diff --git a/newhelpmenu/formatter.py b/newhelpmenu/formatter.py
index b808d65..108f44b 100644
--- a/newhelpmenu/formatter.py
+++ b/newhelpmenu/formatter.py
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ from __future__ import annotations
 
 import asyncio
 import logging
+import math
 from collections import defaultdict
 from typing import Any, Dict, List, Optional, Sequence, Tuple, Union
 
@@ -23,8 +24,8 @@ from redbot.core.utils.chat_formatting import humanize_list, pagify
 
 log = logging.getLogger("red.evecogs.newhelpmenu.formatter")
 
-MAX_FIELDS_PER_PAGE = 8
-EMBED_CHAR_LIMIT = 5800  # Leave margin under 6000
+MAX_FIELDS_PER_PAGE = 6  # Keep pages clean, not cramped
+EMBED_CHAR_LIMIT = 5800
 
 
 # ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
@@ -52,7 +53,6 @@ async def gather_bot_help_data(
     blacklisted_commands = blacklisted_commands or []
     prefix = ctx.clean_prefix
 
-    # Gather all visible commands grouped by cog
     cog_commands: Dict[str, List[commands.Command]] = defaultdict(list)
 
     for cmd in sorted(bot.commands, key=lambda c: c.qualified_name):
@@ -71,19 +71,17 @@ async def gather_bot_help_data(
             continue
         cog_commands[cog_name].append(cmd)
 
-    # Map cogs → categories
     cog_to_category: Dict[str, str] = {}
     for cat_name, cog_list in categories.items():
         for cog_name in cog_list:
             cog_to_category[cog_name] = cat_name
 
-    # Group by category
     category_data: Dict[str, List[Tuple[str, str]]] = defaultdict(list)
     total = 0
     for cog_name, cmds in cog_commands.items():
         cat = cog_to_category.get(cog_name, cog_name)
         for cmd in cmds:
-            short = cmd.format_shortdoc_for_context(ctx) if hasattr(cmd, 'format_shortdoc_for_context') else (cmd.short_doc or "No description")
+            short = cmd.format_shortdoc_for_context(ctx) if hasattr(cmd, "format_shortdoc_for_context") else (cmd.short_doc or "No description")
             category_data[cat].append((f"{prefix}{cmd.qualified_name}", short))
             total += 1
 
@@ -110,7 +108,7 @@ async def gather_cog_help_data(
     prefix = ctx.clean_prefix
     cog_name = cog.qualified_name
     cog_doc = ""
-    if hasattr(cog, 'format_help_for_context'):
+    if hasattr(cog, "format_help_for_context"):
         cog_doc = cog.format_help_for_context(ctx)
     if not cog_doc:
         cog_doc = cog.help or cog.__doc__ or "No description."
@@ -125,7 +123,7 @@ async def gather_cog_help_data(
         except Exception:
             continue
         sig = cmd.signature or ""
-        short = cmd.format_shortdoc_for_context(ctx) if hasattr(cmd, 'format_shortdoc_for_context') else (cmd.short_doc or "No description")
+        short = cmd.format_shortdoc_for_context(ctx) if hasattr(cmd, "format_shortdoc_for_context") else (cmd.short_doc or "No description")
         cmds.append((f"{prefix}{cmd.qualified_name}", sig, short))
 
     return cog_name, cog_doc, cmds
@@ -135,10 +133,7 @@ async def gather_command_help_data(
     ctx: commands.Context,
     cmd: commands.Command,
 ) -> Dict[str, Any]:
-    """Gather help data for a single command.
-
-    Returns dict with: name, signature, description, aliases, subcommands, cooldown
-    """
+    """Gather help data for a single command."""
     prefix = ctx.clean_prefix
     parent_sig = ""
     parent = cmd.parent
@@ -155,7 +150,7 @@ async def gather_command_help_data(
     signature = f"{prefix}{parent_sig}{cmd.name} {cmd.signature}".strip()
 
     help_text = ""
-    if hasattr(cmd, 'format_help_for_context'):
+    if hasattr(cmd, "format_help_for_context"):
         help_text = cmd.format_help_for_context(ctx)
     if not help_text:
         help_text = cmd.help or cmd.description or cmd.short_doc or "No description provided."
@@ -177,7 +172,7 @@ async def gather_command_help_data(
         for sub in sorted(cmd.commands, key=lambda c: c.name):
             if sub.hidden:
                 continue
-            sub_short = sub.format_shortdoc_for_context(ctx) if hasattr(sub, 'format_shortdoc_for_context') else (sub.short_doc or "No description")
+            sub_short = sub.format_shortdoc_for_context(ctx) if hasattr(sub, "format_shortdoc_for_context") else (sub.short_doc or "No description")
             data["subcommands"].append((f"{prefix}{sub.qualified_name}", sub_short))
 
     if cmd.cooldown:
@@ -188,7 +183,7 @@ async def gather_command_help_data(
 
 
 # ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
-#  EMBED MODE — Rich embeds with discord.ui.View buttons/selects
+#  EMBED MODE — Polished embeds with discord.ui.View
 # ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
 
 
@@ -209,10 +204,10 @@ class EmbedHelpView(discord.ui.View):
         self.author_id = author_id
         self.message: Optional[discord.Message] = None
 
-        # Add category select if we have categories
+        # Category select (row 0)
         if category_options and len(category_options) > 1:
             select = discord.ui.Select(
-                placeholder="Jump to category…",
+                placeholder="⏩ Jump to category…",
                 options=category_options[:25],
                 custom_id="help_cat_select",
                 row=0,
@@ -220,17 +215,17 @@ class EmbedHelpView(discord.ui.View):
             select.callback = self._select_callback
             self.add_item(select)
 
-        # Navigation buttons
-        self.first_btn = discord.ui.Button(emoji="⏮️", style=discord.ButtonStyle.secondary, row=1)
+        # Navigation buttons (row 1)
+        self.first_btn = discord.ui.Button(emoji="⏮", style=discord.ButtonStyle.secondary, row=1, disabled=True)
         self.first_btn.callback = self._first
         self.add_item(self.first_btn)
 
-        self.prev_btn = discord.ui.Button(emoji="◀️", style=discord.ButtonStyle.primary, row=1)
+        self.prev_btn = discord.ui.Button(emoji="◀️", style=discord.ButtonStyle.primary, row=1, disabled=True)
         self.prev_btn.callback = self._prev
         self.add_item(self.prev_btn)
 
         self.indicator = discord.ui.Button(
-            label=f"1/{len(pages)}", style=discord.ButtonStyle.secondary, disabled=True, row=1
+            label=f"Page 1 of {len(pages)}", style=discord.ButtonStyle.secondary, disabled=True, row=1
         )
         self.add_item(self.indicator)
 
@@ -238,13 +233,12 @@ class EmbedHelpView(discord.ui.View):
         self.next_btn.callback = self._next
         self.add_item(self.next_btn)
 
-        self.last_btn = discord.ui.Button(emoji="⏭️", style=discord.ButtonStyle.secondary, row=1)
+        self.last_btn = discord.ui.Button(emoji="⏭", style=discord.ButtonStyle.secondary, row=1)
         self.last_btn.callback = self._last
         self.add_item(self.last_btn)
 
-        self.close_btn = discord.ui.Button(
-            label="Close", emoji="🗑️", style=discord.ButtonStyle.danger, row=2
-        )
+        # Close button (row 2)
+        self.close_btn = discord.ui.Button(label="Close", emoji="✖️", style=discord.ButtonStyle.danger, row=2)
         self.close_btn.callback = self._close
         self.add_item(self.close_btn)
 
@@ -257,7 +251,7 @@ class EmbedHelpView(discord.ui.View):
         self.prev_btn.disabled = at_start
         self.next_btn.disabled = at_end
         self.last_btn.disabled = at_end
-        self.indicator.label = f"{self.current_page + 1}/{len(self.pages)}"
+        self.indicator.label = f"Page {self.current_page + 1} of {len(self.pages)}"
 
     async def _go_to(self, interaction: discord.Interaction, page: int):
         self.current_page = max(0, min(page, len(self.pages) - 1))
@@ -310,6 +304,22 @@ class EmbedHelpView(discord.ui.View):
                 pass
 
 
+# ─── Embed builders ───────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+
+def _cmd_table(cmds: List[Tuple[str, str]], *, prefix: str = "") -> str:
+    """Format commands as a clean aligned table inside a description."""
+    lines = []
+    for cmd_name, short in cmds:
+        # Strip prefix from display name for cleaner look
+        display = cmd_name
+        if prefix and display.startswith(prefix):
+            display = display[len(prefix):]
+        desc = short[:50] if short else "No description"
+        lines.append(f"` {display} ` · {desc}")
+    return "\n".join(lines)
+
+
 def build_bot_help_embeds(
     ctx,
     bot,
@@ -318,80 +328,101 @@ def build_bot_help_embeds(
     *,
     accent_color: int,
 ) -> Tuple[List[discord.Embed], List[discord.SelectOption]]:
-    """Build embed pages for the full bot help.
-
-    Returns (embeds, select_options).
-    """
+    """Build polished embed pages for the full bot help."""
     prefix = ctx.clean_prefix
     bot_name = bot.user.display_name if bot.user else "Bot"
     bot_avatar = bot.user.display_avatar.url if bot.user else None
     color = discord.Colour(accent_color)
+    total_pages_estimate = 1 + sum(max(1, math.ceil(len(cmds) / MAX_FIELDS_PER_PAGE)) for _, _, cmds in category_data)
 
     pages: List[discord.Embed] = []
     select_options: List[discord.SelectOption] = []
 
-    # Page 0: Overview
-    overview = discord.Embed(
-        title=f"{bot_name} — Help",
-        description=(
-            f"Use `{prefix}help <command>` for details on a command.\n"
-            f"Use `{prefix}help <category>` for a category overview.\n\n"
-            f"**{len(category_data)} categories · {total_commands} commands**"
-        ),
-        color=color,
-    )
+    # ── Page 0: Overview ─────────────────────────────────
+    overview = discord.Embed(color=color)
+    overview.set_author(name=f"{bot_name} · Help Menu", icon_url=bot_avatar)
+
+    desc_lines = [
+        f"Welcome! I have **{total_commands}** commands across **{len(category_data)}** categories.",
+        "",
+        f"▸ `{prefix}help <command>` — details on a command",
+        f"▸ `{prefix}help <category>` — browse a category",
+        "",
+        "**╍╍╍╍╍╍╍╍╍╍╍╍╍╍╍╍╍╍╍╍╍╍╍╍╍╍╍╍╍╍╍╍╍╍╍**",
+    ]
+    overview.description = "\n".join(desc_lines)
+
     if bot_avatar:
         overview.set_thumbnail(url=bot_avatar)
 
+    # Show categories as compact inline fields
     for i, (cat_name, emoji, cmds) in enumerate(category_data):
-        if i >= 20:  # Discord max 25 fields; leave room
+        if i >= 18:  # Stay well under 25
             overview.add_field(
-                name="…and more",
-                value=f"Use the category select or `{prefix}help <category>` to see all.",
+                name=f"… +{len(category_data) - 18} more",
+                value=f"Use the dropdown to browse.",
                 inline=False,
             )
             break
-        cmd_names = ", ".join(f"`{name.split()[-1]}`" for name, _ in cmds[:12])
-        if len(cmds) > 12:
-            cmd_names += f" *+{len(cmds) - 12} more*"
+        cmd_preview = ", ".join(f"`{n.split()[-1]}`" for n, _ in cmds[:6])
+        if len(cmds) > 6:
+            cmd_preview += f" +{len(cmds) - 6}"
         overview.add_field(
-            name=f"{emoji} {cat_name} ({len(cmds)})",
-            value=cmd_names or "No commands",
-            inline=False,
+            name=f"{emoji}  {cat_name}  ·  {len(cmds)}",
+            value=cmd_preview or "*No commands*",
+            inline=True,
         )
 
-    overview.set_footer(text=f"Type {prefix}help <command> for more info on a command.")
+    # Pad with empty inline field if odd number for cleaner grid
+    field_count = min(len(category_data), 18)
+    if field_count % 2 == 1:
+        overview.add_field(name="\u200b", value="\u200b", inline=True)
+
+    overview.set_footer(text=f"Page 1 of {total_pages_estimate}  ·  Use the buttons below to navigate")
     pages.append(overview)
 
-    # Category pages
-    for idx, (cat_name, emoji, cmds) in enumerate(category_data):
+    # ── Category pages ───────────────────────────────────
+    page_idx = 1
+    for cat_i, (cat_name, emoji, cmds) in enumerate(category_data):
         select_options.append(discord.SelectOption(
             label=cat_name[:100],
-            value=str(idx + 1),
+            value=str(page_idx),
             emoji=emoji if len(emoji) <= 2 else None,
-            description=f"{len(cmds)} commands",
+            description=f"{len(cmds)} command{'s' if len(cmds) != 1 else ''}",
         ))
 
-        # Split into multiple pages if many commands
-        for chunk_start in range(0, len(cmds), MAX_FIELDS_PER_PAGE):
-            chunk = cmds[chunk_start:chunk_start + MAX_FIELDS_PER_PAGE]
-            embed = discord.Embed(
-                title=f"{emoji} {cat_name}",
-                color=color,
-            )
-            if bot_avatar:
-                embed.set_thumbnail(url=bot_avatar)
+        chunks = [cmds[i:i + MAX_FIELDS_PER_PAGE] for i in range(0, len(cmds), MAX_FIELDS_PER_PAGE)]
+        for chunk_i, chunk in enumerate(chunks):
+            embed = discord.Embed(color=color)
 
+            title_suffix = f"  ({chunk_i + 1}/{len(chunks)})" if len(chunks) > 1 else ""
+            embed.set_author(name=f"{emoji}  {cat_name}{title_suffix}", icon_url=bot_avatar)
+
+            # Build clean command list
+            cmd_lines = []
             for cmd_name, short in chunk:
-                # Use inline=False for readability
-                embed.add_field(
-                    name=cmd_name,
-                    value=short[:100] if short else "No description",
-                    inline=True,
-                )
+                display = cmd_name
+                if prefix and display.startswith(prefix):
+                    display = display[len(prefix):]
+                desc = short[:70] if short else "No description"
+                cmd_lines.append(f"**`{display}`**\n╰ {desc}")
 
-            embed.set_footer(text=f"Type {prefix}help <command> for more details.")
+            embed.description = "\n\n".join(cmd_lines)
+
+            embed.set_footer(text=f"Page {page_idx + 1} of {total_pages_estimate}  ·  {prefix}help <command> for details")
             pages.append(embed)
+            page_idx += 1
+
+    # Fix page counts now that we know the real total
+    real_total = len(pages)
+    for i, page in enumerate(pages):
+        if page.footer and page.footer.text:
+            old_footer = page.footer.text
+            # Replace estimated page count with real one
+            import re
+            new_footer = re.sub(r"of \d+", f"of {real_total}", old_footer)
+            new_footer = re.sub(r"Page \d+", f"Page {i + 1}", new_footer)
+            page.set_footer(text=new_footer)
 
     return pages, select_options
 
@@ -402,42 +433,54 @@ def build_command_help_embed(
     *,
     accent_color: int,
 ) -> discord.Embed:
-    """Build an embed for a single command."""
+    """Build a polished embed for a single command."""
     prefix = ctx.clean_prefix
     bot_avatar = ctx.bot.user.display_avatar.url if ctx.bot.user else None
     color = discord.Colour(accent_color)
 
-    title = f"{'📁' if data['is_group'] else '🔹'} {data['name']}"
-    embed = discord.Embed(title=title, color=color)
-    if bot_avatar:
-        embed.set_thumbnail(url=bot_avatar)
+    icon = "📁" if data["is_group"] else "🔹"
+    embed = discord.Embed(color=color)
+    embed.set_author(name=f"{icon}  {prefix}{data['name']}", icon_url=bot_avatar)
 
-    # Syntax
-    embed.add_field(name="Syntax", value=f"```\n{data['signature']}\n```", inline=False)
+    # Syntax block
+    embed.description = f"```yaml\n{data['signature']}\n```"
 
     # Description
     desc = data["description"]
     if len(desc) > 1024:
-        desc = desc[:1021] + "..."
-    embed.add_field(name="Description", value=desc, inline=False)
+        desc = desc[:1021] + "…"
+    embed.add_field(name="📝 Description", value=desc, inline=False)
 
     # Aliases
     if data["aliases"]:
-        alias_text = ", ".join(f"`{prefix}{data['name'].rsplit(' ', 1)[0] + ' ' if ' ' in data['name'] else ''}{a}`" for a in data["aliases"][:10])
-        embed.add_field(name="Aliases", value=alias_text, inline=False)
+        alias_parts = []
+        for a in data["aliases"][:10]:
+            # Build proper alias with parent chain
+            name_parts = data["name"].split()
+            if len(name_parts) > 1:
+                alias_parts.append(f"`{prefix}{' '.join(name_parts[:-1])} {a}`")
+            else:
+                alias_parts.append(f"`{prefix}{a}`")
+        embed.add_field(name="🔀 Aliases", value=" ".join(alias_parts), inline=True)
 
     # Cooldown
     if data["cooldown"]:
-        embed.add_field(name="Cooldown", value=data["cooldown"], inline=True)
+        embed.add_field(name="⏱️ Cooldown", value=data["cooldown"], inline=True)
 
     # Subcommands
     if data["subcommands"]:
-        sub_text = "\n".join(f"`{name}` — {short[:60]}" for name, short in data["subcommands"])
+        sub_lines = []
+        for name, short in data["subcommands"]:
+            display = name
+            if prefix and display.startswith(prefix):
+                display = display[len(prefix):]
+            sub_lines.append(f"**`{display}`** · {short[:50]}")
+        sub_text = "\n".join(sub_lines)
         if len(sub_text) > 1024:
-            sub_text = sub_text[:1021] + "..."
-        embed.add_field(name="Subcommands", value=sub_text, inline=False)
+            sub_text = sub_text[:1021] + "…"
+        embed.add_field(name=f"📁 Subcommands ({len(data['subcommands'])})", value=sub_text, inline=False)
 
-    embed.set_footer(text=f"Type {prefix}help <command> for more details.")
+    embed.set_footer(text=f"<required>  [optional]  ·  {prefix}help for main menu")
     return embed
 
 
@@ -449,25 +492,30 @@ def build_cog_help_embed(
     *,
     accent_color: int,
 ) -> discord.Embed:
-    """Build an embed for a cog's help page."""
+    """Build a polished embed for a cog's help page."""
     prefix = ctx.clean_prefix
     bot_avatar = ctx.bot.user.display_avatar.url if ctx.bot.user else None
     color = discord.Colour(accent_color)
 
-    embed = discord.Embed(title=f"📂 {cog_name}", description=cog_doc[:2048], color=color)
-    if bot_avatar:
-        embed.set_thumbnail(url=bot_avatar)
+    embed = discord.Embed(color=color)
+    embed.set_author(name=f"📂  {cog_name}", icon_url=bot_avatar)
+
+    if cog_doc:
+        embed.description = cog_doc[:2048]
 
     if cmds:
         cmd_lines = []
         for qname, sig, short in cmds:
-            cmd_lines.append(f"`{qname}` — {short[:80]}")
+            display = qname
+            if prefix and display.startswith(prefix):
+                display = display[len(prefix):]
+            cmd_lines.append(f"**`{display}`** · {short[:60]}")
         cmd_text = "\n".join(cmd_lines)
         for i, chunk in enumerate(pagify(cmd_text, delims=["\n"], page_length=1024)):
-            name = "Commands" if i == 0 else "Commands (continued)"
+            name = f"🔹 Commands ({len(cmds)})" if i == 0 else "ㅤ"
             embed.add_field(name=name, value=chunk, inline=False)
 
-    embed.set_footer(text=f"Type {prefix}help <command> for more details.")
+    embed.set_footer(text=f"{prefix}help <command> for details  ·  {prefix}help for main menu")
     return embed
 
 
@@ -482,19 +530,23 @@ def _make_category_container(
     *,
     accent_color: int = 0x5865F2,
     emoji: str = "📂",
+    prefix: str = "",
 ) -> ui.Container:
-    """Build a CV2 container for a category."""
+    """Build a polished CV2 container for a category."""
     container = ui.Container(accent_colour=discord.Colour(accent_color))
     container.add_item(ui.TextDisplay(f"### {emoji}  {category_name}"))
     container.add_item(ui.Separator(spacing=discord.SeparatorSpacing.small))
 
     lines = []
     for cmd_name, cmd_short in commands_list:
-        short = cmd_short[:80] if cmd_short else "No description"
-        lines.append(f"`{cmd_name}` — {short}")
+        display = cmd_name
+        if prefix and display.startswith(prefix):
+            display = display[len(prefix):]
+        short = cmd_short[:70] if cmd_short else "No description"
+        lines.append(f"**`{display}`**\n╰ {short}")
 
-    text = "\n".join(lines)
-    for chunk in pagify(text, delims=["\n"], page_length=3900):
+    text = "\n\n".join(lines)
+    for chunk in pagify(text, delims=["\n\n", "\n"], page_length=3900):
         container.add_item(ui.TextDisplay(chunk))
 
     return container
@@ -526,21 +578,24 @@ class HelpPaginatorView(ui.LayoutView):
 
         if len(self.pages) > 1:
             self.add_item(ui.Separator(spacing=discord.SeparatorSpacing.small))
+
             nav_row = ui.ActionRow()
-            nav_row.add_item(ui.Button(emoji="⏮️", style=discord.ButtonStyle.secondary, custom_id="help_first", disabled=self.current_page == 0))
+            nav_row.add_item(ui.Button(emoji="⏮", style=discord.ButtonStyle.secondary, custom_id="help_first", disabled=self.current_page == 0))
             nav_row.add_item(ui.Button(emoji="◀️", style=discord.ButtonStyle.primary, custom_id="help_prev", disabled=self.current_page == 0))
-            nav_row.add_item(ui.Button(label=f"{self.current_page + 1}/{len(self.pages)}", style=discord.ButtonStyle.secondary, custom_id="help_page_ind", disabled=True))
+            nav_row.add_item(ui.Button(label=f"Page {self.current_page + 1} of {len(self.pages)}", style=discord.ButtonStyle.secondary, custom_id="help_page_ind", disabled=True))
             nav_row.add_item(ui.Button(emoji="▶️", style=discord.ButtonStyle.primary, custom_id="help_next", disabled=self.current_page >= len(self.pages) - 1))
-            nav_row.add_item(ui.Button(emoji="⏭️", style=discord.ButtonStyle.secondary, custom_id="help_last", disabled=self.current_page >= len(self.pages) - 1))
+            nav_row.add_item(ui.Button(emoji="⏭", style=discord.ButtonStyle.secondary, custom_id="help_last", disabled=self.current_page >= len(self.pages) - 1))
             self.add_item(nav_row)
 
+            # Close in its own row
             close_row = ui.ActionRow()
-            close_row.add_item(ui.Button(label="Close", emoji="🗑️", style=discord.ButtonStyle.danger, custom_id="help_close"))
+            close_row.add_item(ui.Button(label="Close", emoji="✖️", style=discord.ButtonStyle.danger, custom_id="help_close"))
             self.add_item(close_row)
 
+            # Select in its own row (ActionRow can't mix buttons + selects)
             if self.category_options and len(self.category_options) > 1:
                 select_row = ui.ActionRow()
-                select_row.add_item(ui.Select(placeholder="Jump to category…", options=self.category_options[:25], custom_id="help_category_select"))
+                select_row.add_item(ui.Select(placeholder="⏩ Jump to category…", options=self.category_options[:25], custom_id="help_category_select"))
                 self.add_item(select_row)
 
     async def interaction_check(self, interaction: discord.Interaction) -> bool:
@@ -603,7 +658,7 @@ def build_cv2_bot_help_pages(
     *,
     accent_color: int,
 ) -> Tuple[List[List[Any]], List[discord.SelectOption]]:
-    """Build CV2 pages for the full bot help."""
+    """Build polished CV2 pages for the full bot help."""
     prefix = ctx.clean_prefix
     bot_name = bot.user.display_name if bot.user else "Bot"
     bot_avatar = bot.user.display_avatar.url if bot.user else None
@@ -612,39 +667,48 @@ def build_cv2_bot_help_pages(
     pages: List[List[Any]] = []
     select_options: List[discord.SelectOption] = []
 
-    # Overview page
-    overview_components: List[Any] = []
+    # ── Overview page ─────────────────────────────
+    overview: List[Any] = []
+
     header = ui.Container(accent_colour=color)
-    header_md = f"## {bot_name} — Help\nUse `{prefix}help <command>` for details.\n\n**{len(category_data)} categories · {total_commands} commands**"
+    header_md = (
+        f"## {bot_name} · Help Menu\n"
+        f"**{total_commands}** commands across **{len(category_data)}** categories\n\n"
+        f"▸ `{prefix}help <command>` — details on a command\n"
+        f"▸ `{prefix}help <category>` — browse a category"
+    )
     if bot_avatar:
         section = ui.Section(accessory=ui.Thumbnail(bot_avatar))
         section.add_item(ui.TextDisplay(header_md))
         header.add_item(section)
     else:
         header.add_item(ui.TextDisplay(header_md))
-    overview_components.append(header)
+    overview.append(header)
 
+    # Categories summary — cap how many to avoid component limits
+    cats_to_show = category_data[:20]
     summary = ui.Container(accent_colour=color)
-    summary.add_item(ui.TextDisplay("### 📚 Categories"))
+    summary.add_item(ui.TextDisplay("### 📚  Categories"))
     summary.add_item(ui.Separator(spacing=discord.SeparatorSpacing.small))
     summary_lines = []
-    for i, (cat_name, emoji, cmds) in enumerate(category_data):
-        summary_lines.append(f"{emoji} **{cat_name}** — {len(cmds)} command{'s' if len(cmds) != 1 else ''}")
+    for i, (cat_name, emoji, cmds) in enumerate(cats_to_show):
+        summary_lines.append(f"{emoji}  **{cat_name}** — {len(cmds)} command{'s' if len(cmds) != 1 else ''}")
         select_options.append(discord.SelectOption(
             label=cat_name[:100], value=str(i + 1),
             emoji=emoji if len(emoji) <= 2 else None,
             description=f"{len(cmds)} commands",
         ))
+    if len(category_data) > 20:
+        summary_lines.append(f"… *+{len(category_data) - 20} more categories*")
     summary.add_item(ui.TextDisplay("\n".join(summary_lines)))
-    overview_components.append(summary)
-    pages.append(overview_components)
+    overview.append(summary)
+    pages.append(overview)
 
-    # Category pages
+    # ── Category pages ────────────────────────────
     for cat_name, emoji, cmds in category_data:
-        for chunk_start in range(0, len(cmds), MAX_FIELDS_PER_PAGE):
-            chunk = cmds[chunk_start:chunk_start + MAX_FIELDS_PER_PAGE]
-            page_components: List[Any] = [_make_category_container(cat_name, chunk, accent_color=accent_color, emoji=emoji)]
-            pages.append(page_components)
+        chunks = [cmds[i:i + MAX_FIELDS_PER_PAGE] for i in range(0, len(cmds), MAX_FIELDS_PER_PAGE)]
+        for chunk in chunks:
+            pages.append([_make_category_container(cat_name, chunk, accent_color=accent_color, emoji=emoji, prefix=prefix)])
 
     return pages, select_options
 
@@ -655,29 +719,49 @@ def build_cv2_command_help(
     *,
     accent_color: int,
 ) -> List[Any]:
-    """Build CV2 components for a command."""
+    """Build polished CV2 components for a command."""
     prefix = ctx.clean_prefix
     color = discord.Colour(accent_color)
     container = ui.Container(accent_colour=color)
 
     icon = "📁" if data["is_group"] else "🔹"
-    container.add_item(ui.TextDisplay(f"## {icon} {data['name']}"))
+    container.add_item(ui.TextDisplay(f"## {icon}  {prefix}{data['name']}"))
     container.add_item(ui.Separator(spacing=discord.SeparatorSpacing.small))
-    container.add_item(ui.TextDisplay(f"**Syntax:** `{data['signature']}`"))
-    container.add_item(ui.TextDisplay(data["description"][:3900]))
 
+    # Syntax
+    container.add_item(ui.TextDisplay(f"```yaml\n{data['signature']}\n```"))
+
+    # Description
+    container.add_item(ui.TextDisplay(f"📝 **Description**\n{data['description'][:3800]}"))
+
+    # Aliases
     if data["aliases"]:
-        aliases = ", ".join(f"`{a}`" for a in data["aliases"][:10])
-        container.add_item(ui.TextDisplay(f"**Aliases:** {aliases}"))
+        name_parts = data["name"].split()
+        alias_parts = []
+        for a in data["aliases"][:10]:
+            if len(name_parts) > 1:
+                alias_parts.append(f"`{prefix}{' '.join(name_parts[:-1])} {a}`")
+            else:
+                alias_parts.append(f"`{prefix}{a}`")
+        container.add_item(ui.TextDisplay(f"🔀 **Aliases:** {' '.join(alias_parts)}"))
 
+    # Cooldown
     if data["cooldown"]:
-        container.add_item(ui.TextDisplay(f"**Cooldown:** {data['cooldown']}"))
+        container.add_item(ui.TextDisplay(f"⏱️ **Cooldown:** {data['cooldown']}"))
 
+    # Subcommands
     if data["subcommands"]:
         container.add_item(ui.Separator(spacing=discord.SeparatorSpacing.small))
-        container.add_item(ui.TextDisplay("### Subcommands"))
-        sub_lines = [f"`{name}` — {short[:60]}" for name, short in data["subcommands"]]
-        container.add_item(ui.TextDisplay("\n".join(sub_lines)))
+        sub_lines = []
+        for name, short in data["subcommands"]:
+            display = name
+            if prefix and display.startswith(prefix):
+                display = display[len(prefix):]
+            sub_lines.append(f"**`{display}`** · {short[:50]}")
+        container.add_item(ui.TextDisplay(f"### 📁  Subcommands ({len(data['subcommands'])})\n\n" + "\n".join(sub_lines)))
+
+    container.add_item(ui.Separator(spacing=discord.SeparatorSpacing.small))
+    container.add_item(ui.TextDisplay(f"-# <required>  [optional]  ·  {prefix}help for main menu"))
 
     return [container]
 
@@ -690,18 +774,20 @@ def build_cv2_cog_help(
     *,
     accent_color: int,
 ) -> List[Any]:
-    """Build CV2 components for a cog."""
+    """Build polished CV2 components for a cog."""
+    prefix = ctx.clean_prefix
     color = discord.Colour(accent_color)
 
     header = ui.Container(accent_colour=color)
-    header.add_item(ui.TextDisplay(f"## 📂 {cog_name}"))
+    header.add_item(ui.TextDisplay(f"## 📂  {cog_name}"))
     header.add_item(ui.Separator(spacing=discord.SeparatorSpacing.small))
-    header.add_item(ui.TextDisplay(cog_doc[:3900]))
+    if cog_doc:
+        header.add_item(ui.TextDisplay(cog_doc[:3900]))
     components: List[Any] = [header]
 
     if cmds:
         cmd_list = [(qname, short) for qname, _, short in cmds]
-        components.append(_make_category_container("Commands", cmd_list, accent_color=accent_color, emoji="🔹"))
+        components.append(_make_category_container("Commands", cmd_list, accent_color=accent_color, emoji="🔹", prefix=prefix))
 
     return components
 
@@ -743,9 +829,9 @@ class CV2MenuPaginator(ui.LayoutView):
             self.add_item(ui.Separator(spacing=discord.SeparatorSpacing.small))
             nav_row = ui.ActionRow()
             nav_row.add_item(ui.Button(emoji="◀️", style=discord.ButtonStyle.primary, custom_id="cv2menu_prev", disabled=self.current_page == 0))
-            nav_row.add_item(ui.Button(label=f"{self.current_page + 1}/{len(self.raw_pages)}", style=discord.ButtonStyle.secondary, custom_id="cv2menu_ind", disabled=True))
+            nav_row.add_item(ui.Button(label=f"Page {self.current_page + 1} of {len(self.raw_pages)}", style=discord.ButtonStyle.secondary, custom_id="cv2menu_ind", disabled=True))
             nav_row.add_item(ui.Button(emoji="▶️", style=discord.ButtonStyle.primary, custom_id="cv2menu_next", disabled=self.current_page >= len(self.raw_pages) - 1))
-            nav_row.add_item(ui.Button(label="Close", emoji="🗑️", style=discord.ButtonStyle.danger, custom_id="cv2menu_close"))
+            nav_row.add_item(ui.Button(label="Close", emoji="✖️", style=discord.ButtonStyle.danger, custom_id="cv2menu_close"))
             self.add_item(nav_row)
 
     async def interaction_check(self, interaction: discord.Interaction) -> bool:
diff --git a/newhelpmenu/newhelpmenu.py b/newhelpmenu/newhelpmenu.py
index 5e87f3e..2dd25f4 100644
--- a/newhelpmenu/newhelpmenu.py
+++ b/newhelpmenu/newhelpmenu.py
@@ -364,19 +364,25 @@ class NewHelpMenu(commands.Cog):
                                 all_cmds.append((f"{ctx.clean_prefix}{c.qualified_name}", short))
 
                     emoji = category_emojis.get(cat_name, "📂")
+                    prefix = ctx.clean_prefix
                     if use_cv2:
-                        container = _make_category_container(cat_name, all_cmds, accent_color=accent, emoji=emoji)
+                        container = _make_category_container(cat_name, all_cmds, accent_color=accent, emoji=emoji, prefix=prefix)
                         layout = ui.LayoutView()
                         layout.add_item(container)
                         msg = await destination.send(view=layout)
                         self._active_views[msg.id] = layout
                     else:
-                        embed = discord.Embed(
-                            title=f"{emoji} {cat_name}",
-                            color=discord.Colour(accent),
-                        )
+                        bot_avatar = self.bot.user.display_avatar.url if self.bot.user else None
+                        embed = discord.Embed(color=discord.Colour(accent))
+                        embed.set_author(name=f"{emoji}  {cat_name}", icon_url=bot_avatar)
+                        cmd_lines = []
                         for cmd_name, short in all_cmds:
-                            embed.add_field(name=cmd_name, value=short[:100], inline=True)
+                            display = cmd_name
+                            if display.startswith(prefix):
+                                display = display[len(prefix):]
+                            cmd_lines.append(f"**`{display}`** · {short[:60]}")
+                        embed.description = "\n".join(cmd_lines)
+                        embed.set_footer(text=f"{prefix}help <command> for details")
                         await destination.send(embed=embed)
                     return