diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index fc414c4..59acd03 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -37,13 +37,13 @@ open packaging/Pesty.app
 - Keep it dependency-free. Prefer system frameworks (AppKit, SwiftUI, Carbon, ServiceManagement).
 - Match the existing style. Small, focused changes; no unrelated refactors in the same PR.
 - Test on both Apple Silicon and Intel where it matters (the release is universal).
-- UI changes: include a before/after screenshot of the strip.
+- UI changes: include before/after screenshots when they help explain a meaningful visual change; do not add them for every small UI tweak.
 
 ## Pull requests
 
 1. Fork and branch from `main`.
 2. Make your change; ensure `swift build` is clean (no warnings).
-3. Open a PR with a clear description and screenshots for UI changes.
+3. Open a PR with a clear description and screenshots when a UI change benefits from them.
 
 ## Good first issues
 
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 4ecb2e3..c8318a6 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -149,7 +149,7 @@ Pesty reimplements the parts of Paste people use every day - the slide-up strip,
 
 ## Contributing
 
-PRs welcome - see [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md). Good first issues: large preview pane, drag-and-drop out of cards, strip resize handle, iOS/iPad companion, more content-type renderers.
+PRs welcome - see [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md). Good first issues: large preview pane, drag-and-drop out of cards, strip resize handle, iOS/iPad companion, more content-type renderers. Add screenshots when the UI changes in a way that screenshots help explain, rather than for every small change.
 
 ## License