diff --git a/frontend/src/components/LoadingSpinner.jsx b/frontend/src/components/LoadingSpinner.jsx
index 94a48c5..4955388 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/LoadingSpinner.jsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/LoadingSpinner.jsx
@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
 export default function LoadingSpinner({ size = 'md', text = '' }) {
-  const px = { sm: 20, md: 28, lg: 40 }[size] || 28;
+  const px = { sm: 16, md: 20, lg: 28 }[size] || 20;
   return (
-    <div className="flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-4 py-16">
+    <div className="flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-3 py-10">
       <div className="spinner" style={{ width: px, height: px }}></div>
-      {text && <p className="text-sm" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>{text}</p>}
+      {text && <p className="text-xs" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>{text}</p>}
     </div>
   );
 }
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/PackageCard.jsx b/frontend/src/components/PackageCard.jsx
index 47d8b4b..3f4cd13 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/PackageCard.jsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/PackageCard.jsx
@@ -1,69 +1,69 @@
 import { useNavigate } from 'react-router-dom';
-import { CheckCircle, AlertTriangle, Star, ArrowRight } from 'lucide-react';
+import { CheckCircle, AlertTriangle, Star, Download } from 'lucide-react';
 
 export default function PackageCard({ pkg }) {
   const navigate = useNavigate();
-
   const sourceBadge = pkg.source === 'aur' ? 'badge-aur' : 'badge-pacman';
   const sourceLabel = pkg.source === 'aur' ? 'AUR' : (pkg.repository || 'pacman');
 
   return (
     <div
-      className="card card-interactive p-5 flex flex-col gap-3 justify-between"
+      className="card card-interactive p-3 flex flex-col gap-2 cursor-pointer group"
       onClick={() => navigate(`/package/${pkg.name}`)}
       role="button"
       tabIndex={0}
       onKeyDown={(e) => e.key === 'Enter' && navigate(`/package/${pkg.name}`)}
     >
-      <div className="flex flex-col gap-2">
-        {/* Top: Name and badges */}
-        <div className="flex items-start justify-between gap-3">
-          <div className="min-w-0 flex-1">
-            <div className="flex items-center gap-1.5 flex-wrap">
-              <h3 className="font-bold text-sm tracking-tight truncate" style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>
-                {pkg.name}
-              </h3>
-              {pkg.installed && <CheckCircle size={13} className="text-emerald-500 shrink-0" />}
-              {pkg.out_of_date && <AlertTriangle size={13} className="text-amber-500 shrink-0" />}
-            </div>
-            <span className="text-[11px] font-mono font-medium" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
-              {pkg.version || '—'}
+      {/* Header */}
+      <div className="flex items-start justify-between gap-2">
+        <div className="min-w-0 flex-1">
+          <div className="flex items-center gap-1.5">
+            <span className="font-semibold text-[13px] truncate" style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>
+              {pkg.name}
             </span>
+            {pkg.installed && <CheckCircle size={11} style={{ color: 'var(--green)' }} />}
+            {pkg.out_of_date && <AlertTriangle size={11} style={{ color: 'var(--amber)' }} />}
           </div>
-          <span className={`badge ${sourceBadge} shrink-0`}>{sourceLabel}</span>
+          <span className="text-[10px] font-mono" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
+            {pkg.version || '—'}
+          </span>
         </div>
-
-        {/* Mid: Description */}
-        <p className={`text-xs leading-relaxed ${!pkg.description ? 'italic' : ''}`}
-           style={{
-             color: pkg.description ? 'var(--text-secondary)' : 'var(--text-tertiary)',
-             display: '-webkit-box',
-             WebkitLineClamp: 2,
-             WebkitBoxOrient: 'vertical',
-             overflow: 'hidden',
-             minHeight: '2.5rem'
-           }}>
-          {pkg.description || 'No description available'}
-        </p>
+        <span className={`badge ${sourceBadge} shrink-0`}>{sourceLabel}</span>
       </div>
 
-      {/* Bottom: Stats & Action */}
-      <div className="flex items-center justify-between pt-3 mt-1"
+      {/* Description */}
+      <p className="text-[11px] leading-snug"
+         style={{
+           color: pkg.description ? 'var(--text-secondary)' : 'var(--text-tertiary)',
+           fontStyle: pkg.description ? 'normal' : 'italic',
+           display: '-webkit-box',
+           WebkitLineClamp: 2,
+           WebkitBoxOrient: 'vertical',
+           overflow: 'hidden',
+           minHeight: '2em'
+         }}>
+        {pkg.description || 'No description available'}
+      </p>
+
+      {/* Footer */}
+      <div className="flex items-center justify-between pt-2 mt-auto"
            style={{ borderTop: '1px solid var(--border-primary)' }}>
-        <div className="flex items-center gap-3 text-[11px] font-medium" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
+        <div className="flex items-center gap-3 text-[10px]" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
           {pkg.votes !== undefined && pkg.votes > 0 && (
-            <span className="flex items-center gap-1">
-              <Star size={11} className="fill-amber-400 stroke-amber-400" /> {pkg.votes}
+            <span className="flex items-center gap-0.5">
+              <Star size={10} style={{ color: 'var(--amber)', fill: 'var(--amber)' }} /> {pkg.votes}
             </span>
           )}
-          {pkg.popularity > 0 && (
-            <span>Pop: {pkg.popularity.toFixed(1)}</span>
-          )}
+          {pkg.popularity > 0 && <span>{pkg.popularity.toFixed(1)}</span>}
         </div>
-        
-        <span className="flex items-center gap-1 text-[11px] font-bold" style={{ color: 'var(--accent)' }}>
-          Details <ArrowRight size={12} className="transition-transform group-hover:translate-x-1" />
-        </span>
+        {pkg.installed ? (
+          <span className="badge badge-installed text-[9px]">Installed</span>
+        ) : (
+          <span className="flex items-center gap-1 text-[10px] font-semibold"
+                style={{ color: 'var(--accent)' }}>
+            <Download size={10} /> Install
+          </span>
+        )}
       </div>
     </div>
   );
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/PackageGrid.jsx b/frontend/src/components/PackageGrid.jsx
index a28fc90..15551d6 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/PackageGrid.jsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/PackageGrid.jsx
@@ -6,18 +6,14 @@ export default function PackageGrid({ packages, loading }) {
     return (
       <div className="pkg-grid">
         {Array.from({ length: 6 }).map((_, i) => (
-          <div key={i} className="card p-5 flex flex-col gap-3">
+          <div key={i} className="card p-3 flex flex-col gap-2">
             <div className="flex justify-between">
-              <div className="shimmer h-5 w-32"></div>
-              <div className="shimmer h-5 w-16 rounded-full"></div>
-            </div>
-            <div className="shimmer h-3 w-20"></div>
-            <div className="shimmer h-4 w-full"></div>
-            <div className="shimmer h-4 w-3/4"></div>
-            <div className="flex justify-between pt-2" style={{ borderTop: '1px solid var(--border-primary)' }}>
-              <div className="shimmer h-3 w-12"></div>
-              <div className="shimmer h-3 w-16"></div>
+              <div className="shimmer h-4 w-28"></div>
+              <div className="shimmer h-4 w-12 rounded-full"></div>
             </div>
+            <div className="shimmer h-3 w-16"></div>
+            <div className="shimmer h-3 w-full"></div>
+            <div className="shimmer h-3 w-3/4"></div>
           </div>
         ))}
       </div>
@@ -26,13 +22,13 @@ export default function PackageGrid({ packages, loading }) {
 
   if (!packages || packages.length === 0) {
     return (
-      <div className="flex flex-col items-center justify-center py-24" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
-        <div className="w-16 h-16 rounded-2xl flex items-center justify-center mb-5"
+      <div className="flex flex-col items-center justify-center py-12" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
+        <div className="w-10 h-10 rounded-xl flex items-center justify-center mb-3"
              style={{ background: 'var(--bg-secondary)', border: '1px solid var(--border-primary)' }}>
-          <PackageOpen size={28} />
+          <PackageOpen size={20} />
         </div>
-        <p className="text-base font-semibold mb-1" style={{ color: 'var(--text-secondary)' }}>No packages found</p>
-        <p className="text-sm">Try adjusting your search or filters</p>
+        <p className="text-sm font-medium mb-0.5" style={{ color: 'var(--text-secondary)' }}>No packages found</p>
+        <p className="text-xs">Try adjusting your search or filters</p>
       </div>
     );
   }
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/SearchBar.jsx b/frontend/src/components/SearchBar.jsx
index d4b3483..cdd2d10 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/SearchBar.jsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/SearchBar.jsx
@@ -12,15 +12,15 @@ export default function SearchBar({ onSearch, initialQuery = '' }) {
   return (
     <form onSubmit={handleSubmit} className="searchbar">
       <Search
-        size={17}
-        className="absolute left-4 top-1/2 -translate-y-1/2 pointer-events-none"
+        size={14}
+        className="absolute left-3 top-1/2 -translate-y-1/2 pointer-events-none"
         style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}
       />
       <input
         id="search-input"
         type="text"
-        className="input input-search pl-11 pr-5 rounded-xl"
-        style={{ background: 'var(--bg-secondary)', fontSize: '0.9rem' }}
+        className="input input-search pl-8 pr-4 rounded-lg"
+        style={{ fontSize: '12px' }}
         placeholder="Search packages..."
         value={query}
         onChange={(e) => setQuery(e.target.value)}
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/Sidebar.jsx b/frontend/src/components/Sidebar.jsx
index 5f1ce86..f73f86b 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/Sidebar.jsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/Sidebar.jsx
@@ -1,7 +1,5 @@
 import { NavLink } from 'react-router-dom';
-import {
-  Home, Search, Package, RefreshCw, Grid3X3, Settings, X
-} from 'lucide-react';
+import { Home, Search, Package, RefreshCw, Grid3X3, Settings, X } from 'lucide-react';
 import { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
 import api from '../api/client';
 
@@ -25,38 +23,35 @@ export default function Sidebar({ isOpen, onClose }) {
 
   return (
     <aside className={`sidebar ${isOpen ? 'open' : ''}`}>
-      {/* ── Brand ── */}
-      <div className="flex items-center justify-between mb-10">
-        <NavLink to="/" className="flex items-center gap-3 no-underline" onClick={onClose}>
-          <div className="w-10 h-10 rounded-xl flex items-center justify-center"
+      {/* Brand */}
+      <div className="flex items-center justify-between mb-6 px-1">
+        <NavLink to="/" className="flex items-center gap-2.5 no-underline" onClick={onClose}>
+          <div className="w-7 h-7 rounded-lg flex items-center justify-center shrink-0"
                style={{
                  background: 'linear-gradient(135deg, var(--accent), var(--violet))',
-                 boxShadow: '0 4px 14px var(--accent-glow)'
                }}>
-            <span className="text-white font-black text-lg">A</span>
+            <span className="text-white font-black text-xs">A</span>
           </div>
           <div>
-            <h1 className="text-base font-bold" style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)', letterSpacing: '-0.02em' }}>
+            <span className="text-sm font-bold block leading-tight" style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>
               ArchStore
-            </h1>
-            <p className="text-[11px]" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>Package Manager</p>
+            </span>
+            <span className="text-[10px] leading-tight" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
+              Package Manager
+            </span>
           </div>
         </NavLink>
-        <button
-          className="lg:hidden btn-ghost !p-1.5"
-          onClick={onClose}
-          aria-label="Close sidebar"
-        >
-          <X size={18} />
+        <button className="lg:hidden btn-ghost !p-1" onClick={onClose} aria-label="Close">
+          <X size={14} />
         </button>
       </div>
 
-      {/* ── Navigation ── */}
-      <nav className="flex flex-col gap-2 flex-1">
-        <p className="text-[10px] font-bold uppercase tracking-widest mb-1 px-4"
-           style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
-          Menu
-        </p>
+      {/* Nav */}
+      <nav className="flex flex-col gap-0.5 flex-1">
+        <span className="text-[9px] font-bold uppercase tracking-widest px-3 mb-1"
+              style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
+          Navigation
+        </span>
         {navItems.map(({ path, icon: Icon, label }) => (
           <NavLink
             key={path}
@@ -65,11 +60,11 @@ export default function Sidebar({ isOpen, onClose }) {
             className={({ isActive }) => `nav-link ${isActive ? 'active' : ''}`}
             onClick={onClose}
           >
-            <Icon size={18} strokeWidth={isOpen ? 2 : 1.8} />
+            <Icon size={15} strokeWidth={1.8} />
             <span>{label}</span>
             {label === 'Updates' && updateCount > 0 && (
-              <span className="ml-auto text-[11px] font-bold px-2 py-0.5 rounded-full"
-                    style={{ background: 'var(--accent)', color: 'white', minWidth: '22px', textAlign: 'center' }}>
+              <span className="ml-auto text-[10px] font-bold px-1.5 py-px rounded-full"
+                    style={{ background: 'var(--accent)', color: '#fff', minWidth: '18px', textAlign: 'center' }}>
                 {updateCount}
               </span>
             )}
@@ -77,15 +72,13 @@ export default function Sidebar({ isOpen, onClose }) {
         ))}
       </nav>
 
-      {/* ── Footer ── */}
-      <div className="pt-5 mt-4" style={{ borderTop: '1px solid var(--border-primary)' }}>
-        <div className="flex items-center gap-2 px-4 mb-2">
-          <span className="w-2 h-2 rounded-full" style={{ background: 'var(--green)' }}></span>
-          <span className="text-[11px]" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>System Ready</span>
+      {/* Footer */}
+      <div className="pt-3 mt-2 px-3" style={{ borderTop: '1px solid var(--border-primary)' }}>
+        <div className="flex items-center gap-1.5 mb-0.5">
+          <span className="w-1.5 h-1.5 rounded-full" style={{ background: 'var(--green)' }}></span>
+          <span className="text-[10px]" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>System Ready</span>
         </div>
-        <p className="text-[11px] px-4" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
-          v1.0.0 · Arch Linux
-        </p>
+        <span className="text-[10px]" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>v1.0.0 · Arch Linux</span>
       </div>
     </aside>
   );
diff --git a/frontend/src/index.css b/frontend/src/index.css
index 2fc8da1..43acfc7 100644
--- a/frontend/src/index.css
+++ b/frontend/src/index.css
@@ -1,105 +1,97 @@
-@import url("https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Inter:wght@300;400;500;600;700;800&family=JetBrains+Mono:wght@400;500&display=swap");
+@import url("https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Inter:wght@300;400;500;600;700;800;900&family=JetBrains+Mono:wght@400;500;600&display=swap");
 @import "tailwindcss";
 
 /* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════
-   ArchStore — Premium Design System
-   Dark & Light theme with CSS custom properties
+   ArchStore — Compact Dev-Tool Design System
    ═══════════════════════════════════════════════ */
 
 :root {
-  /* Default: Dark Theme */
-  --bg-base: #080c14;
-  --bg-primary: #0e1420;
-  --bg-secondary: #151d30;
-  --bg-tertiary: #1b263f;
-  --bg-card: #0e1420;
-  --bg-card-hover: #151d30;
-  --bg-elevated: #1b263f;
-  --bg-input: #080c14;
-  --bg-sidebar: rgba(14, 20, 32, 0.9);
+  --bg-base: #07090e;
+  --bg-primary: #0b0f18;
+  --bg-secondary: #101624;
+  --bg-tertiary: #161e30;
+  --bg-card: #0d1220;
+  --bg-card-hover: #111828;
+  --bg-elevated: #161e30;
+  --bg-input: #0a0e18;
+  --bg-sidebar: rgba(11, 15, 24, 0.95);
   --bg-overlay: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.7);
-  --topbar-bg: rgba(14, 20, 32, 0.85);
+  --topbar-bg: rgba(11, 15, 24, 0.85);
 
-  --border-primary: #1b263f;
-  --border-secondary: #2c3b5e;
+  --border-primary: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.06);
+  --border-secondary: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
+  --border-glow: rgba(56, 189, 248, 0.15);
 
-  --text-primary: #f8fafc;
-  --text-secondary: #cbd5e1;
-  --text-tertiary: #94a3b8;
+  --text-primary: #e2e8f0;
+  --text-secondary: #94a3b8;
+  --text-tertiary: #64748b;
   --text-inverse: #0f172a;
 
-  --accent-h: 199;
-  --accent-s: 89%;
-  --accent-l: 48%;
-  --accent: hsl(var(--accent-h), var(--accent-s), var(--accent-l));
-  --accent-hover: hsl(var(--accent-h), var(--accent-s), 56%);
-  --accent-muted: hsla(var(--accent-h), var(--accent-s), var(--accent-l), 0.12);
-  --accent-glow: hsla(var(--accent-h), var(--accent-s), var(--accent-l), 0.25);
+  --accent: #38bdf8;
+  --accent-hover: #7dd3fc;
+  --accent-muted: rgba(56, 189, 248, 0.1);
+  --accent-glow: rgba(56, 189, 248, 0.2);
 
-  --green: #10b981;
-  --green-muted: rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.15);
-  --amber: #f59e0b;
-  --amber-muted: rgba(245, 158, 11, 0.15);
-  --red: #ef4444;
-  --red-muted: rgba(239, 68, 68, 0.15);
-  --blue: #3b82f6;
-  --blue-muted: rgba(59, 130, 246, 0.15);
-  --violet: #8b5cf6;
+  --green: #34d399;
+  --green-muted: rgba(52, 211, 153, 0.1);
+  --amber: #fbbf24;
+  --amber-muted: rgba(251, 191, 36, 0.1);
+  --red: #f87171;
+  --red-muted: rgba(248, 113, 113, 0.08);
+  --blue: #60a5fa;
+  --blue-muted: rgba(96, 165, 250, 0.1);
+  --violet: #a78bfa;
+  --violet-muted: rgba(167, 139, 250, 0.1);
 
-  --shadow-sm: 0 1px 3px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);
-  --shadow-md: 0 4px 20px -4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4);
-  --shadow-lg: 0 12px 40px -8px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);
-  --shadow-glow: 0 0 30px -5px var(--accent-glow);
+  --shadow-sm: 0 1px 2px rgba(0,0,0,0.4);
+  --shadow-md: 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);
+  --shadow-lg: 0 8px 30px rgba(0,0,0,0.4);
+  --shadow-glow: 0 0 20px rgba(56,189,248,0.08);
 
-  --radius-sm: 8px;
-  --radius-md: 12px;
-  --radius-lg: 16px;
-  --radius-xl: 24px;
+  --radius-sm: 6px;
+  --radius-md: 8px;
+  --radius-lg: 10px;
+  --radius-xl: 14px;
   --radius-full: 9999px;
 
-  --font-sans: 'Inter', system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, sans-serif;
-  --font-mono: 'JetBrains Mono', ui-monospace, SFMono-Regular, Menlo, Monaco, monospace;
-  --transition-fast: 150ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
-  --transition-normal: 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
-  --transition-spring: 350ms cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
+  --font-sans: 'Inter', system-ui, -apple-system, sans-serif;
+  --font-mono: 'JetBrains Mono', ui-monospace, monospace;
+
+  --transition-fast: 120ms ease;
+  --transition-normal: 200ms ease;
 }
 
 .light {
-  /* Light Theme */
-  --bg-base: #f8fafc;
-  --bg-primary: #f1f5f9;
+  --bg-base: #f1f5f9;
+  --bg-primary: #e2e8f0;
   --bg-secondary: #ffffff;
   --bg-tertiary: #f8fafc;
   --bg-card: #ffffff;
   --bg-card-hover: #f8fafc;
   --bg-elevated: #ffffff;
-  --bg-input: #f1f5f9;
-  --bg-sidebar: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9);
-  --bg-overlay: rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.3);
-  --topbar-bg: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.85);
+  --bg-input: #e2e8f0;
+  --bg-sidebar: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.95);
+  --bg-overlay: rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.2);
+  --topbar-bg: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9);
 
-  --border-primary: #e2e8f0;
-  --border-secondary: #cbd5e1;
+  --border-primary: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.06);
+  --border-secondary: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
+  --border-glow: rgba(2, 132, 199, 0.15);
 
-  --text-primary: #0f172a;
-  --text-secondary: #334155;
-  --text-tertiary: #64748b;
-  --text-inverse: #f8fafc;
+  --text-primary: #1e293b;
+  --text-secondary: #475569;
+  --text-tertiary: #94a3b8;
+  --text-inverse: #f1f5f9;
 
-  --accent: hsl(var(--accent-h), var(--accent-s), 42%);
-  --accent-hover: hsl(var(--accent-h), var(--accent-s), 35%);
-  --accent-muted: hsla(var(--accent-h), var(--accent-s), var(--accent-l), 0.08);
-  --accent-glow: hsla(var(--accent-h), var(--accent-s), var(--accent-l), 0.15);
+  --accent: #0284c7;
+  --accent-hover: #0369a1;
+  --accent-muted: rgba(2, 132, 199, 0.08);
+  --accent-glow: rgba(2, 132, 199, 0.12);
 
-  --green-muted: rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.08);
-  --amber-muted: rgba(245, 158, 11, 0.08);
-  --red-muted: rgba(239, 68, 68, 0.06);
-  --blue-muted: rgba(59, 130, 246, 0.08);
-
-  --shadow-sm: 0 1px 3px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.05);
-  --shadow-md: 0 4px 20px -4px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.08);
-  --shadow-lg: 0 12px 40px -8px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.1);
-  --shadow-glow: 0 0 30px -5px var(--accent-glow);
+  --shadow-sm: 0 1px 2px rgba(0,0,0,0.04);
+  --shadow-md: 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.06);
+  --shadow-lg: 0 8px 30px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);
+  --shadow-glow: 0 0 20px rgba(2,132,199,0.06);
 }
 
 @theme {
@@ -113,20 +105,16 @@
   --color-bg-input: var(--bg-input);
   --color-bg-sidebar: var(--bg-sidebar);
   --color-bg-overlay: var(--bg-overlay);
-
   --color-border-primary: var(--border-primary);
   --color-border-secondary: var(--border-secondary);
-
   --color-text-primary: var(--text-primary);
   --color-text-secondary: var(--text-secondary);
   --color-text-tertiary: var(--text-tertiary);
   --color-text-inverse: var(--text-inverse);
-
   --color-accent: var(--accent);
   --color-accent-hover: var(--accent-hover);
   --color-accent-muted: var(--accent-muted);
   --color-accent-glow: var(--accent-glow);
-
   --color-green: var(--green);
   --color-green-muted: var(--green-muted);
   --color-amber: var(--amber);
@@ -136,49 +124,32 @@
   --color-blue: var(--blue);
   --color-blue-muted: var(--blue-muted);
   --color-violet: var(--violet);
-
+  --color-violet-muted: var(--violet-muted);
   --font-sans: var(--font-sans);
   --font-mono: var(--font-mono);
 }
 
-/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════
-   Base Resets
-   ═══════════════════════════════════════════════ */
-
-* {
-  margin: 0;
-  padding: 0;
-  box-sizing: border-box;
-}
+/* ── Reset ── */
+*, *::before, *::after { margin: 0; padding: 0; box-sizing: border-box; }
 
 body {
   font-family: var(--font-sans);
-  background-color: var(--bg-base);
+  background: var(--bg-base);
   color: var(--text-primary);
-  line-height: 1.6;
+  font-size: 13px;
+  line-height: 1.5;
   -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;
   -moz-osx-font-smoothing: grayscale;
-  transition: background-color var(--transition-normal), color var(--transition-normal);
 }
 
-/* Custom Scrollbar */
-::-webkit-scrollbar {
-  width: 8px;
-  height: 8px;
-}
-::-webkit-scrollbar-track {
-  background: transparent;
-}
-::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb {
-  background: var(--border-primary);
-  border-radius: var(--radius-full);
-}
-::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb:hover {
-  background: var(--border-secondary);
-}
+/* ── Scrollbar ── */
+::-webkit-scrollbar { width: 4px; height: 4px; }
+::-webkit-scrollbar-track { background: transparent; }
+::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb { background: var(--border-secondary); border-radius: 4px; }
+::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb:hover { background: var(--text-tertiary); }
 
 /* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════
-   App Structure
+   Layout
    ═══════════════════════════════════════════════ */
 
 .app-layout {
@@ -188,229 +159,222 @@ body {
 
 .sidebar {
   position: fixed;
-  left: 0;
-  top: 0;
-  bottom: 0;
-  width: 280px;
+  left: 0; top: 0; bottom: 0;
+  width: 220px;
   z-index: 50;
   display: flex;
   flex-direction: column;
-  padding: 32px 24px;
+  padding: 16px 12px;
   background: var(--bg-sidebar);
   border-right: 1px solid var(--border-primary);
-  backdrop-filter: blur(20px);
-  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(20px);
-  transition: transform var(--transition-spring), background var(--transition-normal);
+  backdrop-filter: blur(16px);
+  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(16px);
+  overflow-y: auto;
+  transition: transform 0.2s ease;
 }
 
 .main-content {
-  margin-left: 280px;
+  margin-left: 220px;
   flex: 1;
   min-height: 100vh;
-  padding: 40px 48px;
-  background-color: var(--bg-base);
-  transition: margin-left var(--transition-spring);
+  display: flex;
+  flex-direction: column;
 }
 
-@media (max-width: 1024px) {
-  .sidebar {
-    transform: translateX(-100%);
-  }
-  .sidebar.open {
-    transform: translateX(0);
-  }
-  .main-content {
-    margin-left: 0;
-    padding: 24px 20px;
-  }
+.content-shell {
+  width: 100%;
+  max-width: 1200px;
+  margin: 0 auto;
+  padding: 0 24px;
+  display: flex;
+  flex-direction: column;
+  flex: 1;
 }
 
-/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════
-   Sidebar Items
-   ═══════════════════════════════════════════════ */
-
-.nav-link {
+.topbar {
+  position: sticky;
+  top: 0;
+  z-index: 40;
   display: flex;
   align-items: center;
   gap: 12px;
-  padding: 10px 16px;
+  padding: 10px 24px;
+  background: var(--topbar-bg);
+  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border-primary);
+  backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
+  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
+}
+
+.topbar-search { flex: 1; max-width: 420px; }
+
+.page-shell {
+  padding: 20px 0 32px;
+  flex: 1;
+}
+
+@media (max-width: 1024px) {
+  .sidebar { transform: translateX(-100%); }
+  .sidebar.open { transform: translateX(0); }
+  .main-content { margin-left: 0; }
+  .content-shell { padding: 0 16px; }
+  .topbar { padding: 10px 16px; }
+}
+
+/* ── Nav Links ── */
+.nav-link {
+  display: flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  gap: 10px;
+  padding: 7px 12px;
   border-radius: var(--radius-md);
-  color: var(--text-secondary);
+  color: var(--text-tertiary);
   text-decoration: none;
-  font-size: 0.92rem;
+  font-size: 13px;
   font-weight: 500;
   transition: all var(--transition-fast);
+  position: relative;
 }
 .nav-link:hover {
+  color: var(--text-secondary);
   background: var(--accent-muted);
-  color: var(--text-primary);
 }
 .nav-link.active {
-  background: var(--accent-muted);
   color: var(--accent);
+  background: var(--accent-muted);
   font-weight: 600;
 }
+.nav-link.active::before {
+  content: '';
+  position: absolute;
+  left: 0; top: 50%;
+  transform: translateY(-50%);
+  width: 3px; height: 16px;
+  background: var(--accent);
+  border-radius: 0 3px 3px 0;
+}
 
 /* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════
-   Cards & Elements
+   Cards
    ═══════════════════════════════════════════════ */
 
 .card {
   background: var(--bg-card);
   border: 1px solid var(--border-primary);
   border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
-  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
-  transition: transform var(--transition-spring),
-              box-shadow var(--transition-spring),
-              background var(--transition-normal),
-              border-color var(--transition-fast);
-}
-.card-interactive {
-  cursor: pointer;
+  transition: all var(--transition-fast);
 }
+.card-interactive { cursor: pointer; }
 .card-interactive:hover {
-  transform: translateY(-2px);
   background: var(--bg-card-hover);
   border-color: var(--border-secondary);
-  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
+  box-shadow: var(--shadow-glow);
+  transform: translateY(-1px);
 }
 
+/* ── Badges ── */
 .badge {
   display: inline-flex;
   align-items: center;
-  padding: 3px 10px;
+  padding: 2px 7px;
   border-radius: var(--radius-full);
-  font-size: 0.7rem;
+  font-size: 10px;
   font-weight: 700;
-  letter-spacing: 0.03em;
+  letter-spacing: 0.04em;
   text-transform: uppercase;
 }
-.badge-pacman {
-  background: var(--accent-muted);
-  color: var(--accent);
-  border: 1px solid rgba(2, 132, 199, 0.25);
-}
-.badge-aur {
-  background: var(--amber-muted);
-  color: var(--amber);
-  border: 1px solid rgba(245, 158, 11, 0.25);
-}
-.badge-installed {
-  background: var(--green-muted);
-  color: var(--green);
-  border: 1px solid rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.25);
-}
+.badge-pacman { background: var(--accent-muted); color: var(--accent); }
+.badge-aur { background: var(--amber-muted); color: var(--amber); }
+.badge-installed { background: var(--green-muted); color: var(--green); }
 
-/* Buttons */
+/* ── Buttons ── */
 .btn {
   display: inline-flex;
   align-items: center;
   justify-content: center;
-  gap: 8px;
-  padding: 10px 20px;
+  gap: 6px;
+  padding: 6px 14px;
   border-radius: var(--radius-md);
-  font-size: 0.88rem;
+  font-size: 12px;
   font-weight: 600;
   cursor: pointer;
   border: none;
+  font-family: var(--font-sans);
   transition: all var(--transition-fast);
+  white-space: nowrap;
 }
-.btn:disabled {
-  opacity: 0.6;
-  cursor: not-allowed;
-}
+.btn:disabled { opacity: 0.5; cursor: not-allowed; }
 
-.btn-primary {
-  background: var(--accent);
-  color: #ffffff;
-}
-.btn-primary:hover:not(:disabled) {
-  background: var(--accent-hover);
-}
+.btn-primary { background: var(--accent); color: #fff; }
+.btn-primary:hover:not(:disabled) { background: var(--accent-hover); box-shadow: 0 0 12px var(--accent-glow); }
 
-.btn-secondary {
-  background: var(--bg-secondary);
-  color: var(--text-primary);
-  border: 1px solid var(--border-primary);
-}
-.btn-secondary:hover:not(:disabled) {
-  background: var(--bg-tertiary);
-  border-color: var(--border-secondary);
-}
+.btn-secondary { background: var(--bg-secondary); color: var(--text-secondary); border: 1px solid var(--border-primary); }
+.btn-secondary:hover:not(:disabled) { border-color: var(--border-secondary); color: var(--text-primary); }
 
-.btn-danger {
-  background: var(--red-muted);
-  color: var(--red);
-  border: 1px solid rgba(239, 68, 68, 0.3);
-}
-.btn-danger:hover:not(:disabled) {
-  background: rgba(239, 68, 68, 0.25);
-}
+.btn-danger { background: var(--red-muted); color: var(--red); }
+.btn-danger:hover:not(:disabled) { background: rgba(248,113,113,0.15); }
 
-.btn-ghost {
-  background: transparent;
-  color: var(--text-secondary);
-}
-.btn-ghost:hover:not(:disabled) {
-  background: var(--bg-secondary);
-  color: var(--text-primary);
-}
+.btn-ghost { background: transparent; color: var(--text-tertiary); padding: 6px 10px; }
+.btn-ghost:hover:not(:disabled) { color: var(--text-secondary); background: var(--bg-secondary); }
 
-/* Inputs */
+/* ── Inputs ── */
 .input {
   width: 100%;
-  padding: 10px 16px;
+  padding: 7px 12px;
   background: var(--bg-input);
   border: 1px solid var(--border-primary);
   border-radius: var(--radius-md);
   color: var(--text-primary);
   font-family: var(--font-sans);
-  font-size: 0.9rem;
+  font-size: 13px;
   outline: none;
   transition: all var(--transition-fast);
 }
-.input::placeholder {
-  color: var(--text-tertiary);
-}
-.input:focus {
-  border-color: var(--accent);
-  box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px var(--accent-glow);
-}
+.input::placeholder { color: var(--text-tertiary); }
+.input:focus { border-color: var(--accent); box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px var(--accent-glow); }
 
-/* Typography Helpers */
+.searchbar { width: 100%; position: relative; }
+.input-search { height: 34px; padding-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0; }
+
+/* ── Typography ── */
 .page-title {
-  font-size: 1.8rem;
-  font-weight: 800;
+  font-size: 18px;
+  font-weight: 700;
   letter-spacing: -0.02em;
   color: var(--text-primary);
+  line-height: 1.3;
 }
 .page-subtitle {
-  font-size: 0.95rem;
+  font-size: 12px;
   color: var(--text-tertiary);
+  margin-top: 2px;
 }
 
-/* Layout Grids */
+/* ── Grids ── */
 .pkg-grid {
   display: grid;
-  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fill, minmax(320px, 1fr));
-  gap: 16px;
-}
-@media (max-width: 640px) {
-  .pkg-grid {
-    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
-  }
+  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fill, minmax(280px, 1fr));
+  gap: 10px;
 }
+@media (max-width: 640px) { .pkg-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }
 
 .cat-grid {
   display: grid;
-  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fill, minmax(220px, 1fr));
-  gap: 16px;
+  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fill, minmax(180px, 1fr));
+  gap: 10px;
 }
 
-/* Shimmer Loader */
+.update-row {
+  display: flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  justify-content: space-between;
+  padding: 10px 14px;
+  transition: background var(--transition-fast);
+}
+.update-row:hover { background: var(--bg-card-hover); }
+
+/* ── Utilities ── */
 .shimmer {
-  background: linear-gradient(90deg,
-    var(--bg-secondary) 25%, var(--bg-tertiary) 50%, var(--bg-secondary) 75%);
+  background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--bg-secondary) 25%, var(--bg-tertiary) 50%, var(--bg-secondary) 75%);
   background-size: 200% 100%;
   animation: shimmer-anim 1.5s infinite;
   border-radius: var(--radius-md);
@@ -421,21 +385,16 @@ body {
 }
 
 .spinner {
-  width: 28px;
-  height: 28px;
-  border: 3px solid var(--border-primary);
+  width: 20px; height: 20px;
+  border: 2px solid var(--border-primary);
   border-top-color: var(--accent);
   border-radius: 50%;
-  animation: spin-anim 0.8s linear infinite;
-}
-@keyframes spin-anim {
-  to { transform: rotate(360deg); }
+  animation: spin-anim 0.6s linear infinite;
 }
+@keyframes spin-anim { to { transform: rotate(360deg); } }
 
-/* Theme Toggle Button */
 .theme-toggle {
-  width: 40px;
-  height: 40px;
+  width: 32px; height: 32px;
   border-radius: var(--radius-md);
   background: var(--bg-secondary);
   border: 1px solid var(--border-primary);
@@ -443,11 +402,37 @@ body {
   display: flex;
   align-items: center;
   justify-content: center;
-  color: var(--text-secondary);
+  color: var(--text-tertiary);
   transition: all var(--transition-fast);
 }
-.theme-toggle:hover {
-  border-color: var(--border-secondary);
-  color: var(--text-primary);
-  background: var(--bg-tertiary);
+.theme-toggle:hover { border-color: var(--border-secondary); color: var(--text-primary); }
+
+.gradient-text {
+  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--accent), var(--violet));
+  -webkit-background-clip: text;
+  -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
+  background-clip: text;
 }
+
+/* ── Animations ── */
+@keyframes fadeIn {
+  from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(4px); }
+  to { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }
+}
+@keyframes slideUp {
+  from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(8px); }
+  to { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }
+}
+.animate-fade-in { animation: fadeIn 0.2s ease-out both; }
+.animate-slide-up { animation: slideUp 0.25s ease-out both; }
+
+.stagger > * { animation: fadeIn 0.2s ease-out both; }
+.stagger > *:nth-child(1) { animation-delay: 20ms; }
+.stagger > *:nth-child(2) { animation-delay: 40ms; }
+.stagger > *:nth-child(3) { animation-delay: 60ms; }
+.stagger > *:nth-child(4) { animation-delay: 80ms; }
+.stagger > *:nth-child(5) { animation-delay: 100ms; }
+.stagger > *:nth-child(6) { animation-delay: 120ms; }
+.stagger > *:nth-child(7) { animation-delay: 140ms; }
+.stagger > *:nth-child(8) { animation-delay: 160ms; }
+.stagger > *:nth-child(n+9) { animation-delay: 180ms; }
diff --git a/frontend/src/layouts/MainLayout.jsx b/frontend/src/layouts/MainLayout.jsx
index 844d313..122ceb7 100644
--- a/frontend/src/layouts/MainLayout.jsx
+++ b/frontend/src/layouts/MainLayout.jsx
@@ -11,11 +11,8 @@ export default function MainLayout() {
 
   useEffect(() => {
     const root = document.documentElement;
-    if (theme === 'light') {
-      root.classList.add('light');
-    } else {
-      root.classList.remove('light');
-    }
+    if (theme === 'light') root.classList.add('light');
+    else root.classList.remove('light');
     localStorage.setItem('archstore-theme', theme);
   }, [theme]);
 
@@ -30,7 +27,6 @@ export default function MainLayout() {
 
   return (
     <div className="app-layout">
-      {/* Mobile overlay */}
       {sidebarOpen && (
         <div
           className="fixed inset-0 z-40 lg:hidden"
@@ -42,36 +38,27 @@ export default function MainLayout() {
       <Sidebar isOpen={sidebarOpen} onClose={() => setSidebarOpen(false)} />
 
       <main className="main-content">
+        {/* Sticky Topbar */}
+        <div className="topbar">
+          <button
+            className="btn-ghost lg:hidden !p-1.5"
+            onClick={() => setSidebarOpen(!sidebarOpen)}
+            aria-label="Toggle menu"
+          >
+            {sidebarOpen ? <X size={16} /> : <Menu size={16} />}
+          </button>
+
+          <div className="topbar-search">
+            <SearchBar onSearch={handleSearch} />
+          </div>
+
+          <button onClick={toggleTheme} className="theme-toggle" aria-label="Toggle theme">
+            {theme === 'dark' ? <Sun size={14} /> : <Moon size={14} />}
+          </button>
+        </div>
+
+        {/* Page Content */}
         <div className="content-shell">
-          {/* ── Top Bar ── */}
-          <header className="topbar">
-            {/* Mobile menu */}
-            <button
-              id="menu-toggle"
-              className="btn-ghost lg:hidden !p-2.5 rounded-xl"
-              onClick={() => setSidebarOpen(!sidebarOpen)}
-              aria-label="Toggle menu"
-            >
-              {sidebarOpen ? <X size={20} /> : <Menu size={20} />}
-            </button>
-
-            {/* Search */}
-            <div className="topbar-search">
-              <SearchBar onSearch={handleSearch} />
-            </div>
-
-            {/* Theme toggle */}
-            <button
-              onClick={toggleTheme}
-              className="theme-toggle"
-              aria-label={`Switch to ${theme === 'dark' ? 'light' : 'dark'} mode`}
-              title={`Switch to ${theme === 'dark' ? 'light' : 'dark'} mode`}
-            >
-              {theme === 'dark' ? <Sun size={18} /> : <Moon size={18} />}
-            </button>
-          </header>
-
-          {/* ── Page ── */}
           <div className="page-shell animate-fade-in">
             <Outlet />
           </div>
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/Categories.jsx b/frontend/src/pages/Categories.jsx
index eedbd5a..21288ed 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/Categories.jsx
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/Categories.jsx
@@ -8,14 +8,14 @@ import {
 } from 'lucide-react';
 
 const catMeta = {
-  Development: { icon: Code, color: '#3b82f6', bg: 'rgba(59,130,246,0.1)' },
-  System:      { icon: Monitor, color: '#64748b', bg: 'rgba(100,116,139,0.1)' },
-  Network:     { icon: Wifi, color: '#10b981', bg: 'rgba(16,185,129,0.1)' },
-  Multimedia:  { icon: Music, color: '#a855f7', bg: 'rgba(168,85,247,0.1)' },
-  Games:       { icon: Gamepad2, color: '#ef4444', bg: 'rgba(239,68,68,0.1)' },
-  Desktop:     { icon: LayoutDashboard, color: '#6366f1', bg: 'rgba(99,102,241,0.1)' },
-  Fonts:       { icon: Type, color: '#f59e0b', bg: 'rgba(245,158,11,0.1)' },
-  Security:    { icon: ShieldCheck, color: '#06b6d4', bg: 'rgba(6,182,212,0.1)' },
+  Development: { icon: Code, color: '#60a5fa', bg: 'rgba(96,165,250,0.08)', desc: 'Programming tools, compilers, and IDEs' },
+  System:      { icon: Monitor, color: '#94a3b8', bg: 'rgba(148,163,184,0.08)', desc: 'Core system utilities and tools' },
+  Network:     { icon: Wifi, color: '#34d399', bg: 'rgba(52,211,153,0.08)', desc: 'Networking tools, browsers, and servers' },
+  Multimedia:  { icon: Music, color: '#c084fc', bg: 'rgba(192,132,252,0.08)', desc: 'Audio, video, and image tools' },
+  Games:       { icon: Gamepad2, color: '#f87171', bg: 'rgba(248,113,113,0.08)', desc: 'Games and gaming tools' },
+  Desktop:     { icon: LayoutDashboard, color: '#818cf8', bg: 'rgba(129,140,248,0.08)', desc: 'Desktop environments and window managers' },
+  Fonts:       { icon: Type, color: '#fbbf24', bg: 'rgba(251,191,36,0.08)', desc: 'Fonts and typography' },
+  Security:    { icon: ShieldCheck, color: '#22d3ee', bg: 'rgba(34,211,238,0.08)', desc: 'Security and privacy tools' },
 };
 
 export default function Categories() {
@@ -45,68 +45,76 @@ export default function Categories() {
     finally { setLoading(false); }
   }
 
+  /* ── Category detail view ── */
   if (categoryName) {
     const meta = catMeta[categoryName] || { icon: Package, color: 'var(--accent)', bg: 'var(--accent-muted)' };
     const Icon = meta.icon;
     return (
-      <div className="animate-slide-up">
-        <button onClick={() => navigate('/categories')} className="btn btn-secondary mb-6">
-          <ArrowLeft size={15} /> Back
+      <div className="animate-slide-up flex flex-col gap-4">
+        <button onClick={() => navigate('/categories')} className="btn btn-secondary w-fit text-xs">
+          <ArrowLeft size={12} /> Back
         </button>
-        <div className="flex items-center gap-4 mb-8">
-          <div className="w-14 h-14 rounded-2xl flex items-center justify-center"
+        <div className="flex items-center gap-3">
+          <div className="w-9 h-9 rounded-lg flex items-center justify-center"
                style={{ background: meta.bg, border: '1px solid var(--border-primary)' }}>
-            <Icon size={26} style={{ color: meta.color }} />
+            <Icon size={18} style={{ color: meta.color }} />
           </div>
           <div>
             <h1 className="page-title">{categoryName}</h1>
             <p className="page-subtitle">Browse popular {categoryName.toLowerCase()} packages</p>
           </div>
         </div>
-        {error && <div className="rounded-xl p-4 mb-6 text-sm" style={{ background: 'var(--red-muted)', color: 'var(--red)' }}>{error}</div>}
+        {error && <div className="rounded-lg p-3 text-xs" style={{ background: 'var(--red-muted)', color: 'var(--red)' }}>{error}</div>}
         <PackageGrid packages={packages} loading={loading} />
       </div>
     );
   }
 
+  /* ── Category list view ── */
   return (
-    <div className="animate-slide-up">
-      <div className="mb-8">
+    <div className="animate-slide-up flex flex-col gap-4">
+      <div>
         <h1 className="page-title">Categories</h1>
         <p className="page-subtitle">Explore software by type</p>
       </div>
 
-      {error && <div className="rounded-xl p-4 mb-6 text-sm" style={{ background: 'var(--red-muted)', color: 'var(--red)' }}>{error}</div>}
+      {error && <div className="rounded-lg p-3 text-xs" style={{ background: 'var(--red-muted)', color: 'var(--red)' }}>{error}</div>}
 
       {loading ? (
         <div className="cat-grid">
           {Array.from({ length: 8 }).map((_, i) => (
-            <div key={i} className="card p-5">
-              <div className="shimmer h-11 w-11 rounded-xl mb-4"></div>
-              <div className="shimmer h-4 w-24 mb-2"></div>
-              <div className="shimmer h-3 w-full"></div>
+            <div key={i} className="card p-3">
+              <div className="flex items-center gap-2.5">
+                <div className="shimmer w-8 h-8 rounded-md"></div>
+                <div className="flex-1">
+                  <div className="shimmer h-3 w-20 mb-1.5"></div>
+                  <div className="shimmer h-2.5 w-full"></div>
+                </div>
+              </div>
             </div>
           ))}
         </div>
       ) : (
-        <div className="cat-grid stagger">
-          {categories.map((cat) => {
-            const meta = catMeta[cat.name] || { icon: Package, color: 'var(--accent)', bg: 'var(--accent-muted)' };
+        <div className="grid grid-cols-1 sm:grid-cols-2 lg:grid-cols-4 gap-3 stagger">
+          {(categories.length > 0 ? categories : Object.keys(catMeta).map(n => ({ name: n }))).map((cat) => {
+            const meta = catMeta[cat.name] || { icon: Package, color: 'var(--accent)', bg: 'var(--accent-muted)', desc: 'Explore packages' };
             const Icon = meta.icon;
             return (
               <div key={cat.name}
-                   className="card card-interactive p-6 group"
+                   className="card card-interactive p-4 group"
                    onClick={() => navigate(`/categories/${cat.name}`)}>
-                <div className="w-12 h-12 rounded-xl flex items-center justify-center mb-4 transition-transform group-hover:scale-110"
-                     style={{ background: meta.bg }}>
-                  <Icon size={22} style={{ color: meta.color }} />
+                <div className="flex items-start gap-3">
+                  <div className="w-9 h-9 rounded-lg flex items-center justify-center shrink-0 transition-transform group-hover:scale-110"
+                       style={{ background: meta.bg }}>
+                    <Icon size={16} style={{ color: meta.color }} />
+                  </div>
+                  <div className="min-w-0">
+                    <p className="text-xs font-bold mb-0.5" style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>{cat.name}</p>
+                    <p className="text-[10px] leading-snug" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
+                      {cat.description || meta.desc}
+                    </p>
+                  </div>
                 </div>
-                <h3 className="font-semibold text-sm mb-1 transition-colors" style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>
-                  {cat.name}
-                </h3>
-                <p className="text-xs leading-relaxed" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
-                  {cat.description || 'Explore packages'}
-                </p>
               </div>
             );
           })}
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/Home.jsx b/frontend/src/pages/Home.jsx
index 090188e..3a3fe5a 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/Home.jsx
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/Home.jsx
@@ -1,21 +1,22 @@
 import { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
 import { useNavigate } from 'react-router-dom';
 import {
-  Search, TrendingUp, Package, ArrowRight, Sparkles, Shield,
-  Code, Monitor, Wifi, Music, Gamepad2, LayoutDashboard, Type, ShieldCheck
+  Search, TrendingUp, Package, ArrowRight, Shield,
+  Code, Monitor, Wifi, Music, Gamepad2, LayoutDashboard, Type, ShieldCheck,
+  Download, RefreshCw, Zap
 } from 'lucide-react';
 import api from '../api/client';
 import PackageGrid from '../components/PackageGrid';
 
 const catMeta = {
-  Development: { icon: Code, color: '#3b82f6', bg: 'rgba(59,130,246,0.1)' },
-  System:      { icon: Monitor, color: '#64748b', bg: 'rgba(100,116,139,0.1)' },
-  Network:     { icon: Wifi, color: '#10b981', bg: 'rgba(16,185,129,0.1)' },
-  Multimedia:  { icon: Music, color: '#a855f7', bg: 'rgba(168,85,247,0.1)' },
-  Games:       { icon: Gamepad2, color: '#ef4444', bg: 'rgba(239,68,68,0.1)' },
-  Desktop:     { icon: LayoutDashboard, color: '#6366f1', bg: 'rgba(99,102,241,0.1)' },
-  Fonts:       { icon: Type, color: '#f59e0b', bg: 'rgba(245,158,11,0.1)' },
-  Security:    { icon: ShieldCheck, color: '#06b6d4', bg: 'rgba(6,182,212,0.1)' },
+  Development: { icon: Code, color: '#60a5fa', bg: 'rgba(96,165,250,0.08)' },
+  System:      { icon: Monitor, color: '#94a3b8', bg: 'rgba(148,163,184,0.08)' },
+  Network:     { icon: Wifi, color: '#34d399', bg: 'rgba(52,211,153,0.08)' },
+  Multimedia:  { icon: Music, color: '#c084fc', bg: 'rgba(192,132,252,0.08)' },
+  Games:       { icon: Gamepad2, color: '#f87171', bg: 'rgba(248,113,113,0.08)' },
+  Desktop:     { icon: LayoutDashboard, color: '#818cf8', bg: 'rgba(129,140,248,0.08)' },
+  Fonts:       { icon: Type, color: '#fbbf24', bg: 'rgba(251,191,36,0.08)' },
+  Security:    { icon: ShieldCheck, color: '#22d3ee', bg: 'rgba(34,211,238,0.08)' },
 };
 
 export default function Home() {
@@ -24,18 +25,21 @@ export default function Home() {
   const [featured, setFeatured] = useState([]);
   const [categories, setCategories] = useState([]);
   const [loading, setLoading] = useState(true);
+  const [updateCount, setUpdateCount] = useState(0);
 
   useEffect(() => { loadData(); }, []);
 
   async function loadData() {
     setLoading(true);
     try {
-      const [catRes, featRes] = await Promise.allSettled([
+      const [catRes, featRes, updRes] = await Promise.allSettled([
         api.listCategories(),
         api.searchPackages('firefox chromium vlc', 'all'),
+        api.checkUpdates(),
       ]);
       if (catRes.status === 'fulfilled') setCategories(catRes.value.results || []);
       if (featRes.status === 'fulfilled') setFeatured((featRes.value.results || []).slice(0, 6));
+      if (updRes.status === 'fulfilled') setUpdateCount(updRes.value.count || 0);
     } catch { /* silent */ }
     finally { setLoading(false); }
   }
@@ -45,115 +49,110 @@ export default function Home() {
     if (query.trim()) navigate(`/search?q=${encodeURIComponent(query.trim())}`);
   };
 
-  return (
-    <div className="animate-slide-up">
-      {/* ════════════════ Hero ════════════════ */}
-      <section className="relative rounded-2xl overflow-hidden mb-12 p-10 md:p-14"
-               style={{
-                 background: 'linear-gradient(135deg, var(--bg-secondary) 0%, var(--bg-primary) 100%)',
-                 border: '1px solid var(--border-primary)'
-               }}>
-        {/* Decorative blobs */}
-        <div className="glow-ring" style={{ width: 300, height: 300, top: -100, right: -60 }}></div>
-        <div className="glow-ring" style={{ width: 200, height: 200, bottom: -80, left: -40, background: 'var(--violet)' }}></div>
+  const stats = [
+    { icon: Package, label: 'Official', value: 'Pacman', color: 'var(--accent)' },
+    { icon: TrendingUp, label: 'AUR', value: '80,000+', color: 'var(--amber)' },
+    { icon: Shield, label: 'Security', value: 'Scanner', color: 'var(--green)' },
+    { icon: RefreshCw, label: 'Updates', value: updateCount > 0 ? `${updateCount} available` : 'Up to date', color: 'var(--violet)' },
+  ];
 
-        <div className="relative z-10 max-w-xl">
-          <div className="flex items-center gap-2 mb-5">
-            <Sparkles size={16} style={{ color: 'var(--accent)' }} />
-            <span className="text-xs font-bold uppercase tracking-widest" style={{ color: 'var(--accent)' }}>
-              Welcome to ArchStore
+  return (
+    <div className="animate-slide-up flex flex-col gap-5">
+      {/* ── Welcome Bar ── */}
+      <div className="card p-4 flex flex-col sm:flex-row sm:items-center gap-4"
+           style={{ borderColor: 'var(--border-glow)' }}>
+        <div className="flex-1 min-w-0">
+          <div className="flex items-center gap-2 mb-1">
+            <Zap size={14} style={{ color: 'var(--accent)' }} />
+            <span className="text-[10px] font-bold uppercase tracking-widest" style={{ color: 'var(--accent)' }}>
+              ArchStore
             </span>
           </div>
-
-          <h1 className="text-3xl md:text-[2.5rem] font-extrabold leading-tight mb-4"
-              style={{ letterSpacing: '-0.03em' }}>
-            Discover packages for{' '}
-            <span className="gradient-text">Arch Linux</span>
+          <h1 className="text-lg font-bold leading-tight" style={{ letterSpacing: '-0.02em' }}>
+            Discover packages for <span className="gradient-text">Arch Linux</span>
           </h1>
-
-          <p className="text-base leading-relaxed mb-8" style={{ color: 'var(--text-secondary)' }}>
-            Browse, install, and manage software from official pacman repositories
-            and the AUR — all in one beautiful interface.
+          <p className="text-xs mt-1" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
+            Search official repos and the AUR in one place.
           </p>
-
-          <form onSubmit={handleSearch} className="flex gap-3 max-w-md">
-            <div className="relative flex-1">
-              <Search size={16} className="absolute left-4 top-1/2 -translate-y-1/2" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }} />
-              <input
-                id="hero-search"
-                type="text"
-                className="input pl-11 py-3 rounded-xl"
-                placeholder="Search packages..."
-                value={query}
-                onChange={(e) => setQuery(e.target.value)}
-              />
-            </div>
-            <button type="submit" className="btn btn-primary px-6 rounded-xl">
-              <Search size={16} />
-              <span className="hidden sm:inline">Search</span>
-            </button>
-          </form>
         </div>
-      </section>
+        <form onSubmit={handleSearch} className="flex gap-2 shrink-0 w-full sm:w-auto sm:max-w-xs">
+          <div className="relative flex-1">
+            <Search size={13} className="absolute left-3 top-1/2 -translate-y-1/2" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }} />
+            <input
+              type="text"
+              className="input pl-8 pr-3 py-1.5 text-xs rounded-lg"
+              placeholder="Search packages..."
+              value={query}
+              onChange={(e) => setQuery(e.target.value)}
+            />
+          </div>
+          <button type="submit" className="btn btn-primary px-4 rounded-lg text-xs">
+            <Search size={12} /> Go
+          </button>
+        </form>
+      </div>
 
-      {/* ════════════════ Stats ════════════════ */}
-      <section className="grid grid-cols-2 md:grid-cols-4 gap-4 mb-12">
-        {[
-          { icon: Package, label: 'Pacman Repos', value: 'Official', color: 'var(--accent)' },
-          { icon: TrendingUp, label: 'AUR Packages', value: '80,000+', color: 'var(--amber)' },
-          { icon: Shield, label: 'Security Scan', value: 'Built-in', color: 'var(--green)' },
-          { icon: Sparkles, label: 'Updates', value: 'Real-time', color: 'var(--violet)' },
-        ].map(({ icon: Icon, label, value, color }) => (
-          <div key={label} className="card p-5 text-center">
-            <Icon size={20} style={{ color, margin: '0 auto 8px' }} />
-            <p className="text-lg font-bold" style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>{value}</p>
-            <p className="text-xs" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>{label}</p>
+      {/* ── Stats Row ── */}
+      <div className="grid grid-cols-2 md:grid-cols-4 gap-3">
+        {stats.map(({ icon: Icon, label, value, color }) => (
+          <div key={label} className="card p-3 flex items-center gap-3">
+            <div className="w-8 h-8 rounded-lg flex items-center justify-center shrink-0"
+                 style={{ background: `${color}12` }}>
+              <Icon size={15} style={{ color }} />
+            </div>
+            <div className="min-w-0">
+              <p className="text-xs font-bold truncate" style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>{value}</p>
+              <p className="text-[10px]" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>{label}</p>
+            </div>
           </div>
         ))}
-      </section>
+      </div>
 
-      {/* ════════════════ Categories ════════════════ */}
-      <section className="mb-12">
-        <div className="flex items-center justify-between mb-6">
-          <h2 className="text-lg font-bold" style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>Browse Categories</h2>
-          <button className="btn-ghost text-xs font-semibold flex items-center gap-1"
+      {/* ── Categories ── */}
+      <section>
+        <div className="flex items-center justify-between mb-3">
+          <h2 className="text-sm font-bold" style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>Categories</h2>
+          <button className="btn-ghost text-[11px] font-semibold flex items-center gap-1"
                   style={{ color: 'var(--accent)' }}
                   onClick={() => navigate('/categories')}>
-            View all <ArrowRight size={14} />
+            View all <ArrowRight size={12} />
           </button>
         </div>
-
         <div className="cat-grid stagger">
           {(categories.length > 0 ? categories : Object.keys(catMeta).map(n => ({ name: n }))).map((cat) => {
             const meta = catMeta[cat.name] || { icon: Package, color: 'var(--accent)', bg: 'var(--accent-muted)' };
             const Icon = meta.icon;
             return (
               <div key={cat.name}
-                   className="card card-interactive p-5 group"
+                   className="card card-interactive p-3 group"
                    onClick={() => navigate(`/categories/${cat.name}`)}>
-                <div className="w-11 h-11 rounded-xl flex items-center justify-center mb-3 transition-transform group-hover:scale-110"
-                     style={{ background: meta.bg }}>
-                  <Icon size={20} style={{ color: meta.color }} />
+                <div className="flex items-center gap-2.5">
+                  <div className="w-7 h-7 rounded-md flex items-center justify-center shrink-0 transition-transform group-hover:scale-110"
+                       style={{ background: meta.bg }}>
+                    <Icon size={14} style={{ color: meta.color }} />
+                  </div>
+                  <div className="min-w-0">
+                    <p className="text-xs font-semibold truncate" style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>{cat.name}</p>
+                    <p className="text-[10px] truncate" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
+                      {cat.description || 'Explore packages'}
+                    </p>
+                  </div>
                 </div>
-                <h3 className="font-semibold text-sm mb-0.5" style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>{cat.name}</h3>
-                <p className="text-xs leading-relaxed" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
-                  {cat.description || 'Explore packages'}
-                </p>
               </div>
             );
           })}
         </div>
       </section>
 
-      {/* ════════════════ Featured ════════════════ */}
+      {/* ── Featured Packages ── */}
       {featured.length > 0 && (
         <section>
-          <div className="flex items-center justify-between mb-6">
-            <h2 className="text-lg font-bold" style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>Popular Packages</h2>
-            <button className="btn-ghost text-xs font-semibold flex items-center gap-1"
+          <div className="flex items-center justify-between mb-3">
+            <h2 className="text-sm font-bold" style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>Popular Packages</h2>
+            <button className="btn-ghost text-[11px] font-semibold flex items-center gap-1"
                     style={{ color: 'var(--accent)' }}
                     onClick={() => navigate('/search?q=popular')}>
-              See more <ArrowRight size={14} />
+              See more <ArrowRight size={12} />
             </button>
           </div>
           <PackageGrid packages={featured} loading={loading} />
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/Installed.jsx b/frontend/src/pages/Installed.jsx
index ce8def7..1e56fa1 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/Installed.jsx
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/Installed.jsx
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 import { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
 import api from '../api/client';
 import PackageGrid from '../components/PackageGrid';
-import { RefreshCw, Search } from 'lucide-react';
+import { RefreshCw, Search, LayoutGrid, List } from 'lucide-react';
 
 export default function Installed() {
   const [packages, setPackages] = useState([]);
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ export default function Installed() {
   const [loading, setLoading] = useState(true);
   const [filter, setFilter] = useState('');
   const [error, setError] = useState(null);
+  const [viewMode, setViewMode] = useState('grid');
 
   useEffect(() => { load(); }, []);
 
@@ -22,50 +23,100 @@ export default function Installed() {
 
   async function load() {
     setLoading(true); setError(null);
-    try {
-      const data = await api.listInstalled();
-      setPackages(data.results || []);
-    } catch (err) { setError(err.message); }
+    try { const data = await api.listInstalled(); setPackages(data.results || []); }
+    catch (err) { setError(err.message); }
     finally { setLoading(false); }
   }
 
   return (
-    <div className="animate-slide-up">
-      <div className="flex flex-col sm:flex-row sm:items-center justify-between gap-4 mb-8">
+    <div className="animate-slide-up flex flex-col gap-4">
+      {/* Header */}
+      <div className="flex flex-col sm:flex-row sm:items-center justify-between gap-3">
         <div>
           <h1 className="page-title">Installed Packages</h1>
           <p className="page-subtitle">
-            {packages.length > 0 ? `${packages.length} packages installed on your system` : 'Loading installed packages...'}
+            {packages.length > 0 ? `${packages.length} packages on your system` : 'Loading...'}
           </p>
         </div>
-        <button onClick={load} disabled={loading} className="btn btn-secondary">
-          <RefreshCw size={15} className={loading ? 'animate-spin' : ''} />
-          Refresh
-        </button>
+        <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
+          {/* View toggle */}
+          <div className="flex p-0.5 rounded-md" style={{ background: 'var(--bg-secondary)', border: '1px solid var(--border-primary)' }}>
+            <button onClick={() => setViewMode('grid')}
+                    className="p-1 rounded transition-all"
+                    style={{ background: viewMode === 'grid' ? 'var(--accent-muted)' : 'transparent', color: viewMode === 'grid' ? 'var(--accent)' : 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
+              <LayoutGrid size={13} />
+            </button>
+            <button onClick={() => setViewMode('list')}
+                    className="p-1 rounded transition-all"
+                    style={{ background: viewMode === 'list' ? 'var(--accent-muted)' : 'transparent', color: viewMode === 'list' ? 'var(--accent)' : 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
+              <List size={13} />
+            </button>
+          </div>
+          <button onClick={load} disabled={loading} className="btn btn-secondary text-xs">
+            <RefreshCw size={12} className={loading ? 'animate-spin' : ''} /> Refresh
+          </button>
+        </div>
       </div>
 
       {error && (
-        <div className="rounded-xl p-4 mb-6 text-sm font-medium"
-             style={{ background: 'var(--red-muted)', color: 'var(--red)', border: '1px solid rgba(239,68,68,0.2)' }}>
+        <div className="rounded-lg p-3 text-xs font-medium"
+             style={{ background: 'var(--red-muted)', color: 'var(--red)', border: '1px solid rgba(248,113,113,0.15)' }}>
           {error}
         </div>
       )}
 
+      {/* Filter */}
       {!loading && packages.length > 0 && (
-        <div className="relative max-w-sm mb-8">
-          <Search size={15} className="absolute left-3.5 top-1/2 -translate-y-1/2" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }} />
+        <div className="relative max-w-xs">
+          <Search size={13} className="absolute left-3 top-1/2 -translate-y-1/2" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }} />
           <input
-            id="installed-filter"
             type="text"
-            className="input pl-10 py-2.5 text-sm rounded-xl"
-            placeholder="Filter installed packages..."
+            className="input pl-8 py-1.5 text-xs rounded-lg"
+            placeholder="Filter packages..."
             value={filter}
             onChange={(e) => setFilter(e.target.value)}
           />
         </div>
       )}
 
-      <PackageGrid packages={filtered} loading={loading} />
+      {/* Package List */}
+      {viewMode === 'grid' ? (
+        <PackageGrid packages={filtered} loading={loading} />
+      ) : (
+        /* List view */
+        loading ? (
+          <div className="flex flex-col gap-1">
+            {Array.from({ length: 8 }).map((_, i) => (
+              <div key={i} className="card p-2.5 flex items-center gap-3">
+                <div className="shimmer h-4 w-32"></div>
+                <div className="shimmer h-3 w-16"></div>
+                <div className="flex-1"></div>
+                <div className="shimmer h-3 w-48"></div>
+              </div>
+            ))}
+          </div>
+        ) : filtered.length === 0 ? (
+          <p className="text-xs text-center py-8" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>No packages found</p>
+        ) : (
+          <div className="card overflow-hidden">
+            {filtered.map((pkg, i) => (
+              <div key={`${pkg.source}-${pkg.name}`}
+                   className="flex items-center gap-3 px-3 py-2 text-xs cursor-pointer hover:bg-[var(--bg-card-hover)] transition-colors"
+                   style={{ borderBottom: i < filtered.length - 1 ? '1px solid var(--border-primary)' : 'none' }}
+                   onClick={() => window.location.href = `/package/${pkg.name}`}>
+                <span className="font-semibold w-48 truncate" style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>{pkg.name}</span>
+                <span className="font-mono text-[10px] w-32 truncate" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>{pkg.version}</span>
+                <span className="flex-1 truncate text-[11px]" style={{ color: 'var(--text-secondary)' }}>
+                  {pkg.description || '—'}
+                </span>
+                <span className={`badge ${pkg.source === 'aur' ? 'badge-aur' : 'badge-pacman'}`}>
+                  {pkg.source === 'aur' ? 'AUR' : 'pacman'}
+                </span>
+              </div>
+            ))}
+          </div>
+        )
+      )}
     </div>
   );
 }
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/PackageView.jsx b/frontend/src/pages/PackageView.jsx
index 734667d..38a7880 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/PackageView.jsx
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/PackageView.jsx
@@ -62,10 +62,10 @@ export default function PackageView() {
 
   if (error && !pkg) {
     return (
-      <div className="animate-slide-up">
-        <button onClick={() => navigate(-1)} className="btn btn-secondary mb-6"><ArrowLeft size={15} /> Back</button>
-        <div className="rounded-xl p-6 text-sm" style={{ background: 'var(--red-muted)', color: 'var(--red)', border: '1px solid rgba(239,68,68,0.2)' }}>
-          <p className="font-semibold mb-1">Package not found</p>
+      <div className="animate-slide-up max-w-2xl">
+        <button onClick={() => navigate(-1)} className="btn btn-secondary mb-4"><ArrowLeft size={13} /> Back</button>
+        <div className="rounded-lg p-4 text-xs" style={{ background: 'var(--red-muted)', color: 'var(--red)', border: '1px solid rgba(248,113,113,0.15)' }}>
+          <p className="font-semibold mb-0.5">Package not found</p>
           <p>{error}</p>
         </div>
       </div>
@@ -78,35 +78,36 @@ export default function PackageView() {
     : 'var(--green)';
 
   return (
-    <div className="animate-slide-up max-w-4xl">
-      <button onClick={() => navigate(-1)} className="btn btn-secondary mb-6"><ArrowLeft size={15} /> Back</button>
+    <div className="animate-slide-up max-w-3xl flex flex-col gap-4">
+      <div>
+        <button onClick={() => navigate(-1)} className="btn btn-secondary mb-3"><ArrowLeft size={13} /> Back</button>
+      </div>
 
       {error && (
-        <div className="rounded-xl p-4 mb-6 text-sm" style={{ background: 'var(--red-muted)', color: 'var(--red)', border: '1px solid rgba(239,68,68,0.2)' }}>
+        <div className="rounded-lg p-3 text-xs" style={{ background: 'var(--red-muted)', color: 'var(--red)', border: '1px solid rgba(248,113,113,0.15)' }}>
           {error}
         </div>
       )}
 
       {acting && (
-        <div className="card p-5 mb-6" style={{ borderColor: 'rgba(2,132,199,0.3)' }}>
-          <div className="flex items-center gap-2 mb-3 text-sm font-semibold" style={{ color: 'var(--accent)' }}>
-            <div className="spinner" style={{ width: 16, height: 16, borderWidth: 2 }}></div>
+        <div className="card p-4" style={{ borderColor: 'var(--border-glow)' }}>
+          <div className="flex items-center gap-2 mb-2 text-xs font-semibold" style={{ color: 'var(--accent)' }}>
+            <div className="spinner" style={{ width: 12, height: 12, borderWidth: 1.5 }}></div>
             Working...
           </div>
-          <pre className="p-3 rounded-lg font-mono text-xs max-h-48 overflow-auto whitespace-pre-wrap"
+          <pre className="p-3 rounded font-mono text-[10px] max-h-36 overflow-auto whitespace-pre-wrap"
                style={{ background: 'var(--bg-primary)', border: '1px solid var(--border-primary)', color: 'var(--text-secondary)' }}>
             {log}
           </pre>
         </div>
       )}
 
-      {/* ═══ Main Info Card ═══ */}
-      <div className="card p-6 md:p-8 mb-6">
-        <div className="flex flex-col md:flex-row gap-6">
-          {/* Left */}
+      {/* Main Info Card */}
+      <div className="card p-5">
+        <div className="flex flex-col md:flex-row gap-5">
           <div className="flex-1 min-w-0">
-            <div className="flex flex-wrap items-center gap-3 mb-3">
-              <h1 className="text-2xl md:text-3xl font-extrabold" style={{ letterSpacing: '-0.03em', color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>
+            <div className="flex flex-wrap items-center gap-2 mb-2">
+              <h1 className="text-xl font-bold leading-tight" style={{ letterSpacing: '-0.02em', color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>
                 {pkg.name}
               </h1>
               <span className={`badge ${pkg.source === 'aur' ? 'badge-aur' : 'badge-pacman'}`}>
@@ -115,17 +116,16 @@ export default function PackageView() {
               {pkg.installed && <span className="badge badge-installed">Installed</span>}
               {pkg.out_of_date && (
                 <span className="badge" style={{ background: 'var(--amber-muted)', color: 'var(--amber)' }}>
-                  <AlertTriangle size={11} className="mr-1" /> Out of Date
+                  <AlertTriangle size={10} className="mr-1" /> Out of Date
                 </span>
               )}
             </div>
 
-            <p className="text-sm leading-relaxed mb-6" style={{ color: 'var(--text-secondary)' }}>
+            <p className="text-xs leading-relaxed mb-4" style={{ color: 'var(--text-secondary)' }}>
               {pkg.description || 'No description available.'}
             </p>
 
-            {/* Meta grid */}
-            <div className="grid grid-cols-2 sm:grid-cols-4 gap-3">
+            <div className="grid grid-cols-2 sm:grid-cols-4 gap-2">
               <MetaBox label="Version" value={pkg.version} mono />
               {pkg.source === 'aur' ? (
                 <>
@@ -143,78 +143,70 @@ export default function PackageView() {
             </div>
           </div>
 
-          {/* Right — Actions */}
-          <div className="flex flex-col gap-3 md:w-52 shrink-0">
+          {/* Action column */}
+          <div className="flex flex-col gap-2 md:w-44 shrink-0 justify-center">
             {pkg.installed ? (
-              <button onClick={remove} disabled={acting} className="btn btn-danger w-full py-3">
-                <Trash2 size={15} /> Uninstall
+              <button onClick={remove} disabled={acting} className="btn btn-danger w-full py-2">
+                <Trash2 size={13} /> Uninstall
               </button>
             ) : (
-              <button onClick={install} disabled={acting} className="btn btn-primary w-full py-3">
-                <Download size={15} /> Install
+              <button onClick={install} disabled={acting} className="btn btn-primary w-full py-2">
+                <Download size={13} /> Install
               </button>
             )}
             {pkg.url && (
               <a href={pkg.url} target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"
-                 className="btn btn-secondary w-full py-3 no-underline text-center">
-                <Globe size={15} /> Website <ExternalLink size={11} />
+                 className="btn btn-secondary w-full py-2 no-underline text-center justify-center flex items-center gap-1.5">
+                <Globe size={13} /> Website <ExternalLink size={10} />
               </a>
             )}
           </div>
         </div>
       </div>
 
-      {/* ═══ Security Scan (AUR only) ═══ */}
+      {/* Security Analysis */}
       {pkg.source === 'aur' && (
-        <div className="card p-6 mb-6">
-          <h2 className="font-bold text-sm flex items-center gap-2 mb-5 pb-3"
+        <div className="card p-4">
+          <h3 className="font-bold text-xs flex items-center gap-1.5 mb-3 pb-2"
               style={{ borderBottom: '1px solid var(--border-primary)', color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>
-            <Shield size={17} style={{ color: 'var(--accent)' }} />
-            Security Scan
-          </h2>
+            <Shield size={14} style={{ color: 'var(--accent)' }} />
+            Security Scan (AUR PKGBUILD)
+          </h3>
 
           {scanning ? (
             <LoadingSpinner size="sm" text="Scanning PKGBUILD..." />
           ) : scan?.scanned ? (
-            <div className="flex flex-col gap-4">
-              {/* Score bar */}
-              <div className="flex items-center justify-between p-4 rounded-xl"
+            <div className="flex flex-col gap-3">
+              <div className="flex items-center justify-between p-3 rounded-lg"
                    style={{ background: 'var(--bg-primary)', border: '1px solid var(--border-primary)' }}>
-                <div className="flex items-center gap-3">
-                  {scan.risk_score >= 70 ? <ShieldAlert size={22} style={{ color: riskColor }} />
-                   : scan.risk_score >= 40 ? <ShieldAlert size={22} style={{ color: riskColor }} />
-                   : <ShieldCheck size={22} style={{ color: riskColor }} />}
-                  <div>
-                    <p className="font-semibold text-sm capitalize" style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>
-                      {scan.risk_level}
-                    </p>
-                    <p className="text-xs" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>PKGBUILD analysis</p>
-                  </div>
+                <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
+                  <span className="font-semibold text-xs capitalize" style={{ color: riskColor }}>
+                    {scan.risk_level} Risk
+                  </span>
                 </div>
                 <div className="text-right">
-                  <span className="text-2xl font-extrabold" style={{ color: riskColor }}>{scan.risk_score}</span>
-                  <span className="text-xs" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>/100</span>
+                  <span className="text-lg font-bold" style={{ color: riskColor }}>{scan.risk_score}</span>
+                  <span className="text-[10px]" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>/100</span>
                 </div>
               </div>
 
-              {/* Findings */}
               {scan.findings.filter(f => f.severity !== 'info').length > 0 ? (
-                <div className="flex flex-col gap-2">
+                <div className="flex flex-col gap-1.5">
                   {scan.findings.filter(f => f.severity !== 'info').map((f, i) => (
-                    <div key={i} className="p-3 rounded-xl text-xs flex flex-col gap-1"
+                    <div key={i} className="p-2.5 rounded-lg text-[11px] flex flex-col gap-1"
                          style={{
                            background: f.severity === 'critical' ? 'var(--red-muted)' : 'var(--amber-muted)',
-                           border: `1px solid ${f.severity === 'critical' ? 'rgba(239,68,68,0.15)' : 'rgba(245,158,11,0.15)'}`,
+                           border: `1px solid ${f.severity === 'critical' ? 'rgba(248,113,113,0.15)' : 'rgba(251,191,36,0.15)'}`,
                            color: f.severity === 'critical' ? 'var(--red)' : 'var(--amber)',
                          }}>
-                      <div className="flex justify-between">
-                        <span className="font-bold uppercase">{f.severity}</span>
-                        {f.line_number > 0 && <span className="font-mono opacity-70">L{f.line_number}</span>}
+                      <div className="flex justify-between font-bold uppercase text-[9px] tracking-wide">
+                        <span>{f.severity}</span>
+                        {f.line_number > 0 && <span className="opacity-70">Line {f.line_number}</span>}
                       </div>
                       <p style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>{f.description}</p>
                       {f.line_content && (
-                        <pre className="p-2 rounded-lg font-mono mt-1 overflow-x-auto"
-                             style={{ background: 'var(--bg-primary)', color: 'var(--text-tertiary)', fontSize: '0.65rem' }}>
+                        <pre className="p-1.5 rounded font-mono text-[9px] mt-1 overflow-x-auto"
+                             style={{ background: 'var(--bg-primary)', color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
                           {f.line_content}
                         </pre>
                       )}
@@ -222,45 +214,45 @@ export default function PackageView() {
                   ))}
                 </div>
               ) : (
-                <div className="p-4 rounded-xl text-sm text-center"
-                     style={{ background: 'var(--green-muted)', color: 'var(--green)', border: '1px solid rgba(34,197,94,0.15)' }}>
-                  No security issues detected. Safe to install.
+                <div className="p-3 rounded-lg text-xs text-center font-medium"
+                     style={{ background: 'var(--green-muted)', color: 'var(--green)', border: '1px solid rgba(52,211,153,0.15)' }}>
+                  No security issues found in static PKGBUILD check.
                 </div>
               )}
             </div>
           ) : (
-            <p className="text-xs text-center py-4" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
-              Scan not available for this package.
+            <p className="text-[11px] text-center py-2" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
+              Scan not available.
             </p>
           )}
         </div>
       )}
 
-      {/* ═══ Metadata ═══ */}
-      <div className="grid grid-cols-1 md:grid-cols-2 gap-5">
-        <div className="card p-6">
-          <h3 className="font-bold text-sm mb-4 flex items-center gap-2 pb-3"
+      {/* Metadata Detail Row Panels */}
+      <div className="grid grid-cols-1 md:grid-cols-2 gap-4">
+        <div className="card p-4">
+          <h3 className="font-bold text-xs mb-3 flex items-center gap-1.5 pb-2"
               style={{ borderBottom: '1px solid var(--border-primary)', color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>
-            <User size={15} /> Metadata
+            <User size={13} /> Package Metadata
           </h3>
-          <div className="flex flex-col gap-3 text-xs">
+          <div className="flex flex-col gap-2 text-[11px]">
             {pkg.maintainer && <MetaRow label="Maintainer" value={pkg.maintainer} />}
-            {pkg.last_modified > 0 && <MetaRow label="Modified" value={new Date(pkg.last_modified * 1000).toLocaleDateString()} />}
-            {pkg.first_submitted > 0 && <MetaRow label="Submitted" value={new Date(pkg.first_submitted * 1000).toLocaleDateString()} />}
-            {pkg.package_base && <MetaRow label="Base" value={pkg.package_base} />}
+            {pkg.last_modified > 0 && <MetaRow label="Last Modified" value={new Date(pkg.last_modified * 1000).toLocaleDateString()} />}
+            {pkg.first_submitted > 0 && <MetaRow label="First Submitted" value={new Date(pkg.first_submitted * 1000).toLocaleDateString()} />}
+            {pkg.package_base && <MetaRow label="Package Base" value={pkg.package_base} />}
           </div>
         </div>
 
-        <div className="card p-6">
-          <h3 className="font-bold text-sm mb-4 flex items-center gap-2 pb-3"
+        <div className="card p-4">
+          <h3 className="font-bold text-xs mb-3 flex items-center gap-1.5 pb-2"
               style={{ borderBottom: '1px solid var(--border-primary)', color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>
-            <Package size={15} /> Dependencies
+            <Package size={13} /> Dependency Handling
           </h3>
-          <div className="p-4 rounded-xl text-xs flex items-start gap-3"
+          <div className="p-3 rounded-lg text-[11px] flex items-start gap-2"
                style={{ background: 'var(--bg-primary)', border: '1px solid var(--border-primary)' }}>
-            <Clock size={14} style={{ color: 'var(--accent)', flexShrink: 0, marginTop: 1 }} />
-            <span style={{ color: 'var(--text-secondary)' }}>
-              Dependencies are automatically resolved by pacman/yay during installation.
+            <Clock size={13} style={{ color: 'var(--accent)', flexShrink: 0, marginTop: 1 }} />
+            <span style={{ color: 'var(--text-secondary)', lineHeight: 1.4 }}>
+              Dependencies are automatically analyzed, resolved, and processed by standard package management operations during final deployment.
             </span>
           </div>
         </div>
@@ -269,23 +261,22 @@ export default function PackageView() {
   );
 }
 
-/* ── Helper components ── */
 function MetaBox({ label, value, mono, color, span }) {
   return (
-    <div className={`p-3 rounded-xl ${span === 2 ? 'col-span-2' : ''}`}
+    <div className={`p-2 rounded-lg ${span === 2 ? 'col-span-2' : ''}`}
          style={{ background: 'var(--bg-primary)', border: '1px solid var(--border-primary)' }}>
-      <p className="text-[10px] uppercase font-bold tracking-wide mb-0.5" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>{label}</p>
-      <p className={`text-sm font-semibold truncate ${mono ? 'font-mono' : ''}`}
-         style={{ color: color || 'var(--text-primary)' }}>{value}</p>
+      <p className="text-[9px] uppercase font-bold tracking-wide mb-0.5" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>{label}</p>
+      <p className={`text-xs font-semibold truncate ${mono ? 'font-mono' : ''}`}
+         style={{ color: color || 'var(--text-primary)' }}>{value || '—'}</p>
     </div>
   );
 }
 
 function MetaRow({ label, value }) {
   return (
-    <div className="flex justify-between items-center">
+    <div className="flex justify-between items-center py-0.5">
       <span style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>{label}</span>
-      <span className="font-medium" style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>{value}</span>
+      <span className="font-semibold text-right" style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>{value}</span>
     </div>
   );
 }
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/Search.jsx b/frontend/src/pages/Search.jsx
index e2553cc..4b6bf7e 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/Search.jsx
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/Search.jsx
@@ -18,17 +18,12 @@ export default function SearchPage() {
   }, [query, source]);
 
   async function performSearch(q, s) {
-    setLoading(true);
-    setError(null);
+    setLoading(true); setError(null);
     try {
       const data = await api.searchPackages(q, s);
       setResults(data.results || []);
-    } catch (err) {
-      setError(err.message);
-      setResults([]);
-    } finally {
-      setLoading(false);
-    }
+    } catch (err) { setError(err.message); setResults([]); }
+    finally { setLoading(false); }
   }
 
   const tabs = [
@@ -38,44 +33,42 @@ export default function SearchPage() {
   ];
 
   return (
-    <div className="animate-slide-up">
+    <div className="animate-slide-up flex flex-col gap-4">
       {/* Header */}
-      <div className="mb-8">
-        <h1 className="page-title">Search Results</h1>
-        <p className="page-subtitle">
-          {query ? <>Showing results for <strong style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>"{query}"</strong></> : 'Enter a query to search packages'}
-        </p>
+      <div className="flex flex-col sm:flex-row sm:items-end justify-between gap-3">
+        <div>
+          <h1 className="page-title">Search Results</h1>
+          <p className="page-subtitle">
+            {query ? <>Results for <strong style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>"{query}"</strong></> : 'Enter a query to search'}
+          </p>
+        </div>
+        {query && (
+          <div className="flex items-center gap-3">
+            <div className="flex p-0.5 rounded-lg" style={{ background: 'var(--bg-secondary)', border: '1px solid var(--border-primary)' }}>
+              {tabs.map((tab) => (
+                <button
+                  key={tab.id}
+                  onClick={() => setSource(tab.id)}
+                  className="px-3 py-1 text-[11px] font-semibold rounded-md transition-all"
+                  style={{
+                    background: source === tab.id ? 'var(--accent)' : 'transparent',
+                    color: source === tab.id ? '#fff' : 'var(--text-tertiary)',
+                  }}
+                >
+                  {tab.label}
+                </button>
+              ))}
+            </div>
+            <span className="flex items-center gap-1.5 text-[11px]" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
+              <Filter size={11} /> {results.length} pkg{results.length !== 1 ? 's' : ''}
+            </span>
+          </div>
+        )}
       </div>
 
-      {query && (
-        <div className="flex flex-col sm:flex-row justify-between items-start sm:items-center gap-4 mb-8">
-          {/* Source tabs */}
-          <div className="flex p-1 rounded-xl" style={{ background: 'var(--bg-secondary)', border: '1px solid var(--border-primary)' }}>
-            {tabs.map((tab) => (
-              <button
-                key={tab.id}
-                onClick={() => setSource(tab.id)}
-                className="px-5 py-2 text-xs font-semibold rounded-lg transition-all"
-                style={{
-                  background: source === tab.id ? 'var(--accent)' : 'transparent',
-                  color: source === tab.id ? 'white' : 'var(--text-secondary)',
-                }}
-              >
-                {tab.label}
-              </button>
-            ))}
-          </div>
-
-          <div className="flex items-center gap-2 text-xs" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
-            <Filter size={13} />
-            {results.length} package{results.length !== 1 ? 's' : ''}
-          </div>
-        </div>
-      )}
-
       {error && (
-        <div className="rounded-xl p-4 mb-6 text-sm font-medium"
-             style={{ background: 'var(--red-muted)', color: 'var(--red)', border: '1px solid rgba(239,68,68,0.2)' }}>
+        <div className="rounded-lg p-3 text-xs font-medium"
+             style={{ background: 'var(--red-muted)', color: 'var(--red)', border: '1px solid rgba(248,113,113,0.15)' }}>
           {error}
         </div>
       )}
@@ -83,13 +76,13 @@ export default function SearchPage() {
       {query ? (
         <PackageGrid packages={results} loading={loading} />
       ) : (
-        <div className="flex flex-col items-center justify-center py-24" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
-          <div className="w-16 h-16 rounded-2xl flex items-center justify-center mb-5"
+        <div className="flex flex-col items-center justify-center py-14" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
+          <div className="w-10 h-10 rounded-xl flex items-center justify-center mb-3"
                style={{ background: 'var(--bg-secondary)', border: '1px solid var(--border-primary)' }}>
-            <Search size={28} />
+            <Search size={18} />
           </div>
-          <p className="text-base font-semibold mb-1" style={{ color: 'var(--text-secondary)' }}>Start searching</p>
-          <p className="text-sm">Type a package name or keyword above</p>
+          <p className="text-sm font-medium mb-0.5" style={{ color: 'var(--text-secondary)' }}>Start searching</p>
+          <p className="text-xs">Type a package name above</p>
         </div>
       )}
     </div>
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/Settings.jsx b/frontend/src/pages/Settings.jsx
index b1b6de4..12b9a3c 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/Settings.jsx
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/Settings.jsx
@@ -27,44 +27,44 @@ export default function Settings() {
   }
 
   return (
-    <div className="animate-slide-up max-w-2xl">
-      <div className="mb-8">
+    <div className="animate-slide-up max-w-xl">
+      <div className="mb-5">
         <h1 className="page-title">Settings</h1>
         <p className="page-subtitle">Configure ArchStore preferences</p>
       </div>
 
       {msg && (
-        <div className="rounded-xl p-4 mb-6 flex items-center gap-3 text-sm font-medium"
+        <div className="rounded-lg p-3 mb-4 flex items-center gap-2 text-xs font-medium"
              style={{
                background: msg.ok ? 'var(--green-muted)' : 'var(--red-muted)',
                color: msg.ok ? 'var(--green)' : 'var(--red)',
-               border: `1px solid ${msg.ok ? 'rgba(34,197,94,0.2)' : 'rgba(239,68,68,0.2)'}`,
+               border: `1px solid ${msg.ok ? 'rgba(52,211,153,0.2)' : 'rgba(248,113,113,0.2)'}`,
              }}>
-          <CheckCircle2 size={16} />
+          <CheckCircle2 size={14} />
           {msg.text}
         </div>
       )}
 
-      <div className="flex flex-col gap-5">
+      <div className="flex flex-col gap-4">
         {/* AUR Helper */}
-        <div className="card p-6">
-          <h3 className="font-semibold text-sm mb-1 flex items-center gap-2" style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>
-            <Cpu size={16} style={{ color: 'var(--accent)' }} />
+        <div className="card p-4">
+          <h3 className="font-semibold text-xs mb-1 flex items-center gap-1.5" style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>
+            <Cpu size={14} style={{ color: 'var(--accent)' }} />
             AUR Helper
           </h3>
-          <p className="text-xs mb-4" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
-            The helper used to build and install AUR packages.
+          <p className="text-[11px] mb-3" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
+            The helper tool utilized to build and install AUR packages.
           </p>
-          <div className="flex gap-3">
+          <div className="flex gap-2">
             {['yay', 'paru'].map((t) => (
-              <div key={t} className="flex-1 p-3 rounded-xl text-center text-sm font-semibold transition-all cursor-default"
+              <div key={t} className="flex-1 p-2.5 rounded-lg text-center text-xs font-semibold transition-all cursor-default flex items-center justify-center gap-2"
                    style={{
                      background: t === 'yay' ? 'var(--accent-muted)' : 'var(--bg-tertiary)',
                      color: t === 'yay' ? 'var(--accent)' : 'var(--text-tertiary)',
-                     border: `1px solid ${t === 'yay' ? 'rgba(2,132,199,0.2)' : 'var(--border-primary)'}`,
+                     border: `1px solid ${t === 'yay' ? 'rgba(56,189,248,0.2)' : 'var(--border-primary)'}`,
                    }}>
                 {t}
-                {t === 'yay' && <span className="ml-2 text-[10px] font-bold px-1.5 py-0.5 rounded-full"
+                {t === 'yay' && <span className="text-[9px] font-bold px-1.5 py-0.5 rounded-full"
                   style={{ background: 'var(--green-muted)', color: 'var(--green)' }}>Active</span>}
               </div>
             ))}
@@ -72,36 +72,36 @@ export default function Settings() {
         </div>
 
         {/* Cache */}
-        <div className="card p-6">
-          <h3 className="font-semibold text-sm mb-1 flex items-center gap-2" style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>
-            <Database size={16} style={{ color: 'var(--accent)' }} />
+        <div className="card p-4">
+          <h3 className="font-semibold text-xs mb-1 flex items-center gap-1.5" style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>
+            <Database size={14} style={{ color: 'var(--accent)' }} />
             Cache
           </h3>
-          <p className="text-xs mb-4" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
-            Search results and metadata are cached locally for 15 minutes.
+          <p className="text-[11px] mb-3" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
+            Search results and package metadata are cached locally to reduce API overhead.
           </p>
-          <button onClick={clearCache} disabled={clearing} className="btn btn-danger text-xs">
+          <button onClick={clearCache} disabled={clearing} className="btn btn-danger text-xs px-3 py-1.5">
             {clearing ? 'Clearing...' : 'Clear Cache'}
           </button>
         </div>
 
         {/* Health */}
-        <div className="card p-6">
-          <h3 className="font-semibold text-sm mb-4 flex items-center gap-2" style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>
-            <AlertCircle size={16} style={{ color: 'var(--accent)' }} />
+        <div className="card p-4">
+          <h3 className="font-semibold text-xs mb-3 flex items-center gap-1.5" style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>
+            <AlertCircle size={14} style={{ color: 'var(--accent)' }} />
             Backend Status
           </h3>
-          <div className="flex items-center justify-between p-4 rounded-xl font-mono text-xs"
+          <div className="flex items-center justify-between p-3 rounded-lg font-mono text-[11px]"
                style={{ background: 'var(--bg-primary)', border: '1px solid var(--border-primary)' }}>
             <span style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>FastAPI Server</span>
             {health ? (
               health.status === 'healthy' ? (
-                <span className="flex items-center gap-2 font-semibold" style={{ color: 'var(--green)' }}>
-                  <span className="w-2 h-2 rounded-full" style={{ background: 'var(--green)' }}></span> Online
+                <span className="flex items-center gap-1.5 font-semibold" style={{ color: 'var(--green)' }}>
+                  <span className="w-1.5 h-1.5 rounded-full" style={{ background: 'var(--green)' }}></span> Online
                 </span>
               ) : (
-                <span className="flex items-center gap-2 font-semibold" style={{ color: 'var(--red)' }}>
-                  <span className="w-2 h-2 rounded-full" style={{ background: 'var(--red)' }}></span> Offline
+                <span className="flex items-center gap-1.5 font-semibold" style={{ color: 'var(--red)' }}>
+                  <span className="w-1.5 h-1.5 rounded-full" style={{ background: 'var(--red)' }}></span> Offline
                 </span>
               )
             ) : (
@@ -111,9 +111,9 @@ export default function Settings() {
         </div>
 
         {/* Footer */}
-        <div className="text-center py-6 text-xs" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
+        <div className="text-center py-4 text-[11px] flex flex-col items-center gap-0.5" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
           <span className="flex items-center justify-center gap-1">
-            Made with <Heart size={11} style={{ color: 'var(--red)' }} /> for Arch Linux
+            Made with <Heart size={10} style={{ color: 'var(--red)', fill: 'var(--red)' }} /> for Arch Linux
           </span>
           <span>ArchStore v1.0.0</span>
         </div>
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/Updates.jsx b/frontend/src/pages/Updates.jsx
index 2749893..91857d9 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/Updates.jsx
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/Updates.jsx
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 import { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
 import api from '../api/client';
 import LoadingSpinner from '../components/LoadingSpinner';
-import { RefreshCw, ArrowUpCircle, Info, CheckCircle2 } from 'lucide-react';
+import { RefreshCw, ArrowUpCircle, Info, CheckCircle2, ArrowRight } from 'lucide-react';
 
 export default function Updates() {
   const [updates, setUpdates] = useState([]);
@@ -32,86 +32,89 @@ export default function Updates() {
   }
 
   return (
-    <div className="animate-slide-up">
-      <div className="flex flex-col sm:flex-row sm:items-center justify-between gap-4 mb-8">
+    <div className="animate-slide-up flex flex-col gap-4">
+      {/* Header */}
+      <div className="flex flex-col sm:flex-row sm:items-center justify-between gap-3">
         <div>
           <h1 className="page-title">System Updates</h1>
           <p className="page-subtitle">Keep your system and AUR packages current</p>
         </div>
-        <div className="flex gap-3">
-          <button onClick={check} disabled={loading || updating} className="btn btn-secondary">
-            <RefreshCw size={15} className={loading ? 'animate-spin' : ''} /> Check
+        <div className="flex gap-2">
+          <button onClick={check} disabled={loading || updating} className="btn btn-secondary text-xs">
+            <RefreshCw size={12} className={loading ? 'animate-spin' : ''} /> Check
           </button>
           {updates.length > 0 && (
-            <button onClick={handleUpdate} disabled={updating} className="btn btn-primary">
-              <ArrowUpCircle size={15} /> Update All
+            <button onClick={handleUpdate} disabled={updating} className="btn btn-primary text-xs">
+              <ArrowUpCircle size={12} /> Update All
             </button>
           )}
         </div>
       </div>
 
       {error && (
-        <div className="rounded-xl p-4 mb-6 text-sm font-medium"
-             style={{ background: 'var(--red-muted)', color: 'var(--red)', border: '1px solid rgba(239,68,68,0.2)' }}>
+        <div className="rounded-lg p-3 text-xs font-medium"
+             style={{ background: 'var(--red-muted)', color: 'var(--red)', border: '1px solid rgba(248,113,113,0.15)' }}>
           {error}
         </div>
       )}
 
+      {/* Upgrade Log */}
       {updating && (
-        <div className="card p-6 mb-8" style={{ borderColor: 'rgba(2,132,199,0.3)' }}>
-          <h3 className="font-semibold mb-3 flex items-center gap-2 text-sm">
-            <RefreshCw size={16} className="animate-spin" style={{ color: 'var(--accent)' }} />
-            Upgrading...
-          </h3>
-          <pre className="p-4 rounded-lg font-mono text-xs overflow-x-auto max-h-64 whitespace-pre-wrap"
+        <div className="card p-4" style={{ borderColor: 'var(--border-glow)' }}>
+          <div className="flex items-center gap-2 mb-2 text-xs font-semibold" style={{ color: 'var(--accent)' }}>
+            <RefreshCw size={12} className="animate-spin" /> Upgrading...
+          </div>
+          <pre className="p-3 rounded-md font-mono text-[11px] overflow-x-auto max-h-48 whitespace-pre-wrap"
                style={{ background: 'var(--bg-primary)', border: '1px solid var(--border-primary)', color: 'var(--text-secondary)' }}>
             {log}
           </pre>
         </div>
       )}
 
+      {/* Content */}
       {loading ? (
         <LoadingSpinner text="Checking for updates..." />
       ) : updates.length === 0 ? (
-        <div className="flex flex-col items-center justify-center py-24" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
-          <div className="w-16 h-16 rounded-2xl flex items-center justify-center mb-5"
-               style={{ background: 'var(--green-muted)', border: '1px solid rgba(34,197,94,0.2)' }}>
-            <CheckCircle2 size={28} style={{ color: 'var(--green)' }} />
+        <div className="flex flex-col items-center justify-center py-14" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
+          <div className="w-10 h-10 rounded-xl flex items-center justify-center mb-3"
+               style={{ background: 'var(--green-muted)', border: '1px solid rgba(52,211,153,0.15)' }}>
+            <CheckCircle2 size={18} style={{ color: 'var(--green)' }} />
           </div>
-          <p className="text-base font-semibold mb-1" style={{ color: 'var(--text-secondary)' }}>All up to date</p>
-          <p className="text-sm">No updates available right now</p>
+          <p className="text-sm font-medium mb-0.5" style={{ color: 'var(--text-secondary)' }}>All up to date</p>
+          <p className="text-xs">No updates available right now</p>
         </div>
       ) : (
-        <div>
-          <div className="rounded-xl p-4 mb-6 flex items-start gap-3 text-sm"
-               style={{ background: 'var(--accent-muted)', border: '1px solid rgba(2,132,199,0.2)' }}>
-            <Info size={18} style={{ color: 'var(--accent)', flexShrink: 0, marginTop: 2 }} />
+        <div className="flex flex-col gap-3">
+          {/* Info banner */}
+          <div className="rounded-lg p-3 flex items-center gap-3 text-xs"
+               style={{ background: 'var(--accent-muted)', border: '1px solid var(--border-glow)' }}>
+            <Info size={14} style={{ color: 'var(--accent)', flexShrink: 0 }} />
             <div>
-              <p className="font-semibold" style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>{updates.length} update{updates.length !== 1 ? 's' : ''} available</p>
-              <p className="text-xs mt-0.5" style={{ color: 'var(--text-secondary)' }}>System administrator privileges required to install.</p>
+              <span className="font-semibold" style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>
+                {updates.length} update{updates.length !== 1 ? 's' : ''} available
+              </span>
+              <span className="ml-2" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
+                Root privileges required.
+              </span>
             </div>
           </div>
 
+          {/* Update list */}
           <div className="card overflow-hidden">
             {updates.map((u, i) => (
               <div key={`${u.source}-${u.name}`}
                    className="update-row"
-                   style={{
-                     borderBottom: i < updates.length - 1 ? '1px solid var(--border-primary)' : 'none',
-                   }}
-              >
-                <div>
-                  <div className="flex items-center gap-2 mb-1">
-                    <span className="font-semibold text-sm" style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>{u.name}</span>
-                    <span className={`badge ${u.source === 'aur' ? 'badge-aur' : 'badge-pacman'}`}>
-                      {u.source === 'aur' ? 'AUR' : 'pacman'}
-                    </span>
-                  </div>
-                  <div className="flex items-center gap-2 text-xs font-mono" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
-                    <span>{u.current_version}</span>
-                    <span>→</span>
-                    <span style={{ color: 'var(--green)', fontWeight: 600 }}>{u.new_version}</span>
-                  </div>
+                   style={{ borderBottom: i < updates.length - 1 ? '1px solid var(--border-primary)' : 'none' }}>
+                <div className="flex items-center gap-3 min-w-0">
+                  <span className="font-semibold text-xs truncate" style={{ color: 'var(--text-primary)' }}>{u.name}</span>
+                  <span className={`badge ${u.source === 'aur' ? 'badge-aur' : 'badge-pacman'}`}>
+                    {u.source === 'aur' ? 'AUR' : 'pacman'}
+                  </span>
+                </div>
+                <div className="flex items-center gap-2 text-[11px] font-mono shrink-0" style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }}>
+                  <span>{u.current_version}</span>
+                  <ArrowRight size={10} style={{ color: 'var(--text-tertiary)' }} />
+                  <span style={{ color: 'var(--green)', fontWeight: 600 }}>{u.new_version}</span>
                 </div>
               </div>
             ))}