diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 10a73ec..6dbac58 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -1,32 +1,40 @@
-# Illuscape
+<div align="center">
 
-> Inkscape configured for Adobe Illustrator migrants.
+# 🎨 Illuscape
 
-Illuscape patches Inkscape's config to match Illustrator's keyboard shortcuts,
-workspace layout, scroll/zoom behavior, color palettes, and document templates —
-without modifying Inkscape itself.
+**Inkscape that feels like Adobe Illustrator — keyboard shortcuts, scroll behavior, palettes, and templates, without touching Inkscape itself.**
 
-## What it does
+[![License: MIT](https://img.shields.io/badge/license-MIT-blue.svg)](LICENSE)
+[![Inkscape](https://img.shields.io/badge/inkscape-%3E%3D1.2-orange.svg)](https://inkscape.org/)
+[![Platform](https://img.shields.io/badge/platform-linux-lightgrey.svg)](#requirements)
 
-| Feature | Detail |
-|---------|--------|
-| Keyboard shortcuts | Adobe Illustrator CC or CS6 presets — your choice at install |
-| Scroll/zoom | Mouse wheel pans (not zooms); Ctrl+wheel zooms — matching Illustrator |
-| Canvas | White background, cyan guides, rubber-band selection (touching, not enclosed) |
-| Node handles | Square handles, rotation handles hidden until needed |
-| Palettes | Illustrator Defaults, Grays, and Earth Tones swatches |
-| Templates | Letter, A4, Web 1920x1080, Web 1280x720, Print CMYK Letter, Print CMYK A4 |
-| Symbols | Common symbol library (arrows, checkmark, star, cross) |
-| Recent files | 20 (matching Illustrator; Inkscape default is 4) |
-| Single-window mode | On by default |
+</div>
 
-## Requirements
+---
 
-- Inkscape 1.2 or later
-- Python 3.8+
-- Bash 4+
+Illuscape is a config patch for Inkscape, modeled after [PhotoGIMP](https://github.com/Diolinux/PhotoGIMP). It installs replacement and overlay config files — keyboard maps, scroll/zoom prefs, palettes, templates, and a symbol library — so Inkscape behaves the way Illustrator users expect.
 
-## Install
+Nothing in Inkscape itself is modified. Uninstalling fully restores your original config.
+
+---
+
+## What changes
+
+| Feature | What Illuscape sets |
+|---|---|
+| **Keyboard shortcuts** | Adobe Illustrator CC or CS6 presets — choose at install |
+| **Scroll and zoom** | Mouse wheel pans (not zooms); Ctrl+wheel zooms |
+| **Canvas** | White background, cyan guides, rubber-band selection (touching, not enclosed) |
+| **Node handles** | Square handles; rotation handles hidden until needed |
+| **Palettes** | Illustrator Defaults, Grays, and Earth Tones swatches |
+| **Templates** | Letter, A4, Web 1920×1080, Web 1280×720, Print CMYK Letter, Print CMYK A4 |
+| **Symbol library** | Arrows, checkmark, star, cross |
+| **Recent files** | 20 entries (Illustrator default; Inkscape default is 4) |
+| **Single-window mode** | On by default |
+
+---
+
+## Quick start
 
 ```bash
 git clone https://git.opensourcesolarpunk.com/Circuit-Forge/illuscape
@@ -36,32 +44,48 @@ cd illuscape
 
 Follow the prompt to choose your Illustrator era (CC or CS6), then open Inkscape.
 
-### Non-interactive (for scripts / MenagerieOS)
+---
 
-```bash
-./install.sh --preset=cc --yes
-# or
-./install.sh --preset=cs6 --yes
-```
+## Install
+
+### Requirements
+
+- Inkscape 1.2 or later
+- Python 3.8+
+- Bash 4+
 
 ### Supported Inkscape installs
 
-- Native (apt, pacman, etc.)
+- Native (apt, pacman, dnf, etc.)
 - Flatpak (`org.inkscape.Inkscape`)
 - Snap
 
+### Non-interactive install (scripts / automated setup)
+
+```bash
+# Illustrator CC shortcuts
+./install.sh --preset=cc --yes
+
+# Illustrator CS6 shortcuts
+./install.sh --preset=cs6 --yes
+```
+
+---
+
 ## Uninstall
 
 ```bash
 ./uninstall.sh
 ```
 
-Your original Inkscape config is restored from the backup created at install time.
+Your original Inkscape config is restored from the timestamped backup created at install time.
 
-## Tool mapping from Illustrator to Inkscape
+---
+
+## Tool reference — Illustrator to Inkscape
 
 | Illustrator tool | Key | Inkscape equivalent |
-|-----------------|-----|---------------------|
+|---|---|---|
 | Selection | V | Selection tool |
 | Direct Selection | A | Node tool |
 | Pen | P | Pen tool |
@@ -70,9 +94,9 @@ Your original Inkscape config is restored from the backup created at install tim
 | Type | T | Text tool |
 | Rectangle | M | Rectangle tool |
 | Ellipse | L | Ellipse tool |
-| Rotate | R | Transform > Rotate |
-| Scale | S | Transform > Scale |
-| Reflect | O | Transform > Flip |
+| Rotate | R | Transform — Rotate |
+| Scale | S | Transform — Scale |
+| Reflect | O | Transform — Flip |
 | Gradient | G | Gradient tool |
 | **Mesh** | **U** | **Mesh Gradient tool (direct equivalent)** |
 | Eyedropper | I | Dropper tool |
@@ -84,7 +108,9 @@ Your original Inkscape config is restored from the backup created at install tim
 | Symbol Sprayer | Shift+S | Spray tool (clone mode) |
 | Live Paint | K | Paint Bucket tool |
 
-## Planned extensions (post-v1)
+---
+
+## Planned (post-v1)
 
 - Artboards panel
 - Character Styles
@@ -92,9 +118,11 @@ Your original Inkscape config is restored from the backup created at install tim
 - Object Styles
 - Export for Screens (1x/2x/3x batch)
 
+---
+
 ## Contributing
 
-See [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md).
+See [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md). Issues and PRs welcome.
 
 ## License