diff --git a/apps/lightcraft-cli/src/main.rs b/apps/lightcraft-cli/src/main.rs
index 4f68ec88..00c236c2 100644
--- a/apps/lightcraft-cli/src/main.rs
+++ b/apps/lightcraft-cli/src/main.rs
@@ -533,11 +533,17 @@ fn render(args: &[String]) -> Result<(), String> {
             .ok_or_else(|| format!("{output}: unknown extension (use .jpg .png .tif .webp .avif .dng or --opt format=…)"))?;
     }
     let e = export_photo(&mut s, lightcraft_engine::catalog::PhotoId(id), &o, 1)?;
-    std::fs::write(&output, &e.bytes).map_err(|err| format!("{output}: {err}"))?;
-    for (ext, bytes) in &e.sidecars {
-        let sc = Path::new(&output).with_extension(ext);
-        std::fs::write(&sc, bytes).map_err(|err| format!("{}: {err}", sc.display()))?;
-        eprintln!("lightcraft-cli: wrote {}", sc.display());
+    // never over the input (or its sidecar), however it is spelled: `render IMG.jpg -o IMG.jpg`
+    let sidecars: Vec<(String, &Vec<u8>)> =
+        e.sidecars.iter().map(|(ext, bytes)| (Path::new(&output).with_extension(ext).to_string_lossy().to_string(), bytes)).collect();
+    let guard = s.original_guard();
+    for p in std::iter::once(&output).chain(sidecars.iter().map(|(p, _)| p)) {
+        guard.check(Path::new(p)).map_err(|err| format!("render: {err}"))?;
+    }
+    lightcraft_engine::export::write_file(&output, &e.bytes)?;
+    for (sc, bytes) in &sidecars {
+        lightcraft_engine::export::write_file(sc, bytes)?;
+        eprintln!("lightcraft-cli: wrote {sc}");
     }
     eprintln!("lightcraft-cli: wrote {output} ({}×{})", e.width, e.height);
     Ok(())
@@ -593,18 +599,8 @@ fn snapshot(args: &[String]) -> Result<(), String> {
         eprintln!("lightcraft-cli snapshot: imported {n} files in {:.0} ms", ti.elapsed().as_secs_f64() * 1e3);
     }
     let services = lightcraft_ui_egui::Services {
-        write_shared: Some(std::sync::Arc::new(|p: &str, b: &[u8]| {
-            if let Some(dir) = Path::new(p).parent().filter(|d| !d.as_os_str().is_empty()) {
-                std::fs::create_dir_all(dir).map_err(|e| e.to_string())?;
-            }
-            std::fs::write(p, b).map_err(|e| format!("{p}: {e}"))
-        })),
-        write: Some(Box::new(|p: &str, b: &[u8]| {
-            if let Some(dir) = Path::new(p).parent().filter(|d| !d.as_os_str().is_empty()) {
-                std::fs::create_dir_all(dir).map_err(|e| e.to_string())?;
-            }
-            std::fs::write(p, b).map_err(|e| format!("{p}: {e}"))
-        })),
+        write_shared: Some(std::sync::Arc::new(lightcraft_engine::export::write_file)),
+        write: Some(Box::new(lightcraft_engine::export::write_file)),
         png: Some(Box::new(|img: &lightcraft_raster::Rgba8| {
             lightcraft_codecs::encode_png(&lightcraft_codecs::EncodeImage::rgba8(img), &lightcraft_codecs::EncodeMeta::default()).unwrap_or_default()
         })),
diff --git a/apps/lightcraft-cli/tests/cli.rs b/apps/lightcraft-cli/tests/cli.rs
index 913200d2..b1f816b4 100644
--- a/apps/lightcraft-cli/tests/cli.rs
+++ b/apps/lightcraft-cli/tests/cli.rs
@@ -86,6 +86,24 @@ fn render_subcommand() {
     assert!(String::from_utf8_lossy(&o.stderr).contains("unknown control"));
 }
 
+/// Issue #93: `render IMG -o IMG` replaced its own input with the render.
+#[test]
+fn render_refuses_to_overwrite_its_input() {
+    let input = tmp("self-in.png");
+    gradient_png(&input);
+    let before = std::fs::read(&input).unwrap();
+    let dir = input.parent().unwrap();
+    std::fs::create_dir_all(dir.join("sub")).unwrap();
+    let other_spelling = dir.join("sub/../self-in.png");
+    for out in [&input, &other_spelling] {
+        let o =
+            Command::new(BIN).args(["render", input.to_str().unwrap(), "-o", out.to_str().unwrap(), "--set", "light.exposure=1"]).output().unwrap();
+        assert!(!o.status.success());
+        assert!(String::from_utf8_lossy(&o.stderr).contains("never writes over an original"), "{}", String::from_utf8_lossy(&o.stderr));
+    }
+    assert_eq!(std::fs::read(&input).unwrap(), before, "the input is untouched");
+}
+
 #[test]
 fn render_export_options() {
     let input = tmp("o-in.png");
diff --git a/apps/lightcraft/src/main.rs b/apps/lightcraft/src/main.rs
index 981867c8..427c97cd 100644
--- a/apps/lightcraft/src/main.rs
+++ b/apps/lightcraft/src/main.rs
@@ -209,18 +209,9 @@ fn services() -> Services {
                 .save_file()
                 .map(|p| p.to_string_lossy().to_string())
         })),
-        write_shared: Some(std::sync::Arc::new(|p: &str, b: &[u8]| {
-            if let Some(dir) = std::path::Path::new(p).parent().filter(|d| !d.as_os_str().is_empty()) {
-                std::fs::create_dir_all(dir).map_err(|e| e.to_string())?;
-            }
-            std::fs::write(p, b).map_err(|e| e.to_string())
-        })),
-        write: Some(Box::new(|p: &str, b: &[u8]| {
-            if let Some(dir) = std::path::Path::new(p).parent().filter(|d| !d.as_os_str().is_empty()) {
-                std::fs::create_dir_all(dir).map_err(|e| e.to_string())?;
-            }
-            std::fs::write(p, b).map_err(|e| e.to_string())
-        })),
+        // atomic (temp file + sync + rename): a failed write never leaves a truncated file
+        write_shared: Some(std::sync::Arc::new(lightcraft_engine::export::write_file)),
+        write: Some(Box::new(lightcraft_engine::export::write_file)),
         png: Some(Box::new(|img: &lightcraft_raster::Rgba8| {
             lightcraft_codecs::encode_png(&lightcraft_codecs::EncodeImage::rgba8(img), &lightcraft_codecs::EncodeMeta::default()).unwrap_or_default()
         })),
diff --git a/crates/catalog/src/lib.rs b/crates/catalog/src/lib.rs
index 4b9bdcdc..5bea87e8 100644
--- a/crates/catalog/src/lib.rs
+++ b/crates/catalog/src/lib.rs
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ pub mod local;
 pub mod model;
 pub mod query;
 pub mod rules;
+pub mod safe_file;
 pub mod stacks;
 pub mod store;
 
diff --git a/crates/catalog/src/safe_file.rs b/crates/catalog/src/safe_file.rs
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..1e482b81
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/catalog/src/safe_file.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,317 @@
+//! Crash-safe writes of user-visible files: exports, renders, DNG conversions, smart previews and
+//! XMP sidecars all go through here (the catalog's own files use [`crate::store::FsStore`]).
+//!
+//! - [`write_atomic`] replaces a file so that after a crash, a full disk or an unplugged drive
+//!   either the old or the complete new content is there — never a truncated mix. The content
+//!   goes to a new temp file in the same folder (unique name, `create_new`), is synced to disk and
+//!   renamed over the target; then the folder is synced (POSIX). Any failure removes the temp
+//!   file and leaves the target as it was.
+//! - [`write_new`] / [`write_new_unique`] write a file that must not exist yet: the same temp file
+//!   and sync, plus a read-back check, and the file then appears under its final name **without
+//!   replacing anything** (a hard link, which fails on a taken name; a check-then-rename where the
+//!   volume has no hard links).
+//! - [`same_file`] tells whether two paths name the same file on disk (device + inode on Unix,
+//!   resolved paths elsewhere), for "is this target an original?" checks.
+
+use std::cell::Cell;
+use std::fs::{self, File, OpenOptions};
+use std::io::{self, Write};
+use std::path::{Path, PathBuf};
+use std::sync::atomic::{AtomicU64, Ordering};
+
+thread_local! {
+    static FAIL_AFTER: Cell<Option<u64>> = const { Cell::new(None) };
+}
+
+/// Fault injection for tests (in any crate): while the returned guard lives, every write made by
+/// this module **on the calling thread** fails once `bytes` bytes of a file were written — as a
+/// full disk or an unplugged drive would.
+#[doc(hidden)]
+pub fn fail_writes_after(bytes: u64) -> FaultGuard {
+    FAIL_AFTER.with(|c| c.set(Some(bytes)));
+    FaultGuard(())
+}
+
+/// Ends a [`fail_writes_after`] when dropped.
+#[doc(hidden)]
+pub struct FaultGuard(());
+
+impl Drop for FaultGuard {
+    fn drop(&mut self) {
+        FAIL_AFTER.with(|c| c.set(None));
+    }
+}
+
+/// Counts what is written; fails past an injected limit.
+struct Limited<W> {
+    inner: W,
+    n: u64,
+    limit: Option<u64>,
+}
+
+impl<W: Write> Write for Limited<W> {
+    fn write(&mut self, buf: &[u8]) -> io::Result<usize> {
+        let buf = match self.limit {
+            Some(l) => {
+                let room = usize::try_from(l.saturating_sub(self.n)).unwrap_or(usize::MAX);
+                if room == 0 && !buf.is_empty() {
+                    return Err(io::Error::other("write failed (injected fault)"));
+                }
+                buf.get(..room.min(buf.len())).unwrap_or(buf)
+            }
+            None => buf,
+        };
+        let k = self.inner.write(buf)?;
+        self.n += k as u64;
+        Ok(k)
+    }
+    fn flush(&mut self) -> io::Result<()> {
+        self.inner.flush()
+    }
+}
+
+fn parent_of(path: &Path) -> &Path {
+    path.parent().filter(|d| !d.as_os_str().is_empty()).unwrap_or(Path::new("."))
+}
+
+/// Make a rename or a new name in `dir` durable (POSIX). Opening a directory fails on Windows,
+/// where NTFS journals the rename itself, so errors are ignored.
+pub fn sync_dir(dir: &Path) {
+    if let Ok(d) = File::open(dir) {
+        let _ = d.sync_all();
+    }
+}
+
+/// A new, empty temp file next to `path` (hidden, unique in this process and folder).
+fn create_temp(path: &Path) -> io::Result<(PathBuf, File)> {
+    static N: AtomicU64 = AtomicU64::new(0);
+    if path.file_name().is_none() {
+        return Err(io::Error::new(io::ErrorKind::InvalidInput, format!("{} is not a file path", path.display())));
+    }
+    let dir = parent_of(path);
+    for _ in 0..1000 {
+        let tmp = dir.join(format!(".lightcraft-{}-{}.tmp", std::process::id(), N.fetch_add(1, Ordering::Relaxed)));
+        match OpenOptions::new().write(true).create_new(true).open(&tmp) {
+            Ok(f) => return Ok((tmp, f)),
+            Err(e) if e.kind() == io::ErrorKind::AlreadyExists => continue,
+            Err(e) => return Err(e),
+        }
+    }
+    Err(io::Error::new(io::ErrorKind::AlreadyExists, format!("no free temp file name in {}", dir.display())))
+}
+
+/// Write a temp file next to `path` with what `fill` writes, synced to disk. On failure the temp
+/// file is removed. Returns its path and length.
+fn write_temp(path: &Path, fill: &mut dyn FnMut(&mut dyn Write) -> io::Result<()>) -> io::Result<(PathBuf, u64)> {
+    let (tmp, file) = create_temp(path)?;
+    let r = (|| {
+        let limit = FAIL_AFTER.with(Cell::get);
+        let mut w = Limited { inner: io::BufWriter::with_capacity(1 << 20, file), n: 0, limit };
+        fill(&mut w)?;
+        w.flush()?;
+        let n = w.n;
+        let f = w.inner.into_inner().map_err(|e| e.into_error())?;
+        f.sync_all()?;
+        Ok(n)
+    })();
+    match r {
+        Ok(n) => Ok((tmp, n)),
+        Err(e) => {
+            let _ = fs::remove_file(&tmp);
+            Err(e)
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+/// Replace (or create) `path` with `data` atomically and durably; see the module docs. The
+/// folder must exist.
+pub fn write_atomic(path: &Path, data: &[u8]) -> io::Result<()> {
+    write_atomic_with(path, &mut |w| w.write_all(data)).map(|_| ())
+}
+
+/// [`write_atomic`] with streamed content: `fill` writes it (an error aborts and leaves the old
+/// file). Returns the length written.
+pub fn write_atomic_with(path: &Path, fill: &mut dyn FnMut(&mut dyn Write) -> io::Result<()>) -> io::Result<u64> {
+    let (tmp, n) = write_temp(path, fill)?;
+    if let Err(e) = fs::rename(&tmp, path) {
+        let _ = fs::remove_file(&tmp);
+        return Err(e);
+    }
+    sync_dir(parent_of(path));
+    Ok(n)
+}
+
+/// Write `data` as the new file `path`: never replaces an existing file (`AlreadyExists`), and
+/// the file only appears once it is complete, synced and read back identical.
+pub fn write_new(path: &Path, data: &[u8]) -> io::Result<()> {
+    write_new_unique(&mut std::iter::once(path.to_path_buf()), data).map(|_| ())
+}
+
+/// [`write_new`] under the first free name of `candidates` (all in the same folder, e.g.
+/// `IMG_1.dng`, `IMG_1-2.dng`, …): the file is written once and then given the first name that
+/// is not taken. Returns that name; `AlreadyExists` when every candidate is taken.
+pub fn write_new_unique(candidates: &mut dyn Iterator<Item = PathBuf>, data: &[u8]) -> io::Result<PathBuf> {
+    let mut candidates = candidates.peekable();
+    let Some(first) = candidates.peek().cloned() else {
+        return Err(io::Error::new(io::ErrorKind::InvalidInput, "no file name to write"));
+    };
+    let (tmp, _) = write_temp(&first, &mut |w| w.write_all(data))?;
+    let r = (|| {
+        if !same_content(&tmp, data)? {
+            return Err(io::Error::other("the written file reads back different (failing drive or connection?)"));
+        }
+        for path in candidates.by_ref().take(100_000) {
+            match publish_new(&tmp, &path) {
+                Ok(()) => {
+                    sync_dir(parent_of(&path));
+                    return Ok(path);
+                }
+                Err(e) if e.kind() == io::ErrorKind::AlreadyExists => continue,
+                Err(e) => return Err(e),
+            }
+        }
+        Err(io::Error::new(io::ErrorKind::AlreadyExists, format!("{}: no free file name", first.display())))
+    })();
+    // after a hard link the temp name is a second name of the new file; after a rename it's gone
+    let _ = fs::remove_file(&tmp);
+    r
+}
+
+/// Give the complete temp file `tmp` the name `path`, unless that is taken.
+fn publish_new(tmp: &Path, path: &Path) -> io::Result<()> {
+    match fs::hard_link(tmp, path) {
+        Ok(()) => Ok(()),
+        Err(e) if e.kind() == io::ErrorKind::AlreadyExists => Err(e),
+        // no hard links on this volume (FAT/exFAT, some shares): check, then rename
+        Err(_) => {
+            if fs::symlink_metadata(path).is_ok() {
+                return Err(io::Error::new(io::ErrorKind::AlreadyExists, format!("{} exists", path.display())));
+            }
+            fs::rename(tmp, path)
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+/// Does the file at `path` hold exactly `data`?
+fn same_content(path: &Path, data: &[u8]) -> io::Result<bool> {
+    use std::io::Read;
+    let mut f = File::open(path)?;
+    if f.metadata()?.len() != data.len() as u64 {
+        return Ok(false);
+    }
+    let mut buf = vec![0u8; 1 << 20];
+    let mut at = 0usize;
+    loop {
+        let k = match f.read(&mut buf) {
+            Ok(0) => return Ok(at == data.len()),
+            Ok(k) => k,
+            Err(e) if e.kind() == io::ErrorKind::Interrupted => continue,
+            Err(e) => return Err(e),
+        };
+        if data.get(at..at + k) != buf.get(..k) {
+            return Ok(false);
+        }
+        at += k;
+    }
+}
+
+/// Do `a` and `b` name the same existing file (through links, `..`, case-insensitive names)?
+pub fn same_file(a: &Path, b: &Path) -> bool {
+    let (Ok(ma), Ok(mb)) = (fs::metadata(a), fs::metadata(b)) else { return false };
+    #[cfg(unix)]
+    {
+        use std::os::unix::fs::MetadataExt;
+        ma.dev() == mb.dev() && ma.ino() == mb.ino()
+    }
+    #[cfg(not(unix))]
+    {
+        if ma.len() != mb.len() {
+            return false;
+        }
+        match (fs::canonicalize(a), fs::canonicalize(b)) {
+            (Ok(x), Ok(y)) => x == y || x.to_string_lossy().to_lowercase() == y.to_string_lossy().to_lowercase(),
+            _ => false,
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod tests {
+    use super::*;
+
+    fn temp(tag: &str) -> PathBuf {
+        let d = std::env::temp_dir().join(format!("lc-safe-file-{tag}-{}", std::process::id()));
+        let _ = fs::remove_dir_all(&d);
+        fs::create_dir_all(&d).unwrap();
+        d
+    }
+
+    fn names(dir: &Path) -> Vec<String> {
+        let mut v: Vec<String> = fs::read_dir(dir).unwrap().flatten().map(|e| e.file_name().to_string_lossy().to_string()).collect();
+        v.sort();
+        v
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn atomic_write_replaces_and_leaves_no_temp() {
+        let d = temp("replace");
+        let p = d.join("out.jpg");
+        write_atomic(&p, b"one").unwrap();
+        write_atomic(&p, b"two two").unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(fs::read(&p).unwrap(), b"two two");
+        assert_eq!(names(&d), vec!["out.jpg"]);
+        let _ = fs::remove_dir_all(&d);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn a_failure_mid_write_keeps_the_old_file() {
+        let d = temp("midwrite");
+        let p = d.join("photo.jpg");
+        fs::write(&p, b"the original bytes").unwrap();
+        {
+            let _f = fail_writes_after(4);
+            let e = write_atomic(&p, &[7u8; 10_000]).unwrap_err();
+            assert!(e.to_string().contains("injected"), "{e}");
+            assert!(write_new(&d.join("new.dng"), &[1u8; 100]).is_err());
+        }
+        assert_eq!(fs::read(&p).unwrap(), b"the original bytes", "the target is untouched");
+        assert_eq!(names(&d), vec!["photo.jpg"], "no temp file and no partial new file");
+        // a fill error aborts the same way
+        let r = write_atomic_with(&p, &mut |w| {
+            w.write_all(b"half")?;
+            Err(io::Error::other("encoder failed"))
+        });
+        assert!(r.is_err());
+        assert_eq!(fs::read(&p).unwrap(), b"the original bytes");
+        assert_eq!(names(&d), vec!["photo.jpg"]);
+        let _ = fs::remove_dir_all(&d);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn new_files_never_replace_anything() {
+        let d = temp("new");
+        let p = d.join("a.dng");
+        fs::write(&p, b"keep").unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(write_new(&p, b"other").unwrap_err().kind(), io::ErrorKind::AlreadyExists);
+        assert_eq!(fs::read(&p).unwrap(), b"keep");
+        let mut c = (1..).map(|k| if k == 1 { d.join("a.dng") } else { d.join(format!("a-{k}.dng")) });
+        let got = write_new_unique(&mut c, b"fresh").unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(got, d.join("a-2.dng"));
+        assert_eq!(fs::read(&got).unwrap(), b"fresh");
+        assert_eq!(names(&d), vec!["a-2.dng", "a.dng"], "the temp file is gone");
+        let _ = fs::remove_dir_all(&d);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn same_file_sees_through_other_spellings() {
+        let d = temp("same");
+        let p = d.join("x.jpg");
+        fs::write(&p, b"x").unwrap();
+        fs::write(d.join("y.jpg"), b"x").unwrap();
+        fs::create_dir_all(d.join("sub")).unwrap();
+        assert!(same_file(&p, &d.join("sub/../x.jpg")));
+        assert!(!same_file(&p, &d.join("y.jpg")));
+        assert!(!same_file(&p, &d.join("missing.jpg")));
+        let _ = fs::remove_dir_all(&d);
+    }
+}
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/cmd/convert.rs b/crates/engine/src/cmd/convert.rs
index ddb2fdac..26725e70 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/cmd/convert.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/cmd/convert.rs
@@ -133,7 +133,7 @@ fn edit_external(s: &mut Session, p: &Value) -> Result<Value> {
     };
     let mut written = Vec::new();
     let mut write = |path: &str, bytes: &[u8]| -> std::result::Result<(), String> {
-        std::fs::write(path, bytes).map_err(|e| format!("{path}: {e}"))?;
+        crate::export::write_file(path, bytes)?;
         written.push(path.to_string());
         Ok(())
     };
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/cmd/export.rs b/crates/engine/src/cmd/export.rs
index 75173c84..11a11f6c 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/cmd/export.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/cmd/export.rs
@@ -96,5 +96,18 @@ pub fn specs() -> Vec<CommandSpec> {
             save
         ),
         cmd!("export.deletePreset", "Delete Export Preset", [], None, "{name} — removes a user preset → presets", always, delete),
+        cmd!(
+            query "export.checkTarget",
+            "Check Output Path",
+            [],
+            None,
+            "{path} — fails when writing `path` would replace a photo's original (or its XMP sidecar) in the library; front ends call it before saving a render or screenshot to a user-given path → {path}",
+            always,
+            |s, p| {
+                let path = p.get("path").and_then(Value::as_str).ok_or_else(|| bad("export.checkTarget", "missing `path`"))?;
+                s.check_write_target(path).map_err(|e| bad("export.checkTarget", e))?;
+                Ok(json!({"path": path}))
+            }
+        ),
     ]
 }
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/cmd/merge.rs b/crates/engine/src/cmd/merge.rs
index 102ff0d3..a8869153 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/cmd/merge.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/cmd/merge.rs
@@ -30,7 +30,8 @@ fn run(s: &mut Session, id: &str, p: &Value) -> Result<Value> {
     if let (Some(path), Some(img)) = (str_param(p, "previewPath"), &out.preview) {
         let png = lightcraft_codecs::encode_png(&lightcraft_codecs::EncodeImage::rgba8(img), &lightcraft_codecs::EncodeMeta::default())
             .map_err(|e| bad(id, e.to_string()))?;
-        std::fs::write(path, png).map_err(|e| bad(id, format!("{path}: {e}")))?;
+        s.check_write_target(path).map_err(|e| bad(id, e))?;
+        crate::export::write_file(path, &png).map_err(|e| bad(id, e))?;
         info["previewPath"] = json!(path);
     }
     if let Some(img) = &out.preview {
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/export.rs b/crates/engine/src/export.rs
index 70f89a7a..f0e6bde8 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/export.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/export.rs
@@ -930,6 +930,8 @@ pub struct PreparedExport {
     pub photo: lightcraft_catalog::PhotoId,
     pub file_name: String,
     work: Work,
+    /// The library's originals, which [`run_batch`] never writes over (shared by a batch).
+    guard: std::sync::Arc<crate::originals::OriginalGuard>,
 }
 
 struct RenderWork {
@@ -952,12 +954,30 @@ enum Work {
     },
 }
 
-/// Set up the export of photo `id` at 1-based position `seq` of a batch.
+/// Set up the export of photo `id` at 1-based position `seq` of a batch. (For a whole batch use
+/// [`prepare_batch`]: it looks at the library's originals once.)
 pub fn prepare_export(
     session: &mut crate::Session,
     id: lightcraft_catalog::PhotoId,
     o: &ExportOptions,
     seq: usize,
+) -> Result<PreparedExport, String> {
+    let guard = std::sync::Arc::new(session.original_guard());
+    prepare_guarded(session, id, o, seq, guard)
+}
+
+/// [`prepare_export`] for each of `ids` in order (`{seq}` = position, from 1).
+pub fn prepare_batch(session: &mut crate::Session, ids: &[lightcraft_catalog::PhotoId], o: &ExportOptions) -> Result<Vec<PreparedExport>, String> {
+    let guard = std::sync::Arc::new(session.original_guard());
+    ids.iter().enumerate().map(|(i, id)| prepare_guarded(session, *id, o, i + 1, guard.clone())).collect()
+}
+
+fn prepare_guarded(
+    session: &mut crate::Session,
+    id: lightcraft_catalog::PhotoId,
+    o: &ExportOptions,
+    seq: usize,
+    guard: std::sync::Arc<crate::originals::OriginalGuard>,
 ) -> Result<PreparedExport, String> {
     let p = session.catalog.photo(id).ok_or("no such photo")?;
     let file_name = o.file_name_for(p, seq);
@@ -979,7 +999,7 @@ pub fn prepare_export(
             size: (p.width as usize, p.height as usize),
         }
     };
-    Ok(PreparedExport { photo: id, file_name, work })
+    Ok(PreparedExport { photo: id, file_name, work, guard })
 }
 
 impl PreparedExport {
@@ -1031,14 +1051,16 @@ pub enum DngCompression {
 }
 
 /// The destination of a batch: a folder (with `ExportOptions::subfolder` and the conflict policy
-/// applied), or one exact file path (single photo; overwritten).
+/// applied to each file together with its sidecars), or one exact file path (single photo; an
+/// ordinary file already there is replaced). Either way a catalogued original (or its sidecar)
+/// is never written over: see [`crate::originals`].
 #[derive(Clone, Debug, Default)]
 pub struct Destination {
     pub dir: String,
     pub exact: Option<String>,
 }
 
-/// Export `ids` in order ([`prepare_export`] + [`run_batch`]), stopping at the first error.
+/// Export `ids` in order ([`prepare_batch`] + [`run_batch`]), stopping at the first error.
 pub fn export_batch(
     session: &mut crate::Session,
     ids: &[lightcraft_catalog::PhotoId],
@@ -1047,15 +1069,34 @@ pub fn export_batch(
     write: &mut dyn FnMut(&str, &[u8]) -> Result<(), String>,
     exists: &dyn Fn(&str) -> bool,
 ) -> Result<Vec<serde_json::Value>, String> {
-    let items = ids.iter().enumerate().map(|(i, id)| prepare_export(session, *id, o, i + 1)).collect::<Result<Vec<_>, _>>()?;
+    let items = prepare_batch(session, ids, o)?;
     run_batch(items, o, to, write, exists, true, &mut |_, _| true)
 }
 
+/// Write an exported or rendered file on disk: its folder is created if needed, and the file is
+/// replaced atomically ([`lightcraft_catalog::safe_file::write_atomic`]: a temp file, synced, then
+/// renamed), so a failure part-way leaves any previous file intact and no truncated one. The
+/// native writer behind exports, renders and screenshots (app, CLI, MCP).
+pub fn write_file(path: &str, bytes: &[u8]) -> Result<(), String> {
+    let p = std::path::Path::new(path);
+    if let Some(dir) = p.parent().filter(|d| !d.as_os_str().is_empty()) {
+        std::fs::create_dir_all(dir).map_err(|e| format!("{}: {e}", dir.display()))?;
+    }
+    lightcraft_catalog::safe_file::write_atomic(p, bytes).map_err(|e| format!("{path}: {e}"))
+}
+
+/// The path of the sidecar with extension `ext` of the exported file `main`.
+fn sidecar_path(main: &str, ext: &str) -> String {
+    std::path::Path::new(main).with_extension(ext).to_string_lossy().to_string()
+}
+
 /// Run prepared exports in order: pick each one's path, and hand the bytes (and sidecars) to
-/// `write`. `exists` tells whether a path is taken (conflict policy). `progress(done, next file)`
-/// is called before each photo; returning false cancels the rest. Returns one JSON object per
-/// photo: `{path, width, height, bytes, sidecars}`, `{skipped: path}` or (unless
-/// `stop_on_error`) `{photo, file, error}`.
+/// `write`. `exists` tells whether a path is taken. The conflict policy applies to a file and its
+/// sidecars as one: with Unique both get the same free name, with Skip the photo is skipped when
+/// either is taken. A path that is a catalogued original (or its sidecar) is refused whatever the
+/// policy. `progress(done, next file)` is called before each photo; returning false cancels the
+/// rest. Returns one JSON object per photo: `{path, width, height, bytes, sidecars}`,
+/// `{skipped: path}` or (unless `stop_on_error`) `{photo, file, error}`.
 pub fn run_batch(
     items: Vec<PreparedExport>,
     o: &ExportOptions,
@@ -1075,7 +1116,7 @@ pub fn run_batch(
         if !progress(i, &item.file_name) {
             break;
         }
-        let (photo, name) = (item.photo, item.file_name.clone());
+        let (photo, name, guard) = (item.photo, item.file_name.clone(), item.guard.clone());
         let e = match item.run() {
             Ok(e) => e,
             Err(err) if stop_on_error => return Err(err),
@@ -1084,14 +1125,18 @@ pub fn run_batch(
                 continue;
             }
         };
+        // the exported file and its sidecars
+        let group = |main: &str| std::iter::once(main.to_string()).chain(e.sidecars.iter().map(|(x, _)| sidecar_path(main, x))).collect::<Vec<_>>();
         let path = match to.exact.as_deref().filter(|_| single) {
-            Some(p) => p.to_string(),
+            Some(p) => Ok(p.to_string()),
             None => {
-                let mut path = join(&dir, &e.file_name);
-                let busy = |p: &str, taken: &std::collections::HashSet<String>| taken.contains(p) || exists(p);
-                if busy(&path, &taken) {
+                let path = join(&dir, &e.file_name);
+                let busy = |main: &str| group(main).iter().any(|p| taken.contains(p) || exists(p));
+                if !busy(&path) {
+                    Ok(path)
+                } else {
                     match o.conflict {
-                        Conflict::Overwrite => {}
+                        Conflict::Overwrite => Ok(path),
                         Conflict::Skip => {
                             out.push(json!({"skipped": path}));
                             continue;
@@ -1099,29 +1144,34 @@ pub fn run_batch(
                         Conflict::Unique => {
                             let (stem, ext) = e.file_name.rsplit_once('.').map_or((e.file_name.as_str(), None), |(a, b)| (a, Some(b)));
                             let name = |n: usize| join(&dir, &ext.map_or(format!("{stem}-{n}"), |x| format!("{stem}-{n}.{x}")));
-                            path = (2..).map(name).find(|p| !busy(p, &taken)).expect("a free name");
+                            (2..1_000_000).map(name).find(|p| !busy(p)).ok_or_else(|| format!("{path}: no free file name"))
                         }
                     }
                 }
-                path
             }
         };
-        let written = write(&path, &e.bytes).and_then(|()| {
-            let mut sidecars = Vec::new();
-            for (ext, bytes) in &e.sidecars {
-                let sc = std::path::Path::new(&path).with_extension(ext).to_string_lossy().to_string();
-                write(&sc, bytes)?;
-                sidecars.push(sc);
+        let file = path.clone().unwrap_or_else(|_| name.clone());
+        let written = path.and_then(|path| {
+            let files = group(&path);
+            // never over an original, whatever the conflict policy or the exact path said
+            for f in &files {
+                guard.check(std::path::Path::new(f))?;
             }
-            Ok(sidecars)
+            write(&path, &e.bytes)?;
+            let mut sidecars = Vec::new();
+            for ((_, bytes), sc) in e.sidecars.iter().zip(files.iter().skip(1)) {
+                write(sc, bytes)?;
+                sidecars.push(sc.clone());
+            }
+            Ok((path, files, sidecars))
         });
         match written {
-            Ok(sidecars) => {
-                taken.insert(path.clone());
+            Ok((path, files, sidecars)) => {
+                taken.extend(files);
                 out.push(json!({"path": path, "width": e.width, "height": e.height, "bytes": e.bytes.len(), "sidecars": sidecars}));
             }
             Err(err) if stop_on_error => return Err(err),
-            Err(err) => out.push(json!({"photo": photo.0, "file": path, "error": err})),
+            Err(err) => out.push(json!({"photo": photo.0, "file": file, "error": err})),
         }
     }
     Ok(out)
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/lib.rs b/crates/engine/src/lib.rs
index dcbfd9ed..b02e3d54 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/lib.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/lib.rs
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ pub mod library;
 pub mod media;
 pub mod memory;
 pub mod merge;
+pub mod originals;
 pub mod preset_import;
 pub mod preset_luminar;
 pub mod presets;
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/originals.rs b/crates/engine/src/originals.rs
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..59a5f6a2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/engine/src/originals.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,102 @@
+//! Never write over an original: exports, renders and other files LightCraft writes for the user
+//! must not land on a catalogued photo's own file (or its XMP sidecar), whatever the conflict
+//! setting or exact path asked for. [`OriginalGuard`] is a snapshot of the library's originals
+//! that answers "would writing here replace one?" by file identity (the same file under another
+//! spelling, through `..`, a link or a case-insensitive volume counts), not by comparing strings.
+
+use std::collections::HashMap;
+use std::path::{Path, PathBuf};
+
+use lightcraft_catalog::safe_file::same_file;
+use lightcraft_catalog::{Catalog, Source};
+
+/// The library's originals and their sidecars, looked up by file name.
+#[derive(Debug, Default)]
+pub struct OriginalGuard {
+    /// lower-case file name → (path on disk, what it is: "the original of IMG_1.CR3", …)
+    by_name: HashMap<String, Vec<(PathBuf, String)>>,
+}
+
+impl OriginalGuard {
+    /// The originals of every photo in `catalog`.
+    pub fn new(catalog: &Catalog) -> Self {
+        let mut g = Self::default();
+        for p in catalog.photos() {
+            if let Source::File { path } = &p.source {
+                g.add(Path::new(path), &p.file_name);
+            }
+        }
+        g
+    }
+
+    /// Protect `path` (an original named `label`) and its sidecars (`IMG_1.xmp`, `IMG_1.CR3.xmp`).
+    pub fn add(&mut self, path: &Path, label: &str) {
+        let Some(name) = path.file_name().map(|n| n.to_string_lossy().to_string()) else { return };
+        let mut put = |file: String, p: PathBuf, what: String| self.by_name.entry(file.to_lowercase()).or_default().push((p, what));
+        put(name.clone(), path.to_path_buf(), format!("the original of {label}"));
+        let stem = path.file_stem().map(|s| s.to_string_lossy().to_string()).unwrap_or_default();
+        put(format!("{stem}.xmp"), path.with_extension("xmp"), format!("the XMP sidecar of {label}"));
+        put(format!("{name}.xmp"), PathBuf::from(format!("{}.xmp", path.to_string_lossy())), format!("the XMP sidecar of {label}"));
+    }
+
+    /// `Err` (a message for the user) when writing `target` would replace a protected file.
+    pub fn check(&self, target: &Path) -> Result<(), String> {
+        if std::fs::symlink_metadata(target).is_err() {
+            return Ok(()); // nothing there to replace
+        }
+        let mut names: Vec<String> = target.file_name().map(|n| n.to_string_lossy().to_lowercase()).into_iter().collect();
+        if let Some(n) = std::fs::canonicalize(target).ok().and_then(|c| c.file_name().map(|n| n.to_string_lossy().to_lowercase())) {
+            names.push(n);
+        }
+        for n in &names {
+            for (p, what) in self.by_name.get(n).into_iter().flatten() {
+                if same_file(p, target) {
+                    return Err(format!(
+                        "{} is {what} in the library: LightCraft never writes over an original (choose another folder or file name)",
+                        target.display()
+                    ));
+                }
+            }
+        }
+        Ok(())
+    }
+}
+
+impl crate::Session {
+    /// A guard over this library's originals (see [`OriginalGuard`]).
+    pub fn original_guard(&self) -> OriginalGuard {
+        OriginalGuard::new(&self.catalog)
+    }
+
+    /// `Err` when writing `path` would replace a catalogued photo's original or sidecar.
+    pub fn check_write_target(&self, path: &str) -> Result<(), String> {
+        self.original_guard().check(Path::new(path))
+    }
+}
+
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod tests {
+    use super::*;
+    use lightcraft_catalog::{Op, Photo, PhotoId};
+
+    #[test]
+    fn originals_and_their_sidecars_are_protected_by_identity() {
+        let d = std::env::temp_dir().join(format!("lc-originals-{}", std::process::id()));
+        let _ = std::fs::remove_dir_all(&d);
+        std::fs::create_dir_all(d.join("sub")).unwrap();
+        let orig = d.join("IMG_1.jpg");
+        std::fs::write(&orig, b"original").unwrap();
+        std::fs::write(d.join("IMG_1.xmp"), b"<x/>").unwrap();
+        std::fs::write(d.join("other.jpg"), b"other").unwrap();
+        let mut c = Catalog::default();
+        let p = Photo::new(PhotoId(1), Source::File { path: orig.to_string_lossy().to_string() }, "IMG_1.jpg", "JPEG", 10, 10, "2026-01-01");
+        c.apply(Op::AddPhoto { photo: Box::new(p) }).unwrap();
+        let g = OriginalGuard::new(&c);
+        assert!(g.check(&orig).unwrap_err().contains("original of IMG_1.jpg"));
+        assert!(g.check(&d.join("sub/../IMG_1.jpg")).is_err(), "another spelling of the same file");
+        assert!(g.check(&d.join("IMG_1.xmp")).unwrap_err().contains("sidecar"));
+        assert!(g.check(&d.join("other.jpg")).is_ok(), "an ordinary existing file");
+        assert!(g.check(&d.join("new.jpg")).is_ok(), "a free name");
+        let _ = std::fs::remove_dir_all(&d);
+    }
+}
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/sidecar.rs b/crates/engine/src/sidecar.rs
index a49e5fee..fb25871c 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/sidecar.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/sidecar.rs
@@ -258,13 +258,9 @@ pub fn sidecar_packet(p: &Photo, cat: &lightcraft_catalog::Catalog) -> String {
     lightcraft_meta::write_xmp_lc(&meta, &lc)
 }
 
-/// Write `data` to `path` atomically (temp file + rename).
+/// Write `data` to `path` atomically (temp file + sync + rename).
 fn write_atomic(path: &Path, data: &[u8]) -> std::io::Result<()> {
-    let tmp = path.with_extension(format!("xmp.tmp-{}", std::process::id()));
-    std::fs::write(&tmp, data)?;
-    std::fs::rename(&tmp, path).inspect_err(|_| {
-        let _ = std::fs::remove_file(&tmp);
-    })
+    lightcraft_catalog::safe_file::write_atomic(path, data)
 }
 
 fn file_path(p: &Photo) -> Option<&str> {
diff --git a/crates/engine/src/tests_export.rs b/crates/engine/src/tests_export.rs
index 13c28213..dcd74cb4 100644
--- a/crates/engine/src/tests_export.rs
+++ b/crates/engine/src/tests_export.rs
@@ -207,3 +207,119 @@ fn export_falls_back_to_the_cpu_when_gpu_work_is_lost() {
     assert!(m > 0.02, "not black: mean {m}");
     assert!((m - healthy).abs() < 0.01, "GPU {healthy} vs CPU {m}");
 }
+
+/// A JPEG original `dir/IMG_1.jpg` imported into a library on disk.
+fn library_with_jpeg(tag: &str) -> (Session, lightcraft_catalog::PhotoId, std::path::PathBuf, std::path::PathBuf, Vec<u8>) {
+    let dir = temp_dir(tag);
+    let src = dir.join("IMG_1.jpg");
+    let img = lightcraft_raster::Rgba8::from_fn(48, 32, |x, y| [(x * 5) as u8, (y * 7) as u8, 120, 255]);
+    let bytes = crate::export::encode_image(&img, &ExportOptions::default()).unwrap();
+    std::fs::write(&src, &bytes).unwrap();
+    let mut s = Session::new().with_fs();
+    s.execute("library.import", &json!({"paths": [src.to_string_lossy()]})).unwrap();
+    let id = s.catalog.photos().next().unwrap().id;
+    s.execute("develop.set", &json!({"ids": [id.0], "control": "light.exposure", "value": 1.0})).unwrap();
+    (s, id, dir, src, bytes)
+}
+
+fn disk_batch(
+    s: &mut Session,
+    id: lightcraft_catalog::PhotoId,
+    o: &ExportOptions,
+    to: &crate::export::Destination,
+) -> Result<Vec<serde_json::Value>, String> {
+    crate::export::export_batch(s, &[id], o, to, &mut crate::export::write_file, &|p| std::path::Path::new(p).exists())
+}
+
+/// Issue #93: exporting into the photo's own folder as `{name}` with "Overwrite" replaced the
+/// original with the re-encoded render. It is refused now, whatever the policy or exact path.
+#[test]
+fn export_never_overwrites_an_original() {
+    use crate::export::{Conflict, Destination};
+    let (mut s, id, dir, src, original) = library_with_jpeg("export-guard");
+    let folder = Destination { dir: dir.to_string_lossy().to_string(), exact: None };
+    let o = ExportOptions { naming: "{name}".into(), conflict: Conflict::Overwrite, ..Default::default() };
+    let err = disk_batch(&mut s, id, &o, &folder).unwrap_err();
+    assert!(err.contains("original of IMG_1.jpg"), "{err}");
+    assert_eq!(std::fs::read(&src).unwrap(), original, "the original is byte-identical");
+
+    // the exact path of the control channel / MCP, also spelled another way
+    std::fs::create_dir_all(dir.join("sub")).unwrap();
+    for exact in [src.to_string_lossy().to_string(), dir.join("sub/../IMG_1.jpg").to_string_lossy().to_string()] {
+        let to = Destination { dir: String::new(), exact: Some(exact) };
+        assert!(disk_batch(&mut s, id, &o, &to).unwrap_err().contains("never writes over an original"));
+    }
+    // the "Original" format re-writing the file onto itself (and its sidecar)
+    let orig = ExportOptions { format: ExportFormat::Original, ..o.clone() };
+    assert!(disk_batch(&mut s, id, &orig, &folder).is_err());
+    assert_eq!(std::fs::read(&src).unwrap(), original);
+    assert!(s.execute("export.checkTarget", &json!({"path": src.to_string_lossy()})).is_err());
+    assert!(s.execute("export.checkTarget", &json!({"path": dir.join("free.jpg").to_string_lossy()})).is_ok());
+
+    // Unique moves past it; Overwrite still replaces an ordinary earlier export
+    let unique = ExportOptions { conflict: Conflict::Unique, ..o.clone() };
+    let files = disk_batch(&mut s, id, &unique, &folder).unwrap();
+    assert!(files[0]["path"].as_str().unwrap().ends_with("IMG_1-2.jpg"), "{files:?}");
+    let earlier = dir.join("IMG_1-2.jpg");
+    std::fs::write(&earlier, b"an earlier export").unwrap();
+    let named = ExportOptions { naming: "{name}-2".into(), ..o };
+    disk_batch(&mut s, id, &named, &folder).unwrap();
+    assert_ne!(std::fs::read(&earlier).unwrap(), b"an earlier export", "an ordinary file is overwritten");
+    assert_eq!(std::fs::read(&src).unwrap(), original);
+    let _ = std::fs::remove_dir_all(&dir);
+}
+
+/// Issue #93: the XMP sidecar of an "Original" export ignored the conflict policy.
+#[test]
+fn export_sidecars_follow_the_conflict_policy() {
+    use crate::export::{Conflict, Destination};
+    let (mut s, id, dir, _src, original) = library_with_jpeg("export-sidecar");
+    let out = dir.join("out");
+    std::fs::create_dir_all(&out).unwrap();
+    let theirs = out.join("IMG_1.xmp");
+    std::fs::write(&theirs, b"someone else's sidecar").unwrap();
+    let to = Destination { dir: out.to_string_lossy().to_string(), exact: None };
+    let o = ExportOptions { format: ExportFormat::Original, naming: "{name}".into(), ..Default::default() };
+
+    // Unique: the photo and its sidecar both move to the next free name
+    let files = disk_batch(&mut s, id, &ExportOptions { conflict: Conflict::Unique, ..o.clone() }, &to).unwrap();
+    assert!(files[0]["path"].as_str().unwrap().ends_with("IMG_1-2.jpg"), "{files:?}");
+    assert!(files[0]["sidecars"][0].as_str().unwrap().ends_with("IMG_1-2.xmp"), "{files:?}");
+    assert_eq!(std::fs::read(&theirs).unwrap(), b"someone else's sidecar");
+    assert_eq!(std::fs::read(out.join("IMG_1-2.jpg")).unwrap(), original);
+    // Skip: a taken sidecar name skips the photo
+    std::fs::remove_file(out.join("IMG_1-2.jpg")).unwrap();
+    std::fs::remove_file(out.join("IMG_1-2.xmp")).unwrap();
+    let files = disk_batch(&mut s, id, &ExportOptions { conflict: Conflict::Skip, ..o.clone() }, &to).unwrap();
+    assert!(files[0]["skipped"].as_str().is_some(), "{files:?}");
+    assert!(!out.join("IMG_1.jpg").exists());
+    assert_eq!(std::fs::read(&theirs).unwrap(), b"someone else's sidecar");
+    // Overwrite: replaced, as asked
+    disk_batch(&mut s, id, &ExportOptions { conflict: Conflict::Overwrite, ..o }, &to).unwrap();
+    assert!(std::fs::read_to_string(&theirs).unwrap().contains("xmpmeta"));
+    let _ = std::fs::remove_dir_all(&dir);
+}
+
+/// Issue #93: the native writer truncated the target first; a failure mid-write (full disk,
+/// unplugged drive) now leaves the previous file intact and no partial one.
+#[test]
+fn a_failed_export_write_keeps_the_previous_file() {
+    use crate::export::{Conflict, Destination};
+    let (mut s, id, dir, _src, _) = library_with_jpeg("export-midwrite");
+    let out = dir.join("out");
+    std::fs::create_dir_all(&out).unwrap();
+    let prev = out.join("IMG_1.jpg");
+    std::fs::write(&prev, b"last week's export").unwrap();
+    let to = Destination { dir: out.to_string_lossy().to_string(), exact: None };
+    let o = ExportOptions { conflict: Conflict::Overwrite, ..Default::default() };
+    {
+        let _fault = lightcraft_catalog::safe_file::fail_writes_after(100);
+        let err = disk_batch(&mut s, id, &o, &to).unwrap_err();
+        assert!(err.contains("injected"), "{err}");
+    }
+    assert_eq!(std::fs::read(&prev).unwrap(), b"last week's export");
+    assert_eq!(std::fs::read_dir(&out).unwrap().count(), 1, "no temp file left behind");
+    disk_batch(&mut s, id, &o, &to).unwrap();
+    assert_ne!(std::fs::read(&prev).unwrap(), b"last week's export");
+    let _ = std::fs::remove_dir_all(&dir);
+}
diff --git a/crates/mcp/src/headless.rs b/crates/mcp/src/headless.rs
index c5154ca4..2ae21b25 100644
--- a/crates/mcp/src/headless.rs
+++ b/crates/mcp/src/headless.rs
@@ -78,12 +78,7 @@ impl Headless {
             None => vec![self.photo_or_active(p)?],
         };
         let dir = p.get("dir").and_then(Value::as_str).unwrap_or("");
-        let write = &mut |path: &str, bytes: &[u8]| {
-            if let Some(parent) = Path::new(path).parent().filter(|d| !d.as_os_str().is_empty()) {
-                std::fs::create_dir_all(parent).map_err(|err| err.to_string())?;
-            }
-            std::fs::write(path, bytes).map_err(|err| format!("{path}: {err}"))
-        };
+        let write = &mut lightcraft_engine::export::write_file;
         let files =
             export_batch(&mut self.session, &ids, &opts, &Destination { dir: dir.to_string(), exact: exact.map(str::to_string) }, write, &|path| {
                 Path::new(path).exists()
@@ -118,6 +113,7 @@ impl Backend for Headless {
                 let img = self.render(&p, 1600)?;
                 match p.get("path").and_then(Value::as_str) {
                     Some(path) => {
+                        self.session.check_write_target(path)?;
                         write_image(Path::new(path), &img, 92)?;
                         Ok(json!({"path": path, "width": img.width, "height": img.height}))
                     }
@@ -183,7 +179,7 @@ pub fn encode_image(ext: &str, img: &Rgba8, quality: u8) -> Result<Vec<u8>, Stri
 pub fn write_image(path: &Path, img: &Rgba8, quality: u8) -> Result<(), String> {
     let ext = path.extension().map(|e| e.to_string_lossy().to_string()).unwrap_or_default();
     let bytes = encode_image(&ext, img, quality)?;
-    std::fs::write(path, bytes).map_err(|e| format!("{}: {e}", path.display()))
+    lightcraft_engine::export::write_file(&path.to_string_lossy(), &bytes)
 }
 
 #[cfg(test)]
diff --git a/crates/mcp/src/tests.rs b/crates/mcp/src/tests.rs
index 517326ed..c613bf37 100644
--- a/crates/mcp/src/tests.rs
+++ b/crates/mcp/src/tests.rs
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 use serde_json::{Value, json};
 
-use crate::{Headless, PROTOCOL_VERSION, Server, call_tool, command_tool_name};
+use crate::{Backend, Headless, PROTOCOL_VERSION, Server, call_tool, command_tool_name};
 
 fn server() -> Server {
     Server::new(Box::new(Headless::demo()))
@@ -92,6 +92,34 @@ fn import_tool_copies_with_a_folder_template() {
     let _ = std::fs::remove_dir_all(&base);
 }
 
+/// Issue #93: `render_photo`, `ui.render` and `app.export` with an exact `path` must not replace
+/// a photo's original.
+#[test]
+fn path_writes_never_replace_an_original() {
+    let base = std::env::temp_dir().join(format!("lc-mcp-guard-{}", std::process::id()));
+    let _ = std::fs::remove_dir_all(&base);
+    std::fs::create_dir_all(&base).unwrap();
+    let img = lightcraft_raster::Rgba8 { width: 8, height: 8, data: vec![[90, 30, 9, 255]; 64] };
+    let png = lightcraft_codecs::encode_png(&lightcraft_codecs::EncodeImage::rgba8(&img), &lightcraft_codecs::EncodeMeta::default()).unwrap();
+    let orig = base.join("a.png");
+    std::fs::write(&orig, &png).unwrap();
+    let mut b = Headless::demo();
+    let r = call_tool(&mut b, "import", &json!({"paths": [orig.to_string_lossy()]}));
+    assert!(!r.is_error, "{r:?}");
+    let id = b.session.catalog.photos().find(|p| p.file_name == "a.png").unwrap().id.0;
+    let path = orig.to_string_lossy().to_string();
+    let r = call_tool(&mut b, "render_photo", &json!({"id": id, "path": path}));
+    assert!(r.is_error, "{r:?}");
+    assert!(b.call("ui.render", json!({"id": id, "path": path})).unwrap_err().contains("original"));
+    let e = b.call("app.export", json!({"ids": [id], "path": path})).unwrap_err();
+    assert!(e.contains("never writes over an original"), "{e}");
+    assert_eq!(std::fs::read(&orig).unwrap(), png, "the original is untouched");
+    // another path still works
+    let r = call_tool(&mut b, "render_photo", &json!({"id": id, "path": base.join("render.png").to_string_lossy()}));
+    assert!(!r.is_error, "{r:?}");
+    let _ = std::fs::remove_dir_all(&base);
+}
+
 /// The `import` helper moves: renamed into the folder template, the source removed.
 #[test]
 fn import_tool_moves_with_a_folder_template() {
diff --git a/crates/mcp/src/tools.rs b/crates/mcp/src/tools.rs
index 7e2e212b..cc977556 100644
--- a/crates/mcp/src/tools.rs
+++ b/crates/mcp/src/tools.rs
@@ -352,9 +352,9 @@ fn image_result(file: &std::path::Path, max: Option<u32>, format: &str, save_to:
         (bytes, w, h)
     };
     if let Some(p) = save_to
-        && let Err(e) = std::fs::write(p, &bytes)
+        && let Err(e) = lightcraft_engine::export::write_file(p, &bytes)
     {
-        return ToolResult::error(format!("{p}: {e}"));
+        return ToolResult::error(e);
     }
     let mime = if jpeg { "image/jpeg" } else { "image/png" };
     let mut info = meta;
@@ -372,7 +372,18 @@ fn image_result(file: &std::path::Path, max: Option<u32>, format: &str, save_to:
     }
 }
 
+/// A user-given `path` to save to must not be a photo's original (or its sidecar).
+fn check_save_path(b: &mut dyn Backend, args: &Value) -> Result<(), String> {
+    match args.get("path").and_then(Value::as_str) {
+        Some(p) => exec(b, "export.checkTarget", json!({"path": p})).map(|_| ()),
+        None => Ok(()),
+    }
+}
+
 fn render_photo(b: &mut dyn Backend, args: &Value) -> ToolResult {
+    if let Err(e) = check_save_path(b, args) {
+        return ToolResult::error(e);
+    }
     let size = args.get("size").and_then(Value::as_u64).unwrap_or(1024).clamp(16, 4096);
     let id = match args.get("id").and_then(Value::as_u64) {
         Some(id) => Some(id),
@@ -394,6 +405,9 @@ fn render_photo(b: &mut dyn Backend, args: &Value) -> ToolResult {
 }
 
 fn screenshot(b: &mut dyn Backend, args: &Value) -> ToolResult {
+    if let Err(e) = check_save_path(b, args) {
+        return ToolResult::error(e);
+    }
     let file = temp_path("screenshot");
     let path = file.to_string_lossy().to_string();
     match b.call("ui.screenshot", json!({"path": path})) {
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/src/control.rs b/crates/ui-egui/src/control.rs
index e71124de..26408bc4 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/src/control.rs
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/src/control.rs
@@ -290,12 +290,19 @@ pub fn handle(app: &mut LightcraftApp, ctx: &egui::Context, req: &ControlRequest
             ok(Value::Null)
         }
         "ui.screenshot" => {
+            // never over a photo's original
+            if let Some(Err(e)) = s("path").map(|path| app.session.check_write_target(path)) {
+                return err(e);
+            }
             ctx.request_repaint();
             Outcome::Screenshot { path: s("path").map(str::to_string), headless: p.get("headless").and_then(Value::as_bool).unwrap_or(false) }
         }
         "ui.render" => {
             let id = p.get("id").and_then(Value::as_u64).map(lightcraft_catalog::PhotoId).or(app.session.active());
             let Some(id) = id else { return err("no photo") };
+            if let Some(Err(e)) = s("path").map(|path| app.session.check_write_target(path)) {
+                return err(e);
+            }
             let size = p.get("size").and_then(Value::as_u64).unwrap_or(1600) as usize;
             match app.session.render_now(id, size, size) {
                 Ok(r) => match (s("path"), app.services.png.as_ref()) {
@@ -356,11 +363,7 @@ pub fn export_active(app: &mut LightcraftApp, p: &Value) -> Result<Value, String
     let to = Destination { dir: dir.clone(), exact: p.get("path").and_then(Value::as_str).map(str::to_string) };
     let background = p.get("background").and_then(Value::as_bool).unwrap_or(false) && app.services.write_shared.is_some();
     let out = if background {
-        let items = ids
-            .iter()
-            .enumerate()
-            .map(|(i, id)| lightcraft_engine::export::prepare_export(&mut app.session, *id, &opts, i + 1))
-            .collect::<Result<Vec<_>, _>>()?;
+        let items = lightcraft_engine::export::prepare_batch(&mut app.session, &ids, &opts)?;
         crate::export_task::start(app, items, opts, to)?
     } else {
         let w = app.services.write.as_mut().ok_or("no writer")?;
diff --git a/docs/parity.md b/docs/parity.md
index b8f0e30c..717096a8 100644
--- a/docs/parity.md
+++ b/docs/parity.md
@@ -436,10 +436,10 @@ under the UI command that wraps it (a no-op error); the UI command now wins.
 | LR-EXP-METADATA | Metadata policy | P1 | ✅ | `cmd:app.export` (`metadata`, `removeLocation`) | |
 | LR-EXP-WATERMARK | Watermark | P1 | ✅ | `cmd:app.export` (`watermark`: text or `image` + `imageWidth`), `crates/engine/src/export.rs` (`Watermark`) | text (size, colour, shadow) or a graphic with transparency (width as % of the photo, converted to the output colour space); position, inset, opacity |
 | LR-EXP-NAMING | File naming | P1 | ✅ | `cmd:app.export` (`naming`, `startNumber`), `crates/engine/src/rename.rs` (`expand_tokens`) | one template language for export, Rename Photos and import renaming: `{name}`, `{num}` (number at the end of the name), `{seq}` / `{seq:N}`, `{date}` / `{date:%Y-%m-%d}`, `{folder}`, `{camera}`, `{lens}`, `{iso}`, `{rating}`, `{title}`, `{creator}`, `{ext}`; free-form template rather than a list of named schemes |
-| LR-EXP-LOCATION | Destination folder | P0 | ✅ | `cmd:app.export` (`dir`, `subfolder`, `conflict`: unique / overwrite / skip), `crates/ui-egui/src/panels/dialogs.rs` (Choose… folder picker) | folder picker on the desktop; existing files get `-2`, `-3`… by default |
+| LR-EXP-LOCATION | Destination folder | P0 | ✅ | `cmd:app.export` (`dir`, `subfolder`, `conflict`: unique / overwrite / skip), `cmd:export.checkTarget`, `crates/ui-egui/src/panels/dialogs.rs` (Choose… folder picker), `crates/engine/src/originals.rs`, `crates/catalog/src/safe_file.rs` | folder picker on the desktop; existing files get `-2`, `-3`… by default; the policy covers a file and its sidecars together; a catalogued original (or its sidecar) is never written over, whatever the policy or an exact `path` (export, `ui.render`, MCP `render_photo`, merge `previewPath`, `lightcraft-cli render`); files are written to a temp file, synced and renamed into place (issue #93) |
 | LR-EXP-PREVIOUS | Export with previous settings | P0 | ✅ | `cmd:app.exportPrevious`, `cmd:dialog.export` | last options persist in prefs.json; dialog prefilled; no named export presets yet |
 | LR-EXP-DNGOPT | DNG options | P2 | 🟡 | `cmd:app.export` (`dngCompression`), `crates/engine/src/export.rs` | compression: lossless JPEG (default), ZIP or none; no embedded JPEG preview size, no lossy DNG output |
-| LR-EXP-ORIGINAL | Original + XMP | P1 | ✅ | `cmd:app.export` (`format: original`) | file copied byte for byte, sidecar named after the output |
+| LR-EXP-ORIGINAL | Original + XMP | P1 | ✅ | `cmd:app.export` (`format: original`), `crates/engine/src/tests_export.rs` | file copied byte for byte, sidecar named after the output and subject to the conflict policy |
 | LR-EXP-PHOTOS | Export to the system photo library | P2 | ⬜ | | |
 | LR-EXP-PSD | Round trip to an external editor | P2 | ✅ | `cmd:photo.editExternal`, `cmd:photo.editInExternal`, `crates/engine/src/cmd/convert.rs` | a 16-bit TIFF `-Edit` copy with the edits (Adobe RGB / ProPhoto / P3 / sRGB) next to the original, added stacked on top of it and opened in the editor set in Settings ▸ General (or the system default) |
 
diff --git a/docs/whats-new.md b/docs/whats-new.md
index dbbadf90..42baa1bf 100644
--- a/docs/whats-new.md
+++ b/docs/whats-new.md
@@ -10,6 +10,13 @@
 - 23 new built-in presets: Portrait, Landscape, Urban, Food, Seasons, Vintage and B&W toners.
 
 ### Reliability
+- Exports and renders never write over a photo's original (issue #93): exporting into the photo's own folder with
+  the same name and "Overwrite" (or Export with Previous repeating it), an exact output path from the control
+  channel or MCP, a merge preview path or `lightcraft-cli render IMG.jpg -o IMG.jpg` is refused with a clear
+  message, and the original is left byte for byte. Ordinary earlier exports are still overwritten when asked.
+  Exported files are written to a temp file, synced and then renamed into place, so a full disk or an unplugged
+  drive never leaves a truncated file; the XMP sidecar of an "Original" export follows the "If file exists"
+  choice too.
 - Canon CR2 photos from the EOS 7D, 50D, 60D, 550D, 600D, 1200D, 1300D, 5D Mark II and 1D Mark IV (and other
   models whose sensor starts on a green-blue row) no longer come out magenta (issue #85): the colour-filter
   layout is read from each file instead of assumed.