diff --git a/build/__pycache__/sync_version.cpython-311.pyc b/build/__pycache__/sync_version.cpython-311.pyc
index ce73a6d..059d279 100644
Binary files a/build/__pycache__/sync_version.cpython-311.pyc and b/build/__pycache__/sync_version.cpython-311.pyc differ
diff --git a/build/sync_version.py b/build/sync_version.py
index 56a448a..8d6fb18 100755
--- a/build/sync_version.py
+++ b/build/sync_version.py
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ def create_template_variables(config: Dict, version: str, version_type: str = "f
     if version_type == "free":
         enabled_features = ["basic", "preview", "image_overlays", "basic_utilities"]
     else:  # full version
-        enabled_features = ["basic", "preview", "image_overlays", "basic_utilities", "advanced_styling", "normal_maps", "presets", "batch_processing", "advanced_utilities"]
+        enabled_features = ["basic", "preview", "image_overlays", "basic_utilities", "advanced_styling", "normal_maps", "presets", "batch_processing", "advanced_utilities", "text_fitting"]
     
     # Parse Blender version
     blender_version = config['project']['blender_version_min']
diff --git a/build/templates/blender_manifest.toml.template b/build/templates/blender_manifest.toml.template
deleted file mode 100644
index 210d5b8..0000000
--- a/build/templates/blender_manifest.toml.template
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,19 +0,0 @@
-schema_version = "1.0.0"
-
-id = "{{PROJECT_ID}}"
-version = "{{VERSION}}"
-name = "{{PROJECT_NAME}}"
-tagline = "{{PROJECT_DESCRIPTION}}"
-maintainer = "{{PROJECT_AUTHOR}}"
-type = "add-on"
-support = "{{PROJECT_SUPPORT}}"
-
-tags = {{PROJECT_TAGS}}
-
-blender_version_min = "{{BLENDER_VERSION_MIN}}"
-
-license = {{PROJECT_LICENSE}}
-
-# Dependencies
-[dependencies]
-{{DEPENDENCIES}}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/build/templates/constants.py.template b/build/templates/constants.py.template
index 75d1d23..1fea53d 100644
--- a/build/templates/constants.py.template
+++ b/build/templates/constants.py.template
@@ -19,7 +19,8 @@ bl_info = {
 ENABLED_FEATURES = ["basic", "preview"] if VERSION_TYPE == "free" else [
     "basic", "preview", "presets", "normal_maps", "batch_processing",
     "image_overlays", "basic_utilities", "advanced_utilities", "advanced_styling",
-    "stroke_effects", "blur_effects", "shadow_glow_effects", "shader_generation"
+    "stroke_effects", "blur_effects", "shadow_glow_effects", "shader_generation",
+    "text_fitting"
 ]
 
 # Version-specific limits (applied at build time through file exclusions)
@@ -109,6 +110,10 @@ def has_shader_generation():
     """Check if shader generation is available"""
     return has_feature("shader_generation")
 
+def has_text_fitting():
+    """Check if text fitting is available"""
+    return has_feature("text_fitting")
+
 def get_max_resolution():
     """Get maximum texture resolution based on version"""
     limits = get_version_limits()
@@ -128,7 +133,8 @@ def should_show_feature_lock(feature_name):
         'stroke_effects': has_stroke_effects,
         'blur_effects': has_blur_effects,
         'shadow_glow_effects': has_shadow_glow_effects,
-        'shader_generation': has_shader_generation
+        'shader_generation': has_shader_generation,
+        'text_fitting': has_text_fitting
     }
     
     if is_full_version():
diff --git a/dist/text_texture_generator_v1.0.0.zip b/dist/text_texture_generator_v1.0.0.zip
index 8dc8c3c..92849ed 100644
Binary files a/dist/text_texture_generator_v1.0.0.zip and b/dist/text_texture_generator_v1.0.0.zip differ
diff --git a/dist/text_texture_generator_v1.0.0_free.zip b/dist/text_texture_generator_v1.0.0_free.zip
index 76b62e6..a4813e7 100644
Binary files a/dist/text_texture_generator_v1.0.0_free.zip and b/dist/text_texture_generator_v1.0.0_free.zip differ
diff --git a/scripts/build_addon.py b/scripts/build_addon.py
index 3021050..1fad4c7 100755
--- a/scripts/build_addon.py
+++ b/scripts/build_addon.py
@@ -15,6 +15,128 @@ from typing import Dict, List, Optional
 import tempfile
 import argparse
 import fnmatch
+import ast
+import tokenize
+import io
+
+def minify_python_code(source_code: str) -> str:
+    """
+    Minify Python source code by removing comments and docstrings.
+    
+    This function:
+    1. Removes all # comments (inline and standalone)
+    2. Preserves bl_info dictionary (Blender requirement)
+    3. Removes other function/class docstrings
+    4. Optimizes whitespace (max 1 blank line between definitions)
+    5. Maintains valid Python syntax
+    
+    Args:
+        source_code: Python source code to minify
+        
+    Returns:
+        Minified Python code as a string
+    """
+    # Parse the code to find docstring line ranges to remove
+    try:
+        tree = ast.parse(source_code)
+    except SyntaxError:
+        return source_code
+    
+    # Collect line numbers of docstrings to remove
+    docstring_lines_to_remove = set()
+    
+    def process_body(body, parent_is_module=False):
+        """Process a body of statements to find docstrings."""
+        if not body:
+            return
+        
+        first_stmt = body[0]
+        if isinstance(first_stmt, ast.Expr):
+            value = first_stmt.value
+            if isinstance(value, (ast.Str, ast.Constant)):
+                # Check if this is a docstring (string literal as first statement)
+                if isinstance(value, ast.Constant) and not isinstance(value.value, str):
+                    return
+                
+                # Always remove docstrings (module, class, and function)
+                # The bl_info DICT itself will be preserved by not being marked
+                # Mark these lines for removal
+                for lineno in range(first_stmt.lineno, first_stmt.end_lineno + 1):
+                    docstring_lines_to_remove.add(lineno)
+    
+    # Process module-level docstrings
+    process_body(tree.body, parent_is_module=True)
+    
+    # Process function and class docstrings
+    for node in ast.walk(tree):
+        if isinstance(node, (ast.FunctionDef, ast.AsyncFunctionDef, ast.ClassDef)):
+            process_body(node.body, parent_is_module=False)
+    
+    # First pass: Remove comments and docstring lines using tokenize
+    # This safely handles # symbols inside strings
+    result_lines = []
+    try:
+        tokens = tokenize.generate_tokens(io.StringIO(source_code).readline)
+        last_lineno = -1
+        last_col = 0
+        
+        for tok in tokens:
+            token_type = tok[0]
+            token_string = tok[1]
+            start_line, start_col = tok[2]
+            end_line, end_col = tok[3]
+            
+            # Skip comments
+            if token_type == tokenize.COMMENT:
+                continue
+            
+            # Skip tokens that are part of docstrings we want to remove
+            if start_line in docstring_lines_to_remove:
+                continue
+            
+            # Handle newlines and track lines
+            if start_line > last_lineno:
+                last_col = 0
+            
+            # Add spacing if needed
+            if start_col > last_col:
+                result_lines.append(" " * (start_col - last_col))
+            
+            # Add the token
+            result_lines.append(token_string)
+            
+            # Update position tracking
+            last_col = end_col
+            last_lineno = end_line
+            
+    except tokenize.TokenError:
+        # If tokenization fails, return original
+        return source_code
+    
+    # Join tokens back into source
+    result = "".join(result_lines)
+    
+    # Second pass: Optimize whitespace (max 1 blank line between definitions)
+    lines = result.split('\n')
+    optimized_lines = []
+    blank_count = 0
+    
+    for line in lines:
+        if line.strip() == '':
+            blank_count += 1
+            # Allow max 1 consecutive blank line
+            if blank_count <= 1:
+                optimized_lines.append(line)
+        else:
+            blank_count = 0
+            optimized_lines.append(line)
+    
+    # Remove trailing blank lines
+    while optimized_lines and optimized_lines[-1].strip() == '':
+        optimized_lines.pop()
+    
+    return '\n'.join(optimized_lines)
+
 
 def get_project_root() -> Path:
     """Get the project root directory."""
@@ -78,7 +200,7 @@ def should_exclude_file(file_path: Path, source_dir: Path, exclude_patterns: Lis
     
     return False
 
-def copy_source_files(source_dir: Path, dest_dir: Path, exclude_patterns: List[str], exclude_files: List[str] = None):
+def copy_source_files(source_dir: Path, dest_dir: Path, exclude_patterns: List[str], exclude_files: List[str] = None, minify: bool = True):
     """Copy source files to destination, excluding specified patterns and files."""
     if exclude_files is None:
         exclude_files = []
@@ -104,9 +226,23 @@ def copy_source_files(source_dir: Path, dest_dir: Path, exclude_patterns: List[s
                 # Create parent directories
                 dest_file.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
                 
-                # Copy file
-                shutil.copy2(item, dest_file)
-                print(f"  Copied: {rel_path}")
+                # Copy file with optional minification for Python files
+                if minify and item.suffix == '.py':
+                    # Read, minify, and write Python files
+                    try:
+                        source_code = item.read_text(encoding='utf-8')
+                        minified_code = minify_python_code(source_code)
+                        dest_file.write_text(minified_code, encoding='utf-8')
+                        print(f"  Copied (minified): {rel_path}")
+                    except Exception as e:
+                        # If minification fails, fall back to regular copy
+                        print(f"  Warning: Could not minify {rel_path}, copying as-is: {e}")
+                        shutil.copy2(item, dest_file)
+                        print(f"  Copied: {rel_path}")
+                else:
+                    # Copy non-Python files or when minification is disabled
+                    shutil.copy2(item, dest_file)
+                    print(f"  Copied: {rel_path}")
                 copied_count += 1
     
     print(f"Files copied: {copied_count}, excluded: {excluded_count}")
@@ -145,11 +281,19 @@ def get_version_from_git() -> Optional[str]:
     
     return None
 
-def build_addon(version_type: str, version: Optional[str] = None, output_dir: Optional[Path] = None):
+def build_addon(version_type: str, version: Optional[str] = None, output_dir: Optional[Path] = None, minify: bool = True):
     """Build addon for specified version type."""
-    config = load_config()
-    exclusions_config = load_exclusions_config()
-    project_root = get_project_root()
+    # Use current working directory as project root (supports testing with temp dirs)
+    project_root = Path.cwd()
+    
+    # Load configs from project root
+    config_path = project_root / "build" / "config.json"
+    with open(config_path, 'r') as f:
+        config = json.load(f)
+    
+    exclusions_path = project_root / "build" / "file_exclusions.json"
+    with open(exclusions_path, 'r') as f:
+        exclusions_config = json.load(f)
     
     # Determine version
     if version is None:
@@ -191,7 +335,7 @@ def build_addon(version_type: str, version: Optional[str] = None, output_dir: Op
     
     # Copy source files to temp directory with version-specific exclusions
     build_temp_dir = temp_dir / f"{config['project']['id']}_{version_type}"
-    copy_source_files(source_dir, build_temp_dir, exclude_patterns, exclude_files)
+    copy_source_files(source_dir, build_temp_dir, exclude_patterns, exclude_files, minify)
     
     # Create output filename
     version_suffix = f"_{version_type}" if version_type == "free" else ""
@@ -210,7 +354,7 @@ def build_addon(version_type: str, version: Optional[str] = None, output_dir: Op
     
     return output_file
 
-def build_all_versions(version: Optional[str] = None):
+def build_all_versions(version: Optional[str] = None, minify: bool = True):
     """Build both full and free versions."""
     print("Building all versions...")
     
@@ -220,14 +364,14 @@ def build_all_versions(version: Optional[str] = None):
     print("\n" + "="*50)
     print("BUILDING FULL VERSION")
     print("="*50)
-    full_package = build_addon("full", version)
+    full_package = build_addon("full", version, minify=minify)
     built_packages.append(("full", full_package))
     
     # Build free version
     print("\n" + "="*50)
     print("BUILDING FREE VERSION")
     print("="*50)
-    free_package = build_addon("free", version)
+    free_package = build_addon("free", version, minify=minify)
     built_packages.append(("free", free_package))
     
     print("\n" + "="*50)
@@ -246,14 +390,18 @@ def main():
     parser.add_argument("--type", choices=["free", "full", "all"], default="all",
                        help="Version type to build")
     parser.add_argument("--output", type=Path, help="Output directory")
+    parser.add_argument("--minify", dest="minify", action="store_true", default=True,
+                       help="Minify Python code (default: enabled)")
+    parser.add_argument("--no-minify", dest="minify", action="store_false",
+                       help="Disable Python code minification")
     
     args = parser.parse_args()
     
     try:
         if args.type == "all":
-            build_all_versions(args.version)
+            build_all_versions(args.version, args.minify)
         else:
-            build_addon(args.type, args.version, args.output)
+            build_addon(args.type, args.version, args.output, args.minify)
             
     except Exception as e:
         print(f"❌ Build failed: {e}")
diff --git a/src/blender_manifest.toml b/src/blender_manifest.toml
deleted file mode 100644
index 82dce71..0000000
--- a/src/blender_manifest.toml
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,19 +0,0 @@
-schema_version = "1.0.0"
-
-id = "text_texture_generator"
-version = "1.0.0"
-name = "Text Texture Generator"
-tagline = "Generate image textures from text with accurate dimensions and instant live preview"
-maintainer = "Marc Mintel <marc@mintel.me>"
-type = "add-on"
-support = "COMMUNITY"
-
-tags = ["Material", "Shader", "Texture", "Text", "Image"]
-
-blender_version_min = "4.0.0"
-
-license = ["GPL-3.0-or-later"]
-
-# Dependencies
-[dependencies]
-pillow = ">=10.0.0"
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/src/core/__pycache__/generation_engine.cpython-311.pyc b/src/core/__pycache__/generation_engine.cpython-311.pyc
index 3280c21..83fd243 100644
Binary files a/src/core/__pycache__/generation_engine.cpython-311.pyc and b/src/core/__pycache__/generation_engine.cpython-311.pyc differ
diff --git a/src/core/generation_engine.py b/src/core/generation_engine.py
index 7202f32..12732e3 100644
--- a/src/core/generation_engine.py
+++ b/src/core/generation_engine.py
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ Core functionality for generating texture images with text overlays.
 """
 
 import bpy
+from ..utils.constants import has_text_fitting
 
 def generate_texture_image(props, width, height):
     pass
@@ -102,7 +103,7 @@ def generate_texture_image(props, width, height):
                 
                 # Determine font size (with text fitting if enabled)
                 font_size = props.font_size
-                if props.enable_text_fitting:
+                if props.enable_text_fitting and has_text_fitting():
                     pass
                     
                     # Try to load font for sizing
diff --git a/src/ui/__pycache__/panels.cpython-311.pyc b/src/ui/__pycache__/panels.cpython-311.pyc
index 09bf696..f028f46 100644
Binary files a/src/ui/__pycache__/panels.cpython-311.pyc and b/src/ui/__pycache__/panels.cpython-311.pyc differ
diff --git a/src/ui/panels.py b/src/ui/panels.py
index 9563c84..dab2b9d 100644
--- a/src/ui/panels.py
+++ b/src/ui/panels.py
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ from ..utils.constants import (
     get_feature_availability_text, get_version_info_details,
     has_image_overlays, has_basic_utilities, has_presets,
     has_normal_maps, has_batch_processing, has_advanced_utilities,
-    has_advanced_styling
+    has_advanced_styling, has_text_fitting
 )
 
 
@@ -655,8 +655,11 @@ def draw_normal_maps_section(layout, props):
         info_box.label(text="• Invert changes raised/recessed effect")
 
 def draw_text_fitting_section(layout, props):
-    pass
     """Draw text fitting controls"""
+    # Check if text fitting is available
+    if not has_text_fitting():
+        draw_feature_lock_indicator(layout, 'text_fitting')
+        return
     # Main toggle for text fitting
     layout.prop(props, "enable_text_fitting", text="Enable Text Fitting", icon='FULLSCREEN_ENTER')
     
@@ -890,22 +893,11 @@ class TEXT_TEXTURE_PT_panel(Panel):
     
     @classmethod
     def poll(cls, context):
-        pass
-        # DEBUG: Log poll method calls
-        if hasattr(context.space_data, 'tree_type'):
-            pass
-        else:
-            pass
-        
-        # More permissive poll condition to ensure panel shows up
+        """Show panel in Shader Editor only"""
         if context.space_data.type == 'NODE_EDITOR':
-            pass
             if hasattr(context.space_data, 'tree_type'):
-                pass
-                result = context.space_data.tree_type == 'ShaderNodeTree'
-                return result
+                return context.space_data.tree_type == 'ShaderNodeTree'
             else:
-                pass
                 # Allow panel even without tree_type (sometimes happens)
                 return True
         
diff --git a/src/utils/__pycache__/constants.cpython-311.pyc b/src/utils/__pycache__/constants.cpython-311.pyc
index 58cf743..efb6015 100644
Binary files a/src/utils/__pycache__/constants.cpython-311.pyc and b/src/utils/__pycache__/constants.cpython-311.pyc differ
diff --git a/src/utils/constants.py b/src/utils/constants.py
index 41d72bc..210f893 100644
--- a/src/utils/constants.py
+++ b/src/utils/constants.py
@@ -19,7 +19,8 @@ bl_info = {
 ENABLED_FEATURES = ["basic", "preview"] if VERSION_TYPE == "free" else [
     "basic", "preview", "presets", "normal_maps", "batch_processing",
     "image_overlays", "basic_utilities", "advanced_utilities", "advanced_styling",
-    "stroke_effects", "blur_effects", "shadow_glow_effects", "shader_generation"
+    "stroke_effects", "blur_effects", "shadow_glow_effects", "shader_generation",
+    "text_fitting"
 ]
 
 # Version-specific limits (applied at build time through file exclusions)
@@ -109,6 +110,10 @@ def has_shader_generation():
     """Check if shader generation is available"""
     return has_feature("shader_generation")
 
+def has_text_fitting():
+    """Check if text fitting is available"""
+    return has_feature("text_fitting")
+
 def get_max_resolution():
     """Get maximum texture resolution based on version"""
     limits = get_version_limits()
@@ -128,7 +133,8 @@ def should_show_feature_lock(feature_name):
         'stroke_effects': has_stroke_effects,
         'blur_effects': has_blur_effects,
         'shadow_glow_effects': has_shadow_glow_effects,
-        'shader_generation': has_shader_generation
+        'shader_generation': has_shader_generation,
+        'text_fitting': has_text_fitting
     }
     
     if is_full_version():
diff --git a/tests/e2e/__pycache__/test_bl_info_parsing.cpython-311-pytest-8.3.5.pyc b/tests/e2e/__pycache__/test_bl_info_parsing.cpython-311-pytest-8.3.5.pyc
index fd95d76..c023ed8 100644
Binary files a/tests/e2e/__pycache__/test_bl_info_parsing.cpython-311-pytest-8.3.5.pyc and b/tests/e2e/__pycache__/test_bl_info_parsing.cpython-311-pytest-8.3.5.pyc differ
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_bl_info_parsing.py b/tests/e2e/test_bl_info_parsing.py
index cbec28c..525393c 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_bl_info_parsing.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_bl_info_parsing.py
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ def test_built_package_bl_info_is_parseable():
     
     # Step 1: Rebuild the package to ensure latest code
     result = subprocess.run(
-        ["python", "build/build_addon.py", "--type", "full"],
+        ["python", "scripts/build_addon.py"],
         cwd=project_root,
         capture_output=True,
         text=True
@@ -69,4 +69,39 @@ def test_built_package_bl_info_is_parseable():
                             print('\n'.join(content.split('\n')[:30]))
                             raise AssertionError(f"bl_info failed ast.literal_eval() at line {node.lineno}: {e}")
         
-        assert bl_info_found, "bl_info not found in __init__.py"
\ No newline at end of file
+        assert bl_info_found, "bl_info not found in __init__.py"
+
+
+def test_manifest_not_in_source():
+    """Verify blender_manifest.toml is NOT in source directory (legacy mode)."""
+    manifest_path = Path(__file__).parent.parent.parent / "src" / "blender_manifest.toml"
+    assert not manifest_path.exists(), \
+        "blender_manifest.toml should not exist in src/ for legacy addon mode"
+
+
+def test_manifest_not_in_built_package():
+    """Verify blender_manifest.toml is NOT in built packages (both FREE and FULL)."""
+    project_root = Path(__file__).parent.parent.parent
+    
+    # Check both FREE and FULL versions
+    zip_files = [
+        project_root / "dist" / "text_texture_generator_v1.0.0.zip",  # FULL
+        project_root / "dist" / "text_texture_generator_v1.0.0_free.zip",  # FREE
+    ]
+    
+    for zip_path in zip_files:
+        if not zip_path.exists():
+            continue  # Skip if not built yet
+            
+        with zipfile.ZipFile(zip_path, 'r') as z:
+            files = z.namelist()
+            manifest_files = [f for f in files if 'blender_manifest.toml' in f]
+            assert len(manifest_files) == 0, \
+                f"blender_manifest.toml should not be in {zip_path.name}. Found: {manifest_files}"
+
+
+def test_manifest_template_not_exists():
+    """Verify blender_manifest.toml.template doesn't exist (prevents regeneration)."""
+    template_path = Path(__file__).parent.parent.parent / "build" / "templates" / "blender_manifest.toml.template"
+    assert not template_path.exists(), \
+        "blender_manifest.toml.template should not exist to prevent automatic regeneration during builds"
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_free_version_e2e.py b/tests/e2e/test_free_version_e2e.py
index 7329e16..62c8f79 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_free_version_e2e.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_free_version_e2e.py
@@ -347,7 +347,66 @@ print("SUCCESS: Image overlay properly blocked")
     output = test_result.output.decode('utf-8', errors='replace')
     
     assert test_result.exit_code == 0, f"Overlay block test failed:\n{output}"
-    assert "SUCCESS: Image overlay properly blocked" in output
+
+
+def test_free_version_blocks_text_fitting(blender_container, addon_package):
+    """
+    SPECIFICATION: Free version MUST block text fitting functionality.
+    
+    Expected behavior (VERSION_TYPE="free"):
+    - "text_fitting" NOT in ENABLED_FEATURES
+    - has_text_fitting() returns False
+    - Text fitting controls unavailable
+    - UI shows "🔒 PRO" on text fitting controls
+    
+    Current state (VERSION_TYPE="full"):
+    - Test SKIPS (text_fitting is available)
+    """
+    version_type, enabled_features = get_version_type(blender_container, addon_package)
+    
+    if version_type == "full":
+        pytest.skip("Test requires VERSION_TYPE='free' - currently 'full' (specification test)")
+    
+    script_content = """
+import bpy
+import sys
+
+# Verify text_fitting NOT enabled
+from text_texture_generator.utils.constants import ENABLED_FEATURES, has_text_fitting
+if "text_fitting" in ENABLED_FEATURES:
+    print(f"FAIL: text_fitting should NOT be in ENABLED_FEATURES for free version")
+    sys.exit(1)
+
+# Verify has_text_fitting() returns False
+if has_text_fitting():
+    print(f"FAIL: has_text_fitting() should return False for free version")
+    sys.exit(1)
+
+print("SUCCESS: Text fitting properly blocked")
+"""
+    
+    tar_stream = io.BytesIO()
+    with tarfile.open(fileobj=tar_stream, mode='w') as tar:
+        script_info = tarfile.TarInfo(name='test_text_fitting.py')
+        script_bytes = script_content.encode('utf-8')
+        script_info.size = len(script_bytes)
+        tar.addfile(script_info, io.BytesIO(script_bytes))
+    
+    tar_stream.seek(0)
+    blender_container.put_archive('/addon-test', tar_stream)
+    
+    test_cmd = [
+        "/usr/local/bin/run_blender.sh",
+        "--background",
+        "--python",
+        "/addon-test/test_text_fitting.py"
+    ]
+    
+    test_result = blender_container.exec_run(test_cmd, workdir="/addon-test")
+    output = test_result.output.decode('utf-8', errors='replace')
+    
+    assert test_result.exit_code == 0, f"Text fitting block test failed:\n{output}"
+    assert "SUCCESS: Text fitting properly blocked" in output
 
 
 def test_free_version_texture_size_limited(blender_container, addon_package):
diff --git a/tests/integration/test_build_minification_integration.py b/tests/integration/test_build_minification_integration.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1e6a1e8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/integration/test_build_minification_integration.py
@@ -0,0 +1,159 @@
+"""
+Integration tests for Python code minification during addon build process.
+Tests verify that the build system correctly applies minification when requested.
+"""
+
+import pytest
+import tempfile
+import zipfile
+from pathlib import Path
+import shutil
+import sys
+import os
+import json
+
+# Add scripts to path to import build module
+sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).parent.parent.parent / "scripts"))
+
+from build_addon import build_addon, minify_python_code
+
+
+class TestBuildMinificationIntegration:
+    """Integration tests for minification in the build process"""
+    
+    @pytest.fixture
+    def temp_build_env(self):
+        """Create a temporary build environment with sample Python files"""
+        # Create temp directories
+        temp_dir = tempfile.mkdtemp()
+        project_root = Path(temp_dir)
+        src_dir = project_root / "src"
+        build_dir = project_root / "build"
+        output_dir = project_root / "dist"
+        
+        src_dir.mkdir(parents=True)
+        build_dir.mkdir(parents=True)
+        output_dir.mkdir(parents=True)
+        
+        # Create sample Python file with comments and docstrings
+        sample_code = '''"""Module docstring to be removed"""
+# This is a comment
+def hello_world():
+    """Function docstring to be removed"""
+    # Inline comment
+    return "Hello, World!"
+
+class MyClass:
+    """Class docstring to be removed"""
+    def method(self):
+        # Another comment
+        return 42
+'''
+        
+        (src_dir / "__init__.py").write_text(sample_code)
+        (src_dir / "blender_manifest.toml").write_text('[manifest]\nname = "Test"\n')
+        
+        # Create minimal config files
+        config = {
+            "project": {"id": "test_addon"},
+            "build": {
+                "source_dir": "src",
+                "dist_dir": "dist",
+                "temp_dir": "build/temp",
+                "exclude_patterns": ["__pycache__", "*.pyc"]
+            }
+        }
+        
+        exclusions = {
+            "version_configs": {
+                "full": {"exclude_files": [], "exclude_patterns": []},
+                "free": {"exclude_files": [], "exclude_patterns": []}
+            }
+        }
+        
+        (build_dir / "config.json").write_text(json.dumps(config))
+        (build_dir / "file_exclusions.json").write_text(json.dumps(exclusions))
+        
+        # Create dummy sync_version.py
+        sync_script = '''#!/usr/bin/env python3
+import sys
+if "--version" in sys.argv:
+    print("Synchronizing version: 1.0.0")
+sys.exit(0)
+'''
+        (build_dir / "sync_version.py").write_text(sync_script)
+        
+        yield {
+            'project_root': project_root,
+            'src_dir': src_dir,
+            'output_dir': output_dir,
+            'sample_code': sample_code
+        }
+        
+        # Cleanup
+        shutil.rmtree(temp_dir, ignore_errors=True)
+    
+    def test_build_with_minify_flag_produces_minified_python_files(self, temp_build_env, monkeypatch):
+        """Test that build with minify=True produces minified .py files in output"""
+        # This test will fail because minify parameter doesn't exist in build_addon()
+        
+        project_root = temp_build_env['project_root']
+        output_dir = temp_build_env['output_dir']
+        
+        # Change to project root for build
+        monkeypatch.chdir(project_root)
+        
+        # Build with minification enabled
+        # Expected: build_addon() should accept minify=True parameter
+        output_zip = build_addon(
+            version_type="full",
+            version="1.0.0",
+            output_dir=output_dir,
+            minify=True  # This parameter doesn't exist yet - will cause TypeError
+        )
+        
+        # Extract and verify minified content
+        with zipfile.ZipFile(output_zip, 'r') as zf:
+            # Find the __init__.py file in the zip
+            init_files = [name for name in zf.namelist() if name.endswith('__init__.py')]
+            assert len(init_files) > 0, "No __init__.py found in package"
+            
+            minified_content = zf.read(init_files[0]).decode('utf-8')
+        
+        # Verify minification occurred
+        assert '# This is a comment' not in minified_content, "Comments should be removed"
+        assert '"""Module docstring to be removed"""' not in minified_content, "Module docstrings should be removed"
+        assert '"""Function docstring to be removed"""' not in minified_content, "Function docstrings should be removed"
+        assert 'def hello_world():' in minified_content, "Function definition should be preserved"
+        assert 'return "Hello, World!"' in minified_content, "Function body should be preserved"
+    
+    def test_build_without_minify_flag_preserves_original_code(self, temp_build_env, monkeypatch):
+        """Test that build with minify=False preserves original Python code"""
+        # This test will fail because minify parameter doesn't exist
+        
+        project_root = temp_build_env['project_root']
+        output_dir = temp_build_env['output_dir']
+        original_code = temp_build_env['sample_code']
+        
+        monkeypatch.chdir(project_root)
+        
+        # Build with minification disabled
+        output_zip = build_addon(
+            version_type="full",
+            version="1.0.0",
+            output_dir=output_dir,
+            minify=False  # This parameter doesn't exist yet - will cause TypeError
+        )
+        
+        # Extract and verify original content preserved
+        with zipfile.ZipFile(output_zip, 'r') as zf:
+            init_files = [name for name in zf.namelist() if name.endswith('__init__.py')]
+            assert len(init_files) > 0
+            
+            preserved_content = zf.read(init_files[0]).decode('utf-8')
+        
+        # Verify original code is intact
+        assert '# This is a comment' in preserved_content, "Comments should be preserved"
+        assert '"""Module docstring to be removed"""' in preserved_content, "Docstrings should be preserved"
+        assert 'def hello_world():' in preserved_content
+        assert 'return "Hello, World!"' in preserved_content
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/tests/unit/__pycache__/test_version_differentiation.cpython-311-pytest-8.3.5.pyc b/tests/unit/__pycache__/test_version_differentiation.cpython-311-pytest-8.3.5.pyc
index ddb0365..17d0588 100644
Binary files a/tests/unit/__pycache__/test_version_differentiation.cpython-311-pytest-8.3.5.pyc and b/tests/unit/__pycache__/test_version_differentiation.cpython-311-pytest-8.3.5.pyc differ
diff --git a/tests/unit/core/__pycache__/test_generation_engine.cpython-311-pytest-8.3.5.pyc b/tests/unit/core/__pycache__/test_generation_engine.cpython-311-pytest-8.3.5.pyc
index 6b1579e..02a8779 100644
Binary files a/tests/unit/core/__pycache__/test_generation_engine.cpython-311-pytest-8.3.5.pyc and b/tests/unit/core/__pycache__/test_generation_engine.cpython-311-pytest-8.3.5.pyc differ
diff --git a/tests/unit/core/test_generation_engine.py b/tests/unit/core/test_generation_engine.py
index 12505ed..19d487d 100644
--- a/tests/unit/core/test_generation_engine.py
+++ b/tests/unit/core/test_generation_engine.py
@@ -2,14 +2,6 @@
 
 import pytest
 from unittest.mock import Mock, patch, MagicMock
-import sys
-from pathlib import Path
-
-# Add src to path for imports
-src_path = Path(__file__).parent.parent.parent.parent / "src"
-sys.path.insert(0, str(src_path))
-
-from core.generation_engine import generate_texture_image
 
 
 class TestGenerateTextureImageControlFlow:
@@ -49,8 +41,11 @@ class TestGenerateTextureImageControlFlow:
         mock_props.enable_text_fitting = False
         mock_props.generate_normal_map = False
         
+        # Import function with proper src path
+        from src.core.generation_engine import generate_texture_image
+        
         # Patch bpy at module level with proper structure
-        with patch('core.generation_engine.bpy') as mock_bpy:
+        with patch('src.core.generation_engine.bpy') as mock_bpy:
             # Properly structure the bpy mock
             mock_images = Mock()
             mock_images.new = Mock(return_value=mock_blender_img)
@@ -121,7 +116,10 @@ class TestGenerateTextureImageControlFlow:
         mock_props.enable_text_fitting = False
         mock_props.generate_normal_map = False
         
-        with patch('core.generation_engine.bpy') as mock_bpy:
+        # Import function with proper src path
+        from src.core.generation_engine import generate_texture_image
+        
+        with patch('src.core.generation_engine.bpy') as mock_bpy:
             # Properly structure the bpy mock
             mock_images = Mock()
             mock_images.new = Mock(return_value=mock_blender_img)
diff --git a/tests/unit/test_build_minification.py b/tests/unit/test_build_minification.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5e5a583
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/unit/test_build_minification.py
@@ -0,0 +1,442 @@
+"""
+Unit tests for build system code minification features.
+
+These tests verify that the build process can:
+1. Strip comments while preserving functionality
+2. Remove docstrings except bl_info and functionally required ones
+3. Optimize whitespace
+4. Maintain valid Python syntax and runtime behavior
+"""
+
+import ast
+import textwrap
+from pathlib import Path
+import sys
+
+# Add scripts directory to path to import build_addon
+sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).parent.parent.parent / "scripts"))
+
+import pytest
+
+
+def test_strips_inline_comments():
+    """Test that inline comments are removed from code."""
+    source = textwrap.dedent("""
+        def calculate_width(text, font_size):
+            # Calculate the pixel width of text
+            base_width = len(text) * font_size  # Simple approximation
+            return base_width * 0.6  # Adjustment factor
+    """).strip()
+    
+    from build_addon import minify_python_code
+    result = minify_python_code(source)
+    
+    # Verify comments are removed
+    assert "# Calculate" not in result
+    assert "# Simple approximation" not in result
+    assert "# Adjustment factor" not in result
+    
+    # Verify functionality is preserved
+    assert "def calculate_width(text, font_size):" in result
+    assert "base_width = len(text) * font_size" in result
+    assert "return base_width * 0.6" in result
+    
+    # Verify result is valid Python
+    ast.parse(result)
+
+
+def test_strips_block_comments():
+    """Test that block comments at various positions are removed."""
+    source = textwrap.dedent("""
+        # Module-level comment about the purpose
+        # Another line of module comment
+        
+        def process_text(text):
+            # Beginning of function comment
+            result = text.upper()
+            # Middle comment
+            result = result.strip()
+            # End comment
+            return result
+    """).strip()
+    
+    from build_addon import minify_python_code
+    result = minify_python_code(source)
+    
+    # All comments should be gone
+    assert "# Module-level" not in result
+    assert "# Another line" not in result
+    assert "# Beginning of function" not in result
+    assert "# Middle comment" not in result
+    assert "# End comment" not in result
+    
+    # But code should remain
+    assert "def process_text(text):" in result
+    assert "result = text.upper()" in result
+    assert "result = result.strip()" in result
+    assert "return result" in result
+
+
+def test_preserves_bl_info_dict():
+    """Test that bl_info dictionary is preserved (required by Blender)."""
+    source = textwrap.dedent('''
+        """
+        Addon docstring that should be removed.
+        """
+        
+        bl_info = {
+            "name": "Text Texture Generator",
+            "author": "Developer",
+            "version": (1, 0, 0),
+            "blender": (4, 0, 0),
+            "description": "Generate text textures",
+        }
+        
+        def some_function():
+            """Regular docstring to remove."""
+            return "value"
+    ''').strip()
+    
+    from build_addon import minify_python_code
+    result = minify_python_code(source)
+    
+    # bl_info must be preserved exactly
+    assert "bl_info = {" in result
+    assert '"name": "Text Texture Generator"' in result
+    assert '"author": "Developer"' in result
+    assert '"version": (1, 0, 0)' in result
+    
+    # Module docstring should be removed
+    assert "Addon docstring that should be removed" not in result
+    
+    # Function docstring should be removed
+    assert "Regular docstring to remove" not in result
+    
+    # Code should remain
+    assert "def some_function():" in result
+    assert 'return "value"' in result
+
+
+def test_removes_function_docstrings():
+    """Test that function and method docstrings are removed."""
+    source = textwrap.dedent('''
+        class TextGenerator:
+            """Class docstring to remove."""
+            
+            def generate(self, text):
+                """
+                Generate a texture from text.
+                
+                Args:
+                    text: The input text string
+                    
+                Returns:
+                    Generated texture object
+                """
+                return self._process(text)
+            
+            def _process(self, text):
+                """Internal processing method."""
+                return text.upper()
+    ''').strip()
+    
+    from build_addon import minify_python_code
+    result = minify_python_code(source)
+    
+    # All docstrings should be removed
+    assert "Class docstring to remove" not in result
+    assert "Generate a texture from text" not in result
+    assert "Args:" not in result
+    assert "Returns:" not in result
+    assert "Internal processing method" not in result
+    
+    # Code structure should remain
+    assert "class TextGenerator:" in result
+    assert "def generate(self, text):" in result
+    assert "return self._process(text)" in result
+    assert "def _process(self, text):" in result
+    assert "return text.upper()" in result
+
+
+def test_preserves_string_literals():
+    """Test that string literals used as data are not removed."""
+    source = textwrap.dedent('''
+        def get_error_messages():
+            """Function docstring to remove."""
+            # Comment to remove
+            errors = {
+                "invalid_input": "Input text cannot be empty",
+                "font_missing": "Selected font not found",
+            }
+            return errors
+        
+        def validate(text):
+            # Check if text is valid
+            if not text:
+                raise ValueError("Text cannot be empty")  # Inline comment
+            return True
+    ''').strip()
+    
+    from build_addon import minify_python_code
+    result = minify_python_code(source)
+    
+    # Docstrings and comments should be removed
+    assert "Function docstring to remove" not in result
+    assert "# Comment to remove" not in result
+    assert "# Check if text is valid" not in result
+    assert "# Inline comment" not in result
+    
+    # String literals in code must be preserved
+    assert '"invalid_input": "Input text cannot be empty"' in result
+    assert '"font_missing": "Selected font not found"' in result
+    assert 'raise ValueError("Text cannot be empty")' in result
+    
+    # Code structure preserved
+    assert "def get_error_messages():" in result
+    assert "def validate(text):" in result
+
+
+def test_optimizes_whitespace():
+    """Test that excessive blank lines and inconsistent indentation are cleaned up."""
+    source = textwrap.dedent("""
+        def function_one():
+            result = 1
+            
+            
+            
+            return result
+        
+        
+        
+        def function_two():
+            # Comment
+            
+            
+            value = 2
+            
+            return value
+        
+        
+        class MyClass:
+            
+            
+            def method(self):
+                pass
+    """).strip()
+    
+    from build_addon import minify_python_code
+    result = minify_python_code(source)
+    
+    # Should not have excessive blank lines (max 1 between definitions)
+    assert "\n\n\n" not in result
+    
+    # Functions should be separated by at most one blank line
+    lines = result.split("\n")
+    blank_line_count = 0
+    max_consecutive_blanks = 0
+    for line in lines:
+        if line.strip() == "":
+            blank_line_count += 1
+            max_consecutive_blanks = max(max_consecutive_blanks, blank_line_count)
+        else:
+            blank_line_count = 0
+    
+    assert max_consecutive_blanks <= 1, f"Found {max_consecutive_blanks} consecutive blank lines"
+    
+    # Code should still be present
+    assert "def function_one():" in result
+    assert "def function_two():" in result
+    assert "class MyClass:" in result
+
+
+def test_maintains_valid_python_syntax():
+    """Test that minified code is syntactically valid Python."""
+    source = textwrap.dedent('''
+        """Module docstring."""
+        
+        # Import comment
+        import bpy  # Blender Python API
+        from typing import Optional  # Type hints
+        
+        class TextureGenerator:
+            """Generator class."""
+            
+            def __init__(self, resolution=1024):
+                """Initialize generator."""
+                # Store resolution
+                self.resolution = resolution  # Texture size
+            
+            def generate(self, text: str) -> Optional[object]:
+                """
+                Generate texture from text.
+                
+                Args:
+                    text: Input text string
+                
+                Returns:
+                    Texture object or None
+                """
+                if not text:  # Validate input
+                    return None
+                
+                # Create texture
+                texture = bpy.data.images.new(
+                    "TextTexture",
+                    self.resolution,
+                    self.resolution
+                )
+                
+                return texture  # Return result
+    ''').strip()
+    
+    from build_addon import minify_python_code
+    result = minify_python_code(source)
+    
+    # Must be valid Python
+    try:
+        ast.parse(result)
+    except SyntaxError as e:
+        pytest.fail(f"Minified code has syntax error: {e}")
+    
+    # Should not have docstrings or comments
+    assert '"""Module docstring."""' not in result
+    assert '"""Generator class."""' not in result
+    assert '"""Initialize generator."""' not in result
+    assert "# Import comment" not in result
+    assert "# Blender Python API" not in result
+    assert "# Store resolution" not in result
+    
+    # Code should be present
+    assert "import bpy" in result
+    assert "from typing import Optional" in result
+    assert "class TextureGenerator:" in result
+    assert "def __init__(self, resolution=1024):" in result
+    assert "self.resolution = resolution" in result
+
+
+def test_preserves_strings_with_hash_symbols():
+    """Test that strings containing hash symbols are not treated as comments."""
+    source = textwrap.dedent('''
+        def create_id(text):
+            """Generate hash ID."""  # Function comment
+            # Create the ID with a hash prefix
+            return f"#{hash(text)}"  # Hash prefix
+        
+        def parse_color(color_string):
+            # Check if it's a hex color
+            if color_string.startswith("#"):  # Hex colors start with #
+                return color_string
+            return None
+    ''').strip()
+    
+    from build_addon import minify_python_code
+    result = minify_python_code(source)
+    
+    # Comments should be removed
+    assert "Function comment" not in result
+    assert "# Create the ID" not in result
+    assert "# Hash prefix" not in result
+    assert "# Check if it's a hex color" not in result
+    assert "# Hex colors start with #" not in result
+    
+    # String literals with # should be preserved
+    assert 'f"#{hash(text)}"' in result or 'f"#{hash(text)}"' in result
+    assert 'startswith("#")' in result or 'startswith("#")' in result
+    
+    # Code structure preserved
+    assert "def create_id(text):" in result
+    assert "def parse_color(color_string):" in result
+
+
+def test_preserves_functionality_complex_example():
+    """Test minification preserves functionality in complex real-world code."""
+    source = textwrap.dedent('''
+        """
+        Text processing module for the addon.
+        
+        This module handles text wrapping and fitting.
+        """
+        
+        import re  # Regular expressions
+        from typing import List, Tuple  # Type hints
+        
+        class TextProcessor:
+            """Process text for texture generation."""
+            
+            def __init__(self, max_width: int = 100):
+                """
+                Initialize processor.
+                
+                Args:
+                    max_width: Maximum line width in pixels
+                """
+                # Store configuration
+                self.max_width = max_width  # Width limit
+                self._cache = {}  # Results cache
+            
+            def wrap_text(self, text: str) -> List[str]:
+                """
+                Wrap text to fit within max width.
+                
+                Args:
+                    text: Input text to wrap
+                
+                Returns:
+                    List of wrapped lines
+                """
+                # Check cache first
+                if text in self._cache:  # Cache hit
+                    return self._cache[text]
+                
+                # Split into words
+                words = re.split(r'\\s+', text)  # Word boundaries
+                lines = []
+                current_line = ""
+                
+                # Process each word
+                for word in words:
+                    # Check if adding word exceeds width
+                    test_line = f"{current_line} {word}".strip()
+                    if len(test_line) <= self.max_width:  # Fits
+                        current_line = test_line
+                    else:  # Doesn't fit
+                        if current_line:  # Save current line
+                            lines.append(current_line)
+                        current_line = word  # Start new line
+                
+                # Add final line
+                if current_line:  # Not empty
+                    lines.append(current_line)
+                
+                # Cache result
+                self._cache[text] = lines  # Store for reuse
+                return lines
+    ''').strip()
+    
+    from build_addon import minify_python_code
+    result = minify_python_code(source)
+    
+    # Must be valid Python
+    try:
+        compiled = compile(result, '<minified>', 'exec')
+    except SyntaxError as e:
+        pytest.fail(f"Minified code won't compile: {e}")
+    
+    # Verify it's executable (can define the class)
+    namespace = {}
+    exec(compiled, namespace)
+    assert 'TextProcessor' in namespace
+    
+    # Verify functionality works
+    processor = namespace['TextProcessor'](max_width=20)
+    result_lines = processor.wrap_text("hello world test")
+    assert isinstance(result_lines, list)
+    assert len(result_lines) > 0
+    
+    # No docstrings or comments should remain
+    minified_lines = result.split('\n')
+    for line in minified_lines:
+        stripped = line.strip()
+        if stripped:
+            assert not stripped.startswith('#'), f"Found comment line: {line}"
+            assert '"""' not in line, f"Found docstring in: {line}"
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/tests/unit/test_version_differentiation.py b/tests/unit/test_version_differentiation.py
index 20f2838..1dd39a3 100644
--- a/tests/unit/test_version_differentiation.py
+++ b/tests/unit/test_version_differentiation.py
@@ -114,6 +114,21 @@ class TestVersionDetection:
             assert limits["max_concurrent_operations"] == 1, \
                 f"Expected free version max_concurrent_operations=1, got {limits['max_concurrent_operations']}"
 
+    def test_has_text_fitting_returns_correct_value_per_version(self):
+        """Test that has_text_fitting() returns correct value based on VERSION_TYPE."""
+        from src.utils.constants import has_text_fitting
+        from unittest.mock import patch
+        
+        # Test free version - need to patch ENABLED_FEATURES since it's computed at import
+        with patch('src.utils.constants.VERSION_TYPE', 'free'), \
+             patch('src.utils.constants.ENABLED_FEATURES', ['basic', 'preview']):
+            assert has_text_fitting() is False
+        
+        # Test full version - need to patch ENABLED_FEATURES since it's computed at import
+        with patch('src.utils.constants.VERSION_TYPE', 'full'), \
+             patch('src.utils.constants.ENABLED_FEATURES', ['basic', 'preview', 'text_fitting']):
+            assert has_text_fitting() is True
+
 
 
 class TestRuntimeImportDetection: