diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index ebac1c6..3c71424 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -333,15 +333,15 @@ current season, else where you left it.
 Anyone can put up a file from their own computer, also on a dedicated
 server: it streams from your computer through the server to everyone (the
 server keeps a few minutes in memory, so seeks and skipping the opening
-are quick). Keep the app open while it plays. For a link you choose how
-the others get it:
-- Everyone fetches it (default): each app plays the link itself.
+are quick). Keep the app open while it plays. A link goes up "Through
+me": your computer opens it and passes it on, so it plays for everyone
+whenever it plays for you (you can't tell ahead which sites want cookies,
+and YouTube may start asking any day). Under "Other ways" there are two more:
+- Everyone fetches it: each app plays the link itself.
 - Server fetches it: the server downloads it once for everyone, for links
   that are slow or blocked for some. The server must be able to reach it,
   and it must have a password (an open server refuses: anyone could make
   it fetch addresses only it can reach).
-- Through me: your computer downloads it and passes it on, for links only
-  you can open.
 
 Web pages work in all three: the app and the dedicated server each
 download [yt-dlp](https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp) by themselves (checked
@@ -357,7 +357,7 @@ sites: keep the file private, and for YouTube consider a throwaway
 account (Google may flag accounts used with yt-dlp).
 YouTube works in all three too, and so do pages and links that only
 offer streaming playlists (HLS `.m3u8`, DASH `.mpd`, the HLS of X videos).
-The last two never show the link to anyone; they can't pass on live
+Through me and Server fetches it never show the link to anyone; they can't pass on live
 streams or DRM-protected video (use "Everyone fetches it" for live).
 Your upload has to beat the video's bitrate: a 25-minute 2 GB episode is
 about 11 Mbit/s.
diff --git a/apps/desktop/lib/app.dart b/apps/desktop/lib/app.dart
index 2f9a8cb..086d338 100644
--- a/apps/desktop/lib/app.dart
+++ b/apps/desktop/lib/app.dart
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
 import 'src/screens/home/ui.dart';
 import 'src/shell/app_shell.dart';
 import 'src/widgets/app_keys.dart';
+import 'src/widgets/app_menu.dart';
 
 class WatchTogetherApp extends StatelessWidget {
   const WatchTogetherApp({super.key});
@@ -11,7 +12,9 @@ class WatchTogetherApp extends StatelessWidget {
   Widget build(BuildContext context) {
     return MaterialApp(
       title: appName,
-      theme: ThemeData.dark(),
+      // Material's own menus (the player's track menus, sort) wear the
+      // app menu's surface.
+      theme: AppMenuStyle.theme(ThemeData.dark()),
       shortcuts: appShortcuts,
       home: const AppKeys(child: AppShell()),
     );
diff --git a/apps/desktop/lib/src/controls/player_settings.dart b/apps/desktop/lib/src/controls/player_settings.dart
index e86b1ae..165ebea 100644
--- a/apps/desktop/lib/src/controls/player_settings.dart
+++ b/apps/desktop/lib/src/controls/player_settings.dart
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ import '../shaders/shader_presets.dart';
 import '../state/session_state.dart';
 import '../shell/motion.dart';
 import '../state/settings.dart';
+import '../widgets/app_menu.dart';
 import 'uosc/buttons.dart';
 import 'uosc/controls.dart';
 
@@ -56,27 +57,14 @@ class SettingRow extends StatelessWidget {
   }
 }
 
-DropdownButton<T> _dropdown<T>({
+AppSelect<T> _dropdown<T>({
   required Key key,
   required T value,
   required List<(T, String)> items,
   required ValueChanged<T> onChanged,
   bool expanded = false,
 }) =>
-    DropdownButton<T>(
-      key: key,
-      value: value,
-      isExpanded: expanded,
-      underline: const SizedBox.shrink(),
-      borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(10),
-      items: [
-        for (final (v, label) in items)
-          DropdownMenuItem(value: v, child: Text(label, maxLines: 1, overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis)),
-      ],
-      onChanged: (v) {
-        if (v != null) onChanged(v);
-      },
-    );
+    AppSelect<T>(key: key, value: value, items: items, onChanged: onChanged, expanded: expanded);
 
 /// Standard (our bars over media_kit's controls) or uosc. Live.
 class PlayerDesignSetting extends StatelessWidget {
diff --git a/apps/desktop/lib/src/jellyfin/details_panel.dart b/apps/desktop/lib/src/jellyfin/details_panel.dart
index a597c57..a3cc625 100644
--- a/apps/desktop/lib/src/jellyfin/details_panel.dart
+++ b/apps/desktop/lib/src/jellyfin/details_panel.dart
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
 import 'package:sync_relay_core/core.dart';
 
 import '../shell/motion.dart';
+import '../widgets/app_menu.dart';
 import 'accounts.dart';
 import 'browse_scope.dart';
 import 'cards.dart' show doubleClickTime, kindIcon;
@@ -392,17 +393,13 @@ class _JellyfinDetailsPanelState extends State<JellyfinDetailsPanel> {
       children: [
         const Expanded(child: Text('Episodes', style: TextStyle(fontWeight: FontWeight.w600))),
         if (seasons.length > 1)
-          DropdownButton<String>(
-            key: const ValueKey('details-season'),
-            value: seasonId,
-            isDense: true,
-            underline: const SizedBox.shrink(),
-            borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(10),
-            items: [
-              for (final s in seasons)
-                DropdownMenuItem(value: s.id, child: Text(s.name, overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis)),
-            ],
-            onChanged: (id) => setState(() => _seasonId = id),
+          Flexible(
+            child: AppSelect<String?>(
+              key: const ValueKey('details-season'),
+              value: seasonId,
+              items: [for (final s in seasons) (s.id, s.name)],
+              onChanged: (id) => setState(() => _seasonId = id),
+            ),
           ),
       ],
     );
diff --git a/apps/desktop/lib/src/jellyfin/home_page.dart b/apps/desktop/lib/src/jellyfin/home_page.dart
index f17a0c1..798facc 100644
--- a/apps/desktop/lib/src/jellyfin/home_page.dart
+++ b/apps/desktop/lib/src/jellyfin/home_page.dart
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ import 'package:signals/signals_flutter.dart';
 import 'package:sync_relay_core/core.dart';
 
 import '../state/settings.dart';
+import '../widgets/app_menu.dart';
 import 'browse_scope.dart';
 import 'cards.dart';
 import 'home_rows.dart';
@@ -184,18 +185,18 @@ class _LatestRow extends StatelessWidget {
                   onPressed: () => scope.onOpen(LibraryRoute(view, sort: 'added')),
                   child: const Text('Show all'),
                 ),
-                PopupMenuButton<void>(
+                AppMenuButton<bool>(
                   key: ValueKey('latest-menu-${view.id}'),
                   tooltip: 'Row options',
-                  icon: const Icon(Icons.more_vert, size: 18),
-                  itemBuilder: (context) => [
-                    CheckedPopupMenuItem(
+                  items: () => [
+                    AppMenuItem(
                       key: const ValueKey('hide-rereleases'),
+                      value: !hide,
                       checked: hide,
-                      onTap: () => AppSettings.instance.setHideReReleases(!hide),
-                      child: const Text('Hide re-releases in Latest'),
+                      label: 'Hide re-releases in Latest',
                     ),
                   ],
+                  onSelected: AppSettings.instance.setHideReReleases,
                 ),
               ],
             ),
diff --git a/apps/desktop/lib/src/screens/home/media_picker.dart b/apps/desktop/lib/src/screens/home/media_picker.dart
index d50f2eb..9d13dc2 100644
--- a/apps/desktop/lib/src/screens/home/media_picker.dart
+++ b/apps/desktop/lib/src/screens/home/media_picker.dart
@@ -27,7 +27,8 @@ class MediaPickerController extends ChangeNotifier {
   final TextEditingController link;
   final TextEditingController file;
   MediaKind _source;
-  LinkRelay _linkRelay = LinkRelay.direct;
+  // Through me unless picked otherwise (Library → Link).
+  LinkRelay _linkRelay = LinkRelay.me;
   JellyfinMedia? _jellyfin;
   JellyfinSelection? _selected;
 
diff --git a/apps/desktop/lib/src/shell/app_shell.dart b/apps/desktop/lib/src/shell/app_shell.dart
index 3b3ca58..075f750 100644
--- a/apps/desktop/lib/src/shell/app_shell.dart
+++ b/apps/desktop/lib/src/shell/app_shell.dart
@@ -379,7 +379,9 @@ class AppShellState extends State<AppShell> with SingleTickerProviderStateMixin
       if (error != null || !mounted) return error;
     }
     // Alone, a link plays direct: there is nobody to pass it on to.
-    if (media is LinkMedia && session.solo.peek()) media = LinkMedia(media.url, anyway: media.anyway);
+    if (media is LinkMedia && session.solo.peek()) {
+      media = LinkMedia(media.url, relay: LinkRelay.direct, anyway: media.anyway);
+    }
     final error = await session.coordinator.swapPicked(media);
     if (error != null || !mounted) return error;
     final f = session.lastForm;
diff --git a/apps/desktop/lib/src/shell/library_link.dart b/apps/desktop/lib/src/shell/library_link.dart
index bfb1845..b3ccb76 100644
--- a/apps/desktop/lib/src/shell/library_link.dart
+++ b/apps/desktop/lib/src/shell/library_link.dart
@@ -178,7 +178,17 @@ String agoText(DateTime at, DateTime now) {
 
 // -------------------------------------------------------------- widget
 
-const _modes = [
+// Through me is the default and the main choice: it plays whatever this
+// computer can open, and nobody can tell ahead which sites will want
+// sign-in cookies (YouTube may start asking any day). The other two sit
+// behind "Other ways".
+const _main = (
+  LinkRelay.me,
+  Icons.cell_tower,
+  'Through me',
+  'Your computer opens it and passes it on, so it plays for everyone whenever it plays for you.'
+);
+const _others = [
   (LinkRelay.direct, Icons.groups_outlined, 'Everyone fetches it', 'Each app plays the link itself.'),
   (
     LinkRelay.server,
@@ -186,7 +196,6 @@ const _modes = [
     'Server fetches it',
     'Downloaded once by the server. For links slow or blocked for some.'
   ),
-  (LinkRelay.me, Icons.cell_tower, 'Through me', 'Your computer passes it on. For links only you can open.'),
 ];
 
 String linkRelayHelp(LinkRelay r) => switch (r) {
@@ -232,6 +241,8 @@ class _LibraryLinkSourceState extends State<LibraryLinkSource> {
   String? _error;
   /// [_error] is the probe's problem: "Put it up anyway" is offered.
   bool _canForce = false;
+  /// "Other ways" opened (always shown while one of them is picked).
+  bool _otherWays = false;
 
   @override
   void initState() {
@@ -317,6 +328,16 @@ class _LibraryLinkSourceState extends State<LibraryLinkSource> {
     });
   }
 
+  Widget _modeCard((LinkRelay, IconData, String, String) m, {bool compact = false}) => _ModeCard(
+        key: ValueKey('link-mode-${m.$1.name}'),
+        icon: m.$2,
+        title: m.$3,
+        sub: m.$4,
+        compact: compact,
+        selected: _c.linkRelay == m.$1,
+        onTap: () => setState(() => _c.linkRelay = m.$1),
+      );
+
   @override
   Widget build(BuildContext context) {
     final scheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
@@ -421,33 +442,63 @@ class _LibraryLinkSourceState extends State<LibraryLinkSource> {
                 const SizedBox(height: 28),
                 Text('How the others get it', style: t.titleSmall),
                 const SizedBox(height: 10),
-                LayoutBuilder(builder: (context, box) {
-                  final cards = [
-                    for (final m in _modes)
-                      _ModeCard(
-                        key: ValueKey('link-mode-${m.$1.name}'),
-                        icon: m.$2,
-                        title: m.$3,
-                        sub: m.$4,
-                        selected: _c.linkRelay == m.$1,
-                        onTap: () => setState(() => _c.linkRelay = m.$1),
+                _modeCard(_main),
+                const SizedBox(height: 6),
+                Builder(builder: (context) {
+                  final open = _otherWays || _c.linkRelay != LinkRelay.me;
+                  return Column(
+                    crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.start,
+                    children: [
+                      TextButton.icon(
+                        key: const ValueKey('link-other-ways'),
+                        // Closing while one of them is picked goes back to Through me.
+                        onPressed: () => setState(() {
+                          _otherWays = !open;
+                          if (open) _c.linkRelay = LinkRelay.me;
+                        }),
+                        style: TextButton.styleFrom(foregroundColor: scheme.onSurfaceVariant),
+                        iconAlignment: IconAlignment.end,
+                        icon: AnimatedRotation(
+                          turns: open ? 0.5 : 0,
+                          duration: easeTime,
+                          curve: ease,
+                          child: const Icon(Icons.keyboard_arrow_down_rounded, size: 18),
+                        ),
+                        label: const Text('Other ways'),
                       ),
-                  ];
-                  if (box.maxWidth < 560) {
-                    return Column(children: [
-                      for (final (i, c) in cards.indexed) ...[if (i > 0) const SizedBox(height: 8), c],
-                    ]);
-                  }
-                  return IntrinsicHeight(
-                    child: Row(
-                      crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.stretch,
-                      children: [
-                        for (final (i, c) in cards.indexed) ...[
-                          if (i > 0) const SizedBox(width: 10),
-                          Expanded(child: c),
-                        ],
-                      ],
-                    ),
+                      AnimatedSize(
+                        duration: easeTime,
+                        curve: ease,
+                        alignment: Alignment.topCenter,
+                        child: !open
+                            ? const SizedBox(width: double.infinity)
+                            : Padding(
+                                padding: const EdgeInsets.only(top: 4),
+                                child: LayoutBuilder(builder: (context, box) {
+                                  final cards = [for (final m in _others) _modeCard(m, compact: true)];
+                                  if (box.maxWidth < 560) {
+                                    return Column(children: [
+                                      for (final (i, c) in cards.indexed) ...[
+                                        if (i > 0) const SizedBox(height: 8),
+                                        c,
+                                      ],
+                                    ]);
+                                  }
+                                  return IntrinsicHeight(
+                                    child: Row(
+                                      crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.stretch,
+                                      children: [
+                                        for (final (i, c) in cards.indexed) ...[
+                                          if (i > 0) const SizedBox(width: 10),
+                                          Expanded(child: c),
+                                        ],
+                                      ],
+                                    ),
+                                  );
+                                }),
+                              ),
+                      ),
+                    ],
                   );
                 }),
                 const SizedBox(height: 8),
@@ -542,6 +593,8 @@ class _ModeCard extends StatelessWidget {
   final IconData icon;
   final String title, sub;
   final bool selected;
+  /// A secondary choice: icon beside the title, a quieter card.
+  final bool compact;
   final VoidCallback onTap;
   const _ModeCard({
     super.key,
@@ -550,6 +603,7 @@ class _ModeCard extends StatelessWidget {
     required this.sub,
     required this.selected,
     required this.onTap,
+    this.compact = false,
   });
 
   @override
@@ -565,23 +619,31 @@ class _ModeCard extends StatelessWidget {
           duration: easeTime,
           curve: ease,
           width: double.infinity,
-          padding: const EdgeInsets.all(12),
+          padding: EdgeInsets.all(compact ? 10 : 14),
           decoration: BoxDecoration(
             color: selected ? scheme.primary.withValues(alpha: 0.10) : scheme.surfaceContainerLow,
             borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(14),
             border: Border.all(color: selected ? scheme.primary : Colors.transparent, width: 2),
           ),
-          child: Column(
-            crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.start,
+          child: Row(
+            crossAxisAlignment: compact ? CrossAxisAlignment.start : CrossAxisAlignment.center,
             children: [
-              Icon(icon, color: selected ? scheme.primary : scheme.onSurfaceVariant),
-              const SizedBox(height: 8),
-              Text(title, style: TextStyle(fontWeight: FontWeight.w600, color: selected ? scheme.primary : null)),
-              const SizedBox(height: 2),
-              Text(sub,
-                  maxLines: 2,
-                  overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
-                  style: const TextStyle(color: Colors.grey, fontSize: 12)),
+              Icon(icon, size: compact ? 20 : 24, color: selected ? scheme.primary : scheme.onSurfaceVariant),
+              SizedBox(width: compact ? 10 : 14),
+              Expanded(
+                child: Column(
+                  crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.start,
+                  children: [
+                    Text(title,
+                        style: TextStyle(fontWeight: FontWeight.w600, color: selected ? scheme.primary : null)),
+                    const SizedBox(height: 2),
+                    Text(sub,
+                        maxLines: 2,
+                        overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
+                        style: const TextStyle(color: Colors.grey, fontSize: 12)),
+                  ],
+                ),
+              ),
             ],
           ),
         ),
diff --git a/apps/desktop/lib/src/shell/party_strip.dart b/apps/desktop/lib/src/shell/party_strip.dart
index 6f10725..f681132 100644
--- a/apps/desktop/lib/src/shell/party_strip.dart
+++ b/apps/desktop/lib/src/shell/party_strip.dart
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ import '../screens/session/jellyfin_widgets.dart' show ViaHostBadge;
 import '../state/session_state.dart';
 import '../update/update_controller.dart';
 import '../widgets/app_keys.dart';
+import '../widgets/app_menu.dart';
 import '../widgets/window_buttons.dart';
 import 'avatar.dart';
 import 'motion.dart';
@@ -578,9 +579,8 @@ class _MemberTile extends StatelessWidget {
         ],
       ),
       subtitle: Text(status),
-      trailing: PopupMenuButton<String>(
+      trailing: AppMenuButton<String>(
         tooltip: 'More',
-        icon: const Icon(Icons.more_vert, size: 18),
         onSelected: (v) {
           switch (v) {
             case 'force':
@@ -593,18 +593,13 @@ class _MemberTile extends StatelessWidget {
               coord.joinBack();
           }
         },
-        itemBuilder: (_) => [
-          if (!m.out)
-            PopupMenuItem(
-              value: 'force',
-              child: Text(m.ready ? 'Force unready' : 'Force ready'),
-            ),
-          if (!info.self)
-            const PopupMenuItem(value: 'nudge', child: Text('Nudge')),
+        items: () => [
+          if (!m.out) AppMenuItem(value: 'force', label: m.ready ? 'Force unready' : 'Force ready'),
+          if (!info.self) const AppMenuItem(value: 'nudge', label: 'Nudge'),
           if (info.self && m.out)
-            const PopupMenuItem(value: 'back', child: Text('Join back'))
+            const AppMenuItem(value: 'back', label: 'Join back')
           else if (!m.out)
-            const PopupMenuItem(value: 'out', child: Text('Sit out')),
+            const AppMenuItem(value: 'out', label: 'Sit out'),
         ],
       ),
     );
diff --git a/apps/desktop/lib/src/shell/settings_tab.dart b/apps/desktop/lib/src/shell/settings_tab.dart
index f26ded7..7c4a0cc 100644
--- a/apps/desktop/lib/src/shell/settings_tab.dart
+++ b/apps/desktop/lib/src/shell/settings_tab.dart
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ import '../sfx/synth_sfx.dart';
 import '../state/session_state.dart';
 import '../state/settings.dart';
 import '../update/update_controller.dart';
+import '../widgets/app_menu.dart';
 import 'avatar.dart';
 import 'motion.dart';
 
@@ -622,11 +623,15 @@ class _CookieBrowserDialogState extends State<_CookieBrowserDialog> {
           mainAxisSize: MainAxisSize.min,
           crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.stretch,
           children: [
-            DropdownButtonFormField<String>(
-              initialValue: _browser,
-              decoration: const InputDecoration(labelText: 'Browser'),
-              items: [for (final b in cookieBrowsers) DropdownMenuItem(value: b, child: Text(b))],
-              onChanged: (v) => setState(() => _browser = v ?? _browser),
+            Row(
+              children: [
+                const Expanded(child: Text('Browser')),
+                AppSelect<String>(
+                  value: _browser,
+                  items: [for (final b in cookieBrowsers) (b, b)],
+                  onChanged: (v) => setState(() => _browser = v),
+                ),
+              ],
             ),
             const SizedBox(height: 12),
             TextField(
@@ -762,15 +767,11 @@ class NotificationsInfo extends StatelessWidget {
                       ),
                     ),
                     SignalBuilder(
-                      builder: (context) => DropdownButton<ChatPopups>(
+                      builder: (context) => AppSelect<ChatPopups>(
                         key: const ValueKey('chat-popups'),
                         value: AppSettings.instance.chatPopups.value,
-                        onChanged: (v) {
-                          if (v != null) AppSettings.instance.setChatPopups(v);
-                        },
-                        items: [
-                          for (final m in ChatPopups.values) DropdownMenuItem(value: m, child: Text(m.label)),
-                        ],
+                        onChanged: AppSettings.instance.setChatPopups,
+                        items: [for (final m in ChatPopups.values) (m, m.label)],
                       ),
                     ),
                   ],
@@ -832,17 +833,15 @@ class SoundSettings extends StatelessWidget {
           Row(
             children: [
               const Expanded(child: Text('Sound set')),
-              DropdownButton<String>(
+              AppSelect<String>(
                 key: const ValueKey('sound-preset'),
                 value: overall,
                 onChanged: (v) {
-                  if (v == null) return;
                   s.setSoundPreset(v);
                   _preview(SfxKind.ready);
                 },
                 items: [
-                  for (final MapEntry(key: p, value: (name, _)) in presetInfo.entries)
-                    DropdownMenuItem(value: p.name, child: Text(name)),
+                  for (final MapEntry(key: p, value: (name, _)) in presetInfo.entries) (p.name, name),
                 ],
               ),
             ],
@@ -867,19 +866,17 @@ class SoundSettings extends StatelessWidget {
                       children: [Text(name), Text(help, style: muted)],
                     ),
                   ),
-                  DropdownButton<String?>(
+                  AppSelect<String?>(
                     key: ValueKey('sound-preset-${kind.name}'),
                     value: per[kind.name],
-                    underline: const SizedBox.shrink(),
                     style: muted,
                     onChanged: (v) {
                       s.setSoundPresetFor(kind.name, v);
                       if (volume > 0) _preview(kind);
                     },
                     items: [
-                      const DropdownMenuItem<String?>(value: null, child: Text('Same as set')),
-                      for (final MapEntry(key: p, value: (name, _)) in presetInfo.entries)
-                        DropdownMenuItem<String?>(value: p.name, child: Text(name)),
+                      (null, 'Same as set'),
+                      for (final MapEntry(key: p, value: (name, _)) in presetInfo.entries) (p.name, name),
                     ],
                   ),
                   // A nudge always plays (an explicit poke): no switch,
diff --git a/apps/desktop/lib/src/widgets/app_menu.dart b/apps/desktop/lib/src/widgets/app_menu.dart
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..61d0411
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/desktop/lib/src/widgets/app_menu.dart
@@ -0,0 +1,433 @@
+import 'dart:math' as math;
+import 'dart:ui' show ImageFilter;
+
+import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
+
+import '../controls/uosc/controls.dart';
+import '../shell/motion.dart';
+
+// The app's one menu: a frosted dark panel anchored under (or over) the
+// widget that opens it, rows with a hover and keyboard highlight, a check
+// on the current one. [AppSelect] is the value picker built on it (in place
+// of a dropdown), [AppMenuButton] the "⋮" action menu. The menu is a popup
+// route: a click outside or Esc closes it, arrows and Enter pick, and the
+// player's keys stay off while it is open (in fullscreen too).
+
+/// The menu surface, shared with Material's own menus via [appMenuTheme].
+abstract final class AppMenuStyle {
+  /// Over a blur ([showAppMenu]).
+  static const glass = Color(0xD918181C);
+  /// Without a blur (Material menus).
+  static const solid = Color(0xF518181C);
+  static const border = Color(0x1FFFFFFF);
+  static const hover = Color(0x14FFFFFF);
+  static const focus = Color(0x24FFFFFF);
+  static const radius = 12.0;
+  static const rowRadius = 8.0;
+  static const rowHeight = 36.0;
+  static const maxWidth = 360.0;
+
+  static final shape = RoundedRectangleBorder(
+    borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(radius),
+    side: const BorderSide(color: border, width: 0.5),
+  );
+
+  /// The same surface for `showMenu`, `PopupMenuButton` and `MenuAnchor`.
+  static ThemeData theme(ThemeData base) => base.copyWith(
+        popupMenuTheme: PopupMenuThemeData(
+          color: solid,
+          surfaceTintColor: Colors.transparent,
+          elevation: 8,
+          shape: shape,
+          menuPadding: const EdgeInsets.all(4),
+        ),
+        menuTheme: MenuThemeData(
+          style: MenuStyle(
+            backgroundColor: const WidgetStatePropertyAll(solid),
+            surfaceTintColor: const WidgetStatePropertyAll(Colors.transparent),
+            elevation: const WidgetStatePropertyAll(8),
+            shape: WidgetStatePropertyAll(shape),
+            padding: const WidgetStatePropertyAll(EdgeInsets.all(4)),
+          ),
+        ),
+      );
+}
+
+/// One row: [label], a dim [hint] at the right, [checked] = the current
+/// one (null: the menu has no checks for this row).
+class AppMenuItem<T> {
+  final T value;
+  final String label;
+  final String? hint;
+  final bool? checked;
+  final bool enabled;
+  final Key? key;
+  const AppMenuItem({
+    required this.value,
+    required this.label,
+    this.hint,
+    this.checked,
+    this.enabled = true,
+    this.key,
+  });
+}
+
+/// Opens the menu at [context]'s box (the button). Resolves to the picked
+/// value, or null when dismissed. [minWidth]: at least this wide (a picker
+/// is as wide as its button).
+Future<T?> showAppMenu<T>(
+  BuildContext context, {
+  required List<AppMenuItem<T>> items,
+  double minWidth = 0,
+}) async {
+  final i = await _openMenu(context, items, minWidth);
+  return i == null ? null : items[i].value;
+}
+
+/// The picked row's index (the value may itself be null).
+Future<int?> _openMenu(BuildContext context, List<AppMenuItem<Object?>> items, double minWidth) {
+  final navigator = Navigator.of(context);
+  final overlay = navigator.overlay!.context.findRenderObject() as RenderBox;
+  final box = context.findRenderObject() as RenderBox;
+  final anchor = Rect.fromPoints(
+    box.localToGlobal(Offset.zero, ancestor: overlay),
+    box.localToGlobal(box.size.bottomRight(Offset.zero), ancestor: overlay),
+  );
+  Future<int?> open() => navigator.push<int>(_AppMenuRoute(
+        anchor: anchor,
+        items: items,
+        minWidth: minWidth,
+        capturedThemes: InheritedTheme.capture(from: context, to: navigator.context),
+      ));
+  // Over the uosc controls: keep them up while the menu is open.
+  final controls = UoscControls.maybeOf(context);
+  return controls == null ? open() : controls.holdDuring(open);
+}
+
+class _AppMenuRoute extends PopupRoute<int> {
+  final Rect anchor;
+  final List<AppMenuItem<Object?>> items;
+  final double minWidth;
+  final CapturedThemes capturedThemes;
+  _AppMenuRoute({required this.anchor, required this.items, required this.minWidth, required this.capturedThemes});
+
+  static const _gap = 4.0;
+  static const _margin = 8.0;
+
+  // Opens down unless the room below is short and above is roomier.
+  bool _below(Size screen) {
+    final want = items.length * AppMenuStyle.rowHeight + 8;
+    final below = screen.height - anchor.bottom - _gap - _margin;
+    final above = anchor.top - _gap - _margin;
+    return below >= want || below >= above;
+  }
+
+  @override
+  Color? get barrierColor => null;
+
+  @override
+  bool get barrierDismissible => true;
+
+  @override
+  String? get barrierLabel => 'Close menu';
+
+  @override
+  Duration get transitionDuration => const Duration(milliseconds: 200);
+
+  @override
+  Duration get reverseTransitionDuration => const Duration(milliseconds: 120);
+
+  @override
+  Widget buildPage(BuildContext context, Animation<double> animation, Animation<double> secondaryAnimation) {
+    return LayoutBuilder(builder: (context, constraints) {
+      final below = _below(constraints.biggest);
+      final a = CurvedAnimation(parent: animation, curve: ease, reverseCurve: Curves.easeIn);
+      return CustomSingleChildLayout(
+        delegate: _MenuLayout(anchor: anchor, below: below, minWidth: minWidth),
+        child: FadeTransition(
+          opacity: a,
+          child: ScaleTransition(
+            scale: Tween(begin: 0.96, end: 1.0).animate(a),
+            alignment: below ? Alignment.topCenter : Alignment.bottomCenter,
+            child: capturedThemes.wrap(_AppMenuPanel(
+              items: items,
+              onPick: (i) => Navigator.of(context).pop(i),
+            )),
+          ),
+        ),
+      );
+    });
+  }
+}
+
+class _MenuLayout extends SingleChildLayoutDelegate {
+  final Rect anchor;
+  final bool below;
+  final double minWidth;
+  const _MenuLayout({required this.anchor, required this.below, required this.minWidth});
+
+  @override
+  BoxConstraints getConstraintsForChild(BoxConstraints constraints) {
+    const m = _AppMenuRoute._margin, gap = _AppMenuRoute._gap;
+    final maxW = math.max(0.0, math.min(math.max(AppMenuStyle.maxWidth, minWidth), constraints.maxWidth - 2 * m));
+    final maxH = below ? constraints.maxHeight - anchor.bottom - gap - m : anchor.top - gap - m;
+    return BoxConstraints(
+      minWidth: math.min(minWidth, maxW),
+      maxWidth: maxW,
+      maxHeight: math.max(AppMenuStyle.rowHeight + 8, maxH),
+    );
+  }
+
+  @override
+  Offset getPositionForChild(Size size, Size childSize) {
+    const m = _AppMenuRoute._margin, gap = _AppMenuRoute._gap;
+    final x = anchor.left.clamp(m, math.max(m, size.width - childSize.width - m)).toDouble();
+    final y = below ? anchor.bottom + gap : anchor.top - gap - childSize.height;
+    return Offset(x, y.clamp(m, math.max(m, size.height - childSize.height - m)).toDouble());
+  }
+
+  @override
+  bool shouldRelayout(_MenuLayout old) => old.anchor != anchor || old.below != below || old.minWidth != minWidth;
+}
+
+class _AppMenuPanel extends StatefulWidget {
+  final List<AppMenuItem<Object?>> items;
+  final ValueChanged<int> onPick;
+  const _AppMenuPanel({required this.items, required this.onPick});
+
+  @override
+  State<_AppMenuPanel> createState() => _AppMenuPanelState();
+}
+
+class _AppMenuPanelState extends State<_AppMenuPanel> {
+  final _current = GlobalKey();
+
+  // Focus (and scroll to) the current row, else the first enabled one.
+  late final int _start = () {
+    final checked = widget.items.indexWhere((i) => i.checked == true && i.enabled);
+    return checked >= 0 ? checked : widget.items.indexWhere((i) => i.enabled);
+  }();
+
+  @override
+  void initState() {
+    super.initState();
+    WidgetsBinding.instance.addPostFrameCallback((_) {
+      final c = _current.currentContext;
+      if (c != null && c.mounted) Scrollable.ensureVisible(c, alignment: 0.5);
+    });
+  }
+
+  @override
+  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
+    final checks = widget.items.any((i) => i.checked != null);
+    final r = BorderRadius.circular(AppMenuStyle.radius);
+    return DecoratedBox(
+      decoration: BoxDecoration(
+        borderRadius: r,
+        boxShadow: const [BoxShadow(color: Color(0x66000000), blurRadius: 24, offset: Offset(0, 8))],
+      ),
+      child: ClipRRect(
+        borderRadius: r,
+        child: BackdropFilter(
+          filter: ImageFilter.blur(sigmaX: 16, sigmaY: 16),
+          child: Material(
+            key: const ValueKey('app-menu'),
+            color: AppMenuStyle.glass,
+            shape: AppMenuStyle.shape,
+            child: IntrinsicWidth(
+              child: SingleChildScrollView(
+                padding: const EdgeInsets.all(4),
+                child: Column(
+                  mainAxisSize: MainAxisSize.min,
+                  crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.stretch,
+                  children: [
+                    for (final (i, item) in widget.items.indexed)
+                      _MenuRow(
+                        key: i == _start ? _current : null,
+                        item: item,
+                        checks: checks,
+                        autofocus: i == _start,
+                        onTap: () => widget.onPick(i),
+                      ),
+                  ],
+                ),
+              ),
+            ),
+          ),
+        ),
+      ),
+    );
+  }
+}
+
+class _MenuRow extends StatelessWidget {
+  final AppMenuItem<Object?> item;
+  final bool checks;
+  final bool autofocus;
+  final VoidCallback onTap;
+  const _MenuRow({super.key, required this.item, required this.checks, required this.autofocus, required this.onTap});
+
+  @override
+  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
+    final scheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
+    final on = item.checked == true;
+    final color = item.enabled ? scheme.onSurface : scheme.onSurface.withValues(alpha: 0.38);
+    return InkWell(
+      key: item.key,
+      autofocus: autofocus,
+      onTap: item.enabled ? onTap : null,
+      borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(AppMenuStyle.rowRadius),
+      hoverColor: AppMenuStyle.hover,
+      focusColor: AppMenuStyle.focus,
+      highlightColor: AppMenuStyle.focus,
+      splashFactory: NoSplash.splashFactory,
+      child: Container(
+        height: AppMenuStyle.rowHeight,
+        padding: EdgeInsets.only(left: checks ? 6 : 12, right: 12),
+        child: Row(
+          children: [
+            if (checks)
+              SizedBox(
+                width: 26,
+                child: on ? Icon(Icons.check_rounded, size: 16, color: scheme.primary) : null,
+              ),
+            Flexible(
+              fit: FlexFit.tight,
+              child: Text(
+                item.label,
+                maxLines: 1,
+                overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis,
+                style: TextStyle(fontSize: 14, color: color, fontWeight: on ? FontWeight.w600 : FontWeight.normal),
+              ),
+            ),
+            if (item.hint != null) ...[
+              const SizedBox(width: 16),
+              Text(item.hint!, style: TextStyle(fontSize: 12, color: scheme.onSurfaceVariant)),
+            ],
+          ],
+        ),
+      ),
+    );
+  }
+}
+
+/// A value picker (in place of a dropdown): the current label and a small
+/// chevron on a soft rounded surface; the menu lists [items] (value,
+/// label) with the current one checked. [onChanged] null: disabled.
+/// [expanded]: fills the width it gets (the label ellipsizes).
+class AppSelect<T> extends StatefulWidget {
+  final T value;
+  final List<(T, String)> items;
+  final ValueChanged<T>? onChanged;
+  final bool expanded;
+  final TextStyle? style;
+  const AppSelect({
+    super.key,
+    required this.value,
+    required this.items,
+    required this.onChanged,
+    this.expanded = false,
+    this.style,
+  });
+
+  @override
+  State<AppSelect<T>> createState() => _AppSelectState<T>();
+}
+
+class _AppSelectState<T> extends State<AppSelect<T>> {
+  bool _open = false;
+
+  Future<void> _show(BuildContext context) async {
+    final box = context.findRenderObject() as RenderBox;
+    setState(() => _open = true);
+    final items = [
+      for (final (v, label) in widget.items) AppMenuItem<T>(value: v, label: label, checked: v == widget.value),
+    ];
+    final i = await _openMenu(context, items, box.size.width);
+    if (!mounted) return;
+    setState(() => _open = false);
+    if (i != null) widget.onChanged?.call(widget.items[i].$1);
+  }
+
+  @override
+  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
+    final scheme = Theme.of(context).colorScheme;
+    final enabled = widget.onChanged != null && widget.items.isNotEmpty;
+    final label = widget.items.where((e) => e.$1 == widget.value).firstOrNull?.$2 ?? '';
+    final base = Theme.of(context).textTheme.bodyMedium!.merge(widget.style);
+    final style = enabled ? base : base.copyWith(color: base.color?.withValues(alpha: 0.38));
+    final r = BorderRadius.circular(AppMenuStyle.rowRadius);
+    final text = Text(label, maxLines: 1, overflow: TextOverflow.ellipsis, style: style);
+    return Semantics(
+      button: true,
+      value: label,
+      child: Builder(
+        builder: (context) => Material(
+          type: MaterialType.transparency,
+          child: InkWell(
+            onTap: enabled ? () => _show(context) : null,
+            borderRadius: r,
+            hoverColor: AppMenuStyle.hover,
+            focusColor: AppMenuStyle.focus,
+            highlightColor: Colors.transparent,
+            splashFactory: NoSplash.splashFactory,
+            child: AnimatedContainer(
+              duration: const Duration(milliseconds: 150),
+              curve: ease,
+              padding: const EdgeInsets.only(left: 10, right: 6, top: 6, bottom: 6),
+              decoration: BoxDecoration(
+                color: Colors.white.withValues(alpha: _open ? 0.10 : 0.05),
+                borderRadius: r,
+                border: Border.all(color: _open ? scheme.primary.withValues(alpha: 0.6) : AppMenuStyle.border, width: 0.5),
+              ),
+              child: Row(
+                mainAxisSize: widget.expanded ? MainAxisSize.max : MainAxisSize.min,
+                children: [
+                  if (widget.expanded) Expanded(child: text) else Flexible(child: text),
+                  const SizedBox(width: 4),
+                  AnimatedRotation(
+                    turns: _open ? 0.5 : 0,
+                    duration: easeTime,
+                    curve: ease,
+                    child: Icon(Icons.keyboard_arrow_down_rounded,
+                        size: 18, color: enabled ? scheme.onSurfaceVariant : style.color),
+                  ),
+                ],
+              ),
+            ),
+          ),
+        ),
+      ),
+    );
+  }
+}
+
+/// "⋮" (or [icon]) opening an action menu of [items]; [onSelected] gets
+/// the picked value.
+class AppMenuButton<T> extends StatelessWidget {
+  final List<AppMenuItem<T>> Function() items;
+  final ValueChanged<T> onSelected;
+  final String? tooltip;
+  final Widget icon;
+  const AppMenuButton({
+    super.key,
+    required this.items,
+    required this.onSelected,
+    this.tooltip,
+    this.icon = const Icon(Icons.more_vert, size: 18),
+  });
+
+  @override
+  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
+    return IconButton(
+      tooltip: tooltip,
+      icon: icon,
+      onPressed: () async {
+        final list = items();
+        if (list.isEmpty) return;
+        final i = await _openMenu(context, list, 0);
+        if (i != null) onSelected(list[i].value);
+      },
+    );
+  }
+}
diff --git a/apps/desktop/test/home_test.dart b/apps/desktop/test/home_test.dart
index 34726a7..d18d123 100644
--- a/apps/desktop/test/home_test.dart
+++ b/apps/desktop/test/home_test.dart
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ void main() {
     expect(c.source, MediaKind.jellyfin);
     c.pasteText(' https://example.com/a.mkv ');
     expect(c.source, MediaKind.link);
-    expect(c.selection, const LinkMedia('https://example.com/a.mkv'));
+    expect(c.selection, const LinkMedia('https://example.com/a.mkv', relay: LinkRelay.me));
     c.pasteText('/home/me/b.mkv');
     expect(c.source, MediaKind.file);
     expect(c.selection, const FileMedia('/home/me/b.mkv'));
diff --git a/apps/desktop/test/jellyfin_accounts_test.dart b/apps/desktop/test/jellyfin_accounts_test.dart
index 841d794..7118e93 100644
--- a/apps/desktop/test/jellyfin_accounts_test.dart
+++ b/apps/desktop/test/jellyfin_accounts_test.dart
@@ -307,7 +307,7 @@ void main() {
       final c = MediaPickerController();
       expect(c.selection, isNull);
       c.pasteText('https://example.com/a.mkv');
-      expect(c.selection, const LinkMedia('https://example.com/a.mkv'));
+      expect(c.selection, const LinkMedia('https://example.com/a.mkv', relay: LinkRelay.me));
       c.pasteText('/home/me/b.mkv');
       expect(c.selection, const FileMedia('/home/me/b.mkv'));
       c.source = MediaKind.jellyfin;
diff --git a/apps/desktop/test/library_tab_test.dart b/apps/desktop/test/library_tab_test.dart
index 6d74345..9bf4c44 100644
--- a/apps/desktop/test/library_tab_test.dart
+++ b/apps/desktop/test/library_tab_test.dart
@@ -281,9 +281,18 @@ void main() {
     expect(find.descendant(of: find.byKey(const ValueKey('link-preview')), matching: find.text('A video')),
         findsOneWidget);
     expect(find.text('youtube.com · Chan'), findsOneWidget);
+    // Through me by default; the other two behind "Other ways".
+    expect(h.controller.linkRelay, LinkRelay.me);
+    expect(find.byKey(const ValueKey('link-mode-direct')), findsNothing);
+    await tester.tap(find.byKey(const ValueKey('link-other-ways')));
+    await settle(tester);
+    await tester.tap(find.byKey(const ValueKey('link-mode-server')));
+    await settle(tester);
+    expect(h.controller.linkRelay, LinkRelay.server);
     await tester.tap(find.byKey(const ValueKey('link-mode-me')));
     await settle(tester);
     expect(h.controller.linkRelay, LinkRelay.me);
+    expect(find.byKey(const ValueKey('link-mode-direct')), findsOneWidget, reason: 'stays open until closed');
     expect(find.text(linkRelayHelp(LinkRelay.me)), findsOneWidget);
     await tester.tap(find.byKey(const ValueKey('link-put-up')));
     await settle(tester, 10);
diff --git a/apps/desktop/test/uosc_controls_test.dart b/apps/desktop/test/uosc_controls_test.dart
index 0c8f230..8547f15 100644
--- a/apps/desktop/test/uosc_controls_test.dart
+++ b/apps/desktop/test/uosc_controls_test.dart
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ import 'package:watch_together/src/shaders/shader_presets.dart';
 import 'package:watch_together/src/shell/settings_tab.dart';
 import 'package:watch_together/src/state/settings.dart';
 import 'package:watch_together/src/update/update_controller.dart';
+import 'package:watch_together/src/widgets/app_menu.dart';
 
 // The experimental mpv-style (uosc) controls, piece by piece (never the
 // session screen or a media_kit `Video`).
@@ -466,12 +467,12 @@ void main() {
     ));
     final design = find.byKey(const ValueKey('player-design'));
     expect(find.text('Player design'), findsOneWidget);
-    expect(tester.widget<DropdownButton<bool>>(design).value, isFalse);
+    expect(tester.widget<AppSelect<bool>>(design).value, isFalse);
     await tester.tap(design);
     await tester.pumpAndSettle();
     await tester.tap(find.text('uosc').last);
     await tester.pumpAndSettle();
     expect(s.mpvControls.value, isTrue);
-    expect(tester.widget<DropdownButton<bool>>(design).value, isTrue);
+    expect(tester.widget<AppSelect<bool>>(design).value, isTrue);
   });
 }
diff --git a/docs/ARCHITECTURE.md b/docs/ARCHITECTURE.md
index db6c6af..efc1335 100644
--- a/docs/ARCHITECTURE.md
+++ b/docs/ARCHITECTURE.md
@@ -463,9 +463,9 @@ What gets relayed (`SessionCoordinator.swapPicked`):
 |---|---|
 | File, by the host | `/m` from the hosting app (no relay) |
 | File, by anyone else | relayed from that member's computer |
-| Link, "Everyone fetches it" (default) | each app fetches it |
+| Link, "Everyone fetches it" | each app fetches it |
 | Link, "Server fetches it" | the server reads it once into the buffer; the link is never broadcast; refused on an open server (it would fetch any address it can reach for anyone) |
-| Link, "Through me" | relayed from that member's computer; for links only they can open |
+| Link, "Through me" (default) | relayed from that member's computer; plays for everyone whenever it plays for them (their cookies, their network) |
 | Jellyfin item (browser pick or pasted link) | own account first, then the server's login (`/j`), then relayed from the member who put it up (with their sign-in, or the pasted link's key, which stays on their machine) |
 
 Relayed links are range-read: a media file as is, a web page as yt-dlp's
@@ -781,7 +781,17 @@ new one fading and scaling in from 0.985), `showPopover` (cards that fade
 and scale in from where they open; they scroll when the window is short)
 and `HScroll` (horizontal rows: mouse drag or Shift+wheel; the plain wheel
 always scrolls the page). Space never presses a focused button
-(`appShortcuts`): it is the ready key.
+(`appShortcuts`): it is the ready key. Menus are one widget
+(`widgets/app_menu.dart`): `showAppMenu` is a popup route anchored under
+the button (over it when the room below is short), frosted dark glass
+with a check on the current row, fading and scaling in; arrows move,
+Enter picks, Esc or a click outside closes, and being a route it keeps
+the player's keys off (fullscreen too). `AppSelect` is the value picker
+on it (the current label and a chevron on a soft rounded surface; every
+setting that picks one of a few values), `AppMenuButton` the ⋮ action
+menu. Material's own menus (the standard controls' track, chapter and
+shader menus, the Jellyfin sort and server switch) get the same surface
+from `AppMenuStyle.theme`; the uosc controls keep their own flat menus.
 
 - **Party strip** (`party_strip.dart`, 60 px): your avatar (profile card; 42 px like the party's),
   the Library / Schedule / Settings tabs with a growing underline (an
@@ -851,7 +861,10 @@ always scrolls the page). Space never presses a focused button
   (click picks the episode, double-click puts it up). A double-click on a
   card puts it up (a series: `playableFor`, its next episode). Link
   (`library_link.dart`): paste field, a preview (a page's yt-dlp title,
-  uploader, length and thumbnail, else the file name; see "yt-dlp"), the three relay modes online, and the
+  uploader, length and thumbnail, else the file name; see "yt-dlp"), the relay modes online ("Through me",
+  the controller's default, as the main card; "Everyone fetches it" and
+  "Server fetches it" under "Other ways", open while one of them is
+  picked, closing it goes back to Through me), and the
   last 12 links put up (`recentLinks` in the `connect_form` box). Files
   is `FilesPage` (`files/`): watched folders (`FolderStore`) scanned in
   an isolate, videos grouped by series; series start collapsed, a header
diff --git a/docs/HOW-IT-WORKS.md b/docs/HOW-IT-WORKS.md
index 649750d..b9359d0 100644
--- a/docs/HOW-IT-WORKS.md
+++ b/docs/HOW-IT-WORKS.md
@@ -17,7 +17,8 @@ A five-minute tour. Details: [ARCHITECTURE.md](ARCHITECTURE.md), wire format:
         +----------------------------------------+
 
  video bytes come from somewhere else:
-   - a link (any http/https URL): each app fetches it directly
+   - a link (any http/https URL): the member who put it up passes it on
+     through the relay (or each app, or the server, fetches it)
    - a Jellyfin item: each app plays it with its own Jellyfin account,
      friends without one through the server
    - a file on the host's disk: the server streams it (/m/... endpoint)
@@ -87,9 +88,11 @@ for them until they join back.
 
 ## Where video comes from
 
-- **Link**: you paste an http(s) URL. Every app plays it directly with mpv;
-  a web page (YouTube, X, ...) goes through yt-dlp, which the app and the
-  server download and update by themselves.
+- **Link**: you paste an http(s) URL. By default your computer opens it and
+  passes it on (it plays for everyone whenever it plays for you, cookies
+  included); under "Other ways" every app plays it directly, or the server
+  fetches it once. A web page (YouTube, X, ...) goes through yt-dlp, which
+  the app and the server download and update by themselves.
   A pasted Jellyfin link becomes the Jellyfin item below when possible.
 - **Jellyfin item**: picked in the app's library browser. Shared as "this
   item on this Jellyfin server", never as a link with someone's sign-in.