diff --git a/bec_widgets/cli/client.py b/bec_widgets/cli/client.py
index 33cecbb0..11663d1e 100644
--- a/bec_widgets/cli/client.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/cli/client.py
@@ -340,10 +340,10 @@ class BECDockArea(RPCBase):
         Save the current workspace profile.
 
         On first save of a given name:
-          - writes a default copy to states/default/<name>.ini with tag=default and created_at
-          - writes a user copy   to states/user/<name>.ini    with tag=user    and created_at
-        On subsequent saves of user-owned profiles:
-          - updates both the default and user copies so restore uses the latest snapshot.
+          - writes a baseline copy to profiles/baseline/<name>.ini with created_at
+          - writes a runtime copy to profiles/runtime/<name>.ini with created_at
+        On subsequent saves of settings-owned profiles:
+          - updates both the baseline and runtime copies so restore uses the latest snapshot.
         Read-only bundled profiles cannot be overwritten.
 
         Args:
@@ -362,8 +362,8 @@ class BECDockArea(RPCBase):
         """
         Load a workspace profile.
 
-        Before switching, persist the current profile to the user copy.
-        Prefer loading the user copy; fall back to the default copy.
+        Before switching, persist the current profile to the runtime copy.
+        Prefer loading the runtime copy; fall back to the baseline copy.
 
         Args:
             name (str | None): The name of the profile to load. If None, prompts the user.
@@ -1348,10 +1348,10 @@ class DockAreaView(RPCBase):
         Save the current workspace profile.
 
         On first save of a given name:
-          - writes a default copy to states/default/<name>.ini with tag=default and created_at
-          - writes a user copy   to states/user/<name>.ini    with tag=user    and created_at
-        On subsequent saves of user-owned profiles:
-          - updates both the default and user copies so restore uses the latest snapshot.
+          - writes a baseline copy to profiles/baseline/<name>.ini with created_at
+          - writes a runtime copy to profiles/runtime/<name>.ini with created_at
+        On subsequent saves of settings-owned profiles:
+          - updates both the baseline and runtime copies so restore uses the latest snapshot.
         Read-only bundled profiles cannot be overwritten.
 
         Args:
@@ -1370,8 +1370,8 @@ class DockAreaView(RPCBase):
         """
         Load a workspace profile.
 
-        Before switching, persist the current profile to the user copy.
-        Prefer loading the user copy; fall back to the default copy.
+        Before switching, persist the current profile to the runtime copy.
+        Prefer loading the runtime copy; fall back to the baseline copy.
 
         Args:
             name (str | None): The name of the profile to load. If None, prompts the user.
diff --git a/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock_area/dock_area.py b/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock_area/dock_area.py
index 23ae5b68..783f9b6d 100644
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock_area/dock_area.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock_area/dock_area.py
@@ -35,25 +35,25 @@ from bec_widgets.utils.widget_state_manager import WidgetStateManager
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.basic_dock_area import DockAreaWidget
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.profile_utils import (
     SETTINGS_KEYS,
-    default_profile_candidates,
+    baseline_profile_candidates,
     delete_profile_files,
     get_last_profile,
     is_profile_read_only,
     is_quick_select,
     list_profiles,
     list_quick_profiles,
-    load_default_profile_screenshot,
-    load_user_profile_screenshot,
+    load_baseline_profile_screenshot,
+    load_runtime_profile_screenshot,
     now_iso_utc,
-    open_default_settings,
-    open_user_settings,
+    open_baseline_settings,
+    open_runtime_settings,
     profile_origin,
     profile_origin_display,
     read_manifest,
-    restore_user_from_default,
+    restore_runtime_from_baseline,
+    runtime_profile_candidates,
     set_last_profile,
     set_quick_select,
-    user_profile_candidates,
     write_manifest,
 )
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.settings.dialogs import (
@@ -588,13 +588,13 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
 
     @property
     def profile_namespace(self) -> str | None:
-        """Namespace used to scope user/default profile files for this dock area."""
+        """Namespace used to scope runtime/baseline profile files for this dock area."""
         return self._resolve_profile_namespace()
 
     def _profile_exists(self, name: str, namespace: str | None) -> bool:
         return any(
-            os.path.exists(path) for path in user_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
-        ) or any(os.path.exists(path) for path in default_profile_candidates(name, namespace))
+            os.path.exists(path) for path in runtime_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
+        ) or any(os.path.exists(path) for path in baseline_profile_candidates(name, namespace))
 
     def _write_snapshot_to_settings(self, settings, save_preview: bool = True) -> None:
         """
@@ -620,35 +620,34 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
         name: str,
         namespace: str | None,
         *,
-        write_default: bool = True,
-        write_user: bool = True,
+        write_baseline: bool = True,
+        write_runtime: bool = True,
         save_preview: bool = True,
     ) -> None:
         """
-        Write profile settings to default and/or user settings files.
+        Write profile settings to baseline and/or runtime settings files.
 
         Args:
             name: The profile name.
             namespace: The profile namespace.
-            write_default: Whether to write to the default settings file.
-            write_user: Whether to write to the user settings file.
+            write_baseline: Whether to write to the baseline settings file.
+            write_runtime: Whether to write to the runtime settings file.
             save_preview: Whether to save a screenshot preview.
         """
-        if write_default:
-            ds = open_default_settings(name, namespace=namespace)
-            self._write_snapshot_to_settings(ds, save_preview=save_preview)
-            if not ds.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], ""):
-                ds.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], now_iso_utc())
-            if not ds.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["is_quick_select"], None):
-                ds.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["is_quick_select"], True)
 
-        if write_user:
-            us = open_user_settings(name, namespace=namespace)
-            self._write_snapshot_to_settings(us, save_preview=save_preview)
-            if not us.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], ""):
-                us.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], now_iso_utc())
-            if not us.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["is_quick_select"], None):
-                us.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["is_quick_select"], True)
+        def _write_settings(open_settings) -> None:
+            settings = open_settings(name, namespace=namespace)
+            self._write_snapshot_to_settings(settings, save_preview=save_preview)
+            if not settings.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], ""):
+                settings.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], now_iso_utc())
+            if not settings.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["is_quick_select"], None):
+                settings.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["is_quick_select"], True)
+
+        if write_baseline:
+            _write_settings(open_baseline_settings)
+
+        if write_runtime:
+            _write_settings(open_runtime_settings)
 
     def _finalize_profile_change(self, name: str, namespace: str | None) -> None:
         """
@@ -710,10 +709,10 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
         Save the current workspace profile.
 
         On first save of a given name:
-          - writes a default copy to states/default/<name>.ini with tag=default and created_at
-          - writes a user copy   to states/user/<name>.ini    with tag=user    and created_at
-        On subsequent saves of user-owned profiles:
-          - updates both the default and user copies so restore uses the latest snapshot.
+          - writes a baseline copy to profiles/baseline/<name>.ini with created_at
+          - writes a runtime copy to profiles/runtime/<name>.ini with created_at
+        On subsequent saves of settings-owned profiles:
+          - updates both the baseline and runtime copies so restore uses the latest snapshot.
         Read-only bundled profiles cannot be overwritten.
 
         Args:
@@ -777,7 +776,7 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
             overwrite_existing = origin == "settings"
 
         origin_before_save = profile_origin(name, namespace=namespace)
-        overwrite_default = overwrite_existing and origin_before_save == "settings"
+        overwrite_baseline = overwrite_existing and origin_before_save == "settings"
 
         # Display saving placeholder in toolbar
         workspace_combo = self.toolbar.components.get_action("workspace_combo").widget
@@ -786,12 +785,12 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
         workspace_combo.setCurrentIndex(0)
         workspace_combo.blockSignals(False)
 
-        # Write to default and/or user settings
-        should_write_default = overwrite_default or not any(
-            os.path.exists(path) for path in default_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
+        # Write to baseline and/or runtime settings
+        should_write_baseline = overwrite_baseline or not any(
+            os.path.exists(path) for path in baseline_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
         )
         self._write_profile_settings(
-            name, namespace, write_default=should_write_default, write_user=True
+            name, namespace, write_baseline=should_write_baseline, write_runtime=True
         )
 
         set_quick_select(name, quickselect, namespace=namespace)
@@ -825,8 +824,8 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
         """
         Load a workspace profile.
 
-        Before switching, persist the current profile to the user copy.
-        Prefer loading the user copy; fall back to the default copy.
+        Before switching, persist the current profile to the runtime copy.
+        Prefer loading the runtime copy; fall back to the baseline copy.
 
         Args:
             name (str | None): The name of the profile to load. If None, prompts the user.
@@ -848,14 +847,14 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
             if skip_pair and skip_pair == (prev_name, name):
                 self._pending_autosave_skip = None
             else:
-                us_prev = open_user_settings(prev_name, namespace=namespace)
+                us_prev = open_runtime_settings(prev_name, namespace=namespace)
                 self._write_snapshot_to_settings(us_prev, save_preview=True)
 
         settings = None
-        if any(os.path.exists(path) for path in user_profile_candidates(name, namespace)):
-            settings = open_user_settings(name, namespace=namespace)
-        elif any(os.path.exists(path) for path in default_profile_candidates(name, namespace)):
-            settings = open_default_settings(name, namespace=namespace)
+        if any(os.path.exists(path) for path in runtime_profile_candidates(name, namespace)):
+            settings = open_runtime_settings(name, namespace=namespace)
+        elif any(os.path.exists(path) for path in baseline_profile_candidates(name, namespace)):
+            settings = open_baseline_settings(name, namespace=namespace)
         if settings is None:
             logger.warning(f"Profile '{name}' not found in namespace '{namespace}'. Creating new.")
             self.delete_all()
@@ -897,9 +896,9 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
 
     @SafeSlot()
     @SafeSlot(str)
-    def restore_user_profile_from_default(self, name: str | None = None):
+    def restore_runtime_profile_from_baseline(self, name: str | None = None):
         """
-        Overwrite the user copy of *name* with the default baseline.
+        Overwrite the runtime copy of *name* with the baseline.
         If *name* is None, target the currently active profile.
 
         Args:
@@ -916,13 +915,13 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
             ba = bytes(self.screenshot_bytes())
             current_pixmap.loadFromData(ba)
         if current_pixmap is None or current_pixmap.isNull():
-            current_pixmap = load_user_profile_screenshot(target, namespace=namespace)
-        default_pixmap = load_default_profile_screenshot(target, namespace=namespace)
+            current_pixmap = load_runtime_profile_screenshot(target, namespace=namespace)
+        baseline_pixmap = load_baseline_profile_screenshot(target, namespace=namespace)
 
-        if not RestoreProfileDialog.confirm(self, current_pixmap, default_pixmap):
+        if not RestoreProfileDialog.confirm(self, current_pixmap, baseline_pixmap):
             return
 
-        restore_user_from_default(target, namespace=namespace)
+        restore_runtime_from_baseline(target, namespace=namespace)
         self.delete_all()
         self.load_profile(target)
 
@@ -1057,7 +1056,7 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
         manage_action = self.toolbar.components.get_action("manage_workspaces").action
         if self.manage_dialog is None or not self.manage_dialog.isVisible():
             self.manage_widget = WorkSpaceManager(
-                self, target_widget=self, default_profile=self._current_profile_name
+                self, target_widget=self, active_profile=self._current_profile_name
             )
             self.manage_dialog = QDialog(modal=False)
 
@@ -1156,7 +1155,7 @@ class BECDockArea(DockAreaWidget):
             return
 
         namespace = self.profile_namespace
-        settings = open_user_settings(name, namespace=namespace)
+        settings = open_runtime_settings(name, namespace=namespace)
         self._write_snapshot_to_settings(settings)
         set_last_profile(name, namespace=namespace, instance=self._last_profile_instance_id())
         self._exit_snapshot_written = True
diff --git a/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock_area/profile_utils.py b/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock_area/profile_utils.py
index 4f080f34..396849d7 100644
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock_area/profile_utils.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock_area/profile_utils.py
@@ -2,9 +2,13 @@
 Utilities for managing BECDockArea profiles stored in INI files.
 
 Policy:
-- All created/modified profiles are stored under the BEC settings root: <base_path>/profiles/{default,user}
-- Bundled read-only defaults are discovered in BW core states/default and plugin bec_widgets/profiles but never written to.
-- Lookup order when reading: user → settings default → app or plugin bundled default.
+- All created/modified profiles are stored under the BEC settings root:
+  <base_path>/profiles/{baseline,runtime}
+- Bundled read-only baselines are discovered in BW core profiles and plugin
+  bec_widgets/profiles but never written to.
+- Lookup order when reading: runtime → settings baseline → app or plugin bundled baseline.
+- Legacy settings paths profiles/{default,user} are read through a thin segment
+  alias layer and copied to the canonical location on first access.
 """
 
 from __future__ import annotations
@@ -32,6 +36,12 @@ logger = bec_logger.logger
 MODULE_PATH = os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(__file__)))
 
 ProfileOrigin = Literal["module", "plugin", "settings", "unknown"]
+ProfileSegment = Literal["baseline", "runtime"]
+
+_PROFILE_SEGMENT_ALIASES: dict[ProfileSegment, tuple[str, str]] = {
+    "baseline": ("baseline", "default"),
+    "runtime": ("runtime", "user"),
+}
 
 
 def module_profiles_dir() -> str:
@@ -130,7 +140,7 @@ def _profiles_dir(segment: str, namespace: str | None) -> str:
     Build (and ensure) the directory that holds profiles for a namespace segment.
 
     Args:
-        segment (str): Either ``"user"`` or ``"default"``.
+        segment (str): Profile segment directory name.
         namespace (str | None): Optional namespace label to scope profiles.
 
     Returns:
@@ -143,157 +153,175 @@ def _profiles_dir(segment: str, namespace: str | None) -> str:
     return path
 
 
-def _user_path_candidates(name: str, namespace: str | None) -> list[str]:
-    """
-    Generate candidate user-profile paths honoring namespace fallbacks.
-
-    Args:
-        name (str): Profile name without extension.
-        namespace (str | None): Optional namespace label.
-
-    Returns:
-        list[str]: Ordered list of candidate user profile paths (.ini files).
-    """
+def _candidate_namespaces(namespace: str | None) -> list[str | None]:
     ns = slugify.slugify(namespace, separator="_") if namespace else None
-    primary = os.path.join(_profiles_dir("user", ns), f"{name}.ini")
     if not ns:
-        return [primary]
-    legacy = os.path.join(_profiles_dir("user", None), f"{name}.ini")
-    return [primary, legacy] if legacy != primary else [primary]
+        return [None]
+    return [ns, None]
 
 
-def _default_path_candidates(name: str, namespace: str | None) -> list[str]:
+def _segment_profile_path(segment_name: str, name: str, namespace: str | None) -> str:
+    return os.path.join(_profiles_dir(segment_name, namespace), f"{name}.ini")
+
+
+def _canonical_profile_path(segment: ProfileSegment, name: str, namespace: str | None) -> str:
+    return _segment_profile_path(_PROFILE_SEGMENT_ALIASES[segment][0], name, namespace)
+
+
+def _segment_path_candidates(
+    segment: ProfileSegment,
+    name: str,
+    namespace: str | None,
+    *,
+    include_legacy: bool = True,
+    migrate_legacy: bool = True,
+) -> list[str]:
     """
-    Generate candidate default-profile paths honoring namespace fallbacks.
+    Generate profile candidates for a canonical segment.
 
-    Args:
-        name (str): Profile name without extension.
-        namespace (str | None): Optional namespace label.
-
-    Returns:
-        list[str]: Ordered list of candidate default profile paths (.ini files).
+    Canonical baseline/runtime files are always preferred. Namespace fallback
+    files and legacy default/user files are copied to the primary canonical path
+    when the primary file does not exist.
     """
-    ns = slugify.slugify(namespace, separator="_") if namespace else None
-    primary = os.path.join(_profiles_dir("default", ns), f"{name}.ini")
-    if not ns:
-        return [primary]
-    legacy = os.path.join(_profiles_dir("default", None), f"{name}.ini")
-    return [primary, legacy] if legacy != primary else [primary]
+    canonical = [
+        _segment_profile_path(_PROFILE_SEGMENT_ALIASES[segment][0], name, ns)
+        for ns in _candidate_namespaces(namespace)
+    ]
+    legacy = []
+    if include_legacy:
+        legacy = [
+            _segment_profile_path(_PROFILE_SEGMENT_ALIASES[segment][1], name, ns)
+            for ns in _candidate_namespaces(namespace)
+        ]
+
+    primary_canonical = canonical[0]
+    if migrate_legacy and not os.path.exists(primary_canonical):
+        canonical_src = next((path for path in canonical[1:] if os.path.exists(path)), None)
+        if canonical_src:
+            os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(primary_canonical), exist_ok=True)
+            shutil.copy2(canonical_src, primary_canonical)
+        elif include_legacy:
+            legacy_src = next((path for path in legacy if os.path.exists(path)), None)
+            if legacy_src:
+                os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(primary_canonical), exist_ok=True)
+                shutil.copy2(legacy_src, primary_canonical)
+
+    return list(dict.fromkeys(canonical + legacy))
 
 
-def default_profiles_dir(namespace: str | None = None) -> str:
+def baseline_profiles_dir(namespace: str | None = None) -> str:
     """
-    Return the directory that stores default profiles for the namespace.
+    Return the directory that stores baseline profiles for the namespace.
 
     Args:
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        str: Absolute path to the default profile directory.
+        str: Absolute path to the baseline profile directory.
     """
-    return _profiles_dir("default", namespace)
+    return _profiles_dir("baseline", namespace)
 
 
-def user_profiles_dir(namespace: str | None = None) -> str:
+def runtime_profiles_dir(namespace: str | None = None) -> str:
     """
-    Return the directory that stores user profiles for the namespace.
+    Return the directory that stores runtime profiles for the namespace.
 
     Args:
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        str: Absolute path to the user profile directory.
+        str: Absolute path to the runtime profile directory.
     """
-    return _profiles_dir("user", namespace)
+    return _profiles_dir("runtime", namespace)
 
 
-def default_profile_path(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> str:
+def baseline_profile_path(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> str:
     """
-    Compute the canonical default profile path for a profile name.
+    Compute the canonical baseline profile path for a profile name.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        str: Absolute path to the default profile file (.ini).
+        str: Absolute path to the baseline profile file (.ini).
     """
-    return _default_path_candidates(name, namespace)[0]
+    return _canonical_profile_path("baseline", name, namespace)
 
 
-def user_profile_path(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> str:
+def runtime_profile_path(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> str:
     """
-    Compute the canonical user profile path for a profile name.
+    Compute the canonical runtime profile path for a profile name.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        str: Absolute path to the user profile file (.ini).
+        str: Absolute path to the runtime profile file (.ini).
     """
-    return _user_path_candidates(name, namespace)[0]
+    return _canonical_profile_path("runtime", name, namespace)
 
 
-def user_profile_candidates(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> list[str]:
+def runtime_profile_candidates(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> list[str]:
     """
-    List all user profile path candidates for a profile name.
+    List all runtime profile path candidates for a profile name.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        list[str]: De-duplicated list of candidate user profile paths.
+        list[str]: De-duplicated list of candidate runtime profile paths.
     """
-    return list(dict.fromkeys(_user_path_candidates(name, namespace)))
+    return _segment_path_candidates("runtime", name, namespace)
 
 
-def default_profile_candidates(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> list[str]:
+def baseline_profile_candidates(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> list[str]:
     """
-    List all default profile path candidates for a profile name.
+    List all baseline profile path candidates for a profile name.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        list[str]: De-duplicated list of candidate default profile paths.
+        list[str]: De-duplicated list of candidate baseline profile paths.
     """
-    return list(dict.fromkeys(_default_path_candidates(name, namespace)))
+    return _segment_path_candidates("baseline", name, namespace)
 
 
-def _existing_user_settings(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QSettings | None:
+def _existing_runtime_settings(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QSettings | None:
     """
-    Resolve the first existing user profile settings object.
+    Resolve the first existing runtime profile settings object.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label to search. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        QSettings | None: Config for the first existing user profile candidate, or ``None``
+        QSettings | None: Config for the first existing runtime profile candidate, or ``None``
             when no files are present.
     """
-    for path in user_profile_candidates(name, namespace):
+    for path in runtime_profile_candidates(name, namespace):
         if os.path.exists(path):
             return QSettings(path, QSettings.IniFormat)
     return None
 
 
-def _existing_default_settings(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QSettings | None:
+def _existing_baseline_settings(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QSettings | None:
     """
-    Resolve the first existing default profile settings object.
+    Resolve the first existing baseline profile settings object.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label to search. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        QSettings | None: Config for the first existing default profile candidate, or ``None``
+        QSettings | None: Config for the first existing baseline profile candidate, or ``None``
             when no files are present.
     """
-    for path in default_profile_candidates(name, namespace):
+    for path in baseline_profile_candidates(name, namespace):
         if os.path.exists(path):
             return QSettings(path, QSettings.IniFormat)
     return None
@@ -347,7 +375,7 @@ def profile_origin(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> ProfileOrigin:
     plugin_path = plugin_profile_path(name)
     if plugin_path and os.path.exists(plugin_path):
         return "plugin"
-    for path in user_profile_candidates(name, namespace) + default_profile_candidates(
+    for path in runtime_profile_candidates(name, namespace) + baseline_profile_candidates(
         name, namespace
     ):
         if os.path.exists(path):
@@ -406,8 +434,8 @@ def delete_profile_files(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> bool:
     read_only = is_profile_read_only(name, namespace)
 
     removed = False
-    # Always allow removing user copies; keep default copies for read-only origins.
-    for path in set(user_profile_candidates(name, namespace)):
+    # Always allow removing runtime copies; keep baseline copies for read-only origins.
+    for path in set(runtime_profile_candidates(name, namespace)):
         try:
             os.remove(path)
             removed = True
@@ -415,7 +443,7 @@ def delete_profile_files(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> bool:
             continue
 
     if not read_only:
-        for path in set(default_profile_candidates(name, namespace)):
+        for path in set(baseline_profile_candidates(name, namespace)):
             try:
                 os.remove(path)
                 removed = True
@@ -443,7 +471,7 @@ SETTINGS_KEYS = {
 
 def list_profiles(namespace: str | None = None) -> list[str]:
     """
-    Enumerate all known profile names, syncing bundled defaults when missing locally.
+    Enumerate all known profile names, syncing bundled baselines when missing locally.
 
     Args:
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label scoped to the profile set.
@@ -459,16 +487,27 @@ def list_profiles(namespace: str | None = None) -> list[str]:
             return set()
         return {os.path.splitext(f)[0] for f in os.listdir(directory) if f.endswith(".ini")}
 
-    settings_dirs = {default_profiles_dir(namespace), user_profiles_dir(namespace)}
+    settings_dirs = {baseline_profiles_dir(namespace), runtime_profiles_dir(namespace)}
     if ns:
-        settings_dirs.add(default_profiles_dir(None))
-        settings_dirs.add(user_profiles_dir(None))
+        settings_dirs.add(baseline_profiles_dir(None))
+        settings_dirs.add(runtime_profiles_dir(None))
+
+    for segment in ("baseline", "runtime"):
+        for legacy_dir in [
+            _profiles_dir(_PROFILE_SEGMENT_ALIASES[segment][1], item)
+            for item in _candidate_namespaces(namespace)
+        ]:
+            settings_dirs.add(legacy_dir)
 
     settings_names: set[str] = set()
     for directory in settings_dirs:
         settings_names |= _collect_from(directory)
 
-    # Also consider read-only defaults from core module and beamline plugin repositories
+    for name in sorted(settings_names):
+        runtime_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
+        baseline_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
+
+    # Also consider read-only baselines from core module and beamline plugin repositories
     read_only_sources: dict[str, tuple[str, str]] = {}
     sources: list[tuple[str, str | None]] = [
         ("module", module_profiles_dir()),
@@ -484,17 +523,17 @@ def list_profiles(namespace: str | None = None) -> list[str]:
             read_only_sources.setdefault(name, (origin, os.path.join(directory, filename)))
 
     for name, (_origin, src) in sorted(read_only_sources.items()):
-        # Ensure a copy in the namespace-specific settings default directory
-        dst_default = default_profile_path(name, namespace)
-        if not os.path.exists(dst_default):
-            os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(dst_default), exist_ok=True)
-            shutil.copyfile(src, dst_default)
-        # Ensure a user copy exists to allow edits in the writable settings area
-        dst_user = user_profile_path(name, namespace)
-        if not os.path.exists(dst_user):
-            os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(dst_user), exist_ok=True)
-            shutil.copyfile(src, dst_user)
-            s = open_user_settings(name, namespace)
+        # Ensure a copy in the namespace-specific settings baseline directory.
+        dst_baseline = baseline_profile_path(name, namespace)
+        if not os.path.exists(dst_baseline):
+            os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(dst_baseline), exist_ok=True)
+            shutil.copy2(src, dst_baseline)
+        # Ensure a runtime copy exists to allow edits in the writable settings area.
+        dst_runtime = runtime_profile_path(name, namespace)
+        if not os.path.exists(dst_runtime):
+            os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(dst_runtime), exist_ok=True)
+            shutil.copy2(src, dst_runtime)
+            s = open_runtime_settings(name, namespace)
             if s.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], "") == "":
                 s.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], now_iso_utc())
 
@@ -504,32 +543,34 @@ def list_profiles(namespace: str | None = None) -> list[str]:
     return sorted(settings_names)
 
 
-def open_default_settings(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QSettings:
+def open_baseline_settings(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QSettings:
     """
-    Open (and create if necessary) the default profile settings file.
+    Open (and create if necessary) the baseline profile settings file.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        QSettings: Settings instance targeting the default profile file.
+        QSettings: Settings instance targeting the baseline profile file.
     """
-    return QSettings(default_profile_path(name, namespace), QSettings.IniFormat)
+    baseline_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
+    return QSettings(baseline_profile_path(name, namespace), QSettings.IniFormat)
 
 
-def open_user_settings(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QSettings:
+def open_runtime_settings(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QSettings:
     """
-    Open (and create if necessary) the user profile settings file.
+    Open (and create if necessary) the runtime profile settings file.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        QSettings: Settings instance targeting the user profile file.
+        QSettings: Settings instance targeting the runtime profile file.
     """
-    return QSettings(user_profile_path(name, namespace), QSettings.IniFormat)
+    runtime_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
+    return QSettings(runtime_profile_path(name, namespace), QSettings.IniFormat)
 
 
 def _app_settings() -> QSettings:
@@ -759,26 +800,26 @@ def read_manifest(settings: QSettings) -> list[dict]:
     return items
 
 
-def restore_user_from_default(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> None:
+def restore_runtime_from_baseline(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> None:
     """
-    Copy the default profile to the user profile, preserving quick-select flag.
+    Copy the baseline profile to the runtime profile, preserving quick-select flag.
 
     Args:
         name(str): Profile name without extension.
         namespace(str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
     """
     src = None
-    for candidate in default_profile_candidates(name, namespace):
+    for candidate in baseline_profile_candidates(name, namespace):
         if os.path.exists(candidate):
             src = candidate
             break
     if not src:
         return
-    dst = user_profile_path(name, namespace)
+    dst = runtime_profile_path(name, namespace)
     preserve_quick_select = is_quick_select(name, namespace)
     os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(dst), exist_ok=True)
     shutil.copyfile(src, dst)
-    s = open_user_settings(name, namespace)
+    s = open_runtime_settings(name, namespace)
     if not s.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], ""):
         s.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], now_iso_utc())
     if preserve_quick_select:
@@ -796,9 +837,9 @@ def is_quick_select(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> bool:
     Returns:
         bool: True if quick-select is enabled for the profile.
     """
-    s = _existing_user_settings(name, namespace)
+    s = _existing_runtime_settings(name, namespace)
     if s is None:
-        s = _existing_default_settings(name, namespace)
+        s = _existing_baseline_settings(name, namespace)
     if s is None:
         return False
     return s.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["is_quick_select"], False, type=bool)
@@ -813,13 +854,13 @@ def set_quick_select(name: str, enabled: bool, namespace: str | None = None) ->
         enabled(bool): True to enable quick-select, False to disable.
         namespace(str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
     """
-    s = open_user_settings(name, namespace)
+    s = open_runtime_settings(name, namespace)
     s.setValue(SETTINGS_KEYS["is_quick_select"], bool(enabled))
 
 
 def list_quick_profiles(namespace: str | None = None) -> list[str]:
     """
-    List only profiles that have quick-select enabled (user wins over default).
+    List only profiles that have quick-select enabled (runtime wins over baseline).
 
     Args:
         namespace(str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
@@ -909,8 +950,8 @@ class ProfileInfo(BaseModel):
     is_quick_select: bool = False
     widget_count: int = 0
     size_kb: int = 0
-    user_path: str = ""
-    default_path: str = ""
+    runtime_path: str = ""
+    baseline_path: str = ""
     origin: ProfileOrigin = "unknown"
     is_read_only: bool = False
 
@@ -924,19 +965,19 @@ def get_profile_info(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> ProfileInfo:
         namespace (str | None, optional): Namespace label. Defaults to ``None``.
 
     Returns:
-        ProfileInfo: Structured profile metadata, preferring the user copy when present.
+        ProfileInfo: Structured profile metadata, preferring the runtime copy when present.
     """
-    user_paths = user_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
-    default_paths = default_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
-    u_path = next((p for p in user_paths if os.path.exists(p)), user_paths[0])
-    d_path = next((p for p in default_paths if os.path.exists(p)), default_paths[0])
+    runtime_paths = runtime_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
+    baseline_paths = baseline_profile_candidates(name, namespace)
+    r_path = next((p for p in runtime_paths if os.path.exists(p)), runtime_paths[0])
+    b_path = next((p for p in baseline_paths if os.path.exists(p)), baseline_paths[0])
     origin = profile_origin(name, namespace)
     read_only = origin in {"module", "plugin"}
-    prefer_user = os.path.exists(u_path)
-    if prefer_user:
-        s = QSettings(u_path, QSettings.IniFormat)
-    elif os.path.exists(d_path):
-        s = QSettings(d_path, QSettings.IniFormat)
+    prefer_runtime = os.path.exists(r_path)
+    if prefer_runtime:
+        s = QSettings(r_path, QSettings.IniFormat)
+    elif os.path.exists(b_path):
+        s = QSettings(b_path, QSettings.IniFormat)
     else:
         s = None
     if s is None:
@@ -957,14 +998,14 @@ def get_profile_info(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> ProfileInfo:
             is_quick_select=False,
             widget_count=0,
             size_kb=0,
-            user_path=u_path,
-            default_path=d_path,
+            runtime_path=r_path,
+            baseline_path=b_path,
             origin=origin,
             is_read_only=read_only,
         )
 
     created = s.value(SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], "", type=str) or now_iso_utc()
-    src_path = u_path if prefer_user else d_path
+    src_path = r_path if prefer_runtime else b_path
     modified = _file_modified_iso(src_path)
     count = _manifest_count(s)
     try:
@@ -990,8 +1031,8 @@ def get_profile_info(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> ProfileInfo:
         is_quick_select=is_quick_select(name, namespace),
         widget_count=count,
         size_kb=size_kb,
-        user_path=u_path,
-        default_path=d_path,
+        runtime_path=r_path,
+        baseline_path=b_path,
         origin=origin,
         is_read_only=read_only,
     )
@@ -999,7 +1040,7 @@ def get_profile_info(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> ProfileInfo:
 
 def load_profile_screenshot(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QPixmap | None:
     """
-    Load the stored screenshot pixmap for a profile from settings (user preferred).
+    Load the stored screenshot pixmap for a profile from settings (runtime preferred).
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
@@ -1008,17 +1049,17 @@ def load_profile_screenshot(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QPixmap
     Returns:
         QPixmap | None: Screenshot pixmap or ``None`` if unavailable.
     """
-    s = _existing_user_settings(name, namespace)
+    s = _existing_runtime_settings(name, namespace)
     if s is None:
-        s = _existing_default_settings(name, namespace)
+        s = _existing_baseline_settings(name, namespace)
     if s is None:
         return None
     return _load_screenshot_from_settings(s)
 
 
-def load_default_profile_screenshot(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QPixmap | None:
+def load_baseline_profile_screenshot(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QPixmap | None:
     """
-    Load the screenshot from the default profile copy, if available.
+    Load the screenshot from the baseline profile copy, if available.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
@@ -1027,15 +1068,15 @@ def load_default_profile_screenshot(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) ->
     Returns:
         QPixmap | None: Screenshot pixmap or ``None`` if unavailable.
     """
-    s = _existing_default_settings(name, namespace)
+    s = _existing_baseline_settings(name, namespace)
     if s is None:
         return None
     return _load_screenshot_from_settings(s)
 
 
-def load_user_profile_screenshot(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QPixmap | None:
+def load_runtime_profile_screenshot(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QPixmap | None:
     """
-    Load the screenshot from the user profile copy, if available.
+    Load the screenshot from the runtime profile copy, if available.
 
     Args:
         name (str): Profile name without extension.
@@ -1044,7 +1085,7 @@ def load_user_profile_screenshot(name: str, namespace: str | None = None) -> QPi
     Returns:
         QPixmap | None: Screenshot pixmap or ``None`` if unavailable.
     """
-    s = _existing_user_settings(name, namespace)
+    s = _existing_runtime_settings(name, namespace)
     if s is None:
         return None
     return _load_screenshot_from_settings(s)
diff --git a/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock_area/settings/dialogs.py b/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock_area/settings/dialogs.py
index 19329c34..3b07ce9a 100644
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock_area/settings/dialogs.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock_area/settings/dialogs.py
@@ -160,7 +160,7 @@ class SaveProfileDialog(QDialog):
                 self,
                 "Read-only profile",
                 (
-                    f"'{name}' is a default profile provided by {provider} and cannot be overwritten.\n"
+                    f"'{name}' is a baseline profile provided by {provider} and cannot be overwritten.\n"
                     "Please choose a different name."
                 ),
             )
@@ -179,7 +179,7 @@ class SaveProfileDialog(QDialog):
                 "Overwrite profile",
                 (
                     f"A profile named '{name}' already exists.\n\n"
-                    "Overwriting will update both the saved profile and its restore default.\n"
+                    "Overwriting will update both the runtime profile and its restore baseline.\n"
                     "Do you want to continue?"
                 ),
                 QMessageBox.StandardButton.Yes | QMessageBox.StandardButton.No,
@@ -257,21 +257,24 @@ class PreviewPanel(QGroupBox):
 
 class RestoreProfileDialog(QDialog):
     """
-    Confirmation dialog that previews the current profile screenshot against the default baseline.
+    Confirmation dialog that previews the current runtime screenshot against the baseline.
     """
 
     def __init__(
-        self, parent: QWidget | None, current_pixmap: QPixmap | None, default_pixmap: QPixmap | None
+        self,
+        parent: QWidget | None,
+        current_pixmap: QPixmap | None,
+        baseline_pixmap: QPixmap | None,
     ):
         super().__init__(parent)
-        self.setWindowTitle("Restore Profile to Default")
+        self.setWindowTitle("Restore Profile to Baseline")
         self.setModal(True)
         self.resize(880, 480)
 
         layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
 
         info_label = QLabel(
-            "Restoring will discard your custom layout and replace it with the default profile."
+            "Restoring will discard your runtime layout and replace it with the baseline profile."
         )
         info_label.setWordWrap(True)
         layout.addWidget(info_label)
@@ -280,7 +283,7 @@ class RestoreProfileDialog(QDialog):
         layout.addLayout(preview_row)
 
         current_preview = PreviewPanel("Current", current_pixmap, self)
-        default_preview = PreviewPanel("Default", default_pixmap, self)
+        baseline_preview = PreviewPanel("Baseline", baseline_pixmap, self)
 
         # Equal expansion left/right
         preview_row.addWidget(current_preview, 1)
@@ -292,7 +295,7 @@ class RestoreProfileDialog(QDialog):
         arrow_label.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Fixed, QSizePolicy.Expanding)
         preview_row.addWidget(arrow_label)
 
-        preview_row.addWidget(default_preview, 1)
+        preview_row.addWidget(baseline_preview, 1)
 
         # Enforce equal stretch for both previews
         preview_row.setStretch(0, 1)
@@ -300,7 +303,7 @@ class RestoreProfileDialog(QDialog):
         preview_row.setStretch(2, 1)
 
         warn_label = QLabel(
-            "This action cannot be undone. Do you want to restore the default layout now?"
+            "This action cannot be undone. Do you want to restore the baseline layout now?"
         )
         warn_label.setWordWrap(True)
         layout.addWidget(warn_label)
@@ -324,7 +327,7 @@ class RestoreProfileDialog(QDialog):
 
     @staticmethod
     def confirm(
-        parent: QWidget | None, current_pixmap: QPixmap | None, default_pixmap: QPixmap | None
+        parent: QWidget | None, current_pixmap: QPixmap | None, baseline_pixmap: QPixmap | None
     ) -> bool:
-        dialog = RestoreProfileDialog(parent, current_pixmap, default_pixmap)
+        dialog = RestoreProfileDialog(parent, current_pixmap, baseline_pixmap)
         return dialog.exec() == QDialog.Accepted
diff --git a/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock_area/settings/workspace_manager.py b/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock_area/settings/workspace_manager.py
index eaf39ee1..3b37cec3 100644
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock_area/settings/workspace_manager.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock_area/settings/workspace_manager.py
@@ -48,9 +48,16 @@ class WorkSpaceManager(BECWidget, QWidget):
     HEADERS = ["Actions", "Profile", "Author"]
 
     def __init__(
-        self, parent=None, target_widget=None, default_profile: str | None = None, **kwargs
+        self,
+        parent=None,
+        target_widget=None,
+        active_profile: str | None = None,
+        default_profile: str | None = None,
+        **kwargs,
     ):
         super().__init__(parent=parent, **kwargs)
+        if active_profile is None:
+            active_profile = default_profile
         self.target_widget = target_widget
         self.profile_namespace = (
             getattr(target_widget, "profile_namespace", None) if target_widget else None
@@ -59,9 +66,9 @@ class WorkSpaceManager(BECWidget, QWidget):
         self._init_ui()
         if self.target_widget is not None and hasattr(self.target_widget, "profile_changed"):
             self.target_widget.profile_changed.connect(self.on_profile_changed)
-        if default_profile is not None:
-            self._select_by_name(default_profile)
-            self._show_profile_details(default_profile)
+        if active_profile is not None:
+            self._select_by_name(active_profile)
+            self._show_profile_details(active_profile)
 
     def _init_ui(self):
         self.root_layout = QHBoxLayout(self)
@@ -250,8 +257,8 @@ class WorkSpaceManager(BECWidget, QWidget):
             ("Quick select", "Yes" if info.is_quick_select else "No"),
             ("Widgets", str(info.widget_count)),
             ("Size (KB)", str(info.size_kb)),
-            ("User path", info.user_path or ""),
-            ("Default path", info.default_path or ""),
+            ("Runtime path", info.runtime_path or ""),
+            ("Baseline path", info.baseline_path or ""),
         ]
         for k, v in entries:
             self.profile_details_tree.addTopLevelItem(QTreeWidgetItem([k, v]))
diff --git a/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock_area/toolbar_components/workspace_actions.py b/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock_area/toolbar_components/workspace_actions.py
index 114d6856..a7f49b5c 100644
--- a/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock_area/toolbar_components/workspace_actions.py
+++ b/bec_widgets/widgets/containers/dock_area/toolbar_components/workspace_actions.py
@@ -145,15 +145,15 @@ def workspace_bundle(components: ToolbarComponents, enable_tools: bool = True) -
     components.get_action("save_workspace").action.setVisible(enable_tools)
 
     components.add_safe(
-        "reset_default_workspace",
+        "reset_baseline_workspace",
         MaterialIconAction(
             icon_name="undo",
-            tooltip="Refresh Current Workspace",
+            tooltip="Restore Baseline Profile",
             checkable=False,
             parent=components.toolbar,
         ),
     )
-    components.get_action("reset_default_workspace").action.setVisible(enable_tools)
+    components.get_action("reset_baseline_workspace").action.setVisible(enable_tools)
 
     components.add_safe(
         "manage_workspaces",
@@ -166,7 +166,7 @@ def workspace_bundle(components: ToolbarComponents, enable_tools: bool = True) -
     bundle = ToolbarBundle("workspace", components)
     bundle.add_action("workspace_combo")
     bundle.add_action("save_workspace")
-    bundle.add_action("reset_default_workspace")
+    bundle.add_action("reset_baseline_workspace")
     bundle.add_action("manage_workspaces")
     return bundle
 
@@ -196,9 +196,9 @@ class WorkspaceConnection(BundleConnection):
             self.target_widget.load_profile
         )
 
-        reset_action = self.components.get_action("reset_default_workspace").action
+        reset_action = self.components.get_action("reset_baseline_workspace").action
         if reset_action.isVisible():
-            reset_action.triggered.connect(self._reset_workspace_to_default)
+            reset_action.triggered.connect(self._reset_workspace_to_baseline)
 
         manage_action = self.components.get_action("manage_workspaces").action
         if manage_action.isVisible():
@@ -215,9 +215,9 @@ class WorkspaceConnection(BundleConnection):
             self.target_widget.load_profile
         )
 
-        reset_action = self.components.get_action("reset_default_workspace").action
+        reset_action = self.components.get_action("reset_baseline_workspace").action
         if reset_action.isVisible():
-            reset_action.triggered.disconnect(self._reset_workspace_to_default)
+            reset_action.triggered.disconnect(self._reset_workspace_to_baseline)
 
         manage_action = self.components.get_action("manage_workspaces").action
         if manage_action.isVisible():
@@ -225,8 +225,8 @@ class WorkspaceConnection(BundleConnection):
         self._connected = False
 
     @SafeSlot()
-    def _reset_workspace_to_default(self):
+    def _reset_workspace_to_baseline(self):
         """
         Refreshes the current workspace.
         """
-        self.target_widget.restore_user_profile_from_default()
+        self.target_widget.restore_runtime_profile_from_baseline()
diff --git a/tests/unit_tests/test_dock_area.py b/tests/unit_tests/test_dock_area.py
index 92fd076c..7701cc17 100644
--- a/tests/unit_tests/test_dock_area.py
+++ b/tests/unit_tests/test_dock_area.py
@@ -19,19 +19,19 @@ from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.basic_dock_area import (
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area import BECDockArea, SaveProfileDialog
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.profile_utils import (
     SETTINGS_KEYS,
-    default_profile_path,
+    baseline_profile_path,
     get_profile_info,
     is_profile_read_only,
     is_quick_select,
     list_profiles,
-    load_default_profile_screenshot,
-    load_user_profile_screenshot,
-    open_default_settings,
-    open_user_settings,
+    load_baseline_profile_screenshot,
+    load_runtime_profile_screenshot,
+    open_baseline_settings,
+    open_runtime_settings,
     read_manifest,
-    restore_user_from_default,
+    restore_runtime_from_baseline,
+    runtime_profile_path,
     set_quick_select,
-    user_profile_path,
     write_manifest,
 )
 from bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.settings.dialogs import (
@@ -188,17 +188,17 @@ class _NamespaceProfiles:
     def __init__(self, widget: BECDockArea):
         self.namespace = widget.profile_namespace
 
-    def open_user(self, name: str):
-        return open_user_settings(name, namespace=self.namespace)
+    def open_runtime(self, name: str):
+        return open_runtime_settings(name, namespace=self.namespace)
 
-    def open_default(self, name: str):
-        return open_default_settings(name, namespace=self.namespace)
+    def open_baseline(self, name: str):
+        return open_baseline_settings(name, namespace=self.namespace)
 
-    def user_path(self, name: str) -> str:
-        return user_profile_path(name, namespace=self.namespace)
+    def runtime_path(self, name: str) -> str:
+        return runtime_profile_path(name, namespace=self.namespace)
 
-    def default_path(self, name: str) -> str:
-        return default_profile_path(name, namespace=self.namespace)
+    def baseline_path(self, name: str) -> str:
+        return baseline_profile_path(name, namespace=self.namespace)
 
     def list_profiles(self) -> list[str]:
         return list_profiles(namespace=self.namespace)
@@ -946,7 +946,7 @@ class TestToolbarFunctionality:
 
     def test_load_profile_restores_floating_dock(self, advanced_dock_area, qtbot):
         helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
-        settings = helper.open_user("floating_profile")
+        settings = helper.open_runtime("floating_profile")
         settings.clear()
 
         settings.setValue("profile/created_at", "2025-11-23T00:00:00Z")
@@ -1246,9 +1246,9 @@ class TestProfileInfoAndScreenshots:
         settings.endArray()
         settings.sync()
 
-    def test_get_profile_info_user_origin(self, temp_profile_dir):
-        name = "info_user"
-        settings = open_user_settings(name)
+    def test_get_profile_info_runtime_origin(self, temp_profile_dir):
+        name = "info_runtime"
+        settings = open_runtime_settings(name)
         settings.setValue(profile_utils.SETTINGS_KEYS["created_at"], "2023-01-01T00:00:00Z")
         settings.setValue("profile/author", "Custom")
         set_quick_select(name, True)
@@ -1262,22 +1262,22 @@ class TestProfileInfoAndScreenshots:
         assert info.is_quick_select is True
         assert info.widget_count == 3
         assert info.author == "User"
-        assert info.user_path.endswith(f"{name}.ini")
+        assert info.runtime_path.endswith(f"{name}.ini")
         assert info.size_kb >= 0
 
-    def test_get_profile_info_default_only(self, temp_profile_dir):
-        name = "info_default"
-        settings = open_default_settings(name)
+    def test_get_profile_info_baseline_only(self, temp_profile_dir):
+        name = "info_baseline"
+        settings = open_baseline_settings(name)
         self._write_manifest(settings, count=1)
 
-        user_path = user_profile_path(name)
-        if os.path.exists(user_path):
-            os.remove(user_path)
+        runtime_path = runtime_profile_path(name)
+        if os.path.exists(runtime_path):
+            os.remove(runtime_path)
 
         info = get_profile_info(name)
 
         assert info.origin == "settings"
-        assert info.user_path.endswith(f"{name}.ini")
+        assert info.baseline_path.endswith(f"{name}.ini")
         assert info.widget_count == 1
 
     def test_get_profile_info_module_readonly(self, module_profile_factory):
@@ -1289,10 +1289,10 @@ class TestProfileInfoAndScreenshots:
 
     def test_get_profile_info_unknown_profile(self):
         name = "nonexistent_profile"
-        if os.path.exists(user_profile_path(name)):
-            os.remove(user_profile_path(name))
-        if os.path.exists(default_profile_path(name)):
-            os.remove(default_profile_path(name))
+        if os.path.exists(runtime_profile_path(name)):
+            os.remove(runtime_profile_path(name))
+        if os.path.exists(baseline_profile_path(name)):
+            os.remove(baseline_profile_path(name))
 
         info = get_profile_info(name)
 
@@ -1300,29 +1300,29 @@ class TestProfileInfoAndScreenshots:
         assert info.is_read_only is False
         assert info.widget_count == 0
 
-    def test_load_user_profile_screenshot(self, temp_profile_dir):
-        name = "user_screenshot"
-        settings = open_user_settings(name)
+    def test_load_runtime_profile_screenshot(self, temp_profile_dir):
+        name = "runtime_screenshot"
+        settings = open_runtime_settings(name)
         settings.setValue(profile_utils.SETTINGS_KEYS["screenshot"], self.PNG_BYTES)
         settings.sync()
 
-        pix = load_user_profile_screenshot(name)
+        pix = load_runtime_profile_screenshot(name)
 
         assert pix is not None and not pix.isNull()
 
-    def test_load_default_profile_screenshot(self, temp_profile_dir):
-        name = "default_screenshot"
-        settings = open_default_settings(name)
+    def test_load_baseline_profile_screenshot(self, temp_profile_dir):
+        name = "baseline_screenshot"
+        settings = open_baseline_settings(name)
         settings.setValue(profile_utils.SETTINGS_KEYS["screenshot"], self.PNG_BYTES)
         settings.sync()
 
-        pix = load_default_profile_screenshot(name)
+        pix = load_baseline_profile_screenshot(name)
 
         assert pix is not None and not pix.isNull()
 
     def test_load_screenshot_from_settings_invalid(self, temp_profile_dir):
         name = "invalid_screenshot"
-        settings = open_user_settings(name)
+        settings = open_runtime_settings(name)
         settings.setValue(profile_utils.SETTINGS_KEYS["screenshot"], "not-an-image")
         settings.sync()
 
@@ -1332,7 +1332,7 @@ class TestProfileInfoAndScreenshots:
 
     def test_load_screenshot_from_settings_bytes(self, temp_profile_dir):
         name = "bytes_screenshot"
-        settings = open_user_settings(name)
+        settings = open_runtime_settings(name)
         settings.setValue(profile_utils.SETTINGS_KEYS["screenshot"], self.PNG_BYTES)
         settings.sync()
 
@@ -1347,7 +1347,7 @@ class TestWorkSpaceManager:
     @staticmethod
     def _create_profiles(names):
         for name in names:
-            settings = open_user_settings(name)
+            settings = open_runtime_settings(name)
             settings.setValue("meta", "value")
             settings.sync()
 
@@ -1411,7 +1411,7 @@ class TestWorkSpaceManager:
 
         manager.delete_profile(name)
 
-        assert not os.path.exists(user_profile_path(name))
+        assert not os.path.exists(runtime_profile_path(name))
         assert target.refresh_calls >= 1
 
     def test_delete_readonly_profile_shows_message(
@@ -1441,21 +1441,23 @@ class TestWorkSpaceManager:
 class TestAdvancedDockAreaRestoreAndDialogs:
     """Additional coverage for restore flows and workspace dialogs."""
 
-    def test_restore_user_profile_from_default_confirm_true(self, advanced_dock_area, monkeypatch):
+    def test_restore_runtime_profile_from_baseline_confirm_true(
+        self, advanced_dock_area, monkeypatch
+    ):
         profile_name = "profile_restore_true"
         helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
-        helper.open_default(profile_name).sync()
-        helper.open_user(profile_name).sync()
+        helper.open_baseline(profile_name).sync()
+        helper.open_runtime(profile_name).sync()
         advanced_dock_area._current_profile_name = profile_name
         advanced_dock_area.isVisible = lambda: False
         pix = QPixmap(8, 8)
         pix.fill(Qt.red)
         monkeypatch.setattr(
-            "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.load_user_profile_screenshot",
+            "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.load_runtime_profile_screenshot",
             lambda name, namespace=None: pix,
         )
         monkeypatch.setattr(
-            "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.load_default_profile_screenshot",
+            "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.load_baseline_profile_screenshot",
             lambda name, namespace=None: pix,
         )
         monkeypatch.setattr(
@@ -1465,12 +1467,12 @@ class TestAdvancedDockAreaRestoreAndDialogs:
 
         with (
             patch(
-                "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.restore_user_from_default"
+                "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.restore_runtime_from_baseline"
             ) as mock_restore,
             patch.object(advanced_dock_area, "delete_all") as mock_delete_all,
             patch.object(advanced_dock_area, "load_profile") as mock_load_profile,
         ):
-            advanced_dock_area.restore_user_profile_from_default()
+            advanced_dock_area.restore_runtime_profile_from_baseline()
 
         assert mock_restore.call_count == 1
         args, kwargs = mock_restore.call_args
@@ -1479,20 +1481,22 @@ class TestAdvancedDockAreaRestoreAndDialogs:
         mock_delete_all.assert_called_once()
         mock_load_profile.assert_called_once_with(profile_name)
 
-    def test_restore_user_profile_from_default_confirm_false(self, advanced_dock_area, monkeypatch):
+    def test_restore_runtime_profile_from_baseline_confirm_false(
+        self, advanced_dock_area, monkeypatch
+    ):
         profile_name = "profile_restore_false"
         helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
-        helper.open_default(profile_name).sync()
-        helper.open_user(profile_name).sync()
+        helper.open_baseline(profile_name).sync()
+        helper.open_runtime(profile_name).sync()
         advanced_dock_area._current_profile_name = profile_name
         advanced_dock_area.isVisible = lambda: False
         monkeypatch.setattr(
-            "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.load_user_profile_screenshot",
-            lambda name: QPixmap(),
+            "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.load_runtime_profile_screenshot",
+            lambda name, namespace=None: QPixmap(),
         )
         monkeypatch.setattr(
-            "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.load_default_profile_screenshot",
-            lambda name: QPixmap(),
+            "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.load_baseline_profile_screenshot",
+            lambda name, namespace=None: QPixmap(),
         )
         monkeypatch.setattr(
             "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.RestoreProfileDialog.confirm",
@@ -1500,24 +1504,24 @@ class TestAdvancedDockAreaRestoreAndDialogs:
         )
 
         with patch(
-            "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.restore_user_from_default"
+            "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.restore_runtime_from_baseline"
         ) as mock_restore:
-            advanced_dock_area.restore_user_profile_from_default()
+            advanced_dock_area.restore_runtime_profile_from_baseline()
 
         mock_restore.assert_not_called()
 
-    def test_restore_user_profile_from_default_no_target(self, advanced_dock_area, monkeypatch):
+    def test_restore_runtime_profile_from_baseline_no_target(self, advanced_dock_area, monkeypatch):
         advanced_dock_area._current_profile_name = None
         with patch(
             "bec_widgets.widgets.containers.dock_area.dock_area.RestoreProfileDialog.confirm"
         ) as mock_confirm:
-            advanced_dock_area.restore_user_profile_from_default()
+            advanced_dock_area.restore_runtime_profile_from_baseline()
         mock_confirm.assert_not_called()
 
     def test_refresh_workspace_list_with_refresh_profiles(self, advanced_dock_area):
         profile_name = "refresh_profile"
         helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
-        helper.open_user(profile_name).sync()
+        helper.open_runtime(profile_name).sync()
         # Simulate a normal named-profile state (not transient empty startup mode).
         advanced_dock_area._empty_profile_active = False
         advanced_dock_area._current_profile_name = profile_name
@@ -1572,8 +1576,8 @@ class TestAdvancedDockAreaRestoreAndDialogs:
         active = "active_profile"
         quick = "quick_profile"
         helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
-        helper.open_user(active).sync()
-        helper.open_user(quick).sync()
+        helper.open_runtime(active).sync()
+        helper.open_runtime(quick).sync()
         helper.set_quick_select(quick, True)
 
         combo_stub = ComboStub()
@@ -1600,7 +1604,7 @@ class TestAdvancedDockAreaRestoreAndDialogs:
 
         advanced_dock_area._current_profile_name = "manager_profile"
         helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
-        helper.open_user("manager_profile").sync()
+        helper.open_runtime("manager_profile").sync()
 
         advanced_dock_area.show_workspace_manager()
 
@@ -1635,17 +1639,108 @@ class TestProfileManagement:
 
     def test_profile_path(self, temp_profile_dir):
         """Test profile path generation."""
-        path = user_profile_path("test_profile")
-        expected = os.path.join(temp_profile_dir, "user", "test_profile.ini")
+        path = runtime_profile_path("test_profile")
+        expected = os.path.join(temp_profile_dir, "runtime", "test_profile.ini")
         assert path == expected
 
-        default_path = default_profile_path("test_profile")
-        expected_default = os.path.join(temp_profile_dir, "default", "test_profile.ini")
-        assert default_path == expected_default
+        baseline_path = baseline_profile_path("test_profile")
+        expected_baseline = os.path.join(temp_profile_dir, "baseline", "test_profile.ini")
+        assert baseline_path == expected_baseline
+
+    def test_legacy_user_profile_is_mapped_to_runtime(self, temp_profile_dir):
+        """Legacy user profiles are copied into the canonical runtime segment."""
+        name = "legacy_runtime"
+        legacy_dir = os.path.join(temp_profile_dir, "user")
+        os.makedirs(legacy_dir, exist_ok=True)
+        legacy_path = os.path.join(legacy_dir, f"{name}.ini")
+        legacy_settings = QSettings(legacy_path, QSettings.IniFormat)
+        legacy_settings.setValue("test/value", "legacy")
+        legacy_settings.sync()
+
+        canonical_path = runtime_profile_path(name)
+        assert not os.path.exists(canonical_path)
+
+        assert name in list_profiles()
+
+        assert os.path.exists(canonical_path)
+        assert open_runtime_settings(name).value("test/value", "", type=str) == "legacy"
+
+    def test_legacy_default_profile_is_mapped_to_baseline(self, temp_profile_dir):
+        """Legacy default profiles are copied into the canonical baseline segment."""
+        name = "legacy_baseline"
+        legacy_dir = os.path.join(temp_profile_dir, "default")
+        os.makedirs(legacy_dir, exist_ok=True)
+        legacy_path = os.path.join(legacy_dir, f"{name}.ini")
+        legacy_settings = QSettings(legacy_path, QSettings.IniFormat)
+        legacy_settings.setValue("test/value", "legacy")
+        legacy_settings.sync()
+
+        canonical_path = baseline_profile_path(name)
+        assert not os.path.exists(canonical_path)
+
+        assert name in list_profiles()
+
+        assert os.path.exists(canonical_path)
+        assert open_baseline_settings(name).value("test/value", "", type=str) == "legacy"
+
+    def test_runtime_namespace_fallback_is_materialized(self, temp_profile_dir):
+        """Canonical runtime namespace fallback is copied before opening primary settings."""
+        name = "runtime_namespace_fallback"
+        fallback_settings = open_runtime_settings(name)
+        fallback_settings.setValue("test/value", "fallback")
+        fallback_settings.sync()
+
+        namespaced_path = runtime_profile_path(name, namespace="beamline")
+        assert not os.path.exists(namespaced_path)
+
+        settings = open_runtime_settings(name, namespace="beamline")
+
+        assert os.path.exists(namespaced_path)
+        assert settings.value("test/value", "", type=str) == "fallback"
+
+    def test_baseline_namespace_fallback_is_materialized(self, temp_profile_dir):
+        """Canonical baseline namespace fallback is copied before opening primary settings."""
+        name = "baseline_namespace_fallback"
+        fallback_settings = open_baseline_settings(name)
+        fallback_settings.setValue("test/value", "fallback")
+        fallback_settings.sync()
+
+        namespaced_path = baseline_profile_path(name, namespace="beamline")
+        assert not os.path.exists(namespaced_path)
+
+        settings = open_baseline_settings(name, namespace="beamline")
+
+        assert os.path.exists(namespaced_path)
+        assert settings.value("test/value", "", type=str) == "fallback"
+
+    def test_canonical_profile_wins_over_legacy_profile(self, temp_profile_dir):
+        """Canonical runtime/baseline files are not overwritten by legacy fallback files."""
+        name = "canonical_wins"
+        runtime_settings = open_runtime_settings(name)
+        runtime_settings.setValue("test/value", "canonical-runtime")
+        runtime_settings.sync()
+        baseline_settings = open_baseline_settings(name)
+        baseline_settings.setValue("test/value", "canonical-baseline")
+        baseline_settings.sync()
+
+        for segment, value in (("user", "legacy-runtime"), ("default", "legacy-baseline")):
+            legacy_dir = os.path.join(temp_profile_dir, segment)
+            os.makedirs(legacy_dir, exist_ok=True)
+            legacy_settings = QSettings(
+                os.path.join(legacy_dir, f"{name}.ini"), QSettings.IniFormat
+            )
+            legacy_settings.setValue("test/value", value)
+            legacy_settings.sync()
+
+        assert name in list_profiles()
+        assert open_runtime_settings(name).value("test/value", "", type=str) == "canonical-runtime"
+        assert (
+            open_baseline_settings(name).value("test/value", "", type=str) == "canonical-baseline"
+        )
 
     def test_open_settings(self, temp_profile_dir):
         """Test opening settings for a profile."""
-        settings = open_user_settings("test_profile")
+        settings = open_runtime_settings("test_profile")
         assert isinstance(settings, QSettings)
 
     def test_list_profiles_empty(self, temp_profile_dir):
@@ -1666,7 +1761,7 @@ class TestProfileManagement:
         # Create some test profile files
         profile_names = ["profile1", "profile2", "profile3"]
         for name in profile_names:
-            settings = open_user_settings(name)
+            settings = open_runtime_settings(name)
             settings.setValue("test", "value")
             settings.sync()
 
@@ -1676,24 +1771,24 @@ class TestProfileManagement:
 
     def test_readonly_profile_operations(self, temp_profile_dir, module_profile_factory):
         """Test read-only profile functionality."""
-        profile_name = "user_profile"
+        profile_name = "runtime_profile"
 
         # Initially should not be read-only
         assert not is_profile_read_only(profile_name)
 
-        # Create a user profile and ensure it's writable
-        settings = open_user_settings(profile_name)
+        # Create a runtime profile and ensure it's writable
+        settings = open_runtime_settings(profile_name)
         settings.setValue("test", "value")
         settings.sync()
         assert not is_profile_read_only(profile_name)
 
         # Verify a bundled module profile is detected as read-only
-        readonly_name = module_profile_factory("module_default")
+        readonly_name = module_profile_factory("module_baseline")
         assert is_profile_read_only(readonly_name)
 
     def test_write_and_read_manifest(self, temp_profile_dir, advanced_dock_area, qtbot):
         """Test writing and reading dock manifest."""
-        settings = open_user_settings("test_manifest")
+        settings = open_runtime_settings("test_manifest")
 
         # Create real docks
         advanced_dock_area.new("DarkModeButton")
@@ -1723,18 +1818,18 @@ class TestProfileManagement:
     def test_restore_preserves_quick_select(self, temp_profile_dir):
         """Ensure restoring keeps the quick select flag when it was enabled."""
         profile_name = "restorable_profile"
-        default_settings = open_default_settings(profile_name)
-        default_settings.setValue("test", "default")
-        default_settings.sync()
+        baseline_settings = open_baseline_settings(profile_name)
+        baseline_settings.setValue("test", "baseline")
+        baseline_settings.sync()
 
-        user_settings = open_user_settings(profile_name)
-        user_settings.setValue("test", "user")
-        user_settings.sync()
+        runtime_settings = open_runtime_settings(profile_name)
+        runtime_settings.setValue("test", "runtime")
+        runtime_settings.sync()
 
         set_quick_select(profile_name, True)
         assert is_quick_select(profile_name)
 
-        restore_user_from_default(profile_name)
+        restore_runtime_from_baseline(profile_name)
 
         assert is_quick_select(profile_name)
 
@@ -1758,7 +1853,7 @@ class TestWorkspaceProfileOperations:
             widget.prepare_for_shutdown()
         mock_write.assert_not_called()
 
-        helper.open_user("real_profile").sync()
+        helper.open_runtime("real_profile").sync()
         widget.load_profile("real_profile")
         assert widget._empty_profile_active is False
         assert widget._empty_profile_consumed is True
@@ -1772,7 +1867,7 @@ class TestWorkspaceProfileOperations:
         profile_name = module_profile_factory("readonly_profile")
         new_profile = f"{profile_name}_custom"
         helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
-        target_path = helper.user_path(new_profile)
+        target_path = helper.runtime_path(new_profile)
         if os.path.exists(target_path):
             os.remove(target_path)
 
@@ -1802,7 +1897,7 @@ class TestWorkspaceProfileOperations:
         helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
 
         # Create a profile with manifest
-        settings = helper.open_user(profile_name)
+        settings = helper.open_runtime(profile_name)
         settings.beginWriteArray("manifest/widgets", 1)
         settings.setArrayIndex(0)
         settings.setValue("object_name", "test_widget")
@@ -1823,6 +1918,46 @@ class TestWorkspaceProfileOperations:
         widget_map = advanced_dock_area.widget_map()
         assert "test_widget" in widget_map
 
+    def test_load_profile_materializes_runtime_namespace_fallback(self, advanced_dock_area):
+        """Loading a runtime fallback copies it into the active namespace before opening."""
+        profile_name = "load_runtime_namespace_fallback"
+        helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
+        fallback_settings = open_runtime_settings(profile_name)
+        fallback_settings.setValue("test/value", "fallback")
+        fallback_settings.sync()
+
+        namespaced_path = helper.runtime_path(profile_name)
+        assert not os.path.exists(namespaced_path)
+
+        advanced_dock_area.load_profile(profile_name)
+
+        assert os.path.exists(namespaced_path)
+        assert (
+            QSettings(namespaced_path, QSettings.IniFormat).value("test/value", "", type=str)
+            == "fallback"
+        )
+        assert advanced_dock_area._current_profile_name == profile_name
+
+    def test_load_profile_materializes_baseline_namespace_fallback(self, advanced_dock_area):
+        """Loading a baseline fallback copies it into the active namespace before opening."""
+        profile_name = "load_baseline_namespace_fallback"
+        helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
+        fallback_settings = open_baseline_settings(profile_name)
+        fallback_settings.setValue("test/value", "fallback")
+        fallback_settings.sync()
+
+        namespaced_path = helper.baseline_path(profile_name)
+        assert not os.path.exists(namespaced_path)
+
+        advanced_dock_area.load_profile(profile_name)
+
+        assert os.path.exists(namespaced_path)
+        assert (
+            QSettings(namespaced_path, QSettings.IniFormat).value("test/value", "", type=str)
+            == "fallback"
+        )
+        assert advanced_dock_area._current_profile_name == profile_name
+
     def test_save_as_skips_autosave_source_profile(
         self, advanced_dock_area, temp_profile_dir, qtbot
     ):
@@ -1831,7 +1966,7 @@ class TestWorkspaceProfileOperations:
         new_profile = "autosave_new"
         helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
 
-        settings = helper.open_user(source_profile)
+        settings = helper.open_runtime(source_profile)
         settings.beginWriteArray("manifest/widgets", 1)
         settings.setArrayIndex(0)
         settings.setValue("object_name", "source_widget")
@@ -1871,8 +2006,8 @@ class TestWorkspaceProfileOperations:
 
         qtbot.wait(500)
         assert list(advanced_dock_area.widget_list()) == widgets_before_save
-        source_manifest = read_manifest(helper.open_user(source_profile))
-        new_manifest = read_manifest(helper.open_user(new_profile))
+        source_manifest = read_manifest(helper.open_runtime(source_profile))
+        new_manifest = read_manifest(helper.open_runtime(new_profile))
 
         assert len(source_manifest) == 1
         assert len(new_manifest) == 2
@@ -1884,7 +2019,7 @@ class TestWorkspaceProfileOperations:
         helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
 
         for profile in (profile_a, profile_b):
-            settings = helper.open_user(profile)
+            settings = helper.open_runtime(profile)
             settings.beginWriteArray("manifest/widgets", 1)
             settings.setArrayIndex(0)
             settings.setValue("object_name", f"{profile}_widget")
@@ -1903,7 +2038,7 @@ class TestWorkspaceProfileOperations:
         advanced_dock_area.load_profile(profile_b)
         qtbot.wait(500)
 
-        manifest_a = read_manifest(helper.open_user(profile_a))
+        manifest_a = read_manifest(helper.open_runtime(profile_a))
         assert len(manifest_a) == 2
 
     def test_delete_profile_readonly(
@@ -1912,15 +2047,15 @@ class TestWorkspaceProfileOperations:
         """Test deleting bundled profile removes only the writable copy."""
         profile_name = module_profile_factory("readonly_profile")
         helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
-        helper.list_profiles()  # ensure default and user copies are materialized
-        helper.open_default(profile_name).sync()
-        settings = helper.open_user(profile_name)
+        helper.list_profiles()  # ensure baseline and runtime copies are materialized
+        helper.open_baseline(profile_name).sync()
+        settings = helper.open_runtime(profile_name)
         settings.setValue("test", "value")
         settings.sync()
-        user_path = helper.user_path(profile_name)
-        default_path = helper.default_path(profile_name)
-        assert os.path.exists(user_path)
-        assert os.path.exists(default_path)
+        runtime_path = helper.runtime_path(profile_name)
+        baseline_path = helper.baseline_path(profile_name)
+        assert os.path.exists(runtime_path)
+        assert os.path.exists(baseline_path)
 
         with patch.object(advanced_dock_area.toolbar.components, "get_action") as mock_get_action:
             mock_combo = MagicMock()
@@ -1941,9 +2076,9 @@ class TestWorkspaceProfileOperations:
 
                 mock_question.assert_not_called()
                 mock_info.assert_called_once()
-                # Read-only profile should remain intact (user + default copies)
-                assert os.path.exists(user_path)
-                assert os.path.exists(default_path)
+                # Read-only profile should remain intact (runtime + baseline copies)
+                assert os.path.exists(runtime_path)
+                assert os.path.exists(baseline_path)
 
     def test_delete_profile_success(self, advanced_dock_area, temp_profile_dir):
         """Test successful profile deletion."""
@@ -1951,11 +2086,11 @@ class TestWorkspaceProfileOperations:
         helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
 
         # Create regular profile
-        settings = helper.open_user(profile_name)
+        settings = helper.open_runtime(profile_name)
         settings.setValue("test", "value")
         settings.sync()
-        user_path = helper.user_path(profile_name)
-        assert os.path.exists(user_path)
+        runtime_path = helper.runtime_path(profile_name)
+        assert os.path.exists(runtime_path)
 
         with patch.object(advanced_dock_area.toolbar.components, "get_action") as mock_get_action:
             mock_combo = MagicMock()
@@ -1973,7 +2108,7 @@ class TestWorkspaceProfileOperations:
                     mock_question.assert_called_once()
                     mock_refresh.assert_called_once()
                     # Profile should be deleted
-                    assert not os.path.exists(user_path)
+                    assert not os.path.exists(runtime_path)
 
     def test_delete_profile_cli_usage(self, advanced_dock_area, temp_profile_dir):
         """Test delete_profile with explicit name (CLI usage - no dialog by default)."""
@@ -1981,24 +2116,24 @@ class TestWorkspaceProfileOperations:
         helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
 
         # Create regular profile
-        settings = helper.open_user(profile_name)
+        settings = helper.open_runtime(profile_name)
         settings.setValue("test", "value")
         settings.sync()
-        user_path = helper.user_path(profile_name)
-        assert os.path.exists(user_path)
+        runtime_path = helper.runtime_path(profile_name)
+        assert os.path.exists(runtime_path)
 
         # Delete without dialog (CLI usage - default behavior)
         result = advanced_dock_area.delete_profile(profile_name)
 
         assert result is True
-        assert not os.path.exists(user_path)
+        assert not os.path.exists(runtime_path)
 
     def test_refresh_workspace_list(self, advanced_dock_area, temp_profile_dir):
         """Test refreshing workspace list."""
         # Create some profiles
         helper = profile_helper(advanced_dock_area)
         for name in ["profile1", "profile2"]:
-            settings = helper.open_user(name)
+            settings = helper.open_runtime(name)
             settings.setValue("test", "value")
             settings.sync()