From f9b2e1282a4b119b6da08f35b88d4724569397db Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: AJ Isaacs <ajisaacs27@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 11 Oct 2026 21:55:59 -0400
Subject: [PATCH] feat(cutting-ui): inspect live nest validation in docked
 panel

---
 .../Forms/CuttingValidationPanelTests.cs      | 263 +++++++++++++++++
 OpenNest/Forms/CuttingInspectionPanel.cs      | 270 ++++++++++++++++--
 OpenNest/Forms/EditNestForm.cs                |  24 +-
 OpenNest/Forms/MainForm.cs                    |  19 +-
 docs/cutting-planner.md                       |   5 +-
 docs/post-verification.md                     |  32 ++-
 6 files changed, 559 insertions(+), 54 deletions(-)
 create mode 100644 OpenNest.WinForms.Tests/Forms/CuttingValidationPanelTests.cs

diff --git a/OpenNest.WinForms.Tests/Forms/CuttingValidationPanelTests.cs b/OpenNest.WinForms.Tests/Forms/CuttingValidationPanelTests.cs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e04c323
--- /dev/null
+++ b/OpenNest.WinForms.Tests/Forms/CuttingValidationPanelTests.cs
@@ -0,0 +1,263 @@
+using System.Drawing;
+using System.Reflection;
+using System.Windows.Forms;
+using OpenNest.CNC;
+using OpenNest.Diagnostics;
+using OpenNest.Forms;
+using OpenNest.Geometry;
+
+namespace OpenNest.WinForms.Tests.Forms;
+
+[Collection("Fill operation lifetime")]
+public class CuttingValidationPanelTests
+{
+    [Fact]
+    public void ValidateMenuUsesSharedPanelAndRealAllPlateFindingsRestoreOriginalView() => RunSta(() =>
+    {
+        using var host = new MenuHost();
+        using var editor = RapidEditor();
+        host.Show();
+        editor.MdiParent = host;
+        editor.Show();
+        editor.Activate();
+        editor.PlateManager.LoadAt(0);
+        var view = editor.PlateView;
+        view.OverlapDisplay = OverlapDisplayMode.Centroids;
+        view.ZoomToArea(-10, -10, 50, 50);
+        var viewport = view.CaptureViewport();
+        var original = view.Plate;
+        var programs = editor.Nest.Plates.SelectMany(p => p.Parts).Select(p => p.Program).ToArray();
+        Invoke(host, "ValidateNest_Click", host, EventArgs.Empty);
+        var panel = Assert.IsType<CuttingInspectionPanel>(editor.CuttingInspection);
+        Pump(() => panel.ValidationReport != null && !panel.IsPlanning);
+        Assert.Equal(CuttingInspectionMode.Validate, panel.Mode);
+        Assert.False(Field<Button>(panel, "applyButton").Visible);
+        Assert.False(Field<Button>(panel, "applyButton").Enabled);
+        Assert.False(view.HasProposalDisplay);
+        var grid = Field<DataGridView>(panel, "warningGrid");
+        Assert.Equal(panel.ValidationReport!.Findings.Count, grid.Rows.Count);
+        var row = grid.Rows.Cast<DataGridViewRow>().Single(r => r.Tag is PostVerificationFinding
+        { Kind: PostVerificationKind.RapidCrossing, PlateNumber: 2, PartNumber: 3 });
+        grid.ClearSelection();
+        row.Selected = true; // Real SelectionChanged precedes CurrentCell assignment.
+        Assert.Same(editor.Nest.Plates[1], view.Plate);
+        Assert.Equal(new[] { new Vector(0, 2), new Vector(4, 2) }, view.ValidationOverlay.Finding.ContactPoints);
+        Assert.True(view.ValidationOverlay.IsAnimating);
+        var contactPoint = view.PointWorldToControl(new Vector(0, 2));
+        using var bitmap = new Bitmap(view.Width, view.Height);
+        using var graphics = Graphics.FromImage(bitmap);
+        graphics.Clear(Color.Black);
+        var origin = view.CaptureViewport().Origin;
+        graphics.TranslateTransform(origin.X, origin.Y);
+        view.ValidationOverlay.Draw(graphics);
+        var cx = contactPoint.X;
+        var cy = contactPoint.Y;
+        Assert.InRange(cx, 15, bitmap.Width - 16);
+        Assert.InRange(cy, 15, bitmap.Height - 16);
+        Assert.Contains(Enumerable.Range(-2, 5).SelectMany(dx => Enumerable.Range(3, 7)
+            .Select(dy => bitmap.GetPixel(cx + dx, cy + dy))), pixel =>
+            pixel.R > 150 && pixel.B > 50 && pixel.G < 100);
+        Assert.Contains("Crosshairs", Field<TextBox>(panel, "resultLabel").Text);
+        Assert.Contains("Minimum spacing, plate boundaries and final post output are not checked", Field<Label>(panel, "validationScopeLabel").Text);
+        Assert.True(Field<Label>(panel, "validationScopeLabel").Visible);
+        Assert.Contains("Nest validation (live programs)", Field<TextBox>(panel, "resultLabel").Text);
+        panel.RequestClose();
+        Assert.Same(original, view.Plate);
+        Assert.Equal(viewport, view.CaptureViewport());
+        Assert.Equal(OverlapDisplayMode.Centroids, view.OverlapDisplay);
+        Assert.Null(view.ValidationOverlay.Finding);
+        Assert.False(view.InspectionOnly);
+        Assert.Equal(programs, editor.Nest.Plates.SelectMany(p => p.Parts).Select(p => p.Program));
+    });
+
+    [Theory]
+    [InlineData(false)]
+    [InlineData(true)]
+    public void ShownValidationDistinguishesIncompleteFromClear(bool incomplete) => RunSta(() =>
+    {
+        var nest = new Nest();
+        if (incomplete) nest.CreatePlate().Parts.Add(new Part(new Drawing("unsupported", new OpenNest.CNC.Program())));
+        using var editor = new EditNestForm(nest);
+        editor.Show();
+        editor.OpenValidationInspection();
+        var panel = editor.CuttingInspection!;
+        Pump(() => panel.ValidationReport != null && !panel.IsPlanning);
+        Assert.Contains(incomplete ? "Validation incomplete" : "No warnings found", Field<Label>(panel, "previewLabel").Text);
+        Assert.True(Field<Label>(panel, "validationScopeLabel").Visible);
+        Assert.Contains("not posting consent", Field<Label>(panel, "validationScopeLabel").Text);
+        Assert.False(Field<Button>(panel, "applyButton").Enabled);
+        panel.RequestClose();
+    });
+
+    [Theory]
+    [InlineData("PanelDispose")]
+    [InlineData("EditorClose")]
+    [InlineData("HostClose")]
+    public void ExternalCloseJoinsValidationBeforeReleasingMdiGuard(string close) => RunSta(() =>
+    {
+        using var host = new MenuHost();
+        using var editor = RapidEditor();
+        using var other = new EditNestForm(editor.Nest);
+        host.Show();
+        other.MdiParent = host; other.Show();
+        editor.MdiParent = host; editor.Show(); editor.Activate();
+        editor.OpenValidationInspection();
+        var panel = editor.CuttingInspection!;
+        Pump(() => !panel.IsPlanning);
+        var pending = new TaskCompletionSource<PostVerificationReport>();
+        CancellationToken token = default;
+        panel.Analyze = (_, cancellation) => { token = cancellation; return pending.Task; };
+        Field<Button>(panel, "planButton").PerformClick();
+        Assert.True(panel.IsPlanning);
+        Assert.False(other.Enabled);
+        Assert.False(host.AllowDrop);
+        if (close == "PanelDispose") panel.Dispose();
+        else if (close == "EditorClose") editor.Close();
+        else host.Close();
+        Assert.True(token.IsCancellationRequested);
+        Assert.False(panel.IsDisposed);
+        Assert.True(editor.PlateView.InspectionOnly);
+        Assert.False(other.Enabled);
+        pending.SetCanceled();
+        Pump(() => panel.IsDisposed);
+        if (close == "HostClose") Pump(() => host.IsDisposed);
+        else if (close == "EditorClose") Pump(() => editor.IsDisposed);
+        else
+        {
+            Assert.True(other.Enabled);
+            Assert.False(editor.PlateView.InspectionOnly);
+        }
+    });
+
+    [Fact]
+    public void ModeSwitchJoinsBothWorkersAndDiscardsOldResultsWithoutUnlocking() => RunSta(() =>
+    {
+        using var editor = RapidEditor();
+        editor.Show();
+        editor.OpenValidationInspection();
+        var panel = editor.CuttingInspection!;
+        Pump(() => !panel.IsPlanning);
+        var pending = new TaskCompletionSource<PostVerificationReport>();
+        CancellationToken token = default;
+        panel.Analyze = (_, cancellation) => { token = cancellation; return pending.Task; };
+        Field<Button>(panel, "planButton").PerformClick();
+        using var entered = new ManualResetEventSlim();
+        using var release = new ManualResetEventSlim();
+        panel.BeforePlan = cancellation => { entered.Set(); release.Wait(TimeSpan.FromSeconds(20)); cancellation.ThrowIfCancellationRequested(); };
+        try
+        {
+            Field<ComboBox>(panel, "modeSelector").SelectedIndex = 0;
+            Assert.True(token.IsCancellationRequested);
+            Assert.Equal(CuttingInspectionMode.Validate, panel.Mode);
+            Assert.True(editor.PlateView.InspectionOnly);
+            pending.SetResult(PostVerificationAnalyzer.Analyze(new Nest()));
+            Pump(() => entered.IsSet);
+            Assert.Equal(CuttingInspectionMode.Plan, panel.Mode);
+            Assert.Null(panel.ValidationReport);
+            Assert.True(editor.PlateView.InspectionOnly);
+            panel.Analyze = (nest, cancellation) => Task.FromResult(PostVerificationAnalyzer.Analyze(nest, cancellation));
+            Field<ComboBox>(panel, "modeSelector").SelectedIndex = 1;
+            Assert.Equal(CuttingInspectionMode.Plan, panel.Mode);
+            Assert.True(editor.PlateView.InspectionOnly);
+            release.Set();
+            Pump(() => panel.Mode == CuttingInspectionMode.Validate && !panel.IsPlanning);
+            Assert.NotNull(panel.ValidationReport);
+            Assert.Null(panel.Proposal);
+            Assert.False(editor.PlateView.HasProposalDisplay);
+            Assert.False(Field<CheckBox>(panel, "acceptWarningsCheckBox").Checked);
+            panel.RequestClose();
+        }
+        finally { release.Set(); }
+    });
+
+    [Fact]
+    public void RecheckFailureNeverRetainsOldClearOrOverlay() => RunSta(() =>
+    {
+        using var editor = RapidEditor();
+        editor.Show();
+        editor.OpenValidationInspection();
+        var panel = editor.CuttingInspection!;
+        Pump(() => !panel.IsPlanning);
+        panel.Analyze = (_, _) => throw new InvalidOperationException("synthetic validation failure");
+        Field<Button>(panel, "planButton").PerformClick();
+        Pump(() => !panel.IsPlanning);
+        Assert.Null(panel.ValidationReport);
+        Assert.Null(editor.PlateView.ValidationOverlay.Finding);
+        Assert.Empty(Field<DataGridView>(panel, "warningGrid").Rows.Cast<DataGridViewRow>());
+        Assert.Contains("Validation failed", Field<TextBox>(panel, "resultLabel").Text);
+        Assert.DoesNotContain("No warnings found", Field<Label>(panel, "previewLabel").Text);
+        panel.RequestClose();
+    });
+
+    [Fact]
+    public void RestoreObserverFailureStillReleasesPanelAndInspectionLock() => RunSta(() =>
+    {
+        using var editor = RapidEditor();
+        editor.Show();
+        editor.PlateManager.LoadAt(0);
+        editor.OpenValidationInspection();
+        var panel = editor.CuttingInspection!;
+        Pump(() => panel.ValidationReport != null && !panel.IsPlanning);
+        var row = Field<DataGridView>(panel, "warningGrid").Rows.Cast<DataGridViewRow>()
+            .Single(r => r.Tag is PostVerificationFinding
+            { Kind: PostVerificationKind.RapidCrossing, PlateNumber: 2, PartNumber: 3 });
+        row.Selected = true;
+        Assert.Equal(1, editor.PlateManager.CurrentIndex);
+        Exception? reported = null;
+        panel.OnRestoreError = ex => reported = ex;
+        void ThrowOnRestore(object? _, PlateChangedEventArgs e)
+        {
+            if (e.Index == 0)
+                throw new InvalidOperationException("synthetic plate-change observer");
+        }
+        editor.PlateManager.CurrentPlateChanged += ThrowOnRestore;
+        try
+        {
+            panel.RequestClose();
+            Assert.IsType<InvalidOperationException>(reported);
+            Assert.Null(editor.CuttingInspection);
+            Assert.True(panel.IsDisposed);
+            Assert.False(editor.PlateView.InspectionOnly);
+        }
+        finally
+        {
+            editor.PlateManager.CurrentPlateChanged -= ThrowOnRestore;
+        }
+    });
+
+    private static EditNestForm RapidEditor()
+    {
+        var nest = new Nest();
+        nest.CreatePlate().Size = new OpenNest.Geometry.Size(100, 100);
+        var plate = nest.CreatePlate();
+        plate.Size = new OpenNest.Geometry.Size(100, 100);
+        var program = new OpenNest.CNC.Program();
+        program.MoveTo(0, 0); program.LineTo(4, 0); program.LineTo(4, 4); program.LineTo(0, 4); program.LineTo(0, 0);
+        plate.Parts.Add(new Part(new Drawing("square", program)));
+        foreach (var x in new[] { -2d, 6d })
+        {
+            var scribe = new OpenNest.CNC.Program();
+            scribe.MoveTo(x, 2);
+            scribe.Codes.Add(new LinearMove(x, 2) { Layer = LayerType.Scribe });
+            plate.Parts.Add(new Part(new Drawing("scribe", scribe)));
+        }
+        return new EditNestForm(nest);
+    }
+
+    private sealed class MenuHost : MainForm
+    {
+        protected override void OnLoad(EventArgs e) { }
+    }
+
+    private static T Field<T>(object target, string name) => Assert.IsType<T>(target.GetType()
+        .GetField(name, BindingFlags.NonPublic | BindingFlags.Instance)!.GetValue(target));
+    private static void Invoke(Control target, string name, params object[] args) => typeof(MainForm)
+        .GetMethod(name, BindingFlags.NonPublic | BindingFlags.Instance)!.Invoke(target, args);
+    private static void Pump(Func<bool> condition)
+    {
+        var until = DateTime.UtcNow.AddSeconds(30);
+        while (!condition() && DateTime.UtcNow < until) { Application.DoEvents(); Thread.Sleep(10); }
+        Assert.True(condition(), "Timed out waiting for validation panel.");
+    }
+    private static void RunSta(System.Action action) => StaTestThread.Run(action, TimeSpan.FromSeconds(45), "Validation panel STA timed out.");
+}
diff --git a/OpenNest/Forms/CuttingInspectionPanel.cs b/OpenNest/Forms/CuttingInspectionPanel.cs
index 467b4d7..58e37a2 100644
--- a/OpenNest/Forms/CuttingInspectionPanel.cs
+++ b/OpenNest/Forms/CuttingInspectionPanel.cs
@@ -13,6 +13,8 @@ using OpenNest.Engine.CuttingPlanning;
 
 namespace OpenNest.Forms;
 
+internal enum CuttingInspectionMode { Plan, Validate }
+
 /// <summary>Owner-thread planning and atomic Apply beside the read-only main canvas.</summary>
 internal sealed class CuttingInspectionPanel : UserControl
 {
@@ -29,7 +31,16 @@ internal sealed class CuttingInspectionPanel : UserControl
     private readonly SynchronizationContext context;
     private readonly (float Scale, PointF Origin) viewport;
     private readonly OverlapDisplayMode overlapDisplay;
-    private readonly CuttingProposalInspection inspection = new();
+    private CuttingProposalInspection inspection = new();
+    private readonly ComboBox modeSelector = new() { DropDownStyle = ComboBoxStyle.DropDownList, Width = 220 };
+    private CancellationTokenSource validationCancellation;
+    private bool closeRequested;
+    private CuttingInspectionMode? pendingMode;
+    private bool configuringMode;
+    internal CuttingInspectionMode Mode { get; private set; }
+    internal PostVerificationReport ValidationReport { get; private set; }
+    internal Func<Nest, CancellationToken, Task<PostVerificationReport>> Analyze { get; set; }
+        = (nest, token) => Task.Run(() => PostVerificationAnalyzer.Analyze(nest, token), token);
     private readonly Button planButton = new() { Text = "Replan", AutoSize = true };
     private readonly Button cancelButton = new() { Text = "Cancel / Close", AutoSize = true };
     private readonly TextBox resultLabel = new()
@@ -50,6 +61,13 @@ internal sealed class CuttingInspectionPanel : UserControl
     private readonly CheckBox acceptWarningsCheckBox = new() { Text = "Accept UNVERIFIED plan warnings (not posting consent)", AutoSize = true, Visible = false };
     private readonly Label settingsLabel = new() { AutoSize = true, MaximumSize = new Size(440, 0) };
     private readonly Label previewLabel = new() { AutoSize = true, MaximumSize = new Size(440, 0) };
+    private readonly Label validationScopeLabel = new()
+    {
+        AutoSize = true,
+        MaximumSize = new Size(440, 0),
+        Visible = false,
+        Text = "LIVE NEST only — not posting consent. Minimum spacing, plate boundaries and final post output are not checked."
+    };
     private readonly DataGridView warningGrid = new()
     {
         Dock = DockStyle.Fill,
@@ -65,7 +83,8 @@ internal sealed class CuttingInspectionPanel : UserControl
     private bool closed;
     private int generation;
 
-    internal CuttingInspectionPanel(EditNestForm editor, CuttingParameters parameters, bool allPlates = false)
+    internal CuttingInspectionPanel(EditNestForm editor, CuttingParameters parameters, bool allPlates = false,
+        CuttingInspectionMode mode = CuttingInspectionMode.Plan)
     {
         this.editor = editor;
         view = editor.PlateView;
@@ -85,7 +104,14 @@ internal sealed class CuttingInspectionPanel : UserControl
         buttons.Controls.AddRange([settingsButton, planButton, applyButton, cancelButton]);
         var navigation = new FlowLayoutPanel { AutoSize = true };
         navigation.Controls.AddRange([previousButton, nextButton]);
-        header.Controls.AddRange([settingsLabel, keepOrderCheckBox, buttons, acceptWarningsCheckBox, navigation, previewLabel]);
+        modeSelector.Items.AddRange(["Plan Cutting", "Validate Nest (live programs)"]);
+        Mode = mode;
+        modeSelector.SelectedIndex = (int)mode;
+        modeSelector.SelectedIndexChanged += (_, _) =>
+        {
+            if (!configuringMode) SwitchMode((CuttingInspectionMode)modeSelector.SelectedIndex);
+        };
+        header.Controls.AddRange([modeSelector, settingsLabel, keepOrderCheckBox, buttons, acceptWarningsCheckBox, navigation, previewLabel, validationScopeLabel]);
         var layout = new TableLayoutPanel { Dock = DockStyle.Fill, ColumnCount = 1, RowCount = 3 };
         layout.RowStyles.Add(new RowStyle(SizeType.AutoSize));
         layout.RowStyles.Add(new RowStyle(SizeType.Percent, 30));
@@ -103,7 +129,7 @@ internal sealed class CuttingInspectionPanel : UserControl
                 AutoSizeMode = name == "Warning / finding" ? DataGridViewAutoSizeColumnMode.Fill : DataGridViewAutoSizeColumnMode.None
             });
         Padding = new Padding(10);
-        planButton.Click += (_, _) => StartPlanning();
+        planButton.Click += (_, _) => StartCurrentMode();
         cancelButton.Click += (_, _) => RequestClose();
         settingsButton.Click += (_, _) => EditSettings();
         keepOrderCheckBox.CheckedChanged += (_, _) => StartPlanning();
@@ -116,7 +142,7 @@ internal sealed class CuttingInspectionPanel : UserControl
         resultLabel.Text = "Read-only proposal inspection. Nothing live changes before Apply.";
     }
 
-    internal bool IsPlanning => inspection.IsRunning;
+    internal bool IsPlanning => inspection.IsRunning || validationCancellation != null;
     internal Task PlanningTask { get; private set; } = Task.CompletedTask;
     internal Action<CancellationToken> BeforePlan { get; set; }
     internal Action BeforePresent { get; set; }
@@ -130,12 +156,167 @@ internal sealed class CuttingInspectionPanel : UserControl
         view.InspectionCloseRequested = RequestClose;
         view.OverlapDisplay = OverlapDisplayMode.Off;
         view.ClearValidationFinding();
-        StartPlanning();
+        ConfigureMode();
+        StartCurrentMode();
+    }
+
+    private void StartCurrentMode()
+    {
+        if (Mode == CuttingInspectionMode.Validate) StartValidation();
+        else StartPlanning();
+    }
+
+    private void ConfigureMode()
+    {
+        configuringMode = true;
+        modeSelector.SelectedIndex = (int)Mode;
+        configuringMode = false;
+        var planning = Mode == CuttingInspectionMode.Plan;
+        settingsButton.Visible = settingsLabel.Visible = keepOrderCheckBox.Visible = applyButton.Visible = planning;
+        previousButton.Visible = nextButton.Visible = planning;
+        validationScopeLabel.Visible = !planning;
+        planButton.Text = planning ? "Replan" : "Recheck all plates";
+        previewLabel.Text = planning ? "No current preview." : "LIVE NEST — read-only validation of all plates.";
+    }
+
+    internal void SwitchMode(CuttingInspectionMode mode)
+    {
+        if (closed || closeRequested || mode == Mode && pendingMode == null) return;
+        pendingMode = mode;
+        ClearResult();
+        SetPlanning(true);
+        resultLabel.Text = "Switching modes… waiting for the worker.";
+        if (validationCancellation != null) validationCancellation.Cancel();
+        if (inspection.IsRunning) inspection.RequestClose();
+        if (!IsPlanning) FinishTransition();
+    }
+
+    private void FinishTransition()
+    {
+        if (closeRequested) { FinishClose(); return; }
+        if (pendingMode is not { } mode) return;
+        pendingMode = null;
+        RestoreLiveView();
+        inspection = new CuttingProposalInspection();
+        Mode = mode;
+        ConfigureMode();
+        StartCurrentMode();
+    }
+
+    private void RestoreLiveView()
+    {
+        view.ClearProposalDisplay();
+        view.ClearValidationFinding();
+        if (view.IsDisposed) return;
+        var index = editor.Nest.Plates.ToList().IndexOf(plate);
+        if (index >= 0 && !ReferenceEquals(view.Plate, plate)) editor.PlateManager.LoadAt(index);
+        view.RestoreViewport(viewport);
+    }
+
+    private void StartValidation()
+    {
+        if (closed || closeRequested || IsPlanning) return;
+        ClearResult();
+        ConfigureMode();
+        SetPlanning(true);
+        resultLabel.Text = "Checking all live plates: overlaps, missing lead-ins and rapid crossings…";
+        var cancellation = validationCancellation = new CancellationTokenSource();
+        var run = ++generation;
+        var completion = new TaskCompletionSource(TaskCreationOptions.RunContinuationsAsynchronously);
+        PlanningTask = completion.Task;
+        // The inspection scope keeps editors and posting from mutating these live inputs.
+        Task<PostVerificationReport> work;
+        try { work = Analyze(editor.Nest, cancellation.Token); }
+        catch (Exception ex) { work = Task.FromException<PostVerificationReport>(ex); }
+        work.ContinueWith(task => context.Post(_ =>
+        {
+            try
+            {
+                validationCancellation = null;
+                cancellation.Dispose();
+                if (closeRequested || pendingMode != null) { FinishTransition(); return; }
+                if (closed || run != generation) return;
+                SetPlanning(false);
+                if (!task.IsCompletedSuccessfully)
+                {
+                    resultLabel.Text = task.IsCanceled ? "Validation cancelled. This nest has not passed the checks."
+                        : $"Validation failed. This nest has not passed the checks. {task.Exception?.GetBaseException().Message}";
+                    return;
+                }
+                ValidationReport = task.Result;
+                resultLabel.Text = ValidationReport.ToDisplayText("Nest validation (live programs)");
+                previewLabel.Text = ValidationReport.Findings.Any(f => f.Kind == PostVerificationKind.Incomplete)
+                    ? "Validation incomplete. Review the findings; this nest has not passed all checks."
+                    : ValidationReport.HasWarnings ? "Warnings found. Review the findings below."
+                    : "Validation complete. No warnings found by these checks.";
+                populatingWarnings = true;
+                try
+                {
+                    foreach (var finding in ValidationReport.Findings)
+                    {
+                        var index = warningGrid.Rows.Add(finding.PlateNumber, finding.PartNumber, finding.OtherPartNumber,
+                            $"{finding.Kind}: {finding.Message}");
+                        warningGrid.Rows[index].Tag = finding;
+                    }
+                    warningGrid.ClearSelection();
+                }
+                finally { populatingWarnings = false; }
+            }
+            catch (Exception ex)
+            {
+                view.ClearValidationFinding();
+                resultLabel.Text = $"Validation failed. This nest has not passed the checks. {ex.Message}";
+            }
+            finally { completion.TrySetResult(); }
+        }, null), CancellationToken.None, TaskContinuationOptions.None, TaskScheduler.Default);
+    }
+
+    private void NavigateValidationFinding()
+    {
+        if (closed || closeRequested || pendingMode != null || populatingWarnings || IsPlanning || editor.IsDisposed)
+            return;
+        view.ClearValidationFinding();
+        if (warningGrid.SelectedRows.Count == 0 || warningGrid.SelectedRows[0].Tag is not PostVerificationFinding finding
+            || finding.PlateNumber < 1 || finding.PlateNumber > editor.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);
+            // A narrow docked canvas can put a contact at its edge after zoom.
+            // Centre a typed witness, never infer one from the diagnostic text.
+            var focus = finding.Kind == PostVerificationKind.RapidCrossing
+                && finding.ContactPoints.Any(contact => double.IsFinite(contact.X) && double.IsFinite(contact.Y))
+                ? finding.ContactPoints.First(contact => double.IsFinite(contact.X) && double.IsFinite(contact.Y))
+                : point;
+            view.CenterValidationPoint(focus, new Point(view.Width / 2, view.Height / 2));
+        }
+        else view.ZoomToFit();
+        view.ShowValidationFinding(finding with { Location = location });
+        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 => finding.ContactPoints.Count > 0
+                ? "Crosshairs mark contacts with the completed contour. The pulsing dashed orange line shows the rapid."
+                : "The pulsing dashed orange line shows the rapid inside the completed contour; there is no boundary contact point to mark.",
+            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."
+        };
+        // Keep the complete report visible; selecting a finding does not hide completeness or other warnings.
+        resultLabel.Text = $"Plate {finding.PlateNumber}, part {finding.PartNumber}: {finding.Message}\r\n{hint}\r\n\r\n"
+            + ValidationReport.ToDisplayText("Nest validation (live programs)");
     }
 
     internal void StartPlanning()
     {
-        if (closed || inspection.IsRunning || inspection.CloseRequested)
+        if (Mode != CuttingInspectionMode.Plan || closed || IsPlanning || closeRequested || inspection.CloseRequested)
             return;
         ClearResult();
         SetPlanning(true);
@@ -168,9 +349,9 @@ internal sealed class CuttingInspectionPanel : UserControl
         try
         {
             inspection.CompletePlanning(work);
-            if (inspection.CloseRequested)
+            if (closeRequested || pendingMode != null)
             {
-                FinishClose();
+                FinishTransition();
                 return;
             }
             if (closed || run != generation)
@@ -226,6 +407,7 @@ internal sealed class CuttingInspectionPanel : UserControl
 
     private void ClearResult()
     {
+        ValidationReport = null;
         invalidated = true;
         preview = null;
         view.ClearProposalDisplay();
@@ -248,7 +430,7 @@ internal sealed class CuttingInspectionPanel : UserControl
         if (running) applyButton.Enabled = false;
     }
 
-    private void UpdateApply() => applyButton.Enabled = !invalidated && !IsPlanning
+    private void UpdateApply() => applyButton.Enabled = Mode == CuttingInspectionMode.Plan && !invalidated && !IsPlanning
         && (Proposal?.CanApply == true || Proposal?.CanApplyWithWarnings == true && acceptWarningsCheckBox.Checked);
 
     private bool IsPreviewCurrent()
@@ -286,6 +468,11 @@ internal sealed class CuttingInspectionPanel : UserControl
 
     private void NavigateFinding()
     {
+        if (Mode == CuttingInspectionMode.Validate)
+        {
+            NavigateValidationFinding();
+            return;
+        }
         if (populatingWarnings || invalidated || warningGrid.SelectedRows.Count == 0
             || warningGrid.SelectedRows[0].Tag is not CuttingPlanDiagnosticRow row)
             return;
@@ -381,36 +568,67 @@ internal sealed class CuttingInspectionPanel : UserControl
     {
         if (closed)
             return;
+        closeRequested = true;
+        pendingMode = null;
         ClearResult();
         SetPlanning(true);
         cancelButton.Enabled = false;
         resultLabel.Text = "Cancelling… waiting for the worker. Nothing has changed.";
-        if (inspection.RequestClose())
+        validationCancellation?.Cancel();
+        inspection.RequestClose();
+        if (!IsPlanning)
             FinishClose();
     }
 
+    internal Action<Exception> OnRestoreError { get; set; }
+
     private void FinishClose()
     {
         if (closed)
             return;
         closed = true;
-        view.ClearProposalDisplay();
-        if (!view.IsDisposed)
-        {
-            view.InspectionCloseRequested = null;
-            if (ReferenceEquals(view.Plate, plate))
-            {
-                view.OverlapDisplay = overlapDisplay;
-            }
-        }
+        Exception restoreError = null;
         var ownedScope = scope;
-        ownedScope?.Dispose();
         scope = null;
-        editor.FinishCuttingInspection(this);
-        if (!view.IsDisposed && ReferenceEquals(view.Plate, plate))
-            view.RestoreViewport(viewport);
-        ownedScope?.ResumeHostClose();
-        Dispose();
+        try
+        {
+            RestoreLiveView();
+            if (!view.IsDisposed && ReferenceEquals(view.Plate, plate))
+                view.OverlapDisplay = overlapDisplay;
+        }
+        catch (Exception ex)
+        {
+            restoreError = ex;
+        }
+        finally
+        {
+            // Navigation can invoke arbitrary plate-change observers. Even if one throws,
+            // release the scope and panel so a stopped worker never strands editing.
+            if (!view.IsDisposed)
+                view.InspectionCloseRequested = null;
+            try { ownedScope?.Dispose(); }
+            catch (Exception ex) { restoreError ??= ex; }
+            try { editor.FinishCuttingInspection(this); }
+            catch (Exception ex) { restoreError ??= ex; }
+            try
+            {
+                if (!view.IsDisposed && ReferenceEquals(view.Plate, plate))
+                    view.RestoreViewport(viewport);
+            }
+            catch (Exception ex) { restoreError ??= ex; }
+            try { ownedScope?.ResumeHostClose(); }
+            catch (Exception ex) { restoreError ??= ex; }
+            Dispose();
+        }
+        if (restoreError != null)
+        {
+            if (OnRestoreError != null)
+                OnRestoreError(restoreError);
+            else
+                MessageBox.Show(editor.IsDisposed ? null : editor,
+                    "Inspection closed, but the original view could not be fully restored: " + restoreError.Message,
+                    "Cutting Inspection", MessageBoxButtons.OK, MessageBoxIcon.Warning);
+        }
     }
 
     protected override void Dispose(bool disposing)
diff --git a/OpenNest/Forms/EditNestForm.cs b/OpenNest/Forms/EditNestForm.cs
index f307a54..f4ad2bf 100644
--- a/OpenNest/Forms/EditNestForm.cs
+++ b/OpenNest/Forms/EditNestForm.cs
@@ -278,17 +278,37 @@ namespace OpenNest.Forms
         }
         internal System.Action<System.Threading.CancellationToken> CuttingBeforePlan { get; set; }
 
+        internal void OpenValidationInspection()
+        {
+            if (CuttingInspection != null)
+            {
+                CuttingInspection.SwitchMode(CuttingInspectionMode.Validate);
+                return;
+            }
+            OpenInspection(true, CuttingInspectionMode.Validate);
+        }
+
         internal void OpenCuttingInspection(bool allPlates = false)
+        {
+            if (CuttingInspection != null)
+            {
+                CuttingInspection.SwitchMode(CuttingInspectionMode.Plan);
+                return;
+            }
+            OpenInspection(allPlates, CuttingInspectionMode.Plan);
+        }
+
+        private void OpenInspection(bool allPlates, CuttingInspectionMode mode)
         {
             if (CuttingInspection != null)
                 return;
             PlateView.EndAction();
-            var panel = new CuttingInspectionPanel(this, LoadOrDefaultParameters(PlateView.Plate.CuttingParameters), allPlates)
+            var panel = new CuttingInspectionPanel(this, LoadOrDefaultParameters(PlateView.Plate.CuttingParameters), allPlates, mode)
             {
                 BeforePlan = CuttingBeforePlan
             };
             CuttingInspection = panel;
-            ShowSidePanel(panel, allPlates ? "Plan Cutting — All Plates" : "Plan Cutting — Read-only Proposal", 480);
+            ShowSidePanel(panel, "Cutting Inspection — Plan / Validate", 480);
             panel.Open();
         }
 
diff --git a/OpenNest/Forms/MainForm.cs b/OpenNest/Forms/MainForm.cs
index 8063b4e..eae511d 100644
--- a/OpenNest/Forms/MainForm.cs
+++ b/OpenNest/Forms/MainForm.cs
@@ -27,7 +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;
@@ -1629,13 +1629,7 @@ namespace OpenNest.Forms
 
             foreach (var view in views)
                 view.SetAction(typeof(ActionSelect));
-            if (validationForm is { IsDisposed: false })
-            {
-                validationForm.Activate();
-                return;
-            }
-            validationForm = new ValidateNestForm(editForm);
-            validationForm.Show(this);
+            editForm.OpenValidationInspection();
         }
 
         private void PostProcessor_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
@@ -1649,6 +1643,12 @@ namespace OpenNest.Forms
 
             // Closed progress windows can still have a fill awaiting its final commit.
             // Keep the nest stable throughout verification and all owned modal dialogs.
+            if (MdiChildren.OfType<EditNestForm>().Any(form => form.CuttingInspection != null))
+            {
+                MessageBox.Show(this, "Close cutting inspection before posting. Posting will run fresh checks.",
+                    "Verify Nest Before Posting", MessageBoxButtons.OK, MessageBoxIcon.Information);
+                return;
+            }
             var views = MdiChildren.OfType<EditNestForm>()
                 .Where(form => ReferenceEquals(form.Nest, editForm.Nest))
                 .Select(form => form.PlateView).ToArray();
@@ -1927,8 +1927,7 @@ namespace OpenNest.Forms
 
         private void ShowCuttingPlan(bool allPlates)
         {
-            if (validationForm is { IsDisposed: false }
-                || MdiChildren.OfType<EditNestForm>().Any(form => form.CuttingInspection != null))
+            if (MdiChildren.OfType<EditNestForm>().Any(form => form.CuttingInspection != null && !ReferenceEquals(form, activeForm)))
                 return;
             var editForm = activeForm;
             if (editForm?.PlateView?.Plate == null)
diff --git a/docs/cutting-planner.md b/docs/cutting-planner.md
index a786440..ff46770 100644
--- a/docs/cutting-planner.md
+++ b/docs/cutting-planner.md
@@ -357,7 +357,10 @@ for UNVERIFIED results; a blocked plate disables the whole-batch Apply. A succes
 Apply persists the confirmed settings and refreshes the editor; a failed/stale Apply
 changes nothing and requires replanning. Escape, the panel X or Cancel restores the
 live view and prior viewport; closing during planning waits for the worker before
-unlocking inspection. Planning is not live-nest validation or posting consent.
+unlocking inspection. Planning is not live-nest validation or posting consent. The
+panel's **Validate Nest (live programs)** mode separately checks current installed
+programs across all plates and navigates typed findings on the live canvas; it
+never certifies an unapplied proposal. Posting still initiates its own fresh review.
 
 - The panel starts from the plate's cutting settings (or the last-used settings) and plans
   at once. `Cutting Settings...` edits them and `Keep the current part order` fixes the
diff --git a/docs/post-verification.md b/docs/post-verification.md
index f143336..8420955 100644
--- a/docs/post-verification.md
+++ b/docs/post-verification.md
@@ -1,15 +1,16 @@
 # Verify a nest before posting
 
-## Standalone desktop validation
+## Docked 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.
+planner or selecting a post processor. It opens the editor's read-only side panel
+in **Validate Nest (live programs)** mode, distinct from the panel's unapplied
+**Plan Cutting** proposal. The validation panel 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;
+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 scrollable report
+retains every result and the selected finding's explanation.
 While a finding is selected, its named parts retain their normal colors; other
 parts use muted gray fills and visible gray outlines, lead-ins, and marks. Selecting
 another finding updates the emphasis. Clearing the finding or closing validation
@@ -33,14 +34,15 @@ the nest, or write CNC output. Minimum spacing and plate boundaries are not chec
 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
+Finish or cancel active nesting/fill operations before validating. The panel is
+exclusive with editing and other side-panel actions while it owns the nest. The
+main plate view remains available for wheel zoom, middle-button pan, and **F**
+or middle-button double-click to fit. Panel X, Cancel or Escape 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.
+Switching to Plan mode also waits for any validation worker; it does not promote
+a live validation report into a plan check. Closing the editor or main window
+joins the worker before continuing the close. Posting while inspection is open
+is refused; close the panel and use the fresh posting review.
 
 ## Posting workflow