diff --git a/ui/qml/Main.qml b/ui/qml/Main.qml
index aa9bb99..b3f2673 100644
--- a/ui/qml/Main.qml
+++ b/ui/qml/Main.qml
@@ -242,6 +242,10 @@ ApplicationWindow {
                 anchors.fill: parent
                 anchors.margins: root.baseFontSize * 0.6
                 model: docModel
+                // Hidden until a document is selected so its own
+                // "No sections" empty state does not overlap the
+                // "Select a document" placeholder below.
+                visible: root.currentDoc !== ""
             }
 
             Label {