From e7b1beec9c876aeeac087b5f4face70591b68dc3 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Krishna Sharma <krishnasharma@emerson.com>
Date: Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:37:55 +0530
Subject: [PATCH 1/6] Action to create distribution artifact

---
 .../create-framework-artifact/action.yml      |  9 +++
 .../create-framework-artifact/copy-files.ps1  | 57 +++++++++++++++++++
 .../create-distribution-artifact.yml          | 22 +++++++
 3 files changed, 88 insertions(+)
 create mode 100644 .github/actions/create-framework-artifact/action.yml
 create mode 100644 .github/actions/create-framework-artifact/copy-files.ps1
 create mode 100644 .github/workflows/create-distribution-artifact.yml

diff --git a/.github/actions/create-framework-artifact/action.yml b/.github/actions/create-framework-artifact/action.yml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4304424
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/actions/create-framework-artifact/action.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+name: 'Create Framework Artifact'
+description: 'Prepares Actor Framework files in the correct directory structure for distribution'
+runs:
+  using: 'composite'
+  steps:
+    - name: Prepare artifact structure
+      shell: pwsh
+      run: |
+        & "${{ github.action_path }}/copy-files.ps1"
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/.github/actions/create-framework-artifact/copy-files.ps1 b/.github/actions/create-framework-artifact/copy-files.ps1
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..802e217
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/actions/create-framework-artifact/copy-files.ps1
@@ -0,0 +1,57 @@
+# Create artifact staging directory
+$stagingDir = "artifact-staging"
+New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force -Path $stagingDir
+New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force -Path "$stagingDir\vi.lib\ActorFramework"
+New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force -Path "$stagingDir\resource\AFDebug"
+New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force -Path "$stagingDir\resource\Framework\Providers"
+New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force -Path "$stagingDir\menus"
+
+# Define exclusion patterns
+$excludeExtensions = @('*.lvproj', '*.vipb', '*.aliases', '*.lvlps')
+
+# Helper function to copy files with exclusions
+function Copy-WithExclusions {
+  param($SourcePath, $DestPath, $Label)
+  
+  Write-Host "Copying $Label"
+  Get-ChildItem -Path $SourcePath -Recurse -File | ForEach-Object {
+    $excluded = $false
+    foreach ($pattern in $excludeExtensions) {
+      if ($_.Name -like $pattern) {
+        Write-Warning "Excluding file: $($_.FullName)"
+        $excluded = $true
+        break
+      }
+    }
+    
+    if (-not $excluded) {
+      $relativePath = $_.FullName.Substring((Resolve-Path $SourcePath).Path.Length + 1)
+      $destFilePath = Join-Path $DestPath $relativePath
+      $destDir = Split-Path -Parent $destFilePath
+      
+      if (-not (Test-Path $destDir)) {
+        New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force -Path $destDir | Out-Null
+      }
+      
+      Copy-Item -Path $_.FullName -Destination $destFilePath -Force
+      Write-Host "Copied: $relativePath"
+    }
+  }
+}
+
+# Copy Core\ActorFramework\ to vi.lib\ActorFramework\
+Copy-WithExclusions -SourcePath "Core\ActorFramework" -DestPath "$stagingDir\vi.lib\ActorFramework" -Label "Core\ActorFramework\ to vi.lib\ActorFramework\"
+
+# Copy Core\AFDebug\ to resource\AFDebug\
+Write-Host "`n"
+Copy-WithExclusions -SourcePath "Core\AFDebug" -DestPath "$stagingDir\resource\AFDebug" -Label "Core\AFDebug\ to resource\AFDebug\"
+
+# Copy Core\Menus\ to menus\
+Write-Host "`n"
+Copy-WithExclusions -SourcePath "Core\Menus" -DestPath "$stagingDir\menus" -Label "Core\Menus\ to menus\"
+
+# Copy Providers\ to resource\Framework\Providers\
+Write-Host "`n"
+Copy-WithExclusions -SourcePath "Providers" -DestPath "$stagingDir\resource\Framework\Providers" -Label "Providers\ to resource\Framework\Providers\"
+
+Write-Host "`nArtifact preparation complete"
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/.github/workflows/create-distribution-artifact.yml b/.github/workflows/create-distribution-artifact.yml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e1ea0ca
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/workflows/create-distribution-artifact.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+name: Create Distribution Artifact
+
+on:
+  workflow_dispatch:
+
+jobs:
+  create-artifact:
+    runs-on: windows-latest
+    
+    steps:
+      - name: Checkout repository
+        uses: actions/checkout@v5
+      
+      - name: Create framework artifact structure
+        uses: ./.github/actions/create-framework-artifact
+      
+      - name: Upload artifact
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v6
+        with:
+          name: actor-framework-distribution
+          path: artifact-staging/
+          retention-days: 7
\ No newline at end of file

From 0ae01ae3f2ace66946ed62eff329f6240d883337 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Krishna Sharma <krishnasharma@emerson.com>
Date: Thu, 26 Mar 2026 10:25:29 +0530
Subject: [PATCH 2/6] Added a release workflow

---
 .github/workflows/release-actor-framework.yml | 28 +++++++++++++++++++
 1 file changed, 28 insertions(+)
 create mode 100644 .github/workflows/release-actor-framework.yml

diff --git a/.github/workflows/release-actor-framework.yml b/.github/workflows/release-actor-framework.yml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fb37f2b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/workflows/release-actor-framework.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+name: Create Release
+
+on:
+  push:
+    tags:
+      - 'v*.*.*.*'
+
+jobs:
+  create-release:
+    runs-on: windows-latest
+    
+    steps:
+      - name: Checkout repository
+        uses: actions/checkout@v5
+      
+      - name: Create framework artifact structure
+        uses: ./.github/actions/create-framework-artifact
+      
+      - name: Create ZIP archive
+        shell: pwsh
+        run: |
+          Compress-Archive -Path artifact-staging\* -DestinationPath actor-framework-distribution.zip
+      
+      - name: Create Release
+        uses: softprops/action-gh-release@v2
+        with:
+          files: actor-framework-distribution.zip
+          generate_release_notes: true
\ No newline at end of file

From 5b741ceb86273dfaf575246d6abeb728db45b309 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Krishna Sharma <krishnasharma@emerson.com>
Date: Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:36:36 +0530
Subject: [PATCH 3/6] Added exclusions to release workflow

---
 .../create-framework-artifact/action.yml      |  7 ++++-
 .../create-framework-artifact/copy-files.ps1  | 31 +++++++++++++++++++
 .../create-distribution-artifact.yml          |  3 ++
 .github/workflows/release-actor-framework.yml |  5 ++-
 4 files changed, 44 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/.github/actions/create-framework-artifact/action.yml b/.github/actions/create-framework-artifact/action.yml
index 4304424..4882c50 100644
--- a/.github/actions/create-framework-artifact/action.yml
+++ b/.github/actions/create-framework-artifact/action.yml
@@ -1,9 +1,14 @@
 name: 'Create Framework Artifact'
 description: 'Prepares Actor Framework files in the correct directory structure for distribution'
+inputs:
+  exclude-paths:
+    description: 'Paths to exclude (one per line, relative to repo root)'
+    required: false
+    default: ''
 runs:
   using: 'composite'
   steps:
     - name: Prepare artifact structure
       shell: pwsh
       run: |
-        & "${{ github.action_path }}/copy-files.ps1"
\ No newline at end of file
+        & "${{ github.action_path }}/copy-files.ps1" -ExcludePaths "${{ inputs.exclude-paths }}"
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/.github/actions/create-framework-artifact/copy-files.ps1 b/.github/actions/create-framework-artifact/copy-files.ps1
index 802e217..51a8e2b 100644
--- a/.github/actions/create-framework-artifact/copy-files.ps1
+++ b/.github/actions/create-framework-artifact/copy-files.ps1
@@ -1,3 +1,7 @@
+param(
+  [string]$ExcludePaths = ''
+)
+
 # Create artifact staging directory
 $stagingDir = "artifact-staging"
 New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force -Path $stagingDir
@@ -9,6 +13,25 @@ New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force -Path "$stagingDir\menus"
 # Define exclusion patterns
 $excludeExtensions = @('*.lvproj', '*.vipb', '*.aliases', '*.lvlps')
 
+# Parse additional path exclusions
+$excludePathsList = @()
+if ($ExcludePaths) {
+  $excludePathsList = $ExcludePaths -split "`n" | ForEach-Object { $_.Trim() } | Where-Object { $_ -ne '' }
+}
+
+# Helper function to check if path should be excluded
+function Test-PathExcluded {
+  param($FilePath)
+  
+  foreach ($excludePath in $excludePathsList) {
+    $normalizedExclude = $excludePath -replace '/', '\'
+    if ($FilePath -like "*$normalizedExclude*") {
+      return $true
+    }
+  }
+  return $false
+}
+
 # Helper function to copy files with exclusions
 function Copy-WithExclusions {
   param($SourcePath, $DestPath, $Label)
@@ -16,6 +39,8 @@ function Copy-WithExclusions {
   Write-Host "Copying $Label"
   Get-ChildItem -Path $SourcePath -Recurse -File | ForEach-Object {
     $excluded = $false
+    
+    # Check file extension exclusions
     foreach ($pattern in $excludeExtensions) {
       if ($_.Name -like $pattern) {
         Write-Warning "Excluding file: $($_.FullName)"
@@ -24,6 +49,12 @@ function Copy-WithExclusions {
       }
     }
     
+    # Check path exclusions
+    if (-not $excluded -and (Test-PathExcluded -FilePath $_.FullName)) {
+      Write-Warning "Excluding path: $($_.FullName)"
+      $excluded = $true
+    }
+    
     if (-not $excluded) {
       $relativePath = $_.FullName.Substring((Resolve-Path $SourcePath).Path.Length + 1)
       $destFilePath = Join-Path $DestPath $relativePath
diff --git a/.github/workflows/create-distribution-artifact.yml b/.github/workflows/create-distribution-artifact.yml
index e1ea0ca..efa025f 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/create-distribution-artifact.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/create-distribution-artifact.yml
@@ -13,6 +13,9 @@ jobs:
       
       - name: Create framework artifact structure
         uses: ./.github/actions/create-framework-artifact
+        with:
+          exclude-paths: |
+            Providers\Install Support
       
       - name: Upload artifact
         uses: actions/upload-artifact@v6
diff --git a/.github/workflows/release-actor-framework.yml b/.github/workflows/release-actor-framework.yml
index fb37f2b..54bd764 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/release-actor-framework.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/release-actor-framework.yml
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ name: Create Release
 on:
   push:
     tags:
-      - 'v*.*.*.*'
+      - 'v*.*.*'
 
 jobs:
   create-release:
@@ -15,6 +15,9 @@ jobs:
       
       - name: Create framework artifact structure
         uses: ./.github/actions/create-framework-artifact
+        with:
+          exclude-files: |
+            Providers\Install Support
       
       - name: Create ZIP archive
         shell: pwsh

From 2b2bad6f3e34d8aa8bde2b9f9b298476b4d17d22 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Krishna Sharma <krishnasharma@emerson.com>
Date: Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:42:45 +0530
Subject: [PATCH 4/6] Updated release workflow

---
 .github/workflows/release-actor-framework.yml | 2 +-
 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-)

diff --git a/.github/workflows/release-actor-framework.yml b/.github/workflows/release-actor-framework.yml
index 54bd764..88d2db9 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/release-actor-framework.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/release-actor-framework.yml
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ jobs:
       - name: Create framework artifact structure
         uses: ./.github/actions/create-framework-artifact
         with:
-          exclude-files: |
+          exclude-paths: |
             Providers\Install Support
       
       - name: Create ZIP archive

From 54002b8bf3e3f94ad361c0b8f4567acab7e39327 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Krishna Sharma <krishnasharma@emerson.com>
Date: Fri, 27 Mar 2026 14:40:54 +0530
Subject: [PATCH 5/6] Refactored artifact creation and release workflows

---
 .../create-framework-artifact/action.yml      |  14 --
 .../create-distribution-artifact.yml          |  21 ++-
 ...elease-actor-framework.yml => release.yml} |  19 ++-
 .../Workflows/releases-and-artifacts.md       | 143 ++++++++++++++++++
 .../scripts/Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1  |   0
 5 files changed, 171 insertions(+), 26 deletions(-)
 delete mode 100644 .github/actions/create-framework-artifact/action.yml
 rename .github/workflows/{release-actor-framework.yml => release.yml} (56%)
 create mode 100644 Documentation/Workflows/releases-and-artifacts.md
 rename .github/actions/create-framework-artifact/copy-files.ps1 => pipeline/scripts/Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1 (100%)

diff --git a/.github/actions/create-framework-artifact/action.yml b/.github/actions/create-framework-artifact/action.yml
deleted file mode 100644
index 4882c50..0000000
--- a/.github/actions/create-framework-artifact/action.yml
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,14 +0,0 @@
-name: 'Create Framework Artifact'
-description: 'Prepares Actor Framework files in the correct directory structure for distribution'
-inputs:
-  exclude-paths:
-    description: 'Paths to exclude (one per line, relative to repo root)'
-    required: false
-    default: ''
-runs:
-  using: 'composite'
-  steps:
-    - name: Prepare artifact structure
-      shell: pwsh
-      run: |
-        & "${{ github.action_path }}/copy-files.ps1" -ExcludePaths "${{ inputs.exclude-paths }}"
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/.github/workflows/create-distribution-artifact.yml b/.github/workflows/create-distribution-artifact.yml
index efa025f..8bb39d3 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/create-distribution-artifact.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/create-distribution-artifact.yml
@@ -2,6 +2,19 @@ name: Create Distribution Artifact
 
 on:
   workflow_dispatch:
+    inputs:
+      upload-artifact:
+        description: 'Upload as GitHub artifact'
+        required: false
+        type: boolean
+        default: true
+  workflow_call:
+    inputs:
+      upload-artifact:
+        description: 'Upload as GitHub artifact'
+        required: false
+        type: boolean
+        default: false
 
 jobs:
   create-artifact:
@@ -12,12 +25,12 @@ jobs:
         uses: actions/checkout@v5
       
       - name: Create framework artifact structure
-        uses: ./.github/actions/create-framework-artifact
-        with:
-          exclude-paths: |
-            Providers\Install Support
+        shell: pwsh
+        run: |
+          & "${{ github.workspace }}\pipeline\scripts\Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1" -ExcludePaths "Providers\Install Support"
       
       - name: Upload artifact
+        if: ${{ inputs.upload-artifact }}
         uses: actions/upload-artifact@v6
         with:
           name: actor-framework-distribution
diff --git a/.github/workflows/release-actor-framework.yml b/.github/workflows/release.yml
similarity index 56%
rename from .github/workflows/release-actor-framework.yml
rename to .github/workflows/release.yml
index 88d2db9..66ce201 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/release-actor-framework.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/release.yml
@@ -6,20 +6,23 @@ on:
       - 'v*.*.*'
 
 jobs:
+  create-artifact:
+    uses: ./.github/workflows/create-distribution-artifact.yml
+    with:
+      upload-artifact: true
+  
   create-release:
+    needs: create-artifact
     runs-on: windows-latest
     
     steps:
-      - name: Checkout repository
-        uses: actions/checkout@v5
-      
-      - name: Create framework artifact structure
-        uses: ./.github/actions/create-framework-artifact
+      - name: Download artifact
+        uses: actions/download-artifact@v7
         with:
-          exclude-paths: |
-            Providers\Install Support
+          name: actor-framework-distribution
+          path: artifact-staging
       
-      - name: Create ZIP archive
+      - name: Create actor-framework-distribution.zip
         shell: pwsh
         run: |
           Compress-Archive -Path artifact-staging\* -DestinationPath actor-framework-distribution.zip
diff --git a/Documentation/Workflows/releases-and-artifacts.md b/Documentation/Workflows/releases-and-artifacts.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..68d489a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Documentation/Workflows/releases-and-artifacts.md
@@ -0,0 +1,143 @@
+# Actor Framework Release Workflows
+
+This document contains information used to create the release artifacts using GitHub Actions workflows for the Actor Framework repository.
+
+## Workflows
+
+### 1. Create Distribution Artifact (`create-distribution-artifact.yml`)
+
+Creates a structured artifact containing Actor Framework files organized in the correct directory layout for LabVIEW installation. The workflow yml can be found [here](/.github/workflows/create-distribution-artifact.yml).
+
+**Triggers:**
+- Manual dispatch via GitHub Actions UI
+- Reusable workflow (called by other workflows)
+
+**Artifact Structure:**
+```
+<root directory>/
+├── vi.lib/
+│   └── ActorFramework/          # From Core/ActorFramework/
+├── resource/
+│   ├── AFDebug/                 # From Core/AFDebug/
+│   └── Framework/
+│       └── Providers/           # From Providers/
+└── menus/                       # From Core/Menus/
+```
+
+**Excluded Files:**
+- `*.lvproj` - LabVIEW project files
+- `*.vipb` - VI Package Builder files
+- `*.aliases` - LabVIEW aliases files
+- `*.lvlps` - LabVIEW project settings
+- `Providers\Install Support\` - Installation support files
+
+**Manual Usage:**
+1. Go to Actions tab in GitHub
+2. Select "Create Distribution Artifact" workflow
+3. Click "Run workflow"
+4. Download the `actor-framework-distribution` artifact
+
+**Reusable Workflow Inputs:**
+- `upload-artifact` (boolean, default: false) - Whether to upload as GitHub artifact
+
+### 2. Create Release (`release.yml`)
+
+Automatically creates a GitHub release with the distribution artifact when a version tag is pushed. The workflow yml can be found [here](/.github/workflows/release.yml).
+
+**Triggers:**
+- Push of tags matching pattern `v*.*.*` (e.g., `v2.0.0`, `v1.0.1`, `v.2.0.0.5`, `v1.0.0.0-rc`)
+
+**Process:**
+1. Calls `create-distribution-artifact.yml` workflow
+2. Downloads the created artifact
+3. Compresses it into `actor-framework-distribution.zip`
+4. Creates a GitHub release with:
+   - The ZIP file as release asset
+   - Auto-generated release notes
+
+**Usage:**
+```bash
+# Create and push a version tag
+git tag v2.0.0.18
+git push origin v2.0.0.18
+
+# The workflow runs automatically and creates the release
+```
+
+**Release Assets:**
+- `actor-framework-distribution.zip` - Contains the complete framework in proper directory structure
+
+## Scripts
+
+### `pipeline/scripts/Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1`
+
+PowerShell script that handles the actual file copying and artifact structure creation.
+
+**Parameters:**
+- `ExcludePaths` (string) - Newline-separated list of paths to exclude (relative to repo root)
+
+**Example:**
+```powershell
+.\pipeline\scripts\Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1 -ExcludePaths "Providers\Install Support"
+```
+
+**Logic:**
+1. Creates staging directory structure
+2. Copies files from source directories
+3. Excludes files based on:
+   - File extensions (*.lvproj, *.vipb, *.aliases, *.lvlps)
+   - Specific paths (configurable via parameter)
+4. Maintains relative directory structure within each target location
+
+## Development Guidelines
+
+### Adding New Exclusions
+
+To exclude additional files or directories:
+
+1. **For specific paths:** Update the workflow YAML files to pass additional exclusions:
+   ```yaml
+   run: |
+     & "${{ github.workspace }}\pipeline\scripts\Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1" -ExcludePaths "Providers\Install Support`nCore\Examples"
+   ```
+
+2. **For file patterns:** Edit `Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1` and add to `$excludeExtensions`:
+   ```powershell
+   $excludeExtensions = @('*.lvproj', '*.vipb', '*.aliases', '*.lvlps', '*.your-extension')
+   ```
+
+### Adding New Source Directories
+
+To include additional directories in the artifact:
+
+1. Update `Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1`:
+   ```powershell
+   # Add new directory creation
+   New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force -Path "$stagingDir\your\target\path"
+   
+   # Add copy operation
+   Copy-WithExclusions -SourcePath "Source\Path" -DestPath "$stagingDir\your\target\path" -Label "Description"
+   ```
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+### Artifact is missing files
+- Check workflow logs for exclusion warnings
+- Verify source directories exist and contain expected files
+- Ensure file extensions aren't in the exclusion list
+
+### Release workflow not triggering
+- Verify tag matches pattern `v*.*.*`
+- Check that tag was pushed to remote: `git push origin <tagname>`
+- Review Actions tab for any errors
+
+### Path issues on Windows
+- The script normalizes paths (`/` → `\`)
+- Use backslashes in YAML: `Providers\Install Support`
+- Paths are relative to repository root
+
+## Related Documentation
+
+- [GitHub Actions Documentation](https://docs.github.com/en/actions)
+- [Reusable Workflows](https://docs.github.com/en/actions/using-workflows/reusing-workflows)
+- [Creating Releases](https://docs.github.com/en/repositories/releasing-projects-on-github/managing-releases-in-a-repository)
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/.github/actions/create-framework-artifact/copy-files.ps1 b/pipeline/scripts/Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1
similarity index 100%
rename from .github/actions/create-framework-artifact/copy-files.ps1
rename to pipeline/scripts/Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1

From 9452e548c8cdce587ec41320f5d987178b3332c5 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Krishna Sharma <krishnasharma@emerson.com>
Date: Fri, 27 Mar 2026 17:23:16 +0530
Subject: [PATCH 6/6] Read exclusion list from external file

---
 .../create-distribution-artifact.yml          |   2 +-
 .../Workflows/releases-and-artifacts.md       | 144 ++++++++++++++----
 pipeline/config/artifact-exclusions.txt       |   9 ++
 .../scripts/Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1  |  15 +-
 4 files changed, 136 insertions(+), 34 deletions(-)
 create mode 100644 pipeline/config/artifact-exclusions.txt

diff --git a/.github/workflows/create-distribution-artifact.yml b/.github/workflows/create-distribution-artifact.yml
index 8bb39d3..35486ae 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/create-distribution-artifact.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/create-distribution-artifact.yml
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ jobs:
       - name: Create framework artifact structure
         shell: pwsh
         run: |
-          & "${{ github.workspace }}\pipeline\scripts\Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1" -ExcludePaths "Providers\Install Support"
+          & "${{ github.workspace }}\pipeline\scripts\Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1"
       
       - name: Upload artifact
         if: ${{ inputs.upload-artifact }}
diff --git a/Documentation/Workflows/releases-and-artifacts.md b/Documentation/Workflows/releases-and-artifacts.md
index 68d489a..7f9578c 100644
--- a/Documentation/Workflows/releases-and-artifacts.md
+++ b/Documentation/Workflows/releases-and-artifacts.md
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ Creates a structured artifact containing Actor Framework files organized in the
 - `*.vipb` - VI Package Builder files
 - `*.aliases` - LabVIEW aliases files
 - `*.lvlps` - LabVIEW project settings
-- `Providers\Install Support\` - Installation support files
+- Paths listed in [`pipeline/config/artifact-exclusions.txt`](../../pipeline/config/artifact-exclusions.txt)
 
 **Manual Usage:**
 1. Go to Actions tab in GitHub
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ Creates a structured artifact containing Actor Framework files organized in the
 Automatically creates a GitHub release with the distribution artifact when a version tag is pushed. The workflow yml can be found [here](/.github/workflows/release.yml).
 
 **Triggers:**
-- Push of tags matching pattern `v*.*.*` (e.g., `v2.0.0`, `v1.0.1`, `v.2.0.0.5`, `v1.0.0.0-rc`)
+- Push of tags matching pattern `v*.*.*` (e.g., `v2.0.0`, `v1.0.1`, `v2.0.0.5`, `v1.0.0.0-rc`)
 
 **Process:**
 1. Calls `create-distribution-artifact.yml` workflow
@@ -67,56 +67,127 @@ git push origin v2.0.0.18
 **Release Assets:**
 - `actor-framework-distribution.zip` - Contains the complete framework in proper directory structure
 
+## Configuration Files
+
+### `pipeline/config/artifact-exclusions.txt`
+
+Text file containing paths to exclude from the distribution artifact. See the file [here](../../pipeline/config/artifact-exclusions.txt).
+
+**Format:**
+- One path per line (relative to repository root)
+- Lines starting with `#` are comments
+- Empty lines are ignored
+- Use backslashes for Windows paths: `Providers\Install Support`
+
+**Example:**
+```text
+# Installation support files
+Providers\Install Support
+
+# Example exclusions (commented out)
+# Examples\TestData
+# Core\DeprecatedFeatures
+```
+
+**To add new exclusions:**
+1. Edit `pipeline/config/artifact-exclusions.txt`
+2. Add the path on a new line
+3. Commit and push changes
+4. Next workflow run will use updated exclusions
+
 ## Scripts
 
 ### `pipeline/scripts/Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1`
 
-PowerShell script that handles the actual file copying and artifact structure creation.
+PowerShell script that handles the actual file copying and artifact structure creation. See the script [here](../../pipeline/scripts/Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1).
 
 **Parameters:**
-- `ExcludePaths` (string) - Newline-separated list of paths to exclude (relative to repo root)
+- `ExclusionFile` (string, optional) - Path to file containing exclusion patterns
+  - Default: `$PSScriptRoot\..\config\artifact-exclusions.txt`
 
 **Example:**
 ```powershell
-.\pipeline\scripts\Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1 -ExcludePaths "Providers\Install Support"
+# Use default exclusion file
+.\pipeline\scripts\Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1
+
+# Use custom exclusion file
+.\pipeline\scripts\Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1 -ExclusionFile "path\to\custom-exclusions.txt"
 ```
 
 **Logic:**
-1. Creates staging directory structure
-2. Copies files from source directories
-3. Excludes files based on:
-   - File extensions (*.lvproj, *.vipb, *.aliases, *.lvlps)
-   - Specific paths (configurable via parameter)
-4. Maintains relative directory structure within each target location
+1. Reads exclusion paths from configuration file
+2. Creates staging directory structure
+3. Copies files from source directories
+4. Excludes files based on:
+   - File extensions: `*.lvproj`, `*.vipb`, `*.aliases`, `*.lvlps`
+   - Paths listed in exclusion file
+5. Maintains relative directory structure within each target location
+6. Logs all excluded files and paths for troubleshooting
 
 ## Development Guidelines
 
 ### Adding New Exclusions
 
-To exclude additional files or directories:
+**Recommended Method:** Edit the exclusion configuration file
 
-1. **For specific paths:** Update the workflow YAML files to pass additional exclusions:
-   ```yaml
-   run: |
-     & "${{ github.workspace }}\pipeline\scripts\Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1" -ExcludePaths "Providers\Install Support`nCore\Examples"
+1. Open `pipeline/config/artifact-exclusions.txt`
+2. Add new paths (one per line):
+   ```text
+   # Your comment explaining why
+   Path\To\Exclude
    ```
+3. Commit and push changes
 
-2. **For file patterns:** Edit `Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1` and add to `$excludeExtensions`:
-   ```powershell
-   $excludeExtensions = @('*.lvproj', '*.vipb', '*.aliases', '*.lvlps', '*.your-extension')
-   ```
+**Alternative Method:** Override in workflow (not recommended for permanent exclusions)
+
+```yaml
+- name: Create framework artifact structure
+  shell: pwsh
+  run: |
+    & "${{ github.workspace }}\pipeline\scripts\Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1" -ExclusionFile "custom-exclusions.txt"
+```
+
+### Adding New File Extension Exclusions
+
+Edit `Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1` and add to `$excludeExtensions`:
+
+```powershell
+$excludeExtensions = @('*.lvproj', '*.vipb', '*.aliases', '*.lvlps', '*.your-extension')
+```
 
 ### Adding New Source Directories
 
-To include additional directories in the artifact:
+Update `Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1`:
+
+```powershell
+# Add new directory creation
+New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force -Path "$stagingDir\your\target\path"
+
+# Add copy operation
+Copy-WithExclusions -SourcePath "Source\Path" -DestPath "$stagingDir\your\target\path" -Label "Description"
+```
 
-1. Update `Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1`:
+### Testing Changes
+
+Before pushing changes:
+
+1. **Test locally:**
    ```powershell
-   # Add new directory creation
-   New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force -Path "$stagingDir\your\target\path"
-   
-   # Add copy operation
-   Copy-WithExclusions -SourcePath "Source\Path" -DestPath "$stagingDir\your\target\path" -Label "Description"
+   cd c:\dev\actor-framework
+   .\pipeline\scripts\Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1
+   # Inspect artifact-staging/ directory
+   ```
+
+2. **Test via workflow:**
+   - Go to Actions → "Create Distribution Artifact"
+   - Click "Run workflow"
+   - Download and verify artifact contents
+
+3. **Test release workflow (use test tag):**
+   ```bash
+   git tag v0.0.0-test
+   git push origin v0.0.0-test
+   # Delete after testing: git push --delete origin v0.0.0-test
    ```
 
 ## Troubleshooting
@@ -124,17 +195,32 @@ To include additional directories in the artifact:
 ### Artifact is missing files
 - Check workflow logs for exclusion warnings
 - Verify source directories exist and contain expected files
-- Ensure file extensions aren't in the exclusion list
+- Review `pipeline/config/artifact-exclusions.txt` for unintended exclusions
+- Ensure file extensions aren't in the `$excludeExtensions` list
+
+### Exclusions not working
+- Verify exclusion file path is correct
+- Check for typos in paths (case-sensitive on some systems)
+- Ensure paths use backslashes: `Providers\Install Support`
+- Review workflow logs for "Loaded X exclusion path(s)" message
 
 ### Release workflow not triggering
 - Verify tag matches pattern `v*.*.*`
 - Check that tag was pushed to remote: `git push origin <tagname>`
 - Review Actions tab for any errors
+- Ensure you have permissions to create releases
 
 ### Path issues on Windows
 - The script normalizes paths (`/` → `\`)
-- Use backslashes in YAML: `Providers\Install Support`
+- Use backslashes in exclusion file: `Providers\Install Support`
 - Paths are relative to repository root
+- Wildcards are supported in path matching
+
+### Script fails to find exclusion file
+- Default location: `pipeline\config\artifact-exclusions.txt`
+- Verify file exists and is committed to repository
+- Check file is not excluded by `.gitignore`
+- Use `-ExclusionFile` parameter to specify custom path
 
 ## Related Documentation
 
diff --git a/pipeline/config/artifact-exclusions.txt b/pipeline/config/artifact-exclusions.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5e580a1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/pipeline/config/artifact-exclusions.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+# Artifact Exclusion List
+# One path per line, relative to repository root
+# Lines starting with # are comments
+
+# Installation support files
+Providers\Install Support
+
+# Add future exclusions here
+# Examples\TestData
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/pipeline/scripts/Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1 b/pipeline/scripts/Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1
index 51a8e2b..401e5f5 100644
--- a/pipeline/scripts/Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1
+++ b/pipeline/scripts/Create_Distribution_Artifact.ps1
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 param(
-  [string]$ExcludePaths = ''
+  [string]$ExclusionFile = "$PSScriptRoot\..\config\artifact-exclusions.txt"
 )
 
 # Create artifact staging directory
@@ -13,10 +13,17 @@ New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force -Path "$stagingDir\menus"
 # Define exclusion patterns
 $excludeExtensions = @('*.lvproj', '*.vipb', '*.aliases', '*.lvlps')
 
-# Parse additional path exclusions
+# Parse path exclusions from file
 $excludePathsList = @()
-if ($ExcludePaths) {
-  $excludePathsList = $ExcludePaths -split "`n" | ForEach-Object { $_.Trim() } | Where-Object { $_ -ne '' }
+if (Test-Path $ExclusionFile) {
+  Write-Host "Reading exclusions from: $ExclusionFile"
+  $excludePathsList = Get-Content $ExclusionFile | 
+    Where-Object { $_ -notmatch '^\s*#' -and $_ -notmatch '^\s*$' } |
+    ForEach-Object { $_.Trim() }
+  
+  Write-Host "Loaded $($excludePathsList.Count) exclusion path(s)"
+} else {
+  Write-Warning "Exclusion file not found: $ExclusionFile"
 }
 
 # Helper function to check if path should be excluded