diff --git a/docs/guides/claude-design-hyperframes.md b/docs/guides/claude-design-hyperframes.md
index 172b4b1bb5..65b391cf53 100644
--- a/docs/guides/claude-design-hyperframes.md
+++ b/docs/guides/claude-design-hyperframes.md
@@ -374,7 +374,7 @@ The skeleton handles most structural rules. These are the runtime rules the skel
 | `Math.random()`                   | Seeded PRNG (only if you need randomness)      |
 | `Date.now()`, `performance.now()` | Hard-coded timing or `tl.time()` in `onUpdate` |
 | `setInterval`, `setTimeout`       | Timeline tweens + `onUpdate`                   |
-| `repeat: -1`                      | `repeat: Math.max(0, Math.floor(duration / cycle) - 1)` |
+| `repeat: -1` without root `data-duration` | a finite root `data-duration` (export clips to it), or `repeat: Math.max(0, Math.floor(duration / cycle) - 1)` |
 | `stagger: { from: "random" }`     | `from: "start"`, `"center"`, `"end"`           |
 | Async timeline construction       | Synchronous at page load                       |
 
@@ -415,7 +415,7 @@ Run before delivering. Check with actual code, not assumptions.
 - [ ] Shader transitions have boundary INSIDE the window: `time < boundary < time + duration`
 - [ ] No transition shorter than 0.3s
 - [ ] No exit tweens except on the final scene
-- [ ] No `Date.now()`, unseeded `Math.random()`, `repeat: -1`
+- [ ] No `Date.now()`, unseeded `Math.random()`, or `repeat: -1` without a finite root `data-duration`
 - [ ] No SVG filter data URLs as `background-image`
 - [ ] `window.__timelines["main"] = tl` matches `data-composition-id`
 
diff --git a/docs/guides/claude-design-send-to-hyperframes.md b/docs/guides/claude-design-send-to-hyperframes.md
index c5a2e7a40b..60e842bfbd 100644
--- a/docs/guides/claude-design-send-to-hyperframes.md
+++ b/docs/guides/claude-design-send-to-hyperframes.md
@@ -371,7 +371,7 @@ The cloud renderer seeks the timeline frame-by-frame. Non-deterministic or self-
 | `Date.now()`, `performance.now()` | hard-coded timing or `tl.time()` in `onUpdate` |
 | `setInterval`, `setTimeout` | timeline tweens + `onUpdate` |
 | `requestAnimationFrame` | GSAP tweens |
-| `repeat: -1` | `repeat: Math.max(0, Math.floor(duration / cycle) - 1)` |
+| `repeat: -1` without root `data-duration` | a finite root `data-duration` (export clips to it), or `repeat: Math.max(0, Math.floor(duration / cycle) - 1)` |
 | `stagger: { from: "random" }` | `from: "start"`, `"center"`, or `"end"` |
 | async timeline construction | build synchronously at page load |
 | `video.play()` / `audio.play()` | the framework owns playback |
@@ -427,6 +427,6 @@ You don't author any of this. Produce a clean, on-brand, correctly-timed silent
 - [ ] No exit tweens except on the final scene
 
 **Renders correctly:**
-- [ ] No `Date.now()`, unseeded `Math.random()`, `setInterval/Timeout`, `requestAnimationFrame`, `repeat: -1`
+- [ ] No `Date.now()`, unseeded `Math.random()`, `setInterval/Timeout`, `requestAnimationFrame`, or `repeat: -1` without a finite root `data-duration`
 - [ ] Timeline built synchronously; paused; framework owns playback
 - [ ] Colors and fonts exact; brand substance preserved: real headline/copy, distinctive figures/stats/data points, product names, and signature visuals carried over verbatim (form adapted, never genericized or invented); no placeholders; ≥2 animation patterns + mid-scene activity per scene
diff --git a/skills-manifest.json b/skills-manifest.json
index 97809b8906..9e67b48052 100644
--- a/skills-manifest.json
+++ b/skills-manifest.json
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   "source": "heygen-com/hyperframes",
   "skills": {
     "embedded-captions": {
-      "hash": "1677ab00946eb80c",
+      "hash": "f872cc10b6453f81",
       "files": 142
     },
     "faceless-explainer": {
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
       "files": 24
     },
     "figma": {
-      "hash": "642cce1b5e211182",
+      "hash": "c6854f1238f1282e",
       "files": 2
     },
     "general-video": {
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
       "files": 17
     },
     "hyperframes-animation": {
-      "hash": "a5be218c0b0fe377",
+      "hash": "3d35306715eec816",
       "files": 121
     },
     "hyperframes-audio": {
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
       "files": 11
     },
     "hyperframes-core": {
-      "hash": "033a6c675e66a5e7",
+      "hash": "c97f8f9221cf7396",
       "files": 20
     },
     "hyperframes-creative": {
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@
       "files": 29
     },
     "remotion-to-hyperframes": {
-      "hash": "79fcf8e9641d126e",
+      "hash": "1c32548c47eb34c7",
       "files": 70
     },
     "slideshow": {
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@
       "files": 2
     },
     "talking-head-recut": {
-      "hash": "2eaa83d6889537a5",
+      "hash": "cd9f5efc39afa67d",
       "files": 28
     }
   }
diff --git a/skills/embedded-captions/modes/standard/_anatomy.md b/skills/embedded-captions/modes/standard/_anatomy.md
index 0eb3fa0232..74a0e9a207 100644
--- a/skills/embedded-captions/modes/standard/_anatomy.md
+++ b/skills/embedded-captions/modes/standard/_anatomy.md
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ HyperFrames-native, so anyone can reproduce it:
 
 - **One paused GSAP timeline per composition**, registered to `window.__timelines[data-composition-id]`.
 - All timing in **seconds**; `data-start` / `data-duration` carry the scene window.
-- **Deterministic + seek-safe** only — no `Math.random()`, no `Date.now()`, no infinite repeats, no un-seekable CSS animations. Every state is reachable by seeking the timeline to a time `t`.
+- **Deterministic + seek-safe** only — no `Math.random()`, no `Date.now()`, no `repeat: -1` without a finite root `data-duration`, no un-seekable CSS animations. Every state is reachable by seeking the timeline to a time `t`.
 - GSAP transform aliases (`x`, `y`, `scale`, `rotation`); animate `opacity`, `filter`, `clipPath`, `textShadow`, `backgroundPosition`, `letterSpacing` — never layout props (width/top/left/margin).
 
 For the composition contract see `hyperframes-core`; eases + the animated-property allowlist see `hyperframes-gsap`; caption grouping/positioning/exit guarantees see `hyperframes-captions`.
@@ -218,7 +218,7 @@ The gallery used a `setInterval` loop; HyperFrames needs the same beats as **abs
 
 - Timeline **paused**; registry key = `data-composition-id`.
 - **No CSS keyframe animation** on caption elements — all motion is GSAP tweens at absolute times (seek-safe).
-- No `Math.random` / `Date.now` / infinite repeats.
+- No `Math.random` / `Date.now` / `repeat: -1` without a finite root `data-duration`.
 - `display:inline-block` on every `.w` and the climax `span`.
 - **Hard-hide** each flow group at its end time; **CLIMAX_OUT ends at `opacity:0`** (or fully-clipped) so nothing lingers.
 - Gradient / `background-clip:text` / stroke fills go on `.climax span`, not the transformed `.climax`.
diff --git a/skills/figma/SKILL.md b/skills/figma/SKILL.md
index c611e24f5f..6d099d9da7 100644
--- a/skills/figma/SKILL.md
+++ b/skills/figma/SKILL.md
@@ -129,4 +129,4 @@ Storyboard files follow a grammar you can parse mechanically — don't eyeball,
 
 ## Determinism
 
-Never leave a Figma URL in the composition — freeze first. Never emit `repeat: -1`. Timelines paused, finite, literal `window.__timelines` keys. All Figma I/O at import time; render sees local files only.
+Never leave a Figma URL in the composition — freeze first. Never emit `repeat: -1` without a finite root `data-duration`. Timelines paused, finite, literal `window.__timelines` keys. All Figma I/O at import time; render sees local files only.
diff --git a/skills/hyperframes-animation/SKILL.md b/skills/hyperframes-animation/SKILL.md
index 00aaaeed5c..a3ce0a80fb 100644
--- a/skills/hyperframes-animation/SKILL.md
+++ b/skills/hyperframes-animation/SKILL.md
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ Multiple runtimes can coexist in one composition. Each registers its instances o
 
 ## Critical Constraints
 
-**Prerequisite: `hyperframes-core` → Non-Negotiable Rules** (single paused timeline, `data-duration` governs length, no `Math.random` / `Date.now` / `performance.now`, no `repeat: -1`, no page-load `gsap.set` on later-scene clips, no `display` or raw `visibility` tweens, and no timeline construction inside `async` / `setTimeout` / `Promise`). GSAP `autoAlpha` and zero-duration visibility sets at explicit timeline boundaries remain allowed by core. Use those exceptions only on non-clip elements or wrappers inside a clip; the framework owns `.clip` lifecycle. Don't restate the full contract here.
+**Prerequisite: `hyperframes-core` → Non-Negotiable Rules** (single paused timeline, `data-duration` governs length, no `Math.random` / `Date.now` / `performance.now`, no `repeat: -1` without a finite root `data-duration`, no page-load `gsap.set` on later-scene clips, no `display` or raw `visibility` tweens, and no timeline construction inside `async` / `setTimeout` / `Promise`). GSAP `autoAlpha` and zero-duration visibility sets at explicit timeline boundaries remain allowed by core. Use those exceptions only on non-clip elements or wrappers inside a clip; the framework owns `.clip` lifecycle. Don't restate the full contract here.
 
 Animation-craft additions on top of core's contract:
 
diff --git a/skills/hyperframes-animation/adapters/gsap-timeline-and-labels.md b/skills/hyperframes-animation/adapters/gsap-timeline-and-labels.md
index 98256c8560..504b9256a1 100644
--- a/skills/hyperframes-animation/adapters/gsap-timeline-and-labels.md
+++ b/skills/hyperframes-animation/adapters/gsap-timeline-and-labels.md
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ tl.to(".a", { x: 100 }).to(".b", { y: 50 }).to(".c", { opacity: 0 });
 Timeline options:
 
 - **paused: true** — required in HyperFrames. The framework drives the playhead.
-- **repeat**, **yoyo** — apply to the whole timeline. `repeat: -1` is forbidden; use finite counts.
+- **repeat**, **yoyo** — apply to the whole timeline. `repeat: -1` requires a finite root `data-duration` (export clips to it); otherwise use finite counts.
 - **defaults** — vars merged into every child tween. Use this instead of repeating `ease` and `duration` on every line.
 
 ## Position Parameter
diff --git a/skills/hyperframes-animation/adapters/gsap.md b/skills/hyperframes-animation/adapters/gsap.md
index 6638706693..df3ec4f068 100644
--- a/skills/hyperframes-animation/adapters/gsap.md
+++ b/skills/hyperframes-animation/adapters/gsap.md
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ HyperFrames is stricter than vanilla GSAP. Animate only:
 - Use both `svgOrigin` and `transformOrigin` on the same SVG element.
 - Chain animations with `delay` when a timeline can sequence them.
 - Create tweens before the DOM exists.
-- Use infinite `repeat: -1` in HyperFrames compositions — use finite repeat counts computed from the visible duration.
+- Use infinite `repeat: -1` without a finite root `data-duration` (with one, export clips to that window); when a loop must end before the composition does, use a finite repeat count computed from the visible duration.
 
 ## Credits And References
 
diff --git a/skills/hyperframes-animation/rules-index.md b/skills/hyperframes-animation/rules-index.md
index 8568d22791..48327c8840 100644
--- a/skills/hyperframes-animation/rules-index.md
+++ b/skills/hyperframes-animation/rules-index.md
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ Stated once here so individual rules don't repeat it. Every recipe in `rules/`:
 
 - runs on ONE **paused** GSAP timeline registered on `window.__timelines` (never autoplay, never a second timeline);
 - is **seek-safe both directions**: `fromTo` with explicit from-states (t=0 correct under seek; `immediateRender: false` when re-owning a target), absolute values — never relative `+=` tweens; state readable as a pure function of timeline time, no mutable trackers;
-- is **deterministic**: no `Math.random()`, no `Date.now()` — index-derived pseudo-random and baked schedules only; finite repeats, never `repeat: -1`;
+- is **deterministic**: no `Math.random()`, no `Date.now()` — index-derived pseudo-random and baked schedules only; finite repeats (`repeat: -1` only under a finite root `data-duration`);
 - animates **transforms and paint-only properties** — `width`/`height`/`top`/`left` tweens are forbidden (use scale/translate proxies, masks, or `anchored-layout-expand`);
 - caps group staggers so an arrival reads as one beat (`items × stagger ≤ ~0.5s`);
 - puts **no CSS `transition`** on animated elements (they interpolate independently of seek and flicker) and hints compositors with `will-change: transform` where many tweens run at once;
diff --git a/skills/hyperframes-core/SKILL.md b/skills/hyperframes-core/SKILL.md
index 64268b4a33..bf17fe4567 100644
--- a/skills/hyperframes-core/SKILL.md
+++ b/skills/hyperframes-core/SKILL.md
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ A lint **error** also switches off the layout and contrast audits: `check` then
 
 Surfaced here; full rationale in the linked reference. Do not violate:
 
-- No render-time clocks / unseeded `Math.random` / network / input-state; no `repeat: -1` (use a finite count). → `determinism-rules.md`
+- No render-time clocks / unseeded `Math.random` / network / input-state; `repeat: -1` only under a finite root `data-duration` (export clips to it — otherwise use a finite count). → `determinism-rules.md`
 - Never tween `display` or raw `visibility` on a clip element. The framework owns clip visibility, and `lint` rejects it. Use GSAP `autoAlpha` or a zero-duration boundary `set`. (Tweening ordinary visual properties on a clip element is fine; what lint forbids is taking over its visibility.) → `determinism-rules.md`
 - No `<br>` in body text; transformed elements must be block-level + sized; pulsing absolute decoratives need peak clearance. → `determinism-rules.md`
 - `<video>`/`<audio>` are found by a flat document query, so the framework seeks and decodes them at **any nesting depth** (including inside a sub-comp `<template>` or wrapper). One hard limit: `lint` errors if a `<video data-start>` sits inside another **plain** element that also has `data-start`, and the failure is real (wrong source frames, then the clip vanishes mid-slot), so put the timing on the wrapper or on the video, never both. Sub-composition hosts are exempt: media inside a sub-composition renders correctly. The other caveat is timelines, not placement: a sub-comp timeline can't animate host-root elements. → `variables-and-media.md`
diff --git a/skills/hyperframes-core/references/determinism-rules.md b/skills/hyperframes-core/references/determinism-rules.md
index 16d8bf4fd0..912832fc9e 100644
--- a/skills/hyperframes-core/references/determinism-rules.md
+++ b/skills/hyperframes-core/references/determinism-rules.md
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ Rendered frames must be reproducible from the requested time. Do **not** use any
 - Unseeded `Math.random()`. Use a seeded PRNG if random-looking placement is needed.
 - Render-time network fetches for required assets. Inline or pre-bundle them.
 - Hover, scroll, pointer, or focus state. The renderer has no input events.
-- Infinite loops such as `repeat: -1`. Compute a finite count: `repeat: Math.max(0, Math.floor(duration / cycleDuration) - 1)` — **`floor`, not `ceil`** (`ceil` overshoots `data-duration` and trips the `gsap_repeat_ceil_overshoot` lint; `max(0, …)` avoids a negative repeat = infinite).
+- Unbounded infinite loops. `repeat: -1` is allowed only when the root declares a finite `data-duration` — deterministic seeking and export clip to that explicit window (`gsap_infinite_repeat` demotes to a warning). Without a finite composition duration it stays a hard error: the timeline can report an unbounded length and render planning fails. When the loop itself must end **before** the composition does, compute a finite count: `repeat: Math.max(0, Math.floor(duration / cycleDuration) - 1)` — **`floor`, not `ceil`** (`ceil` overshoots `data-duration` and trips the `gsap_repeat_ceil_overshoot` lint; `max(0, …)` avoids a negative repeat = infinite).
 
 Also avoid:
 
diff --git a/skills/remotion-to-hyperframes/references/limitations.md b/skills/remotion-to-hyperframes/references/limitations.md
index 948b95e731..a6cdc752c1 100644
--- a/skills/remotion-to-hyperframes/references/limitations.md
+++ b/skills/remotion-to-hyperframes/references/limitations.md
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ output but visually-identical video, so SSIM passes — just flag it.
 A bounded GSAP repeat can reproduce _visual_ repetition when its finite count is derived
 from the visible duration. If the looped child has cross-iteration state (a counter, a
 randomness seed), HF won't reproduce it identically per iteration. Bow out unless the child
-is fully deterministic per-iteration; never use `repeat: -1`.
+is fully deterministic per-iteration; use `repeat: -1` only when the root declares a finite `data-duration`.
 
 ### Remotion's `<Img>` with crossOrigin
 
diff --git a/skills/talking-head-recut/SKILL.md b/skills/talking-head-recut/SKILL.md
index f0d5f92eef..3aaa17f950 100644
--- a/skills/talking-head-recut/SKILL.md
+++ b/skills/talking-head-recut/SKILL.md
@@ -1154,7 +1154,7 @@ decides where the actual visible card sits.
 - Register one paused master timeline as `window.__timelines["talking-head-recut"]`.
 - Build timelines synchronously at page load; no `async`, `setTimeout`, Promises, or media `play()` calls.
 - Do not use `Math.random()` or `Date.now()` in render paths.
-- Do not use `repeat: -1`; calculate finite repeats from the video duration.
+- `repeat: -1` is allowed only under the finite root `data-duration`; for loops that must end earlier, calculate finite repeats from the video duration.
 - Prefer GSAP transforms and opacity (`x`, `y`, `scale`, `rotation`, `opacity`) over layout properties (`top`, `left`, `width`, `height`) for motion.
 - Animate wrappers such as `#video-wrap`, not the video element dimensions directly.
 - Avoid animating the same property on the same element from multiple timelines at the same time.