diff --git a/docs/architecture.md b/docs/architecture.md
index d1766ad..61ff14f 100644
--- a/docs/architecture.md
+++ b/docs/architecture.md
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ One crate; no workspace or terminal-coordinate types in the editing backend:
 
 - `editor`: owns buffer lifecycle and per-buffer text, saved state, primary/selection set, modes, search, and undo/redo; session-wide clipboard policy, independent registers and owned-system fragment metadata, semantic native repeat, action metadata, command-palette and file-picker focus/dispatch, key notation, leader/count prefixes and binding resolution, modal paste policy, saving, command ownership, capabilities, and validated edit effects. Its low-level interface returns an `Invocation` when an external command is selected.
 - `files`: owns the gitignore-aware directory/file catalog, authoritative OS paths, compact tree projection, query filtering, browse/search focus, expansion/selection restoration, navigation, and scan/error state shared by floating and docked presentations.
-- `diff`: owns searchable Before/After selection, category and focus state, request freshness, read-only comparison DTOs, and aligned rows/shared vertical and independent horizontal offsets. It has no subprocess or terminal dependencies.
+- `diff`: owns searchable Before/After selection, category and focus state, request freshness, read-only comparison DTOs, and aligned rows/shared vertical and independent horizontal offsets. Changed paths form a virtual `files::FilePicker` catalog, reusing the normal tree projection, filtering, and navigation without scanning disk. It has no subprocess or terminal dependencies.
 - `repository`: discovers jj/Git repositories and local/advertised remote revisions, builds disk snapshots and changed-file hunks, and owns isolated temporary comparison repositories with bounded, cancellable subprocesses. It never saves editor buffers or modifies active refs/checkouts.
 - `clipboard`: owns native plain-text provider selection and bounded subprocess I/O; it never computes selections or editing offsets.
 - `syntax`: owns Tree-sitter grammar detection, per-buffer incremental trees, bundled highlight/local/injection queries, and syntax byte spans; it has no terminal color/geometry or editing dependency.
diff --git a/docs/configuration.md b/docs/configuration.md
index cfb6050..ee98206 100644
--- a/docs/configuration.md
+++ b/docs/configuration.md
@@ -135,6 +135,8 @@ config.bind "ctrl+f", config.core.right, mode: config.modes.tree
 config.bind "ctrl+h", nil, mode: config.modes.tree
 ```
 
+The diff's right-docked changed-file explorer uses these same tree and selection contexts, including remaps and disabled keys. Enter opens the selected file's diff rather than an editable buffer; its catalog comes from the comparison, not a disk scan.
+
 Ctrl+h is **not** a Backspace alias or default deletion key in any mode. Raw Ctrl+h (0x08) and Backspace (DEL/0x7f) are distinct, as are CSI-u events. In the tree it navigates in NORMAL and INSERT without deleting query text; it never deletes file-buffer Insert text by default. Explicit `config.core.backspace` bindings remain available if desired.
 
 Ctrl+j is distinct from Enter: in the TUI's raw mode, LF is Ctrl+j and CR is Enter; CSI-u control events also work. No enhanced-terminal negotiation is required. Ctrl+m remains an Enter alias. Outside completion and selection lists, Ctrl+k still clones above in Normal/Visual, and Ctrl+j defaults to newline in Insert or submit in Command/Search. While completion is open, Ctrl+j/k cycles candidates; Enter always closes completion and inserts a newline. Enter and Ctrl+j can be rebound independently outside the completion cycle.
diff --git a/docs/development.md b/docs/development.md
index a6af360..e7aeab3 100644
--- a/docs/development.md
+++ b/docs/development.md
@@ -47,6 +47,8 @@ Clipboard checks use isolated providers rather than reading or overwriting the d
 
 Diff checks cover staged category/filter navigation, stale request cancellation, row alignment, read-only buffer isolation, and rendered panes. Repository integration fixtures exercise Git and Git-backed jj, advertised but unfetched remote branches/bookmarks/tags, imported historical commit/change IDs, conflicts, unusual paths, binary/mode/link/submodule changes, and unchanged active metadata. Remote fixtures are local bare copies; they never push. Git fixture identities and commit dates are fixed.
 
+Changed-file explorer checks cover reuse of the compact directory tree, removed/historical paths, file-to-directory transitions, remapped tree/selection bindings, filter/open/focus transitions, right-dock geometry, and wheel routing without edits to the underlying document.
+
 ## Performance and process limits
 
 - Undo uses full-buffer snapshots and movement scans the current line. This favors straightforward correctness over large-file performance.
diff --git a/docs/editing.md b/docs/editing.md
index 9e53a17..3fb9fc7 100644
--- a/docs/editing.md
+++ b/docs/editing.md
@@ -209,7 +209,9 @@ The floating selector has **Revisions / Bookmarks** tabs for jj, or **Commits /
 
 Remote references such as `some-bookmark@origin` appear from remote advertisements, including refs never fetched locally. Selecting one retrieves missing content into a temporary comparison repository. **Load history from origin** (or another configured remote) in Revisions/Commits imports searchable remote history without advancing the selection stage. These operations may require network access and the repository's existing credentials; errors stay in the selector. They do not update active refs, snapshot jj's working copy, or change the checkout.
 
-The read-only comparison has a changed-file navigator, Before on the left, and After on the right. Added/deleted rows are aligned with blank counterparts. Tab/Shift+Tab cycles focus between Files, Before, and After. Up/Down or Ctrl+j/k selects files or scrolls both text panes together; Left/Right or Ctrl+h/l scrolls the focused text pane horizontally. Home/End goes to the first/last file or aligned row. Wheel input over a text pane scrolls both panes; over Files it navigates changed files. Esc closes and preserves the editor's buffers, cursors, unsaved text, and undo history. Typing and pasted text cannot edit either snapshot.
+The read-only comparison has Before on the left, After on the right, and the changed-file explorer **docked on the right**. The explorer reuses the normal compact directory tree, filtering, and configurable `tree`/`selection` navigation. Its catalog contains only changed paths, including removed and historical files; it does not scan the working directory. Use h/j/k/l or control/arrow navigation, Enter to toggle a folder or open a file, `i` to filter, Ctrl+u to clear, and Ctrl+t to switch Tree/List. Opening a file focuses Before.
+
+Added/deleted rows are aligned with blank counterparts. Tab/Shift+Tab cycles focus between Files, Before, and After. In text panes, Up/Down or Ctrl+j/k scrolls both panes together; Left/Right or Ctrl+h/l scrolls the focused pane horizontally. Home/End goes to the first/last tree row or aligned text row. Wheel input over a text pane scrolls both panes; over Files it navigates visible tree rows without opening them. Esc first leaves filtering when the tree is focused; otherwise it closes the diff and preserves the editor's buffers, cursors, unsaved text, and undo history. Typing and pasted text cannot edit either snapshot.
 
 Binary data, missing final newlines, permission/type changes, symlink targets, and submodule pointers have explicit notices. Symlinks are not followed and submodule contents are not traversed. jj conflicts use jj's file-content projection and carry conflict notices; ordinary files remain readable. Identical-content moves are shown as renames; modified moves appear as an added and removed file.
 
diff --git a/src/diff.rs b/src/diff.rs
index 260037e..734f2d6 100644
--- a/src/diff.rs
+++ b/src/diff.rs
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 use crate::editor::Input;
+use crate::files::{FilePicker, FileView};
 use std::path::PathBuf;
 use unicode_segmentation::UnicodeSegmentation;
 use unicode_width::UnicodeWidthStr;
@@ -146,6 +147,7 @@ pub struct DiffState {
     pub loading: bool,
     pub error: Option<String>,
     pub comparison: Option<Comparison>,
+    pub files: Option<FilePicker>,
     pub file: usize,
     pub focus: Focus,
     pub top: usize,
@@ -174,6 +176,7 @@ impl DiffState {
             loading: true,
             error: None,
             comparison: None,
+            files: None,
             file: 0,
             focus: Focus::Files,
             top: 0,
@@ -240,6 +243,14 @@ impl DiffState {
                 self.error = None;
             }
             Ok(Outcome::Comparison(comparison)) if expected == Some(RequestKind::Comparison) => {
+                let mut files = FilePicker::from_paths(
+                    PathBuf::new(),
+                    comparison.files.iter().map(|file| file.path.clone()),
+                );
+                if let Some(file) = comparison.files.first() {
+                    files.reveal_path(&file.path);
+                }
+                self.files = Some(files);
                 self.comparison = Some(comparison);
                 self.phase = Phase::View;
                 self.focus = Focus::Files;
@@ -295,18 +306,8 @@ impl DiffState {
     pub(crate) fn navigate(&mut self, forward: bool) {
         if self.phase == Phase::View {
             if self.focus == Focus::Files {
-                let count = self
-                    .comparison
-                    .as_ref()
-                    .map_or(0, |comparison| comparison.files.len());
-                let file = if forward {
-                    self.file.saturating_add(1).min(count.saturating_sub(1))
-                } else {
-                    self.file.saturating_sub(1)
-                };
-                if file != self.file {
-                    self.file = file;
-                    self.align_file();
+                if let Some(files) = &mut self.files {
+                    files.navigate(forward);
                 }
             } else {
                 self.top = if forward {
@@ -334,6 +335,15 @@ impl DiffState {
     /// Returns true only when the modal should close. All other inputs are consumed.
     pub(crate) fn handle(&mut self, input: Input) -> bool {
         if input == Input::Escape {
+            if self.phase == Phase::View
+                && self.focus == Focus::Files
+                && let Some(files) = &mut self.files
+                && files.searching
+                && files.view == FileView::Tree
+            {
+                files.finish_search();
+                return false;
+            }
             if self.phase != Phase::After {
                 return true;
             }
@@ -424,6 +434,58 @@ impl DiffState {
     }
 
     fn handle_view(&mut self, input: Input) {
+        if self.focus == Focus::Files {
+            let files = self.files.as_mut().expect("comparison file picker");
+            match input {
+                Input::Char('\t') | Input::BackTab => {}
+                Input::Ctrl('t') => {
+                    files.toggle_view();
+                    return;
+                }
+                Input::Home => {
+                    files.selected = 0;
+                    return;
+                }
+                Input::End => {
+                    let last = files.entries().len().saturating_sub(1);
+                    files.selected = last;
+                    return;
+                }
+                Input::Up | Input::Ctrl('k') => {
+                    files.navigate(false);
+                    return;
+                }
+                Input::Down | Input::Ctrl('j') => {
+                    files.navigate(true);
+                    return;
+                }
+                Input::Left | Input::Ctrl('h') => {
+                    files.left();
+                    return;
+                }
+                Input::Right | Input::Ctrl('l') => {
+                    files.right();
+                    return;
+                }
+                Input::Enter => {
+                    if let Some(path) = files.accept()
+                        && let Some(index) = self.comparison.as_ref().and_then(|comparison| {
+                            comparison.files.iter().position(|file| file.path == path)
+                        })
+                    {
+                        self.file = index;
+                        self.focus = Focus::Before;
+                        self.files.as_mut().expect("comparison picker").focused = false;
+                        self.align_file();
+                    }
+                    return;
+                }
+                _ => {
+                    files.handle_filter_input(&input);
+                    return;
+                }
+            }
+        }
         match input {
             Input::Char('\t') => {
                 self.focus = match self.focus {
@@ -441,12 +503,6 @@ impl DiffState {
             }
             Input::Up | Input::Ctrl('k') => self.navigate(false),
             Input::Down | Input::Ctrl('j') => self.navigate(true),
-            Input::Right | Input::Ctrl('l') if self.focus == Focus::Files => {
-                self.focus = Focus::Before
-            }
-            Input::Left | Input::Ctrl('h') if self.focus == Focus::Files => {
-                self.focus = Focus::After
-            }
             Input::Left | Input::Ctrl('h') => match self.focus {
                 Focus::Before => self.left_before = self.left_before.saturating_sub(1),
                 Focus::After => self.left_after = self.left_after.saturating_sub(1),
@@ -462,25 +518,17 @@ impl DiffState {
                 Focus::Files => {}
             },
             Input::Home | Input::End => {
-                if self.focus == Focus::Files {
-                    self.file = if input == Input::Home {
-                        0
-                    } else {
-                        self.comparison
-                            .as_ref()
-                            .map_or(0, |comparison| comparison.files.len().saturating_sub(1))
-                    };
-                    self.align_file();
+                self.top = if input == Input::Home {
+                    0
                 } else {
-                    self.top = if input == Input::Home {
-                        0
-                    } else {
-                        self.rows.len().saturating_sub(1)
-                    };
-                }
+                    self.rows.len().saturating_sub(1)
+                };
             }
             _ => {}
         }
+        if let Some(files) = &mut self.files {
+            files.focused = self.focus == Focus::Files;
+        }
     }
 
     fn align_file(&mut self) {
@@ -859,6 +907,107 @@ mod tests {
         assert!(editor.diff().is_none());
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn file_to_directory_change_opens_both_historical_paths() {
+        let mut editor = editor();
+        open(&mut editor);
+        let id = choose_pair(&mut editor);
+        let mut changes = comparison();
+        changes.files[0].path = "x".into();
+        changes.files[1].path = "x/y".into();
+        changes.files.truncate(2);
+        editor.apply_diff_result(id, Ok(Outcome::Comparison(changes)));
+        let picker = editor.diff().unwrap().files.as_ref().unwrap();
+        assert!(!picker.entries().nth(picker.selected).unwrap().is_dir);
+        editor.handle(Input::Enter);
+        assert_eq!(editor.diff().unwrap().file, 0);
+        editor.handle(Input::BackTab);
+        editor.handle(Input::Char('i'));
+        text(&mut editor, "x/y");
+        editor.handle(Input::Enter);
+        assert_eq!(editor.diff().unwrap().file, 1);
+        assert_eq!(editor.diff().unwrap().focus, Focus::Before);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn changed_tree_filters_navigates_and_opens_without_touching_buffers() {
+        let mut editor = editor();
+        let original = editor.context().text;
+        let carets = editor.carets();
+        let revision = editor.text_revision();
+        open(&mut editor);
+        let id = choose_pair(&mut editor);
+        let mut changes = comparison();
+        changes.files[0].path = "src/deep/renamed.txt".into();
+        changes.files[1].path = "src/deep/added.txt".into();
+        changes.files[2].path = "archive/gone/removed.bin".into();
+        editor.apply_diff_result(id, Ok(Outcome::Comparison(changes)));
+        let picker = editor.diff().unwrap().files.as_ref().unwrap();
+        assert!(picker.focused && !picker.searching);
+        assert_eq!(
+            picker.entries().nth(picker.selected).unwrap().path,
+            std::path::Path::new("src/deep/renamed.txt")
+        );
+        assert!(picker.entries().any(|row| row.label == "src/deep"));
+        editor.bind("tree", "z", Some("core.left".into())).unwrap();
+        editor.handle(Input::Char('z'));
+        let picker = editor.diff().unwrap().files.as_ref().unwrap();
+        assert!(picker.entries().nth(picker.selected).unwrap().is_dir);
+        editor.handle(Input::Enter);
+        let picker = editor.diff().unwrap().files.as_ref().unwrap();
+        assert!(!picker.entries().nth(picker.selected).unwrap().expanded);
+        assert_eq!(editor.diff().unwrap().file, 0);
+        editor.handle(Input::Char('l'));
+        editor.handle(Input::Char('l'));
+        editor
+            .bind("selection", "ctrl+n", Some("core.down".into()))
+            .unwrap();
+        editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('n'));
+        assert_eq!(editor.diff().unwrap().file, 0);
+        editor.handle(Input::Char('i'));
+        text(&mut editor, "removed.bin");
+        editor.handle(Input::Enter);
+        let state = editor.diff().unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(state.file, 2);
+        assert_eq!(state.focus, Focus::Before);
+        assert!(!state.files.as_ref().unwrap().focused);
+        assert!(state.rows.is_empty());
+        editor.handle(Input::BackTab);
+        editor.handle(Input::Escape);
+        assert!(!editor.diff().unwrap().files.as_ref().unwrap().searching);
+        editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('u'));
+        assert!(
+            editor
+                .diff()
+                .unwrap()
+                .files
+                .as_ref()
+                .unwrap()
+                .query
+                .is_empty()
+        );
+        editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('t'));
+        assert_eq!(
+            editor.diff().unwrap().files.as_ref().unwrap().view,
+            FileView::List
+        );
+        editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('t'));
+        assert_eq!(
+            editor.diff().unwrap().files.as_ref().unwrap().view,
+            FileView::Tree
+        );
+        editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('r'));
+        editor.handle(Input::Char('i'));
+        text(&mut editor, "removed.bin");
+        editor.handle(Input::Enter);
+        assert_eq!(editor.diff().unwrap().focus, Focus::Before);
+        assert_eq!(editor.context().text, original);
+        assert_eq!(editor.carets(), carets);
+        assert_eq!(editor.text_revision(), revision);
+        editor.handle(Input::Escape);
+        assert!(editor.diff().is_none());
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn aligned_hunks_navigation_shared_top_independent_horizontal_and_file_reset() {
         let mut editor = editor();
@@ -901,6 +1050,8 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(editor.diff().unwrap().focus, Focus::Before);
         editor.handle(Input::BackTab);
         editor.handle(Input::Down);
+        assert_eq!(editor.diff().unwrap().file, 0);
+        editor.handle(Input::Enter);
         let state = editor.diff().unwrap();
         assert_eq!(state.file, 1);
         assert_eq!((state.top, state.left_before, state.left_after), (0, 0, 0));
@@ -910,7 +1061,9 @@ mod tests {
                 .iter()
                 .all(|row| row.before.is_none() && row.kind == RowKind::Added)
         );
-        editor.handle(Input::End);
+        editor.handle(Input::BackTab);
+        editor.handle(Input::Down);
+        editor.handle(Input::Enter);
         assert_eq!(editor.diff().unwrap().file, 2);
         assert!(editor.diff().unwrap().rows.is_empty());
         assert!(
@@ -918,7 +1071,9 @@ mod tests {
                 .notice
                 .is_some()
         );
-        editor.handle(Input::Home);
+        editor.handle(Input::BackTab);
+        editor.handle(Input::Down);
+        editor.handle(Input::Enter);
         assert_eq!(editor.diff().unwrap().file, 0);
     }
 
@@ -1016,6 +1171,7 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(editor.context().text, original);
         assert_eq!(editor.carets(), carets);
         editor.handle(Input::Escape);
+        editor.handle(Input::Escape);
         editor.handle(Input::Char('u'));
         assert_eq!(editor.context().text, "original\\nsecond");
     }
diff --git a/src/editor.rs b/src/editor.rs
index 7648144..600e76b 100644
--- a/src/editor.rs
+++ b/src/editor.rs
@@ -1281,6 +1281,9 @@ impl Editor {
     fn handle_diff(&mut self, input: Input) {
         // Escape and Tab always retain their modal close/back/focus semantics.
         if !matches!(input, Input::Escape | Input::Char('\t') | Input::BackTab) {
+            if self.handle_tree_binding(&input) {
+                return;
+            }
             match self.selection_bindings.get(&input) {
                 Some(Binding::Action(Action::Down)) => {
                     self.diff.as_mut().expect("active diff").navigate(true);
@@ -2544,7 +2547,11 @@ impl Editor {
     }
 
     pub fn file_navigation_hint(&self) -> &str {
-        if let Some(picker) = &self.file_picker
+        if let Some(picker) = self
+            .diff
+            .as_ref()
+            .and_then(|diff| diff.files.as_ref())
+            .or(self.file_picker.as_ref())
             && picker.view == FileView::Tree
         {
             if picker.searching {
@@ -2612,10 +2619,12 @@ impl Editor {
     }
 
     fn handle_tree_binding(&mut self, input: &Input) -> bool {
-        let Some(picker) = self
-            .file_picker
-            .as_mut()
-            .filter(|picker| picker.focused && picker.view == FileView::Tree)
+        let picker = if let Some(diff) = &mut self.diff {
+            diff.files.as_mut()
+        } else {
+            self.file_picker.as_mut()
+        };
+        let Some(picker) = picker.filter(|picker| picker.focused && picker.view == FileView::Tree)
         else {
             return false;
         };
@@ -2897,19 +2906,7 @@ impl Editor {
             }
             Input::Ctrl('r') => picker.refresh(),
             Input::Ctrl('t') => picker.toggle_view(),
-            Input::Ctrl('u') => picker.clear_filter(),
-            Input::Backspace if picker.view == FileView::List || picker.searching => {
-                picker.backspace()
-            }
-            Input::Char('i') if picker.view == FileView::Tree && !picker.searching => {
-                picker.start_search()
-            }
-            Input::Char(ch)
-                if !ch.is_control() && (picker.view == FileView::List || picker.searching) =>
-            {
-                picker.query.push(ch);
-                picker.refilter();
-            }
+            _ if picker.handle_filter_input(&input) => {}
             Input::Enter => {
                 let Some(path) = picker.accept() else { return };
                 let source = self.jump_location();
diff --git a/src/files.rs b/src/files.rs
index a21239f..affdd17 100644
--- a/src/files.rs
+++ b/src/files.rs
@@ -43,6 +43,7 @@ pub struct FileRow<'a> {
     pub expanded: bool,
 }
 
+#[derive(Debug)]
 struct Node {
     path: PathBuf,
     label: String,
@@ -52,6 +53,7 @@ struct Node {
     children: Vec<usize>,
 }
 
+#[derive(Debug)]
 struct TreeNode {
     node: usize,
     label: String,
@@ -59,6 +61,7 @@ struct TreeNode {
     children: Vec<usize>,
 }
 
+#[derive(Debug)]
 struct VisibleRow {
     node: usize,
     tree: Option<usize>,
@@ -66,6 +69,7 @@ struct VisibleRow {
     expanded: bool,
 }
 
+#[derive(Debug)]
 pub struct FilePicker {
     pub root: PathBuf,
     pub query: String,
@@ -154,10 +158,51 @@ impl FilePicker {
                 children: Vec::new(),
             });
         }
+        Ok(Self::from_nodes(root, nodes, presentation, view, warning))
+    }
+
+    /// Builds the changed-path catalog without consulting the working tree.
+    pub fn from_paths(root: PathBuf, paths: impl IntoIterator<Item = PathBuf>) -> Self {
+        let mut catalog = HashSet::new();
+        for path in paths {
+            for parent in path
+                .ancestors()
+                .skip(1)
+                .filter(|path| !path.as_os_str().is_empty())
+            {
+                catalog.insert((parent.to_owned(), true));
+            }
+            catalog.insert((path, false));
+        }
+        let nodes = catalog
+            .into_iter()
+            .map(|(path, is_dir)| {
+                let label = label(&path);
+                Node {
+                    path,
+                    search_label: label.to_lowercase(),
+                    label,
+                    is_dir,
+                    parent: None,
+                    children: Vec::new(),
+                }
+            })
+            .collect();
+        Self::from_nodes(root, nodes, FilePresentation::Docked, FileView::Tree, None)
+    }
+
+    fn from_nodes(
+        root: PathBuf,
+        mut nodes: Vec<Node>,
+        presentation: FilePresentation,
+        view: FileView,
+        warning: Option<String>,
+    ) -> Self {
         nodes.sort_by(|left, right| left.path.cmp(&right.path));
         let by_path: HashMap<_, _> = nodes
             .iter()
             .enumerate()
+            .filter(|(_, node)| node.is_dir)
             .map(|(index, node)| (node.path.clone(), index))
             .collect();
         let mut roots = Vec::new();
@@ -223,7 +268,7 @@ impl FilePicker {
         }
         picker.project(None, false);
         picker.remember_selection(false);
-        Ok(picker)
+        picker
     }
 
     fn compact(&mut self, start: usize, parent: Option<usize>) -> usize {
@@ -321,6 +366,37 @@ impl FilePicker {
         }
     }
 
+    pub(crate) fn reveal_path(&mut self, path: &Path) {
+        if let Some(node) = self
+            .nodes
+            .iter()
+            .position(|node| node.path == path && !node.is_dir)
+        {
+            self.reveal(node);
+            self.project(Some(node), false);
+            self.remember_selection(true);
+        }
+    }
+
+    pub(crate) fn handle_filter_input(&mut self, input: &crate::editor::Input) -> bool {
+        use crate::editor::Input;
+        match input {
+            Input::Ctrl('u') => self.clear_filter(),
+            Input::Backspace if self.view == FileView::List || self.searching => self.backspace(),
+            Input::Char('i') if self.view == FileView::Tree && !self.searching => {
+                self.start_search()
+            }
+            Input::Char(ch)
+                if !ch.is_control() && (self.view == FileView::List || self.searching) =>
+            {
+                self.query.push(*ch);
+                self.refilter();
+            }
+            _ => return false,
+        }
+        true
+    }
+
     pub fn set_view(&mut self, view: FileView) {
         if self.view == view {
             return;
@@ -699,6 +775,29 @@ impl FilePicker {
 #[cfg(test)]
 mod tests {
     use super::*;
+
+    #[test]
+    fn virtual_catalog_compacts_and_retains_file_directory_collisions() {
+        let mut picker = FilePicker::from_paths(
+            PathBuf::new(),
+            ["x", "x/y", "src/deep/deleted.rs", "src/deep/deleted.rs"].map(PathBuf::from),
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            picker
+                .entries()
+                .map(|row| row.label.to_owned())
+                .collect::<Vec<_>>(),
+            ["src/deep", "x", "x"]
+        );
+        picker.reveal_path(Path::new("x"));
+        assert!(!picker.entries().nth(picker.selected).unwrap().is_dir);
+        assert_eq!(picker.accept(), Some(PathBuf::from("x")));
+        picker.reveal_path(Path::new("x/y"));
+        assert_eq!(picker.accept(), Some(PathBuf::from("x/y")));
+        picker.reveal_path(Path::new("src/deep/deleted.rs"));
+        assert_eq!(picker.accept(), Some(PathBuf::from("src/deep/deleted.rs")));
+        assert_eq!(picker.entries().filter(|row| !row.is_dir).count(), 3);
+    }
     use std::sync::atomic::{AtomicU64, Ordering};
 
     static TEMP_ID: AtomicU64 = AtomicU64::new(0);
diff --git a/src/tui.rs b/src/tui.rs
index af70654..6e533e1 100644
--- a/src/tui.rs
+++ b/src/tui.rs
@@ -422,6 +422,7 @@ fn draw(
             diff,
             area,
             editor.selection_navigation_hint(),
+            editor.file_navigation_hint(),
             panels,
         );
         return;
@@ -907,6 +908,7 @@ fn draw_diff(
     diff: &DiffState,
     area: Rect,
     navigation_hint: &str,
+    file_navigation_hint: &str,
     panels: &mut WheelPanels,
 ) {
     if area.width == 0 || area.height == 0 {
@@ -1138,59 +1140,17 @@ fn draw_diff(
             notice_area,
         );
     }
-    let navigator_width = if workspace.width >= 40 {
-        (workspace.width / 4).min(32)
+    let (panes, navigator) = if diff.files.is_some() {
+        dock_layout(workspace, DockSide::Right, diff.focus == Focus::Files)
     } else {
-        0
+        (workspace, None)
     };
-    let [navigator, panes] =
-        Layout::horizontal([Constraint::Length(navigator_width), Constraint::Fill(1)])
-            .areas(workspace);
     let [before_area, after_area] =
         Layout::horizontal([Constraint::Ratio(1, 2), Constraint::Ratio(1, 2)]).areas(panes);
-    let navigator_inner = diff_panel(
-        frame,
-        navigator,
-        " Changed files ",
-        diff.focus == Focus::Files,
-    );
-    if let Some(comparison) = comparison
-        && navigator_inner.width > 0
-        && navigator_inner.height > 0
+    if let Some(picker) = &diff.files
+        && let Some(navigator) = navigator
     {
-        let height = usize::from(navigator_inner.height);
-        let first = diff.file.saturating_sub(height.saturating_sub(1));
-        let lines: Vec<Line> = comparison
-            .files
-            .iter()
-            .enumerate()
-            .skip(first)
-            .take(height)
-            .map(|(index, file)| {
-                let label = format!(
-                    "{} {} {}",
-                    if index == diff.file { ">" } else { " " },
-                    diff_status(file.status),
-                    display_text(&file.path.to_string_lossy())
-                );
-                let style = if index == diff.file {
-                    Style::default()
-                        .bg(if diff.focus == Focus::Files {
-                            Color::Blue
-                        } else {
-                            Color::DarkGray
-                        })
-                        .add_modifier(Modifier::BOLD)
-                } else {
-                    Style::default()
-                };
-                Line::styled(
-                    visible_line(&label, 0, usize::from(navigator_inner.width)),
-                    style,
-                )
-            })
-            .collect();
-        frame.render_widget(Paragraph::new(lines), navigator_inner);
+        draw_file_list(frame, picker, navigator, file_navigation_hint, panels);
     }
     if let Some(file) = selected {
         draw_diff_pane(frame, diff, file, before_area, true);
@@ -1207,14 +1167,14 @@ fn draw_diff(
     }
     frame.render_widget(
         Paragraph::new(
-            "Tab focus · ↑/↓ scroll/files · ←/→ horizontal · Home/End · Esc close · read-only",
+            "Tab focus · i filter · Enter open/toggle · ↑/↓ scroll/tree · ←/→ horizontal · Esc close",
         )
         .style(Style::default().fg(Color::DarkGray)),
         help,
     );
     panels.diff = Some(DiffGeometry {
         regions: [
-            (navigator, Focus::Files),
+            (navigator.unwrap_or_default(), Focus::Files),
             (before_area, Focus::Before),
             (after_area, Focus::After),
         ],
@@ -1811,7 +1771,7 @@ fn draw_file_list(
     if bordered {
         frame.render_widget(block, panel);
     }
-    let show_root = content.height >= 4;
+    let show_root = content.height >= 4 && !picker.root.as_os_str().is_empty();
     let show_error = picker.error.is_some() && content.height >= 2;
     let show_help = content.height >= 5 + u16::from(show_error);
     let [query_area, root_area, error_area, results_area, help_area] = Layout::vertical([
@@ -1932,14 +1892,26 @@ fn draw_file_list(
         }
     }
     let help = if picker.focused {
-        let controls = match (picker.presentation, browsing) {
-            (FilePresentation::Floating, true) => "Enter · i filter · Esc/^W close · ^R · ^T",
-            (FilePresentation::Docked, true) => "Enter · i filter · Esc/Tab edit · ^W · ^R · ^T",
-            (_, false) if picker.view == FileView::Tree => "Enter · Esc NORMAL · ^W · ^R · ^T",
-            (FilePresentation::Floating, false) => "Enter · Esc/^W close · ^R · ^T",
-            (FilePresentation::Docked, false) => "Enter · Esc/Tab edit · ^W · ^R · ^T",
+        let controls = if picker.root.as_os_str().is_empty() {
+            if browsing {
+                "Enter · i filter · Esc close · Tab panes · ^T view"
+            } else {
+                "Enter · Esc · Tab panes · ^T view"
+            }
+        } else {
+            match (picker.presentation, browsing) {
+                (FilePresentation::Floating, true) => "Enter · i filter · Esc/^W close · ^R · ^T",
+                (FilePresentation::Docked, true) => {
+                    "Enter · i filter · Esc/Tab edit · ^W · ^R · ^T"
+                }
+                (_, false) if picker.view == FileView::Tree => "Enter · Esc NORMAL · ^W · ^R · ^T",
+                (FilePresentation::Floating, false) => "Enter · Esc/^W close · ^R · ^T",
+                (FilePresentation::Docked, false) => "Enter · Esc/Tab edit · ^W · ^R · ^T",
+            }
         };
         format!("^U clear · {navigation_hint} · {controls}")
+    } else if picker.root.as_os_str().is_empty() {
+        "Editor focus · Tab to browse changed files".into()
     } else {
         "Editor focus · invoke explorer to browse".into()
     };
@@ -2212,7 +2184,7 @@ mod tests {
         terminal
             .draw(|frame| {
                 panels.begin_frame();
-                draw_diff(frame, diff, frame.area(), "↑/↓", panels);
+                draw_diff(frame, diff, frame.area(), "↑/↓", "h/j/k/l", panels);
             })
             .unwrap();
     }
@@ -2327,7 +2299,7 @@ mod tests {
             assert_eq!(buffer[(after.x + 2, y)].symbol(), "+");
             assert_eq!(buffer[(after.x + 4, y)].fg, Color::Green);
         }
-        assert!(screen_text(&terminal).contains("> A added.txt"));
+        assert!(screen_text(&terminal).contains("> added.txt"));
     }
 
     #[test]
@@ -2348,7 +2320,7 @@ mod tests {
         };
         let mut diff = diff_comparison(vec![deletion_file(), added]);
         diff.handle(Input::Down);
-        diff.handle(Input::Char('\t'));
+        diff.handle(Input::Enter);
         for _ in 0..4 {
             diff.handle(Input::Right);
         }
@@ -2356,7 +2328,7 @@ mod tests {
         let mut panels = WheelPanels::default();
         render_diff(&mut terminal, &diff, &mut panels);
         let text = screen_text(&terminal);
-        assert!(text.contains("> R new-name.txt"));
+        assert!(text.contains("> new-name.txt"));
         assert!(text.contains("Before · R · old-name.txt"));
         assert!(text.contains("After · R · new-name.txt"));
         let geometry = panels.diff.as_ref().unwrap();
@@ -2377,6 +2349,74 @@ mod tests {
         );
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn diff_reuses_right_explorer_compact_tree_and_tracks_browse_focus() {
+        let mut leaf = deletion_file();
+        leaf.path = "chain/a/b/leaf.txt".into();
+        let mut root = deletion_file();
+        root.path = "root.txt".into();
+        let mut diff = diff_comparison(vec![leaf, root]);
+        let mut terminal = Terminal::new(ratatui::backend::TestBackend::new(120, 18)).unwrap();
+        let mut panels = WheelPanels::default();
+        render_diff(&mut terminal, &diff, &mut panels);
+        let regions = panels.diff.as_ref().unwrap().regions;
+        let navigator = regions[0].0;
+        let before = regions[1].0;
+        let after = regions[2].0;
+        let workspace = Rect::new(0, 1, 120, 16);
+        let (panes, dock) = dock_layout(workspace, DockSide::Right, true);
+        assert_eq!(Some(navigator), dock);
+        assert_eq!(before.x, panes.x);
+        assert_eq!(before.right(), after.x);
+        assert_eq!(after.right(), navigator.x);
+        assert_eq!(navigator.right(), workspace.right());
+        assert_eq!(panels.files.unwrap().0, navigator);
+        let tree_text = |terminal: &Terminal<ratatui::backend::TestBackend>| {
+            let buffer = terminal.backend().buffer();
+            (navigator.y..navigator.bottom())
+                .map(|y| {
+                    (navigator.x..navigator.right())
+                        .map(|x| buffer[(x, y)].symbol())
+                        .collect::<String>()
+                })
+                .collect::<Vec<_>>()
+                .join("\n")
+        };
+        let text = tree_text(&terminal);
+        assert!(text.contains("Explorer · Tree"));
+        assert!(text.contains("chain/a/b/"));
+        assert!(text.contains("leaf.txt"));
+        assert!(!text.contains("chain/a/b/leaf.txt"));
+        let cursor = terminal.get_cursor_position().unwrap();
+        assert!(navigator.contains(cursor));
+        assert_eq!(
+            terminal.backend().buffer()[(cursor.x, cursor.y)].bg,
+            Color::Blue
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            terminal.backend().buffer()[(navigator.x, navigator.y)].fg,
+            Color::Cyan
+        );
+        diff.handle(Input::Left);
+        diff.handle(Input::Enter);
+        render_diff(&mut terminal, &diff, &mut panels);
+        let text = tree_text(&terminal);
+        assert!(!text.contains("leaf.txt"));
+        assert!(text.contains("chain/a/b/"));
+        assert_eq!(diff.file, 0);
+        diff.handle(Input::Char('\t'));
+        render_diff(&mut terminal, &diff, &mut panels);
+        assert!(!diff.files.as_ref().unwrap().focused);
+        assert_eq!(
+            terminal.backend().buffer()[(navigator.x, navigator.y)].fg,
+            Color::DarkGray
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            terminal.backend().buffer()[(before.x, before.y)].fg,
+            Color::Cyan
+        );
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn diff_notices_empty_comparisons_and_tiny_layouts_remain_renderable() {
         let mut terminal = Terminal::new(ratatui::backend::TestBackend::new(100, 12)).unwrap();
@@ -2391,6 +2431,7 @@ mod tests {
         let empty = diff_comparison(vec![]);
         render_diff(&mut terminal, &empty, &mut panels);
         assert!(screen_text(&terminal).contains("No changed files"));
+        assert!(screen_text(&terminal).contains("Explorer · Tree"));
         let binary = diff_comparison(vec![ChangedFile {
             path: "image.bin".into(),
             old_path: None,
@@ -2402,6 +2443,7 @@ mod tests {
         }]);
         render_diff(&mut terminal, &binary, &mut panels);
         assert!(screen_text(&terminal).contains("Binary file"));
+        assert!(screen_text(&terminal).contains("> image.bin"));
         let blank = diff_comparison(vec![ChangedFile {
             path: "empty.txt".into(),
             old_path: None,
@@ -2418,6 +2460,16 @@ mod tests {
                 Terminal::new(ratatui::backend::TestBackend::new(width, height)).unwrap();
             for state in [&diff, &empty, &binary, &blank] {
                 render_diff(&mut tiny, state, &mut panels);
+                if let Some(geometry) = &panels.diff {
+                    for (rect, _) in geometry.regions {
+                        assert!(rect.right() <= width && rect.bottom() <= height);
+                    }
+                    let [navigator, before, after] = geometry.regions.map(|(rect, _)| rect);
+                    assert!(before.right() <= after.x);
+                    if navigator.width > 0 {
+                        assert!(after.right() <= navigator.x);
+                    }
+                }
             }
         }
     }
@@ -2465,6 +2517,8 @@ mod tests {
         assert!(viewports.document.geometry.is_none());
         assert_eq!(editor.lines(), original);
         editor.handle(Input::Escape);
+        assert!(editor.diff().is_some());
+        editor.handle(Input::Escape);
         terminal
             .draw(|frame| viewports.draw(frame, &editor))
             .unwrap();
@@ -2473,6 +2527,97 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(editor.cursor(), cursor);
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn diff_wheel_routes_right_tree_and_both_panes_without_touching_document() {
+        let directory = Directory::new();
+        let path = directory.file("source.txt", &["original"; 60].join("\n"));
+        let git = |args: &[&str]| {
+            let output = std::process::Command::new("git")
+                .args(args)
+                .current_dir(&directory.0)
+                .env("GIT_CONFIG_NOSYSTEM", "1")
+                .env("GIT_CONFIG_GLOBAL", "/dev/null")
+                .env("GIT_AUTHOR_NAME", "Diff fixture")
+                .env("GIT_AUTHOR_EMAIL", "fixture@example.invalid")
+                .env("GIT_COMMITTER_NAME", "Diff fixture")
+                .env("GIT_COMMITTER_EMAIL", "fixture@example.invalid")
+                .env("GIT_AUTHOR_DATE", "2000-01-01T00:00:00Z")
+                .env("GIT_COMMITTER_DATE", "2000-01-01T00:00:00Z")
+                .output()
+                .unwrap();
+            assert!(output.status.success(), "{:?}", output);
+        };
+        git(&["init", "-q"]);
+        for index in 0..8 {
+            directory.file(&format!("file-{index}.txt"), "first\nsecond\nthird\n");
+        }
+        git(&["add", "."]);
+        git(&["commit", "-qm", "base"]);
+        for index in 0..8 {
+            fs::remove_file(directory.0.join(format!("file-{index}.txt"))).unwrap();
+        }
+        let mut session = EditorSession::open(Some(path), vec![], None).unwrap();
+        let original = session.editor().lines().to_vec();
+        let cursor = session.editor().cursor();
+        let ready = |session: &mut EditorSession, phase| {
+            let deadline = std::time::Instant::now() + Duration::from_secs(10);
+            loop {
+                session.poll();
+                let diff = session.editor().diff().unwrap();
+                assert!(diff.error.is_none(), "{:?}", diff.error);
+                if diff.phase == phase && !diff.loading {
+                    break;
+                }
+                assert!(std::time::Instant::now() < deadline, "{diff:?}");
+                std::thread::sleep(Duration::from_millis(1));
+            }
+        };
+        session.execute("diff");
+        ready(&mut session, Phase::Before);
+        session.handle(Input::Down);
+        session.handle(Input::Enter);
+        session.handle(Input::Enter);
+        ready(&mut session, Phase::View);
+        let mut terminal = Terminal::new(ratatui::backend::TestBackend::new(120, 18)).unwrap();
+        let mut viewports = BufferViewports::default();
+        terminal
+            .draw(|frame| viewports.draw(frame, session.editor()))
+            .unwrap();
+        let regions = viewports.panels.diff.as_ref().unwrap().regions;
+        let tree = regions[0].0;
+        let before = regions[1].0;
+        let after = regions[2].0;
+        assert!(viewports.scroll(
+            &mut session,
+            document_wheel(MouseEventKind::ScrollDown, tree.x + 1, tree.y + 1),
+        ));
+        let diff = session.editor().diff().unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(diff.focus, Focus::Files);
+        assert_eq!(diff.files.as_ref().unwrap().selected, 3);
+        assert_eq!(diff.file, 0);
+        session.handle(Input::Enter);
+        assert_eq!(session.editor().diff().unwrap().file, 3);
+        assert!(viewports.scroll(
+            &mut session,
+            document_wheel(MouseEventKind::ScrollDown, before.x + 1, before.y + 1),
+        ));
+        let diff = session.editor().diff().unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(diff.focus, Focus::Before);
+        assert_eq!(diff.top, 2);
+        assert_eq!(diff.file, 3);
+        assert!(viewports.scroll(
+            &mut session,
+            document_wheel(MouseEventKind::ScrollUp, after.x + 1, after.y + 1),
+        ));
+        let diff = session.editor().diff().unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(diff.focus, Focus::After);
+        assert_eq!(diff.top, 0);
+        assert_eq!(diff.file, 3);
+        assert_eq!(session.editor().lines(), original);
+        assert_eq!(session.editor().cursor(), cursor);
+        assert!(viewports.document.geometry.is_none());
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn diff_wheel_cannot_scroll_the_hidden_document_even_outside_the_picker() {
         let directory = Directory::new();
diff --git a/tests/diff.rs b/tests/diff.rs
index 99f666c..cfdece0 100644
--- a/tests/diff.rs
+++ b/tests/diff.rs
@@ -137,6 +137,17 @@ fn typed_diff_compares_disk_not_unsaved_buffers_and_preserves_undo() {
         session.handle(input);
     }
     session.handle(Input::Escape);
+    assert!(
+        !session
+            .editor()
+            .diff()
+            .unwrap()
+            .files
+            .as_ref()
+            .unwrap()
+            .searching
+    );
+    session.handle(Input::Escape);
     assert!(session.editor().diff().is_none());
     assert_eq!(session.editor().context().text, "uafter\n");
     assert!(session.editor().dirty());