diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/locales/cs.toml b/crates/ui-egui/locales/cs.toml
index e86da423..268ff527 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/locales/cs.toml
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/locales/cs.toml
@@ -1133,6 +1133,7 @@ status = "draft — needs native review"
 "Scroll with parent" = "Posouvat s nadřazeným prvkem"
 "Search plugins" = "Hledat pluginy"
 "Search" = "Hledat"
+"Search actions, layers and tools" = "Hledat akce, vrstvy a nástroje"
 "Search assets" = "Hledat zdroje"
 "Search comments" = "Hledat komentáře"
 "Search fonts" = "Hledat písma"
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/locales/de.toml b/crates/ui-egui/locales/de.toml
index 862527e4..cd1e3482 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/locales/de.toml
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/locales/de.toml
@@ -1096,6 +1096,7 @@ status = "draft — needs native review"
 "Scroll to layer" = "Zur Ebene scrollen"
 "Scroll with parent" = "Mit übergeordnetem Element scrollen"
 "Search" = "Suchen"
+"Search actions, layers and tools" = "Aktionen, Ebenen und Werkzeuge suchen"
 "Search assets" = "Assets suchen"
 "Search comments" = "Kommentare suchen"
 "Search fonts" = "Schriften suchen"
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/locales/en.toml b/crates/ui-egui/locales/en.toml
index 8894ece1..514b6975 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/locales/en.toml
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/locales/en.toml
@@ -913,6 +913,7 @@ name = "English"
 "Orange" = "Orange"
 "Order" = "Order"
 "Other apps may not open every .fig file exported here." = "Other apps may not open every .fig file exported here."
+"Other" = "Other"
 "Others lose access and keep their copy; the file stays on the server for you" = "Others lose access and keep their copy; the file stays on the server for you"
 "Others type this under Share ▸ Join with a code" = "Others type this under Share ▸ Join with a code"
 "Outline stroke" = "Outline stroke"
@@ -1152,7 +1153,7 @@ name = "English"
 "Scroll with parent" = "Scroll with parent"
 "Search plugins" = "Search plugins"
 "Search" = "Search"
-"Search actions, assets and plugins" = "Search actions, assets and plugins"
+"Search actions, layers and tools" = "Search actions, layers and tools"
 "Search assets" = "Search assets"
 "Search comments" = "Search comments"
 "Search fonts" = "Search fonts"
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/locales/es.toml b/crates/ui-egui/locales/es.toml
index d5e353cf..55e228dd 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/locales/es.toml
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/locales/es.toml
@@ -914,6 +914,7 @@ status = "draft — needs native review"
 "Orange" = "Naranja"
 "Order" = "Orden"
 "Other apps may not open every .fig file exported here." = "Puede que otras aplicaciones no abran todos los archivos .fig exportados aquí."
+"Other" = "Otros"
 "Others lose access and keep their copy; the file stays on the server for you" = "Los demás pierden el acceso y conservan su copia; el archivo se queda en el servidor para ti"
 "Others type this under Share ▸ Join with a code" = "Los demás lo escriben en Compartir ▸ Unirse con un código"
 "Outline stroke" = "Contornear trazo"
@@ -971,7 +972,7 @@ status = "draft — needs native review"
 "Plugin" = "Plugin"
 "Plugins run in FigCraft's sandbox, without files, network or clock. Install only plugins you trust." = "Los plugins se ejecutan en el entorno aislado de FigCraft, sin archivos, red ni reloj. Instala solo plugins de confianza."
 "Plugins" = "Plugins"
-"Plugins & widgets" = "Plugins & widgets"
+"Plugins & widgets" = "Plugins y widgets"
 "Plus darker" = "Más oscuro"
 "Plus lighter" = "Más claro"
 "Point" = "Punto"
@@ -1153,8 +1154,8 @@ status = "draft — needs native review"
 "Scroll with parent" = "Desplazar con el padre"
 "Search plugins" = "Buscar plugins"
 "Search" = "Buscar"
+"Search actions, layers and tools" = "Buscar acciones, capas y herramientas"
 "Search assets" = "Buscar recursos"
-"Search actions, assets and plugins" = "Buscar acciones, recursos y plugins"
 "Search comments" = "Buscar comentarios"
 "Search fonts" = "Buscar fuentes"
 "Search layers" = "Buscar capas"
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/locales/fr.toml b/crates/ui-egui/locales/fr.toml
index 2c1fbc45..7fafd3c9 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/locales/fr.toml
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/locales/fr.toml
@@ -1090,6 +1090,7 @@ status = "draft — needs native review"
 "Scroll to layer" = "Défiler jusqu’au calque"
 "Scroll with parent" = "Défiler avec le parent"
 "Search" = "Rechercher"
+"Search actions, layers and tools" = "Rechercher des actions, des calques et des outils"
 "Search assets" = "Rechercher des ressources"
 "Search comments" = "Rechercher des commentaires"
 "Search fonts" = "Rechercher des polices"
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/locales/id.toml b/crates/ui-egui/locales/id.toml
index 53825747..5de7634d 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/locales/id.toml
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/locales/id.toml
@@ -1137,6 +1137,7 @@ status = "draft — needs native review"
 "Scroll with parent" = "Gulir bersama induk"
 "Search plugins" = "Cari plugin"
 "Search" = "Cari"
+"Search actions, layers and tools" = "Cari tindakan, layer, dan alat"
 "Search assets" = "Cari aset"
 "Search comments" = "Cari komentar"
 "Search fonts" = "Cari font"
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/locales/ja.toml b/crates/ui-egui/locales/ja.toml
index 670f84fc..4d4d6d34 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/locales/ja.toml
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/locales/ja.toml
@@ -1140,6 +1140,7 @@ status = "draft — needs native review"
 "Scroll to layer" = "レイヤーまでスクロール"
 "Scroll with parent" = "親と一緒にスクロール"
 "Search" = "検索"
+"Search actions, layers and tools" = "アクション、レイヤー、ツールを検索"
 "Search assets" = "アセットを検索"
 "Search comments" = "コメントを検索"
 "Search fonts" = "フォントを検索"
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/locales/ko.toml b/crates/ui-egui/locales/ko.toml
index 1f7bed0c..ec732905 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/locales/ko.toml
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/locales/ko.toml
@@ -1090,6 +1090,7 @@ status = "draft — needs native review"
 "Scroll to layer" = "레이어로 스크롤"
 "Scroll with parent" = "부모와 함께 스크롤"
 "Search" = "검색"
+"Search actions, layers and tools" = "액션, 레이어, 도구 검색"
 "Search assets" = "에셋 검색"
 "Search comments" = "댓글 검색"
 "Search fonts" = "글꼴 검색"
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/locales/pt-BR.toml b/crates/ui-egui/locales/pt-BR.toml
index 2fb61d12..c2189de8 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/locales/pt-BR.toml
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/locales/pt-BR.toml
@@ -1089,6 +1089,7 @@ status = "draft — needs native review"
 "Scroll to layer" = "Rolar até a camada"
 "Scroll with parent" = "Rolar com o pai"
 "Search" = "Pesquisar"
+"Search actions, layers and tools" = "Pesquisar ações, camadas e ferramentas"
 "Search assets" = "Pesquisar recursos"
 "Search comments" = "Pesquisar comentários"
 "Search fonts" = "Pesquisar fontes"
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/locales/ru.toml b/crates/ui-egui/locales/ru.toml
index 78a8afd6..3ab40757 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/locales/ru.toml
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/locales/ru.toml
@@ -1134,6 +1134,7 @@ name = "Русский"
 "Scroll with parent" = "Прокручивать с родителем"
 "Search plugins" = "Поиск плагинов"
 "Search" = "Поиск"
+"Search actions, layers and tools" = "Поиск действий, слоёв и инструментов"
 "Search assets" = "Поиск ресурсов"
 "Search comments" = "Поиск комментариев"
 "Search fonts" = "Поиск шрифтов"
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/locales/sv.toml b/crates/ui-egui/locales/sv.toml
index a54c02e7..f7b2999d 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/locales/sv.toml
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/locales/sv.toml
@@ -1135,6 +1135,7 @@ name = "Svenska"
 "Scroll with parent" = "Rulla med överordnat element"
 "Search plugins" = "Sök plugin-program"
 "Search" = "Sök"
+"Search actions, layers and tools" = "Sök åtgärder, lager och verktyg"
 "Search assets" = "Sök tillgångar"
 "Search comments" = "Sök i kommentarer"
 "Search fonts" = "Sök typsnitt"
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/locales/tr.toml b/crates/ui-egui/locales/tr.toml
index 43603287..a2be6b99 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/locales/tr.toml
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/locales/tr.toml
@@ -1137,6 +1137,7 @@ name = "Türkçe"
 "Scroll with parent" = "Üst öğeyle birlikte kaydır"
 "Search plugins" = "Eklentilerde ara"
 "Search" = "Ara"
+"Search actions, layers and tools" = "Eylem, katman ve araç ara"
 "Search assets" = "Varlıklarda ara"
 "Search comments" = "Yorumlarda ara"
 "Search fonts" = "Yazı tiplerinde ara"
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/locales/zh-Hans.toml b/crates/ui-egui/locales/zh-Hans.toml
index a42360e4..af4cf653 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/locales/zh-Hans.toml
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/locales/zh-Hans.toml
@@ -1091,6 +1091,7 @@ status = "draft — needs native review"
 "Scroll to layer" = "滚动到图层"
 "Scroll with parent" = "随父级滚动"
 "Search" = "搜索"
+"Search actions, layers and tools" = "搜索操作、图层和工具"
 "Search assets" = "搜索资源"
 "Search comments" = "搜索评论"
 "Search fonts" = "搜索字体"
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/src/control.rs b/crates/ui-egui/src/control.rs
index 6e55c8a4..9a97081f 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/src/control.rs
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/src/control.rs
@@ -414,9 +414,7 @@ pub fn handle(app: &mut FigApp, ctx: &Context, method: &str, p: &Value) -> Resul
                 crate::home_recents::Sort { descending: order == "desc", ..sort }.store(&mut app.session.prefs);
             }
             if let Some(h) = p.get("palette").and_then(Value::as_bool) {
-                app.ui.palette = if h { Some(String::new()) } else { None };
-                app.ui.palette_tab = crate::menus::PaletteTab::All;
-                app.ui.palette_armed = true;
+                crate::menus::set_palette(&mut app.ui, h);
             }
             // true / false, or a top-level menu to open it at ("Plugins").
             match p.get("mainMenu") {
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/src/lib.rs b/crates/ui-egui/src/lib.rs
index 34f6ac0d..4a047c89 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/src/lib.rs
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/src/lib.rs
@@ -408,6 +408,8 @@ pub struct UiState {
     pub palette: Option<String>,
     /// The Actions palette's tab.
     pub palette_tab: menus::PaletteTab,
+    /// The palette row Up and Down are on (Enter runs it).
+    pub palette_hi: usize,
     /// The palette ignores one outside click after opening (the click that opened it).
     pub palette_armed: bool,
     /// This frame's Actions toolbar button rect: presses on it toggle, never dismiss.
@@ -542,6 +544,7 @@ impl Default for UiState {
             main_menu: false,
             palette: None,
             palette_tab: menus::PaletteTab::All,
+            palette_hi: 0,
             palette_armed: false,
             actions_rect: None,
             variables: None,
@@ -799,15 +802,7 @@ impl FigApp {
                 }
                 "dialog.preferences" => self.ui.preferences = true,
                 "panel.shortcuts" => self.ui.shortcuts_panel = !self.ui.shortcuts_panel,
-                "palette.actions" => {
-                    if self.ui.palette.is_some() {
-                        self.ui.palette = None;
-                    } else {
-                        self.ui.palette = Some(String::new());
-                        self.ui.palette_tab = menus::PaletteTab::All;
-                        self.ui.palette_armed = true;
-                    }
-                }
+                "palette.actions" => menus::toggle_palette(&mut self.ui),
                 "panel.design" => self.ui.right_tab = RightTab::Design,
                 "panel.prototype" => self.ui.right_tab = RightTab::Prototype,
                 "panel.designPrototype" => {
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/src/menus.rs b/crates/ui-egui/src/menus.rs
index 73bee5bc..e54f0090 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/src/menus.rs
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/src/menus.rs
@@ -7,8 +7,8 @@ use serde_json::json;
 
 use crate::FigApp;
 use crate::a11y;
-use crate::icons::{self, Icon};
 use crate::i18n::{self, tr, tr_noop, trf};
+use crate::icons::{self, Icon};
 use crate::theme::{Tokens, regular};
 use crate::toolbar::pretty_shortcut;
 
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ pub enum PaletteTab {
     Plugins,
 }
 
-/// Remember a ran action for the palette's Recents (newest first, capped).
+/// Remember an action run from the palette for its Recents (newest first, capped).
 pub fn record_recent(app: &mut FigApp, key: &str) {
     let r = &mut app.session.prefs.recent_actions;
     if r.first().is_some_and(|f| f == key) {
@@ -94,7 +94,6 @@ pub fn record_recent(app: &mut FigApp, key: &str) {
 }
 
 pub fn invoke(app: &mut FigApp, id: &str) {
-    record_recent(app, &format!("command:{id}"));
     match id {
         "file.open" => app.open_dialog(),
         "plugin.import" => crate::plugins_ui::import_dialog(app),
@@ -434,7 +433,7 @@ pub fn popups(app: &mut FigApp, ctx: &egui::Context) {
                     t.menu_dim,
                 );
                 if resp.clicked() {
-                    app.ui.palette = Some(String::new());
+                    set_palette(&mut app.ui, true);
                     close = true;
                 }
                 ui.add_space(6.0);
@@ -657,19 +656,31 @@ fn select_layer_menu(app: &mut FigApp, ui: &mut Ui, pos: egui::Pos2, t: &Tokens)
 /// The Actions palette's content height (the frame adds its own 8 px margins).
 const PALETTE_H: f32 = 450.0;
 
-/// The Actions palette: search over commands, assets and plugins, in Figma's shape (tabs,
-/// recents, grouped sections). Rows run on click; Enter runs the first visible row.
+/// Open the Actions palette afresh (empty search, All tab, first row highlighted), or close it.
+pub fn set_palette(ui: &mut crate::UiState, open: bool) {
+    ui.palette = open.then(String::new);
+    ui.palette_tab = PaletteTab::All;
+    ui.palette_hi = 0;
+    ui.palette_armed = open;
+}
+
+/// Open the Actions palette afresh, or close it when it's open (⌘K, the toolbar's Actions button).
+pub fn toggle_palette(ui: &mut crate::UiState) {
+    let open = ui.palette.is_none();
+    set_palette(ui, open);
+}
+
+/// The Actions palette: search over commands, assets and plugins, with tabs, recents and grouped
+/// sections, floating above the toolbar. Rows run on click; Up and Down move the highlight and
+/// Enter runs the highlighted row.
 fn palette(app: &mut FigApp, ctx: &egui::Context) {
     let Some(mut q) = app.ui.palette.clone() else { return };
     let t = Tokens::get(ctx);
     // Same centre and width as the toolbar pill (it centres on the canvas, not the window),
     // floating 8 px above it. Fixed size: switching tabs never resizes the panel.
     let bar_w = crate::toolbar::main_width();
-    let canvas = app.canvas.rect;
-    let area = Rect::from_min_size(
-        pos2(canvas.center().x - bar_w / 2.0, canvas.max.y - 68.0 - (PALETTE_H + 16.0)),
-        vec2(bar_w, PALETTE_H + 16.0),
-    );
+    let bar = crate::toolbar::pill_rect(app.canvas.rect, bar_w);
+    let area = Rect::from_min_max(pos2(bar.min.x, bar.min.y - 8.0 - (PALETTE_H + 16.0)), pos2(bar.max.x, bar.min.y - 8.0));
     let mut run: Option<String> = None;
     let mut close = false;
     // A press anywhere outside closes the panel. The opening press is spared once, and the
@@ -684,135 +695,93 @@ fn palette(app: &mut FigApp, ctx: &egui::Context) {
     } else if !pressed {
         app.ui.palette_armed = false;
     }
-    egui::Area::new(Id::new("palette")).fixed_pos(area.min).order(egui::Order::Foreground).show(
-        ctx,
-        |ui| {
-            egui::Frame::NONE
-                .fill(t.panel)
-                .corner_radius(CornerRadius::same(13))
-                .stroke(Stroke::new(1.0, t.border))
-                .shadow(egui::Shadow { offset: [0, 8], blur: 32, spread: 0, color: t.shadow })
-                .inner_margin(egui::Margin::same(8))
-                .show(ui, |ui| {
-                    // Same outer width as the toolbar pill, and a fixed height: switching tabs
-                    // never resizes the panel.
-                    let inner = crate::toolbar::main_width() - 16.0;
-                    ui.set_width(inner);
-                    ui.set_height(PALETTE_H);
-                    let r = ui.add(
-                        egui::TextEdit::singleline(&mut q)
-                            .hint_text(tr("Search actions, assets and plugins"))
-                            .desired_width(inner - 16.0)
-                            .font(regular(14.0))
-                            .frame(egui::Frame::NONE.inner_margin(egui::Margin::same(8))),
-                    );
-                    r.request_focus();
-                    crate::widgets::select_all_on_focus(ui, &r, &q);
-                    ui.add_space(4.0);
-                    // Tabs: All, Assets, Plugins & widgets.
-                    let tabs = [(PaletteTab::All, tr("All")), (PaletteTab::Assets, tr("Assets")), (PaletteTab::Plugins, tr("Plugins & widgets"))];
-                    ui.horizontal(|ui| {
-                        ui.spacing_mut().item_spacing = vec2(4.0, 0.0);
-                        for (tab, label) in tabs {
-                            let active = app.ui.palette_tab == tab;
-                            // The frame stays on for every tab (transparent when idle) so the
-                            // active pill never moves its neighbours.
-                            let resp = ui.add(
-                                egui::Button::new(egui::RichText::new(label).size(12.0).color(if active { t.text } else { t.text_secondary }))
-                                    .frame(true)
-                                    .fill(if active { t.hover } else { Color32::TRANSPARENT })
-                                    .corner_radius(CornerRadius::same(6)),
-                            );
-                            if resp.clicked() {
-                                app.ui.palette_tab = tab;
-                            }
-                        }
-                    });
-                    ui.add_space(4.0);
-                    let enter = ui.input(|i| i.key_pressed(egui::Key::Enter));
-                    let mut first: Option<String> = None;
-                    egui::ScrollArea::vertical().max_height(360.0).show(ui, |ui| {
-                        let tab = app.ui.palette_tab;
-                        if tab == PaletteTab::All {
-                            let recents: Vec<ActionRow> = app
-                                .session
-                                .prefs
-                                .recent_actions
-                                .clone()
-                                .iter()
-                                .filter_map(|key| recent_row(app, key, &q))
-                                .collect();
-                            if !recents.is_empty() {
-                                section(ui, &t, tr("Recents"), |ui| {
-                                    for row in &recents {
-                                        first.get_or_insert_with(|| row.key.clone());
-                                        if draw_row(ui, &t, row) {
-                                            run = Some(row.key.clone());
-                                        }
-                                    }
-                                });
-                            }
-                        }
-                        if tab != PaletteTab::Plugins {
-                            for (group, rows) in command_sections(&q) {
-                                if tab == PaletteTab::Assets {
-                                    continue;
-                                }
-                                section(ui, &t, &group, |ui| {
-                                    for row in rows {
-                                        first.get_or_insert_with(|| row.key.clone());
-                                        if draw_row(ui, &t, &row) {
-                                            run = Some(row.key);
-                                        }
-                                    }
-                                });
-                            }
-                        }
-                        if tab != PaletteTab::Assets {
-                            let plugins = plugin_rows(app, &q);
-                            let widgets = widget_rows(app, &q);
-                            if !plugins.is_empty() {
-                                section(ui, &t, tr("Plugins"), |ui| {
-                                    for row in plugins {
-                                        first.get_or_insert_with(|| row.key.clone());
-                                        if draw_row(ui, &t, &row) {
-                                            run = Some(row.key);
-                                        }
-                                    }
-                                });
-                            }
-                            if !widgets.is_empty() {
-                                section(ui, &t, tr("Widgets"), |ui| {
-                                    for row in widgets {
-                                        first.get_or_insert_with(|| row.key.clone());
-                                        if draw_row(ui, &t, &row) {
-                                            run = Some(row.key);
-                                        }
-                                    }
-                                });
-                            }
-                        }
-                        if tab == PaletteTab::Assets {
-                            for (group, rows) in asset_sections(app, &q) {
-                                section(ui, &t, &group, |ui| {
-                                    for row in rows {
-                                        first.get_or_insert_with(|| row.key.clone());
-                                        if draw_row(ui, &t, &row) {
-                                            run = Some(row.key);
-                                        }
-                                    }
-                                });
-                            }
-                        }
-                    });
-                    if enter {
-                        if let Some(key) = first {
-                            run = Some(key);
+    // Taken before the search field sees them (it would move its cursor).
+    let step = ctx.input_mut(|i| {
+        i.count_and_consume_key(egui::Modifiers::NONE, egui::Key::ArrowDown) as i64
+            - i.count_and_consume_key(egui::Modifiers::NONE, egui::Key::ArrowUp) as i64
+    });
+    egui::Area::new(Id::new("palette")).fixed_pos(area.min).order(egui::Order::Foreground).show(ctx, |ui| {
+        egui::Frame::NONE
+            .fill(t.panel)
+            .corner_radius(CornerRadius::same(13))
+            .stroke(Stroke::new(1.0, t.border))
+            .shadow(egui::Shadow { offset: [0, 8], blur: 32, spread: 0, color: t.shadow })
+            .inner_margin(egui::Margin::same(8))
+            .show(ui, |ui| {
+                // Same outer width as the toolbar pill, and a fixed height: switching tabs
+                // never resizes the panel.
+                let inner = bar_w - 16.0;
+                ui.set_width(inner);
+                ui.set_height(PALETTE_H);
+                let r = ui.add(
+                    egui::TextEdit::singleline(&mut q)
+                        .hint_text(tr("Search actions, layers and tools"))
+                        .desired_width(inner - 16.0)
+                        .font(regular(14.0))
+                        .frame(egui::Frame::NONE.inner_margin(egui::Margin::same(8))),
+                );
+                r.request_focus();
+                crate::widgets::select_all_on_focus(ui, &r, &q);
+                // A new search starts again at the first row.
+                if r.changed() {
+                    app.ui.palette_hi = 0;
+                }
+                ui.add_space(4.0);
+                // Tabs: All, Assets, Plugins & widgets.
+                let tabs = [(PaletteTab::All, tr("All")), (PaletteTab::Assets, tr("Assets")), (PaletteTab::Plugins, tr("Plugins & widgets"))];
+                ui.horizontal(|ui| {
+                    ui.spacing_mut().item_spacing = vec2(4.0, 0.0);
+                    for (tab, label) in tabs {
+                        let active = app.ui.palette_tab == tab;
+                        // The frame stays on for every tab (transparent when idle) so the
+                        // active pill never moves its neighbours.
+                        let resp = ui.add(
+                            egui::Button::new(egui::RichText::new(label).size(12.0).color(if active { t.text } else { t.text_secondary }))
+                                .frame(true)
+                                .fill(if active { t.hover } else { Color32::TRANSPARENT })
+                                .corner_radius(CornerRadius::same(6)),
+                        );
+                        if resp.clicked() {
+                            app.ui.palette_tab = tab;
+                            app.ui.palette_hi = 0;
                         }
                     }
                 });
-        },
-    );
+                ui.add_space(4.0);
+                let sections = palette_sections(app, &q, app.ui.palette_tab);
+                let count = sections.iter().map(|(_, rows)| rows.len()).sum::<usize>();
+                // At either end it stays where it was.
+                let hi = (app.ui.palette_hi as i64 + step).clamp(0, count.saturating_sub(1) as i64) as usize;
+                app.ui.palette_hi = hi;
+                // The pointer moving over a row moves the highlight there.
+                let pointer_moved = ui.input(|i| i.pointer.delta() != egui::Vec2::ZERO);
+                egui::ScrollArea::vertical().max_height(360.0).show(ui, |ui| {
+                    let mut i = 0;
+                    for (name, rows) in &sections {
+                        section(ui, &t, name, |ui| {
+                            for row in rows {
+                                let resp = draw_row(ui, &t, row, i == hi);
+                                if resp.clicked() {
+                                    run = Some(row.key.clone());
+                                }
+                                if pointer_moved && resp.hovered() && i != hi {
+                                    app.ui.palette_hi = i;
+                                    // Drawn there on the next frame, even if the pointer stops now.
+                                    ui.ctx().request_repaint();
+                                }
+                                if step != 0 && i == hi {
+                                    resp.scroll_to_me(None);
+                                }
+                                i += 1;
+                            }
+                        });
+                    }
+                });
+                if run.is_none() && ui.input(|i| i.key_pressed(egui::Key::Enter)) {
+                    run = sections.iter().flat_map(|(_, rows)| rows).nth(hi).map(|row| row.key.clone());
+                }
+            });
+    });
     if ctx.input(|i| i.key_pressed(egui::Key::Escape)) {
         close = true;
     }
@@ -825,10 +794,32 @@ fn palette(app: &mut FigApp, ctx: &egui::Context) {
     let _ = StrokeKind::Inside;
 }
 
+/// The rows a palette tab shows for the query, by section: All has Recents, the commands by menu,
+/// then plugins and widgets; Assets this file's components and styles; Plugins & widgets those.
+pub(crate) fn palette_sections(app: &FigApp, q: &str, tab: PaletteTab) -> Vec<(String, Vec<ActionRow>)> {
+    let mut out = match tab {
+        PaletteTab::All => {
+            let recents = app.session.prefs.recent_actions.iter().filter_map(|key| recent_row(app, key, q)).collect();
+            let mut out = vec![(tr("Recents").to_string(), recents)];
+            out.extend(command_sections(q));
+            out
+        }
+        PaletteTab::Assets => asset_sections(app, q),
+        PaletteTab::Plugins => Vec::new(),
+    };
+    if tab != PaletteTab::Assets {
+        out.push((tr("Plugins").to_string(), plugin_rows(app, q)));
+        out.push((tr("Widgets").to_string(), widget_rows(app, q)));
+    }
+    out.retain(|(_, rows)| !rows.is_empty());
+    out
+}
+
 /// Run a palette row: `command:<id>`, `plugin:<plugin>/<command>`, `widget:<plugin>`,
 /// `component:<node>` or `style:<id>`.
-fn run_action(app: &mut FigApp, key: &str) {
+pub(crate) fn run_action(app: &mut FigApp, key: &str) {
     if let Some(id) = key.strip_prefix("command:") {
+        record_recent(app, key);
         invoke(app, id);
     } else if let Some(rest) = key.strip_prefix("plugin:") {
         if let Some((plugin, command)) = rest.split_once('/') {
@@ -869,14 +860,14 @@ fn section(ui: &mut Ui, t: &Tokens, name: &str, rows: impl FnOnce(&mut Ui)) {
     rows(ui);
 }
 
-/// Draw one row (a letter tile for plugins, else just the label) with its right-side hint.
-/// True when clicked.
-fn draw_row(ui: &mut Ui, t: &Tokens, row: &ActionRow) -> bool {
+/// Draw one row (a letter tile for plugins, else just the label) with its right-side hint,
+/// `highlighted` when Enter runs it.
+fn draw_row(ui: &mut Ui, t: &Tokens, row: &ActionRow, highlighted: bool) -> egui::Response {
     let w = ui.available_width();
     let (r, resp) = ui.allocate_exact_size(vec2(w, 34.0), Sense::click());
-    // The hover pill stays inside the row: it never touches the panel's edges.
+    // The highlight pill stays inside the row: it never touches the panel's edges.
     let pill = r.shrink2(vec2(4.0, 1.0));
-    if resp.hovered() {
+    if highlighted {
         ui.painter().rect_filled(pill, CornerRadius::same(6), t.hover);
     }
     let mut label_x = r.min.x + 10.0;
@@ -888,7 +879,7 @@ fn draw_row(ui: &mut Ui, t: &Tokens, row: &ActionRow) -> bool {
     }
     ui.painter().text(pos2(label_x, r.center().y), Align2::LEFT_CENTER, &row.label, regular(13.0), t.text);
     ui.painter().text(pos2(r.max.x - 10.0, r.center().y), Align2::RIGHT_CENTER, &row.hint, regular(11.0), t.text_secondary);
-    resp.clicked()
+    resp
 }
 
 /// Whether `label` (or `extra`) matches the query, in any case.
@@ -896,28 +887,55 @@ fn matches(q: &str, label: &str, extra: &str) -> bool {
     q.is_empty() || label.to_lowercase().contains(q) || extra.to_lowercase().contains(q)
 }
 
-/// Commands grouped by top-level menu, in catalog order, filtered by the query.
+/// A command's row: its label, and its shortcut as the hint.
+fn command_row(id: &str, label: String) -> ActionRow {
+    ActionRow { key: format!("command:{id}"), label, hint: crate::shortcuts::shortcut(id).map(pretty_shortcut).unwrap_or_default(), tile: None }
+}
+
+/// Most rows a search shows (the best matches).
+const MAX_HITS: usize = 60;
+
+/// Commands grouped by top-level menu, filtered by the query. Without one, the menus' items in
+/// catalog order; a search covers every command (the engine's and the UI's own, "Other" for those
+/// no menu lists), best matches first (labels starting with the query, then the shortest), each
+/// group placed by its best row. Labels match in the UI language and in English. The Plugins
+/// menu's items come with the plugins ([`plugin_rows`]).
 pub(crate) fn command_sections(q: &str) -> Vec<(String, Vec<ActionRow>)> {
-    let ql = q.to_lowercase();
-    let mut groups: Vec<(String, Vec<ActionRow>)> = Vec::new();
-    let mut seen: std::collections::HashSet<&str> = std::collections::HashSet::new();
-    for m in figcraft_engine::catalog::MENU.iter() {
-        if m.label == figcraft_engine::catalog::SEP || m.menu.starts_with("Plugins") || !available(m.id) || !seen.insert(m.id) {
+    let ql = q.trim().to_lowercase();
+    let mut menu_of = std::collections::HashMap::new();
+    for m in MENU.iter().filter(|m| m.label != SEP) {
+        menu_of.entry(m.id).or_insert(m);
+    }
+    let menu_items = MENU.iter().filter(|m| m.label != SEP).map(|m| (m.id, m.label));
+    let engine = figcraft_engine::all_commands().iter().map(|c| (c.id, c.label));
+    let candidates: Box<dyn Iterator<Item = (&str, &str)>> = if ql.is_empty() { Box::new(menu_items) } else { Box::new(menu_items.chain(engine)) };
+    let mut seen = std::collections::HashSet::new();
+    // By top-level menu; `None`: no menu lists it.
+    let mut hits: Vec<(Option<&str>, ActionRow)> = Vec::new();
+    for (id, english) in candidates {
+        if !available(id) || !seen.insert(id) {
             continue;
         }
-        let english = m.label;
-        let label = i18n::menu_item(m.id, english).into_owned();
-        if !matches(&ql, &label, &format!("{english} {}", m.id)) {
+        let menu = menu_of.get(id);
+        let group = menu.map(|m| m.menu.split('/').next().unwrap_or(m.menu));
+        if group == Some("Plugins") {
             continue;
         }
-        let group = m.menu.split('/').next().unwrap_or(&m.menu);
-        let group = tr(group).to_string();
-        let row = ActionRow {
-            key: format!("command:{}", m.id),
-            label,
-            hint: crate::shortcuts::shortcut(m.id).map(pretty_shortcut).unwrap_or_default(),
-            tile: None,
+        let label = match menu {
+            Some(m) => i18n::menu_item(id, m.label),
+            None => i18n::command(id, english),
         };
+        if matches(&ql, &label, &format!("{english} {id}")) {
+            hits.push((group, command_row(id, label.into_owned())));
+        }
+    }
+    if !ql.is_empty() {
+        hits.sort_by_cached_key(|(_, row)| (!row.label.to_lowercase().starts_with(&ql), row.label.chars().count()));
+        hits.truncate(MAX_HITS);
+    }
+    let mut groups: Vec<(String, Vec<ActionRow>)> = Vec::new();
+    for (group, row) in hits {
+        let group = group.map_or_else(|| tr("Other"), tr).to_string();
         match groups.iter_mut().find(|(g, _)| *g == group) {
             Some((_, rows)) => rows.push(row),
             None => groups.push((group, vec![row])),
@@ -945,6 +963,13 @@ fn plugin_rows(app: &FigApp, q: &str) -> Vec<ActionRow> {
             });
         }
     }
+    // The Plugins menu's own items (run last, manage, import).
+    for m in MENU.iter().filter(|m| m.label != SEP && m.menu.split('/').next() == Some("Plugins") && available(m.id)) {
+        let label = i18n::menu_item(m.id, m.label);
+        if matches(&ql, &label, &format!("{} {}", m.label, m.id)) {
+            rows.push(command_row(m.id, label.into_owned()));
+        }
+    }
     rows
 }
 
@@ -974,21 +999,11 @@ fn asset_sections(app: &FigApp, q: &str) -> Vec<(String, Vec<ActionRow>)> {
         .iter()
         .filter_map(|id| doc.node(*id))
         .filter(|n| matches(&ql, &n.name, ""))
-        .map(|n| ActionRow {
-            key: format!("component:{}", n.id.0),
-            label: n.name.clone(),
-            hint: tr("Component").to_string(),
-            tile: None,
-        })
+        .map(|n| ActionRow { key: format!("component:{}", n.id.0), label: n.name.clone(), hint: tr("Component").to_string(), tile: None })
         .collect();
     let styles: Vec<ActionRow> = figcraft_engine::library::local_styles(doc)
         .filter(|s| matches(&ql, &s.name, ""))
-        .map(|s| ActionRow {
-            key: format!("style:{}", s.id),
-            label: s.name.clone(),
-            hint: tr("Style").to_string(),
-            tile: None,
-        })
+        .map(|s| ActionRow { key: format!("style:{}", s.id), label: s.name.clone(), hint: tr("Style").to_string(), tile: None })
         .collect();
     let mut out = Vec::new();
     if !components.is_empty() {
@@ -1007,15 +1022,11 @@ pub(crate) fn recent_row(app: &FigApp, key: &str, q: &str) -> Option<ActionRow>
         let spec = figcraft_engine::find_command(id);
         let menu_label = figcraft_engine::catalog::MENU.iter().find(|m| m.id == id);
         let english = menu_label.map(|m| m.label).or_else(|| spec.map(|s| s.label)).unwrap_or(id);
-        if !available(id) || !matches(&ql, english, id) {
+        let label = i18n::command(id, english);
+        if !available(id) || !matches(&ql, &label, &format!("{english} {id}")) {
             return None;
         }
-        return Some(ActionRow {
-            key: key.to_string(),
-            label: i18n::command(id, english).into_owned(),
-            hint: crate::shortcuts::shortcut(id).map(pretty_shortcut).unwrap_or_default(),
-            tile: None,
-        });
+        return Some(command_row(id, label.into_owned()));
     }
     if let Some(rest) = key.strip_prefix("plugin:") {
         let (pid, cid) = rest.split_once('/')?;
@@ -1025,12 +1036,7 @@ pub(crate) fn recent_row(app: &FigApp, key: &str, q: &str) -> Option<ActionRow>
         if !matches(&ql, &label, pid) {
             return None;
         }
-        return Some(ActionRow {
-            key: key.to_string(),
-            label,
-            hint: tr("Plugin").to_string(),
-            tile: p.manifest.name.chars().next(),
-        });
+        return Some(ActionRow { key: key.to_string(), label, hint: tr("Plugin").to_string(), tile: p.manifest.name.chars().next() });
     }
     if let Some(pid) = key.strip_prefix("widget:") {
         let p = app.session.prefs.plugins.iter().find(|p| p.manifest.id == pid && p.manifest.widget)?;
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/src/palette_tests.rs b/crates/ui-egui/src/palette_tests.rs
index 06e9fdf5..cfe9c1cd 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/src/palette_tests.rs
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/src/palette_tests.rs
@@ -1,26 +1,22 @@
-//! The Actions palette, driven headless: invoking records recents (newest first, capped),
-//! sections group commands by menu, the query filters, gone entries drop out of Recents, a used
-//! plugin resolves back to a row, and a press outside the panel closes it.
+//! The Actions palette, driven headless: runs from it record recents (newest first, capped),
+//! sections group commands by menu, a search covers every command with the best matches first,
+//! Up/Down move the highlight and Enter runs it, gone entries drop out of Recents, a used plugin
+//! resolves back to a row, and a press outside the panel closes it.
 
-use egui::Pos2;
+use egui::{Event, Key, Modifiers, Pos2};
 use figcraft_engine::Session;
 use serde_json::json;
 
 use crate::layers_drag_tests::Ui;
 
 #[test]
-fn invoke_records_recents_newest_first_and_capped() {
+fn palette_runs_record_recents_newest_first_and_capped() {
     let mut u = Ui::new(Session::new());
-    for id in [
-        "view.zoomIn",
-        "view.zoomOut",
-        "edit.copyAsText",
-        "style.list",
-        "edit.findReplace",
-        "edit.copyAsCss",
-        "view.zoomIn",
-    ] {
-        crate::menus::invoke(&mut u.app, id);
+    // Menus, shortcuts and context menus don't touch the palette's Recents.
+    crate::menus::invoke(&mut u.app, "view.zoomIn");
+    assert!(u.app.session.prefs.recent_actions.is_empty(), "only the palette records recents");
+    for id in ["view.zoomIn", "view.zoomOut", "edit.copyAsText", "style.list", "edit.findReplace", "edit.copyAsCss", "view.zoomIn"] {
+        crate::menus::run_action(&mut u.app, &format!("command:{id}"));
     }
     let r = &u.app.session.prefs.recent_actions;
     assert_eq!(r.len(), figcraft_engine::MAX_RECENT_ACTIONS, "recents are capped: {r:?}");
@@ -81,8 +77,7 @@ fn used_plugin_resolves_to_a_recent_row() {
     .unwrap();
     u.app.session.prefs.plugins.push(plugin);
     crate::menus::record_recent(&mut u.app, "plugin:dev.local.solar-icons/panel");
-    let row = crate::menus::recent_row(&u.app, "plugin:dev.local.solar-icons/panel", "")
-        .expect("a used plugin stays in Recents");
+    let row = crate::menus::recent_row(&u.app, "plugin:dev.local.solar-icons/panel", "").expect("a used plugin stays in Recents");
     assert_eq!(row.label, "Solar icons — Panel");
     assert!(crate::menus::recent_row(&u.app, "plugin:dev.local.solar-icons/panel", "zzz").is_none(), "the query filters recents");
 }
@@ -109,3 +104,60 @@ fn outside_press_closes_the_panel() {
     u.button(Pos2::new(720.0, 20.0), false);
     assert!(u.app.ui.palette.is_none(), "a single outside press closes the panel");
 }
+
+fn rows(groups: &[(String, Vec<crate::menus::ActionRow>)]) -> Vec<&crate::menus::ActionRow> {
+    groups.iter().flat_map(|(_, rows)| rows).collect()
+}
+
+/// A search reaches commands no menu lists (in an "Other" group), not just menu items.
+#[test]
+fn search_covers_every_command() {
+    let menu = figcraft_engine::catalog::MENU;
+    let spec = figcraft_engine::all_commands().iter().find(|c| !menu.iter().any(|m| m.id == c.id)).expect("a command no menu lists");
+    let groups = crate::menus::command_sections(spec.id);
+    let key = format!("command:{}", spec.id);
+    let group = groups.iter().find(|(_, rows)| rows.iter().any(|r| r.key == key)).map(|(g, _)| g.as_str());
+    assert_eq!(group, Some("Other"), "{} is found: {:?}", spec.id, groups.iter().map(|(g, _)| g).collect::<Vec<_>>());
+    // Without a query the palette lists the menus' items only.
+    assert!(rows(&crate::menus::command_sections("")).iter().all(|r| r.key != key));
+}
+
+/// Labels starting with the query come first, the shortest first; the rest are capped.
+#[test]
+fn search_ranks_prefix_matches_first() {
+    let groups = crate::menus::command_sections("zoom");
+    let hits = rows(&groups);
+    let first = hits.first().expect("something matches 'zoom'");
+    assert!(first.label.to_lowercase().starts_with("zoom"), "a prefix match leads: {}", first.label);
+    let shortest = hits.iter().filter(|r| r.label.to_lowercase().starts_with("zoom")).map(|r| r.label.chars().count()).min();
+    assert_eq!(Some(first.label.chars().count()), shortest, "the shortest prefix match leads");
+    assert!(rows(&crate::menus::command_sections("e")).len() <= 60, "a broad search is capped");
+}
+
+fn key(u: &mut Ui, k: Key) {
+    u.frame(vec![
+        Event::Key { key: k, physical_key: None, pressed: true, repeat: false, modifiers: Modifiers::NONE },
+        Event::Key { key: k, physical_key: None, pressed: false, repeat: false, modifiers: Modifiers::NONE },
+    ]);
+}
+
+/// Up and Down move the highlight (it stops at the ends); Enter runs the highlighted row.
+#[test]
+fn arrows_move_the_highlight_and_enter_runs_it() {
+    let mut u = Ui::new(Session::new());
+    crate::menus::set_palette(&mut u.app.ui, true);
+    u.frame(vec![]);
+    u.frame(vec![Event::Text("zoom".into())]);
+    assert_eq!(u.app.ui.palette.as_deref(), Some("zoom"));
+    assert_eq!(u.app.ui.palette_hi, 0, "a search starts at the first row");
+    key(&mut u, Key::ArrowUp);
+    assert_eq!(u.app.ui.palette_hi, 0, "it stops at the top");
+    key(&mut u, Key::ArrowDown);
+    key(&mut u, Key::ArrowDown);
+    key(&mut u, Key::ArrowUp);
+    assert_eq!(u.app.ui.palette_hi, 1);
+    let want = rows(&crate::menus::palette_sections(&u.app, "zoom", crate::menus::PaletteTab::All)).get(1).map(|r| r.key.clone()).expect("two rows");
+    key(&mut u, Key::Enter);
+    assert!(u.app.ui.palette.is_none(), "Enter runs a row and closes the palette");
+    assert_eq!(u.app.session.prefs.recent_actions.first(), Some(&want), "the highlighted row ran");
+}
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/src/plugins_ui.rs b/crates/ui-egui/src/plugins_ui.rs
index 99df5d6f..481b446c 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/src/plugins_ui.rs
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/src/plugins_ui.rs
@@ -171,12 +171,10 @@ pub fn menu(app: &mut FigApp, ui: &mut Ui, t: &Tokens) -> bool {
         .flatten();
     crate::menus::separator(ui);
     if let Some(plugin) = widget {
-        crate::menus::record_recent(app, &format!("widget:{plugin}"));
         app.run("widget.insert", json!({"plugin": plugin}));
         return true;
     }
     let Some((id, command)) = chosen else { return false };
-    crate::menus::record_recent(app, &format!("plugin:{id}/{command}"));
     start(app, &id, &command);
     true
 }
diff --git a/crates/ui-egui/src/toolbar.rs b/crates/ui-egui/src/toolbar.rs
index 962b7497..8839b3a9 100644
--- a/crates/ui-egui/src/toolbar.rs
+++ b/crates/ui-egui/src/toolbar.rs
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ pub(crate) fn main_width() -> f32 {
 fn main_toolbar(app: &mut FigApp, ui: &mut Ui, canvas: Rect, t: &Tokens) {
     let (cell, gap) = (32.0, 4.0);
     let width = main_width();
-    let rect = pill(ui, &mut app.ui.nav, canvas, width, &t);
+    let rect = pill(ui, &mut app.ui.nav, canvas, width, t);
     let current = app.session.tool.tool;
     let mut x = rect.min.x + 8.0;
     let cy = rect.center().y;
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ fn main_toolbar(app: &mut FigApp, ui: &mut Ui, canvas: Rect, t: &Tokens) {
         let shown = if in_group { current } else { remembered(ui, g.key, g.tools.first().map(|x| x.0).unwrap_or(ToolId::Move)) };
         let icon = g.tools.iter().find(|(tid, _)| *tid == shown).map(|(_, i)| *i).unwrap_or(Icon::Move);
         let r = Rect::from_center_size(pos2(x + cell / 2.0, cy), vec2(cell, cell));
-        let resp = tool_cell(ui, &t, r, ("tool", g.key), icon, in_group, &format!("{}  {}", tr(shown.label()), pretty_shortcut(shown.shortcut())));
+        let resp = tool_cell(ui, t, r, ("tool", g.key), icon, in_group, &format!("{}  {}", tr(shown.label()), pretty_shortcut(shown.shortcut())));
         if in_group {
             a11y::prefer(&mut app.ui.nav, Region::Toolbar, resp.id);
         }
@@ -152,13 +152,7 @@ fn main_toolbar(app: &mut FigApp, ui: &mut Ui, canvas: Rect, t: &Tokens) {
         icons::paint(ui.painter(), r.shrink(7.0), icon, if actions_open { Color32::WHITE } else { t.icon });
         if resp.clicked() {
             if id == "actions" {
-                if app.ui.palette.is_some() {
-                    app.ui.palette = None;
-                } else {
-                    app.ui.palette = Some(String::new());
-                    app.ui.palette_tab = crate::menus::PaletteTab::All;
-                    app.ui.palette_armed = true;
-                }
+                crate::menus::toggle_palette(&mut app.ui);
             } else {
                 app.ui.left_tab = crate::LeftTab::Assets;
                 app.ui.left_collapsed = false;
@@ -166,7 +160,7 @@ fn main_toolbar(app: &mut FigApp, ui: &mut Ui, canvas: Rect, t: &Tokens) {
         }
         x += cell + 4.0;
     }
-    divider(ui, &t, x, cy);
+    divider(ui, t, x, cy);
     x += 8.0;
     // Mode switcher: Draw · Design · Prototype · Inspect (code).
     let modes = [(Icon::Pencil, tr("Draw")), (Icon::Frame, tr("Design")), (Icon::Prototype, tr("Prototype")), (Icon::Code, tr("Inspect"))];
@@ -348,10 +342,15 @@ fn builder_toolbar(app: &mut FigApp, ui: &mut Ui) {
     }
 }
 
+/// Where a toolbar pill `width` wide sits: centred 12 px above the canvas's bottom edge.
+pub(crate) fn pill_rect(canvas: Rect, width: f32) -> Rect {
+    Rect::from_center_size(pos2(canvas.center().x, canvas.max.y - 12.0 - 24.0), vec2(width, 48.0))
+}
+
 /// The floating pill (shadow, panel, border) `width` wide at the bottom centre of the canvas: the
 /// toolbar region keyboard navigation moves through.
 fn pill(ui: &Ui, nav: &mut Nav, canvas: Rect, width: f32, t: &Tokens) -> Rect {
-    let rect = Rect::from_center_size(pos2(canvas.center().x, canvas.max.y - 12.0 - 24.0), vec2(width, 48.0));
+    let rect = pill_rect(canvas, width);
     // The pill takes the press and the drag over it: its buttons sense clicks only, and egui gives
     // a drag the canvas under them would sense to the canvas, so the pen placed an anchor there.
     // Not focusable: the keyboard walks the buttons, not the pill.