Add interactive nest validation with animated issue highlights

OpenNest.Core/CNC/CuttingPlanning/ReleasedContourState.cs

@@ -68,7 +68,8 @@ public sealed class ReleasedContourState
                     if (PostVerificationGeometry.Crosses(start, move.End, obstacle.Curves, token))
                         findings.Add(new(PostVerificationKind.RapidCrossing, plate, part, obstacle.Part,
                             $"Direct XY rapid crosses or touches completed untabbed contour {obstacle.Contour} " +
-                            $"of part {obstacle.Part}."));
+                            $"of part {obstacle.Part}.")
+                        { Location = (start + move.End) * 0.5, RapidStart = start, RapidEnd = move.End });
                 }
             }
             else if (move.Layer == LayerType.Leadin)
@@ -94,7 +95,8 @@ public sealed class ReleasedContourState
                     contourNumber++;
                     if (!cutoff && !hasLead)
                         findings.Add(new(PostVerificationKind.MissingLeadIn, plate, part, null,
-                            $"Cutting contour {contourNumber} has no nonzero placed lead-in motion."));
+                            $"Cutting contour {contourNumber} has no nonzero placed lead-in motion.")
+                        { Location = move.Curve.Start });
                     hasLead = false;
                     // A rapid can pause/reposition without leaving any material gap.
                     // Retain already-cut fragments, but do not turn them into obstacles

OpenNest.Core/Diagnostics/PostVerificationAnalyzer.cs

@@ -113,7 +113,8 @@ public static class PostVerificationAnalyzer
                 PlateOverlapAnalyzer.Capture(materialParts, cancellationToken), cancellationToken);
             foreach (var pair in overlap.Pairs)
                 findings.Add(new(PostVerificationKind.Overlap, plateNumber, indices[pair.PartAId],
-                    indices[pair.PartBId], "Clean drawing material overlaps (holes subtracted)."));
+                    indices[pair.PartBId], "Clean drawing material overlaps (holes subtracted).")
+                { Location = pair.Centroid, Overlap = pair });
             foreach (var issue in overlap.Issues)
                 findings.Add(new(PostVerificationKind.Incomplete, plateNumber, indices[issue.PartAId],
                     issue.PartBId is { } other ? indices[other] : null, "Overlap check: " + issue.Message));

OpenNest.Core/Diagnostics/PostVerificationReport.cs

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ using System;
 using System.Collections.Generic;
 using System.Linq;
 using System.Text;
+using OpenNest.Geometry;
 
 namespace OpenNest.Diagnostics;
 
@@ -15,7 +16,13 @@ public enum PostVerificationKind
 
 /// <summary>Plate and part numbers are one-based; plate zero denotes a whole-post limitation.</summary>
 public sealed record PostVerificationFinding(PostVerificationKind Kind, int PlateNumber,
-    int? PartNumber, int? OtherPartNumber, string Message);
+    int? PartNumber, int? OtherPartNumber, string Message)
+{
+    public Vector? Location { get; init; }
+    public Vector? RapidStart { get; init; }
+    public Vector? RapidEnd { get; init; }
+    public PlateOverlapPair Overlap { get; init; }
+}
 
 /// <summary>Owned, immutable findings. Consent is evaluated afresh, never stored.</summary>
 public sealed class PostVerificationReport
@@ -29,10 +36,12 @@ public sealed class PostVerificationReport
     public bool HasWarnings => Findings.Count != 0;
     public bool CanPost(bool risksAcknowledged) => !HasWarnings || risksAcknowledged;
 
-    public string ToDisplayText()
+    public string ToDisplayText() => ToDisplayText("Pre-post verification");
+
+    public string ToDisplayText(string title)
     {
         var text = new StringBuilder();
-        text.AppendLine("Pre-post verification");
+        text.AppendLine(title);
         var incomplete = Findings.Any(finding => finding.Kind == PostVerificationKind.Incomplete);
         Summary(PostVerificationKind.Overlap, "Overlap");
         Summary(PostVerificationKind.MissingLeadIn, "Missing lead-ins");

OpenNest.Tests/Diagnostics/PostVerificationAnalyzerTests.cs

@@ -36,6 +36,9 @@ public class PostVerificationAnalyzerTests
         var report = Analyze(Cutoff(30, 30), a, Scribe(40, 40), b);
         var overlap = Assert.Single(Find(report, PostVerificationKind.Overlap));
         Assert.Equal((1, 2, 4), (overlap.PlateNumber, overlap.PartNumber, overlap.OtherPartNumber));
+        Assert.NotNull(overlap.Overlap);
+        Assert.Equal(new Vector(1.5, 1.5), overlap.Location);
+        Assert.Equal(1, overlap.Overlap.Area, 6);
         Assert.True(report.HasWarnings);
         Assert.False(report.CanPost(false));
         Assert.True(report.CanPost(true));
@@ -58,7 +61,8 @@ public class PostVerificationAnalyzerTests
     {
         var part = Rectangle(0, 0, 4);
         part.HasManualLeadIns = true;
-        Assert.Single(Find(Analyze(part), PostVerificationKind.MissingLeadIn));
+        var finding = Assert.Single(Find(Analyze(part), PostVerificationKind.MissingLeadIn));
+        Assert.Equal(Vector.Zero, finding.Location);
     }
 
     [Fact]
@@ -105,8 +109,11 @@ public class PostVerificationAnalyzerTests
     public void Rapid_ThroughPreviouslyCutPartWarns()
     {
         var report = Analyze(Rectangle(0, 0, 4), Scribe(-2, 2), Scribe(6, 2));
-        Assert.Contains(Find(report, PostVerificationKind.RapidCrossing), f =>
-            f.PartNumber == 3 && f.OtherPartNumber == 1);
+        var crossing = Assert.Single(Find(report, PostVerificationKind.RapidCrossing).Where(f =>
+            f.PartNumber == 3 && f.OtherPartNumber == 1));
+        Assert.NotNull(crossing.RapidStart);
+        Assert.NotNull(crossing.RapidEnd);
+        Assert.Equal((crossing.RapidStart.Value + crossing.RapidEnd.Value) * 0.5, crossing.Location);
     }
 
     [Fact]
@@ -169,8 +176,11 @@ public class PostVerificationAnalyzerTests
     public void Rapid_CutoffTravelStillCrossesEarlierRealCuts()
     {
         var report = Analyze(Rectangle(0, 0, 4), Scribe(-2, 2), Cutoff(6, 2));
-        Assert.Contains(Find(report, PostVerificationKind.RapidCrossing), f =>
-            f.PartNumber == 3 && f.OtherPartNumber == 1);
+        var crossing = Assert.Single(Find(report, PostVerificationKind.RapidCrossing).Where(f =>
+            f.PartNumber == 3 && f.OtherPartNumber == 1));
+        Assert.NotNull(crossing.RapidStart);
+        Assert.NotNull(crossing.RapidEnd);
+        Assert.Equal((crossing.RapidStart.Value + crossing.RapidEnd.Value) * 0.5, crossing.Location);
     }
 
     [Theory]

OpenNest.WinForms.Tests/Forms/ValidateNestFormTests.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,274 @@
+using System.Drawing;
+using System.Runtime.ExceptionServices;
+using System.Windows.Forms;
+using OpenNest.CNC;
+using OpenNest.Controls;
+using OpenNest.Diagnostics;
+using OpenNest.Forms;
+using OpenNest.Geometry;
+
+namespace OpenNest.WinForms.Tests.Forms;
+
+public class ValidateNestFormTests
+{
+#pragma warning disable xUnit1031 // Completed tasks on a dedicated STA thread.
+    [Fact]
+    public void GridNavigatesMainViewAndRestoresViewportOnDisposal()
+    {
+        RunSta(() =>
+        {
+            var nest = new Nest("interactive inspection");
+            var program = new CNC.Program();
+            program.MoveTo(0, 0);
+            program.LineTo(5, 0);
+            program.LineTo(5, 5);
+            program.LineTo(0, 5);
+            program.LineTo(0, 0);
+            nest.CreatePlate().Parts.Add(new Part(new Drawing("first", program)));
+            var second = nest.CreatePlate();
+            second.Parts.Add(new Part(new Drawing("second", program)));
+            second.Parts.Add(new Part(second.Parts[0].BaseDrawing) { Location = new Vector(2, 2) });
+            using var editor = new EditNestForm(nest);
+            editor.Show();
+            editor.PlateManager.LoadAt(0);
+            var view = editor.PlateView;
+            view.ZoomToArea(-10, -10, 40, 40);
+            var viewport = view.CaptureViewport();
+            view.OverlapDisplay = OverlapDisplayMode.Centroids;
+            using (var form = new ValidateNestForm(editor,
+                (value, token) => Task.FromResult(PostVerificationAnalyzer.Analyze(value, token))))
+            {
+                form.Show(editor);
+                form.ValidateAsync().GetAwaiter().GetResult();
+                Assert.True(form.TopLevel);
+                Assert.False(form.Modal);
+                Assert.True(editor.Enabled);
+                Assert.True(view.Enabled);
+                Assert.True(view.InspectionOnly);
+                var grid = Find<DataGridView>(form, "warningGrid");
+                Assert.True(grid.ReadOnly);
+                Assert.Equal(DataGridViewSelectionMode.FullRowSelect, grid.SelectionMode);
+                var row = grid.Rows.Cast<DataGridViewRow>().Single(row =>
+                    row.Tag is PostVerificationFinding { Kind: PostVerificationKind.Overlap });
+                grid.CurrentCell = row.Cells[0];
+                Assert.Same(second, view.Plate);
+                Assert.Equal(1, editor.PlateManager.CurrentIndex);
+                Assert.NotNull(view.ValidationOverlay.Finding.Overlap);
+                Assert.True(view.ValidationOverlay.IsAnimating);
+                using var bitmap = new Bitmap(view.Width, view.Height);
+                view.DrawToBitmap(bitmap, view.ClientRectangle);
+                Assert.Contains("centroid", Find<TextBox>(form, "reportBox").Text);
+                view.SelectAll();
+                var scale = view.ViewScale;
+                Invoke(view, "OnMouseWheel", new MouseEventArgs(MouseButtons.None, 0, 100, 100, 120));
+                Assert.True(view.ViewScale > scale);
+                var pan = view.CaptureViewport();
+                Invoke(view, "OnMouseMove", new MouseEventArgs(MouseButtons.Middle, 0, 120, 110, 0));
+                Assert.NotEqual(pan.Origin, view.CaptureViewport().Origin);
+                Invoke(view, "OnKeyDown", new KeyEventArgs(Keys.Delete));
+                Invoke(view, "ProcessDialogKey", Keys.Right);
+                Invoke(view, "OnMouseDown", new MouseEventArgs(MouseButtons.Middle, 1, 120, 110, 0));
+                Invoke(view, "OnMouseUp", new MouseEventArgs(MouseButtons.Middle, 1, 120, 110, 0));
+                Assert.Equal(2, second.Parts.Count);
+                Assert.All(second.Parts, part => Assert.Equal(0, part.Rotation));
+            }
+            Assert.Same(nest.Plates[0], view.Plate);
+            Assert.Equal(viewport, view.CaptureViewport());
+            Assert.Equal(OverlapDisplayMode.Centroids, view.OverlapDisplay);
+            Assert.Null(view.ValidationOverlay.Finding);
+            Assert.False(view.ValidationOverlay.IsAnimating);
+            Assert.False(view.InspectionOnly);
+            Assert.Equal(new Vector(2, 2), second.Parts[1].Location);
+        });
+    }
+
+    [Fact]
+    public void ModelessCancellationKeepsEditingLockedUntilWorkerStops()
+    {
+        RunSta(() =>
+        {
+            var pending = new TaskCompletionSource<PostVerificationReport>();
+            using var editor = new EditNestForm(new Nest("inspection"));
+            editor.Show();
+            using var form = new ValidateNestForm(editor, (_, _) => pending.Task);
+            form.Show(editor);
+            var validation = form.ValidateAsync();
+            Assert.False(validation.IsCompleted);
+            Assert.True(editor.Enabled);
+            Assert.True(editor.PlateView.Enabled);
+            Assert.True(editor.PlateView.InspectionOnly);
+            form.Close();
+            Assert.True(form.Visible);
+            Assert.True(editor.PlateView.InspectionOnly);
+            pending.SetCanceled();
+            var timeout = System.Diagnostics.Stopwatch.StartNew();
+            while (!form.IsDisposed && timeout.Elapsed < TimeSpan.FromSeconds(5))
+                Application.DoEvents();
+            Assert.True(form.IsDisposed);
+            Assert.False(editor.PlateView.InspectionOnly);
+        });
+    }
+
+    [Fact]
+    public void PlateSwitchClearsAnimation()
+    {
+        RunSta(() =>
+        {
+            using var view = new PlateView();
+            view.ShowValidationFinding(new PostVerificationFinding(PostVerificationKind.MissingLeadIn,
+                1, 1, null, "missing")
+            { Location = new Vector(3, 4) });
+            Assert.True(view.ValidationOverlay.IsAnimating);
+            view.Plate = new Plate();
+            Assert.False(view.ValidationOverlay.IsAnimating);
+            Assert.Null(view.ValidationOverlay.Finding);
+        });
+    }
+
+    [Fact]
+    public void ChecksAllPlatesWithoutChangingProgramsOrPlacements()
+    {
+        RunSta(() =>
+        {
+            var nest = new Nest("PEP inspection");
+            var program = new CNC.Program();
+            program.Codes.Add(new RapidMove(0, 0));
+            program.Codes.Add(new LinearMove(5, 0));
+            program.Codes.Add(new LinearMove(5, 5));
+            program.Codes.Add(new LinearMove(0, 5));
+            program.Codes.Add(new LinearMove(0, 0));
+            var first = new Part(new Drawing("square", program));
+            var second = new Part(first.BaseDrawing);
+            nest.CreatePlate().Parts.Add(first);
+            nest.CreatePlate().Parts.Add(second);
+            var firstProgram = first.Program;
+            var secondProgram = second.Program;
+            var firstCodes = firstProgram.Codes.ToArray();
+            var location = first.Location;
+            var rotation = first.Rotation;
+            using var form = new ValidateNestForm(nest,
+                (value, token) => Task.FromResult(PostVerificationAnalyzer.Analyze(value, token)));
+
+            form.ValidateAsync().GetAwaiter().GetResult();
+
+            var report = Find<TextBox>(form, "reportBox");
+            Assert.True(report.ReadOnly);
+            Assert.Contains("Plate 1, part 1", report.Text);
+            Assert.Contains("Plate 2, part 1", report.Text);
+            Assert.DoesNotContain("Post processor", report.Text);
+            Assert.Contains("Warnings found", Find<Label>(form, "summaryLabel").Text);
+            Assert.Same(first, nest.Plates[0].Parts[0]);
+            Assert.Same(second, nest.Plates[1].Parts[0]);
+            Assert.Same(firstProgram, first.Program);
+            Assert.Same(secondProgram, second.Program);
+            Assert.Equal(firstCodes, first.Program.Codes.ToArray());
+            Assert.Equal(location, first.Location);
+            Assert.Equal(rotation, first.Rotation);
+            Assert.Same(Find<Button>(form, "closeButton"), form.AcceptButton);
+            Assert.Same(form.AcceptButton, form.CancelButton);
+            Assert.Empty(form.Controls.Find("postButton", true));
+        });
+    }
+
+    [Theory]
+    [InlineData(false)]
+    [InlineData(true)]
+    public void DistinguishesClearAndIncompleteChecks(bool incomplete)
+    {
+        RunSta(() =>
+        {
+            var nest = new Nest("inspection");
+            if (incomplete)
+                nest.CreatePlate().Parts.Add(new Part(new Drawing("invalid", new CNC.Program())));
+            using var form = new ValidateNestForm(nest,
+                (value, token) => Task.FromResult(PostVerificationAnalyzer.Analyze(value, token)));
+            form.ValidateAsync().GetAwaiter().GetResult();
+            Assert.Contains(incomplete ? "Validation incomplete" : "No warnings found",
+                Find<Label>(form, "summaryLabel").Text);
+        });
+    }
+
+    [Fact]
+    public void FailureIsReportedWithoutAnAllClear()
+    {
+        RunSta(() =>
+        {
+            using var form = new ValidateNestForm(new Nest("inspection"),
+                (_, _) => Task.FromException<PostVerificationReport>(new InvalidOperationException("test failure")));
+            form.ValidateAsync().GetAwaiter().GetResult();
+            Assert.Contains("Validation failed", Find<Label>(form, "summaryLabel").Text);
+            Assert.Contains("test failure", Find<TextBox>(form, "reportBox").Text);
+            Assert.Equal("Close", Find<Button>(form, "closeButton").Text);
+        });
+    }
+
+    [Theory]
+    [InlineData("Cancel")]
+    [InlineData("Escape")]
+    [InlineData("Close")]
+    public void RealModalCancellationKeepsOwnerDisabledUntilWorkerStops(string action)
+    {
+        RunSta(() =>
+        {
+            var pending = new TaskCompletionSource<PostVerificationReport>();
+            using var owner = new Form();
+            using var form = new ValidateNestForm(new Nest("inspection"), (_, _) => pending.Task);
+            Exception? failure = null;
+            owner.Show();
+            using var timeout = new System.Windows.Forms.Timer { Interval = 10000 };
+            timeout.Tick += (_, _) =>
+            {
+                failure ??= new TimeoutException("Modal cancellation did not finish.");
+                pending.TrySetCanceled();
+                form.Close();
+            };
+            form.Shown += (_, _) => form.BeginInvoke(new System.Action(() =>
+            {
+                try
+                {
+                    Assert.False(IsWindowEnabled(owner.Handle));
+                    if (action == "Cancel")
+                        Find<Button>(form, "closeButton").PerformClick();
+                    else if (action == "Escape")
+                        Invoke(form, "ProcessDialogKey", Keys.Escape);
+                    else
+                        form.Close();
+
+                    // ShowDialog must stay active while the worker ignores cancellation.
+                    Assert.True(form.Visible);
+                    Assert.False(IsWindowEnabled(owner.Handle));
+                    Assert.False(Find<Button>(form, "closeButton").Enabled);
+                }
+                catch (Exception ex)
+                {
+                    failure = ex;
+                }
+                finally
+                {
+                    pending.TrySetCanceled();
+                }
+            }));
+            timeout.Start();
+            var result = form.ShowDialog(owner);
+            timeout.Stop();
+            Assert.Equal(DialogResult.Cancel, result);
+            Assert.True(IsWindowEnabled(owner.Handle));
+            if (failure != null)
+                ExceptionDispatchInfo.Capture(failure).Throw();
+        });
+    }
+
+    [System.Runtime.InteropServices.DllImport("user32.dll")]
+    [return: System.Runtime.InteropServices.MarshalAs(System.Runtime.InteropServices.UnmanagedType.Bool)]
+    private static extern bool IsWindowEnabled(IntPtr window);
+
+    private static void Invoke(Control form, string method, params object?[] arguments) =>
+        form.GetType().GetMethod(method, System.Reflection.BindingFlags.Instance | System.Reflection.BindingFlags.NonPublic)!
+            .Invoke(form, arguments);
+
+    private static void RunSta(System.Action action) =>
+        StaTestThread.Run(action, TimeSpan.FromSeconds(30), "STA validation test timed out.");
+
+    private static T Find<T>(Form form, string name) where T : Control =>
+        Assert.IsType<T>(form.Controls.Find(name, true).Single());
+}

OpenNest/Controls/PlateView.cs

@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ namespace OpenNest.Controls
     {
         private readonly Timer redrawTimer;
         private readonly OverlapOverlayController overlapOverlay;
+        private readonly ValidationOverlay validationOverlay;
 
         private string status;
         private Plate plate;
@@ -102,6 +103,7 @@ namespace OpenNest.Controls
         public PlateView(ColorScheme colorScheme)
         {
             overlapOverlay = new OverlapOverlayController(this);
+            validationOverlay = new ValidationOverlay(this);
             Plate = new Plate(60, 120);
             origin = new PointF();
             parts = new List<LayoutPart>();
@@ -151,6 +153,8 @@ namespace OpenNest.Controls
 
         public ColorScheme ColorScheme { get; set; }
 
+        internal bool InspectionOnly { get; set; }
+
         public bool AllowZoom { get; set; }
 
         public bool AllowSelect { get; set; }
@@ -218,6 +222,7 @@ namespace OpenNest.Controls
                 selection.Clear();
             }
 
+            validationOverlay.Clear();
             plate = p;
             plate.PartAdded += plate_PartAdded;
             plate.PartRemoved += plate_PartRemoved;
@@ -231,6 +236,25 @@ namespace OpenNest.Controls
         }
 
         internal OverlapOverlayController OverlapOverlay => overlapOverlay;
+        internal ValidationOverlay ValidationOverlay => validationOverlay;
+        internal (float Scale, PointF Origin) CaptureViewport() => (ViewScale, origin);
+        internal void RestoreViewport((float Scale, PointF Origin) viewport)
+        {
+            ViewScale = viewport.Scale;
+            origin = viewport.Origin;
+            UpdateMatrix();
+            Invalidate();
+        }
+        internal void ShowValidationFinding(PostVerificationFinding finding) => validationOverlay.Show(finding);
+        internal void ClearValidationFinding() => validationOverlay.Clear();
+        internal void CenterValidationPoint(Vector location, Point target)
+        {
+            var current = PointWorldToControl(location);
+            origin.X += target.X - current.X;
+            origin.Y += target.Y - current.Y;
+            UpdateMatrix();
+            Invalidate();
+        }
         public OverlapCheckStatus OverlapStatus => overlapOverlay.Status;
         public PlateOverlapReport OverlapReport => overlapOverlay.Report;
         public bool IsOverlapCheckRunning => overlapOverlay.IsRunning;
@@ -317,6 +341,8 @@ namespace OpenNest.Controls
 
         protected override void OnDragEnter(DragEventArgs drgevent)
         {
+            if (InspectionOnly)
+                return;
             if (drgevent.Data.GetData(typeof(Drawing)) != null)
                 drgevent.Effect = DragDropEffects.Copy;
             else if (FilesDropped != null && drgevent.Data.GetDataPresent(DataFormats.FileDrop))
@@ -325,6 +351,8 @@ namespace OpenNest.Controls
 
         protected override void OnDragDrop(DragEventArgs drgevent)
         {
+            if (InspectionOnly)
+                return;
             if (drgevent.Data.GetDataPresent(DataFormats.FileDrop))
             {
                 FilesDropped?.Invoke(this, (string[])drgevent.Data.GetData(DataFormats.FileDrop));
@@ -351,6 +379,9 @@ namespace OpenNest.Controls
             if (e.Button == MouseButtons.Middle)
                 middleMouseDownPoint = e.Location;
 
+            if (InspectionOnly)
+                return;
+
             if (e.Button == MouseButtons.Left && actionManager.CurrentAction is ActionSelect)
             {
                 var hitCutOff = cutOffHandler.TryStartDrag(CurrentPoint, 5.0 / ViewScale);
@@ -373,6 +404,8 @@ namespace OpenNest.Controls
 
         protected override void OnMouseUp(MouseEventArgs e)
         {
+            if (InspectionOnly)
+                return;
             if (e.Button == MouseButtons.Middle && SelectedParts.Count > 0)
             {
                 var dx = e.X - middleMouseDownPoint.X;
@@ -396,11 +429,12 @@ namespace OpenNest.Controls
 
         protected override void OnMouseWheel(MouseEventArgs e)
         {
-            base.OnMouseWheel(e);
+            if (!InspectionOnly)
+                base.OnMouseWheel(e);
 
             var multiplier = System.Math.Abs(e.Delta / 120);
 
-            if (SelectedParts.Count > 0 && ((ModifierKeys & Keys.Shift) == Keys.Shift))
+            if (!InspectionOnly && SelectedParts.Count > 0 && ((ModifierKeys & Keys.Shift) == Keys.Shift))
             {
                 var increment =
                     (ModifierKeys & Keys.Control) == Keys.Control
@@ -456,6 +490,9 @@ namespace OpenNest.Controls
 
             lastPoint = e.Location;
 
+            if (InspectionOnly)
+                return;
+
             if (cutOffHandler.IsDragging && selection.SelectedCutOffs.Count > 0)
             {
                 cutOffHandler.UpdateDrag(CurrentPoint, selection.SelectedCutOffs[0]);
@@ -484,14 +521,21 @@ namespace OpenNest.Controls
 
         protected override void OnMouseDoubleClick(MouseEventArgs e)
         {
-            base.OnMouseDoubleClick(e);
+            if (!InspectionOnly)
+                base.OnMouseDoubleClick(e);
 
-            if (e.Button == MouseButtons.Middle && SelectedParts.Count == 0)
+            if (e.Button == MouseButtons.Middle && (InspectionOnly || SelectedParts.Count == 0))
                 ZoomToFit();
         }
 
         protected override bool ProcessCmdKey(ref Message msg, Keys keyData)
         {
+            if (InspectionOnly)
+            {
+                if (keyData == Keys.F)
+                    ZoomToFit();
+                return true;
+            }
             // Audited: DrawControl/PlateView, Action key handlers, EditNestForm,
             // MainForm.ProcessCmdKey and menu shortcuts have no plain PgUp/PgDn
             // binding. BestFitViewerForm owns these only in its separate dialog.
@@ -504,6 +548,12 @@ namespace OpenNest.Controls
 
         protected override void OnKeyDown(KeyEventArgs e)
         {
+            if (InspectionOnly)
+            {
+                if (e.KeyData == Keys.F)
+                    ZoomToFit();
+                return;
+            }
             switch (e.KeyCode)
             {
                 case Keys.Delete:
@@ -529,6 +579,8 @@ namespace OpenNest.Controls
 
         protected override bool ProcessDialogKey(Keys keyData)
         {
+            if (InspectionOnly)
+                return true;
             // Only handle TAB, RETURN, ESC, and ARROW KEYS here.
             // All other keys can be handled in OnKeyDown method.
 
@@ -603,6 +655,7 @@ namespace OpenNest.Controls
             renderer.DrawActiveWorkArea(e.Graphics);
             renderer.DrawDebugRemnants(e.Graphics);
             DrawOverlapOverlay(e.Graphics);
+            validationOverlay.Draw(e.Graphics);
 
             base.OnPaint(e);
 
@@ -633,6 +686,7 @@ namespace OpenNest.Controls
         {
             ClearHover();
             overlapOverlay.ReleaseHandle();
+            validationOverlay.Clear();
             base.OnHandleDestroyed(e);
             actionManager.Cleanup();
         }
@@ -649,6 +703,7 @@ namespace OpenNest.Controls
                     plate.PartsReordered -= plate_PartsReordered;
                 }
                 overlapOverlay?.Dispose();
+                validationOverlay?.Dispose();
                 hoverTimer?.Dispose();
                 hoverTimer = null;
                 redrawTimer?.Dispose();

OpenNest/Controls/ValidationOverlay.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,117 @@
+using System;
+using System.Diagnostics;
+using System.Drawing;
+using System.Drawing.Drawing2D;
+using System.Linq;
+using System.Windows.Forms;
+using OpenNest.Diagnostics;
+using OpenNest.Geometry;
+
+namespace OpenNest.Controls;
+
+/// <summary>Display-only findings, valid while the inspector keeps editing disabled.</summary>
+internal sealed class ValidationOverlay : IDisposable
+{
+    private readonly PlateView view;
+    private readonly Timer timer;
+    private readonly Stopwatch elapsed = new();
+    private PostVerificationFinding finding;
+    private GraphicsPath areas;
+    private float scale;
+
+    public ValidationOverlay(PlateView view)
+    {
+        this.view = view;
+        timer = new Timer { Interval = 30 };
+        timer.Tick += (_, _) => view.Invalidate();
+    }
+
+    internal bool IsAnimating => timer.Enabled;
+    internal PostVerificationFinding Finding => finding;
+
+    public void Show(PostVerificationFinding value)
+    {
+        Clear();
+        finding = value;
+        var canAnimate = value?.Kind == PostVerificationKind.RapidCrossing
+            ? value.RapidStart is { } start && IsFinite(start) && value.RapidEnd is { } end && IsFinite(end)
+            : value?.Location is { } point && IsFinite(point);
+        if (canAnimate)
+        {
+            elapsed.Restart();
+            timer.Start();
+        }
+        view.Invalidate();
+    }
+
+    private static bool IsFinite(Vector point) => double.IsFinite(point.X) && double.IsFinite(point.Y);
+
+    public void Clear()
+    {
+        timer.Stop();
+        elapsed.Reset();
+        finding = null;
+        areas?.Dispose();
+        areas = null;
+        view.Invalidate();
+    }
+
+    public void Draw(Graphics graphics)
+    {
+        if (finding == null)
+            return;
+        var state = graphics.Save();
+        try
+        {
+            graphics.SmoothingMode = SmoothingMode.AntiAlias;
+            if (finding.Overlap is { } overlap)
+            {
+                if (areas == null || scale != view.ViewScale)
+                {
+                    areas?.Dispose();
+                    areas = new GraphicsPath(FillMode.Winding);
+                    foreach (var region in overlap.Regions)
+                        areas.AddPolygon(region.Vertices.Select(view.PointWorldToGraph).ToArray());
+                    scale = view.ViewScale;
+                }
+                using var brush = new SolidBrush(Color.FromArgb(100, 255, 0, 80));
+                graphics.FillPath(brush, areas);
+            }
+            var dpi = view.DeviceDpi / 96f;
+            if (finding.Kind == PostVerificationKind.RapidCrossing)
+            {
+                if (finding.RapidStart is { } start && IsFinite(start)
+                    && finding.RapidEnd is { } end && IsFinite(end))
+                {
+                    var pulse = (1 + System.Math.Cos(elapsed.Elapsed.TotalSeconds * System.Math.PI * 2 / 1.2)) / 2;
+                    using var rapid = new Pen(Color.FromArgb((int)(65 + 190 * pulse), Color.DarkOrange), 3 * dpi)
+                    { DashStyle = DashStyle.Dash };
+                    graphics.DrawLine(rapid, view.PointWorldToGraph(start), view.PointWorldToGraph(end));
+                }
+                return;
+            }
+            if (finding.Location is not { } location || !double.IsFinite(location.X) || !double.IsFinite(location.Y))
+                return;
+            var center = view.PointWorldToGraph(location);
+            var phase = timer.Enabled ? (float)(elapsed.Elapsed.TotalSeconds % 0.8 / 0.8) : 0;
+            var radius = (12 + 24 * phase) * dpi;
+            var alpha = (int)(255 * (1 - phase));
+            using var halo = new Pen(Color.FromArgb(alpha, Color.White), 5 * dpi);
+            using var ring = new Pen(Color.FromArgb(alpha, Color.DeepPink), 3 * dpi);
+            graphics.DrawEllipse(halo, center.X - radius, center.Y - radius, radius * 2, radius * 2);
+            graphics.DrawEllipse(ring, center.X - radius, center.Y - radius, radius * 2, radius * 2);
+            graphics.DrawLine(ring, center.X - 5 * dpi, center.Y, center.X + 5 * dpi, center.Y);
+            graphics.DrawLine(ring, center.X, center.Y - 5 * dpi, center.X, center.Y + 5 * dpi);
+        }
+        finally
+        {
+            graphics.Restore(state);
+        }
+    }
+
+    public void Dispose()
+    {
+        timer.Dispose();
+        areas?.Dispose();
+    }
+}

OpenNest/Forms/MainForm.Designer.cs

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-namespace OpenNest.Forms
+namespace OpenNest.Forms
 {
     partial class MainForm
     {
@@ -95,6 +95,7 @@
             runAutoNestToolStripMenuItem = new System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripMenuItem();
             autoSequenceAllPlatesToolStripMenuItem = new System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripMenuItem();
             mnuNestRemoveEmptyPlates = new System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripMenuItem();
+            mnuNestValidate = new System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripMenuItem();
             mnuNestPost = new System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripMenuItem();
             toolStripMenuItem19 = new System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripSeparator();
             calculateCutTimeToolStripMenuItem = new System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripMenuItem();
@@ -571,7 +572,7 @@
             // 
             // mnuNest
             // 
-            mnuNest.DropDownItems.AddRange(new System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem[] { mnuNestEdit, mnuNestImportDrawing, mnuNestShapeLibrary, toolStripMenuItem7, mnuNestFirstPlate, mnuNestLastPlate, toolStripMenuItem6, mnuNestNextPlate, mnuNestPreviousPlate, toolStripMenuItem12, runAutoNestToolStripMenuItem, autoSequenceAllPlatesToolStripMenuItem, mnuNestRemoveEmptyPlates, mnuNestPost, toolStripMenuItem19, calculateCutTimeToolStripMenuItem, toolStripMenuItem22, mnuNestAutomaticCutOff, mnuNestPlanCutting, mnuNestAssignLeadIns, mnuNestRemoveLeadIns });
+            mnuNest.DropDownItems.AddRange(new System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem[] { mnuNestEdit, mnuNestImportDrawing, mnuNestShapeLibrary, toolStripMenuItem7, mnuNestFirstPlate, mnuNestLastPlate, toolStripMenuItem6, mnuNestNextPlate, mnuNestPreviousPlate, toolStripMenuItem12, runAutoNestToolStripMenuItem, autoSequenceAllPlatesToolStripMenuItem, mnuNestRemoveEmptyPlates, mnuNestValidate, mnuNestPost, toolStripMenuItem19, calculateCutTimeToolStripMenuItem, toolStripMenuItem22, mnuNestAutomaticCutOff, mnuNestPlanCutting, mnuNestAssignLeadIns, mnuNestRemoveLeadIns });
             mnuNest.Name = "mnuNest";
             mnuNest.Size = new System.Drawing.Size(43, 20);
             mnuNest.Text = "&Nest";
@@ -668,6 +669,13 @@
             mnuNestRemoveEmptyPlates.Text = "Remove Empty Plates";
             mnuNestRemoveEmptyPlates.Click += RemoveEmptyPlates_Click;
             // 
+            // mnuNestValidate
+            //
+            mnuNestValidate.Name = "mnuNestValidate";
+            mnuNestValidate.Size = new System.Drawing.Size(205, 22);
+            mnuNestValidate.Text = "Validate Nest...";
+            mnuNestValidate.Click += ValidateNest_Click;
+            //
             // mnuNestPost
             // 
             mnuNestPost.Name = "mnuNestPost";
@@ -1420,6 +1428,7 @@
         private System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripSeparator toolStripMenuItem23;
         private System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripSeparator toolStripMenuItem24;
         private System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripSeparator toolStripMenuItem12;
+        private System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripMenuItem mnuNestValidate;
         private System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripMenuItem mnuNestPost;
         private System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripSeparator toolStripMenuItem13;
         private System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripMenuItem mnuPlateViewInCad;

OpenNest/Forms/MainForm.cs

@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ namespace OpenNest.Forms
     public partial class MainForm : Form
     {
         private EditNestForm activeForm;
+        private ValidateNestForm validationForm;
         private bool clickUpdateLocation;
         private bool nestingInProgress;
         private CancellationTokenSource nestingCts;
@@ -1553,6 +1554,34 @@ namespace OpenNest.Forms
             activeForm.AutoSequenceAllPlates();
         }
 
+        private void ValidateNest_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
+        {
+            var editForm = activeForm;
+            if (editForm == null)
+                return;
+
+            var views = MdiChildren.OfType<EditNestForm>()
+                .Where(form => ReferenceEquals(form.Nest, editForm.Nest))
+                .Select(form => form.PlateView).ToArray();
+            if (nestingInProgress || Application.OpenForms.OfType<NestProgressForm>().Any()
+                || views.Any(view => view.IsFillInProgress || view.Actions.CurrentAction?.IsBusy() == true))
+            {
+                MessageBox.Show(this, "Finish or cancel the current nesting or plate action before validating.",
+                    "Validate Nest", MessageBoxButtons.OK, MessageBoxIcon.Information);
+                return;
+            }
+
+            foreach (var view in views)
+                view.SetAction(typeof(ActionSelect));
+            if (validationForm is { IsDisposed: false })
+            {
+                validationForm.Activate();
+                return;
+            }
+            validationForm = new ValidateNestForm(editForm);
+            validationForm.Show(this);
+        }
+
         private void PostProcessor_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
         {
             var menuItem = (ToolStripMenuItem)sender;

OpenNest/Forms/ValidateNestForm.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,324 @@
+using System;
+using System.Drawing;
+using System.Linq;
+using System.Threading;
+using System.Threading.Tasks;
+using System.Windows.Forms;
+using OpenNest.Diagnostics;
+
+namespace OpenNest.Forms;
+
+/// <summary>Modeless inspection; the editor scope blocks edits while leaving canvas navigation available.</summary>
+public sealed class ValidateNestForm : Form
+{
+    private readonly Nest nest;
+    private readonly ValidationInspectionScope inspection;
+    private readonly Func<Nest, CancellationToken, Task<PostVerificationReport>> analyze;
+    private readonly CancellationTokenSource cancellation = new();
+    private readonly Label summaryLabel;
+    private readonly TextBox reportBox;
+    private readonly DataGridView warningGrid;
+    private readonly EditNestForm editor;
+    private readonly int originalPlate;
+    private bool populating;
+    private bool editorRestored;
+    private readonly (float Scale, PointF Origin) originalViewport;
+    private readonly OverlapDisplayMode originalOverlapDisplay;
+    private readonly Button closeButton;
+    private bool started;
+    private bool analyzing;
+    private bool closeRequested;
+    private bool disposedResources;
+
+    public ValidateNestForm(Nest nest)
+        : this(nest, (value, token) => Task.Run(() => PostVerificationAnalyzer.Analyze(value, token), token))
+    { }
+
+    public ValidateNestForm(EditNestForm editor)
+        : this(editor, (value, token) => Task.Run(() => PostVerificationAnalyzer.Analyze(value, token), token))
+    { }
+
+    internal ValidateNestForm(EditNestForm editor, Func<Nest, CancellationToken, Task<PostVerificationReport>> analyze)
+        : this(editor.Nest, analyze)
+    {
+        this.editor = editor;
+        inspection = new ValidationInspectionScope(editor, this);
+        originalPlate = editor.PlateManager.CurrentIndex;
+        originalViewport = editor.PlateView.CaptureViewport();
+        originalOverlapDisplay = editor.PlateView.OverlapDisplay;
+        editor.PlateView.OverlapDisplay = OverlapDisplayMode.Off;
+        StartPosition = FormStartPosition.Manual;
+        MinimumSize = new Size(480, 440);
+        ClientSize = new Size(560, 650);
+    }
+
+    internal ValidateNestForm(Nest nest, Func<Nest, CancellationToken, Task<PostVerificationReport>> analyze)
+    {
+        this.nest = nest ?? throw new ArgumentNullException(nameof(nest));
+        this.analyze = analyze ?? throw new ArgumentNullException(nameof(analyze));
+        Text = "Validate Nest";
+        Name = nameof(ValidateNestForm);
+        StartPosition = FormStartPosition.CenterParent;
+        ClientSize = new Size(850, 560);
+        MinimumSize = new Size(700, 440);
+        ShowInTaskbar = true;
+        MinimizeBox = true;
+        AutoScaleMode = AutoScaleMode.Font;
+
+        var layout = new TableLayoutPanel
+        {
+            Dock = DockStyle.Fill,
+            Padding = new Padding(12),
+            ColumnCount = 1,
+            RowCount = 4,
+        };
+        layout.ColumnStyles.Add(new ColumnStyle(SizeType.Percent, 100));
+        layout.RowStyles.Add(new RowStyle(SizeType.AutoSize));
+        layout.RowStyles.Add(new RowStyle(SizeType.AutoSize));
+        layout.RowStyles.Add(new RowStyle(SizeType.Percent, 100));
+        layout.RowStyles.Add(new RowStyle(SizeType.AutoSize));
+        summaryLabel = new Label
+        {
+            Name = "summaryLabel",
+            AutoSize = true,
+            Dock = DockStyle.Fill,
+            Text = "Checking all plates: overlaps, missing lead-ins, and rapid crossings...",
+            Margin = new Padding(3, 3, 3, 10),
+        };
+        var scopeLabel = new Label
+        {
+            AutoSize = true,
+            Dock = DockStyle.Fill,
+            Text = "Select an issue to locate it in the main plate view. Its highlight pulses while selected.\r\n"
+                + "Minimum spacing, plate boundaries, and final post-processor output are not checked.",
+            Margin = new Padding(3, 3, 3, 10),
+        };
+        reportBox = new TextBox
+        {
+            Name = "reportBox",
+            Dock = DockStyle.Fill,
+            Multiline = true,
+            ReadOnly = true,
+            ScrollBars = ScrollBars.Vertical,
+            WordWrap = true,
+            MaxLength = 0,
+            AccessibleName = "Nest validation findings",
+            Text = "Validation is running...",
+        };
+        warningGrid = new DataGridView
+        {
+            Name = "warningGrid",
+            Dock = DockStyle.Fill,
+            ReadOnly = true,
+            AllowUserToAddRows = false,
+            AllowUserToDeleteRows = false,
+            MultiSelect = false,
+            SelectionMode = DataGridViewSelectionMode.FullRowSelect,
+            AutoGenerateColumns = false,
+            RowHeadersVisible = false,
+            BackgroundColor = SystemColors.Window,
+            AccessibleName = "Nest validation findings",
+        };
+        foreach (var title in new[] { "Plate", "Part", "With", "Issue", "Finding" })
+            warningGrid.Columns.Add(new DataGridViewTextBoxColumn
+            {
+                HeaderText = title,
+                Width = title == "Issue" ? 115 : 48,
+                AutoSizeMode = title == "Finding" ? DataGridViewAutoSizeColumnMode.Fill : DataGridViewAutoSizeColumnMode.None,
+                SortMode = DataGridViewColumnSortMode.NotSortable,
+            });
+        warningGrid.CurrentCellChanged += (_, _) => ShowSelectedFinding();
+        warningGrid.CellClick += (_, _) => ShowSelectedFinding();
+        var findings = new TableLayoutPanel { Dock = DockStyle.Fill, RowCount = 2, ColumnCount = 1 };
+        findings.RowStyles.Add(new RowStyle(SizeType.Percent, 65));
+        findings.RowStyles.Add(new RowStyle(SizeType.Percent, 35));
+        findings.Controls.Add(warningGrid, 0, 0);
+        findings.Controls.Add(reportBox, 0, 1);
+        closeButton = new Button
+        {
+            Name = "closeButton",
+            Text = "Cancel",
+            AutoSize = true,
+            DialogResult = DialogResult.Cancel,
+        };
+        closeButton.Click += (_, _) => Close();
+        var buttons = new FlowLayoutPanel
+        {
+            Dock = DockStyle.Fill,
+            AutoSize = true,
+            FlowDirection = FlowDirection.RightToLeft,
+        };
+        buttons.Controls.Add(closeButton);
+        layout.Controls.Add(summaryLabel, 0, 0);
+        layout.Controls.Add(scopeLabel, 0, 1);
+        layout.Controls.Add(findings, 0, 2);
+        layout.Controls.Add(buttons, 0, 3);
+        Controls.Add(layout);
+        AcceptButton = closeButton;
+        CancelButton = closeButton;
+    }
+
+    protected override void OnLoad(EventArgs e)
+    {
+        base.OnLoad(e);
+        if (editor == null)
+            return;
+        var area = Screen.FromControl(editor).WorkingArea;
+        Bounds = new Rectangle(area.Right - Width, area.Top, Width, System.Math.Min(Height, area.Height));
+    }
+
+    private void ShowSelectedFinding()
+    {
+        if (editorRestored || populating || editor == null || editor.IsDisposed)
+            return;
+        var view = editor.PlateView;
+        view.ClearValidationFinding();
+        if (warningGrid.CurrentRow?.Tag is not PostVerificationFinding finding
+            || finding.PlateNumber < 1 || finding.PlateNumber > nest.Plates.Count)
+            return;
+        if (editor.PlateManager.CurrentIndex != finding.PlateNumber - 1)
+            editor.PlateManager.LoadAt(finding.PlateNumber - 1);
+        var location = finding.Location;
+        if (location == null && finding.PartNumber is { } part && part > 0 && part <= view.Plate.Parts.Count)
+            location = view.Plate.Parts[part - 1]?.BoundingBox?.Center;
+        if (location is { } point && double.IsFinite(point.X) && double.IsFinite(point.Y))
+        {
+            var extent = finding.Overlap?.Bounds;
+            var size = System.Math.Max(10, System.Math.Max(extent?.Length ?? 0, extent?.Width ?? 0) * 2);
+            if (finding.RapidStart is { } start && finding.RapidEnd is { } end)
+                size = System.Math.Max(size, start.DistanceTo(end) * 1.5);
+            view.ZoomToArea(point.X - size / 2, point.Y - size / 2, size, size);
+            // Keep the marker in the portion of the main canvas left of this floating inspector.
+            var screen = view.RectangleToScreen(view.ClientRectangle);
+            var available = System.Math.Clamp(Left - screen.Left, 0, view.Width);
+            if (available > 100)
+                view.CenterValidationPoint(point, new Point(available / 2, view.Height / 2));
+        }
+        else
+            view.ZoomToFit();
+        view.ShowValidationFinding(finding with { Location = location });
+        ShowFindingDetails(finding);
+    }
+
+    private void ShowFindingDetails(PostVerificationFinding finding)
+    {
+        var hint = finding.Kind switch
+        {
+            PostVerificationKind.Overlap => "Shaded material is the overlap. The ring marks its area centroid, which can lie between separate patches.",
+            PostVerificationKind.RapidCrossing => "The pulsing dashed orange line is the offending rapid segment; it does not mark an exact contact point.",
+            PostVerificationKind.MissingLeadIn => "The ring marks the cutting contour start where a lead-in is missing.",
+            _ => "The ring marks the affected part's center when available; no exact problem location is known.",
+        };
+        reportBox.Text = $"Plate {finding.PlateNumber}, part {finding.PartNumber}: {finding.Message}"
+            + Environment.NewLine + Environment.NewLine + hint;
+    }
+
+    protected override void OnFormClosed(FormClosedEventArgs e)
+    {
+        RestoreEditor();
+        base.OnFormClosed(e);
+    }
+
+    private void RestoreEditor()
+    {
+        if (editorRestored || editor == null || editor.IsDisposed)
+            return;
+        editorRestored = true;
+        inspection?.Dispose();
+        editor.PlateView.ClearValidationFinding();
+        if (editor.PlateManager.CurrentIndex != originalPlate)
+            editor.PlateManager.LoadAt(originalPlate);
+        editor.PlateView.RestoreViewport(originalViewport);
+        editor.PlateView.OverlapDisplay = originalOverlapDisplay;
+    }
+
+    protected override async void OnShown(EventArgs e)
+    {
+        base.OnShown(e);
+        await ValidateAsync();
+    }
+
+    internal async Task ValidateAsync()
+    {
+        if (started)
+            return;
+        started = true;
+        analyzing = true;
+        try
+        {
+            var report = await analyze(nest, cancellation.Token);
+            if (closeRequested || IsDisposed)
+                return;
+            populating = true;
+            foreach (var finding in report.Findings)
+            {
+                var index = warningGrid.Rows.Add(finding.PlateNumber, finding.PartNumber, finding.OtherPartNumber,
+                    finding.Kind, finding.Message);
+                warningGrid.Rows[index].Tag = finding;
+            }
+            populating = false;
+            ShowSelectedFinding();
+            reportBox.Text = report.ToDisplayText("Nest validation");
+            if (editor != null && warningGrid.CurrentRow?.Tag is PostVerificationFinding selected)
+                ShowFindingDetails(selected);
+            reportBox.SelectionStart = 0;
+            reportBox.SelectionLength = 0;
+            summaryLabel.Text = report.Findings.Any(finding => finding.Kind == PostVerificationKind.Incomplete)
+                ? "Validation incomplete. Review the findings; this nest has not passed all checks."
+                : report.HasWarnings ? "Warnings found. Review the findings below."
+                : "Validation complete. No warnings found by these checks.";
+        }
+        catch (OperationCanceledException) when (cancellation.IsCancellationRequested)
+        {
+            closeRequested = true;
+        }
+        catch (Exception ex)
+        {
+            if (!IsDisposed)
+            {
+                summaryLabel.Text = "Validation failed. This nest has not passed the checks.";
+                reportBox.Text = "Validation could not finish. Close this window and try again."
+                    + Environment.NewLine + Environment.NewLine + ex.Message;
+            }
+        }
+        finally
+        {
+            analyzing = false;
+            if (!IsDisposed)
+            {
+                closeButton.Text = "Close";
+                if (closeRequested)
+                {
+                    DialogResult = DialogResult.Cancel;
+                    Close();
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    protected override void OnFormClosing(FormClosingEventArgs e)
+    {
+        if (analyzing)
+        {
+            closeRequested = true;
+            cancellation.Cancel();
+            closeButton.Enabled = false;
+            summaryLabel.Text = "Canceling validation...";
+            e.Cancel = true;
+        }
+        base.OnFormClosing(e);
+    }
+
+    protected override void Dispose(bool disposing)
+    {
+        if (disposing && !disposedResources)
+        {
+            disposedResources = true;
+            RestoreEditor();
+            inspection?.Dispose();
+            cancellation.Cancel();
+            cancellation.Dispose();
+        }
+        base.Dispose(disposing);
+    }
+}

OpenNest/Forms/ValidationInspectionScope.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,76 @@
+using System;
+using System.Collections.Generic;
+using System.Linq;
+using System.Windows.Forms;
+using OpenNest.Controls;
+
+namespace OpenNest.Forms;
+
+/// <summary>Keep live validation inputs stable while allowing navigation of the main canvas.</summary>
+internal sealed class ValidationInspectionScope : IDisposable
+{
+    private readonly List<(Control Control, bool Enabled)> controls = new();
+    private readonly List<(Form Form, bool AllowDrop)> hosts = new();
+    private bool disposed;
+    private readonly PlateView view;
+    private readonly Form inspector;
+    private readonly bool previousInspection;
+
+    public ValidationInspectionScope(EditNestForm editor, Form inspector)
+    {
+        view = editor.PlateView;
+        this.inspector = inspector;
+        previousInspection = view.InspectionOnly;
+        view.InspectionOnly = true;
+        var root = editor.MdiParent ?? editor;
+        DisableExceptCanvas(root);
+        hosts.Add((root, root.AllowDrop));
+        if (!ReferenceEquals(root, editor))
+            hosts.Add((editor, editor.AllowDrop));
+        foreach (var host in hosts)
+        {
+            host.Form.AllowDrop = false;
+            host.Form.FormClosing += HostClosing;
+        }
+    }
+
+    private void DisableExceptCanvas(Control parent)
+    {
+        foreach (var child in parent.Controls.Cast<Control>())
+        {
+            if (ReferenceEquals(child, view))
+                continue;
+            if (child.Contains(view))
+                DisableExceptCanvas(child);
+            else
+            {
+                controls.Add((child, child.Enabled));
+                child.Enabled = false;
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    private void HostClosing(object sender, FormClosingEventArgs e)
+    {
+        // A worker may still read the nest. Finish closing the inspector first.
+        e.Cancel = true;
+        inspector.Close();
+    }
+
+    public void Dispose()
+    {
+        if (disposed)
+            return;
+        disposed = true;
+        foreach (var host in hosts)
+        {
+            host.Form.FormClosing -= HostClosing;
+            if (!host.Form.IsDisposed)
+                host.Form.AllowDrop = host.AllowDrop;
+        }
+        foreach (var saved in controls.Where(saved => !saved.Control.IsDisposed))
+            saved.Control.Enabled = saved.Enabled;
+        if (!view.IsDisposed)
+            view.InspectionOnly = previousInspection;
+    }
+}

docs/post-verification.md

@@ -1,5 +1,41 @@
 # Verify a nest before posting
 
+## Standalone desktop validation
+
+Choose **Nest > Validate Nest...** to inspect all plates without running the cut
+planner or selecting a post processor. The read-only **Validate Nest** window
+checks overlapping material, missing lead-ins, and rapid crossings in the existing
+placed programs and cutting order. Findings identify plate and part sequence
+numbers in a read-only grid like the cut planner; incomplete or failed checks are
+never reported as clear. Select a row to switch the main plate view to that plate
+and focus the finding. The inspector opens at the right of the screen and can be
+moved or resized. The details below the grid explain the selected warning.
+
+Overlaps use the same magenta material shading as **View > Overlap Check**. A
+DPI-scaled ring expands and fades continuously while the finding is selected;
+both its color and contrasting halo fade as it grows. For overlaps the ring marks the area centroid (possibly between
+separate patches); for missing lead-ins it marks the contour start. Rapid warnings
+pulse the offending orange dashed segment continuously, without a ring or an
+exact contact-point marker. Incomplete findings use the part center when available;
+findings without a usable location do not invent a marker. Closing the inspector
+clears the highlight and restores the original plate, zoom, and overlap display mode.
+
+Validation does not change placements, programs, lead-ins, or cutting order, save
+the nest, or write CNC output. Minimum spacing and plate boundaries are not checked.
+It does not verify a post processor's final output. Posting still runs its own
+fresh verification and consent flow.
+
+Finish or cancel active nesting/fill operations before validating. The window is
+a normal top-level, modeless form. Editing controls and shortcuts stay disabled
+while it is open, but the main plate view remains available for wheel zoom,
+middle-button pan, and **F** or middle-button double-click to fit. Close the
+inspector to resume editing. Cancel, Escape, or closing the window requests
+cancellation and waits for the worker to stop before restoring editing controls.
+Closing the main window during inspection closes/cancels the inspector first;
+close the main window again after inspection has finished.
+
+## Posting workflow
+
 The desktop's **Nest > Post > (post processor)** workflow checks every plate after
 post settings are accepted and before asking where to save CNC output. The review
 shows all three check categories, even when there are no findings: