feat(studio): Add Quick Start Guide, Viewport HUD, 3D raycast picking, quick add toolbar, and starter Baseplate

scripts/editor/editor_core.gd

@@ -90,7 +90,8 @@ func place_object(catalog_id: String, position: Vector3,
 
 func place_object_stacked(catalog_id: String, target_object_id: String = "",
 		hit_point: Vector3 = Vector3.ZERO, surface_normal: Vector3 = Vector3(0, 0, 1),
-		elevation_offset: float = 0.0, align_to_normal: bool = false) -> String:
+		elevation_offset: float = 0.0, align_to_normal: bool = false,
+		extra_properties: Dictionary = {}) -> String:
 	var target_obj: ChunkDataDecoder.WorldObjectData = null
 	if target_object_id != "":
 		target_obj = model.find_object(target_object_id)
@@ -103,6 +104,7 @@ func place_object_stacked(catalog_id: String, target_object_id: String = "",
 		props["stacked_on"] = stack_info["parent_id"]
 	if elevation_offset != 0.0:
 		props["elevation_offset"] = elevation_offset
+	props.merge(extra_properties)
 
 	return place_object(catalog_id, stack_info["position"], stack_info["rotation"], Vector3.ONE, props)
 

scripts/editor/object_catalog.gd

@@ -52,6 +52,16 @@ func resolve(id: String) -> Dictionary:
 		return _catalog[id]
 	if (id.contains("bizon") or id.contains("bison")) and _catalog.has("bison"):
 		return _catalog["bison"]
+	if (id == "tree_pine" or id.begins_with("tree")) and _catalog.has("tree_pine_01"):
+		return _catalog["tree_pine_01"]
+	if (id == "lamp_post" or id.begins_with("lamp")) and _catalog.has("lamp_post_01"):
+		return _catalog["lamp_post_01"]
+	if (id == "chest" or id.begins_with("chest")) and _catalog.has("chest_01"):
+		return _catalog["chest_01"]
+	if (id == "rock" or id.begins_with("rock")) and _catalog.has("rock_01"):
+		return _catalog["rock_01"]
+	if (id == "spawn_pad" or id.begins_with("spawn")) and _catalog.has("spawn_point"):
+		return _catalog["spawn_point"]
 	return {}
 
 

scripts/studio/mbworld_project_io.gd

@@ -66,12 +66,48 @@ static func create_template(template_name: String) -> Dictionary:
 			base["objects"] = [
 				{
 					"id": "spawn_pad",
-					"catalog_id": "spawn_pad",
+					"catalog_id": "crate_small",
 					"asset_id": "props/crate_small.glb",
 					"position": [0, 0, 0],
 					"rotation": [0, 0, 0, 1],
 					"scale": [2, 2, 0.2],
-					"properties": {"display_name": "Spawn Pad"}
+					"properties": {"display_name": "Spawn Pad", "catalog_id": "crate_small"}
+				},
+				{
+					"id": "modbison_mascot",
+					"catalog_id": "bison",
+					"asset_id": "props/bison.glb",
+					"position": [0, 4, 0],
+					"rotation": [0, 0, 0, 1],
+					"scale": [1, 1, 1],
+					"properties": {"display_name": "ModBison", "catalog_id": "bison"}
+				},
+				{
+					"id": "crate_base",
+					"catalog_id": "crate_small",
+					"asset_id": "props/crate_small.glb",
+					"position": [4, 0, 0],
+					"rotation": [0, 0, 0, 1],
+					"scale": [1, 1, 1],
+					"properties": {"display_name": "Wooden Crate", "catalog_id": "crate_small"}
+				},
+				{
+					"id": "crate_stacked",
+					"catalog_id": "crate_small",
+					"asset_id": "props/crate_small.glb",
+					"position": [4, 0, 1],
+					"rotation": [0, 0, 0, 1],
+					"scale": [1, 1, 1],
+					"properties": {"display_name": "Stacked Crate", "catalog_id": "crate_small", "parent_id": "crate_base"}
+				},
+				{
+					"id": "lamp_01",
+					"catalog_id": "lamp_post_01",
+					"asset_id": "props/lamp_post_01.glb",
+					"position": [-3, 3, 0],
+					"rotation": [0, 0, 0, 1],
+					"scale": [1, 1, 1],
+					"properties": {"display_name": "Street Lamp", "catalog_id": "lamp_post_01"}
 				}
 			]
 		"terrain":

scripts/studio/studio_help_dialog.gd

@@ -0,0 +1,221 @@
+class_name StudioHelpDialog
+extends PanelContainer
+## Interactive Welcome, Quick Start Guide & Controls Cheatsheet for ModBison Studio.
+
+signal closed
+
+const SETTINGS_PATH := "user://studio_settings.json"
+
+var _check_show_on_start: CheckBox
+
+
+func _init() -> void:
+	name = "StudioHelpDialog"
+	custom_minimum_size = Vector2(720, 520)
+	_build_ui()
+
+
+static func should_show_on_startup() -> bool:
+	if not FileAccess.file_exists(SETTINGS_PATH):
+		return true
+	var fa := FileAccess.open(SETTINGS_PATH, FileAccess.READ)
+	if fa == null:
+		return true
+	var parsed = JSON.parse_string(fa.get_as_text())
+	fa.close()
+	if parsed is Dictionary and parsed.has("show_help_on_startup"):
+		return bool(parsed["show_help_on_startup"])
+	return true
+
+
+static func save_show_on_startup(show_help: bool) -> void:
+	var data := {"show_help_on_startup": show_help}
+	var fa := FileAccess.open(SETTINGS_PATH, FileAccess.WRITE)
+	if fa != null:
+		fa.store_string(JSON.stringify(data))
+		fa.close()
+
+
+func _build_ui() -> void:
+	# Style panel
+	var style := StyleBoxFlat.new()
+	style.bg_color = Color(0.14, 0.16, 0.20, 0.98)
+	style.border_color = Color(0.9, 0.75, 0.25)
+	style.set_border_width_all(2)
+	style.set_corner_radius_all(8)
+	style.content_margin_left = 24
+	style.content_margin_top = 20
+	style.content_margin_right = 24
+	style.content_margin_bottom = 20
+	add_theme_stylebox_override("panel", style)
+
+	var root_vbox := VBoxContainer.new()
+	root_vbox.add_theme_constant_override("separation", 14)
+	add_child(root_vbox)
+
+	# Header Row
+	var header_hbox := HBoxContainer.new()
+	var title_lbl := Label.new()
+	title_lbl.text = "🦬 Welcome to ModBison Studio!"
+	title_lbl.add_theme_font_size_override("font_size", 20)
+	title_lbl.add_theme_color_override("font_color", Color(1.0, 0.88, 0.35))
+	header_hbox.add_child(title_lbl)
+
+	var spacer := Control.new()
+	spacer.size_flags_horizontal = Control.SIZE_EXPAND_FILL
+	header_hbox.add_child(spacer)
+
+	var close_x := Button.new()
+	close_x.text = "✕"
+	close_x.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(32, 28)
+	close_x.pressed.connect(_on_close_pressed)
+	header_hbox.add_child(close_x)
+	root_vbox.add_child(header_hbox)
+
+	var subtitle := Label.new()
+	subtitle.text = "Your creator workbench for designing 3D worlds, placing interactive props, and playtesting in real-time."
+	subtitle.add_theme_font_size_override("font_size", 12)
+	subtitle.add_theme_color_override("font_color", Color(0.75, 0.78, 0.82))
+	root_vbox.add_child(subtitle)
+
+	# Tab Container for Guide & Shortcuts
+	var tabs := TabContainer.new()
+	tabs.size_flags_vertical = Control.SIZE_EXPAND_FILL
+
+	# Tab 1: Quick Start Guide
+	var guide_scroll := ScrollContainer.new()
+	guide_scroll.name = "Quick Start Guide"
+	guide_scroll.size_flags_vertical = Control.SIZE_EXPAND_FILL
+	var guide_content := VBoxContainer.new()
+	guide_content.size_flags_horizontal = Control.SIZE_EXPAND_FILL
+	guide_content.add_theme_constant_override("separation", 14)
+
+	_add_guide_step(guide_content, "🎥 1. Navigate the 3D World",
+		"• Fly Camera: Hold Right Mouse Button (RMB) + W, A, S, D, Q, E\n" +
+		"• Orbit Camera: Hold Middle Mouse Button (MMB) and move mouse\n" +
+		"• Zoom: Scroll mouse wheel up/down\n" +
+		"• Focus View: Press [F] to instantly center and zoom onto the selected object")
+
+	_add_guide_step(guide_content, "🖱️ 2. Select & Transform Props",
+		"• Click any 3D model directly in the viewport (or in the Scene Hierarchy on the left)\n" +
+		"• Switch transformation tools via top Toolbar or hotkeys:\n" +
+		"   [1] ↖ Select Mode    [2] ✛ Move (drag arrows)    [3] ↻ Rotate    [4] ⤢ Scale\n" +
+		"• Snapping: Set grid snap step (0.5m, 1.0m, etc.) from the Toolbar snap box\n" +
+		"• Duplicate: Press [Ctrl + D] to duplicate, [Delete] to remove")
+
+	_add_guide_step(guide_content, "📦 3. Add Models & Stacking",
+		"• Quick Insert: Click [+ Bison], [+ Crate], [+ Tree], or [+ Lamp] on the top toolbar\n" +
+		"• Collections Dock: Open the Collections tab on the right to browse theme packs and drag & drop models directly onto the ground!\n" +
+		"• Object Stacking: Place items directly on top of other items — Studio automatically snaps surfaces so they stick together!")
+
+	_add_guide_step(guide_content, "▶️ 4. Playtest Your World (F5)",
+		"• Hit [F5] or click the green '▶ Play' button on the toolbar\n" +
+		"• Your player avatar spawns immediately with full walking, jumping, and riding physics!\n" +
+		"• Hit [F5] again or click '⏹ Stop' to cleanly return to Edit mode (all objects roll back to their original positions)")
+
+	_add_guide_step(guide_content, "💾 5. Save & Return to Game",
+		"• Save: Press [Ctrl + S] or File -> Save Project\n" +
+		"• Return: Click '🏠 Main Menu' in the top-right corner to return to the game menu anytime")
+
+	guide_scroll.add_child(guide_content)
+	tabs.add_child(guide_scroll)
+
+	# Tab 2: Keyboard & Mouse Reference
+	var keys_scroll := ScrollContainer.new()
+	keys_scroll.name = "Shortcuts & Controls"
+	keys_scroll.size_flags_vertical = Control.SIZE_EXPAND_FILL
+	var keys_vbox := VBoxContainer.new()
+	keys_vbox.size_flags_horizontal = Control.SIZE_EXPAND_FILL
+	keys_vbox.add_theme_constant_override("separation", 10)
+
+	_add_shortcut_row(keys_vbox, "RMB + WASDQE", "Fly camera through scene (Hold Shift to fly faster, Ctrl for precision)")
+	_add_shortcut_row(keys_vbox, "MMB + Drag", "Pan camera across scene")
+	_add_shortcut_row(keys_vbox, "Mouse Wheel", "Zoom camera in / out")
+	_add_shortcut_row(keys_vbox, "LMB (Left Click)", "Select object in 3D viewport or click gizmo handles")
+	_add_shortcut_row(keys_vbox, "F Key", "Focus camera on selected object")
+	_add_shortcut_row(keys_vbox, "1, 2, 3, 4 Keys", "Switch tool: [1] Select, [2] Move, [3] Rotate, [4] Scale")
+	_add_shortcut_row(keys_vbox, "7, 1, 3 Keys", "View Presets: [7] Top Ortho, [1] Front Ortho, [3] Side Ortho")
+	_add_shortcut_row(keys_vbox, "5 Key", "Toggle Perspective / Orthographic projection")
+	_add_shortcut_row(keys_vbox, "F5 Key", "Toggle Playtest (Play Solo / Stop Playtest)")
+	_add_shortcut_row(keys_vbox, "Ctrl + Z / Ctrl + Y", "Undo / Redo world modifications")
+	_add_shortcut_row(keys_vbox, "Ctrl + D", "Duplicate selected object")
+	_add_shortcut_row(keys_vbox, "Delete / Backspace", "Delete selected object")
+	_add_shortcut_row(keys_vbox, "Ctrl + S", "Save project to disk (.mbworld)")
+	_add_shortcut_row(keys_vbox, "F1 Key", "Toggle this Help & Controls guide")
+
+	keys_scroll.add_child(keys_vbox)
+	tabs.add_child(keys_scroll)
+
+	root_vbox.add_child(tabs)
+
+	# Footer Row
+	var footer_hbox := HBoxContainer.new()
+	_check_show_on_start = CheckBox.new()
+	_check_show_on_start.text = "Show this guide when opening Studio"
+	_check_show_on_start.button_pressed = should_show_on_startup()
+	_check_show_on_start.toggled.connect(func(val): save_show_on_startup(val))
+	footer_hbox.add_child(_check_show_on_start)
+
+	var f_spacer := Control.new()
+	f_spacer.size_flags_horizontal = Control.SIZE_EXPAND_FILL
+	footer_hbox.add_child(f_spacer)
+
+	var btn_close := Button.new()
+	btn_close.text = "✨ Let's Build! (Close)"
+	btn_close.add_theme_color_override("font_color", Color(1.0, 0.9, 0.35))
+	btn_close.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(160, 34)
+	btn_close.pressed.connect(_on_close_pressed)
+	footer_hbox.add_child(btn_close)
+
+	root_vbox.add_child(footer_hbox)
+
+
+func _add_guide_step(parent: VBoxContainer, title: String, text: String) -> void:
+	var box := VBoxContainer.new()
+	var t := Label.new()
+	t.text = title
+	t.add_theme_font_size_override("font_size", 13)
+	t.add_theme_color_override("font_color", Color(0.35, 0.85, 1.0))
+	box.add_child(t)
+
+	var b := Label.new()
+	b.text = text
+	b.autowrap_mode = TextServer.AUTOWRAP_WORD_SMART
+	b.add_theme_font_size_override("font_size", 11)
+	b.add_theme_color_override("font_color", Color(0.85, 0.87, 0.9))
+	box.add_child(b)
+	parent.add_child(box)
+
+
+func _add_shortcut_row(parent: VBoxContainer, key: String, desc: String) -> void:
+	var row := HBoxContainer.new()
+	var k_lbl := Label.new()
+	k_lbl.text = key
+	k_lbl.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(180, 0)
+	k_lbl.add_theme_font_size_override("font_size", 11)
+	k_lbl.add_theme_color_override("font_color", Color(1.0, 0.85, 0.4))
+	row.add_child(k_lbl)
+
+	var d_lbl := Label.new()
+	d_lbl.text = desc
+	d_lbl.size_flags_horizontal = Control.SIZE_EXPAND_FILL
+	d_lbl.add_theme_font_size_override("font_size", 11)
+	d_lbl.add_theme_color_override("font_color", Color(0.82, 0.85, 0.88))
+	row.add_child(d_lbl)
+	parent.add_child(row)
+
+
+func _on_close_pressed() -> void:
+	visible = false
+	closed.emit()
+
+
+func _unhandled_input(event: InputEvent) -> void:
+	if not visible:
+		return
+	if event is InputEventKey:
+		var k := event as InputEventKey
+		if k.pressed and not k.echo:
+			if k.keycode == KEY_ESCAPE or k.keycode == KEY_F1:
+				_on_close_pressed()
+				get_viewport().set_input_as_handled()

scripts/studio/studio_hierarchy_dock.gd

@@ -138,7 +138,7 @@ func _on_core_selection_changed(obj_id: String) -> void:
 	_tree.deselect_all()
 	if obj_id != "" and _items_by_id.has(obj_id):
 		_items_by_id[obj_id].select(0)
-		_items_by_id[obj_id].scroll_to_visible()
+		_tree.scroll_to_item(_items_by_id[obj_id])
 	_updating = false
 
 

scripts/studio/studio_inspector_dock.gd

@@ -50,9 +50,10 @@ func _build_ui() -> void:
 	add_child(_title_label)
 
 	_empty_label = Label.new()
-	_empty_label.text = "(No selection)"
+	_empty_label.text = "\n↖ No Object Selected\n\nClick any 3D model in the viewport or Scene Hierarchy to inspect its transform, animations, and movement.\n\n💡 Tip:\nUse '+ Add' on the top toolbar or open the 'Collections' tab to place props!"
+	_empty_label.autowrap_mode = TextServer.AUTOWRAP_WORD_SMART
 	_empty_label.add_theme_font_size_override("font_size", 11)
-	_empty_label.add_theme_color_override("font_color", Color(0.6, 0.6, 0.6))
+	_empty_label.add_theme_color_override("font_color", Color(0.7, 0.7, 0.75))
 	add_child(_empty_label)
 
 	_scroll = ScrollContainer.new()

scripts/studio/studio_main.gd

@@ -2,8 +2,8 @@ class_name StudioMain
 extends Control
 ## Standalone ModBison Studio Application Shell.
 ## Implements multi-panel docking layout, top menu bar with keyboard shortcuts,
-## 3D interactive viewport with gizmos, hierarchy, inspector, collections dock,
-## and simulation harness.
+## 3D interactive viewport with raycast picking, gizmos, hierarchy, inspector,
+## collections dock, quick insert toolbar, instructions HUD, and simulation harness.
 
 const MBWorldProjectIOClass = preload("res://scripts/studio/mbworld_project_io.gd")
 const StudioViewportCameraClass = preload("res://scripts/studio/studio_viewport_camera.gd")
@@ -12,9 +12,26 @@ const StudioHierarchyDockClass = preload("res://scripts/studio/studio_hierarchy_
 const StudioInspectorDockClass = preload("res://scripts/studio/studio_inspector_dock.gd")
 const StudioCollectionsDockClass = preload("res://scripts/studio/studio_collections_dock.gd")
 const StudioSimulationManagerClass = preload("res://scripts/studio/studio_simulation_manager.gd")
+const StudioHelpDialogClass = preload("res://scripts/studio/studio_help_dialog.gd")
 const StaticObjectNodeClass = preload("res://scripts/static_object_node.gd")
 const WorldObjectClass = preload("res://scripts/world_object.gd")
 
+# Custom SubViewportContainer supporting drag & drop model placement and click picking
+class StudioViewportContainer extends SubViewportContainer:
+	var studio_main: Node = null
+
+	func _can_drop_data(_at_position: Vector2, data: Variant) -> bool:
+		return data is Dictionary and data.get("type") == "model_placement"
+
+	func _drop_data(at_position: Vector2, data: Variant) -> void:
+		if studio_main != null and studio_main.has_method("handle_viewport_drop"):
+			studio_main.handle_viewport_drop(at_position, data)
+
+	func _gui_input(event: InputEvent) -> void:
+		if studio_main != null and studio_main.has_method("handle_viewport_input"):
+			studio_main.handle_viewport_input(event)
+
+
 # Core state
 var core: EditorCore = null
 var current_project_path: String = ""
@@ -32,16 +49,19 @@ var _btn_stop: Button
 var _snap_spin: SpinBox
 
 # Main Viewport & 3D Elements
+var _vp_container: StudioViewportContainer
 var _sub_viewport: SubViewport
 var _camera_3d: Camera3D
 var _world_container: Node3D
 var _gizmo_3d: Node3D
+var _baseplate_mesh: MeshInstance3D
 
-# Docks
+# Docks & Dialogs
 var _hierarchy_dock = null
 var _inspector_dock = null
 var _collections_dock = null
 var _simulation_mgr = null
+var _help_dialog = null
 var _status_bar_label: Label
 var _is_built: bool = false
 
@@ -60,6 +80,15 @@ func _ready() -> void:
 	_setup_shortcuts()
 	_parse_cmdline_arguments()
 
+	# If the world has no objects yet, load the Baseplate starter template automatically
+	if core != null and core.model != null and core.model.payload.objects.is_empty():
+		load_template("baseplate")
+
+	# Show Help & Quick Start Guide on first launch if enabled in settings
+	if _help_dialog != null and StudioHelpDialogClass.should_show_on_startup():
+		_help_dialog.visible = true
+		_help_dialog.move_to_front()
+
 
 func _init_core_model() -> void:
 	var payload := ChunkDataDecoder.ChunkPayload.new()
@@ -87,7 +116,7 @@ func _build_studio_layout() -> void:
 
 	var bg := ColorRect.new()
 	bg.set_anchors_preset(Control.PRESET_FULL_RECT)
-	bg.color = Color(0.14, 0.15, 0.18)
+	bg.color = Color(0.13, 0.14, 0.17)
 	add_child(bg)
 
 	var main_vbox := VBoxContainer.new()
@@ -97,7 +126,7 @@ func _build_studio_layout() -> void:
 	# 1. Top Menu Bar
 	_build_top_menu_bar(main_vbox)
 
-	# 2. Main Action Toolbar
+	# 2. Main Action Toolbar (Tools, Snap, Quick Insert, Simulation, Help)
 	_build_toolbar(main_vbox)
 
 	# 3. Center Workspace (Horizontal Split: Left Dock | Center Viewport | Right Docks)
@@ -105,7 +134,7 @@ func _build_studio_layout() -> void:
 	workspace_hbox.size_flags_vertical = Control.SIZE_EXPAND_FILL
 	main_vbox.add_child(workspace_hbox)
 
-	# Left Dock: Hierarchy
+	# Left Dock: Scene Hierarchy
 	var left_panel := PanelContainer.new()
 	left_panel.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(240, 0)
 	left_panel.size_flags_vertical = Control.SIZE_EXPAND_FILL
@@ -114,22 +143,24 @@ func _build_studio_layout() -> void:
 	left_panel.add_child(_hierarchy_dock)
 	workspace_hbox.add_child(left_panel)
 
-	# Center: 3D Viewport
-	var vp_container := SubViewportContainer.new()
-	vp_container.size_flags_horizontal = Control.SIZE_EXPAND_FILL
-	vp_container.size_flags_vertical = Control.SIZE_EXPAND_FILL
-	vp_container.stretch = true
-	workspace_hbox.add_child(vp_container)
+	# Center: 3D Viewport with interactive picking & drop support
+	_vp_container = StudioViewportContainer.new()
+	_vp_container.studio_main = self
+	_vp_container.size_flags_horizontal = Control.SIZE_EXPAND_FILL
+	_vp_container.size_flags_vertical = Control.SIZE_EXPAND_FILL
+	_vp_container.stretch = true
+	workspace_hbox.add_child(_vp_container)
 
 	_sub_viewport = SubViewport.new()
 	_sub_viewport.handle_input_locally = true
-	vp_container.add_child(_sub_viewport)
+	_vp_container.add_child(_sub_viewport)
 
 	_setup_3d_viewport_scene(_sub_viewport)
+	_setup_viewport_hud_overlay(_vp_container)
 
 	# Right Dock: TabContainer with Inspector & Collections
 	var right_panel := PanelContainer.new()
-	right_panel.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(280, 0)
+	right_panel.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(300, 0)
 	right_panel.size_flags_vertical = Control.SIZE_EXPAND_FILL
 	var tabs := TabContainer.new()
 	tabs.size_flags_horizontal = Control.SIZE_EXPAND_FILL
@@ -152,7 +183,7 @@ func _build_studio_layout() -> void:
 	var status_panel := PanelContainer.new()
 	status_panel.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(0, 24)
 	_status_bar_label = Label.new()
-	_status_bar_label.text = "ModBison Studio Ready | Grid: 1.0m | Mode: Select"
+	_status_bar_label.text = "ModBison Studio Ready | Baseplate Loaded | Press [F1] for Quick Start Guide"
 	_status_bar_label.add_theme_font_size_override("font_size", 10)
 	status_panel.add_child(_status_bar_label)
 	main_vbox.add_child(status_panel)
@@ -164,6 +195,12 @@ func _build_studio_layout() -> void:
 	_simulation_mgr.simulation_stopped.connect(func(): _update_simulation_ui(false))
 	add_child(_simulation_mgr)
 
+	# Help Dialog Overlay
+	_help_dialog = StudioHelpDialogClass.new()
+	_help_dialog.visible = false
+	_help_dialog.set_anchors_preset(Control.PRESET_CENTER)
+	add_child(_help_dialog)
+
 
 func _build_top_menu_bar(parent: Control) -> void:
 	_menu_bar = MenuBar.new()
@@ -172,15 +209,16 @@ func _build_top_menu_bar(parent: Control) -> void:
 	# File Menu
 	var file_menu := PopupMenu.new()
 	file_menu.name = "File"
-	file_menu.add_item("New Project...", 0, KEY_MASK_CTRL | KEY_N)
+	file_menu.add_item("New Project (Baseplate)", 0, KEY_MASK_CTRL | KEY_N)
 	file_menu.add_item("Open Project...", 1, KEY_MASK_CTRL | KEY_O)
 	file_menu.add_separator()
-	file_menu.add_item("Save (Ctrl+S)", 2, KEY_MASK_CTRL | KEY_S)
+	file_menu.add_item("Save Project (Ctrl+S)", 2, KEY_MASK_CTRL | KEY_S)
 	file_menu.add_item("Save As...", 3)
 	file_menu.add_separator()
 	file_menu.add_item("Publish to Cloud...", 4)
 	file_menu.add_separator()
-	file_menu.add_item("Exit Studio", 5)
+	file_menu.add_item("Return to Main Menu", 5)
+	file_menu.add_item("Exit Studio (Quit)", 6)
 	file_menu.id_pressed.connect(_on_file_menu_pressed)
 	_menu_bar.add_child(file_menu)
 
@@ -210,10 +248,12 @@ func _build_top_menu_bar(parent: Control) -> void:
 	# Model Menu
 	var model_menu := PopupMenu.new()
 	model_menu.name = "Model"
-	model_menu.add_item("Add Crate Prop", 0)
-	model_menu.add_item("Add Lamp Post", 1)
+	model_menu.add_item("Add ModBison", 0)
+	model_menu.add_item("Add Wooden Crate", 1)
 	model_menu.add_item("Add Pine Tree", 2)
-	model_menu.add_item("Add ModBison", 3)
+	model_menu.add_item("Add Street Lamp", 3)
+	model_menu.add_item("Add Treasure Chest", 4)
+	model_menu.add_item("Add Buffalo Chip Coin", 5)
 	model_menu.id_pressed.connect(_on_model_menu_pressed)
 	_menu_bar.add_child(model_menu)
 
@@ -234,6 +274,16 @@ func _build_top_menu_bar(parent: Control) -> void:
 	pub_menu.id_pressed.connect(_on_publish_menu_pressed)
 	_menu_bar.add_child(pub_menu)
 
+	# Help Menu
+	var help_menu := PopupMenu.new()
+	help_menu.name = "Help"
+	help_menu.add_item("Quick Start Guide (F1)", 0, KEY_F1)
+	help_menu.add_item("Keyboard & Mouse Controls", 1)
+	help_menu.add_separator()
+	help_menu.add_item("Reset Camera to Center", 2)
+	help_menu.id_pressed.connect(_on_help_menu_pressed)
+	_menu_bar.add_child(help_menu)
+
 	parent.add_child(_menu_bar)
 
 
@@ -242,13 +292,13 @@ func _build_toolbar(parent: Control) -> void:
 	_toolbar.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(0, 36)
 	_toolbar.add_theme_constant_override("separation", 6)
 
-	_btn_select = _add_tool_btn("↖ Select", func(): _set_gizmo_mode(TransformGizmo3DClass.Mode.NONE))
-	_btn_move = _add_tool_btn("✛ Move", func(): _set_gizmo_mode(TransformGizmo3DClass.Mode.TRANSLATE))
-	_btn_rotate = _add_tool_btn("↻ Rotate", func(): _set_gizmo_mode(TransformGizmo3DClass.Mode.ROTATE))
-	_btn_scale = _add_tool_btn("⤢ Scale", func(): _set_gizmo_mode(TransformGizmo3DClass.Mode.SCALE))
+	_btn_select = _add_tool_btn("↖ [1] Select", func(): _set_gizmo_mode(TransformGizmo3DClass.Mode.NONE))
+	_btn_move = _add_tool_btn("✛ [2] Move", func(): _set_gizmo_mode(TransformGizmo3DClass.Mode.TRANSLATE))
+	_btn_rotate = _add_tool_btn("↻ [3] Rotate", func(): _set_gizmo_mode(TransformGizmo3DClass.Mode.ROTATE))
+	_btn_scale = _add_tool_btn("⤢ [4] Scale", func(): _set_gizmo_mode(TransformGizmo3DClass.Mode.SCALE))
 
-	var vsep := VSeparator.new()
-	_toolbar.add_child(vsep)
+	var vsep1 := VSeparator.new()
+	_toolbar.add_child(vsep1)
 
 	var snap_lbl := Label.new()
 	snap_lbl.text = "Snap:"
@@ -266,10 +316,26 @@ func _build_toolbar(parent: Control) -> void:
 	)
 	_toolbar.add_child(_snap_spin)
 
+	var vsep2 := VSeparator.new()
+	_toolbar.add_child(vsep2)
+
+	# Quick Insert Bar
+	var add_lbl := Label.new()
+	add_lbl.text = "+ Quick Add:"
+	add_lbl.add_theme_font_size_override("font_size", 10)
+	add_lbl.add_theme_color_override("font_color", Color(1.0, 0.9, 0.4))
+	_toolbar.add_child(add_lbl)
+
+	_add_quick_insert_btn("🦬 Bison", "bison", "ModBison")
+	_add_quick_insert_btn("📦 Crate", "crate_small", "Wooden Crate")
+	_add_quick_insert_btn("🌲 Tree", "tree_pine_01", "Pine Tree")
+	_add_quick_insert_btn("💡 Lamp", "lamp_post_01", "Street Lamp")
+
 	var spacer := Control.new()
 	spacer.size_flags_horizontal = Control.SIZE_EXPAND_FILL
 	_toolbar.add_child(spacer)
 
+	# Simulation Controls
 	_btn_play = Button.new()
 	_btn_play.text = "▶ Play (F5)"
 	_btn_play.add_theme_color_override("font_color", Color(0.3, 0.9, 0.4))
@@ -283,6 +349,24 @@ func _build_toolbar(parent: Control) -> void:
 	_btn_stop.pressed.connect(func(): _simulation_mgr.stop_simulation())
 	_toolbar.add_child(_btn_stop)
 
+	var vsep3 := VSeparator.new()
+	_toolbar.add_child(vsep3)
+
+	# Help & Return to Main Menu
+	var btn_help := Button.new()
+	btn_help.text = "❓ Help & Guide (F1)"
+	btn_help.add_theme_color_override("font_color", Color(1.0, 0.9, 0.3))
+	btn_help.tooltip_text = "Open Quick Start Guide and Controls Reference (F1)"
+	btn_help.pressed.connect(func(): _toggle_help_dialog())
+	_toolbar.add_child(btn_help)
+
+	var btn_home := Button.new()
+	btn_home.text = "🏠 Main Menu"
+	btn_home.add_theme_color_override("font_color", Color(0.82, 0.86, 0.95))
+	btn_home.tooltip_text = "Return to ModBison Main Menu"
+	btn_home.pressed.connect(_return_to_main_menu)
+	_toolbar.add_child(btn_home)
+
 	parent.add_child(_toolbar)
 
 
@@ -294,6 +378,33 @@ func _add_tool_btn(text: String, callback: Callable) -> Button:
 	return btn
 
 
+func _add_quick_insert_btn(btn_text: String, cat_id: String, display_name: String) -> Button:
+	var btn := Button.new()
+	btn.text = btn_text
+	btn.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(0, 26)
+	btn.tooltip_text = "Spawn %s into the world at camera focus point" % display_name
+	btn.pressed.connect(func(): _quick_insert(cat_id, display_name))
+	_toolbar.add_child(btn)
+	return btn
+
+
+func _quick_insert(cat_id: String, display_name: String) -> void:
+	var spawn_pos: Vector3 = Vector3.ZERO
+	if _camera_3d != null:
+		spawn_pos = _camera_3d.focal_point
+		spawn_pos.y = 0.0
+	var new_id := core.place_object(cat_id, spawn_pos, Vector4(0, 0, 0, 1), Vector3.ONE, {
+		"display_name": display_name,
+		"catalog_id": cat_id
+	})
+	if new_id != "":
+		core.select_object(new_id)
+		_spawn_visual_node(new_id)
+		_hierarchy_dock.refresh_tree()
+		_set_gizmo_mode(TransformGizmo3DClass.Mode.TRANSLATE)
+		_status_bar_label.text = "Spawned %s at (%.1f, 0, %.1f) | ✛ Move gizmo active" % [display_name, spawn_pos.x, spawn_pos.z]
+
+
 func _setup_3d_viewport_scene(vp: SubViewport) -> void:
 	# World Environment
 	var env := WorldEnvironment.new()
@@ -301,7 +412,7 @@ func _setup_3d_viewport_scene(vp: SubViewport) -> void:
 	environment.background_mode = Environment.BG_COLOR
 	environment.background_color = Color(0.18, 0.22, 0.28)
 	environment.ambient_light_source = Environment.AMBIENT_SOURCE_COLOR
-	environment.ambient_light_color = Color(0.6, 0.6, 0.65)
+	environment.ambient_light_color = Color(0.65, 0.65, 0.7)
 	env.environment = environment
 	vp.add_child(env)
 
@@ -311,7 +422,17 @@ func _setup_3d_viewport_scene(vp: SubViewport) -> void:
 	sun.shadow_enabled = true
 	vp.add_child(sun)
 
-	# 3D Grid floor
+	# Studio Baseplate Ground Mesh
+	_baseplate_mesh = MeshInstance3D.new()
+	var plane := PlaneMesh.new()
+	plane.size = Vector2(64, 64)
+	var gmat := StandardMaterial3D.new()
+	gmat.albedo_color = Color(0.20, 0.23, 0.27)
+	gmat.roughness = 0.85
+	_baseplate_mesh.mesh = plane
+	vp.add_child(_baseplate_mesh)
+
+	# 3D Grid floor lines
 	var grid := _create_3d_grid(32, 1.0)
 	vp.add_child(grid)
 
@@ -332,21 +453,45 @@ func _setup_3d_viewport_scene(vp: SubViewport) -> void:
 	core.selection.selection_changed.connect(_on_selection_changed)
 
 
+func _setup_viewport_hud_overlay(parent: Control) -> void:
+	var hud_bar := PanelContainer.new()
+	var h_style := StyleBoxFlat.new()
+	h_style.bg_color = Color(0.08, 0.10, 0.14, 0.88)
+	h_style.border_color = Color(0.3, 0.45, 0.6, 0.6)
+	h_style.set_border_width_all(1)
+	h_style.set_corner_radius_all(6)
+	h_style.content_margin_left = 12
+	h_style.content_margin_right = 12
+	h_style.content_margin_top = 6
+	h_style.content_margin_bottom = 6
+	hud_bar.add_theme_stylebox_override("panel", h_style)
+	hud_bar.mouse_filter = Control.MOUSE_FILTER_IGNORE
+	hud_bar.set_anchors_preset(Control.PRESET_BOTTOM_LEFT)
+	hud_bar.position = Vector2(16, -42)
+
+	var hud_text := Label.new()
+	hud_text.text = "🎥 RMB+WASD: Fly  |  🖱️ LMB: Click to Select  |  ✛ [2] Move  |  ↻ [3] Rotate  |  [F] Focus  |  ▶ [F5] Play  |  ❓ [F1] Help"
+	hud_text.add_theme_font_size_override("font_size", 11)
+	hud_text.add_theme_color_override("font_color", Color(0.9, 0.92, 0.96))
+	hud_bar.add_child(hud_text)
+	parent.add_child(hud_bar)
+
+
 func _create_3d_grid(size: int, step: float) -> Node3D:
 	var mi := MeshInstance3D.new()
 	var imm := ImmediateMesh.new()
 	var mat := StandardMaterial3D.new()
-	mat.albedo_color = Color(0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5)
+	mat.albedo_color = Color(0.35, 0.42, 0.5, 0.6)
 	mat.shading_mode = BaseMaterial3D.SHADING_MODE_UNSHADED
 
 	imm.surface_begin(Mesh.PRIMITIVE_LINES, mat)
 	var half := (size * step) / 2.0
 	for i in range(-size / 2, size / 2 + 1):
 		var p := i * step
-		imm.surface_add_vertex(Vector3(p, 0, -half))
-		imm.surface_add_vertex(Vector3(p, 0, half))
-		imm.surface_add_vertex(Vector3(-half, 0, p))
-		imm.surface_add_vertex(Vector3(half, 0, p))
+		imm.surface_add_vertex(Vector3(p, 0.01, -half))
+		imm.surface_add_vertex(Vector3(p, 0.01, half))
+		imm.surface_add_vertex(Vector3(-half, 0.01, p))
+		imm.surface_add_vertex(Vector3(half, 0.01, p))
 	imm.surface_end()
 	mi.mesh = imm
 	return mi
@@ -372,19 +517,152 @@ func _unhandled_key_input(event: InputEvent) -> void:
 			save_current_project()
 		elif k.keycode == KEY_D:
 			_hierarchy_dock._on_duplicate_pressed()
+	elif k.keycode == KEY_F1:
+		_toggle_help_dialog()
 	elif k.keycode == KEY_F5:
 		if _simulation_mgr.is_playing():
 			_simulation_mgr.stop_simulation()
 		else:
 			_simulation_mgr.start_play(true)
+	elif k.keycode == KEY_1 and not k.is_command_or_control_pressed():
+		_set_gizmo_mode(TransformGizmo3DClass.Mode.NONE)
+	elif k.keycode == KEY_2 and not k.is_command_or_control_pressed():
+		_set_gizmo_mode(TransformGizmo3DClass.Mode.TRANSLATE)
+	elif k.keycode == KEY_3 and not k.is_command_or_control_pressed():
+		_set_gizmo_mode(TransformGizmo3DClass.Mode.ROTATE)
+	elif k.keycode == KEY_4 and not k.is_command_or_control_pressed():
+		_set_gizmo_mode(TransformGizmo3DClass.Mode.SCALE)
+	elif k.keycode == KEY_F and not k.is_command_or_control_pressed():
+		var sel_id = core.selection.get_selected_id() if core.selection.has_method("get_selected_id") else ""
+		if sel_id != "":
+			var n = _world_container.get_node_or_null(sel_id)
+			if n is Node3D and _camera_3d != null:
+				_camera_3d.focus_on(n.global_position)
 
 
 func _set_gizmo_mode(mode: TransformGizmo3DClass.Mode) -> void:
 	if _gizmo_3d != null:
 		_gizmo_3d.set_mode(mode)
-	_status_bar_label.text = "Gizmo Mode: %s" % str(mode)
+	var mode_name := "Select"
+	match mode:
+		TransformGizmo3DClass.Mode.TRANSLATE: mode_name = "Move (✛)"
+		TransformGizmo3DClass.Mode.ROTATE: mode_name = "Rotate (↻)"
+		TransformGizmo3DClass.Mode.SCALE: mode_name = "Scale (⤢)"
+	_status_bar_label.text = "Tool: %s | Snap: %.1fm | [F1] Help" % [mode_name, _snap_spin.value if _snap_spin else 1.0]
 
 
+func _toggle_help_dialog() -> void:
+	if _help_dialog == null:
+		return
+	_help_dialog.visible = not _help_dialog.visible
+	if _help_dialog.visible:
+		_help_dialog.move_to_front()
+
+
+func _return_to_main_menu() -> void:
+	if _simulation_mgr != null and _simulation_mgr.is_playing():
+		_simulation_mgr.stop_simulation()
+	get_tree().change_scene_to_file("res://scenes/main_menu.tscn")
+
+
+# ── Interactive 3D Viewport Input & Raycast Picking ─────────────────────
+
+func handle_viewport_input(event: InputEvent) -> void:
+	if event is InputEventMouseButton:
+		var mb := event as InputEventMouseButton
+		if mb.button_index == MOUSE_BUTTON_LEFT and mb.pressed:
+			var hit_obj := _raycast_find_object(mb.position)
+			if hit_obj != null:
+				core.select_object(hit_obj.name)
+				if mb.double_click and _camera_3d != null:
+					_camera_3d.focus_on(hit_obj.global_position)
+				_status_bar_label.text = "Selected: %s | ✛ Drag handles or [2-4] switch tools" % hit_obj.name
+			else:
+				core.select_object("")
+				_status_bar_label.text = "Deselected | Click an object or [+ Add] to build"
+
+
+func handle_viewport_drop(at_pos: Vector2, data: Variant) -> void:
+	if not (data is Dictionary):
+		return
+	var cat_id := str(data.get("catalog_id", "crate_small"))
+	var drop_pos := _raycast_ground_plane(at_pos)
+	var target_obj := _raycast_find_object(at_pos)
+	var new_id: String = ""
+
+	if target_obj != null and target_obj.name != "":
+		new_id = core.place_object_stacked(cat_id, target_obj.name, drop_pos, Vector3(0, 0, 1), 0.0, false, {
+			"display_name": data.get("name", cat_id),
+			"catalog_id": cat_id,
+			"asset_id": data.get("asset_id", "")
+		})
+	else:
+		new_id = core.place_object(cat_id, drop_pos, Vector4(0, 0, 0, 1), Vector3.ONE, {
+			"display_name": data.get("name", cat_id),
+			"catalog_id": cat_id,
+			"asset_id": data.get("asset_id", "")
+		})
+
+	if new_id != "":
+		core.select_object(new_id)
+		_spawn_visual_node(new_id)
+		_hierarchy_dock.refresh_tree()
+		_set_gizmo_mode(TransformGizmo3DClass.Mode.TRANSLATE)
+		_status_bar_label.text = "Placed %s at (%.1f, %.1f, %.1f)" % [data.get("name", cat_id), drop_pos.x, drop_pos.y, drop_pos.z]
+
+
+func _raycast_find_object(screen_pos: Vector2) -> Node3D:
+	if _camera_3d == null or _world_container == null:
+		return null
+	var from: Vector3 = _camera_3d.project_ray_origin(screen_pos)
+	var dir: Vector3 = _camera_3d.project_ray_normal(screen_pos)
+
+	# 1. Physics raycast against colliders in viewport world
+	if _sub_viewport != null and _sub_viewport.world_3d != null:
+		var space = _sub_viewport.world_3d.direct_space_state
+		var query := PhysicsRayQueryParameters3D.create(from, from + dir * 500.0)
+		var res := space.intersect_ray(query)
+		if not res.is_empty() and res.collider != null:
+			var curr: Node = res.collider
+			while curr != null and curr != _world_container:
+				if curr.get_parent() == _world_container and curr is Node3D:
+					return curr as Node3D
+				curr = curr.get_parent()
+
+	# 2. Geometric fallback (ray-to-object closest distance)
+	var best_node: Node3D = null
+	var best_dist: float = 1e9
+	for child in _world_container.get_children():
+		if not (child is Node3D):
+			continue
+		var obj_pos: Vector3 = (child as Node3D).global_position
+		var to_obj: Vector3 = obj_pos - from
+		var proj: float = to_obj.dot(dir)
+		if proj < 0.2:
+			continue
+		var closest: Vector3 = from + dir * proj
+		var dist: float = closest.distance_to(obj_pos)
+		if dist < 1.8 and proj < best_dist:
+			best_dist = proj
+			best_node = child as Node3D
+	return best_node
+
+
+func _raycast_ground_plane(screen_pos: Vector2) -> Vector3:
+	if _camera_3d == null:
+		return Vector3.ZERO
+	var from: Vector3 = _camera_3d.project_ray_origin(screen_pos)
+	var dir: Vector3 = _camera_3d.project_ray_normal(screen_pos)
+	if absf(dir.y) < 0.0001:
+		return from + dir * 10.0
+	var t: float = -from.y / dir.y
+	if t < 0.0:
+		return from + dir * 10.0
+	return from + dir * t
+
+
+# ── Selection & Scene Visual Sync ─────────────────────────────────────
+
 func _on_selection_changed(obj_id: String) -> void:
 	if obj_id == "":
 		_gizmo_3d.attach_to_node(null)
@@ -398,8 +676,11 @@ func _on_selection_changed(obj_id: String) -> void:
 
 func _on_collection_model_selected(model_data: Dictionary) -> void:
 	var cat_id := str(model_data.get("catalog_id", "crate_small"))
-	var new_pos := Vector3(0, 0, 0)
-	var new_id := core.place_object(cat_id, new_pos, Vector4(0, 0, 0, 1), Vector3.ONE, {
+	var spawn_pos: Vector3 = Vector3.ZERO
+	if _camera_3d != null:
+		spawn_pos = _camera_3d.focal_point
+		spawn_pos.y = 0.0
+	var new_id := core.place_object(cat_id, spawn_pos, Vector4(0, 0, 0, 1), Vector3.ONE, {
 		"display_name": model_data.get("name", cat_id),
 		"catalog_id": cat_id,
 		"asset_id": model_data.get("asset_id", "")
@@ -408,6 +689,8 @@ func _on_collection_model_selected(model_data: Dictionary) -> void:
 		core.select_object(new_id)
 		_spawn_visual_node(new_id)
 		_hierarchy_dock.refresh_tree()
+		_set_gizmo_mode(TransformGizmo3DClass.Mode.TRANSLATE)
+		_status_bar_label.text = "Placed %s at (%.1f, 0, %.1f)" % [model_data.get("name", cat_id), spawn_pos.x, spawn_pos.z]
 
 
 func _spawn_visual_node(obj_id: String) -> void:
@@ -436,6 +719,8 @@ func _refresh_scene_visuals() -> void:
 	_hierarchy_dock.refresh_tree()
 
 
+# ── Templates & Project IO ───────────────────────────────────────────
+
 func load_template(template_name: String) -> void:
 	var data := MBWorldProjectIOClass.create_template(template_name)
 	project_title = data.get("title", "Untitled World")
@@ -451,6 +736,11 @@ func load_template(template_name: String) -> void:
 			obj.get("properties", {})
 		)
 	_refresh_scene_visuals()
+	# Select mascot or first object to showcase inspector & gizmo
+	if not core.model.payload.objects.is_empty():
+		core.select_object(core.model.payload.objects[0].id)
+		_set_gizmo_mode(TransformGizmo3DClass.Mode.TRANSLATE)
+	_status_bar_label.text = "Loaded template: %s | Press [F1] for Controls" % project_title
 
 
 func save_current_project(path: String = "") -> bool:
@@ -482,11 +772,16 @@ func _update_simulation_ui(playing: bool) -> void:
 	_status_bar_label.text = "Simulation: PLAYING (F5 to Stop)" if playing else "Simulation: STOPPED (Edit mode)"
 
 
+# ── Menu Bar Dispatch ────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
 func _on_file_menu_pressed(id: int) -> void:
 	match id:
 		0: load_template("baseplate")
 		2: save_current_project()
-		5: get_tree().quit(0)
+		3: save_current_project("user://saved_world_as.mbworld")
+		4: save_current_project("user://published_world.mbworld")
+		5: _return_to_main_menu()
+		6: get_tree().quit(0)
 
 
 func _on_edit_menu_pressed(id: int) -> void:
@@ -503,12 +798,25 @@ func _on_view_menu_pressed(id: int) -> void:
 		1: _camera_3d.set_view_preset(StudioViewportCameraClass.ViewPreset.TOP)
 		2: _camera_3d.set_view_preset(StudioViewportCameraClass.ViewPreset.FRONT)
 		3: _camera_3d.set_view_preset(StudioViewportCameraClass.ViewPreset.SIDE)
+		4:
+			var sel_id = core.selection.get_selected_id() if core.selection.has_method("get_selected_id") else ""
+			if sel_id != "":
+				var n = _world_container.get_node_or_null(sel_id)
+				if n is Node3D and _camera_3d != null:
+					_camera_3d.focus_on(n.global_position)
 
 
 func _on_model_menu_pressed(id: int) -> void:
-	var cat_ids := ["crate_small", "lamp_post", "tree_pine", "bison"]
-	if id >= 0 and id < cat_ids.size():
-		_on_collection_model_selected({"catalog_id": cat_ids[id], "name": cat_ids[id].capitalize()})
+	var cat_info := [
+		{"catalog_id": "bison", "name": "ModBison"},
+		{"catalog_id": "crate_small", "name": "Wooden Crate"},
+		{"catalog_id": "tree_pine_01", "name": "Pine Tree"},
+		{"catalog_id": "lamp_post_01", "name": "Street Lamp"},
+		{"catalog_id": "chest_01", "name": "Treasure Chest"},
+		{"catalog_id": "buffalo_chip_coin", "name": "Buffalo Chip Coin"}
+	]
+	if id >= 0 and id < cat_info.size():
+		_quick_insert(cat_info[id]["catalog_id"], cat_info[id]["name"])
 
 
 func _on_test_menu_pressed(id: int) -> void:
@@ -523,6 +831,14 @@ func _on_publish_menu_pressed(id: int) -> void:
 		save_current_project("user://exported_world.mbworld")
 
 
+func _on_help_menu_pressed(id: int) -> void:
+	match id:
+		0, 1: _toggle_help_dialog()
+		2:
+			if _camera_3d != null:
+				_camera_3d.focus_on(Vector3.ZERO, 5.0)
+
+
 func _parse_cmdline_arguments() -> void:
 	var args := OS.get_cmdline_args()
 	for i in range(args.size()):