diff --git a/client/ayon_core/hosts/blender/api/lib.py b/client/ayon_core/hosts/blender/api/lib.py
index 458a275b51..32137f0fcd 100644
--- a/client/ayon_core/hosts/blender/api/lib.py
+++ b/client/ayon_core/hosts/blender/api/lib.py
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ def load_scripts(paths):
         if register:
             try:
                 register()
-            except:
+            except:  # noqa E722
                 traceback.print_exc()
         else:
             print("\nWarning! '%s' has no register function, "
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ def load_scripts(paths):
         if unregister:
             try:
                 unregister()
-            except:
+            except:  # noqa E722
                 traceback.print_exc()
 
     def test_reload(mod):
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ def load_scripts(paths):
 
         try:
             return importlib.reload(mod)
-        except:
+        except:  # noqa E722
             traceback.print_exc()
 
     def test_register(mod):
diff --git a/client/ayon_core/hosts/max/api/lib.py b/client/ayon_core/hosts/max/api/lib.py
index d9a3af3336..0e3abe25ec 100644
--- a/client/ayon_core/hosts/max/api/lib.py
+++ b/client/ayon_core/hosts/max/api/lib.py
@@ -6,12 +6,9 @@ import json
 from typing import Any, Dict, Union
 
 import six
-import ayon_api
 
 from ayon_core.pipeline import (
     get_current_project_name,
-    get_current_folder_path,
-    get_current_task_name,
     colorspace
 )
 from ayon_core.settings import get_project_settings
diff --git a/client/ayon_core/hosts/maya/api/alembic.py b/client/ayon_core/hosts/maya/api/alembic.py
index bf887df4c7..6bd00e1cb1 100644
--- a/client/ayon_core/hosts/maya/api/alembic.py
+++ b/client/ayon_core/hosts/maya/api/alembic.py
@@ -22,7 +22,6 @@ ALEMBIC_ARGS = {
     "melPostJobCallback": str,
     "noNormals": bool,
     "preRoll": bool,
-    "preRollStartFrame": int,
     "pythonPerFrameCallback": str,
     "pythonPostJobCallback": str,
     "renderableOnly": bool,
@@ -54,15 +53,22 @@ def extract_alembic(
     endFrame=None,
     eulerFilter=True,
     frameRange="",
+    melPerFrameCallback=None,
+    melPostJobCallback=None,
     noNormals=False,
     preRoll=False,
     preRollStartFrame=0,
+    pythonPerFrameCallback=None,
+    pythonPostJobCallback=None,
     renderableOnly=False,
     root=None,
     selection=True,
     startFrame=None,
     step=1.0,
     stripNamespaces=True,
+    userAttr=None,
+    userAttrPrefix=None,
+    uvsOnly=False,
     uvWrite=True,
     verbose=False,
     wholeFrameGeo=False,
@@ -102,6 +108,11 @@ def extract_alembic(
             string formatted as: "startFrame endFrame". This argument
             overrides `startFrame` and `endFrame` arguments.
 
+        melPerFrameCallback (Optional[str]): MEL callback run per frame.
+
+        melPostJobCallback (Optional[str]): MEL callback after last frame is
+            written.
+
         noNormals (bool): When on, normal data from the original polygon
             objects is not included in the exported Alembic cache file.
 
@@ -113,6 +124,11 @@ def extract_alembic(
             dependent translations and can be used to evaluate run-up that
             isn't actually translated. Defaults to 0.
 
+        pythonPerFrameCallback (Optional[str]): Python callback run per frame.
+
+        pythonPostJobCallback (Optional[str]): Python callback after last frame
+            is written.
+
         renderableOnly (bool): When on, any non-renderable nodes or hierarchy,
             such as hidden objects, are not included in the Alembic file.
             Defaults to False.
@@ -137,6 +153,15 @@ def extract_alembic(
             object with the namespace taco:foo:bar appears as bar in the
             Alembic file.
 
+        userAttr (list of str, optional): A specific user defined attribute to
+            write out. Defaults to [].
+
+        userAttrPrefix (list of str, optional): Prefix filter for determining
+            which user defined attributes to write out. Defaults to [].
+
+        uvsOnly (bool): When on, only uv data for PolyMesh and SubD shapes
+            will be written to the Alembic file.
+
         uvWrite (bool): When on, UV data from polygon meshes and subdivision
             objects are written to the Alembic file. Only the current UV map is
             included.
@@ -183,6 +208,8 @@ def extract_alembic(
     # Ensure list arguments are valid.
     attr = attr or []
     attrPrefix = attrPrefix or []
+    userAttr = userAttr or []
+    userAttrPrefix = userAttrPrefix or []
     root = root or []
 
     # Pass the start and end frame on as `frameRange` so that it
@@ -213,8 +240,10 @@ def extract_alembic(
         "eulerFilter": eulerFilter,
         "noNormals": noNormals,
         "preRoll": preRoll,
+        "root": root,
         "renderableOnly": renderableOnly,
         "uvWrite": uvWrite,
+        "uvsOnly": uvsOnly,
         "writeColorSets": writeColorSets,
         "writeFaceSets": writeFaceSets,
         "wholeFrameGeo": wholeFrameGeo,
@@ -226,9 +255,10 @@ def extract_alembic(
         "step": step,
         "attr": attr,
         "attrPrefix": attrPrefix,
+        "userAttr": userAttr,
+        "userAttrPrefix": userAttrPrefix,
         "stripNamespaces": stripNamespaces,
-        "verbose": verbose,
-        "preRollStartFrame": preRollStartFrame
+        "verbose": verbose
     }
 
     # Validate options
@@ -264,6 +294,17 @@ def extract_alembic(
     if maya_version >= 2018:
         options['autoSubd'] = options.pop('writeCreases', False)
 
+    # Only add callbacks if they are set so that we're not passing `None`
+    callbacks = {
+        "melPerFrameCallback": melPerFrameCallback,
+        "melPostJobCallback": melPostJobCallback,
+        "pythonPerFrameCallback": pythonPerFrameCallback,
+        "pythonPostJobCallback": pythonPostJobCallback,
+    }
+    for key, callback in callbacks.items():
+        if callback:
+            options[key] = str(callback)
+
     # Format the job string from options
     job_args = list()
     for key, value in options.items():
@@ -297,7 +338,11 @@ def extract_alembic(
     # exports are made. (PLN-31)
     # TODO: Make sure this actually fixes the issues
     with evaluation("off"):
-        cmds.AbcExport(j=job_str, verbose=verbose)
+        cmds.AbcExport(
+            j=job_str,
+            verbose=verbose,
+            preRollStartFrame=preRollStartFrame
+        )
 
     if verbose:
         log.debug("Extracted Alembic to: %s", file)
diff --git a/client/ayon_core/hosts/maya/plugins/create/create_animation_pointcache.py b/client/ayon_core/hosts/maya/plugins/create/create_animation_pointcache.py
index 08d50a1ab8..069762e4ae 100644
--- a/client/ayon_core/hosts/maya/plugins/create/create_animation_pointcache.py
+++ b/client/ayon_core/hosts/maya/plugins/create/create_animation_pointcache.py
@@ -6,7 +6,6 @@ from ayon_core.lib import (
     BoolDef,
     NumberDef,
 )
-from ayon_core.pipeline import CreatedInstance
 
 
 def _get_animation_attr_defs(cls):
diff --git a/client/ayon_core/hosts/maya/plugins/publish/extract_pointcache.py b/client/ayon_core/hosts/maya/plugins/publish/extract_pointcache.py
index d7f9594374..cc930e49cc 100644
--- a/client/ayon_core/hosts/maya/plugins/publish/extract_pointcache.py
+++ b/client/ayon_core/hosts/maya/plugins/publish/extract_pointcache.py
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ from maya import cmds
 from ayon_core.pipeline import publish
 from ayon_core.hosts.maya.api.alembic import extract_alembic
 from ayon_core.hosts.maya.api.lib import (
+    get_all_children,
     suspended_refresh,
     maintained_selection,
     iter_visible_nodes_in_range
@@ -40,7 +41,6 @@ class ExtractAlembic(publish.Extractor, AYONPyblishPluginMixin):
     # From settings
     attr = []
     attrPrefix = []
-    autoSubd = False
     bake_attributes = []
     bake_attribute_prefixes = []
     dataFormat = "ogawa"
@@ -63,6 +63,7 @@ class ExtractAlembic(publish.Extractor, AYONPyblishPluginMixin):
     wholeFrameGeo = False
     worldSpace = True
     writeColorSets = False
+    writeCreases = False
     writeFaceSets = False
     writeNormals = True
     writeUVSets = False
@@ -173,15 +174,9 @@ class ExtractAlembic(publish.Extractor, AYONPyblishPluginMixin):
             "writeVisibility": attribute_values.get(
                 "writeVisibility", self.writeVisibility
             ),
-            "autoSubd": attribute_values.get(
-                "autoSubd", self.autoSubd
-            ),
             "uvsOnly": attribute_values.get(
                 "uvsOnly", self.uvsOnly
             ),
-            "writeNormals": attribute_values.get(
-                "writeNormals", self.writeNormals
-            ),
             "melPerFrameCallback": attribute_values.get(
                 "melPerFrameCallback", self.melPerFrameCallback
             ),
@@ -193,7 +188,12 @@ class ExtractAlembic(publish.Extractor, AYONPyblishPluginMixin):
             ),
             "pythonPostJobCallback": attribute_values.get(
                 "pythonPostJobCallback", self.pythonPostJobCallback
-            )
+            ),
+            # Note that this converts `writeNormals` to `noNormals` for the
+            # `AbcExport` equivalent in `extract_alembic`
+            "noNormals": not attribute_values.get(
+                "writeNormals", self.writeNormals
+            ),
         }
 
         if instance.data.get("visibleOnly", False):
@@ -249,7 +249,6 @@ class ExtractAlembic(publish.Extractor, AYONPyblishPluginMixin):
             with maintained_selection():
                 cmds.select(instance.data["proxy"])
                 extract_alembic(**kwargs)
-
         representation = {
             "name": "proxy",
             "ext": "abc",
@@ -268,20 +267,6 @@ class ExtractAlembic(publish.Extractor, AYONPyblishPluginMixin):
             return []
 
         override_defs = OrderedDict({
-            "autoSubd": BoolDef(
-                "autoSubd",
-                label="Auto Subd",
-                default=cls.autoSubd,
-                tooltip=(
-                    "If this flag is present and the mesh has crease edges, "
-                    "crease vertices or holes, the mesh (OPolyMesh) would now "
-                    "be written out as an OSubD and crease info will be stored"
-                    " in the Alembic  file. Otherwise, creases info won't be "
-                    "preserved in Alembic file unless a custom Boolean "
-                    "attribute SubDivisionMesh has been added to mesh node and"
-                    " its value is true."
-                )
-            ),
             "eulerFilter": BoolDef(
                 "eulerFilter",
                 label="Euler Filter",
@@ -354,6 +339,13 @@ class ExtractAlembic(publish.Extractor, AYONPyblishPluginMixin):
                 default=cls.writeColorSets,
                 tooltip="Write vertex colors with the geometry."
             ),
+            "writeCreases": BoolDef(
+                "writeCreases",
+                label="Write Creases",
+                default=cls.writeCreases,
+                tooltip="Write the geometry's edge and vertex crease "
+                        "information."
+            ),
             "writeFaceSets": BoolDef(
                 "writeFaceSets",
                 label="Write Face Sets",
@@ -527,9 +519,7 @@ class ExtractAnimation(ExtractAlembic):
         roots = cmds.sets(out_set, query=True) or []
 
         # Include all descendants
-        nodes = roots
-        nodes += cmds.listRelatives(
-            roots, allDescendents=True, fullPath=True
-        ) or []
+        nodes = roots.copy()
+        nodes.extend(get_all_children(roots, ignore_intermediate_objects=True))
 
         return nodes, roots
diff --git a/client/ayon_core/hosts/maya/plugins/publish/validate_alembic_options_defaults.py b/client/ayon_core/hosts/maya/plugins/publish/validate_alembic_options_defaults.py
index 5197100406..11f4c313fa 100644
--- a/client/ayon_core/hosts/maya/plugins/publish/validate_alembic_options_defaults.py
+++ b/client/ayon_core/hosts/maya/plugins/publish/validate_alembic_options_defaults.py
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+import inspect
 import pyblish.api
 
 from ayon_core.pipeline import OptionalPyblishPluginMixin
@@ -29,29 +30,28 @@ class ValidateAlembicDefaultsPointcache(
 
     @classmethod
     def _get_publish_attributes(cls, instance):
-        attributes = instance.data["publish_attributes"][
-            cls.plugin_name(
-                instance.data["publish_attributes"]
-            )
-        ]
-
-        return attributes
+        return instance.data["publish_attributes"][cls.plugin_name]
 
     def process(self, instance):
         if not self.is_active(instance.data):
             return
 
         settings = self._get_settings(instance.context)
-
         attributes = self._get_publish_attributes(instance)
 
-        msg = (
-            "Alembic Extract setting \"{}\" is not the default value:"
-            "\nCurrent: {}"
-            "\nDefault Value: {}\n"
-        )
-        errors = []
+        invalid = {}
         for key, value in attributes.items():
+            if key not in settings:
+                # This may occur if attributes have changed over time and an
+                # existing instance has older legacy attributes that do not
+                # match the current settings definition.
+                self.log.warning(
+                    "Publish attribute %s not found in Alembic Export "
+                    "default settings. Ignoring validation for attribute.",
+                    key
+                )
+                continue
+
             default_value = settings[key]
 
             # Lists are best to compared sorted since we cant rely on the order
@@ -61,10 +61,35 @@ class ValidateAlembicDefaultsPointcache(
                 default_value = sorted(default_value)
 
             if value != default_value:
-                errors.append(msg.format(key, value, default_value))
+                invalid[key] = value, default_value
 
-        if errors:
-            raise PublishValidationError("\n".join(errors))
+        if invalid:
+            non_defaults = "\n".join(
+                f"- {key}: {value} \t(default: {default_value})"
+                for key, (value, default_value) in invalid.items()
+            )
+
+            raise PublishValidationError(
+                "Alembic extract options differ from default values:\n"
+                f"{non_defaults}",
+                description=self.get_description()
+            )
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def get_description():
+        return inspect.cleandoc(
+            """### Alembic Extract settings differ from defaults
+            
+            The alembic export options differ from the project default values. 
+            
+            If this is intentional you can disable this validation by 
+            disabling **Validate Alembic Options Default**.
+            
+            If not you may use the "Repair" action to revert all the options to
+            their default values.
+            
+            """
+        )
 
     @classmethod
     def repair(cls, instance):
@@ -75,13 +100,20 @@ class ValidateAlembicDefaultsPointcache(
         )
 
         # Set the settings values on the create context then save to workfile.
-        publish_attributes = instance.data["publish_attributes"]
-        plugin_name = cls.plugin_name(publish_attributes)
-        attributes = cls._get_publish_attributes(instance)
         settings = cls._get_settings(instance.context)
-        create_publish_attributes = create_instance.data["publish_attributes"]
+        attributes = cls._get_publish_attributes(create_instance)
         for key in attributes:
-            create_publish_attributes[plugin_name][key] = settings[key]
+            if key not in settings:
+                # This may occur if attributes have changed over time and an
+                # existing instance has older legacy attributes that do not
+                # match the current settings definition.
+                cls.log.warning(
+                    "Publish attribute %s not found in Alembic Export "
+                    "default settings. Ignoring repair for attribute.",
+                    key
+                )
+                continue
+            attributes[key] = settings[key]
 
         create_context.save_changes()
 
@@ -93,6 +125,6 @@ class ValidateAlembicDefaultsAnimation(
 
     The defaults are defined in the project settings.
     """
-    label = "Validate Alembic Options   Defaults"
+    label = "Validate Alembic Options Defaults"
     families = ["animation"]
     plugin_name = "ExtractAnimation"
diff --git a/client/ayon_core/hosts/maya/plugins/workfile_build/script_placeholder.py b/client/ayon_core/hosts/maya/plugins/workfile_build/script_placeholder.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..62e10ba023
--- /dev/null
+++ b/client/ayon_core/hosts/maya/plugins/workfile_build/script_placeholder.py
@@ -0,0 +1,201 @@
+from maya import cmds
+
+from ayon_core.hosts.maya.api.workfile_template_builder import (
+    MayaPlaceholderPlugin
+)
+from ayon_core.lib import NumberDef, TextDef, EnumDef
+from ayon_core.lib.events import weakref_partial
+
+
+EXAMPLE_SCRIPT = """
+# Access maya commands
+from maya import cmds
+
+# Access the placeholder node
+placeholder_node = placeholder.scene_identifier
+
+# Access the event callback
+if event is None:
+    print(f"Populating {placeholder}")
+else:
+    if event.topic == "template.depth_processed":
+        print(f"Processed depth: {event.get('depth')}")
+    elif event.topic == "template.finished":
+        print("Build finished.")
+""".strip()
+
+
+class MayaPlaceholderScriptPlugin(MayaPlaceholderPlugin):
+    """Execute a script at the given `order` during workfile build.
+
+    This is a very low-level placeholder to run Python scripts at a given
+    point in time during the workfile template build.
+
+    It can create either a locator or an objectSet as placeholder node.
+    It defaults to an objectSet, since allowing to run on e.g. other
+    placeholder node members can be useful, e.g. using:
+
+    >>> members = cmds.sets(placeholder.scene_identifier, query=True)
+
+    """
+
+    identifier = "maya.runscript"
+    label = "Run Python Script"
+
+    use_selection_as_parent = False
+
+    def get_placeholder_options(self, options=None):
+        options = options or {}
+        return [
+            NumberDef(
+                "order",
+                label="Order",
+                default=options.get("order") or 0,
+                decimals=0,
+                minimum=0,
+                maximum=999,
+                tooltip=(
+                    "Order"
+                    "\nOrder defines asset loading priority (0 to 999)"
+                    "\nPriority rule is : \"lowest is first to load\"."
+                )
+            ),
+            TextDef(
+                "prepare_script",
+                label="Run at\nprepare",
+                tooltip="Run before populate at prepare order",
+                multiline=True,
+                default=options.get("prepare_script", "")
+            ),
+            TextDef(
+                "populate_script",
+                label="Run at\npopulate",
+                tooltip="Run script at populate node order<br>"
+                        "This is the <b>default</b> behavior",
+                multiline=True,
+                default=options.get("populate_script", EXAMPLE_SCRIPT)
+            ),
+            TextDef(
+                "depth_processed_script",
+                label="Run after\ndepth\niteration",
+                tooltip="Run script after every build depth iteration",
+                multiline=True,
+                default=options.get("depth_processed_script", "")
+            ),
+            TextDef(
+                "finished_script",
+                label="Run after\nbuild",
+                tooltip=(
+                    "Run script at build finished.<br>"
+                    "<b>Note</b>: this even runs if other placeholders had "
+                    "errors during the build"
+                ),
+                multiline=True,
+                default=options.get("finished_script", "")
+            ),
+            EnumDef(
+                "create_nodetype",
+                label="Nodetype",
+                items={
+                    "spaceLocator": "Locator",
+                    "objectSet": "ObjectSet"
+                },
+                tooltip=(
+                    "The placeholder's node type to be created.<br>"
+                    "<b>Note</b> this only works on create, not on update"
+                ),
+                default=options.get("create_nodetype", "objectSet")
+            ),
+        ]
+
+    def create_placeholder(self, placeholder_data):
+        nodetype = placeholder_data.get("create_nodetype", "objectSet")
+
+        if nodetype == "spaceLocator":
+            super(MayaPlaceholderScriptPlugin, self).create_placeholder(
+                placeholder_data
+            )
+        elif nodetype == "objectSet":
+            placeholder_data["plugin_identifier"] = self.identifier
+
+            # Create maya objectSet on selection
+            selection = cmds.ls(selection=True, long=True)
+            name = self._create_placeholder_name(placeholder_data)
+            node = cmds.sets(selection, name=name)
+
+            self.imprint(node, placeholder_data)
+
+    def prepare_placeholders(self, placeholders):
+        super(MayaPlaceholderScriptPlugin, self).prepare_placeholders(
+            placeholders
+        )
+        for placeholder in placeholders:
+            prepare_script = placeholder.data.get("prepare_script")
+            if not prepare_script:
+                continue
+
+            self.run_script(placeholder, prepare_script)
+
+    def populate_placeholder(self, placeholder):
+
+        populate_script = placeholder.data.get("populate_script")
+        depth_script = placeholder.data.get("depth_processed_script")
+        finished_script = placeholder.data.get("finished_script")
+
+        # Run now
+        if populate_script:
+            self.run_script(placeholder, populate_script)
+
+        if not any([depth_script, finished_script]):
+            # No callback scripts to run
+            if not placeholder.data.get("keep_placeholder", True):
+                self.delete_placeholder(placeholder)
+            return
+
+        # Run at each depth processed
+        if depth_script:
+            callback = weakref_partial(
+                self.run_script, placeholder, depth_script)
+            self.builder.add_on_depth_processed_callback(
+                callback, order=placeholder.order)
+
+        # Run at build finish
+        if finished_script:
+            callback = weakref_partial(
+                self.run_script, placeholder, finished_script)
+            self.builder.add_on_finished_callback(
+                callback, order=placeholder.order)
+
+        # If placeholder should be deleted, delete it after finish so
+        # the scripts have access to it up to the last run
+        if not placeholder.data.get("keep_placeholder", True):
+            delete_callback = weakref_partial(
+                self.delete_placeholder, placeholder)
+            self.builder.add_on_finished_callback(
+                delete_callback, order=placeholder.order + 1)
+
+    def run_script(self, placeholder, script, event=None):
+        """Run script
+
+        Even though `placeholder` is an unused arguments by exposing it as
+        an input argument it means it makes it available through
+        globals()/locals() in the `exec` call, giving the script access
+        to the placeholder.
+
+        For example:
+        >>> node = placeholder.scene_identifier
+
+        In the case the script is running at a callback level (not during
+        populate) then it has access to the `event` as well, otherwise the
+        value is None if it runs during `populate_placeholder` directly.
+
+        For example adding this as the callback script:
+        >>> if event is not None:
+        >>>     if event.topic == "on_depth_processed":
+        >>>         print(f"Processed depth: {event.get('depth')}")
+        >>>     elif event.topic == "on_finished":
+        >>>         print("Build finished.")
+
+        """
+        self.log.debug(f"Running script at event: {event}")
+        exec(script, locals())
diff --git a/client/ayon_core/hosts/photoshop/plugins/create/create_image.py b/client/ayon_core/hosts/photoshop/plugins/create/create_image.py
index 26f2469844..a44c3490c6 100644
--- a/client/ayon_core/hosts/photoshop/plugins/create/create_image.py
+++ b/client/ayon_core/hosts/photoshop/plugins/create/create_image.py
@@ -35,8 +35,12 @@ class ImageCreator(Creator):
         create_empty_group = False
 
         stub = api.stub()  # only after PS is up
-        top_level_selected_items = stub.get_selected_layers()
         if pre_create_data.get("use_selection"):
+            try:
+                top_level_selected_items = stub.get_selected_layers()
+            except ValueError:
+                raise CreatorError("Cannot group locked Background layer!")
+
             only_single_item_selected = len(top_level_selected_items) == 1
             if (
                     only_single_item_selected or
@@ -50,11 +54,12 @@ class ImageCreator(Creator):
                 group = stub.group_selected_layers(product_name_from_ui)
                 groups_to_create.append(group)
         else:
-            stub.select_layers(stub.get_layers())
             try:
+                stub.select_layers(stub.get_layers())
                 group = stub.group_selected_layers(product_name_from_ui)
-            except:
+            except ValueError:
                 raise CreatorError("Cannot group locked Background layer!")
+
             groups_to_create.append(group)
 
         # create empty group if nothing selected
diff --git a/client/ayon_core/hosts/traypublisher/csv_publish.py b/client/ayon_core/hosts/traypublisher/csv_publish.py
index b43792a357..2762172936 100644
--- a/client/ayon_core/hosts/traypublisher/csv_publish.py
+++ b/client/ayon_core/hosts/traypublisher/csv_publish.py
@@ -1,5 +1,3 @@
-import os
-
 import pyblish.api
 import pyblish.util
 
diff --git a/client/ayon_core/lib/__init__.py b/client/ayon_core/lib/__init__.py
index e436396c6c..e25d3479ee 100644
--- a/client/ayon_core/lib/__init__.py
+++ b/client/ayon_core/lib/__init__.py
@@ -139,6 +139,7 @@ from .path_tools import (
 )
 
 from .ayon_info import (
+    is_in_ayon_launcher_process,
     is_running_from_build,
     is_using_ayon_console,
     is_staging_enabled,
@@ -248,6 +249,7 @@ __all__ = [
 
     "Logger",
 
+    "is_in_ayon_launcher_process",
     "is_running_from_build",
     "is_using_ayon_console",
     "is_staging_enabled",
diff --git a/client/ayon_core/lib/ayon_info.py b/client/ayon_core/lib/ayon_info.py
index fc09a7c90c..c4333fab95 100644
--- a/client/ayon_core/lib/ayon_info.py
+++ b/client/ayon_core/lib/ayon_info.py
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 import os
+import sys
 import json
 import datetime
 import platform
@@ -25,6 +26,18 @@ def get_ayon_launcher_version():
     return content["__version__"]
 
 
+def is_in_ayon_launcher_process():
+    """Determine if current process is running from AYON launcher.
+
+    Returns:
+        bool: True if running from AYON launcher.
+
+    """
+    ayon_executable_path = os.path.normpath(os.environ["AYON_EXECUTABLE"])
+    executable_path = os.path.normpath(sys.executable)
+    return ayon_executable_path == executable_path
+
+
 def is_running_from_build():
     """Determine if current process is running from build or code.
 
diff --git a/client/ayon_core/modules/deadline/plugins/publish/submit_publish_job.py b/client/ayon_core/modules/deadline/plugins/publish/submit_publish_job.py
index 06dd62e18b..0f505dce78 100644
--- a/client/ayon_core/modules/deadline/plugins/publish/submit_publish_job.py
+++ b/client/ayon_core/modules/deadline/plugins/publish/submit_publish_job.py
@@ -467,8 +467,6 @@ class ProcessSubmittedJobOnFarm(pyblish.api.InstancePlugin,
 
         # Inject deadline url to instances to query DL for job id for overrides
         for inst in instances:
-            if not "deadline" in inst:
-                inst["deadline"] = {}
             inst["deadline"] = instance.data["deadline"]
 
         # publish job file
diff --git a/client/ayon_core/modules/deadline/plugins/publish/validate_deadline_pools.py b/client/ayon_core/modules/deadline/plugins/publish/validate_deadline_pools.py
index 5094b3deaf..2fb511bf51 100644
--- a/client/ayon_core/modules/deadline/plugins/publish/validate_deadline_pools.py
+++ b/client/ayon_core/modules/deadline/plugins/publish/validate_deadline_pools.py
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ class ValidateDeadlinePools(OptionalPyblishPluginMixin,
                                                       auth=auth,
                                                       log=self.log)
             # some DL return "none" as a pool name
-            if not "none" in pools:
+            if "none" not in pools:
                 pools.append("none")
             self.log.info("Available pools: {}".format(pools))
             self.pools_per_url[deadline_url] = pools
diff --git a/client/ayon_core/pipeline/create/context.py b/client/ayon_core/pipeline/create/context.py
index dd005d250c..7615ce6aee 100644
--- a/client/ayon_core/pipeline/create/context.py
+++ b/client/ayon_core/pipeline/create/context.py
@@ -2053,7 +2053,7 @@ class CreateContext:
             exc_info = sys.exc_info()
             self.log.warning(error_message.format(identifier, exc_info[1]))
 
-        except:
+        except:  # noqa: E722
             add_traceback = True
             exc_info = sys.exc_info()
             self.log.warning(
@@ -2163,7 +2163,7 @@ class CreateContext:
                 exc_info = sys.exc_info()
                 self.log.warning(error_message.format(identifier, exc_info[1]))
 
-            except:
+            except:  # noqa: E722
                 failed = True
                 add_traceback = True
                 exc_info = sys.exc_info()
@@ -2197,7 +2197,7 @@ class CreateContext:
             try:
                 convertor.find_instances()
 
-            except:
+            except:  # noqa: E722
                 failed_info.append(
                     prepare_failed_convertor_operation_info(
                         convertor.identifier, sys.exc_info()
@@ -2373,7 +2373,7 @@ class CreateContext:
                 exc_info = sys.exc_info()
                 self.log.warning(error_message.format(identifier, exc_info[1]))
 
-            except:
+            except:  # noqa: E722
                 failed = True
                 add_traceback = True
                 exc_info = sys.exc_info()
@@ -2440,7 +2440,7 @@ class CreateContext:
                     error_message.format(identifier, exc_info[1])
                 )
 
-            except:
+            except:  # noqa: E722
                 failed = True
                 add_traceback = True
                 exc_info = sys.exc_info()
@@ -2546,7 +2546,7 @@ class CreateContext:
             try:
                 self.run_convertor(convertor_identifier)
 
-            except:
+            except:  # noqa: E722
                 failed_info.append(
                     prepare_failed_convertor_operation_info(
                         convertor_identifier, sys.exc_info()
diff --git a/client/ayon_core/pipeline/template_data.py b/client/ayon_core/pipeline/template_data.py
index 526c7d35c5..d5f06d6a59 100644
--- a/client/ayon_core/pipeline/template_data.py
+++ b/client/ayon_core/pipeline/template_data.py
@@ -73,8 +73,8 @@ def get_folder_template_data(folder_entity, project_name):
     - 'parent'      - direct parent name, project name used if is under
                       project
 
-    Required document fields:
-        Folder: 'path' -> Plan to require: 'folderType'
+    Required entity fields:
+        Folder: 'path', 'folderType'
 
     Args:
         folder_entity (Dict[str, Any]): Folder entity.
@@ -101,6 +101,8 @@ def get_folder_template_data(folder_entity, project_name):
     return {
         "folder": {
             "name": folder_name,
+            "type": folder_entity["folderType"],
+            "path": path,
         },
         "asset": folder_name,
         "hierarchy": hierarchy,
diff --git a/client/ayon_core/plugins/publish/collect_anatomy_instance_data.py b/client/ayon_core/plugins/publish/collect_anatomy_instance_data.py
index f8cc81e718..ad5a5d43fc 100644
--- a/client/ayon_core/plugins/publish/collect_anatomy_instance_data.py
+++ b/client/ayon_core/plugins/publish/collect_anatomy_instance_data.py
@@ -33,6 +33,7 @@ import collections
 import pyblish.api
 import ayon_api
 
+from ayon_core.pipeline.template_data import get_folder_template_data
 from ayon_core.pipeline.version_start import get_versioning_start
 
 
@@ -383,24 +384,11 @@ class CollectAnatomyInstanceData(pyblish.api.ContextPlugin):
         # - 'folder', 'hierarchy', 'parent', 'folder'
         folder_entity = instance.data.get("folderEntity")
         if folder_entity:
-            folder_name = folder_entity["name"]
-            folder_path = folder_entity["path"]
-            hierarchy_parts = folder_path.split("/")
-            hierarchy_parts.pop(0)
-            hierarchy_parts.pop(-1)
-            parent_name = project_entity["name"]
-            if hierarchy_parts:
-                parent_name = hierarchy_parts[-1]
-
-            hierarchy = "/".join(hierarchy_parts)
-            anatomy_data.update({
-                "asset": folder_name,
-                "hierarchy": hierarchy,
-                "parent": parent_name,
-                "folder": {
-                    "name": folder_name,
-                },
-            })
+            folder_data = get_folder_template_data(
+                folder_entity,
+                project_entity["name"]
+            )
+            anatomy_data.update(folder_data)
             return
 
         if instance.data.get("newAssetPublishing"):
@@ -418,6 +406,11 @@ class CollectAnatomyInstanceData(pyblish.api.ContextPlugin):
                 "parent": parent_name,
                 "folder": {
                     "name": folder_name,
+                    "path": instance.data["folderPath"],
+                    # TODO get folder type from hierarchy
+                    #   Using 'Shot' is current default behavior of editorial
+                    #   (or 'newAssetPublishing') publishing.
+                    "type": "Shot",
                 },
             })
 
diff --git a/client/ayon_core/tools/adobe_webserver/app.py b/client/ayon_core/tools/adobe_webserver/app.py
index 7d97d7d66d..26bf638c91 100644
--- a/client/ayon_core/tools/adobe_webserver/app.py
+++ b/client/ayon_core/tools/adobe_webserver/app.py
@@ -104,14 +104,11 @@ class WebServerTool:
             again. In that case, use existing running webserver.
             Check here is easier than capturing exception from thread.
         """
-        sock = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
-        result = True
-        try:
-            sock.bind((host_name, port))
-            result = False
-        except:
-            print("Port is in use")
+        with socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM) as con:
+            result = con.connect_ex((host_name, port)) == 0
 
+        if result:
+            print(f"Port {port} is already in use")
         return result
 
     def call(self, func):
diff --git a/client/ayon_core/tools/publisher/widgets/card_view_widgets.py b/client/ayon_core/tools/publisher/widgets/card_view_widgets.py
index 47c5399cf7..4e34f9b58c 100644
--- a/client/ayon_core/tools/publisher/widgets/card_view_widgets.py
+++ b/client/ayon_core/tools/publisher/widgets/card_view_widgets.py
@@ -52,6 +52,7 @@ class SelectionTypes:
 class BaseGroupWidget(QtWidgets.QWidget):
     selected = QtCore.Signal(str, str, str)
     removed_selected = QtCore.Signal()
+    double_clicked = QtCore.Signal()
 
     def __init__(self, group_name, parent):
         super(BaseGroupWidget, self).__init__(parent)
@@ -192,6 +193,7 @@ class ConvertorItemsGroupWidget(BaseGroupWidget):
                 else:
                     widget = ConvertorItemCardWidget(item, self)
                     widget.selected.connect(self._on_widget_selection)
+                    widget.double_clicked(self.double_clicked)
                     self._widgets_by_id[item.id] = widget
                     self._content_layout.insertWidget(widget_idx, widget)
                 widget_idx += 1
@@ -254,6 +256,7 @@ class InstanceGroupWidget(BaseGroupWidget):
                     )
                     widget.selected.connect(self._on_widget_selection)
                     widget.active_changed.connect(self._on_active_changed)
+                    widget.double_clicked.connect(self.double_clicked)
                     self._widgets_by_id[instance.id] = widget
                     self._content_layout.insertWidget(widget_idx, widget)
                 widget_idx += 1
@@ -271,6 +274,7 @@ class CardWidget(BaseClickableFrame):
     # Group identifier of card
     # - this must be set because if send when mouse is released with card id
     _group_identifier = None
+    double_clicked = QtCore.Signal()
 
     def __init__(self, parent):
         super(CardWidget, self).__init__(parent)
@@ -279,6 +283,11 @@ class CardWidget(BaseClickableFrame):
         self._selected = False
         self._id = None
 
+    def mouseDoubleClickEvent(self, event):
+        super(CardWidget, self).mouseDoubleClickEvent(event)
+        if self._is_valid_double_click(event):
+            self.double_clicked.emit()
+
     @property
     def id(self):
         """Id of card."""
@@ -312,6 +321,9 @@ class CardWidget(BaseClickableFrame):
 
         self.selected.emit(self._id, self._group_identifier, selection_type)
 
+    def _is_valid_double_click(self, event):
+        return True
+
 
 class ContextCardWidget(CardWidget):
     """Card for global context.
@@ -527,6 +539,15 @@ class InstanceCardWidget(CardWidget):
     def _on_expend_clicked(self):
         self._set_expanded()
 
+    def _is_valid_double_click(self, event):
+        widget = self.childAt(event.pos())
+        if (
+            widget is self._active_checkbox
+            or widget is self._expand_btn
+        ):
+            return False
+        return True
+
 
 class InstanceCardView(AbstractInstanceView):
     """Publish access to card view.
@@ -534,6 +555,8 @@ class InstanceCardView(AbstractInstanceView):
     Wrapper of all widgets in card view.
     """
 
+    double_clicked = QtCore.Signal()
+
     def __init__(self, controller, parent):
         super(InstanceCardView, self).__init__(parent)
 
@@ -715,6 +738,7 @@ class InstanceCardView(AbstractInstanceView):
                 )
                 group_widget.active_changed.connect(self._on_active_changed)
                 group_widget.selected.connect(self._on_widget_selection)
+                group_widget.double_clicked.connect(self.double_clicked)
                 self._content_layout.insertWidget(widget_idx, group_widget)
                 self._widgets_by_group[group_name] = group_widget
 
@@ -755,6 +779,7 @@ class InstanceCardView(AbstractInstanceView):
 
         widget = ContextCardWidget(self._content_widget)
         widget.selected.connect(self._on_widget_selection)
+        widget.double_clicked.connect(self.double_clicked)
 
         self._context_widget = widget
 
@@ -778,6 +803,7 @@ class InstanceCardView(AbstractInstanceView):
                 CONVERTOR_ITEM_GROUP, self._content_widget
             )
             group_widget.selected.connect(self._on_widget_selection)
+            group_widget.double_clicked.connect(self.double_clicked)
             self._content_layout.insertWidget(1, group_widget)
             self._convertor_items_group = group_widget
 
diff --git a/client/ayon_core/tools/publisher/widgets/list_view_widgets.py b/client/ayon_core/tools/publisher/widgets/list_view_widgets.py
index 3322a73be6..71be0ab1a4 100644
--- a/client/ayon_core/tools/publisher/widgets/list_view_widgets.py
+++ b/client/ayon_core/tools/publisher/widgets/list_view_widgets.py
@@ -110,6 +110,7 @@ class InstanceListItemWidget(QtWidgets.QWidget):
     This is required to be able use custom checkbox on custom place.
     """
     active_changed = QtCore.Signal(str, bool)
+    double_clicked = QtCore.Signal()
 
     def __init__(self, instance, parent):
         super(InstanceListItemWidget, self).__init__(parent)
@@ -149,6 +150,12 @@ class InstanceListItemWidget(QtWidgets.QWidget):
 
         self._set_valid_property(instance.has_valid_context)
 
+    def mouseDoubleClickEvent(self, event):
+        widget = self.childAt(event.pos())
+        super(InstanceListItemWidget, self).mouseDoubleClickEvent(event)
+        if widget is not self._active_checkbox:
+            self.double_clicked.emit()
+
     def _set_valid_property(self, valid):
         if self._has_valid_context == valid:
             return
@@ -209,6 +216,8 @@ class InstanceListItemWidget(QtWidgets.QWidget):
 
 class ListContextWidget(QtWidgets.QFrame):
     """Context (or global attributes) widget."""
+    double_clicked = QtCore.Signal()
+
     def __init__(self, parent):
         super(ListContextWidget, self).__init__(parent)
 
@@ -225,6 +234,10 @@ class ListContextWidget(QtWidgets.QFrame):
 
         self.label_widget = label_widget
 
+    def mouseDoubleClickEvent(self, event):
+        super(ListContextWidget, self).mouseDoubleClickEvent(event)
+        self.double_clicked.emit()
+
 
 class InstanceListGroupWidget(QtWidgets.QFrame):
     """Widget representing group of instances.
@@ -317,6 +330,7 @@ class InstanceListGroupWidget(QtWidgets.QFrame):
 class InstanceTreeView(QtWidgets.QTreeView):
     """View showing instances and their groups."""
     toggle_requested = QtCore.Signal(int)
+    double_clicked = QtCore.Signal()
 
     def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         super(InstanceTreeView, self).__init__(*args, **kwargs)
@@ -425,6 +439,9 @@ class InstanceListView(AbstractInstanceView):
 
     This is public access to and from list view.
     """
+
+    double_clicked = QtCore.Signal()
+
     def __init__(self, controller, parent):
         super(InstanceListView, self).__init__(parent)
 
@@ -454,6 +471,7 @@ class InstanceListView(AbstractInstanceView):
         instance_view.collapsed.connect(self._on_collapse)
         instance_view.expanded.connect(self._on_expand)
         instance_view.toggle_requested.connect(self._on_toggle_request)
+        instance_view.double_clicked.connect(self.double_clicked)
 
         self._group_items = {}
         self._group_widgets = {}
@@ -687,6 +705,7 @@ class InstanceListView(AbstractInstanceView):
                         self._active_toggle_enabled
                     )
                     widget.active_changed.connect(self._on_active_changed)
+                    widget.double_clicked.connect(self.double_clicked)
                     self._instance_view.setIndexWidget(proxy_index, widget)
                     self._widgets_by_id[instance.id] = widget
 
@@ -717,6 +736,7 @@ class InstanceListView(AbstractInstanceView):
         )
         proxy_index = self._proxy_model.mapFromSource(index)
         widget = ListContextWidget(self._instance_view)
+        widget.double_clicked.connect(self.double_clicked)
         self._instance_view.setIndexWidget(proxy_index, widget)
 
         self._context_widget = widget
diff --git a/client/ayon_core/tools/publisher/widgets/overview_widget.py b/client/ayon_core/tools/publisher/widgets/overview_widget.py
index dd82185830..cedf52ae01 100644
--- a/client/ayon_core/tools/publisher/widgets/overview_widget.py
+++ b/client/ayon_core/tools/publisher/widgets/overview_widget.py
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ class OverviewWidget(QtWidgets.QFrame):
     instance_context_changed = QtCore.Signal()
     create_requested = QtCore.Signal()
     convert_requested = QtCore.Signal()
+    publish_tab_requested = QtCore.Signal()
 
     anim_end_value = 200
     anim_duration = 200
@@ -113,9 +114,15 @@ class OverviewWidget(QtWidgets.QFrame):
         product_list_view.selection_changed.connect(
             self._on_product_change
         )
+        product_list_view.double_clicked.connect(
+            self.publish_tab_requested
+        )
         product_view_cards.selection_changed.connect(
             self._on_product_change
         )
+        product_view_cards.double_clicked.connect(
+            self.publish_tab_requested
+        )
         # Active instances changed
         product_list_view.active_changed.connect(
             self._on_active_changed
diff --git a/client/ayon_core/tools/publisher/window.py b/client/ayon_core/tools/publisher/window.py
index 123864ff6c..1b13ced317 100644
--- a/client/ayon_core/tools/publisher/window.py
+++ b/client/ayon_core/tools/publisher/window.py
@@ -258,6 +258,9 @@ class PublisherWindow(QtWidgets.QDialog):
         overview_widget.convert_requested.connect(
             self._on_convert_requested
         )
+        overview_widget.publish_tab_requested.connect(
+            self._go_to_publish_tab
+        )
 
         save_btn.clicked.connect(self._on_save_clicked)
         reset_btn.clicked.connect(self._on_reset_clicked)
diff --git a/server_addon/maya/package.py b/server_addon/maya/package.py
index 5c6ce923aa..fe3e3039f5 100644
--- a/server_addon/maya/package.py
+++ b/server_addon/maya/package.py
@@ -1,3 +1,3 @@
 name = "maya"
 title = "Maya"
-version = "0.1.17"
+version = "0.1.18"
diff --git a/server_addon/maya/server/settings/publishers.py b/server_addon/maya/server/settings/publishers.py
index bc38d5f746..20523b2ca9 100644
--- a/server_addon/maya/server/settings/publishers.py
+++ b/server_addon/maya/server/settings/publishers.py
@@ -46,7 +46,6 @@ def extract_alembic_overrides_enum():
     return [
         {"label": "Custom Attributes", "value": "attr"},
         {"label": "Custom Attributes Prefix", "value": "attrPrefix"},
-        {"label": "Auto Subd", "value": "autoSubd"},
         {"label": "Data Format", "value": "dataFormat"},
         {"label": "Euler Filter", "value": "eulerFilter"},
         {"label": "Mel Per Frame Callback", "value": "melPerFrameCallback"},
@@ -347,17 +346,6 @@ class ExtractAlembicModel(BaseSettingsModel):
     families: list[str] = SettingsField(
         default_factory=list,
         title="Families")
-    autoSubd: bool = SettingsField(
-        title="Auto Subd",
-        description=(
-            "If this flag is present and the mesh has crease edges, crease "
-            "vertices or holes, the mesh (OPolyMesh) would now be written out "
-            "as an OSubD and crease info will be stored in the Alembic  file. "
-            "Otherwise, creases info won't be preserved in Alembic file unless"
-            " a custom Boolean attribute SubDivisionMesh has been added to "
-            "mesh node and its value is true."
-        )
-    )
     eulerFilter: bool = SettingsField(
         title="Euler Filter",
         description="Apply Euler filter while sampling rotations."
@@ -409,6 +397,10 @@ class ExtractAlembicModel(BaseSettingsModel):
         title="Write Color Sets",
         description="Write vertex colors with the geometry."
     )
+    writeCreases: bool = SettingsField(
+        title="Write Creases",
+        description="Write the geometry's edge and vertex crease information."
+    )
     writeFaceSets: bool = SettingsField(
         title="Write Face Sets",
         description="Write face sets with the geometry."
@@ -1617,7 +1609,6 @@ DEFAULT_PUBLISH_SETTINGS = {
         ],
         "attr": "",
         "attrPrefix": "",
-        "autoSubd": False,
         "bake_attributes": [],
         "bake_attribute_prefixes": [],
         "dataFormat": "ogawa",
@@ -1641,7 +1632,7 @@ DEFAULT_PUBLISH_SETTINGS = {
         "renderableOnly": False,
         "stripNamespaces": True,
         "uvsOnly": False,
-        "uvWrite": False,
+        "uvWrite": True,
         "userAttr": "",
         "userAttrPrefix": "",
         "verbose": False,
@@ -1649,6 +1640,7 @@ DEFAULT_PUBLISH_SETTINGS = {
         "wholeFrameGeo": False,
         "worldSpace": True,
         "writeColorSets": False,
+        "writeCreases": False,
         "writeFaceSets": False,
         "writeNormals": True,
         "writeUVSets": False,