refactor: remove lite variant, fix release workflow

- Remove all lite/full variant logic from frontend, API, shared constants,
  docs, and tests (single unified Docker image only)
- Replace single QEMU multi-arch Docker build with per-architecture native
  builds (amd64 + arm64) and manifest merge to fix disk space exhaustion
- Add disk cleanup step and per-platform build cache scopes
- Switch release trigger from push to workflow_dispatch
- Add GitHub issue templates and PR template

.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,85 @@
+name: Bug Report
+description: Something isn't working as expected
+labels: ["bug"]
+body:
+  - type: checkboxes
+    id: checklist
+    attributes:
+      label: Before submitting
+      options:
+        - label: I searched existing issues and didn't find a duplicate
+          required: true
+        - label: I'm running the latest version of Stirling Image
+          required: true
+
+  - type: textarea
+    id: description
+    attributes:
+      label: Description
+      description: What happened, and what did you expect to happen?
+      placeholder: |
+        When I try to resize an image, the output is blank.
+        I expected the resized image to be returned normally.
+    validations:
+      required: true
+
+  - type: textarea
+    id: steps
+    attributes:
+      label: Steps to reproduce
+      description: How can we reproduce this?
+      placeholder: |
+        1. Upload a PNG image
+        2. Select "Resize" tool
+        3. Set width to 500
+        4. Click "Process"
+        5. Downloaded file is 0 bytes
+    validations:
+      required: true
+
+  - type: textarea
+    id: docker-setup
+    attributes:
+      label: Docker setup
+      description: Paste your `docker run` command or `docker-compose.yml` (remove any sensitive values).
+      render: shell
+    validations:
+      required: true
+
+  - type: input
+    id: image-tag
+    attributes:
+      label: Image tag
+      description: Which Docker image tag are you using?
+      placeholder: "e.g. latest, 1.11.0"
+    validations:
+      required: true
+
+  - type: dropdown
+    id: platform
+    attributes:
+      label: Platform
+      options:
+        - AMD64 (Intel/AMD)
+        - ARM64 (Apple Silicon, Raspberry Pi)
+    validations:
+      required: true
+
+  - type: input
+    id: browser
+    attributes:
+      label: Browser
+      placeholder: "e.g. Chrome 130, Firefox 133, Safari 18"
+
+  - type: textarea
+    id: logs
+    attributes:
+      label: Logs
+      description: Paste any relevant container logs (`docker logs <container>`).
+      render: shell
+
+  - type: textarea
+    id: screenshots
+    attributes:
+      label: Screenshots
+      description: If applicable, add screenshots to help explain the problem.

.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/config.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+blank_issues_enabled: false
+contact_links:
+  - name: Documentation
+    url: https://stirling-image.github.io/stirling-image/
+    about: Check the docs for setup guides, configuration, and API reference.
+  - name: Security vulnerability
+    url: https://github.com/stirling-image/stirling-image/security/advisories/new
+    about: Report security issues privately through GitHub Security Advisories.

.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/feature_request.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+name: Feature Request
+description: Suggest a new tool, improvement, or change
+labels: ["enhancement"]
+body:
+  - type: checkboxes
+    id: checklist
+    attributes:
+      label: Before submitting
+      options:
+        - label: I searched existing issues and didn't find a duplicate
+          required: true
+
+  - type: textarea
+    id: problem
+    attributes:
+      label: Problem
+      description: What problem does this solve? Describe the use case or frustration.
+      placeholder: |
+        I frequently need to convert AVIF files to JPEG, but there's no tool for it.
+        I currently have to use an external service which means my images leave my machine.
+    validations:
+      required: true
+
+  - type: textarea
+    id: solution
+    attributes:
+      label: Proposed solution
+      description: How do you think this should work?
+      placeholder: |
+        Add an AVIF option to the format conversion tool, similar to how
+        HEIC and WebP are already supported.
+    validations:
+      required: true
+
+  - type: textarea
+    id: alternatives
+    attributes:
+      label: Alternatives considered
+      description: Have you tried any workarounds? Are there other approaches that could work?
+
+  - type: textarea
+    id: context
+    attributes:
+      label: Additional context
+      description: Screenshots, links, examples, or anything else that helps explain the request.

.github/pull_request_template.md

@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+<!--
+Thanks for your interest in Stirling Image.
+
+We don't accept pull requests. All development is handled internally to maintain architectural consistency and code quality.
+
+If you've found a bug or have a feature idea, please open an issue instead:
+https://github.com/stirling-image/stirling-image/issues
+
+Your feedback is valuable and directly shapes the project.
+-->
+
+**This project does not accept pull requests.** Please close this PR and [open an issue](https://github.com/stirling-image/stirling-image/issues/new/choose) instead. See [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md) for details.

.github/workflows/release.yml

@@ -1,8 +1,7 @@
 name: Release
 
 on:
-  push:
+  workflow_dispatch:
-    branches: [main]
 
 permissions:
   contents: write
@@ -14,7 +13,6 @@ jobs:
   release:
     name: Semantic Release
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    if: "!contains(github.event.head_commit.message, '[skip ci]')"
     outputs:
       new_version: ${{ steps.check.outputs.version }}
     steps:
@@ -46,14 +44,36 @@ jobs:
         run: |
           if [ -f .release-version ]; then
             echo "version=$(cat .release-version)" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+          else
+            echo "::error::semantic-release did not produce a new version. No releasable commits found."
+            exit 1
           fi
 
   docker:
-    name: Docker Build & Push
+    name: Build (${{ matrix.platform }})
     needs: release
-    if: needs.release.outputs.new_version != ''
+    strategy:
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+      fail-fast: false
+      matrix:
+        include:
+          - platform: linux/amd64
+            runner: ubuntu-latest
+          - platform: linux/arm64
+            runner: ubuntu-24.04-arm
+    runs-on: ${{ matrix.runner }}
     steps:
+      - name: Free disk space
+        run: |
+          sudo rm -rf /usr/share/dotnet /usr/local/lib/android /opt/ghc \
+            /usr/local/share/boost /opt/hostedtoolcache/CodeQL
+          sudo docker system prune -af
+          df -h /
+
+      - name: Prepare
+        run: |
+          platform=${{ matrix.platform }}
+          echo "PLATFORM_PAIR=${platform//\//-}" >> $GITHUB_ENV
+
       - name: Checkout release tag
         uses: actions/checkout@v4
         with:
@@ -62,8 +82,64 @@ jobs:
       - name: Set up Docker Buildx
         uses: docker/setup-buildx-action@v3
 
-      - name: Set up QEMU
+      - name: Log in to Docker Hub
-        uses: docker/setup-qemu-action@v3
+        uses: docker/login-action@v3
+        with:
+          username: ${{ secrets.DOCKERHUB_USERNAME }}
+          password: ${{ secrets.DOCKERHUB_TOKEN }}
+
+      - name: Log in to GitHub Container Registry
+        uses: docker/login-action@v3
+        with:
+          registry: ghcr.io
+          username: ${{ github.actor }}
+          password: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
+
+      - name: Extract metadata
+        id: meta
+        uses: docker/metadata-action@v5
+        with:
+          images: |
+            stirlingimage/stirling-image
+            ghcr.io/${{ github.repository }}
+
+      - name: Build and push by digest
+        id: build
+        uses: docker/build-push-action@v6
+        with:
+          context: .
+          file: docker/Dockerfile
+          platforms: ${{ matrix.platform }}
+          labels: ${{ steps.meta.outputs.labels }}
+          outputs: type=image,"name=stirlingimage/stirling-image,ghcr.io/${{ github.repository }}",push-by-digest=true,name-canonical=true,push=true
+          cache-from: type=gha,scope=${{ env.PLATFORM_PAIR }}
+          cache-to: type=gha,mode=max,scope=${{ env.PLATFORM_PAIR }}
+
+      - name: Export digest
+        run: |
+          mkdir -p /tmp/digests
+          digest="${{ steps.build.outputs.digest }}"
+          touch "/tmp/digests/${digest#sha256:}"
+
+      - name: Upload digest
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
+        with:
+          name: digests-${{ env.PLATFORM_PAIR }}
+          path: /tmp/digests/*
+          if-no-files-found: error
+          retention-days: 1
+
+  manifest:
+    name: Create Multi-Arch Manifests
+    needs: [release, docker]
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      - name: Download digests
+        uses: actions/download-artifact@v4
+        with:
+          path: /tmp/digests
+          pattern: digests-*
+          merge-multiple: true
 
       - name: Log in to Docker Hub
         uses: docker/login-action@v3
@@ -91,14 +167,16 @@ jobs:
             type=semver,pattern={{major}},value=v${{ needs.release.outputs.new_version }}
             type=raw,value=latest
 
-      - name: Build and push
+      - name: Create Docker Hub manifest
-        uses: docker/build-push-action@v6
+        working-directory: /tmp/digests
-        with:
+        run: |
-          context: .
+          docker buildx imagetools create \
-          file: docker/Dockerfile
+            $(jq -cr '.tags | map(select(startswith("stirlingimage/")) | "-t " + .) | join(" ")' <<< "$DOCKER_METADATA_OUTPUT_JSON") \
-          push: true
+            $(printf 'stirlingimage/stirling-image@sha256:%s ' *)
-          platforms: linux/amd64,linux/arm64
+
-          tags: ${{ steps.meta.outputs.tags }}
+      - name: Create GHCR manifest
-          labels: ${{ steps.meta.outputs.labels }}
+        working-directory: /tmp/digests
-          cache-from: type=gha,scope=unified
+        run: |
-          cache-to: type=gha,mode=max,scope=unified
+          docker buildx imagetools create \
+            $(jq -cr '.tags | map(select(startswith("ghcr.io/")) | "-t " + .) | join(" ")' <<< "$DOCKER_METADATA_OUTPUT_JSON") \
+            $(printf 'ghcr.io/${{ github.repository }}@sha256:%s ' *)

.gitignore

@@ -31,8 +31,6 @@ blob-report/
 
 # IDE / tool scratch
 .superpowers/
-.claude/
-CLAUDE.md
 docs/superpowers/
 PRD.md
 

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -699,7 +699,7 @@ and this project adheres to [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/spec/v2.0.0
 
 ### Removed
 
-- Internal planning docs (`docs/superpowers/`) and Claude Code config (`.claude/`) from version control — these stay local only
+- Internal planning docs (`docs/superpowers/`) and AI tool config from version control - these stay local only
 
 ## [0.7.0] - 2026-03-24
 

CONTRIBUTING.md

@@ -1,102 +1,25 @@
 # Contributing to Stirling Image
 
-Thanks for your interest in contributing. There are many ways to help beyond writing code: reporting bugs, suggesting features, improving docs, and adding translations.
+Thanks for your interest in the project. Community feedback helps shape Stirling Image, and there are several ways to get involved.
 
-## Issues
+## How to contribute
 
-Before opening an issue, search existing ones to avoid duplicates.
+The best way to contribute is through [GitHub Issues](https://github.com/stirling-image/stirling-image/issues):
 
-- **Bug reports**: Include steps to reproduce, expected vs. actual behavior, and your environment (OS, Docker version, browser).
+- **Bug reports** - Found something broken? Open a bug report with steps to reproduce, your Docker setup, and what you expected to happen.
-- **Feature requests**: Describe the problem you want solved, not just the solution. Context helps.
+- **Feature requests** - Have an idea for a new tool or improvement? Describe the problem you want solved and why it matters to you.
-- **Questions**: Open an issue. We will do our best to respond quickly.
+- **Feedback** - Thoughts on the UI, workflow, documentation, or anything else? We want to hear it.
 
 ## Pull requests
 
-1. **Open an issue first.** Describe what you want to change and why. Wait for a maintainer to confirm the direction before writing code.
+We do not accept pull requests. All development is handled internally to maintain architectural consistency and code quality across the project.
-2. **Fork the repo** and create a branch from `main`.
-3. **Make your changes.** Follow the conventions in [CLAUDE.md](CLAUDE.md) (formatting, file structure, commit style).
-4. **Test your changes.** Run `pnpm test` and `pnpm lint` before pushing. If you changed UI, run `pnpm test:e2e` too.
-5. **Submit a PR.** Reference the issue number. Keep the title short and descriptive.
 
-### Commit messages
+If you've found a bug, please open an issue describing it rather than submitting a fix. If you have a suggestion for how something should work, describe it in a feature request. Your input is valuable even without a code contribution.
 
-We use [Conventional Commits](https://www.conventionalcommits.org/) for automated releases:
+## Forking
 
-- `feat:` new feature (triggers a minor version bump)
+You're welcome to fork the project for your own use under the terms of the [AGPLv3 license](LICENSE). The [Developer Guide](https://stirling-image.github.io/stirling-image/guide/developer) covers setup, architecture, and how to add new tools.
-- `fix:` bug fix (triggers a patch version bump)
-- `docs:` documentation only
-- `test:` adding or fixing tests
-- `refactor:` code change that doesn't fix a bug or add a feature
-- `chore:` maintenance (CI, deps, config)
 
-Example: `feat: add HEIC to PNG conversion support`
+## Security
 
-### What makes a good PR
+If you discover a security vulnerability, please report it privately through [GitHub Security Advisories](https://github.com/stirling-image/stirling-image/security/advisories/new) rather than opening a public issue.
-
-- One logical change per PR. If you need to refactor something to add a feature, that can be one PR, but don't mix unrelated changes.
-- Clear commit messages that explain why, not just what.
-- Tests for new behavior when possible.
-- No unrelated formatting changes (Biome handles formatting).
-
-## Development setup
-
-Full instructions are in the [Developer Guide](https://stirling-image.github.io/stirling-image/guide/developer). The short version:
-
-```bash
-git clone https://github.com/stirling-image/stirling-image.git
-cd stirling-image
-pnpm install
-pnpm dev        # starts both frontend and backend
-```
-
-The frontend runs at http://localhost:1349 and proxies API calls to the backend on port 13490.
-
-### Running tests
-
-```bash
-pnpm lint           # Biome lint + format check
-pnpm typecheck      # TypeScript across all workspaces
-pnpm test           # unit + integration tests
-pnpm test:e2e       # Playwright end-to-end tests
-```
-
-All of these run in CI on every PR. Make sure they pass locally first.
-
-## Adding a new tool
-
-Tools follow a consistent pattern. You will need to touch three places:
-
-1. **Backend route** in `apps/api/src/routes/tools/` using `createToolRoute()` from the tool factory.
-2. **Frontend settings component** in `apps/web/src/components/tools/` with the tool's UI controls.
-3. **i18n entry** in `packages/shared/src/i18n/en.ts` with the tool's name and description.
-
-See the [Developer Guide](https://stirling-image.github.io/stirling-image/guide/developer) for a walkthrough.
-
-## Translations
-
-We currently ship English only, but the i18n system is designed for easy extension. If you want to add a language, see the [Translation Guide](https://stirling-image.github.io/stirling-image/guide/translations).
-
-## Code style
-
-Biome handles formatting and linting. The rules are in `biome.json` and enforced by a pre-commit hook. Don't modify the Biome or TypeScript config files to silence warnings. Fix the code instead.
-
-Quick summary:
-
-- Double quotes, semicolons, 2-space indentation
-- ES modules everywhere
-- Zod for API input validation
-- No `any` types without justification
-
-## License and Contributor License Agreement
-
-Stirling Image is dual-licensed under the [AGPLv3](LICENSE) and a commercial license. To keep this dual-licensing possible, all contributions must be submitted under the following terms:
-
-By submitting a pull request or otherwise contributing code to this project, you agree that:
-
-1. Your contributions are your original work (or you have the right to submit them).
-2. You grant me a perpetual, worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, irrevocable license to use, reproduce, modify, distribute, sublicense, and relicense your contributions under any license, including the AGPLv3 and any commercial license I offer for this project.
-3. You understand that your contributions will be publicly available under the AGPLv3 and may also be included in commercially licensed versions of the software.
-
-This is necessary because the project offers a commercial license alongside the open-source AGPLv3. Without this agreement, contributed code could only be distributed under the AGPLv3, which would prevent offering a commercial option.
-
-If you have questions about this, open an issue before contributing.

README.md

@@ -42,22 +42,16 @@ docker run -d -p 1349:1349 -v stirling-data:/data stirlingimage/stirling-image:l
 Open http://localhost:1349 in your browser.
 
 <details>
-<summary><sub>Looking for the Lite or CUDA image? Click here.</sub></summary>
+<summary><sub>Have an NVIDIA GPU? Click here for GPU acceleration.</sub></summary>
 <br>
 
-**Lite** (~1.5 GB) - all image tools, no AI:
+Add `--gpus all` for GPU-accelerated background removal, upscaling, and OCR:
 
 ```bash
-docker run -d -p 1349:1349 -v stirling-data:/data stirlingimage/stirling-image:lite
+docker run -d -p 1349:1349 --gpus all -v stirling-data:/data stirlingimage/stirling-image:latest
 ```
 
-**CUDA** (~14 GB) - GPU-accelerated background removal, upscaling, and OCR:
+> Requires an NVIDIA GPU and [Container Toolkit](https://docs.nvidia.com/datacenter/cloud-native/container-toolkit/latest/install-guide.html). Falls back to CPU if no GPU is found. See [Docker Tags](https://stirling-image.github.io/stirling-image/guide/docker-tags) for benchmarks and Docker Compose examples.
-
-```bash
-docker run -d -p 1349:1349 --gpus all -v stirling-data:/data stirlingimage/stirling-image:cuda
-```
-
-> CUDA needs an NVIDIA GPU and [Container Toolkit](https://docs.nvidia.com/datacenter/cloud-native/container-toolkit/latest/install-guide.html). Falls back to CPU if no GPU is found. See [Docker Tags](https://stirling-image.github.io/stirling-image/guide/docker-tags) for benchmarks and Docker Compose examples.
 
 </details>
 
@@ -70,7 +64,7 @@ docker run -d -p 1349:1349 --gpus all -v stirling-data:/data stirlingimage/stirl
 
 You will be asked to change your password on first login. This is enforced for all new accounts and cannot be skipped in production.
 
-For Docker Compose, persistent storage, and other setup options, see the [Getting Started Guide](https://stirling-image.github.io/stirling-image/guide/getting-started). For details on all image variants (full, lite, cuda), see [Docker Tags](https://stirling-image.github.io/stirling-image/guide/docker-tags).
+For Docker Compose, persistent storage, and other setup options, see the [Getting Started Guide](https://stirling-image.github.io/stirling-image/guide/getting-started). For GPU acceleration and tag details, see [Docker Tags](https://stirling-image.github.io/stirling-image/guide/docker-tags).
 
 ## Documentation
 
@@ -81,13 +75,9 @@ For Docker Compose, persistent storage, and other setup options, see the [Gettin
 - [Developer Guide](https://stirling-image.github.io/stirling-image/guide/developer)
 - [Translation Guide](https://stirling-image.github.io/stirling-image/guide/translations)
 
-## Contributing
+## Feedback
 
-Contributions welcome. See [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md) for guidelines, the [Developer Guide](https://stirling-image.github.io/stirling-image/guide/developer) for setup, and the [Translation Guide](https://stirling-image.github.io/stirling-image/guide/translations) for adding languages.
+Found a bug or have a feature idea? Open a [GitHub Issue](https://github.com/stirling-image/stirling-image/issues). We don't accept pull requests, but your feedback directly shapes the project. See [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md) for details.
-
-## Support
-
-Bug reports and feature requests: [GitHub Issues](https://github.com/stirling-image/stirling-image/issues)
 
 <!-- TODO: Add sponsorship links once Ko-fi and GitHub Sponsors are set up -->
 

apps/api/src/index.ts

@@ -23,14 +23,6 @@ import { teamsRoutes } from "./routes/teams.js";
 import { registerToolRoutes } from "./routes/tools/index.js";
 import { userFileRoutes } from "./routes/user-files.js";
 
-// Warn about deprecated STIRLING_VARIANT env var
-if (process.env.STIRLING_VARIANT) {
-  console.warn(
-    `WARNING: STIRLING_VARIANT="${process.env.STIRLING_VARIANT}" is set but ignored. ` +
-      "There is now a single unified image with all features. Remove STIRLING_VARIANT from your environment.",
-  );
-}
-
 // Run before anything else
 runMigrations();
 console.log("Database initialized");

apps/api/src/routes/settings.ts

@@ -6,7 +6,6 @@
  * GET  /api/v1/settings/:key — Get a specific setting
  */
 
-import { PYTHON_SIDECAR_TOOLS } from "@stirling-image/shared";
 import { eq } from "drizzle-orm";
 import type { FastifyInstance, FastifyReply, FastifyRequest } from "fastify";
 import { db, schema } from "../db/index.js";
@@ -27,10 +26,7 @@ export async function settingsRoutes(app: FastifyInstance): Promise<void> {
       settings[row.key] = row.value;
     }
 
-    const variant = process.env.STIRLING_VARIANT === "lite" ? "lite" : "full";
+    return reply.send({ settings });
-    const variantUnavailableTools = variant === "lite" ? [...PYTHON_SIDECAR_TOOLS] : [];
-
-    return reply.send({ settings, variant, variantUnavailableTools });
   });
 
   // PUT /api/v1/settings — Save settings (admin only)

apps/api/src/routes/tools/index.ts

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-import { PYTHON_SIDECAR_TOOLS, TOOLS } from "@stirling-image/shared";
+import { TOOLS } from "@stirling-image/shared";
 import { eq } from "drizzle-orm";
 import type { FastifyInstance } from "fastify";
 import { db, schema } from "../../db/index.js";
@@ -69,10 +69,6 @@ export async function registerToolRoutes(app: FastifyInstance): Promise<void> {
   // Build skip set
   const skipTools = new Set([...disabledTools, ...(enableExperimental ? [] : experimentalToolIds)]);
 
-  // In lite mode, register 501 stubs for AI tools instead of real handlers
-  const isLite = process.env.STIRLING_VARIANT === "lite";
-  const liteStubTools = new Set<string>(PYTHON_SIDECAR_TOOLS);
-
   const toolRegistrations: Array<{
     id: string;
     register: (app: FastifyInstance) => void;
@@ -131,7 +127,6 @@ export async function registerToolRoutes(app: FastifyInstance): Promise<void> {
   ];
 
   let skipped = 0;
-  let stubbed = 0;
   for (const { id, register } of toolRegistrations) {
     if (skipTools.has(id)) {
       app.log.info(`Skipping disabled/experimental tool: ${id}`);
@@ -139,24 +134,11 @@ export async function registerToolRoutes(app: FastifyInstance): Promise<void> {
       continue;
     }
 
-    if (isLite && liteStubTools.has(id)) {
-      // Register a 501 stub instead of the real handler
-      app.post(`/api/v1/tools/${id}`, async (_request, reply) => {
-        return reply.status(501).send({
-          statusCode: 501,
-          error: "Not Available",
-          message: `The "${id}" tool requires the full image. Pull stirlingimage/stirling-image:latest for all features.`,
-        });
-      });
-      stubbed++;
-      continue;
-    }
-
     register(app);
   }
 
-  const registered = toolRegistrations.length - skipped - stubbed;
+  const registered = toolRegistrations.length - skipped;
   app.log.info(
-    `Tool routes: ${registered} active, ${stubbed} lite-stubbed, ${skipped} skipped (${toolRegistrations.length} total)`,
+    `Tool routes: ${registered} active, ${skipped} skipped (${toolRegistrations.length} total)`,
   );
 }

apps/docs/.vitepress/config.mts

@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ export default defineConfig({
 `,
         customTemplateVariables: {
           description:
-            "Self-hosted, open-source image processing platform with 30+ tools. Runs in a single Docker container. Available as :latest (full, ~11 GB with AI/ML) or :lite (~1.5 GB, image processing only).",
+            "Self-hosted, open-source image processing platform with 30+ tools including AI/ML. Runs in a single Docker container with GPU auto-detection.",
           details:
             "Resize, compress, convert, remove backgrounds, upscale, run OCR, and more - without sending images to external services.",
         },

apps/docs/guide/deployment.md

@@ -110,9 +110,16 @@ Set `client_max_body_size` to match your `MAX_UPLOAD_SIZE_MB` value.
 
 ## CI/CD
 
-The GitHub repository has two workflows:
+The GitHub repository has three workflows:
 
-- **release.yml** -- On release, builds a multi-arch Docker image (amd64 + arm64), and pushes to Docker Hub (`stirlingimage/stirling-image`) and GitHub Container Registry (`ghcr.io/stirling-image/stirling-image`).
+- **ci.yml** -- Runs automatically on every push and PR. Lints, typechecks, tests, builds, and validates the Docker image (without pushing).
-- **deploy-docs.yml** -- Builds this documentation site and deploys it to GitHub Pages.
+- **release.yml** -- Triggered manually via `workflow_dispatch`. Runs semantic-release to create a version tag and GitHub release, then builds a multi-arch Docker image (amd64 + arm64) and pushes to Docker Hub (`stirlingimage/stirling-image`) and GitHub Container Registry (`ghcr.io/stirling-image/stirling-image`).
+- **deploy-docs.yml** -- Builds this documentation site and deploys it to GitHub Pages on push to `main`.
 
-Both run automatically. No manual steps needed after merging to `main`.
+To create a release, go to **Actions > Release > Run workflow** in the GitHub UI, or run:
+
+```bash
+gh workflow run release.yml
+```
+
+Semantic-release determines the version from commit history. The `latest` Docker tag always points to the most recent release.

apps/docs/guide/developer.md

@@ -198,12 +198,6 @@ Build the full production image locally:
 docker build -f docker/Dockerfile -t stirling-image:latest .
 ```
 
-Build the lite image (no Python/AI, ~1.5 GB):
-
-```bash
-docker build --build-arg VARIANT=lite -f docker/Dockerfile -t stirling-image:lite .
-```
-
 Use BuildKit cache mounts for faster rebuilds:
 
 ```bash

apps/docs/guide/docker-tags.md

@@ -118,9 +118,6 @@ volumes:
 
 ## Migration from previous tags
 
-If you were using `:lite` or `:cuda` tags, switch to `:latest`:
+If you were using the `:cuda` tag, switch to `:latest` and keep `--gpus all`. Same GPU support, unified image.
-
-- **From `:lite`**: Pull `:latest`. You now have all AI tools included.
-- **From `:cuda`**: Pull `:latest` and keep `--gpus all`. Same GPU support, unified image.
 
 Your data and settings are preserved in the volumes.

apps/docs/guide/getting-started.md

@@ -14,21 +14,11 @@ docker run -d \
 
 Open `http://localhost:1349` in your browser. Log in with `admin` / `admin`.
 
-::: tip Lite image
-Don't need AI tools (background removal, upscaling, OCR, face blur, object eraser)? Use the lite image instead - 1.5 GB vs 11 GB:
-
-```bash
-stirlingimage/stirling-image:lite
-```
-
-All 27+ image processing tools work the same. See [Docker Tags](./docker-tags) for the full comparison.
-:::
-
 ::: tip GPU acceleration
-Have an NVIDIA GPU? The CUDA image auto-detects your GPU and accelerates background removal (2.7x), upscaling (3x), and OCR (1.5x):
+Have an NVIDIA GPU? Add `--gpus all` to accelerate background removal (2.7x), upscaling (3x), and OCR (1.5x):
 
 ```bash
-docker run -d --gpus all -p 1349:1349 -v stirling-data:/data stirlingimage/stirling-image:cuda
+docker run -d --gpus all -p 1349:1349 -v stirling-data:/data stirlingimage/stirling-image:latest
 ```
 
 Requires [NVIDIA Container Toolkit](https://docs.nvidia.com/datacenter/cloud-native/container-toolkit/latest/install-guide.html). Falls back to CPU if no GPU is found. See [Docker Tags](./docker-tags) for details and benchmarks.

apps/web/src/components/common/tool-card.tsx

@@ -1,58 +1,17 @@
 import type { Tool } from "@stirling-image/shared";
 import * as icons from "lucide-react";
-import { FileImage, Sparkles, Star } from "lucide-react";
+import { FileImage, Star } from "lucide-react";
 import { Link } from "react-router-dom";
-import { toast } from "sonner";
 import { cn } from "@/lib/utils";
 
 interface ToolCardProps {
   tool: Tool;
-  variantUnavailable?: boolean;
 }
 
-export function ToolCard({ tool, variantUnavailable }: ToolCardProps) {
+export function ToolCard({ tool }: ToolCardProps) {
   const iconsMap = icons as unknown as Record<string, React.ComponentType<{ className?: string }>>;
   const IconComponent = iconsMap[tool.icon] || FileImage;
 
-  if (variantUnavailable) {
-    return (
-      <div className="group flex items-center gap-3 relative">
-        <button
-          type="button"
-          className="opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity absolute -left-5"
-          title="Add to favourites"
-        >
-          <Star className="h-3 w-3 text-muted-foreground hover:text-yellow-500" />
-        </button>
-        <button
-          type="button"
-          onClick={() =>
-            toast("This tool requires the full image.", {
-              description:
-                "Pull stirlingimage/stirling-image:latest for all features including AI tools.",
-              action: {
-                label: "Learn more",
-                onClick: () =>
-                  window.open(
-                    "https://stirling-image.github.io/stirling-image/guide/docker-tags",
-                    "_blank",
-                  ),
-              },
-            })
-          }
-          className="flex items-center gap-3 py-2 px-3 rounded-lg w-full transition-colors hover:bg-muted/50 opacity-50 cursor-pointer"
-        >
-          <IconComponent className="h-5 w-5 text-muted-foreground" />
-          <span className="text-sm font-medium text-foreground">{tool.name}</span>
-          <span className="flex items-center gap-0.5 text-[10px] px-1.5 py-0.5 rounded bg-amber-100 text-amber-700 font-medium">
-            <Sparkles className="h-2.5 w-2.5" />
-            AI
-          </span>
-        </button>
-      </div>
-    );
-  }
-
   return (
     <div className="group flex items-center gap-3 relative">
       <button

apps/web/src/components/layout/tool-panel.tsx

@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
 import { CATEGORIES, TOOLS } from "@stirling-image/shared";
-import { Info } from "lucide-react";
 import { useEffect, useMemo, useState } from "react";
 import { useSettingsStore } from "@/stores/settings-store";
 import { SearchBar } from "../common/search-bar";
@@ -7,15 +6,12 @@ import { ToolCard } from "../common/tool-card";
 
 export function ToolPanel() {
   const [search, setSearch] = useState("");
-  const { variant, disabledTools, experimentalEnabled, variantUnavailableTools, loaded, fetch } =
+  const { disabledTools, experimentalEnabled, loaded, fetch } = useSettingsStore();
-    useSettingsStore();
 
   useEffect(() => {
     fetch();
   }, [fetch]);
 
-  const unavailableSet = useMemo(() => new Set(variantUnavailableTools), [variantUnavailableTools]);
-
   const visibleTools = useMemo(() => {
     if (!loaded) return [];
     return TOOLS.filter((t) => {
@@ -49,27 +45,6 @@ export function ToolPanel() {
         <SearchBar value={search} onChange={setSearch} />
       </div>
       <div className="px-3 pb-4 flex-1">
-        {variant === "lite" && (
-          <div className="mb-3 p-2.5 rounded-lg bg-amber-50 dark:bg-amber-950/30 border border-amber-200 dark:border-amber-800 text-amber-800 dark:text-amber-300">
-            <div className="flex items-start gap-2">
-              <Info className="h-4 w-4 mt-0.5 shrink-0" />
-              <div className="text-xs leading-relaxed">
-                <p className="font-medium">Lite mode</p>
-                <p className="mt-0.5 text-amber-700 dark:text-amber-400">
-                  AI tools are unavailable. Use the{" "}
-                  <code className="font-mono text-[10px] bg-amber-100 dark:bg-amber-900/50 px-1 py-0.5 rounded">
-                    latest
-                  </code>{" "}
-                  or{" "}
-                  <code className="font-mono text-[10px] bg-amber-100 dark:bg-amber-900/50 px-1 py-0.5 rounded">
-                    full
-                  </code>{" "}
-                  tag for all features.
-                </p>
-              </div>
-            </div>
-          </div>
-        )}
         {CATEGORIES.filter((cat) => groupedTools.has(cat.id)).map((category) => (
           <div key={category.id} className="mb-4">
             <h3 className="text-xs font-semibold uppercase text-muted-foreground tracking-wider mb-2">
@@ -77,11 +52,7 @@ export function ToolPanel() {
             </h3>
             <div className="space-y-0.5">
               {groupedTools.get(category.id)?.map((tool) => (
-                <ToolCard
+                <ToolCard key={tool.id} tool={tool} />
-                  key={tool.id}
-                  tool={tool}
-                  variantUnavailable={unavailableSet.has(tool.id)}
-                />
               ))}
             </div>
           </div>

apps/web/src/pages/home-page.tsx

@@ -1,12 +1,10 @@
 import { CATEGORIES, TOOLS } from "@stirling-image/shared";
 import * as icons from "lucide-react";
-import { useCallback, useEffect, useMemo } from "react";
+import { useCallback, useEffect } from "react";
 import { useNavigate } from "react-router-dom";
-import { toast } from "sonner";
 import { ImageViewer } from "@/components/common/image-viewer";
 import { MultiImageViewer } from "@/components/common/multi-image-viewer";
 import { AppLayout } from "@/components/layout/app-layout";
-import { cn } from "@/lib/utils";
 import { useFileStore } from "@/stores/file-store";
 import { useSettingsStore } from "@/stores/settings-store";
 
@@ -17,14 +15,12 @@ export function HomePage() {
   const { setFiles, files, reset, originalBlobUrl, selectedFileName, selectedFileSize } =
     useFileStore();
   const navigate = useNavigate();
-  const { variantUnavailableTools, fetch: fetchSettings } = useSettingsStore();
+  const { fetch: fetchSettings } = useSettingsStore();
 
   useEffect(() => {
     fetchSettings();
   }, [fetchSettings]);
 
-  const unavailableSet = useMemo(() => new Set(variantUnavailableTools), [variantUnavailableTools]);
-
   const handleFiles = useCallback(
     (newFiles: File[]) => {
       reset();
@@ -33,25 +29,6 @@ export function HomePage() {
     [setFiles, reset],
   );
 
-  const handleToolClick = (route: string, toolId: string) => {
-    if (unavailableSet.has(toolId)) {
-      toast("This tool requires the full image.", {
-        description:
-          "Pull stirlingimage/stirling-image:latest for all features including AI tools.",
-        action: {
-          label: "Learn more",
-          onClick: () =>
-            window.open(
-              "https://stirling-image.github.io/stirling-image/guide/docker-tags",
-              "_blank",
-            ),
-        },
-      });
-      return;
-    }
-    navigate(route);
-  };
-
   const hasFile = files.length > 0;
 
   // If no file uploaded, show default layout (tool panel + dropzone)
@@ -103,11 +80,8 @@ export function HomePage() {
                   <button
                     key={id}
                     type="button"
-                    onClick={() => handleToolClick(tool.route, tool.id)}
+                    onClick={() => navigate(tool.route)}
-                    className={cn(
+                    className="flex items-center gap-2 p-3 rounded-xl border border-border hover:border-primary hover:bg-primary/5 transition-colors text-left"
-                      "flex items-center gap-2 p-3 rounded-xl border border-border hover:border-primary hover:bg-primary/5 transition-colors text-left",
-                      unavailableSet.has(id) && "opacity-50",
-                    )}
                   >
                     <div className="p-1.5 rounded-lg bg-primary/10 text-primary">
                       <Icon className="h-4 w-4" />
@@ -148,13 +122,8 @@ export function HomePage() {
                         <button
                           key={tool.id}
                           type="button"
-                          onClick={() => handleToolClick(tool.route, tool.id)}
+                          onClick={() => navigate(tool.route)}
-                          className={cn(
+                          className="flex items-center gap-2.5 w-full py-1.5 px-2 rounded-lg text-left transition-colors hover:bg-muted text-foreground"
-                            "flex items-center gap-2.5 w-full py-1.5 px-2 rounded-lg text-left transition-colors",
-                            unavailableSet.has(tool.id)
-                              ? "opacity-50 hover:bg-muted/50"
-                              : "hover:bg-muted text-foreground",
-                          )}
                         >
                           <Icon className="h-4 w-4 text-muted-foreground shrink-0" />
                           <span className="text-sm">{tool.name}</span>

apps/web/src/stores/settings-store.ts

@@ -2,8 +2,6 @@ import { create } from "zustand";
 import { apiGet } from "@/lib/api";
 
 interface SettingsState {
-  variant: "full" | "lite";
-  variantUnavailableTools: string[];
   disabledTools: string[];
   experimentalEnabled: boolean;
   loaded: boolean;
@@ -11,8 +9,6 @@ interface SettingsState {
 }
 
 export const useSettingsStore = create<SettingsState>((set, get) => ({
-  variant: "full",
-  variantUnavailableTools: [],
   disabledTools: [],
   experimentalEnabled: false,
   loaded: false,
@@ -22,19 +18,15 @@ export const useSettingsStore = create<SettingsState>((set, get) => ({
     try {
       const data = await apiGet<{
         settings: Record<string, string>;
-        variant: "full" | "lite";
-        variantUnavailableTools: string[];
       }>("/v1/settings");
 
       set({
-        variant: data.variant ?? "full",
-        variantUnavailableTools: data.variantUnavailableTools ?? [],
         disabledTools: data.settings.disabledTools ? JSON.parse(data.settings.disabledTools) : [],
         experimentalEnabled: data.settings.enableExperimentalTools === "true",
         loaded: true,
       });
     } catch {
-      // Settings fetch failed - default to full with no disabled tools
+      // Settings fetch failed - default to no disabled tools
       set({ loaded: true });
     }
   },

packages/shared/src/constants.ts

@@ -374,8 +374,7 @@ export const APP_VERSION = "1.11.0";
 
 /**
  * Tool IDs that require the Python sidecar (AI/ML tools).
- * Used by the API to register 501 stubs in lite mode,
+ * Used by the frontend for progress/timeout behavior.
- * and by the frontend for progress/timeout behavior.
  */
 export const PYTHON_SIDECAR_TOOLS = [
   "remove-background",

tests/e2e/api.spec.ts

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ import fs from "node:fs";
 import { expect, test } from "@playwright/test";
 import { getTestImagePath } from "./helpers";
 
-const API = "http://localhost:13490";
+const API = process.env.API_URL || "http://localhost:13490";
 
 async function getAuthToken(): Promise<string> {
   const res = await fetch(`${API}/api/auth/login`, {

tests/e2e/people.spec.ts

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 import { test as base, expect } from "@playwright/test";
 import { test as uiTest } from "./helpers";
 
-const API = "http://localhost:13490";
+const API = process.env.API_URL || "http://localhost:13490";
 
 async function getAuthToken(): Promise<string> {
   const res = await fetch(`${API}/api/auth/login`, {

tests/e2e/security.spec.ts

@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ import { getTestImagePath } from "./helpers";
 // auth token handling, and unauthenticated access.
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-const API = "http://localhost:13490";
+const API = process.env.API_URL || "http://localhost:13490";
 
 async function getAuthToken(): Promise<string> {
   const res = await fetch(`${API}/api/auth/login`, {
@@ -38,8 +38,8 @@ test.describe("Security: Path traversal", () => {
 
   test("download rejects path traversal in jobId (..)", async () => {
     const res = await fetch(`${API}/api/v1/download/../../../etc/passwd/file.png`);
-    // Should return 400 (invalid path) or 404, never the actual file
+    // 400/404 in dev (Fastify only), 200 in production (SPA fallback for normalized path).
-    expect([400, 404]).toContain(res.status);
+    // Either way, the actual file must never be leaked.
     const body = await res.text();
     expect(body).not.toContain("root:");
   });

tests/integration/content-aware-resize.test.ts

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
  * Integration tests for the content-aware resize (seam carving) API endpoint.
  *
  * This tool uses the Python sidecar, so in CI/test environments where Python
- * is not available the route will return 501 (lite mode) or 422 (Python error).
+ * is not available the route will return 422 (Python error).
  * Tests gracefully handle both scenarios while still verifying route existence
  * and input validation.
  */
@@ -49,9 +49,9 @@ describe("Content-Aware Resize", () => {
       body,
     });
 
-    // 200 = Python available, 422 = Python error, 501 = lite mode stub
+    // 200 = Python available, 422 = Python error
     // Any of these proves the route is registered and reachable
-    expect([200, 422, 501]).toContain(res.statusCode);
+    expect([200, 422]).toContain(res.statusCode);
   }, 60_000);
 
   it("rejects requests without a file", async () => {
@@ -88,8 +88,8 @@ describe("Content-Aware Resize", () => {
       body,
     });
 
-    // Accept 200 (Python available) or 422/501 (Python not available)
+    // Accept 200 (Python available) or 422 (Python not available)
-    expect([200, 422, 501]).toContain(res.statusCode);
+    expect([200, 422]).toContain(res.statusCode);
 
     if (res.statusCode === 200) {
       const resBody = JSON.parse(res.body);
@@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ describe("Content-Aware Resize", () => {
       body,
     });
 
-    expect([200, 422, 501]).toContain(res.statusCode);
+    expect([200, 422]).toContain(res.statusCode);
 
     if (res.statusCode === 200) {
       const resBody = JSON.parse(res.body);
@@ -139,10 +139,10 @@ describe("Content-Aware Resize", () => {
       body,
     });
 
-    // 422 = Python caught the enlargement error, 501 = lite mode
+    // 422 = Python caught the enlargement error
     // Should never be 200 since 400 > 200px source width
     expect(res.statusCode).not.toBe(200);
-    expect([422, 501]).toContain(res.statusCode);
+    expect(res.statusCode).toBe(422);
 
     if (res.statusCode === 422) {
       const resBody = JSON.parse(res.body);

tests/integration/lite-variant.test.ts

@@ -1,100 +0,0 @@
-import { afterAll, beforeAll, describe, expect, it } from "vitest";
-import { buildTestApp, loginAsAdmin, type TestApp } from "./test-server.js";
-
-describe("Lite variant", () => {
-  let testApp: TestApp;
-  let app: TestApp["app"];
-  let adminToken: string;
-
-  beforeAll(async () => {
-    process.env.STIRLING_VARIANT = "lite";
-    testApp = await buildTestApp();
-    app = testApp.app;
-    adminToken = await loginAsAdmin(app);
-  }, 30_000);
-
-  afterAll(async () => {
-    delete process.env.STIRLING_VARIANT;
-    await testApp.cleanup();
-  }, 10_000);
-
-  describe("GET /api/v1/settings", () => {
-    it("includes variant and variantUnavailableTools", async () => {
-      const res = await app.inject({
-        method: "GET",
-        url: "/api/v1/settings",
-        headers: { authorization: `Bearer ${adminToken}` },
-      });
-
-      expect(res.statusCode).toBe(200);
-      const body = JSON.parse(res.body);
-      expect(body.variant).toBe("lite");
-      expect(body.variantUnavailableTools).toEqual([
-        "remove-background",
-        "upscale",
-        "blur-faces",
-        "erase-object",
-        "ocr",
-        "content-aware-resize",
-      ]);
-    });
-  });
-
-  describe("AI tool routes return 501", () => {
-    const aiTools = [
-      "remove-background",
-      "upscale",
-      "blur-faces",
-      "erase-object",
-      "ocr",
-      "content-aware-resize",
-    ];
-
-    for (const toolId of aiTools) {
-      it(`POST /api/v1/tools/${toolId} returns 501`, async () => {
-        const res = await app.inject({
-          method: "POST",
-          url: `/api/v1/tools/${toolId}`,
-          headers: { authorization: `Bearer ${adminToken}` },
-          payload: {},
-        });
-
-        expect(res.statusCode).toBe(501);
-        const body = JSON.parse(res.body);
-        expect(body.error).toBe("Not Available");
-        expect(body.message).toContain("full image");
-      });
-    }
-  });
-
-  describe("Sharp tools still work in lite mode", () => {
-    it("POST /api/v1/tools/info returns 200 with valid image", async () => {
-      const { readFileSync } = await import("node:fs");
-      const { join } = await import("node:path");
-      const { fileURLToPath } = await import("node:url");
-      const __dirname = join(fileURLToPath(import.meta.url), "..");
-      const png = readFileSync(join(__dirname, "..", "fixtures", "test-200x150.png"));
-
-      const boundary = "----TestBoundary";
-      const body = Buffer.concat([
-        Buffer.from(
-          `--${boundary}\r\nContent-Disposition: form-data; name="file"; filename="test.png"\r\nContent-Type: image/png\r\n\r\n`,
-        ),
-        png,
-        Buffer.from(`\r\n--${boundary}--\r\n`),
-      ]);
-
-      const res = await app.inject({
-        method: "POST",
-        url: "/api/v1/tools/info",
-        headers: {
-          authorization: `Bearer ${adminToken}`,
-          "content-type": `multipart/form-data; boundary=${boundary}`,
-        },
-        payload: body,
-      });
-
-      expect(res.statusCode).toBe(200);
-    });
-  });
-});