diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 3e7fb4e..46065bc 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -54,6 +54,20 @@ go build -trimpath -o foundry.exe ./cmd/foundry
 .\foundry.exe version
 ```
 
+## Command categories and workspaces
+
+| Category | Commands | Where to run |
+| --- | --- | --- |
+| Discover | `help`, `list`, `template list`, `info`, `doctor`, `version` | Any directory |
+| Create | `foundry`, `new` | Parent folder of the new project; or specify `--destination` |
+| Extend Go | `add service`, `repository`, `usecase`, `proto`, `migration` | Generated Go root, or select it with `--project` |
+| Extend Flutter | `add feature`, `add package`, `mason` | Generated Flutter workspace root; `add` accepts `--project` |
+| Maintain | `upgrade --check` | Any generated root, or select it with `--project` |
+| Develop and validate | Make, Melos, npm, Cargo | The relevant generated workspace root |
+| Contribute and release Foundry | Root `make` targets and release scripts | Foundry's own repository |
+
+Start with the [workspace guide](docs/workspaces.md) for the support matrix and end-to-end examples for Go, Flutter, Vanilla JS, React, and Rust. Use the [command reference](docs/commands.md) for flags, scripts, prerequisites, outputs, and side effects. `foundry help` shows the same CLI categories.
+
 ## Create projects
 
 Interactive:
diff --git a/docs/commands.md b/docs/commands.md
index 899f2e1..6c375d9 100644
--- a/docs/commands.md
+++ b/docs/commands.md
@@ -2,6 +2,20 @@
 
 This guide covers the Foundry executable, development of Foundry itself, and commands inside generated projects. Run `foundry help` for CLI syntax, `make help` in either Make-based project for targets, and a shell script with `--help` for its inputs. Rust's PowerShell script uses `-Help`.
 
+## Choose a command category
+
+The [workspace guide](workspaces.md) explains which commands apply to each workspace and gives creation-to-validation recipes. This page is the detailed reference.
+
+| Category | Scope | Reference |
+| --- | --- | --- |
+| Discovery | Any directory: help, templates, version, tool availability | [Inspect and generate](#inspect-and-generate) |
+| Creation | Parent folder: interactive generation or `new` | [Creation flags and delivery](#inspect-and-generate) |
+| Go scaffolding | Generated Go root: service, repository, use case, proto, migration | [Extend a project](#extend-a-project) |
+| Flutter scaffolding | Workspace root: feature, package, Mason bricks | [Extend a project](#extend-a-project) |
+| Maintenance | Generated roots: read-only template version comparison | [Maintenance and errors](#maintenance-and-errors) |
+| Workspace development | Native tools for setup, run, format, lint, test, build, clean | Sections 5–8 below |
+| Foundry development and distribution | This repository's Make targets, smoke tests, executable release archives | [Develop and release Foundry](#4-develop-and-release-foundry) |
+
 ## 1. Shared command meanings
 
 Use each ecosystem's native command. The names differ where the ecosystem already has a standard; their responsibilities are consistent.
diff --git a/docs/workspaces.md b/docs/workspaces.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c87538f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/workspaces.md
@@ -0,0 +1,187 @@
+# Commands by workspace
+
+Use Foundry to create projects, add supported scaffolds, and inspect template versions. Use each generated project's native tools to install dependencies, run the application, validate changes, and build outputs. Foundry does not provide `run`, `test`, `build`, or `deploy` subcommands.
+
+## Identify your workspace
+
+| Workspace | Root markers | Scope |
+| --- | --- | --- |
+| Foundry source repository | `assets.go`, `cmd/foundry/`, `templates/` | Develop the generator and embedded templates; produce the Foundry executable |
+| Generated Go | `.foundry.yaml`, `go.mod`, `cmd/server/`, `Makefile` | One backend application |
+| Generated Flutter | `.foundry.yaml`, root `pubspec.yaml` with `workspace:`, `apps/`, `packages/`, `mason.yaml` | Multiple apps and shared packages managed together |
+| Generated Vanilla JS | `.foundry.yaml`, `package.json`, `src/main.js` | One Vite browser application |
+| Generated React | `.foundry.yaml`, `package.json`, `src/main.jsx` | One React/Vite browser application |
+| Generated Rust | `.foundry.yaml`, `Cargo.toml`, `rust-toolchain.toml` | One application package with a library and executable; not yet a multi-crate Cargo workspace |
+
+The source folders under Foundry's `templates/` are inputs to generation. Generate a project into a separate directory before running its development workflow. In particular, Go templates still have `.tmpl` suffixes and Rust contains crate-name tokens.
+
+Generated `.foundry.yaml` records the template ID/version and project settings. Keep it for `foundry upgrade --check`. It does not select a directory automatically or make Foundry search ancestor folders. Run commands at the appropriate root, or use `--project` where supported. Paths are relative to your current directory.
+
+## Foundry command categories
+
+| Category | Commands | Working directory and effect |
+| --- | --- | --- |
+| Discovery | `foundry help`, `foundry list`, `foundry template list`, `foundry info <template>`, `foundry version` | Anywhere; print help or bundled metadata |
+| Environment inspection | `foundry doctor` | Anywhere; report availability of tools on `PATH`, without installing them |
+| Creation | `foundry` or `foundry new <name> --template <alias>` | Parent directory; create a project folder. `--destination <path>` overrides its location |
+| Go scaffolding | `foundry add service`, `repository`, `usecase`, `proto`, `migration` | Generated Go root, or `--project <root>`; create files for you to implement and wire |
+| Flutter scaffolding | `foundry add feature`, `foundry add package` | Generated Flutter workspace root, or `--project <root>`; create feature/package files |
+| Mason generation | `foundry mason <brick> [arguments...]` | Flutter workspace root; execute `mason make` from `PATH`, forwarding arguments. No Foundry `--project` option |
+| Maintenance | `foundry upgrade --check` | Any generated root, or `--project <root>`; compare recorded and bundled versions, without modifying files |
+
+`foundry new --help` lists creation flags. `foundry add --help` groups generators by ecosystem. The [full reference](commands.md#3-foundry-cli) describes aliases, hooks, overwrite behavior, errors, and follow-up work.
+
+### Generator support matrix
+
+| Operation | Go | Flutter | Vanilla JS | React | Rust |
+| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
+| Create from bundled source | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Check recorded template version | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Add backend service/repository/use case/proto/migration | Yes | — | — | — | — |
+| Add workspace feature/package | — | Yes | — | — | — |
+| Generate Mason bricks | — | Yes, with Mason installed | — | — | — |
+| Run/test/build | Make / Go | FVM / Melos / Flutter | npm | npm | Cargo / check scripts |
+
+A dash means the operation has no generator for that template. Foundry does not enforce every workspace/type combination before writing files: choose the matching command explicitly. For web and Rust projects, add modules using the structure documented in their generated README.
+
+## Go workflow
+
+Run creation from a parent folder, then work from the generated Go root:
+
+```sh
+foundry new orders-api --template go --module your.org/orders-api --no-hooks
+cd orders-api
+go mod download
+make tools
+make format
+make ci
+```
+
+`make tools` installs contract tooling; ensure Go's binary directory is on `PATH`. `make ci` regenerates contracts, lints them, then checks formatting, Go analysis, race-enabled tests, and the server build. Review generated changes. Go and a race-detector-compatible C toolchain are required.
+
+Add a capability from that same root:
+
+```sh
+foundry add service orders
+foundry add usecase orders create
+foundry add migration create_orders
+# Implement the generated skeletons, SQL, and application wiring.
+make format
+make ci
+```
+
+Generators create scaffolds; they do not implement persistence, register every handler, or apply migrations. `make docker-up` starts the development stack, including its database/migration/bootstrap workflow; `make logs` follows API logs and `make docker-down` stops the stack while retaining database volumes. `make dev` runs only the local server and requires exported environment configuration, a database, and any configured auth keys. See the generated README before running it.
+
+For a repository containing several projects, select the backend explicitly:
+
+```sh
+# From the parent containing orders-api/:
+foundry add repository orders --project ./orders-api
+foundry upgrade --project ./orders-api --check
+```
+
+`--project` selects scaffolding/metadata roots; it does not change where later `make` commands run.
+
+## Flutter workflow
+
+Generate the workspace with hooks disabled so setup uses its pinned FVM SDK:
+
+```sh
+foundry new customer-mobile --template flutter --no-hooks
+cd customer-mobile
+bash scripts/setup.sh
+fvm dart pub global run mason_cli:mason make flutter_app \
+  --name customer --organization org.acme
+# Edit root pubspec.yaml: add apps/customer under workspace:.
+fvm dart pub get
+fvm dart pub global run mason_cli:mason make feature --app customer --name orders
+# Wire the feature's routing and application behavior.
+fvm dart run melos run format
+fvm dart run melos run ci
+```
+
+Setup installs/resolves workspace tooling and dependencies. Register each new app/package as required by the root Dart workspace before resolving packages. Run Melos from the workspace root, where it can operate across apps and shared packages. `ci` runs code generation, the quality gate, and brick validation; `check` runs formatting checks, analysis, and tests without code generation or brick validation.
+
+For a workspace with one app, `foundry add feature orders` is a lightweight scaffold option; `foundry add package order_models` creates a shared package skeleton. Resolve dependencies after adding a package and implement/wire the generated code. `add feature` chooses the first app alphabetically under `apps/` with a `pubspec.yaml`. In a multi-app workspace, use the Mason feature brick with an explicit `--app` as above.
+
+`foundry mason feature --app customer --name orders` is an optional shorthand when the `mason` executable on `PATH` uses the correct SDK. The explicit FVM command above guarantees the workspace SDK. These are alternative ways to invoke the brick; run it once per feature.
+
+To run an app after configuring its native platform folders/device:
+
+```sh
+# From the workspace root; development is the default environment:
+bash scripts/run_flavor.sh customer development
+# Or build a selected platform from the app root:
+cd apps/customer
+fvm flutter build apk
+```
+
+The run script selects Dart environment configuration, not a native platform flavor. Native SDKs, permissions, signing, and platform-specific configuration remain per-app work. There is no single platform build for the whole workspace. Flutter scaffolding commands belong at the workspace root, not inside `apps/customer`.
+
+## Vanilla JavaScript and React workflows
+
+Both templates expose the same npm scripts. Choose one creation command:
+
+```sh
+foundry new storefront --template vanilla-js
+# For React instead: foundry new storefront --template react
+cd storefront
+npm ci
+npm run dev
+```
+
+Stop the development server with Ctrl+C. Add product capabilities under `src/features/`, compose screens under `src/pages/`, and keep reusable code in `src/shared/`. Foundry has no web `add feature` command.
+
+Before committing or handing off a build:
+
+```sh
+npm run format
+npm run check
+# Preview the dist/ output locally:
+npm run preview
+```
+
+`check` runs formatting verification, ESLint, tests, and the production build. `preview` stays running until stopped; it serves the existing `dist/` locally. Deploy `dist/` through your chosen static hosting workflow. Foundry does not publish it. Keep `package-lock.json` committed; use `npm ci` for reproducible installs. Each app has its own package root; run npm there, even when several apps share a parent repository.
+
+## Rust workflow
+
+```sh
+foundry new report-tool --template rust
+cd report-tool
+cargo run --locked -- greet World
+# Add modules under src/features/ and expose them through the library.
+cargo fmt --all
+bash scripts/check.sh
+```
+
+On native Windows, use `./scripts/check.ps1` for the full gate. The scripts check formatting, run Clippy, unit/integration/doc tests, generate API documentation with warnings denied, and build a release executable under `target/release/`.
+
+Use `cargo test --locked` for a focused test run. `cargo check --locked` only type-checks; it is not equivalent to the full gate. Foundry has no Rust scaffolding commands and does not install Rust or invoke Cargo during generation. Start with the included package; introduce a multi-crate Cargo workspace when your application needs it.
+
+## Maintenance across projects
+
+```sh
+# From the directory containing these generated projects:
+foundry upgrade --project ./orders-api --check
+foundry upgrade --project ./customer-mobile --check
+foundry upgrade --project ./storefront --check
+foundry upgrade --project ./report-tool --check
+```
+
+This compares `.foundry.yaml` with the templates bundled in the installed executable. It does not fetch remote templates, merge changes, update dependencies, or rewrite application code. Automatic upgrades are not implemented. Install a newer Foundry executable to inspect its bundled versions; review and apply template changes manually to an existing application.
+
+## Developing Foundry itself
+
+From the Foundry repository root:
+
+```sh
+make help
+make format
+make ci
+```
+
+Here `make ci` validates the CLI, generation tests, native executable build, and smoke generation of all five templates. Native SDK checks for the generated projects run separately in CI. The generated Go project's `make ci` has a different scope: contracts and that application's quality gate.
+
+Edit `templates/` when changing future generated output, rebuild Foundry, and generate a fresh project to validate the change. Existing projects are independent copies and are not edited by rebuilding Foundry.
+
+`make release VERSION=<version>` builds executable distribution archives and checksums. It does not publish a release or create template delivery archives. See the [release and script reference](commands.md#4-develop-and-release-foundry) for prerequisites and outputs.
diff --git a/internal/cli/cli.go b/internal/cli/cli.go
index 4fd432d..89e448e 100644
--- a/internal/cli/cli.go
+++ b/internal/cli/cli.go
@@ -177,7 +177,12 @@ func (a App) newCmd(args []string) int {
 
 func addCmd(args []string) int {
 	if (len(args) == 1 && (args[0] == "--help" || args[0] == "-h")) || (len(args) == 2 && (args[1] == "--help" || args[1] == "-h")) {
-		fmt.Println("Usage: foundry add <service|repository|proto|migration|feature|package> <name> [--project path]\n       foundry add usecase <domain> [name] [--project path]")
+		fmt.Println(`Go project generators:
+  foundry add <service|repository|proto|migration> <name> [--project path]
+  foundry add usecase <domain> [name] [--project path]
+Flutter workspace generators:
+  foundry add <feature|package> <name> [--project path]
+Run from the generated root, or select it with --project. No add generators for JavaScript, React, or Rust.`)
 		return 0
 	}
 	if len(args) < 2 {
@@ -338,24 +343,43 @@ func masonCmd(args []string) int {
 func usage() {
 	fmt.Println(`Foundry — reusable project foundations
 
-Usage:
-  foundry
-  foundry new <name> --template go [--module path] [--version version]
-  foundry new <name> --template flutter [--org com.example] [--version version]
-  foundry new <name> --template <vanilla-js|react> [--version version]
-  foundry new <name> --template rust [--version version]
+Discover (any directory):
+  foundry help                              Show this guide
+  foundry list                              List bundled templates
+  foundry template list                     Alias for list
+  foundry info <template>                    Show template details and aliases
+  foundry doctor                            Report tools available on PATH
+  foundry version                            Show executable version
+
+Create (run from the parent directory):
+  foundry                                   Choose a name and template interactively
+  foundry new <name> --template go [--module path]
+  foundry new <name> --template flutter [--org com.example]
+  foundry new <name> --template <vanilla-js|react|rust>
+  Options: --destination path, --version version, --no-hooks, --force
+  Run foundry new --help for all creation flags.
+
+Extend Go (generated project root, or --project path):
   foundry add service <name> [--project path]
   foundry add repository <name> [--project path]
-  foundry add usecase <domain> <name> [--project path]
+  foundry add usecase <domain> [name] [--project path]
   foundry add proto <name> [--project path]
   foundry add migration <name> [--project path]
+
+Extend Flutter (generated workspace root):
   foundry add feature <name> [--project path]
   foundry add package <name> [--project path]
-  foundry template list
-  foundry upgrade [--project path] [--check]
-  foundry mason <brick> [args...]
-  foundry list
-  foundry info <template>
-  foundry doctor
-  foundry version`)
+  foundry mason <brick> [args...]             Run mason make from PATH in this directory
+  For multi-app workspaces, select the app with Mason's --app argument.
+  JavaScript, React, and Rust have no foundry add generators yet.
+
+Maintain (any generated project root, or --project path):
+  foundry upgrade [--project path] [--check]  Compare template versions; no files changed
+
+Develop generated projects with their native tools:
+  Go: make help                             Flutter: fvm dart run melos run
+  JavaScript / React: npm run                Rust: bash scripts/check.sh
+  Rust on Windows: ./scripts/check.ps1
+
+Guide: docs/workspaces.md; full reference: docs/commands.md (Foundry repository).`)
 }
diff --git a/templates/flutter_foundations/README.md b/templates/flutter_foundations/README.md
index 89cba9b..e4ec33b 100644
--- a/templates/flutter_foundations/README.md
+++ b/templates/flutter_foundations/README.md
@@ -4,6 +4,12 @@ A reusable production-oriented Flutter monorepo foundation built around **Melos
 
 The workspace is pinned to Flutter 3.44.8 through FVM. Install [FVM](https://fvm.app/) before running the setup commands; use `fvm flutter` and `fvm dart` rather than system SDK commands.
 
+## Foundry command scope
+
+Run `foundry add feature <name>` and `foundry add package <name>` from this workspace root, or append `--project <root>` from another directory. Feature generation selects the first app alphabetically under `apps/` with a pubspec; for multiple apps use the FVM Mason feature command with explicit `--app <name>`. Resolve workspace dependencies after adding/registering a package and wire the generated feature into the application.
+
+`foundry mason <brick> [arguments...]` runs Mason from PATH in the current directory; use the explicit FVM commands below to guarantee the workspace SDK. Run workspace commands at this root and platform builds inside the selected app. `foundry upgrade --check` only compares template versions. Go service/repository/usecase/proto/migration generators belong to Go projects.
+
 ## Foundation packages
 
 ```text
diff --git a/templates/go-foundations/README.md b/templates/go-foundations/README.md
index 99eb888..96ff0f1 100644
--- a/templates/go-foundations/README.md
+++ b/templates/go-foundations/README.md
@@ -2,6 +2,12 @@
 
 A production-oriented Go foundation using gRPC, Protocol Buffers, Clean Architecture, PostgreSQL, local RBAC, audit trails, local JWT authentication, optional OIDC/Keycloak authentication, Prometheus, OpenTelemetry, Jaeger, Docker Compose, migrations, pagination, health checks, graceful shutdown, structured logging, and tests.
 
+## Foundry command scope
+
+Run `foundry add service <name>`, `add repository <name>`, `add usecase <domain> [name]`, `add proto <name>`, or `add migration <name>` from this generated Go root. From another directory, append `--project <root>`. Implement and wire the generated scaffolds, then use `make format` and `make ci` to regenerate contracts and validate the application. Flutter's feature/package generators belong to Flutter workspaces.
+
+`foundry upgrade --check` compares this project's recorded template version without changing files. Use `make help` for application development targets; Foundry's own repository has separate Make targets with a different scope.
+
 ## Architecture
 
 ```text
diff --git a/templates/react-foundations/README.md b/templates/react-foundations/README.md
index 2e39edc..cce2608 100644
--- a/templates/react-foundations/README.md
+++ b/templates/react-foundations/README.md
@@ -2,6 +2,12 @@
 
 React Foundations: a client-side JavaScript application built with Vite, native ES modules, and a feature-first structure.
 
+## Foundry command scope
+
+This is a generated application root. Use npm scripts here for development, tests, and builds. Add features under `src/features/` using the structure below; Foundry has no `add` generators for this template. Go and Flutter scaffolding commands belong to their respective workspaces.
+
+`foundry upgrade --check` compares the version in `.foundry.yaml` with the installed executable's bundled template; it changes no files. From another directory, use `foundry upgrade --project <root> --check`. Foundry does not run, build, or deploy this application.
+
 ## Start
 
 Use Node.js 22.18+ on the 22.x line, Node 24, or a newer supported even-numbered release. `.nvmrc` selects Node 22.
diff --git a/templates/rust-foundations/README.md b/templates/rust-foundations/README.md
index b64a402..d4b541c 100644
--- a/templates/rust-foundations/README.md
+++ b/templates/rust-foundations/README.md
@@ -2,6 +2,12 @@
 
 A Rust 2024 application foundation with a thin executable, reusable library, feature modules, typed errors, and no third-party dependencies.
 
+## Foundry command scope
+
+This is a generated application root. Use Cargo and the check scripts here for development, tests, and builds. Add features under `src/features/` using the structure below; Foundry has no `add` generators for this template. Go and Flutter scaffolding commands belong to their respective workspaces.
+
+`foundry upgrade --check` compares the version in `.foundry.yaml` with the installed executable's bundled template; it changes no files. From another directory, use `foundry upgrade --project <root> --check`. Foundry does not run, build, or deploy this application.
+
 ## Run
 
 Install Rust with rustup from https://rust-lang.org/tools/install/. The included toolchain file selects stable Rust with rustfmt and Clippy. The minimum supported compiler is Rust 1.85; CI checks both that version and stable.
diff --git a/templates/vanilla-js-foundations/README.md b/templates/vanilla-js-foundations/README.md
index b8cd01d..13488d9 100644
--- a/templates/vanilla-js-foundations/README.md
+++ b/templates/vanilla-js-foundations/README.md
@@ -2,6 +2,12 @@
 
 Vanilla JavaScript Foundations: a client-side JavaScript application built with Vite, native ES modules, and a feature-first structure.
 
+## Foundry command scope
+
+This is a generated application root. Use npm scripts here for development, tests, and builds. Add features under `src/features/` using the structure below; Foundry has no `add` generators for this template. Go and Flutter scaffolding commands belong to their respective workspaces.
+
+`foundry upgrade --check` compares the version in `.foundry.yaml` with the installed executable's bundled template; it changes no files. From another directory, use `foundry upgrade --project <root> --check`. Foundry does not run, build, or deploy this application.
+
 ## Start
 
 Use Node.js 22.18+ on the 22.x line, Node 24, or a newer supported even-numbered release. `.nvmrc` selects Node 22.