diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
deleted file mode 100644
index 12ebe1a..0000000
--- a/README.md
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,6 +0,0 @@
-# Marka
-
-Bidirectional mapping between Markdown and JSON (Schema.org-style) via small, declarative templates.
-Marka lets you parse Markdown → JSON and render JSON → Markdown using the same template.
-
-
diff --git a/cmd/marka/main.go b/cmd/marka/main.go
deleted file mode 100644
index fb8ba6d..0000000
--- a/cmd/marka/main.go
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,62 +0,0 @@
-package main
-
-import (
-	"encoding/json"
-	"flag"
-	"log"
-	"os"
-
-	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/parser"
-	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/renderer"
-)
-
-func main() {
-	sub := "parse"
-	if len(os.Args) > 1 {
-		sub = os.Args[1]
-	}
-	switch sub {
-	case "parse":
-		fs := flag.NewFlagSet("parse", flag.ExitOnError)
-		tpl := fs.String("template", "", "template file (Markdown)")
-		in := fs.String("in", "", "input markdown")
-		schema := fs.String("schema", "", "json schema (optional)")
-		out := fs.String("out", "-", "output json (- for stdout)")
-		_ = fs.Parse(os.Args[2:])
-
-		data, err := parser.ParseFile(*tpl, *in, *schema)
-		if err != nil {
-			log.Fatal(err)
-		}
-		enc := json.NewEncoder(dest(*out))
-		enc.SetIndent("", "  ")
-		_ = enc.Encode(data)
-
-	case "render":
-		fs := flag.NewFlagSet("render", flag.ExitOnError)
-		tpl := fs.String("template", "", "template file (Markdown)")
-		in := fs.String("in", "", "input json")
-		out := fs.String("out", "-", "output markdown (- for stdout)")
-		_ = fs.Parse(os.Args[2:])
-
-		md, err := renderer.RenderFile(*tpl, *in)
-		if err != nil {
-			log.Fatal(err)
-		}
-		_, _ = dest(*out).Write(md)
-
-	default:
-		log.Fatalf("unknown subcommand: %s (use parse|render)", sub)
-	}
-}
-
-func dest(path string) *os.File {
-	if path == "-" {
-		return os.Stdout
-	}
-	f, err := os.Create(path)
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	return f
-}
diff --git a/go.work b/go.work
index d42da06..13c90e5 100644
--- a/go.work
+++ b/go.work
@@ -1,8 +1,10 @@
-go 1.24.3
+go 1.24.5
 
 use (
 	./parser
 	./registry
 	./renderer
 	./template
+	./testdata
+	./validator
 )
diff --git a/parser/decoders/decoder_test.go b/parser/decoders/decoder_test.go
index 3a98e75..9bf634d 100644
--- a/parser/decoders/decoder_test.go
+++ b/parser/decoders/decoder_test.go
@@ -7,13 +7,13 @@ import (
 
 	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/parser/decoders"
 	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/parser/matcher"
-	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/parser/utils"
 	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/registry"
 	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/template"
+	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/testdata"
 )
 
 func TestParseBaguette(t *testing.T) {
-	recipeMd := utils.ReadTestDataFile(t, "baguette.md")
+	recipeMd := testdata.Read(t, "baguette/input.md")
 
 	templateContent, err := registry.GetTemplate("Recipe")
 	if err != nil {
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ func TestParseBaguette(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("Err: %s", err)
 	}
 
-	matches := matcher.MatchBlocksFuzzy(recipeMd, blocks, 0.3)
+	matches := matcher.MatchBlocksFuzzy(string(recipeMd), blocks, 0.3)
 	parsed, err := decoders.Parse(matches)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("Err: %s", err)
diff --git a/parser/decoders/yaml.go b/parser/decoders/yaml.go
index f3b6978..2bcc16b 100644
--- a/parser/decoders/yaml.go
+++ b/parser/decoders/yaml.go
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import (
 	"fmt"
 
 	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/parser/utils"
+	renderUtils "git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/renderer/utils"
 	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/template"
 	"go.yaml.in/yaml/v4"
 )
@@ -17,12 +18,15 @@ func Yaml(input string, block template.Block) (value any, error error) {
 
 	var out any
 	for _, f := range block.Fields {
+		if f.Hidden {
+			continue
+		}
 		if f.CodecType == template.CodecConst {
 			if f.Value != nil {
 				out = utils.SetPathValue(f.Path, f.Value, out)
 			}
 		} else {
-			if value, ok := res[f.Path]; ok {
+			if value, ok := renderUtils.GetValueFromPath(res, f.Path); ok {
 				out = utils.SetPathValue(f.Path, value, out)
 			}
 		}
diff --git a/parser/go.mod b/parser/go.mod
index 5528628..8dba3bf 100644
--- a/parser/go.mod
+++ b/parser/go.mod
@@ -2,9 +2,18 @@ module git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/parser
 
 go 1.24.3
 
-require github.com/agext/levenshtein v1.2.3
+require (
+	git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/registry v0.0.0-20250817132016-6db87db32567
+	git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/template v0.0.0-20250817132016-6db87db32567
+	github.com/agext/levenshtein v1.2.3
+)
+
+require (
+	github.com/santhosh-tekuri/jsonschema/v6 v6.0.2 // indirect
+	golang.org/x/text v0.14.0 // indirect
+)
 
 require (
 	github.com/google/go-cmp v0.7.0
-	go.yaml.in/yaml/v4 v4.0.0-rc.1 // indirect
+	go.yaml.in/yaml/v4 v4.0.0-rc.1
 )
diff --git a/parser/go.sum b/parser/go.sum
index 01f9684..f65191b 100644
--- a/parser/go.sum
+++ b/parser/go.sum
@@ -1,6 +1,16 @@
+git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/registry v0.0.0-20250817132016-6db87db32567 h1:oe7Xb8dE43S8mRla5hfEqagMnvhvEVHsvRlzl2v540w=
+git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/registry v0.0.0-20250817132016-6db87db32567/go.mod h1:qGWl42P8mgEktfor/IjQp0aS9SqmpeIlhSuVTlUOXLQ=
+git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/template v0.0.0-20250817132016-6db87db32567 h1:XIx89KqTgd/h14oe5mLvT9E8+jGEAjWgudqiMtQdcec=
+git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/template v0.0.0-20250817132016-6db87db32567/go.mod h1:Uxi5xcxtnjopsIZjjMlFaWJGuglB9JNL++FuaSbOf6U=
 github.com/agext/levenshtein v1.2.3 h1:YB2fHEn0UJagG8T1rrWknE3ZQzWM06O8AMAatNn7lmo=
 github.com/agext/levenshtein v1.2.3/go.mod h1:JEDfjyjHDjOF/1e4FlBE/PkbqA9OfWu2ki2W0IB5558=
+github.com/dlclark/regexp2 v1.11.0 h1:G/nrcoOa7ZXlpoa/91N3X7mM3r8eIlMBBJZvsz/mxKI=
+github.com/dlclark/regexp2 v1.11.0/go.mod h1:DHkYz0B9wPfa6wondMfaivmHpzrQ3v9q8cnmRbL6yW8=
 github.com/google/go-cmp v0.7.0 h1:wk8382ETsv4JYUZwIsn6YpYiWiBsYLSJiTsyBybVuN8=
 github.com/google/go-cmp v0.7.0/go.mod h1:pXiqmnSA92OHEEa9HXL2W4E7lf9JzCmGVUdgjX3N/iU=
+github.com/santhosh-tekuri/jsonschema/v6 v6.0.2 h1:KRzFb2m7YtdldCEkzs6KqmJw4nqEVZGK7IN2kJkjTuQ=
+github.com/santhosh-tekuri/jsonschema/v6 v6.0.2/go.mod h1:JXeL+ps8p7/KNMjDQk3TCwPpBy0wYklyWTfbkIzdIFU=
 go.yaml.in/yaml/v4 v4.0.0-rc.1 h1:4J1+yLKUIPGexM/Si+9d3pij4hdc7aGO04NhrElqXbY=
 go.yaml.in/yaml/v4 v4.0.0-rc.1/go.mod h1:CBdeces52/nUXndfQ5OY8GEQuNR9uEEOJPZj/Xq5IzU=
+golang.org/x/text v0.14.0 h1:ScX5w1eTa3QqT8oi6+ziP7dTV1S2+ALU0bI+0zXKWiQ=
+golang.org/x/text v0.14.0/go.mod h1:18ZOQIKpY8NJVqYksKHtTdi31H5itFRjB5/qKTNYzSU=
diff --git a/parser/main_test.go b/parser/main_test.go
deleted file mode 100644
index 70d8202..0000000
--- a/parser/main_test.go
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,69 +0,0 @@
-package parser_test
-
-import (
-	"encoding/json"
-	"os"
-	"path/filepath"
-	"testing"
-
-	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/parser"
-	"github.com/google/go-cmp/cmp"
-)
-
-func TestParseRecipe_Golden(t *testing.T) {
-	td := filepath.Join("testdata", "recipe_salad")
-	input := filepath.Join(td, "input.md")
-	output := filepath.Join(td, "output.json")
-
-	inputContent, err := os.ReadFile(input)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatalf("read input.md: %v", err)
-	}
-
-	got, err := parser.ParseFile(string(inputContent))
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatalf("ParseFile: %v", err)
-	}
-
-	var want map[string]any
-	b, err := os.ReadFile(output)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatalf("read expected.json: %v", err)
-	}
-	if err := json.Unmarshal(b, &want); err != nil {
-		t.Fatalf("unmarshal expected.json: %v", err)
-	}
-
-	if diff := cmp.Diff(want, got); diff != "" {
-		t.Fatalf("JSON mismatch (-want +got):\n%s", diff)
-	}
-}
-
-func TestParseRecipe_NoDescription(t *testing.T) {
-	td := filepath.Join("testdata", "recipe_no_description")
-	input := filepath.Join(td, "input.md")
-	output := filepath.Join(td, "output.json")
-
-	inputContent, err := os.ReadFile(input)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatalf("read input.md: %v", err)
-	}
-
-	got, err := parser.ParseFile(string(inputContent))
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatalf("ParseFile: %v", err)
-	}
-
-	var want map[string]any
-	b, err := os.ReadFile(output)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatalf("read expected.json: %v", err)
-	}
-	if err := json.Unmarshal(b, &want); err != nil {
-		t.Fatalf("unmarshal expected.json: %v", err)
-	}
-
-	if diff := cmp.Diff(want, got); diff != "" {
-		t.Fatalf("JSON mismatch (-want +got):\n%s", diff)
-	}
-}
diff --git a/parser/matcher/matcher_test.go b/parser/matcher/matcher_test.go
index 49ca67d..2de36d0 100644
--- a/parser/matcher/matcher_test.go
+++ b/parser/matcher/matcher_test.go
@@ -5,13 +5,13 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 
 	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/parser/matcher"
-	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/parser/utils"
 	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/registry"
 	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/template"
+	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/testdata"
 )
 
 func TestFuzzyFindAll(t *testing.T) {
-	recipeMd := utils.ReadTestDataFile(t, "baguette.md")
+	recipeMd := testdata.Read(t, "baguette/input.md")
 
 	tests := []struct {
 		Needle                 string
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ func TestFuzzyFindAll(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 
 	for _, test := range tests {
-		start, end := matcher.FuzzyFind(recipeMd, test.StartIndex, test.Needle, 0.3) // allow 50% error
+		start, end := matcher.FuzzyFind(string(recipeMd), test.StartIndex, test.Needle, 0.3) // allow 50% error
 
 		if start != test.Start || end != test.End {
 			t.Errorf("Start or end do not match: Needle=%q Start=%d/%d End=%d/%d", test.Needle, test.Start, start, test.End, end)
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ func TestFuzzyFindAll(t *testing.T) {
 }
 
 func TestFuzzyBlockMatch(t *testing.T) {
-	recipeMd := utils.ReadTestDataFile(t, "baguette.md")
+	recipeMd := testdata.Read(t, "baguette/input.md")
 	schemaMd, err := registry.GetTemplate("Recipe")
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Errorf("Failed to load template: %s", err.Error())
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ func TestFuzzyBlockMatch(t *testing.T) {
 		fmt.Printf("block: %#v\n", b)
 	}
 
-	matches := matcher.MatchBlocksFuzzy(recipeMd, blocks, 0.3)
+	matches := matcher.MatchBlocksFuzzy(string(recipeMd), blocks, 0.3)
 
 	expected := []struct {
 		value string
diff --git a/parser/main.go b/parser/parser.go
similarity index 87%
rename from parser/main.go
rename to parser/parser.go
index 6de0cb4..74150a7 100644
--- a/parser/main.go
+++ b/parser/parser.go
@@ -41,11 +41,15 @@ func DetectType(markdownContent string) (string, error) {
 	}
 }
 
+func prepareMarkdown(input string) string {
+	input = strings.TrimSuffix(input, "\n")
+	input = strings.ReplaceAll(input, "@type:", `"@type":`)
+	input = strings.ReplaceAll(input, "@context:", `"@context":`)
+	return input
+}
+
 func ParseFile(markdownContent string) (any, error) {
-	markdownContent = strings.TrimSuffix(
-		strings.ReplaceAll(markdownContent, "@type:", `"@type":`),
-		"\n",
-	)
+	markdownContent = prepareMarkdown(markdownContent)
 
 	contentType, err := DetectType(markdownContent)
 	if err != nil {
diff --git a/parser/parser_test.go b/parser/parser_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f118c4b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/parser/parser_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,86 @@
+package parser_test
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"testing"
+
+	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/parser"
+	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/testdata"
+	"github.com/google/go-cmp/cmp"
+)
+
+func TestParseRecipe_Golden(t *testing.T) {
+	inputContent := testdata.Read(t, "recipe_salad/input.md")
+	output := testdata.Read(t, "recipe_salad/output.json")
+
+	got, err := parser.ParseFile(string(inputContent))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("ParseFile: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	var want map[string]any
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(output, &want); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("unmarshal expected.json: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	if diff := cmp.Diff(want, got); diff != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("JSON mismatch (-want +got):\n%s", diff)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestParseRecipe_NoDescription(t *testing.T) {
+	inputContent := testdata.Read(t, "recipe_no_description/input.md")
+
+	got, err := parser.ParseFile(string(inputContent))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("ParseFile: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	var want map[string]any
+	output := testdata.Read(t, "recipe_no_description/output.json")
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(output, &want); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("unmarshal expected.json: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	if diff := cmp.Diff(want, got); diff != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("JSON mismatch (-want +got):\n%s", diff)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestParseRecipe_Baguette(t *testing.T) {
+	inputContent := testdata.Read(t, "baguette/input.md")
+
+	got, err := parser.ParseFile(string(inputContent))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("ParseFile: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	var want map[string]any
+	output := testdata.Read(t, "baguette/output.json")
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(output, &want); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("unmarshal expected.json: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	if diff := cmp.Diff(want, got); diff != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("JSON mismatch (-want +got):\n%s", diff)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestParseArticle_Simple(t *testing.T) {
+	inputContent := testdata.Read(t, "article_simple/input.md")
+
+	got, err := parser.ParseFile(string(inputContent))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("ParseFile: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	var want map[string]any
+	output := testdata.Read(t, "article_simple/output.json")
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(output, &want); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("unmarshal expected.json: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	if diff := cmp.Diff(want, got); diff != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("JSON mismatch (-want +got):\n%s", diff)
+	}
+}
diff --git a/parser/utils/read_test_data.go b/parser/utils/read_test_data.go
deleted file mode 100644
index 850838d..0000000
--- a/parser/utils/read_test_data.go
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,16 +0,0 @@
-package utils
-
-import (
-	"os"
-	"path/filepath"
-	"testing"
-)
-
-func ReadTestDataFile(t *testing.T, fileName string) string {
-	path := filepath.Join("../testdata", fileName)
-	data, err := os.ReadFile(path)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatalf("failed to read test data file: %v", err)
-	}
-	return string(data)
-}
diff --git a/registry/go.mod b/registry/go.mod
index dd79f1b..61e060e 100644
--- a/registry/go.mod
+++ b/registry/go.mod
@@ -1,7 +1,3 @@
 module git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/registry
 
 go 1.24.3
-
-require github.com/santhosh-tekuri/jsonschema/v6 v6.0.2
-
-require golang.org/x/text v0.14.0 // indirect
diff --git a/registry/schemas.go b/registry/schemas.go
index 9513308..1d1c11b 100644
--- a/registry/schemas.go
+++ b/registry/schemas.go
@@ -1,118 +1,33 @@
 package registry
 
 import (
-	"bytes"
 	"embed"
-	"encoding/json"
 	"fmt"
 	"path/filepath"
 	"strings"
-	"sync"
-
-	"github.com/santhosh-tekuri/jsonschema/v6"
 )
 
 //go:embed schema-org/*.json
 var schemasFS embed.FS
 
-var (
-	loadOnce    sync.Once
-	compiler    *jsonschema.Compiler
-	compileErr  error
-	schemaCache sync.Map // map[string]*jsonschema.Schema
-)
-
-// ValidateSchema validates instance against the Schema.org JSON Schema named `schemaName`.
-// Examples: ValidateSchema(inst, "Recipe"), ValidateSchema(inst, "schema:Recipe").
-func ValidateSchema(instance any, schemaName string) error {
-	if err := ensureCompiler(); err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-
-	ref := normalizeRef(schemaName)
-
-	// Fast-path: reuse compiled schema if we have it.
-	if v, ok := schemaCache.Load(ref); ok {
-		if err := v.(*jsonschema.Schema).Validate(instance); err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("validation failed: %w", err)
-		}
-		return nil
-	}
-
-	// Compile on first use, then cache.
-	sch, err := compiler.Compile(ref)
+func GetSchemas() ([][]byte, error) {
+	entries, err := schemasFS.ReadDir("schema-org")
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("failed to compile schema %q: %w", ref, err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("read schema directory: %w", err)
 	}
-	schemaCache.Store(ref, sch)
 
-	if err := sch.Validate(instance); err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("validation failed: %w", err)
-	}
-	return nil
-}
+	var out [][]byte
 
-// --- internals ---
-
-func ensureCompiler() error {
-	loadOnce.Do(func() {
-		c := jsonschema.NewCompiler()
-
-		// Load all embedded schemas and register them under their $id (e.g., "schema:Recipe").
-		entries, err := schemasFS.ReadDir("schema-org")
+	for _, e := range entries {
+		if e.IsDir() || !strings.HasSuffix(e.Name(), ".json") {
+			continue
+		}
+		raw, err := schemasFS.ReadFile(filepath.ToSlash("schema-org/" + e.Name()))
 		if err != nil {
-			compileErr = fmt.Errorf("read schema directory: %w", err)
-			return
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("read %s: %w", e.Name(), err)
 		}
-
-		for _, e := range entries {
-			if e.IsDir() || !strings.HasSuffix(e.Name(), ".json") {
-				continue
-			}
-			raw, err := schemasFS.ReadFile(filepath.ToSlash("schema-org/" + e.Name()))
-			if err != nil {
-				compileErr = fmt.Errorf("read %s: %w", e.Name(), err)
-				return
-			}
-
-			// Unmarshal once for the compiler, but use $id from the raw JSON as the resource name.
-			js, err := jsonschema.UnmarshalJSON(bytes.NewReader(raw))
-			if err != nil {
-				compileErr = fmt.Errorf("unmarshal %s: %w", e.Name(), err)
-				return
-			}
-
-			id := extractID(raw)
-			if id == "" {
-				// Fallbacks if $id is missing; Schema.org dumps typically use "schema:<Name>".
-				base := strings.TrimSuffix(e.Name(), ".json")
-				id = "schema:" + base
-			}
-
-			if err := c.AddResource(id, js); err != nil {
-				compileErr = fmt.Errorf("add resource %s: %w", id, err)
-				return
-			}
-		}
-
-		compiler = c
-	})
-	return compileErr
-}
-
-func extractID(raw []byte) string {
-	var tmp struct {
-		ID string `json:"$id"`
+		out = append(out, raw)
 	}
-	_ = json.Unmarshal(raw, &tmp)
-	return strings.TrimSpace(tmp.ID)
-}
 
-func normalizeRef(name string) string {
-	n := strings.TrimSpace(name)
-	// Accept "Recipe" or "schema:Recipe" transparently.
-	if strings.HasPrefix(n, "schema:") || strings.HasPrefix(n, "http://") || strings.HasPrefix(n, "https://") {
-		return n
-	}
-	return "schema:" + n
+	return out, nil
 }
diff --git a/registry/templates/Article.marka b/registry/templates/Article.marka
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3719104
--- /dev/null
+++ b/registry/templates/Article.marka
@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+---
+{
+  path: .
+  codec: yaml
+  fields:
+    - path: "@context"
+      codec: const
+      value: https://schema.org
+      hidden: true
+    - path: "@schema"
+      codec: const
+      value: Article
+      hidden: true
+    - path: "@type"
+      codec: const
+      value: Article
+    - path: image
+    - path: author.name
+    - path: author.@type
+      codec: const
+      value: Person
+      hidden: true
+    - path: datePublished
+}
+---
+
+# { .headline }
+
+{ .articleBody }
diff --git a/registry/templates/Recipe.marka b/registry/templates/Recipe.marka
index 891ca17..c625a77 100644
--- a/registry/templates/Recipe.marka
+++ b/registry/templates/Recipe.marka
@@ -6,12 +6,18 @@
     - path: "@context"
       codec: const
       value: https://schema.org
+      hidden: true
+    - path: "@schema"
+      codec: const
+      value: Recipe
+      hidden: true
     - path: "@type"
       codec: const
       value: Recipe
     - path: image
     - path: author.@type
       codec: const
+      hidden: true
       value: Person
     - path: author.name
     - path: datePublished
@@ -21,7 +27,7 @@
 }
 ---
 
-# { name | text,required }
+# { name | text }
 
 { description | text }
 
@@ -29,7 +35,6 @@
 {
   path: recipeIngredient
   codec: list
-  required: true
   listTemplate: "- { . }"
 }
 
@@ -37,6 +42,5 @@
 {
   path: recipeInstructions
   codec: list
-  required: true
   listTemplate: "{ @index }. { . }"
 }
diff --git a/renderer/codec/codec.go b/renderer/codec/codec.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..00e65a0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/renderer/codec/codec.go
@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+// Package codec contains functions for rendering template.Block to a string.
+package codec
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+
+	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/renderer/utils"
+	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/template"
+)
+
+// RenderBlock renders a single template block using the provided data.
+func RenderBlock(block template.Block, data map[string]any) (string, error) {
+	if block.Type == template.MatchingBlock {
+		return block.GetContent(), nil
+	}
+
+	value, found := utils.GetValueFromPath(data, block.Path)
+	if !found {
+		return "", nil // If not found and not required, return empty string
+	}
+
+	switch block.Codec {
+	case template.CodecText:
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%v", value), nil
+	case template.CodecYaml:
+		return RenderYaml(data, block)
+	case template.CodecList:
+		return RenderList(value, block)
+	case template.CodecConst:
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%v", block.Value), nil
+	default:
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("unknown codec: %s for path '%s'", block.Codec, block.Path)
+	}
+}
diff --git a/renderer/codec/list.go b/renderer/codec/list.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9241634
--- /dev/null
+++ b/renderer/codec/list.go
@@ -0,0 +1,56 @@
+package codec
+
+import (
+	"bytes"
+	"fmt"
+	"strings"
+
+	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/template"
+)
+
+func RenderList(value any, block template.Block) (string, error) {
+	list, ok := value.([]any)
+	if !ok {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("expected list for path '%s', got %T", block.Path, value)
+	}
+
+	var renderedItems []string
+	// Compile the list template for each item
+	listBlocks, err := template.CompileTemplate(block.ListTemplate)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("failed to compile list template for path '%s': %w", block.Path, err)
+	}
+
+	for i, item := range list {
+		itemMap, isMap := item.(map[string]any)
+		if !isMap {
+			// If it's not a map, treat it as a simple value for the '.' path
+			itemMap = map[string]any{".": item}
+		}
+
+		var itemBuffer bytes.Buffer
+		for _, lb := range listBlocks {
+			if lb.Type == template.MatchingBlock {
+				itemBuffer.WriteString(lb.GetContent())
+			} else if lb.Type == template.DataBlock {
+				// Special handling for @index in list items
+				if lb.Path == "@index" {
+					itemBuffer.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf("%d", i+1))
+					continue
+				}
+				// Special handling for '.' path when item is not a map
+				if lb.Path == "." && !isMap {
+					itemBuffer.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf("%v", item))
+					continue
+				}
+				renderedItemPart, err := RenderBlock(lb, itemMap)
+				if err != nil {
+					return "", fmt.Errorf("failed to render list item part for path '%s': %w", lb.Path, err)
+				}
+				itemBuffer.WriteString(renderedItemPart)
+			}
+		}
+		renderedItems = append(renderedItems, itemBuffer.String())
+	}
+	return strings.Join(renderedItems, "\n"), nil
+}
diff --git a/renderer/codec/yaml.go b/renderer/codec/yaml.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..73cc622
--- /dev/null
+++ b/renderer/codec/yaml.go
@@ -0,0 +1,83 @@
+package codec
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"strings"
+
+	parserUtils "git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/parser/utils"
+	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/renderer/utils"
+	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/template"
+
+	"go.yaml.in/yaml/v4"
+)
+
+func flattenInto(in map[string]any) map[string]any {
+	out := make(map[string]any)
+
+	var recur func(prefix string, m map[string]any)
+	recur = func(prefix string, m map[string]any) {
+		for k, v := range m {
+			key := k
+			if prefix != "" {
+				key = prefix + "." + k
+			}
+
+			switch vv := v.(type) {
+			case map[string]any:
+				if len(vv) == 1 {
+					recur(key, vv)
+				} else {
+					out[key] = vv
+				}
+			case map[any]any:
+				tmp := make(map[string]any, len(vv))
+				for kk, vv2 := range vv {
+					if ks, ok := kk.(string); ok {
+						tmp[ks] = vv2
+					}
+				}
+				if len(tmp) == 1 {
+					recur(key, tmp)
+				} else {
+					out[key] = tmp
+				}
+			default:
+				out[key] = v
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
+	recur("", in)
+	return out
+}
+
+func RenderYaml(data map[string]any, block template.Block) (string, error) {
+	renderedMap := make(map[string]any)
+	for _, field := range block.Fields {
+		if field.Hidden {
+			continue
+		}
+
+		var fieldValue any
+		var found bool
+
+		if field.CodecType == template.CodecConst {
+			fieldValue = field.Value
+			found = true
+		} else {
+			fieldValue, found = utils.GetValueFromPath(data, field.Path)
+		}
+
+		if found {
+			renderedMap = parserUtils.SetPathValue(field.Path, fieldValue, renderedMap).(map[string]any)
+		}
+	}
+
+	renderedMap = flattenInto(renderedMap)
+
+	b, err := yaml.Marshal(renderedMap)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("failed to marshal YAML for path '%s': %w", block.Path, err)
+	}
+	return strings.TrimSuffix(string(b), "\n"), nil
+}
diff --git a/renderer/renderer.go b/renderer/renderer.go
index a7c6877..a9d7214 100644
--- a/renderer/renderer.go
+++ b/renderer/renderer.go
@@ -1,9 +1,78 @@
+// Package renderer provides functions for rendering Marka templates.
 package renderer
 
-func RenderFile(templatePath, jsonPath string) ([]byte, error) {
-	// TODO:
-	// 1) load aliases + template
-	// 2) validate JSON against schema (optional)
-	// 3) apply codecs to produce Markdown
-	return []byte{}, nil
+import (
+	"bytes"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"strings"
+
+	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/registry"
+	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/renderer/codec"
+	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/template"
+	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/validator"
+)
+
+const emptyBlock = "\uE000"
+
+func fixRenderedBlock(input string) string {
+	input = strings.ReplaceAll(input, "'@type':", "@type:")
+	input = strings.ReplaceAll(input, "'@context':", "@context:")
+	if len(input) == 0 {
+		return emptyBlock
+	}
+	return input
+}
+
+func RenderFile(rawJSON []byte) ([]byte, error) {
+	// 1) parse json
+	var data map[string]any
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(rawJSON, &data); err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to parse JSON: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// 2) extract type from "@type" Property
+	contentType, ok := data["@type"].(string)
+	if !ok || contentType == "" {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("JSON does not contain a valid '@type' property")
+	}
+
+	// 3) get the template from the registry
+	templateContent, err := registry.GetTemplate(contentType)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not get template for type '%s': %w", contentType, err)
+	}
+
+	// 4) parse the template with the template package
+	compiledTemplate, err := template.CompileTemplate(templateContent)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to compile template for type '%s': %w", contentType, err)
+	}
+
+	// 5) validate JSON against schema
+	if schemaName, ok := data["@schema"].(string); ok {
+		if validationErr := validator.ValidateSchema(data, schemaName); validationErr != nil {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to validate schema: %w", validationErr)
+		}
+	}
+
+	// 6) render the template with the blocks
+	var buffer bytes.Buffer
+	for _, block := range compiledTemplate {
+		renderedContent, err := codec.RenderBlock(block, data)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to render block for path '%s': %w", block.Path, err)
+		}
+		renderedContent = fixRenderedBlock(renderedContent)
+		buffer.WriteString(renderedContent)
+	}
+
+	outputString := buffer.String()
+	outputString = strings.ReplaceAll(outputString, "\n\n"+emptyBlock+"\n\n", "\n\n")
+	outputString = strings.ReplaceAll(outputString, emptyBlock, "")
+	if !strings.HasSuffix(outputString, "\n") {
+		outputString += "\n"
+	}
+
+	return []byte(outputString), nil
 }
diff --git a/renderer/renderer_test.go b/renderer/renderer_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..363d286
--- /dev/null
+++ b/renderer/renderer_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,88 @@
+package renderer_test
+
+import (
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/renderer"
+	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/testdata"
+	"github.com/google/go-cmp/cmp"
+)
+
+func TestRenderFile_RecipeSalad(t *testing.T) {
+	inputJSON := testdata.Read(t, "recipe_salad/output.json")
+	expectedMarkdown := testdata.Read(t, "recipe_salad/input.md")
+
+	gotMarkdown, err := renderer.RenderFile([]byte(inputJSON))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("RenderFile failed: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	if diff := cmp.Diff(string(expectedMarkdown), string(gotMarkdown)); diff != "" {
+		t.Errorf("Rendered markdown mismatch (-want +got):\n%s", diff)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestRenderFile_RecipeNoDescription(t *testing.T) {
+	inputJSON := testdata.Read(t, "recipe_no_description/output.json")
+	expectedMarkdown := testdata.Read(t, "recipe_no_description/input.md")
+
+	gotMarkdown, err := renderer.RenderFile([]byte(inputJSON))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("RenderFile failed: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	if diff := cmp.Diff(string(expectedMarkdown), string(gotMarkdown)); diff != "" {
+		t.Errorf("Rendered markdown mismatch (-want +got):\n%s", diff)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestRenderFile_MissingType(t *testing.T) {
+	rawJSON := []byte(`{"name": "Test"}`)
+	_, err := renderer.RenderFile(rawJSON)
+	if err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("expected error for missing @type, got nil")
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "JSON does not contain a valid '@type' property") {
+		t.Errorf("expected missing @type error, got: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestRenderFile_InvalidJSON(t *testing.T) {
+	rawJSON := []byte(`{"name": "Test"`)
+	_, err := renderer.RenderFile(rawJSON)
+	if err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("expected error for invalid JSON, got nil")
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "failed to parse JSON") {
+		t.Errorf("expected invalid JSON error, got: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestRenderFile_RecipeBaguette(t *testing.T) {
+	inputJSON := testdata.Read(t, "baguette/output.json")
+	expectedMarkdown := testdata.Read(t, "baguette/input.md")
+
+	gotMarkdown, err := renderer.RenderFile(inputJSON)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("RenderFile failed: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	if diff := cmp.Diff(string(expectedMarkdown), string(gotMarkdown)); diff != "" {
+		t.Errorf("Rendered markdown mismatch (-want +got):\n%s", diff)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestRenderFile_ArticleSimple(t *testing.T) {
+	inputJSON := testdata.Read(t, "article_simple/output.json")
+	expectedMarkdown := testdata.Read(t, "article_simple/input.md")
+
+	gotMarkdown, err := renderer.RenderFile([]byte(inputJSON))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("RenderFile failed: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	if diff := cmp.Diff(string(expectedMarkdown), string(gotMarkdown)); diff != "" {
+		t.Errorf("Rendered markdown mismatch (-want +got):\n%s", diff)
+	}
+}
diff --git a/renderer/utils/utils.go b/renderer/utils/utils.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..16740eb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/renderer/utils/utils.go
@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+// Package utils provides utility functions for the renderer package.
+package utils
+
+import (
+	"strings"
+)
+
+// GetValueFromPath retrieves a value from a nested map using a dot-separated path.
+func GetValueFromPath(data map[string]any, path string) (any, bool) {
+	// Handle the special case where path is "." or empty, meaning the root data itself
+	if path == "." || path == "" {
+		return data, true
+	}
+
+	keys := strings.Split(path, ".")
+	var current any = data
+	for _, key := range keys {
+		if key == "" { // Skip empty keys from ".." or "path."
+			continue
+		}
+		if m, ok := current.(map[string]any); ok {
+			if val, found := m[key]; found {
+				current = val
+			} else {
+				return nil, false
+			}
+		} else {
+			return nil, false
+		}
+	}
+	return current, true
+}
diff --git a/template/blocks.go b/template/blocks.go
index eb80059..24f2b2e 100644
--- a/template/blocks.go
+++ b/template/blocks.go
@@ -70,8 +70,6 @@ func parseShortTemplate(input string) (Block, error) {
 		optionSplit := strings.SplitSeq(split[1], ",")
 		for option := range optionSplit {
 			switch strings.TrimSpace(option) {
-			case "required":
-				block.Required = true
 			case "number":
 				block.Codec = CodecNumber
 			}
@@ -84,17 +82,17 @@ func parseShortTemplate(input string) (Block, error) {
 type yamlBlock struct {
 	Path         string      `yaml:"path"`
 	Codec        string      `yaml:"codec"`
-	Required     bool        `yaml:"required,omitempty"`
 	Value        any         `yaml:"value,omitempty"`
 	Fields       []yamlField `yaml:"fields"`
 	ListTemplate string      `yaml:"listTemplate,omitempty"`
+	Hidden       bool        `yaml:"hidden,omitempty"`
 }
 
 type yamlField struct {
-	Path     string `yaml:"path"`
-	Value    any    `yaml:"value,omitempty"`
-	Codec    string `yaml:"codec"`
-	Required bool   `yaml:"required"`
+	Path   string `yaml:"path"`
+	Value  any    `yaml:"value,omitempty"`
+	Codec  string `yaml:"codec"`
+	Hidden bool   `yaml:"hidden,omitempty"`
 }
 
 func parseYamlTemplate(input string) (block Block, err error) {
@@ -141,8 +139,8 @@ func parseYamlTemplate(input string) (block Block, err error) {
 		fields = append(fields, BlockField{
 			Path:      field.Path,
 			CodecType: fieldCodec,
-			Required:  field.Required,
 			Value:     field.Value,
+			Hidden:    field.Hidden,
 		})
 
 	}
diff --git a/template/structs.go b/template/structs.go
index 450efb6..bf4a0da 100644
--- a/template/structs.go
+++ b/template/structs.go
@@ -10,15 +10,14 @@ const (
 type BlockField struct {
 	Path      string
 	CodecType CodecType
-	Required  bool
 	Value     any
+	Hidden    bool
 }
 
 type Block struct {
 	Type         BlockType
 	Path         string
 	Codec        CodecType
-	Required     bool
 	ListTemplate string
 	Fields       []BlockField
 	Value        any
diff --git a/testdata/data/article_simple/input.md b/testdata/data/article_simple/input.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4fe93f4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/testdata/data/article_simple/input.md
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+---
+@type: Article
+author.name: John Doe
+---
+
+# My First Article
+
+This is the content of my first article. It's a simple one.
diff --git a/testdata/data/article_simple/output.json b/testdata/data/article_simple/output.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c330d18
--- /dev/null
+++ b/testdata/data/article_simple/output.json
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+{
+  "@context": "https://schema.org",
+  "@type": "Article",
+  "headline": "My First Article",
+  "author": {
+    "@type": "Person",
+    "name": "John Doe"
+  },
+  "articleBody": "This is the content of my first article. It's a simple one."
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/parser/testdata/baguette.md b/testdata/data/baguette/input.md
similarity index 92%
rename from parser/testdata/baguette.md
rename to testdata/data/baguette/input.md
index 28c932b..37fd637 100644
--- a/parser/testdata/baguette.md
+++ b/testdata/data/baguette/input.md
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 ---
+@type: Recipe
 author.name: Max Richter
 ---
 
diff --git a/testdata/data/baguette/output.json b/testdata/data/baguette/output.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7e0d06e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/testdata/data/baguette/output.json
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+{
+  "@context": "https://schema.org",
+  "@type": "Recipe",
+  "name": "Baguette",
+  "author": {
+    "@type": "Person",
+    "name": "Max Richter"
+  },
+  "description": "My favourite baguette recipe",
+  "recipeIngredient": [
+    "Flour",
+    "Water",
+    "Salt"
+  ],
+  "recipeInstructions": [
+    "Mix Flour Water and Salt",
+    "Bake the bread"
+  ]
+}
diff --git a/parser/testdata/recipe_no_description/input.md b/testdata/data/recipe_no_description/input.md
similarity index 99%
rename from parser/testdata/recipe_no_description/input.md
rename to testdata/data/recipe_no_description/input.md
index 89f55c0..4c21274 100644
--- a/parser/testdata/recipe_no_description/input.md
+++ b/testdata/data/recipe_no_description/input.md
@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
 ---
 @type: Recipe
-image: https://example.com/salad.jpg
 author.name: Alex Chef
-prepTime: PT10M
 cookTime: PT0M
+image: https://example.com/salad.jpg
+prepTime: PT10M
 recipeYield: 2 servings
 ---
 
@@ -19,4 +19,3 @@ recipeYield: 2 servings
 1. Wash and dry the lettuce.
 2. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
 3. Toss with olive oil and salt.
-
diff --git a/parser/testdata/recipe_no_description/output.json b/testdata/data/recipe_no_description/output.json
similarity index 100%
rename from parser/testdata/recipe_no_description/output.json
rename to testdata/data/recipe_no_description/output.json
diff --git a/parser/testdata/recipe_salad/input.md b/testdata/data/recipe_salad/input.md
similarity index 99%
rename from parser/testdata/recipe_salad/input.md
rename to testdata/data/recipe_salad/input.md
index a7e941a..3699b22 100644
--- a/parser/testdata/recipe_salad/input.md
+++ b/testdata/data/recipe_salad/input.md
@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
 ---
 @type: Recipe
-image: https://example.com/salad.jpg
 author.name: Alex Chef
-prepTime: PT10M
 cookTime: PT0M
+image: https://example.com/salad.jpg
+prepTime: PT10M
 recipeYield: 2 servings
 ---
 
@@ -21,4 +21,3 @@ A quick green salad.
 1. Wash and dry the lettuce.
 2. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
 3. Toss with olive oil and salt.
-
diff --git a/parser/testdata/recipe_salad/output.json b/testdata/data/recipe_salad/output.json
similarity index 100%
rename from parser/testdata/recipe_salad/output.json
rename to testdata/data/recipe_salad/output.json
diff --git a/testdata/go.mod b/testdata/go.mod
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dd01c9b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/testdata/go.mod
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+module git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/testdata
+
+go 1.24.5
diff --git a/testdata/testdata.go b/testdata/testdata.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..28d24b1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/testdata/testdata.go
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+// Package testdata provides test data for marka
+package testdata
+
+import (
+	"embed"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+//go:embed data/*
+var dataFS embed.FS
+
+func Read(t *testing.T, fileName string) []byte {
+	path := filepath.Join("data", fileName)
+	data, err := dataFS.ReadFile(path)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to read test data file: %v", err)
+	}
+	return data
+}
diff --git a/validator/go.mod b/validator/go.mod
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..36391e1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/validator/go.mod
@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+module git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/validator
+
+go 1.24.5
+
+require github.com/santhosh-tekuri/jsonschema/v6 v6.0.2
+
+require golang.org/x/text v0.14.0 // indirect
diff --git a/validator/go.sum b/validator/go.sum
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b46b517
--- /dev/null
+++ b/validator/go.sum
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+github.com/santhosh-tekuri/jsonschema/v6 v6.0.2 h1:KRzFb2m7YtdldCEkzs6KqmJw4nqEVZGK7IN2kJkjTuQ=
+github.com/santhosh-tekuri/jsonschema/v6 v6.0.2/go.mod h1:JXeL+ps8p7/KNMjDQk3TCwPpBy0wYklyWTfbkIzdIFU=
+golang.org/x/text v0.14.0 h1:ScX5w1eTa3QqT8oi6+ziP7dTV1S2+ALU0bI+0zXKWiQ=
+golang.org/x/text v0.14.0/go.mod h1:18ZOQIKpY8NJVqYksKHtTdi31H5itFRjB5/qKTNYzSU=
diff --git a/validator/validator.go b/validator/validator.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2a03e9a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/validator/validator.go
@@ -0,0 +1,93 @@
+// Package validator provides a validator for the marka data.
+package validator
+
+import (
+	"bytes"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"strings"
+	"sync"
+
+	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/registry"
+	"github.com/santhosh-tekuri/jsonschema/v6"
+)
+
+var (
+	loadOnce    sync.Once
+	compiler    *jsonschema.Compiler
+	compileErr  error
+	schemaCache sync.Map
+)
+
+// ValidateSchema validates instance against the Schema.org JSON Schema named `schemaName`.
+// Examples: ValidateSchema(inst, "Recipe"), ValidateSchema(inst, "schema:Recipe").
+func ValidateSchema(instance any, schemaName string) error {
+	if err := ensureCompiler(); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	ref := normalizeRef(schemaName)
+
+	if v, ok := schemaCache.Load(ref); ok {
+		if err := v.(*jsonschema.Schema).Validate(instance); err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("validation failed: %w", err)
+		}
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	sch, err := compiler.Compile(ref)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed to compile schema %q: %w", ref, err)
+	}
+	schemaCache.Store(ref, sch)
+
+	if err := sch.Validate(instance); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("validation failed: %w", err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+func ensureCompiler() error {
+	loadOnce.Do(func() {
+		c := jsonschema.NewCompiler()
+
+		rawSchemas, err := registry.GetSchemas()
+		if err != nil {
+			compileErr = fmt.Errorf("read schema directory: %w", err)
+			return
+		}
+
+		for _, rawSchema := range rawSchemas {
+			js, err := jsonschema.UnmarshalJSON(bytes.NewReader(rawSchema))
+			if err != nil {
+				compileErr = err
+				return
+			}
+
+			id := extractID(rawSchema)
+			if err := c.AddResource(id, js); err != nil {
+				compileErr = fmt.Errorf("add resource %s: %w", id, err)
+				return
+			}
+		}
+
+		compiler = c
+	})
+	return compileErr
+}
+
+func extractID(raw []byte) string {
+	var tmp struct {
+		ID string `json:"$id"`
+	}
+	_ = json.Unmarshal(raw, &tmp)
+	return strings.TrimSpace(tmp.ID)
+}
+
+func normalizeRef(name string) string {
+	n := strings.TrimSpace(name)
+	if strings.HasPrefix(n, "schema:") || strings.HasPrefix(n, "http://") || strings.HasPrefix(n, "https://") {
+		return n
+	}
+	return "schema:" + n
+}
diff --git a/registry/templates_test.go b/validator/validator_test.go
similarity index 78%
rename from registry/templates_test.go
rename to validator/validator_test.go
index 7340d99..69a4817 100644
--- a/registry/templates_test.go
+++ b/validator/validator_test.go
@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
-package registry_test
+package validator_test
 
 import (
 	"testing"
 
-	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/registry"
+	"git.max-richter.dev/max/marka/validator"
 )
 
 func TestValidateRecipe_InvalidType(t *testing.T) {
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ func TestValidateRecipe_InvalidType(t *testing.T) {
 		"recipeInstructions": "Mix and bake.",
 	}
 
-	if err := registry.ValidateSchema(recipe, "schema:Recipe"); err == nil {
+	if err := validator.ValidateSchema(recipe, "schema:Recipe"); err == nil {
 		t.Fatalf("expected validation error for invalid recipe, got nil")
 	}
 }
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ func TestValidateRecipe_Valid(t *testing.T) {
 		"recipeYield":        "1 loaf",
 	}
 
-	if err := registry.ValidateSchema(recipe, "schema:Recipe"); err != nil {
+	if err := validator.ValidateSchema(recipe, "schema:Recipe"); err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("expected valid recipe, got error: %v", err)
 	}
 }