diff --git a/docs/src/content/docs/reference/safe-outputs-pull-requests.md b/docs/src/content/docs/reference/safe-outputs-pull-requests.md
index c6fcef36ea..e5c00adb9c 100644
--- a/docs/src/content/docs/reference/safe-outputs-pull-requests.md
+++ b/docs/src/content/docs/reference/safe-outputs-pull-requests.md
@@ -275,7 +275,9 @@ This protects against supply chain attacks where an AI agent could inadvertently
 
 ### Policy Options
 
-Configure the `protected-files` field on either safe output:
+The `protected-files` field accepts either a string policy value or an object with a `policy` and an `exclude` list.
+
+**String form** — set a single policy for all protected files:
 
 | Value | Behaviour |
 |-------|-----------|
@@ -283,6 +285,20 @@ Configure the `protected-files` field on either safe output:
 | `fallback-to-issue` | Create a review issue with instructions for the human to apply or reject the changes manually |
 | `allowed` | No restriction — all protected file changes are permitted. **Use only when the workflow is explicitly designed to manage these files.** |
 
+**Object form** — set a policy and exclude specific files from the protected set:
+
+```yaml wrap
+safe-outputs:
+  create-pull-request:
+    protected-files:
+      policy: fallback-to-issue   # same values as string form (default: blocked)
+      exclude:
+        - AGENTS.md               # allow the agent to update its own instruction file
+        - .agents/                # allow updates to the .agents/ directory
+```
+
+The `exclude` list names files by **basename** (e.g., `AGENTS.md`) or **path prefix** (e.g., `.agents/`) to remove from the default protected set. The remaining protected files still enforce the configured policy. This is useful when a workflow is explicitly designed to manage one specific instruction file without disabling all protection.
+
 **`create-pull-request` with `fallback-to-issue`**: the branch is pushed normally, then a review issue is created with a PR creation intent link, a `[!WARNING]` banner explaining why the fallback was triggered, and instructions to review carefully before creating the PR.
 
 **`push-to-pull-request-branch` with `fallback-to-issue`**: instead of pushing to the PR branch, a review issue is created with the target PR link, patch download/apply instructions, and a review warning.
diff --git a/docs/src/content/docs/setup/cli.md b/docs/src/content/docs/setup/cli.md
index 7d2d2b9111..66cd98d425 100644
--- a/docs/src/content/docs/setup/cli.md
+++ b/docs/src/content/docs/setup/cli.md
@@ -257,7 +257,9 @@ gh aw compile --dependabot                 # Generate dependency manifests
 gh aw compile --purge                      # Remove orphaned .lock.yml files
 ```
 
-**Options:** `--validate`, `--strict`, `--fix`, `--zizmor`, `--dependabot`, `--json`, `--no-emit`, `--watch`, `--purge`, `--stats`
+**Options:** `--validate`, `--strict`, `--fix`, `--zizmor`, `--dependabot`, `--json`, `--no-emit`, `--watch`, `--purge`, `--stats`, `--approve`
+
+**`--approve` flag:** When compiling a workflow that already has a lock file, the compiler enforces *safe update mode* — any newly added secrets or custom actions not present in the previous manifest require explicit approval. Pass `--approve` to accept these changes and regenerate the manifest baseline. On first compile (no existing lock file), enforcement is skipped automatically and `--approve` is not needed.
 
 **Error Reporting:** Displays detailed error messages with file paths, line numbers, column positions, and contextual code snippets.
 
@@ -318,7 +320,7 @@ gh aw run workflow --push --ref main        # Push to specific branch
 gh aw run workflow --json                   # Output triggered workflow results as JSON
 ```
 
-**Options:** `--repeat`, `--push` (see [--push flag](#the---push-flag)), `--ref`, `--enable-if-needed`, `--json/-j`, `--auto-merge-prs`, `--dry-run`, `--engine/-e`, `--raw-field/-F`, `--repo/-r`
+**Options:** `--repeat`, `--push` (see [--push flag](#the---push-flag)), `--ref`, `--enable-if-needed`, `--json/-j`, `--auto-merge-prs`, `--dry-run`, `--engine/-e`, `--raw-field/-F`, `--repo/-r`, `--approve`
 
 When `--json` is set, a JSON array of triggered workflow results is written to stdout.
 
@@ -564,7 +566,7 @@ gh aw upgrade --audit                      # Run dependency health audit
 gh aw upgrade --audit --json               # Dependency audit in JSON format
 ```
 
-**Options:** `--dir/-d`, `--no-fix`, `--no-actions`, `--no-compile`, `--create-pull-request`, `--audit`, `--json/-j`
+**Options:** `--dir/-d`, `--no-fix`, `--no-actions`, `--no-compile`, `--create-pull-request`, `--audit`, `--json/-j`, `--approve`
 
 ### Advanced