diff --git a/default-plugins/fixture-plugin-for-tests/src/main.rs b/default-plugins/fixture-plugin-for-tests/src/main.rs
index fcdc363f..17f29943 100644
--- a/default-plugins/fixture-plugin-for-tests/src/main.rs
+++ b/default-plugins/fixture-plugin-for-tests/src/main.rs
@@ -280,6 +280,16 @@ impl ZellijPlugin for State {
                         context,
                     );
                 },
+                Key::Ctrl('5') => {
+                    switch_session(Some("my_new_session"));
+                },
+                Key::Ctrl('6') => disconnect_other_clients(),
+                Key::Ctrl('7') => {
+                    switch_session_with_layout(
+                        Some("my_other_new_session"),
+                        LayoutInfo::BuiltIn("compact".to_owned()),
+                    );
+                },
                 _ => {},
             },
             Event::CustomMessage(message, payload) => {
diff --git a/default-plugins/session-manager/src/main.rs b/default-plugins/session-manager/src/main.rs
index 8f70cc29..8040f79e 100644
--- a/default-plugins/session-manager/src/main.rs
+++ b/default-plugins/session-manager/src/main.rs
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+mod new_session_info;
 mod resurrectable_sessions;
 mod session_list;
 mod ui;
@@ -5,34 +6,58 @@ use zellij_tile::prelude::*;
 
 use std::collections::BTreeMap;
 
+use new_session_info::NewSessionInfo;
 use ui::{
     components::{
-        render_controls_line, render_error, render_new_session_line, render_prompt,
-        render_renaming_session_screen, render_resurrection_toggle, Colors,
+        render_controls_line, render_error, render_new_session_block, render_prompt,
+        render_renaming_session_screen, render_screen_toggle, Colors,
     },
+    welcome_screen::{render_banner, render_welcome_boundaries},
     SessionUiInfo,
 };
 
 use resurrectable_sessions::ResurrectableSessions;
 use session_list::SessionList;
 
+#[derive(Clone, Debug, Copy)]
+enum ActiveScreen {
+    NewSession,
+    AttachToSession,
+    ResurrectSession,
+}
+
+impl Default for ActiveScreen {
+    fn default() -> Self {
+        ActiveScreen::AttachToSession
+    }
+}
+
 #[derive(Default)]
 struct State {
     session_name: Option<String>,
     sessions: SessionList,
     resurrectable_sessions: ResurrectableSessions,
     search_term: String,
-    new_session_name: Option<String>,
+    new_session_info: NewSessionInfo,
     renaming_session_name: Option<String>,
     error: Option<String>,
-    browsing_resurrection_sessions: bool,
+    active_screen: ActiveScreen,
     colors: Colors,
+    is_welcome_screen: bool,
+    show_kill_all_sessions_warning: bool,
 }
 
 register_plugin!(State);
 
 impl ZellijPlugin for State {
-    fn load(&mut self, _configuration: BTreeMap<String, String>) {
+    fn load(&mut self, configuration: BTreeMap<String, String>) {
+        self.is_welcome_screen = configuration
+            .get("welcome_screen")
+            .map(|v| v == "true")
+            .unwrap_or(false);
+        if self.is_welcome_screen {
+            self.active_screen = ActiveScreen::NewSession;
+        }
         subscribe(&[
             EventType::ModeUpdate,
             EventType::SessionUpdate,
@@ -55,6 +80,12 @@ impl ZellijPlugin for State {
                 should_render = true;
             },
             Event::SessionUpdate(session_infos, resurrectable_session_list) => {
+                for session_info in &session_infos {
+                    if session_info.is_current_session {
+                        self.new_session_info
+                            .update_layout_list(session_info.available_layouts.clone());
+                    }
+                }
                 self.resurrectable_sessions
                     .update(resurrectable_session_list);
                 self.update_session_infos(session_infos);
@@ -66,36 +97,53 @@ impl ZellijPlugin for State {
     }
 
     fn render(&mut self, rows: usize, cols: usize) {
-        if self.browsing_resurrection_sessions {
-            self.resurrectable_sessions.render(rows, cols);
-            return;
-        } else if let Some(new_session_name) = self.renaming_session_name.as_ref() {
-            render_renaming_session_screen(&new_session_name, rows, cols);
-            return;
+        let (x, y, width, height) = self.main_menu_size(rows, cols);
+
+        if self.is_welcome_screen {
+            render_banner(x, 0, rows.saturating_sub(height), width);
         }
-        render_resurrection_toggle(cols, false);
-        render_prompt(
-            self.new_session_name.is_some(),
-            &self.search_term,
-            self.colors,
-        );
-        let room_for_list = rows.saturating_sub(5); // search line and controls
-        self.sessions.update_rows(room_for_list);
-        let list = self
-            .sessions
-            .render(room_for_list, cols.saturating_sub(7), self.colors); // 7 for various ui
-        for line in list {
-            println!("{}", line.render());
+        render_screen_toggle(self.active_screen, x, y, width.saturating_sub(2));
+
+        match self.active_screen {
+            ActiveScreen::NewSession => {
+                render_new_session_block(
+                    &self.new_session_info,
+                    self.colors,
+                    height,
+                    width,
+                    x,
+                    y + 2,
+                );
+            },
+            ActiveScreen::AttachToSession => {
+                if let Some(new_session_name) = self.renaming_session_name.as_ref() {
+                    render_renaming_session_screen(&new_session_name, height, width, x, y + 2);
+                } else if self.show_kill_all_sessions_warning {
+                    self.render_kill_all_sessions_warning(height, width, x, y);
+                } else {
+                    render_prompt(&self.search_term, self.colors, x, y + 2);
+                    let room_for_list = height.saturating_sub(6); // search line and controls;
+                    self.sessions.update_rows(room_for_list);
+                    let list =
+                        self.sessions
+                            .render(room_for_list, width.saturating_sub(7), self.colors); // 7 for various ui
+                    for (i, line) in list.iter().enumerate() {
+                        print!("\u{1b}[{};{}H{}", y + i + 5, x, line.render());
+                    }
+                }
+            },
+            ActiveScreen::ResurrectSession => {
+                self.resurrectable_sessions.render(height, width, x, y);
+            },
         }
-        render_new_session_line(
-            &self.new_session_name,
-            self.sessions.is_searching,
-            self.colors,
-        );
         if let Some(error) = self.error.as_ref() {
-            render_error(&error, rows, cols);
+            render_error(&error, height, width, x, y);
         } else {
-            render_controls_line(self.sessions.is_searching, rows, cols, self.colors);
+            render_controls_line(self.active_screen, width, self.colors, x + 1, rows);
+        }
+        if self.is_welcome_screen {
+            render_welcome_boundaries(rows, cols); // explicitly done in the end to override some
+                                                   // stuff, see comment in function
         }
     }
 }
@@ -109,40 +157,77 @@ impl State {
             self.error = None;
             return true;
         }
+        match self.active_screen {
+            ActiveScreen::NewSession => self.handle_new_session_key(key),
+            ActiveScreen::AttachToSession => self.handle_attach_to_session(key),
+            ActiveScreen::ResurrectSession => self.handle_resurrect_session_key(key),
+        }
+    }
+    fn handle_new_session_key(&mut self, key: Key) -> bool {
         let mut should_render = false;
-        if let Key::Right = key {
-            if self.new_session_name.is_none() {
-                self.sessions.result_expand();
-            }
-            should_render = true;
-        } else if let Key::Left = key {
-            if self.new_session_name.is_none() {
-                self.sessions.result_shrink();
-            }
-            should_render = true;
-        } else if let Key::Down = key {
-            if self.browsing_resurrection_sessions {
-                self.resurrectable_sessions.move_selection_down();
-            } else if self.new_session_name.is_none() && self.renaming_session_name.is_none() {
-                self.sessions.move_selection_down();
-            }
+        if let Key::Down = key {
+            self.new_session_info.handle_key(key);
             should_render = true;
         } else if let Key::Up = key {
-            if self.browsing_resurrection_sessions {
-                self.resurrectable_sessions.move_selection_up();
-            } else if self.new_session_name.is_none() && self.renaming_session_name.is_none() {
-                self.sessions.move_selection_up();
-            }
+            self.new_session_info.handle_key(key);
             should_render = true;
         } else if let Key::Char(character) = key {
             if character == '\n' {
                 self.handle_selection();
-            } else if let Some(new_session_name) = self.new_session_name.as_mut() {
+            } else {
+                self.new_session_info.handle_key(key);
+            }
+            should_render = true;
+        } else if let Key::Backspace = key {
+            self.new_session_info.handle_key(key);
+            should_render = true;
+        } else if let Key::Ctrl('w') = key {
+            self.active_screen = ActiveScreen::NewSession;
+            should_render = true;
+        } else if let Key::Ctrl('c') = key {
+            self.new_session_info.handle_key(key);
+            should_render = true;
+        } else if let Key::BackTab = key {
+            self.toggle_active_screen();
+            should_render = true;
+        } else if let Key::Esc = key {
+            self.new_session_info.handle_key(key);
+            should_render = true;
+        }
+        should_render
+    }
+    fn handle_attach_to_session(&mut self, key: Key) -> bool {
+        let mut should_render = false;
+        if self.show_kill_all_sessions_warning {
+            if let Key::Char('y') = key {
+                let all_other_sessions = self.sessions.all_other_sessions();
+                kill_sessions(&all_other_sessions);
+                self.reset_selected_index();
+                self.search_term.clear();
+                self.sessions
+                    .update_search_term(&self.search_term, &self.colors);
+                self.show_kill_all_sessions_warning = false
+            } else if let Key::Char('n') | Key::Esc | Key::Ctrl('c') = key {
+                self.show_kill_all_sessions_warning = false
+            }
+            should_render = true;
+        } else if let Key::Right = key {
+            self.sessions.result_expand();
+            should_render = true;
+        } else if let Key::Left = key {
+            self.sessions.result_shrink();
+            should_render = true;
+        } else if let Key::Down = key {
+            self.sessions.move_selection_down();
+            should_render = true;
+        } else if let Key::Up = key {
+            self.sessions.move_selection_up();
+            should_render = true;
+        } else if let Key::Char(character) = key {
+            if character == '\n' {
+                self.handle_selection();
+            } else if let Some(new_session_name) = self.renaming_session_name.as_mut() {
                 new_session_name.push(character);
-            } else if let Some(renaming_session_name) = self.renaming_session_name.as_mut() {
-                renaming_session_name.push(character);
-            } else if self.browsing_resurrection_sessions {
-                self.resurrectable_sessions.handle_character(character);
             } else {
                 self.search_term.push(character);
                 self.sessions
@@ -150,20 +235,12 @@ impl State {
             }
             should_render = true;
         } else if let Key::Backspace = key {
-            if let Some(new_session_name) = self.new_session_name.as_mut() {
+            if let Some(new_session_name) = self.renaming_session_name.as_mut() {
                 if new_session_name.is_empty() {
-                    self.new_session_name = None;
+                    self.renaming_session_name = None;
                 } else {
                     new_session_name.pop();
                 }
-            } else if let Some(renaming_session_name) = self.renaming_session_name.as_mut() {
-                if renaming_session_name.is_empty() {
-                    self.renaming_session_name = None;
-                } else {
-                    renaming_session_name.pop();
-                }
-            } else if self.browsing_resurrection_sessions {
-                self.resurrectable_sessions.handle_backspace();
             } else {
                 self.search_term.pop();
                 self.sessions
@@ -171,136 +248,165 @@ impl State {
             }
             should_render = true;
         } else if let Key::Ctrl('w') = key {
-            if self.sessions.is_searching || self.browsing_resurrection_sessions {
-                // no-op
-            } else if self.new_session_name.is_some() {
-                self.new_session_name = None;
-            } else {
-                self.new_session_name = Some(String::new());
-            }
+            self.active_screen = ActiveScreen::NewSession;
             should_render = true;
         } else if let Key::Ctrl('r') = key {
-            if self.sessions.is_searching || self.browsing_resurrection_sessions {
-                // no-op
-            } else if self.renaming_session_name.is_some() {
-                self.renaming_session_name = None;
+            self.renaming_session_name = Some(String::new());
+            should_render = true;
+        } else if let Key::Delete = key {
+            if let Some(selected_session_name) = self.sessions.get_selected_session_name() {
+                kill_sessions(&[selected_session_name]);
+                self.reset_selected_index();
+                self.search_term.clear();
+                self.sessions
+                    .update_search_term(&self.search_term, &self.colors);
             } else {
-                self.renaming_session_name = Some(String::new());
+                self.show_error("Must select session before killing it.");
             }
             should_render = true;
+        } else if let Key::Ctrl('d') = key {
+            let all_other_sessions = self.sessions.all_other_sessions();
+            if all_other_sessions.is_empty() {
+                self.show_error("No other sessions to kill. Quit to kill the current one.");
+            } else {
+                self.show_kill_all_sessions_warning = true;
+            }
+            should_render = true;
+        } else if let Key::Ctrl('x') = key {
+            disconnect_other_clients();
         } else if let Key::Ctrl('c') = key {
-            if let Some(new_session_name) = self.new_session_name.as_mut() {
-                if new_session_name.is_empty() {
-                    self.new_session_name = None;
-                } else {
-                    new_session_name.clear()
-                }
-            } else if let Some(renaming_session_name) = self.renaming_session_name.as_mut() {
-                if renaming_session_name.is_empty() {
-                    self.renaming_session_name = None;
-                } else {
-                    renaming_session_name.clear()
-                }
-            } else if !self.search_term.is_empty() {
+            if !self.search_term.is_empty() {
                 self.search_term.clear();
                 self.sessions
                     .update_search_term(&self.search_term, &self.colors);
                 self.reset_selected_index();
-            } else {
+            } else if !self.is_welcome_screen {
                 self.reset_selected_index();
                 hide_self();
             }
             should_render = true;
         } else if let Key::BackTab = key {
-            self.browsing_resurrection_sessions = !self.browsing_resurrection_sessions;
+            self.toggle_active_screen();
             should_render = true;
-        } else if let Key::Delete = key {
-            if self.browsing_resurrection_sessions {
-                self.resurrectable_sessions.delete_selected_session();
-                should_render = true;
-            }
-        } else if let Key::Ctrl('d') = key {
-            if self.browsing_resurrection_sessions {
-                self.resurrectable_sessions
-                    .show_delete_all_sessions_warning();
-                should_render = true;
-            }
         } else if let Key::Esc = key {
             if self.renaming_session_name.is_some() {
                 self.renaming_session_name = None;
                 should_render = true;
-            } else if self.new_session_name.is_some() {
-                self.new_session_name = None;
-                should_render = true;
+            } else if !self.is_welcome_screen {
+                hide_self();
+            }
+        }
+        should_render
+    }
+    fn handle_resurrect_session_key(&mut self, key: Key) -> bool {
+        let mut should_render = false;
+        if let Key::Down = key {
+            self.resurrectable_sessions.move_selection_down();
+            should_render = true;
+        } else if let Key::Up = key {
+            self.resurrectable_sessions.move_selection_up();
+            should_render = true;
+        } else if let Key::Char(character) = key {
+            if character == '\n' {
+                self.handle_selection();
             } else {
+                self.resurrectable_sessions.handle_character(character);
+            }
+            should_render = true;
+        } else if let Key::Backspace = key {
+            self.resurrectable_sessions.handle_backspace();
+            should_render = true;
+        } else if let Key::Ctrl('w') = key {
+            self.active_screen = ActiveScreen::NewSession;
+            should_render = true;
+        } else if let Key::BackTab = key {
+            self.toggle_active_screen();
+            should_render = true;
+        } else if let Key::Delete = key {
+            self.resurrectable_sessions.delete_selected_session();
+            should_render = true;
+        } else if let Key::Ctrl('d') = key {
+            self.resurrectable_sessions
+                .show_delete_all_sessions_warning();
+            should_render = true;
+        } else if let Key::Esc = key {
+            if !self.is_welcome_screen {
                 hide_self();
             }
         }
         should_render
     }
     fn handle_selection(&mut self) {
-        if self.browsing_resurrection_sessions {
-            if let Some(session_name_to_resurrect) =
-                self.resurrectable_sessions.get_selected_session_name()
-            {
-                switch_session(Some(&session_name_to_resurrect));
-            }
-        } else if let Some(new_session_name) = &self.new_session_name {
-            if new_session_name.is_empty() {
-                switch_session(None);
-            } else if self.session_name.as_ref() == Some(new_session_name) {
-                // noop - we're already here!
-                self.new_session_name = None;
-            } else {
-                switch_session(Some(new_session_name));
-            }
-        } else if let Some(renaming_session_name) = &self.renaming_session_name.take() {
-            if renaming_session_name.is_empty() {
-                // TODO: implement these, then implement the error UI, then implement the renaming
-                // session screen, then test it
-                self.show_error("New name must not be empty.");
-                return; // s that we don't hide self
-            } else if self.session_name.as_ref() == Some(renaming_session_name) {
-                // noop - we're already called that!
-                return; // s that we don't hide self
-            } else if self.sessions.has_session(&renaming_session_name) {
-                self.show_error("A session by this name already exists.");
-                return; // s that we don't hide self
-            } else if self
-                .resurrectable_sessions
-                .has_session(&renaming_session_name)
-            {
-                self.show_error("A resurrectable session by this name already exists.");
-                return; // s that we don't hide self
-            } else {
-                self.update_current_session_name_in_ui(&renaming_session_name);
-                rename_session(&renaming_session_name);
-                return; // s that we don't hide self
-            }
-        } else if let Some(selected_session_name) = self.sessions.get_selected_session_name() {
-            let selected_tab = self.sessions.get_selected_tab_position();
-            let selected_pane = self.sessions.get_selected_pane_id();
-            let is_current_session = self.sessions.selected_is_current_session();
-            if is_current_session {
-                if let Some((pane_id, is_plugin)) = selected_pane {
-                    if is_plugin {
-                        focus_plugin_pane(pane_id, true);
+        match self.active_screen {
+            ActiveScreen::NewSession => {
+                self.new_session_info.handle_selection(&self.session_name);
+            },
+            ActiveScreen::AttachToSession => {
+                if let Some(renaming_session_name) = &self.renaming_session_name.take() {
+                    if renaming_session_name.is_empty() {
+                        self.show_error("New name must not be empty.");
+                        return; // so that we don't hide self
+                    } else if self.session_name.as_ref() == Some(renaming_session_name) {
+                        // noop - we're already called that!
+                        return; // so that we don't hide self
+                    } else if self.sessions.has_session(&renaming_session_name) {
+                        self.show_error("A session by this name already exists.");
+                        return; // so that we don't hide self
+                    } else if self
+                        .resurrectable_sessions
+                        .has_session(&renaming_session_name)
+                    {
+                        self.show_error("A resurrectable session by this name already exists.");
+                        return; // s that we don't hide self
                     } else {
-                        focus_terminal_pane(pane_id, true);
+                        self.update_current_session_name_in_ui(&renaming_session_name);
+                        rename_session(&renaming_session_name);
+                        return; // s that we don't hide self
                     }
-                } else if let Some(tab_position) = selected_tab {
-                    go_to_tab(tab_position as u32);
                 }
-            } else {
-                switch_session_with_focus(&selected_session_name, selected_tab, selected_pane);
-            }
+                if let Some(selected_session_name) = self.sessions.get_selected_session_name() {
+                    let selected_tab = self.sessions.get_selected_tab_position();
+                    let selected_pane = self.sessions.get_selected_pane_id();
+                    let is_current_session = self.sessions.selected_is_current_session();
+                    if is_current_session {
+                        if let Some((pane_id, is_plugin)) = selected_pane {
+                            if is_plugin {
+                                focus_plugin_pane(pane_id, true);
+                            } else {
+                                focus_terminal_pane(pane_id, true);
+                            }
+                        } else if let Some(tab_position) = selected_tab {
+                            go_to_tab(tab_position as u32);
+                        }
+                    } else {
+                        switch_session_with_focus(
+                            &selected_session_name,
+                            selected_tab,
+                            selected_pane,
+                        );
+                    }
+                }
+                self.reset_selected_index();
+                self.search_term.clear();
+                self.sessions
+                    .update_search_term(&self.search_term, &self.colors);
+                hide_self();
+            },
+            ActiveScreen::ResurrectSession => {
+                if let Some(session_name_to_resurrect) =
+                    self.resurrectable_sessions.get_selected_session_name()
+                {
+                    switch_session(Some(&session_name_to_resurrect));
+                }
+            },
         }
-        self.reset_selected_index();
-        self.new_session_name = None;
-        self.search_term.clear();
-        self.sessions
-            .update_search_term(&self.search_term, &self.colors);
-        hide_self();
+    }
+    fn toggle_active_screen(&mut self) {
+        self.active_screen = match self.active_screen {
+            ActiveScreen::NewSession => ActiveScreen::AttachToSession,
+            ActiveScreen::AttachToSession => ActiveScreen::ResurrectSession,
+            ActiveScreen::ResurrectSession => ActiveScreen::NewSession,
+        };
     }
     fn show_error(&mut self, error_text: &str) {
         self.error = Some(error_text.to_owned());
@@ -329,4 +435,53 @@ impl State {
         }
         self.sessions.set_sessions(session_infos);
     }
+    fn main_menu_size(&self, rows: usize, cols: usize) -> (usize, usize, usize, usize) {
+        // x, y, width, height
+        let width = if self.is_welcome_screen {
+            std::cmp::min(cols, 101)
+        } else {
+            cols
+        };
+        let x = if self.is_welcome_screen {
+            (cols.saturating_sub(width) as f64 / 2.0).floor() as usize + 2
+        } else {
+            0
+        };
+        let y = if self.is_welcome_screen {
+            (rows.saturating_sub(15) as f64 / 2.0).floor() as usize
+        } else {
+            0
+        };
+        let height = rows.saturating_sub(y);
+        (x, y, width, height)
+    }
+    fn render_kill_all_sessions_warning(&self, rows: usize, columns: usize, x: usize, y: usize) {
+        if rows == 0 || columns == 0 {
+            return;
+        }
+        let session_count = self.sessions.all_other_sessions().len();
+        let session_count_len = session_count.to_string().chars().count();
+        let warning_description_text = format!("This will kill {} active sessions", session_count);
+        let confirmation_text = "Are you sure? (y/n)";
+        let warning_y_location = y + (rows / 2).saturating_sub(1);
+        let confirmation_y_location = y + (rows / 2) + 1;
+        let warning_x_location =
+            x + columns.saturating_sub(warning_description_text.chars().count()) / 2;
+        let confirmation_x_location =
+            x + columns.saturating_sub(confirmation_text.chars().count()) / 2;
+        print_text_with_coordinates(
+            Text::new(warning_description_text).color_range(0, 15..16 + session_count_len),
+            warning_x_location,
+            warning_y_location,
+            None,
+            None,
+        );
+        print_text_with_coordinates(
+            Text::new(confirmation_text).color_indices(2, vec![15, 17]),
+            confirmation_x_location,
+            confirmation_y_location,
+            None,
+            None,
+        );
+    }
 }
diff --git a/default-plugins/session-manager/src/new_session_info.rs b/default-plugins/session-manager/src/new_session_info.rs
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..6a2456f1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/default-plugins/session-manager/src/new_session_info.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,265 @@
+use fuzzy_matcher::skim::SkimMatcherV2;
+use fuzzy_matcher::FuzzyMatcher;
+use std::cmp::Ordering;
+use zellij_tile::prelude::*;
+
+#[derive(Default)]
+pub struct NewSessionInfo {
+    name: String,
+    layout_list: LayoutList,
+    entering_new_session_info: EnteringState,
+}
+
+#[derive(Eq, PartialEq)]
+enum EnteringState {
+    EnteringName,
+    EnteringLayoutSearch,
+}
+
+impl Default for EnteringState {
+    fn default() -> Self {
+        EnteringState::EnteringName
+    }
+}
+
+impl NewSessionInfo {
+    pub fn name(&self) -> &str {
+        &self.name
+    }
+    pub fn layout_search_term(&self) -> &str {
+        &self.layout_list.layout_search_term
+    }
+    pub fn entering_new_session_info(&self) -> bool {
+        true
+    }
+    pub fn entering_new_session_name(&self) -> bool {
+        self.entering_new_session_info == EnteringState::EnteringName
+    }
+    pub fn entering_layout_search_term(&self) -> bool {
+        self.entering_new_session_info == EnteringState::EnteringLayoutSearch
+    }
+    pub fn add_char(&mut self, character: char) {
+        match self.entering_new_session_info {
+            EnteringState::EnteringName => {
+                self.name.push(character);
+            },
+            EnteringState::EnteringLayoutSearch => {
+                self.layout_list.layout_search_term.push(character);
+                self.update_layout_search_term();
+            },
+        }
+    }
+    pub fn handle_backspace(&mut self) {
+        match self.entering_new_session_info {
+            EnteringState::EnteringName => {
+                self.name.pop();
+            },
+            EnteringState::EnteringLayoutSearch => {
+                self.layout_list.layout_search_term.pop();
+                self.update_layout_search_term();
+            },
+        }
+    }
+    pub fn handle_break(&mut self) {
+        match self.entering_new_session_info {
+            EnteringState::EnteringName => {
+                self.name.clear();
+            },
+            EnteringState::EnteringLayoutSearch => {
+                self.layout_list.layout_search_term.clear();
+                self.entering_new_session_info = EnteringState::EnteringName;
+                self.update_layout_search_term();
+            },
+        }
+    }
+    pub fn handle_key(&mut self, key: Key) {
+        match key {
+            Key::Backspace => {
+                self.handle_backspace();
+            },
+            Key::Ctrl('c') | Key::Esc => {
+                self.handle_break();
+            },
+            Key::Char(character) => {
+                self.add_char(character);
+            },
+            Key::Up => {
+                self.move_selection_up();
+            },
+            Key::Down => {
+                self.move_selection_down();
+            },
+            _ => {},
+        }
+    }
+    pub fn handle_selection(&mut self, current_session_name: &Option<String>) {
+        match self.entering_new_session_info {
+            EnteringState::EnteringLayoutSearch => {
+                let new_session_layout: Option<LayoutInfo> = self.selected_layout_info();
+                let new_session_name = if self.name.is_empty() {
+                    None
+                } else {
+                    Some(self.name.as_str())
+                };
+                if new_session_name != current_session_name.as_ref().map(|s| s.as_str()) {
+                    match new_session_layout {
+                        Some(new_session_layout) => {
+                            switch_session_with_layout(new_session_name, new_session_layout)
+                        },
+                        None => {
+                            switch_session(new_session_name);
+                        },
+                    }
+                }
+                self.name.clear();
+                self.layout_list.clear_selection();
+                hide_self();
+            },
+            EnteringState::EnteringName => {
+                self.entering_new_session_info = EnteringState::EnteringLayoutSearch;
+            },
+        }
+    }
+    pub fn update_layout_list(&mut self, layout_info: Vec<LayoutInfo>) {
+        self.layout_list.update_layout_list(layout_info);
+    }
+    pub fn layout_list(&self) -> Vec<(LayoutInfo, bool)> {
+        // bool - is_selected
+        self.layout_list
+            .layout_list
+            .iter()
+            .enumerate()
+            .map(|(i, l)| (l.clone(), i == self.layout_list.selected_layout_index))
+            .collect()
+    }
+    pub fn layouts_to_render(&self) -> Vec<(LayoutInfo, Vec<usize>, bool)> {
+        // (layout_info,
+        // search_indices,
+        // is_selected)
+        if self.is_searching() {
+            self.layout_search_results()
+                .into_iter()
+                .map(|(layout_search_result, is_selected)| {
+                    (
+                        layout_search_result.layout_info,
+                        layout_search_result.indices,
+                        is_selected,
+                    )
+                })
+                .collect()
+        } else {
+            self.layout_list()
+                .into_iter()
+                .map(|(layout_info, is_selected)| (layout_info, vec![], is_selected))
+                .collect()
+        }
+    }
+    pub fn layout_search_results(&self) -> Vec<(LayoutSearchResult, bool)> {
+        // bool - is_selected
+        self.layout_list
+            .layout_search_results
+            .iter()
+            .enumerate()
+            .map(|(i, l)| (l.clone(), i == self.layout_list.selected_layout_index))
+            .collect()
+    }
+    pub fn is_searching(&self) -> bool {
+        !self.layout_list.layout_search_term.is_empty()
+    }
+    pub fn layout_count(&self) -> usize {
+        self.layout_list.layout_list.len()
+    }
+    pub fn selected_layout_info(&self) -> Option<LayoutInfo> {
+        self.layout_list.selected_layout_info()
+    }
+    fn update_layout_search_term(&mut self) {
+        if self.layout_list.layout_search_term.is_empty() {
+            self.layout_list.clear_selection();
+            self.layout_list.layout_search_results = vec![];
+        } else {
+            let mut matches = vec![];
+            let matcher = SkimMatcherV2::default().use_cache(true);
+            for layout_info in &self.layout_list.layout_list {
+                if let Some((score, indices)) =
+                    matcher.fuzzy_indices(&layout_info.name(), &self.layout_list.layout_search_term)
+                {
+                    matches.push(LayoutSearchResult {
+                        layout_info: layout_info.clone(),
+                        score,
+                        indices,
+                    });
+                }
+            }
+            matches.sort_by(|a, b| b.score.cmp(&a.score));
+            self.layout_list.layout_search_results = matches;
+            self.layout_list.clear_selection();
+        }
+    }
+    fn move_selection_up(&mut self) {
+        self.layout_list.move_selection_up();
+    }
+    fn move_selection_down(&mut self) {
+        self.layout_list.move_selection_down();
+    }
+}
+
+#[derive(Default)]
+pub struct LayoutList {
+    layout_list: Vec<LayoutInfo>,
+    layout_search_results: Vec<LayoutSearchResult>,
+    selected_layout_index: usize,
+    layout_search_term: String,
+}
+
+impl LayoutList {
+    pub fn update_layout_list(&mut self, layout_list: Vec<LayoutInfo>) {
+        let old_layout_length = self.layout_list.len();
+        self.layout_list = layout_list;
+        if old_layout_length != self.layout_list.len() {
+            // honestly, this is just the UX choice that sucks the least...
+            self.clear_selection();
+        }
+    }
+    pub fn selected_layout_info(&self) -> Option<LayoutInfo> {
+        if !self.layout_search_term.is_empty() {
+            self.layout_search_results
+                .get(self.selected_layout_index)
+                .map(|l| l.layout_info.clone())
+        } else {
+            self.layout_list.get(self.selected_layout_index).cloned()
+        }
+    }
+    pub fn clear_selection(&mut self) {
+        self.selected_layout_index = 0;
+    }
+    fn max_index(&self) -> usize {
+        if self.layout_search_term.is_empty() {
+            self.layout_list.len().saturating_sub(1)
+        } else {
+            self.layout_search_results.len().saturating_sub(1)
+        }
+    }
+    fn move_selection_up(&mut self) {
+        let max_index = self.max_index();
+        if self.selected_layout_index > 0 {
+            self.selected_layout_index -= 1;
+        } else {
+            self.selected_layout_index = max_index;
+        }
+    }
+    fn move_selection_down(&mut self) {
+        let max_index = self.max_index();
+        if self.selected_layout_index < max_index {
+            self.selected_layout_index += 1;
+        } else {
+            self.selected_layout_index = 0;
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+#[derive(Clone)]
+pub struct LayoutSearchResult {
+    pub layout_info: LayoutInfo,
+    pub score: i64,
+    pub indices: Vec<usize>,
+}
diff --git a/default-plugins/session-manager/src/resurrectable_sessions.rs b/default-plugins/session-manager/src/resurrectable_sessions.rs
index dfbb86f0..98887036 100644
--- a/default-plugins/session-manager/src/resurrectable_sessions.rs
+++ b/default-plugins/session-manager/src/resurrectable_sessions.rs
@@ -2,8 +2,6 @@ use fuzzy_matcher::skim::SkimMatcherV2;
 use fuzzy_matcher::FuzzyMatcher;
 use humantime::format_duration;
 
-use crate::ui::components::render_resurrection_toggle;
-
 use std::time::Duration;
 
 use zellij_tile::shim::*;
@@ -24,23 +22,22 @@ impl ResurrectableSessions {
         list.sort_by(|a, b| a.1.cmp(&b.1));
         self.all_resurrectable_sessions = list;
     }
-    pub fn render(&self, rows: usize, columns: usize) {
+    pub fn render(&self, rows: usize, columns: usize, x: usize, y: usize) {
         if self.delete_all_dead_sessions_warning {
-            self.render_delete_all_sessions_warning(rows, columns);
+            self.render_delete_all_sessions_warning(rows, columns, x, y);
             return;
         }
-        render_resurrection_toggle(columns, true);
-        let search_indication = Text::new(format!("> {}_", self.search_term)).color_range(1, ..);
-        let table_rows = rows.saturating_sub(3);
+        let search_indication =
+            Text::new(format!("Search: {}_", self.search_term)).color_range(2, ..7);
+        let table_rows = rows.saturating_sub(5); // search row, toggle row and some padding
         let table_columns = columns;
         let table = if self.is_searching {
             self.render_search_results(table_rows, columns)
         } else {
             self.render_all_entries(table_rows, columns)
         };
-        print_text_with_coordinates(search_indication, 0, 0, None, None);
-        print_table_with_coordinates(table, 0, 1, Some(table_columns), Some(table_rows));
-        self.render_controls_line(rows);
+        print_text_with_coordinates(search_indication, x.saturating_sub(1), y + 2, None, None);
+        print_table_with_coordinates(table, x, y + 3, Some(table_columns), Some(table_rows));
     }
     fn render_search_results(&self, table_rows: usize, _table_columns: usize) -> Table {
         let mut table = Table::new().add_row(vec![" ", " ", " "]); // skip the title row
@@ -103,7 +100,7 @@ impl ResurrectableSessions {
         }
         table
     }
-    fn render_delete_all_sessions_warning(&self, rows: usize, columns: usize) {
+    fn render_delete_all_sessions_warning(&self, rows: usize, columns: usize, x: usize, y: usize) {
         if rows == 0 || columns == 0 {
             return;
         }
@@ -112,11 +109,12 @@ impl ResurrectableSessions {
         let warning_description_text =
             format!("This will delete {} resurrectable sessions", session_count,);
         let confirmation_text = "Are you sure? (y/n)";
-        let warning_y_location = (rows / 2).saturating_sub(1);
-        let confirmation_y_location = (rows / 2) + 1;
+        let warning_y_location = y + (rows / 2).saturating_sub(1);
+        let confirmation_y_location = y + (rows / 2) + 1;
         let warning_x_location =
-            columns.saturating_sub(warning_description_text.chars().count()) / 2;
-        let confirmation_x_location = columns.saturating_sub(confirmation_text.chars().count()) / 2;
+            x + columns.saturating_sub(warning_description_text.chars().count()) / 2;
+        let confirmation_x_location =
+            x + columns.saturating_sub(confirmation_text.chars().count()) / 2;
         print_text_with_coordinates(
             Text::new(warning_description_text).color_range(0, 17..18 + session_count_len),
             warning_x_location,
@@ -200,15 +198,6 @@ impl ResurrectableSessions {
             Text::new(" ")
         }
     }
-    fn render_controls_line(&self, rows: usize) {
-        let controls_line = Text::new(format!(
-            "Help: <↓↑> - Navigate, <DEL> - Delete Session, <Ctrl d> - Delete all sessions"
-        ))
-        .color_range(3, 6..10)
-        .color_range(3, 23..29)
-        .color_range(3, 47..56);
-        print_text_with_coordinates(controls_line, 0, rows.saturating_sub(1), None, None);
-    }
     pub fn move_selection_down(&mut self) {
         if self.is_searching {
             if let Some(selected_index) = self.selected_search_index.as_mut() {
diff --git a/default-plugins/session-manager/src/session_list.rs b/default-plugins/session-manager/src/session_list.rs
index fa63571e..01c75ad5 100644
--- a/default-plugins/session-manager/src/session_list.rs
+++ b/default-plugins/session-manager/src/session_list.rs
@@ -323,6 +323,18 @@ impl SessionList {
             .find(|s| s.name == old_name)
             .map(|s| s.name = new_name.to_owned());
     }
+    pub fn all_other_sessions(&self) -> Vec<String> {
+        self.session_ui_infos
+            .iter()
+            .filter_map(|s| {
+                if !s.is_current_session {
+                    Some(s.name.clone())
+                } else {
+                    None
+                }
+            })
+            .collect()
+    }
 }
 
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, Default)]
diff --git a/default-plugins/session-manager/src/ui/components.rs b/default-plugins/session-manager/src/ui/components.rs
index 4d9839c0..d3c4afe8 100644
--- a/default-plugins/session-manager/src/ui/components.rs
+++ b/default-plugins/session-manager/src/ui/components.rs
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ use unicode_width::UnicodeWidthStr;
 use zellij_tile::prelude::*;
 
 use crate::ui::{PaneUiInfo, SessionUiInfo, TabUiInfo};
+use crate::{ActiveScreen, NewSessionInfo};
 
 #[derive(Debug)]
 pub struct ListItem {
@@ -292,18 +293,45 @@ impl LineToRender {
     pub fn append(&mut self, to_append: &str) {
         self.line.push_str(to_append)
     }
-    pub fn make_selected(&mut self) {
+    pub fn make_selected_as_search(&mut self, add_arrows: bool) {
         self.is_selected = true;
+        let arrows = if add_arrows {
+            self.colors.magenta(" <↓↑> ")
+        } else {
+            "      ".to_owned()
+        };
         match self.colors.palette.bg {
             PaletteColor::EightBit(byte) => {
                 self.line = format!(
-                    "\u{1b}[48;5;{byte}m\u{1b}[K\r\u{1b}[48;5;{byte}m{}",
+                    "\u{1b}[48;5;{byte}m\u{1b}[K\u{1b}[48;5;{byte}m{arrows}{}",
                     self.line
                 );
             },
             PaletteColor::Rgb((r, g, b)) => {
                 self.line = format!(
-                    "\u{1b}[48;2;{};{};{}m\u{1b}[K\r\u{1b}[48;2;{};{};{}m{}",
+                    "\u{1b}[48;2;{};{};{}m\u{1b}[K\u{1b}[48;2;{};{};{}m{arrows}{}",
+                    r, g, b, r, g, b, self.line
+                );
+            },
+        }
+    }
+    pub fn make_selected(&mut self, add_arrows: bool) {
+        self.is_selected = true;
+        let arrows = if add_arrows {
+            self.colors.magenta("<←↓↑→>")
+        } else {
+            "      ".to_owned()
+        };
+        match self.colors.palette.bg {
+            PaletteColor::EightBit(byte) => {
+                self.line = format!(
+                    "\u{1b}[48;5;{byte}m\u{1b}[K\u{1b}[48;5;{byte}m{arrows}{}",
+                    self.line
+                );
+            },
+            PaletteColor::Rgb((r, g, b)) => {
+                self.line = format!(
+                    "\u{1b}[48;2;{};{};{}m\u{1b}[K\u{1b}[48;2;{};{};{}m{arrows}{}",
                     r, g, b, r, g, b, self.line
                 );
             },
@@ -323,7 +351,7 @@ impl LineToRender {
         if self.is_selected {
             self.line.clone()
         } else {
-            format!("\u{1b}[49m{}", line)
+            format!("\u{1b}[49m      {}", line)
         }
     }
     pub fn add_truncated_results(&mut self, result_count: usize) {
@@ -475,151 +503,275 @@ pub fn minimize_lines(
     (start_index, anchor_index, end_index, line_count_to_remove)
 }
 
-pub fn render_prompt(typing_session_name: bool, search_term: &str, colors: Colors) {
-    if !typing_session_name {
-        let prompt = colors.bold(&format!("> {}_", search_term));
-        println!("\u{1b}[H{}\n", prompt);
-    } else {
-        println!("\n");
-    }
+pub fn render_prompt(search_term: &str, colors: Colors, x: usize, y: usize) {
+    let prompt = colors.green(&format!("Search:"));
+    let search_term = colors.bold(&format!("{}_", search_term));
+    println!("\u{1b}[{};{}H{} {}\n", y + 1, x, prompt, search_term);
 }
 
-pub fn render_resurrection_toggle(cols: usize, resurrection_screen_is_active: bool) {
+pub fn render_screen_toggle(active_screen: ActiveScreen, x: usize, y: usize, max_cols: usize) {
     let key_indication_text = "<TAB>";
-    let running_sessions_text = "Running";
-    let exited_sessions_text = "Exited";
+    let (new_session_text, running_sessions_text, exited_sessions_text) = if max_cols > 66 {
+        ("New Session", "Attach to Session", "Resurrect Session")
+    } else {
+        ("New", "Attach", "Resurrect")
+    };
     let key_indication_len = key_indication_text.chars().count() + 1;
-    let first_ribbon_length = running_sessions_text.chars().count() + 4;
-    let second_ribbon_length = exited_sessions_text.chars().count() + 4;
-    let key_indication_x =
-        cols.saturating_sub(key_indication_len + first_ribbon_length + second_ribbon_length);
+    let first_ribbon_length = new_session_text.chars().count() + 4;
+    let second_ribbon_length = running_sessions_text.chars().count() + 4;
+    let third_ribbon_length = exited_sessions_text.chars().count() + 4;
+    let total_len =
+        key_indication_len + first_ribbon_length + second_ribbon_length + third_ribbon_length;
+    let key_indication_x = x;
     let first_ribbon_x = key_indication_x + key_indication_len;
     let second_ribbon_x = first_ribbon_x + first_ribbon_length;
+    let third_ribbon_x = second_ribbon_x + second_ribbon_length;
+    let mut new_session_text = Text::new(new_session_text);
+    let mut running_sessions_text = Text::new(running_sessions_text);
+    let mut exited_sessions_text = Text::new(exited_sessions_text);
+    match active_screen {
+        ActiveScreen::NewSession => {
+            new_session_text = new_session_text.selected();
+        },
+        ActiveScreen::AttachToSession => {
+            running_sessions_text = running_sessions_text.selected();
+        },
+        ActiveScreen::ResurrectSession => {
+            exited_sessions_text = exited_sessions_text.selected();
+        },
+    }
     print_text_with_coordinates(
         Text::new(key_indication_text).color_range(3, ..),
         key_indication_x,
-        0,
+        y,
         None,
         None,
     );
-    if resurrection_screen_is_active {
-        print_ribbon_with_coordinates(
-            Text::new(running_sessions_text),
-            first_ribbon_x,
-            0,
-            None,
-            None,
-        );
-        print_ribbon_with_coordinates(
-            Text::new(exited_sessions_text).selected(),
-            second_ribbon_x,
-            0,
-            None,
-            None,
-        );
-    } else {
-        print_ribbon_with_coordinates(
-            Text::new(running_sessions_text).selected(),
-            first_ribbon_x,
-            0,
-            None,
-            None,
-        );
-        print_ribbon_with_coordinates(
-            Text::new(exited_sessions_text),
-            second_ribbon_x,
-            0,
-            None,
-            None,
-        );
-    }
+    print_ribbon_with_coordinates(new_session_text, first_ribbon_x, y, None, None);
+    print_ribbon_with_coordinates(running_sessions_text, second_ribbon_x, y, None, None);
+    print_ribbon_with_coordinates(exited_sessions_text, third_ribbon_x, y, None, None);
 }
 
-pub fn render_new_session_line(session_name: &Option<String>, is_searching: bool, colors: Colors) {
-    if is_searching {
-        return;
-    }
-    let new_session_shortcut_text = "<Ctrl w>";
-    let new_session_shortcut = colors.magenta(new_session_shortcut_text);
-    let new_session = colors.bold("New session");
+pub fn render_new_session_block(
+    new_session_info: &NewSessionInfo,
+    colors: Colors,
+    max_rows_of_new_session_block: usize,
+    max_cols_of_new_session_block: usize,
+    x: usize,
+    y: usize,
+) {
     let enter = colors.magenta("<ENTER>");
-    match session_name {
-        Some(session_name) => {
+    if new_session_info.entering_new_session_name() {
+        let prompt = "New session name:";
+        let long_instruction = "when done, blank for random";
+        let new_session_name = new_session_info.name();
+        if max_cols_of_new_session_block
+            > prompt.width() + long_instruction.width() + new_session_name.width() + 15
+        {
             println!(
-                "\u{1b}[m > {}_ ({}, {} when done)",
-                colors.orange(session_name),
-                colors.bold("Type optional name"),
-                enter
+                "\u{1b}[m{}{} {}_ ({} {})",
+                format!("\u{1b}[{};{}H", y + 1, x + 1),
+                colors.green(prompt),
+                colors.orange(&new_session_name),
+                enter,
+                long_instruction,
             );
-        },
-        None => {
-            println!("\u{1b}[m > {new_session_shortcut} - {new_session}");
-        },
+        } else {
+            println!(
+                "\u{1b}[m{}{} {}_ {}",
+                format!("\u{1b}[{};{}H", y + 1, x + 1),
+                colors.green(prompt),
+                colors.orange(&new_session_name),
+                enter,
+            );
+        }
+    } else if new_session_info.entering_layout_search_term() {
+        let new_session_name = if new_session_info.name().is_empty() {
+            "<RANDOM>"
+        } else {
+            new_session_info.name()
+        };
+        let prompt = "New session name:";
+        let long_instruction = "to correct";
+        let esc = colors.magenta("<ESC>");
+        if max_cols_of_new_session_block
+            > prompt.width() + long_instruction.width() + new_session_name.width() + 15
+        {
+            println!(
+                "\u{1b}[m{}{}: {} ({} to correct)",
+                format!("\u{1b}[{};{}H", y + 1, x + 1),
+                colors.green("New session name"),
+                colors.orange(new_session_name),
+                esc,
+            );
+        } else {
+            println!(
+                "\u{1b}[m{}{}: {} {}",
+                format!("\u{1b}[{};{}H", y + 1, x + 1),
+                colors.green("New session name"),
+                colors.orange(new_session_name),
+                esc,
+            );
+        }
+        render_layout_selection_list(
+            new_session_info,
+            max_rows_of_new_session_block.saturating_sub(1),
+            max_cols_of_new_session_block,
+            x,
+            y + 1,
+        );
     }
 }
 
-pub fn render_error(error_text: &str, rows: usize, columns: usize) {
+pub fn render_layout_selection_list(
+    new_session_info: &NewSessionInfo,
+    max_rows_of_new_session_block: usize,
+    max_cols_of_new_session_block: usize,
+    x: usize,
+    y: usize,
+) {
+    let layout_search_term = new_session_info.layout_search_term();
+    let search_term_len = layout_search_term.width();
+    let layout_indication_line = if max_cols_of_new_session_block > 73 + search_term_len {
+        Text::new(format!(
+            "New session layout: {}_ (Search and select from list, <ENTER> when done)",
+            layout_search_term
+        ))
+        .color_range(2, ..20 + search_term_len)
+        .color_range(3, 20..20 + search_term_len)
+        .color_range(3, 52 + search_term_len..59 + search_term_len)
+    } else {
+        Text::new(format!(
+            "New session layout: {}_ <ENTER>",
+            layout_search_term
+        ))
+        .color_range(2, ..20 + search_term_len)
+        .color_range(3, 20..20 + search_term_len)
+        .color_range(3, 22 + search_term_len..)
+    };
+    print_text_with_coordinates(layout_indication_line, x, y + 1, None, None);
+    println!();
+    let mut table = Table::new();
+    for (i, (layout_info, indices, is_selected)) in
+        new_session_info.layouts_to_render().into_iter().enumerate()
+    {
+        let layout_name = layout_info.name();
+        let layout_name_len = layout_name.width();
+        let is_builtin = layout_info.is_builtin();
+        if i > max_rows_of_new_session_block {
+            break;
+        } else {
+            let mut layout_cell = if is_builtin {
+                Text::new(format!("{} (built-in)", layout_name))
+                    .color_range(1, 0..layout_name_len)
+                    .color_range(0, layout_name_len + 1..)
+                    .color_indices(3, indices)
+            } else {
+                Text::new(format!("{}", layout_name))
+                    .color_range(1, ..)
+                    .color_indices(3, indices)
+            };
+            if is_selected {
+                layout_cell = layout_cell.selected();
+            }
+            let arrow_cell = if is_selected {
+                Text::new(format!("<↓↑>")).selected().color_range(3, ..)
+            } else {
+                Text::new(format!("    ")).color_range(3, ..)
+            };
+            table = table.add_styled_row(vec![arrow_cell, layout_cell]);
+        }
+    }
+    print_table_with_coordinates(table, x, y + 3, None, None);
+}
+
+pub fn render_error(error_text: &str, rows: usize, columns: usize, x: usize, y: usize) {
     print_text_with_coordinates(
         Text::new(format!("Error: {}", error_text)).color_range(3, ..),
-        0,
-        rows,
+        x,
+        y + rows,
         Some(columns),
         None,
     );
 }
 
-pub fn render_renaming_session_screen(new_session_name: &str, rows: usize, columns: usize) {
+pub fn render_renaming_session_screen(
+    new_session_name: &str,
+    rows: usize,
+    columns: usize,
+    x: usize,
+    y: usize,
+) {
     if rows == 0 || columns == 0 {
         return;
     }
-    let prompt_text = "NEW NAME FOR CURRENT SESSION";
-    let new_session_name = format!("{}_", new_session_name);
-    let prompt_y_location = (rows / 2).saturating_sub(1);
-    let session_name_y_location = (rows / 2) + 1;
-    let prompt_x_location = columns.saturating_sub(prompt_text.chars().count()) / 2;
-    let session_name_x_location = columns.saturating_sub(new_session_name.chars().count()) / 2;
-    print_text_with_coordinates(
-        Text::new(prompt_text).color_range(0, ..),
-        prompt_x_location,
-        prompt_y_location,
-        None,
-        None,
-    );
-    print_text_with_coordinates(
-        Text::new(new_session_name).color_range(3, ..),
-        session_name_x_location,
-        session_name_y_location,
-        None,
-        None,
+    let text = Text::new(format!(
+        "New name for current session: {}_ (<ENTER> when done)",
+        new_session_name
+    ))
+    .color_range(2, ..29)
+    .color_range(
+        3,
+        33 + new_session_name.width()..40 + new_session_name.width(),
     );
+    print_text_with_coordinates(text, x, y, None, None);
 }
 
-pub fn render_controls_line(is_searching: bool, row: usize, max_cols: usize, colors: Colors) {
-    let (arrows, navigate) = if is_searching {
-        (colors.magenta("<↓↑>"), colors.bold("Navigate"))
-    } else {
-        (colors.magenta("<←↓↑→>"), colors.bold("Navigate and Expand"))
-    };
-    let rename = colors.magenta("<Ctrl r>");
-    let rename_text = colors.bold("Rename session");
-    let enter = colors.magenta("<ENTER>");
-    let select = colors.bold("Switch to selected");
-    let esc = colors.magenta("<ESC>");
-    let to_hide = colors.bold("Hide");
+pub fn render_controls_line(
+    active_screen: ActiveScreen,
+    max_cols: usize,
+    colors: Colors,
+    x: usize,
+    y: usize,
+) {
+    match active_screen {
+        ActiveScreen::NewSession => {
+            if max_cols >= 50 {
+                print!(
+                    "\u{1b}[m\u{1b}[{y};{x}H\u{1b}[1mHelp: Fill in the form to start a new session."
+                );
+            }
+        },
+        ActiveScreen::AttachToSession => {
+            let arrows = colors.magenta("<←↓↑→>");
+            let navigate = colors.bold("Navigate");
+            let enter = colors.magenta("<ENTER>");
+            let select = colors.bold("Attach");
+            let rename = colors.magenta("<Ctrl r>");
+            let rename_text = colors.bold("Rename");
+            let disconnect = colors.magenta("<Ctrl x>");
+            let disconnect_text = colors.bold("Disconnect others");
+            let kill = colors.magenta("<Del>");
+            let kill_text = colors.bold("Kill");
+            let kill_all = colors.magenta("<Ctrl d>");
+            let kill_all_text = colors.bold("Kill all");
 
-    if max_cols >= 104 {
-        print!(
-            "\u{1b}[m\u{1b}[{row}HHelp: {arrows} - {navigate}, {enter} - {select}, {rename} - {rename_text}, {esc} - {to_hide}"
-        );
-    } else if max_cols >= 73 {
-        let navigate = colors.bold("Navigate");
-        let select = colors.bold("Switch");
-        let rename_text = colors.bold("Rename");
-        print!(
-            "\u{1b}[m\u{1b}[{row}HHelp: {arrows} - {navigate}, {enter} - {select}, {rename} - {rename_text}, {esc} - {to_hide}"
-        );
-    } else if max_cols >= 28 {
-        print!("\u{1b}[m\u{1b}[{row}H{arrows}/{enter}/{rename}/{esc}");
+            if max_cols > 90 {
+                print!(
+                    "\u{1b}[m\u{1b}[{y};{x}HHelp: {rename} - {rename_text}, {disconnect} - {disconnect_text}, {kill} - {kill_text}, {kill_all} - {kill_all_text}"
+                );
+            } else if max_cols >= 28 {
+                print!("\u{1b}[m\u{1b}[{y};{x}H{rename}/{disconnect}/{kill}/{kill_all}");
+            }
+        },
+        ActiveScreen::ResurrectSession => {
+            let arrows = colors.magenta("<↓↑>");
+            let navigate = colors.bold("Navigate");
+            let enter = colors.magenta("<ENTER>");
+            let select = colors.bold("Resurrect");
+            let del = colors.magenta("<DEL>");
+            let del_text = colors.bold("Delete");
+            let del_all = colors.magenta("<Ctrl d>");
+            let del_all_text = colors.bold("Delete all");
+
+            if max_cols > 83 {
+                print!(
+                    "\u{1b}[m\u{1b}[{y};{x}HHelp: {arrows} - {navigate}, {enter} - {select}, {del} - {del_text}, {del_all} - {del_all_text}"
+                );
+            } else if max_cols >= 28 {
+                print!("\u{1b}[m\u{1b}[{y};{x}H{arrows}/{enter}/{del}/{del_all}");
+            }
+        },
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/default-plugins/session-manager/src/ui/mod.rs b/default-plugins/session-manager/src/ui/mod.rs
index 94a1a8a7..b86db946 100644
--- a/default-plugins/session-manager/src/ui/mod.rs
+++ b/default-plugins/session-manager/src/ui/mod.rs
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 pub mod components;
+pub mod welcome_screen;
 use zellij_tile::prelude::*;
 
 use crate::session_list::{SelectedIndex, SessionList};
@@ -29,7 +30,7 @@ macro_rules! render_assets {
             if $selected_index.is_some() && !$has_deeper_selected_assets {
                 let mut selected_asset: LineToRender =
                     selected_asset.as_line_to_render(current_index, $max_cols, $colors);
-                selected_asset.make_selected();
+                selected_asset.make_selected(true);
                 selected_asset.add_truncated_results(truncated_result_count_above);
                 if anchor_asset_index + 1 >= end_index {
                     // no more results below, let's add the more indication if we need to
@@ -76,8 +77,10 @@ impl SessionList {
             if lines_to_render.len() + result.lines_to_render() <= max_rows {
                 let mut result_lines = result.render(max_cols);
                 if Some(i) == self.selected_search_index {
+                    let mut render_arrows = true;
                     for line_to_render in result_lines.iter_mut() {
-                        line_to_render.make_selected();
+                        line_to_render.make_selected_as_search(render_arrows);
+                        render_arrows = false; // only render arrows on the first search result
                     }
                 }
                 lines_to_render.append(&mut result_lines);
diff --git a/default-plugins/session-manager/src/ui/welcome_screen.rs b/default-plugins/session-manager/src/ui/welcome_screen.rs
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..ccf20c50
--- /dev/null
+++ b/default-plugins/session-manager/src/ui/welcome_screen.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,168 @@
+static BANNER: &str = "
+██╗  ██╗██╗    ███████╗██████╗  ██████╗ ███╗   ███╗    ███████╗███████╗██╗     ██╗     ██╗     ██╗██╗
+██║  ██║██║    ██╔════╝██╔══██╗██╔═══██╗████╗ ████║    ╚══███╔╝██╔════╝██║     ██║     ██║     ██║██║
+███████║██║    █████╗  ██████╔╝██║   ██║██╔████╔██║      ███╔╝ █████╗  ██║     ██║     ██║     ██║██║
+██╔══██║██║    ██╔══╝  ██╔══██╗██║   ██║██║╚██╔╝██║     ███╔╝  ██╔══╝  ██║     ██║     ██║██   ██║╚═╝
+██║  ██║██║    ██║     ██║  ██║╚██████╔╝██║ ╚═╝ ██║    ███████╗███████╗███████╗███████╗██║╚█████╔╝██╗
+╚═╝  ╚═╝╚═╝    ╚═╝     ╚═╝  ╚═╝ ╚═════╝ ╚═╝     ╚═╝    ╚══════╝╚══════╝╚══════╝╚══════╝╚═╝ ╚════╝ ╚═╝
+";
+
+static SMALL_BANNER: &str = "
+██╗  ██╗██╗    ██╗
+██║  ██║██║    ██║
+███████║██║    ██║
+██╔══██║██║    ╚═╝
+██║  ██║██║    ██╗
+╚═╝  ╚═╝╚═╝    ╚═╝
+";
+
+static MEDIUM_BANNER: &str = "
+██╗  ██╗██╗    ████████╗██╗  ██╗███████╗██████╗ ███████╗    ██╗
+██║  ██║██║    ╚══██╔══╝██║  ██║██╔════╝██╔══██╗██╔════╝    ██║
+███████║██║       ██║   ███████║█████╗  ██████╔╝█████╗      ██║
+██╔══██║██║       ██║   ██╔══██║██╔══╝  ██╔══██╗██╔══╝      ╚═╝
+██║  ██║██║       ██║   ██║  ██║███████╗██║  ██║███████╗    ██╗
+╚═╝  ╚═╝╚═╝       ╚═╝   ╚═╝  ╚═╝╚══════╝╚═╝  ╚═╝╚══════╝    ╚═╝                 
+";
+
+pub fn render_banner(x: usize, y: usize, rows: usize, cols: usize) {
+    if rows >= 8 {
+        if cols > 100 {
+            println!("\u{1b}[{}H", y + rows.saturating_sub(8) / 2);
+            for line in BANNER.lines() {
+                println!("\u{1b}[{}C{}", x.saturating_sub(1), line);
+            }
+        } else if cols > 63 {
+            println!("\u{1b}[{}H", y + rows.saturating_sub(8) / 2);
+            let x = (cols.saturating_sub(63) as f64 / 2.0) as usize;
+            for line in MEDIUM_BANNER.lines() {
+                println!("\u{1b}[{}C{}", x, line);
+            }
+        } else {
+            println!("\u{1b}[{}H", y + rows.saturating_sub(8) / 2);
+            let x = (cols.saturating_sub(18) as f64 / 2.0) as usize;
+            for line in SMALL_BANNER.lines() {
+                println!("\u{1b}[{}C{}", x, line);
+            }
+        }
+    } else if rows > 2 {
+        println!(
+            "\u{1b}[{};{}H\u{1b}[1mHi from Zellij!",
+            (y + rows / 2) + 1,
+            (x + cols.saturating_sub(15) / 2).saturating_sub(1)
+        );
+    }
+}
+
+pub fn render_welcome_boundaries(rows: usize, cols: usize) {
+    let width_of_main_menu = std::cmp::min(cols, 101);
+    let has_room_for_logos = cols.saturating_sub(width_of_main_menu) > 100;
+    let left_boundary_x = (cols.saturating_sub(width_of_main_menu) as f64 / 2.0).floor() as usize;
+    let right_boundary_x = left_boundary_x + width_of_main_menu;
+    let y_starting_point = rows.saturating_sub(15) / 2;
+    let middle_row =
+        (y_starting_point + rows.saturating_sub(y_starting_point) / 2).saturating_sub(1);
+    for i in y_starting_point..rows {
+        if i == middle_row {
+            if has_room_for_logos {
+                print!("\u{1b}[{};{}H┤", i + 1, left_boundary_x + 1);
+                print!(
+                    "\u{1b}[m\u{1b}[{};{}H├\u{1b}[K",
+                    i + 1,
+                    right_boundary_x + 1
+                );
+                print!("\u{1b}[{};{}H", i + 1, left_boundary_x.saturating_sub(9));
+                for _ in 0..10 {
+                    print!("─");
+                }
+                print!("\u{1b}[{};{}H", i + 1, right_boundary_x + 2);
+                for _ in 0..10 {
+                    print!("─");
+                }
+            } else {
+                print!("\u{1b}[{};{}H│", i + 1, left_boundary_x + 1);
+                print!(
+                    "\u{1b}[m\u{1b}[{};{}H│\u{1b}[K",
+                    i + 1,
+                    right_boundary_x + 1
+                );
+            }
+        } else {
+            if i == y_starting_point {
+                print!("\u{1b}[{};{}H┌", i + 1, left_boundary_x + 1);
+                print!(
+                    "\u{1b}[m\u{1b}[{};{}H┐\u{1b}[K",
+                    i + 1,
+                    right_boundary_x + 1
+                );
+            } else if i == rows.saturating_sub(1) {
+                print!("\u{1b}[{};{}H└", i + 1, left_boundary_x + 1);
+                print!(
+                    "\u{1b}[m\u{1b}[{};{}H┘\u{1b}[K",
+                    i + 1,
+                    right_boundary_x + 1
+                );
+            } else {
+                print!("\u{1b}[{};{}H│", i + 1, left_boundary_x + 1);
+                print!(
+                    "\u{1b}[m\u{1b}[{};{}H│\u{1b}[K",
+                    i + 1,
+                    right_boundary_x + 1
+                ); // this includes some
+                   // ANSI magic to delete
+                   // everything after this
+                   // boundary in order to
+                   // fix some rendering
+                   // bugs in the legacy
+                   // components of this
+                   // plugin
+            }
+        }
+    }
+    if rows.saturating_sub(y_starting_point) > 25 && has_room_for_logos {
+        for (i, line) in LOGO.lines().enumerate() {
+            print!(
+                "\u{1b}[{};{}H{}",
+                middle_row.saturating_sub(12) + i,
+                0,
+                line
+            );
+        }
+        for (i, line) in LOGO.lines().enumerate() {
+            print!(
+                "\u{1b}[{};{}H{}",
+                middle_row.saturating_sub(12) + i,
+                cols.saturating_sub(47),
+                line
+            );
+        }
+    }
+}
+static LOGO: &str = r#"                                                
+                                                
+                    _y$ y@g_                    
+                 ya@@@@L4@@@@gy_                
+               u@@@@@@F "@@@@@@@@y_             
+          _a@@, @@@P~` __ ~T@@@@@@@@g           
+      _yg@@@@@$ "~ _yg@@@@gy `~PR@F~_yggy_      
+    y$@@@@@@PF  _y$@@@@@@@@@@gy_   4@@@@@@@y_   
+   g@@@@@F~ _yg@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@g_  ~F@@@@@@   
+   $@@@F  yg@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@gy  9@@F"   
+   $@@@$ 4@@@@@@~@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@  "_yg$   
+   $@@@$ 4@@@@@   ~@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@  g@@@@   
+   $@@@$ 4@@@@@@y   ~@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@  $@@@F   
+   $@@@$ 4@@@@@@@@y   ~@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@  `~_y_   
+   $@@@$ 4@@@@@@@P`  _g@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@  y@@@@   
+   $@@@$ 4@@@@@P`  _y@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@  4@@@@   
+   $@@@$ 4@@@@$_  y@@@@@         $@@@@  4@@@@   
+   $@@@$ 4@@@@@@g@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@   ~@@@   
+   $@@P   7R@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@P~ _@g_7@   
+   ~~_yg@gy_ ~5@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@F~ _yg@@@@y    
+     R@@@@@@@   ~~@@@@@@@@@@@P~` ya@@@@@@@@F    
+       ~5@@@@ 4@gy `~4@@@@F~   y@@@@@@@P~`      
+          `~P 4@@@@gy_ `` _yr a@@@@@F~          
+               5@@@@@@@gg@@~_g@@@~`             
+                 ~~@@@@@@@^y@F~                 
+                    `~4@F  ~                    
+                                                
+                                                "#;
diff --git a/src/commands.rs b/src/commands.rs
index 6074ea7d..52dff211 100644
--- a/src/commands.rs
+++ b/src/commands.rs
@@ -18,16 +18,17 @@ use zellij_client::{
 use zellij_server::{os_input_output::get_server_os_input, start_server as start_server_impl};
 use zellij_utils::{
     cli::{CliArgs, Command, SessionCommand, Sessions},
-    data::ConnectToSession,
+    data::{ConnectToSession, LayoutInfo},
     envs,
     input::{
         actions::Action,
         config::{Config, ConfigError},
+        layout::Layout,
         options::Options,
     },
     miette::{Report, Result},
     nix,
-    setup::Setup,
+    setup::{find_default_config_dir, get_layout_dir, Setup},
 };
 
 pub(crate) use crate::sessions::list_sessions;
@@ -383,24 +384,25 @@ fn attach_with_session_name(
 pub(crate) fn start_client(opts: CliArgs) {
     // look for old YAML config/layout/theme files and convert them to KDL
     convert_old_yaml_files(&opts);
-    let (config, layout, config_options) = match Setup::from_cli_args(&opts) {
-        Ok(results) => results,
-        Err(e) => {
-            if let ConfigError::KdlError(error) = e {
-                let report: Report = error.into();
-                eprintln!("{:?}", report);
-            } else {
-                eprintln!("{}", e);
-            }
-            process::exit(1);
-        },
-    };
+    let (config, layout, config_options, config_without_layout, config_options_without_layout) =
+        match Setup::from_cli_args(&opts) {
+            Ok(results) => results,
+            Err(e) => {
+                if let ConfigError::KdlError(error) = e {
+                    let report: Report = error.into();
+                    eprintln!("{:?}", report);
+                } else {
+                    eprintln!("{}", e);
+                }
+                process::exit(1);
+            },
+        };
     let mut reconnect_to_session: Option<ConnectToSession> = None;
     let os_input = get_os_input(get_client_os_input);
     loop {
         let os_input = os_input.clone();
-        let config = config.clone();
-        let layout = layout.clone();
+        let mut config = config.clone();
+        let mut layout = layout.clone();
         let mut config_options = config_options.clone();
         let mut opts = opts.clone();
         let mut is_a_reconnect = false;
@@ -423,6 +425,43 @@ pub(crate) fn start_client(opts: CliArgs) {
                 opts.session = None;
                 config_options.attach_to_session = None;
             }
+
+            if let Some(reconnect_layout) = &reconnect_to_session.layout {
+                let layout_dir = config.options.layout_dir.clone().or_else(|| {
+                    get_layout_dir(opts.config_dir.clone().or_else(find_default_config_dir))
+                });
+                let new_session_layout = match reconnect_layout {
+                    LayoutInfo::BuiltIn(layout_name) => Layout::from_default_assets(
+                        &PathBuf::from(layout_name),
+                        layout_dir.clone(),
+                        config_without_layout.clone(),
+                    ),
+                    LayoutInfo::File(layout_name) => Layout::from_path_or_default(
+                        Some(&PathBuf::from(layout_name)),
+                        layout_dir.clone(),
+                        config_without_layout.clone(),
+                    ),
+                };
+                match new_session_layout {
+                    Ok(new_session_layout) => {
+                        // here we make sure to override both the layout and the config, but we do
+                        // this with an instance of the config before it was merged with the
+                        // layout configuration of the previous iteration of the loop, since we do
+                        // not want it to mix with the config of this session
+                        let (new_layout, new_layout_config) = new_session_layout;
+                        layout = new_layout;
+                        let mut new_config = config_without_layout.clone();
+                        let _ = new_config.merge(new_layout_config.clone());
+                        config = new_config;
+                        config_options =
+                            config_options_without_layout.merge(new_layout_config.options);
+                    },
+                    Err(e) => {
+                        log::error!("Failed to parse new session layout: {:?}", e);
+                    },
+                }
+            }
+
             is_a_reconnect = true;
         }
 
diff --git a/src/sessions.rs b/src/sessions.rs
index c577acc6..58722071 100644
--- a/src/sessions.rs
+++ b/src/sessions.rs
@@ -52,8 +52,7 @@ pub(crate) fn get_resurrectable_sessions() -> Vec<(String, Duration, Layout)> {
                         session_layout_cache_file_name(&folder_name.display().to_string());
                     let raw_layout = match std::fs::read_to_string(&layout_file_name) {
                         Ok(raw_layout) => raw_layout,
-                        Err(e) => {
-                            log::error!("Failed to read resurrection layout file: {:?}", e);
+                        Err(_e) => {
                             return None;
                         },
                     };
@@ -61,13 +60,7 @@ pub(crate) fn get_resurrectable_sessions() -> Vec<(String, Duration, Layout)> {
                         .and_then(|metadata| metadata.created())
                     {
                         Ok(created) => Some(created),
-                        Err(e) => {
-                            log::error!(
-                                "Failed to read created stamp of resurrection file: {:?}",
-                                e
-                            );
-                            None
-                        },
+                        Err(_e) => None,
                     };
                     let layout = match Layout::from_kdl(
                         &raw_layout,
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/lib.rs b/zellij-server/src/lib.rs
index 437f465b..00895570 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/lib.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/lib.rs
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ use zellij_utils::{
     consts::{DEFAULT_SCROLL_BUFFER_SIZE, SCROLL_BUFFER_SIZE},
     data::{ConnectToSession, Event, PluginCapabilities},
     errors::{prelude::*, ContextType, ErrorInstruction, FatalError, ServerContext},
-    home::get_default_data_dir,
+    home::{default_layout_dir, get_default_data_dir},
     input::{
         command::{RunCommand, TerminalAction},
         get_mode_info,
@@ -93,6 +93,7 @@ pub enum ServerInstruction {
         pipe_id: String,
         client_id: ClientId,
     },
+    DisconnectAllClientsExcept(ClientId),
 }
 
 impl From<&ServerInstruction> for ServerContext {
@@ -117,6 +118,9 @@ impl From<&ServerInstruction> for ServerContext {
             ServerInstruction::AssociatePipeWithClient { .. } => {
                 ServerContext::AssociatePipeWithClient
             },
+            ServerInstruction::DisconnectAllClientsExcept(..) => {
+                ServerContext::DisconnectAllClientsExcept
+            },
         }
     }
 }
@@ -133,6 +137,7 @@ pub(crate) struct SessionMetaData {
     pub client_attributes: ClientAttributes,
     pub default_shell: Option<TerminalAction>,
     pub layout: Box<Layout>,
+    pub config_options: Box<Options>,
     screen_thread: Option<thread::JoinHandle<()>>,
     pty_thread: Option<thread::JoinHandle<()>>,
     plugin_thread: Option<thread::JoinHandle<()>>,
@@ -650,6 +655,21 @@ pub fn start_server(mut os_input: Box<dyn ServerOsApi>, socket_path: PathBuf) {
                 }
                 break;
             },
+            ServerInstruction::DisconnectAllClientsExcept(client_id) => {
+                let client_ids: Vec<ClientId> = session_state
+                    .read()
+                    .unwrap()
+                    .client_ids()
+                    .iter()
+                    .copied()
+                    .filter(|c| c != &client_id)
+                    .collect();
+                for client_id in client_ids {
+                    let _ = os_input
+                        .send_to_client(client_id, ServerToClientMsg::Exit(ExitReason::Normal));
+                    remove_client!(client_id, os_input, session_state);
+                }
+            },
             ServerInstruction::DetachSession(client_ids) => {
                 for client_id in client_ids {
                     let _ = os_input
@@ -749,7 +769,16 @@ pub fn start_server(mut os_input: Box<dyn ServerOsApi>, socket_path: PathBuf) {
                     session_state
                 );
             },
-            ServerInstruction::SwitchSession(connect_to_session, client_id) => {
+            ServerInstruction::SwitchSession(mut connect_to_session, client_id) => {
+                let layout_dir = session_data
+                    .read()
+                    .unwrap()
+                    .as_ref()
+                    .and_then(|c| c.config_options.layout_dir.clone())
+                    .or_else(|| default_layout_dir());
+                if let Some(layout_dir) = layout_dir {
+                    connect_to_session.apply_layout_dir(&layout_dir);
+                }
                 if let Some(min_size) = session_state.read().unwrap().min_client_terminal_size() {
                     session_data
                         .write()
@@ -906,6 +935,7 @@ fn init_session(
             let client_attributes_clone = client_attributes.clone();
             let debug = opts.debug;
             let layout = layout.clone();
+            let config_options = config_options.clone();
             move || {
                 screen_thread_main(
                     screen_bus,
@@ -1006,6 +1036,7 @@ fn init_session(
         default_shell,
         client_attributes,
         layout,
+        config_options: config_options.clone(),
         screen_thread: Some(screen_thread),
         pty_thread: Some(pty_thread),
         plugin_thread: Some(plugin_thread),
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/plugins/unit/plugin_tests.rs b/zellij-server/src/plugins/unit/plugin_tests.rs
index 6791213c..6b6e345e 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/plugins/unit/plugin_tests.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/plugins/unit/plugin_tests.rs
@@ -5970,3 +5970,243 @@ pub fn pipe_message_to_plugin_plugin_command() {
         });
     assert_snapshot!(format!("{:#?}", plugin_bytes_event));
 }
+
+#[test]
+#[ignore]
+pub fn switch_session_plugin_command() {
+    let temp_folder = tempdir().unwrap(); // placed explicitly in the test scope because its
+                                          // destructor removes the directory
+    let plugin_host_folder = PathBuf::from(temp_folder.path());
+    let cache_path = plugin_host_folder.join("permissions_test.kdl");
+    let (plugin_thread_sender, server_receiver, screen_receiver, teardown) =
+        create_plugin_thread_with_server_receiver(Some(plugin_host_folder));
+    let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
+    let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
+    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+        location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
+        configuration: Default::default(),
+    };
+    let tab_index = 1;
+    let client_id = 1;
+    let size = Size {
+        cols: 121,
+        rows: 20,
+    };
+    let received_screen_instructions = Arc::new(Mutex::new(vec![]));
+    let _screen_thread = grant_permissions_and_log_actions_in_thread_naked_variant!(
+        received_screen_instructions,
+        ScreenInstruction::Exit,
+        screen_receiver,
+        1,
+        &PermissionType::ChangeApplicationState,
+        cache_path,
+        plugin_thread_sender,
+        client_id
+    );
+    let received_server_instruction = Arc::new(Mutex::new(vec![]));
+    let server_thread = log_actions_in_thread!(
+        received_server_instruction,
+        ServerInstruction::SwitchSession,
+        server_receiver,
+        1
+    );
+
+    let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::AddClient(client_id));
+    let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Load(
+        plugin_should_float,
+        false,
+        plugin_title,
+        run_plugin,
+        tab_index,
+        None,
+        client_id,
+        size,
+        None,
+        false,
+    ));
+    std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
+
+    let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
+        None,
+        Some(client_id),
+        Event::Key(Key::Ctrl('5')), // this triggers the enent in the fixture plugin
+    )]));
+    std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
+    teardown();
+    server_thread.join().unwrap(); // this might take a while if the cache is cold
+    let switch_session_event = received_server_instruction
+        .lock()
+        .unwrap()
+        .iter()
+        .rev()
+        .find_map(|i| {
+            if let ServerInstruction::SwitchSession(..) = i {
+                Some(i.clone())
+            } else {
+                None
+            }
+        })
+        .clone();
+    assert_snapshot!(format!("{:#?}", switch_session_event));
+}
+
+#[test]
+#[ignore]
+pub fn switch_session_with_layout_plugin_command() {
+    let temp_folder = tempdir().unwrap(); // placed explicitly in the test scope because its
+                                          // destructor removes the directory
+    let plugin_host_folder = PathBuf::from(temp_folder.path());
+    let cache_path = plugin_host_folder.join("permissions_test.kdl");
+    let (plugin_thread_sender, server_receiver, screen_receiver, teardown) =
+        create_plugin_thread_with_server_receiver(Some(plugin_host_folder));
+    let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
+    let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
+    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+        location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
+        configuration: Default::default(),
+    };
+    let tab_index = 1;
+    let client_id = 1;
+    let size = Size {
+        cols: 121,
+        rows: 20,
+    };
+    let received_screen_instructions = Arc::new(Mutex::new(vec![]));
+    let _screen_thread = grant_permissions_and_log_actions_in_thread_naked_variant!(
+        received_screen_instructions,
+        ScreenInstruction::Exit,
+        screen_receiver,
+        1,
+        &PermissionType::ChangeApplicationState,
+        cache_path,
+        plugin_thread_sender,
+        client_id
+    );
+    let received_server_instruction = Arc::new(Mutex::new(vec![]));
+    let server_thread = log_actions_in_thread!(
+        received_server_instruction,
+        ServerInstruction::SwitchSession,
+        server_receiver,
+        1
+    );
+
+    let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::AddClient(client_id));
+    let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Load(
+        plugin_should_float,
+        false,
+        plugin_title,
+        run_plugin,
+        tab_index,
+        None,
+        client_id,
+        size,
+        None,
+        false,
+    ));
+    std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
+
+    let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
+        None,
+        Some(client_id),
+        Event::Key(Key::Ctrl('7')), // this triggers the enent in the fixture plugin
+    )]));
+    std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
+    teardown();
+    server_thread.join().unwrap(); // this might take a while if the cache is cold
+    let switch_session_event = received_server_instruction
+        .lock()
+        .unwrap()
+        .iter()
+        .rev()
+        .find_map(|i| {
+            if let ServerInstruction::SwitchSession(..) = i {
+                Some(i.clone())
+            } else {
+                None
+            }
+        })
+        .clone();
+    assert_snapshot!(format!("{:#?}", switch_session_event));
+}
+
+#[test]
+#[ignore]
+pub fn disconnect_other_clients_plugins_command() {
+    let temp_folder = tempdir().unwrap(); // placed explicitly in the test scope because its
+                                          // destructor removes the directory
+    let plugin_host_folder = PathBuf::from(temp_folder.path());
+    let cache_path = plugin_host_folder.join("permissions_test.kdl");
+    let (plugin_thread_sender, server_receiver, screen_receiver, teardown) =
+        create_plugin_thread_with_server_receiver(Some(plugin_host_folder));
+    let plugin_should_float = Some(false);
+    let plugin_title = Some("test_plugin".to_owned());
+    let run_plugin = RunPlugin {
+        _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
+        location: RunPluginLocation::File(PathBuf::from(&*PLUGIN_FIXTURE)),
+        configuration: Default::default(),
+    };
+    let tab_index = 1;
+    let client_id = 1;
+    let size = Size {
+        cols: 121,
+        rows: 20,
+    };
+    let received_screen_instructions = Arc::new(Mutex::new(vec![]));
+    let _screen_thread = grant_permissions_and_log_actions_in_thread_naked_variant!(
+        received_screen_instructions,
+        ScreenInstruction::Exit,
+        screen_receiver,
+        1,
+        &PermissionType::ChangeApplicationState,
+        cache_path,
+        plugin_thread_sender,
+        client_id
+    );
+    let received_server_instruction = Arc::new(Mutex::new(vec![]));
+    let server_thread = log_actions_in_thread!(
+        received_server_instruction,
+        ServerInstruction::DisconnectAllClientsExcept,
+        server_receiver,
+        1
+    );
+
+    let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::AddClient(client_id));
+    let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Load(
+        plugin_should_float,
+        false,
+        plugin_title,
+        run_plugin,
+        tab_index,
+        None,
+        client_id,
+        size,
+        None,
+        false,
+    ));
+    std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
+
+    let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
+        None,
+        Some(client_id),
+        Event::Key(Key::Ctrl('6')), // this triggers the enent in the fixture plugin
+    )]));
+    std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
+    teardown();
+    server_thread.join().unwrap(); // this might take a while if the cache is cold
+    let switch_session_event = received_server_instruction
+        .lock()
+        .unwrap()
+        .iter()
+        .rev()
+        .find_map(|i| {
+            if let ServerInstruction::DisconnectAllClientsExcept(..) = i {
+                Some(i.clone())
+            } else {
+                None
+            }
+        })
+        .clone();
+    assert_snapshot!(format!("{:#?}", switch_session_event));
+}
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/plugins/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__plugins__plugin_tests__disconnect_other_clients_plugins_command.snap b/zellij-server/src/plugins/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__plugins__plugin_tests__disconnect_other_clients_plugins_command.snap
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..d463df1c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/zellij-server/src/plugins/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__plugins__plugin_tests__disconnect_other_clients_plugins_command.snap
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+---
+source: zellij-server/src/plugins/./unit/plugin_tests.rs
+assertion_line: 6131
+expression: "format!(\"{:#?}\", switch_session_event)"
+---
+Some(
+    DisconnectAllClientsExcept(
+        1,
+    ),
+)
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/plugins/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__plugins__plugin_tests__switch_session_plugin_command.snap b/zellij-server/src/plugins/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__plugins__plugin_tests__switch_session_plugin_command.snap
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..f254f039
--- /dev/null
+++ b/zellij-server/src/plugins/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__plugins__plugin_tests__switch_session_plugin_command.snap
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+---
+source: zellij-server/src/plugins/./unit/plugin_tests.rs
+assertion_line: 6051
+expression: "format!(\"{:#?}\", switch_session_event)"
+---
+Some(
+    SwitchSession(
+        ConnectToSession {
+            name: Some(
+                "my_new_session",
+            ),
+            tab_position: None,
+            pane_id: None,
+            layout: None,
+        },
+        1,
+    ),
+)
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/plugins/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__plugins__plugin_tests__switch_session_with_layout_plugin_command.snap b/zellij-server/src/plugins/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__plugins__plugin_tests__switch_session_with_layout_plugin_command.snap
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..46f6819a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/zellij-server/src/plugins/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__plugins__plugin_tests__switch_session_with_layout_plugin_command.snap
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+---
+source: zellij-server/src/plugins/./unit/plugin_tests.rs
+assertion_line: 6131
+expression: "format!(\"{:#?}\", switch_session_event)"
+---
+Some(
+    SwitchSession(
+        ConnectToSession {
+            name: Some(
+                "my_other_new_session",
+            ),
+            tab_position: None,
+            pane_id: None,
+            layout: Some(
+                BuiltIn(
+                    "compact",
+                ),
+            ),
+        },
+        1,
+    ),
+)
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/plugins/zellij_exports.rs b/zellij-server/src/plugins/zellij_exports.rs
index 8791e128..e6787c24 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/plugins/zellij_exports.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/plugins/zellij_exports.rs
@@ -18,10 +18,14 @@ use std::{
 use wasmer::{imports, AsStoreMut, Function, FunctionEnv, FunctionEnvMut, Imports};
 use wasmer_wasi::WasiEnv;
 use zellij_utils::data::{
-    CommandType, ConnectToSession, HttpVerb, MessageToPlugin, PermissionStatus, PermissionType,
-    PluginPermission,
+    CommandType, ConnectToSession, HttpVerb, LayoutInfo, MessageToPlugin, PermissionStatus,
+    PermissionType, PluginPermission,
 };
 use zellij_utils::input::permission::PermissionCache;
+use zellij_utils::{
+    interprocess::local_socket::LocalSocketStream,
+    ipc::{ClientToServerMsg, IpcSenderWithContext},
+};
 
 use url::Url;
 
@@ -225,6 +229,7 @@ fn host_run_plugin_command(env: FunctionEnvMut<ForeignFunctionEnv>) {
                         connect_to_session.name,
                         connect_to_session.tab_position,
                         connect_to_session.pane_id,
+                        connect_to_session.layout,
                     )?,
                     PluginCommand::DeleteDeadSession(session_name) => {
                         delete_dead_session(session_name)?
@@ -252,6 +257,8 @@ fn host_run_plugin_command(env: FunctionEnvMut<ForeignFunctionEnv>) {
                         cli_pipe_output(env, pipe_name, output)?
                     },
                     PluginCommand::MessageToPlugin(message) => message_to_plugin(env, message)?,
+                    PluginCommand::DisconnectOtherClients => disconnect_other_clients(env),
+                    PluginCommand::KillSessions(session_list) => kill_sessions(session_list),
                 },
                 (PermissionStatus::Denied, permission) => {
                     log::error!(
@@ -900,6 +907,7 @@ fn switch_session(
     session_name: Option<String>,
     tab_position: Option<usize>,
     pane_id: Option<(u32, bool)>,
+    layout: Option<LayoutInfo>,
 ) -> Result<()> {
     // pane_id is (id, is_plugin)
     let err_context = || format!("Failed to switch session");
@@ -909,6 +917,7 @@ fn switch_session(
         name: session_name,
         tab_position,
         pane_id,
+        layout,
     };
     env.plugin_env
         .senders
@@ -1278,6 +1287,30 @@ fn rename_session(env: &ForeignFunctionEnv, new_session_name: String) {
     apply_action!(action, error_msg, env);
 }
 
+fn disconnect_other_clients(env: &ForeignFunctionEnv) {
+    let _ = env
+        .plugin_env
+        .senders
+        .send_to_server(ServerInstruction::DisconnectAllClientsExcept(
+            env.plugin_env.client_id,
+        ))
+        .context("failed to send disconnect other clients instruction");
+}
+
+fn kill_sessions(session_names: Vec<String>) {
+    for session_name in session_names {
+        let path = &*ZELLIJ_SOCK_DIR.join(&session_name);
+        match LocalSocketStream::connect(path) {
+            Ok(stream) => {
+                let _ = IpcSenderWithContext::new(stream).send(ClientToServerMsg::KillSession);
+            },
+            Err(e) => {
+                log::error!("Failed to kill session {}: {:?}", session_name, e);
+            },
+        };
+    }
+}
+
 // Custom panic handler for plugins.
 //
 // This is called when a panic occurs in a plugin. Since most panics will likely originate in the
@@ -1406,7 +1439,9 @@ fn check_command_permission(
         | PluginCommand::DeleteDeadSession(..)
         | PluginCommand::DeleteAllDeadSessions
         | PluginCommand::RenameSession(..)
-        | PluginCommand::RenameTab(..) => PermissionType::ChangeApplicationState,
+        | PluginCommand::RenameTab(..)
+        | PluginCommand::DisconnectOtherClients
+        | PluginCommand::KillSessions(..) => PermissionType::ChangeApplicationState,
         PluginCommand::UnblockCliPipeInput(..)
         | PluginCommand::BlockCliPipeInput(..)
         | PluginCommand::CliPipeOutput(..) => PermissionType::ReadCliPipes,
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/screen.rs b/zellij-server/src/screen.rs
index c312480d..5b0b6bea 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/screen.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/screen.rs
@@ -577,6 +577,8 @@ pub(crate) struct Screen {
     default_shell: Option<PathBuf>,
     styled_underlines: bool,
     arrow_fonts: bool,
+    layout_dir: Option<PathBuf>,
+    default_layout_name: Option<String>,
 }
 
 impl Screen {
@@ -592,12 +594,14 @@ impl Screen {
         copy_options: CopyOptions,
         debug: bool,
         default_layout: Box<Layout>,
+        default_layout_name: Option<String>,
         default_shell: Option<PathBuf>,
         session_serialization: bool,
         serialize_pane_viewport: bool,
         scrollback_lines_to_serialize: Option<usize>,
         styled_underlines: bool,
         arrow_fonts: bool,
+        layout_dir: Option<PathBuf>,
     ) -> Self {
         let session_name = mode_info.session_name.clone().unwrap_or_default();
         let session_info = SessionInfo::new(session_name.clone());
@@ -629,6 +633,7 @@ impl Screen {
             session_name,
             session_infos_on_machine,
             default_layout,
+            default_layout_name,
             default_shell,
             session_serialization,
             serialize_pane_viewport,
@@ -636,6 +641,7 @@ impl Screen {
             styled_underlines,
             arrow_fonts,
             resurrectable_sessions,
+            layout_dir,
         }
     }
 
@@ -1412,12 +1418,21 @@ impl Screen {
         // generate own session info
         let pane_manifest = self.generate_and_report_pane_state()?;
         let tab_infos = self.generate_and_report_tab_state()?;
+        // in the context of unit/integration tests, we don't need to list available layouts
+        // because this is mostly about HD access - it does however throw off the timing in the
+        // tests and causes them to flake, which is why we skip it here
+        #[cfg(not(test))]
+        let available_layouts =
+            Layout::list_available_layouts(self.layout_dir.clone(), &self.default_layout_name);
+        #[cfg(test)]
+        let available_layouts = vec![];
         let session_info = SessionInfo {
             name: self.session_name.clone(),
             tabs: tab_infos,
             panes: pane_manifest,
             connected_clients: self.active_tab_indices.keys().len(),
             is_current_session: true,
+            available_layouts,
         };
         self.bus
             .senders
@@ -2101,7 +2116,11 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
     let serialize_pane_viewport = config_options.serialize_pane_viewport.unwrap_or(false);
     let scrollback_lines_to_serialize = config_options.scrollback_lines_to_serialize;
     let session_is_mirrored = config_options.mirror_session.unwrap_or(false);
+    let layout_dir = config_options.layout_dir;
     let default_shell = config_options.default_shell;
+    let default_layout_name = config_options
+        .default_layout
+        .map(|l| format!("{}", l.display()));
     let copy_options = CopyOptions::new(
         config_options.copy_command,
         config_options.copy_clipboard.unwrap_or_default(),
@@ -2128,12 +2147,14 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
         copy_options,
         debug,
         default_layout,
+        default_layout_name,
         default_shell,
         session_serialization,
         serialize_pane_viewport,
         scrollback_lines_to_serialize,
         styled_underlines,
         arrow_fonts,
+        layout_dir,
     );
 
     let mut pending_tab_ids: HashSet<usize> = HashSet::new();
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/tab/mod.rs b/zellij-server/src/tab/mod.rs
index 0352eb96..2ed9eb35 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/tab/mod.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/tab/mod.rs
@@ -847,7 +847,7 @@ impl Tab {
     pub fn rename_session(&mut self, new_session_name: String) -> Result<()> {
         {
             let mode_infos = &mut self.mode_info.borrow_mut();
-            for (_client_id, mut mode_info) in mode_infos.iter_mut() {
+            for (_client_id, mode_info) in mode_infos.iter_mut() {
                 mode_info.session_name = Some(new_session_name.clone());
             }
             self.default_mode_info.session_name = Some(new_session_name);
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/unit/screen_tests.rs b/zellij-server/src/unit/screen_tests.rs
index 34076d70..4ce4dbc1 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/unit/screen_tests.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/unit/screen_tests.rs
@@ -241,10 +241,12 @@ fn create_new_screen(size: Size) -> Screen {
     let session_is_mirrored = true;
     let copy_options = CopyOptions::default();
     let default_layout = Box::new(Layout::default());
+    let default_layout_name = None;
     let default_shell = None;
     let session_serialization = true;
     let serialize_pane_viewport = false;
     let scrollback_lines_to_serialize = None;
+    let layout_dir = None;
 
     let debug = false;
     let styled_underlines = true;
@@ -260,12 +262,14 @@ fn create_new_screen(size: Size) -> Screen {
         copy_options,
         debug,
         default_layout,
+        default_layout_name,
         default_shell,
         session_serialization,
         serialize_pane_viewport,
         scrollback_lines_to_serialize,
         styled_underlines,
         arrow_fonts,
+        layout_dir,
     );
     screen
 }
@@ -425,6 +429,7 @@ impl MockScreen {
             plugin_thread: None,
             pty_writer_thread: None,
             background_jobs_thread: None,
+            config_options: Default::default(),
             layout,
         }
     }
@@ -481,6 +486,7 @@ impl MockScreen {
             plugin_thread: None,
             pty_writer_thread: None,
             background_jobs_thread: None,
+            config_options: Default::default(),
             layout,
         };
 
@@ -2869,17 +2875,17 @@ pub fn screen_can_break_floating_pane_to_a_new_tab() {
         1,
         1,
     ));
-    std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(100));
+    std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(200));
     // move back to make sure the other pane is in the previous tab
     let _ = mock_screen
         .to_screen
         .send(ScreenInstruction::MoveFocusLeftOrPreviousTab(1));
-    std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(100));
+    std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(200));
     // move forward to make sure the broken pane is in the previous tab
     let _ = mock_screen
         .to_screen
         .send(ScreenInstruction::MoveFocusRightOrNextTab(1));
-    std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(100));
+    std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(200));
 
     mock_screen.teardown(vec![server_thread, screen_thread]);
 
diff --git a/zellij-tile/src/shim.rs b/zellij-tile/src/shim.rs
index 975e3499..dd5d1807 100644
--- a/zellij-tile/src/shim.rs
+++ b/zellij-tile/src/shim.rs
@@ -653,6 +653,18 @@ pub fn switch_session(name: Option<&str>) {
     unsafe { host_run_plugin_command() };
 }
 
+/// Switch to a session with the given name, create one if no name is given
+pub fn switch_session_with_layout(name: Option<&str>, layout: LayoutInfo) {
+    let plugin_command = PluginCommand::SwitchSession(ConnectToSession {
+        name: name.map(|n| n.to_string()),
+        layout: Some(layout),
+        ..Default::default()
+    });
+    let protobuf_plugin_command: ProtobufPluginCommand = plugin_command.try_into().unwrap();
+    object_to_stdout(&protobuf_plugin_command.encode_to_vec());
+    unsafe { host_run_plugin_command() };
+}
+
 /// Switch to a session with the given name, focusing either the provided pane_id or the provided
 /// tab position (in that order)
 pub fn switch_session_with_focus(
@@ -664,6 +676,7 @@ pub fn switch_session_with_focus(
         name: Some(name.to_owned()),
         tab_position,
         pane_id,
+        ..Default::default()
     });
     let protobuf_plugin_command: ProtobufPluginCommand = plugin_command.try_into().unwrap();
     object_to_stdout(&protobuf_plugin_command.encode_to_vec());
@@ -726,6 +739,26 @@ pub fn pipe_message_to_plugin(message_to_plugin: MessageToPlugin) {
     unsafe { host_run_plugin_command() };
 }
 
+/// Disconnect all other clients from the current session
+pub fn disconnect_other_clients() {
+    let plugin_command = PluginCommand::DisconnectOtherClients;
+    let protobuf_plugin_command: ProtobufPluginCommand = plugin_command.try_into().unwrap();
+    object_to_stdout(&protobuf_plugin_command.encode_to_vec());
+    unsafe { host_run_plugin_command() };
+}
+
+/// Kill all Zellij sessions in the list
+pub fn kill_sessions<S: AsRef<str>>(session_names: &[S])
+where
+    S: ToString,
+{
+    let plugin_command =
+        PluginCommand::KillSessions(session_names.into_iter().map(|s| s.to_string()).collect());
+    let protobuf_plugin_command: ProtobufPluginCommand = plugin_command.try_into().unwrap();
+    object_to_stdout(&protobuf_plugin_command.encode_to_vec());
+    unsafe { host_run_plugin_command() };
+}
+
 // Utility Functions
 
 #[allow(unused)]
diff --git a/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/welcome.kdl b/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/welcome.kdl
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..1884fe1f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/zellij-utils/assets/layouts/welcome.kdl
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+layout {
+    pane borderless=true {
+        plugin location="zellij:session-manager" {
+            welcome_screen true
+        }
+    }
+}
+session_serialization false // this will apply only to the initial welcome screen layout, and is intended to prevent lots of garbage sessions left around
diff --git a/zellij-utils/assets/prost/api.event.rs b/zellij-utils/assets/prost/api.event.rs
index c095bed2..6d4ed729 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/assets/prost/api.event.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/assets/prost/api.event.rs
@@ -172,6 +172,16 @@ pub struct SessionManifest {
     pub connected_clients: u32,
     #[prost(bool, tag = "5")]
     pub is_current_session: bool,
+    #[prost(message, repeated, tag = "6")]
+    pub available_layouts: ::prost::alloc::vec::Vec<LayoutInfo>,
+}
+#[allow(clippy::derive_partial_eq_without_eq)]
+#[derive(Clone, PartialEq, ::prost::Message)]
+pub struct LayoutInfo {
+    #[prost(string, tag = "1")]
+    pub name: ::prost::alloc::string::String,
+    #[prost(string, tag = "2")]
+    pub source: ::prost::alloc::string::String,
 }
 #[allow(clippy::derive_partial_eq_without_eq)]
 #[derive(Clone, PartialEq, ::prost::Message)]
diff --git a/zellij-utils/assets/prost/api.plugin_command.rs b/zellij-utils/assets/prost/api.plugin_command.rs
index d9b528ae..5127bb81 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/assets/prost/api.plugin_command.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/assets/prost/api.plugin_command.rs
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ pub struct PluginCommand {
     pub name: i32,
     #[prost(
         oneof = "plugin_command::Payload",
-        tags = "2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50"
+        tags = "2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 60"
     )]
     pub payload: ::core::option::Option<plugin_command::Payload>,
 }
@@ -112,10 +112,18 @@ pub mod plugin_command {
         CliPipeOutputPayload(super::CliPipeOutputPayload),
         #[prost(message, tag = "50")]
         MessageToPluginPayload(super::MessageToPluginPayload),
+        #[prost(message, tag = "60")]
+        KillSessionsPayload(super::KillSessionsPayload),
     }
 }
 #[allow(clippy::derive_partial_eq_without_eq)]
 #[derive(Clone, PartialEq, ::prost::Message)]
+pub struct KillSessionsPayload {
+    #[prost(string, repeated, tag = "1")]
+    pub session_names: ::prost::alloc::vec::Vec<::prost::alloc::string::String>,
+}
+#[allow(clippy::derive_partial_eq_without_eq)]
+#[derive(Clone, PartialEq, ::prost::Message)]
 pub struct CliPipeOutputPayload {
     #[prost(string, tag = "1")]
     pub pipe_name: ::prost::alloc::string::String,
@@ -171,6 +179,8 @@ pub struct SwitchSessionPayload {
     pub pane_id: ::core::option::Option<u32>,
     #[prost(bool, optional, tag = "4")]
     pub pane_id_is_plugin: ::core::option::Option<bool>,
+    #[prost(message, optional, tag = "5")]
+    pub layout: ::core::option::Option<super::event::LayoutInfo>,
 }
 #[allow(clippy::derive_partial_eq_without_eq)]
 #[derive(Clone, PartialEq, ::prost::Message)]
@@ -376,6 +386,8 @@ pub enum CommandName {
     BlockCliPipeInput = 77,
     CliPipeOutput = 78,
     MessageToPlugin = 79,
+    DisconnectOtherClients = 80,
+    KillSessions = 81,
 }
 impl CommandName {
     /// String value of the enum field names used in the ProtoBuf definition.
@@ -464,6 +476,8 @@ impl CommandName {
             CommandName::BlockCliPipeInput => "BlockCliPipeInput",
             CommandName::CliPipeOutput => "CliPipeOutput",
             CommandName::MessageToPlugin => "MessageToPlugin",
+            CommandName::DisconnectOtherClients => "DisconnectOtherClients",
+            CommandName::KillSessions => "KillSessions",
         }
     }
     /// Creates an enum from field names used in the ProtoBuf definition.
@@ -549,6 +563,8 @@ impl CommandName {
             "BlockCliPipeInput" => Some(Self::BlockCliPipeInput),
             "CliPipeOutput" => Some(Self::CliPipeOutput),
             "MessageToPlugin" => Some(Self::MessageToPlugin),
+            "DisconnectOtherClients" => Some(Self::DisconnectOtherClients),
+            "KillSessions" => Some(Self::KillSessions),
             _ => None,
         }
     }
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/data.rs b/zellij-utils/src/data.rs
index f1e01115..d001b75f 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/data.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/data.rs
@@ -765,6 +765,28 @@ pub struct SessionInfo {
     pub panes: PaneManifest,
     pub connected_clients: usize,
     pub is_current_session: bool,
+    pub available_layouts: Vec<LayoutInfo>,
+}
+
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq, Deserialize, Serialize)]
+pub enum LayoutInfo {
+    BuiltIn(String),
+    File(String),
+}
+
+impl LayoutInfo {
+    pub fn name(&self) -> &str {
+        match self {
+            LayoutInfo::BuiltIn(name) => &name,
+            LayoutInfo::File(name) => &name,
+        }
+    }
+    pub fn is_builtin(&self) -> bool {
+        match self {
+            LayoutInfo::BuiltIn(_name) => true,
+            LayoutInfo::File(_name) => false,
+        }
+    }
 }
 
 use std::hash::{Hash, Hasher};
@@ -1032,12 +1054,12 @@ impl MessageToPlugin {
         self
     }
     pub fn new_plugin_instance_should_float(mut self, should_float: bool) -> Self {
-        let mut new_plugin_args = self.new_plugin_args.get_or_insert_with(Default::default);
+        let new_plugin_args = self.new_plugin_args.get_or_insert_with(Default::default);
         new_plugin_args.should_float = Some(should_float);
         self
     }
     pub fn new_plugin_instance_should_replace_pane(mut self, pane_id: PaneId) -> Self {
-        let mut new_plugin_args = self.new_plugin_args.get_or_insert_with(Default::default);
+        let new_plugin_args = self.new_plugin_args.get_or_insert_with(Default::default);
         new_plugin_args.pane_id_to_replace = Some(pane_id);
         self
     }
@@ -1045,17 +1067,17 @@ impl MessageToPlugin {
         mut self,
         pane_title: impl Into<String>,
     ) -> Self {
-        let mut new_plugin_args = self.new_plugin_args.get_or_insert_with(Default::default);
+        let new_plugin_args = self.new_plugin_args.get_or_insert_with(Default::default);
         new_plugin_args.pane_title = Some(pane_title.into());
         self
     }
     pub fn new_plugin_instance_should_have_cwd(mut self, cwd: PathBuf) -> Self {
-        let mut new_plugin_args = self.new_plugin_args.get_or_insert_with(Default::default);
+        let new_plugin_args = self.new_plugin_args.get_or_insert_with(Default::default);
         new_plugin_args.cwd = Some(cwd);
         self
     }
     pub fn new_plugin_instance_should_skip_cache(mut self) -> Self {
-        let mut new_plugin_args = self.new_plugin_args.get_or_insert_with(Default::default);
+        let new_plugin_args = self.new_plugin_args.get_or_insert_with(Default::default);
         new_plugin_args.skip_cache = true;
         self
     }
@@ -1066,6 +1088,17 @@ pub struct ConnectToSession {
     pub name: Option<String>,
     pub tab_position: Option<usize>,
     pub pane_id: Option<(u32, bool)>, // (id, is_plugin)
+    pub layout: Option<LayoutInfo>,
+}
+
+impl ConnectToSession {
+    pub fn apply_layout_dir(&mut self, layout_dir: &PathBuf) {
+        if let Some(LayoutInfo::File(file_path)) = self.layout.as_mut() {
+            *file_path = Path::join(layout_dir, &file_path)
+                .to_string_lossy()
+                .to_string();
+        }
+    }
 }
 
 #[derive(Debug, Default, Clone)]
@@ -1228,4 +1261,6 @@ pub enum PluginCommand {
     BlockCliPipeInput(String),     // String => pipe name
     CliPipeOutput(String, String), // String => pipe name, String => output
     MessageToPlugin(MessageToPlugin),
+    DisconnectOtherClients,
+    KillSessions(Vec<String>), // one or more session names
 }
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/errors.rs b/zellij-utils/src/errors.rs
index 26ad521c..5b323399 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/errors.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/errors.rs
@@ -442,6 +442,7 @@ pub enum ServerContext {
     UnblockCliPipeInput,
     CliPipeOutput,
     AssociatePipeWithClient,
+    DisconnectAllClientsExcept,
 }
 
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy, PartialEq, Serialize, Deserialize)]
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/input/config.rs b/zellij-utils/src/input/config.rs
index 23c05d4f..eb8fe521 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/input/config.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/input/config.rs
@@ -222,6 +222,15 @@ impl Config {
             Err(e) => Err(ConfigError::IoPath(e, path.into())),
         }
     }
+    pub fn merge(&mut self, other: Config) -> Result<(), ConfigError> {
+        self.options = self.options.merge(other.options);
+        self.keybinds.merge(other.keybinds.clone());
+        self.themes = self.themes.merge(other.themes);
+        self.plugins = self.plugins.merge(other.plugins);
+        self.ui = self.ui.merge(other.ui);
+        self.env = self.env.merge(other.env);
+        Ok(())
+    }
 }
 
 #[cfg(test)]
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/input/keybinds.rs b/zellij-utils/src/input/keybinds.rs
index eaed03fd..ab13f711 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/input/keybinds.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/input/keybinds.rs
@@ -65,6 +65,17 @@ impl Keybinds {
         }
         ret
     }
+    pub fn merge(&mut self, mut other: Keybinds) {
+        for (other_input_mode, mut other_input_mode_keybinds) in other.0.drain() {
+            let input_mode_keybinds = self
+                .0
+                .entry(other_input_mode)
+                .or_insert_with(|| Default::default());
+            for (other_action, other_action_keybinds) in other_input_mode_keybinds.drain() {
+                input_mode_keybinds.insert(other_action, other_action_keybinds);
+            }
+        }
+    }
 }
 
 // The unit test location.
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/input/layout.rs b/zellij-utils/src/input/layout.rs
index 82dab15e..7f65d605 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/input/layout.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/input/layout.rs
@@ -9,8 +9,8 @@
 //  If plugins should be able to depend on the layout system
 //  then [`zellij-utils`] could be a proper place.
 use crate::{
-    data::Direction,
-    home::find_default_config_dir,
+    data::{Direction, LayoutInfo},
+    home::{default_layout_dir, find_default_config_dir},
     input::{
         command::RunCommand,
         config::{Config, ConfigError},
@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ use crate::{
     setup::{self},
 };
 
+use std::cmp::Ordering;
 use std::fmt::{Display, Formatter};
 use std::str::FromStr;
 
@@ -819,6 +820,62 @@ impl Default for LayoutParts {
 }
 
 impl Layout {
+    // the first layout will either be the default one
+    pub fn list_available_layouts(
+        layout_dir: Option<PathBuf>,
+        default_layout_name: &Option<String>,
+    ) -> Vec<LayoutInfo> {
+        let mut available_layouts = layout_dir
+            .clone()
+            .or_else(|| default_layout_dir())
+            .and_then(|layout_dir| match std::fs::read_dir(layout_dir) {
+                Ok(layout_files) => Some(layout_files),
+                Err(e) => {
+                    log::error!("Failed to read layout dir: {:?}", e);
+                    None
+                },
+            })
+            .map(|layout_files| {
+                let mut available_layouts = vec![];
+                for file in layout_files {
+                    if let Ok(file) = file {
+                        if Layout::from_path_or_default_without_config(
+                            Some(&file.path()),
+                            layout_dir.clone(),
+                        )
+                        .is_ok()
+                        {
+                            if let Some(file_name) = file.path().file_stem() {
+                                available_layouts
+                                    .push(LayoutInfo::File(file_name.to_string_lossy().to_string()))
+                            }
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
+                available_layouts
+            })
+            .unwrap_or_else(Default::default);
+        let default_layout_name = default_layout_name
+            .as_ref()
+            .map(|d| d.as_str())
+            .unwrap_or("default");
+        available_layouts.push(LayoutInfo::BuiltIn("default".to_owned()));
+        available_layouts.push(LayoutInfo::BuiltIn("strider".to_owned()));
+        available_layouts.push(LayoutInfo::BuiltIn("disable-status-bar".to_owned()));
+        available_layouts.push(LayoutInfo::BuiltIn("compact".to_owned()));
+        available_layouts.sort_by(|a, b| {
+            let a_name = a.name();
+            let b_name = b.name();
+            if a_name == default_layout_name {
+                return Ordering::Less;
+            } else if b_name == default_layout_name {
+                return Ordering::Greater;
+            } else {
+                a_name.cmp(&b_name)
+            }
+        });
+        available_layouts
+    }
     pub fn stringified_from_path_or_default(
         layout_path: Option<&PathBuf>,
         layout_dir: Option<PathBuf>,
@@ -861,6 +918,40 @@ impl Layout {
         let config = Config::from_kdl(&raw_layout, Some(config))?; // this merges the two config, with
         Ok((layout, config))
     }
+    pub fn from_path_or_default_without_config(
+        layout_path: Option<&PathBuf>,
+        layout_dir: Option<PathBuf>,
+    ) -> Result<Layout, ConfigError> {
+        let (path_to_raw_layout, raw_layout, raw_swap_layouts) =
+            Layout::stringified_from_path_or_default(layout_path, layout_dir)?;
+        let layout = Layout::from_kdl(
+            &raw_layout,
+            path_to_raw_layout,
+            raw_swap_layouts
+                .as_ref()
+                .map(|(r, f)| (r.as_str(), f.as_str())),
+            None,
+        )?;
+        Ok(layout)
+    }
+    pub fn from_default_assets(
+        layout_name: &Path,
+        _layout_dir: Option<PathBuf>,
+        config: Config,
+    ) -> Result<(Layout, Config), ConfigError> {
+        let (path_to_raw_layout, raw_layout, raw_swap_layouts) =
+            Layout::stringified_from_default_assets(layout_name)?;
+        let layout = Layout::from_kdl(
+            &raw_layout,
+            path_to_raw_layout,
+            raw_swap_layouts
+                .as_ref()
+                .map(|(r, f)| (r.as_str(), f.as_str())),
+            None,
+        )?;
+        let config = Config::from_kdl(&raw_layout, Some(config))?; // this merges the two config, with
+        Ok((layout, config))
+    }
     pub fn from_str(
         raw: &str,
         path_to_raw_layout: String,
@@ -951,6 +1042,11 @@ impl Layout {
                     Self::stringified_compact_swap_from_assets()?,
                 )),
             )),
+            Some("welcome") => Ok((
+                "Welcome screen layout".into(),
+                Self::stringified_welcome_from_assets()?,
+                None,
+            )),
             None | Some(_) => Err(ConfigError::IoPath(
                 std::io::Error::new(std::io::ErrorKind::Other, "The layout was not found"),
                 path.into(),
@@ -982,6 +1078,10 @@ impl Layout {
         Ok(String::from_utf8(setup::COMPACT_BAR_SWAP_LAYOUT.to_vec())?)
     }
 
+    pub fn stringified_welcome_from_assets() -> Result<String, ConfigError> {
+        Ok(String::from_utf8(setup::WELCOME_LAYOUT.to_vec())?)
+    }
+
     pub fn new_tab(&self) -> (TiledPaneLayout, Vec<FloatingPaneLayout>) {
         self.template.clone().unwrap_or_default()
     }
@@ -1024,24 +1124,10 @@ impl Layout {
                         swap_layout_path.as_os_str().to_string_lossy().into(),
                         swap_kdl_layout,
                     )),
-                    Err(e) => {
-                        log::warn!(
-                            "Failed to read swap layout file: {}. Error: {:?}",
-                            swap_layout_path.as_os_str().to_string_lossy(),
-                            e
-                        );
-                        None
-                    },
+                    Err(_e) => None,
                 }
             },
-            Err(e) => {
-                log::warn!(
-                    "Failed to read swap layout file: {}. Error: {:?}",
-                    swap_layout_path.as_os_str().to_string_lossy(),
-                    e
-                );
-                None
-            },
+            Err(_e) => None,
         }
     }
 }
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/kdl/mod.rs b/zellij-utils/src/kdl/mod.rs
index 71f48fc4..e911f391 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/kdl/mod.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/kdl/mod.rs
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 mod kdl_layout_parser;
 use crate::data::{
-    Direction, InputMode, Key, Palette, PaletteColor, PaneInfo, PaneManifest, PermissionType,
-    Resize, SessionInfo, TabInfo,
+    Direction, InputMode, Key, LayoutInfo, Palette, PaletteColor, PaneInfo, PaneManifest,
+    PermissionType, Resize, SessionInfo, TabInfo,
 };
 use crate::envs::EnvironmentVariables;
 use crate::home::{find_default_config_dir, get_layout_dir};
@@ -1986,6 +1986,31 @@ impl SessionInfo {
             .and_then(|p| p.children())
             .map(|p| PaneManifest::decode_from_kdl(p))
             .ok_or("Failed to parse panes")?;
+        let available_layouts: Vec<LayoutInfo> = kdl_document
+            .get("available_layouts")
+            .and_then(|p| p.children())
+            .map(|e| {
+                e.nodes()
+                    .iter()
+                    .filter_map(|n| {
+                        let layout_name = n.name().value().to_owned();
+                        let layout_source = n
+                            .entries()
+                            .iter()
+                            .find(|e| e.name().map(|n| n.value()) == Some("source"))
+                            .and_then(|e| e.value().as_string());
+                        match layout_source {
+                            Some(layout_source) => match layout_source {
+                                "built-in" => Some(LayoutInfo::BuiltIn(layout_name)),
+                                "file" => Some(LayoutInfo::File(layout_name)),
+                                _ => None,
+                            },
+                            None => None,
+                        }
+                    })
+                    .collect()
+            })
+            .ok_or("Failed to parse available_layouts")?;
         let is_current_session = name == current_session_name;
         Ok(SessionInfo {
             name,
@@ -1993,6 +2018,7 @@ impl SessionInfo {
             panes,
             connected_clients,
             is_current_session,
+            available_layouts,
         })
     }
     pub fn to_string(&self) -> String {
@@ -2017,10 +2043,25 @@ impl SessionInfo {
         let mut panes = KdlNode::new("panes");
         panes.set_children(self.panes.encode_to_kdl());
 
+        let mut available_layouts = KdlNode::new("available_layouts");
+        let mut available_layouts_children = KdlDocument::new();
+        for layout_info in &self.available_layouts {
+            let (layout_name, layout_source) = match layout_info {
+                LayoutInfo::File(name) => (name.clone(), "file"),
+                LayoutInfo::BuiltIn(name) => (name.clone(), "built-in"),
+            };
+            let mut layout_node = KdlNode::new(format!("{}", layout_name));
+            let layout_source = KdlEntry::new_prop("source", layout_source);
+            layout_node.entries_mut().push(layout_source);
+            available_layouts_children.nodes_mut().push(layout_node);
+        }
+        available_layouts.set_children(available_layouts_children);
+
         kdl_document.nodes_mut().push(name);
         kdl_document.nodes_mut().push(tabs);
         kdl_document.nodes_mut().push(panes);
         kdl_document.nodes_mut().push(connected_clients);
+        kdl_document.nodes_mut().push(available_layouts);
         kdl_document.fmt();
         kdl_document.to_string()
     }
@@ -2506,6 +2547,11 @@ fn serialize_and_deserialize_session_info_with_data() {
         panes: PaneManifest { panes },
         connected_clients: 2,
         is_current_session: false,
+        available_layouts: vec![
+            LayoutInfo::File("layout1".to_owned()),
+            LayoutInfo::BuiltIn("layout2".to_owned()),
+            LayoutInfo::File("layout3".to_owned()),
+        ],
     };
     let serialized = session_info.to_string();
     let deserealized = SessionInfo::from_string(&serialized, "not this session").unwrap();
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/kdl/snapshots/zellij_utils__kdl__serialize_and_deserialize_session_info.snap b/zellij-utils/src/kdl/snapshots/zellij_utils__kdl__serialize_and_deserialize_session_info.snap
index 4a231c37..32925ec1 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/kdl/snapshots/zellij_utils__kdl__serialize_and_deserialize_session_info.snap
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/kdl/snapshots/zellij_utils__kdl__serialize_and_deserialize_session_info.snap
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 ---
 source: zellij-utils/src/kdl/mod.rs
-assertion_line: 2284
+assertion_line: 2459
 expression: serialized
 ---
 name ""
@@ -9,4 +9,6 @@ tabs {
 panes {
 }
 connected_clients 0
+available_layouts {
+}
 
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/kdl/snapshots/zellij_utils__kdl__serialize_and_deserialize_session_info_with_data.snap b/zellij-utils/src/kdl/snapshots/zellij_utils__kdl__serialize_and_deserialize_session_info_with_data.snap
index 99e3e03f..8244f04a 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/kdl/snapshots/zellij_utils__kdl__serialize_and_deserialize_session_info_with_data.snap
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/kdl/snapshots/zellij_utils__kdl__serialize_and_deserialize_session_info_with_data.snap
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 ---
 source: zellij-utils/src/kdl/mod.rs
-assertion_line: 2377
+assertion_line: 2552
 expression: serialized
 ---
 name "my session name"
@@ -78,4 +78,9 @@ panes {
     }
 }
 connected_clients 2
+available_layouts {
+    layout1 source="file"
+    layout2 source="built-in"
+    layout3 source="file"
+}
 
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/event.proto b/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/event.proto
index 0d964a35..e26a9c23 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/event.proto
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/event.proto
@@ -152,6 +152,12 @@ message SessionManifest {
   repeated PaneManifest panes = 3;
   uint32 connected_clients = 4;
   bool is_current_session = 5;
+  repeated LayoutInfo available_layouts = 6;
+}
+
+message LayoutInfo {
+  string name = 1;
+  string source = 2;
 }
 
 message ResurrectableSession {
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/event.rs b/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/event.rs
index d9e5341d..21ff1eff 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/event.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/event.rs
@@ -4,9 +4,9 @@ pub use super::generated_api::api::{
         event::Payload as ProtobufEventPayload, CopyDestination as ProtobufCopyDestination,
         Event as ProtobufEvent, EventNameList as ProtobufEventNameList,
         EventType as ProtobufEventType, InputModeKeybinds as ProtobufInputModeKeybinds,
-        KeyBind as ProtobufKeyBind, ModeUpdatePayload as ProtobufModeUpdatePayload,
-        PaneInfo as ProtobufPaneInfo, PaneManifest as ProtobufPaneManifest,
-        ResurrectableSession as ProtobufResurrectableSession,
+        KeyBind as ProtobufKeyBind, LayoutInfo as ProtobufLayoutInfo,
+        ModeUpdatePayload as ProtobufModeUpdatePayload, PaneInfo as ProtobufPaneInfo,
+        PaneManifest as ProtobufPaneManifest, ResurrectableSession as ProtobufResurrectableSession,
         SessionManifest as ProtobufSessionManifest, TabInfo as ProtobufTabInfo, *,
     },
     input_mode::InputMode as ProtobufInputMode,
@@ -14,8 +14,8 @@ pub use super::generated_api::api::{
     style::Style as ProtobufStyle,
 };
 use crate::data::{
-    CopyDestination, Event, EventType, InputMode, Key, ModeInfo, Mouse, PaneInfo, PaneManifest,
-    PermissionStatus, PluginCapabilities, SessionInfo, Style, TabInfo,
+    CopyDestination, Event, EventType, InputMode, Key, LayoutInfo, ModeInfo, Mouse, PaneInfo,
+    PaneManifest, PermissionStatus, PluginCapabilities, SessionInfo, Style, TabInfo,
 };
 
 use crate::errors::prelude::*;
@@ -453,6 +453,11 @@ impl TryFrom<SessionInfo> for ProtobufSessionManifest {
                 .collect(),
             connected_clients: session_info.connected_clients as u32,
             is_current_session: session_info.is_current_session,
+            available_layouts: session_info
+                .available_layouts
+                .into_iter()
+                .filter_map(|l| ProtobufLayoutInfo::try_from(l).ok())
+                .collect(),
         })
     }
 }
@@ -485,10 +490,42 @@ impl TryFrom<ProtobufSessionManifest> for SessionInfo {
             panes,
             connected_clients: protobuf_session_manifest.connected_clients as usize,
             is_current_session: protobuf_session_manifest.is_current_session,
+            available_layouts: protobuf_session_manifest
+                .available_layouts
+                .into_iter()
+                .filter_map(|l| LayoutInfo::try_from(l).ok())
+                .collect(),
         })
     }
 }
 
+impl TryFrom<LayoutInfo> for ProtobufLayoutInfo {
+    type Error = &'static str;
+    fn try_from(layout_info: LayoutInfo) -> Result<Self, &'static str> {
+        match layout_info {
+            LayoutInfo::File(name) => Ok(ProtobufLayoutInfo {
+                source: "file".to_owned(),
+                name,
+            }),
+            LayoutInfo::BuiltIn(name) => Ok(ProtobufLayoutInfo {
+                source: "built-in".to_owned(),
+                name,
+            }),
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+impl TryFrom<ProtobufLayoutInfo> for LayoutInfo {
+    type Error = &'static str;
+    fn try_from(protobuf_layout_info: ProtobufLayoutInfo) -> Result<Self, &'static str> {
+        match protobuf_layout_info.source.as_str() {
+            "file" => Ok(LayoutInfo::File(protobuf_layout_info.name)),
+            "built-in" => Ok(LayoutInfo::BuiltIn(protobuf_layout_info.name)),
+            _ => Err("Unknown source for layout"),
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 impl TryFrom<CopyDestination> for ProtobufCopyDestination {
     type Error = &'static str;
     fn try_from(copy_destination: CopyDestination) -> Result<Self, &'static str> {
@@ -1383,6 +1420,11 @@ fn serialize_session_update_event_with_non_default_values() {
         panes: PaneManifest { panes },
         connected_clients: 2,
         is_current_session: true,
+        available_layouts: vec![
+            LayoutInfo::File("layout 1".to_owned()),
+            LayoutInfo::BuiltIn("layout2".to_owned()),
+            LayoutInfo::File("layout3".to_owned()),
+        ],
     };
     let session_info_2 = SessionInfo {
         name: "session 2".to_owned(),
@@ -1392,6 +1434,11 @@ fn serialize_session_update_event_with_non_default_values() {
         },
         connected_clients: 0,
         is_current_session: false,
+        available_layouts: vec![
+            LayoutInfo::File("layout 1".to_owned()),
+            LayoutInfo::BuiltIn("layout2".to_owned()),
+            LayoutInfo::File("layout3".to_owned()),
+        ],
     };
     let session_infos = vec![session_info_1, session_info_2];
     let resurrectable_sessions = vec![];
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/plugin_command.proto b/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/plugin_command.proto
index 6ffb0345..b02dd73f 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/plugin_command.proto
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/plugin_command.proto
@@ -91,6 +91,8 @@ enum CommandName {
   BlockCliPipeInput = 77;
   CliPipeOutput = 78;
   MessageToPlugin = 79;
+  DisconnectOtherClients = 80;
+  KillSessions = 81;
 }
 
 message PluginCommand {
@@ -145,9 +147,14 @@ message PluginCommand {
     string block_cli_pipe_input_payload = 48;
     CliPipeOutputPayload cli_pipe_output_payload = 49;
     MessageToPluginPayload message_to_plugin_payload = 50;
+    KillSessionsPayload kill_sessions_payload = 60;
   }
 }
 
+message KillSessionsPayload {
+  repeated string session_names = 1;
+}
+
 message CliPipeOutputPayload {
   string pipe_name = 1;
   string output = 2;
@@ -185,6 +192,7 @@ message SwitchSessionPayload {
   optional uint32 tab_position = 2;
   optional uint32 pane_id = 3;
   optional bool pane_id_is_plugin = 4;
+  optional event.LayoutInfo layout = 5;
 }
 
 message RequestPluginPermissionPayload {
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/plugin_command.rs b/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/plugin_command.rs
index fa570a26..a5272d42 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/plugin_command.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/plugin_command.rs
@@ -4,10 +4,10 @@ pub use super::generated_api::api::{
     input_mode::InputMode as ProtobufInputMode,
     plugin_command::{
         plugin_command::Payload, CliPipeOutputPayload, CommandName, ContextItem, EnvVariable,
-        ExecCmdPayload, HttpVerb as ProtobufHttpVerb, IdAndNewName, MessageToPluginPayload,
-        MovePayload, NewPluginArgs as ProtobufNewPluginArgs, OpenCommandPanePayload,
-        OpenFilePayload, PaneId as ProtobufPaneId, PaneType as ProtobufPaneType,
-        PluginCommand as ProtobufPluginCommand, PluginMessagePayload,
+        ExecCmdPayload, HttpVerb as ProtobufHttpVerb, IdAndNewName, KillSessionsPayload,
+        MessageToPluginPayload, MovePayload, NewPluginArgs as ProtobufNewPluginArgs,
+        OpenCommandPanePayload, OpenFilePayload, PaneId as ProtobufPaneId,
+        PaneType as ProtobufPaneType, PluginCommand as ProtobufPluginCommand, PluginMessagePayload,
         RequestPluginPermissionPayload, ResizePayload, RunCommandPayload, SetTimeoutPayload,
         SubscribePayload, SwitchSessionPayload, SwitchTabToPayload, UnsubscribePayload,
         WebRequestPayload,
@@ -574,6 +574,7 @@ impl TryFrom<ProtobufPluginCommand> for PluginCommand {
                         name: payload.name,
                         tab_position: payload.tab_position.map(|p| p as usize),
                         pane_id,
+                        layout: payload.layout.and_then(|l| l.try_into().ok()),
                     }))
                 },
                 _ => Err("Mismatched payload for SwitchSession"),
@@ -727,6 +728,16 @@ impl TryFrom<ProtobufPluginCommand> for PluginCommand {
                         }),
                     }))
                 },
+                _ => Err("Mismatched payload for MessageToPlugin"),
+            },
+            Some(CommandName::DisconnectOtherClients) => match protobuf_plugin_command.payload {
+                None => Ok(PluginCommand::DisconnectOtherClients),
+                _ => Err("Mismatched payload for DisconnectOtherClients"),
+            },
+            Some(CommandName::KillSessions) => match protobuf_plugin_command.payload {
+                Some(Payload::KillSessionsPayload(KillSessionsPayload { session_names })) => {
+                    Ok(PluginCommand::KillSessions(session_names))
+                },
                 _ => Err("Mismatched payload for PipeOutput"),
             },
             None => Err("Unrecognized plugin command"),
@@ -1082,6 +1093,7 @@ impl TryFrom<PluginCommand> for ProtobufPluginCommand {
                     tab_position: switch_to_session.tab_position.map(|t| t as u32),
                     pane_id: switch_to_session.pane_id.map(|p| p.0),
                     pane_id_is_plugin: switch_to_session.pane_id.map(|p| p.1),
+                    layout: switch_to_session.layout.and_then(|l| l.try_into().ok()),
                 })),
             }),
             PluginCommand::OpenTerminalInPlace(cwd) => Ok(ProtobufPluginCommand {
@@ -1205,6 +1217,16 @@ impl TryFrom<PluginCommand> for ProtobufPluginCommand {
                     })),
                 })
             },
+            PluginCommand::DisconnectOtherClients => Ok(ProtobufPluginCommand {
+                name: CommandName::DisconnectOtherClients as i32,
+                payload: None,
+            }),
+            PluginCommand::KillSessions(session_names) => Ok(ProtobufPluginCommand {
+                name: CommandName::KillSessions as i32,
+                payload: Some(Payload::KillSessionsPayload(KillSessionsPayload {
+                    session_names,
+                })),
+            }),
         }
     }
 }
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/setup.rs b/zellij-utils/src/setup.rs
index 2c40f29d..bf34a894 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/setup.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/setup.rs
@@ -167,6 +167,12 @@ pub const COMPACT_BAR_SWAP_LAYOUT: &[u8] = include_bytes!(concat!(
     "assets/layouts/compact.swap.kdl"
 ));
 
+pub const WELCOME_LAYOUT: &[u8] = include_bytes!(concat!(
+    env!("CARGO_MANIFEST_DIR"),
+    "/",
+    "assets/layouts/welcome.kdl"
+));
+
 pub const FISH_EXTRA_COMPLETION: &[u8] = include_bytes!(concat!(
     env!("CARGO_MANIFEST_DIR"),
     "/",
@@ -345,7 +351,9 @@ impl Setup {
     /// 2. layout options
     ///    (`layout.kdl` / `zellij --layout`)
     /// 3. config options (`config.kdl`)
-    pub fn from_cli_args(cli_args: &CliArgs) -> Result<(Config, Layout, Options), ConfigError> {
+    pub fn from_cli_args(
+        cli_args: &CliArgs,
+    ) -> Result<(Config, Layout, Options, Config, Options), ConfigError> {
         // note that this can potentially exit the process
         Setup::handle_setup_commands(cli_args);
         let config = Config::try_from(cli_args)?;
@@ -355,21 +363,34 @@ impl Setup {
             } else {
                 None
             };
+        let mut config_without_layout = config.clone();
         let (layout, mut config) =
             Setup::parse_layout_and_override_config(cli_config_options.as_ref(), config, cli_args)?;
-        let config_options = match cli_config_options {
-            Some(cli_config_options) => config.options.merge(cli_config_options),
-            None => config.options.clone(),
-        };
 
-        config.themes = config.themes.merge(get_default_themes());
+        let config_options =
+            apply_themes_to_config(&mut config, cli_config_options.clone(), cli_args)?;
+        let config_options_without_layout =
+            apply_themes_to_config(&mut config_without_layout, cli_config_options, cli_args)?;
+        fn apply_themes_to_config(
+            config: &mut Config,
+            cli_config_options: Option<Options>,
+            cli_args: &CliArgs,
+        ) -> Result<Options, ConfigError> {
+            let config_options = match cli_config_options {
+                Some(cli_config_options) => config.options.merge(cli_config_options),
+                None => config.options.clone(),
+            };
 
-        let user_theme_dir = config_options.theme_dir.clone().or_else(|| {
-            get_theme_dir(cli_args.config_dir.clone().or_else(find_default_config_dir))
-                .filter(|dir| dir.exists())
-        });
-        if let Some(user_theme_dir) = user_theme_dir {
-            config.themes = config.themes.merge(Themes::from_dir(user_theme_dir)?);
+            config.themes = config.themes.merge(get_default_themes());
+
+            let user_theme_dir = config_options.theme_dir.clone().or_else(|| {
+                get_theme_dir(cli_args.config_dir.clone().or_else(find_default_config_dir))
+                    .filter(|dir| dir.exists())
+            });
+            if let Some(user_theme_dir) = user_theme_dir {
+                config.themes = config.themes.merge(Themes::from_dir(user_theme_dir)?);
+            }
+            Ok(config_options)
         }
 
         if let Some(Command::Setup(ref setup)) = &cli_args.command {
@@ -383,7 +404,13 @@ impl Setup {
                     |_| {},
                 );
         };
-        Ok((config, layout, config_options))
+        Ok((
+            config,
+            layout,
+            config_options,
+            config_without_layout,
+            config_options_without_layout,
+        ))
     }
 
     /// General setup helpers
@@ -667,7 +694,7 @@ mod setup_test {
     #[test]
     fn default_config_with_no_cli_arguments() {
         let cli_args = CliArgs::default();
-        let (config, layout, options) = Setup::from_cli_args(&cli_args).unwrap();
+        let (config, layout, options, _, _) = Setup::from_cli_args(&cli_args).unwrap();
         assert_snapshot!(format!("{:#?}", config));
         assert_snapshot!(format!("{:#?}", layout));
         assert_snapshot!(format!("{:#?}", options));
@@ -682,7 +709,7 @@ mod setup_test {
             },
             ..Default::default()
         }));
-        let (_config, _layout, options) = Setup::from_cli_args(&cli_args).unwrap();
+        let (_config, _layout, options, _, _) = Setup::from_cli_args(&cli_args).unwrap();
         assert_snapshot!(format!("{:#?}", options));
     }
     #[test]
@@ -692,7 +719,7 @@ mod setup_test {
             "{}/src/test-fixtures/layout-with-options.kdl",
             env!("CARGO_MANIFEST_DIR")
         )));
-        let (_config, layout, options) = Setup::from_cli_args(&cli_args).unwrap();
+        let (_config, layout, options, _, _) = Setup::from_cli_args(&cli_args).unwrap();
         assert_snapshot!(format!("{:#?}", options));
         assert_snapshot!(format!("{:#?}", layout));
     }
@@ -710,7 +737,7 @@ mod setup_test {
             },
             ..Default::default()
         }));
-        let (_config, layout, options) = Setup::from_cli_args(&cli_args).unwrap();
+        let (_config, layout, options, _, _) = Setup::from_cli_args(&cli_args).unwrap();
         assert_snapshot!(format!("{:#?}", options));
         assert_snapshot!(format!("{:#?}", layout));
     }
@@ -725,7 +752,7 @@ mod setup_test {
             "{}/src/test-fixtures/layout-with-env-vars.kdl",
             env!("CARGO_MANIFEST_DIR")
         )));
-        let (config, _layout, _options) = Setup::from_cli_args(&cli_args).unwrap();
+        let (config, _layout, _options, _, _) = Setup::from_cli_args(&cli_args).unwrap();
         assert_snapshot!(format!("{:#?}", config));
     }
     #[test]
@@ -739,7 +766,7 @@ mod setup_test {
             "{}/src/test-fixtures/layout-with-ui-config.kdl",
             env!("CARGO_MANIFEST_DIR")
         )));
-        let (config, _layout, _options) = Setup::from_cli_args(&cli_args).unwrap();
+        let (config, _layout, _options, _, _) = Setup::from_cli_args(&cli_args).unwrap();
         assert_snapshot!(format!("{:#?}", config));
     }
     #[test]
@@ -753,7 +780,7 @@ mod setup_test {
             "{}/src/test-fixtures/layout-with-plugins-config.kdl",
             env!("CARGO_MANIFEST_DIR")
         )));
-        let (config, _layout, _options) = Setup::from_cli_args(&cli_args).unwrap();
+        let (config, _layout, _options, _, _) = Setup::from_cli_args(&cli_args).unwrap();
         assert_snapshot!(format!("{:#?}", config));
     }
     #[test]
@@ -767,7 +794,7 @@ mod setup_test {
             "{}/src/test-fixtures/layout-with-themes-config.kdl",
             env!("CARGO_MANIFEST_DIR")
         )));
-        let (config, _layout, _options) = Setup::from_cli_args(&cli_args).unwrap();
+        let (config, _layout, _options, _, _) = Setup::from_cli_args(&cli_args).unwrap();
         assert_snapshot!(format!("{:#?}", config));
     }
     #[test]
@@ -781,7 +808,7 @@ mod setup_test {
             "{}/src/test-fixtures/layout-with-keybindings-config.kdl",
             env!("CARGO_MANIFEST_DIR")
         )));
-        let (config, _layout, _options) = Setup::from_cli_args(&cli_args).unwrap();
+        let (config, _layout, _options, _, _) = Setup::from_cli_args(&cli_args).unwrap();
         assert_snapshot!(format!("{:#?}", config));
     }
 }