diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 7853bb0..f702629 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ A grant. A board seat. A shared adviser. Three articles repeating one claim. Int
 
 RED THREADS gives your AI investigative craft for following money, resources, obligations, influence, and decision rights. It helps turn a hunch or a pile of records into a source-linked case, competing explanations, useful next leads, and an interactive atlas you can inspect offline.
 
-**[Explore the fictional demo](https://stunspot.github.io/red-threads/demo.html)** · **[Install from GitHub](documentation/installation.md)** · **[Run your first case](documentation/first-case.md)**
+**[Explore the fictional demo](https://stunspot.github.io/red-threads/demo.html)** · **[Download v0.1.0](https://github.com/Stunspot/red-threads/releases/download/v0.1.0/red-threads-v0.1.0.zip)** · **[Install](documentation/installation.md)** · **[Run your first case](documentation/first-case.md)**
 
 ## See what a connection actually carries
 
diff --git a/docs/guide.html b/docs/guide.html
index 9d8dd81..c1dbae1 100644
--- a/docs/guide.html
+++ b/docs/guide.html
@@ -25,8 +25,8 @@
         </div>
         <p class="guide-note">Try <strong>Save view</strong> after choosing filters or a relationship. The downloaded snapshot preserves presentation state for this case. <strong>Load view</strong> restores a compatible snapshot; it does not edit the evidence.</p>
       </section>
-      <section class="guide-step" id="install" aria-labelledby="install-title"><p class="section-label"><span>02</span> GIVE YOUR AI THE CRAFT</p><h2 id="install-title">Install the complete skill.</h2><p><a href="https://github.com/Stunspot/red-threads/blob/main/documentation/installation.md">Install from GitHub</a> using the maintained <code>src/red-threads</code> source folder. Follow your host’s supported skill installation route and keep the complete folder intact, including its references, scripts, assets, and example. A packaged ZIP will be available on <a href="https://github.com/Stunspot/red-threads/releases">Releases</a> when published.</p><p>Your AI host supplies the model and research tools. Python 3.10+ is needed for the bundled case commands and atlas generation. You can still investigate conversationally without Python.</p><p class="guide-note">Uploading a ZIP to an ordinary chat is reference use unless the host actually installs and discovers the skill. Use the host-specific installation guide to choose the right route.</p><a class="text-link" href="https://github.com/Stunspot/red-threads/blob/main/documentation/installation.md">Open the installation guide <span aria-hidden="true">↗</span></a></section>
-      <section class="guide-step" id="render" aria-labelledby="render-title"><p class="section-label"><span>03</span> CREATE YOUR OWN OFFLINE COPY</p><h2 id="render-title">Make the Meridian atlas.</h2><p>For this local walkthrough, obtain a source clone through the installation guide and open a terminal in <strong>src/red-threads, the folder containing SKILL.md</strong>. If you use a published skill ZIP when available, open its extracted <strong>red-threads</strong> folder instead. With Python 3.10+ available, run these commands in order. The output goes in the parent directory, outside the skill folder.</p>
+      <section class="guide-step" id="install" aria-labelledby="install-title"><p class="section-label"><span>02</span> GIVE YOUR AI THE CRAFT</p><h2 id="install-title">Install the complete skill.</h2><p><a href="https://github.com/Stunspot/red-threads/releases/download/v0.1.0/red-threads-v0.1.0.zip">Download red-threads-v0.1.0.zip</a>. Follow your host’s supported skill installation route and keep the <code>red-threads</code> folder intact, including its references, scripts, assets, and example. The installation guide also covers the maintained <code>src/red-threads</code> source folder and the Codex installer.</p><p>Your AI host supplies the model and research tools. Python 3.10+ is needed for the bundled case commands and atlas generation. You can still investigate conversationally without Python.</p><p class="guide-note">Uploading a ZIP to an ordinary chat is reference use unless the host actually installs and discovers the skill. Use the host-specific installation guide to choose the right route.</p><a class="text-link" href="https://github.com/Stunspot/red-threads/blob/main/documentation/installation.md">Open the installation guide <span aria-hidden="true">↗</span></a></section>
+      <section class="guide-step" id="render" aria-labelledby="render-title"><p class="section-label"><span>03</span> CREATE YOUR OWN OFFLINE COPY</p><h2 id="render-title">Make the Meridian atlas.</h2><p>For this local walkthrough, extract the ZIP and open a terminal in the <strong>red-threads folder containing SKILL.md</strong>. If you use a source clone, open its <strong>src/red-threads</strong> folder instead. With Python 3.10+ available, run these commands in order. The output goes in the parent directory, outside the skill folder.</p>
         <div class="code-block"><div class="code-label"><span>CHECK THE INCLUDED CASE</span><button class="copy-button" type="button" data-copy-target="validate-command" data-copy-status="validate-status" hidden>Copy command</button></div><pre><code id="validate-command">python scripts/red_threads.py validate examples/meridian-case.json</code></pre></div><p class="copy-status" id="validate-status" aria-live="polite"></p>
         <p>The JSON result should include <code>"valid": true</code>. This checks the data structure and references.</p>
         <div class="code-block"><div class="code-label"><span>WRITE A NEW ATLAS FILE</span><button class="copy-button" type="button" data-copy-target="render-command" data-copy-status="render-status" hidden>Copy command</button></div><pre><code id="render-command">python scripts/red_threads.py render examples/meridian-case.json --output ../meridian-atlas.html</code></pre></div><p class="copy-status" id="render-status" aria-live="polite"></p>
diff --git a/docs/index.html b/docs/index.html
index 4ff4233..aa2d9a6 100644
--- a/docs/index.html
+++ b/docs/index.html
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
   <link rel="icon" type="image/png" href="assets/red-threads.png">
   <link rel="stylesheet" href="assets/site.css">
   <script type="application/ld+json">
-  {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"SoftwareApplication","name":"RED THREADS — Conspiracy Unraveler","softwareVersion":"0.1.0","applicationCategory":"UtilitiesApplication","operatingSystem":"AI host; Python 3.10+ for bundled case tools","description":"A self-contained AI skill for investigating power, money, influence, and hidden ties, with portable evidence and an offline atlas.","url":"https://stunspot.github.io/red-threads/","image":"https://stunspot.github.io/red-threads/assets/red-threads.png","offers":{"@type":"Offer","price":"0","priceCurrency":"USD"},"author":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Collaborative Dynamics"}}
+  {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"SoftwareApplication","name":"RED THREADS — Conspiracy Unraveler","softwareVersion":"0.1.0","applicationCategory":"UtilitiesApplication","operatingSystem":"AI host; Python 3.10+ for bundled case tools","description":"A self-contained AI skill for investigating power, money, influence, and hidden ties, with portable evidence and an offline atlas.","url":"https://stunspot.github.io/red-threads/","downloadUrl":"https://github.com/Stunspot/red-threads/releases/download/v0.1.0/red-threads-v0.1.0.zip","image":"https://stunspot.github.io/red-threads/assets/red-threads.png","offers":{"@type":"Offer","price":"0","priceCurrency":"USD"},"author":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Collaborative Dynamics"}}
   </script>
 </head>
 <body>
@@ -40,8 +40,8 @@
         <h1 id="hero-title">Pull the thread.<br><em>Find the<br class="wide-break"> mechanism.</em></h1>
         <p class="hero-description">Investigative craft for your AI.<br>A portable case for you.</p>
         <p class="hero-detail">Turn a hunch, a document, or an institutional hairball into an investigation you can explore, challenge, and pick up again.</p>
-        <div class="actions"><a class="button button-red" href="https://github.com/Stunspot/red-threads/blob/main/documentation/installation.md">Install from GitHub <span aria-hidden="true">↗</span></a><a class="text-link" href="demo.html">Open the fictional case <span aria-hidden="true">↗</span></a></div>
-        <p class="fine-print">v0.1.0 · Complete skill source · Your AI host supplies the model</p>
+        <div class="actions"><a class="button button-red" href="https://github.com/Stunspot/red-threads/releases/download/v0.1.0/red-threads-v0.1.0.zip">Download free <span aria-hidden="true">↓</span></a><a class="text-link" href="demo.html">Open the fictional case <span aria-hidden="true">↗</span></a></div>
+        <p class="fine-print">v0.1.0 · Complete skill ZIP · Your AI host supplies the model</p>
       </div>
       <figure class="hero-art"><img src="assets/red-threads.png" width="1672" height="941" fetchpriority="high" alt="RED THREADS — Conspiracy Unraveler. A magnifying glass reveals a network of red connections linking institutions on a dark map."><figcaption><span>LOOK CLOSER.</span><span>Connections are the beginning of the inquiry.</span></figcaption></figure>
     </section>
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ <h1 id="hero-title">Pull the thread.<br><em>Find the<br class="wide-break"> mech
     </div></section>
     <section class="start-section wrap section-space" id="start" aria-labelledby="start-title">
       <p class="section-label"><span>05</span> YOUR FIRST THREAD</p>
-      <div class="start-grid"><div><h2 id="start-title">Bring a question.<br><em>Leave with a next move.</em></h2><p class="prose">Get the complete skill from GitHub, install it through your AI host’s supported skill route, and begin with the fictional case. Python 3.10+ is needed for the supplied case tools and atlas; conversational investigation can continue without it.</p><div class="actions"><a class="button button-red" href="https://github.com/Stunspot/red-threads/blob/main/documentation/installation.md">Install from GitHub <span aria-hidden="true">↗</span></a><a class="text-link" href="guide.html">Run your first case <span aria-hidden="true">→</span></a></div></div><aside class="start-note"><span class="eyebrow">KNOW WHAT YOU’RE GETTING</span><p>One self-contained AI skill, investigative references, a fictional worked case, and local tools.</p><p>Your host supplies the model, browsing, and source access. The renderer performs no research. Validation checks the data’s structure and references; the investigator still has to earn the conclusion.</p><a class="text-link" href="https://github.com/Stunspot/red-threads/blob/main/documentation/evidence-and-licenses.md">Capabilities, evidence, and licenses <span aria-hidden="true">↗</span></a></aside></div>
+      <div class="start-grid"><div><h2 id="start-title">Bring a question.<br><em>Leave with a next move.</em></h2><p class="prose">Download the complete skill, install it through your AI host’s supported skill route, and begin with the fictional case. Python 3.10+ is needed for the supplied case tools and atlas; conversational investigation can continue without it.</p><div class="actions"><a class="button button-red" href="https://github.com/Stunspot/red-threads/releases/download/v0.1.0/red-threads-v0.1.0.zip">Download v0.1.0 <span aria-hidden="true">↓</span></a><a class="text-link" href="guide.html">Run your first case <span aria-hidden="true">→</span></a></div></div><aside class="start-note"><span class="eyebrow">KNOW WHAT YOU’RE GETTING</span><p>One self-contained AI skill, investigative references, a fictional worked case, and local tools.</p><p>Your host supplies the model, browsing, and source access. The renderer performs no research. Validation checks the data’s structure and references; the investigator still has to earn the conclusion.</p><a class="text-link" href="https://github.com/Stunspot/red-threads/blob/main/documentation/evidence-and-licenses.md">Capabilities, evidence, and licenses <span aria-hidden="true">↗</span></a></aside></div>
     </section>
     <section class="reading-room wrap" aria-labelledby="reading-title">
       <div><p class="section-label"><span>06</span> THE READING ROOM</p><h2 id="reading-title">Keep the useful<br><em>instructions close.</em></h2></div>
diff --git a/documentation/first-case.md b/documentation/first-case.md
index 8ba2c2d..a910a1c 100644
--- a/documentation/first-case.md
+++ b/documentation/first-case.md
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ The question is concrete: **who can influence a proposed compute-licensing rule,
 
 ## Generate your own atlas
 
-If you want a local copy, first [obtain the complete skill from GitHub](installation.md). In a local clone, open a terminal in `src/red-threads`, the folder containing `SKILL.md`. If you use a published skill ZIP when available, open the extracted `red-threads` folder instead. These commands use the bundled example and create a new HTML file in the parent directory, outside the skill folder. If that parent is not writable, choose a new absolute output path in your own workspace.
+If you want a local copy, first [download and extract the complete skill](installation.md). Open a terminal in the extracted `red-threads` folder containing `SKILL.md`. If you use a source clone, open its `src/red-threads` folder instead. These commands use the bundled example and create a new HTML file in the parent directory, outside the skill folder. If that parent is not writable, choose a new absolute output path in your own workspace.
 
 1. Check the case.
 
diff --git a/documentation/installation.md b/documentation/installation.md
index e12e086..09bd9a7 100644
--- a/documentation/installation.md
+++ b/documentation/installation.md
@@ -4,9 +4,9 @@ Install the complete `red-threads` skill folder, then confirm that your host can
 
 ## Before you start
 
-The complete skill is available now in the maintained [GitHub source folder](https://github.com/Stunspot/red-threads/tree/main/src/red-threads). Keep `src/red-threads` intact: it contains `SKILL.md`, references, knowledge, scripts, assets, examples, and license notices. A packaged ZIP will be available on [Releases](https://github.com/Stunspot/red-threads/releases) when published.
+[Download the v0.1.0 skill ZIP](https://github.com/Stunspot/red-threads/releases/download/v0.1.0/red-threads-v0.1.0.zip). Its root folder is `red-threads`, containing `SKILL.md`, references, knowledge, scripts, assets, examples, and license notices. Keep the folder intact.
 
-Use the Codex installer route in this guide, or obtain a local source copy with Git:
+You can also use the Codex installer route in this guide or the maintained [GitHub source folder](https://github.com/Stunspot/red-threads/tree/main/src/red-threads). To obtain a local source copy with Git:
 
 ```text
 git clone https://github.com/Stunspot/red-threads.git
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ $skill-installer Install the skill from https://github.com/Stunspot/red-threads/
 
 For a manual installation instead:
 
-1. From a local clone, copy the complete `src/red-threads` folder into `.agents/skills/` inside your project, or into `~/.agents/skills/` for personal use. The final path must end in `red-threads/SKILL.md`, with no extra nested `red-threads` folder.
+1. Extract the ZIP. Copy its complete `red-threads` folder into `.agents/skills/` inside your project, or into `~/.agents/skills/` for personal use. If you use a source clone, copy its `src/red-threads` folder. The final path must end in `red-threads/SKILL.md`, with no extra nested `red-threads` folder.
 2. Open Codex in that project. In CLI or IDE, use `/skills` or type `$` to find `red-threads`. If it does not appear, restart Codex and check the folder.
 3. Invoke the skill explicitly for the fictional first case. Confirm that the host reads the installed `SKILL.md` and can reach its bundled example.
 
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ After using the installer, perform the same discovery and first-case checks in s
 
 ## Claude: uploaded custom skill
 
-This route requires the packaged skill ZIP once it is published on [Releases](https://github.com/Stunspot/red-threads/releases). The maintained source is available now for the local routes described in this guide.
+Use the [v0.1.0 skill ZIP](https://github.com/Stunspot/red-threads/releases/download/v0.1.0/red-threads-v0.1.0.zip) for this route.
 
 1. Enable **Code execution and file creation** in **Settings > Capabilities**. Organization settings may govern availability.
 2. Open **Customize > Skills**, select **+**, then **+ Create skill**, then **Upload a skill**.
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ Use the supported skills interface rather than attaching the ZIP to an ordinary
 
 ## Claude Code: local skill
 
-Copy the complete `src/red-threads` folder from your local clone into `~/.claude/skills/` for personal use or `.claude/skills/` within the project. Confirm that the final file is `red-threads/SKILL.md`, then invoke `/red-threads`. Restart if a newly created skills directory is not detected. See [Claude Code's official skill instructions](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/skills), checked 2026-09-08. Fresh-host discovery for this release remains untested.
+Copy the complete `red-threads` folder from the extracted ZIP into `~/.claude/skills/` for personal use or `.claude/skills/` within the project. If you use a source clone, copy its `src/red-threads` folder. Confirm that the final file is `red-threads/SKILL.md`, then invoke `/red-threads`. Restart if a newly created skills directory is not detected. See [Claude Code's official skill instructions](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/skills), checked 2026-09-08. Fresh-host discovery for this release remains untested.
 
 ## Confirm your first result
 
diff --git a/documentation/project.json b/documentation/project.json
index 9f47126..42e602c 100644
--- a/documentation/project.json
+++ b/documentation/project.json
@@ -121,6 +121,13 @@
       "id": "private-security-route",
       "state": "reported",
       "authority": "Release custodian enabled GitHub private vulnerability reporting and read back enabled=true on 2026-09-08"
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "public-release",
+      "url": "https://github.com/Stunspot/red-threads/releases/tag/v0.1.0",
+      "state": "source-verified",
+      "retrieved_at": "2026-09-08",
+      "authority": "Release custodian published v0.1.0 at 2026-09-08T11:30:37Z and read back isDraft=false, isPrerelease=false, all six public asset URLs and matching accepted asset digests."
     }
   ],
   "topics": [
@@ -132,7 +139,8 @@
         "runtime",
         "fixture",
         "license",
-        "release-observations"
+        "release-observations",
+        "public-release"
       ]
     },
     {
@@ -151,7 +159,8 @@
         "runtime",
         "official-codex",
         "official-claude",
-        "official-claude-code"
+        "official-claude-code",
+        "public-release"
       ]
     },
     {
@@ -161,7 +170,8 @@
       "sources": [
         "fixture",
         "atlas",
-        "operations"
+        "operations",
+        "public-release"
       ]
     },
     {
@@ -257,18 +267,20 @@
       "sources": [
         "runtime",
         "fixture",
-        "license"
+        "license",
+        "public-release"
       ]
     },
     {
       "path": "docs/guide.html",
       "type": "public first-case tutorial",
-      "task": "Explore the case and generate a local atlas from the complete source skill folder",
+      "task": "Explore the case and generate a local atlas from the extracted ZIP or complete source skill folder",
       "sources": [
         "fixture",
         "atlas",
         "operations",
-        "runtime"
+        "runtime",
+        "public-release"
       ]
     }
   ],
@@ -338,9 +350,15 @@
     {
       "method": "Release asset custody",
       "state": "source-verified",
-      "result": "Prepared private draft v0.1.0 contains ZIP, artwork, two Markdown companions, checksums and manifest. Uploaded asset digests match the completed distribution.",
+      "result": "Published v0.1.0 contains the complete skill ZIP, artwork, two Markdown companions, checksums and manifest. All six public asset URLs and their digests match the completed distribution.",
       "zip_sha256": "50ce52fb0210e21bc4e85d9948b08013a6e993ac01028187ee144dcf75efc268",
-      "limitation": "Packaged release is not public. Public installation routes use the maintained skill source until publication."
+      "limitation": "Published asset custody establishes availability and integrity; it does not establish fresh-host skill discovery or browser interaction.",
+      "url": "https://github.com/Stunspot/red-threads/releases/tag/v0.1.0",
+      "published_at": "2026-09-08T11:30:37Z",
+      "is_draft": false,
+      "is_prerelease": false,
+      "zip_files": 22,
+      "zip_bytes": 110884
     },
     {
       "method": "Public browser observation attempt",
@@ -363,11 +381,10 @@
     "retirement": "Mark guides stale when their product version is unsupported; preserve versioned references and a migration destination"
   },
   "remaining_boundaries": [
-    "Packaged GitHub Release remains a private draft; public source installation is available",
     "Live browser interaction unobserved because browser policy verification was unavailable",
     "Fresh-host installation/discovery untested",
     "Screen-reader and representative-user assessment untested",
     "Live-web factual accuracy and numerical performance claims not established"
   ],
-  "next_move": "Publish the prepared packaged release when authorized, then switch the installation entry points to its verified download. Observe browser behavior when permitted browser access is available; maintain the documented source installation route meanwhile."
+  "next_move": "Public v0.1.0 release is complete. Maintain the ZIP and source installation routes and act on reported user-task failures. Observe browser behavior when permitted browser access is available."
 }