diff --git a/openpype/client/entity_links.py b/openpype/client/entity_links.py
index 66214f469c..e42ac58aff 100644
--- a/openpype/client/entity_links.py
+++ b/openpype/client/entity_links.py
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ from .mongo import get_project_connection
 from .entities import (
     get_assets,
     get_asset_by_id,
+    get_version_by_id,
     get_representation_by_id,
     convert_id,
 )
@@ -127,12 +128,20 @@ def get_linked_representation_id(
     if not version_id:
         return []
 
+    version_doc = get_version_by_id(
+        project_name, version_id, fields=["type", "version_id"]
+    )
+    if version_doc["type"] == "hero_version":
+        version_id = version_doc["version_id"]
+
     if max_depth is None:
         max_depth = 0
 
     match = {
         "_id": version_id,
-        "type": {"$in": ["version", "hero_version"]}
+        # Links are not stored to hero versions at this moment so filter
+        #   is limited to just versions
+        "type": "version"
     }
 
     graph_lookup = {
@@ -187,7 +196,7 @@ def _process_referenced_pipeline_result(result, link_type):
     referenced_version_ids = set()
     correctly_linked_ids = set()
     for item in result:
-        input_links = item["data"].get("inputLinks")
+        input_links = item.get("data", {}).get("inputLinks")
         if not input_links:
             continue
 
@@ -203,7 +212,7 @@ def _process_referenced_pipeline_result(result, link_type):
             continue
 
         for output in sorted(outputs_recursive, key=lambda o: o["depth"]):
-            output_links = output["data"].get("inputLinks")
+            output_links = output.get("data", {}).get("inputLinks")
             if not output_links:
                 continue
 
diff --git a/openpype/client/operations.py b/openpype/client/operations.py
index 48e8645726..fd639c34a7 100644
--- a/openpype/client/operations.py
+++ b/openpype/client/operations.py
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ CURRENT_PROJECT_CONFIG_SCHEMA = "openpype:config-2.0"
 CURRENT_ASSET_DOC_SCHEMA = "openpype:asset-3.0"
 CURRENT_SUBSET_SCHEMA = "openpype:subset-3.0"
 CURRENT_VERSION_SCHEMA = "openpype:version-3.0"
+CURRENT_HERO_VERSION_SCHEMA = "openpype:hero_version-1.0"
 CURRENT_REPRESENTATION_SCHEMA = "openpype:representation-2.0"
 CURRENT_WORKFILE_INFO_SCHEMA = "openpype:workfile-1.0"
 CURRENT_THUMBNAIL_SCHEMA = "openpype:thumbnail-1.0"
@@ -162,6 +163,34 @@ def new_version_doc(version, subset_id, data=None, entity_id=None):
     }
 
 
+def new_hero_version_doc(version_id, subset_id, data=None, entity_id=None):
+    """Create skeleton data of hero version document.
+
+    Args:
+        version_id (ObjectId): Is considered as unique identifier of version
+            under subset.
+        subset_id (Union[str, ObjectId]): Id of parent subset.
+        data (Dict[str, Any]): Version document data.
+        entity_id (Union[str, ObjectId]): Predefined id of document. New id is
+            created if not passed.
+
+    Returns:
+        Dict[str, Any]: Skeleton of version document.
+    """
+
+    if data is None:
+        data = {}
+
+    return {
+        "_id": _create_or_convert_to_mongo_id(entity_id),
+        "schema": CURRENT_HERO_VERSION_SCHEMA,
+        "type": "hero_version",
+        "version_id": version_id,
+        "parent": subset_id,
+        "data": data
+    }
+
+
 def new_representation_doc(
     name, version_id, context, data=None, entity_id=None
 ):
@@ -293,6 +322,20 @@ def prepare_version_update_data(old_doc, new_doc, replace=True):
     return _prepare_update_data(old_doc, new_doc, replace)
 
 
+def prepare_hero_version_update_data(old_doc, new_doc, replace=True):
+    """Compare two hero version documents and prepare update data.
+
+    Based on compared values will create update data for 'UpdateOperation'.
+
+    Empty output means that documents are identical.
+
+    Returns:
+        Dict[str, Any]: Changes between old and new document.
+    """
+
+    return _prepare_update_data(old_doc, new_doc, replace)
+
+
 def prepare_representation_update_data(old_doc, new_doc, replace=True):
     """Compare two representation documents and prepare update data.
 
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/flame/api/plugin.py b/openpype/hosts/flame/api/plugin.py
index 4bbdc79621..092ce9d106 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/flame/api/plugin.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/flame/api/plugin.py
@@ -6,9 +6,9 @@ from xml.etree import ElementTree as ET
 
 from Qt import QtCore, QtWidgets
 
-import openpype.api as openpype
 import qargparse
 from openpype import style
+from openpype.settings import get_current_project_settings
 from openpype.lib import Logger
 from openpype.pipeline import LegacyCreator, LoaderPlugin
 
@@ -306,7 +306,7 @@ class Creator(LegacyCreator):
 
     def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         super(Creator, self).__init__(*args, **kwargs)
-        self.presets = openpype.get_current_project_settings()[
+        self.presets = get_current_project_settings()[
             "flame"]["create"].get(self.__class__.__name__, {})
 
         # adding basic current context flame objects
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/fusion/api/lib.py b/openpype/hosts/fusion/api/lib.py
index 4ef44dbb61..a33e5cf289 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/fusion/api/lib.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/fusion/api/lib.py
@@ -3,8 +3,6 @@ import sys
 import re
 import contextlib
 
-from Qt import QtGui
-
 from openpype.lib import Logger
 from openpype.client import (
     get_asset_by_name,
@@ -92,7 +90,7 @@ def set_asset_resolution():
     })
 
 
-def validate_comp_prefs(comp=None):
+def validate_comp_prefs(comp=None, force_repair=False):
     """Validate current comp defaults with asset settings.
 
     Validates fps, resolutionWidth, resolutionHeight, aspectRatio.
@@ -135,21 +133,22 @@ def validate_comp_prefs(comp=None):
         asset_value = asset_data[key]
         comp_value = comp_frame_format_prefs.get(comp_key)
         if asset_value != comp_value:
-            # todo: Actually show dialog to user instead of just logging
-            log.warning(
-                "Comp {pref} {value} does not match asset "
-                "'{asset_name}' {pref} {asset_value}".format(
-                    pref=label,
-                    value=comp_value,
-                    asset_name=asset_doc["name"],
-                    asset_value=asset_value)
-            )
-
             invalid_msg = "{} {} should be {}".format(label,
                                                       comp_value,
                                                       asset_value)
             invalid.append(invalid_msg)
 
+            if not force_repair:
+                # Do not log warning if we force repair anyway
+                log.warning(
+                    "Comp {pref} {value} does not match asset "
+                    "'{asset_name}' {pref} {asset_value}".format(
+                        pref=label,
+                        value=comp_value,
+                        asset_name=asset_doc["name"],
+                        asset_value=asset_value)
+                )
+
     if invalid:
 
         def _on_repair():
@@ -160,6 +159,11 @@ def validate_comp_prefs(comp=None):
                 attributes[comp_key_full] = value
             comp.SetPrefs(attributes)
 
+        if force_repair:
+            log.info("Applying default Comp preferences..")
+            _on_repair()
+            return
+
         from . import menu
         from openpype.widgets import popup
         from openpype.style import load_stylesheet
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/fusion/api/menu.py b/openpype/hosts/fusion/api/menu.py
index 7a6293807f..39126935e6 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/fusion/api/menu.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/fusion/api/menu.py
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ from openpype.hosts.fusion.api.lib import (
 from openpype.pipeline import legacy_io
 from openpype.resources import get_openpype_icon_filepath
 
+from .pipeline import FusionEventHandler
 from .pulse import FusionPulse
 
 self = sys.modules[__name__]
@@ -119,6 +120,10 @@ class OpenPypeMenu(QtWidgets.QWidget):
         self._pulse = FusionPulse(parent=self)
         self._pulse.start()
 
+        # Detect Fusion events as OpenPype events
+        self._event_handler = FusionEventHandler(parent=self)
+        self._event_handler.start()
+
     def on_task_changed(self):
         # Update current context label
         label = legacy_io.Session["AVALON_ASSET"]
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/fusion/api/pipeline.py b/openpype/hosts/fusion/api/pipeline.py
index c92d072ef7..b22ee5328f 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/fusion/api/pipeline.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/fusion/api/pipeline.py
@@ -2,13 +2,16 @@
 Basic avalon integration
 """
 import os
+import sys
 import logging
 
 import pyblish.api
+from Qt import QtCore
 
 from openpype.lib import (
     Logger,
-    register_event_callback
+    register_event_callback,
+    emit_event
 )
 from openpype.pipeline import (
     register_loader_plugin_path,
@@ -39,12 +42,13 @@ CREATE_PATH = os.path.join(PLUGINS_DIR, "create")
 INVENTORY_PATH = os.path.join(PLUGINS_DIR, "inventory")
 
 
-class CompLogHandler(logging.Handler):
+class FusionLogHandler(logging.Handler):
+    # Keep a reference to fusion's Print function (Remote Object)
+    _print = getattr(sys.modules["__main__"], "fusion").Print
+
     def emit(self, record):
         entry = self.format(record)
-        comp = get_current_comp()
-        if comp:
-            comp.Print(entry)
+        self._print(entry)
 
 
 def install():
@@ -67,7 +71,7 @@ def install():
     # Attach default logging handler that prints to active comp
     logger = logging.getLogger()
     formatter = logging.Formatter(fmt="%(message)s\n")
-    handler = CompLogHandler()
+    handler = FusionLogHandler()
     handler.setFormatter(formatter)
     logger.addHandler(handler)
     logger.setLevel(logging.DEBUG)
@@ -84,10 +88,10 @@ def install():
         "instanceToggled", on_pyblish_instance_toggled
     )
 
-    # Fusion integration currently does not attach to direct callbacks of
-    # the application. So we use workfile callbacks to allow similar behavior
-    # on save and open
-    register_event_callback("workfile.open.after", on_after_open)
+    # Register events
+    register_event_callback("open", on_after_open)
+    register_event_callback("save", on_save)
+    register_event_callback("new", on_new)
 
 
 def uninstall():
@@ -137,8 +141,18 @@ def on_pyblish_instance_toggled(instance, old_value, new_value):
                 tool.SetAttrs({"TOOLB_PassThrough": passthrough})
 
 
-def on_after_open(_event):
-    comp = get_current_comp()
+def on_new(event):
+    comp = event["Rets"]["comp"]
+    validate_comp_prefs(comp, force_repair=True)
+
+
+def on_save(event):
+    comp = event["sender"]
+    validate_comp_prefs(comp)
+
+
+def on_after_open(event):
+    comp = event["sender"]
     validate_comp_prefs(comp)
 
     if any_outdated_containers():
@@ -182,7 +196,7 @@ def ls():
     """
 
     comp = get_current_comp()
-    tools = comp.GetToolList(False, "Loader").values()
+    tools = comp.GetToolList(False).values()
 
     for tool in tools:
         container = parse_container(tool)
@@ -254,3 +268,114 @@ def parse_container(tool):
     return container
 
 
+class FusionEventThread(QtCore.QThread):
+    """QThread which will periodically ping Fusion app for any events.
+
+    The fusion.UIManager must be set up to be notified of events before they'll
+    be reported by this thread, for example:
+        fusion.UIManager.AddNotify("Comp_Save", None)
+
+    """
+
+    on_event = QtCore.Signal(dict)
+
+    def run(self):
+
+        app = getattr(sys.modules["__main__"], "app", None)
+        if app is None:
+            # No Fusion app found
+            return
+
+        # As optimization store the GetEvent method directly because every
+        # getattr of UIManager.GetEvent tries to resolve the Remote Function
+        # through the PyRemoteObject
+        get_event = app.UIManager.GetEvent
+        delay = int(os.environ.get("OPENPYPE_FUSION_CALLBACK_INTERVAL", 1000))
+        while True:
+            if self.isInterruptionRequested():
+                return
+
+            # Process all events that have been queued up until now
+            while True:
+                event = get_event(False)
+                if not event:
+                    break
+                self.on_event.emit(event)
+
+            # Wait some time before processing events again
+            # to not keep blocking the UI
+            self.msleep(delay)
+
+
+class FusionEventHandler(QtCore.QObject):
+    """Emits OpenPype events based on Fusion events captured in a QThread.
+
+    This will emit the following OpenPype events based on Fusion actions:
+        save: Comp_Save, Comp_SaveAs
+        open: Comp_Opened
+        new: Comp_New
+
+    To use this you can attach it to you Qt UI so it runs in the background.
+    E.g.
+        >>> handler = FusionEventHandler(parent=window)
+        >>> handler.start()
+
+
+    """
+    ACTION_IDS = [
+        "Comp_Save",
+        "Comp_SaveAs",
+        "Comp_New",
+        "Comp_Opened"
+    ]
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None):
+        super(FusionEventHandler, self).__init__(parent=parent)
+
+        # Set up Fusion event callbacks
+        fusion = getattr(sys.modules["__main__"], "fusion", None)
+        ui = fusion.UIManager
+
+        # Add notifications for the ones we want to listen to
+        notifiers = []
+        for action_id in self.ACTION_IDS:
+            notifier = ui.AddNotify(action_id, None)
+            notifiers.append(notifier)
+
+        # TODO: Not entirely sure whether these must be kept to avoid
+        #       garbage collection
+        self._notifiers = notifiers
+
+        self._event_thread = FusionEventThread(parent=self)
+        self._event_thread.on_event.connect(self._on_event)
+
+    def start(self):
+        self._event_thread.start()
+
+    def stop(self):
+        self._event_thread.stop()
+
+    def _on_event(self, event):
+        """Handle Fusion events to emit OpenPype events"""
+        if not event:
+            return
+
+        what = event["what"]
+
+        # Comp Save
+        if what in {"Comp_Save", "Comp_SaveAs"}:
+            if not event["Rets"].get("success"):
+                # If the Save action is cancelled it will still emit an
+                # event but with "success": False so we ignore those cases
+                return
+            # Comp was saved
+            emit_event("save", data=event)
+            return
+
+        # Comp New
+        elif what in {"Comp_New"}:
+            emit_event("new", data=event)
+
+        # Comp Opened
+        elif what in {"Comp_Opened"}:
+            emit_event("open", data=event)
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/fusion/api/pulse.py b/openpype/hosts/fusion/api/pulse.py
index 5b61f3bd63..eb7ef3785d 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/fusion/api/pulse.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/fusion/api/pulse.py
@@ -19,9 +19,12 @@ class PulseThread(QtCore.QThread):
         while True:
             if self.isInterruptionRequested():
                 return
-            try:
-                app.Test()
-            except Exception:
+
+            # We don't need to call Test because PyRemoteObject of the app
+            # will actually fail to even resolve the Test function if it has
+            # gone down. So we can actually already just check by confirming
+            # the method is still getting resolved. (Optimization)
+            if app.Test is None:
                 self.no_response.emit()
 
             self.msleep(interval)
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/fusion/plugins/load/load_alembic.py b/openpype/hosts/fusion/plugins/load/load_alembic.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..f8b8c2cb0a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/openpype/hosts/fusion/plugins/load/load_alembic.py
@@ -0,0 +1,70 @@
+from openpype.pipeline import (
+    load,
+    get_representation_path,
+)
+from openpype.hosts.fusion.api import (
+    imprint_container,
+    get_current_comp,
+    comp_lock_and_undo_chunk
+)
+
+
+class FusionLoadAlembicMesh(load.LoaderPlugin):
+    """Load Alembic mesh into Fusion"""
+
+    families = ["pointcache", "model"]
+    representations = ["abc"]
+
+    label = "Load alembic mesh"
+    order = -10
+    icon = "code-fork"
+    color = "orange"
+
+    tool_type = "SurfaceAlembicMesh"
+
+    def load(self, context, name, namespace, data):
+        # Fallback to asset name when namespace is None
+        if namespace is None:
+            namespace = context['asset']['name']
+
+        # Create the Loader with the filename path set
+        comp = get_current_comp()
+        with comp_lock_and_undo_chunk(comp, "Create tool"):
+
+            path = self.fname
+
+            args = (-32768, -32768)
+            tool = comp.AddTool(self.tool_type, *args)
+            tool["Filename"] = path
+
+            imprint_container(tool,
+                              name=name,
+                              namespace=namespace,
+                              context=context,
+                              loader=self.__class__.__name__)
+
+    def switch(self, container, representation):
+        self.update(container, representation)
+
+    def update(self, container, representation):
+        """Update Alembic path"""
+
+        tool = container["_tool"]
+        assert tool.ID == self.tool_type, f"Must be {self.tool_type}"
+        comp = tool.Comp()
+
+        path = get_representation_path(representation)
+
+        with comp_lock_and_undo_chunk(comp, "Update tool"):
+            tool["Filename"] = path
+
+            # Update the imprinted representation
+            tool.SetData("avalon.representation", str(representation["_id"]))
+
+    def remove(self, container):
+        tool = container["_tool"]
+        assert tool.ID == self.tool_type, f"Must be {self.tool_type}"
+        comp = tool.Comp()
+
+        with comp_lock_and_undo_chunk(comp, "Remove tool"):
+            tool.Delete()
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/fusion/plugins/load/load_fbx.py b/openpype/hosts/fusion/plugins/load/load_fbx.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..70fe82ffef
--- /dev/null
+++ b/openpype/hosts/fusion/plugins/load/load_fbx.py
@@ -0,0 +1,71 @@
+
+from openpype.pipeline import (
+    load,
+    get_representation_path,
+)
+from openpype.hosts.fusion.api import (
+    imprint_container,
+    get_current_comp,
+    comp_lock_and_undo_chunk
+)
+
+
+class FusionLoadFBXMesh(load.LoaderPlugin):
+    """Load FBX mesh into Fusion"""
+
+    families = ["*"]
+    representations = ["fbx"]
+
+    label = "Load FBX mesh"
+    order = -10
+    icon = "code-fork"
+    color = "orange"
+
+    tool_type = "SurfaceFBXMesh"
+
+    def load(self, context, name, namespace, data):
+        # Fallback to asset name when namespace is None
+        if namespace is None:
+            namespace = context['asset']['name']
+
+        # Create the Loader with the filename path set
+        comp = get_current_comp()
+        with comp_lock_and_undo_chunk(comp, "Create tool"):
+
+            path = self.fname
+
+            args = (-32768, -32768)
+            tool = comp.AddTool(self.tool_type, *args)
+            tool["ImportFile"] = path
+
+            imprint_container(tool,
+                              name=name,
+                              namespace=namespace,
+                              context=context,
+                              loader=self.__class__.__name__)
+
+    def switch(self, container, representation):
+        self.update(container, representation)
+
+    def update(self, container, representation):
+        """Update path"""
+
+        tool = container["_tool"]
+        assert tool.ID == self.tool_type, f"Must be {self.tool_type}"
+        comp = tool.Comp()
+
+        path = get_representation_path(representation)
+
+        with comp_lock_and_undo_chunk(comp, "Update tool"):
+            tool["ImportFile"] = path
+
+            # Update the imprinted representation
+            tool.SetData("avalon.representation", str(representation["_id"]))
+
+    def remove(self, container):
+        tool = container["_tool"]
+        assert tool.ID == self.tool_type, f"Must be {self.tool_type}"
+        comp = tool.Comp()
+
+        with comp_lock_and_undo_chunk(comp, "Remove tool"):
+            tool.Delete()
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/hiero/api/plugin.py b/openpype/hosts/hiero/api/plugin.py
index 77fedbbbdc..ea8a9e836a 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/hiero/api/plugin.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/hiero/api/plugin.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ import hiero
 from Qt import QtWidgets, QtCore
 import qargparse
 
-import openpype.api as openpype
+from openpype.settings import get_current_project_settings
 from openpype.lib import Logger
 from openpype.pipeline import LoaderPlugin, LegacyCreator
 from openpype.pipeline.context_tools import get_current_project_asset
@@ -606,7 +606,7 @@ class Creator(LegacyCreator):
     def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         super(Creator, self).__init__(*args, **kwargs)
         import openpype.hosts.hiero.api as phiero
-        self.presets = openpype.get_current_project_settings()[
+        self.presets = get_current_project_settings()[
             "hiero"]["create"].get(self.__class__.__name__, {})
 
         # adding basic current context resolve objects
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/houdini/plugins/publish/validate_workfile_paths.py b/openpype/hosts/houdini/plugins/publish/validate_workfile_paths.py
index 79b3e894e5..0bd78ff38a 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/houdini/plugins/publish/validate_workfile_paths.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/houdini/plugins/publish/validate_workfile_paths.py
@@ -35,6 +35,9 @@ class ValidateWorkfilePaths(pyblish.api.InstancePlugin):
     def get_invalid(cls):
         invalid = []
         for param, _ in hou.fileReferences():
+            if param is None:
+                continue
+
             # skip nodes we are not interested in
             if param.node().type().name() not in cls.node_types:
                 continue
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/maya/api/lib.py b/openpype/hosts/maya/api/lib.py
index 6a8447d6ad..e86ec56bbc 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/maya/api/lib.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/maya/api/lib.py
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ from openpype.client import (
     get_last_versions,
     get_representation_by_name
 )
-from openpype.api import get_anatomy_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_anatomy_settings
 from openpype.pipeline import (
     legacy_io,
     discover_loader_plugins,
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/maya/api/lib_rendersettings.py b/openpype/hosts/maya/api/lib_rendersettings.py
index 777a6ffbc9..b0a283da5a 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/maya/api/lib_rendersettings.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/maya/api/lib_rendersettings.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ import six
 import sys
 
 from openpype.lib import Logger
-from openpype.api import (
+from openpype.settings import (
     get_project_settings,
     get_current_project_settings
 )
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/create/create_render.py b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/create/create_render.py
index 5418ec1f2f..2b2c978d3c 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/create/create_render.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/create/create_render.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ import requests
 from maya import cmds
 from maya.app.renderSetup.model import renderSetup
 
-from openpype.api import (
+from openpype.settings import (
     get_system_settings,
     get_project_settings,
 )
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/create/create_unreal_staticmesh.py b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/create/create_unreal_staticmesh.py
index 4e4417ff34..44cbee0502 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/create/create_unreal_staticmesh.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/create/create_unreal_staticmesh.py
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
 """Creator for Unreal Static Meshes."""
 from openpype.hosts.maya.api import plugin, lib
-from openpype.api import get_project_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_project_settings
 from openpype.pipeline import legacy_io
 from maya import cmds  # noqa
 
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/create/create_vrayscene.py b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/create/create_vrayscene.py
index 45c4b7e443..59d80e6d5b 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/create/create_vrayscene.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/create/create_vrayscene.py
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ from openpype.hosts.maya.api import (
     lib,
     plugin
 )
-from openpype.api import (
+from openpype.settings import (
     get_system_settings,
     get_project_settings
 )
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_ass.py b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_ass.py
index d1b12ceaba..5db6fc3dfa 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_ass.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_ass.py
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 import os
 import clique
 
-from openpype.api import get_project_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_project_settings
 from openpype.pipeline import (
     load,
     get_representation_path
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_gpucache.py b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_gpucache.py
index 179819f904..a09f924c7b 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_gpucache.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_gpucache.py
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ from openpype.pipeline import (
     load,
     get_representation_path
 )
-from openpype.api import get_project_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_project_settings
 
 
 class GpuCacheLoader(load.LoaderPlugin):
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_redshift_proxy.py b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_redshift_proxy.py
index d93a9f02a2..c288e23ded 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_redshift_proxy.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_redshift_proxy.py
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ import clique
 
 import maya.cmds as cmds
 
-from openpype.api import get_project_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_project_settings
 from openpype.pipeline import (
     load,
     get_representation_path
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_reference.py b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_reference.py
index 5a06661df9..c762a29326 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_reference.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_reference.py
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 import os
 from maya import cmds
 
-from openpype.api import get_project_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_project_settings
 from openpype.pipeline import legacy_io
 from openpype.pipeline.create import (
     legacy_create,
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_vdb_to_arnold.py b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_vdb_to_arnold.py
index d458c5abda..8a386cecfd 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_vdb_to_arnold.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_vdb_to_arnold.py
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 import os
 
-from openpype.api import get_project_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_project_settings
 from openpype.pipeline import (
     load,
     get_representation_path
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_vdb_to_redshift.py b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_vdb_to_redshift.py
index c6a69dfe35..1f02321dc8 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_vdb_to_redshift.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_vdb_to_redshift.py
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 import os
 
-from openpype.api import get_project_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_project_settings
 from openpype.pipeline import (
     load,
     get_representation_path
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_vdb_to_vray.py b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_vdb_to_vray.py
index 3a16264ec0..9267c59c02 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_vdb_to_vray.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_vdb_to_vray.py
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 import os
 
-from openpype.api import get_project_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_project_settings
 from openpype.pipeline import (
     load,
     get_representation_path
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_vrayproxy.py b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_vrayproxy.py
index e3d6166d3a..720a132aa7 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_vrayproxy.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_vrayproxy.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ import os
 import maya.cmds as cmds
 
 from openpype.client import get_representation_by_name
-from openpype.api import get_project_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_project_settings
 from openpype.pipeline import (
     legacy_io,
     load,
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_vrayscene.py b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_vrayscene.py
index 61132088cc..d87992f9a7 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_vrayscene.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_vrayscene.py
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
 import os
 import maya.cmds as cmds  # noqa
-from openpype.api import get_project_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_project_settings
 from openpype.pipeline import (
     load,
     get_representation_path
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_yeti_cache.py b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_yeti_cache.py
index 8435ba2493..090047e22d 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_yeti_cache.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_yeti_cache.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ from collections import defaultdict
 import clique
 from maya import cmds
 
-from openpype.api import get_project_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_project_settings
 from openpype.pipeline import (
     load,
     get_representation_path
@@ -250,7 +250,7 @@ class YetiCacheLoader(load.LoaderPlugin):
         """
 
         name = node_name.replace(":", "_")
-        pattern = r"^({name})(\.[0-4]+)?(\.fur)$".format(name=re.escape(name))
+        pattern = r"^({name})(\.[0-9]+)?(\.fur)$".format(name=re.escape(name))
 
         files = [fname for fname in os.listdir(root) if re.match(pattern,
                                                                  fname)]
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_yeti_rig.py b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_yeti_rig.py
index 4b730ad2c1..651607de8a 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_yeti_rig.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_yeti_rig.py
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 import os
 from collections import defaultdict
 
-from openpype.api import get_project_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_project_settings
 import openpype.hosts.maya.api.plugin
 from openpype.hosts.maya.api import lib
 
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/publish/extract_playblast.py b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/publish/extract_playblast.py
index 81fdba2f98..8df7edc3f4 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/publish/extract_playblast.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/publish/extract_playblast.py
@@ -136,8 +136,10 @@ class ExtractPlayblast(publish.Extractor):
         self.log.debug("playblast path  {}".format(path))
 
         collected_files = os.listdir(stagingdir)
+        patterns = [clique.PATTERNS["frames"]]
         collections, remainder = clique.assemble(collected_files,
-                                                 minimum_items=1)
+                                                 minimum_items=1,
+                                                 patterns=patterns)
 
         self.log.debug("filename {}".format(filename))
         frame_collection = None
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/publish/submit_maya_muster.py b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/publish/submit_maya_muster.py
index c4250a20bd..df06220fd3 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/publish/submit_maya_muster.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/publish/submit_maya_muster.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ import pyblish.api
 from openpype.lib import requests_post
 from openpype.hosts.maya.api import lib
 from openpype.pipeline import legacy_io
-from openpype.api import get_system_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_system_settings
 
 
 # mapping between Maya renderer names and Muster template ids
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/maya/startup/userSetup.py b/openpype/hosts/maya/startup/userSetup.py
index 10e68c2ddb..40cd51f2d8 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/maya/startup/userSetup.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/maya/startup/userSetup.py
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import os
-from openpype.api import get_project_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_project_settings
 from openpype.pipeline import install_host
 from openpype.hosts.maya.api import MayaHost
 from maya import cmds
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/nuke/api/pipeline.py b/openpype/hosts/nuke/api/pipeline.py
index b347fc0d09..7db420f6af 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/nuke/api/pipeline.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/nuke/api/pipeline.py
@@ -7,9 +7,7 @@ import nuke
 import pyblish.api
 
 import openpype
-from openpype.api import (
-    get_current_project_settings
-)
+from openpype.settings import get_current_project_settings
 from openpype.lib import register_event_callback, Logger
 from openpype.pipeline import (
     register_loader_plugin_path,
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/nuke/api/plugin.py b/openpype/hosts/nuke/api/plugin.py
index 37ce03dc55..91bb90ff99 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/nuke/api/plugin.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/nuke/api/plugin.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ from abc import abstractmethod
 
 import nuke
 
-from openpype.api import get_current_project_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_current_project_settings
 from openpype.pipeline import (
     LegacyCreator,
     LoaderPlugin,
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/resolve/api/plugin.py b/openpype/hosts/resolve/api/plugin.py
index b03125d502..3995077d21 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/resolve/api/plugin.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/resolve/api/plugin.py
@@ -504,7 +504,7 @@ class Creator(LegacyCreator):
 
     def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         super(Creator, self).__init__(*args, **kwargs)
-        from openpype.api import get_current_project_settings
+        from openpype.settings import get_current_project_settings
         resolve_p_settings = get_current_project_settings().get("resolve")
         self.presets = {}
         if resolve_p_settings:
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/traypublisher/plugins/create/create_from_settings.py b/openpype/hosts/traypublisher/plugins/create/create_from_settings.py
index 5d80c20309..df6253b0c2 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/traypublisher/plugins/create/create_from_settings.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/traypublisher/plugins/create/create_from_settings.py
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 import os
 from openpype.lib import Logger
-from openpype.api import get_project_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_project_settings
 
 log = Logger.get_logger(__name__)
 
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/tvpaint/api/pipeline.py b/openpype/hosts/tvpaint/api/pipeline.py
index 427c927264..cbaa059809 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/tvpaint/api/pipeline.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/tvpaint/api/pipeline.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ import pyblish.api
 
 from openpype.client import get_project, get_asset_by_name
 from openpype.hosts import tvpaint
-from openpype.api import get_current_project_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_current_project_settings
 from openpype.lib import register_event_callback
 from openpype.pipeline import (
     legacy_io,
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/unreal/plugins/load/load_layout.py b/openpype/hosts/unreal/plugins/load/load_layout.py
index 926c932a85..c1d66ddf2a 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/unreal/plugins/load/load_layout.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/unreal/plugins/load/load_layout.py
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ from openpype.pipeline import (
     legacy_io,
 )
 from openpype.pipeline.context_tools import get_current_project_asset
-from openpype.api import get_current_project_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_current_project_settings
 from openpype.hosts.unreal.api import plugin
 from openpype.hosts.unreal.api import pipeline as unreal_pipeline
 
diff --git a/openpype/modules/deadline/plugins/publish/submit_maya_deadline.py b/openpype/modules/deadline/plugins/publish/submit_maya_deadline.py
index 4d6068f3c0..7fbe134410 100644
--- a/openpype/modules/deadline/plugins/publish/submit_maya_deadline.py
+++ b/openpype/modules/deadline/plugins/publish/submit_maya_deadline.py
@@ -500,6 +500,10 @@ class MayaSubmitDeadline(abstract_submit_deadline.AbstractSubmitDeadline):
 
             plugin_info["Renderer"] = renderer
 
+            # this is needed because renderman plugin in Deadline
+            # handles directory and file prefixes separately
+            plugin_info["OutputFilePath"] = job_info.OutputDirectory[0]
+
         return job_info, plugin_info
 
     def _get_vray_export_payload(self, data):
diff --git a/openpype/modules/ftrack/event_handlers_user/action_create_cust_attrs.py b/openpype/modules/ftrack/event_handlers_user/action_create_cust_attrs.py
index d04440a564..c19cfd1502 100644
--- a/openpype/modules/ftrack/event_handlers_user/action_create_cust_attrs.py
+++ b/openpype/modules/ftrack/event_handlers_user/action_create_cust_attrs.py
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ from openpype_modules.ftrack.lib import (
     tool_definitions_from_app_manager
 )
 
-from openpype.api import get_system_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_system_settings
 from openpype.lib import ApplicationManager
 
 """
diff --git a/openpype/modules/ftrack/launch_hooks/post_ftrack_changes.py b/openpype/modules/ftrack/launch_hooks/post_ftrack_changes.py
index d5a95fad91..86ecffd5b8 100644
--- a/openpype/modules/ftrack/launch_hooks/post_ftrack_changes.py
+++ b/openpype/modules/ftrack/launch_hooks/post_ftrack_changes.py
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 import os
 
 import ftrack_api
-from openpype.api import get_project_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_project_settings
 from openpype.lib import PostLaunchHook
 
 
diff --git a/openpype/modules/job_queue/module.py b/openpype/modules/job_queue/module.py
index f1d7251e85..7075fcea14 100644
--- a/openpype/modules/job_queue/module.py
+++ b/openpype/modules/job_queue/module.py
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ import platform
 
 import click
 from openpype.modules import OpenPypeModule
-from openpype.api import get_system_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_system_settings
 
 
 class JobQueueModule(OpenPypeModule):
diff --git a/openpype/modules/kitsu/utils/update_zou_with_op.py b/openpype/modules/kitsu/utils/update_zou_with_op.py
index da924aa5ee..39baf31b93 100644
--- a/openpype/modules/kitsu/utils/update_zou_with_op.py
+++ b/openpype/modules/kitsu/utils/update_zou_with_op.py
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ from openpype.client import (
     get_assets,
 )
 from openpype.pipeline import AvalonMongoDB
-from openpype.api import get_project_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_project_settings
 from openpype.modules.kitsu.utils.credentials import validate_credentials
 
 
diff --git a/openpype/modules/shotgrid/lib/settings.py b/openpype/modules/shotgrid/lib/settings.py
index 924099f04b..5b0b728f55 100644
--- a/openpype/modules/shotgrid/lib/settings.py
+++ b/openpype/modules/shotgrid/lib/settings.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-from openpype.api import get_system_settings, get_project_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_system_settings, get_project_settings
 from openpype.modules.shotgrid.lib.const import MODULE_NAME
 
 
diff --git a/openpype/plugins/publish/collect_settings.py b/openpype/plugins/publish/collect_settings.py
index d56eabd1b5..a418a6400c 100644
--- a/openpype/plugins/publish/collect_settings.py
+++ b/openpype/plugins/publish/collect_settings.py
@@ -1,5 +1,8 @@
 from pyblish import api
-from openpype.api import get_current_project_settings, get_system_settings
+from openpype.settings import (
+    get_current_project_settings,
+    get_system_settings,
+)
 
 
 class CollectSettings(api.ContextPlugin):
diff --git a/openpype/plugins/publish/integrate_hero_version.py b/openpype/plugins/publish/integrate_hero_version.py
index c0760a5471..5f4d284740 100644
--- a/openpype/plugins/publish/integrate_hero_version.py
+++ b/openpype/plugins/publish/integrate_hero_version.py
@@ -4,8 +4,6 @@ import clique
 import errno
 import shutil
 
-from bson.objectid import ObjectId
-from pymongo import InsertOne, ReplaceOne
 import pyblish.api
 
 from openpype.client import (
@@ -14,10 +12,15 @@ from openpype.client import (
     get_archived_representations,
     get_representations,
 )
+from openpype.client.operations import (
+    OperationsSession,
+    new_hero_version_doc,
+    prepare_hero_version_update_data,
+    prepare_representation_update_data,
+)
 from openpype.lib import create_hard_link
 from openpype.pipeline import (
-    schema,
-    legacy_io,
+    schema
 )
 from openpype.pipeline.publish import get_publish_template_name
 
@@ -187,35 +190,32 @@ class IntegrateHeroVersion(pyblish.api.InstancePlugin):
             repre["name"].lower(): repre for repre in old_repres
         }
 
+        op_session = OperationsSession()
+
+        entity_id = None
         if old_version:
-            new_version_id = old_version["_id"]
-        else:
-            new_version_id = ObjectId()
-
-        new_hero_version = {
-            "_id": new_version_id,
-            "version_id": src_version_entity["_id"],
-            "parent": src_version_entity["parent"],
-            "type": "hero_version",
-            "schema": "openpype:hero_version-1.0"
-        }
-        schema.validate(new_hero_version)
-
-        # Don't make changes in database until everything is O.K.
-        bulk_writes = []
+            entity_id = old_version["_id"]
+        new_hero_version = new_hero_version_doc(
+            src_version_entity["_id"],
+            src_version_entity["parent"],
+            entity_id=entity_id
+        )
 
         if old_version:
             self.log.debug("Replacing old hero version.")
-            bulk_writes.append(
-                ReplaceOne(
-                    {"_id": new_hero_version["_id"]},
-                    new_hero_version
-                )
+            update_data = prepare_hero_version_update_data(
+                old_version, new_hero_version
+            )
+            op_session.update_entity(
+                project_name,
+                new_hero_version["type"],
+                old_version["_id"],
+                update_data
             )
         else:
             self.log.debug("Creating first hero version.")
-            bulk_writes.append(
-                InsertOne(new_hero_version)
+            op_session.create_entity(
+                project_name, new_hero_version["type"], new_hero_version
             )
 
         # Separate old representations into `to replace` and `to delete`
@@ -235,7 +235,7 @@ class IntegrateHeroVersion(pyblish.api.InstancePlugin):
         archived_repres = list(get_archived_representations(
             project_name,
             # Check what is type of archived representation
-            version_ids=[new_version_id]
+            version_ids=[new_hero_version["_id"]]
         ))
         archived_repres_by_name = {}
         for repre in archived_repres:
@@ -382,12 +382,15 @@ class IntegrateHeroVersion(pyblish.api.InstancePlugin):
                 # Replace current representation
                 if repre_name_low in old_repres_to_replace:
                     old_repre = old_repres_to_replace.pop(repre_name_low)
+
                     repre["_id"] = old_repre["_id"]
-                    bulk_writes.append(
-                        ReplaceOne(
-                            {"_id": old_repre["_id"]},
-                            repre
-                        )
+                    update_data = prepare_representation_update_data(
+                        old_repre, repre)
+                    op_session.update_entity(
+                        project_name,
+                        old_repre["type"],
+                        old_repre["_id"],
+                        update_data
                     )
 
                 # Unarchive representation
@@ -395,21 +398,21 @@ class IntegrateHeroVersion(pyblish.api.InstancePlugin):
                     archived_repre = archived_repres_by_name.pop(
                         repre_name_low
                     )
-                    old_id = archived_repre["old_id"]
-                    repre["_id"] = old_id
-                    bulk_writes.append(
-                        ReplaceOne(
-                            {"old_id": old_id},
-                            repre
-                        )
+                    repre["_id"] = archived_repre["old_id"]
+                    update_data = prepare_representation_update_data(
+                        archived_repre, repre)
+                    op_session.update_entity(
+                        project_name,
+                        old_repre["type"],
+                        archived_repre["_id"],
+                        update_data
                     )
 
                 # Create representation
                 else:
-                    repre["_id"] = ObjectId()
-                    bulk_writes.append(
-                        InsertOne(repre)
-                    )
+                    repre.pop("_id", None)
+                    op_session.create_entity(project_name, "representation",
+                                             repre)
 
             self.path_checks = []
 
@@ -430,28 +433,22 @@ class IntegrateHeroVersion(pyblish.api.InstancePlugin):
                     archived_repre = archived_repres_by_name.pop(
                         repre_name_low
                     )
-                    repre["old_id"] = repre["_id"]
-                    repre["_id"] = archived_repre["_id"]
-                    repre["type"] = archived_repre["type"]
-                    bulk_writes.append(
-                        ReplaceOne(
-                            {"_id": archived_repre["_id"]},
-                            repre
-                        )
-                    )
 
+                    changes = {"old_id": repre["_id"],
+                               "_id": archived_repre["_id"],
+                               "type": archived_repre["type"]}
+                    op_session.update_entity(project_name,
+                                             archived_repre["type"],
+                                             archived_repre["_id"],
+                                             changes)
                 else:
-                    repre["old_id"] = repre["_id"]
-                    repre["_id"] = ObjectId()
+                    repre["old_id"] = repre.pop("_id")
                     repre["type"] = "archived_representation"
-                    bulk_writes.append(
-                        InsertOne(repre)
-                    )
+                    op_session.create_entity(project_name,
+                                             "archived_representation",
+                                             repre)
 
-            if bulk_writes:
-                legacy_io.database[project_name].bulk_write(
-                    bulk_writes
-                )
+            op_session.commit()
 
             # Remove backuped previous hero
             if (
diff --git a/openpype/tools/creator/window.py b/openpype/tools/creator/window.py
index a3937d6a40..e2396ed29e 100644
--- a/openpype/tools/creator/window.py
+++ b/openpype/tools/creator/window.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ from Qt import QtWidgets, QtCore
 
 from openpype.client import get_asset_by_name, get_subsets
 from openpype import style
-from openpype.api import get_current_project_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_current_project_settings
 from openpype.tools.utils.lib import qt_app_context
 from openpype.pipeline import legacy_io
 from openpype.pipeline.create import (
diff --git a/openpype/tools/loader/widgets.py b/openpype/tools/loader/widgets.py
index c028aa4174..d37ce500e0 100644
--- a/openpype/tools/loader/widgets.py
+++ b/openpype/tools/loader/widgets.py
@@ -1256,7 +1256,11 @@ class RepresentationWidget(QtWidgets.QWidget):
             repre_doc["parent"]
             for repre_doc in repre_docs
         ]
-        version_docs = get_versions(project_name, version_ids=version_ids)
+        version_docs = get_versions(
+            project_name,
+            version_ids=version_ids,
+            hero=True
+        )
 
         version_docs_by_id = {}
         version_docs_by_subset_id = collections.defaultdict(list)
diff --git a/openpype/tools/pyblish_pype/control.py b/openpype/tools/pyblish_pype/control.py
index 05e53a989a..90bb002ba5 100644
--- a/openpype/tools/pyblish_pype/control.py
+++ b/openpype/tools/pyblish_pype/control.py
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ import pyblish.version
 from . import util
 from .constants import InstanceStates
 
-from openpype.api import get_project_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_current_project_settings
 
 
 class IterationBreak(Exception):
@@ -204,7 +204,7 @@ class Controller(QtCore.QObject):
 
     def presets_by_hosts(self):
         # Get global filters as base
-        presets = get_project_settings(os.environ['AVALON_PROJECT']) or {}
+        presets = get_current_project_settings()
         if not presets:
             return {}
 
diff --git a/openpype/tools/pyblish_pype/model.py b/openpype/tools/pyblish_pype/model.py
index 1479d91bb5..383d8304a5 100644
--- a/openpype/tools/pyblish_pype/model.py
+++ b/openpype/tools/pyblish_pype/model.py
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ import qtawesome
 from six import text_type
 from .constants import PluginStates, InstanceStates, GroupStates, Roles
 
-from openpype.api import get_system_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_system_settings
 
 
 # ItemTypes
diff --git a/openpype/tools/settings/local_settings/window.py b/openpype/tools/settings/local_settings/window.py
index 761b978ab4..76c2d851e9 100644
--- a/openpype/tools/settings/local_settings/window.py
+++ b/openpype/tools/settings/local_settings/window.py
@@ -2,6 +2,10 @@ from Qt import QtWidgets, QtGui
 
 from openpype import style
 
+from openpype.settings import (
+    SystemSettings,
+    ProjectSettings
+)
 from openpype.settings.lib import (
     get_local_settings,
     save_local_settings
@@ -9,10 +13,6 @@ from openpype.settings.lib import (
 from openpype.lib import Logger
 from openpype.tools.settings import CHILD_OFFSET
 from openpype.tools.utils import MessageOverlayObject
-from openpype.api import (
-    SystemSettings,
-    ProjectSettings
-)
 from openpype.modules import ModulesManager
 
 from .widgets import (
diff --git a/openpype/tools/tray/pype_tray.py b/openpype/tools/tray/pype_tray.py
index 8a24b3eaa6..3842a4e216 100644
--- a/openpype/tools/tray/pype_tray.py
+++ b/openpype/tools/tray/pype_tray.py
@@ -775,12 +775,26 @@ class PypeTrayStarter(QtCore.QObject):
 def main():
     log = Logger.get_logger(__name__)
     app = QtWidgets.QApplication.instance()
+
+    high_dpi_scale_attr = None
     if not app:
+        # 'AA_EnableHighDpiScaling' must be set before app instance creation
+        high_dpi_scale_attr = getattr(
+            QtCore.Qt, "AA_EnableHighDpiScaling", None
+        )
+        if high_dpi_scale_attr is not None:
+            QtWidgets.QApplication.setAttribute(high_dpi_scale_attr)
+
         app = QtWidgets.QApplication([])
 
+    if high_dpi_scale_attr is None:
+        log.debug((
+            "Attribute 'AA_EnableHighDpiScaling' was not set."
+            " UI quality may be affected."
+        ))
+
     for attr_name in (
-        "AA_EnableHighDpiScaling",
-        "AA_UseHighDpiPixmaps"
+        "AA_UseHighDpiPixmaps",
     ):
         attr = getattr(QtCore.Qt, attr_name, None)
         if attr is None:
diff --git a/openpype/tools/utils/lib.py b/openpype/tools/utils/lib.py
index 31ea26cef9..d8dd80046a 100644
--- a/openpype/tools/utils/lib.py
+++ b/openpype/tools/utils/lib.py
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ from openpype.style import (
 )
 from openpype.resources import get_image_path
 from openpype.lib import filter_profiles, Logger
-from openpype.api import get_project_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_project_settings
 from openpype.pipeline import registered_host
 
 log = Logger.get_logger(__name__)
diff --git a/openpype/widgets/password_dialog.py b/openpype/widgets/password_dialog.py
index 9990642ca1..58add7832f 100644
--- a/openpype/widgets/password_dialog.py
+++ b/openpype/widgets/password_dialog.py
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ from Qt import QtWidgets, QtCore, QtGui
 from openpype import style
 from openpype.resources import get_resource
 
-from openpype.api import get_system_settings
+from openpype.settings import get_system_settings
 from openpype.settings.lib import (
     get_local_settings,
     save_local_settings