diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index f743b59..d442ff9 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -201,12 +201,16 @@ focused pane by three items or rendered lines. Mouse reporting remains disabled
 by default so normal terminal text selection is unchanged; with mouse reporting
 enabled, terminals commonly require holding Shift while selecting text.
 
-The PR description editor defaults to Vim-style modal editing, including
-Normal, Insert, and Visual modes, word/find motions, deletion, system clipboard
-yank/paste, and soft-wrap-aware movement. Set `editing.mode = "standard"` for a
-non-modal editor. Target-branch, reviewer, and assignee completion use
-`ctrl+n` and `ctrl+p`; reviewer and assignee fields accept comma-separated
-GitHub usernames. Pending individual review requests and assignees are
+Editable text fields default to Vim-style modal editing, including PR metadata,
+reply, and local-AI discussion fields. They support Normal, Insert, and Visual
+modes, word/find motions, deletion, system clipboard yank/paste, and
+soft-wrap-aware movement. The active mode and input are shown in a Neovim-style
+footer bar. Set `editing.mode = "standard"` for non-modal inputs with arrow-key
+cursor movement, including movement across wrapped lines. Search remains a
+dedicated insert-only filter. Target-branch, reviewer, and assignee completion use
+`ctrl+n` and `ctrl+p`; `enter` accepts the selected completion, while `tab`
+moves to the next metadata field. Reviewer and assignee fields accept
+comma-separated GitHub usernames. Pending individual review requests and assignees are
 prefilled and marked in completion results. Reviewers who already submitted a
 review, and requested teams, appear first as protected subdued tokens in the
 reviewer field. Their handles retain a darker version of their deterministic
diff --git a/ai_tui.go b/ai_tui.go
index 8a272de..fce3529 100644
--- a/ai_tui.go
+++ b/ai_tui.go
@@ -70,6 +70,7 @@ func (m *App) startAIDiscussion(threadID string) {
 		return
 	}
 	m.aiMode, m.aiInput, m.writeThreadID, m.err = aiDiscussion, "", threadID, nil
+	m.resetInputEditor(&m.aiInputEditor, "")
 	if thread := m.threadByID(threadID); thread != nil {
 		m.folded[threadID] = false
 		m.focus = threadDetailPane
@@ -298,12 +299,20 @@ func (m App) updateAI(msg tea.Msg) (tea.Model, tea.Cmd, bool) {
 	if m.aiMode != aiDiscussion {
 		cancelled = cancelled || keyMatches(raw, m.keybindings.General.Back)
 	}
+	if cancelled && m.aiMode == aiDiscussion &&
+		m.aiInputEditor.Modal && m.aiInputEditor.Mode != textEditorNormal {
+		m.aiInputEditor.handleKeyAtWidth(key, true, m.threadInputWidth())
+		m.aiInput = m.aiInputEditor.Text
+		m.ensureThreadInputCursorVisible()
+		return m, nil, true
+	}
 	if cancelled {
 		if m.aiCancel != nil {
 			m.aiCancel()
 			m.aiCancel = nil
 		}
 		m.aiMode, m.aiInput, m.writeThreadID, m.aiEvents = aiNone, "", "", nil
+		m.aiInputEditor = textEditor{}
 		return m, nil, true
 	}
 
@@ -351,19 +360,12 @@ func (m App) updateAI(msg tea.Msg) (tea.Model, tea.Cmd, bool) {
 			} else {
 				return m, m.beginAIPrepare(m.writeThreadID, strings.TrimSpace(m.aiInput)), true
 			}
-		case keyMatches(raw, m.keybindings.Input.Newline):
-			m.aiInput += "\n"
-		case keyMatches(raw, m.keybindings.Input.DeleteBackward):
-			runes := []rune(m.aiInput)
-			if len(runes) > 0 {
-				m.aiInput = string(runes[:len(runes)-1])
-			}
 		default:
-			if key.Type == tea.KeyRunes || key.Type == tea.KeySpace {
-				m.aiInput += textInputKeyValue(key)
+			if m.aiInputEditor.handleKeyAtWidth(key, true, m.threadInputWidth()) {
+				m.aiInput = m.aiInputEditor.Text
 			}
 		}
-		m.scroll = m.detailMaxScroll()
+		m.ensureThreadInputCursorVisible()
 	case aiConfirm:
 		switch {
 		case keyMatches(raw, m.keybindings.General.Confirm):
@@ -461,16 +463,17 @@ func (m App) viewAI() string {
 		lines = append(lines, titleStyle.Render("Local AI discussion"), "",
 			dimStyle.Render("This message stays local; only the configured model receives it."), "")
 		lines = append(lines, renderTextInput(
-			m.aiInput, width-2, m.cursorOutput != nil,
+			m.aiInputEditor, width-2, m.cursorOutput != nil,
 		)...)
 		if m.err != nil {
 			lines = append(lines, "", badStyle.Render(m.err.Error()))
 		}
 		lines = append(lines, "", dimStyle.Render(fmt.Sprintf(
-			"%s newline  •  %s prepare  •  %s cancel",
+			"%s newline  •  %s prepare  •  %s %s",
 			primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Newline),
 			primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Submit),
 			primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Cancel),
+			m.inputCancelAction(),
 		)))
 	case aiPreparing:
 		lines = m.aiProgressLines(width)
@@ -666,7 +669,9 @@ func (m App) inlineAIDiscussionLines(width int) []detailLine {
 	}
 	textWidth := max(1, width-5)
 	lineIndex := 0
-	for _, part := range renderTextInput(m.aiInput, textWidth, m.cursorOutput != nil) {
+	for _, part := range renderTextInput(
+		m.aiInputEditor, textWidth, m.cursorOutput != nil,
+	) {
 		lines = append(lines, detailLine{
 			rail: rail, anchor: fmt.Sprintf("ai-discussion:body:%d", lineIndex), text: part,
 		})
@@ -678,10 +683,11 @@ func (m App) inlineAIDiscussionLines(width int) []detailLine {
 	lines = append(lines, detailLine{
 		rail: rail,
 		text: dimStyle.Render(fmt.Sprintf(
-			"%s newline  •  %s prepare  •  %s cancel",
+			"%s newline  •  %s prepare  •  %s %s",
 			primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Newline),
 			primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Submit),
 			primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Cancel),
+			m.inputCancelAction(),
 		)),
 	})
 	return lines
diff --git a/branch_completion.go b/branch_completion.go
index 541cb8a..0a127ca 100644
--- a/branch_completion.go
+++ b/branch_completion.go
@@ -178,13 +178,12 @@ func (m App) branchCompletionLines(width int) []string {
 		return []string{dimStyle.Render("  no matching repository branches")}
 	}
 	lines := []string{dimStyle.Render(fmt.Sprintf(
-		"  %s choose  •  %s complete  •  %s again advances",
+		"  %s choose  •  %s complete",
 		primaryCombinedKeyLabel(
 			m.keybindings.Input.PreviousCompletion,
 			m.keybindings.Input.NextCompletion,
 		),
-		primaryCombinedKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.NextField, m.keybindings.Input.Newline),
-		primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.NextField),
+		primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Newline),
 	))}
 	now := time.Now()
 	for index, suggestion := range suggestions {
diff --git a/branch_completion_test.go b/branch_completion_test.go
index 9822ee2..8dee6f0 100644
--- a/branch_completion_test.go
+++ b/branch_completion_test.go
@@ -68,19 +68,23 @@ func TestTargetBranchCompletionIsKeyboardFirst(t *testing.T) {
 	m = updated.(App)
 	updated, _ = m.updatePREditInput(tea.KeyMsg{Type: tea.KeyTab})
 	m = updated.(App)
+	if got := m.prEditEditors[prEditBaseField].Text; got != "release" {
+		t.Fatalf("tab unexpectedly completed selected branch: %q", got)
+	}
+	if m.prEditField != prEditReviewersField {
+		t.Fatalf("tab did not advance from target branch: field=%d", m.prEditField)
+	}
+
+	m.prEditField = prEditBaseField
+	updated, _ = m.updatePREditInput(tea.KeyMsg{Type: tea.KeyEnter})
+	m = updated.(App)
 	if got := m.prEditEditors[prEditBaseField].Text; got != "release/2.0" &&
 		got != "release/1.0" {
-		t.Fatalf("tab did not complete selected branch: %q", got)
+		t.Fatalf("enter did not complete selected branch: %q", got)
 	}
 	if m.prEditField != prEditBaseField {
 		t.Fatalf("completion moved away from target branch: field=%d", m.prEditField)
 	}
-
-	updated, _ = m.updatePREditInput(tea.KeyMsg{Type: tea.KeyTab})
-	m = updated.(App)
-	if m.prEditField != prEditReviewersField {
-		t.Fatalf("second tab did not advance: field=%d", m.prEditField)
-	}
 }
 
 func TestTargetBranchSuggestionsRenderAndValidationRejectsUnknownBranch(t *testing.T) {
@@ -94,7 +98,7 @@ func TestTargetBranchSuggestionsRenderAndValidationRejectsUnknownBranch(t *testi
 	m.prEditBranches = []RepositoryBranch{{Name: "main"}, {Name: "release/2.0"}}
 
 	view := ansi.Strip(strings.Join(m.prEditFieldLines("target branch", prEditBaseField, 80), "\n"))
-	if !strings.Contains(view, "release/2.0") || !strings.Contains(view, "tab / enter complete") {
+	if !strings.Contains(view, "release/2.0") || !strings.Contains(view, "enter complete") {
 		t.Fatalf("branch suggestions missing:\n%s", view)
 	}
 	if err := m.validatePREdit(); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "not an available") {
diff --git a/cli.go b/cli.go
index a362ef9..f7dd4f1 100644
--- a/cli.go
+++ b/cli.go
@@ -210,7 +210,7 @@ _diple() {
     '--compact-reviews=[aggregate submitted reviews]:boolean:(true false)' \
     '--path-scroll=[scroll truncated paths]:boolean:(true false)' \
     '--path-scroll-interval[path scrolling interval]:duration:' \
-    '--editor-mode[description editor mode]:mode:(vim standard)' \
+    '--editor-mode[text input editor mode]:mode:(vim standard)' \
     '--config[TOML configuration file]:file:_files' \
     '--cache=[enable local read cache]:boolean:(true false)' \
     '--cache-max-age[maximum offline cache age]:duration:' \
@@ -243,7 +243,7 @@ complete -c diple -l fold-resolved -d 'Start resolved threads folded'
 complete -c diple -l compact-reviews -d 'Aggregate submitted reviews'
 complete -c diple -l path-scroll -d 'Scroll truncated paths'
 complete -c diple -l path-scroll-interval -x -d 'Path scrolling interval'
-complete -c diple -l editor-mode -x -a 'vim standard' -d 'Description editor mode'
+complete -c diple -l editor-mode -x -a 'vim standard' -d 'Text input editor mode'
 complete -c diple -l config -r -F -d 'TOML configuration file'
 complete -c diple -l cache -d 'Enable local read cache'
 complete -c diple -l cache-max-age -x -d 'Maximum offline cache age'
diff --git a/keybindings.go b/keybindings.go
index ccdf894..ed19353 100644
--- a/keybindings.go
+++ b/keybindings.go
@@ -559,7 +559,12 @@ func validateKeyBindingContexts(bindings KeyBindings) error {
 		contextBinding{"previous_completion", input.PreviousCompletion},
 		contextBinding{"next_completion", input.NextCompletion},
 		contextBinding{"delete_backward", input.DeleteBackward},
+		contextBinding{"delete_forward", input.DeleteForward},
 		contextBinding{"clear", input.Clear},
+		contextBinding{"line_start", input.LineStart},
+		contextBinding{"line_end", input.LineEnd},
+		contextBinding{"left", nonTextBindings(navigation.Left)},
+		contextBinding{"right", nonTextBindings(navigation.Right)},
 	); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
@@ -569,6 +574,13 @@ func validateKeyBindingContexts(bindings KeyBindings) error {
 		contextBinding{"submit", input.Submit},
 		contextBinding{"newline", input.Newline},
 		contextBinding{"delete_backward", input.DeleteBackward},
+		contextBinding{"delete_forward", input.DeleteForward},
+		contextBinding{"line_start", input.LineStart},
+		contextBinding{"line_end", input.LineEnd},
+		contextBinding{"left", nonTextBindings(navigation.Left)},
+		contextBinding{"down", nonTextBindings(navigation.Down)},
+		contextBinding{"up", nonTextBindings(navigation.Up)},
+		contextBinding{"right", nonTextBindings(navigation.Right)},
 	); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
@@ -658,6 +670,7 @@ func validateKeyBindingContexts(bindings KeyBindings) error {
 		contextBinding{"selection_other_end", vim.SelectionOtherEnd},
 		contextBinding{"yank", vim.Yank},
 		contextBinding{"delete", vim.Delete},
+		contextBinding{"substitute", vim.ReplaceCharacter},
 		contextBinding{"paste", vim.Paste},
 		contextBinding{"line_start", vim.LineStart},
 		contextBinding{"first_non_blank", vim.FirstNonBlank},
@@ -706,6 +719,8 @@ func validateKeyBindingContexts(bindings KeyBindings) error {
 		contextBinding{"delete_forward", input.DeleteForward},
 		contextBinding{"line_start", input.LineStart},
 		contextBinding{"line_end", input.LineEnd},
+		contextBinding{"left", nonTextBindings(navigation.Left)},
+		contextBinding{"right", nonTextBindings(navigation.Right)},
 		contextBinding{"up", nonTextBindings(navigation.Up)},
 		contextBinding{"down", nonTextBindings(navigation.Down)},
 	)
diff --git a/main.go b/main.go
index 330e427..c491c3e 100644
--- a/main.go
+++ b/main.go
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ func main() {
 		cacheEnabled   = flag.Bool("cache", defaults.Cache.Enabled, "enable the local read cache and offline fallback")
 		cacheMaxAge    = flag.Duration("cache-max-age", defaults.Cache.MaxAge.Duration, "oldest cache entry accepted for offline fallback")
 		cacheDir       = flag.String("cache-dir", defaults.Cache.Directory, "local read-cache directory")
-		editorMode     = flag.String("editor-mode", defaults.Editing.Mode, "description editor mode")
+		editorMode     = flag.String("editor-mode", defaults.Editing.Mode, "text input editor mode")
 	)
 	flag.Parse()
 	if flag.NArg() != 0 {
diff --git a/pr_editor.go b/pr_editor.go
index b99cecf..d43eaa5 100644
--- a/pr_editor.go
+++ b/pr_editor.go
@@ -29,17 +29,18 @@ func (m *App) startPREdit() tea.Cmd {
 	}
 	m.writeMode = writePREdit
 	m.prEditField = prEditBodyField
-	m.prEditEditors[prEditTitleField] = newTextEditor(m.details.Title, false)
-	m.prEditEditors[prEditBaseField] = newTextEditor(m.details.BaseRef, false)
+	modal := m.editorMode == "vim"
+	m.prEditEditors[prEditTitleField] = newTextEditor(m.details.Title, modal)
+	m.prEditEditors[prEditBaseField] = newTextEditor(m.details.BaseRef, modal)
 	m.prEditEditors[prEditReviewersField] = newTextEditor(
-		strings.Join(m.details.RequestedReviewers, ", "), false,
+		strings.Join(m.details.RequestedReviewers, ", "), modal,
 	)
 	m.prEditEditors[prEditAssigneesField] = newTextEditor(
-		strings.Join(m.details.Assignees, ", "), false,
+		strings.Join(m.details.Assignees, ", "), modal,
 	)
 	m.prEditEditors[prEditBodyField] = newTextEditor(
 		normalizeLineEndings(m.details.Body),
-		m.editorMode == "vim",
+		modal,
 	)
 	m.prEditEditors[prEditBodyField].highlightMarkdown = true
 	m.prEditOriginal = m.currentPRMetadata()
@@ -168,7 +169,9 @@ func (m App) updatePREditInput(key tea.KeyMsg) (tea.Model, tea.Cmd) {
 		}
 		return m, nil
 	}
-	if key.Type == tea.KeySpace && m.prEditField == prEditReviewersField {
+	if key.Type == tea.KeySpace && m.prEditField == prEditReviewersField &&
+		(!m.prEditEditors[m.prEditField].Modal ||
+			m.prEditEditors[m.prEditField].Mode == textEditorInsert) {
 		if m.startNextReviewer() {
 			m.ensurePREditCursorVisible()
 			return m, m.queuePREditDraft()
@@ -195,13 +198,7 @@ func (m App) updatePREditInput(key tea.KeyMsg) (tea.Model, tea.Cmd) {
 			return m, nil
 		}
 	case "tab":
-		completed := m.prEditField == prEditBaseField && m.completeBranchSuggestion()
-		if isPREditPeopleField(m.prEditField) {
-			completed = m.completeUserSuggestion()
-		}
-		if !completed {
-			m.movePREditField(1)
-		}
+		m.movePREditField(1)
 	case "shift+tab":
 		m.movePREditField(-1)
 	case "ctrl+n":
@@ -548,7 +545,6 @@ func (m App) dashboardEditLayout() ([]string, int) {
 
 func (m App) prEditFieldLines(label string, field, width int) []string {
 	active := m.prEditField == field
-	editor := m.prEditEditors[field]
 	if field == prEditReviewersField {
 		label += " (pending requests editable)"
 	}
@@ -556,10 +552,6 @@ func (m App) prEditFieldLines(label string, field, width int) []string {
 	if active {
 		prefix = "▶ "
 	}
-	mode := editor.modeLabel()
-	if mode != "" {
-		label += " [" + mode + "]"
-	}
 	labelLine := dimStyle.Render(prefix + label)
 	if active {
 		labelLine = titleStyle.Render(prefix + label)
diff --git a/text_editor.go b/text_editor.go
index baa5904..6c4e9ad 100644
--- a/text_editor.go
+++ b/text_editor.go
@@ -306,6 +306,8 @@ func (e *textEditor) handleVisualKey(key tea.KeyMsg, multiline bool, wrapWidth i
 		e.yankSelection(wrapWidth)
 	case keyMatches(k, e.keys.Vim.Delete):
 		e.deleteSelection(wrapWidth)
+	case keyMatches(k, e.keys.Vim.ReplaceCharacter):
+		e.substituteSelection(wrapWidth)
 	case keyMatches(k, e.keys.Vim.Paste):
 		e.pasteClipboard(true, wrapWidth)
 	default:
@@ -407,6 +409,20 @@ func (e *textEditor) deleteSelection(wrapWidth int) {
 	e.stopVisual()
 }
 
+func (e *textEditor) substituteSelection(wrapWidth int) {
+	start, end, ok := e.selectionBounds(wrapWidth)
+	if !ok {
+		e.stopVisual()
+		return
+	}
+	runes := []rune(e.Text)
+	e.Text = string(append(runes[:start], runes[end:]...))
+	e.Cursor = start
+	e.Mode = textEditorInsert
+	e.visualLine = false
+	e.clearPending()
+}
+
 func (e *textEditor) pasteClipboard(replaceSelection bool, wrapWidth int) {
 	if e.clipboard == nil {
 		e.clipboard = systemTextClipboard{}
diff --git a/text_editor_test.go b/text_editor_test.go
index 3dedf33..ed2e5b2 100644
--- a/text_editor_test.go
+++ b/text_editor_test.go
@@ -397,6 +397,23 @@ func TestVimVisualModeDeletesAcrossSoftWrappedRows(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+func TestVimVisualSubstituteDeletesSelectionAndEntersInsertMode(t *testing.T) {
+	editor := newTextEditor("abcdef", true)
+	editor.Cursor = 1
+	editor.handleKey(runeKey("v"), false)
+	editor.handleKey(runeKey("l"), false)
+	editor.handleKey(runeKey("l"), false)
+	editor.handleKey(runeKey("s"), false)
+
+	if editor.Text != "aef" || editor.Cursor != 1 || editor.Mode != textEditorInsert {
+		t.Fatalf("visual substitute = %#v", editor)
+	}
+	editor.handleKey(runeKey("X"), false)
+	if editor.Text != "aXef" || editor.Cursor != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("visual substitute insertion = %#v", editor)
+	}
+}
+
 func TestVimVisualYankAndPasteUseSystemClipboardAbstraction(t *testing.T) {
 	clipboard := &memoryTextClipboard{}
 	editor := newTextEditor("abcdef", true)
diff --git a/tui.go b/tui.go
index c33cde7..d9d8bc5 100644
--- a/tui.go
+++ b/tui.go
@@ -148,12 +148,14 @@ type App struct {
 	pendingZ              bool
 	searching             bool
 	searchQuery           string
+	searchEditor          textEditor
 	searchOrigin          int
 	helpVisible           bool
 	helpScroll            int
 	writeMode             writeMode
 	writeThreadID         string
 	replyDraft            string
+	replyEditor           textEditor
 	resolveTarget         bool
 	autoMergeTarget       bool
 	mergeMethod           string
@@ -197,6 +199,7 @@ type App struct {
 	aiMode                 aiMode
 	aiMenuIndex            int
 	aiInput                string
+	aiInputEditor          textEditor
 	aiPreview              AIPreview
 	aiCancel               context.CancelFunc
 	aiStatus               AIProviderStatus
@@ -298,6 +301,18 @@ func (m App) Init() tea.Cmd {
 	return tea.Batch(commands...)
 }
 
+func (m *App) resetInputEditor(editor *textEditor, text string) {
+	*editor = newTextEditor(text, m.editorMode == "vim")
+	editor.keys = m.keybindings
+	editor.hardwareCursor = m.cursorOutput != nil
+}
+
+func (m *App) resetSearchEditor(text string) {
+	m.searchEditor = newTextEditor(text, false)
+	m.searchEditor.keys = m.keybindings
+	m.searchEditor.hardwareCursor = m.cursorOutput != nil
+}
+
 func (m App) nextTick() tea.Cmd {
 	return tea.Tick(m.adaptivePollInterval(time.Now()), func(t time.Time) tea.Msg { return tickMsg(t) })
 }
@@ -416,6 +431,7 @@ func (m *App) startReply() {
 	}
 	m.writeMode, m.writeThreadID, m.replyDraft, m.err = writeReply, thread.ID, "", nil
 	m.restoreReplyDraft(thread.ID)
+	m.resetInputEditor(&m.replyEditor, m.replyDraft)
 	m.folded[thread.ID] = false
 	m.focusThreadDetail()
 	m.scroll = m.detailMaxScroll()
@@ -583,30 +599,28 @@ func (m App) updateWriteInput(key tea.KeyMsg) (tea.Model, tea.Cmd) {
 	case writeReply:
 		switch k {
 		case "esc":
-			m.writeMode, m.replyDraft, m.writeThreadID = writeNone, "", ""
-			m.scroll = min(m.scroll, m.detailMaxScroll())
+			if m.replyEditor.Modal && m.replyEditor.Mode != textEditorNormal {
+				m.replyEditor.handleKeyAtWidth(key, true, m.threadInputWidth())
+				m.replyDraft = m.replyEditor.Text
+			} else {
+				m.writeMode, m.replyDraft, m.replyEditor, m.writeThreadID =
+					writeNone, "", textEditor{}, ""
+				m.scroll = min(m.scroll, m.detailMaxScroll())
+			}
 		case "ctrl+s":
 			if strings.TrimSpace(m.replyDraft) == "" {
 				m.err = errors.New("reply cannot be empty")
 			} else {
 				m.writeMode, m.err = writeReplyConfirm, nil
 			}
-		case "enter":
-			m.replyDraft += "\n"
-		case "backspace":
-			runes := []rune(m.replyDraft)
-			if len(runes) > 0 {
-				m.replyDraft = string(runes[:len(runes)-1])
-			}
-			m.err = nil
 		default:
-			if key.Type == tea.KeyRunes || key.Type == tea.KeySpace {
-				m.replyDraft += textInputKeyValue(key)
+			if m.replyEditor.handleKeyAtWidth(key, true, m.threadInputWidth()) {
+				m.replyDraft = m.replyEditor.Text
 				m.err = nil
 			}
 		}
 		if m.writeMode == writeReply {
-			m.scroll = m.detailMaxScroll()
+			m.ensureThreadInputCursorVisible()
 			return m, m.queueReplyDraft()
 		}
 	case writeReplyConfirm:
@@ -997,7 +1011,7 @@ func (m App) Update(msg tea.Msg) (tea.Model, tea.Cmd) {
 		if err := m.drafts.delete(draftKey); err != nil {
 			m.recordHealth("draft persistence", healthWarning, err.Error())
 		}
-		m.replyDraft, m.writeThreadID = "", ""
+		m.replyDraft, m.replyEditor, m.writeThreadID = "", textEditor{}, ""
 		m.err = nil
 		m.lastRefresh = time.Now()
 		return m, m.difflet.setState(diffletSuccess)
@@ -1130,29 +1144,34 @@ func (m App) Update(msg tea.Msg) (tea.Model, tea.Cmd) {
 		case "ctrl+c":
 			return m, tea.Quit
 		case "esc":
-			m.searching, m.searchQuery = false, ""
-			m.threadIndex = clamp(m.searchOrigin, 0, len(m.details.Threads)-1)
-			m.scroll = 0
+			if m.searchEditor.Modal && m.searchEditor.Mode != textEditorNormal {
+				m.searchEditor.handleKey(key, false)
+				m.searchQuery = m.searchEditor.Text
+			} else {
+				m.searching, m.searchQuery, m.searchEditor = false, "", textEditor{}
+				m.threadIndex = clamp(m.searchOrigin, 0, len(m.details.Threads)-1)
+				m.scroll = 0
+			}
 		case "enter":
 			m.searching = false
 		case "up":
 			m.moveSearch(-1)
 		case "down", "tab":
 			m.moveSearch(1)
-		case "backspace":
-			runes := []rune(m.searchQuery)
-			if len(runes) > 0 {
-				m.searchQuery = string(runes[:len(runes)-1])
-				m.selectBestSearchMatch()
-			}
 		case "ctrl+u":
-			m.searchQuery = ""
-			m.threadIndex = clamp(m.searchOrigin, 0, len(m.details.Threads)-1)
-			m.scroll = 0
+			if !m.searchEditor.Modal || m.searchEditor.Mode == textEditorInsert {
+				m.resetSearchEditor("")
+				m.searchQuery = ""
+				m.threadIndex = clamp(m.searchOrigin, 0, len(m.details.Threads)-1)
+				m.scroll = 0
+			}
 		default:
-			if key.Type == tea.KeyRunes || key.Type == tea.KeySpace {
-				m.searchQuery += textInputKeyValue(key)
-				m.selectBestSearchMatch()
+			before := m.searchEditor.Text
+			if m.searchEditor.handleKey(key, false) {
+				m.searchQuery = m.searchEditor.Text
+				if m.searchQuery != before {
+					m.selectBestSearchMatch()
+				}
 			}
 		}
 		return m, nil
@@ -1205,12 +1224,13 @@ func (m App) Update(msg tea.Msg) (tea.Model, tea.Cmd) {
 		}
 	case "F":
 		if m.screen == threadScreen {
-			m.searchQuery = ""
+			m.searchQuery, m.searchEditor = "", textEditor{}
 			m.threadIndex = clamp(m.threadIndex, 0, len(m.details.Threads)-1)
 		}
 	case "/":
 		if m.screen == threadScreen {
 			m.searching, m.searchQuery, m.searchOrigin = true, "", m.threadIndex
+			m.resetSearchEditor("")
 			m.focus, m.listHidden, m.scroll = threadListPane, false, 0
 		}
 	case "r":
@@ -2168,17 +2188,20 @@ func (m App) viewWritePopup() string {
 			"",
 		}
 		lines = append(lines, renderTextInput(
-			m.replyDraft, width-2, m.cursorOutput != nil,
+			m.replyEditor, width-2, m.cursorOutput != nil,
 		)...)
 		if m.err != nil {
 			lines = append(lines, "", badStyle.Render(m.err.Error()))
 		}
-		lines = append(lines, "", dimStyle.Render(fmt.Sprintf(
-			"%s newline  •  %s review  •  %s cancel",
-			primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Newline),
-			primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Submit),
-			primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Cancel),
-		)))
+		if m.editorMode != "vim" {
+			lines = append(lines, "", dimStyle.Render(fmt.Sprintf(
+				"%s newline  •  %s review  •  %s %s",
+				primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Newline),
+				primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Submit),
+				primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Cancel),
+				m.inputCancelAction(),
+			)))
+		}
 	case writeReplyConfirm:
 		lines = []string{titleStyle.Render("Submit this reply to " + location + "?"), ""}
 		lines = append(lines, renderCommentMarkdown(m.replyDraft, width-2)...)
@@ -2293,9 +2316,9 @@ func (m App) helpBindings() []helpBinding {
 			{keyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Cancel), "Return to Normal mode or cancel the editor"},
 			{combinedKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Navigation.PageDown, m.keybindings.Navigation.PageUp), "Move through the description by half a page"},
 			{combinedKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.PreviousCompletion, m.keybindings.Input.NextCompletion), "Select the previous / next branch or user completion"},
-			{combinedKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.NextField, m.keybindings.Input.Newline), "Complete the selected branch or user"},
+			{keyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Newline), "Complete the selected branch or user"},
 		}
-		if m.prEditEditors[prEditBodyField].Modal {
+		if m.editorMode == "vim" {
 			bindings = append(bindings,
 				helpBinding{combinedKeyLabel(
 					m.keybindings.Navigation.Left, m.keybindings.Navigation.Down,
@@ -2312,7 +2335,7 @@ func (m App) helpBindings() []helpBinding {
 				), "Move to the line start, first non-blank, or line end"},
 				helpBinding{combinedKeyLabel(
 					m.keybindings.Vim.GoPrefix, m.keybindings.Navigation.Last,
-				), "Move to the start / end of the description"},
+				), "Move to the start / end of the active field"},
 				helpBinding{combinedKeyLabel(
 					m.keybindings.Vim.Insert, m.keybindings.Vim.Append,
 					m.keybindings.Vim.InsertLineStart, m.keybindings.Vim.AppendLineEnd,
@@ -2320,7 +2343,7 @@ func (m App) helpBindings() []helpBinding {
 				), "Enter Insert mode"},
 				helpBinding{combinedKeyLabel(
 					m.keybindings.Vim.OpenBelow, m.keybindings.Vim.OpenAbove,
-				), "Open a line below / above"},
+				), "Open a description line below / above"},
 				helpBinding{combinedKeyLabel(
 					m.keybindings.Vim.Visual, m.keybindings.Vim.VisualLine,
 				), "Start character-wise / line-wise Visual mode"},
@@ -2343,7 +2366,7 @@ func (m App) helpBindings() []helpBinding {
 				helpBinding{combinedKeyLabel(
 					m.keybindings.Navigation.Left, m.keybindings.Navigation.Down,
 					m.keybindings.Navigation.Up, m.keybindings.Navigation.Right,
-				), "Move the description cursor"},
+				), "Move the active field cursor"},
 				helpBinding{combinedKeyLabel(
 					m.keybindings.Input.LineStart, m.keybindings.Input.LineEnd,
 				), "Move to the start / end of the current visual line"},
@@ -2695,6 +2718,34 @@ func (m App) viewDashboardWithLines(lines []string) string {
 	return view
 }
 
+func (m App) activeInputEditor() (textEditor, string, bool) {
+	if m.helpVisible {
+		return textEditor{}, "", false
+	}
+	switch {
+	case m.writeMode == writeReply:
+		return m.replyEditor, "REPLY", m.replyEditor.Modal
+	case m.aiMode == aiDiscussion:
+		return m.aiInputEditor, "AI DISCUSSION", m.aiInputEditor.Modal
+	case m.writeMode == writePREdit:
+		contexts := [...]string{
+			"EDIT TITLE", "EDIT TARGET BRANCH", "EDIT REVIEWERS",
+			"EDIT ASSIGNEES", "EDIT DESCRIPTION",
+		}
+		editor := m.prEditEditors[m.prEditField]
+		return editor, contexts[m.prEditField], editor.Modal
+	default:
+		return textEditor{}, "", false
+	}
+}
+
+func (m App) inputCancelAction() string {
+	if m.editorMode == "vim" {
+		return "normal/cancel"
+	}
+	return "cancel"
+}
+
 func (m App) dashboardDisplayLines() []string {
 	mascot := m.difflet.frameLines()
 	if len(mascot) == diffletHeight && !m.diffletHiddenForCurrentView() {
@@ -3488,18 +3539,27 @@ func (m App) viewThreads() string {
 			primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Cancel),
 		)
 	} else if m.writeMode == writeReply {
-		help = fmt.Sprintf(
-			"reply inline • %s newline • %s review • %s cancel",
-			primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Newline),
-			primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Submit),
-			primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Cancel),
-		)
+		if m.editorMode == "vim" {
+			help = fmt.Sprintf(
+				"%s review • %s normal/cancel",
+				primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Submit),
+				primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Cancel),
+			)
+		} else {
+			help = fmt.Sprintf(
+				"reply inline • arrows move • %s newline • %s review • %s cancel",
+				primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Newline),
+				primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Submit),
+				primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Cancel),
+			)
+		}
 	} else if m.aiMode == aiDiscussion {
 		help = fmt.Sprintf(
-			"local AI discussion • %s newline • %s prepare • %s cancel",
+			"local AI discussion • arrows move • %s newline • %s prepare • %s %s",
 			primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Newline),
 			primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Submit),
 			primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Cancel),
+			m.inputCancelAction(),
 		)
 	}
 	m.positionThreadInputHardwareCursor()
@@ -3520,9 +3580,8 @@ func (m App) threadList(width, height int) string {
 	lines := []string{titleStyle.Render(fmt.Sprintf("Threads (%d/%d)", len(matches), len(m.details.Threads)))}
 	if m.searching {
 		queryWidth := max(1, innerWidth-len("Filter: ")-1)
-		query := ansi.Truncate(m.searchQuery, queryWidth, "…")
-		lines = append(lines, titleStyle.Render("Filter: ")+query+
-			inputCursorFallback(m.cursorOutput != nil))
+		query := renderSingleLineInput(m.searchEditor, queryWidth, m.cursorOutput != nil)
+		lines = append(lines, titleStyle.Render("Filter: ")+query)
 	}
 	if m.loading && len(m.details.Threads) == 0 {
 		lines = append(lines, "Loading…")
@@ -3839,7 +3898,9 @@ func (m App) inlineReplyLines(width int) []detailLine {
 	}
 	textWidth := max(1, width-5)
 	lineIndex := 0
-	for _, part := range renderTextInput(m.replyDraft, textWidth, m.cursorOutput != nil) {
+	for _, part := range renderTextInput(
+		m.replyEditor, textWidth, m.cursorOutput != nil,
+	) {
 		lines = append(lines, detailLine{
 			rail: rail, anchor: fmt.Sprintf("reply:body:%d", lineIndex), text: part,
 		})
@@ -3848,48 +3909,72 @@ func (m App) inlineReplyLines(width int) []detailLine {
 	if m.err != nil {
 		lines = append(lines, detailLine{rail: rail, text: badStyle.Render(m.err.Error())})
 	}
-	lines = append(lines, detailLine{
-		rail: rail,
-		text: dimStyle.Render(fmt.Sprintf(
-			"%s newline  •  %s review  •  %s cancel",
-			primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Newline),
-			primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Submit),
-			primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Cancel),
-		)),
-	})
+	if m.editorMode != "vim" {
+		lines = append(lines, detailLine{
+			rail: rail,
+			text: dimStyle.Render(fmt.Sprintf(
+				"%s newline  •  %s review  •  %s %s",
+				primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Newline),
+				primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Submit),
+				primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Cancel),
+				m.inputCancelAction(),
+			)),
+		})
+	}
 	return lines
 }
 
-func inputCursorFallback(hardwareCursor bool) string {
-	if hardwareCursor {
-		return ""
+func renderTextInput(editor textEditor, width int, hardwareCursor bool) []string {
+	editor.hardwareCursor = hardwareCursor
+	rendered := renderTextEditor(editor, width, true)
+	lines := make([]string, 0, len(rendered))
+	for _, line := range rendered {
+		lines = append(lines, line.text)
 	}
-	return "\x1b[4m \x1b[24m"
+	return lines
 }
 
-func renderTextInput(value string, width int, hardwareCursor bool) []string {
-	const cursorSentinel = "\ue000"
-	if hardwareCursor {
-		value += cursorSentinel
-	} else {
-		value += inputCursorFallback(false)
+func renderSingleLineInput(editor textEditor, width int, hardwareCursor bool) string {
+	editor.hardwareCursor = hardwareCursor
+	rendered := renderTextEditor(editor, width, true)
+	return rendered[editorCursorVisualLine(editor, width)].text
+}
+
+func (m App) threadInputWidth() int {
+	width, _ := m.detailPaneSize()
+	return max(1, width-5)
+}
+
+func (m *App) ensureThreadInputCursorVisible() {
+	if m.writeMode != writeReply && m.aiMode != aiDiscussion {
+		return
 	}
-	var lines []string
-	for _, sourceLine := range strings.Split(value, "\n") {
-		wrapped := ansi.Hardwrap(ansi.Wordwrap(sourceLine, width, ""), width, false)
-		if hardwareCursor {
-			wrapped = strings.TrimSuffix(wrapped, cursorSentinel)
+	width, height := m.detailPaneSize()
+	editor, prefix := m.replyEditor, "reply:body:"
+	if m.aiMode == aiDiscussion {
+		editor, prefix = m.aiInputEditor, "ai-discussion:body:"
+	}
+	visualLine := editorCursorVisualLine(editor, m.threadInputWidth())
+	wantedAnchor := fmt.Sprintf("%s%d", prefix, visualLine)
+	lines := m.renderedDetailLines(width)
+	cursorLine := -1
+	for index := range lines {
+		if lines[index].anchor == wantedAnchor {
+			cursorLine = index
+			break
 		}
-		lines = append(lines, strings.Split(wrapped, "\n")...)
 	}
-	return lines
-}
-
-func textInputKeyValue(key tea.KeyMsg) string {
-	if key.Type == tea.KeySpace {
-		return " "
+	if cursorLine < 0 {
+		return
 	}
-	return string(key.Runes)
+	viewportHeight := max(1, height-2)
+	switch {
+	case cursorLine < m.scroll:
+		m.scroll = cursorLine
+	case cursorLine >= m.scroll+viewportHeight:
+		m.scroll = cursorLine - viewportHeight + 1
+	}
+	m.scroll = clamp(m.scroll, 0, max(0, len(lines)-viewportHeight))
 }
 
 func (m App) positionThreadInputHardwareCursor() {
@@ -3906,10 +3991,13 @@ func (m App) positionThreadInputHardwareCursor() {
 			paneWidth = m.threadListWidth()
 		}
 		queryWidth := max(1, max(1, paneWidth-2)-len("Filter: ")-1)
-		query := ansi.Truncate(m.searchQuery, queryWidth, "…")
+		if m.searchEditor.Mode != textEditorInsert {
+			return
+		}
+		_, column := editorCursorVisualPosition(m.searchEditor, queryWidth)
 		m.cursorOutput.SetCursor(
 			true,
-			2+ansi.StringWidth("Filter: ")+ansi.StringWidth(query),
+			2+ansi.StringWidth("Filter: ")+column,
 			m.contentTop+topLines+3,
 		)
 		return
@@ -3923,10 +4011,20 @@ func (m App) positionThreadInputHardwareCursor() {
 	if m.aiMode == aiDiscussion {
 		prefix = "ai-discussion:body:"
 	}
+	editor := m.replyEditor
+	if m.aiMode == aiDiscussion {
+		editor = m.aiInputEditor
+	}
+	if editor.Mode != textEditorInsert {
+		return
+	}
+	visualLine, column := editorCursorVisualPosition(editor, m.threadInputWidth())
 	cursorLine := -1
+	wantedAnchor := fmt.Sprintf("%s%d", prefix, visualLine)
 	for index := range lines {
-		if strings.HasPrefix(lines[index].anchor, prefix) {
+		if lines[index].anchor == wantedAnchor {
 			cursorLine = index
+			break
 		}
 	}
 	if cursorLine < 0 {
@@ -3945,7 +4043,7 @@ func (m App) positionThreadInputHardwareCursor() {
 	line := lines[cursorLine]
 	m.cursorOutput.SetCursor(
 		true,
-		paneStart+2+ansi.StringWidth(line.rail)+ansi.StringWidth(line.fixed+line.text),
+		paneStart+2+ansi.StringWidth(line.rail+line.fixed)+column,
 		m.contentTop+topLines+2+screenLine,
 	)
 }
@@ -4226,21 +4324,47 @@ func (m App) frame(lines []string, help string) string {
 	if status == "" && !m.lastRefresh.IsZero() {
 		status = dimStyle.Render("updated " + m.lastRefresh.Format("15:04:05"))
 	}
-	footer := truncate(help, m.width)
+	footerWidth := m.width
 	if status != "" {
-		footer = truncate(help, max(0, m.width-lipgloss.Width(status)-2)) + "  " + status
+		footerWidth = max(0, m.width-lipgloss.Width(status)-2)
+	}
+	footer := m.renderFooter(help, footerWidth)
+	if status != "" {
+		footer += "  " + status
 	}
 	bodyLines := strings.Split(body, "\n")
-	if len(bodyLines) > max(0, m.height-1) {
-		bodyLines = bodyLines[:max(0, m.height-1)]
+	bodyHeight := max(0, m.height-1)
+	if len(bodyLines) > bodyHeight {
+		bodyLines = bodyLines[:bodyHeight]
 	}
 	for i := range bodyLines {
 		bodyLines[i] = ansi.Truncate(bodyLines[i], m.width, "")
 	}
-	bodyLines = append(bodyLines, ansi.Truncate(dimStyle.Render(footer), m.width, ""))
+	for len(bodyLines) < bodyHeight {
+		bodyLines = append(bodyLines, "")
+	}
+	bodyLines = append(bodyLines, ansi.Truncate(footer, m.width, ""))
 	return lipgloss.NewStyle().Width(m.width).Height(m.height).Render(strings.Join(bodyLines, "\n"))
 }
 
+func (m App) renderFooter(help string, width int) string {
+	if width <= 0 {
+		return ""
+	}
+	editor, context, ok := m.activeInputEditor()
+	if !ok {
+		return dimStyle.Render(truncate(help, width))
+	}
+	mode := activeStyle.Render(" " + editor.modeLabel() + " ")
+	contextLabel := titleStyle.Render(context)
+	prefix := mode + " " + contextLabel
+	remaining := width - lipgloss.Width(prefix)
+	if remaining <= 2 {
+		return ansi.Truncate(prefix, width, "")
+	}
+	return prefix + "  " + dimStyle.Render(truncate(help, remaining-2))
+}
+
 func (m App) restingDiffletState() diffletState {
 	if m.err != nil {
 		return diffletSad
diff --git a/tui_test.go b/tui_test.go
index bf3e6d7..cfa6d1e 100644
--- a/tui_test.go
+++ b/tui_test.go
@@ -701,13 +701,16 @@ func TestDashboardEditorUpdatesTitleBodyAndBaseBranch(t *testing.T) {
 	send(tea.KeyMsg{Type: tea.KeyShiftTab})
 	send(tea.KeyMsg{Type: tea.KeyShiftTab})
 	send(tea.KeyMsg{Type: tea.KeyShiftTab})
+	send(runeKey("i"))
 	send(tea.KeyMsg{Type: tea.KeyHome})
 	for range len("main") {
 		send(tea.KeyMsg{Type: tea.KeyDelete})
 	}
 	send(tea.KeyMsg{Type: tea.KeyRunes, Runes: []rune("release")})
+	send(tea.KeyMsg{Type: tea.KeyEsc})
 
 	send(tea.KeyMsg{Type: tea.KeyShiftTab})
+	send(runeKey("i"))
 	send(tea.KeyMsg{Type: tea.KeyHome})
 	for range len("Old title") {
 		send(tea.KeyMsg{Type: tea.KeyDelete})
@@ -794,9 +797,95 @@ func TestDashboardDescriptionCanUseStandardEditingMode(t *testing.T) {
 		Permissions: ViewerPermissions{CanUpdatePR: true},
 	}
 	m.startPREdit()
-	editor := m.prEditEditors[prEditBodyField]
-	if editor.Modal || editor.Mode != textEditorInsert || editor.Cursor != len([]rune("body")) {
-		t.Fatalf("standard description editor = %#v", editor)
+	for field, editor := range m.prEditEditors {
+		if editor.Modal || editor.Mode != textEditorInsert ||
+			editor.Cursor != len([]rune(editor.Text)) {
+			t.Fatalf("standard editor field %d = %#v", field, editor)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func TestVimModeAppliesToEveryTextInput(t *testing.T) {
+	m := NewApp(&recordingPRService{}, "o", "r", false, 50, time.Second)
+	m.loading, m.width, m.height = false, 80, 24
+	m.details = PRDetails{
+		PullRequest: PullRequest{ID: "pr", Title: "Title"},
+		Body:        "body", BaseRef: "main",
+		Permissions: ViewerPermissions{CanUpdatePR: true},
+	}
+	m.startPREdit()
+	for field, editor := range m.prEditEditors {
+		if !editor.Modal || editor.Mode != textEditorNormal {
+			t.Fatalf("Vim PR editor field %d = %#v", field, editor)
+		}
+	}
+
+	m.writeMode, m.replyDraft = writeReply, "reply"
+	m.resetInputEditor(&m.replyEditor, m.replyDraft)
+	updated, _ := m.updateWriteInput(runeKey("i"))
+	m = updated.(App)
+	updated, _ = m.updateWriteInput(runeKey("!"))
+	m = updated.(App)
+	updated, _ = m.updateWriteInput(tea.KeyMsg{Type: tea.KeyEsc})
+	m = updated.(App)
+	if m.replyDraft != "!reply" || m.replyEditor.Mode != textEditorNormal {
+		t.Fatalf("Vim reply = %q mode=%s", m.replyDraft, m.replyEditor.Mode)
+	}
+
+	m.writeMode, m.aiMode, m.aiInput = writeNone, aiDiscussion, "ask"
+	m.resetInputEditor(&m.aiInputEditor, m.aiInput)
+	updated, _, handled := m.updateAI(runeKey("A"))
+	m = updated.(App)
+	if !handled || m.aiInputEditor.Mode != textEditorInsert ||
+		m.aiInputEditor.Cursor != len([]rune("ask")) {
+		t.Fatalf("Vim AI append handled=%v editor=%#v", handled, m.aiInputEditor)
+	}
+
+	m.aiMode = aiNone
+	m.screen, m.loading = threadScreen, false
+	m.details.Threads = []ReviewThread{{ID: "thread", Path: "main.go"}}
+	updated, _ = m.Update(runeKey("/"))
+	m = updated.(App)
+	if !m.searching || m.searchEditor.Modal || m.searchEditor.Mode != textEditorInsert {
+		t.Fatalf("insert-only search editor = %#v searching=%v", m.searchEditor, m.searching)
+	}
+	updated, _ = m.Update(runeKey("main"))
+	m = updated.(App)
+	if m.searchQuery != "main" || m.searchEditor.Mode != textEditorInsert {
+		t.Fatalf("Vim search query=%q editor=%#v", m.searchQuery, m.searchEditor)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestVimModeUsesGlobalFooterBar(t *testing.T) {
+	m := NewApp(nil, "o", "r", false, 50, time.Second)
+	m.width, m.height = 80, 10
+	m.writeMode, m.replyDraft = writeReply, "reply"
+	m.resetInputEditor(&m.replyEditor, m.replyDraft)
+
+	footer := ansi.Strip(m.renderFooter("ctrl+s review • esc normal/cancel", m.width))
+	if !strings.Contains(footer, "NORMAL") || !strings.Contains(footer, "REPLY") {
+		t.Fatalf("Normal reply footer = %q", footer)
+	}
+	m.replyEditor.Mode = textEditorInsert
+	footer = ansi.Strip(m.renderFooter("ctrl+s review • esc normal/cancel", m.width))
+	if !strings.Contains(footer, "INSERT") || strings.Contains(footer, "NORMAL") {
+		t.Fatalf("Insert reply footer = %q", footer)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestDashboardVimModeBarStaysOnBottomRow(t *testing.T) {
+	m := NewApp(&recordingPRService{}, "o", "r", false, 50, time.Second)
+	m.screen, m.loading, m.width, m.height = dashboardScreen, false, 80, 24
+	m.details = PRDetails{
+		PullRequest: PullRequest{ID: "pr", Title: "Title"},
+		Body:        "short", BaseRef: "main",
+		Permissions: ViewerPermissions{CanUpdatePR: true},
+	}
+	m.startPREdit()
+	lines := strings.Split(ansi.Strip(m.viewDashboard()), "\n")
+	if len(lines) != m.height || !strings.Contains(lines[len(lines)-1], "NORMAL") ||
+		!strings.Contains(lines[len(lines)-1], "EDIT DESCRIPTION") {
+		t.Fatalf("dashboard mode bar is not on bottom row:\n%s", strings.Join(lines, "\n"))
 	}
 }
 
@@ -1046,7 +1135,11 @@ func TestThreadInputsUseHardwareCursor(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	defer file.Close()
 
-	m := NewApp(&recordingPRService{}, "o", "r", false, 50, time.Second)
+	settings := defaultAppSettings()
+	settings.EditorMode = "standard"
+	m := NewAppWithSettings(
+		&recordingPRService{}, "o", "r", false, 50, time.Second, settings,
+	)
 	m.cursorOutput = newTerminalCursorOutput(file)
 	m.screen, m.loading, m.width, m.height = threadScreen, false, 100, 24
 	m.details = PRDetails{
@@ -1058,6 +1151,7 @@ func TestThreadInputsUseHardwareCursor(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 
 	m.searching, m.searchQuery = true, "main"
+	m.resetInputEditor(&m.searchEditor, m.searchQuery)
 	_ = m.viewThreads()
 	m.cursorOutput.mu.Lock()
 	searchVisible, searchColumn := m.cursorOutput.visible, m.cursorOutput.column
@@ -1068,6 +1162,7 @@ func TestThreadInputsUseHardwareCursor(t *testing.T) {
 
 	m.searching = false
 	m.aiMode, m.writeThreadID, m.aiInput = aiDiscussion, "thread-1", "Question"
+	m.resetInputEditor(&m.aiInputEditor, m.aiInput)
 	m.focus = threadDetailPane
 	m.scroll = m.detailMaxScroll()
 	_ = m.viewThreads()
@@ -1140,6 +1235,8 @@ func TestReplyComposerConfirmsAndAddsReturnedComment(t *testing.T) {
 	if m.writeMode != writeReply {
 		t.Fatalf("reply key opened mode %d", m.writeMode)
 	}
+	updated, _ = m.Update(runeKey("i"))
+	m = updated.(App)
 	updated, _ = m.Update(tea.KeyMsg{Type: tea.KeyRunes, Runes: []rune("hello")})
 	m = updated.(App)
 	updated, _ = m.Update(tea.KeyMsg{Type: tea.KeyCtrlS})
@@ -1183,6 +1280,13 @@ func TestReplyComposerRendersInlineWithCurrentThread(t *testing.T) {
 			t.Fatalf("inline reply view is missing %q:\n%s", wanted, plain)
 		}
 	}
+	inline := m.inlineReplyLines(80)
+	for _, line := range inline {
+		if strings.Contains(ansi.Strip(line.text), "newline") ||
+			strings.Contains(ansi.Strip(line.text), "review") {
+			t.Fatalf("Vim reply contains redundant inline key help: %#v", inline)
+		}
+	}
 	if m.focus != threadDetailPane {
 		t.Fatal("inline reply did not focus the thread detail pane")
 	}
@@ -1873,8 +1977,11 @@ func TestFuzzyFileSearchSupportsSpaceSeparatedTerms(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("query matched despite a missing term")
 	}
 
-	m := NewApp(nil, "o", "r", false, 50, 10*time.Second)
+	settings := defaultAppSettings()
+	settings.EditorMode = "standard"
+	m := NewAppWithSettings(nil, "o", "r", false, 50, 10*time.Second, settings)
 	m.screen, m.searching, m.searchQuery = threadScreen, true, "ng"
+	m.resetInputEditor(&m.searchEditor, m.searchQuery)
 	updated, _ := m.Update(tea.KeyMsg{Type: tea.KeySpace})
 	if got := updated.(App).searchQuery; got != "ng " {
 		t.Fatalf("space key produced search query %q", got)
@@ -1882,8 +1989,11 @@ func TestFuzzyFileSearchSupportsSpaceSeparatedTerms(t *testing.T) {
 }
 
 func TestReplyAndAIDiscussionAcceptSpaceKeyWithoutRunes(t *testing.T) {
-	m := NewApp(nil, "o", "r", false, 50, 10*time.Second)
+	settings := defaultAppSettings()
+	settings.EditorMode = "standard"
+	m := NewAppWithSettings(nil, "o", "r", false, 50, 10*time.Second, settings)
 	m.writeMode, m.replyDraft = writeReply, "reply"
+	m.resetInputEditor(&m.replyEditor, m.replyDraft)
 	updated, _ := m.updateWriteInput(tea.KeyMsg{Type: tea.KeySpace})
 	m = updated.(App)
 	if m.replyDraft != "reply " {
@@ -1891,6 +2001,7 @@ func TestReplyAndAIDiscussionAcceptSpaceKeyWithoutRunes(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 
 	m.writeMode, m.aiMode, m.aiInput = writeNone, aiDiscussion, "question"
+	m.resetInputEditor(&m.aiInputEditor, m.aiInput)
 	updated, _, handled := m.updateAI(tea.KeyMsg{Type: tea.KeySpace})
 	m = updated.(App)
 	if !handled || m.aiInput != "question " {
@@ -1898,6 +2009,38 @@ func TestReplyAndAIDiscussionAcceptSpaceKeyWithoutRunes(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+func TestReplyAndAIDiscussionArrowKeysMoveInputCursor(t *testing.T) {
+	settings := defaultAppSettings()
+	settings.EditorMode = "standard"
+	m := NewAppWithSettings(nil, "o", "r", false, 50, 10*time.Second, settings)
+	m.width, m.height = 80, 24
+	m.writeMode, m.replyDraft = writeReply, "mistke"
+	m.resetInputEditor(&m.replyEditor, m.replyDraft)
+	for range 2 {
+		updated, _ := m.updateWriteInput(tea.KeyMsg{Type: tea.KeyLeft})
+		m = updated.(App)
+	}
+	updated, _ := m.updateWriteInput(tea.KeyMsg{Type: tea.KeyRunes, Runes: []rune("a")})
+	m = updated.(App)
+	if m.replyDraft != "mistake" || m.replyEditor.Cursor != 5 {
+		t.Fatalf("reply after cursor edit = %q at %d", m.replyDraft, m.replyEditor.Cursor)
+	}
+
+	m.writeMode, m.aiMode, m.aiInput = writeNone, aiDiscussion, "abc\ndef"
+	m.resetInputEditor(&m.aiInputEditor, m.aiInput)
+	m.aiInputEditor.Cursor = 1
+	updated, _, handled := m.updateAI(tea.KeyMsg{Type: tea.KeyDown})
+	m = updated.(App)
+	if !handled || m.aiInputEditor.Cursor != 5 {
+		t.Fatalf("AI down movement handled=%v cursor=%d, want 5", handled, m.aiInputEditor.Cursor)
+	}
+	updated, _, handled = m.updateAI(tea.KeyMsg{Type: tea.KeyRight})
+	m = updated.(App)
+	if !handled || m.aiInputEditor.Cursor != 6 {
+		t.Fatalf("AI right movement handled=%v cursor=%d, want 6", handled, m.aiInputEditor.Cursor)
+	}
+}
+
 func TestFileSearchCanJumpOrCancel(t *testing.T) {
 	m := NewApp(nil, "o", "r", false, 50, 10*time.Second)
 	m.screen = threadScreen
diff --git a/user_completion.go b/user_completion.go
index 170926e..37ebb07 100644
--- a/user_completion.go
+++ b/user_completion.go
@@ -315,7 +315,7 @@ func (m App) userCompletionLines(width int) []string {
 				m.keybindings.Input.PreviousCompletion,
 				m.keybindings.Input.NextCompletion,
 			),
-			primaryCombinedKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.NextField, m.keybindings.Input.Newline),
+			primaryKeyLabel(m.keybindings.Input.Newline),
 		)),
 	)
 	current := m.prEditOriginal.Assignees
diff --git a/user_completion_test.go b/user_completion_test.go
index 54139ae..c0db851 100644
--- a/user_completion_test.go
+++ b/user_completion_test.go
@@ -50,6 +50,36 @@ func TestReviewerCompletionSupportsMultipleEligibleUsers(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+func TestReviewerCompletionUsesEnterAndTabLeavesField(t *testing.T) {
+	m := NewApp(&recordingPRService{}, "o", "r", false, 50, time.Second)
+	m.writeMode = writePREdit
+	m.prEditField = prEditReviewersField
+	m.details = PRDetails{PullRequest: PullRequest{Author: "author"}}
+	m.prEditUsers = []RepositoryUser{{Login: "alice", CanReview: true}}
+	m.prEditEditors[prEditReviewersField] = newTextEditor("ali", false)
+
+	updated, _ := m.updatePREditInput(tea.KeyMsg{Type: tea.KeyTab})
+	m = updated.(App)
+	if m.prEditField != prEditAssigneesField ||
+		m.prEditEditors[prEditReviewersField].Text != "ali" {
+		t.Fatalf(
+			"tab field=%d reviewers=%q",
+			m.prEditField, m.prEditEditors[prEditReviewersField].Text,
+		)
+	}
+
+	m.prEditField = prEditReviewersField
+	updated, _ = m.updatePREditInput(tea.KeyMsg{Type: tea.KeyEnter})
+	m = updated.(App)
+	if m.prEditField != prEditReviewersField ||
+		m.prEditEditors[prEditReviewersField].Text != "alice" {
+		t.Fatalf(
+			"enter field=%d reviewers=%q",
+			m.prEditField, m.prEditEditors[prEditReviewersField].Text,
+		)
+	}
+}
+
 func TestReviewerInputCommitsMultipleEligibleUsersWithSpace(t *testing.T) {
 	m := NewApp(&recordingPRService{}, "o", "r", false, 50, time.Second)
 	m.writeMode = writePREdit
diff --git a/version.go b/version.go
index 72ff270..5e4cd98 100644
--- a/version.go
+++ b/version.go
@@ -1,3 +1,3 @@
 package main
 
-const dipleVersion = "0.2.0"
+const dipleVersion = "0.3.0"