improved textarea normal editor mode, not just vim

canvas/Cargo.toml

@@ -29,12 +29,26 @@ regex = { workspace = true, optional = true }
 tokio-test = "0.4.4"
 
 [features]
-default = []
+default = ["textmode-vim"]
 gui = ["ratatui", "crossterm"]
 suggestions = ["tokio"]
 cursor-style = ["crossterm"]
 validation = ["regex"]
 computed = []
+textarea = ["gui"]
+
+# text modes (mutually exclusive; default to vim)
+textmode-vim = []
+textmode-normal = []
+
+all-nontextmodes = [
+    "gui",
+    "suggestions",
+    "cursor-style",
+    "validation",
+    "computed",
+    "textarea"
+]
 
 [[example]]
 name = "suggestions"
@@ -74,3 +88,13 @@ required-features = ["gui", "validation", "cursor-style"]
 [[example]]
 name = "computed_fields"
 required-features = ["gui", "computed"]
+
+[[example]]
+name = "textarea_vim"
+required-features = ["gui", "cursor-style", "textarea", "textmode-vim"]
+path = "examples/textarea_vim.rs"
+
+[[example]]
+name = "textarea_normal"
+required-features = ["gui", "cursor-style", "textarea", "textmode-normal"]
+path = "examples/textarea_normal.rs"

canvas/examples/textarea_normal.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,377 @@
+// examples/textarea_normal.rs
+//! Demonstrates automatic cursor management with the textarea widget
+//!
+//! This example REQUIRES the `cursor-style` and `textarea` features to compile,
+//! and is adapted for `textmode-normal` (always editing, no vim modes).
+//!
+//! Run with:
+//! cargo run --example canvas_textarea_cursor_auto_normal --features "gui,cursor-style,textarea,textmode-normal"
+
+#[cfg(not(feature = "cursor-style"))]
+compile_error!(
+    "This example requires the 'cursor-style' feature. \
+     Run with: cargo run --example canvas_textarea_cursor_auto_normal --features \"gui,cursor-style,textarea,textmode-normal\""
+);
+
+#[cfg(not(feature = "textarea"))]
+compile_error!(
+    "This example requires the 'textarea' feature. \
+     Run with: cargo run --example canvas_textarea_cursor_auto_normal --features \"gui,cursor-style,textarea,textmode-normal\""
+);
+
+use std::io;
+use crossterm::{
+    event::{self, DisableMouseCapture, EnableMouseCapture, Event, KeyCode, KeyEvent, KeyModifiers},
+    execute,
+    terminal::{disable_raw_mode, enable_raw_mode, EnterAlternateScreen, LeaveAlternateScreen},
+};
+use ratatui::{
+    backend::{Backend, CrosstermBackend},
+    layout::{Constraint, Direction, Layout},
+    style::{Color, Style},
+    text::{Line, Span},
+    widgets::{Block, Borders, Paragraph},
+    Frame, Terminal,
+};
+
+use canvas::{
+    canvas::{modes::AppMode, CursorManager},
+    textarea::{TextArea, TextAreaState},
+};
+
+/// TextArea demo adapted for NORMALMODE (always editing)
+struct AutoCursorTextArea {
+    textarea: TextAreaState,
+    has_unsaved_changes: bool,
+    debug_message: String,
+    command_buffer: String,
+}
+
+impl AutoCursorTextArea {
+    fn new() -> Self {
+        let initial_text = "🎯 Automatic Cursor Management Demo (NORMALMODE)\n\
+Welcome to the textarea cursor demo!\n\
+\n\
+This demo runs in NORMALMODE:\n\
+• Always editing (no insert/normal toggle)\n\
+• Cursor is always underscore _\n\
+\n\
+Navigation commands:\n\
+• hjkl or arrow keys: move cursor\n\
+• w/b/e/W/B/E: word movements\n\
+• 0/$: line start/end\n\
+• g/gG: first/last line\n\
+\n\
+Editing commands:\n\
+• x/X: delete characters\n\
+\n\
+Press ? for help, Ctrl+Q to quit.";
+
+        let mut textarea = TextAreaState::from_text(initial_text);
+        textarea.set_placeholder("Start typing...");
+
+        Self {
+            textarea,
+            has_unsaved_changes: false,
+            debug_message: "🎯 NORMALMODE Demo - always editing".to_string(),
+            command_buffer: String::new(),
+        }
+    }
+
+    fn handle_textarea_input(&mut self, key: KeyEvent) {
+        self.textarea.input(key);
+        self.has_unsaved_changes = true;
+    }
+
+    fn move_left(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_left();
+        self.debug_message = "← left".to_string();
+    }
+    fn move_right(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_right();
+        self.debug_message = "→ right".to_string();
+    }
+    fn move_up(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_up();
+        self.debug_message = "↑ up".to_string();
+    }
+    fn move_down(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_down();
+        self.debug_message = "↓ down".to_string();
+    }
+
+    fn move_word_next(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_word_next();
+        self.debug_message = "w: next word".to_string();
+    }
+    fn move_word_prev(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_word_prev();
+        self.debug_message = "b: previous word".to_string();
+    }
+    fn move_word_end(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_word_end();
+        self.debug_message = "e: word end".to_string();
+    }
+    fn move_word_end_prev(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_word_end_prev();
+        self.debug_message = "ge: previous word end".to_string();
+    }
+
+    fn move_line_start(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_line_start();
+        self.debug_message = "0: line start".to_string();
+    }
+    fn move_line_end(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_line_end();
+        self.debug_message = "$: line end".to_string();
+    }
+    fn move_first_line(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_first_line();
+        self.debug_message = "gg: first line".to_string();
+    }
+    fn move_last_line(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_last_line();
+        self.debug_message = "G: last line".to_string();
+    }
+
+    fn delete_char_forward(&mut self) {
+        if let Ok(_) = self.textarea.delete_forward() {
+            self.has_unsaved_changes = true;
+            self.debug_message = "x: deleted character".to_string();
+        }
+    }
+    fn delete_char_backward(&mut self) {
+        if let Ok(_) = self.textarea.delete_backward() {
+            self.has_unsaved_changes = true;
+            self.debug_message = "X: deleted character backward".to_string();
+        }
+    }
+
+    fn clear_command_buffer(&mut self) {
+        self.command_buffer.clear();
+    }
+    fn add_to_command_buffer(&mut self, ch: char) {
+        self.command_buffer.push(ch);
+    }
+    fn get_command_buffer(&self) -> &str {
+        &self.command_buffer
+    }
+    fn has_pending_command(&self) -> bool {
+        !self.command_buffer.is_empty()
+    }
+
+    fn debug_message(&self) -> &str {
+        &self.debug_message
+    }
+    fn set_debug_message(&mut self, msg: String) {
+        self.debug_message = msg;
+    }
+    fn has_unsaved_changes(&self) -> bool {
+        self.has_unsaved_changes
+    }
+    fn get_cursor_info(&self) -> String {
+        format!(
+            "Line {}, Col {}",
+            self.textarea.current_field() + 1,
+            self.textarea.cursor_position() + 1
+        )
+    }
+
+    // === BIG WORD MOVEMENTS ===
+
+    fn move_big_word_next(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_big_word_next();
+        self.debug_message = "W: next WORD".to_string();
+    }
+
+    fn move_big_word_prev(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_big_word_prev();
+        self.debug_message = "B: previous WORD".to_string();
+    }
+
+    fn move_big_word_end(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_big_word_end();
+        self.debug_message = "E: WORD end".to_string();
+    }
+
+    fn move_big_word_end_prev(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_big_word_end_prev();
+        self.debug_message = "gE: previous WORD end".to_string();
+    }
+}
+
+/// Handle key press in NORMALMODE (always editing, casual editor style)
+fn handle_key_press(
+    key_event: KeyEvent,
+    editor: &mut AutoCursorTextArea,
+) -> anyhow::Result<bool> {
+    let KeyEvent {
+        code: key,
+        modifiers,
+        ..
+    } = key_event;
+
+    // Quit
+    if (key == KeyCode::Char('q') && modifiers.contains(KeyModifiers::CONTROL))
+        || (key == KeyCode::Char('c') && modifiers.contains(KeyModifiers::CONTROL))
+        || key == KeyCode::F(10)
+    {
+        return Ok(false);
+    }
+
+    match (key, modifiers) {
+        // Movement
+        (KeyCode::Left, _) => editor.move_left(),
+        (KeyCode::Right, _) => editor.move_right(),
+        (KeyCode::Up, _) => editor.move_up(),
+        (KeyCode::Down, _) => editor.move_down(),
+
+        // Word movement (Ctrl+Arrows)
+        (KeyCode::Left, m) if m.contains(KeyModifiers::CONTROL) => editor.move_word_prev(),
+        (KeyCode::Right, m) if m.contains(KeyModifiers::CONTROL) => editor.move_word_next(),
+        (KeyCode::Right, m) if m.contains(KeyModifiers::CONTROL | KeyModifiers::SHIFT) => {
+            editor.move_word_end()
+        }
+
+        // Line/document movement
+        (KeyCode::Home, _) => editor.move_line_start(),
+        (KeyCode::End, _) => editor.move_line_end(),
+        (KeyCode::Home, m) if m.contains(KeyModifiers::CONTROL) => editor.move_first_line(),
+        (KeyCode::End, m) if m.contains(KeyModifiers::CONTROL) => editor.move_last_line(),
+
+        // Delete
+        (KeyCode::Delete, _) => editor.delete_char_forward(),
+        (KeyCode::Backspace, _) => editor.delete_char_backward(),
+
+        // Debug/info
+        (KeyCode::Char('?'), _) => {
+            editor.set_debug_message(format!(
+                "{}, Mode: NORMALMODE (casual editor, underscore cursor)",
+                editor.get_cursor_info()
+            ));
+            editor.clear_command_buffer();
+        }
+
+        // Default: treat as text input
+        _ => editor.handle_textarea_input(key_event),
+    }
+
+    Ok(true)
+}
+
+fn run_app<B: Backend>(terminal: &mut Terminal<B>, mut editor: AutoCursorTextArea) -> io::Result<()> {
+    loop {
+        terminal.draw(|f| ui(f, &mut editor))?;
+
+        if let Event::Key(key) = event::read()? {
+            match handle_key_press(key, &mut editor) {
+                Ok(should_continue) => {
+                    if !should_continue {
+                        break;
+                    }
+                }
+                Err(e) => {
+                    editor.set_debug_message(format!("Error: {}", e));
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+    Ok(())
+}
+
+fn ui(f: &mut Frame, editor: &mut AutoCursorTextArea) {
+    let chunks = Layout::default()
+        .direction(Direction::Vertical)
+        .constraints([Constraint::Min(8), Constraint::Length(8)])
+        .split(f.area());
+
+    render_textarea(f, chunks[0], editor);
+    render_status_and_help(f, chunks[1], editor);
+}
+
+fn render_textarea(f: &mut Frame, area: ratatui::layout::Rect, editor: &mut AutoCursorTextArea) {
+    let block = Block::default()
+        .borders(Borders::ALL)
+        .title("🎯 Textarea with NORMALMODE (always editing)");
+
+    let textarea_widget = TextArea::default().block(block.clone());
+    f.render_stateful_widget(textarea_widget, area, &mut editor.textarea);
+
+    let (cx, cy) = editor.textarea.cursor(area, Some(&block));
+    f.set_cursor_position((cx, cy));
+}
+
+fn render_status_and_help(f: &mut Frame, area: ratatui::layout::Rect, editor: &AutoCursorTextArea) {
+    let chunks = Layout::default()
+        .direction(Direction::Vertical)
+        .constraints([Constraint::Length(3), Constraint::Length(5)])
+        .split(area);
+
+    let status_text = if editor.has_pending_command() {
+        format!(
+            "-- NORMALMODE (underscore cursor) -- {} [{}]",
+            editor.debug_message(),
+            editor.get_command_buffer()
+        )
+    } else if editor.has_unsaved_changes() {
+        format!(
+            "-- NORMALMODE (underscore cursor) -- [Modified] {} | {}",
+            editor.debug_message(),
+            editor.get_cursor_info()
+        )
+    } else {
+        format!(
+            "-- NORMALMODE (underscore cursor) -- {} | {}",
+            editor.debug_message(),
+            editor.get_cursor_info()
+        )
+    };
+
+    let status = Paragraph::new(Line::from(Span::raw(status_text)))
+        .block(Block::default().borders(Borders::ALL).title("🎯 Cursor Status"));
+
+    f.render_widget(status, chunks[0]);
+
+    let help_text = "🎯 NORMALMODE (always editing)\n\
+hjkl/arrows=move, w/b/e=words, W/B/E=WORDS, 0/$=line, g/G=first/last\n\
+x/X=delete, typing inserts text\n\
+?=info, Ctrl+Q=quit";
+
+    let help = Paragraph::new(help_text)
+        .block(Block::default().borders(Borders::ALL).title("🚀 Help"))
+        .style(Style::default().fg(Color::Gray));
+
+    f.render_widget(help, chunks[1]);
+}
+
+fn main() -> Result<(), Box<dyn std::error::Error>> {
+    println!("🎯 Canvas Textarea Cursor Auto Demo (NORMALMODE)");
+    println!("✅ cursor-style feature: ENABLED");
+    println!("✅ textarea feature: ENABLED");
+    println!("✅ textmode-normal feature: ENABLED");
+    println!("🚀 Always editing, underscore cursor active");
+    println!();
+
+    enable_raw_mode()?;
+    let mut stdout = io::stdout();
+    execute!(stdout, EnterAlternateScreen, EnableMouseCapture)?;
+    let backend = CrosstermBackend::new(stdout);
+    let mut terminal = Terminal::new(backend)?;
+
+    let editor = AutoCursorTextArea::new();
+
+    let res = run_app(&mut terminal, editor);
+
+    CursorManager::reset()?;
+
+    disable_raw_mode()?;
+    execute!(terminal.backend_mut(), LeaveAlternateScreen, DisableMouseCapture)?;
+    terminal.show_cursor()?;
+
+    if let Err(err) = res {
+        println!("{:?}", err);
+    }
+
+    println!("🎯 Cursor automatically reset to default!");
+    Ok(())
+}

canvas/examples/textarea_vim.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,652 @@
+// examples/textarea_vim.rs
+//! Demonstrates automatic cursor management with the textarea widget
+//!
+//! This example REQUIRES the `cursor-style` and `textarea` features to compile.
+//!
+//! Run with:
+//! cargo run --example canvas_textarea_cursor_auto --features "gui,cursor-style,textarea"
+
+// REQUIRE cursor-style and textarea features
+#[cfg(not(feature = "cursor-style"))]
+compile_error!(
+    "This example requires the 'cursor-style' feature. \
+     Run with: cargo run --example canvas_textarea_cursor_auto --features \"gui,cursor-style,textarea\""
+);
+
+#[cfg(not(feature = "textarea"))]
+compile_error!(
+    "This example requires the 'textarea' feature. \
+     Run with: cargo run --example canvas_textarea_cursor_auto --features \"gui,cursor-style,textarea\""
+);
+
+use std::io;
+use crossterm::{
+    event::{
+        self, DisableMouseCapture, EnableMouseCapture, Event, KeyCode, KeyEvent, KeyModifiers,
+    },
+    execute,
+    terminal::{
+        disable_raw_mode, enable_raw_mode, EnterAlternateScreen, LeaveAlternateScreen,
+    },
+};
+use ratatui::{
+    backend::{Backend, CrosstermBackend},
+    layout::{Constraint, Direction, Layout},
+    style::{Color, Style},
+    text::{Line, Span},
+    widgets::{Block, Borders, Paragraph},
+    Frame, Terminal,
+};
+
+use canvas::{
+    canvas::{
+        modes::AppMode,
+        CursorManager, // This import only exists when cursor-style feature is enabled
+    },
+    textarea::{TextArea, TextAreaState},
+};
+
+/// Enhanced TextArea that demonstrates automatic cursor management
+/// Now uses direct FormEditor method calls via Deref!
+struct AutoCursorTextArea {
+    textarea: TextAreaState,
+    has_unsaved_changes: bool,
+    debug_message: String,
+    command_buffer: String,
+}
+
+impl AutoCursorTextArea {
+    fn new() -> Self {
+        let initial_text = "🎯 Automatic Cursor Management Demo\n\
+Welcome to the textarea cursor demo!\n\
+\n\
+Try different modes:\n\
+• Normal mode: Block cursor █\n\
+• Insert mode: Bar cursor |\n\
+\n\
+Navigation commands:\n\
+• hjkl or arrow keys: move cursor\n\
+• i/a/A/o/O: enter insert mode\n\
+• w/b/e/W/B/E: word movements\n\
+• Esc: return to normal mode\n\
+\n\
+Watch how the terminal cursor changes automatically!\n\
+This text can be edited when in insert mode.\n\
+\n\
+Press ? for help, F1/F2 for manual cursor control demo.";
+
+        let mut textarea = TextAreaState::from_text(initial_text);
+        textarea.set_placeholder("Start typing...");
+        
+        Self {
+            textarea,
+            has_unsaved_changes: false,
+            debug_message: "🎯 Automatic Cursor Demo - cursor-style feature enabled!".to_string(),
+            command_buffer: String::new(),
+        }
+    }
+
+    // === MODE TRANSITIONS WITH AUTOMATIC CURSOR MANAGEMENT ===
+
+    fn enter_insert_mode(&mut self) -> std::io::Result<()> {
+        self.textarea.enter_edit_mode(); // 🎯 Direct FormEditor method call via Deref!
+        CursorManager::update_for_mode(AppMode::Edit)?; // 🎯 Automatic: cursor becomes bar |
+        self.debug_message = "✏️  INSERT MODE - Cursor: Steady Bar |".to_string();
+        Ok(())
+    }
+
+    fn enter_append_mode(&mut self) -> std::io::Result<()> {
+        self.textarea.enter_append_mode(); // 🎯 Direct FormEditor method call!
+        CursorManager::update_for_mode(AppMode::Edit)?;
+        self.debug_message = "✏️  INSERT (append) - Cursor: Steady Bar |".to_string();
+        Ok(())
+    }
+
+    fn exit_to_normal_mode(&mut self) -> std::io::Result<()> {
+        self.textarea.exit_edit_mode(); // 🎯 Direct FormEditor method call!
+        CursorManager::update_for_mode(AppMode::ReadOnly)?; // 🎯 Automatic: cursor becomes steady block
+        self.debug_message = "🔒 NORMAL MODE - Cursor: Steady Block █".to_string();
+        Ok(())
+    }
+
+    // === MANUAL CURSOR OVERRIDE DEMONSTRATION ===
+
+    fn demo_manual_cursor_control(&mut self) -> std::io::Result<()> {
+        // Users can still manually control cursor if needed
+        CursorManager::update_for_mode(AppMode::Command)?;
+        self.debug_message = "🔧 Manual override: Command cursor _".to_string();
+        Ok(())
+    }
+
+    fn restore_automatic_cursor(&mut self) -> std::io::Result<()> {
+        // Restore automatic cursor based on current mode
+        CursorManager::update_for_mode(self.textarea.mode())?; // 🎯 Direct method call!
+        self.debug_message = "🎯 Restored automatic cursor management".to_string();
+        Ok(())
+    }
+
+    // === TEXTAREA OPERATIONS ===
+
+    fn handle_textarea_input(&mut self, key: KeyEvent) {
+        self.textarea.input(key);
+        self.has_unsaved_changes = true;
+    }
+
+    // === MOVEMENT OPERATIONS (using direct FormEditor methods!) ===
+
+    fn move_left(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_left(); // 🎯 Direct FormEditor method call!
+        self.update_debug_for_movement("← left");
+    }
+
+    fn move_right(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_right(); // 🎯 Direct FormEditor method call!
+        self.update_debug_for_movement("→ right");
+    }
+
+    fn move_up(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_up(); // 🎯 Direct FormEditor method call!
+        self.update_debug_for_movement("↑ up");
+    }
+
+    fn move_down(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_down(); // 🎯 Direct FormEditor method call!
+        self.update_debug_for_movement("↓ down");
+    }
+
+    fn move_word_next(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_word_next(); // 🎯 Direct FormEditor method call!
+        self.update_debug_for_movement("w: next word");
+    }
+
+    fn move_word_prev(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_word_prev(); // 🎯 Direct FormEditor method call!
+        self.update_debug_for_movement("b: previous word");
+    }
+
+    fn move_word_end(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_word_end(); // 🎯 Direct FormEditor method call!
+        self.update_debug_for_movement("e: word end");
+    }
+
+    fn move_word_end_prev(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_word_end_prev(); // 🎯 Direct FormEditor method call!
+        self.update_debug_for_movement("ge: previous word end");
+    }
+
+    fn move_line_start(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_line_start(); // 🎯 Direct FormEditor method call!
+        self.update_debug_for_movement("0: line start");
+    }
+
+    fn move_line_end(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_line_end(); // 🎯 Direct FormEditor method call!
+        self.update_debug_for_movement("$: line end");
+    }
+
+    fn move_first_line(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_first_line(); // 🎯 Direct FormEditor method call!
+        self.update_debug_for_movement("gg: first line");
+    }
+
+    fn move_last_line(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_last_line(); // 🎯 Direct FormEditor method call!
+        self.update_debug_for_movement("G: last line");
+    }
+
+    // === BIG WORD MOVEMENTS ===
+
+    fn move_big_word_next(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_big_word_next(); // 🎯 Direct FormEditor method call!
+        self.update_debug_for_movement("W: next WORD");
+    }
+
+    fn move_big_word_prev(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_big_word_prev(); // 🎯 Direct FormEditor method call!
+        self.update_debug_for_movement("B: previous WORD");
+    }
+
+    fn move_big_word_end(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_big_word_end(); // 🎯 Direct FormEditor method call!
+        self.update_debug_for_movement("E: WORD end");
+    }
+
+    fn move_big_word_end_prev(&mut self) {
+        self.textarea.move_big_word_end_prev(); // 🎯 Direct FormEditor method call!
+        self.update_debug_for_movement("gE: previous WORD end");
+    }
+
+    fn update_debug_for_movement(&mut self, action: &str) {
+        self.debug_message = action.to_string();
+    }
+
+    // === DELETE OPERATIONS ===
+
+    fn delete_char_forward(&mut self) {
+        if let Ok(_) = self.textarea.delete_forward() { // 🎯 Direct FormEditor method call!
+            self.has_unsaved_changes = true;
+            self.debug_message = "x: deleted character".to_string();
+        }
+    }
+
+    fn delete_char_backward(&mut self) {
+        if let Ok(_) = self.textarea.delete_backward() { // 🎯 Direct FormEditor method call!
+            self.has_unsaved_changes = true;
+            self.debug_message = "X: deleted character backward".to_string();
+        }
+    }
+
+    // === VIM-STYLE EDITING ===
+
+    fn open_line_below(&mut self) -> anyhow::Result<()> {
+        let result = self.textarea.open_line_below(); // 🎯 Textarea-specific override!
+        if result.is_ok() {
+            CursorManager::update_for_mode(AppMode::Edit)?;
+            self.debug_message = "✏️  INSERT (open line below) - Cursor: Steady Bar |".to_string();
+            self.has_unsaved_changes = true;
+        }
+        result
+    }
+
+    fn open_line_above(&mut self) -> anyhow::Result<()> {
+        let result = self.textarea.open_line_above(); // 🎯 Textarea-specific override!
+        if result.is_ok() {
+            CursorManager::update_for_mode(AppMode::Edit)?;
+            self.debug_message = "✏️  INSERT (open line above) - Cursor: Steady Bar |".to_string();
+            self.has_unsaved_changes = true;
+        }
+        result
+    }
+
+    // === COMMAND BUFFER HANDLING ===
+
+    fn clear_command_buffer(&mut self) {
+        self.command_buffer.clear();
+    }
+
+    fn add_to_command_buffer(&mut self, ch: char) {
+        self.command_buffer.push(ch);
+    }
+
+    fn get_command_buffer(&self) -> &str {
+        &self.command_buffer
+    }
+
+    fn has_pending_command(&self) -> bool {
+        !self.command_buffer.is_empty()
+    }
+
+    // === GETTERS ===
+
+    fn mode(&self) -> AppMode {
+        self.textarea.mode() // 🎯 Direct FormEditor method call!
+    }
+
+    fn debug_message(&self) -> &str {
+        &self.debug_message
+    }
+
+    fn has_unsaved_changes(&self) -> bool {
+        self.has_unsaved_changes
+    }
+
+    fn set_debug_message(&mut self, msg: String) {
+        self.debug_message = msg;
+    }
+
+    fn get_cursor_info(&self) -> String {
+        format!(
+            "Line {}, Col {}",
+            self.textarea.current_field() + 1, // 🎯 Direct FormEditor method call!
+            self.textarea.cursor_position() + 1 // 🎯 Direct FormEditor method call!
+        )
+    }
+}
+
+/// Handle key press with automatic cursor management
+fn handle_key_press(
+    key_event: KeyEvent,
+    editor: &mut AutoCursorTextArea,
+) -> anyhow::Result<bool> {
+    let KeyEvent { code: key, modifiers, .. } = key_event;
+    let mode = editor.mode();
+
+    // Quit handling
+    if (key == KeyCode::Char('q') && modifiers.contains(KeyModifiers::CONTROL))
+        || (key == KeyCode::Char('c') && modifiers.contains(KeyModifiers::CONTROL))
+        || key == KeyCode::F(10)
+    {
+        return Ok(false);
+    }
+
+    match (mode, key, modifiers) {
+        // === MODE TRANSITIONS WITH AUTOMATIC CURSOR MANAGEMENT ===
+        (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::Char('i'), _) => {
+            editor.enter_insert_mode()?;
+            editor.clear_command_buffer();
+        }
+        (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::Char('a'), _) => {
+            editor.enter_append_mode()?;
+            editor.clear_command_buffer();
+        }
+        (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::Char('A'), _) => {
+            editor.move_line_end();
+            editor.enter_insert_mode()?;
+            editor.clear_command_buffer();
+        }
+
+        // Vim o/O commands
+        (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::Char('o'), _) => {
+            if let Err(e) = editor.open_line_below() {
+                editor.set_debug_message(format!("Error opening line below: {}", e));
+            }
+            editor.clear_command_buffer();
+        }
+        (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::Char('O'), _) => {
+            if let Err(e) = editor.open_line_above() {
+                editor.set_debug_message(format!("Error opening line above: {}", e));
+            }
+            editor.clear_command_buffer();
+        }
+
+        // Escape: Exit any mode back to normal
+        (AppMode::Edit, KeyCode::Esc, _) => {
+            editor.exit_to_normal_mode()?;
+        }
+
+        // === INSERT MODE: Pass to textarea ===
+        (AppMode::Edit, _, _) => {
+            editor.handle_textarea_input(key_event);
+        }
+
+        // === CURSOR MANAGEMENT DEMONSTRATION ===
+        (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::F(1), _) => {
+            editor.demo_manual_cursor_control()?;
+        }
+        (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::F(2), _) => {
+            editor.restore_automatic_cursor()?;
+        }
+
+        // === MOVEMENT: VIM-STYLE NAVIGATION (Normal mode) ===
+        (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::Char('h'), _)
+        | (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::Left, _) => {
+            editor.move_left();
+            editor.clear_command_buffer();
+        }
+        (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::Char('l'), _)
+        | (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::Right, _) => {
+            editor.move_right();
+            editor.clear_command_buffer();
+        }
+        (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::Char('j'), _)
+        | (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::Down, _) => {
+            editor.move_down();
+            editor.clear_command_buffer();
+        }
+        (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::Char('k'), _)
+        | (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::Up, _) => {
+            editor.move_up();
+            editor.clear_command_buffer();
+        }
+
+        // Word movement
+        (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::Char('w'), _) => {
+            editor.move_word_next();
+            editor.clear_command_buffer();
+        }
+        (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::Char('b'), _) => {
+            editor.move_word_prev();
+            editor.clear_command_buffer();
+        }
+        (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::Char('e'), _) => {
+            if editor.get_command_buffer() == "g" {
+                editor.move_word_end_prev();
+                editor.clear_command_buffer();
+            } else {
+                editor.move_word_end();
+                editor.clear_command_buffer();
+            }
+        }
+
+        // Big word movement (vim W/B/E commands)
+        (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::Char('W'), _) => {
+            editor.move_big_word_next();
+            editor.clear_command_buffer();
+        }
+        (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::Char('B'), _) => {
+            editor.move_big_word_prev();
+            editor.clear_command_buffer();
+        }
+        (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::Char('E'), _) => {
+            if editor.get_command_buffer() == "g" {
+                editor.move_big_word_end_prev();
+                editor.clear_command_buffer();
+            } else {
+                editor.move_big_word_end();
+                editor.clear_command_buffer();
+            }
+        }
+
+        // Line movement
+        (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::Char('0'), _)
+        | (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::Home, _) => {
+            editor.move_line_start();
+            editor.clear_command_buffer();
+        }
+        (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::Char('$'), _)
+        | (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::End, _) => {
+            editor.move_line_end();
+            editor.clear_command_buffer();
+        }
+
+        // Document movement with command buffer
+        (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::Char('g'), _) => {
+            if editor.get_command_buffer() == "g" {
+                editor.move_first_line();
+                editor.clear_command_buffer();
+            } else {
+                editor.clear_command_buffer();
+                editor.add_to_command_buffer('g');
+                editor.set_debug_message("g".to_string());
+            }
+        }
+        (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::Char('G'), _) => {
+            editor.move_last_line();
+            editor.clear_command_buffer();
+        }
+
+        // === DELETE OPERATIONS (Normal mode) ===
+        (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::Char('x'), _) => {
+            editor.delete_char_forward();
+            editor.clear_command_buffer();
+        }
+        (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::Char('X'), _) => {
+            editor.delete_char_backward();
+            editor.clear_command_buffer();
+        }
+
+        // === DEBUG/INFO COMMANDS ===
+        (AppMode::ReadOnly, KeyCode::Char('?'), _) => {
+            editor.set_debug_message(format!(
+                "{}, Mode: {:?} - Cursor managed automatically!",
+                editor.get_cursor_info(),
+                mode
+            ));
+            editor.clear_command_buffer();
+        }
+
+        _ => {
+            if editor.has_pending_command() {
+                editor.clear_command_buffer();
+                editor.set_debug_message("Invalid command sequence".to_string());
+            } else {
+                editor.set_debug_message(format!(
+                    "Unhandled: {:?} + {:?} in {:?} mode",
+                    key, modifiers, mode
+                ));
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    Ok(true)
+}
+
+fn run_app<B: Backend>(
+    terminal: &mut Terminal<B>,
+    mut editor: AutoCursorTextArea,
+) -> io::Result<()> {
+    loop {
+        terminal.draw(|f| ui(f, &mut editor))?;
+
+        if let Event::Key(key) = event::read()? {
+            match handle_key_press(key, &mut editor) {
+                Ok(should_continue) => {
+                    if !should_continue {
+                        break;
+                    }
+                }
+                Err(e) => {
+                    editor.set_debug_message(format!("Error: {}", e));
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    Ok(())
+}
+
+fn ui(f: &mut Frame, editor: &mut AutoCursorTextArea) {
+    let chunks = Layout::default()
+        .direction(Direction::Vertical)
+        .constraints([Constraint::Min(8), Constraint::Length(8)])
+        .split(f.area());
+
+    render_textarea(f, chunks[0], editor);
+    render_status_and_help(f, chunks[1], editor);
+}
+
+fn render_textarea(
+    f: &mut Frame,
+    area: ratatui::layout::Rect,
+    editor: &mut AutoCursorTextArea,
+) {
+    let block = Block::default()
+        .borders(Borders::ALL)
+        .title("🎯 Textarea with Automatic Cursor Management");
+
+    let textarea_widget = TextArea::default().block(block.clone());
+
+    f.render_stateful_widget(textarea_widget, area, &mut editor.textarea);
+
+    // Set cursor position for terminal cursor
+    // Always show cursor - CursorManager handles the style (block/bar/blinking)
+    let (cx, cy) = editor.textarea.cursor(area, Some(&block));
+    f.set_cursor_position((cx, cy));
+}
+
+fn render_status_and_help(
+    f: &mut Frame,
+    area: ratatui::layout::Rect,
+    editor: &AutoCursorTextArea,
+) {
+    let chunks = Layout::default()
+        .direction(Direction::Vertical)
+        .constraints([Constraint::Length(3), Constraint::Length(5)])
+        .split(area);
+
+    // Status bar with cursor information
+    let mode_text = match editor.mode() {
+        AppMode::Edit => "INSERT | (bar cursor)",
+        AppMode::ReadOnly => "NORMAL █ (block cursor)",
+        AppMode::Highlight => "VISUAL █ (blinking block)",
+        _ => "NORMAL █ (block cursor)",
+    };
+
+    let status_text = if editor.has_pending_command() {
+        format!("-- {} -- {} [{}]", mode_text, editor.debug_message(), editor.get_command_buffer())
+    } else if editor.has_unsaved_changes() {
+        format!("-- {} -- [Modified] {} | {}", mode_text, editor.debug_message(), editor.get_cursor_info())
+    } else {
+        format!("-- {} -- {} | {}", mode_text, editor.debug_message(), editor.get_cursor_info())
+    };
+
+    let status = Paragraph::new(Line::from(Span::raw(status_text)))
+        .block(Block::default().borders(Borders::ALL).title("🎯 Automatic Cursor Status"));
+
+    f.render_widget(status, chunks[0]);
+
+    // Help text
+    let help_text = match editor.mode() {
+        AppMode::ReadOnly => {
+            if editor.has_pending_command() {
+                match editor.get_command_buffer() {
+                    "g" => "Press 'g' again for first line, or any other key to cancel",
+                    _ => "Pending command... (Esc to cancel)"
+                }
+            } else {
+                "🎯 CURSOR-STYLE DEMO: Normal █ | Insert | \n\
+                Normal: hjkl/arrows=move, w/b/e=words, W/B/E=WORDS, 0/$=line, g/G=first/last\n\
+                i/a/A/o/O=insert, x/X=delete, ?=info\n\
+                F1=demo manual cursor, F2=restore automatic, Ctrl+Q=quit"
+            }
+        }
+        AppMode::Edit => {
+            "🎯 INSERT MODE - Cursor: | (bar)\n\
+            Type to edit text, arrows=move, Enter=new line\n\
+            Esc=normal mode"
+        }
+        AppMode::Highlight => {
+            "🎯 VISUAL MODE - Cursor: █ (blinking block)\n\
+            hjkl/arrows=extend selection\n\
+            Esc=normal mode"
+        }
+        _ => "🎯 Watch the cursor change automatically!"
+    };
+
+    let help = Paragraph::new(help_text)
+        .block(Block::default().borders(Borders::ALL).title("🚀 Automatic Cursor Management"))
+        .style(Style::default().fg(Color::Gray));
+
+    f.render_widget(help, chunks[1]);
+}
+
+fn main() -> Result<(), Box<dyn std::error::Error>> {
+    // Print feature status
+    println!("🎯 Canvas Textarea Cursor Auto Demo");
+    println!("✅ cursor-style feature: ENABLED");
+    println!("✅ textarea feature: ENABLED");
+    println!("🚀 Automatic cursor management: ACTIVE");
+    println!("📖 Watch your terminal cursor change based on mode!");
+    println!();
+
+    enable_raw_mode()?;
+    let mut stdout = io::stdout();
+    execute!(stdout, EnterAlternateScreen, EnableMouseCapture)?;
+    let backend = CrosstermBackend::new(stdout);
+    let mut terminal = Terminal::new(backend)?;
+
+    let mut editor = AutoCursorTextArea::new();
+
+    // Initialize with normal mode - library automatically sets block cursor
+    editor.exit_to_normal_mode()?;
+
+    let res = run_app(&mut terminal, editor);
+
+    // Reset cursor on exit
+    CursorManager::reset()?;
+
+    disable_raw_mode()?;
+    execute!(
+        terminal.backend_mut(),
+        LeaveAlternateScreen,
+        DisableMouseCapture
+    )?;
+    terminal.show_cursor()?;
+
+    if let Err(err) = res {
+        println!("{:?}", err);
+    }
+
+    println!("🎯 Cursor automatically reset to default!");
+    Ok(())
+}

canvas/src/canvas/cursor.rs

@@ -15,15 +15,26 @@ impl CursorManager {
     /// Update cursor style based on current mode
     #[cfg(feature = "cursor-style")]
     pub fn update_for_mode(mode: AppMode) -> io::Result<()> {
-        let style = match mode {
+        // NORMALMODE: force underscore for every mode
-            AppMode::Edit => SetCursorStyle::SteadyBar,           // Thin line for insert
+        #[cfg(feature = "textmode-normal")]
-            AppMode::ReadOnly => SetCursorStyle::SteadyBlock,     // Block for normal
+        {
-            AppMode::Highlight => SetCursorStyle::BlinkingBlock,  // Blinking for visual
+            let style = SetCursorStyle::SteadyBar;
-            AppMode::General => SetCursorStyle::SteadyBlock,      // Block for general
+            return execute!(io::stdout(), style);
-            AppMode::Command => SetCursorStyle::SteadyUnderScore, // Underscore for command
+        }
-        };
 
-        execute!(io::stdout(), style)
+        // Default (not normal): original mapping
+        #[cfg(not(feature = "textmode-normal"))]
+        {
+            let style = match mode {
+                AppMode::Edit => SetCursorStyle::SteadyBar,           // Thin line for insert
+                AppMode::ReadOnly => SetCursorStyle::SteadyBlock,     // Block for normal
+                AppMode::Highlight => SetCursorStyle::BlinkingBlock,  // Blinking for visual
+                AppMode::General => SetCursorStyle::SteadyBlock,      // Block for general
+                AppMode::Command => SetCursorStyle::SteadyUnderScore, // Underscore for command
+            };
+
+            return execute!(io::stdout(), style);
+        }
     }
 
     /// No-op when cursor-style feature is disabled

canvas/src/canvas/modes/manager.rs

@@ -36,13 +36,22 @@ impl ModeManager {
 
     /// Transition to new mode with automatic cursor update (when cursor-style feature enabled)
     pub fn transition_to_mode(current_mode: AppMode, new_mode: AppMode) -> std::io::Result<AppMode> {
-        if current_mode != new_mode {
+        #[cfg(feature = "textmode-normal")]
-            #[cfg(feature = "cursor-style")]
+        {
-            {
+            // Always force Edit in normalmode
-                let _ = CursorManager::update_for_mode(new_mode);
+            return Ok(AppMode::Edit);
-            }
+        }
+
+        #[cfg(not(feature = "textmode-normal"))]
+        {
+            if current_mode != new_mode {
+                #[cfg(feature = "cursor-style")]
+                {
+                    let _ = CursorManager::update_for_mode(new_mode);
+                }
+            }
+            Ok(new_mode)
         }
-        Ok(new_mode)
     }
 
     /// Enter highlight mode with cursor styling

canvas/src/canvas/state.rs

@@ -54,7 +54,13 @@ impl EditorState {
             current_field: 0,
             cursor_pos: 0,
             ideal_cursor_column: 0,
+            // NORMALMODE: always start in Edit
+            #[cfg(feature = "textmode-normal")]
             current_mode: AppMode::Edit,
+            // Default (vim): start in ReadOnly
+            #[cfg(not(feature = "textmode-normal"))]
+            current_mode: AppMode::ReadOnly,
+
             #[cfg(feature = "suggestions")]
             suggestions: SuggestionsUIState {
                 is_active: false,

canvas/src/editor/core.rs

@@ -53,10 +53,19 @@ impl<D: DataProvider> FormEditor<D> {
         {
             let mut editor = editor;
             editor.initialize_validation();
+
+            #[cfg(feature = "cursor-style")]
+            {
+                let _ = CursorManager::update_for_mode(editor.ui_state.current_mode);
+            }
             editor
         }
         #[cfg(not(feature = "validation"))]
         {
+            #[cfg(feature = "cursor-style")]
+            {
+                let _ = CursorManager::update_for_mode(editor.ui_state.current_mode);
+            }
             editor
         }
     }

canvas/src/editor/mode.rs

@@ -9,8 +9,27 @@ use crate::editor::FormEditor;
 use crate::DataProvider;
 
 impl<D: DataProvider> FormEditor<D> {
-    /// Change mode (for vim compatibility)
+    /// Change mode
     pub fn set_mode(&mut self, mode: AppMode) {
+        // Avoid unused param warning in normalmode
+        #[cfg(feature = "textmode-normal")]
+        let _ = mode;
+
+        // NORMALMODE: force Edit, ignore requested mode
+        #[cfg(feature = "textmode-normal")]
+        {
+            self.ui_state.current_mode = AppMode::Edit;
+            self.ui_state.selection = SelectionState::None;
+
+            #[cfg(feature = "cursor-style")]
+            {
+                let _ = CursorManager::update_for_mode(AppMode::Edit);
+            }
+            return;
+        }
+
+        // Default (not normal): original vim behavior
+        #[cfg(not(feature = "textmode-normal"))]
         match (self.ui_state.current_mode, mode) {
             (AppMode::ReadOnly, AppMode::Highlight) => {
                 self.enter_highlight_mode();
@@ -23,7 +42,6 @@ impl<D: DataProvider> FormEditor<D> {
                 if new_mode != AppMode::Highlight {
                     self.ui_state.selection = SelectionState::None;
                 }
-
                 #[cfg(feature = "cursor-style")]
                 {
                     let _ = CursorManager::update_for_mode(new_mode);
@@ -32,7 +50,7 @@ impl<D: DataProvider> FormEditor<D> {
         }
     }
 
-    /// Exit edit mode to read-only mode (vim Escape)
+    /// Exit edit mode to read-only mode
     pub fn exit_edit_mode(&mut self) -> anyhow::Result<()> {
         #[cfg(feature = "validation")]
         {
@@ -41,7 +59,9 @@ impl<D: DataProvider> FormEditor<D> {
                 self.ui_state.current_field,
                 current_text,
             ) {
-                if let Some(reason) = self.ui_state.validation
+                if let Some(reason) = self
+                    .ui_state
+                    .validation
                     .field_switch_block_reason(
                         self.ui_state.current_field,
                         current_text,
@@ -92,15 +112,29 @@ impl<D: DataProvider> FormEditor<D> {
             }
         }
 
-        self.set_mode(AppMode::ReadOnly);
+        // NORMALMODE: stay in Edit (do not switch to ReadOnly)
-        #[cfg(feature = "suggestions")]
+        #[cfg(feature = "textmode-normal")]
         {
-            self.close_suggestions();
+            #[cfg(feature = "suggestions")]
+            {
+                self.close_suggestions();
+            }
+            return Ok(());
+        }
+
+        // Default (not normal): original vim behavior
+        #[cfg(not(feature = "textmode-normal"))]
+        {
+            self.set_mode(AppMode::ReadOnly);
+            #[cfg(feature = "suggestions")]
+            {
+                self.close_suggestions();
+            }
+            Ok(())
         }
-        Ok(())
     }
 
-    /// Enter edit mode from read-only mode (vim i/a/o)
+    /// Enter edit mode
     pub fn enter_edit_mode(&mut self) {
         #[cfg(feature = "computed")]
         {
@@ -111,52 +145,104 @@ impl<D: DataProvider> FormEditor<D> {
                 }
             }
         }
+
+        // NORMALMODE: already in Edit, but enforce it
+        #[cfg(feature = "textmode-normal")]
+        {
+            self.ui_state.current_mode = AppMode::Edit;
+            self.ui_state.selection = SelectionState::None;
+            #[cfg(feature = "cursor-style")]
+            {
+                let _ = CursorManager::update_for_mode(AppMode::Edit);
+            }
+            return;
+        }
+
+        // Default (not normal): vim behavior
+        #[cfg(not(feature = "textmode-normal"))]
         self.set_mode(AppMode::Edit);
     }
 
     // -------------------- Highlight/Visual mode -------------------------
 
     pub fn enter_highlight_mode(&mut self) {
-        if self.ui_state.current_mode == AppMode::ReadOnly {
+        // NORMALMODE: ignore request (stay in Edit)
-            self.ui_state.current_mode = AppMode::Highlight;
+        #[cfg(feature = "textmode-normal")]
-            self.ui_state.selection = SelectionState::Characterwise {
+        {
-                anchor: (self.ui_state.current_field, self.ui_state.cursor_pos),
+            return;
-            };
+        }
 
-            #[cfg(feature = "cursor-style")]
+        // Default (not normal): original vim
-            {
+        #[cfg(not(feature = "textmode-normal"))]
-                let _ = CursorManager::update_for_mode(AppMode::Highlight);
+        {
+            if self.ui_state.current_mode == AppMode::ReadOnly {
+                self.ui_state.current_mode = AppMode::Highlight;
+                self.ui_state.selection = SelectionState::Characterwise {
+                    anchor: (self.ui_state.current_field, self.ui_state.cursor_pos),
+                };
+
+                #[cfg(feature = "cursor-style")]
+                {
+                    let _ = CursorManager::update_for_mode(AppMode::Highlight);
+                }
             }
         }
     }
 
     pub fn enter_highlight_line_mode(&mut self) {
-        if self.ui_state.current_mode == AppMode::ReadOnly {
+        // NORMALMODE: ignore
-            self.ui_state.current_mode = AppMode::Highlight;
+        #[cfg(feature = "textmode-normal")]
-            self.ui_state.selection =
+        {
-                SelectionState::Linewise { anchor_field: self.ui_state.current_field };
+            return;
+        }
 
-            #[cfg(feature = "cursor-style")]
+        // Default (not normal): original vim
-            {
+        #[cfg(not(feature = "textmode-normal"))]
-                let _ = CursorManager::update_for_mode(AppMode::Highlight);
+        {
+            if self.ui_state.current_mode == AppMode::ReadOnly {
+                self.ui_state.current_mode = AppMode::Highlight;
+                self.ui_state.selection =
+                    SelectionState::Linewise { anchor_field: self.ui_state.current_field };
+
+                #[cfg(feature = "cursor-style")]
+                {
+                    let _ = CursorManager::update_for_mode(AppMode::Highlight);
+                }
             }
         }
     }
 
     pub fn exit_highlight_mode(&mut self) {
-        if self.ui_state.current_mode == AppMode::Highlight {
+        // NORMALMODE: ignore
-            self.ui_state.current_mode = AppMode::ReadOnly;
+        #[cfg(feature = "textmode-normal")]
-            self.ui_state.selection = SelectionState::None;
+        {
+            return;
+        }
 
-            #[cfg(feature = "cursor-style")]
+        // Default (not normal): original vim
-            {
+        #[cfg(not(feature = "textmode-normal"))]
-                let _ = CursorManager::update_for_mode(AppMode::ReadOnly);
+        {
+            if self.ui_state.current_mode == AppMode::Highlight {
+                self.ui_state.current_mode = AppMode::ReadOnly;
+                self.ui_state.selection = SelectionState::None;
+
+                #[cfg(feature = "cursor-style")]
+                {
+                    let _ = CursorManager::update_for_mode(AppMode::ReadOnly);
+                }
             }
         }
     }
 
     pub fn is_highlight_mode(&self) -> bool {
-        self.ui_state.current_mode == AppMode::Highlight
+        #[cfg(feature = "textmode-normal")]
+        {
+            return false;
+        }
+        #[cfg(not(feature = "textmode-normal"))]
+        {
+            return self.ui_state.current_mode == AppMode::Highlight;
+        }
     }
 
     pub fn selection_state(&self) -> &SelectionState {
@@ -164,6 +250,8 @@ impl<D: DataProvider> FormEditor<D> {
     }
 
     // Visual-mode movements reuse existing movement methods
+    // These keep calling the movement methods; in normalmode selection is never enabled,
+    // so these just move without creating a selection.
     pub fn move_left_with_selection(&mut self) {
         let _ = self.move_left();
     }

canvas/src/lib.rs

@@ -63,3 +63,11 @@ pub use canvas::gui::render_canvas_default;
 
 #[cfg(all(feature = "gui", feature = "suggestions"))]
 pub use suggestions::gui::render_suggestions_dropdown;
+
+
+// First-class textarea module and exports
+#[cfg(feature = "textarea")]
+pub mod textarea;
+
+#[cfg(feature = "textarea")]
+pub use textarea::{TextArea, TextAreaProvider, TextAreaState, TextAreaEditor};

canvas/src/textarea/mod.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+// src/textarea/mod.rs
+// Module routing and re-exports only. No logic here.
+
+pub mod provider;
+pub mod state;
+
+#[cfg(feature = "gui")]
+pub mod widget;
+
+pub use provider::TextAreaProvider;
+pub use state::{TextAreaEditor, TextAreaState};
+
+#[cfg(feature = "gui")]
+pub use widget::TextArea;

canvas/src/textarea/provider.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,134 @@
+// src/textarea/provider.rs
+use crate::DataProvider;
+
+#[derive(Debug, Clone)]
+pub struct TextAreaProvider {
+    lines: Vec<String>,
+    name: String,
+}
+
+impl Default for TextAreaProvider {
+    fn default() -> Self {
+        Self {
+            lines: vec![String::new()],
+            name: "Text".to_string(),
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+impl TextAreaProvider {
+    pub fn from_text<S: Into<String>>(text: S) -> Self {
+        let text = text.into();
+        let mut lines: Vec<String> =
+            text.split('\n').map(|s| s.to_string()).collect();
+        if lines.is_empty() {
+            lines.push(String::new());
+        }
+        Self {
+            lines,
+            name: "Text".to_string(),
+        }
+    }
+
+    pub fn to_text(&self) -> String {
+        self.lines.join("\n")
+    }
+
+    pub fn set_text<S: Into<String>>(&mut self, text: S) {
+        let text = text.into();
+        self.lines = text.split('\n').map(|s| s.to_string()).collect();
+        if self.lines.is_empty() {
+            self.lines.push(String::new());
+        }
+    }
+
+    pub fn line_count(&self) -> usize {
+        self.lines.len()
+    }
+
+    #[inline]
+    fn char_to_byte_index(s: &str, char_idx: usize) -> usize {
+        s.char_indices()
+            .nth(char_idx)
+            .map(|(i, _)| i)
+            .unwrap_or_else(|| s.len())
+    }
+
+    pub fn split_line_at(&mut self, line_idx: usize, at_char: usize) -> usize {
+        if line_idx >= self.lines.len() {
+            return self.lines.len().saturating_sub(1);
+        }
+        let line = &mut self.lines[line_idx];
+        let byte_idx = Self::char_to_byte_index(line, at_char);
+        let right = line[byte_idx..].to_string();
+        line.truncate(byte_idx);
+        let insert_at = line_idx + 1;
+        self.lines.insert(insert_at, right);
+        insert_at
+    }
+
+    pub fn join_with_next(&mut self, line_idx: usize) -> Option<usize> {
+        if line_idx + 1 >= self.lines.len() {
+            return None;
+        }
+        let left_len = self.lines[line_idx].chars().count();
+        let right = self.lines.remove(line_idx + 1);
+        self.lines[line_idx].push_str(&right);
+        Some(left_len)
+    }
+
+    pub fn join_with_prev(
+        &mut self,
+        line_idx: usize,
+    ) -> Option<(usize, usize)> {
+        if line_idx == 0 || line_idx >= self.lines.len() {
+            return None;
+        }
+        let prev_idx = line_idx - 1;
+        let prev_len = self.lines[prev_idx].chars().count();
+        let curr = self.lines.remove(line_idx);
+        self.lines[prev_idx].push_str(&curr);
+        Some((prev_idx, prev_len))
+    }
+
+    pub fn insert_blank_line_after(&mut self, idx: usize) -> usize {
+        let clamped = idx.min(self.lines.len());
+        let insert_at = if clamped >= self.lines.len() {
+            self.lines.len()
+        } else {
+            clamped + 1
+        };
+        if insert_at == self.lines.len() {
+            self.lines.push(String::new());
+        } else {
+            self.lines.insert(insert_at, String::new());
+        }
+        insert_at
+    }
+
+    pub fn insert_blank_line_before(&mut self, idx: usize) -> usize {
+        let insert_at = idx.min(self.lines.len());
+        self.lines.insert(insert_at, String::new());
+        insert_at
+    }
+}
+
+impl DataProvider for TextAreaProvider {
+    fn field_count(&self) -> usize {
+        self.lines.len()
+    }
+
+    fn field_name(&self, _index: usize) -> &str {
+        &self.name
+    }
+
+    fn field_value(&self, index: usize) -> &str {
+        self.lines.get(index).map(|s| s.as_str()).unwrap_or("")
+    }
+
+    fn set_field_value(&mut self, index: usize, value: String) {
+        if index < self.lines.len() {
+            self.lines[index] = value;
+        }
+    }
+}

canvas/src/textarea/state.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,264 @@
+// src/textarea/state.rs
+use std::ops::{Deref, DerefMut};
+
+use anyhow::Result;
+use crossterm::event::{KeyCode, KeyEvent, KeyEventKind, KeyModifiers};
+
+use crate::editor::FormEditor;
+use crate::textarea::provider::TextAreaProvider;
+
+#[cfg(feature = "gui")]
+use ratatui::{layout::Rect, widgets::Block};
+
+#[cfg(feature = "gui")]
+use unicode_width::UnicodeWidthChar;
+
+pub type TextAreaEditor = FormEditor<TextAreaProvider>;
+
+pub struct TextAreaState {
+    pub(crate) editor: TextAreaEditor,
+    pub(crate) scroll_y: u16,
+    pub(crate) wrap: bool,
+    pub(crate) placeholder: Option<String>,
+}
+
+impl Default for TextAreaState {
+    fn default() -> Self {
+        Self {
+            editor: FormEditor::new(TextAreaProvider::default()),
+            scroll_y: 0,
+            wrap: false,
+            placeholder: None,
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+// Expose the entire FormEditor API directly on TextAreaState
+impl Deref for TextAreaState {
+    type Target = TextAreaEditor;
+
+    fn deref(&self) -> &Self::Target {
+        &self.editor
+    }
+}
+
+impl DerefMut for TextAreaState {
+    fn deref_mut(&mut self) -> &mut Self::Target {
+        &mut self.editor
+    }
+}
+
+impl TextAreaState {
+    pub fn from_text<S: Into<String>>(text: S) -> Self {
+        let provider = TextAreaProvider::from_text(text);
+        Self {
+            editor: FormEditor::new(provider),
+            scroll_y: 0,
+            wrap: false,
+            placeholder: None,
+        }
+    }
+
+    pub fn text(&self) -> String {
+        self.editor.data_provider().to_text()
+    }
+
+    pub fn set_text<S: Into<String>>(&mut self, text: S) {
+        self.editor.data_provider_mut().set_text(text);
+        self.editor.ui_state.current_field = 0;
+        self.editor.ui_state.cursor_pos = 0;
+        self.editor.ui_state.ideal_cursor_column = 0;
+    }
+
+    pub fn set_wrap(&mut self, wrap: bool) {
+        self.wrap = wrap;
+    }
+
+    pub fn set_placeholder<S: Into<String>>(&mut self, s: S) {
+        self.placeholder = Some(s.into());
+    }
+
+    // Textarea-specific primitive: split at cursor
+    pub fn insert_newline(&mut self) {
+        let line_idx = self.current_field();
+        let col = self.cursor_position();
+
+        let new_idx = self
+            .editor
+            .data_provider_mut()
+            .split_line_at(line_idx, col);
+
+        let _ = self.transition_to_field(new_idx);
+        self.move_line_start();
+        self.enter_edit_mode();
+    }
+
+    // Textarea-specific primitive: backspace with line join at start-of-line
+    pub fn backspace(&mut self) {
+        let col = self.cursor_position();
+        if col > 0 {
+            let _ = self.delete_backward();
+            return;
+        }
+
+        let line_idx = self.current_field();
+        if line_idx == 0 {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        if let Some((prev_idx, new_col)) = self
+            .editor
+            .data_provider_mut()
+            .join_with_prev(line_idx)
+        {
+            let _ = self.transition_to_field(prev_idx);
+            self.set_cursor_position(new_col);
+            self.enter_edit_mode();
+        }
+    }
+
+    // Textarea-specific primitive: delete or join with next line at EOL
+    pub fn delete_forward_or_join(&mut self) {
+        let line_idx = self.current_field();
+        let line_len = self.current_text().chars().count();
+        let col = self.cursor_position();
+
+        if col < line_len {
+            let _ = self.delete_forward();
+            return;
+        }
+
+        if let Some(new_col) = self
+            .editor
+            .data_provider_mut()
+            .join_with_next(line_idx)
+        {
+            self.set_cursor_position(new_col);
+            self.enter_edit_mode();
+        }
+    }
+
+    // Override for multiline: insert new blank line below and enter insert mode.
+    pub fn open_line_below(&mut self) -> Result<()> {
+        let line_idx = self.current_field();
+        let new_idx = self
+            .editor
+            .data_provider_mut()
+            .insert_blank_line_after(line_idx);
+
+        self.transition_to_field(new_idx)?;
+        self.move_line_start();
+        self.enter_edit_mode();
+        Ok(())
+    }
+
+    // Override for multiline: insert new blank line above and enter insert mode.
+    pub fn open_line_above(&mut self) -> Result<()> {
+        let line_idx = self.current_field();
+        let new_idx = self
+            .editor
+            .data_provider_mut()
+            .insert_blank_line_before(line_idx);
+
+        self.transition_to_field(new_idx)?;
+        self.move_line_start();
+        self.enter_edit_mode();
+        Ok(())
+    }
+
+    // Drive from KeyEvent; you can still call all FormEditor methods directly
+    pub fn input(&mut self, key: KeyEvent) {
+        if key.kind != KeyEventKind::Press {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        match (key.code, key.modifiers) {
+            (KeyCode::Enter, _) => self.insert_newline(),
+            (KeyCode::Backspace, _) => self.backspace(),
+            (KeyCode::Delete, _) => self.delete_forward_or_join(),
+
+            (KeyCode::Left, _) => {
+                let _ = self.move_left();
+            }
+            (KeyCode::Right, _) => {
+                let _ = self.move_right();
+            }
+            (KeyCode::Up, _) => {
+                let _ = self.move_up();
+            }
+            (KeyCode::Down, _) => {
+                let _ = self.move_down();
+            }
+
+            (KeyCode::Home, _)
+            | (KeyCode::Char('a'), KeyModifiers::CONTROL) => {
+                self.move_line_start();
+            }
+            (KeyCode::End, _)
+            | (KeyCode::Char('e'), KeyModifiers::CONTROL) => {
+                self.move_line_end();
+            }
+
+            // Optional: word motions
+            (KeyCode::Char('b'), KeyModifiers::ALT) => self.move_word_prev(),
+            (KeyCode::Char('f'), KeyModifiers::ALT) => self.move_word_next(),
+            (KeyCode::Char('e'), KeyModifiers::ALT) => self.move_word_end(),
+
+            // Printable characters
+            (KeyCode::Char(c), m) if m.is_empty() => {
+                self.enter_edit_mode();
+                let _ = self.insert_char(c);
+            }
+
+            // Simple Tab policy
+            (KeyCode::Tab, _) => {
+                self.enter_edit_mode();
+                for _ in 0..4 {
+                    let _ = self.insert_char(' ');
+                }
+            }
+
+            _ => {}
+        }
+    }
+
+    // Cursor helpers for GUI
+    #[cfg(feature = "gui")]
+    pub fn cursor(&self, area: Rect, block: Option<&Block<'_>>) -> (u16, u16) {
+        let inner = if let Some(b) = block { b.inner(area) } else { area };
+        let line_idx = self.current_field() as u16;
+        let y = inner.y + line_idx.saturating_sub(self.scroll_y);
+
+        let current_line = self.current_text();
+        let col = self.display_cursor_position();
+
+        let mut x_off: u16 = 0;
+        for (i, ch) in current_line.chars().enumerate() {
+            if i >= col {
+                break;
+            }
+            x_off = x_off
+                .saturating_add(UnicodeWidthChar::width(ch).unwrap_or(0) as u16);
+        }
+        let x = inner.x.saturating_add(x_off);
+        (x, y)
+    }
+
+    #[cfg(feature = "gui")]
+    pub(crate) fn ensure_visible(
+        &mut self,
+        area: Rect,
+        block: Option<&Block<'_>>,
+    ) {
+        let inner = if let Some(b) = block { b.inner(area) } else { area };
+        if inner.height == 0 {
+            return;
+        }
+        let line_idx = self.current_field() as u16;
+        if line_idx < self.scroll_y {
+            self.scroll_y = line_idx;
+        } else if line_idx >= self.scroll_y + inner.height {
+            self.scroll_y = line_idx.saturating_sub(inner.height - 1);
+        }
+    }
+}

canvas/src/textarea/widget.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,106 @@
+// src/textarea/widget.rs
+#[cfg(feature = "gui")]
+use ratatui::{
+    buffer::Buffer,
+    layout::{Alignment, Rect},
+    style::Style,
+    text::{Line, Span},
+    widgets::{
+        Block, BorderType, Borders, Paragraph, StatefulWidget, Widget, Wrap,
+    },
+};
+
+#[cfg(feature = "gui")]
+use crate::data_provider::DataProvider; // bring trait into scope
+
+#[cfg(feature = "gui")]
+use crate::textarea::state::TextAreaState;
+
+#[cfg(feature = "gui")]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone)]
+pub struct TextArea<'a> {
+    pub(crate) block: Option<Block<'a>>,
+    pub(crate) style: Style,
+    pub(crate) border_type: BorderType,
+}
+
+#[cfg(feature = "gui")]
+impl<'a> Default for TextArea<'a> {
+    fn default() -> Self {
+        Self {
+            block: Some(
+                Block::default()
+                    .borders(Borders::ALL)
+                    .border_type(BorderType::Rounded),
+            ),
+            style: Style::default(),
+            border_type: BorderType::Rounded,
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+#[cfg(feature = "gui")]
+impl<'a> TextArea<'a> {
+    pub fn block(mut self, block: Block<'a>) -> Self {
+        self.block = Some(block);
+        self
+    }
+
+    pub fn style(mut self, style: Style) -> Self {
+        self.style = style;
+        self
+    }
+
+    pub fn border_type(mut self, ty: BorderType) -> Self {
+        self.border_type = ty;
+        if let Some(b) = &mut self.block {
+            *b = b.clone().border_type(ty);
+        }
+        self
+    }
+}
+
+#[cfg(feature = "gui")]
+impl<'a> StatefulWidget for TextArea<'a> {
+    type State = TextAreaState;
+
+    fn render(self, area: Rect, buf: &mut Buffer, state: &mut Self::State) {
+        state.ensure_visible(area, self.block.as_ref());
+
+        let inner = if let Some(b) = &self.block {
+            b.clone().render(area, buf);
+            b.inner(area)
+        } else {
+            area
+        };
+
+        let total = state.editor.data_provider().line_count();
+        let start = state.scroll_y as usize;
+        let end = start
+            .saturating_add(inner.height as usize)
+            .min(total);
+
+        let mut display_lines: Vec<Line> = Vec::with_capacity(end - start);
+
+        if start >= end {
+            if let Some(ph) = &state.placeholder {
+                display_lines.push(Line::from(Span::raw(ph.clone())));
+            }
+        } else {
+            for i in start..end {
+                let s = state.editor.data_provider().field_value(i);
+                display_lines.push(Line::from(Span::raw(s.to_string())));
+            }
+        }
+
+        let mut p = Paragraph::new(display_lines)
+            .alignment(Alignment::Left)
+            .style(self.style);
+
+        if state.wrap {
+            p = p.wrap(Wrap { trim: false });
+        }
+
+        p.render(inner, buf);
+    }
+}