracting, decoding, complete)
+- JSON format: `{"current": 80, "total": 100, "percent": 80.0, "phase": "decoding"}`
+
+#### Async API Endpoints
+- Encode/decode operations now run in thread pool via `asyncio.to_thread()`
+- API server can handle concurrent requests without blocking
+- Essential for multi-user Pi deployments
+
+### Compression
+
+#### Zstd Default Compression
+- `zstandard` is now a core dependency (always installed)
+- Better compression ratio than zlib for QR code RSA keys
+- New `STEGASOO-ZS:` prefix for zstd, backward compatible with `STEGASOO-Z:` (zlib)
+
+### QR Code Generation
+
+#### CLI Support
+- `stegasoo generate --rsa --qr key.png` - save RSA key as QR image (PNG/JPG)
+- `stegasoo generate --rsa --qr-ascii` - print ASCII QR to terminal
+
+#### API Support
+- `POST /generate-key-qr` - generate QR from RSA key
+- Supports `png`, `jpg`, and `ascii` output formats
+- Uses zstd compression by default
+
+### Other Changes
+
+- RSA key size capped at 3072 bits (4096 too large for QR codes)
+- File auto-expire increased to 10 minutes
+- Progress bar "candy cane" animation during Argon2 key derivation
+- Optional API service in Pi setup (with security warning)
+
+### Summary
+
+| Metric | v4.1.7 | v4.2.0 | Improvement |
+|--------|--------|--------|-------------|
+| Decode (1MB) | ~2.6s | ~0.8s | **70% faster** |
+| Peak RAM | 211 MB | 107 MB | **50% less** |
+| Concurrent API | No | Yes | check |
+| QR Compression | zlib | zstd | **~15% smaller** |
 
 ### Full Changelog
 See [CHANGELOG.md](CHANGELOG.md) for complete version history.

SECURITY_AUDIT_PLAN.md

@@ -0,0 +1,284 @@
+# Stegasoo Security Audit Plan
+
+> **Target Audience**: Developers, security reviewers, and deployment administrators
+> **Scope**: Web UI, REST API, CLI, and cryptographic core
+> **Deployment Model**: Air-gapped / private LAN (primary), Internet-facing (secondary)
+
+---
+
+## Overview
+
+Stegasoo is a steganography tool designed for **air-gapped deployments** on private networks. While the primary threat model assumes a trusted local network, this audit plan covers security best practices for both isolated and potentially exposed deployments.
+
+### Known Limitations (By Design)
+
+- **Self-signed certificates**: HTTPS uses self-signed certs; users must add exceptions or deploy their own CA
+- **No rate limiting**: Assumes trusted users on private network
+- **Single-node**: No distributed session store; sessions are per-instance
+- **Air-gap focus**: External security (firewalls, network isolation) is user's responsibility
+
+---
+
+## 1. Authentication & Authorization
+
+### 1.1 Password Security
+- [ ] Passwords hashed with Argon2id (preferred) or PBKDF2 fallback
+- [ ] Minimum password length enforced (8+ characters)
+- [ ] Password not logged or exposed in error messages
+- [ ] Password change requires current password verification
+- [ ] Admin re-authentication required for sensitive operations (channel key export)
+
+### 1.2 Session Management
+- [ ] Session tokens are cryptographically random
+- [ ] Session cookies have `HttpOnly` flag
+- [ ] Session cookies have `Secure` flag (when HTTPS enabled)
+- [ ] Session cookies have `SameSite` attribute
+- [ ] Sessions invalidated on logout
+- [ ] Sessions invalidated on password change
+- [ ] Session timeout configured appropriately
+
+### 1.3 Authorization
+- [ ] Admin-only routes protected by `@admin_required` decorator
+- [ ] User-only routes protected by `@login_required` decorator
+- [ ] Users cannot access other users' saved channel keys
+- [ ] Users cannot modify other users' accounts
+- [ ] Role escalation not possible through API manipulation
+
+---
+
+## 2. Cryptographic Implementation
+
+### 2.1 Key Derivation
+- [ ] KDF uses Argon2id with appropriate parameters (memory, iterations, parallelism)
+- [ ] PBKDF2 fallback uses sufficient iterations (600,000+)
+- [ ] Salt is cryptographically random and unique per operation
+- [ ] PIN/passphrase combined securely before KDF
+
+### 2.2 Encryption
+- [ ] AES-256-GCM used for payload encryption
+- [ ] Nonce/IV is unique per encryption operation
+- [ ] Authentication tag verified before decryption
+- [ ] No padding oracle vulnerabilities
+
+### 2.3 Channel Keys
+- [ ] Channel keys are 128-bit (32 hex chars)
+- [ ] Channel key derivation uses HKDF or similar
+- [ ] Channel isolation prevents cross-channel decryption
+- [ ] Fingerprint reveals no information about full key
+
+### 2.4 Random Number Generation
+- [ ] All random values use `secrets` module or OS CSPRNG
+- [ ] No use of `random` module for security-sensitive operations
+
+---
+
+## 3. Input Validation & Injection Prevention
+
+### 3.1 Web UI
+- [ ] All user input sanitized before rendering (XSS prevention)
+- [ ] Jinja2 auto-escaping enabled
+- [ ] No `| safe` filter on user-controlled content
+- [ ] Content-Security-Policy header configured
+- [ ] X-Content-Type-Options: nosniff
+
+### 3.2 File Uploads
+- [ ] File size limits enforced server-side
+- [ ] File type validation (magic bytes, not just extension)
+- [ ] Uploaded files not executed
+- [ ] Filenames sanitized (path traversal prevention)
+- [ ] Temporary files cleaned up after processing
+
+### 3.3 API Inputs
+- [ ] JSON schema validation on API endpoints
+- [ ] Integer overflow checks on size parameters
+- [ ] No SQL injection (parameterized queries only)
+- [ ] No command injection (no shell=True with user input)
+
+---
+
+## 4. Steganography-Specific Security
+
+### 4.1 Carrier Image Handling
+- [ ] Malformed images don't crash the server (PIL/jpegio hardening)
+- [ ] DCT mode subprocess isolation for crash protection
+- [ ] Memory limits on image processing
+- [ ] No arbitrary code execution from image metadata
+
+### 4.2 Payload Security
+- [ ] Payload size limits enforced
+- [ ] Encrypted payload indistinguishable from random noise
+- [ ] No metadata leakage in output images
+- [ ] Reference photo required (prevents dictionary attacks)
+
+### 4.3 Capacity Reporting
+- [ ] Capacity calculation doesn't leak information about encoding method
+- [ ] Failed decodes don't reveal why (wrong key vs no data vs corrupted)
+
+---
+
+## 5. Network & Transport Security
+
+### 5.1 HTTPS Configuration
+- [ ] TLS 1.2+ only (no SSLv3, TLS 1.0/1.1)
+- [ ] Strong cipher suites configured
+- [ ] Certificate generation uses 2048+ bit RSA or P-256 EC
+- [ ] Private key file permissions restricted (600)
+
+### 5.2 Headers
+- [ ] X-Frame-Options: DENY (clickjacking prevention)
+- [ ] X-Content-Type-Options: nosniff
+- [ ] Referrer-Policy: same-origin
+- [ ] Permissions-Policy configured
+
+### 5.3 CORS (if applicable)
+- [ ] CORS not enabled (or restricted to specific origins)
+- [ ] Credentials not allowed cross-origin
+
+---
+
+## 6. Error Handling & Logging
+
+### 6.1 Error Messages
+- [ ] Stack traces not exposed to users in production
+- [ ] Error messages don't reveal sensitive paths or config
+- [ ] Failed login doesn't reveal if username exists
+
+### 6.2 Logging
+- [ ] Passwords never logged
+- [ ] Channel keys never logged
+- [ ] Passphrases never logged
+- [ ] Log files have appropriate permissions
+- [ ] Sensitive operations logged for audit trail (optional)
+
+---
+
+## 7. Dependency Security
+
+### 7.1 Python Dependencies
+- [ ] All dependencies pinned to specific versions
+- [ ] No known vulnerabilities in dependencies (run `pip-audit` or `safety`)
+- [ ] Dependencies from trusted sources only (PyPI)
+
+### 7.2 Frontend Dependencies
+- [ ] All JS/CSS served locally (air-gap ready)
+- [ ] No CDN dependencies
+- [ ] Bootstrap and libraries are official releases
+- [ ] Subresource integrity considered for any external loads
+
+---
+
+## 8. Deployment Security
+
+### 8.1 File Permissions
+- [ ] Database file not world-readable (600 or 640)
+- [ ] SSL certificates/keys not world-readable
+- [ ] Config files with secrets protected
+- [ ] Instance directory not in web root
+
+### 8.2 Docker Deployment
+- [ ] Container runs as non-root user
+- [ ] No unnecessary capabilities
+- [ ] Resource limits configured
+- [ ] Health checks don't expose sensitive info
+
+### 8.3 Raspberry Pi Deployment
+- [ ] Default passwords changed
+- [ ] SSH key-only authentication (recommended)
+- [ ] Unnecessary services disabled
+- [ ] Firewall configured (UFW/iptables)
+
+---
+
+## 9. Air-Gap Specific Considerations
+
+### 9.1 Network Isolation
+- [ ] Document expected network topology
+- [ ] No phone-home or telemetry
+- [ ] No external API calls
+- [ ] Works fully offline after deployment
+
+### 9.2 Key Distribution
+- [ ] QR code export for channel keys (offline transfer)
+- [ ] Print sheet for physical key backup
+- [ ] No cloud sync or external key servers
+
+### 9.3 Updates
+- [ ] Document offline update procedure
+- [ ] Signed releases (future consideration)
+- [ ] Checksum verification for downloads
+
+---
+
+## 10. Penetration Testing Checklist
+
+### 10.1 Authentication Attacks
+- [ ] Brute force login (note: no rate limiting by design)
+- [ ] Session fixation
+- [ ] Session hijacking
+- [ ] Password reset flow abuse
+
+### 10.2 Injection Attacks
+- [ ] SQL injection on all inputs
+- [ ] XSS (stored, reflected, DOM-based)
+- [ ] Command injection
+- [ ] Path traversal
+- [ ] SSTI (Server-Side Template Injection)
+
+### 10.3 Business Logic
+- [ ] Access control bypass
+- [ ] IDOR (Insecure Direct Object Reference)
+- [ ] Race conditions
+- [ ] Integer overflow in capacity calculations
+
+### 10.4 Cryptographic Attacks
+- [ ] Known-plaintext attacks on stego output
+- [ ] Timing attacks on password verification
+- [ ] Padding oracle attacks
+- [ ] Key reuse vulnerabilities
+
+---
+
+## Tools for Automated Testing
+
+```bash
+# Dependency vulnerability scan
+pip-audit
+safety check
+
+# Static analysis
+bandit -r stegasoo/ frontends/
+
+# Web security scan (if exposed)
+nikto -h https://localhost:5000
+OWASP ZAP (manual)
+
+# SSL/TLS configuration
+testssl.sh https://localhost:5000
+
+# Python code quality
+ruff check .
+mypy stegasoo/
+```
+
+---
+
+## Audit Schedule
+
+| Phase | Focus Area | Priority |
+|-------|-----------|----------|
+| Pre-release | Crypto implementation, auth flow | Critical |
+| Post-release | Dependency scan, static analysis | High |
+| Quarterly | Full penetration test | Medium |
+| Ongoing | CVE monitoring for dependencies | High |
+
+---
+
+## Notes
+
+- This plan assumes **trusted users on a private network** as the primary deployment model
+- Internet-facing deployments should add rate limiting, fail2ban, and reverse proxy hardening
+- For high-security deployments, consider external security audit by professionals
+
+---
+
+*Last updated: 2026-01-07*

TODO-4.2.1.md

@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
+# Stegasoo 4.2.1 Plan
+
+## Bugs
+- [x] Fix EXIF viewer panel not loading metadata in Web UI
+  - Redesigned with card-based grid layout and categories
+  - Compact styling for better space usage
+- [x] DCT mode: portrait photos export rotated 90° (EXIF orientation not handled)
+  - Added `_apply_exif_orientation()` to apply EXIF rotation before embedding
+- [x] DCT mode: add rotation fallback (try as-is, rotate 90°, retry on failure)
+  - Added rotation fallback in `extract_from_dct()` with quick header validation
+- [x] Rotate tool: use jpegtran for lossless JPEG rotation (preserves DCT stego!)
+  - Web UI rotate tool now uses jpegtran for JPEGs
+  - DCT decode rotation fallback now uses jpegtran for JPEGs
+  - Dynamic UI shows "DCT Safe" for JPEGs, warning for other formats
+
+## Tools Audit
+- [x] Web UI tools - full shakedown and fixes
+  - Compress, Rotate, Strip, EXIF viewer all working
+  - Rotate uses jpegtran for lossless JPEG rotation
+  - Compact UI styling
+- [x] CLI tools - full shakedown and fixes
+  - Fixed encode to output JPEG when carrier is JPEG (was always PNG)
+  - Fixed jpegtran -trim flag destroying DCT stego data
+  - Added compress, rotate, convert tools (matching Web UI)
+  - Rotate uses jpegtran for JPEGs, supports flip-only operations
+
+## AUR Packages
+- [x] `stegasoo-cli` - standalone CLI package (no web dependencies)
+  - Created aur-cli/PKGBUILD with [cli,dct,compression] extras only
+  - No flask/gunicorn/fastapi/uvicorn/pyzbar deps
+  - 68MB vs 79MB for full package
+- [x] `stegasoo-api` - REST API package
+  - Created aur-api/PKGBUILD with [api,cli,compression] extras
+  - Has fastapi/uvicorn, no flask/gunicorn
+  - 74MB package size
+  - Includes systemd service with TLS
+
+## API Auth Work
+- [x] API key authentication (simpler than OAuth2 for personal use)
+  - `frontends/api/auth.py` - key generation, hashing, validation
+  - Keys stored in `~/.stegasoo/api_keys.json` (hashed)
+  - `X-API-Key` header for authentication
+  - Auth disabled when no keys configured
+- [x] TLS with self-signed certificates
+  - Auto-generates certs on first run
+  - CLI: `stegasoo api tls generate`
+  - Certs stored in `~/.stegasoo/certs/`
+- [x] CLI commands for API management
+  - `stegasoo api keys list/create/delete`
+  - `stegasoo api tls generate/info`
+  - `stegasoo api serve` (starts with TLS by default)
+
+## API Documentation
+- [ ] Postman collection (with environment templates)

WEB_UI.md

@@ -177,7 +177,7 @@ python app.py
 ### Docker Configuration
 
 ```yaml
-# docker-compose.yml
+# docker/docker-compose.yml
 services:
   web:
     environment:
@@ -360,7 +360,7 @@ gunicorn --bind 0.0.0.0:5000 --workers 2 --threads 4 --timeout 60 app:app
 
 **Docker:**
 ```bash
-docker-compose up web
+docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml up web
 ```
 
 ### First-Time Setup
@@ -411,7 +411,7 @@ Create a new set of credentials for steganography operations.
 | Use PIN | on/off | on | Generate a numeric PIN |
 | PIN length | 6-9 | 6 | Digits in the PIN |
 | Use RSA Key | on/off | off | Generate an RSA key pair |
-| RSA key size | 2048/3072/4096 | 2048 | Key size in bits |
+| RSA key size | 2048/3072 | 2048 | Key size in bits |
 
 #### Entropy Calculator
 
@@ -1245,7 +1245,7 @@ volumes:
 ```bash
 pip install scipy
 # Or rebuild Docker image
-docker-compose build --no-cache
+docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml build --no-cache
 ```
 
 ### Browser Compatibility

aur-api/.SRCINFO

@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+pkgbase = stegasoo-api-git
+	pkgdesc = Stegasoo REST API with TLS and API key authentication
+	pkgver = 4.2.1
+	pkgrel = 1
+	url = https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo
+	install = stegasoo-api-git.install
+	arch = x86_64
+	license = MIT
+	makedepends = git
+	makedepends = python
+	makedepends = python-build
+	makedepends = python-hatchling
+	depends = python>=3.11
+	depends = zbar
+	optdepends = libjpeg-turbo: jpegtran for lossless JPEG rotation (DCT-safe)
+	provides = stegasoo-api
+	conflicts = stegasoo-api
+	conflicts = stegasoo
+	conflicts = stegasoo-git
+	source = stegasoo-api-git::git+https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo.git#branch=main
+	sha256sums = SKIP
+
+pkgname = stegasoo-api-git

aur-api/PKGBUILD

@@ -0,0 +1,109 @@
+# Maintainer: Aaron D. Lee <your-email@example.com>
+pkgname=stegasoo-api-git
+pkgver=4.3.0
+pkgrel=1
+pkgdesc="Stegasoo REST API with TLS and API key authentication"
+arch=('x86_64')
+url="https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo"
+license=('MIT')
+
+# Python 3.11-3.14 supported
+depends=(
+    'python>=3.11'
+    'zbar'  # QR code reading for RSA key extraction
+)
+makedepends=(
+    'git'
+    'python'
+    'python-build'
+    'python-hatchling'
+)
+optdepends=(
+    'libjpeg-turbo: jpegtran for lossless JPEG rotation (DCT-safe)'
+)
+provides=('stegasoo-api')
+conflicts=('stegasoo-api' 'stegasoo' 'stegasoo-git')
+install=stegasoo-api-git.install
+source=("${pkgname}::git+https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo.git#branch=main")
+sha256sums=('SKIP')
+
+pkgver() {
+    cd "$pkgname"
+    git describe --long --tags 2>/dev/null | sed 's/^v//;s/\([^-]*-g\)/r\1/;s/-/./g' || \
+    printf "%s.r%s.g%s" "4.3.0" "$(git rev-list --count HEAD)" "$(git rev-parse --short HEAD)"
+}
+
+build() {
+    cd "$pkgname"
+    python -m build --wheel --no-isolation
+}
+
+package() {
+    cd "$pkgname"
+
+    # Detect Python version for site-packages path
+    local pyver=$(python -c 'import sys; print(f"{sys.version_info.major}.{sys.version_info.minor}")')
+
+    # Install to /opt/stegasoo-api with dedicated venv
+    install -dm755 "$pkgdir/opt/stegasoo-api"
+
+    # Create fresh venv in package
+    python -m venv "$pkgdir/opt/stegasoo-api/venv"
+
+    # Install the wheel with API + CLI + compression extras
+    local wheel=$(ls dist/*.whl | head -1)
+    "$pkgdir/opt/stegasoo-api/venv/bin/pip" install --no-cache-dir "${wheel}[api,cli,compression]"
+
+    # Install API frontend (not included in wheel by default)
+    local site_packages="$pkgdir/opt/stegasoo-api/venv/lib/python${pyver}/site-packages"
+    install -dm755 "$site_packages/frontends/api"
+    cp -r frontends/api/*.py "$site_packages/frontends/api/"
+    cp -r frontends/__init__.py "$site_packages/frontends/" 2>/dev/null || true
+
+    # Create temp directory for API
+    install -dm755 "$site_packages/frontends/api/temp_files"
+
+    # Create config directories
+    install -dm755 "$pkgdir/opt/stegasoo-api/config"
+    install -dm700 "$pkgdir/opt/stegasoo-api/certs"
+
+    # Fix shebangs - replace build-time paths with installed paths
+    find "$pkgdir/opt/stegasoo-api/venv/bin" -type f -exec \
+        sed -i "s|$pkgdir/opt/stegasoo-api/venv|/opt/stegasoo-api/venv|g" {} \;
+
+    # Fix pyvenv.cfg
+    sed -i "s|$pkgdir||g" "$pkgdir/opt/stegasoo-api/venv/pyvenv.cfg"
+
+    # Create symlink to /usr/bin
+    install -dm755 "$pkgdir/usr/bin"
+    ln -s /opt/stegasoo-api/venv/bin/stegasoo "$pkgdir/usr/bin/stegasoo"
+
+    # Install license
+    install -Dm644 LICENSE "$pkgdir/usr/share/licenses/$pkgname/LICENSE"
+
+    # Install docs
+    install -Dm644 README.md "$pkgdir/usr/share/doc/$pkgname/README.md"
+
+    # Install systemd service
+    install -Dm644 /dev/stdin "$pkgdir/usr/lib/systemd/system/stegasoo-api.service" <<EOF
+[Unit]
+Description=Stegasoo REST API (HTTPS)
+After=network.target
+
+[Service]
+Type=simple
+User=stegasoo
+WorkingDirectory=/opt/stegasoo-api/venv/lib/python${pyver}/site-packages/frontends/api
+Environment="PATH=/opt/stegasoo-api/venv/bin"
+Environment="HOME=/opt/stegasoo-api"
+# TLS enabled by default - certs auto-generated on first run
+# Use: stegasoo api tls generate (to pre-generate certs)
+# Use: stegasoo api keys create <name> (to create API keys)
+ExecStart=/opt/stegasoo-api/venv/bin/stegasoo api serve --host 127.0.0.1 --port 8000
+Restart=on-failure
+RestartSec=5
+
+[Install]
+WantedBy=multi-user.target
+EOF
+}

aur-api/README.md

@@ -0,0 +1,102 @@
+# Stegasoo API AUR Package
+
+REST API server package for programmatic steganography operations. Includes HTTPS support and API key authentication.
+
+## Installation
+
+### From AUR (once published)
+```bash
+yay -S stegasoo-api-git
+# or
+paru -S stegasoo-api-git
+```
+
+### Manual build
+```bash
+git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/stegasoo-api-git.git
+cd stegasoo-api-git
+makepkg -si
+```
+
+## What Gets Installed
+
+- `/opt/stegasoo-api/venv/` - Self-contained Python venv with API dependencies
+- `/opt/stegasoo-api/config/` - API key storage
+- `/opt/stegasoo-api/certs/` - TLS certificates
+- `/usr/bin/stegasoo` - CLI executable
+- `/usr/lib/systemd/system/stegasoo-api.service` - Systemd service
+
+## Quick Start
+
+```bash
+# 1. Create an API key
+sudo -u stegasoo stegasoo api keys create mykey
+
+# 2. Start the service
+sudo systemctl enable --now stegasoo-api
+
+# 3. Test the API
+curl -k -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_KEY" https://localhost:8000/
+```
+
+## Service Details
+
+| Setting | Value |
+|---------|-------|
+| Port | 8000 |
+| Protocol | HTTPS (self-signed cert auto-generated) |
+| API Docs | https://localhost:8000/docs |
+| OpenAPI | https://localhost:8000/openapi.json |
+
+## API Key Management
+
+```bash
+# List all keys
+stegasoo api keys list
+
+# Create a new key
+sudo -u stegasoo stegasoo api keys create <name>
+
+# Revoke a key
+sudo -u stegasoo stegasoo api keys revoke <name>
+```
+
+## TLS Configuration
+
+```bash
+# View current certificate info
+stegasoo api tls info
+
+# Generate new self-signed certificate
+sudo -u stegasoo stegasoo api tls generate
+
+# Use custom certificates (edit service)
+sudo systemctl edit stegasoo-api
+# Add:
+# [Service]
+# ExecStart=
+# ExecStart=/opt/stegasoo-api/venv/bin/stegasoo api serve \
+#     --host 0.0.0.0 --port 8000 \
+#     --cert /path/to/cert.pem --key /path/to/key.pem
+```
+
+## Manual Run (without systemd)
+
+```bash
+# Development mode (auto-reload)
+/opt/stegasoo-api/venv/bin/stegasoo api serve --reload
+
+# Production mode
+/opt/stegasoo-api/venv/bin/stegasoo api serve --host 0.0.0.0 --port 8000
+```
+
+## For Web UI
+
+Install the full package instead:
+```bash
+yay -S stegasoo-git
+```
+
+## Maintainer
+
+Aaron D. Lee

aur-api/stegasoo-api-git.install

@@ -0,0 +1,63 @@
+post_install() {
+    # Create stegasoo system user if it doesn't exist
+    if ! getent passwd stegasoo >/dev/null; then
+        useradd -r -s /usr/bin/nologin -d /opt/stegasoo-api stegasoo
+        echo "Created system user 'stegasoo'"
+    fi
+
+    # Set ownership of directories
+    chown -R stegasoo:stegasoo /opt/stegasoo-api/config 2>/dev/null || true
+    chown -R stegasoo:stegasoo /opt/stegasoo-api/certs 2>/dev/null || true
+
+    echo ""
+    echo "==============================================="
+    echo "  Stegasoo API installed successfully!"
+    echo "==============================================="
+    echo ""
+    echo "-----------------------------------------------"
+    echo "  Quick Start"
+    echo "-----------------------------------------------"
+    echo "  1. Create an API key:"
+    echo "     sudo -u stegasoo stegasoo api keys create mykey"
+    echo ""
+    echo "  2. Start the API server:"
+    echo "     sudo systemctl start stegasoo-api"
+    echo "     sudo systemctl enable stegasoo-api  # auto-start"
+    echo ""
+    echo "  3. Access the API:"
+    echo "     curl -k -H 'X-API-Key: YOUR_KEY' https://localhost:8000/"
+    echo ""
+    echo "-----------------------------------------------"
+    echo "  Service Details"
+    echo "-----------------------------------------------"
+    echo "  Port: 8000 (HTTPS by default)"
+    echo "  Docs: https://localhost:8000/docs"
+    echo "  Status: sudo systemctl status stegasoo-api"
+    echo ""
+    echo "-----------------------------------------------"
+    echo "  Management Commands"
+    echo "-----------------------------------------------"
+    echo "  stegasoo api keys list       # List API keys"
+    echo "  stegasoo api keys create X   # Create new key"
+    echo "  stegasoo api tls generate    # Generate TLS certs"
+    echo "  stegasoo api tls info        # Show certificate info"
+    echo "  stegasoo api serve --help    # Server options"
+    echo ""
+    echo "==============================================="
+    echo ""
+}
+
+post_upgrade() {
+    post_install
+}
+
+pre_remove() {
+    # Stop service if running
+    systemctl stop stegasoo-api 2>/dev/null || true
+}
+
+post_remove() {
+    echo "Stegasoo API removed."
+    echo "User 'stegasoo' and config in /opt/stegasoo-api were not removed."
+    echo "To remove: userdel stegasoo && rm -rf /opt/stegasoo-api"
+}

aur-api/test-build.sh

@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+# Test build the AUR API package locally
+
+set -e
+
+cd "$(dirname "$0")"
+
+echo "=== Cleaning previous builds ==="
+rm -rf stegasoo-api-git pkg src *.pkg.tar.zst *.whl 2>/dev/null || true
+
+echo "=== Generating .SRCINFO ==="
+makepkg --printsrcinfo > .SRCINFO
+
+echo "=== Building package ==="
+makepkg -sf
+
+echo "=== Package built ==="
+ls -la *.pkg.tar.zst
+
+echo ""
+echo "To install: sudo pacman -U stegasoo-api-git-*.pkg.tar.zst"
+echo "To test:    makepkg -si"

aur-cli/.SRCINFO

@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+pkgbase = stegasoo-cli-git
+	pkgdesc = Secure steganography CLI with hybrid photo + passphrase + PIN authentication
+	pkgver = 4.2.1
+	pkgrel = 1
+	url = https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo
+	install = stegasoo-cli-git.install
+	arch = x86_64
+	license = MIT
+	makedepends = git
+	makedepends = python
+	makedepends = python-build
+	makedepends = python-hatchling
+	depends = python>=3.11
+	optdepends = libjpeg-turbo: jpegtran for lossless JPEG rotation (DCT-safe)
+	provides = stegasoo-cli
+	conflicts = stegasoo-cli
+	conflicts = stegasoo
+	conflicts = stegasoo-git
+	source = stegasoo-cli-git::git+https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo.git#branch=main
+	sha256sums = SKIP
+
+pkgname = stegasoo-cli-git

aur-cli/PKGBUILD

@@ -0,0 +1,69 @@
+# Maintainer: Aaron D. Lee <your-email@example.com>
+pkgname=stegasoo-cli-git
+pkgver=4.3.0
+pkgrel=1
+pkgdesc="Secure steganography CLI with hybrid photo + passphrase + PIN authentication"
+arch=('x86_64')
+url="https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo"
+license=('MIT')
+
+# Python 3.11-3.14 supported (uses jpeglib for modern Python compatibility)
+depends=(
+    'python>=3.11'
+)
+makedepends=(
+    'git'
+    'python'
+    'python-build'
+    'python-hatchling'
+)
+optdepends=(
+    'libjpeg-turbo: jpegtran for lossless JPEG rotation (DCT-safe)'
+)
+provides=('stegasoo-cli')
+conflicts=('stegasoo-cli' 'stegasoo' 'stegasoo-git')
+install=stegasoo-cli-git.install
+source=("${pkgname}::git+https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo.git#branch=main")
+sha256sums=('SKIP')
+
+pkgver() {
+    cd "$pkgname"
+    git describe --long --tags 2>/dev/null | sed 's/^v//;s/\([^-]*-g\)/r\1/;s/-/./g' || \
+    printf "%s.r%s.g%s" "4.3.0" "$(git rev-list --count HEAD)" "$(git rev-parse --short HEAD)"
+}
+
+build() {
+    cd "$pkgname"
+    python -m build --wheel --no-isolation
+}
+
+package() {
+    cd "$pkgname"
+
+    # Install to /opt/stegasoo-cli with dedicated venv
+    install -dm755 "$pkgdir/opt/stegasoo-cli"
+
+    # Create fresh venv in package
+    python -m venv "$pkgdir/opt/stegasoo-cli/venv"
+
+    # Install the wheel with CLI + DCT + compression extras (no web/api)
+    local wheel=$(ls dist/*.whl | head -1)
+    "$pkgdir/opt/stegasoo-cli/venv/bin/pip" install --no-cache-dir "${wheel}[cli,dct,compression]"
+
+    # Fix shebangs - replace build-time paths with installed paths
+    find "$pkgdir/opt/stegasoo-cli/venv/bin" -type f -exec \
+        sed -i "s|$pkgdir/opt/stegasoo-cli/venv|/opt/stegasoo-cli/venv|g" {} \;
+
+    # Fix pyvenv.cfg
+    sed -i "s|$pkgdir||g" "$pkgdir/opt/stegasoo-cli/venv/pyvenv.cfg"
+
+    # Create symlink to /usr/bin
+    install -dm755 "$pkgdir/usr/bin"
+    ln -s /opt/stegasoo-cli/venv/bin/stegasoo "$pkgdir/usr/bin/stegasoo"
+
+    # Install license
+    install -Dm644 LICENSE "$pkgdir/usr/share/licenses/$pkgname/LICENSE"
+
+    # Install docs
+    install -Dm644 README.md "$pkgdir/usr/share/doc/$pkgname/README.md"
+}

aur-cli/README.md

@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+# Stegasoo CLI AUR Package
+
+Lightweight CLI-only package for steganography operations. No web UI or API server.
+
+## Installation
+
+### From AUR (once published)
+```bash
+yay -S stegasoo-cli-git
+# or
+paru -S stegasoo-cli-git
+```
+
+### Manual build
+```bash
+git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/stegasoo-cli-git.git
+cd stegasoo-cli-git
+makepkg -si
+```
+
+## What Gets Installed
+
+- `/opt/stegasoo-cli/venv/` - Self-contained Python venv with CLI dependencies only
+- `/usr/bin/stegasoo` - CLI executable
+
+## Usage
+
+```bash
+# Show all commands
+stegasoo --help
+
+# Generate credentials (passphrase + PIN)
+stegasoo generate
+stegasoo generate --words 5 --pin-length 8
+
+# Generate with RSA keys and QR codes
+stegasoo generate --rsa --qr-ascii
+
+# Encode a message
+stegasoo encode -i carrier.jpg -r reference.jpg -m "secret message" \
+    -P "word1 word2 word3 word4" -p 123456
+
+# Decode a message
+stegasoo decode -i encoded.png -r reference.jpg \
+    -P "word1 word2 word3 word4" -p 123456
+
+# Image tools
+stegasoo tools --help
+stegasoo tools compress image.png
+stegasoo tools rotate image.jpg 90
+```
+
+## For Web UI or REST API
+
+Install the full package instead:
+```bash
+yay -S stegasoo-git
+```
+
+## Maintainer
+
+Aaron D. Lee

aur-cli/stegasoo-cli-git.install

@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+post_install() {
+    echo ""
+    echo "==============================================="
+    echo "  Stegasoo CLI installed successfully!"
+    echo "==============================================="
+    echo ""
+    echo "Usage:"
+    echo "  stegasoo --help          # Show all commands"
+    echo "  stegasoo generate        # Generate passphrase + PIN"
+    echo "  stegasoo encode ...      # Hide data in an image"
+    echo "  stegasoo decode ...      # Extract hidden data"
+    echo "  stegasoo tools --help    # Image tools (compress, etc.)"
+    echo ""
+    echo "For web UI or REST API, install stegasoo-git instead."
+    echo ""
+}
+
+post_upgrade() {
+    post_install
+}

aur-cli/test-build.sh

@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+# Test build the AUR CLI package locally
+
+set -e
+
+cd "$(dirname "$0")"
+
+echo "=== Cleaning previous builds ==="
+rm -rf stegasoo-cli-git pkg src *.pkg.tar.zst *.whl 2>/dev/null || true
+
+echo "=== Generating .SRCINFO ==="
+makepkg --printsrcinfo > .SRCINFO
+
+echo "=== Building package ==="
+makepkg -sf
+
+echo "=== Package built ==="
+ls -la *.pkg.tar.zst
+
+echo ""
+echo "To install: sudo pacman -U stegasoo-cli-git-*.pkg.tar.zst"
+echo "To test:    makepkg -si"

aur/PKGBUILD

@@ -0,0 +1,120 @@
+# Maintainer: Aaron D. Lee <your-email@example.com>
+pkgname=stegasoo-git
+pkgver=4.3.0
+pkgrel=1
+pkgdesc="Secure steganography with hybrid photo + passphrase + PIN authentication"
+arch=('x86_64')
+url="https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo"
+license=('MIT')
+
+# Python 3.11-3.14 supported (uses jpeglib for modern Python compatibility)
+depends=(
+    'python>=3.11'
+    'zbar'  # QR code reading for Web UI
+)
+makedepends=(
+    'git'
+    'python'
+    'python-build'
+    'python-hatchling'
+)
+provides=('stegasoo')
+conflicts=('stegasoo')
+install=stegasoo-git.install
+source=("${pkgname}::git+https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo.git#branch=main")
+sha256sums=('SKIP')
+
+pkgver() {
+    cd "$pkgname"
+    git describe --long --tags 2>/dev/null | sed 's/^v//;s/\([^-]*-g\)/r\1/;s/-/./g' || \
+    printf "%s.r%s.g%s" "4.3.0" "$(git rev-list --count HEAD)" "$(git rev-parse --short HEAD)"
+}
+
+build() {
+    cd "$pkgname"
+    python -m build --wheel --no-isolation
+}
+
+package() {
+    cd "$pkgname"
+
+    # Detect Python version for site-packages path
+    local pyver=$(python -c 'import sys; print(f"{sys.version_info.major}.{sys.version_info.minor}")')
+
+    # Install to /opt/stegasoo with dedicated venv
+    install -dm755 "$pkgdir/opt/stegasoo"
+
+    # Create fresh venv in package
+    python -m venv "$pkgdir/opt/stegasoo/venv"
+
+    # Install the wheel with all extras
+    local wheel=$(ls dist/*.whl | head -1)
+    "$pkgdir/opt/stegasoo/venv/bin/pip" install --no-cache-dir "${wheel}[all]"
+
+    # Install frontends (not included in wheel)
+    local site_packages="$pkgdir/opt/stegasoo/venv/lib/python${pyver}/site-packages"
+    cp -r frontends "$site_packages/"
+
+    # Create writable directories for stegasoo user
+    install -dm755 "$pkgdir/opt/stegasoo/venv/var/app-instance"
+    install -dm755 "$site_packages/frontends/web/temp_files"
+    install -dm755 "$site_packages/frontends/api/temp_files"
+
+    # Fix shebangs - replace build-time paths with installed paths
+    find "$pkgdir/opt/stegasoo/venv/bin" -type f -exec \
+        sed -i "s|$pkgdir/opt/stegasoo/venv|/opt/stegasoo/venv|g" {} \;
+
+    # Fix pyvenv.cfg
+    sed -i "s|$pkgdir||g" "$pkgdir/opt/stegasoo/venv/pyvenv.cfg"
+
+    # Create symlinks to /usr/bin
+    install -dm755 "$pkgdir/usr/bin"
+    ln -s /opt/stegasoo/venv/bin/stegasoo "$pkgdir/usr/bin/stegasoo"
+
+    # Install license
+    install -Dm644 LICENSE "$pkgdir/usr/share/licenses/$pkgname/LICENSE"
+
+    # Install docs
+    install -Dm644 README.md "$pkgdir/usr/share/doc/$pkgname/README.md"
+
+    # Install systemd service files
+    install -Dm644 /dev/stdin "$pkgdir/usr/lib/systemd/system/stegasoo-web.service" <<EOF
+[Unit]
+Description=Stegasoo Web UI
+After=network.target
+
+[Service]
+Type=simple
+User=stegasoo
+WorkingDirectory=/opt/stegasoo/venv/lib/python${pyver}/site-packages/frontends/web
+Environment="PATH=/opt/stegasoo/venv/bin"
+ExecStart=/opt/stegasoo/venv/bin/gunicorn -b 127.0.0.1:5000 app:app
+Restart=on-failure
+RestartSec=5
+
+[Install]
+WantedBy=multi-user.target
+EOF
+
+    install -Dm644 /dev/stdin "$pkgdir/usr/lib/systemd/system/stegasoo-api.service" <<EOF
+[Unit]
+Description=Stegasoo REST API (HTTPS)
+After=network.target
+
+[Service]
+Type=simple
+User=stegasoo
+WorkingDirectory=/opt/stegasoo/venv/lib/python${pyver}/site-packages/frontends/api
+Environment="PATH=/opt/stegasoo/venv/bin"
+Environment="HOME=/opt/stegasoo"
+# TLS enabled by default - certs auto-generated on first run
+# Use stegasoo api tls generate to pre-generate certs
+# Use stegasoo api keys create <name> to create API keys
+ExecStart=/opt/stegasoo/venv/bin/stegasoo api serve --host 127.0.0.1 --port 8000
+Restart=on-failure
+RestartSec=5
+
+[Install]
+WantedBy=multi-user.target
+EOF
+}

aur/README.md

@@ -0,0 +1,90 @@
+# Stegasoo AUR Package
+
+Full package with CLI, Web UI, and REST API. Supports Python 3.11-3.14.
+
+## Installation
+
+### From AUR (once published)
+```bash
+yay -S stegasoo-git
+# or
+paru -S stegasoo-git
+```
+
+### Manual build
+```bash
+git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/stegasoo-git.git
+cd stegasoo-git
+makepkg -si
+```
+
+## What Gets Installed
+
+- `/opt/stegasoo/venv/` - Self-contained Python venv with all dependencies
+- `/usr/bin/stegasoo` - CLI symlink
+- `/usr/lib/systemd/system/stegasoo-web.service` - Web UI service (port 5000)
+- `/usr/lib/systemd/system/stegasoo-api.service` - REST API service (port 8000, HTTPS)
+
+## Optional Dependencies
+
+```bash
+# QR code reading from webcam/images (recommended)
+sudo pacman -S zbar
+```
+
+All other dependencies are bundled in the venv.
+
+## Usage
+
+### CLI
+```bash
+stegasoo --help
+stegasoo generate                    # Generate passphrase + PIN
+stegasoo generate --rsa --qr-ascii   # With RSA keys and QR codes
+stegasoo encode -i carrier.jpg -r reference.jpg -m "secret" -P "word1 word2 word3 word4" -p 123456
+stegasoo decode -i encoded.png -r reference.jpg -P "word1 word2 word3 word4" -p 123456
+```
+
+### Web UI
+```bash
+# Start service (user created automatically on install)
+sudo systemctl enable --now stegasoo-web
+
+# Access at http://localhost:5000
+```
+
+### REST API
+```bash
+# Create an API key first
+sudo -u stegasoo stegasoo api keys create mykey
+
+# Start service (HTTPS with auto-generated self-signed cert)
+sudo systemctl enable --now stegasoo-api
+
+# Access docs at https://localhost:8000/docs
+curl -k -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_KEY" https://localhost:8000/
+```
+
+### HTTPS Configuration
+
+The API uses HTTPS by default with auto-generated self-signed certificates.
+
+```bash
+# View certificate info
+stegasoo api tls info
+
+# Generate new self-signed cert
+sudo -u stegasoo stegasoo api tls generate
+
+# Use custom certs (edit service file)
+sudo systemctl edit stegasoo-api
+```
+
+## Alternative Packages
+
+- `stegasoo-cli-git` - CLI only, minimal dependencies
+- `stegasoo-api-git` - CLI + REST API, no web UI
+
+## Maintainer
+
+Aaron D. Lee

aur/stegasoo-git.install

@@ -0,0 +1,75 @@
+post_install() {
+    # Create stegasoo system user if it doesn't exist
+    if ! getent passwd stegasoo >/dev/null; then
+        useradd -r -s /usr/bin/nologin -d /opt/stegasoo stegasoo
+        echo "Created system user 'stegasoo'"
+    fi
+
+    # Set ownership of instance directory for Flask
+    chown -R stegasoo:stegasoo /opt/stegasoo/venv/var/app-instance 2>/dev/null || true
+
+    echo ""
+    echo "==============================================="
+    echo "  Stegasoo installed successfully!"
+    echo "==============================================="
+    echo ""
+    echo "CLI usage:"
+    echo "  stegasoo --help"
+    echo "  stegasoo generate        # Generate credentials"
+    echo "  stegasoo encode          # Encode a message"
+    echo "  stegasoo decode          # Decode a message"
+    echo ""
+    echo "-----------------------------------------------"
+    echo "  Web UI Service"
+    echo "-----------------------------------------------"
+    echo "  Port: 5000 (HTTP)"
+    echo "  Start:   sudo systemctl start stegasoo-web"
+    echo "  Enable:  sudo systemctl enable stegasoo-web"
+    echo "  Status:  sudo systemctl status stegasoo-web"
+    echo "  Access:  http://localhost:5000"
+    echo ""
+    echo "-----------------------------------------------"
+    echo "  REST API Service"
+    echo "-----------------------------------------------"
+    echo "  Port: 8000 (HTTPS by default)"
+    echo "  Start:   sudo systemctl start stegasoo-api"
+    echo "  Enable:  sudo systemctl enable stegasoo-api"
+    echo "  Status:  sudo systemctl status stegasoo-api"
+    echo "  Access:  https://localhost:8000"
+    echo ""
+    echo "-----------------------------------------------"
+    echo "  HTTPS Configuration"
+    echo "-----------------------------------------------"
+    echo "  The API generates self-signed certs on first run."
+    echo "  To pre-generate or use custom certificates:"
+    echo ""
+    echo "  # Generate self-signed certs"
+    echo "  sudo -u stegasoo stegasoo api tls generate"
+    echo ""
+    echo "  # Use custom certs (edit the service file)"
+    echo "  sudo systemctl edit stegasoo-api"
+    echo "  # Add: ExecStart= with --cert and --key flags"
+    echo ""
+    echo "  # Create API keys for authentication"
+    echo "  sudo -u stegasoo stegasoo api keys create <name>"
+    echo ""
+    echo "==============================================="
+    echo ""
+}
+
+post_upgrade() {
+    post_install
+}
+
+pre_remove() {
+    # Stop services if running
+    systemctl stop stegasoo-web 2>/dev/null || true
+    systemctl stop stegasoo-api 2>/dev/null || true
+}
+
+post_remove() {
+    # Optionally remove the stegasoo user
+    # userdel stegasoo 2>/dev/null || true
+    echo "Stegasoo removed. User 'stegasoo' was not removed."
+    echo "To remove: userdel stegasoo"
+}

aur/test-build.sh

@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+# Test build the AUR package locally
+
+set -e
+
+cd "$(dirname "$0")"
+
+echo "=== Cleaning previous builds ==="
+rm -rf stegasoo-git pkg src *.pkg.tar.zst *.whl 2>/dev/null || true
+
+echo "=== Generating .SRCINFO ==="
+makepkg --printsrcinfo > .SRCINFO
+
+echo "=== Building package ==="
+makepkg -sf
+
+echo "=== Package built ==="
+ls -la *.pkg.tar.zst
+
+echo ""
+echo "To install: sudo pacman -U stegasoo-git-*.pkg.tar.zst"
+echo "To test:    makepkg -si"

docker/Dockerfile

@@ -35,12 +35,15 @@ RUN apt-get update && apt-get install -y --no-install-recommends \
     libzbar0 \
     libjpeg-dev \
     zlib1g-dev \
+    curl \
+    openssl \
     && rm -rf /var/lib/apt/lists/*
 
 # Install ALL dependencies (slow path)
 RUN pip install --no-cache-dir \
     cython numpy scipy>=1.10.0 jpegio>=0.2.0 \
     argon2-cffi>=23.0.0 pillow>=10.0.0 cryptography>=41.0.0 \
+    reedsolo>=1.7.0 \
     flask>=3.0.0 gunicorn>=21.0.0 \
     fastapi>=0.100.0 "uvicorn[standard]>=0.20.0" python-multipart>=0.0.6 \
     qrcode>=7.3.0 pyzbar>=0.1.9 click>=8.0.0 lz4>=4.0.0
@@ -57,6 +60,12 @@ FROM base AS web
 
 WORKDIR /app
 
+# Install runtime dependencies (curl for healthcheck, openssl for cert generation)
+USER root
+RUN apt-get update && apt-get install -y --no-install-recommends \
+    curl openssl \
+    && rm -rf /var/lib/apt/lists/*
+
 # Copy application files (this is all that rebuilds normally!)
 COPY src/ src/
 COPY data/ data/
@@ -66,6 +75,10 @@ COPY frontends/web/ frontends/web/
 # temp_files is for multi-worker temp file sharing
 RUN mkdir -p /tmp/stego_uploads /app/frontends/web/instance /app/frontends/web/certs /app/frontends/web/temp_files
 
+# Copy and set up entrypoint (before switching to non-root user)
+COPY frontends/web/docker-entrypoint.sh /app/frontends/web/
+RUN chmod +x /app/frontends/web/docker-entrypoint.sh
+
 # Create non-root user
 RUN useradd -m -u 1000 stego && chown -R stego:stego /app /tmp/stego_uploads
 USER stego
@@ -77,12 +90,12 @@ ENV PYTHONPATH=/app/src
 EXPOSE 5000
 
 # Health check
-HEALTHCHECK --interval=30s --timeout=10s --start-period=5s --retries=3 \
-    CMD python -c "import urllib.request; urllib.request.urlopen('http://localhost:5000/')" || exit 1
+HEALTHCHECK --interval=30s --timeout=10s --start-period=10s --retries=3 \
+    CMD curl -fsk https://localhost:5000/ || curl -fs http://localhost:5000/ || exit 1
 
-# Run with gunicorn
+# Run with entrypoint (handles HTTPS/HTTP mode)
 WORKDIR /app/frontends/web
-CMD ["gunicorn", "--bind", "0.0.0.0:5000", "--workers", "2", "--threads", "4", "--timeout", "120", "app:app"]
+ENTRYPOINT ["/app/frontends/web/docker-entrypoint.sh"]
 
 # ============================================================================
 # API stage - REST API

docker/Dockerfile.base

@@ -32,7 +32,9 @@ RUN pip install --no-cache-dir \
     jpegio>=0.2.0 \
     argon2-cffi>=23.0.0 \
     pillow>=10.0.0 \
-    cryptography>=41.0.0
+    cryptography>=41.0.0 \
+    reedsolo>=1.7.0 \
+    zstandard>=0.22.0
 
 # Install web/api framework packages (also stable)
 RUN pip install --no-cache-dir \
@@ -47,9 +49,9 @@ RUN pip install --no-cache-dir \
     lz4>=4.0.0
 
 # Verify key packages work
-RUN python -c "import jpegio; import scipy; import numpy; print('jpegio + scipy + numpy OK')"
+RUN python -c "import jpegio; import scipy; import numpy; import zstandard; print('jpegio + scipy + numpy + zstd OK')"
 
 # Label for tracking
 LABEL org.opencontainers.image.title="Stegasoo Base"
 LABEL org.opencontainers.image.description="Pre-compiled dependencies for Stegasoo"
-LABEL org.opencontainers.image.version="4.0.0"
+LABEL org.opencontainers.image.version="4.2.1"

docker/docker-compose.yml

@@ -8,7 +8,8 @@ services:
   # ============================================================================
   web:
     build:
-      context: .
+      context: ..
+      dockerfile: docker/Dockerfile
       target: web
     container_name: stegasoo-web
     ports:
@@ -18,7 +19,9 @@ services:
       FLASK_ENV: production
       # Authentication (v4.0.2)
       STEGASOO_AUTH_ENABLED: ${STEGASOO_AUTH_ENABLED:-true}
-      STEGASOO_HTTPS_ENABLED: ${STEGASOO_HTTPS_ENABLED:-false}
+      # HTTPS enabled by default - generates self-signed cert if none provided
+      # To disable: STEGASOO_HTTPS_ENABLED=false docker-compose up
+      STEGASOO_HTTPS_ENABLED: ${STEGASOO_HTTPS_ENABLED:-true}
       STEGASOO_HOSTNAME: ${STEGASOO_HOSTNAME:-localhost}
     volumes:
       # Persist auth database and SSL certs (v4.0.2)
@@ -37,7 +40,8 @@ services:
   # ============================================================================
   api:
     build:
-      context: .
+      context: ..
+      dockerfile: docker/Dockerfile
       target: api
     container_name: stegasoo-api
     ports:

docs/CLAUDE_WORKTREES.md

@@ -0,0 +1,224 @@
+# Using Claude Code with Git Worktrees — A Stegasoo Guide
+
+## What is a worktree?
+
+A git worktree is a second (or third, or fourth...) copy of your repo that shares the same `.git` history but lives in its own folder with its own branch. Think of it like opening the same project in a parallel universe — you can hack on a feature in one worktree while keeping `main` pristine in another.
+
+Claude Code has built-in worktree support, so you don't need to memorize any git commands.
+
+## Why bother?
+
+- **Safety net**: Your `main` branch stays untouched. If Claude's changes go sideways, just delete the worktree — zero damage.
+- **Easy A/B comparison**: Keep the original code open in one editor tab, Claude's changes in another.
+- **Parallel work**: You can keep working in `main` while Claude tinkers in a worktree.
+- **Clean PRs**: The worktree branch becomes your PR branch with no stray changes mixed in.
+
+## The 30-second version
+
+1. Ask Claude to work in a worktree
+2. Claude creates an isolated copy and works there
+3. When done, you either merge or throw it away
+
+That's it. Everything below is details.
+
+---
+
+## How to start a worktree session
+
+### Option A: Ask Claude directly
+
+Just tell Claude you want to work in a worktree:
+
+```
+> Let's work in a worktree for this
+> Start a worktree called "dct-refactor"
+> Can you make these changes in an isolated worktree?
+```
+
+Claude will use `EnterWorktree` behind the scenes and switch into it automatically.
+
+### Option B: Use the slash command
+
+```
+> /worktree
+```
+
+This drops you into a fresh worktree immediately.
+
+### Option C: Tell Claude to launch an agent in a worktree
+
+If you want Claude to do something in the background without touching your working directory:
+
+```
+> Run the tests in a worktree so we don't mess up my local state
+```
+
+Claude can spin up a sub-agent with `isolation: "worktree"` — it gets its own copy and reports back.
+
+---
+
+## Where do worktrees live?
+
+Claude puts them in:
+
+```
+.claude/worktrees/<name>/
+```
+
+This directory is inside your repo but ignored by git, so it won't pollute your commits.
+
+## What happens inside a worktree?
+
+The worktree is a full checkout of your repo on a new branch. Claude's working directory switches to it, so all file reads, edits, and commands happen there — not in your main checkout.
+
+**Important for Stegasoo**: The first thing you (or Claude) should do in a fresh worktree is:
+
+```bash
+pip install -e ".[dev]"
+```
+
+This points your editable install at the worktree's source code instead of your main checkout. Without this, `pytest` will test the wrong copy of the code.
+
+---
+
+## Real-world examples
+
+### Example 1: Feature work
+
+```
+You:    I want to add lz4 as a default compression option. Let's use a worktree.
+Claude: *creates worktree, switches to it*
+Claude: *installs dev deps, makes changes, runs tests*
+Claude: All tests pass. Ready to merge or open a PR.
+You:    Looks good, make a PR.
+Claude: *pushes branch, creates PR*
+```
+
+### Example 2: Risky refactor
+
+```
+You:    Refactor the crypto module to split KDF logic into its own file.
+        Do it in a worktree so I can review before touching main.
+Claude: *creates worktree "refactor/split-kdf"*
+Claude: *does the refactor, runs tests*
+You:    Hmm, I don't love the approach. Throw it away.
+Claude: *removes worktree — main is untouched*
+```
+
+### Example 3: Investigate a bug without side effects
+
+```
+You:    Something's wrong with DCT encoding on large images.
+        Can you investigate in a worktree? I've got uncommitted work here.
+Claude: *creates worktree, adds debug logging, runs tests*
+Claude: Found it — the block size calculation overflows at >16MP.
+        Here's the fix. Want me to apply it to main?
+```
+
+---
+
+## When to use a worktree vs. just editing in place
+
+| Situation | Worktree? | Why |
+|-----------|-----------|-----|
+| Quick one-file fix | No | Overkill — just edit directly |
+| Multi-file refactor | Yes | Easy to discard if it goes wrong |
+| Touching security-critical code (`crypto.py`, `steganography.py`, etc.) | Yes | Extra safety for sensitive changes |
+| Experimental / "let's try this" work | Yes | Zero-cost throwaway |
+| You have uncommitted changes you don't want to stash | Yes | Worktree won't touch your working tree |
+| Adding a single test | No | Low risk, just do it |
+
+---
+
+## Cleaning up
+
+### If you merged or created a PR
+
+The worktree served its purpose. Clean up:
+
+```bash
+git worktree remove .claude/worktrees/<name>
+```
+
+Or ask Claude:
+
+```
+> Clean up the worktree
+```
+
+### If you want to throw everything away
+
+Same command — removing the worktree deletes the directory and its branch reference. Your `main` branch is completely unaffected.
+
+### If Claude's session ends
+
+When a Claude Code session ends while in a worktree, you'll be prompted to keep or remove it. If you keep it, you can resume later:
+
+```bash
+cd .claude/worktrees/<name>
+# pick up where you left off
+```
+
+---
+
+## Branch naming in worktrees
+
+Follow the same conventions as the rest of the project:
+
+| Type | Branch name | Example |
+|------|-------------|---------|
+| Feature | `feature/description` | `feature/batch-progress-bars` |
+| Bug fix | `fix/description` | `fix/dct-overflow-large-images` |
+| Docs | `docs/description` | `docs/api-examples` |
+| Refactor | `refactor/description` | `refactor/split-crypto-module` |
+
+When Claude creates a worktree automatically, it generates a random branch name. You can rename it before pushing:
+
+```bash
+git branch -m <old-name> feature/my-better-name
+```
+
+---
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+### "I ran pytest but it's testing the old code"
+
+You forgot to install in the worktree:
+
+```bash
+pip install -e ".[dev]"
+```
+
+### "I can't find my worktree"
+
+```bash
+git worktree list
+```
+
+This shows all worktrees and their paths.
+
+### "I accidentally deleted the worktree folder without removing it from git"
+
+```bash
+git worktree prune
+```
+
+This cleans up stale worktree references.
+
+### "I want to switch back to my main checkout"
+
+If you're in a Claude Code session that entered a worktree, the session stays in the worktree until it ends. Start a new session to go back to your main checkout, or:
+
+```bash
+cd /home/alee/Sources/stegasoo
+```
+
+---
+
+## TL;DR
+
+1. Say "use a worktree" when asking Claude to make changes
+2. Claude works in an isolated copy — your `main` is safe
+3. Merge the good stuff, trash the bad stuff
+4. Never think about it again until next time

docs/DOCKER_QUICKSTART.md

@@ -0,0 +1,162 @@
+# Docker Quickstart
+
+Get Stegasoo running in Docker in under 5 minutes.
+
+## Build
+
+```bash
+# From project root:
+
+# Build web UI image
+sudo docker build -t stegasoo-web --target web -f docker/Dockerfile .
+
+# Or build all targets
+sudo docker build -t stegasoo-api --target api -f docker/Dockerfile .
+sudo docker build -t stegasoo-cli --target cli -f docker/Dockerfile .
+
+# Or use docker-compose
+sudo docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml build
+```
+
+## Run (Basic)
+
+```bash
+# HTTP only, no auth
+sudo docker run -d \
+  -p 5000:5000 \
+  -e STEGASOO_AUTH_ENABLED=false \
+  --name stegasoo \
+  stegasoo-web
+```
+
+Visit http://localhost:5000
+
+## Run (Production)
+
+```bash
+# HTTPS + Auth + Channel Key
+sudo docker run -d \
+  -p 5000:5000 \
+  -e STEGASOO_AUTH_ENABLED=true \
+  -e STEGASOO_HTTPS_ENABLED=true \
+  -e STEGASOO_HOSTNAME=stegasoo.local \
+  -e STEGASOO_CHANNEL_KEY=ABCD-1234-EFGH-5678-IJKL-9012-MNOP-3456 \
+  -v stegasoo-data:/opt/stegasoo/frontends/web/instance \
+  -v stegasoo-certs:/opt/stegasoo/frontends/web/certs \
+  --name stegasoo \
+  stegasoo-web
+```
+
+Visit https://localhost:5000 (accept self-signed cert warning)
+
+## Environment Variables
+
+| Variable | Default | Description |
+|----------|---------|-------------|
+| `STEGASOO_AUTH_ENABLED` | `true` | Require login |
+| `STEGASOO_HTTPS_ENABLED` | `false` | Enable HTTPS |
+| `STEGASOO_HOSTNAME` | `localhost` | Hostname for SSL cert |
+| `STEGASOO_CHANNEL_KEY` | *(none)* | Shared channel key (32 alphanumeric chars with dashes) |
+
+## Docker Compose
+
+Create `.env` file in project root:
+```bash
+STEGASOO_AUTH_ENABLED=true
+STEGASOO_HTTPS_ENABLED=true
+STEGASOO_HOSTNAME=stegasoo.local
+STEGASOO_CHANNEL_KEY=
+```
+
+Run:
+```bash
+sudo docker-compose -f docker/docker-compose.yml up -d web
+```
+
+## Custom SSL Certificates
+
+### Use Your Own Certs
+
+```bash
+# Stop container
+sudo docker stop stegasoo
+
+# Copy certs to volume
+sudo docker run --rm -v stegasoo-certs:/certs -v $(pwd):/src alpine \
+  sh -c "cp /src/your-cert.crt /certs/server.crt && cp /src/your-key.key /certs/server.key && chmod 600 /certs/server.key"
+
+# Start container
+sudo docker start stegasoo
+```
+
+### Use mkcert (Local Development)
+
+```bash
+# Install mkcert
+brew install mkcert  # macOS
+# or: sudo apt install mkcert  # Debian/Ubuntu
+
+# Create local CA and certs
+mkcert -install
+mkcert -cert-file server.crt -key-file server.key localhost 127.0.0.1 stegasoo.local
+
+# Copy to Docker volume (see above)
+```
+
+### Use Let's Encrypt (Public Server)
+
+```bash
+# Get cert
+sudo certbot certonly --standalone -d yourdomain.com
+
+# Copy to Docker volume
+sudo docker run --rm -v stegasoo-certs:/certs alpine \
+  sh -c "cp /etc/letsencrypt/live/yourdomain.com/fullchain.pem /certs/server.crt && \
+         cp /etc/letsencrypt/live/yourdomain.com/privkey.pem /certs/server.key && \
+         chmod 600 /certs/server.key"
+```
+
+## Volumes
+
+| Volume | Purpose |
+|--------|---------|
+| `stegasoo-data` | User database, settings |
+| `stegasoo-certs` | SSL certificates |
+
+## Smoke Test
+
+```bash
+# Check container logs
+sudo docker logs stegasoo
+
+# Test HTTP endpoint
+curl -k https://localhost:5000/health
+
+# Expected: {"status":"ok","version":"4.1.7",...}
+```
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+**Container won't start:**
+```bash
+sudo docker logs stegasoo
+```
+
+**Out of memory:**
+```bash
+# Argon2 needs 256MB+ per operation
+sudo docker run --memory=768m ...
+```
+
+**Certificate errors:**
+```bash
+# Regenerate self-signed cert
+sudo docker exec stegasoo rm -rf /opt/stegasoo/frontends/web/certs/*
+sudo docker restart stegasoo
+```
+
+**Reset everything:**
+```bash
+sudo docker stop stegasoo && sudo docker rm stegasoo
+sudo docker volume rm stegasoo-data stegasoo-certs
+```

docs/TEMPLATES.md

@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ Quick reference for all Jinja2 templates in `frontends/web/templates/`.
 - `use_pin` - checkbox
 - `pin_length` - PIN digits (6-9)
 - `use_rsa` - checkbox
-- `rsa_bits` - key size (2048/3072/4096)
+- `rsa_bits` - key size (2048/3072)
 
 **Output panels:**
 - Passphrase display

docs/stegasoo.1

@@ -0,0 +1,418 @@
+.\" Stegasoo man page
+.\" Generate with: groff -man -Tascii stegasoo.1
+.TH STEGASOO 1 "February 2026" "Stegasoo 4.3.0" "User Commands"
+.SH NAME
+stegasoo \- steganography with hybrid authentication
+.SH SYNOPSIS
+.B stegasoo
+[\fB\-v\fR|\fB\-\-version\fR]
+[\fB\-\-json\fR]
+[\fB\-h\fR|\fB\-\-help\fR]
+.I command
+[\fIargs\fR]
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+.B stegasoo
+hides messages and files in images and audio using PIN + passphrase security.
+It uses LSB (Least Significant Bit) steganography with optional DCT
+(Discrete Cosine Transform) encoding for JPEG resilience, and supports
+audio steganography with LSB and Spread Spectrum modes.
+.PP
+Messages are encrypted using a hybrid authentication scheme that combines
+a reference photo (shared secret), passphrase, and PIN code.
+.SH GLOBAL OPTIONS
+.TP
+.BR \-v ", " \-\-version
+Show version and exit.
+.TP
+.B \-\-json
+Output results as JSON (where supported).
+.TP
+.BR \-h ", " \-\-help
+Show help message and exit.
+.SH COMMANDS
+.SS encode
+Encode a message or file into an image.
+.PP
+.B stegasoo encode
+.I carrier
+.B \-r
+.I reference
+[\fB\-m\fR \fImessage\fR | \fB\-f\fR \fIfile\fR]
+[\fIoptions\fR]
+.TP
+.BR \-r ", " \-\-reference " " \fIPATH\fR
+Reference photo (shared secret). Required.
+.TP
+.BR \-m ", " \-\-message " " \fITEXT\fR
+Message to encode.
+.TP
+.BR \-f ", " \-\-file " " \fIPATH\fR
+File to embed instead of message.
+.TP
+.BR \-o ", " \-\-output " " \fIPATH\fR
+Output image path.
+.TP
+.B \-\-passphrase " " \fITEXT\fR
+Passphrase (recommend 4+ words). Prompts if not provided.
+.TP
+.B \-\-pin " " \fITEXT\fR
+PIN code. Prompts if not provided.
+.TP
+.B \-\-dry\-run
+Show capacity usage without encoding.
+.PP
+.B Examples:
+.nf
+    stegasoo encode photo.png -r ref.jpg -m "Secret" --passphrase --pin
+    stegasoo encode photo.png -r ref.jpg -f doc.pdf -o encoded.png
+.fi
+.SS decode
+Decode a message or file from an image.
+.PP
+.B stegasoo decode
+.I image
+.B \-r
+.I reference
+[\fIoptions\fR]
+.TP
+.BR \-r ", " \-\-reference " " \fIPATH\fR
+Reference photo (shared secret). Required.
+.TP
+.B \-\-passphrase " " \fITEXT\fR
+Passphrase. Prompts if not provided.
+.TP
+.B \-\-pin " " \fITEXT\fR
+PIN code. Prompts if not provided.
+.TP
+.BR \-o ", " \-\-output " " \fIPATH\fR
+Output path for file payloads.
+.PP
+.B Examples:
+.nf
+    stegasoo decode encoded.png -r ref.jpg --passphrase --pin
+    stegasoo decode encoded.png -r ref.jpg -o ./extracted/
+.fi
+.SS generate
+Generate random credentials (passphrase + PIN + optional channel key).
+.PP
+.B stegasoo generate
+[\fIoptions\fR]
+.TP
+.B \-\-words " " \fIINTEGER\fR
+Number of words in passphrase (default: 4).
+.TP
+.B \-\-pin\-length " " \fIINTEGER\fR
+PIN length (default: 6).
+.TP
+.B \-\-channel\-key
+Also generate a 256-bit channel key.
+.PP
+.B Examples:
+.nf
+    stegasoo generate
+    stegasoo generate --words 6 --pin-length 8
+    stegasoo generate --channel-key
+.fi
+.SS info
+Show version, features, and system information.
+.PP
+.B stegasoo info
+[\fB\-\-full\fR]
+.TP
+.B \-\-full
+Show full system information (CPU, temperature, disk on Pi).
+.SS batch
+Batch operations on multiple images.
+.PP
+.B stegasoo batch
+.I subcommand
+[\fIargs\fR]
+.TP
+.B batch encode
+Encode message into multiple images.
+.RS
+.PP
+.B stegasoo batch encode
+.I images...
+[\fB\-m\fR \fImessage\fR | \fB\-f\fR \fIfile\fR]
+[\fIoptions\fR]
+.PP
+Options: \fB\-m\fR, \fB\-f\fR, \fB\-o\fR/\fB\-\-output\-dir\fR, \fB\-\-suffix\fR, \fB\-\-passphrase\fR, \fB\-\-pin\fR,
+\fB\-r\fR/\fB\-\-recursive\fR, \fB\-j\fR/\fB\-\-jobs\fR, \fB\-v\fR/\fB\-\-verbose\fR.
+.RE
+.TP
+.B batch decode
+Decode messages from multiple images.
+.RS
+.PP
+.B stegasoo batch decode
+.I images...
+[\fIoptions\fR]
+.PP
+Options: \fB\-o\fR/\fB\-\-output\-dir\fR, \fB\-\-passphrase\fR, \fB\-\-pin\fR, \fB\-r\fR/\fB\-\-recursive\fR,
+\fB\-j\fR/\fB\-\-jobs\fR, \fB\-v\fR/\fB\-\-verbose\fR.
+.RE
+.TP
+.B batch check
+Check capacity of multiple images.
+.RS
+.PP
+.B stegasoo batch check
+.I images...
+[\fB\-r\fR/\fB\-\-recursive\fR]
+.RE
+.SS channel
+Manage channel keys for deployment isolation.
+.PP
+Channel keys bind encode/decode operations to a specific group or deployment.
+Messages encoded with one channel key can only be decoded by systems with
+the same channel key.
+.PP
+.B stegasoo channel
+.I subcommand
+[\fIargs\fR]
+.TP
+.B channel generate
+Generate a new random channel key.
+.RS
+.PP
+Options: \fB\-\-save\fR (project config), \fB\-\-save\-user\fR (user config).
+.RE
+.TP
+.B channel show
+Show the current channel key.
+.RS
+.PP
+Options: \fB\-\-key\fR \fITEXT\fR (show specific key instead).
+.RE
+.TP
+.B channel qr
+Display channel key as QR code.
+.RS
+.PP
+Options: \fB\-\-key\fR \fITEXT\fR, \fB\-\-format\fR [\fIascii\fR|\fIpng\fR], \fB\-o\fR/\fB\-\-output\fR \fIPATH\fR.
+.RE
+.TP
+.B channel status
+Show channel key status and configuration.
+.TP
+.B channel clear
+Remove channel key configuration.
+.RS
+.PP
+Options: \fB\-\-project\fR, \fB\-\-user\fR.
+.RE
+.SS admin
+Web UI administration commands.
+.PP
+.B stegasoo admin
+.I subcommand
+[\fIargs\fR]
+.TP
+.B admin generate\-key
+Generate a new recovery key (for reference only).
+.RS
+.PP
+Options: \fB\-\-qr\fR (show QR code in terminal).
+.RE
+.TP
+.B admin recover
+Reset admin password using recovery key.
+.RS
+.PP
+Options: \fB\-\-db\fR \fIPATH\fR (path to stegasoo.db), \fB\-\-password\fR \fITEXT\fR.
+.RE
+.SS audio\-encode
+Encode a message or file into an audio file.
+.PP
+.B stegasoo audio\-encode
+.I audio
+.B \-r
+.I reference
+[\fB\-m\fR \fImessage\fR | \fB\-f\fR \fIfile\fR]
+[\fIoptions\fR]
+.TP
+.BR \-r ", " \-\-reference " " \fIPATH\fR
+Reference photo (shared secret). Required.
+.TP
+.BR \-m ", " \-\-message " " \fITEXT\fR
+Message to encode.
+.TP
+.BR \-f ", " \-\-file " " \fIPATH\fR
+File to embed instead of message.
+.TP
+.BR \-o ", " \-\-output " " \fIPATH\fR
+Output audio path.
+.TP
+.B \-\-passphrase " " \fITEXT\fR
+Passphrase (recommend 4+ words). Prompts if not provided.
+.TP
+.B \-\-pin " " \fITEXT\fR
+PIN code. Prompts if not provided.
+.TP
+.B \-\-mode " " [\fIlsb\fR|\fIspread\fR]
+Embedding mode: lsb (default) or spread (spread spectrum).
+.PP
+.B Examples:
+.nf
+    stegasoo audio-encode song.wav -r ref.jpg -m "Secret" --passphrase --pin
+    stegasoo audio-encode podcast.mp3 -r ref.jpg -f doc.pdf --mode spread
+.fi
+.SS audio\-decode
+Decode a message or file from a stego audio file.
+.PP
+.B stegasoo audio\-decode
+.I audio
+.B \-r
+.I reference
+[\fIoptions\fR]
+.TP
+.BR \-r ", " \-\-reference " " \fIPATH\fR
+Reference photo (shared secret). Required.
+.TP
+.B \-\-passphrase " " \fITEXT\fR
+Passphrase. Prompts if not provided.
+.TP
+.B \-\-pin " " \fITEXT\fR
+PIN code. Prompts if not provided.
+.TP
+.BR \-o ", " \-\-output " " \fIPATH\fR
+Output path for file payloads.
+.PP
+.B Examples:
+.nf
+    stegasoo audio-decode stego.wav -r ref.jpg --passphrase --pin
+    stegasoo audio-decode stego.wav -r ref.jpg -o ./extracted/
+.fi
+.SS audio\-info
+Display audio file information and steganographic capacity.
+.PP
+.B stegasoo audio\-info
+.I audio
+[\fB\-\-json\fR]
+.PP
+Shows format, sample rate, channels, bit depth, duration, and embedding
+capacity for both LSB and Spread Spectrum modes.
+.PP
+.B Examples:
+.nf
+    stegasoo audio-info song.wav
+    stegasoo audio-info podcast.mp3 --json
+.fi
+.SS tools
+Image security tools.
+.PP
+.B stegasoo tools
+.I subcommand
+[\fIargs\fR]
+.TP
+.B tools capacity
+Show steganography capacity for an image.
+.RS
+.PP
+.B stegasoo tools capacity
+.I image
+[\fB\-\-json\fR]
+.RE
+.TP
+.B tools exif
+View or edit EXIF metadata.
+.RS
+.PP
+.B stegasoo tools exif
+.I image
+[\fB\-\-clear\fR] [\fB\-\-set\fR \fIFIELD=VALUE\fR] [\fB\-o\fR \fIPATH\fR] [\fB\-\-json\fR]
+.RE
+.TP
+.B tools peek
+Check if image contains Stegasoo hidden data.
+.RS
+.PP
+.B stegasoo tools peek
+.I image
+[\fB\-\-json\fR]
+.RE
+.TP
+.B tools strip
+Strip EXIF/metadata from an image.
+.RS
+.PP
+.B stegasoo tools strip
+.I image
+[\fB\-o\fR \fIPATH\fR] [\fB\-\-format\fR [\fIpng\fR|\fIbmp\fR]]
+.RE
+.SH ENVIRONMENT
+.TP
+.B STEGASOO_CHANNEL_KEY
+Channel key for encode/decode operations. Overrides config file settings.
+.TP
+.B STEGASOO_HTTPS_ENABLED
+Enable HTTPS for web UI (Docker/service mode).
+.TP
+.B STEGASOO_HOSTNAME
+Hostname for SSL certificate generation.
+.SH FILES
+.TP
+.I ~/.stegasoo/channel.key
+User's channel key configuration (encrypted).
+.TP
+.I .stegasoo.toml
+Project-level configuration file.
+.TP
+.I frontends/web/instance/stegasoo.db
+Web UI SQLite database (accounts, settings).
+.SH EXAMPLES
+.SS Basic encode/decode workflow
+.nf
+# Generate credentials
+stegasoo generate
+
+# Encode a secret message
+stegasoo encode vacation.png -r selfie.jpg -m "Meet at noon"
+
+# Decode the message (on another system with same reference photo)
+stegasoo decode vacation_steg.png -r selfie.jpg
+.fi
+.SS Using channel keys for team isolation
+.nf
+# Generate and save a channel key
+stegasoo channel generate --save-user
+
+# Share the key with your team
+stegasoo channel qr -o team-key.png
+
+# Now all encode/decode operations use this channel
+stegasoo encode photo.png -r ref.jpg -m "Team secret"
+.fi
+.SS Batch processing
+.nf
+# Check capacity of all PNGs in a directory
+stegasoo batch check ./photos/*.png
+
+# Encode same message into multiple images
+stegasoo batch encode ./photos/ -r ref.jpg -m "Secret" -o ./encoded/
+.fi
+.SH SECURITY
+Stegasoo uses multiple layers of security:
+.IP \(bu 2
+Reference photo provides a visual shared secret
+.IP \(bu 2
+Passphrase (recommend 4+ words) for strong encryption
+.IP \(bu 2
+PIN code adds additional entropy
+.IP \(bu 2
+Channel keys isolate different deployments
+.IP \(bu 2
+AES-256 encryption for payload data
+.PP
+For maximum security, share the reference photo out-of-band (in person,
+secure messenger) and use a strong passphrase.
+.SH SEE ALSO
+.BR openssl (1),
+.BR qrencode (1)
+.SH BUGS
+Report bugs at: https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo/issues
+.SH AUTHOR
+Written by the Stegasoo contributors.
+.SH COPYRIGHT
+Copyright \(co 2024-2026. MIT License.

frontends/api/auth.py

@@ -0,0 +1,257 @@
+"""
+API Key Authentication for Stegasoo REST API.
+
+Provides simple API key authentication with hashed key storage.
+Keys can be stored in user config (~/.stegasoo/) or project config (./config/).
+
+Usage:
+    from .auth import require_api_key, get_api_key_status
+
+    @app.get("/protected")
+    async def protected_endpoint(api_key: str = Depends(require_api_key)):
+        return {"status": "authenticated"}
+"""
+
+import hashlib
+import json
+import os
+import secrets
+from pathlib import Path
+
+from fastapi import HTTPException, Security
+from fastapi.security import APIKeyHeader
+
+# API key header name
+API_KEY_HEADER = APIKeyHeader(name="X-API-Key", auto_error=False)
+
+# Config locations
+USER_CONFIG_DIR = Path.home() / ".stegasoo"
+PROJECT_CONFIG_DIR = Path("./config")
+
+# Key file name
+API_KEYS_FILE = "api_keys.json"
+
+# Environment variable for API key (alternative to file)
+API_KEY_ENV_VAR = "STEGASOO_API_KEY"
+
+
+def _hash_key(key: str) -> str:
+    """Hash an API key for storage."""
+    return hashlib.sha256(key.encode()).hexdigest()
+
+
+def _get_keys_file(location: str = "user") -> Path:
+    """Get path to API keys file."""
+    if location == "project":
+        return PROJECT_CONFIG_DIR / API_KEYS_FILE
+    return USER_CONFIG_DIR / API_KEYS_FILE
+
+
+def _load_keys(location: str = "user") -> dict:
+    """Load API keys from config file."""
+    keys_file = _get_keys_file(location)
+    if keys_file.exists():
+        try:
+            with open(keys_file) as f:
+                return json.load(f)
+        except (OSError, json.JSONDecodeError):
+            return {"keys": [], "enabled": True}
+    return {"keys": [], "enabled": True}
+
+
+def _save_keys(data: dict, location: str = "user") -> None:
+    """Save API keys to config file."""
+    keys_file = _get_keys_file(location)
+    keys_file.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+
+    with open(keys_file, "w") as f:
+        json.dump(data, f, indent=2)
+
+    # Secure permissions (owner read/write only)
+    os.chmod(keys_file, 0o600)
+
+
+def generate_api_key() -> str:
+    """Generate a new API key."""
+    # Format: stegasoo_XXXX_XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
+    # 32 bytes = 256 bits of entropy
+    random_part = secrets.token_hex(16)
+    return f"stegasoo_{random_part[:4]}_{random_part[4:]}"
+
+
+def add_api_key(name: str, location: str = "user") -> str:
+    """
+    Generate and store a new API key.
+
+    Args:
+        name: Descriptive name for the key (e.g., "laptop", "automation")
+        location: "user" or "project"
+
+    Returns:
+        The generated API key (only shown once!)
+    """
+    key = generate_api_key()
+    key_hash = _hash_key(key)
+
+    data = _load_keys(location)
+
+    # Check for duplicate name
+    for existing in data["keys"]:
+        if existing["name"] == name:
+            raise ValueError(f"Key with name '{name}' already exists")
+
+    data["keys"].append(
+        {
+            "name": name,
+            "hash": key_hash,
+            "created": __import__("datetime").datetime.now().isoformat(),
+        }
+    )
+
+    _save_keys(data, location)
+
+    return key
+
+
+def remove_api_key(name: str, location: str = "user") -> bool:
+    """
+    Remove an API key by name.
+
+    Returns:
+        True if key was found and removed, False otherwise
+    """
+    data = _load_keys(location)
+    original_count = len(data["keys"])
+
+    data["keys"] = [k for k in data["keys"] if k["name"] != name]
+
+    if len(data["keys"]) < original_count:
+        _save_keys(data, location)
+        return True
+    return False
+
+
+def list_api_keys(location: str = "user") -> list[dict]:
+    """
+    List all API keys (names and creation dates, not actual keys).
+    """
+    data = _load_keys(location)
+    return [{"name": k["name"], "created": k.get("created", "unknown")} for k in data["keys"]]
+
+
+def set_auth_enabled(enabled: bool, location: str = "user") -> None:
+    """Enable or disable API key authentication."""
+    data = _load_keys(location)
+    data["enabled"] = enabled
+    _save_keys(data, location)
+
+
+def is_auth_enabled() -> bool:
+    """Check if API key authentication is enabled."""
+    # Check project config first, then user config
+    for location in ["project", "user"]:
+        data = _load_keys(location)
+        if "enabled" in data:
+            return data["enabled"]
+
+    # Default: enabled if any keys exist
+    return bool(get_all_key_hashes())
+
+
+def get_all_key_hashes() -> set[str]:
+    """Get all valid API key hashes from all sources."""
+    hashes = set()
+
+    # Check environment variable first
+    env_key = os.environ.get(API_KEY_ENV_VAR)
+    if env_key:
+        hashes.add(_hash_key(env_key))
+
+    # Check project and user configs
+    for location in ["project", "user"]:
+        data = _load_keys(location)
+        for key_entry in data.get("keys", []):
+            if "hash" in key_entry:
+                hashes.add(key_entry["hash"])
+
+    return hashes
+
+
+def validate_api_key(key: str) -> bool:
+    """Validate an API key against stored hashes."""
+    if not key:
+        return False
+
+    key_hash = _hash_key(key)
+    valid_hashes = get_all_key_hashes()
+
+    return key_hash in valid_hashes
+
+
+def get_api_key_status() -> dict:
+    """Get current API key authentication status."""
+    user_keys = list_api_keys("user")
+    project_keys = list_api_keys("project")
+    env_configured = bool(os.environ.get(API_KEY_ENV_VAR))
+
+    total_keys = len(user_keys) + len(project_keys) + (1 if env_configured else 0)
+
+    return {
+        "enabled": is_auth_enabled(),
+        "total_keys": total_keys,
+        "user_keys": len(user_keys),
+        "project_keys": len(project_keys),
+        "env_configured": env_configured,
+        "keys": {
+            "user": user_keys,
+            "project": project_keys,
+        },
+    }
+
+
+# FastAPI dependency for API key authentication
+async def require_api_key(api_key: str | None = Security(API_KEY_HEADER)) -> str:
+    """
+    FastAPI dependency that requires a valid API key.
+
+    Usage:
+        @app.get("/protected")
+        async def endpoint(key: str = Depends(require_api_key)):
+            ...
+    """
+    # Check if auth is enabled
+    if not is_auth_enabled():
+        return "auth_disabled"
+
+    # No keys configured = auth disabled
+    if not get_all_key_hashes():
+        return "no_keys_configured"
+
+    # Validate the provided key
+    if not api_key:
+        raise HTTPException(
+            status_code=401,
+            detail="API key required. Provide X-API-Key header.",
+            headers={"WWW-Authenticate": "ApiKey"},
+        )
+
+    if not validate_api_key(api_key):
+        raise HTTPException(
+            status_code=403,
+            detail="Invalid API key.",
+        )
+
+    return api_key
+
+
+async def optional_api_key(api_key: str | None = Security(API_KEY_HEADER)) -> str | None:
+    """
+    FastAPI dependency that optionally validates API key.
+
+    Returns the key if valid, None if not provided or invalid.
+    Doesn't raise exceptions - useful for endpoints that work
+    with or without auth.
+    """
+    if api_key and validate_api_key(api_key):
+        return api_key
+    return None

frontends/cli/main.py

@@ -120,6 +120,7 @@ try:
     from stegasoo.qr_utils import (  # noqa: F401
         can_fit_in_qr,
         extract_key_from_qr_file,
+        generate_qr_ascii,
         generate_qr_code,
         has_qr_read,
         has_qr_write,
@@ -136,6 +137,9 @@ except ImportError:
     def has_qr_write() -> bool:
         return False
 
+    def generate_qr_ascii(*args, **kwargs):
+        raise RuntimeError("QR code generation not available")
+
 
 # ============================================================================
 # CLI SETUP
@@ -236,7 +240,7 @@ def format_channel_status_line(quiet: bool = False) -> str | None:
     help=f"PIN length (6-9, default: {DEFAULT_PIN_LENGTH})",
 )
 @click.option(
-    "--rsa-bits", type=click.Choice(["2048", "3072", "4096"]), default="2048", help="RSA key size"
+    "--rsa-bits", type=click.Choice(["2048", "3072"]), default="2048", help="RSA key size"
 )
 @click.option(
     "--words",
@@ -247,7 +251,13 @@ def format_channel_status_line(quiet: bool = False) -> str | None:
 @click.option("--output", "-o", type=click.Path(), help="Save RSA key to file (requires password)")
 @click.option("--password", "-p", help="Password for RSA key file")
 @click.option("--json", "as_json", is_flag=True, help="Output as JSON")
-def generate(pin, rsa, pin_length, rsa_bits, words, output, password, as_json):
+@click.option(
+    "--qr",
+    type=click.Path(),
+    help="Save RSA key QR code to file (png/jpg, uses zstd compression)",
+)
+@click.option("--qr-ascii", is_flag=True, help="Print RSA key as ASCII QR code to terminal")
+def generate(pin, rsa, pin_length, rsa_bits, words, output, password, as_json, qr, qr_ascii):
     """
     Generate credentials for encoding/decoding.
 
@@ -261,13 +271,18 @@ def generate(pin, rsa, pin_length, rsa_bits, words, output, password, as_json):
     Examples:
         stegasoo generate
         stegasoo generate --words 5
-        stegasoo generate --rsa --rsa-bits 4096
+        stegasoo generate --rsa --rsa-bits 3072
         stegasoo generate --rsa -o mykey.pem -p "secretpassword"
+        stegasoo generate --rsa --qr key.png
+        stegasoo generate --rsa --qr-ascii
         stegasoo generate --no-pin --rsa
     """
     if not pin and not rsa:
         raise click.UsageError("Must enable at least one of --pin or --rsa")
 
+    if (qr or qr_ascii) and not rsa:
+        raise click.UsageError("QR output requires --rsa to generate an RSA key")
+
     if output and not password:
         raise click.UsageError("--password is required when saving RSA key to file")
 
@@ -334,6 +349,33 @@ def generate(pin, rsa, pin_length, rsa_bits, words, output, password, as_json):
                 click.echo(creds.rsa_key_pem)
             click.echo()
 
+            # QR code output (v4.2.0)
+            if qr:
+                if not HAS_QR:
+                    click.secho("    ⚠️  QR code library not available", fg="yellow")
+                else:
+                    # Determine format from extension
+                    qr_path = Path(qr)
+                    ext = qr_path.suffix.lower()
+                    fmt = "jpeg" if ext in (".jpg", ".jpeg") else "png"
+
+                    qr_bytes = generate_qr_code(creds.rsa_key_pem, compress=True, output_format=fmt)
+                    qr_path.write_bytes(qr_bytes)
+                    click.secho("─── RSA KEY QR CODE ───", fg="green")
+                    click.secho(f"    Saved to: {qr}", fg="bright_white")
+                    click.secho("    ⚠️  Contains unencrypted private key!", fg="yellow")
+                    click.echo()
+
+            if qr_ascii:
+                if not HAS_QR:
+                    click.secho("    ⚠️  QR code library not available", fg="yellow")
+                else:
+                    click.secho("─── RSA KEY QR CODE (ASCII) ───", fg="green")
+                    click.secho("    ⚠️  Contains unencrypted private key!", fg="yellow")
+                    click.echo()
+                    ascii_qr = generate_qr_ascii(creds.rsa_key_pem, compress=True, invert=True)
+                    click.echo(ascii_qr)
+
         click.secho("─── SECURITY ───", fg="green")
         click.echo(f"    Passphrase entropy: {creds.passphrase_entropy} bits ({words} words)")
         if creds.pin:

frontends/web/auth.py

@@ -77,14 +77,10 @@ def init_db():
     db = get_db()
 
     # Check if we need to migrate from old single-user schema
-    cursor = db.execute(
-        "SELECT name FROM sqlite_master WHERE type='table' AND name='admin_user'"
-    )
+    cursor = db.execute("SELECT name FROM sqlite_master WHERE type='table' AND name='admin_user'")
     has_old_table = cursor.fetchone() is not None
 
-    cursor = db.execute(
-        "SELECT name FROM sqlite_master WHERE type='table' AND name='users'"
-    )
+    cursor = db.execute("SELECT name FROM sqlite_master WHERE type='table' AND name='users'")
     has_new_table = cursor.fetchone() is not None
 
     if has_old_table and not has_new_table:
@@ -189,9 +185,7 @@ def _ensure_channel_keys_table(db: sqlite3.Connection):
 
 def _ensure_app_settings_table(db: sqlite3.Connection):
     """Ensure app_settings table exists (v4.1.0 migration)."""
-    cursor = db.execute(
-        "SELECT name FROM sqlite_master WHERE type='table' AND name='app_settings'"
-    )
+    cursor = db.execute("SELECT name FROM sqlite_master WHERE type='table' AND name='app_settings'")
     if cursor.fetchone() is None:
         db.executescript("""
             CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS app_settings (
@@ -212,9 +206,7 @@ def _ensure_app_settings_table(db: sqlite3.Connection):
 def get_app_setting(key: str) -> str | None:
     """Get an app-level setting value."""
     db = get_db()
-    row = db.execute(
-        "SELECT value FROM app_settings WHERE key = ?", (key,)
-    ).fetchone()
+    row = db.execute("SELECT value FROM app_settings WHERE key = ?", (key,)).fetchone()
     return row["value"] if row else None
 
 
@@ -384,12 +376,10 @@ def get_user_by_username(username: str) -> User | None:
 def get_all_users() -> list[User]:
     """Get all users, admins first, then by creation date."""
     db = get_db()
-    rows = db.execute(
-        """
+    rows = db.execute("""
         SELECT id, username, role, created_at FROM users
         ORDER BY role = 'admin' DESC, created_at ASC
-        """
-    ).fetchall()
+        """).fetchall()
     return [
         User(
             id=row["id"],
@@ -596,9 +586,7 @@ def create_admin_user(username: str, password: str) -> tuple[bool, str]:
     return success, msg
 
 
-def change_password(
-    user_id: int, current_password: str, new_password: str
-) -> tuple[bool, str]:
+def change_password(user_id: int, current_password: str, new_password: str) -> tuple[bool, str]:
     """Change a user's password (requires current password)."""
     user = get_user_by_id(user_id)
     if not user:
@@ -667,9 +655,7 @@ def delete_user(user_id: int, current_user_id: int) -> tuple[bool, str]:
     # Check if this is the last admin
     if user.role == ROLE_ADMIN:
         db = get_db()
-        admin_count = db.execute(
-            "SELECT COUNT(*) FROM users WHERE role = 'admin'"
-        ).fetchone()[0]
+        admin_count = db.execute("SELECT COUNT(*) FROM users WHERE role = 'admin'").fetchone()[0]
         if admin_count <= 1:
             return False, "Cannot delete the last admin"
 
@@ -848,9 +834,7 @@ def save_channel_key(
         return False, "This channel key is already saved", None
 
 
-def update_channel_key_name(
-    key_id: int, user_id: int, new_name: str
-) -> tuple[bool, str]:
+def update_channel_key_name(key_id: int, user_id: int, new_name: str) -> tuple[bool, str]:
     """Update the name of a saved channel key."""
     new_name = new_name.strip()
     if not new_name:

frontends/web/dev_run.sh

@@ -0,0 +1,52 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+# Stegasoo Web Frontend - Development Runner
+# Press 'r' to restart, 'q' to quit (single keypress, no Enter needed)
+
+cd "$(dirname "$0")"
+
+PID=""
+
+cleanup() {
+    echo -e "\n\033[33mShutting down...\033[0m"
+    [[ -n "$PID" ]] && kill "$PID" 2>/dev/null
+    stty sane 2>/dev/null
+    exit 0
+}
+
+trap cleanup SIGINT SIGTERM EXIT
+
+start_server() {
+    clear
+    echo -e "\033[36m┌──────────────────────────────────────┐\033[0m"
+    echo -e "\033[36m│  Stegasoo Dev Server                 │\033[0m"
+    echo -e "\033[36m│  \033[0m[r] restart  [q] quit\033[36m              │\033[0m"
+    echo -e "\033[36m└──────────────────────────────────────┘\033[0m"
+
+    pkill -f "python app.py" 2>/dev/null
+    sleep 0.3
+
+    python app.py 2>&1 &
+    PID=$!
+    echo -e "\033[32m✓ Running on http://localhost:5000 (PID: $PID)\033[0m\n"
+}
+
+start_server
+
+# Single keypress mode
+stty -echo -icanon time 0 min 0
+
+while true; do
+    key=$(dd bs=1 count=1 2>/dev/null)
+    case "$key" in
+        r|R) start_server ;;
+        q|Q) cleanup ;;
+    esac
+
+    # Check if crashed
+    if [[ -n "$PID" ]] && ! kill -0 "$PID" 2>/dev/null; then
+        echo -e "\033[31m✗ Crashed! Press 'r' to restart\033[0m"
+        PID=""
+    fi
+
+    sleep 0.1
+done

frontends/web/docker-entrypoint.sh

@@ -0,0 +1,75 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+#
+# Docker entrypoint for Stegasoo Web UI
+# Handles SSL certificate generation and gunicorn startup
+#
+# Supports mkcert for browser-trusted certificates (no warning screen)
+#
+
+set -e
+
+CERT_DIR="/app/frontends/web/certs"
+CERT_FILE="$CERT_DIR/cert.pem"
+KEY_FILE="$CERT_DIR/key.pem"
+HOSTNAME="${STEGASOO_HOSTNAME:-localhost}"
+
+# Generate SSL certificates
+# Priority: 1) Existing certs, 2) mkcert (trusted), 3) openssl (self-signed)
+generate_certs() {
+    if [ -f "$CERT_FILE" ] && [ -f "$KEY_FILE" ]; then
+        echo "Using existing SSL certificates."
+        return
+    fi
+
+    mkdir -p "$CERT_DIR"
+
+    # Try mkcert first (creates browser-trusted certs)
+    if command -v mkcert &> /dev/null; then
+        echo "Generating trusted certificate with mkcert for $HOSTNAME..."
+        cd "$CERT_DIR"
+        mkcert -key-file key.pem -cert-file cert.pem "$HOSTNAME" localhost 127.0.0.1 ::1
+        echo "Trusted certificate generated."
+        echo ""
+        echo "  To trust on other devices, install the CA cert from:"
+        echo "  $(mkcert -CAROOT)/rootCA.pem"
+        echo ""
+        return
+    fi
+
+    # Fallback to self-signed (shows browser warning)
+    echo "Generating self-signed SSL certificate for $HOSTNAME..."
+    echo "(Install mkcert for browser-trusted certs without warnings)"
+
+    openssl req -x509 -newkey rsa:2048 \
+        -keyout "$KEY_FILE" \
+        -out "$CERT_FILE" \
+        -sha256 -days 365 -nodes \
+        -subj "/CN=$HOSTNAME" \
+        -addext "subjectAltName=DNS:$HOSTNAME,DNS:localhost,IP:127.0.0.1" \
+        2>/dev/null
+
+    echo "Self-signed certificate generated."
+}
+
+# Start gunicorn with appropriate settings
+if [ "${STEGASOO_HTTPS_ENABLED:-false}" = "true" ]; then
+    echo "HTTPS mode enabled"
+    generate_certs
+
+    exec gunicorn \
+        --bind 0.0.0.0:5000 \
+        --workers 2 \
+        --threads 4 \
+        --timeout 120 \
+        --certfile "$CERT_FILE" \
+        --keyfile "$KEY_FILE" \
+        app:app
+else
+    echo "HTTP mode (HTTPS disabled)"
+    exec gunicorn \
+        --bind 0.0.0.0:5000 \
+        --workers 2 \
+        --threads 4 \
+        --timeout 120 \
+        app:app
+fi

frontends/web/ssl_utils.py

@@ -81,10 +81,12 @@ def generate_self_signed_cert(
     )
 
     # Create certificate
-    subject = issuer = x509.Name([
-        x509.NameAttribute(NameOID.ORGANIZATION_NAME, "Stegasoo"),
-        x509.NameAttribute(NameOID.COMMON_NAME, hostname),
-    ])
+    subject = issuer = x509.Name(
+        [
+            x509.NameAttribute(NameOID.ORGANIZATION_NAME, "Stegasoo"),
+            x509.NameAttribute(NameOID.COMMON_NAME, hostname),
+        ]
+    )
 
     # Subject Alternative Names
     san_list = [
@@ -112,7 +114,7 @@ def generate_self_signed_cert(
         except (ipaddress.AddressValueError, ValueError):
             pass
 
-    now = datetime.datetime.now(datetime.timezone.utc)
+    now = datetime.datetime.now(datetime.UTC)
     cert = (
         x509.CertificateBuilder()
         .subject_name(subject)

frontends/web/static/js/stegasoo.js

@@ -95,7 +95,16 @@ const Stegasoo = {
             if (!isPayloadZone && !isQrZone) {
                 input.addEventListener('change', function() {
                     if (this.files && this.files[0]) {
-                        Stegasoo.showImagePreview(this.files[0], preview, label, zone);
+                        const file = this.files[0];
+                        if (file.type.startsWith('image/') && preview) {
+                            Stegasoo.showImagePreview(file, preview, label, zone);
+                        } else if (file.type.startsWith('audio/') || !file.type.startsWith('image/')) {
+                            // Audio or non-image files: show file info instead of image preview
+                            Stegasoo.showAudioFileInfo(file, zone);
+                            if (label) {
+                                label.classList.add('d-none');
+                            }
+                        }
                     }
                 });
             }
@@ -153,7 +162,21 @@ const Stegasoo = {
         };
         reader.readAsDataURL(file);
     },
-    
+
+    /**
+     * Format audio file info for display in drop zones (v4.3.0)
+     */
+    showAudioFileInfo(file, zone) {
+        const filenameEl = zone.querySelector('.pixel-data-filename span, .scan-data-filename span');
+        const sizeEl = zone.querySelector('.pixel-data-value, .scan-data-value');
+        if (filenameEl) filenameEl.textContent = file.name;
+        if (sizeEl) {
+            const kb = file.size / 1024;
+            sizeEl.textContent = kb >= 1024 ? (kb / 1024).toFixed(1) + ' MB' : kb.toFixed(1) + ' KB';
+        }
+        zone.classList.add('has-file');
+    },
+
     // ========================================================================
     // REFERENCE PHOTO SCAN ANIMATION
     // ========================================================================
@@ -333,56 +356,68 @@ const Stegasoo = {
     generateEmbedTraces(container, width, height) {
         // Color classes for variety
         const colors = ['color-yellow', 'color-cyan', 'color-purple', 'color-blue'];
-        
-        // Generate 6-8 snake paths spread across the whole image
-        const numPaths = 6 + Math.floor(Math.random() * 3);
-        
-        for (let p = 0; p < numPaths; p++) {
-            // Each path gets a random color
-            const pathColor = colors[Math.floor(Math.random() * colors.length)];
-            
-            // Distribute starting points across the image
-            let x = (width * 0.1) + (Math.random() * width * 0.8);
-            let y = (height * 0.1) + (Math.random() * height * 0.8);
-            let delay = p * 40;
-            
-            // Each path has 3-5 segments for more coverage
-            const numSegments = 3 + Math.floor(Math.random() * 3);
-            let horizontal = Math.random() > 0.5;
-            
-            for (let s = 0; s < numSegments; s++) {
-                const trace = document.createElement('div');
-                trace.className = 'embed-trace ' + (horizontal ? 'h' : 'v') + ' ' + pathColor;
-                
-                const length = 30 + Math.random() * 60;
-                trace.style.left = x + 'px';
-                trace.style.top = y + 'px';
-                trace.style.animationDelay = delay + 'ms';
-                
-                if (horizontal) {
-                    trace.style.width = length + 'px';
-                } else {
-                    trace.style.height = length + 'px';
+
+        // Grid-based distribution: divide image into cells for even coverage
+        const gridCols = 5;
+        const gridRows = 4;
+        const cellWidth = width / gridCols;
+        const cellHeight = height / gridRows;
+
+        let pathIndex = 0;
+
+        // Spawn 1-2 paths from each grid cell for even distribution
+        for (let row = 0; row < gridRows; row++) {
+            for (let col = 0; col < gridCols; col++) {
+                // 1-2 paths per cell
+                const pathsInCell = 1 + Math.floor(Math.random() * 2);
+
+                for (let p = 0; p < pathsInCell; p++) {
+                    const pathColor = colors[Math.floor(Math.random() * colors.length)];
+
+                    // Start within this grid cell (with padding)
+                    let x = (col * cellWidth) + (cellWidth * 0.15) + (Math.random() * cellWidth * 0.7);
+                    let y = (row * cellHeight) + (cellHeight * 0.15) + (Math.random() * cellHeight * 0.7);
+                    let delay = pathIndex * 15;
+
+                    // Each path has 3-5 short segments
+                    const numSegments = 3 + Math.floor(Math.random() * 3);
+                    let horizontal = Math.random() > 0.5;
+
+                    for (let s = 0; s < numSegments; s++) {
+                        const trace = document.createElement('div');
+                        trace.className = 'embed-trace ' + (horizontal ? 'h' : 'v') + ' ' + pathColor;
+
+                        // Shorter segments: 12-30px for denser circuit look
+                        const length = 12 + Math.random() * 18;
+                        trace.style.left = Math.max(0, Math.min(x, width - length)) + 'px';
+                        trace.style.top = Math.max(0, Math.min(y, height - length)) + 'px';
+                        trace.style.animationDelay = delay + 'ms';
+
+                        if (horizontal) {
+                            trace.style.width = length + 'px';
+                        } else {
+                            trace.style.height = length + 'px';
+                        }
+
+                        container.appendChild(trace);
+
+                        // Move position for next segment
+                        if (horizontal) {
+                            x += length * (Math.random() > 0.5 ? 1 : -1);
+                        } else {
+                            y += length * (Math.random() > 0.5 ? 1 : -1);
+                        }
+
+                        // Keep within bounds
+                        x = Math.max(5, Math.min(x, width - 20));
+                        y = Math.max(5, Math.min(y, height - 20));
+
+                        // Alternate direction (90 degree turn)
+                        horizontal = !horizontal;
+                        delay += 20;
+                    }
+                    pathIndex++;
                 }
-                
-                container.appendChild(trace);
-                
-                // Move position for next segment
-                if (horizontal) {
-                    x += length;
-                } else {
-                    y += length;
-                }
-                
-                // Wrap around if out of bounds to keep traces in view
-                if (x > width - 20) x = 10 + Math.random() * 40;
-                if (y > height - 20) y = 10 + Math.random() * 40;
-                if (x < 10) x = width - 60 + Math.random() * 40;
-                if (y < 10) y = height - 60 + Math.random() * 40;
-                
-                // Alternate direction (90 degree turn)
-                horizontal = !horizontal;
-                delay += 30;
             }
         }
     },
@@ -997,7 +1032,9 @@ const Stegasoo = {
                 const percent = progressData.percent || 0;
                 const phase = progressData.phase || 'processing';
 
-                this.updateProgress(percent, this.formatPhase(phase));
+                // Use indeterminate mode for initializing/starting phases
+                const isIndeterminate = (phase === 'initializing' || phase === 'starting');
+                this.updateProgress(percent, this.formatPhase(phase), isIndeterminate);
 
                 // Continue polling
                 setTimeout(poll, 500);
@@ -1017,11 +1054,15 @@ const Stegasoo = {
     formatPhase(phase) {
         const phases = {
             'starting': 'Starting...',
-            'initializing': 'Initializing...',
+            'initializing': 'Deriving keys (may take a moment)...',
             'embedding': 'Embedding data...',
             'saving': 'Saving image...',
             'finalizing': 'Finalizing...',
             'complete': 'Complete!',
+            // Audio encode phases (v4.3.0)
+            'audio_transcoding': 'Transcoding audio...',
+            'audio_embedding': 'Embedding in audio...',
+            'spread_embedding': 'Spread spectrum embedding...',
         };
         return phases[phase] || phase;
     },
@@ -1058,8 +1099,9 @@ const Stegasoo = {
             document.body.appendChild(modal);
         }
 
-        // Reset progress
-        this.updateProgress(0, 'Initializing...');
+        // Reset progress tracking and start with indeterminate state
+        this.resetProgressTracking();
+        this.updateProgress(0, 'Initializing...', true);
 
         // Show modal
         const bsModal = new bootstrap.Modal(modal);
@@ -1078,16 +1120,47 @@ const Stegasoo = {
     },
 
     /**
-     * Update progress bar and text
+     * Track max progress to prevent backwards jumps
      */
-    updateProgress(percent, phase) {
+    _maxProgress: 0,
+
+    /**
+     * Reset progress tracking (call when starting new operation)
+     */
+    resetProgressTracking() {
+        this._maxProgress = 0;
+    },
+
+    /**
+     * Update progress bar and text
+     * Supports indeterminate mode for initializing phase (barber pole at full width)
+     */
+    updateProgress(percent, phase, indeterminate = false) {
         const progressBar = document.getElementById('progressBar');
         const progressText = document.getElementById('progressText');
         const phaseText = document.getElementById('progressPhase');
 
-        if (progressBar) progressBar.style.width = percent + '%';
-        if (progressText) progressText.textContent = Math.round(percent) + '%';
-        if (phaseText) phaseText.textContent = phase;
+        if (indeterminate) {
+            // Barber pole animation at full width, no percentage
+            if (progressBar) {
+                progressBar.style.width = '100%';
+                progressBar.classList.add('progress-bar-striped', 'progress-bar-animated');
+            }
+            if (progressText) progressText.textContent = '';
+            if (phaseText) phaseText.textContent = phase;
+        } else {
+            // Determinate progress - never go backwards
+            const safePercent = Math.max(percent, this._maxProgress);
+            this._maxProgress = safePercent;
+
+            if (progressBar) {
+                progressBar.style.width = safePercent + '%';
+                // Keep animation but show actual progress
+                progressBar.classList.add('progress-bar-striped', 'progress-bar-animated');
+            }
+            if (progressText) progressText.textContent = Math.round(safePercent) + '%';
+            if (phaseText) phaseText.textContent = phase;
+        }
     },
 
     // ========================================================================
@@ -1175,7 +1248,9 @@ const Stegasoo = {
                 const percent = progressData.percent || 0;
                 const phase = progressData.phase || 'processing';
 
-                this.updateProgress(percent, this.formatDecodePhase(phase));
+                // Use indeterminate mode for initializing/starting/loading phases
+                const isIndeterminate = (phase === 'initializing' || phase === 'starting' || phase === 'loading');
+                this.updateProgress(percent, this.formatDecodePhase(phase), isIndeterminate);
 
                 // Continue polling
                 setTimeout(poll, 500);
@@ -1195,12 +1270,19 @@ const Stegasoo = {
     formatDecodePhase(phase) {
         const phases = {
             'starting': 'Starting...',
+            'initializing': 'Deriving keys (may take a moment)...',
+            'loading': 'Deriving keys (may take a moment)...',
             'reading': 'Reading image...',
             'extracting': 'Extracting data...',
+            'decoding': 'Decoding data...',
             'decrypting': 'Decrypting...',
             'verifying': 'Verifying...',
             'finalizing': 'Finalizing...',
             'complete': 'Complete!',
+            // Audio decode phases (v4.3.0)
+            'audio_transcoding': 'Transcoding audio...',
+            'audio_extracting': 'Extracting from audio...',
+            'spread_extracting': 'Spread spectrum extracting...',
         };
         return phases[phase] || phase;
     },

frontends/web/static/style.css

@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
     --overlay-dark: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);
     --overlay-light: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.05);
     --day-highlight: #E3FF54; /* Bright yellow/green for day of week */
-    --header-gold: #fee862; /* Halfway between light straw and 24k gold */
+    --header-gold: #e5d058; /* Muted gold - less harsh on varied monitors */
 }
 
 /* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -91,6 +91,56 @@
     min-width: 0;
 }
 
+/* Compact inline mode buttons */
+.mode-btn.mode-btn-sm {
+    padding: 0.35rem 0.6rem;
+    padding-left: 1.75rem;
+    font-size: 0.8rem;
+    border-radius: 0.375rem;
+    border-width: 1px;
+}
+
+.mode-btn.mode-btn-sm .form-check-input {
+    left: 8px;
+    width: 14px;
+    height: 14px;
+}
+
+.mode-btn.mode-btn-sm i {
+    font-size: 0.85rem;
+}
+
+/* Disabled button labels for btn-check groups */
+.btn-check:disabled + .btn {
+    opacity: 0.4;
+    pointer-events: none;
+}
+
+/* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+   Form Labels - Gold
+   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
+.card .form-label {
+    color: #d9c580;
+    font-weight: 400;
+}
+
+/* Dropdown selects - ensure chevron is visible in dark mode */
+.form-select,
+select.form-select {
+    background-image: url("data:image/svg+xml,%3csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 16 16'%3e%3cpath fill='none' stroke='%23d9c580' stroke-linecap='round' stroke-linejoin='round' stroke-width='2' d='m2 5 6 6 6-6'/%3e%3c/svg%3e") !important;
+    background-repeat: no-repeat !important;
+    background-position: right 0.75rem center !important;
+    background-size: 16px 12px !important;
+    padding-right: 2.25rem !important;
+}
+
+/* Payload type toggle - gold text when selected */
+.btn-check:checked + .btn-outline-primary {
+    color: #d9c580 !important;
+    font-weight: 500;
+}
+
+
 /* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Security Factor Boxes - Matches drop-zone dashed border style
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
@@ -125,6 +175,122 @@ body {
 .navbar {
     background: var(--overlay-dark) !important;
     backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
+    z-index: 1030;  /* Above page content for dropdowns */
+}
+
+.navbar > .container {
+    padding-left: 0;
+}
+
+/* Ensure navbar dropdown appears above all page content */
+.navbar .dropdown-menu {
+    z-index: 1031;
+}
+
+/* Left-align collapsed navbar menu on mobile */
+@media (max-width: 991.98px) {
+    .navbar-collapse .navbar-nav {
+        align-items: flex-start !important;
+    }
+}
+
+/* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+   Nav Icons - Floating Label on Hover (label floats below, no layout shift)
+   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
+.nav-icons {
+    gap: 0.25rem;
+}
+
+.nav-icons .nav-item {
+    position: relative;
+}
+
+.nav-expand {
+    display: flex;
+    align-items: center;
+    justify-content: center;
+    padding: 0.5rem 0.75rem !important;
+    border-radius: 0.5rem;
+    transition: all 0.3s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
+    background: transparent;
+    position: relative;
+}
+
+.nav-expand i {
+    font-size: 1.15rem;
+    transition: all 0.3s ease;
+}
+
+/* Floating label - absolutely positioned below */
+.nav-expand span {
+    position: absolute;
+    top: 100%;
+    left: 50%;
+    transform: translateX(-50%) translateY(-4px);
+    font-size: 0.7rem;
+    font-weight: 500;
+    text-transform: uppercase;
+    letter-spacing: 1px;
+    white-space: nowrap;
+    opacity: 0;
+    pointer-events: none;
+    color: var(--header-gold);
+    text-shadow: 0 2px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8);
+    transition: opacity 0.2s ease,
+                transform 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
+    z-index: 1040;
+}
+
+.nav-expand:hover {
+    background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(74, 40, 96, 0.25) 0%, rgba(85, 112, 212, 0.2) 100%);
+    box-shadow: 0 0 8px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.15),
+                inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
+}
+
+.nav-expand:hover i {
+    color: var(--header-gold);
+    filter: drop-shadow(0 0 4px rgba(254, 232, 98, 0.4));
+}
+
+.nav-expand:hover span {
+    opacity: 1;
+    transform: translateX(-50%) translateY(2px);
+}
+
+/* Active state for current page */
+.nav-expand.active,
+.nav-item.active .nav-expand {
+    background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(74, 40, 96, 0.6) 0%, rgba(85, 112, 212, 0.5) 100%);
+}
+
+.nav-expand.active i,
+.nav-item.active .nav-expand i {
+    color: var(--header-gold);
+}
+
+/* Mobile: Always show labels inline in collapsed menu */
+@media (max-width: 991.98px) {
+    .nav-expand span {
+        position: static;
+        transform: none;
+        opacity: 1;
+        background: none;
+        box-shadow: none;
+        padding: 0;
+        margin-left: 0.5rem;
+        font-size: 0.9rem;
+        text-transform: none;
+        letter-spacing: normal;
+        pointer-events: auto;
+    }
+
+    .nav-expand:hover span {
+        transform: none;
+    }
+
+    .nav-expand:hover {
+        background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
+    }
 }
 
 /* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -893,36 +1059,36 @@ footer {
     opacity: 0;
 }
 
-/* Color variants - 60% opacity */
+/* Color variants - 70% opacity with tighter glow for thin lines */
 .embed-trace.color-yellow {
-    background: rgba(212, 225, 87, 0.6);
-    box-shadow: 0 0 6px rgba(212, 225, 87, 0.5), 0 0 12px rgba(212, 225, 87, 0.3);
+    background: rgba(212, 225, 87, 0.7);
+    box-shadow: 0 0 3px rgba(212, 225, 87, 0.6), 0 0 6px rgba(212, 225, 87, 0.3);
 }
 
 .embed-trace.color-cyan {
-    background: rgba(0, 255, 170, 0.6);
-    box-shadow: 0 0 6px rgba(0, 255, 170, 0.5), 0 0 12px rgba(0, 255, 170, 0.3);
+    background: rgba(0, 255, 170, 0.7);
+    box-shadow: 0 0 3px rgba(0, 255, 170, 0.6), 0 0 6px rgba(0, 255, 170, 0.3);
 }
 
 .embed-trace.color-purple {
-    background: rgba(167, 139, 250, 0.6);
-    box-shadow: 0 0 6px rgba(167, 139, 250, 0.5), 0 0 12px rgba(167, 139, 250, 0.3);
+    background: rgba(167, 139, 250, 0.7);
+    box-shadow: 0 0 3px rgba(167, 139, 250, 0.6), 0 0 6px rgba(167, 139, 250, 0.3);
 }
 
 .embed-trace.color-blue {
-    background: rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.6);
-    box-shadow: 0 0 6px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.5), 0 0 12px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.3);
+    background: rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.7);
+    box-shadow: 0 0 3px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.6), 0 0 6px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.3);
 }
 
 /* Vertical segments shrink from top */
 .embed-trace.v {
-    width: 2px;
+    width: 1px;
     transform-origin: top center;
 }
 
 /* Horizontal segments shrink from left */
 .embed-trace.h {
-    height: 2px;
+    height: 1px;
     transform-origin: left center;
 }
 
@@ -1094,7 +1260,8 @@ footer {
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
 #rsaQrSection {
     display: flex;
-    justify-content: center;
+    flex-direction: column;
+    align-items: center;
 }
 
 #rsaQrSection .drop-zone {
@@ -1699,3 +1866,518 @@ footer {
         font-size: 3rem;
     }
 }
+
+/* ============================================================================
+   TOOLS PAGE - Office-style Ribbon + Two-Panel Layout
+   ============================================================================ */
+
+/* Icon Toolbar Ribbon - Purple/Blue Gradient Theme */
+.tools-ribbon {
+    display: flex;
+    align-items: center;
+    justify-content: flex-start;
+    gap: 0.5rem;
+    padding: 0.75rem 1rem;
+    background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.15) 0%, rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.15) 100%);
+    border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.2);
+    border-radius: 0.5rem 0.5rem 0 0;
+    flex-wrap: wrap;
+}
+
+.tools-ribbon-group {
+    display: flex;
+    align-items: center;
+    gap: 0.5rem;
+}
+
+.tools-ribbon-divider {
+    width: 2px;
+    height: 32px;
+    background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.4) 0%, rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.4) 100%);
+    margin: 0 0.75rem;
+    border-radius: 1px;
+}
+
+/* Tool Icon Buttons */
+.tool-icon-btn {
+    display: flex;
+    flex-direction: column;
+    align-items: center;
+    justify-content: center;
+    width: 64px;
+    height: 52px;
+    padding: 0.25rem;
+    border: 1px solid transparent;
+    border-radius: 0.375rem;
+    background: transparent;
+    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.6);
+    cursor: pointer;
+    transition: all 0.2s ease;
+}
+
+.tool-icon-btn i {
+    font-size: 1.25rem;
+    margin-bottom: 2px;
+}
+
+.tool-icon-btn span {
+    font-size: 0.62rem;
+    font-weight: 500;
+    text-transform: uppercase;
+    letter-spacing: 1px;
+}
+
+.tool-icon-btn:hover {
+    background: rgba(255, 230, 150, 0.1);
+    border-color: rgba(255, 230, 150, 0.3);
+    color: var(--header-gold);
+    font-weight: 600;
+    text-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.33);
+}
+
+.tool-icon-btn.active {
+    background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.25) 0%, rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.25) 100%);
+    border-color: rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.5);
+    color: #c4b5fd;
+    box-shadow: 0 0 12px rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.2);
+}
+
+/* Two-Panel Layout */
+.tools-panels {
+    display: flex;
+    min-height: 400px;
+    border-radius: 0 0 0.5rem 0.5rem;
+}
+
+/* Left Panel - Input/Dropzone */
+.tools-panel-input {
+    flex: 1;
+    display: flex;
+    flex-direction: column;
+    background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15);
+    border-right: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
+}
+
+/* Tool Mode Banner - bottom of input panel */
+.tool-mode-banner {
+    margin-top: auto; /* Push to bottom */
+    display: flex;
+    align-items: center;
+    gap: 0.75rem;
+    padding: 0.6rem 1.25rem;
+    background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.2) 0%, rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.2) 100%);
+    border-top: 1px solid rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.2);
+    font-size: 0.75rem;
+}
+
+.tool-mode-type {
+    text-transform: uppercase;
+    letter-spacing: 1px;
+    font-weight: 600;
+    padding: 0.2rem 0.5rem;
+    border-radius: 3px;
+    background: rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.3);
+    color: #c4b5fd;
+}
+
+.tool-mode-banner.mode-analyze .tool-mode-type {
+    background: rgba(72, 187, 120, 0.3);
+    color: #9ae6b4;
+}
+
+.tool-mode-banner.mode-transform .tool-mode-type {
+    background: rgba(237, 181, 71, 0.3);
+    color: #fbd38d;
+}
+
+.tool-mode-name {
+    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);
+    font-weight: 500;
+}
+
+/* Right Panel - Results */
+.tools-panel-results {
+    width: 280px;
+    min-width: 280px;
+    display: flex;
+    flex-direction: column;
+    padding: 1.25rem;
+    background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25);
+}
+
+/* Tool Options Row */
+.tool-options {
+    display: flex;
+    align-items: center;
+    gap: 1rem;
+    margin-bottom: 1rem;
+    padding-bottom: 1rem;
+    border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
+    flex-wrap: wrap;
+}
+
+.tool-options:empty {
+    display: none;
+}
+
+.tool-options label {
+    font-size: 0.8rem;
+    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.6);
+    margin-bottom: 0;
+}
+
+.tool-options .form-select,
+.tool-options .form-control {
+    background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);
+    border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15);
+    font-size: 0.85rem;
+    padding: 0.4rem 0.75rem;
+}
+
+/* Tool Drop Zone */
+.tool-dropzone {
+    flex: 1;
+    display: flex;
+    flex-direction: column;
+    align-items: center;
+    justify-content: center;
+    min-height: 200px;
+    border: 2px dashed rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2);
+    border-radius: 0.5rem;
+    background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15);
+    transition: all 0.3s ease;
+    position: relative;
+    overflow: hidden;
+}
+
+.tool-dropzone input[type="file"] {
+    position: absolute;
+    inset: 0;
+    opacity: 0;
+    cursor: pointer;
+    z-index: 10;
+}
+
+.tool-dropzone-label {
+    text-align: center;
+    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5);
+}
+
+.tool-dropzone-label i {
+    font-size: 2.5rem;
+    margin-bottom: 0.75rem;
+    display: block;
+    opacity: 0.5;
+}
+
+.tool-dropzone.drag-over {
+    border-color: #63b3ed;
+    background: rgba(99, 179, 237, 0.1);
+}
+
+.tool-dropzone.drag-over .tool-dropzone-label i {
+    color: #63b3ed;
+    opacity: 1;
+}
+
+/* Dropzone with preview */
+.tool-dropzone.has-file .tool-dropzone-label {
+    display: none;
+}
+
+.tool-dropzone-preview {
+    display: none;
+    width: 100%;
+    height: 100%;
+    padding: 1rem;
+}
+
+.tool-dropzone.has-file .tool-dropzone-preview {
+    display: flex;
+    flex-direction: column;
+    align-items: center;
+    justify-content: center;
+}
+
+.tool-dropzone-preview img {
+    max-width: 100%;
+    max-height: 180px;
+    object-fit: contain;
+    border-radius: 0.375rem;
+    border: 2px solid rgba(99, 179, 237, 0.3);
+}
+
+/* Rotate preview - smooth transitions for size and transform */
+#rotateThumb {
+    transition: transform 0.1s ease-out, width 0.1s ease-out, height 0.1s ease-out;
+}
+
+/* Rotate image container - fixed height to contain rotated images */
+.rotate-img-container {
+    display: flex;
+    align-items: center;
+    justify-content: center;
+    min-height: 180px;
+}
+
+/* Rotate file info - separate row below dropzone */
+.rotate-file-info {
+    text-align: center;
+    padding: 0.5rem 0;
+    margin-top: 0.25rem;
+}
+.rotate-file-info .file-name {
+    font-size: 0.85rem;
+    color: #63b3ed;
+    font-weight: 500;
+}
+.rotate-file-info .file-meta {
+    font-size: 0.75rem;
+    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5);
+}
+
+.tool-dropzone-preview .file-name {
+    margin-top: 0.75rem;
+    font-size: 0.85rem;
+    color: #63b3ed;
+    font-weight: 500;
+}
+
+.tool-dropzone-preview .file-meta {
+    font-size: 0.75rem;
+    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5);
+}
+
+.tool-dropzone-clear {
+    position: absolute;
+    top: 0.5rem;
+    right: 0.5rem;
+    z-index: 20;
+    opacity: 0.6;
+}
+
+.tool-dropzone-clear:hover {
+    opacity: 1;
+}
+
+/* Results Panel Content */
+.tool-results-header {
+    margin-bottom: 1rem;
+    padding-bottom: 0.75rem;
+    border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
+}
+
+.tool-results-header h6 {
+    margin: 0;
+    font-size: 1rem;
+    font-weight: 600;
+    color: #fff;
+}
+
+.tool-results-header small {
+    font-size: 0.75rem;
+    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5);
+}
+
+.tool-results-body {
+    flex: 1;
+    overflow-y: auto;
+}
+
+.tool-results-empty {
+    display: flex;
+    flex-direction: column;
+    align-items: center;
+    justify-content: center;
+    height: 100%;
+    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.3);
+    text-align: center;
+}
+
+.tool-results-empty i {
+    font-size: 2rem;
+    margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
+}
+
+/* Result Items */
+.tool-result-item {
+    display: flex;
+    justify-content: space-between;
+    align-items: baseline;
+    padding: 0.5rem 0;
+    border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.05);
+}
+
+.tool-result-item:last-child {
+    border-bottom: none;
+}
+
+.tool-result-label {
+    font-size: 0.8rem;
+    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5);
+}
+
+.tool-result-value {
+    font-size: 0.9rem;
+    font-weight: 500;
+    color: #fff;
+    font-family: 'SF Mono', 'Consolas', monospace;
+}
+
+.tool-result-value.text-primary { color: #63b3ed !important; }
+.tool-result-value.text-success { color: #48bb78 !important; }
+.tool-result-value.text-warning { color: #edb547 !important; }
+
+/* Results Actions */
+.tool-results-actions {
+    margin-top: auto;
+    padding-top: 1rem;
+    border-top: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
+    display: flex;
+    gap: 0.5rem;
+}
+
+.tool-results-actions .btn {
+    flex: 1;
+    font-size: 0.85rem;
+}
+
+/* Tool Section Visibility */
+.tool-section {
+    display: none;
+    width: 100%;
+    flex: 1;
+    padding: 0.5rem;
+}
+
+.tool-section.active {
+    display: flex;
+    flex-direction: column;
+}
+
+/* EXIF Grid Layout */
+.exif-grid {
+    display: grid;
+    grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fill, minmax(140px, 1fr));
+    gap: 0.3rem;
+    max-height: 280px;
+    overflow-y: auto;
+    padding: 0.15rem;
+}
+
+.exif-card {
+    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.03);
+    border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.06);
+    border-radius: 4px;
+    padding: 0.25rem 0.4rem;
+}
+
+.exif-card:hover {
+    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.06);
+}
+
+.exif-card-label {
+    font-size: 0.55rem;
+    font-weight: 500;
+    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.4);
+    text-transform: uppercase;
+    letter-spacing: 0.02em;
+    margin-bottom: 0.1rem;
+    white-space: nowrap;
+    overflow: hidden;
+    text-overflow: ellipsis;
+}
+
+.exif-card-value {
+    font-size: 0.7rem;
+    font-family: 'SF Mono', 'Consolas', monospace;
+    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.85);
+    word-break: break-word;
+    line-height: 1.2;
+}
+
+.exif-card-value.truncated {
+    max-height: 2.4em;
+    overflow: hidden;
+    text-overflow: ellipsis;
+    display: -webkit-box;
+    -webkit-line-clamp: 2;
+    -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
+}
+
+/* Category headers */
+.exif-category {
+    grid-column: 1 / -1;
+    font-size: 0.6rem;
+    font-weight: 600;
+    color: var(--bs-primary);
+    text-transform: uppercase;
+    letter-spacing: 0.04em;
+    padding: 0.35rem 0 0.15rem;
+    border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
+    margin-top: 0.15rem;
+}
+
+.exif-category:first-child {
+    margin-top: 0;
+    padding-top: 0;
+}
+
+/* Compact tool headers and actions */
+.tool-results-header {
+    padding-bottom: 0.35rem;
+    margin-bottom: 0.35rem;
+}
+
+.tool-results-header h6 {
+    font-size: 0.8rem;
+    margin-bottom: 0;
+}
+
+.tool-results-header small {
+    font-size: 0.65rem;
+}
+
+.tool-results-actions {
+    padding-top: 0.35rem;
+    margin-top: 0.35rem;
+}
+
+/* Loading State */
+.tool-loading {
+    position: absolute;
+    inset: 0;
+    display: flex;
+    align-items: center;
+    justify-content: center;
+    background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.7);
+    z-index: 30;
+    border-radius: 0.5rem;
+}
+
+/* Mobile Responsive */
+@media (max-width: 768px) {
+    .tools-panels {
+        flex-direction: column;
+    }
+
+    .tools-panel-results {
+        width: 100%;
+        min-width: 100%;
+        border-right: none;
+        border-top: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
+    }
+
+    .tools-ribbon {
+        justify-content: center;
+    }
+
+    .tool-icon-btn {
+        width: 48px;
+        height: 44px;
+    }
+
+    .tool-icon-btn span {
+        display: none;
+    }
+}

frontends/web/stego_worker.py

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 Stegasoo Subprocess Worker (v4.0.0)
 
 This script runs in a subprocess and handles encode/decode operations.
-If it crashes due to jpegio/scipy issues, the parent Flask process survives.
+If it crashes due to jpeglib/scipy issues, the parent Flask process survives.
 
 CHANGES in v4.0.0:
 - Added channel_key support for encode/decode operations
@@ -19,6 +19,8 @@ Usage:
 
 import base64
 import json
+import logging
+import os
 import sys
 import traceback
 from pathlib import Path
@@ -27,6 +29,24 @@ from pathlib import Path
 sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).parent.parent.parent / "src"))
 sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).parent))
 
+# Configure logging for worker subprocess
+_log_level = os.environ.get("STEGASOO_LOG_LEVEL", "").strip().upper()
+if _log_level and hasattr(logging, _log_level):
+    logging.basicConfig(
+        level=getattr(logging, _log_level),
+        format="[%(asctime)s.%(msecs)03d] [%(levelname)s] [%(name)s] %(message)s",
+        datefmt="%H:%M:%S",
+        stream=sys.stderr,
+    )
+elif os.environ.get("STEGASOO_DEBUG", "").strip() in ("1", "true", "yes"):
+    logging.basicConfig(
+        level=logging.DEBUG,
+        format="[%(asctime)s.%(msecs)03d] [%(levelname)s] [%(name)s] %(message)s",
+        datefmt="%H:%M:%S",
+        stream=sys.stderr,
+    )
+logger = logging.getLogger("stegasoo.worker")
+
 
 def _resolve_channel_key(channel_key_param):
     """
@@ -73,6 +93,7 @@ def _get_channel_info(resolved_key):
 
 def encode_operation(params: dict) -> dict:
     """Handle encode operation."""
+    logger.debug("encode_operation: mode=%s", params.get("embed_mode", "lsb"))
     from stegasoo import FilePayload, encode
 
     # Decode base64 inputs
@@ -142,6 +163,7 @@ def _write_decode_progress(progress_file: str | None, percent: int, phase: str)
         return
     try:
         import json
+
         with open(progress_file, "w") as f:
             json.dump({"percent": percent, "phase": phase}, f)
     except Exception:
@@ -150,6 +172,7 @@ def _write_decode_progress(progress_file: str | None, percent: int, phase: str)
 
 def decode_operation(params: dict) -> dict:
     """Handle decode operation."""
+    logger.debug("decode_operation: mode=%s", params.get("embed_mode", "auto"))
     from stegasoo import decode
 
     progress_file = params.get("progress_file")
@@ -171,8 +194,7 @@ def decode_operation(params: dict) -> dict:
     # Resolve channel key (v4.0.0)
     resolved_channel_key = _resolve_channel_key(params.get("channel_key", "auto"))
 
-    _write_decode_progress(progress_file, 25, "extracting")
-
+    # Library handles progress internally via progress_file parameter
     # Call decode with correct parameter names
     result = decode(
         stego_image=stego_data,
@@ -183,9 +205,9 @@ def decode_operation(params: dict) -> dict:
         rsa_password=params.get("rsa_password"),
         embed_mode=params.get("embed_mode", "auto"),
         channel_key=resolved_channel_key,  # v4.0.0
+        progress_file=progress_file,  # v4.2.0: pass through for real-time progress
     )
-
-    _write_decode_progress(progress_file, 90, "finalizing")
+    # Library writes 100% "complete" - no need for worker to write again
 
     if result.is_file:
         return {
@@ -234,6 +256,145 @@ def capacity_check_operation(params: dict) -> dict:
     }
 
 
+def encode_audio_operation(params: dict) -> dict:
+    """Handle audio encode operation (v4.3.0)."""
+    logger.debug("encode_audio_operation: mode=%s", params.get("embed_mode", "audio_lsb"))
+    from stegasoo import FilePayload, encode_audio
+
+    carrier_data = base64.b64decode(params["carrier_b64"])
+    reference_data = base64.b64decode(params["reference_b64"])
+
+    # Optional RSA key
+    rsa_key_data = None
+    if params.get("rsa_key_b64"):
+        rsa_key_data = base64.b64decode(params["rsa_key_b64"])
+
+    # Determine payload type
+    if params.get("file_b64"):
+        file_data = base64.b64decode(params["file_b64"])
+        payload = FilePayload(
+            data=file_data,
+            filename=params.get("file_name", "file"),
+            mime_type=params.get("file_mime", "application/octet-stream"),
+        )
+    else:
+        payload = params.get("message", "")
+
+    resolved_channel_key = _resolve_channel_key(params.get("channel_key", "auto"))
+
+    # Resolve chip_tier from params (None means use default)
+    chip_tier_val = params.get("chip_tier")
+    if chip_tier_val is not None:
+        chip_tier_val = int(chip_tier_val)
+
+    stego_audio, stats = encode_audio(
+        message=payload,
+        reference_photo=reference_data,
+        carrier_audio=carrier_data,
+        passphrase=params.get("passphrase", ""),
+        pin=params.get("pin"),
+        rsa_key_data=rsa_key_data,
+        rsa_password=params.get("rsa_password"),
+        embed_mode=params.get("embed_mode", "audio_lsb"),
+        channel_key=resolved_channel_key,
+        progress_file=params.get("progress_file"),
+        chip_tier=chip_tier_val,
+    )
+
+    channel_mode, channel_fingerprint = _get_channel_info(resolved_channel_key)
+
+    return {
+        "success": True,
+        "stego_b64": base64.b64encode(stego_audio).decode("ascii"),
+        "stats": {
+            "samples_modified": stats.samples_modified,
+            "total_samples": stats.total_samples,
+            "capacity_used": stats.capacity_used,
+            "bytes_embedded": stats.bytes_embedded,
+            "sample_rate": stats.sample_rate,
+            "channels": stats.channels,
+            "duration_seconds": stats.duration_seconds,
+            "embed_mode": stats.embed_mode,
+        },
+        "channel_mode": channel_mode,
+        "channel_fingerprint": channel_fingerprint,
+    }
+
+
+def decode_audio_operation(params: dict) -> dict:
+    """Handle audio decode operation (v4.3.0)."""
+    logger.debug("decode_audio_operation: mode=%s", params.get("embed_mode", "audio_auto"))
+    from stegasoo import decode_audio
+
+    progress_file = params.get("progress_file")
+    _write_decode_progress(progress_file, 5, "reading")
+
+    stego_data = base64.b64decode(params["stego_b64"])
+    reference_data = base64.b64decode(params["reference_b64"])
+
+    _write_decode_progress(progress_file, 15, "reading")
+
+    rsa_key_data = None
+    if params.get("rsa_key_b64"):
+        rsa_key_data = base64.b64decode(params["rsa_key_b64"])
+
+    resolved_channel_key = _resolve_channel_key(params.get("channel_key", "auto"))
+
+    result = decode_audio(
+        stego_audio=stego_data,
+        reference_photo=reference_data,
+        passphrase=params.get("passphrase", ""),
+        pin=params.get("pin"),
+        rsa_key_data=rsa_key_data,
+        rsa_password=params.get("rsa_password"),
+        embed_mode=params.get("embed_mode", "audio_auto"),
+        channel_key=resolved_channel_key,
+        progress_file=progress_file,
+    )
+
+    if result.is_file:
+        return {
+            "success": True,
+            "is_file": True,
+            "file_b64": base64.b64encode(result.file_data).decode("ascii"),
+            "filename": result.filename,
+            "mime_type": result.mime_type,
+        }
+    else:
+        return {
+            "success": True,
+            "is_file": False,
+            "message": result.message,
+        }
+
+
+def audio_info_operation(params: dict) -> dict:
+    """Handle audio info operation (v4.3.0)."""
+    from stegasoo import get_audio_info
+    from stegasoo.audio_steganography import calculate_audio_lsb_capacity
+    from stegasoo.spread_steganography import calculate_audio_spread_capacity
+
+    audio_data = base64.b64decode(params["audio_b64"])
+
+    info = get_audio_info(audio_data)
+    lsb_capacity = calculate_audio_lsb_capacity(audio_data)
+    spread_capacity = calculate_audio_spread_capacity(audio_data)
+
+    return {
+        "success": True,
+        "info": {
+            "sample_rate": info.sample_rate,
+            "channels": info.channels,
+            "duration_seconds": round(info.duration_seconds, 2),
+            "num_samples": info.num_samples,
+            "format": info.format,
+            "bit_depth": info.bit_depth,
+            "capacity_lsb": lsb_capacity,
+            "capacity_spread": spread_capacity.usable_capacity_bytes,
+        },
+    }
+
+
 def channel_status_operation(params: dict) -> dict:
     """Handle channel status check (v4.0.0)."""
     from stegasoo import get_channel_status
@@ -264,6 +425,7 @@ def main():
         else:
             params = json.loads(input_text)
             operation = params.get("operation")
+            logger.info("Worker handling operation: %s", operation)
 
             if operation == "encode":
                 output = encode_operation(params)
@@ -275,6 +437,13 @@ def main():
                 output = capacity_check_operation(params)
             elif operation == "channel_status":
                 output = channel_status_operation(params)
+            # Audio operations (v4.3.0)
+            elif operation == "encode_audio":
+                output = encode_audio_operation(params)
+            elif operation == "decode_audio":
+                output = decode_audio_operation(params)
+            elif operation == "audio_info":
+                output = audio_info_operation(params)
             else:
                 output = {"success": False, "error": f"Unknown operation: {operation}"}
 

frontends/web/subprocess_stego.py

@@ -115,6 +115,35 @@ class CapacityResult:
     error: str | None = None
 
 
+@dataclass
+class AudioEncodeResult:
+    """Result from audio encode operation (v4.3.0)."""
+
+    success: bool
+    stego_data: bytes | None = None
+    stats: dict[str, Any] | None = None
+    channel_mode: str | None = None
+    channel_fingerprint: str | None = None
+    error: str | None = None
+    error_type: str | None = None
+
+
+@dataclass
+class AudioInfoResult:
+    """Result from audio info operation (v4.3.0)."""
+
+    success: bool
+    sample_rate: int = 0
+    channels: int = 0
+    duration_seconds: float = 0.0
+    num_samples: int = 0
+    format: str = ""
+    bit_depth: int | None = None
+    capacity_lsb: int = 0
+    capacity_spread: int = 0
+    error: str | None = None
+
+
 @dataclass
 class ChannelStatusResult:
     """Result from channel status check (v4.0.0)."""
@@ -132,7 +161,7 @@ class SubprocessStego:
     """
     Subprocess-isolated steganography operations.
 
-    All operations run in a separate Python process. If jpegio or scipy
+    All operations run in a separate Python process. If jpeglib or scipy
     crashes, only the subprocess dies - Flask keeps running.
     """
 
@@ -456,6 +485,201 @@ class SubprocessStego:
                 error=result.get("error", "Unknown error"),
             )
 
+    # =========================================================================
+    # Audio Steganography (v4.3.0)
+    # =========================================================================
+
+    def encode_audio(
+        self,
+        carrier_data: bytes,
+        reference_data: bytes,
+        message: str | None = None,
+        file_data: bytes | None = None,
+        file_name: str | None = None,
+        file_mime: str | None = None,
+        passphrase: str = "",
+        pin: str | None = None,
+        rsa_key_data: bytes | None = None,
+        rsa_password: str | None = None,
+        embed_mode: str = "audio_lsb",
+        channel_key: str | None = "auto",
+        timeout: int | None = None,
+        progress_file: str | None = None,
+        chip_tier: int | None = None,
+    ) -> AudioEncodeResult:
+        """
+        Encode a message or file into an audio carrier.
+
+        Args:
+            carrier_data: Carrier audio bytes (WAV, FLAC, MP3, etc.)
+            reference_data: Reference photo bytes
+            message: Text message to encode (if not file)
+            file_data: File bytes to encode (if not message)
+            file_name: Original filename (for file payload)
+            file_mime: MIME type (for file payload)
+            passphrase: Encryption passphrase
+            pin: Optional PIN
+            rsa_key_data: Optional RSA key PEM bytes
+            rsa_password: RSA key password if encrypted
+            embed_mode: 'audio_lsb' or 'audio_spread'
+            channel_key: 'auto', 'none', or explicit key
+            timeout: Operation timeout (default 300s for audio)
+            progress_file: Path to write progress updates
+
+        Returns:
+            AudioEncodeResult with stego audio data on success
+        """
+        params = {
+            "operation": "encode_audio",
+            "carrier_b64": base64.b64encode(carrier_data).decode("ascii"),
+            "reference_b64": base64.b64encode(reference_data).decode("ascii"),
+            "message": message,
+            "passphrase": passphrase,
+            "pin": pin,
+            "embed_mode": embed_mode,
+            "channel_key": channel_key,
+            "progress_file": progress_file,
+            "chip_tier": chip_tier,
+        }
+
+        if file_data:
+            params["file_b64"] = base64.b64encode(file_data).decode("ascii")
+            params["file_name"] = file_name
+            params["file_mime"] = file_mime
+
+        if rsa_key_data:
+            params["rsa_key_b64"] = base64.b64encode(rsa_key_data).decode("ascii")
+            params["rsa_password"] = rsa_password
+
+        # Audio operations can be slower (especially spread spectrum)
+        result = self._run_worker(params, timeout or 300)
+
+        if result.get("success"):
+            return AudioEncodeResult(
+                success=True,
+                stego_data=base64.b64decode(result["stego_b64"]),
+                stats=result.get("stats"),
+                channel_mode=result.get("channel_mode"),
+                channel_fingerprint=result.get("channel_fingerprint"),
+            )
+        else:
+            return AudioEncodeResult(
+                success=False,
+                error=result.get("error", "Unknown error"),
+                error_type=result.get("error_type"),
+            )
+
+    def decode_audio(
+        self,
+        stego_data: bytes,
+        reference_data: bytes,
+        passphrase: str = "",
+        pin: str | None = None,
+        rsa_key_data: bytes | None = None,
+        rsa_password: str | None = None,
+        embed_mode: str = "audio_auto",
+        channel_key: str | None = "auto",
+        timeout: int | None = None,
+        progress_file: str | None = None,
+    ) -> DecodeResult:
+        """
+        Decode a message or file from stego audio.
+
+        Args:
+            stego_data: Stego audio bytes
+            reference_data: Reference photo bytes
+            passphrase: Decryption passphrase
+            pin: Optional PIN
+            rsa_key_data: Optional RSA key PEM bytes
+            rsa_password: RSA key password if encrypted
+            embed_mode: 'audio_auto', 'audio_lsb', or 'audio_spread'
+            channel_key: 'auto', 'none', or explicit key
+            timeout: Operation timeout (default 300s for audio)
+            progress_file: Path to write progress updates
+
+        Returns:
+            DecodeResult with message or file_data on success
+        """
+        params = {
+            "operation": "decode_audio",
+            "stego_b64": base64.b64encode(stego_data).decode("ascii"),
+            "reference_b64": base64.b64encode(reference_data).decode("ascii"),
+            "passphrase": passphrase,
+            "pin": pin,
+            "embed_mode": embed_mode,
+            "channel_key": channel_key,
+            "progress_file": progress_file,
+        }
+
+        if rsa_key_data:
+            params["rsa_key_b64"] = base64.b64encode(rsa_key_data).decode("ascii")
+            params["rsa_password"] = rsa_password
+
+        result = self._run_worker(params, timeout or 300)
+
+        if result.get("success"):
+            if result.get("is_file"):
+                return DecodeResult(
+                    success=True,
+                    is_file=True,
+                    file_data=base64.b64decode(result["file_b64"]),
+                    filename=result.get("filename"),
+                    mime_type=result.get("mime_type"),
+                )
+            else:
+                return DecodeResult(
+                    success=True,
+                    is_file=False,
+                    message=result.get("message"),
+                )
+        else:
+            return DecodeResult(
+                success=False,
+                error=result.get("error", "Unknown error"),
+                error_type=result.get("error_type"),
+            )
+
+    def audio_info(
+        self,
+        audio_data: bytes,
+        timeout: int | None = None,
+    ) -> AudioInfoResult:
+        """
+        Get audio file information and steganographic capacity.
+
+        Args:
+            audio_data: Audio file bytes
+            timeout: Operation timeout in seconds
+
+        Returns:
+            AudioInfoResult with metadata and capacity info
+        """
+        params = {
+            "operation": "audio_info",
+            "audio_b64": base64.b64encode(audio_data).decode("ascii"),
+        }
+
+        result = self._run_worker(params, timeout)
+
+        if result.get("success"):
+            info = result.get("info", {})
+            return AudioInfoResult(
+                success=True,
+                sample_rate=info.get("sample_rate", 0),
+                channels=info.get("channels", 0),
+                duration_seconds=info.get("duration_seconds", 0.0),
+                num_samples=info.get("num_samples", 0),
+                format=info.get("format", ""),
+                bit_depth=info.get("bit_depth"),
+                capacity_lsb=info.get("capacity_lsb", 0),
+                capacity_spread=info.get("capacity_spread", 0),
+            )
+        else:
+            return AudioInfoResult(
+                success=False,
+                error=result.get("error", "Unknown error"),
+            )
+
     def get_channel_status(
         self,
         reveal: bool = False,

frontends/web/templates/about.html

@@ -271,8 +271,7 @@
                             <div class="card-body">
                                 <p class="small mb-2">Uses server-configured key if available, otherwise public mode.</p>
                                 <ul class="small mb-0">
-                                    <li>Set via <code>STEGASOO_CHANNEL_KEY</code> env var</li>
-                                    <li>Or <code>channel_key</code> in config file</li>
+                                    <li>Server admin configures the shared key</li>
                                     <li>All users share the same channel</li>
                                 </ul>
                             </div>
@@ -317,58 +316,18 @@
                 </div>
                 
                 {% if channel_configured %}
-                <div class="alert alert-success mt-3 mb-3">
+                <div class="alert alert-success mt-3 mb-0">
                     <i class="bi bi-shield-lock me-2"></i>
                     <strong>This server has a channel key configured:</strong>
                     <code class="ms-2">{{ channel_fingerprint }}</code>
-                    <span class="text-muted ms-2">({{ channel_source }})</span>
                 </div>
                 {% else %}
-                <div class="alert alert-info mt-3 mb-3">
+                <div class="alert alert-info mt-3 mb-0">
                     <i class="bi bi-info-circle me-2"></i>
                     This server is running in <strong>public mode</strong>.
                     Set <code>STEGASOO_CHANNEL_KEY</code> to enable server-wide channel isolation.
                 </div>
                 {% endif %}
-
-                <!-- Channel Key QR Generator (Admin only) -->
-                {% if is_admin %}
-                <div class="card bg-dark border-secondary">
-                    <div class="card-header">
-                        <i class="bi bi-qr-code me-2"></i>Share Channel Key via QR
-                        <span class="badge bg-warning text-dark ms-2"><i class="bi bi-shield-check me-1"></i>Admin</span>
-                    </div>
-                    <div class="card-body">
-                        <p class="small text-muted mb-3">Generate a QR code to share a channel key with others.</p>
-                        <div class="row g-2 align-items-end">
-                            <div class="col-md-8">
-                                <label class="form-label small">Channel Key</label>
-                                <div class="input-group">
-                                    <input type="text" class="form-control font-monospace" id="channelKeyQrInput"
-                                           placeholder="Enter or generate a key">
-                                    <button class="btn btn-outline-secondary" type="button" id="channelKeyQrGenerate"
-                                            title="Generate random key">
-                                        <i class="bi bi-shuffle"></i>
-                                    </button>
-                                </div>
-                            </div>
-                            <div class="col-md-4">
-                                <button class="btn btn-primary w-100" type="button" id="channelKeyQrShow">
-                                    <i class="bi bi-qr-code me-1"></i>Show QR
-                                </button>
-                            </div>
-                        </div>
-                        <div class="text-center mt-3 d-none" id="channelKeyQrContainer">
-                            <canvas id="channelKeyQrCanvas" class="bg-white p-2 rounded"></canvas>
-                            <div class="mt-2">
-                                <button class="btn btn-sm btn-outline-secondary" type="button" id="channelKeyQrDownload">
-                                    <i class="bi bi-download me-1"></i>Download PNG
-                                </button>
-                            </div>
-                        </div>
-                    </div>
-                </div>
-                {% endif %}
             </div>
         </div>
         
@@ -381,11 +340,13 @@
                 <!-- Current Version - Prominent -->
                 <div class="alert alert-success mb-4">
                     <div class="d-flex align-items-center">
-                        <span class="badge bg-success fs-6 me-3">v4.1.2</span>
+                        <span class="badge bg-success fs-6 me-3">v4.2.1</span>
                         <div>
-                            <strong>Progress bars</strong> for encode operations,
-                            <strong>mobile-responsive polish</strong>,
-                            DCT decode bug fix, release validation script
+                            <strong>Security & API improvements:</strong>
+                            API key authentication,
+                            TLS with self-signed certs,
+                            CLI tools (compress, rotate, convert),
+                            jpegtran lossless JPEG rotation
                         </div>
                     </div>
                 </div>
@@ -403,6 +364,10 @@
                             <div class="accordion-body p-0">
                                 <table class="table table-dark table-sm small mb-0">
                                     <tbody>
+                                        <tr>
+                                            <td width="80"><strong>4.1.7</strong></td>
+                                            <td>Progress bars for encode, mobile polish, release validation</td>
+                                        </tr>
                                         <tr>
                                             <td width="80"><strong>4.1.1</strong></td>
                                             <td>DCT RS format stability, Docker cleanup, first-boot wizard</td>
@@ -600,7 +565,7 @@
                                         </tr>
                                         <tr>
                                             <td><i class="bi bi-clock me-2"></i>File expiry</td>
-                                            <td><strong>5 min</strong></td>
+                                            <td><strong>10 min</strong></td>
                                         </tr>
                                         <tr>
                                             <td><i class="bi bi-key me-2"></i>PIN</td>
@@ -608,7 +573,7 @@
                                         </tr>
                                         <tr>
                                             <td><i class="bi bi-shield me-2"></i>RSA keys</td>
-                                            <td><strong>2048, 3072, 4096 bit</strong></td>
+                                            <td><strong>2048, 3072 bit</strong></td>
                                         </tr>
                                         <tr>
                                             <td><i class="bi bi-chat-quote me-2"></i>Passphrase</td>
@@ -635,62 +600,3 @@
 </div>
 {% endblock %}
 
-{% block scripts %}
-<!-- QR Code library for channel key sharing -->
-<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/qrcode@1.5.3/build/qrcode.min.js"></script>
-<script src="{{ url_for('static', filename='js/stegasoo.js') }}"></script>
-<script>
-document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
-    const input = document.getElementById('channelKeyQrInput');
-    const generateBtn = document.getElementById('channelKeyQrGenerate');
-    const showBtn = document.getElementById('channelKeyQrShow');
-    const container = document.getElementById('channelKeyQrContainer');
-    const canvas = document.getElementById('channelKeyQrCanvas');
-    const downloadBtn = document.getElementById('channelKeyQrDownload');
-
-    // Generate random key
-    generateBtn?.addEventListener('click', function() {
-        if (input && typeof Stegasoo !== 'undefined') {
-            input.value = Stegasoo.generateChannelKey();
-        }
-    });
-
-    // Show QR code
-    showBtn?.addEventListener('click', function() {
-        const key = input?.value?.trim().replace(/-/g, '');
-        if (!key || key.length !== 32) {
-            alert('Please enter a valid 32-character channel key');
-            return;
-        }
-
-        // Format key with dashes for QR
-        const formatted = key.match(/.{4}/g)?.join('-') || key;
-
-        // Generate QR code
-        if (typeof QRCode !== 'undefined' && canvas) {
-            QRCode.toCanvas(canvas, formatted, {
-                width: 200,
-                margin: 2,
-                color: { dark: '#000', light: '#fff' }
-            }, function(error) {
-                if (error) {
-                    console.error('QR generation error:', error);
-                    return;
-                }
-                container?.classList.remove('d-none');
-            });
-        }
-    });
-
-    // Download QR as PNG
-    downloadBtn?.addEventListener('click', function() {
-        if (canvas) {
-            const link = document.createElement('a');
-            link.download = 'stegasoo-channel-key.png';
-            link.href = canvas.toDataURL('image/png');
-            link.click();
-        }
-    });
-});
-</script>
-{% endblock %}

frontends/web/templates/account.html

@@ -250,7 +250,10 @@
             </div>
             <div class="modal-footer justify-content-center">
                 <button type="button" class="btn btn-sm btn-outline-secondary" id="qrDownload">
-                    <i class="bi bi-download me-1"></i>Download PNG
+                    <i class="bi bi-download me-1"></i>Download
+                </button>
+                <button type="button" class="btn btn-sm btn-outline-secondary" id="qrPrint">
+                    <i class="bi bi-printer me-1"></i>Print Sheet
                 </button>
             </div>
         </div>
@@ -263,7 +266,7 @@
 <script src="{{ url_for('static', filename='js/auth.js') }}"></script>
 <script src="{{ url_for('static', filename='js/stegasoo.js') }}"></script>
 {% if is_admin %}
-<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/qrcode@1.5.3/build/qrcode.min.js"></script>
+<script src="{{ url_for('static', filename='js/qrcode.min.js') }}"></script>
 {% endif %}
 <script>
 StegasooAuth.initPasswordConfirmation('accountForm', 'newPasswordInput', 'newPasswordConfirmInput');
@@ -305,20 +308,20 @@ function showKeyQr(channelKey, keyName) {
     document.getElementById('qrKeyName').textContent = keyName;
     document.getElementById('qrKeyDisplay').textContent = formatted;
 
-    // Generate QR code
+    // Generate QR code using QRious
     const canvas = document.getElementById('qrCanvas');
-    if (typeof QRCode !== 'undefined' && canvas) {
-        QRCode.toCanvas(canvas, formatted, {
-            width: 200,
-            margin: 2,
-            color: { dark: '#000', light: '#fff' }
-        }, function(error) {
-            if (error) {
-                console.error('QR generation error:', error);
-                return;
-            }
+    if (typeof QRious !== 'undefined' && canvas) {
+        try {
+            new QRious({
+                element: canvas,
+                value: formatted,
+                size: 200,
+                level: 'M'
+            });
             new bootstrap.Modal(document.getElementById('qrModal')).show();
-        });
+        } catch (error) {
+            console.error('QR generation error:', error);
+        }
     }
 }
 
@@ -333,6 +336,105 @@ document.getElementById('qrDownload')?.addEventListener('click', function() {
         link.click();
     }
 });
+
+// Print tiled QR sheet (US Letter)
+document.getElementById('qrPrint')?.addEventListener('click', function() {
+    const canvas = document.getElementById('qrCanvas');
+    const keyText = document.getElementById('qrKeyDisplay').textContent;
+    const keyName = document.getElementById('qrKeyName').textContent;
+    if (canvas && keyText) {
+        printQrSheet(canvas, keyText, keyName);
+    }
+});
+
+// Print QR codes tiled on US Letter paper (8.5" x 11")
+function printQrSheet(canvas, keyText, title) {
+    const qrDataUrl = canvas.toDataURL('image/png');
+    const printWindow = window.open('', '_blank');
+    if (!printWindow) {
+        alert('Please allow popups to print');
+        return;
+    }
+
+    // US Letter: 8.5" x 11" - create 4x5 grid of QR codes
+    const cols = 4;
+    const rows = 5;
+
+    // Split key into two lines (4 groups each)
+    const keyParts = keyText.split('-');
+    const keyLine1 = keyParts.slice(0, 4).join('-');
+    const keyLine2 = keyParts.slice(4).join('-');
+
+    let qrGrid = '';
+    for (let i = 0; i < rows * cols; i++) {
+        qrGrid += `
+            <div class="qr-tile">
+                <div class="key-text">${keyLine1}</div>
+                <img src="${qrDataUrl}" alt="QR">
+                <div class="key-text">${keyLine2}</div>
+            </div>
+        `;
+    }
+
+    printWindow.document.write(`
+        <!DOCTYPE html>
+        <html>
+        <head>
+            <title></title>
+            <style>
+                @page {
+                    size: letter;
+                    margin: 0.2in;
+                    margin-top: 0.1in;
+                    margin-bottom: 0.1in;
+                }
+                @media print {
+                    @page { margin: 0.15in; }
+                    html, body { margin: 0; padding: 0; }
+                }
+                * { margin: 0; padding: 0; box-sizing: border-box; }
+                body {
+                    font-family: 'Courier New', monospace;
+                    background: white;
+                }
+                .grid {
+                    display: grid;
+                    grid-template-columns: repeat(${cols}, 1fr);
+                    gap: 0;
+                    margin-top: 0.09in;
+                }
+                .qr-tile {
+                    border: 1px dashed #ccc;
+                    padding: 0.04in;
+                    text-align: center;
+                    page-break-inside: avoid;
+                }
+                .qr-tile img {
+                    width: 1.6in;
+                    height: 1.6in;
+                }
+                .key-text {
+                    font-size: 10pt;
+                    font-weight: bold;
+                    color: #333;
+                    line-height: 1.2;
+                }
+                .footer {
+                    display: none;
+                }
+            </style>
+        </head>
+        <body>
+            <div class="grid">${qrGrid}</div>
+            <div class="footer">Cut along dashed lines</div>
+            <script>
+                window.onload = function() { window.print(); };
+            <\/script>
+        </body>
+        </html>
+    `);
+    printWindow.document.close();
+}
 {% endif %}
 </script>
 {% endblock %}

frontends/web/templates/admin/settings.html

@@ -0,0 +1,506 @@
+{% extends "base.html" %}
+
+{% block title %}System Settings - Stegasoo{% endblock %}
+
+{% block content %}
+<div class="row justify-content-center">
+    <div class="col-lg-10">
+        <!-- Channel Key Configuration -->
+        <div class="card mb-4">
+            <div class="card-header">
+                <h5 class="mb-0"><i class="bi bi-broadcast me-2"></i>Channel Key Configuration</h5>
+            </div>
+            <div class="card-body">
+                {% if channel_configured %}
+                <div class="alert alert-success mb-4">
+                    <i class="bi bi-shield-lock me-2"></i>
+                    <strong>Server channel key active:</strong>
+                    <code class="ms-2">{{ channel_fingerprint }}</code>
+                    <span class="text-muted ms-2">({{ channel_source }})</span>
+                </div>
+                {% else %}
+                <div class="alert alert-info mb-4">
+                    <i class="bi bi-info-circle me-2"></i>
+                    Server running in <strong>public mode</strong>.
+                    Set <code>STEGASOO_CHANNEL_KEY</code> environment variable to enable server-wide channel isolation.
+                </div>
+                {% endif %}
+
+                <!-- QR Code Generator -->
+                <div class="card bg-dark border-secondary">
+                    <div class="card-header">
+                        <i class="bi bi-qr-code me-2"></i>Share Channel Key via QR
+                    </div>
+                    <div class="card-body">
+                        <p class="small text-muted mb-3">Generate a QR code to share a channel key with others.</p>
+
+                        <!-- Locked state - requires password -->
+                        <div id="channelKeyLocked">
+                            <div class="row g-2 align-items-end">
+                                <div class="col-md-8">
+                                    <label class="form-label small">Channel Key</label>
+                                    <div class="input-group">
+                                        <input type="password" class="form-control font-monospace"
+                                               value="********************************" disabled>
+                                        <span class="input-group-text"><i class="bi bi-lock"></i></span>
+                                    </div>
+                                </div>
+                                <div class="col-md-4">
+                                    <button class="btn btn-warning w-100" type="button" id="channelKeyUnlock">
+                                        <i class="bi bi-unlock me-1"></i>Unlock
+                                    </button>
+                                </div>
+                            </div>
+                            <small class="text-muted mt-2 d-block">
+                                <i class="bi bi-shield-lock me-1"></i>Re-enter your password to view or export the channel key.
+                            </small>
+                        </div>
+
+                        <!-- Unlocked state - shows key and QR options -->
+                        <div id="channelKeyUnlocked" style="display: none;">
+                            <div class="row g-2 align-items-end">
+                                <div class="col-md-8">
+                                    <label class="form-label small">Channel Key</label>
+                                    <div class="input-group">
+                                        <input type="text" class="form-control font-monospace" id="channelKeyQrInput"
+                                               placeholder="Enter or generate a key">
+                                        <button class="btn btn-outline-secondary" type="button" id="channelKeyQrGenerate"
+                                                title="Generate random key">
+                                            <i class="bi bi-shuffle"></i>
+                                        </button>
+                                    </div>
+                                </div>
+                                <div class="col-md-4">
+                                    <button class="btn btn-primary w-100" type="button" id="channelKeyQrShow">
+                                        <i class="bi bi-qr-code me-1"></i>Show QR
+                                    </button>
+                                </div>
+                            </div>
+                            <small class="text-success mt-2 d-block">
+                                <i class="bi bi-unlock me-1"></i>Unlocked for this session.
+                            </small>
+                        </div>
+                    </div>
+                </div>
+            </div>
+        </div>
+
+        <!-- Server Configuration -->
+        <div class="card mb-4">
+            <div class="card-header">
+                <h5 class="mb-0"><i class="bi bi-gear me-2"></i>Server Configuration</h5>
+            </div>
+            <div class="card-body">
+                <div class="row">
+                    <div class="col-md-6">
+                        <table class="table table-dark table-sm">
+                            <tbody>
+                                <tr>
+                                    <td><i class="bi bi-hdd-network me-2"></i>Hostname</td>
+                                    <td><code>{{ hostname }}</code></td>
+                                </tr>
+                                <tr>
+                                    <td><i class="bi bi-ethernet me-2"></i>Port</td>
+                                    <td><code>{{ port }}</code></td>
+                                </tr>
+                                <tr>
+                                    <td><i class="bi bi-shield-lock me-2"></i>HTTPS</td>
+                                    <td>
+                                        {% if https_enabled %}
+                                        <span class="badge bg-success"><i class="bi bi-lock me-1"></i>Enabled</span>
+                                        {% else %}
+                                        <span class="badge bg-warning text-dark"><i class="bi bi-unlock me-1"></i>Disabled</span>
+                                        {% endif %}
+                                    </td>
+                                </tr>
+                                <tr>
+                                    <td><i class="bi bi-person-lock me-2"></i>Authentication</td>
+                                    <td>
+                                        {% if auth_enabled %}
+                                        <span class="badge bg-success"><i class="bi bi-check me-1"></i>Enabled</span>
+                                        {% else %}
+                                        <span class="badge bg-danger"><i class="bi bi-x me-1"></i>Disabled</span>
+                                        {% endif %}
+                                    </td>
+                                </tr>
+                            </tbody>
+                        </table>
+                    </div>
+                    <div class="col-md-6">
+                        <table class="table table-dark table-sm">
+                            <tbody>
+                                <tr>
+                                    <td><i class="bi bi-file-earmark me-2"></i>Max Payload</td>
+                                    <td><code>{{ max_payload_kb }} KB</code></td>
+                                </tr>
+                                <tr>
+                                    <td><i class="bi bi-upload me-2"></i>Max Upload</td>
+                                    <td><code>{{ max_upload_mb }} MB</code></td>
+                                </tr>
+                                <tr>
+                                    <td><i class="bi bi-soundwave me-2"></i>DCT Mode</td>
+                                    <td>
+                                        {% if dct_available %}
+                                        <span class="badge bg-success"><i class="bi bi-check me-1"></i>Available</span>
+                                        {% else %}
+                                        <span class="badge bg-secondary">Not Available</span>
+                                        {% endif %}
+                                    </td>
+                                </tr>
+                                <tr>
+                                    <td><i class="bi bi-qr-code me-2"></i>QR Support</td>
+                                    <td>
+                                        {% if qr_available %}
+                                        <span class="badge bg-success"><i class="bi bi-check me-1"></i>Available</span>
+                                        {% else %}
+                                        <span class="badge bg-secondary">Not Available</span>
+                                        {% endif %}
+                                    </td>
+                                </tr>
+                            </tbody>
+                        </table>
+                    </div>
+                </div>
+
+                <div class="alert alert-secondary small mt-3 mb-0">
+                    <i class="bi bi-info-circle me-2"></i>
+                    To change server settings, edit environment variables or config file and restart the service.
+                    <br>See <code>STEGASOO_HTTPS_ENABLED</code>, <code>STEGASOO_PORT</code>, <code>STEGASOO_CHANNEL_KEY</code>
+                </div>
+            </div>
+        </div>
+
+        <!-- Environment Info -->
+        <div class="card mb-4">
+            <div class="card-header">
+                <h5 class="mb-0"><i class="bi bi-info-circle me-2"></i>Environment</h5>
+            </div>
+            <div class="card-body">
+                <div class="row text-center">
+                    <div class="col-6 col-md-3 mb-3">
+                        <div class="p-3 bg-dark rounded h-100">
+                            <i class="bi bi-box text-primary fs-3 d-block mb-2"></i>
+                            <div class="small text-muted">Version</div>
+                            <strong>{{ version }}</strong>
+                        </div>
+                    </div>
+                    <div class="col-6 col-md-3 mb-3">
+                        <div class="p-3 bg-dark rounded h-100">
+                            <i class="bi bi-terminal text-info fs-3 d-block mb-2"></i>
+                            <div class="small text-muted">Python</div>
+                            <strong>{{ python_version }}</strong>
+                        </div>
+                    </div>
+                    <div class="col-6 col-md-3 mb-3">
+                        <div class="p-3 bg-dark rounded h-100">
+                            <i class="bi bi-cpu text-warning fs-3 d-block mb-2"></i>
+                            <div class="small text-muted">Platform</div>
+                            <strong>{{ platform }}</strong>
+                        </div>
+                    </div>
+                    <div class="col-6 col-md-3 mb-3">
+                        <div class="p-3 bg-dark rounded h-100">
+                            <i class="bi bi-shield-check text-success fs-3 d-block mb-2"></i>
+                            <div class="small text-muted">KDF</div>
+                            <strong>{{ kdf_type }}</strong>
+                        </div>
+                    </div>
+                </div>
+            </div>
+        </div>
+    </div>
+</div>
+
+<!-- Password Verification Modal -->
+<div class="modal fade" id="passwordModal" tabindex="-1">
+    <div class="modal-dialog modal-sm modal-dialog-centered">
+        <div class="modal-content">
+            <div class="modal-header">
+                <h6 class="modal-title"><i class="bi bi-shield-lock me-2"></i>Verify Password</h6>
+                <button type="button" class="btn-close" data-bs-dismiss="modal"></button>
+            </div>
+            <div class="modal-body">
+                <p class="small text-muted mb-3">Re-enter your password to access sensitive data.</p>
+                <div class="mb-3">
+                    <label class="form-label small">Password</label>
+                    <input type="password" class="form-control" id="verifyPassword" autocomplete="current-password">
+                    <div class="invalid-feedback" id="passwordError">Incorrect password</div>
+                </div>
+            </div>
+            <div class="modal-footer">
+                <button type="button" class="btn btn-secondary btn-sm" data-bs-dismiss="modal">Cancel</button>
+                <button type="button" class="btn btn-warning btn-sm" id="verifyPasswordBtn">
+                    <i class="bi bi-unlock me-1"></i>Unlock
+                </button>
+            </div>
+        </div>
+    </div>
+</div>
+
+<!-- QR Code Modal -->
+<div class="modal fade" id="channelKeyQrModal" tabindex="-1">
+    <div class="modal-dialog modal-sm modal-dialog-centered">
+        <div class="modal-content">
+            <div class="modal-header">
+                <h6 class="modal-title"><i class="bi bi-qr-code me-2"></i>Channel Key</h6>
+                <button type="button" class="btn-close" data-bs-dismiss="modal"></button>
+            </div>
+            <div class="modal-body text-center">
+                <canvas id="channelKeyQrCanvas" class="bg-white p-2 rounded"></canvas>
+                <div class="mt-2">
+                    <code class="small" id="channelKeyQrDisplay"></code>
+                </div>
+            </div>
+            <div class="modal-footer justify-content-center">
+                <button type="button" class="btn btn-sm btn-outline-secondary" id="channelKeyQrDownload">
+                    <i class="bi bi-download me-1"></i>Download
+                </button>
+                <button type="button" class="btn btn-sm btn-outline-secondary" id="channelKeyQrPrint">
+                    <i class="bi bi-printer me-1"></i>Print Sheet
+                </button>
+            </div>
+        </div>
+    </div>
+</div>
+{% endblock %}
+
+{% block scripts %}
+<script src="{{ url_for('static', filename='js/qrcode.min.js') }}"></script>
+<script src="{{ url_for('static', filename='js/stegasoo.js') }}"></script>
+<script>
+document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
+    const input = document.getElementById('channelKeyQrInput');
+    const generateBtn = document.getElementById('channelKeyQrGenerate');
+    const showBtn = document.getElementById('channelKeyQrShow');
+    const canvas = document.getElementById('channelKeyQrCanvas');
+    const displayEl = document.getElementById('channelKeyQrDisplay');
+    const downloadBtn = document.getElementById('channelKeyQrDownload');
+    const modalEl = document.getElementById('channelKeyQrModal');
+    const modal = modalEl ? new bootstrap.Modal(modalEl) : null;
+
+    // Password verification elements
+    const lockedDiv = document.getElementById('channelKeyLocked');
+    const unlockedDiv = document.getElementById('channelKeyUnlocked');
+    const unlockBtn = document.getElementById('channelKeyUnlock');
+    const passwordModalEl = document.getElementById('passwordModal');
+    const passwordModal = passwordModalEl ? new bootstrap.Modal(passwordModalEl) : null;
+    const verifyPasswordInput = document.getElementById('verifyPassword');
+    const verifyPasswordBtn = document.getElementById('verifyPasswordBtn');
+    const passwordError = document.getElementById('passwordError');
+
+    // Unlock button shows password modal
+    unlockBtn?.addEventListener('click', function() {
+        verifyPasswordInput.value = '';
+        verifyPasswordInput.classList.remove('is-invalid');
+        passwordModal?.show();
+        setTimeout(() => verifyPasswordInput.focus(), 300);
+    });
+
+    // Handle Enter key in password field
+    verifyPasswordInput?.addEventListener('keypress', function(e) {
+        if (e.key === 'Enter') {
+            e.preventDefault();
+            verifyPasswordBtn?.click();
+        }
+    });
+
+    // Verify password and unlock
+    verifyPasswordBtn?.addEventListener('click', async function() {
+        const password = verifyPasswordInput.value;
+        if (!password) {
+            verifyPasswordInput.classList.add('is-invalid');
+            return;
+        }
+
+        verifyPasswordBtn.disabled = true;
+        verifyPasswordBtn.innerHTML = '<span class="spinner-border spinner-border-sm me-1"></span>Verifying...';
+
+        try {
+            const response = await fetch('/admin/settings/unlock', {
+                method: 'POST',
+                headers: {
+                    'Content-Type': 'application/json',
+                    'X-Requested-With': 'XMLHttpRequest'
+                },
+                body: JSON.stringify({ password })
+            });
+
+            const data = await response.json();
+
+            if (data.success) {
+                // Unlock successful
+                passwordModal?.hide();
+                lockedDiv.style.display = 'none';
+                unlockedDiv.style.display = 'block';
+                if (data.channel_key && input) {
+                    input.value = data.channel_key;
+                }
+            } else {
+                // Password incorrect
+                verifyPasswordInput.classList.add('is-invalid');
+                passwordError.textContent = data.error || 'Incorrect password';
+            }
+        } catch (error) {
+            verifyPasswordInput.classList.add('is-invalid');
+            passwordError.textContent = 'Verification failed';
+        } finally {
+            verifyPasswordBtn.disabled = false;
+            verifyPasswordBtn.innerHTML = '<i class="bi bi-unlock me-1"></i>Unlock';
+        }
+    });
+
+    // Generate random key
+    generateBtn?.addEventListener('click', function() {
+        if (!input) return;
+        if (typeof Stegasoo !== 'undefined' && Stegasoo.generateChannelKey) {
+            input.value = Stegasoo.generateChannelKey();
+        } else {
+            const chars = 'ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0123456789';
+            let key = '';
+            for (let i = 0; i < 8; i++) {
+                if (i > 0) key += '-';
+                for (let j = 0; j < 4; j++) {
+                    key += chars.charAt(Math.floor(Math.random() * chars.length));
+                }
+            }
+            input.value = key;
+        }
+    });
+
+    // Show QR code in modal
+    showBtn?.addEventListener('click', function() {
+        const key = input?.value?.trim().replace(/-/g, '');
+        if (!key || key.length !== 32) {
+            alert('Please enter a valid 32-character channel key');
+            return;
+        }
+
+        const formatted = key.match(/.{4}/g)?.join('-') || key;
+
+        if (typeof QRious === 'undefined') {
+            alert('QR Code library failed to load.');
+            return;
+        }
+
+        try {
+            new QRious({
+                element: canvas,
+                value: formatted,
+                size: 200,
+                level: 'M'
+            });
+            if (displayEl) displayEl.textContent = formatted;
+            modal?.show();
+        } catch (error) {
+            alert('Failed to generate QR code: ' + error.message);
+        }
+    });
+
+    // Download QR as PNG
+    downloadBtn?.addEventListener('click', function() {
+        if (canvas) {
+            const link = document.createElement('a');
+            link.download = 'stegasoo-channel-key.png';
+            link.href = canvas.toDataURL('image/png');
+            link.click();
+        }
+    });
+
+    // Print tiled QR sheet (US Letter)
+    document.getElementById('channelKeyQrPrint')?.addEventListener('click', function() {
+        if (canvas && displayEl) {
+            printQrSheet(canvas, displayEl.textContent, 'Channel Key');
+        }
+    });
+});
+
+// Print QR codes tiled on US Letter paper (8.5" x 11")
+function printQrSheet(canvas, keyText, title) {
+    const qrDataUrl = canvas.toDataURL('image/png');
+    const printWindow = window.open('', '_blank');
+    if (!printWindow) {
+        alert('Please allow popups to print');
+        return;
+    }
+
+    // US Letter: 8.5" x 11" - create 4x5 grid of QR codes
+    const cols = 4;
+    const rows = 5;
+
+    // Split key into two lines (4 groups each)
+    const keyParts = keyText.split('-');
+    const keyLine1 = keyParts.slice(0, 4).join('-');
+    const keyLine2 = keyParts.slice(4).join('-');
+
+    let qrGrid = '';
+    for (let i = 0; i < rows * cols; i++) {
+        qrGrid += `
+            <div class="qr-tile">
+                <div class="key-text">${keyLine1}</div>
+                <img src="${qrDataUrl}" alt="QR">
+                <div class="key-text">${keyLine2}</div>
+            </div>
+        `;
+    }
+
+    printWindow.document.write(`
+        <!DOCTYPE html>
+        <html>
+        <head>
+            <title></title>
+            <style>
+                @page {
+                    size: letter;
+                    margin: 0.2in;
+                    margin-top: 0.1in;
+                    margin-bottom: 0.1in;
+                }
+                @media print {
+                    @page { margin: 0.15in; }
+                    html, body { margin: 0; padding: 0; }
+                }
+                * { margin: 0; padding: 0; box-sizing: border-box; }
+                body {
+                    font-family: 'Courier New', monospace;
+                    background: white;
+                }
+                .grid {
+                    display: grid;
+                    grid-template-columns: repeat(${cols}, 1fr);
+                    gap: 0;
+                    margin-top: 0.09in;
+                }
+                .qr-tile {
+                    border: 1px dashed #ccc;
+                    padding: 0.04in;
+                    text-align: center;
+                    page-break-inside: avoid;
+                }
+                .qr-tile img {
+                    width: 1.6in;
+                    height: 1.6in;
+                }
+                .key-text {
+                    font-size: 10pt;
+                    font-weight: bold;
+                    color: #333;
+                    line-height: 1.2;
+                }
+                .footer {
+                    display: none;
+                }
+            </style>
+        </head>
+        <body>
+            <div class="grid">${qrGrid}</div>
+            <div class="footer">Cut along dashed lines</div>
+            <script>
+                window.onload = function() { window.print(); };
+            <\/script>
+        </body>
+        </html>
+    `);
+    printWindow.document.close();
+}
+</script>
+{% endblock %}

frontends/web/templates/base.html

@@ -5,44 +5,46 @@
     <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
     <title>{% block title %}Stegasoo{% endblock %}</title>
     <link rel="icon" type="image/svg+xml" href="{{ url_for('static', filename='favicon.svg') }}">
-    <link href="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/bootstrap@5.3.2/dist/css/bootstrap.min.css" rel="stylesheet">
-    <link href="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/bootstrap-icons@1.11.1/font/bootstrap-icons.css" rel="stylesheet">
+    <link href="{{ url_for('static', filename='vendor/css/bootstrap.min.css') }}" rel="stylesheet">
+    <link href="{{ url_for('static', filename='vendor/css/bootstrap-icons.min.css') }}" rel="stylesheet">
     <link href="{{ url_for('static', filename='style.css') }}" rel="stylesheet">
 </head>
 <body>
     <nav class="navbar navbar-expand-lg navbar-dark">
-        <div class="container">
-            <a class="navbar-brand d-flex align-items-center" href="/">
-                <img src="{{ url_for('static', filename='logo.svg') }}" alt="Stegasoo" height="36" class="me-2">
-                <span style="position: relative; display: inline-block; margin-top: -14px;">
-                    <span class="fw-bold title-gold">Stegasoo</span>
-                    <span class="badge bg-success" style="position: absolute; font-size: 0.45rem; bottom: -8px; right: 6px;">v4.1</span>
-                </span>
+        <div class="container-fluid">
+            <a class="navbar-brand" href="/" style="padding-left: 6px; margin-right: 8px;">
+                <img src="{{ url_for('static', filename='logo.svg') }}" alt="Stegasoo" height="28">
             </a>
+            {% if channel_configured %}
+            <span class="badge bg-success bg-opacity-25 small me-auto" style="padding-left: 0.35rem;" title="Private Channel: {{ channel_fingerprint }}">
+                <i class="bi bi-shield-lock me-2" style="color: #6ee7b7;"></i><code style="font-size: 0.7rem; font-weight: 300; color: #c9a860;">{{ channel_fingerprint[:4] }}-••••-{{ channel_fingerprint[-4:] }}</code>
+            </span>
+            {% else %}
+            <span class="badge bg-secondary bg-opacity-25 small text-muted me-auto" style="padding-left: 0.35rem;" title="Public Channel: No shared channel key configured. Messages use only passphrase and PIN for encryption.">
+                <i class="bi bi-globe me-1"></i>Public Channel
+            </span>
+            {% endif %}
             <button class="navbar-toggler" type="button" data-bs-toggle="collapse" data-bs-target="#navbarNav">
                 <span class="navbar-toggler-icon"></span>
             </button>
             <div class="collapse navbar-collapse" id="navbarNav">
-                <ul class="navbar-nav ms-auto">
+                <ul class="navbar-nav ms-auto nav-icons">
                     <li class="nav-item">
-                        <a class="nav-link" href="/"><i class="bi bi-house me-1"></i> Home</a>
+                        <a class="nav-link nav-expand" href="/"><i class="bi bi-house"></i><span>Home</span></a>
                     </li>
                     {% if not auth_enabled or is_authenticated %}
                     <li class="nav-item">
-                        <a class="nav-link" href="/encode"><i class="bi bi-lock me-1"></i> Encode</a>
+                        <a class="nav-link nav-expand" href="/encode"><i class="bi bi-lock"></i><span>Encode</span></a>
                     </li>
                     <li class="nav-item">
-                        <a class="nav-link" href="/decode"><i class="bi bi-unlock me-1"></i> Decode</a>
+                        <a class="nav-link nav-expand" href="/decode"><i class="bi bi-unlock"></i><span>Decode</span></a>
                     </li>
                     <li class="nav-item">
-                        <a class="nav-link" href="/generate"><i class="bi bi-key me-1"></i> Generate</a>
+                        <a class="nav-link nav-expand" href="/generate"><i class="bi bi-key"></i><span>Generate</span></a>
                     </li>
                     {% endif %}
                     <li class="nav-item">
-                        <a class="nav-link" href="/about"><i class="bi bi-info-circle me-1"></i> About</a>
-                    </li>
-                    <li class="nav-item">
-                        <a class="nav-link" href="/tools"><i class="bi bi-tools me-1"></i> Tools</a>
+                        <a class="nav-link nav-expand" href="/tools"><i class="bi bi-tools"></i><span>Tools</span></a>
                     </li>
                     {% if auth_enabled %}
                         {% if is_authenticated %}
@@ -54,6 +56,7 @@
                                 <li><a class="dropdown-item" href="/account"><i class="bi bi-gear me-2"></i>Account</a></li>
                                 {% if is_admin %}
                                 <li><a class="dropdown-item" href="/admin/users"><i class="bi bi-people me-2"></i>Users</a></li>
+                                <li><a class="dropdown-item" href="/admin/settings"><i class="bi bi-sliders me-2"></i>System Settings</a></li>
                                 {% endif %}
                                 <li><hr class="dropdown-divider"></li>
                                 <li><a class="dropdown-item" href="/logout"><i class="bi bi-box-arrow-left me-2"></i>Logout</a></li>
@@ -96,13 +99,15 @@
             <small>
                 <img src="{{ url_for('static', filename='favicon.svg') }}" alt="" height="16" class="me-1" style="vertical-align: text-bottom;">
                 Stegasoo v{{ version }} — Steganography with Reference Photo + Passphrase + PIN/Key
+                <span class="mx-2">|</span>
+                <a href="/about" class="text-muted text-decoration-none"><i class="bi bi-info-circle me-1"></i>About</a>
             </small>
         </div>
     </footer>
 
-    <script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/bootstrap@5.3.2/dist/js/bootstrap.bundle.min.js"></script>
-    <!-- QR Code scanning library (v4.1.5) -->
-    <script src="https://unpkg.com/html5-qrcode@2.3.8/html5-qrcode.min.js"></script>
+    <script src="{{ url_for('static', filename='vendor/js/bootstrap.bundle.min.js') }}"></script>
+    <!-- QR Code scanning library (local) -->
+    <script src="{{ url_for('static', filename='vendor/js/html5-qrcode.min.js') }}"></script>
     <script>
     // Initialize toasts (auto-hide after delay)
     document.querySelectorAll('.toast').forEach(el => new bootstrap.Toast(el));

frontends/web/templates/decode.html

@@ -6,20 +6,29 @@
 <style>
 /* Accordion styling */
 .step-accordion .accordion-button {
-    background: rgba(30, 40, 50, 0.6);
+    background: rgba(35, 45, 55, 0.8);
     color: #fff;
     padding: 0.75rem 1rem;
-    border-left: 3px solid transparent;
+    border-left: 3px solid rgba(255, 230, 153, 0.3);
+    border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
     transition: all 0.3s ease;
 }
+.step-accordion .accordion-button:hover {
+    background: rgba(45, 55, 65, 0.9);
+    border-left-color: rgba(255, 230, 153, 0.5);
+}
 .step-accordion .accordion-button:not(.collapsed) {
-    background: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(99, 179, 237, 0.15) 0%, rgba(40, 50, 60, 0.8) 40%, rgba(40, 50, 60, 0.8) 100%);
+    background: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(255, 230, 153, 0.12) 0%, rgba(40, 50, 60, 0.85) 40%, rgba(40, 50, 60, 0.85) 100%);
     color: #fff;
-    box-shadow: inset 0 1px 0 rgba(99, 179, 237, 0.1);
-    border-left: 3px solid rgba(99, 179, 237, 0.6);
+    box-shadow: inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 230, 153, 0.1);
+    border-left: 3px solid #ffe699;
 }
 .step-accordion .accordion-button::after {
-    filter: invert(1);
+    filter: brightness(0) invert(1);
+    opacity: 0.5;
+}
+.step-accordion .accordion-button:not(.collapsed)::after {
+    opacity: 0.9;
 }
 .step-accordion .accordion-body {
     background: rgba(30, 40, 50, 0.4);
@@ -106,46 +115,7 @@
     box-shadow: 0 0 20px rgba(246, 173, 85, 0.4) !important;
 }
 
-/* QR Crop Animation */
-.qr-crop-container {
-    position: relative;
-    overflow: hidden;
-    border-radius: 8px;
-    background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);
-    width: 100%;
-    display: flex;
-    justify-content: center;
-    align-items: center;
-    min-height: 120px;
-}
-.qr-crop-container img {
-    display: block;
-    max-height: 180px;
-    max-width: 180px;
-    width: auto;
-    margin: 0 auto;
-    transition: all 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
-}
-.qr-crop-container .qr-original { opacity: 1; }
-.qr-crop-container .qr-cropped {
-    position: absolute;
-    top: 50%; left: 50%;
-    transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(0.3);
-    opacity: 0;
-    max-height: 160px;
-    min-width: 140px;
-    min-height: 140px;
-    object-fit: contain;
-}
-.qr-crop-container.scan-complete .qr-original {
-    opacity: 0;
-    transform: scale(1.1);
-    filter: blur(4px);
-}
-.qr-crop-container.scan-complete .qr-cropped {
-    opacity: 1;
-    transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(1);
-}
+/* QR Crop Animation - uses .qr-scan-container from style.css */
 </style>
 
 <div class="row justify-content-center">
@@ -192,7 +162,7 @@
 
                 <div class="alert alert-warning small">
                     <i class="bi bi-clock me-1"></i>
-                    <strong>File expires in 5 minutes.</strong> Download now.
+                    <strong>File expires in 10 minutes.</strong> Download now.
                 </div>
 
                 <a href="/decode" class="btn btn-outline-light w-100">
@@ -206,19 +176,51 @@
                     <div class="accordion step-accordion" id="decodeAccordion">
 
                         <!-- ================================================================
-                             STEP 1: IMAGES & MODE
+                             STEP 1: CARRIER TYPE (v4.3.0)
+                             ================================================================ -->
+                        <div class="accordion-item" id="carrierTypeStep">
+                            <h2 class="accordion-header">
+                                <button class="accordion-button" type="button" data-bs-toggle="collapse" data-bs-target="#stepCarrierType">
+                                    <span class="step-title">
+                                        <span class="step-number" id="stepCarrierTypeNumber">1</span>
+                                        <i class="bi bi-collection me-1"></i> Carrier Type
+                                    </span>
+                                    <span class="step-summary" id="stepCarrierTypeSummary"></span>
+                                </button>
+                            </h2>
+                            <div id="stepCarrierType" class="accordion-collapse collapse show" data-bs-parent="#decodeAccordion">
+                                <div class="accordion-body">
+                                    <input type="hidden" name="carrier_type" id="carrierTypeInput" value="image">
+                                    <div class="btn-group w-100" role="group">
+                                        <input type="radio" class="btn-check" name="carrier_type_select" id="typeImage" value="image" checked>
+                                        <label class="btn btn-outline-secondary" for="typeImage">
+                                            <i class="bi bi-image me-1"></i> Image
+                                        </label>
+                                        <input type="radio" class="btn-check" name="carrier_type_select" id="typeAudio" value="audio"
+                                               {% if not has_audio %}disabled{% endif %}>
+                                        <label class="btn btn-outline-secondary {% if not has_audio %}disabled text-muted{% endif %}" for="typeAudio">
+                                            <i class="bi bi-music-note-beamed me-1"></i> Audio
+                                            {% if not has_audio %}<small class="d-block" style="font-size: 0.65rem;">(not available)</small>{% endif %}
+                                        </label>
+                                    </div>
+                                </div>
+                            </div>
+                        </div>
+
+                        <!-- ================================================================
+                             STEP 2: IMAGES & MODE
                              ================================================================ -->
                         <div class="accordion-item">
                             <h2 class="accordion-header">
-                                <button class="accordion-button" type="button" data-bs-toggle="collapse" data-bs-target="#stepImages">
+                                <button class="accordion-button collapsed" type="button" data-bs-toggle="collapse" data-bs-target="#stepImages">
                                     <span class="step-title">
-                                        <span class="step-number" id="stepImagesNumber">1</span>
-                                        <i class="bi bi-images me-1"></i> Images & Mode
+                                        <span class="step-number" id="stepImagesNumber">2</span>
+                                        <i class="bi bi-images me-1"></i> Reference, Carrier, Mode
                                     </span>
                                     <span class="step-summary" id="stepImagesSummary">Select reference & stego</span>
                                 </button>
                             </h2>
-                            <div id="stepImages" class="accordion-collapse collapse show" data-bs-parent="#decodeAccordion">
+                            <div id="stepImages" class="accordion-collapse collapse" data-bs-parent="#decodeAccordion">
                                 <div class="accordion-body">
 
                                     <div class="row">
@@ -247,53 +249,78 @@
                                         </div>
 
                                         <div class="col-md-6 mb-3">
-                                            <label class="form-label">
-                                                <i class="bi bi-file-earmark-image me-1"></i> Stego Image
-                                            </label>
-                                            <div class="drop-zone pixel-container" id="stegoDropZone">
-                                                <input type="file" name="stego_image" accept="image/*" required id="stegoInput">
-                                                <div class="drop-zone-label">
-                                                    <i class="bi bi-cloud-arrow-up fs-3 d-block mb-2 text-muted"></i>
-                                                    <span class="text-muted">Drop image or click</span>
-                                                </div>
-                                                <img class="drop-zone-preview d-none" id="stegoPreview">
-                                                <div class="pixel-blocks"></div>
-                                                <div class="pixel-scan-line"></div>
-                                                <div class="pixel-corners">
-                                                    <div class="pixel-corner tl"></div><div class="pixel-corner tr"></div>
-                                                    <div class="pixel-corner bl"></div><div class="pixel-corner br"></div>
-                                                </div>
-                                                <div class="pixel-data-panel">
-                                                    <div class="pixel-data-filename"><i class="bi bi-check-circle-fill"></i><span id="stegoFileName">image.png</span></div>
-                                                    <div class="pixel-data-row"><span class="pixel-status-badge">Stego Loaded</span><span class="pixel-data-value" id="stegoFileSize">--</span></div>
-                                                    <div class="pixel-dimensions" id="stegoDims">-- x -- px</div>
+                                            <div id="imageStegoSection">
+                                                <label class="form-label">
+                                                    <i class="bi bi-file-earmark-image me-1"></i> Stego Image
+                                                </label>
+                                                <div class="drop-zone pixel-container" id="stegoDropZone">
+                                                    <input type="file" name="stego_image" accept="image/*" required id="stegoInput">
+                                                    <div class="drop-zone-label">
+                                                        <i class="bi bi-cloud-arrow-up fs-3 d-block mb-2 text-muted"></i>
+                                                        <span class="text-muted">Drop image or click</span>
+                                                    </div>
+                                                    <img class="drop-zone-preview d-none" id="stegoPreview">
+                                                    <div class="pixel-blocks"></div>
+                                                    <div class="pixel-scan-line"></div>
+                                                    <div class="pixel-corners">
+                                                        <div class="pixel-corner tl"></div><div class="pixel-corner tr"></div>
+                                                        <div class="pixel-corner bl"></div><div class="pixel-corner br"></div>
+                                                    </div>
+                                                    <div class="pixel-data-panel">
+                                                        <div class="pixel-data-filename"><i class="bi bi-check-circle-fill"></i><span id="stegoFileName">image.png</span></div>
+                                                        <div class="pixel-data-row"><span class="pixel-status-badge">Stego Loaded</span><span class="pixel-data-value" id="stegoFileSize">--</span></div>
+                                                        <div class="pixel-dimensions" id="stegoDims">-- x -- px</div>
+                                                    </div>
                                                 </div>
+                                                <div class="form-text">Image containing the hidden message</div>
+                                            </div>
+                                            <!-- Audio Stego (hidden by default) -->
+                                            <div class="d-none" id="audioStegoSection">
+                                                <label class="form-label">
+                                                    <i class="bi bi-file-earmark-music me-1"></i> Stego Audio
+                                                </label>
+                                                <div class="drop-zone pixel-container" id="audioStegoDropZone">
+                                                    <input type="file" name="stego_image" accept="audio/*" id="audioStegoInput">
+                                                    <div class="drop-zone-label">
+                                                        <i class="bi bi-music-note-beamed fs-3 d-block mb-2 text-muted"></i>
+                                                        <span class="text-muted">Drop audio or click</span>
+                                                    </div>
+                                                    <div class="pixel-data-panel">
+                                                        <div class="pixel-data-filename"><i class="bi bi-check-circle-fill"></i><span id="audioStegoFileName">audio.wav</span></div>
+                                                        <div class="pixel-data-row"><span class="pixel-status-badge">Audio Loaded</span><span class="pixel-data-value" id="audioStegoFileSize">--</span></div>
+                                                    </div>
+                                                </div>
+                                                <div class="form-text">Audio file containing the hidden message</div>
                                             </div>
-                                            <div class="form-text">Image containing the hidden message</div>
                                         </div>
                                     </div>
 
                                     <!-- Extraction Mode -->
-                                    <label class="form-label"><i class="bi bi-cpu me-1"></i> Extraction Mode</label>
-                                    <div class="d-flex gap-2 mb-2">
-                                        <label class="mode-btn flex-fill active" id="autoModeCard" for="modeAuto">
-                                            <input class="form-check-input" type="radio" name="embed_mode" id="modeAuto" value="auto" checked>
-                                            <i class="bi bi-magic text-success ms-2"></i>
-                                            <span class="ms-2"><strong>Auto</strong> <span class="text-muted d-none d-sm-inline">· Try both</span></span>
-                                        </label>
-                                        <label class="mode-btn flex-fill" id="lsbModeCard" for="modeLsb">
-                                            <input class="form-check-input" type="radio" name="embed_mode" id="modeLsb" value="lsb">
-                                            <i class="bi bi-grid-3x3-gap text-primary ms-2"></i>
-                                            <span class="ms-2"><strong>LSB</strong> <span class="text-muted d-none d-sm-inline">· Email</span></span>
-                                        </label>
-                                        <label class="mode-btn flex-fill {% if not has_dct %}opacity-50{% endif %}" id="dctModeCard" for="modeDct">
-                                            <input class="form-check-input" type="radio" name="embed_mode" id="modeDct" value="dct" {% if not has_dct %}disabled{% endif %}>
-                                            <i class="bi bi-soundwave text-warning ms-2"></i>
-                                            <span class="ms-2"><strong>DCT</strong> <span class="text-muted d-none d-sm-inline">· Social</span></span>
-                                        </label>
+                                    <div class="d-flex gap-2 align-items-center flex-wrap mb-2">
+                                        <div id="imageModeGroup">
+                                            <div class="btn-group" role="group">
+                                                <input type="radio" class="btn-check" name="embed_mode" id="modeAuto" value="auto" checked>
+                                                <label class="btn btn-outline-secondary text-nowrap" for="modeAuto"><i class="bi bi-magic me-1"></i>Auto</label>
+                                                <input type="radio" class="btn-check" name="embed_mode" id="modeLsb" value="lsb">
+                                                <label class="btn btn-outline-secondary text-nowrap" for="modeLsb"><i class="bi bi-grid-3x3-gap me-1"></i>LSB</label>
+                                                <input type="radio" class="btn-check" name="embed_mode" id="modeDct" value="dct" {% if not has_dct %}disabled{% endif %}>
+                                                <label class="btn btn-outline-secondary text-nowrap" for="modeDct" id="dctModeLabel"><i class="bi bi-soundwave me-1"></i>DCT</label>
+                                            </div>
+                                        </div>
+                                        <!-- Audio Extraction Modes (hidden by default) -->
+                                        <div class="d-none" id="audioModeGroup">
+                                            <div class="btn-group" role="group">
+                                                <input type="radio" class="btn-check" name="embed_mode" id="modeAudioAuto" value="audio_auto">
+                                                <label class="btn btn-outline-secondary text-nowrap" for="modeAudioAuto"><i class="bi bi-magic me-1"></i>Auto</label>
+                                                <input type="radio" class="btn-check" name="embed_mode" id="modeAudioLsb" value="audio_lsb">
+                                                <label class="btn btn-outline-secondary text-nowrap" for="modeAudioLsb"><i class="bi bi-grid-3x3-gap me-1"></i>LSB</label>
+                                                <input type="radio" class="btn-check" name="embed_mode" id="modeAudioSpread" value="audio_spread">
+                                                <label class="btn btn-outline-secondary text-nowrap" for="modeAudioSpread"><i class="bi bi-broadcast me-1"></i>Spread</label>
+                                            </div>
+                                        </div>
                                     </div>
-                                    <div class="form-text">
-                                        <i class="bi bi-lightbulb me-1"></i><strong>Auto</strong> tries LSB first, then DCT.
+                                    <div class="form-text" id="modeHint">
+                                        <i class="bi bi-lightning me-1"></i>Tries LSB first, then DCT
                                     </div>
 
                                 </div>
@@ -301,13 +328,13 @@
                         </div>
 
                         <!-- ================================================================
-                             STEP 2: SECURITY
+                             STEP 3: SECURITY
                              ================================================================ -->
                         <div class="accordion-item">
                             <h2 class="accordion-header">
                                 <button class="accordion-button collapsed" type="button" data-bs-toggle="collapse" data-bs-target="#stepSecurity">
                                     <span class="step-title">
-                                        <span class="step-number" id="stepSecurityNumber">2</span>
+                                        <span class="step-number" id="stepSecurityNumber">3</span>
                                         <i class="bi bi-shield-lock me-1"></i> Security
                                     </span>
                                     <span class="step-summary" id="stepSecuritySummary">Passphrase & keys</span>
@@ -394,7 +421,7 @@
                                                         <i class="bi bi-qr-code-scan fs-5 d-block text-muted mb-1"></i>
                                                         <span class="text-muted small">Drop QR image</span>
                                                     </div>
-                                                    <div class="qr-scan-container qr-crop-container d-none" id="qrCropContainer">
+                                                    <div class="qr-scan-container d-none" id="qrCropContainer">
                                                         <img class="qr-original" id="qrOriginal" alt="Original">
                                                         <img class="qr-cropped" id="qrCropped" alt="Cropped">
                                                     </div>
@@ -461,13 +488,40 @@
 {% block scripts %}
 <script src="{{ url_for('static', filename='js/stegasoo.js') }}"></script>
 <script>
+// ============================================================================
+// MODE HINT - Dynamic text based on selected extraction mode
+// ============================================================================
+const modeHints = {
+    auto: { icon: 'lightning', text: 'Tries LSB first, then DCT' },
+    lsb: { icon: 'hdd', text: 'For email and direct transfers' },
+    dct: { icon: 'phone', text: 'For social media images' },
+    audio_auto: { icon: 'lightning', text: 'Tries LSB first, then Spread Spectrum' },
+    audio_lsb: { icon: 'grid-3x3-gap', text: 'Direct bit embedding in audio samples' },
+    audio_spread: { icon: 'broadcast', text: 'Noise-resistant spread spectrum encoding' }
+};
+
+document.querySelectorAll('input[name="embed_mode"]').forEach(radio => {
+    radio.addEventListener('change', function() {
+        const hint = document.getElementById('modeHint');
+        const data = modeHints[this.value];
+        if (hint && data) {
+            hint.innerHTML = `<i class="bi bi-${data.icon} me-1"></i>${data.text}`;
+        }
+    });
+});
+
 // ============================================================================
 // ACCORDION SUMMARY UPDATES
 // ============================================================================
 
+const carrierTypeInput = document.getElementById('carrierTypeInput');
+
 function updateImagesSummary() {
     const ref = document.getElementById('refPhotoInput')?.files[0];
-    const stego = document.getElementById('stegoInput')?.files[0];
+    const isAudio = carrierTypeInput?.value === 'audio';
+    const stego = isAudio
+        ? document.getElementById('audioStegoInput')?.files[0]
+        : document.getElementById('stegoInput')?.files[0];
     const mode = document.querySelector('input[name="embed_mode"]:checked')?.value?.toUpperCase() || 'AUTO';
     const summary = document.getElementById('stepImagesSummary');
     const stepNum = document.getElementById('stepImagesNumber');
@@ -483,12 +537,12 @@ function updateImagesSummary() {
         summary.textContent = ref ? ref.name.slice(0, 15) : stego.name.slice(0, 15);
         summary.classList.remove('has-content');
         stepNum.classList.remove('complete');
-        stepNum.textContent = '1';
+        stepNum.textContent = '2';
     } else {
-        summary.textContent = 'Select reference & stego';
+        summary.textContent = isAudio ? 'Select reference & audio' : 'Select reference & stego';
         summary.classList.remove('has-content');
         stepNum.classList.remove('complete');
-        stepNum.textContent = '1';
+        stepNum.textContent = '2';
     }
 }
 
@@ -516,32 +570,107 @@ function updateSecuritySummary() {
         summary.textContent = 'Passphrase & keys';
         summary.classList.remove('has-content');
         stepNum.classList.remove('complete');
-        stepNum.textContent = '2';
+        stepNum.textContent = '3';
     }
 }
 
 // Attach listeners
 document.getElementById('refPhotoInput')?.addEventListener('change', updateImagesSummary);
 document.getElementById('stegoInput')?.addEventListener('change', updateImagesSummary);
+document.getElementById('audioStegoInput')?.addEventListener('change', updateImagesSummary);
 document.querySelectorAll('input[name="embed_mode"]').forEach(r => r.addEventListener('change', updateImagesSummary));
+document.querySelectorAll('#audioModeGroup input[name="embed_mode"]').forEach(r => r.addEventListener('change', updateImagesSummary));
 
 document.getElementById('passphraseInput')?.addEventListener('input', updateSecuritySummary);
 document.getElementById('pinInput')?.addEventListener('input', updateSecuritySummary);
 document.querySelector('input[name="rsa_key"]')?.addEventListener('change', updateSecuritySummary);
 
+// ============================================================================
+// CARRIER TYPE TOGGLE (v4.3.0)
+// ============================================================================
+
+const carrierTypeRadios = document.querySelectorAll('input[name="carrier_type_select"]');
+const imageStegoSection = document.getElementById('imageStegoSection');
+const audioStegoSection = document.getElementById('audioStegoSection');
+const imageModeGroup = document.getElementById('imageModeGroup');
+const audioModeGroup = document.getElementById('audioModeGroup');
+const stepCarrierTypeSummary = document.getElementById('stepCarrierTypeSummary');
+
+carrierTypeRadios.forEach(radio => {
+    radio.addEventListener('change', function() {
+        const isAudio = this.value === 'audio';
+        carrierTypeInput.value = this.value;
+
+        // Toggle stego sections
+        if (imageStegoSection) imageStegoSection.classList.toggle('d-none', isAudio);
+        if (audioStegoSection) audioStegoSection.classList.toggle('d-none', !isAudio);
+
+        // Toggle required attribute so hidden inputs don't block form submission
+        const imgStego = document.getElementById('stegoInput');
+        const audStego = document.getElementById('audioStegoInput');
+        if (imgStego) { if (isAudio) imgStego.removeAttribute('required'); else imgStego.setAttribute('required', ''); }
+        if (audStego) { if (isAudio) audStego.setAttribute('required', ''); else audStego.removeAttribute('required'); }
+
+        // Toggle mode groups
+        if (imageModeGroup) imageModeGroup.classList.toggle('d-none', isAudio);
+        if (audioModeGroup) audioModeGroup.classList.toggle('d-none', !isAudio);
+
+        // Update summary
+        if (stepCarrierTypeSummary) {
+            stepCarrierTypeSummary.textContent = isAudio ? 'Audio' : 'Image';
+        }
+
+        // Select default mode
+        if (isAudio) {
+            const audioAuto = document.getElementById('modeAudioAuto');
+            if (audioAuto) audioAuto.checked = true;
+        } else {
+            const autoMode = document.getElementById('modeAuto');
+            if (autoMode) autoMode.checked = true;
+        }
+
+        // Clear stego file selections
+        const stegoInput = document.getElementById('stegoInput');
+        const audioStegoInput = document.getElementById('audioStegoInput');
+        if (stegoInput) stegoInput.value = '';
+        if (audioStegoInput) audioStegoInput.value = '';
+
+        // Reset previews
+        document.getElementById('stegoPreview')?.classList.add('d-none');
+
+        // Update mode hint
+        const hint = document.getElementById('modeHint');
+        if (hint) {
+            if (isAudio) {
+                hint.innerHTML = '<i class="bi bi-lightning me-1"></i>Tries LSB first, then Spread Spectrum';
+            } else {
+                hint.innerHTML = '<i class="bi bi-lightning me-1"></i>Tries LSB first, then DCT';
+            }
+        }
+
+        updateImagesSummary();
+    });
+});
+
+// Audio stego file info display
+const audioStegoInput = document.getElementById('audioStegoInput');
+audioStegoInput?.addEventListener('change', function() {
+    if (this.files && this.files[0]) {
+        const file = this.files[0];
+        document.getElementById('audioStegoFileName').textContent = file.name;
+        document.getElementById('audioStegoFileSize').textContent = (file.size / 1024).toFixed(1) + ' KB';
+        updateImagesSummary();
+    }
+});
+
 // ============================================================================
 // MODE SWITCHING
 // ============================================================================
 
-const modeRadios = document.querySelectorAll('input[name="embed_mode"]');
-const modeBtns = { 'auto': document.getElementById('autoModeCard'), 'lsb': document.getElementById('lsbModeCard'), 'dct': document.getElementById('dctModeCard') };
-
-modeRadios.forEach(radio => {
-    radio.addEventListener('change', () => {
-        Object.values(modeBtns).forEach(btn => btn?.classList.remove('active'));
-        modeBtns[radio.value]?.classList.add('active');
-    });
-});
+// Apply disabled styling to DCT if not available
+if (document.getElementById('modeDct')?.disabled) {
+    document.getElementById('dctModeLabel')?.classList.add('disabled', 'text-muted');
+}
 
 // ============================================================================
 // LOADING STATE

frontends/web/templates/encode.html

@@ -6,20 +6,29 @@
 <style>
 /* Accordion styling */
 .step-accordion .accordion-button {
-    background: rgba(30, 40, 50, 0.6);
+    background: rgba(35, 45, 55, 0.8);
     color: #fff;
     padding: 0.75rem 1rem;
-    border-left: 3px solid transparent;
+    border-left: 3px solid rgba(255, 230, 153, 0.3);
+    border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
     transition: all 0.3s ease;
 }
+.step-accordion .accordion-button:hover {
+    background: rgba(45, 55, 65, 0.9);
+    border-left-color: rgba(255, 230, 153, 0.5);
+}
 .step-accordion .accordion-button:not(.collapsed) {
-    background: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(99, 179, 237, 0.15) 0%, rgba(40, 50, 60, 0.8) 40%, rgba(40, 50, 60, 0.8) 100%);
+    background: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(255, 230, 153, 0.12) 0%, rgba(40, 50, 60, 0.85) 40%, rgba(40, 50, 60, 0.85) 100%);
     color: #fff;
-    box-shadow: inset 0 1px 0 rgba(99, 179, 237, 0.1);
-    border-left: 3px solid rgba(99, 179, 237, 0.6);
+    box-shadow: inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 230, 153, 0.1);
+    border-left: 3px solid #ffe699;
 }
 .step-accordion .accordion-button::after {
-    filter: invert(1);
+    filter: brightness(0) invert(1);
+    opacity: 0.5;
+}
+.step-accordion .accordion-button:not(.collapsed)::after {
+    opacity: 0.9;
 }
 .step-accordion .accordion-body {
     background: rgba(30, 40, 50, 0.4);
@@ -106,46 +115,7 @@
     box-shadow: 0 0 20px rgba(246, 173, 85, 0.4) !important;
 }
 
-/* QR Crop Animation */
-.qr-crop-container {
-    position: relative;
-    overflow: hidden;
-    border-radius: 8px;
-    background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);
-    width: 100%;
-    display: flex;
-    justify-content: center;
-    align-items: center;
-    min-height: 120px;
-}
-.qr-crop-container img {
-    display: block;
-    max-height: 180px;
-    max-width: 180px;
-    width: auto;
-    margin: 0 auto;
-    transition: all 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
-}
-.qr-crop-container .qr-original { opacity: 1; }
-.qr-crop-container .qr-cropped {
-    position: absolute;
-    top: 50%; left: 50%;
-    transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(0.3);
-    opacity: 0;
-    max-height: 160px;
-    min-width: 140px;
-    min-height: 140px;
-    object-fit: contain;
-}
-.qr-crop-container.scan-complete .qr-original {
-    opacity: 0;
-    transform: scale(1.1);
-    filter: blur(4px);
-}
-.qr-crop-container.scan-complete .qr-cropped {
-    opacity: 1;
-    transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(1);
-}
+/* QR Crop Animation - uses .qr-scan-container from style.css */
 </style>
 
 <div class="row justify-content-center">
@@ -160,14 +130,14 @@
                     <div class="accordion step-accordion" id="encodeAccordion">
 
                         <!-- ================================================================
-                             STEP 1: IMAGES
+                             STEP 1: CARRIER & MODE
                              ================================================================ -->
                         <div class="accordion-item">
                             <h2 class="accordion-header">
                                 <button class="accordion-button" type="button" data-bs-toggle="collapse" data-bs-target="#stepImages">
                                     <span class="step-title">
                                         <span class="step-number" id="stepImagesNumber">1</span>
-                                        <i class="bi bi-images me-1"></i> Images & Mode
+                                        <i class="bi bi-images me-1"></i> Carrier & Mode
                                     </span>
                                     <span class="step-summary" id="stepImagesSummary">Select reference & carrier</span>
                                 </button>
@@ -175,6 +145,8 @@
                             <div id="stepImages" class="accordion-collapse collapse show" data-bs-parent="#encodeAccordion">
                                 <div class="accordion-body">
 
+                                    <input type="hidden" name="carrier_type" id="carrierTypeInput" value="image">
+
                                     <div class="row">
                                         <div class="col-md-6 mb-3">
                                             <label class="form-label">
@@ -202,28 +174,47 @@
 
                                         <div class="col-md-6 mb-3">
                                             <label class="form-label">
-                                                <i class="bi bi-file-image me-1"></i> Carrier Image
+                                                <i class="bi bi-file-earmark me-1"></i> Carrier File
                                             </label>
-                                            <div class="drop-zone pixel-container" id="carrierDropZone">
-                                                <input type="file" name="carrier" accept="image/*" required id="carrierInput">
-                                                <div class="drop-zone-label">
-                                                    <i class="bi bi-cloud-arrow-up fs-3 d-block mb-2 text-muted"></i>
-                                                    <span class="text-muted">Drop image or click</span>
-                                                </div>
-                                                <img class="drop-zone-preview d-none" id="carrierPreview">
-                                                <div class="pixel-blocks"></div>
-                                                <div class="pixel-scan-line"></div>
-                                                <div class="pixel-corners">
-                                                    <div class="pixel-corner tl"></div><div class="pixel-corner tr"></div>
-                                                    <div class="pixel-corner bl"></div><div class="pixel-corner br"></div>
-                                                </div>
-                                                <div class="pixel-data-panel">
-                                                    <div class="pixel-data-filename"><i class="bi bi-check-circle-fill"></i><span id="carrierFileName">image.jpg</span></div>
-                                                    <div class="pixel-data-row"><span class="pixel-status-badge">Carrier Loaded</span><span class="pixel-data-value" id="carrierFileSize">--</span></div>
-                                                    <div class="pixel-dimensions" id="carrierDims">-- x -- px</div>
+                                            <div id="imageCarrierSection">
+                                                <div class="drop-zone pixel-container" id="carrierDropZone">
+                                                    <input type="file" name="carrier" accept="image/*" required id="carrierInput">
+                                                    <div class="drop-zone-label">
+                                                        <i class="bi bi-cloud-arrow-up fs-3 d-block mb-2 text-muted"></i>
+                                                        <span class="text-muted">Drop image or click</span>
+                                                    </div>
+                                                    <img class="drop-zone-preview d-none" id="carrierPreview">
+                                                    <div class="pixel-blocks"></div>
+                                                    <div class="pixel-scan-line"></div>
+                                                    <div class="pixel-corners">
+                                                        <div class="pixel-corner tl"></div><div class="pixel-corner tr"></div>
+                                                        <div class="pixel-corner bl"></div><div class="pixel-corner br"></div>
+                                                    </div>
+                                                    <div class="pixel-data-panel">
+                                                        <div class="pixel-data-filename"><i class="bi bi-check-circle-fill"></i><span id="carrierFileName">image.jpg</span></div>
+                                                        <div class="pixel-data-row"><span class="pixel-status-badge">Carrier Loaded</span><span class="pixel-data-value" id="carrierFileSize">--</span></div>
+                                                        <div class="pixel-dimensions" id="carrierDims">-- x -- px</div>
+                                                    </div>
                                                 </div>
+                                                <div class="form-text" id="imageCarrierHint">Image to hide your message in</div>
+                                            </div>
+
+                                            <!-- Audio Carrier (hidden by default, shown when audio type selected) -->
+                                            <div class="d-none" id="audioCarrierSection">
+                                                <div class="drop-zone pixel-container" id="audioCarrierDropZone">
+                                                    <input type="file" name="audio_carrier" accept="audio/*" id="audioCarrierInput">
+                                                    <div class="drop-zone-label">
+                                                        <i class="bi bi-music-note-beamed fs-3 d-block mb-2 text-muted"></i>
+                                                        <span class="text-muted">Drop audio or click</span>
+                                                    </div>
+                                                    <div class="pixel-data-panel">
+                                                        <div class="pixel-data-filename"><i class="bi bi-check-circle-fill"></i><span id="audioCarrierFileName">audio.wav</span></div>
+                                                        <div class="pixel-data-row"><span class="pixel-status-badge">Audio Loaded</span><span class="pixel-data-value" id="audioCarrierFileSize">--</span></div>
+                                                        <div class="pixel-dimensions" id="audioCarrierDuration">--:-- duration</div>
+                                                    </div>
+                                                </div>
+                                                <div class="form-text" id="audioCarrierHint">Audio file to hide your message in</div>
                                             </div>
-                                            <div class="form-text">Image to hide your message in</div>
                                         </div>
                                     </div>
 
@@ -238,35 +229,69 @@
                                         </div>
                                     </div>
 
-                                    <!-- Embedding Mode -->
-                                    <label class="form-label"><i class="bi bi-cpu me-1"></i> Embedding Mode</label>
-                                    <div class="d-flex gap-2 mb-2">
-                                        <label class="mode-btn flex-fill {% if not has_dct %}opacity-50{% endif %} {% if has_dct %}active{% endif %}" id="dctModeCard" for="modeDct">
-                                            <input class="form-check-input" type="radio" name="embed_mode" id="modeDct" value="dct" {% if has_dct %}checked{% endif %} {% if not has_dct %}disabled{% endif %}>
-                                            <i class="bi bi-soundwave text-warning ms-2"></i>
-                                            <span class="ms-2"><strong>DCT</strong> <span class="text-muted d-none d-sm-inline">· Social</span></span>
-                                        </label>
-                                        <label class="mode-btn flex-fill {% if not has_dct %}active{% endif %}" id="lsbModeCard" for="modeLsb">
-                                            <input class="form-check-input" type="radio" name="embed_mode" id="modeLsb" value="lsb" {% if not has_dct %}checked{% endif %}>
-                                            <i class="bi bi-grid-3x3-gap text-primary ms-2"></i>
-                                            <span class="ms-2"><strong>LSB</strong> <span class="text-muted d-none d-sm-inline">· Email</span></span>
-                                        </label>
+                                    <!-- Audio Capacity Info (v4.3.0) -->
+                                    <div class="alert alert-info small d-none mb-3" id="audioCapacityPanel">
+                                        <div class="d-flex justify-content-between align-items-center">
+                                            <span><i class="bi bi-music-note-beamed me-1"></i><span id="audioInfo">-</span></span>
+                                            <span>
+                                                <span class="badge bg-primary me-1" id="lsbAudioCapacityBadge">LSB: -</span>
+                                                <span class="badge bg-warning text-dark" id="spreadCapacityBadge">Spread: -</span>
+                                            </span>
+                                        </div>
                                     </div>
 
-                                    <!-- DCT Options (inline, compact) -->
-                                    <div class="{% if not has_dct %}d-none{% endif %}" id="dctOptionsInline">
-                                        <div class="row g-2 mt-2" id="dctOptionsRow">
-                                            <div class="col-6">
-                                                <select class="form-select form-select-sm" name="dct_color_mode" id="dctColorSelect">
-                                                    <option value="color" selected>Color</option>
-                                                    <option value="grayscale">Grayscale</option>
-                                                </select>
+                                    <!-- Mode & Carrier Type toggles (aligned row) -->
+                                    <div class="row">
+                                        <div class="col-md-6">
+                                            <div id="imageModeGroup">
+                                                <div class="d-flex gap-2 align-items-center flex-wrap mb-2">
+                                                    <div class="btn-group btn-group-sm" role="group">
+                                                        <input type="radio" class="btn-check" name="embed_mode" id="modeDct" value="dct" {% if has_dct %}checked{% endif %} {% if not has_dct %}disabled{% endif %}>
+                                                        <label class="btn btn-outline-secondary btn-sm text-nowrap" for="modeDct" id="dctModeLabel"><i class="bi bi-soundwave me-1"></i>DCT</label>
+                                                        <input type="radio" class="btn-check" name="embed_mode" id="modeLsb" value="lsb" {% if not has_dct %}checked{% endif %}>
+                                                        <label class="btn btn-outline-secondary btn-sm text-nowrap" for="modeLsb"><i class="bi bi-grid-3x3-gap me-1"></i>LSB</label>
+                                                    </div>
+                                                    <span class="text-muted d-none d-sm-inline">|</span>
+                                                    <span class="d-flex gap-2 align-items-center" id="outputOptions">
+                                                        <div class="btn-group btn-group-sm" role="group">
+                                                            <input type="radio" class="btn-check" name="dct_color_mode" id="colorMode" value="color" checked>
+                                                            <label class="btn btn-outline-secondary btn-sm" for="colorMode">Color</label>
+                                                            <input type="radio" class="btn-check" name="dct_color_mode" id="grayMode" value="grayscale">
+                                                            <label class="btn btn-outline-secondary btn-sm" for="grayMode" id="grayModeLabel">Gray</label>
+                                                        </div>
+                                                        <div class="btn-group btn-group-sm" role="group">
+                                                            <input type="radio" class="btn-check" name="dct_output_format" id="jpegFormat" value="jpeg" checked>
+                                                            <label class="btn btn-outline-secondary btn-sm" for="jpegFormat" id="jpegFormatLabel">JPEG</label>
+                                                            <input type="radio" class="btn-check" name="dct_output_format" id="pngFormat" value="png">
+                                                            <label class="btn btn-outline-secondary btn-sm" for="pngFormat">PNG</label>
+                                                        </div>
+                                                    </span>
+                                                </div>
                                             </div>
-                                            <div class="col-6">
-                                                <select class="form-select form-select-sm" name="dct_output_format" id="dctFormatSelect">
-                                                    <option value="jpeg" selected>JPEG</option>
-                                                    <option value="png">PNG</option>
-                                                </select>
+                                            <!-- Audio Modes (hidden by default) -->
+                                            <div class="d-none" id="audioModeGroup">
+                                                <div class="btn-group btn-group-sm mb-2" role="group">
+                                                    <input type="radio" class="btn-check" name="embed_mode" id="modeAudioLsb" value="audio_lsb">
+                                                    <label class="btn btn-outline-secondary btn-sm text-nowrap" for="modeAudioLsb"><i class="bi bi-grid-3x3-gap me-1"></i>LSB</label>
+                                                    <input type="radio" class="btn-check" name="embed_mode" id="modeAudioSpread" value="audio_spread">
+                                                    <label class="btn btn-outline-secondary btn-sm text-nowrap" for="modeAudioSpread"><i class="bi bi-broadcast me-1"></i>Spread</label>
+                                                </div>
+                                            </div>
+                                            <div class="form-text" id="modeHint">
+                                                <i class="bi bi-{% if has_dct %}phone{% else %}hdd{% endif %} me-1"></i>{% if has_dct %}Survives social media compression{% else %}Higher capacity for direct transfers{% endif %}
+                                            </div>
+                                        </div>
+                                        <div class="col-md-6">
+                                            <div class="d-flex align-items-center gap-2">
+                                                <div class="btn-group btn-group-sm" role="group">
+                                                    <input type="radio" class="btn-check" name="carrier_type_select" id="typeImage" value="image" checked>
+                                                    <label class="btn btn-outline-secondary btn-sm text-nowrap" for="typeImage"><i class="bi bi-image me-1"></i>Image</label>
+                                                    <input type="radio" class="btn-check" name="carrier_type_select" id="typeAudio" value="audio" {% if not has_audio %}disabled{% endif %}>
+                                                    <label class="btn btn-outline-secondary btn-sm text-nowrap {% if not has_audio %}disabled text-muted{% endif %}" for="typeAudio"><i class="bi bi-music-note-beamed me-1"></i>Audio</label>
+                                                </div>
+                                                {% if not has_audio %}
+                                                <span class="form-text text-warning mb-0" style="font-size: 0.7rem;"><i class="bi bi-exclamation-triangle me-1"></i>Requires numpy + soundfile</span>
+                                                {% endif %}
                                             </div>
                                         </div>
                                     </div>
@@ -428,7 +453,7 @@
                                                         <i class="bi bi-qr-code-scan fs-5 d-block text-muted mb-1"></i>
                                                         <span class="text-muted small">Drop QR image</span>
                                                     </div>
-                                                    <div class="qr-scan-container qr-crop-container d-none" id="qrCropContainer">
+                                                    <div class="qr-scan-container d-none" id="qrCropContainer">
                                                         <img class="qr-original" id="qrOriginal" alt="Original">
                                                         <img class="qr-cropped" id="qrCropped" alt="Cropped">
                                                     </div>
@@ -473,7 +498,7 @@
             </div>
             <div class="col-4">
                 <i class="bi bi-eye-slash fs-5 d-block mb-1 text-warning"></i>
-                Undetectable
+                Covertly Embedded
             </div>
         </div>
     </div>
@@ -483,13 +508,145 @@
 {% block scripts %}
 <script src="{{ url_for('static', filename='js/stegasoo.js') }}"></script>
 <script>
+// ============================================================================
+// MODE HINT - Dynamic text based on selected embedding mode
+// ============================================================================
+const modeHints = {
+    dct: { icon: 'phone', text: 'Survives social media compression' },
+    lsb: { icon: 'hdd', text: 'Higher capacity, outputs Color PNG' },
+    audio_lsb: { icon: 'soundwave', text: 'Highest capacity, lossless carriers only (WAV/FLAC)' },
+    audio_spread: { icon: 'broadcast', text: 'Lower capacity, survives lossy conversion (MP3/AAC)' }
+};
+
+document.querySelectorAll('input[name="embed_mode"]').forEach(radio => {
+    radio.addEventListener('change', function() {
+        const hint = document.getElementById('modeHint');
+        const data = modeHints[this.value];
+        if (hint && data) {
+            hint.innerHTML = `<i class="bi bi-${data.icon} me-1"></i>${data.text}`;
+        }
+    });
+});
+
+// ============================================================================
+// CARRIER TYPE TOGGLE (v4.3.0)
+// ============================================================================
+
+const carrierTypeRadios = document.querySelectorAll('input[name="carrier_type_select"]');
+const carrierTypeInput = document.getElementById('carrierTypeInput');
+const imageCarrierSection = document.getElementById('imageCarrierSection');
+const audioCarrierSection = document.getElementById('audioCarrierSection');
+const imageModeGroup = document.getElementById('imageModeGroup');
+const audioModeGroup = document.getElementById('audioModeGroup');
+const capacityPanel = document.getElementById('capacityPanel');
+const audioCapacityPanel = document.getElementById('audioCapacityPanel');
+
+carrierTypeRadios.forEach(radio => {
+    radio.addEventListener('change', function() {
+        const isAudio = this.value === 'audio';
+        carrierTypeInput.value = this.value;
+
+        // Toggle carrier sections
+        if (imageCarrierSection) imageCarrierSection.classList.toggle('d-none', isAudio);
+        if (audioCarrierSection) audioCarrierSection.classList.toggle('d-none', !isAudio);
+
+        // Toggle required attribute so hidden inputs don't block form submission
+        const imgCarrier = document.getElementById('carrierInput');
+        const audCarrier = document.getElementById('audioCarrierInput');
+        if (imgCarrier) { if (isAudio) imgCarrier.removeAttribute('required'); else imgCarrier.setAttribute('required', ''); }
+        if (audCarrier) { if (isAudio) audCarrier.setAttribute('required', ''); else audCarrier.removeAttribute('required'); }
+
+        // Toggle mode groups
+        if (imageModeGroup) imageModeGroup.classList.toggle('d-none', isAudio);
+        if (audioModeGroup) audioModeGroup.classList.toggle('d-none', !isAudio);
+
+        // Toggle capacity panels
+        if (capacityPanel) capacityPanel.classList.add('d-none');
+        if (audioCapacityPanel) audioCapacityPanel.classList.add('d-none');
+
+        // Select default mode for the active type and update hint
+        if (isAudio) {
+            const audioLsb = document.getElementById('modeAudioLsb');
+            if (audioLsb) { audioLsb.checked = true; audioLsb.dispatchEvent(new Event('change')); }
+        } else {
+            // Reset to DCT if available, else LSB
+            const dctRadio = document.getElementById('modeDct');
+            const lsbRadio = document.getElementById('modeLsb');
+            if (dctRadio && !dctRadio.disabled) {
+                dctRadio.checked = true; dctRadio.dispatchEvent(new Event('change'));
+            } else if (lsbRadio) {
+                lsbRadio.checked = true; lsbRadio.dispatchEvent(new Event('change'));
+            }
+        }
+
+        // Clear carrier file selections
+        const carrierInput = document.getElementById('carrierInput');
+        const audioCarrierInput = document.getElementById('audioCarrierInput');
+        if (carrierInput) carrierInput.value = '';
+        if (audioCarrierInput) audioCarrierInput.value = '';
+
+        // Reset previews
+        document.getElementById('carrierPreview')?.classList.add('d-none');
+
+        // Update step title
+        const stepImagesTitle = document.querySelector('#stepImages')?.closest('.accordion-item')?.querySelector('.accordion-button .step-title');
+        if (stepImagesTitle) {
+            const icon = stepImagesTitle.querySelector('i:not(.step-number i)');
+            const textNode = stepImagesTitle.childNodes[stepImagesTitle.childNodes.length - 1];
+            if (icon) {
+                icon.className = isAudio ? 'bi bi-music-note-beamed me-1' : 'bi bi-images me-1';
+            }
+        }
+
+        updateImagesSummary();
+    });
+});
+
+// Audio carrier file change handler
+const audioCarrierInput = document.getElementById('audioCarrierInput');
+audioCarrierInput?.addEventListener('change', function() {
+    if (this.files && this.files[0]) {
+        const file = this.files[0];
+        document.getElementById('audioCarrierFileName').textContent = file.name;
+        document.getElementById('audioCarrierFileSize').textContent = (file.size / 1024).toFixed(1) + ' KB';
+
+        // Fetch audio capacity
+        const formData = new FormData();
+        formData.append('carrier', file);
+        fetch('/api/audio-capacity', { method: 'POST', body: formData })
+            .then(r => r.json())
+            .then(data => {
+                if (data.error) return;
+                const info = `${data.format || 'Audio'} · ${data.sample_rate}Hz · ${data.channels}ch · ${data.duration}s`;
+                document.getElementById('audioInfo').textContent = info;
+                document.getElementById('lsbAudioCapacityBadge').textContent = `LSB: ${(data.lsb_capacity / 1024).toFixed(1)} KB`;
+                document.getElementById('spreadCapacityBadge').textContent = `Spread: ${(data.spread_capacity / 1024).toFixed(1)} KB`;
+                document.getElementById('audioCapacityPanel')?.classList.remove('d-none');
+                if (data.duration) {
+                    document.getElementById('audioCarrierDuration').textContent = data.duration + 's duration';
+                }
+            }).catch(() => {});
+
+        // Trigger the drop zone animation
+        const dropZone = document.getElementById('audioCarrierDropZone');
+        if (dropZone) {
+            dropZone.classList.add('has-file');
+        }
+
+        updateImagesSummary();
+    }
+});
+
 // ============================================================================
 // ACCORDION SUMMARY UPDATES
 // ============================================================================
 
 function updateImagesSummary() {
     const ref = document.getElementById('refPhotoInput')?.files[0];
-    const carrier = document.getElementById('carrierInput')?.files[0];
+    const isAudio = carrierTypeInput?.value === 'audio';
+    const carrier = isAudio
+        ? document.getElementById('audioCarrierInput')?.files[0]
+        : document.getElementById('carrierInput')?.files[0];
     const mode = document.querySelector('input[name="embed_mode"]:checked')?.value?.toUpperCase() || 'LSB';
     const summary = document.getElementById('stepImagesSummary');
     const stepNum = document.getElementById('stepImagesNumber');
@@ -507,7 +664,7 @@ function updateImagesSummary() {
         stepNum.classList.remove('complete');
         stepNum.textContent = '1';
     } else {
-        summary.textContent = 'Select reference & carrier';
+        summary.textContent = isAudio ? 'Select reference & audio' : 'Select reference & carrier';
         summary.classList.remove('has-content');
         stepNum.classList.remove('complete');
         stepNum.textContent = '1';
@@ -571,7 +728,9 @@ function updateSecuritySummary() {
 // Attach listeners
 document.getElementById('refPhotoInput')?.addEventListener('change', updateImagesSummary);
 document.getElementById('carrierInput')?.addEventListener('change', updateImagesSummary);
+document.getElementById('audioCarrierInput')?.addEventListener('change', updateImagesSummary);
 document.querySelectorAll('input[name="embed_mode"]').forEach(r => r.addEventListener('change', updateImagesSummary));
+document.querySelectorAll('#audioModeGroup input[name="embed_mode"]').forEach(r => r.addEventListener('change', updateImagesSummary));
 
 document.getElementById('messageInput')?.addEventListener('input', updatePayloadSummary);
 document.getElementById('payloadFileInput')?.addEventListener('change', updatePayloadSummary);
@@ -665,21 +824,47 @@ carrierInput?.addEventListener('change', function() {
 // ============================================================================
 
 const modeRadios = document.querySelectorAll('input[name="embed_mode"]');
-const modeBtns = { 'dct': document.getElementById('dctModeCard'), 'lsb': document.getElementById('lsbModeCard') };
-const dctOptionsRow = document.getElementById('dctOptionsRow');
+const dctModeLabel = document.getElementById('dctModeLabel');
+const grayModeInput = document.getElementById('grayMode');
+const grayModeLabel = document.getElementById('grayModeLabel');
+const jpegFormatInput = document.getElementById('jpegFormat');
+const jpegFormatLabel = document.getElementById('jpegFormatLabel');
+const colorModeInput = document.getElementById('colorMode');
+const pngFormatInput = document.getElementById('pngFormat');
+
+// Apply disabled styling to DCT if not available
+if (document.getElementById('modeDct')?.disabled) {
+    dctModeLabel?.classList.add('disabled', 'text-muted');
+}
+
+function updateOutputOptions(mode) {
+    const isLsb = mode === 'lsb';
+    if (isLsb) {
+        // LSB only supports Color + PNG
+        colorModeInput.checked = true;
+        pngFormatInput.checked = true;
+        grayModeInput.disabled = true;
+        jpegFormatInput.disabled = true;
+        grayModeLabel?.classList.add('disabled', 'text-muted');
+        jpegFormatLabel?.classList.add('disabled', 'text-muted');
+    } else {
+        // DCT: reset to defaults (Color + JPEG) and enable all
+        colorModeInput.checked = true;
+        jpegFormatInput.checked = true;
+        grayModeInput.disabled = false;
+        jpegFormatInput.disabled = false;
+        grayModeLabel?.classList.remove('disabled', 'text-muted');
+        jpegFormatLabel?.classList.remove('disabled', 'text-muted');
+    }
+}
 
 modeRadios.forEach(radio => {
-    radio.addEventListener('change', () => {
-        Object.values(modeBtns).forEach(btn => btn?.classList.remove('active'));
-        modeBtns[radio.value]?.classList.add('active');
-        dctOptionsRow?.classList.toggle('d-none', radio.value !== 'dct');
-    });
+    radio.addEventListener('change', () => updateOutputOptions(radio.value));
 });
 
-// Show DCT options if DCT selected initially
-if (document.getElementById('modeDct')?.checked) {
-    dctOptionsRow?.classList.remove('d-none');
-}
+// Initialize output options based on initial mode
+const initialMode = document.querySelector('input[name="embed_mode"]:checked')?.value || 'lsb';
+updateOutputOptions(initialMode);
 
 // ============================================================================
 // DUPLICATE FILE CHECK

frontends/web/templates/encode_result.html

@@ -12,12 +12,26 @@
                 </h5>
             </div>
             <div class="card-body text-center">
+                {% if carrier_type == 'audio' %}
+                <!-- Audio Preview -->
+                <div class="my-4">
+                    <div class="text-center">
+                        <i class="bi bi-music-note-beamed text-success" style="font-size: 4rem;"></i>
+                        <div class="mt-2">
+                            <audio controls src="{{ url_for('encode_file_route', file_id=file_id) }}" class="w-100" style="max-width: 400px;"></audio>
+                        </div>
+                        <div class="mt-2 small text-muted">
+                            <i class="bi bi-music-note-beamed me-1"></i>Encoded Audio Preview
+                        </div>
+                    </div>
+                </div>
+                {% else %}
                 <div class="my-4">
                     {% if thumbnail_url %}
                     <!-- Thumbnail of the actual encoded image -->
                     <div class="encoded-image-thumbnail">
-                        <img src="{{ thumbnail_url }}" 
-                             alt="Encoded image thumbnail" 
+                        <img src="{{ thumbnail_url }}"
+                             alt="Encoded image thumbnail"
                              class="img-thumbnail rounded"
                              style="max-width: 250px; max-height: 250px; object-fit: contain;">
                         <div class="mt-2 small text-muted">
@@ -29,8 +43,9 @@
                     <i class="bi bi-file-earmark-image text-success" style="font-size: 4rem;"></i>
                     {% endif %}
                 </div>
+                {% endif %}
                 
-                <p class="lead mb-4">Your secret has been hidden in the image.</p>
+                <p class="lead mb-4">Your secret has been hidden in the {{ 'audio file' if carrier_type == 'audio' else 'image' }}.</p>
                 
                 <div class="mb-3">
                     <code class="fs-5">{{ filename }}</code>
@@ -38,11 +53,32 @@
                 
                 <!-- Mode and format badges -->
                 <div class="mb-4">
-                    {% if embed_mode == 'dct' %}
+                    {% if carrier_type == 'audio' %}
+                    <!-- Audio mode badges -->
+                    {% if embed_mode == 'audio_spread' %}
+                    <span class="badge bg-warning text-dark fs-6">
+                        <i class="bi bi-broadcast me-1"></i>Spread Spectrum
+                    </span>
+                    {% else %}
+                    <span class="badge bg-primary fs-6">
+                        <i class="bi bi-grid-3x3-gap me-1"></i>Audio LSB
+                    </span>
+                    {% endif %}
+                    <span class="badge bg-info fs-6 ms-1">
+                        <i class="bi bi-file-earmark-music me-1"></i>WAV
+                    </span>
+                    <div class="small text-muted mt-2">
+                        {% if embed_mode == 'audio_spread' %}
+                        Spread spectrum embedding in audio samples
+                        {% else %}
+                        LSB embedding in audio samples, WAV output
+                        {% endif %}
+                    </div>
+                    {% elif embed_mode == 'dct' %}
                         <span class="badge bg-info fs-6">
                             <i class="bi bi-soundwave me-1"></i>DCT Mode
                         </span>
-                        
+
                         <!-- Color mode badge (v3.0.1) -->
                         {% if color_mode == 'color' %}
                         <span class="badge bg-success fs-6 ms-1">
@@ -53,7 +89,7 @@
                             <i class="bi bi-circle-half me-1"></i>Grayscale
                         </span>
                         {% endif %}
-                        
+
                         <!-- Output format badge -->
                         {% if output_format == 'jpeg' %}
                         <span class="badge bg-warning text-dark fs-6 ms-1">
@@ -78,7 +114,7 @@
                             {% endif %}
                         </div>
                         {% endif %}
-                        
+
                     {% else %}
                         <span class="badge bg-primary fs-6">
                             <i class="bi bi-grid-3x3-gap me-1"></i>LSB Mode
@@ -114,7 +150,7 @@
                 <div class="d-grid gap-2">
                     <a href="{{ url_for('encode_download', file_id=file_id) }}" 
                        class="btn btn-primary btn-lg" id="downloadBtn">
-                        <i class="bi bi-download me-2"></i>Download Image
+                        <i class="bi bi-download me-2"></i>Download {{ 'Audio' if carrier_type == 'audio' else 'Image' }}
                     </a>
                     
                     <button type="button" class="btn btn-outline-primary" id="shareBtn" style="display: none;">
@@ -128,7 +164,12 @@
                     <i class="bi bi-exclamation-triangle me-1"></i>
                     <strong>Important:</strong>
                     <ul class="mb-0 mt-2">
-                        <li>This file expires in <strong>5 minutes</strong></li>
+                        <li>This file expires in <strong>10 minutes</strong></li>
+                        {% if carrier_type == 'audio' %}
+                        <li>Do <strong>not</strong> re-encode or convert the audio file</li>
+                        <li>WAV format preserves your hidden data losslessly</li>
+                        <li>Sharing via platforms that re-encode audio will destroy the hidden data</li>
+                        {% else %}
                         <li>Do <strong>not</strong> resize or recompress the image</li>
                         {% if embed_mode == 'dct' and output_format == 'jpeg' %}
                         <li>JPEG format is lossy - avoid re-saving or editing</li>
@@ -141,6 +182,7 @@
                         <li>Color preserved - extraction works on both color and grayscale</li>
                         {% endif %}
                         {% endif %}
+                        {% endif %}
                         {% if channel_mode == 'private' %}
                         <li><i class="bi bi-shield-lock text-warning me-1"></i>Recipient needs the <strong>same channel key</strong> to decode</li>
                         {% endif %}
@@ -148,7 +190,7 @@
                 </div>
                 
                 <a href="{{ url_for('encode_page') }}" class="btn btn-outline-secondary">
-                    <i class="bi bi-arrow-repeat me-2"></i>Encode Another Message
+                    <i class="bi bi-arrow-repeat me-2"></i>Encode Another
                 </a>
             </div>
         </div>
@@ -162,7 +204,7 @@
 const shareBtn = document.getElementById('shareBtn');
 const fileUrl = "{{ url_for('encode_file_route', file_id=file_id, _external=True) }}";
 const fileName = "{{ filename }}";
-const mimeType = "{{ 'image/jpeg' if embed_mode == 'dct' and output_format == 'jpeg' else 'image/png' }}";
+const mimeType = "{{ 'audio/wav' if carrier_type == 'audio' else ('image/jpeg' if embed_mode == 'dct' and output_format == 'jpeg' else 'image/png') }}";
 
 if (navigator.share && navigator.canShare) {
     // Check if we can share files

frontends/web/templates/generate.html

@@ -65,11 +65,7 @@
                                 <select name="rsa_bits" class="form-select form-select-sm" id="rsaBitsSelect">
                                     <option value="2048" selected>2048 bits (~128 bits entropy)</option>
                                     <option value="3072">3072 bits (~128 bits entropy)</option>
-                                    <option value="4096">4096 bits (~128 bits entropy)</option>
                                 </select>
-                                <div class="form-text text-warning d-none" id="rsaQrWarning">
-                                    <i class="bi bi-exclamation-triangle me-1"></i>QR code unavailable for keys &gt;3072 bits
-                                </div>
                             </div>
                         </div>
                     </div>
@@ -100,8 +96,8 @@
                                     <span class="input-group-text"><i class="bi bi-key"></i></span>
                                     <input type="text" class="form-control font-monospace" id="channelKeyGenerated"
                                            placeholder="Click Generate to create a key" readonly>
-                                    <button class="btn btn-outline-primary" type="button" id="generateChannelKeyBtn">
-                                        <i class="bi bi-shuffle me-1"></i>Generate
+                                    <button class="btn btn-outline-primary" type="button" id="generateChannelKeyBtn" title="Generate Channel Key">
+                                        <i class="bi bi-shuffle"></i>
                                     </button>
                                     <button class="btn btn-outline-secondary" type="button" id="copyChannelKeyBtn" disabled title="Copy to clipboard">
                                         <i class="bi bi-clipboard"></i>
@@ -286,12 +282,6 @@
                                     <i class="bi bi-shield-exclamation me-1"></i>
                                     <strong>Security note:</strong> The QR code contains your unencrypted private key.
                                     Only scan in a secure environment. Consider using the password-protected download instead.
-                                    {% if rsa_bits >= 4096 %}
-                                    <br><br>
-                                    <i class="bi bi-exclamation-triangle me-1"></i>
-                                    <strong>4096-bit keys</strong> produce very dense QR codes. If scanning fails, 
-                                    use the PEM text or download options instead.
-                                    {% endif %}
                                 </div>
                             </div>
                         </div>
@@ -483,17 +473,17 @@
 /* Responsive */
 @media (max-width: 576px) {
     .pin-container, .passphrase-container {
-        padding: 1rem 1.25rem;
+        padding: 1rem 0.75rem;
     }
-    
+
     .pin-digit-box {
-        width: 2.25rem;
-        height: 2.75rem;
-        font-size: 1.25rem;
+        width: 1.9rem;
+        height: 2.4rem;
+        font-size: 1.15rem;
     }
-    
+
     .pin-digits-row {
-        gap: 0.35rem;
+        gap: 0.25rem;
     }
     
     .passphrase-text {

frontends/web/templates/index.html

@@ -3,170 +3,64 @@
 {% block title %}Stegasoo - Secure Steganography{% endblock %}
 
 {% block content %}
+<style>
+.home-icon {
+    display: inline-flex;
+    flex-direction: column;
+    align-items: center;
+    padding: 1rem 1.5rem;
+    text-decoration: none;
+    transition: all 0.15s ease;
+}
+.home-icon i {
+    font-size: 2.5rem;
+    color: #fff;
+    margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
+    filter: drop-shadow(0 3px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9));
+    transition: all 0.15s ease;
+}
+.home-icon span {
+    font-size: 0.7rem;
+    font-weight: 500;
+    text-transform: uppercase;
+    letter-spacing: 1px;
+    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5);
+    opacity: 0;
+    transform: translateY(-8px);
+    transition: all 0.15s ease;
+}
+.home-icon:hover i {
+    color: #e5d058;
+    transform: translateY(-3px);
+    filter: drop-shadow(0 5px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8));
+}
+.home-icon:hover span {
+    opacity: 1;
+    transform: translateY(0);
+    color: #e5d058;
+}
+</style>
 
-<div class="row mb-4">
-    <div class="col-12">
-        <div class="d-flex align-items-end justify-content-center gap-4">
-            <img src="{{ url_for('static', filename='logo.svg') }}" alt="Stegasoo" height="155">
-            <div style="margin-bottom: 40px;">
-                <h1 class="display-4 fw-bold mb-2 title-gold">
-                    Stegasoo
-                    <span class="badge bg-success fs-6 ms-2">v4.1</span>
-                </h1>
-                <p class="lead text-muted mb-0">Hide encrypted data in plain sight.</p>
-            </div>
+<div class="d-flex flex-column align-items-center justify-content-center" style="min-height: 70vh;">
+
+    <!-- Hero -->
+    <div class="d-flex align-items-center mb-4" style="gap: 8px;">
+        <div class="position-relative">
+            <img src="{{ url_for('static', filename='logo.svg') }}" alt="Stegasoo" height="80">
+            <span class="badge bg-success position-absolute" style="bottom: 1px; left: -6px; font-size: 0.6rem;">v4.1</span>
         </div>
-    </div>
-</div>
-
-<!-- Channel Status Banner (v4.0.0) -->
-{% if channel_configured %}
-<div class="alert alert-success mb-4">
-    <div class="d-flex align-items-center justify-content-between">
         <div>
-            <i class="bi bi-shield-lock me-2"></i>
-            <strong>Private Channel Mode</strong>
-        </div>
-        <div class="key-capsule">
-            <span class="badge led-badge-yellow"><span class="led-indicator led-yellow me-1"></span>Key Loaded</span>
-            <code class="small ms-2">{{ channel_fingerprint }}</code>
+            <h1 class="display-5 fw-bold title-gold mb-0">Stegasoo</h1>
+            <p class="text-muted mb-0 small" style="margin-top: 3px; padding-left: 3px; font-size: 0.85rem; text-shadow: 0 2px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);">Hide encrypted data in plain sight.</p>
         </div>
     </div>
-</div>
-{% endif %}
 
-<div class="row g-4 mb-5">
-    <!-- Encode Card -->
-    <div class="col-md-4">
-        <a href="/encode" class="text-decoration-none card-link">
-            <div class="card h-100 feature-card">
-                <div class="card-header text-center py-3">
-                    <i class="bi bi-lock-fill fs-1 embossed-icon"></i>
-                </div>
-                <div class="card-body text-center">
-                    <h5 class="card-title">Encode</h5>
-                    <p class="card-text text-muted">
-                        Hide encrypted messages or files inside images
-                    </p>
-                </div>
-            </div>
-        </a>
+    <!-- Action Icons -->
+    <div class="d-flex gap-4">
+        <a href="/encode" class="home-icon"><i class="bi bi-lock-fill"></i><span>Encode</span></a>
+        <a href="/decode" class="home-icon"><i class="bi bi-unlock-fill"></i><span>Decode</span></a>
+        <a href="/generate" class="home-icon"><i class="bi bi-key-fill"></i><span>Generate</span></a>
     </div>
 
-    <!-- Decode Card -->
-    <div class="col-md-4">
-        <a href="/decode" class="text-decoration-none card-link">
-            <div class="card h-100 feature-card">
-                <div class="card-header text-center py-3">
-                    <i class="bi bi-unlock-fill fs-1 embossed-icon"></i>
-                </div>
-                <div class="card-body text-center">
-                    <h5 class="card-title">Decode</h5>
-                    <p class="card-text text-muted">
-                        Extract and decrypt hidden data from stego images
-                    </p>
-                </div>
-            </div>
-        </a>
-    </div>
- 
-    <!-- Generate Card -->
-    <div class="col-md-4">
-        <a href="/generate" class="text-decoration-none card-link">
-            <div class="card h-100 feature-card">
-                <div class="card-header text-center py-3">
-                    <i class="bi bi-key-fill fs-1 embossed-icon"></i>
-                </div>
-                <div class="card-body text-center">
-                    <h5 class="card-title">Generate</h5>
-                    <p class="card-text text-muted">
-                        Create passphrases, PINs, and RSA keys
-                    </p>
-                </div>
-            </div>
-        </a>
-    </div>
-</div>
-
-<!-- Embedding Modes -->
-<div class="card mb-4">
-    <div class="card-header">
-        <h5 class="mb-0"><i class="bi bi-cpu me-2"></i>Embedding Modes</h5>
-    </div>
-    <div class="card-body">
-        <div class="row text-center">
-            <div class="col-md-6 mb-3 mb-md-0">
-                <div class="p-3 bg-dark rounded h-100">
-                    <i class="bi bi-soundwave text-warning fs-2 d-block mb-2"></i>
-                    <strong>DCT Mode</strong>
-                    <span class="badge bg-success ms-1">Default</span>
-                    <div class="small text-muted mt-2">
-                        Survives JPEG recompression<br>
-                        Best for social media
-                    </div>
-                </div>
-            </div>
-            <div class="col-md-6">
-                <div class="p-3 bg-dark rounded h-100">
-                    <i class="bi bi-grid-3x3-gap text-primary fs-2 d-block mb-2"></i>
-                    <strong>LSB Mode</strong>
-                    <div class="small text-muted mt-2">
-                        Higher capacity (~375 KB/MP)<br>
-                        Best for email &amp; file transfer
-                    </div>
-                </div>
-            </div>
-        </div>
-    </div>
-</div>
-
-<div class="card">
-    <div class="card-header d-flex justify-content-between align-items-center">
-        <h5 class="mb-0"><i class="bi bi-diagram-3 me-2"></i>How It Works</h5>
-        <a href="/about" class="btn btn-sm btn-outline-light">Learn More</a>
-    </div>
-    <div class="card-body">
-        <div class="row">
-            <div class="col-md-6">
-                <h6 class="text-primary"><i class="bi bi-key me-2"></i>You Provide</h6>
-                <ul class="list-unstyled small">
-                    <li class="mb-1">
-                        <i class="bi bi-image text-info me-2"></i>
-                        <strong>Reference Photo</strong>: shared secret
-                    </li>
-                    <li class="mb-1">
-                        <i class="bi bi-chat-quote text-info me-2"></i>
-                        <strong>Passphrase</strong>: 4+ words
-                    </li>
-                    <li class="mb-1">
-                        <i class="bi bi-123 text-info me-2"></i>
-                        <strong>PIN</strong>: 6-9 digits (or RSA key)
-                    </li>
-                </ul>
-            </div>
-            <div class="col-md-6">
-                <h6 class="text-primary"><i class="bi bi-shield-check me-2"></i>Security</h6>
-                <ul class="list-unstyled small">
-                    <li class="mb-1">
-                        <i class="bi bi-lock text-success me-2"></i>
-                        AES-256-GCM encryption
-                    </li>
-                    <li class="mb-1">
-                        <i class="bi bi-memory text-success me-2"></i>
-                        Argon2id key derivation (256MB)
-                    </li>
-                    <li class="mb-1">
-                        <i class="bi bi-shuffle text-success me-2"></i>
-                        Pseudo-random embedding
-                    </li>
-                    <li class="mb-1">
-                        <i class="bi bi-broadcast text-success me-2"></i>
-                        <strong>Channel keys</strong> for group isolation
-                        <span class="badge bg-info ms-1">v4.1</span>
-                    </li>
-                </ul>
-            </div>
-        </div>
-    </div>
 </div>
 {% endblock %}

pyproject.toml

@@ -4,11 +4,11 @@ build-backend = "hatchling.build"
 
 [project]
 name = "stegasoo"
-version = "4.1.5"
+version = "4.3.0"
 description = "Secure steganography with hybrid photo + passphrase + PIN authentication"
 readme = "README.md"
 license = "MIT"
-requires-python = ">=3.10"
+requires-python = ">=3.11"
 authors = [
     { name = "Aaron D. Lee" }
 ]
@@ -29,9 +29,10 @@ classifiers = [
     "License :: OSI Approved :: MIT License",
     "Operating System :: OS Independent",
     "Programming Language :: Python :: 3",
-    "Programming Language :: Python :: 3.10",
     "Programming Language :: Python :: 3.11",
     "Programming Language :: Python :: 3.12",
+    "Programming Language :: Python :: 3.13",
+    "Programming Language :: Python :: 3.14",
     "Topic :: Security :: Cryptography",
     "Topic :: Multimedia :: Graphics",
 ]
@@ -40,6 +41,7 @@ dependencies = [
     "pillow>=10.0.0",
     "cryptography>=41.0.0",
     "argon2-cffi>=23.0.0",
+    "zstandard>=0.22.0",  # v4.2.0: Default compression algorithm
 ]
 
 [project.optional-dependencies]
@@ -47,7 +49,14 @@ dependencies = [
 dct = [
     "numpy>=2.0.0",
     "scipy>=1.10.0",
-    "jpegio>=0.2.0",
+    "jpeglib>=1.0.0",
+    "reedsolo>=1.7.0",
+]
+audio = [
+    "pydub>=0.25.0",
+    "numpy>=2.0.0",
+    "scipy>=1.10.0",
+    "soundfile>=0.12.0",
     "reedsolo>=1.7.0",
 ]
 cli = [
@@ -57,7 +66,7 @@ cli = [
     "rich>=13.0.0",
 ]
 compression = [
-    "lz4>=4.0.0",
+    "lz4>=4.0.0",  # Optional: faster but slightly worse ratio than zstd
 ]
 web = [
     "flask>=3.0.0",
@@ -68,7 +77,7 @@ web = [
     # Include DCT support for web UI
     "numpy>=2.0.0",
     "scipy>=1.10.0",
-    "jpegio>=0.2.0",
+    "jpeglib>=1.0.0",
     "reedsolo>=1.7.0",
 ]
 api = [
@@ -80,11 +89,11 @@ api = [
     # Include DCT support for API
     "numpy>=2.0.0",
     "scipy>=1.10.0",
-    "jpegio>=0.2.0",
+    "jpeglib>=1.0.0",
     "reedsolo>=1.7.0",
 ]
 all = [
-    "stegasoo[cli,web,api,dct,compression]",
+    "stegasoo[cli,web,api,dct,audio,compression]",
 ]
 dev = [
     "stegasoo[all]",
@@ -110,7 +119,14 @@ include = [
 ]
 
 [tool.hatch.build.targets.wheel]
-packages = ["src/stegasoo"]
+packages = ["src/stegasoo", "frontends"]
+
+[tool.hatch.build.targets.wheel.sources]
+"src" = ""
+
+# Include data files in the wheel
+[tool.hatch.build.targets.wheel.force-include]
+"src/stegasoo/data/bip39-words.txt" = "stegasoo/data/bip39-words.txt"
 
 [tool.pytest.ini_options]
 testpaths = ["tests"]
@@ -119,7 +135,7 @@ addopts = "-v --cov=stegasoo --cov-report=term-missing"
 
 [tool.black]
 line-length = 100
-target-version = ["py310", "py311", "py312"]
+target-version = ["py311", "py312", "py313"]
 
 [tool.ruff]
 line-length = 100
@@ -132,11 +148,13 @@ ignore = ["E501"]
 [tool.ruff.lint.per-file-ignores]
 # YCbCr colorspace variables (R, G, B, Y, Cb, Cr) are standard names
 "src/stegasoo/dct_steganography.py" = ["N803", "N806"]
+# MDCT transform variables (N, X) are standard mathematical names
+"src/stegasoo/spread_steganography.py" = ["N803", "N806"]
 # Package __init__.py has imports after try/except and aliases - intentional structure
 "src/stegasoo/__init__.py" = ["E402"]
 
 [tool.mypy]
-python_version = "3.10"
+python_version = "3.11"
 warn_return_any = true
 warn_unused_configs = true
 ignore_missing_imports = true

rpi/BUILD_IMAGE.md

@@ -26,51 +26,50 @@ ssh admin@stegasoo.local
 ## Step 3: Pre-Setup
 
 ```bash
-# Take ownership of /opt (for pyenv, jpegio builds)
+# Take ownership of /opt
 sudo chown admin:admin /opt
 
-# Install git and zstd (not included in Lite image)
-sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y git zstd jq
+# Install git (not included in Lite image)
+sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y git
 ```
 
 ## Step 4: Clone Repo
 
 ```bash
 cd /opt
-git clone -b 4.1 https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo.git stegasoo
+git clone -b 4.2 https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo.git stegasoo
 ```
 
-## Step 5: Copy Pre-built Tarball (from host)
-
-> **Dev-only asset:** This tarball is for building Pi images, not for end users.
-> It's available on [Releases](https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo/releases) for image builders.
-
-```bash
-# On your host machine:
-scp rpi/stegasoo-rpi-runtime-env-arm64.tar.zst admin@stegasoo.local:/opt/stegasoo/rpi/
-```
-
-This tarball contains:
-- pyenv with Python 3.12 (pre-compiled for ARM64)
-- venv with all dependencies (jpegio, scipy, etc.)
-
-Install time: **~2 minutes** (vs 20+ min from source)
-
-## Step 6: Run Setup
+## Step 5: Run Setup
 
 ```bash
 cd /opt/stegasoo
-./rpi/setup.sh  # Detects local tarball, skips download
+./rpi/setup.sh
 ```
 
-### From-Source Build (optional)
+The setup script:
+- Verifies Python 3.11+ (system Python, no pyenv needed)
+- Installs dependencies via apt and pip
+- jpeglib installs cleanly (no ARM patching like jpegio)
+- Creates and enables systemd service
+
+Install time: **5-10 minutes** (from source)
+
+### Pre-built Venv (optional)
+
+For faster installs, you can provide a pre-built venv tarball:
 
-To build without the pre-built tarball:
 ```bash
-./rpi/setup.sh --no-prebuilt  # Takes 15-20 minutes
+# On your host machine:
+scp rpi/stegasoo-rpi-venv-arm64.tar.zst admin@stegasoo.local:/opt/stegasoo/rpi/
+
+# Then on Pi:
+cd /opt/stegasoo && ./rpi/setup.sh  # Detects local tarball, skips pip build
 ```
 
-## Step 7: Test It Works
+Install time with pre-built: **~2 minutes**
+
+## Step 6: Test It Works
 
 ```bash
 sudo systemctl start stegasoo
@@ -78,7 +77,7 @@ curl -k https://localhost:5000
 # Should return HTML
 ```
 
-## Step 8: Sanitize for Distribution
+## Step 7: Sanitize for Distribution
 
 ```bash
 # Full sanitize (for final image - removes WiFi, shuts down)
@@ -98,7 +97,7 @@ This removes:
 
 The script validates all cleanup steps before finishing.
 
-## Step 9: Pull the Image
+## Step 8: Pull the Image
 
 Remove SD card, insert into your Linux machine:
 
@@ -107,12 +106,12 @@ Remove SD card, insert into your Linux machine:
 lsblk
 
 # Pull image (auto-resizes to 16GB, compresses with zstd)
-sudo ./rpi/pull-image.sh /dev/sdX stegasoo-rpi-4.1.5.img.zst
+sudo ./rpi/pull-image.sh /dev/sdX stegasoo-rpi-4.2.1.img.zst
 ```
 
-The script automatically resizes rootfs to 16GB, disables auto-expand, and compresses.
+The script automatically resizes rootfs to 16GB (for smaller download), preserves auto-expand, and compresses.
 
-## Step 10: Distribute
+## Step 9: Distribute
 
 Upload `.img.zst` to GitHub Releases.
 
@@ -130,36 +129,31 @@ zstdcat stegasoo-rpi-*.img.zst | sudo dd of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress
 
 ---
 
-## Creating the Pre-built Tarball
+## Creating the Pre-built Venv Tarball
 
 After a successful from-source build, create the pre-built tarball for future installs:
 
 ```bash
 # On the Pi after successful setup:
-cd ~
+cd /opt/stegasoo
 
-# Strip caches and tests from venv (295MB → 208MB)
-find /opt/stegasoo/venv/ -type d -name '__pycache__' -exec rm -rf {} + 2>/dev/null
-find /opt/stegasoo/venv/ -type d -name 'tests' -exec rm -rf {} + 2>/dev/null
-find /opt/stegasoo/venv/ -type d -name 'test' -exec rm -rf {} + 2>/dev/null
+# Strip caches and tests from venv (saves ~100MB)
+find venv/ -type d -name '__pycache__' -exec rm -rf {} + 2>/dev/null
+find venv/ -type d -name 'tests' -exec rm -rf {} + 2>/dev/null
+find venv/ -type d -name 'test' -exec rm -rf {} + 2>/dev/null
 
 # Create venv tarball
-cd /opt/stegasoo
-tar -cf - venv/ | zstd -19 -T0 > ~/stegasoo-venv.tar.zst
+tar -cf - venv/ | zstd -19 -T0 > /tmp/stegasoo-rpi-venv-arm64.tar.zst
 
-# Create combined tarball (pyenv + venv pointer)
-cd ~
-tar -cf - .pyenv stegasoo-venv.tar.zst | zstd -19 -T0 > /tmp/stegasoo-rpi-runtime-env-arm64.tar.zst
-
-# Check size (should be ~50-60MB)
-ls -lh /tmp/stegasoo-rpi-runtime-env-arm64.tar.zst
+# Check size (should be ~40-50MB)
+ls -lh /tmp/stegasoo-rpi-venv-arm64.tar.zst
 ```
 
 Pull to host and upload to GitHub releases:
 ```bash
 # On host:
-scp admin@stegasoo.local:/tmp/stegasoo-rpi-runtime-env-arm64.tar.zst ./
-# Upload to GitHub releases as stegasoo-rpi-runtime-env-arm64.tar.zst
+scp admin@stegasoo.local:/tmp/stegasoo-rpi-venv-arm64.tar.zst ./rpi/
+# Upload to GitHub releases as stegasoo-rpi-venv-arm64.tar.zst
 ```
 
 ---
@@ -169,18 +163,15 @@ scp admin@stegasoo.local:/tmp/stegasoo-rpi-runtime-env-arm64.tar.zst ./
 ```bash
 # On Pi (after SSH):
 sudo chown admin:admin /opt
-sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y git zstd jq
-cd /opt && git clone -b 4.1 https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo.git stegasoo
+sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y git
+cd /opt && git clone -b 4.2 https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo.git stegasoo
 
-# On host (copy tarball):
-scp rpi/stegasoo-rpi-runtime-env-arm64.tar.zst admin@stegasoo.local:/opt/stegasoo/rpi/
-
-# On Pi (run setup):
+# Run setup:
 cd /opt/stegasoo && ./rpi/setup.sh
 sudo systemctl start stegasoo
 curl -k https://localhost:5000
 sudo /opt/stegasoo/rpi/sanitize-for-image.sh
 
 # On host (pull image - auto-resizes to 16GB):
-sudo ./rpi/pull-image.sh /dev/sdX stegasoo-rpi-4.1.5.img.zst
+sudo ./rpi/pull-image.sh /dev/sdX stegasoo-rpi-4.2.1.img.zst
 ```

rpi/README.md

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ Scripts and resources for deploying Stegasoo on Raspberry Pi.
 
 ## Quick Install
 
-On a fresh Raspberry Pi OS Lite (64-bit) installation:
+On a fresh Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit) installation:
 
 ```bash
 # Pre-setup (git not included in Lite image)
@@ -13,16 +13,16 @@ sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y git
 
 # Clone and run setup
 cd /opt
-git clone -b 4.1 https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo.git stegasoo
+git clone -b 4.2 https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo.git stegasoo
 cd stegasoo
 ./rpi/setup.sh
 ```
 
 ## What the Setup Script Does
 
-1. **Installs system dependencies** - build tools, libraries
-2. **Installs Python 3.12** - via pyenv (Pi OS ships with 3.13 which is incompatible)
-3. **Builds jpegio for ARM** - patches x86-specific flags
+1. **Verifies Python 3.11+** - uses system Python (no pyenv needed)
+2. **Installs system dependencies** - build tools, libraries
+3. **Installs jpeglib** - DCT steganography (Python 3.11-3.14 compatible)
 4. **Installs Stegasoo** - with web UI and all dependencies
 5. **Creates systemd service** - auto-starts on boot
 6. **Enables the service** - ready to start
@@ -30,11 +30,18 @@ cd stegasoo
 ## Requirements
 
 - Raspberry Pi 4 or 5
-- Raspberry Pi OS Lite (64-bit) - Bookworm or later
+- Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit) - Bookworm (Python 3.11) or Trixie (Python 3.13)
 - 4GB+ RAM recommended (2GB minimum)
 - 16GB+ SD card (pre-built images are 16GB)
 - Internet connection
 
+### Python Compatibility
+
+| Raspberry Pi OS | Python | Supported |
+|-----------------|--------|-----------|
+| Bookworm        | 3.11   | Yes       |
+| Trixie          | 3.13   | Yes       |
+
 ### Performance
 
 On a Pi 4 at 2GHz with USB 3.0 NVMe, expect ~60 seconds to encode/decode a 10MB JPEG with full encryption (passphrase + PIN + reference photo).
@@ -159,7 +166,7 @@ sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y git
 
 # Clone and run setup
 cd /opt
-git clone -b 4.1 https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo.git stegasoo
+git clone -b 4.2 https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo.git stegasoo
 cd stegasoo
 ./rpi/setup.sh
 ```
@@ -200,12 +207,12 @@ After Pi shuts down, remove SD card and on another Linux machine:
 lsblk
 
 # Pull image (auto-resizes to 16GB, compresses with zstd)
-sudo ./rpi/pull-image.sh /dev/sdX stegasoo-rpi-4.1.5.img.zst
+sudo ./rpi/pull-image.sh /dev/sdX stegasoo-rpi-4.2.1.img.zst
 ```
 
 The `pull-image.sh` script automatically:
-- Resizes rootfs to exactly 16GB (consistent image size)
-- Disables Pi OS auto-expand
+- Resizes rootfs to exactly 16GB (for smaller download)
+- Preserves auto-expand (image fills SD card on first boot)
 - Compresses with zstd for fast decompression
 
 ### 6. Distribute

rpi/build-runtime-tarball.sh

@@ -0,0 +1,70 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+#
+# Build Stegasoo Pi venv Tarball
+# Run this ON THE PI after a successful from-source build
+#
+# Creates: stegasoo-rpi-venv-arm64.tar.zst (~40-50MB)
+# Contains: venv with all dependencies (uses system Python 3.11+)
+#
+
+set -e
+
+# Colors
+RED='\033[0;31m'
+GREEN='\033[0;32m'
+YELLOW='\033[1;33m'
+NC='\033[0m'
+
+INSTALL_DIR="${INSTALL_DIR:-/opt/stegasoo}"
+OUTPUT_FILE="${1:-$HOME/stegasoo-rpi-venv-arm64.tar.zst}"
+
+echo -e "${GREEN}╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗${NC}"
+echo -e "${GREEN}║         Stegasoo Pi venv Tarball Builder                      ║${NC}"
+echo -e "${GREEN}╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝${NC}"
+echo ""
+
+# Verify we're on ARM64
+ARCH=$(uname -m)
+if [[ "$ARCH" != "aarch64" ]]; then
+    echo -e "${RED}Error: This script must be run on ARM64 (aarch64)${NC}"
+    echo "Current architecture: $ARCH"
+    exit 1
+fi
+
+# Verify venv exists
+if [[ ! -d "$INSTALL_DIR/venv" ]]; then
+    echo -e "${RED}Error: venv not found at $INSTALL_DIR/venv${NC}"
+    echo "Run a from-source build first: ./rpi/setup.sh --no-prebuilt"
+    exit 1
+fi
+
+# Step 1: Clean caches from venv
+echo -e "${GREEN}[1/2]${NC} Cleaning caches from venv..."
+VENV_SIZE_BEFORE=$(du -sh "$INSTALL_DIR/venv" | cut -f1)
+find "$INSTALL_DIR/venv/" -type d -name '__pycache__' -exec rm -rf {} + 2>/dev/null || true
+find "$INSTALL_DIR/venv/" -type d -name 'tests' -exec rm -rf {} + 2>/dev/null || true
+find "$INSTALL_DIR/venv/" -type d -name 'test' -exec rm -rf {} + 2>/dev/null || true
+find "$INSTALL_DIR/venv/" -type f -name '*.pyc' -delete 2>/dev/null || true
+VENV_SIZE_AFTER=$(du -sh "$INSTALL_DIR/venv" | cut -f1)
+echo "  venv: $VENV_SIZE_BEFORE -> $VENV_SIZE_AFTER"
+
+# Step 2: Create tarball
+echo -e "${GREEN}[2/2]${NC} Creating tarball..."
+cd "$INSTALL_DIR"
+tar -cf - venv/ | zstd -19 -T0 > "$OUTPUT_FILE"
+
+# Summary
+FINAL_SIZE=$(ls -lh "$OUTPUT_FILE" | awk '{print $5}')
+echo ""
+echo -e "${GREEN}════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════${NC}"
+echo -e "  Output: ${YELLOW}$OUTPUT_FILE${NC}"
+echo -e "  Size:   ${YELLOW}$FINAL_SIZE${NC}"
+echo -e "${GREEN}════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════${NC}"
+echo ""
+echo "To pull to your host machine:"
+echo "  scp $(whoami)@$(hostname).local:$OUTPUT_FILE ./"
+echo ""
+echo "To use in setup.sh, place at:"
+echo "  rpi/stegasoo-rpi-venv-arm64.tar.zst"
+echo ""
+echo "Or upload to GitHub releases for automatic download."

rpi/first-boot-wizard.sh

@@ -53,6 +53,48 @@ echo ""
 
 gum confirm "Ready to begin setup?" || exit 0
 
+# =============================================================================
+# Step 0: Expand Filesystem
+# =============================================================================
+
+clear
+gum style \
+  --foreground 212 --bold \
+  "Step 0: Expand Filesystem"
+echo ""
+
+# Get current and total size
+ROOT_DEV=$(findmnt -n -o SOURCE /)
+CURRENT_SIZE=$(df -h / | awk 'NR==2 {print $2}')
+TOTAL_SIZE=$(lsblk -b -d -o SIZE $(echo "$ROOT_DEV" | sed 's/[0-9]*$//') 2>/dev/null | tail -1 | awk '{printf "%.0fG", $1/1024/1024/1024}')
+
+gum style --foreground 245 "\
+The filesystem is currently $CURRENT_SIZE but your SD card may be larger.
+Expanding will use all available space on the SD card."
+echo ""
+gum style --foreground 245 "Current: $CURRENT_SIZE"
+echo ""
+
+if gum confirm "Expand filesystem to fill SD card?" --default=true; then
+  # Get the disk device (strip partition number) and partition number
+  DISK_DEV=$(echo "$ROOT_DEV" | sed 's/p\?[0-9]*$//')
+  PART_NUM=$(echo "$ROOT_DEV" | grep -o '[0-9]*$')
+
+  echo ""
+  gum style --foreground 245 "Expanding partition..."
+  sudo growpart "$DISK_DEV" "$PART_NUM" 2>&1 || true
+
+  gum style --foreground 245 "Expanding filesystem..."
+  sudo resize2fs "$ROOT_DEV" 2>&1
+
+  NEW_SIZE=$(df -h / | awk 'NR==2 {print $2}')
+  echo ""
+  gum style --foreground 82 "✓ Expanded to: $NEW_SIZE"
+else
+  gum style --foreground 214 "→ Skipped (run 'sudo growpart /dev/sdX 2 && sudo resize2fs /dev/sdX2' later)"
+fi
+sleep 1
+
 # =============================================================================
 # Configuration Variables
 # =============================================================================
@@ -137,52 +179,100 @@ This is useful if you want to share encoded images only with
 specific people (family, team, etc)."
 echo ""
 
-if gum confirm "Generate a private channel key?" --default=false; then
-  echo ""
-  # Generate key to temp file (gum spin doesn't capture stdout well)
-  KEY_FILE=$(mktemp)
-  ERR_FILE=$(mktemp)
-  VENV_PYTHON="$INSTALL_DIR/venv/bin/python"
-  gum spin --spinner dot --title "Generating channel key..." -- \
-    bash -c "'$VENV_PYTHON' -c 'from stegasoo.channel import generate_channel_key; print(generate_channel_key())' > '$KEY_FILE' 2>'$ERR_FILE'"
+CHANNEL_CHOICE=$(gum choose \
+  "Skip (public mode)" \
+  "Generate new key" \
+  "Enter existing key")
 
-  CHANNEL_KEY=$(cat "$KEY_FILE" 2>/dev/null | head -1)
-  KEY_ERROR=$(cat "$ERR_FILE" 2>/dev/null)
-  rm -f "$KEY_FILE" "$ERR_FILE"
+case "$CHANNEL_CHOICE" in
+  "Generate new key")
+    echo ""
+    # Generate key to temp file (gum spin doesn't capture stdout well)
+    KEY_FILE=$(mktemp)
+    ERR_FILE=$(mktemp)
+    VENV_PYTHON="$INSTALL_DIR/venv/bin/python"
+    gum spin --spinner dot --title "Generating channel key..." -- \
+      bash -c "'$VENV_PYTHON' -c 'from stegasoo.channel import generate_channel_key; print(generate_channel_key())' > '$KEY_FILE' 2>'$ERR_FILE'"
 
-  if [ -n "$CHANNEL_KEY" ] && [[ "$CHANNEL_KEY" =~ ^[A-Za-z0-9] ]]; then
-    echo ""
-    gum style --foreground 82 "✓ Channel key generated!"
-    echo ""
-    gum style \
-      --border rounded \
-      --border-foreground 226 \
-      --padding "1 2" \
-      --foreground 226 --bold \
-      "$CHANNEL_KEY"
-    echo ""
-    gum style --foreground 196 --bold \
-      "*** IMPORTANT: Write down or copy this key NOW! ***"
-    gum style --foreground 196 \
-      "You'll need to share it with anyone who should decode" \
-      "your images. This key won't be shown again."
-    echo ""
-    gum confirm "I've saved the key" --default=true --affirmative="Continue" --negative=""
-  else
-    gum style --foreground 196 "Failed to generate key. Using public mode."
-    if [ -n "$KEY_ERROR" ]; then
+    CHANNEL_KEY=$(cat "$KEY_FILE" 2>/dev/null | head -1)
+    KEY_ERROR=$(cat "$ERR_FILE" 2>/dev/null)
+    rm -f "$KEY_FILE" "$ERR_FILE"
+
+    if [ -n "$CHANNEL_KEY" ] && [[ "$CHANNEL_KEY" =~ ^[A-Za-z0-9] ]]; then
       echo ""
-      gum style --foreground 245 "Error details:"
-      echo "$KEY_ERROR"
+      gum style --foreground 82 "✓ Channel key generated!"
+      echo ""
+      gum style \
+        --border rounded \
+        --border-foreground 226 \
+        --padding "1 2" \
+        --foreground 226 --bold \
+        "$CHANNEL_KEY"
+      echo ""
+      gum style --foreground 196 --bold \
+        "*** IMPORTANT: Write down or copy this key NOW! ***"
+      gum style --foreground 196 \
+        "You'll need to share it with anyone who should decode" \
+        "your images. This key won't be shown again."
+      echo ""
+      gum confirm "I've saved the key" --default=true --affirmative="Continue" --negative=""
+    else
+      gum style --foreground 196 "Failed to generate key. Using public mode."
+      if [ -n "$KEY_ERROR" ]; then
+        echo ""
+        gum style --foreground 245 "Error details:"
+        echo "$KEY_ERROR"
+      fi
+      CHANNEL_KEY=""
+      echo ""
+      gum confirm "Continue" --default=true --affirmative="OK" --negative=""
     fi
-    CHANNEL_KEY=""
+    ;;
+
+  "Enter existing key")
     echo ""
-    gum confirm "Continue" --default=true --affirmative="OK" --negative=""
-  fi
-else
-  gum style --foreground 214 "→ Using public mode"
-  sleep 0.5
-fi
+    gum style --foreground 245 "Enter the channel key from your team/deployment."
+    gum style --foreground 245 "Format: XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX"
+    echo ""
+
+    while true; do
+      ENTERED_KEY=$(gum input --placeholder "ABCD-1234-EFGH-5678-IJKL-9012-MNOP-3456" --width 50)
+
+      if [ -z "$ENTERED_KEY" ]; then
+        gum style --foreground 214 "→ Cancelled, using public mode"
+        CHANNEL_KEY=""
+        break
+      fi
+
+      # Validate the key using Python
+      VENV_PYTHON="$INSTALL_DIR/venv/bin/python"
+      if "$VENV_PYTHON" -c "from stegasoo.channel import validate_channel_key, format_channel_key; k='$ENTERED_KEY'; exit(0 if validate_channel_key(k) else 1)" 2>/dev/null; then
+        # Get formatted key
+        CHANNEL_KEY=$("$VENV_PYTHON" -c "from stegasoo.channel import format_channel_key; print(format_channel_key('$ENTERED_KEY'))" 2>/dev/null)
+        echo ""
+        gum style --foreground 82 "✓ Channel key accepted!"
+        gum style --foreground 245 "Key: $CHANNEL_KEY"
+        break
+      else
+        echo ""
+        gum style --foreground 196 "Invalid key format. Please check and try again."
+        gum style --foreground 245 "Expected: 32 alphanumeric characters (with or without dashes)"
+        echo ""
+        if ! gum confirm "Try again?" --default=true; then
+          gum style --foreground 214 "→ Using public mode"
+          CHANNEL_KEY=""
+          break
+        fi
+      fi
+    done
+    ;;
+
+  *)
+    gum style --foreground 214 "→ Using public mode"
+    CHANNEL_KEY=""
+    sleep 0.5
+    ;;
+esac
 
 # =============================================================================
 # Step 4: Overclock Configuration

rpi/flash-image.sh

@@ -80,9 +80,9 @@ if [ -z "$1" ]; then
     echo "Supported formats: .img, .img.zst, .img.xz, .img.gz, .img.zst.zip"
     echo ""
     echo "Examples:"
-    echo "  $0 stegasoo-rpi-4.1.1.img.zst             # auto-detect SD card"
-    echo "  $0 stegasoo-rpi-4.1.1.img.zst.zip         # from GitHub release"
-    echo "  $0 stegasoo-rpi-4.1.1.img.zst /dev/sdb    # specify device"
+    echo "  $0 stegasoo-rpi-4.2.1.img.zst             # auto-detect SD card"
+    echo "  $0 stegasoo-rpi-4.2.1.img.zst.zip         # from GitHub release"
+    echo "  $0 stegasoo-rpi-4.2.1.img.zst /dev/sdb    # specify device"
     exit 1
 fi
 
@@ -249,16 +249,9 @@ if [ -n "$MOUNTED" ]; then
     done
 fi
 
-# Ask about wiping
+# Ask about wiping (defer actual wipe until after final confirmation)
 echo
 read -p "Wipe partition table first? (recommended if having issues) [y/N] " wipe_confirm
-if [[ "$wipe_confirm" =~ ^[Yy]$ ]]; then
-    echo "Wiping partition table..."
-    sudo wipefs -a "$SELECTED"
-    sudo dd if=/dev/zero of="$SELECTED" bs=1M count=10 status=none
-    sync
-    echo "  Wiped clean"
-fi
 
 # Final confirmation
 echo -e "${RED}╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗${NC}"
@@ -272,73 +265,65 @@ if [[ ! $REPLY == "yes" ]]; then
     exit 1
 fi
 
+# Now wipe if requested
+if [[ "$wipe_confirm" =~ ^[Yy]$ ]]; then
+    echo "Wiping partition table..."
+    sudo wipefs -af "$SELECTED" 2>/dev/null || true
+    sync
+    echo "  Wiped"
+fi
+
 echo ""
 echo -e "${GREEN}Flashing image to $SELECTED...${NC}"
 echo ""
 
-# Try rpi-imager first (faster, native support for compressed images)
-if command -v rpi-imager &> /dev/null; then
-    echo -e "${YELLOW}Using rpi-imager...${NC}"
-    if rpi-imager --cli --disable-verify "$IMAGE" "$SELECTED"; then
-        # rpi-imager succeeded
-        :
-    else
-        echo -e "${YELLOW}rpi-imager failed, falling back to dd...${NC}"
-        # Fall through to dd
-        USE_DD=true
-    fi
+# Flash with dd (status=progress shows actual write progress)
+echo -e "${YELLOW}Flashing (this may take several minutes for SD cards)...${NC}"
+if [ "$COMPRESSED" = true ]; then
+    case "$COMP_TYPE" in
+        xz)  xzcat "$IMAGE" | sudo dd of="$SELECTED" bs=1M status=progress ;;
+        zst) zstdcat "$IMAGE" | sudo dd of="$SELECTED" bs=1M status=progress ;;
+        gz)  zcat "$IMAGE" | sudo dd of="$SELECTED" bs=1M status=progress ;;
+    esac
 else
-    USE_DD=true
-fi
-
-# Fallback to dd
-if [ "$USE_DD" = true ]; then
-    if [ "$HAS_PV" = true ]; then
-        echo -e "${YELLOW}Using dd with progress...${NC}"
-        if [ "$COMPRESSED" = true ]; then
-            case "$COMP_TYPE" in
-                xz)  pv "$IMAGE" | xzcat | dd of="$SELECTED" bs=4M conv=fsync 2>/dev/null ;;
-                zst) pv "$IMAGE" | zstdcat | dd of="$SELECTED" bs=4M conv=fsync 2>/dev/null ;;
-                gz)  pv "$IMAGE" | zcat | dd of="$SELECTED" bs=4M conv=fsync 2>/dev/null ;;
-            esac
-        else
-            pv "$IMAGE" | dd of="$SELECTED" bs=4M conv=fsync 2>/dev/null
-        fi
-    else
-        echo -e "${YELLOW}Using dd (no progress - install pv for progress bar)...${NC}"
-        if [ "$COMPRESSED" = true ]; then
-            case "$COMP_TYPE" in
-                xz)  xzcat "$IMAGE" | dd of="$SELECTED" bs=4M conv=fsync status=progress ;;
-                zst) zstdcat "$IMAGE" | dd of="$SELECTED" bs=4M conv=fsync status=progress ;;
-                gz)  zcat "$IMAGE" | dd of="$SELECTED" bs=4M conv=fsync status=progress ;;
-            esac
-        else
-            dd if="$IMAGE" of="$SELECTED" bs=4M conv=fsync status=progress
-        fi
-    fi
+    sudo dd if="$IMAGE" of="$SELECTED" bs=1M status=progress
 fi
 
 echo ""
 echo -e "${GREEN}Syncing...${NC}"
 sync
 
+# Wait for partitions to appear
+sleep 2
+partprobe "$SELECTED" 2>/dev/null || true
+sleep 1
+
+# Determine partition names
+if [[ "$SELECTED" == *"nvme"* ]] || [[ "$SELECTED" == *"mmcblk"* ]]; then
+    BOOT_PART="${SELECTED}p1"
+    ROOT_PART="${SELECTED}p2"
+else
+    BOOT_PART="${SELECTED}1"
+    ROOT_PART="${SELECTED}2"
+fi
+
+# Validate and repair filesystems
+echo ""
+echo -e "${YELLOW}Validating filesystems...${NC}"
+
+echo "  Checking boot partition ($BOOT_PART)..."
+sudo fsck.vfat -a "$BOOT_PART" 2>&1 | grep -v "^$" || true
+
+echo "  Checking root partition ($ROOT_PART)..."
+sudo e2fsck -f -y "$ROOT_PART" 2>&1 | tail -5 || true
+
+echo -e "${GREEN}  ✓ Filesystems validated${NC}"
+
 # Inject WiFi config if config.json was loaded
 if [ "$HAS_CONFIG" = true ]; then
     echo ""
     echo -e "${GREEN}Configuring WiFi from config.json...${NC}"
 
-    # Wait for partitions to appear
-    sleep 2
-    partprobe "$SELECTED" 2>/dev/null || true
-    sleep 1
-
-    # Determine boot partition
-    if [[ "$SELECTED" == *"nvme"* ]] || [[ "$SELECTED" == *"mmcblk"* ]]; then
-        BOOT_PART="${SELECTED}p1"
-    else
-        BOOT_PART="${SELECTED}1"
-    fi
-
     if [ -b "$BOOT_PART" ]; then
         MOUNT_DIR=$(mktemp -d)
         if mount "$BOOT_PART" "$MOUNT_DIR" 2>/dev/null; then

rpi/flash-stock-img.sh

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 #!/bin/bash
 # Flash Raspberry Pi image with headless config (Trixie/Bookworm compatible)
-# Usage: ./flash-stock-img.sh <image.img.xz> <device>
-# Reads settings from config.json in same directory
+# Usage: ./flash-stock-img.sh [-c config.json] <image.img.xz> <device>
+# Reads settings from config.json in same directory (or specify with -c)
 #
 # Uses the same firstrun.sh approach as rpi-imager for compatibility
 
@@ -10,11 +10,31 @@ set -e
 SCRIPT_DIR="$(cd "$(dirname "${BASH_SOURCE[0]}")" && pwd)"
 CONFIG_FILE="$SCRIPT_DIR/config.json"
 
+# ============================================================================
+# Parse options
+# ============================================================================
+usage() {
+    echo "Usage: $0 [-c config.json] <image.img.xz> <device>"
+    echo "  -c FILE  Use alternate config file (default: config.json in script dir)"
+    echo "Example: $0 2025-12-04-raspios-trixie-arm64-lite.img.xz /dev/sdb"
+    echo "Example: $0 -c myconfig.json raspios.img.xz /dev/sdb"
+    exit 1
+}
+
+while getopts "c:h" opt; do
+    case $opt in
+        c) CONFIG_FILE="$OPTARG" ;;
+        h) usage ;;
+        *) usage ;;
+    esac
+done
+shift $((OPTIND - 1))
+
 # ============================================================================
 # Load config
 # ============================================================================
 if [ ! -f "$CONFIG_FILE" ]; then
-    echo "Error: config.json not found at $CONFIG_FILE"
+    echo "Error: config file not found at $CONFIG_FILE"
     exit 1
 fi
 
@@ -38,9 +58,7 @@ echo
 # Validate args
 # ============================================================================
 if [ $# -ne 2 ]; then
-    echo "Usage: $0 <image.img.xz> <device>"
-    echo "Example: $0 2025-12-04-raspios-trixie-arm64-lite.img.xz /dev/sdb"
-    exit 1
+    usage
 fi
 
 IMAGE="$1"

rpi/patches/README.md

@@ -2,56 +2,39 @@
 
 This directory contains patches for dependencies that need modifications to build on ARM64.
 
+## Current Status (v4.2+)
+
+As of Stegasoo 4.2, we use **jpeglib** instead of jpegio. The jpeglib build process is handled inline in `setup.sh` and includes:
+
+- Cloning from GitHub (PyPI tarball missing headers)
+- Downloading libjpeg headers for each version (6b through 9f)
+- Patching setup.py to skip turbo/mozjpeg (need cmake-generated headers)
+
+See `setup.sh` for the full implementation.
+
+## Legacy: jpegio Patches (v4.1 and earlier)
+
+The `jpegio/` directory contains patches for the old jpegio dependency, which required removing x86-specific `-m64` compiler flags. These are no longer used but kept for reference.
+
+## jpeglib Helper Script
+
+The `jpeglib/install-jpeglib-arm64.sh` script is a standalone version of the jpeglib build process. It's not used by setup.sh (which has the logic inline) but can be useful for manual testing or debugging.
+
 ## Structure
 
 ```
 patches/
-  <package>/
-    arm64.patch       # Standard unified diff patch file
-    apply-patch.sh    # Script with fallback strategies
+  jpegio/           # Legacy (v4.1) - not used in v4.2+
+    arm64.patch
+    apply-patch.sh
+  jpeglib/          # Reference script for manual builds
+    install-jpeglib-arm64.sh
 ```
 
-## How It Works
+## Adding New Patches
 
-The `apply-patch.sh` script tries multiple strategies in order:
-
-1. **Patch file** - Apply the `.patch` file using `patch -p1`
-2. **Sed fallback** - Use sed for simple string replacements
-3. **Python fallback** - Use regex for flexible pattern matching
-
-This layered approach handles:
-- Exact matches (patch file works)
-- Minor upstream changes (sed catches variations)
-- Significant changes (Python regex is most flexible)
-- Already patched files (detected and skipped)
-
-## Adding a New Patch
+If a new dependency needs ARM64 patches:
 
 1. Create a directory: `patches/<package>/`
-2. Create the patch file: `git diff > arm64.patch`
-3. Create `apply-patch.sh` with appropriate fallback logic
-4. Update `setup.sh` to call the patch script
-
-## jpegio Patch
-
-The jpegio library includes x86-specific `-m64` compiler flags that fail on ARM64.
-The patch removes these flags by replacing:
-
-```python
-cargs.append('-m64')
-```
-
-with:
-
-```python
-pass  # ARM64: removed x86-specific -m64 flag
-```
-
-## Updating Patches
-
-When upstream changes break a patch:
-
-1. Clone the new version
-2. Make the necessary modifications
-3. Generate a new patch: `diff -u original modified > arm64.patch`
-4. Test on a fresh Pi install
+2. Add patch files or helper scripts
+3. Update `setup.sh` to apply the patch during installation

rpi/patches/jpeglib/install-jpeglib-arm64.sh

@@ -0,0 +1,57 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+#
+# Install jpeglib on ARM64 Linux (Raspberry Pi)
+# Works around missing headers in the source tarball
+#
+# Usage: ./install-jpeglib-arm64.sh
+#
+
+set -e
+
+echo "Installing jpeglib for ARM64..."
+
+# Create temp directory
+WORKDIR=$(mktemp -d)
+cd "$WORKDIR"
+
+# Download jpeglib source
+echo "  Downloading jpeglib source..."
+pip download jpeglib==1.0.2 --no-binary :all: --no-deps -d . -q
+tar -xzf jpeglib-1.0.2.tar.gz
+cd jpeglib-1.0.2
+
+# Download official libjpeg sources and copy headers
+echo "  Downloading libjpeg headers..."
+CJPEGLIB="src/jpeglib/cjpeglib"
+
+# libjpeg 6b
+curl -sL "https://www.ijg.org/files/jpegsrc.v6b.tar.gz" | tar -xzf -
+cp jpeg-6b/*.h "$CJPEGLIB/6b/"
+
+# libjpeg 7-9f (all use similar headers from 9e)
+curl -sL "https://www.ijg.org/files/jpegsrc.v9f.tar.gz" | tar -xzf -
+for v in 7 8 8a 8b 8c 8d 9 9a 9b 9c 9d 9e 9f; do
+    cp jpeg-9f/*.h "$CJPEGLIB/$v/"
+done
+
+# libjpeg-turbo versions
+curl -sL "https://github.com/libjpeg-turbo/libjpeg-turbo/archive/refs/tags/2.1.0.tar.gz" | tar -xzf -
+for v in turbo120 turbo130 turbo140 turbo150 turbo200 turbo210; do
+    cp libjpeg-turbo-2.1.0/*.h "$CJPEGLIB/$v/" 2>/dev/null || true
+done
+
+# mozjpeg versions
+curl -sL "https://github.com/mozilla/mozjpeg/archive/refs/tags/v4.0.3.tar.gz" | tar -xzf -
+for v in mozjpeg101 mozjpeg201 mozjpeg300 mozjpeg403; do
+    cp mozjpeg-4.0.3/*.h "$CJPEGLIB/$v/" 2>/dev/null || true
+done
+
+# Build and install
+echo "  Building jpeglib..."
+pip install . -q
+
+# Cleanup
+cd /
+rm -rf "$WORKDIR"
+
+echo "  Done! jpeglib installed successfully."

rpi/pull-image.sh

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 # Resizes rootfs to 16GB for consistent image size, then pulls
 #
 # Usage: ./pull-image.sh <device> <output.img.zst>
-# Example: ./pull-image.sh /dev/sdb stegasoo-rpi-4.1.5.img.zst
+# Example: ./pull-image.sh /dev/sdb stegasoo-rpi-4.2.1.img.zst
 
 set -e
 
@@ -14,9 +14,9 @@ BOLD='\033[1m'
 NC='\033[0m'
 
 if [ $# -ne 2 ]; then
-    echo "Usage: $0 <device> <output.img.zst>"
-    echo "Example: $0 /dev/sdb stegasoo-rpi-4.1.5.img.zst"
-    exit 1
+  echo "Usage: $0 <device> <output.img.zst>"
+  echo "Example: $0 /dev/sdb stegasoo-rpi-4.2.1.img.zst"
+  exit 1
 fi
 
 DEVICE="$1"
@@ -24,13 +24,13 @@ OUTPUT="$2"
 
 # Check for root
 if [ "$EUID" -ne 0 ]; then
-    echo -e "${RED}Error: Must run as root (sudo)${NC}"
-    exit 1
+  echo -e "${RED}Error: Must run as root (sudo)${NC}"
+  exit 1
 fi
 
 if [ ! -b "$DEVICE" ]; then
-    echo -e "${RED}Error: Device not found: $DEVICE${NC}"
-    exit 1
+  echo -e "${RED}Error: Device not found: $DEVICE${NC}"
+  exit 1
 fi
 
 echo -e "${BOLD}Device info:${NC}"
@@ -39,14 +39,14 @@ echo
 
 # Find partitions
 if [ -b "${DEVICE}1" ]; then
-    BOOT_PART="${DEVICE}1"
-    ROOT_PART="${DEVICE}2"
+  BOOT_PART="${DEVICE}1"
+  ROOT_PART="${DEVICE}2"
 elif [ -b "${DEVICE}p1" ]; then
-    BOOT_PART="${DEVICE}p1"
-    ROOT_PART="${DEVICE}p2"
+  BOOT_PART="${DEVICE}p1"
+  ROOT_PART="${DEVICE}p2"
 else
-    echo -e "${RED}Error: Could not find partitions${NC}"
-    exit 1
+  echo -e "${RED}Error: Could not find partitions${NC}"
+  exit 1
 fi
 
 # Unmount any mounted partitions
@@ -62,86 +62,67 @@ echo -e "${BOLD}Checking partition size...${NC}"
 
 # Get current partition size in bytes
 CURRENT_SIZE=$(blockdev --getsize64 "$ROOT_PART")
-TARGET_BYTES=$((16 * 1024 * 1024 * 1024))  # 16GB in bytes
+TARGET_BYTES=$((16 * 1024 * 1024 * 1024)) # 16GB in bytes
 CURRENT_GB=$(echo "scale=2; $CURRENT_SIZE / 1073741824" | bc)
 
 echo "  Current rootfs size: ${CURRENT_GB}GB"
 
 if [ "$CURRENT_SIZE" -gt "$TARGET_BYTES" ]; then
-    echo -e "${YELLOW}Resizing rootfs to 16GB...${NC}"
+  echo -e "${YELLOW}Resizing rootfs to 16GB...${NC}"
 
-    # Get boot partition end in sectors
-    BOOT_END=$(parted -s "$DEVICE" unit s print | grep "^ 1" | awk '{print $3}' | tr -d 's')
+  # Get boot partition end in sectors
+  BOOT_END=$(parted -s "$DEVICE" unit s print | grep "^ 1" | awk '{print $3}' | tr -d 's')
 
-    # Calculate 16GB in sectors (512 byte sectors)
-    ROOT_SIZE_SECTORS=33554432
-    ROOT_END=$((BOOT_END + ROOT_SIZE_SECTORS))
+  # Calculate 16GB in sectors (512 byte sectors)
+  ROOT_SIZE_SECTORS=33554432
+  ROOT_END=$((BOOT_END + ROOT_SIZE_SECTORS))
 
-    # SHRINKING: filesystem first, then partition
-    echo "  Checking filesystem..."
-    e2fsck -f -y "$ROOT_PART" 2>/dev/null || true
+  # SHRINKING: filesystem first, then partition
+  echo "  Checking filesystem..."
+  e2fsck -f -y "$ROOT_PART" 2>/dev/null || true
 
-    # Shrink filesystem to 15.5GB (leave room for partition overhead)
-    echo "  Shrinking filesystem to 15500M..."
-    resize2fs "$ROOT_PART" 15500M
+  # Shrink filesystem to 15.5GB (leave room for partition overhead)
+  echo "  Shrinking filesystem to 15500M..."
+  resize2fs "$ROOT_PART" 15500M
 
-    # Delete and recreate partition 2 with 16GB size
-    echo "  Shrinking partition to 16GB..."
-    parted -s "$DEVICE" rm 2
-    parted -s "$DEVICE" mkpart primary ext4 $((BOOT_END + 1))s ${ROOT_END}s
+  # Delete and recreate partition 2 with 16GB size
+  echo "  Shrinking partition to 16GB..."
+  parted -s "$DEVICE" rm 2
+  parted -s "$DEVICE" mkpart primary ext4 $((BOOT_END + 1))s ${ROOT_END}s
 
-    # Refresh partition table
-    partprobe "$DEVICE"
-    sleep 2
+  # Refresh partition table
+  partprobe "$DEVICE"
+  sleep 2
 
-    # Expand filesystem to fill the partition exactly
-    echo "  Expanding filesystem to fill partition..."
-    e2fsck -f -y "$ROOT_PART" 2>/dev/null || true
-    resize2fs "$ROOT_PART"
+  # Expand filesystem to fill the partition exactly
+  echo "  Expanding filesystem to fill partition..."
+  e2fsck -f -y "$ROOT_PART" 2>/dev/null || true
+  resize2fs "$ROOT_PART"
 
-    echo -e "${GREEN}  Rootfs resized to 16GB${NC}"
+  echo -e "${GREEN}  Rootfs resized to 16GB${NC}"
 elif [ "$CURRENT_SIZE" -lt "$TARGET_BYTES" ]; then
-    echo -e "${YELLOW}  Rootfs is smaller than 16GB - expanding...${NC}"
+  echo -e "${YELLOW}  Rootfs is smaller than 16GB - expanding...${NC}"
 
-    # Get boot partition end in sectors
-    BOOT_END=$(parted -s "$DEVICE" unit s print | grep "^ 1" | awk '{print $3}' | tr -d 's')
-    ROOT_SIZE_SECTORS=33554432
-    ROOT_END=$((BOOT_END + ROOT_SIZE_SECTORS))
+  # Get boot partition end in sectors
+  BOOT_END=$(parted -s "$DEVICE" unit s print | grep "^ 1" | awk '{print $3}' | tr -d 's')
+  ROOT_SIZE_SECTORS=33554432
+  ROOT_END=$((BOOT_END + ROOT_SIZE_SECTORS))
 
-    # EXPANDING: partition first, then filesystem
-    parted -s "$DEVICE" rm 2
-    parted -s "$DEVICE" mkpart primary ext4 $((BOOT_END + 1))s ${ROOT_END}s
+  # EXPANDING: partition first, then filesystem
+  parted -s "$DEVICE" rm 2
+  parted -s "$DEVICE" mkpart primary ext4 $((BOOT_END + 1))s ${ROOT_END}s
 
-    partprobe "$DEVICE"
-    sleep 2
+  partprobe "$DEVICE"
+  sleep 2
 
-    e2fsck -f -y "$ROOT_PART" 2>/dev/null || true
-    resize2fs "$ROOT_PART"
+  e2fsck -f -y "$ROOT_PART" 2>/dev/null || true
+  resize2fs "$ROOT_PART"
 
-    echo -e "${GREEN}  Rootfs expanded to 16GB${NC}"
+  echo -e "${GREEN}  Rootfs expanded to 16GB${NC}"
 else
-    echo -e "${GREEN}  Rootfs already ~16GB${NC}"
+  echo -e "${GREEN}  Rootfs already ~16GB${NC}"
 fi
 
-# ============================================================================
-# Disable auto-expand on first boot
-# ============================================================================
-echo
-echo -e "${YELLOW}Disabling auto-expand...${NC}"
-TEMP_ROOT=$(mktemp -d)
-mount "$ROOT_PART" "$TEMP_ROOT"
-
-# Remove resize2fs_once service if it exists
-rm -f "$TEMP_ROOT/etc/init.d/resize2fs_once"
-rm -f "$TEMP_ROOT/etc/rc3.d/S01resize2fs_once"
-
-# Disable the systemd resize service
-rm -f "$TEMP_ROOT/etc/systemd/system/multi-user.target.wants/rpi-resizerootfs.service"
-
-umount "$TEMP_ROOT"
-rmdir "$TEMP_ROOT"
-echo -e "${GREEN}  Auto-expand disabled${NC}"
-
 # ============================================================================
 # Pull image
 # ============================================================================
@@ -154,8 +135,8 @@ echo
 END_SECTOR=$(parted -s "$DEVICE" unit s print | grep "^ 2" | awk '{print $3}' | tr -d 's')
 
 if [ -z "$END_SECTOR" ]; then
-    echo -e "${RED}Error: Could not determine partition 2 end sector${NC}"
-    exit 1
+  echo -e "${RED}Error: Could not determine partition 2 end sector${NC}"
+  exit 1
 fi
 
 # Add a small buffer (1MB = 2048 sectors) for safety
@@ -169,8 +150,8 @@ echo
 
 read -p "Proceed with image pull? [Y/n] " confirm
 if [[ "$confirm" =~ ^[Nn]$ ]]; then
-    echo "Aborted."
-    exit 1
+  echo "Aborted."
+  exit 1
 fi
 
 echo
@@ -178,13 +159,13 @@ echo -e "${GREEN}Pulling image...${NC}"
 echo
 
 # Use pv if available for progress, otherwise fallback to dd status
-if command -v pv &> /dev/null; then
-    dd if="$DEVICE" bs=512 count=$TOTAL_SECTORS 2>/dev/null | \
-        pv -s $TOTAL_BYTES | \
-        zstd -T0 -3 > "$OUTPUT"
+if command -v pv &>/dev/null; then
+  dd if="$DEVICE" bs=512 count=$TOTAL_SECTORS 2>/dev/null |
+    pv -s $TOTAL_BYTES |
+    zstd -T0 -19 --ultra >"$OUTPUT"
 else
-    dd if="$DEVICE" bs=512 count=$TOTAL_SECTORS status=progress | \
-        zstd -T0 -3 > "$OUTPUT"
+  dd if="$DEVICE" bs=512 count=$TOTAL_SECTORS status=progress |
+    zstd -T0 -19 --ultra >"$OUTPUT"
 fi
 
 echo
@@ -197,16 +178,16 @@ ls -lh "$OUTPUT"
 echo
 read -p "Create .zst.zip wrapper for GitHub? [y/N] " zip_confirm
 if [[ "$zip_confirm" =~ ^[Yy]$ ]]; then
-    ZIP_OUTPUT="${OUTPUT}.zip"
-    echo -e "${YELLOW}Creating zip wrapper (store mode, no compression)...${NC}"
-    zip -0 "$ZIP_OUTPUT" "$OUTPUT"
-    echo -e "${GREEN}Done!${NC} Upload this to GitHub Releases:"
-    ls -lh "$ZIP_OUTPUT"
-    echo
-    echo "Users can flash with:"
-    echo "  sudo ./rpi/flash-image.sh $ZIP_OUTPUT"
+  ZIP_OUTPUT="${OUTPUT}.zip"
+  echo -e "${YELLOW}Creating zip wrapper (store mode, no compression)...${NC}"
+  zip -0 "$ZIP_OUTPUT" "$OUTPUT"
+  echo -e "${GREEN}Done!${NC} Upload this to GitHub Releases:"
+  ls -lh "$ZIP_OUTPUT"
+  echo
+  echo "Users can flash with:"
+  echo "  sudo ./rpi/flash-image.sh $ZIP_OUTPUT"
 else
-    echo
-    echo "To verify:"
-    echo "  zstdcat $OUTPUT | fdisk -l /dev/stdin"
+  echo
+  echo "To verify:"
+  echo "  zstdcat $OUTPUT | fdisk -l /dev/stdin"
 fi

rpi/remote-build-pi.sh

@@ -1,19 +1,19 @@
 #!/bin/bash
 #
-# Stegasoo Pi Test Kickoff Script
-# Automates: flash -> wait for boot -> setup -> test
+# Stegasoo Remote Pi Build Script
+# Waits for Pi to be reachable, then sets up Stegasoo
 #
-# Usage: ./kickoff-pi-test.sh <image.img.zst> </dev/sdX>
+# Usage: ./remote-build-pi.sh [host] [user] [pass]
 #
 
 set -e
 
 SCRIPT_DIR="$(cd "$(dirname "${BASH_SOURCE[0]}")" && pwd)"
 
-# Pi connection settings
-PI_HOST="stegasoo.local"
-PI_USER="admin"
-PI_PASS="stegasoo"
+# Pi connection settings (defaults)
+PI_HOST="${1:-stegasoo.local}"
+PI_USER="${2:-admin}"
+PI_PASS="${3:-stegasoo}"
 
 # Colors
 RED='\033[0;31m'
@@ -26,10 +26,9 @@ NC='\033[0m'
 # Helper functions
 # -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-# Wait for Pi to be reachable
 wait_for_pi() {
     local attempt=1
-    ssh-keygen -R "$PI_HOST" 2>/dev/null
+    ssh-keygen -R "$PI_HOST" 2>/dev/null || true
 
     echo "Waiting for $PI_USER@$PI_HOST..."
     while ! sshpass -p "$PI_PASS" ssh -o ConnectTimeout=2 -o StrictHostKeyChecking=no -o BatchMode=no -o UserKnownHostsFile=/dev/null "$PI_USER@$PI_HOST" "exit" 2>/dev/null; do
@@ -39,29 +38,25 @@ wait_for_pi() {
     done
 
     printf "\r${GREEN}✓ Ready after %d attempts${NC}\n" "$attempt"
-    printf '\a'  # Terminal bell
+    printf '\a'
 }
 
-# Run command on Pi (non-interactive)
 run_on_pi() {
     sshpass -p "$PI_PASS" ssh -o StrictHostKeyChecking=no -o UserKnownHostsFile=/dev/null "$PI_USER@$PI_HOST" "$@"
 }
 
-# Run command on Pi (interactive/PTY)
 run_on_pi_interactive() {
     sshpass -p "$PI_PASS" ssh -t -o StrictHostKeyChecking=no -o UserKnownHostsFile=/dev/null "$PI_USER@$PI_HOST" "$@"
 }
 
-# Copy file to Pi
 scp_to_pi() {
     local src="$1"
     local dst="$2"
     sshpass -p "$PI_PASS" scp -o StrictHostKeyChecking=no -o UserKnownHostsFile=/dev/null "$src" "$PI_USER@$PI_HOST:$dst"
 }
 
-# Interactive SSH session
 ssh_pi() {
-    ssh-keygen -R "$PI_HOST" 2>/dev/null
+    ssh-keygen -R "$PI_HOST" 2>/dev/null || true
     sshpass -p "$PI_PASS" ssh -t -o StrictHostKeyChecking=no -o UserKnownHostsFile=/dev/null "$PI_USER@$PI_HOST" "$@"
 }
 
@@ -69,92 +64,48 @@ ssh_pi() {
 # Main
 # -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-if [[ $# -lt 2 ]]; then
-    echo "Usage: $0 <image.img.zst> </dev/sdX>"
-    echo ""
-    echo "Example: $0 stegasoo-v4.1.img.zst /dev/sda"
-    exit 1
-fi
-
-IMAGE="$1"
-DEVICE="$2"
-
-if [[ ! -f "$IMAGE" ]]; then
-    echo -e "${RED}Error: Image file not found: $IMAGE${NC}"
-    exit 1
-fi
-
-if [[ ! -b "$DEVICE" ]]; then
-    echo -e "${RED}Error: Device not found: $DEVICE${NC}"
-    exit 1
-fi
-
 echo -e "${CYAN}╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗${NC}"
-echo -e "${CYAN}║              Stegasoo Pi Test Kickoff                         ║${NC}"
+echo -e "${CYAN}║              Stegasoo Remote Pi Build                         ║${NC}"
 echo -e "${CYAN}╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝${NC}"
 echo ""
-echo -e "Image:  ${YELLOW}$IMAGE${NC}"
-echo -e "Device: ${YELLOW}$DEVICE${NC}"
+echo -e "Host: ${YELLOW}$PI_HOST${NC}"
+echo -e "User: ${YELLOW}$PI_USER${NC}"
 echo ""
 
 # -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-# Step 1: Flash the image
+# Step 1: Wait for Pi to be ready
 # -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-echo -e "${GREEN}[1/8]${NC} Flashing image..."
-echo ""
-
-# Auto-answer: "yes" for confirm, "y" for wipe, "y" for resize
-printf 'yes\ny\ny\n' | "$SCRIPT_DIR/flash-stock-img.sh" "$IMAGE" "$DEVICE"
-
-echo ""
-echo -e "${GREEN}[2/8]${NC} Flash complete! Waiting for SD card insertion..."
-echo ""
-
-# -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-# Step 2: Wait for user to insert SD card
-# -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-echo -e "${YELLOW}════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════${NC}"
-echo -e "${YELLOW}  Insert SD card into Pi and power on${NC}"
-echo -e "${YELLOW}════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════${NC}"
-echo ""
-read -p "Press ENTER when Pi is booting..."
-
-echo ""
-
-# -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-# Step 3: Wait for Pi to be ready
-# -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-echo -e "${GREEN}[3/8]${NC} Waiting for Pi to boot..."
+echo -e "${GREEN}[1/6]${NC} Waiting for Pi..."
 echo ""
 
 wait_for_pi
 
 # -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-# Step 4: Pre-setup (install dependencies)
+# Step 2: Install dependencies
 # -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 echo ""
-echo -e "${GREEN}[4/8]${NC} Installing dependencies on Pi..."
+echo -e "${GREEN}[2/6]${NC} Installing dependencies on Pi..."
 echo ""
 
-run_on_pi "sudo chown admin:admin /opt && sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y git zstd jq"
+run_on_pi "sudo chown admin:admin /opt && sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y git zstd jq ca-certificates && sudo update-ca-certificates"
 
 # -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-# Step 5: Clone repo
+# Step 3: Clone repo
 # -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 echo ""
-echo -e "${GREEN}[5/8]${NC} Cloning Stegasoo repo..."
+echo -e "${GREEN}[3/6]${NC} Cloning Stegasoo repo..."
 echo ""
 
-run_on_pi "cd /opt && git clone -b 4.1 https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo.git stegasoo"
+run_on_pi "cd /opt && rm -rf stegasoo && git clone https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo.git stegasoo"
 
 # -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-# Step 6: Copy pre-built tarball
+# Step 4: Copy pre-built tarball
 # -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 echo ""
-echo -e "${GREEN}[6/8]${NC} Copying pre-built tarball to Pi..."
+echo -e "${GREEN}[4/6]${NC} Copying pre-built tarball to Pi..."
 echo ""
 
-TARBALL="$SCRIPT_DIR/stegasoo-rpi-runtime-env-arm64.tar.zst"
+TARBALL="$SCRIPT_DIR/stegasoo-rpi-venv-arm64.tar.zst"
 if [[ -f "$TARBALL" ]]; then
     scp_to_pi "$TARBALL" "/opt/stegasoo/rpi/"
     echo -e "  ${GREEN}✓${NC} Tarball copied"
@@ -164,19 +115,19 @@ else
 fi
 
 # -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-# Step 7: Run setup
+# Step 5: Run setup
 # -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 echo ""
-echo -e "${GREEN}[7/8]${NC} Running setup.sh on Pi..."
+echo -e "${GREEN}[5/6]${NC} Running setup.sh on Pi..."
 echo ""
 
 run_on_pi_interactive "cd /opt/stegasoo && ./rpi/setup.sh"
 
 # -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-# Step 8: Test it works
+# Step 6: Test it works
 # -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 echo ""
-echo -e "${GREEN}[8/8]${NC} Testing Stegasoo..."
+echo -e "${GREEN}[6/6]${NC} Testing Stegasoo..."
 echo ""
 
 run_on_pi "sudo systemctl start stegasoo && sleep 2 && curl -sk https://localhost:5000 | head -5"
@@ -186,7 +137,7 @@ echo -e "${GREEN}═════════════════════
 echo -e "${GREEN}  Build complete! Pi is ready for testing.${NC}"
 echo -e "${GREEN}════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════${NC}"
 echo ""
-echo -e "Access: ${YELLOW}https://stegasoo.local:5000${NC}"
+echo -e "Access: ${YELLOW}https://$PI_HOST:5000${NC}"
 echo ""
 read -p "Press ENTER to SSH into Pi for manual testing..."
 

rpi/sanitize-for-image.sh

@@ -264,49 +264,25 @@ if [ -n "$STEGASOO_DIR" ] && [ -d "$STEGASOO_DIR/venv" ]; then
         echo "  Venv broken or stegasoo not installed, rebuilding..."
         rm -rf "$STEGASOO_DIR/venv"
 
-        # Find Python 3.12 (prefer pyenv, fall back to system)
-        USER_HOME=$(eval echo "~$STEGASOO_USER")
-        PYENV_PYTHON="$USER_HOME/.pyenv/versions/3.12*/bin/python"
-        if compgen -G "$PYENV_PYTHON" > /dev/null 2>&1; then
-            PYTHON_BIN=$(ls $PYENV_PYTHON 2>/dev/null | head -1)
-            echo "  Using pyenv Python: $PYTHON_BIN"
-        elif command -v python3.12 &>/dev/null; then
-            PYTHON_BIN="python3.12"
-            echo "  Using system Python 3.12"
-        else
-            PYTHON_BIN="python3"
-            echo "  Warning: Python 3.12 not found, using $($PYTHON_BIN --version)"
-        fi
-
-        sudo -u "$STEGASOO_USER" "$PYTHON_BIN" -m venv "$STEGASOO_DIR/venv"
-        sudo -u "$STEGASOO_USER" "$STEGASOO_DIR/venv/bin/pip" install --quiet --upgrade pip setuptools wheel
-
-        # On ARM64, jpegio needs patching before install
-        ARCH=$(uname -m)
-        if [[ "$ARCH" == "aarch64" || "$ARCH" == "arm64" ]]; then
-            echo "  Building jpegio for ARM64 (this may take a minute)..."
-            # Install build deps
-            sudo -u "$STEGASOO_USER" "$STEGASOO_DIR/venv/bin/pip" install --quiet cython numpy
-            JPEGIO_DIR="/tmp/jpegio-build-$$"
-            rm -rf "$JPEGIO_DIR"
-            if git clone https://github.com/dwgoon/jpegio.git "$JPEGIO_DIR" 2>/dev/null; then
-                # Apply patch to remove -m64 flag
-                if [ -f "$STEGASOO_DIR/rpi/patches/jpegio/apply-patch.sh" ]; then
-                    bash "$STEGASOO_DIR/rpi/patches/jpegio/apply-patch.sh" "$JPEGIO_DIR"
-                else
-                    sed -i "s/cargs.append('-m64')/pass  # ARM64 fix/g" "$JPEGIO_DIR/setup.py"
-                fi
-                # Change ownership so user can build
-                chown -R "$STEGASOO_USER:$STEGASOO_USER" "$JPEGIO_DIR"
-                sudo -u "$STEGASOO_USER" "$STEGASOO_DIR/venv/bin/pip" install "$JPEGIO_DIR"
-                rm -rf "$JPEGIO_DIR"
-            else
-                echo "  Warning: Failed to clone jpegio, DCT mode may not work"
+        # Find system Python 3.11+ (no pyenv needed)
+        PYTHON_BIN=""
+        for py in python3.14 python3.13 python3.12 python3.11 python3; do
+            if command -v "$py" &>/dev/null; then
+                PYTHON_BIN=$(command -v "$py")
+                break
             fi
-        fi
+        done
 
-        sudo -u "$STEGASOO_USER" "$STEGASOO_DIR/venv/bin/pip" install --quiet -e "$STEGASOO_DIR[web]"
-        echo "  Venv rebuilt and stegasoo installed"
+        if [ -z "$PYTHON_BIN" ]; then
+            echo "  Error: Python 3.11+ not found"
+            VALIDATION_ERRORS=$((VALIDATION_ERRORS + 1))
+        else
+            echo "  Using: $PYTHON_BIN ($($PYTHON_BIN --version 2>&1))"
+            sudo -u "$STEGASOO_USER" "$PYTHON_BIN" -m venv "$STEGASOO_DIR/venv"
+            sudo -u "$STEGASOO_USER" "$STEGASOO_DIR/venv/bin/pip" install --quiet --upgrade pip setuptools wheel
+            sudo -u "$STEGASOO_USER" "$STEGASOO_DIR/venv/bin/pip" install --quiet -e "$STEGASOO_DIR[web]"
+            echo "  Venv rebuilt and stegasoo installed"
+        fi
     else
         echo "  Venv OK"
     fi

rpi/setup.sh

@@ -4,14 +4,14 @@
 # Tested on: Raspberry Pi 4/5 with Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit)
 #
 # Usage:
-#   curl -sSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo/4.1/rpi/setup.sh | bash
+#   curl -sSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo/4.2/rpi/setup.sh | bash
 #   # or
-#   wget -qO- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo/4.1/rpi/setup.sh | bash
+#   wget -qO- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo/4.2/rpi/setup.sh | bash
 #
 # What this script does:
 #   1. Installs system dependencies
-#   2. Installs Python 3.12 via pyenv (Pi OS ships with 3.13 which is incompatible)
-#   3. Patches and builds jpegio for ARM
+#   2. Verifies Python 3.11+ (uses system Python)
+#   3. Installs jpeglib for DCT steganography (Python 3.11-3.14 compatible)
 #   4. Installs Stegasoo with web UI
 #   5. Creates systemd service for auto-start
 #   6. Enables the service
@@ -75,9 +75,8 @@ show_help() {
     echo ""
     echo "  Available variables:"
     echo "    INSTALL_DIR       Install location (default: /opt/stegasoo)"
-    echo "    PYTHON_VERSION    Python version (default: 3.12)"
     echo "    STEGASOO_REPO     Git repo URL"
-    echo "    STEGASOO_BRANCH   Git branch (default: 4.1)"
+    echo "    STEGASOO_BRANCH   Git branch (default: 4.2)"
     echo ""
     echo "  Example:"
     echo "    export INSTALL_DIR=\"/home/pi/stegasoo\""
@@ -95,10 +94,8 @@ done
 
 # Default configuration
 INSTALL_DIR="${INSTALL_DIR:-/opt/stegasoo}"
-PYTHON_VERSION="${PYTHON_VERSION:-3.12}"
 STEGASOO_REPO="${STEGASOO_REPO:-https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo.git}"
-STEGASOO_BRANCH="${STEGASOO_BRANCH:-4.1}"
-JPEGIO_REPO="https://github.com/dwgoon/jpegio.git"
+STEGASOO_BRANCH="${STEGASOO_BRANCH:-4.2}"
 
 # Load config files (system, then user - user overrides system)
 for config_file in "/etc/stegasoo.conf" "$HOME/.config/stegasoo/stegasoo.conf"; do
@@ -112,7 +109,7 @@ clear
 print_banner "Raspberry Pi Setup"
 echo ""
 echo "  This will install Stegasoo with full DCT support"
-echo "  Estimated time: ~2 minutes (pre-built) or 15-20 min (from source)"
+echo "  Estimated time: ~2 minutes (pre-built) or 5-10 min (from source)"
 echo ""
 
 # Check if running on ARM
@@ -123,6 +120,63 @@ if [[ "$ARCH" != "aarch64" && "$ARCH" != "arm64" ]]; then
     exit 1
 fi
 
+# =============================================================================
+# Python Version Check
+# =============================================================================
+echo -e "${GREEN}Checking Python version...${NC}"
+
+# Find system Python
+SYSTEM_PYTHON=""
+for py in python3.14 python3.13 python3.12 python3.11 python3; do
+    if command -v "$py" &>/dev/null; then
+        SYSTEM_PYTHON=$(command -v "$py")
+        break
+    fi
+done
+
+if [ -z "$SYSTEM_PYTHON" ]; then
+    echo -e "${RED}Error: Python 3 not found.${NC}"
+    echo "Please install Python 3.11 or later:"
+    echo "  sudo apt-get install python3"
+    exit 1
+fi
+
+# Get version numbers
+PY_VERSION=$("$SYSTEM_PYTHON" -c 'import sys; print(f"{sys.version_info.major}.{sys.version_info.minor}")')
+PY_MAJOR=$("$SYSTEM_PYTHON" -c 'import sys; print(sys.version_info.major)')
+PY_MINOR=$("$SYSTEM_PYTHON" -c 'import sys; print(sys.version_info.minor)')
+
+echo "  Found: $SYSTEM_PYTHON (Python $PY_VERSION)"
+
+# Check version range (3.11 <= version <= 3.14)
+if [ "$PY_MAJOR" -ne 3 ]; then
+    echo -e "${RED}Error: Python 3 required, found Python $PY_MAJOR${NC}"
+    exit 1
+fi
+
+if [ "$PY_MINOR" -lt 11 ]; then
+    echo -e "${RED}Error: Python 3.11+ required, found Python $PY_VERSION${NC}"
+    echo ""
+    echo "Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm ships with Python 3.11."
+    echo "Raspberry Pi OS Trixie ships with Python 3.13."
+    echo ""
+    echo "Please upgrade your Raspberry Pi OS or install Python 3.11+."
+    exit 1
+fi
+
+if [ "$PY_MINOR" -gt 14 ]; then
+    echo -e "${YELLOW}Warning: Python $PY_VERSION detected.${NC}"
+    echo "Stegasoo is tested with Python 3.11-3.14."
+    echo "Newer versions may work but are not officially supported."
+    read -p "Continue anyway? [y/N] " -n 1 -r
+    echo
+    if [[ ! $REPLY =~ ^[Yy]$ ]]; then
+        exit 1
+    fi
+fi
+
+echo -e "  ${GREEN}✓${NC} Python $PY_VERSION supported"
+
 # Check available memory
 TOTAL_MEM=$(free -m | awk '/^Mem:/{print $2}')
 if [ "$TOTAL_MEM" -lt 2000 ]; then
@@ -136,8 +190,11 @@ if [ "$TOTAL_MEM" -lt 2000 ]; then
     fi
 fi
 
-# Create /opt/stegasoo with proper permissions
-echo -e "${GREEN}[1/12]${NC} Setting up install directory..."
+# =============================================================================
+# Installation
+# =============================================================================
+
+echo -e "${GREEN}[1/9]${NC} Setting up install directory..."
 if [ ! -d "$INSTALL_DIR" ]; then
     sudo mkdir -p "$INSTALL_DIR"
     sudo chown "$USER:$USER" "$INSTALL_DIR"
@@ -148,7 +205,7 @@ else
     echo "  $INSTALL_DIR exists, updated ownership"
 fi
 
-echo -e "${GREEN}[2/12]${NC} Installing system dependencies..."
+echo -e "${GREEN}[2/9]${NC} Installing system dependencies..."
 sudo apt-get update
 sudo apt-get install -y \
     build-essential \
@@ -170,9 +227,11 @@ sudo apt-get install -y \
     libzbar0 \
     libjpeg-dev \
     python3-dev \
+    python3-venv \
+    python3-pip \
     btop
 
-echo -e "${GREEN}[3/12]${NC} Installing gum (TUI toolkit)..."
+echo -e "${GREEN}[3/9]${NC} Installing gum (TUI toolkit)..."
 # Add Charm repo for gum
 if ! command -v gum &>/dev/null; then
     sudo mkdir -p /etc/apt/keyrings
@@ -184,7 +243,21 @@ else
     echo "  gum already installed"
 fi
 
-echo -e "${GREEN}[4/12]${NC} Cloning Stegasoo..."
+# Install mkcert for browser-trusted certificates (no warning screen!)
+echo "  Installing mkcert for trusted HTTPS certificates..."
+if ! command -v mkcert &>/dev/null; then
+    sudo apt-get install -y libnss3-tools
+    # Download mkcert for ARM64
+    sudo curl -sL "https://github.com/FiloSottile/mkcert/releases/download/v1.4.4/mkcert-v1.4.4-linux-arm64" -o /usr/local/bin/mkcert
+    sudo chmod +x /usr/local/bin/mkcert
+    # Install local CA (makes certs trusted on this Pi)
+    mkcert -install 2>/dev/null || true
+    echo "  mkcert installed"
+else
+    echo "  mkcert already installed"
+fi
+
+echo -e "${GREEN}[4/9]${NC} Cloning Stegasoo..."
 
 # Clone Stegasoo first (needed to check for pre-built tarball)
 if [ -d "$INSTALL_DIR/.git" ]; then
@@ -198,17 +271,16 @@ else
     cd "$INSTALL_DIR"
 fi
 
-# Pre-built environment tarball (skips 20+ min compile time)
-# Includes both pyenv Python 3.12 AND venv with all dependencies
-PREBUILT_TARBALL="$INSTALL_DIR/rpi/stegasoo-rpi-runtime-env-arm64.tar.zst"
-PREBUILT_URL="${PREBUILT_URL:-https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo/releases/download/v4.1.5/stegasoo-rpi-runtime-env-arm64.tar.zst}"
+# Pre-built venv tarball (skips pip compile time)
+PREBUILT_TARBALL="$INSTALL_DIR/rpi/stegasoo-rpi-venv-arm64.tar.zst"
+PREBUILT_URL="${PREBUILT_URL:-https://github.com/adlee-was-taken/stegasoo/releases/download/v4.2.1/stegasoo-rpi-venv-arm64.tar.zst}"
 USE_PREBUILT=true
 
 # Use local tarball if present, otherwise will download
 if [ -f "$PREBUILT_TARBALL" ]; then
-    echo -e "${GREEN}Found local pre-built environment - fast install mode${NC}"
+    echo -e "${GREEN}Found local pre-built venv - fast install mode${NC}"
 else
-    echo -e "${GREEN}Will download pre-built environment - fast install mode${NC}"
+    echo -e "${GREEN}Will download pre-built venv - fast install mode${NC}"
 fi
 
 # Allow --no-prebuilt flag to force from-source build
@@ -217,44 +289,30 @@ if [[ " $* " =~ " --no-prebuilt " ]] || [[ " $* " =~ " --from-source " ]]; then
     echo -e "${YELLOW}Building from source (--no-prebuilt specified)${NC}"
 fi
 
-# Fast path: use pre-built environment if available
+echo -e "${GREEN}[5/9]${NC} Setting up Python environment..."
+
 if [ "$USE_PREBUILT" = true ]; then
-    echo -e "${GREEN}[5/8]${NC} Installing pre-built Python environment..."
+    # Fast path: use pre-built venv
 
     # Download if local file doesn't exist
     if [ ! -f "$PREBUILT_TARBALL" ]; then
-        echo "  Downloading pre-built environment (~50MB)..."
+        echo "  Downloading pre-built venv (~50MB)..."
         curl -L -o "$PREBUILT_TARBALL" "$PREBUILT_URL"
     fi
 
-    # Extract pre-built environment (includes pyenv Python + venv)
-    echo "  Extracting pre-built environment..."
-    zstd -d "$PREBUILT_TARBALL" --stdout | tar -xf - -C "$HOME"
+    # Extract pre-built venv
+    echo "  Extracting pre-built venv..."
+    zstd -d "$PREBUILT_TARBALL" --stdout | tar -xf - -C "$INSTALL_DIR"
 
-    # Setup pyenv in current shell
-    export PYENV_ROOT="$HOME/.pyenv"
-    export PATH="$PYENV_ROOT/bin:$PATH"
-    eval "$(pyenv init -)"
-    pyenv global $PYTHON_VERSION
+    # Fix venv Python symlinks to point to system Python
+    echo "  Updating venv to use system Python..."
+    rm -f "$INSTALL_DIR/venv/bin/python" "$INSTALL_DIR/venv/bin/python3"
+    ln -s "$SYSTEM_PYTHON" "$INSTALL_DIR/venv/bin/python"
+    ln -s "$SYSTEM_PYTHON" "$INSTALL_DIR/venv/bin/python3"
 
-    # Add to .bashrc if not already there
-    if ! grep -q 'PYENV_ROOT' ~/.bashrc; then
-        echo '' >> ~/.bashrc
-        echo '# pyenv' >> ~/.bashrc
-        echo 'export PYENV_ROOT="$HOME/.pyenv"' >> ~/.bashrc
-        echo '[[ -d $PYENV_ROOT/bin ]] && export PATH="$PYENV_ROOT/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.bashrc
-        echo 'eval "$(pyenv init - bash)"' >> ~/.bashrc
-    fi
-
-    # Verify Python
-    INSTALLED_PY=$(python --version 2>&1 | cut -d' ' -f2 | cut -d'.' -f1,2)
-    echo -e "  ${GREEN}✓${NC} Python: $INSTALLED_PY"
-
-    # Extract venv to install dir
-    echo -e "${GREEN}[6/8]${NC} Setting up virtual environment..."
-    if [ -f "$HOME/stegasoo-venv.tar.zst" ]; then
-        zstd -d "$HOME/stegasoo-venv.tar.zst" --stdout | tar -xf - -C "$INSTALL_DIR"
-        rm "$HOME/stegasoo-venv.tar.zst"
+    # Update pip shebang if needed
+    if [ -f "$INSTALL_DIR/venv/bin/pip" ]; then
+        sed -i "1s|^#!.*|#!$INSTALL_DIR/venv/bin/python|" "$INSTALL_DIR/venv/bin/pip" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
 
     # Activate and verify
@@ -263,105 +321,87 @@ if [ "$USE_PREBUILT" = true ]; then
     echo -e "  ${GREEN}✓${NC} venv Python: $VENV_PY"
 
     # Install stegasoo package in editable mode (quick, no compile)
-    echo -e "${GREEN}[7/8]${NC} Installing Stegasoo package..."
+    echo "  Installing Stegasoo package..."
     pip install -e "." --quiet
-
-    # Adjust step numbers for rest of script
-    STEP_OFFSET=-4
 else
-    echo -e "${GREEN}[5/12]${NC} Installing pyenv and Python $PYTHON_VERSION..."
+    # Build from source
+    echo -e "  ${YELLOW}Building from source (this takes 5-10 minutes)${NC}"
 
-    # Install pyenv if not present
-    if [ ! -d "$HOME/.pyenv" ]; then
-        curl https://pyenv.run | bash
-
-        # Add pyenv to current shell
-        export PYENV_ROOT="$HOME/.pyenv"
-        export PATH="$PYENV_ROOT/bin:$PATH"
-        eval "$(pyenv init -)"
-
-        # Add to .bashrc if not already there
-        if ! grep -q 'PYENV_ROOT' ~/.bashrc; then
-            echo '' >> ~/.bashrc
-            echo '# pyenv' >> ~/.bashrc
-            echo 'export PYENV_ROOT="$HOME/.pyenv"' >> ~/.bashrc
-            echo '[[ -d $PYENV_ROOT/bin ]] && export PATH="$PYENV_ROOT/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.bashrc
-            echo 'eval "$(pyenv init - bash)"' >> ~/.bashrc
-        fi
-    else
-        echo "  pyenv already installed"
-        export PYENV_ROOT="$HOME/.pyenv"
-        export PATH="$PYENV_ROOT/bin:$PATH"
-        eval "$(pyenv init -)"
+    # Create venv with system Python
+    if [ ! -d "$INSTALL_DIR/venv" ]; then
+        "$SYSTEM_PYTHON" -m venv "$INSTALL_DIR/venv"
     fi
-
-    # Install Python 3.12 if not present
-    if ! pyenv versions | grep -q "$PYTHON_VERSION"; then
-        echo "  Building Python $PYTHON_VERSION (this takes ~10 minutes)..."
-        pyenv install $PYTHON_VERSION
-    else
-        echo "  Python $PYTHON_VERSION already installed"
-    fi
-    pyenv global $PYTHON_VERSION
-
-    # Verify Python version
-    INSTALLED_PY=$(python --version 2>&1 | cut -d' ' -f2 | cut -d'.' -f1,2)
-    if [ "$INSTALLED_PY" != "$PYTHON_VERSION" ]; then
-        echo -e "${RED}Error: Python $PYTHON_VERSION not active. Got: $INSTALLED_PY${NC}"
-        exit 1
-    fi
-    echo -e "${GREEN}[6/12]${NC} Creating Python virtual environment..."
-    echo -e "  ${YELLOW}Note: No pre-built venv found. Building from source (20+ min)${NC}"
-    echo -e "  ${YELLOW}To speed up future installs, add stegasoo-venv-pi-arm64.tar.gz to rpi/${NC}"
-
-    # Create venv with pyenv Python (not system Python)
-    # Use pyenv which to get actual path (handles 3.12 -> 3.12.12 mapping)
-    PYENV_PYTHON=$(pyenv which python)
-    echo "  Using Python: $PYENV_PYTHON"
-    if [ ! -d "venv" ]; then
-        "$PYENV_PYTHON" -m venv venv
-    fi
-    source venv/bin/activate
+    source "$INSTALL_DIR/venv/bin/activate"
 
     # Verify we're using the right Python
     VENV_PY=$(python --version 2>&1 | cut -d' ' -f2 | cut -d'.' -f1,2)
     echo "  venv Python: $VENV_PY"
 
-    echo -e "${GREEN}[7/12]${NC} Building jpegio for ARM..."
+    # Upgrade pip and install build tools
+    pip install --upgrade pip setuptools wheel
 
-    # Clone jpegio
-    JPEGIO_DIR="/tmp/jpegio-build"
-    rm -rf "$JPEGIO_DIR"
-    git clone "$JPEGIO_REPO" "$JPEGIO_DIR"
+    # Install jpeglib (no ARM64 wheel, PyPI tarball missing headers - use GitHub)
+    echo "  Installing jpeglib for ARM64..."
+    JPEGLIB_WORKDIR=$(mktemp -d)
+    cd "$JPEGLIB_WORKDIR"
 
-    # Apply ARM64 patch
-    if [ -f "$INSTALL_DIR/rpi/patches/jpegio/apply-patch.sh" ]; then
-        bash "$INSTALL_DIR/rpi/patches/jpegio/apply-patch.sh" "$JPEGIO_DIR"
-    else
-        echo "  Applying inline ARM64 patch..."
-        sed -i "s/cargs.append('-m64')/pass  # ARM64 fix/g" "$JPEGIO_DIR/setup.py"
-    fi
+    # Clone from GitHub (PyPI source tarball is missing .h files)
+    echo "    Cloning jpeglib from GitHub..."
+    git clone --depth 1 --branch 1.0.2 https://github.com/martinbenes1996/jpeglib.git
+    cd jpeglib
+    CJPEGLIB="src/jpeglib/cjpeglib"
 
-    cd "$JPEGIO_DIR"
+    # Fix broken include paths in setup.py (uses jpeglib/ but files are in src/jpeglib/)
+    ln -s src/jpeglib jpeglib
 
-    # Build jpegio into venv
-    pip install --upgrade pip setuptools wheel cython numpy
+    # Download libjpeg headers (not included in repo either)
+    # Each version needs EXACT matching headers (APIs differ between versions)
+    echo "    Downloading libjpeg headers (all versions)..."
+
+    # Download each version separately (APIs are incompatible between versions)
+    for v in 6b 7 8 8a 8b 8c 8d 9 9a 9b 9c 9d 9e 9f; do
+        echo "      libjpeg $v..."
+        curl -sL "https://www.ijg.org/files/jpegsrc.v${v}.tar.gz" | tar -xzf -
+        cp jpeg-${v}/*.h "$CJPEGLIB/$v/" 2>/dev/null || cp jpeg-${v//.}/*.h "$CJPEGLIB/$v/" 2>/dev/null || true
+    done
+
+    # Skip turbo/mozjpeg - they need cmake-generated headers
+    # Only remove dict entries (lines 49-59), keep if blocks (they're safe when is_turbo=False)
+    echo "    Patching setup.py to skip turbo/mozjpeg (need cmake)..."
+    python3 << 'PYPATCH'
+with open('setup.py', 'r') as f:
+    lines = f.readlines()
+filtered = []
+for line in lines:
+    # Only skip dict entries like "'turbo120': ..." or "'mozjpeg101': ..."
+    stripped = line.strip()
+    if stripped.startswith("'turbo") and ':' in stripped:
+        continue
+    if stripped.startswith("'mozjpeg") and ':' in stripped:
+        continue
+    if stripped.startswith("# 'turbo"):  # commented turbo line
+        continue
+    filtered.append(line)
+with open('setup.py', 'w') as f:
+    f.writelines(filtered)
+PYPATCH
+
+    # Build and install
+    echo "    Building jpeglib (this takes a few minutes)..."
     pip install .
-
     cd "$INSTALL_DIR"
-    rm -rf "$JPEGIO_DIR"
+    rm -rf "$JPEGLIB_WORKDIR"
 
-    echo -e "${GREEN}[8/12]${NC} Installing Stegasoo..."
-
-    # Install dependencies (jpegio already in venv, won't re-download)
+    # Install remaining dependencies
+    echo "  Installing remaining dependencies..."
     pip install -e ".[web]"
-
-    STEP_OFFSET=0
 fi
 
-echo -e "${GREEN}[9/12]${NC} Creating systemd service..."
+echo -e "  ${GREEN}✓${NC} Stegasoo installed"
 
-# Create systemd service file
+echo -e "${GREEN}[6/9]${NC} Creating systemd services..."
+
+# Create systemd service file for Web UI
 sudo tee /etc/systemd/system/stegasoo.service > /dev/null <<EOF
 [Unit]
 Description=Stegasoo Web UI
@@ -383,12 +423,53 @@ RestartSec=5
 WantedBy=multi-user.target
 EOF
 
-echo -e "${GREEN}[10/12]${NC} Enabling service..."
+# Create systemd service file for REST API (optional)
+sudo tee /etc/systemd/system/stegasoo-api.service > /dev/null <<EOF
+[Unit]
+Description=Stegasoo REST API
+After=network.target
+
+[Service]
+Type=simple
+User=$USER
+WorkingDirectory=$INSTALL_DIR/frontends/api
+Environment="PATH=$INSTALL_DIR/venv/bin:/usr/bin"
+Environment="PYTHONPATH=$INSTALL_DIR/src"
+ExecStart=$INSTALL_DIR/venv/bin/uvicorn main:app --host 0.0.0.0 --port 8000
+Restart=on-failure
+RestartSec=5
+
+[Install]
+WantedBy=multi-user.target
+EOF
+
+echo -e "${GREEN}[7/9]${NC} Enabling services..."
 
 sudo systemctl daemon-reload
 sudo systemctl enable stegasoo.service
 
-echo -e "${GREEN}[11/12]${NC} Setting up user environment..."
+# Prompt for REST API service (optional, with security warning)
+echo ""
+echo -e "${CYAN}Would you like to enable the REST API service? (port 8000)${NC}"
+echo ""
+echo -e "  ${RED}⚠ WARNING: The REST API has NO AUTHENTICATION${NC}"
+echo "  Anyone on your network can use it to encode/decode messages."
+echo "  Only enable if you understand the security implications."
+echo ""
+echo "  The Web UI (port 5000) has authentication and works independently."
+echo ""
+read -p "Enable REST API (no auth)? [y/N]: " ENABLE_API
+if [[ "$ENABLE_API" =~ ^[Yy]$ ]]; then
+    sudo systemctl enable stegasoo-api.service
+    STEGASOO_API_ENABLED=true
+    echo -e "  ${YELLOW}⚠${NC} REST API enabled on port 8000 ${RED}(no authentication)${NC}"
+else
+    STEGASOO_API_ENABLED=false
+    echo -e "  ${GREEN}✓${NC} REST API not enabled (recommended)"
+    echo "    Can enable later with: sudo systemctl enable --now stegasoo-api"
+fi
+
+echo -e "${GREEN}[8/9]${NC} Setting up user environment..."
 
 # Add stegasoo venv and rpi scripts to PATH for all users
 sudo tee /etc/profile.d/stegasoo-path.sh > /dev/null <<'PATHEOF'
@@ -414,7 +495,15 @@ if [ -f "$INSTALL_DIR/rpi/skel/.bashrc" ]; then
     fi
 fi
 
-echo -e "${GREEN}[12/12]${NC} Setting up login banner..."
+# Install man page
+if [ -f "$INSTALL_DIR/docs/stegasoo.1" ]; then
+    sudo mkdir -p /usr/local/share/man/man1
+    sudo cp "$INSTALL_DIR/docs/stegasoo.1" /usr/local/share/man/man1/
+    sudo mandb -q 2>/dev/null || true
+    echo "  Installed man page (man stegasoo)"
+fi
+
+echo -e "${GREEN}[9/9]${NC} Setting up login banner..."
 
 # Create dynamic MOTD script
 sudo tee /etc/profile.d/stegasoo-motd.sh > /dev/null <<'MOTDEOF'
@@ -543,9 +632,15 @@ echo ""
 read -p "Generate a private channel key? [y/N] " -n 1 -r
 echo
 if [[ $REPLY =~ ^[Yy]$ ]]; then
-    # Generate channel key using the CLI
-    CHANNEL_KEY=$($INSTALL_DIR/venv/bin/python -c "from stegasoo.channel import generate_channel_key; print(generate_channel_key())")
+    # Generate channel key and save encrypted to config
+    CHANNEL_KEY=$($INSTALL_DIR/venv/bin/python -c "
+from stegasoo.channel import generate_channel_key, set_channel_key
+key = generate_channel_key()
+set_channel_key(key, 'user')  # Saves encrypted to ~/.stegasoo/channel.key
+print(key)
+")
     echo -e "  ${GREEN}✓${NC} Channel key generated: ${YELLOW}$CHANNEL_KEY${NC}"
+    echo -e "  ${GREEN}✓${NC} Key saved (encrypted) to ~/.stegasoo/channel.key"
     echo ""
     echo -e "  ${RED}IMPORTANT: Save this key!${NC} You'll need to share it with anyone"
     echo "  who should be able to decode your images."
@@ -593,19 +688,40 @@ if [ "$ENABLE_HTTPS" = "true" ]; then
     LOCAL_IP=$(hostname -I | awk '{print $1}')
     PI_HOSTNAME=$(hostname)
 
-    # Generate cert with SANs for IP, hostname, and localhost
-    openssl req -x509 -newkey rsa:2048 \
-      -keyout "$CERT_DIR/server.key" \
-      -out "$CERT_DIR/server.crt" \
-      -days 365 -nodes \
-      -subj "/O=Stegasoo/CN=$PI_HOSTNAME" \
-      -addext "subjectAltName=DNS:$PI_HOSTNAME,DNS:$PI_HOSTNAME.local,DNS:localhost,IP:$LOCAL_IP,IP:127.0.0.1" \
-      2>/dev/null
+    # Try mkcert first (creates browser-trusted certs - no warning screen!)
+    if command -v mkcert &> /dev/null; then
+        echo "  Using mkcert for browser-trusted certificates..."
+        cd "$CERT_DIR"
+        mkcert -key-file server.key -cert-file server.crt \
+            "$PI_HOSTNAME" "$PI_HOSTNAME.local" localhost "$LOCAL_IP" 127.0.0.1 ::1
+
+        # Copy CA to web-accessible location for easy device setup
+        CA_ROOT=$(mkcert -CAROOT)
+        CA_DIR="$INSTALL_DIR/frontends/web/static/ca"
+        mkdir -p "$CA_DIR"
+        cp "$CA_ROOT/rootCA.pem" "$CA_DIR/"
+
+        echo -e "  ${GREEN}✓${NC} Trusted certificates generated with mkcert"
+        echo -e "  ${CYAN}Tip:${NC} New devices can get the CA from: http://$PI_HOSTNAME.local/static/ca/rootCA.pem"
+    else
+        # Fallback to self-signed (shows browser warning)
+        echo "  Using self-signed certificate (browser will show warning)"
+        echo "  Tip: Install mkcert for trusted certs without warnings"
+
+        openssl req -x509 -newkey rsa:2048 \
+          -keyout "$CERT_DIR/server.key" \
+          -out "$CERT_DIR/server.crt" \
+          -days 365 -nodes \
+          -subj "/O=Stegasoo/CN=$PI_HOSTNAME" \
+          -addext "subjectAltName=DNS:$PI_HOSTNAME,DNS:$PI_HOSTNAME.local,DNS:localhost,IP:$LOCAL_IP,IP:127.0.0.1" \
+          2>/dev/null
+
+        echo -e "  ${GREEN}✓${NC} Self-signed certificates generated"
+    fi
 
     # Fix permissions
     chmod 600 "$CERT_DIR/server.key"
     chown -R "$USER:$USER" "$CERT_DIR"
-    echo -e "  ${GREEN}✓${NC} SSL certificates generated"
 fi
 
 # Setup port 443 redirect if requested
@@ -678,6 +794,14 @@ echo "  Start:   sudo systemctl start stegasoo"
 echo "  Stop:    sudo systemctl stop stegasoo"
 echo "  Status:  sudo systemctl status stegasoo"
 echo "  Logs:    journalctl -u stegasoo -f"
+if [ "$STEGASOO_API_ENABLED" = "true" ]; then
+    echo ""
+    echo -e "${GREEN}REST API Commands:${NC}"
+    echo "  Start:   sudo systemctl start stegasoo-api"
+    echo "  Stop:    sudo systemctl stop stegasoo-api"
+    echo "  Status:  sudo systemctl status stegasoo-api"
+    echo "  Logs:    journalctl -u stegasoo-api -f"
+fi
 echo ""
 
 # Offer to start now
@@ -685,9 +809,12 @@ read -p "Start Stegasoo now? [Y/n] " -n 1 -r
 echo
 if [[ ! $REPLY =~ ^[Nn]$ ]]; then
     sudo systemctl start stegasoo
+    if [ "$STEGASOO_API_ENABLED" = "true" ]; then
+        sudo systemctl start stegasoo-api
+    fi
     sleep 2
     if systemctl is-active --quiet stegasoo; then
-        echo -e "${GREEN}✓ Stegasoo is running!${NC}"
+        echo -e "${GREEN}✓ Stegasoo Web UI is running!${NC}"
         if [ "$ENABLE_HTTPS" = "true" ]; then
             if [ "$USE_PORT_443" = "true" ]; then
                 echo -e "  Create admin: ${YELLOW}https://$PI_HOST.local/setup${NC} or ${YELLOW}https://$PI_IP/setup${NC}"
@@ -697,6 +824,13 @@ if [[ ! $REPLY =~ ^[Nn]$ ]]; then
         else
             echo -e "  Create admin: ${YELLOW}http://$PI_HOST.local:5000/setup${NC} or ${YELLOW}http://$PI_IP:5000/setup${NC}"
         fi
+        if [ "$STEGASOO_API_ENABLED" = "true" ]; then
+            if systemctl is-active --quiet stegasoo-api; then
+                echo -e "${GREEN}✓ Stegasoo REST API is running on port 8000${NC}"
+            else
+                echo -e "${YELLOW}⚠ REST API failed to start. Check logs:${NC} journalctl -u stegasoo-api -f"
+            fi
+        fi
     else
         echo -e "${RED}✗ Failed to start. Check logs:${NC} journalctl -u stegasoo -f"
     fi

rpi/train_proj.json

@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+{
+  "hostname": "running_trains",
+  "username": "admin",
+  "password": "runthemtrains",
+  "wifiSSID": "WitchHazelWrecked",
+  "wifiPassword": "BeefPigsMoo",
+  "wifiCountry": "US",
+  "locale": "en_US.UTF-8",
+  "keyboardLayout": "us",
+  "timezone": "America/New_York",
+  "enableSSH": true
+}
+

scripts/build.sh

@@ -0,0 +1,98 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+# Stegasoo Build Script
+# Usage: ./build.sh [base|fast|full|clean]
+
+set -e
+
+SCRIPT_DIR="$(cd "$(dirname "${BASH_SOURCE[0]}")" && pwd)"
+PROJECT_DIR="$(cd "$SCRIPT_DIR/.." && pwd)"
+DOCKER_DIR="$PROJECT_DIR/docker"
+cd "$PROJECT_DIR"
+
+# Colors
+RED='\033[0;31m'
+GREEN='\033[0;32m'
+YELLOW='\033[1;33m'
+CYAN='\033[0;36m'
+NC='\033[0m'
+
+# Detect docker compose command
+if docker compose version &>/dev/null; then
+    COMPOSE_CMD="docker compose"
+elif command -v docker-compose &>/dev/null; then
+    COMPOSE_CMD="docker-compose"
+else
+    echo -e "${RED}Error: docker compose not found${NC}"
+    exit 1
+fi
+
+# Check if we need sudo
+SUDO=""
+if ! docker ps &>/dev/null; then
+    SUDO="sudo"
+fi
+
+COMPOSE_FILE="$DOCKER_DIR/docker-compose.yml"
+
+case "${1:-fast}" in
+    base)
+        echo -e "${YELLOW}Building base image (this takes 5-10 minutes)...${NC}"
+        $SUDO docker build -f "$DOCKER_DIR/Dockerfile.base" -t stegasoo-base:latest .
+        echo -e "${GREEN}Base image built! Future builds will be fast.${NC}"
+        echo ""
+        echo "Optional: Push to registry for team use:"
+        echo "  docker tag stegasoo-base:latest yourregistry/stegasoo-base:latest"
+        echo "  docker push yourregistry/stegasoo-base:latest"
+        ;;
+
+    fast)
+        if ! $SUDO docker image inspect stegasoo-base:latest >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+            echo -e "${YELLOW}Base image not found. Building it first (one-time)...${NC}"
+            $0 base
+        fi
+        echo -e "${CYAN}Fast build using base image...${NC}"
+        $SUDO $COMPOSE_CMD -f "$COMPOSE_FILE" build
+        echo -e "${GREEN}Done! Start with: $COMPOSE_CMD -f docker/docker-compose.yml up -d${NC}"
+        ;;
+
+    full)
+        echo -e "${YELLOW}Full build from scratch (slow)...${NC}"
+        $SUDO $COMPOSE_CMD -f "$COMPOSE_FILE" build --no-cache
+        echo -e "${GREEN}Done! Start with: $COMPOSE_CMD -f docker/docker-compose.yml up -d${NC}"
+        ;;
+
+    clean)
+        echo -e "${YELLOW}Cleaning up...${NC}"
+        $SUDO $COMPOSE_CMD -f "$COMPOSE_FILE" down --rmi local -v 2>/dev/null || true
+        $SUDO docker rmi stegasoo-base:latest 2>/dev/null || true
+        echo -e "${GREEN}Cleaned!${NC}"
+        ;;
+
+    rebuild)
+        echo -e "${YELLOW}Full rebuild from scratch (no cache)...${NC}"
+        $SUDO $COMPOSE_CMD -f "$COMPOSE_FILE" down --rmi local -v 2>/dev/null || true
+        $SUDO docker rmi stegasoo-base:latest 2>/dev/null || true
+        $SUDO docker build --no-cache -f "$DOCKER_DIR/Dockerfile.base" -t stegasoo-base:latest .
+        $SUDO $COMPOSE_CMD -f "$COMPOSE_FILE" build --no-cache
+        echo -e "${GREEN}Done! Start with: $COMPOSE_CMD -f docker/docker-compose.yml up -d${NC}"
+        ;;
+
+    *)
+        echo -e "${CYAN}Stegasoo Build Script${NC}"
+        echo ""
+        echo "Usage: $0 [command]"
+        echo ""
+        echo "Commands:"
+        echo "  base    Build the base image (one-time, 5-10 min)"
+        echo "  fast    Fast build using base image (default, ~10 sec)"
+        echo "  full    Rebuild services without cache (uses existing base)"
+        echo "  rebuild Complete rebuild with no cache (base + services)"
+        echo "  clean   Remove all images and volumes"
+        echo ""
+        echo "Typical workflow:"
+        echo "  1. First time:   $0 base"
+        echo "  2. Daily dev:    $0 fast"
+        echo "  3. Deps change:  $0 base"
+        echo "  4. Nuclear:      $0 rebuild"
+        ;;
+esac

scripts/screenshots.sh

@@ -0,0 +1,93 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+# Capture Web UI screenshots for documentation
+# Requires: chromium, imagemagick
+# Usage: ./scripts/screenshots.sh [base_url]
+#
+# Modes:
+#   Default (auth disabled): Captures main UI pages
+#   With auth: Also captures login/setup/account pages
+#
+# Start server with: STEGASOO_AUTH_ENABLED=false python frontends/web/app.py
+
+set -e
+
+BASE_URL="${1:-http://localhost:5000}"
+SCRIPT_DIR="$(cd "$(dirname "$0")" && pwd)"
+PROJECT_DIR="$(dirname "$SCRIPT_DIR")"
+OUTPUT_DIR="$PROJECT_DIR/data"
+WINDOW_SIZE="1280,900"
+
+echo "╔══════════════════════════════════════════╗"
+echo "║     Stegasoo Screenshot Capture          ║"
+echo "╚══════════════════════════════════════════╝"
+echo ""
+echo "Base URL: $BASE_URL"
+echo "Output:   $OUTPUT_DIR"
+echo ""
+
+# Check dependencies
+for cmd in chromium magick curl; do
+    if ! command -v "$cmd" &> /dev/null; then
+        echo "Error: $cmd not found"
+        exit 1
+    fi
+done
+
+# Check if server is running (-k for self-signed certs)
+if ! curl -sk "$BASE_URL" > /dev/null 2>&1; then
+    echo "Error: Server not responding at $BASE_URL"
+    echo "Start with: STEGASOO_AUTH_ENABLED=false python frontends/web/app.py"
+    exit 1
+fi
+
+# Capture a single screenshot
+capture() {
+    local name="$1"
+    local route="$2"
+    local url="$BASE_URL$route"
+
+    printf "  %-20s <- %s\n" "$name" "$route"
+    chromium --headless --screenshot="$OUTPUT_DIR/$name.png" \
+        --window-size="$WINDOW_SIZE" --hide-scrollbars \
+        --disable-gpu --no-sandbox --ignore-certificate-errors \
+        "$url" 2>/dev/null
+}
+
+echo "Capturing main pages..."
+echo ""
+
+# Core pages (always capture)
+capture "WebUI"          "/"
+capture "WebUI_Encode"   "/encode"
+capture "WebUI_Decode"   "/decode"
+capture "WebUI_Generate" "/generate"
+capture "WebUI_Tools"    "/tools"
+capture "WebUI_About"    "/about"
+
+echo ""
+echo "Capturing auth pages..."
+echo ""
+
+# Auth pages (may redirect if auth disabled, that's OK)
+capture "WebUI_Login"    "/login"
+capture "WebUI_Setup"    "/setup"
+capture "WebUI_Account"  "/account"
+capture "WebUI_Recover"  "/recover"
+
+echo ""
+echo "Converting to webp..."
+echo ""
+
+for png in "$OUTPUT_DIR"/WebUI*.png; do
+    [ -f "$png" ] || continue
+    name=$(basename "$png" .png)
+    printf "  %-20s -> %s.webp\n" "$name.png" "$name"
+    magick "$png" -quality 85 "$OUTPUT_DIR/$name.webp"
+    rm -f "$png"
+done
+
+echo ""
+echo "Done! Screenshots:"
+echo ""
+ls -lh "$OUTPUT_DIR"/WebUI*.webp 2>/dev/null | awk '{print "  " $NF " (" $5 ")"}'
+echo ""

scripts/setup-trusted-certs.sh

@@ -0,0 +1,149 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+#
+# Setup trusted HTTPS certificates for Stegasoo
+# Uses mkcert to create browser-trusted certs (no warning screens!)
+#
+# Usage: ./setup-trusted-certs.sh [hostname]
+#
+# This script:
+#   1. Installs mkcert if needed
+#   2. Creates a local CA (one-time)
+#   3. Generates certs for your hostname
+#   4. Shows how to trust the CA on other devices
+#
+
+set -e
+
+HOSTNAME="${1:-stegasoo.local}"
+SCRIPT_DIR="$(cd "$(dirname "${BASH_SOURCE[0]}")" && pwd)"
+PROJECT_ROOT="$SCRIPT_DIR/.."
+CERT_DIR="$PROJECT_ROOT/frontends/web/certs"
+
+# Colors
+RED='\033[0;31m'
+GREEN='\033[0;32m'
+YELLOW='\033[1;33m'
+CYAN='\033[0;36m'
+NC='\033[0m'
+
+echo ""
+echo -e "${CYAN}╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗${NC}"
+echo -e "${CYAN}║         Stegasoo Trusted Certificate Setup                    ║${NC}"
+echo -e "${CYAN}╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝${NC}"
+echo ""
+
+# Check/install mkcert
+install_mkcert() {
+    if command -v mkcert &> /dev/null; then
+        echo -e "${GREEN}✓${NC} mkcert already installed"
+        return
+    fi
+
+    echo -e "${YELLOW}Installing mkcert...${NC}"
+
+    # Detect OS and install
+    if [[ "$OSTYPE" == "darwin"* ]]; then
+        # macOS
+        if command -v brew &> /dev/null; then
+            brew install mkcert
+        else
+            echo -e "${RED}Please install Homebrew first: https://brew.sh${NC}"
+            exit 1
+        fi
+    elif [[ -f /etc/debian_version ]]; then
+        # Debian/Ubuntu/Raspberry Pi OS
+        sudo apt-get update
+        sudo apt-get install -y libnss3-tools
+
+        # Download mkcert binary
+        ARCH=$(dpkg --print-architecture)
+        if [[ "$ARCH" == "arm64" ]] || [[ "$ARCH" == "aarch64" ]]; then
+            MKCERT_URL="https://github.com/FiloSottile/mkcert/releases/latest/download/mkcert-linux-arm64"
+        else
+            MKCERT_URL="https://github.com/FiloSottile/mkcert/releases/latest/download/mkcert-linux-amd64"
+        fi
+
+        sudo curl -L "$MKCERT_URL" -o /usr/local/bin/mkcert
+        sudo chmod +x /usr/local/bin/mkcert
+    elif [[ -f /etc/arch-release ]]; then
+        # Arch Linux
+        sudo pacman -S mkcert
+    else
+        echo -e "${RED}Unsupported OS. Please install mkcert manually:${NC}"
+        echo "  https://github.com/FiloSottile/mkcert#installation"
+        exit 1
+    fi
+
+    echo -e "${GREEN}✓${NC} mkcert installed"
+}
+
+# Install local CA
+setup_ca() {
+    echo ""
+    echo -e "${CYAN}Setting up local Certificate Authority...${NC}"
+
+    if mkcert -install 2>/dev/null; then
+        echo -e "${GREEN}✓${NC} Local CA installed in system trust store"
+    else
+        echo -e "${YELLOW}!${NC} Could not auto-install CA (may need manual browser import)"
+    fi
+}
+
+# Generate certificates
+generate_certs() {
+    echo ""
+    echo -e "${CYAN}Generating trusted certificate for: ${YELLOW}$HOSTNAME${NC}"
+
+    mkdir -p "$CERT_DIR"
+    cd "$CERT_DIR"
+
+    # Generate cert for hostname + common local names
+    mkcert -key-file key.pem -cert-file cert.pem \
+        "$HOSTNAME" \
+        localhost \
+        127.0.0.1 \
+        ::1
+
+    echo -e "${GREEN}✓${NC} Certificates generated in: $CERT_DIR"
+}
+
+# Show CA location for other devices
+show_ca_info() {
+    CA_ROOT=$(mkcert -CAROOT)
+    CA_FILE="$CA_ROOT/rootCA.pem"
+
+    echo ""
+    echo -e "${CYAN}════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════${NC}"
+    echo -e "${GREEN}  Setup Complete!${NC}"
+    echo -e "${CYAN}════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════${NC}"
+    echo ""
+    echo "Your certificates are ready. Browsers on THIS machine will trust them."
+    echo ""
+    echo -e "${YELLOW}To trust on OTHER devices (phones, tablets, other computers):${NC}"
+    echo ""
+    echo "  1. Copy the CA certificate to that device:"
+    echo -e "     ${CYAN}$CA_FILE${NC}"
+    echo ""
+    echo "  2. Import it as a trusted CA:"
+    echo "     - iOS: AirDrop/email the file, Settings > Profile Downloaded > Install"
+    echo "     - Android: Settings > Security > Install from storage"
+    echo "     - Windows: Double-click > Install > Trusted Root CAs"
+    echo "     - macOS: Double-click > Keychain Access > Trust Always"
+    echo "     - Linux: Copy to /usr/local/share/ca-certificates/ && update-ca-certificates"
+    echo ""
+    echo -e "${YELLOW}Quick copy command:${NC}"
+    echo "  scp $CA_FILE user@device:/path/"
+    echo ""
+
+    # Offer to serve CA file via HTTP for easy phone download
+    echo -e "${YELLOW}Or serve the CA for easy phone download:${NC}"
+    echo "  python3 -m http.server 8080 -d $CA_ROOT"
+    echo "  Then visit: http://$(hostname -I | awk '{print $1}'):8080/rootCA.pem"
+    echo ""
+}
+
+# Main
+install_mkcert
+setup_ca
+generate_certs
+show_ca_info

scripts/smoke-test.sh

@@ -0,0 +1,333 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+#
+# Stegasoo Smoke Test
+# Tests all core functionality against a running instance (Pi, Docker, or dev)
+#
+# Usage: ./smoke-test.sh [host] [port] [user] [pass]
+#
+# Examples:
+#   ./smoke-test.sh                          # Pi default (stegasoo.local:443)
+#   ./smoke-test.sh localhost 5000           # Docker default
+#   ./smoke-test.sh 192.168.1.100 5000       # Custom host
+#
+
+set -e
+
+# Configuration
+HOST="${1:-stegasoo.local}"
+PORT="${2:-443}"
+USER="${3:-admin}"
+PASS="${4:-stegasoo}"
+
+# Build URL (don't include :443 since it's default for https)
+if [ "$PORT" = "443" ]; then
+    BASE_URL="https://$HOST"
+else
+    BASE_URL="https://$HOST:$PORT"
+fi
+COOKIE_JAR="/tmp/stegasoo_smoke_cookies.txt"
+SCRIPT_DIR="$(cd "$(dirname "${BASH_SOURCE[0]}")" && pwd)"
+TEST_DATA="$SCRIPT_DIR/../test_data"
+
+# Colors
+RED='\033[0;31m'
+GREEN='\033[0;32m'
+YELLOW='\033[1;33m'
+CYAN='\033[0;36m'
+NC='\033[0m'
+
+PASSED=0
+FAILED=0
+
+# -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Helper functions
+# -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+log_test() {
+    echo -e "${CYAN}[TEST]${NC} $1"
+}
+
+log_pass() {
+    echo -e "${GREEN}[PASS]${NC} $1"
+    PASSED=$((PASSED + 1))
+}
+
+log_fail() {
+    echo -e "${RED}[FAIL]${NC} $1"
+    FAILED=$((FAILED + 1))
+}
+
+curl_get() {
+    curl -sk "$BASE_URL$1" -b "$COOKIE_JAR" -c "$COOKIE_JAR" "${@:2}"
+}
+
+curl_post() {
+    curl -sk -X POST "$BASE_URL$1" -b "$COOKIE_JAR" -c "$COOKIE_JAR" "${@:2}"
+}
+
+wait_for_job() {
+    local endpoint="$1"
+    local job_id="$2"
+    local max_polls="${3:-30}"
+
+    for i in $(seq 1 $max_polls); do
+        sleep 1
+        result=$(curl_get "$endpoint/$job_id")
+        if echo "$result" | grep -q '"status":\s*"complete"'; then
+            echo "$result"
+            return 0
+        fi
+        if echo "$result" | grep -q '"status":\s*"error"'; then
+            echo "$result"
+            return 1
+        fi
+    done
+    echo '{"status":"timeout"}'
+    return 1
+}
+
+# -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Tests
+# -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+test_connectivity() {
+    log_test "Connectivity to $BASE_URL"
+    if curl -sk --connect-timeout 5 "$BASE_URL" -o /dev/null; then
+        log_pass "Server reachable"
+    else
+        log_fail "Cannot reach server"
+        exit 1
+    fi
+}
+
+test_setup_or_login() {
+    log_test "Setup/Login"
+
+    # Check if setup needed
+    response=$(curl_get "/" -L -o /dev/null -w "%{url_effective}")
+
+    if echo "$response" | grep -q "/setup"; then
+        log_test "Completing first-time setup..."
+        curl_post "/setup" \
+            -d "username=$USER" \
+            -d "password=$PASS" \
+            -d "password_confirm=$PASS" \
+            -L -o /dev/null
+    fi
+
+    # Login
+    curl_get "/login" -o /dev/null  # Get session
+    curl_post "/login" \
+        -d "username=$USER" \
+        -d "password=$PASS" \
+        -L -o /dev/null
+
+    # Verify logged in
+    code=$(curl_get "/encode" -o /dev/null -w "%{http_code}")
+    if [ "$code" = "200" ]; then
+        log_pass "Authenticated successfully"
+    else
+        log_fail "Authentication failed (got $code)"
+    fi
+}
+
+test_pages() {
+    log_test "Page accessibility"
+
+    local pages="encode decode generate tools about"
+    local all_pass=true
+
+    for page in $pages; do
+        code=$(curl_get "/$page" -o /dev/null -w "%{http_code}")
+        if [ "$code" = "200" ]; then
+            echo -e "  ${GREEN}✓${NC} /$page"
+        else
+            echo -e "  ${RED}✗${NC} /$page ($code)"
+            all_pass=false
+        fi
+    done
+
+    if $all_pass; then
+        log_pass "All pages accessible"
+    else
+        log_fail "Some pages inaccessible"
+    fi
+}
+
+test_encode_decode_dct() {
+    log_test "DCT Encode/Decode round trip"
+
+    local message="DCT smoke test $(date +%s)"
+
+    # Encode
+    response=$(curl_post "/encode" \
+        -F "reference_photo=@$TEST_DATA/ref.jpg" \
+        -F "carrier=@$TEST_DATA/carrier.jpg" \
+        -F "message=$message" \
+        -F "passphrase=tower booty sunny windy" \
+        -F "pin=727643678" \
+        -F "embed_mode=dct" \
+        -F "channel_key=auto" \
+        -F "async=true")
+
+    job_id=$(echo "$response" | grep -oP '"job_id":\s*"[^"]+"' | cut -d'"' -f4)
+
+    if [ -z "$job_id" ]; then
+        log_fail "DCT encode - no job ID returned"
+        return
+    fi
+
+    # Wait for encode
+    result=$(wait_for_job "/encode/status" "$job_id" 15)
+    if ! echo "$result" | grep -q '"status":\s*"complete"'; then
+        log_fail "DCT encode timeout or error"
+        return
+    fi
+
+    file_id=$(echo "$result" | grep -oP '"file_id":\s*"[^"]+"' | cut -d'"' -f4)
+    curl_get "/encode/download/$file_id" -o /tmp/stego_dct_test.jpg
+
+    echo -e "  ${GREEN}✓${NC} Encoded $(ls -lh /tmp/stego_dct_test.jpg | awk '{print $5}')"
+
+    # Decode
+    response=$(curl_post "/decode" \
+        -F "reference_photo=@$TEST_DATA/ref.jpg" \
+        -F "stego_image=@/tmp/stego_dct_test.jpg" \
+        -F "passphrase=tower booty sunny windy" \
+        -F "pin=727643678" \
+        -F "embed_mode=auto" \
+        -F "channel_key=auto" \
+        -F "async=true")
+
+    job_id=$(echo "$response" | grep -oP '"job_id":\s*"[^"]+"' | cut -d'"' -f4)
+
+    # Wait for decode (DCT is slower on Pi)
+    result=$(wait_for_job "/decode/status" "$job_id" 60)
+
+    if echo "$result" | grep -q "$message"; then
+        log_pass "DCT round trip - message verified"
+    else
+        log_fail "DCT decode - message mismatch"
+        echo "  Expected: $message"
+        echo "  Got: $result"
+    fi
+}
+
+test_encode_decode_lsb() {
+    log_test "LSB Encode/Decode round trip"
+
+    local message="LSB smoke test $(date +%s)"
+
+    # Encode
+    response=$(curl_post "/encode" \
+        -F "reference_photo=@$TEST_DATA/ref.jpg" \
+        -F "carrier=@$TEST_DATA/carrier.jpg" \
+        -F "message=$message" \
+        -F "passphrase=tower booty sunny windy" \
+        -F "pin=727643678" \
+        -F "embed_mode=lsb" \
+        -F "channel_key=auto" \
+        -F "async=true")
+
+    job_id=$(echo "$response" | grep -oP '"job_id":\s*"[^"]+"' | cut -d'"' -f4)
+
+    if [ -z "$job_id" ]; then
+        log_fail "LSB encode - no job ID returned"
+        return
+    fi
+
+    result=$(wait_for_job "/encode/status" "$job_id" 10)
+    if ! echo "$result" | grep -q '"status":\s*"complete"'; then
+        log_fail "LSB encode timeout or error"
+        return
+    fi
+
+    file_id=$(echo "$result" | grep -oP '"file_id":\s*"[^"]+"' | cut -d'"' -f4)
+    curl_get "/encode/download/$file_id" -o /tmp/stego_lsb_test.png
+
+    echo -e "  ${GREEN}✓${NC} Encoded $(ls -lh /tmp/stego_lsb_test.png | awk '{print $5}')"
+
+    # Decode
+    response=$(curl_post "/decode" \
+        -F "reference_photo=@$TEST_DATA/ref.jpg" \
+        -F "stego_image=@/tmp/stego_lsb_test.png" \
+        -F "passphrase=tower booty sunny windy" \
+        -F "pin=727643678" \
+        -F "embed_mode=lsb" \
+        -F "channel_key=auto" \
+        -F "async=true")
+
+    job_id=$(echo "$response" | grep -oP '"job_id":\s*"[^"]+"' | cut -d'"' -f4)
+    result=$(wait_for_job "/decode/status" "$job_id" 15)
+
+    if echo "$result" | grep -q "$message"; then
+        log_pass "LSB round trip - message verified"
+    else
+        log_fail "LSB decode - message mismatch"
+    fi
+}
+
+test_tools() {
+    log_test "Tools endpoints"
+
+    # Capacity check
+    response=$(curl_post "/api/tools/capacity" \
+        -F "image=@$TEST_DATA/carrier.jpg" \
+        -w "%{http_code}" -o /tmp/capacity_result.json)
+
+    if [ "$response" = "200" ]; then
+        echo -e "  ${GREEN}✓${NC} Capacity check"
+    else
+        echo -e "  ${RED}✗${NC} Capacity check ($response)"
+    fi
+
+    # EXIF read
+    response=$(curl_post "/api/tools/exif" \
+        -F "image=@$TEST_DATA/carrier.jpg" \
+        -w "%{http_code}" -o /tmp/exif_result.json)
+
+    if [ "$response" = "200" ]; then
+        echo -e "  ${GREEN}✓${NC} EXIF read"
+        log_pass "Tools API works"
+    else
+        echo -e "  ${RED}✗${NC} EXIF read ($response)"
+        log_fail "Tools API failed"
+    fi
+}
+
+# -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Main
+# -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+echo ""
+echo -e "${CYAN}╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗${NC}"
+echo -e "${CYAN}║              Stegasoo Smoke Test                              ║${NC}"
+echo -e "${CYAN}╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝${NC}"
+echo ""
+echo -e "Target: ${YELLOW}$BASE_URL${NC}"
+echo -e "User:   ${YELLOW}$USER${NC}"
+echo ""
+
+# Clean up
+rm -f "$COOKIE_JAR" /tmp/stego_*_test.* /tmp/exif_stripped.jpg
+
+# Run tests
+test_connectivity
+test_setup_or_login
+test_pages
+test_encode_decode_lsb
+test_encode_decode_dct
+test_tools
+
+# Summary
+echo ""
+echo -e "${CYAN}════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════${NC}"
+echo -e "Results: ${GREEN}$PASSED passed${NC}, ${RED}$FAILED failed${NC}"
+echo -e "${CYAN}════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════${NC}"
+
+# Clean up
+rm -f "$COOKIE_JAR"
+
+if [ $FAILED -gt 0 ]; then
+    exit 1
+fi