diff --git a/get-shit-done/references/continuation-format.md b/get-shit-done/references/continuation-format.md
index 34b85dfc3..7704b25dc 100644
--- a/get-shit-done/references/continuation-format.md
+++ b/get-shit-done/references/continuation-format.md
@@ -11,9 +11,9 @@ Standard format for presenting next steps after completing a command or workflow
 
 **{identifier}: {name}** — {one-line description}
 
-`{command to copy-paste}`
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`{command to copy-paste}`
 
 ---
 
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ Standard format for presenting next steps after completing a command or workflow
 1. **Always show what it is** — name + description, never just a command path
 2. **Pull context from source** — ROADMAP.md for phases, PLAN.md `<objective>` for plans
 3. **Command in inline code** — backticks, easy to copy-paste, renders as clickable link
-4. **`/clear` explanation** — always include, keeps it concise but explains why
+4. **`/clear` first** — always show `/clear` before the command so users run it in the correct order
 5. **"Also available" not "Other options"** — sounds more app-like
 6. **Visual separators** — `---` above and below to make it stand out
 
@@ -44,9 +44,9 @@ Standard format for presenting next steps after completing a command or workflow
 
 **02-03: Refresh Token Rotation** — Add /api/auth/refresh with sliding expiry
 
-`/gsd:execute-phase 2`
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`/gsd:execute-phase 2`
 
 ---
 
@@ -69,9 +69,9 @@ Add note that this is the last plan and what comes after:
 **02-03: Refresh Token Rotation** — Add /api/auth/refresh with sliding expiry
 <sub>Final plan in Phase 2</sub>
 
-`/gsd:execute-phase 2`
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`/gsd:execute-phase 2`
 
 ---
 
@@ -91,9 +91,9 @@ Add note that this is the last plan and what comes after:
 
 **Phase 2: Authentication** — JWT login flow with refresh tokens
 
-`/gsd:plan-phase 2`
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`/gsd:plan-phase 2`
 
 ---
 
@@ -120,9 +120,9 @@ Show completion status before next action:
 
 **Phase 3: Core Features** — User dashboard, settings, and data export
 
-`/gsd:plan-phase 3`
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`/gsd:plan-phase 3`
 
 ---
 
@@ -145,14 +145,14 @@ When there's no clear primary action:
 
 **Phase 3: Core Features** — User dashboard, settings, and data export
 
+`/clear` then one of:
+
 **To plan directly:** `/gsd:plan-phase 3`
 
 **To discuss context first:** `/gsd:discuss-phase 3`
 
 **To research unknowns:** `/gsd:research-phase 3`
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
-
 ---
 ```
 
@@ -169,9 +169,9 @@ All 4 phases shipped
 
 **Start v1.1** — questioning → research → requirements → roadmap
 
-`/gsd:new-milestone`
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`/gsd:new-milestone`
 
 ---
 ```
diff --git a/get-shit-done/references/ui-brand.md b/get-shit-done/references/ui-brand.md
index 8d45554ac..e19c200a9 100644
--- a/get-shit-done/references/ui-brand.md
+++ b/get-shit-done/references/ui-brand.md
@@ -108,9 +108,9 @@ Always at end of major completions.
 
 **{Identifier}: {Name}** — {one-line description}
 
-`{copy-paste command}`
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`{copy-paste command}`
 
 ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
diff --git a/get-shit-done/workflows/add-phase.md b/get-shit-done/workflows/add-phase.md
index 9e2260641..e702c7261 100644
--- a/get-shit-done/workflows/add-phase.md
+++ b/get-shit-done/workflows/add-phase.md
@@ -87,9 +87,9 @@ Roadmap updated: .planning/ROADMAP.md
 
 **Phase {N}: {description}**
 
-`/gsd:plan-phase {N}`
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`/gsd:plan-phase {N}`
 
 ---
 
diff --git a/get-shit-done/workflows/audit-milestone.md b/get-shit-done/workflows/audit-milestone.md
index 05b9974c6..3de0bad3e 100644
--- a/get-shit-done/workflows/audit-milestone.md
+++ b/get-shit-done/workflows/audit-milestone.md
@@ -229,9 +229,9 @@ All requirements covered. Cross-phase integration verified. E2E flows complete.
 
 **Complete milestone** — archive and tag
 
-/gsd:complete-milestone {version}
+/clear then:
 
-<sub>/clear first → fresh context window</sub>
+/gsd:complete-milestone {version}
 
 ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
@@ -274,9 +274,9 @@ Phases needing validation: run `/gsd:validate-phase {N}` for each flagged phase.
 
 **Plan gap closure** — create phases to complete milestone
 
-/gsd:plan-milestone-gaps
+/clear then:
 
-<sub>/clear first → fresh context window</sub>
+/gsd:plan-milestone-gaps
 
 ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
@@ -316,9 +316,9 @@ All requirements met. No critical blockers. Accumulated tech debt needs review.
 
 **B. Plan cleanup phase** — address debt before completing
 
-/gsd:plan-milestone-gaps
+/clear then:
 
-<sub>/clear first → fresh context window</sub>
+/gsd:plan-milestone-gaps
 
 ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 </offer_next>
diff --git a/get-shit-done/workflows/complete-milestone.md b/get-shit-done/workflows/complete-milestone.md
index 302d26494..d1ad04480 100644
--- a/get-shit-done/workflows/complete-milestone.md
+++ b/get-shit-done/workflows/complete-milestone.md
@@ -719,9 +719,9 @@ Tag: v[X.Y]
 
 **Start Next Milestone** — questioning → research → requirements → roadmap
 
-`/gsd:new-milestone`
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`/gsd:new-milestone`
 
 ---
 ```
diff --git a/get-shit-done/workflows/discuss-phase-assumptions.md b/get-shit-done/workflows/discuss-phase-assumptions.md
index 1ac4d5609..68880ec60 100644
--- a/get-shit-done/workflows/discuss-phase-assumptions.md
+++ b/get-shit-done/workflows/discuss-phase-assumptions.md
@@ -597,9 +597,9 @@ Created: .planning/phases/${PADDED_PHASE}-${SLUG}/${PADDED_PHASE}-CONTEXT.md
 
 **Phase ${PHASE}: {phase_name}** — {Goal from ROADMAP.md}
 
-`/gsd:plan-phase ${PHASE}`
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`/gsd:plan-phase ${PHASE}`
 
 ---
 
diff --git a/get-shit-done/workflows/discuss-phase.md b/get-shit-done/workflows/discuss-phase.md
index 30d7a2102..2f0e59d46 100644
--- a/get-shit-done/workflows/discuss-phase.md
+++ b/get-shit-done/workflows/discuss-phase.md
@@ -975,9 +975,9 @@ Created: .planning/phases/${PADDED_PHASE}-${SLUG}/${PADDED_PHASE}-CONTEXT.md
 
 **Phase ${PHASE}: [Name]** — [Goal from ROADMAP.md]
 
-`/gsd:plan-phase ${PHASE} ${GSD_WS}`
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`/gsd:plan-phase ${PHASE} ${GSD_WS}`
 
 ---
 
@@ -1115,8 +1115,9 @@ This keeps the auto-advance chain flat — discuss, plan, and execute all run at
 
   Auto-advance pipeline finished: discuss → plan → execute
 
+  /clear then:
+
   Next: /gsd:discuss-phase ${NEXT_PHASE} ${WAS_CHAIN ? "--chain" : "--auto"} ${GSD_WS}
-  <sub>/clear first → fresh context window</sub>
   ```
 - **PLANNING COMPLETE** → Planning done, execution didn't complete:
   ```
diff --git a/get-shit-done/workflows/execute-phase.md b/get-shit-done/workflows/execute-phase.md
index e8b49b4bf..76733f330 100644
--- a/get-shit-done/workflows/execute-phase.md
+++ b/get-shit-done/workflows/execute-phase.md
@@ -976,9 +976,9 @@ Items saved to `{phase_num}-HUMAN-UAT.md` — they will appear in `/gsd:progress
 ---
 ## ▶ Next Up
 
-`/gsd:plan-phase {X} --gaps ${GSD_WS}`
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`/gsd:plan-phase {X} --gaps ${GSD_WS}`
 
 Also: `cat {phase_dir}/{phase_num}-VERIFICATION.md` — full report
 Also: `/gsd:verify-work {X} ${GSD_WS}` — manual testing first
diff --git a/get-shit-done/workflows/insert-phase.md b/get-shit-done/workflows/insert-phase.md
index 537b5daf7..358886e1e 100644
--- a/get-shit-done/workflows/insert-phase.md
+++ b/get-shit-done/workflows/insert-phase.md
@@ -93,9 +93,9 @@ Project state updated: .planning/STATE.md
 
 **Phase {decimal_phase}: {description}** -- urgent insertion
 
-`/gsd:plan-phase {decimal_phase}`
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first -> fresh context window</sub>
+`/gsd:plan-phase {decimal_phase}`
 
 ---
 
diff --git a/get-shit-done/workflows/map-codebase.md b/get-shit-done/workflows/map-codebase.md
index 8c28c58cb..bf800305c 100644
--- a/get-shit-done/workflows/map-codebase.md
+++ b/get-shit-done/workflows/map-codebase.md
@@ -349,9 +349,9 @@ Created .planning/codebase/:
 
 **Initialize project** — use codebase context for planning
 
-`/gsd:new-project`
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`/gsd:new-project`
 
 ---
 
diff --git a/get-shit-done/workflows/new-milestone.md b/get-shit-done/workflows/new-milestone.md
index 3d2f32120..853e61c37 100644
--- a/get-shit-done/workflows/new-milestone.md
+++ b/get-shit-done/workflows/new-milestone.md
@@ -465,9 +465,9 @@ node "$HOME/.claude/get-shit-done/bin/gsd-tools.cjs" commit "docs: create milest
 
 **Phase [N]: [Phase Name]** — [Goal]
 
-`/gsd:discuss-phase [N] ${GSD_WS}` — gather context and clarify approach
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`/gsd:discuss-phase [N] ${GSD_WS}` — gather context and clarify approach
 
 Also: `/gsd:plan-phase [N] ${GSD_WS}` — skip discussion, plan directly
 ```
diff --git a/get-shit-done/workflows/new-project.md b/get-shit-done/workflows/new-project.md
index d3861db9f..36f494427 100644
--- a/get-shit-done/workflows/new-project.md
+++ b/get-shit-done/workflows/new-project.md
@@ -1194,9 +1194,9 @@ PHASE1_HAS_UI=$(echo "$PHASE1_SECTION" | grep -qi "UI hint.*yes" && echo "true"
 
 **Phase 1: [Phase Name]** — [Goal from ROADMAP.md]
 
-/gsd:discuss-phase 1 — gather context and clarify approach
+/clear then:
 
-<sub>/clear first → fresh context window</sub>
+/gsd:discuss-phase 1 — gather context and clarify approach
 
 ---
 
@@ -1216,9 +1216,9 @@ PHASE1_HAS_UI=$(echo "$PHASE1_SECTION" | grep -qi "UI hint.*yes" && echo "true"
 
 **Phase 1: [Phase Name]** — [Goal from ROADMAP.md]
 
-/gsd:discuss-phase 1 — gather context and clarify approach
+/clear then:
 
-<sub>/clear first → fresh context window</sub>
+/gsd:discuss-phase 1 — gather context and clarify approach
 
 ---
 
diff --git a/get-shit-done/workflows/plan-milestone-gaps.md b/get-shit-done/workflows/plan-milestone-gaps.md
index b3997fecf..e80a3a431 100644
--- a/get-shit-done/workflows/plan-milestone-gaps.md
+++ b/get-shit-done/workflows/plan-milestone-gaps.md
@@ -163,9 +163,9 @@ node "$HOME/.claude/get-shit-done/bin/gsd-tools.cjs" commit "docs(roadmap): add
 
 **Plan first gap closure phase**
 
-`/gsd:plan-phase {N}`
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`/gsd:plan-phase {N}`
 
 ---
 
diff --git a/get-shit-done/workflows/plan-phase.md b/get-shit-done/workflows/plan-phase.md
index 8078e8090..64750026d 100644
--- a/get-shit-done/workflows/plan-phase.md
+++ b/get-shit-done/workflows/plan-phase.md
@@ -940,9 +940,9 @@ Verification: {Passed | Passed with override | Skipped}
 
 **Execute Phase {X}** — run all {N} plans
 
-/gsd:execute-phase {X} ${GSD_WS}
+/clear then:
 
-<sub>/clear first → fresh context window</sub>
+/gsd:execute-phase {X} ${GSD_WS}
 
 ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
diff --git a/get-shit-done/workflows/progress.md b/get-shit-done/workflows/progress.md
index 6725493e1..e3d542bc1 100644
--- a/get-shit-done/workflows/progress.md
+++ b/get-shit-done/workflows/progress.md
@@ -215,9 +215,9 @@ Read its `<objective>` section.
 
 **{phase}-{plan}: [Plan Name]** — [objective summary from PLAN.md]
 
-`/gsd:execute-phase {phase} ${GSD_WS}`
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`/gsd:execute-phase {phase} ${GSD_WS}`
 
 ---
 ```
@@ -245,9 +245,9 @@ PHASE_HAS_UI=$(echo "$PHASE_SECTION" | grep -qi "UI hint.*yes" && echo "true" ||
 **Phase {N}: {Name}** — {Goal from ROADMAP.md}
 <sub>✓ Context gathered, ready to plan</sub>
 
-`/gsd:plan-phase {phase-number} ${GSD_WS}`
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`/gsd:plan-phase {phase-number} ${GSD_WS}`
 
 ---
 ```
@@ -261,9 +261,9 @@ PHASE_HAS_UI=$(echo "$PHASE_SECTION" | grep -qi "UI hint.*yes" && echo "true" ||
 
 **Phase {N}: {Name}** — {Goal from ROADMAP.md}
 
-`/gsd:discuss-phase {phase}` — gather context and clarify approach
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`/gsd:discuss-phase {phase}` — gather context and clarify approach
 
 ---
 
@@ -284,9 +284,9 @@ PHASE_HAS_UI=$(echo "$PHASE_SECTION" | grep -qi "UI hint.*yes" && echo "true" ||
 
 **Phase {N}: {Name}** — {Goal from ROADMAP.md}
 
-`/gsd:discuss-phase {phase} ${GSD_WS}` — gather context and clarify approach
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`/gsd:discuss-phase {phase} ${GSD_WS}` — gather context and clarify approach
 
 ---
 
@@ -310,9 +310,9 @@ UAT.md exists with gaps (diagnosed issues). User needs to plan fixes.
 
 **{phase_num}-UAT.md** has {N} gaps requiring fixes.
 
-`/gsd:plan-phase {phase} --gaps ${GSD_WS}`
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`/gsd:plan-phase {phase} --gaps ${GSD_WS}`
 
 ---
 
@@ -336,9 +336,9 @@ UAT.md exists with `status: partial` — testing session ended before all items
 
 **{phase_num}-UAT.md** has {N} unresolved tests (pending, blocked, or skipped).
 
-`/gsd:verify-work {phase} ${GSD_WS}` — resume testing from where you left off
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`/gsd:verify-work {phase} ${GSD_WS}` — resume testing from where you left off
 
 ---
 
@@ -392,9 +392,9 @@ NEXT_HAS_UI=$(echo "$NEXT_PHASE_SECTION" | grep -qi "UI hint.*yes" && echo "true
 
 **Phase {Z+1}: {Name}** — {Goal from ROADMAP.md}
 
-`/gsd:discuss-phase {Z+1}` — gather context and clarify approach
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`/gsd:discuss-phase {Z+1}` — gather context and clarify approach
 
 ---
 
@@ -417,9 +417,9 @@ NEXT_HAS_UI=$(echo "$NEXT_PHASE_SECTION" | grep -qi "UI hint.*yes" && echo "true
 
 **Phase {Z+1}: {Name}** — {Goal from ROADMAP.md}
 
-`/gsd:discuss-phase {Z+1} ${GSD_WS}` — gather context and clarify approach
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`/gsd:discuss-phase {Z+1} ${GSD_WS}` — gather context and clarify approach
 
 ---
 
@@ -445,9 +445,9 @@ All {N} phases finished!
 
 **Complete Milestone** — archive and prepare for next
 
-`/gsd:complete-milestone ${GSD_WS}`
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`/gsd:complete-milestone ${GSD_WS}`
 
 ---
 
@@ -476,9 +476,9 @@ Ready to plan the next milestone.
 
 **Start Next Milestone** — questioning → research → requirements → roadmap
 
-`/gsd:new-milestone ${GSD_WS}`
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`/gsd:new-milestone ${GSD_WS}`
 
 ---
 ```
diff --git a/get-shit-done/workflows/resume-project.md b/get-shit-done/workflows/resume-project.md
index aff2fec6b..d0565888b 100644
--- a/get-shit-done/workflows/resume-project.md
+++ b/get-shit-done/workflows/resume-project.md
@@ -235,9 +235,9 @@ Based on user selection, route to appropriate workflow:
 
   **{phase}-{plan}: [Plan Name]** — [objective from PLAN.md]
 
-  `/gsd:execute-phase {phase} ${GSD_WS}`
+  `/clear` then:
 
-  <sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+  `/gsd:execute-phase {phase} ${GSD_WS}`
 
   ---
   ```
@@ -249,9 +249,9 @@ Based on user selection, route to appropriate workflow:
 
   **Phase [N]: [Name]** — [Goal from ROADMAP.md]
 
-  `/gsd:plan-phase [phase-number] ${GSD_WS}`
+  `/clear` then:
 
-  <sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+  `/gsd:plan-phase [phase-number] ${GSD_WS}`
 
   ---
 
diff --git a/get-shit-done/workflows/transition.md b/get-shit-done/workflows/transition.md
index 2dd4fed05..4fc0f1993 100644
--- a/get-shit-done/workflows/transition.md
+++ b/get-shit-done/workflows/transition.md
@@ -475,9 +475,9 @@ Exit skill and invoke SlashCommand("/gsd:discuss-phase [X+1] --auto ${GSD_WS}")
 
 **Phase [X+1]: [Name]** — [Goal from ROADMAP.md]
 
-`/gsd:discuss-phase [X+1] ${GSD_WS}` — gather context and clarify approach
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`/gsd:discuss-phase [X+1] ${GSD_WS}` — gather context and clarify approach
 
 ---
 
@@ -500,9 +500,9 @@ Exit skill and invoke SlashCommand("/gsd:discuss-phase [X+1] --auto ${GSD_WS}")
 **Phase [X+1]: [Name]** — [Goal from ROADMAP.md]
 <sub>✓ Context gathered, ready to plan</sub>
 
-`/gsd:plan-phase [X+1] ${GSD_WS}`
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`/gsd:plan-phase [X+1] ${GSD_WS}`
 
 ---
 
@@ -610,9 +610,9 @@ Exit skill and invoke SlashCommand("/gsd:complete-milestone {version} ${GSD_WS}"
 
 **Complete Milestone {version}** — archive and prepare for next
 
-`/gsd:complete-milestone {version} ${GSD_WS}`
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`/gsd:complete-milestone {version} ${GSD_WS}`
 
 ---
 
diff --git a/get-shit-done/workflows/ui-phase.md b/get-shit-done/workflows/ui-phase.md
index 0463ad08a..4a0ce64da 100644
--- a/get-shit-done/workflows/ui-phase.md
+++ b/get-shit-done/workflows/ui-phase.md
@@ -263,9 +263,9 @@ Dimensions: 6/6 passed
 
 **Plan Phase {N}** — planner will use UI-SPEC.md as design context
 
-`/gsd:plan-phase {N}`
+`/clear` then:
 
-<sub>/clear first → fresh context window</sub>
+`/gsd:plan-phase {N}`
 
 ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 ```
diff --git a/get-shit-done/workflows/ui-review.md b/get-shit-done/workflows/ui-review.md
index 0f3a8e55f..b8b250aea 100644
--- a/get-shit-done/workflows/ui-review.md
+++ b/get-shit-done/workflows/ui-review.md
@@ -138,11 +138,11 @@ Full review: {path to UI-REVIEW.md}
 
 ## ▶ Next
 
+`/clear` then one of:
+
 - `/gsd:verify-work {N}` — UAT testing
 - `/gsd:plan-phase {N+1}` — plan next phase
 
-<sub>/clear first → fresh context window</sub>
-
 ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 ```
 
diff --git a/tests/next-up-clear-order.test.cjs b/tests/next-up-clear-order.test.cjs
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..3e3217753
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/next-up-clear-order.test.cjs
@@ -0,0 +1,164 @@
+'use strict';
+
+/**
+ * Next Up /clear Order Tests (#1623)
+ *
+ * Validates that /clear always appears BEFORE the command in Next Up blocks,
+ * not as a <sub> footnote after the command. Users should see /clear first
+ * so they run it before copy-pasting the actual command.
+ */
+
+const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
+const assert = require('node:assert');
+const fs = require('fs');
+const path = require('path');
+const glob = require('path');
+
+const GSD_ROOT = path.join(__dirname, '..', 'get-shit-done');
+const UI_BRAND = path.join(GSD_ROOT, 'references', 'ui-brand.md');
+const CONTINUATION_FORMAT = path.join(GSD_ROOT, 'references', 'continuation-format.md');
+const WORKFLOWS_DIR = path.join(GSD_ROOT, 'workflows');
+
+/**
+ * Recursively collect all .md files in a directory.
+ */
+function collectMarkdownFiles(dir) {
+  const results = [];
+  if (!fs.existsSync(dir)) return results;
+  for (const entry of fs.readdirSync(dir, { withFileTypes: true })) {
+    const full = path.join(dir, entry.name);
+    if (entry.isDirectory()) {
+      results.push(...collectMarkdownFiles(full));
+    } else if (entry.name.endsWith('.md')) {
+      results.push(full);
+    }
+  }
+  return results;
+}
+
+describe('ui-brand.md — Next Up template has /clear before command', () => {
+  const content = fs.readFileSync(UI_BRAND, 'utf-8');
+
+  test('Next Up block template does not use <sub>/clear pattern', () => {
+    const subClearPattern = /<sub>[^<]*\/clear[^<]*<\/sub>/gi;
+    const matches = content.match(subClearPattern);
+    assert.strictEqual(
+      matches,
+      null,
+      'ui-brand.md must not contain <sub>/clear</sub> pattern — /clear should appear before the command'
+    );
+  });
+
+  test('Next Up block template shows /clear then: before {copy-paste command}', () => {
+    // Extract the Next Up Block section
+    const nextUpSection = content.slice(
+      content.indexOf('## Next Up Block'),
+      content.indexOf('## Error Box')
+    );
+    assert.ok(nextUpSection.length > 0, 'Should find Next Up Block section');
+
+    const clearIndex = nextUpSection.indexOf('/clear');
+    const commandIndex = nextUpSection.indexOf('{copy-paste command}');
+    assert.ok(clearIndex > -1, 'Should contain /clear');
+    assert.ok(commandIndex > -1, 'Should contain {copy-paste command}');
+    assert.ok(
+      clearIndex < commandIndex,
+      `/clear (at ${clearIndex}) must appear before {copy-paste command} (at ${commandIndex})`
+    );
+  });
+});
+
+describe('continuation-format.md — Next Up examples have /clear before commands', () => {
+  const content = fs.readFileSync(CONTINUATION_FORMAT, 'utf-8');
+
+  test('no <sub>/clear patterns remain', () => {
+    const subClearPattern = /<sub>[^<]*\/clear[^<]*<\/sub>/gi;
+    const matches = content.match(subClearPattern);
+    assert.strictEqual(
+      matches,
+      null,
+      'continuation-format.md must not contain <sub>/clear</sub> pattern'
+    );
+  });
+});
+
+describe('workflow files — no <sub>/clear patterns in Next Up blocks', () => {
+  const workflowFiles = collectMarkdownFiles(WORKFLOWS_DIR);
+
+  test('found workflow .md files to scan', () => {
+    assert.ok(
+      workflowFiles.length > 0,
+      `Expected workflow .md files in ${WORKFLOWS_DIR}`
+    );
+  });
+
+  test('no workflow file contains <sub> with /clear', () => {
+    const subClearPattern = /<sub>[^<]*\/clear[^<]*<\/sub>/gi;
+    const failures = [];
+
+    for (const filePath of workflowFiles) {
+      const content = fs.readFileSync(filePath, 'utf-8');
+      const matches = content.match(subClearPattern);
+      if (matches) {
+        failures.push({
+          file: path.relative(GSD_ROOT, filePath),
+          matches: matches.length,
+          examples: matches.slice(0, 3),
+        });
+      }
+    }
+
+    assert.strictEqual(
+      failures.length,
+      0,
+      `Found <sub>/clear</sub> pattern in ${failures.length} workflow file(s):\n` +
+        failures
+          .map(
+            (f) =>
+              `  ${f.file}: ${f.matches} match(es) — e.g. ${f.examples[0]}`
+          )
+          .join('\n')
+    );
+  });
+});
+
+describe('reference files — no <sub>/clear patterns', () => {
+  const referencesDir = path.join(GSD_ROOT, 'references');
+  const refFiles = collectMarkdownFiles(referencesDir);
+
+  test('found reference .md files to scan', () => {
+    assert.ok(
+      refFiles.length > 0,
+      `Expected reference .md files in ${referencesDir}`
+    );
+  });
+
+  test('no reference file contains <sub> with /clear', () => {
+    const subClearPattern = /<sub>[^<]*\/clear[^<]*<\/sub>/gi;
+    const failures = [];
+
+    for (const filePath of refFiles) {
+      const content = fs.readFileSync(filePath, 'utf-8');
+      const matches = content.match(subClearPattern);
+      if (matches) {
+        failures.push({
+          file: path.relative(GSD_ROOT, filePath),
+          matches: matches.length,
+          examples: matches.slice(0, 3),
+        });
+      }
+    }
+
+    assert.strictEqual(
+      failures.length,
+      0,
+      `Found <sub>/clear</sub> pattern in ${failures.length} reference file(s):\n` +
+        failures
+          .map(
+            (f) =>
+              `  ${f.file}: ${f.matches} match(es) — e.g. ${f.examples[0]}`
+          )
+          .join('\n')
+    );
+  });
+});