diff --git a/doc/apps.md b/doc/apps.md
index bd7d6f69bd..a53092ac79 100644
--- a/doc/apps.md
+++ b/doc/apps.md
@@ -160,9 +160,9 @@ The list of hotkey actions is slightly different from the list of window menu ac
 
 Value                        | Unique for hotkeys | Default Hotkey               | Description
 -----------------------------|--------------------|------------------------------|------------
-Drop                         |                    |                              | Drop all events for the specified key combination. No further processing.
-DropIfRepeats                |                    |                              | Drop `Key Repeat` events for the specified key combination. This binding should be specified before the main action for the key combination.
-ToggleExclusiveKeybd         | x                  | `Ctrl-Alt`, `Alt-Ctrl`       | Toggle exclusive keyboard mode. In exclusive mode, all keyboard events are ignored by higher levels.
+Drop                         | x                  |                              | Drop all events for the specified key combination. No further processing.
+DropAutoRepeat               | x                  |                              | Drop `Key Repeat` events for the specified key combination. This binding should be specified before the main action for the key combination.
+ToggleHotkeyMode             | x                  | `Ctrl-Alt`, `Alt-Ctrl`       | Toggle hotkey mode between mode=0 (deafult) and mode=1.
 TerminalFindNext             |                    | `Alt+RightArrow`             | Highlight next match of selected text fragment. Clipboard content is used if no active selection.
 TerminalFindPrev             |                    | `Alt+LeftArrow`              | Highlight previous match of selected text fragment. Clipboard content is used if no active selection.
 TerminalViewportOnePageUp    | x                  | `Shift+Ctrl+PageUp`          | Scroll one page up.
@@ -303,11 +303,23 @@ TerminalSelectionOneShot     |                    |
                 </notes>
             </item>
         </menu>
-        <hotkeys key*>  <!--  The required key combination sequence can be generated on the Info page, accessible by clicking on the label in the lower right corner of the vtm desktop.   -->
+    </term>
+    <hotkeys>  <!--  The required key combination sequence can be generated on the Info page, accessible by clicking on the label in the lower right corner of the vtm desktop.   -->
+        <tui key*>  <!-- TUI matrix layer key bindings. The mode=0 is implicitly used by default. -->
+            <key="Space-Backspace"       action=ToggleDebugOverlay/>  <!-- Toggle debug overlay. -->
+            <key="Backspace-Space"       action=ToggleDebugOverlay/>  <!-- Toggle debug overlay (reversed release order). -->
+            <key="Ctrl-Alt"              action=ToggleHotkeyMode/>    <!-- Toggle hotkey mode to mode=1 by pressing and releasing Ctrl-Alt. -->
+            <key="Alt-Ctrl"              action=ToggleHotkeyMode/>    <!-- Toggle hotkey mode to mode=1 by pressing and releasing Alt-Ctrl (reversed releasing). -->
+            <key="Ctrl-Alt" mode=1       action=ToggleHotkeyMode/>    <!-- Toggle hotkey mode to mode=0 (default) by pressing and releasing Ctrl-Alt. -->
+            <key="Alt-Ctrl" mode=1       action=ToggleHotkeyMode/>    <!-- Toggle hotkey mode to mode=0 (default) by pressing and releasing Alt-Ctrl (reversed releasing). -->
+        </tui>
+        <term key*>
             <key="Alt+RightArrow"        action=TerminalFindNext/>                  <!-- Highlight next match of selected text fragment. Clipboard content is used if no active selection. -->
             <key="Alt+LeftArrow"         action=TerminalFindPrev/>                  <!-- Highlight previous match of selected text fragment. Clipboard content is used if no active selection. -->
             <key="Shift+Ctrl+PageUp"     action=TerminalViewportOnePageUp/>         <!-- Scroll one page up. -->
             <key="Shift+Ctrl+PageDown"   action=TerminalViewportOnePageDown/>       <!-- Scroll one page down. -->
+            <key="Ctrl+PageUp"   mode=1  action=TerminalViewportOnePageUp/>         <!-- Scroll one page up. -->
+            <key="Ctrl+PageDown" mode=1  action=TerminalViewportOnePageDown/>       <!-- Scroll one page down. -->
             <key="Shift+Alt+LeftArrow"   action=TerminalViewportOnePageLeft/>       <!-- Scroll one page to the left. -->
             <key="Shift+Alt+RightArrow"  action=TerminalViewportOnePageRight/>      <!-- Scroll one page to the right. -->
             <key="Shift+Ctrl+UpArrow"    action=TerminalViewportOneCharUp/>         <!-- Scroll one line up. -->
@@ -333,10 +345,8 @@ TerminalSelectionOneShot     |                    |
             <key=""                      action=TerminalSelectionCopy/>             <!-- Сopy selection to clipboard. -->
             <key="Esc"                   action=TerminalSelectionCancel/>           <!-- Deselect a selection. -->
             <key=""                      action=TerminalSelectionOneShot/>          <!-- One-shot toggle to copy text while mouse tracking is active. Keep selection if 'Ctrl' key is pressed. The argument can be the one of the following values 0:'none', 1:'text', 2:'ansi', 3:'rich', 4:'html', 5:'protected'. -->
-            <key="Ctrl-Alt"              action=ToggleExclusiveKeybd/>              <!-- Toggle exclusive keyboard mode by pressing and releasing Ctrl-Alt. -->
-            <key="Alt-Ctrl"              action=ToggleExclusiveKeybd/>              <!-- Toggle exclusive keyboard mode by pressing and releasing Alt-Ctrl. -->
-        </hotkeys>
-    </term>
+        </term>
+    </hotkeys>
 </config>
 ```
 
diff --git a/doc/settings.md b/doc/settings.md
index e43bf20482..4271c1832f 100644
--- a/doc/settings.md
+++ b/doc/settings.md
@@ -304,13 +304,14 @@ Application `app_name` | `<config/hotkeys/app_name/>` | Application layer key bi
 The syntax for defining key combination bindings is:
 
 ```xml
-<key="Key+Chord" action="NameOfAction"/>
+<key="Key+Chord" action="NameOfAction" mode=N/> <!-- mode=0 can be omitted.  -->
 ```
 
 Tag      | Value
 ---------|--------
 `key`    | The text string containing the key combination.
 `action` | The action name.
+`mode`   | Hotkey mode for which mapping is being done (mode=0 by default). Either `mode=0` or `mode=1` are allowed.
 
 The following joiners are allowed for combining keys:
 
@@ -334,21 +335,22 @@ The required key combination sequence can be generated on the Info page, accessi
 
 #### Interpretation
 
-Configuration record                       | Interpretation
--------------------------------------------|-----------------
-`<key="Key+Chord" action=NameOfAction/>`   | Append existing bindings using an indirect reference (the `NameOfAction` variable without quotes).
-`<key="Key+Chord" action="NameOfAction"/>` | Append existing bindings with the directly specified command "NameOfAction".
-`<key="Key+Chord" action=""/>`             | Remove all existing bindings for the specified key combination "Key+Chord".
-`<key=""          action="NameOfAction"/>` | Do nothing.
+Configuration record                              | Interpretation
+--------------------------------------------------|-----------------
+`<key="Key+Chord" action=NameOfAction/>`          | Append existing bindings using an indirect reference (the `NameOfAction` variable without quotes).
+`<key="Key+Chord" action="NameOfAction"/>`        | Append existing bindings with the directly specified command "NameOfAction".
+`<key="Key+Chord" action="NameOfAction" mode=1/>` | Append existing bindings for mode=1.
+`<key="Key+Chord" action=""/>`                    | Remove all existing bindings for the specified key combination "Key+Chord".
+`<key=""          action="NameOfAction"/>`        | Do nothing.
 
 #### Available actions
 
 Action                         | Default key combination  | Available at layer  | Description
 -------------------------------|--------------------------|---------------------|------------
 `Drop`                         |                          | All layers          | Drop all events for the specified key combination. No further processing.
-`DropIfRepeats`                |                          | All layers          | Drop `Key Repeat` events for the specified key combination. This binding should be specified before the main action for the key combination.
+`DropAutoRepeat`               |                          | All layers          | Drop `Key Repeat` events for the specified key combination. This binding should be specified before the main action for the key combination.
 `ToggleDebugOverlay`           |                          | TUI matrix          | Toggle debug overlay.
-`ToggleExclusiveKeybd`         | `Ctrl-Alt`, `Alt-Ctrl`   | Application         | Toggle exclusive keyboard mode. In exclusive mode, all keyboard events are ignored by higher layers. Exclusive keyboard mode is automatically disabled when refocusing.
+`ToggleHotkeyMode`             | `Ctrl-Alt`, `Alt-Ctrl`   | TUI matrix          | Toggle hotkey mode between mode=0 (deafult) and mode=1.
 `IncreaseCellHeight`           | `CapsLock+UpArrow`       | Native GUI window   | Increase the text cell height by one pixel.
 `DecreaseCellHeight`           | `CapsLock+DownArrow`     | Native GUI window   | Decrease the text cell height by one pixel.
 `ResetCellHeight`              | `Ctrl+Key0`              | Native GUI window   | Reset text cell height.
@@ -791,23 +793,27 @@ Notes
         </menu>
     </defapp>
     <hotkeys>  <!--  The required key combination sequence can be generated on the Info page, accessible by clicking on the label in the lower right corner of the vtm desktop.  -->
-        <gui key*>  <!-- Native GUI window layer key bindings. -->
+        <gui key*>  <!-- Native GUI window layer key bindings. key* here is to clear all previous bindings and start a new list. -->
             <key="CapsLock+UpArrow"      action=IncreaseCellHeight/>      <!-- Increase the text cell height by one pixel. -->
             <key="CapsLock+DownArrow"    action=DecreaseCellHeight/>      <!-- Decrease the text cell height by one pixel. -->
-            <key="Ctrl+0"                action=DropIfRepeats/>           <!-- Don't repeat the Reset text cell height. -->
+            <key="Ctrl+0"                action=DropAutoRepeat/>          <!-- Don't repeat the Reset text cell height. -->
             <key="Ctrl+0"                action=ResetCellHeight/>         <!-- Reset text cell height. -->
-            <key="Alt+Enter"             action=DropIfRepeats/>           <!-- Don't repeat the Toggle fullscreen mode. -->
+            <key="Alt+Enter"             action=DropAutoRepeat/>          <!-- Don't repeat the Toggle fullscreen mode. -->
             <key="Alt+Enter"             action=ToggleFullscreenMode/>    <!-- Toggle fullscreen mode. -->
-            <key="Ctrl+CapsLock"         action=DropIfRepeats/>           <!-- Don't repeat the Toggle text antialiasing mode. -->
+            <key="Ctrl+CapsLock"         action=DropAutoRepeat/>          <!-- Don't repeat the Toggle text antialiasing mode. -->
             <key="Ctrl+CapsLock"         action=ToggleAntialiasingMode/>  <!-- Toggle text antialiasing mode. -->
-            <key="Ctrl+Shift+F11"        action=DropIfRepeats/>           <!-- Don't repeat the Roll font list backward. -->
+            <key="Ctrl+Shift+F11"        action=DropAutoRepeat/>          <!-- Don't repeat the Roll font list backward. -->
             <key="Ctrl+Shift+F11"        action=RollFontsBackward/>       <!-- Roll font list backward. -->
-            <key="Ctrl+Shift+F12"        action=DropIfRepeats/>           <!-- Don't repeat the Roll font list forward. -->
+            <key="Ctrl+Shift+F12"        action=DropAutoRepeat/>          <!-- Don't repeat the Roll font list forward. -->
             <key="Ctrl+Shift+F12"        action=RollFontsForward/>        <!-- Roll font list forward. -->
         </gui>
-        <tui key*>  <!-- TUI matrix layer key bindings. -->
+        <tui key*>  <!-- TUI matrix layer key bindings. The mode=0 is implicitly used by default. -->
             <key="Space-Backspace"       action=ToggleDebugOverlay/>  <!-- Toggle debug overlay. -->
-            <key="Backspace-Space"       action=ToggleDebugOverlay/>  <!-- Toggle debug overlay (Reverse release order). -->
+            <key="Backspace-Space"       action=ToggleDebugOverlay/>  <!-- Toggle debug overlay (reversed release order). -->
+            <key="Ctrl-Alt"              action=ToggleHotkeyMode/>    <!-- Toggle hotkey mode to mode=1 by pressing and releasing Ctrl-Alt. -->
+            <key="Alt-Ctrl"              action=ToggleHotkeyMode/>    <!-- Toggle hotkey mode to mode=1 by pressing and releasing Alt-Ctrl (reversed releasing). -->
+            <key="Ctrl-Alt" mode=1       action=ToggleHotkeyMode/>    <!-- Toggle hotkey mode to mode=0 (default) by pressing and releasing Ctrl-Alt. -->
+            <key="Alt-Ctrl" mode=1       action=ToggleHotkeyMode/>    <!-- Toggle hotkey mode to mode=0 (default) by pressing and releasing Alt-Ctrl (reversed releasing). -->
         </tui>
         <desktop key*>  <!-- Desktop layer key bindings. -->
             <key="Ctrl+PageUp"           action=FocusPrevWindow/>  <!-- Switch focus to the next desktop window. -->
@@ -821,15 +827,17 @@ Notes
             <key="Alt+LeftArrow"         action=TerminalFindPrev/>                  <!-- Highlight previous match of selected text fragment. Clipboard content is used if no active selection. -->
             <key="Shift+Ctrl+PageUp"     action=TerminalViewportOnePageUp/>         <!-- Scroll one page up. -->
             <key="Shift+Ctrl+PageDown"   action=TerminalViewportOnePageDown/>       <!-- Scroll one page down. -->
+            <key="Ctrl+PageUp"   mode=1  action=TerminalViewportOnePageUp/>         <!-- Scroll one page up. -->
+            <key="Ctrl+PageDown" mode=1  action=TerminalViewportOnePageDown/>       <!-- Scroll one page down. -->
             <key="Shift+Alt+LeftArrow"   action=TerminalViewportOnePageLeft/>       <!-- Scroll one page to the left. -->
             <key="Shift+Alt+RightArrow"  action=TerminalViewportOnePageRight/>      <!-- Scroll one page to the right. -->
             <key="Shift+Ctrl+UpArrow"    action=TerminalViewportOneCharUp/>         <!-- Scroll one line up. -->
             <key="Shift+Ctrl+DownArrow"  action=TerminalViewportOneCharDown/>       <!-- Scroll one line down. -->
             <key="Shift+Ctrl+LeftArrow"  action=TerminalViewportOneCharLeft/>       <!-- Scroll one cell to the left. -->
             <key="Shift+Ctrl+RightArrow" action=TerminalViewportOneCharRight/>      <!-- Scroll one cell to the right. -->
-            <key="Shift+Ctrl+Home"       action=DropIfRepeats/>                     <!-- Don't repeat the Scroll to the scrollback top. -->
+            <key="Shift+Ctrl+Home"       action=DropAutoRepeat/>                    <!-- Don't repeat the Scroll to the scrollback top. -->
             <key="Shift+Ctrl+Home"       action=TerminalViewportTop/>               <!-- Scroll to the scrollback top. -->
-            <key="Shift+Ctrl+End"        action=DropIfRepeats/>                     <!-- Don't repeat the Scroll to the scrollback bottom (reset viewport position). -->
+            <key="Shift+Ctrl+End"        action=DropAutoRepeat/>                    <!-- Don't repeat the Scroll to the scrollback bottom (reset viewport position). -->
             <key="Shift+Ctrl+End"        action=TerminalViewportEnd/>               <!-- Scroll to the scrollback bottom (reset viewport position). -->
             <key=""                      action=TerminalViewportCopy/>              <!-- Сopy viewport to clipboard. -->
             <key=""                      action=TerminalClipboardPaste/>            <!-- Paste from clipboard. -->
@@ -848,8 +856,6 @@ Notes
             <key=""                      action=TerminalSelectionCopy/>             <!-- Сopy selection to clipboard. -->
             <key="Esc"                   action=TerminalSelectionCancel/>           <!-- Deselect a selection. -->
             <key=""                      action=TerminalSelectionOneShot/>          <!-- One-shot toggle to copy text while mouse tracking is active. Keep selection if 'Ctrl' key is pressed. -->
-            <key="Ctrl-Alt"              action=ToggleExclusiveKeybd/>              <!-- Toggle exclusive keyboard mode by pressing and releasing Ctrl-Alt. In exclusive mode, all keyboard events are ignored by higher levels. -->
-            <key="Alt-Ctrl"              action=ToggleExclusiveKeybd/>              <!-- Toggle exclusive keyboard mode by pressing and releasing Alt-Ctrl. -->
         </term>
     </hotkeys>
 </config>
diff --git a/doc/user-interface.md b/doc/user-interface.md
index d29b4b1f45..e3a1a3175c 100644
--- a/doc/user-interface.md
+++ b/doc/user-interface.md
@@ -24,19 +24,19 @@
 </thead>
 <tbody>
   <tr>
-    <th>Ctrl-Alt ²</th>
-    <td colspan="9">Toggle exclusive keyboard mode</td>
+    <th>Ctrl-Alt ¹</th>
+    <td colspan="9">Toggle alternate keyboard mode</td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
-    <th>F10 ²</th>
+    <th>F10 ¹</th>
     <td colspan="9">Disconnect all users and shutdown if there are no apps running</td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
-    <th>Shift+F7 ²</th>
+    <th>Shift+F7 ¹</th>
     <td colspan="9">Leave current session</td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
-    <th>Ctrl+PageUp/PageDown ²</th>
+    <th>Ctrl+PageUp/PageDown ¹</th>
     <td colspan="9">Switch focus between running apps</td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
@@ -161,24 +161,24 @@
     <th></th>
     <th>GUI window</th>
     <th>Resizing grips</th>
-    <th>Window 1px-height row (in fullscreen mode)¹</th>
+    <th>Window 1px-height row (in fullscreen mode)²</th>
   </tr>
 </thead>
 <tbody>
   <tr>
-    <th>Alt+Enter ²</th>
+    <th>Alt+Enter ¹</th>
     <td colspan="3">Toggle fullscreen mode</td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
-    <th>Ctrl+CapsLock ²</th>
+    <th>Ctrl+CapsLock ¹</th>
     <td colspan="3">Toggle antialiasing mode</td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
-    <th>CapsLock+UpArrow/DownArrow ²</th>
+    <th>CapsLock+UpArrow/DownArrow ¹</th>
     <td colspan="3">Scale cell size</td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
-    <th>CapsLock+0 ²</th>
+    <th>CapsLock+0 ¹</th>
     <td colspan="3">Reset cell size</td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
@@ -214,5 +214,31 @@
 </tbody>
 </table>
 
-¹ — In fullscreen mode, the GUI window reserves a 1px high area at the top for forwarding mouse events.  
-² — Key bindings can be customized using the settings.
\ No newline at end of file
+## Built-in Terminal
+
+<table>
+  <thead>
+    <tr><th>Hotkey ¹</th>              <th>Default action</th></tr>
+  </thead>
+  <tbody>
+    <tr><th>Alt+RightArrow</th>        <td>Highlight next match of selected text fragment. Clipboard content is used if no active selection.</td></tr>
+    <tr><th>Alt+LeftArrow</th>         <td>Highlight previous match of selected text fragment. Clipboard content is used if no active selection.</td></tr>
+    <tr><th>Shift+Ctrl+PageUp</th>     <td>Scroll one page up.</td></tr>
+    <tr><th>Shift+Ctrl+PageDown</th>   <td>Scroll one page down.</td></tr>
+    <tr><th>Shift+Alt+LeftArrow</th>   <td>Scroll one page to the left.</td></tr>
+    <tr><th>Shift+Alt+RightArrow</th>  <td>Scroll one page to the right.</td></tr>
+    <tr><th>Shift+Ctrl+UpArrow</th>    <td>Scroll one line up.</td></tr>
+    <tr><th>Shift+Ctrl+DownArrow</th>  <td>Scroll one line down.</td></tr>
+    <tr><th>Shift+Ctrl+LeftArrow</th>  <td>Scroll one cell to the left.</td></tr>
+    <tr><th>Shift+Ctrl+RightArrow</th> <td>Scroll one cell to the right.</td></tr>
+    <tr><th>Shift+Ctrl+Home</th>       <td>Don't repeat the Scroll to the scrollback top.</td></tr>
+    <tr><th>Shift+Ctrl+Home</th>       <td>Scroll to the scrollback top.</td></tr>
+    <tr><th>Shift+Ctrl+End</th>        <td>Don't repeat the Scroll to the scrollback bottom (reset viewport position).</td></tr>
+    <tr><th>Shift+Ctrl+End</th>        <td>Scroll to the scrollback bottom (reset viewport position).</td></tr>
+  </tbody>
+</table>
+
+---
+
+¹ — Key bindings can be customized using settings.  
+² — In fullscreen mode, the GUI window reserves a 1px high area at the top for forwarding mouse events.
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/src/netxs/apps.hpp b/src/netxs/apps.hpp
index 74ef10e9c3..9beeed28f6 100644
--- a/src/netxs/apps.hpp
+++ b/src/netxs/apps.hpp
@@ -615,31 +615,22 @@ namespace netxs::app::shared
                 ->template plugin<pro::focus>()
                 ->template plugin<pro::grade>();
             auto state_block = title_grid_state->attach(ui::fork::ctor());
-            auto state_label = state_block->attach(slot::_1, ui::item::ctor("Exclusive keyboard mode:")->setpad({ 2, 1, 0, 0 }));
+            auto state_label = state_block->attach(slot::_1, ui::item::ctor("Alternate keyboard mode:")->setpad({ 2, 1, 0, 0 }));
             auto state_state = state_block->attach(slot::_2, ui::item::ctor(ansi::bgc(reddk).fgx(0).add("█off ")))
                 ->setpad({ 1, 1, 0, 0 })
                 ->active()
                 ->shader(cell::shaders::xlight, e2::form::state::hover)
                 ->invoke([&](auto& boss)
                 {
-                    auto state_ptr = ptr::shared(faux);
-                    auto& state = *state_ptr;
-                    auto& window_inst = *window;
-                    window->LISTEN(tier::release, hids::events::keybd::focus::exclusive, seed, boss.tracker, (state_ptr))
+                    window->LISTEN(tier::release, e2::form::state::keybd::hotkey, state, boss.tracker)
                     {
-                        state = !!seed.item;
                         boss.set(state ? ansi::bgc(greendk).fgc(whitelt).add(" on █")
                                        : ansi::bgc(reddk).fgx(0)        .add("█off "));
                         boss.base::reflow();
                     };
-                    window->LISTEN(tier::release, e2::form::state::keybd::focus::off, gear_id, boss.tracker) // Call gear's subscription
-                    {
-                        if (state) window_inst.bell::signal(tier::preview, hids::events::keybd::focus::exclusive, {}); // to reset exclusive mode.
-                    };
                     boss.LISTEN(tier::release, hids::events::mouse::button::click::left, gear)
                     {
-                        state ? gear.set_exclusive()
-                              : gear.set_exclusive(window_inst.This());
+                        gear.set_hotkey_mode(gear.meta(hids::HotkeyMode) ? 0 : hids::HotkeyMode);
                         gear.dismiss_dblclick();
                     };
                 });
@@ -760,7 +751,8 @@ namespace netxs::app::shared
                 {
                     if (gear.keystat != input::key::repeated) (*update_ptr)(items_inst, gear, true);
                 });
-                keybd.template bind<tier::release>( "Any", "UpdateChordPreview");
+                keybd.template bind<tier::release>( "Any", "UpdateChordPreview", 0);
+                keybd.template bind<tier::release>( "Any", "UpdateChordPreview", 1);
             });
             inside->attach(slot::_2, ui::post::ctor())
                 ->limits({ -1, 1 })
diff --git a/src/netxs/apps/desk.hpp b/src/netxs/apps/desk.hpp
index 092e554b0d..60e1b84adf 100644
--- a/src/netxs/apps/desk.hpp
+++ b/src/netxs/apps/desk.hpp
@@ -131,7 +131,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::desk
                                 {
                                     window.bell::signal(tier::release, e2::form::size::minimize, gear);
                                 }
-                                else pro::focus::set(data_src, gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on, pro::focus::flip::off);
+                                else pro::focus::set(data_src, gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on);
                             }
                             else // Jump to window.
                             {
@@ -159,7 +159,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::desk
                                     {
                                         window.bell::signal(tier::release, e2::form::size::minimize, gear);
                                     }
-                                    pro::focus::set(data_src, gear.id, pro::focus::solo::off, pro::focus::flip::off);
+                                    pro::focus::set(data_src, gear.id, pro::focus::solo::off);
                                 }
                                 gear.dismiss(true); // Suppress double click.
                             }
@@ -174,7 +174,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::desk
                                 {
                                     window.bell::signal(tier::release, e2::form::size::minimize, gear);
                                 }
-                                else pro::focus::set(data_src, gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on, pro::focus::flip::off);
+                                else pro::focus::set(data_src, gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on);
                                 gear.dismiss();
                             }
                         }
@@ -421,7 +421,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::desk
                         boss.LISTEN(tier::release, events::ui::focus::any, gear, window.tracker)
                         {
                             auto deed = boss.bell::protos(tier::release);
-                                 if (deed == events::ui::focus::set.id) pro::focus::set(window.This(), gear.id, pro::focus::solo::off, pro::focus::flip::off);
+                                 if (deed == events::ui::focus::set.id) pro::focus::set(window.This(), gear.id, pro::focus::solo::off);
                             else if (deed == events::ui::focus::off.id) pro::focus::off(window.This(), gear.id);
                         };
                     });
diff --git a/src/netxs/apps/tile.hpp b/src/netxs/apps/tile.hpp
index b973fcf8a5..6f94fe073d 100644
--- a/src/netxs/apps/tile.hpp
+++ b/src/netxs/apps/tile.hpp
@@ -278,7 +278,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::tile
                                 {
                                     auto gear_id_list = pro::focus::get(parent_ptr); // Expropriate all foci.
                                     world_ptr->bell::signal(tier::request, vtm::events::handoff, what); // Attach to the world.
-                                    pro::focus::set(what.applet, gear_id_list, pro::focus::solo::off, pro::focus::flip::off, true); // Refocus.
+                                    pro::focus::set(what.applet, gear_id_list, pro::focus::solo::off, true); // Refocus.
                                     master.base::riseup(tier::release, e2::form::proceed::quit::one, true); // Destroy placeholder.
                                 }
 
@@ -292,11 +292,11 @@ namespace netxs::app::tile
                         };
                         boss.LISTEN(tier::release, hids::events::mouse::button::click::right, gear)
                         {
-                            pro::focus::set(boss.This(), gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on, pro::focus::flip::off);
+                            pro::focus::set(boss.This(), gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on);
                         };
                         boss.LISTEN(tier::release, hids::events::mouse::button::click::middle, gear)
                         {
-                            pro::focus::set(boss.This(), gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on, pro::focus::flip::off);
+                            pro::focus::set(boss.This(), gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on);
                         };
                         boss.LISTEN(tier::release, e2::form::upon::vtree::attached, parent)
                         {
@@ -483,8 +483,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::tile
                             if (ratio == min_ratio)
                             {
                                 node->set_ratio(saved_ratio);
-                                pro::focus::set(boss.This(), gear.id, gear.meta(hids::anyCtrl) ? pro::focus::solo::off
-                                                                                               : pro::focus::solo::on, pro::focus::flip::off, true);
+                                pro::focus::set(boss.This(), gear.id, gear.meta(hids::anyCtrl) ? pro::focus::solo::off : pro::focus::solo::on, true);
                             }
                             else
                             {
@@ -525,7 +524,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::tile
                             auto app = app_window(what);
                             boss.attach(app);
                             app->bell::signal(tier::anycast, e2::form::upon::started);
-                            pro::focus::set(what.applet, gear_id_list, pro::focus::solo::mix, pro::focus::flip::off, true);
+                            pro::focus::set(what.applet, gear_id_list, pro::focus::solo::mix, true);
                         }
                     };
                     boss.LISTEN(tier::release, e2::form::proceed::swap, item_ptr)
@@ -543,7 +542,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::tile
                                 boss.attach(item_ptr);
                             }
                             else item_ptr = boss.This();
-                            pro::focus::set(boss.back(), gear_id_list, pro::focus::solo::off, pro::focus::flip::off);
+                            pro::focus::set(boss.back(), gear_id_list, pro::focus::solo::off);
                         }
                         else
                         {
@@ -564,7 +563,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::tile
                                 {
                                     auto gear_id_list = pro::focus::get(boss.This());
                                     item_ptr = boss.pop_back();
-                                    pro::focus::set(boss.back(), gear_id_list, pro::focus::solo::off, pro::focus::flip::off);
+                                    pro::focus::set(boss.back(), gear_id_list, pro::focus::solo::off);
                                 }
                                 else
                                 {
@@ -591,7 +590,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::tile
                     boss.LISTEN(tier::anycast, app::tile::events::ui::select, gear)
                     {
                         auto item_ptr = boss.back();
-                        if (item_ptr->base::kind() != base::node) pro::focus::set(item_ptr, gear.id, pro::focus::solo::off, pro::focus::flip::off);
+                        if (item_ptr->base::kind() != base::node) pro::focus::set(item_ptr, gear.id, pro::focus::solo::off);
                         else                                      pro::focus::off(item_ptr, gear.id); // Exclude grips.
                     };
                     boss.LISTEN(tier::preview, e2::form::size::enlarge::any, gear, -, (oneoff = subs{}))
@@ -622,7 +621,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::tile
                                 };
                                 auto just_copy = fullscreen_item;
                                 boss.base::riseup(tier::release, e2::form::proceed::attach, fullscreen_item);
-                                pro::focus::set(just_copy, gear_id_list, pro::focus::solo::off, pro::focus::flip::off); // Handover all foci.
+                                pro::focus::set(just_copy, gear_id_list, pro::focus::solo::off); // Handover all foci.
                                 boss.base::reflow();
                             }
                         }
@@ -650,8 +649,8 @@ namespace netxs::app::tile
                             auto slot_1 = newnode->attach(slot::_1, empty_1->branch(curitem));
                             auto slot_2 = newnode->attach(slot::_2, empty_2);
                             boss.attach(newnode);
-                            pro::focus::set(slot_1->back(), gear_id, pro::focus::solo::off, pro::focus::flip::off); // Handover all foci.
-                            pro::focus::set(slot_2->back(), gear_id, pro::focus::solo::off, pro::focus::flip::off);
+                            pro::focus::set(slot_1->back(), gear_id, pro::focus::solo::off); // Handover all foci.
+                            pro::focus::set(slot_2->back(), gear_id, pro::focus::solo::off);
                         }
                     };
                     boss.LISTEN(tier::anycast, e2::form::proceed::quit::any, fast)
@@ -674,7 +673,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::tile
                             {
                                 auto gear_id_list = pro::focus::get(boss.This());
                                 auto deleted_item = boss.pop_back(); // Throw away.
-                                pro::focus::set(boss.back(), gear_id_list, pro::focus::solo::off, pro::focus::flip::off);
+                                pro::focus::set(boss.back(), gear_id_list, pro::focus::solo::off);
                             }
                             else if (boss.count() == 1) // Remove empty slot, reorganize.
                             {
@@ -718,7 +717,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::tile
                         {
                             gear_id_list.push_back(gear.id);
                         }
-                        pro::focus::set(app, gear_id_list, pro::focus::solo::off, pro::focus::flip::off);
+                        pro::focus::set(app, gear_id_list, pro::focus::solo::off);
                     };
                     boss.LISTEN(tier::release, events::backup, empty_slot_list)
                     {
@@ -964,8 +963,8 @@ namespace netxs::app::tile
                             auto gear_id_list = pro::focus::get(boss.This()); // Seize all foci.
                             auto item_ptr = boss.pop_back();
                             item_ptr->bell::signal(tier::release, e2::form::size::restore, item_ptr);
-                            pro::focus::set(boss.back(), foci_list, pro::focus::solo::off, pro::focus::flip::off, true); // Restore saved foci.
-                            pro::focus::set(item_ptr, gear_id_list, pro::focus::solo::off, pro::focus::flip::off); // Apply item's foci.
+                            pro::focus::set(boss.back(), foci_list, pro::focus::solo::off, true); // Restore saved foci.
+                            pro::focus::set(item_ptr, gear_id_list, pro::focus::solo::off); // Apply item's foci.
                             foci_list.clear();
                         }
 
diff --git a/src/netxs/desktopio/application.hpp b/src/netxs/desktopio/application.hpp
index 305aedf06d..ea77d5def2 100644
--- a/src/netxs/desktopio/application.hpp
+++ b/src/netxs/desktopio/application.hpp
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ namespace netxs::app
 
 namespace netxs::app::shared
 {
-    static const auto version = "v0.9.99.43";
+    static const auto version = "v0.9.99.44";
     static const auto repository = "https://github.com/directvt/vtm";
     static const auto usr_config = "~/.config/vtm/settings.xml"s;
     static const auto sys_config = "/etc/vtm/settings.xml"s;
@@ -116,7 +116,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::shared
         auto esc_pressed = ptr::shared(faux);
         keybd.proc("WindowClose", [&, esc_pressed](hids& gear)
         {
-            if (!gear.is_exclusive() && *esc_pressed)
+            if (*esc_pressed)
             {
                 boss.bell::signal(tier::anycast, e2::form::proceed::quit::one, true);
                 gear.set_handled(true);
@@ -130,37 +130,40 @@ namespace netxs::app::shared
         {
             if (std::exchange(*esc_pressed, faux) != *esc_pressed) boss.bell::signal(tier::anycast, e2::form::state::keybd::command::close, *esc_pressed);
         });
-        keybd.template bind<tier::preview>( "Esc", "DropIfRepeats");
-        keybd.template bind<tier::release>( "Esc", "WindowClosePreview");
-        keybd.template bind<tier::preview>("-Esc", "WindowClose");
-        keybd.template bind<tier::release>( "Any", "CancelWindowClose");
-        keybd.proc("ScrollPageUp"        , [&](hids& gear){ if (!gear.is_exclusive()) { scroll_inst.base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::bypage::y, { .vector = { 0, 1 }}); } });
-        keybd.proc("ScrollPageDown"      , [&](hids& gear){ if (!gear.is_exclusive()) { scroll_inst.base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::bypage::y, { .vector = { 0,-1 }}); } });
-        keybd.proc("ScrollLineUp"        , [&](hids& gear){ if (!gear.is_exclusive()) { scroll_inst.base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::bystep::y, { .vector = { 0, 3 }}); } });
-        keybd.proc("ScrollLineDown"      , [&](hids& gear){ if (!gear.is_exclusive()) { scroll_inst.base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::bystep::y, { .vector = { 0,-3 }}); } });
-        keybd.proc("ScrollCharLeft"      , [&](hids& gear){ if (!gear.is_exclusive()) { scroll_inst.base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::bystep::x, { .vector = { 3, 0 }}); } });
-        keybd.proc("ScrollCharRight"     , [&](hids& gear){ if (!gear.is_exclusive()) { scroll_inst.base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::bystep::x, { .vector = {-3, 0 }}); } });
-        keybd.proc("ScrollTop"           , [&](hids& gear){ if (!gear.is_exclusive()) { scroll_inst.base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::to_top::y); } });
-        keybd.proc("ScrollEnd"           , [&](hids& gear){ if (!gear.is_exclusive()) { scroll_inst.base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::to_end::y); } });
-        keybd.proc("ToggleMaximize"      , [&](hids& gear){ if (!gear.is_exclusive()) { scroll_inst.bell::enqueue(boss.This(), [&](auto& /*boss*/){ scroll_inst.base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::size::enlarge::maximize,   gear); }); }}); // Refocus-related operations require execution outside of keyboard events.
-        keybd.proc("ToggleFullscreen"    , [&](hids& gear){ if (!gear.is_exclusive()) { scroll_inst.bell::enqueue(boss.This(), [&](auto& /*boss*/){ scroll_inst.base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::size::enlarge::fullscreen, gear); }); }});
-        keybd.proc("ToggleExclusiveKeybd", [&](hids& gear){ if (!gear.is_exclusive()) gear.set_exclusive(boss.This()); else gear.set_exclusive(); });
-        keybd.bind("PageUp"    , "ScrollPageUp"        );
-        keybd.bind("PageDown"  , "ScrollPageDown"      );
-        keybd.bind("UpArrow"   , "ScrollLineUp"        );
-        keybd.bind("DownArrow" , "ScrollLineDown"      );
-        keybd.bind("LeftArrow" , "ScrollCharLeft"      );
-        keybd.bind("RightArrow", "ScrollCharRight"     );
-        keybd.bind("Home"      , "DropIfRepeats"       );
-        keybd.bind("Home"      , "ScrollTop"           );
-        keybd.bind("End"       , "DropIfRepeats"       );
-        keybd.bind("End"       , "ScrollEnd"           );
-        keybd.bind("F11"       , "DropIfRepeats"       );
-        keybd.bind("F11"       , "ToggleMaximize"      );
-        keybd.bind("F12"       , "DropIfRepeats"       );
-        keybd.bind("F12"       , "ToggleFullscreen"    );
-        keybd.bind("Ctrl-Alt"  , "ToggleExclusiveKeybd");
-        keybd.bind("Alt-Ctrl"  , "ToggleExclusiveKeybd");
+        keybd.proc("ScrollPageUp"    , [&](hids& /*gear*/){ scroll_inst.base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::bypage::y, { .vector = { 0, 1 }}); });
+        keybd.proc("ScrollPageDown"  , [&](hids& /*gear*/){ scroll_inst.base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::bypage::y, { .vector = { 0,-1 }}); });
+        keybd.proc("ScrollLineUp"    , [&](hids& /*gear*/){ scroll_inst.base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::bystep::y, { .vector = { 0, 3 }}); });
+        keybd.proc("ScrollLineDown"  , [&](hids& /*gear*/){ scroll_inst.base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::bystep::y, { .vector = { 0,-3 }}); });
+        keybd.proc("ScrollCharLeft"  , [&](hids& /*gear*/){ scroll_inst.base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::bystep::x, { .vector = { 3, 0 }}); });
+        keybd.proc("ScrollCharRight" , [&](hids& /*gear*/){ scroll_inst.base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::bystep::x, { .vector = {-3, 0 }}); });
+        keybd.proc("ScrollTop"       , [&](hids& /*gear*/){ scroll_inst.base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::to_top::y); });
+        keybd.proc("ScrollEnd"       , [&](hids& /*gear*/){ scroll_inst.base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::to_end::y); });
+        //todo use sptr for gear when enqueueing (dangling reference)
+        keybd.proc("ToggleMaximize"  , [&](hids& gear){ scroll_inst.bell::enqueue(boss.This(), [&](auto& /*boss*/){ scroll_inst.base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::size::enlarge::maximize,   gear); }); }); // Refocus-related operations require execution outside of keyboard eves.
+        keybd.proc("ToggleFullscreen", [&](hids& gear){ scroll_inst.bell::enqueue(boss.This(), [&](auto& /*boss*/){ scroll_inst.base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::size::enlarge::fullscreen, gear); }); });
+        auto binding = [&](auto mode)
+        {
+            keybd.template bind<tier::preview>( "Esc", "DropAutoRepeat"    , mode);
+            keybd.template bind<tier::release>( "Esc", "WindowClosePreview", mode);
+            keybd.template bind<tier::preview>("-Esc", "WindowClose"       , mode);
+            keybd.template bind<tier::release>( "Any", "CancelWindowClose" , mode);
+            keybd.bind("PageUp"    , "ScrollPageUp"    , mode);
+            keybd.bind("PageDown"  , "ScrollPageDown"  , mode);
+            keybd.bind("UpArrow"   , "ScrollLineUp"    , mode);
+            keybd.bind("DownArrow" , "ScrollLineDown"  , mode);
+            keybd.bind("LeftArrow" , "ScrollCharLeft"  , mode);
+            keybd.bind("RightArrow", "ScrollCharRight" , mode);
+            keybd.bind("Home"      , "DropAutoRepeat"  , mode);
+            keybd.bind("Home"      , "ScrollTop"       , mode);
+            keybd.bind("End"       , "DropAutoRepeat"  , mode);
+            keybd.bind("End"       , "ScrollEnd"       , mode);
+            keybd.bind("F11"       , "DropAutoRepeat"  , mode);
+            keybd.bind("F11"       , "ToggleMaximize"  , mode);
+            keybd.bind("F12"       , "DropAutoRepeat"  , mode);
+            keybd.bind("F12"       , "ToggleFullscreen", mode);
+        };
+        binding(0);
+        binding(1);
     };
 
     using builder_t = std::function<ui::sptr(eccc, xmls&)>;
@@ -680,7 +683,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::shared
             //todo implement 'fonts/font/file' - font file path/url
             gui_config.fontlist.push_back(f->take_value());
         }
-        auto keybinds = config.list("/config/gui/hotkeys/key");
+        auto keybinds = config.list("/config/hotkeys/gui/key");
         for (auto keybind_ptr : keybinds)
         {
             auto& keybind = *keybind_ptr;
diff --git a/src/netxs/desktopio/baseui.hpp b/src/netxs/desktopio/baseui.hpp
index 97a55f5acb..ffce934c1d 100644
--- a/src/netxs/desktopio/baseui.hpp
+++ b/src/netxs/desktopio/baseui.hpp
@@ -451,6 +451,7 @@ namespace netxs::events::userland
                         EVENT_XS( find    , ui::focus_test_t   ), // request: Check the focus.
                         EVENT_XS( next    , ui::focus_test_t   ), // request: Next hop count.
                         EVENT_XS( check   , bool               ), // anycast: Check any focus.
+                        EVENT_XS( hotkey  , si32               ), // release: Hotkeymode.
                         GROUP_XS( focus   , const id_t         ), // release: Has any keybd focus.
                         GROUP_XS( command , si32               ), // release: Hotkey command preview.
 
diff --git a/src/netxs/desktopio/console.hpp b/src/netxs/desktopio/console.hpp
index e7ebaae5b3..91ca680f45 100644
--- a/src/netxs/desktopio/console.hpp
+++ b/src/netxs/desktopio/console.hpp
@@ -1135,6 +1135,7 @@ namespace netxs::ui
             //auto simple = config.take("/config/simple", faux); // DirectVT Gateway console case.
             config.set("/config/simple", faux);
             keybd.proc("ToggleDebugOverlay", [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); debug ? debug.stop() : debug.start(); });
+            keybd.proc("ToggleHotkeyMode",   [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); gear.set_hotkey_mode(gear.meta(hids::HotkeyMode) ? 0 : hids::HotkeyMode); });
             keybd.load<tier::preview>(config, "/config/hotkeys/tui/key");
 
             base::root(true);
@@ -1145,7 +1146,7 @@ namespace netxs::ui
                 //if (auto target = local ? applet : base::parent())
                 if (auto target = nexthop.lock())
                 {
-                    pro::focus::set(target, gear.id, pro::focus::solo::off, pro::focus::flip::off, true);
+                    pro::focus::set(target, gear.id, pro::focus::solo::off, true);
                 }
                 oneoff_focus.reset();
             };
@@ -1201,6 +1202,12 @@ namespace netxs::ui
                 }
                 //if constexpr (debugmode) log(prompt::foci, text(--seed.deep * 4, ' '), "----------------gate");
             };
+            LISTEN(tier::preview, hids::events::keybd::mode, gear, tokens)
+            {
+                auto [ext_gear_id, gear_ptr] = input.get_foreign_gear_id(gear.id);
+                if (!gear_ptr) return;
+                conio.hotkey_mode.send(canal, ext_gear_id, gear.meta(hids::HotkeyMode));
+            };
             LISTEN(tier::preview, hids::events::keybd::focus::cut, seed, tokens)
             {
                 if (direct)
@@ -1238,15 +1245,9 @@ namespace netxs::ui
             };
             if (direct) // Forward unhandled events outside.
             {
-                LISTEN(tier::release, hids::events::keybd::focus::exclusive, seed) // Request exclusive mode.
-                {
-                    auto [ext_gear_id, gear_ptr] = input.get_foreign_gear_id(seed.id);
-                    if (!gear_ptr) return;
-                    conio.focus_set.send(canal, ext_gear_id, seed.item ? -1 : -2); // -1: set, -2: reset.
-                };
                 LISTEN(tier::release, hids::events::keybd::key::any, gear) // Return back unhandled keybd events.
                 {
-                    if (gear && !gear.handled && ptr::is_empty(gear.exclusive_wptr)) // Do not return events in exclusive mode.
+                    if (gear && !gear.handled)
                     {
                         auto [ext_gear_id, gear_ptr] = input.get_foreign_gear_id(gear.id);
                         if (gear_ptr)
diff --git a/src/netxs/desktopio/controls.hpp b/src/netxs/desktopio/controls.hpp
index d46c836832..0b718595fd 100644
--- a/src/netxs/desktopio/controls.hpp
+++ b/src/netxs/desktopio/controls.hpp
@@ -1247,15 +1247,14 @@ namespace netxs::ui
         public:
             enum class mode { hub, focusable, focused, active };
             enum class solo { off, on, mix };
-            enum class flip { off = faux, on = true };
             friend auto operator == (si32 l, solo r) { return l == static_cast<std::underlying_type_t<solo>>(r); }
 
             template<class T>
-            static void set(sptr item_ptr, T&& gear_id, solo s, flip f, bool skip = faux)
+            static void set(sptr item_ptr, T&& gear_id, solo s, bool skip = faux)
             {
                 auto fire = [&](auto id)
                 {
-                    auto seed = item_ptr->base::riseup(tier::preview, hids::events::keybd::focus::set, { .id = id, .solo = (si32)s, .flip = (bool)f, .skip = skip });
+                    auto seed = item_ptr->base::riseup(tier::preview, hids::events::keybd::focus::set, { .id = id, .solo = (si32)s, .skip = skip });
                     //if constexpr (debugmode) log(prompt::foci, "Focus set gear:", seed.id, " item:", item_ptr->id);
                 };
                 if constexpr (std::is_same_v<id_t, std::decay_t<T>>) fire(gear_id);
@@ -1308,7 +1307,7 @@ namespace netxs::ui
                 {
                     auto seed = parent->base::riseup(tier::release, hids::events::keybd::focus::hop, { .what = src_ptr, .item = dst_ptr });
                     auto gear_id_list = pro::focus::off(src_ptr);
-                    pro::focus::set(dst_ptr, gear_id_list, pro::focus::solo::off, pro::focus::flip::off);
+                    pro::focus::set(dst_ptr, gear_id_list, pro::focus::solo::off);
                 }
             }
             static auto test(base& item, input::hids& gear)
@@ -1327,7 +1326,7 @@ namespace netxs::ui
                 {
                     boss.LISTEN(tier::anycast, e2::form::upon::started, parent_ptr, memo, (m))
                     {
-                        pro::focus::set(boss.This(), id_t{}, solo::off, flip::off, m == mode::active ? true : faux);
+                        pro::focus::set(boss.This(), id_t{}, solo::off, m == mode::active ? true : faux);
                     };
                 }
                 boss.LISTEN(tier::request, e2::form::state::keybd::check, state, memo)
@@ -1342,15 +1341,31 @@ namespace netxs::ui
                 // Set unique focus on left click. Set group focus on Ctrl+LeftClick.
                 boss.LISTEN(tier::release, hids::events::mouse::button::click::left, gear, memo)
                 {
-                    if (gear.meta(hids::anyCtrl)) pro::focus::set(boss.This(), gear.id, solo::off, flip::on );
-                    else                          pro::focus::set(boss.This(), gear.id, solo::on,  flip::off);
+                    if (gear.meta(hids::anyCtrl))
+                    {
+                        if (pro::focus::test(boss, gear)) pro::focus::off(boss.This(), gear.id);
+                        else                              pro::focus::set(boss.This(), gear.id, solo::off);
+                    }
+                    else pro::focus::set(boss.This(), gear.id, solo::on);
                     gear.dismiss();
                 };
                 // Subscribe on keybd events.
+                auto hotkey_mode_ptr = ptr::shared(0);
+                auto& hotkey_mode = *hotkey_mode_ptr;
+                boss.LISTEN(tier::request, e2::form::state::keybd::hotkey, m, memo, (hotkey_mode_ptr))
+                {
+                    m = hotkey_mode;
+                };
                 boss.LISTEN(tier::preview, hids::events::keybd::key::post, gear, memo) // preview: Run after any.
                 {
                     //if constexpr (debugmode) log(prompt::foci, "KeyEvent: gear:", gear.id, " hub:", boss.id, " gears.size:", gears.size());
                     if (!gear) return;
+                    if (gear.payload == input::keybd::type::keypress
+                     && std::exchange(hotkey_mode, gear.meta(hids::HotkeyMode)) != hotkey_mode) // Notify if hotkey mode has changed.
+                    {
+                        auto m = hotkey_mode >> 28; //std::countr_zero(hids::HotkeyMode); //todo MSVC doesn't get it
+                        boss.bell::signal(tier::release, e2::form::state::keybd::hotkey, m);
+                    }
                     auto& route = get_route(gear.id);
                     if (route.active)
                     {
@@ -1477,12 +1492,6 @@ namespace netxs::ui
                     {
                         if (route.active)
                         {
-                            if (seed.flip) // Focus flip-off is always a truncation of the maximum path without branches.
-                            {
-                                if (focusable) route.focused = faux;
-                                boss.bell::signal(tier::preview, hids::events::keybd::focus::off, seed);
-                                return;
-                            }
                             if (seed.solo != solo::on) // Group focus.
                             {
                                 route.focused = focusable;
@@ -1833,8 +1842,8 @@ namespace netxs::ui
             using skill::boss,
                   skill::memo;
 
-            std::unordered_map<text, std::list<wptr>, qiew::hash, qiew::equal> handlers_preview;
-            std::unordered_map<text, std::list<wptr>, qiew::hash, qiew::equal> handlers_release;
+            std::array<std::unordered_map<text, std::list<wptr>, qiew::hash, qiew::equal>, 2> handlers_preview;
+            std::array<std::unordered_map<text, std::list<wptr>, qiew::hash, qiew::equal>, 2> handlers_release;
             std::unordered_map<text, sptr, qiew::hash, qiew::equal> api_map;
 
             auto _get_chords(qiew chord_str)
@@ -1851,9 +1860,11 @@ namespace netxs::ui
                 }
             }
             template<si32 Tier = tier::release>
-            auto _set(qiew chord_str, sptr handler_ptr)
+            auto _set(qiew chord_str, sptr handler_ptr, si32 mode)
             {
-                auto& handlers = Tier == tier::release ? handlers_release : handlers_preview;
+                //todo unify
+                auto hmode = mode ? 1 : 0;
+                auto& handlers = Tier == tier::release ? handlers_release[hmode] : handlers_preview[hmode];
                 if (auto chords = _get_chords(chord_str))
                 {
                     for (auto& chord : chords.value())
@@ -1865,9 +1876,10 @@ namespace netxs::ui
                 else return faux;
             }
             template<si32 Tier = tier::release>
-            auto _reset(qiew chord_str)
+            auto _reset(qiew chord_str, si32 mode)
             {
-                auto& handlers = Tier == tier::release ? handlers_release : handlers_preview;
+                auto hmode = mode ? 1 : 0;
+                auto& handlers = Tier == tier::release ? handlers_release[hmode] : handlers_preview[hmode];
                 if (auto chords = _get_chords(chord_str))
                 {
                     for (auto& chord : chords.value())
@@ -1881,7 +1893,8 @@ namespace netxs::ui
             template<si32 Tier = tier::release>
             void _dispatch(hids& gear, qiew chord)
             {
-                auto& handlers = Tier == tier::release ? handlers_release : handlers_preview;
+                auto hmode = gear.meta(hids::HotkeyMode) ? 1 : 0;
+                auto& handlers = Tier == tier::release ? handlers_release[hmode] : handlers_preview[hmode];
                 auto iter = handlers.find(chord);
                 if (iter != handlers.end())
                 {
@@ -1924,8 +1937,8 @@ namespace netxs::ui
                         if (!gear.handled) _dispatch<tier::preview>(gear, input::key::kmap::any_key);
                     }
                 };
-                proc("Drop",          [](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); });
-                proc("DropIfRepeats", [](hids& gear){ if (gear.keystat == input::key::repeated) gear.set_handled(); });
+                proc("Drop",           [](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); });
+                proc("DropAutoRepeat", [](hids& gear){ if (gear.keystat == input::key::repeated) gear.set_handled(); });
             }
 
             template<si32 Tier = tier::release>
@@ -1944,27 +1957,22 @@ namespace netxs::ui
                 api_map[name] = ptr::shared(std::move(proc));
             }
             template<si32 Tier = tier::release>
-            auto bind(qiew chord_str, qiew proc_name)
+            auto bind(qiew chord_str, qiew proc_name, si32 mode = 0)
             {
                 if (!chord_str) return;
                 if (proc_name)
                 {
                     if (auto iter = api_map.find(proc_name); iter != api_map.end())
                     {
-                        _set<Tier>(chord_str, iter->second);
+                        _set<Tier>(chord_str, iter->second, mode);
                     }
                     else log("%%Action '%proc%' not found", prompt::user, proc_name);
                 }
                 else
                 {
-                    _reset<Tier>(chord_str);
+                    _reset<Tier>(chord_str, mode);
                 }
             }
-            auto wipe()
-            {
-                handlers_release.clear();
-                handlers_preview.clear();
-            }
             template<si32 Tier = tier::release>
             auto load(xmls& config, qiew path)
             {
@@ -1976,7 +1984,8 @@ namespace netxs::ui
                     {
                         auto chord = keybind.take_value();
                         auto action = keybind.take("action", ""s);
-                        bind<Tier>(chord, action);
+                        auto mode = keybind.take("mode", 0);
+                        bind<Tier>(chord, action, mode);
                     }
                 }
             }
diff --git a/src/netxs/desktopio/directvt.hpp b/src/netxs/desktopio/directvt.hpp
index f7610671e3..8bef73fdd8 100644
--- a/src/netxs/desktopio/directvt.hpp
+++ b/src/netxs/desktopio/directvt.hpp
@@ -863,6 +863,7 @@ namespace netxs::directvt
                                         (fp2d, click))
         STRUCT_macro(focus_cut,         (id_t, gear_id))
         STRUCT_macro(focus_set,         (id_t, gear_id) (si32, solo))
+        STRUCT_macro(hotkey_mode,       (id_t, gear_id) (si32, mode))
         STRUCT_macro(fullscrn,          (id_t, gear_id))
         STRUCT_macro(maximize,          (id_t, gear_id))
         STRUCT_macro(header,            (id_t, window_id) (text, utf8))
@@ -1414,6 +1415,7 @@ namespace netxs::directvt
             X(jgc_list         ) /* List of jumbo GC.                             */\
             X(focus_cut        ) /* Request to focus cut.                         */\
             X(focus_set        ) /* Request to focus set.                         */\
+            X(hotkey_mode      ) /* Request hotkey mode to set.                   */\
             X(fullscrn         ) /* Notify/Request to fullscreen.                 */\
             X(maximize         ) /* Request to maximize window.                   */\
             X(header           ) /* Set window title.                             */\
diff --git a/src/netxs/desktopio/gui.hpp b/src/netxs/desktopio/gui.hpp
index 168509e792..3a98aa98c6 100644
--- a/src/netxs/desktopio/gui.hpp
+++ b/src/netxs/desktopio/gui.hpp
@@ -1807,21 +1807,24 @@ namespace netxs::gui
             void handle(s11n::xs::focus_set        lock)
             {
                 auto& item = lock.thing;
-                if (item.solo < 0) // Exclusive keyboard mode: -1: set, -2: reset.
+                if (owner.mfocus.focused()) // We are the focus tree endpoint. Signal back the focus set up.
                 {
-                    gears->set_exclusive(item.solo == -1 ? owner.This() : netxs::sptr<base>{}); // Exclusive mode will be reset automatically when focus is changed.
+                    auto seed = owner.bell::signal(tier::release, hids::events::keybd::focus::bus::on, { .id = item.gear_id, .solo = item.solo, .item = owner.This() });
                 }
-                else
+                else owner.window_post_command(ipc::take_focus);
+                if (item.solo == ui::pro::focus::solo::on) // Set solo focus.
                 {
-                    if (owner.mfocus.focused()) // We are the focus tree endpoint. Signal back the focus set up.
-                    {
-                        auto seed = owner.bell::signal(tier::release, hids::events::keybd::focus::bus::on, { .id = item.gear_id, .solo = item.solo, .item = owner.This() });
-                    }
-                    else owner.window_post_command(ipc::take_focus);
-                    if (item.solo == ui::pro::focus::solo::on) // Set solo focus.
-                    {
-                        owner.window_post_command(ipc::solo_focus);
-                    }
+                    owner.window_post_command(ipc::solo_focus);
+                }
+            }
+            void handle(s11n::xs::hotkey_mode      lock)
+            {
+                auto& k = lock.thing;
+                auto guard = owner.sync();
+                if (auto gear_ptr = owner.bell::getref<hids>(k.gear_id))
+                {
+                    owner.hotkey = k.mode;
+                    owner.window_post_command(ipc::sync_state);
                 }
             }
             void handle(s11n::xs::syskeybd         lock)
@@ -1964,6 +1967,7 @@ namespace netxs::gui
         regs  fields; // winbase: Text input field list.
         evnt  stream; // winbase: DirectVT event proxy.
         kmap  chords; // winbase: Pressed key table (key chord).
+        si32  hotkey; // winbase: Alternate hotkey mode.
 
         winbase(auth& indexer, std::list<text>& font_names, si32 cell_height, bool antialiasing, span blink_rate, twod grip_cell, std::list<std::pair<text, text>>& hotkeys)
             : base{ indexer },
@@ -1994,7 +1998,8 @@ namespace netxs::gui
               heldby{ 0x0 },
               whlacc{ 0.f },
               wdelta{ 24.f },
-              stream{ *this, *os::dtvt::client }
+              stream{ *this, *os::dtvt::client },
+              hotkey{ 0 }
         {
             wkeybd.proc("IncreaseCellHeight"    , [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); IncreaseCellHeight(1.f); });
             wkeybd.proc("DecreaseCellHeight"    , [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); IncreaseCellHeight(-1.f);});
@@ -2004,7 +2009,8 @@ namespace netxs::gui
             wkeybd.proc("RollFontsBackward"     , [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); RollFontList(feed::rev);  });
             wkeybd.proc("RollFontsForward"      , [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); RollFontList(feed::fwd);  });
             wkeybd.proc("_ResetWheelAccumulator", [&](hids& /*gear*/){ whlacc = {}; });
-            wkeybd.bind<tier::preview>("-Ctrl", "_ResetWheelAccumulator");
+            wkeybd.bind<tier::preview>("-Ctrl", "_ResetWheelAccumulator", 0);
+            wkeybd.bind<tier::preview>("-Ctrl", "_ResetWheelAccumulator", 1);
             for (auto& [chord, action] : hotkeys) wkeybd.bind<tier::preview>(chord, action);
         }
 
@@ -2845,12 +2851,36 @@ namespace netxs::gui
                 {
                     keybd_send_block(block); // Send multifocus events.
                 }
-                return gear.is_exclusive() || wkeybd.filter<tier::preview>(gear);
+                return wkeybd.filter<tier::preview>(gear);
             });
         }
         void keybd_send_state(si32 virtcod = {}, si32 keystat = {}, si32 scancod = {}, bool extflag = {}, view cluster = {}, bool synth = faux)
         {
-            auto state  = 0;
+            if (virtcod == 0 && (keymod ^ hotkey) & input::hids::HotkeyMode) // Send empty key to update hotkey mode state if it is changed.
+            {
+                auto& gear = *stream.gears;
+                netxs::set_flag<input::hids::HotkeyMode>(keymod, hotkey);
+                netxs::set_flag<input::hids::HotkeyMode>(gear.ctlstat, hotkey);
+                auto temp = syskeybd{}; //todo same code in system.hpp:4918
+                std::swap(temp.vkchord, gear.vkchord);
+                std::swap(temp.scchord, gear.scchord);
+                std::swap(temp.chchord, gear.chchord);
+                std::swap(temp.cluster, gear.cluster);
+                std::swap(temp.keystat, gear.keystat);
+                gear.virtcod = 0;
+                gear.scancod = 0;
+                gear.keycode = 0;
+                gear.payload = input::keybd::type::keypress;
+                stream_keybd(gear);
+                std::swap(temp.vkchord, gear.vkchord);
+                std::swap(temp.scchord, gear.scchord);
+                std::swap(temp.chchord, gear.chchord);
+                std::swap(temp.cluster, gear.cluster);
+                std::swap(temp.keystat, gear.keystat);
+                return;
+            }
+
+            auto state = hotkey;
             auto cs = 0;
             if (extflag) cs |= input::key::ExtendedKey;
             if (synth)
@@ -3067,7 +3097,7 @@ namespace netxs::gui
                         stream.m.ctlstat = keymod;
                         keybd.syncto(gear);
                         gear.gear_id = gear.bell::id; // Restore gear id.
-                        if (gear.is_exclusive() || wkeybd.filter<tier::preview>(gear))
+                        if (wkeybd.filter<tier::preview>(gear))
                         {
                             stream.keybd(gear);
                         }
diff --git a/src/netxs/desktopio/input.hpp b/src/netxs/desktopio/input.hpp
index b602e10b28..f00e0de670 100644
--- a/src/netxs/desktopio/input.hpp
+++ b/src/netxs/desktopio/input.hpp
@@ -34,19 +34,10 @@ namespace netxs::events::userland
                     EVENT_XS( enter, input::hids ), // inform the form about the mouse hover.
                     EVENT_XS( leave, input::hids ), // inform the form about leaving the mouse.
                 };
-                //SUBSET_XS( keybd )
-                //{
-                //    EVENT_XS( got , input::hids ),
-                //    EVENT_XS( lost, input::hids ),
-                //};
-                //SUBSET_XS( focus )
-                //{
-                //    EVENT_XS( got , input::hids ),
-                //    EVENT_XS( lost, input::hids ),
-                //};
             };
             SUBSET_XS( keybd )
             {
+                EVENT_XS( mode   , input::hids ),
                 GROUP_XS( key    , input::hids ),
                 GROUP_XS( control, input::hids ),
                 GROUP_XS( state  , input::hids ),
@@ -56,6 +47,7 @@ namespace netxs::events::userland
                 {
                     EVENT_XS( post, input::hids ),
                 };
+                //todo revise
                 SUBSET_XS( control )
                 {
                     GROUP_XS( up  , input::hids ),
@@ -80,6 +72,7 @@ namespace netxs::events::userland
                         EVENT_XS( shift_left , input::hids ),
                     };
                 };
+                //todo revise
                 SUBSET_XS( state )
                 {
                     GROUP_XS( on , input::hids ),
@@ -110,7 +103,6 @@ namespace netxs::events::userland
                     EVENT_XS( cut, input::foci ), // Cut mono focus branch.
                     EVENT_XS( dry, input::foci ), // Remove the reference to the specified applet.
                     EVENT_XS( hop, input::foci ), // Change next hop destination. args: pair<what, with>.
-                    EVENT_XS( exclusive, input::foci ), // preview/release: Request exclusive keyboard mode.
                     GROUP_XS( bus, input::foci ),
 
                     SUBSET_XS( bus )
@@ -813,7 +805,6 @@ namespace netxs::input
     {
         id_t   id{}; // foci: Gear id.
         si32 solo{}; // foci: Exclusive focus request.
-        bool flip{}; // foci: Toggle focus request.
         bool skip{}; // foci: Ignore focusable object, just activate it.
         sptr what{}; // foci: Replacement item.
         sptr item{}; // foci: Next focused item.
@@ -1437,24 +1428,25 @@ namespace netxs::input
 
         enum modifiers
         {
-            LCtrl    = 1 <<  0, // Left  ⌃ Ctrl
-            RCtrl    = 1 <<  1, // Right ⌃ Ctrl
-            LAlt     = 1 <<  2, // Left  ⎇ Alt, Left  ⌥ Option
-            RAlt     = 1 <<  3, // Right ⎇ Alt, Right ⌥ Option, ⇮ AltGr
-            LShift   = 1 <<  4, // Left  ⇧ Shift
-            RShift   = 1 <<  5, // Right ⇧ Shift
-            LWin     = 1 <<  6, // Left  ⊞ Win, ◆ Meta, ⌘ Cmd (Apple key), ❖ Super
-            RWin     = 1 <<  7, // Right ⊞ Win, ◆ Meta, ⌘ Cmd (Apple key), ❖ Super
-            NumLock  = 1 << 12, // ⇭ Num Lock
-            CapsLock = 1 << 13, // ⇪ Caps Lock
-            ScrlLock = 1 << 14, // ⇳ Scroll Lock (⤓)
-            AltGr    = LAlt   | LCtrl,
-            anyCtrl  = LCtrl  | RCtrl,
-            anyAlt   = LAlt   | RAlt,
-            anyShift = LShift | RShift,
-            anyAltGr = anyAlt | anyCtrl,
-            anyWin   = LWin   | RWin,
-            anyMod   = anyAlt | anyCtrl | anyShift | anyWin,
+            LCtrl      = 1 <<  0, // Left  ⌃ Ctrl
+            RCtrl      = 1 <<  1, // Right ⌃ Ctrl
+            LAlt       = 1 <<  2, // Left  ⎇ Alt, Left  ⌥ Option
+            RAlt       = 1 <<  3, // Right ⎇ Alt, Right ⌥ Option, ⇮ AltGr
+            LShift     = 1 <<  4, // Left  ⇧ Shift
+            RShift     = 1 <<  5, // Right ⇧ Shift
+            LWin       = 1 <<  6, // Left  ⊞ Win, ◆ Meta, ⌘ Cmd (Apple key), ❖ Super
+            RWin       = 1 <<  7, // Right ⊞ Win, ◆ Meta, ⌘ Cmd (Apple key), ❖ Super
+            NumLock    = 1 << 12, // ⇭ Num Lock
+            CapsLock   = 1 << 13, // ⇪ Caps Lock
+            ScrlLock   = 1 << 14, // ⇳ Scroll Lock (⤓)
+            HotkeyMode = 1 << 28, // Alternate hotkey mode
+            AltGr      = LAlt   | LCtrl,
+            anyCtrl    = LCtrl  | RCtrl,
+            anyAlt     = LAlt   | RAlt,
+            anyShift   = LShift | RShift,
+            anyAltGr   = anyAlt | anyCtrl,
+            anyWin     = LWin   | RWin,
+            anyMod     = anyAlt | anyCtrl | anyShift | anyWin,
         };
 
         static auto build_alone_key()
@@ -1574,9 +1566,6 @@ namespace netxs::input
         id_t user_index; // hids: User/Device image/icon index.
         kmap other_key; // hids: Dynamic key-vt mapping.
 
-        wptr exclusive_wptr; // hids: Exclusive keyboard owner.
-        hook exclusive_memo; // hids: Exclusive keyboard owner reset.
-
         template<class T>
         hids(auth& indexer, T& props, base& owner, core const& idmap)
             : bell{ indexer },
@@ -1610,27 +1599,6 @@ namespace netxs::input
             return alive;
         }
 
-        void set_exclusive(sptr kb_owner = {})
-        {
-            //todo make it crossprocess
-            auto prev = exclusive_wptr.lock();
-            if (kb_owner != prev)
-            {
-                exclusive_wptr = kb_owner;
-                exclusive_memo.reset();
-                if (prev) prev->bell::signal(tier::release, hids::events::keybd::focus::exclusive, {}); // Trigger to reset exclusive mode.
-                if (kb_owner)
-                {
-                    kb_owner->bell::signal(tier::release, hids::events::keybd::focus::exclusive, { .id = bell::id, .item = kb_owner }); // Notify requestee.
-                    kb_owner->LISTEN(tier::preview, hids::events::keybd::focus::exclusive, seed, exclusive_memo) // Reset exclusive mode on requestee focus change (requestee calls signal(tier::preview, hids::events::keybd::focus::exclusive)).
-                    {
-                        set_exclusive();
-                    };
-                }
-                owner.bell::signal(tier::release, hids::events::keybd::focus::exclusive, { .id = bell::id, .item = kb_owner }); // Forward outside (crossprocess).
-            }
-        }
-
         auto tooltip_enabled(time const& now)
         {
             return !mouse::m_sys.buttons
@@ -1733,7 +1701,7 @@ namespace netxs::input
             static constexpr auto mask = netxs::events::level_mask(hids::events::mouse::button::any.id);
             static constexpr auto base = mask & hids::events::mouse::button::any.id;
             alive = true;
-            hids::ctlstat = new_ctlstate;
+            keybd::ctlstat = new_ctlstate;
             mouse::coord = new_coord;
             mouse::click = new_click;
             mouse::whlfp = new_whlfp;
@@ -1744,7 +1712,7 @@ namespace netxs::input
             mouse::load_button_state(new_button_state);
         }
 
-        auto meta(si32 ctl_key = -1) { return hids::ctlstat & ctl_key; }
+        auto meta(si32 ctl_key = -1) { return keybd::ctlstat & ctl_key; }
 
         // hids: Stop handeling this event.
         void dismiss(bool set_nodbl = faux)
@@ -1760,6 +1728,13 @@ namespace netxs::input
         {
             handled = b;
         }
+        void set_hotkey_mode(si32 mode)
+        {
+            auto temp = keybd::ctlstat;
+            netxs::set_flag<hids::HotkeyMode>(keybd::ctlstat, mode);
+            owner.bell::signal(tier::preview, hids::events::keybd::mode, *this);
+            keybd::ctlstat = temp;
+        }
 
         void take(sysmouse& m)
         {
@@ -1777,7 +1752,7 @@ namespace netxs::input
             }
             #endif
             disabled = faux;
-            hids::ctlstat = m.ctlstat;
+            keybd::ctlstat = m.ctlstat;
             mouse::update(m, idmap);
         }
         void take(syskeybd& k)
@@ -1956,19 +1931,9 @@ namespace netxs::input
             if (m_sav.changed != m_sys.changed) m_sav = m_sys;
             return !alive;
         }
-        auto is_exclusive()
-        {
-            return !ptr::is_empty(exclusive_wptr);
-        }
         void fire_keybd()
         {
             alive = true;
-            if (is_exclusive())
-            if (auto target = exclusive_wptr.lock())
-            {
-                target->bell::signal(tier::preview, hids::events::keybd::key::post, *this);
-                return;
-            }
             owner.bell::signal(tier::preview, hids::events::keybd::key::post, *this);
         }
         void fire_focus()
@@ -1991,7 +1956,7 @@ namespace netxs::input
 
             if (keystat != input::key::released)
             {
-                auto s = hids::ctlstat;
+                auto s = keybd::ctlstat;
                 auto v = keybd::keycode & -2; // Generic keys only
                 auto c = keybd::cluster.empty() ? 0 : keybd::cluster.front();
 
diff --git a/src/netxs/desktopio/system.hpp b/src/netxs/desktopio/system.hpp
index 6c66f1ca11..3a49a6b234 100644
--- a/src/netxs/desktopio/system.hpp
+++ b/src/netxs/desktopio/system.hpp
@@ -4840,6 +4840,8 @@ namespace netxs::os
         {
             struct adapter : s11n
             {
+                si32 hotkey = 0;
+
                 void direct(s11n::xs::bitmap_vt16    /*lock*/, view& data) { io::send(data); }
                 void direct(s11n::xs::bitmap_vt256   /*lock*/, view& data) { io::send(data); }
                 void direct(s11n::xs::bitmap_vtrgb   /*lock*/, view& data) { io::send(data); }
@@ -4907,6 +4909,29 @@ namespace netxs::os
                 {
                     s11n::recycle_cliprequest(dtvt::client, lock);
                 }
+                void handle(s11n::xs::hotkey_mode      lock)
+                {
+                    auto& k = lock.thing;
+                    hotkey = k.mode;
+                    auto item = s11n::syskeybd.freeze();
+                    netxs::set_flag<input::hids::HotkeyMode>(item.thing.ctlstat, hotkey);
+                    auto temp = input::syskeybd{}; //todo same code in gui.hpp:2860
+                    std::swap(temp.vkchord, item.thing.vkchord);
+                    std::swap(temp.scchord, item.thing.scchord);
+                    std::swap(temp.chchord, item.thing.chchord);
+                    std::swap(temp.cluster, item.thing.cluster);
+                    std::swap(temp.keystat, item.thing.keystat);
+                    item.thing.virtcod = 0;
+                    item.thing.scancod = 0;
+                    item.thing.keycode = 0;
+                    item.thing.payload = input::keybd::type::keypress;
+                    item.thing.sendby<faux, faux>(dtvt::client);
+                    std::swap(temp.vkchord, item.thing.vkchord);
+                    std::swap(temp.scchord, item.thing.scchord);
+                    std::swap(temp.chchord, item.thing.chchord);
+                    std::swap(temp.cluster, item.thing.cluster);
+                    std::swap(temp.keystat, item.thing.keystat);
+                }
 
                 adapter()
                     : s11n{ *this }
@@ -6047,8 +6072,22 @@ namespace netxs::os
 
             auto alarm = fire{};
             auto alive = flag{ true };
-            auto keybd = [&](auto& data){ if (alive)                proxy.syskeybd.send(intio, data); };
-            auto mouse = [&](auto& data){ if (alive)                proxy.sysmouse.send(intio, data); };
+            auto keybd = [&](auto& data)
+            {
+                if (alive)
+                {
+                    netxs::set_flag<input::hids::HotkeyMode>(data.ctlstat, proxy.hotkey); // Inject alternate hotkey mode.
+                    proxy.syskeybd.send(intio, data);
+                }
+            };
+            auto mouse = [&](auto& data)
+            {
+                if (alive)
+                {
+                    netxs::set_flag<input::hids::HotkeyMode>(data.ctlstat, proxy.hotkey); // Inject alternate hotkey mode.
+                    proxy.sysmouse.send(intio, data);
+                }
+            };
             auto winsz = [&](auto& data){ if (alive)                proxy.syswinsz.send(intio, data); };
             auto focus = [&](auto& data){ if (alive)                proxy.sysfocus.send(intio, data); };
             auto close = [&](auto& data){ if (alive.exchange(faux)) proxy.sysclose.send(intio, data); };
diff --git a/src/netxs/desktopio/terminal.hpp b/src/netxs/desktopio/terminal.hpp
index bcec6df0b0..3ec03f2890 100644
--- a/src/netxs/desktopio/terminal.hpp
+++ b/src/netxs/desktopio/terminal.hpp
@@ -338,7 +338,7 @@ namespace netxs::ui
                     auto gear_test = owner.base::riseup(tier::request, e2::form::state::keybd::find, { gear.id, 0 });
                     if (gear_test.second == 0)
                     {
-                        pro::focus::set(owner.This(), gear.id, pro::focus::solo::off, pro::focus::flip::off);
+                        pro::focus::set(owner.This(), gear.id, pro::focus::solo::off);
                     }
                     owner.base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::layout::expose);
                 }
@@ -348,8 +348,8 @@ namespace netxs::ui
                     auto gear_test = owner.base::riseup(tier::request, e2::form::state::keybd::find, { gear.id, 0 });
                     if (gear_test.second == 0)
                     {
-                        pro::focus::set(owner.This(), gear.id, gear.meta(hids::anyCtrl) ? pro::focus::solo::off
-                                                                                        : pro::focus::solo::on, pro::focus::flip::on);
+                        if (pro::focus::test(owner, gear)) pro::focus::off(owner.This(), gear.id);
+                        else                               pro::focus::set(owner.This(), gear.id, gear.meta(hids::anyCtrl) ? pro::focus::solo::off : pro::focus::solo::on);
                     }
                     owner.base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::layout::expose);
                 }
@@ -7134,7 +7134,7 @@ namespace netxs::ui
             auto data = get_clipboard_text(gear);
             if (data.size())
             {
-                pro::focus::set(this->This(), gear.id, pro::focus::solo::off, pro::focus::flip::off);
+                pro::focus::set(this->This(), gear.id, pro::focus::solo::off);
                 _paste(data);
                 return true;
             }
@@ -7142,9 +7142,8 @@ namespace netxs::ui
         }
         auto _copy(hids& gear, text const& data)
         {
-            auto form = selmod == mime::disabled ? mime::textonly
-                                                 : selmod;
-            pro::focus::set(this->This(), gear.id, pro::focus::solo::off, pro::focus::flip::off);
+            auto form = selmod == mime::disabled ? mime::textonly : selmod;
+            pro::focus::set(this->This(), gear.id, pro::focus::solo::off);
             gear.set_clipboard(target->panel, data, form);
         }
         auto copy(hids& gear)
@@ -7187,7 +7186,7 @@ namespace netxs::ui
             auto gear_test = base::riseup(tier::request, e2::form::state::keybd::find, { gear.id, 0 });
             if (!gear_test.second) // Set exclusive focus on right click.
             {
-                pro::focus::set(This(), gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on, pro::focus::flip::off);
+                pro::focus::set(This(), gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on);
             }
             if ((selection_active() && copy(gear))
              || (selection_passed() && paste(gear)))
@@ -7209,7 +7208,7 @@ namespace netxs::ui
             }
             if (utf8.size())
             {
-                pro::focus::set(this->This(), gear.id, pro::focus::solo::off, pro::focus::flip::off);
+                pro::focus::set(this->This(), gear.id, pro::focus::solo::off);
                 follow[axis::X] = true;
                 if (bpmode)
                 {
@@ -7717,36 +7716,36 @@ namespace netxs::ui
             publish_property(ui::term::events::search::status, [&](auto& v){ v = target->selection_button(); });
             selection_selmod(config.def_selmod);
 
-            chords.proc("TerminalFindPrev",                 [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); selection_search(gear, feed::rev); });
-            chords.proc("TerminalFindNext",                 [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); selection_search(gear, feed::fwd); });
-            chords.proc("TerminalViewportOnePageLeft",      [&](hids& gear){ if (target != &normal) return; gear.set_handled(); base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::bypage::x, { .vector = { 1, 0 }}); });
-            chords.proc("TerminalViewportOnePageRight",     [&](hids& gear){ if (target != &normal) return; gear.set_handled(); base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::bypage::x, { .vector = {-1, 0 }}); });
-            chords.proc("TerminalViewportOneCharLeft",      [&](hids& gear){ if (target != &normal) return; gear.set_handled(); base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::bystep::x, { .vector = { 1, 0 }}); });
-            chords.proc("TerminalViewportOneCharRight",     [&](hids& gear){ if (target != &normal) return; gear.set_handled(); base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::bystep::x, { .vector = {-1, 0 }}); });
-            chords.proc("TerminalViewportOneCharUp",        [&](hids& gear){ if (target != &normal) return; gear.set_handled(); base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::bystep::y, { .vector = { 0, 1 }}); });
-            chords.proc("TerminalViewportOneCharDown",      [&](hids& gear){ if (target != &normal) return; gear.set_handled(); base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::bystep::y, { .vector = { 0,-1 }}); });
-            chords.proc("TerminalViewportOnePageUp",        [&](hids& gear){ if (target != &normal) return; gear.set_handled(); base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::bypage::y, { .vector = { 0, 1 }}); });
-            chords.proc("TerminalViewportOnePageDown",      [&](hids& gear){ if (target != &normal) return; gear.set_handled(); base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::bypage::y, { .vector = { 0,-1 }}); });
-            chords.proc("TerminalViewportTop",              [&](hids& gear){ if (target != &normal) return; gear.set_handled(); base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::to_top::y); });
-            chords.proc("TerminalViewportEnd",              [&](hids& gear){ if (target != &normal) return; gear.set_handled(); base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::to_end::y); });
-            chords.proc("TerminalSelectionCancel",          [&](hids& gear){ if (!selection_active()) return; gear.set_handled(); exec_cmd(commands::ui::deselect); });
-            chords.proc("TerminalToggleCwdSync",            [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); base::riseup(tier::preview, ui::term::events::toggle::cwdsync, true); });
-            chords.proc("TerminalToggleWrapMode",           [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); exec_cmd(commands::ui::togglewrp); });
-            chords.proc("TerminalQuit",                     [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); exec_cmd(commands::ui::sighup);    });
-            chords.proc("TerminalRestart",                  [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); exec_cmd(commands::ui::restart);   });
-            chords.proc("TerminalToggleFullscreen",         [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); bell::enqueue(This(), [&](auto& /*boss*/){ base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::size::enlarge::fullscreen, gear); }); }); // Refocus-related operations require execution outside of keyboard events.
-            chords.proc("TerminalToggleMaximize",           [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); bell::enqueue(This(), [&](auto& /*boss*/){ base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::size::enlarge::maximize,   gear); }); });
-            chords.proc("TerminalUndo",                     [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); exec_cmd(commands::ui::undo);      });
-            chords.proc("TerminalRedo",                     [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); exec_cmd(commands::ui::redo);      });
-            chords.proc("TerminalClipboardPaste",           [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); paste(gear);                       });
-            chords.proc("TerminalClipboardWipe",            [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); gear.clear_clipboard();            });
-            chords.proc("TerminalSwitchCopyMode",           [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); exec_cmd(commands::ui::togglesel); });
-            chords.proc("TerminalSelectionCopy",            [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); copy(gear);                        });
-            chords.proc("TerminalToggleSelectionMode",      [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); exec_cmd(commands::ui::toggleselalt); });
-            chords.proc("TerminalSelectionOneShot",         [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); set_oneshot(mime::textonly);       });
-            chords.proc("TerminalViewportCopy",             [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); prnscrn(gear);                     });
-            chords.proc("TerminalToggleStdioLog",           [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); set_log(!io_log); ondata<true>();  });
-            chords.proc("ToggleExclusiveKeybd",             [&](hids& gear){ if (!gear.is_exclusive()) gear.set_exclusive(This()); else gear.set_exclusive(); });
+            chords.proc("TerminalFindPrev",             [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); selection_search(gear, feed::rev); });
+            chords.proc("TerminalFindNext",             [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); selection_search(gear, feed::fwd); });
+            chords.proc("TerminalViewportOnePageLeft",  [&](hids& gear){ if (target != &normal) return; gear.set_handled(); base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::bypage::x, { .vector = { 1, 0 }}); });
+            chords.proc("TerminalViewportOnePageRight", [&](hids& gear){ if (target != &normal) return; gear.set_handled(); base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::bypage::x, { .vector = {-1, 0 }}); });
+            chords.proc("TerminalViewportOneCharLeft",  [&](hids& gear){ if (target != &normal) return; gear.set_handled(); base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::bystep::x, { .vector = { 1, 0 }}); });
+            chords.proc("TerminalViewportOneCharRight", [&](hids& gear){ if (target != &normal) return; gear.set_handled(); base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::bystep::x, { .vector = {-1, 0 }}); });
+            chords.proc("TerminalViewportOneCharUp",    [&](hids& gear){ if (target != &normal) return; gear.set_handled(); base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::bystep::y, { .vector = { 0, 1 }}); });
+            chords.proc("TerminalViewportOneCharDown",  [&](hids& gear){ if (target != &normal) return; gear.set_handled(); base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::bystep::y, { .vector = { 0,-1 }}); });
+            chords.proc("TerminalViewportOnePageUp",    [&](hids& gear){ if (target != &normal) return; gear.set_handled(); base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::bypage::y, { .vector = { 0, 1 }}); });
+            chords.proc("TerminalViewportOnePageDown",  [&](hids& gear){ if (target != &normal) return; gear.set_handled(); base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::bypage::y, { .vector = { 0,-1 }}); });
+            chords.proc("TerminalViewportTop",          [&](hids& gear){ if (target != &normal) return; gear.set_handled(); base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::to_top::y); });
+            chords.proc("TerminalViewportEnd",          [&](hids& gear){ if (target != &normal) return; gear.set_handled(); base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::upon::scroll::to_end::y); });
+            chords.proc("TerminalSelectionCancel",      [&](hids& gear){ if (!selection_active()) return; gear.set_handled(); exec_cmd(commands::ui::deselect); });
+            chords.proc("TerminalToggleCwdSync",        [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); base::riseup(tier::preview, ui::term::events::toggle::cwdsync, true); });
+            chords.proc("TerminalToggleWrapMode",       [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); exec_cmd(commands::ui::togglewrp); });
+            chords.proc("TerminalQuit",                 [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); exec_cmd(commands::ui::sighup);    });
+            chords.proc("TerminalRestart",              [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); exec_cmd(commands::ui::restart);   });
+            //todo use wptr for gear when enqueueing
+            chords.proc("TerminalToggleFullscreen",     [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); bell::enqueue(This(), [&](auto& /*boss*/){ base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::size::enlarge::fullscreen, gear); }); }); // Refocus-related operations require execution outside of keyboard events.
+            chords.proc("TerminalToggleMaximize",       [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); bell::enqueue(This(), [&](auto& /*boss*/){ base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::size::enlarge::maximize,   gear); }); });
+            chords.proc("TerminalUndo",                 [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); exec_cmd(commands::ui::undo);      });
+            chords.proc("TerminalRedo",                 [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); exec_cmd(commands::ui::redo);      });
+            chords.proc("TerminalClipboardPaste",       [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); paste(gear);                       });
+            chords.proc("TerminalClipboardWipe",        [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); gear.clear_clipboard();            });
+            chords.proc("TerminalSwitchCopyMode",       [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); exec_cmd(commands::ui::togglesel); });
+            chords.proc("TerminalSelectionCopy",        [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); copy(gear);                        });
+            chords.proc("TerminalToggleSelectionMode",  [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); exec_cmd(commands::ui::toggleselalt); });
+            chords.proc("TerminalSelectionOneShot",     [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); set_oneshot(mime::textonly);       });
+            chords.proc("TerminalViewportCopy",         [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); prnscrn(gear);                     });
+            chords.proc("TerminalToggleStdioLog",       [&](hids& gear){ gear.set_handled(); set_log(!io_log); ondata<true>();  });
             chords.load<tier::release>(xml_config, "/config/hotkeys/term/key");
 
             LISTEN(tier::general, e2::timer::tick, timestamp) // Update before world rendering.
@@ -8039,14 +8038,19 @@ namespace netxs::ui
                     if (auto gear_ptr = owner.bell::getref<hids>(k.gear_id))
                     if (auto parent_ptr = owner.base::parent())
                     {
-                        if (k.solo < 0) // Exclusive keyboard mode: -1: set, -2: reset.
-                        {
-                            gear_ptr->set_exclusive(k.solo == -1 ? owner.This() : sptr{}); // Exclusive mode will be reset automatically when focus is changed.
-                        }
-                        else
-                        {
-                            auto seed = parent_ptr->base::riseup(tier::preview, hids::events::keybd::focus::set, { .id = k.gear_id, .solo = k.solo, .item = owner.This() });
-                        }
+                        auto seed = parent_ptr->base::riseup(tier::preview, hids::events::keybd::focus::set, { .id = k.gear_id, .solo = k.solo, .item = owner.This() });
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+            void handle(s11n::xs::hotkey_mode         lock)
+            {
+                auto& k = lock.thing;
+                if (owner.active)
+                {
+                    auto guard = owner.sync();
+                    if (auto gear_ptr = owner.bell::getref<hids>(k.gear_id))
+                    {
+                        gear_ptr->set_hotkey_mode(k.mode);
                     }
                 }
             }
@@ -8061,7 +8065,7 @@ namespace netxs::ui
                     {
                         auto& gear = *gear_ptr;
                         //todo should we use temp gear object here?
-                        gear.alive   = true;
+                        gear.alive = true;
                         k.syncto(gear);
                         do
                         {
@@ -8227,6 +8231,7 @@ namespace netxs::ui
                     owner.base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::prop::cwd, path);
                 });
             }
+
             evnt(dtvt& owner)
                 : s11n{ *this, owner.id },
                   input_fields_handler{ owner },
diff --git a/src/vtm.hpp b/src/vtm.hpp
index f9efffe447..7d436622cd 100644
--- a/src/vtm.hpp
+++ b/src/vtm.hpp
@@ -175,7 +175,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::vtm
 
                 window_ptr->bell::signal(tier::release, e2::form::upon::vtree::attached, boss.base::This());
                 window_ptr->bell::signal(tier::anycast, vtm::events::attached, boss.base::This());
-                pro::focus::set(window_ptr, gear_id_list, pro::focus::solo::on, pro::focus::flip::off, true); // Refocus.
+                pro::focus::set(window_ptr, gear_id_list, pro::focus::solo::on, true); // Refocus.
             }
             void unbind(type restore = type::full)
             {
@@ -213,7 +213,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::vtm
                     }
                 }
                 what.applet.reset();
-                pro::focus::set(window_ptr, gear_id_list, pro::focus::solo::on, pro::focus::flip::off, true); // Refocus.
+                pro::focus::set(window_ptr, gear_id_list, pro::focus::solo::on, true); // Refocus.
             }
         };
 
@@ -337,7 +337,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::vtm
                     auto coord = gear.coord + area.coor;
                     if (!area.hittest(coord))
                     {
-                        pro::focus::set(boss.This(), gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on, pro::focus::flip::off);
+                        pro::focus::set(boss.This(), gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on);
                         appear(coord);
                     }
                     gear.dismiss();
@@ -752,7 +752,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::vtm
                     if (true /*...*/) //todo lookup taskbar kb shortcuts
                     {
                         //...
-                        //pro::focus::set(applet, gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on, pro::focus::flip::off);
+                        //pro::focus::set(applet, gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on);
                         
                     }
                     else
@@ -891,7 +891,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::vtm
                 auto& window = *window_ptr;
                 window.bell::signal(tier::release, e2::form::layout::selected, gear);
                 if (!maximized) jump_to(window);
-                pro::focus::set(window_ptr, gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on, pro::focus::flip::off);
+                pro::focus::set(window_ptr, gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on);
             }
             //gear.dismiss();
             this->bell::expire(tier::preview); //todo temp
@@ -1296,8 +1296,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::vtm
                         if (boss.hidden) // Restore if it is hidden.
                         {
                             boss.hidden = faux;
-                            pro::focus::set(This, gear.id, gear.meta(hids::anyCtrl) ? pro::focus::solo::off
-                                                                                    : pro::focus::solo::on, pro::focus::flip::off, true);
+                            pro::focus::set(This, gear.id, gear.meta(hids::anyCtrl) ? pro::focus::solo::off : pro::focus::solo::on, true);
                         }
                         else // Hide if visible and refocus.
                         {
@@ -1327,7 +1326,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::vtm
                                     while (window != This && ((gearid && gearid != gear.owner.id) || (hidden == true || !viewport.hittest(window->center()))));
                                     if (window != This)
                                     {
-                                        pro::focus::set(window, gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on, pro::focus::flip::off);
+                                        pro::focus::set(window, gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on);
                                         This.reset();
                                     }
                                 }
@@ -1366,11 +1365,11 @@ namespace netxs::app::vtm
                     };
                     boss.LISTEN(tier::release, hids::events::mouse::button::click::right, gear)
                     {
-                        pro::focus::set(boss.This(), gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on, pro::focus::flip::off);
+                        pro::focus::set(boss.This(), gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on);
                     };
                     boss.LISTEN(tier::release, hids::events::mouse::button::click::middle, gear)
                     {
-                        pro::focus::set(boss.This(), gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on, pro::focus::flip::off);
+                        pro::focus::set(boss.This(), gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on);
                     };
                     boss.LISTEN(tier::release, e2::form::proceed::quit::any, fast)
                     {
@@ -1413,7 +1412,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::vtm
                         what.applet = window_ptr;
                         boss.bell::enqueue(boss.This(), [&](auto& /*boss*/)
                         {
-                            pro::focus::set(boss.This(), gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on, pro::focus::flip::off, true); // Refocus to demultifocus.
+                            pro::focus::set(boss.This(), gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on, true); // Refocus to demultifocus.
                         });
                         window_ptr->base::riseup(tier::request, e2::form::prop::ui::header, what.header);
                         window_ptr->base::riseup(tier::request, e2::form::prop::ui::footer, what.footer);
@@ -1466,7 +1465,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::vtm
                         else
                         {
                             boss.base::riseup(tier::preview, e2::form::layout::expose); // Multiple windows coubld be maximized at the same time.
-                            pro::focus::set(window_ptr, gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on, pro::focus::flip::off, true);
+                            pro::focus::set(window_ptr, gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on, true);
                             auto owner_id = gear.owner.id;
                             saved_area = boss.base::area();
                             saved_area.coor -= viewport.coor;
@@ -1930,7 +1929,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::vtm
                     what.square.size = winsize ? winsize : viewport.size * 3 / 4;
                     if (auto window = create(what))
                     {
-                        pro::focus::set(window, gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on, pro::focus::flip::off);
+                        pro::focus::set(window, gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on);
                         window->bell::signal(tier::anycast, e2::form::upon::created, gear); // Tile should change the menu item.
                              if (appbase.winform == shared::win::state::maximized) window->bell::signal(tier::preview, e2::form::size::enlarge::maximize, gear);
                         else if (appbase.winform == shared::win::state::minimized) window->bell::signal(tier::preview, e2::form::size::minimize, gear);
@@ -1944,7 +1943,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::vtm
                     what.square.size = winsize;
                     if (auto window = create(what))
                     {
-                        pro::focus::set(window, id_t{}, pro::focus::solo::on, pro::focus::flip::off);
+                        pro::focus::set(window, id_t{}, pro::focus::solo::on);
                         yield = utf::concat(window->id);
                     }
                 }
@@ -1970,7 +1969,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::vtm
                         //{
                         //    log(prompt::hall, "Objects count: ", items.size());
                         //};
-                        pro::focus::set(window, gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on, pro::focus::flip::off);
+                        pro::focus::set(window, gear.id, pro::focus::solo::on);
                         window->bell::signal(tier::anycast, e2::form::upon::created, gear); // Tile should change the menu item.
                         auto& cfg = dbase.menu[what.menuid];
                              if (cfg.winform == shared::win::state::maximized) window->bell::signal(tier::preview, e2::form::size::enlarge::maximize, gear);
@@ -2141,8 +2140,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::vtm
             auto count = 0;
             for (auto& window_ptr : foci)
             {
-                pro::focus::set(window_ptr, id_t{}, count++ ? pro::focus::solo::off // Reset all foci on the first item.
-                                                            : pro::focus::solo::on, pro::focus::flip::off);
+                pro::focus::set(window_ptr, id_t{}, count++ ? pro::focus::solo::off : pro::focus::solo::on); // Reset all foci on the first item.
             }
             if constexpr (debugmode)
             {
@@ -2228,7 +2226,7 @@ namespace netxs::app::vtm
                         {
                             auto owner_id = last_ptr->bell::signal(tier::request, e2::form::state::maximized);
                             if (owner_id && owner_id != gear_ptr->owner.id) continue;
-                            pro::focus::set(last_ptr, gear_id, pro::focus::solo::off, pro::focus::flip::off);
+                            pro::focus::set(last_ptr, gear_id, pro::focus::solo::off);
                         }
                     }
                 }
diff --git a/src/vtm.xml b/src/vtm.xml
index e423d3442a..04688c5e75 100644
--- a/src/vtm.xml
+++ b/src/vtm.xml
@@ -376,24 +376,28 @@ R"==(
             <slim=menu/slim/>          <!-- Link to global <config/set/menu/slim>. -->
         </menu>
     </defapp>
-    <hotkeys>  <!--  The required key combination sequence can be generated on the Info page, accessible by clicking on the label in the lower right corner of the vtm desktop.  -->
-        <gui key*>  <!-- Native GUI window layer key bindings. -->
+    <hotkeys>  <!-- The required key combination sequence can be generated on the Info page, accessible by clicking on the label in the lower right corner of the vtm desktop. -->
+        <gui key*>  <!-- Native GUI window layer key bindings. key* here is to clear all previous bindings and start a new list. -->
             <key="CapsLock+UpArrow"      action=IncreaseCellHeight/>      <!-- Increase the text cell height by one pixel. -->
             <key="CapsLock+DownArrow"    action=DecreaseCellHeight/>      <!-- Decrease the text cell height by one pixel. -->
-            <key="Ctrl+0"                action=DropIfRepeats/>           <!-- Don't repeat the Reset text cell height. -->
+            <key="Ctrl+0"                action=DropAutoRepeat/>          <!-- Don't repeat the Reset text cell height. -->
             <key="Ctrl+0"                action=ResetCellHeight/>         <!-- Reset text cell height. -->
-            <key="Alt+Enter"             action=DropIfRepeats/>           <!-- Don't repeat the Toggle fullscreen mode. -->
+            <key="Alt+Enter"             action=DropAutoRepeat/>          <!-- Don't repeat the Toggle fullscreen mode. -->
             <key="Alt+Enter"             action=ToggleFullscreenMode/>    <!-- Toggle fullscreen mode. -->
-            <key="Ctrl+CapsLock"         action=DropIfRepeats/>           <!-- Don't repeat the Toggle text antialiasing mode. -->
+            <key="Ctrl+CapsLock"         action=DropAutoRepeat/>          <!-- Don't repeat the Toggle text antialiasing mode. -->
             <key="Ctrl+CapsLock"         action=ToggleAntialiasingMode/>  <!-- Toggle text antialiasing mode. -->
-            <key="Ctrl+Shift+F11"        action=DropIfRepeats/>           <!-- Don't repeat the Roll font list backward. -->
+            <key="Ctrl+Shift+F11"        action=DropAutoRepeat/>          <!-- Don't repeat the Roll font list backward. -->
             <key="Ctrl+Shift+F11"        action=RollFontsBackward/>       <!-- Roll font list backward. -->
-            <key="Ctrl+Shift+F12"        action=DropIfRepeats/>           <!-- Don't repeat the Roll font list forward. -->
+            <key="Ctrl+Shift+F12"        action=DropAutoRepeat/>          <!-- Don't repeat the Roll font list forward. -->
             <key="Ctrl+Shift+F12"        action=RollFontsForward/>        <!-- Roll font list forward. -->
         </gui>
-        <tui key*>  <!-- TUI matrix layer key bindings. -->
+        <tui key*>  <!-- TUI matrix layer key bindings. The mode=0 is implicitly used by default. -->
             <key="Space-Backspace"       action=ToggleDebugOverlay/>  <!-- Toggle debug overlay. -->
-            <key="Backspace-Space"       action=ToggleDebugOverlay/>  <!-- Toggle debug overlay (Reverse release order). -->
+            <key="Backspace-Space"       action=ToggleDebugOverlay/>  <!-- Toggle debug overlay (reversed release order). -->
+            <key="Ctrl-Alt"              action=ToggleHotkeyMode/>    <!-- Toggle hotkey mode to mode=1 by pressing and releasing Ctrl-Alt. -->
+            <key="Alt-Ctrl"              action=ToggleHotkeyMode/>    <!-- Toggle hotkey mode to mode=1 by pressing and releasing Alt-Ctrl (reversed releasing). -->
+            <key="Ctrl-Alt" mode=1       action=ToggleHotkeyMode/>    <!-- Toggle hotkey mode to mode=0 (default) by pressing and releasing Ctrl-Alt. -->
+            <key="Alt-Ctrl" mode=1       action=ToggleHotkeyMode/>    <!-- Toggle hotkey mode to mode=0 (default) by pressing and releasing Alt-Ctrl (reversed releasing). -->
         </tui>
         <desktop key*>  <!-- Desktop layer key bindings. -->
             <key="Ctrl+PageUp"           action=FocusPrevWindow/>  <!-- Switch focus to the next desktop window. -->
@@ -407,15 +411,17 @@ R"==(
             <key="Alt+LeftArrow"         action=TerminalFindPrev/>                  <!-- Highlight previous match of selected text fragment. Clipboard content is used if no active selection. -->
             <key="Shift+Ctrl+PageUp"     action=TerminalViewportOnePageUp/>         <!-- Scroll one page up. -->
             <key="Shift+Ctrl+PageDown"   action=TerminalViewportOnePageDown/>       <!-- Scroll one page down. -->
+            <key="Ctrl+PageUp"   mode=1  action=TerminalViewportOnePageUp/>         <!-- Scroll one page up. -->
+            <key="Ctrl+PageDown" mode=1  action=TerminalViewportOnePageDown/>       <!-- Scroll one page down. -->
             <key="Shift+Alt+LeftArrow"   action=TerminalViewportOnePageLeft/>       <!-- Scroll one page to the left. -->
             <key="Shift+Alt+RightArrow"  action=TerminalViewportOnePageRight/>      <!-- Scroll one page to the right. -->
             <key="Shift+Ctrl+UpArrow"    action=TerminalViewportOneCharUp/>         <!-- Scroll one line up. -->
             <key="Shift+Ctrl+DownArrow"  action=TerminalViewportOneCharDown/>       <!-- Scroll one line down. -->
             <key="Shift+Ctrl+LeftArrow"  action=TerminalViewportOneCharLeft/>       <!-- Scroll one cell to the left. -->
             <key="Shift+Ctrl+RightArrow" action=TerminalViewportOneCharRight/>      <!-- Scroll one cell to the right. -->
-            <key="Shift+Ctrl+Home"       action=DropIfRepeats/>                     <!-- Don't repeat the Scroll to the scrollback top. -->
+            <key="Shift+Ctrl+Home"       action=DropAutoRepeat/>                    <!-- Don't repeat the Scroll to the scrollback top. -->
             <key="Shift+Ctrl+Home"       action=TerminalViewportTop/>               <!-- Scroll to the scrollback top. -->
-            <key="Shift+Ctrl+End"        action=DropIfRepeats/>                     <!-- Don't repeat the Scroll to the scrollback bottom (reset viewport position). -->
+            <key="Shift+Ctrl+End"        action=DropAutoRepeat/>                    <!-- Don't repeat the Scroll to the scrollback bottom (reset viewport position). -->
             <key="Shift+Ctrl+End"        action=TerminalViewportEnd/>               <!-- Scroll to the scrollback bottom (reset viewport position). -->
             <key=""                      action=TerminalViewportCopy/>              <!-- Сopy viewport to clipboard. -->
             <key=""                      action=TerminalClipboardPaste/>            <!-- Paste from clipboard. -->
@@ -434,8 +440,6 @@ R"==(
             <key=""                      action=TerminalSelectionCopy/>             <!-- Сopy selection to clipboard. -->
             <key="Esc"                   action=TerminalSelectionCancel/>           <!-- Deselect a selection. -->
             <key=""                      action=TerminalSelectionOneShot/>          <!-- One-shot toggle to copy text while mouse tracking is active. Keep selection if 'Ctrl' key is pressed. -->
-            <key="Ctrl-Alt"              action=ToggleExclusiveKeybd/>              <!-- Toggle exclusive keyboard mode by pressing and releasing Ctrl-Alt. In exclusive mode, all keyboard events are ignored by higher levels. -->
-            <key="Alt-Ctrl"              action=ToggleExclusiveKeybd/>              <!-- Toggle exclusive keyboard mode by pressing and releasing Alt-Ctrl. -->
         </term>
     </hotkeys>
 </config>)=="
\ No newline at end of file