diff --git a/REPORTS.md b/REPORTS.md
index a96cf61..be36d17 100644
--- a/REPORTS.md
+++ b/REPORTS.md
@@ -45,3 +45,76 @@ noted otherwise.
   import so DB records can be traced back to original files.
 - Do not retire blocklist exports, RouterOS scripts, or source logs until
   their consumers and audit requirements have explicit replacements.
+
+## Database and API Design
+
+### Canonical Data
+
+Continue treating normalized domain tables as canonical for facts they
+already represent:
+
+- `requests` for parsed request events.
+- `ip_stats` for per-IP/per-scan aggregates.
+- `scans` and `scans_sources` for run status, parameters, and source counts.
+- `blocklist_entries`, `blocklist_reasons`, and `blocklist_events` for block
+  decisions and history.
+- `firewall_snapshots`, `firewall_address_list_entries`, and
+  `firewall_rule_entries` for router state.
+
+Add a `report_artifacts` table only for report-specific summaries that cannot
+be reconstructed from those canonical rows. Proposed columns:
+
+| Column | Purpose |
+| --- | --- |
+| `id` | Integer primary key. |
+| `source` | `copyparty`, `npm`, `app`, or `mikrotik`. Keep as text because `log_sources` currently covers only request sources. |
+| `scan_id` | Nullable link to the generating scan; legacy imports may not have a known scan. |
+| `report_type` | Stable type such as `analyzer_summary`, `blocklist_change`, or `firewall_snapshot_summary`. |
+| `generated_at` | Original generation timestamp when known; otherwise import time plus an explicit unknown/original-time flag in metadata. |
+| `schema_version` | Version of the structured payload shape. |
+| `payload_json` | Structured report-specific summary, not a duplicate of requests or raw logs. |
+| `original_path` | Relative source path for provenance and legacy lookup. |
+| `content_sha256` | Hash of imported source content for integrity and idempotent import. |
+| `created_at` | Database import/creation timestamp. |
+
+Use a unique index on `(original_path, content_sha256)` for idempotent file
+imports. Keep payload schemas type-specific and versioned. Do not copy
+`requests.csv`, `ips.json`, firewall rows, or blocklists wholesale into
+`payload_json`; query their canonical tables and generate exports from those
+tables. If a rendered text report is retained as a database artifact, store
+its report-specific structured inputs and render text on demand rather than
+using opaque text as the only source of truth.
+
+### API Transition Contract
+
+- Add `GET /api/reports` with optional `source`, `type`, `since`, `until`,
+  `limit`, and opaque `cursor` filters. Return a stable list of artifact
+  metadata: `id`, `source`, `scan_id`, `type`, `generated_at`, and available
+  export formats. Enforce a bounded default and maximum page size.
+- Add `GET /api/reports/<artifact_id>` for the structured payload and
+  provenance metadata. Keep it separate from the existing
+  `GET /api/reports/<source>/<path>` route to avoid changing that route's
+  meaning during migration.
+- Add an explicit export route for supported report types and formats
+  (initially JSON and, where useful, CSV/TXT). Generate exports from canonical
+  tables and versioned artifact payloads; do not accept filesystem paths from
+  a database-backed export request.
+- Preserve the current source/path routes as a read-only compatibility
+  fallback while files remain. The reports page should consume DB metadata
+  first, then offer legacy files when no imported artifact exists. Return
+  stable JSON errors for unknown IDs, unsupported formats, and unavailable
+  DB state.
+- Keep ordering deterministic (`generated_at DESC`, then `id DESC`), validate
+  filter values, and use cursor pagination for large histories. Do not expose
+  absolute server paths in list responses.
+
+### Sensitive and Large Content
+
+Do not include raw request lines or full request histories in report payloads;
+those belong in the dedicated log-storage design and require separate access
+and retention controls. Keep high-volume CSV exports generated on demand. Treat
+IP addresses, paths/query strings, user names, user agents, and firewall state
+as sensitive operational data: the existing web server must remain
+localhost-only, payloads should include only fields needed by the report, and
+new endpoints must not expose raw log data by default. Backups and exported
+files inherit the same access and retention requirements as the database.