diff --git a/frontend_multi_user/src/app.py b/frontend_multi_user/src/app.py
index b96fade4..05d3c622 100644
--- a/frontend_multi_user/src/app.py
+++ b/frontend_multi_user/src/app.py
@@ -1038,113 +1038,126 @@ def inject_current_user_name():
         @self.app.route('/')
         def index():
             user = None
-            recent_tasks: list[SimpleNamespace] = []
-            total_tasks_count = 0
+            admin_account = None
             is_admin = False
-            nonce = None
-            user_id = None
-            can_create_plan = False
-            example_prompts: list[str] = []
-            credits_balance_display = "0"
+            onboarding_steps: list[dict] = []
+
             if current_user.is_authenticated:
                 is_admin = current_user.is_admin
                 try:
                     if is_admin:
                         admin_account = _get_current_user_account()
-                        user_id = str(admin_account.id) if admin_account else self.admin_username
                         user = SimpleNamespace(name="Admin", given_name=None)
-                        credits_balance_display = "Full access"
-                        can_create_plan = True
+                        user_id = str(admin_account.id) if admin_account else self.admin_username
                     else:
                         user_uuid = uuid.UUID(str(current_user.id))
                         user = self.db.session.get(UserAccount, user_uuid)
-                        if user:
-                            user_id = str(user.id)
+                        user_id = str(user.id) if user else None
+
+                    if user and user_id:
+                        account_id = getattr(admin_account, 'id', None) if is_admin else getattr(user, 'id', None)
+
+                        # Step 1: Account created (always done if logged in)
+                        onboarding_steps.append({
+                            "title": "Create account",
+                            "description": "Sign up for PlanExe to get started.",
+                            "done": True,
+                            "detail": "Signed in",
+                            "link": None,
+                        })
+
+                        # Step 2: Deposit credits
+                        if is_admin:
+                            has_credits = True
+                            credit_detail = "Full access"
+                        else:
                             credits_balance = to_credit_decimal(user.credits_balance)
-                            credits_balance_display = format_credit_display(user.credits_balance)
-                            min_credits = Decimal(os.environ.get("PLANEXE_MIN_CREDITS_TO_CREATE_PLAN", "2"))
-                            can_create_plan = credits_balance >= min_credits
-
-                    if user_id:
-                        # Generate a nonce so the user can start a plan from the dashboard
-                        nonce = 'DASH_' + str(uuid.uuid4())
+                            tx_count = CreditHistory.query.filter_by(user_id=user.id).count()
+                            has_credits = credits_balance > 0 or tx_count > 1
+                            credit_detail = format_credit_display(user.credits_balance) if has_credits else "No credits yet"
+                        onboarding_steps.append({
+                            "title": "Deposit credits",
+                            "description": 'Credits pay for the AI models that generate your plan. Go to <a href="' + url_for('account') + '">Account</a> to add credits.',
+                            "done": has_credits,
+                            "detail": credit_detail,
+                            "link": url_for('account') if not has_credits else None,
+                        })
+
+                        # Step 3: Create API key
+                        key_count = UserApiKey.query.filter_by(user_id=account_id, revoked_at=None).count() if account_id else 0
+                        has_key = key_count >= 1
+                        if key_count == 0:
+                            key_detail = "No API keys yet"
+                        elif key_count == 1:
+                            key_detail = "1 API key"
+                        else:
+                            key_detail = f"{key_count} API keys"
+                        onboarding_steps.append({
+                            "title": "Create API key",
+                            "description": 'Your AI assistant uses an API key to connect to PlanExe. Create one on the <a href="' + url_for('account') + '">Account</a> page.',
+                            "done": has_key,
+                            "detail": key_detail,
+                            "link": url_for('account') if not has_key else None,
+                        })
+
+                        # Step 4: Use MCP (check if any API key has LLM calls)
+                        total_llm_calls = 0
+                        if has_key:
+                            user_key_ids = [
+                                str(k.id) for k in UserApiKey.query
+                                .filter_by(user_id=account_id, revoked_at=None)
+                                .all()
+                            ] if account_id else []
+                            if user_key_ids:
+                                try:
+                                    total_llm_calls = (
+                                        self.db.session.query(func.count(TokenMetrics.id))
+                                        .filter(TokenMetrics.api_key_id.in_(user_key_ids))
+                                        .scalar() or 0
+                                    )
+                                except Exception:
+                                    self.db.session.rollback()
+                        used_mcp = total_llm_calls >= 1
+                        onboarding_steps.append({
+                            "title": "Connect via MCP",
+                            "description": "Add PlanExe to your AI tool (Claude, Cursor, Windsurf, etc.) using your API key. Your AI will then be able to create plans for you.",
+                            "done": used_mcp,
+                            "detail": f"{total_llm_calls} LLM calls" if used_mcp else "Not connected yet",
+                            "link": "https://docs.planexe.org/mcp/mcp_welcome/" if not used_mcp else None,
+                        })
+
+                        # Step 5: Create 5+ plans
                         uid_filter = (
                             PlanItem.user_id.in_(_admin_user_ids())
                             if is_admin
                             else PlanItem.user_id == str(user_id)
                         )
-                        try:
-                            recent_task_rows = (
-                                self.db.session.query(
-                                    PlanItem.id,
-                                    PlanItem.state,
-                                    PlanItem.stop_requested,
-                                    func.substr(PlanItem.prompt, 1, 240).label("prompt_preview"),
-                                )
-                                .filter(uid_filter)
-                                .order_by(PlanItem.timestamp_created.desc())
-                                .limit(10)
-                                .all()
-                            )
-                        except DataError:
-                            self.db.session.rollback()
-                            logger.warning(
-                                "Detected invalid UTF-8 in task_item.prompt for user_id=%s while loading dashboard; "
-                                "falling back without prompt previews.",
-                                user_id,
-                                exc_info=True,
-                            )
-                            recent_task_rows = (
-                                self.db.session.query(
-                                    PlanItem.id,
-                                    PlanItem.state,
-                                    PlanItem.stop_requested,
-                                )
-                                .filter(uid_filter)
-                                .order_by(PlanItem.timestamp_created.desc())
-                                .limit(10)
-                                .all()
-                            )
-                        recent_tasks = []
-                        for task in recent_task_rows:
-                            prompt_preview = getattr(task, "prompt_preview", None)
-                            if prompt_preview is None:
-                                from src.plan_routes import _load_prompt_preview_safe
-                                prompt_text = _load_prompt_preview_safe(task.id)
-                            else:
-                                prompt_text = (prompt_preview or "").strip() or "[Prompt unavailable]"
-                            state = task.state if isinstance(task.state, PlanState) else None
-                            recent_tasks.append(
-                                SimpleNamespace(
-                                    id=str(task.id),
-                                    state=state,
-                                    prompt=prompt_text,
-                                )
-                            )
-                        total_tasks_count = (
-                            PlanItem.query
-                            .filter(uid_filter)
-                            .count()
-                        )
-                        # Load example prompts for the "Start New Plan" form
-                        for prompt_uuid in DEMO_FORM_RUN_PROMPT_UUIDS:
-                            prompt_item = self.prompt_catalog.find(prompt_uuid)
-                            if prompt_item:
-                                example_prompts.append(prompt_item.prompt)
+                        total_plans = PlanItem.query.filter(uid_filter).count()
+                        is_superuser = total_plans >= 5
+                        onboarding_steps.append({
+                            "title": "Superuser",
+                            "description": "Create 5 or more plans to earn the Superuser badge.",
+                            "done": is_superuser,
+                            "detail": f"{total_plans} plans created" if is_superuser else f"{total_plans}/5 plans",
+                            "link": None,
+                        })
                 except Exception:
                     logger.debug("Could not load dashboard data", exc_info=True)
+
+            # Debug overrides: /?debug=1&step1=0&step2=1&step3=0&step4=1&step5=0
+            if request.args.get("debug") == "1" and onboarding_steps:
+                step_keys = ["step1", "step2", "step3", "step4", "step5"]
+                for i, key in enumerate(step_keys):
+                    val = request.args.get(key)
+                    if val is not None and i < len(onboarding_steps):
+                        onboarding_steps[i]["done"] = val == "1"
+
             return render_template(
                 'index.html',
                 user=user,
-                credits_balance_display=credits_balance_display,
-                can_create_plan=can_create_plan,
-                total_tasks_count=total_tasks_count,
-                recent_tasks=recent_tasks,
                 is_admin=is_admin,
-                nonce=nonce,
-                user_id=user_id,
-                example_prompts=example_prompts,
-                model_profile_options=_model_profile_options(),
+                onboarding_steps=onboarding_steps,
+                onboarding_debug=request.args.get("debug") == "1",
             )
 
         @self.app.route('/models')
diff --git a/frontend_multi_user/src/plan_routes.py b/frontend_multi_user/src/plan_routes.py
index e39a61d5..cfe2d225 100644
--- a/frontend_multi_user/src/plan_routes.py
+++ b/frontend_multi_user/src/plan_routes.py
@@ -695,6 +695,34 @@ def run():
     return render_template("run_via_database.html", run_id=task_id)
 
 
+@plan_routes_bp.route("/plan/create", methods=["GET"])
+@login_required
+def plan_create_page():
+    from src.app import _model_profile_options, DEMO_FORM_RUN_PROMPT_UUIDS
+    prompt_catalog = current_app.config["PROMPT_CATALOG"]
+    example_prompts: list[str] = []
+    for prompt_uuid in DEMO_FORM_RUN_PROMPT_UUIDS:
+        prompt_item = prompt_catalog.find(prompt_uuid)
+        if prompt_item:
+            example_prompts.append(prompt_item.prompt)
+
+    can_create_plan = True
+    if not current_user.is_admin:
+        user = _get_current_user_account()
+        if user:
+            min_credits = Decimal(os.environ.get("PLANEXE_MIN_CREDITS_TO_CREATE_PLAN", "2"))
+            can_create_plan = to_credit_decimal(user.credits_balance) >= min_credits
+
+    nonce = "CREATE_" + str(uuid.uuid4())
+    return render_template(
+        "plan_create.html",
+        can_create_plan=can_create_plan,
+        nonce=nonce,
+        example_prompts=example_prompts,
+        model_profile_options=_model_profile_options(),
+    )
+
+
 @plan_routes_bp.route("/create_plan", methods=["POST"])
 @login_required
 @_nocache
diff --git a/frontend_multi_user/templates/base.html b/frontend_multi_user/templates/base.html
index c2087b1c..25a4509c 100644
--- a/frontend_multi_user/templates/base.html
+++ b/frontend_multi_user/templates/base.html
@@ -245,6 +245,7 @@
                     <span class="site-brand-label">Home</span>
                 </a>
                 {% if current_user_name %}
+                    <a href="{{ url_for('plan_routes.plan_create_page') }}" class="{% if request.endpoint == 'plan_routes.plan_create_page' %}nav-active{% endif %}">Create</a>
                     <a href="{{ url_for('plan_routes.plan') }}" class="{% if request.endpoint == 'plan_routes.plan' and not request.args.get('id') %}nav-active{% endif %}">Plans</a>
                     <a href="{{ url_for('models') }}" class="{% if request.endpoint == 'models' %}nav-active{% endif %}">Models</a>
                 {% endif %}
diff --git a/frontend_multi_user/templates/index.html b/frontend_multi_user/templates/index.html
index 1ee9ae5d..56e85285 100644
--- a/frontend_multi_user/templates/index.html
+++ b/frontend_multi_user/templates/index.html
@@ -130,70 +130,103 @@
         text-decoration: underline;
     }
 
-    /* ── Dashboard (signed in) ──────────────────────── */
-    .dashboard-welcome {
-        margin-bottom: 32px;
-    }
-    .dashboard-welcome h1 {
-        font-size: 1.75rem;
+    /* ── Onboarding steps ──────────────────────────── */
+    .onboarding-title {
+        font-size: 1.1rem;
         font-weight: 700;
         margin: 0 0 4px;
     }
-    .dashboard-welcome p {
+    .onboarding-subtitle {
+        font-size: 0.82rem;
         color: var(--color-text-secondary);
-        margin: 0;
-        font-size: 0.95rem;
+        margin: 0 0 20px;
     }
-
-    .stats-row {
-        display: grid;
-        grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(180px, 1fr));
-        gap: 16px;
-        margin-bottom: 32px;
+    .onboarding-steps {
+        max-width: 480px;
     }
-    .stat-card {
-        background: var(--color-bg-soft);
-        border: 1px solid var(--color-border);
-        border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
-        padding: 20px 24px;
-        text-align: center;
+    .onboarding-step {
+        display: flex;
+        align-items: flex-start;
+        gap: 12px;
+        padding: 12px 0;
+        border-bottom: 1px solid var(--color-border);
     }
-    .stat-value {
-        font-size: 1.75rem;
-        font-weight: 800;
-        color: var(--color-text);
-        line-height: 1.2;
+    .onboarding-step:last-child {
+        border-bottom: none;
     }
-    .stat-value.credits {
-        color: #059669;
+    .onboarding-check {
+        flex-shrink: 0;
+        width: 22px;
+        height: 22px;
+        border-radius: 50%;
+        border: 2px solid var(--color-border);
+        display: flex;
+        align-items: center;
+        justify-content: center;
+        margin-top: 1px;
+        font-size: 0.7rem;
+        color: transparent;
     }
-    .stat-card-link {
-        display: block;
-        text-decoration: none;
-        color: inherit;
-        transition: border-color 0.15s, box-shadow 0.15s;
+    .onboarding-check.done {
+        background: #059669;
+        border-color: #059669;
+        color: #fff;
     }
-    .stat-card-link:hover {
-        border-color: var(--color-primary);
-        box-shadow: 0 0 0 1px var(--color-primary);
+    .onboarding-check.done::after {
+        content: "\2713";
     }
-    .stat-card-link .stat-value.credits {
-        text-decoration: underline;
-        text-underline-offset: 3px;
-        text-decoration-color: rgba(5, 150, 105, 0.4);
+    .onboarding-step-body {
+        flex: 1;
+        min-width: 0;
     }
-    .stat-card-link:hover .stat-value.credits {
-        text-decoration-color: var(--color-primary);
+    .onboarding-step-title {
+        font-size: 0.88rem;
+        font-weight: 600;
+        color: var(--color-text);
+        margin: 0;
+    }
+    .onboarding-step.pending .onboarding-step-title {
+        color: var(--color-text-secondary);
     }
-    .stat-label {
-        font-size: 0.8rem;
+    .onboarding-step-desc {
+        font-size: 0.78rem;
         color: var(--color-text-secondary);
-        text-transform: uppercase;
-        letter-spacing: 0.05em;
+        margin: 4px 0 0;
+        line-height: 1.5;
+    }
+    .onboarding-step-desc a {
+        color: var(--color-primary, #0066cc);
         font-weight: 600;
-        margin-top: 4px;
+        text-decoration: none;
+    }
+    .onboarding-step-desc a:hover {
+        text-decoration: underline;
+    }
+    .onboarding-step-detail {
+        font-size: 0.75rem;
+        color: var(--color-text-secondary);
+        margin: 2px 0 0;
+    }
+    .onboarding-step-link {
+        font-size: 0.75rem;
+        color: var(--color-primary, #0066cc);
+        text-decoration: none;
+    }
+    .onboarding-step-link:hover {
+        text-decoration: underline;
+    }
+    .superuser-badge {
+        display: inline-block;
+        padding: 2px 8px;
+        background: #fef3c7;
+        border: 1px solid #f59e0b;
+        border-radius: 10px;
+        font-size: 0.7rem;
+        font-weight: 700;
+        color: #92400e;
+        margin-left: 6px;
+        vertical-align: middle;
     }
-
     .quick-actions {
         display: flex;
         gap: 12px;
@@ -234,353 +267,8 @@
         color: var(--color-text);
     }
 
-    /* Recent tasks table */
-    .section-title {
-        font-size: 1.1rem;
-        font-weight: 700;
-        margin: 0 0 16px;
-    }
-    .tasks-list {
-        border: 1px solid var(--color-border);
-        border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
-        overflow: hidden;
-    }
-    .task-row {
-        display: flex;
-        align-items: center;
-        gap: 16px;
-        padding: 14px 20px;
-        border-bottom: 1px solid var(--color-border);
-        background: var(--color-bg);
-        transition: background 0.1s;
-    }
-    .task-row-link {
-        display: block;
-        text-decoration: none;
-        color: inherit;
-    }
-    .task-row:last-child {
-        border-bottom: none;
-    }
-    .task-row:hover {
-        background: var(--color-bg-soft);
-    }
-    .task-row-link:hover {
-        text-decoration: none;
-    }
-    .task-status {
-        flex-shrink: 0;
-        width: 10px;
-        height: 10px;
-        border-radius: 50%;
-    }
-    .task-status.completed { background: #10b981; }
-    .task-status.processing { background: #f59e0b; }
-    .task-status.pending { background: #94a3b8; }
-    .task-status.failed { background: #ef4444; }
-    .task-status.stopped { background: #ea580c; }
-    .task-prompt {
-        flex: 1;
-        font-size: 0.9rem;
-        color: var(--color-text);
-        white-space: nowrap;
-        overflow: hidden;
-        text-overflow: ellipsis;
-        min-width: 0;
-    }
-    .task-meta {
-        flex-shrink: 0;
-        font-size: 0.8rem;
-        color: var(--color-text-secondary);
-        white-space: nowrap;
-    }
-    .empty-state {
-        text-align: center;
-        padding: 48px 24px;
-        color: var(--color-text-secondary);
-    }
-    .empty-state p {
-        margin: 0 0 16px;
-        font-size: 0.95rem;
-    }
 
-    /* ── New plan form ──────────────────────────────── */
-    .new-plan-section {
-        background: var(--color-card-bg);
-        border: 1px solid var(--color-border);
-        border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
-        margin-bottom: 32px;
-        box-shadow: 0 1px 3px var(--color-card-shadow);
-    }
-    .new-plan-header {
-        display: flex;
-        align-items: center;
-        gap: 10px;
-        padding: 16px 20px;
-        border-bottom: 1px solid var(--color-border);
-    }
-    .new-plan-header svg {
-        width: 20px;
-        height: 20px;
-        color: var(--color-primary);
-        flex-shrink: 0;
-    }
-    .new-plan-header h2 {
-        font-size: 1.05rem;
-        font-weight: 700;
-        margin: 0;
-    }
-    .new-plan-body {
-        padding: 20px;
-    }
-    .new-plan-body textarea {
-        width: 100%;
-        min-height: 120px;
-        padding: 12px 14px;
-        border: 1px solid var(--color-border);
-        border-radius: var(--radius);
-        font-family: var(--font-sans);
-        font-size: 0.9rem;
-        line-height: 1.5;
-        resize: vertical;
-        outline: none;
-        transition: border-color 0.15s;
-        box-sizing: border-box;
-        color: var(--color-text);
-        background: var(--color-bg);
-    }
-    .new-plan-body textarea:focus {
-        border-color: var(--color-primary);
-        box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.1);
-    }
-    .new-plan-body textarea::placeholder {
-        color: var(--color-text-secondary);
-    }
-    .example-chips {
-        display: flex;
-        gap: 8px;
-        flex-wrap: wrap;
-        margin-bottom: 12px;
-    }
-    .example-chip {
-        display: inline-flex;
-        align-items: center;
-        gap: 4px;
-        padding: 5px 12px;
-        background: var(--color-bg-soft);
-        border: 1px solid var(--color-border);
-        border-radius: 20px;
-        font-size: 0.78rem;
-        font-weight: 500;
-        color: var(--color-text-secondary);
-        cursor: pointer;
-        transition: border-color 0.15s, color 0.15s;
-    }
-    .example-chip:hover {
-        border-color: var(--color-primary);
-        color: var(--color-primary);
-    }
-    .new-plan-footer {
-        display: flex;
-        align-items: center;
-        justify-content: space-between;
-        gap: 12px;
-        margin-top: 14px;
-    }
-    .new-plan-footer .footer-spacer {
-        flex: 1 1 auto;
-    }
-    .new-plan-footer .model-profile-inline {
-        width: auto;
-        min-width: 0;
-        max-width: none;
-    }
-    .model-profile-picker {
-        position: relative;
-    }
-    .model-profile-button {
-        width: auto;
-        display: flex;
-        align-items: center;
-        justify-content: flex-start;
-        gap: 0;
-        padding: 6px 8px;
-        border-radius: 8px;
-        border: 1px solid var(--color-border);
-        background: var(--color-bg-soft);
-        color: var(--color-text);
-        cursor: pointer;
-        text-align: left;
-    }
-    .model-profile-button:hover {
-        border-color: var(--color-primary);
-    }
-    .model-profile-selected {
-        display: flex;
-        flex-direction: column;
-        line-height: 1.2;
-    }
-    .model-profile-title {
-        font-size: 0.82rem;
-        font-weight: 700;
-    }
-    .model-profile-subtitle {
-        font-size: 0.75rem;
-        color: var(--color-text-secondary);
-    }
-    .model-profile-caret {
-        color: var(--color-text);
-        opacity: 0.95;
-        display: inline-flex;
-        align-items: center;
-        justify-content: center;
-        width: 16px;
-        height: 16px;
-        flex: 0 0 16px;
-    }
-    .model-profile-caret svg {
-        width: 16px;
-        height: 16px;
-        display: block;
-    }
-    .model-profile-menu {
-        position: absolute;
-        top: calc(100% + 6px);
-        left: 0;
-        width: max-content;
-        min-width: 260px;
-        z-index: 20;
-        background: var(--color-bg);
-        border: 1px solid var(--color-border);
-        border-radius: 8px;
-        box-shadow: 0 8px 24px var(--color-card-shadow);
-        overflow: hidden;
-        display: none;
-    }
-    .model-profile-menu.open {
-        display: block;
-    }
-    .model-profile-menu-header {
-        padding: 8px 12px;
-        font-size: 0.72rem;
-        font-weight: 700;
-        text-transform: uppercase;
-        letter-spacing: 0.03em;
-        color: var(--color-text-secondary);
-        border-bottom: 1px solid var(--color-border);
-        background: var(--color-bg-soft);
-    }
-    .model-profile-option {
-        width: 100%;
-        border: none;
-        border-bottom: 1px solid var(--color-border);
-        background: transparent;
-        color: var(--color-text);
-        text-align: left;
-        padding: 10px 12px;
-        cursor: pointer;
-        display: flex;
-        flex-direction: column;
-        gap: 2px;
-    }
-    .model-profile-option:last-child {
-        border-bottom: none;
-    }
-    .model-profile-option:hover {
-        background: var(--color-bg-soft);
-    }
-    /* ── Start date picker ─────────────────────────── */
-    .start-date-wrapper {
-        display: flex;
-        align-items: center;
-    }
-    .start-date-toggle {
-        display: inline-flex;
-        align-items: center;
-        gap: 4px;
-        padding: 6px 8px;
-        background: none;
-        border: 1px solid var(--color-border);
-        border-radius: var(--radius);
-        font-family: var(--font-sans);
-        font-size: 0.8rem;
-        color: var(--color-text-secondary);
-        cursor: pointer;
-        transition: border-color 0.15s, color 0.15s;
-    }
-    .start-date-toggle:hover {
-        border-color: var(--color-primary);
-        color: var(--color-primary);
-    }
-    .start-date-toggle svg {
-        width: 14px;
-        height: 14px;
-    }
-    .start-date-row {
-        display: none;
-        align-items: center;
-        gap: 8px;
-    }
-    .start-date-row.open {
-        display: flex;
-    }
-    .start-date-row input[type="date"] {
-        padding: 6px 10px;
-        border: 1px solid var(--color-border);
-        border-radius: var(--radius);
-        font-family: var(--font-sans);
-        font-size: 0.82rem;
-        color: var(--color-text);
-        background: var(--color-bg);
-        outline: none;
-        transition: border-color 0.15s;
-    }
-    .start-date-row input[type="datetime-local"]:focus {
-        border-color: var(--color-primary);
-        box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.1);
-    }
-    .start-date-clear {
-        padding: 4px 8px;
-        background: none;
-        border: 1px solid var(--color-border);
-        border-radius: var(--radius);
-        font-family: var(--font-sans);
-        font-size: 0.75rem;
-        color: var(--color-text-secondary);
-        cursor: pointer;
-        transition: border-color 0.15s, color 0.15s;
-    }
-    .start-date-clear:hover {
-        border-color: var(--color-primary);
-        color: var(--color-primary);
-    }
-    .btn-start-plan {
-        display: inline-flex;
-        align-items: center;
-        gap: 8px;
-        padding: 10px 28px;
-        background: var(--color-primary);
-        color: #fff;
-        border: none;
-        border-radius: var(--radius);
-        font-size: 0.9rem;
-        font-weight: 600;
-        cursor: pointer;
-        transition: background 0.15s, transform 0.1s;
-    }
-    .btn-start-plan:hover {
-        background: var(--color-primary-hover);
-        transform: translateY(-1px);
-    }
-    .btn-start-plan:disabled {
-        opacity: 0.5;
-        cursor: not-allowed;
-        transform: none;
-    }
-    .btn-start-plan svg {
-        width: 16px;
-        height: 16px;
-    }
+
     /* ── Admin view ─────────────────────────────────── */
     .admin-notice {
         text-align: center;
@@ -601,7 +289,6 @@
         .hero { padding: 40px 0 32px; }
         .hero-actions { flex-direction: column; align-items: center; }
         .btn-hero-outline { margin-left: 0; }
-        .stats-row { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
     }
 </style>
 {% endblock %}
@@ -609,106 +296,54 @@
 {% block content %}
 {% if user %}
 {# ─── Dashboard for signed-in users ─────────────────────────── #}
-<div class="dashboard-welcome">
-    <h1>Welcome back, {{ user.name or user.given_name or "there" }}</h1>
-    <p>Your PlanExe dashboard &mdash; manage your plans and credits.</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="stats-row">
-    <a href="{{ url_for('account') }}" class="stat-card stat-card-link" title="Manage credits and add more via Stripe">
-        <div class="stat-value credits">{{ credits_balance_display }}</div>
-        <div class="stat-label">Credits{% if not can_create_plan and not is_admin %} · Add more{% endif %}</div>
-    </a>
-    <div class="stat-card">
-        <div class="stat-value">{{ total_tasks_count }}</div>
-        <div class="stat-label">Plans</div>
-    </div>
-</div>
+<div style="max-width:480px; margin:0 auto;">
+<h1 class="onboarding-title">Onboarding</h1>
+<p class="onboarding-subtitle">Connect PlanExe with your AI assistant to create plans.</p>
 
-{# ── Start New Plan form ────────────────────────────────────── #}
-<div class="new-plan-section">
-    <div class="new-plan-header">
-        <svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"><path d="M14.5 2H6a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v16a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h12a2 2 0 0 0 2-2V7.5L14.5 2z"/><polyline points="14 2 14 8 20 8"/><line x1="12" y1="18" x2="12" y2="12"/><line x1="9" y1="15" x2="15" y2="15"/></svg>
-        <h2>Start a New Plan</h2>
-    </div>
-    <div class="new-plan-body">
-        {% if example_prompts %}
-        <div class="example-chips">
-            {% for ep in example_prompts %}
-            <button type="button" class="example-chip" data-index="{{ loop.index0 }}">Example {{ loop.index }}</button>
-            {% endfor %}
+<div class="onboarding-steps">
+    {% for step in onboarding_steps %}
+    <div class="onboarding-step {% if not step.done %}pending{% endif %}">
+        <div class="onboarding-check {% if step.done %}done{% endif %}"></div>
+        <div class="onboarding-step-body">
+            <p class="onboarding-step-title">
+                {{ step.title }}
+                {% if step.title == "Superuser" and step.done %}
+                <span class="superuser-badge">Superuser</span>
+                {% endif %}
+            </p>
+            {% if not step.done and step.description %}
+            <p class="onboarding-step-desc">{{ step.description | safe }}</p>
+            {% endif %}
+            <p class="onboarding-step-detail">
+                {{ step.detail }}
+                {% if step.link %}
+                &middot; <a href="{{ step.link }}" class="onboarding-step-link">{% if "docs.planexe" in step.link %}Setup guide{% else %}Go{% endif %} &rarr;</a>
+                {% endif %}
+            </p>
         </div>
-        {% endif %}
-        <form id="new-plan-form" method="POST" action="{{ url_for('plan_routes.create_plan') }}">
-            <input type="hidden" name="csrf_token" value="{{ csrf_token() }}">
-            <input type="hidden" name="speed_vs_detail" value="all_details_but_slow">
-            <textarea name="prompt" id="plan-prompt" placeholder="Describe your project or idea in detail. The more context you provide, the better the plan will be." required></textarea>
-            <input type="hidden" name="start_date" id="start-date-hidden" value="">
-            <div class="new-plan-footer">
-                <div class="start-date-wrapper">
-                    <button type="button" class="start-date-toggle" id="start-date-toggle">
-                        <svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"><rect x="3" y="4" width="18" height="18" rx="2" ry="2"/><line x1="16" y1="2" x2="16" y2="6"/><line x1="8" y1="2" x2="8" y2="6"/><line x1="3" y1="10" x2="21" y2="10"/></svg>
-                        Set start date
-                    </button>
-                    <div class="start-date-row" id="start-date-row">
-                        <input type="date" id="start-date-input">
-                        <button type="button" class="start-date-clear" id="start-date-clear">Clear</button>
-                    </div>
-                </div>
-                <div class="footer-spacer"></div>
-                <div class="model-profile-inline model-profile-picker">
-                    {% set default_profile_option = model_profile_options[0] %}
-                    <input type="hidden" name="model_profile" id="model-profile" value="{{ default_profile_option.value }}">
-                    <button type="button" id="model-profile-button" class="model-profile-button" aria-haspopup="listbox" aria-expanded="false" title="Select model profile">
-                        <span class="model-profile-title" id="model-profile-selected-title">{{ default_profile_option.title }}</span>
-                        <span class="model-profile-caret" aria-hidden="true">
-                            <svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2.4" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round">
-                                <polyline points="6 9 12 15 18 9"></polyline>
-                            </svg>
-                        </span>
-                    </button>
-                    <div id="model-profile-menu" class="model-profile-menu" role="listbox">
-                        <div class="model-profile-menu-header">Select model profile</div>
-                        {% for profile_option in model_profile_options %}
-                        <button type="button" class="model-profile-option" data-value="{{ profile_option.value }}">
-                            <span class="model-profile-title">{{ profile_option.title }}</span>
-                            <span class="model-profile-subtitle">{{ profile_option.subtitle }}</span>
-                        </button>
-                        {% endfor %}
-                    </div>
-                </div>
-                <button type="submit" class="btn-start-plan" id="btn-start-plan" title="Generate a plan from your prompt" {% if not can_create_plan %}disabled{% endif %}>
-                    <svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"><polygon points="5 3 19 12 5 21 5 3"/></svg>
-                    {% if not can_create_plan %}
-                        Insufficient credits
-                    {% else %}
-                        Generate Plan
-                    {% endif %}
-                </button>
-            </div>
-        </form>
-    </div>
-</div>
-
-{% if recent_tasks %}
-<h2 class="section-title">Recent Plans</h2>
-<div class="tasks-list">
-    {% for task in recent_tasks %}
-    <a class="task-row-link" href="{{ url_for('plan_routes.plan') }}?id={{ task.id }}">
-    <div class="task-row">
-        <span class="task-status {{ task.state.name if task.state else 'pending' }}"></span>
-        <span class="task-prompt" title="{{ task.prompt }}">{{ task.prompt }}</span>
-        <span class="task-meta">
-            {% if task.state %}{{ task.state.name | capitalize }}{% else %}Pending{% endif %}
-        </span>
     </div>
-    </a>
     {% endfor %}
 </div>
-{% else %}
-<div class="empty-state">
-    <p>You haven't created any plans yet. Describe your idea above and click <strong>Generate Plan</strong> to get started.</p>
+
+<p style="margin-top:28px; font-size:0.82rem; color:var(--color-text-secondary);">
+    Need help? Join the <a href="https://planexe.org/discord/" target="_blank" style="color:var(--color-primary, #0066cc); text-decoration:none; font-weight:600;">PlanExe Discord</a> for setup assistance and community support.
+</p>
 </div>
+
+{% if onboarding_debug %}
+<details style="margin-top:24px; font-size:0.75rem; color:var(--color-text-secondary);">
+    <summary style="cursor:pointer; font-weight:600;">Debug: onboarding data</summary>
+    <pre style="margin-top:8px; padding:10px; background:var(--color-bg-soft); border:1px solid var(--color-border); border-radius:var(--radius); overflow-x:auto;">{% for step in onboarding_steps %}
+{{ step.title }}:
+  done: {{ step.done }}
+  detail: {{ step.detail }}
+  link: {{ step.link or "—" }}
+{% endfor %}
+Override steps with URL parameters (1=done, 0=pending):
+  /?debug=1&step1=1&step2=1&step3=1&step4=1&step5=1  — all done
+  /?debug=1&step1=1&step2=0&step3=0&step4=0&step5=0  — new user
+  /?debug=1&step5=1                                    — force superuser</pre>
+</details>
 {% endif %}
 
 {% elif is_admin %}
@@ -764,119 +399,4 @@ <h3>Avoid Surprises</h3>
 </section>
 {% endif %}
 
-{% if user and example_prompts %}
-<script>
-    // Example prompts loaded from the server
-    var examplePrompts = {{ example_prompts | tojson | safe }};
-    var textarea = document.getElementById('plan-prompt');
-
-    // Example chip click handlers — fill textarea with the example prompt
-    document.querySelectorAll('.example-chip').forEach(function(chip) {
-        chip.addEventListener('click', function() {
-            var idx = parseInt(this.getAttribute('data-index'), 10);
-            if (examplePrompts[idx]) {
-                textarea.value = examplePrompts[idx];
-                textarea.focus();
-            }
-        });
-    });
-</script>
-{% endif %}
-{% if user %}
-<script>
-    (function() {
-        var toggle = document.getElementById('start-date-toggle');
-        var row = document.getElementById('start-date-row');
-        var dateInput = document.getElementById('start-date-input');
-        var hiddenDate = document.getElementById('start-date-hidden');
-        var clearBtn = document.getElementById('start-date-clear');
-
-        if (!toggle || !row || !dateInput || !hiddenDate || !clearBtn) return;
-
-        toggle.addEventListener('click', function() {
-            var isOpen = row.classList.contains('open');
-            if (isOpen) {
-                row.classList.remove('open');
-                toggle.style.display = '';
-            } else {
-                row.classList.add('open');
-                toggle.style.display = 'none';
-            }
-        });
-
-        clearBtn.addEventListener('click', function() {
-            dateInput.value = '';
-            hiddenDate.value = '';
-            row.classList.remove('open');
-            toggle.style.display = '';
-        });
-
-        function toISO8601WithOffset(dateStr) {
-            // dateStr is "YYYY-MM-DD" from the date input.
-            // Build a local Date at 20:55 to get the correct timezone offset.
-            var d = new Date(dateStr + 'T20:55:00');
-            if (isNaN(d.getTime())) return '';
-            var off = -d.getTimezoneOffset();
-            var sign = off >= 0 ? '+' : '-';
-            var absOff = Math.abs(off);
-            var hh = String(Math.floor(absOff / 60)).padStart(2, '0');
-            var mm = String(absOff % 60).padStart(2, '0');
-            return dateStr + 'T20:55:00' + sign + hh + ':' + mm;
-        }
-
-        dateInput.addEventListener('change', function() {
-            hiddenDate.value = dateInput.value ? toISO8601WithOffset(dateInput.value) : '';
-        });
-    })();
-</script>
-{% endif %}
-{% if user %}
-<script>
-    (function() {
-        var hiddenInput = document.getElementById('model-profile');
-        var button = document.getElementById('model-profile-button');
-        var menu = document.getElementById('model-profile-menu');
-        var titleEl = document.getElementById('model-profile-selected-title');
-
-        if (!hiddenInput || !button || !menu || !titleEl) {
-            return;
-        }
-
-        function closeMenu() {
-            menu.classList.remove('open');
-            button.setAttribute('aria-expanded', 'false');
-        }
-
-        function selectOption(optionEl) {
-            var value = optionEl.getAttribute('data-value') || 'baseline';
-            var nextTitle = optionEl.querySelector('.model-profile-title');
-            hiddenInput.value = value;
-            titleEl.textContent = nextTitle ? nextTitle.textContent : 'Baseline';
-            closeMenu();
-        }
-
-        button.addEventListener('click', function() {
-            var isOpen = menu.classList.contains('open');
-            if (isOpen) {
-                closeMenu();
-            } else {
-                menu.classList.add('open');
-                button.setAttribute('aria-expanded', 'true');
-            }
-        });
-
-        menu.querySelectorAll('.model-profile-option').forEach(function(optionEl) {
-            optionEl.addEventListener('click', function() {
-                selectOption(optionEl);
-            });
-        });
-
-        document.addEventListener('click', function(event) {
-            if (!menu.contains(event.target) && !button.contains(event.target)) {
-                closeMenu();
-            }
-        });
-    })();
-</script>
-{% endif %}
 {% endblock %}
diff --git a/frontend_multi_user/templates/plan_create.html b/frontend_multi_user/templates/plan_create.html
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..74ad5391
--- /dev/null
+++ b/frontend_multi_user/templates/plan_create.html
@@ -0,0 +1,267 @@
+{% extends "base.html" %}
+{% block title %}Create a New Plan - PlanExe{% endblock %}
+{% block head %}
+<style>
+    .new-plan-section {
+        background: var(--color-card-bg);
+        border: 1px solid var(--color-border);
+        border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
+        margin-bottom: 32px;
+        box-shadow: 0 1px 3px var(--color-card-shadow);
+    }
+    .new-plan-header {
+        display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 10px;
+        padding: 16px 20px;
+        border-bottom: 1px solid var(--color-border);
+    }
+    .new-plan-header svg { width: 20px; height: 20px; color: var(--color-primary); flex-shrink: 0; }
+    .new-plan-header h2 { font-size: 1.05rem; font-weight: 700; margin: 0; }
+    .new-plan-body { padding: 20px; }
+    .new-plan-body textarea {
+        width: 100%; min-height: 120px; padding: 12px 14px;
+        border: 1px solid var(--color-border); border-radius: var(--radius);
+        font-family: var(--font-sans); font-size: 0.9rem; line-height: 1.5;
+        resize: vertical; outline: none; transition: border-color 0.15s;
+        box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--color-text); background: var(--color-bg);
+    }
+    .new-plan-body textarea:focus { border-color: var(--color-primary); box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.1); }
+    .new-plan-body textarea::placeholder { color: var(--color-text-secondary); }
+    .example-chips { display: flex; gap: 8px; flex-wrap: wrap; margin-bottom: 12px; }
+    .example-chip {
+        display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 4px;
+        padding: 5px 12px; background: var(--color-bg-soft);
+        border: 1px solid var(--color-border); border-radius: 20px;
+        font-size: 0.78rem; font-weight: 500; color: var(--color-text-secondary);
+        cursor: pointer; transition: border-color 0.15s, color 0.15s;
+    }
+    .example-chip:hover { border-color: var(--color-primary); color: var(--color-primary); }
+    .new-plan-footer {
+        display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between;
+        gap: 12px; margin-top: 14px;
+    }
+    .new-plan-footer .footer-spacer { flex: 1 1 auto; }
+    .new-plan-footer .model-profile-inline { width: auto; min-width: 0; max-width: none; }
+    .model-profile-picker { position: relative; }
+    .model-profile-button {
+        width: auto; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: flex-start;
+        gap: 0; padding: 6px 8px; border-radius: 8px;
+        border: 1px solid var(--color-border); background: var(--color-bg-soft);
+        color: var(--color-text); cursor: pointer; text-align: left;
+    }
+    .model-profile-button:hover { border-color: var(--color-primary); }
+    .model-profile-title { font-size: 0.82rem; font-weight: 700; }
+    .model-profile-subtitle { font-size: 0.75rem; color: var(--color-text-secondary); }
+    .model-profile-caret {
+        color: var(--color-text); opacity: 0.95;
+        display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center;
+        width: 16px; height: 16px; flex: 0 0 16px;
+    }
+    .model-profile-caret svg { width: 16px; height: 16px; display: block; }
+    .model-profile-menu {
+        position: absolute; top: calc(100% + 6px); left: 0;
+        width: max-content; min-width: 260px; z-index: 20;
+        background: var(--color-bg); border: 1px solid var(--color-border);
+        border-radius: 8px; box-shadow: 0 8px 24px var(--color-card-shadow);
+        overflow: hidden; display: none;
+    }
+    .model-profile-menu.open { display: block; }
+    .model-profile-menu-header {
+        padding: 8px 12px; font-size: 0.72rem; font-weight: 700;
+        text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.03em;
+        color: var(--color-text-secondary); border-bottom: 1px solid var(--color-border);
+        background: var(--color-bg-soft);
+    }
+    .model-profile-option {
+        width: 100%; border: none; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--color-border);
+        background: transparent; color: var(--color-text); text-align: left;
+        padding: 10px 12px; cursor: pointer; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 2px;
+    }
+    .model-profile-option:last-child { border-bottom: none; }
+    .model-profile-option:hover { background: var(--color-bg-soft); }
+    .start-date-wrapper { display: flex; align-items: center; }
+    .start-date-toggle {
+        display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 4px;
+        padding: 6px 8px; background: none;
+        border: 1px solid var(--color-border); border-radius: var(--radius);
+        font-family: var(--font-sans); font-size: 0.8rem;
+        color: var(--color-text-secondary); cursor: pointer;
+        transition: border-color 0.15s, color 0.15s;
+    }
+    .start-date-toggle:hover { border-color: var(--color-primary); color: var(--color-primary); }
+    .start-date-toggle svg { width: 14px; height: 14px; }
+    .start-date-row { display: none; align-items: center; gap: 8px; }
+    .start-date-row.open { display: flex; }
+    .start-date-row input[type="date"] {
+        padding: 6px 10px; border: 1px solid var(--color-border); border-radius: var(--radius);
+        font-family: var(--font-sans); font-size: 0.82rem;
+        color: var(--color-text); background: var(--color-bg); outline: none;
+        transition: border-color 0.15s;
+    }
+    .start-date-clear {
+        padding: 4px 8px; background: none;
+        border: 1px solid var(--color-border); border-radius: var(--radius);
+        font-family: var(--font-sans); font-size: 0.75rem;
+        color: var(--color-text-secondary); cursor: pointer;
+        transition: border-color 0.15s, color 0.15s;
+    }
+    .start-date-clear:hover { border-color: var(--color-primary); color: var(--color-primary); }
+    .btn-start-plan {
+        display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px;
+        padding: 10px 28px; background: var(--color-primary); color: #fff;
+        border: none; border-radius: var(--radius);
+        font-size: 0.9rem; font-weight: 600; cursor: pointer;
+        transition: background 0.15s, transform 0.1s;
+    }
+    .btn-start-plan:hover { background: var(--color-primary-hover); transform: translateY(-1px); }
+    .btn-start-plan:disabled { opacity: 0.5; cursor: not-allowed; transform: none; }
+    .btn-start-plan svg { width: 16px; height: 16px; }
+</style>
+{% endblock %}
+
+{% block content %}
+<div class="new-plan-section">
+    <div class="new-plan-header">
+        <svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"><path d="M14.5 2H6a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v16a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h12a2 2 0 0 0 2-2V7.5L14.5 2z"/><polyline points="14 2 14 8 20 8"/><line x1="12" y1="18" x2="12" y2="12"/><line x1="9" y1="15" x2="15" y2="15"/></svg>
+        <h2>Create a New Plan</h2>
+    </div>
+    <div class="new-plan-body">
+        {% if example_prompts %}
+        <div class="example-chips">
+            {% for ep in example_prompts %}
+            <button type="button" class="example-chip" data-index="{{ loop.index0 }}">Example {{ loop.index }}</button>
+            {% endfor %}
+        </div>
+        {% endif %}
+        <form id="new-plan-form" method="POST" action="{{ url_for('plan_routes.create_plan') }}">
+            <input type="hidden" name="csrf_token" value="{{ csrf_token() }}">
+            <input type="hidden" name="speed_vs_detail" value="all_details_but_slow">
+            <textarea name="prompt" id="plan-prompt" placeholder="Describe your project or idea in detail. The more context you provide, the better the plan will be." required></textarea>
+            <input type="hidden" name="start_date" id="start-date-hidden" value="">
+            <div class="new-plan-footer">
+                <div class="start-date-wrapper">
+                    <button type="button" class="start-date-toggle" id="start-date-toggle">
+                        <svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"><rect x="3" y="4" width="18" height="18" rx="2" ry="2"/><line x1="16" y1="2" x2="16" y2="6"/><line x1="8" y1="2" x2="8" y2="6"/><line x1="3" y1="10" x2="21" y2="10"/></svg>
+                        Set start date
+                    </button>
+                    <div class="start-date-row" id="start-date-row">
+                        <input type="date" id="start-date-input">
+                        <button type="button" class="start-date-clear" id="start-date-clear">Clear</button>
+                    </div>
+                </div>
+                <div class="footer-spacer"></div>
+                <div class="model-profile-inline model-profile-picker">
+                    {% set default_profile_option = model_profile_options[0] %}
+                    <input type="hidden" name="model_profile" id="model-profile" value="{{ default_profile_option.value }}">
+                    <button type="button" id="model-profile-button" class="model-profile-button" aria-haspopup="listbox" aria-expanded="false" title="Select model profile">
+                        <span class="model-profile-title" id="model-profile-selected-title">{{ default_profile_option.title }}</span>
+                        <span class="model-profile-caret" aria-hidden="true">
+                            <svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2.4" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round">
+                                <polyline points="6 9 12 15 18 9"></polyline>
+                            </svg>
+                        </span>
+                    </button>
+                    <div id="model-profile-menu" class="model-profile-menu" role="listbox">
+                        <div class="model-profile-menu-header">Select model profile</div>
+                        {% for profile_option in model_profile_options %}
+                        <button type="button" class="model-profile-option" data-value="{{ profile_option.value }}">
+                            <span class="model-profile-title">{{ profile_option.title }}</span>
+                            <span class="model-profile-subtitle">{{ profile_option.subtitle }}</span>
+                        </button>
+                        {% endfor %}
+                    </div>
+                </div>
+                <button type="submit" class="btn-start-plan" id="btn-start-plan" title="Generate a plan from your prompt" {% if not can_create_plan %}disabled{% endif %}>
+                    <svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"><polygon points="5 3 19 12 5 21 5 3"/></svg>
+                    {% if not can_create_plan %}
+                        Insufficient credits
+                    {% else %}
+                        Generate Plan
+                    {% endif %}
+                </button>
+            </div>
+        </form>
+    </div>
+</div>
+
+<div style="max-width:640px; margin:0 auto; font-size:0.82rem; line-height:1.6; color:var(--color-text-secondary);">
+    <p style="margin:0 0 8px;">
+        <strong>Tip:</strong> You can type a prompt above to try PlanExe out, however the intended way is when your AI assistant writes the prompt for you. A good prompt is detailed &mdash; it includes your goal, constraints, budget, timeline, and context. Writing all of that by hand takes effort and it's easy to leave out important details.
+    </p>
+    <p style="margin:0 0 8px;">
+        The recommended way to use PlanExe is through <strong>MCP</strong> (Model Context Protocol). Connect PlanExe to your preferred AI tool &mdash; such as Claude, Cursor, or Windsurf &mdash; and let it interview you about your idea, then compose a thorough prompt on your behalf. This consistently produces higher-quality plans because the AI ensures nothing important is missing.
+    </p>
+    <p style="margin:0;">
+        See the <a href="https://docs.planexe.org/mcp/mcp_welcome/" target="_blank" style="color:var(--color-primary, #0066cc);">MCP documentation</a> for how to set up MCP with your AI tool.
+    </p>
+</div>
+
+{% if example_prompts %}
+<script>
+    var examplePrompts = {{ example_prompts | tojson | safe }};
+    var textarea = document.getElementById('plan-prompt');
+    document.querySelectorAll('.example-chip').forEach(function(chip) {
+        chip.addEventListener('click', function() {
+            var idx = parseInt(this.getAttribute('data-index'), 10);
+            if (examplePrompts[idx]) { textarea.value = examplePrompts[idx]; textarea.focus(); }
+        });
+    });
+</script>
+{% endif %}
+<script>
+    (function() {
+        var toggle = document.getElementById('start-date-toggle');
+        var row = document.getElementById('start-date-row');
+        var dateInput = document.getElementById('start-date-input');
+        var hiddenDate = document.getElementById('start-date-hidden');
+        var clearBtn = document.getElementById('start-date-clear');
+        if (!toggle || !row || !dateInput || !hiddenDate || !clearBtn) return;
+        toggle.addEventListener('click', function() {
+            var isOpen = row.classList.contains('open');
+            if (isOpen) { row.classList.remove('open'); toggle.style.display = ''; }
+            else { row.classList.add('open'); toggle.style.display = 'none'; }
+        });
+        clearBtn.addEventListener('click', function() {
+            dateInput.value = ''; hiddenDate.value = '';
+            row.classList.remove('open'); toggle.style.display = '';
+        });
+        function toISO8601WithOffset(dateStr) {
+            var d = new Date(dateStr + 'T20:55:00');
+            if (isNaN(d.getTime())) return '';
+            var off = -d.getTimezoneOffset();
+            var sign = off >= 0 ? '+' : '-';
+            var absOff = Math.abs(off);
+            var hh = String(Math.floor(absOff / 60)).padStart(2, '0');
+            var mm = String(absOff % 60).padStart(2, '0');
+            return dateStr + 'T20:55:00' + sign + hh + ':' + mm;
+        }
+        dateInput.addEventListener('change', function() {
+            hiddenDate.value = dateInput.value ? toISO8601WithOffset(dateInput.value) : '';
+        });
+    })();
+    (function() {
+        var hiddenInput = document.getElementById('model-profile');
+        var button = document.getElementById('model-profile-button');
+        var menu = document.getElementById('model-profile-menu');
+        var titleEl = document.getElementById('model-profile-selected-title');
+        if (!hiddenInput || !button || !menu || !titleEl) return;
+        function closeMenu() { menu.classList.remove('open'); button.setAttribute('aria-expanded', 'false'); }
+        function selectOption(optionEl) {
+            var value = optionEl.getAttribute('data-value') || 'baseline';
+            var nextTitle = optionEl.querySelector('.model-profile-title');
+            hiddenInput.value = value;
+            titleEl.textContent = nextTitle ? nextTitle.textContent : 'Baseline';
+            closeMenu();
+        }
+        button.addEventListener('click', function() {
+            if (menu.classList.contains('open')) closeMenu();
+            else { menu.classList.add('open'); button.setAttribute('aria-expanded', 'true'); }
+        });
+        menu.querySelectorAll('.model-profile-option').forEach(function(optionEl) {
+            optionEl.addEventListener('click', function() { selectOption(optionEl); });
+        });
+        document.addEventListener('click', function(event) {
+            if (!menu.contains(event.target) && !button.contains(event.target)) closeMenu();
+        });
+    })();
+</script>
+{% endblock %}
diff --git a/frontend_multi_user/templates/plan_list.html b/frontend_multi_user/templates/plan_list.html
index 155097c7..b7da96ec 100644
--- a/frontend_multi_user/templates/plan_list.html
+++ b/frontend_multi_user/templates/plan_list.html
@@ -166,6 +166,16 @@ <h1 class="plan-list-title">Plans</h1>
     {% endif %}
 </div>
 
+{% if not plan_rows %}
+<div style="margin-top:24px; padding:20px 24px; border:1px solid var(--color-border); border-radius:var(--radius-lg); background:var(--color-bg-soft); max-width:500px;">
+    <p style="margin:0 0 8px; font-size:0.9rem; font-weight:600; color:var(--color-text);">New here?</p>
+    <p style="margin:0 0 12px; font-size:0.82rem; line-height:1.5; color:var(--color-text-secondary);">
+        See these example reports for inspiration.
+    </p>
+    <a href="https://planexe.org/examples/" target="_blank" style="font-size:0.82rem; font-weight:600; color:var(--color-primary, #0066cc); text-decoration:none;">Browse example plans &rarr;</a>
+</div>
+{% endif %}
+
 <script>
     document.querySelectorAll(".plan-row").forEach(function (row) {
         row.addEventListener("click", function () {