diff --git a/.env.example b/.env.example
index 1c8dc0a..b686c9e 100644
--- a/.env.example
+++ b/.env.example
@@ -1,4 +1,7 @@
 # === Frambe Configuration ===
+# Copy this file to .env and fill in your real values:
+#   cp .env.example .env
+# .env is gitignored and holds your secrets. docker compose reads it automatically.
 
 # REQUIRED
 IMMICH_URL=http://your-immich-server:2283
@@ -22,14 +25,18 @@ SHOW_PROGRESS=true
 # ALBUM_ID=
 # SHOW_FAVORITES_ONLY=false
 
-# Admin Authentication (optional — leave ADMIN_PASSWORD blank to disable)
+# Admin Authentication (leave ADMIN_PASSWORD blank to disable)
 ADMIN_USERNAME=admin
 ADMIN_PASSWORD=
 # ADMIN_PASSWORD=changeme
 
 # API Token for external access (Home Assistant, scripts, etc.)
-# When set, REST endpoints require this token via Bearer auth or x-api-token header
+# When set, REST endpoints require this token via Bearer auth or x-api-token header.
 # FRAMBE_API_TOKEN=your-secret-token-here
 
-# Server (internal port — Docker maps externally via docker-compose)
+# Server (internal port — Docker maps externally to 3030 via docker-compose)
 PORT=3000
+
+# NOTE: Global settings (default source, sleep schedule, etc.) are saved to
+# /app/data/settings.json inside the container, backed by the named volume
+# `frambe_data` in docker-compose.yml — they persist across rebuilds.