feat(silo): replace modal new-item dialog with MDI pre-document tab

Extract SchemaFormWidget from SchemaFormDialog so the creation form
can be embedded as a plain QWidget in an MDI subwindow tab.  Each
Ctrl+N invocation opens a new tab alongside document tabs.  On
successful creation the pre-document tab closes and the real document
opens in its place.

- SchemaFormWidget emits item_created/cancelled signals
- SchemaFormDialog preserved as thin modal wrapper for backward compat
- Inline error display replaces modal QMessageBox
- Live tab title updates from part number preview

freecad/InitGui.py

@@ -35,9 +35,20 @@ class SiloWorkbench(FreeCADGui.Workbench):
         except Exception as e:
             FreeCAD.Console.PrintWarning(f"Could not register Silo origin: {e}\n")
 
+        # Silo origin toolbar — shown as an overlay on any context when the
+        # active document is Silo-tracked.  Registered as Unavailable so
+        # EditingContextResolver controls visibility via the overlay system.
+        self.silo_toolbar_commands = [
+            "Silo_Commit",
+            "Silo_Pull",
+            "Silo_Push",
+            "Separator",
+            "Silo_Info",
+            "Silo_BOM",
+        ]
+        self.appendToolbar("Silo Origin", self.silo_toolbar_commands, "Unavailable")
+
         # Silo menu provides admin/management commands.
-        # File operations (New/Open/Save) are handled by the standard File
-        # toolbar via the origin system -- no separate Silo toolbar needed.
         self.menu_commands = [
             "Silo_Info",
             "Silo_BOM",
@@ -48,6 +59,7 @@ class SiloWorkbench(FreeCADGui.Workbench):
             "Silo_Settings",
             "Silo_Auth",
             "Silo_StartPanel",
+            "Silo_Diag",
         ]
 
         self.appendMenu("Silo", self.menu_commands)
@@ -66,3 +78,67 @@ class SiloWorkbench(FreeCADGui.Workbench):
 
 FreeCADGui.addWorkbench(SiloWorkbench())
 FreeCAD.Console.PrintMessage("Silo workbench registered\n")
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Silo overlay context — adds "Silo Origin" toolbar to any active context
+# when the current document is Silo-tracked.
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+def _register_silo_overlay():
+    """Register the Silo overlay after the Silo workbench has initialised."""
+
+    def _silo_overlay_match():
+        """Return True if the active document is Silo-tracked."""
+        try:
+            doc = FreeCAD.ActiveDocument
+            if not doc:
+                return False
+            from silo_origin import get_silo_origin
+
+            origin = get_silo_origin()
+            return origin.ownsDocument(doc)
+        except Exception:
+            return False
+
+    try:
+        FreeCADGui.registerEditingOverlay(
+            "silo",  # overlay id
+            ["Silo Origin"],  # toolbar names to append
+            _silo_overlay_match,  # match function
+        )
+    except Exception as e:
+        FreeCAD.Console.PrintWarning(f"Silo overlay registration failed: {e}\n")
+
+
+from PySide import QtCore as _QtCore
+
+_QtCore.QTimer.singleShot(2500, _register_silo_overlay)
+
+
+# Override the Start page with Silo-aware version (must happen before
+# the C++ StartLauncher fires at ~100ms after GUI init)
+try:
+    import silo_start
+
+    silo_start.register()
+except Exception as e:
+    FreeCAD.Console.PrintWarning(f"Silo Start page override failed: {e}\n")
+
+
+# Handle kindred:// URLs passed as command-line arguments on cold start.
+# Delayed to run after the GUI is fully initialised and the Silo addon has
+# loaded its client/sync objects.
+def _handle_startup_urls():
+    """Process any kindred:// URLs passed as command-line arguments."""
+    import sys
+
+    from silo_commands import handle_kindred_url
+
+    for arg in sys.argv[1:]:
+        if arg.startswith("kindred://"):
+            handle_kindred_url(arg)
+
+
+_QtCore.QTimer.singleShot(500, _handle_startup_urls)

freecad/resources/icons/silo-rollback.svg

@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#cba6f7" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round">
+  <!-- Counter-clockwise arrow -->
+  <polyline points="1 4 1 10 7 10" stroke="#f38ba8"/>
+  <path d="M3.51 15a9 9 0 1 0 2.13-9.36L1 10" stroke="#cba6f7"/>
+  <!-- Clock hands -->
+  <line x1="12" y1="7" x2="12" y2="12" stroke="#89dceb" stroke-width="1.5"/>
+  <line x1="12" y1="12" x2="15" y2="14" stroke="#89dceb" stroke-width="1.5"/>
+</svg>

freecad/resources/icons/silo-status.svg

@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#cba6f7" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round">
+  <!-- Shield shape -->
+  <path d="M12 22s8-4 8-10V5l-8-3-8 3v7c0 6 8 10 8 10z" fill="#313244"/>
+  <!-- Status bars -->
+  <line x1="8" y1="10" x2="16" y2="10" stroke="#a6e3a1" stroke-width="1.5"/>
+  <line x1="8" y1="14" x2="13" y2="14" stroke="#89dceb" stroke-width="1.5"/>
+</svg>

freecad/resources/icons/silo-tag.svg

@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#cba6f7" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round">
+  <!-- Tag shape -->
+  <path d="M20.59 13.41l-7.17 7.17a2 2 0 0 1-2.83 0L2 12V2h10l8.59 8.59a2 2 0 0 1 0 2.82z" fill="#313244"/>
+  <!-- Tag hole -->
+  <circle cx="7" cy="7" r="1.5" fill="#cba6f7" stroke="none"/>
+</svg>

freecad/schema_form.py

@@ -0,0 +1,629 @@
+"""Schema-driven new-item form for Kindred Create.
+
+Fetches schema data from the Silo REST API and builds a dynamic Qt form
+that mirrors the React ``CreateItemPane`` — category picker, property
+fields grouped by domain, live part number preview, and project tagging.
+
+The primary widget is :class:`SchemaFormWidget` (a plain ``QWidget``)
+which can be embedded in an MDI tab, dock panel, or wrapped in the
+backward-compatible :class:`SchemaFormDialog` modal.
+"""
+
+import json
+import urllib.error
+import urllib.parse
+import urllib.request
+
+import FreeCAD
+from PySide import QtCore, QtGui, QtWidgets
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Domain labels derived from the first character of category codes.
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+_DOMAIN_LABELS = {
+    "F": "Fasteners",
+    "C": "Fluid Fittings",
+    "R": "Motion Components",
+    "S": "Structural",
+    "E": "Electrical",
+    "M": "Mechanical",
+    "T": "Tooling",
+    "A": "Assemblies",
+    "P": "Purchased",
+    "X": "Custom Fabricated",
+}
+
+_ITEM_TYPES = ["part", "assembly", "consumable", "tool"]
+_SOURCING_TYPES = ["manufactured", "purchased"]
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Collapsible group box
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+class _CollapsibleGroup(QtWidgets.QGroupBox):
+    """A QGroupBox that can be collapsed by clicking its title."""
+
+    def __init__(self, title: str, parent=None, collapsed=False):
+        super().__init__(title, parent)
+        self.setCheckable(True)
+        self.setChecked(not collapsed)
+        self.toggled.connect(self._on_toggled)
+        self._content = QtWidgets.QWidget()
+        self._layout = QtWidgets.QFormLayout(self._content)
+        self._layout.setContentsMargins(8, 4, 8, 4)
+        self._layout.setSpacing(6)
+
+        outer = QtWidgets.QVBoxLayout(self)
+        outer.setContentsMargins(0, 4, 0, 0)
+        outer.addWidget(self._content)
+
+        if collapsed:
+            self._content.hide()
+
+    def form_layout(self) -> QtWidgets.QFormLayout:
+        return self._layout
+
+    def _on_toggled(self, checked: bool):
+        self._content.setVisible(checked)
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Category picker (domain combo → subcategory combo)
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+class _CategoryPicker(QtWidgets.QWidget):
+    """Two chained combo boxes: domain group → subcategory within that group."""
+
+    category_changed = QtCore.Signal(str)  # emits full code e.g. "F01"
+
+    def __init__(self, categories: dict, parent=None):
+        super().__init__(parent)
+        self._categories = categories  # {code: description, ...}
+
+        # Group by first character
+        self._groups = {}  # {prefix: [(code, desc), ...]}
+        for code, desc in sorted(categories.items()):
+            prefix = code[0] if code else "?"
+            self._groups.setdefault(prefix, []).append((code, desc))
+
+        layout = QtWidgets.QHBoxLayout(self)
+        layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        layout.setSpacing(8)
+
+        self._domain_combo = QtWidgets.QComboBox()
+        self._domain_combo.addItem("-- Select domain --", "")
+        for prefix in sorted(self._groups.keys()):
+            label = _DOMAIN_LABELS.get(prefix, prefix)
+            count = len(self._groups[prefix])
+            self._domain_combo.addItem(f"{prefix} \u2014 {label} ({count})", prefix)
+        self._domain_combo.currentIndexChanged.connect(self._on_domain_changed)
+        layout.addWidget(self._domain_combo, 1)
+
+        self._sub_combo = QtWidgets.QComboBox()
+        self._sub_combo.setEnabled(False)
+        self._sub_combo.currentIndexChanged.connect(self._on_sub_changed)
+        layout.addWidget(self._sub_combo, 1)
+
+    def selected_category(self) -> str:
+        return self._sub_combo.currentData() or ""
+
+    def _on_domain_changed(self, _index: int):
+        prefix = self._domain_combo.currentData()
+        self._sub_combo.clear()
+        if not prefix:
+            self._sub_combo.setEnabled(False)
+            self.category_changed.emit("")
+            return
+
+        self._sub_combo.setEnabled(True)
+        self._sub_combo.addItem("-- Select subcategory --", "")
+        for code, desc in self._groups.get(prefix, []):
+            self._sub_combo.addItem(f"{code} \u2014 {desc}", code)
+
+    def _on_sub_changed(self, _index: int):
+        code = self._sub_combo.currentData() or ""
+        self.category_changed.emit(code)
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Property field factory
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+def _make_field(prop_def: dict) -> QtWidgets.QWidget:
+    """Create a Qt widget for a property definition.
+
+    ``prop_def`` has keys: type, default, unit, description, required.
+    """
+    ptype = prop_def.get("type", "string")
+
+    if ptype == "boolean":
+        cb = QtWidgets.QCheckBox()
+        default = prop_def.get("default")
+        if default is True:
+            cb.setChecked(True)
+        if prop_def.get("description"):
+            cb.setToolTip(prop_def["description"])
+        return cb
+
+    if ptype == "number":
+        container = QtWidgets.QWidget()
+        h = QtWidgets.QHBoxLayout(container)
+        h.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        h.setSpacing(4)
+
+        spin = QtWidgets.QDoubleSpinBox()
+        spin.setDecimals(4)
+        spin.setRange(-1e9, 1e9)
+        spin.setSpecialValueText("")  # show empty when at minimum
+        default = prop_def.get("default")
+        if default is not None and default != "":
+            try:
+                spin.setValue(float(default))
+            except (ValueError, TypeError):
+                pass
+        else:
+            spin.clear()
+        if prop_def.get("description"):
+            spin.setToolTip(prop_def["description"])
+        h.addWidget(spin, 1)
+
+        unit = prop_def.get("unit", "")
+        if unit:
+            unit_label = QtWidgets.QLabel(unit)
+            unit_label.setFixedWidth(40)
+            h.addWidget(unit_label)
+
+        return container
+
+    # Default: string
+    le = QtWidgets.QLineEdit()
+    default = prop_def.get("default")
+    if default and isinstance(default, str):
+        le.setText(default)
+    if prop_def.get("description"):
+        le.setPlaceholderText(prop_def["description"])
+        le.setToolTip(prop_def["description"])
+    return le
+
+
+def _read_field(widget: QtWidgets.QWidget, prop_def: dict):
+    """Extract the value from a property widget, type-converted."""
+    ptype = prop_def.get("type", "string")
+
+    if ptype == "boolean":
+        return widget.isChecked()
+
+    if ptype == "number":
+        spin = widget.findChild(QtWidgets.QDoubleSpinBox)
+        if spin is None:
+            return None
+        text = spin.text().strip()
+        if not text:
+            return None
+        return spin.value()
+
+    # string
+    if isinstance(widget, QtWidgets.QLineEdit):
+        val = widget.text().strip()
+        return val if val else None
+    return None
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Embeddable form widget
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+class SchemaFormWidget(QtWidgets.QWidget):
+    """Schema-driven new-item form widget.
+
+    A plain ``QWidget`` that can be embedded in an MDI subwindow, dock
+    panel, or dialog.  Emits :pyqt:`item_created` on successful creation
+    and :pyqt:`cancelled` when the user clicks Cancel.
+    """
+
+    item_created = QtCore.Signal(dict)
+    cancelled = QtCore.Signal()
+
+    def __init__(self, client, parent=None):
+        super().__init__(parent)
+        self._client = client
+        self._prop_widgets = {}  # {key: (widget, prop_def)}
+        self._prop_groups = []  # list of _CollapsibleGroup to clear on category change
+        self._categories = {}
+        self._projects = []
+
+        self._load_schema_data()
+        self._build_ui()
+
+        # Part number preview debounce timer
+        self._pn_timer = QtCore.QTimer(self)
+        self._pn_timer.setSingleShot(True)
+        self._pn_timer.setInterval(500)
+        self._pn_timer.timeout.connect(self._update_pn_preview)
+
+    # -- data loading -------------------------------------------------------
+
+    def _load_schema_data(self):
+        """Fetch categories and projects from the API."""
+        try:
+            schema = self._client.get_schema()
+            segments = schema.get("segments", [])
+            cat_segment = next((s for s in segments if s.get("name") == "category"), None)
+            if cat_segment and cat_segment.get("values"):
+                self._categories = cat_segment["values"]
+        except Exception as e:
+            FreeCAD.Console.PrintWarning(f"Schema form: failed to fetch schema: {e}\n")
+
+        try:
+            self._projects = self._client.get_projects() or []
+        except Exception:
+            self._projects = []
+
+    def _fetch_properties(self, category: str) -> dict:
+        """Fetch merged property definitions for a category."""
+        from silo_commands import _get_api_url, _get_auth_headers, _get_ssl_context
+
+        api_url = _get_api_url().rstrip("/")
+        url = f"{api_url}/schemas/kindred-rd/properties?category={urllib.parse.quote(category)}"
+        req = urllib.request.Request(url, method="GET")
+        req.add_header("Accept", "application/json")
+        for k, v in _get_auth_headers().items():
+            req.add_header(k, v)
+        try:
+            resp = urllib.request.urlopen(req, context=_get_ssl_context(), timeout=5)
+            data = json.loads(resp.read().decode("utf-8"))
+            return data.get("properties", data)
+        except Exception as e:
+            FreeCAD.Console.PrintWarning(
+                f"Schema form: failed to fetch properties for {category}: {e}\n"
+            )
+            return {}
+
+    def _generate_pn_preview(self, category: str) -> str:
+        """Call the server to preview the next part number."""
+        from silo_commands import _get_api_url, _get_auth_headers, _get_ssl_context
+
+        api_url = _get_api_url().rstrip("/")
+        url = f"{api_url}/generate-part-number"
+        payload = json.dumps({"schema": "kindred-rd", "category": category}).encode()
+        req = urllib.request.Request(url, data=payload, method="POST")
+        req.add_header("Content-Type", "application/json")
+        req.add_header("Accept", "application/json")
+        for k, v in _get_auth_headers().items():
+            req.add_header(k, v)
+        try:
+            resp = urllib.request.urlopen(req, context=_get_ssl_context(), timeout=5)
+            data = json.loads(resp.read().decode("utf-8"))
+            return data.get("part_number", "")
+        except Exception:
+            return ""
+
+    # -- UI construction ----------------------------------------------------
+
+    def _build_ui(self):
+        root = QtWidgets.QVBoxLayout(self)
+        root.setSpacing(8)
+
+        # Inline error label (hidden by default)
+        self._error_label = QtWidgets.QLabel()
+        self._error_label.setStyleSheet(
+            "background-color: #f38ba8; color: #1e1e2e; "
+            "padding: 8px; border-radius: 4px; font-weight: bold;"
+        )
+        self._error_label.setAlignment(QtCore.Qt.AlignCenter)
+        self._error_label.hide()
+        root.addWidget(self._error_label)
+
+        # Part number preview banner
+        self._pn_label = QtWidgets.QLabel("Part Number: \u2014")
+        self._pn_label.setStyleSheet("font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; padding: 8px;")
+        self._pn_label.setAlignment(QtCore.Qt.AlignCenter)
+        root.addWidget(self._pn_label)
+
+        # Scroll area for form content
+        scroll = QtWidgets.QScrollArea()
+        scroll.setWidgetResizable(True)
+        scroll.setFrameShape(QtWidgets.QFrame.NoFrame)
+        scroll_content = QtWidgets.QWidget()
+        self._form_layout = QtWidgets.QVBoxLayout(scroll_content)
+        self._form_layout.setSpacing(8)
+        self._form_layout.setContentsMargins(8, 4, 8, 4)
+        scroll.setWidget(scroll_content)
+        root.addWidget(scroll, 1)
+
+        # --- Identity section ---
+        identity = _CollapsibleGroup("Identity")
+        fl = identity.form_layout()
+
+        self._type_combo = QtWidgets.QComboBox()
+        for t in _ITEM_TYPES:
+            self._type_combo.addItem(t.capitalize(), t)
+        fl.addRow("Type:", self._type_combo)
+
+        self._desc_edit = QtWidgets.QLineEdit()
+        self._desc_edit.setPlaceholderText("Item description")
+        fl.addRow("Description:", self._desc_edit)
+
+        self._cat_picker = _CategoryPicker(self._categories)
+        self._cat_picker.category_changed.connect(self._on_category_changed)
+        fl.addRow("Category:", self._cat_picker)
+
+        self._form_layout.addWidget(identity)
+
+        # --- Sourcing section ---
+        sourcing = _CollapsibleGroup("Sourcing", collapsed=True)
+        fl = sourcing.form_layout()
+
+        self._sourcing_combo = QtWidgets.QComboBox()
+        for s in _SOURCING_TYPES:
+            self._sourcing_combo.addItem(s.capitalize(), s)
+        fl.addRow("Sourcing:", self._sourcing_combo)
+
+        self._cost_spin = QtWidgets.QDoubleSpinBox()
+        self._cost_spin.setDecimals(2)
+        self._cost_spin.setRange(0, 1e9)
+        self._cost_spin.setPrefix("$ ")
+        self._cost_spin.setSpecialValueText("")
+        fl.addRow("Standard Cost:", self._cost_spin)
+
+        self._sourcing_url = QtWidgets.QLineEdit()
+        self._sourcing_url.setPlaceholderText("https://...")
+        fl.addRow("Sourcing URL:", self._sourcing_url)
+
+        self._form_layout.addWidget(sourcing)
+
+        # --- Details section ---
+        details = _CollapsibleGroup("Details", collapsed=True)
+        fl = details.form_layout()
+
+        self._long_desc = QtWidgets.QTextEdit()
+        self._long_desc.setMaximumHeight(80)
+        self._long_desc.setPlaceholderText("Detailed description...")
+        fl.addRow("Long Description:", self._long_desc)
+
+        # Project selection
+        self._project_list = QtWidgets.QListWidget()
+        self._project_list.setSelectionMode(QtWidgets.QAbstractItemView.MultiSelection)
+        self._project_list.setMaximumHeight(100)
+        for proj in self._projects:
+            code = proj.get("code", "")
+            name = proj.get("name", "")
+            label = f"{code} \u2014 {name}" if name else code
+            item = QtWidgets.QListWidgetItem(label)
+            item.setData(QtCore.Qt.UserRole, code)
+            self._project_list.addItem(item)
+        if self._projects:
+            fl.addRow("Projects:", self._project_list)
+
+        self._form_layout.addWidget(details)
+
+        # --- Dynamic property groups (inserted here on category change) ---
+        self._prop_insert_index = self._form_layout.count()
+
+        # Spacer
+        self._form_layout.addStretch()
+
+        # --- Buttons ---
+        btn_layout = QtWidgets.QHBoxLayout()
+        btn_layout.addStretch()
+
+        self._cancel_btn = QtWidgets.QPushButton("Cancel")
+        self._cancel_btn.clicked.connect(self.cancelled.emit)
+        btn_layout.addWidget(self._cancel_btn)
+
+        self._create_btn = QtWidgets.QPushButton("Create")
+        self._create_btn.setEnabled(False)
+        self._create_btn.setDefault(True)
+        self._create_btn.clicked.connect(self._on_create)
+        btn_layout.addWidget(self._create_btn)
+
+        root.addLayout(btn_layout)
+
+    # -- category change ----------------------------------------------------
+
+    def _on_category_changed(self, category: str):
+        """Rebuild property groups when category selection changes."""
+        self._create_btn.setEnabled(bool(category))
+
+        # Remove old property groups
+        for group in self._prop_groups:
+            self._form_layout.removeWidget(group)
+            group.deleteLater()
+        self._prop_groups.clear()
+        self._prop_widgets.clear()
+
+        if not category:
+            self._pn_label.setText("Part Number: \u2014")
+            return
+
+        # Trigger part number preview
+        self._pn_timer.start()
+
+        # Fetch properties
+        all_props = self._fetch_properties(category)
+        if not all_props:
+            return
+
+        # Separate into category-specific and common (default) properties.
+        # The server merges them but we can identify category-specific ones
+        # by checking what the schema defines for this category prefix.
+        prefix = category[0]
+        domain_label = _DOMAIN_LABELS.get(prefix, prefix)
+
+        # We fetch the raw schema to determine which keys are category-specific.
+        # For now, use a heuristic: keys that are NOT in the well-known defaults
+        # list are category-specific.
+        _KNOWN_DEFAULTS = {
+            "manufacturer",
+            "manufacturer_pn",
+            "supplier",
+            "supplier_pn",
+            "sourcing_link",
+            "standard_cost",
+            "lead_time_days",
+            "minimum_order_qty",
+            "lifecycle_status",
+            "rohs_compliant",
+            "country_of_origin",
+            "notes",
+        }
+
+        cat_specific = {}
+        common = {}
+        for key, pdef in sorted(all_props.items()):
+            if key in _KNOWN_DEFAULTS:
+                common[key] = pdef
+            else:
+                cat_specific[key] = pdef
+
+        insert_pos = self._prop_insert_index
+
+        # Category-specific properties group
+        if cat_specific:
+            group = _CollapsibleGroup(f"{domain_label} Properties")
+            fl = group.form_layout()
+            for key, pdef in cat_specific.items():
+                label = key.replace("_", " ").title()
+                widget = _make_field(pdef)
+                fl.addRow(f"{label}:", widget)
+                self._prop_widgets[key] = (widget, pdef)
+            self._form_layout.insertWidget(insert_pos, group)
+            self._prop_groups.append(group)
+            insert_pos += 1
+
+        # Common properties group (collapsed by default)
+        if common:
+            group = _CollapsibleGroup("Common Properties", collapsed=True)
+            fl = group.form_layout()
+            for key, pdef in common.items():
+                label = key.replace("_", " ").title()
+                widget = _make_field(pdef)
+                fl.addRow(f"{label}:", widget)
+                self._prop_widgets[key] = (widget, pdef)
+            self._form_layout.insertWidget(insert_pos, group)
+            self._prop_groups.append(group)
+
+    def _update_pn_preview(self):
+        """Fetch and display the next part number preview."""
+        category = self._cat_picker.selected_category()
+        if not category:
+            self._pn_label.setText("Part Number: \u2014")
+            return
+
+        pn = self._generate_pn_preview(category)
+        if pn:
+            self._pn_label.setText(f"Part Number: {pn}")
+            self.setWindowTitle(f"New: {pn}")
+        else:
+            self._pn_label.setText(f"Part Number: {category}-????")
+            self.setWindowTitle(f"New: {category}-????")
+
+    # -- submission ---------------------------------------------------------
+
+    def _collect_form_data(self) -> dict:
+        """Collect all form values into a dict suitable for create_item."""
+        category = self._cat_picker.selected_category()
+        description = self._desc_edit.text().strip()
+        item_type = self._type_combo.currentData()
+        sourcing_type = self._sourcing_combo.currentData()
+        cost_text = self._cost_spin.text().strip().lstrip("$ ")
+        standard_cost = float(cost_text) if cost_text else None
+        sourcing_link = self._sourcing_url.text().strip() or None
+        long_description = self._long_desc.toPlainText().strip() or None
+
+        # Projects
+        selected_projects = []
+        for item in self._project_list.selectedItems():
+            code = item.data(QtCore.Qt.UserRole)
+            if code:
+                selected_projects.append(code)
+
+        # Properties
+        properties = {}
+        for key, (widget, pdef) in self._prop_widgets.items():
+            val = _read_field(widget, pdef)
+            if val is not None and val != "":
+                properties[key] = val
+
+        return {
+            "category": category,
+            "description": description,
+            "item_type": item_type,
+            "sourcing_type": sourcing_type,
+            "standard_cost": standard_cost,
+            "sourcing_link": sourcing_link,
+            "long_description": long_description,
+            "projects": selected_projects if selected_projects else None,
+            "properties": properties if properties else None,
+        }
+
+    def _on_create(self):
+        """Validate and submit the form."""
+        self._error_label.hide()
+        data = self._collect_form_data()
+
+        if not data["category"]:
+            self._error_label.setText("Category is required.")
+            self._error_label.show()
+            return
+
+        try:
+            result = self._client.create_item(
+                "kindred-rd",
+                data["category"],
+                data["description"],
+                projects=data["projects"],
+            )
+            result["_form_data"] = data
+            self.item_created.emit(result)
+        except Exception as e:
+            self._error_label.setText(f"Failed to create item: {e}")
+            self._error_label.show()
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Modal dialog wrapper (backward compatibility)
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+class SchemaFormDialog(QtWidgets.QDialog):
+    """Modal dialog wrapper around :class:`SchemaFormWidget`.
+
+    Provides the same ``exec_and_create()`` API as the original
+    implementation for callers that still need blocking modal behavior.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, client, parent=None):
+        super().__init__(parent)
+        self.setWindowTitle("New Item")
+        self.setMinimumSize(600, 500)
+        self.resize(680, 700)
+        self._result = None
+
+        layout = QtWidgets.QVBoxLayout(self)
+        layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        self._form = SchemaFormWidget(client, parent=self)
+        self._form.item_created.connect(self._on_created)
+        self._form.cancelled.connect(self.reject)
+        layout.addWidget(self._form)
+
+    @property
+    def _desc_edit(self):
+        """Expose description field for pre-fill by callers."""
+        return self._form._desc_edit
+
+    def _on_created(self, result):
+        self._result = result
+        self.accept()
+
+    def exec_and_create(self):
+        """Show dialog and return the creation result, or None if cancelled."""
+        if self.exec_() == QtWidgets.QDialog.Accepted:
+            return self._result
+        return None

freecad/silo_origin.py

@@ -299,9 +299,7 @@ class SiloOrigin:
             Created App.Document or None
         """
         try:
-            cmd = FreeCADGui.Command.get("Silo_New")
-            if cmd:
-                cmd.Activated()
+            FreeCADGui.runCommand("Silo_New")
             return FreeCAD.ActiveDocument
         except Exception as e:
             FreeCAD.Console.PrintError(f"Silo new document failed: {e}\n")
@@ -322,9 +320,7 @@ class SiloOrigin:
         if not identity:
             # No identity - show search dialog
             try:
-                cmd = FreeCADGui.Command.get("Silo_Open")
-                if cmd:
-                    cmd.Activated()
+                FreeCADGui.runCommand("Silo_Open")
                 return FreeCAD.ActiveDocument
             except Exception as e:
                 FreeCAD.Console.PrintError(f"Silo open failed: {e}\n")
@@ -354,9 +350,7 @@ class SiloOrigin:
             Opened App.Document or None
         """
         try:
-            cmd = FreeCADGui.Command.get("Silo_Open")
-            if cmd:
-                cmd.Activated()
+            FreeCADGui.runCommand("Silo_Open")
             return FreeCAD.ActiveDocument
         except Exception as e:
             FreeCAD.Console.PrintError(f"Silo open failed: {e}\n")
@@ -398,12 +392,17 @@ class SiloOrigin:
                 obj.SiloPartNumber, str(file_path), properties, comment=""
             )
 
-            # Clear modified flag
-            doc.Modified = False
+            # Clear modified flag (Modified is on Gui.Document, not App.Document)
+            gui_doc = FreeCADGui.getDocument(doc.Name)
+            if gui_doc:
+                gui_doc.Modified = False
 
             return True
         except Exception as e:
+            import traceback
+
             FreeCAD.Console.PrintError(f"Silo save failed: {e}\n")
+            FreeCAD.Console.PrintError(traceback.format_exc())
             return False
 
     def saveDocumentAs(self, doc, newIdentity: str) -> bool:
@@ -473,10 +472,8 @@ class SiloOrigin:
             True if command was executed
         """
         try:
-            cmd = FreeCADGui.Command.get("Silo_Commit")
-            if cmd:
-                cmd.Activated()
-                return True
+            FreeCADGui.runCommand("Silo_Commit")
+            return True
         except Exception as e:
             FreeCAD.Console.PrintError(f"Silo commit failed: {e}\n")
         return False
@@ -493,10 +490,8 @@ class SiloOrigin:
             True if command was executed
         """
         try:
-            cmd = FreeCADGui.Command.get("Silo_Pull")
-            if cmd:
-                cmd.Activated()
-                return True
+            FreeCADGui.runCommand("Silo_Pull")
+            return True
         except Exception as e:
             FreeCAD.Console.PrintError(f"Silo pull failed: {e}\n")
         return False
@@ -513,10 +508,8 @@ class SiloOrigin:
             True if command was executed
         """
         try:
-            cmd = FreeCADGui.Command.get("Silo_Push")
-            if cmd:
-                cmd.Activated()
-                return True
+            FreeCADGui.runCommand("Silo_Push")
+            return True
         except Exception as e:
             FreeCAD.Console.PrintError(f"Silo push failed: {e}\n")
         return False
@@ -530,9 +523,7 @@ class SiloOrigin:
             doc: FreeCAD App.Document
         """
         try:
-            cmd = FreeCADGui.Command.get("Silo_Info")
-            if cmd:
-                cmd.Activated()
+            FreeCADGui.runCommand("Silo_Info")
         except Exception as e:
             FreeCAD.Console.PrintError(f"Silo info failed: {e}\n")
 
@@ -545,9 +536,7 @@ class SiloOrigin:
             doc: FreeCAD App.Document
         """
         try:
-            cmd = FreeCADGui.Command.get("Silo_BOM")
-            if cmd:
-                cmd.Activated()
+            FreeCADGui.runCommand("Silo_BOM")
         except Exception as e:
             FreeCAD.Console.PrintError(f"Silo BOM failed: {e}\n")
 

freecad/silo_start.py

@@ -0,0 +1,667 @@
+"""Silo Start Page — native Qt start view for Kindred Create.
+
+Replaces the default Start page with a rich native panel that fetches data
+from the Silo REST API, shows real-time activity via SSE, and provides quick
+access to database items and recent local files.
+
+The command override is activated by calling ``register()`` at module level
+from InitGui.py, which overwrites the C++ ``Start_Start`` command.
+"""
+
+import os
+from datetime import datetime
+from pathlib import Path
+
+import FreeCAD
+import FreeCADGui
+from PySide import QtCore, QtGui, QtWidgets
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Catppuccin Mocha palette
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+_MOCHA = {
+    "base": "#1e1e2e",
+    "mantle": "#181825",
+    "crust": "#11111b",
+    "surface0": "#313244",
+    "surface1": "#45475a",
+    "surface2": "#585b70",
+    "text": "#cdd6f4",
+    "subtext0": "#a6adc8",
+    "subtext1": "#bac2de",
+    "blue": "#89b4fa",
+    "green": "#a6e3a1",
+    "red": "#f38ba8",
+    "peach": "#fab387",
+    "lavender": "#b4befe",
+    "overlay0": "#6c7086",
+}
+
+_PREF_GROUP = "User parameter:BaseApp/Preferences/Mod/KindredSilo"
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Helpers
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+def _get_silo_base_url() -> str:
+    """Return the Silo web UI root URL (without /api)."""
+    param = FreeCAD.ParamGet(_PREF_GROUP)
+    url = param.GetString("ApiUrl", "")
+    if not url:
+        url = os.environ.get("SILO_API_URL", "http://localhost:8080/api")
+    url = url.rstrip("/")
+    if url.endswith("/api"):
+        url = url[:-4]
+    return url
+
+
+def _get_recent_files() -> list:
+    """Read recent files from FreeCAD preferences."""
+    group = FreeCAD.ParamGet("User parameter:BaseApp/Preferences/RecentFiles")
+    count = group.GetInt("RecentFiles", 0)
+    files = []
+    for i in range(count):
+        path = group.GetString(f"MRU{i}", "")
+        if path and os.path.exists(path):
+            p = Path(path)
+            mtime = datetime.fromtimestamp(p.stat().st_mtime)
+            files.append({"path": str(p), "name": p.name, "modified": mtime})
+    return files
+
+
+def _relative_time(dt: datetime) -> str:
+    """Format a datetime as a human-friendly relative string."""
+    now = datetime.now()
+    diff = now - dt
+    seconds = int(diff.total_seconds())
+    if seconds < 60:
+        return "just now"
+    minutes = seconds // 60
+    if minutes < 60:
+        return f"{minutes}m ago"
+    hours = minutes // 60
+    if hours < 24:
+        return f"{hours}h ago"
+    days = hours // 24
+    if days < 30:
+        return f"{days}d ago"
+    return dt.strftime("%Y-%m-%d")
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Stylesheet
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+_STYLESHEET = f"""
+SiloStartView {{
+    background-color: {_MOCHA["base"]};
+}}
+
+/* --- Status banner --- */
+#SiloStatusBanner {{
+    background-color: {_MOCHA["surface0"]};
+    border-radius: 8px;
+}}
+#SiloStatusBanner QLabel {{
+    color: {_MOCHA["text"]};
+    font-size: 13px;
+}}
+#SiloStatusBanner QPushButton {{
+    background-color: {_MOCHA["blue"]};
+    color: {_MOCHA["crust"]};
+    border: none;
+    border-radius: 4px;
+    padding: 6px 12px;
+    font-weight: bold;
+    font-size: 12px;
+}}
+#SiloStatusBanner QPushButton:hover {{
+    background-color: {_MOCHA["lavender"]};
+}}
+
+/* --- Section headers --- */
+.SiloSectionHeader {{
+    color: {_MOCHA["text"]};
+    font-size: 14px;
+    font-weight: bold;
+}}
+
+/* --- Search field --- */
+#SiloSearchField {{
+    background-color: {_MOCHA["surface0"]};
+    border: 1px solid {_MOCHA["surface1"]};
+    border-radius: 4px;
+    padding: 6px 10px;
+    color: {_MOCHA["text"]};
+    font-size: 13px;
+}}
+#SiloSearchField:focus {{
+    border-color: {_MOCHA["blue"]};
+}}
+
+/* --- List widgets --- */
+.SiloList {{
+    background-color: {_MOCHA["mantle"]};
+    border: 1px solid {_MOCHA["surface0"]};
+    border-radius: 6px;
+    padding: 4px;
+}}
+.SiloList::item {{
+    padding: 8px 10px;
+    border-bottom: 1px solid {_MOCHA["surface0"]};
+    color: {_MOCHA["text"]};
+}}
+.SiloList::item:last {{
+    border-bottom: none;
+}}
+.SiloList::item:hover {{
+    background-color: {_MOCHA["surface0"]};
+}}
+.SiloList::item:selected {{
+    background-color: {_MOCHA["surface1"]};
+}}
+
+/* --- Activity feed --- */
+#SiloActivityFeed {{
+    background-color: {_MOCHA["mantle"]};
+    border: 1px solid {_MOCHA["surface0"]};
+    border-radius: 6px;
+    padding: 4px;
+}}
+#SiloActivityFeed::item {{
+    padding: 6px 10px;
+    border-bottom: 1px solid {_MOCHA["surface0"]};
+    color: {_MOCHA["subtext0"]};
+    font-size: 12px;
+}}
+#SiloActivityFeed::item:last {{
+    border-bottom: none;
+}}
+
+/* --- Footer checkbox --- */
+QCheckBox {{
+    color: {_MOCHA["subtext0"]};
+    font-size: 12px;
+}}
+QCheckBox::indicator {{
+    width: 14px;
+    height: 14px;
+}}
+"""
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Main start view
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+class SiloStartView(QtWidgets.QWidget):
+    """Native Qt start page with Silo database items, recent files, and
+    real-time activity feed."""
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None):
+        super().__init__(parent)
+        self.setObjectName("SiloStartView")
+
+        self._silo_url = _get_silo_base_url()
+        self._connected = False
+        self._event_listener = None
+        self._activity_events = []  # list of (datetime, text) tuples
+        self._silo_imported = False
+        self._silo_cmds = None  # lazy ref to silo_commands module
+
+        self._build_ui()
+        self.setStyleSheet(_STYLESHEET)
+
+        # Debounce timer for search
+        self._search_timer = QtCore.QTimer(self)
+        self._search_timer.setSingleShot(True)
+        self._search_timer.setInterval(300)
+        self._search_timer.timeout.connect(self._refresh_items)
+
+        # Periodic refresh
+        self._poll_timer = QtCore.QTimer(self)
+        self._poll_timer.setInterval(30000)
+        self._poll_timer.timeout.connect(self._periodic_refresh)
+        self._poll_timer.start()
+
+        # Initial load after event loop starts
+        QtCore.QTimer.singleShot(100, self._initial_load)
+
+    # -- lazy import --------------------------------------------------------
+
+    def _silo(self):
+        """Lazy-import silo_commands to avoid circular import at module load."""
+        if not self._silo_imported:
+            try:
+                import silo_commands
+
+                self._silo_cmds = silo_commands
+            except Exception as e:
+                FreeCAD.Console.PrintWarning(f"Silo Start: cannot import silo_commands: {e}\n")
+                self._silo_cmds = None
+            self._silo_imported = True
+        return self._silo_cmds
+
+    # -- UI construction ----------------------------------------------------
+
+    def _build_ui(self):
+        root = QtWidgets.QVBoxLayout(self)
+        root.setContentsMargins(32, 24, 32, 16)
+        root.setSpacing(0)
+
+        # --- Status banner ---
+        banner = QtWidgets.QFrame()
+        banner.setObjectName("SiloStatusBanner")
+        banner_layout = QtWidgets.QHBoxLayout(banner)
+        banner_layout.setContentsMargins(16, 10, 16, 10)
+
+        self._status_icon = QtWidgets.QLabel()
+        self._status_icon.setFixedSize(12, 12)
+        banner_layout.addWidget(self._status_icon)
+
+        self._status_label = QtWidgets.QLabel("Checking Silo connection...")
+        self._status_label.setWordWrap(True)
+        banner_layout.addWidget(self._status_label, 1)
+
+        self._browser_btn = QtWidgets.QPushButton("Open in Browser")
+        self._browser_btn.setFixedWidth(130)
+        self._browser_btn.setCursor(QtCore.Qt.PointingHandCursor)
+        self._browser_btn.clicked.connect(self._open_in_browser)
+        banner_layout.addWidget(self._browser_btn)
+
+        self._retry_btn = QtWidgets.QPushButton("Retry")
+        self._retry_btn.setFixedWidth(70)
+        self._retry_btn.setCursor(QtCore.Qt.PointingHandCursor)
+        self._retry_btn.clicked.connect(self._initial_load)
+        self._retry_btn.hide()
+        banner_layout.addWidget(self._retry_btn)
+
+        root.addWidget(banner)
+        root.addSpacing(20)
+
+        # --- Main content: items (left) + recent files (right) ---
+        content_splitter = QtWidgets.QSplitter(QtCore.Qt.Horizontal)
+        content_splitter.setHandleWidth(12)
+        content_splitter.setStyleSheet(
+            f"QSplitter::handle {{ background-color: {_MOCHA['base']}; }}"
+        )
+
+        # Left: Database Items
+        left = QtWidgets.QWidget()
+        left_layout = QtWidgets.QVBoxLayout(left)
+        left_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        left_layout.setSpacing(8)
+
+        items_header = QtWidgets.QLabel("Database Items")
+        items_header.setProperty("class", "SiloSectionHeader")
+        left_layout.addWidget(items_header)
+
+        self._search_field = QtWidgets.QLineEdit()
+        self._search_field.setObjectName("SiloSearchField")
+        self._search_field.setPlaceholderText("Search items...")
+        self._search_field.textChanged.connect(self._on_search_changed)
+        left_layout.addWidget(self._search_field)
+
+        self._items_list = QtWidgets.QListWidget()
+        self._items_list.setProperty("class", "SiloList")
+        self._items_list.setHorizontalScrollBarPolicy(QtCore.Qt.ScrollBarAlwaysOff)
+        self._items_list.itemDoubleClicked.connect(self._on_item_double_clicked)
+        self._items_list.setContextMenuPolicy(QtCore.Qt.CustomContextMenu)
+        self._items_list.customContextMenuRequested.connect(self._on_item_context_menu)
+        left_layout.addWidget(self._items_list, 1)
+
+        content_splitter.addWidget(left)
+
+        # Right: Recent Files
+        right = QtWidgets.QWidget()
+        right_layout = QtWidgets.QVBoxLayout(right)
+        right_layout.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        right_layout.setSpacing(8)
+
+        recent_header = QtWidgets.QLabel("Recent Files")
+        recent_header.setProperty("class", "SiloSectionHeader")
+        right_layout.addWidget(recent_header)
+
+        self._file_list = QtWidgets.QListWidget()
+        self._file_list.setProperty("class", "SiloList")
+        self._file_list.setHorizontalScrollBarPolicy(QtCore.Qt.ScrollBarAlwaysOff)
+        self._file_list.itemDoubleClicked.connect(self._on_file_clicked)
+        right_layout.addWidget(self._file_list, 1)
+
+        content_splitter.addWidget(right)
+        content_splitter.setStretchFactor(0, 3)
+        content_splitter.setStretchFactor(1, 2)
+
+        root.addWidget(content_splitter, 1)
+        root.addSpacing(12)
+
+        # --- Activity Feed (bottom) ---
+        activity_header = QtWidgets.QLabel("Activity")
+        activity_header.setProperty("class", "SiloSectionHeader")
+        root.addWidget(activity_header)
+        root.addSpacing(6)
+
+        self._activity_list = QtWidgets.QListWidget()
+        self._activity_list.setObjectName("SiloActivityFeed")
+        self._activity_list.setMaximumHeight(140)
+        self._activity_list.setHorizontalScrollBarPolicy(QtCore.Qt.ScrollBarAlwaysOff)
+        root.addWidget(self._activity_list)
+        root.addSpacing(12)
+
+        # --- Footer ---
+        footer = QtWidgets.QHBoxLayout()
+        footer.addStretch()
+        self._startup_cb = QtWidgets.QCheckBox("Don't show this page on startup")
+        start_prefs = FreeCAD.ParamGet("User parameter:BaseApp/Preferences/Mod/Start")
+        show = start_prefs.GetBool("ShowOnStartup", True)
+        self._startup_cb.setChecked(not show)
+        self._startup_cb.toggled.connect(self._on_startup_toggled)
+        footer.addWidget(self._startup_cb)
+        root.addLayout(footer)
+
+    # -- data loading -------------------------------------------------------
+
+    def _initial_load(self):
+        """First-time data load and SSE connection."""
+        self._refresh_status()
+        self._refresh_items()
+        self._refresh_recent_files()
+        self._start_sse()
+
+    def _periodic_refresh(self):
+        """Periodic refresh of items and connection status."""
+        self._refresh_status()
+        self._refresh_items()
+        self._refresh_recent_files()
+
+    def _refresh_status(self):
+        """Update the connection status banner."""
+        sc = self._silo()
+        if sc is None:
+            self._set_status(False, "Silo addon not available")
+            return
+
+        try:
+            reachable, _ = sc._client.check_connection()
+        except Exception:
+            reachable = False
+
+        self._silo_url = _get_silo_base_url()
+        if reachable:
+            self._set_status(True, f"Connected to {self._silo_url}")
+        else:
+            self._set_status(False, f"Cannot reach {self._silo_url}")
+
+    def _set_status(self, connected: bool, message: str):
+        self._connected = connected
+        if connected:
+            self._status_icon.setStyleSheet(
+                f"background-color: {_MOCHA['green']}; border-radius: 6px;"
+            )
+            self._retry_btn.hide()
+            self._browser_btn.show()
+        else:
+            self._status_icon.setStyleSheet(
+                f"background-color: {_MOCHA['red']}; border-radius: 6px;"
+            )
+            self._retry_btn.show()
+            self._browser_btn.hide()
+        self._status_label.setText(message)
+
+    def _refresh_items(self):
+        """Fetch items from Silo API and populate the items list."""
+        sc = self._silo()
+        if sc is None:
+            return
+
+        self._items_list.clear()
+        search = self._search_field.text().strip()
+
+        try:
+            if search:
+                items = sc._client.list_items(search=search)
+            else:
+                items = sc._client.list_items()
+        except Exception:
+            item = QtWidgets.QListWidgetItem("(Unable to fetch items)")
+            item.setFlags(QtCore.Qt.NoItemFlags)
+            self._items_list.addItem(item)
+            return
+
+        if not isinstance(items, list) or not items:
+            item = QtWidgets.QListWidgetItem("(No items found)")
+            item.setFlags(QtCore.Qt.NoItemFlags)
+            self._items_list.addItem(item)
+            return
+
+        # Collect local part numbers for badge
+        local_pns = set()
+        try:
+            for lf in sc.search_local_files():
+                local_pns.add(lf.get("part_number", ""))
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+        for entry in items[:30]:
+            pn = entry.get("part_number", "")
+            desc = entry.get("description", "")
+            rev = entry.get("current_revision", "")
+
+            desc_display = desc
+            if len(desc_display) > 50:
+                desc_display = desc_display[:47] + "..."
+
+            local_badge = "  [local]" if pn in local_pns else ""
+            rev_part = f"  Rev {rev}" if rev else ""
+            label = f"{pn} \u2014 {desc_display}{rev_part}{local_badge}"
+
+            list_item = QtWidgets.QListWidgetItem(label)
+            list_item.setData(QtCore.Qt.UserRole, pn)
+            if desc and len(desc) > 50:
+                list_item.setToolTip(desc)
+            if pn in local_pns:
+                list_item.setForeground(QtGui.QColor(_MOCHA["green"]))
+            self._items_list.addItem(list_item)
+
+    def _refresh_recent_files(self):
+        """Populate the recent files list."""
+        self._file_list.clear()
+        files = _get_recent_files()
+        if not files:
+            item = QtWidgets.QListWidgetItem("(No recent files)")
+            item.setFlags(QtCore.Qt.NoItemFlags)
+            self._file_list.addItem(item)
+            return
+        for f in files:
+            label = f"{f['name']}\n{_relative_time(f['modified'])}"
+            item = QtWidgets.QListWidgetItem(label)
+            item.setData(QtCore.Qt.UserRole, f["path"])
+            item.setToolTip(f["path"])
+            self._file_list.addItem(item)
+
+    # -- SSE ----------------------------------------------------------------
+
+    def _start_sse(self):
+        """Connect to SSE for live activity updates."""
+        sc = self._silo()
+        if sc is None:
+            return
+
+        if self._event_listener is not None:
+            return  # already running
+
+        try:
+            self._event_listener = sc.SiloEventListener()
+            self._event_listener.item_updated.connect(self._on_sse_item_updated)
+            self._event_listener.revision_created.connect(self._on_sse_revision_created)
+            self._event_listener.connection_status.connect(self._on_sse_status)
+            self._event_listener.start()
+        except Exception as e:
+            FreeCAD.Console.PrintLog(f"Silo Start: SSE listener failed to start: {e}\n")
+
+    def _stop_sse(self):
+        """Stop SSE listener when the view is destroyed."""
+        if self._event_listener is not None:
+            self._event_listener.stop()
+            self._event_listener = None
+
+    def _on_sse_item_updated(self, part_number: str):
+        self._add_activity_event(f"{part_number} updated")
+        self._refresh_items()
+
+    def _on_sse_revision_created(self, part_number: str, revision: int):
+        self._add_activity_event(f"{part_number} Rev {revision} created")
+        self._refresh_items()
+
+    def _on_sse_status(self, status: str, retry: int, error: str):
+        if status == "connected":
+            FreeCAD.Console.PrintLog("Silo Start: SSE connected\n")
+        elif status == "disconnected":
+            FreeCAD.Console.PrintLog(f"Silo Start: SSE disconnected (retry {retry}): {error}\n")
+
+    def _add_activity_event(self, text: str):
+        """Add an event to the activity feed."""
+        now = datetime.now()
+        self._activity_events.insert(0, (now, text))
+        self._activity_events = self._activity_events[:20]
+        self._rebuild_activity_feed()
+
+    def _rebuild_activity_feed(self):
+        """Rebuild the activity list widget from stored events."""
+        self._activity_list.clear()
+        if not self._activity_events:
+            item = QtWidgets.QListWidgetItem("(No recent activity)")
+            item.setFlags(QtCore.Qt.NoItemFlags)
+            self._activity_list.addItem(item)
+            return
+        for ts, text in self._activity_events:
+            label = f"{text}  \u00b7  {_relative_time(ts)}"
+            self._activity_list.addItem(label)
+
+    # -- interaction --------------------------------------------------------
+
+    def _on_search_changed(self, _text: str):
+        """Debounce search input."""
+        self._search_timer.start()
+
+    def _on_item_double_clicked(self, item: QtWidgets.QListWidgetItem):
+        pn = item.data(QtCore.Qt.UserRole)
+        if not pn:
+            return
+        sc = self._silo()
+        if sc is None:
+            return
+        local_path = sc.find_file_by_part_number(pn)
+        if local_path and local_path.exists():
+            FreeCAD.openDocument(str(local_path))
+        else:
+            sc._sync.open_item(pn)
+
+    def _on_item_context_menu(self, pos):
+        item = self._items_list.itemAt(pos)
+        if item is None:
+            return
+        pn = item.data(QtCore.Qt.UserRole)
+        if not pn:
+            return
+
+        menu = QtWidgets.QMenu()
+        open_action = menu.addAction("Open in Create")
+        browser_action = menu.addAction("Open in Browser")
+        copy_action = menu.addAction("Copy Part Number")
+
+        action = menu.exec_(self._items_list.mapToGlobal(pos))
+        sc = self._silo()
+        if action == open_action:
+            if sc:
+                local_path = sc.find_file_by_part_number(pn)
+                if local_path and local_path.exists():
+                    FreeCAD.openDocument(str(local_path))
+                else:
+                    sc._sync.open_item(pn)
+        elif action == browser_action:
+            url = f"{_get_silo_base_url()}/items/{pn}"
+            QtGui.QDesktopServices.openUrl(QtCore.QUrl(url))
+        elif action == copy_action:
+            QtWidgets.QApplication.clipboard().setText(pn)
+
+    def _on_file_clicked(self, item: QtWidgets.QListWidgetItem):
+        path = item.data(QtCore.Qt.UserRole)
+        if path:
+            try:
+                FreeCADGui.open(path)
+            except Exception as e:
+                FreeCAD.Console.PrintError(f"Silo Start: failed to open {path}: {e}\n")
+
+    def _open_in_browser(self):
+        """Open Silo web UI in the system browser."""
+        url = _get_silo_base_url()
+        QtGui.QDesktopServices.openUrl(QtCore.QUrl(url))
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def _on_startup_toggled(checked: bool):
+        prefs = FreeCAD.ParamGet("User parameter:BaseApp/Preferences/Mod/Start")
+        prefs.SetBool("ShowOnStartup", not checked)
+
+    # -- cleanup ------------------------------------------------------------
+
+    def closeEvent(self, event):
+        self._stop_sse()
+        self._poll_timer.stop()
+        super().closeEvent(event)
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Command override
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+class _SiloStartCommand:
+    """Replacement for the C++ Start_Start command."""
+
+    def Activated(self):
+        mw = FreeCADGui.getMainWindow()
+        mdi = mw.findChild(QtWidgets.QMdiArea)
+        if not mdi:
+            return
+
+        # Reuse existing view if open
+        for sw in mdi.subWindowList():
+            if sw.widget() and sw.widget().objectName() == "SiloStartView":
+                mdi.setActiveSubWindow(sw)
+                sw.show()
+                return
+
+        # Create new view as MDI subwindow
+        view = SiloStartView()
+        sw = mdi.addSubWindow(view)
+        sw.setWindowTitle("Start")
+        sw.setWindowIcon(QtGui.QIcon(":/icons/StartCommandIcon.svg"))
+        sw.show()
+        mdi.setActiveSubWindow(sw)
+
+    def GetResources(self):
+        return {
+            "MenuText": "&Start Page",
+            "ToolTip": "Displays the start page",
+            "Pixmap": "StartCommandIcon",
+        }
+
+    def IsActive(self):
+        return True
+
+
+def register():
+    """Override the Start_Start command with the Silo start page.
+
+    Call this from InitGui.py at module level so the override is in
+    place before the C++ StartLauncher fires (100ms after GUI init).
+    """
+    try:
+        FreeCADGui.addCommand("Start_Start", _SiloStartCommand())
+        FreeCAD.Console.PrintMessage("Silo Start: registered start page override\n")
+    except Exception as e:
+        FreeCAD.Console.PrintWarning(f"Silo Start: failed to register override: {e}\n")