diff --git a/documentation/GUIDE__AE_UI_Style_Guidelines.md b/documentation/GUIDE__AE_UI_Style_Guidelines.md
index 3027a2dd..1cea4f3e 100644
--- a/documentation/GUIDE__AE_UI_Style_Guidelines.md
+++ b/documentation/GUIDE__AE_UI_Style_Guidelines.md
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 # Aether UI — Design System Style Guidelines
-> **Version:** 1.1 (2026-03-17)
+> **Version:** 1.2 (2026-03-20)
 > **Author:** One Sky IT / Scott Idem
 > **Scope:** All Aether SvelteKit frontend components
 > **Related:** `AE__UI_Component_Patterns.md`, `ae-firefly.css`, `documentation/AE__Components.md`
@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ To maintain codebase health and performance, all new development must adhere to
 - **Mandatory**: Use `preset-*` classes for interactive elements (e.g., `preset-tonal-primary`).
 - **Forbidden**: Legacy Skeleton v3 `variant-*` classes.
 - **Customization**: Use Tailwind 4 `@theme` blocks for project-wide overrides.
+- **URLs**: Skeleton for Svelte for LLMs docs: https://www.skeleton.dev/llms-svelte.txt
 
 ### 🔣 Lucide Icons
 - **Mandatory**: Use `@lucide/svelte` components (e.g., `<Calendar size="1em" />`).
@@ -192,6 +193,7 @@ Always wrap in `{#if $lq__obj}{...}{:else}...skeleton...{/if}` — **never** sho
 | Form inputs | Visible `<label>` linked via `for` / `id`, or explicit `aria-label` |
 | Color-only information | Always pair color coding with icon or text — never color alone |
 | Minimum touch target | 44×44px effective hit area for all tap targets |
+| Button label + icon | All buttons should include **both a Lucide icon and text label**. Icon-only is acceptable for space-constrained toolbar/header actions (with `title` attribute); text-only is acceptable when layout is extremely tight. The icon+text combination aids non-English-native users who may not read the label fluently. |
 
 ---
 
@@ -241,3 +243,34 @@ $events_sess.pres_mgmt.session_qr_url[$lq__obj.id] = result; // ← URL string
 - **`text-sm leading-relaxed`**: Standard for body-level descriptive text in cards.
 - **`tracking-wide uppercase`**: Use for section label/eyebrow text with `opacity-40`.
 - **`whitespace-pre-wrap`**: Required for any `<pre>` or `<p>` displaying user-entered multi-line text (preserves breaks without horizontal overflow).
+
+---
+
+## 12. Known Issues & Workarounds
+
+### `btn` + `preset-filled-*` resolves to transparent inside `card` components
+
+**Symptom:** A button using `btn preset-filled-primary` (or any `preset-filled-*`) inside a `card` div renders with `background-color: transparent`, making it invisible against the card surface.
+
+**Root cause:** The Skeleton v4 `btn` class sets a transparent background via a CSS variable chain. When nested inside a `card` element, the `preset-filled-*` class fails to win the specificity battle and the button appears invisible. This affects both light and dark mode.
+
+**Workaround:** Skip `btn` and `preset-filled-*` entirely for buttons inside `card` elements. Use direct Tailwind token classes instead:
+
+```svelte
+<!-- ✅ Correct — works reliably inside cards -->
+<button class="w-full rounded-xl py-5 font-bold flex items-center justify-center gap-2
+               bg-primary-500 text-white hover:brightness-110 transition-all cursor-pointer">
+    ...
+</button>
+
+<!-- Secondary / cancel button inside a card -->
+<button class="w-full rounded-lg py-3 text-sm font-medium flex items-center justify-center gap-2
+               border border-surface-500/40 hover:bg-surface-200-800 transition-colors cursor-pointer opacity-70">
+    ...
+</button>
+
+<!-- ❌ Broken inside card — do not use -->
+<button class="btn btn-xl preset-filled-primary">...</button>
+```
+
+**Scope:** `btn` + `preset-*` classes work correctly on standalone buttons (e.g. page headers, nav bars). The issue is specific to the `card` component context. If we migrate away from Skeleton `card`/`btn`, this issue goes away.
diff --git a/src/lib/elements/element_qr_scanner_v3.svelte b/src/lib/elements/element_qr_scanner_v3.svelte
index 68208c41..7bcde1fb 100644
--- a/src/lib/elements/element_qr_scanner_v3.svelte
+++ b/src/lib/elements/element_qr_scanner_v3.svelte
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
      */
     import { onDestroy, untrack } from 'svelte';
     import { Html5Qrcode, Html5QrcodeSupportedFormats } from 'html5-qrcode';
+    import { RefreshCw } from '@lucide/svelte';
 
     interface Props {
         start_qr_scanner?: boolean;
@@ -36,6 +37,7 @@
     let scanner: Html5Qrcode | null = null;
     let status = $state<'idle' | 'starting' | 'scanning' | 'error'>('idle');
     let error_msg = $state('');
+    let start_timeout: ReturnType<typeof setTimeout> | null = null;
 
     // React to start_qr_scanner prop changes from the parent
     $effect(() => {
@@ -51,14 +53,31 @@
     });
 
     onDestroy(() => {
+        clear_start_timeout();
         stop_scanning();
     });
 
+    function clear_start_timeout() {
+        if (start_timeout !== null) {
+            clearTimeout(start_timeout);
+            start_timeout = null;
+        }
+    }
+
     async function start_scanning() {
         if (status === 'starting' || status === 'scanning') return;
         status = 'starting';
         error_msg = '';
 
+        // If the camera hasn't started within 7 seconds, show a helpful nudge.
+        // Common causes: permission dialog left open, camera in use by another app, slow device.
+        start_timeout = setTimeout(() => {
+            if (status === 'starting') {
+                status = 'error';
+                error_msg = 'Camera is taking too long to start. Try refreshing the page, or check that no other app is using your camera.';
+            }
+        }, 7000);
+
         try {
             scanner = new Html5Qrcode(viewfinder_id, {
                 formatsToSupport: [Html5QrcodeSupportedFormats.QR_CODE],
@@ -79,8 +98,10 @@
                 on_scan_error
             );
 
+            clear_start_timeout();
             status = 'scanning';
         } catch (e: any) {
+            clear_start_timeout();
             status = 'error';
             if (e?.name === 'NotAllowedError') {
                 error_msg = 'Camera access denied. Please allow camera in your browser settings and try again.';
@@ -92,6 +113,7 @@
     }
 
     async function stop_scanning() {
+        clear_start_timeout();
         if (!scanner) return;
         const s = scanner;
         scanner = null;
@@ -120,22 +142,38 @@
     }
 </script>
 
+<style>
+    /* html5-qrcode injects a <video> with inline width/height. Override with cover so the
+       camera stream fills the container completely on any camera aspect ratio (4:3, 16:9, etc.).
+       Without this, portrait-mode mobile cameras leave a gray letterbox at the bottom. */
+    :global(.qr-scanner-v3 video) {
+        object-fit: cover !important;
+        width: 100% !important;
+        height: 100% !important;
+    }
+</style>
+
 <!-- Viewfinder fills whatever container the parent provides -->
 <div class="qr-scanner-v3 w-full h-full flex flex-col items-center justify-center">
     <div id={viewfinder_id} class="w-full h-full"></div>
 
     {#if status === 'starting'}
-        <div class="absolute inset-0 flex items-center justify-center bg-surface-900/40 rounded-xl">
-            <p class="text-sm font-semibold opacity-70 animate-pulse">Starting camera...</p>
+        <div class="absolute inset-0 flex items-center justify-center bg-black/30 rounded-xl">
+            <span class="bg-black/60 text-white text-sm font-semibold px-4 py-2 rounded-full animate-pulse shadow-lg">
+                Starting camera...
+            </span>
         </div>
     {:else if status === 'error'}
-        <div class="absolute inset-0 flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-4 bg-surface-900/80 rounded-xl p-6 text-center">
-            <p class="text-sm text-error-400 font-semibold leading-snug">{error_msg}</p>
+        <div class="absolute inset-0 flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-5 bg-black/75 rounded-xl p-6 text-center">
+            <p class="text-white text-sm font-semibold leading-snug drop-shadow">{error_msg}</p>
+            <!-- bg-white + dark text: always readable on the dark camera overlay regardless of theme.
+                 preset-filled-primary is theme-adaptive and has poor contrast on black/75 backgrounds. -->
             <button
                 type="button"
-                class="btn btn-sm preset-filled-primary"
+                class="bg-white text-surface-950 hover:bg-surface-100 font-bold text-base px-8 py-3 rounded-xl shadow-lg transition-colors cursor-pointer flex items-center gap-2"
                 onclick={start_scanning}
             >
+                <RefreshCw size="1.2em" />
                 Try Again
             </button>
         </div>
diff --git a/src/lib/stores/ae_events_stores__leads_defaults.ts b/src/lib/stores/ae_events_stores__leads_defaults.ts
index fd66b89f..a3d1d5ea 100644
--- a/src/lib/stores/ae_events_stores__leads_defaults.ts
+++ b/src/lib/stores/ae_events_stores__leads_defaults.ts
@@ -34,6 +34,14 @@ export interface LeadsLocState {
     edit_license_li: boolean;
     // Key = exhibit ID (random), value = last-used tab name.
     tab: Record<string, string>;
+    // Per-exhibit Add tab input mode: 'qr' | 'search'. Persisted so operator preference survives navigation.
+    tab_add_mode: Record<string, string>;
+    // Per-exhibit scan qualify mode:
+    //   'rapid'   — confirm tap → auto-reset → scan next
+    //   'qualify' — confirm tap → navigate to lead detail
+    //   'auto'    — no confirm, auto-add immediately → auto-reset
+    //   'multi'   — BarcodeDetector batch scan, grid of confirm cards
+    tab_scan_qualify: Record<string, 'rapid' | 'qualify' | 'auto' | 'multi'>;
 }
 
 export interface TmpLicense {
@@ -110,7 +118,9 @@ export const leads_loc_defaults: LeadsLocState = {
     // Per-exhibit current tab. Key = exhibit ID (random), value = tab name.
     // Intentionally persisted so each exhibit's last-used tab is remembered across sessions.
     // Example: {'LNDF-67-89-92': 'start', 'OFLN-32-38-14': 'add_scan'}
-    tab: {}
+    tab: {},
+    tab_add_mode: {},
+    tab_scan_qualify: {}
 };
 
 // In-memory leads state — resets on page load.
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(leads)/leads/exhibit/[exhibit_id]/ae_comp__lead_qr_scanner.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(leads)/leads/exhibit/[exhibit_id]/ae_comp__lead_qr_scanner.svelte
index 6bf9d416..0f78acd2 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(leads)/leads/exhibit/[exhibit_id]/ae_comp__lead_qr_scanner.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(leads)/leads/exhibit/[exhibit_id]/ae_comp__lead_qr_scanner.svelte
@@ -16,12 +16,12 @@
     import { events_func } from '$lib/ae_events/ae_events_functions';
     import Element_qr_scanner_v3 from '$lib/elements/element_qr_scanner_v3.svelte';
     import { ae_util } from '$lib/ae_utils/ae_utils';
-    import { CircleAlert, CircleCheck, Eye, LoaderCircle, ShieldOff, UserPlus } from '@lucide/svelte';
+    import { Camera, CircleAlert, CircleCheck, Eye, LoaderCircle, RefreshCw, ShieldOff, UserPlus, X } from '@lucide/svelte';
     import type { ae_EventBadge } from '$lib/types/ae_types';
 
     interface Props {
         exhibit_id: string;
-        scan_qualify?: 'rapid' | 'qualify';
+        scan_qualify?: 'rapid' | 'qualify' | 'auto';
         on_lead_added?: (badge: ae_EventBadge) => void;
     }
 
@@ -80,6 +80,11 @@
                 if (scanning_status === 'found' && found_badge?.allow_tracking !== true) {
                     scanning_status = 'tracking_blocked';
                 }
+
+                // Auto mode: skip the confirm card — add immediately if tracking is allowed.
+                if (scanning_status === 'found' && scan_qualify === 'auto') {
+                    await confirm_add_lead();
+                }
             } catch (e) {
                 console.error('Failed to load badge info', e);
             }
@@ -153,8 +158,7 @@
                 <h3 class="h3 font-bold">Tracking Opt-Out</h3>
                 <p class="text-xl font-bold">{found_badge?.full_name || 'Attendee'}</p>
                 <p class="opacity-70 text-sm">
-                    This attendee has not opted in to exhibitor lead tracking
-                    (<code>allow_tracking</code> is not set on their badge).
+                    This attendee has opted out of exhibitor lead scanning.
                 </p>
             </div>
             <button
@@ -162,6 +166,7 @@
                 class="btn w-full preset-filled-warning font-bold"
                 onclick={reset_scanner}
             >
+                <Camera size="1.2em" />
                 Scan Next
             </button>
         </div>
@@ -188,59 +193,81 @@
                 class="btn btn-sm w-full opacity-50"
                 onclick={reset_scanner}
             >
+                <Camera size="1em" />
                 Scan Next
             </button>
         </div>
 
     {:else if scanning_status === 'found' || scanning_status === 'adding'}
-        <div class="card p-6 w-full max-w-md space-y-4 preset-tonal-primary shadow-xl border-2 border-primary-500">
+        <!-- bg-surface-50-900: canonical card face token — near-white (light) / deep slate (dark).
+             Explicit rather than preset-tonal-* so primary/surface buttons have guaranteed contrast. -->
+        <!-- Buttons use direct Tailwind tokens, not btn/preset-*, because the Skeleton
+             preset-filled chain resolves to transparent in this card context. -->
+        <div class="card p-6 w-full max-w-md space-y-4 bg-surface-50-900 shadow-xl border-2 border-primary-500">
             <div class="text-center">
                 <h3 class="h3 font-bold">{found_badge?.full_name || 'Badge Found'}</h3>
                 <p class="opacity-70">{found_badge?.affiliations || ''}</p>
             </div>
 
-            <button
-                type="button"
-                class="btn btn-xl w-full preset-filled-primary font-bold py-6"
-                disabled={scanning_status === 'adding'}
-                onclick={confirm_add_lead}
-            >
-                {#if scanning_status === 'adding'}
-                    <LoaderCircle class="animate-spin mr-2" size="1.5em" />
-                    Adding Lead...
-                {:else}
-                    <UserPlus size="1.5em" class="mr-2" />
-                    Add as Lead
-                {/if}
-            </button>
+            {#if scan_qualify === 'auto'}
+                <!-- Auto mode: no confirm buttons — adding happens automatically -->
+                <div class="flex items-center justify-center gap-3 py-3 opacity-70">
+                    <LoaderCircle class="animate-spin" size="1.5em" />
+                    <span class="font-bold">Auto-adding...</span>
+                </div>
+            {:else}
+                <button
+                    type="button"
+                    class="w-full rounded-xl py-5 font-bold text-base flex items-center justify-center gap-2 bg-primary-500 text-white shadow-md hover:brightness-110 active:brightness-90 transition-all cursor-pointer disabled:opacity-50"
+                    disabled={scanning_status === 'adding'}
+                    onclick={confirm_add_lead}
+                >
+                    {#if scanning_status === 'adding'}
+                        <LoaderCircle class="animate-spin" size="1.5em" />
+                        Adding Lead...
+                    {:else}
+                        <UserPlus size="1.5em" />
+                        Add as Lead
+                    {/if}
+                </button>
 
-            <button
-                type="button"
-                class="btn btn-sm w-full opacity-50"
-                disabled={scanning_status === 'adding'}
-                onclick={reset_scanner}
-            >
-                Cancel / Scan Again
-            </button>
+                <button
+                    type="button"
+                    class="w-full rounded-lg py-3 text-sm font-medium flex items-center justify-center gap-2 border border-surface-500/40 hover:bg-surface-200-800 transition-colors cursor-pointer opacity-70 disabled:opacity-30"
+                    disabled={scanning_status === 'adding'}
+                    onclick={reset_scanner}
+                >
+                    <X size="1em" />
+                    Cancel / Scan Again
+                </button>
+            {/if}
         </div>
 
     {:else if scanning_status === 'success'}
-        <div class="card p-10 w-full max-w-md flex flex-col items-center space-y-4 preset-tonal-success shadow-xl">
-            <CircleCheck size="4em" class="text-success-500 animate-bounce" />
-            <div class="text-center">
-                <h3 class="h4 font-bold">Lead Added!</h3>
-                <p class="text-xl font-bold">{found_badge?.full_name}</p>
+        <div class="card w-full max-w-md flex flex-col items-center space-y-4 preset-tonal-success shadow-xl overflow-hidden">
+            <div class="p-10 w-full flex flex-col items-center space-y-4">
+                <CircleCheck size="4em" class="text-success-500 animate-bounce" />
+                <div class="text-center">
+                    <h3 class="h4 font-bold">Lead Added!</h3>
+                    <p class="text-xl font-bold">{found_badge?.full_name}</p>
+                </div>
+                <!-- In rapid mode: offer a View Details escape hatch while the reset countdown runs -->
+                {#if new_tracking_id}
+                    <a
+                        href={`/events/${page.params.event_id}/leads/exhibit/${exhibit_id}/lead/${new_tracking_id}`}
+                        class="btn btn-sm preset-outlined-surface w-full"
+                    >
+                        <Eye size="1em" />
+                        View Details
+                    </a>
+                {/if}
+                <p class="text-xs opacity-50 uppercase tracking-widest">Scanning next in 2 seconds...</p>
+            </div>
+            <!-- Countdown bar: pure CSS animation depletes over 2s (matching the setTimeout reset delay).
+                 Gives the operator a clear visual cue that the scanner is about to reset. -->
+            <div class="w-full h-1.5 bg-success-200/40">
+                <div class="h-full bg-success-500 scanner-reset-countdown"></div>
             </div>
-            <!-- In rapid mode: offer a View Details escape hatch while the reset countdown runs -->
-            {#if new_tracking_id}
-                <a
-                    href={`/events/${page.params.event_id}/leads/exhibit/${exhibit_id}/lead/${new_tracking_id}`}
-                    class="btn btn-sm preset-outlined-surface w-full"
-                >
-                    <Eye size="1em" class="mr-1" /> View Details
-                </a>
-            {/if}
-            <p class="text-sm opacity-40">Resetting scanner...</p>
         </div>
 
     {:else if scanning_status === 'error'}
@@ -248,8 +275,21 @@
             <CircleAlert size="3em" class="text-error-500" />
             <p class="text-center font-bold">{error_msg}</p>
             <button type="button" class="btn btn-sm preset-filled-error" onclick={reset_scanner}>
+                <RefreshCw size="1em" />
                 Try Again
             </button>
         </div>
     {/if}
-</div>
\ No newline at end of file
+</div>
+
+<style>
+    /* Countdown bar for the rapid-mode success card.
+       Must match the 2000ms setTimeout in reset_scanner(). */
+    .scanner-reset-countdown {
+        animation: scanner-reset-countdown 2s linear forwards;
+    }
+    @keyframes scanner-reset-countdown {
+        from { width: 100%; }
+        to   { width: 0%; }
+    }
+</style>
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(leads)/leads/exhibit/[exhibit_id]/ae_comp__lead_qr_scanner_multi.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(leads)/leads/exhibit/[exhibit_id]/ae_comp__lead_qr_scanner_multi.svelte
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..d8be603c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(leads)/leads/exhibit/[exhibit_id]/ae_comp__lead_qr_scanner_multi.svelte
@@ -0,0 +1,444 @@
+<script lang="ts">
+    /**
+     * src/routes/events/[event_id]/(leads)/leads/exhibit/[exhibit_id]/ae_comp__lead_qr_scanner_multi.svelte
+     * Multi-badge batch QR scanner.
+     *
+     * Uses the native BarcodeDetector API (Chrome/Edge/Safari 17+) to detect multiple
+     * QR codes in a single camera frame. Staff lay 1–4 badges flat in view, tap
+     * "Capture Batch", and a grid of confirm cards appears — one per detected badge.
+     * Cards can be individually added, skipped, or dismissed; "Add All" handles the batch.
+     *
+     * Hard cap: 8 badges per batch (browser/camera support varies; 4 is the practical ask).
+     *
+     * Firefox: BarcodeDetector not yet supported — shows an informative fallback.
+     */
+    import { onDestroy } from 'svelte';
+    import { page } from '$app/state';
+    import { liveQuery } from 'dexie';
+    import { db_events } from '$lib/ae_events/db_events';
+    import { ae_api } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
+    import { events_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+    import { events_func } from '$lib/ae_events/ae_events_functions';
+    import { ae_util } from '$lib/ae_utils/ae_utils';
+    import type { ae_EventBadge } from '$lib/types/ae_types';
+    import {
+        CircleCheck, Eye, Layers, LoaderCircle,
+        RefreshCw, ScanLine, ShieldOff, UserPlus, X
+    } from '@lucide/svelte';
+
+    interface Props {
+        exhibit_id: string;
+        on_lead_added?: (badge: ae_EventBadge) => void;
+    }
+
+    let { exhibit_id, on_lead_added }: Props = $props();
+
+    // BarcodeDetector is in Chrome/Edge/Safari 17+; not yet in Firefox.
+    // Check at runtime — TypeScript lib.dom.d.ts may not have it yet.
+    const is_supported = typeof window !== 'undefined' && 'BarcodeDetector' in window;
+
+    // --- Types ---
+    type BatchStatus = 'loading' | 'ready' | 'blocked' | 'already_added' | 'adding' | 'added' | 'error';
+
+    interface BatchItem {
+        id: string;                   // badge id_random from QR
+        badge: ae_EventBadge | null;
+        status: BatchStatus;
+        existing_tracking_id: string; // set when status === 'already_added'
+        dismissing: boolean;          // true while CSS fade-out plays
+    }
+
+    // --- Existing leads (duplicate detection) ---
+    let existing_leads_map = $derived(
+        liveQuery(async () => {
+            const leads = await db_events.exhibit_tracking
+                .where('event_exhibit_id').equals(exhibit_id).toArray();
+            const map = new Map<string, string>();
+            leads.forEach(l => {
+                const b_id = l.event_badge_id_random || l.event_badge_id?.toString();
+                if (b_id) map.set(b_id, l.event_exhibit_tracking_id_random || l.event_exhibit_tracking_id?.toString() || '');
+            });
+            return map;
+        })
+    );
+
+    // --- Camera ---
+    let video_el = $state<HTMLVideoElement | undefined>(undefined);
+    let stream: MediaStream | null = null;
+    let detector: any = null;
+    let camera_status = $state<'idle' | 'starting' | 'live' | 'capturing' | 'error'>('idle');
+    let camera_error = $state('');
+
+    // Start camera when the video element mounts
+    $effect(() => {
+        if (!video_el || !is_supported) return;
+        start_camera();
+        return () => stop_camera();
+    });
+
+    onDestroy(stop_camera);
+
+    async function start_camera() {
+        if (camera_status !== 'idle') return;
+        camera_status = 'starting';
+        try {
+            stream = await navigator.mediaDevices.getUserMedia({
+                video: { facingMode: 'environment', width: { ideal: 1920 }, height: { ideal: 1080 } }
+            });
+            if (!video_el) { stop_camera(); return; }
+            video_el.srcObject = stream;
+            await video_el.play();
+            // BarcodeDetector API — not yet typed in lib.dom.d.ts for all targets
+            detector = new (window as any).BarcodeDetector({ formats: ['qr_code'] });
+            camera_status = 'live';
+        } catch (e: any) {
+            camera_status = 'error';
+            camera_error = e?.name === 'NotAllowedError'
+                ? 'Camera access denied. Allow camera access and try again.'
+                : 'Could not start camera. Please try again.';
+        }
+    }
+
+    function stop_camera() {
+        stream?.getTracks().forEach(t => t.stop());
+        stream = null;
+        detector = null;
+        if (camera_status !== 'error') camera_status = 'idle';
+    }
+
+    async function retry_camera() {
+        camera_status = 'idle';
+        await start_camera();
+    }
+
+    // --- Batch ---
+    let batch = $state<BatchItem[]>([]);
+    let ready_count = $derived(batch.filter(i => i.status === 'ready' && !i.dismissing).length);
+
+    async function capture_batch() {
+        if (!detector || !video_el || camera_status !== 'live') return;
+        camera_status = 'capturing';
+
+        try {
+            const barcodes: Array<{ rawValue: string }> = await detector.detect(video_el);
+            const existing_ids = new Set(batch.map(i => i.id));
+
+            const new_objs = barcodes
+                .map(b => ae_util.process_data_string(b.rawValue))
+                .filter((obj): obj is { type: string; id: string } =>
+                    !!(obj && obj.type === 'event_badge' && obj.id))
+                .filter(obj => !existing_ids.has(obj.id))
+                .slice(0, Math.max(0, 8 - batch.length)); // hard cap at 8 total
+
+            for (const obj of new_objs) {
+                const item: BatchItem = {
+                    id: obj.id,
+                    badge: null,
+                    status: 'loading',
+                    existing_tracking_id: '',
+                    dismissing: false
+                };
+                batch.push(item);
+                load_badge(item); // fire-and-forget; updates item in place
+            }
+        } catch (e) {
+            console.error('[Multi] BarcodeDetector.detect failed:', e);
+        }
+
+        camera_status = 'live';
+    }
+
+    async function load_badge(item: BatchItem) {
+        try {
+            const badge = await events_func.load_ae_obj_id__event_badge({
+                api_cfg: $ae_api,
+                event_badge_id: item.id,
+                log_lvl: 1
+            });
+            item.badge = badge;
+
+            if ($existing_leads_map?.has(item.id)) {
+                item.status = 'already_added';
+                item.existing_tracking_id = $existing_leads_map.get(item.id) ?? '';
+            } else if (badge?.allow_tracking !== true) {
+                // Attendee has opted out — show card so staff can inform them
+                item.status = 'blocked';
+            } else {
+                item.status = 'ready';
+            }
+        } catch {
+            item.status = 'error';
+        }
+    }
+
+    async function add_lead(item: BatchItem) {
+        if (item.status !== 'ready' || !item.badge?.event_badge_id_random) return;
+        item.status = 'adding';
+
+        const user_email = $events_loc.leads.auth_exhibit_kv?.[exhibit_id]?.key || 'shared_passcode';
+        try {
+            await events_func.create_ae_obj__exhibit_tracking({
+                api_cfg: $ae_api,
+                exhibit_id,
+                event_badge_id: item.badge.event_badge_id_random,
+                external_person_id: user_email,
+                group: user_email
+            });
+            item.status = 'added';
+            if (on_lead_added) on_lead_added(item.badge);
+            // Brief success display, then fade out
+            setTimeout(() => dismiss_item(item), 1000);
+        } catch {
+            item.status = 'error';
+        }
+    }
+
+    async function add_all() {
+        const to_add = batch.filter(i => i.status === 'ready' && !i.dismissing);
+        await Promise.all(to_add.map(add_lead));
+    }
+
+    function dismiss_item(item: BatchItem) {
+        item.dismissing = true;
+        // Remove from array after CSS transition completes (300ms)
+        setTimeout(() => {
+            const idx = batch.findIndex(i => i.id === item.id);
+            if (idx >= 0) batch.splice(idx, 1);
+        }, 350);
+    }
+</script>
+
+<div class="multi-scanner flex flex-col items-center gap-4 w-full">
+
+    {#if !is_supported}
+        <!-- Firefox / older browser fallback -->
+        <div class="card p-6 w-full max-w-md space-y-3 preset-tonal-warning text-center border-2 border-warning-500">
+            <Layers size="2.5em" class="mx-auto text-warning-500" />
+            <h3 class="h4 font-bold">Multi-Scan Not Available</h3>
+            <p class="text-sm opacity-70">
+                Multi-scan uses the browser's BarcodeDetector API, which is supported in
+                Chrome, Edge, and Safari 17+. Firefox support is coming soon.
+            </p>
+            <p class="text-sm opacity-70">Use <strong>Rapid</strong> or <strong>Auto</strong> mode in the meantime.</p>
+        </div>
+
+    {:else}
+
+        <!-- Camera viewfinder — landscape 16:9 gives more horizontal coverage for multiple badges -->
+        <div class="w-full max-w-md relative rounded-xl overflow-hidden border-4 border-surface-500/20 shadow-xl bg-black aspect-video">
+
+            <!-- svelte-ignore a11y_media_has_caption -->
+            <video
+                bind:this={video_el}
+                class="w-full h-full object-cover"
+                playsinline
+                muted
+            ></video>
+
+            <!-- Hint overlay: shown while camera is live, styled like a check-deposit scanner guide -->
+            {#if camera_status === 'live'}
+                <div class="absolute inset-0 pointer-events-none flex flex-col justify-end items-center pb-3 px-4">
+                    <span class="bg-black/50 text-white text-xs font-semibold px-3 py-1.5 rounded-full tracking-wide text-center">
+                        Align up to 4 badges flat in frame
+                    </span>
+                </div>
+                <!-- Corner guides — visual aid for badge alignment -->
+                <div class="absolute inset-4 pointer-events-none">
+                    <div class="absolute top-0 left-0 w-6 h-6 border-t-2 border-l-2 border-primary-400/70 rounded-tl"></div>
+                    <div class="absolute top-0 right-0 w-6 h-6 border-t-2 border-r-2 border-primary-400/70 rounded-tr"></div>
+                    <div class="absolute bottom-0 left-0 w-6 h-6 border-b-2 border-l-2 border-primary-400/70 rounded-bl"></div>
+                    <div class="absolute bottom-0 right-0 w-6 h-6 border-b-2 border-r-2 border-primary-400/70 rounded-br"></div>
+                </div>
+            {/if}
+
+            <!-- Starting overlay -->
+            {#if camera_status === 'starting'}
+                <div class="absolute inset-0 flex items-center justify-center bg-black/40">
+                    <span class="bg-black/60 text-white text-sm font-semibold px-4 py-2 rounded-full animate-pulse shadow-lg">
+                        Starting camera...
+                    </span>
+                </div>
+            {/if}
+
+            <!-- Error overlay -->
+            {#if camera_status === 'error'}
+                <div class="absolute inset-0 flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-4 bg-black/80 rounded-xl p-6 text-center">
+                    <p class="text-white text-sm font-semibold leading-snug drop-shadow">{camera_error}</p>
+                    <button
+                        type="button"
+                        class="bg-white text-surface-950 hover:bg-surface-100 font-bold text-base px-8 py-3 rounded-xl shadow-lg transition-colors cursor-pointer flex items-center gap-2"
+                        onclick={retry_camera}
+                    >
+                        <RefreshCw size="1.2em" />
+                        Try Again
+                    </button>
+                </div>
+            {/if}
+        </div>
+
+        <!-- Capture button -->
+        {#if camera_status === 'live' || camera_status === 'capturing'}
+            <button
+                type="button"
+                class="w-full max-w-md rounded-xl py-4 font-bold text-base flex items-center justify-center gap-2 bg-primary-500 text-white shadow-md hover:brightness-110 active:brightness-90 transition-all cursor-pointer disabled:opacity-50"
+                disabled={camera_status === 'capturing'}
+                onclick={capture_batch}
+            >
+                {#if camera_status === 'capturing'}
+                    <LoaderCircle class="animate-spin" size="1.3em" />
+                    Scanning...
+                {:else}
+                    <ScanLine size="1.3em" />
+                    Capture Batch
+                {/if}
+            </button>
+        {/if}
+
+        <!-- Badge grid -->
+        {#if batch.length > 0}
+            <div class="w-full grid grid-cols-1 sm:grid-cols-2 gap-3">
+                {#each batch as item (item.id)}
+                    <div
+                        class="batch-card card p-4 space-y-3 bg-surface-50-900 border border-surface-500/20 shadow min-h-[7rem]"
+                        class:dismissing={item.dismissing}
+                    >
+                        {#if item.status === 'loading'}
+                            <!-- Skeleton — fixed height prevents layout bounce as badges load -->
+                            <div class="space-y-2">
+                                <div class="h-5 w-3/4 bg-surface-200-800 animate-pulse rounded"></div>
+                                <div class="h-4 w-1/2 bg-surface-200-800 animate-pulse rounded"></div>
+                            </div>
+                            <div class="h-9 bg-surface-200-800 animate-pulse rounded-lg"></div>
+
+                        {:else if item.status === 'blocked'}
+                            <!-- Tracking opt-out — show card so staff can inform the attendee -->
+                            <div class="flex items-start gap-2">
+                                <ShieldOff size="1.2em" class="text-warning-500 shrink-0 mt-0.5" />
+                                <div>
+                                    <p class="font-bold text-sm leading-tight">{item.badge?.full_name || 'Attendee'}</p>
+                                    <p class="text-xs opacity-60 mt-0.5">Opted out of lead scanning</p>
+                                </div>
+                            </div>
+                            <button
+                                type="button"
+                                class="w-full rounded-lg py-2 text-sm font-bold flex items-center justify-center gap-1.5 border border-warning-500/40 text-warning-600 dark:text-warning-400 hover:bg-warning-500/10 transition-colors cursor-pointer"
+                                onclick={() => dismiss_item(item)}
+                            >
+                                <X size="1em" />
+                                OK, Dismiss
+                            </button>
+
+                        {:else if item.status === 'already_added'}
+                            <div class="flex items-start gap-2">
+                                <CircleCheck size="1.2em" class="text-secondary-500 shrink-0 mt-0.5" />
+                                <div>
+                                    <p class="font-bold text-sm leading-tight">{item.badge?.full_name || 'Attendee'}</p>
+                                    <p class="text-xs opacity-60 mt-0.5">Already captured</p>
+                                </div>
+                            </div>
+                            <div class="flex gap-2">
+                                <a
+                                    href={`/events/${page.params.event_id}/leads/exhibit/${exhibit_id}/lead/${item.existing_tracking_id}`}
+                                    class="flex-1 rounded-lg py-2 text-xs font-bold flex items-center justify-center gap-1 border border-surface-500/40 hover:bg-surface-200-800 transition-colors"
+                                >
+                                    <Eye size="0.9em" />
+                                    View
+                                </a>
+                                <button
+                                    type="button"
+                                    class="flex-1 rounded-lg py-2 text-xs font-bold flex items-center justify-center gap-1 border border-surface-500/40 hover:bg-surface-200-800 transition-colors cursor-pointer"
+                                    onclick={() => dismiss_item(item)}
+                                >
+                                    <X size="0.9em" />
+                                    OK
+                                </button>
+                            </div>
+
+                        {:else if item.status === 'ready'}
+                            <div>
+                                <p class="font-bold text-sm leading-tight">{item.badge?.full_name || 'Badge Found'}</p>
+                                <p class="text-xs opacity-60">{item.badge?.affiliations || ''}</p>
+                            </div>
+                            <div class="flex gap-2">
+                                <button
+                                    type="button"
+                                    class="flex-1 rounded-lg py-2.5 text-sm font-bold flex items-center justify-center gap-1.5 bg-primary-500 text-white hover:brightness-110 transition-all cursor-pointer"
+                                    onclick={() => add_lead(item)}
+                                >
+                                    <UserPlus size="1em" />
+                                    Add
+                                </button>
+                                <button
+                                    type="button"
+                                    class="flex-none rounded-lg px-3 py-2.5 flex items-center justify-center border border-surface-500/40 hover:bg-surface-200-800 transition-colors cursor-pointer opacity-60"
+                                    title="Skip this badge"
+                                    onclick={() => dismiss_item(item)}
+                                >
+                                    <X size="1em" />
+                                </button>
+                            </div>
+
+                        {:else if item.status === 'adding'}
+                            <div class="flex items-center gap-2 py-1 opacity-70">
+                                <LoaderCircle size="1.2em" class="animate-spin text-primary-500 shrink-0" />
+                                <div>
+                                    <p class="font-bold text-sm leading-tight">{item.badge?.full_name || '...'}</p>
+                                    <p class="text-xs opacity-60">Adding...</p>
+                                </div>
+                            </div>
+
+                        {:else if item.status === 'added'}
+                            <div class="flex items-center gap-2 py-1">
+                                <CircleCheck size="1.2em" class="text-success-500 shrink-0" />
+                                <div>
+                                    <p class="font-bold text-sm leading-tight text-success-600 dark:text-success-400">{item.badge?.full_name || 'Lead'}</p>
+                                    <p class="text-xs opacity-60">Lead added!</p>
+                                </div>
+                            </div>
+
+                        {:else if item.status === 'error'}
+                            <div>
+                                <p class="text-sm font-bold text-error-600 dark:text-error-400">Failed to add</p>
+                                <p class="text-xs opacity-60">{item.badge?.full_name || 'Unknown'}</p>
+                            </div>
+                            <button
+                                type="button"
+                                class="w-full rounded-lg py-2 text-xs font-bold flex items-center justify-center gap-1.5 border border-error-500/40 text-error-600 dark:text-error-400 hover:bg-error-500/10 transition-colors cursor-pointer"
+                                onclick={() => dismiss_item(item)}
+                            >
+                                <X size="1em" />
+                                Dismiss
+                            </button>
+                        {/if}
+                    </div>
+                {/each}
+            </div>
+
+            <!-- Add All — only shown when there are ready cards -->
+            {#if ready_count > 0}
+                <button
+                    type="button"
+                    class="w-full rounded-xl py-4 font-bold text-base flex items-center justify-center gap-2 bg-primary-500 text-white shadow-md hover:brightness-110 active:brightness-90 transition-all cursor-pointer"
+                    onclick={add_all}
+                >
+                    <UserPlus size="1.3em" />
+                    Add All ({ready_count})
+                </button>
+            {/if}
+        {/if}
+
+    {/if}
+</div>
+
+<style>
+    /* Smooth fade-and-shrink when a card is dismissed (Add / Skip / OK).
+       Duration matches the 350ms setTimeout in dismiss_item(). */
+    .batch-card {
+        transition: opacity 0.3s ease, transform 0.3s ease;
+    }
+    .batch-card.dismissing {
+        opacity: 0;
+        transform: scale(0.9);
+        pointer-events: none;
+    }
+</style>
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(leads)/leads/exhibit/[exhibit_id]/ae_tab__add.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(leads)/leads/exhibit/[exhibit_id]/ae_tab__add.svelte
index 09c37edc..7d79cad6 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(leads)/leads/exhibit/[exhibit_id]/ae_tab__add.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(leads)/leads/exhibit/[exhibit_id]/ae_tab__add.svelte
@@ -5,12 +5,15 @@
      *
      * Two orthogonal toggles:
      *  - mode: 'qr' | 'search' — how to find the attendee
-     *  - scan_qualify: 'rapid' | 'qualify' — what to do after adding (QR mode only)
-     *    - rapid:   auto-reset scanner → scan next person immediately
-     *    - qualify: navigate to lead detail → fill qualifiers/notes right away
+     *  - scan_qualify: 'rapid' | 'qualify' | 'auto' | 'multi' — what to do after finding (QR mode only)
+     *      rapid:   confirm tap → auto-reset → scan next person immediately
+     *      qualify: confirm tap → navigate to lead detail → fill qualifiers/notes
+     *      auto:    no confirm — badge is added immediately on scan → auto-reset
+     *      multi:   BarcodeDetector batch scan → grid of confirm cards
      */
-    import { ClipboardList, QrCode, Search, Zap } from '@lucide/svelte';
+    import { Bot, ChevronDown, ClipboardList, Layers, QrCode, Search, Zap } from '@lucide/svelte';
     import Comp_lead_qr_scanner from './ae_comp__lead_qr_scanner.svelte';
+    import Comp_lead_qr_scanner_multi from './ae_comp__lead_qr_scanner_multi.svelte';
     import Comp_lead_manual_search from './ae_comp__lead_manual_search.svelte';
     import { events_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
 
@@ -28,79 +31,132 @@
         $events_loc.leads.tab_add_mode[exhibit_id] = new_mode;
     }
 
-    // Rapid vs Qualify scan mode (persisted per exhibit)
-    let scan_qualify = $derived($events_loc.leads.tab_scan_qualify?.[exhibit_id] ?? 'rapid');
+    // Scan qualify mode (persisted per exhibit)
+    type ScanQualifyMode = 'rapid' | 'qualify' | 'auto' | 'multi';
+    let scan_qualify = $derived(($events_loc.leads.tab_scan_qualify?.[exhibit_id] ?? 'rapid') as ScanQualifyMode);
 
-    function set_scan_qualify(new_mode: 'rapid' | 'qualify') {
+    function set_scan_qualify(new_mode: ScanQualifyMode) {
         if (!$events_loc.leads.tab_scan_qualify) $events_loc.leads.tab_scan_qualify = {};
         $events_loc.leads.tab_scan_qualify[exhibit_id] = new_mode;
+        show_mode_opts = false;
     }
 
     function handle_lead_added(badge: any) {
         $events_loc.leads.tracking__search_version++;
     }
+
+    // Mode selector expand/collapse
+    let show_mode_opts = $state(false);
+
+    // Mode config — drives both the trigger display and the options grid
+    const qr_modes: Array<{
+        value: ScanQualifyMode;
+        label: string;
+        desc: string;
+        icon: any;
+    }> = [
+        { value: 'rapid',   label: 'Rapid',   desc: 'Confirm · then auto-reset',  icon: Zap           },
+        { value: 'qualify', label: 'Qualify', desc: 'Confirm · open lead detail', icon: ClipboardList },
+        { value: 'auto',    label: 'Auto',    desc: 'Auto-add · no tap needed',   icon: Bot           },
+        { value: 'multi',   label: 'Multi',   desc: 'Batch scan up to 4 badges',  icon: Layers        },
+    ];
+
+    let active_mode = $derived(qr_modes.find(m => m.value === scan_qualify) ?? qr_modes[0]);
 </script>
 
-<div class="ae-tab-add flex flex-col items-center space-y-4 w-full mx-auto">
+<div class="ae-tab-add flex flex-col items-center gap-3 w-full mx-auto">
 
-    <!-- Controls Row: input mode toggle + scan qualify toggle -->
-    <div class="flex items-center gap-2 w-full">
-
-        <!-- QR / Search toggle (takes remaining space) -->
-        <button
-            type="button"
-            class="btn btn-sm preset-filled-secondary font-bold shadow-sm px-4 py-2.5 flex items-center gap-2 flex-1 transition-all"
-            onclick={() => set_mode(mode === 'qr' ? 'search' : 'qr')}
-        >
-            {#if mode === 'qr'}
-                <Search size="1.1em" />
-                <span>Manual Search</span>
-            {:else}
-                <QrCode size="1.1em" />
-                <span>QR Scan</span>
-            {/if}
-        </button>
-
-        <!-- Rapid / Qualify mode (only meaningful for QR mode) -->
+    <!-- QR / Search toggle -->
+    <button
+        type="button"
+        class="btn btn-sm preset-filled-secondary font-bold shadow-sm px-4 py-2.5 flex items-center gap-2 w-full transition-all"
+        onclick={() => set_mode(mode === 'qr' ? 'search' : 'qr')}
+    >
         {#if mode === 'qr'}
-            <div class="flex rounded-lg overflow-hidden border border-surface-500/30 shadow-sm flex-none">
-                <button
-                    type="button"
-                    class="btn btn-sm px-3 py-2.5 rounded-none transition-all"
-                    class:preset-filled-primary={scan_qualify === 'rapid'}
-                    class:preset-outlined-surface={scan_qualify !== 'rapid'}
-                    onclick={() => set_scan_qualify('rapid')}
-                    title="Rapid Scan — reset immediately and scan the next person"
-                >
-                    <Zap size="1.1em" />
-                </button>
-                <button
-                    type="button"
-                    class="btn btn-sm px-3 py-2.5 rounded-none border-l border-surface-500/20 transition-all"
-                    class:preset-filled-secondary={scan_qualify === 'qualify'}
-                    class:preset-outlined-surface={scan_qualify !== 'qualify'}
-                    onclick={() => set_scan_qualify('qualify')}
-                    title="Qualify Mode — open lead detail after adding to fill in notes"
-                >
-                    <ClipboardList size="1.1em" />
-                </button>
-            </div>
+            <Search size="1.1em" />
+            <span>Switch to Manual Search</span>
+        {:else}
+            <QrCode size="1.1em" />
+            <span>Switch to QR Scan</span>
         {/if}
-    </div>
+    </button>
 
-    <!-- Mode hint line -->
+    <!-- Scan mode selector (QR mode only) -->
     {#if mode === 'qr'}
-        <p class="text-[10px] uppercase font-bold tracking-widest opacity-30 w-full -mt-2">
-            {scan_qualify === 'rapid' ? 'Rapid Scan — scan next after adding' : 'Qualify Mode — open lead detail after adding'}
-        </p>
+        <div class="w-full">
+
+            <!-- Trigger: shows active mode, tapping expands options -->
+            <button
+                type="button"
+                class="w-full flex items-center gap-3 px-4 py-3 rounded-xl bg-surface-100-900 border border-surface-500/20 shadow-sm transition-colors cursor-pointer"
+                onclick={() => show_mode_opts = !show_mode_opts}
+                title="Change scan mode"
+            >
+                <!-- Colored icon pill -->
+                <span class="p-1.5 rounded-lg shrink-0 text-white"
+                    class:bg-primary-500={scan_qualify === 'rapid'}
+                    class:bg-secondary-500={scan_qualify === 'qualify'}
+                    class:bg-tertiary-500={scan_qualify === 'auto'}
+                    class:bg-warning-500={scan_qualify === 'multi'}
+                >
+                    <active_mode.icon size="1em" />
+                </span>
+
+                <!-- Mode name + description -->
+                <div class="flex-1 text-left">
+                    <span class="font-bold text-sm">{active_mode.label}</span>
+                    <span class="text-xs opacity-50 ml-2">{active_mode.desc}</span>
+                </div>
+
+                <!-- Chevron -->
+                <ChevronDown
+                    size="1.1em"
+                    class="opacity-40 transition-transform duration-200 {show_mode_opts ? 'rotate-180' : ''}"
+                />
+            </button>
+
+            <!-- Options grid (2×2) — shown when trigger is tapped -->
+            {#if show_mode_opts}
+                <div class="mt-1.5 grid grid-cols-2 gap-2 p-2 bg-surface-50-900 rounded-xl border border-surface-500/20 shadow-lg">
+                    {#each qr_modes as m}
+                        <button
+                            type="button"
+                            class="flex flex-col items-center gap-1.5 p-3 rounded-lg text-center transition-all cursor-pointer"
+                            class:bg-surface-100-900={scan_qualify !== m.value}
+                            class:opacity-50={scan_qualify !== m.value}
+                            class:bg-surface-50-900={scan_qualify === m.value}
+                            class:shadow={scan_qualify === m.value}
+                            class:ring-1={scan_qualify === m.value}
+                            class:ring-surface-500={scan_qualify === m.value}
+                            onclick={() => set_scan_qualify(m.value)}
+                        >
+                            <span class="p-1.5 rounded-lg text-white"
+                                class:bg-primary-500={m.value === 'rapid'}
+                                class:bg-secondary-500={m.value === 'qualify'}
+                                class:bg-tertiary-500={m.value === 'auto'}
+                                class:bg-warning-500={m.value === 'multi'}
+                            >
+                                <m.icon size="1.1em" />
+                            </span>
+                            <span class="font-bold text-sm">{m.label}</span>
+                            <span class="text-[10px] opacity-60 leading-tight">{m.desc}</span>
+                        </button>
+                    {/each}
+                </div>
+            {/if}
+        </div>
     {/if}
 
     <!-- Content Area -->
     <div class="w-full flex flex-col items-center min-h-100">
         {#if mode === 'qr'}
-            <Comp_lead_qr_scanner {exhibit_id} {scan_qualify} on_lead_added={handle_lead_added} />
+            {#if scan_qualify === 'multi'}
+                <Comp_lead_qr_scanner_multi {exhibit_id} on_lead_added={handle_lead_added} />
+            {:else}
+                <Comp_lead_qr_scanner {exhibit_id} {scan_qualify} on_lead_added={handle_lead_added} />
+            {/if}
         {:else}
             <Comp_lead_manual_search {exhibit_id} on_lead_added={handle_lead_added} />
         {/if}
     </div>
-</div>
\ No newline at end of file
+</div>