diff --git a/README.rst b/README.rst
index e2b40653a..a92fc3dbf 100644
--- a/README.rst
+++ b/README.rst
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ Checkout our examples
 =====================
 
 Below is a gallery showing random examples of what UltraPlot can do, for more examples checkout our extensive `docs <https://ultraplot.readthedocs.io>`_.
+View the full gallery here: `Gallery <https://ultraplot.readthedocs.io/en/latest/gallery/index.html>`_.
 
 .. list-table::
    :widths: 33 33 33
diff --git a/docs/_scripts/fetch_releases.py b/docs/_scripts/fetch_releases.py
index f07eb678e..681d0b3da 100644
--- a/docs/_scripts/fetch_releases.py
+++ b/docs/_scripts/fetch_releases.py
@@ -20,6 +20,8 @@ def format_release_body(text):
     # Convert Markdown to RST using m2r2
     formatted_text = convert(text)
 
+    formatted_text = _downgrade_headings(formatted_text)
+
     # Convert PR references (remove "by @user in ..." but keep the link)
     formatted_text = re.sub(
         r" by @\w+ in (https://github.com/[^\s]+)", r" (\1)", formatted_text
@@ -28,6 +30,35 @@ def format_release_body(text):
     return formatted_text.strip()
 
 
+def _downgrade_headings(text):
+    """
+    Downgrade all heading levels by one to avoid H1/H2 collisions in the TOC.
+    """
+    adornment_map = {
+        "=": "-",
+        "-": "~",
+        "~": "^",
+        "^": '"',
+        '"': "'",
+        "'": "`",
+    }
+    lines = text.splitlines()
+    for idx in range(len(lines) - 1):
+        title = lines[idx]
+        underline = lines[idx + 1]
+        if not title.strip():
+            continue
+        if not underline:
+            continue
+        char = underline[0]
+        if char not in adornment_map:
+            continue
+        if underline.strip(char):
+            continue
+        lines[idx + 1] = adornment_map[char] * len(underline)
+    return "\n".join(lines)
+
+
 def fetch_all_releases():
     """Fetches all GitHub releases across multiple pages."""
     releases = []
diff --git a/docs/_static/custom.css b/docs/_static/custom.css
index 3732c6131..145657869 100644
--- a/docs/_static/custom.css
+++ b/docs/_static/custom.css
@@ -38,21 +38,6 @@
     height: 100%;
 }
 
-/* .right-toc {
-    position: fixed;
-    top: 90px;
-    right: 20px;
-    width: 280px;
-    font-size: 0.9em;
-    max-height: calc(100vh - 150px);
-    background-color: #f8f9fa;
-    z-index: 100;
-    border-radius: 6px;
-    box-shadow: 0 4px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
-    transition: all 0.3s ease;
-    border-left: 3px solid #2980b9;
-} */
-
 .right-toc-header {
     display: flex;
     justify-content: space-between;
@@ -136,6 +121,22 @@
     color: #606060;
 }
 
+.right-toc-subtoggle {
+    background: none;
+    border: none;
+    color: #2980b9;
+    cursor: pointer;
+    font-size: 0.9em;
+    margin-right: 0.3em;
+    padding: 0;
+}
+
+.right-toc-sublist {
+    list-style-type: none;
+    margin: 0.2em 0 0.4em 0;
+    padding-left: 1.2em;
+}
+
 /* Active TOC item highlighting */
 .right-toc-link.active {
     background-color: rgba(41, 128, 185, 0.15);
@@ -200,6 +201,147 @@
     max-height: calc(100vh - 150px);
 }
 
+.gallery-filter-controls {
+    margin: 1rem 0 2rem;
+    padding: 1rem 1.2rem;
+    border-radius: 16px;
+    background: linear-gradient(
+        135deg,
+        rgba(41, 128, 185, 0.08),
+        rgba(41, 128, 185, 0.02)
+    );
+    box-shadow:
+        0 10px 24px rgba(41, 128, 185, 0.18),
+        0 2px 6px rgba(41, 128, 185, 0.08);
+}
+
+.gallery-filter-bar {
+    display: flex;
+    flex-wrap: wrap;
+    gap: 0.5rem;
+    margin-bottom: 1rem;
+}
+
+.gallery-filter-button {
+    border: 1px solid #c5c5c5;
+    background-color: #ffffff;
+    color: #333333;
+    padding: 0.35rem 0.85rem;
+    border-radius: 999px;
+    font-size: 0.9em;
+    cursor: pointer;
+    transition:
+        background-color 0.2s ease,
+        color 0.2s ease,
+        border-color 0.2s ease;
+}
+
+.gallery-filter-button.is-active {
+    background-color: #2980b9;
+    border-color: #2980b9;
+    color: #ffffff;
+}
+
+.gallery-section-hidden {
+    display: none;
+}
+
+body.gallery-filter-active .sphx-glr-thumbnails:not(.gallery-unified) {
+    display: none;
+}
+
+body.gallery-filter-active .gallery-section-header,
+body.gallery-filter-active .gallery-section-description {
+    display: none;
+}
+
+body.whats_new .wy-menu-vertical li.toctree-l1.current > ul {
+    display: none;
+}
+
+body.whats_new .wy-menu-vertical li.toctree-l2,
+body.whats_new .wy-menu-vertical li.toctree-l3,
+body.whats_new .wy-menu-vertical li.toctree-l4 {
+    display: none;
+}
+
+body.whats_new .wy-menu-vertical a[href^="#"] {
+    display: none;
+}
+
+body.whats_new .wy-menu-vertical li:has(> a[href^="#"]) {
+    display: none;
+}
+
+/* Hide gallery subsections from left TOC */
+body.wy-body-for-nav
+    .wy-menu-vertical
+    .wy-menu-vertical-2
+    a:is(
+        [href="#layouts"],
+        [href="#legends-and-colorbars"],
+        [href="#geoaxes"],
+        [href="#plot-types"],
+        [href="#colors-and-cycles"]
+    ),
+body.wy-body-for-nav
+    .wy-menu-vertical
+    .wy-menu-vertical-2
+    a:is(
+        [href="#layouts"],
+        [href="#legends-and-colorbars"],
+        [href="#geoaxes"],
+        [href="#plot-types"],
+        [href="#colors-and-cycles"]
+    )
+    + ul,
+body.wy-body-for-nav
+    .wy-menu-vertical
+    .wy-menu-vertical-2
+    li[class*="toctree-l1"]:has(
+        :is(
+            a[href="#layouts"],
+            a[href="#legends-and-colorbars"],
+            a[href="#geoaxes"],
+            a[href="#plot-types"],
+            a[href="#colors-and-cycles"]
+        )
+    ) {
+    display: none !important;
+}
+
+/* Hide the section containers themselves */
+.gallery-section {
+    margin: 1.5em 0;
+}
+
+:is(
+        section#layouts,
+        section#legends-and-colorbars,
+        section#geoaxes,
+        section#plot-types,
+        section#colors-and-cycles
+    )
+    > :is(h1, p) {
+    display: none;
+}
+
+/* Style for gallery section headers */
+.gallery-section-header {
+    font-size: 1.5em;
+    font-weight: bold;
+    display: block;
+    margin: 1.5em 0 0.5em 0;
+    border-bottom: 2px solid #2980b9;
+    padding-bottom: 0.3em;
+    color: #2980b9;
+}
+
+.gallery-section-description {
+    margin: 0 0 1em 0;
+    color: #555;
+}
+
 /* Responsive adjustments */
 @media screen and (max-width: 1200px) {
     .right-toc {
diff --git a/docs/_static/custom.js b/docs/_static/custom.js
index ef54f6847..bca643396 100644
--- a/docs/_static/custom.js
+++ b/docs/_static/custom.js
@@ -4,13 +4,38 @@ document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function () {
     return;
   }
 
+  const isWhatsNewPage =
+    document.body.classList.contains("whats_new") ||
+    window.location.pathname.endsWith("/whats_new.html") ||
+    window.location.pathname.endsWith("/whats_new/");
+
+  if (isWhatsNewPage) {
+    const nav = document.querySelector(".wy-menu-vertical");
+    if (nav) {
+      nav.querySelectorAll('li[class*="toctree-l"]').forEach((item) => {
+        if (!item.className.match(/toctree-l1/)) {
+          item.remove();
+        }
+      });
+      nav.querySelectorAll('a[href*="#"]').forEach((link) => {
+        const li = link.closest("li");
+        if (li && !li.className.match(/toctree-l1/)) {
+          li.remove();
+        }
+      });
+    }
+  }
+
   const content = document.querySelector(".rst-content");
   if (!content) return;
 
+  const isWhatsNew = isWhatsNewPage;
+  const headerSelector = isWhatsNew ? "h2" : "h1:not(.document-title), h2, h3";
+
   // Find all headers in the main content
-  const headers = Array.from(
-    content.querySelectorAll("h1:not(.document-title), h2, h3"),
-  ).filter((header) => !header.classList.contains("no-toc"));
+  const headers = Array.from(content.querySelectorAll(headerSelector)).filter(
+    (header) => !header.classList.contains("no-toc"),
+  );
 
   // Only create TOC if there are headers
   if (headers.length === 0) return;
@@ -28,9 +53,7 @@ document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function () {
 
   const tocList = toc.querySelector(".right-toc-list");
   const tocContent = toc.querySelector(".right-toc-content");
-  const tocToggleBtn = toc.querySelector(
-    ".right-toc-toggle-btn",
-  );
+  const tocToggleBtn = toc.querySelector(".right-toc-toggle-btn");
 
   // Set up the toggle button
   tocToggleBtn.addEventListener("click", function () {
@@ -64,8 +87,8 @@ document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function () {
 
   // Generate unique IDs for headers that need them
   headers.forEach((header, index) => {
-    // If header already has a unique ID, use that
-    if (header.id && !usedIds.has(header.id)) {
+    // If header already has an ID, keep it
+    if (header.id) {
       usedIds.add(header.id);
       return;
     }
@@ -104,26 +127,49 @@ document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function () {
     usedIds.add(uniqueId);
   });
 
-  // Add entries for each header
-  headers.forEach((header) => {
-    const item = document.createElement("li");
-    const link = document.createElement("a");
+  if (isWhatsNew) {
+    headers.forEach((header) => {
+      const tag = header.tagName.toLowerCase();
+      const rawText = header.textContent || "";
+      const cleanText = rawText
+        .replace(/\s*\uf0c1\s*$/, "")
+        .replace(/\s*[¶§#†‡]\s*$/, "")
+        .trim();
+      const isReleaseHeading = tag === "h2" && /^v\d/i.test(cleanText || "");
 
-    link.href = "#" + header.id;
+      if (isReleaseHeading) {
+        const item = document.createElement("li");
+        const link = document.createElement("a");
 
-    // Get clean text without icons
-    let headerText = header.textContent || "";
-    headerText = headerText.replace(/\s*\uf0c1\s*$/, "");
-    headerText = headerText.replace(/\s*[¶§#†‡]\s*$/, "");
+        link.href = "#" + header.id;
 
-    link.textContent = headerText.trim();
-    link.className =
-      "right-toc-link right-toc-level-" +
-      header.tagName.toLowerCase();
+        link.textContent = cleanText;
+        link.className = "right-toc-link right-toc-level-h1";
+        item.appendChild(link);
+        tocList.appendChild(item);
+      }
+    });
+  } else {
+    // Add entries for each header
+    headers.forEach((header) => {
+      const item = document.createElement("li");
+      const link = document.createElement("a");
 
-    item.appendChild(link);
-    tocList.appendChild(item);
-  });
+      link.href = "#" + header.id;
+
+      // Get clean text without icons
+      let headerText = header.textContent || "";
+      headerText = headerText.replace(/\s*\uf0c1\s*$/, "");
+      headerText = headerText.replace(/\s*[¶§#†‡]\s*$/, "");
+
+      link.textContent = headerText.trim();
+      link.className =
+        "right-toc-link right-toc-level-" + header.tagName.toLowerCase();
+
+      item.appendChild(link);
+      tocList.appendChild(item);
+    });
+  }
 
   // Add TOC to page
   document.body.appendChild(toc);
@@ -141,9 +187,7 @@ document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function () {
         let smallestDistanceFromTop = Infinity;
 
         headerElements.forEach((header) => {
-          const distance = Math.abs(
-            header.getBoundingClientRect().top,
-          );
+          const distance = Math.abs(header.getBoundingClientRect().top);
           if (distance < smallestDistanceFromTop) {
             smallestDistanceFromTop = distance;
             currentSection = header.id;
@@ -152,9 +196,7 @@ document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function () {
 
         tocLinks.forEach((link) => {
           link.classList.remove("active");
-          if (
-            link.getAttribute("href") === `#${currentSection}`
-          ) {
+          if (link.getAttribute("href") === `#${currentSection}`) {
             link.classList.add("active");
           }
         });
@@ -163,6 +205,172 @@ document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function () {
   }
 });
 
+document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function () {
+  const navLinks = document.querySelectorAll(
+    ".wy-menu-vertical a.reference.internal",
+  );
+  navLinks.forEach((link) => {
+    const href = link.getAttribute("href") || "";
+    const isGalleryLink = href.includes("gallery/");
+    const isGalleryIndex = href.includes("gallery/index");
+    if (isGalleryLink && !isGalleryIndex) {
+      const item = link.closest("li");
+      if (item) {
+        item.remove();
+      }
+    }
+  });
+
+  const galleryRoot = document.querySelector(".sphx-glr-thumbcontainer");
+  if (galleryRoot) {
+    const gallerySections = [
+      "layouts",
+      "legends-and-colorbars",
+      "geoaxes",
+      "plot-types",
+      "colors-and-cycles",
+    ];
+    gallerySections.forEach((sectionId) => {
+      const heading = document.querySelector(
+        `section#${sectionId} .gallery-section-header`,
+      );
+      if (heading) {
+        heading.classList.add("no-toc");
+      }
+    });
+  }
+
+  const thumbContainers = Array.from(
+    document.querySelectorAll(".sphx-glr-thumbcontainer"),
+  );
+  if (thumbContainers.length < 6) {
+    return;
+  }
+
+  const topicList = [
+    { id: "layouts", label: "Layouts", slug: "layouts" },
+    {
+      id: "legends_colorbars",
+      label: "Legends & Colorbars",
+      slug: "legends-colorbars",
+    },
+    { id: "geo", label: "GeoAxes", slug: "geoaxes" },
+    { id: "plot_types", label: "Plot Types", slug: "plot-types" },
+    { id: "colors", label: "Colors", slug: "colors" },
+  ];
+  const topicMap = Object.fromEntries(
+    topicList.map((topic) => [topic.id, topic]),
+  );
+  const originalThumbnails = new Set();
+
+  function getTopicInfo(thumb) {
+    const link = thumb.querySelector("a.reference.internal");
+    if (!link) {
+      return { label: "Other", slug: "other" };
+    }
+    const href = link.getAttribute("href") || "";
+    const path = new URL(href, window.location.href).pathname;
+    const match = path.match(/\/gallery\/([^/]+)\//);
+    const key = match ? match[1] : "";
+    return topicMap[key] || { label: "Other", slug: "other" };
+  }
+
+  thumbContainers.forEach((thumb) => {
+    const info = getTopicInfo(thumb);
+    thumb.dataset.topic = info.slug;
+    const group = thumb.closest(".sphx-glr-thumbnails");
+    if (group) {
+      originalThumbnails.add(group);
+    }
+  });
+
+  const topics = topicList.filter((topic) =>
+    thumbContainers.some((thumb) => thumb.dataset.topic === topic.slug),
+  );
+
+  if (topics.length === 0) {
+    return;
+  }
+
+  const firstGroup = thumbContainers[0].closest(".sphx-glr-thumbnails");
+  const parent =
+    (firstGroup && firstGroup.parentNode) ||
+    document.querySelector(".rst-content");
+  if (!parent) {
+    return;
+  }
+
+  const controls = document.createElement("div");
+  controls.className = "gallery-filter-controls";
+
+  const filterBar = document.createElement("div");
+  filterBar.className = "gallery-filter-bar";
+
+  function makeButton(label, slug) {
+    const button = document.createElement("button");
+    button.type = "button";
+    button.className = "gallery-filter-button";
+    button.textContent = label;
+    button.dataset.topic = slug;
+    return button;
+  }
+
+  const buttons = [
+    makeButton("All", "all"),
+    ...topics.map((topic) => makeButton(topic.label, topic.slug)),
+  ];
+
+  const counts = {};
+  thumbContainers.forEach((thumb) => {
+    const topic = thumb.dataset.topic || "other";
+    counts[topic] = (counts[topic] || 0) + 1;
+  });
+  counts.all = thumbContainers.length;
+
+  buttons.forEach((button) => {
+    const topic = button.dataset.topic;
+    const count = counts[topic] || 0;
+    button.textContent = `${button.textContent} (${count})`;
+    filterBar.appendChild(button);
+  });
+
+  const unified = document.createElement("div");
+  unified.className = "sphx-glr-thumbnails gallery-unified";
+  thumbContainers.forEach((thumb) => unified.appendChild(thumb));
+
+  controls.appendChild(filterBar);
+  controls.appendChild(unified);
+  parent.insertBefore(controls, firstGroup);
+
+  originalThumbnails.forEach((group) => {
+    group.classList.add("gallery-section-hidden");
+  });
+  document
+    .querySelectorAll(".gallery-section-header, .gallery-section-description")
+    .forEach((node) => {
+      node.classList.add("gallery-section-hidden");
+    });
+  document.body.classList.add("gallery-filter-active");
+
+  function setFilter(slug) {
+    buttons.forEach((button) => {
+      button.classList.toggle("is-active", button.dataset.topic === slug);
+    });
+    thumbContainers.forEach((thumb) => {
+      const matches = slug === "all" || thumb.dataset.topic === slug;
+      thumb.style.display = matches ? "" : "none";
+    });
+  }
+
+  buttons.forEach((button) => {
+    button.addEventListener("click", () => {
+      setFilter(button.dataset.topic);
+    });
+  });
+
+  setFilter("all");
+});
+
 // Debounce function to limit scroll event firing
 function debounce(func, wait) {
   let timeout;
diff --git a/docs/_templates/whatsnew_sidebar.html b/docs/_templates/whatsnew_sidebar.html
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..693938a1a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/_templates/whatsnew_sidebar.html
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+<div class="wy-side-nav-search">
+    <form
+        id="rtd-search-form"
+        class="wy-form"
+        action="{{ pathto('search') }}"
+        method="get"
+    >
+        <input type="text" name="q" placeholder="Search docs" />
+        <input type="hidden" name="check_keywords" value="yes" />
+        <input type="hidden" name="area" value="default" />
+    </form>
+</div>
+<div class="wy-menu wy-menu-vertical" data-spy="affix" role="navigation">
+    <ul class="current">
+        <li class="toctree-l1 current">
+            <a class="reference internal" href="{{ pathto('whats_new') }}"
+                >What&#39;s new?</a
+            >
+        </li>
+    </ul>
+</div>
diff --git a/docs/colorbars_legends.py b/docs/colorbars_legends.py
index 8e8002975..51ed495b4 100644
--- a/docs/colorbars_legends.py
+++ b/docs/colorbars_legends.py
@@ -500,8 +500,8 @@
 # Plot data on all axes
 state = np.random.RandomState(51423)
 data = (state.rand(20, 4) - 0.5).cumsum(axis=0)
-for ax in axs:
-    ax.plot(data, cycle="mplotcolors", labels=list("abcd"))
+axs[0, :].plot(data, cycle="538", labels=list("abcd"))
+axs[1, :].plot(data, cycle="accent", labels=list("abcd"))
 
 # Legend 1: Content from Row 2 (ax=axs[1, :]), Location below Row 1 (ref=axs[0, :])
 # This places a legend describing the bottom row data underneath the top row.
diff --git a/docs/conf.py b/docs/conf.py
index db3db8baa..b3b97ac0f 100644
--- a/docs/conf.py
+++ b/docs/conf.py
@@ -63,6 +63,19 @@ def __getattr__(self, name):
 
 # Print available system fonts
 from matplotlib.font_manager import fontManager
+from sphinx_gallery.sorting import ExplicitOrder, FileNameSortKey
+
+
+def _reset_ultraplot(gallery_conf, fname):
+    """
+    Reset UltraPlot rc state between gallery examples.
+    """
+    try:
+        import ultraplot as uplt
+    except Exception:
+        return
+    uplt.rc.reset()
+
 
 # -- Project information -------------------------------------------------------
 # The basic info
@@ -144,6 +157,7 @@ def __getattr__(self, name):
     "sphinx_copybutton",  # add copy button to code
     "_ext.notoc",
     "nbsphinx",  # parse rst books
+    "sphinx_gallery.gen_gallery",
 ]
 
 
@@ -165,6 +179,11 @@ def __getattr__(self, name):
     "_templates",
     "_themes",
     "*.ipynb",
+    "gallery/**/*.codeobj.json",
+    "gallery/**/*.ipynb",
+    "gallery/**/*.md5",
+    "gallery/**/*.py",
+    "gallery/**/*.zip",
     "**.ipynb_checkpoints" ".DS_Store",
     "trash",
     "tmp",
@@ -290,6 +309,28 @@ def __getattr__(self, name):
 
 nbsphinx_execute = "auto"
 
+# Sphinx gallery configuration
+sphinx_gallery_conf = {
+    "doc_module": ("ultraplot",),
+    "examples_dirs": ["examples"],
+    "gallery_dirs": ["gallery"],
+    "filename_pattern": r"^((?!sgskip).)*$",
+    "min_reported_time": 1,
+    "plot_gallery": "True",
+    "reset_modules": ("matplotlib", "seaborn", _reset_ultraplot),
+    "subsection_order": ExplicitOrder(
+        [
+            "examples/layouts",
+            "examples/legends_colorbars",
+            "examples/geo",
+            "examples/plot_types",
+            "examples/colors",
+        ]
+    ),
+    "within_subsection_order": FileNameSortKey,
+    "nested_sections": False,
+}
+
 # The name of the Pygments (syntax highlighting) style to use.
 # The light-dark theme toggler overloads this, but set default anyway
 pygments_style = "none"
@@ -314,13 +355,11 @@ def __getattr__(self, name):
 # html_theme = "sphinx_rtd_theme"
 html_theme_options = {
     "logo_only": True,
-    "display_version": False,
     "collapse_navigation": True,
     "navigation_depth": 4,
     "prev_next_buttons_location": "bottom",  # top and bottom
     "includehidden": True,
     "titles_only": True,
-    "display_toc": True,
     "sticky_navigation": True,
 }
 
@@ -335,7 +374,9 @@ def __getattr__(self, name):
 # defined by theme itself.  Builtin themes are using these templates by
 # default: ``['localtoc.html', 'relations.html', 'sourcelink.html',
 # 'searchbox.html']``.
-# html_sidebars = {}
+html_sidebars = {
+    "gallery/index": ["globaltoc.html", "searchbox.html"],
+}
 
 # The name of an image file (within the static path) to use as favicon of the
 # docs.  This file should be a Windows icon file (.ico) being 16x16 or 32x32
diff --git a/docs/examples/README.txt b/docs/examples/README.txt
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..e57dc8e0a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/examples/README.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+UltraPlot Gallery
+=================
+
+Curated examples that highlight what UltraPlot does beyond base Matplotlib:
+complex layouts, advanced legends and colorbars, GeoAxes, and specialized plot types.
+Each script renders a publication-style figure and becomes a gallery entry.
diff --git a/docs/examples/colors/01_cycle_colormap.py b/docs/examples/colors/01_cycle_colormap.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..c0715559b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/examples/colors/01_cycle_colormap.py
@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
+"""
+Colormap-driven cycles
+======================
+
+Generate a publication-style line stack using a colormap cycle.
+
+Why UltraPlot here?
+-------------------
+UltraPlot exposes ``Cycle`` for colormap-driven property cycling, making it easy
+to coordinate color and style across a line family. This is more ergonomic than
+manual cycler setup in Matplotlib.
+
+Key functions: :py:class:`ultraplot.Cycle`, :py:meth:`ultraplot.axes.PlotAxes.plot`.
+
+See also
+--------
+* :doc:`Cycles </cycles>`
+* :doc:`Colormaps </colormaps>`
+"""
+
+import numpy as np
+
+import ultraplot as uplt
+
+x = np.linspace(0, 2 * np.pi, 300)
+phases = np.linspace(0, 1.2, 7)
+cycle = uplt.Cycle("Sunset", len(phases), left=0.1, right=0.9)
+
+fig, ax = uplt.subplots(refwidth=3.4)
+for i, phase in enumerate(phases):
+    y = np.sin(x + phase) * np.exp(-0.08 * x * i)
+    ax.plot(x, y, lw=2, cycle=cycle, cycle_kw={"N": len(phases)})
+
+ax.format(
+    title="Colormap-driven property cycle",
+    xlabel="x",
+    ylabel="Amplitude",
+    grid=False,
+)
+
+fig.show()
diff --git a/docs/examples/colors/02_diverging_colormap.py b/docs/examples/colors/02_diverging_colormap.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..0766bc4a6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/examples/colors/02_diverging_colormap.py
@@ -0,0 +1,52 @@
+"""
+Diverging colormap
+==================
+
+Use a diverging colormap with centered normalization.
+
+Why UltraPlot here?
+-------------------
+UltraPlot can automatically detect diverging datasets (spanning negative and
+positive values) and apply a diverging colormap with a centered normalizer.
+This ensures the "zero" point is always at the center of the colormap.
+
+Key functions: :py:class:`ultraplot.colors.DivergingNorm`, :py:meth:`ultraplot.axes.PlotAxes.pcolormesh`.
+
+See also
+--------
+* :doc:`Colormaps </colormaps>`
+* :doc:`Normalizers </colors>`
+"""
+
+import numpy as np
+
+import ultraplot as uplt
+
+# Generate data with negative and positive values
+x = np.linspace(-5, 5, 100)
+y = np.linspace(-5, 5, 100)
+X, Y = np.meshgrid(x, y)
+Z = np.sin(X) * np.cos(Y) + 0.5 * np.cos(X * 2)
+
+fig, axs = uplt.subplots(ncols=2, refwidth=3)
+
+# 1. Automatic diverging
+# UltraPlot detects Z spans -1 to +1 and uses the default diverging map
+m1 = axs[0].pcolormesh(X, Y, Z, cmap="Div", colorbar="b", center_levels=True)
+axs[0].format(title="Automatic diverging", xlabel="x", ylabel="y")
+
+# 2. Manual control
+# Use a specific diverging map and center it at a custom value
+m2 = axs[1].pcolormesh(
+    X,
+    Y,
+    Z + 0.5,
+    cmap="ColdHot",
+    diverging=True,
+    colorbar="b",
+    center_levels=True,
+)
+axs[1].format(title="Manual center at 0.5", xlabel="x", ylabel="y")
+
+axs.format(suptitle="Diverging colormaps and normalizers")
+fig.show()
diff --git a/docs/examples/colors/README.txt b/docs/examples/colors/README.txt
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..e69de29bb
diff --git a/docs/examples/geo/01_robin_tracks.py b/docs/examples/geo/01_robin_tracks.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..fc2b92493
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/examples/geo/01_robin_tracks.py
@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+"""
+Robinson projection tracks
+==========================
+
+Global tracks plotted on a Robinson projection without external datasets.
+
+Why UltraPlot here?
+-------------------
+UltraPlot creates GeoAxes with a single ``proj`` keyword and formats
+geographic gridlines and features with ``format``. This avoids the verbose
+cartopy setup typically needed in Matplotlib.
+
+Key functions: :py:func:`ultraplot.subplots`, :py:meth:`ultraplot.axes.GeoAxes.format`.
+
+See also
+--------
+* :doc:`Geographic projections </projections>`
+"""
+
+import cartopy.crs as ccrs
+import numpy as np
+
+import ultraplot as uplt
+
+lon = np.linspace(-180, 180, 300)
+lat_a = 25 * np.sin(np.deg2rad(lon * 1.5))
+lat_b = -15 * np.cos(np.deg2rad(lon * 1.2))
+
+fig, ax = uplt.subplots(proj="robin", proj_kw={"lon0": 0}, refwidth=4)
+ax.plot(lon, lat_a, transform=ccrs.PlateCarree(), lw=2, label="Track A")
+ax.plot(lon, lat_b, transform=ccrs.PlateCarree(), lw=2, label="Track B")
+ax.scatter([-140, -40, 60, 150], [10, -20, 30, -5], transform=ccrs.PlateCarree())
+
+ax.format(title="Global trajectories", lonlines=60, latlines=30)
+ax.legend(loc="lower left", frame=False)
+
+fig.show()
diff --git a/docs/examples/geo/02_orthographic_views.py b/docs/examples/geo/02_orthographic_views.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..3ab521845
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/examples/geo/02_orthographic_views.py
@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+"""
+Orthographic comparison
+=======================
+
+Two orthographic views of the same signal to emphasize projection control.
+
+Why UltraPlot here?
+-------------------
+UltraPlot handles multiple projections in one figure with a consistent API
+and shared formatting calls. This makes side-by-side map comparisons simple.
+
+Key functions: :py:func:`ultraplot.figure.Figure.subplot`, :py:meth:`ultraplot.axes.GeoAxes.format`.
+
+See also
+--------
+* :doc:`Geographic projections </projections>`
+"""
+
+import cartopy.crs as ccrs
+import numpy as np
+
+import ultraplot as uplt
+
+lon = np.linspace(-180, 180, 220)
+lat = 20 * np.sin(np.deg2rad(lon * 2.2))
+
+fig = uplt.figure(refwidth=3, share=0)
+ax1 = fig.subplot(121, proj="ortho", proj_kw={"lon0": -100, "lat0": 35})
+ax2 = fig.subplot(122, proj="ortho", proj_kw={"lon0": 80, "lat0": -15})
+
+for ax, title in zip([ax1, ax2], ["Western Hemisphere", "Eastern Hemisphere"]):
+    ax.plot(lon, lat, transform=ccrs.PlateCarree(), lw=2, color="cherry red")
+    ax.scatter(lon[::40], lat[::40], transform=ccrs.PlateCarree(), s=30)
+    ax.format(
+        lonlines=60,
+        latlines=30,
+        title=title,
+        land=True,
+        ocean=True,
+        oceancolor="ocean blue",
+        landcolor="mushroom",
+    )
+
+fig.format(suptitle="Orthographic views of a global track")
+
+fig.show()
diff --git a/docs/examples/geo/03_projections_features.py b/docs/examples/geo/03_projections_features.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..b931a17a0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/examples/geo/03_projections_features.py
@@ -0,0 +1,44 @@
+"""
+Map projections and features
+============================
+
+Compare different map projections and add geographic features.
+
+Why UltraPlot here?
+-------------------
+UltraPlot's :class:`~ultraplot.axes.GeoAxes` supports many projections via
+``proj`` and makes adding features like land, ocean, and borders trivial
+via :meth:`~ultraplot.axes.GeoAxes.format`.
+
+Key functions: :py:func:`ultraplot.subplots`, :py:meth:`ultraplot.axes.GeoAxes.format`.
+
+See also
+--------
+* :doc:`Geographic projections </projections>`
+"""
+
+import ultraplot as uplt
+
+# Projections to compare
+projs = ["moll", "ortho", "kav7"]
+
+fig, axs = uplt.subplots(ncols=3, proj=projs, refwidth=3, share=0)
+
+# Format all axes with features
+# land=True, coast=True, etc. are shortcuts for adding cartopy features
+axs.format(
+    land=True,
+    landcolor="bisque",
+    ocean=True,
+    oceancolor="azure",
+    coast=True,
+    borders=True,
+    labels=True,
+    suptitle="Projections and features",
+)
+
+axs[0].format(title="Mollweide")
+axs[1].format(title="Orthographic")
+axs[2].format(title="Kavrayskiy VII")
+
+fig.show()
diff --git a/docs/examples/geo/README.txt b/docs/examples/geo/README.txt
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..e69de29bb
diff --git a/docs/examples/layouts/01_shared_axes_abc.py b/docs/examples/layouts/01_shared_axes_abc.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..b474a2b1d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/examples/layouts/01_shared_axes_abc.py
@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+"""
+Shared axes and ABC labels
+=========================
+
+A multi-panel layout with shared limits, shared labels, and automatic panel labels.
+
+Why UltraPlot here?
+-------------------
+UltraPlot shares limits and labels across a grid with a single ``share``/``span``
+configuration, and adds panel letters automatically. This keeps complex layouts
+consistent without the manual axis management required in base Matplotlib.
+
+Key functions: :py:func:`ultraplot.ui.subplots`, :py:meth:`ultraplot.gridspec.SubplotGrid.format`.
+
+See also
+--------
+* :doc:`Subplots and layouts </subplots>`
+"""
+
+import numpy as np
+
+import ultraplot as uplt
+
+rng = np.random.default_rng(12)
+x = np.linspace(0, 10, 300)
+
+layout = [[1, 2, 3], [1, 2, 4], [1, 2, 5]]
+fig, axs = uplt.subplots(
+    layout,
+)
+for i, ax in enumerate(axs):
+    noise = 0.15 * rng.standard_normal(x.size)
+    y = np.sin(x + i * 0.4) + 0.2 * np.cos(2 * x) + 0.1 * i + noise
+    ax.plot(x, y, lw=2)
+    ax.scatter(x[::30], y[::30], s=18, alpha=0.65)
+
+axs.format(
+    abc="[A.]",
+    xlabel="Time (s)",
+    ylabel="Signal",
+    suptitle="Shared axes with consistent limits and panel lettering",
+    grid=False,
+)
+
+fig.show()
diff --git a/docs/examples/layouts/02_complex_layout_insets.py b/docs/examples/layouts/02_complex_layout_insets.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..5f387a27b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/examples/layouts/02_complex_layout_insets.py
@@ -0,0 +1,63 @@
+"""
+Complex layout with insets
+=========================
+
+A mixed layout using blank slots, insets, and multiple plot types.
+
+Why UltraPlot here?
+-------------------
+UltraPlot accepts nested layout arrays directly and keeps spacing consistent
+across panels and insets. You get a publication-style multi-panel figure without
+manual GridSpec bookkeeping.
+
+Key functions: :py:func:`ultraplot.subplots`, :py:meth:`ultraplot.axes.Axes.inset_axes`.
+
+See also
+--------
+* :doc:`Subplots and layouts </subplots>`
+* :doc:`Insets and panels </insets_panels>`
+"""
+
+import numpy as np
+
+import ultraplot as uplt
+
+rng = np.random.default_rng(7)
+layout = [[1, 1, 2, 2], [3, 3, 3, 4]]
+fig, axs = uplt.subplots(layout, share=0, refwidth=1.4)
+
+# Panel A: time series with inset zoom.
+x = np.linspace(0, 20, 400)
+y = np.sin(x) + 0.3 * np.cos(2.5 * x) + 0.15 * rng.standard_normal(x.size)
+axs[0].plot(x, y, lw=2)
+axs[0].format(title="Signal with local variability", ylabel="Amplitude")
+inset = axs[0].inset_axes([0.58, 0.52, 0.35, 0.35], zoom=0)
+mask = (x > 6) & (x < 10)
+inset.plot(x[mask], y[mask], lw=1.6, color="black")
+inset.format(xlabel="Zoom", ylabel="Amp", grid=False)
+
+# Panel B: stacked bar chart.
+categories = np.arange(1, 6)
+vals = rng.uniform(0.6, 1.2, (3, categories.size)).cumsum(axis=0)
+axs[1].bar(categories, vals[0], label="Group A")
+axs[1].bar(categories, vals[1] - vals[0], bottom=vals[0], label="Group B")
+axs[1].bar(categories, vals[2] - vals[1], bottom=vals[1], label="Group C")
+axs[1].format(title="Stacked composition", xlabel="Sample", ylabel="Value")
+axs[1].legend(loc="right", ncols=1, frame=False)
+
+# Panel C: heatmap with colorbar.
+grid = rng.standard_normal((40, 60))
+image = axs[2].imshow(grid, cmap="Fire", aspect="auto")
+axs[2].format(title="Spatial field", xlabel="Longitude", ylabel="Latitude")
+axs[2].colorbar(image, loc="r", label="Intensity")
+
+# Panel D: scatter with trend line.
+x = rng.uniform(0, 1, 120)
+y = 0.8 * x + 0.2 * rng.standard_normal(x.size)
+axs[3].scatter(x, y, s=30, alpha=0.7)
+axs[3].plot([0, 1], [0, 0.8], lw=2, color="black", linestyle="--")
+axs[3].format(title="Relationship", xlabel="Predictor", ylabel="Response")
+
+axs.format(abc=True, abcloc="ul", suptitle="Complex layout with insets and mixed plots")
+
+fig.show()
diff --git a/docs/examples/layouts/03_spanning_labels.py b/docs/examples/layouts/03_spanning_labels.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..38db1fca8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/examples/layouts/03_spanning_labels.py
@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+"""
+Spanning labels with shared axes
+===============================
+
+Demonstrate shared labels across a row of related subplots.
+
+Why UltraPlot here?
+-------------------
+UltraPlot can span labels across subplot groups while keeping axis limits shared.
+This avoids manual ``fig.supxlabel`` placement and reduces label clutter.
+
+Key functions: :py:func:`ultraplot.subplots`, :py:meth:`ultraplot.gridspec.SubplotGrid.format`.
+
+See also
+--------
+* :doc:`Subplots and layouts </subplots>`
+"""
+
+import numpy as np
+
+import ultraplot as uplt
+
+rng = np.random.default_rng(21)
+x = np.linspace(0, 5, 300)
+
+layout = [[1, 2, 5], [3, 4, 5]]
+fig, axs = uplt.subplots(layout)
+for i, ax in enumerate(axs):
+    trend = (i + 1) * 0.2
+    y = np.exp(-0.4 * x) * np.sin(2 * x + i * 0.6) + trend
+    y += 0.05 * rng.standard_normal(x.size)
+    ax.plot(x, y, lw=2)
+    ax.fill_between(x, y - 0.15, y + 0.15, alpha=0.2)
+    ax.set_title(f"Condition {i + 1}")
+# Share first 2 plots top left
+axs[:2].format(
+    xlabel="Time (days)",
+)
+axs[1, :2].format(xlabel="Time 2 (days)")
+axs[-1].format(xlabel="Time 3 (days)")
+axs.format(
+    xlabel="Time (days)",
+    ylabel="Normalized response",
+    abc=True,
+    abcloc="ul",
+    suptitle="Spanning labels with shared axes",
+    grid=False,
+)
+
+
+fig.show()
diff --git a/docs/examples/layouts/README.txt b/docs/examples/layouts/README.txt
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..e69de29bb
diff --git a/docs/examples/legends_colorbars/01_multi_colorbars.py b/docs/examples/legends_colorbars/01_multi_colorbars.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..51201dff8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/examples/legends_colorbars/01_multi_colorbars.py
@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+"""
+Multi-panel colorbars
+=====================
+
+Column-specific and shared colorbars in a 2x2 layout.
+
+Why UltraPlot here?
+-------------------
+UltraPlot places colorbars by row/column with ``fig.colorbar`` so multi-panel
+figures can share scales without manual axes placement. This mirrors the
+publication layouts often seen in journals.
+
+Key functions: :py:meth:`ultraplot.figure.Figure.colorbar`, :py:meth:`ultraplot.axes.PlotAxes.pcolormesh`.
+
+See also
+--------
+* :doc:`Colorbars and legends </colorbars_legends>`
+"""
+
+import numpy as np
+
+import ultraplot as uplt
+
+x = np.linspace(-3, 3, 160)
+y = np.linspace(-2, 2, 120)
+X, Y = np.meshgrid(x, y)
+
+fig, axs = uplt.subplots(nrows=2, ncols=2, share=0, refwidth=2.1)
+data_left = np.sin(X) * np.cos(Y)
+data_right = np.cos(0.5 * X) * np.sin(1.2 * Y)
+
+m0 = axs[0, 0].pcolormesh(X, Y, data_left, cmap="Stellar", shading="auto")
+m1 = axs[1, 0].pcolormesh(X, Y, data_left * 0.8, cmap="Stellar", shading="auto")
+m2 = axs[0, 1].pcolormesh(X, Y, data_right, cmap="Dusk", shading="auto")
+m3 = axs[1, 1].pcolormesh(X, Y, data_right * 1.1, cmap="Dusk", shading="auto")
+
+axs.format(xlabel="x", ylabel="y", abc=True, abcloc="ul", grid=False)
+axs[0, 0].set_title("Field A")
+axs[0, 1].set_title("Field B")
+
+fig.colorbar(m0, loc="b", col=1, label="Column 1 intensity")
+fig.colorbar(m2, loc="b", col=2, label="Column 2 intensity")
+fig.colorbar(m3, loc="r", rows=(1, 2), label="Shared scale")
+
+fig.show()
diff --git a/docs/examples/legends_colorbars/02_legend_inset_colorbar.py b/docs/examples/legends_colorbars/02_legend_inset_colorbar.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..aa913330d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/examples/legends_colorbars/02_legend_inset_colorbar.py
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+"""
+Legend with inset colorbar
+==========================
+
+Combine a multi-line legend with a compact inset colorbar.
+
+Why UltraPlot here?
+-------------------
+UltraPlot supports inset colorbars via simple location codes while keeping
+legends lightweight and aligned. This keeps focus on the data without resorting
+to manual axes transforms.
+
+Key functions: :py:meth:`ultraplot.axes.PlotAxes.legend`, :py:meth:`ultraplot.axes.Axes.colorbar`.
+
+See also
+--------
+* :doc:`Colorbars and legends </colorbars_legends>`
+"""
+
+import numpy as np
+
+import ultraplot as uplt
+
+rng = np.random.default_rng(3)
+x = np.linspace(0, 4 * np.pi, 400)
+
+fig, ax = uplt.subplots(refwidth=3.4)
+for i, phase in enumerate([0.0, 0.6, 1.2, 1.8]):
+    ax.plot(x, np.sin(x + phase), lw=2, label=f"Phase {i + 1}")
+
+scatter_x = rng.uniform(0, x.max(), 80)
+scatter_y = np.sin(scatter_x) + 0.2 * rng.standard_normal(scatter_x.size)
+depth = np.linspace(0, 1, scatter_x.size)
+points = ax.scatter(scatter_x, scatter_y, c=depth, cmap="Fire", s=40, alpha=0.8)
+
+ax.format(xlabel="Time (s)", ylabel="Amplitude", title="Signals with phase offsets")
+ax.legend(loc="upper right", ncols=2, frame=False)
+ax.colorbar(points, loc="ll", label="Depth")
+
+fig.show()
diff --git a/docs/examples/legends_colorbars/README.txt b/docs/examples/legends_colorbars/README.txt
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..e69de29bb
diff --git a/docs/examples/plot_types/01_curved_quiver.py b/docs/examples/plot_types/01_curved_quiver.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..b9d6e1a02
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/examples/plot_types/01_curved_quiver.py
@@ -0,0 +1,77 @@
+"""
+Curved quiver around a cylinder
+===============================
+
+Streamline-style arrows showing flow deflection around a cylinder.
+
+Why UltraPlot here?
+-------------------
+``curved_quiver`` is an UltraPlot extension that draws smooth, curved arrows
+for vector fields while preserving color mapping. This is not available in
+base Matplotlib.
+
+Key functions: :py:meth:`ultraplot.axes.PlotAxes.curved_quiver`, :py:meth:`ultraplot.figure.Figure.colorbar`.
+
+See also
+--------
+* :doc:`2D plot types </2dplots>`
+"""
+
+import numpy as np
+
+import ultraplot as uplt
+
+x = np.linspace(-2.2, 2.2, 26)
+y = np.linspace(-1.6, 1.6, 22)
+X, Y = np.meshgrid(x, y)
+
+# Potential flow around a cylinder (radius a=0.5).
+U0 = 1.0
+a = 0.5
+R2 = X**2 + Y**2
+R2 = np.where(R2 == 0, np.finfo(float).eps, R2)
+U = U0 * (1 - a**2 * (X**2 - Y**2) / (R2**2))
+V = -2 * U0 * a**2 * X * Y / (R2**2)
+speed = np.sqrt(U**2 + V**2)
+
+fig, ax = uplt.subplots(refwidth=3.2)
+m = ax.curved_quiver(
+    X,
+    Y,
+    U,
+    V,
+    color=speed,
+    arrow_at_end=True,
+    scale=30,
+    arrowsize=0.7,
+    linewidth=0.4,
+    density=20,
+    grains=20,
+    cmap="viko",
+)
+m.lines.set_clim(0.0, 1.0)
+values = m.lines.get_array()
+if values is not None and len(values) > 0:
+    normed = np.clip(m.lines.norm(values), 0.05, 0.95)
+    colors = m.lines.get_cmap()(normed)
+    colors[:, -1] = 0.15 + 0.85 * normed
+    m.lines.set_color(colors)
+    m.arrows.set_alpha(0.6)
+theta = np.linspace(0, 2 * np.pi, 200)
+facecolor = ax.get_facecolor()
+ax.fill(
+    a * np.cos(theta),
+    a * np.sin(theta),
+    color=facecolor,
+    zorder=5,
+)
+ax.plot(a * np.cos(theta), a * np.sin(theta), color="black", lw=2, zorder=6)
+ax.format(
+    title="Flow around a cylinder",
+    xlabel="x",
+    ylabel="y",
+    aspect=1,
+)
+fig.colorbar(m.lines, ax=ax, label="Speed")
+
+fig.show()
diff --git a/docs/examples/plot_types/02_network_graph.py b/docs/examples/plot_types/02_network_graph.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..c02b59d74
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/examples/plot_types/02_network_graph.py
@@ -0,0 +1,57 @@
+"""
+Network graph styling
+=====================
+
+Render a network with node coloring by degree and clean styling.
+
+Why UltraPlot here?
+-------------------
+UltraPlot wraps NetworkX drawing with a single ``ax.graph`` call and applies
+sensible defaults for size, alpha, and aspect. This removes a lot of boilerplate
+around layout and styling.
+
+Key functions: :py:meth:`ultraplot.axes.PlotAxes.graph`, :py:meth:`ultraplot.figure.Figure.colorbar`.
+
+See also
+--------
+* :doc:`Networks </networks>`
+"""
+
+import networkx as nx
+import numpy as np
+
+import ultraplot as uplt
+
+g = nx.karate_club_graph()
+degrees = np.array([g.degree(n) for n in g.nodes()])
+
+fig, ax = uplt.subplots(refwidth=3.2)
+nodes, edges, labels = ax.graph(
+    g,
+    layout="spring",
+    layout_kw={"seed": 4},
+    node_kw={
+        "node_color": degrees,
+        "cmap": "viko",
+        "edgecolors": "black",
+        "linewidths": 0.6,
+        "node_size": 128,
+    },
+    edge_kw={
+        "alpha": 0.4,
+        "width": [np.random.rand() * 4 for _ in range(len(g.edges()))],
+    },
+    label_kw={"font_size": 7},
+)
+ax.format(title="Network connectivity", grid=False)
+ax.margins(0.15)
+fig.colorbar(
+    nodes,
+    ax=ax,
+    loc="r",
+    label="Node degree",
+    length=0.33,
+    align="top",
+)
+
+fig.show()
diff --git a/docs/examples/plot_types/03_lollipop.py b/docs/examples/plot_types/03_lollipop.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..7e655e19c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/examples/plot_types/03_lollipop.py
@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
+"""
+Lollipop comparisons
+====================
+
+Vertical and horizontal lollipop charts in a publication layout.
+
+Why UltraPlot here?
+-------------------
+UltraPlot adds lollipop plot methods that mirror bar plotting while exposing
+simple styling for stems and markers. This plot type is not built into
+Matplotlib.
+
+Key functions: :py:meth:`ultraplot.axes.PlotAxes.lollipop`, :py:meth:`ultraplot.axes.PlotAxes.lollipoph`.
+
+See also
+--------
+* :doc:`1D plot types </1dplots>`
+"""
+
+import numpy as np
+import pandas as pd
+
+import ultraplot as uplt
+
+rng = np.random.default_rng(11)
+categories = ["Alpha", "Beta", "Gamma", "Delta", "Epsilon", "Zeta"]
+values = np.sort(rng.uniform(0.4, 1.3, len(categories)))
+data = pd.Series(values, index=categories, name="score")
+
+fig, axs = uplt.subplots(ncols=2, share=0, refwidth=2.8)
+axs[0].lollipop(data, stemcolor="black", marker="o", color="C0")
+axs[0].format(title="Vertical lollipop", xlabel="Category", ylabel="Score")
+
+axs[1].lollipoph(data, stemcolor="black", marker="o", color="C1")
+axs[1].format(title="Horizontal lollipop", xlabel="Score", ylabel="Category")
+
+axs.format(abc=True, abcloc="ul", suptitle="Lollipop charts for ranked metrics")
+
+fig.show()
diff --git a/docs/examples/plot_types/04_datetime_series.py b/docs/examples/plot_types/04_datetime_series.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..0c7656bae
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/examples/plot_types/04_datetime_series.py
@@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
+"""
+Calendar-aware datetime series
+==============================
+
+Plot cftime datetimes with UltraPlot's automatic locators and formatters.
+
+Why UltraPlot here?
+-------------------
+UltraPlot includes CFTime converters and locators so climate calendars plot
+cleanly without manual conversions. This is a common pain point in Matplotlib.
+
+Key functions: :py:class:`ultraplot.ticker.AutoCFDatetimeLocator`, :py:class:`ultraplot.ticker.AutoCFDatetimeFormatter`.
+
+See also
+--------
+* :doc:`Cartesian plots </cartesian>`
+"""
+
+import cftime
+import matplotlib.units as munits
+import numpy as np
+
+import ultraplot as uplt
+
+dates = [
+    cftime.DatetimeNoLeap(2000 + i // 12, (i % 12) + 1, 1, calendar="noleap")
+    for i in range(18)
+]
+values = np.cumsum(np.random.default_rng(5).normal(0.0, 0.6, len(dates)))
+
+date_type = type(dates[0])
+if date_type not in munits.registry:
+    munits.registry[date_type] = uplt.ticker.CFTimeConverter()
+
+fig, ax = uplt.subplots(refwidth=3.6)
+ax.plot(dates, values, lw=2, marker="o")
+
+locator = uplt.ticker.AutoCFDatetimeLocator(calendar="noleap")
+formatter = uplt.ticker.AutoCFDatetimeFormatter(locator, calendar="noleap")
+ax.xaxis.set_major_locator(locator)
+ax.xaxis.set_major_formatter(formatter)
+
+ax.format(
+    xlabel="Simulation time",
+    ylabel="Anomaly (a.u.)",
+    title="No-leap calendar time series",
+    xrotation=25,
+)
+
+fig.show()
diff --git a/docs/examples/plot_types/05_box_violin.py b/docs/examples/plot_types/05_box_violin.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..ba5c2b2a5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/examples/plot_types/05_box_violin.py
@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
+"""
+Box and violin plots
+====================
+
+Standard box and violin plots with automatic customization.
+
+Why UltraPlot here?
+-------------------
+UltraPlot wraps :meth:`matplotlib.axes.Axes.boxplot` and :meth:`matplotlib.axes.Axes.violinplot`
+with more convenient arguments (like ``fillcolor``, ``alpha``) and automatically applies
+cycle colors to the boxes/violins.
+
+Key functions: :py:meth:`ultraplot.axes.PlotAxes.boxplot`, :py:meth:`ultraplot.axes.PlotAxes.violinplot`.
+
+See also
+--------
+* :doc:`1D statistics </stats>`
+"""
+
+import numpy as np
+
+import ultraplot as uplt
+
+# Generate sample data
+data = np.array([np.random.normal(0, std, 100) for std in range(1, 6)])
+
+fig, axs = uplt.subplots(ncols=2, refwidth=3)
+
+# Box plot
+axs[0].boxplot(data.T, lw=1.5, cycle="qual1", medianlw=2)
+axs[0].format(title="Box plot", xlabel="Distribution", ylabel="Value")
+
+# Violin plot
+axs[1].violinplot(data.T, lw=1, cycle="flatui")
+axs[1].format(title="Violin plot", xlabel="Distribution", ylabel="Value")
+
+axs.format(suptitle="Statistical distributions")
+uplt.show(block=1)
+fig.show()
diff --git a/docs/examples/plot_types/06_ridge_plot.py b/docs/examples/plot_types/06_ridge_plot.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..e8704dd37
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/examples/plot_types/06_ridge_plot.py
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+"""
+Ridge Plot
+==========
+
+"""
+
+import numpy as np
+
+import ultraplot as uplt
+
+# Generate sample data
+np.random.seed(19680801)
+n_datasets = 10
+n_points = 50
+data = [np.random.randn(n_points) + i for i in range(n_datasets)]
+labels = [f"Dataset {i+1}" for i in range(n_datasets)]
+
+# Create a figure and axes
+fig, ax = uplt.subplots(figsize=(8, 6))
+
+# Create the ridgeline plot
+ax.ridgeline(data, labels=labels, overlap=0.1, cmap="managua")
+ax.format(title="Example Ridge Plot", xlabel="Value", ylabel="Dataset")
+fig.show()
diff --git a/docs/examples/plot_types/README.txt b/docs/examples/plot_types/README.txt
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..e69de29bb
diff --git a/docs/index.rst b/docs/index.rst
index bd55c3882..6b0a7cce6 100644
--- a/docs/index.rst
+++ b/docs/index.rst
@@ -5,6 +5,11 @@
 **UltraPlot** is a succinct wrapper around `matplotlib <https://matplotlib.org/>`__
 for creating **beautiful, publication-quality graphics** with ease.
 
+**Gallery**
+############
+See UltraPlot in action with curated, publication-style examples.
+:doc:`Browse the gallery <gallery/index>`
+
 🚀 **Key Features** | Create More, Code Less
 ###################
 ✔ **Simplified Subplot Management** – Create multi-panel plots effortlessly.
@@ -13,7 +18,7 @@ for creating **beautiful, publication-quality graphics** with ease.
 
 📊 **Versatile Plot Types** – Cartesian plots, insets, colormaps, and more.
 
-📌 **Get Started** → :doc:`Installation guide <install>` |  :doc:`Why UltraPlot? <why>` | :doc:`Usage <usage>`
+📌 **Get Started** → :doc:`Installation guide <install>` | :doc:`Why UltraPlot? <why>` | :doc:`Usage <usage>` | :doc:`Gallery <gallery/index>`
 
 --------------------------------------
 
@@ -121,6 +126,7 @@ For more details, check the full :doc:`User guide <usage>` and :doc:`API Referen
    install
    why
    usage
+   gallery/index
 
 .. toctree::
    :maxdepth: 1
diff --git a/environment.yml b/environment.yml
index 74375c513..904673230 100644
--- a/environment.yml
+++ b/environment.yml
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ dependencies:
   - pip
   - pint
   - sphinx
+  - sphinx-gallery
   - nbsphinx
   - jupytext
   - sphinx-copybutton
diff --git a/ultraplot/axes/plot.py b/ultraplot/axes/plot.py
index a5deb571a..b24fd98c9 100644
--- a/ultraplot/axes/plot.py
+++ b/ultraplot/axes/plot.py
@@ -5374,7 +5374,7 @@ def _apply_ridgeline(
         hist=False,
         bins="auto",
         fill=True,
-        alpha=0.7,
+        alpha=1.0,
         linewidth=1.5,
         edgecolor="black",
         facecolor=None,
@@ -5416,7 +5416,7 @@ def _apply_ridgeline(
             Only used when hist=True.
         fill : bool, default: True
             Whether to fill the area under each curve.
-        alpha : float, default: 0.7
+        alpha : float, default: 1.0
             Transparency of filled areas.
         linewidth : float, default: 1.5
             Width of the ridge lines.
diff --git a/ultraplot/tests/test_legend.py b/ultraplot/tests/test_legend.py
index f9157ddd0..8071485e8 100644
--- a/ultraplot/tests/test_legend.py
+++ b/ultraplot/tests/test_legend.py
@@ -1,7 +1,3 @@
-#!/usr/bin/env python3
-"""
-Test legends.
-"""
 import numpy as np
 import pandas as pd
 import pytest
@@ -472,13 +468,13 @@ def test_legend_column_without_span():
 def test_legend_multiple_sides_with_span():
     """Test multiple legends on different sides with span control."""
     fig, axs = uplt.subplots(nrows=3, ncols=3)
-    axs[0, 0].plot([], [], label="test")
+    axs.plot([0, 1], [0, 1], label="line")
 
     # Create legends on all 4 sides with different spans
-    leg_bottom = fig.legend(ax=axs[0, 0], span=(1, 2), loc="bottom")
-    leg_top = fig.legend(ax=axs[1, 0], span=(2, 3), loc="top")
-    leg_right = fig.legend(ax=axs[0, 0], rows=(1, 2), loc="right")
-    leg_left = fig.legend(ax=axs[0, 1], rows=(2, 3), loc="left")
+    leg_bottom = fig.legend(ref=axs[0, 0], span=(1, 2), loc="bottom")
+    leg_top = fig.legend(ref=axs[1, 0], span=(2, 3), loc="top")
+    leg_right = fig.legend(ref=axs[0, 0], rows=(1, 2), loc="right")
+    leg_left = fig.legend(ref=axs[0, 1], rows=(2, 3), loc="left")
 
     assert leg_bottom is not None
     assert leg_top is not None