diff --git a/k8s/railiance/bootstrap-job.yaml b/k8s/railiance/bootstrap-job.yaml
index aef4999..487763d 100644
--- a/k8s/railiance/bootstrap-job.yaml
+++ b/k8s/railiance/bootstrap-job.yaml
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ spec:
         fsGroup: 10001
       containers:
         - name: bootstrap
-          image: forgejo.coulomb.social/coulomb/target-revenue:0.1.3
+          image: forgejo.coulomb.social/coulomb/target-revenue:0.1.4
           imagePullPolicy: IfNotPresent
           env:
             - name: TRF_BOOTSTRAP_BINKY
diff --git a/k8s/railiance/deployment.yaml b/k8s/railiance/deployment.yaml
index 7c37cab..1c9d8c7 100644
--- a/k8s/railiance/deployment.yaml
+++ b/k8s/railiance/deployment.yaml
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ spec:
         fsGroup: 10001
       containers:
         - name: target-revenue
-          image: forgejo.coulomb.social/coulomb/target-revenue:0.1.3
+          image: forgejo.coulomb.social/coulomb/target-revenue:0.1.4
           imagePullPolicy: IfNotPresent
           ports:
             - name: http
diff --git a/k8s/railiance/migrate-job.yaml b/k8s/railiance/migrate-job.yaml
index ff8f1c1..8bbdc12 100644
--- a/k8s/railiance/migrate-job.yaml
+++ b/k8s/railiance/migrate-job.yaml
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ spec:
         fsGroup: 10001
       containers:
         - name: migrate
-          image: forgejo.coulomb.social/coulomb/target-revenue:0.1.3
+          image: forgejo.coulomb.social/coulomb/target-revenue:0.1.4
           imagePullPolicy: IfNotPresent
           env:
             - name: TRF_RUN_MIGRATIONS
diff --git a/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_app.py b/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_app.py
index 2063317..a4cd4b6 100644
--- a/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_app.py
+++ b/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_app.py
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ from psycopg_pool import ConnectionPool
 from starlette.middleware.sessions import SessionMiddleware
 
 from .. import breach_record, control_plane, ledger, metrics, registry
-from . import keys, reference_docs
+from . import guidance, keys, reference_docs
 
 _STATIC_DIR = os.path.join(os.path.dirname(__file__), "static")
 _TEMPLATES_DIR = os.path.join(os.path.dirname(__file__), "control_plane_templates")
@@ -201,8 +201,27 @@ def dashboard(
     conn: Connection = Depends(get_connection),
 ):
     phases = registry.list_phase_manifests_for_licensor(conn, licensor.licensor_id)
+    pending = 0
+    if registry.has_right(licensor.rights, "operator"):
+        pending = len(control_plane.list_proposed_entries(conn, status="pending"))
+    first_id = phases[0]["phase"]["id"] if phases else None
+    next_steps = guidance.dashboard_guidance(
+        rights=licensor.rights,
+        phase_count=len(phases),
+        pending_proposals=pending,
+        root_path=_root_path(request),
+        first_phase_id=first_id,
+    )
     return templates.TemplateResponse(
-        request, "dashboard.html", _template_context(request, licensor, phases=phases)
+        request,
+        "dashboard.html",
+        _template_context(
+            request,
+            licensor,
+            phases=phases,
+            next_steps=next_steps,
+            pending_proposals=pending,
+        ),
     )
 
 
@@ -291,6 +310,27 @@ def phase_detail(
     phase_attestation = control_plane.get_or_publish_attestation(
         conn, phase_id, signing_key
     )
+    extension_count = len(registry.list_extensions(conn))
+    pending_for_phase = 0
+    if registry.has_right(licensor.rights, "operator"):
+        pending_for_phase = len(
+            control_plane.list_proposed_entries(conn, phase_id=phase_id, status="pending")
+        )
+    next_steps = guidance.phase_guidance(
+        rights=licensor.rights,
+        root_path=_root_path(request),
+        phase_id=phase_id,
+        metrics=computed_metrics,
+        ledger_len=len(entries),
+        extension_count=extension_count,
+        has_attestation=phase_attestation is not None,
+        pending_proposals_for_phase=pending_for_phase,
+    )
+    checklist = guidance.phase_lifecycle_checklist(
+        ledger_len=len(entries),
+        metrics=computed_metrics,
+        has_attestation=phase_attestation is not None,
+    )
     return templates.TemplateResponse(
         request,
         "phase_detail.html",
@@ -302,6 +342,8 @@ def phase_detail(
             metrics=computed_metrics,
             breaches=breaches,
             attestation=phase_attestation,
+            next_steps=next_steps,
+            checklist=checklist,
         ),
     )
 
diff --git a/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_templates/base.html b/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_templates/base.html
index 46ce3ba..6abb182 100644
--- a/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_templates/base.html
+++ b/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_templates/base.html
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@
 }
 </script>
 <script type="module" src="{{ root_path }}/static/whynot-design/index.js"></script>
+<link rel="stylesheet" href="{{ root_path }}/static/control-plane.css">
 <style>
   body { max-width: 960px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 1.5rem; font-family: system-ui, sans-serif; }
   form.wn-form { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 0.75rem; max-width: 480px; }
@@ -20,7 +21,7 @@
   form.wn-form input, form.wn-form select, form.wn-form textarea {
     padding: 0.5rem 0.6rem; font-size: 1rem; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 4px;
   }
-  form.wn-form button[type=submit] {
+  form.wn-form button[type=submit], form.wn-form button[type=submit].secondary {
     padding: 0.55rem 1rem; font-size: 1rem; cursor: pointer;
     background: #1a1a1a; color: #fff; border: none; border-radius: 4px; width: fit-content;
   }
@@ -93,6 +94,19 @@
       });
     });
   });
+
+  // Guided-step anchors: smooth-scroll + brief highlight.
+  document.querySelectorAll("[data-cp-scroll]").forEach(function (link) {
+    link.addEventListener("click", function (ev) {
+      var id = link.getAttribute("data-cp-scroll");
+      var el = id && document.getElementById(id);
+      if (!el) return;
+      ev.preventDefault();
+      el.scrollIntoView({ behavior: "smooth", block: "start" });
+      el.classList.add("cp-section-highlight");
+      setTimeout(function () { el.classList.remove("cp-section-highlight"); }, 1800);
+    });
+  });
 })();
 </script>
 </body>
diff --git a/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_templates/dashboard.html b/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_templates/dashboard.html
index 7ad20ec..ba2b422 100644
--- a/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_templates/dashboard.html
+++ b/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_templates/dashboard.html
@@ -1,24 +1,54 @@
 {% extends "base.html" %}
+{% from "macros.html" import help_bubble, render_next_steps %}
 {% block title %}Dashboard — Target Revenue Control Plane{% endblock %}
 {% block content %}
 <wn-page-header>
-  <span slot="title">Phases for {{ session_licensor_id }}</span>
+  <span slot="title">
+    Phases for {{ session_licensor_id }}
+    {{ help_bubble(
+      "A Phase is one monetization undertaking: an Initial Target, Milestone Release, "
+      "Future License, and degeneration policy. Ledger activity (Development Credit and "
+      "Remission Credit) always belongs to a Phase."
+    ) }}
+  </span>
 </wn-page-header>
 
+{{ render_next_steps(next_steps, title='Recommended next step') }}
+
 {% if session_rights in ("operator", "admin") %}
-<p><a href="{{ root_path }}/phases/new">+ Register a new Phase</a></p>
+<p>
+  <a href="{{ root_path }}/phases/new">+ Register a new Phase</a>
+  {{ help_bubble(
+    "Operators declare Phases. Registration is append-only: the Manifest cannot be "
+    "edited in place after publish. Choose Initial Target carefully."
+  ) }}
+</p>
+{% endif %}
+
+{% if pending_proposals and pending_proposals > 0 and session_rights in ("operator", "admin") %}
+<p>
+  <a href="{{ root_path }}/proposals"><strong>{{ pending_proposals }}</strong> proposal(s) awaiting review</a>
+  {{ help_bubble("Contributors submit Development Credit; Operators approve or reject.") }}
+</p>
 {% endif %}
 
 {% if phases %}
 <table class="wn-plain">
-  <thead><tr><th>Phase</th><th>Milestone Release</th><th>Initial Target</th><th></th></tr></thead>
+  <thead>
+    <tr>
+      <th>Phase {{ help_bubble("Globally unique id, usually trsl:phase:…") }}</th>
+      <th>Milestone Release</th>
+      <th>Initial Target {{ help_bubble("Immutable commercial ceiling for this Phase. Outstanding Target starts here.") }}</th>
+      <th></th>
+    </tr>
+  </thead>
   <tbody>
   {% for phase in phases %}
     <tr>
       <td>{{ phase.phase.id }}</td>
       <td>{{ phase.phase.milestone_release.name }}</td>
       <td>{{ phase.phase.initial_target.amount }} {{ phase.phase.initial_target.currency }}</td>
-      <td><a href="{{ root_path }}/phases/{{ phase.phase.id }}">View</a></td>
+      <td><a href="{{ root_path }}/phases/{{ phase.phase.id }}">Open →</a></td>
     </tr>
   {% endfor %}
   </tbody>
diff --git a/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_templates/extensions.html b/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_templates/extensions.html
index bc4e390..eed9c93 100644
--- a/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_templates/extensions.html
+++ b/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_templates/extensions.html
@@ -1,14 +1,34 @@
 {% extends "base.html" %}
+{% from "macros.html" import help_bubble, render_next_steps %}
 {% block title %}Extensions — Target Revenue Control Plane{% endblock %}
 {% block content %}
 <wn-page-header>
-  <span slot="title">Monetization Extension Registry</span>
+  <span slot="title">
+    Monetization Extension Registry
+    {{ help_bubble(
+      "Extensions describe how commercial value becomes Development Credit "
+      "(pricing, allocation, recognition, evidence). Ledger credit rows reference them."
+    ) }}
+  </span>
 </wn-page-header>
 
-<p style="color:#888;font-size:0.9rem;">
+{% if session_rights in ("operator", "admin") %}
+{% set ext_steps = [
+  {
+    "key": "register",
+    "title": "Register an extension if you need a new profile",
+    "body": "Start with trsl:extension:development-license@1.0 for license-style sales. Operator+ can register; only Admin can promote to canonical.",
+    "priority": "recommended",
+    "section": "ext-form",
+    "cta": "Jump to form",
+  },
+] %}
+{{ render_next_steps(ext_steps, title='Extension workflow') }}
+{% endif %}
+
+<p class="cp-field-hint">
   Rights: <strong>Operator+</strong> may register; <strong>Admin</strong> may
   promote to <code>canonical</code> (governance action, never automated).
-  See <code>specs/TargetRevenueControlPlaneConcept.md</code> §2.
 </p>
 
 {% if extensions %}
@@ -52,6 +72,7 @@
 {% endif %}
 
 {% if session_rights in ("operator", "admin") %}
+<div id="ext-form">
 <h3>Register a new extension</h3>
 <form class="wn-form" method="post" action="{{ root_path }}/extensions">
   <label>Extension id (trsl:extension:...)
@@ -83,5 +104,6 @@
   </label>
   <button type="submit">Register extension</button>
 </form>
+</div>
 {% endif %}
 {% endblock %}
diff --git a/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_templates/login.html b/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_templates/login.html
index 6294f7e..2ffbf49 100644
--- a/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_templates/login.html
+++ b/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_templates/login.html
@@ -1,16 +1,51 @@
 {% extends "base.html" %}
+{% from "macros.html" import help_bubble, render_next_steps %}
 {% block title %}Sign in — Target Revenue Control Plane{% endblock %}
 {% block content %}
 <wn-page-header>
-  <span slot="title">Sign in</span>
+  <span slot="title">
+    Sign in
+    {{ help_bubble(
+      "This UI is multi-user: you authenticate with a personal credential token "
+      "issued under the binky Licensor tenant, not a shared password."
+    ) }}
+  </span>
 </wn-page-header>
-<p>Paste the credential token you were issued by an Admin.</p>
-{# Native controls: reliable under /ui mount even if Lit components fail to hydrate. #}
+
+{% set login_steps = [
+  {
+    "key": "get_token",
+    "title": "1. Obtain your credential token",
+    "body": "Admins issue tokens in Credentials. The founding pilot token is stored in OpenBao at platform/operators/founding-admin/revenue (field token).",
+    "priority": "recommended",
+  },
+  {
+    "key": "paste",
+    "title": "2. Paste the token below",
+    "body": "Use the raw 64-character hex value only — no quotes. Whitespace is stripped automatically.",
+    "priority": "recommended",
+    "section": "login-form",
+    "cta": "Jump to form",
+  },
+  {
+    "key": "continue",
+    "title": "3. Follow the dashboard guide",
+    "body": "After sign-in, the dashboard suggests the next recommended action for your rights tier.",
+    "priority": "optional",
+  },
+] %}
+{{ render_next_steps(login_steps, title='How to sign in') }}
+
+<div id="login-form">
 <form class="wn-form" method="post" action="{{ root_path }}/login">
   <label>
-    Credential token
+    <span class="cp-label-row">
+      Credential token
+      {{ help_bubble("OpenBao: platform/operators/founding-admin/revenue → field `token`. Never commit tokens to git.") }}
+    </span>
     <input type="password" name="token" required autocomplete="current-password">
   </label>
   <button type="submit">Sign in</button>
 </form>
+</div>
 {% endblock %}
diff --git a/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_templates/macros.html b/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_templates/macros.html
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..379c5cf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_templates/macros.html
@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
+{# Shared Control Plane UI macros: bubble help + next-step guide. #}
+
+{% macro help_bubble(text, label='Help') -%}
+<span class="cp-help">
+  <button type="button" class="cp-help__btn" aria-label="{{ label }}">?</button>
+  <span class="cp-help__bubble" role="tooltip">{{ text }}</span>
+</span>
+{%- endmacro %}
+
+{% macro render_next_steps(steps, title='What to do next') -%}
+{% if steps %}
+<section class="cp-guide" aria-label="{{ title }}">
+  <div class="cp-guide__header">
+    <div>
+      <div class="cp-guide__eyebrow">Guided steps</div>
+      <h2 class="cp-guide__title">{{ title }}</h2>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+  <ol class="cp-guide__list">
+    {% for s in steps %}
+    <li class="cp-guide__item cp-guide__item--{{ s.priority }}">
+      <span class="cp-guide__badge">
+        {% if s.priority == 'recommended' %}Next
+        {% elif s.priority == 'optional' %}Optional
+        {% else %}Status{% endif %}
+      </span>
+      <div>
+        <p class="cp-guide__item-title">{{ s.title }}</p>
+        <p class="cp-guide__item-body">{{ s.body }}</p>
+      </div>
+      {% if s.href and s.cta %}
+        <a class="cp-guide__cta" href="{{ s.href }}">{{ s.cta }}</a>
+      {% elif s.section and s.cta %}
+        <a class="cp-guide__cta" href="#{{ s.section }}" data-cp-scroll="{{ s.section }}">{{ s.cta }}</a>
+      {% endif %}
+    </li>
+    {% endfor %}
+  </ol>
+</section>
+{% endif %}
+{%- endmacro %}
+
+{% macro lifecycle_checklist(items) -%}
+{% if items %}
+<ul class="cp-checklist" aria-label="Phase lifecycle progress">
+  {% for item in items %}
+  <li class="cp-checklist__item{% if item.done %} cp-checklist__item--done{% endif %}">
+    <span class="cp-checklist__dot" aria-hidden="true"></span>
+    {{ item.label }}
+  </li>
+  {% endfor %}
+</ul>
+{% endif %}
+{%- endmacro %}
diff --git a/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_templates/phase_detail.html b/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_templates/phase_detail.html
index 0b578bb..fc8d6dd 100644
--- a/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_templates/phase_detail.html
+++ b/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_templates/phase_detail.html
@@ -1,13 +1,29 @@
 {% extends "base.html" %}
+{% from "macros.html" import help_bubble, render_next_steps, lifecycle_checklist %}
 {% block title %}{{ manifest.phase.id }} — Target Revenue Control Plane{% endblock %}
 {% block content %}
 <wn-page-header>
-  <span slot="title">{{ manifest.phase.milestone_release.name }}</span>
+  <span slot="title">
+    {{ manifest.phase.milestone_release.name }}
+    {{ help_bubble(
+      "This page is the operator cockpit for one Phase: status, ledger, remission, "
+      "conversion attestation, and breach records."
+    ) }}
+  </span>
 </wn-page-header>
 <p><wn-tag>{{ manifest.phase.id }}</wn-tag></p>
 
+{{ lifecycle_checklist(checklist) }}
+{{ render_next_steps(next_steps, title='What to do next on this Phase') }}
+
 <details style="margin-bottom:1rem;color:#888;font-size:0.9rem;">
-  <summary style="cursor:pointer;">Ledger reference (internal — not this Phase's ledger entries, see below)</summary>
+  <summary style="cursor:pointer;">
+    Ledger reference (internal)
+    {{ help_bubble(
+      "The raw ledger URI stored on the Manifest. Live entries are listed below; "
+      "this drill-down is for federation-ready reference, not day-to-day use."
+    ) }}
+  </summary>
   <p>
     Raw reference: <code>{{ manifest.phase.ledger }}</code>
     {% if manifest.phase.ledger.startswith('/phases/') %}
@@ -16,12 +32,30 @@
   </p>
 </details>
 
-<h3>Status</h3>
+<h3>
+  Status
+  {{ help_bubble(
+    "Outstanding Target = max(0, Initial Target − Development Credit − Remission Credit). "
+    "When it reaches zero, the Phase converts to the Future License automatically."
+  ) }}
+</h3>
 <table class="wn-plain">
-  <tr><td>Initial Target</td><td>{{ manifest.phase.initial_target.amount }} {{ manifest.phase.initial_target.currency }}</td></tr>
-  <tr><td>Cumulative Development Credit</td><td>{{ metrics.facts.cumulative_development_credit }}</td></tr>
-  <tr><td>Cumulative Remission Credit</td><td>{{ metrics.facts.cumulative_remission_credit }}</td></tr>
-  <tr><td>Outstanding Target</td><td>{{ metrics.facts.outstanding_target }}</td></tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Initial Target {{ help_bubble("Immutable commercial ceiling declared at Phase registration.") }}</td>
+    <td>{{ manifest.phase.initial_target.amount }} {{ manifest.phase.initial_target.currency }}</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Cumulative Development Credit {{ help_bubble("Settled commercial payments allocated to this Phase (not revenue accounting).") }}</td>
+    <td>{{ metrics.facts.cumulative_development_credit }}</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Cumulative Remission Credit {{ help_bubble("Time-based reduction under the degeneration policy — never represented as captured revenue.") }}</td>
+    <td>{{ metrics.facts.cumulative_remission_credit }}</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Outstanding Target</td>
+    <td><strong>{{ metrics.facts.outstanding_target }}</strong></td>
+  </tr>
   <tr><td>Target satisfaction</td><td>{{ metrics.calculations.target_satisfaction_percentage }}%</td></tr>
   <tr><td>Converted</td><td>{{ metrics.facts.is_converted }}</td></tr>
   <tr>
@@ -31,11 +65,24 @@
       &middot; <a href="{{ root_path }}/reference/policies/{{ policy_slug(manifest.phase.degeneration_policy) }}">view spec</a>
     </td>
   </tr>
-  <tr><td>Longstop</td><td>{{ metrics.facts.longstop_at or "—" }}</td></tr>
-  <tr><td>Activated (t0)</td><td>{{ metrics.facts.activated_at or "—" }}</td></tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Longstop {{ help_bubble("Full-remission instant: by this time Remission Credit alone can exhaust the Initial Target.") }}</td>
+    <td>{{ metrics.facts.longstop_at or "—" }}</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Activated (t0) {{ help_bubble("Phase activation time for remission math — Trust Service registration timestamp.") }}</td>
+    <td>{{ metrics.facts.activated_at or "—" }}</td>
+  </tr>
 </table>
 
-<h3>Remission forecast <wn-tag>forecast</wn-tag></h3>
+<div id="section-remission">
+<h3>
+  Remission forecast <wn-tag>forecast</wn-tag>
+  {{ help_bubble(
+    "Forecasts are projections, not ledger facts. Applying remission writes a real "
+    "remission-credit entry only when the cumulative formula is ahead of what is already recorded."
+  ) }}
+</h3>
 <table class="wn-plain">
   <tr>
     <td>If applied now</td>
@@ -65,14 +112,21 @@
 {% if session_rights in ("operator", "admin") %}
 <form class="wn-form" method="post" action="{{ root_path }}/phases/{{ manifest.phase.id }}/remission" style="margin-bottom:1.5rem;">
   <button type="submit" class="secondary">Apply policy remission now</button>
-  <p style="color:#888;font-size:0.85rem;margin-top:0.5rem;">
+  <p class="cp-field-hint">
     Writes a <code>remission-credit</code> delta under <code>system:policy-engine</code>
     (idempotent — no double-remit if already current).
   </p>
 </form>
 {% endif %}
+</div>
 
-<h3>Ledger ({{ ledger | length }} entries)</h3>
+<h3>
+  Ledger ({{ ledger | length }} entries)
+  {{ help_bubble(
+    "Append-only. Corrections are new compensating entries (credit-reversal / "
+    "remission-correction), never edits of prior rows."
+  ) }}
+</h3>
 {% if ledger %}
 <table class="wn-plain">
   <thead><tr><th>id</th><th>type</th><th>amount</th><th>recognized_at</th></tr></thead>
@@ -87,38 +141,56 @@
 {% endif %}
 
 {% if session_rights in ("contributor", "operator", "admin") %}
+<div id="section-ledger-form">
 <h3>
   {% if session_rights == "contributor" %}Propose a Development Credit entry{% else %}Add a Development Credit entry{% endif %}
+  {{ help_bubble(
+    "Use settlement time (not invoice time). Extension id must match a registered "
+    "monetization extension. Evidence can use the confidential: scheme for private refs."
+  ) }}
 </h3>
 <form class="wn-form" method="post" action="{{ root_path }}/phases/{{ manifest.phase.id }}/ledger">
-  <label>Entry id (trsl:entry:...)
-    <input name="entry_id" required>
+  <label>
+    <span class="cp-label-row">Entry id (trsl:entry:…) {{ help_bubble("Globally unique; letters and digits only after trsl:entry: (no hyphens).") }}</span>
+    <input name="entry_id" required placeholder="trsl:entry:dc001">
   </label>
-  <label>Amount
+  <label>
+    <span class="cp-label-row">Amount {{ help_bubble("Positive amount in the Phase native currency.") }}</span>
     <input type="number" step="0.01" name="amount" required>
   </label>
   <label>Currency
     <input name="currency" value="{{ manifest.phase.initial_target.currency }}" required>
   </label>
-  <label>Recognized at (ISO 8601)
-    <input name="recognized_at" required>
+  <label>
+    <span class="cp-label-row">Recognized at (ISO 8601) {{ help_bubble("Payment-settled time, e.g. 2026-08-06T12:00:00Z.") }}</span>
+    <input name="recognized_at" required placeholder="2026-08-06T12:00:00Z">
   </label>
-  <label>Evidence reference
-    <input name="evidence_reference" required>
+  <label>
+    <span class="cp-label-row">Evidence reference {{ help_bubble("URI or confidential:… id pointing at settlement evidence.") }}</span>
+    <input name="evidence_reference" required placeholder="confidential:evidence:…">
   </label>
-  <label>Extension id (trsl:extension:...)
-    <input name="extension_id" required>
+  <label>
+    <span class="cp-label-row">Extension id {{ help_bubble("Usually trsl:extension:development-license for license sales.") }}</span>
+    <input name="extension_id" required value="trsl:extension:development-license">
   </label>
   <label>Extension version
-    <input name="extension_version" required>
+    <input name="extension_version" required value="1.0">
   </label>
   <button type="submit">
     {% if session_rights == "contributor" %}Submit for review{% else %}Append{% endif %}
   </button>
 </form>
+</div>
 {% endif %}
 
-<h3>Conversion Attestation</h3>
+<div id="section-attestation">
+<h3>
+  Conversion Attestation
+  {{ help_bubble(
+    "Signed public evidence that conversion occurred. Conversion itself is true "
+    "the moment the fold hits zero — the attestation only observes and publishes it."
+  ) }}
+</h3>
 {% if attestation %}
 <table class="wn-plain">
   <tr><td>Phase</td><td>{{ attestation.phase }}</td></tr>
@@ -136,8 +208,15 @@
 {% else %}
 <wn-empty-state>Not converted — no attestation yet.</wn-empty-state>
 {% endif %}
+</div>
 
-<h3>Breach / Compliance Records ({{ breaches | length }})</h3>
+<h3>
+  Breach / Compliance Records ({{ breaches | length }})
+  {{ help_bubble(
+    "Licensor determinations only — anonymized by default. Named disclosure requires "
+    "an explicit CUA authorization assertion (License §7.4)."
+  ) }}
+</h3>
 {% if breaches %}
 <table class="wn-plain">
   <thead>
@@ -175,10 +254,9 @@
 
 {% if session_rights in ("operator", "admin") %}
 <h3>Publish a breach/compliance event</h3>
-<p style="color:#888;font-size:0.85rem;">
+<p class="cp-field-hint">
   Anonymized by default (Phase + category only). Named disclosure requires
-  an affirmative CUA authorization check (License V1C1 §7.4) — this form
-  records that assertion; it does not verify the CUA text.
+  an affirmative CUA authorization check.
 </p>
 <form class="wn-form" method="post" action="{{ root_path }}/phases/{{ manifest.phase.id }}/breach">
   <label>Record id (unique)
diff --git a/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_templates/phase_new.html b/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_templates/phase_new.html
index 1030311..c03915b 100644
--- a/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_templates/phase_new.html
+++ b/src/target_revenue/service/control_plane_templates/phase_new.html
@@ -1,59 +1,121 @@
 {% extends "base.html" %}
+{% from "macros.html" import help_bubble, render_next_steps %}
 {% block title %}Register a Phase — Target Revenue Control Plane{% endblock %}
 {% block content %}
 <wn-page-header>
-  <span slot="title">Register a new Phase (Operator+)</span>
+  <span slot="title">
+    Register a new Phase (Operator+)
+    {{ help_bubble(
+      "Registration is permanent for this Phase id. Validate numbers and repo "
+      "provenance before submit — there is no in-place Manifest edit."
+    ) }}
+  </span>
 </wn-page-header>
-<p style="color:#888;">
+
+{% set form_steps = [
+  {
+    "key": "identity",
+    "title": "1. Identify the Phase and repo",
+    "body": "Choose a unique phase id, name the Milestone Release, and pin the Forgejo repo (hub, id, name, revision).",
+    "priority": "recommended",
+    "section": "step-identity",
+    "cta": "Jump to identity fields",
+  },
+  {
+    "key": "target",
+    "title": "2. Set the commercial target",
+    "body": "Initial Target amount + currency is immutable after registration. Use the effort calculator offline if needed.",
+    "priority": "recommended",
+    "section": "step-target",
+    "cta": "Jump to target fields",
+  },
+  {
+    "key": "policy",
+    "title": "3. Future License, policy, longstop",
+    "body": "Declare MIT or Apache-2.0, the linear-longstop policy, and a hard full-remission date.",
+    "priority": "recommended",
+    "section": "step-policy",
+    "cta": "Jump to policy fields",
+  },
+] %}
+{{ render_next_steps(form_steps, title='How to fill this form') }}
+
+<p class="cp-field-hint">
   This registers a real Phase Manifest against the hosted Trust Service.
   Further Phases beyond the T05 pilot still need an explicit declaration act.
 </p>
+
 <form class="wn-form" method="post" action="{{ root_path }}/phases/new">
-  <label>Phase id (trsl:phase:...)
-    <input name="phase_id" required>
+  <div id="step-identity">
+  <h3>Identity &amp; repository</h3>
+  <label>
+    <span class="cp-label-row">Phase id (trsl:phase:…) {{ help_bubble("Globally unique, immutable. Example: trsl:phase:my-product-v1") }}</span>
+    <input name="phase_id" required placeholder="trsl:phase:…">
   </label>
-  <label>Milestone Release name
+  <label>
+    <span class="cp-label-row">Milestone Release name {{ help_bubble("Human-readable name of the governed release / deliverable.") }}</span>
     <input name="milestone_release_name" required>
   </label>
-  <label>Source revision
-    <input name="source_revision" required>
+  <label>
+    <span class="cp-label-row">Source revision {{ help_bubble("Git commit SHA of the Milestone Release being governed.") }}</span>
+    <input name="source_revision" required placeholder="abcdef…">
   </label>
-  <label>Repo hub (stable Forgejo instance slug)
+  <label>
+    <span class="cp-label-row">Repo hub {{ help_bubble("Stable slug for the Forgejo instance, e.g. forgejo-coulomb.") }}</span>
     <input name="repo_hub" value="forgejo-coulomb" required>
   </label>
-  <label>Repo hub URI
+  <label>
+    <span class="cp-label-row">Repo hub URI {{ help_bubble("Current base URL of that Forgejo, kept for repair if the domain changes.") }}</span>
     <input name="repo_hub_uri" value="https://forgejo.coulomb.social" required>
   </label>
-  <label>Repo id (Forgejo's own numeric id)
+  <label>
+    <span class="cp-label-row">Repo id {{ help_bubble("Forgejo numeric repo id (GET /api/v1/repos/{owner}/{repo} → id). Survives renames.") }}</span>
     <input type="number" name="repo_id" required>
   </label>
-  <label>Repo name (owner/repo)
-    <input name="repo_name" required>
+  <label>
+    <span class="cp-label-row">Repo name (owner/repo) {{ help_bubble("Human-readable slug at registration time.") }}</span>
+    <input name="repo_name" required placeholder="coulomb/my-repo">
   </label>
-  <label>Base Phase id (optional — only for a successive Phase)
-    <input name="base_phase_id">
+  <label>
+    <span class="cp-label-row">Base Phase id (optional) {{ help_bubble("Only for a successive Phase on a repo that already converted an earlier Phase (FR-11).") }}</span>
+    <input name="base_phase_id" placeholder="trsl:phase:prior-…">
   </label>
-  <label>Initial Target amount
+  </div>
+
+  <div id="step-target">
+  <h3>Commercial target</h3>
+  <label>
+    <span class="cp-label-row">Initial Target amount {{ help_bubble("Cannot be increased for commercial convenience after the Phase begins.") }}</span>
     <input type="number" step="0.01" name="initial_target_amount" required>
   </label>
-  <label>Currency (ISO 4217)
+  <label>
+    <span class="cp-label-row">Currency (ISO 4217) {{ help_bubble("One native currency per Phase. All ledger entries must match.") }}</span>
     <input name="currency" value="EUR" required>
   </label>
-  <label>Future License
+  </div>
+
+  <div id="step-policy">
+  <h3>License &amp; degeneration</h3>
+  <label>
+    <span class="cp-label-row">Future License {{ help_bubble("Permissive license that takes effect automatically at conversion.") }}</span>
     <select name="future_license">
       <option value="MIT">MIT</option>
       <option value="Apache-2.0">Apache-2.0</option>
     </select>
   </label>
-  <label>Degeneration policy
+  <label>
+    <span class="cp-label-row">Degeneration policy {{ help_bubble("v1 pilot norm: linear remission toward the longstop date.") }}</span>
     <input name="degeneration_policy" value="trsl:policy:linear-longstop-v0@1.0" required>
   </label>
-  <p style="margin-top:-0.5rem;color:#888;font-size:0.85rem;">
+  <p class="cp-field-hint">
     <a href="{{ root_path }}/reference/policies/linear-longstop-v0">view the linear-longstop-v0 spec</a>
   </p>
-  <label>Longstop date (ISO 8601)
-    <input name="longstop_at" required>
+  <label>
+    <span class="cp-label-row">Longstop date (ISO 8601) {{ help_bubble("Required full-remission / maximum-protection instant, e.g. 2029-01-01T00:00:00Z.") }}</span>
+    <input name="longstop_at" required placeholder="2029-01-01T00:00:00Z">
   </label>
+  </div>
+
   <button type="submit">Register Phase</button>
 </form>
 {% endblock %}
diff --git a/src/target_revenue/service/guidance.py b/src/target_revenue/service/guidance.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f8b0e38
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/target_revenue/service/guidance.py
@@ -0,0 +1,307 @@
+"""Step-by-step next-action guidance for the Control Plane UI.
+
+Pure helpers: given Phase/metrics/ledger/proposal context, return ordered
+recommended steps so templates can show a clear "what next" card without
+embedding lifecycle rules in Jinja.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from typing import Any
+
+
+def _step(
+    key: str,
+    title: str,
+    body: str,
+    *,
+    priority: str = "recommended",
+    href: str | None = None,
+    cta: str | None = None,
+    section: str | None = None,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    return {
+        "key": key,
+        "title": title,
+        "body": body,
+        "priority": priority,  # recommended | optional | done_hint
+        "href": href,
+        "cta": cta,
+        "section": section,  # HTML id to scroll/highlight
+    }
+
+
+def dashboard_guidance(
+    *,
+    rights: str,
+    phase_count: int,
+    pending_proposals: int,
+    root_path: str,
+    first_phase_id: str | None = None,
+) -> list[dict[str, Any]]:
+    """Guidance for the tenant dashboard."""
+    steps: list[dict[str, Any]] = []
+    if pending_proposals > 0 and rights in ("operator", "admin"):
+        steps.append(
+            _step(
+                "review_proposals",
+                f"Review {pending_proposals} pending proposal(s)",
+                "A Contributor submitted Development Credit for approval. "
+                "Approving appends it to the live ledger under your credential.",
+                priority="recommended",
+                href=f"{root_path}/proposals",
+                cta="Open proposals",
+            )
+        )
+    if phase_count == 0:
+        if rights in ("operator", "admin"):
+            steps.append(
+                _step(
+                    "register_phase",
+                    "Register your first Phase",
+                    "A Phase is the bounded monetization unit: Initial Target, "
+                    "Milestone Release, Future License, and degeneration policy. "
+                    "Nothing is tracked until a Phase exists.",
+                    priority="recommended",
+                    href=f"{root_path}/phases/new",
+                    cta="Register a Phase",
+                )
+            )
+        else:
+            steps.append(
+                _step(
+                    "wait_for_phase",
+                    "No Phases yet",
+                    "An Operator must register a Phase before Development Credit "
+                    "or Remission Credit can be recorded.",
+                    priority="recommended",
+                )
+            )
+    else:
+        if first_phase_id:
+            steps.append(
+                _step(
+                    "open_phase",
+                    "Continue on an existing Phase",
+                    "Open a Phase to record Development Credit, apply Remission "
+                    "Credit, or check conversion status.",
+                    priority="recommended",
+                    href=f"{root_path}/phases/{first_phase_id}",
+                    cta="Open Phase",
+                )
+            )
+        if rights in ("operator", "admin"):
+            steps.append(
+                _step(
+                    "register_another",
+                    "Register another Phase (optional)",
+                    "Each product line / Milestone Release needs its own Phase. "
+                    "T05 only authorized the first pilot — further Phases are "
+                    "deliberate declaration acts.",
+                    priority="optional",
+                    href=f"{root_path}/phases/new",
+                    cta="New Phase",
+                )
+            )
+    return steps
+
+
+def phase_guidance(
+    *,
+    rights: str,
+    root_path: str,
+    phase_id: str,
+    metrics: dict[str, Any],
+    ledger_len: int,
+    extension_count: int,
+    has_attestation: bool,
+    pending_proposals_for_phase: int = 0,
+) -> list[dict[str, Any]]:
+    """Ordered next steps for one Phase detail page."""
+    facts = metrics.get("facts") or {}
+    forecasts = metrics.get("forecasts") or {}
+    steps: list[dict[str, Any]] = []
+
+    if facts.get("is_converted"):
+        if has_attestation:
+            steps.append(
+                _step(
+                    "converted",
+                    "Phase is converted",
+                    "Outstanding Target reached zero. The Future License applies "
+                    "to the Milestone Release. Review the Conversion Attestation below.",
+                    priority="done_hint",
+                    section="section-attestation",
+                    cta="Jump to attestation",
+                )
+            )
+        else:
+            steps.append(
+                _step(
+                    "publish_attestation",
+                    "Attestation will appear on refresh",
+                    "Conversion is already true from the ledger fold. Reload this "
+                    "page to publish/view the signed Conversion Attestation.",
+                    priority="recommended",
+                    section="section-attestation",
+                )
+            )
+        return steps
+
+    if pending_proposals_for_phase > 0 and rights in ("operator", "admin"):
+        steps.append(
+            _step(
+                "phase_proposals",
+                f"Approve or reject {pending_proposals_for_phase} proposal(s)",
+                "Pending Development Credit for this Phase is waiting in the "
+                "proposals queue.",
+                priority="recommended",
+                href=f"{root_path}/proposals",
+                cta="Review proposals",
+            )
+        )
+
+    if extension_count == 0 and rights in ("operator", "admin"):
+        steps.append(
+            _step(
+                "register_extension",
+                "Register a monetization extension",
+                "Development Credit entries reference an extension "
+                "(e.g. trsl:extension:development-license@1.0). Register one "
+                "before appending credits, or reuse an already-registered id.",
+                priority="recommended",
+                href=f"{root_path}/extensions",
+                cta="Open extensions",
+            )
+        )
+
+    rem_now = forecasts.get("remission_if_applied_now")
+    if (
+        rem_now is not None
+        and float(rem_now) > 0
+        and rights in ("operator", "admin")
+    ):
+        cur = facts.get("initial_target_currency") or ""
+        steps.append(
+            _step(
+                "apply_remission",
+                f"Apply policy remission (~{rem_now} {cur})",
+                "Linear-longstop has accrued Remission Credit that is not yet "
+                "on the ledger. Applying writes an idempotent remission-credit "
+                "entry under system:policy-engine.",
+                priority="recommended",
+                section="section-remission",
+                cta="Jump to remission",
+            )
+        )
+
+    if ledger_len == 0:
+        if rights in ("contributor", "operator", "admin"):
+            who = (
+                "Propose a Development Credit"
+                if rights == "contributor"
+                else "Record the first Development Credit"
+            )
+            steps.append(
+                _step(
+                    "first_credit",
+                    who,
+                    "When a Commercial Entitlement payment settles, append a "
+                    "development-credit entry (amount, evidence, extension). "
+                    "That is how real monetization progress is tracked.",
+                    priority="recommended" if not steps else "optional",
+                    section="section-ledger-form",
+                    cta="Jump to credit form",
+                )
+            )
+        else:
+            steps.append(
+                _step(
+                    "viewer_empty",
+                    "No ledger activity yet",
+                    "Operators will record Development Credit and Remission Credit "
+                    "as commercial activity and time progress occur.",
+                    priority="recommended",
+                )
+            )
+    else:
+        if rights in ("contributor", "operator", "admin"):
+            steps.append(
+                _step(
+                    "more_credit",
+                    "Add further Development Credit when payments settle",
+                    "Each settled commercial payment that allocates to this Phase "
+                    "should produce a new ledger entry (append-only; corrections "
+                    "are compensating entries, never edits).",
+                    priority="optional",
+                    section="section-ledger-form",
+                    cta="Jump to credit form",
+                )
+            )
+
+    next_at = forecasts.get("next_scheduled_remission_at")
+    if next_at and rights in ("operator", "admin"):
+        steps.append(
+            _step(
+                "schedule_remission",
+                "Keep Remission on schedule",
+                f"Next scheduled recognition boundary: {next_at}. "
+                "Run Apply policy remission after that date (or set a monthly cron "
+                "against POST /remission/run).",
+                priority="optional",
+                section="section-remission",
+            )
+        )
+
+    if not steps:
+        steps.append(
+            _step(
+                "monitor",
+                "Monitor Outstanding Target",
+                "No urgent action. Watch Development Credit and Remission Credit "
+                "until Outstanding Target reaches zero and conversion fires.",
+                priority="done_hint",
+            )
+        )
+    return steps
+
+
+def phase_lifecycle_checklist(
+    *,
+    ledger_len: int,
+    metrics: dict[str, Any],
+    has_attestation: bool,
+) -> list[dict[str, Any]]:
+    """Visual checklist of lifecycle milestones for a Phase."""
+    facts = metrics.get("facts") or {}
+    converted = bool(facts.get("is_converted"))
+    has_dev = float(facts.get("cumulative_development_credit") or 0) > 0
+    has_rem = float(facts.get("cumulative_remission_credit") or 0) > 0
+    return [
+        {"id": "declared", "label": "Phase declared", "done": True},
+        {
+            "id": "activity",
+            "label": "Ledger activity started",
+            "done": ledger_len > 0,
+        },
+        {
+            "id": "dev_credit",
+            "label": "Development Credit recorded",
+            "done": has_dev,
+        },
+        {
+            "id": "remission",
+            "label": "Remission Credit recorded",
+            "done": has_rem,
+        },
+        {
+            "id": "converted",
+            "label": "Converted (Outstanding Target = 0)",
+            "done": converted,
+        },
+        {
+            "id": "attestation",
+            "label": "Conversion Attestation published",
+            "done": has_attestation,
+        },
+    ]
diff --git a/src/target_revenue/service/static/control-plane.css b/src/target_revenue/service/static/control-plane.css
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0f07659
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/target_revenue/service/static/control-plane.css
@@ -0,0 +1,234 @@
+/* Control Plane guidance + bubble help (native CSS; no Lit required). */
+
+/* ---- Bubble help (? popovers) ---- */
+.cp-help {
+  position: relative;
+  display: inline-flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  vertical-align: middle;
+  margin-left: 0.3rem;
+}
+.cp-help__btn {
+  display: inline-flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  justify-content: center;
+  width: 1.15rem;
+  height: 1.15rem;
+  border-radius: 50%;
+  border: 1px solid #888;
+  background: #f4f4f4;
+  color: #444;
+  font: 600 0.7rem/1 system-ui, sans-serif;
+  cursor: help;
+  padding: 0;
+}
+.cp-help__btn:hover,
+.cp-help__btn:focus {
+  background: #1a1a1a;
+  color: #fff;
+  border-color: #1a1a1a;
+  outline: none;
+}
+.cp-help__bubble {
+  display: none;
+  position: absolute;
+  z-index: 40;
+  left: 50%;
+  bottom: calc(100% + 0.45rem);
+  transform: translateX(-50%);
+  width: min(18rem, 70vw);
+  padding: 0.65rem 0.75rem;
+  background: #1a1a1a;
+  color: #f5f5f5;
+  border-radius: 8px;
+  font: 400 0.8rem/1.35 system-ui, sans-serif;
+  box-shadow: 0 6px 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25);
+  text-align: left;
+  white-space: normal;
+}
+.cp-help__bubble::after {
+  content: "";
+  position: absolute;
+  top: 100%;
+  left: 50%;
+  transform: translateX(-50%);
+  border: 6px solid transparent;
+  border-top-color: #1a1a1a;
+}
+.cp-help:hover .cp-help__bubble,
+.cp-help:focus-within .cp-help__bubble {
+  display: block;
+}
+.cp-help__bubble a { color: #9ecbff; }
+
+/* ---- Next-step guide card ---- */
+.cp-guide {
+  border: 1px solid #d0d7de;
+  border-radius: 10px;
+  background: linear-gradient(180deg, #f8fafc 0%, #fff 48%);
+  padding: 1rem 1.15rem 1.1rem;
+  margin: 0 0 1.5rem;
+}
+.cp-guide__header {
+  display: flex;
+  align-items: baseline;
+  justify-content: space-between;
+  gap: 0.75rem;
+  margin-bottom: 0.75rem;
+}
+.cp-guide__title {
+  margin: 0;
+  font-size: 1.05rem;
+  font-weight: 650;
+}
+.cp-guide__eyebrow {
+  font-size: 0.72rem;
+  letter-spacing: 0.04em;
+  text-transform: uppercase;
+  color: #666;
+  font-weight: 600;
+}
+.cp-guide__list {
+  list-style: none;
+  margin: 0;
+  padding: 0;
+  display: flex;
+  flex-direction: column;
+  gap: 0.65rem;
+}
+.cp-guide__item {
+  display: grid;
+  grid-template-columns: auto 1fr auto;
+  gap: 0.65rem 0.85rem;
+  align-items: start;
+  padding: 0.7rem 0.8rem;
+  border-radius: 8px;
+  border: 1px solid #e5e7eb;
+  background: #fff;
+}
+.cp-guide__item--recommended {
+  border-color: #93c5fd;
+  background: #eff6ff;
+  box-shadow: 0 0 0 1px rgba(59, 130, 246, 0.12);
+}
+.cp-guide__item--optional {
+  opacity: 0.95;
+}
+.cp-guide__item--done_hint {
+  border-color: #bbf7d0;
+  background: #f0fdf4;
+}
+.cp-guide__badge {
+  font-size: 0.68rem;
+  font-weight: 700;
+  text-transform: uppercase;
+  letter-spacing: 0.03em;
+  padding: 0.2rem 0.4rem;
+  border-radius: 999px;
+  background: #e5e7eb;
+  color: #374151;
+  white-space: nowrap;
+}
+.cp-guide__item--recommended .cp-guide__badge {
+  background: #2563eb;
+  color: #fff;
+}
+.cp-guide__item--done_hint .cp-guide__badge {
+  background: #16a34a;
+  color: #fff;
+}
+.cp-guide__item-title {
+  margin: 0 0 0.2rem;
+  font-weight: 650;
+  font-size: 0.95rem;
+}
+.cp-guide__item-body {
+  margin: 0;
+  color: #444;
+  font-size: 0.88rem;
+  line-height: 1.4;
+}
+.cp-guide__cta {
+  display: inline-block;
+  align-self: center;
+  padding: 0.4rem 0.7rem;
+  border-radius: 6px;
+  background: #1a1a1a;
+  color: #fff !important;
+  text-decoration: none;
+  font-size: 0.85rem;
+  font-weight: 600;
+  white-space: nowrap;
+}
+.cp-guide__item--recommended .cp-guide__cta {
+  background: #2563eb;
+}
+.cp-guide__cta:hover { filter: brightness(1.08); }
+
+/* ---- Lifecycle checklist ---- */
+.cp-checklist {
+  display: flex;
+  flex-wrap: wrap;
+  gap: 0.4rem;
+  margin: 0 0 1.25rem;
+  padding: 0;
+  list-style: none;
+}
+.cp-checklist__item {
+  display: inline-flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  gap: 0.35rem;
+  padding: 0.3rem 0.55rem;
+  border-radius: 999px;
+  border: 1px solid #ddd;
+  font-size: 0.78rem;
+  color: #555;
+  background: #fafafa;
+}
+.cp-checklist__item--done {
+  border-color: #86efac;
+  background: #f0fdf4;
+  color: #166534;
+  font-weight: 600;
+}
+.cp-checklist__dot {
+  width: 0.55rem;
+  height: 0.55rem;
+  border-radius: 50%;
+  background: #ccc;
+}
+.cp-checklist__item--done .cp-checklist__dot {
+  background: #16a34a;
+}
+
+/* ---- Highlight target sections ---- */
+.cp-section-highlight {
+  animation: cp-pulse 1.6s ease-out 1;
+  outline: 2px solid #93c5fd;
+  outline-offset: 4px;
+  border-radius: 6px;
+}
+@keyframes cp-pulse {
+  0% { outline-color: #2563eb; background-color: #eff6ff; }
+  100% { outline-color: #93c5fd; background-color: transparent; }
+}
+
+/* Field label row with help */
+.cp-label-row {
+  display: flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  gap: 0.15rem;
+}
+.cp-field-hint {
+  margin: 0.15rem 0 0;
+  font-size: 0.78rem;
+  color: #666;
+  line-height: 1.35;
+}
+
+@media (max-width: 640px) {
+  .cp-guide__item {
+    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
+  }
+  .cp-guide__cta { justify-self: start; }
+}
diff --git a/tests/test_guidance.py b/tests/test_guidance.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..883e1a6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/test_guidance.py
@@ -0,0 +1,88 @@
+"""Unit tests for Control Plane next-step guidance."""
+
+from target_revenue.service import guidance
+
+
+def test_dashboard_empty_operator_recommends_register():
+    steps = guidance.dashboard_guidance(
+        rights="operator",
+        phase_count=0,
+        pending_proposals=0,
+        root_path="/ui",
+    )
+    assert steps[0]["key"] == "register_phase"
+    assert steps[0]["priority"] == "recommended"
+    assert steps[0]["href"] == "/ui/phases/new"
+
+
+def test_dashboard_with_phase_opens_first():
+    steps = guidance.dashboard_guidance(
+        rights="viewer",
+        phase_count=1,
+        pending_proposals=0,
+        root_path="/ui",
+        first_phase_id="trsl:phase:demo",
+    )
+    assert steps[0]["key"] == "open_phase"
+    assert "trsl:phase:demo" in steps[0]["href"]
+
+
+def test_phase_empty_ledger_recommends_credit_or_remission():
+    metrics = {
+        "facts": {
+            "is_converted": False,
+            "cumulative_development_credit": 0,
+            "cumulative_remission_credit": 0,
+            "initial_target_currency": "EUR",
+        },
+        "forecasts": {"remission_if_applied_now": 12.5, "next_scheduled_remission_at": None},
+    }
+    steps = guidance.phase_guidance(
+        rights="operator",
+        root_path="/ui",
+        phase_id="trsl:phase:demo",
+        metrics=metrics,
+        ledger_len=0,
+        extension_count=1,
+        has_attestation=False,
+    )
+    keys = [s["key"] for s in steps]
+    assert "apply_remission" in keys
+    assert keys[0] == "apply_remission"  # material remission first
+
+
+def test_phase_converted_done_hint():
+    metrics = {
+        "facts": {"is_converted": True, "cumulative_development_credit": 1, "cumulative_remission_credit": 0},
+        "forecasts": {},
+    }
+    steps = guidance.phase_guidance(
+        rights="operator",
+        root_path="/ui",
+        phase_id="trsl:phase:demo",
+        metrics=metrics,
+        ledger_len=2,
+        extension_count=1,
+        has_attestation=True,
+    )
+    assert steps[0]["key"] == "converted"
+    assert steps[0]["priority"] == "done_hint"
+
+
+def test_lifecycle_checklist_progress():
+    metrics = {
+        "facts": {
+            "is_converted": False,
+            "cumulative_development_credit": 10,
+            "cumulative_remission_credit": 0,
+        }
+    }
+    items = guidance.phase_lifecycle_checklist(
+        ledger_len=1, metrics=metrics, has_attestation=False
+    )
+    by_id = {i["id"]: i["done"] for i in items}
+    assert by_id["declared"] is True
+    assert by_id["activity"] is True
+    assert by_id["dev_credit"] is True
+    assert by_id["remission"] is False
+    assert by_id["converted"] is False