diff --git a/.github/workflows/ci.yml b/.github/workflows/ci.yml
index 1c76b71..30de1e9 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/ci.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/ci.yml
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ name: Planer CI
 on:
   workflow_dispatch:
   push:
-    branches: [develop, main]
+    branches: [develop]
   pull_request:
     branches: [develop, main]
 
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ jobs:
           node-version: 22
           cache: npm
       - run: npm ci
+      - run: npm run check:version
       - run: npm run lint
       - run: npm run build
 
@@ -41,7 +42,7 @@ jobs:
       - run: npm run tauri build
       - uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
         with:
-          name: Planer-0.1.0-Windows
+          name: Planer-Windows-${{ github.sha }}
           path: |
             src-tauri/target/release/bundle/nsis/*.exe
             src-tauri/target/release/bundle/msi/*.msi
diff --git a/.github/workflows/release.yml b/.github/workflows/release.yml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a8a57c2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/workflows/release.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,89 @@
+name: Publish Planer Release
+
+on:
+  push:
+    branches: [main]
+  workflow_dispatch:
+
+permissions:
+  contents: write
+
+concurrency:
+  group: planer-release
+  cancel-in-progress: false
+
+jobs:
+  quality:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    outputs:
+      version: ${{ steps.version.outputs.version }}
+      tag: ${{ steps.version.outputs.tag }}
+    steps:
+      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
+      - uses: actions/setup-node@v4
+        with:
+          node-version: 22
+          cache: npm
+      - run: npm ci
+      - run: npm run check:version
+      - run: npm run lint
+      - run: npm run build
+      - id: version
+        shell: bash
+        run: |
+          version=$(node -p "require('./package.json').version")
+          echo "version=$version" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+          echo "tag=v$version" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+
+  windows-installer:
+    runs-on: windows-latest
+    needs: quality
+    steps:
+      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
+      - uses: actions/setup-node@v4
+        with:
+          node-version: 22
+          cache: npm
+      - uses: dtolnay/rust-toolchain@stable
+      - run: npm ci
+      - run: npm run tauri build
+      - name: Collect release installers
+        shell: pwsh
+        run: |
+          New-Item -ItemType Directory -Path release-assets -Force | Out-Null
+          Copy-Item src-tauri/target/release/bundle/nsis/*.exe release-assets/
+          Copy-Item src-tauri/target/release/bundle/msi/*.msi release-assets/
+      - uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
+        with:
+          name: Planer-${{ needs.quality.outputs.version }}-Windows
+          path: release-assets/*
+          if-no-files-found: error
+
+  publish:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    needs: [quality, windows-installer]
+    env:
+      GH_TOKEN: ${{ github.token }}
+      RELEASE_TAG: ${{ needs.quality.outputs.tag }}
+      RELEASE_VERSION: ${{ needs.quality.outputs.version }}
+    steps:
+      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
+      - uses: actions/download-artifact@v4
+        with:
+          name: Planer-${{ needs.quality.outputs.version }}-Windows
+          path: release-assets
+      - name: Refuse duplicate release versions
+        shell: bash
+        run: |
+          if gh release view "$RELEASE_TAG" --repo "$GITHUB_REPOSITORY" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+            echo "Release $RELEASE_TAG already exists. Bump the version before publishing another installer."
+            exit 1
+          fi
+      - name: Publish GitHub Release
+        shell: bash
+        run: |
+          gh release create "$RELEASE_TAG" release-assets/* \
+            --repo "$GITHUB_REPOSITORY" \
+            --target "$GITHUB_SHA" \
+            --title "Planer $RELEASE_VERSION" \
+            --generate-notes
diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index b043e9f..6ed36db 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -15,6 +15,8 @@ All notable changes to Planer are documented here.
 - `.planer` and `.excalidraw` JSON exports.
 - Windows CI workflow for lint, web build, and Tauri installer artifacts.
 - Manual CI dispatch, concurrency protection, and repository governance documents.
+- Automated version consistency validation across npm, Tauri, and Cargo metadata.
+- GitHub Release publishing with attached Windows NSIS and MSI installers.
 
 ### Removed
 
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 6736cec..a744dd5 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -2,65 +2,67 @@
 
 # Planer
 
-**A focused, local-first visual planning workspace for Windows.**
+### Visual planning, without the overhead.
+
+**A fast, local-first Windows workspace for diagrams, workflows, architecture, and visual thinking.**
 
 Open → Draw → Connect → Organize → Explain → Export
 
-![Version](https://img.shields.io/badge/version-0.1.0-2563eb)
-![Platform](https://img.shields.io/badge/platform-Windows-0f172a)
+[![Latest release](https://img.shields.io/github/v/release/sufyanaser/Planer?display_name=tag&sort=semver&label=release&color=2563eb)](https://github.com/sufyanaser/Planer/releases/latest)
+[![Planer CI](https://github.com/sufyanaser/Planer/actions/workflows/ci.yml/badge.svg?branch=develop)](https://github.com/sufyanaser/Planer/actions/workflows/ci.yml)
+![Windows](https://img.shields.io/badge/platform-Windows-0f172a)
+![Local first](https://img.shields.io/badge/data-local--first-16a34a)
 ![Tauri](https://img.shields.io/badge/Tauri-v2-24c8db)
-![Development](https://img.shields.io/badge/status-active%20development-f59e0b)
+
+**[Download the latest Windows release](https://github.com/sufyanaser/Planer/releases/latest)** · [Product blueprint](docs/PLANER_PRODUCT_BLUEPRINT_V1.md) · [Changelog](CHANGELOG.md)
 
 </div>
 
 > [!IMPORTANT]
-> Planer is currently an early `0.1.0` baseline. The core workspace is functional, but the application is not yet a stable public release. Active development happens on `develop`; verified releases are promoted to `main`.
+> Planer is in early development. Version `0.1.0` establishes the desktop, project, board, canvas, autosave, and export foundation. Back up important work using `.planer` export while the native file workflow is still evolving.
 
-## What is Planer?
+## Why Planer exists
 
-Planer is a lightweight desktop application for visual thinking, diagramming, and workflow planning. It combines the Excalidraw canvas engine with a dedicated project and multi-board workspace while keeping data on the user's device.
+Most diagram tools force a choice between a generic drawing surface and a heavy project platform. Planer is being built for the space between them: an immediate infinite canvas wrapped in a focused project and multi-board workflow.
 
-It is designed for work such as:
+It is intended for:
 
 - flowcharts, mind maps, and concept maps;
 - system, API, database, and user-flow diagrams;
 - broadcast, studio, and production workflows;
-- project architecture and feature planning;
-- visual notes and technical explanations.
-
-Planer is inspired by the speed and directness of modern infinite-canvas tools, but it is being developed as an independent product rather than an Excalidraw fork or a draw.io derivative.
-
-## Available in `0.1.0`
+- product architecture and feature planning;
+- visual notes, technical explanations, and decision maps.
 
-### Workspace
+Planer uses the Excalidraw package as its canvas engine, but it is an independent product—not an Excalidraw fork and not a continuation of the repository's former draw.io scaffold.
 
-- Infinite canvas powered by `@excalidraw/excalidraw`.
-- Standard drawing, text, connector, selection, grouping, alignment, zoom, and editing tools provided by the canvas engine.
-- Focused desktop shell with light and dark appearance modes.
-- Project and active-board identity in the workspace header.
+## What works today
 
-### Projects and boards
+| Area | Available in `0.1.0` |
+| --- | --- |
+| Canvas | Infinite canvas, shapes, text, connectors, free draw, image, eraser, frames, selection, grouping, alignment, zoom, pan, undo, and redo through Excalidraw |
+| Projects | Local launcher; create, open, rename, and delete projects |
+| Boards | Multiple independent boards; create, switch, rename, duplicate, and delete |
+| Persistence | Debounced autosave to local IndexedDB |
+| Appearance | Light and dark workspace modes |
+| Export | Complete project as `.planer` JSON; active board as `.excalidraw` JSON |
+| Privacy | No account, login, telemetry, cloud sync, or network dependency for normal use |
+| Desktop | Tauri v2 Windows application with MSI and NSIS installer targets |
 
-- Local project launcher with recent projects.
-- Create, open, rename, and delete projects.
-- Multiple boards inside each project.
-- Create, switch, rename, duplicate, and delete boards.
-- Independent scene data for every board.
+## Install on Windows
 
-### Local data and export
+1. Open [GitHub Releases](https://github.com/sufyanaser/Planer/releases/latest).
+2. Download the `.exe` installer for the simplest setup, or the `.msi` package for managed Windows deployment.
+3. Run the installer and launch **Planer**.
 
-- Automatic local persistence through IndexedDB.
-- Debounced autosave while editing.
-- Export an entire project as `.planer` JSON.
-- Export the active board as `.excalidraw` JSON.
-- No account, login, cloud service, or network dependency for normal workspace use.
+Every published release is built by GitHub Actions from the verified `main` branch. Development builds and temporary CI artifacts are not treated as releases.
 
-## Product model
+> [!NOTE]
+> Windows may show a reputation warning for early unsigned builds. Verify that the installer came from this repository's Releases page before continuing.
 
-A Planer project is a portable visual workspace containing its metadata, settings, and boards:
+## The Planer workflow
 
 ```text
-NAS APP.planer
+Project
 ├── Overview
 ├── Architecture
 ├── User Flow
@@ -68,37 +70,59 @@ NAS APP.planer
 └── Notes
 ```
 
-The current `.planer` export is JSON-based. Import, packaged assets, migration guarantees, and a finalized public file specification remain future work; do not treat the `0.1.0` structure as a stable interchange contract yet.
+Each board owns its own canvas scene. Switching boards preserves the scene inside the active project, and project changes are saved automatically on the device.
+
+The current `.planer` format is readable JSON containing project metadata, settings, boards, and their scene data. It is an early format: native import, packaged assets, migrations, and a stable public file specification are still planned.
 
-## Privacy and offline behavior
+## Data, privacy, and backups
 
-Planer follows a local-first model:
+Planer is local-first by design:
 
-- project state is stored in the application's local IndexedDB database;
-- canvas changes are saved automatically on the device;
-- no telemetry, analytics, account system, or cloud synchronization is implemented;
-- deleting application data or browser/WebView storage may remove locally saved projects.
+- project state lives in the application's local IndexedDB database;
+- canvas edits are autosaved on the device;
+- no telemetry or analytics are implemented;
+- no Planer account or remote service is required;
+- clearing application/WebView data can remove locally stored projects.
 
-Until native file import and backup workflows are completed, export important projects regularly as `.planer` files.
+Until native open/import and backup recovery are complete, regularly export important projects as `.planer` files and keep those files in a separate backed-up folder.
 
-## Installation
+## Architecture
 
-Planer targets Windows through Tauri v2. The repository includes CI configuration for NSIS and MSI installers, but `0.1.0` should be considered development software until a verified installer is published under [Releases](../../releases).
+```mermaid
+flowchart TD
+    A["Planer AppShell"] --> B["Project Launcher"]
+    A --> C["Workspace"]
+    C --> D["Board Management"]
+    C --> E["Excalidraw Canvas"]
+    D --> F["Zustand Store"]
+    E --> F
+    F --> G["IndexedDB Autosave"]
+    F --> H["Planer / Excalidraw Export"]
+```
 
-For development builds, follow the setup below.
+| Layer | Technology | Responsibility |
+| --- | --- | --- |
+| Desktop | Tauri v2 | Native window, Windows runtime, MSI and NSIS packaging |
+| UI | React 18 + TypeScript | Launcher, workspace, board bar, and actions |
+| Build | Vite 7 | Development server and production frontend bundle |
+| Canvas | Excalidraw 0.18 | Scene rendering and drawing interaction |
+| State | Zustand 5 | Active view, theme, project, and board state |
+| Persistence | IndexedDB | Local project storage and autosave |
+| Icons | Lucide React | Product interface icons |
 
-## Development setup
+## Development
 
 ### Requirements
 
 - Node.js 20 or newer
 - npm 10 or newer
 - Rust stable toolchain
-- Tauri v2 Windows prerequisites, including Microsoft C++ Build Tools and WebView2
+- Tauri v2 platform prerequisites
+- On Windows: Microsoft C++ Build Tools and WebView2
 
-See the official [Tauri prerequisites](https://v2.tauri.app/start/prerequisites/) for platform-specific setup.
+See the official [Tauri prerequisites](https://v2.tauri.app/start/prerequisites/) for complete platform setup.
 
-### Run the web workspace
+### Start the web workspace
 
 ```bash
 git clone https://github.com/sufyanaser/Planer.git
@@ -108,102 +132,79 @@ npm ci
 npm run dev
 ```
 
-Vite serves the application at `http://localhost:1420` by default.
+The Vite development server runs at `http://localhost:1420` by default.
 
-### Run the desktop application
+### Start the desktop application
 
 ```bash
 npm run tauri dev
 ```
 
-### Quality gates
-
-Every meaningful change must pass both checks before it is committed or pushed:
+### Validate a change
 
 ```bash
+npm run check:version
 npm run lint
 npm run build
 ```
 
 ### Build Windows installers
 
-On a configured Windows development machine:
-
 ```bash
 npm run tauri build
 ```
 
-Tauri produces the configured NSIS and MSI bundles under `src-tauri/target/release/bundle/`.
+Installers are produced under `src-tauri/target/release/bundle/nsis/` and `src-tauri/target/release/bundle/msi/`.
 
-## Scripts
+## Commands
 
 | Command | Purpose |
 | --- | --- |
 | `npm run dev` | Start the Vite development server |
-| `npm run build` | Type-check and build the production web bundle |
+| `npm run build` | Type-check and build the production frontend |
 | `npm run lint` | Run ESLint with zero warnings allowed |
-| `npm run preview` | Preview the production web build |
-| `npm run tauri dev` | Run Planer in the Tauri desktop shell |
-| `npm run tauri build` | Build native desktop installers |
+| `npm run check:version` | Verify npm, Tauri, and Cargo versions are identical |
+| `npm run preview` | Preview the production frontend |
+| `npm run tauri dev` | Run the native desktop shell in development |
+| `npm run tauri build` | Build the native desktop installers |
 
-## Architecture
-
-```mermaid
-flowchart TD
-    A[Planer AppShell] --> B[Project Launcher]
-    A --> C[Workspace]
-    C --> D[Board Management]
-    C --> E[Excalidraw Canvas]
-    D --> F[Zustand Store]
-    E --> F
-    F --> G[IndexedDB Persistence]
-    F --> H[Planer / Excalidraw Export]
-```
-
-| Layer | Technology | Responsibility |
-| --- | --- | --- |
-| Desktop shell | Tauri v2 | Native Windows window and installer packaging |
-| Interface | React 18 + TypeScript | Launcher, workspace, board bar, and contextual actions |
-| Build system | Vite 7 | Development server and production frontend bundle |
-| Canvas | Excalidraw 0.18 | Drawing and scene interaction engine |
-| State | Zustand 5 | Project, board, theme, and active-view state |
-| Persistence | IndexedDB | Local project storage and autosave |
-| Icons | Lucide React | Application interface icons |
-
-## Repository structure
+## Repository layout
 
 ```text
 Planer/
-├── .github/workflows/       # Quality checks and Windows packaging
+├── .github/workflows/       # CI and release publishing
 ├── docs/                    # Product and architecture documents
+├── scripts/                 # Repository validation scripts
 ├── src/
 │   ├── components/          # Launcher, workspace, canvas, and board UI
 │   ├── services/            # Project creation and local persistence
-│   ├── store/               # Zustand application state
-│   ├── styles/              # Application styles
-│   └── types.ts             # Project and board data contracts
-├── src-tauri/               # Tauri configuration, Rust shell, and icons
+│   ├── store/               # Zustand state
+│   ├── styles/              # Product styling
+│   └── types.ts             # Project and board contracts
+├── src-tauri/               # Rust shell, Tauri config, and app icons
 ├── CHANGELOG.md
 └── package.json
 ```
 
-## Development workflow
+## Branch and release policy
 
-| Branch | Role |
+| Branch | Purpose |
 | --- | --- |
 | `develop` | Source of truth for active development |
-| `main` | Verified stable versions only |
+| `main` | Verified release source only |
+
+A release is not merely an Actions artifact. The repository follows this gate:
 
-The project is developed in small operational phases:
+1. make a focused change from `develop`;
+2. keep `package.json`, `src-tauri/tauri.conf.json`, and `src-tauri/Cargo.toml` versions aligned;
+3. update `CHANGELOG.md`;
+4. pass version check, lint, and production build;
+5. build both Windows installer formats in CI;
+6. promote the verified commit to `main`;
+7. create the version tag and GitHub Release;
+8. attach the `.exe` and `.msi` installers to the Release.
 
-1. make a focused change on `develop`;
-2. run `npm run lint`;
-3. run `npm run build`;
-4. inspect Git status and the final diff;
-5. bump the version when the change produces a new installed build;
-6. update `CHANGELOG.md`;
-7. commit and push only after all gates pass;
-8. build and verify the Windows installer before promoting a release.
+Failed validation or packaging blocks publication. A new installed build must use a new version number.
 
 ## Roadmap
 
@@ -215,17 +216,17 @@ The project is developed in small operational phases:
 - [x] Project and multi-board state model
 - [x] IndexedDB autosave baseline
 - [x] `.planer` and `.excalidraw` export
-- [ ] Verified Windows installer release
+- [x] Automated Windows installer and Release pipeline
 - [ ] Native project open/import and backup workflow
 
-### Core product layer
+### Core product
 
-- [ ] Stable `.planer` file specification and migrations
+- [ ] Stable `.planer` specification and migrations
 - [ ] Native filesystem persistence through Tauri
 - [ ] Board reordering and project-level search
-- [ ] PNG, SVG, PDF, and clipboard export workflows
-- [ ] Grid and snap controls integrated into the Planer shell
-- [ ] Automated tests and end-to-end desktop verification
+- [ ] PNG, SVG, PDF, and clipboard export
+- [ ] Planer-level grid and snap controls
+- [ ] Automated UI and desktop end-to-end tests
 
 ### Structured planning
 
@@ -235,31 +236,25 @@ The project is developed in small operational phases:
 - [ ] Templates
 - [ ] Search across boards
 
-The complete product definition is documented in [`docs/PLANER_PRODUCT_BLUEPRINT_V1.md`](docs/PLANER_PRODUCT_BLUEPRINT_V1.md).
+The detailed scope and product boundaries live in the [Planer Product Blueprint](docs/PLANER_PRODUCT_BLUEPRINT_V1.md).
 
 ## Deliberate V1 boundaries
 
-To protect speed and stability, V1 does not include accounts, cloud sync, team workspaces, real-time collaboration, chat, video, AI, a plugin marketplace, Kanban management, 3D, animation, or a presentation engine.
+V1 does not include accounts, cloud sync, team workspaces, real-time collaboration, chat, video, AI, a plugin marketplace, Kanban management, 3D, animation, or a presentation engine. These exclusions protect startup speed and the stability of the core canvas and data model.
 
-## Contributing
+## Contributing and security
 
-Planer is in active foundational development. Before proposing a large feature, open an issue to confirm that it fits the product scope and current phase. Keep pull requests focused and include the validation commands used.
+Planer is still in foundational development. Discuss large features in an issue before implementation, keep changes focused, and report the validation commands used.
 
-Security issues must not be reported through a public issue. Use [GitHub's private vulnerability reporting](https://github.com/sufyanaser/Planer/security/advisories/new) instead.
-
-## Changelog
-
-Release history and notable changes are recorded in [`CHANGELOG.md`](CHANGELOG.md).
+Do not report security vulnerabilities in a public issue. Use [GitHub private vulnerability reporting](https://github.com/sufyanaser/Planer/security/advisories/new).
 
 ## License
 
-No open-source license has been selected yet. Until a license is added, the repository is **not** implicitly open source and no permission is granted to copy, modify, or redistribute the code beyond rights provided by applicable law.
-
-Legacy draw.io files and licensing metadata were removed when the current Planer architecture replaced the previous scaffold.
+No open-source license has been selected. Unless a license is added, no permission is granted to copy, modify, or redistribute the source beyond rights provided by applicable law.
 
 ---
 
 <div align="center">
   <strong>Planer</strong><br />
-  Visual planning that stays focused and stays local.
+  Focused visual planning. Local by default.
 </div>
diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
index 1d33d66..e9c4fb0 100644
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
   "scripts": {
     "dev": "vite",
     "build": "tsc -b && vite build",
+    "check:version": "node scripts/check-version.mjs",
     "lint": "eslint . --max-warnings 0",
     "preview": "vite preview",
     "tauri": "tauri"
diff --git a/scripts/check-version.mjs b/scripts/check-version.mjs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cfa5b22
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/check-version.mjs
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+import { readFile } from "node:fs/promises";
+
+const packageJson = JSON.parse(await readFile(new URL("../package.json", import.meta.url), "utf8"));
+const tauriConfig = JSON.parse(
+  await readFile(new URL("../src-tauri/tauri.conf.json", import.meta.url), "utf8"),
+);
+const cargoToml = await readFile(new URL("../src-tauri/Cargo.toml", import.meta.url), "utf8");
+const cargoVersion = cargoToml.match(/^version\s*=\s*"([^"]+)"/m)?.[1];
+
+const versions = {
+  package: packageJson.version,
+  tauri: tauriConfig.version,
+  cargo: cargoVersion,
+};
+
+const uniqueVersions = new Set(Object.values(versions));
+
+if (!cargoVersion || uniqueVersions.size !== 1) {
+  console.error("Planer version mismatch:", versions);
+  process.exit(1);
+}
+
+console.log(`Planer version ${packageJson.version} is consistent.`);