diff --git a/protocol-designer/src/assets/localization/en/alert.json b/protocol-designer/src/assets/localization/en/alert.json
index b8f73cc290b..66a0a406a47 100644
--- a/protocol-designer/src/assets/localization/en/alert.json
+++ b/protocol-designer/src/assets/localization/en/alert.json
@@ -97,75 +97,75 @@
   "timeline": {
     "error": {
       "LABWARE_DISCARDED_IN_WASTE_CHUTE": {
-        "title": "The labware has been previously discarded into the waste chute",
-        "body": "Please select a different labware to move."
+        "title": "Labware not available",
+        "body": "This step uses labware that has previously been discarded into a Waste Chute."
       },
       "LABWARE_ON_ANOTHER_ENTITY": {
-        "title": "Attempting to move a labware on top of another entity",
+        "title": "Attempting to move labware on top of another entity",
         "body": "Please reselect which slot your labware should move to."
       },
       "INSUFFICIENT_TIPS": {
         "title": "Not enough tips to complete action",
-        "body": "Add another tip rack to an empty slot in "
+        "body": "Add another tip rack to your deck or change your tip management during transfer and mix steps.",
+        "link": "Edit starting deck"
       },
       "NO_TIP_SELECTED": {
         "title": "No tip rack was selected to complete action",
         "body": "Add a tip rack in the step"
       },
       "NO_TIP_ON_PIPETTE": {
-        "title": "No tip on pipette at the start of step",
-        "body1": "Choose a different Change Tip setting. Change Tip cannot be \"Never\" the first time a pipette is used in a protocol, or following a step that used the ",
-        "link": "Air gap dispense setting",
-        "body2": ". Pipetting steps must begin with a tip on."
+        "title": "No tip on pipette at start of step",
+        "body": "Use a different tip handling setting. Don't set it to Never the first time a pipette is used in a protocol, or following a step that air gaps when dispensing."
       },
       "MODULE_PIPETTE_COLLISION_DANGER": {
-        "title": "Pipette cannot access labware",
-        "body": "Gen 1 8-Channel pipettes cannot access labware or tip racks in slot 4 or 6 because they are adjacent to modules. Read more "
+        "title": "GEN1 8-Channel Pipettes can't move adjacent to modules",
+        "body": "Move labware and modules or use a different pipette."
       },
       "MISSING_MODULE": {
-        "title": "Missing module for step",
-        "body": "A step requires a module that does not exist"
+        "title": "Module not in protocol",
+        "body": "This step tries to use a module not in the protocol. Add the module to your protocol or remove this step."
       },
       "MISSING_TEMPERATURE_STEP": {
-        "title": "Missing Temperature step",
-        "body": "Add a Temperature step prior to this Pause step. The module is not currently changing temperature because it has either been deactivated or is holding a temperature"
+        "title": "Unreachable target temperature",
+        "body": "The protocol can't proceed beyond this pause step, because the module is not changing temperature. Add or modify a temperature step before this step."
       },
       "THERMOCYCLER_LID_CLOSED": {
-        "title": "Thermocycler lid is closed",
-        "body": "Before the robot can interact with labware in the Thermocycler, the lid must be open. To resolve this error, please add a thermocycler step ahead of the current step, and set the lid status to \"open\"."
+        "title": "Thermocycler lid closed",
+        "body": "This step tries to use labware in the Thermocycler. Open the lid before this step."
       },
       "HEATER_SHAKER_LATCH_OPEN": {
-        "title": "Heater-Shaker labware latch is open",
+        "title": "Heater-Shaker latch open",
         "body": "Before the robot can interact with labware on the Heater-Shaker module, the labware latch must be closed. To resolve this error, please add a Heater-Shaker step ahead of the current step, and set the labware latch status to \"closed\"."
       },
       "HEATER_SHAKER_IS_SHAKING": {
         "title": "Heater-Shaker is shaking",
-        "body": "the robot cannot interact with labware on the Heater-Shaker Module while it is shaking."
+        "body": "The robot cannot interact with labware on the Heater-Shaker Module while it is shaking. Add a step to stop shaking to interact with the labware."
       },
       "TALL_LABWARE_EAST_WEST_OF_HEATER_SHAKER": {
         "body": "The Heater-Shaker labware latch will collide with labware over 53 mm. Move labware to a different slot."
       },
       "HEATER_SHAKER_EAST_WEST_LATCH_OPEN": {
+        "title": "Heater-Shaker labware latch open",
         "body": "Pipettes cannot access labware on, or to the left or right of, the Heater-Shaker while the labware latch is open. Create a step before this one that closes the latch."
       },
       "HEATER_SHAKER_NORTH_SOUTH_EAST_WEST_SHAKING": {
-        "title": "The Heater-Shaker is shaking",
-        "body": "Pipettes cannot access labware on or adjacent to the Heater-Shaker while it is shaking. Create a step before this one that deactivates the shaker."
+        "title": "Robot unable to perform step",
+        "body": "The robot cannot interact with labware on or next to the Heater-Shaker Module while it is shaking. Add a heater-shaker step to stop shaking."
       },
       "HEATER_SHAKER_EAST_WEST_MULTI_CHANNEL": {
-        "title": "8-Channel pipette cannot access labware",
-        "body": "8-Channel pipettes cannot access labware or tip racks to the left or right of a Heater-Shaker GEN1 module. Move labware to a different slot to access it with an 8-Channel pipette."
+        "title": "8-Channel unable to access slot",
+        "body": "8-Channel pipettes cannot access labware to the left or right of a Heater-Shaker GEN1 module. Move labware to a different slot to access it with an 8-Channel pipette."
       },
       "HEATER_SHAKER_NORTH_SOUTH__OF_NON_TIPRACK_WITH_MULTI_CHANNEL": {
-        "title": "8-Channel pipette cannot access labware",
-        "body": "8-Channel pipettes cannot access labware in front of or behind a Heater-Shaker. They can access Opentrons Tip Racks in this slot. Move labware to a different slot."
+        "title": "8-Channel unable to access slot",
+        "body": "8-Channel pipettes cannot access non-tiprack labware to the top or bottom of a Heater-Shaker GEN1 module. Move labware to a different slot to access it with an 8-Channel pipette."
       },
       "LABWARE_OFF_DECK": {
-        "title": "Labware is off-deck",
+        "title": "Labware not on deck",
         "body": "The robot can only perform steps on labware that is on the deck. Add or change a Move Labware step to put it on the deck before this step."
       },
       "HEATER_SHAKER_LATCH_CLOSED": {
-        "title": "Heater-Shaker labware latch is closed",
+        "title": "Heater-Shaker latch closed",
         "body": "The Heater-Shaker’s labware latch must be open when moving labware to or from the module. Add a Heater-Shaker step that opens the latch before this step."
       },
       "DROP_TIP_LOCATION_DOES_NOT_EXIST": {
@@ -173,46 +173,52 @@
         "body": "The Waste Chute or Trash Bin to drop tip in does not exist."
       },
       "MISSING_96_CHANNEL_TIPRACK_ADAPTER": {
-        "title": "Missing 96-channel tip rack adapter",
-        "body": "The tip rack must be placed in an adapter when picking up 96 tips simultaneously."
+        "title": "Tip rack adapter required",
+        "body": "The 96-channel pipette uses a tip rack adapter to pick up a full rack of tips. Add one to your starting deck or use partial tip pickup.",
+        "link": "Edit starting deck"
       },
       "EQUIPMENT_DOES_NOT_EXIST": {
-        "title": "Attempting to interact with an unknown entity",
+        "title": "Unable to perform step",
         "body": "An entity you are interacting with does not exist."
       },
       "GRIPPER_REQUIRED": {
-        "title": "A gripper is required to complete this action",
-        "body": "Attempting to move a labware without a gripper into the waste chute. Please add a gripper to this step."
+        "title": "Cannot move with gripper",
+        "body": "The gripper cannot move aluminum blocks. Deselect the 'Use Gripper' checkbox."
       },
       "REMOVE_96_CHANNEL_TIPRACK_ADAPTER": {
-        "title": "Do not use tip rack adapter for partial tip pickup",
-        "body": "Partial tip pickup requires a tip rack placed directly on the deck. Remove the adapter, or add a new tip rack without an adapter."
+        "title": "Extra tip rack adapter",
+        "body": "When picking up fewer than 96 tips, the tip rack must be placed directly on the deck, not in the tip rack adapter.",
+        "link": "Edit starting deck"
       },
       "CANNOT_MOVE_WITH_GRIPPER": {
         "title": "Cannot move with gripper",
         "body": "The gripper cannot move aluminum blocks. Edit the step and deselect the 'Use Gripper' checkbox."
       },
       "PIPETTE_HAS_TIP": {
-        "title": "Possible collision with tip",
-        "body": "The gripper cannot pick up labware while pipettes have tips attached. Drop all tips before this move labware step."
+        "title": "Gripper movement with tips attached",
+        "body": "Picking up labware with the gripper while tips are on an adjacent pipette can cause collisions. Drop tips from all pipettes before this step."
+      },
+      "POSSIBLE_PIPETTE_COLLISION": {
+        "title": "Pipette collisions likely",
+        "body": "There is a possibility that the pipette will collide with the adjascent labware or module for partial tip pick up."
       }
     },
     "warning": {
       "ASPIRATE_MORE_THAN_WELL_CONTENTS": {
-        "title": "Not enough liquid in well(s)",
-        "body": "You are trying to aspirate more than the current volume of one of your well(s)"
+        "title": "Not enough liquid",
+        "body": "This step tries to aspirate more than the current volume of a source well."
       },
       "ASPIRATE_FROM_PRISTINE_WELL": {
         "title": "Source well is empty",
-        "body": "The well(s) you're trying to aspirate from are empty. To add liquids, hover over labware in "
+        "body": "This step tries to aspirate from an empty well."
       },
       "LABWARE_IN_WASTE_CHUTE_HAS_LIQUID": {
-        "title": "Moving labware into waste chute",
-        "body": "This labware has remaining liquid, be advised that once you dispose of it, there is no way to get it back later in the protocol."
+        "title": "Disposing liquid-filled labware",
+        "body": "This step moves a labware that contains liquid to the waste chute. There is no way to retrieve the liquid after disposal."
       },
       "TIPRACK_IN_WASTE_CHUTE_HAS_TIPS": {
-        "title": "Moving tiprack into waste chute",
-        "body": "This tiprack has remaining tips, be advised that once you dispose of it, there is no way to get it back later in the protocol. "
+        "title": "Disposing unused tips",
+        "body": "This step moves a tip rack that contains unused tips to the waste chute. There is no way to retrieve the tips after disposal."
       }
     }
   },
diff --git a/protocol-designer/src/file-data/actions.ts b/protocol-designer/src/file-data/actions.ts
index 0e175493baf..639966b1501 100644
--- a/protocol-designer/src/file-data/actions.ts
+++ b/protocol-designer/src/file-data/actions.ts
@@ -1,4 +1,8 @@
-import type { FileMetadataFields, SaveFileMetadataAction } from './types'
+import type {
+  FileMetadataFields,
+  SaveFileMetadataAction,
+  SelectDesignerTabAction,
+} from './types'
 import type { WorkerResponse } from '../timelineMiddleware/types'
 export const saveFileMetadata = (
   payload: FileMetadataFields
@@ -22,3 +26,14 @@ export const computeRobotStateTimelineSuccess = (
   type: 'COMPUTE_ROBOT_STATE_TIMELINE_SUCCESS',
   payload,
 })
+
+export interface DesignerTabPayload {
+  tab: 'protocolSteps' | 'startingDeck'
+}
+
+export const selectDesignerTab = (
+  payload: DesignerTabPayload
+): SelectDesignerTabAction => ({
+  type: 'SELECT_DESIGNER_TAB',
+  payload,
+})
diff --git a/protocol-designer/src/file-data/reducers/index.ts b/protocol-designer/src/file-data/reducers/index.ts
index 7f4d010e8ec..0d2b50ea773 100644
--- a/protocol-designer/src/file-data/reducers/index.ts
+++ b/protocol-designer/src/file-data/reducers/index.ts
@@ -7,8 +7,15 @@ import type { RobotType } from '@opentrons/shared-data'
 import type { Action } from '../../types'
 import type { LoadFileAction, NewProtocolFields } from '../../load-file'
 import type { Substeps } from '../../steplist/types'
-import type { ComputeRobotStateTimelineSuccessAction } from '../actions'
-import type { FileMetadataFields, SaveFileMetadataAction } from '../types'
+import type {
+  ComputeRobotStateTimelineSuccessAction,
+  DesignerTabPayload,
+} from '../actions'
+import type {
+  FileMetadataFields,
+  SaveFileMetadataAction,
+  SelectDesignerTabAction,
+} from '../types'
 
 export const timelineIsBeingComputed: Reducer<boolean, any> = handleActions(
   {
@@ -110,6 +117,18 @@ const robotTypeReducer = (
   }
   return state
 }
+
+const designerTabReducer = (
+  state: DesignerTabPayload['tab'] = 'startingDeck',
+  action: SelectDesignerTabAction
+): DesignerTabPayload['tab'] => {
+  if (action.type === 'SELECT_DESIGNER_TAB') {
+    return action.payload.tab
+  } else {
+    return state
+  }
+}
+
 export interface RootState {
   computedRobotStateTimeline: Timeline
   computedSubsteps: Substeps
@@ -117,6 +136,7 @@ export interface RootState {
   fileMetadata: FileMetadataFields
   timelineIsBeingComputed: boolean
   robotType: RobotType
+  designerTab: DesignerTabPayload['tab']
 }
 const _allReducers = {
   computedRobotStateTimeline,
@@ -125,6 +145,7 @@ const _allReducers = {
   fileMetadata,
   timelineIsBeingComputed,
   robotType: robotTypeReducer,
+  designerTab: designerTabReducer,
 }
 export const rootReducer: Reducer<RootState, Action> = combineReducers(
   _allReducers
diff --git a/protocol-designer/src/file-data/selectors/fileFields.ts b/protocol-designer/src/file-data/selectors/fileFields.ts
index 33824dfff79..5b66170f222 100644
--- a/protocol-designer/src/file-data/selectors/fileFields.ts
+++ b/protocol-designer/src/file-data/selectors/fileFields.ts
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ import type { BaseState, Selector } from '../../types'
 import type { RootState } from '../reducers'
 import type { FileMetadataFields } from '../types'
 import type { RobotType } from '@opentrons/shared-data'
+import type { DesignerTabPayload } from '../actions'
 
 export const rootSelector = (state: BaseState): RootState => state.fileData
 export const getCurrentProtocolExists: Selector<boolean> = createSelector(
@@ -21,3 +22,7 @@ export const getRobotType: Selector<RobotType> = createSelector(
   rootSelector,
   state => state.robotType
 )
+
+export const getDesignerTab: Selector<
+  DesignerTabPayload['tab']
+> = createSelector(rootSelector, state => state.designerTab)
diff --git a/protocol-designer/src/file-data/types.ts b/protocol-designer/src/file-data/types.ts
index dc784b51c75..9b64f3e26b6 100644
--- a/protocol-designer/src/file-data/types.ts
+++ b/protocol-designer/src/file-data/types.ts
@@ -1,7 +1,13 @@
 import type { ProtocolFile } from '@opentrons/shared-data'
+import type { DesignerTabPayload } from './actions'
 export type FileMetadataFields = ProtocolFile<{}>['metadata']
 export type FileMetadataFieldAccessors = keyof FileMetadataFields
 export interface SaveFileMetadataAction {
   type: 'SAVE_FILE_METADATA'
   payload: FileMetadataFields
 }
+
+export interface SelectDesignerTabAction {
+  type: 'SELECT_DESIGNER_TAB'
+  payload: DesignerTabPayload
+}
diff --git a/protocol-designer/src/organisms/Alerts/ErrorContents.tsx b/protocol-designer/src/organisms/Alerts/ErrorContents.tsx
index 23754599ff4..73dfa60f995 100644
--- a/protocol-designer/src/organisms/Alerts/ErrorContents.tsx
+++ b/protocol-designer/src/organisms/Alerts/ErrorContents.tsx
@@ -1,7 +1,14 @@
 import { useTranslation } from 'react-i18next'
-import { START_TERMINAL_ITEM_ID } from '../../steplist'
-import { KnowledgeBaseLink } from '../../components/KnowledgeBaseLink'
-import { TerminalItemLink } from './TerminalItemLink'
+import { useDispatch } from 'react-redux'
+import {
+  Btn,
+  Flex,
+  JUSTIFY_SPACE_BETWEEN,
+  SPACING,
+  TYPOGRAPHY,
+} from '@opentrons/components'
+import { BUTTON_LINK_STYLE } from '../../atoms'
+import { selectDesignerTab } from '../../file-data/actions'
 
 import type { AlertLevel } from './types'
 
@@ -14,6 +21,7 @@ export const ErrorContents = (
 ): JSX.Element | null => {
   const { errorType, level } = props
   const { t } = useTranslation(['alert', 'shared'])
+  const dispatch = useDispatch()
 
   if (level === 'timeline') {
     const bodyText = t(`timeline.error.${errorType}.body`, {
@@ -22,29 +30,42 @@ export const ErrorContents = (
     switch (errorType) {
       case 'INSUFFICIENT_TIPS':
         return (
-          <>
+          <Flex
+            justifyContent={JUSTIFY_SPACE_BETWEEN}
+            gridGap={SPACING.spacing8}
+          >
             {bodyText}
-            <TerminalItemLink terminalId={START_TERMINAL_ITEM_ID} />
-          </>
-        )
-      case 'MODULE_PIPETTE_COLLISION_DANGER':
-        return (
-          <>
-            {bodyText}
-            <KnowledgeBaseLink to="pipetteGen1MultiModuleCollision">
-              {t('shared:here')}
-            </KnowledgeBaseLink>
-          </>
+            <Btn
+              width="7.25rem"
+              textDecoration={TYPOGRAPHY.textDecorationUnderline}
+              css={BUTTON_LINK_STYLE}
+              onClick={() => {
+                dispatch(selectDesignerTab({ tab: 'startingDeck' }))
+              }}
+            >
+              {t(`timeline.error.${errorType}.link`)}
+            </Btn>
+          </Flex>
         )
-      case 'NO_TIP_ON_PIPETTE':
+      case 'REMOVE_96_CHANNEL_TIPRACK_ADAPTER':
+      case 'MISSING_96_CHANNEL_TIPRACK_ADAPTER':
         return (
-          <>
-            {t(`timeline.error.${errorType}.body1`)}
-            <KnowledgeBaseLink to="airGap">
+          <Flex
+            justifyContent={JUSTIFY_SPACE_BETWEEN}
+            gridGap={SPACING.spacing8}
+          >
+            {t(`timeline.error.${errorType}.body`)}
+            <Btn
+              width="7.25rem"
+              textDecoration={TYPOGRAPHY.textDecorationUnderline}
+              css={BUTTON_LINK_STYLE}
+              onClick={() => {
+                dispatch(selectDesignerTab({ tab: 'startingDeck' }))
+              }}
+            >
               {t(`timeline.error.${errorType}.link`)}
-            </KnowledgeBaseLink>
-            {t(`timeline.error.${errorType}.body2`)}
-          </>
+            </Btn>
+          </Flex>
         )
       default:
         return bodyText
diff --git a/protocol-designer/src/organisms/Alerts/TimelineAlerts.tsx b/protocol-designer/src/organisms/Alerts/TimelineAlerts.tsx
index 7e793723acf..4df442b44f7 100644
--- a/protocol-designer/src/organisms/Alerts/TimelineAlerts.tsx
+++ b/protocol-designer/src/organisms/Alerts/TimelineAlerts.tsx
@@ -3,7 +3,6 @@ import { memo } from 'react'
 import { useTranslation } from 'react-i18next'
 import { useSelector } from 'react-redux'
 import {
-  ALIGN_CENTER,
   Banner,
   DIRECTION_COLUMN,
   Flex,
@@ -31,13 +30,9 @@ function TimelineAlertsComponent(): JSX.Element {
     <Banner
       type={alertType === 'error' ? 'error' : 'warning'}
       key={`${alertType}:${key}`}
-      width="50%"
+      width="100%"
     >
-      <Flex
-        flexDirection={DIRECTION_COLUMN}
-        gridGap={SPACING.spacing4}
-        alignItems={ALIGN_CENTER}
-      >
+      <Flex flexDirection={DIRECTION_COLUMN} gridGap={SPACING.spacing4}>
         <StyledText desktopStyle="bodyDefaultSemiBold">{data.title}</StyledText>
         <StyledText desktopStyle="bodyDefaultRegular">
           {data.description}
diff --git a/protocol-designer/src/organisms/Alerts/__tests__/FormAlerts.test.tsx b/protocol-designer/src/organisms/Alerts/__tests__/FormAlerts.test.tsx
index edbb682b38c..b069da5534f 100644
--- a/protocol-designer/src/organisms/Alerts/__tests__/FormAlerts.test.tsx
+++ b/protocol-designer/src/organisms/Alerts/__tests__/FormAlerts.test.tsx
@@ -54,9 +54,9 @@ describe('FormAlerts', () => {
       },
     ])
     render(props)
-    screen.getByText('Moving labware into waste chute')
+    screen.getByText('Disposing liquid-filled labware')
     screen.getByText(
-      'This labware has remaining liquid, be advised that once you dispose of it, there is no way to get it back later in the protocol.'
+      'This step moves a labware that contains liquid to the waste chute. There is no way to retrieve the liquid after disposal.'
     )
     fireEvent.click(screen.getByTestId('Banner_close-button'))
     expect(vi.mocked(dismissTimelineWarning)).toHaveBeenCalled()
diff --git a/protocol-designer/src/organisms/Alerts/__tests__/TimelineAlerts.test.tsx b/protocol-designer/src/organisms/Alerts/__tests__/TimelineAlerts.test.tsx
index bf73edde76a..d2e0667ac17 100644
--- a/protocol-designer/src/organisms/Alerts/__tests__/TimelineAlerts.test.tsx
+++ b/protocol-designer/src/organisms/Alerts/__tests__/TimelineAlerts.test.tsx
@@ -4,11 +4,11 @@ import { fireEvent, screen } from '@testing-library/react'
 import { i18n } from '../../../assets/localization'
 import { renderWithProviders } from '../../../__testing-utils__'
 import { getRobotStateTimeline } from '../../../file-data/selectors'
-import { selectTerminalItem } from '../../../ui/steps/actions/actions'
+import { selectDesignerTab } from '../../../file-data/actions'
 import { TimelineAlerts } from '../TimelineAlerts'
 
 vi.mock('../../../file-data/selectors')
-vi.mock('../../../ui/steps/actions/actions')
+vi.mock('../../../file-data/actions')
 
 const render = () => {
   return renderWithProviders(<TimelineAlerts />, {
@@ -27,9 +27,11 @@ describe('TimelineAlerts', () => {
   it('renders the insufficient tips timeline error and clicking on the button turns it into the starting deck state terminal id ', () => {
     render()
     screen.getByText('Not enough tips to complete action')
-    screen.getByText('Add another tip rack to an empty slot in')
-    fireEvent.click(screen.getByText('Starting Deck State'))
-    expect(vi.mocked(selectTerminalItem)).toHaveBeenCalled()
+    screen.getByText(
+      'Add another tip rack to your deck or change your tip management during transfer and mix steps.'
+    )
+    fireEvent.click(screen.getByText('Edit starting deck'))
+    expect(vi.mocked(selectDesignerTab)).toHaveBeenCalled()
   })
   it('renders the no tip on pipette timeline error and the knowledge link', () => {
     vi.mocked(getRobotStateTimeline).mockReturnValue({
@@ -37,7 +39,6 @@ describe('TimelineAlerts', () => {
       errors: [{ message: 'mockMessage', type: 'NO_TIP_ON_PIPETTE' }],
     })
     render()
-    screen.getByText('No tip on pipette at the start of step')
-    screen.getByText('Air gap dispense setting')
+    screen.getByText('No tip on pipette at start of step')
   })
 })
diff --git a/protocol-designer/src/pages/Designer/DeckSetup/DeckSetupContainer.tsx b/protocol-designer/src/pages/Designer/DeckSetup/DeckSetupContainer.tsx
index a8d0915a59d..20ad1307919 100644
--- a/protocol-designer/src/pages/Designer/DeckSetup/DeckSetupContainer.tsx
+++ b/protocol-designer/src/pages/Designer/DeckSetup/DeckSetupContainer.tsx
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ import { getDeckSetupForActiveItem } from '../../../top-selectors/labware-locati
 import { getDisableModuleRestrictions } from '../../../feature-flags/selectors'
 import { getRobotType } from '../../../file-data/selectors'
 import { getHasGen1MultiChannelPipette } from '../../../step-forms'
-import { SlotDetailsContainer, TimelineAlerts } from '../../../organisms'
+import { SlotDetailsContainer } from '../../../organisms'
 import { selectZoomedIntoSlot } from '../../../labware-ingred/actions'
 import { selectors } from '../../../labware-ingred/selectors'
 import { DeckSetupDetails } from './DeckSetupDetails'
@@ -171,182 +171,175 @@ export function DeckSetupContainer(props: DeckSetupTabType): JSX.Element {
   )
 
   return (
-    <Flex flexDirection={DIRECTION_COLUMN}>
-      {tab === 'protocolSteps' ? (
-        <Flex justifyContent={JUSTIFY_CENTER} width="100%">
-          <TimelineAlerts />
-        </Flex>
-      ) : null}
-      <Flex>
+    <Flex>
+      <Flex
+        backgroundColor={COLORS.white}
+        borderRadius={BORDERS.borderRadius12}
+        width="100%"
+        height={zoomIn.slot != null ? '75vh' : '65vh'}
+        flexDirection={DIRECTION_COLUMN}
+        padding={SPACING.spacing40}
+      >
         <Flex
-          backgroundColor={COLORS.white}
-          borderRadius={BORDERS.borderRadius12}
           width="100%"
-          height={zoomIn.slot != null ? '75vh' : '65vh'}
-          flexDirection={DIRECTION_COLUMN}
-          padding={SPACING.spacing40}
+          height="100%"
+          alignItems={ALIGN_CENTER}
+          justifyContent={JUSTIFY_CENTER}
         >
-          <Flex
+          <RobotCoordinateSpaceWithRef
+            height={zoomIn.slot != null ? '100%' : '80%'}
             width="100%"
-            height="100%"
-            alignItems={ALIGN_CENTER}
-            justifyContent={JUSTIFY_CENTER}
+            deckDef={deckDef}
+            viewBox={viewBox}
+            outline="auto"
           >
-            <RobotCoordinateSpaceWithRef
-              height={zoomIn.slot != null ? '100%' : '80%'}
-              width="100%"
-              deckDef={deckDef}
-              viewBox={viewBox}
-              outline="auto"
-            >
-              {() => (
-                <>
-                  {robotType === OT2_ROBOT_TYPE ? (
-                    <DeckFromLayers
-                      robotType={robotType}
-                      layerBlocklist={OT2_STANDARD_DECK_VIEW_LAYER_BLOCK_LIST}
-                    />
-                  ) : (
-                    <>
-                      {filteredAddressableAreas.map(addressableArea => {
-                        const cutoutId = getCutoutIdForAddressableArea(
-                          addressableArea.id,
-                          deckDef.cutoutFixtures
+            {() => (
+              <>
+                {robotType === OT2_ROBOT_TYPE ? (
+                  <DeckFromLayers
+                    robotType={robotType}
+                    layerBlocklist={OT2_STANDARD_DECK_VIEW_LAYER_BLOCK_LIST}
+                  />
+                ) : (
+                  <>
+                    {filteredAddressableAreas.map(addressableArea => {
+                      const cutoutId = getCutoutIdForAddressableArea(
+                        addressableArea.id,
+                        deckDef.cutoutFixtures
+                      )
+                      return cutoutId != null ? (
+                        <SingleSlotFixture
+                          key={addressableArea.id}
+                          cutoutId={cutoutId}
+                          deckDefinition={deckDef}
+                          showExpansion={cutoutId === 'cutoutA1'}
+                          fixtureBaseColor={lightFill}
+                        />
+                      ) : null
+                    })}
+                    {stagingAreaFixtures.map(fixture => {
+                      if (
+                        zoomIn.cutout == null ||
+                        zoomIn.cutout !== fixture.location
+                      ) {
+                        return (
+                          <StagingAreaFixture
+                            key={fixture.id}
+                            cutoutId={fixture.location as StagingAreaLocation}
+                            deckDefinition={deckDef}
+                            fixtureBaseColor={lightFill}
+                          />
+                        )
+                      }
+                    })}
+                    {trash != null
+                      ? trashBinFixtures.map(({ cutoutId }) =>
+                          cutoutId != null &&
+                          (zoomIn.cutout == null ||
+                            zoomIn.cutout !== cutoutId) ? (
+                            <Fragment key={cutoutId}>
+                              <SingleSlotFixture
+                                cutoutId={cutoutId}
+                                deckDefinition={deckDef}
+                                slotClipColor={COLORS.transparent}
+                                fixtureBaseColor={lightFill}
+                              />
+                              <FlexTrash
+                                robotType={robotType}
+                                trashIconColor={lightFill}
+                                trashCutoutId={cutoutId as TrashCutoutId}
+                                backgroundColor={COLORS.grey50}
+                              />
+                            </Fragment>
+                          ) : null
                         )
-                        return cutoutId != null ? (
-                          <SingleSlotFixture
-                            key={addressableArea.id}
-                            cutoutId={cutoutId}
+                      : null}
+                    {wasteChuteFixtures.map(fixture => {
+                      if (
+                        zoomIn.cutout == null ||
+                        zoomIn.cutout !== fixture.location
+                      ) {
+                        return (
+                          <WasteChuteFixture
+                            key={fixture.id}
+                            cutoutId={
+                              fixture.location as typeof WASTE_CHUTE_CUTOUT
+                            }
                             deckDefinition={deckDef}
-                            showExpansion={cutoutId === 'cutoutA1'}
                             fixtureBaseColor={lightFill}
                           />
-                        ) : null
-                      })}
-                      {stagingAreaFixtures.map(fixture => {
-                        if (
-                          zoomIn.cutout == null ||
-                          zoomIn.cutout !== fixture.location
-                        ) {
-                          return (
-                            <StagingAreaFixture
-                              key={fixture.id}
-                              cutoutId={fixture.location as StagingAreaLocation}
-                              deckDefinition={deckDef}
-                              fixtureBaseColor={lightFill}
-                            />
-                          )
-                        }
-                      })}
-                      {trash != null
-                        ? trashBinFixtures.map(({ cutoutId }) =>
-                            cutoutId != null &&
-                            (zoomIn.cutout == null ||
-                              zoomIn.cutout !== cutoutId) ? (
-                              <Fragment key={cutoutId}>
-                                <SingleSlotFixture
-                                  cutoutId={cutoutId}
-                                  deckDefinition={deckDef}
-                                  slotClipColor={COLORS.transparent}
-                                  fixtureBaseColor={lightFill}
-                                />
-                                <FlexTrash
-                                  robotType={robotType}
-                                  trashIconColor={lightFill}
-                                  trashCutoutId={cutoutId as TrashCutoutId}
-                                  backgroundColor={COLORS.grey50}
-                                />
-                              </Fragment>
-                            ) : null
-                          )
-                        : null}
-                      {wasteChuteFixtures.map(fixture => {
-                        if (
-                          zoomIn.cutout == null ||
-                          zoomIn.cutout !== fixture.location
-                        ) {
-                          return (
-                            <WasteChuteFixture
-                              key={fixture.id}
-                              cutoutId={
-                                fixture.location as typeof WASTE_CHUTE_CUTOUT
-                              }
-                              deckDefinition={deckDef}
-                              fixtureBaseColor={lightFill}
-                            />
-                          )
-                        }
-                      })}
-                      {wasteChuteStagingAreaFixtures.map(fixture => {
-                        if (
-                          zoomIn.cutout == null ||
-                          zoomIn.cutout !== fixture.location
-                        ) {
-                          return (
-                            <WasteChuteStagingAreaFixture
-                              key={fixture.id}
-                              cutoutId={
-                                fixture.location as typeof WASTE_CHUTE_CUTOUT
-                              }
-                              deckDefinition={deckDef}
-                              fixtureBaseColor={lightFill}
-                            />
-                          )
-                        }
-                      })}
-                    </>
+                        )
+                      }
+                    })}
+                    {wasteChuteStagingAreaFixtures.map(fixture => {
+                      if (
+                        zoomIn.cutout == null ||
+                        zoomIn.cutout !== fixture.location
+                      ) {
+                        return (
+                          <WasteChuteStagingAreaFixture
+                            key={fixture.id}
+                            cutoutId={
+                              fixture.location as typeof WASTE_CHUTE_CUTOUT
+                            }
+                            deckDefinition={deckDef}
+                            fixtureBaseColor={lightFill}
+                          />
+                        )
+                      }
+                    })}
+                  </>
+                )}
+                <DeckSetupDetails
+                  selectedZoomInSlot={zoomIn.slot ?? undefined}
+                  hoveredLabware={hoveredLabware}
+                  hoveredModule={hoveredModule}
+                  hoveredFixture={hoveredFixture}
+                  hover={hoverSlot}
+                  tab={tab}
+                  setHover={setHoverSlot}
+                  addEquipment={addEquipment}
+                  activeDeckSetup={activeDeckSetup}
+                  stagingAreaCutoutIds={stagingAreaFixtures.map(
+                    areas => areas.location as CutoutId
                   )}
-                  <DeckSetupDetails
-                    selectedZoomInSlot={zoomIn.slot ?? undefined}
-                    hoveredLabware={hoveredLabware}
-                    hoveredModule={hoveredModule}
-                    hoveredFixture={hoveredFixture}
-                    hover={hoverSlot}
-                    tab={tab}
-                    setHover={setHoverSlot}
-                    addEquipment={addEquipment}
-                    activeDeckSetup={activeDeckSetup}
-                    stagingAreaCutoutIds={stagingAreaFixtures.map(
-                      areas => areas.location as CutoutId
-                    )}
-                    {...{
-                      deckDef,
-                      showGen1MultichannelCollisionWarnings,
-                    }}
-                  />
-                  <SlotLabels
+                  {...{
+                    deckDef,
+                    showGen1MultichannelCollisionWarnings,
+                  }}
+                />
+                <SlotLabels
+                  robotType={robotType}
+                  show4thColumn={stagingAreaFixtures.length > 0}
+                />
+                {hoverSlot != null ? (
+                  <SlotDetailsContainer
                     robotType={robotType}
-                    show4thColumn={stagingAreaFixtures.length > 0}
+                    slot={hoverSlot}
                   />
-                  {hoverSlot != null ? (
-                    <SlotDetailsContainer
-                      robotType={robotType}
-                      slot={hoverSlot}
-                    />
-                  ) : null}
-                </>
-              )}
-            </RobotCoordinateSpaceWithRef>
-          </Flex>
+                ) : null}
+              </>
+            )}
+          </RobotCoordinateSpaceWithRef>
         </Flex>
-        {zoomIn.slot != null && zoomIn.cutout != null ? (
-          <DeckSetupTools
-            onDeckProps={{
-              setHoveredFixture,
-              setHoveredModule,
-            }}
-            onCloseClick={() => {
-              dispatch(selectZoomedIntoSlot({ slot: null, cutout: null }))
-              animateZoom({
-                targetViewBox: initialViewBox,
-                viewBox,
-                setViewBox,
-              })
-            }}
-            setHoveredLabware={setHoveredLabware}
-          />
-        ) : null}
       </Flex>
+      {zoomIn.slot != null && zoomIn.cutout != null ? (
+        <DeckSetupTools
+          onDeckProps={{
+            setHoveredFixture,
+            setHoveredModule,
+          }}
+          onCloseClick={() => {
+            dispatch(selectZoomedIntoSlot({ slot: null, cutout: null }))
+            animateZoom({
+              targetViewBox: initialViewBox,
+              viewBox,
+              setViewBox,
+            })
+          }}
+          setHoveredLabware={setHoveredLabware}
+        />
+      ) : null}
     </Flex>
   )
 }
diff --git a/protocol-designer/src/pages/Designer/ProtocolSteps/__tests__/ProtocolSteps.test.tsx b/protocol-designer/src/pages/Designer/ProtocolSteps/__tests__/ProtocolSteps.test.tsx
index 1dafa1d2c71..f68928c3488 100644
--- a/protocol-designer/src/pages/Designer/ProtocolSteps/__tests__/ProtocolSteps.test.tsx
+++ b/protocol-designer/src/pages/Designer/ProtocolSteps/__tests__/ProtocolSteps.test.tsx
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ import {
   getSelectedStepId,
   getSelectedSubstep,
 } from '../../../../ui/steps/selectors'
+import { getDesignerTab } from '../../../../file-data/selectors'
 import { getEnableHotKeysDisplay } from '../../../../feature-flags/selectors'
 import { DeckSetupContainer } from '../../DeckSetup'
 import { OffDeck } from '../../Offdeck'
@@ -27,7 +28,8 @@ vi.mock('../../DeckSetup')
 vi.mock('../StepSummary.tsx')
 vi.mock('../Timeline')
 vi.mock('../../../../feature-flags/selectors')
-
+vi.mock('../../../../file-data/selectors')
+vi.mock('../../../../organisms/Alerts')
 const render = () => {
   return renderWithProviders(<ProtocolSteps />, {
     i18nInstance: i18n,
@@ -53,6 +55,7 @@ const MOCK_STEP_FORMS = {
 
 describe('ProtocolSteps', () => {
   beforeEach(() => {
+    vi.mocked(getDesignerTab).mockReturnValue('protocolSteps')
     vi.mocked(TimelineToolbox).mockReturnValue(<div>mock TimelineToolbox</div>)
     vi.mocked(DeckSetupContainer).mockReturnValue(
       <div>mock DeckSetupContainer</div>
diff --git a/protocol-designer/src/pages/Designer/ProtocolSteps/index.tsx b/protocol-designer/src/pages/Designer/ProtocolSteps/index.tsx
index c2ca9ced4ee..3d51d8ef1f1 100644
--- a/protocol-designer/src/pages/Designer/ProtocolSteps/index.tsx
+++ b/protocol-designer/src/pages/Designer/ProtocolSteps/index.tsx
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ import {
   COLORS,
   DIRECTION_COLUMN,
   Flex,
+  JUSTIFY_CENTER,
   JUSTIFY_FLEX_END,
   JUSTIFY_FLEX_START,
   JUSTIFY_SPACE_BETWEEN,
@@ -33,6 +34,8 @@ import { TimelineToolbox, SubstepsToolbox } from './Timeline'
 import { StepForm } from './StepForm'
 import { StepSummary } from './StepSummary'
 import { BatchEditToolbox } from './BatchEditToolbox'
+import { getDesignerTab } from '../../../file-data/selectors'
+import { TimelineAlerts } from '../../../organisms'
 
 export function ProtocolSteps(): JSX.Element {
   const { i18n, t } = useTranslation('starting_deck_state')
@@ -40,6 +43,7 @@ export function ProtocolSteps(): JSX.Element {
   const isMultiSelectMode = useSelector(getIsMultiSelectMode)
   const selectedSubstep = useSelector(getSelectedSubstep)
   const enableHoyKeyDisplay = useSelector(getEnableHotKeysDisplay)
+  const tab = useSelector(getDesignerTab)
   const leftString = t('onDeck')
   const rightString = t('offDeck')
   const [deckView, setDeckView] = useState<
@@ -76,6 +80,16 @@ export function ProtocolSteps(): JSX.Element {
         justifyContent={JUSTIFY_FLEX_START}
       >
         <Flex flexDirection={DIRECTION_COLUMN} gridGap={SPACING.spacing16}>
+          {tab === 'protocolSteps' ? (
+            <Flex
+              justifyContent={JUSTIFY_CENTER}
+              width="100%"
+              paddingTop="2.34375rem"
+              paddingBottom="1.34375rem"
+            >
+              <TimelineAlerts />
+            </Flex>
+          ) : null}
           <Flex
             justifyContent={
               currentStep != null ? JUSTIFY_SPACE_BETWEEN : JUSTIFY_FLEX_END
diff --git a/protocol-designer/src/pages/Designer/__tests__/Designer.test.tsx b/protocol-designer/src/pages/Designer/__tests__/Designer.test.tsx
index 2b496cbe5e1..d7a05a8efe0 100644
--- a/protocol-designer/src/pages/Designer/__tests__/Designer.test.tsx
+++ b/protocol-designer/src/pages/Designer/__tests__/Designer.test.tsx
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ import { i18n } from '../../../assets/localization'
 import { renderWithProviders } from '../../../__testing-utils__'
 import { getDeckSetupForActiveItem } from '../../../top-selectors/labware-locations'
 import { selectors } from '../../../labware-ingred/selectors'
-import { getFileMetadata } from '../../../file-data/selectors'
+import { getDesignerTab, getFileMetadata } from '../../../file-data/selectors'
 import { generateNewProtocol } from '../../../labware-ingred/actions'
 import { DeckSetupContainer } from '../DeckSetup'
 import { Designer } from '../index'
@@ -44,6 +44,7 @@ const render = () => {
 
 describe('Designer', () => {
   beforeEach(() => {
+    vi.mocked(getDesignerTab).mockReturnValue('startingDeck')
     vi.mocked(ProtocolSteps).mockReturnValue(<div>mock ProtocolSteps</div>)
     vi.mocked(getFileMetadata).mockReturnValue({
       protocolName: 'mockProtocolName',
@@ -103,6 +104,7 @@ describe('Designer', () => {
   })
 
   it('renders the protocol steps page', () => {
+    vi.mocked(getDesignerTab).mockReturnValue('protocolSteps')
     render()
     fireEvent.click(screen.getByText('Protocol steps'))
     screen.getByText('mock ProtocolSteps')
diff --git a/protocol-designer/src/pages/Designer/index.tsx b/protocol-designer/src/pages/Designer/index.tsx
index f57fe016076..6dfd952ba97 100644
--- a/protocol-designer/src/pages/Designer/index.tsx
+++ b/protocol-designer/src/pages/Designer/index.tsx
@@ -23,7 +23,8 @@ import { useKitchen } from '../../organisms/Kitchen/hooks'
 import { getDeckSetupForActiveItem } from '../../top-selectors/labware-locations'
 import { generateNewProtocol } from '../../labware-ingred/actions'
 import { DefineLiquidsModal, ProtocolMetadataNav } from '../../organisms'
-import { getFileMetadata } from '../../file-data/selectors'
+import { selectDesignerTab } from '../../file-data/actions'
+import { getDesignerTab, getFileMetadata } from '../../file-data/selectors'
 import { DeckSetupContainer } from './DeckSetup'
 import { selectors } from '../../labware-ingred/selectors'
 import { OffDeck } from './Offdeck'
@@ -53,9 +54,7 @@ export function Designer(): JSX.Element {
   const isNewProtocol = useSelector(selectors.getIsNewProtocol)
   const [liquidOverflowMenu, showLiquidOverflowMenu] = useState<boolean>(false)
   const [showDefineLiquidModal, setDefineLiquidModal] = useState<boolean>(false)
-  const [tab, setTab] = useState<'startingDeck' | 'protocolSteps'>(
-    'startingDeck'
-  )
+  const tab = useSelector(getDesignerTab)
   const leftString = t('onDeck')
   const rightString = t('offDeck')
 
@@ -73,7 +72,7 @@ export function Designer(): JSX.Element {
     text: t('protocol_starting_deck'),
     isActive: tab === 'startingDeck',
     onClick: () => {
-      setTab('startingDeck')
+      dispatch(selectDesignerTab({ tab: 'startingDeck' }))
     },
   }
   const protocolStepTab = {
@@ -81,7 +80,7 @@ export function Designer(): JSX.Element {
     isActive: tab === 'protocolSteps',
     onClick: () => {
       if (hasTrashEntity) {
-        setTab('protocolSteps')
+        dispatch(selectDesignerTab({ tab: 'protocolSteps' }))
       } else {
         makeSnackbar(t('trash_required') as string)
       }
diff --git a/step-generation/src/commandCreators/atomic/aspirate.ts b/step-generation/src/commandCreators/atomic/aspirate.ts
index 663dac9388b..3d6726b8be2 100644
--- a/step-generation/src/commandCreators/atomic/aspirate.ts
+++ b/step-generation/src/commandCreators/atomic/aspirate.ts
@@ -64,7 +64,6 @@ export const aspirate: CommandCreator<ExtendedAspirateParams> = (
   if (!pipetteSpec) {
     errors.push(
       errorCreators.pipetteDoesNotExist({
-        actionName,
         pipette,
       })
     )
diff --git a/step-generation/src/commandCreators/atomic/blowout.ts b/step-generation/src/commandCreators/atomic/blowout.ts
index b56c57fc9db..8e97fc3114b 100644
--- a/step-generation/src/commandCreators/atomic/blowout.ts
+++ b/step-generation/src/commandCreators/atomic/blowout.ts
@@ -27,7 +27,6 @@ export const blowout: CommandCreator<BlowoutParams> = (
   if (!pipetteData) {
     errors.push(
       errorCreators.pipetteDoesNotExist({
-        actionName,
         pipette: pipetteId,
       })
     )
diff --git a/step-generation/src/commandCreators/atomic/dispense.ts b/step-generation/src/commandCreators/atomic/dispense.ts
index 31adbe7a5ab..c06e0035f7b 100644
--- a/step-generation/src/commandCreators/atomic/dispense.ts
+++ b/step-generation/src/commandCreators/atomic/dispense.ts
@@ -61,7 +61,6 @@ export const dispense: CommandCreator<ExtendedDispenseParams> = (
   if (!pipetteSpec) {
     errors.push(
       errorCreators.pipetteDoesNotExist({
-        actionName,
         pipette,
       })
     )
diff --git a/step-generation/src/commandCreators/atomic/moveToWell.ts b/step-generation/src/commandCreators/atomic/moveToWell.ts
index 34c36a1eb01..03ed52231bb 100644
--- a/step-generation/src/commandCreators/atomic/moveToWell.ts
+++ b/step-generation/src/commandCreators/atomic/moveToWell.ts
@@ -44,7 +44,6 @@ export const moveToWell: CommandCreator<v5MoveToWellParams> = (
   if (!pipetteSpec) {
     errors.push(
       errorCreators.pipetteDoesNotExist({
-        actionName,
         pipette,
       })
     )
diff --git a/step-generation/src/commandCreators/atomic/replaceTip.ts b/step-generation/src/commandCreators/atomic/replaceTip.ts
index 57828fe61e5..c516a1a4012 100644
--- a/step-generation/src/commandCreators/atomic/replaceTip.ts
+++ b/step-generation/src/commandCreators/atomic/replaceTip.ts
@@ -162,7 +162,6 @@ export const replaceTip: CommandCreator<ReplaceTipArgs> = (
     return {
       errors: [
         errorCreators.pipetteDoesNotExist({
-          actionName: 'replaceTip',
           pipette,
         }),
       ],
diff --git a/step-generation/src/commandCreators/atomic/touchTip.ts b/step-generation/src/commandCreators/atomic/touchTip.ts
index c84ccd61762..75047c0b610 100644
--- a/step-generation/src/commandCreators/atomic/touchTip.ts
+++ b/step-generation/src/commandCreators/atomic/touchTip.ts
@@ -18,7 +18,6 @@ export const touchTip: CommandCreator<TouchTipParams> = (
   if (!pipetteData) {
     errors.push(
       pipetteDoesNotExist({
-        actionName,
         pipette,
       })
     )
diff --git a/step-generation/src/commandCreators/compound/consolidate.ts b/step-generation/src/commandCreators/compound/consolidate.ts
index f60fa7b0ab1..94d20e255f0 100644
--- a/step-generation/src/commandCreators/compound/consolidate.ts
+++ b/step-generation/src/commandCreators/compound/consolidate.ts
@@ -85,7 +85,6 @@ export const consolidate: CommandCreator<ConsolidateArgs> = (
     nozzles,
   } = args
 
-  const actionName = 'consolidate'
   const pipetteData = prevRobotState.pipettes[args.pipette]
   const is96Channel =
     invariantContext.pipetteEntities[args.pipette]?.spec.channels === 96
@@ -95,7 +94,6 @@ export const consolidate: CommandCreator<ConsolidateArgs> = (
     return {
       errors: [
         errorCreators.pipetteDoesNotExist({
-          actionName,
           pipette: args.pipette,
         }),
       ],
diff --git a/step-generation/src/commandCreators/compound/distribute.ts b/step-generation/src/commandCreators/compound/distribute.ts
index 824435aeaaf..9c4c2cc865e 100644
--- a/step-generation/src/commandCreators/compound/distribute.ts
+++ b/step-generation/src/commandCreators/compound/distribute.ts
@@ -88,7 +88,6 @@ export const distribute: CommandCreator<DistributeArgs> = (
   ) {
     errors.push(
       errorCreators.pipetteDoesNotExist({
-        actionName,
         pipette: args.pipette,
       })
     )
diff --git a/step-generation/src/commandCreators/compound/mix.ts b/step-generation/src/commandCreators/compound/mix.ts
index dbfedcbf337..15ceb73221c 100644
--- a/step-generation/src/commandCreators/compound/mix.ts
+++ b/step-generation/src/commandCreators/compound/mix.ts
@@ -164,7 +164,6 @@ export const mix: CommandCreator<MixArgs> = (
     return {
       errors: [
         errorCreators.pipetteDoesNotExist({
-          actionName,
           pipette,
         }),
       ],
diff --git a/step-generation/src/commandCreators/compound/transfer.ts b/step-generation/src/commandCreators/compound/transfer.ts
index f2bc471b911..b6d8a508ec2 100644
--- a/step-generation/src/commandCreators/compound/transfer.ts
+++ b/step-generation/src/commandCreators/compound/transfer.ts
@@ -118,7 +118,6 @@ export const transfer: CommandCreator<TransferArgs> = (
     // bail out before doing anything else
     errors.push(
       errorCreators.pipetteDoesNotExist({
-        actionName,
         pipette: args.pipette,
       })
     )
diff --git a/step-generation/src/errorCreators.ts b/step-generation/src/errorCreators.ts
index a541c65e4ea..1684a129900 100644
--- a/step-generation/src/errorCreators.ts
+++ b/step-generation/src/errorCreators.ts
@@ -47,12 +47,11 @@ export function pipetteHasTip(): CommandCreatorError {
 }
 
 export function pipetteDoesNotExist(args: {
-  actionName: string
   pipette: string
 }): CommandCreatorError {
-  const { actionName, pipette } = args
+  const { pipette } = args
   return {
-    message: `Attempted to ${actionName} with pipette id "${pipette}", this pipette was not found under "pipettes"`,
+    message: `This step tries to use the ${pipette}. Add the pipette to your protocol or change the step to use a different pipette.`,
     type: 'PIPETTE_DOES_NOT_EXIST',
   }
 }
@@ -77,7 +76,7 @@ export function labwareDoesNotExist(args: {
     `Attempted to ${actionName} with labware id "${labware}", this labware was not found under "labware"`
   )
   return {
-    message: 'A step involves labware that has been deleted',
+    message: `This step tries to use ${labware}. Add the labware to your protocol or change the step to use a different labware.`,
     type: 'LABWARE_DOES_NOT_EXIST',
   }
 }
@@ -102,9 +101,9 @@ export function tipVolumeExceeded(args: {
   volume: string | number
   maxVolume: string | number
 }): CommandCreatorError {
-  const { actionName, volume, maxVolume } = args
+  const { volume, maxVolume, actionName } = args
   return {
-    message: `Attempted to ${actionName} volume greater than tip max volume (${volume} > ${maxVolume})`,
+    message: `This step tries to ${actionName} ${volume}μL, but the tip can only hold ${maxVolume}μL.`,
     type: 'TIP_VOLUME_EXCEEDED',
   }
 }
@@ -119,7 +118,7 @@ export function pipetteVolumeExceeded(args: {
   const message =
     disposalVolume != null
       ? `Attemped to ${actionName} volume + disposal volume greater than pipette max volume (${volume} + ${disposalVolume} > ${maxVolume})`
-      : `Attempted to ${actionName} volume greater than pipette max volume (${volume} > ${maxVolume})`
+      : `This step tries to ${actionName} ${volume}μL, but the tip can only hold ${maxVolume}μL.`
   return {
     message,
     type: 'PIPETTE_VOLUME_EXCEEDED',
@@ -236,7 +235,7 @@ export const dropTipLocationDoesNotExist = (): CommandCreatorError => {
 export const equipmentDoesNotExist = (): CommandCreatorError => {
   return {
     type: 'EQUIPMENT_DOES_NOT_EXIST',
-    message: `The equipment does not exist`,
+    message: `Equipment does not exist.`,
   }
 }