diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index aace413..8752b2d 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -7,6 +7,20 @@ Earlier releases (`v0.1.0-alpha.1` to `v0.1.7-alpha.1`) were experimental and do
 
 ---
 
+## [v0.1.7-alpha.3] - 2024-06-13
+
+### Added
+- Storage root is now set to an absolute path by default for reliability (no .env needed)
+- Improved Storage helper documentation and usage
+- Enhanced symlink command for better cross-platform compatibility
+- Updated documentation for new storage system and best practices
+
+### Fixed
+- Prevented duplicate/nested storage paths in uploads
+- General codebase and documentation improvements
+
+---
+
 ## [v0.1.7-alpha.2] - 2025-07-15
 
 ### Added
diff --git a/DOCS.md b/DOCS.md
index 1a4bb34..a09580a 100644
--- a/DOCS.md
+++ b/DOCS.md
@@ -504,9 +504,9 @@ This will run the production build process (minifies, strips dev code, precompil
 - The old `build` command is now replaced by `bloom` for clarity and branding.
 - Use this command before deploying your app to production.
 
-## File Upload & Storage
+## File Upload & Storage (v0.1.7+)
 
-SproutPHP now includes a Storage helper for easy file uploads and URL generation, saving files in `public/uploads` for web accessibility.
+SproutPHP now includes a robust Storage helper for file uploads and URL generation, saving files in `storage/app/public` for web accessibility via a symlink.
 
 ### Usage Example
 
@@ -516,44 +516,71 @@ use Core\Support\Storage;
 // In your controller
 if ($request->hasFile('avatar')) {
     $path = Storage::put($request->file('avatar'), 'avatars');
-    $url = Storage::url($path); // /uploads/avatars/filename.jpg
+    $url = Storage::url($path); // /storage/avatars/filename.jpg
 }
 ```
 
-- Files are saved in `public/uploads/{subdir}`.
-- URLs are generated as `/uploads/{subdir}/{filename}`.
+- Files are saved in `storage/app/public/{subdir}`.
+- URLs are generated as `/storage/{subdir}/{filename}`.
+- The `public/storage` directory is a symlink (or junction on Windows) to `storage/app/public`.
 
----
-
-## Modern Request File Access
+### Storage Configuration
 
-You can now access uploaded files in controllers using:
+In `config/storage.php`:
 
 ```php
-$request->file('avatar'); // Returns the file array or null
-$request->hasFile('avatar'); // Returns true if a file was uploaded
+'public' => [
+    'root' => env('STORAGE_PUBLIC_ROOT', 'storage/app/public'),
+    'url' => env('STORAGE_PUBLIC_LINK', '/storage'),
+    'visibility' => 'public',
+],
 ```
 
-Request data merges `$_GET`, `$_POST`, and JSON body for unified access.
+### Creating the Symlink
 
----
+To make uploaded files accessible via the web, create a symlink:
+
+```bash
+php sprout symlink:create
+```
+- This links `public/storage` to `storage/app/public`.
+- On Windows, a directory junction is created for compatibility.
 
-## File Validation: mimes & image
+### Folder Structure
 
-You can validate file uploads with new rules:
+```
+project-root/
+├── public/
+│   ├── assets/
+│   ├── index.php
+│   └── storage/  # symlink → ../storage/app/public
+├── storage/
+│   └── app/
+│       └── public/
+│           └── avatars/
+│               └── uploadedfile.jpg
+```
 
-- `mimes:jpg,png,gif` — File must have one of the allowed extensions
-- `image` — File must be a valid image (checked by MIME type)
+### Accessing Uploaded Files
 
-**Example:**
+- After upload, files are accessible at `/storage/avatars/filename.jpg`.
+- The `Storage::url($path)` helper generates the correct public URL.
+
+### Example Controller Snippet
 
 ```php
-$validator = new Validator($request->data, [
-    'avatar' => 'required|image|mimes:jpg,jpeg,png,gif'
-]);
+if ($request->hasFile('avatar')) {
+    $file = $request->file('avatar');
+    $path = Storage::put($file, 'avatars');
+    $avatarUrl = Storage::url($path); // Use in your views
+}
 ```
 
----
+### Notes
+- Always use the `Storage` helper for uploads and URLs.
+- The storage root is now absolute for reliability.
+- No need to set or override the storage root in `.env` unless you have a custom setup.
+- The CLI symlink command ensures public access to uploaded files.
 
 ## HTMX File Upload with
 
diff --git a/RELEASE_NOTES.md b/RELEASE_NOTES.md
index c084745..24ff0f4 100644
--- a/RELEASE_NOTES.md
+++ b/RELEASE_NOTES.md
@@ -1,32 +1,31 @@
-# SproutPHP v0.1.7-alpha.2 Release Notes
+# SproutPHP v0.1.7-alpha.3 Release Notes
 
 ## 🎉 New Features & Improvements
 
-- **File Upload & Storage:** New Storage helper for easy file uploads and URL generation, saving files in `public/uploads`.
-- **Modern Request API:** Access uploaded files via `$request->file('avatar')` and `$request->hasFile('avatar')`.
-- **Unified Input:** Request data now merges `$_GET`, `$_POST`, and JSON body for easier access.
-- **Validation:** Added `mimes` and `image` rules for secure file validation.
-- **HTMX File Upload:** File upload with progress bar using only HTMX, no custom JS required.
-- **Error Handling:** Generic script to clear errors on focus for all fields.
-- **Docs:** Updated with new usage examples and best practices.
+- **Absolute Storage Path:** Storage root is now set to an absolute path by default for reliability; no need to set in .env for most use cases.
+- **Updated Storage Helper:** Improved documentation and usage for file uploads and URL generation.
+- **Symlink Command:** Enhanced for better cross-platform compatibility (Windows junctions, Linux/macOS symlinks).
+- **Documentation:** DOCS.md updated to reflect new storage system, usage, and best practices.
+- **Bugfix:** Prevented duplicate/nested storage paths in uploads.
+- **General Improvements:** Codebase and documentation refinements.
 
 ## 🛠️ Upgrade Guide
 
-- Use the new Storage helper and request methods for file uploads.
-- Update your forms to use the new validation rules and error-clearing script.
+- Use the new absolute storage root (no .env override needed).
+- Run `php sprout symlink:create` to ensure correct symlink/junction for uploads.
 - See DOCS.md for updated usage and examples.
 
 ## 📅 Release Date
 
-2025-07-15
+2024-06-13
 
 ## 📦 Framework Version
 
-v0.1.7-alpha.2
+v0.1.7-alpha.3
 
 ---
 
-**Release Date**: 2025-07-15  
-**Framework Version**: v0.1.7-alpha.2  
+**Release Date**: 2024-06-13  
+**Framework Version**: v0.1.7-alpha.3  
 **PHP Version**: 8.1+  
 **Composer**: 2.0+