feat: add configurable Ctrl+j/k list navigation

README.md

@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ Without a file, vamp opens an unnamed buffer. A nonexistent file opens an empty
 
 | Mode | Keys |
 | --- | --- |
-| All modes | Ctrl+p opens the command palette; type to filter, Up/Down or Ctrl+k/Ctrl+n select, Enter accepts, Esc/Ctrl+p cancels |
+| All modes | Ctrl+p opens the command palette; type to filter, Ctrl+j/k or arrows select, Enter accepts, Esc/Ctrl+p cancels |
 | Normal, Visual | Space Space opens the palette through the default leader |
 | Normal | Space w saves; Space b n/p/l/d switches next/previous, lists, or closes buffers |
 | Normal, Visual | Space o opens floating file search; Space e opens/focuses the docked explorer |
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ Without a file, vamp opens an unnamed buffer. A nonexistent file opens an empty
 | Normal | `x`/Delete delete; `u` undo; `U` (Shift+u) redo; `:` enter command mode |
 | Normal | `/` opens search; `n` finds the next match; `N` (Shift+n) finds the previous match |
 | Normal | `v` starts Visual selections; `p`/`P` paste internal clipboard after/before each caret; Esc keeps only the primary caret |
-| Normal, Visual | Ctrl+k clones above; Ctrl+e clones below (Ctrl+j aliases Enter in terminals) |
+| Normal, Visual | Ctrl+k clones above; Ctrl+e clones below |
 | Visual | Cursor/word motions and `n`/`N` extend every selection; `y` copies; `d`/`x`/Delete cuts; `c` changes selections; `v`/Esc cancels highlighting |
 | Visual | Ctrl+l splits touched rows into Normal carets at first nonblank; Ctrl+n adds the next occurrence; Ctrl+s skips the primary occurrence; Ctrl+a selects all occurrences |
 | Insert | Type, Enter, Tab, Backspace/Delete, arrows, Home/End at every caret; Esc returns to Normal, retaining carets |
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ The dock defaults to the right of the editor workspace. Set `config.file_explore
 | File-search input | Behavior |
 | --- | --- |
 | Type / Backspace | Case-insensitive whitespace-token filtering / remove one whole grapheme |
-| Up/Down or Ctrl+k/Ctrl+n | Wrap through matching files |
+| Ctrl+j/Down/Ctrl+n or Ctrl+k/Up | Wrap forward or backward through matching files |
 | Enter | Open the selected file, reusing an existing buffer without reloading hidden edits |
 | Esc | Close floating search; return to editor focus while retaining a dock |
 | Tab | Return to editor focus from a dock |
@@ -115,11 +115,25 @@ The project root is the working directory captured at startup. Scanning uses the
 
 Ctrl+p opens a searchable overlay without leaving the current mode. It lists core actions and registered Ex/plugin commands with their owner, effective bindings in the current mode, and eligible modes. Disabled or overridden bindings are not advertised; actions with no key remain available through the palette. Mode-ineligible entries are dimmed and cannot execute. Retired plugin commands disappear.
 
-Search is case-insensitive: every whitespace-separated query token must occur in the command name, human-readable label, or owner. Results have a stable label/name order. Up/Down or Ctrl+k/Ctrl+n wrap through results; Backspace removes a whole grapheme. Enter with no match or an ineligible selection leaves the palette open. Bracketed paste is ignored while the palette is open.
+Search is case-insensitive: every whitespace-separated query token must occur in the command name, human-readable label, or owner. Results have a stable label/name order. Ctrl+j/Down/Ctrl+n select the next result; Ctrl+k/Up select the previous, with wraparound. Backspace removes a whole grapheme. Enter with no match or an ineligible selection leaves the palette open. Bracketed paste is ignored while the palette is open.
 
 Accepting a core action executes it in the underlying mode, including Visual edits and Insert-mode actions. Accepting an Ex/plugin command is available only in Normal mode and opens a prefilled `:` prompt; add arguments if needed, then Enter executes through the usual session dispatch. Choosing `q!` therefore does not immediately discard changes.
 
-Esc or Ctrl+p cancels without changing text, selections, the previous command/search prompt, or pending Insert history. The opening key can be remapped with `config.core.palette`; navigation and cancellation inside the palette are fixed. The TUI uses a constraint-based modal panel, keeps the selected result visible, and prioritizes the query on tiny terminals.
+Esc or Ctrl+p cancels without changing text, selections, the previous command/search prompt, or pending Insert history. The opening key can be remapped with `config.core.palette`; list navigation uses the shared configurable `selection` context. Other popup controls keep their defaults unless explicitly intercepted by a selection binding. The TUI uses a constraint-based modal panel, keeps the selected result visible, and prioritizes the query on tiny terminals.
+
+### Selection-list bindings
+
+The palette, floating file picker, and focused docked explorer share `config.modes.selection`. It is a binding context, not a buffer editing mode. `config.core.down` moves to the next list item; `config.core.up` moves to the previous. Defaults are Ctrl+j/Down/Ctrl+n for next and Ctrl+k/Up for previous. Remap or disable any single key:
+
+```ruby
+config.bind "ctrl+f", config.core.down, mode: config.modes.selection
+config.bind "ctrl+b", config.core.up, mode: config.modes.selection
+config.bind "ctrl+j", nil, mode: config.modes.selection
+```
+
+Selection bindings take precedence only while a list is focused. Unbound printable keys still filter; a disabled key is consumed without filtering or moving. Only `up`, `down`, and `nil` are accepted—no leader sequences, edits, or plugin commands. Invalid declarations leave existing routes unchanged. Navigation does not change text, carets, history, or the underlying mode; Enter remains accept by default. Both list footers show the effective navigation keys, including remaps and disabled directions.
+
+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 lists, existing editing bindings are unchanged: Ctrl+k still clones above in Normal/Visual, and explicit Ctrl+j defaults insert a newline in Insert or submit Command/Search prompts. Enter and Ctrl+j can now be rebound independently.
 
 ### Leader key
 
@@ -145,6 +159,7 @@ One crate, five modules, no workspace or terminal-coordinate types in the editin
 Frontends drive `EditorSession::handle` or `execute` and inspect `editor()`; there is no mutable editor getter that could independently alter plugin registration. Pasted text uses `Input::Paste(String)` through the same input seam as keys. Plugin effects are applied internally so a rejected result also retires its owner; there is no generic frontend effects entry point.
 Frontends inspect `selections()` for document-ordered, end-exclusive Visual ranges of grapheme coordinates (empty outside Visual), `carets()` for all active cursors in document order, `cursor()` for the primary, and `selection_count()` for the total target count. A range ending at the next row's column 0 includes the previous row's newline; an empty final-row range contains no text. Selection normalization, clipboard contents, edit planning, and history remain inside the editor module.
 Frontends inspect `palette()` for the optional read-only query, filtered command entries, selected index, effective bindings, and eligibility. Palette input handling and acceptance stay in the editor; registered command execution stays in the session.
+Frontends use the cached `selection_navigation_hint()` to advertise the current shared list bindings without reconstructing input policy.
 Frontends inspect `count()` for the optional pending motion prefix; parsing and counted motion dispatch remain editor-owned.
 Frontends inspect `leader_pending()` for the cached display of a pending leader sequence; prefix recognition, cancellation, and dispatch remain editor-owned.
 Frontends inspect `buffer_id()`, `buffer_count()`, `has_buffer(id)`, and the ascending-ID `buffers()` iterator of borrowed path/dirty/active metadata. Existing text, cursor, selection, search, and mode methods describe only the active buffer.
@@ -183,7 +198,7 @@ Vamp.configure do |config|
 end
 ```
 
-Plugin paths resolve relative to the config file, not the shell's working directory. `config.bind key, target, mode: config.modes.normal` overrides one key or leader-prefixed sequence; available modes are `config.modes.normal`, `config.modes.insert`, `config.modes.command`, `config.modes.search`, and `config.modes.visual`. Omitting `mode` selects Normal. The leader is session-wide, defaults to `"space"`, and is applied before configured bindings.
+Plugin paths resolve relative to the config file, not the shell's working directory. `config.bind key, target, mode: config.modes.normal` overrides one key or leader-prefixed sequence; editing modes are `config.modes.normal`, `config.modes.insert`, `config.modes.command`, `config.modes.search`, and `config.modes.visual`. `config.modes.selection` configures focused list navigation. Omitting `mode` selects Normal. The leader is session-wide, defaults to `"space"`, and is applied before configured bindings.
 `config.file_explorer_side` is session-wide and defaults to `"right"`; the other choices are `"left"`, `"top"`, and `"bottom"`. An invalid side reports a notice and retains the default, while valid bindings still install. Non-string/empty values disable the whole configuration like other Ruby type errors.
 
 `config.core` exposes the built-in actions below as immutable `Action` values; `config.modes` exposes immutable `Mode` values. Misspelled methods fail during configuration evaluation, and `bind` rejects the wrong value type. Built-in action strings and mode strings are not accepted. Registered Ex/plugin commands still use exact string names (`"w"`, `"greet"`, etc., without `:` or arguments) and can only be bound in Normal mode. Ruby provides runtime checks, not compile-time checking; the editor still validates action/mode compatibility.
@@ -194,7 +209,7 @@ Key notation follows [Herdr's readable style](https://herdr.dev/docs/configurati
 - Modifiers: `ctrl+a` through `ctrl+z`, and `shift+a` through `shift+z`. `shift+j` and `J` address the same key.
 - Named punctuation: `minus`, `comma`, `ampersand`, `plus`, `backtick`. Each addresses the same binding as its literal character.
 
-Terminals share `ctrl+h` with `backspace`, `ctrl+i` with `tab`, and `ctrl+j`/`ctrl+m` with `enter`; these names address the same binding, including inside leader sequences. Only a single modifier on an ASCII letter is supported. Arbitrary non-leader key sequences, Alt/Cmd/Super, combined modifiers, modified special keys, and Vim-style angle-bracket notation are rejected rather than silently treated as another key.
+Terminals share `ctrl+h` with `backspace`, `ctrl+i` with `tab`, and `ctrl+m` with `enter`; these names address the same binding, including inside leader sequences. Ctrl+j is a distinct control key, not an Enter alias. Only a single modifier on an ASCII letter is supported. Arbitrary non-leader key sequences, Alt/Cmd/Super, combined modifiers, modified special keys, and Vim-style angle-bracket notation are rejected rather than silently treated as another key.
 
 | Available modes | Methods on `config.core` |
 | --- | --- |
@@ -204,7 +219,8 @@ Terminals share `ctrl+h` with `backspace`, `ctrl+i` with `tab`, and `ctrl+j`/`ct
 | Normal | `search`, `paste_before`, `paste_after` |
 | Normal, Visual | `select`, `search_next`, `search_previous` |
 | Normal, Visual | `file_picker`, `file_explorer` |
-| Normal, Insert, Visual | `left`, `down`, `up`, `right`, `line_start`, `line_end` |
+| Normal, Insert, Visual | `left`, `right`, `line_start`, `line_end` |
+| Normal, Insert, Visual, Selection | `down`, `up` |
 | Normal, Insert, Visual | `word_next`, `word_previous`, `word_end`, `big_word_next`, `big_word_previous`, `big_word_end` |
 | Normal, Insert | `delete` |
 | Visual | `copy`, `cut`, `change`, `select_lines`, `select_next`, `skip_occurrence`, `select_all` |

examples/config.rb

@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
 Vamp.configure do |config|
   config.leader = "space"
   config.file_explorer_side = "right"
+  config.bind "ctrl+j", config.core.down, mode: config.modes.selection
+  config.bind "ctrl+k", config.core.up, mode: config.modes.selection
   config.plugin "plugins/greeting.rb"
   config.bind "g", "greet"
   config.bind "leader g", "greet"

src/editor.rs

@@ -445,7 +445,7 @@ fn control_key(ch: char) -> Input {
     match ch.to_ascii_lowercase() {
         'h' => Input::Backspace,
         'i' => Input::Char('\t'),
-        'j' | 'm' => Input::Enter,
+        'm' => Input::Enter,
         ch => Input::Ctrl(ch),
     }
 }
@@ -590,6 +590,14 @@ fn default_bindings() -> HashMap<Mode, HashMap<Input, Binding>> {
                     Submit
                 },
             ),
+            (
+                Input::Ctrl('j'),
+                if mode == Mode::Insert {
+                    Newline
+                } else {
+                    Submit
+                },
+            ),
         ] {
             bindings
                 .entry(mode)
@@ -698,6 +706,8 @@ pub struct Editor {
     capabilities: Vec<String>,
     features: HashMap<String, Feature>,
     bindings: HashMap<Mode, HashMap<Input, Binding>>,
+    selection_bindings: HashMap<Input, Binding>,
+    selection_navigation_hint: String,
     leader: Input,
     leader_bindings: HashMap<Mode, HashMap<Vec<Input>, Binding>>,
     leader_suffix: Vec<Input>,
@@ -723,6 +733,17 @@ impl Editor {
             capabilities,
             features: HashMap::new(),
             bindings: default_bindings(),
+            selection_bindings: [
+                (Input::Up, Action::Up),
+                (Input::Ctrl('k'), Action::Up),
+                (Input::Down, Action::Down),
+                (Input::Ctrl('j'), Action::Down),
+                (Input::Ctrl('n'), Action::Down),
+            ]
+            .into_iter()
+            .map(|(key, action)| (key, Binding::Action(action)))
+            .collect(),
+            selection_navigation_hint: String::new(),
             leader: Input::Char(' '),
             leader_bindings: HashMap::new(),
             leader_suffix: Vec::new(),
@@ -733,6 +754,7 @@ impl Editor {
             file_explorer_side: DockSide::Right,
             count: None,
         };
+        editor.refresh_selection_navigation_hint();
         editor
             .install(
                 Feature {
@@ -1005,9 +1027,21 @@ impl Editor {
         self.set_message(format!("Plugin {name} disabled: {reason}"));
     }
 
-    /// Overrides one mode's single key or symbolic `leader` sequence. `None`
-    /// disables it. Invalid overrides leave existing bindings intact.
+    /// Overrides an editing mode's key/leader route, or a single `selection` key
+    /// for list navigation. `None` disables it; invalid overrides are atomic.
     pub fn bind(&mut self, mode: &str, key: &str, target: Option<String>) -> Result<(), String> {
+        if mode == "selection" {
+            let input = parse_key(key)?;
+            let binding = match target.as_deref() {
+                None => Binding::Disabled,
+                Some("core.up") => Binding::Action(Action::Up),
+                Some("core.down") => Binding::Action(Action::Down),
+                Some(target) => return Err(format!("Unknown selection action: {target}")),
+            };
+            self.selection_bindings.insert(input, binding);
+            self.refresh_selection_navigation_hint();
+            return Ok(());
+        }
         let mode = match mode {
             "normal" => Mode::Normal,
             "insert" => Mode::Insert,
@@ -1077,6 +1111,58 @@ impl Editor {
         Ok(())
     }
 
+    pub fn selection_navigation_hint(&self) -> &str {
+        &self.selection_navigation_hint
+    }
+
+    fn refresh_selection_navigation_hint(&mut self) {
+        let keys = |action| {
+            let mut keys: Vec<_> = self
+                .selection_bindings
+                .iter()
+                .filter(
+                    |(_, binding)| matches!(binding, Binding::Action(bound) if *bound == action),
+                )
+                .map(|(input, _)| display_key(input))
+                .collect();
+            keys.sort();
+            if keys.is_empty() {
+                "unbound".into()
+            } else {
+                keys.join("/")
+            }
+        };
+        self.selection_navigation_hint = format!(
+            "{} next · {} previous",
+            keys(Action::Down),
+            keys(Action::Up)
+        );
+    }
+
+    fn handle_selection_binding(&mut self, input: &Input) -> bool {
+        let next = match self.selection_bindings.get(input) {
+            Some(Binding::Action(Action::Down)) => true,
+            Some(Binding::Action(Action::Up)) => false,
+            Some(Binding::Disabled) => return true,
+            None => return false,
+            _ => unreachable!("selection bindings only accept navigation or disabled"),
+        };
+        if let Some(picker) = self.file_picker.as_mut().filter(|picker| picker.focused) {
+            picker.navigate(next);
+        } else if let Some(palette) = self.palette.as_mut()
+            && !palette.entries.is_empty()
+        {
+            palette.selected = if next {
+                (palette.selected + 1) % palette.entries.len()
+            } else if palette.selected == 0 {
+                palette.entries.len() - 1
+            } else {
+                palette.selected - 1
+            };
+        }
+        true
+    }
+
     fn palette_bindings(&self, action: Option<Action>, command: &str) -> Vec<String> {
         // ponytail: scan mode bindings per result; index by target if catalogs grow.
         let mut bindings: Vec<_> = self
@@ -1180,16 +1266,6 @@ impl Editor {
         let palette = self.palette.as_mut().expect("open palette receives input");
         match input {
             Input::Escape | Input::Ctrl('p') => self.palette = None,
-            Input::Up | Input::Ctrl('k') if !palette.entries.is_empty() => {
-                palette.selected = if palette.selected == 0 {
-                    palette.entries.len() - 1
-                } else {
-                    palette.selected - 1
-                };
-            }
-            Input::Down | Input::Ctrl('n') if !palette.entries.is_empty() => {
-                palette.selected = (palette.selected + 1) % palette.entries.len();
-            }
             Input::Enter => {
                 let entry = palette
                     .entries
@@ -1260,8 +1336,6 @@ impl Editor {
             Input::Char('\t') if picker.presentation == FilePresentation::Docked => {
                 picker.focused = false;
             }
-            Input::Up | Input::Ctrl('k') => picker.navigate(false),
-            Input::Down | Input::Ctrl('n') => picker.navigate(true),
             Input::Ctrl('r') => picker.refresh(),
             Input::Backspace => picker.backspace(),
             Input::Char(ch) if !ch.is_control() => {
@@ -1292,23 +1366,23 @@ impl Editor {
     }
 
     pub fn handle(&mut self, input: Input) -> Option<Invocation> {
-        if self
+        // Normalize genuine terminal aliases before list and editing dispatch.
+        let input = match input {
+            Input::Ctrl(ch) => control_key(ch),
+            input => input,
+        };
+        let picker_focused = self
             .file_picker
             .as_ref()
-            .is_some_and(|picker| picker.focused)
-        {
-            let input = match input {
-                Input::Ctrl(ch) => control_key(ch),
-                input => input,
-            };
+            .is_some_and(|picker| picker.focused);
+        if (picker_focused || self.palette.is_some()) && self.handle_selection_binding(&input) {
+            return None;
+        }
+        if picker_focused {
             self.handle_file_picker(input);
             return None;
         }
         if self.palette.is_some() {
-            let input = match input {
-                Input::Ctrl(ch) => control_key(ch),
-                input => input,
-            };
             return self.handle_palette(input);
         }
         // Paste is literal input, never a configurable key or command.
@@ -1320,11 +1394,6 @@ impl Editor {
             }
             return None;
         }
-        // Normalize terminal aliases for every frontend.
-        let input = match input {
-            Input::Ctrl(ch) => control_key(ch),
-            input => input,
-        };
         if self.leader_pending().is_some() {
             if input == Input::Escape {
                 self.cancel_leader();
@@ -3122,6 +3191,288 @@ mod tests {
         editor
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn selection_navigation_wraps_without_touching_any_underlying_mode() {
+        let directory = Directory::new();
+        for name in ["a.txt", "b.txt", "c.txt"] {
+            fs::write(directory.path(name), "file text").unwrap();
+        }
+        for surface in [
+            None,
+            Some(FilePresentation::Floating),
+            Some(FilePresentation::Docked),
+        ] {
+            for mode in [
+                Mode::Normal,
+                Mode::Insert,
+                Mode::Command,
+                Mode::Search,
+                Mode::Visual,
+            ] {
+                let mut editor = project_editor(&directory);
+                editor
+                    .apply(vec![Effect::Replace("alpha\nbeta".into())])
+                    .unwrap();
+                set_carets(&mut editor, &[(0, 1), (1, 2)], 1);
+                editor.active.mode = mode;
+                editor.command_line = "original prompt".into();
+                if let Some(presentation) = surface {
+                    editor.open_file_picker(presentation);
+                    type_text(&mut editor, "txt");
+                } else {
+                    editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('p'));
+                    type_text(&mut editor, "core");
+                }
+                let list = |editor: &Editor| {
+                    if let Some(picker) = editor.file_picker() {
+                        (
+                            picker.query.clone(),
+                            picker.selected,
+                            picker.entries().len(),
+                        )
+                    } else {
+                        let palette = editor.palette().unwrap();
+                        (
+                            palette.query.clone(),
+                            palette.selected,
+                            palette.entries.len(),
+                        )
+                    }
+                };
+                let (query, _, len) = list(&editor);
+                assert!(len > 1);
+                let snapshot =
+                    |state: &Snapshot| (state.lines.clone(), state.targets.clone(), state.primary);
+                let text = editor.context().text;
+                let targets = editor.active.targets.clone();
+                let primary = editor.active.primary;
+                let undo: Vec<_> = editor.active.undo.iter().map(&snapshot).collect();
+                let redo: Vec<_> = editor.active.redo.iter().map(&snapshot).collect();
+                let insert = editor.active.insert_start.as_ref().map(snapshot);
+                editor.count = Some(7);
+                for (input, selected) in [
+                    (Input::Ctrl('K'), len - 1),
+                    (Input::Ctrl('J'), 0),
+                    (Input::Ctrl('j'), 1),
+                    (Input::Ctrl('k'), 0),
+                    (Input::Up, len - 1),
+                    (Input::Down, 0),
+                    (Input::Ctrl('n'), 1),
+                ] {
+                    assert_eq!(editor.handle(input), None);
+                    assert_eq!(list(&editor), (query.clone(), selected, len));
+                }
+                assert_eq!(editor.mode(), mode);
+                assert_eq!(editor.context().text, text);
+                assert_eq!(editor.active.targets, targets);
+                assert_eq!(editor.active.primary, primary);
+                assert_eq!(editor.command_line, "original prompt");
+                assert_eq!(editor.count(), Some(7));
+                assert_eq!(
+                    editor.active.undo.iter().map(&snapshot).collect::<Vec<_>>(),
+                    undo
+                );
+                assert_eq!(
+                    editor.active.redo.iter().map(&snapshot).collect::<Vec<_>>(),
+                    redo
+                );
+                assert_eq!(editor.active.insert_start.as_ref().map(snapshot), insert);
+                type_text(&mut editor, "missing");
+                assert_eq!(list(&editor).2, 0);
+                for input in [Input::Ctrl('j'), Input::Ctrl('k'), Input::Enter] {
+                    assert_eq!(editor.handle(input), None);
+                    assert_eq!(list(&editor).1, 0);
+                    assert_eq!(editor.context().text, text);
+                    assert_eq!(editor.mode(), mode);
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn selection_remaps_and_disables_are_shared_and_invalid_edits_are_atomic() {
+        let directory = Directory::new();
+        for name in ["a.txt", "b.txt", "c.txt"] {
+            fs::write(directory.path(name), "file text").unwrap();
+        }
+        for surface in [
+            None,
+            Some(FilePresentation::Floating),
+            Some(FilePresentation::Docked),
+        ] {
+            let mut editor = project_editor(&directory);
+            assert_eq!(
+                editor.selection_navigation_hint(),
+                "Ctrl+j/Ctrl+n/Down next · Ctrl+k/Up previous"
+            );
+            type_text(&mut editor, "3 b");
+            let pending = editor.leader_pending().unwrap().to_owned();
+            editor
+                .bind("selection", "x", Some("core.down".into()))
+                .unwrap();
+            editor
+                .bind("selection", "z", Some("core.up".into()))
+                .unwrap();
+            editor.bind("selection", "ctrl+j", None).unwrap();
+            editor.bind("selection", "!", None).unwrap();
+            assert_eq!(editor.count(), Some(3));
+            assert_eq!(editor.leader_pending(), Some(pending.as_str()));
+            assert_eq!(
+                editor.selection_navigation_hint(),
+                "Ctrl+n/Down/x next · Ctrl+k/Up/z previous"
+            );
+            let hint = editor.selection_navigation_hint().to_owned();
+            for (mode, key, target) in [
+                ("selection", "x", Some("core.delete")),
+                ("selection", "x", Some("core.palette")),
+                ("selection", "x", Some("w")),
+                ("selection", "leader x", Some("core.down")),
+                ("selection", "LEADER x", None),
+                ("selection", "x z", Some("core.up")),
+                ("selection", "alt+x", Some("core.up")),
+                ("invalid", "x", Some("core.up")),
+            ] {
+                assert!(editor.bind(mode, key, target.map(str::to_owned)).is_err());
+                assert_eq!(editor.selection_navigation_hint(), hint);
+                assert_eq!(editor.count(), Some(3));
+                assert_eq!(editor.leader_pending(), Some(pending.as_str()));
+            }
+            editor.cancel_leader();
+            // Editing bindings cannot disable or remap list bindings.
+            editor
+                .bind("normal", "x", Some("core.insert".into()))
+                .unwrap();
+            editor.bind("normal", "ctrl+k", None).unwrap();
+            if let Some(presentation) = surface {
+                editor.open_file_picker(presentation);
+            } else {
+                editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('p'));
+            }
+            let selected = |editor: &Editor| {
+                if let Some(picker) = editor.file_picker() {
+                    picker.selected
+                } else {
+                    editor.palette().unwrap().selected
+                }
+            };
+            for (input, expected) in [
+                (Input::Char('x'), 1),
+                (Input::Ctrl('j'), 1),
+                (Input::Char('!'), 1),
+                (Input::Char('z'), 0),
+                (Input::Char('x'), 1),
+                (Input::Ctrl('k'), 0),
+            ] {
+                editor.handle(input);
+                assert_eq!(selected(&editor), expected);
+                assert_eq!(editor.mode(), Mode::Normal);
+            }
+            // Updating the map does not rebuild/reset the selected list.
+            editor.handle(Input::Char('x'));
+            editor
+                .bind("selection", "ctrl+p", Some("core.down".into()))
+                .unwrap();
+            assert_eq!(selected(&editor), 1);
+            editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('p'));
+            assert_eq!(selected(&editor), 2);
+            editor.bind("selection", "backspace", None).unwrap();
+            type_text(&mut editor, "a");
+            editor.handle(Input::Backspace);
+            let query = if let Some(picker) = editor.file_picker() {
+                &picker.query
+            } else {
+                &editor.palette().unwrap().query
+            };
+            assert_eq!(query, "a");
+            for key in ["down", "ctrl+n", "x", "ctrl+p"] {
+                editor.bind("selection", key, None).unwrap();
+            }
+            assert_eq!(
+                editor.selection_navigation_hint(),
+                "unbound next · Ctrl+k/Up/z previous"
+            );
+            editor.handle(Input::Escape);
+            editor.handle(Input::Char('x'));
+            assert_eq!(editor.mode(), Mode::Insert);
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn ctrl_j_is_distinct_from_enter_and_preserves_editor_defaults() {
+        assert_eq!(parse_key("CTRL+J").unwrap(), Input::Ctrl('j'));
+        for (key, input) in [
+            ("ctrl+m", Input::Enter),
+            ("ctrl+h", Input::Backspace),
+            ("ctrl+i", Input::Char('\t')),
+        ] {
+            assert_eq!(parse_key(key).unwrap(), input);
+        }
+        let mut editor = editor();
+        editor
+            .bind("normal", "ctrl+j", Some("core.insert".into()))
+            .unwrap();
+        editor.handle(Input::Enter);
+        assert_eq!(editor.mode(), Mode::Normal);
+        editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('j'));
+        assert_eq!(editor.mode(), Mode::Insert);
+        editor.bind("insert", "enter", None).unwrap();
+        type_text(&mut editor, "one");
+        editor.handle(Input::Enter);
+        editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('j'));
+        type_text(&mut editor, "two");
+        assert_eq!(editor.context().text, "one\ntwo");
+        editor.handle(Input::Escape);
+        editor.register(plugin("fixture", &["greet"])).unwrap();
+        type_text(&mut editor, ":greet arguments");
+        let invocation = editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('j')).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(invocation.command, "greet");
+        assert_eq!(invocation.args, "arguments");
+        assert_eq!(editor.mode(), Mode::Normal);
+        type_text(&mut editor, "/two");
+        editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('j'));
+        assert_eq!(editor.mode(), Mode::Normal);
+        assert_eq!(editor.active.search_query, "two");
+        assert_eq!(editor.cursor().row, 1);
+        editor
+            .bind("visual", "ctrl+j", Some("core.up".into()))
+            .unwrap();
+        editor.handle(Input::Char('v'));
+        editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('j'));
+        assert_eq!(editor.mode(), Mode::Visual);
+        assert_eq!(editor.cursor().row, 0);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn ctrl_j_navigates_lists_while_enter_accepts() {
+        let directory = Directory::new();
+        fs::write(directory.path("a.txt"), "first").unwrap();
+        fs::write(directory.path("b.txt"), "second").unwrap();
+        for presentation in [FilePresentation::Floating, FilePresentation::Docked] {
+            let mut editor = project_editor(&directory);
+            editor.open_file_picker(presentation);
+            editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('j'));
+            assert_eq!(editor.file_picker().unwrap().selected, 1);
+            assert_eq!(editor.context().text, "");
+            editor.handle(Input::Enter);
+            assert_eq!(editor.context().text, "second");
+            assert_eq!(editor.path(), Some(directory.path("b.txt").as_path()));
+        }
+        let mut editor = editor();
+        editor
+            .register(plugin("fixture", &["greet_one", "greet_two"]))
+            .unwrap();
+        editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('p'));
+        type_text(&mut editor, "greet");
+        editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('j'));
+        assert_eq!(editor.palette().unwrap().selected, 1);
+        assert_eq!(editor.mode(), Mode::Normal);
+        assert_eq!(editor.command_line, "");
+        editor.handle(Input::Enter);
+        assert!(editor.palette().is_none());
+        assert_eq!(editor.mode(), Mode::Command);
+        assert_eq!(editor.command_line, "greet_two ");
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn file_actions_default_leaders_palette_and_side_configuration() {
         let directory = Directory::new();
@@ -3239,6 +3590,8 @@ mod tests {
         type_text(&mut editor, " e");
         editor.handle(Input::Up);
         editor.handle(Input::Down);
+        editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('j'));
+        editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('k'));
         editor.handle(Input::Enter);
         assert_eq!(editor.buffer_id(), id);
         assert_eq!(editor.file_picker().unwrap().entries().len(), 0);
@@ -4595,6 +4948,8 @@ mod tests {
 
                 editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('p'));
                 assert!(editor.palette().is_some());
+                editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('j'));
+                editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('k'));
                 type_text(&mut editor, "query Δe\u{301}👩‍🚀 ");
                 editor.handle(Input::Backspace);
                 editor.handle(Input::Backspace);
@@ -4676,6 +5031,7 @@ mod tests {
             Input::Enter,
             Input::Up,
             Input::Down,
+            Input::Ctrl('j'),
             Input::Ctrl('k'),
             Input::Ctrl('n'),
         ] {
@@ -4720,6 +5076,9 @@ mod tests {
             assert!(!entry.enabled);
             assert_eq!(entry.modes, vec![Mode::Normal]);
             assert!(entry.bindings.is_empty());
+            editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('j'));
+            editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('k'));
+            assert_eq!(editor.palette().unwrap().query, "core.undo");
             assert_eq!(editor.handle(Input::Enter), None);
             assert!(editor.palette().is_some());
             assert_eq!(editor.mode(), mode);
@@ -4755,7 +5114,16 @@ mod tests {
             .unwrap();
         assert_eq!(
             palette_entry(&editor, "core.insert").bindings,
-            vec!["Backspace", "Ctrl+r", "Enter", "I", "Space", "Tab", "界"]
+            vec![
+                "Backspace",
+                "Ctrl+j",
+                "Ctrl+r",
+                "Enter",
+                "I",
+                "Space",
+                "Tab",
+                "界"
+            ]
         );
         assert!(
             palette_entry(&editor, "core.insert_first_nonblank")

src/main.rs

@@ -7,11 +7,11 @@ const HELP: &str = "vamp — modal editor with isolated Ruby plugins
 Usage: vamp [--config PATH | --no-config] [FILE]
 
 Default keys (configurable with config.bind):
-All modes: Ctrl+p command palette; type to filter, Up/Down select, Enter accept, Esc cancel
+All modes: Ctrl+p command palette; type to filter, Ctrl+j/k or arrows select, Enter accept, Esc cancel
 Normal/Visual: Space is leader; Space Space opens palette; Esc cancels prefix
 Normal leader: Space w saves; Space b n/p/l/d next/previous/list/close buffer
 Files: Space o floating picker; Space e docked explorer (right by default)
-       type to filter, Up/Down select, Enter opens, Esc returns, Ctrl+w closes, Ctrl+r refreshes
+       type to filter, Ctrl+j/k or arrows select, Enter opens, Esc returns, Ctrl+w closes, Ctrl+r refreshes
 Normal: i/a insert, I/A insert at first nonblank/end, o/O new line
         h/j/k/l move, 0/$ line ends, x delete, J join lines
         w/b/e word next/previous/end, W/B/E whitespace-delimited WORDs

src/ruby_host.rb

@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ module Vamp
   end
 
   module Modes
-    %w[normal insert command search visual].each do |name|
+    %w[normal insert command search visual selection].each do |name|
       mode = Mode.new(name.freeze).freeze
       define_singleton_method(name) { mode }
     end

src/session.rs

@@ -164,6 +164,53 @@ Vamp.command("healthy") { |editor, args| editor.replace "healthy #{args}" }
         }
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn selection_bindings_remap_palette_navigation_without_changing_editing_bindings() {
+        let fixture = Fixture::new();
+        fixture.file("buffer.txt", "one two three\none two three");
+        let mut session = fixture.open(
+            r#"
+Vamp.configure do |config|
+  config.bind "ctrl+j", nil, mode: config.modes.selection
+  config.bind "ctrl+f", config.core.down, mode: config.modes.selection
+  config.bind "ctrl+b", config.core.up, mode: config.modes.selection
+end
+"#,
+        );
+        session.handle(Input::Down);
+        session.handle(Input::Ctrl('p'));
+        for ch in "core.word".chars() {
+            session.handle(Input::Char(ch));
+        }
+        session.handle(Input::Ctrl('j'));
+        assert_eq!(session.editor().palette().unwrap().selected, 0);
+        assert_eq!(
+            session.editor().cursor(),
+            crate::editor::Cursor { row: 1, column: 0 }
+        );
+        session.handle(Input::Ctrl('f'));
+        assert_eq!(
+            session.editor().palette().unwrap().entries[1].name,
+            "core.word_next"
+        );
+        assert_eq!(session.editor().palette().unwrap().selected, 1);
+        session.handle(Input::Ctrl('b'));
+        assert_eq!(session.editor().palette().unwrap().selected, 0);
+        session.handle(Input::Ctrl('f'));
+        session.handle(Input::Enter);
+        assert!(session.editor().palette().is_none());
+        assert_eq!(
+            session.editor().cursor(),
+            crate::editor::Cursor { row: 1, column: 4 }
+        );
+        session.handle(Input::Ctrl('k'));
+        assert_eq!(session.editor().selection_count(), 2);
+        assert_eq!(
+            session.editor().lines(),
+            &["one two three", "one two three"]
+        );
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn configured_picker_presentations_preserve_editing_and_docked_focus() {
         let fixture = Fixture::new();

src/tui.rs

@@ -156,7 +156,9 @@ fn translate(key: KeyEvent) -> Option<Input> {
         return None;
     }
     Some(match key.code {
-        KeyCode::Char(c) if key.modifiers.contains(KeyModifiers::CONTROL) => Input::Ctrl(c),
+        KeyCode::Char(c) if key.modifiers.contains(KeyModifiers::CONTROL) => {
+            Input::Ctrl(c.to_ascii_lowercase())
+        }
         KeyCode::Char(c) => Input::Char(c),
         KeyCode::Esc => Input::Escape,
         KeyCode::Enter => Input::Enter,
@@ -425,13 +427,18 @@ fn draw(frame: &mut Frame, editor: &Editor, top: &mut usize, left: &mut usize) {
             ])
             .areas(column);
             frame.render_widget(Clear, panel);
-            draw_file_list(frame, picker, panel);
+            draw_file_list(frame, picker, panel, editor.selection_navigation_hint());
         } else if let Some(panel) = dock {
-            draw_file_list(frame, picker, panel);
+            draw_file_list(frame, picker, panel, editor.selection_navigation_hint());
         }
     }
     if let Some(palette) = editor.palette() {
-        draw_palette(frame, palette, editor.mode());
+        draw_palette(
+            frame,
+            palette,
+            editor.mode(),
+            editor.selection_navigation_hint(),
+        );
     }
 }
 
@@ -475,7 +482,7 @@ fn display_text(text: &str) -> String {
         .collect()
 }
 
-fn draw_file_list(frame: &mut Frame, picker: &FilePicker, panel: Rect) {
+fn draw_file_list(frame: &mut Frame, picker: &FilePicker, panel: Rect, navigation_hint: &str) {
     if panel.width == 0 || panel.height == 0 {
         return;
     }
@@ -582,12 +589,13 @@ fn draw_file_list(frame: &mut Frame, picker: &FilePicker, panel: Rect) {
         frame.render_widget(Paragraph::new(lines), results_area);
     }
     let help = if picker.focused {
-        match picker.presentation {
-            FilePresentation::Floating => "↑↓ Enter · Esc/^W close · ^R scan",
-            FilePresentation::Docked => "↑↓ Enter · Esc/Tab edit · ^W · ^R",
-        }
+        let controls = match picker.presentation {
+            FilePresentation::Floating => "Enter · Esc/^W close · ^R scan",
+            FilePresentation::Docked => "Enter · Esc/Tab edit · ^W · ^R",
+        };
+        format!("{navigation_hint} · {controls}")
     } else {
-        "Editor focus · invoke explorer to search"
+        "Editor focus · invoke explorer to search".into()
     };
     frame.render_widget(
         Paragraph::new(help).style(Style::default().fg(Color::DarkGray)),
@@ -595,7 +603,7 @@ fn draw_file_list(frame: &mut Frame, picker: &FilePicker, panel: Rect) {
     );
 }
 
-fn draw_palette(frame: &mut Frame, palette: &Palette, mode: Mode) {
+fn draw_palette(frame: &mut Frame, palette: &Palette, mode: Mode, navigation_hint: &str) {
     let area = frame.area();
     if area.width == 0 || area.height == 0 {
         return;
@@ -685,7 +693,7 @@ fn draw_palette(frame: &mut Frame, palette: &Palette, mode: Mode) {
     }
     frame.render_widget(
         Paragraph::new(format!(
-            "{mode} · ↑↓/Ctrl+k/n select · Enter accept · Esc/Ctrl+p cancel"
+            "{mode} · {navigation_hint} · Enter accept · Esc/Ctrl+p cancel"
         )),
         help_area,
     );
@@ -738,6 +746,106 @@ mod tests {
             .join("\n")
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn translate_distinguishes_control_j_from_enter_and_normalizes_control_letters() {
+        for (code, modifiers, expected) in [
+            (
+                KeyCode::Char('j'),
+                KeyModifiers::CONTROL,
+                Some(Input::Ctrl('j')),
+            ),
+            (
+                KeyCode::Char('J'),
+                KeyModifiers::CONTROL | KeyModifiers::SHIFT,
+                Some(Input::Ctrl('j')),
+            ),
+            (
+                KeyCode::Char('k'),
+                KeyModifiers::CONTROL,
+                Some(Input::Ctrl('k')),
+            ),
+            (KeyCode::Enter, KeyModifiers::NONE, Some(Input::Enter)),
+            (KeyCode::Enter, KeyModifiers::CONTROL, Some(Input::Enter)),
+            (
+                KeyCode::Char('J'),
+                KeyModifiers::SHIFT,
+                Some(Input::Char('J')),
+            ),
+            (KeyCode::Char('j'), KeyModifiers::ALT, None),
+        ] {
+            assert_eq!(translate(KeyEvent::new(code, modifiers)), expected);
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn file_list_window_follows_control_j_k_selection() {
+        let mut editor = Editor::open(None, vec![]).unwrap();
+        editor.handle(Input::Char(' '));
+        editor.handle(Input::Char('o'));
+        let count = editor.file_picker().unwrap().entries().len();
+        assert!(count > 1);
+        for _ in 0..count - 1 {
+            editor.handle(
+                translate(KeyEvent::new(KeyCode::Char('j'), KeyModifiers::CONTROL)).unwrap(),
+            );
+        }
+        assert_eq!(editor.file_picker().unwrap().selected, count - 1);
+        editor.handle(translate(KeyEvent::new(KeyCode::Char('k'), KeyModifiers::CONTROL)).unwrap());
+        assert_eq!(editor.file_picker().unwrap().selected, count - 2);
+        let picker = editor.file_picker().unwrap();
+        let label = picker.entries().nth(picker.selected).unwrap().label.clone();
+        let mut terminal = Terminal::new(ratatui::backend::TestBackend::new(100, 9)).unwrap();
+        terminal
+            .draw(|frame| {
+                draw_file_list(
+                    frame,
+                    picker,
+                    frame.area(),
+                    editor.selection_navigation_hint(),
+                )
+            })
+            .unwrap();
+        let text = screen_text(&terminal);
+        assert!(text.contains(&format!("> {label}")), "{text}");
+        let buffer = terminal.backend().buffer();
+        let selected_y = (3..8).find(|&y| buffer[(1, y)].symbol() == ">").unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(buffer[(1, selected_y)].bg, Color::Blue);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn list_footers_show_remapped_and_disabled_selection_keys() {
+        let mut editor = Editor::open(None, vec![]).unwrap();
+        for key in ["ctrl+j", "ctrl+n", "down", "ctrl+k", "up"] {
+            editor.bind("selection", key, None).unwrap();
+        }
+        editor
+            .bind("selection", "x", Some("core.down".into()))
+            .unwrap();
+        let hint = editor.selection_navigation_hint().to_owned();
+        assert_eq!(hint, "x next · unbound previous");
+        editor.set_file_explorer_side("bottom").unwrap();
+        let mut terminal = Terminal::new(ratatui::backend::TestBackend::new(100, 24)).unwrap();
+        let (mut top, mut left) = (0, 0);
+        for key in ['o', 'e'] {
+            editor.handle(Input::Char(' '));
+            editor.handle(Input::Char(key));
+            terminal
+                .draw(|frame| draw(frame, &editor, &mut top, &mut left))
+                .unwrap();
+            let text = screen_text(&terminal);
+            assert!(text.contains(&hint), "{text}");
+            assert!(!text.contains("Ctrl+j"), "{text}");
+            editor.handle(Input::Escape);
+        }
+        editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('p'));
+        terminal
+            .draw(|frame| draw(frame, &editor, &mut top, &mut left))
+            .unwrap();
+        let text = screen_text(&terminal);
+        assert!(text.contains(&hint), "{text}");
+        assert!(!text.contains("Ctrl+j"), "{text}");
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn file_list_scrolls_selection_and_sanitizes_display_without_losing_paths() {
         let directory = Directory::new();
@@ -745,6 +853,7 @@ mod tests {
             directory.file(&format!("file-{index:02}"), "text");
         }
         let special = directory.file("界e\u{301} space\nname", "text");
+        let editor = Editor::open(None, vec![]).unwrap();
         let mut picker = FilePicker::scan(directory.0.clone(), FilePresentation::Floating).unwrap();
         assert!(
             picker
@@ -765,7 +874,7 @@ mod tests {
         )
         .unwrap();
         terminal
-            .draw(|frame| draw_file_list(frame, &picker, area))
+            .draw(|frame| draw_file_list(frame, &picker, area, editor.selection_navigation_hint()))
             .unwrap();
         let text = screen_text(&terminal);
         assert!(!text.contains("file-00"), "{text}");
@@ -792,11 +901,12 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn file_list_renders_root_empty_filter_errors_and_idle_focus() {
         let directory = Directory::new();
+        let editor = Editor::open(None, vec![]).unwrap();
         let mut picker = FilePicker::scan(directory.0.clone(), FilePresentation::Docked).unwrap();
         let area = Rect::new(0, 0, 100, 12);
         let mut terminal = Terminal::new(ratatui::backend::TestBackend::new(100, 12)).unwrap();
         terminal
-            .draw(|frame| draw_file_list(frame, &picker, area))
+            .draw(|frame| draw_file_list(frame, &picker, area, editor.selection_navigation_hint()))
             .unwrap();
         let text = screen_text(&terminal);
         assert!(text.contains("Explorer"), "{text}");
@@ -812,7 +922,7 @@ mod tests {
         terminal
             .draw(|frame| {
                 frame.set_cursor_position((99, 11));
-                draw_file_list(frame, &picker, area);
+                draw_file_list(frame, &picker, area, editor.selection_navigation_hint());
             })
             .unwrap();
         let text = screen_text(&terminal);
@@ -828,7 +938,7 @@ mod tests {
         picker.presentation = FilePresentation::Floating;
         picker.focused = true;
         terminal
-            .draw(|frame| draw_file_list(frame, &picker, area))
+            .draw(|frame| draw_file_list(frame, &picker, area, editor.selection_navigation_hint()))
             .unwrap();
         assert!(screen_text(&terminal).contains("Files"));
         assert!(screen_text(&terminal).contains("Esc/^W"));
@@ -838,6 +948,7 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn file_query_cursor_and_dock_layout_survive_tiny_offset_resizes() {
         let directory = Directory::new();
+        let editor = Editor::open(None, vec![]).unwrap();
         let mut picker = FilePicker::scan(directory.0.clone(), FilePresentation::Docked).unwrap();
         picker.query = "long界e\u{301}z".into();
         for (width, height) in [(12, 6), (8, 2), (1, 1), (1, 2), (8, 1), (12, 6)] {
@@ -850,7 +961,9 @@ mod tests {
             )
             .unwrap();
             terminal
-                .draw(|frame| draw_file_list(frame, &picker, area))
+                .draw(|frame| {
+                    draw_file_list(frame, &picker, area, editor.selection_navigation_hint())
+                })
                 .unwrap();
             let cursor = terminal.get_cursor_position().unwrap();
             assert!(area.contains(cursor), "{area:?}: {cursor:?}");
@@ -899,7 +1012,14 @@ mod tests {
             let mut terminal =
                 Terminal::new(ratatui::backend::TestBackend::new(width, height)).unwrap();
             terminal
-                .draw(|frame| draw_file_list(frame, &picker, frame.area()))
+                .draw(|frame| {
+                    draw_file_list(
+                        frame,
+                        &picker,
+                        frame.area(),
+                        editor.selection_navigation_hint(),
+                    )
+                })
                 .unwrap();
             assert!(
                 dock_layout(Rect::new(3, 2, width, height), DockSide::Right, true)
@@ -1673,7 +1793,7 @@ mod tests {
         let mut editor = Editor::open(None, vec![]).unwrap();
         editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('p'));
         for _ in 0..20 {
-            editor.handle(Input::Down);
+            editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('j'));
         }
         editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('k'));
         editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('n'));
@@ -1746,6 +1866,7 @@ mod tests {
 
     #[test]
     fn palette_query_scrolls_graphemes_tabs_and_wide_cells_on_tiny_offset_areas() {
+        let editor = Editor::open(None, vec![]).unwrap();
         let palette = Palette {
             query: "long\t界e\u{301}z".into(),
             entries: vec![],
@@ -1761,7 +1882,14 @@ mod tests {
             )
             .unwrap();
             terminal
-                .draw(|frame| draw_palette(frame, &palette, Mode::Visual))
+                .draw(|frame| {
+                    draw_palette(
+                        frame,
+                        &palette,
+                        Mode::Visual,
+                        editor.selection_navigation_hint(),
+                    )
+                })
                 .unwrap();
             let cursor = terminal.get_cursor_position().unwrap();
             assert!(area.contains(cursor), "{area:?}: {cursor:?}");
@@ -1795,7 +1923,14 @@ mod tests {
             let mut terminal =
                 Terminal::new(ratatui::backend::TestBackend::new(width, height)).unwrap();
             terminal
-                .draw(|frame| draw_palette(frame, &palette, Mode::Normal))
+                .draw(|frame| {
+                    draw_palette(
+                        frame,
+                        &palette,
+                        Mode::Normal,
+                        editor.selection_navigation_hint(),
+                    )
+                })
                 .unwrap();
         }
     }
@@ -2080,29 +2215,75 @@ mod tests {
     #[cfg(unix)]
     #[test]
     fn terminal_session_scopes_the_callers_panic_hook() {
+        use std::io::Write;
         const CHILD: &str = "VAMP_TERMINAL_HOOK_PROBE";
         if let Ok(mode) = std::env::var(CHILD) {
-            std::panic::set_hook(Box::new(|_| {
+            std::panic::set_hook(Box::new(|info| {
                 assert!(!crossterm::terminal::is_raw_mode_enabled().unwrap());
                 println!("CALLER_HOOK");
+                eprintln!("{info}");
             }));
             if mode == "entry" {
                 let mut editor = EditorSession::open(None, vec![], None).unwrap();
                 assert!(run(&mut editor).is_err());
             } else {
-                let result = panic::catch_unwind(|| {
+                let result = panic::catch_unwind(AssertUnwindSafe(|| {
                     TerminalSession::run(|| {
                         assert!(crossterm::terminal::is_raw_mode_enabled().unwrap());
                         match mode.as_str() {
                             "normal" => Ok(()),
                             "error" => Err(io::Error::from(io::ErrorKind::BrokenPipe)),
                             "panic" => panic::panic_any(73_u64),
+                            "keys" => {
+                                let mut editor = Editor::open(None, vec![]).unwrap();
+                                editor.handle(Input::Ctrl('p'));
+                                let original = editor.lines().to_vec();
+                                println!("READING_KEYS");
+                                io::stdout().flush()?;
+                                for (index, expected) in [
+                                    Input::Ctrl('j'),
+                                    Input::Ctrl('k'),
+                                    Input::Ctrl('j'),
+                                    Input::Ctrl('k'),
+                                    Input::Enter,
+                                    Input::Enter,
+                                ]
+                                .into_iter()
+                                .enumerate()
+                                {
+                                    let Event::Key(key) = event::read()? else {
+                                        panic!("expected a keyboard event");
+                                    };
+                                    let input = translate(key).unwrap();
+                                    assert_eq!(input, expected);
+                                    if index == 4 {
+                                        for ch in "q!".chars() {
+                                            editor.handle(Input::Char(ch));
+                                        }
+                                    }
+                                    editor.handle(input);
+                                    match index {
+                                        0 | 2 => assert_eq!(editor.palette().unwrap().selected, 1),
+                                        1 | 3 => assert_eq!(editor.palette().unwrap().selected, 0),
+                                        4 => {
+                                            assert!(editor.palette().is_none());
+                                            assert_eq!(editor.mode(), Mode::Command);
+                                            assert_eq!(editor.command_line(), "q! ");
+                                            assert!(!editor.should_quit());
+                                        }
+                                        5 => assert!(editor.should_quit()),
+                                        _ => unreachable!(),
+                                    }
+                                    assert_eq!(editor.lines(), original);
+                                }
+                                Ok(())
+                            }
                             _ => unreachable!(),
                         }
                     })
-                });
+                }));
                 match mode.as_str() {
-                    "normal" => result.unwrap().unwrap(),
+                    "normal" | "keys" => result.unwrap().unwrap(),
                     "error" => assert_eq!(
                         result.unwrap().unwrap_err().kind(),
                         io::ErrorKind::BrokenPipe
@@ -2144,32 +2325,68 @@ mod tests {
                 }
             });
         }
-        let check = |output: std::process::Output| {
-            assert!(output.status.success(), "{output:?}");
+        let check = |output: std::process::Output, mode: &str| {
+            assert!(output.status.success(), "{mode}: {output:?}");
             let stdout = String::from_utf8(output.stdout).unwrap();
-            let after = stdout.split_once("AFTER_TERMINAL_RETURN").unwrap().1;
+            let (before, after) = stdout.split_once("AFTER_TERMINAL_RETURN").unwrap();
+            let entered = usize::from(mode != "entry");
+            assert_eq!(
+                before.matches("\x1b[?1049h").count(),
+                entered,
+                "{mode}: {before:?}"
+            );
+            assert_eq!(
+                before.matches("\x1b[?1049l").count(),
+                entered,
+                "{mode}: {before:?}"
+            );
+            if mode == "panic" {
+                assert!(
+                    before.find("\x1b[?1049l").unwrap() < before.find("CALLER_HOOK").unwrap(),
+                    "{before:?}",
+                );
+            }
             assert!(after.contains("CALLER_HOOK"), "{after:?}");
             assert!(
                 !after.contains('\u{1b}'),
                 "terminal hook outlived its session: {after:?}"
             );
         };
-        check(command.output().unwrap());
+        check(command.output().unwrap(), "entry");
 
         // Ruby's standard-library PTY gives each positive-entry scenario a real
         // terminal, keeping process-global hooks isolated from the test runner.
-        for mode in ["normal", "error", "panic"] {
+        for mode in ["normal", "error", "panic", "keys"] {
             let output =
                 Command::new(std::env::var_os("VAMP_RUBY").unwrap_or_else(|| "ruby".into()))
                     .args([
                         "-rpty",
+                        "-rtimeout",
                         "-e",
                         r#"
 PTY.spawn(*ARGV) do |output, input, pid|
-  input.close
+  sent_keys = false
+  captured = +""
   begin
-    loop { STDOUT.write(output.readpartial(4096)) }
+    Timeout.timeout(10) do
+      loop do
+        chunk = output.readpartial(4096)
+        STDOUT.write(chunk)
+        captured << chunk
+        if !sent_keys && captured.include?("READING_KEYS")
+          input.write("\e[106;5u\e[107;5u\n\v\e[13u\r")
+          input.flush
+          sent_keys = true
+        end
+      end
+    end
   rescue EOFError, Errno::EIO
+  rescue Timeout::Error
+    Process.kill("TERM", pid)
+    Process.wait(pid)
+    abort "terminal lifecycle probe timed out"
+  ensure
+    input.close
   end
   Process.wait(pid)
   exit($?.exitstatus || 1)
@@ -2188,7 +2405,7 @@ end
                     .env(CHILD, mode)
                     .output()
                     .unwrap();
-            check(output);
+            check(output, mode);
         }
     }
 }