diff --git a/coretk/coretk/app.py b/coretk/coretk/app.py
index 2dd2c5ca..4d51cd1e 100644
--- a/coretk/coretk/app.py
+++ b/coretk/coretk/app.py
@@ -98,6 +98,9 @@ class Application(tk.Frame):
     def save_config(self):
         appconfig.save(self.guiconfig)
 
+    def close(self):
+        self.master.destroy()
+
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     log_format = "%(asctime)s - %(levelname)s - %(module)s:%(funcName)s - %(message)s"
diff --git a/coretk/coretk/coreclient.py b/coretk/coretk/coreclient.py
index b1414649..72ab7cdc 100644
--- a/coretk/coretk/coreclient.py
+++ b/coretk/coretk/coreclient.py
@@ -6,29 +6,20 @@ import logging
 import os
 import time
 from pathlib import Path
+from tkinter import messagebox
+
+import grpc
 
 from core.api.grpc import client, core_pb2
 from coretk import appconfig
 from coretk.dialogs.mobilityplayer import MobilityPlayer
 from coretk.dialogs.sessions import SessionsDialog
+from coretk.graph import tags
 from coretk.graph.shape import AnnotationData, Shape
 from coretk.graph.shapeutils import ShapeType
 from coretk.interface import InterfaceManager
 from coretk.nodeutils import NodeDraw, NodeUtils
 
-LIFT_ORDER = [
-    "wallpaper",
-    "shape",
-    "gridline",
-    "shapetext",
-    "text",
-    "edge",
-    "antenna",
-    "nodename",
-    "linkinfo",
-    "node",
-]
-
 OBSERVERS = {
     "processes": "ps",
     "ifconfig": "ifconfig",
@@ -285,11 +276,17 @@ class CoreClient:
         response = self.client.get_session_metadata(self.session_id)
         self.parse_metadata(response.config)
 
+        # update ui to represent current state
         if self.is_runtime():
             self.app.toolbar.runtime_frame.tkraise()
+            self.app.toolbar.click_runtime_selection()
         else:
             self.app.toolbar.design_frame.tkraise()
-            self.app.toolbar.select_button.invoke()
+            # <<<<<<< HEAD
+            #             self.app.toolbar.select_button.invoke()
+            # =======
+            self.app.toolbar.click_selection()
+        # >>>>>>> coretk
         self.app.statusbar.progress_bar.stop()
 
     def is_runtime(self):
@@ -301,12 +298,26 @@ class CoreClient:
         logging.info("canvas metadata: %s", canvas_config)
         if canvas_config:
             canvas_config = json.loads(canvas_config)
-            wallpaper_style = canvas_config["wallpaper-style"]
+
+            gridlines = canvas_config.get("gridlines", True)
+            self.app.canvas.show_grid.set(gridlines)
+
+            fit_image = canvas_config.get("fit_image", False)
+            self.app.canvas.adjust_to_dim.set(fit_image)
+
+            wallpaper_style = canvas_config.get("wallpaper-style", 1)
             self.app.canvas.scale_option.set(wallpaper_style)
-            wallpaper = canvas_config["wallpaper"]
+
+            width = self.app.guiconfig["preferences"]["width"]
+            height = self.app.guiconfig["preferences"]["height"]
+            width, height = canvas_config.get("dimensions", [width, height])
+            self.app.canvas.redraw_canvas(width, height)
+
+            wallpaper = canvas_config.get("wallpaper")
             if wallpaper:
                 wallpaper = str(appconfig.BACKGROUNDS_PATH.joinpath(wallpaper))
                 self.app.canvas.set_wallpaper(wallpaper)
+            self.app.canvas.update_grid()
 
         # load saved shapes
         shapes_config = config.get("shapes")
@@ -337,7 +348,7 @@ class CoreClient:
                 except ValueError:
                     logging.exception("unknown shape: %s", shape_type)
 
-        for tag in LIFT_ORDER:
+        for tag in tags.ABOVE_WALLPAPER_TAGS:
             self.app.canvas.tag_raise(tag)
 
     def create_new_session(self):
@@ -372,28 +383,36 @@ class CoreClient:
 
         :return: existing sessions
         """
-        self.client.connect()
+        try:
+            self.client.connect()
 
-        # get service information
-        response = self.client.get_services()
-        for service in response.services:
-            group_services = self.services.setdefault(service.group, set())
-            group_services.add(service.name)
+            # get service information
+            response = self.client.get_services()
+            for service in response.services:
+                group_services = self.services.setdefault(service.group, set())
+                group_services.add(service.name)
 
-        # if there are no sessions, create a new session, else join a session
-        response = self.client.get_sessions()
-        logging.info("current sessions: %s", response)
-        sessions = response.sessions
-        if len(sessions) == 0:
-            self.create_new_session()
-        else:
-            dialog = SessionsDialog(self.app, self.app)
-            dialog.show()
+            # if there are no sessions, create a new session, else join a session
+            response = self.client.get_sessions()
+            logging.info("current sessions: %s", response)
+            sessions = response.sessions
+            if len(sessions) == 0:
+                self.create_new_session()
+            else:
+                dialog = SessionsDialog(self.app, self.app)
+                dialog.show()
 
-        response = self.client.get_service_defaults(self.session_id)
-        self.default_services = {
-            x.node_type: set(x.services) for x in response.defaults
-        }
+            response = self.client.get_service_defaults(self.session_id)
+            self.default_services = {
+                x.node_type: set(x.services) for x in response.defaults
+            }
+        except grpc.RpcError as e:
+            if e.code() == grpc.StatusCode.UNAVAILABLE:
+
+                messagebox.showerror("Server Error", "CORE Daemon Unavailable")
+            else:
+                messagebox.showerror("GRPC Error", e.details())
+            self.app.close()
 
     def get_session_state(self):
         response = self.client.get_session(self.session_id)
@@ -460,6 +479,9 @@ class CoreClient:
         canvas_config = {
             "wallpaper": Path(self.app.canvas.wallpaper_file).name,
             "wallpaper-style": self.app.canvas.scale_option.get(),
+            "gridlines": self.app.canvas.show_grid.get(),
+            "fit_image": self.app.canvas.adjust_to_dim.get(),
+            "dimensions": self.app.canvas.width_and_height(),
         }
         canvas_config = json.dumps(canvas_config)
 
diff --git a/coretk/coretk/dialogs/canvassizeandscale.py b/coretk/coretk/dialogs/canvassizeandscale.py
index 770d40df..669c0732 100644
--- a/coretk/coretk/dialogs/canvassizeandscale.py
+++ b/coretk/coretk/dialogs/canvassizeandscale.py
@@ -196,7 +196,7 @@ class SizeAndScaleDialog(Dialog):
 
     def click_apply(self):
         width, height = self.pixel_width.get(), self.pixel_height.get()
-        self.canvas.redraw_grid(width, height)
+        self.canvas.redraw_canvas(width, height)
         if self.canvas.wallpaper:
             self.canvas.redraw()
         location = self.app.core.location
diff --git a/coretk/coretk/dialogs/dialog.py b/coretk/coretk/dialogs/dialog.py
index 29362960..d814a47c 100644
--- a/coretk/coretk/dialogs/dialog.py
+++ b/coretk/coretk/dialogs/dialog.py
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ DIALOG_PAD = 5
 class Dialog(tk.Toplevel):
     def __init__(self, master, app, title, modal=False):
         super().__init__(master)
+        self.geometry("800x600")
         self.withdraw()
         self.app = app
         self.modal = modal
diff --git a/coretk/coretk/dialogs/shapemod.py b/coretk/coretk/dialogs/shapemod.py
index 0410a8ae..e0085a8c 100644
--- a/coretk/coretk/dialogs/shapemod.py
+++ b/coretk/coretk/dialogs/shapemod.py
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ import tkinter as tk
 from tkinter import colorchooser, font, ttk
 
 from coretk.dialogs.dialog import Dialog
+from coretk.graph import tags
 from coretk.graph.shapeutils import is_draw_shape, is_shape_text
 
 FONT_SIZES = [8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 36, 48, 72]
@@ -230,7 +231,7 @@ class ShapeDialog(Dialog):
                 text=shape_text,
                 fill=self.text_color,
                 font=text_font,
-                tags="shapetext",
+                tags=tags.SHAPE_TEXT,
             )
             self.shape.created = True
         else:
diff --git a/coretk/coretk/graph/edges.py b/coretk/coretk/graph/edges.py
index 27d1e3ba..94d847bc 100644
--- a/coretk/coretk/graph/edges.py
+++ b/coretk/coretk/graph/edges.py
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import tkinter as tk
 
+from coretk.graph import tags
 from coretk.nodeutils import NodeUtils
 
 
@@ -10,7 +11,7 @@ class CanvasWirelessEdge:
         self.dst = dst
         self.canvas = canvas
         self.id = self.canvas.create_line(
-            *position, tags="wireless", width=1.5, fill="#009933"
+            *position, tags=tags.WIRELESS_EDGE, width=1.5, fill="#009933"
         )
 
     def delete(self):
@@ -40,7 +41,7 @@ class CanvasEdge:
         self.dst_interface = None
         self.canvas = canvas
         self.id = self.canvas.create_line(
-            x1, y1, x2, y2, tags="edge", width=self.width, fill="#ff0000"
+            x1, y1, x2, y2, tags=tags.EDGE, width=self.width, fill="#ff0000"
         )
         self.token = None
         self.link_info = None
diff --git a/coretk/coretk/graph/graph.py b/coretk/coretk/graph/graph.py
index 084c3160..8b1084e4 100644
--- a/coretk/coretk/graph/graph.py
+++ b/coretk/coretk/graph/graph.py
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ from PIL import Image, ImageTk
 
 from core.api.grpc import core_pb2
 from coretk.dialogs.shapemod import ShapeDialog
+from coretk.graph import tags
 from coretk.graph.edges import CanvasEdge, CanvasWirelessEdge
 from coretk.graph.enums import GraphMode, ScaleOption
 from coretk.graph.linkinfo import LinkInfo, Throughput
@@ -14,20 +15,6 @@ from coretk.graph.shapeutils import is_draw_shape
 from coretk.images import Images
 from coretk.nodeutils import NodeUtils
 
-ABOVE_WALLPAPER = ["edge", "linkinfo", "wireless", "antenna", "nodename", "node"]
-CANVAS_COMPONENT_TAGS = [
-    "edge",
-    "node",
-    "nodename",
-    "wallpaper",
-    "linkinfo",
-    "antenna",
-    "wireless",
-    "selectednodes",
-    "shape",
-    "shapetext",
-]
-
 
 class CanvasGraph(tk.Canvas):
     def __init__(self, master, core, width, height, cnf=None, **kwargs):
@@ -49,10 +36,11 @@ class CanvasGraph(tk.Canvas):
         self.drawing_edge = None
         self.grid = None
         self.setup_bindings()
-        self.draw_grid(width, height)
         self.core = core
         self.throughput_draw = Throughput(self, core)
         self.shape_drawing = False
+        self.default_width = width
+        self.default_height = height
 
         # background related
         self.wallpaper_id = None
@@ -63,6 +51,22 @@ class CanvasGraph(tk.Canvas):
         self.show_grid = tk.BooleanVar(value=True)
         self.adjust_to_dim = tk.BooleanVar(value=False)
 
+        # draw base canvas
+        self.draw_canvas()
+        self.draw_grid()
+
+    def draw_canvas(self):
+        self.grid = self.create_rectangle(
+            0,
+            0,
+            self.default_width,
+            self.default_height,
+            outline="#000000",
+            fill="#ffffff",
+            width=1,
+            tags="rectangle",
+        )
+
     def reset_and_redraw(self, session):
         """
         Reset the private variables CanvasGraph object, redraw nodes given the new grpc
@@ -72,7 +76,7 @@ class CanvasGraph(tk.Canvas):
         :return: nothing
         """
         # delete any existing drawn items
-        for tag in CANVAS_COMPONENT_TAGS:
+        for tag in tags.COMPONENT_TAGS:
             self.delete(tag)
 
         # set the private variables to default value
@@ -101,7 +105,7 @@ class CanvasGraph(tk.Canvas):
         self.bind("<Control-1>", self.ctrl_click)
         self.bind("<Double-Button-1>", self.double_click)
 
-    def draw_grid(self, width=1000, height=800):
+    def draw_grid(self):
         """
         Create grid
 
@@ -110,21 +114,14 @@ class CanvasGraph(tk.Canvas):
 
         :return: nothing
         """
-        self.grid = self.create_rectangle(
-            0,
-            0,
-            width,
-            height,
-            outline="#000000",
-            fill="#ffffff",
-            width=1,
-            tags="rectangle",
-        )
+        width, height = self.width_and_height()
+        width = int(width)
+        height = int(height)
         for i in range(0, width, 27):
-            self.create_line(i, 0, i, height, dash=(2, 4), tags="gridline")
+            self.create_line(i, 0, i, height, dash=(2, 4), tags=tags.GRIDLINE)
         for i in range(0, height, 27):
-            self.create_line(0, i, width, i, dash=(2, 4), tags="gridline")
-        self.tag_lower("gridline")
+            self.create_line(0, i, width, i, dash=(2, 4), tags=tags.GRIDLINE)
+        self.tag_lower(tags.GRIDLINE)
         self.tag_lower(self.grid)
 
     def add_wireless_edge(self, src, dst):
@@ -195,7 +192,7 @@ class CanvasGraph(tk.Canvas):
                     canvas_node_two.interfaces.append(link.interface_two)
 
         # raise the nodes so they on top of the links
-        self.tag_raise("node")
+        self.tag_raise(tags.NODE)
 
     def canvas_xy(self, event):
         """
@@ -317,7 +314,7 @@ class CanvasGraph(tk.Canvas):
                 (x0 - 6, y0 - 6, x1 + 6, y1 + 6),
                 activedash=True,
                 dash="-",
-                tags="selectednodes",
+                tags=tags.SELECTION,
             )
             self.selection[object_id] = selection_id
         else:
@@ -534,7 +531,7 @@ class CanvasGraph(tk.Canvas):
         self.delete(self.wallpaper_id)
         # place left corner of image to the left corner of the canvas
         self.wallpaper_id = self.create_image(
-            (cropx / 2, cropy / 2), image=cropped_tk, tags="wallpaper"
+            (cropx / 2, cropy / 2), image=cropped_tk, tags=tags.WALLPAPER
         )
         self.wallpaper_drawn = cropped_tk
 
@@ -562,7 +559,7 @@ class CanvasGraph(tk.Canvas):
         # place the center of the image at the center of the canvas
         self.delete(self.wallpaper_id)
         self.wallpaper_id = self.create_image(
-            (canvas_w / 2, canvas_h / 2), image=cropped_tk, tags="wallpaper"
+            (canvas_w / 2, canvas_h / 2), image=cropped_tk, tags=tags.WALLPAPER
         )
         self.wallpaper_drawn = cropped_tk
 
@@ -576,7 +573,7 @@ class CanvasGraph(tk.Canvas):
         image = Images.create(self.wallpaper_file, int(canvas_w), int(canvas_h))
         self.delete(self.wallpaper_id)
         self.wallpaper_id = self.create_image(
-            (canvas_w / 2, canvas_h / 2), image=image, tags="wallpaper"
+            (canvas_w / 2, canvas_h / 2), image=image, tags=tags.WALLPAPER
         )
         self.wallpaper_drawn = image
 
@@ -585,36 +582,31 @@ class CanvasGraph(tk.Canvas):
         img_w = image_tk.width()
         img_h = image_tk.height()
         self.delete(self.wallpaper_id)
-        self.delete("rectangle")
-        self.delete("gridline")
-        self.draw_grid(img_w, img_h)
+        self.redraw_canvas(img_w, img_h)
         self.wallpaper_id = self.create_image((img_w / 2, img_h / 2), image=image_tk)
         self.wallpaper_drawn = image_tk
 
-    def redraw_grid(self, width, height):
+    def redraw_canvas(self, width, height):
         """
         redraw grid with new dimension
 
         :return: nothing
         """
+        # resize canvas and scrollregion
         self.config(scrollregion=(0, 0, width + 200, height + 200))
+        self.coords(self.grid, 0, 0, width, height)
 
-        # delete previous grid
-        self.delete("rectangle")
-        self.delete("gridline")
-
-        # redraw
-        self.draw_grid(width=width, height=height)
-
-        # hide/show grid
+        # redraw gridlines to new canvas size
+        self.delete(tags.GRIDLINE)
+        self.draw_grid()
         self.update_grid()
 
     def redraw(self):
         if self.adjust_to_dim.get():
             self.resize_to_wallpaper()
         else:
-            print(self.scale_option.get())
             option = ScaleOption(self.scale_option.get())
+            logging.info("canvas scale option: %s", option)
             if option == ScaleOption.UPPER_LEFT:
                 self.wallpaper_upper_left()
             elif option == ScaleOption.CENTERED:
@@ -624,13 +616,16 @@ class CanvasGraph(tk.Canvas):
             elif option == ScaleOption.TILED:
                 logging.warning("tiled background not implemented yet")
 
+        # raise items above wallpaper
+        for component in tags.ABOVE_WALLPAPER_TAGS:
+            self.tag_raise(component)
+
     def update_grid(self):
         logging.info("updating grid show: %s", self.show_grid.get())
         if self.show_grid.get():
-            self.itemconfig("gridline", state=tk.NORMAL)
-            self.tag_raise("gridline")
+            self.itemconfig(tags.GRIDLINE, state=tk.NORMAL)
         else:
-            self.itemconfig("gridline", state=tk.HIDDEN)
+            self.itemconfig(tags.GRIDLINE, state=tk.HIDDEN)
 
     def set_wallpaper(self, filename):
         logging.info("setting wallpaper: %s", filename)
@@ -639,8 +634,6 @@ class CanvasGraph(tk.Canvas):
             self.wallpaper = img
             self.wallpaper_file = filename
             self.redraw()
-            for component in ABOVE_WALLPAPER:
-                self.tag_raise(component)
         else:
             if self.wallpaper_id is not None:
                 self.delete(self.wallpaper_id)
diff --git a/coretk/coretk/graph/linkinfo.py b/coretk/coretk/graph/linkinfo.py
index 15c08e45..decca3bb 100644
--- a/coretk/coretk/graph/linkinfo.py
+++ b/coretk/coretk/graph/linkinfo.py
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ import tkinter as tk
 from tkinter import font
 
 from core.api.grpc import core_pb2
+from coretk.graph import tags
 
 TEXT_DISTANCE = 0.30
 
@@ -52,10 +53,20 @@ class LinkInfo:
                 f"{self.link.interface_two.ip6}/{self.link.interface_two.ip6mask}\n"
             )
         self.id1 = self.canvas.create_text(
-            x1, y1, text=label_one, justify=tk.CENTER, font=self.font, tags="linkinfo"
+            x1,
+            y1,
+            text=label_one,
+            justify=tk.CENTER,
+            font=self.font,
+            tags=tags.LINK_INFO,
         )
         self.id2 = self.canvas.create_text(
-            x2, y2, text=label_two, justify=tk.CENTER, font=self.font, tags="linkinfo"
+            x2,
+            y2,
+            text=label_two,
+            justify=tk.CENTER,
+            font=self.font,
+            tags=tags.LINK_INFO,
         )
 
     def recalculate_info(self):
diff --git a/coretk/coretk/graph/node.py b/coretk/coretk/graph/node.py
index 27f6a5dc..a3b29c13 100644
--- a/coretk/coretk/graph/node.py
+++ b/coretk/coretk/graph/node.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ from coretk.dialogs.emaneconfig import EmaneConfigDialog
 from coretk.dialogs.mobilityconfig import MobilityConfigDialog
 from coretk.dialogs.nodeconfig import NodeConfigDialog
 from coretk.dialogs.wlanconfig import WlanConfigDialog
+from coretk.graph import tags
 from coretk.graph.enums import GraphMode
 from coretk.graph.tooltip import CanvasTooltip
 from coretk.nodeutils import NodeUtils
@@ -23,7 +24,7 @@ class CanvasNode:
         x = self.core_node.position.x
         y = self.core_node.position.y
         self.id = self.canvas.create_image(
-            x, y, anchor=tk.CENTER, image=self.image, tags="node"
+            x, y, anchor=tk.CENTER, image=self.image, tags=tags.NODE
         )
         image_box = self.canvas.bbox(self.id)
         y = image_box[3] + NODE_TEXT_OFFSET
@@ -32,7 +33,7 @@ class CanvasNode:
             x,
             y,
             text=self.core_node.name,
-            tags="nodename",
+            tags=tags.NODE_NAME,
             font=text_font,
             fill="#0000CD",
         )
@@ -62,13 +63,12 @@ class CanvasNode:
     def add_antenna(self):
         x, y = self.canvas.coords(self.id)
         offset = len(self.antennae) * 8
-
         antenna_id = self.canvas.create_image(
             x - 16 + offset,
             y - 23,
             anchor=tk.CENTER,
             image=NodeUtils.ANTENNA_ICON,
-            tags="antenna",
+            tags=tags.ANTENNA,
         )
         self.antennae.append(antenna_id)
 
diff --git a/coretk/coretk/graph/shape.py b/coretk/coretk/graph/shape.py
index 22c676db..2928a695 100644
--- a/coretk/coretk/graph/shape.py
+++ b/coretk/coretk/graph/shape.py
@@ -1,10 +1,9 @@
 import logging
 
 from coretk.dialogs.shapemod import ShapeDialog
+from coretk.graph import tags
 from coretk.graph.shapeutils import ShapeType
 
-ABOVE_COMPONENT = ["gridline", "edge", "linkinfo", "antenna", "node", "nodename"]
-
 
 class AnnotationData:
     def __init__(
@@ -70,7 +69,7 @@ class Shape:
                 self.y1,
                 self.x2,
                 self.y2,
-                tags="shape",
+                tags=tags.SHAPE,
                 dash=dash,
                 fill=self.shape_data.fill_color,
                 outline=self.shape_data.border_color,
@@ -83,7 +82,7 @@ class Shape:
                 self.y1,
                 self.x2,
                 self.y2,
-                tags="shape",
+                tags=tags.SHAPE,
                 dash=dash,
                 fill=self.shape_data.fill_color,
                 outline=self.shape_data.border_color,
@@ -95,7 +94,7 @@ class Shape:
             self.id = self.canvas.create_text(
                 self.x1,
                 self.y1,
-                tags="shapetext",
+                tags=tags.SHAPE_TEXT,
                 text=self.shape_data.text,
                 fill=self.shape_data.text_color,
                 font=font,
@@ -122,7 +121,7 @@ class Shape:
             self.text_id = self.canvas.create_text(
                 x,
                 y,
-                tags="shapetext",
+                tags=tags.SHAPE_TEXT,
                 text=self.shape_data.text,
                 fill=self.shape_data.text_color,
                 font=font,
@@ -132,7 +131,7 @@ class Shape:
         self.canvas.coords(self.id, self.x1, self.y1, x1, y1)
 
     def shape_complete(self, x, y):
-        for component in ABOVE_COMPONENT:
+        for component in tags.ABOVE_SHAPE:
             self.canvas.tag_raise(component)
         s = ShapeDialog(self.app, self.app, self)
         s.show()
diff --git a/coretk/coretk/graph/tags.py b/coretk/coretk/graph/tags.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..42f4ff5f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/coretk/coretk/graph/tags.py
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+GRIDLINE = "gridline"
+SHAPE = "shape"
+SHAPE_TEXT = "shapetext"
+EDGE = "edge"
+LINK_INFO = "linkinfo"
+WIRELESS_EDGE = "wireless"
+ANTENNA = "antenna"
+NODE_NAME = "nodename"
+NODE = "node"
+WALLPAPER = "wallpaper"
+SELECTION = "selectednodes"
+ABOVE_WALLPAPER_TAGS = [
+    GRIDLINE,
+    SHAPE,
+    SHAPE_TEXT,
+    EDGE,
+    LINK_INFO,
+    WIRELESS_EDGE,
+    ANTENNA,
+    NODE,
+    NODE_NAME,
+]
+ABOVE_SHAPE = [GRIDLINE, EDGE, LINK_INFO, WIRELESS_EDGE, ANTENNA, NODE, NODE_NAME]
+COMPONENT_TAGS = [
+    EDGE,
+    NODE,
+    NODE_NAME,
+    WALLPAPER,
+    LINK_INFO,
+    ANTENNA,
+    WIRELESS_EDGE,
+    SELECTION,
+    SHAPE,
+    SHAPE_TEXT,
+]
diff --git a/coretk/coretk/menuaction.py b/coretk/coretk/menuaction.py
index 08298727..a051c3e5 100644
--- a/coretk/coretk/menuaction.py
+++ b/coretk/coretk/menuaction.py
@@ -109,7 +109,6 @@ class MenuAction:
             self.app.statusbar.progress_bar.start(5)
             thread = threading.Thread(target=self.app.core.open_xml, args=([file_path]))
             thread.start()
-            # self.app.core.open_xml(file_path)
 
     def gui_preferences(self):
         dialog = PreferencesDialog(self.app, self.app)
diff --git a/coretk/coretk/statusbar.py b/coretk/coretk/statusbar.py
index c4263e85..8910c742 100644
--- a/coretk/coretk/statusbar.py
+++ b/coretk/coretk/statusbar.py
@@ -25,33 +25,42 @@ class StatusBar(ttk.Frame):
         self.columnconfigure(3, weight=1)
         self.columnconfigure(4, weight=1)
 
+        frame = ttk.Frame(self, borderwidth=1, relief=tk.RIDGE)
+        frame.grid(row=0, column=0, sticky="ew")
+        frame.columnconfigure(0, weight=1)
         self.progress_bar = ttk.Progressbar(
-            self, orient="horizontal", mode="indeterminate"
+            frame, orient="horizontal", mode="indeterminate"
         )
-        self.progress_bar.grid(row=0, column=0, sticky="ew")
+        self.progress_bar.grid(sticky="ew")
 
-        self.status = ttk.Label(self, textvariable=self.statusvar, anchor=tk.CENTER)
-        self.statusvar.set("status")
+        self.status = ttk.Label(
+            self,
+            textvariable=self.statusvar,
+            anchor=tk.CENTER,
+            borderwidth=1,
+            relief=tk.RIDGE,
+        )
         self.status.grid(row=0, column=1, sticky="ew")
 
-        self.zoom = ttk.Label(self, text="zoom", anchor=tk.CENTER)
+        self.zoom = ttk.Label(
+            self, text="ZOOM TBD", anchor=tk.CENTER, borderwidth=1, relief=tk.RIDGE
+        )
         self.zoom.grid(row=0, column=2, sticky="ew")
 
-        self.cpu_usage = ttk.Label(self, text="cpu usage", anchor=tk.CENTER)
+        self.cpu_usage = ttk.Label(
+            self, text="CPU TBD", anchor=tk.CENTER, borderwidth=1, relief=tk.RIDGE
+        )
         self.cpu_usage.grid(row=0, column=3, sticky="ew")
 
-        self.emulation_light = ttk.Label(self, text="emulation light", anchor=tk.CENTER)
+        self.emulation_light = ttk.Label(
+            self, text="CEL TBD", anchor=tk.CENTER, borderwidth=1, relief=tk.RIDGE
+        )
         self.emulation_light.grid(row=0, column=4, sticky="ew")
 
     def start_session_callback(self, process_time):
-        num_nodes = len(self.app.core.canvas_nodes)
-        num_links = len(self.app.core.links)
         self.progress_bar.stop()
-        self.statusvar.set(
-            "Network topology instantiated in %s seconds (%s node(s) and %s link(s))"
-            % ("%.3f" % process_time, num_nodes, num_links)
-        )
+        self.statusvar.set(f"Session started in {process_time:.3f} seconds")
 
     def stop_session_callback(self, cleanup_time):
         self.progress_bar.stop()
-        self.statusvar.set("Cleanup completed in %s seconds" % "%.3f" % cleanup_time)
+        self.statusvar.set(f"Stopped session in {cleanup_time:.3f} seconds")
diff --git a/coretk/coretk/themes.py b/coretk/coretk/themes.py
index ad91276a..b80caf87 100644
--- a/coretk/coretk/themes.py
+++ b/coretk/coretk/themes.py
@@ -88,6 +88,14 @@ def load(style):
                 },
                 "map": {"fieldbackground": [("disabled", Colors.frame)]},
             },
+            "TSpinbox": {
+                "configure": {
+                    "fieldbackground": Colors.white,
+                    "foreground": Colors.black,
+                    "padding": (2, 0),
+                },
+                "map": {"fieldbackground": [("disabled", Colors.frame)]},
+            },
             "TCombobox": {
                 "configure": {
                     "fieldbackground": Colors.white,
diff --git a/coretk/coretk/toolbar.py b/coretk/coretk/toolbar.py
index 1f1e734f..a47cac5e 100644
--- a/coretk/coretk/toolbar.py
+++ b/coretk/coretk/toolbar.py
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ from functools import partial
 from tkinter import ttk
 
 from coretk.dialogs.customnodes import CustomNodesDialog
+from coretk.graph import tags
 from coretk.graph.enums import GraphMode
 from coretk.graph.shapeutils import ShapeType
 from coretk.images import ImageEnum, Images
@@ -41,6 +42,7 @@ class Toolbar(ttk.Frame):
         self.annotation_button = None
 
         # runtime buttons
+        self.runtime_select_button = None
 
         # frames
         self.design_frame = None
@@ -91,6 +93,11 @@ class Toolbar(ttk.Frame):
         self.annotation_button.state(["!pressed"])
         button.state(["pressed"])
 
+    def runtime_select(self, button):
+        logging.info("selecting runtime button: %s", button)
+        self.runtime_select_button.state(["!pressed"])
+        button.state(["pressed"])
+
     def draw_runtime_frame(self):
         self.runtime_frame = ttk.Frame(self)
         self.runtime_frame.grid(row=0, column=0, sticky="nsew")
@@ -102,10 +109,10 @@ class Toolbar(ttk.Frame):
             self.click_stop,
             "stop the session",
         )
-        self.create_button(
+        self.runtime_select_button = self.create_button(
             self.runtime_frame,
             icon(ImageEnum.SELECT),
-            self.click_selection,
+            self.click_runtime_selection,
             "selection tool",
         )
         # self.create_observe_button()
@@ -190,6 +197,11 @@ class Toolbar(ttk.Frame):
         self.design_select(self.select_button)
         self.app.canvas.mode = GraphMode.SELECT
 
+    def click_runtime_selection(self):
+        logging.debug("clicked selection tool")
+        self.runtime_select(self.runtime_select_button)
+        self.app.canvas.mode = GraphMode.SELECT
+
     def click_start(self):
         """
         Start session handler redraw buttons, send node and link messages to grpc
@@ -202,6 +214,7 @@ class Toolbar(ttk.Frame):
         thread = threading.Thread(target=self.app.core.start_session)
         thread.start()
         self.runtime_frame.tkraise()
+        self.click_runtime_selection()
 
     def click_link(self):
         logging.debug("Click LINK button")
@@ -357,11 +370,9 @@ class Toolbar(ttk.Frame):
         self.app.statusbar.progress_bar.start(5)
         thread = threading.Thread(target=self.app.core.stop_session)
         thread.start()
-        for cid in self.app.canvas.find_withtag("wireless"):
-            self.app.canvas.itemconfig(cid, state="hidden")
-        # self.app.canvas.delete("wireless")
-
+        self.app.canvas.delete(tags.WIRELESS_EDGE)
         self.design_frame.tkraise()
+        self.click_selection()
 
     def update_annotation(self, image, shape_type):
         logging.info("clicked annotation: ")
diff --git a/coretk/coretk/widgets.py b/coretk/coretk/widgets.py
index 2fddbf9f..521edc98 100644
--- a/coretk/coretk/widgets.py
+++ b/coretk/coretk/widgets.py
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 import logging
 import tkinter as tk
 from functools import partial
-from tkinter import font, ttk
+from tkinter import filedialog, font, ttk
 from tkinter.scrolledtext import ScrolledText
 
 from core.api.grpc import core_pb2
@@ -20,6 +20,12 @@ INT_TYPES = {
 PAD = 5
 
 
+def file_button_click(value):
+    file_path = filedialog.askopenfilename(title="Select File")
+    if file_path:
+        value.set(file_path)
+
+
 class FrameScroll(ttk.LabelFrame):
     def __init__(self, master, app, _cls=ttk.Frame, **kw):
         super().__init__(master, **kw)
@@ -104,8 +110,18 @@ class ConfigFrame(FrameScroll):
                     combobox.grid(row=index, column=1, sticky="ew", pady=pady)
                 elif option.type == core_pb2.ConfigOptionType.STRING:
                     value.set(option.value)
-                    entry = ttk.Entry(frame, textvariable=value)
-                    entry.grid(row=index, column=1, sticky="ew", pady=pady)
+                    if "file" in option.label:
+                        file_frame = ttk.Frame(frame)
+                        file_frame.grid(row=index, column=1, sticky="ew", pady=pady)
+                        file_frame.columnconfigure(0, weight=1)
+                        entry = ttk.Entry(file_frame, textvariable=value)
+                        entry.grid(row=0, column=0, sticky="ew", padx=padx)
+                        func = partial(file_button_click, value)
+                        button = ttk.Button(file_frame, text="...", command=func)
+                        button.grid(row=0, column=1)
+                    else:
+                        entry = ttk.Entry(frame, textvariable=value)
+                        entry.grid(row=index, column=1, sticky="ew", pady=pady)
                 elif option.type in INT_TYPES:
                     value.set(option.value)
                     entry = ttk.Entry(
@@ -193,3 +209,11 @@ class CodeText(ScrolledText):
             relief=tk.FLAT,
             **kwargs
         )
+
+
+class Spinbox(ttk.Entry):
+    def __init__(self, master=None, **kwargs):
+        super().__init__(master, "ttk::spinbox", **kwargs)
+
+    def set(self, value):
+        self.tk.call(self._w, "set", value)