diff --git a/client/src/composables/useViewDisplaySettings.ts b/client/src/composables/useViewDisplaySettings.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..7dd0fda31
--- /dev/null
+++ b/client/src/composables/useViewDisplaySettings.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,44 @@
+import { ref, watch, type Ref } from 'vue'
+import { storage } from '@/services/storage'
+
+type ViewType = 'library' | 'lens' | 'collection'
+
+function coverSizeKey(type: ViewType, id: number) {
+  return `projectx:coverSize:${type}:${id}`
+}
+
+function gridGapKey(type: ViewType, id: number) {
+  return `projectx:gridGap:${type}:${id}`
+}
+
+export function useViewDisplaySettings(viewType: ViewType, viewId: Readonly<Ref<number | null>>) {
+  const globalCoverSize = storage.get('coverSize', 140)
+  const globalGridGap = storage.get('gridGap', 20)
+
+  const coverSize = ref(globalCoverSize)
+  const gridGap = ref(globalGridGap)
+
+  function loadForView(id: number | null) {
+    if (id === null || !Number.isFinite(id)) {
+      coverSize.value = globalCoverSize
+      gridGap.value = globalGridGap
+      return
+    }
+    coverSize.value = storage.get(coverSizeKey(viewType, id), globalCoverSize)
+    gridGap.value = storage.get(gridGapKey(viewType, id), globalGridGap)
+  }
+
+  watch(viewId, loadForView, { immediate: true })
+
+  watch(coverSize, (v) => {
+    const id = viewId.value
+    if (id !== null && Number.isFinite(id)) storage.set(coverSizeKey(viewType, id), v)
+  })
+
+  watch(gridGap, (v) => {
+    const id = viewId.value
+    if (id !== null && Number.isFinite(id)) storage.set(gridGapKey(viewType, id), v)
+  })
+
+  return { coverSize, gridGap }
+}
diff --git a/client/src/features/book/components/BookCoverCard.vue b/client/src/features/book/components/BookCoverCard.vue
index 44ee76be1..a25f63985 100644
--- a/client/src/features/book/components/BookCoverCard.vue
+++ b/client/src/features/book/components/BookCoverCard.vue
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ import type { BookCard, BookFileRef } from '@projectx/types'
 import { FORMAT_TO_GROUP, READER_OPENABLE_FORMATS } from '@projectx/types'
 import { bookCoverStyle } from '../lib/book-cover'
 import { getFormatColor } from '../lib/format-colors'
-import { computed, ref, watch } from 'vue'
+import { computed, inject, ref, watch, type ComponentPublicInstance } from 'vue'
 import { useRouter } from 'vue-router'
 import {
   BookOpen,
@@ -40,6 +40,7 @@ import { useRefreshMetadata } from '../composables/useRefreshMetadata'
 import { useRefreshingBooks } from '../composables/useRefreshingBooks'
 import { usePermissions } from '@/features/auth/composables/usePermissions'
 import { useDisplaySettings } from '@/composables/useDisplaySettings'
+import { COVER_ASPECT_RATIO_KEY, DEFAULT_COVER_ASPECT_RATIO } from '../lib/cover-aspect-ratio'
 import { useBookDownload } from '@/features/book/composables/useBookDownload'
 import SendBookDialog from '@/features/email/components/SendBookDialog.vue'
 
@@ -104,6 +105,7 @@ async function reExtractCover() {
 }
 const { hasPermission } = usePermissions()
 const { cardOverlays } = useDisplaySettings()
+const coverAspectRatio = inject(COVER_ASPECT_RATIO_KEY, ref(DEFAULT_COVER_ASPECT_RATIO))
 const showSendDialog = ref(false)
 
 const showSeriesOverlay = computed(() => cardOverlays.value.includes('series') && seriesLine.value != null)
@@ -136,6 +138,11 @@ watch(coverSrc, () => {
   coverFailed.value = false
 })
 
+function onMainImgRef(el: Element | ComponentPublicInstance | null) {
+  const img = el as HTMLImageElement | null
+  if (img?.complete && img.naturalWidth > 0) coverLoaded.value = true
+}
+
 function openFile(file: BookFileRef) {
   router.push({
     name: 'reader',
@@ -153,6 +160,10 @@ function handleCardClick(event: MouseEvent) {
   if (primaryFile.value && !isMissing.value) openFile(primaryFile.value)
 }
 
+function openQuickView() {
+  emit('action', 'quick-view')
+}
+
 function openAuthorBrowse() {
   if (!authorQuery.value) return
   void router.push({ name: 'authors', query: { q: authorQuery.value } })
@@ -202,16 +213,26 @@ async function handleSetStatus(status: ReadStatus) {
     <div
       class="relative w-full rounded-sm overflow-hidden shadow-md transition-[box-shadow,transform,ring] duration-150 will-change-transform"
       :class="[isMissing ? '' : selectionMode ? '' : 'group-hover:shadow-xl group-hover:scale-[1.02]']"
-      style="aspect-ratio: 2/3"
-      :style="coverLoaded ? {} : coverStyle"
+      :style="[{ aspectRatio: coverAspectRatio }, !coverLoaded || coverFailed ? coverStyle : {}]"
     >
       <!-- Missing border overlay: mirror selected overlay pattern so border is never clipped/hidden -->
       <div v-if="isMissing" class="absolute inset-0 z-30 pointer-events-none rounded-sm ring-2 ring-inset ring-amber-500" />
 
+      <!-- Blurred background fill for mismatched aspect ratios -->
       <img
         v-if="!coverFailed"
         :src="coverSrc"
-        class="absolute inset-0 w-full h-full object-cover transition-opacity duration-200"
+        class="absolute inset-0 w-full h-full object-cover scale-110 blur-md brightness-90 transition-opacity duration-200"
+        :class="coverLoaded ? 'opacity-100' : 'opacity-0'"
+        aria-hidden="true"
+        loading="lazy"
+      />
+
+      <img
+        v-if="!coverFailed"
+        :ref="onMainImgRef"
+        :src="coverSrc"
+        class="absolute inset-0 w-full h-full object-contain transition-opacity duration-200"
         :class="coverLoaded ? (isMissing ? 'opacity-100 brightness-50' : 'opacity-100') : 'opacity-0'"
         loading="lazy"
         decoding="async"
@@ -347,28 +368,27 @@ async function handleSetStatus(status: ReadStatus) {
       <!-- Hover overlay -->
       <div
         v-if="!selectionMode"
-        class="absolute inset-0 flex flex-col p-2 bg-black/80 opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-150"
-        @click.stop
+        class="absolute inset-0 flex flex-col p-2 bg-black/50 opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-150"
+        @click.stop="handleCardClick"
       >
-        <!-- Center: primary action buttons -->
-        <div class="flex-1 flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-[18cqi]">
-          <button
-            v-if="primaryFile && !isMissing"
-            class="p-[7cqi] rounded-full bg-primary/50 hover:bg-primary transition-colors text-white"
-            @click="openFile(primaryFile)"
-          >
-            <BookOpen class="size-[14cqi]" />
-          </button>
-          <button class="p-[7cqi] rounded-full bg-primary/70 hover:bg-primary transition-colors text-white" @click="emit('action', 'quick-view')">
-            <PanelRight class="size-[14cqi]" />
+        <!-- Top row: Quick View -->
+        <div class="shrink-0 flex justify-end">
+          <button class="p-1 rounded bg-primary/70 hover:bg-primary transition-colors text-white" @click="openQuickView">
+            <PanelRight class="size-4" />
           </button>
         </div>
 
+        <div class="flex-1 min-h-0" />
+
         <!-- Bottom: title/author + kebab -->
-        <div class="flex items-end justify-between gap-2">
+        <div class="shrink-0 flex items-center justify-between gap-2">
           <div v-if="coverLoaded" class="min-w-0 flex-1">
             <p class="text-xs font-semibold text-white leading-tight line-clamp-2">{{ book.title ?? '-' }}</p>
-            <button v-if="authorLine" class="text-[10px] text-white/70 truncate mt-0.5 hover:underline" @click.stop="openAuthorBrowse">
+            <button
+              v-if="authorLine && coverAspectRatio !== '1/1'"
+              class="text-[10px] text-white/70 truncate mt-0.5 hover:underline"
+              @click.stop="openAuthorBrowse"
+            >
               {{ authorLine }}
             </button>
           </div>
diff --git a/client/src/features/book/components/BookListRow.vue b/client/src/features/book/components/BookListRow.vue
index 63b0dcea1..030c6694a 100644
--- a/client/src/features/book/components/BookListRow.vue
+++ b/client/src/features/book/components/BookListRow.vue
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 import type { BookCard, BookFileRef } from '@projectx/types'
 import { bookCoverStyle } from '../lib/book-cover'
 import { api } from '@/lib/api'
-import { computed, ref, watch } from 'vue'
+import { computed, inject, ref, watch } from 'vue'
 import { useRouter } from 'vue-router'
 import {
   BookOpen,
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ import {
 import { DropdownMenu, DropdownMenuContent, DropdownMenuItem, DropdownMenuSeparator, DropdownMenuTrigger } from '@/components/ui/dropdown-menu'
 import { Tooltip, TooltipContent, TooltipTrigger } from '@/components/ui/tooltip'
 import { useCoverVersions } from '../composables/useCoverVersions'
+import { COVER_ASPECT_RATIO_KEY, DEFAULT_COVER_ASPECT_RATIO } from '../lib/cover-aspect-ratio'
 import { useRefreshMetadata } from '../composables/useRefreshMetadata'
 import { usePermissions } from '@/features/auth/composables/usePermissions'
 import SendBookDialog from '@/features/email/components/SendBookDialog.vue'
@@ -93,6 +94,7 @@ watch(coverSrc, () => {
 })
 
 const { refreshing, refreshWithFeedback } = useRefreshMetadata()
+const coverAspectRatio = inject(COVER_ASPECT_RATIO_KEY, ref(DEFAULT_COVER_ASPECT_RATIO))
 
 function openFile(file: BookFileRef) {
   router.push({
@@ -129,14 +131,23 @@ function openAuthorBrowse() {
 
     <!-- Cover -->
     <div
-      class="h-24 w-16 rounded shrink-0 overflow-hidden relative"
+      class="w-16 rounded shrink-0 overflow-hidden relative"
       :class="isMissing ? 'opacity-50 grayscale' : ''"
-      :style="coverLoaded ? {} : coverStyle"
+      :style="[{ aspectRatio: coverAspectRatio }, !coverLoaded || coverFailed ? coverStyle : {}]"
     >
+      <!-- Blurred background fill for mismatched aspect ratios -->
       <img
         v-if="!coverFailed"
         :src="coverSrc"
-        class="absolute inset-0 w-full h-full object-cover transition-opacity duration-200"
+        class="absolute inset-0 w-full h-full object-cover scale-110 blur-md brightness-50 transition-opacity duration-200"
+        :class="coverLoaded ? 'opacity-100' : 'opacity-0'"
+        aria-hidden="true"
+        loading="lazy"
+      />
+      <img
+        v-if="!coverFailed"
+        :src="coverSrc"
+        class="absolute inset-0 w-full h-full object-contain transition-opacity duration-200"
         :class="coverLoaded ? 'opacity-100' : 'opacity-0'"
         loading="lazy"
         :alt="book.title ?? ''"
diff --git a/client/src/features/book/components/BookQuickView.vue b/client/src/features/book/components/BookQuickView.vue
index dcb037c50..fe1fd1c0a 100644
--- a/client/src/features/book/components/BookQuickView.vue
+++ b/client/src/features/book/components/BookQuickView.vue
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 <script setup lang="ts">
-import { computed, ref, watch } from 'vue'
+import { computed, inject, ref, watch } from 'vue'
 import { useRouter } from 'vue-router'
-import { BookOpen, ExternalLink, FolderPlus, Pencil, Star, Trash2, X } from 'lucide-vue-next'
+import { BookOpen, ExternalLink, FolderPlus, Headphones, Pencil, Star, Trash2, X } from 'lucide-vue-next'
 import { usePermissions } from '@/features/auth/composables/usePermissions'
 import { Sheet, SheetContent, SheetTitle, SheetDescription } from '@/components/ui/sheet'
 import { Skeleton } from '@/components/ui/skeleton'
@@ -12,6 +12,8 @@ import { useBookDetail } from '../composables/useBookDetail'
 import { useCoverVersions } from '../composables/useCoverVersions'
 import { bookCoverStyle } from '../lib/book-cover'
 import { getFormatColor } from '../lib/format-colors'
+import { FORMAT_TO_GROUP } from '@projectx/types'
+import { COVER_ASPECT_RATIO_KEY, DEFAULT_COVER_ASPECT_RATIO } from '../lib/cover-aspect-ratio'
 import { Tooltip, TooltipContent, TooltipProvider, TooltipTrigger } from '@/components/ui/tooltip'
 
 const props = defineProps<{ bookId: number | null; open: boolean }>()
@@ -128,7 +130,13 @@ const providerLinks = computed<ProviderLink[]>(() => {
 const descriptionExpanded = ref(false)
 const coverLightboxOpen = ref(false)
 
+const coverAspectRatio = inject(COVER_ASPECT_RATIO_KEY, ref(DEFAULT_COVER_ASPECT_RATIO))
+
 const primaryFile = computed(() => detail.value?.files.find((f) => f.role === 'primary') ?? detail.value?.files[0] ?? null)
+const isPrimaryAudio = computed(() => primaryFile.value?.format != null && FORMAT_TO_GROUP[primaryFile.value.format] === 'audio')
+const knownFormats = computed(() => [
+  ...new Set((detail.value?.files ?? []).filter((f) => f.format && FORMAT_TO_GROUP[f.format]).map((f) => f.format!)),
+])
 
 function providerLinkStyle(provider: string) {
   const color = getProviderColor(provider)
@@ -173,14 +181,14 @@ function openDetails() {
 <template>
   <TooltipProvider :delay-duration="0">
     <Sheet :open="props.open" @update:open="emit('update:open', $event)">
-      <SheetContent side="right" class="sm:max-w-[400px] p-0 overflow-hidden">
+      <SheetContent side="right" class="sm:max-w-100 p-0 overflow-hidden">
         <SheetTitle class="sr-only">{{ detail?.title ? `Quick view for ${detail.title}` : 'Book quick view' }}</SheetTitle>
         <SheetDescription class="sr-only">Preview book details and run quick actions.</SheetDescription>
         <div class="flex flex-col h-full">
           <!-- Header: cover + title block -->
           <div class="p-5 pt-10 border-b shrink-0">
             <div v-if="loading" class="flex gap-4 items-start">
-              <Skeleton class="w-24 rounded shrink-0" style="aspect-ratio: 2/3" />
+              <Skeleton class="w-24 rounded shrink-0" :style="{ aspectRatio: coverAspectRatio }" />
               <div class="flex-1 space-y-2 pt-1">
                 <Skeleton class="h-4 w-full" />
                 <Skeleton class="h-3 w-3/4" />
@@ -192,14 +200,13 @@ function openDetails() {
               <!-- Cover -->
               <div
                 class="w-24 shrink-0 rounded overflow-hidden shadow-md cursor-zoom-in"
-                style="aspect-ratio: 2/3"
-                :style="coverLoaded ? {} : coverStyle"
+                :style="[{ aspectRatio: coverAspectRatio }, coverLoaded ? {} : coverStyle]"
                 @click="coverLoaded && !coverFailed && (coverLightboxOpen = true)"
               >
                 <img
                   v-if="!coverFailed"
                   :src="coverSrc!"
-                  class="w-full h-full object-cover transition-opacity duration-200"
+                  class="w-full h-full object-contain transition-opacity duration-200"
                   :class="coverLoaded ? 'opacity-100' : 'opacity-0'"
                   :alt="detail.title ?? ''"
                   @load="coverLoaded = true"
@@ -265,14 +272,15 @@ function openDetails() {
             </template>
 
             <template v-else-if="detail">
-              <!-- Meta chips -->
+              <!-- Format badges + meta chips -->
               <div class="flex flex-wrap gap-1.5">
                 <span
-                  v-for="file in detail.files"
-                  :key="file.id"
-                  class="text-[10px] font-bold uppercase tracking-wider px-2 py-0.5 rounded bg-muted text-muted-foreground"
+                  v-for="fmt in knownFormats"
+                  :key="fmt"
+                  class="text-[10px] font-bold uppercase tracking-wider px-2 py-0.5 rounded border"
+                  :style="formatBadgeStyle(fmt)"
                 >
-                  {{ file.format ?? '?' }}
+                  {{ fmt }}
                 </span>
                 <span v-if="detail.pageCount" class="text-[10px] font-semibold px-2 py-0.5 rounded bg-muted text-muted-foreground">
                   {{ detail.pageCount }} pages
@@ -324,7 +332,7 @@ function openDetails() {
 
               <!-- Genres -->
               <div v-if="detail.genres.length" class="flex flex-wrap gap-1.5">
-                <span v-for="genre in detail.genres" :key="genre" class="text-[10px] px-2 py-0.5 rounded-full bg-primary/10 text-primary">
+                <span v-for="genre in detail.genres" :key="genre" class="text-[11px] px-2 py-0.5 rounded-full bg-primary/10 text-primary">
                   {{ genre }}
                 </span>
               </div>
@@ -356,8 +364,9 @@ function openDetails() {
               :disabled="!primaryFile"
               @click="openBook"
             >
-              <BookOpen class="size-4" />
-              Read
+              <Headphones v-if="isPrimaryAudio" class="size-4" />
+              <BookOpen v-else class="size-4" />
+              {{ isPrimaryAudio ? 'Listen' : 'Read' }}
             </button>
             <button
               class="flex flex-1 items-center justify-center text-primary-foreground gap-2 h-9 rounded-md bg-sky-600 text-sm font-medium hover:bg-sky-700 dark:bg-sky-500 dark:hover:bg-sky-600 transition-colors"
diff --git a/client/src/features/book/components/VirtualBookGrid.vue b/client/src/features/book/components/VirtualBookGrid.vue
index e5fa78c23..802cadabf 100644
--- a/client/src/features/book/components/VirtualBookGrid.vue
+++ b/client/src/features/book/components/VirtualBookGrid.vue
@@ -1,9 +1,10 @@
 <script setup lang="ts">
-import { computed, ref } from 'vue'
+import { computed, inject, ref } from 'vue'
 import { useElementSize, useWindowSize } from '@vueuse/core'
 import { RecycleScroller } from 'vue-virtual-scroller'
 import type { BookCard } from '@projectx/types'
 import BookCoverCard from './BookCoverCard.vue'
+import { COVER_ASPECT_RATIO_KEY, DEFAULT_COVER_ASPECT_RATIO } from '../lib/cover-aspect-ratio'
 
 type BookActionType = 'quick-view' | 'edit-metadata' | 'add-to-collection' | 'delete'
 
@@ -63,8 +64,11 @@ const gridItems = computed(() => {
 const itemSecondarySize = computed(() => {
   return Math.max(1, Math.floor((availableWidth.value + gapPx.value) / gridItems.value))
 })
+const coverAspectRatio = inject(COVER_ASPECT_RATIO_KEY, ref(DEFAULT_COVER_ASPECT_RATIO))
+const aspectMultiplier = computed(() => (coverAspectRatio.value === '1/1' ? 1 : 3 / 2))
+
 const cardWidth = computed(() => Math.max(1, itemSecondarySize.value - gapPx.value))
-const cardHeight = computed(() => Math.max(1, Math.round((cardWidth.value * 3) / 2)))
+const cardHeight = computed(() => Math.max(1, Math.round(cardWidth.value * aspectMultiplier.value)))
 const itemSize = computed(() => cardHeight.value + gapPx.value)
 const buffer = computed(() => Math.max(itemSize.value * 2, 240))
 
diff --git a/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/CoverEditorPanel.vue b/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/CoverEditorPanel.vue
index e5570826c..42ce6838b 100644
--- a/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/CoverEditorPanel.vue
+++ b/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/CoverEditorPanel.vue
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 <script setup lang="ts">
-import { computed, ref, onUnmounted } from 'vue'
+import { computed, inject, ref, onUnmounted } from 'vue'
 import { Image, ImagePlus, Link, Loader2, RotateCcw, Search, Upload, X } from 'lucide-vue-next'
 import type { BookDetail } from '@projectx/types'
 import { FORMAT_TO_GROUP } from '@projectx/types'
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ import { hideOnError } from '../../../lib/metadata-fetch'
 import { useCoverEditor } from '../../../composables/useCoverEditor'
 import { useCoverVersions } from '../../../composables/useCoverVersions'
 import { usePermissions } from '@/features/auth/composables/usePermissions'
+import { COVER_ASPECT_RATIO_KEY, DEFAULT_COVER_ASPECT_RATIO } from '../../../lib/cover-aspect-ratio'
 import CoverSearchDrawer from './CoverSearchDrawer.vue'
 
 const props = defineProps<{ book: BookDetail }>()
@@ -42,13 +43,7 @@ const activeSrc = computed(() => previewSrc.value ?? coverUrl(props.book.id, 'co
 const hasPending = computed(() => !!pendingFile.value || !!pendingUrl.value)
 const primaryFile = computed(() => props.book.files.find((f) => f.role === 'primary') ?? props.book.files[0] ?? null)
 const isPrimaryAudio = computed(() => primaryFile.value?.format != null && FORMAT_TO_GROUP[primaryFile.value.format] === 'audio')
-const coverNaturalWidth = ref(0)
-const coverNaturalHeight = ref(0)
-const coverAspectRatio = computed(() => {
-  if (!isPrimaryAudio.value) return '2/3'
-  if (coverNaturalWidth.value > 0 && coverNaturalHeight.value > coverNaturalWidth.value) return '2/3'
-  return '1/1'
-})
+const coverAspectRatio = inject(COVER_ASPECT_RATIO_KEY, ref(DEFAULT_COVER_ASPECT_RATIO))
 
 function cancelPending() {
   clearPending()
@@ -89,12 +84,6 @@ async function handleRevert() {
 
 const lightboxOpen = ref(false)
 
-function handleCoverLoad(e: Event) {
-  const img = e.target as HTMLImageElement
-  coverNaturalWidth.value = img.naturalWidth
-  coverNaturalHeight.value = img.naturalHeight
-}
-
 defineExpose({ setUrl, hasPending, confirm })
 
 onUnmounted(() => clearTimeout(debounceTimer))
@@ -108,7 +97,7 @@ onUnmounted(() => clearTimeout(debounceTimer))
       :style="{ aspectRatio: coverAspectRatio }"
       @click="lightboxOpen = true"
     >
-      <img :src="activeSrc" :alt="book.title ?? ''" class="w-full h-full object-contain" @error="hideOnError" @load="handleCoverLoad" />
+      <img :src="activeSrc" :alt="book.title ?? ''" class="w-full h-full object-contain" @error="hideOnError" />
     </div>
 
     <!-- Lightbox -->
diff --git a/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/DetailsTab.vue b/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/DetailsTab.vue
index f678e21ce..7e526806f 100644
--- a/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/DetailsTab.vue
+++ b/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/DetailsTab.vue
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 <script setup lang="ts">
-import { computed, nextTick, onBeforeUnmount, onMounted, ref, watch } from 'vue'
+import { computed, inject, nextTick, onBeforeUnmount, onMounted, ref, watch } from 'vue'
 import { useRouter } from 'vue-router'
 import { Check, ChevronDown, FolderPlus, MoreHorizontal, Pencil, Star, Trash2, TriangleAlert, X } from 'lucide-vue-next'
 import { DialogClose, DialogContent, DialogOverlay, DialogPortal, DialogRoot } from 'reka-ui'
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ import { bookCoverStyle } from '@/features/book/lib/book-cover'
 import { getFormatColor } from '@/features/book/lib/format-colors'
 import { getProviderColor } from '@/lib/provider-colors'
 import { useCoverVersions } from '@/features/book/composables/useCoverVersions'
+import { COVER_ASPECT_RATIO_KEY, DEFAULT_COVER_ASPECT_RATIO } from '@/features/book/lib/cover-aspect-ratio'
 import { FORMAT_TO_GROUP, READER_OPENABLE_FORMATS } from '@projectx/types'
 import type { BookDetail, BookKoboState, ReadStatus } from '@projectx/types'
 import { STATUS_OPTIONS, STATUS_ICONS, STATUS_COLORS, useBookStatus } from '@/features/book/composables/useBookStatus'
@@ -76,8 +77,6 @@ const coverLoaded = ref(false)
 const coverFailed = ref(false)
 const coverLightboxOpen = ref(false)
 const descriptionExpanded = ref(false)
-const coverNaturalWidth = ref(0)
-const coverNaturalHeight = ref(0)
 const genresExpanded = ref(false)
 const genreMeasureContainer = ref<HTMLElement | null>(null)
 const genreHiddenCount = ref(0)
@@ -226,13 +225,8 @@ const coverStyle = computed(() => bookCoverStyle(props.book.title ?? String(prop
 const { coverUrl } = useCoverVersions()
 const coverSrc = computed(() => coverUrl(props.book.id, 'cover'))
 
+const coverAspectRatio = inject(COVER_ASPECT_RATIO_KEY, ref(DEFAULT_COVER_ASPECT_RATIO))
 const primaryFile = computed(() => props.book.files.find((f) => f.role === 'primary') ?? props.book.files[0] ?? null)
-const isPrimaryAudio = computed(() => primaryFile.value?.format != null && FORMAT_TO_GROUP[primaryFile.value.format] === 'audio')
-const coverAspectRatio = computed(() => {
-  if (!isPrimaryAudio.value) return '2/3'
-  if (coverNaturalWidth.value > 0 && coverNaturalHeight.value > coverNaturalWidth.value) return '2/3'
-  return '1/1'
-})
 const readableFiles = computed(() => props.book.files.filter((f) => f.format && READER_OPENABLE_FORMATS.has(f.format)))
 
 // For multi-file audiobooks, collapse all tracks into one representative entry.
@@ -252,7 +246,7 @@ const hasMultipleFiles = computed(() => openableFiles.value.length > 1)
 const authorLine = computed(() => props.book.authors.map((a) => a.name).join(', ') || null)
 const narratorLine = computed(() => props.book.narrators?.map((n) => n.name).join(', ') || null)
 const formats = computed(() => {
-  const all = [...new Set(props.book.files.map((f) => f.format ?? '?'))]
+  const all = [...new Set(props.book.files.filter((f) => f.format && FORMAT_TO_GROUP[f.format]).map((f) => f.format!))]
   const priority = props.book.formatPriority
   const sorted = priority.length
     ? all.sort((a, b) => {
@@ -516,10 +510,7 @@ function handleDeleteFromMenu() {
   promptDelete(props.book.id)
 }
 
-function handleCoverLoad(e: Event) {
-  const img = e.target as HTMLImageElement
-  coverNaturalWidth.value = img.naturalWidth
-  coverNaturalHeight.value = img.naturalHeight
+function handleCoverLoad() {
   coverLoaded.value = true
 }
 
@@ -636,8 +627,8 @@ watch(
     <div class="md:w-56 shrink-0 md:sticky md:top-4 md:self-start">
       <div class="max-w-48 mx-auto md:max-w-none">
         <div
-          class="group relative w-full rounded-sm overflow-hidden shadow-md cursor-zoom-in bg-muted/50"
-          :style="[{ aspectRatio: coverAspectRatio }, coverLoaded ? {} : coverStyle]"
+          class="group relative w-full rounded-sm overflow-hidden shadow-md cursor-zoom-in"
+          :style="[{ aspectRatio: coverAspectRatio }, !coverLoaded || coverFailed ? coverStyle : {}]"
           @click="coverLoaded && !coverFailed && (coverLightboxOpen = true)"
         >
           <Tooltip>
@@ -651,10 +642,18 @@ watch(
             </TooltipTrigger>
             <TooltipContent>Edit cover</TooltipContent>
           </Tooltip>
+          <!-- Blurred background fill for mismatched aspect ratios -->
           <img
             v-if="!coverFailed"
             :src="coverSrc"
-            class="w-full h-full object-contain transition-opacity duration-200"
+            class="absolute inset-0 w-full h-full object-cover scale-110 blur-lg brightness-50 transition-opacity duration-200"
+            :class="coverLoaded ? 'opacity-100' : 'opacity-0'"
+            aria-hidden="true"
+          />
+          <img
+            v-if="!coverFailed"
+            :src="coverSrc"
+            class="absolute inset-0 w-full h-full object-contain transition-opacity duration-200"
             :class="coverLoaded ? 'opacity-100' : 'opacity-0'"
             :alt="book.title ?? ''"
             @load="handleCoverLoad"
diff --git a/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/MetadataDiffPanel.vue b/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/MetadataDiffPanel.vue
index 1000d1b42..ddc3bf5eb 100644
--- a/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/MetadataDiffPanel.vue
+++ b/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/MetadataDiffPanel.vue
@@ -1,10 +1,11 @@
 <script setup lang="ts">
-import { computed, reactive, ref, watch } from 'vue'
+import { computed, inject, reactive, ref, watch } from 'vue'
 import { ArrowLeft, CopyCheck, Copy, CheckCheck } from 'lucide-vue-next'
 import type { MetadataCandidate, MetadataProviderInfo, MetadataProviderKey, MetadataSource, ProviderIds } from '@projectx/types'
 import { useMetadataDiff, type DiffFieldKey, type MetadataPatch } from '../../../composables/useMetadataDiff'
 import { getProviderLabel, getProviderColor, hideOnError, providerBadgeStyle, providerActivePillStyle } from '../../../lib/metadata-fetch'
 import MetadataDiffRow from './MetadataDiffRow.vue'
+import { COVER_ASPECT_RATIO_KEY, DEFAULT_COVER_ASPECT_RATIO } from '../../../lib/cover-aspect-ratio'
 
 const props = defineProps<{
   current: MetadataSource
@@ -22,6 +23,8 @@ const emit = defineEmits<{
   apply: [{ formPatch: MetadataPatch; coverUrl?: string }]
 }>()
 
+const coverAspectRatio = inject(COVER_ASPECT_RATIO_KEY, ref(DEFAULT_COVER_ASPECT_RATIO))
+
 const activeProvider = ref<MetadataProviderKey>(props.initialCandidate.provider)
 
 // Tracks which specific result the user has picked per provider tab
@@ -113,7 +116,11 @@ function apply() {
           <ArrowLeft class="size-4 transition-transform group-hover:-translate-x-0.5" />
           {{ backLabel ?? 'Results' }}
         </button>
-        <div v-if="activeCandidate.coverUrl" class="shrink-0 w-8 rounded overflow-hidden bg-muted ring-1 ring-border" style="aspect-ratio: 2/3">
+        <div
+          v-if="activeCandidate.coverUrl"
+          class="shrink-0 w-8 rounded overflow-hidden bg-muted ring-1 ring-border"
+          :style="{ aspectRatio: coverAspectRatio }"
+        >
           <img
             :src="activeCandidate.coverUrl"
             alt=""
@@ -175,9 +182,11 @@ function apply() {
           :key="c.providerId ?? i"
           class="shrink-0 rounded-md overflow-hidden bg-muted ring-1 transition-all active:scale-95"
           :class="isSelectedForTab(c) ? 'ring-2' : 'ring-border/60 hover:ring-border'"
-          :style="isSelectedForTab(c) ? { outline: 'none', boxShadow: `0 0 0 2px ${getProviderColor(c.provider)}` } : {}"
+          :style="[
+            { width: '28px', aspectRatio: coverAspectRatio },
+            isSelectedForTab(c) ? { outline: 'none', boxShadow: `0 0 0 2px ${getProviderColor(c.provider)}` } : {},
+          ]"
           :title="`${c.title}${c.publishedYear ? ' · ' + c.publishedYear : ''}`"
-          style="width: 28px; aspect-ratio: 2/3"
           @click="selectResultForTab(c)"
         >
           <img v-if="c.coverUrl" :src="c.coverUrl" alt="" class="w-full h-full object-cover" @error="hideOnError" />
diff --git a/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/MetadataDiffRow.vue b/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/MetadataDiffRow.vue
index 058300773..92d28d7bf 100644
--- a/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/MetadataDiffRow.vue
+++ b/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/MetadataDiffRow.vue
@@ -1,10 +1,11 @@
 <script setup lang="ts">
-import { computed, ref } from 'vue'
+import { computed, inject, ref } from 'vue'
 import { ArrowLeft, RotateCcw, CheckCircle2, X, ZoomIn, Layers } from 'lucide-vue-next'
 import type { MetadataProviderInfo, MetadataProviderKey } from '@projectx/types'
 import type { DiffField, DiffFieldKey } from '../../../composables/useMetadataDiff'
 import { hideOnError, providerBadgeStyle } from '../../../lib/metadata-fetch'
 import { Popover, PopoverContent, PopoverTrigger } from '@/components/ui/popover'
+import { COVER_ASPECT_RATIO_KEY, DEFAULT_COVER_ASPECT_RATIO } from '../../../lib/cover-aspect-ratio'
 
 const props = defineProps<{
   field: DiffField
@@ -17,6 +18,8 @@ const emit = defineEmits<{
   pickFromProvider: [key: DiffFieldKey, provider: MetadataProviderKey]
 }>()
 
+const coverAspectRatio = inject(COVER_ASPECT_RATIO_KEY, ref(DEFAULT_COVER_ASPECT_RATIO))
+
 const lightboxSrc = ref<string | null>(null)
 
 const pickedProviderLabel = computed(() => {
@@ -42,19 +45,24 @@ function handlePickFromProvider(provider: MetadataProviderKey) {
       <div
         class="w-16 rounded-lg overflow-hidden bg-muted transition-all duration-300 shadow-sm ring-1 relative group"
         :class="field.isPicked ? 'ring-primary ring-2' : field.bookValue ? 'ring-border cursor-zoom-in' : 'ring-border opacity-50'"
-        style="aspect-ratio: 2/3"
+        :style="{ aspectRatio: coverAspectRatio }"
         @click="
           field.isPicked ? (lightboxSrc = field.pickedDisplay || field.candidateDisplay) : field.bookValue ? (lightboxSrc = field.bookValue) : null
         "
       >
-        <img
-          v-if="field.isPicked && field.pickedDisplay"
-          :src="field.pickedDisplay"
-          alt="Preview"
-          class="w-full h-full object-cover"
-          @error="hideOnError"
-        />
-        <img v-else-if="field.bookValue" :src="field.bookValue" alt="Current cover" class="w-full h-full object-cover" @error="hideOnError" />
+        <template v-if="field.isPicked && field.pickedDisplay">
+          <img
+            :src="field.pickedDisplay"
+            alt=""
+            aria-hidden="true"
+            class="absolute inset-0 w-full h-full object-cover scale-110 blur-md brightness-75"
+          />
+          <img :src="field.pickedDisplay" alt="Preview" class="relative w-full h-full object-contain" @error="hideOnError" />
+        </template>
+        <template v-else-if="field.bookValue">
+          <img :src="field.bookValue" alt="" aria-hidden="true" class="absolute inset-0 w-full h-full object-cover scale-110 blur-md brightness-75" />
+          <img :src="field.bookValue" alt="Current cover" class="relative w-full h-full object-contain" @error="hideOnError" />
+        </template>
         <div v-else class="w-full h-full bg-linear-to-br from-muted to-muted-foreground/10" />
         <div
           v-if="field.isPicked || field.bookValue"
@@ -109,8 +117,8 @@ function handlePickFromProvider(provider: MetadataProviderKey) {
                 :class="field.pickedProvider === pv.provider ? 'bg-primary/8 ring-1 ring-inset ring-primary/20' : ''"
                 @click="handlePickFromProvider(pv.provider)"
               >
-                <span class="shrink-0 w-8 rounded overflow-hidden bg-muted" style="aspect-ratio: 2/3">
-                  <img :src="pv.display" alt="" class="w-full h-full object-cover" @error="hideOnError" />
+                <span class="relative shrink-0 w-8 rounded overflow-hidden bg-muted" :style="{ aspectRatio: coverAspectRatio }">
+                  <img :src="pv.display" alt="" class="w-full h-full object-contain" @error="hideOnError" />
                 </span>
                 <span
                   class="inline-flex items-center text-[9px] font-bold px-1.5 py-0.5 rounded-md shrink-0"
@@ -134,10 +142,18 @@ function handlePickFromProvider(provider: MetadataProviderKey) {
               : 'ring-border cursor-zoom-in'
             : 'ring-border opacity-50'
         "
-        style="aspect-ratio: 2/3"
+        :style="{ aspectRatio: coverAspectRatio }"
         @click="field.candidateDisplay ? (lightboxSrc = field.candidateDisplay) : null"
       >
-        <img v-if="field.candidateDisplay" :src="field.candidateDisplay" alt="New cover" class="w-full h-full object-cover" @error="hideOnError" />
+        <template v-if="field.candidateDisplay">
+          <img
+            :src="field.candidateDisplay"
+            alt=""
+            aria-hidden="true"
+            class="absolute inset-0 w-full h-full object-cover scale-110 blur-md brightness-75"
+          />
+          <img :src="field.candidateDisplay" alt="New cover" class="relative w-full h-full object-contain" @error="hideOnError" />
+        </template>
         <div v-else class="w-full h-full bg-linear-to-br from-muted to-muted-foreground/10" />
         <div
           v-if="field.candidateDisplay"
diff --git a/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/MetadataResultCard.vue b/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/MetadataResultCard.vue
index d335560c9..4c9488f4b 100644
--- a/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/MetadataResultCard.vue
+++ b/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/MetadataResultCard.vue
@@ -1,8 +1,9 @@
 <script setup lang="ts">
-import { computed } from 'vue'
+import { computed, inject, ref } from 'vue'
 import { BookOpen } from 'lucide-vue-next'
 import type { MetadataCandidate, MetadataProviderInfo } from '@projectx/types'
 import { getProviderLabel, hideOnError, providerBadgeStyle } from '../../../lib/metadata-fetch'
+import { COVER_ASPECT_RATIO_KEY, DEFAULT_COVER_ASPECT_RATIO } from '../../../lib/cover-aspect-ratio'
 
 const props = defineProps<{
   candidate: MetadataCandidate
@@ -11,6 +12,8 @@ const props = defineProps<{
 
 defineEmits<{ select: [MetadataCandidate] }>()
 
+const coverAspectRatio = inject(COVER_ASPECT_RATIO_KEY, ref(DEFAULT_COVER_ASPECT_RATIO))
+
 const providerLabel = computed(() => getProviderLabel(props.candidate.provider, props.providers))
 </script>
 
@@ -20,12 +23,12 @@ const providerLabel = computed(() => getProviderLabel(props.candidate.provider,
     @click="$emit('select', candidate)"
   >
     <!-- Cover -->
-    <span class="relative shrink-0 rounded-lg overflow-hidden bg-muted block shadow-sm" style="width: 64px; aspect-ratio: 2/3">
+    <span class="relative shrink-0 rounded-lg overflow-hidden bg-muted block shadow-sm" :style="{ width: '64px', aspectRatio: coverAspectRatio }">
       <img
         v-if="candidate.coverUrl"
         :src="candidate.coverUrl"
         :alt="candidate.title"
-        class="w-full h-full object-cover transition-transform duration-500 group-hover:scale-105"
+        class="w-full h-full object-contain transition-transform duration-500 group-hover:scale-105"
         @error="hideOnError"
       />
       <span v-else class="absolute inset-0 flex items-center justify-center bg-linear-to-br from-surface-2 to-surface-4">
diff --git a/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/MetadataSearchPanel.vue b/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/MetadataSearchPanel.vue
index 90cd17d93..3048e6227 100644
--- a/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/MetadataSearchPanel.vue
+++ b/client/src/features/book/components/detail/tabs/MetadataSearchPanel.vue
@@ -1,9 +1,10 @@
 <script setup lang="ts">
-import { computed, reactive } from 'vue'
+import { computed, inject, reactive, ref } from 'vue'
 import { Search, BookOpen, Loader2 } from 'lucide-vue-next'
 import type { MetadataCandidate, MetadataProviderInfo, MetadataProviderKey } from '@projectx/types'
 import MetadataResultCard from './MetadataResultCard.vue'
 import { providerActivePillStyle } from '../../../lib/metadata-fetch'
+import { COVER_ASPECT_RATIO_KEY, DEFAULT_COVER_ASPECT_RATIO } from '../../../lib/cover-aspect-ratio'
 
 const props = defineProps<{
   searchDefaults: { title?: string; author?: string; isbn?: string }
@@ -22,6 +23,8 @@ const emit = defineEmits<{
   select: [MetadataCandidate]
 }>()
 
+const coverAspectRatio = inject(COVER_ASPECT_RATIO_KEY, ref(DEFAULT_COVER_ASPECT_RATIO))
+
 const form = reactive({
   title: props.searchDefaults.title ?? '',
   author: props.searchDefaults.author ?? '',
@@ -119,7 +122,7 @@ function runSearch() {
       <!-- Skeleton grid while loading with no results yet -->
       <div v-if="isStreaming && !filteredResults.length" class="grid grid-cols-1 sm:grid-cols-2 gap-3">
         <div v-for="n in 8" :key="n" class="rounded-xl border border-border/40 bg-card overflow-hidden animate-pulse flex gap-3 p-2.5">
-          <div class="rounded-lg bg-muted shrink-0" style="width: 64px; aspect-ratio: 2/3" />
+          <div class="rounded-lg bg-muted shrink-0" :style="{ width: '64px', aspectRatio: coverAspectRatio }" />
           <div class="flex-1 flex flex-col justify-center gap-2 py-1">
             <div class="h-3 bg-muted rounded-md w-full" />
             <div class="h-2.5 bg-muted rounded-md w-3/4" />
diff --git a/client/src/features/book/lib/cover-aspect-ratio.ts b/client/src/features/book/lib/cover-aspect-ratio.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..4dd1728e9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/client/src/features/book/lib/cover-aspect-ratio.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+import type { InjectionKey, Ref } from 'vue'
+import type { CoverAspectRatio } from '@projectx/types'
+
+export const COVER_ASPECT_RATIO_KEY: InjectionKey<Readonly<Ref<CoverAspectRatio>>> = Symbol('coverAspectRatio')
+export const DEFAULT_COVER_ASPECT_RATIO: CoverAspectRatio = '2/3'
diff --git a/client/src/features/library/components/LibraryCreatorDetails.vue b/client/src/features/library/components/LibraryCreatorDetails.vue
index 256c2ad27..95be77bae 100644
--- a/client/src/features/library/components/LibraryCreatorDetails.vue
+++ b/client/src/features/library/components/LibraryCreatorDetails.vue
@@ -4,15 +4,23 @@ import * as LucideIcons from 'lucide-vue-next'
 import { Library, Search, X } from 'lucide-vue-next'
 import { RecycleScroller } from 'vue-virtual-scroller'
 import { Tooltip, TooltipContent, TooltipTrigger } from '@/components/ui/tooltip'
+import type { CoverAspectRatio } from '@projectx/types'
+
+const ASPECT_RATIO_OPTIONS: { value: CoverAspectRatio; label: string }[] = [
+  { value: '2/3', label: 'Portrait' },
+  { value: '1/1', label: 'Square' },
+]
 
 const props = defineProps<{
   name: string
   icon: string | null
+  coverAspectRatio: CoverAspectRatio
 }>()
 
 const emit = defineEmits<{
   'update:name': [value: string]
   'update:icon': [value: string | null]
+  'update:coverAspectRatio': [value: CoverAspectRatio]
 }>()
 
 // ── Icon grid ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
@@ -74,6 +82,26 @@ const selectedIconComponent = computed(() => (props.icon ? (LucideIcons as Recor
       </div>
     </div>
 
+    <!-- Cover aspect ratio -->
+    <div>
+      <label class="block text-xs font-semibold text-muted-foreground uppercase tracking-wider mb-2">Cover style</label>
+      <div class="flex gap-3">
+        <button
+          v-for="option in ASPECT_RATIO_OPTIONS"
+          :key="option.value"
+          class="flex flex-1 flex-col items-center gap-2 p-3 rounded-lg border-2 transition-colors"
+          :class="
+            coverAspectRatio === option.value ? 'border-primary bg-primary/8' : 'border-border hover:border-muted-foreground/40 hover:bg-muted/40'
+          "
+          @click="emit('update:coverAspectRatio', option.value)"
+        >
+          <div class="w-8 rounded-sm bg-muted-foreground/25" :style="{ aspectRatio: option.value }" />
+          <span class="text-xs font-medium">{{ option.label }}</span>
+        </button>
+      </div>
+      <p class="mt-2 text-xs text-muted-foreground">Use Portrait for ebook or mixed libraries. Square works better for audiobook-only libraries.</p>
+    </div>
+
     <!-- Icon picker (fills remaining height) -->
     <div class="flex-1 flex flex-col min-h-0">
       <div class="flex items-center justify-between mb-2">
diff --git a/client/src/features/library/components/LibraryCreatorModal.vue b/client/src/features/library/components/LibraryCreatorModal.vue
index ad37b82fc..14a813696 100644
--- a/client/src/features/library/components/LibraryCreatorModal.vue
+++ b/client/src/features/library/components/LibraryCreatorModal.vue
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 <script setup lang="ts">
 import { ref, onMounted, onUnmounted, computed } from 'vue'
 import { X, ChevronLeft, ChevronRight, Check, Info, FolderOpen, ScanLine, Clock, Users } from 'lucide-vue-next'
-import type { Library } from '@projectx/types'
+import type { CoverAspectRatio, Library } from '@projectx/types'
 import { api } from '@/lib/api'
 import { useLibraryCreator } from '../composables/useLibraryCreator'
 import LibraryCreatorDetails from './LibraryCreatorDetails.vue'
@@ -111,7 +111,7 @@ onUnmounted(() => document.removeEventListener('keydown', onKeydown))
 const title = computed(() => (props.library ? `Edit: ${props.library.name}` : 'Create Library'))
 
 const sectionProps = computed(() => ({
-  details: { name: form.name, icon: form.icon },
+  details: { name: form.name, icon: form.icon, coverAspectRatio: form.coverAspectRatio },
   folders: { folders: form.folders, prescanResult: prescanResult.value, prescanLoading: prescanLoading.value },
   scanner: {
     metadataPrecedence: form.metadataPrecedence,
@@ -130,6 +130,7 @@ function getSectionProps(id: SectionId) {
 function onSectionEvent(id: SectionId, event: string, value: unknown) {
   if (event === 'update:name') form.name = value as string
   else if (event === 'update:icon') form.icon = value as string | null
+  else if (event === 'update:coverAspectRatio') form.coverAspectRatio = value as CoverAspectRatio
   else if (event === 'update:folders') form.folders = value as string[]
   else if (event === 'prescan') creator.runPrescan()
   else if (event === 'update:metadataPrecedence') form.metadataPrecedence = value as string[]
@@ -228,6 +229,7 @@ function onSectionEvent(id: SectionId, event: string, value: unknown) {
                 @update:formatPriority="onSectionEvent(activeId, 'update:formatPriority', $event)"
                 @update:allowedFormats="onSectionEvent(activeId, 'update:allowedFormats', $event)"
                 @update:excludePatterns="onSectionEvent(activeId, 'update:excludePatterns', $event)"
+                @update:coverAspectRatio="onSectionEvent(activeId, 'update:coverAspectRatio', $event)"
                 @update:watch="onSectionEvent(activeId, 'update:watch', $event)"
                 @update:autoScanCronExpression="onSectionEvent(activeId, 'update:autoScanCronExpression', $event)"
               />
@@ -348,6 +350,7 @@ function onSectionEvent(id: SectionId, event: string, value: unknown) {
                 @update:formatPriority="onSectionEvent(activeId, 'update:formatPriority', $event)"
                 @update:allowedFormats="onSectionEvent(activeId, 'update:allowedFormats', $event)"
                 @update:excludePatterns="onSectionEvent(activeId, 'update:excludePatterns', $event)"
+                @update:coverAspectRatio="onSectionEvent(activeId, 'update:coverAspectRatio', $event)"
                 @update:watch="onSectionEvent(activeId, 'update:watch', $event)"
                 @update:autoScanCronExpression="onSectionEvent(activeId, 'update:autoScanCronExpression', $event)"
               />
diff --git a/client/src/features/library/composables/useLibraryCreator.ts b/client/src/features/library/composables/useLibraryCreator.ts
index 578ca96d3..62112ef2c 100644
--- a/client/src/features/library/composables/useLibraryCreator.ts
+++ b/client/src/features/library/composables/useLibraryCreator.ts
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 import { reactive, ref } from 'vue'
 import { api } from '@/lib/api'
 import { DEFAULT_FORMAT_PRIORITY, FORMAT_LABELS } from '@projectx/types'
-import type { Library, OrganizationMode, PrescanResult } from '@projectx/types'
+import type { CoverAspectRatio, Library, OrganizationMode, PrescanResult } from '@projectx/types'
 
 export { DEFAULT_FORMAT_PRIORITY, FORMAT_LABELS }
 
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ function blankForm() {
     name: '',
     icon: null as string | null,
     displayOrder: 0,
+    coverAspectRatio: '2/3' as CoverAspectRatio,
     folders: [] as string[],
     watch: false,
     autoScanCronExpression: null as string | null,
@@ -51,6 +52,7 @@ export function useLibraryCreator() {
     form.name = library.name
     form.icon = library.icon ?? null
     form.displayOrder = library.displayOrder
+    form.coverAspectRatio = library.coverAspectRatio
     form.folders = library.folders.map((f) => f.path)
     form.watch = library.watch
     form.autoScanCronExpression = library.autoScanCronExpression ?? null
diff --git a/client/src/views/BookDetailView.vue b/client/src/views/BookDetailView.vue
index 23de845c6..ef1fa665b 100644
--- a/client/src/views/BookDetailView.vue
+++ b/client/src/views/BookDetailView.vue
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 <script setup lang="ts">
-import { computed, watch } from 'vue'
+import { computed, provide, watch } from 'vue'
 import { useRoute } from 'vue-router'
 import type { BookDetail } from '@projectx/types'
 import BookDetailLayout from '@/features/book/components/detail/BookDetailLayout.vue'
@@ -12,9 +12,21 @@ import { useScanProgress } from '@/features/scanner/composables/useScanProgress'
 import { usePageTitle } from '@/composables/usePageTitle'
 import { normalizeBookDetailTab } from '@/features/book/lib/book-detail-tabs'
 import { usePermissions } from '@/features/auth/composables/usePermissions'
+import { useLibraries } from '@/features/library/composables/useLibraries'
+import { COVER_ASPECT_RATIO_KEY, DEFAULT_COVER_ASPECT_RATIO } from '@/features/book/lib/cover-aspect-ratio'
 
 const route = useRoute()
 const { hasPermission } = usePermissions()
+const { libraries } = useLibraries()
+
+provide(
+  COVER_ASPECT_RATIO_KEY,
+  computed(() => {
+    const libraryId = detail.value?.libraryId
+    const library = libraryId != null ? libraries.value.find((l) => l.id === libraryId) : null
+    return library?.coverAspectRatio ?? DEFAULT_COVER_ASPECT_RATIO
+  }),
+)
 
 const bookId = computed(() => Number(route.params.bookId))
 const tab = computed(() => normalizeBookDetailTab(route.query.tab))
diff --git a/client/src/views/CollectionView.vue b/client/src/views/CollectionView.vue
index e63f4ab20..63507791f 100644
--- a/client/src/views/CollectionView.vue
+++ b/client/src/views/CollectionView.vue
@@ -20,14 +20,16 @@ import { useBookSelection } from '@/features/book/composables/useBookSelection'
 import { useDeleteBook } from '@/features/book/composables/useDeleteBook'
 import { useBookBulkActions } from '@/features/book/composables/useBookBulkActions'
 import { useDisplaySettings } from '@/composables/useDisplaySettings'
+import { useViewDisplaySettings } from '@/composables/useViewDisplaySettings'
 import { usePageTitle } from '@/composables/usePageTitle'
 import type { BookCard } from '@projectx/types'
 
 const route = useRoute()
 const router = useRouter()
-const { coverSize, gridGap, viewMode } = useDisplaySettings()
+const { viewMode } = useDisplaySettings()
 
 const collectionId = computed(() => Number(route.params.id))
+const { coverSize, gridGap } = useViewDisplaySettings('collection', collectionId)
 const { collections, fetchCollections, removeBooksFromCollection } = useCollections()
 const collection = computed(() => collections.value.find((c) => c.id === collectionId.value))
 const pageTitle = computed(() => {
diff --git a/client/src/views/HomeView.vue b/client/src/views/HomeView.vue
index 14fffdb49..d50eea3cf 100644
--- a/client/src/views/HomeView.vue
+++ b/client/src/views/HomeView.vue
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 <script setup lang="ts">
-import { computed, onMounted, onUnmounted, ref, shallowRef, watch } from 'vue'
+import { computed, onMounted, onUnmounted, provide, ref, shallowRef, watch } from 'vue'
 import { useRoute, useRouter } from 'vue-router'
 import { ArrowUpDown, Bookmark, BookmarkCheck, BookOpen, Filter, Telescope, X } from 'lucide-vue-next'
 import VirtualBookGrid from '@/features/book/components/VirtualBookGrid.vue'
@@ -23,19 +23,22 @@ import { useBookBulkActions } from '@/features/book/composables/useBookBulkActio
 import { useBookNavigation } from '@/features/book/composables/useBookNavigation'
 import { Tooltip, TooltipContent, TooltipTrigger } from '@/components/ui/tooltip'
 import { useDisplaySettings } from '@/composables/useDisplaySettings'
+import { useViewDisplaySettings } from '@/composables/useViewDisplaySettings'
 import { useLibraries } from '@/features/library/composables/useLibraries'
 import { useLibraryUploadEvents } from '@/features/library/composables/useLibraryUploadEvents'
 import { useScanProgress } from '@/features/scanner/composables/useScanProgress'
 import { SORT_FIELD_LABELS } from '@/features/book/lib/filter-labels'
 import { usePageTitle } from '@/composables/usePageTitle'
+import { COVER_ASPECT_RATIO_KEY, DEFAULT_COVER_ASPECT_RATIO } from '@/features/book/lib/cover-aspect-ratio'
 import type { GroupRule, SortSpec } from '@projectx/types'
 
 const route = useRoute()
 const router = useRouter()
-const { coverSize, gridGap, viewMode } = useDisplaySettings()
+const { viewMode } = useDisplaySettings()
 const { libraries } = useLibraries()
 
 const libraryId = shallowRef<number | null>(route.params.id ? Number(route.params.id) : null)
+const { coverSize, gridGap } = useViewDisplaySettings('library', libraryId)
 
 const currentLibrary = computed(() => libraries.value.find((l) => l.id === libraryId.value))
 const title = computed(() => currentLibrary.value?.name ?? 'Library')
@@ -46,6 +49,11 @@ const pageTitle = computed(() => {
 })
 usePageTitle(pageTitle)
 
+provide(
+  COVER_ASPECT_RATIO_KEY,
+  computed(() => currentLibrary.value?.coverAspectRatio ?? DEFAULT_COVER_ASPECT_RATIO),
+)
+
 const { items: books, total, loading, error, filter, sort, hasMore, load, clear } = useBookQuery(libraryId)
 const { onLibraryUploadCompleted } = useLibraryUploadEvents()
 
diff --git a/client/src/views/LensView.vue b/client/src/views/LensView.vue
index 5b8428e46..65700aece 100644
--- a/client/src/views/LensView.vue
+++ b/client/src/views/LensView.vue
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ import { useLens } from '@/features/lens/composables/useLens'
 import { useLenses } from '@/features/lens/composables/useLenses'
 import { useBookNavigation } from '@/features/book/composables/useBookNavigation'
 import { useDisplaySettings } from '@/composables/useDisplaySettings'
+import { useViewDisplaySettings } from '@/composables/useViewDisplaySettings'
 import { useBookSelection } from '@/features/book/composables/useBookSelection'
 import { useDeleteBook } from '@/features/book/composables/useDeleteBook'
 import { useBookBulkActions } from '@/features/book/composables/useBookBulkActions'
@@ -25,9 +26,10 @@ import type { BookCard, GroupRule, SortField } from '@projectx/types'
 
 const route = useRoute()
 const router = useRouter()
-const { coverSize, gridGap, viewMode, lensFilterExpanded } = useDisplaySettings()
+const { viewMode, lensFilterExpanded } = useDisplaySettings()
 
 const lensId = computed(() => Number(route.params.id))
+const { coverSize, gridGap } = useViewDisplaySettings('lens', lensId)
 
 const { items: books, total, loading, hasMore, load } = useLens(lensId)
 const { setBookContext, registerLoadMore } = useBookNavigation()
diff --git a/packages/types/src/library.ts b/packages/types/src/library.ts
index 14f05d0d4..8ccb6b393 100644
--- a/packages/types/src/library.ts
+++ b/packages/types/src/library.ts
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 export type OrganizationMode = "auto" | "book_per_file" | "book_per_folder";
+export type CoverAspectRatio = "2/3" | "1/1";
 
 export const DEFAULT_FORMAT_PRIORITY = [
   "epub", "pdf", "cbz", "cbr", "cb7",
@@ -36,6 +37,7 @@ export interface Library {
   name: string;
   icon?: string | null;
   displayOrder: number;
+  coverAspectRatio: CoverAspectRatio;
   watch: boolean;
   autoScanCronExpression?: string | null;
   metadataPrecedence: string[];
diff --git a/server/src/db/migrations/0000_baseline.sql b/server/src/db/migrations/0000_baseline.sql
index 75ebaecce..a265941db 100644
--- a/server/src/db/migrations/0000_baseline.sql
+++ b/server/src/db/migrations/0000_baseline.sql
@@ -102,6 +102,7 @@ CREATE TABLE "libraries" (
 	"name" varchar(255) NOT NULL,
 	"icon" varchar(100),
 	"display_order" integer DEFAULT 0 NOT NULL,
+	"cover_aspect_ratio" varchar(10) DEFAULT '2/3' NOT NULL,
 	"watch" boolean DEFAULT false NOT NULL,
 	"auto_scan_cron_expression" text,
 	"metadata_precedence" jsonb DEFAULT '["folderStructure","embedded","nfoFile","opfFile","sidecar"]'::jsonb NOT NULL,
diff --git a/server/src/db/migrations/meta/0000_snapshot.json b/server/src/db/migrations/meta/0000_snapshot.json
index ca8176385..6d68c1d4c 100644
--- a/server/src/db/migrations/meta/0000_snapshot.json
+++ b/server/src/db/migrations/meta/0000_snapshot.json
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 {
-  "id": "2e38901e-f8a5-4f93-8564-e0f8f44e1883",
+  "id": "00255418-cbd4-4a15-8395-a63bca8ca17f",
   "prevId": "00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000",
   "version": "7",
   "dialect": "postgresql",
@@ -768,6 +768,13 @@
           "notNull": true,
           "default": 0
         },
+        "cover_aspect_ratio": {
+          "name": "cover_aspect_ratio",
+          "type": "varchar(10)",
+          "primaryKey": false,
+          "notNull": true,
+          "default": "'2/3'"
+        },
         "watch": {
           "name": "watch",
           "type": "boolean",
diff --git a/server/src/db/migrations/meta/_journal.json b/server/src/db/migrations/meta/_journal.json
index f0ae9a1a2..4d7f46073 100644
--- a/server/src/db/migrations/meta/_journal.json
+++ b/server/src/db/migrations/meta/_journal.json
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
     {
       "idx": 0,
       "version": "7",
-      "when": 1774487725854,
+      "when": 1774615690041,
       "tag": "0000_baseline",
       "breakpoints": true
     }
diff --git a/server/src/db/schema/libraries.ts b/server/src/db/schema/libraries.ts
index 89dd4e21a..d040816f9 100644
--- a/server/src/db/schema/libraries.ts
+++ b/server/src/db/schema/libraries.ts
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ export const libraries = pgTable('libraries', {
   name: varchar('name', { length: 255 }).notNull(),
   icon: varchar('icon', { length: 100 }),
   displayOrder: integer('display_order').notNull().default(0),
+  coverAspectRatio: varchar('cover_aspect_ratio', { length: 10 }).notNull().default('2/3'),
 
   // File watching & scheduling
   watch: boolean('watch').notNull().default(false),
diff --git a/server/src/modules/library/dto/create-library.dto.ts b/server/src/modules/library/dto/create-library.dto.ts
index 6a3158654..9d3b87a88 100644
--- a/server/src/modules/library/dto/create-library.dto.ts
+++ b/server/src/modules/library/dto/create-library.dto.ts
@@ -36,6 +36,10 @@ export class CreateLibraryDto {
   @IsNotEmpty({ each: true })
   folders: string[];
 
+  @IsOptional()
+  @IsIn(['2/3', '1/1'])
+  coverAspectRatio?: string;
+
   @IsOptional()
   @IsBoolean()
   watch?: boolean;
diff --git a/server/src/modules/library/dto/update-library.dto.ts b/server/src/modules/library/dto/update-library.dto.ts
index 0b6413288..3ff67b69d 100644
--- a/server/src/modules/library/dto/update-library.dto.ts
+++ b/server/src/modules/library/dto/update-library.dto.ts
@@ -38,6 +38,10 @@ export class UpdateLibraryDto {
   @IsNotEmpty({ each: true })
   folders?: string[];
 
+  @IsOptional()
+  @IsIn(['2/3', '1/1'])
+  coverAspectRatio?: string;
+
   @IsOptional()
   @IsBoolean()
   watch?: boolean;
diff --git a/server/src/modules/metadata/lib/cover.test.ts b/server/src/modules/metadata/lib/cover.test.ts
index 1a2fdefff..57e19bbe3 100644
--- a/server/src/modules/metadata/lib/cover.test.ts
+++ b/server/src/modules/metadata/lib/cover.test.ts
@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ vi.mock('sharp', () => {
 
 import { mkdir, readFile, readdir, writeFile } from 'fs/promises';
 import { join } from 'path';
+import sharp from 'sharp';
 import { extractCb7Cover } from './cover-cb7';
 import { extractCbrCover } from './cover-cbr';
 import { extractCbzCover } from './cover-cbz';
@@ -100,6 +101,14 @@ describe('generateThumbnail', () => {
     const result = await generateThumbnail(JPEG_BYTES);
     expect(result).toBeInstanceOf(Buffer);
   });
+
+  it('resizes with inside-fit to avoid cropping', async () => {
+    await generateThumbnail(JPEG_BYTES);
+    const sharpMock = sharp as unknown as MockedFunction<typeof sharp>;
+    expect(sharpMock).toHaveBeenCalledWith(JPEG_BYTES);
+    const chain = sharpMock.mock.results[0]?.value as { resize: Mock };
+    expect(chain.resize).toHaveBeenCalledWith(400, 600, { fit: 'inside', withoutEnlargement: true });
+  });
 });
 
 // ── extractCover (routing) ────────────────────────────────────────────────────
diff --git a/server/src/modules/metadata/lib/cover.ts b/server/src/modules/metadata/lib/cover.ts
index 08acd9f48..31e470921 100644
--- a/server/src/modules/metadata/lib/cover.ts
+++ b/server/src/modules/metadata/lib/cover.ts
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ export function imageExt(bytes: Buffer): string {
 }
 
 export async function generateThumbnail(bytes: Buffer): Promise<Buffer> {
-  return sharp(bytes).resize(THUMBNAIL_WIDTH, THUMBNAIL_HEIGHT, { fit: 'cover', position: 'top' }).jpeg({ quality: 90 }).toBuffer();
+  return sharp(bytes).resize(THUMBNAIL_WIDTH, THUMBNAIL_HEIGHT, { fit: 'inside', withoutEnlargement: true }).jpeg({ quality: 90 }).toBuffer();
 }
 
 /**