diff --git a/app/Http/Controllers/Api/EmojiAliasController.php b/app/Http/Controllers/Api/EmojiAliasController.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..dafd90e4f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/Http/Controllers/Api/EmojiAliasController.php
@@ -0,0 +1,114 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace App\Http\Controllers\Api;
+
+use App\Http\Controllers\Controller;
+use App\Http\Requests\Emoji\StoreEmojiAliasRequest;
+use App\Http\Requests\Emoji\UpdateEmojiAliasRequest;
+use App\Http\Resources\EmojiAliasResource;
+use App\Models\EmojiAlias;
+use Illuminate\Http\Request;
+
+class EmojiAliasController extends Controller
+{
+    /**
+     * Display a listing of the resource.
+     */
+    public function index(Request $request)
+    {
+        $aliases = EmojiAlias::query()
+            ->when($request->get('emoji_id'), function ($query, $emojiId) {
+                $query->where('emoji_id', $emojiId);
+            })
+            ->when($request->get('search'), function ($query, $search) {
+                $query->where('alias', 'like', "%{$search}%");
+            })
+            ->when($request->get('with_emoji'), function ($query) {
+                $query->with(['emoji' => function ($q) {
+                    $q->with('category');
+                }]);
+            })
+            ->orderBy('alias')
+            ->paginate($request->get('per_page', 50));
+
+        return EmojiAliasResource::collection($aliases);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Store a newly created resource in storage.
+     */
+    public function store(StoreEmojiAliasRequest $request)
+    {
+        $alias = EmojiAlias::create($request->validated());
+
+        if ($request->get('with_emoji')) {
+            $alias->load(['emoji' => function ($query) {
+                $query->with('category');
+            }]);
+        }
+
+        return new EmojiAliasResource($alias);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Display the specified resource.
+     */
+    public function show(EmojiAlias $emojiAlias, Request $request)
+    {
+        $emojiAlias->load(['emoji' => function ($query) {
+            $query->with('category');
+        }]);
+
+        return new EmojiAliasResource($emojiAlias);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Update the specified resource in storage.
+     */
+    public function update(UpdateEmojiAliasRequest $request, EmojiAlias $emojiAlias)
+    {
+        $emojiAlias->update($request->validated());
+
+        if ($request->get('with_emoji')) {
+            $emojiAlias->load(['emoji' => function ($query) {
+                $query->with('category');
+            }]);
+        }
+
+        return new EmojiAliasResource($emojiAlias);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Remove the specified resource from storage.
+     */
+    public function destroy(EmojiAlias $emojiAlias)
+    {
+        $emojiAlias->delete();
+
+        return response()->json(null, 204);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Search aliases using Laravel Scout.
+     */
+    public function search(Request $request)
+    {
+        $request->validate([
+            'q' => 'required|string|min:1',
+            'limit' => 'integer|min:1|max:100',
+        ]);
+
+        $aliases = EmojiAlias::search($request->get('q'))
+            ->take($request->get('limit', 20))
+            ->get();
+
+        // Load emoji relationships if requested
+        if ($request->get('with_emoji')) {
+            $aliases->load(['emoji' => function ($query) {
+                $query->with('category');
+            }]);
+        }
+
+        return EmojiAliasResource::collection($aliases);
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/Http/Controllers/Api/EmojiCategoryController.php b/app/Http/Controllers/Api/EmojiCategoryController.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..836a06752
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/Http/Controllers/Api/EmojiCategoryController.php
@@ -0,0 +1,80 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace App\Http\Controllers\Api;
+
+use App\Http\Controllers\Controller;
+use App\Http\Requests\Emoji\StoreEmojiCategoryRequest;
+use App\Http\Requests\Emoji\UpdateEmojiCategoryRequest;
+use App\Http\Resources\EmojiCategoryResource;
+use App\Models\EmojiCategory;
+use Illuminate\Http\Request;
+
+class EmojiCategoryController extends Controller
+{
+    /**
+     * Display a listing of the resource.
+     */
+    public function index(Request $request)
+    {
+        $categories = EmojiCategory::query()
+            ->when($request->get('with_emojis'), function ($query) {
+                $query->withCount('emojis');
+            })
+            ->when($request->get('include_emojis'), function ($query) {
+                $query->with(['emojis' => function ($q) {
+                    $q->orderBy('display_order');
+                }]);
+            })
+            ->orderBy('display_order')
+            ->get();
+
+        return EmojiCategoryResource::collection($categories);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Store a newly created resource in storage.
+     */
+    public function store(StoreEmojiCategoryRequest $request)
+    {
+        $category = EmojiCategory::create($request->validated());
+
+        return new EmojiCategoryResource($category);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Display the specified resource.
+     */
+    public function show(EmojiCategory $emojiCategory, Request $request)
+    {
+        $emojiCategory->load([
+            'emojis' => function ($query) use ($request) {
+                $query->orderBy('display_order');
+                if ($request->get('with_aliases')) {
+                    $query->with('aliases');
+                }
+            },
+        ]);
+
+        return new EmojiCategoryResource($emojiCategory);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Update the specified resource in storage.
+     */
+    public function update(UpdateEmojiCategoryRequest $request, EmojiCategory $emojiCategory)
+    {
+        $emojiCategory->update($request->validated());
+
+        return new EmojiCategoryResource($emojiCategory);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Remove the specified resource from storage.
+     */
+    public function destroy(EmojiCategory $emojiCategory)
+    {
+        $emojiCategory->delete();
+
+        return response()->json(null, 204);
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/Http/Controllers/Api/EmojiController.php b/app/Http/Controllers/Api/EmojiController.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..a5e24c7be
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/Http/Controllers/Api/EmojiController.php
@@ -0,0 +1,119 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace App\Http\Controllers\Api;
+
+use App\Http\Controllers\Controller;
+use App\Http\Requests\Emoji\StoreEmojiRequest;
+use App\Http\Requests\Emoji\UpdateEmojiRequest;
+use App\Http\Resources\EmojiResource;
+use App\Models\Emoji;
+use Illuminate\Http\Request;
+
+class EmojiController extends Controller
+{
+    /**
+     * Display a listing of the resource.
+     */
+    public function index(Request $request)
+    {
+        $emojis = Emoji::query()
+            ->when($request->get('category_id'), function ($query, $categoryId) {
+                $query->where('emoji_category_id', $categoryId);
+            })
+            ->when($request->get('search'), function ($query, $search) {
+                $query->where(function ($q) use ($search) {
+                    $q->where('emoji_shortcode', 'like', "%{$search}%")
+                        ->orWhere('title', 'like', "%{$search}%")
+                        ->orWhere('emoji_text', 'like', "%{$search}%");
+                });
+            })
+            ->when($request->get('with_category'), function ($query) {
+                $query->with('category');
+            })
+            ->when($request->get('with_aliases'), function ($query) {
+                $query->with('aliases');
+            })
+            ->orderBy('display_order')
+            ->paginate($request->get('per_page', 50));
+
+        return EmojiResource::collection($emojis);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Store a newly created resource in storage.
+     */
+    public function store(StoreEmojiRequest $request)
+    {
+        $emoji = Emoji::create($request->validated());
+
+        if ($request->get('with_category')) {
+            $emoji->load('category');
+        }
+
+        return new EmojiResource($emoji);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Display the specified resource.
+     */
+    public function show(Emoji $emoji, Request $request)
+    {
+        $emoji->load([
+            'category',
+            'aliases' => function ($query) {
+                $query->orderBy('alias');
+            },
+        ]);
+
+        return new EmojiResource($emoji);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Update the specified resource in storage.
+     */
+    public function update(UpdateEmojiRequest $request, Emoji $emoji)
+    {
+        $emoji->update($request->validated());
+
+        if ($request->get('with_category')) {
+            $emoji->load('category');
+        }
+
+        return new EmojiResource($emoji);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Remove the specified resource from storage.
+     */
+    public function destroy(Emoji $emoji)
+    {
+        $emoji->delete();
+
+        return response()->json(null, 204);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Search emojis using Laravel Scout.
+     */
+    public function search(Request $request)
+    {
+        $request->validate([
+            'q' => 'required|string|min:1',
+            'limit' => 'integer|min:1|max:100',
+        ]);
+
+        $emojis = Emoji::search($request->get('q'))
+            ->take($request->get('limit', 20))
+            ->get();
+
+        // Load relationships if requested
+        if ($request->get('with_category')) {
+            $emojis->load('category');
+        }
+        if ($request->get('with_aliases')) {
+            $emojis->load('aliases');
+        }
+
+        return EmojiResource::collection($emojis);
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/Http/Controllers/Emoji/EmojiAliasController.php b/app/Http/Controllers/Emoji/EmojiAliasController.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..32e661349
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/Http/Controllers/Emoji/EmojiAliasController.php
@@ -0,0 +1,67 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace App\Http\Controllers\Emoji;
+
+use App\Http\Controllers\Controller;
+use App\Http\Requests\Emoji\StoreEmojiAliasRequest;
+use App\Http\Requests\Emoji\UpdateEmojiAliasRequest;
+use App\Models\EmojiAlias;
+
+class EmojiAliasController extends Controller
+{
+    /**
+     * Display a listing of the resource.
+     */
+    public function index()
+    {
+        //
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Show the form for creating a new resource.
+     */
+    public function create()
+    {
+        //
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Store a newly created resource in storage.
+     */
+    public function store(StoreEmojiAliasRequest $request)
+    {
+        //
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Display the specified resource.
+     */
+    public function show(EmojiAlias $emojiAlias)
+    {
+        //
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Show the form for editing the specified resource.
+     */
+    public function edit(EmojiAlias $emojiAlias)
+    {
+        //
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Update the specified resource in storage.
+     */
+    public function update(UpdateEmojiAliasRequest $request, EmojiAlias $emojiAlias)
+    {
+        //
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Remove the specified resource from storage.
+     */
+    public function destroy(EmojiAlias $emojiAlias)
+    {
+        //
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/Http/Controllers/Emoji/EmojiCategoryController.php b/app/Http/Controllers/Emoji/EmojiCategoryController.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..dd275edba
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/Http/Controllers/Emoji/EmojiCategoryController.php
@@ -0,0 +1,67 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace App\Http\Controllers\Emoji;
+
+use App\Http\Controllers\Controller;
+use App\Http\Requests\Emoji\StoreEmojiCategoryRequest;
+use App\Http\Requests\Emoji\UpdateEmojiCategoryRequest;
+use App\Models\EmojiCategory;
+
+class EmojiCategoryController extends Controller
+{
+    /**
+     * Display a listing of the resource.
+     */
+    public function index()
+    {
+        //
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Show the form for creating a new resource.
+     */
+    public function create()
+    {
+        //
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Store a newly created resource in storage.
+     */
+    public function store(StoreEmojiCategoryRequest $request)
+    {
+        //
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Display the specified resource.
+     */
+    public function show(EmojiCategory $emojiCategory)
+    {
+        //
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Show the form for editing the specified resource.
+     */
+    public function edit(EmojiCategory $emojiCategory)
+    {
+        //
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Update the specified resource in storage.
+     */
+    public function update(UpdateEmojiCategoryRequest $request, EmojiCategory $emojiCategory)
+    {
+        //
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Remove the specified resource from storage.
+     */
+    public function destroy(EmojiCategory $emojiCategory)
+    {
+        //
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/Http/Controllers/Emoji/EmojiController.php b/app/Http/Controllers/Emoji/EmojiController.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..68d2424c7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/Http/Controllers/Emoji/EmojiController.php
@@ -0,0 +1,67 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace App\Http\Controllers\Emoji;
+
+use App\Http\Controllers\Controller;
+use App\Http\Requests\Emoji\StoreEmojiRequest;
+use App\Http\Requests\Emoji\UpdateEmojiRequest;
+use App\Models\Emoji;
+
+class EmojiController extends Controller
+{
+    /**
+     * Display a listing of the resource.
+     */
+    public function index()
+    {
+        //
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Show the form for creating a new resource.
+     */
+    public function create()
+    {
+        //
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Store a newly created resource in storage.
+     */
+    public function store(StoreEmojiRequest $request)
+    {
+        //
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Display the specified resource.
+     */
+    public function show(Emoji $emoji)
+    {
+        //
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Show the form for editing the specified resource.
+     */
+    public function edit(Emoji $emoji)
+    {
+        //
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Update the specified resource in storage.
+     */
+    public function update(UpdateEmojiRequest $request, Emoji $emoji)
+    {
+        //
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Remove the specified resource from storage.
+     */
+    public function destroy(Emoji $emoji)
+    {
+        //
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/Http/Requests/Emoji/StoreEmojiAliasRequest.php b/app/Http/Requests/Emoji/StoreEmojiAliasRequest.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..fed79c532
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/Http/Requests/Emoji/StoreEmojiAliasRequest.php
@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace App\Http\Requests\Emoji;
+
+use Illuminate\Foundation\Http\FormRequest;
+use Illuminate\Validation\Rule;
+
+class StoreEmojiAliasRequest extends FormRequest
+{
+    /**
+     * Determine if the user is authorized to make this request.
+     */
+    public function authorize(): bool
+    {
+        return true; // TODO: Add proper authorization logic
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get the validation rules that apply to the request.
+     *
+     * @return array<string, \Illuminate\Contracts\Validation\ValidationRule|array<mixed>|string>
+     */
+    public function rules(): array
+    {
+        return [
+            'emoji_id' => 'required|exists:emojis,id',
+            'alias' => [
+                'required',
+                'string',
+                'max:255',
+                'regex:/^:[a-zA-Z0-9_-]+:$/',
+                'unique:emoji_aliases,alias',
+                Rule::notIn(\App\Models\Emoji::pluck('emoji_shortcode')->toArray()),
+            ],
+        ];
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get custom validation messages.
+     */
+    public function messages(): array
+    {
+        return [
+            'alias.regex' => 'The alias must be in the format :name: (e.g., :happy:)',
+            'alias.unique' => 'This alias is already taken.',
+            'alias.not_in' => 'This alias conflicts with an existing emoji shortcode.',
+        ];
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/Http/Requests/Emoji/StoreEmojiCategoryRequest.php b/app/Http/Requests/Emoji/StoreEmojiCategoryRequest.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..b25aaec90
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/Http/Requests/Emoji/StoreEmojiCategoryRequest.php
@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace App\Http\Requests\Emoji;
+
+use Illuminate\Foundation\Http\FormRequest;
+
+class StoreEmojiCategoryRequest extends FormRequest
+{
+    /**
+     * Determine if the user is authorized to make this request.
+     */
+    public function authorize(): bool
+    {
+        return true; // TODO: Add proper authorization logic
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get the validation rules that apply to the request.
+     *
+     * @return array<string, \Illuminate\Contracts\Validation\ValidationRule|array<mixed>|string>
+     */
+    public function rules(): array
+    {
+        return [
+            'title' => 'required|string|max:255',
+            'display_order' => 'required|integer|min:0',
+        ];
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/Http/Requests/Emoji/StoreEmojiRequest.php b/app/Http/Requests/Emoji/StoreEmojiRequest.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..3dcae9e2f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/Http/Requests/Emoji/StoreEmojiRequest.php
@@ -0,0 +1,60 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace App\Http\Requests\Emoji;
+
+use Illuminate\Foundation\Http\FormRequest;
+use Illuminate\Validation\Rule;
+
+class StoreEmojiRequest extends FormRequest
+{
+    /**
+     * Determine if the user is authorized to make this request.
+     */
+    public function authorize(): bool
+    {
+        return true; // TODO: Add proper authorization logic
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get the validation rules that apply to the request.
+     *
+     * @return array<string, \Illuminate\Contracts\Validation\ValidationRule|array<mixed>|string>
+     */
+    public function rules(): array
+    {
+        return [
+            'title' => 'required|string|max:255',
+            'emoji_text' => 'nullable|string|max:10',
+            'emoji_shortcode' => [
+                'required',
+                'string',
+                'max:255',
+                'regex:/^:[a-zA-Z0-9_-]+:$/',
+                'unique:emojis,emoji_shortcode',
+                Rule::notIn(\App\Models\EmojiAlias::pluck('alias')->toArray()),
+            ],
+            'image_url' => 'nullable|string|max:500',
+            'sprite_mode' => 'boolean',
+            'sprite_params' => 'nullable|array',
+            'sprite_params.x' => 'required_if:sprite_mode,true|integer|min:0',
+            'sprite_params.y' => 'required_if:sprite_mode,true|integer|min:0',
+            'sprite_params.width' => 'required_if:sprite_mode,true|integer|min:1',
+            'sprite_params.height' => 'required_if:sprite_mode,true|integer|min:1',
+            'sprite_params.sheet' => 'required_if:sprite_mode,true|string|max:255',
+            'emoji_category_id' => 'nullable|exists:emoji_categories,id',
+            'display_order' => 'required|integer|min:0',
+        ];
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get custom validation messages.
+     */
+    public function messages(): array
+    {
+        return [
+            'emoji_shortcode.regex' => 'The emoji shortcode must be in the format :name: (e.g., :smile:)',
+            'emoji_shortcode.unique' => 'This shortcode is already taken.',
+            'emoji_shortcode.not_in' => 'This shortcode conflicts with an existing alias.',
+        ];
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/Http/Requests/Emoji/UpdateEmojiAliasRequest.php b/app/Http/Requests/Emoji/UpdateEmojiAliasRequest.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..9eab55a31
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/Http/Requests/Emoji/UpdateEmojiAliasRequest.php
@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace App\Http\Requests\Emoji;
+
+use Illuminate\Foundation\Http\FormRequest;
+use Illuminate\Validation\Rule;
+
+class UpdateEmojiAliasRequest extends FormRequest
+{
+    /**
+     * Determine if the user is authorized to make this request.
+     */
+    public function authorize(): bool
+    {
+        return true; // TODO: Add proper authorization logic
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get the validation rules that apply to the request.
+     *
+     * @return array<string, \Illuminate\Contracts\Validation\ValidationRule|array<mixed>|string>
+     */
+    public function rules(): array
+    {
+        $aliasId = $this->route('emoji_alias')->id;
+
+        return [
+            'emoji_id' => 'sometimes|exists:emojis,id',
+            'alias' => [
+                'sometimes',
+                'string',
+                'max:255',
+                'regex:/^:[a-zA-Z0-9_-]+:$/',
+                Rule::unique('emoji_aliases', 'alias')->ignore($aliasId),
+                Rule::notIn(\App\Models\Emoji::pluck('emoji_shortcode')->toArray()),
+            ],
+        ];
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get custom validation messages.
+     */
+    public function messages(): array
+    {
+        return [
+            'alias.regex' => 'The alias must be in the format :name: (e.g., :happy:)',
+            'alias.unique' => 'This alias is already taken.',
+            'alias.not_in' => 'This alias conflicts with an existing emoji shortcode.',
+        ];
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/Http/Requests/Emoji/UpdateEmojiCategoryRequest.php b/app/Http/Requests/Emoji/UpdateEmojiCategoryRequest.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..e671d7bcc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/Http/Requests/Emoji/UpdateEmojiCategoryRequest.php
@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace App\Http\Requests\Emoji;
+
+use Illuminate\Foundation\Http\FormRequest;
+
+class UpdateEmojiCategoryRequest extends FormRequest
+{
+    /**
+     * Determine if the user is authorized to make this request.
+     */
+    public function authorize(): bool
+    {
+        return true; // TODO: Add proper authorization logic
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get the validation rules that apply to the request.
+     *
+     * @return array<string, \Illuminate\Contracts\Validation\ValidationRule|array<mixed>|string>
+     */
+    public function rules(): array
+    {
+        return [
+            'title' => 'sometimes|string|max:255',
+            'display_order' => 'sometimes|integer|min:0',
+        ];
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/Http/Requests/Emoji/UpdateEmojiRequest.php b/app/Http/Requests/Emoji/UpdateEmojiRequest.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..d4b0c3958
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/Http/Requests/Emoji/UpdateEmojiRequest.php
@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace App\Http\Requests\Emoji;
+
+use Illuminate\Foundation\Http\FormRequest;
+use Illuminate\Validation\Rule;
+
+class UpdateEmojiRequest extends FormRequest
+{
+    /**
+     * Determine if the user is authorized to make this request.
+     */
+    public function authorize(): bool
+    {
+        return true; // TODO: Add proper authorization logic
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get the validation rules that apply to the request.
+     *
+     * @return array<string, \Illuminate\Contracts\Validation\ValidationRule|array<mixed>|string>
+     */
+    public function rules(): array
+    {
+        $emojiId = $this->route('emoji')->id;
+
+        return [
+            'title' => 'sometimes|string|max:255',
+            'emoji_text' => 'nullable|string|max:10',
+            'emoji_shortcode' => [
+                'sometimes',
+                'string',
+                'max:255',
+                'regex:/^:[a-zA-Z0-9_-]+:$/',
+                Rule::unique('emojis', 'emoji_shortcode')->ignore($emojiId),
+                Rule::notIn(\App\Models\EmojiAlias::pluck('alias')->toArray()),
+            ],
+            'image_url' => 'nullable|string|max:500',
+            'sprite_mode' => 'sometimes|boolean',
+            'sprite_params' => 'nullable|array',
+            'sprite_params.x' => 'required_if:sprite_mode,true|integer|min:0',
+            'sprite_params.y' => 'required_if:sprite_mode,true|integer|min:0',
+            'sprite_params.width' => 'required_if:sprite_mode,true|integer|min:1',
+            'sprite_params.height' => 'required_if:sprite_mode,true|integer|min:1',
+            'sprite_params.sheet' => 'required_if:sprite_mode,true|string|max:255',
+            'emoji_category_id' => 'nullable|exists:emoji_categories,id',
+            'display_order' => 'sometimes|integer|min:0',
+        ];
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get custom validation messages.
+     */
+    public function messages(): array
+    {
+        return [
+            'emoji_shortcode.regex' => 'The emoji shortcode must be in the format :name: (e.g., :smile:)',
+            'emoji_shortcode.unique' => 'This shortcode is already taken.',
+            'emoji_shortcode.not_in' => 'This shortcode conflicts with an existing alias.',
+        ];
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/Http/Resources/EmojiAliasResource.php b/app/Http/Resources/EmojiAliasResource.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..ca39cbce9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/Http/Resources/EmojiAliasResource.php
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace App\Http\Resources;
+
+use Illuminate\Http\Request;
+use Illuminate\Http\Resources\Json\JsonResource;
+
+class EmojiAliasResource extends JsonResource
+{
+    /**
+     * Transform the resource into an array.
+     *
+     * @return array<string, mixed>
+     */
+    public function toArray(Request $request): array
+    {
+        return [
+            'id' => $this->id,
+            'alias' => $this->alias,
+            'emoji' => new EmojiResource($this->whenLoaded('emoji')),
+            'created_at' => $this->created_at,
+            'updated_at' => $this->updated_at,
+        ];
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/Http/Resources/EmojiCategoryResource.php b/app/Http/Resources/EmojiCategoryResource.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..bfaa7df29
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/Http/Resources/EmojiCategoryResource.php
@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace App\Http\Resources;
+
+use Illuminate\Http\Request;
+use Illuminate\Http\Resources\Json\JsonResource;
+
+class EmojiCategoryResource extends JsonResource
+{
+    /**
+     * Transform the resource into an array.
+     *
+     * @return array<string, mixed>
+     */
+    public function toArray(Request $request): array
+    {
+        return [
+            'id' => $this->id,
+            'title' => $this->title,
+            'display_order' => $this->display_order,
+            'emojis_count' => $this->whenCounted('emojis'),
+            'emojis' => EmojiResource::collection($this->whenLoaded('emojis')),
+            'created_at' => $this->created_at,
+            'updated_at' => $this->updated_at,
+        ];
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/Http/Resources/EmojiResource.php b/app/Http/Resources/EmojiResource.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..a6163632c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/Http/Resources/EmojiResource.php
@@ -0,0 +1,33 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace App\Http\Resources;
+
+use Illuminate\Http\Request;
+use Illuminate\Http\Resources\Json\JsonResource;
+
+class EmojiResource extends JsonResource
+{
+    /**
+     * Transform the resource into an array.
+     *
+     * @return array<string, mixed>
+     */
+    public function toArray(Request $request): array
+    {
+        return [
+            'id' => $this->id,
+            'title' => $this->title,
+            'emoji_text' => $this->emoji_text,
+            'emoji_shortcode' => $this->emoji_shortcode,
+            'image_url' => $this->image_url,
+            'sprite_mode' => $this->sprite_mode,
+            'sprite_params' => $this->sprite_params,
+            'display_order' => $this->display_order,
+            'category' => new EmojiCategoryResource($this->whenLoaded('category')),
+            'aliases' => EmojiAliasResource::collection($this->whenLoaded('aliases')),
+            'aliases_count' => $this->whenCounted('aliases'),
+            'created_at' => $this->created_at,
+            'updated_at' => $this->updated_at,
+        ];
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/Models/Emoji.php b/app/Models/Emoji.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..672b88dc4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/Models/Emoji.php
@@ -0,0 +1,83 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace App\Models;
+
+use Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Factories\HasFactory;
+use Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Model;
+use Laravel\Scout\Searchable;
+
+class Emoji extends Model
+{
+    /** @use HasFactory<\Database\Factories\EmojiFactory> */
+    use HasFactory, Searchable;
+
+    /**
+     * The table associated with the model.
+     *
+     * Note: Explicitly set because Laravel's pluralization doesn't handle "emoji" correctly
+     * (it's a Japanese loanword where singular and plural forms are the same).
+     *
+     * @var string
+     */
+    protected $table = 'emojis';
+
+    /**
+     * The attributes that are mass assignable.
+     *
+     * @var array<int, string>
+     */
+    protected $fillable = [
+        'title',
+        'emoji_text',
+        'emoji_shortcode',
+        'image_url',
+        'sprite_mode',
+        'sprite_params',
+        'emoji_category_id',
+        'display_order',
+    ];
+
+    /**
+     * The attributes that should be cast.
+     *
+     * @var array<string, string>
+     */
+    protected $casts = [
+        'sprite_mode' => 'boolean',
+        'sprite_params' => 'array',
+    ];
+
+    /**
+     * Get the category that owns the emoji.
+     *
+     * @return \Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Relations\BelongsTo<EmojiCategory>
+     */
+    public function category()
+    {
+        return $this->belongsTo(EmojiCategory::class, 'emoji_category_id');
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get the aliases for the emoji.
+     *
+     * @return \Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Relations\HasMany<EmojiAlias>
+     */
+    public function aliases()
+    {
+        return $this->hasMany(EmojiAlias::class);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get the indexable data array for the model.
+     *
+     * @return array<string, mixed>
+     */
+    public function toSearchableArray(): array
+    {
+        return [
+            'id' => $this->id,
+            'emoji_shortcode' => $this->emoji_shortcode,
+            'emoji_text' => $this->emoji_text,
+        ];
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/Models/EmojiAlias.php b/app/Models/EmojiAlias.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..df5a35712
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/Models/EmojiAlias.php
@@ -0,0 +1,47 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace App\Models;
+
+use Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Factories\HasFactory;
+use Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Model;
+use Laravel\Scout\Searchable;
+
+class EmojiAlias extends Model
+{
+    /** @use HasFactory<\Database\Factories\EmojiAliasFactory> */
+    use HasFactory, Searchable;
+
+    /**
+     * The attributes that are mass assignable.
+     *
+     * @var array<int, string>
+     */
+    protected $fillable = [
+        'emoji_id',
+        'alias',
+    ];
+
+    /**
+     * Get the emoji that owns the alias.
+     *
+     * @return \Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Relations\BelongsTo<Emoji>
+     */
+    public function emoji()
+    {
+        return $this->belongsTo(Emoji::class);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get the indexable data array for the model.
+     *
+     * @return array<string, mixed>
+     */
+    public function toSearchableArray(): array
+    {
+        return [
+            'id' => $this->id,
+            'alias' => $this->alias,
+            'emoji_id' => $this->emoji_id,
+        ];
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/Models/EmojiCategory.php b/app/Models/EmojiCategory.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..1826a24e4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/Models/EmojiCategory.php
@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace App\Models;
+
+use Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Factories\HasFactory;
+use Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Model;
+
+class EmojiCategory extends Model
+{
+    /** @use HasFactory<\Database\Factories\EmojiCategoryFactory> */
+    use HasFactory;
+
+    /**
+     * The attributes that are mass assignable.
+     *
+     * @var array<int, string>
+     */
+    protected $fillable = [
+        'title',
+        'display_order',
+    ];
+
+    /**
+     * Get the emojis for the category.
+     *
+     * @return \Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Relations\HasMany<Emoji>
+     */
+    public function emojis()
+    {
+        return $this->hasMany(Emoji::class);
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/Policies/EmojiAliasPolicy.php b/app/Policies/EmojiAliasPolicy.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..ede89bb53
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/Policies/EmojiAliasPolicy.php
@@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace App\Policies;
+
+use App\Models\EmojiAlias;
+use App\Models\User;
+
+class EmojiAliasPolicy
+{
+    /**
+     * Determine whether the user can view any models.
+     */
+    public function viewAny(User $user): bool
+    {
+        return true;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Determine whether the user can view the model.
+     */
+    public function view(User $user, EmojiAlias $emojiAlias): bool
+    {
+        return true;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Determine whether the user can create models.
+     */
+    public function create(User $user): bool
+    {
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Determine whether the user can update the model.
+     */
+    public function update(User $user, EmojiAlias $emojiAlias): bool
+    {
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Determine whether the user can delete the model.
+     */
+    public function delete(User $user, EmojiAlias $emojiAlias): bool
+    {
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Determine whether the user can restore the model.
+     */
+    public function restore(User $user, EmojiAlias $emojiAlias): bool
+    {
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Determine whether the user can permanently delete the model.
+     */
+    public function forceDelete(User $user, EmojiAlias $emojiAlias): bool
+    {
+        return false;
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/Policies/EmojiCategoryPolicy.php b/app/Policies/EmojiCategoryPolicy.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..1472f52e9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/Policies/EmojiCategoryPolicy.php
@@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace App\Policies;
+
+use App\Models\EmojiCategory;
+use App\Models\User;
+
+class EmojiCategoryPolicy
+{
+    /**
+     * Determine whether the user can view any models.
+     */
+    public function viewAny(User $user): bool
+    {
+        return true;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Determine whether the user can view the model.
+     */
+    public function view(User $user, EmojiCategory $emojiCategory): bool
+    {
+        return true;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Determine whether the user can create models.
+     */
+    public function create(User $user): bool
+    {
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Determine whether the user can update the model.
+     */
+    public function update(User $user, EmojiCategory $emojiCategory): bool
+    {
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Determine whether the user can delete the model.
+     */
+    public function delete(User $user, EmojiCategory $emojiCategory): bool
+    {
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Determine whether the user can restore the model.
+     */
+    public function restore(User $user, EmojiCategory $emojiCategory): bool
+    {
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Determine whether the user can permanently delete the model.
+     */
+    public function forceDelete(User $user, EmojiCategory $emojiCategory): bool
+    {
+        return false;
+    }
+}
diff --git a/app/Policies/EmojiPolicy.php b/app/Policies/EmojiPolicy.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..821297696
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/Policies/EmojiPolicy.php
@@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace App\Policies;
+
+use App\Models\Emoji;
+use App\Models\User;
+
+class EmojiPolicy
+{
+    /**
+     * Determine whether the user can view any models.
+     */
+    public function viewAny(User $user): bool
+    {
+        return true;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Determine whether the user can view the model.
+     */
+    public function view(User $user, Emoji $emoji): bool
+    {
+        return true;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Determine whether the user can create models.
+     */
+    public function create(User $user): bool
+    {
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Determine whether the user can update the model.
+     */
+    public function update(User $user, Emoji $emoji): bool
+    {
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Determine whether the user can delete the model.
+     */
+    public function delete(User $user, Emoji $emoji): bool
+    {
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Determine whether the user can restore the model.
+     */
+    public function restore(User $user, Emoji $emoji): bool
+    {
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Determine whether the user can permanently delete the model.
+     */
+    public function forceDelete(User $user, Emoji $emoji): bool
+    {
+        return false;
+    }
+}
diff --git a/database/factories/EmojiAliasFactory.php b/database/factories/EmojiAliasFactory.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..1d6d7055f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/database/factories/EmojiAliasFactory.php
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace Database\Factories;
+
+use App\Models\Emoji;
+use Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Factories\Factory;
+
+/**
+ * @extends \Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Factories\Factory<\App\Models\EmojiAlias>
+ */
+class EmojiAliasFactory extends Factory
+{
+    /**
+     * Define the model's default state.
+     *
+     * @return array<string, mixed>
+     */
+    public function definition(): array
+    {
+        return [
+            'emoji_id' => Emoji::factory(),
+            'alias' => ':' . $this->faker->unique()->word() . ':',
+        ];
+    }
+}
diff --git a/database/factories/EmojiCategoryFactory.php b/database/factories/EmojiCategoryFactory.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..c4593f55c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/database/factories/EmojiCategoryFactory.php
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace Database\Factories;
+
+use Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Factories\Factory;
+
+/**
+ * @extends \Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Factories\Factory<\App\Models\EmojiCategory>
+ */
+class EmojiCategoryFactory extends Factory
+{
+    /**
+     * Define the model's default state.
+     *
+     * @return array<string, mixed>
+     */
+    public function definition(): array
+    {
+        return [
+            'title' => $this->faker->randomElement(['Smileys & Emotion', 'People & Body', 'Animals & Nature', 'Food & Drink', 'Travel & Places', 'Activities', 'Objects', 'Symbols', 'Flags']),
+            'display_order' => $this->faker->numberBetween(1, 100),
+        ];
+    }
+}
diff --git a/database/factories/EmojiFactory.php b/database/factories/EmojiFactory.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..12bf6e3e7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/database/factories/EmojiFactory.php
@@ -0,0 +1,64 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace Database\Factories;
+
+use App\Models\EmojiCategory;
+use Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Factories\Factory;
+
+/**
+ * @extends \Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Factories\Factory<\App\Models\Emoji>
+ */
+class EmojiFactory extends Factory
+{
+    /**
+     * Define the model's default state.
+     *
+     * @return array<string, mixed>
+     */
+    public function definition(): array
+    {
+        $emojis = ['😊', '😃', '😄', '😁', '😆', '😅', '🤣', '😂', '🙂', '🙃', '😉', '😊', '😇', '🥰', '😍', '🤩', '😘', '😗', '😚', '😙', '🥲', '😋', '😛', '😜', '🤪', '😝', '🤑', '🤗', '🤭', '🤫', '🤔'];
+        $hasEmoji = $this->faker->boolean(80); // 80% chance of having unicode emoji
+
+        return [
+            'title' => $this->faker->words(2, true),
+            'emoji_text' => $hasEmoji ? $this->faker->randomElement($emojis) : null,
+            'emoji_shortcode' => ':' . $this->faker->unique()->word() . ':',
+            'image_url' => !$hasEmoji ? '/emojis/custom/' . $this->faker->unique()->word() . '.png' : null,
+            'sprite_mode' => false,
+            'sprite_params' => null,
+            'emoji_category_id' => EmojiCategory::factory(),
+            'display_order' => $this->faker->numberBetween(1, 100),
+        ];
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Indicate that the emoji uses sprite mode.
+     */
+    public function withSprite(): static
+    {
+        return $this->state(fn (array $attributes) => [
+            'sprite_mode' => true,
+            'sprite_params' => [
+                'x' => $this->faker->numberBetween(0, 500),
+                'y' => $this->faker->numberBetween(0, 500),
+                'width' => 32,
+                'height' => 32,
+                'sheet' => 'emoji-sheet-' . $this->faker->numberBetween(1, 5) . '.png',
+            ],
+            'image_url' => null,
+            'emoji_text' => null,
+        ]);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Indicate that the emoji is a custom image.
+     */
+    public function customImage(): static
+    {
+        return $this->state(fn (array $attributes) => [
+            'emoji_text' => null,
+            'image_url' => '/emojis/custom/' . $this->faker->unique()->word() . '.png',
+        ]);
+    }
+}
diff --git a/database/migrations/2025_07_01_200735_create_emoji_categories_table.php b/database/migrations/2025_07_01_200735_create_emoji_categories_table.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..22738b87d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/database/migrations/2025_07_01_200735_create_emoji_categories_table.php
@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+<?php
+
+use Illuminate\Database\Migrations\Migration;
+use Illuminate\Database\Schema\Blueprint;
+use Illuminate\Support\Facades\Schema;
+
+return new class extends Migration
+{
+    /**
+     * Run the migrations.
+     */
+    public function up(): void
+    {
+        Schema::create('emoji_categories', function (Blueprint $table) {
+            $table->id();
+            $table->string('title');
+            $table->integer('display_order')->index();
+            $table->timestamps();
+        });
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Reverse the migrations.
+     */
+    public function down(): void
+    {
+        Schema::dropIfExists('emoji_categories');
+    }
+};
diff --git a/database/migrations/2025_07_01_200744_create_emojis_table.php b/database/migrations/2025_07_01_200744_create_emojis_table.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..61822822a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/database/migrations/2025_07_01_200744_create_emojis_table.php
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+<?php
+
+use Illuminate\Database\Migrations\Migration;
+use Illuminate\Database\Schema\Blueprint;
+use Illuminate\Support\Facades\Schema;
+
+return new class extends Migration
+{
+    /**
+     * Run the migrations.
+     */
+    public function up(): void
+    {
+        Schema::create('emojis', function (Blueprint $table) {
+            $table->id();
+            $table->string('title');
+            $table->string('emoji_text')->nullable();
+            $table->string('emoji_shortcode')->unique();
+            $table->string('image_url')->nullable();
+            $table->boolean('sprite_mode')->default(false);
+            $table->json('sprite_params')->nullable();
+            $table->foreignId('emoji_category_id')->nullable()->constrained('emoji_categories')->nullOnDelete();
+            $table->integer('display_order')->index();
+            $table->timestamps();
+        });
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Reverse the migrations.
+     */
+    public function down(): void
+    {
+        Schema::dropIfExists('emojis');
+    }
+};
diff --git a/database/migrations/2025_07_01_200755_create_emoji_aliases_table.php b/database/migrations/2025_07_01_200755_create_emoji_aliases_table.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..98a0e2344
--- /dev/null
+++ b/database/migrations/2025_07_01_200755_create_emoji_aliases_table.php
@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+<?php
+
+use Illuminate\Database\Migrations\Migration;
+use Illuminate\Database\Schema\Blueprint;
+use Illuminate\Support\Facades\Schema;
+
+return new class extends Migration
+{
+    /**
+     * Run the migrations.
+     */
+    public function up(): void
+    {
+        Schema::create('emoji_aliases', function (Blueprint $table) {
+            $table->id();
+            $table->foreignId('emoji_id')->constrained('emojis')->cascadeOnDelete();
+            $table->string('alias')->unique();
+            $table->timestamps();
+
+            // Composite index for performance when joining
+            $table->index(['emoji_id', 'alias']);
+        });
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Reverse the migrations.
+     */
+    public function down(): void
+    {
+        Schema::dropIfExists('emoji_aliases');
+    }
+};
diff --git a/database/seeders/EmojiAliasSeeder.php b/database/seeders/EmojiAliasSeeder.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..6cc9e5c3a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/database/seeders/EmojiAliasSeeder.php
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace Database\Seeders;
+
+use Illuminate\Database\Seeder;
+
+class EmojiAliasSeeder extends Seeder
+{
+    /**
+     * Run the database seeds.
+     */
+    public function run(): void
+    {
+        //
+    }
+}
diff --git a/database/seeders/EmojiCategorySeeder.php b/database/seeders/EmojiCategorySeeder.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..f2e84656f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/database/seeders/EmojiCategorySeeder.php
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace Database\Seeders;
+
+use Illuminate\Database\Seeder;
+
+class EmojiCategorySeeder extends Seeder
+{
+    /**
+     * Run the database seeds.
+     */
+    public function run(): void
+    {
+        //
+    }
+}
diff --git a/database/seeders/EmojiSeeder.php b/database/seeders/EmojiSeeder.php
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..c3e276422
--- /dev/null
+++ b/database/seeders/EmojiSeeder.php
@@ -0,0 +1,124 @@
+<?php
+
+namespace Database\Seeders;
+
+use App\Models\Emoji;
+use App\Models\EmojiAlias;
+use App\Models\EmojiCategory;
+use Illuminate\Database\Seeder;
+
+class EmojiSeeder extends Seeder
+{
+    /**
+     * Run the database seeds.
+     */
+    public function run(): void
+    {
+        // Create categories
+        $categories = [
+            'Smileys' => ['title' => 'Smileys', 'display_order' => 1],
+            'People' => ['title' => 'People', 'display_order' => 2],
+            'Nature' => ['title' => 'Nature', 'display_order' => 3],
+            'Food' => ['title' => 'Food', 'display_order' => 4],
+            'Objects' => ['title' => 'Objects', 'display_order' => 5],
+        ];
+
+        $categoryModels = [];
+        foreach ($categories as $key => $data) {
+            $categoryModels[$key] = EmojiCategory::create($data);
+        }
+
+        // Define emojis with their categories and aliases
+        $emojis = [
+            // Smileys
+            [
+                'category' => 'Smileys',
+                'emojis' => [
+                    ['title' => 'Grinning', 'emoji_text' => '😀', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':grinning:', 'aliases' => [':grin:']],
+                    ['title' => 'Smile', 'emoji_text' => '😊', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':smile:', 'aliases' => [':blush:', ':happy:']],
+                    ['title' => 'Laughing', 'emoji_text' => '😂', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':joy:', 'aliases' => [':laughing:', ':lol:']],
+                    ['title' => 'Wink', 'emoji_text' => '😉', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':wink:', 'aliases' => [';)', ':winking:']],
+                    ['title' => 'Heart Eyes', 'emoji_text' => '😍', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':heart_eyes:', 'aliases' => [':love:']],
+                    ['title' => 'Thinking', 'emoji_text' => '🤔', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':thinking:', 'aliases' => [':think:', ':hmm:']],
+                    ['title' => 'Sad', 'emoji_text' => '😢', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':cry:', 'aliases' => [':sad:', ':tear:']],
+                    ['title' => 'Angry', 'emoji_text' => '😠', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':angry:', 'aliases' => [':mad:', ':rage:']],
+                    ['title' => 'Thumbs Up', 'emoji_text' => '👍', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':thumbsup:', 'aliases' => [':+1:', ':like:']],
+                    ['title' => 'Thumbs Down', 'emoji_text' => '👎', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':thumbsdown:', 'aliases' => [':-1:', ':dislike:']],
+                ],
+            ],
+            // People
+            [
+                'category' => 'People',
+                'emojis' => [
+                    ['title' => 'Clap', 'emoji_text' => '👏', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':clap:', 'aliases' => [':applause:']],
+                    ['title' => 'Wave', 'emoji_text' => '👋', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':wave:', 'aliases' => [':hello:', ':bye:']],
+                    ['title' => 'OK Hand', 'emoji_text' => '👌', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':ok_hand:', 'aliases' => [':ok:', ':perfect:']],
+                    ['title' => 'Victory', 'emoji_text' => '✌️', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':v:', 'aliases' => [':victory:', ':peace:']],
+                    ['title' => 'Muscle', 'emoji_text' => '💪', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':muscle:', 'aliases' => [':strong:', ':flex:']],
+                ],
+            ],
+            // Nature
+            [
+                'category' => 'Nature',
+                'emojis' => [
+                    ['title' => 'Sun', 'emoji_text' => '☀️', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':sunny:', 'aliases' => [':sun:']],
+                    ['title' => 'Fire', 'emoji_text' => '🔥', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':fire:', 'aliases' => [':flame:', ':hot:']],
+                    ['title' => 'Star', 'emoji_text' => '⭐', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':star:', 'aliases' => []],
+                    ['title' => 'Rainbow', 'emoji_text' => '🌈', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':rainbow:', 'aliases' => []],
+                    ['title' => 'Plant', 'emoji_text' => '🌱', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':seedling:', 'aliases' => [':plant:', ':sprout:']],
+                ],
+            ],
+            // Food
+            [
+                'category' => 'Food',
+                'emojis' => [
+                    ['title' => 'Pizza', 'emoji_text' => '🍕', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':pizza:', 'aliases' => []],
+                    ['title' => 'Coffee', 'emoji_text' => '☕', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':coffee:', 'aliases' => [':cafe:']],
+                    ['title' => 'Beer', 'emoji_text' => '🍺', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':beer:', 'aliases' => [':beers:']],
+                    ['title' => 'Cake', 'emoji_text' => '🎂', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':birthday:', 'aliases' => [':cake:']],
+                    ['title' => 'Apple', 'emoji_text' => '🍎', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':apple:', 'aliases' => []],
+                ],
+            ],
+            // Objects
+            [
+                'category' => 'Objects',
+                'emojis' => [
+                    ['title' => 'Heart', 'emoji_text' => '❤️', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':heart:', 'aliases' => [':love_heart:', ':red_heart:']],
+                    ['title' => 'Broken Heart', 'emoji_text' => '💔', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':broken_heart:', 'aliases' => []],
+                    ['title' => 'Alarm Clock', 'emoji_text' => '⏰', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':alarm_clock:', 'aliases' => [':alarm:']],
+                    ['title' => 'Check Mark', 'emoji_text' => '✅', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':white_check_mark:', 'aliases' => [':check:', ':done:']],
+                    ['title' => 'X Mark', 'emoji_text' => '❌', 'emoji_shortcode' => ':x:', 'aliases' => [':cross:', ':no:']],
+                ],
+            ],
+        ];
+
+        // Insert emojis
+        $displayOrder = 0;
+        foreach ($emojis as $categoryData) {
+            $category = $categoryModels[$categoryData['category']];
+
+            foreach ($categoryData['emojis'] as $emojiData) {
+                $displayOrder++;
+
+                $emoji = Emoji::create([
+                    'title' => $emojiData['title'],
+                    'emoji_text' => $emojiData['emoji_text'],
+                    'emoji_shortcode' => $emojiData['emoji_shortcode'],
+                    'image_url' => null,
+                    'sprite_mode' => false,
+                    'sprite_params' => null,
+                    'emoji_category_id' => $category->id,
+                    'display_order' => $displayOrder,
+                ]);
+
+                // Create aliases
+                foreach ($emojiData['aliases'] as $alias) {
+                    EmojiAlias::create([
+                        'emoji_id' => $emoji->id,
+                        'alias' => $alias,
+                    ]);
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+}
diff --git a/docs/docs/api/_category_.json b/docs/docs/api/_category_.json
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..aad13ed53
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/docs/api/_category_.json
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+{
+  "label": "API",
+  "position": 8,
+  "link": {
+    "type": "generated-index",
+    "description": "Complete API documentation for all endpoints"
+  }
+}
diff --git a/docs/docs/api/emojis/_category_.json b/docs/docs/api/emojis/_category_.json
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..5741077c9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/docs/api/emojis/_category_.json
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+{
+  "label": "Emoji",
+  "position": 2,
+  "link": {
+    "type": "generated-index",
+    "description": "API endpoints for managing emojis, categories, and aliases"
+  }
+}
diff --git a/docs/docs/api/emojis/aliases.md b/docs/docs/api/emojis/aliases.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..f007eed65
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/docs/api/emojis/aliases.md
@@ -0,0 +1,456 @@
+---
+title: Emoji Aliases API
+sidebar_position: 2
+---
+
+# Emoji Aliases API
+
+The Emoji Aliases API allows you to manage alternative shortcodes for emojis, enabling multiple text triggers to map to the same emoji (e.g., `:happy:`, `:joy:`, `:lol:` all pointing to 😂).
+
+## Base URL
+
+```
+/api/emoji/aliases
+```
+
+## Endpoints
+
+### List Aliases
+
+Get a paginated list of emoji aliases with optional filtering and relationship loading.
+
+```http
+GET /api/emoji/aliases
+```
+
+#### Query Parameters
+
+| Parameter    | Type    | Description                            |
+|--------------|---------|----------------------------------------|
+| `emoji_id`   | integer | Filter by emoji ID                     |
+| `search`     | string  | Search in alias text                   |
+| `with_emoji` | boolean | Include emoji and category information |
+| `page`       | integer | Page number (default: 1)               |
+| `per_page`   | integer | Items per page (default: 50, max: 100) |
+
+#### Example Request
+
+```bash
+curl -X GET "https://api.example.com/api/emoji/aliases?emoji_id=1&with_emoji=1" \
+  -H "Accept: application/json"
+```
+
+#### Example Response
+
+```json
+{
+  "data": [
+    {
+      "id": 1,
+      "alias": ":grin:",
+      "emoji": {
+        "id": 1,
+        "title": "Grinning Face",
+        "emoji_text": "😀",
+        "emoji_shortcode": ":grinning:",
+        "image_url": null,
+        "sprite_mode": false,
+        "sprite_params": null,
+        "display_order": 1,
+        "category": {
+          "id": 1,
+          "title": "Smileys",
+          "display_order": 1,
+          "emojis_count": null,
+          "emojis": null,
+          "created_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+          "updated_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z"
+        },
+        "aliases": null,
+        "aliases_count": null,
+        "created_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+        "updated_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z"
+      },
+      "created_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+      "updated_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z"
+    },
+    {
+      "id": 2,
+      "alias": ":happy:",
+      "emoji": {
+        "id": 1,
+        "title": "Grinning Face",
+        "emoji_text": "😀",
+        "emoji_shortcode": ":grinning:",
+        "image_url": null,
+        "sprite_mode": false,
+        "sprite_params": null,
+        "display_order": 1,
+        "category": {
+          "id": 1,
+          "title": "Smileys",
+          "display_order": 1,
+          "emojis_count": null,
+          "emojis": null,
+          "created_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+          "updated_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z"
+        },
+        "aliases": null,
+        "aliases_count": null,
+        "created_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+        "updated_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z"
+      },
+      "created_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+      "updated_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z"
+    }
+  ],
+  "links": {
+    "first": "https://api.example.com/api/emoji/aliases?page=1",
+    "last": "https://api.example.com/api/emoji/aliases?page=1",
+    "prev": null,
+    "next": null
+  },
+  "meta": {
+    "current_page": 1,
+    "per_page": 50,
+    "total": 2
+  }
+}
+```
+
+---
+
+### Search Aliases
+
+Search emoji aliases using Laravel Scout for full-text search capabilities.
+
+```http
+GET /api/emoji/aliases/search
+```
+
+#### Query Parameters
+
+| Parameter    | Type    | Required | Description                               |
+|--------------|---------|----------|-------------------------------------------|
+| `q`          | string  | Yes      | Search query (minimum 1 character)        |
+| `limit`      | integer | No       | Number of results (default: 20, max: 100) |
+| `with_emoji` | boolean | No       | Include emoji and category information    |
+
+#### Example Request
+
+```bash
+curl -X GET "https://api.example.com/api/emoji/aliases/search?q=hap&limit=5&with_emoji=1" \
+  -H "Accept: application/json"
+```
+
+#### Example Response
+
+```json
+{
+  "data": [
+    {
+      "id": 2,
+      "alias": ":happy:",
+      "emoji": {
+        "id": 1,
+        "title": "Grinning Face",
+        "emoji_text": "😀",
+        "emoji_shortcode": ":grinning:",
+        "image_url": null,
+        "sprite_mode": false,
+        "sprite_params": null,
+        "display_order": 1,
+        "category": {
+          "id": 1,
+          "title": "Smileys",
+          "display_order": 1,
+          "emojis_count": null,
+          "emojis": null,
+          "created_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+          "updated_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z"
+        },
+        "aliases": null,
+        "aliases_count": null,
+        "created_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+        "updated_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z"
+      },
+      "created_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+      "updated_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z"
+    }
+  ]
+}
+```
+
+---
+
+### Get Alias
+
+Get a specific emoji alias by ID with full relationship data.
+
+```http
+GET /api/emoji/aliases/{id}
+```
+
+#### Path Parameters
+
+| Parameter | Type    | Description  |
+|-----------|---------|--------------|
+| `id`      | integer | The alias ID |
+
+#### Example Request
+
+```bash
+curl -X GET "https://api.example.com/api/emoji/aliases/1" \
+  -H "Accept: application/json"
+```
+
+#### Example Response
+
+```json
+{
+  "data": {
+    "id": 1,
+    "alias": ":grin:",
+    "emoji": {
+      "id": 1,
+      "title": "Grinning Face",
+      "emoji_text": "😀",
+      "emoji_shortcode": ":grinning:",
+      "image_url": null,
+      "sprite_mode": false,
+      "sprite_params": null,
+      "display_order": 1,
+      "category": {
+        "id": 1,
+        "title": "Smileys",
+        "display_order": 1,
+        "emojis_count": null,
+        "emojis": null,
+        "created_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+        "updated_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z"
+      },
+      "aliases": null,
+      "aliases_count": null,
+      "created_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+      "updated_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z"
+    },
+    "created_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+    "updated_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z"
+  }
+}
+```
+
+---
+
+### Create Alias
+
+Create a new alias for an existing emoji.
+
+```http
+POST /api/emoji/aliases
+```
+
+#### Request Body
+
+| Field      | Type    | Required | Description                                          |
+|------------|---------|----------|------------------------------------------------------|
+| `emoji_id` | integer | Yes      | The emoji ID this alias points to                    |
+| `alias`    | string  | Yes      | The alias in `:name:` format (max 255 chars, unique) |
+
+#### Example Request
+
+```bash
+curl -X POST "https://api.example.com/api/emoji/aliases" \
+  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
+  -H "Accept: application/json" \
+  -d '{
+    "emoji_id": 1,
+    "alias": ":cheerful:"
+  }'
+```
+
+#### Example Response
+
+```json
+{
+  "data": {
+    "id": 3,
+    "alias": ":cheerful:",
+    "emoji": null,
+    "created_at": "2025-01-01T12:00:00Z",
+    "updated_at": "2025-01-01T12:00:00Z"
+  }
+}
+```
+
+---
+
+### Update Alias
+
+Update an existing emoji alias.
+
+```http
+PUT /api/emoji/aliases/{id}
+PATCH /api/emoji/aliases/{id}
+```
+
+#### Path Parameters
+
+| Parameter | Type    | Description  |
+|-----------|---------|--------------|
+| `id`      | integer | The alias ID |
+
+#### Request Body
+
+| Field      | Type    | Required | Description                                          |
+|------------|---------|----------|------------------------------------------------------|
+| `emoji_id` | integer | No       | The emoji ID this alias points to                    |
+| `alias`    | string  | No       | The alias in `:name:` format (max 255 chars, unique) |
+
+#### Example Request
+
+```bash
+curl -X PATCH "https://api.example.com/api/emoji/aliases/3" \
+  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
+  -H "Accept: application/json" \
+  -d '{
+    "alias": ":joyful:"
+  }'
+```
+
+#### Example Response
+
+```json
+{
+  "data": {
+    "id": 3,
+    "alias": ":joyful:",
+    "emoji": null,
+    "created_at": "2025-01-01T12:00:00Z",
+    "updated_at": "2025-01-01T12:30:00Z"
+  }
+}
+```
+
+---
+
+### Delete Alias
+
+Delete an emoji alias. The associated emoji remains unchanged.
+
+```http
+DELETE /api/emoji/aliases/{id}
+```
+
+#### Path Parameters
+
+| Parameter | Type    | Description  |
+|-----------|---------|--------------|
+| `id`      | integer | The alias ID |
+
+#### Example Request
+
+```bash
+curl -X DELETE "https://api.example.com/api/emoji/aliases/3" \
+  -H "Accept: application/json"
+```
+
+#### Example Response
+
+```
+HTTP/1.1 204 No Content
+```
+
+## Error Responses
+
+### 404 Not Found
+
+```json
+{
+  "message": "No query results for model [App\\Models\\EmojiAlias] 999"
+}
+```
+
+### 422 Validation Error
+
+```json
+{
+  "message": "The given data was invalid.",
+  "errors": {
+    "emoji_id": ["The selected emoji id is invalid."],
+    "alias": [
+      "The alias must be in the format :name: (e.g., :happy:)",
+      "This alias is already taken.",
+      "This alias conflicts with an existing emoji shortcode."
+    ]
+  }
+}
+```
+
+### 400 Search Validation Error
+
+```json
+{
+  "message": "The given data was invalid.",
+  "errors": {
+    "q": ["The q field is required."],
+    "limit": ["The limit must not be greater than 100."]
+  }
+}
+```
+
+## Use Cases
+
+Aliases are useful for creating alternative ways to access the same emoji:
+
+### 1. Multiple Language Support
+
+```json
+{
+  "emoji_shortcode": ":smile:",
+  "aliases": [":sonrisa:", ":sourire:", ":笑顔:"]
+}
+```
+
+### 2. Slack-style Flexibility
+
+```json
+{
+  "emoji_shortcode": ":thumbsup:",
+  "aliases": [":+1:", ":like:", ":approve:"]
+}
+```
+
+### 3. Legacy Compatibility
+
+```json
+{
+  "emoji_shortcode": ":laughing:",
+  "aliases": [":lol:", ":rofl:", ":-D"]
+}
+```
+
+### 4. Common Misspellings
+
+```json
+{
+  "emoji_shortcode": ":receive:",
+  "aliases": [":recieve:", ":recive:"]
+}
+```
+
+## Validation Rules
+
+- **alias**: Must be unique across all aliases and cannot conflict with any emoji shortcode
+- **Format**: Must follow the `:name:` pattern using letters, numbers, underscores, and hyphens
+- **emoji_id**: Must reference an existing emoji
+- **Cross-table uniqueness**: Aliases cannot use the same text as any emoji's primary shortcode
+
+## Notes
+
+- Aliases are returned ordered by `alias` alphabetically
+- When an emoji is deleted, all its aliases are automatically deleted (cascade)
+- Search functionality uses Laravel Scout for fast full-text search
+- Maximum search results per request is 100
+- Aliases can be reassigned to different emojis by updating the `emoji_id`
+- The same alias text cannot exist more than once in the system
diff --git a/docs/docs/api/emojis/categories.md b/docs/docs/api/emojis/categories.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..bcde66a41
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/docs/api/emojis/categories.md
@@ -0,0 +1,282 @@
+---
+title: Emoji Categories API
+sidebar_position: 3
+---
+
+# Emoji Categories API
+
+The Emoji Categories API allows you to manage emoji categories used to organize emojis in the editor interface.
+
+## Base URL
+
+```
+/api/emoji/categories
+```
+
+## Endpoints
+
+### List Categories
+
+Get a list of all emoji categories.
+
+```http
+GET /api/emoji/categories
+```
+
+#### Query Parameters
+
+| Parameter        | Type    | Description                               |
+|------------------|---------|-------------------------------------------|
+| `with_emojis`    | boolean | Include emoji count for each category     |
+| `include_emojis` | boolean | Include full emoji data for each category |
+
+#### Example Request
+
+```bash
+curl -X GET "https://api.example.com/api/emoji/categories?with_emojis=1" \
+  -H "Accept: application/json"
+```
+
+#### Example Response
+
+```json
+{
+  "data": [
+    {
+      "id": 1,
+      "title": "Smileys",
+      "display_order": 1,
+      "emojis_count": 15,
+      "created_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+      "updated_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z"
+    },
+    {
+      "id": 2,
+      "title": "People",
+      "display_order": 2,
+      "emojis_count": 8,
+      "created_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+      "updated_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z"
+    }
+  ]
+}
+```
+
+---
+
+### Get Category
+
+Get a specific emoji category by ID.
+
+```http
+GET /api/emoji/categories/{id}
+```
+
+#### Path Parameters
+
+| Parameter | Type    | Description     |
+|-----------|---------|-----------------|
+| `id`      | integer | The category ID |
+
+#### Query Parameters
+
+| Parameter      | Type    | Description                               |
+|----------------|---------|-------------------------------------------|
+| `with_aliases` | boolean | Include emoji aliases when loading emojis |
+
+#### Example Request
+
+```bash
+curl -X GET "https://api.example.com/api/emoji/categories/1?with_aliases=1" \
+  -H "Accept: application/json"
+```
+
+#### Example Response
+
+```json
+{
+  "data": {
+    "id": 1,
+    "title": "Smileys",
+    "display_order": 1,
+    "emojis": [
+      {
+        "id": 1,
+        "title": "Grinning",
+        "emoji_text": "😀",
+        "emoji_shortcode": ":grinning:",
+        "image_url": null,
+        "sprite_mode": false,
+        "sprite_params": null,
+        "display_order": 1,
+        "aliases": [
+          {
+            "id": 1,
+            "alias": ":grin:",
+            "created_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+            "updated_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z"
+          }
+        ],
+        "created_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+        "updated_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z"
+      }
+    ],
+    "created_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+    "updated_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z"
+  }
+}
+```
+
+---
+
+### Create Category
+
+Create a new emoji category.
+
+```http
+POST /api/emoji/categories
+```
+
+#### Request Body
+
+| Field           | Type    | Required | Description                   |
+|-----------------|---------|----------|-------------------------------|
+| `title`         | string  | Yes      | Category name (max 255 chars) |
+| `display_order` | integer | Yes      | Display order (minimum 0)     |
+
+#### Example Request
+
+```bash
+curl -X POST "https://api.example.com/api/emoji/categories" \
+  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
+  -H "Accept: application/json" \
+  -d '{
+    "title": "Custom Category",
+    "display_order": 10
+  }'
+```
+
+#### Example Response
+
+```json
+{
+  "data": {
+    "id": 3,
+    "title": "Custom Category",
+    "display_order": 10,
+    "emojis_count": null,
+    "emojis": null,
+    "created_at": "2025-01-01T12:00:00Z",
+    "updated_at": "2025-01-01T12:00:00Z"
+  }
+}
+```
+
+---
+
+### Update Category
+
+Update an existing emoji category.
+
+```http
+PUT /api/emoji/categories/{id}
+PATCH /api/emoji/categories/{id}
+```
+
+#### Path Parameters
+
+| Parameter | Type    | Description     |
+|-----------|---------|-----------------|
+| `id`      | integer | The category ID |
+
+#### Request Body
+
+| Field           | Type    | Required | Description                   |
+|-----------------|---------|----------|-------------------------------|
+| `title`         | string  | No       | Category name (max 255 chars) |
+| `display_order` | integer | No       | Display order (minimum 0)     |
+
+#### Example Request
+
+```bash
+curl -X PATCH "https://api.example.com/api/emoji/categories/3" \
+  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
+  -H "Accept: application/json" \
+  -d '{
+    "title": "Updated Category Name"
+  }'
+```
+
+#### Example Response
+
+```json
+{
+  "data": {
+    "id": 3,
+    "title": "Updated Category Name",
+    "display_order": 10,
+    "emojis_count": null,
+    "emojis": null,
+    "created_at": "2025-01-01T12:00:00Z",
+    "updated_at": "2025-01-01T12:30:00Z"
+  }
+}
+```
+
+---
+
+### Delete Category
+
+Delete an emoji category. Associated emojis will have their category_id set to null.
+
+```http
+DELETE /api/emoji/categories/{id}
+```
+
+#### Path Parameters
+
+| Parameter | Type    | Description     |
+|-----------|---------|-----------------|
+| `id`      | integer | The category ID |
+
+#### Example Request
+
+```bash
+curl -X DELETE "https://api.example.com/api/emoji/categories/3" \
+  -H "Accept: application/json"
+```
+
+#### Example Response
+
+```
+HTTP/1.1 204 No Content
+```
+
+## Error Responses
+
+### 404 Not Found
+
+```json
+{
+  "message": "No query results for model [App\\Models\\EmojiCategory] 999"
+}
+```
+
+### 422 Validation Error
+
+```json
+{
+  "message": "The given data was invalid.",
+  "errors": {
+    "title": ["The title field is required."],
+    "display_order": ["The display order must be at least 0."]
+  }
+}
+```
+
+## Notes
+
+- Categories are returned ordered by `display_order` ascending
+- When a category is deleted, associated emojis remain but their `emoji_category_id` is set to null
+- The `emojis_count` field is only included when `with_emojis=1` parameter is used
+- The `emojis` field is only included when `include_emojis=1` parameter is used
diff --git a/docs/docs/api/emojis/emojis.md b/docs/docs/api/emojis/emojis.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..9488b36c9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/docs/api/emojis/emojis.md
@@ -0,0 +1,458 @@
+---
+title: Emoji API
+sidebar_position: 1
+---
+
+# Emoji API
+
+The Emoji API allows you to manage individual emojis, including Unicode emojis, custom images, and CSS sprite-based emojis.
+
+## Base URL
+
+```
+/api/emoji/emojis
+```
+
+## Endpoints
+
+### List Emoji
+
+Get a paginated list of emojis with optional filtering and relationship loading.
+
+```http
+GET /api/emoji/emojis
+```
+
+#### Query Parameters
+
+| Parameter       | Type    | Description                               |
+|-----------------|---------|-------------------------------------------|
+| `category_id`   | integer | Filter by category ID                     |
+| `search`        | string  | Search in shortcode, title, or emoji text |
+| `with_category` | boolean | Include category information              |
+| `with_aliases`  | boolean | Include emoji aliases                     |
+| `page`          | integer | Page number (default: 1)                  |
+| `per_page`      | integer | Items per page (default: 50, max: 100)    |
+
+#### Example Request
+
+```bash
+curl -X GET "https://api.example.com/api/emoji/emojis?category_id=1&with_aliases=1&per_page=25" \
+  -H "Accept: application/json"
+```
+
+#### Example Response
+
+```json
+{
+  "data": [
+    {
+      "id": 1,
+      "title": "Grinning Face",
+      "emoji_text": "😀",
+      "emoji_shortcode": ":grinning:",
+      "image_url": null,
+      "sprite_mode": false,
+      "sprite_params": null,
+      "display_order": 1,
+      "category": {
+        "id": 1,
+        "title": "Smileys",
+        "display_order": 1,
+        "created_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+        "updated_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z"
+      },
+      "aliases": [
+        {
+          "id": 1,
+          "alias": ":grin:",
+          "created_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+          "updated_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z"
+        }
+      ],
+      "aliases_count": 1,
+      "created_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+      "updated_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z"
+    }
+  ],
+  "links": {
+    "first": "https://api.example.com/api/emoji/emojis?page=1",
+    "last": "https://api.example.com/api/emoji/emojis?page=3",
+    "prev": null,
+    "next": "https://api.example.com/api/emoji/emojis?page=2"
+  },
+  "meta": {
+    "current_page": 1,
+    "per_page": 25,
+    "total": 67
+  }
+}
+```
+
+---
+
+### Search Emoji
+
+Search emojis using Laravel Scout for full-text search capabilities.
+
+```http
+GET /api/emoji/emojis/search
+```
+
+#### Query Parameters
+
+| Parameter       | Type    | Required | Description                               |
+|-----------------|---------|----------|-------------------------------------------|
+| `q`             | string  | Yes      | Search query (minimum 1 character)        |
+| `limit`         | integer | No       | Number of results (default: 20, max: 100) |
+| `with_category` | boolean | No       | Include category information              |
+| `with_aliases`  | boolean | No       | Include emoji aliases                     |
+
+#### Example Request
+
+```bash
+curl -X GET "https://api.example.com/api/emoji/emojis/search?q=smile&limit=10&with_category=1" \
+  -H "Accept: application/json"
+```
+
+#### Example Response
+
+```json
+{
+  "data": [
+    {
+      "id": 1,
+      "title": "Smiling Face",
+      "emoji_text": "😊",
+      "emoji_shortcode": ":smile:",
+      "image_url": null,
+      "sprite_mode": false,
+      "sprite_params": null,
+      "display_order": 2,
+      "category": {
+        "id": 1,
+        "title": "Smileys",
+        "display_order": 1,
+        "created_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+        "updated_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z"
+      },
+      "aliases": null,
+      "aliases_count": null,
+      "created_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+      "updated_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z"
+    }
+  ]
+}
+```
+
+---
+
+### Get Emoji
+
+Get a specific emoji by ID with full relationship data.
+
+```http
+GET /api/emoji/emojis/{id}
+```
+
+#### Path Parameters
+
+| Parameter | Type    | Description  |
+|-----------|---------|--------------|
+| `id`      | integer | The emoji ID |
+
+#### Example Request
+
+```bash
+curl -X GET "https://api.example.com/api/emoji/emojis/1" \
+  -H "Accept: application/json"
+```
+
+#### Example Response
+
+```json
+{
+  "data": {
+    "id": 1,
+    "title": "Grinning Face",
+    "emoji_text": "😀",
+    "emoji_shortcode": ":grinning:",
+    "image_url": null,
+    "sprite_mode": false,
+    "sprite_params": null,
+    "display_order": 1,
+    "category": {
+      "id": 1,
+      "title": "Smileys",
+      "display_order": 1,
+      "emojis_count": null,
+      "emojis": null,
+      "created_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+      "updated_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z"
+    },
+    "aliases": [
+      {
+        "id": 1,
+        "alias": ":grin:",
+        "emoji": null,
+        "created_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+        "updated_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z"
+      }
+    ],
+    "aliases_count": null,
+    "created_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+    "updated_at": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z"
+  }
+}
+```
+
+---
+
+### Create Emoji
+
+Create a new emoji. Supports Unicode emojis, custom images, and CSS sprites.
+
+```http
+POST /api/emoji/emojis
+```
+
+#### Request Body
+
+| Field                  | Type    | Required    | Description                                             |
+|------------------------|---------|-------------|---------------------------------------------------------|
+| `title`                | string  | Yes         | Human-readable name (max 255 chars)                     |
+| `emoji_text`           | string  | No          | Unicode emoji or text emoticon (max 10 chars)           |
+| `emoji_shortcode`      | string  | Yes         | Primary shortcode in `:name:` format (unique)           |
+| `image_url`            | string  | No          | Path to custom image (max 500 chars)                    |
+| `sprite_mode`          | boolean | No          | Whether to use CSS sprite mode (default: false)         |
+| `sprite_params`        | object  | No          | Sprite parameters (required if sprite_mode is true)     |
+| `sprite_params.x`      | integer | Conditional | X coordinate (required if sprite_mode is true)          |
+| `sprite_params.y`      | integer | Conditional | Y coordinate (required if sprite_mode is true)          |
+| `sprite_params.width`  | integer | Conditional | Sprite width (required if sprite_mode is true)          |
+| `sprite_params.height` | integer | Conditional | Sprite height (required if sprite_mode is true)         |
+| `sprite_params.sheet`  | string  | Conditional | Sprite sheet filename (required if sprite_mode is true) |
+| `emoji_category_id`    | integer | No          | Category ID (must exist)                                |
+| `display_order`        | integer | Yes         | Display order within category (minimum 0)               |
+
+#### Example Requests
+
+**Unicode Emoji:**
+```bash
+curl -X POST "https://api.example.com/api/emoji/emojis" \
+  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
+  -H "Accept: application/json" \
+  -d '{
+    "title": "Heart Eyes",
+    "emoji_text": "😍",
+    "emoji_shortcode": ":heart_eyes:",
+    "emoji_category_id": 1,
+    "display_order": 5
+  }'
+```
+
+**Custom Image Emoji:**
+```bash
+curl -X POST "https://api.example.com/api/emoji/emojis" \
+  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
+  -H "Accept: application/json" \
+  -d '{
+    "title": "Party Parrot",
+    "emoji_shortcode": ":partyparrot:",
+    "image_url": "/emojis/custom/partyparrot.gif",
+    "emoji_category_id": 2,
+    "display_order": 1
+  }'
+```
+
+**CSS Sprite Emoji:**
+```bash
+curl -X POST "https://api.example.com/api/emoji/emojis" \
+  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
+  -H "Accept: application/json" \
+  -d '{
+    "title": "Custom Sprite",
+    "emoji_shortcode": ":custom_sprite:",
+    "sprite_mode": true,
+    "sprite_params": {
+      "x": 32,
+      "y": 64,
+      "width": 32,
+      "height": 32,
+      "sheet": "emoji-sheet-1.png"
+    },
+    "emoji_category_id": 3,
+    "display_order": 10
+  }'
+```
+
+#### Example Response
+
+```json
+{
+  "data": {
+    "id": 25,
+    "title": "Heart Eyes",
+    "emoji_text": "😍",
+    "emoji_shortcode": ":heart_eyes:",
+    "image_url": null,
+    "sprite_mode": false,
+    "sprite_params": null,
+    "display_order": 5,
+    "category": null,
+    "aliases": null,
+    "aliases_count": null,
+    "created_at": "2025-01-01T12:00:00Z",
+    "updated_at": "2025-01-01T12:00:00Z"
+  }
+}
+```
+
+---
+
+### Update Emoji
+
+Update an existing emoji.
+
+```http
+PUT /api/emoji/emojis/{id}
+PATCH /api/emoji/emojis/{id}
+```
+
+#### Path Parameters
+
+| Parameter | Type    | Description  |
+|-----------|---------|--------------|
+| `id`      | integer | The emoji ID |
+
+#### Request Body
+
+All fields from the create endpoint are supported, but all are optional for updates.
+
+#### Example Request
+
+```bash
+curl -X PATCH "https://api.example.com/api/emoji/emojis/25" \
+  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
+  -H "Accept: application/json" \
+  -d '{
+    "title": "Love Eyes",
+    "display_order": 6
+  }'
+```
+
+#### Example Response
+
+```json
+{
+  "data": {
+    "id": 25,
+    "title": "Love Eyes",
+    "emoji_text": "😍",
+    "emoji_shortcode": ":heart_eyes:",
+    "image_url": null,
+    "sprite_mode": false,
+    "sprite_params": null,
+    "display_order": 6,
+    "category": null,
+    "aliases": null,
+    "aliases_count": null,
+    "created_at": "2025-01-01T12:00:00Z",
+    "updated_at": "2025-01-01T12:30:00Z"
+  }
+}
+```
+
+---
+
+### Delete Emoji
+
+Delete an emoji. Associated aliases will be automatically deleted.
+
+```http
+DELETE /api/emoji/emojis/{id}
+```
+
+#### Path Parameters
+
+| Parameter | Type    | Description  |
+|-----------|---------|--------------|
+| `id`      | integer | The emoji ID |
+
+#### Example Request
+
+```bash
+curl -X DELETE "https://api.example.com/api/emoji/emojis/25" \
+  -H "Accept: application/json"
+```
+
+#### Example Response
+
+```
+HTTP/1.1 204 No Content
+```
+
+## Error Responses
+
+### 422 Validation Error
+
+```json
+{
+  "message": "The given data was invalid.",
+  "errors": {
+    "emoji_shortcode": [
+      "The emoji shortcode must be in the format :name: (e.g., :smile:)",
+      "This shortcode is already taken."
+    ],
+    "sprite_params.x": [
+      "The sprite params.x field is required when sprite mode is true."
+    ]
+  }
+}
+```
+
+### 400 Search Validation Error
+
+```json
+{
+  "message": "The given data was invalid.",
+  "errors": {
+    "q": ["The q field is required."],
+    "limit": ["The limit must not be greater than 100."]
+  }
+}
+```
+
+## Emoji Types
+
+The API supports three types of emojis:
+
+### 1. Unicode Emoji
+- Have `emoji_text` field set to the Unicode character
+- `image_url` and `sprite_params` are null
+- `sprite_mode` is false
+
+### 2. Custom Image Emoji
+- Have `image_url` field set to the image path
+- `emoji_text` and `sprite_params` are null
+- `sprite_mode` is false
+
+### 3. CSS Sprite Emoji
+- Have `sprite_mode` set to true
+- Have `sprite_params` object with position and dimensions
+- `emoji_text` and `image_url` are null
+
+## Validation Rules
+
+- **emoji_shortcode**: Must be unique across all emojis and cannot conflict with any alias
+- **Aliases**: Cannot conflict with any existing emoji shortcode
+- **Format**: All shortcodes and aliases must follow the `:name:` pattern
+- **Sprite params**: Required when `sprite_mode` is true
+- **Category**: Must reference an existing category if provided
+
+## Notes
+
+- Emoji are returned ordered by `display_order` ascending
+- When an emoji is deleted, all associated aliases are automatically deleted (cascade)
+- Search functionality uses Laravel Scout for fast full-text search
+- The `aliases_count` field is only included when aliases are not loaded
+- Maximum search results per request is 100
diff --git a/docs/docs/api/overview.md b/docs/docs/api/overview.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..e6798bbb9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/docs/api/overview.md
@@ -0,0 +1,163 @@
+---
+sidebar_position: 1
+title: Overview
+---
+
+# API Overview
+
+Welcome to the API documentation. This section covers all available REST API endpoints for interacting with the application programmatically.
+
+## Base URL
+
+All API endpoints are prefixed with `/api/` and use the following base URL:
+
+```
+https://your-domain.com/api/
+```
+
+## Authentication
+
+The API uses Laravel Sanctum for authentication. You can authenticate using:
+
+### 1. Session-based Authentication (Web)
+For web applications using the same domain, authentication is handled via Laravel's built-in session management.
+
+### 2. Token-based Authentication (API)
+For external applications or mobile apps, use API tokens:
+
+```bash
+# Get your user token
+curl -X POST https://your-domain.com/api/login \
+  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
+  -d '{"email": "user@example.com", "password": "password"}'
+```
+
+Include the token in the Authorization header:
+
+```bash
+Authorization: Bearer your-token-here
+```
+
+## Response Format
+
+All API responses follow a consistent JSON format:
+
+### Success Response
+```json
+{
+  "data": {
+    "id": 1,
+    "title": "Example"
+  }
+}
+```
+
+### Collection Response
+```json
+{
+  "data": [
+    {
+      "id": 1,
+      "title": "Example 1"
+    },
+    {
+      "id": 2,
+      "title": "Example 2"
+    }
+  ],
+  "links": {
+    "first": "https://api.example.com/emoji/emojis?page=1",
+    "last": "https://api.example.com/emoji/emojis?page=10",
+    "prev": null,
+    "next": "https://api.example.com/emoji/emojis?page=2"
+  },
+  "meta": {
+    "current_page": 1,
+    "per_page": 50,
+    "total": 500
+  }
+}
+```
+
+### Error Response
+```json
+{
+  "message": "Validation failed",
+  "errors": {
+    "title": ["The title field is required."]
+  }
+}
+```
+
+## HTTP Status Codes
+
+| Code | Description                                |
+|------|--------------------------------------------|
+| 200  | OK - Request successful                    |
+| 201  | Created - Resource created successfully    |
+| 204  | No Content - Resource deleted successfully |
+| 400  | Bad Request - Invalid request data         |
+| 401  | Unauthorized - Authentication required     |
+| 403  | Forbidden - Insufficient permissions       |
+| 404  | Not Found - Resource not found             |
+| 422  | Unprocessable Entity - Validation failed   |
+| 500  | Internal Server Error - Server error       |
+
+## Rate Limiting
+
+API requests are rate-limited to prevent abuse:
+
+- **Authenticated users**: 60 requests per minute
+- **Unauthenticated users**: 20 requests per minute
+
+Rate limit headers are included in responses:
+
+```
+X-RateLimit-Limit: 60
+X-RateLimit-Remaining: 59
+X-RateLimit-Reset: 1640995200
+```
+
+## Pagination
+
+List endpoints support pagination using query parameters:
+
+- `page` - Page number (default: 1)
+- `per_page` - Items per page (default: 50, max: 100)
+
+Example:
+```
+GET /api/emoji/emojis?page=2&per_page=25
+```
+
+## Filtering and Searching
+
+Many endpoints support filtering and searching:
+
+### Query Parameters
+- `search` - Text search across relevant fields
+- `category_id` - Filter by category ID
+- `emoji_id` - Filter by emoji ID (for aliases)
+
+### Relationship Loading
+Use these parameters to include related data:
+
+- `with_category` - Include category information
+- `with_emojis` - Include emoji list (for categories)
+- `with_aliases` - Include alias list (for emojis)
+- `with_emoji` - Include emoji information (for aliases)
+
+Example:
+```
+GET /api/emoji/emojis?search=smile&with_category=1&with_aliases=1
+```
+
+## Versioning
+
+The current API version is v1. Future versions will be available at:
+
+```
+/api/v2/endpoint
+```
+
+Breaking changes will always result in a new API version.
diff --git a/docs/docs/contributing.md b/docs/docs/contributing.md
index b40ff39c8..81269b86a 100644
--- a/docs/docs/contributing.md
+++ b/docs/docs/contributing.md
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 ---
-sidebar_position: 2
+sidebar_position: 9
 title: Contributing
 ---
 
diff --git a/docs/docs/legacy/_category_.json b/docs/docs/legacy/_category_.json
index 5ad3faba9..dc0363268 100644
--- a/docs/docs/legacy/_category_.json
+++ b/docs/docs/legacy/_category_.json
@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
 {
   "label": "Legacy System",
-  "position": 6,
+  "position": 7,
   "link": {
     "type": "generated-index",
     "title": "Legacy System Documentation",
     "description": "Documentation and analysis of the legacy TorrentPier v2.x system that is being modernized with Laravel.",
     "keywords": ["legacy", "torrentpier", "migration"]
   }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/docs/docs/migration/_category_.json b/docs/docs/migration/_category_.json
index 02de71f40..f9a40fede 100644
--- a/docs/docs/migration/_category_.json
+++ b/docs/docs/migration/_category_.json
@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
 {
   "label": "Migration Guide",
-  "position": 5,
+  "position": 6,
   "link": {
     "type": "generated-index",
     "description": "Guides for migrating from TorrentPier v2.x to the new Laravel version."
   }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/docs/docs/models/_category_.json b/docs/docs/models/_category_.json
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..586b76377
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/docs/models/_category_.json
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+{
+  "label": "Models",
+  "position": 5,
+  "link": {
+    "type": "generated-index",
+    "description": "Eloquent Models documentation for the application"
+  }
+}
diff --git a/docs/docs/models/emoji-alias.md b/docs/docs/models/emoji-alias.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..f2fe927fb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/docs/models/emoji-alias.md
@@ -0,0 +1,183 @@
+---
+sidebar_position: 2
+title: EmojiAlias
+---
+
+# EmojiAlias Model
+
+The `EmojiAlias` model represents additional text aliases for an emoji, allowing multiple shortcodes to map to the same emoji (e.g., `:happy:`, `:joy:`, `:lol:` all mapping to 😂).
+
+## Model Properties
+
+### Table Name
+- `emoji_aliases`
+
+### Fillable Fields
+- `emoji_id` - Foreign key to the associated emoji
+- `alias` - Alternative shortcode (e.g., `:happy:`) - unique
+
+### Timestamps
+- `created_at`
+- `updated_at`
+
+## Traits
+
+### Searchable (Laravel Scout)
+The model uses Laravel Scout for alias search functionality.
+
+```php
+public function toSearchableArray()
+{
+    return [
+        'id' => $this->id,
+        'alias' => $this->alias,
+        'emoji_id' => $this->emoji_id,
+    ];
+}
+```
+
+## Relationships
+
+### Belongs To: Emoji
+
+```php
+public function emoji(): BelongsTo
+{
+    return $this->belongsTo(Emoji::class);
+}
+```
+
+## Usage Examples
+
+### Creating Aliases
+
+```php
+use App\Models\EmojiAlias;
+use App\Models\Emoji;
+
+// Create an alias for an existing emoji
+$emoji = Emoji::where('emoji_shortcode', ':joy:')->first();
+
+$alias = EmojiAlias::create([
+    'emoji_id' => $emoji->id,
+    'alias' => ':lol:'
+]);
+
+// Create multiple aliases via the emoji relationship
+$emoji->aliases()->createMany([
+    ['alias' => ':laughing:'],
+    ['alias' => ':rofl:'],
+    ['alias' => ':lmao:']
+]);
+```
+
+### Retrieving Aliases
+
+```php
+// Find emoji by alias
+$alias = EmojiAlias::where('alias', ':lol:')->first();
+$emoji = $alias->emoji;
+
+// Get all aliases for an emoji
+$emoji = Emoji::find(1);
+$aliases = $emoji->aliases;
+
+// Search for aliases
+$results = EmojiAlias::search(':hap')->get();
+```
+
+### Working with Emoji Through Alias
+
+```php
+// Get the emoji details from an alias
+$alias = EmojiAlias::with('emoji')->where('alias', ':lol:')->first();
+
+echo $alias->emoji->title;           // "Laughing"
+echo $alias->emoji->emoji_text;      // "😂"
+echo $alias->emoji->emoji_shortcode; // ":joy:"
+```
+
+## Database Schema
+
+```sql
+CREATE TABLE emoji_aliases (
+    id BIGINT UNSIGNED AUTO_INCREMENT PRIMARY KEY,
+    emoji_id BIGINT UNSIGNED NOT NULL,
+    alias VARCHAR(255) NOT NULL UNIQUE,
+    created_at TIMESTAMP NULL,
+    updated_at TIMESTAMP NULL,
+    INDEX idx_emoji_id_alias (emoji_id, alias),
+    FOREIGN KEY (emoji_id) REFERENCES emojis(id) ON DELETE CASCADE
+);
+```
+
+## Factory
+
+The model includes a factory for testing:
+
+```php
+use App\Models\EmojiAlias;
+use App\Models\Emoji;
+
+// Create an alias with a new emoji
+$alias = EmojiAlias::factory()->create();
+
+// Create an alias for an existing emoji
+$emoji = Emoji::factory()->create();
+$alias = EmojiAlias::factory()->create([
+    'emoji_id' => $emoji->id,
+    'alias' => ':custom-alias:'
+]);
+
+// Create multiple aliases
+$aliases = EmojiAlias::factory()
+    ->count(5)
+    ->for($emoji)
+    ->create();
+```
+
+## Performance Considerations
+
+- The `alias` field has a unique index for fast lookups during text replacement
+- The composite index on `(emoji_id, alias)` optimizes join queries
+- Cascade delete ensures aliases are removed when an emoji is deleted
+- Scout integration enables fast alias searching
+
+## Validation Considerations
+
+When implementing the emoji management system, consider these validation rules:
+
+1. **Uniqueness Across Tables** - An alias should not match any existing `emoji_shortcode`
+2. **Format Validation** - Aliases should follow the `:name:` format
+3. **Reserved Keywords** - Certain aliases might be reserved for system use
+
+Example validation in a request class:
+
+```php
+public function rules()
+{
+    return [
+        'alias' => [
+            'required',
+            'string',
+            'regex:/^:[a-zA-Z0-9_-]+:$/',
+            'unique:emoji_aliases,alias',
+            Rule::notIn(Emoji::pluck('emoji_shortcode')->toArray()),
+        ],
+    ];
+}
+```
+
+## Use Cases
+
+1. **Slack-style Flexibility** - Users can type `:+1:`, `:thumbsup:`, or `:like:` for 👍
+2. **Legacy Support** - Map old emoticon codes to new emoji system
+3. **Localization** - Different languages can have their own aliases
+4. **User Preferences** - Users could potentially create personal aliases
+
+## Notes
+
+- Aliases are automatically deleted when their parent emoji is deleted (cascade)
+- Each alias must be unique across the entire system
+- The system should validate that an alias doesn't conflict with any emoji shortcode
+- Consider implementing a maximum number of aliases per emoji for performance
diff --git a/docs/docs/models/emoji-category.md b/docs/docs/models/emoji-category.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..1eaa22996
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/docs/models/emoji-category.md
@@ -0,0 +1,117 @@
+---
+sidebar_position: 3
+title: EmojiCategory
+---
+
+# EmojiCategory Model
+
+The `EmojiCategory` model represents a category for grouping emojis in the editor (e.g., "Smileys", "Animals", "Food").
+
+## Model Properties
+
+### Table Name
+- `emoji_categories`
+
+### Fillable Fields
+- `title` - Category name (e.g., "Smileys & Emotion")
+- `display_order` - Integer defining the order of the category in the editor
+
+### Timestamps
+- `created_at`
+- `updated_at`
+
+## Relationships
+
+### Has Many: Emoji
+
+```php
+public function emojis(): HasMany
+{
+    return $this->hasMany(Emoji::class);
+}
+```
+
+Each category can contain multiple emojis.
+
+## Usage Examples
+
+### Creating a Category
+
+```php
+use App\Models\EmojiCategory;
+
+$category = EmojiCategory::create([
+    'title' => 'Smileys & Emotion',
+    'display_order' => 1
+]);
+```
+
+### Retrieving Categories with Emoji
+
+```php
+// Get all categories ordered by display order
+$categories = EmojiCategory::orderBy('display_order')->get();
+
+// Get category with all its emojis
+$category = EmojiCategory::with('emojis')->find(1);
+
+// Get category with emojis ordered
+$category = EmojiCategory::with(['emojis' => function ($query) {
+    $query->orderBy('display_order');
+}])->find(1);
+```
+
+### Accessing Related Emoji
+
+```php
+$category = EmojiCategory::find(1);
+
+// Access emojis via dynamic property
+foreach ($category->emojis as $emoji) {
+    echo $emoji->emoji_shortcode;
+}
+
+// Query emojis with additional constraints
+$activeEmojis = $category->emojis()
+    ->whereNotNull('emoji_text')
+    ->get();
+```
+
+## Database Schema
+
+```sql
+CREATE TABLE emoji_categories (
+    id BIGINT UNSIGNED AUTO_INCREMENT PRIMARY KEY,
+    title VARCHAR(255) NOT NULL,
+    display_order INTEGER NOT NULL,
+    created_at TIMESTAMP NULL,
+    updated_at TIMESTAMP NULL,
+    INDEX idx_display_order (display_order)
+);
+```
+
+## Factory
+
+The model includes a factory for testing:
+
+```php
+use App\Models\EmojiCategory;
+
+// Create a single category
+$category = EmojiCategory::factory()->create();
+
+// Create multiple categories
+$categories = EmojiCategory::factory()->count(5)->create();
+
+// Create with specific attributes
+$category = EmojiCategory::factory()->create([
+    'title' => 'Custom Emoji',
+    'display_order' => 10
+]);
+```
+
+## Notes
+
+- The `display_order` field is indexed for performance when ordering categories
+- Categories can be soft-deleted if needed in future implementations
+- When an emoji category is deleted, associated emojis will have their `emoji_category_id` set to null (not cascade delete)
diff --git a/docs/docs/models/emoji.md b/docs/docs/models/emoji.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..7cced9e4c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/docs/models/emoji.md
@@ -0,0 +1,232 @@
+---
+sidebar_position: 1
+title: Emoji
+---
+
+# Emoji Model
+
+The `Emoji` model represents an individual emoji, which can be a Unicode emoji (😊), legacy text emoticon (:-)), or a custom image.
+
+## Model Properties
+
+### Table Name
+- `emojis`
+
+### Fillable Fields
+- `title` - Human-readable name (e.g., "Smile", "Thumbs Up")
+- `emoji_text` - Unicode character or text emoticon (nullable)
+- `emoji_shortcode` - Primary shortcode (e.g., `:smile:`) - unique
+- `image_url` - Path to custom image (nullable)
+- `sprite_mode` - Boolean flag for CSS sprite usage
+- `sprite_params` - JSON field for sprite parameters
+- `emoji_category_id` - Foreign key to category (nullable)
+- `display_order` - Integer for ordering within category
+
+### Casts
+- `sprite_mode` → boolean
+- `sprite_params` → array
+
+### Timestamps
+- `created_at`
+- `updated_at`
+
+## Traits
+
+### Searchable (Laravel Scout)
+The model uses Laravel Scout for full-text search functionality.
+
+```php
+public function toSearchableArray()
+{
+    return [
+        'id' => $this->id,
+        'emoji_shortcode' => $this->emoji_shortcode,
+        'emoji_text' => $this->emoji_text,
+    ];
+}
+```
+
+## Relationships
+
+### Belongs To: Category
+
+```php
+public function category(): BelongsTo
+{
+    return $this->belongsTo(EmojiCategory::class, 'emoji_category_id');
+}
+```
+
+### Has Many: Aliases
+
+```php
+public function aliases(): HasMany
+{
+    return $this->hasMany(EmojiAlias::class);
+}
+```
+
+## Usage Examples
+
+### Creating Emoji
+
+```php
+use App\Models\Emoji;
+use App\Models\EmojiCategory;
+
+// Create a Unicode emoji
+$emoji = Emoji::create([
+    'title' => 'Grinning Face',
+    'emoji_text' => '😀',
+    'emoji_shortcode' => ':grinning:',
+    'emoji_category_id' => $category->id,
+    'display_order' => 1
+]);
+
+// Create a custom image emoji
+$customEmoji = Emoji::create([
+    'title' => 'Party Parrot',
+    'emoji_shortcode' => ':partyparrot:',
+    'image_url' => '/emojis/custom/partyparrot.gif',
+    'emoji_category_id' => $category->id,
+    'display_order' => 2
+]);
+
+// Create a sprite-based emoji
+$spriteEmoji = Emoji::create([
+    'title' => 'Custom Sprite',
+    'emoji_shortcode' => ':custom:',
+    'sprite_mode' => true,
+    'sprite_params' => [
+        'x' => 32,
+        'y' => 64,
+        'width' => 32,
+        'height' => 32,
+        'sheet' => 'emoji-sheet-1.png'
+    ],
+    'emoji_category_id' => $category->id,
+    'display_order' => 3
+]);
+```
+
+### Retrieving Emoji
+
+```php
+// Find by shortcode (remember it's unique)
+$emoji = Emoji::where('emoji_shortcode', ':smile:')->first();
+
+// Get all emojis with their aliases
+$emojis = Emoji::with('aliases')->get();
+
+// Get emojis in a specific category
+$categoryEmojis = Emoji::where('emoji_category_id', $categoryId)
+    ->orderBy('display_order')
+    ->get();
+
+// Get only Unicode emojis
+$unicodeEmojis = Emoji::whereNotNull('emoji_text')
+    ->whereNull('image_url')
+    ->get();
+
+// Get only custom image emojis
+$customEmojis = Emoji::whereNull('emoji_text')
+    ->whereNotNull('image_url')
+    ->get();
+```
+
+### Working with Aliases
+
+```php
+$emoji = Emoji::find(1);
+
+// Access aliases
+foreach ($emoji->aliases as $alias) {
+    echo $alias->alias; // e.g., ":happy:", ":joy:"
+}
+
+// Add a new alias
+$emoji->aliases()->create([
+    'alias' => ':new-alias:'
+]);
+```
+
+### Search Integration
+
+```php
+// Search for emojis using Scout
+$results = Emoji::search(':smile')->get();
+$results = Emoji::search('😊')->get();
+
+// Update search index
+$emoji->searchable(); // Add to index
+$emoji->unsearchable(); // Remove from index
+```
+
+## Database Schema
+
+```sql
+CREATE TABLE emojis (
+    id BIGINT UNSIGNED AUTO_INCREMENT PRIMARY KEY,
+    title VARCHAR(255) NOT NULL,
+    emoji_text VARCHAR(255) NULL,
+    emoji_shortcode VARCHAR(255) NOT NULL UNIQUE,
+    image_url VARCHAR(255) NULL,
+    sprite_mode BOOLEAN DEFAULT FALSE,
+    sprite_params JSON NULL,
+    emoji_category_id BIGINT UNSIGNED NULL,
+    display_order INTEGER NOT NULL,
+    created_at TIMESTAMP NULL,
+    updated_at TIMESTAMP NULL,
+    INDEX idx_display_order (display_order),
+    INDEX idx_emoji_category_id (emoji_category_id),
+    FOREIGN KEY (emoji_category_id) REFERENCES emoji_categories(id) ON DELETE SET NULL
+);
+```
+
+## Factory
+
+The model includes a factory with useful states:
+
+```php
+use App\Models\Emoji;
+
+// Create a random emoji
+$emoji = Emoji::factory()->create();
+
+// Create a custom image emoji
+$customEmoji = Emoji::factory()->customImage()->create();
+
+// Create a sprite-based emoji
+$spriteEmoji = Emoji::factory()->withSprite()->create();
+
+// Create multiple emojis with a category
+$emojis = Emoji::factory()
+    ->count(10)
+    ->for(EmojiCategory::factory())
+    ->create();
+```
+
+## Performance Considerations
+
+- The `emoji_shortcode` field has a unique index for fast lookups during text replacement
+- The `display_order` field is indexed for efficient ordering
+- The `emoji_category_id` field is indexed for category-based queries
+- Scout integration provides full-text search capabilities
+
+## Future Enhancements
+
+The following helper methods should be implemented in service classes:
+
+1. **Text Replacement Helper** - Get all possible text triggers (shortcode + aliases)
+2. **Render Helper** - Determine render method (unicode, image, or sprite)
+3. **Eager Loading Scope** - Efficiently load emojis with aliases for replacement engine
+4. **Type Check Helper** - Determine if emoji is unicode, custom image, or sprite
+
+Example service method signatures:
+```php
+// EmojiService
+public function getAllTriggers(Emoji $emoji): array;
+public function getRenderData(Emoji $emoji): array;
+public function loadForReplacement(): Collection;
+public function isCustomEmoji(Emoji $emoji): bool;
+```
diff --git a/docs/docusaurus.config.ts b/docs/docusaurus.config.ts
index b97067b6d..f4dee7578 100644
--- a/docs/docusaurus.config.ts
+++ b/docs/docusaurus.config.ts
@@ -81,9 +81,14 @@ const config: Config = {
       },
       items: [
         {to: '/blog/welcome', label: 'Blog', position: 'left'},
+        {
+          to: '/docs/api/overview',
+          label: 'API',
+          position: 'left',
+        },
         {
           type: 'docSidebar',
-          sidebarId: 'tutorialSidebar',
+          sidebarId: 'docsSidebar',
           position: 'left',
           label: 'Documentation',
         },
diff --git a/docs/sidebars.ts b/docs/sidebars.ts
index 289713975..eeaeb996e 100644
--- a/docs/sidebars.ts
+++ b/docs/sidebars.ts
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ import type {SidebarsConfig} from '@docusaurus/plugin-content-docs';
  */
 const sidebars: SidebarsConfig = {
   // By default, Docusaurus generates a sidebar from the docs folder structure
-  tutorialSidebar: [{type: 'autogenerated', dirName: '.'}],
+  docsSidebar: [{type: 'autogenerated', dirName: '.'}],
 
   // But you can create a sidebar manually
   /*
diff --git a/docs/static/img/logos.svg b/docs/static/img/logo.svg
similarity index 100%
rename from docs/static/img/logos.svg
rename to docs/static/img/logo.svg
diff --git a/routes/api.php b/routes/api.php
index ccc387f23..618a824b0 100644
--- a/routes/api.php
+++ b/routes/api.php
@@ -1,8 +1,25 @@
 <?php
 
+use App\Http\Controllers\Api\EmojiAliasController;
+use App\Http\Controllers\Api\EmojiCategoryController;
+use App\Http\Controllers\Api\EmojiController;
 use Illuminate\Http\Request;
 use Illuminate\Support\Facades\Route;
 
 Route::get('/user', function (Request $request) {
     return $request->user();
 })->middleware('auth:sanctum');
+
+// Emoji API Routes
+Route::prefix('emoji')->group(function () {
+    // Emoji - search routes must come before resource routes
+    Route::get('emojis/search', [EmojiController::class, 'search'])->name('emojis.search');
+    Route::apiResource('emojis', EmojiController::class);
+
+    // Emoji Aliases - search routes must come before resource routes
+    Route::get('aliases/search', [EmojiAliasController::class, 'search'])->name('aliases.search');
+    Route::apiResource('aliases', EmojiAliasController::class);
+
+    // Emoji Categories
+    Route::apiResource('categories', EmojiCategoryController::class);
+});