diff --git a/.github/release-notes-template.md b/.github/release-notes-template.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8d27503
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/release-notes-template.md
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+# Bindery {{VERSION}}
+
+## Highlights
+
+- Standardized release packaging across all supported surfaces.
+- See attached assets below for install-ready downloads.
+
+## Release Assets
+
+- bindery-{{VERSION}}.mcpb (Claude Desktop / Cowork MCP package)
+- bindery-mcp-server-{{VERSION}}.zip (Standalone MCP package for clients that support command + args + env configuration, such as ChatGPT Work and LM Studio)
+- bindery-{{VERSION}}.vsix (VS Code extension)
+- bindery-obsidian-bundled-{{VERSION}}.zip (Obsidian plugin bundle)
+- obsidian-plugin/dist/main.js and obsidian-plugin/dist/manifest.json (raw Obsidian artifacts for obsidian automated scanning)
+
+## Installation
+
+- VS Code extension and MCP setup overview: https://github.com/evdboom/Bindery/blob/main/README.md
+- MCP package details and manual install: https://github.com/evdboom/Bindery/blob/main/mcpb/README.md
+- Standalone MCP zip quick install: included README.md inside bindery-mcp-server-{{VERSION}}.zip
+
+## Notes
+
+- Release notes below this section are auto-generated from merged pull requests and commits.
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/.github/workflows/release.yml b/.github/workflows/release.yml
index 0ed094d..0ae4cf7 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/release.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/release.yml
@@ -25,9 +25,9 @@ jobs:
           fi
           echo "release_version=$VERSION" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
 
-  # ── Job 1: Build .mcpb for Claude Desktop ───────────────────────────────────
+  # ── Job 1: Build .mcpb for Claude Desktop + standalone MCP zip ─────────────
   build-mcpb:
-    name: Build .mcpb
+    name: Build MCP Packages
     needs: validate-release-version
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
     permissions:
@@ -76,15 +76,38 @@ jobs:
             mv "$f" "bindery-${VERSION}.mcpb" 2>/dev/null || true
           done
 
+      - name: Package standalone MCP server zip
+        run: |
+          VERSION="$RELEASE_VERSION"
+          mkdir -p mcpb/standalone-mcp/server
+          cp mcpb/server/index.js mcpb/standalone-mcp/server/index.js
+          cp mcpb/standalone-mcp-README.md mcpb/standalone-mcp/README.md
+          cd mcpb/standalone-mcp
+          zip "../../bindery-mcp-server-${VERSION}.zip" README.md server/index.js
+
+      - name: Render standardized release notes
+        run: |
+          VERSION="$RELEASE_VERSION"
+          sed "s/{{VERSION}}/${VERSION}/g" .github/release-notes-template.md > .github/release-notes.generated.md
+
       - name: Attest .mcpb build provenance
         uses: actions/attest-build-provenance@v4
         with:
           subject-path: mcpb/*.mcpb
 
+      - name: Attest standalone MCP zip provenance
+        uses: actions/attest-build-provenance@v4
+        with:
+          subject-path: bindery-mcp-server-*.zip
+
       - name: Upload .mcpb to release
         uses: softprops/action-gh-release@v3
         with:
-          files: mcpb/*.mcpb
+          files: |
+            mcpb/*.mcpb
+            bindery-mcp-server-*.zip
+          body_path: .github/release-notes.generated.md
+          generate_release_notes: true
           fail_on_unmatched_files: true
 
   # ── Job 2: Package VS Code extension + attach VSIX to release ───────────────
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 043e413..3693219 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -85,7 +85,10 @@ Then in Obsidian: Settings → Community plugins (if not restricted) → Install
 
 ### [mcpb/](mcpb/) — Claude Desktop Extension
 
-Packages the MCP server as a `.mcpb` file for one-click installation in Claude Desktop or Cowork.
+Release assets now include two MCP package formats:
+
+- `bindery-<version>.mcpb` for Claude Desktop / Cowork
+- `bindery-mcp-server-<version>.zip` as a standalone MCP package for clients that support command + args + env setup (for example ChatGPT Work or LM Studio)
 
 **Download the latest release** from [Releases](../../releases) — no build step needed.
 
@@ -110,6 +113,21 @@ Packages the MCP server as a `.mcpb` file for one-click installation in Claude D
    - **Note:** full embedding can be a heavy operation, depending on your hardware, when running a local Ollama instance.
 6. Tools are now available — the agent calls `list_books` to discover book names
 
+### Standalone MCP Clients (ChatGPT Work, LM Studio, etc.)
+
+1. Download `bindery-mcp-server-*.zip` from the [latest release](../../releases/latest)
+2. Unzip it to a stable folder
+3. In your MCP client, add an MCP server with:
+  - eg. in ChatGPT Work -> **Settings** -> **Plug-ins** -> **MCP's** tab
+  - Command: `node`
+  - Args: absolute path to `server/index.js` from the unzipped folder
+4. Set environment variables:
+  - `BINDERY_BOOKS` (required): semicolon-separated `Name=path` pairs
+  - `BINDERY_OLLAMA_URL` (optional): Ollama endpoint for semantic features
+  - `BINDERY_ENABLE_SEMANTIC_INDEX` (optional): `true` to enable full semantic index builds
+  - `BINDERY_DEFAULT_SEARCH_MODE` (optional): `lexical`, `semantic_rerank`, or `full_semantic`
+5. Save and reconnect the MCP server
+
 ## Architecture Overview
 
 The following flow shows how Bindery's writing environments connect to agents, MCP, and skills at a high level.
diff --git a/bindery-core/src/templates/bindery-readme.ts b/bindery-core/src/templates/bindery-readme.ts
index 355f659..410ff08 100644
--- a/bindery-core/src/templates/bindery-readme.ts
+++ b/bindery-core/src/templates/bindery-readme.ts
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ import type { TemplateContext, TemplateMeta } from './context';
 
 export const meta: TemplateMeta = {
     file:    '.bindery/README.md',
-    version: 9,
+    version: 10,
     label:   'bindery capabilities',
     zip:     null,
 };
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ tagged **(writes)** modify files or git state.
 ### Tool Workflow Shortcuts
 
 - Use \`init_workspace\` first for a new book. It creates the settings, translation file, generated capability README, and the default authoring scaffold.
-- Use \`setup_ai_files\` after init or when \`health\` reports outdated AI files. It refreshes CLAUDE.md, Copilot instructions, Cursor rules, AGENTS.md, Claude skills, skill zips, and this capability README.
+- Use \`setup_ai_files\` after init or when \`health\` reports outdated AI files. It refreshes CLAUDE.md, Copilot instructions, Cursor rules, AGENTS.md, Claude skills, and this capability README.
 - Use \`arc_*\` for story architecture under \`${arcFolder}/\`.
 - Use \`character_*\` for cast profiles under \`${charactersFolder}/\`.
 - Use \`note_*\` for canonical story notes under \`${notesFolder}/\`.
diff --git a/bindery-core/src/templates/claude.ts b/bindery-core/src/templates/claude.ts
index df71a51..66ee2b3 100644
--- a/bindery-core/src/templates/claude.ts
+++ b/bindery-core/src/templates/claude.ts
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ import { audienceNote, languageSection, type TemplateContext, type TemplateMeta
 
 export const meta: TemplateMeta = {
     file:    'CLAUDE.md',
-    version: 15,
+    version: 17,
     label:   'project instructions',
     zip:     null,
 };
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ export function render(ctx: TemplateContext): string {
         '## Start of session',
         '1. Use /read-in at the start of a session to load context and get your bearings.',
         '2. Run `health` from the Bindery MCP and check `ai_versions_outdated`.',
-        '3. If `ai_versions_outdated` has entries, run `setup_ai_files` and present the returned `skill_zips.reupload_required` list to the user for Claude Desktop.',
+        '3. If `ai_versions_outdated` has entries, run `setup_ai_files`; if `skill_files.reupload_required` has entries, ask the user to re-upload those SKILL.md files in Claude Desktop Skills (no zip needed).',
         `4. If the skill or MCP server is not available, read at least ${sessionFile} (if present) for current focus and handoff context, and ${preferencesFile} for the author's durable working preferences.`,
         '',
         '## Memory system',
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ export function render(ctx: TemplateContext): string {
         '| `identify_book` | Match a working directory to a book name |',
         '| `health` | Server status: settings, index, embedding backend |',
         '| `init_workspace` | Create or update `.bindery/settings.json`, `translations.json`, `.bindery/README.md`, and the opinionated Arc / Notes / Characters / SESSION / PREFERENCES / memory / status scaffold |',
-        '| `setup_ai_files` | Regenerate AI instruction files, rebuild Claude skill zip files, and return a change manifest |',
+        '| `setup_ai_files` | Regenerate AI instruction files and return a change manifest |',
         '| `index_build` | Build or rebuild the full-text search index |',
         '| `index_status` | Show index chunk count and build time |',
         '| `get_text` | Read any file by relative path, with optional line range |',
diff --git a/bindery-core/src/templates/context.ts b/bindery-core/src/templates/context.ts
index e178f51..c2b69cd 100644
--- a/bindery-core/src/templates/context.ts
+++ b/bindery-core/src/templates/context.ts
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ export interface TemplateContext {
     hasMultiLang:   boolean;
 }
 
-/** Per-template metadata. `zip` is non-null only for skills (which ship as zips). */
+/** Per-template metadata used by AI file version reporting. */
 export interface TemplateMeta {
     /** Output path relative to the workspace root. Used as the FILE_VERSION_INFO key. */
     file:    string;
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ export interface TemplateMeta {
     version: number;
     /** Short, human-readable label used by health reporting. */
     label:   string;
-    /** Companion zip path (skills only) or null. */
+    /** Legacy companion zip path or null. */
     zip:     string | null;
 }
 
diff --git a/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/brainstorm.ts b/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/brainstorm.ts
index 1d5181e..30ad47d 100644
--- a/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/brainstorm.ts
+++ b/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/brainstorm.ts
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ export const meta: TemplateMeta = {
     file:    '.claude/skills/brainstorm/SKILL.md',
     version: 12,
     label:   'brainstorm skill',
-    zip:     '.claude/skills/brainstorm.zip',
+    zip:     null,
 };
 
 const CONTENT = [
diff --git a/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/character-setup.ts b/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/character-setup.ts
index c7a635e..3659998 100644
--- a/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/character-setup.ts
+++ b/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/character-setup.ts
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ export const meta: TemplateMeta = {
     file:    '.claude/skills/character-setup/SKILL.md',
     version: 1,
     label:   'character-setup skill',
-    zip:     '.claude/skills/character-setup.zip',
+    zip:     null,
 };
 
 const CONTENT = [
diff --git a/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/continuity.ts b/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/continuity.ts
index 36a1afb..e2684d2 100644
--- a/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/continuity.ts
+++ b/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/continuity.ts
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ export const meta: TemplateMeta = {
     file:    '.claude/skills/continuity/SKILL.md',
     version: 14,
     label:   'continuity skill',
-    zip:     '.claude/skills/continuity.zip',
+    zip:     null,
 };
 
 const CONTENT = [
diff --git a/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/memory.ts b/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/memory.ts
index eaa962d..c6ddf3a 100644
--- a/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/memory.ts
+++ b/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/memory.ts
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ export const meta: TemplateMeta = {
     file:    '.claude/skills/memory/SKILL.md',
     version: 14,
     label:   'memory skill',
-    zip:     '.claude/skills/memory.zip',
+    zip:     null,
 };
 
 const CONTENT = [
diff --git a/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/plan-beats.ts b/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/plan-beats.ts
index 3dfaf4c..8eb71b0 100644
--- a/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/plan-beats.ts
+++ b/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/plan-beats.ts
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ export const meta: TemplateMeta = {
     file:    '.claude/skills/plan-beats/SKILL.md',
     version: 3,
     label:   'plan-beats skill',
-    zip:     '.claude/skills/plan-beats.zip',
+    zip:     null,
 };
 
 const CONTENT = [
diff --git a/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/proof-read.ts b/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/proof-read.ts
index 0f0df9e..b9ddb1c 100644
--- a/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/proof-read.ts
+++ b/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/proof-read.ts
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ export const meta: TemplateMeta = {
     file:    '.claude/skills/proof-read/SKILL.md',
     version: 6,
     label:   'proof-read skill',
-    zip:     '.claude/skills/proof-read.zip',
+    zip:     null,
 };
 
 const CONTENT = [
diff --git a/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/read-aloud.ts b/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/read-aloud.ts
index f7c7250..837e640 100644
--- a/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/read-aloud.ts
+++ b/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/read-aloud.ts
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ export const meta: TemplateMeta = {
     file:    '.claude/skills/read-aloud/SKILL.md',
     version: 11,
     label:   'read-aloud skill',
-    zip:     '.claude/skills/read-aloud.zip',
+    zip:     null,
 };
 
 const CONTENT = [
diff --git a/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/read-in.ts b/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/read-in.ts
index ab6a9d1..8fc77a8 100644
--- a/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/read-in.ts
+++ b/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/read-in.ts
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ export const meta: TemplateMeta = {
     file:    '.claude/skills/read-in/SKILL.md',
     version: 16,
     label:   'read-in skill',
-    zip:     '.claude/skills/read-in.zip',
+    zip:     null,
 };
 
 const CONTENT = [
diff --git a/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/review.ts b/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/review.ts
index d2301ec..41f2574 100644
--- a/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/review.ts
+++ b/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/review.ts
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ export const meta: TemplateMeta = {
     file:    '.claude/skills/review/SKILL.md',
     version: 14,
     label:   'review skill',
-    zip:     '.claude/skills/review.zip',
+    zip:     null,
 };
 
 const CONTENT = [
diff --git a/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/status.ts b/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/status.ts
index 6e0d5e0..c3b98cb 100644
--- a/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/status.ts
+++ b/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/status.ts
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ export const meta: TemplateMeta = {
     file:    '.claude/skills/status/SKILL.md',
     version: 14,
     label:   'status skill',
-    zip:     '.claude/skills/status.zip',
+    zip:     null,
 };
 
 const CONTENT = [
diff --git a/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/translate.ts b/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/translate.ts
index a250c2d..fbe8e37 100644
--- a/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/translate.ts
+++ b/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/translate.ts
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ export const meta: TemplateMeta = {
     file:    '.claude/skills/translate/SKILL.md',
     version: 10,
     label:   'translate skill',
-    zip:     '.claude/skills/translate.zip',
+    zip:     null,
 };
 
 const CONTENT = [
diff --git a/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/translation-review.ts b/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/translation-review.ts
index a07961e..167b113 100644
--- a/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/translation-review.ts
+++ b/bindery-core/src/templates/skills/translation-review.ts
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ export const meta: TemplateMeta = {
     file:    '.claude/skills/translation-review/SKILL.md',
     version: 4,
     label:   'translation-review skill',
-    zip:     '.claude/skills/translation-review.zip',
+    zip:     null,
 };
 
 const CONTENT = [
diff --git a/mcp-ts/src/aisetup.ts b/mcp-ts/src/aisetup.ts
index 1d2b052..fffb55a 100644
--- a/mcp-ts/src/aisetup.ts
+++ b/mcp-ts/src/aisetup.ts
@@ -12,7 +12,6 @@
 
 import * as fs   from 'node:fs';
 import * as path from 'node:path';
-import { zipSync, strToU8 } from 'fflate';
 import {
     renderTemplate,
     FILE_VERSION_INFO,
@@ -161,7 +160,6 @@ export function setupAiFiles(options: AiSetupOptions): AiSetupResult {
                     const skillMd = path.join('.claude', 'skills', skill, 'SKILL.md');
                     writeFile(root, skillMd, renderTemplate(skill, ctx), overwrite, versionFile, result);
                 }
-                rebuildSkillZips(root, skills, result);
                 break;
             case 'copilot':
                 writeFile(root, path.join('.github', 'copilot-instructions.md'), renderTemplate('copilot', ctx), overwrite, versionFile, result);
@@ -279,60 +277,6 @@ function stampAiVersionFile(root: string, versionFile: AiVersionFile): void {
     );
 }
 
-function rebuildSkillZips(root: string, skills: SkillTemplate[], result: AiSetupResult): void {
-    for (const skill of skills) {
-        const skillDir = path.join(root, '.claude', 'skills', skill);
-        const skillMd = path.join(skillDir, 'SKILL.md');
-        if (!fs.existsSync(skillMd)) { continue; }
-
-        const zipRel = `.claude/skills/${skill}.zip`;
-        const zipAbs = path.join(root, zipRel);
-
-        const zipExists = fs.existsSync(zipAbs);
-        const upToDate = zipExists
-            && fs.statSync(zipAbs).mtimeMs >= fs.statSync(skillMd).mtimeMs;
-
-        if (upToDate) {
-            result.skillZipManifest.skipped.push(zipRel);
-            continue;
-        }
-
-        if (!zipSkillFolder(root, skill, zipAbs)) {
-            result.skillZipManifest.failed.push(zipRel);
-            continue;
-        }
-
-        if (zipExists) {
-            result.skillZipManifest.rebuilt.push(zipRel);
-        } else {
-            result.skillZipManifest.created.push(zipRel);
-        }
-    }
-}
-
 function toKey(relPath: string): string {
     return relPath.replaceAll('\\', '/');
 }
-
-function zipSkillFolder(root: string, skill: SkillTemplate, zipAbs: string): boolean {
-    const skillMd = path.join(root, '.claude', 'skills', skill, 'SKILL.md');
-    if (!fs.existsSync(skillMd)) { return false; }
-
-    try {
-        const skillContent = fs.readFileSync(skillMd, 'utf-8');
-        const zipBytes = zipSync({
-            [`${skill}/SKILL.md`]: strToU8(skillContent),
-        });
-
-        fs.mkdirSync(path.dirname(zipAbs), { recursive: true });
-        const copyPath = zipAbs + '.tmp';
-        fs.writeFileSync(copyPath, Buffer.from(zipBytes));
-        if (fs.existsSync(zipAbs)) {
-            fs.unlinkSync(zipAbs);
-        }
-        fs.renameSync(copyPath, zipAbs);
-        return true;
-    } catch {
-        return false;
-    }
-}
diff --git a/mcp-ts/src/index.ts b/mcp-ts/src/index.ts
index 1e59254..6512441 100644
--- a/mcp-ts/src/index.ts
+++ b/mcp-ts/src/index.ts
@@ -616,7 +616,7 @@ server.registerTool('setup_ai_files', {
     title: 'Setup AI Files',
     description:
         'Generate AI assistant instruction files (CLAUDE.md, .github/copilot-instructions.md, ' +
-        '.cursor/rules, AGENTS.md), Claude skill templates, skill zips, and the generated .bindery/README.md capability reference from .bindery/settings.json. ' +
+        '.cursor/rules, AGENTS.md), Claude skill templates, and the generated .bindery/README.md capability reference from .bindery/settings.json. ' +
         'Run init_workspace first. Safe to run multiple times — skips existing files unless overwrite is true.',
     inputSchema: {
         book:      bookSchema,
diff --git a/mcp-ts/src/tools.ts b/mcp-ts/src/tools.ts
index e4a3571..072fa7b 100644
--- a/mcp-ts/src/tools.ts
+++ b/mcp-ts/src/tools.ts
@@ -518,7 +518,7 @@ export function toolHealth(root: string): string {
         ai_version_outdated: aiVersionsOutdated.length > 0,
         ai_versions_outdated: aiVersionsOutdated,
         message: aiVersionsOutdated.length > 0
-            ? 'AI instruction files are out of date. Run setup_ai_files, then re-upload any listed skill zip files in Claude Desktop.'
+            ? 'AI instruction files are out of date. Run setup_ai_files to regenerate them. If you use Claude Desktop skills, re-upload updated SKILL.md files.'
             : 'AI instruction files are up to date.',
     };
 
@@ -2621,10 +2621,7 @@ export function toolSetupAiFiles(root: string, args: SetupAiFilesArgs): string {
         }
     } catch { /* non-fatal */ }
 
-    const zipToUpload = [
-        ...result.skillZipManifest.created,
-        ...result.skillZipManifest.rebuilt,
-    ];
+    const skillFilesToReupload = result.regenerated.filter(file => /^\.claude\/skills\/[^/]+\/SKILL\.md$/.test(file));
 
     const response = {
         regenerated_files: result.regenerated,
@@ -2634,12 +2631,15 @@ export function toolSetupAiFiles(root: string, args: SetupAiFilesArgs): string {
             rebuilt: result.skillZipManifest.rebuilt,
             skipped: result.skillZipManifest.skipped,
             failed: result.skillZipManifest.failed,
-            reupload_required: zipToUpload,
+            reupload_required: [],
+        },
+        skill_files: {
+            reupload_required: skillFilesToReupload,
         },
         ai_versions: result.versionStamp,
-        message:
-            'If you are using Claude Desktop as AI assistant, re-upload these skill zips via Customize -> Skills: ' +
-            (zipToUpload.length > 0 ? zipToUpload.join(', ') : 'none'),
+        message: skillFilesToReupload.length > 0
+            ? 'AI instruction files were generated. If you use Claude Desktop skills, re-upload these SKILL.md files in Claude Desktop: ' + skillFilesToReupload.join(', ')
+            : 'AI instruction files were generated. If you use Claude Desktop skills, upload the generated SKILL.md files in Claude Desktop',
     };
 
     return JSON.stringify(response, null, 2);
diff --git a/mcp-ts/test/aisetup.test.ts b/mcp-ts/test/aisetup.test.ts
index 68f42b5..2add7ba 100644
--- a/mcp-ts/test/aisetup.test.ts
+++ b/mcp-ts/test/aisetup.test.ts
@@ -21,8 +21,6 @@ async function loadAiSetup() {
   return import('../src/aisetup');
 }
 
-vi.unmock('fflate');
-
 afterEach(() => {
   vi.restoreAllMocks();
   vi.resetModules();
@@ -31,8 +29,8 @@ afterEach(() => {
   }
 });
 
-describe('setupAiFiles zip generation', () => {
-  it('builds the translation-review skill zip when requested', async () => {
+describe('setupAiFiles skill generation', () => {
+  it('generates requested skill markdown files for claude target', async () => {
     const { setupAiFiles } = await loadAiSetup();
 
     const root = makeRoot();
@@ -49,11 +47,12 @@ describe('setupAiFiles zip generation', () => {
       overwrite: true,
     });
 
-    expect(result.skillZipManifest.created).toContain('.claude/skills/translation-review.zip');
     expect(result.regenerated).toContain('.claude/skills/translation-review/SKILL.md');
+    expect(fs.existsSync(path.join(root, '.claude', 'skills', 'translation-review', 'SKILL.md'))).toBe(true);
+    expect(fs.existsSync(path.join(root, '.claude', 'skills', 'translation-review.zip'))).toBe(false);
   });
 
-  it('builds skill zips in-process with normalized entry paths', async () => {
+  it('returns an empty skill zip manifest (zips are no longer generated)', async () => {
     const { setupAiFiles } = await loadAiSetup();
 
     const root = makeRoot();
@@ -70,45 +69,33 @@ describe('setupAiFiles zip generation', () => {
       overwrite: true,
     });
 
-    expect(result.skillZipManifest.created).toContain('.claude/skills/read-aloud.zip');
-    expect(result.skillZipManifest.failed).toEqual([]);
-
-    const zipPath = path.join(root, '.claude', 'skills', 'read-aloud.zip');
-    expect(fs.existsSync(zipPath)).toBe(true);
-
-    const zipText = fs.readFileSync(zipPath, 'latin1');
-    expect(zipText).toContain('read-aloud/SKILL.md');
-    expect(zipText).not.toContain('read-aloud\\SKILL.md');
-  });
-
-  it('reports a failed skill zip when archive generation throws', async () => {
-    vi.doMock('fflate', async () => {
-      const actual = await vi.importActual<typeof import('fflate')>('fflate');
-      return {
-        ...actual,
-        zipSync: () => {
-          throw new Error('zip failed');
-        },
-      };
-    });
-    const { setupAiFiles } = await loadAiSetup();
-
-    const root = makeRoot();
-    write(path.join(root, '.bindery', 'settings.json'), JSON.stringify({
-      bookTitle: 'Test Book',
-      storyFolder: 'Story',
-      languages: [{ code: 'EN', folderName: 'EN' }],
-    }, null, 2) + '\n');
-
-    const result = setupAiFiles({
-      root,
-      targets: ['claude'],
-      skills: ['read-aloud'],
-      overwrite: true,
-    });
-
-    expect(result.skillZipManifest.failed).toContain('.claude/skills/read-aloud.zip');
     expect(result.skillZipManifest.created).toEqual([]);
-    expect(fs.existsSync(path.join(root, '.claude', 'skills', 'read-aloud.zip'))).toBe(false);
+    expect(result.skillZipManifest.rebuilt).toEqual([]);
+    expect(result.skillZipManifest.skipped).toEqual([]);
+    expect(result.skillZipManifest.failed).toEqual([]);
+  });
+
+  it('does not overwrite legacy zip files that already exist', async () => {
+    const { setupAiFiles } = await loadAiSetup();
+
+    const root = makeRoot();
+    write(path.join(root, '.bindery', 'settings.json'), JSON.stringify({
+      bookTitle: 'Test Book',
+      storyFolder: 'Story',
+      languages: [{ code: 'EN', folderName: 'EN' }],
+    }, null, 2) + '\n');
+
+    write(path.join(root, '.claude', 'skills', 'read-aloud.zip'), 'legacy zip bytes');
+
+    const result = setupAiFiles({
+      root,
+      targets: ['claude'],
+      skills: ['read-aloud'],
+      overwrite: true,
+    });
+
+    expect(result.skillZipManifest.failed).toEqual([]);
+    expect(result.skillZipManifest.created).toEqual([]);
+    expect(fs.readFileSync(path.join(root, '.claude', 'skills', 'read-aloud.zip'), 'utf-8')).toBe('legacy zip bytes');
   });
 });
diff --git a/mcp-ts/test/tools.test.ts b/mcp-ts/test/tools.test.ts
index e3f83a1..b95cfd0 100644
--- a/mcp-ts/test/tools.test.ts
+++ b/mcp-ts/test/tools.test.ts
@@ -343,6 +343,7 @@ describe('mcp tools', () => {
       regenerated_files?: string[];
       skipped_files?: string[];
       skill_zips?: { created?: string[]; rebuilt?: string[]; skipped?: string[]; failed?: string[]; reupload_required?: string[] };
+      skill_files?: { reupload_required?: string[] };
       ai_versions?: { versions?: Record<string, { version: number; label: string; zip: string | null }> };
     };
 
@@ -353,10 +354,12 @@ describe('mcp tools', () => {
     expect(Array.isArray(parsed.skill_zips?.skipped)).toBe(true);
     expect(Array.isArray(parsed.skill_zips?.failed)).toBe(true);
     expect(Array.isArray(parsed.skill_zips?.reupload_required)).toBe(true);
+    expect(Array.isArray(parsed.skill_files?.reupload_required)).toBe(true);
+    expect(parsed.skill_files?.reupload_required).toContain('.claude/skills/review/SKILL.md');
     expect(parsed.ai_versions?.versions?.['.claude/skills/review/SKILL.md']?.label).toBe('review skill');
   });
 
-  it('builds skill zips with normalized forward-slash entry paths', () => {
+  it('does not build skill zip artifacts', () => {
     const root = makeRoot();
     write(path.join(root, '.bindery', 'settings.json'), JSON.stringify({
       bookTitle: 'Test Book',
@@ -364,14 +367,19 @@ describe('mcp tools', () => {
       languages: [{ code: 'EN', folderName: 'EN' }],
     }, null, 2) + '\n');
 
-    toolSetupAiFiles(root, { targets: ['claude'], skills: ['read-aloud'], overwrite: true });
+    const raw = toolSetupAiFiles(root, { targets: ['claude'], skills: ['read-aloud'], overwrite: true });
+    const parsed = JSON.parse(raw) as {
+      skill_zips?: { created?: string[]; rebuilt?: string[]; failed?: string[]; reupload_required?: string[] };
+      skill_files?: { reupload_required?: string[] };
+    };
 
     const zipPath = path.join(root, '.claude', 'skills', 'read-aloud.zip');
-    expect(fs.existsSync(zipPath)).toBe(true);
-
-    const zipText = fs.readFileSync(zipPath).toString('latin1');
-    expect(zipText).toContain('read-aloud/SKILL.md');
-    expect(zipText).not.toContain(String.raw`read-aloud\SKILL.md`);
+    expect(fs.existsSync(zipPath)).toBe(false);
+    expect(parsed.skill_zips?.created).toEqual([]);
+    expect(parsed.skill_zips?.rebuilt).toEqual([]);
+    expect(parsed.skill_zips?.failed).toEqual([]);
+    expect(parsed.skill_zips?.reupload_required).toEqual([]);
+    expect(parsed.skill_files?.reupload_required).toEqual(['.claude/skills/read-aloud/SKILL.md']);
   });
 
   it('health skips claude files when aiTargets excludes claude', () => {
diff --git a/mcpb/README.md b/mcpb/README.md
index cc00cd7..dc31f0c 100644
--- a/mcpb/README.md
+++ b/mcpb/README.md
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-# Bindery MCP — Desktop Extension (.mcpb)
+# Bindery MCP — Desktop Packages
 
 Book authoring tools for Claude Desktop: chapter navigation, full-text search,
 translation management, session memory, typography formatting, and version snapshots.
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ Works with any Markdown book project structured with the Bindery VS Code extensi
 - **Version snapshots** — git-based save points after writing sessions
 - **Review diffs** — structured git diff of uncommitted changes
 
-## Manual Installation
+## Manual Installation (Claude Desktop)
 
 To install manually without using published Claude Connectors
 
@@ -29,6 +29,21 @@ To install manually without using published Claude Connectors
 3. Click **Install from file** (or drag-drop the `.mcpb` file)
 4. Fill in the **Books** field (see Configuration below)
 
+## Manual Installation (Standalone MCP clients)
+
+1. Download the `bindery-mcp-server-*.zip` file from the latest release
+2. Unzip it to a stable folder
+3. In your MCP client, add a new MCP server.
+   - eg. in ChatGPT Work -> **Settings** -> **Plug-ins** -> **MCP's** tab
+4. With:
+   - Command: `node`
+   - Args: absolute path to `server/index.js` from the unzipped folder
+5. Add environment variables:
+   - `BINDERY_BOOKS` (required): semicolon-separated `Name=path` pairs
+   - `BINDERY_OLLAMA_URL` (optional): Ollama endpoint for semantic features
+   - `BINDERY_ENABLE_SEMANTIC_INDEX` (optional): `true` to enable full semantic index builds
+   - `BINDERY_DEFAULT_SEARCH_MODE` (optional): `lexical`, `semantic_rerank`, or `full_semantic`
+
 ## Configuration
 
 | Setting | Required | Description |
@@ -165,7 +180,7 @@ table with issue type, location, and the reference that contradicts it.
 | `identify_book` | Match a working directory to a book name |
 | `health` | Server status: settings, index, embedding backend |
 | `init_workspace` | Create or update `.bindery/settings.json`, `translations.json`, generated `.bindery/README.md`, and the opinionated Arc / Notes / Characters / SESSION / PREFERENCES / memory / status scaffold |
-| `setup_ai_files` | Generate AI instruction files (CLAUDE.md, copilot-instructions.md, .cursor/rules, AGENTS.md), Claude skill templates, skill zips, and refresh generated `.bindery/README.md` |
+| `setup_ai_files` | Generate AI instruction files (CLAUDE.md, copilot-instructions.md, .cursor/rules, AGENTS.md), Claude skill templates, and refresh generated `.bindery/README.md` |
 | `index_build` | Build or rebuild the lexical index and, when enabled, the semantic embedding index |
 | `index_status` | Show lexical and semantic index status, build times, and stale hints |
 | `get_text` | Read any file by relative path, with optional line range |
@@ -230,6 +245,8 @@ mcpb pack
 
 This produces `bindery-mcp-<version>.mcpb`.
 
+For standalone MCP clients, release CI also produces `bindery-mcp-server-<version>.zip` containing `server/index.js` and setup instructions.
+
 ## Files
 
 - `manifest.json` — Extension metadata, tool declarations, user config schema
diff --git a/mcpb/manifest.json b/mcpb/manifest.json
index 1398c6b..7ef5821 100644
--- a/mcpb/manifest.json
+++ b/mcpb/manifest.json
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@
     { "name": "identify_book",    "description": "Identify which book matches a working directory. Pass your cwd and the server matches by folder name or .bindery/settings.json." },
     { "name": "health",           "description": "Check server status: active book, settings, search index, and embedding backend." },
     { "name": "init_workspace",   "description": "Create or update .bindery/settings.json, translations.json, .bindery/README.md, and the opinionated Arc, Notes, Characters, SESSION, PREFERENCES, memory, and chapter-status scaffold. All arguments optional — smart defaults used if omitted. Detects language folders automatically. Safe to run on an existing workspace." },
-    { "name": "setup_ai_files",   "description": "Generate AI assistant instruction files (CLAUDE.md, copilot-instructions.md, .cursor/rules, AGENTS.md), Claude skill templates, skill zips, and the generated .bindery/README.md capability reference from settings. Run init_workspace first. Skips existing files unless overwrite: true." },
+    { "name": "setup_ai_files",   "description": "Generate AI assistant instruction files (CLAUDE.md, copilot-instructions.md, .cursor/rules, AGENTS.md), Claude skill templates, and the generated .bindery/README.md capability reference from settings. Run init_workspace first. Skips existing files unless overwrite: true." },
     { "name": "index_build",      "description": "Build or rebuild the lexical search index and, when enabled, the semantic embedding index for a book." },
     { "name": "index_status",     "description": "Show lexical and semantic index metadata, including stale-status hints." },
     { "name": "search",           "description": "Search using lexical BM25, semantic reranking, or full semantic mode. Semantic modes fall back to lexical with a warning if Ollama or the semantic index is unavailable." },
diff --git a/mcpb/standalone-mcp-README.md b/mcpb/standalone-mcp-README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3811ea4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/mcpb/standalone-mcp-README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
+# Bindery Standalone MCP Server Package
+
+This package contains:
+
+- `server/index.js` (the bundled Bindery MCP server)
+- `README.md` (this file)
+
+## Install in any MCP client
+
+1. Unzip this archive to a stable folder on your machine.
+2. In your MCP client, add a new MCP server.
+   - eg. in ChatGPT Work -> **Settings** -> **Plug-ins** -> **MCP's** tab
+3. Use the following values:
+   - Command: `node`
+   - Args: absolute path to `server/index.js` in the folder you unzipped
+4. Configure environment variables (at minimum `BINDERY_BOOKS`).
+
+## Environment variables
+
+- `BINDERY_BOOKS` (required)
+  - Semicolon-separated `Name=path` pairs.
+  - Example: `MyBook=C:\Users\Me\MyBook;MyNovel=D:\Writing\MyNovel`
+- `BINDERY_OLLAMA_URL` (optional)
+  - Ollama endpoint for semantic reranking/full semantic search.
+  - Example: `http://localhost:11434`
+- `BINDERY_ENABLE_SEMANTIC_INDEX` (optional)
+  - `true` to enable full semantic index builds via `index_build`.
+  - Default: `false`
+- `BINDERY_DEFAULT_SEARCH_MODE` (optional)
+  - One of `lexical`, `semantic_rerank`, `full_semantic`.
+  - Default: `lexical`
+
+## Notes
+
+- Keep the unzipped folder in place after configuring the MCP server.
+- If Node is not on PATH, use the absolute path to the Node executable as Command.
+- If Node is not installed at all you can get it from https://nodejs.org/
+- This package is suitable for any MCP client that supports executable command + arguments + environment variables (for example ChatGPT Work or LM Studio).
diff --git a/obsidian-plugin/test/ai-setup.test.ts b/obsidian-plugin/test/ai-setup.test.ts
index 789649b..0b2d095 100644
--- a/obsidian-plugin/test/ai-setup.test.ts
+++ b/obsidian-plugin/test/ai-setup.test.ts
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ describe('AI Setup', () => {
         expect(original).not.toBe(updated);
     });
 
-    it('should create skill zips for requested skills', async () => {
+    it('should create skill markdown files for requested skills', async () => {
         const settingsPath = path.join(tempRoot, '.bindery', 'settings.json');
         fs.mkdirSync(path.dirname(settingsPath), { recursive: true });
         fs.writeFileSync(settingsPath, JSON.stringify({
diff --git a/vscode-ext/README.md b/vscode-ext/README.md
index 1177fb3..8a8b9c3 100644
--- a/vscode-ext/README.md
+++ b/vscode-ext/README.md
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ Bindery includes a bundled MCP server that makes your book's chapters, arc files
 |------|-------------|
 | `bindery_health` | Check workspace status: settings, search index, and embedding backend |
 | `bindery_init_workspace` | Create or update `.bindery/settings.json`, `translations.json`, `.bindery/README.md`, and the opinionated Arc / Notes / Characters / SESSION / PREFERENCES / memory / status scaffold |
-| `bindery_setup_ai_files` | Generate AI instruction files (CLAUDE.md, copilot-instructions.md, etc.), Claude skills, skill zips, and refresh generated `.bindery/README.md` |
+| `bindery_setup_ai_files` | Generate AI instruction files (CLAUDE.md, copilot-instructions.md, etc.), Claude skills, and refresh generated `.bindery/README.md` |
 | `bindery_settings_update` | Merge a partial patch into `.bindery/settings.json` |
 | `bindery_index_build` | Build or rebuild the search index (lexical + optional semantic) |
 | `bindery_index_status` | Show index metadata and stale-status hints |
@@ -138,7 +138,7 @@ All commands are available from the Command Palette (`Ctrl+Shift+P`) under the *
 | Command | Description |
 |---------|-------------|
 | `Initialize Workspace` | Create `.bindery/settings.json`, `translations.json`, `.bindery/README.md`, and the opinionated Arc / Notes / Characters / SESSION / PREFERENCES / memory / status scaffold |
-| `Setup AI Assistant Files` | Generate CLAUDE.md, copilot-instructions.md, .cursor/rules, AGENTS.md, Claude skills, skill zips, and refresh generated `.bindery/README.md` |
+| `Setup AI Assistant Files` | Generate CLAUDE.md, copilot-instructions.md, .cursor/rules, AGENTS.md, Claude skills, and refresh generated `.bindery/README.md` |
 | `Register MCP Server` | Write `.vscode/mcp.json` for Claude / Codex MCP discovery |
 | `Format Typography` | Apply typography formatting to the active markdown file (`Ctrl+K Ctrl+B`) |
 | `Format All Markdown in Folder` | Apply typography to all `.md` files in a folder |
diff --git a/vscode-ext/package.json b/vscode-ext/package.json
index 2615147..e51d26b 100644
--- a/vscode-ext/package.json
+++ b/vscode-ext/package.json
@@ -1057,7 +1057,7 @@
         "displayName": "Bindery: Setup AI Files",
         "toolReferenceName": "binderySetupAiFiles",
         "canBeReferencedInPrompt": true,
-        "modelDescription": "Generate AI assistant instruction files (CLAUDE.md, copilot-instructions.md, .cursor/rules, AGENTS.md), Claude skill templates, skill zips, and the generated .bindery/README.md capability reference from .bindery/settings.json. Run init_workspace first. Skips existing files unless overwrite is true.",
+        "modelDescription": "Generate AI assistant instruction files (CLAUDE.md, copilot-instructions.md, .cursor/rules, AGENTS.md), Claude skill templates, and the generated .bindery/README.md capability reference from .bindery/settings.json. Run init_workspace first. Skips existing files unless overwrite is true.",
         "inputSchema": {
           "type": "object",
           "properties": {
diff --git a/vscode-ext/src/extension.ts b/vscode-ext/src/extension.ts
index 8ddf0e3..aad4852 100644
--- a/vscode-ext/src/extension.ts
+++ b/vscode-ext/src/extension.ts
@@ -1163,12 +1163,12 @@ async function setupAiCommand(context?: vscode.ExtensionContext) {
         const parsed = JSON.parse(raw) as {
             regenerated_files?: string[];
             skipped_files?: string[];
-            skill_zips?: { reupload_required?: string[] };
+            skill_files?: { reupload_required?: string[] };
         };
 
         const regenerated = parsed.regenerated_files ?? [];
         const skipped = parsed.skipped_files ?? [];
-        const reupload = parsed.skill_zips?.reupload_required ?? [];
+        const reuploadSkillFiles = parsed.skill_files?.reupload_required ?? [];
 
         const summary: string[] = [];
         if (regenerated.length > 0) {
@@ -1179,8 +1179,8 @@ async function setupAiCommand(context?: vscode.ExtensionContext) {
         }
 
         const base = summary.length > 0 ? summary.join(' | ') : 'No files changed.';
-        const suffix = reupload.length > 0
-            ? ` If you use Claude Desktop: open Customize > Skills and re-upload ${reupload.join(', ')}.`
+        const suffix = reuploadSkillFiles.length > 0
+            ? ` If you use Claude Desktop skills, re-upload these SKILL.md files: ${reuploadSkillFiles.join(', ')}.`
             : '';
         vscode.window.showInformationMessage(base + suffix);
     } catch {