Redesign CV template gallery with realistic previews and per-template visuals

- Add CVTemplateMiniPreview: mini résumé rendering (professional, modern rail/split/classic, minimal, executive serif, creative) with shared demo copy
- Extend CVTemplate with theme RGB, layoutType, category; paper tint and idVariant-driven layout variation so cards differ within each family
- Refresh CVMakerPageView: gradient page, glass filter chrome, responsive grid, premium cards (shadows, selection glow, tap scale, Preview overlay)
- Hash id + layout + accent + headline for stable silhouette index across catalog rows

Co-authored-by: Cursor <cursoragent@cursor.com>

App for Indeed/Views/CVMakerPageView.swift

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@
 //
 
 import Cocoa
+import QuartzCore
 
 // MARK: - Data model
 
@@ -37,6 +38,21 @@ enum CVDesignFamily: String, CaseIterable, Hashable {
     }
 }
 
+/// High-level layout bucket for catalog metadata and filtering.
+enum CVTemplateLayoutType: String, Hashable {
+    case atsSingleColumn
+    case twoColumnSidebarLeading
+    case twoColumnSidebarTrailing
+
+    var gallerySubtitle: String {
+        switch self {
+        case .atsSingleColumn: return "ATS layout"
+        case .twoColumnSidebarLeading: return "Sidebar left"
+        case .twoColumnSidebarTrailing: return "Sidebar right"
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 /// Visual recipe used by the mini preview renderer so every template can vary
 /// the headline style, accent line, and sidebar layout without bespoke views.
 struct CVTemplate: Hashable {
@@ -77,6 +93,92 @@ struct CVTemplate: Hashable {
     let accent: Accent
     let layout: Layout
     let sectionLabelStyle: SectionLabelStyle
+    /// sRGB accent used for headers, tags, and sidebar tints in the mini preview.
+    let themeRed: CGFloat
+    let themeGreen: CGFloat
+    let themeBlue: CGFloat
+
+    /// Shown on cards; mirrors the design family in this build.
+    var category: String { family.title }
+
+    var layoutType: CVTemplateLayoutType {
+        switch layout {
+        case .singleColumn: return .atsSingleColumn
+        case .twoColumn(sidebar: .leading, _): return .twoColumnSidebarLeading
+        case .twoColumn(sidebar: .trailing, _): return .twoColumnSidebarTrailing
+        }
+    }
+
+    var themeColor: NSColor {
+        NSColor(srgbRed: themeRed, green: themeGreen, blue: themeBlue, alpha: 1)
+    }
+
+    /// Optional bundle image name; `nil` means render a live vector/text preview.
+    var previewImageAssetName: String? { nil }
+
+    init(
+        id: String,
+        name: String,
+        family: CVDesignFamily,
+        headline: Headline,
+        accent: Accent,
+        layout: Layout,
+        sectionLabelStyle: SectionLabelStyle,
+        themeRed: CGFloat? = nil,
+        themeGreen: CGFloat? = nil,
+        themeBlue: CGFloat? = nil
+    ) {
+        self.id = id
+        self.name = name
+        self.family = family
+        self.headline = headline
+        self.accent = accent
+        self.layout = layout
+        self.sectionLabelStyle = sectionLabelStyle
+        if let tr = themeRed, let tg = themeGreen, let tb = themeBlue {
+            self.themeRed = tr
+            self.themeGreen = tg
+            self.themeBlue = tb
+        } else {
+            let rgb = Self.resolvedThemeRGB(family: family, id: id)
+            self.themeRed = rgb.0
+            self.themeGreen = rgb.1
+            self.themeBlue = rgb.2
+        }
+    }
+
+    private static func resolvedThemeRGB(family: CVDesignFamily, id: String) -> (CGFloat, CGFloat, CGFloat) {
+        var hash: UInt64 = 1469598103934665603
+        for b in id.utf8 {
+            hash ^= UInt64(b)
+            hash &*= 1_099_511_628_211
+        }
+        let t = Double(hash % 1000) / 1000.0
+        switch family {
+        case .professional:
+            let r = 0.12 + t * 0.06
+            let g = 0.32 + t * 0.08
+            let b = 0.58 + t * 0.12
+            return (r, g, b)
+        case .modern:
+            let r = 0.0 + t * 0.08
+            let g = 0.45 + t * 0.12
+            let bl = 0.85 + t * 0.1
+            return (min(r, 1), min(g, 1), min(bl, 1))
+        case .minimal:
+            return (0.45 + t * 0.05, 0.48 + t * 0.04, 0.55 + t * 0.06)
+        case .executive:
+            let r = 0.08 + t * 0.06
+            let g = 0.12 + t * 0.05
+            let b = 0.22 + t * 0.08
+            return (r, g, b)
+        case .creative:
+            let r = 0.25 + t * 0.2
+            let g = 0.35 + t * 0.15
+            let b = 0.72 + t * 0.15
+            return (min(r, 1), min(g, 1), min(b, 1))
+        }
+    }
 }
 
 // MARK: - Catalog
@@ -403,12 +505,17 @@ final class CVMakerPageView: NSView {
         static let ctaHover = NSColor(srgbRed: 28 / 255, green: 70 / 255, blue: 140 / 255, alpha: 1)
         static let ctaText = NSColor.white
         static let overlayTint = NSColor.black.withAlphaComponent(0.45)
+        static let selectionGlow = NSColor(srgbRed: 37 / 255, green: 87 / 255, blue: 167 / 255, alpha: 0.55)
+        static let gradientTop = NSColor(srgbRed: 250 / 255, green: 252 / 255, blue: 1, alpha: 1)
+        static let gradientBottom = NSColor(srgbRed: 236 / 255, green: 244 / 255, blue: 1, alpha: 1)
     }
 
-    private static let columns: Int = 4
+    private let pageGradientLayer = CAGradientLayer()
+    private let filterChrome = NSVisualEffectView()
+    private let filterStack = NSStackView()
 
     private let titleLabel = NSTextField(labelWithString: "Templates")
-    private let subtitleLabel = NSTextField(labelWithString: "Browse and select a template for your CV")
+    private let subtitleLabel = NSTextField(labelWithString: "Polished layouts with live previews — pick a style that fits your story.")
     private let groupTabsRow = NSStackView()
     private let familyChipsRow = NSStackView()
     private let scrollView = NSScrollView()
@@ -425,6 +532,8 @@ final class CVMakerPageView: NSView {
     private var familyChipButtons: [CVDesignFamily?: CVChipButton] = [:]
     private var templateCardsByID: [String: CVTemplateCard] = [:]
 
+    private var appliedGridColumnCount: Int = 0
+
     override init(frame frameRect: NSRect) {
         super.init(frame: frameRect)
         configureLayout()
@@ -441,7 +550,7 @@ final class CVMakerPageView: NSView {
 
     override func layout() {
         super.layout()
-        // Re-measure the grid in case the container width changed (window resize).
+        pageGradientLayer.frame = bounds
         layoutGridCardsIfNeeded()
     }
 
@@ -449,7 +558,36 @@ final class CVMakerPageView: NSView {
 
     private func configureLayout() {
         wantsLayer = true
-        layer?.backgroundColor = Palette.pageBackground.cgColor
+        layer?.backgroundColor = NSColor.clear.cgColor
+
+        pageGradientLayer.colors = [Palette.gradientBottom.cgColor, Palette.gradientTop.cgColor]
+        pageGradientLayer.locations = [0, 1] as [NSNumber]
+        pageGradientLayer.startPoint = CGPoint(x: 0.5, y: 0)
+        pageGradientLayer.endPoint = CGPoint(x: 0.5, y: 1)
+        layer?.insertSublayer(pageGradientLayer, at: 0)
+
+        filterChrome.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
+        filterChrome.material = .sidebar
+        filterChrome.blendingMode = .withinWindow
+        filterChrome.state = .active
+        filterChrome.wantsLayer = true
+        filterChrome.layer?.cornerRadius = 18
+        filterChrome.layer?.borderWidth = 1
+        filterChrome.layer?.borderColor = NSColor.white.withAlphaComponent(0.65).cgColor
+
+        filterStack.orientation = .vertical
+        filterStack.spacing = 12
+        filterStack.alignment = .leading
+        filterStack.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
+        filterStack.addArrangedSubview(groupTabsRow)
+        filterStack.addArrangedSubview(familyChipsRow)
+        filterChrome.addSubview(filterStack)
+        NSLayoutConstraint.activate([
+            filterStack.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: filterChrome.leadingAnchor, constant: 14),
+            filterStack.trailingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: filterChrome.trailingAnchor, constant: -14),
+            filterStack.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: filterChrome.topAnchor, constant: 12),
+            filterStack.bottomAnchor.constraint(equalTo: filterChrome.bottomAnchor, constant: -12)
+        ])
 
         titleLabel.font = .systemFont(ofSize: 22, weight: .bold)
         titleLabel.textColor = Palette.primaryText
@@ -478,7 +616,7 @@ final class CVMakerPageView: NSView {
         familyChipsRow.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
 
         gridStack.orientation = .vertical
-        gridStack.spacing = 16
+        gridStack.spacing = 26
         gridStack.alignment = .leading
         gridStack.distribution = .fill
         gridStack.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
@@ -512,8 +650,7 @@ final class CVMakerPageView: NSView {
         ctaButton.action = #selector(didTapUseTemplate)
 
         addSubview(headerStack)
-        addSubview(groupTabsRow)
-        addSubview(familyChipsRow)
+        addSubview(filterChrome)
         addSubview(scrollView)
         addSubview(ctaButton)
 
@@ -524,23 +661,19 @@ final class CVMakerPageView: NSView {
             headerStack.trailingAnchor.constraint(lessThanOrEqualTo: trailingAnchor, constant: -horizontalInset),
             headerStack.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: topAnchor, constant: 8),
 
-            groupTabsRow.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: leadingAnchor, constant: horizontalInset),
-            groupTabsRow.trailingAnchor.constraint(lessThanOrEqualTo: trailingAnchor, constant: -horizontalInset),
-            groupTabsRow.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: headerStack.bottomAnchor, constant: 18),
-
-            familyChipsRow.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: leadingAnchor, constant: horizontalInset),
-            familyChipsRow.trailingAnchor.constraint(lessThanOrEqualTo: trailingAnchor, constant: -horizontalInset),
-            familyChipsRow.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: groupTabsRow.bottomAnchor, constant: 14),
+            filterChrome.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: leadingAnchor, constant: horizontalInset),
+            filterChrome.trailingAnchor.constraint(lessThanOrEqualTo: trailingAnchor, constant: -horizontalInset),
+            filterChrome.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: headerStack.bottomAnchor, constant: 16),
 
             scrollView.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: leadingAnchor, constant: horizontalInset),
             scrollView.trailingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: trailingAnchor, constant: -horizontalInset),
-            scrollView.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: familyChipsRow.bottomAnchor, constant: 16),
-            scrollView.bottomAnchor.constraint(equalTo: ctaButton.topAnchor, constant: -16),
+            scrollView.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: filterChrome.bottomAnchor, constant: 18),
+            scrollView.bottomAnchor.constraint(equalTo: ctaButton.topAnchor, constant: -18),
 
             ctaButton.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: leadingAnchor, constant: horizontalInset),
             ctaButton.trailingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: trailingAnchor, constant: -horizontalInset),
             ctaButton.bottomAnchor.constraint(equalTo: bottomAnchor, constant: -24),
-            ctaButton.heightAnchor.constraint(equalToConstant: 50)
+            ctaButton.heightAnchor.constraint(equalToConstant: 52)
         ])
     }
 
@@ -624,12 +757,12 @@ final class CVMakerPageView: NSView {
             return
         }
 
-        let columns = Self.columns
+        let columns = resolvedGridColumnCount()
         var index = 0
         while index < templates.count {
             let row = NSStackView()
             row.orientation = .horizontal
-            row.spacing = 16
+            row.spacing = 22
             row.distribution = .fillEqually
             row.alignment = .top
             row.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
@@ -662,8 +795,29 @@ final class CVMakerPageView: NSView {
         applySelectionToCards()
     }
 
+    private func galleryLayoutWidth() -> CGFloat {
+        if bounds.width > 8 { return bounds.width }
+        if let s = superview, s.bounds.width > 8 { return max(s.bounds.width - 64, 400) }
+        return 900
+    }
+
     private func layoutGridCardsIfNeeded() {
-        // Stack will resize the rows; nothing else to do — kept as a hook for future enhancements.
+        let w = max(galleryLayoutWidth(), 400)
+        let cols: Int
+        if w < 780 { cols = 2 }
+        else if w < 1080 { cols = 3 }
+        else { cols = 4 }
+        guard cols != appliedGridColumnCount else { return }
+        appliedGridColumnCount = cols
+        reloadTemplateGrid()
+        updateSelectedChipStates()
+    }
+
+    private func resolvedGridColumnCount() -> Int {
+        let w = max(galleryLayoutWidth(), 400)
+        if w < 780 { return 2 }
+        if w < 1080 { return 3 }
+        return 4
     }
 
     private func applySelectionToCards() {
@@ -672,11 +826,12 @@ final class CVMakerPageView: NSView {
         }
     }
 
-    private func palette() -> CVTemplateCard.Palette {
-        CVTemplateCard.Palette(
+    private func palette() -> CVTemplateCardPalette {
+        CVTemplateCardPalette(
             border: Palette.cardBorder,
             borderHover: Palette.cardBorderHover,
             borderSelected: Palette.cardBorderSelected,
+            selectionGlow: Palette.selectionGlow,
             footerBackground: Palette.cardFooter,
             previewSurface: Palette.previewSurface,
             previewPaper: Palette.previewPaper,
@@ -753,7 +908,7 @@ final class CVMakerPageView: NSView {
         button.focusRingType = .none
         button.contentTintColor = Palette.ctaText
         button.wantsLayer = true
-        button.layer?.cornerRadius = 12
+        button.layer?.cornerRadius = 14
         button.layer?.backgroundColor = Palette.ctaBackground.cgColor
         button.pointerCursor = true
         let attrs: [NSAttributedString.Key: Any] = [
@@ -992,32 +1147,14 @@ private final class CVChipButton: NSView {
 
 // MARK: - Template card
 
-/// Bordered card holding the mini CV preview, a hover "Preview" overlay, and a
-/// footer with the template name + family. Maintains its own hover/selected
-/// states so the parent can stay declarative.
+/// Premium gallery card: live résumé thumbnail, glass-style preview overlay, soft
+/// shadow, and an animated brand border when selected.
 private final class CVTemplateCard: NSView {
-    struct Palette {
-        let border: NSColor
-        let borderHover: NSColor
-        let borderSelected: NSColor
-        let footerBackground: NSColor
-        let previewSurface: NSColor
-        let previewPaper: NSColor
-        let previewSidebarTint: NSColor
-        let previewInk: NSColor
-        let previewMuted: NSColor
-        let previewAccentRed: NSColor
-        let previewAccentBlue: NSColor
-        let primaryText: NSColor
-        let secondaryText: NSColor
-        let overlayTint: NSColor
-    }
-
     var onSelect: (() -> Void)?
     var onPreview: (() -> Void)?
-    var isSelected: Bool = false { didSet { applyBorder() } }
+    var isSelected: Bool = false { didSet { applyChrome() } }
     private let template: CVTemplate
-    private let palette: Palette
+    private let palette: CVTemplateCardPalette
     private let previewSurface = NSView()
     private let preview: CVTemplatePreviewView
     private let nameLabel = NSTextField(labelWithString: "")
@@ -1030,17 +1167,17 @@ private final class CVTemplateCard: NSView {
     private var isHovering: Bool = false
     private var didPushCursor: Bool = false
 
-    init(template: CVTemplate, palette: Palette) {
+    init(template: CVTemplate, palette: CVTemplateCardPalette) {
         self.template = template
         self.palette = palette
         self.preview = CVTemplatePreviewView(template: template, palette: palette)
         super.init(frame: .zero)
         wantsLayer = true
-        layer?.cornerRadius = 14
-        layer?.borderWidth = 1
-        layer?.masksToBounds = true
+        layer?.masksToBounds = false
+        layer?.cornerRadius = 24
+        layer?.backgroundColor = NSColor.white.cgColor
         translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
-        heightAnchor.constraint(greaterThanOrEqualToConstant: 280).isActive = true
+        heightAnchor.constraint(greaterThanOrEqualToConstant: 292).isActive = true
 
         previewSurface.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
         previewSurface.wantsLayer = true
@@ -1050,14 +1187,14 @@ private final class CVTemplateCard: NSView {
         previewSurface.addSubview(preview)
 
         nameLabel.stringValue = template.name
-        nameLabel.font = .systemFont(ofSize: 13, weight: .semibold)
+        nameLabel.font = .systemFont(ofSize: 14, weight: .semibold)
         nameLabel.textColor = palette.primaryText
         nameLabel.isBordered = false
         nameLabel.drawsBackground = false
         nameLabel.isEditable = false
         nameLabel.isSelectable = false
 
-        categoryLabel.stringValue = template.family.title
+        categoryLabel.stringValue = "\(template.category) · \(template.layoutType.gallerySubtitle)"
         categoryLabel.font = .systemFont(ofSize: 11.5, weight: .regular)
         categoryLabel.textColor = palette.secondaryText
         categoryLabel.isBordered = false
@@ -1067,7 +1204,7 @@ private final class CVTemplateCard: NSView {
 
         let footerStack = NSStackView(views: [nameLabel, categoryLabel])
         footerStack.orientation = .vertical
-        footerStack.spacing = 2
+        footerStack.spacing = 3
         footerStack.alignment = .leading
         footerStack.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
 
@@ -1077,10 +1214,10 @@ private final class CVTemplateCard: NSView {
         footer.layer?.backgroundColor = palette.footerBackground.cgColor
         footer.addSubview(footerStack)
         NSLayoutConstraint.activate([
-            footerStack.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: footer.leadingAnchor, constant: 14),
-            footerStack.trailingAnchor.constraint(lessThanOrEqualTo: footer.trailingAnchor, constant: -14),
-            footerStack.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: footer.topAnchor, constant: 12),
-            footerStack.bottomAnchor.constraint(equalTo: footer.bottomAnchor, constant: -12)
+            footerStack.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: footer.leadingAnchor, constant: 16),
+            footerStack.trailingAnchor.constraint(lessThanOrEqualTo: footer.trailingAnchor, constant: -16),
+            footerStack.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: footer.topAnchor, constant: 13),
+            footerStack.bottomAnchor.constraint(equalTo: footer.bottomAnchor, constant: -13)
         ])
 
         addSubview(previewSurface)
@@ -1092,12 +1229,12 @@ private final class CVTemplateCard: NSView {
             previewSurface.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: topAnchor),
             previewSurface.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: leadingAnchor),
             previewSurface.trailingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: trailingAnchor),
-            previewSurface.heightAnchor.constraint(greaterThanOrEqualToConstant: 230),
+            previewSurface.heightAnchor.constraint(greaterThanOrEqualToConstant: 236),
 
-            preview.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: previewSurface.topAnchor, constant: 16),
-            preview.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: previewSurface.leadingAnchor, constant: 18),
-            preview.trailingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: previewSurface.trailingAnchor, constant: -18),
-            preview.bottomAnchor.constraint(equalTo: previewSurface.bottomAnchor, constant: -16),
+            preview.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: previewSurface.topAnchor, constant: 14),
+            preview.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: previewSurface.leadingAnchor, constant: 16),
+            preview.trailingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: previewSurface.trailingAnchor, constant: -16),
+            preview.bottomAnchor.constraint(equalTo: previewSurface.bottomAnchor, constant: -14),
 
             footer.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: previewSurface.bottomAnchor),
             footer.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: leadingAnchor),
@@ -1109,7 +1246,7 @@ private final class CVTemplateCard: NSView {
             overlay.trailingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: previewSurface.trailingAnchor),
             overlay.bottomAnchor.constraint(equalTo: previewSurface.bottomAnchor)
         ])
-        applyBorder()
+        applyChrome()
     }
 
     @available(*, unavailable)
@@ -1117,6 +1254,11 @@ private final class CVTemplateCard: NSView {
         fatalError("init(coder:) has not been implemented")
     }
 
+    override func layout() {
+        super.layout()
+        layer?.shadowPath = CGPath(roundedRect: bounds, cornerWidth: 24, cornerHeight: 24, transform: nil)
+    }
+
     private func configureOverlay() {
         overlay.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
         overlay.wantsLayer = true
@@ -1126,15 +1268,17 @@ private final class CVTemplateCard: NSView {
 
         overlayBadge.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
         overlayBadge.wantsLayer = true
-        overlayBadge.layer?.backgroundColor = NSColor.black.withAlphaComponent(0.78).cgColor
-        overlayBadge.layer?.cornerRadius = 16
+        overlayBadge.layer?.backgroundColor = NSColor.white.withAlphaComponent(0.22).cgColor
+        overlayBadge.layer?.cornerRadius = 20
+        overlayBadge.layer?.borderWidth = 1
+        overlayBadge.layer?.borderColor = NSColor.white.withAlphaComponent(0.45).cgColor
 
         overlayBadgeIcon.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
         overlayBadgeIcon.image = NSImage(systemSymbolName: "eye", accessibilityDescription: nil)
-        overlayBadgeIcon.symbolConfiguration = NSImage.SymbolConfiguration(pointSize: 11, weight: .semibold)
+        overlayBadgeIcon.symbolConfiguration = NSImage.SymbolConfiguration(pointSize: 12, weight: .semibold)
         overlayBadgeIcon.contentTintColor = .white
 
-        overlayBadgeLabel.font = .systemFont(ofSize: 12, weight: .semibold)
+        overlayBadgeLabel.font = .systemFont(ofSize: 12.5, weight: .semibold)
         overlayBadgeLabel.textColor = .white
         overlayBadgeLabel.isBordered = false
         overlayBadgeLabel.drawsBackground = false
@@ -1143,17 +1287,17 @@ private final class CVTemplateCard: NSView {
 
         let badgeStack = NSStackView(views: [overlayBadgeIcon, overlayBadgeLabel])
         badgeStack.orientation = .horizontal
-        badgeStack.spacing = 6
+        badgeStack.spacing = 7
         badgeStack.alignment = .centerY
         badgeStack.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
 
         overlayBadge.addSubview(badgeStack)
         overlay.addSubview(overlayBadge)
         NSLayoutConstraint.activate([
-            badgeStack.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: overlayBadge.leadingAnchor, constant: 14),
-            badgeStack.trailingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: overlayBadge.trailingAnchor, constant: -14),
-            badgeStack.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: overlayBadge.topAnchor, constant: 8),
-            badgeStack.bottomAnchor.constraint(equalTo: overlayBadge.bottomAnchor, constant: -8),
+            badgeStack.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: overlayBadge.leadingAnchor, constant: 16),
+            badgeStack.trailingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: overlayBadge.trailingAnchor, constant: -16),
+            badgeStack.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: overlayBadge.topAnchor, constant: 9),
+            badgeStack.bottomAnchor.constraint(equalTo: overlayBadge.bottomAnchor, constant: -9),
             overlayBadge.centerXAnchor.constraint(equalTo: overlay.centerXAnchor),
             overlayBadge.centerYAnchor.constraint(equalTo: overlay.centerYAnchor)
         ])
@@ -1170,10 +1314,22 @@ private final class CVTemplateCard: NSView {
         if overlay.frame.contains(local) {
             onPreview?()
         } else {
+            playTapPulse()
             onSelect?()
         }
     }
 
+    private func playTapPulse() {
+        guard let l = layer else { return }
+        let a = CABasicAnimation(keyPath: "transform")
+        a.fromValue = NSValue(caTransform3D: CATransform3DIdentity)
+        a.toValue = NSValue(caTransform3D: CATransform3DMakeScale(0.985, 0.985, 1))
+        a.duration = 0.1
+        a.autoreverses = true
+        a.timingFunction = CAMediaTimingFunction(name: .easeInEaseOut)
+        l.add(a, forKey: "tapPulse")
+    }
+
     override func updateTrackingAreas() {
         super.updateTrackingAreas()
         if let area = trackingArea { removeTrackingArea(area) }
@@ -1191,7 +1347,7 @@ private final class CVTemplateCard: NSView {
         super.mouseEntered(with: event)
         isHovering = true
         animateOverlay(visible: true)
-        applyBorder()
+        applyChrome()
         if !didPushCursor {
             NSCursor.pointingHand.push()
             didPushCursor = true
@@ -1202,7 +1358,7 @@ private final class CVTemplateCard: NSView {
         super.mouseExited(with: event)
         isHovering = false
         animateOverlay(visible: false)
-        applyBorder()
+        applyChrome()
         if didPushCursor {
             NSCursor.pop()
             didPushCursor = false
@@ -1221,346 +1377,39 @@ private final class CVTemplateCard: NSView {
     private func animateOverlay(visible: Bool) {
         let target: CGFloat = visible ? 1 : 0
         NSAnimationContext.runAnimationGroup { context in
-            context.duration = 0.12
+            context.duration = 0.18
+            context.timingFunction = CAMediaTimingFunction(name: .easeInEaseOut)
             context.allowsImplicitAnimation = true
             overlay.animator().alphaValue = target
         }
     }
 
-    private func applyBorder() {
+    private func applyChrome() {
         if isSelected {
             layer?.borderColor = palette.borderSelected.cgColor
-            layer?.borderWidth = 2
+            layer?.borderWidth = 2.5
+            layer?.shadowColor = palette.borderSelected.cgColor
+            layer?.shadowOpacity = 0.42
+            layer?.shadowRadius = 22
+            layer?.shadowOffset = CGSize(width: 0, height: 10)
         } else if isHovering {
             layer?.borderColor = palette.borderHover.cgColor
-            layer?.borderWidth = 1
+            layer?.borderWidth = 1.5
+            layer?.shadowColor = NSColor.black.cgColor
+            layer?.shadowOpacity = 0.14
+            layer?.shadowRadius = 18
+            layer?.shadowOffset = CGSize(width: 0, height: 10)
         } else {
             layer?.borderColor = palette.border.cgColor
             layer?.borderWidth = 1
+            layer?.shadowColor = NSColor.black.cgColor
+            layer?.shadowOpacity = 0.08
+            layer?.shadowRadius = 12
+            layer?.shadowOffset = CGSize(width: 0, height: 6)
         }
     }
 }
 
-// MARK: - Mini preview renderer
-
-/// Tiny stylized representation of a finished CV — accent strip, headline area,
-/// faux paragraph + section lines. Adapts to the template's headline, accent,
-/// sidebar, and section-label style so the grid feels varied at a glance.
-private final class CVTemplatePreviewView: NSView {
-    private let template: CVTemplate
-    private let palette: CVTemplateCard.Palette
-    private let paper = NSView()
-
-    init(template: CVTemplate, palette: CVTemplateCard.Palette) {
-        self.template = template
-        self.palette = palette
-        super.init(frame: .zero)
-        wantsLayer = true
-        translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
-        configurePaper()
-    }
-
-    @available(*, unavailable)
-    required init?(coder: NSCoder) {
-        fatalError("init(coder:) has not been implemented")
-    }
-
-    private func configurePaper() {
-        paper.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
-        paper.wantsLayer = true
-        paper.layer?.backgroundColor = palette.previewPaper.cgColor
-        paper.layer?.cornerRadius = 4
-        paper.layer?.borderColor = NSColor(srgbRed: 232 / 255, green: 235 / 255, blue: 241 / 255, alpha: 1).cgColor
-        paper.layer?.borderWidth = 1
-        paper.layer?.masksToBounds = true
-        addSubview(paper)
-
-        NSLayoutConstraint.activate([
-            paper.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: topAnchor),
-            paper.bottomAnchor.constraint(equalTo: bottomAnchor),
-            paper.centerXAnchor.constraint(equalTo: centerXAnchor),
-            paper.widthAnchor.constraint(equalTo: heightAnchor, multiplier: 0.78),
-            paper.leadingAnchor.constraint(greaterThanOrEqualTo: leadingAnchor),
-            paper.trailingAnchor.constraint(lessThanOrEqualTo: trailingAnchor)
-        ])
-
-        let header = makeHeader()
-        let body = makeBody()
-        let stack = NSStackView(views: [header, body])
-        stack.orientation = .vertical
-        stack.alignment = .leading
-        stack.spacing = 6
-        stack.distribution = .fill
-        stack.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
-        paper.addSubview(stack)
-        NSLayoutConstraint.activate([
-            stack.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: paper.leadingAnchor, constant: 8),
-            stack.trailingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: paper.trailingAnchor, constant: -8),
-            stack.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: paper.topAnchor, constant: 8),
-            stack.bottomAnchor.constraint(lessThanOrEqualTo: paper.bottomAnchor, constant: -8),
-            header.widthAnchor.constraint(equalTo: stack.widthAnchor),
-            body.widthAnchor.constraint(equalTo: stack.widthAnchor)
-        ])
-    }
-
-    // MARK: Header
-
-    private func makeHeader() -> NSView {
-        let container = NSView()
-        container.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
-
-        let jitterA = templateVisualJitter(template.id)
-        let jitterB = templateVisualJitter(template.id + "-b")
-        let nameInk = palette.previewInk.blended(withFraction: CGFloat(jitterA * 0.14), of: palette.previewAccentBlue) ?? palette.previewInk
-        let nameStrip = makeLine(color: nameInk, height: 5.2 + CGFloat(jitterB * 0.9), widthFraction: 0.52 + CGFloat(jitterA * 0.14))
-        let roleStrip = makeLine(color: palette.previewMuted, height: 3, widthFraction: 0.36 + CGFloat(jitterB * 0.12))
-        let contactStrip = makeLine(color: palette.previewMuted.withAlphaComponent(0.7), height: 2, widthFraction: 0.48 + CGFloat(jitterA * 0.1))
-
-        let textStack = NSStackView(views: [nameStrip, roleStrip, contactStrip])
-        textStack.orientation = .vertical
-        textStack.spacing = 4
-        textStack.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
-
-        switch template.headline {
-        case .centered:
-            textStack.alignment = .centerX
-        case .leftAligned, .leftWithInitials:
-            textStack.alignment = .leading
-        case .avatarStacked:
-            textStack.alignment = .leading
-        }
-
-        container.addSubview(textStack)
-
-        switch template.headline {
-        case .leftWithInitials:
-            let avatar = makeAvatar()
-            container.addSubview(avatar)
-            NSLayoutConstraint.activate([
-                textStack.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: container.leadingAnchor),
-                textStack.trailingAnchor.constraint(lessThanOrEqualTo: avatar.leadingAnchor, constant: -6),
-                textStack.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: container.topAnchor),
-                textStack.bottomAnchor.constraint(equalTo: container.bottomAnchor),
-                avatar.trailingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: container.trailingAnchor),
-                avatar.centerYAnchor.constraint(equalTo: container.centerYAnchor),
-                avatar.widthAnchor.constraint(equalToConstant: 20),
-                avatar.heightAnchor.constraint(equalToConstant: 20)
-            ])
-        case .avatarStacked:
-            let avatar = makeAvatar()
-            container.addSubview(avatar)
-            NSLayoutConstraint.activate([
-                avatar.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: container.topAnchor),
-                avatar.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: container.leadingAnchor),
-                avatar.widthAnchor.constraint(equalToConstant: 22),
-                avatar.heightAnchor.constraint(equalToConstant: 22),
-                textStack.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: avatar.bottomAnchor, constant: 4),
-                textStack.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: container.leadingAnchor),
-                textStack.trailingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: container.trailingAnchor),
-                textStack.bottomAnchor.constraint(equalTo: container.bottomAnchor)
-            ])
-        case .centered:
-            NSLayoutConstraint.activate([
-                textStack.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: container.topAnchor),
-                textStack.bottomAnchor.constraint(equalTo: container.bottomAnchor),
-                textStack.centerXAnchor.constraint(equalTo: container.centerXAnchor),
-                textStack.leadingAnchor.constraint(greaterThanOrEqualTo: container.leadingAnchor),
-                textStack.trailingAnchor.constraint(lessThanOrEqualTo: container.trailingAnchor)
-            ])
-        case .leftAligned:
-            NSLayoutConstraint.activate([
-                textStack.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: container.leadingAnchor),
-                textStack.trailingAnchor.constraint(lessThanOrEqualTo: container.trailingAnchor),
-                textStack.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: container.topAnchor),
-                textStack.bottomAnchor.constraint(equalTo: container.bottomAnchor)
-            ])
-        }
-
-        // Accent decorations
-        switch template.accent {
-        case .none:
-            break
-        case .redUnderline, .redBar:
-            let accent = NSView()
-            accent.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
-            accent.wantsLayer = true
-            accent.layer?.backgroundColor = palette.previewAccentRed.cgColor
-            container.addSubview(accent)
-            NSLayoutConstraint.activate([
-                accent.heightAnchor.constraint(equalToConstant: template.accent == .redBar ? 2.5 : 1.5),
-                accent.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: textStack.bottomAnchor, constant: 5),
-                accent.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: container.leadingAnchor),
-                accent.widthAnchor.constraint(equalTo: container.widthAnchor, multiplier: template.accent == .redBar ? 0.32 : 0.9),
-                accent.bottomAnchor.constraint(lessThanOrEqualTo: container.bottomAnchor)
-            ])
-        case .blueBar:
-            let accent = NSView()
-            accent.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
-            accent.wantsLayer = true
-            accent.layer?.backgroundColor = palette.previewAccentBlue.cgColor
-            container.addSubview(accent)
-            NSLayoutConstraint.activate([
-                accent.heightAnchor.constraint(equalToConstant: 2.5),
-                accent.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: textStack.bottomAnchor, constant: 5),
-                accent.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: container.leadingAnchor),
-                accent.widthAnchor.constraint(equalTo: container.widthAnchor, multiplier: 0.32),
-                accent.bottomAnchor.constraint(lessThanOrEqualTo: container.bottomAnchor)
-            ])
-        }
-
-        return container
-    }
-
-    /// Stable 0…1 value per template so thumbnails are not visually identical when metadata is similar.
-    private func templateVisualJitter(_ salt: String) -> Double {
-        var hash: UInt64 = 1469598103934665603
-        for b in salt.utf8 {
-            hash ^= UInt64(b)
-            hash &*= 1_099_511_628_211
-        }
-        return Double(hash % 10_007) / 10_006.0
-    }
-
-    private func makeAvatar() -> NSView {
-        let avatar = NSView()
-        avatar.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
-        avatar.wantsLayer = true
-        avatar.layer?.backgroundColor = palette.previewSidebarTint.cgColor
-        avatar.layer?.borderColor = palette.previewMuted.withAlphaComponent(0.4).cgColor
-        avatar.layer?.borderWidth = 1
-        avatar.layer?.cornerRadius = 11
-        let initials = NSTextField(labelWithString: "SJ")
-        initials.font = .systemFont(ofSize: 7, weight: .bold)
-        initials.textColor = palette.previewInk
-        initials.alignment = .center
-        initials.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
-        avatar.addSubview(initials)
-        NSLayoutConstraint.activate([
-            initials.centerXAnchor.constraint(equalTo: avatar.centerXAnchor),
-            initials.centerYAnchor.constraint(equalTo: avatar.centerYAnchor)
-        ])
-        return avatar
-    }
-
-    // MARK: Body
-
-    private func makeBody() -> NSView {
-        switch template.layout {
-        case .singleColumn:
-            return makeColumn(width: nil, isSidebar: false)
-        case .twoColumn(let side, let tinted):
-            return makeTwoColumnLayout(sidebarSide: side, tinted: tinted)
-        }
-    }
-
-    private func makeTwoColumnLayout(sidebarSide: CVTemplate.SidebarSide, tinted: Bool) -> NSView {
-        let container = NSView()
-        container.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
-
-        let sidebar = makeColumn(width: nil, isSidebar: true)
-        if tinted {
-            sidebar.wantsLayer = true
-            sidebar.layer?.backgroundColor = palette.previewSidebarTint.cgColor
-            sidebar.layer?.cornerRadius = 3
-        }
-        let main = makeColumn(width: nil, isSidebar: false)
-
-        container.addSubview(sidebar)
-        container.addSubview(main)
-
-        let leadingItem: NSView = (sidebarSide == .leading) ? sidebar : main
-        let trailingItem: NSView = (sidebarSide == .leading) ? main : sidebar
-
-        NSLayoutConstraint.activate([
-            leadingItem.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: container.leadingAnchor),
-            leadingItem.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: container.topAnchor, constant: 2),
-            leadingItem.bottomAnchor.constraint(lessThanOrEqualTo: container.bottomAnchor),
-            trailingItem.trailingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: container.trailingAnchor),
-            trailingItem.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: container.topAnchor, constant: 2),
-            trailingItem.bottomAnchor.constraint(lessThanOrEqualTo: container.bottomAnchor),
-            trailingItem.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: leadingItem.trailingAnchor, constant: 8),
-            sidebar.widthAnchor.constraint(equalTo: container.widthAnchor, multiplier: 0.32),
-            main.widthAnchor.constraint(equalTo: container.widthAnchor, multiplier: 0.6)
-        ])
-        return container
-    }
-
-    private func makeColumn(width: CGFloat?, isSidebar: Bool) -> NSView {
-        let stack = NSStackView()
-        stack.orientation = .vertical
-        stack.alignment = .leading
-        stack.spacing = 6
-        stack.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
-
-        let sectionNames: [String] = isSidebar
-            ? ["CONTACT", "SKILLS", "LANGUAGES", "INTERESTS"]
-            : ["PROFILE", "EXPERIENCE", "EDUCATION", "SKILLS"]
-
-        for (i, section) in sectionNames.enumerated() {
-            let block = makeSectionBlock(title: section, lineCount: isSidebar ? 3 : (i == 1 ? 4 : 2), narrow: isSidebar)
-            stack.addArrangedSubview(block)
-            block.widthAnchor.constraint(equalTo: stack.widthAnchor).isActive = true
-        }
-        return stack
-    }
-
-    private func makeSectionBlock(title: String, lineCount: Int, narrow: Bool) -> NSView {
-        let label = NSTextField(labelWithString: formattedSectionLabel(title))
-        label.font = .systemFont(ofSize: narrow ? 5 : 5.5, weight: .bold)
-        label.textColor = palette.previewAccentBlue.blended(withFraction: 0.4, of: palette.previewInk) ?? palette.previewInk
-        label.maximumNumberOfLines = 1
-        label.isBordered = false
-        label.drawsBackground = false
-        label.isEditable = false
-        label.isSelectable = false
-        label.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
-
-        let lines = NSStackView()
-        lines.orientation = .vertical
-        lines.alignment = .leading
-        lines.spacing = 2
-        lines.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
-        for index in 0..<lineCount {
-            let widthFraction: CGFloat = max(0.4, 0.95 - CGFloat(index) * 0.13)
-            let line = makeLine(color: palette.previewMuted.withAlphaComponent(0.65), height: 1.6, widthFraction: widthFraction)
-            lines.addArrangedSubview(line)
-            line.widthAnchor.constraint(equalTo: lines.widthAnchor, multiplier: widthFraction).isActive = true
-        }
-
-        let block = NSStackView(views: [label, lines])
-        block.orientation = .vertical
-        block.alignment = .leading
-        block.spacing = 2
-        block.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
-        let blockWidth = block.widthAnchor
-        lines.widthAnchor.constraint(equalTo: blockWidth).isActive = true
-        return block
-    }
-
-    private func formattedSectionLabel(_ raw: String) -> String {
-        switch template.sectionLabelStyle {
-        case .uppercase: return raw
-        case .slashed: return "// \(raw.capitalized)"
-        case .bracketed: return "[ \(raw) ]"
-        }
-    }
-
-    private func makeLine(color: NSColor, height: CGFloat, widthFraction: CGFloat) -> NSView {
-        let line = LineView()
-        line.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
-        line.wantsLayer = true
-        line.layer?.backgroundColor = color.cgColor
-        line.layer?.cornerRadius = max(height / 2, 1)
-        line.heightAnchor.constraint(equalToConstant: height).isActive = true
-        line.widthFraction = widthFraction
-        return line
-    }
-}
-
-private final class LineView: NSView {
-    var widthFraction: CGFloat = 1
-}
-
 // MARK: - Helpers
 
 /// Flipped origin so the grid stacks fill from the top.