diff --git a/assets/reader-decks.js b/assets/reader-decks.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a0d3783
--- /dev/null
+++ b/assets/reader-decks.js
@@ -0,0 +1,212 @@
+/**
+ * Deck components — Alpine.js components for the TweetDeck-style deck view.
+ *
+ * Registers:
+ *   apDeckToggle  — star/favorite button to add/remove a deck on the Search tab
+ *   apDeckColumn  — single deck column with its own infinite-scroll timeline
+ */
+
+document.addEventListener("alpine:init", () => {
+  // ── apDeckToggle ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+  //
+  // Star/favorite button that adds or removes a deck entry for the current
+  // instance+scope combination.
+  //
+  // Parameters (passed via x-data):
+  //   domain       — instance hostname (e.g. "mastodon.social")
+  //   scope        — "local" | "federated"
+  //   mountPath    — plugin mount path for API URL construction
+  //   csrfToken    — CSRF token from server session
+  //   deckCount    — current number of saved decks (for limit enforcement)
+  //   initialState — true if this instance+scope is already a deck
+  // eslint-disable-next-line no-undef
+  Alpine.data("apDeckToggle", (domain, scope, mountPath, csrfToken, deckCount, initialState) => ({
+    inDeck: initialState,
+    currentCount: deckCount,
+    loading: false,
+
+    get deckLimitReached() {
+      return this.currentCount >= 8 && !this.inDeck;
+    },
+
+    async toggle() {
+      if (this.loading) return;
+      if (!this.inDeck && this.deckLimitReached) return;
+
+      this.loading = true;
+      try {
+        const url = this.inDeck
+          ? `${mountPath}/admin/reader/api/decks/remove`
+          : `${mountPath}/admin/reader/api/decks`;
+
+        const res = await fetch(url, {
+          method: "POST",
+          headers: {
+            "Content-Type": "application/json",
+            "X-CSRF-Token": csrfToken,
+          },
+          body: JSON.stringify({ domain, scope }),
+        });
+
+        if (res.ok) {
+          this.inDeck = !this.inDeck;
+          // Track actual count so deckLimitReached stays accurate
+          this.currentCount += this.inDeck ? 1 : -1;
+        }
+      } catch {
+        // Network error — state unchanged, server is source of truth
+      } finally {
+        this.loading = false;
+      }
+    },
+  }));
+
+  // ── apDeckColumn ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+  //
+  // Individual deck column component. Fetches timeline from the explore API
+  // and renders it in a scrollable column with infinite scroll.
+  //
+  // Uses its own IntersectionObserver referencing `this.$refs.sentinel`
+  // (NOT apExploreScroll which hardcodes document.getElementById).
+  //
+  // Parameters (passed via x-data):
+  //   domain    — instance hostname
+  //   scope     — "local" | "federated"
+  //   mountPath — plugin mount path
+  //   index     — column position (0-based), used for staggered loading delay
+  //   csrfToken — CSRF token for remove calls
+  // eslint-disable-next-line no-undef
+  Alpine.data("apDeckColumn", (domain, scope, mountPath, index, csrfToken) => ({
+    itemCount: 0,
+    html: "",
+    maxId: null,
+    loading: false,
+    done: false,
+    error: null,
+    observer: null,
+    abortController: null,
+
+    init() {
+      // Stagger initial fetch: column 0 loads immediately, column N waits N*200ms
+      const delay = index * 200;
+      if (delay === 0) {
+        this.loadMore();
+      } else {
+        setTimeout(() => {
+          this.loadMore();
+        }, delay);
+      }
+
+      // Set up IntersectionObserver scoped to this column's scrollable body
+      // (root must be the scroll container, not viewport, to avoid premature triggers)
+      this.$nextTick(() => {
+        const root = this.$refs.body || null;
+        this.observer = new IntersectionObserver(
+          (entries) => {
+            for (const entry of entries) {
+              if (entry.isIntersecting && !this.loading && !this.done && this.itemCount > 0) {
+                this.loadMore();
+              }
+            }
+          },
+          { root, rootMargin: "200px" },
+        );
+
+        if (this.$refs.sentinel) {
+          this.observer.observe(this.$refs.sentinel);
+        }
+      });
+    },
+
+    destroy() {
+      if (this.abortController) {
+        this.abortController.abort();
+        this.abortController = null;
+      }
+
+      if (this.observer) {
+        this.observer.disconnect();
+        this.observer = null;
+      }
+    },
+
+    async loadMore() {
+      if (this.loading || this.done) return;
+
+      this.loading = true;
+      this.error = null;
+
+      try {
+        this.abortController = new AbortController();
+
+        const url = new URL(`${mountPath}/admin/reader/api/explore`, window.location.origin);
+        url.searchParams.set("instance", domain);
+        url.searchParams.set("scope", scope);
+        if (this.maxId) url.searchParams.set("max_id", this.maxId);
+
+        const res = await fetch(url.toString(), {
+          headers: { Accept: "application/json" },
+          signal: this.abortController.signal,
+        });
+
+        if (!res.ok) {
+          throw new Error(`HTTP ${res.status}`);
+        }
+
+        const data = await res.json();
+
+        if (data.html && data.html.trim() !== "") {
+          this.html += data.html;
+          this.itemCount++;
+        }
+
+        if (data.maxId) {
+          this.maxId = data.maxId;
+        } else {
+          this.done = true;
+        }
+
+        // If no content came back on first load, mark as done
+        if (!data.html || data.html.trim() === "") {
+          this.done = true;
+        }
+      } catch (fetchError) {
+        this.error = fetchError.message || "Could not load timeline";
+      } finally {
+        this.loading = false;
+      }
+    },
+
+    async retryLoad() {
+      this.error = null;
+      this.done = false;
+      await this.loadMore();
+    },
+
+    async removeDeck() {
+      try {
+        const res = await fetch(`${mountPath}/admin/reader/api/decks/remove`, {
+          method: "POST",
+          headers: {
+            "Content-Type": "application/json",
+            "X-CSRF-Token": csrfToken,
+          },
+          body: JSON.stringify({ domain, scope }),
+        });
+
+        if (res.ok) {
+          // Remove column from DOM
+          if (this.observer) {
+            this.observer.disconnect();
+          }
+
+          this.$el.remove();
+        } else {
+          this.error = `Failed to remove (${res.status})`;
+        }
+      } catch {
+        this.error = "Network error — could not remove column";
+      }
+    },
+  }));
+});
diff --git a/assets/reader.css b/assets/reader.css
index b275aac..b52ce3e 100644
--- a/assets/reader.css
+++ b/assets/reader.css
@@ -15,14 +15,15 @@
 }
 
 .ap-lookup__input {
-  flex: 1;
-  padding: var(--space-s) var(--space-m);
   border: var(--border-width-thin) solid var(--color-outline);
   border-radius: var(--border-radius-small);
   background: var(--color-offset);
+  box-sizing: border-box;
   color: var(--color-on-background);
-  font-size: var(--font-size-m);
   font-family: inherit;
+  font-size: var(--font-size-m);
+  padding: var(--space-s) var(--space-m);
+  width: 100%;
 }
 
 .ap-lookup__input::placeholder {
@@ -1784,10 +1785,11 @@
 .ap-explore-form__input {
   border: var(--border-width-thin) solid var(--color-outline);
   border-radius: var(--border-radius-small);
-  flex: 1;
+  box-sizing: border-box;
   font-size: var(--font-size-base);
   min-width: 0;
   padding: var(--space-xs) var(--space-s);
+  width: 100%;
 }
 
 .ap-explore-form__scope {
@@ -2020,3 +2022,190 @@
   color: var(--color-on-offset);
   font-weight: 600;
 }
+
+/* ---------- Explore: deck toggle button ---------- */
+
+.ap-explore-deck-toggle {
+  display: flex;
+  justify-content: flex-end;
+  margin-bottom: var(--space-s);
+}
+
+.ap-explore-deck-toggle__btn {
+  align-items: center;
+  background: none;
+  border: var(--border-width-thin) solid var(--color-outline);
+  border-radius: var(--border-radius-small);
+  color: var(--color-on-background);
+  cursor: pointer;
+  display: inline-flex;
+  font-size: var(--font-size-s);
+  gap: var(--space-2xs);
+  padding: var(--space-xs) var(--space-s);
+  transition: background 0.15s, color 0.15s, border-color 0.15s;
+}
+
+.ap-explore-deck-toggle__btn:hover:not(:disabled) {
+  background: var(--color-offset);
+}
+
+.ap-explore-deck-toggle__btn--active {
+  background: var(--color-accent5);
+  border-color: var(--color-accent5);
+  color: var(--color-on-accent, #fff);
+}
+
+.ap-explore-deck-toggle__btn--active:hover:not(:disabled) {
+  background: var(--color-accent45);
+  border-color: var(--color-accent45);
+}
+
+.ap-explore-deck-toggle__btn:disabled {
+  cursor: not-allowed;
+  opacity: 0.5;
+}
+
+/* ---------- Deck grid layout ---------- */
+
+.ap-deck-grid {
+  display: grid;
+  gap: var(--space-m);
+  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fill, minmax(360px, 1fr));
+  margin-top: var(--space-m);
+  min-width: 0;
+}
+
+/* ---------- Deck column ---------- */
+
+.ap-deck-column {
+  background: var(--color-offset);
+  border: var(--border-width-thin) solid var(--color-outline);
+  border-radius: var(--border-radius-small);
+  display: flex;
+  flex-direction: column;
+  max-height: calc(100dvh - 220px);
+  min-height: 200px;
+  min-width: 0;
+  overflow: hidden;
+}
+
+.ap-deck-column__header {
+  align-items: center;
+  background: var(--color-background);
+  border-bottom: var(--border-width-thin) solid var(--color-outline);
+  display: flex;
+  flex-shrink: 0;
+  gap: var(--space-xs);
+  padding: var(--space-xs) var(--space-s);
+}
+
+.ap-deck-column__domain {
+  font-size: var(--font-size-s);
+  font-weight: 600;
+  min-width: 0;
+  overflow: hidden;
+  text-overflow: ellipsis;
+  white-space: nowrap;
+}
+
+.ap-deck-column__scope-badge {
+  border-radius: var(--border-radius-small);
+  flex-shrink: 0;
+  font-size: var(--font-size-xs);
+  font-weight: 600;
+  padding: 2px var(--space-xs);
+  text-transform: uppercase;
+}
+
+.ap-deck-column__scope-badge--local {
+  background: var(--color-blue10, #dbeafe);
+  color: var(--color-blue50, #1e40af);
+}
+
+.ap-deck-column__scope-badge--federated {
+  background: var(--color-purple10, #ede9fe);
+  color: var(--color-purple50, #5b21b6);
+}
+
+.ap-deck-column__remove {
+  background: none;
+  border: none;
+  color: var(--color-on-offset);
+  cursor: pointer;
+  flex-shrink: 0;
+  font-size: 1.2rem;
+  line-height: 1;
+  margin-left: auto;
+  padding: 0 2px;
+}
+
+.ap-deck-column__remove:hover {
+  color: var(--color-red45);
+}
+
+.ap-deck-column__body {
+  flex: 1;
+  min-height: 0;
+  overflow-y: auto;
+  padding: var(--space-xs);
+}
+
+.ap-deck-column__loading,
+.ap-deck-column__loading-more,
+.ap-deck-column__error,
+.ap-deck-column__empty,
+.ap-deck-column__done {
+  color: var(--color-on-offset);
+  font-size: var(--font-size-s);
+  padding: var(--space-s);
+  text-align: center;
+}
+
+.ap-deck-column__retry {
+  background: none;
+  border: var(--border-width-thin) solid var(--color-outline);
+  border-radius: var(--border-radius-small);
+  color: var(--color-on-background);
+  cursor: pointer;
+  font-size: var(--font-size-s);
+  margin-top: var(--space-xs);
+  padding: var(--space-xs) var(--space-s);
+}
+
+.ap-deck-column__retry:hover {
+  background: var(--color-offset);
+}
+
+/* Cards inside deck columns are more compact */
+.ap-deck-column__items .ap-item-card {
+  font-size: var(--font-size-s);
+}
+
+/* ---------- Deck empty state ---------- */
+
+.ap-deck-empty {
+  margin-top: var(--space-xl);
+  text-align: center;
+}
+
+.ap-deck-empty p {
+  color: var(--color-on-offset);
+  font-size: var(--font-size-s);
+  margin-bottom: var(--space-s);
+}
+
+.ap-deck-empty__link {
+  font-size: var(--font-size-s);
+}
+
+/* ---------- Deck responsive ---------- */
+
+@media (max-width: 767px) {
+  .ap-deck-grid {
+    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
+  }
+
+  .ap-deck-column {
+    max-height: 60vh;
+  }
+}
diff --git a/docs/plans/2026-02-27-activitypub-deck-layout.md b/docs/plans/2026-02-27-activitypub-deck-layout.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..930e30a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/plans/2026-02-27-activitypub-deck-layout.md
@@ -0,0 +1,398 @@
+# ActivityPub Deck Layout Implementation Plan
+
+Created: 2026-02-27
+Status: VERIFIED
+Approved: Yes
+Iterations: 0
+Worktree: No
+
+> **Status Lifecycle:** PENDING → COMPLETE → VERIFIED
+> **Iterations:** Tracks implement→verify cycles (incremented by verify phase)
+>
+> - PENDING: Initial state, awaiting implementation
+> - COMPLETE: All tasks implemented
+> - VERIFIED: All checks passed
+>
+> **Approval Gate:** Implementation CANNOT proceed until `Approved: Yes`
+> **Worktree:** No — works directly on current branch
+
+## Summary
+
+**Goal:** Add a TweetDeck-style multi-column deck layout to the ActivityPub explore view. Users can favorite/bookmark instances (with local or federated scope) and see them as persistent columns in a deck view, each streaming its own public timeline. The same instance can appear twice with different scopes. Also includes responsive CSS fixes for input fields.
+
+**Architecture:** The explore page gets a two-tab UI: "Search" (existing browse-by-search) and "Decks" (multi-column layout of favorited instances). Favorited instances are stored in a new `ap_decks` MongoDB collection. Each deck column is an independent Alpine.js component that fetches timelines via the existing `/api/explore` AJAX endpoint. Deck CRUD is handled via JSON API endpoints. A "favorite" button on the search view lets users save the current instance+scope as a deck.
+
+**Tech Stack:** Alpine.js (client-side reactivity), Express routes (API), MongoDB (persistence), CSS Grid (responsive multi-column layout), existing Mastodon-compatible public timeline API.
+
+## Scope
+
+### In Scope
+
+- New `ap_decks` MongoDB collection for storing favorited instances
+- CRUD API endpoints for deck management (add, remove, list)
+- Two-tab explore page: "Search" tab (existing) and "Decks" tab (new)
+- Multi-column deck layout with CSS Grid, responsive wrapping
+- Each deck column loads its timeline via AJAX with infinite scroll
+- "Add to deck" button on the search view when browsing an instance
+- Visual badge for local vs federated scope on each column header
+- Remove deck button on each column header
+- Responsive CSS fix for `.ap-lookup__input` and `.ap-explore-form__input`
+- i18n strings for all new UI elements
+
+### Out of Scope
+
+- Drag-and-drop column reordering (complex, future enhancement)
+- Auto-refresh / live streaming of deck columns (future enhancement)
+- Cross-column interactions (liking/boosting from deck columns)
+- Custom column names (domain+scope is the label)
+- Deck columns for non-Mastodon-compatible instances
+
+## Prerequisites
+
+- Existing explore controller with `exploreApiController` for AJAX timeline loading (`lib/controllers/explore.js`)
+- Existing `apExploreScroll` Alpine.js component for infinite scroll (`assets/reader-infinite-scroll.js`)
+- Alpine.js loaded via CDN in `views/layouts/ap-reader.njk`
+- FediDB autocomplete already working on explore page
+
+## Context for Implementer
+
+> This section is critical for cross-session continuity.
+
+- **Patterns to follow:**
+  - Route registration: Follow the pattern in `index.js:234` — all deck routes go in the `routes` getter (authenticated admin routes, behind IndieAuth)
+  - Controller factory pattern: All controllers are factory functions returning `(request, response, next)` — see `explore.js:119`
+  - MongoDB collection access: `request.app.locals.application.collections.get("ap_decks")` or pass via factory closure
+  - Alpine.js component registration: via `alpine:init` event, see `assets/reader-autocomplete.js:6`
+  - Infinite scroll: Deck columns must implement their OWN scroll handler (NOT reuse `apExploreScroll` — see gotcha below)
+  - CSS custom properties: Use Indiekit theme vars (`--color-*`, `--space-*`, `--border-*`) — see `assets/reader.css`
+
+- **Conventions:**
+  - All controllers are ESM modules with named exports
+  - CSS class naming: `ap-<feature>__<element>--<modifier>` (BEM-like)
+  - Template naming: `activitypub-<feature>.njk` with `ap-reader.njk` layout
+  - i18n: All user-visible strings go in `locales/en.json` under `activitypub.reader.explore.deck.*`
+  - Dates stored as ISO 8601 strings: always `new Date().toISOString()`, never `new Date()` (CRITICAL — see CLAUDE.md)
+
+- **Key files the implementer must read first:**
+  - `lib/controllers/explore.js` — Existing explore controller with timeline fetching, SSRF validation, Mastodon API mapping
+  - `views/activitypub-explore.njk` — Current explore template
+  - `assets/reader-infinite-scroll.js` — `apExploreScroll` Alpine component for explore infinite scroll
+  - `assets/reader-autocomplete.js` — `apInstanceSearch` Alpine component for autocomplete
+  - `index.js:226-238` — Route registration for explore endpoints (in the `routes` getter)
+  - `index.js:862-878` — MongoDB collection registration
+
+- **Gotchas:**
+  - The explore API (`/api/explore`) already server-side renders card HTML via `request.app.render()` — deck columns can reuse this
+  - Template name collisions: Use `ap-` prefix for all new templates (see CLAUDE.md gotcha #7)
+  - Express 5 removed `redirect("back")` — always use explicit redirect paths
+  - The `validateInstance()` function in `explore.js` is NOT currently exported — Task 2 must export it before importing in `decks.js`
+  - Alpine components MUST load via `defer` script tags BEFORE the Alpine CDN script — `reader-decks.js` must be added before the Alpine CDN `<script>` in `ap-reader.njk`
+  - **`apExploreScroll` CANNOT be reused for deck columns:** It hardcodes `document.getElementById("ap-explore-timeline")` at line 48 — with multiple deck columns, `getElementById` only finds the first one. Deck columns MUST implement their own scroll handler using `this.$refs` or `this.$el.querySelector()` to reference the column's own container.
+  - **CSRF protection is required** on all deck CRUD endpoints. The codebase has `lib/csrf.js` with `getToken()` and `validateToken()`. The `exploreController` must pass `csrfToken: getToken(request.session)` to the template, and client-side `fetch()` calls must include the `X-CSRF-Token` header. Server-side endpoints must call `validateToken(request)` before processing.
+
+- **Domain context:**
+  - "Local" timeline = posts from users who have accounts on that instance
+  - "Federated" timeline = all posts that instance's relay has seen from across the fediverse
+  - Mastodon API: `GET /api/v1/timelines/public?local=true|false&limit=N&max_id=ID`
+  - Not all instances support public timeline access (some return 401/422) — the FediDB instance-check endpoint already handles this
+
+## Runtime Environment
+
+- **Start command:** Part of Indiekit — `npm start` or deployed via Cloudron
+- **Port:** 8080 (behind nginx on Cloudron)
+- **Deploy path:** Published to npm, installed in `indiekit-cloudron/Dockerfile`
+- **Health check:** Served via Indiekit's built-in health endpoint
+- **Restart procedure:** `cloudron restart --app rmendes.net` or bump version + `npm publish` + `cloudron build`
+
+## Progress Tracking
+
+**MANDATORY: Update this checklist as tasks complete. Change `[ ]` to `[x]`.**
+
+- [x] Task 1: Responsive CSS fix + deck collection setup
+- [x] Task 2: Deck CRUD API endpoints
+- [x] Task 3: Two-tab explore page layout
+- [x] Task 4: "Add to deck" button on search view
+- [x] Task 5: Deck column Alpine.js component
+- [x] Task 6: Multi-column deck view with responsive grid
+
+**Total Tasks:** 6 | **Completed:** 6 | **Remaining:** 0
+
+## Implementation Tasks
+
+### Task 1: Responsive CSS Fix + Deck Collection Setup
+
+**Objective:** Commit the pending responsive CSS changes and register the new `ap_decks` MongoDB collection with proper indexes.
+
+**Dependencies:** None
+
+**Files:**
+
+- Modify: `assets/reader.css` (already has uncommitted changes — commit the existing diff as-is)
+- Modify: `index.js` (add `ap_decks` collection registration + index)
+
+**Key Decisions / Notes:**
+
+- The CSS diff changes `.ap-lookup__input` and `.ap-explore-form__input` from `flex: 1` to `width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box`, and also alphabetically reorders properties. Commit the existing diff without additional changes.
+- New collection `ap_decks` stores deck entries: `{ domain, scope, addedAt }`
+- `addedAt` MUST be stored as `new Date().toISOString()` per the date convention (never `new Date()`)
+- Compound unique index on `{ domain: 1, scope: 1 }` allows same instance with different scopes
+- Column order is determined by `addedAt` ascending (no separate position field — drag-and-drop reordering is out of scope)
+- Collection registration follows the pattern at `index.js:862-878`
+- Collection reference added to `this._collections` object at `index.js:882-903`
+
+**Definition of Done:**
+
+- [ ] `ap_decks` collection is registered in `index.js` init method
+- [ ] `ap_decks` has compound unique index `{ domain: 1, scope: 1 }`
+- [ ] `ap_decks` is added to `this._collections` for controller access
+- [ ] Responsive CSS fix is included (commit existing diff as-is)
+
+**Verify:**
+
+- `grep "ap_decks" index.js` — collection registered and referenced
+- Visual check: input fields span full width on explore and reader pages
+
+### Task 2: Deck CRUD API Endpoints
+
+**Objective:** Create API endpoints for managing deck entries: list all decks, add a deck, remove a deck. Export `validateInstance()` from `explore.js` for reuse.
+
+**Dependencies:** Task 1
+
+**Files:**
+
+- Modify: `lib/controllers/explore.js` (export `validateInstance()`)
+- Create: `lib/controllers/decks.js`
+- Modify: `index.js` (import and register routes in the `routes` getter)
+
+**Key Decisions / Notes:**
+
+- First, export `validateInstance()` from `explore.js` by changing `function validateInstance` to `export function validateInstance`
+- Three endpoints, all registered in the `routes` getter (authenticated via IndieAuth):
+  - `GET /admin/reader/api/decks` — returns all decks sorted by `addedAt` ascending
+  - `POST /admin/reader/api/decks` — body: `{ domain, scope }`. Validates domain via `validateInstance()`. Returns the created deck.
+  - `POST /admin/reader/api/decks/remove` — body: `{ domain, scope }`. Removes the deck entry. Returns `{ success: true }`. Uses POST instead of DELETE to avoid issues with request bodies being stripped by proxies/CDNs.
+- Follow the controller factory pattern from `explore.js:119` — each endpoint is a factory function returning `(req, res, next)`
+- Maximum 8 decks enforced: `POST /api/decks` returns 400 if user already has 8 or more
+- **CSRF protection:** Both `POST /api/decks` and `POST /api/decks/remove` must call `validateToken(request)` from `lib/csrf.js` before processing. Return 403 if invalid.
+
+**Definition of Done:**
+
+- [ ] `validateInstance()` is exported from `explore.js` for reuse by deck endpoints
+- [ ] `GET /api/decks` returns JSON array of decks sorted by addedAt
+- [ ] `POST /api/decks` with `{ domain: "mastodon.social", scope: "local" }` creates a deck entry
+- [ ] `POST /api/decks` with invalid domain returns 400 error
+- [ ] `POST /api/decks` with duplicate domain+scope returns 409 conflict
+- [ ] `POST /api/decks` returns 400 if user already has 8 or more decks
+- [ ] `POST /api/decks/remove` with `{ domain, scope }` removes the entry
+- [ ] All endpoints are registered in the `routes` getter (behind IndieAuth)
+- [ ] All endpoints use `validateInstance()` for SSRF prevention
+- [ ] `POST /api/decks` and `POST /api/decks/remove` validate CSRF token via `validateToken(request)` from `lib/csrf.js`
+
+**Verify:**
+
+- `curl` commands against the running instance to test CRUD operations
+- `grep "api/decks" index.js` — routes registered in the `routes` getter
+
+### Task 3: Two-Tab Explore Page Layout
+
+**Objective:** Restructure the explore page with tab navigation: "Search" (existing functionality) and "Decks" (new deck view). Server-rendered tabs with URL parameter switching.
+
+**Dependencies:** Task 1
+
+**Files:**
+
+- Modify: `views/activitypub-explore.njk`
+- Modify: `lib/controllers/explore.js` (pass `decks` and `activeTab` to template)
+- Modify: `assets/reader.css` (tab styles)
+- Modify: `locales/en.json` (new i18n strings)
+
+**Key Decisions / Notes:**
+
+- Tab switching via `?tab=search|decks` query parameter, default "search"
+- The `exploreController` fetches deck list from `ap_decks` and passes to template as `decks`
+- The `exploreController` must also pass `csrfToken: getToken(request.session)` to the template so Alpine.js components can include it in `X-CSRF-Token` headers on fetch calls
+- Tab CSS follows the existing notification tabs pattern (see `activitypub-notifications.njk` if available, or design from scratch using `ap-explore-tabs__*` class prefix)
+- The "Decks" tab content is a container that the Alpine.js deck components (Task 5-6) will populate
+- When `?tab=decks` and no decks exist, show an empty state message explaining how to add decks
+
+**Definition of Done:**
+
+- [ ] Explore page shows two tabs: "Search" and "Decks"
+- [ ] Clicking "Search" tab shows `?tab=search` with existing explore UI
+- [ ] Clicking "Decks" tab shows `?tab=decks` with deck container
+- [ ] Active tab is visually highlighted
+- [ ] "Decks" tab with no decks shows empty state message
+- [ ] All new strings are in `locales/en.json`
+
+**Verify:**
+
+- Navigate to `/activitypub/admin/reader/explore` — see Search tab active by default
+- Navigate to `/activitypub/admin/reader/explore?tab=decks` — see Decks tab active
+- Check i18n strings present: `grep "deck" locales/en.json`
+
+### Task 4: "Add to Deck" Button on Search View
+
+**Objective:** Add a "favorite" / "Add to deck" button on the search results view that saves the current instance+scope as a deck column.
+
+**Dependencies:** Task 2, Task 3
+
+**Files:**
+
+- Modify: `views/activitypub-explore.njk` (add star/favorite button)
+- Modify: `assets/reader.css` (button styles)
+- Create: `assets/reader-decks.js` (Alpine.js component for deck management)
+- Modify: `views/layouts/ap-reader.njk` (add script tag for reader-decks.js — MUST be placed BEFORE the Alpine CDN script, alongside the other component scripts)
+- Modify: `locales/en.json` (button labels)
+
+**Key Decisions / Notes:**
+
+- The button appears next to the "Browse" button when viewing an instance timeline (results are showing)
+- Alpine.js `apDeckToggle` component: checks if current instance+scope is already a deck, shows filled/empty star
+- On click: calls `POST /api/decks` or `POST /api/decks/remove` to toggle
+- **CSRF token:** All fetch calls must include `X-CSRF-Token` header with the token from the template (passed via a `data-csrf-token` attribute on the component's container, populated by `{{ csrfToken }}` from the server)
+- Visual feedback: star fills/empties, brief toast or inline feedback
+- **Max deck limit enforcement:** The component must know the current deck count. When 8 decks exist and the instance is not already favorited, the star button should be disabled with a tooltip explaining the limit. The template must pass the deck count (or max-reached boolean) so the Alpine component can check.
+- The new `reader-decks.js` file will hold both the deck toggle and the deck column components (Task 5)
+- The `<script defer>` tag in `ap-reader.njk` MUST be placed before the Alpine CDN `<script>` so the component is registered via `alpine:init` before Alpine initializes
+
+**Definition of Done:**
+
+- [ ] Star button appears when browsing an instance timeline on the Search tab
+- [ ] Clicking the star when not favorited calls `POST /api/decks` and fills the star
+- [ ] Clicking the star when already favorited calls `POST /api/decks/remove` and empties the star
+- [ ] Star state is correct on page load (pre-checked against existing decks)
+- [ ] Button has appropriate aria-label and title text
+- [ ] Fetch calls include `X-CSRF-Token` header with token from template
+- [ ] Star button is disabled with tooltip when 8 decks already exist (and current instance is not already favorited)
+- [ ] `reader-decks.js` script tag is placed before Alpine CDN script in `ap-reader.njk`
+
+**Verify:**
+
+- Browse mastodon.social local timeline → star button visible
+- Click star → star fills, deck entry created (verify via `GET /api/decks`)
+- Reload page → star is still filled
+- Click star again → star empties, deck entry removed
+
+### Task 5: Deck Column Alpine.js Component
+
+**Objective:** Create the `apDeckColumn` Alpine.js component that loads a single instance's timeline into a scrollable column with infinite scroll.
+
+**Dependencies:** Task 2
+
+**Files:**
+
+- Modify: `assets/reader-decks.js` (add `apDeckColumn` component)
+
+**Key Decisions / Notes:**
+
+- Each column is an independent Alpine.js component initialized with `domain` and `scope` props
+- On init, fetches timeline from `GET /admin/reader/api/explore?instance={domain}&scope={scope}`
+- Response includes `{ html, maxId }` — the HTML is server-rendered card markup
+- Column maintains its own `maxId` for pagination, own `loading` and `done` states
+- **Own scroll handler (NOT `apExploreScroll`):** The `apDeckColumn` component MUST implement its own IntersectionObserver-based scroll handler. The existing `apExploreScroll` uses `document.getElementById("ap-explore-timeline")` which only finds the first element — it fundamentally cannot work with multiple columns. The deck column component should use `this.$refs.sentinel` or `this.$el.querySelector('.ap-deck-column__sentinel')` to observe within its own container.
+- Column header shows: instance domain, scope badge (Local/Federated), and a remove button
+- Remove button calls `POST /api/decks/remove` (with CSRF token in `X-CSRF-Token` header) then removes the column from DOM
+- Error handling: if instance is unreachable, show error message in column body with a "Retry" button that re-triggers the fetch
+- Loading state: show spinner/skeleton while first batch loads
+- **Staggered initial fetch:** Columns delay their initial fetch based on their index (column 0 = immediate, column 1 = 500ms, column 2 = 1000ms, etc.) to avoid thundering herd when many columns load simultaneously
+
+**Definition of Done:**
+
+- [ ] `apDeckColumn` component fetches and renders timeline items from remote instance
+- [ ] Infinite scroll loads more items as user scrolls down in the column
+- [ ] Column header shows domain name and scope badge
+- [ ] Remove button removes deck from DB and removes column from DOM
+- [ ] Loading spinner shown during initial fetch
+- [ ] Error message shown if instance is unreachable, with a "Retry" button
+- [ ] Scroll handler uses `this.$refs` or `this.$el.querySelector()` (NOT `document.getElementById`)
+- [ ] Remove button sends CSRF token via `X-CSRF-Token` header
+- [ ] Columns stagger their initial fetch with 500ms delay per column index
+
+**Verify:**
+
+- Add a deck for mastodon.social (local) → column loads timeline items
+- Scroll to bottom of column → more items load
+- Click remove → column disappears, `GET /api/decks` no longer includes it
+
+### Task 6: Multi-Column Deck View with Responsive Grid
+
+**Objective:** Build the deck view that renders all favorited instances as a multi-column layout using CSS Grid, with responsive behavior.
+
+**Dependencies:** Task 3, Task 5
+
+**Files:**
+
+- Modify: `views/activitypub-explore.njk` (deck view section with column containers)
+- Modify: `assets/reader.css` (CSS Grid layout, responsive breakpoints)
+- Modify: `assets/reader-decks.js` (deck view initialization)
+- Modify: `locales/en.json` (empty states, column labels)
+
+**Key Decisions / Notes:**
+
+- CSS Grid layout: `grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fill, minmax(360px, 1fr))`
+  - Desktop: columns sit side-by-side (2-3 columns on wide screens)
+  - Tablet: 2 columns
+  - Mobile (<768px): single column, stacked vertically
+- Each column has a fixed max-height with internal scrolling (`overflow-y: auto`)
+- Column max-height: `calc(100vh - 200px)` (viewport minus header/tabs)
+- Scope badge styling: "Local" gets a blue badge, "Federated" gets a purple badge
+- Empty deck view: centered message with explanation and a link to the Search tab
+- Column order follows `addedAt` ascending from `ap_decks` (oldest first)
+- The deck view template renders column containers server-side (from `decks` data), but each column loads its content client-side via Alpine.js
+- Column containers have `x-data="apDeckColumn('domain', 'scope', 'mountPath', index)"` attributes (index used for stagger delay)
+
+**Definition of Done:**
+
+- [ ] Deck view renders all favorited instances as columns
+- [ ] Columns sit side-by-side on desktop (≥1024px)
+- [ ] Columns stack vertically on mobile (<768px)
+- [ ] Each column has its own scrollbar for long timelines
+- [ ] Scope badges show "Local" (blue) or "Federated" (purple) per column
+- [ ] Empty deck view shows helpful message with link to Search tab
+- [ ] Column order matches addedAt ascending in `ap_decks`
+
+**Verify:**
+
+- Add 3 decks → see 3 columns on desktop
+- Resize browser to mobile → columns stack
+- Each column scrolls independently
+- Empty decks view shows the empty state message
+
+## Testing Strategy
+
+- **Unit tests:** No automated test suite exists. Manual testing against real fediverse instances.
+- **Integration tests:** Test deck CRUD API endpoints via `curl`:
+  - `POST /api/decks` with valid/invalid/duplicate data
+  - `GET /api/decks` returns correct list
+  - `POST /api/decks/remove` removes entries
+- **Manual verification:**
+  1. Add 2-3 decks (mix of local/federated)
+  2. Switch to Decks tab — see columns
+  3. Scroll columns — infinite scroll works
+  4. Remove a deck from column header — column disappears
+  5. Add same instance with different scope — both columns appear
+  6. Resize browser — responsive layout works
+  7. Test on deployed Cloudron instance
+
+## Risks and Mitigations
+
+| Risk | Likelihood | Impact | Mitigation |
+| ---- | ---------- | ------ | ---------- |
+| Multiple columns fetching simultaneously may slow page load | Medium | Medium | Stagger initial column fetches with 500ms delay per column index (column 0 immediate, column 1 at 500ms, etc.) |
+| Remote instances may block or rate-limit multiple simultaneous timeline requests | Low | Medium | Each column fetches independently with its own AbortController; timeout at 10s (existing FETCH_TIMEOUT_MS) |
+| Large number of deck columns may cause layout issues | Low | Low | Cap maximum decks at 8; `POST /api/decks` returns 400 if limit reached |
+| Instance timeline API format varies across Mastodon forks | Low | Medium | The existing `mapMastodonStatusToItem()` in `explore.js` already handles this; deck columns reuse same API |
+| CSS Grid not supported in very old browsers | Very Low | Low | CSS Grid has >97% browser support; fallback is single-column layout (natural Grid behavior) |
+
+## Open Questions
+
+- None — requirements are clear from user description.
+
+### Deferred Ideas
+
+- Drag-and-drop column reordering
+- Auto-refresh / live streaming of deck columns (WebSocket or polling)
+- Deck column width customization
+- Cross-column interactions (like/boost directly from deck columns without opening post)
+- Deck sharing/export (export deck configuration)
+- Deck presets (pre-configured sets of popular instances)
diff --git a/index.js b/index.js
index 14c04a5..53412ca 100644
--- a/index.js
+++ b/index.js
@@ -69,6 +69,11 @@ import {
   popularAccountsApiController,
 } from "./lib/controllers/explore.js";
 import { followTagController, unfollowTagController } from "./lib/controllers/follow-tag.js";
+import {
+  listDecksController,
+  addDeckController,
+  removeDeckController,
+} from "./lib/controllers/decks.js";
 import { publicProfileController } from "./lib/controllers/public-profile.js";
 import { authorizeInteractionController } from "./lib/controllers/authorize-interaction.js";
 import { myProfileController } from "./lib/controllers/my-profile.js";
@@ -236,6 +241,9 @@ export default class ActivityPubEndpoint {
     router.get("/admin/reader/api/instances", instanceSearchApiController(mp));
     router.get("/admin/reader/api/instance-check", instanceCheckApiController(mp));
     router.get("/admin/reader/api/popular-accounts", popularAccountsApiController(mp));
+    router.get("/admin/reader/api/decks", listDecksController(mp));
+    router.post("/admin/reader/api/decks", addDeckController(mp));
+    router.post("/admin/reader/api/decks/remove", removeDeckController(mp));
     router.post("/admin/reader/follow-tag", followTagController(mp));
     router.post("/admin/reader/unfollow-tag", unfollowTagController(mp));
     router.get("/admin/reader/notifications", notificationsController(mp));
@@ -876,6 +884,8 @@ export default class ActivityPubEndpoint {
     Indiekit.addCollection("ap_interactions");
     Indiekit.addCollection("ap_notes");
     Indiekit.addCollection("ap_followed_tags");
+    // Deck collections
+    Indiekit.addCollection("ap_decks");
 
     // Store collection references (posts resolved lazily)
     const indiekitCollections = Indiekit.collections;
@@ -896,6 +906,8 @@ export default class ActivityPubEndpoint {
       ap_interactions: indiekitCollections.get("ap_interactions"),
       ap_notes: indiekitCollections.get("ap_notes"),
       ap_followed_tags: indiekitCollections.get("ap_followed_tags"),
+      // Deck collections
+      ap_decks: indiekitCollections.get("ap_decks"),
       get posts() {
         return indiekitCollections.get("posts");
       },
@@ -1019,6 +1031,12 @@ export default class ActivityPubEndpoint {
         { category: 1, published: -1 },
         { background: true },
       );
+
+      // Deck index — compound unique ensures same instance can appear at most once per scope
+      this._collections.ap_decks.createIndex(
+        { domain: 1, scope: 1 },
+        { unique: true, background: true },
+      );
     } catch {
       // Index creation failed — collections not yet available.
       // Indexes already exist from previous startups; non-fatal.
diff --git a/lib/controllers/decks.js b/lib/controllers/decks.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..09003b6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/controllers/decks.js
@@ -0,0 +1,137 @@
+/**
+ * Deck CRUD controller — manages favorited instance deck entries.
+ * Stored in the ap_decks MongoDB collection.
+ */
+
+import { validateToken } from "../csrf.js";
+import { validateInstance } from "./explore.js";
+
+const MAX_DECKS = 8;
+
+/**
+ * GET /admin/reader/api/decks
+ * Returns all deck entries sorted by addedAt ascending.
+ */
+export function listDecksController(_mountPath) {
+  return async (request, response, next) => {
+    try {
+      const { application } = request.app.locals;
+      const collection = application?.collections?.get("ap_decks");
+      if (!collection) {
+        return response.json([]);
+      }
+
+      const decks = await collection
+        .find({}, { projection: { _id: 0 } })
+        .sort({ addedAt: 1 })
+        .toArray();
+
+      return response.json(decks);
+    } catch (error) {
+      return next(error);
+    }
+  };
+}
+
+/**
+ * POST /admin/reader/api/decks
+ * Adds a new deck entry for the given domain + scope.
+ * Body: { domain, scope }
+ */
+export function addDeckController(_mountPath) {
+  return async (request, response, next) => {
+    try {
+      // CSRF protection
+      if (!validateToken(request)) {
+        return response.status(403).json({ error: "Invalid CSRF token" });
+      }
+
+      const { application } = request.app.locals;
+      const collection = application?.collections?.get("ap_decks");
+      if (!collection) {
+        return response.status(500).json({ error: "Deck storage unavailable" });
+      }
+
+      const { domain: rawDomain, scope: rawScope } = request.body;
+
+      // Validate domain (SSRF prevention)
+      const domain = validateInstance(rawDomain);
+      if (!domain) {
+        return response.status(400).json({ error: "Invalid instance domain" });
+      }
+
+      // Validate scope
+      const scope = rawScope === "federated" ? "federated" : "local";
+
+      // Enforce max deck limit
+      const count = await collection.countDocuments();
+      if (count >= MAX_DECKS) {
+        return response.status(400).json({
+          error: `Maximum of ${MAX_DECKS} decks reached`,
+        });
+      }
+
+      // Insert (unique index on domain+scope will throw on duplicate)
+      const deck = {
+        domain,
+        scope,
+        addedAt: new Date().toISOString(),
+      };
+
+      try {
+        await collection.insertOne(deck);
+      } catch (insertError) {
+        if (insertError.code === 11_000) {
+          // Duplicate key — deck already exists
+          return response.status(409).json({
+            error: "Deck already exists for this domain and scope",
+          });
+        }
+
+        throw insertError;
+      }
+
+      return response.status(201).json(deck);
+    } catch (error) {
+      return next(error);
+    }
+  };
+}
+
+/**
+ * POST /admin/reader/api/decks/remove
+ * Removes the deck entry for the given domain + scope.
+ * Body: { domain, scope }
+ */
+export function removeDeckController(_mountPath) {
+  return async (request, response, next) => {
+    try {
+      // CSRF protection
+      if (!validateToken(request)) {
+        return response.status(403).json({ error: "Invalid CSRF token" });
+      }
+
+      const { application } = request.app.locals;
+      const collection = application?.collections?.get("ap_decks");
+      if (!collection) {
+        return response.status(500).json({ error: "Deck storage unavailable" });
+      }
+
+      const { domain: rawDomain, scope: rawScope } = request.body;
+
+      // Validate domain (SSRF prevention)
+      const domain = validateInstance(rawDomain);
+      if (!domain) {
+        return response.status(400).json({ error: "Invalid instance domain" });
+      }
+
+      const scope = rawScope === "federated" ? "federated" : "local";
+
+      await collection.deleteOne({ domain, scope });
+
+      return response.json({ success: true });
+    } catch (error) {
+      return next(error);
+    }
+  };
+}
diff --git a/lib/controllers/explore.js b/lib/controllers/explore.js
index 76eab30..f64ac15 100644
--- a/lib/controllers/explore.js
+++ b/lib/controllers/explore.js
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@
 import sanitizeHtml from "sanitize-html";
 import { sanitizeContent } from "../timeline-store.js";
 import { searchInstances, checkInstanceTimeline, getPopularAccounts } from "../fedidb.js";
+import { getToken } from "../csrf.js";
 
 const FETCH_TIMEOUT_MS = 10_000;
 const MAX_RESULTS = 20;
@@ -18,7 +19,7 @@ const MAX_RESULTS = 20;
  * @param {string} instance - Raw instance parameter from query string
  * @returns {string|null} Validated hostname or null
  */
-function validateInstance(instance) {
+export function validateInstance(instance) {
   if (!instance || typeof instance !== "string") return null;
 
   try {
@@ -122,6 +123,23 @@ export function exploreController(mountPath) {
       const rawInstance = request.query.instance || "";
       const scope = request.query.scope === "federated" ? "federated" : "local";
       const maxId = request.query.max_id || "";
+      const activeTab = request.query.tab === "decks" ? "decks" : "search";
+
+      // Fetch deck list for both tabs (needed for star button state + deck tab)
+      const { application } = request.app.locals;
+      const decksCollection = application?.collections?.get("ap_decks");
+      let decks = [];
+      try {
+        decks = await decksCollection
+          .find({})
+          .sort({ addedAt: 1 })
+          .toArray();
+      } catch {
+        // Collection unavailable — non-fatal, decks defaults to []
+      }
+
+      const csrfToken = getToken(request.session);
+      const deckCount = decks.length;
 
       // No instance specified — render clean initial page (no error)
       if (!rawInstance.trim()) {
@@ -133,6 +151,11 @@ export function exploreController(mountPath) {
           maxId: null,
           error: null,
           mountPath,
+          activeTab,
+          decks,
+          deckCount,
+          isInDeck: false,
+          csrfToken,
         });
       }
 
@@ -146,6 +169,11 @@ export function exploreController(mountPath) {
           maxId: null,
           error: response.locals.__("activitypub.reader.explore.invalidInstance"),
           mountPath,
+          activeTab,
+          decks,
+          deckCount,
+          isInDeck: false,
+          csrfToken,
         });
       }
 
@@ -194,6 +222,10 @@ export function exploreController(mountPath) {
         error = msg;
       }
 
+      const isInDeck = decks.some(
+        (d) => d.domain === instance && d.scope === scope,
+      );
+
       response.render("activitypub-explore", {
         title: response.locals.__("activitypub.reader.explore.title"),
         instance,
@@ -202,9 +234,13 @@ export function exploreController(mountPath) {
         maxId: nextMaxId,
         error,
         mountPath,
+        activeTab,
+        decks,
+        deckCount,
+        isInDeck,
+        csrfToken,
         // Pass empty interactionMap — explore posts are not in our DB
         interactionMap: {},
-        csrfToken: "",
       });
     } catch (error) {
       next(error);
diff --git a/locales/en.json b/locales/en.json
index 9e725c4..b235d80 100644
--- a/locales/en.json
+++ b/locales/en.json
@@ -239,7 +239,24 @@
         "invalidInstance": "Invalid instance hostname. Please enter a valid domain name.",
         "mauLabel": "MAU",
         "timelineSupported": "Public timeline available",
-        "timelineUnsupported": "Public timeline not available"
+        "timelineUnsupported": "Public timeline not available",
+        "tabs": {
+          "search": "Search",
+          "decks": "Decks"
+        },
+        "deck": {
+          "addToDeck": "Add to deck",
+          "removeFromDeck": "Remove from deck",
+          "inDeck": "In deck",
+          "deckLimitReached": "Maximum of 8 decks reached",
+          "localBadge": "Local",
+          "federatedBadge": "Federated",
+          "removeColumn": "Remove column",
+          "retry": "Retry",
+          "loadError": "Could not load timeline from this instance.",
+          "emptyState": "No decks yet. Browse an instance in the Search tab and click the star to add it.",
+          "emptyStateLink": "Go to Search"
+        }
       },
       "tagTimeline": {
         "postsTagged": "%d posts",
diff --git a/views/activitypub-explore.njk b/views/activitypub-explore.njk
index 6e29664..a84e38a 100644
--- a/views/activitypub-explore.njk
+++ b/views/activitypub-explore.njk
@@ -9,6 +9,23 @@
     <p class="ap-explore-header__desc">{{ __("activitypub.reader.explore.description") }}</p>
   </header>
 
+  {# Tab navigation #}
+  {% set exploreBase = mountPath + "/admin/reader/explore" %}
+  <nav class="ap-tabs">
+    <a href="{{ exploreBase }}" class="ap-tab{% if activeTab != 'decks' %} ap-tab--active{% endif %}">
+      {{ __("activitypub.reader.explore.tabs.search") }}
+    </a>
+    <a href="{{ exploreBase }}?tab=decks" class="ap-tab{% if activeTab == 'decks' %} ap-tab--active{% endif %}">
+      {{ __("activitypub.reader.explore.tabs.decks") }}
+      {% if decks and decks.length > 0 %}
+        <span class="ap-tab__count">{{ decks.length }}</span>
+      {% endif %}
+    </a>
+  </nav>
+
+  {# ── Search tab ────────────────────────────────────────────────── #}
+  {% if activeTab != 'decks' %}
+
   {# Instance form with autocomplete #}
   <form action="{{ mountPath }}/admin/reader/explore" method="get" class="ap-explore-form"
     x-data="apInstanceSearch('{{ mountPath }}')"
@@ -90,6 +107,23 @@
 
   {# Results #}
   {% if instance and not error %}
+    {# Add to deck toggle button (shown when browsing results) #}
+    {% if items.length > 0 %}
+      <div class="ap-explore-deck-toggle"
+        x-data="apDeckToggle('{{ instance }}', '{{ scope }}', '{{ mountPath }}', '{{ csrfToken }}', {{ deckCount }}, {{ 'true' if isInDeck else 'false' }})">
+        <button
+          type="button"
+          class="ap-explore-deck-toggle__btn"
+          :class="{ 'ap-explore-deck-toggle__btn--active': inDeck }"
+          @click="toggle()"
+          :disabled="!inDeck && deckLimitReached"
+          :title="!inDeck && deckLimitReached ? '{{ __('activitypub.reader.explore.deck.deckLimitReached') }}' : (inDeck ? '{{ __('activitypub.reader.explore.deck.removeFromDeck') }}' : '{{ __('activitypub.reader.explore.deck.addToDeck') }}')"
+          :aria-label="!inDeck && deckLimitReached ? '{{ __('activitypub.reader.explore.deck.deckLimitReached') }}' : (inDeck ? '{{ __('activitypub.reader.explore.deck.removeFromDeck') }}' : '{{ __('activitypub.reader.explore.deck.addToDeck') }}')"
+          x-text="inDeck ? '★ {{ __('activitypub.reader.explore.deck.inDeck') }}' : '☆ {{ __('activitypub.reader.explore.deck.addToDeck') }}'">
+        </button>
+      </div>
+    {% endif %}
+
     {% if items.length > 0 %}
       <div class="ap-timeline ap-explore-timeline"
         id="ap-explore-timeline"
@@ -123,4 +157,62 @@
       {{ prose({ text: __("activitypub.reader.explore.noResults") }) }}
     {% endif %}
   {% endif %}
+
+  {% endif %}{# end Search tab #}
+
+  {# ── Decks tab ──────────────────────────────────────────────────── #}
+  {% if activeTab == 'decks' %}
+    {% if decks and decks.length > 0 %}
+      <div class="ap-deck-grid" data-csrf-token="{{ csrfToken }}">
+        {% for deck in decks %}
+          <div class="ap-deck-column"
+            x-data="apDeckColumn('{{ deck.domain }}', '{{ deck.scope }}', '{{ mountPath }}', {{ loop.index0 }}, '{{ csrfToken }}')"
+            x-init="init()">
+            <header class="ap-deck-column__header">
+              <span class="ap-deck-column__domain">{{ deck.domain }}</span>
+              <span class="ap-deck-column__scope-badge ap-deck-column__scope-badge--{{ deck.scope }}">
+                {{ __("activitypub.reader.explore.deck." + deck.scope + "Badge") }}
+              </span>
+              <button
+                type="button"
+                class="ap-deck-column__remove"
+                @click="removeDeck()"
+                title="{{ __('activitypub.reader.explore.deck.removeColumn') }}"
+                aria-label="{{ __('activitypub.reader.explore.deck.removeColumn') }}">×</button>
+            </header>
+            <div class="ap-deck-column__body" x-ref="body">
+              <div x-show="loading && itemCount === 0" class="ap-deck-column__loading">
+                <span>{{ __("activitypub.reader.pagination.loading") }}</span>
+              </div>
+              <div x-show="error" class="ap-deck-column__error" x-cloak>
+                <p x-text="error"></p>
+                <button type="button" class="ap-deck-column__retry" @click="retryLoad()">
+                  {{ __("activitypub.reader.explore.deck.retry") }}
+                </button>
+              </div>
+              <div x-show="!loading && !error && itemCount === 0" class="ap-deck-column__empty" x-cloak>
+                {{ __("activitypub.reader.explore.noResults") }}
+              </div>
+              <div x-html="html" class="ap-deck-column__items"></div>
+              <div class="ap-deck-column__sentinel" x-ref="sentinel"></div>
+              <div x-show="loading && itemCount > 0" class="ap-deck-column__loading-more" x-cloak>
+                <span>{{ __("activitypub.reader.pagination.loading") }}</span>
+              </div>
+              <p x-show="done && itemCount > 0" class="ap-deck-column__done" x-cloak>
+                {{ __("activitypub.reader.pagination.noMore") }}
+              </p>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+        {% endfor %}
+      </div>
+    {% else %}
+      <div class="ap-deck-empty">
+        <p>{{ __("activitypub.reader.explore.deck.emptyState") }}</p>
+        <a href="{{ exploreBase }}" class="ap-deck-empty__link">
+          {{ __("activitypub.reader.explore.deck.emptyStateLink") }}
+        </a>
+      </div>
+    {% endif %}
+  {% endif %}{# end Decks tab #}
+
 {% endblock %}
diff --git a/views/layouts/ap-reader.njk b/views/layouts/ap-reader.njk
index 1faea3b..12bcaa0 100644
--- a/views/layouts/ap-reader.njk
+++ b/views/layouts/ap-reader.njk
@@ -5,6 +5,8 @@
   <script defer src="/assets/@rmdes-indiekit-endpoint-activitypub/reader-infinite-scroll.js"></script>
   {# Autocomplete components for explore + popular accounts #}
   <script defer src="/assets/@rmdes-indiekit-endpoint-activitypub/reader-autocomplete.js"></script>
+  {# Deck components — apDeckToggle and apDeckColumn #}
+  <script defer src="/assets/@rmdes-indiekit-endpoint-activitypub/reader-decks.js"></script>
 
   {# Alpine.js for client-side reactivity (CW toggles, interaction buttons, infinite scroll) #}
   <script defer src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/alpinejs@3.14.9/dist/cdn.min.js"></script>