diff --git a/Cargo.toml b/Cargo.toml
index 6f0f892..bf03ba5 100644
--- a/Cargo.toml
+++ b/Cargo.toml
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ avian3d = { version = "0.6", default-features = false, features = [
     "collider-from-mesh",
     "serialize",
 ] }
-bevy = { version = "0.18", features = ["serialize"] }
+bevy = { version = "0.18", features = ["serialize", "jpeg"] }
 bevy_core_pipeline = "0.18"
 bevy_solari = "0.18"
 bevy_ufbx = "0.18"
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 3f4aa9f..8b7fa53 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -294,7 +294,7 @@ crates/
 - [x] Prefab instance overrides v2 (transform/material/child visibility apply-revert groups)
 - [x] Advanced rendering: `GiMode`, post-process volumes, Rendering panel, requested/effective render stack, Solari integration, emissive materials, post FX assets ([ADR 0013](docs/adr/0013-rendering-tiers-and-post-process-volumes.md), [ADR 0016](docs/adr/0016-unified-rendering-contract.md), [rendering guide](docs/editor/rendering.md))
 - [x] Static mesh renderer component, generated normalized mesh artifacts, source/one-actor hierarchy placement, and inspector renderer slots ([ADR 0017](docs/adr/0017-normalized-static-mesh-assets.md))
-- [x] Componentized actor inspector, unified component cards, thumbnail static mesh slots, imported asset Browse/Locate/Clear refs with inherited source defaults, collider split, shader-aware material data, and per-actor material overrides ([ADR 0018](docs/adr/0018-componentized-actor-inspector-and-materials.md))
+- [x] Componentized actor inspector, unified component cards, thumbnail static mesh slots, imported asset Browse/Locate/Clear refs with inherited source defaults, collider split, shader-aware actor material data, and texture picker/drop refs ([ADR 0018](docs/adr/0018-componentized-actor-inspector-and-materials.md))
 
 ## Notes / Future Work
 
@@ -311,7 +311,7 @@ crates/
   edited from the browser, and delete actions move files to `assets/.trash/`. Skeletal animation
   playback is not supported by the static mesh path yet.
 - Prefab instances use stable asset IDs (`PrefabInstance` + registry) with serialized `PrefabOverrides` (transform, material, per-child visibility by name). Inspector **Apply/Revert** per field group; **Unpack** removes the instance link.
-- Material assets are RON files under `assets/materials/`; shader schemas live under `assets/shaders/`. `MaterialDesc` stores shader kind, typed parameters, texture bindings, and StandardMaterial fields. The Asset Browser material details editor can apply shader schemas, edit typed parameters/textures, and regenerate sphere thumbnails. Actor inspector edits create per-actor `MaterialOverride` data for static mesh slots instead of mutating shared material assets.
+- Material assets are RON files under `assets/materials/`; shader schemas live under `assets/shaders/`. `MaterialDesc` stores shader kind, typed parameters, texture bindings, and StandardMaterial fields. The Asset Browser material details editor can apply shader schemas, edit typed parameters/textures, and regenerate sphere thumbnails. Actor inspector material edits live on the actor `MaterialDesc`; static mesh source-material refs remain imported defaults and shared material assets are edited from the Asset Browser.
 - Per-field reflect undo for all components remains future work; typed `shared` inspectors cover the common authoring path.
 - The authoring/hydration layer is intentionally small so richer asset workflows (terrain,
   material graphs, lighting profiles) can be added without changing the scene format foundation.
diff --git a/crates/editor/src/assets/mod.rs b/crates/editor/src/assets/mod.rs
index 965e241..c1d3d39 100644
--- a/crates/editor/src/assets/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/editor/src/assets/mod.rs
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ pub mod asset_db;
 mod catalog;
 mod import;
 pub mod materials;
+pub mod operators;
 pub mod prefab_overrides;
 pub mod static_mesh;
 pub mod thumbnails;
diff --git a/crates/editor/src/assets/operators.rs b/crates/editor/src/assets/operators.rs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7581600
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/editor/src/assets/operators.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,93 @@
+//! Operator wrappers for asset placement and assignment workflows.
+
+use bevy::prelude::*;
+use bevy_inspector_egui::bevy_inspector::hierarchy::SelectedEntities;
+
+use crate::operators::{run_immediate_operator, OperatorAvailability};
+use crate::ui::helpers::{
+    apply_material_asset_to_selection, apply_texture_to_selection, selected_level_entities,
+};
+
+use super::{spawn_asset_at, spawn_subasset_at, AssetSelection, EditorAsset};
+
+fn selection_availability(world: &World, selected: &SelectedEntities) -> OperatorAvailability {
+    if selected_level_entities(world, selected).is_empty() {
+        OperatorAvailability::Disabled("Select at least one authored actor".to_string())
+    } else {
+        OperatorAvailability::Ready
+    }
+}
+
+pub fn place_asset_operator(world: &mut World, asset: EditorAsset, translation: Vec3) -> bool {
+    let label = format!("Place {}", asset.label);
+    run_immediate_operator(
+        world,
+        "assets.place",
+        &label,
+        OperatorAvailability::Ready,
+        move |world| {
+            spawn_asset_at(world, &asset, translation)
+                .map(|_| ())
+                .ok_or_else(|| format!("Asset cannot be placed: {}", asset.label))
+        },
+    )
+}
+
+pub fn place_subasset_operator(
+    world: &mut World,
+    selection: AssetSelection,
+    translation: Vec3,
+) -> bool {
+    let label = format!("Place {}", selection.display_label());
+    run_immediate_operator(
+        world,
+        "assets.place_subasset",
+        &label,
+        OperatorAvailability::Ready,
+        move |world| {
+            spawn_subasset_at(world, &selection, translation)
+                .map(|_| ())
+                .ok_or_else(|| format!("Sub-asset cannot be placed: {}", selection.display_label()))
+        },
+    )
+}
+
+pub fn apply_texture_operator(
+    world: &mut World,
+    asset: EditorAsset,
+    selected: &SelectedEntities,
+) -> bool {
+    let label = format!("Apply Texture {}", asset.label);
+    let availability = selection_availability(world, selected);
+    let selected = selected;
+    run_immediate_operator(
+        world,
+        "assets.apply_texture",
+        &label,
+        availability,
+        move |world| {
+            apply_texture_to_selection(world, &asset, &selected);
+            Ok(())
+        },
+    )
+}
+
+pub fn apply_material_operator(
+    world: &mut World,
+    asset: EditorAsset,
+    selected: &SelectedEntities,
+) -> bool {
+    let label = format!("Apply Material {}", asset.label);
+    let availability = selection_availability(world, selected);
+    let selected = selected;
+    run_immediate_operator(
+        world,
+        "assets.apply_material",
+        &label,
+        availability,
+        move |world| {
+            apply_material_asset_to_selection(world, &asset, &selected);
+            Ok(())
+        },
+    )
+}
diff --git a/crates/editor/src/ui/asset_browser/panel.rs b/crates/editor/src/ui/asset_browser/panel.rs
index 4be2d5e..3683477 100644
--- a/crates/editor/src/ui/asset_browser/panel.rs
+++ b/crates/editor/src/ui/asset_browser/panel.rs
@@ -16,8 +16,8 @@ use shared::{
 };
 
 use crate::assets::{
-    spawn_asset_at, spawn_subasset_at, AssetSelection, AssetSubAssetKind, EditorAsset,
-    EditorAssetKind, EditorAssets, ASSETS_ROOT, BUILTINS_FOLDER,
+    AssetSelection, AssetSubAssetKind, EditorAsset, EditorAssetKind, EditorAssets, ASSETS_ROOT,
+    BUILTINS_FOLDER,
 };
 use crate::scene_io::{SceneIo, SceneIoRequest};
 
@@ -29,6 +29,9 @@ use crate::asset_db::{
     find_asset_by_path, find_asset_mut_by_path, save_registry, update_import_settings,
     ImportSettings, MaterialImportPolicy, ModelHierarchyMode, ModelPlacementMode,
 };
+use crate::assets::operators::{
+    apply_material_operator, apply_texture_operator, place_asset_operator, place_subasset_operator,
+};
 use crate::assets::static_mesh::{
     load_static_mesh_manifest, material_id_from_label, part_id_from_label,
     refresh_static_mesh_artifact,
@@ -37,9 +40,7 @@ use crate::assets::{
     asset_cache_key, draw_asset_cell_with, invalidate_on_catalog_refresh, kind_icon,
     prefetch_folder_thumbnails, AssetThumbnailCache, ThumbnailCacheSnapshot, ThumbnailStudio,
 };
-use crate::ui::helpers::{
-    apply_material_asset_to_selection, apply_texture_to_selection, asset_label,
-};
+use crate::ui::helpers::asset_label;
 use crate::ui::theme::{panel_heading, ACCENT, BORDER, ELEVATED_BG, TEXT, TEXT_DIM, WIDGET_BG};
 use crate::ui::widgets::{icon_button_small, tool_button};
 
@@ -724,14 +725,14 @@ fn selection_footer(world: &mut World, ui: &mut egui::Ui, selected_entities: &Se
             AssetSubAssetKind::Mesh => {
                 if ui.button("Place At Origin").clicked() {
                     if let Some(selection) = selection.as_ref() {
-                        spawn_subasset_at(world, selection, Vec3::ZERO);
+                        place_subasset_operator(world, selection.clone(), Vec3::ZERO);
                     }
                 }
             }
             AssetSubAssetKind::Texture => {
                 if ui.button("Apply Texture To Selection").clicked() {
                     if let Some(asset) = texture_asset_from_subasset_selection(world, &selection) {
-                        apply_texture_to_selection(world, &asset, selected_entities);
+                        apply_texture_operator(world, asset, selected_entities);
                     }
                 }
             }
@@ -745,7 +746,7 @@ fn selection_footer(world: &mut World, ui: &mut egui::Ui, selected_entities: &Se
             if matches!(asset.kind, EditorAssetKind::Texture)
                 && ui.button("Apply Texture To Selection").clicked()
             {
-                apply_texture_to_selection(world, &asset, selected_entities);
+                apply_texture_operator(world, asset.clone(), selected_entities);
             }
             if matches!(
                 asset.kind,
@@ -756,7 +757,7 @@ fn selection_footer(world: &mut World, ui: &mut egui::Ui, selected_entities: &Se
                     | EditorAssetKind::Level
             ) && ui.button("Place At Origin").clicked()
             {
-                spawn_asset_at(world, &asset, Vec3::ZERO);
+                place_asset_operator(world, asset.clone(), Vec3::ZERO);
             }
         });
     } else {
@@ -1796,7 +1797,7 @@ fn subasset_details_panel(
     match embedded.kind {
         AssetSubAssetKind::Mesh => {
             if ui.button("Place At Origin").clicked() {
-                spawn_subasset_at(world, selection, Vec3::ZERO);
+                place_subasset_operator(world, selection.clone(), Vec3::ZERO);
             }
         }
         AssetSubAssetKind::Texture => {
@@ -1804,7 +1805,7 @@ fn subasset_details_panel(
                 if let Some(asset) =
                     texture_asset_from_subasset_selection(world, &Some(selection.clone()))
                 {
-                    apply_texture_to_selection(world, &asset, selected_entities);
+                    apply_texture_operator(world, asset, selected_entities);
                 }
             }
         }
@@ -1832,11 +1833,11 @@ fn asset_action_buttons(
 ) {
     ui.horizontal_wrapped(|ui| {
         if matches!(asset.kind, EditorAssetKind::Texture) && ui.button("Apply Texture").clicked() {
-            apply_texture_to_selection(world, asset, selected_entities);
+            apply_texture_operator(world, asset.clone(), selected_entities);
         }
         if matches!(asset.kind, EditorAssetKind::Material) && ui.button("Apply Material").clicked()
         {
-            apply_material_asset_to_selection(world, asset, selected_entities);
+            apply_material_operator(world, asset.clone(), selected_entities);
         }
         if matches!(
             asset.kind,
@@ -1847,7 +1848,7 @@ fn asset_action_buttons(
                 | EditorAssetKind::Level
         ) && ui.button("Place At Origin").clicked()
         {
-            spawn_asset_at(world, asset, Vec3::ZERO);
+            place_asset_operator(world, asset.clone(), Vec3::ZERO);
         }
         if matches!(asset.kind, EditorAssetKind::Model)
             && has_embedded_assets(world, asset)
@@ -2808,7 +2809,7 @@ fn asset_context_menu(
             | EditorAssetKind::Level
     ) && ui.button("Place at Origin").clicked()
     {
-        spawn_asset_at(world, asset, Vec3::ZERO);
+        place_asset_operator(world, asset.clone(), Vec3::ZERO);
         ui.close();
     }
     if matches!(asset.kind, EditorAssetKind::Model) && has_embedded_assets(world, asset) {
@@ -2835,13 +2836,13 @@ fn asset_context_menu(
     if matches!(asset.kind, EditorAssetKind::Texture)
         && ui.button("Apply as Base Color Texture").clicked()
     {
-        apply_texture_to_selection(world, asset, selected_entities);
+        apply_texture_operator(world, asset.clone(), selected_entities);
         ui.close();
     }
     if matches!(asset.kind, EditorAssetKind::Material)
         && ui.button("Apply Material To Selection").clicked()
     {
-        apply_material_asset_to_selection(world, asset, selected_entities);
+        apply_material_operator(world, asset.clone(), selected_entities);
         ui.close();
     }
     if matches!(asset.kind, EditorAssetKind::Model) && ui.button("Reimport").clicked() {
@@ -2880,7 +2881,7 @@ fn subasset_context_menu(
     match embedded.kind {
         AssetSubAssetKind::Mesh => {
             if ui.button("Place at Origin").clicked() {
-                spawn_subasset_at(world, &embedded.selection, Vec3::ZERO);
+                place_subasset_operator(world, embedded.selection.clone(), Vec3::ZERO);
                 ui.close();
             }
         }
@@ -2889,7 +2890,7 @@ fn subasset_context_menu(
                 if let Some(asset) =
                     texture_asset_from_subasset_selection(world, &Some(embedded.selection.clone()))
                 {
-                    apply_texture_to_selection(world, &asset, selected_entities);
+                    apply_texture_operator(world, asset, selected_entities);
                 }
                 ui.close();
             }
diff --git a/crates/editor/src/ui/inspector.rs b/crates/editor/src/ui/inspector.rs
index 3ab210e..a050188 100644
--- a/crates/editor/src/ui/inspector.rs
+++ b/crates/editor/src/ui/inspector.rs
@@ -9,23 +9,23 @@ use egui_phosphor_icons::{icons, Icon};
 use shared::{
     inspector_component_active, AuthoringLightKind, AuthoringRigidBody, ColliderDesc,
     ColliderShapeDesc, ColorDesc, ComponentInstanceId, EditorAssetRef, InspectorOrder, LevelObject,
-    LightDesc, MaterialDesc, MaterialOverride, MaterialParameter, MaterialParameterValue,
-    MaterialShaderKind, MaterialSlotOverride, ObjectiveMarker, PhysicsBody, PlayerSpawn,
-    PostProcessVolumeDesc, PrefabInstance, Primitive, PrimitiveShape, ProjectSun, RigidBodyDesc,
-    StaticMeshRenderer, StaticMeshRendererEntry, TeamSpawn, TriggerVolume, WeaponSpawn,
-    AUTHORING_DIRECTIONAL_LUX_MAX, AUTHORING_POINT_SPOT_LUMENS_MAX, COMPONENT_COLLIDER_DESC,
-    COMPONENT_LIGHT_DESC, COMPONENT_MATERIAL_DESC, COMPONENT_OBJECTIVE_MARKER,
-    COMPONENT_PHYSICS_BODY, COMPONENT_PLAYER_SPAWN, COMPONENT_POST_PROCESS_VOLUME,
-    COMPONENT_PREFAB_INSTANCE, COMPONENT_PRIMITIVE, COMPONENT_PROJECT_SUN,
-    COMPONENT_RIGID_BODY_DESC, COMPONENT_STATIC_MESH_RENDERER, COMPONENT_TEAM_SPAWN,
-    COMPONENT_TRIGGER_VOLUME, COMPONENT_WEAPON_SPAWN,
+    LightDesc, MaterialDesc, MaterialParameter, MaterialParameterValue, MaterialShaderKind,
+    ObjectiveMarker, PhysicsBody, PlayerSpawn, PostProcessVolumeDesc, PrefabInstance, Primitive,
+    PrimitiveShape, ProjectSun, RigidBodyDesc, StaticMeshRenderer, StaticMeshRendererEntry,
+    TeamSpawn, TriggerVolume, WeaponSpawn, AUTHORING_DIRECTIONAL_LUX_MAX,
+    AUTHORING_POINT_SPOT_LUMENS_MAX, COMPONENT_COLLIDER_DESC, COMPONENT_LIGHT_DESC,
+    COMPONENT_MATERIAL_DESC, COMPONENT_OBJECTIVE_MARKER, COMPONENT_PHYSICS_BODY,
+    COMPONENT_PLAYER_SPAWN, COMPONENT_POST_PROCESS_VOLUME, COMPONENT_PREFAB_INSTANCE,
+    COMPONENT_PRIMITIVE, COMPONENT_PROJECT_SUN, COMPONENT_RIGID_BODY_DESC,
+    COMPONENT_STATIC_MESH_RENDERER, COMPONENT_TEAM_SPAWN, COMPONENT_TRIGGER_VOLUME,
+    COMPONENT_WEAPON_SPAWN,
 };
 
 use crate::history::{
     material_eq, set_collider_with_history, set_inspector_order_with_history,
-    set_light_with_history, set_material_override_with_history, set_material_with_history,
-    set_physics_with_history, set_post_process_volume_with_history, set_primitive_with_history,
-    set_rigid_body_with_history, set_static_mesh_renderer_with_history, EditorEntitySnapshot,
+    set_light_with_history, set_material_with_history, set_physics_with_history,
+    set_post_process_volume_with_history, set_primitive_with_history, set_rigid_body_with_history,
+    set_static_mesh_renderer_with_history, EditorEntitySnapshot,
 };
 use crate::selection::SelectedEntity;
 use crate::ui::theme::{
@@ -46,8 +46,8 @@ use crate::assets::static_mesh::{
 };
 use crate::assets::thumbnails::ThumbnailStudio;
 use crate::assets::{
-    asset_cache_key, AssetSelection, AssetThumbnailCache, EditorAsset, EditorAssetKind,
-    EditorAssets,
+    asset_cache_key, AssetSelection, AssetSubAssetKind, AssetThumbnailCache, EditorAsset,
+    EditorAssetKind, EditorAssets,
 };
 
 const COMPACT_INSPECTOR_WIDTH: f32 = 360.0;
@@ -98,6 +98,15 @@ struct AssetSelectorResponse {
     locate: bool,
 }
 
+#[derive(Debug, Clone)]
+struct TextureAssetCandidate {
+    label: String,
+    path: String,
+    folder_path: String,
+    selection: AssetSelection,
+    texture_id: Option<egui::TextureId>,
+}
+
 #[derive(Resource, Default, Debug, Clone)]
 pub(crate) struct InspectorClipboard {
     component: Option<CopiedComponent>,
@@ -1311,6 +1320,112 @@ fn static_mesh_asset_ref_candidates(
     candidates
 }
 
+fn texture_asset_candidates(world: &World) -> Vec<TextureAssetCandidate> {
+    let Some(catalog) = world.get_resource::<EditorAssets>() else {
+        return Vec::new();
+    };
+    let snapshot = world
+        .get_resource::<AssetThumbnailCache>()
+        .map(AssetThumbnailCache::snapshot);
+    let mut candidates: Vec<_> = catalog
+        .assets
+        .iter()
+        .filter(|asset| matches!(asset.kind, EditorAssetKind::Texture))
+        .filter_map(|asset| {
+            let path = asset.path.clone()?;
+            let texture_id = snapshot
+                .as_ref()
+                .and_then(|snapshot| snapshot.texture_for(asset));
+            Some(TextureAssetCandidate {
+                label: asset.label.clone(),
+                path: path.clone(),
+                folder_path: asset.folder_path.clone(),
+                selection: AssetSelection::File(path),
+                texture_id,
+            })
+        })
+        .collect();
+    candidates.sort_by(|a, b| a.label.cmp(&b.label).then(a.path.cmp(&b.path)));
+    candidates
+}
+
+fn request_texture_asset_thumbnails(world: &mut World) {
+    let requests: Vec<_> = world
+        .get_resource::<EditorAssets>()
+        .map(|assets| {
+            assets
+                .assets
+                .iter()
+                .filter(|asset| matches!(asset.kind, EditorAssetKind::Texture))
+                .filter_map(|asset| Some((asset_cache_key(asset), asset.path.clone()?)))
+                .collect()
+        })
+        .unwrap_or_default();
+    if requests.is_empty() || world.get_resource::<AssetThumbnailCache>().is_none() {
+        return;
+    }
+    let asset_server = world.resource::<AssetServer>().clone();
+    world.resource_scope(|_world, mut cache: Mut<AssetThumbnailCache>| {
+        for (key, path) in requests {
+            cache.request_texture(key, path, &asset_server);
+        }
+    });
+}
+
+fn texture_path_from_selection(
+    world: &World,
+    selection: &AssetSelection,
+) -> Option<TextureAssetCandidate> {
+    match selection {
+        AssetSelection::File(path) => {
+            let asset = world
+                .get_resource::<EditorAssets>()?
+                .assets
+                .iter()
+                .find(|asset| {
+                    matches!(asset.kind, EditorAssetKind::Texture)
+                        && asset.path.as_deref() == Some(path.as_str())
+                })?;
+            Some(TextureAssetCandidate {
+                label: asset.label.clone(),
+                path: path.clone(),
+                folder_path: asset.folder_path.clone(),
+                selection: selection.clone(),
+                texture_id: None,
+            })
+        }
+        AssetSelection::SubAsset {
+            label,
+            kind: AssetSubAssetKind::Texture,
+            source_path: Some(path),
+            ..
+        } => {
+            if let Some(asset) = world.get_resource::<EditorAssets>().and_then(|assets| {
+                assets
+                    .assets
+                    .iter()
+                    .find(|asset| asset.path.as_deref() == Some(path.as_str()))
+            }) {
+                return Some(TextureAssetCandidate {
+                    label: asset.label.clone(),
+                    path: path.clone(),
+                    folder_path: asset.folder_path.clone(),
+                    selection: selection.clone(),
+                    texture_id: None,
+                });
+            }
+            Some(TextureAssetCandidate {
+                label: label.clone(),
+                path: path.clone(),
+                folder_path: fallback_asset_folder(path),
+                selection: selection.clone(),
+                texture_id: None,
+            })
+        }
+        _ => None,
+    }
+}
+
 fn source_material_ref_for_part(
     asset_id: &str,
     part: &crate::assets::static_mesh::StaticMeshPart,
@@ -1424,14 +1539,8 @@ fn static_mesh_renderer_ui(world: &mut World, ui: &mut egui::Ui, entity: Entity)
     let Some(mut renderer) = world.get::<StaticMeshRenderer>(entity).cloned() else {
         return;
     };
-    let mut material_override = world
-        .get::<MaterialOverride>(entity)
-        .cloned()
-        .unwrap_or_default();
     let original = renderer.clone();
-    let original_override = material_override.clone();
     let mut changed = false;
-    let mut override_changed = false;
     let mut remove_entry = None;
 
     let card = component_card_context(
@@ -1495,7 +1604,7 @@ fn static_mesh_renderer_ui(world: &mut World, ui: &mut egui::Ui, entity: Entity)
 
                     let material_response = asset_selector_row(
                         ui,
-                        "Material",
+                        "Source material",
                         icons::PALETTE,
                         entry.material.as_ref(),
                         inherited_material.as_ref(),
@@ -1522,12 +1631,6 @@ fn static_mesh_renderer_ui(world: &mut World, ui: &mut egui::Ui, entity: Entity)
                             .checkbox(&mut entry.receive_shadows, "Receive shadows")
                             .changed();
                     });
-                    override_changed |= material_override_slot_ui(
-                        ui,
-                        entry,
-                        inherited_material.as_ref(),
-                        &mut material_override,
-                    );
                 };
 
                 if ui.available_width() < 430.0 {
@@ -1564,21 +1667,12 @@ fn static_mesh_renderer_ui(world: &mut World, ui: &mut egui::Ui, entity: Entity)
     apply_component_card_response(world, entity, card_response);
 
     if let Some(index) = remove_entry {
-        if let Some(entry) = renderer.slots.get(index) {
-            material_override
-                .slots
-                .retain(|slot| slot.slot_id != entry.id);
-            override_changed = true;
-        }
         renderer.slots.remove(index);
         changed = true;
     }
     if changed && renderer != original {
         set_static_mesh_renderer_with_history(world, entity, renderer);
     }
-    if override_changed && material_override != original_override {
-        set_material_override_with_history(world, entity, material_override);
-    }
 }
 
 fn ensure_slot_id(entry: &mut StaticMeshRendererEntry, index: usize) {
@@ -1860,90 +1954,6 @@ fn asset_selector_control(
     );
 }
 
-fn material_override_slot_ui(
-    ui: &mut egui::Ui,
-    entry: &StaticMeshRendererEntry,
-    inherited_material: Option<&EditorAssetRef>,
-    overrides: &mut MaterialOverride,
-) -> bool {
-    let mut changed = false;
-    let index = overrides
-        .slots
-        .iter()
-        .position(|slot| slot.slot_id == entry.id);
-    let mut has_override = index.is_some();
-    if ui
-        .checkbox(&mut has_override, "Override material on this actor")
-        .changed()
-    {
-        if has_override {
-            overrides.slots.push(MaterialSlotOverride {
-                slot_id: entry.id.clone(),
-                base_material: entry
-                    .material
-                    .clone()
-                    .or_else(|| inherited_material.cloned()),
-                material: MaterialDesc::default(),
-            });
-        } else if let Some(index) = index {
-            overrides.slots.remove(index);
-        }
-        changed = true;
-    }
-
-    if has_override {
-        if let Some(slot) = overrides
-            .slots
-            .iter_mut()
-            .find(|slot| slot.slot_id == entry.id)
-        {
-            let effective_base = entry
-                .material
-                .clone()
-                .or_else(|| inherited_material.cloned());
-            if slot.base_material != effective_base {
-                slot.base_material = effective_base;
-                changed = true;
-            }
-            changed |= material_inline_ui(ui, &mut slot.material);
-        }
-    }
-    changed
-}
-
-fn material_inline_ui(ui: &mut egui::Ui, material: &mut MaterialDesc) -> bool {
-    let mut changed = false;
-    changed |= material_shader_ui(ui, material);
-    let mut color = [
-        material.base_color.r,
-        material.base_color.g,
-        material.base_color.b,
-        material.base_color.a,
-    ];
-    property_row(ui, "Override color", |ui| {
-        if ui.color_edit_button_rgba_unmultiplied(&mut color).changed() {
-            material.base_color = ColorDesc {
-                r: color[0],
-                g: color[1],
-                b: color[2],
-                a: color[3],
-            };
-            changed = true;
-        }
-    });
-    property_row(ui, "Metallic", |ui| {
-        changed |= ui
-            .add(egui::Slider::new(&mut material.metallic, 0.0..=1.0))
-            .changed();
-    });
-    property_row(ui, "Roughness", |ui| {
-        changed |= ui
-            .add(egui::Slider::new(&mut material.roughness, 0.0..=1.0))
-            .changed();
-    });
-    changed
-}
-
 fn material_shader_ui(ui: &mut egui::Ui, material: &mut MaterialDesc) -> bool {
     let mut changed = false;
     property_row(ui, "Shader", |ui| {
@@ -2243,6 +2253,8 @@ pub fn material_editor_ui(world: &mut World, ui: &mut egui::Ui, entity: Entity)
         .get::<MaterialDesc>(entity)
         .cloned()
         .unwrap_or_default();
+    request_texture_asset_thumbnails(world);
+    let texture_candidates = texture_asset_candidates(world);
     let original = material.clone();
     let mut changed = false;
     let mut options = ComponentCardOptions::removable(
@@ -2312,13 +2324,33 @@ pub fn material_editor_ui(world: &mut World, ui: &mut egui::Ui, entity: Entity)
                 .changed();
         });
 
-        changed |= option_string_ui(ui, "Base color texture", &mut material.base_color_texture);
-        changed |= option_string_ui(ui, "Emissive texture", &mut material.emissive_texture);
-        changed |= option_string_ui(ui, "Normal map", &mut material.normal_map_texture);
-        changed |= option_string_ui(
+        changed |= texture_asset_picker_ui(
+            world,
+            ui,
+            "Base color texture",
+            &mut material.base_color_texture,
+            &texture_candidates,
+        );
+        changed |= texture_asset_picker_ui(
+            world,
+            ui,
+            "Emissive texture",
+            &mut material.emissive_texture,
+            &texture_candidates,
+        );
+        changed |= texture_asset_picker_ui(
+            world,
+            ui,
+            "Normal map",
+            &mut material.normal_map_texture,
+            &texture_candidates,
+        );
+        changed |= texture_asset_picker_ui(
+            world,
             ui,
             "Metallic/roughness texture",
             &mut material.metallic_roughness_texture,
+            &texture_candidates,
         );
 
         if crate::assets::materials::material_asset_picker_ui(
@@ -2895,6 +2927,255 @@ fn has_scene_sun_override(world: &mut World) -> bool {
         })
 }
 
+fn texture_asset_picker_ui(
+    world: &mut World,
+    ui: &mut egui::Ui,
+    label: &str,
+    value: &mut Option<String>,
+    candidates: &[TextureAssetCandidate],
+) -> bool {
+    let current_path = value.clone();
+    let dragging_selection = world
+        .get_resource::<EditorAssets>()
+        .and_then(|assets| assets.dragging_selection().cloned());
+    let drop_candidate = dragging_selection
+        .as_ref()
+        .and_then(|selection| texture_path_from_selection(world, selection));
+    let mut selected_path: Option<String> = None;
+    let mut clear = false;
+    let mut locate = false;
+    let mut accepted_drop = false;
+    let current_candidate = current_path.as_ref().and_then(|path| {
+        candidates
+            .iter()
+            .find(|candidate| candidate.path == *path)
+            .cloned()
+    });
+
+    property_row(ui, label, |ui| {
+        let control_width = ui
+            .available_width()
+            .max(MIN_INLINE_CONTROL_WIDTH.min(ui.available_width().max(1.0)));
+        let row_height = 30.0;
+        let (rect, _response) =
+            ui.allocate_exact_size(egui::vec2(control_width, row_height), egui::Sense::hover());
+        let valid_drag = drop_candidate.is_some();
+        let row_hovered = ui.rect_contains_pointer(rect);
+        let drop_hovered = valid_drag && row_hovered;
+        let stroke = if drop_hovered {
+            egui::Stroke::new(2.0, egui::Color32::from_rgb(125, 198, 255))
+        } else if valid_drag {
+            egui::Stroke::new(1.0, egui::Color32::from_rgb(58, 88, 122))
+        } else if row_hovered {
+            egui::Stroke::new(1.0, egui::Color32::from_rgb(92, 102, 118))
+        } else {
+            egui::Stroke::new(1.0, BORDER)
+        };
+        let fill = if drop_hovered {
+            egui::Color32::from_rgb(29, 57, 86)
+        } else if valid_drag {
+            WIDGET_BG.linear_multiply(0.88)
+        } else if row_hovered {
+            WIDGET_BG.linear_multiply(1.05)
+        } else {
+            WIDGET_BG.linear_multiply(0.75)
+        };
+        ui.painter()
+            .rect(rect, 4.0, fill, stroke, egui::StrokeKind::Inside);
+        if drop_hovered {
+            let badge_rect = egui::Rect::from_min_size(
+                rect.right_top() + egui::vec2(-82.0, 4.0),
+                egui::vec2(74.0, 16.0),
+            );
+            ui.painter().rect(
+                badge_rect,
+                3.0,
+                egui::Color32::from_rgb(35, 95, 155),
+                egui::Stroke::NONE,
+                egui::StrokeKind::Inside,
+            );
+            ui.painter().text(
+                badge_rect.center(),
+                egui::Align2::CENTER_CENTER,
+                "Drop texture",
+                egui::FontId::new(10.0, egui::FontFamily::Proportional),
+                egui::Color32::from_rgb(225, 241, 255),
+            );
+        }
+
+        let mut child = ui.new_child(
+            egui::UiBuilder::new()
+                .max_rect(rect.shrink2(egui::vec2(6.0, 4.0)))
+                .layout(egui::Layout::left_to_right(egui::Align::Center)),
+        );
+        child.set_clip_rect(rect);
+        let preview_size = 22.0;
+        let (preview_rect, _preview_response) =
+            child.allocate_exact_size(egui::vec2(preview_size, preview_size), egui::Sense::hover());
+        child.painter().rect(
+            preview_rect,
+            3.0,
+            PANEL_BG_DARK,
+            egui::Stroke::new(1.0, BORDER),
+            egui::StrokeKind::Inside,
+        );
+        if let Some(texture_id) = current_candidate
+            .as_ref()
+            .and_then(|candidate| candidate.texture_id)
+        {
+            let uv = egui::Rect::from_min_max(egui::pos2(0.0, 0.0), egui::pos2(1.0, 1.0));
+            child.painter().image(
+                texture_id,
+                preview_rect.shrink(1.0),
+                uv,
+                egui::Color32::WHITE,
+            );
+        } else {
+            child.painter().text(
+                preview_rect.center(),
+                egui::Align2::CENTER_CENTER,
+                icons::IMAGE.as_str(),
+                egui::FontId::new(12.0, egui::FontFamily::Name("phosphor-regular".into())),
+                TEXT_DIM,
+            );
+        }
+
+        let action_width = 92.0;
+        let text_width = (child.available_width() - action_width).max(1.0);
+        child.allocate_ui_with_layout(
+            egui::vec2(text_width, 22.0),
+            egui::Layout::left_to_right(egui::Align::Center),
+            |ui| {
+                let display_label = current_candidate
+                    .as_ref()
+                    .map(|candidate| candidate.label.as_str())
+                    .or(current_path.as_deref())
+                    .unwrap_or("(none)");
+                ui.add_sized(
+                    [text_width, 20.0],
+                    egui::Label::new(egui::RichText::new(display_label).color(
+                        if current_path.is_some() {
+                            TEXT_DIM.linear_multiply(1.45)
+                        } else {
+                            TEXT_DIM
+                        },
+                    ))
+                    .truncate(),
+                );
+            },
+        );
+
+        child.allocate_ui_with_layout(
+            egui::vec2(action_width, 28.0),
+            egui::Layout::right_to_left(egui::Align::Center),
+            |ui| {
+                let clear_response = ui.add_enabled(
+                    current_path.is_some(),
+                    egui::Button::new(phosphor_icon(icons::X, 16.0))
+                        .frame(false)
+                        .min_size(egui::vec2(22.0, 22.0)),
+                );
+                if clear_response.on_hover_text("Clear texture").clicked() {
+                    clear = true;
+                }
+                let locate_response = ui.add_enabled(
+                    current_path.is_some(),
+                    egui::Button::new(phosphor_icon(icons::CROSSHAIR, 16.0))
+                        .frame(false)
+                        .min_size(egui::vec2(22.0, 22.0)),
+                );
+                if locate_response
+                    .on_hover_text("Locate in content browser")
+                    .clicked()
+                {
+                    locate = true;
+                }
+                if candidates.is_empty() {
+                    ui.add_enabled(
+                        false,
+                        egui::Button::new(phosphor_icon(icons::FOLDER_OPEN, 16.0))
+                            .frame(false)
+                            .min_size(egui::vec2(22.0, 22.0)),
+                    )
+                    .on_hover_text("No texture assets available");
+                } else {
+                    let menu = ui.menu_button(phosphor_icon(icons::FOLDER_OPEN, 16.0), |ui| {
+                        ui.set_min_width(240.0);
+                        for candidate in candidates {
+                            let selected = current_path.as_deref() == Some(candidate.path.as_str());
+                            if ui
+                                .selectable_label(selected, candidate.label.as_str())
+                                .on_hover_text(candidate.path.as_str())
+                                .clicked()
+                            {
+                                selected_path = Some(candidate.path.clone());
+                                ui.close();
+                            }
+                        }
+                    });
+                    menu.response.on_hover_text("Browse textures");
+                }
+            },
+        );
+
+        if drop_hovered && ui.input(|input| input.pointer.any_released()) {
+            if let Some(candidate) = drop_candidate.as_ref() {
+                selected_path = Some(candidate.path.clone());
+                accepted_drop = true;
+            }
+        }
+    });
+
+    if locate {
+        locate_texture_asset(world, current_path.as_deref(), candidates);
+    }
+    if accepted_drop {
+        if let Some(mut assets) = world.get_resource_mut::<EditorAssets>() {
+            assets.clear_drag();
+        }
+    }
+    if clear {
+        *value = None;
+        return current_path.is_some();
+    }
+    if let Some(path) = selected_path {
+        let changed = current_path.as_deref() != Some(path.as_str());
+        *value = Some(path);
+        return changed;
+    }
+
+    false
+}
+
+fn locate_texture_asset(
+    world: &mut World,
+    path: Option<&str>,
+    candidates: &[TextureAssetCandidate],
+) {
+    let Some(path) = path else {
+        return;
+    };
+    let Some(candidate) = candidates.iter().find(|candidate| candidate.path == path) else {
+        if let Some(mut scene_io) = world.get_resource_mut::<crate::scene_io::SceneIo>() {
+            scene_io.status = format!("Could not locate texture {path}");
+        }
+        return;
+    };
+
+    if let Some(mut assets) = world.get_resource_mut::<EditorAssets>() {
+        assets.current_folder = candidate.folder_path.clone();
+        assets.select(candidate.selection.clone());
+    }
+    if let Some(mut ui_state) = world.get_resource_mut::<UiState>() {
+        let panel_nodes = ui_state.panel_nodes;
+        open_and_focus_tab(
+            &mut ui_state.dock_state,
+            EditorTab::AssetBrowser,
+            &panel_nodes,
+        );
+    }
+}
+
 fn option_string_ui(ui: &mut egui::Ui, label: &str, value: &mut Option<String>) -> bool {
     let mut text = value.clone().unwrap_or_default();
     let before = text.clone();
diff --git a/crates/editor/src/ui/viewport_chrome.rs b/crates/editor/src/ui/viewport_chrome.rs
index 3899143..ecdc3cd 100644
--- a/crates/editor/src/ui/viewport_chrome.rs
+++ b/crates/editor/src/ui/viewport_chrome.rs
@@ -6,6 +6,9 @@ use bevy_inspector_egui::bevy_inspector::hierarchy::SelectedEntities;
 use egui_phosphor_icons::icons;
 use transform_gizmo_bevy::prelude::GizmoOptions;
 
+use crate::assets::operators::{
+    apply_material_operator, apply_texture_operator, place_asset_operator, place_subasset_operator,
+};
 use crate::assets::{AssetSelection, AssetSubAssetKind, EditorAssets};
 use crate::gizmos::{EditorGizmoMode, EditorGizmoSpace};
 use crate::render_target::ViewportRenderTarget;
@@ -545,7 +548,7 @@ fn viewport_asset_drop_ui(
             ..
         }
     ) {
-        crate::assets::spawn_subasset_at(world, &selection, placement);
+        place_subasset_operator(world, selection, placement);
         return;
     }
 
@@ -565,7 +568,7 @@ fn viewport_asset_drop_ui(
                 .unwrap_or_else(|| crate::assets::ASSETS_ROOT.to_string()),
             kind: crate::assets::EditorAssetKind::Texture,
         };
-        crate::ui::helpers::apply_texture_to_selection(world, &asset, selected);
+        apply_texture_operator(world, asset, selected);
         return;
     }
 
@@ -578,15 +581,15 @@ fn viewport_asset_drop_ui(
     };
     match asset.kind {
         crate::assets::EditorAssetKind::Texture => {
-            crate::ui::helpers::apply_texture_to_selection(world, &asset, selected);
+            apply_texture_operator(world, asset, selected);
             return;
         }
         crate::assets::EditorAssetKind::Material => {
-            crate::ui::helpers::apply_material_asset_to_selection(world, &asset, selected);
+            apply_material_operator(world, asset, selected);
             return;
         }
         _ => {}
     }
 
-    crate::assets::spawn_asset_at(world, &asset, placement);
+    place_asset_operator(world, asset, placement);
 }
diff --git a/crates/shared/src/hydration/static_meshes.rs b/crates/shared/src/hydration/static_meshes.rs
index b6ecdda..ab36829 100644
--- a/crates/shared/src/hydration/static_meshes.rs
+++ b/crates/shared/src/hydration/static_meshes.rs
@@ -297,6 +297,10 @@ fn material_for_entry(
     parent_material: Option<&MaterialDesc>,
     material_override: Option<&MaterialOverride>,
 ) -> Handle<StandardMaterial> {
+    if let Some(parent_material) = parent_material {
+        return materials.add(material_from_desc(asset_server, parent_material));
+    }
+
     if let Some(override_material) = material_override.and_then(|overrides| {
         overrides
             .slots
@@ -326,10 +330,6 @@ fn material_for_entry(
         return asset_server.load(labeled_asset_path(&source_path, label));
     }
 
-    if let Some(parent_material) = parent_material {
-        return materials.add(material_from_desc(asset_server, parent_material));
-    }
-
     materials.add(StandardMaterial::default())
 }
 
diff --git a/docs/adr/0018-componentized-actor-inspector-and-materials.md b/docs/adr/0018-componentized-actor-inspector-and-materials.md
index 86ff09a..6cb3001 100644
--- a/docs/adr/0018-componentized-actor-inspector-and-materials.md
+++ b/docs/adr/0018-componentized-actor-inspector-and-materials.md
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-# ADR 0018: Componentized actor inspector and material overrides
+# ADR 0018: Componentized actor inspector and materials
 
 ## Status
 
@@ -35,17 +35,19 @@ Component footer rather than an ad hoc button near Transform.
   `ColliderDesc` and `RigidBodyDesc`. Mesh collider generation creates
   `ColliderDesc::StaticMesh` instead of renderer collider flags.
 - Materials are shader-schema aware. `MaterialDesc` stores a `ShaderRefDesc`,
-  typed shader parameters, and texture bindings. Actor-level material edits are
-  stored in `MaterialOverride`; shared material assets remain content-browser
-  assets.
+  typed shader parameters, texture bindings, StandardMaterial fields, and
+  optional asset references. When an actor has an active `MaterialDesc`, static
+  mesh hydration uses it before imported slot/source materials. Slot material
+  references remain source/default selectors, not a separate actor material
+  editing surface. Shared material assets remain content-browser assets.
 
 ## Consequences
 
 - New model placement creates `StaticMeshRenderer` plus optional
   `RigidBodyDesc`/`ColliderDesc`; legacy `PhysicsBody` remains loadable for old
   scenes.
-- Actor inspectors show imported asset selectors for mesh/material slots instead
-  of source-path text fields.
+- Actor inspectors show imported asset selectors for mesh/source-material slots
+  instead of source-path text fields.
 - Disabling a component in the inspector keeps its authoring data but prevents
   hydration/runtime systems from using it. Mesh, material, light, physics, and
   post-process hydration strip stale runtime components when active state
diff --git a/docs/editor/README.md b/docs/editor/README.md
index 4790173..d63aacd 100644
--- a/docs/editor/README.md
+++ b/docs/editor/README.md
@@ -42,14 +42,14 @@ Docs for the in-process egui editor (`crates/editor/`). Update this index when a
 - **Asset browser** mirrors the on-disk `assets/` directory with project tree, breadcrumb, search/filter/sort, grid/list views, texture/model/material thumbnails, a details pane, and context-aware row/menu actions; narrow docks prioritize content, keep the root panel fixed, switch list view to a compact single-column layout, and hide tree/details panes when they would crowd the content area. The footer stays pinned while only the project tree, asset content, and details panels scroll. **Built-ins** holds spawnable primitives and lights. **Materials** folder scans `assets/materials/*.ron`, renders material thumbnails on a sphere using `MaterialDesc`, and exposes shader-schema-driven parameters/textures in the details editor; **Shaders** holds shader schema RON files. glTF/GLB/FBX rows can expand into a shelf of normalized embedded mesh, material, and texture subassets with independent generated thumbnails. Mesh subassets can be selected, dragged into the viewport, or placed from details/context menus; material subassets render source-material spheres; texture subassets can be applied to the selected actor. Model import settings are staged with **Apply** / **Revert**, asset context menus can regenerate thumbnails, material asset details edit shared `MaterialAsset` fields, and file asset deletion moves sources/generated artifacts into `assets/.trash/`.
 - **Static mesh renderer** — model drag/drop defaults to `ActorKind::StaticMesh + StaticMeshRenderer` using normalized artifacts under `assets/meshes/generated/`. Renderer slots store imported `EditorAssetRef` mesh/material references, not source FBX/glTF paths. `SceneInstance` placement keeps the legacy `ImportedModel + ModelRef` path for full scene playback.
 - **Collider split** — imported mesh collision lives in a separate `ColliderDesc::StaticMesh` plus optional `RigidBodyDesc`; renderer slots own only render visibility, shadows, mesh, and material references.
-- **Material assets** — `MaterialAsset` RON (`label` + `MaterialDesc`) is shader-schema aware. Actor material edits write `MaterialOverride` entries keyed by renderer slot ID; content-browser asset inspectors are the path for editing shared material assets.
+- **Material assets** — `MaterialAsset` RON (`label` + `MaterialDesc`) is shader-schema aware. Actor material edits live on the actor `MaterialDesc`; static mesh slot material refs are source/default selectors, and content-browser asset inspectors are the path for editing shared material assets.
 - **Prefab overrides** — `PrefabInstance.overrides_ron` stores transform/material/child-visibility overrides; inspector collapsible groups with **Apply** / **Revert** (replaces transform-only revert v1).
 - **Theme selections** use explicit high-contrast selected text and muted blue fills so hierarchy, asset browser, and inspector selection rows stay readable.
 - **Hierarchy** shows authored objects plus useful runtime context (`Player`, `PlayerCamera`, Project Sun) while keeping runtime rows read-only.
 - **Player placement** is authored through `PlayerSpawn`; selecting the runtime player in Edit mode redirects to a saved `Player Start`.
 - **World lighting** has two layers: project default sun/ambient settings, and optional scene-authored directional `LightDesc` overrides. **Scene → Lighting** menu and **Rendering** panel (Window) restore project sun or bake a scene directional from project settings. **Apply** in Project Settings updates ambient and sun illuminance live.
 - **Rendering** — `GiMode` + post-process volumes; see [rendering.md](rendering.md). **Window → Rendering** shows requested/effective active-camera stack, fallback reason, Solari eligibility, viewport GI badge, and volume HUD.
-- **Inspector** shows a responsive header, **Transform**, registered authoring component cards, and an Add Component footer (`actor_inspector`) that expands an inline search shelf above the button; only the component body scrolls. Rows wrap or stack inside narrow docks instead of forcing the panel wider, and legacy authoring sections use the same component-card shell. Component card carets collapse/expand for the current editor session, status dots toggle persisted active state, and triple-dot menus provide reset, copy/paste values, move, remove, and documentation slots. Inactive authoring components remain in the scene but are skipped by hydration/runtime queries, stripping their generated meshes, lights, physics, or post-process effects. The Add Component shelf is registry-driven with persistent search, category groups, descriptions, hydration hints, duplicate/conflict disabled states, and recommendation hints. `StaticMeshRenderer` uses concept-style slot cards with model thumbnails, imported mesh/material selectors, visibility, shadow flags, and per-actor material overrides. Empty actor material refs display the inherited source material from the generated static mesh artifact as **Source default**; selector **Browse** assigns explicit normalized imported sub-assets, **Locate** focuses the owning asset in the Asset Browser, and **Clear** returns optional material slots to the inherited source default. `ColliderDesc` and `RigidBodyDesc` are separate component cards. Game crates add sections via `ActorInspectorSection` + `game::editor_ext::actor_inspector_section_ids()`.
+- **Inspector** shows a responsive header, **Transform**, registered authoring component cards, and an Add Component footer (`actor_inspector`) that expands an inline search shelf above the button; only the component body scrolls. Rows wrap or stack inside narrow docks instead of forcing the panel wider, and legacy authoring sections use the same component-card shell. Component card carets collapse/expand for the current editor session, status dots toggle persisted active state, and triple-dot menus provide reset, copy/paste values, move, remove, and documentation slots. Inactive authoring components remain in the scene but are skipped by hydration/runtime queries, stripping their generated meshes, lights, physics, or post-process effects. The Add Component shelf is registry-driven with persistent search, category groups, descriptions, hydration hints, duplicate/conflict disabled states, and recommendation hints. `StaticMeshRenderer` uses concept-style slot cards with model thumbnails, imported mesh/source-material selectors, visibility, and shadow flags. Actor material authoring lives in the `Authoring Material` component, whose texture refs use Asset Browser picker/drop controls. Empty source material refs display the inherited source material from the generated static mesh artifact as **Source default**; selector **Browse** assigns explicit normalized imported sub-assets, **Locate** focuses the owning asset in the Asset Browser, and **Clear** returns optional material slots to the inherited source default. `ColliderDesc` and `RigidBodyDesc` are separate component cards. Game crates add sections via `ActorInspectorSection` + `game::editor_ext::actor_inspector_section_ids()`.
 - **Command palette** (`Ctrl+P`): focuses the filter on open, selects the first filtered command, supports arrow-key selection and Enter to run. Commands include `scene.reset_lighting`, `rendering.create_volume`, `rendering.select_volumes_at_camera`, `rendering.focus_active_volumes`, `selection.group`, `selection.focus`, `selection.reset_transform`, and play commands.
 - **Editor input routing** gives egui text fields first claim on keyboard input. Viewport shortcut keys require viewport pointer focus and are suspended while RMB/MMB camera navigation is active.
 - **ActorKind** is required on saved level objects (schema v2). Save strips hydrated ECS before writing `.scn.ron`.
diff --git a/docs/editor/architecture.md b/docs/editor/architecture.md
index 8ac4b26..7ff5cce 100644
--- a/docs/editor/architecture.md
+++ b/docs/editor/architecture.md
@@ -164,7 +164,9 @@ Structural edits (spawn, delete, transform, rename) go through `EditorHistory` c
 User-facing actions route through the operator lifecycle in `operators.rs`: begin, preview,
 commit, cancel, disabled reason, and status text. The first bridge wraps command-palette and queued
 editor commands as immediate operators, while existing `EditorHistory` commands remain the undo
-payload. Modal tools and asset drops should use the same operator status path as they migrate.
+payload. Asset placement, mesh-subasset placement, texture apply, and material apply actions now
+use immediate operators from `assets::operators`; modal tools should use the same status path as
+they migrate.
 
 PIE stop restores player simulation state only; authored `LevelObject` edits made during PIE remain in the scene.