diff --git a/node-graph/graph-craft/src/document/value.rs b/node-graph/graph-craft/src/document/value.rs
index 0a23d0eeca..98f445a8a8 100644
--- a/node-graph/graph-craft/src/document/value.rs
+++ b/node-graph/graph-craft/src/document/value.rs
@@ -372,7 +372,7 @@ macro_rules! tagged_value {
 				}
 				$(
 					if ty == core_types::registry::record_edge_type::<$ty>() {
-						let layout = handle.layout().ok_or_else(|| "a record edge must carry its layout".to_string())?.clone();
+						let layout = handle.layout().clone();
 						return Ok(handle
 							.downcast_record::<$ty>()
 							.map_err(|e| format!("{e:?}"))?
@@ -381,7 +381,7 @@ macro_rules! tagged_value {
 					}
 				)*
 				if ty == core_types::registry::record_edge_type::<RenderOutput>() {
-					let layout = handle.layout().ok_or_else(|| "a record edge must carry its layout".to_string())?.clone();
+					let layout = handle.layout().clone();
 					return Ok(handle
 						.downcast_record::<RenderOutput>()
 						.map_err(|e| format!("{e:?}"))?
diff --git a/node-graph/graph-craft/src/proto.rs b/node-graph/graph-craft/src/proto.rs
index b5544ccae0..a3ab97b554 100644
--- a/node-graph/graph-craft/src/proto.rs
+++ b/node-graph/graph-craft/src/proto.rs
@@ -128,7 +128,7 @@ impl ConstructionArgs {
 pub(crate) struct Resolved {
 	pub io: Option<NodeIOTypes>,
 	pub layout_meta: Option<core_types::record::LayoutMeta>,
-	pub layout: Option<core_types::record::Layout>,
+	pub layout: Option<core_types::record::RecordLayout>,
 }
 
 impl PartialEq for Resolved {
@@ -221,7 +221,7 @@ impl ProtoNode {
 		}
 	}
 
-	pub fn resolved_layout(&self) -> Option<&core_types::record::Layout> {
+	pub fn resolved_layout(&self) -> Option<&core_types::record::RecordLayout> {
 		self.resolved.layout.as_ref()
 	}
 }
@@ -372,10 +372,18 @@ impl ProtoNetwork {
 			let layout = {
 				let node = &self.nodes[index].1;
 				match &node.construction_args {
-					ConstructionArgs::Value(value) => value.element_write().map(|element| core_types::record::Layout::default().with_writes(0, element, &[])),
+					ConstructionArgs::Value(value) => value.element_write().map(|element| {
+						let layout = core_types::record::Layout::default().with_writes(0, element, &[]);
+						core_types::record::RecordLayout {
+							frame_bytes: layout.frame_bytes(),
+							plan: Vec::new(),
+							layout,
+						}
+					}),
 					ConstructionArgs::Nodes(inputs) => node.resolved.layout_meta.as_ref().and_then(|meta| {
-						let input_layouts: Vec<Option<&core_types::record::Layout>> = inputs.iter().map(|input| self.nodes[input.0 as usize].1.resolved.layout.as_ref()).collect();
-						meta.sources.iter().all(|&source| input_layouts[source as usize].is_some()).then(|| meta.fold(&input_layouts))
+						let input_layouts: Vec<Option<&core_types::record::Layout>> =
+							inputs.iter().map(|input| self.nodes[input.0 as usize].1.resolved.layout.as_ref().map(|resolved| &resolved.layout)).collect();
+						meta.sources.iter().all(|&source| input_layouts[source as usize].is_some()).then(|| meta.resolve(&input_layouts))
 					}),
 					ConstructionArgs::Inline(_) => None,
 				}
diff --git a/node-graph/interpreted-executor/src/dynamic_executor.rs b/node-graph/interpreted-executor/src/dynamic_executor.rs
index fbdf5b45cc..62d176b85b 100644
--- a/node-graph/interpreted-executor/src/dynamic_executor.rs
+++ b/node-graph/interpreted-executor/src/dynamic_executor.rs
@@ -476,15 +476,16 @@ impl BorrowTree {
 					.clone()
 					.to_edge()
 					.map_err(|error| vec![GraphError::new(&proto_node, GraphErrorType::ConstructionFailed(error))])?;
-				debug_assert!(proto_node.resolved_layout().map_or(true, |expected| node.layout() == Some(expected)), "layout pass disagrees with construction for {}", proto_node.identifier.as_str());
 				self.store_node(node, id, path.into());
 			}
 			ConstructionArgs::Inline(_) => unimplemented!("Inline nodes are not supported yet"),
 			ConstructionArgs::Nodes(ids) => {
 				let construction_nodes = self.node_deps(ids);
 				let constructor = typing_context.constructor(id).ok_or_else(|| vec![GraphError::new(&proto_node, GraphErrorType::NoConstructor)])?;
-				let node = constructor(construction_nodes).map_err(|error| vec![GraphError::new(&proto_node, GraphErrorType::ConstructionFailed(format!("{error:?}")))])?;
-				debug_assert!(proto_node.resolved_layout().map_or(true, |expected| node.layout() == Some(expected)), "layout pass disagrees with construction for {}", proto_node.identifier.as_str());
+				let mut node = constructor(construction_nodes).map_err(|error| vec![GraphError::new(&proto_node, GraphErrorType::ConstructionFailed(format!("{error:?}")))])?;
+				if let Some(layout) = proto_node.resolved_layout() {
+					node.set_layout(layout.clone());
+				}
 				self.store_node(node, id, path.into());
 			}
 		};
@@ -503,7 +504,7 @@ impl BorrowTree {
 	}
 
 	fn frame_bytes(&self, id: NodeId) -> usize {
-		self.nodes.get(&id).and_then(|(handle, _)| handle.layout()).map_or(0, |layout| layout.frame_bytes())
+		self.nodes.get(&id).map_or(0, |(handle, _)| handle.layout().frame_bytes())
 	}
 }
 
diff --git a/node-graph/interpreted-executor/src/node_registry.rs b/node-graph/interpreted-executor/src/node_registry.rs
index 3928b0d6ef..8441a696ab 100644
--- a/node-graph/interpreted-executor/src/node_registry.rs
+++ b/node-graph/interpreted-executor/src/node_registry.rs
@@ -191,9 +191,7 @@ mod node_registry_macros {
 						}
 						let mut inputs = inputs.into_iter();
 						let handle = inputs.next().unwrap();
-						let Some(layout) = handle.layout().cloned() else {
-							return Err(ConstructionError::MissingLayout);
-						};
+						let layout = handle.layout().clone();
 						let node = graphene_std::ops::IntoNode::<$to, _, $from>::new(handle.downcast_record::<$from>()?, &layout);
 						Ok(EdgeHandle::new_record::<$to>(std::sync::Arc::new(node) as std::sync::Arc<core_types::registry::ErasedRecordNode>))
 					},
@@ -265,10 +263,8 @@ mod node_registry_macros {
 						let mut inputs = inputs.into_iter();
 						let mut claim = || {
 							let handle = inputs.next().unwrap();
-							let Some(layout) = handle.layout().cloned() else {
-								return Err(ConstructionError::MissingLayout);
-							};
-							Ok((handle, layout))
+							let layout = handle.layout().clone();
+							Ok::<_, ConstructionError>((handle, layout))
 						};
 						let (value, value_layout) = claim()?;
 						let (converter, converter_layout) = claim()?;
@@ -305,13 +301,9 @@ mod node_registry_macros {
 						}
 						let mut inputs = inputs.into_iter();
 						let value = inputs.next().unwrap();
-						let Some(value_layout) = value.layout().cloned() else {
-							return Err(ConstructionError::MissingLayout);
-						};
+						let value_layout = value.layout().clone();
 						let converter = inputs.next().unwrap();
-						let Some(converter_layout) = converter.layout().cloned() else {
-							return Err(ConstructionError::MissingLayout);
-						};
+						let converter_layout = converter.layout().clone();
 						let node = graphene_std::ops::ConvertNode::<$to, _, _, $from, $convert>::new(
 							value.downcast_record::<$from>()?,
 							converter.downcast_record::<$convert>()?,
diff --git a/node-graph/libraries/core-types/src/node.rs b/node-graph/libraries/core-types/src/node.rs
index 5a6f0be357..e3aae39356 100644
--- a/node-graph/libraries/core-types/src/node.rs
+++ b/node-graph/libraries/core-types/src/node.rs
@@ -278,6 +278,9 @@ pub trait Node<Input> {
 		crate::record::empty_layout()
 	}
 
+	/// Installs this node's resolved record layout; a no-op unless it produces records.
+	fn set_layout(&mut self, _layout: crate::record::RecordLayout) {}
+
 	fn eval_batch<'a>(&'a self, input: &'a Input, range: Range<u64>, scratch: Option<&'a mut [MaybeUninit<Self::Output>]>) -> BatchStatus<'a, Self::Output>
 	where
 		Input: InjectIndex + Copy,
diff --git a/node-graph/libraries/core-types/src/record.rs b/node-graph/libraries/core-types/src/record.rs
index 896e2404b3..6bfc272079 100644
--- a/node-graph/libraries/core-types/src/record.rs
+++ b/node-graph/libraries/core-types/src/record.rs
@@ -243,6 +243,14 @@ pub fn empty_layout() -> &'static Layout {
 }
 
 /// Declarative record-io metadata for a node type, emitted by the macro into
+/// A record node's output layout with the frame size and carrier copy plan derived from it.
+#[derive(Clone, Debug, Default)]
+pub struct RecordLayout {
+	pub layout: Layout,
+	pub frame_bytes: usize,
+	pub plan: Vec<(usize, usize, usize)>,
+}
+
 /// its registry entry so the compiler can fold each wire's layout without
 /// running the node's constructor. [`fold`](LayoutMeta::fold) reproduces the
 /// layout the constructor derives at wiring today; the compiler layout pass
@@ -287,8 +295,7 @@ pub enum ElementSpec {
 }
 
 impl LayoutMeta {
-	/// The meta of an elementwise carrier flip that retypes input 0's element,
-	/// preserving its depth and attributes: what an `Into`/`Convert` coercion derives.
+	/// Keeps input 0's layout but replaces its element.
 	pub fn retype(element: ElementWrite) -> Self {
 		Self {
 			sources: vec![0],
@@ -318,6 +325,23 @@ impl LayoutMeta {
 		};
 		base.with_writes(depth, element, &self.writes)
 	}
+
+	/// [`fold`](LayoutMeta::fold) with the frame size and carrier copy plan derived from it.
+	pub fn resolve(&self, inputs: &[Option<&Layout>]) -> RecordLayout {
+		let layout = self.fold(inputs);
+		let frame_bytes = layout.frame_bytes();
+		let plan = match self.sources.first() {
+			// A reducer collapses its carrier's levels, so it writes a fresh record rather than copying fields down.
+			Some(&source) if self.level_delta >= 0 => {
+				let from = inputs[source as usize].expect("layout resolve source input has no layout");
+				let carry_element = matches!(self.element, ElementSpec::Carried);
+				let removes: Vec<(&str, u8)> = self.removes.clone();
+				copy_plan(from, &layout, carry_element, &removes)
+			}
+			_ => Vec::new(),
+		};
+		RecordLayout { layout, frame_bytes, plan }
+	}
 }
 
 /// A view of one record: a pointer whose layout is proven at wiring.
diff --git a/node-graph/libraries/core-types/src/registry.rs b/node-graph/libraries/core-types/src/registry.rs
index 2e02bc5548..57206f83d9 100644
--- a/node-graph/libraries/core-types/src/registry.rs
+++ b/node-graph/libraries/core-types/src/registry.rs
@@ -113,7 +113,6 @@ pub fn cache_key<C: CacheHash + ?Sized>(ctx: &C) -> u64 {
 pub enum ConstructionError {
 	Arity { expected: usize, got: usize },
 	Type { expected: Box<Type>, found: Box<Type> },
-	MissingLayout,
 }
 
 pub struct SharedEdge<N: ?Sized> {
@@ -193,7 +192,8 @@ pub struct EdgeHandle {
 	node: Box<DynEdge>,
 	share: fn(&DynEdge) -> Box<DynEdge>,
 	serialize: fn(&DynEdge) -> Option<std::sync::Arc<dyn std::any::Any + Send + Sync>>,
-	layout: fn(&DynEdge) -> Option<&crate::record::Layout>,
+	layout: fn(&DynEdge) -> &crate::record::Layout,
+	set_layout: fn(&mut DynEdge, crate::record::RecordLayout),
 	ty: Type,
 }
 
@@ -228,7 +228,12 @@ impl EdgeHandle {
 			node: Box::new(SharedEdge::new(node)),
 			share: |edge| Box::new(edge.downcast_ref::<SharedEdge<N>>().expect("share hook matches the stored edge type").share()),
 			serialize: |edge| Node::<ContextImpl>::serialize(edge.downcast_ref::<SharedEdge<N>>().expect("serialize hook matches the stored edge type")),
-			layout: |edge| Some(Node::<ContextImpl>::layout(edge.downcast_ref::<SharedEdge<N>>().expect("layout hook matches the stored edge type"))),
+			layout: |edge| Node::<ContextImpl>::layout(edge.downcast_ref::<SharedEdge<N>>().expect("layout hook matches the stored edge type")),
+			set_layout: |edge, layout| {
+				let shared = edge.downcast_mut::<SharedEdge<N>>().expect("set_layout hook matches the stored edge type");
+				let node = std::sync::Arc::get_mut(&mut shared.own).expect("layout is installed before the node is shared");
+				Node::<ContextImpl>::set_layout(node, layout);
+			},
 			ty,
 		}
 	}
@@ -243,6 +248,7 @@ impl EdgeHandle {
 			share: self.share,
 			serialize: self.serialize,
 			layout: self.layout,
+			set_layout: self.set_layout,
 			ty: self.ty.clone(),
 		}
 	}
@@ -251,10 +257,14 @@ impl EdgeHandle {
 		(self.serialize)(&*self.node)
 	}
 
-	pub fn layout(&self) -> Option<&crate::record::Layout> {
+	pub fn layout(&self) -> &crate::record::Layout {
 		(self.layout)(&*self.node)
 	}
 
+	pub fn set_layout(&mut self, layout: crate::record::RecordLayout) {
+		(self.set_layout)(&mut *self.node, layout);
+	}
+
 	pub fn downcast<T: 'static>(self) -> Result<SharedEdge<ErasedNode<T>>, ConstructionError> {
 		self.downcast_erased(edge_type::<T>())
 	}
diff --git a/node-graph/node-macro/src/codegen.rs b/node-graph/node-macro/src/codegen.rs
index 132ec44e0d..495fa26acf 100644
--- a/node-graph/node-macro/src/codegen.rs
+++ b/node-graph/node-macro/src/codegen.rs
@@ -403,19 +403,7 @@ pub(crate) fn generate_node_code(crate_ident: &CrateIdent, parsed: &ParsedNodeFn
 		})
 		.into_iter()
 		.flatten();
-	let flip_prelude = flip
-		.then(|| match carrier_flip {
-			true => quote! {
-				let __layout = __in_0.with_writes(__in_0.depth, gcore::record::element_write::<#slot_value_type>(), &[]);
-				let __plan = gcore::record::copy_plan(__in_0, &__layout, false, &[]);
-				let __frame_bytes = __layout.frame_bytes();
-			},
-			false => quote! {
-				let __layout = gcore::record::Layout::default().with_writes(0, gcore::record::element_write::<#slot_value_type>(), &[]);
-				let __frame_bytes = __layout.frame_bytes();
-			},
-		})
-		.into_iter();
+	// The output layout, frame size, and copy plan are installed by `set_layout`.
 	let flip_read_bindings = flip
 		.then(|| {
 			lazy_read_fields(&struct_regular_fields).into_iter().map(|(index, field)| {
@@ -441,15 +429,12 @@ pub(crate) fn generate_node_code(crate_ident: &CrateIdent, parsed: &ParsedNodeFn
 		.flatten();
 	let flip_output_inits = flip
 		.then(|| {
-			let plan = carrier_flip.then(|| quote!(__plan,));
-			match flip_generic_idents.is_empty() {
-				true => quote!(__layout, __frame_bytes, #plan),
-				false => quote!(__layout, __frame_bytes, #plan __marker: ::core::marker::PhantomData,),
-			}
+			let plan = carrier_flip.then(|| quote!(__plan: ::std::vec::Vec::new(),));
+			let marker = (!flip_generic_idents.is_empty()).then(|| quote!(__marker: ::core::marker::PhantomData,));
+			quote!(__layout: ::core::default::Default::default(), __frame_bytes: 0, #plan #marker)
 		})
 		.into_iter();
-	// The flip prelude's `element_write` instantiates the erased glue at the
-	// output type, so `new` carries the bounds the glue needs.
+	// `new` carries the bounds the erased glue needs at the output type.
 	let new_where = flip
 		.then(|| {
 			let existing = parsed.where_clause.iter().flat_map(|clause| clause.predicates.iter());
@@ -463,7 +448,6 @@ pub(crate) fn generate_node_code(crate_ident: &CrateIdent, parsed: &ParsedNodeFn
 			{
 				#[allow(clippy::too_many_arguments)]
 				pub fn new(#(#new_args,)* #(#routing_layout_param)* #(#routing_in_params)* #(#flip_layout_params)*) -> Self {
-					#(#flip_prelude)*
 					#(#flip_read_bindings)*
 					Self {
 						#(#all_field_inits,)*
@@ -747,8 +731,6 @@ pub(crate) fn generate_node_impl(crate_ident: &CrateIdent, parsed: &ParsedNodeFn
 		crate::codegen::ir::Element::Concrete(ty) => Some(ty),
 		_ => None,
 	});
-	// A creator pushes rank levels: its `IList` return raises the output depth
-	// above its carrier's, so the layout writes one level deeper.
 	let subject_depth = node.inputs.iter().find(|input| input.subject).map_or(0, |input| input.shape.depth);
 	let level_delta = node.output.shape.depth as i8 - subject_depth as i8;
 	let pushed_levels = level_delta.max(0) as u8;
@@ -1709,14 +1691,60 @@ pub(crate) fn generate_node_impl(crate_ident: &CrateIdent, parsed: &ParsedNodeFn
 		false => Vec::new(),
 	};
 
+	let set_layout_body = if flip {
+		let plan = carrier_flip.then(|| quote!(self.__plan = __resolved.plan;));
+		Some(quote! {
+			self.__frame_bytes = __resolved.frame_bytes;
+			#plan
+			self.__layout = __resolved.layout;
+		})
+	} else if record_io {
+		let write_installs = write_markers.iter().enumerate().map(|(index, marker)| {
+			let slot = format_ident!("__write_{index}");
+			quote! {
+				self.#slot = __resolved.layout.offset_of(<#marker as #core_types::attribute::Attribute>::NAME, 0).expect("a written attribute is always part of the wired layout");
+			}
+		});
+		let plan = (!skips_carrier).then(|| quote!(self.__plan = __resolved.plan;));
+		Some(quote! {
+			#(#write_installs)*
+			self.__frame_bytes = __resolved.frame_bytes;
+			#plan
+			self.__layout = __resolved.layout;
+		})
+	} else {
+		None
+	};
+	let set_layout_method = set_layout_body.map(|body| {
+		quote! {
+			fn set_layout(&mut self, __resolved: #core_types::record::RecordLayout) {
+				#body
+			}
+		}
+	});
 	let record_layout_impl = match record_io || routing_generic.is_some() || flip || opaque {
 		true => quote! {
 			fn layout(&self) -> &#core_types::record::Layout {
 				&self.__layout
 			}
+			#set_layout_method
 		},
 		false => quote!(),
 	};
+	let flip_meta_concrete = flip && !element_write.is_some_and(|ty| crate::codegen::classify::contains_open_generic(parsed, ty));
+	let flip_layout_meta_fn = flip_meta_concrete.then(|| {
+		let layout_meta_fn = format_ident!("{}_layout_meta", fn_name);
+		let element_spec = match element_write {
+			Some(ty) => quote!(#core_types::record::ElementSpec::Concrete(#core_types::record::element_write::<#ty>())),
+			None => quote!(#core_types::record::ElementSpec::Carried),
+		};
+		let layout_meta = crate::codegen::ir::layout_meta_tokens(&node, element_spec, core_types);
+		quote! {
+			#vis fn #layout_meta_fn() -> #core_types::record::LayoutMeta {
+				#layout_meta
+			}
+		}
+	});
 
 	let entries = entries_tokens(parsed, &struct_name, &data_field_generic_idents, &regular_fields);
 	let cfg = crate::shader_nodes::modify_cfg(&parsed.attributes);
@@ -1769,13 +1797,6 @@ pub(crate) fn generate_node_impl(crate_ident: &CrateIdent, parsed: &ParsedNodeFn
 			let slot = format_ident!("__in_{index}");
 			quote!(#slot: &#core_types::record::Layout,)
 		});
-		let layout_binding = match skips_carrier {
-			true => quote!(let __layout = self::#layout_fn();),
-			false => quote!(let __layout = self::#layout_fn(__carrier_layout);),
-		};
-		let carry_element = element_write.is_none();
-		let plan_binding =
-			(!skips_carrier).then(|| quote!(let __plan = #core_types::record::copy_plan(__carrier_layout, &__layout, #carry_element, &[#(#remove_pairs),*]);));
 		let read_inits = flat_reads.iter().enumerate().map(|(slot, (owner, read))| {
 			let marker = &read.marker;
 			let slot = format_ident!("__read_{slot}");
@@ -1785,14 +1806,6 @@ pub(crate) fn generate_node_impl(crate_ident: &CrateIdent, parsed: &ParsedNodeFn
 			};
 			quote!(let #slot = #source.offset_of(<#marker as #core_types::attribute::Attribute>::NAME, 0);)
 		});
-		let write_inits = write_markers.iter().enumerate().map(|(index, marker)| {
-			let slot = format_ident!("__write_{index}");
-			quote! {
-				let #slot = __layout
-					.offset_of(<#marker as #core_types::attribute::Attribute>::NAME, 0)
-					.expect("a written attribute is always part of the wired layout");
-			}
-		});
 		let data_inits = data_names.iter().map(|name| quote!(#name: ::core::default::Default::default(),));
 		let edge_inits = regular_fields.iter().map(|field| {
 			let name = &field.pat_ident.ident;
@@ -1803,9 +1816,9 @@ pub(crate) fn generate_node_impl(crate_ident: &CrateIdent, parsed: &ParsedNodeFn
 			let slot = format_ident!("__in_{index}");
 			quote!(#slot: #slot.clone(),)
 		});
-		let plan_init = (!skips_carrier).then(|| quote!(__plan,)).into_iter();
+		let plan_default = (!skips_carrier).then(|| quote!(__plan: ::std::vec::Vec::new(),)).into_iter();
 		let read_names = (0..flat_reads.len()).map(|index| format_ident!("__read_{index}")).map(|slot| quote!(#slot,));
-		let write_names = (0..write_markers.len()).map(|index| format_ident!("__write_{index}")).map(|slot| quote!(#slot,));
+		let write_defaults = (0..write_markers.len()).map(|index| format_ident!("__write_{index}")).map(|slot| quote!(#slot: 0,));
 		quote! {
 			#layout_def
 			#layout_meta_def
@@ -1814,21 +1827,17 @@ pub(crate) fn generate_node_impl(crate_ident: &CrateIdent, parsed: &ParsedNodeFn
 			impl<#(#data_field_generic_idents,)* #(#node_generics,)*> #mod_name::#struct_name<#(#struct_type_params,)*> {
 				#[allow(clippy::too_many_arguments)]
 				#vis fn new(#(#edge_args,)* #(#carrier_layout_param)* #(#input_layout_params)*) -> Self {
-					#layout_binding
-					#plan_binding
 					#(#read_inits)*
-					#(#write_inits)*
-					let __frame_bytes = __layout.frame_bytes();
 					Self {
 						#(#data_inits)*
 						#(#edge_inits)*
 						#(#carrier_init)*
 						#(#input_layout_inits)*
-						__layout,
-						#(#plan_init)*
-						__frame_bytes,
+						__layout: ::core::default::Default::default(),
+						#(#plan_default)*
+						__frame_bytes: 0,
 						#(#read_names)*
-						#(#write_names)*
+						#(#write_defaults)*
 					}
 				}
 			}
@@ -1968,7 +1977,7 @@ pub(crate) fn generate_node_impl(crate_ident: &CrateIdent, parsed: &ParsedNodeFn
 	Ok(NodePlan {
 		kernel,
 		lazy_read_fns: quote!(#(#lazy_read_fns)*),
-		record_ctor: quote!(#record_wiring),
+		record_ctor: quote!(#record_wiring #flip_layout_meta_fn),
 		node_impl: top_level,
 		entries,
 		..Default::default()
diff --git a/node-graph/node-macro/src/codegen/entries.rs b/node-graph/node-macro/src/codegen/entries.rs
index 4935b01270..99253bb24d 100644
--- a/node-graph/node-macro/src/codegen/entries.rs
+++ b/node-graph/node-macro/src/codegen/entries.rs
@@ -132,9 +132,7 @@ fn flip_entries_tokens(parsed: &ParsedNodeFn, struct_name: &Ident, regular_field
 			let layout = format_ident!("__layout_{index}");
 			quote! {
 				let #handle = inputs.next().unwrap();
-				let Some(#layout) = #handle.layout().cloned() else {
-					return Err(gcore::registry::ConstructionError::MissingLayout);
-				};
+				let #layout = #handle.layout().clone();
 				let #name = #handle.downcast_record::<#ty>()?;
 			}
 		});
@@ -261,16 +259,12 @@ fn single_row_entries(parsed: &ParsedNodeFn, struct_name: &Ident, regular_fields
 			SlotKind::BaseGeneric(_) | SlotKind::BaseConcrete(_) => quote! {
 				let #handle = inputs.next().unwrap();
 				let #ty = #handle.ty().clone();
-				let Some(#layout) = #handle.layout().cloned() else {
-					return Err(gcore::registry::ConstructionError::MissingLayout);
-				};
+				let #layout = #handle.layout().clone();
 				let #name = #handle.downcast_erased::<gcore::registry::ErasedRecordNode>(#ty.clone())?;
 			},
 			SlotKind::Value(value_ty) => quote! {
 				let #handle = inputs.next().unwrap();
-				let Some(#layout) = #handle.layout().cloned() else {
-					return Err(gcore::registry::ConstructionError::MissingLayout);
-				};
+				let #layout = #handle.layout().clone();
 				let #name = #handle.downcast_record::<#value_ty>()?;
 			},
 			SlotKind::Plain(value_ty) | SlotKind::Lazy(value_ty) => quote!(let #name = inputs.next().unwrap().downcast::<#value_ty>()?;),
diff --git a/node-graph/nodes/gcore/src/record.rs b/node-graph/nodes/gcore/src/record.rs
index 51adb8dd0c..7b2a8a49d3 100644
--- a/node-graph/nodes/gcore/src/record.rs
+++ b/node-graph/nodes/gcore/src/record.rs
@@ -232,6 +232,21 @@ mod tests {
 		stack::reserve(layouts.iter().map(|layout| layout.frame_bytes()).sum::<usize>().max(1 << 12));
 	}
 
+	fn install<N: Node<ContextImpl<'static>>>(mut node: N, meta: core_types::record::LayoutMeta, inputs: &[Option<&Layout>]) -> N {
+		<N as Node<ContextImpl<'static>>>::set_layout(&mut node, meta.resolve(inputs));
+		node
+	}
+
+	fn install_flip<N: Node<ContextImpl<'static>>>(mut node: N, layout: &Layout) -> N {
+		let bundle = core_types::record::RecordLayout {
+			frame_bytes: layout.frame_bytes(),
+			plan: Vec::new(),
+			layout: layout.clone(),
+		};
+		<N as Node<ContextImpl<'static>>>::set_layout(&mut node, bundle);
+		node
+	}
+
 	fn lifted_value<T: Clone + Send + Sync + 'static>(value: T) -> (core_types::record::RecordLift<T, ValueNode<T>>, Layout) {
 		let lift = core_types::record::RecordLift::<T, _>::new(ValueNode(value));
 		let layout = Node::<ContextImpl>::layout(&lift).clone();
@@ -268,7 +283,7 @@ mod tests {
 		let leveled = repeat_opacity_layout(&base);
 		reserve_for(&[&base, &leveled]);
 
-		let node = RepeatOpacityNode::new(bare_source(&base, 7.), ValueNode(3u32), &base);
+		let node = install(RepeatOpacityNode::new(bare_source(&base, 7.), ValueNode(3u32), &base), repeat_opacity_layout_meta(), &[Some(&base)]);
 		assert_eq!(node.layout(), &leveled);
 		let GPoll::Final(value) = node.eval(&indexed) else {
 			panic!("expected a final record");
@@ -288,7 +303,7 @@ mod tests {
 		let base = f64_layout(&[]);
 		reserve_for(&[&base]);
 
-		let node = RepeatOpacityNode::new(bare_source(&base, 7.), ValueNode(3u32), &base);
+		let node = install(RepeatOpacityNode::new(bare_source(&base, 7.), ValueNode(3u32), &base), repeat_opacity_layout_meta(), &[Some(&base)]);
 		// The pushed level (0, the only level) reports the copy count.
 		assert_eq!(node.extent_at(&ctx, 0), core_types::gpoll::GPoll::Final(core_types::gpoll::Extent::Exactly(3)));
 	}
@@ -305,8 +320,8 @@ mod tests {
 		let out = f64_layout(&[]);
 		reserve_for(&[&base, &leveled, &out]);
 
-		let repeat = RepeatOpacityNode::new(bare_source(&base, 7.), ValueNode(3u32), &base);
-		let node = SumNode::new(repeat, &leveled);
+		let repeat = install(RepeatOpacityNode::new(bare_source(&base, 7.), ValueNode(3u32), &base), repeat_opacity_layout_meta(), &[Some(&base)]);
+		let node = install_flip(SumNode::new(repeat, &leveled), &out);
 		assert_eq!(node.layout().depth, 0, "the reducer collapsed the rank level");
 
 		let GPoll::Final(value) = node.eval(&ctx) else {
@@ -342,7 +357,15 @@ mod tests {
 		let stacked = multiply_opacity_layout(&modified);
 		reserve_for(&[&source_layout, &modified, &stacked]);
 
-		let chain = MultiplyOpacityNode::new(MultiplyOpacityNode::new(bare_source(&source_layout, 2.), ValueNode(0.5), &source_layout), ValueNode(0.5), &modified);
+		let chain = install(
+			MultiplyOpacityNode::new(
+				install(MultiplyOpacityNode::new(bare_source(&source_layout, 2.), ValueNode(0.5), &source_layout), multiply_opacity_layout_meta(), &[Some(&source_layout)]),
+				ValueNode(0.5),
+				&modified,
+			),
+			multiply_opacity_layout_meta(),
+			&[Some(&modified)],
+		);
 		assert_eq!(chain.layout(), &stacked);
 		let GPoll::Final(value) = chain.eval(&ctx) else {
 			panic!("expected a final record");
@@ -363,7 +386,7 @@ mod tests {
 		let measured = measure_layout(&source_layout);
 		reserve_for(&[&source_layout, &measured]);
 
-		let chain = MeasureNode::new(bare_source(&source_layout, -2.), &source_layout);
+		let chain = install(MeasureNode::new(bare_source(&source_layout, -2.), &source_layout), measure_layout_meta(), &[Some(&source_layout)]);
 		let GPoll::Final(value) = chain.eval(&ctx) else {
 			panic!("expected a final record");
 		};
@@ -384,7 +407,14 @@ mod tests {
 		let measured = measure_layout(&modified);
 		reserve_for(&[&source_layout, &modified, &measured]);
 
-		let chain = MeasureNode::new(MultiplyOpacityNode::new(bare_source(&source_layout, -2.), ValueNode(0.5), &source_layout), &modified);
+		let chain = install(
+			MeasureNode::new(
+				install(MultiplyOpacityNode::new(bare_source(&source_layout, -2.), ValueNode(0.5), &source_layout), multiply_opacity_layout_meta(), &[Some(&source_layout)]),
+				&modified,
+			),
+			measure_layout_meta(),
+			&[Some(&modified)],
+		);
 		let GPoll::Final(value) = chain.eval(&ctx) else {
 			panic!("expected a final record");
 		};
@@ -405,13 +435,20 @@ mod tests {
 		let shaded = shade_layout(&modified);
 		reserve_for(&[&source_layout, &modified, &shaded]);
 
-		let bare = ShadeNode::new(bare_source(&source_layout, 4.), &source_layout);
+		let bare = install(ShadeNode::new(bare_source(&source_layout, 4.), &source_layout), shade_layout_meta(), &[Some(&source_layout)]);
 		let GPoll::Final(value) = bare.eval(&ctx) else {
 			panic!("expected a final record");
 		};
 		assert_eq!(unsafe { source_layout.rec(&value).element::<f64>() }, 4.);
 
-		let chain = ShadeNode::new(MultiplyOpacityNode::new(bare_source(&source_layout, 4.), ValueNode(0.5), &source_layout), &modified);
+		let chain = install(
+			ShadeNode::new(
+				install(MultiplyOpacityNode::new(bare_source(&source_layout, 4.), ValueNode(0.5), &source_layout), multiply_opacity_layout_meta(), &[Some(&source_layout)]),
+				&modified,
+			),
+			shade_layout_meta(),
+			&[Some(&modified)],
+		);
 		let GPoll::Final(value) = chain.eval(&ctx) else {
 			panic!("expected a final record");
 		};
@@ -433,7 +470,7 @@ mod tests {
 		let u32_faded = fade_layout(&u32_source);
 		reserve_for(&[&f64_source, &f64_faded, &u32_source, &u32_faded]);
 
-		let wide = FadeNode::new(bare_source(&f64_source, 8.), ValueNode(0.5), &f64_source);
+		let wide = install(FadeNode::new(bare_source(&f64_source, 8.), ValueNode(0.5), &f64_source), fade_layout_meta(), &[Some(&f64_source)]);
 		let GPoll::Final(value) = wide.eval(&ctx) else {
 			panic!("expected a final record");
 		};
@@ -441,15 +478,19 @@ mod tests {
 		assert_eq!(unsafe { rec.element::<f64>() }, 8.);
 		assert_eq!(unsafe { rec.read::<f64>(f64_faded.offset_of(Opacity::NAME, 0).unwrap()) }, 0.5);
 
-		let narrow = FadeNode::new(
-			RecordSourceNode {
-				layout: u32_source.clone(),
-				element: 7u32,
-				fields: vec![],
-				partial: false,
-			},
-			ValueNode(0.25),
-			&u32_source,
+		let narrow = install(
+			FadeNode::new(
+				RecordSourceNode {
+					layout: u32_source.clone(),
+					element: 7u32,
+					fields: vec![],
+					partial: false,
+				},
+				ValueNode(0.25),
+				&u32_source,
+			),
+			fade_layout_meta(),
+			&[Some(&u32_source)],
 		);
 		let GPoll::Final(value) = narrow.eval(&ctx) else {
 			panic!("expected a final record");
@@ -469,7 +510,7 @@ mod tests {
 		let layout = source_opacity_layout();
 		reserve_for(&[&layout]);
 
-		let node = SourceOpacityNode::new(ValueNode(3.), ValueNode(0.25));
+		let node = install(SourceOpacityNode::new(ValueNode(3.), ValueNode(0.25)), source_opacity_layout_meta(), &[]);
 		assert_eq!(Node::<ContextImpl>::layout(&node), &layout);
 		let GPoll::Final(value) = node.eval(&ctx) else {
 			panic!("expected a final record");
@@ -490,15 +531,19 @@ mod tests {
 		let modified = multiply_opacity_layout(&source_layout);
 		reserve_for(&[&source_layout, &modified]);
 
-		let chain = MultiplyOpacityNode::new(
-			RecordSourceNode {
-				layout: source_layout.clone(),
-				element: 1.,
-				fields: vec![],
-				partial: true,
-			},
-			ValueNode(0.5),
-			&source_layout,
+		let chain = install(
+			MultiplyOpacityNode::new(
+				RecordSourceNode {
+					layout: source_layout.clone(),
+					element: 1.,
+					fields: vec![],
+					partial: true,
+				},
+				ValueNode(0.5),
+				&source_layout,
+			),
+			multiply_opacity_layout_meta(),
+			&[Some(&source_layout)],
 		);
 		let GPoll::Partial(value) = chain.eval(&ctx) else {
 			panic!("expected a partial record");
@@ -517,13 +562,13 @@ mod tests {
 		let modified = checked_multiply_opacity_layout(&source_layout);
 		reserve_for(&[&source_layout, &modified]);
 
-		let ok = CheckedMultiplyOpacityNode::new(bare_source(&source_layout, 1.), ValueNode(0.5), &source_layout);
+		let ok = install(CheckedMultiplyOpacityNode::new(bare_source(&source_layout, 1.), ValueNode(0.5), &source_layout), checked_multiply_opacity_layout_meta(), &[Some(&source_layout)]);
 		let GPoll::Final(value) = ok.eval(&ctx) else {
 			panic!("expected a final record");
 		};
 		assert_eq!(unsafe { modified.rec(&value).read::<f64>(modified.offset_of(Opacity::NAME, 0).unwrap()) }, 0.5);
 
-		let failing = CheckedMultiplyOpacityNode::new(bare_source(&source_layout, 1.), ValueNode(-1.), &source_layout);
+		let failing = install(CheckedMultiplyOpacityNode::new(bare_source(&source_layout, 1.), ValueNode(-1.), &source_layout), checked_multiply_opacity_layout_meta(), &[Some(&source_layout)]);
 		let GPoll::Error(error) = failing.eval(&ctx) else {
 			panic!("expected an error");
 		};
@@ -542,7 +587,15 @@ mod tests {
 		let scaled = scale_layout(&modified);
 		reserve_for(&[&source_layout, &modified, &scaled]);
 
-		let chain = ScaleNode::new(MultiplyOpacityNode::new(bare_source(&source_layout, 2.), ValueNode(0.5), &source_layout), ValueNode(3.), &modified);
+		let chain = install(
+			ScaleNode::new(
+				install(MultiplyOpacityNode::new(bare_source(&source_layout, 2.), ValueNode(0.5), &source_layout), multiply_opacity_layout_meta(), &[Some(&source_layout)]),
+				ValueNode(3.),
+				&modified,
+			),
+			scale_layout_meta(),
+			&[Some(&modified)],
+		);
 		let GPoll::Final(value) = chain.eval(&ctx) else {
 			panic!("expected a final record");
 		};
@@ -563,11 +616,15 @@ mod tests {
 		let transferred = transfer_opacity_layout(&carrier_layout);
 		reserve_for(&[&carrier_layout, &secondary_layout, &transferred]);
 
-		let chain = TransferOpacityNode::new(
-			f64_record_source(&carrier_layout, 2., vec![(carrier_layout.offset_of("opacity", 0).unwrap(), 0.5)]),
-			f64_record_source(&secondary_layout, 3., vec![(secondary_layout.offset_of("opacity", 0).unwrap(), 0.25)]),
-			&carrier_layout,
-			&secondary_layout,
+		let chain = install(
+			TransferOpacityNode::new(
+				f64_record_source(&carrier_layout, 2., vec![(carrier_layout.offset_of("opacity", 0).unwrap(), 0.5)]),
+				f64_record_source(&secondary_layout, 3., vec![(secondary_layout.offset_of("opacity", 0).unwrap(), 0.25)]),
+				&carrier_layout,
+				&secondary_layout,
+			),
+			transfer_opacity_layout_meta(),
+			&[Some(&carrier_layout), None],
 		);
 		let GPoll::Final(value) = chain.eval(&ctx) else {
 			panic!("expected a final record");
@@ -577,11 +634,15 @@ mod tests {
 		assert_eq!(unsafe { rec.read::<f64>(transferred.offset_of(Opacity::NAME, 0).unwrap()) }, 0.125);
 
 		let bare_secondary = f64_layout(&[]);
-		let defaulted = TransferOpacityNode::new(
-			f64_record_source(&carrier_layout, 2., vec![(carrier_layout.offset_of("opacity", 0).unwrap(), 0.5)]),
-			bare_source(&bare_secondary, 3.),
-			&carrier_layout,
-			&bare_secondary,
+		let defaulted = install(
+			TransferOpacityNode::new(
+				f64_record_source(&carrier_layout, 2., vec![(carrier_layout.offset_of("opacity", 0).unwrap(), 0.5)]),
+				bare_source(&bare_secondary, 3.),
+				&carrier_layout,
+				&bare_secondary,
+			),
+			transfer_opacity_layout_meta(),
+			&[Some(&carrier_layout), None],
 		);
 		let GPoll::Final(value) = defaulted.eval(&ctx) else {
 			panic!("expected a final record");
@@ -602,11 +663,15 @@ mod tests {
 		let factor_layout = Node::<ContextImpl>::layout(&factor).clone();
 		reserve_for(&[&source_layout]);
 
-		let node = BoostNode::new(
-			f64_record_source(&source_layout, 2., vec![(source_layout.offset_of("opacity", 0).unwrap(), 0.25)]),
-			factor,
-			&source_layout,
-			&factor_layout,
+		let node = install(
+			BoostNode::new(
+				f64_record_source(&source_layout, 2., vec![(source_layout.offset_of("opacity", 0).unwrap(), 0.25)]),
+				factor,
+				&source_layout,
+				&factor_layout,
+			),
+			boost_layout_meta(),
+			&[Some(&source_layout)],
 		);
 		let out_layout = Node::<ContextImpl>::layout(&node).clone();
 		let opacity_offset = out_layout.offset_of(Opacity::NAME, 0).expect("the primary input's fields pass through to the output");
@@ -629,11 +694,15 @@ mod tests {
 		let (factor, factor_layout) = lifted_value(3.);
 		reserve_for(&[&source_layout]);
 
-		let node = BoostPollNode::new(
-			f64_record_source(&source_layout, 2., vec![(source_layout.offset_of("opacity", 0).unwrap(), 0.25)]),
-			factor,
-			&source_layout,
-			&factor_layout,
+		let node = install(
+			BoostPollNode::new(
+				f64_record_source(&source_layout, 2., vec![(source_layout.offset_of("opacity", 0).unwrap(), 0.25)]),
+				factor,
+				&source_layout,
+				&factor_layout,
+			),
+			boost_poll_layout_meta(),
+			&[Some(&source_layout)],
 		);
 		let out_layout = Node::<ContextImpl>::layout(&node).clone();
 		let opacity_offset = out_layout.offset_of(Opacity::NAME, 0).expect("the primary input's fields pass through the poll kernel");
@@ -657,11 +726,15 @@ mod tests {
 		assert!(by_layout.frame_bytes() != 0, "the borrow must point into a spilled frame to exercise the park");
 		reserve_for(&[&carrier_layout, &by_layout]);
 
-		let node = OffsetNode::new(
-			f64_record_source(&carrier_layout, 2., vec![(carrier_layout.offset_of("opacity", 0).unwrap(), 0.25)]),
-			f64_record_source(&by_layout, 40., vec![]),
-			&carrier_layout,
-			&by_layout,
+		let node = install(
+			OffsetNode::new(
+				f64_record_source(&carrier_layout, 2., vec![(carrier_layout.offset_of("opacity", 0).unwrap(), 0.25)]),
+				f64_record_source(&by_layout, 40., vec![]),
+				&carrier_layout,
+				&by_layout,
+			),
+			offset_layout_meta(),
+			&[Some(&carrier_layout)],
 		);
 		let out_layout = Node::<ContextImpl>::layout(&node).clone();
 		let GPoll::Final(value) = node.eval(&ctx) else {
@@ -694,13 +767,17 @@ mod tests {
 		let (source_id, source_id_layout) = lifted_value(7 as SourceId);
 		reserve_for(&[&source_layout]);
 
-		let node = DoubleAsyncNode::new(
-			f64_record_source(&source_layout, 3., vec![(source_layout.offset_of("opacity", 0).unwrap(), 0.25)]),
-			runtime,
-			source_id,
-			&source_layout,
-			&runtime_layout,
-			&source_id_layout,
+		let node = install(
+			DoubleAsyncNode::new(
+				f64_record_source(&source_layout, 3., vec![(source_layout.offset_of("opacity", 0).unwrap(), 0.25)]),
+				runtime,
+				source_id,
+				&source_layout,
+				&runtime_layout,
+				&source_id_layout,
+			),
+			double_async_layout_meta(),
+			&[Some(&source_layout)],
 		);
 		let out_layout = Node::<ContextImpl>::layout(&node).clone();
 		let opacity_offset = out_layout.offset_of(Opacity::NAME, 0).expect("the carrier's fields pass through the async source");
@@ -774,9 +851,20 @@ mod tests {
 		let shaded = shade_layout(&stripped);
 		reserve_for(&[&source_layout, &modified, &stripped, &shaded]);
 
-		let chain = ShadeNode::new(
-			StripOpacityNode::new(MultiplyOpacityNode::new(bare_source(&source_layout, 4.), ValueNode(0.5), &source_layout), &modified),
-			&stripped,
+		let chain = install(
+			ShadeNode::new(
+				install(
+					StripOpacityNode::new(
+						install(MultiplyOpacityNode::new(bare_source(&source_layout, 4.), ValueNode(0.5), &source_layout), multiply_opacity_layout_meta(), &[Some(&source_layout)]),
+						&modified,
+					),
+					strip_opacity_layout_meta(),
+					&[Some(&modified)],
+				),
+				&stripped,
+			),
+			shade_layout_meta(),
+			&[Some(&stripped)],
 		);
 		let GPoll::Final(value) = chain.eval(&ctx) else {
 			panic!("expected a final record");
@@ -796,13 +884,17 @@ mod tests {
 		assert!(relengthed.offset_of(Opacity::NAME, 0).is_none());
 		reserve_for(&[&source_layout, &relengthed]);
 
-		let chain = RelengthNode::new(
-			f64_record_source(
+		let chain = install(
+			RelengthNode::new(
+				f64_record_source(
+					&source_layout,
+					3.,
+					vec![(source_layout.offset_of("opacity", 0).unwrap(), 0.25), (source_layout.offset_of("length", 0).unwrap(), 9.)],
+				),
 				&source_layout,
-				3.,
-				vec![(source_layout.offset_of("opacity", 0).unwrap(), 0.25), (source_layout.offset_of("length", 0).unwrap(), 9.)],
 			),
-			&source_layout,
+			relength_layout_meta(),
+			&[Some(&source_layout)],
 		);
 		let GPoll::Final(value) = chain.eval(&ctx) else {
 			panic!("expected a final record");
@@ -824,10 +916,14 @@ mod tests {
 		let relabeled = label_layout(&labeled);
 		reserve_for(&[&source_layout, &labeled, &relabeled]);
 
-		let chain = LabelNode::new(
-			LabelNode::new(bare_source(&source_layout, 1.), ValueNode(String::from("a")), &source_layout),
-			ValueNode(String::from("b")),
-			&labeled,
+		let chain = install(
+			LabelNode::new(
+				install(LabelNode::new(bare_source(&source_layout, 1.), ValueNode(String::from("a")), &source_layout), label_layout_meta(), &[Some(&source_layout)]),
+				ValueNode(String::from("b")),
+				&labeled,
+			),
+			label_layout_meta(),
+			&[Some(&labeled)],
 		);
 		let GPoll::Final(value) = chain.eval(&ctx) else {
 			panic!("expected a final record");
@@ -1187,7 +1283,7 @@ mod tests {
 		let labeled = label_layout(&source_layout);
 		reserve_for(&[&labeled, &labeled]);
 
-		let chain = LabelNode::new(bare_source(&source_layout, 1.), ValueNode(String::from("a")), &source_layout);
+		let chain = install(LabelNode::new(bare_source(&source_layout, 1.), ValueNode(String::from("a")), &source_layout), label_layout_meta(), &[Some(&source_layout)]);
 		let memo = crate::memo::MemoizeNode::new(chain, &labeled);
 
 		let first_arena = Arena::new(1024).unwrap();