diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 8e4664d..5cd6a50 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -145,7 +145,7 @@ Actions (Command-K) opens the same searchable popup style used throughout Conjur
 
 The bottom strip applies Markdown headings, bold, italic, strikethrough, inline code, links, fenced code blocks, quotes, numbered lists, bullet lists, and checklists. Formatting preserves embedded images and supports Undo. List buttons convert existing list types; clicking the current type removes its marker. The formatting strip is always visible. Successful autosaves stay unobtrusive; only save, load, or deletion errors appear below the editor.
 
-Note text fades at the editor’s scroll edges rather than clipping sharply above the formatting strip. Scroll insets keep the first and last lines clear of the fade when scrolled to either end.
+Note text fades at the editor’s scroll edges rather than clipping sharply above the formatting strip. Scroll insets keep the first and last lines clear of the fade when scrolled to either end. The compact 32-point header and 28-point formatting strip meet the editor without extra vertical gaps.
 
 Formatting shortcuts use the same actions as the bottom strip. They apply to the editor’s current selection or caret, never to text in an open picker. Hover over a formatting button to see its shortcut. Command-K remains Actions.
 
diff --git a/Sources/Conjure/NotesController.swift b/Sources/Conjure/NotesController.swift
index fb1df74..768d415 100644
--- a/Sources/Conjure/NotesController.swift
+++ b/Sources/Conjure/NotesController.swift
@@ -137,7 +137,7 @@ final class NotesController: NSViewController, NSTextViewDelegate {
         let body = NSStackView(views: [scroll, status, footer])
         body.orientation = .vertical
         body.alignment = .leading
-        body.spacing = 4
+        body.spacing = 0
         for control in [header, body] {
             control.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
             view.addSubview(control)
@@ -146,18 +146,18 @@ final class NotesController: NSViewController, NSTextViewDelegate {
             header.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: view.topAnchor),
             header.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: view.leadingAnchor),
             header.trailingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: view.trailingAnchor),
-            header.heightAnchor.constraint(equalToConstant: 38),
-            body.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: header.bottomAnchor, constant: 4),
+            header.heightAnchor.constraint(equalToConstant: 32),
+            body.topAnchor.constraint(equalTo: header.bottomAnchor),
             body.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: view.leadingAnchor),
             body.trailingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: view.trailingAnchor),
-            body.bottomAnchor.constraint(equalTo: view.bottomAnchor, constant: -4),
+            body.bottomAnchor.constraint(equalTo: view.bottomAnchor),
             scroll.widthAnchor.constraint(equalTo: body.widthAnchor),
             footer.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: body.leadingAnchor, constant: 24),
             footer.trailingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: body.trailingAnchor, constant: -6),
             status.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: body.leadingAnchor, constant: 28),
             status.trailingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: body.trailingAnchor, constant: -12),
             scroll.heightAnchor.constraint(greaterThanOrEqualToConstant: 80),
-            footer.heightAnchor.constraint(equalToConstant: 32),
+            footer.heightAnchor.constraint(equalToConstant: 28),
         ])
         guard let store else {
             editor.isEditable = false