feat: WiX ProductVersion from HelperVersion + build-tray-msi + CERT live QR

- build-tray-msi.ps1 candle/light or tip; version from common.ps1
- certificate.html final QR via qrcode CDN when digest present

docs/COMMERCIAL-INSTALLER-BACKLOG.md

@@ -14,11 +14,11 @@ Repo now includes **authoring/docs scaffolds** for the two commercial gaps that
 
 | Scaffold | Path | What it is | What it is not |
 |----------|------|------------|----------------|
-| **WiX tray presence MSI skeleton** | [`platform/windows/wix/`](../platform/windows/wix/) — `VeraeTrayShortcuts.wxs`, `VeraeTrayShortcutsFragment.wxs`, [`README.md`](../platform/windows/wix/README.md) | Non-elevated **per-user** WiX v3 product + shortcut fragment: stages `verae-tray.ps1`, Start Menu `Programs\Verae\Verae Tray.lnk`, Startup `Verae Tray.lnk`. Build when **candle/light** (or adapted WiX v4) are present. | Full elevated commercial MSI (printers, Program Files, Authenticode, NSIS parity, CI-signed MSI in `dist/`). No MSI binary is produced in-repo without the WiX toolset. |
+| **WiX tray presence MSI skeleton** | [`platform/windows/wix/`](../platform/windows/wix/) — `VeraeTrayShortcuts.wxs`, `VeraeTrayShortcutsFragment.wxs`, [`README.md`](../platform/windows/wix/README.md); driver [`scripts/build-tray-msi.ps1`](../platform/windows/scripts/build-tray-msi.ps1) | Non-elevated **per-user** WiX v3 product + shortcut fragment: stages `verae-tray.ps1`, Start Menu `Programs\Verae\Verae Tray.lnk`, Startup `Verae Tray.lnk`. **ProductVersion** wired from `Get-VeraePackageVersion` → `internal/job.HelperVersion` (or `VERSION=` / `-Version`). `build-tray-msi.ps1` runs **candle/light** when present; otherwise prints WiX install tip (exit 0). | Full elevated commercial MSI (printers, Program Files, Authenticode, NSIS parity, CI-signed MSI in `dist/`). No MSI binary without the WiX toolset on the build host. |
 | **Menubar notarize checklist** | [`platform/macos/menubar/NOTARIZE-CHECKLIST.md`](../platform/macos/menubar/NOTARIZE-CHECKLIST.md) | Operator step list: unsigned build → codesign hardened runtime → `ditto` zip → `notarytool` (keychain profile **or** API key placeholders) → staple → `spctl`. No secrets. | Automated sign/notarize in `build-menubar-app.sh`, stapled `.app.zip`/DMG release, or CI keychain import. |
 
 **Still use for day-to-day presence (no WiX / no Apple certs):**  
-Windows `scripts/build-tray-startmenu.ps1` + `install-tray-startup.ps1`; macOS `verae-print menubar --install` / unsigned `build-menubar-app.sh`. Full product install remains NSIS (`installer-windows.nsi`) and macOS `pkg/build-pkg.sh`.
+Windows `scripts/build-tray-startmenu.ps1` + `install-tray-startup.ps1`; macOS `verae-print menubar --install` / unsigned `build-menubar-app.sh`. Full product install remains NSIS (`installer-windows.nsi`) and macOS `pkg/build-pkg.sh`. Tray MSI skeleton build: `scripts/build-tray-msi.ps1` (optional WiX).
 
 ---
 
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ Related but out of scope for “done” above (still backlog-adjacent): Linux `.
 | Tray NotifyIcon + GET `/status` | [`platform/windows/scripts/verae-tray.ps1`](../platform/windows/scripts/verae-tray.ps1) | User-level; see [PACKAGING.md](PACKAGING.md) § Windows tray |
 | Startup-folder tray install | [`platform/windows/scripts/install-tray-startup.ps1`](../platform/windows/scripts/install-tray-startup.ps1) | **Not** MSI; no elevation |
 | WiX-free Start Menu stub | [`platform/windows/scripts/build-tray-startmenu.ps1`](../platform/windows/scripts/build-tray-startmenu.ps1) | Explicitly “future MSI can supersede” |
-| **WiX tray presence skeleton** (per-user, non-elevated) | [`platform/windows/wix/`](../platform/windows/wix/) (`VeraeTrayShortcuts.wxs` + fragment + README) | **Scaffold shipped** — Start Menu + Startup → `verae-tray.ps1` only; needs candle/light to emit MSI |
+| **WiX tray presence skeleton** (per-user, non-elevated) | [`platform/windows/wix/`](../platform/windows/wix/) + [`scripts/build-tray-msi.ps1`](../platform/windows/scripts/build-tray-msi.ps1) | **Scaffold shipped** — ProductVersion ← HelperVersion; candle/light when present, else WiX tip; not full product MSI |
 | Shared version helper | [`platform/windows/scripts/common.ps1`](../platform/windows/scripts/common.ps1) `Get-VeraePackageVersion` | Aligns tray scripts with `HelperVersion` |
 | End-user Windows readme | [`platform/windows/README-WINDOWS.txt`](../platform/windows/README-WINDOWS.txt), [`README.txt`](../platform/windows/README.txt) | Documents NSIS flow; states **no elevated MSI** for tray |
 | Packaging policy doc | [PACKAGING.md](PACKAGING.md) | “**No elevated MSI**” for tray presence by design |
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@ NSIS product already covers much of the *install experience* (files under Progra
 |-------------|--------|------------------|
 | Windows tray / Startup / Start Menu (user) | Yes | Yes for **presence**; not enterprise MSI |
 | Windows NSIS `setup.exe` | Yes | **Partial** — full GUI install; needs Authenticode + version align; not MSI |
-| Windows **MSI** (WiX) tray presence skeleton | **Yes** (`.wxs` + README under `platform/windows/wix/`) | **No** — scaffold only; needs toolset build + is not full product MSI |
+| Windows **MSI** (WiX) tray presence skeleton | **Yes** (`.wxs` + `build-tray-msi.ps1`; ProductVersion ← HelperVersion) | **No** — scaffold only; MSI only when candle/light installed; not full product MSI |
 | Windows **MSI** full product (NSIS parity) | **No** | **No** |
 | Windows Authenticode pipeline | **No** (in-repo) | **No** |
 | macOS menu bar LaunchAgent | Yes | Yes (dev/ops) |
@@ -162,7 +162,7 @@ NSIS product already covers much of the *install experience* (files under Progra
 
 - **[PACKAGING.md](PACKAGING.md)** — tray, menubar, unsigned `.app`, notarization steps (docs), CERT-01, statuslang, IPP split, smoke tests
 - [`platform/windows/`](../platform/windows/) — NSIS + tray scripts
-- [`platform/windows/wix/`](../platform/windows/wix/) — per-user tray shortcut MSI **skeleton** (candle/light)
+- [`platform/windows/wix/`](../platform/windows/wix/) + [`build-tray-msi.ps1`](../platform/windows/scripts/build-tray-msi.ps1) — per-user tray MSI skeleton; ProductVersion ← HelperVersion
 - [`platform/macos/pkg/`](../platform/macos/pkg/) — commercial `.pkg` build
 - [`platform/macos/menubar/`](../platform/macos/menubar/) — menu bar + unsigned `.app` + notarize docs/checklist
 - [`platform/macos/menubar/NOTARIZE-CHECKLIST.md`](../platform/macos/menubar/NOTARIZE-CHECKLIST.md) — menubar notarytool step list

docs/PACKAGING.md

@@ -188,7 +188,8 @@ Site page: [`site/printit.verae.ai/certificate.html`](../site/printit.verae.ai/c
 | Load paths | Query string (`?sha256=&receipt=&…`), optional `.verae.json` sidecar drop, “Sample data” button |
 | Print CSS | Letter page, toolbar hidden, frame colors preserved |
 | Live verify | Link to `explorer.verae.ai/time?receipt=&sha256=` (same as `pdfcert.LookupURL`) |
-| Residual gap | Full **CERT-01.html** pixel match (self-hosted design-kit Fraunces/Cantarell, live QR bitmap, Substrate extrinsic polish) still **not** claimed — web title ships CDN Fraunces + Georgia/serif offline fallback; issued artifact remains PDF (`internal/pdfcert` + `platform/registration-pdf/build.mjs`) |
+| Live QR (web) | **Shipped** — final + receipt/digest paints QR via qrcode.js CDN → data-URL; offline/provisional keeps SVG placeholder (print-safe) |
+| Residual gap | Full **CERT-01.html** pixel match (self-hosted design-kit Fraunces/Cantarell, Substrate extrinsic polish) still **not** claimed — web title ships CDN Fraunces + Georgia/serif offline fallback; issued artifact remains PDF (`internal/pdfcert` + `platform/registration-pdf/build.mjs`) |
 
 Design source of truth for the paper mock: `verae-2026-design/ui-designs/src/html/CERT-01.html`.
 Cross-product siblings (not owned here): Sign `certificate.html` (SG-P1), Verify ZP-V5, MCP Mac export PDF.

platform/windows/scripts/build-tray-msi.ps1

@@ -0,0 +1,179 @@
+#Requires -Version 5.1
+<#
+.SYNOPSIS
+  Build the per-user Verae Tray presence MSI (WiX v3 candle/light) when available.
+
+.DESCRIPTION
+  Stages verae-tray.ps1 + common.ps1, stamps ProductVersion from
+  internal/job.HelperVersion via Get-VeraePackageVersion (or $env:VERSION),
+  then runs candle.exe + light.exe if on PATH (or under Program Files WiX).
+
+  If WiX Toolset is missing, prints an install tip and exits 0 without failing
+  the day-to-day tray path (use build-tray-startmenu.ps1 instead).
+
+  Scope: non-elevated per-user tray shortcuts only — not the full commercial MSI.
+
+.PARAMETER Version
+  Override package version (default: Get-VeraePackageVersion / HelperVersion).
+
+.PARAMETER OutDir
+  Output directory for .wixobj and .msi (default: platform/windows/wix/out).
+
+.PARAMETER StageDir
+  Staging directory for payload files (default: platform/windows/wix/Stage).
+
+.PARAMETER WixDir
+  Directory containing VeraeTrayShortcuts.wxs (+ fragment).
+
+.PARAMETER SkipTip
+  When candle/light are missing, exit 1 instead of printing the install tip.
+
+.EXAMPLE
+  powershell -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File build-tray-msi.ps1
+  $env:VERSION = "0.3.7"; .\build-tray-msi.ps1
+#>
+param(
+  [string]$Version = "",
+  [string]$OutDir = "",
+  [string]$StageDir = "",
+  [string]$WixDir = "",
+  [switch]$SkipTip
+)
+
+$ErrorActionPreference = "Stop"
+
+$common = Join-Path $PSScriptRoot "common.ps1"
+if (Test-Path -LiteralPath $common) { . $common }
+
+if (-not $Version) {
+  if (Get-Command Get-VeraePackageVersion -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue) {
+    $Version = Get-VeraePackageVersion
+  } elseif ($env:VERSION -and $env:VERSION.Trim()) {
+    $Version = $env:VERSION.Trim()
+  } else {
+    $Version = "0.3.6"
+  }
+}
+
+if (-not $WixDir) {
+  $WixDir = Join-Path (Split-Path -Parent $PSScriptRoot) "wix"
+}
+if (-not $StageDir) {
+  $StageDir = Join-Path $WixDir "Stage"
+}
+if (-not $OutDir) {
+  $OutDir = Join-Path $WixDir "out"
+}
+
+$productWxs = Join-Path $WixDir "VeraeTrayShortcuts.wxs"
+$fragmentWxs = Join-Path $WixDir "VeraeTrayShortcutsFragment.wxs"
+if (-not (Test-Path -LiteralPath $productWxs)) {
+  Write-Error "Missing WiX product: $productWxs"
+}
+if (-not (Test-Path -LiteralPath $fragmentWxs)) {
+  Write-Error "Missing WiX fragment: $fragmentWxs"
+}
+
+function Find-WixTool([string]$Name) {
+  $cmd = Get-Command $Name -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
+  if ($cmd -and $cmd.Source) { return $cmd.Source }
+  $cmdExe = Get-Command "$Name.exe" -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
+  if ($cmdExe -and $cmdExe.Source) { return $cmdExe.Source }
+
+  $roots = @()
+  if (${env:ProgramFiles(x86)}) { $roots += ${env:ProgramFiles(x86)} }
+  if ($env:ProgramFiles) { $roots += $env:ProgramFiles }
+  if ($env:WIX) {
+    $wixBin = Join-Path $env:WIX "bin"
+    if (Test-Path -LiteralPath $wixBin) { $roots = @($wixBin) + $roots }
+  }
+
+  foreach ($root in $roots) {
+    if (-not $root -or -not (Test-Path -LiteralPath $root)) { continue }
+    $direct = Join-Path $root "$Name.exe"
+    if (Test-Path -LiteralPath $direct) { return (Resolve-Path -LiteralPath $direct).Path }
+    Get-ChildItem -LiteralPath $root -Directory -Filter "WiX Toolset*" -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue |
+      ForEach-Object {
+        $bin = Join-Path $_.FullName "bin\$Name.exe"
+        if (Test-Path -LiteralPath $bin) { return (Resolve-Path -LiteralPath $bin).Path }
+      }
+  }
+  return $null
+}
+
+$candle = Find-WixTool "candle"
+$light = Find-WixTool "light"
+
+Write-Host "Verae tray presence MSI (skeleton)"
+Write-Host "  ProductVersion: $Version (HelperVersion / Get-VeraePackageVersion)"
+Write-Host "  WixDir:         $WixDir"
+Write-Host "  StageDir:       $StageDir"
+Write-Host "  OutDir:         $OutDir"
+
+if (-not $candle -or -not $light) {
+  Write-Host ""
+  Write-Host "WiX Toolset (candle/light) not found on PATH or under Program Files."
+  Write-Host "No MSI produced. Day-to-day tray presence:"
+  Write-Host "  powershell -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File `"$(Join-Path $PSScriptRoot 'build-tray-startmenu.ps1')`""
+  Write-Host ""
+  Write-Host "Install WiX tip (Windows host or CI runner):"
+  Write-Host "  1. Download WiX Toolset v3.14+ from https://wixtoolset.org/ (or winget install --id WiXToolset.WiX)"
+  Write-Host "  2. Add candle.exe and light.exe to PATH, e.g.:"
+  Write-Host "       set PATH=%PATH%;%ProgramFiles(x86)%\WiX Toolset v3.14\bin"
+  Write-Host "  3. Re-run this script: build-tray-msi.ps1"
+  Write-Host "  WiX v4 (dotnet tool install --global wix) needs authoring adapted to v4 namespaces."
+  Write-Host "  See platform/windows/wix/README.md"
+  if ($SkipTip) { exit 1 }
+  exit 0
+}
+
+Write-Host "  candle:         $candle"
+Write-Host "  light:          $light"
+
+# Stage payload next to .wxs expectations (Stage\verae-tray.ps1, Stage\common.ps1).
+New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force -Path $StageDir | Out-Null
+New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force -Path $OutDir | Out-Null
+
+$traySrc = Join-Path $PSScriptRoot "verae-tray.ps1"
+$commonSrc = Join-Path $PSScriptRoot "common.ps1"
+if (-not (Test-Path -LiteralPath $traySrc)) {
+  Write-Error "Missing tray script: $traySrc"
+}
+Copy-Item -LiteralPath $traySrc -Destination (Join-Path $StageDir "verae-tray.ps1") -Force
+if (Test-Path -LiteralPath $commonSrc) {
+  Copy-Item -LiteralPath $commonSrc -Destination (Join-Path $StageDir "common.ps1") -Force
+} else {
+  Write-Warning "common.ps1 not found; MSI will still require it at light time if Component is present."
+}
+
+$stageAbs = (Resolve-Path -LiteralPath $StageDir).Path
+$outAbs = (Resolve-Path -LiteralPath $OutDir).Path
+$wixAbs = (Resolve-Path -LiteralPath $WixDir).Path
+
+Write-Host "Staging done. Running candle..."
+& $candle -nologo -out (Join-Path $outAbs "\") `
+  "-dProductVersion=$Version" `
+  "-dStageDir=$stageAbs" `
+  (Join-Path $wixAbs "VeraeTrayShortcuts.wxs") `
+  (Join-Path $wixAbs "VeraeTrayShortcutsFragment.wxs")
+if ($LASTEXITCODE -ne 0) {
+  Write-Error "candle failed with exit $LASTEXITCODE"
+}
+
+$msiName = "VeraeTray-$Version-peruser.msi"
+$msiPath = Join-Path $outAbs $msiName
+Write-Host "Running light -> $msiPath"
+& $light -nologo -out $msiPath `
+  (Join-Path $outAbs "VeraeTrayShortcuts.wixobj") `
+  (Join-Path $outAbs "VeraeTrayShortcutsFragment.wixobj")
+if ($LASTEXITCODE -ne 0) {
+  Write-Error "light failed with exit $LASTEXITCODE"
+}
+
+Write-Host ""
+Write-Host "Built: $msiPath"
+Write-Host "  ProductVersion=$Version (from HelperVersion / Get-VeraePackageVersion)."
+Write-Host "  Per-user, non-elevated tray presence only — not full commercial MSI."
+Write-Host "  Silent: msiexec /i `"$msiPath`" /qn VERAE_IPP_ADDR=127.0.0.1:8631"
+Write-Host "  Hold ids are never evidence."
+exit 0

platform/windows/wix/README.md

@@ -53,7 +53,25 @@ copy /Y platform\windows\scripts\common.ps1     %STAGE%\
 Elevated Program Files install, printers, scheduled helper, Authenticode,
 NSIS key wizard parity, machine-wide Start Menu under ProgramData.
 
-### Build (WiX v3 candle / light)
+### Build (preferred): `build-tray-msi.ps1`
+
+From `platform/windows/scripts` on Windows (or any cwd):
+
+```powershell
+powershell -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File platform\windows\scripts\build-tray-msi.ps1
+```
+
+The script:
+
+1. Resolves **ProductVersion** via `Get-VeraePackageVersion` → `internal/job.HelperVersion`
+   (override with `-Version` or `$env:VERSION`).
+2. Stages `verae-tray.ps1` + `common.ps1` under `wix/Stage`.
+3. Runs **candle** + **light** when found on PATH / `%WIX%` / Program Files.
+4. Writes `wix/out/VeraeTray-<version>-peruser.msi`.
+5. If candle/light are missing, prints a **WiX install tip** and exits 0
+   (day-to-day tray path stays `build-tray-startmenu.ps1`).
+
+### Build (manual WiX v3 candle / light)
 
 From repo root on Windows:
 
@@ -61,6 +79,7 @@ From repo root on Windows:
 set WIXDIR=platform\windows\wix
 set STAGE=%WIXDIR%\Stage
 set OUT=%WIXDIR%\out
+REM Prefer HelperVersion; build-tray-msi.ps1 does this automatically:
 set VER=0.3.6
 
 mkdir %STAGE% 2>nul
@@ -81,9 +100,9 @@ light.exe -nologo -out %OUT%\VeraeTray-%VER%-peruser.msi ^
 
 Notes:
 
-- Set `VER` from `internal/job.HelperVersion` (see `docs/PACKAGING.md`), or
+- **ProductVersion** is wired by `build-tray-msi.ps1` → `Get-VeraePackageVersion`
-  pass `-dProductVersion=` explicitly. The `.wxs` defaults to `0.3.6` when
+  / `HelperVersion`. Manual builds should pass `-dProductVersion=` the same way.
-  unset (HelperVersion at scaffold time).
+  The `.wxs` `<?ifndef?>` fallback is `0.3.6` (must match current HelperVersion).
 - `Product Id="*"` generates a new ProductCode per build; `UpgradeCode` is
   fixed for major-upgrade of this **tray presence** package only.
 - Skeleton is **UI-less** (silent-friendly). For WixUI_Minimal, uncomment
@@ -102,9 +121,10 @@ Uninstall via ARP (**Verae Tray (presence)**) or `msiexec /x {ProductCode} /qn`.
 
 | File | Role |
 |------|------|
-| `VeraeTrayShortcuts.wxs` | Per-user Product + file components |
+| `VeraeTrayShortcuts.wxs` | Per-user Product + file components (`ProductVersion`) |
 | `VeraeTrayShortcutsFragment.wxs` | Start Menu + Startup shortcut fragment |
 | `README.md` | This file |
+| `../scripts/build-tray-msi.ps1` | candle/light driver; wires ProductVersion; WiX tip if missing |
 
 ### Relation to other Windows paths
 
@@ -113,6 +133,7 @@ Uninstall via ARP (**Verae Tray (presence)**) or `msiexec /x {ProductCode} /qn`.
 | `../scripts/verae-tray.ps1` | Runtime tray (source staged into MSI) |
 | `../scripts/install-tray-startup.ps1` | WiX-free Startup shortcut |
 | `../scripts/build-tray-startmenu.ps1` | WiX-free Start Menu + Startup |
+| `../scripts/build-tray-msi.ps1` | Builds this skeleton MSI when WiX is installed |
 | `../installer-windows.nsi` | Elevated **full product** setup.exe |
 | **`wix/` (this folder)** | Per-user tray shortcut **MSI skeleton** |
 

platform/windows/wix/VeraeTrayShortcuts.wxs

@@ -11,8 +11,9 @@
   Requires WiX Toolset (candle + light, or WiX v4 `wix build`) to produce MSI.
   See README.md in this folder.
 
-  Version default tracks internal/job.HelperVersion; override at candle time:
+  ProductVersion: prefer -dProductVersion from build-tray-msi.ps1
-    -dProductVersion=x.y.z
+  (Get-VeraePackageVersion → internal/job.HelperVersion, or VERSION=).
+  Fallback below must match HelperVersion when candle is invoked bare.
 -->
 <?ifndef ProductVersion ?>
   <?define ProductVersion = "0.3.6" ?>

site/printit.verae.ai/certificate.html

@@ -69,10 +69,14 @@
     }
     .qr{
       width:112px;height:112px;flex:none;border:2px solid var(--ink,#1D1534);border-radius:8px;
+      /* Offline / provisional placeholder — print-safe without CDN */
       background:#fff url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 29 29'%3E%3Cpath fill='%231D1534' d='M1 1h7v7H1zm2 2v3h3V3zm10 0h7v7h-7zm2 2v3h3V3zM1 13h7v7H1zm2 2v3h3v-3zm18-14h7v7h-7zm2 2v3h3V3zm0 10h3v2h-3zm-4 0h2v2h-2zm4 4h3v3h-3zm-4 2h2v3h-2zm-2-4h2v2h-2zm6 6h3v2h-3zm-8 0h2v2h-2zm4-2h2v4h-2zm-6 0h2v2h-2z'/%3E%3C/svg%3E") center/72% no-repeat;
-      position:relative;
+      position:relative;overflow:hidden;
     }
-    .qr span{position:absolute;inset:auto;left:50%;top:50%;transform:translate(-50%,-50%);background:#fff;padding:2px 5px;font:700 10px system-ui;color:var(--plum,#531B59)}
+    .qr .qr-fallback{position:absolute;left:50%;top:50%;transform:translate(-50%,-50%);background:#fff;padding:2px 5px;font:700 10px system-ui;color:var(--plum,#531B59);pointer-events:none}
+    .qr img.qr-bitmap,.qr canvas.qr-bitmap{width:100%;height:100%;display:block;border-radius:6px;object-fit:contain;background:#fff}
+    .qr.has-qr{background:#fff}
+    .qr.has-qr .qr-fallback{display:none}
     .verify-box ol{margin:6px 0 0 16px;padding:0;line-height:1.6;color:var(--ink-soft,#3B3250);font-size:12.5px}
     .verify-box a{color:var(--info,#3B2A8C);font-size:10px;word-break:break-all}
     .foot{
@@ -97,8 +101,11 @@
       }
       /* CDN may be absent offline; keep plum/gold frame + system serif title */
       .title{font-family:'Fraunces',Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif!important}
-      .rule,.banner,.mh,.qr{ -webkit-print-color-adjust:exact;print-color-adjust:exact }
+      .rule,.banner,.mh,.qr,.qr img.qr-bitmap,.qr canvas.qr-bitmap{
+        -webkit-print-color-adjust:exact;print-color-adjust:exact
+      }
       .rule{background:#C4A85A!important}
+      .qr{width:96px;height:96px;border-color:#1D1534!important}
       a{color:inherit;text-decoration:none}
     }
     @page{size:letter;margin:12mm}
@@ -164,11 +171,13 @@
       </dl>
 
       <div class="verify-box">
-        <div class="qr" aria-hidden="true"><span>Verae</span></div>
+        <div class="qr" id="qr" role="img" aria-label="Verify QR — explorer lookup when final">
+          <span class="qr-fallback">Verae</span>
+        </div>
         <div>
           <b style="font-size:12.5px">Verify this certificate</b>
           <ol>
-            <li>Open the explorer link (or scan the QR on a printed PDF).</li>
+            <li>Open the explorer link (or scan the QR when final).</li>
             <li>Compare the local file’s SHA-256 to the multihash below — file never uploaded.</li>
             <li>Only a <b>final</b> / already-registered receipt is evidence. Hold ids are not proof.</li>
           </ol>
@@ -192,7 +201,8 @@
         <span class="mono">?document=&amp;sha256=&amp;receipt=&amp;created_at=&amp;merkle=&amp;blake3=&amp;block=&amp;helper_version=</span>
         Multihash / BLAKE3 lines appear <b>only when data is present</b> — never invented.
         Title uses Fraunces (Google Fonts CDN) with Georgia/serif offline fallback; plum/gold frame kept.
-        Full CERT-01.html pixel match (self-hosted design-kit fonts, live QR) remains a residual.
+        Final certificates paint a live QR (qrcode.js CDN → data-URL) from the explorer lookup; offline / provisional keeps the SVG placeholder so print still works.
+        Residual: full CERT-01.html self-hosted Fraunces/Cantarell pixel match (design-kit fonts).
       </p>
     </div>
   </div>
@@ -283,6 +293,70 @@
       return u;
     }
 
+    /** Live QR when final + payload; CDN fail / offline / provisional → SVG placeholder (print-safe). */
+    function clearQR(el) {
+      if (!el) return;
+      el.classList.remove('has-qr');
+      var bit = el.querySelectorAll('img.qr-bitmap, canvas.qr-bitmap');
+      for (var i = 0; i < bit.length; i++) bit[i].remove();
+    }
+
+    function paintQRDataUrl(el, url) {
+      if (!el || !url) return;
+      clearQR(el);
+      var img = document.createElement('img');
+      img.className = 'qr-bitmap';
+      img.alt = '';
+      img.width = 112;
+      img.height = 112;
+      img.decoding = 'async';
+      img.onload = function () { el.classList.add('has-qr'); };
+      img.onerror = function () { img.remove(); /* keep placeholder */ };
+      img.src = url;
+      el.appendChild(img);
+    }
+
+    function withQRCodeLib(fn) {
+      if (window.QRCode && typeof window.QRCode.toDataURL === 'function') {
+        fn(window.QRCode);
+        return;
+      }
+      var existing = document.querySelector('script[data-verae-qrcode-lib]');
+      if (existing) {
+        existing.addEventListener('load', function () {
+          if (window.QRCode && window.QRCode.toDataURL) fn(window.QRCode);
+        });
+        return;
+      }
+      var s = document.createElement('script');
+      s.src = 'https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/qrcode@1.5.4/build/qrcode.min.js';
+      s.async = true;
+      s.setAttribute('data-verae-qrcode-lib', '1');
+      s.onload = function () {
+        if (window.QRCode && window.QRCode.toDataURL) fn(window.QRCode);
+      };
+      /* onerror: leave placeholder — offline print fallback */
+      document.head.appendChild(s);
+    }
+
+    function setVerifyQR(payload, isFinal) {
+      var el = $('qr');
+      if (!el) return;
+      clearQR(el);
+      if (!isFinal || !payload) return;
+      withQRCodeLib(function (QRCode) {
+        QRCode.toDataURL(String(payload), {
+          errorCorrectionLevel: 'M',
+          margin: 1,
+          width: 224,
+          color: { dark: '#1D1534', light: '#FFFFFF' }
+        }, function (err, dataUrl) {
+          if (err || !dataUrl) return;
+          paintQRDataUrl(el, dataUrl);
+        });
+      });
+    }
+
     function apply(data) {
       data = data || {};
       var doc = data.document_name || data.document || data.file || '';
@@ -351,6 +425,10 @@
       var a = $('verify-link');
       a.href = url;
       a.textContent = url;
+
+      /* Real QR only when final evidence + receipt or digest; else placeholder. */
+      var qrPayload = (sha || receipt || mh) ? url : '';
+      setVerifyQR(qrPayload, evidence && !!qrPayload);
     }
 
     function fromQuery() {