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 ### Documentation
 - [x] Write API documentation (docs/api.md)
-- [ ] Create user guide (docs/user-guide.md)
+- [x] Create user guide (docs/user-guide.md)
 - [ ] Add setup instructions to README
 - [ ] Document first architecture decisions (ADRs)
 
diff --git a/docs/user-guide.md b/docs/user-guide.md
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+# Recipe Manager User Guide
+
+This guide explains how to use Recipe Manager for day-to-day cooking and recipe organization.
+
+## What You Can Do
+
+- Add recipes manually
+- Edit or delete recipes
+- Organize recipes with tags
+- Search recipes by text
+- Use Cook Mode with step and ingredient checklists
+
+---
+
+## Getting Started
+
+1. Open Recipe Manager in your browser.
+2. From the home page (`Recipes`), click **+ New Recipe** to create your first recipe.
+
+---
+
+## Create a Recipe
+
+1. Click **+ New Recipe**.
+2. Fill in the required fields:
+   - **Title**
+   - **Ingredients** (one per line)
+   - **Instructions** (one step per line)
+3. Optionally add:
+   - Description
+   - Source URL
+   - Notes
+   - Servings
+   - Prep time and cook time
+   - Tags
+4. Click **Save Recipe**.
+
+### Tips
+
+- Keep ingredient lines simple (example: `2 cups flour`).
+- Keep instruction steps short and clear for easier Cook Mode tracking.
+
+---
+
+## Browse and Search Recipes
+
+On the **Recipes** page you can:
+
+- Scroll through recipe cards
+- Use the search box to find recipes by title, description, or ingredient text
+- Click **Load More** to view additional recipes when available
+
+---
+
+## View, Edit, and Delete a Recipe
+
+1. Click a recipe card to open details.
+2. Use **Edit** to update any fields.
+3. Use **Delete** to remove the recipe permanently.
+
+> Deleting a recipe cannot be undone.
+
+---
+
+## Manage Tags
+
+Tags help you group recipes (for example: `Dinner`, `Dessert`, `Quick`, `Vegetarian`).
+
+### Add tags to a recipe
+
+1. Open a recipe detail page.
+2. Edit the recipe.
+3. Select existing tags (or create new ones if available in the tag selector).
+4. Save changes.
+
+### Remove tags
+
+- Edit the recipe and deselect the tag, then save.
+
+---
+
+## Cook Mode
+
+Cook Mode is designed for active cooking:
+
+1. Open a recipe.
+2. Click **Cook Mode**.
+3. Check off ingredients as you prep.
+4. Check off instruction steps as you complete them.
+5. Follow progress indicators until complete.
+
+### Screen Stay Awake
+
+Cook Mode uses your browser’s Wake Lock support (when available) to keep your screen on while cooking.
+
+If wake lock is not supported, the app still works normally.
+
+---
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+### I can’t save a recipe
+
+- Make sure title, ingredients, and instructions are not empty.
+- Check for network/server errors and try again.
+
+### I don’t see my latest changes
+
+- Refresh the page.
+- Verify the save completed successfully (look for confirmation toast).
+
+### Search is not finding a recipe
+
+- Try a simpler keyword from title, description, or ingredient lines.
+- Confirm the recipe was saved.
+
+---
+
+## Keyboard and Mobile Usage
+
+- The interface works on desktop and mobile browsers.
+- In Cook Mode, controls are touch-friendly for kitchen use.
+
+---
+
+## Privacy and Data
+
+Recipe Manager is self-hosted for household use.
+
+- Your recipe data is stored in your own deployment database.
+- No external recipe-sharing account is required for MVP use.
+
+---
+
+## MVP Feature Notes
+
+Current MVP includes core recipe CRUD, search, tags, and cook mode.
+
+Planned future features include:
+
+- Recipe web scraping/import
+- Advanced filtering
+- Serving-size scaling
+- Print-friendly layouts