From 310df2ec33fbb075edf226ba18bf9a96d90ba81b Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Wes <wesbillman@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Thu, 30 Jul 2026 08:04:49 -0600
Subject: [PATCH] desktop: restore direct community member adds (#3634)
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

## Summary

- restore direct community member adds in **Settings → Invites**
- keep one consolidated entry point: the dialog now supports both adding
someone directly and sharing an invite link
- accept npub or 64-character hex keys while preserving role hierarchy
(owners: Member/Admin; admins: Member only)
- verify an npub direct-add publishes the decoded hex key in a kind
`9030` NIP-IA event

## Why

The Invites consolidation left `AddMemberDialog` without a live mount
point, so the existing direct-add capability disappeared even though its
mutation path still existed. This reuses that implementation rather than
introducing a second one.

## Before and after

| Before | After |
| --- | --- |
| The consolidated dialog only offered a share link; there was no
direct-add path. | The same dialog now presents direct add and
share-link controls as one invitation flow. |
| ![Before: invite dialog with share-link controls
only](https://d24qwcpro867f5.cloudfront.net/repos/buzz/prs/3634/before-invite-dialog.png)
| ![After: polished community invite dialog with direct-add and
share-link
sections](https://d24qwcpro867f5.cloudfront.net/repos/buzz/prs/3634/invite-dialog-polished.png)
|

<details>
<summary>Before: Invites page entry point</summary>

![Before: Invites settings
page](https://d24qwcpro867f5.cloudfront.net/repos/buzz/prs/3634/before-invites-page.png)

</details>

## Verification

- `pnpm --dir desktop build:e2e`
- `pnpm exec playwright test
tests/e2e/invites-settings-screenshots.spec.ts --project=smoke` — 4
passed
- targeted Biome check on modified files
- push hook: Desktop check and 3,783 Desktop tests passed
- GitHub CI green except Desktop E2E Relay still running at last status
snapshot

---------

Signed-off-by: Joah Gerstenberg <joah@squareup.com>
Signed-off-by: Wes <wesbillman@users.noreply.github.com>
Signed-off-by: kenny lopez <klopez4212@gmail.com>
Co-authored-by: Joah Gerstenberg <joah@squareup.com>
Co-authored-by: Amp <amp@ampcode.com>
Co-authored-by: Carl <c7ebe626f000404285d3686e1dc74cc07cc60a9754a150041ba132e14bd3e2ec@buzz.block.builderlab.xyz>
Co-authored-by: kenny lopez <klopez4212@gmail.com>
---
 .../channels/ui/ChannelMemberInviteCard.tsx   |  65 +-
 .../community-members/ui/AddMemberDialog.tsx  | 588 +++++++++++++-----
 .../ui/CommunityInviteDialog.tsx              |  22 +-
 .../ui/CommunityMembersSettingsCard.tsx       |   1 +
 .../ui/InviteLinkSection.tsx                  |   4 +-
 .../profile/ui/SelectedRecipientChip.tsx      |   2 +-
 desktop/src/shared/lib/nostrUtils.ts          |  28 +
 .../src/shared/lib/parsePubkeyInput.test.mjs  |  50 ++
 desktop/tests/e2e/community-rail.spec.ts      |   1 +
 desktop/tests/e2e/invite-link-copy.spec.ts    |   3 +
 .../e2e/invites-settings-screenshots.spec.ts  | 152 ++++-
 11 files changed, 742 insertions(+), 174 deletions(-)
 create mode 100644 desktop/src/shared/lib/parsePubkeyInput.test.mjs

diff --git a/desktop/src/features/channels/ui/ChannelMemberInviteCard.tsx b/desktop/src/features/channels/ui/ChannelMemberInviteCard.tsx
index 63ab164ea..dd370e8c6 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/channels/ui/ChannelMemberInviteCard.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/channels/ui/ChannelMemberInviteCard.tsx
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 import { Search, UserPlus, X } from "lucide-react";
 import * as React from "react";
 
+import { parsePubkeyInput } from "@/shared/lib/nostrUtils";
 import { truncatePubkey } from "@/shared/lib/pubkey";
 import { PubKey } from "@/shared/ui/PubKey";
 import { useIsArchivedPredicate } from "@/features/identity-archive/hooks";
@@ -105,6 +106,35 @@ export function ChannelMemberInviteCard({
     ],
   );
 
+  // Someone without a kind:0 profile on the relay is invisible to user
+  // search — let the caller paste their npub or hex pubkey directly instead.
+  const directInvitee = React.useMemo<UserSearchResult | null>(() => {
+    const pubkey = parsePubkeyInput(deferredInviteQuery);
+    if (
+      pubkey === null ||
+      memberPubkeys.has(pubkey) ||
+      selectedInviteePubkeys.has(pubkey) ||
+      (userSearchQuery.data ?? []).some(
+        (user) => user.pubkey.toLowerCase() === pubkey,
+      )
+    ) {
+      return null;
+    }
+    return {
+      pubkey,
+      displayName: null,
+      avatarUrl: null,
+      nip05Handle: null,
+      ownerPubkey: null,
+      isAgent: false,
+    };
+  }, [
+    deferredInviteQuery,
+    memberPubkeys,
+    selectedInviteePubkeys,
+    userSearchQuery.data,
+  ]);
+
   React.useEffect(() => {
     if (!open) {
       setInviteQuery("");
@@ -161,7 +191,7 @@ export function ChannelMemberInviteCard({
               disabled={isPending}
               id="channel-management-search-users"
               onChange={(event) => setInviteQuery(event.target.value)}
-              placeholder="Search people and agents"
+              placeholder="Search people, or paste a public key"
               value={inviteQuery}
             />
           </div>
@@ -217,12 +247,41 @@ export function ChannelMemberInviteCard({
           ) : null}
           {deferredInviteQuery.length > 0 ? (
             <div className="border-t border-border/70 px-2 py-2">
-              {userSearchQuery.isLoading ? (
+              {userSearchQuery.isLoading && !directInvitee ? (
                 <p className="px-2 py-1 text-sm text-muted-foreground">
                   Searching…
                 </p>
-              ) : inviteSearchResults.length > 0 ? (
+              ) : inviteSearchResults.length > 0 || directInvitee ? (
                 <div className="max-h-44 space-y-1 overflow-y-auto">
+                  {directInvitee ? (
+                    <button
+                      className="flex w-full items-center justify-between rounded-md px-2.5 py-1.5 text-left transition-colors hover:bg-accent hover:text-accent-foreground"
+                      data-testid={`channel-direct-invite-${directInvitee.pubkey}`}
+                      onClick={() => {
+                        setSelectedInvitees((current) => [
+                          ...current,
+                          directInvitee,
+                        ]);
+                        setInviteQuery("");
+                      }}
+                      type="button"
+                    >
+                      <div className="flex min-w-0 items-center gap-2">
+                        <UserAvatar
+                          avatarUrl={null}
+                          displayName={truncatePubkey(directInvitee.pubkey)}
+                          size="xs"
+                        />
+                        <p className="truncate text-sm font-medium leading-5">
+                          {truncatePubkey(directInvitee.pubkey)}
+                        </p>
+                        <span className="shrink-0 text-xs text-muted-foreground">
+                          by public key
+                        </span>
+                      </div>
+                      <span className="text-xs text-muted-foreground">Add</span>
+                    </button>
+                  ) : null}
                   {inviteSearchResults.map((result) => (
                     <button
                       className="flex w-full items-center justify-between rounded-md px-2.5 py-1.5 text-left transition-colors hover:bg-accent hover:text-accent-foreground"
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/community-members/ui/AddMemberDialog.tsx b/desktop/src/features/community-members/ui/AddMemberDialog.tsx
index 73e5c31b7..76f28e96d 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/community-members/ui/AddMemberDialog.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/community-members/ui/AddMemberDialog.tsx
@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+import { ChevronDown, Search } from "lucide-react";
+import { AnimatePresence, motion, useReducedMotion } from "motion/react";
 import * as React from "react";
 import { toast } from "sonner";
 
@@ -5,8 +7,13 @@ import {
   useAddRelayMemberMutation,
   useRelayMembersQuery,
 } from "@/features/community-members/hooks";
-import type { RelayMemberRole } from "@/shared/api/types";
-import { cn } from "@/shared/lib/cn";
+import { useIsArchivedPredicate } from "@/features/identity-archive/hooks";
+import { useUserSearchQuery } from "@/features/profile/hooks";
+import { ProfileAvatar } from "@/features/profile/ui/ProfileAvatar";
+import { SelectedRecipientChip } from "@/features/profile/ui/SelectedRecipientChip";
+import type { RelayMemberRole, UserSearchResult } from "@/shared/api/types";
+import { parsePubkeyInput } from "@/shared/lib/nostrUtils";
+import { truncatePubkey } from "@/shared/lib/pubkey";
 import { Button } from "@/shared/ui/button";
 import {
   Dialog,
@@ -15,15 +22,438 @@ import {
   DialogHeader,
   DialogTitle,
 } from "@/shared/ui/dialog";
+import {
+  DropdownMenu,
+  DropdownMenuContent,
+  DropdownMenuRadioGroup,
+  DropdownMenuRadioItem,
+  DropdownMenuTrigger,
+} from "@/shared/ui/dropdown-menu";
 import { Input } from "@/shared/ui/input";
+import { Popover, PopoverAnchor, PopoverContent } from "@/shared/ui/popover";
 
-const PUBKEY_REGEX = /^[0-9a-f]{64}$/;
-
-const ROLE_OPTIONS: Array<{ value: RelayMemberRole; label: string }> = [
-  { value: "member", label: "Member" },
-  { value: "admin", label: "Admin" },
+const ROLE_OPTIONS: Array<{
+  value: RelayMemberRole;
+  label: string;
+}> = [
+  {
+    value: "member",
+    label: "Member",
+  },
+  {
+    value: "admin",
+    label: "Admin",
+  },
 ];
 
+function formatSearchUserName(user: UserSearchResult) {
+  return (
+    user.displayName?.trim() ||
+    user.nip05Handle?.trim() ||
+    truncatePubkey(user.pubkey)
+  );
+}
+
+export function DirectAddMemberForm({
+  isOwner,
+  onAdded,
+  showLabel = true,
+  submitLabel = "Add member",
+}: {
+  isOwner: boolean;
+  onAdded?: () => void;
+  showLabel?: boolean;
+  submitLabel?: string;
+}) {
+  const addMutation = useAddRelayMemberMutation();
+  const membersQuery = useRelayMembersQuery();
+  const [query, setQuery] = React.useState("");
+  const [selectedUsers, setSelectedUsers] = React.useState<UserSearchResult[]>(
+    [],
+  );
+  const [role, setRole] = React.useState<RelayMemberRole>("member");
+  const [isPickerOpen, setIsPickerOpen] = React.useState(false);
+  const searchInputRef = React.useRef<HTMLInputElement>(null);
+  const shouldReduceMotion = useReducedMotion();
+
+  const deferredQuery = React.useDeferredValue(query.trim());
+  const parsedPubkey = parsePubkeyInput(deferredQuery);
+  const userSearchQuery = useUserSearchQuery(deferredQuery, {
+    enabled: deferredQuery.length > 0,
+    limit: 8,
+  });
+  const isArchived = useIsArchivedPredicate();
+  const selectedPubkeys = React.useMemo(
+    () => new Set(selectedUsers.map((user) => user.pubkey.toLowerCase())),
+    [selectedUsers],
+  );
+  const isAlreadyMember =
+    parsedPubkey !== null &&
+    (membersQuery.data ?? []).some(
+      (m) => m.pubkey.toLowerCase() === parsedPubkey.toLowerCase(),
+    );
+  const canAdd = selectedUsers.length > 0 && !addMutation.isPending;
+  const searchResults = React.useMemo(
+    () =>
+      (userSearchQuery.data ?? []).filter(
+        (user) =>
+          !isArchived(user.pubkey) &&
+          !selectedPubkeys.has(user.pubkey.toLowerCase()) &&
+          !(membersQuery.data ?? []).some(
+            (member) =>
+              member.pubkey.toLowerCase() === user.pubkey.toLowerCase(),
+          ),
+      ),
+    [isArchived, membersQuery.data, selectedPubkeys, userSearchQuery.data],
+  );
+  const directResult = React.useMemo<UserSearchResult | null>(() => {
+    if (
+      parsedPubkey === null ||
+      isAlreadyMember ||
+      selectedPubkeys.has(parsedPubkey.toLowerCase()) ||
+      searchResults.some(
+        (user) => user.pubkey.toLowerCase() === parsedPubkey.toLowerCase(),
+      )
+    ) {
+      return null;
+    }
+    return {
+      pubkey: parsedPubkey,
+      displayName: null,
+      avatarUrl: null,
+      nip05Handle: null,
+      ownerPubkey: null,
+      isAgent: false,
+    };
+  }, [isAlreadyMember, parsedPubkey, searchResults, selectedPubkeys]);
+  const roleOptions = React.useMemo(
+    () => ROLE_OPTIONS.filter((option) => isOwner || option.value === "member"),
+    [isOwner],
+  );
+  const selectedRoleLabel =
+    roleOptions.find((option) => option.value === role)?.label ?? "Member";
+  const actionTransition = shouldReduceMotion
+    ? { duration: 0 }
+    : { duration: 0.18, ease: [0.23, 1, 0.32, 1] as const };
+
+  function reset() {
+    setQuery("");
+    setSelectedUsers([]);
+    setRole("member");
+    setIsPickerOpen(false);
+    addMutation.reset();
+  }
+
+  function selectUser(user: UserSearchResult) {
+    setSelectedUsers((currentUsers) =>
+      currentUsers.some(
+        (currentUser) =>
+          currentUser.pubkey.toLowerCase() === user.pubkey.toLowerCase(),
+      )
+        ? currentUsers
+        : [...currentUsers, user],
+    );
+    setQuery("");
+    setIsPickerOpen(true);
+    window.requestAnimationFrame(() => {
+      searchInputRef.current?.focus({ preventScroll: true });
+    });
+  }
+
+  function removeUser(pubkey: string) {
+    setSelectedUsers((currentUsers) =>
+      currentUsers.filter(
+        (user) => user.pubkey.toLowerCase() !== pubkey.toLowerCase(),
+      ),
+    );
+    searchInputRef.current?.focus({ preventScroll: true });
+  }
+
+  async function handleAdd() {
+    if (!canAdd) return;
+
+    try {
+      for (const user of selectedUsers) {
+        await addMutation.mutateAsync({ pubkey: user.pubkey, role });
+      }
+      toast.success(
+        selectedUsers.length === 1
+          ? role === "admin"
+            ? "Admin added"
+            : "Member added"
+          : role === "admin"
+            ? "Admins added"
+            : "Members added",
+      );
+      reset();
+      onAdded?.();
+    } catch {
+      // The mutation exposes the API error below the field.
+    }
+  }
+
+  return (
+    <form
+      className="space-y-4"
+      data-testid="direct-add-member-form"
+      onSubmit={(event) => {
+        event.preventDefault();
+        handleAdd();
+      }}
+    >
+      <div className="space-y-1.5">
+        {showLabel ? (
+          <label className="text-sm font-medium" htmlFor="member-search">
+            Person
+          </label>
+        ) : null}
+        <div className="flex gap-2">
+          <Popover
+            modal={false}
+            onOpenChange={setIsPickerOpen}
+            open={isPickerOpen && deferredQuery.length > 0}
+          >
+            <PopoverAnchor asChild>
+              <div
+                className="min-w-0 flex-1 rounded-md border border-input bg-background focus-within:ring-1 focus-within:ring-ring"
+                data-testid="member-recipient-field"
+              >
+                <div
+                  className={`grid min-h-10 min-w-0 grid-cols-[minmax(0,1fr)_auto] gap-x-3 p-1.5 ${selectedUsers.length > 1 ? "items-start" : "items-center"}`}
+                >
+                  <div className="flex min-w-0 flex-wrap items-center gap-1.5">
+                    {selectedUsers.length === 0 ? (
+                      <Search className="h-4 w-4 shrink-0 text-muted-foreground/55" />
+                    ) : null}
+                    {selectedUsers.map((user) => (
+                      <motion.div
+                        key={user.pubkey}
+                        layout="position"
+                        transition={actionTransition}
+                      >
+                        <SelectedRecipientChip
+                          disabled={addMutation.isPending}
+                          inspectable={false}
+                          label={formatSearchUserName(user)}
+                          onRemove={() => removeUser(user.pubkey)}
+                          poofOnRemove={false}
+                          testIds={{
+                            chip: `member-search-selection-remove-${user.pubkey}`,
+                          }}
+                          user={user}
+                        />
+                      </motion.div>
+                    ))}
+                    <Input
+                      aria-autocomplete="list"
+                      aria-controls="member-search-results"
+                      aria-expanded={isPickerOpen}
+                      autoCapitalize="none"
+                      autoCorrect="off"
+                      className="h-7 w-auto min-w-16 flex-1 border-0 bg-transparent px-0 py-0.5 text-sm shadow-none outline-hidden placeholder:text-muted-foreground/55 focus-visible:ring-0"
+                      data-testid="member-pubkey-input"
+                      disabled={addMutation.isPending}
+                      id="member-search"
+                      onChange={(event) => {
+                        setQuery(event.target.value);
+                        setIsPickerOpen(true);
+                      }}
+                      onFocus={() => setIsPickerOpen(true)}
+                      onKeyDown={(event) => {
+                        if (
+                          event.key === "Backspace" &&
+                          query.length === 0 &&
+                          selectedUsers.length > 0
+                        ) {
+                          event.preventDefault();
+                          const lastUser = selectedUsers.at(-1);
+                          if (lastUser) removeUser(lastUser.pubkey);
+                        }
+                      }}
+                      placeholder={
+                        selectedUsers.length === 0
+                          ? "Search people or paste an npub"
+                          : ""
+                      }
+                      ref={searchInputRef}
+                      role="combobox"
+                      spellCheck={false}
+                      value={query}
+                    />
+                  </div>
+                  <AnimatePresence initial={false}>
+                    {selectedUsers.length > 0 ? (
+                      <motion.div
+                        animate={{ opacity: 1, scale: 1, x: 0 }}
+                        className="shrink-0"
+                        exit={{ opacity: 0, scale: 0.96, x: -4 }}
+                        initial={{ opacity: 0, scale: 0.96, x: -4 }}
+                        transition={actionTransition}
+                      >
+                        <DropdownMenu modal={false}>
+                          <DropdownMenuTrigger asChild>
+                            <button
+                              aria-label="Choose member role"
+                              className="inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 bg-transparent text-sm text-muted-foreground outline-hidden transition-colors hover:text-foreground focus-visible:text-foreground disabled:cursor-not-allowed disabled:opacity-60"
+                              data-testid="member-role"
+                              disabled={addMutation.isPending}
+                              type="button"
+                            >
+                              {selectedRoleLabel}
+                              <ChevronDown className="h-3.5 w-3.5 shrink-0" />
+                            </button>
+                          </DropdownMenuTrigger>
+                          <DropdownMenuContent
+                            align="end"
+                            onCloseAutoFocus={(event) => event.preventDefault()}
+                            sideOffset={4}
+                            style={{ minWidth: "13rem" }}
+                          >
+                            <DropdownMenuRadioGroup
+                              onValueChange={(value) =>
+                                setRole(value as RelayMemberRole)
+                              }
+                              value={role}
+                            >
+                              {roleOptions.map((option) => (
+                                <DropdownMenuRadioItem
+                                  key={option.value}
+                                  value={option.value}
+                                >
+                                  {option.label}
+                                </DropdownMenuRadioItem>
+                              ))}
+                            </DropdownMenuRadioGroup>
+                          </DropdownMenuContent>
+                        </DropdownMenu>
+                      </motion.div>
+                    ) : null}
+                  </AnimatePresence>
+                </div>
+              </div>
+            </PopoverAnchor>
+            <PopoverContent
+              align="start"
+              className="w-(--radix-popover-trigger-width) overflow-hidden p-0"
+              data-testid="member-search-popover"
+              onCloseAutoFocus={(event) => event.preventDefault()}
+              onOpenAutoFocus={(event) => event.preventDefault()}
+              sideOffset={6}
+            >
+              <div
+                className="max-h-64 overflow-y-auto overscroll-contain py-1"
+                data-testid="member-search-results"
+                id="member-search-results"
+                role="listbox"
+              >
+                {userSearchQuery.isLoading ? (
+                  <p className="px-3 py-3 text-sm text-muted-foreground">
+                    Searching…
+                  </p>
+                ) : searchResults.length > 0 || directResult ? (
+                  <>
+                    {directResult ? (
+                      <SearchResult
+                        onSelect={() => selectUser(directResult)}
+                        user={directResult}
+                      />
+                    ) : null}
+                    {searchResults.map((user) => (
+                      <SearchResult
+                        key={user.pubkey}
+                        onSelect={() => selectUser(user)}
+                        user={user}
+                      />
+                    ))}
+                  </>
+                ) : (
+                  <p className="px-3 py-3 text-sm text-muted-foreground">
+                    No people found. Paste a full npub or hex public key to add
+                    someone directly.
+                  </p>
+                )}
+              </div>
+            </PopoverContent>
+          </Popover>
+          <AnimatePresence initial={false}>
+            {selectedUsers.length > 0 ? (
+              <motion.div
+                animate={{ opacity: 1, scale: 1, x: 0 }}
+                className="shrink-0"
+                exit={{ opacity: 0, scale: 0.96, x: -4 }}
+                initial={{ opacity: 0, scale: 0.96, x: -4 }}
+                transition={actionTransition}
+              >
+                <Button
+                  className="h-11"
+                  data-testid="confirm-add-member"
+                  disabled={!canAdd}
+                  size="sm"
+                  type="submit"
+                >
+                  {addMutation.isPending ? "Inviting…" : submitLabel}
+                </Button>
+              </motion.div>
+            ) : null}
+          </AnimatePresence>
+        </div>
+        {isAlreadyMember ? (
+          <p className="text-xs text-destructive">
+            This person is already a community member.
+          </p>
+        ) : null}
+        {userSearchQuery.error instanceof Error ? (
+          <p className="text-xs text-destructive">
+            {userSearchQuery.error.message}
+          </p>
+        ) : null}
+      </div>
+
+      {addMutation.error instanceof Error ? (
+        <p className="rounded-xl border border-destructive/30 bg-destructive/10 px-3 py-2 text-sm text-destructive">
+          {addMutation.error.message}
+        </p>
+      ) : null}
+    </form>
+  );
+}
+
+function SearchResult({
+  onSelect,
+  user,
+}: {
+  onSelect: () => void;
+  user: UserSearchResult;
+}) {
+  const name = formatSearchUserName(user);
+  const isDirectPubkey = user.displayName === null && user.nip05Handle === null;
+
+  return (
+    <button
+      className="flex min-h-11 w-full items-center gap-3 px-3 py-2 text-left transition-colors hover:bg-muted/50 focus-visible:bg-muted/50 focus-visible:outline-hidden"
+      data-testid={`member-search-result-${user.pubkey}`}
+      onClick={onSelect}
+      role="option"
+      type="button"
+    >
+      <ProfileAvatar
+        avatarUrl={user.avatarUrl}
+        className="h-8 w-8 text-xs shadow-none"
+        iconClassName="h-4 w-4"
+        label={name}
+      />
+      <span className="min-w-0 flex-1 truncate text-sm font-medium">
+        {name}
+      </span>
+      {isDirectPubkey ? (
+        <span className="shrink-0 text-xs text-muted-foreground">
+          public key
+        </span>
+      ) : null}
+    </button>
+  );
+}
+
 export function AddMemberDialog({
   isOwner,
   open,
@@ -33,49 +463,8 @@ export function AddMemberDialog({
   open: boolean;
   onOpenChange: (open: boolean) => void;
 }) {
-  const addMutation = useAddRelayMemberMutation();
-  const membersQuery = useRelayMembersQuery();
-  const [pubkey, setPubkey] = React.useState("");
-  const [role, setRole] = React.useState<RelayMemberRole>("member");
-
-  const normalizedPubkey = pubkey.trim().toLowerCase();
-  const isValidPubkey = PUBKEY_REGEX.test(normalizedPubkey);
-  const isAlreadyMember =
-    isValidPubkey &&
-    !addMutation.isPending &&
-    (membersQuery.data ?? []).some(
-      (m) => m.pubkey.toLowerCase() === normalizedPubkey,
-    );
-  const canAdd = isValidPubkey && !isAlreadyMember && !addMutation.isPending;
-
-  function reset() {
-    setPubkey("");
-    setRole("member");
-    addMutation.reset();
-  }
-
-  function handleOpenChange(next: boolean) {
-    if (!next) {
-      reset();
-    }
-    onOpenChange(next);
-  }
-
-  function handleAdd() {
-    if (!canAdd) return;
-    addMutation.mutate(
-      { pubkey: normalizedPubkey, role },
-      {
-        onSuccess: () => {
-          toast.success("Member added");
-          handleOpenChange(false);
-        },
-      },
-    );
-  }
-
   return (
-    <Dialog onOpenChange={handleOpenChange} open={open}>
+    <Dialog onOpenChange={onOpenChange} open={open}>
       <DialogContent
         className="max-w-md overflow-hidden p-0"
         data-testid="add-relay-member-dialog"
@@ -84,102 +473,15 @@ export function AddMemberDialog({
           <DialogHeader className="border-b border-border/60 px-6 py-5 pr-14">
             <DialogTitle>Add member</DialogTitle>
             <DialogDescription>
-              Add a user to this relay by their public key.
+              Add a person to this community by their public key.
             </DialogDescription>
           </DialogHeader>
-
-          <form
-            className="contents"
-            onSubmit={(e) => {
-              e.preventDefault();
-              handleAdd();
-            }}
-          >
-            <div className="flex-1 overflow-y-auto px-6 py-4">
-              <div className="space-y-4">
-                <div className="space-y-1.5">
-                  <label
-                    className="text-sm font-medium"
-                    htmlFor="member-pubkey"
-                  >
-                    Public key
-                  </label>
-                  <Input
-                    autoCapitalize="none"
-                    autoCorrect="off"
-                    data-testid="member-pubkey-input"
-                    id="member-pubkey"
-                    maxLength={64}
-                    onChange={(e) => setPubkey(e.target.value)}
-                    placeholder="64-character hex pubkey"
-                    spellCheck={false}
-                    value={pubkey}
-                  />
-                  {pubkey.trim().length > 0 && !isValidPubkey ? (
-                    <p className="text-xs text-destructive">
-                      Must be exactly 64 lowercase hex characters.
-                    </p>
-                  ) : null}
-                  {isAlreadyMember ? (
-                    <p className="text-xs text-destructive">
-                      This pubkey is already a relay member.
-                    </p>
-                  ) : null}
-                </div>
-
-                <div className="space-y-1.5">
-                  <p className="text-sm font-medium">Role</p>
-                  <div className="flex gap-2">
-                    {ROLE_OPTIONS.filter(
-                      (opt) => isOwner || opt.value === "member",
-                    ).map((opt) => (
-                      <button
-                        aria-pressed={role === opt.value}
-                        className={cn(
-                          "rounded-lg border px-3 py-1.5 text-sm transition-colors",
-                          role === opt.value
-                            ? "border-primary bg-primary/10 text-foreground"
-                            : "border-border/60 text-muted-foreground hover:bg-accent",
-                        )}
-                        data-testid={`member-role-${opt.value}`}
-                        key={opt.value}
-                        onClick={() => setRole(opt.value)}
-                        type="button"
-                      >
-                        {opt.label}
-                      </button>
-                    ))}
-                  </div>
-                </div>
-
-                {addMutation.error instanceof Error ? (
-                  <p className="rounded-xl border border-destructive/30 bg-destructive/10 px-3 py-2 text-sm text-destructive">
-                    {addMutation.error.message}
-                  </p>
-                ) : null}
-              </div>
-            </div>
-
-            <div className="flex justify-end gap-2 border-t border-border/60 bg-background/95 px-6 py-4">
-              <Button
-                data-testid="cancel-add-member"
-                onClick={() => handleOpenChange(false)}
-                size="sm"
-                type="button"
-                variant="outline"
-              >
-                Cancel
-              </Button>
-              <Button
-                data-testid="confirm-add-member"
-                disabled={!canAdd}
-                size="sm"
-                type="submit"
-              >
-                {addMutation.isPending ? "Adding..." : "Add member"}
-              </Button>
-            </div>
-          </form>
+          <div className="px-6 py-4">
+            <DirectAddMemberForm
+              isOwner={isOwner}
+              onAdded={() => onOpenChange(false)}
+            />
+          </div>
         </div>
       </DialogContent>
     </Dialog>
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/community-members/ui/CommunityInviteDialog.tsx b/desktop/src/features/community-members/ui/CommunityInviteDialog.tsx
index 9daca590f..c5cabc26a 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/community-members/ui/CommunityInviteDialog.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/community-members/ui/CommunityInviteDialog.tsx
@@ -7,20 +7,21 @@ import {
   DialogHeader,
   DialogTitle,
 } from "@/shared/ui/dialog";
+import { DirectAddMemberForm } from "./AddMemberDialog";
 import {
   DEFAULT_INVITE_TTL_SECS,
   InviteLinkSection,
 } from "./InviteLinkSection";
 
 export function CommunityInviteDialog({
+  isOwner,
   onOpenChange,
   open,
 }: {
+  isOwner: boolean;
   onOpenChange: (open: boolean) => void;
   open: boolean;
 }) {
-  // Email delivery is not available yet, so the modal only mints shareable
-  // invite links through the relay's existing invite flow.
   const [ttlSecs, setTtlSecs] = React.useState(DEFAULT_INVITE_TTL_SECS);
 
   React.useEffect(() => {
@@ -36,11 +37,24 @@ export function CommunityInviteDialog({
         <DialogHeader>
           <DialogTitle>Invite to community</DialogTitle>
           <DialogDescription>
-            Anyone with this link can join this community.
+            Add someone directly or share a link they can use to join.
           </DialogDescription>
         </DialogHeader>
 
-        <InviteLinkSection onTtlSecsChange={setTtlSecs} ttlSecs={ttlSecs} />
+        <section className="mt-2 space-y-3">
+          <DirectAddMemberForm
+            isOwner={isOwner}
+            showLabel={false}
+            submitLabel="Invite"
+          />
+        </section>
+
+        <section className="space-y-3">
+          <p className="text-2xs font-medium text-secondary-foreground/75">
+            Link settings
+          </p>
+          <InviteLinkSection onTtlSecsChange={setTtlSecs} ttlSecs={ttlSecs} />
+        </section>
       </DialogContent>
     </Dialog>
   );
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/community-members/ui/CommunityMembersSettingsCard.tsx b/desktop/src/features/community-members/ui/CommunityMembersSettingsCard.tsx
index 9097f3538..9a2417131 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/community-members/ui/CommunityMembersSettingsCard.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/community-members/ui/CommunityMembersSettingsCard.tsx
@@ -370,6 +370,7 @@ export function CommunityMembersSettingsCard({
       </div>
 
       <CommunityInviteDialog
+        isOwner={currentRole === "owner"}
         onOpenChange={setInviteDialogOpen}
         open={inviteDialogOpen}
       />
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/community-members/ui/InviteLinkSection.tsx b/desktop/src/features/community-members/ui/InviteLinkSection.tsx
index dc0735c85..05b468728 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/community-members/ui/InviteLinkSection.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/community-members/ui/InviteLinkSection.tsx
@@ -84,8 +84,8 @@ export function InviteLinkSection({
   }
 
   return (
-    <section className="pt-2" data-testid="community-invite-link-section">
-      <div className="space-y-5">
+    <section data-testid="community-invite-link-section">
+      <div className="space-y-3">
         <div className="flex items-center justify-between gap-4">
           <span className="text-sm font-medium">Expires after</span>
           <DropdownMenu>
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/SelectedRecipientChip.tsx b/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/SelectedRecipientChip.tsx
index 18bf6d3b8..bfc2f4316 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/SelectedRecipientChip.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/SelectedRecipientChip.tsx
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ export function SelectedRecipientChip({
   user: UserSearchResult;
 }) {
   return (
-    <div className="inline-flex h-7 max-w-56 items-center gap-1.5 rounded-full bg-muted px-1.5 pr-2.5 text-sm transition-colors hover:bg-muted/80">
+    <div className="inline-flex h-7 max-w-56 items-center gap-1.5 rounded-full bg-muted px-1 pr-2.5 text-sm transition-colors hover:bg-muted/80">
       <button
         aria-label={`Remove ${label}`}
         className={cn(
diff --git a/desktop/src/shared/lib/nostrUtils.ts b/desktop/src/shared/lib/nostrUtils.ts
index b73d46d99..d98c6ee8c 100644
--- a/desktop/src/shared/lib/nostrUtils.ts
+++ b/desktop/src/shared/lib/nostrUtils.ts
@@ -23,6 +23,34 @@ export function safeNpub(pubkey: string): string | null {
   }
 }
 
+const HEX_PUBKEY_REGEX = /^[0-9a-f]{64}$/;
+
+/**
+ * Parse user-entered public key input — either a 64-character hex pubkey or
+ * a bech32 `npub1…` string — into a lowercase hex pubkey. Returns null for
+ * anything else (does NOT throw — intended for live form validation).
+ *
+ * The input is trimmed first; surrounding whitespace from copy-paste is
+ * tolerated.
+ */
+export function parsePubkeyInput(input: string): string | null {
+  const trimmed = input.trim().toLowerCase();
+  if (HEX_PUBKEY_REGEX.test(trimmed)) {
+    return trimmed;
+  }
+  if (trimmed.startsWith("npub1")) {
+    try {
+      const decoded = decode(trimmed);
+      if (decoded.type === "npub") {
+        return decoded.data;
+      }
+    } catch {
+      return null;
+    }
+  }
+  return null;
+}
+
 /**
  * Decode a bech32 nsec string and derive the matching npub. Returns null if
  * the input is not a syntactically valid `nsec1…` (does NOT throw — this is
diff --git a/desktop/src/shared/lib/parsePubkeyInput.test.mjs b/desktop/src/shared/lib/parsePubkeyInput.test.mjs
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..f9aa57d87
--- /dev/null
+++ b/desktop/src/shared/lib/parsePubkeyInput.test.mjs
@@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
+import assert from "node:assert/strict";
+import { describe, it } from "node:test";
+
+import { parsePubkeyInput } from "./nostrUtils.ts";
+
+const HEX = "ea9b4d7a7a78a3e3729e5568b14d764d4962be0e1f20f749bcf8d9dbbf9a9328";
+const NPUB = "npub1a2d567n60z37xu57245tzntkf4yk90swrus0wjdulrvah0u6jv5qusyp60";
+
+describe("parsePubkeyInput", () => {
+  it("accepts a lowercase 64-char hex pubkey", () => {
+    assert.equal(parsePubkeyInput(HEX), HEX);
+  });
+
+  it("lowercases an uppercase hex pubkey", () => {
+    assert.equal(parsePubkeyInput(HEX.toUpperCase()), HEX);
+  });
+
+  it("decodes an npub to its hex pubkey", () => {
+    assert.equal(parsePubkeyInput(NPUB), HEX);
+  });
+
+  it("tolerates surrounding whitespace from copy-paste", () => {
+    assert.equal(parsePubkeyInput(`  ${NPUB}\n`), HEX);
+    assert.equal(parsePubkeyInput(` ${HEX} `), HEX);
+  });
+
+  it("rejects an npub with a corrupted checksum", () => {
+    assert.equal(parsePubkeyInput(`${NPUB.slice(0, -1)}q`), null);
+  });
+
+  it("rejects other bech32 entities such as nsec", () => {
+    assert.equal(
+      parsePubkeyInput(
+        "nsec1vl029mgpspedva04g90vltkh6fvh240zqtv9k0t9af8935ke9laqsnlfe5",
+      ),
+      null,
+    );
+  });
+
+  it("rejects hex of the wrong length", () => {
+    assert.equal(parsePubkeyInput(HEX.slice(0, 63)), null);
+    assert.equal(parsePubkeyInput(`${HEX}0`), null);
+  });
+
+  it("rejects non-hex non-npub input", () => {
+    assert.equal(parsePubkeyInput(""), null);
+    assert.equal(parsePubkeyInput("alice"), null);
+    assert.equal(parsePubkeyInput(`z${HEX.slice(1)}`), null);
+  });
+});
diff --git a/desktop/tests/e2e/community-rail.spec.ts b/desktop/tests/e2e/community-rail.spec.ts
index 0c7810819..3b24b87f3 100644
--- a/desktop/tests/e2e/community-rail.spec.ts
+++ b/desktop/tests/e2e/community-rail.spec.ts
@@ -145,6 +145,7 @@ test.describe("community rail", () => {
     await expect(page.getByTestId("community-invite-email-field")).toHaveCount(
       0,
     );
+    await expect(page.getByTestId("member-pubkey-input")).toBeVisible();
     await expect(page.getByTestId("copy-invite-link")).toBeVisible();
   });
 
diff --git a/desktop/tests/e2e/invite-link-copy.spec.ts b/desktop/tests/e2e/invite-link-copy.spec.ts
index 015abd848..20df59a00 100644
--- a/desktop/tests/e2e/invite-link-copy.spec.ts
+++ b/desktop/tests/e2e/invite-link-copy.spec.ts
@@ -35,6 +35,9 @@ test("copies a freshly minted invite link without showing a URL or QR code", asy
   await expect(page.getByTestId("settings-community-members")).toBeVisible();
 
   await page.getByTestId("community-invite-dialog-trigger").click();
+  await expect(page.getByTestId("member-pubkey-input")).toBeVisible();
+  await expect(page.getByTestId("member-role")).toHaveCount(0);
+  await expect(page.getByTestId("confirm-add-member")).toHaveCount(0);
   await expect(page.getByTestId("invite-link-url")).toHaveCount(0);
   await expect(page.getByTestId("invite-link-qr-code")).toHaveCount(0);
   await expect(page.getByTestId("invite-link-max-uses-trigger")).toHaveText(
diff --git a/desktop/tests/e2e/invites-settings-screenshots.spec.ts b/desktop/tests/e2e/invites-settings-screenshots.spec.ts
index c56e33bcd..56369b483 100644
--- a/desktop/tests/e2e/invites-settings-screenshots.spec.ts
+++ b/desktop/tests/e2e/invites-settings-screenshots.spec.ts
@@ -5,11 +5,21 @@ import { installMockBridge } from "../helpers/bridge";
 import { openSettings } from "../helpers/settings";
 
 const OUTDIR = "test-results/invites-settings";
+const DIRECT_ADD_HEX =
+  "ea9b4d7a7a78a3e3729e5568b14d764d4962be0e1f20f749bcf8d9dbbf9a9328";
+const DIRECT_ADD_NPUB =
+  "npub1a2d567n60z37xu57245tzntkf4yk90swrus0wjdulrvah0u6jv5qusyp60";
+const SECOND_DIRECT_ADD_HEX =
+  "aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa";
+const SECOND_DIRECT_ADD_NPUB =
+  "npub1424242424242424242424242424242424242424242424242424qamrcaj";
 
-test.beforeEach(async ({ page }) => {
+test.beforeEach(async ({ page }, testInfo) => {
   await installMockBridge(page, {
     relayRequiresMembership: true,
-    relayRole: "owner",
+    relayRole: testInfo.title.includes("admin can add members")
+      ? "admin"
+      : "owner",
   });
   await page.route("**/api/invites", async (route) => {
     await route.fulfill({
@@ -78,33 +88,133 @@ test("capture: share-style community invite dialog", async ({ page }) => {
   await expect(page.getByTestId("community-invite-email-field")).toHaveCount(0);
   await expect(page.getByPlaceholder("Type an email address")).toHaveCount(0);
   await expect(
-    dialog.getByText("Anyone with this link can join this community."),
+    dialog.getByText(
+      "Add someone directly or share a link they can use to join.",
+    ),
   ).toBeVisible();
-  await expect(dialog.getByText("Expires after")).toBeVisible();
-  await expect(dialog.getByText("Limit number of uses")).toBeVisible();
-  await expect(page.getByTestId("invite-link-max-uses-trigger")).toHaveText(
-    "No limit",
-  );
+  await expect(
+    dialog.getByRole("heading", { name: "Add someone", exact: true }),
+  ).toHaveCount(0);
+  await expect(
+    dialog.getByText("Or share a link", { exact: true }),
+  ).toHaveCount(0);
+  await expect(
+    dialog.getByText("Link settings", { exact: true }),
+  ).toBeVisible();
+  await expect(page.getByTestId("member-pubkey-input")).toBeVisible();
+  await expect(page.getByTestId("member-role")).toHaveCount(0);
+  await expect(page.getByTestId("confirm-add-member")).toHaveCount(0);
   await expect(page.getByTestId("copy-invite-link")).toHaveText("Copy link");
-  await expect(page.getByTestId("invite-link-qr-code")).toHaveCount(0);
-  await expect(page.getByTestId("invite-link-url")).toHaveCount(0);
+  await expect(page.getByTestId("invite-link-ttl-trigger")).toHaveText(
+    "3 days",
+  );
 
-  const expiryTrigger = page.getByTestId("invite-link-ttl-trigger");
-  await expect(expiryTrigger).toHaveText("3 days");
-  await expect(expiryTrigger).toHaveCSS("font-size", "14px");
+  await page.getByTestId("member-pubkey-input").fill(DIRECT_ADD_NPUB);
+  await expect(page.getByTestId("member-search-popover")).toBeVisible();
+  await page.getByTestId(`member-search-result-${DIRECT_ADD_HEX}`).click();
+  const memberRole = page.getByTestId("member-role");
+  const selectedChip = page.getByTestId(
+    `member-search-selection-remove-${DIRECT_ADD_HEX}`,
+  );
+  await expect(memberRole).toHaveText("Member");
+  const inviteButton = page.getByTestId("confirm-add-member");
+  await expect(inviteButton).toHaveText("Invite");
+  await waitForAnimations(page);
+  await expect(inviteButton).toHaveCSS("height", "44px");
+  await expect(inviteButton).toHaveJSProperty(
+    "offsetHeight",
+    await page
+      .getByTestId("member-recipient-field")
+      .evaluate((field) => Math.round(field.getBoundingClientRect().height)),
+  );
+  const selectedChipRemoveIcon = selectedChip.locator("span.absolute");
+  await expect(selectedChipRemoveIcon).toHaveCSS("opacity", "0");
+  await selectedChip.hover();
+  await expect(selectedChipRemoveIcon).toHaveCSS("opacity", "1");
+  const memberSearch = page.getByTestId("member-pubkey-input");
+  await expect(memberSearch).toBeFocused();
+  await memberSearch.fill(SECOND_DIRECT_ADD_NPUB);
+  await expect(page.getByTestId("member-search-popover")).toBeVisible();
+  await page
+    .getByTestId(`member-search-result-${SECOND_DIRECT_ADD_HEX}`)
+    .click();
   await expect(
-    dialog.getByText("Limit number of uses", { exact: true }),
-  ).toHaveCSS("font-size", "14px");
-  await expiryTrigger.click();
-  await expect(page.getByRole("menu")).not.toContainText("Expires after");
-  await expect(
-    page.getByRole("menuitemradio", { name: "1 day" }),
+    page.getByTestId(`member-search-selection-remove-${SECOND_DIRECT_ADD_HEX}`),
   ).toBeVisible();
+  await expect(memberSearch).toBeFocused();
+  await memberRole.click();
   await expect(
-    page.getByRole("menuitemradio", { name: "30 days" }),
+    page.getByRole("menuitemradio", { name: "Admin" }),
   ).toBeVisible();
   await page.keyboard.press("Escape");
-
+  await expect(page.getByTestId("confirm-add-member")).toBeEnabled();
   await waitForAnimations(page);
+  await page.mouse.move(0, 0);
   await dialog.screenshot({ path: `${OUTDIR}/02-invite-dialog.png` });
 });
+
+test("admin can add members but cannot assign the admin role", async ({
+  page,
+}) => {
+  await page.getByTestId("community-invite-dialog-trigger").click();
+
+  await page.getByTestId("member-pubkey-input").fill(DIRECT_ADD_NPUB);
+  await page.getByTestId(`member-search-result-${DIRECT_ADD_HEX}`).click();
+  const memberRole = page.getByTestId("member-role");
+  await expect(memberRole).toHaveText("Member");
+  await memberRole.click();
+  await expect(page.getByRole("menuitemradio", { name: "Admin" })).toHaveCount(
+    0,
+  );
+  await page.keyboard.press("Escape");
+});
+
+test("owner can add multiple admins directly by npub from live Invites UI", async ({
+  page,
+}) => {
+  await page.getByTestId("community-invite-dialog-trigger").click();
+  await page.getByTestId("member-pubkey-input").fill(DIRECT_ADD_NPUB);
+  await page.getByTestId(`member-search-result-${DIRECT_ADD_HEX}`).click();
+  await page.getByTestId("member-pubkey-input").fill(SECOND_DIRECT_ADD_NPUB);
+  await page
+    .getByTestId(`member-search-result-${SECOND_DIRECT_ADD_HEX}`)
+    .click();
+  await page.getByTestId("member-role").click();
+  await page.getByRole("menuitemradio", { name: "Admin" }).click();
+  await page.getByTestId("confirm-add-member").click();
+
+  await expect
+    .poll(async () =>
+      page.evaluate(
+        ({ targetPubkeys, role }) =>
+          targetPubkeys.every((targetPubkey) =>
+            (window.__BUZZ_E2E_COMMAND_PAYLOADS__ ?? []).some((entry) => {
+              if (entry.command !== "plugin:websocket|send") return false;
+              const wireMessage = (
+                entry.payload as {
+                  message?: { data?: unknown };
+                }
+              )?.message?.data;
+              if (typeof wireMessage !== "string") return false;
+              const message = JSON.parse(wireMessage) as unknown[];
+              if (message[0] !== "EVENT") return false;
+              const event = message[1] as
+                | { kind?: number; tags?: string[][] }
+                | undefined;
+              return (
+                event?.kind === 9030 &&
+                event.tags?.some(
+                  (tag) => tag[0] === "p" && tag[1] === targetPubkey,
+                ) &&
+                event.tags.some((tag) => tag[0] === "role" && tag[1] === role)
+              );
+            }),
+          ),
+        {
+          targetPubkeys: [DIRECT_ADD_HEX, SECOND_DIRECT_ADD_HEX],
+          role: "admin",
+        },
+      ),
+    )
+    .toBe(true);
+});