Add named keyboard binding modes (#32)

Add named keyboard shortcut maps with an Escape exit and a panel indicator. Keep press/release ownership across transitions, validate remapped Escape keys, and cancel stale repeats and focus previews.

Give the indicator ownership of the panel while a mode is active. Close popovers, collapse Morph, and keep Live Activities data current without resizing the hidden panel. Document configuration and transition behavior.

Validation: 1,519 workspace Rust tests passed; 70 Python tests passed. Workspace build, formatting, Clippy, and Settings configuration validation passed. Opt-in native desktop checks were not rerun because Weston is absent.

Related: #5.

compositor/src/backends/direct.rs

@@ -376,6 +376,7 @@ pub fn init(event_loop: &mut EventLoop<Ferese>, state: &mut Ferese) -> Result<()
         .handle()
         .insert_source(notifier, move |event, _, state| match event {
             SessionEvent::PauseSession => {
+                state.set_binding_mode("default");
                 let handle = state.loop_handle.clone();
                 if let Some(backend) = state.direct_backend.as_mut() {
                     backend.active = false;

compositor/src/config.rs

@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ pub(crate) use self::loading::{prepare, prepare_document, read_source, startup};
 pub(crate) use self::xwayland::{XwaylandConfig, XwaylandStartup};
 use appearance::*;
 pub use appearance::{BorderGradient, FocusEffectSettings, MaterialStyle, ThemeSettings};
+pub(crate) use bindings::BindingModes;
 use bindings::*;
 pub use bindings::{Binding, BindingAction};
 pub(crate) use bindings::{BindingSet, physical_keymap};
@@ -62,6 +63,8 @@ pub struct Config {
     #[serde(default)]
     bindings: Vec<BindingConfig>,
     #[serde(default)]
+    binding_modes: Vec<BindingModeConfig>,
+    #[serde(default)]
     window_rules: Vec<WindowRuleConfig>,
     #[serde(default)]
     scrolling: ScrollingConfig,
@@ -130,6 +133,7 @@ impl Config {
         }
         let input_settings = self.input_settings()?;
         let bindings = self.bindings(&input_settings)?;
+        let binding_modes = self.binding_modes(&input_settings, &bindings)?;
         Ok(crate::RuntimeConfig {
             activity_settings: self.activities.clone(),
             activity_matcher: ferese_config::activities::Matcher::new(&self.activities)
@@ -142,6 +146,7 @@ impl Config {
             gap_config: self.gap_config()?,
             input_settings,
             bindings,
+            binding_modes,
             window_rules: self.window_rules()?,
             theme_settings: self.theme_settings()?,
             panel_style: self

compositor/src/config/bindings.rs

@@ -3,10 +3,13 @@ use std::sync::Arc;
 use super::*;
 
 mod index;
+mod modes;
 pub(crate) use index::BindingSet;
+pub(super) use modes::BindingModeConfig;
+pub(crate) use modes::BindingModes;
 
 impl Config {
-    pub fn bindings(&self, input: &InputSettings) -> Result<Vec<Binding>, ConfigError> {
+    fn binding_commands(&self) -> HashMap<String, Vec<String>> {
         let mut commands = HashMap::from([
             ("terminal".to_owned(), vec!["foot".to_owned()]),
             ("screenshot".to_owned(), vec!["ferese-screenshot".to_owned()]),
@@ -16,6 +19,11 @@ impl Config {
             ),
         ]);
         commands.extend(self.commands.clone());
+        commands
+    }
+
+    pub fn bindings(&self, input: &InputSettings) -> Result<Vec<Binding>, ConfigError> {
+        let commands = self.binding_commands();
         validate_commands(&commands)?;
 
         let keymap = physical_keymap(input)?;
@@ -260,6 +268,7 @@ pub(super) fn parse_action(
         || argument.ok_or_else(|| ConfigError::Binding(format!("action {action:?} requires an argument")));
 
     match action {
+        "binding-mode" => Ok(BindingAction::BindingMode(required_argument()?.to_owned())),
         "none" => {
             no_argument()?;
             Ok(BindingAction::None)
@@ -467,6 +476,7 @@ pub(super) struct BindingModifiers {
 #[derive(Clone, Debug, PartialEq)]
 pub enum BindingAction {
     None,
+    BindingMode(String),
     Spawn(Arc<[String]>),
     Close,
     Exit,
@@ -558,6 +568,7 @@ impl Binding {
 
     pub(crate) fn guide_entry(&self, keymap: Option<&xkb::Keymap>) -> Option<serde_json::Value> {
         let description = match &self.action {
+            BindingAction::BindingMode(name) => format!("Switch to binding mode {name}"),
             BindingAction::None => return None,
             BindingAction::Spawn(argv) if argv.first().is_some_and(|program| program == "ferese-screenshot") => {
                 if argv.iter().any(|arg| arg == "--full") {

compositor/src/config/bindings/index.rs

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ use super::*;
 
 /// Immutable bindings and their keyboard index are replaced together on reload.
 /// The ordered slice remains available for gestures and the shortcut guide.
+#[derive(Clone)]
 pub(crate) struct BindingSet {
     ordered: Vec<Binding>,
     keyboard: HashMap<BindingIdentity, usize>,
@@ -32,7 +33,7 @@ impl std::ops::Deref for BindingSet {
 }
 
 impl BindingSet {
-    pub(crate) fn action_for_key(
+    pub(crate) fn binding_for_key(
         &self,
         keycode: Keycode,
         symbols: &[u32],
@@ -40,7 +41,7 @@ impl BindingSet {
         ctrl: bool,
         alt: bool,
         shift: bool,
-    ) -> Option<&BindingAction> {
+    ) -> Option<&Binding> {
         let modifiers = BindingModifiers { logo, ctrl, alt, shift };
         let physical = self.keyboard.get(&BindingIdentity {
             modifiers,
@@ -60,7 +61,21 @@ impl BindingSet {
             .into_iter()
             .chain(symbolic)
             .min()
-            .map(|&index| &self.ordered[index].action)
+            .map(|&index| &self.ordered[index])
+    }
+
+    #[cfg(test)]
+    pub(crate) fn action_for_key(
+        &self,
+        keycode: Keycode,
+        symbols: &[u32],
+        logo: bool,
+        ctrl: bool,
+        alt: bool,
+        shift: bool,
+    ) -> Option<&BindingAction> {
+        self.binding_for_key(keycode, symbols, logo, ctrl, alt, shift)
+            .map(|binding| &binding.action)
     }
 }
 

compositor/src/config/bindings/modes.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,191 @@
+use super::*;
+
+#[derive(Debug, Deserialize)]
+#[serde(deny_unknown_fields)]
+pub(crate) struct BindingModeConfig {
+    name: String,
+    #[serde(default)]
+    bindings: Vec<BindingConfig>,
+}
+
+/// Named keyboard maps share the ordinary binding index. The default map and
+/// gestures remain owned by the compositor; a mode never mutates either.
+#[derive(Clone, Default)]
+pub(crate) struct BindingModes {
+    maps: HashMap<String, BindingSet>,
+    active: Option<String>,
+}
+
+impl BindingModes {
+    pub(crate) fn active(&self) -> Option<&str> {
+        self.active.as_deref()
+    }
+
+    pub(crate) fn set(&mut self, name: &str) -> bool {
+        let next = if name == "default" {
+            None
+        } else if self.maps.contains_key(name) {
+            Some(name.to_owned())
+        } else {
+            return false;
+        };
+        if next == self.active {
+            return false;
+        }
+        self.active = next;
+        true
+    }
+
+    pub(crate) fn bindings<'a>(&'a self, default: &'a BindingSet) -> &'a BindingSet {
+        self.active
+            .as_ref()
+            .and_then(|name| self.maps.get(name))
+            .unwrap_or(default)
+    }
+}
+
+impl Config {
+    pub(crate) fn binding_modes(
+        &self,
+        input: &InputSettings,
+        default: &[Binding],
+    ) -> Result<BindingModes, ConfigError> {
+        let keymap = physical_keymap(input)?;
+        let commands = self.binding_commands();
+        let mut modes = BindingModes::default();
+        for mode in &self.binding_modes {
+            if mode.name.is_empty()
+                || mode.name.len() > 48
+                || mode.name == "default"
+                || !mode
+                    .name
+                    .bytes()
+                    .all(|byte| byte.is_ascii_alphanumeric() || matches!(byte, b'-' | b'_'))
+                || modes.maps.contains_key(&mode.name)
+            {
+                return Err(ConfigError::Binding(format!(
+                    "invalid or duplicate binding mode {:?}",
+                    mode.name
+                )));
+            }
+            let mut identities = HashSet::new();
+            let mut bindings = Vec::new();
+            for configured in &mode.bindings {
+                let identity = binding_identity(configured, &keymap)?;
+                if configured.disabled
+                    || identity.match_mode == BindingMatch::Swipe
+                    || !identities.insert(identity.clone())
+                    || (identity.match_mode == BindingMatch::Keysym && identity.key == keysyms::KEY_Escape)
+                    || (identity.match_mode == BindingMatch::Physical
+                        && (0..keymap.num_layouts_for_key(Keycode::new(identity.key))).any(|layout| {
+                            (0..keymap.num_levels_for_key(Keycode::new(identity.key), layout)).any(|level| {
+                                keymap
+                                    .key_get_syms_by_level(Keycode::new(identity.key), layout, level)
+                                    .iter()
+                                    .any(|symbol| symbol.raw() == keysyms::KEY_Escape)
+                            })
+                        }))
+                {
+                    return Err(ConfigError::Binding(format!(
+                        "invalid, duplicate or reserved mode binding {:?}",
+                        configured.keys
+                    )));
+                }
+                bindings.push(parse_binding(configured, &commands, &keymap)?);
+            }
+            modes.maps.insert(mode.name.clone(), bindings.into());
+        }
+        for binding in default.iter().chain(modes.maps.values().flat_map(|map| map.iter())) {
+            if let BindingAction::BindingMode(name) = &binding.action
+                && name != "default"
+                && !modes.maps.contains_key(name)
+            {
+                return Err(ConfigError::Binding(format!("unknown binding mode {name:?}")));
+            }
+        }
+        Ok(modes)
+    }
+}
+
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod tests {
+    use super::*;
+
+    #[test]
+    fn modes_use_the_binding_index_without_inheriting_default_shortcuts() {
+        let config = Config::parse_source(
+            r#"
+            binding "Super+r" binding-mode resize
+            binding-mode resize {
+                binding h resize left
+                binding t binding-mode launch
+                binding AD02 resize up match="physical"
+            }
+            binding-mode launch { binding Return spawn terminal; }
+        "#,
+        )
+        .unwrap();
+        let runtime = config.runtime_config().unwrap();
+        let default = BindingSet::from(runtime.bindings);
+        let mut modes = runtime.binding_modes;
+        assert!(modes.set("resize"));
+        let selected = modes.bindings(&default);
+        assert_eq!(
+            selected.action_for_key(Keycode::new(43), &[keysyms::KEY_h], false, false, false, false),
+            Some(&BindingAction::Resize(Direction::Left))
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            selected.action_for_key(Keycode::new(25), &[], false, false, false, false),
+            Some(&BindingAction::Resize(Direction::Up))
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            selected.action_for_key(Keycode::new(43), &[keysyms::KEY_h], true, false, false, false),
+            None
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            selected.action_for_key(Keycode::new(36), &[keysyms::KEY_Return], true, false, false, false),
+            None
+        );
+        assert!(!modes.set("missing"));
+        assert_eq!(modes.active(), Some("resize"));
+        assert!(modes.set("default"));
+        assert!(matches!(
+            modes.bindings(&default).action_for_key(
+                Keycode::new(36),
+                &[keysyms::KEY_Return],
+                true,
+                false,
+                false,
+                false
+            ),
+            Some(BindingAction::Spawn(_))
+        ));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn invalid_modes_and_targets_are_rejected_before_runtime_publication() {
+        for source in [
+            "binding-mode default {}",
+            "binding-mode \"\" {}",
+            "binding-mode \"two words\" {}",
+            "binding-mode resize {}\nbinding-mode resize {}",
+            "binding x binding-mode missing",
+            "binding-mode resize { binding x binding-mode missing; }",
+            "binding-mode resize { binding x close; binding x none; }",
+            "binding-mode resize { binding Escape none; }",
+            "binding-mode resize { binding Super+Escape none; }",
+            "binding-mode resize { binding ESC none match=\"physical\"; }",
+            "input { xkb-options \"caps:escape\"; }\nbinding-mode resize { binding CAPS none match=\"physical\"; }",
+            "binding-mode resize { binding Swipe3Left none; }",
+            "binding-mode resize { binding x disabled=#true; }",
+            "binding-mode resize fallback=#true {}",
+        ] {
+            assert!(
+                Config::parse_source(source)
+                    .and_then(|config| config.runtime_config())
+                    .is_err(),
+                "{source}"
+            );
+        }
+    }
+}

compositor/src/input.rs

@@ -25,6 +25,9 @@ use crate::process::spawn_client;
 const BTN_LEFT: u32 = 0x110;
 const BTN_RIGHT: u32 = 0x111;
 
+#[cfg(test)]
+pub(crate) mod binding_mode_tests;
+
 pub(crate) struct LockedPointerHint {
     pub(crate) surface: WlSurface,
     pub(crate) local: Point<f64, Logical>,
@@ -110,6 +113,9 @@ impl Ferese {
     }
 
     pub fn process_input_event<I: InputBackend>(&mut self, event: InputEvent<I>) {
+        if self.input_capture.active() {
+            self.set_binding_mode("default");
+        }
         let seat = self.seat.clone();
         self.idle_notifier_state.notify_activity(&seat);
         if !matches!(
@@ -286,15 +292,59 @@ impl Ferese {
                             }
                         }
                         if state == KeyState::Released {
+                            data.binding_mode_pressed.remove(&keycode);
+                            data.binding_mode_repeats.remove(&keycode);
                             data.portal_shortcuts.release(keycode, Event::time(&event));
                             if data.intercepted_keys.remove(&keycode) {
                                 return FilterResult::Intercept(());
                             }
+                            if data.input_capture.captures(1) {
+                                data.input_capture.push(serde_json::json!({"type":"key", "key":keycode.raw().saturating_sub(8), "pressed":false}));
+                            }
+                            // Ownership comes from the press, never from the
+                            // current mode or modifiers at release time.
+                            return FilterResult::Forward;
+                        }
+                        let raw_symbols = keysym.raw_syms().into_iter().map(|symbol| symbol.raw()).collect::<Vec<_>>();
+                        if !data.binding_mode_pressed.insert(keycode) {
+                            // A held key belongs to the recipient of its first
+                            // press, even when a mode or configuration changes.
+                            return if data.intercepted_keys.contains(&keycode) {
+                                if !data.session_lock.active() && !data.input_capture.active()
+                                    && !data.seat.keyboard_shortcuts_inhibited()
+                                    && let Some(binding) = data.binding_mode_repeats.get(&keycode)
+                                        .filter(|binding| binding.matches(keycode, &raw_symbols,
+                                            modifiers.logo, modifiers.ctrl, modifiers.alt, modifiers.shift))
+                                        .cloned()
+                                {
+                                    let action = binding.action;
+                                    if let BindingAction::FocusMru(reverse) = action {
+                                        data.cycle_focus(reverse, modifiers.alt);
+                                    } else {
+                                        data.execute_binding(action);
+                                    }
+                                }
+                                FilterResult::Intercept(())
+                            } else {
+                                FilterResult::Forward
+                            };
                         }
                         if data.session_lock.active() {
                             return FilterResult::Forward;
                         }
                         let symbol = keysym.modified_sym().raw();
+                        if data.binding_modes.active().is_some() && symbol == keysyms::KEY_Escape {
+                            if state == KeyState::Pressed {
+                                data.intercepted_keys.insert(keycode);
+                                if emergency_shortcut_escape(symbol, modifiers.ctrl, modifiers.alt)
+                                    && let Some(inhibitor) = data.active_shortcuts_inhibitor.take()
+                                {
+                                    inhibitor.inactivate();
+                                }
+                                data.set_binding_mode("default");
+                            }
+                            return FilterResult::Intercept(());
+                        }
                         if data.focus_cycle.is_some() && symbol == keysyms::KEY_Escape {
                             if state == KeyState::Pressed {
                                 data.intercepted_keys.insert(keycode);
@@ -362,12 +412,7 @@ impl Ferese {
                             return FilterResult::Intercept(());
                         }
 
-                        let raw_symbols = keysym
-                            .raw_syms()
-                            .into_iter()
-                            .map(|symbol| symbol.raw())
-                            .collect::<Vec<_>>();
-                        let action = data.bindings.action_for_key(
+                        let binding = data.binding_modes.bindings(&data.bindings).binding_for_key(
                             keycode,
                             &raw_symbols,
                             modifiers.logo,
@@ -377,7 +422,7 @@ impl Ferese {
                         );
                         if data.focus_cycle.is_some()
                             && state == KeyState::Pressed
-                            && !matches!(action, Some(BindingAction::FocusMru(_)))
+                            && !matches!(binding.map(|binding| &binding.action), Some(BindingAction::FocusMru(_)))
                             && !matches!(symbol,
                                 keysyms::KEY_Alt_L | keysyms::KEY_Alt_R
                                 | keysyms::KEY_Shift_L | keysyms::KEY_Shift_R
@@ -387,8 +432,9 @@ impl Ferese {
                             data.intercepted_keys.insert(keycode);
                             return FilterResult::Intercept(());
                         }
-                        let Some(action) = action else {
+                        let Some(binding) = binding else {
                             if state == KeyState::Pressed
+                                && data.binding_modes.active().is_none()
                                 && data.portal_shortcuts.press(
                                     keycode,
                                     &raw_symbols,
@@ -404,7 +450,10 @@ impl Ferese {
 
                         if state == KeyState::Pressed {
                             data.intercepted_keys.insert(keycode);
-                            let action = action.clone();
+                            let action = binding.action.clone();
+                            if !matches!(action, BindingAction::BindingMode(_)) {
+                                data.binding_mode_repeats.insert(keycode, binding.clone());
+                            }
 
                             if let BindingAction::FocusMru(reverse) = action {
                                 data.cycle_focus(reverse, modifiers.alt);
@@ -1083,6 +1132,7 @@ impl Ferese {
     fn execute_binding(&mut self, action: BindingAction) {
         match action {
             BindingAction::None => {}
+            BindingAction::BindingMode(name) => self.set_binding_mode(&name),
             BindingAction::Spawn(argv) => {
                 if let Some(child) =
                     spawn_client(self, argv.iter(), crate::private_client::ClientCapabilities::default())
@@ -1128,6 +1178,20 @@ impl Ferese {
             }
         }
     }
+
+    pub(crate) fn set_binding_mode(&mut self, name: &str) {
+        if name != "default" && (self.session_lock.active() || self.input_capture.active()) {
+            return;
+        }
+        if name == "default" {
+            self.binding_mode_repeats.clear();
+        }
+        if self.binding_modes.set(name) {
+            self.binding_mode_repeats.clear();
+            self.cancel_focus_cycle();
+            self.send_shell_snapshots();
+        }
+    }
 }
 
 fn surface_tree_position(

compositor/src/input/binding_mode_tests.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,244 @@
+use super::*;
+use smithay::backend::input::UnusedEvent;
+use smithay::backend::winit::WinitVirtualDevice;
+use smithay::input::keyboard::Keycode;
+use smithay::reexports::{calloop::EventLoop, wayland_server::Display};
+
+#[derive(Debug)]
+struct TestInput;
+
+impl InputBackend for TestInput {
+    type Device = WinitVirtualDevice;
+    type PointerButtonEvent = UnusedEvent;
+    type KeyboardKeyEvent = TestKey;
+    type PointerAxisEvent = UnusedEvent;
+    type PointerMotionEvent = UnusedEvent;
+    type PointerMotionAbsoluteEvent = UnusedEvent;
+    type GestureSwipeBeginEvent = UnusedEvent;
+    type GestureSwipeUpdateEvent = UnusedEvent;
+    type GestureSwipeEndEvent = UnusedEvent;
+    type GesturePinchBeginEvent = UnusedEvent;
+    type GesturePinchUpdateEvent = UnusedEvent;
+    type GesturePinchEndEvent = UnusedEvent;
+    type GestureHoldBeginEvent = UnusedEvent;
+    type GestureHoldEndEvent = UnusedEvent;
+    type TouchDownEvent = UnusedEvent;
+    type TouchUpEvent = UnusedEvent;
+    type TouchMotionEvent = UnusedEvent;
+    type TouchCancelEvent = UnusedEvent;
+    type TouchFrameEvent = UnusedEvent;
+    type TabletToolAxisEvent = UnusedEvent;
+    type TabletToolProximityEvent = UnusedEvent;
+    type TabletToolTipEvent = UnusedEvent;
+    type TabletToolButtonEvent = UnusedEvent;
+    type SwitchToggleEvent = UnusedEvent;
+    type SpecialEvent = UnusedEvent;
+}
+
+#[derive(Debug)]
+struct TestKey(Keycode, KeyState);
+impl Event<TestInput> for TestKey {
+    fn time(&self) -> u64 {
+        1_000
+    }
+    fn device(&self) -> WinitVirtualDevice {
+        WinitVirtualDevice
+    }
+}
+impl KeyboardKeyEvent<TestInput> for TestKey {
+    fn key_code(&self) -> Keycode {
+        self.0
+    }
+    fn state(&self) -> KeyState {
+        self.1
+    }
+    fn count(&self) -> u32 {
+        1
+    }
+}
+pub(crate) fn key(state: &mut Ferese, code: u32, pressed: bool) {
+    state.process_input_event::<TestInput>(InputEvent::Keyboard {
+        event: TestKey(
+            Keycode::new(code),
+            if pressed { KeyState::Pressed } else { KeyState::Released },
+        ),
+    });
+}
+fn tap(state: &mut Ferese, code: u32) {
+    key(state, code, true);
+    key(state, code, false);
+}
+const SOURCE: &str = r#"
+binding "Super+r" binding-mode resize
+binding-mode resize { binding h resize left; binding l binding-mode launch; }
+binding-mode launch { binding h binding-mode default; }
+"#;
+fn state(events: &mut EventLoop<'static, Ferese>) -> Ferese {
+    let (_, mut config, _) = crate::config::prepare(SOURCE, std::path::Path::new(".")).unwrap();
+    config.wallpaper.path = None;
+    let mut state = Ferese::new(events, Display::new().unwrap(), config).unwrap();
+    state.config_source = Some(SOURCE.into());
+    let mut sections = ferese_config::Document::parse(SOURCE).unwrap().value().clone();
+    sections.as_object_mut().unwrap().remove("theme");
+    state.config_sections = Some(sections);
+    state
+}
+#[test]
+fn keyboard_modes_pair_releases_and_handle_held_modifiers_and_keys() {
+    if !crate::startup_tests::private_runtime(
+        "input::binding_mode_tests::keyboard_modes_pair_releases_and_handle_held_modifiers_and_keys",
+    ) {
+        return;
+    }
+    let mut events = EventLoop::try_new().unwrap();
+    let mut state = state(&mut events);
+    // Enter with Super held. A new unmodified mode shortcut must not match
+    // until the modifier is released; Escape remains usable throughout.
+    key(&mut state, 133, true);
+    key(&mut state, 27, true);
+    assert_eq!(state.binding_modes.active(), Some("resize"));
+    assert!(state.intercepted_keys.contains(&Keycode::new(27)));
+    tap(&mut state, 46); // Super+l does not switch to launch.
+    assert_eq!(state.binding_modes.active(), Some("resize"));
+    tap(&mut state, 9); // Super+Escape always leaves.
+    assert_eq!(state.binding_modes.active(), None);
+    key(&mut state, 27, false);
+    key(&mut state, 133, false);
+    assert!(state.intercepted_keys.is_empty());
+
+    // An application-owned h stays application-owned after entering a mode.
+    key(&mut state, 43, true);
+    state.set_binding_mode("launch");
+    key(&mut state, 43, true);
+    assert_eq!(state.binding_modes.active(), Some("launch"));
+    assert!(!state.intercepted_keys.contains(&Keycode::new(43)));
+    key(&mut state, 43, false);
+    assert_eq!(state.binding_modes.active(), Some("launch"));
+    tap(&mut state, 43);
+    assert_eq!(state.binding_modes.active(), None);
+
+    // A consumed resize key retains release ownership across an explicit exit.
+    state.set_binding_mode("resize");
+    key(&mut state, 43, true);
+    assert!(state.intercepted_keys.contains(&Keycode::new(43)));
+    tap(&mut state, 9);
+    assert!(state.intercepted_keys.contains(&Keycode::new(43)));
+    key(&mut state, 43, false);
+    assert!(state.intercepted_keys.is_empty());
+    assert!(state.binding_mode_pressed.is_empty());
+    key(&mut state, 9, true);
+    state.set_binding_mode("launch");
+    key(&mut state, 9, false);
+    assert_eq!(
+        state.binding_modes.active(),
+        Some("launch"),
+        "an application-owned Escape release cannot exit a new mode"
+    );
+    tap(&mut state, 9);
+    assert_eq!(state.binding_modes.active(), None);
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn reload_transitions_cancel_modes_without_losing_key_ownership() {
+    if !crate::startup_tests::private_runtime(
+        "input::binding_mode_tests::reload_transitions_cancel_modes_without_losing_key_ownership",
+    ) {
+        return;
+    }
+    let mut events = EventLoop::try_new().unwrap();
+    let mut state = state(&mut events);
+    state.set_binding_mode("resize");
+    key(&mut state, 43, true);
+    assert!(state.reload_config_source("binding-mode default {}".into()).is_err());
+    assert_eq!(state.binding_modes.active(), Some("resize"));
+    assert!(state.intercepted_keys.contains(&Keycode::new(43)));
+    state
+        .reload_config_source(format!("{SOURCE}\nanimations {{ speed 0.75; }}"))
+        .unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(
+        state.binding_modes.active(),
+        Some("resize"),
+        "unrelated reload preserves mode"
+    );
+    state
+        .reload_config_source(format!("{SOURCE}\ninput {{ repeat-rate 30; }}"))
+        .unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(state.binding_modes.active(), None, "input reload exits mode");
+    state.set_binding_mode("resize");
+    state
+        .reload_config_source("binding-mode launch { binding t spawn terminal; }".into())
+        .unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(state.binding_modes.active(), None);
+    assert!(!state.binding_modes.set("resize"));
+    key(&mut state, 43, false);
+    assert!(state.intercepted_keys.is_empty());
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn escape_exits_with_every_modifier_combination() {
+    if !crate::startup_tests::private_runtime("input::binding_mode_tests::escape_exits_with_every_modifier_combination")
+    {
+        return;
+    }
+    let mut events = EventLoop::try_new().unwrap();
+    let mut state = state(&mut events);
+    let modifiers = [133, 37, 64, 50]; // Super, Ctrl, Alt, Shift.
+    for bits in 0..16 {
+        state.set_binding_mode("resize");
+        for (bit, code) in modifiers.iter().enumerate() {
+            if bits & (1 << bit) != 0 {
+                key(&mut state, *code, true);
+            }
+        }
+        tap(&mut state, 9);
+        assert_eq!(state.binding_modes.active(), None, "modifiers={bits:04b}");
+        for (bit, code) in modifiers.iter().enumerate() {
+            if bits & (1 << bit) != 0 {
+                key(&mut state, *code, false);
+            }
+        }
+        assert!(state.intercepted_keys.is_empty());
+        assert!(state.binding_mode_pressed.is_empty());
+    }
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn input_capture_exits_modes_and_prevents_reentry() {
+    if !crate::startup_tests::private_runtime(
+        "input::binding_mode_tests::input_capture_exits_modes_and_prevents_reentry",
+    ) {
+        return;
+    }
+    use crate::input_capture::{Barrier, Zone};
+    let mut events = EventLoop::try_new().unwrap();
+    let mut state = state(&mut events);
+    state.set_binding_mode("resize");
+    state.input_capture.update_zones(vec![Zone {
+        width: 800,
+        height: 600,
+        x: 0,
+        y: 0,
+    }]);
+    let id = state.input_capture.register(1, 3).unwrap();
+    let zone_set = state.input_capture.zones(id).unwrap()["zone_set"].as_u64().unwrap() as u32;
+    state
+        .input_capture
+        .set_barriers(
+            id,
+            zone_set,
+            vec![Barrier {
+                id: 1,
+                position: [800, 0, 800, 599],
+            }],
+        )
+        .unwrap();
+    state.input_capture.enable(id).unwrap();
+    assert!(state.input_capture.motion((799., 50.), (810., 50.), true));
+    crate::after_dispatch_with_redraw(&mut state, |_, _| {});
+    assert_eq!(state.binding_modes.active(), None);
+    state.set_binding_mode("resize");
+    assert_eq!(state.binding_modes.active(), None);
+    state.input_capture.disable(id).unwrap();
+    crate::after_dispatch_with_redraw(&mut state, |_, _| {});
+    assert_eq!(state.binding_modes.active(), None);
+}

compositor/src/input_capture.rs

@@ -491,6 +491,7 @@ impl crate::Ferese {
             (to.x - from.x, to.y - from.y)
         };
         if !active {
+            self.set_binding_mode("default");
             self.cursor_redraw_pending = true;
             pointer.motion(
                 self,

compositor/src/ipc.rs

@@ -1104,7 +1104,8 @@ impl Ferese {
             "get-keybindings" => {
                 let map = crate::config::physical_keymap(&self.input_settings).ok();
                 return Ok(json!(
-                    self.bindings
+                    self.binding_modes
+                        .bindings(&self.bindings)
                         .iter()
                         .filter_map(|binding| binding.guide_entry(map.as_ref()))
                         .take(256)

compositor/src/main.rs

@@ -203,6 +203,9 @@ fn after_dispatch_with_redraw(state: &mut Ferese, mut redraw: impl FnMut(&mut Fe
     state.process_pending_dmabuf_imports();
     state.update_named_cursor(std::time::Instant::now());
     state.poll_theme();
+    if state.session_lock.active() || state.input_capture.active() {
+        state.set_binding_mode("default");
+    }
     // The decoder wakes the loop after publishing its result, including
     // when no output has a pending frame.
     let wallpaper_changed = state.wallpaper.poll();

compositor/src/session_lock.rs

@@ -434,6 +434,7 @@ impl SessionLockHandler for Ferese {
         // Replacing an orphan never passes through Unlocked. Existing protected
         // presentation facts remain valid, but old surfaces must not own input.
         self.session_lock.lifecycle = Lifecycle::Acquiring(confirmation);
+        self.set_binding_mode("default");
         self.capture_epoch = self.capture_epoch.wrapping_add(1);
         self.session_lock.surfaces.clear();
         self.cancel_logout_confirmation();
@@ -472,7 +473,6 @@ impl SessionLockHandler for Ferese {
         let keyboard = self.seat.get_keyboard().unwrap();
         keyboard.unset_grab(self);
         keyboard.set_focus(self, None, serial);
-        self.intercepted_keys.clear();
         self.lock_input_activity();
         self.confirm_lock_if_ready();
         crate::backends::direct::render_all(self);

compositor/src/session_lock/tests.rs

@@ -344,6 +344,31 @@ fn request(wire: &mut UnixStream, object: u32, opcode: u32, args: &[u32]) {
     }
 }
 
+#[test]
+fn locking_exits_binding_modes_and_retains_consumed_release_ownership() {
+    let Some(mut fixture) =
+        Fixture::new("session_lock::tests::locking_exits_binding_modes_and_retains_consumed_release_ownership")
+    else {
+        return;
+    };
+    fixture
+        .state
+        .reload_config_source("binding-mode resize { binding h resize left; }".into())
+        .unwrap();
+    fixture.state.set_binding_mode("resize");
+    crate::input::binding_mode_tests::key(&mut fixture.state, 43, true);
+    let code = smithay::input::keyboard::Keycode::new(43);
+    assert!(fixture.state.intercepted_keys.contains(&code));
+    let mut locker = fixture.acquire();
+    locker.expect_locked();
+    assert_eq!(fixture.state.binding_modes.active(), None);
+    assert!(fixture.state.intercepted_keys.contains(&code));
+    crate::input::binding_mode_tests::key(&mut fixture.state, 43, false);
+    assert!(!fixture.state.intercepted_keys.contains(&code));
+    fixture.state.unlock();
+    assert_eq!(fixture.state.binding_modes.active(), None);
+}
+
 #[test]
 fn lock_confirms_without_outputs() {
     let Some(mut fixture) = Fixture::new("session_lock::tests::lock_confirms_without_outputs") else {

compositor/src/shell_control.rs

@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ use crate::private_client::ClientCapabilities;
 use crate::state::ClientState;
 
 pub(crate) fn init_global(display: &DisplayHandle) {
-    display.create_global::<Ferese, FereseShellManagerV1, _>(8, ());
+    display.create_global::<Ferese, FereseShellManagerV1, _>(9, ());
 }
 
 pub(crate) fn config_chunks(source: &str) -> Vec<&str> {
@@ -339,7 +339,9 @@ impl Ferese {
     }
 
     fn shell_snapshot_matches(&self, snapshot: &ShellSnapshot) -> bool {
-        if snapshot.workspace_preview_revision != self.workspace_preview_revision {
+        if snapshot.workspace_preview_revision != self.workspace_preview_revision
+            || snapshot.binding_mode.as_deref() != self.binding_modes.active()
+        {
             return false;
         }
         let mut outputs = self.output_workspaces.connected_outputs();
@@ -409,6 +411,7 @@ impl Ferese {
 
     fn shell_snapshot(&self) -> ShellSnapshot {
         ShellSnapshot {
+            binding_mode: self.binding_modes.active().map(str::to_owned),
             workspace_preview_revision: self.workspace_preview_revision,
             outputs: self.output_snapshots(),
             workspaces: self.workspace_snapshots(),
@@ -553,6 +556,7 @@ enum ShellWindowAction {
 
 #[derive(Clone, Debug, PartialEq)]
 pub(crate) struct ShellSnapshot {
+    binding_mode: Option<String>,
     workspace_preview_revision: u64,
     outputs: Vec<OutputSnapshot>,
     workspaces: Vec<WorkspaceSnapshot>,
@@ -562,6 +566,9 @@ pub(crate) struct ShellSnapshot {
 impl ShellSnapshot {
     fn send(&self, shell: &FereseShellV1, serial: u32) {
         shell.snapshot_begin(serial);
+        if shell.version() >= 9 {
+            shell.binding_mode(self.binding_mode.clone().unwrap_or_default());
+        }
         for output in &self.outputs {
             let (output_hi, output_lo) = split_id(output.id.0);
             let (workspace_hi, workspace_lo) = split_id(output.active_workspace.0);
@@ -809,6 +816,7 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn snapshot_deduplication_preserves_shell_visible_changes() {
         let original = ShellSnapshot {
+            binding_mode: None,
             workspace_preview_revision: 0,
             outputs: vec![OutputSnapshot {
                 bounds: None,
@@ -838,6 +846,7 @@ mod tests {
         };
         assert_eq!(original, original.clone());
         let changes: &[fn(&mut ShellSnapshot)] = &[
+            |s| s.binding_mode = Some("resize".into()),
             |s| s.workspace_preview_revision += 1,
             |s| s.outputs[0].focused = false,
             |s| s.outputs[0].active_workspace = WorkspaceId(2),

compositor/src/state.rs

@@ -461,6 +461,9 @@ pub struct Ferese {
     gap_config: GapConfig,
     pub(crate) input_settings: InputSettings,
     pub(crate) bindings: BindingSet,
+    pub(crate) binding_modes: crate::config::BindingModes,
+    pub(crate) binding_mode_pressed: HashSet<Keycode>,
+    pub(crate) binding_mode_repeats: HashMap<Keycode, crate::config::Binding>,
     workspace_auto_back_and_forth: bool,
     pub(crate) window_rules: Vec<WindowRule>,
     pub(crate) theme_settings: ThemeSettings,
@@ -560,6 +563,7 @@ pub struct RuntimeConfig {
     pub gap_config: GapConfig,
     pub input_settings: InputSettings,
     pub bindings: Vec<Binding>,
+    pub(crate) binding_modes: crate::config::BindingModes,
     pub workspace_auto_back_and_forth: bool,
     pub window_rules: Vec<WindowRule>,
     pub theme_settings: ThemeSettings,
@@ -750,6 +754,9 @@ impl Ferese {
             gap_config: config.gap_config,
             input_settings: config.input_settings,
             bindings: config.bindings.into(),
+            binding_modes: config.binding_modes,
+            binding_mode_pressed: HashSet::new(),
+            binding_mode_repeats: HashMap::new(),
             workspace_auto_back_and_forth: config.workspace_auto_back_and_forth,
             window_rules: config.window_rules,
             theme_settings: config.theme_settings,
@@ -862,7 +869,7 @@ impl Ferese {
         }
 
         let layout_changed = changed(&["layout", "scrolling", "workspaces"]);
-        let bindings_changed = changed(&["bindings", "commands"]);
+        let bindings_changed = changed(&["bindings", "binding_modes", "commands"]);
         let input_changed = changed(&["input"]);
         let daemons_changed = changed(&["autostart"]);
         let lock_changed = changed(&["lock_screen"]);
@@ -946,8 +953,12 @@ impl Ferese {
         }
         self.gap_config = config.gap_config;
         self.input_settings = config.input_settings;
-        if bindings_changed {
+        if bindings_changed || input_changed {
+            self.binding_mode_repeats.clear();
             self.bindings = config.bindings.into();
+            self.binding_modes = config.binding_modes;
+            self.cancel_focus_cycle();
+            self.send_shell_snapshots();
         }
         self.workspace_auto_back_and_forth = config.workspace_auto_back_and_forth;
         if bindings_changed || input_changed {

compositor/src/state/window_lifecycle_tests.rs

@@ -844,3 +844,135 @@ fn window_rule_minimum_size_replaces_the_client_advertised_minimum() {
         (800, 600)
     );
 }
+
+#[test]
+fn resize_binding_mode_repeats_resize_a_mapped_window_and_stop_on_escape() {
+    if !crate::startup_tests::private_runtime(
+        "state::window_lifecycle_tests::resize_binding_mode_repeats_resize_a_mapped_window_and_stop_on_escape",
+    ) {
+        return;
+    }
+    use crate::input::binding_mode_tests::key;
+    let (mut events, mut state, _) = fixture();
+    state
+        .reload_config_source("binding-mode resize { binding h resize left; }".into())
+        .unwrap();
+    let (window, _wire) = window(&mut state, &mut events, 0xff112233);
+    let id = state.windows.ids()[&window];
+    state.toggle_focused_floating();
+    state
+        .workspaces
+        .set_floating_rect(id, Rect::new(120., 100., 224., 128.))
+        .unwrap();
+    state.relayout_window(id);
+    state.set_binding_mode("resize");
+    key(&mut state, 43, true);
+    assert_eq!(
+        state.workspaces.placement(id),
+        Some(WindowPlacement::Floating {
+            rect: Rect::new(120., 100., 192., 128.)
+        })
+    );
+    key(&mut state, 43, true);
+    assert_eq!(
+        state.workspaces.placement(id),
+        Some(WindowPlacement::Floating {
+            rect: Rect::new(120., 100., 160., 128.)
+        })
+    );
+    key(&mut state, 9, true);
+    key(&mut state, 9, false);
+    key(&mut state, 43, true);
+    assert_eq!(
+        state.workspaces.placement(id),
+        Some(WindowPlacement::Floating {
+            rect: Rect::new(120., 100., 160., 128.)
+        })
+    );
+    key(&mut state, 43, false);
+    assert!(state.intercepted_keys.is_empty());
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn resize_binding_mode_repeats_require_the_original_modifiers() {
+    if !crate::startup_tests::private_runtime(
+        "state::window_lifecycle_tests::resize_binding_mode_repeats_require_the_original_modifiers",
+    ) {
+        return;
+    }
+    use crate::input::binding_mode_tests::key;
+    let (mut events, mut state, _) = fixture();
+    state
+        .reload_config_source("binding-mode resize { binding h resize left; }".into())
+        .unwrap();
+    let (window, _wire) = window(&mut state, &mut events, 0xff112233);
+    let id = state.windows.ids()[&window];
+    state.toggle_focused_floating();
+    state
+        .workspaces
+        .set_floating_rect(id, Rect::new(120., 100., 320., 128.))
+        .unwrap();
+    state.relayout_window(id);
+    state.set_binding_mode("resize");
+    key(&mut state, 43, true);
+    let resized = state.workspaces.placement(id);
+    key(&mut state, 133, true);
+    key(&mut state, 43, true);
+    assert_eq!(
+        state.workspaces.placement(id),
+        resized,
+        "Super+h is not a resize-mode chord"
+    );
+    assert!(
+        state
+            .intercepted_keys
+            .contains(&smithay::input::keyboard::Keycode::new(43))
+    );
+    key(&mut state, 133, false);
+    key(&mut state, 43, true);
+    assert_eq!(
+        state.workspaces.placement(id),
+        Some(WindowPlacement::Floating {
+            rect: Rect::new(120., 100., 256., 128.),
+        })
+    );
+    key(&mut state, 43, false);
+    assert!(state.intercepted_keys.is_empty());
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn reloading_mode_bindings_cancels_the_modes_focus_preview() {
+    if !crate::startup_tests::private_runtime(
+        "state::window_lifecycle_tests::reloading_mode_bindings_cancels_the_modes_focus_preview",
+    ) {
+        return;
+    }
+    use crate::input::binding_mode_tests::key;
+    let (mut events, mut state, _) = fixture();
+    let source = "binding-mode cycle { binding Alt+Tab focus-mru-next; }";
+    state.reload_config_source(source.into()).unwrap();
+    let (_first, _first_wire) = window(&mut state, &mut events, 0xff112233);
+    let (_second, _second_wire) = window(&mut state, &mut events, 0xff223344);
+    let origin = state.focused_window;
+    state.set_binding_mode("cycle");
+    key(&mut state, 64, true);
+    key(&mut state, 23, true);
+    assert!(state.focus_cycle.is_some());
+    state
+        .reload_config_source(format!("{source}\ninput {{ repeat-rate 30; }}"))
+        .unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(state.binding_modes.active(), None);
+    assert!(
+        state.focus_cycle.is_none(),
+        "the exited mode cannot keep its focus preview"
+    );
+    assert_eq!(state.focused_window, origin);
+    assert!(
+        state
+            .intercepted_keys
+            .contains(&smithay::input::keyboard::Keycode::new(23))
+    );
+    key(&mut state, 23, false);
+    key(&mut state, 64, false);
+    assert!(state.intercepted_keys.is_empty());
+}

crates/ferese-config/src/lib.rs

@@ -76,6 +76,7 @@ fn field(name: &str, parent: &str) -> String {
 
     match name {
         "binding" => "bindings".into(),
+        "binding-mode" => "binding_modes".into(),
         "window-rule" => "window_rules".into(),
         "output-profile" => "output_profiles".into(),
         "output" => "outputs".into(),
@@ -91,8 +92,9 @@ fn is_records(key: &str, parent: &str) -> bool {
         (parent, key),
         (
             "",
-            "bindings" | "window_rules" | "output_profiles" | "autostart" | "panels"
+            "bindings" | "binding_modes" | "window_rules" | "output_profiles" | "autostart" | "panels"
         ) | ("output_profiles", "outputs")
+            | ("binding_modes", "bindings")
             | ("start" | "center" | "end", "groups")
             | ("groups", "items")
     )
@@ -185,6 +187,7 @@ fn node_value(node: &KdlNode, key: &str, parent: &str) -> Result<Value, Error> {
         }
         let positional: &[&str] = match key {
             "bindings" => &["keys", "action", "argument"],
+            "binding_modes" => &["name"],
             "output_profiles" => &["name"],
             "outputs" => &["match"],
             "panels" | "groups" | "items" => &["id"],
@@ -704,6 +707,7 @@ fn set_in(doc: &mut KdlDocument, parts: &[&str], parent: &str, value: Value) ->
         if rest.len() == 1 {
             let positions: &[&str] = match key {
                 "bindings" => &["keys", "action", "argument"],
+                "binding_modes" => &["name"],
                 "outputs" => &["match"],
                 "output_profiles" => &["name"],
                 "panels" | "groups" | "items" => &["id"],
@@ -795,6 +799,7 @@ fn node_name(key: &str, parent: &str) -> String {
 
     match key {
         "bindings" => "binding".into(),
+        "binding_modes" => "binding-mode".into(),
         "window_rules" => "window-rule".into(),
         "output_profiles" => "output-profile".into(),
         "outputs" => "output".into(),
@@ -812,6 +817,7 @@ fn value_node(key: &str, value: &Value, parent: &str) -> Result<KdlNode, Error>
         Value::Object(map) => {
             let positions: &[&str] = match key {
                 "bindings" => &["keys", "action", "argument"],
+                "binding_modes" => &["name"],
                 "output_profiles" => &["name"],
                 "outputs" => &["match"],
                 "panels" | "groups" | "items" => &["id"],
@@ -880,6 +886,21 @@ pub fn from_str<T: DeserializeOwned>(source: &str) -> Result<T, Error> {
 #[cfg(test)]
 mod tests {
     use super::*;
+
+    #[test]
+    fn named_binding_modes_round_trip_and_keep_nested_bindings_editable() {
+        let mut document = super::Document::parse(
+            "binding-mode resize { binding h resize left; binding l resize right; }\nbinding-mode launch { binding t spawn terminal; }\n",
+        ).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(document.get("binding_modes.0.name").unwrap(), "resize");
+        assert_eq!(document.get("binding_modes.1.bindings.0.argument").unwrap(), "terminal");
+        document
+            .set("binding_modes.0.bindings.0.argument", "up".into())
+            .unwrap();
+        let reparsed = super::Document::parse(&document.to_string()).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(reparsed.get("binding_modes.0.bindings.0.argument").unwrap(), "up");
+        assert_eq!(reparsed.get("binding_modes.0.bindings.1.argument").unwrap(), "right");
+    }
     #[test]
     fn adopting_appearance_modes_preserves_legacy_colors_and_comments() {
         let mut document = Document::parse(

docs/configuration.md

@@ -525,6 +525,7 @@ invalid. A disabled binding must omit `action` and `argument`.
 | Actions | Argument |
 | --- | --- |
 | `spawn` | Name in `commands` |
+| `binding-mode` | Named mode, or `"default"` to leave it |
 | `focus`, `move`, `resize` | `"left"`, `"right"`, `"up"`, `"down"` |
 | `workspace`, `move-to-workspace` | Workspace number string, 1–255 |
 | `workspace-next`, `workspace-previous` | None; next/previous workspace on this monitor |
@@ -547,6 +548,65 @@ binding keys="Super+V" action="focus-floating"
 changing placement. It stays on the active workspace and does nothing when the
 opposite layer has no candidate. `toggle-floating` changes window placement.
 
+### Binding modes
+
+Named modes provide a separate keyboard map for resizing, launching, or other
+sets of actions. No modes are enabled by default. For example:
+
+```kdl
+binding "Super+Shift+r" "binding-mode" "resize"
+binding "Super+Shift+Return" "binding-mode" "launch"
+binding-mode "resize" {
+    binding "h" "resize" "left"
+    binding "j" "resize" "down"
+    binding "k" "resize" "up"
+    binding "l" "resize" "right"
+    binding "Return" "binding-mode" "default"
+}
+binding-mode "launch" {
+    binding "t" "spawn" "terminal"
+    binding "r" "binding-mode" "resize"
+    binding "Return" "binding-mode" "default"
+}
+```
+
+Release the entry chord's modifiers before using an unmodified mode binding.
+Modifiers keep their usual exact matching semantics; entering a mode never
+changes the application's modifier state. Escape exits with any modifiers held
+and cannot be overridden inside a mode. The bar shows the active name and Escape
+hint, including over fullscreen windows, and restores its ordinary contents on
+exit. Long names truncate to keep the exit hint visible. Mode changes reach the
+shell through its existing snapshot protocol.
+
+Entering a mode closes panel popovers and workspace tooltips. An expanded Morph
+panel collapses and releases keyboard focus. Hover, activity updates, and queued
+menu requests cannot reopen it while the mode indicator is displayed.
+Live Activities continue updating their data, but leave the hidden Morph panel's
+geometry unchanged until the mode exits.
+
+Mode bindings replace the default keyboard map while active. Unmatched keys
+reach the focused application; default compositor bindings and portal shortcuts
+do not run as fallbacks. Gestures keep the default configuration. Normal shortcut
+inhibition still applies, with Escape available to leave the mode. A mode remains
+active across actions and focus/workspace changes until explicitly changed or
+exited; launching an application does not implicitly leave it.
+
+Each mode must have a unique name of 1–48 ASCII letters, digits, underscores, or
+hyphens. `default` is reserved. Mode bindings accept the same actions and physical
+key matching as ordinary bindings; swipes, disabled records, duplicate chords,
+and Escape bindings are rejected, including physical keys remapped to Escape.
+References to undefined modes reject the configuration before it is applied.
+
+An accepted change to bindings, modes, commands, or input settings returns to
+default and closes any focus preview. Unrelated reloads preserve the mode;
+rejected reloads keep the previous configuration and mode. Locking, input capture,
+and session suspension also exit.
+The first press owns its matching release across these transitions. Held keys
+are never reinterpreted by a new mode; consumed releases stay consumed. Repeated
+presses retain their original action and repeat only while its chord still
+matches. A mode/configuration transition stops that action's repeats.
+`feresectl keybindings` lists the active keyboard map.
+
 Defaults: Super+Enter terminal; Super+Q close; Super+H/J/K/L focus;
 Super+Shift+H/J/K/L move; Super+Ctrl+H/J/K/L resize; Super+1–9 workspace;
 Super+Shift+1–9 move to workspace; Super+R width cycle; Super+C center;

docs/ipc.md

@@ -1,5 +1,9 @@
 # feresectl and IPC events
 
+`feresectl keybindings` lists the active binding mode's shortcuts. Outside a
+mode it lists the configured default shortcuts. Escape is always available to
+leave a mode; see [Binding modes](configuration.md#binding-modes).
+
 `feresectl` controls a running Ferese session. Run `feresectl --help` for commands
 and `feresectl COMMAND --help` for arguments.
 

protocols/ferese-shell-v1.xml

@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
     DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.
   </copyright>
 
-  <interface name="ferese_shell_manager_v1" version="8">
+  <interface name="ferese_shell_manager_v1" version="9">
     <description summary="create a capability-scoped Ferese shell controller">
       This private global is visible only to clients granted the shell-control
       capability. It does not assign a Wayland surface role.
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
     <request name="destroy" type="destructor"/>
   </interface>
 
-  <interface name="ferese_shell_v1" version="8">
+  <interface name="ferese_shell_v1" version="9">
     <description summary="managed-window metadata and shell control">
       Window, workspace, and output identifiers are unsigned 64-bit values
       encoded as high and low 32-bit words. Each snapshot atomically replaces
@@ -205,5 +205,13 @@
       <arg name="workspace_hi" type="uint"/>
       <arg name="workspace_lo" type="uint"/>
     </request>
+    <event name="binding_mode" since="9">
+      <description summary="active keyboard binding mode inside a snapshot">
+        Sent between snapshot_begin and snapshot_end. An empty name denotes
+        the default bindings. Other names must be displayed with an Escape exit
+        hint until the next snapshot replaces them.
+      </description>
+      <arg name="name" type="string"/>
+    </event>
   </interface>
 </protocol>

shell/ferese-shell/src/activities.rs

@@ -381,15 +381,17 @@ impl FereseShell {
             }
             // Compact ranking changes must not replay the expanded panel's
             // crossfade: its live rows update in place, preserving focus/scroll.
-            if before != runtime.activities.selection.visible
-                && matches!(
-                    runtime.hub.mode(),
-                    ferese_panel::morph::Mode::Idle | ferese_panel::morph::Mode::Peek
-                )
-            {
-                runtime.hub.replace_content();
+            if self.snapshot.binding_mode.is_none() {
+                if before != runtime.activities.selection.visible
+                    && matches!(
+                        runtime.hub.mode(),
+                        ferese_panel::morph::Mode::Idle | ferese_panel::morph::Mode::Peek
+                    )
+                {
+                    runtime.hub.replace_content();
+                }
+                runtime.refresh_activity_size();
             }
-            runtime.refresh_activity_size();
         }
     }
     pub fn activity_tick_subscription(&self) -> Subscription<()> {

shell/ferese-shell/src/bar.rs

@@ -14,7 +14,32 @@ pub(super) mod presentation;
 use crate::panel::Representation;
 use crate::panel_layout::Placement;
 
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod binding_mode_tests;
+
 impl FereseShell {
+    pub(super) fn binding_mode_transition(&mut self, was_active: bool) -> cosmic::app::Task<Message> {
+        match (was_active, self.snapshot.binding_mode.is_some()) {
+            (false, true) => {
+                let mut tasks = vec![self.destroy_menu(), self.dismiss_workspace_tooltip()];
+                let hubs: Vec<_> = self
+                    .outputs
+                    .iter()
+                    .filter(|entry| entry.runtime.hub.is_some())
+                    .map(|entry| entry.bar)
+                    .collect();
+                for id in hubs {
+                    // Release keyboard ownership and return to the collapsed
+                    // backing allocation before displaying the mode indicator.
+                    tasks.push(self.suspend_hub(id));
+                }
+                cosmic::app::Task::batch(tasks)
+            }
+            (true, false) => self.sync_hub_activity(),
+            _ => cosmic::app::Task::none(),
+        }
+    }
+
     pub(super) fn output_for_bar(&self, id: window::Id) -> Option<&control::OutputSnapshot> {
         let name = self.outputs.iter().find(|entry| entry.bar == id)?.name.as_deref()?;
         self.snapshot.outputs.iter().find(|output| output.name == name)
@@ -45,6 +70,9 @@ impl FereseShell {
                 .into();
         }
         let panel = self.panel_for_bar(id);
+        if let Some(name) = &self.snapshot.binding_mode {
+            return self.view_binding_mode(id, name);
+        }
         if panel.style == ferese_panel::PanelStyle::Morph {
             return self.view_hub(id);
         }
@@ -250,6 +278,72 @@ impl FereseShell {
         self.with_workspace_hover(id, content)
     }
 
+    fn view_binding_mode<'a>(&'a self, id: window::Id, name: &'a str) -> Element<'a, cosmic::Action<Message>> {
+        let panel = self.panel_for_bar(id);
+        let output = self.outputs.iter().find(|entry| entry.bar == id).expect("panel output");
+        let effects = output.effects.as_ref();
+        let width = output
+            .runtime
+            .hub
+            .as_ref()
+            .map(|hub| hub.borrow().allocation[0])
+            .unwrap_or_else(|| output.size.map_or(320, |size| size.0 as u32))
+            .min(320);
+        let badge_id = cosmic::iced::advanced::widget::Id::new("ferese-binding-mode");
+        let title = self
+            .render
+            .text(format!("Mode: {name}"))
+            .size(14)
+            .width(Length::Fill)
+            .ellipsize(cosmic::iced::widget::text::Ellipsize::End(
+                cosmic::iced::advanced::text::EllipsizeHeightLimit::Lines(1),
+            ));
+        let badge = container(
+            row![title, self.render.text("Esc to exit").size(12)]
+                .spacing(12)
+                .align_y(cosmic::iced::Alignment::Center),
+        )
+        .id(badge_id.clone())
+        .padding([0, 12])
+        .width(width as f32)
+        .height(panel.resolved_geometry().height)
+        .align_y(alignment::Vertical::Center);
+        let content = container(badge).center_x(Length::Fill).center_y(Length::Fill);
+        let palette = self.config.theme.for_bar();
+        let mut background = color(palette.bar_background);
+        background.a = palette.panel_opacity(panel.background_opacity);
+        // Replace the native paint/input scene as well as the text. Retaining
+        // the previous bar or Morph scene can clip a newly displayed mode.
+        ferese_theme::panel_surface::frame(
+            content.into(),
+            ferese_theme::panel_surface::Options {
+                parameters: panel.shape_parameters(),
+                bounds: Some(badge_id.clone()),
+                groups: vec![(badge_id, ferese_panel::shape::ZonePosition::Center)],
+                scale: output.scale,
+                high_contrast: palette.high_contrast,
+                background,
+                border: if panel.border {
+                    color(palette.border)
+                } else {
+                    Color::TRANSPARENT
+                },
+                divider: Color::TRANSPARENT,
+                native: effects.is_some(),
+            },
+            move |scene| {
+                if let Some(effects) = effects
+                    && let Err(error) = effects.set_panel_presentation(scene)
+                {
+                    eprintln!("ferese-shell: could not update binding mode material: {error}");
+                }
+            },
+            Some(Box::new(move |scene| {
+                cosmic::Action::App(Message::PanelSurfaceChanged(id, Box::new(scene.clone())))
+            })),
+        )
+    }
+
     pub(super) fn with_workspace_hover<'a>(
         &'a self,
         id: window::Id,
@@ -706,6 +800,9 @@ pub(super) fn bar_hidden(snapshot: &ShellSnapshot) -> bool {
 }
 
 pub(super) fn output_bar_hidden(snapshot: &ShellSnapshot, output: Option<u64>) -> bool {
+    if snapshot.binding_mode.is_some() {
+        return false;
+    }
     let active_workspace = snapshot
         .outputs
         .iter()
@@ -832,6 +929,17 @@ pub(super) fn bar_group_style(theme: ShellTheme) -> container::Style {
 #[cfg(test)]
 mod island_tests {
     use super::*;
+
+    #[test]
+    fn mode_indicator_stays_visible_on_fullscreen_outputs() {
+        let mut snapshot = super::super::tests::snapshot_with_fullscreen_window(7);
+        assert!(output_bar_hidden(&snapshot, Some(1)));
+        snapshot.binding_mode = Some("resize".into());
+        assert!(!output_bar_hidden(&snapshot, Some(1)));
+        snapshot.binding_mode = None;
+        assert!(output_bar_hidden(&snapshot, Some(1)));
+    }
+
     use crate::panel::{ItemId, Panel};
     use cosmic::iced::advanced::{Layout, layout, renderer::Headless, widget};
     use cosmic::iced::{Font, Pixels, Rectangle, Size};

shell/ferese-shell/src/bar/binding_mode_tests.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,209 @@
+use super::*;
+use cosmic::iced::advanced::{Layout, Renderer, Shell, clipboard, layout, mouse, renderer, widget};
+use cosmic::iced::{Event, Rectangle, Size};
+
+#[derive(Default)]
+struct TextBounds(Vec<(String, Rectangle)>);
+
+impl widget::Operation for TextBounds {
+    fn traverse(&mut self, visit: &mut dyn FnMut(&mut dyn widget::Operation)) {
+        visit(self);
+    }
+    fn text(&mut self, _: Option<&widget::Id>, bounds: Rectangle, text: &str) {
+        self.0.push((text.to_owned(), bounds));
+    }
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn a_binding_mode_owns_the_panel_instead_of_hidden_morph_hover_or_menus() {
+    let mut shell = crate::tests::shell_with_measured_panel();
+    shell.config.panels[0].style = ferese_panel::PanelStyle::Morph;
+    shell.outputs[0]
+        .runtime
+        .reset(&shell.config.panels[0], &shell.snapshot, Some("test"));
+    let id = shell.outputs[0].bar;
+    shell.snapshot.binding_mode = Some("resize".into());
+    let allocation = shell.outputs[0].runtime.hub.as_ref().unwrap().borrow().allocation;
+    drop(shell.hub_hover(id, true));
+    assert_eq!(shell.hub_mode(id), Some(ferese_panel::morph::Mode::Idle));
+    drop(shell.open_hub(id, status_ui::Menu::Calendar));
+    assert_eq!(shell.hub_mode(id), Some(ferese_panel::morph::Mode::Idle));
+    assert_eq!(
+        shell.outputs[0].runtime.hub.as_ref().unwrap().borrow().allocation,
+        allocation
+    );
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn mode_entry_dismisses_existing_popovers_and_collapses_expanded_morph_content() {
+    for style in [ferese_panel::PanelStyle::Flat, ferese_panel::PanelStyle::Morph] {
+        let mut shell = crate::tests::shell_with_measured_panel();
+        shell.config.panels[0].style = style;
+        shell.outputs[0]
+            .runtime
+            .reset(&shell.config.panels[0], &shell.snapshot, Some("test"));
+        let id = shell.outputs[0].bar;
+        let collapsed = shell.outputs[0].runtime.hub.as_ref().map(|hub| hub.borrow().allocation);
+        if collapsed.is_some() {
+            drop(shell.open_hub(id, status_ui::Menu::Calendar));
+            assert!(shell.hub_mode(id).unwrap().expanded());
+        }
+        let anchor = status_ui::PopoverAnchor {
+            parent: id,
+            panel: shell.config.panels[0].id.clone(),
+            item: Some(crate::panel::ItemId("clock".into())),
+            rectangle: Default::default(),
+        };
+        shell.menu = Some(status_ui::OpenMenu {
+            id: window::Id::unique(),
+            anchor: anchor.clone(),
+            kind: status_ui::Menu::Calendar,
+            motion: crate::motion::PopupMotion::new(Default::default()),
+            effects: None,
+            regions: Default::default(),
+        });
+        shell.workspace_ui.tooltip = Some(window::Id::unique());
+        shell.snapshot.binding_mode = Some("resize".into());
+        drop(shell.binding_mode_transition(false));
+        assert!(shell.menu.is_none());
+        assert!(shell.workspace_ui.tooltip.is_none());
+        drop(shell.open_menu(status_ui::Menu::Calendar, anchor));
+        assert!(
+            shell.menu.is_none(),
+            "a queued click on a displaced control must not reopen its popup"
+        );
+        if let Some(collapsed) = collapsed {
+            assert_eq!(shell.hub_mode(id), Some(ferese_panel::morph::Mode::Idle));
+            let hub = shell.outputs[0].runtime.hub.as_ref().unwrap().borrow();
+            assert_eq!(hub.allocation, collapsed);
+            assert!(!hub.hub.active());
+        }
+        // Another snapshot while the mode is active does not restart the handoff.
+        drop(shell.binding_mode_transition(true));
+        shell.snapshot.binding_mode = None;
+        drop(shell.binding_mode_transition(true));
+        if collapsed.is_some() {
+            drop(shell.open_hub(id, status_ui::Menu::Calendar));
+            assert!(shell.hub_mode(id).unwrap().expanded());
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn mode_name_and_escape_hint_fit_the_published_shape_in_every_panel_style() {
+    use cosmic::iced::advanced::renderer::Headless;
+    let mut renderer = cosmic::iced::futures::executor::block_on(cosmic::Renderer::new(
+        cosmic::iced::Font::default(),
+        cosmic::iced::Pixels(14.),
+        Some("tiny-skia"),
+    ))
+    .unwrap();
+    let previews = std::env::var_os("FERESE_TEST_MODE_PREVIEWS").map(std::path::PathBuf::from);
+    if let Some(path) = &previews {
+        std::fs::create_dir_all(path).unwrap();
+    }
+    for style in ferese_panel::PanelStyle::AVAILABLE {
+        for name in ["resize", "resize_mode_with_a_long_name_and_a_required_exit"] {
+            let mut shell = crate::tests::shell_with_measured_panel();
+            shell.config.panels[0].style = style;
+            let style = style.key();
+            shell.snapshot.binding_mode = Some(name.into());
+            shell.outputs[0]
+                .runtime
+                .reset(&shell.config.panels[0], &shell.snapshot, Some("test"));
+            let id = shell.outputs[0].bar;
+            let allocation = shell.outputs[0]
+                .runtime
+                .hub
+                .as_ref()
+                .map(|hub| hub.borrow().allocation)
+                .unwrap_or([1200, shell.config.panels[0].resolved_geometry().height as u32]);
+            let viewport = Rectangle::with_size(Size::new(allocation[0] as f32, allocation[1] as f32));
+            let mut view = shell.view_layer(id);
+            let mut tree = widget::Tree::new(&view);
+            let node =
+                view.as_widget_mut()
+                    .layout(&mut tree, &renderer, &layout::Limits::new(Size::ZERO, viewport.size()));
+            let mut messages = Vec::new();
+            view.as_widget_mut().update(
+                &mut tree,
+                &Event::Window(window::Event::RedrawRequested(std::time::Instant::now())),
+                Layout::new(&node),
+                mouse::Cursor::Unavailable,
+                &renderer,
+                &mut clipboard::Null,
+                &mut Shell::new(&mut messages),
+                &viewport,
+            );
+            let scene = messages
+                .iter()
+                .find_map(|message| match message {
+                    cosmic::Action::App(Message::PanelSurfaceChanged(_, scene)) => Some(scene),
+                    _ => None,
+                })
+                .unwrap_or_else(|| panic!("{style}: mode must replace the previous native clipping and input shape"));
+            let mut labels = TextBounds::default();
+            view.as_widget_mut()
+                .operate(&mut tree, Layout::new(&node), &renderer, &mut labels);
+            assert!(
+                labels.0.iter().any(|(text, _)| text.contains("resize")),
+                "{style}: mode name missing"
+            );
+            assert!(
+                labels.0.iter().any(|(text, _)| text.contains("Esc to exit")),
+                "{style}: exit hint missing"
+            );
+            for (text, bounds) in &labels.0 {
+                assert!(
+                    bounds.x >= 0.
+                        && bounds.y >= 0.
+                        && bounds.x + bounds.width <= viewport.width + 0.1
+                        && bounds.y + bounds.height <= viewport.height + 0.1,
+                    "{style}: {text} exceeds its backing surface: {bounds:?}"
+                );
+                assert!(
+                    scene.paint.iter().any(|paint| {
+                        let rect = paint.bounds;
+                        f64::from(bounds.x) >= rect.x - 0.1
+                            && f64::from(bounds.y) >= rect.y - 0.1
+                            && f64::from(bounds.x + bounds.width) <= rect.x + rect.width + 0.1
+                            && f64::from(bounds.y + bounds.height) <= rect.y + rect.height + 0.1
+                    }),
+                    "{style}: {text} is outside the native paint shape"
+                );
+            }
+            renderer.reset(viewport);
+            view.as_widget().draw(
+                &tree,
+                &mut renderer,
+                &shell.config.theme.palette().native_theme(),
+                &renderer::Style {
+                    text_color: color(shell.config.theme.for_bar().text_primary),
+                    icon_color: Color::WHITE,
+                    scale_factor: 1.,
+                },
+                Layout::new(&node),
+                mouse::Cursor::Unavailable,
+                &viewport,
+            );
+            let pixels = renderer.screenshot(Size::new(allocation[0], allocation[1]), 1., Color::TRANSPARENT);
+            assert!(
+                pixels.chunks_exact(4).any(|pixel| pixel[3] > 0),
+                "{style}: no visible pixels"
+            );
+            if let Some(path) = &previews {
+                image_codec::save_buffer(
+                    path.join(format!(
+                        "mode-{style}{}.png",
+                        if name == "resize" { "" } else { "-long" }
+                    )),
+                    &pixels,
+                    allocation[0],
+                    allocation[1],
+                    image_codec::ColorType::Rgba8,
+                )
+                .unwrap();
+            }
+        }
+    }
+}

shell/ferese-shell/src/control.rs

@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ use wayland_client::{Connection, Dispatch, Proxy, QueueHandle, delegate_noop};
 
 #[derive(Clone, Debug, Default)]
 pub(crate) struct ShellSnapshot {
+    pub(crate) binding_mode: Option<String>,
     pub(crate) outputs: Vec<OutputSnapshot>,
     pub(crate) workspaces: Vec<WorkspaceSnapshot>,
     pub(crate) windows: Vec<WindowSnapshot>,
@@ -136,7 +137,7 @@ impl ShellControl {
         let connection = control_connection()?;
         let (globals, mut queue) = registry_queue_init::<ControlState>(&connection)?;
         let qh = queue.handle();
-        let manager = globals.bind::<FereseShellManagerV1, _, _>(&qh, 7..=8, ())?;
+        let manager = globals.bind::<FereseShellManagerV1, _, _>(&qh, 7..=9, ())?;
         let shell = manager.get_shell(&qh, ());
         let (sender, updates) = mpsc::channel();
         let wake = Wake(Arc::new(tokio::sync::Notify::new()));
@@ -330,6 +331,9 @@ impl Dispatch<FereseShellV1, ()> for ControlState {
                 state.serial = Some(serial);
                 state.pending = ShellSnapshot::default();
             }
+            ferese_shell_v1::Event::BindingMode { name } => {
+                state.pending.binding_mode = (!name.is_empty()).then_some(name);
+            }
             ferese_shell_v1::Event::Output {
                 output_hi,
                 output_lo,
@@ -558,6 +562,50 @@ mod tests {
         }
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn binding_mode_is_published_atomically_and_cleared_by_the_next_snapshot() {
+        let (control, mut state, queue, _peer) = control_fixture();
+        dispatch_event(
+            &control,
+            &mut state,
+            &queue,
+            ferese_shell_v1::Event::SnapshotBegin { serial: 1 },
+        );
+        dispatch_event(
+            &control,
+            &mut state,
+            &queue,
+            ferese_shell_v1::Event::BindingMode { name: "resize".into() },
+        );
+        assert!(control.poll().snapshot.is_none());
+        dispatch_event(
+            &control,
+            &mut state,
+            &queue,
+            ferese_shell_v1::Event::SnapshotEnd { serial: 1 },
+        );
+        assert_eq!(control.poll().snapshot.unwrap().binding_mode.as_deref(), Some("resize"));
+        dispatch_event(
+            &control,
+            &mut state,
+            &queue,
+            ferese_shell_v1::Event::SnapshotBegin { serial: 2 },
+        );
+        dispatch_event(
+            &control,
+            &mut state,
+            &queue,
+            ferese_shell_v1::Event::BindingMode { name: String::new() },
+        );
+        dispatch_event(
+            &control,
+            &mut state,
+            &queue,
+            ferese_shell_v1::Event::SnapshotEnd { serial: 2 },
+        );
+        assert!(control.poll().snapshot.unwrap().binding_mode.is_none());
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn snapshot_retains_identity_and_floating_state_for_identical_window_metadata() {
         let (control, mut state, queue, _peer) = control_fixture();

shell/ferese-shell/src/main.rs

@@ -830,10 +830,13 @@ impl cosmic::Application for FereseShell {
                     }
 
                     if let Some(snapshot) = poll.snapshot {
+                        let mode_was_active = self.snapshot.binding_mode.is_some();
                         self.snapshot = snapshot;
+                        let mode = self.binding_mode_transition(mode_was_active);
                         let feedback = self.sync_hub_workspace_feedback(overview_was_active || self.overview_active);
                         let mut tasks = vec![
                             reload_task,
+                            mode,
                             self.update_workspace_ui(),
                             feedback,
                             self.refresh_adaptive_panels(),
@@ -1506,8 +1509,9 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(focused_bar_title(&snapshot, None), "");
     }
 
-    fn snapshot_with_fullscreen_window(workspace: u64) -> ShellSnapshot {
+    pub(super) fn snapshot_with_fullscreen_window(workspace: u64) -> ShellSnapshot {
         ShellSnapshot {
+            binding_mode: None,
             outputs: vec![OutputSnapshot {
                 id: 1,
                 name: "eDP-1".to_owned(),

shell/ferese-shell/src/panel_hub.rs

@@ -251,7 +251,7 @@ impl FereseShell {
     }
 
     pub(super) fn open_hub(&mut self, id: window::Id, kind: status_ui::Menu) -> Task<Message> {
-        if self.bar_hidden(id) || self.hub_mode(id).is_none() {
+        if self.snapshot.binding_mode.is_some() || self.bar_hidden(id) || self.hub_mode(id).is_none() {
             return Task::none();
         }
         if kind == status_ui::Menu::Notifications {
@@ -296,7 +296,8 @@ impl FereseShell {
         let Some(id) = self.active_bar() else {
             return Task::none();
         };
-        if self.bar_hidden(id)
+        if self.snapshot.binding_mode.is_some()
+            || self.bar_hidden(id)
             || self.hub_priority().is_some()
             || !matches!(self.hub_mode(id), Some(Mode::Idle | Mode::Peek | Mode::Toast))
             || !self
@@ -361,6 +362,9 @@ impl FereseShell {
     }
 
     fn transition_hub(&mut self, id: window::Id, event: Event) -> Task<Message> {
+        if self.snapshot.binding_mode.is_some() && !matches!(event, Event::Close | Event::Resize) {
+            return Task::none();
+        }
         let workspace_width = self.hub_workspace_width(id);
         let panel = self.panel_for_bar(id);
         let geometry = panel.resolved_geometry();
@@ -1883,6 +1887,43 @@ mod tests {
         }
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn activity_updates_keep_the_binding_indicator_as_the_only_geometry_owner() {
+        let mut app = shell();
+        let bar = app.outputs[0].bar;
+        app.snapshot.binding_mode = Some("resize".into());
+        drop(app.binding_mode_transition(false));
+        let (allocation, target) = {
+            let runtime = app.outputs[0].runtime.hub.as_ref().unwrap().borrow();
+            (runtime.allocation, runtime.hub.target_size())
+        };
+        seed_activities(&mut app, 3);
+        drop(app.sync_hub_activity());
+        {
+            let runtime = app.outputs[0].runtime.hub.as_ref().unwrap().borrow();
+            assert_eq!(
+                runtime.activities.selection.visible.len(),
+                2,
+                "activity data must still update"
+            );
+            assert_eq!(
+                runtime.hub.target_size(),
+                target,
+                "hidden activity content cannot retarget the hub"
+            );
+            assert_eq!(runtime.allocation, allocation);
+            assert!(!runtime.hub.active());
+        }
+        app.snapshot.binding_mode = None;
+        drop(app.binding_mode_transition(true));
+        assert_ne!(
+            app.outputs[0].runtime.hub.as_ref().unwrap().borrow().hub.target_size(),
+            target
+        );
+        drop(app.open_hub(bar, status_ui::Menu::Activities));
+        assert_eq!(app.hub_mode(bar), Some(Mode::Expanded(Content::Activities)));
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn progress_updates_do_not_start_a_second_hub_animation() {
         let mut app = shell();

shell/ferese-shell/src/panel_hub/activity.rs

@@ -80,6 +80,9 @@ impl FereseShell {
 
     pub(crate) fn sync_hub_activity(&mut self) -> Task<Message> {
         self.sync_activity_presentations();
+        if self.snapshot.binding_mode.is_some() {
+            return Task::none();
+        }
         let priority = self.hub_priority();
         let changes: Vec<_> = self
             .outputs

shell/ferese-shell/src/status_ui/lifecycle.rs

@@ -39,7 +39,8 @@ impl OpenMenu {
 
 impl FereseShell {
     pub fn open_menu(&mut self, kind: Menu, anchor: PopoverAnchor) -> Task<Message> {
-        if !anchor.belongs_to(&self.config.panels[0])
+        if (self.snapshot.binding_mode.is_some() && anchor.item.is_some())
+            || !anchor.belongs_to(&self.config.panels[0])
             || !self.outputs.iter().any(|output| output.bar == anchor.parent)
             || self.bar_hidden(anchor.parent)
             || !kind.available(&self.status)

shell/ferese-shell/src/workspace_ui.rs

@@ -472,6 +472,7 @@ mod tests {
 
     fn snapshot(active: u64) -> ShellSnapshot {
         ShellSnapshot {
+            binding_mode: None,
             outputs: vec![OutputSnapshot {
                 id: 4,
                 name: "test".into(),