diff --git a/controller/actions.go b/controller/actions.go
index 51d477b..c73747c 100644
--- a/controller/actions.go
+++ b/controller/actions.go
@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ const (
 	ActionRefresh        ActionID = "refresh"
 	ActionToggleViewMode ActionID = "toggle_view_mode"
 	ActionToggleHeader   ActionID = "toggle_header"
+	ActionOpenPalette    ActionID = "open_palette"
 )
 
 // ActionID values for task navigation and manipulation (used by plugins).
@@ -270,7 +271,8 @@ func DefaultGlobalActions() *ActionRegistry {
 	r.Register(Action{ID: ActionBack, Key: tcell.KeyEscape, Label: "Back", ShowInHeader: true, HideFromPalette: true})
 	r.Register(Action{ID: ActionQuit, Key: tcell.KeyRune, Rune: 'q', Label: "Quit", ShowInHeader: true})
 	r.Register(Action{ID: ActionRefresh, Key: tcell.KeyRune, Rune: 'r', Label: "Refresh", ShowInHeader: true})
-	r.Register(Action{ID: ActionToggleHeader, Key: tcell.KeyF10, Label: "Hide Header", ShowInHeader: true})
+	r.Register(Action{ID: ActionToggleHeader, Key: tcell.KeyF10, Label: "Toggle Header", ShowInHeader: true})
+	r.Register(Action{ID: ActionOpenPalette, Key: tcell.KeyRune, Rune: '?', Label: "Actions", ShowInHeader: false, HideFromPalette: true})
 	return r
 }
 
diff --git a/controller/actions_test.go b/controller/actions_test.go
index 40f3e7f..8aed9ba 100644
--- a/controller/actions_test.go
+++ b/controller/actions_test.go
@@ -404,11 +404,11 @@ func TestDefaultGlobalActions(t *testing.T) {
 	registry := DefaultGlobalActions()
 	actions := registry.GetActions()
 
-	if len(actions) != 4 {
-		t.Errorf("expected 4 global actions, got %d", len(actions))
+	if len(actions) != 5 {
+		t.Errorf("expected 5 global actions, got %d", len(actions))
 	}
 
-	expectedActions := []ActionID{ActionBack, ActionQuit, ActionRefresh, ActionToggleHeader}
+	expectedActions := []ActionID{ActionBack, ActionQuit, ActionRefresh, ActionToggleHeader, ActionOpenPalette}
 	for i, expected := range expectedActions {
 		if i >= len(actions) {
 			t.Errorf("missing action at index %d: want %v", i, expected)
@@ -417,8 +417,18 @@ func TestDefaultGlobalActions(t *testing.T) {
 		if actions[i].ID != expected {
 			t.Errorf("action at index %d: want %v, got %v", i, expected, actions[i].ID)
 		}
-		if !actions[i].ShowInHeader {
-			t.Errorf("global action %v should have ShowInHeader=true", expected)
+	}
+
+	// ActionOpenPalette should NOT show in header
+	for _, a := range actions {
+		if a.ID == ActionOpenPalette {
+			if a.ShowInHeader {
+				t.Error("ActionOpenPalette should have ShowInHeader=false")
+			}
+			continue
+		}
+		if !a.ShowInHeader {
+			t.Errorf("global action %v should have ShowInHeader=true", a.ID)
 		}
 	}
 }
diff --git a/controller/input_router.go b/controller/input_router.go
index bfdabb4..b5b3363 100644
--- a/controller/input_router.go
+++ b/controller/input_router.go
@@ -54,6 +54,8 @@ type InputRouter struct {
 	statusline        *model.StatuslineConfig
 	schema            ruki.Schema
 	registerPlugin    func(name string, cfg *model.PluginConfig, def plugin.Plugin, ctrl PluginControllerInterface)
+	headerConfig      *model.HeaderConfig
+	paletteConfig     *model.ActionPaletteConfig
 }
 
 // NewInputRouter creates an input router
@@ -79,6 +81,16 @@ func NewInputRouter(
 	}
 }
 
+// SetHeaderConfig wires the header config for fullscreen-aware header toggling.
+func (ir *InputRouter) SetHeaderConfig(hc *model.HeaderConfig) {
+	ir.headerConfig = hc
+}
+
+// SetPaletteConfig wires the palette config for ActionOpenPalette dispatch.
+func (ir *InputRouter) SetPaletteConfig(pc *model.ActionPaletteConfig) {
+	ir.paletteConfig = pc
+}
+
 // HandleInput processes a key event for the current view and routes it to the appropriate handler.
 // It processes events through multiple handlers in order:
 // 1. Search input (if search is active)
@@ -91,6 +103,15 @@ func NewInputRouter(
 func (ir *InputRouter) HandleInput(event *tcell.EventKey, currentView *ViewEntry) bool {
 	slog.Debug("input received", "name", event.Name(), "key", int(event.Key()), "rune", string(event.Rune()), "modifiers", int(event.Modifiers()))
 
+	// pre-gate: ActionOpenPalette (?) and ActionToggleHeader (F10) must fire before
+	// task-edit Prepare and before search/fullscreen/editor gates, so they stay truly
+	// global without triggering edit-session setup or focus churn.
+	if action := ir.globalActions.Match(event); action != nil {
+		if action.ID == ActionOpenPalette || action.ID == ActionToggleHeader {
+			return ir.handleGlobalAction(action.ID)
+		}
+	}
+
 	if currentView == nil {
 		return false
 	}
@@ -293,8 +314,6 @@ func (ir *InputRouter) handleGlobalAction(actionID ActionID) bool {
 	switch actionID {
 	case ActionBack:
 		if v := ir.navController.GetActiveView(); v != nil && v.GetViewID() == model.TaskEditViewID {
-			// Cancel edit session (discards changes) and close.
-			// This keeps the ActionBack behavior consistent across input paths.
 			return ir.taskEditCoord.CancelAndClose()
 		}
 		return ir.navController.HandleBack()
@@ -304,11 +323,189 @@ func (ir *InputRouter) handleGlobalAction(actionID ActionID) bool {
 	case ActionRefresh:
 		_ = ir.taskStore.Reload()
 		return true
+	case ActionOpenPalette:
+		if ir.paletteConfig != nil {
+			ir.paletteConfig.SetVisible(true)
+		}
+		return true
+	case ActionToggleHeader:
+		ir.toggleHeader()
+		return true
 	default:
 		return false
 	}
 }
 
+// toggleHeader toggles the stored user preference and recomputes effective visibility
+// against the live active view so fullscreen/header-hidden views stay force-hidden.
+func (ir *InputRouter) toggleHeader() {
+	if ir.headerConfig == nil {
+		return
+	}
+	newPref := !ir.headerConfig.GetUserPreference()
+	ir.headerConfig.SetUserPreference(newPref)
+
+	visible := newPref
+	if v := ir.navController.GetActiveView(); v != nil {
+		if hv, ok := v.(interface{ RequiresHeaderHidden() bool }); ok && hv.RequiresHeaderHidden() {
+			visible = false
+		}
+		if fv, ok := v.(FullscreenView); ok && fv.IsFullscreen() {
+			visible = false
+		}
+	}
+	ir.headerConfig.SetVisible(visible)
+}
+
+// HandleAction dispatches a palette-selected action by ID against the given view entry.
+// This is the controller-side fallback for palette execution — the palette tries
+// view.HandlePaletteAction first, then falls back here.
+func (ir *InputRouter) HandleAction(id ActionID, currentView *ViewEntry) bool {
+	if currentView == nil {
+		return false
+	}
+
+	// global actions
+	if ir.globalActions.ContainsID(id) {
+		return ir.handleGlobalAction(id)
+	}
+
+	activeView := ir.navController.GetActiveView()
+
+	switch currentView.ViewID {
+	case model.TaskDetailViewID:
+		taskID := model.DecodeTaskDetailParams(currentView.Params).TaskID
+		if taskID != "" {
+			ir.taskController.SetCurrentTask(taskID)
+		}
+		return ir.dispatchTaskAction(id, currentView.Params)
+
+	case model.TaskEditViewID:
+		if activeView != nil {
+			ir.taskEditCoord.Prepare(activeView, model.DecodeTaskEditParams(currentView.Params))
+		}
+		return ir.dispatchTaskEditAction(id, activeView)
+
+	default:
+		if model.IsPluginViewID(currentView.ViewID) {
+			return ir.dispatchPluginAction(id, currentView.ViewID)
+		}
+		return false
+	}
+}
+
+// dispatchTaskAction handles palette-dispatched task detail actions by ActionID.
+func (ir *InputRouter) dispatchTaskAction(id ActionID, _ map[string]interface{}) bool {
+	switch id {
+	case ActionEditTitle:
+		taskID := ir.taskController.GetCurrentTaskID()
+		if taskID == "" {
+			return false
+		}
+		ir.navController.PushView(model.TaskEditViewID, model.EncodeTaskEditParams(model.TaskEditParams{
+			TaskID: taskID,
+			Focus:  model.EditFieldTitle,
+		}))
+		return true
+	case ActionFullscreen:
+		activeView := ir.navController.GetActiveView()
+		if fullscreenView, ok := activeView.(FullscreenView); ok {
+			if fullscreenView.IsFullscreen() {
+				fullscreenView.ExitFullscreen()
+			} else {
+				fullscreenView.EnterFullscreen()
+			}
+			return true
+		}
+		return false
+	case ActionEditDesc:
+		taskID := ir.taskController.GetCurrentTaskID()
+		if taskID == "" {
+			return false
+		}
+		ir.navController.PushView(model.TaskEditViewID, model.EncodeTaskEditParams(model.TaskEditParams{
+			TaskID:   taskID,
+			Focus:    model.EditFieldDescription,
+			DescOnly: true,
+		}))
+		return true
+	case ActionEditTags:
+		taskID := ir.taskController.GetCurrentTaskID()
+		if taskID == "" {
+			return false
+		}
+		ir.navController.PushView(model.TaskEditViewID, model.EncodeTaskEditParams(model.TaskEditParams{
+			TaskID:   taskID,
+			TagsOnly: true,
+		}))
+		return true
+	case ActionEditDeps:
+		taskID := ir.taskController.GetCurrentTaskID()
+		if taskID == "" {
+			return false
+		}
+		return ir.openDepsEditor(taskID)
+	case ActionChat:
+		agent := config.GetAIAgent()
+		if agent == "" {
+			return false
+		}
+		taskID := ir.taskController.GetCurrentTaskID()
+		if taskID == "" {
+			return false
+		}
+		filename := strings.ToLower(taskID) + ".md"
+		taskFilePath := filepath.Join(config.GetTaskDir(), filename)
+		name, args := resolveAgentCommand(agent, taskFilePath)
+		ir.navController.SuspendAndRun(name, args...)
+		_ = ir.taskStore.ReloadTask(taskID)
+		return true
+	case ActionCloneTask:
+		return ir.taskController.HandleAction(id)
+	default:
+		return ir.taskController.HandleAction(id)
+	}
+}
+
+// dispatchTaskEditAction handles palette-dispatched task edit actions by ActionID.
+func (ir *InputRouter) dispatchTaskEditAction(id ActionID, activeView View) bool {
+	switch id {
+	case ActionSaveTask:
+		if activeView != nil {
+			return ir.taskEditCoord.CommitAndClose(activeView)
+		}
+		return false
+	default:
+		return false
+	}
+}
+
+// dispatchPluginAction handles palette-dispatched plugin actions by ActionID.
+func (ir *InputRouter) dispatchPluginAction(id ActionID, viewID model.ViewID) bool {
+	// handle plugin activation (switch to plugin)
+	if targetPluginName := GetPluginNameFromAction(id); targetPluginName != "" {
+		targetViewID := model.MakePluginViewID(targetPluginName)
+		if viewID != targetViewID {
+			ir.navController.ReplaceView(targetViewID, nil)
+			return true
+		}
+		return true
+	}
+
+	pluginName := model.GetPluginName(viewID)
+	ctrl, ok := ir.pluginControllers[pluginName]
+	if !ok {
+		return false
+	}
+
+	// search action needs special wiring
+	if id == ActionSearch {
+		return ir.handleSearchAction(ctrl)
+	}
+
+	return ctrl.HandleAction(id)
+}
+
 // handleSearchAction is a generic handler for ActionSearch across all searchable views
 func (ir *InputRouter) handleSearchAction(controller interface{ HandleSearch(string) }) bool {
 	activeView := ir.navController.GetActiveView()
diff --git a/controller/interfaces.go b/controller/interfaces.go
index 4b3fb97..c727994 100644
--- a/controller/interfaces.go
+++ b/controller/interfaces.go
@@ -272,6 +272,20 @@ type RecurrencePartNavigable interface {
 	IsRecurrenceValueFocused() bool
 }
 
+// PaletteActionHandler is implemented by views that handle palette-dispatched actions
+// directly (e.g., DokiView replays navigation as synthetic key events).
+// The palette tries this before falling back to InputRouter.HandleAction.
+type PaletteActionHandler interface {
+	HandlePaletteAction(id ActionID) bool
+}
+
+// FocusRestorer is implemented by views that can recover focus after the palette closes
+// when the originally saved focused primitive is no longer valid (e.g., TaskDetailView
+// rebuilds its description primitive during store-driven refresh).
+type FocusRestorer interface {
+	RestoreFocus() bool
+}
+
 // ActionChangeNotifier is implemented by views that mutate their action registry
 // or live enablement/presentation state while the same view instance stays active.
 // RootLayout wires the handler and reruns syncViewContextFromView when fired.
diff --git a/integration/action_palette_test.go b/integration/action_palette_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d7f37e8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/integration/action_palette_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,95 @@
+package integration
+
+import (
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/boolean-maybe/tiki/testutil"
+
+	"github.com/gdamore/tcell/v2"
+)
+
+func TestActionPalette_OpenAndClose(t *testing.T) {
+	ta := testutil.NewTestApp(t)
+	defer ta.Cleanup()
+	ta.Draw()
+
+	// ? opens the palette
+	ta.SendKey(tcell.KeyRune, '?', tcell.ModNone)
+	if !ta.GetPaletteConfig().IsVisible() {
+		t.Fatal("palette should be visible after pressing '?'")
+	}
+
+	// Esc closes it
+	ta.SendKey(tcell.KeyEscape, 0, tcell.ModNone)
+	if ta.GetPaletteConfig().IsVisible() {
+		t.Fatal("palette should be hidden after pressing Esc")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestActionPalette_F10TogglesHeader(t *testing.T) {
+	ta := testutil.NewTestApp(t)
+	defer ta.Cleanup()
+	ta.Draw()
+
+	hc := ta.GetHeaderConfig()
+	initialVisible := hc.IsVisible()
+
+	// F10 should toggle header via the router
+	ta.SendKey(tcell.KeyF10, 0, tcell.ModNone)
+	if hc.IsVisible() == initialVisible {
+		t.Fatal("F10 should toggle header visibility")
+	}
+
+	// toggle back
+	ta.SendKey(tcell.KeyF10, 0, tcell.ModNone)
+	if hc.IsVisible() != initialVisible {
+		t.Fatal("second F10 should restore header visibility")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestActionPalette_ModalBlocksGlobals(t *testing.T) {
+	ta := testutil.NewTestApp(t)
+	defer ta.Cleanup()
+	ta.Draw()
+
+	hc := ta.GetHeaderConfig()
+	startVisible := hc.IsVisible()
+
+	// open palette
+	ta.SendKey(tcell.KeyRune, '?', tcell.ModNone)
+	if !ta.GetPaletteConfig().IsVisible() {
+		t.Fatal("palette should be open")
+	}
+
+	// F10 while palette is open should NOT toggle header
+	// (app capture returns event unchanged, palette input handler swallows F10)
+	ta.SendKey(tcell.KeyF10, 0, tcell.ModNone)
+	if hc.IsVisible() != startVisible {
+		t.Fatal("F10 should be blocked while palette is modal")
+	}
+
+	// close palette
+	ta.SendKey(tcell.KeyEscape, 0, tcell.ModNone)
+}
+
+func TestActionPalette_QuestionMarkFiltersInPalette(t *testing.T) {
+	ta := testutil.NewTestApp(t)
+	defer ta.Cleanup()
+	ta.Draw()
+
+	// open palette
+	ta.SendKey(tcell.KeyRune, '?', tcell.ModNone)
+	if !ta.GetPaletteConfig().IsVisible() {
+		t.Fatal("palette should be open")
+	}
+
+	// typing '?' while palette is open should be treated as filter text, not open another palette
+	ta.SendKeyToFocused(tcell.KeyRune, '?', tcell.ModNone)
+
+	// palette should still be open
+	if !ta.GetPaletteConfig().IsVisible() {
+		t.Fatal("palette should remain open when '?' is typed as filter")
+	}
+
+	ta.SendKey(tcell.KeyEscape, 0, tcell.ModNone)
+}
diff --git a/internal/app/app.go b/internal/app/app.go
index d9081e2..bcf24ad 100644
--- a/internal/app/app.go
+++ b/internal/app/app.go
@@ -4,8 +4,6 @@ import (
 	"fmt"
 
 	"github.com/rivo/tview"
-
-	"github.com/boolean-maybe/tiki/view"
 )
 
 // NewApp creates a tview application.
@@ -13,10 +11,9 @@ func NewApp() *tview.Application {
 	return tview.NewApplication()
 }
 
-// Run runs the tview application.
-// Returns an error if the application fails to run.
-func Run(app *tview.Application, rootLayout *view.RootLayout) error {
-	app.SetRoot(rootLayout.GetPrimitive(), true).EnableMouse(false)
+// Run runs the tview application with the given root primitive (typically a tview.Pages).
+func Run(app *tview.Application, root tview.Primitive) error {
+	app.SetRoot(root, true).EnableMouse(false)
 	if err := app.Run(); err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("run application: %w", err)
 	}
diff --git a/internal/app/input.go b/internal/app/input.go
index af7aa1a..4dbc814 100644
--- a/internal/app/input.go
+++ b/internal/app/input.go
@@ -9,22 +9,27 @@ import (
 )
 
 // InstallGlobalInputCapture installs the global keyboard handler
-// (header toggle, statusline auto-hide dismiss, router dispatch).
+// (palette modal short-circuit, statusline auto-hide dismiss, router dispatch).
+// F10 (toggle header) and ? (open palette) are both routed through InputRouter
+// rather than handled here, so keyboard and palette-entered globals behave identically.
 func InstallGlobalInputCapture(
 	app *tview.Application,
-	headerConfig *model.HeaderConfig,
+	paletteConfig *model.ActionPaletteConfig,
 	statuslineConfig *model.StatuslineConfig,
 	inputRouter *controller.InputRouter,
 	navController *controller.NavigationController,
 ) {
 	app.SetInputCapture(func(event *tcell.EventKey) *tcell.EventKey {
+		// while the palette is visible, pass the event through unchanged so the
+		// focused palette input field receives it. Do not dismiss statusline or
+		// dispatch through InputRouter — the palette is modal.
+		if paletteConfig != nil && paletteConfig.IsVisible() {
+			return event
+		}
+
 		// dismiss auto-hide statusline messages on any keypress
 		statuslineConfig.DismissAutoHide()
 
-		if event.Key() == tcell.KeyF10 {
-			headerConfig.ToggleUserPreference()
-			return nil
-		}
 		if inputRouter.HandleInput(event, navController.CurrentView()) {
 			return nil
 		}
diff --git a/internal/bootstrap/init.go b/internal/bootstrap/init.go
index b2ed290..7027c2e 100644
--- a/internal/bootstrap/init.go
+++ b/internal/bootstrap/init.go
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ import (
 	"fmt"
 	"log/slog"
 
+	"github.com/gdamore/tcell/v2"
 	"github.com/rivo/tview"
 
 	"github.com/boolean-maybe/tiki/config"
@@ -20,6 +21,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/boolean-maybe/tiki/util/sysinfo"
 	"github.com/boolean-maybe/tiki/view"
 	"github.com/boolean-maybe/tiki/view/header"
+	"github.com/boolean-maybe/tiki/view/palette"
 	"github.com/boolean-maybe/tiki/view/statusline"
 )
 
@@ -47,6 +49,10 @@ type Result struct {
 	StatuslineConfig *model.StatuslineConfig
 	StatuslineWidget *statusline.StatuslineWidget
 	RootLayout       *view.RootLayout
+	PaletteConfig    *model.ActionPaletteConfig
+	ActionPalette    *palette.ActionPalette
+	ViewContext      *model.ViewContext
+	AppRoot          tview.Primitive // Pages root for app.SetRoot
 	Context          context.Context
 	CancelFunc       context.CancelFunc
 	TikiSkillContent string
@@ -185,9 +191,38 @@ func Bootstrap(tikiSkillContent, dokiSkillContent string) (*Result, error) {
 	background.StartBurndownHistoryBuilder(ctx, tikiStore, headerConfig, application)
 	triggerEngine.StartScheduler(ctx)
 
+	// Phase 11.5: Action palette
+	paletteConfig := model.NewActionPaletteConfig()
+	inputRouter.SetHeaderConfig(headerConfig)
+	inputRouter.SetPaletteConfig(paletteConfig)
+
+	actionPalette := palette.NewActionPalette(viewContext, paletteConfig, inputRouter, controllers.Nav)
+	actionPalette.SetChangedFunc()
+
+	// Build Pages root: base = rootLayout, overlay = palette
+	pages := tview.NewPages()
+	pages.AddPage("base", rootLayout.GetPrimitive(), true, true)
+	paletteOverlay := buildPaletteOverlay(actionPalette)
+	pages.AddPage("palette", paletteOverlay, true, false)
+
+	// Wire palette visibility to Pages show/hide and focus management
+	var previousFocus tview.Primitive
+	paletteConfig.AddListener(func() {
+		if paletteConfig.IsVisible() {
+			previousFocus = application.GetFocus()
+			actionPalette.OnShow()
+			pages.ShowPage("palette")
+			application.SetFocus(actionPalette.GetFilterInput())
+		} else {
+			pages.HidePage("palette")
+			restoreFocusAfterPalette(application, previousFocus, rootLayout)
+			previousFocus = nil
+		}
+	})
+
 	// Phase 12: Navigation and input wiring
 	wireNavigation(controllers.Nav, layoutModel, rootLayout)
-	app.InstallGlobalInputCapture(application, headerConfig, statuslineConfig, inputRouter, controllers.Nav)
+	app.InstallGlobalInputCapture(application, paletteConfig, statuslineConfig, inputRouter, controllers.Nav)
 
 	// Phase 13: Initial view — use the first plugin marked default: true,
 	// or fall back to the first plugin in the list.
@@ -213,6 +248,10 @@ func Bootstrap(tikiSkillContent, dokiSkillContent string) (*Result, error) {
 		StatuslineConfig: statuslineConfig,
 		StatuslineWidget: statuslineWidget,
 		RootLayout:       rootLayout,
+		PaletteConfig:    paletteConfig,
+		ActionPalette:    actionPalette,
+		ViewContext:      viewContext,
+		AppRoot:          pages,
 		Context:          ctx,
 		CancelFunc:       cancel,
 		TikiSkillContent: tikiSkillContent,
@@ -241,6 +280,61 @@ func wireNavigation(navController *controller.NavigationController, layoutModel
 	navController.SetActiveViewGetter(rootLayout.GetContentView)
 }
 
+// paletteOverlayFlex is a Flex that recomputes the palette width on every draw
+// to maintain 1/3 terminal width with a minimum floor.
+type paletteOverlayFlex struct {
+	*tview.Flex
+	palette         tview.Primitive
+	spacer          *tview.Box
+	lastPaletteSize int
+}
+
+func buildPaletteOverlay(ap *palette.ActionPalette) *paletteOverlayFlex {
+	overlay := &paletteOverlayFlex{
+		Flex:    tview.NewFlex(),
+		palette: ap.GetPrimitive(),
+	}
+	overlay.Flex.SetBackgroundColor(tcell.ColorDefault)
+	overlay.spacer = tview.NewBox()
+	overlay.spacer.SetBackgroundColor(tcell.ColorDefault)
+	overlay.Flex.AddItem(overlay.spacer, 0, 1, false)
+	overlay.Flex.AddItem(overlay.palette, palette.PaletteMinWidth, 0, true)
+	overlay.lastPaletteSize = palette.PaletteMinWidth
+	return overlay
+}
+
+func (o *paletteOverlayFlex) Draw(screen tcell.Screen) {
+	_, _, w, _ := o.GetRect()
+	pw := w / 3
+	if pw < palette.PaletteMinWidth {
+		pw = palette.PaletteMinWidth
+	}
+	if pw != o.lastPaletteSize {
+		o.Flex.Clear()
+		o.Flex.AddItem(o.spacer, 0, 1, false)
+		o.Flex.AddItem(o.palette, pw, 0, true)
+		o.lastPaletteSize = pw
+	}
+	o.Flex.Draw(screen)
+}
+
+// restoreFocusAfterPalette restores focus to the previously focused primitive,
+// falling back to FocusRestorer on the active view, then to the content view root.
+func restoreFocusAfterPalette(application *tview.Application, previousFocus tview.Primitive, rootLayout *view.RootLayout) {
+	if previousFocus != nil {
+		application.SetFocus(previousFocus)
+		return
+	}
+	if contentView := rootLayout.GetContentView(); contentView != nil {
+		if restorer, ok := contentView.(controller.FocusRestorer); ok {
+			if restorer.RestoreFocus() {
+				return
+			}
+		}
+		application.SetFocus(contentView.GetPrimitive())
+	}
+}
+
 // InitColorAndGradientSupport collects system information, auto-corrects TERM if needed,
 // and initializes gradient support flags based on terminal color capabilities.
 // Returns the collected SystemInfo for use in bootstrap result.
diff --git a/main.go b/main.go
index c75f0b4..ec6ea98 100644
--- a/main.go
+++ b/main.go
@@ -126,10 +126,11 @@ func main() {
 	defer result.App.Stop()
 	defer result.HeaderWidget.Cleanup()
 	defer result.RootLayout.Cleanup()
+	defer result.ActionPalette.Cleanup()
 	defer result.CancelFunc()
 
 	// Run application
-	if err := app.Run(result.App, result.RootLayout); err != nil {
+	if err := app.Run(result.App, result.AppRoot); err != nil {
 		slog.Error("application error", "error", err)
 		os.Exit(1)
 	}
diff --git a/model/action_palette_config.go b/model/action_palette_config.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bc07f27
--- /dev/null
+++ b/model/action_palette_config.go
@@ -0,0 +1,80 @@
+package model
+
+import "sync"
+
+// ActionPaletteConfig manages the visibility state of the action palette overlay.
+// The palette reads view metadata from ViewContext and action rows from live
+// controller registries — this config only tracks open/close state.
+type ActionPaletteConfig struct {
+	mu sync.RWMutex
+
+	visible bool
+
+	listeners    map[int]func()
+	nextListener int
+}
+
+// NewActionPaletteConfig creates a new palette config (hidden by default).
+func NewActionPaletteConfig() *ActionPaletteConfig {
+	return &ActionPaletteConfig{
+		listeners:    make(map[int]func()),
+		nextListener: 1,
+	}
+}
+
+// IsVisible returns whether the palette is currently visible.
+func (pc *ActionPaletteConfig) IsVisible() bool {
+	pc.mu.RLock()
+	defer pc.mu.RUnlock()
+	return pc.visible
+}
+
+// SetVisible sets the palette visibility and notifies listeners on change.
+func (pc *ActionPaletteConfig) SetVisible(visible bool) {
+	pc.mu.Lock()
+	changed := pc.visible != visible
+	pc.visible = visible
+	pc.mu.Unlock()
+	if changed {
+		pc.notifyListeners()
+	}
+}
+
+// ToggleVisible toggles the palette visibility.
+func (pc *ActionPaletteConfig) ToggleVisible() {
+	pc.mu.Lock()
+	pc.visible = !pc.visible
+	pc.mu.Unlock()
+	pc.notifyListeners()
+}
+
+// AddListener registers a callback for palette config changes.
+// Returns a listener ID for removal.
+func (pc *ActionPaletteConfig) AddListener(listener func()) int {
+	pc.mu.Lock()
+	defer pc.mu.Unlock()
+	id := pc.nextListener
+	pc.nextListener++
+	pc.listeners[id] = listener
+	return id
+}
+
+// RemoveListener removes a previously registered listener by ID.
+func (pc *ActionPaletteConfig) RemoveListener(id int) {
+	pc.mu.Lock()
+	defer pc.mu.Unlock()
+	delete(pc.listeners, id)
+}
+
+func (pc *ActionPaletteConfig) notifyListeners() {
+	pc.mu.RLock()
+	listeners := make([]func(), 0, len(pc.listeners))
+	for _, listener := range pc.listeners {
+		listeners = append(listeners, listener)
+	}
+	pc.mu.RUnlock()
+
+	for _, listener := range listeners {
+		listener()
+	}
+}
diff --git a/model/action_palette_config_test.go b/model/action_palette_config_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bc52f2e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/model/action_palette_config_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,87 @@
+package model
+
+import (
+	"testing"
+)
+
+func TestActionPaletteConfig_DefaultHidden(t *testing.T) {
+	pc := NewActionPaletteConfig()
+	if pc.IsVisible() {
+		t.Error("palette should be hidden by default")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestActionPaletteConfig_SetVisible(t *testing.T) {
+	pc := NewActionPaletteConfig()
+	pc.SetVisible(true)
+	if !pc.IsVisible() {
+		t.Error("palette should be visible after SetVisible(true)")
+	}
+	pc.SetVisible(false)
+	if pc.IsVisible() {
+		t.Error("palette should be hidden after SetVisible(false)")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestActionPaletteConfig_ToggleVisible(t *testing.T) {
+	pc := NewActionPaletteConfig()
+	pc.ToggleVisible()
+	if !pc.IsVisible() {
+		t.Error("palette should be visible after first toggle")
+	}
+	pc.ToggleVisible()
+	if pc.IsVisible() {
+		t.Error("palette should be hidden after second toggle")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestActionPaletteConfig_ListenerNotifiedOnChange(t *testing.T) {
+	pc := NewActionPaletteConfig()
+	called := 0
+	pc.AddListener(func() { called++ })
+
+	pc.SetVisible(true)
+	if called != 1 {
+		t.Errorf("listener should be called once on change, got %d", called)
+	}
+
+	// no-op (already visible)
+	pc.SetVisible(true)
+	if called != 1 {
+		t.Errorf("listener should not be called on no-op SetVisible, got %d", called)
+	}
+
+	pc.SetVisible(false)
+	if called != 2 {
+		t.Errorf("listener should be called on hide, got %d", called)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestActionPaletteConfig_ToggleAlwaysNotifies(t *testing.T) {
+	pc := NewActionPaletteConfig()
+	called := 0
+	pc.AddListener(func() { called++ })
+
+	pc.ToggleVisible()
+	pc.ToggleVisible()
+	if called != 2 {
+		t.Errorf("expected 2 notifications from toggle, got %d", called)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestActionPaletteConfig_RemoveListener(t *testing.T) {
+	pc := NewActionPaletteConfig()
+	called := 0
+	id := pc.AddListener(func() { called++ })
+
+	pc.SetVisible(true)
+	if called != 1 {
+		t.Errorf("expected 1 call, got %d", called)
+	}
+
+	pc.RemoveListener(id)
+	pc.SetVisible(false)
+	if called != 1 {
+		t.Errorf("expected no more calls after removal, got %d", called)
+	}
+}
diff --git a/testutil/integration_helpers.go b/testutil/integration_helpers.go
index a64b34d..a41b4c5 100644
--- a/testutil/integration_helpers.go
+++ b/testutil/integration_helpers.go
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ import (
 	taskpkg "github.com/boolean-maybe/tiki/task"
 	"github.com/boolean-maybe/tiki/view"
 	"github.com/boolean-maybe/tiki/view/header"
+	"github.com/boolean-maybe/tiki/view/palette"
 	"github.com/boolean-maybe/tiki/view/statusline"
 
 	"github.com/gdamore/tcell/v2"
@@ -43,6 +44,9 @@ type TestApp struct {
 	headerConfig      *model.HeaderConfig
 	viewContext       *model.ViewContext
 	layoutModel       *model.LayoutModel
+	paletteConfig     *model.ActionPaletteConfig
+	actionPalette     *palette.ActionPalette
+	pages             *tview.Pages
 }
 
 // NewTestApp bootstraps the full MVC stack for integration testing.
@@ -129,9 +133,7 @@ func NewTestApp(t *testing.T) *TestApp {
 		StatuslineWidget: statuslineWidget,
 	})
 
-	// Mirror main.go wiring: provide views a focus setter as they become active.
 	rootLayout.SetOnViewActivated(func(v controller.View) {
-		// generic focus settable check (covers TaskEditView and any other view with focus needs)
 		if focusSettable, ok := v.(controller.FocusSettable); ok {
 			focusSettable.SetFocusSetter(func(p tview.Primitive) {
 				app.SetFocus(p)
@@ -139,8 +141,6 @@ func NewTestApp(t *testing.T) *TestApp {
 		}
 	})
 
-	// IMPORTANT: Retroactively wire focus setter for any view already active
-	// (RootLayout may have activated a view during construction before callback was set)
 	currentView := rootLayout.GetContentView()
 	if currentView != nil {
 		if focusSettable, ok := currentView.(controller.FocusSettable); ok {
@@ -150,23 +150,59 @@ func NewTestApp(t *testing.T) *TestApp {
 		}
 	}
 
+	// 7.5 Action palette
+	paletteConfig := model.NewActionPaletteConfig()
+	inputRouter.SetHeaderConfig(headerConfig)
+	inputRouter.SetPaletteConfig(paletteConfig)
+	actionPalette := palette.NewActionPalette(viewContext, paletteConfig, inputRouter, navController)
+	actionPalette.SetChangedFunc()
+
+	// Build Pages root
+	pages := tview.NewPages()
+	pages.AddPage("base", rootLayout.GetPrimitive(), true, true)
+	paletteBox := tview.NewFlex()
+	paletteBox.AddItem(tview.NewBox(), 0, 1, false)
+	paletteBox.AddItem(actionPalette.GetPrimitive(), palette.PaletteMinWidth, 0, true)
+	pages.AddPage("palette", paletteBox, true, false)
+
+	var previousFocus tview.Primitive
+	paletteConfig.AddListener(func() {
+		if paletteConfig.IsVisible() {
+			previousFocus = app.GetFocus()
+			actionPalette.OnShow()
+			pages.ShowPage("palette")
+			app.SetFocus(actionPalette.GetFilterInput())
+		} else {
+			pages.HidePage("palette")
+			if previousFocus != nil {
+				app.SetFocus(previousFocus)
+			} else if cv := rootLayout.GetContentView(); cv != nil {
+				app.SetFocus(cv.GetPrimitive())
+			}
+			previousFocus = nil
+		}
+	})
+
 	// 8. Wire up callbacks
 	navController.SetOnViewChanged(func(viewID model.ViewID, params map[string]interface{}) {
 		layoutModel.SetContent(viewID, params)
 	})
 	navController.SetActiveViewGetter(rootLayout.GetContentView)
 
-	// 9. Set up global input capture
+	// 9. Set up global input capture (matches production)
 	app.SetInputCapture(func(event *tcell.EventKey) *tcell.EventKey {
-		handled := inputRouter.HandleInput(event, navController.CurrentView())
-		if handled {
-			return nil // consume event
+		if paletteConfig.IsVisible() {
+			return event
 		}
-		return event // pass through
+		statuslineConfig.DismissAutoHide()
+		if inputRouter.HandleInput(event, navController.CurrentView()) {
+			return nil
+		}
+		return event
 	})
 
-	// 10. Set root layout
-	app.SetRoot(rootLayout.GetPrimitive(), true).EnableMouse(false)
+	// 10. Set root (Pages)
+	app.SetRoot(pages, true).EnableMouse(false)
 
 	// Note: Do NOT call app.Run() - we use app.Draw() + screen.Show() for synchronous testing
 
@@ -186,6 +222,9 @@ func NewTestApp(t *testing.T) *TestApp {
 		headerConfig:     headerConfig,
 		viewContext:      viewContext,
 		layoutModel:      layoutModel,
+		paletteConfig:    paletteConfig,
+		actionPalette:    actionPalette,
+		pages:            pages,
 	}
 
 	// 11. Auto-load plugins since all views are now plugins
@@ -198,10 +237,9 @@ func NewTestApp(t *testing.T) *TestApp {
 
 // Draw forces a synchronous draw without running the app event loop
 func (ta *TestApp) Draw() {
-	// Get screen dimensions and set the root layout's rect
 	_, width, height := ta.Screen.GetContents()
-	ta.RootLayout.GetPrimitive().SetRect(0, 0, width, height)
-	ta.RootLayout.GetPrimitive().Draw(ta.Screen)
+	ta.pages.SetRect(0, 0, width, height)
+	ta.pages.Draw(ta.Screen)
 	ta.Screen.Show()
 }
 
@@ -317,9 +355,9 @@ func (ta *TestApp) DraftTask() *taskpkg.Task {
 
 // Cleanup tears down the test app and releases resources
 func (ta *TestApp) Cleanup() {
+	ta.actionPalette.Cleanup()
 	ta.RootLayout.Cleanup()
 	ta.Screen.Fini()
-	// TaskDir cleanup handled automatically by t.TempDir()
 }
 
 // LoadPlugins loads plugins from workflow.yaml files and wires them into the test app.
@@ -387,44 +425,19 @@ func (ta *TestApp) LoadPlugins() error {
 		ta.statuslineConfig,
 		ta.Schema,
 	)
+	ta.InputRouter.SetHeaderConfig(ta.headerConfig)
+	ta.InputRouter.SetPaletteConfig(ta.paletteConfig)
 
-	// Update global input capture to handle plugin switching keys
+	// Update global input capture (matches production pipeline)
 	ta.App.SetInputCapture(func(event *tcell.EventKey) *tcell.EventKey {
-		// Check if search box has focus - if so, let it handle ALL input
-		if activeView := ta.NavController.GetActiveView(); activeView != nil {
-			if searchableView, ok := activeView.(controller.SearchableView); ok {
-				if searchableView.IsSearchBoxFocused() {
-					return event
-				}
-			}
+		if ta.paletteConfig.IsVisible() {
+			return event
 		}
-
-		currentView := ta.NavController.CurrentView()
-		if currentView != nil {
-			// Handle plugin switching between plugins
-			if model.IsPluginViewID(currentView.ViewID) {
-				if action := controller.GetPluginActions().Match(event); action != nil {
-					pluginName := controller.GetPluginNameFromAction(action.ID)
-					if pluginName != "" {
-						targetPluginID := model.MakePluginViewID(pluginName)
-						// Don't switch to the same plugin we're already viewing
-						if currentView.ViewID == targetPluginID {
-							return nil // no-op
-						}
-						// Replace current plugin with target plugin
-						ta.NavController.ReplaceView(targetPluginID, nil)
-						return nil
-					}
-				}
-			}
+		ta.statuslineConfig.DismissAutoHide()
+		if ta.InputRouter.HandleInput(event, ta.NavController.CurrentView()) {
+			return nil
 		}
-
-		// Let InputRouter handle the rest
-		handled := ta.InputRouter.HandleInput(event, ta.NavController.CurrentView())
-		if handled {
-			return nil // consume event
-		}
-		return event // pass through
+		return event
 	})
 
 	// Update ViewFactory with plugins
@@ -482,12 +495,35 @@ func (ta *TestApp) LoadPlugins() error {
 		}
 	}
 
-	// Set new root
-	ta.App.SetRoot(ta.RootLayout.GetPrimitive(), true)
+	// Update palette with new view context
+	ta.actionPalette.Cleanup()
+	ta.actionPalette = palette.NewActionPalette(ta.viewContext, ta.paletteConfig, ta.InputRouter, ta.NavController)
+	ta.actionPalette.SetChangedFunc()
+
+	// Rebuild Pages
+	ta.pages.RemovePage("palette")
+	ta.pages.RemovePage("base")
+	ta.pages.AddPage("base", ta.RootLayout.GetPrimitive(), true, true)
+	paletteBox := tview.NewFlex()
+	paletteBox.AddItem(tview.NewBox(), 0, 1, false)
+	paletteBox.AddItem(ta.actionPalette.GetPrimitive(), palette.PaletteMinWidth, 0, true)
+	ta.pages.AddPage("palette", paletteBox, true, false)
+
+	ta.App.SetRoot(ta.pages, true)
 
 	return nil
 }
 
+// GetHeaderConfig returns the header config for testing visibility assertions.
+func (ta *TestApp) GetHeaderConfig() *model.HeaderConfig {
+	return ta.headerConfig
+}
+
+// GetPaletteConfig returns the palette config for testing visibility assertions.
+func (ta *TestApp) GetPaletteConfig() *model.ActionPaletteConfig {
+	return ta.paletteConfig
+}
+
 // GetPluginConfig retrieves the PluginConfig for a given plugin name.
 // Returns nil if the plugin is not loaded.
 func (ta *TestApp) GetPluginConfig(pluginName string) *model.PluginConfig {
diff --git a/view/doki_plugin_view.go b/view/doki_plugin_view.go
index 2f265e2..47c2191 100644
--- a/view/doki_plugin_view.go
+++ b/view/doki_plugin_view.go
@@ -223,6 +223,33 @@ func (dv *DokiView) UpdateNavigationActions() {
 	}
 }
 
+// HandlePaletteAction maps palette-dispatched actions to the markdown viewer's
+// existing key-driven behavior by replaying synthetic key events.
+func (dv *DokiView) HandlePaletteAction(id controller.ActionID) bool {
+	if dv.md == nil {
+		return false
+	}
+	var event *tcell.EventKey
+	switch id {
+	case "navigate_next_link":
+		event = tcell.NewEventKey(tcell.KeyTab, 0, tcell.ModNone)
+	case "navigate_prev_link":
+		event = tcell.NewEventKey(tcell.KeyBacktab, 0, tcell.ModNone)
+	case controller.ActionNavigateBack:
+		event = tcell.NewEventKey(tcell.KeyLeft, 0, tcell.ModNone)
+	case controller.ActionNavigateForward:
+		event = tcell.NewEventKey(tcell.KeyRight, 0, tcell.ModNone)
+	default:
+		return false
+	}
+	handler := dv.md.Viewer().InputHandler()
+	if handler != nil {
+		handler(event, nil)
+		return true
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
 // internalDokiProvider implements navidown.ContentProvider for embedded/internal docs.
 // It treats elem.URL as the lookup key, falling back to elem.Text for initial loads.
 type internalDokiProvider struct {
diff --git a/view/palette/action_palette.go b/view/palette/action_palette.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8d9d249
--- /dev/null
+++ b/view/palette/action_palette.go
@@ -0,0 +1,545 @@
+package palette
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/boolean-maybe/tiki/config"
+	"github.com/boolean-maybe/tiki/controller"
+	"github.com/boolean-maybe/tiki/model"
+	"github.com/boolean-maybe/tiki/util"
+
+	"github.com/gdamore/tcell/v2"
+	"github.com/rivo/tview"
+)
+
+const PaletteMinWidth = 30
+
+// sectionType identifies which section a palette row belongs to.
+type sectionType int
+
+const (
+	sectionGlobal sectionType = iota
+	sectionViews
+	sectionView
+)
+
+// paletteRow is a single entry in the rendered palette list.
+type paletteRow struct {
+	action    controller.Action
+	section   sectionType
+	enabled   bool
+	separator bool // true for section header/separator rows
+	label     string
+}
+
+// ActionPalette is a modal overlay listing all available actions, filterable by fuzzy typing.
+type ActionPalette struct {
+	root          *tview.Flex
+	filterInput   *tview.InputField
+	listView      *tview.TextView
+	titleView     *tview.TextView
+	hintView      *tview.TextView
+	viewContext   *model.ViewContext
+	paletteConfig *model.ActionPaletteConfig
+	inputRouter   *controller.InputRouter
+	navController *controller.NavigationController
+
+	rows          []paletteRow
+	visibleRows   []int // indices into rows for current filter
+	selectedIndex int   // index into visibleRows
+
+	viewContextListenerID int
+}
+
+// NewActionPalette creates the palette widget.
+func NewActionPalette(
+	viewContext *model.ViewContext,
+	paletteConfig *model.ActionPaletteConfig,
+	inputRouter *controller.InputRouter,
+	navController *controller.NavigationController,
+) *ActionPalette {
+	colors := config.GetColors()
+
+	ap := &ActionPalette{
+		viewContext:   viewContext,
+		paletteConfig: paletteConfig,
+		inputRouter:   inputRouter,
+		navController: navController,
+	}
+
+	// title
+	ap.titleView = tview.NewTextView().SetDynamicColors(true)
+	ap.titleView.SetBackgroundColor(colors.ContentBackgroundColor.TCell())
+
+	// filter input
+	ap.filterInput = tview.NewInputField()
+	ap.filterInput.SetLabel(" ")
+	ap.filterInput.SetFieldBackgroundColor(colors.InputFieldBackgroundColor.TCell())
+	ap.filterInput.SetFieldTextColor(colors.InputFieldTextColor.TCell())
+	ap.filterInput.SetLabelColor(colors.SearchBoxLabelColor.TCell())
+	ap.filterInput.SetPlaceholder("type to search")
+	ap.filterInput.SetPlaceholderTextColor(colors.TaskDetailPlaceholderColor.TCell())
+	ap.filterInput.SetBackgroundColor(colors.ContentBackgroundColor.TCell())
+
+	// list area
+	ap.listView = tview.NewTextView().SetDynamicColors(true)
+	ap.listView.SetBackgroundColor(colors.ContentBackgroundColor.TCell())
+
+	// bottom hint
+	ap.hintView = tview.NewTextView().SetDynamicColors(true).SetTextAlign(tview.AlignCenter)
+	ap.hintView.SetBackgroundColor(colors.ContentBackgroundColor.TCell())
+	mutedHex := colors.TaskDetailPlaceholderColor.Hex()
+	ap.hintView.SetText(fmt.Sprintf("[%s]↑↓ Select  ⏎ Run  Esc Close", mutedHex))
+
+	// root layout
+	ap.root = tview.NewFlex().SetDirection(tview.FlexRow)
+	ap.root.SetBackgroundColor(colors.ContentBackgroundColor.TCell())
+	ap.root.SetBorderColor(colors.TaskBoxUnselectedBorder.TCell())
+	ap.root.SetBorder(true)
+	ap.root.AddItem(ap.titleView, 1, 0, false)
+	ap.root.AddItem(ap.filterInput, 1, 0, true)
+	ap.root.AddItem(ap.listView, 0, 1, false)
+	ap.root.AddItem(ap.hintView, 1, 0, false)
+
+	// wire filter input to intercept all palette keys
+	ap.filterInput.SetInputCapture(ap.handleFilterInput)
+
+	// subscribe to view context changes
+	ap.viewContextListenerID = viewContext.AddListener(func() {
+		ap.rebuildRows()
+		ap.renderList()
+	})
+
+	return ap
+}
+
+// GetPrimitive returns the root tview primitive for embedding in a Pages overlay.
+func (ap *ActionPalette) GetPrimitive() tview.Primitive {
+	return ap.root
+}
+
+// GetFilterInput returns the input field that should receive focus when the palette opens.
+func (ap *ActionPalette) GetFilterInput() *tview.InputField {
+	return ap.filterInput
+}
+
+// OnShow resets state and rebuilds rows when the palette becomes visible.
+func (ap *ActionPalette) OnShow() {
+	ap.filterInput.SetText("")
+	ap.selectedIndex = 0
+	ap.rebuildRows()
+	ap.renderList()
+	ap.updateTitle()
+}
+
+// Cleanup removes all listeners.
+func (ap *ActionPalette) Cleanup() {
+	ap.viewContext.RemoveListener(ap.viewContextListenerID)
+}
+
+func (ap *ActionPalette) updateTitle() {
+	colors := config.GetColors()
+	name := ap.viewContext.GetViewName()
+	if name == "" {
+		name = string(ap.viewContext.GetViewID())
+	}
+	labelHex := colors.HeaderInfoLabel.Hex()
+	ap.titleView.SetText(fmt.Sprintf(" [%s::b]Actions[-] — %s", labelHex, name))
+}
+
+func (ap *ActionPalette) rebuildRows() {
+	ap.rows = nil
+
+	currentView := ap.navController.CurrentView()
+	activeView := ap.navController.GetActiveView()
+
+	globalActions := controller.DefaultGlobalActions().GetPaletteActions()
+	globalIDs := make(map[controller.ActionID]bool, len(globalActions))
+	for _, a := range globalActions {
+		globalIDs[a.ID] = true
+	}
+
+	// global section
+	if len(globalActions) > 0 {
+		ap.rows = append(ap.rows, paletteRow{separator: true, label: "Global", section: sectionGlobal})
+		for _, a := range globalActions {
+			ap.rows = append(ap.rows, paletteRow{
+				action:  a,
+				section: sectionGlobal,
+				enabled: actionEnabled(a, currentView, activeView),
+			})
+		}
+	}
+
+	// views section (plugin activation keys) — only if active view shows navigation
+	pluginIDs := make(map[controller.ActionID]bool)
+	if activeView != nil {
+		if np, ok := activeView.(controller.NavigationProvider); ok && np.ShowNavigation() {
+			pluginActions := controller.GetPluginActions().GetPaletteActions()
+			if len(pluginActions) > 0 {
+				ap.rows = append(ap.rows, paletteRow{separator: true, label: "Views", section: sectionViews})
+				for _, a := range pluginActions {
+					pluginIDs[a.ID] = true
+					ap.rows = append(ap.rows, paletteRow{
+						action:  a,
+						section: sectionViews,
+						enabled: actionEnabled(a, currentView, activeView),
+					})
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
+	// view section — current view's own actions, deduped against global + plugin
+	if activeView != nil {
+		viewActions := activeView.GetActionRegistry().GetPaletteActions()
+		var filtered []controller.Action
+		for _, a := range viewActions {
+			if globalIDs[a.ID] || pluginIDs[a.ID] {
+				continue
+			}
+			filtered = append(filtered, a)
+		}
+		if len(filtered) > 0 {
+			ap.rows = append(ap.rows, paletteRow{separator: true, label: "View", section: sectionView})
+			for _, a := range filtered {
+				ap.rows = append(ap.rows, paletteRow{
+					action:  a,
+					section: sectionView,
+					enabled: actionEnabled(a, currentView, activeView),
+				})
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
+	ap.filterRows()
+}
+
+func actionEnabled(a controller.Action, currentView *controller.ViewEntry, activeView controller.View) bool {
+	if a.IsEnabled == nil {
+		return true
+	}
+	return a.IsEnabled(currentView, activeView)
+}
+
+func (ap *ActionPalette) filterRows() {
+	query := ap.filterInput.GetText()
+	ap.visibleRows = nil
+
+	if query == "" {
+		for i := range ap.rows {
+			ap.visibleRows = append(ap.visibleRows, i)
+		}
+		ap.stripEmptySections()
+		ap.clampSelection()
+		return
+	}
+
+	type scored struct {
+		idx   int
+		score int
+	}
+
+	// group by section, score each, sort within section
+	sectionScored := make(map[sectionType][]scored)
+	for i, row := range ap.rows {
+		if row.separator {
+			continue
+		}
+		matched, score := fuzzyMatch(query, row.action.Label)
+		if matched {
+			sectionScored[row.section] = append(sectionScored[row.section], scored{i, score})
+		}
+	}
+
+	for _, section := range []sectionType{sectionGlobal, sectionViews, sectionView} {
+		items := sectionScored[section]
+		if len(items) == 0 {
+			continue
+		}
+		sort.Slice(items, func(a, b int) bool {
+			if items[a].score != items[b].score {
+				return items[a].score < items[b].score
+			}
+			la := strings.ToLower(ap.rows[items[a].idx].action.Label)
+			lb := strings.ToLower(ap.rows[items[b].idx].action.Label)
+			if la != lb {
+				return la < lb
+			}
+			return ap.rows[items[a].idx].action.ID < ap.rows[items[b].idx].action.ID
+		})
+
+		// find section separator
+		for i, row := range ap.rows {
+			if row.separator && row.section == section {
+				ap.visibleRows = append(ap.visibleRows, i)
+				break
+			}
+		}
+		for _, item := range items {
+			ap.visibleRows = append(ap.visibleRows, item.idx)
+		}
+	}
+
+	ap.stripEmptySections()
+	ap.clampSelection()
+}
+
+// stripEmptySections removes section separators that have no visible action rows after them.
+func (ap *ActionPalette) stripEmptySections() {
+	var result []int
+	for i, vi := range ap.visibleRows {
+		row := ap.rows[vi]
+		if row.separator {
+			// check if next visible row is a non-separator in same section
+			hasContent := false
+			for j := i + 1; j < len(ap.visibleRows); j++ {
+				next := ap.rows[ap.visibleRows[j]]
+				if next.separator {
+					break
+				}
+				hasContent = true
+				break
+			}
+			if !hasContent {
+				continue
+			}
+		}
+		result = append(result, vi)
+	}
+	ap.visibleRows = result
+}
+
+func (ap *ActionPalette) clampSelection() {
+	if ap.selectedIndex >= len(ap.visibleRows) {
+		ap.selectedIndex = 0
+	}
+	// skip to first selectable (non-separator, enabled) row
+	ap.selectedIndex = ap.nextSelectableFrom(ap.selectedIndex, 1)
+}
+
+func (ap *ActionPalette) nextSelectableFrom(start, direction int) int {
+	n := len(ap.visibleRows)
+	if n == 0 {
+		return 0
+	}
+	for i := 0; i < n; i++ {
+		idx := (start + i*direction + n) % n
+		row := ap.rows[ap.visibleRows[idx]]
+		if !row.separator && row.enabled {
+			return idx
+		}
+	}
+	return start
+}
+
+func (ap *ActionPalette) renderList() {
+	colors := config.GetColors()
+	_, _, width, _ := ap.root.GetInnerRect()
+	if width <= 0 {
+		width = PaletteMinWidth
+	}
+
+	globalScheme := sectionColors(sectionGlobal)
+	viewsScheme := sectionColors(sectionViews)
+	viewScheme := sectionColors(sectionView)
+
+	mutedHex := colors.TaskDetailPlaceholderColor.Hex()
+	selBgHex := colors.TaskListSelectionBg.Hex()
+
+	var buf strings.Builder
+
+	if len(ap.visibleRows) == 0 {
+		buf.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf("[%s]  no matches", mutedHex))
+		ap.listView.SetText(buf.String())
+		return
+	}
+
+	keyColWidth := 12
+
+	for vi, rowIdx := range ap.visibleRows {
+		row := ap.rows[rowIdx]
+
+		if row.separator {
+			var headerHex string
+			switch row.section {
+			case sectionGlobal:
+				headerHex = globalScheme.keyHex
+			case sectionViews:
+				headerHex = viewsScheme.keyHex
+			case sectionView:
+				headerHex = viewScheme.keyHex
+			}
+			if vi > 0 {
+				buf.WriteString("\n")
+			}
+			buf.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf(" [%s::b]%s[-::-]", headerHex, row.label))
+			continue
+		}
+
+		keyStr := util.FormatKeyBinding(row.action.Key, row.action.Rune, row.action.Modifier)
+		label := row.action.Label
+
+		// truncate label if needed
+		maxLabel := width - keyColWidth - 4
+		if maxLabel < 5 {
+			maxLabel = 5
+		}
+		if len([]rune(label)) > maxLabel {
+			label = string([]rune(label)[:maxLabel-1]) + "…"
+		}
+
+		var scheme sectionColorPair
+		switch row.section {
+		case sectionGlobal:
+			scheme = globalScheme
+		case sectionViews:
+			scheme = viewsScheme
+		case sectionView:
+			scheme = viewScheme
+		}
+
+		selected := vi == ap.selectedIndex
+
+		if vi > 0 {
+			buf.WriteString("\n")
+		}
+
+		if !row.enabled {
+			// greyed out
+			buf.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf(" [%s]%-*s %s[-]", mutedHex, keyColWidth, keyStr, label))
+		} else if selected {
+			buf.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf(" [%s:%s:b]%-*s[-:-:-] [:%s:]%s[-:-:-]",
+				scheme.keyHex, selBgHex, keyColWidth, keyStr,
+				selBgHex, label))
+		} else {
+			buf.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf(" [%s]%-*s[-] %s", scheme.keyHex, keyColWidth, keyStr, label))
+		}
+	}
+
+	ap.listView.SetText(buf.String())
+}
+
+type sectionColorPair struct {
+	keyHex   string
+	labelHex string
+}
+
+func sectionColors(s sectionType) sectionColorPair {
+	colors := config.GetColors()
+	switch s {
+	case sectionGlobal:
+		return sectionColorPair{
+			keyHex:   colors.HeaderActionGlobalKeyColor.Hex(),
+			labelHex: colors.HeaderActionGlobalLabelColor.Hex(),
+		}
+	case sectionViews:
+		return sectionColorPair{
+			keyHex:   colors.HeaderActionPluginKeyColor.Hex(),
+			labelHex: colors.HeaderActionPluginLabelColor.Hex(),
+		}
+	case sectionView:
+		return sectionColorPair{
+			keyHex:   colors.HeaderActionViewKeyColor.Hex(),
+			labelHex: colors.HeaderActionViewLabelColor.Hex(),
+		}
+	default:
+		return sectionColorPair{
+			keyHex:   colors.HeaderActionGlobalKeyColor.Hex(),
+			labelHex: colors.HeaderActionGlobalLabelColor.Hex(),
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// handleFilterInput owns all palette keyboard behavior.
+func (ap *ActionPalette) handleFilterInput(event *tcell.EventKey) *tcell.EventKey {
+	switch event.Key() {
+	case tcell.KeyEscape:
+		ap.paletteConfig.SetVisible(false)
+		return nil
+
+	case tcell.KeyEnter:
+		ap.dispatchSelected()
+		return nil
+
+	case tcell.KeyUp:
+		ap.moveSelection(-1)
+		ap.renderList()
+		return nil
+
+	case tcell.KeyDown:
+		ap.moveSelection(1)
+		ap.renderList()
+		return nil
+
+	case tcell.KeyCtrlU:
+		ap.filterInput.SetText("")
+		ap.filterRows()
+		ap.renderList()
+		return nil
+
+	case tcell.KeyRune:
+		// let the input field handle the rune, then re-filter
+		return event
+
+	case tcell.KeyBackspace, tcell.KeyBackspace2:
+		return event
+
+	default:
+		// swallow everything else
+		return nil
+	}
+}
+
+// SetChangedFunc wires a callback that re-filters when the input text changes.
+func (ap *ActionPalette) SetChangedFunc() {
+	ap.filterInput.SetChangedFunc(func(text string) {
+		ap.filterRows()
+		ap.renderList()
+	})
+}
+
+func (ap *ActionPalette) moveSelection(direction int) {
+	n := len(ap.visibleRows)
+	if n == 0 {
+		return
+	}
+	start := ap.selectedIndex + direction
+	if start < 0 {
+		start = n - 1
+	} else if start >= n {
+		start = 0
+	}
+	ap.selectedIndex = ap.nextSelectableFrom(start, direction)
+}
+
+func (ap *ActionPalette) dispatchSelected() {
+	if ap.selectedIndex >= len(ap.visibleRows) {
+		ap.paletteConfig.SetVisible(false)
+		return
+	}
+
+	row := ap.rows[ap.visibleRows[ap.selectedIndex]]
+	if row.separator || !row.enabled {
+		return
+	}
+
+	actionID := row.action.ID
+
+	// close palette BEFORE dispatch (clean focus transition)
+	ap.paletteConfig.SetVisible(false)
+
+	// try view-local handler first
+	if activeView := ap.navController.GetActiveView(); activeView != nil {
+		if handler, ok := activeView.(controller.PaletteActionHandler); ok {
+			if handler.HandlePaletteAction(actionID) {
+				return
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
+	// fall back to controller-side dispatch
+	ap.inputRouter.HandleAction(actionID, ap.navController.CurrentView())
+}
diff --git a/view/palette/fuzzy.go b/view/palette/fuzzy.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ec626bf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/view/palette/fuzzy.go
@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+package palette
+
+import "unicode"
+
+// fuzzyMatch performs a case-insensitive subsequence match of query against text.
+// Returns (matched, score) where lower score is better.
+// Score = firstMatchPos + spanLength, where spanLength = lastMatchIdx - firstMatchIdx.
+func fuzzyMatch(query, text string) (bool, int) {
+	if query == "" {
+		return true, 0
+	}
+
+	queryRunes := []rune(query)
+	textRunes := []rune(text)
+	qi := 0
+	firstMatch := -1
+	lastMatch := -1
+
+	for ti := 0; ti < len(textRunes) && qi < len(queryRunes); ti++ {
+		if unicode.ToLower(textRunes[ti]) == unicode.ToLower(queryRunes[qi]) {
+			if firstMatch == -1 {
+				firstMatch = ti
+			}
+			lastMatch = ti
+			qi++
+		}
+	}
+
+	if qi < len(queryRunes) {
+		return false, 0
+	}
+
+	return true, firstMatch + (lastMatch - firstMatch)
+}
diff --git a/view/palette/fuzzy_test.go b/view/palette/fuzzy_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..32639b7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/view/palette/fuzzy_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,81 @@
+package palette
+
+import (
+	"testing"
+)
+
+func TestFuzzyMatch_EmptyQuery(t *testing.T) {
+	matched, score := fuzzyMatch("", "anything")
+	if !matched {
+		t.Error("empty query should match everything")
+	}
+	if score != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("empty query score should be 0, got %d", score)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestFuzzyMatch_ExactMatch(t *testing.T) {
+	matched, score := fuzzyMatch("Save", "Save")
+	if !matched {
+		t.Error("exact match should succeed")
+	}
+	if score != 3 {
+		t.Errorf("expected score 3 (pos=0, span=3), got %d", score)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestFuzzyMatch_PrefixMatch(t *testing.T) {
+	matched, score := fuzzyMatch("Sav", "Save Task")
+	if !matched {
+		t.Error("prefix match should succeed")
+	}
+	if score != 2 {
+		t.Errorf("expected score 2 (pos=0, span=2), got %d", score)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestFuzzyMatch_SubsequenceMatch(t *testing.T) {
+	matched, score := fuzzyMatch("TH", "Toggle Header")
+	if !matched {
+		t.Error("subsequence match should succeed")
+	}
+	// T at 0, H at 7 → score = 0 + 7 = 7
+	if score != 7 {
+		t.Errorf("expected score 7, got %d", score)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestFuzzyMatch_CaseInsensitive(t *testing.T) {
+	matched, _ := fuzzyMatch("save", "Save Task")
+	if !matched {
+		t.Error("case-insensitive match should succeed")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestFuzzyMatch_NoMatch(t *testing.T) {
+	matched, _ := fuzzyMatch("xyz", "Save Task")
+	if matched {
+		t.Error("non-matching query should not match")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestFuzzyMatch_ScoreOrdering(t *testing.T) {
+	// "se" matches "Search" (S=0, e=1 → score=1) better than "Save Edit" (S=0, e=5 → score=5)
+	_, scoreSearch := fuzzyMatch("se", "Search")
+	_, scoreSaveEdit := fuzzyMatch("se", "Save Edit")
+
+	if scoreSearch >= scoreSaveEdit {
+		t.Errorf("'Search' should score better than 'Save Edit' for 'se': %d vs %d", scoreSearch, scoreSaveEdit)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestFuzzyMatch_SingleChar(t *testing.T) {
+	matched, score := fuzzyMatch("q", "Quit")
+	if !matched {
+		t.Error("single char should match")
+	}
+	// q at position 0 → score = 0 + 0 = 0
+	if score != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("single char at start should score 0, got %d", score)
+	}
+}
diff --git a/view/taskdetail/task_detail_view.go b/view/taskdetail/task_detail_view.go
index fc27738..e027a7c 100644
--- a/view/taskdetail/task_detail_view.go
+++ b/view/taskdetail/task_detail_view.go
@@ -78,6 +78,16 @@ func (tv *TaskDetailView) OnFocus() {
 	tv.refresh()
 }
 
+// RestoreFocus sets focus to the current description viewer (which may have been
+// rebuilt by a store-driven refresh while the palette was open).
+func (tv *TaskDetailView) RestoreFocus() bool {
+	if tv.descView != nil && tv.focusSetter != nil {
+		tv.focusSetter(tv.descView)
+		return true
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
 // OnBlur is called when the view becomes inactive
 func (tv *TaskDetailView) OnBlur() {
 	if tv.storeListenerID != 0 {