diff --git a/crates/engine/src/cmd/clipboard.rs b/crates/engine/src/cmd/clipboard.rs
--- a/crates/engine/src/cmd/clipboard.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/cmd/clipboard.rs
@@ -12,14 +12,14 @@
 mod flavours;
 pub(crate) mod resources;
 
-use std::collections::BTreeMap;
+use std::collections::{BTreeMap, BTreeSet};
 use std::sync::Arc;
 
 use serde_json::{Value, json};
 use vectorcraft_brush::Brush;
 use vectorcraft_color::Swatch;
-use vectorcraft_doc::{Document, GraphicStyle, ImageBlob, Node, NodeId, PatternDef, Symbol, TextStyleDef};
-use vectorcraft_geom::Rect;
+use vectorcraft_doc::{Document, GraphicStyle, ImageBlob, Node, NodeId, NodeKind, PatternDef, Selection, Symbol, TextStyleDef};
+use vectorcraft_geom::{PathData, Rect};
 
 pub use flavours::{AI, BITMAP, EMF, EPS, FILE_HEAD, Flavour, PASTE_ORDER, PDF, PNG, SVG, TEXT, file_flavour, is_address, names_a_picture};
 pub(crate) use resources::SwatchChoices;
@@ -94,21 +94,145 @@ pub struct Clipboard {
     pub artboards: Vec<vectorcraft_doc::Artboard>,
 }
 
+/// Indices of segments selected on `sp` (either explicitly or via incident anchors).
+pub(crate) fn subpath_selected_segments(
+    sp: &vectorcraft_geom::SubPath,
+    si: usize,
+    seg_refs: Option<&BTreeSet<(usize, usize)>>,
+    anchor_refs: Option<&BTreeSet<(usize, usize)>>,
+) -> BTreeSet<usize> {
+    let seg_count = sp.segment_count();
+    if seg_count == 0 {
+        return BTreeSet::new();
+    }
+    let n = sp.anchors.len();
+    let mut selected_segs = BTreeSet::new();
+
+    let has_explicit_segs = seg_refs.is_some_and(|segments| segments.iter().any(|&(s, _)| s == si));
+    if has_explicit_segs {
+        if let Some(segments) = seg_refs {
+            for &(s, seg) in segments {
+                if s == si && seg < seg_count {
+                    selected_segs.insert(seg);
+                }
+            }
+        }
+        return selected_segs;
+    }
+
+    if let Some(anchors) = anchor_refs {
+        let sub_anchors: BTreeSet<usize> = anchors.iter().filter_map(|&(s, a)| (s == si && a < n).then_some(a)).collect();
+        if !sub_anchors.is_empty() {
+            for i in 0..seg_count {
+                let next = (i + 1) % n;
+                if sub_anchors.contains(&i) && sub_anchors.contains(&next) {
+                    selected_segs.insert(i);
+                }
+            }
+
+            for &i in &sub_anchors {
+                let prev_selected = if sp.closed { sub_anchors.contains(&((i + n - 1) % n)) } else { i > 0 && sub_anchors.contains(&(i - 1)) };
+                let next_selected = if sp.closed { sub_anchors.contains(&((i + 1) % n)) } else { i + 1 < n && sub_anchors.contains(&(i + 1)) };
+                if !prev_selected && !next_selected {
+                    if sp.closed {
+                        selected_segs.insert((i + n - 1) % n);
+                        selected_segs.insert(i);
+                    } else {
+                        if i > 0 {
+                            selected_segs.insert(i - 1);
+                        }
+                        if i < seg_count {
+                            selected_segs.insert(i);
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    selected_segs
+}
+
+/// When direct selection is active on a path (some anchors or segments selected), extract only
+/// the selected runs as new open path nodes (with retracted endpoint handles). Returns `None`
+/// when the node is selected whole or is not a path.
+pub(crate) fn extract_direct_selection(node: &Node, selection: &Selection) -> Option<Vec<Node>> {
+    let seg_refs = selection.segments.get(&node.id);
+    let anchor_refs = selection.anchors.get(&node.id);
+    if seg_refs.is_none() && anchor_refs.is_none() {
+        return None;
+    }
+    let path = node.path_data()?;
+    let mut subpath_segs = Vec::new();
+    let mut total_segs = 0;
+    let mut total_selected = 0;
+
+    for (si, sp) in path.subpaths.iter().enumerate() {
+        let segs = subpath_selected_segments(sp, si, seg_refs, anchor_refs);
+        total_segs += sp.segment_count();
+        total_selected += segs.len();
+        subpath_segs.push(segs);
+    }
+
+    if total_selected == 0 {
+        return None;
+    }
+
+    // When every segment of the path is selected, copy the object unchanged.
+    if total_segs > 0 && total_selected == total_segs {
+        return None;
+    }
+
+    let mut pieces = vec![];
+    for (sp, selected_segs) in path.subpaths.iter().zip(subpath_segs) {
+        let seg_count = sp.segment_count();
+        if selected_segs.is_empty() || seg_count == 0 {
+            continue;
+        }
+        let unselected: BTreeSet<usize> = (0..seg_count).filter(|i| !selected_segs.contains(i)).collect();
+        let surviving = if unselected.is_empty() { vec![sp.clone()] } else { super::path::without_segments(sp.clone(), &unselected) };
+        for surviving_sp in surviving {
+            let mut piece = node.clone();
+            if let NodeKind::Path { rule, clipping, guide, .. } = &node.kind {
+                piece.kind = NodeKind::Path { path: PathData::single(surviving_sp), rule: *rule, live: None, clipping: *clipping, guide: *guide };
+            }
+            pieces.push(piece);
+        }
+    }
+    if pieces.is_empty() { None } else { Some(pieces) }
+}
+
 impl Clipboard {
     pub fn is_empty(&self) -> bool {
         self.nodes.is_empty() && self.artboards.is_empty()
     }
 
     /// Objects `roots` of `st`'s document with their resources, source artboard and layers.
-    pub(crate) fn copy(st: &DocState, roots: &[NodeId]) -> Self {
+    pub(crate) fn copy(st: &DocState, roots: &[NodeId], direct: bool) -> Self {
         let d = &*st.doc;
         let mut nodes = vec![];
         let mut source_layers = vec![];
         for id in roots {
             let (Some(n), Some(anc)) = (d.node(*id), d.ancestry(*id)) else { continue };
-            nodes.push(n.clone());
-            // The nearest enclosing layer (or sublayer).
-            source_layers.push(anc.iter().rev().skip(1).find_map(|a| d.node(*a).filter(|l| l.is_layer())).and_then(|l| l.name.clone()));
+            let layer_name = anc.iter().rev().skip(1).find_map(|a| d.node(*a).filter(|l| l.is_layer())).and_then(|l| l.name.clone());
+            let compound_parent = anc.iter().rev().skip(1).find_map(|a| d.node(*a).filter(|p| matches!(p.kind, NodeKind::Compound { .. })));
+            let inherit_appearance = |mut piece: Node| {
+                if let Some(parent) = compound_parent
+                    && piece.appearance.items.is_empty()
+                {
+                    piece.appearance = parent.appearance.clone();
+                }
+                piece
+            };
+            if direct && let Some(pieces) = extract_direct_selection(n, &st.selection) {
+                for piece in pieces {
+                    nodes.push(inherit_appearance(piece));
+                    source_layers.push(layer_name.clone());
+                }
+            } else {
+                nodes.push(inherit_appearance(n.clone()));
+                source_layers.push(layer_name);
+            }
         }
         // Symbol instances are measured by their art.
         let symbols = d.symbol_boxes();
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/cmd/edit.rs b/crates/engine/src/cmd/edit.rs
--- a/crates/engine/src/cmd/edit.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/cmd/edit.rs
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ use std::collections::{BTreeMap, BTreeSet};
 use std::sync::Arc;
 
 use serde_json::{Value, json};
-use vectorcraft_doc::{Document, Node, NodeId, RulerMode, Unit};
+use vectorcraft_doc::{Document, Node, NodeId, NodeKind, RulerMode, Unit};
 use vectorcraft_geom::{Affine, Point, Vec2};
 
 use super::clipboard::SwatchChoices;
@@ -545,17 +545,25 @@ pub(crate) fn selected_roots(s: &Session) -> Result<Vec<NodeId>> {
 /// rest still go to the compound path, which holds the paint.
 pub(crate) fn selected_roots_to_transform(s: &Session) -> Result<Vec<NodeId>> {
     let st = s.doc()?;
-    Ok(roots_within(&st.doc, st.selection.in_paint_order(&st.doc), true))
+    Ok(roots_within(&st.doc, st.selection.in_paint_order(&st.doc), CompoundHandling::KeepAll))
 }
 
 /// The top-level objects among `ids` (in paint order): compound-path members stand for their
 /// compound, and ids whose ancestor is also listed, and layers, are dropped.
 pub(crate) fn roots_of(doc: &Document, ids: Vec<NodeId>) -> Vec<NodeId> {
-    roots_within(doc, ids, false)
+    roots_within(doc, ids, CompoundHandling::PromoteAll)
 }
 
-/// [`roots_of`]; with `members`, a compound path's member listed stays itself.
-fn roots_within(doc: &Document, ids: Vec<NodeId>, members: bool) -> Vec<NodeId> {
+#[derive(Copy, Clone)]
+enum CompoundHandling<'a> {
+    PromoteAll,
+    KeepAll,
+    KeepOnlyPartial(&'a vectorcraft_doc::Selection),
+}
+
+/// [`roots_of`]; depending on `handling`, compound members may stay themselves or be promoted
+/// to their compound path parent.
+fn roots_within(doc: &Document, ids: Vec<NodeId>, handling: CompoundHandling<'_>) -> Vec<NodeId> {
     // Every id's place in the tree, found in one walk (a lookup per id is a walk per id).
     let paths = doc.index_paths(ids.iter().copied());
     // A compound-path member acts as its compound (compounds are one object).
@@ -564,8 +572,13 @@ fn roots_within(doc: &Document, ids: Vec<NodeId>, members: bool) -> Vec<NodeId>
         .map(|id| {
             let path = paths.get(&id);
             let parent = path.and_then(|p| p.split_last()).map(|(_, up)| up).filter(|up| !up.is_empty());
+            let keep_member = match handling {
+                CompoundHandling::PromoteAll => false,
+                CompoundHandling::KeepAll => true,
+                CompoundHandling::KeepOnlyPartial(sel) => sel.partial(id).is_some() || sel.segments.contains_key(&id),
+            };
             match parent.and_then(|up| doc.node_at(up).map(|n| (up, n))) {
-                Some((up, n)) if matches!(n.kind, vectorcraft_doc::NodeKind::Compound { .. }) && !members => (n.id, Some(up.to_vec())),
+                Some((up, n)) if matches!(n.kind, vectorcraft_doc::NodeKind::Compound { .. }) && !keep_member => (n.id, Some(up.to_vec())),
                 _ => (id, path.cloned()),
             }
         })
@@ -596,13 +609,35 @@ fn without_inner(doc: &Document, placed: Vec<(NodeId, Option<Vec<usize>>)>) -> i
     })
 }
 
+/// The direct-selection flag and resolved root nodes for Copy and Cut operations.
+fn copy_cut_targets(s: &Session) -> Result<(bool, Vec<NodeId>)> {
+    let st = s.doc()?;
+    let in_drawing_tool = matches!(s.tool_id(), "pen" | "curvature");
+    let direct = !in_drawing_tool && (!st.selection.anchors.is_empty() || !st.selection.segments.is_empty());
+    let in_isolated_compound = st.isolation.is_some_and(|iso| st.doc.node(iso).is_some_and(|n| matches!(n.kind, NodeKind::Compound { .. })));
+    let handling = if in_isolated_compound {
+        CompoundHandling::KeepAll
+    } else if direct {
+        CompoundHandling::KeepOnlyPartial(&st.selection)
+    } else {
+        CompoundHandling::PromoteAll
+    };
+    let roots = roots_within(&st.doc, st.selection.in_paint_order(&st.doc), handling);
+    Ok((direct, roots))
+}
+
 fn copy(s: &mut Session, _: &Value) -> Result<Value> {
     // The Artboard tool copies its artboard (and the art on it).
     if s.tool_id() == "artboard" {
         return super::panelcmds::artboard_copy(s, &json!({}), false);
     }
-    let roots = selected_roots(s)?;
-    s.clipboard = Clipboard::copy(s.doc()?, &roots);
+    let (direct, roots) = copy_cut_targets(s)?;
+    let st = s.doc()?;
+    let new_clip = Clipboard::copy(st, &roots, direct);
+    if direct && new_clip.nodes.is_empty() {
+        return Ok(json!({ "copied": 0 }));
+    }
+    s.clipboard = new_clip;
     Ok(json!({ "copied": s.clipboard.nodes.len() }))
 }
 
@@ -610,17 +645,69 @@ fn cut(s: &mut Session, p: &Value) -> Result<Value> {
     if s.tool_id() == "artboard" {
         return super::panelcmds::artboard_copy(s, &json!({}), true);
     }
-    // Copy promotes a compound member to its compound. Cut must remove the same objects it
-    // copied, while Clear on its own deletes exactly the selected members.
-    let ids = selected_roots(s)?;
-    copy(s, p)?;
-    if s.doc()?.selection.anchors.is_empty() { clear(s, &json!({ "ids": ids })) } else { clear(s, &json!({})) }
+    let (direct, roots) = copy_cut_targets(s)?;
+    let res = copy(s, p)?;
+    if res.get("copied").and_then(Value::as_u64) == Some(0) {
+        return Ok(res);
+    }
+    if !direct { clear(s, &json!({ "ids": roots })) } else { cut_direct_selection(s, &roots) }
+}
+
+fn cut_direct_selection(s: &mut Session, roots: &[NodeId]) -> Result<Value> {
+    let st = s.doc()?;
+    let sel = st.selection.clone();
+    s.edit("Cut", |d, selection| {
+        let mut survivors = vec![];
+        for id in roots {
+            let Some(node) = d.node(*id) else { continue };
+            let has_direct = sel.anchors.contains_key(id) || sel.segments.contains_key(id);
+            if !has_direct {
+                d.remove(*id)?;
+                continue;
+            }
+            let Some(path) = node.path_data() else {
+                d.remove(*id)?;
+                continue;
+            };
+
+            let seg_refs = sel.segments.get(id);
+            let anchor_refs = sel.anchors.get(id);
+            let mut subpaths = Vec::new();
+            for (si, sp) in path.subpaths.iter().enumerate() {
+                let cuts = super::clipboard::subpath_selected_segments(sp, si, seg_refs, anchor_refs);
+                if cuts.is_empty() {
+                    subpaths.push(sp.clone());
+                } else {
+                    subpaths.extend(super::path::without_segments(sp.clone(), &cuts));
+                }
+            }
+            subpaths.retain(|sp| sp.anchors.len() >= 2);
+            if subpaths.is_empty() {
+                let parent = d.parent_of(*id).filter(|p| matches!(d.node(*p).map(|n| &n.kind), Some(NodeKind::Compound { .. })));
+                d.remove(*id)?;
+                if let Some(p) = parent
+                    && d.node(p).is_some_and(|n| n.children().is_some_and(|c| c.is_empty()))
+                {
+                    d.remove(p)?;
+                }
+            } else {
+                let path_node = super::path::path_mut(d, *id)?;
+                path_node.subpaths = subpaths;
+                survivors.push(*id);
+            }
+        }
+        selection.set(survivors);
+        selection.anchors.clear();
+        selection.segments.clear();
+        Ok(())
+    })?;
+    ok()
 }
 
 fn clear(s: &mut Session, p: &Value) -> Result<Value> {
     let explicit = if p.get("ids").is_some() { Some(checked_ids_param(s, p, "ids", "edit.clear")?) } else { None };
     // Direct-selected anchors or segments: remove those, and any objects selected whole with them.
-    if explicit.is_none() && !s.doc()?.selection.anchors.is_empty() {
+    if explicit.is_none() && (!s.doc()?.selection.anchors.is_empty() || !s.doc()?.selection.segments.is_empty()) {
         return super::path::delete_anchors(s, p);
     }
     // Selected ruler guides (selected on their own).
@@ -630,6 +717,7 @@ fn clear(s: &mut Session, p: &Value) -> Result<Value> {
     let st = s.doc()?;
     // Guides selected with the art go with it (not when ids are given).
     let with_guides = explicit.is_none();
+    let is_explicit = explicit.is_some();
     let targets = explicit.unwrap_or_else(|| st.selection.in_paint_order(&st.doc));
     // Keep the selected ids themselves, without promoting compound members. Delete a selected
     // ancestor just once; its selected descendants leave with it. Layers themselves are kept.
@@ -643,12 +731,26 @@ fn clear(s: &mut Session, p: &Value) -> Result<Value> {
         return ok();
     }
     s.edit("Clear", |d, sel| {
+        let parents: Vec<_> =
+            ids.iter().filter_map(|id| d.parent_of(*id).filter(|p| matches!(d.node(*p).map(|n| &n.kind), Some(NodeKind::Compound { .. })))).collect();
         d.remove_many(&ids)?;
+        for p in parents {
+            if d.node(p).is_some_and(|n| n.children().is_some_and(|c| c.is_empty())) {
+                d.remove(p)?;
+            }
+        }
         if with_guides {
             let gone = sel.guides.clone();
             d.retain_guides(sel, |i, _| !gone.contains(&i));
         }
-        sel.clear();
+        if is_explicit {
+            for id in &ids {
+                sel.remove(*id);
+            }
+            sel.prune(d);
+        } else {
+            sel.clear();
+        }
         Ok(())
     })?;
     ok()
@@ -677,7 +779,7 @@ fn drop_selection(s: &mut Session, p: &Value) -> Result<Value> {
     if let Some(id) = ids.iter().find(|id| !paths.contains_key(id)) {
         return Err(EngineError::NoNode(*id));
     }
-    let clip = Clipboard::copy(source, &roots_of(&source.doc, ids));
+    let clip = Clipboard::copy(source, &roots_of(&source.doc, ids), false);
     let bounds = clip.bounds().ok_or_else(|| bad(CMD, "the art has no bounds"))?;
     let center = bounds.center() + Vec2::new(at[0] - grab[0], at[1] - grab[1]);
     if !center.x.is_finite() || !center.y.is_finite() {
@@ -748,7 +850,7 @@ fn paste_clip(s: &mut Session, p: &Value, mode: PasteMode, clip: &Clipboard, cho
     let off = s.prefs.paste_offset;
     let st = s.doc()?;
     let same_doc = clip.source_doc == Some(st.uid);
-    let parent = st.target_parent()?;
+    let parent = st.target_parent_for_path()?;
     // Copied artboards come back with their art: together right of the last artboard, as they lay,
     // or where they were (Paste in Place, in Front, in Back). Paste on All Artboards pastes only the
     // art.
@@ -837,7 +939,45 @@ fn paste_clip(s: &mut Session, p: &Value, mode: PasteMode, clip: &Clipboard, cho
                     }
                 };
                 *placed.entry(par).or_default() += 1;
-                new_ids.push(d.insert(par, idx, c)?);
+                let compound_par = par.filter(|p| d.node(*p).is_some_and(|n| matches!(n.kind, NodeKind::Compound { .. })));
+                if let Some(par_id) = compound_par {
+                    match c.kind {
+                        NodeKind::Compound { children, .. } => {
+                            let count = children.len();
+                            for (offset, child) in children.into_iter().enumerate() {
+                                let mut child_node = Arc::unwrap_or_clone(child);
+                                let child_id = d.alloc_id();
+                                child_node.id = child_id;
+                                child_node.appearance = Default::default();
+                                if let NodeKind::Path { live, .. } = &mut child_node.kind {
+                                    *live = None;
+                                }
+                                let insert_idx = if idx == usize::MAX { usize::MAX } else { idx.saturating_add(offset) };
+                                new_ids.push(d.insert(par, insert_idx, child_node)?);
+                            }
+                            if count > 1 {
+                                *placed.entry(par).or_default() += count - 1;
+                            }
+                        }
+                        NodeKind::Path { .. } => {
+                            c.appearance = Default::default();
+                            if let NodeKind::Path { live, .. } = &mut c.kind {
+                                *live = None;
+                            }
+                            new_ids.push(d.insert(par, idx, c)?);
+                        }
+                        _ => {
+                            let outer_par = d.parent_of(par_id);
+                            let beside_idx = d.position(par_id).map(|(_, i, _)| i + 1).unwrap_or(usize::MAX);
+                            let offset = *placed.entry(outer_par).or_default();
+                            *placed.entry(outer_par).or_default() += 1;
+                            let insert_idx = if beside_idx == usize::MAX { usize::MAX } else { beside_idx.saturating_add(offset) };
+                            new_ids.push(d.insert(outer_par, insert_idx, c)?);
+                        }
+                    }
+                } else {
+                    new_ids.push(d.insert(par, idx, c)?);
+                }
             }
         }
         sel.set(new_ids.iter().copied());
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/cmd/library.rs b/crates/engine/src/cmd/library.rs
--- a/crates/engine/src/cmd/library.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/cmd/library.rs
@@ -776,7 +776,7 @@ fn graphic_of(s: &Session, p: &Value, cmd: &str) -> Result<LibraryGraphic> {
     if roots.is_empty() {
         return Err(bad(cmd, "select the art to add first"));
     }
-    let clip = Clipboard::copy(st, &roots);
+    let clip = Clipboard::copy(st, &roots, false);
     let bounds = clip.bounds().ok_or_else(|| bad(cmd, "the selection draws nothing"))?;
     let mut doc = clip.to_document();
     let board = bounds.inflate(1.0, 1.0);
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/cmd/panelcmds.rs b/crates/engine/src/cmd/panelcmds.rs
--- a/crates/engine/src/cmd/panelcmds.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/cmd/panelcmds.rs
@@ -207,7 +207,7 @@ pub(crate) fn artboard_copy(s: &mut Session, p: &Value, cut: bool) -> Result<Val
     }
     let art = st.doc.paint_order(arts.into_iter().flat_map(|(_, a)| a));
     let boards: Vec<_> = indices.iter().filter_map(|i| st.doc.artboards.get(*i).cloned()).collect();
-    let clip = Clipboard { source_artboard: boards.first().map(|a| a.rect), artboards: boards, ..Clipboard::copy(st, &art) };
+    let clip = Clipboard { source_artboard: boards.first().map(|a| a.rect), artboards: boards, ..Clipboard::copy(st, &art, false) };
     let copied = clip.nodes.len();
     if cut {
         s.edit("Cut Artboard", |d, sel| {
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/cmd/path.rs b/crates/engine/src/cmd/path.rs
--- a/crates/engine/src/cmd/path.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/cmd/path.rs
@@ -712,7 +712,7 @@ fn without_anchors(sp: SubPath, removed: &BTreeSet<usize>) -> Vec<SubPath> {
 }
 
 /// Remove connections, splitting open/closed contours into their surviving open runs.
-fn without_segments(sp: SubPath, removed: &BTreeSet<usize>) -> Vec<SubPath> {
+pub(super) fn without_segments(sp: SubPath, removed: &BTreeSet<usize>) -> Vec<SubPath> {
     let cuts: BTreeSet<usize> = removed.iter().copied().filter(|&i| i < sp.segment_count()).collect();
     let Some(&first) = cuts.first() else { return vec![sp] };
     let n = sp.anchors.len();
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/doc_state.rs b/crates/engine/src/doc_state.rs
--- a/crates/engine/src/doc_state.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/doc_state.rs
@@ -427,27 +427,66 @@ impl DocState {
     pub fn current_layer(&self) -> Option<NodeId> {
         self.active_layer.filter(|l| self.doc.node(*l).is_some_and(|n| n.is_layer()))
     }
+    /// Where new art is inserted: the isolation container (or its parent if the container cannot hold
+    /// the art type), else the active layer.
     pub fn insertion_parent(&self) -> Option<NodeId> {
-        // Ids are reused after undo (the id counter is part of the document), so a remembered
-        // layer or isolated group must still be one: a pasted group must never land in a path.
-        if let Some(i) = self.isolation
-            && self.doc.node(i).is_some_and(|n| matches!(n.kind, NodeKind::Group { .. } | NodeKind::Layer { .. }))
-        {
-            return Some(i);
+        self.insertion_parent_for(false)
+    }
+
+    /// Where new path art is inserted. When a compound path is isolated, returns the compound path
+    /// so new paths become members of the compound path.
+    pub fn insertion_parent_for_path(&self) -> Option<NodeId> {
+        self.insertion_parent_for(true)
+    }
+
+    fn insertion_parent_for(&self, for_path: bool) -> Option<NodeId> {
+        if let Some(i) = self.isolation {
+            if self.doc.node(i).is_some_and(|n| matches!(n.kind, NodeKind::Group { .. } | NodeKind::Layer { .. })) {
+                return Some(i);
+            }
+            if for_path && self.doc.node(i).is_some_and(|n| matches!(n.kind, NodeKind::Compound { .. })) {
+                return Some(i);
+            }
         }
-        // A single object isolated: new art goes beside it, in its group or layer.
-        if let Some(p) = self.isolation.filter(|i| self.doc.node(*i).is_some_and(|n| !n.is_container())).and_then(|i| self.doc.parent_of(i))
-            && self.doc.node(p).is_some_and(|n| matches!(n.kind, NodeKind::Group { .. } | NodeKind::Layer { .. }))
-        {
-            return Some(p);
+        if let Some(p) = self.isolation.filter(|i| self.doc.node(*i).is_some_and(|n| !n.is_container())).and_then(|i| self.doc.parent_of(i)) {
+            if self.doc.node(p).is_some_and(|n| matches!(n.kind, NodeKind::Group { .. } | NodeKind::Layer { .. })) {
+                return Some(p);
+            }
+            if for_path && self.doc.node(p).is_some_and(|n| matches!(n.kind, NodeKind::Compound { .. })) {
+                return Some(p);
+            }
+        }
+        // Non-path art created while a compound path is isolated goes into the compound's parent container:
+        if let Some(iso) = self.isolation {
+            let compound = if self.doc.node(iso).is_some_and(|n| matches!(n.kind, NodeKind::Compound { .. })) {
+                Some(iso)
+            } else {
+                self.doc.parent_of(iso).filter(|p| self.doc.node(*p).is_some_and(|n| matches!(n.kind, NodeKind::Compound { .. })))
+            };
+            if let Some(c) = compound
+                && let Some(p) = self.doc.parent_of(c)
+                && self.doc.is_editable(p)
+            {
+                return Some(p);
+            }
         }
         // A sublayer takes new art only while it and the layers around it are shown and unlocked.
         self.active_layer.filter(|l| self.doc.node(*l).is_some_and(|n| n.is_layer()) && self.doc.is_editable(*l)).or_else(|| self.doc.default_layer())
     }
+
     /// [`Self::insertion_parent`] for new art, which a locked or hidden layer never takes: an error
     /// when no layer is shown and unlocked, so the art is refused rather than hidden or locked away.
     pub fn target_parent(&self) -> Result<Option<NodeId>> {
-        match self.insertion_parent() {
+        self.target_parent_for(false)
+    }
+
+    /// [`Self::insertion_parent_for_path`] for new path art.
+    pub fn target_parent_for_path(&self) -> Result<Option<NodeId>> {
+        self.target_parent_for(true)
+    }
+
+    fn target_parent_for(&self, for_path: bool) -> Result<Option<NodeId>> {
+        match self.insertion_parent_for(for_path) {
             Some(p) if !self.doc.is_editable(p) => Err(EngineError::Other("the target layer is locked or hidden".into())),
             parent => Ok(parent),
         }
diff --git a/crates/engine/tests/it/clear_commands.rs b/crates/engine/tests/it/clear_commands.rs
--- a/crates/engine/tests/it/clear_commands.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/tests/it/clear_commands.rs
@@ -202,3 +202,24 @@ fn cut_direct_selected_anchors_retains_anchor_deletion() {
     assert_eq!(s.active().unwrap().doc.node(a).unwrap().path_data().unwrap().anchor_count(), 3);
     assert_eq!(s.active().unwrap().doc.parent_of(b), Some(c));
 }
+
+#[test]
+fn clear_explicit_ids_preserves_unrelated_selection() {
+    let mut s = Session::new();
+    s.execute("file.new", &json!({})).unwrap();
+    let r1 = NodeId(s.execute("shape.rectangle", &json!({"x": 10, "y": 10, "width": 30, "height": 30})).unwrap()["id"].as_u64().unwrap());
+    let r2 = NodeId(s.execute("shape.rectangle", &json!({"x": 50, "y": 10, "width": 30, "height": 30})).unwrap()["id"].as_u64().unwrap());
+    s.execute("select.set", &json!({"ids": [r1.0, r2.0]})).unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(s.active().unwrap().selection.objects, vec![r1, r2]);
+
+    // Clearing r1 explicitly should remove r1 from doc and from selection, keeping r2 selected.
+    s.execute("edit.clear", &json!({"ids": [r1.0]})).unwrap();
+    assert!(s.active().unwrap().doc.node(r1).is_none());
+    assert!(s.active().unwrap().doc.node(r2).is_some());
+    assert_eq!(s.active().unwrap().selection.objects, vec![r2]);
+
+    // Parameterless clear clears the rest of the selection.
+    s.execute("edit.clear", &json!({})).unwrap();
+    assert!(s.active().unwrap().doc.node(r2).is_none());
+    assert!(s.active().unwrap().selection.is_empty());
+}
diff --git a/crates/engine/tests/it/copy_direct_selection.rs b/crates/engine/tests/it/copy_direct_selection.rs
new file mode 100644
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/engine/tests/it/copy_direct_selection.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,560 @@
+//! Direct-selection Copy and Cut tests (#2122).
+
+use serde_json::{Value, json};
+use vectorcraft_doc::{NodeId, NodeKind};
+use vectorcraft_engine::Session;
+use vectorcraft_geom::FillRule;
+use vectorcraft_testkit::invariants::check_session;
+
+fn run(s: &mut Session, command: &str, params: Value) -> Value {
+    s.execute(command, &params).unwrap()
+}
+
+fn rect(s: &mut Session, x: f64, y: f64, w: f64, h: f64) -> NodeId {
+    NodeId(run(s, "shape.rectangle", json!({"x": x, "y": y, "width": w, "height": h}))["id"].as_u64().unwrap())
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn copy_and_paste_direct_selected_segment_of_rect() {
+    let mut s = Session::new();
+    run(&mut s, "file.new", json!({"width": 200, "height": 200}));
+    let r = rect(&mut s, 10.0, 10.0, 100.0, 50.0);
+
+    // Select segment 0 of the rectangle.
+    run(&mut s, "select.segments", json!({"id": r.0, "segments": [[0, 0]]}));
+    run(&mut s, "edit.copy", json!({}));
+    let pasted = run(&mut s, "edit.paste", json!({}));
+    let ids: Vec<u64> = pasted["ids"].as_array().unwrap().iter().map(|v| v.as_u64().unwrap()).collect();
+    assert_eq!(ids.len(), 1);
+
+    let pasted_node = s.doc().unwrap().doc.node(NodeId(ids[0])).unwrap();
+    if let NodeKind::Path { live, .. } = &pasted_node.kind {
+        assert!(live.is_none(), "extracted partial path must not retain live shape metadata");
+    }
+    let path = pasted_node.path_data().unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(path.subpaths.len(), 1);
+    let sp = &path.subpaths[0];
+    assert!(!sp.closed);
+    assert_eq!(sp.anchors.len(), 2);
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn copy_and_paste_direct_selected_adjacent_anchors_of_rect() {
+    let mut s = Session::new();
+    run(&mut s, "file.new", json!({"width": 200, "height": 200}));
+    let r = rect(&mut s, 10.0, 10.0, 100.0, 50.0);
+
+    // Direct-select two adjacent anchors: 0 and 1.
+    run(&mut s, "select.anchors", json!({"id": r.0, "anchors": [[0, 0], [0, 1]], "mode": "set"}));
+    run(&mut s, "edit.copy", json!({}));
+    let pasted = run(&mut s, "edit.paste", json!({}));
+    let ids: Vec<u64> = pasted["ids"].as_array().unwrap().iter().map(|v| v.as_u64().unwrap()).collect();
+    assert_eq!(ids.len(), 1);
+
+    let pasted_node = s.doc().unwrap().doc.node(NodeId(ids[0])).unwrap();
+    let path = pasted_node.path_data().unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(path.subpaths.len(), 1);
+    let sp = &path.subpaths[0];
+    assert!(!sp.closed);
+    assert_eq!(sp.anchors.len(), 2);
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn copy_single_anchor_of_rect_copies_three_anchors_with_two_segments() {
+    let mut s = Session::new();
+    run(&mut s, "file.new", json!({"width": 200, "height": 200}));
+    let r = rect(&mut s, 10.0, 10.0, 100.0, 50.0);
+
+    // Direct-select only anchor 1 of the closed 4-anchor rectangle.
+    run(&mut s, "select.anchors", json!({"id": r.0, "anchors": [[0, 1]], "mode": "set"}));
+    run(&mut s, "edit.copy", json!({}));
+    let pasted = run(&mut s, "edit.paste", json!({}));
+    let ids: Vec<u64> = pasted["ids"].as_array().unwrap().iter().map(|v| v.as_u64().unwrap()).collect();
+    assert_eq!(ids.len(), 1);
+
+    let pasted_node = s.doc().unwrap().doc.node(NodeId(ids[0])).unwrap();
+    let path = pasted_node.path_data().unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(path.subpaths.len(), 1);
+    let sp = &path.subpaths[0];
+    assert!(!sp.closed);
+    // Copying a single anchor on a closed path copies the anchor and both its incident segments.
+    assert_eq!(sp.anchors.len(), 3);
+    assert_eq!(sp.segment_count(), 2);
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn copy_disjoint_segments_does_not_copy_unselected_segment_in_between() {
+    let mut s = Session::new();
+    run(&mut s, "file.new", json!({"width": 200, "height": 200}));
+    let r = rect(&mut s, 10.0, 10.0, 100.0, 50.0);
+
+    // Rectangle has 4 segments (0, 1, 2, 3). Select disjoint segments 0 and 2.
+    run(&mut s, "select.segments", json!({"id": r.0, "segments": [[0, 0], [0, 2]]}));
+    run(&mut s, "edit.copy", json!({}));
+    let pasted = run(&mut s, "edit.paste", json!({}));
+    let ids: Vec<u64> = pasted["ids"].as_array().unwrap().iter().map(|v| v.as_u64().unwrap()).collect();
+    // Two separate open path pieces should be created, each with 2 anchors.
+    assert_eq!(ids.len(), 2);
+    for id in ids {
+        let node = s.doc().unwrap().doc.node(NodeId(id)).unwrap();
+        let path = node.path_data().unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(path.subpaths.len(), 1);
+        let sp = &path.subpaths[0];
+        assert!(!sp.closed);
+        assert_eq!(sp.anchors.len(), 2);
+    }
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn cut_direct_selected_segment_cuts_source_and_pastes_segment() {
+    let mut s = Session::new();
+    run(&mut s, "file.new", json!({"width": 200, "height": 200}));
+    let r = rect(&mut s, 10.0, 10.0, 100.0, 50.0);
+
+    // Select segment 0 and cut it.
+    run(&mut s, "select.segments", json!({"id": r.0, "segments": [[0, 0]]}));
+    run(&mut s, "edit.cut", json!({}));
+
+    // Source rectangle should now have segment 0 removed, turning it into an open path.
+    let src_node = s.doc().unwrap().doc.node(r).unwrap();
+    let src_path = src_node.path_data().unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(src_path.subpaths.len(), 1);
+    assert!(!src_path.subpaths[0].closed);
+
+    // Paste the cut segment:
+    let pasted = run(&mut s, "edit.paste", json!({}));
+    let ids: Vec<u64> = pasted["ids"].as_array().unwrap().iter().map(|v| v.as_u64().unwrap()).collect();
+    assert_eq!(ids.len(), 1);
+    let pasted_node = s.doc().unwrap().doc.node(NodeId(ids[0])).unwrap();
+    let pasted_path = pasted_node.path_data().unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(pasted_path.subpaths.len(), 1);
+    assert!(!pasted_path.subpaths[0].closed);
+    assert_eq!(pasted_path.subpaths[0].anchors.len(), 2);
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn copy_compound_path_direct_selected_segment_inherits_appearance() {
+    let mut s = Session::new();
+    run(&mut s, "file.new", json!({"width": 200, "height": 200}));
+    let outer = NodeId(run(&mut s, "shape.rectangle", json!({"x": 10, "y": 10, "width": 80, "height": 80}))["id"].as_u64().unwrap());
+    let inner = NodeId(run(&mut s, "shape.rectangle", json!({"x": 30, "y": 30, "width": 40, "height": 40}))["id"].as_u64().unwrap());
+    run(&mut s, "select.set", json!({"ids": [outer.0, inner.0]}));
+    let compound = NodeId(run(&mut s, "object.compoundPath.make", json!({}))["id"].as_u64().unwrap());
+    run(&mut s, "paint.setFill", json!({"color": "#ff0000"}));
+
+    // Select segment 0 of the inner member.
+    run(&mut s, "select.segments", json!({"id": inner.0, "segments": [[0, 0]]}));
+    run(&mut s, "edit.copy", json!({}));
+    let pasted = run(&mut s, "edit.paste", json!({}));
+    let ids: Vec<u64> = pasted["ids"].as_array().unwrap().iter().map(|v| v.as_u64().unwrap()).collect();
+    assert_eq!(ids.len(), 1);
+
+    let pasted_node = s.doc().unwrap().doc.node(NodeId(ids[0])).unwrap();
+    let compound_node = s.doc().unwrap().doc.node(compound).unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(pasted_node.appearance, compound_node.appearance);
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn direct_selection_copy_preserves_fill_rule_and_attributes() {
+    let mut s = Session::new();
+    run(&mut s, "file.new", json!({"width": 200, "height": 200}));
+    let r = rect(&mut s, 10.0, 10.0, 100.0, 50.0);
+    run(&mut s, "path.setFillRule", json!({"rule": "evenOdd"}));
+
+    run(&mut s, "select.segments", json!({"id": r.0, "segments": [[0, 0]]}));
+    run(&mut s, "edit.copy", json!({}));
+    let pasted = run(&mut s, "edit.paste", json!({}));
+    let ids: Vec<u64> = pasted["ids"].as_array().unwrap().iter().map(|v| v.as_u64().unwrap()).collect();
+    let pasted_node = s.doc().unwrap().doc.node(NodeId(ids[0])).unwrap();
+    assert!(matches!(pasted_node.kind, NodeKind::Path { rule: FillRule::EvenOdd, .. }));
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn pen_tool_drawing_copies_whole_path_not_single_anchor() {
+    let mut s = Session::new();
+    run(&mut s, "file.new", json!({"width": 200, "height": 200}));
+    // Start drawing with Pen tool
+    s.select_tool("pen", vectorcraft_engine::ViewInfo::default()).unwrap();
+    let id = NodeId(run(&mut s, "path.create", json!({"anchors": [{"x": 10, "y": 10}]}))["id"].as_u64().unwrap());
+    run(&mut s, "path.appendAnchor", json!({"id": id.0, "x": 50, "y": 10}));
+    run(&mut s, "path.appendAnchor", json!({"id": id.0, "x": 50, "y": 50}));
+
+    // Pen tool has the last anchor in sel.anchors, but active tool is pen
+    run(&mut s, "edit.copy", json!({}));
+    let pasted = run(&mut s, "edit.paste", json!({}));
+    let ids: Vec<u64> = pasted["ids"].as_array().unwrap().iter().map(|v| v.as_u64().unwrap()).collect();
+    assert_eq!(ids.len(), 1);
+
+    // The whole 3-point path must be copied, not just the last anchor!
+    let pasted_node = s.doc().unwrap().doc.node(NodeId(ids[0])).unwrap();
+    let path = pasted_node.path_data().unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(path.subpaths[0].anchors.len(), 3);
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn cut_adjacent_anchors_clipboard_plus_remaining_equals_original() {
+    let mut s = Session::new();
+    run(&mut s, "file.new", json!({"width": 200, "height": 200}));
+    let r = rect(&mut s, 10.0, 10.0, 100.0, 50.0);
+
+    // Direct-select two adjacent anchors: 1 and 2 of the 4-anchor rectangle.
+    run(&mut s, "select.anchors", json!({"id": r.0, "anchors": [[0, 1], [0, 2]], "mode": "set"}));
+    run(&mut s, "edit.cut", json!({}));
+
+    // Cut placed 1 segment on the clipboard (anchors 1 to 2).
+    assert_eq!(s.clipboard.nodes.len(), 1);
+    let clip_path = s.clipboard.nodes[0].path_data().unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(clip_path.subpaths[0].segment_count(), 1);
+    assert_eq!(clip_path.subpaths[0].anchors.len(), 2);
+
+    // Remaining source path must have the remaining 3 segments (segments 0, 2, 3), not 1.
+    let src_node = s.doc().unwrap().doc.node(r).unwrap();
+    let src_path = src_node.path_data().unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(src_path.subpaths[0].segment_count(), 3);
+    assert_eq!(src_path.subpaths[0].anchors.len(), 4);
+    assert!(!src_path.subpaths[0].closed);
+
+    // Sum of segments in clipboard + remaining = 1 + 3 = 4 (the original 4 segments).
+    assert_eq!(clip_path.subpaths[0].segment_count() + src_path.subpaths[0].segment_count(), 4);
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn copy_non_adjacent_anchors_on_rect_copies_full_object() {
+    let mut s = Session::new();
+    run(&mut s, "file.new", json!({"width": 200, "height": 200}));
+    let r = rect(&mut s, 10.0, 10.0, 100.0, 50.0);
+
+    // Select non-adjacent anchors 1 and 3 of the 4-anchor rectangle.
+    // Incident segments for anchor 1 are segments 0 and 1; for anchor 3 are segments 2 and 3.
+    // Together they cover all 4 segments, so the path is copied whole.
+    run(&mut s, "select.anchors", json!({"id": r.0, "anchors": [[0, 1], [0, 3]], "mode": "set"}));
+    run(&mut s, "edit.copy", json!({}));
+    let pasted = run(&mut s, "edit.paste", json!({}));
+    let ids: Vec<u64> = pasted["ids"].as_array().unwrap().iter().map(|v| v.as_u64().unwrap()).collect();
+    assert_eq!(ids.len(), 1);
+
+    let pasted_node = s.doc().unwrap().doc.node(NodeId(ids[0])).unwrap();
+    if let NodeKind::Path { live, .. } = &pasted_node.kind {
+        assert!(live.is_some(), "copying all segments keeps live shape metadata");
+    }
+    let path = pasted_node.path_data().unwrap();
+    assert!(path.subpaths[0].closed);
+    assert_eq!(path.subpaths[0].segment_count(), 4);
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn copy_non_adjacent_anchors_on_five_point_path_extracts_selected_segments() {
+    let mut s = Session::new();
+    run(&mut s, "file.new", json!({"width": 200, "height": 200}));
+    let id = NodeId(run(&mut s, "path.create", json!({"anchors": [{"x": 10, "y": 10}]}))["id"].as_u64().unwrap());
+    run(&mut s, "path.appendAnchor", json!({"id": id.0, "x": 50, "y": 10}));
+    run(&mut s, "path.appendAnchor", json!({"id": id.0, "x": 60, "y": 50}));
+    run(&mut s, "path.appendAnchor", json!({"id": id.0, "x": 30, "y": 80}));
+    run(&mut s, "path.appendAnchor", json!({"id": id.0, "x": 10, "y": 50}));
+    run(&mut s, "path.close", json!({"id": id.0}));
+
+    // Path has 5 anchors (0..4) and 5 segments (0..4).
+    // Select non-adjacent anchors 1 and 3.
+    // Anchor 1 gives segments 0, 1. Anchor 3 gives segments 2, 3. Segment 4 is unselected.
+    run(&mut s, "select.anchors", json!({"id": id.0, "anchors": [[0, 1], [0, 3]], "mode": "set"}));
+    run(&mut s, "edit.copy", json!({}));
+    let pasted = run(&mut s, "edit.paste", json!({}));
+    let ids: Vec<u64> = pasted["ids"].as_array().unwrap().iter().map(|v| v.as_u64().unwrap()).collect();
+    assert_eq!(ids.len(), 1);
+
+    let pasted_node = s.doc().unwrap().doc.node(NodeId(ids[0])).unwrap();
+    let path = pasted_node.path_data().unwrap();
+    assert!(!path.subpaths[0].closed);
+    assert_eq!(path.subpaths[0].segment_count(), 4);
+    assert_eq!(path.subpaths[0].anchors.len(), 5);
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn copy_when_all_segments_selected_preserves_live_shape() {
+    let mut s = Session::new();
+    run(&mut s, "file.new", json!({"width": 200, "height": 200}));
+    let r = rect(&mut s, 10.0, 10.0, 100.0, 50.0);
+
+    // Select all 4 segments explicitly (like Select > Object > Direction Handles).
+    run(&mut s, "select.segments", json!({"id": r.0, "segments": [[0, 0], [0, 1], [0, 2], [0, 3]]}));
+    run(&mut s, "edit.copy", json!({}));
+    let pasted = run(&mut s, "edit.paste", json!({}));
+    let ids: Vec<u64> = pasted["ids"].as_array().unwrap().iter().map(|v| v.as_u64().unwrap()).collect();
+    assert_eq!(ids.len(), 1);
+
+    let pasted_node = s.doc().unwrap().doc.node(NodeId(ids[0])).unwrap();
+    if let NodeKind::Path { live, .. } = &pasted_node.kind {
+        assert!(live.is_some(), "all segments selected preserves live shape");
+    }
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn compound_member_selected_whole_with_direct_selection_promotes_member() {
+    let mut s = Session::new();
+    run(&mut s, "file.new", json!({"width": 200, "height": 200}));
+    let outer = NodeId(run(&mut s, "shape.rectangle", json!({"x": 10, "y": 10, "width": 80, "height": 80}))["id"].as_u64().unwrap());
+    let inner = NodeId(run(&mut s, "shape.rectangle", json!({"x": 30, "y": 30, "width": 40, "height": 40}))["id"].as_u64().unwrap());
+    run(&mut s, "select.set", json!({"ids": [outer.0, inner.0]}));
+    let compound = NodeId(run(&mut s, "object.compoundPath.make", json!({}))["id"].as_u64().unwrap());
+
+    let standalone = rect(&mut s, 120.0, 10.0, 50.0, 50.0);
+
+    // Select outer compound member whole, and direct-select anchor 0 on standalone.
+    let outer_anchors: Vec<Vec<usize>> = (0..4).map(|i| vec![0, i]).collect();
+    run(
+        &mut s,
+        "select.anchorsMany",
+        json!({
+            "items": [
+                {"id": outer.0, "anchors": outer_anchors},
+                {"id": standalone.0, "anchors": [[0, 0]]}
+            ]
+        }),
+    );
+
+    // outer is selected whole, standalone is partially selected.
+    assert!(s.active().unwrap().selection.partial(outer).is_none());
+    assert!(s.active().unwrap().selection.partial(standalone).is_some());
+
+    run(&mut s, "edit.copy", json!({}));
+    // Clipboard should have:
+    // 1. The compound path (outer promoted to compound #786)
+    // 2. The extracted segment piece from standalone
+    let clip_ids: Vec<NodeId> = s.clipboard.nodes.iter().map(|n| n.id).collect();
+    assert_eq!(clip_ids.len(), 2, "promoted compound plus the extracted standalone piece");
+    assert!(clip_ids.contains(&compound), "whole compound member must be promoted to compound parent");
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn cut_whole_compound_member_with_direct_selection_cuts_compound_and_extracted_piece() {
+    let mut s = Session::new();
+    run(&mut s, "file.new", json!({"width": 200, "height": 200}));
+    let outer = NodeId(run(&mut s, "shape.rectangle", json!({"x": 10, "y": 10, "width": 80, "height": 80}))["id"].as_u64().unwrap());
+    let inner = NodeId(run(&mut s, "shape.rectangle", json!({"x": 30, "y": 30, "width": 40, "height": 40}))["id"].as_u64().unwrap());
+    run(&mut s, "select.set", json!({"ids": [outer.0, inner.0]}));
+    let compound = NodeId(run(&mut s, "object.compoundPath.make", json!({}))["id"].as_u64().unwrap());
+
+    let standalone = NodeId(run(&mut s, "shape.rectangle", json!({"x": 100, "y": 100, "width": 50, "height": 50}))["id"].as_u64().unwrap());
+
+    let outer_anchors = (0..4).map(|i| vec![0, i]).collect::<Vec<_>>();
+    run(
+        &mut s,
+        "select.anchorsMany",
+        json!({
+            "items": [
+                {"id": outer.0, "anchors": outer_anchors},
+                {"id": standalone.0, "anchors": [[0, 0]]}
+            ]
+        }),
+    );
+
+    run(&mut s, "edit.cut", json!({}));
+    let clip_ids: Vec<NodeId> = s.clipboard.nodes.iter().map(|n| n.id).collect();
+    assert_eq!(clip_ids.len(), 2, "promoted compound plus the extracted standalone piece");
+    assert!(clip_ids.contains(&compound), "whole compound member must be promoted to compound parent");
+
+    // Compound was removed because member was selected whole
+    let doc = &s.doc().unwrap().doc;
+    assert!(doc.node(compound).is_none(), "compound path must be removed on cut");
+    // Standalone has cut pieces remaining
+    assert!(doc.node(standalone).is_some(), "partially cut standalone path remains");
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn cut_direct_selected_only_path_in_layer_preserves_layer() {
+    let mut s = Session::new();
+    run(&mut s, "file.new", json!({"width": 200, "height": 200}));
+    // Create a new layer
+    let layer_id = NodeId(run(&mut s, "layer.new", json!({}))["id"].as_u64().unwrap());
+    // Create a path inside the layer
+    let rect = NodeId(run(&mut s, "shape.rectangle", json!({"x": 10, "y": 10, "width": 50, "height": 50}))["id"].as_u64().unwrap());
+    let doc = &s.doc().unwrap().doc;
+    assert_eq!(doc.parent_of(rect), Some(layer_id));
+
+    // Direct-select all 4 anchors of rect and cut
+    let all_anchors = (0..4).map(|i| vec![0, i]).collect::<Vec<_>>();
+    run(&mut s, "select.anchors", json!({"id": rect.0, "anchors": all_anchors, "mode": "set"}));
+    run(&mut s, "edit.cut", json!({}));
+
+    // The rect was cut, but the layer must NOT be deleted
+    let doc = &s.doc().unwrap().doc;
+    assert!(doc.node(rect).is_none(), "rect was cut");
+    assert!(doc.node(layer_id).is_some(), "layer must remain even when empty");
+    assert_eq!(doc.node(layer_id).unwrap().children().unwrap().len(), 0);
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn copy_and_paste_path_in_compound_path_isolation_adds_member_to_compound() {
+    let mut s = Session::new();
+    run(&mut s, "file.new", json!({"width": 200, "height": 200}));
+    let outer = NodeId(run(&mut s, "shape.rectangle", json!({"x": 10, "y": 10, "width": 80, "height": 80}))["id"].as_u64().unwrap());
+    let inner = NodeId(run(&mut s, "shape.rectangle", json!({"x": 30, "y": 30, "width": 40, "height": 40}))["id"].as_u64().unwrap());
+    run(&mut s, "select.set", json!({"ids": [outer.0, inner.0]}));
+    let compound = NodeId(run(&mut s, "object.compoundPath.make", json!({}))["id"].as_u64().unwrap());
+
+    // Enter isolation mode on the compound path.
+    run(&mut s, "object.isolate", json!({"id": compound.0}));
+    assert_eq!(s.doc().unwrap().isolation, Some(compound));
+
+    // In isolation mode, select member `inner` whole.
+    run(&mut s, "select.set", json!({"ids": [inner.0]}));
+    run(&mut s, "edit.copy", json!({}));
+
+    // Clipboard copies the selected member path, NOT the entire compound path.
+    assert_eq!(s.clipboard.nodes.len(), 1);
+    assert_eq!(s.clipboard.nodes[0].id, inner);
+
+    // Paste in isolation mode: the pasted path must be inserted into the compound path,
+    // not as a new path beside the compound path.
+    let pasted = run(&mut s, "edit.paste", json!({}));
+    let ids: Vec<u64> = pasted["ids"].as_array().unwrap().iter().map(|v| v.as_u64().unwrap()).collect();
+    assert_eq!(ids.len(), 1);
+    let pasted_id = NodeId(ids[0]);
+
+    let doc = &s.doc().unwrap().doc;
+    assert_eq!(doc.parent_of(pasted_id), Some(compound), "pasted path must be added to the compound path");
+    let compound_node = doc.node(compound).unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(compound_node.children().unwrap().len(), 3, "compound path now has 3 member paths");
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn cut_and_paste_direct_selected_anchors_in_compound_path_isolation() {
+    let mut s = Session::new();
+    run(&mut s, "file.new", json!({"width": 200, "height": 200}));
+    let outer = NodeId(run(&mut s, "shape.rectangle", json!({"x": 10, "y": 10, "width": 80, "height": 80}))["id"].as_u64().unwrap());
+    let inner = NodeId(run(&mut s, "shape.rectangle", json!({"x": 30, "y": 30, "width": 40, "height": 40}))["id"].as_u64().unwrap());
+    run(&mut s, "select.set", json!({"ids": [outer.0, inner.0]}));
+    let compound = NodeId(run(&mut s, "object.compoundPath.make", json!({}))["id"].as_u64().unwrap());
+
+    // Enter isolation mode on the compound path.
+    run(&mut s, "object.isolate", json!({"id": compound.0}));
+
+    // Direct-select anchor 0 of `inner` and cut.
+    run(&mut s, "select.anchors", json!({"id": inner.0, "anchors": [[0, 0]], "mode": "set"}));
+    run(&mut s, "edit.cut", json!({}));
+
+    // Clipboard holds the cut segment piece.
+    assert_eq!(s.clipboard.nodes.len(), 1);
+
+    // Paste inside isolation mode:
+    let pasted = run(&mut s, "edit.paste", json!({}));
+    let ids: Vec<u64> = pasted["ids"].as_array().unwrap().iter().map(|v| v.as_u64().unwrap()).collect();
+    assert_eq!(ids.len(), 1);
+    let pasted_id = NodeId(ids[0]);
+
+    let doc = &s.doc().unwrap().doc;
+    assert_eq!(doc.parent_of(pasted_id), Some(compound), "cut and pasted anchors must be inserted into compound path");
+    let compound_node = doc.node(compound).unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(compound_node.children().unwrap().len(), 3);
+    check_session(&s).unwrap();
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn paste_non_path_in_compound_path_isolation_inserts_into_layer() {
+    let mut s = Session::new();
+    run(&mut s, "file.new", json!({"width": 200, "height": 200}));
+    let a = rect(&mut s, 10.0, 10.0, 40.0, 40.0);
+    let b = rect(&mut s, 60.0, 10.0, 40.0, 40.0);
+    run(&mut s, "select.set", json!({"ids": [a.0, b.0]}));
+    let _group = NodeId(run(&mut s, "object.group", json!({}))["id"].as_u64().unwrap());
+
+    // Copy the group to the clipboard.
+    run(&mut s, "edit.copy", json!({}));
+
+    // Create a compound path on the layer.
+    let c1 = rect(&mut s, 10.0, 100.0, 80.0, 80.0);
+    let c2 = rect(&mut s, 30.0, 120.0, 40.0, 40.0);
+    run(&mut s, "select.set", json!({"ids": [c1.0, c2.0]}));
+    let compound = NodeId(run(&mut s, "object.compoundPath.make", json!({}))["id"].as_u64().unwrap());
+    let layer_id = s.doc().unwrap().doc.parent_of(compound).unwrap();
+
+    // Isolate the compound path.
+    run(&mut s, "object.isolate", json!({"id": compound.0}));
+    assert_eq!(s.doc().unwrap().isolation, Some(compound));
+
+    // Generic insertion parent inside compound isolation resolves to the layer, not the compound.
+    assert_eq!(s.doc().unwrap().insertion_parent(), Some(layer_id));
+
+    // Paste the group while in compound path isolation.
+    // The group cannot be inserted into the compound path; it must be pasted into the layer beside the compound.
+    let pasted = run(&mut s, "edit.paste", json!({}));
+    let ids: Vec<u64> = pasted["ids"].as_array().unwrap().iter().map(|v| v.as_u64().unwrap()).collect();
+    assert_eq!(ids.len(), 1);
+    let pasted_group = NodeId(ids[0]);
+
+    let doc = &s.doc().unwrap().doc;
+    assert_eq!(doc.parent_of(pasted_group), Some(layer_id), "pasted group must be added to layer, not compound");
+    let compound_node = doc.node(compound).unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(compound_node.children().unwrap().len(), 2, "compound path must keep only its 2 path children");
+
+    // All document invariants (including compound children being paths only) must hold.
+    check_session(&s).unwrap();
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn shape_creation_in_compound_path_isolation_inserts_into_layer() {
+    let mut s = Session::new();
+    run(&mut s, "file.new", json!({"width": 200, "height": 200}));
+    let outer = rect(&mut s, 10.0, 10.0, 80.0, 80.0);
+    let inner = rect(&mut s, 30.0, 30.0, 40.0, 40.0);
+    run(&mut s, "select.set", json!({"ids": [outer.0, inner.0]}));
+    let compound = NodeId(run(&mut s, "object.compoundPath.make", json!({}))["id"].as_u64().unwrap());
+
+    // Isolate the compound path.
+    run(&mut s, "object.isolate", json!({"id": compound.0}));
+
+    // Draw a new rectangle while isolating the compound path.
+    let new_rect = rect(&mut s, 40.0, 40.0, 20.0, 20.0);
+
+    let doc = &s.doc().unwrap().doc;
+    assert_ne!(doc.parent_of(new_rect), Some(compound), "new shape path is placed outside compound path in layer");
+    let compound_node = doc.node(compound).unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(compound_node.children().unwrap().len(), 2, "compound path maintains original member paths");
+
+    check_session(&s).unwrap();
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn paste_compound_into_isolated_compound_preserves_child_order() {
+    let mut s = Session::new();
+    run(&mut s, "file.new", json!({"width": 300, "height": 300}));
+    let r1 = rect(&mut s, 10.0, 10.0, 10.0, 10.0);
+    let r2 = rect(&mut s, 30.0, 10.0, 10.0, 10.0);
+    let r3 = rect(&mut s, 50.0, 10.0, 10.0, 10.0);
+    run(&mut s, "select.set", json!({"ids": [r1.0, r2.0, r3.0]}));
+    let src_compound = NodeId(run(&mut s, "object.compoundPath.make", json!({}))["id"].as_u64().unwrap());
+
+    // Copy src_compound (contains [r1, r2, r3] in order)
+    run(&mut s, "select.set", json!({"ids": [src_compound.0]}));
+    run(&mut s, "edit.copy", json!({}));
+
+    // Create target compound
+    let t1 = rect(&mut s, 100.0, 100.0, 80.0, 80.0);
+    let t2 = rect(&mut s, 120.0, 120.0, 40.0, 40.0);
+    run(&mut s, "select.set", json!({"ids": [t1.0, t2.0]}));
+    let target_compound = NodeId(run(&mut s, "object.compoundPath.make", json!({}))["id"].as_u64().unwrap());
+
+    // Isolate target compound and select member t1 so paste-in-front targets index 1
+    run(&mut s, "object.isolate", json!({"id": target_compound.0}));
+    run(&mut s, "select.set", json!({"ids": [t1.0]}));
+
+    // Paste in front of t1
+    let pasted = run(&mut s, "edit.pasteInFront", json!({}));
+    let ids: Vec<u64> = pasted["ids"].as_array().unwrap().iter().map(|v| v.as_u64().unwrap()).collect();
+    assert_eq!(ids.len(), 3, "unpacked all 3 children");
+
+    let doc = &s.doc().unwrap().doc;
+    let target_node = doc.node(target_compound).unwrap();
+    let children = target_node.children().unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(children.len(), 5);
+
+    // Verify the 3 pasted children appear in children in exact forward order [r1_copy, r2_copy, r3_copy]
+    let child_ids: Vec<u64> = children.iter().map(|c| c.id.0).collect();
+    let pos0 = child_ids.iter().position(|&id| id == ids[0]).unwrap();
+    let pos1 = child_ids.iter().position(|&id| id == ids[1]).unwrap();
+    let pos2 = child_ids.iter().position(|&id| id == ids[2]).unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(pos1, pos0 + 1, "child 1 must immediately follow child 0");
+    assert_eq!(pos2, pos1 + 1, "child 2 must immediately follow child 1");
+
+    check_session(&s).unwrap();
+}
diff --git a/crates/engine/tests/it/main.rs b/crates/engine/tests/it/main.rs
--- a/crates/engine/tests/it/main.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/tests/it/main.rs
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ mod affinity_local;
 mod artboard_click;
 mod clear_commands;
 mod compound_attributes;
+mod copy_direct_selection;
 mod dimensions;
 mod eyedropper_sources;
 mod find_replace_paras;
