diff --git a/apps/figcraft-server/src/codes_tests.rs b/apps/figcraft-server/src/codes_tests.rs
index cbc7f70a7..42b15961e 100644
--- a/apps/figcraft-server/src/codes_tests.rs
+++ b/apps/figcraft-server/src/codes_tests.rs
@@ -118,7 +118,7 @@ fn a_file_shared_online_is_joined_by_its_codes() {
     });
     for guest in [&b, &c] {
         assert!(guest.message.as_deref().unwrap_or_default().contains("Sharing was stopped"), "{:?}", guest.message);
-        assert_eq!(guest.live().status, Status::Off, "over, not failed: nothing retries");
+        assert!(guest.live().rejoinable() && !guest.live().status.active(), "over: nothing retries, and the tab says so");
     }
     assert_eq!(layers(&b), before + 2, "Bo keeps the copy");
     let folder = dir.path().join("files").join(&p.file);
diff --git a/apps/figcraft-server/src/server_tests.rs b/apps/figcraft-server/src/server_tests.rs
index f60150da9..f3d084499 100644
--- a/apps/figcraft-server/src/server_tests.rs
+++ b/apps/figcraft-server/src/server_tests.rs
@@ -160,7 +160,7 @@ fn revoked_links_stop_working_at_once() {
     assert_eq!((files.len(), files[0].people), (1, 3));
     // Revoked: Cy is out at once, the others stay.
     assert_eq!(ask(Admin::Revoke { file: file.clone(), link: review.link.id.clone() }), AdminReply::Done);
-    pump(&mut [&mut a, &mut b, &mut c], "Cy out", |s| s[2].live().status == Status::Off && s[0].live().peers.len() == 1);
+    pump(&mut [&mut a, &mut b, &mut c], "Cy out", |s| s[2].live().rejoinable() && s[0].live().peers.len() == 1);
     // Told as when a host stops: the session is over for Cy, whose copy stays open (no retries).
     assert!(c.message.as_deref().unwrap_or_default().contains("Sharing was stopped"), "{:?}", c.message);
     assert!(live(&b));
diff --git a/crates/collab-net/src/driver.rs b/crates/collab-net/src/driver.rs
index 3ddd3b3c1..d96650371 100644
--- a/crates/collab-net/src/driver.rs
+++ b/crates/collab-net/src/driver.rs
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@
 
 use figcraft_collab::message::{self, ClientMsg, Presence, ServerMsg};
 use figcraft_engine::live::{Event, Status};
+use std::collections::VecDeque;
 use std::time::Duration;
 // `std::time::Instant` on native builds; the browser's clock in the web build.
 use web_time::Instant;
@@ -28,7 +29,7 @@ use crate::invite::Endpoint;
 use crate::join::{GuestConfig, Next, Outcome, Resuming, Seen, Taken, after, ask, closed, hello, resolved, take, too_large, unresolved};
 use crate::limits::NetLimits;
 use crate::requests::Publish;
-use crate::throttle::{PRESENCE_INTERVAL, Throttle, earliest};
+use crate::throttle::{PRESENCE_INTERVAL, Pace, Throttle, earliest};
 
 /// A WebSocket the driver opens, writes and closes; what it receives comes back through the
 /// driver's event methods.
@@ -79,6 +80,9 @@ pub(crate) struct Driver<S: Socket> {
     /// Your latest presence while not welcomed (sent with the welcome).
     pending: Option<Presence>,
     throttle: Throttle<Presence>,
+    /// Sync messages waiting their turn (a long queue from while offline), and when each may go.
+    pace: Pace,
+    paced: VecDeque<(Instant, ClientMsg)>,
     reconnect_at: Option<Instant>,
     /// What this connection asks a server (a managing one), and what follows its answers.
     asking: Option<(Box<Exchange>, Then)>,
@@ -86,7 +90,7 @@ pub(crate) struct Driver<S: Socket> {
 }
 
 impl<S: Socket> Driver<S> {
-    fn new(sock: S, cfg: GuestConfig, inbox: Inbox) -> Self {
+    fn new(sock: S, cfg: GuestConfig, inbox: Inbox, now: Instant) -> Self {
         Self {
             sock,
             cfg,
@@ -97,6 +101,8 @@ impl<S: Socket> Driver<S> {
             resume: Resuming::default(),
             pending: None,
             throttle: Throttle::new(PRESENCE_INTERVAL),
+            pace: Pace::new(now),
+            paced: VecDeque::new(),
             reconnect_at: None,
             asking: None,
             done: false,
@@ -105,7 +111,7 @@ impl<S: Socket> Driver<S> {
 
     /// Start joining (progress arrives in `inbox`).
     pub(crate) fn start(sock: S, cfg: GuestConfig, inbox: Inbox, now: Instant) -> Self {
-        let mut d = Self::new(sock, cfg, inbox);
+        let mut d = Self::new(sock, cfg, inbox, now);
         d.inbox.push(Event::Status(Status::Connecting));
         d.connect(now);
         d
@@ -114,7 +120,7 @@ impl<S: Socket> Driver<S> {
     /// Start with what `next` asks a server (a background request): the events it ends in go to
     /// `inbox`, then the join it ends in, if any, as `cfg` says.
     pub(crate) fn asking(sock: S, cfg: GuestConfig, next: exchange::Next, inbox: Inbox, now: Instant) -> Self {
-        let mut d = Self::new(sock, cfg, inbox);
+        let mut d = Self::new(sock, cfg, inbox, now);
         d.follow(next, now);
         d
     }
@@ -303,8 +309,31 @@ impl<S: Socket> Driver<S> {
         if !self.conn.as_ref().is_some_and(|c| c.welcomed) {
             return;
         }
-        if !self.write(&msg) {
-            self.end(Outcome::Retry("the connection dropped".into()), now);
+        let wait = self.pace.wait(now);
+        if wait.is_zero() && self.paced.is_empty() {
+            if !self.write(&msg) {
+                self.end(Outcome::Retry("the connection dropped".into()), now);
+            }
+        } else {
+            self.paced.push_back((now + wait, msg));
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Send the sync messages whose turn has come; false when one couldn't go.
+    fn send_paced(&mut self, now: Instant) -> bool {
+        while let Some((_, msg)) = self.paced.pop_front_if(|(at, _)| *at <= now) {
+            if !self.write(&msg) {
+                return false;
+            }
+        }
+        true
+    }
+
+    /// Reconnect now, if it is waiting to: the pauses grow from the beginning again.
+    pub(crate) fn retry(&mut self, now: Instant) {
+        if !self.done && self.reconnect_at.is_some() {
+            self.attempt = 0;
+            self.connect(now);
         }
     }
 
@@ -327,7 +356,7 @@ impl<S: Socket> Driver<S> {
                 [Some(c.last_ping + l.keepalive), Some(c.last_heard + c.silence_limit(l)), if c.welcomed { self.throttle.due() } else { None }]
             }
         });
-        earliest(conn.into_iter().flatten().chain([self.reconnect_at]))
+        earliest(conn.into_iter().flatten().chain([self.reconnect_at, self.paced.front().map(|(at, _)| *at)]))
     }
 
     /// Do what's due at `now`: reconnect, send held presence or a ping, give up on a connection
@@ -357,7 +386,7 @@ impl<S: Socket> Driver<S> {
         if now >= last_heard + silence {
             return self.end(Outcome::Retry("the host stopped answering".into()), now);
         }
-        let ok = self.throttle.take_due(now).is_none_or(|p| self.write(&ClientMsg::Presence(p)));
+        let ok = self.send_paced(now) && self.throttle.take_due(now).is_none_or(|p| self.write(&ClientMsg::Presence(p)));
         let ok = ok && (now < last_ping + l.keepalive || self.ping(now));
         if !ok {
             self.end(Outcome::Retry("the connection dropped".into()), now);
@@ -388,6 +417,8 @@ impl<S: Socket> Driver<S> {
             self.sock.close();
         }
         self.throttle = Throttle::new(PRESENCE_INTERVAL);
+        // Made for this connection: the sync client sends again what the server didn't get.
+        self.paced.clear();
         match after(outcome, &self.cfg, self.was_live, &mut self.attempt, &self.inbox) {
             Next::Stop(e) => {
                 if let Some(e) = e {
diff --git a/crates/collab-net/src/driver_tests.rs b/crates/collab-net/src/driver_tests.rs
index ea7900745..57921df3d 100644
--- a/crates/collab-net/src/driver_tests.rs
+++ b/crates/collab-net/src/driver_tests.rs
@@ -252,7 +252,7 @@ fn a_silent_host_counts_as_dropped_and_the_client_reconnects() {
 }
 
 #[test]
-fn reconnects_back_off_then_give_up() {
+fn a_live_connection_reconnects_in_rounds_and_never_gives_up() {
     let t0 = Instant::now();
     let (mut d, inbox) = start(Script::default(), t0);
     d.opened(t0);
@@ -260,7 +260,7 @@ fn reconnects_back_off_then_give_up() {
     let mut now = t0;
     let mut pauses = Vec::new();
     d.closed(1006, "", now);
-    while !d.done() {
+    for _ in 0..26 {
         let next = d.deadline().unwrap();
         pauses.push(next - now);
         now = next;
@@ -269,11 +269,114 @@ fn reconnects_back_off_then_give_up() {
         d.closed(1006, "", now);
     }
     let secs: Vec<f64> = pauses.iter().map(Duration::as_secs_f64).collect();
-    assert_eq!(secs, [0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, 10.0, 10.0, 10.0, 10.0, 10.0, 10.0, 10.0]);
+    let round = [1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, 10.0, 10.0, 10.0, 10.0, 10.0, 10.0, 10.0];
+    assert_eq!(secs[0], 0.5);
+    assert_eq!(secs[1..12], round);
+    assert_eq!(secs[12], 60.0, "a longer pause after a round");
+    assert_eq!(secs[13..24], round, "then as many again");
+    assert_eq!(secs[24], 60.0);
+    assert!(!d.done());
     let st = statuses(&inbox.drain());
-    assert_eq!(st.len(), 14, "connecting, 12 reconnects, then failed");
-    assert!(matches!(st.last(), Some(Status::Failed { reason }) if reason.starts_with("Lost the connection to the host")), "{st:?}");
-    assert_eq!(d.deadline(), None);
+    assert!(!st.iter().any(|s| matches!(s, Status::Failed { .. })), "{st:?}");
+    assert!(matches!(st.last(), Some(Status::Reconnecting { attempt: 27 })), "{st:?}");
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn retry_now_skips_the_pause_and_starts_the_round_over() {
+    let t0 = Instant::now();
+    let (mut d, inbox) = start(Script::default(), t0);
+    d.opened(t0);
+    d.message(&welcome(), t0);
+    d.closed(1006, "", t0);
+    let mut now = t0;
+    for _ in 0..12 {
+        now = d.deadline().unwrap();
+        d.tick(now);
+        d.closed(1006, "", now);
+    }
+    assert_eq!(d.deadline().unwrap() - now, Duration::from_secs(60));
+    let opened = d.sock.opened.len();
+    d.retry(now);
+    assert_eq!(d.sock.opened.len(), opened + 1, "connects at once");
+    inbox.drain();
+    d.closed(1006, "", now);
+    assert_eq!(statuses(&inbox.drain()), vec![Status::Reconnecting { attempt: 1 }]);
+    assert_eq!(d.deadline().unwrap() - now, ms(500), "the pauses grow from the beginning again");
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn a_session_that_was_live_only_stops_for_a_refusal_that_is_for_good() {
+    let t0 = Instant::now();
+    // The words servers turn a session away with for now.
+    for reason in [
+        "too many messages",
+        "the server is busy: try again in a moment",
+        "the session is full",
+        "no hello in time",
+        "this file can't be opened on the server (its data is damaged); tell the server's owner",
+        "too many connections from your address lately: wait a minute and try again",
+    ] {
+        for frame in [false, true] {
+            let (mut d, inbox) = start(Script::default(), t0);
+            d.opened(t0);
+            d.message(&welcome(), t0);
+            inbox.drain();
+            if frame {
+                d.closed(1008, reason, t0);
+            } else {
+                d.message(&encode(&ServerMsg::Refused { reason: reason.into() }), t0);
+            }
+            assert!(!d.done(), "{reason}");
+            assert_eq!(statuses(&inbox.drain()), vec![Status::Reconnecting { attempt: 1 }], "{reason}");
+        }
+    }
+    // And the words for good.
+    for reason in [
+        "this link isn't valid (it may have been revoked)",
+        "this file isn't on the server (it may have been removed)",
+        "this file was removed from the server",
+        "you were removed from this session",
+        "this server no longer accepts connections from your address",
+        "this server doesn't accept connections from your address",
+        "wrong session token",
+        "protocol 9 isn't supported",
+        "message too large: this server takes at most 64 MiB at once (a change that big can't be kept here)",
+    ] {
+        let (mut d, inbox) = start(Script::default(), t0);
+        d.opened(t0);
+        d.message(&welcome(), t0);
+        d.closed(1008, reason, t0);
+        assert!(d.done(), "{reason}");
+        assert!(matches!(statuses(&inbox.drain()).last(), Some(Status::Failed { reason: r }) if r.contains(reason)), "{reason}");
+    }
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn a_long_queue_goes_out_paced_and_in_order() {
+    let t0 = Instant::now();
+    let (mut d, _inbox) = start(Script::default(), t0);
+    d.opened(t0);
+    d.message(&welcome(), t0);
+    let before = d.sock.sent.len();
+    for seq in 0..500 {
+        d.send(ClientMsg::Ack { seq }, t0);
+    }
+    let at_once = d.sock.sent.len() - before;
+    assert!((1..=200).contains(&at_once), "{at_once} at once: a server drops a connection past 400");
+    let mut now = t0;
+    while d.sock.sent.iter().filter(|m| matches!(m, ClientMsg::Ack { .. })).count() < 500 {
+        now = d.deadline().unwrap();
+        d.tick(now);
+    }
+    let seqs: Vec<u64> = d.sock.sent.iter().filter_map(|m| if let ClientMsg::Ack { seq } = m { Some(*seq) } else { None }).collect();
+    assert_eq!(seqs, (0..500).collect::<Vec<u64>>());
+    assert!(now - t0 >= Duration::from_secs(4), "the rest take their time: {:?}", now - t0);
+    // Unsent ones were made for this connection: the sync client sends them again.
+    for seq in 0..500 {
+        d.send(ClientMsg::Ack { seq }, now);
+    }
+    d.closed(1006, "", now);
+    assert_eq!(d.deadline().unwrap() - now, ms(500), "nothing left to send but the reconnect");
 }
 
 #[test]
diff --git a/crates/collab-net/src/guest.rs b/crates/collab-net/src/guest.rs
index bdb5b98b2..84572b884 100644
--- a/crates/collab-net/src/guest.rs
+++ b/crates/collab-net/src/guest.rs
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ use crate::manage;
 use crate::net::{Duplex, NetLimits, config, open, shutdown};
 use crate::requests;
 pub use crate::requests::Publish;
-use crate::throttle::{PRESENCE_INTERVAL, Throttle, earliest};
+use crate::throttle::{PRESENCE_INTERVAL, Pace, Throttle, earliest};
 
 /// A joined (or joining) session. Dropping it leaves.
 pub struct Guest {
@@ -44,6 +44,8 @@ enum Cmd {
     /// For the server, in order (document changes).
     Send(ClientMsg),
     Leave,
+    /// Try now rather than after the pause under way (reconnecting).
+    Retry,
     /// The reader of connection `epoch` got its welcome.
     Welcomed(u64),
     /// Connection `epoch` ended.
@@ -133,6 +135,11 @@ impl Guest {
         let _ = self.cmd.send(Cmd::Send(msg));
     }
 
+    /// Reconnect now, if it is waiting to.
+    pub fn retry(&self) {
+        let _ = self.cmd.send(Cmd::Retry);
+    }
+
     /// Leave (returns at once: a connection attempt in progress ends on its own).
     pub fn leave(&mut self) {
         let _ = self.cmd.send(Cmd::Leave);
@@ -227,6 +234,11 @@ fn supervise(cfg: &GuestConfig, inbox: &Inbox, rx: &Receiver<Cmd>, me: &Sender<C
                     match rx.recv_timeout(until.saturating_duration_since(Instant::now())) {
                         Ok(Cmd::Leave) | Err(RecvTimeoutError::Disconnected) => return,
                         Ok(Cmd::Presence(p)) => pending = Some(p),
+                        // A fresh start: the pauses grow from the beginning again.
+                        Ok(Cmd::Retry) => {
+                            attempt = 0;
+                            break;
+                        }
                         // From the old connection's client: the next welcome starts over.
                         Ok(_) => {}
                         Err(RecvTimeoutError::Timeout) => break,
@@ -267,6 +279,7 @@ fn session(
     let hello = hello(cfg, resume);
     let mut welcomed = false;
     let mut throttle = Throttle::new(PRESENCE_INTERVAL);
+    let mut pace = Pace::new(Instant::now());
     let outcome = if send(&mut writer, &hello) {
         loop {
             let ping_at = last_ping + cfg.limits.keepalive;
@@ -274,7 +287,11 @@ fn session(
             let mut out = None;
             let mut now_send = Vec::new();
             match rx.recv_timeout(wake.saturating_duration_since(Instant::now())) {
-                Ok(Cmd::Send(m)) if welcomed => now_send.push(m),
+                Ok(Cmd::Send(m)) if welcomed => {
+                    // A long queue from while offline doesn't go out faster than the server takes it.
+                    std::thread::sleep(pace.wait(Instant::now()));
+                    now_send.push(m);
+                }
                 // Made for the previous connection (the sync client sends again what the server
                 // didn't get once it has caught up with this connection's welcome).
                 Ok(Cmd::Send(_)) => {}
@@ -292,7 +309,7 @@ fn session(
                     break Outcome::Left;
                 }
                 // From an earlier connection.
-                Ok(Cmd::Welcomed(_) | Cmd::Lost(..)) => {}
+                Ok(Cmd::Welcomed(_) | Cmd::Lost(..) | Cmd::Retry) => {}
                 Err(RecvTimeoutError::Timeout) => {}
             }
             if !now_send.iter().all(|m| send(&mut writer, m)) {
diff --git a/crates/collab-net/src/join.rs b/crates/collab-net/src/join.rs
index 033186af2..63f94bec2 100644
--- a/crates/collab-net/src/join.rs
+++ b/crates/collab-net/src/join.rs
@@ -39,8 +39,10 @@ pub struct GuestConfig {
     /// The pause before the first reconnect; it doubles each time up to `max_backoff`.
     pub backoff: Duration,
     pub max_backoff: Duration,
-    /// Reconnect attempts before giving up.
+    /// Reconnect attempts in a row before the longer pause (`round_pause`), after which it tries
+    /// as many again: a connection that was live is never given up on by itself.
     pub attempts: u32,
+    pub round_pause: Duration,
     /// Join as the client you were (an app that starts over after a crash): the first hello
     /// carries it, and a server that still knows the id gives it back.
     pub resume: Option<Resume>,
@@ -57,6 +59,7 @@ impl GuestConfig {
             backoff: Duration::from_millis(500),
             max_backoff: Duration::from_secs(10),
             attempts: 12,
+            round_pause: Duration::from_secs(60),
             resume: None,
         }
     }
@@ -65,6 +68,14 @@ impl GuestConfig {
     pub(crate) fn backoff(&self, attempt: u32) -> Duration {
         self.backoff.saturating_mul(1u32 << attempt.saturating_sub(1).min(16)).min(self.max_backoff)
     }
+
+    /// The pause before reconnect attempt `attempt` (from 1): growing within a round of
+    /// [`attempts`](Self::attempts), and [`round_pause`](Self::round_pause) between rounds.
+    pub(crate) fn pause(&self, attempt: u32) -> Duration {
+        let round = self.attempts.max(1);
+        let into_round = attempt.saturating_sub(1) % round;
+        if into_round == 0 && attempt > round { self.round_pause } else { self.backoff(into_round + 1) }
+    }
 }
 
 /// How a connection ended.
@@ -143,11 +154,38 @@ pub(crate) enum Next {
     Reconnect(Duration),
 }
 
-/// After `outcome`: a refusal or the end of the session is final, and so is a first join that
-/// can't reach the host; a live connection that dropped tries again with growing pauses until the
-/// attempts run out.
+/// What a server refuses for good, whenever you ask: the link, the file or your place in it is
+/// gone, or the two versions can't talk. Anything else a server refuses a session with (it is
+/// busy, a limit was hit, the file couldn't be read just now) may pass, and servers of any version
+/// say so in these words, so a reason not listed here means try again.
+const FINAL_REFUSALS: [&str; 11] = [
+    "isn't valid",
+    "isn't on the server",
+    "was removed from the server",
+    "were removed from this session",
+    "no longer accepts connections",
+    "doesn't accept connections",
+    "wrong session token",
+    "isn't supported",
+    "couldn't be read",
+    "message too large",
+    "this version can't read",
+];
+
+/// Whether `reason`, from a server refusing a session that was live, is for good.
+pub(crate) fn final_refusal(reason: &str) -> bool {
+    FINAL_REFUSALS.iter().any(|f| reason.contains(f))
+}
+
+/// After `outcome`: the end of the session is final, and so are a refusal for good and a first
+/// join that can't reach the host. A live connection that dropped or was turned away for now tries
+/// again until you leave: with growing pauses, and a longer one between rounds.
 pub(crate) fn after(outcome: Outcome, cfg: &GuestConfig, was_live: bool, attempt: &mut u32, inbox: &Inbox) -> Next {
     let failed = |reason: String| Next::Stop(Some(Event::Status(Status::Failed { reason })));
+    let outcome = match outcome {
+        Outcome::Refused(why) if was_live && !final_refusal(&why) => Outcome::Retry(why),
+        o => o,
+    };
     match outcome {
         Outcome::Left => Next::Stop(None),
         Outcome::Refused(why) => failed(format!("The host refused: {why}")),
@@ -155,13 +193,10 @@ pub(crate) fn after(outcome: Outcome, cfg: &GuestConfig, was_live: bool, attempt
         Outcome::Ended(reason) => Next::Stop(Some(Event::Ended { reason })),
         Outcome::Retry(why) if !was_live => failed(format!("Couldn't join the live session: {why}")),
         Outcome::Retry(why) => {
-            *attempt += 1;
-            if *attempt > cfg.attempts {
-                return failed(format!("Lost the connection to the host ({why})"));
-            }
+            *attempt = attempt.saturating_add(1);
             log::info!("live session: connection lost ({why}); reconnecting, attempt {attempt}");
             inbox.push(Event::Status(Status::Reconnecting { attempt: *attempt }));
-            Next::Reconnect(cfg.backoff(*attempt))
+            Next::Reconnect(cfg.pause(*attempt))
         }
     }
 }
diff --git a/crates/collab-net/src/link.rs b/crates/collab-net/src/link.rs
index fdcba5b97..0024da781 100644
--- a/crates/collab-net/src/link.rs
+++ b/crates/collab-net/src/link.rs
@@ -266,6 +266,12 @@ impl LiveLink for NetLink {
         }
     }
 
+    fn retry(&mut self, session: SessionId) {
+        if let Some(Active::Guest(g)) = self.sessions.get(session) {
+            g.retry();
+        }
+    }
+
     fn presence(&mut self, session: SessionId, p: &Presence) {
         match self.sessions.get(session) {
             Some(Active::Host(h)) => h.presence(p.clone()),
diff --git a/crates/collab-net/src/session_tests.rs b/crates/collab-net/src/session_tests.rs
index 4d5680eed..51b9e89b6 100644
--- a/crates/collab-net/src/session_tests.rs
+++ b/crates/collab-net/src/session_tests.rs
@@ -124,8 +124,9 @@ fn following_a_viewport_until_you_move() {
 fn the_host_stopping_ends_the_session_for_guests() {
     let (mut host, mut guest, _, _) = host_and_join();
     host.execute("collab.stop", &json!({})).unwrap();
-    pump(&mut host, &mut guest, "the end", |_, g| g.live().status == Status::Off);
-    assert!(guest.live().peers.is_empty());
+    pump(&mut host, &mut guest, "the end", |_, g| g.live().rejoinable());
+    assert!(guest.live().peers.is_empty() && !guest.live().syncing());
+    assert!(guest.live().disconnected(), "the tab says so");
     assert_eq!(guest.message.as_deref(), Some(crate::host::ENDED));
 }
 
diff --git a/crates/collab-net/src/sessions_tests.rs b/crates/collab-net/src/sessions_tests.rs
index 4a2579f8e..d21668150 100644
--- a/crates/collab-net/src/sessions_tests.rs
+++ b/crates/collab-net/src/sessions_tests.rs
@@ -158,8 +158,8 @@ fn two_files_are_hosted_and_joined_independently() {
     assert!(host.live_of(hb).presence.get(&ada(&host, hb)).is_none_or(|p| p.cursor.is_none()), "no cursor in the file that isn't in front");
     // The host closes B: its session ends for everyone, A's goes on.
     host.execute("file.close", &json!({"index": 1, "force": true})).unwrap();
-    pump(&mut [&mut host, &mut guest], "B's session ending", |s| s[0].live.iter().count() == 1 && s[1].live.iter().count() == 1);
-    assert_eq!(guest.live_of(gb).status, Status::Off);
+    pump(&mut [&mut host, &mut guest], "B's session ending", |s| s[0].live.iter().count() == 1 && s[1].live_of(gb).rejoinable());
+    assert!(guest.live_of(gb).disconnected(), "the guest's tab says so");
     assert_eq!(guest.docs.len(), 3, "the guest keeps its copy of B");
     assert_eq!((host.live_of(ha).status.clone(), host.live_of(ha).peers.len()), (Status::Live, 1));
     assert_eq!(guest.live_of(ga).status, Status::Live);
diff --git a/crates/collab-net/src/throttle.rs b/crates/collab-net/src/throttle.rs
index beff3e6f8..1f90ff504 100644
--- a/crates/collab-net/src/throttle.rs
+++ b/crates/collab-net/src/throttle.rs
@@ -10,6 +10,33 @@ use web_time::Instant;
 /// How often presence goes out at most.
 pub const PRESENCE_INTERVAL: Duration = Duration::from_millis(33);
 
+/// How many messages other than presence go out at once, and per second after that: with presence
+/// and pings that stays under what a server takes from a connection before it drops it.
+const PACE_BURST: f64 = 200.0;
+const PACE_RATE: f64 = 60.0;
+
+/// Paces messages that must all go out (everything queued while offline leaves at once when the
+/// connection comes back): `wait` says how long until the next may.
+#[derive(Debug)]
+pub struct Pace {
+    tokens: f64,
+    last: Instant,
+}
+
+impl Pace {
+    pub fn new(now: Instant) -> Self {
+        Self { tokens: PACE_BURST, last: now }
+    }
+
+    /// Take one message's turn at `now`: how long to wait before sending it (zero: at once).
+    pub fn wait(&mut self, now: Instant) -> Duration {
+        let passed = now.saturating_duration_since(self.last).as_secs_f64();
+        self.last = now;
+        self.tokens = (self.tokens + passed * PACE_RATE).min(PACE_BURST) - 1.0;
+        if self.tokens >= 0.0 { Duration::ZERO } else { Duration::from_secs_f64(-self.tokens / PACE_RATE) }
+    }
+}
+
 #[derive(Debug)]
 pub struct Throttle<T> {
     interval: Duration,
diff --git a/crates/collab-net/src/web.rs b/crates/collab-net/src/web.rs
index 32fbaad9d..8c54f6c23 100644
--- a/crates/collab-net/src/web.rs
+++ b/crates/collab-net/src/web.rs
@@ -242,6 +242,10 @@ impl LiveLink for NetLink {
         }
     }
 
+    fn retry(&mut self, session: SessionId) {
+        self.with(session, |d, now| d.retry(now));
+    }
+
     fn presence(&mut self, session: SessionId, p: &Presence) {
         self.with(session, |d, now| d.presence(p.clone(), now));
     }
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/collab_live_tests.rs b/crates/engine/src/collab_live_tests.rs
index d53eeff26..6499c1895 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/collab_live_tests.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/collab_live_tests.rs
@@ -318,6 +318,117 @@ fn a_dropped_connection_keeps_editing_and_catches_up() {
     assert_eq!((doc.node(r).unwrap().name.as_str(), doc.node(f).unwrap().name.as_str()), ("Sent", "Offline"));
 }
 
+impl Room {
+    /// Person `i` has been told to join again: the server takes them as someone new.
+    fn welcome_anew(&mut self, i: usize) {
+        let ClientMsg::Hello(h) = Client::hello("f", "t", "Person", "") else { panic!("not a hello") };
+        let (id, out) = self.server.join(h).unwrap();
+        let w = welcome_of(&out, id);
+        let p = &mut self.people[i];
+        p.id = id;
+        p.online = true;
+        p.script.lock().unwrap().events.extend([Event::Welcome { info: info(Role::Guest, id), peers: vec![] }, Event::Sync(w)]);
+        p.s.live_poll();
+    }
+
+    fn event(&mut self, i: usize, e: Event) {
+        let p = &mut self.people[i];
+        p.script.lock().unwrap().events.push(e);
+        p.s.live_poll();
+    }
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn reconnecting_can_be_told_to_try_now_and_shows_as_disconnected() {
+    let mut room = Room::new(base(), 1, 7);
+    assert!(!room.s(0).live().disconnected());
+    assert!(room.s(0).execute("collab.reconnect", &json!({})).is_err(), "nothing was lost");
+    room.disconnect(0);
+    assert!(room.s(0).live().disconnected());
+    assert_eq!(room.s(0).execute("collab.reconnect", &json!({})).unwrap()["status"], "reconnecting");
+    let session = room.s(0).live().id;
+    assert_eq!(room.people[0].script.lock().unwrap().retried, [session]);
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn a_session_that_cant_go_on_stays_on_its_tab_and_joins_again_there() {
+    let mut room = Room::new(base(), 2, 7);
+    let (f, r) = frame_and_rect(room.server.document());
+    let uid = room.s(0).ds().unwrap().uid;
+    let tabs = room.s(0).docs.len();
+    room.disconnect(0);
+    room.s(0).execute("node.set", &json!({"id": r, "props": {"name": "Offline"}})).unwrap();
+    room.event(0, Event::Status(Status::Failed { reason: "The host refused: this link isn't valid".into() }));
+    // The tab says so, and is yours to go on working in.
+    let live = room.s(0).live();
+    assert!(live.disconnected() && live.rejoinable() && live.doc_uid == Some(uid));
+    assert!(room.s(0).live_read_only(uid).is_none());
+    room.s(0).execute("node.set", &json!({"id": f, "props": {"name": "Offline too"}})).unwrap();
+    // A try that fails leaves it just as it was.
+    assert_eq!(room.s(0).execute("collab.reconnect", &json!({})).unwrap()["status"], "connecting");
+    assert!(room.s(0).live().disconnected() && !room.s(0).live().rejoinable());
+    assert!(room.s(0).live_read_only(uid).is_none(), "it can still be edited while it tries");
+    room.event(0, Event::Status(Status::Failed { reason: "Couldn't join the live session: no answer".into() }));
+    assert!(room.s(0).live().rejoinable());
+    // Someone else's edit lands meanwhile.
+    room.s(1).execute("transform.move", &json!({"ids": [r], "dx": 5, "dy": 5})).unwrap();
+    room.settle();
+    // The next try joins in the same tab, and what was done offline opens beside it.
+    room.s(0).execute("collab.reconnect", &json!({})).unwrap();
+    room.welcome_anew(0);
+    let s = room.s(0);
+    assert_eq!(s.live().status, Status::Live);
+    assert!(!s.live().disconnected());
+    assert_eq!(s.docs.len(), tabs + 1, "the copy's is the only new tab");
+    let (tab, copy) = (s.docs.iter().find(|d| d.uid == uid).unwrap(), s.docs.last().unwrap());
+    assert_eq!(s.live().doc_uid, Some(uid));
+    assert_ne!(tab.doc.node(r).unwrap().name, "Offline", "the session's tab shows the server's version");
+    assert_eq!(copy.doc.name, format!("{} (offline copy)", tab.doc.name));
+    assert_eq!(copy.doc.node(r).unwrap().name, "Offline");
+    assert_eq!(copy.doc.node(f).unwrap().name, "Offline too");
+    assert!(copy.is_dirty(), "closing the copy asks first");
+    assert!(s.message.as_deref().is_some_and(|m| m.contains("offline copy")));
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn joining_again_with_nothing_changed_opens_no_copy() {
+    let mut room = Room::new(base(), 1, 7);
+    let tabs = room.s(0).docs.len();
+    room.disconnect(0);
+    room.event(0, Event::Ended { reason: "Sharing was stopped".into() });
+    assert!(room.s(0).live().rejoinable(), "the end of a session you were in shows on its tab too");
+    assert_eq!(room.s(0).message.as_deref(), Some("Sharing was stopped"));
+    room.s(0).execute("collab.reconnect", &json!({})).unwrap();
+    room.welcome_anew(0);
+    assert_eq!(room.s(0).docs.len(), tabs);
+    assert_eq!(room.s(0).live().status, Status::Live);
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn a_session_out_of_step_joins_again_by_itself() {
+    let mut room = Room::new(base(), 1, 7);
+    let joins = room.people[0].script.lock().unwrap().joined.len();
+    let tabs = room.s(0).docs.len();
+    // A batch from far in the future: it can't be applied.
+    room.event(0, Event::Sync(ServerMsg::Changes(figcraft_collab::Accepted { seq: 999, author: 42, batch_id: 1, changes: vec![] })));
+    assert_eq!(room.s(0).live().status, Status::Connecting);
+    assert!(room.s(0).live().disconnected());
+    assert_eq!(room.people[0].script.lock().unwrap().joined.len(), joins + 1);
+    room.welcome_anew(0);
+    assert_eq!(room.s(0).live().status, Status::Live);
+    assert_eq!(room.s(0).docs.len(), tabs);
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn leaving_a_lost_session_makes_the_tab_a_plain_copy() {
+    let mut room = Room::new(base(), 1, 7);
+    room.disconnect(0);
+    room.event(0, Event::Status(Status::Failed { reason: "gone".into() }));
+    room.s(0).execute("collab.leave", &json!({})).unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(room.s(0).live().status, Status::Off);
+    assert!(!room.s(0).live().disconnected());
+}
+
 #[test]
 fn random_commands_with_undo_and_drops_converge_through_the_engine() {
     for seed in 0..6 {
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/live_tests.rs b/crates/engine/src/live_tests.rs
index 1bae1b106..0b2b7c993 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/live_tests.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/live_tests.rs
@@ -17,7 +17,9 @@ pub(crate) struct Script {
     pub(crate) events: Vec<Event>,
     pub(crate) sent: Vec<Presence>,
     pub(crate) hosted: Vec<HostOptions>,
-    joined: Vec<String>,
+    pub(crate) joined: Vec<String>,
+    /// The sessions told to reconnect now, in order.
+    pub(crate) retried: Vec<u64>,
     pub(crate) left: usize,
     pub(crate) msgs: Vec<ClientMsg>,
     pub(crate) published: Vec<PublishOptions>,
@@ -46,6 +48,10 @@ impl LiveLink for Mock {
         i.url = format!("ws://{}/?file=f&token=t", i.address);
         Ok(i)
     }
+    fn retry(&mut self, session: u64) {
+        self.0.lock().unwrap().retried.push(session);
+    }
+
     fn join(&mut self, session: u64, link: &str, _: &str) -> Result<(), String> {
         if !link.starts_with("figcraft://") {
             return Err("not an invite".into());
@@ -229,7 +235,7 @@ fn events_build_who_is_here() {
     assert_eq!(s.live_summary()["attempt"], 1);
     push(&script, vec![Event::Status(Status::Failed { reason: "Lost the connection".into() })]);
     s.live_poll();
-    assert!(s.live().info.is_none());
+    assert!(s.live().peers.is_empty() && !s.live().syncing());
     assert_eq!(s.live_summary()["reason"], "Lost the connection");
     assert_eq!(s.message.as_deref(), Some("Lost the connection"));
     assert!(!s.live_poll(), "nothing new");
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/sharing/live.rs b/crates/engine/src/sharing/live.rs
index 45d56776c..b54331520 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/sharing/live.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/sharing/live.rs
@@ -140,6 +140,18 @@ pub struct Live {
     /// The branches of the session's file made or last updated from main in this session: every
     /// layer of their base was in it (see [`crate::branches`]).
     branch_bases: BTreeSet<String>,
+    /// You were in this session and aren't now: what joining it again takes (`collab.reconnect`).
+    stranded: Option<Stranded>,
+}
+
+/// What's kept of a session you joined once it can't go on by itself. The tab stays yours to work
+/// in, and says so.
+#[derive(Clone)]
+struct Stranded {
+    /// The invite link you joined with (it holds the token: never shown).
+    link: String,
+    /// The server's state when it stopped: what's different from it in the tab is your own work.
+    confirmed: Box<figcraft_collab::Replica>,
 }
 
 impl Live {
@@ -158,6 +170,41 @@ impl Live {
         *self = Live { id: self.id, tab: self.tab, ..Live::default() };
     }
 
+    /// Keep this session on its tab for joining again (see [`Stranded`]): a session you joined, or
+    /// one that already is; any other goes back to no session.
+    fn strand(&mut self) {
+        let joined = self.info.as_ref().filter(|i| i.role == Role::Guest && !i.link.is_empty());
+        let held = self.stranded.take().or_else(|| {
+            let (client, info) = (self.client.as_ref()?, joined?);
+            Some(Stranded { link: info.link.clone(), confirmed: Box::new(client.confirmed().clone()) })
+        });
+        if held.is_none() {
+            return self.reset();
+        }
+        *self = Live {
+            id: self.id,
+            tab: self.tab,
+            doc_uid: self.doc_uid,
+            info: self.info.take(),
+            server: std::mem::take(&mut self.server),
+            published: self.published.take(),
+            share: self.share.take(),
+            stranded: held,
+            ..Live::default()
+        };
+    }
+
+    /// You were in this session and aren't now: the connection dropped and it is trying again, or
+    /// it can't go on by itself. What you do in its tab isn't reaching anyone.
+    pub fn disconnected(&self) -> bool {
+        matches!(self.status, Status::Reconnecting { .. }) || self.stranded.is_some()
+    }
+
+    /// The session can be joined again in its tab (`collab.reconnect`).
+    pub fn rejoinable(&self) -> bool {
+        self.stranded.is_some() && !self.status.active()
+    }
+
     /// The document sync client (once the welcome arrived): peers, pending batches, the user's
     /// undo history.
     pub fn client(&self) -> Option<&Client> {
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/sharing/live/events.rs b/crates/engine/src/sharing/live/events.rs
index 757decbc5..5bc94c0f4 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/sharing/live/events.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/sharing/live/events.rs
@@ -214,8 +214,15 @@ impl Session {
             // order.
             Event::Sync(msg) => live.deferred.push(msg),
             Event::Ended { reason } => {
-                self.message = Some(if behind.is_empty() { reason } else { format!("{}: {reason}", behind.trim_start()) });
-                self.live.end(id);
+                let joined = live.syncing() && live.role() == Some(Role::Guest);
+                let text = if behind.is_empty() { reason.clone() } else { format!("{}: {reason}", behind.trim_start()) };
+                if joined {
+                    // The tab says so and stays yours: it doesn't pass for a file of your own.
+                    self.live_fail(id, reason);
+                } else {
+                    self.live.end(id);
+                }
+                self.message = Some(text);
             }
             Event::Published(p) => {
                 // Shared with a code: the popover shows it, nothing more to say.
@@ -389,6 +396,7 @@ impl Session {
             }
             (Some(Role::Guest), Some(uid)) => {
                 // Joining again in this tab, or the file you published arriving from the server.
+                self.live_keep_offline_work(id, uid);
                 let doc = Arc::new(client.document().clone());
                 let was_dirty = self.docs.iter().find(|d| d.uid == uid).is_some_and(DocState::is_dirty);
                 self.apply_remote(uid, doc.clone());
@@ -435,15 +443,53 @@ impl Session {
         live.synced = synced;
         live.client = Some(client);
         live.deferred.clear();
+        live.stranded = None;
     }
 
-    /// Session `id` is over with a message: it couldn't be joined, the connection was lost for
-    /// good or sync broke. Its tab shows why.
+    /// Session `id` is back on document `uid` after it couldn't go on, and the server's version is
+    /// about to replace the tab's: what you did since opens beside it, unsaved, so nothing is lost.
+    fn live_keep_offline_work(&mut self, id: SessionId, uid: u64) {
+        let Some(held) = self.live.sessions.get(&id).and_then(|l| l.stranded.as_ref()) else { return };
+        let Some(local) = self.docs.iter().find(|d| d.uid == uid).map(|d| d.doc.clone()) else { return };
+        let name = local.name.clone();
+        // A document that can't be compared is kept too.
+        if figcraft_collab::diff(&held.confirmed, &local).is_ok_and(|d| d.changes.is_empty()) {
+            self.message = Some(format!("Reconnected to {name}"));
+            return;
+        }
+        let mut copy = DocState::new((*local).clone(), None);
+        let copy_name = format!("{name} (offline copy)");
+        Arc::make_mut(&mut copy.doc).name.clone_from(&copy_name);
+        self.docs.push(copy);
+        self.message = Some(format!("Reconnected to {name}. What you changed while disconnected is open beside it as “{copy_name}”"));
+    }
+
+    /// Join session `id` again in its tab (see [`Live::strand`]), as someone new: a fresh join needs
+    /// nothing from the connection that was lost.
+    pub(super) fn live_rejoin(&mut self, cmd: &str, id: SessionId) -> Result<()> {
+        let name = display_name(&self.prefs);
+        let Some(link) = self.live.sessions.get(&id).and_then(|l| l.stranded.as_ref()).map(|s| s.link.clone()) else {
+            return Err(crate::bad(cmd, "this file has no live session to join again"));
+        };
+        self.live.leave(id);
+        if let Some(why) = crate::file_access::network_refused() {
+            return Err(EngineError::Disabled(cmd.to_string(), why));
+        }
+        let Some(net) = self.live.link() else { return Err(super::unavailable(cmd)) };
+        net.join_resuming(id, &link, &name, None).map_err(|e| crate::bad(cmd, e))?;
+        if let Some(live) = self.live.sessions.get_mut(&id) {
+            live.status = Status::Connecting;
+        }
+        Ok(())
+    }
+
+    /// Session `id` is over with a message: it couldn't be joined, it was refused or ended for
+    /// good, or sync broke. Its tab shows why, and a session you were in can be joined again there.
     pub(super) fn live_fail(&mut self, id: SessionId, reason: String) {
         log::warn!("live session: {reason}");
         self.live.leave(id);
         if let Some(live) = self.live.sessions.get_mut(&id) {
-            live.reset();
+            live.strand();
             live.status = Status::Failed { reason: reason.clone() };
         }
         self.message = Some(reason);
@@ -456,7 +502,7 @@ impl Session {
         let live = self.live.doc(uid)?;
         match &live.client {
             Some(c) => limited_by(c.access()),
-            None if live.status.active() && live.role() != Some(Role::Host) => Some(PUBLISHING),
+            None if live.status.active() && live.role() != Some(Role::Host) && !live.disconnected() => Some(PUBLISHING),
             None => None,
         }
     }
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/sharing/live/join.rs b/crates/engine/src/sharing/live/join.rs
index 836267b2a..75ade0c80 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/sharing/live/join.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/sharing/live/join.rs
@@ -48,6 +48,24 @@ fn leave(s: &mut Session, p: &Value) -> Result<Value> {
     Ok(json!({"ended": ended.is_some_and(|l| l.status.active())}))
 }
 
+/// Back into the open file's session now: a reconnect that is waiting tries at once, and a session
+/// that couldn't go on is joined again in its tab.
+fn reconnect(s: &mut Session, _: &Value) -> Result<Value> {
+    const CMD: &str = "collab.reconnect";
+    let live = s.live();
+    let (id, reconnecting, rejoinable) = (live.id, matches!(live.status, Status::Reconnecting { .. }), live.rejoinable());
+    if reconnecting {
+        if let Some(net) = s.live.link() {
+            net.retry(id);
+        }
+    } else if rejoinable {
+        s.live_rejoin(CMD, id)?;
+    } else {
+        return Err(bad(CMD, "this file has no lost live session to reconnect"));
+    }
+    Ok(json!({"status": s.live().status.id()}))
+}
+
 fn stop(s: &mut Session, p: &Value) -> Result<Value> {
     // A file shared online stays its owner's on the server: stopping takes the others' links (and
     // their codes) away, which disconnects whoever joined with them, and the owner stays in the
@@ -192,10 +210,17 @@ pub fn specs() -> Vec<CommandSpec> {
             false,
             join
         ),
+        spec!(
+            "collab.reconnect",
+            "Reconnect live session",
+            "{} → {status}: for the open file's session when it is disconnected: a reconnect that is waiting tries now, and a session that couldn't go on (`failed`, the file open in its tab) is joined again there, what you changed since opening beside it. Refused when nothing was lost",
+            false,
+            reconnect
+        ),
         spec!(
             "collab.leave",
             "Leave live session",
-            "{session? (a session's id from `collab.peers`'s `sessions`, e.g. a join still on its way; default: the open file's session)} → {ended}: the synced file stays open as a local copy",
+            "{session? (a session's id from `collab.peers`'s `sessions`, e.g. a join still on its way; default: the open file's session)} → {ended}: the synced file stays open as a local copy (also how a tab stops showing a session that couldn't go on)",
             false,
             leave
         ),
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/sharing/live/sync.rs b/crates/engine/src/sharing/live/sync.rs
index 79f693731..0930151dc 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/sharing/live/sync.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/sharing/live/sync.rs
@@ -118,7 +118,14 @@ impl Session {
         for m in std::mem::take(&mut live.deferred) {
             match client.receive(m, &EngineRecompute) {
                 Ok(more) => out.extend(more),
-                Err(e) => return self.live_fail(id, format!("The live session got out of step ({e}); join again")),
+                Err(e) => {
+                    self.live_fail(id, format!("The live session got out of step ({e})"));
+                    // A fresh join has nothing to get out of step with.
+                    if let Err(e) = self.live_rejoin("collab.reconnect", id) {
+                        log::warn!("live session: couldn't join again: {e}");
+                    }
+                    return;
+                }
             }
         }
         let doc = Arc::new(client.document().clone());
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/sharing/live/types.rs b/crates/engine/src/sharing/live/types.rs
index 93455c0d8..f2108eb36 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/sharing/live/types.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/sharing/live/types.rs
@@ -496,6 +496,8 @@ pub trait LiveLink: Send {
     /// End session `session` (stop hosting or leave); the others go on. Nothing for a session
     /// that is over already.
     fn leave(&mut self, session: SessionId);
+    /// Session `session` is waiting to reconnect: try now.
+    fn retry(&mut self, _session: SessionId) {}
     /// Your latest presence in `session` (the link throttles and coalesces).
     fn presence(&mut self, session: SessionId, p: &Presence);
     /// A message for `session`'s server (document changes), sent in order.
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/locales/en.toml b/crates/ui-egui/locales/en.toml
index 11f0bb4ac..e24d81452 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/locales/en.toml
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/locales/en.toml
@@ -406,6 +406,12 @@ name = "English"
 "Decoration style" = "Decoration style"
 "Decoration" = "Decoration"
 "Deep select" = "Deep select"
+"Disconnected. Reconnecting…" = "Disconnected. Reconnecting…"
+"Disconnected. Your edits stay here and sync when the connection returns. Reconnecting…" = "Disconnected. Your edits stay here and sync when the connection returns. Reconnecting…"
+"Dismiss" = "Dismiss"
+"Not connected: {reason}. Your work is still in this tab." = "Not connected: {reason}. Your work is still in this tab."
+"Retry now" = "Retry now"
+"Save a copy…" = "Save a copy…"
 "Wrap style" = "Wrap style"
 "Balance" = "Balance"
 "Pretty" = "Pretty"
@@ -415,6 +421,7 @@ name = "English"
 "Set hug contents" = "Set hug contents"
 "Set fill container" = "Set fill container"
 "Double-click an edge of an auto layout frame" = "Double-click an edge of an auto layout frame"
+"{name}, disconnected from its live session" = "{name}, disconnected from its live session"
 "⌥ double-click an edge of an auto layout child" = "⌥ double-click an edge of an auto layout child"
 "Alt+double-click an edge of an auto layout child" = "Alt+double-click an edge of an auto layout child"
 "Default" = "Default"
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/src/canvas.rs b/crates/ui-egui/src/canvas.rs
index 5ccfe5d46..6cea501c1 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/src/canvas.rs
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/src/canvas.rs
@@ -312,11 +312,13 @@ pub fn show(app: &mut FigApp, ui: &mut Ui, worker: &mut Worker) {
     crate::live::draw(app, &painter, &ctx);
     crate::live::agent::draw(app, &painter, &ctx);
     crate::live::chat_box(app, &ctx);
-    crate::live::spotlight_banner(app, &ctx, rect);
+    // The other banners float below the strip that says the session is disconnected.
+    let banners = rect.with_min_y(rect.min.y + crate::live::connection_banner(app, &ctx, rect));
+    crate::live::spotlight_banner(app, &ctx, banners);
     crate::comments::popovers(app, &ctx);
-    crate::versions::preview_banner(app, &ctx, rect);
-    crate::branch_ui::banner(app, &ctx, rect);
-    crate::dev_mode::focus_bar(app, &ctx, rect);
+    crate::versions::preview_banner(app, &ctx, banners);
+    crate::branch_ui::banner(app, &ctx, banners);
+    crate::dev_mode::focus_bar(app, &ctx, banners);
     // The cursor: the tool's, unless something on the canvas with its own has the pointer.
     app.canvas.cursor = None;
     if let (true, Some(at)) = (own_cursor && resp.hovered(), ctx.input(|i| i.pointer.hover_pos())) {
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/src/icons.rs b/crates/ui-egui/src/icons.rs
index f8480127f..cd6f34a08 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/src/icons.rs
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/src/icons.rs
@@ -205,6 +205,8 @@ icons! {
     Online,
     /// In a live session others get into: a point sending waves to both sides.
     LiveShared,
+    /// Disconnected from a live session: the point and its waves, struck through.
+    LiveDisconnected,
     /// A file of yours on a server that only you get into: a point inside a closed ring.
     LivePrivate,
     /// A design file: a pen nib leaning to the left, its grip filled.
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/src/icons/draw.rs b/crates/ui-egui/src/icons/draw.rs
index 1d3925507..904b54107 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/src/icons/draw.rs
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/src/icons/draw.rs
@@ -809,6 +809,14 @@ fn draw(p: &P, icon: Icon) {
                 p.arc(8.0, 8.0, r, PI - FRAC_PI_4, PI + FRAC_PI_4);
             }
         }
+        LiveDisconnected => {
+            p.dot(8.0, 8.0, 1.6);
+            for r in [3.6, 6.0] {
+                p.arc(8.0, 8.0, r, -FRAC_PI_4, FRAC_PI_4);
+                p.arc(8.0, 8.0, r, PI - FRAC_PI_4, PI + FRAC_PI_4);
+            }
+            p.line(3.0, 13.0, 13.0, 3.0);
+        }
         LivePrivate => {
             p.dot(8.0, 8.0, 1.6);
             p.circle(8.0, 8.0, 5.0);
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/src/live.rs b/crates/ui-egui/src/live.rs
index efa64617c..c80548323 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/src/live.rs
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/src/live.rs
@@ -436,6 +436,70 @@ pub fn chat_box(app: &mut FigApp, ctx: &egui::Context) {
     app.ui.live.chat = Some(chat);
 }
 
+/// While the active document's live session is disconnected: a thin strip across the top of the
+/// canvas that says so, with what can be done about it. Returns how much of the canvas it takes.
+pub fn connection_banner(app: &mut FigApp, ctx: &egui::Context, canvas: Rect) -> f32 {
+    const H: f32 = 30.0;
+    let live = app.session.live();
+    let Some(uid) = app.session.docs.get(app.session.active).map(|d| d.uid).filter(|u| crate::tabs::live_lost(app, *u)) else { return 0.0 };
+    let (text, retry, gone) = match &live.status {
+        Status::Failed { reason } => {
+            (trf("Not connected: {reason}. Your work is still in this tab.", &[("reason", &failure_text(reason))]), Some(tr("Try again")), true)
+        }
+        Status::Reconnecting { .. } => {
+            (tr("Disconnected. Your edits stay here and sync when the connection returns. Reconnecting…").to_string(), Some(tr("Retry now")), false)
+        }
+        _ => (tr("Disconnected. Reconnecting…").to_string(), None, false),
+    };
+    // Saved as a file of its own: it is one now.
+    if gone && app.session.docs.iter().any(|d| d.uid == uid && d.path.is_some()) {
+        app.run("collab.leave", json!({}));
+        return 0.0;
+    }
+    let t = Tokens::get(ctx);
+    let ink = text_on(t.danger);
+    let (mut try_now, mut save, mut dismiss) = (false, false, false);
+    let strip = Rect::from_min_size(canvas.min, vec2(canvas.width(), H));
+    egui::Area::new(egui::Id::unique("live_connection_banner")).order(egui::Order::Foreground).fixed_pos(strip.min).show(ctx, |ui| {
+        ui.set_min_size(strip.size());
+        ui.set_max_size(strip.size());
+        ui.painter().rect_filled(strip, egui::CornerRadius::ZERO, t.danger);
+        let button = |ui: &mut Ui, label: &str| {
+            ui.add(
+                egui::Button::new(egui::RichText::new(label).font(regular(11.0)).color(ink))
+                    .fill(Color32::TRANSPARENT)
+                    .stroke(Stroke::new(1.0, ink))
+                    .corner_radius(egui::CornerRadius::same(4)),
+            )
+            .clicked()
+        };
+        let inner = strip.shrink2(vec2(12.0, 0.0));
+        ui.scope_builder(egui::UiBuilder::new().max_rect(inner).layout(egui::Layout::right_to_left(egui::Align::Center)), |ui| {
+            ui.spacing_mut().item_spacing.x = 8.0;
+            if gone {
+                dismiss = button(ui, tr("Dismiss"));
+                save = button(ui, tr("Save a copy…"));
+            }
+            if let Some(label) = retry {
+                try_now = button(ui, label);
+            }
+            ui.with_layout(egui::Layout::left_to_right(egui::Align::Center), |ui| {
+                ui.add(egui::Label::new(egui::RichText::new(text).font(regular(11.0)).color(ink)).truncate());
+            });
+        });
+    });
+    if try_now {
+        app.run("collab.reconnect", json!({}));
+    }
+    if save {
+        app.save_as_dialog();
+    }
+    if dismiss {
+        app.run("collab.leave", json!({}));
+    }
+    H
+}
+
 /// While you spotlight, or someone does and you stopped following them: a banner on the canvas to
 /// stop, or to follow again.
 pub fn spotlight_banner(app: &mut FigApp, ctx: &egui::Context, canvas: Rect) {
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/src/live_joining_tests.rs b/crates/ui-egui/src/live_joining_tests.rs
index a5d46b8e8..7929a9334 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/src/live_joining_tests.rs
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/src/live_joining_tests.rs
@@ -97,3 +97,52 @@ fn leave_takes_a_session_id() {
     assert_eq!(h.app.session.execute("collab.leave", &json!({"session": id})).unwrap()["ended"], true);
     assert!(h.app.session.live.get(id).is_none());
 }
+
+/// Joined, with the file in its tab.
+fn joined(h: &mut Harness) -> u64 {
+    join(h);
+    h.welcome();
+    h.sync();
+    h.app.session.docs[h.app.session.active].uid
+}
+
+const STRIP: &str = "Disconnected. Your edits stay here and sync when the connection returns. Reconnecting…";
+
+#[test]
+fn a_dropped_connection_shows_on_the_tab_and_across_the_canvas_with_retry() {
+    let (mut h, _) = Harness::new();
+    let uid = joined(&mut h);
+    assert!(!crate::tabs::live_lost(&h.app, uid));
+    assert!(!has_text(&h.frames(2), STRIP), "not while connected");
+    h.send(vec![LiveEvent::Status(Status::Reconnecting { attempt: 3 })]);
+    let shapes = h.frames(2);
+    assert!(crate::tabs::live_lost(&h.app, uid));
+    assert!(has_text(&shapes, STRIP));
+    h.click(text_center(&shapes, "Retry now"));
+    assert!(h.app.ui.last_error.is_none(), "{:?}", h.app.ui.last_error);
+    assert_eq!(h.app.session.live().status, Status::Reconnecting { attempt: 3 });
+    // Back: the strip goes.
+    h.welcome();
+    assert!(!has_text(&h.frames(2), STRIP));
+    assert!(!crate::tabs::live_lost(&h.app, uid));
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn a_session_that_ended_stays_on_its_tab_until_dismissed() {
+    let (mut h, _) = Harness::new();
+    let uid = joined(&mut h);
+    h.send(vec![LiveEvent::Status(Status::Failed { reason: "The host refused: this link isn't valid".into() })]);
+    let shapes = h.frames(2);
+    assert!(crate::tabs::live_lost(&h.app, uid));
+    assert!(has_text(&shapes, "Not connected: The host refused: this link isn't valid. Your work is still in this tab."));
+    assert!(has_text(&shapes, "Save a copy…"));
+    h.click(text_center(&shapes, "Try again"));
+    assert_eq!(h.app.session.live().status, Status::Connecting);
+    assert!(crate::tabs::live_lost(&h.app, uid), "still disconnected while it tries");
+    h.send(vec![LiveEvent::Status(Status::Failed { reason: "no".into() })]);
+    let shapes = h.frames(2);
+    h.click(text_center(&shapes, "Dismiss"));
+    assert!(!has_text(&h.frames(2), "Try again"));
+    assert!(!crate::tabs::live_lost(&h.app, uid));
+    assert_eq!(h.app.session.live().status, Status::Off);
+}
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/src/live_tests.rs b/crates/ui-egui/src/live_tests.rs
index cd8454afa..bd2dd4ce2 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/src/live_tests.rs
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/src/live_tests.rs
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ impl Harness {
             color: "#14AE5C".into(),
             file_name: "Shared".into(),
             pages: vec![],
-            link: String::new(),
+            link: "figcraft://join?host=127.0.0.1:47900&file=f&token=t".into(),
             url: String::new(),
             address: "127.0.0.1:47900".into(),
             network: false,
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/src/tabs.rs b/crates/ui-egui/src/tabs.rs
index e59552d12..e043eb2d9 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/src/tabs.rs
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/src/tabs.rs
@@ -149,6 +149,7 @@ pub fn tab_bar(app: &mut FigApp, ui: &mut Ui) {
             let name = &d.doc.name;
             // In a live session: a mark after the name says whether others get in.
             let live = live_mark(app, d.uid);
+            let lost = live_lost(app, d.uid);
             let dirty = d.is_dirty();
             let r = tab_rects[slot];
             let body_r = Rect::from_min_max(r.min, pos2(r.max.x - 32.0, r.max.y));
@@ -171,8 +172,8 @@ pub fn tab_bar(app: &mut FigApp, ui: &mut Ui) {
                     }
                 });
             }
-            let label = tab_label(name, live);
-            let resp = if live.is_some() { resp.on_hover_text(&label) } else { resp };
+            let label = if lost { trf("{name}, disconnected from its live session", &[("name", name)]) } else { tab_label(name, live) };
+            let resp = if live.is_some() || lost { resp.on_hover_text(&label) } else { resp };
             crate::a11y::tab(&resp, &label, active);
             let progress = open_progress(&opening, d.uid, now);
             let tab = TabPaint {
@@ -182,6 +183,7 @@ pub fn tab_bar(app: &mut FigApp, ui: &mut Ui) {
                 width: w,
                 state: [active, resp.hovered(), cresp.hovered(), dirty],
                 live,
+                lost,
                 progress,
             };
             paint_tab(ui, &t, &tab);
@@ -432,7 +434,7 @@ fn detach_tab(app: &mut FigApp, ui: &Ui, i: usize, at: Option<egui::Pos2>) {
 /// How wide document tab `i` wants to be: its name, the live mark and the unsaved dot.
 fn preferred_width(app: &FigApp, i: usize) -> f32 {
     let d = &app.session.docs[i];
-    let mark_w = if live_mark(app, d.uid).is_some() { 18.0 } else { 0.0 };
+    let mark_w = if live_mark(app, d.uid).is_some() || live_lost(app, d.uid) { 18.0 } else { 0.0 };
     let dot_w = if d.is_dirty() && mark_w > 0.0 { 12.0 } else { 0.0 };
     (regular(12.0).size * 0.6 * d.doc.name.chars().count() as f32 + 64.0 + mark_w + dot_w).clamp(120.0, 220.0)
 }
@@ -457,14 +459,16 @@ struct TabPaint<'a> {
     state: [bool; 4],
     /// In a live session: whether others get in.
     live: Option<bool>,
+    /// Disconnected from its live session.
+    lost: bool,
     /// How far the opening animation is (0..=1).
     progress: f32,
 }
 
 /// Draws a document tab: background, icon, name, live mark, unsaved dot and close button.
 fn paint_tab(ui: &Ui, t: &Tokens, tab: &TabPaint) {
-    let TabPaint { name, kind, rects: [r, close_r], width: w, state: [active, hovered, close_hovered, dirty], live, progress } = *tab;
-    let mark_w = if live.is_some() { 18.0 } else { 0.0 };
+    let TabPaint { name, kind, rects: [r, close_r], width: w, state: [active, hovered, close_hovered, dirty], live, lost, progress } = *tab;
+    let mark_w = if live.is_some() || lost { 18.0 } else { 0.0 };
     let paint_r = r.translate(vec2(-28.0 * (1.0 - progress).powi(2), 0.0));
     let painter = ui.painter().with_clip_rect(r);
     if active {
@@ -487,8 +491,10 @@ fn paint_tab(ui: &Ui, t: &Tokens, tab: &TabPaint) {
         t.text.linear_multiply(progress),
         (w - mark_w - if dirty { 72.0 } else { 60.0 }).max(0.0),
     );
-    if let Some(shared) = live {
-        let at = Rect::from_center_size(pos2(paint_r.max.x - 38.0, paint_r.center().y), vec2(14.0, 14.0));
+    let at = Rect::from_center_size(pos2(paint_r.max.x - 38.0, paint_r.center().y), vec2(14.0, 14.0));
+    if lost {
+        icons::paint(&painter, at, Icon::LiveDisconnected, t.danger.linear_multiply(progress));
+    } else if let Some(shared) = live {
         icons::paint(&painter, at, crate::online::mark(shared), if shared { t.success } else { t.icon_secondary }.linear_multiply(progress));
     }
     if dirty {
@@ -672,6 +678,12 @@ pub fn live_mark(app: &FigApp, uid: u64) -> Option<bool> {
     live.shared().filter(|_| live.doc_uid == Some(uid))
 }
 
+/// Document `uid` is a live session's whose connection is gone: what happens in it reaches no one.
+pub fn live_lost(app: &FigApp, uid: u64) -> bool {
+    let live = app.session.live_of(uid);
+    live.disconnected() && live.doc_uid == Some(uid)
+}
+
 /// Minimise, maximise/restore and close at the right end of the title bar; returns their width.
 fn window_buttons(app: &mut FigApp, ui: &mut Ui, bar: Rect) -> f32 {
     const W: f32 = 46.0;
diff --git a/docs/collab-protocol.md b/docs/collab-protocol.md
index b4b459afb..9852a1686 100644
--- a/docs/collab-protocol.md
+++ b/docs/collab-protocol.md
@@ -535,9 +535,21 @@ resuming with its offline edits, and leaving the session going back to snapshot
   `ws://<ip:port>/` and sends the token only inside its `Hello`. Links are pasted into the Join
   dialog (its field has the keyboard when it opens; Escape closes it), or opened from anywhere:
   see *Opening invite links* below.
-- Reconnect: a connection that drops after it was live reconnects with growing pauses (0.5 s,
-  doubling up to 10 s, 12 attempts); a refusal (wrong token, full) or the host ending the session
-  is final; a first join that can't reach the host fails at once. A reconnect resumes as the same
+- Reconnect: a connection that drops after it was live reconnects until you leave, with growing
+  pauses (0.5 s, doubling up to 10 s, 12 attempts), then a minute's pause and as many again. A
+  server turning a live session away is taken as passing (busy, a limit, a file it couldn't read
+  just now) unless it says why in words that are for good: the link, the file or your place in it
+  is gone, or the versions can't talk (`FINAL_REFUSALS` in `crates/collab-net/src/join.rs`). Those
+  and the host ending the session are final; a first join that can't reach the host fails at once.
+  Messages queued while offline go out paced, so they stay within what a server takes from a
+  connection.
+- Disconnected: while it reconnects, and after it can't go on, the tab shows a red mark and a strip
+  across the top of the canvas says so, with **Retry now** (`collab.reconnect`). The tab can still
+  be edited. A session you joined that ended stays on its tab with **Try again**, **Save a copy…**
+  and **Dismiss** (`collab.leave`). **Try again** joins it in the same tab as someone new; if the
+  tab changed since it lost the server, what changed opens beside it as an unsaved
+  "offline copy" and the tab shows the server's version. A session that gets out of step does the
+  same by itself. A reconnect resumes as the same
   client: the guest's connection keeps the session id, client id and last sequence number from
   the messages it read and sends them in its next `Hello` (see Offline and reconnect).
 - The browser build joins and publishes to a server (see *Built (the browser client)*); hosting
diff --git a/docs/collaboration-parity.md b/docs/collaboration-parity.md
index fb54a8d55..deab037ae 100644
--- a/docs/collaboration-parity.md
+++ b/docs/collaboration-parity.md
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ cursors, selections, text carets, cursor chat and spotlights shown live ([`colla
 
 | Date | Change | Summary |
 |---|---|---|
+| 2026-11-04 | minor | M9: a session you joined no longer turns into a local file by itself. A dropped connection reconnects until you leave (a minute's pause after each 12 attempts, a pause Retry now skips); only refusals that are for good stop it; queued messages go out paced. While disconnected the tab shows a red mark and a strip across the canvas says so; a session that ended stays on its tab with Try again, Save a copy and Dismiss, and what changed offline opens beside it when it joins again |
 | 2026-10-31 | patch | M9, #1665: the document in a live session's welcome goes compressed (deflate) to clients whose hello announces `packed`, about seven times smaller on the wire (a synthetic file of 4,040 layers: 397 KB to 53 KB); older clients keep getting it uncompressed, and the client reads a packed document only up to the size an uncompressed welcome could have had. |
 | 2026-10-30 | minor | M9, part of #742: a team list on `figcraft-server`. With `team_files = "edit"` (or `comment`, `view`) everyone who reaches the server sees the files shared from it now (a link of theirs has a join code: Share ▸ Start sharing) and joins them by a team list link, `figcraft://join?server=…&file=…&team=1`, which carries no secret: the server hands out the file's team link while it stays shared (`ResolveTeam`, answered like a join code), and Stop sharing revokes it with the others, disconnecting whoever joined with it. Turning the list off or changing its access refuses the old team links at once. `collab.files {refresh}` asks the server in Preferences for its list (`Admin::Team`; not the public server FigCraft ships with), and Home ▸ Online shows it below your own files: a row joins its file, its menu copies the link for the app or, with the server's `web_url`, for the browser build (`<web_url>#join=…`). A browser build served beside its server names it with `<meta name="figcraft-server">`, the page's default for sharing, codes and the team list. No accounts: the list is for a server only your team reaches. Tests: `team_tests` (the server and apps over loopback), `code_tests` (links and the browser's driver), `online_tests` (the Online section), `query_tests` (the page's server). Percentages and hours unchanged |
 | 2026-10-30 | minor | M9, #1130: `figcraft-server` compares the SHA-256 digests of the presented and the kept server key instead of the raw strings, as `docs/server.md` says; the key file, `figcraft-server key` and rotation are unchanged. Numbers unchanged. |
diff --git a/docs/mcp.md b/docs/mcp.md
index b5e49e749..aae5e5860 100644
--- a/docs/mcp.md
+++ b/docs/mcp.md
@@ -1478,7 +1478,10 @@ only: a host stops hosting it, a guest leaves it.
   see `FIGCRAFT_CA_FILE` in [`server.md`](server.md#behind-a-reverse-proxy-tls)). `collab.leave {}`
   leaves the active document's session (or ends a join started from it that is still on its way
   or failed), and `collab.leave {session}` the session with that id (from `sessions`), whichever
-  document is active; the synced document stays open as your copy.
+  document is active; the synced document stays open as your copy. `collab.reconnect {}` acts on
+  the active document's lost session: a reconnect that is waiting tries now, and a session you
+  joined that couldn't go on is joined again in its tab. A dropped connection keeps reconnecting
+  until you leave (see *Reconnect* in [`collab-protocol.md`](collab-protocol.md)).
 - `collab.publish {server, name?, key?}` puts the active document on a `figcraft-server`
   ([`server.md`](server.md)) and syncs it from there (as that document's session; others go on): `server` is the address
   `figcraft-server key` prints (`ws://host:47900/?key=…`; or give `key` separately), `name` the
diff --git a/docs/server.md b/docs/server.md
index 9d42cb0fc..6fb4056a5 100644
--- a/docs/server.md
+++ b/docs/server.md
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ Releases also ship it ready-built for Linux (`figcraft-server-<version>-linux-x8
   tells everyone it is restarting. Every change it accepted is on disk before anyone is told about
   it, so even a hard kill loses nothing confirmed (a file's log is then folded into a new snapshot
   the next time everyone leaves it). Apps that were in a file keep editing and reconnect once the
-  server is back (for about a minute and a half), as the same participants.
+  server is back, as the same participants.
 
 ## Publishing a file