diff --git a/crates/maestro-tui/src/action.rs b/crates/maestro-tui/src/action.rs
index c3a3403..b96f7b2 100644
--- a/crates/maestro-tui/src/action.rs
+++ b/crates/maestro-tui/src/action.rs
@@ -47,13 +47,6 @@ pub enum Action {
     /// Open the retained-worktrees view (#85).
     ShowWorktrees,
 
-    // Tabs
-    NewTab,
-    CloseTab,
-    NextTab,
-    PrevTab,
-    GotoTab(u8),
-
     // Chrome
     ToggleSidebar,
     ShowHelp,
@@ -71,8 +64,37 @@ pub enum ActionParseError {
 }
 
 impl Action {
-    /// Parse a canonical action string like `"EnterInsert"`, `"FocusPane(Left)"`,
-    /// or `"GotoTab(3)"`.
+    /// Plain-language label for the in-app help menu. Configuration keeps the
+    /// stable enum spelling; operators should not have to decode it.
+    pub fn help_label(&self) -> String {
+        match self {
+            Action::Noop => "Do nothing".into(),
+            Action::EnterInsert => "Send keys to session".into(),
+            Action::LeaveInsert => "Return to sidebar".into(),
+            Action::FocusSidebar => "Focus sidebar".into(),
+            Action::FocusPane(direction) => {
+                format!(
+                    "Focus session pane ({})",
+                    format!("{direction:?}").to_lowercase()
+                )
+            }
+            Action::SidebarNext => "Select next sidebar item".into(),
+            Action::SidebarPrev => "Select previous sidebar item".into(),
+            Action::ToggleSidebarGroup => "Expand or collapse directory".into(),
+            Action::AttachHighlighted => "Open selected item".into(),
+            Action::ToggleAttachHighlighted => "Open selected item".into(),
+            Action::NewDraftPane => "Create a session".into(),
+            Action::FastForwardSpawn => "Create session with defaults".into(),
+            Action::KillHighlighted => "Kill selected session".into(),
+            Action::ShowWorktrees => "Show retained worktrees".into(),
+            Action::ToggleSidebar => "Show or hide sidebar".into(),
+            Action::ShowHelp => "Show help".into(),
+            Action::Quit => "Quit Maestro".into(),
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Parse a canonical action string like `"EnterInsert"` or
+    /// `"FocusPane(Left)"`.
     pub fn parse(s: &str) -> Result<Self, ActionParseError> {
         let s = s.trim();
         match s {
@@ -89,10 +111,6 @@ impl Action {
             "FastForwardSpawn" => return Ok(Action::FastForwardSpawn),
             "KillHighlighted" => return Ok(Action::KillHighlighted),
             "ShowWorktrees" => return Ok(Action::ShowWorktrees),
-            "NewTab" => return Ok(Action::NewTab),
-            "CloseTab" => return Ok(Action::CloseTab),
-            "NextTab" => return Ok(Action::NextTab),
-            "PrevTab" => return Ok(Action::PrevTab),
             "ToggleSidebar" => return Ok(Action::ToggleSidebar),
             "ShowHelp" => return Ok(Action::ShowHelp),
             "Quit" => return Ok(Action::Quit),
@@ -113,13 +131,6 @@ impl Action {
                 })?;
                 Ok(Action::FocusPane(dir))
             }
-            "GotoTab" => {
-                let n: u8 = arg.parse().map_err(|_| ActionParseError::BadArg {
-                    action: name.to_string(),
-                    detail: format!("expected u8 0..=255, got {arg:?}"),
-                })?;
-                Ok(Action::GotoTab(n))
-            }
             _ => Err(ActionParseError::Unknown(name.to_string())),
         }
     }
@@ -139,7 +150,6 @@ impl fmt::Display for Action {
     fn fmt(&self, f: &mut fmt::Formatter<'_>) -> fmt::Result {
         match self {
             Action::FocusPane(d) => write!(f, "FocusPane({d:?})"),
-            Action::GotoTab(n) => write!(f, "GotoTab({n})"),
             other => write!(f, "{other:?}"),
         }
     }
@@ -156,6 +166,13 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(Action::parse("  Noop  ").unwrap(), Action::Noop);
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn help_labels_are_plain_language() {
+        assert_eq!(Action::EnterInsert.help_label(), "Send keys to session");
+        assert_eq!(Action::AttachHighlighted.help_label(), "Open selected item");
+        assert!(!Action::NewDraftPane.help_label().contains("NewDraftPane"));
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn parses_focus_pane_directions() {
         assert_eq!(
@@ -168,12 +185,6 @@ mod tests {
         );
     }
 
-    #[test]
-    fn parses_goto_tab() {
-        assert_eq!(Action::parse("GotoTab(3)").unwrap(), Action::GotoTab(3));
-        assert_eq!(Action::parse("GotoTab(0)").unwrap(), Action::GotoTab(0));
-    }
-
     #[test]
     fn rejects_unknown_action() {
         let err = Action::parse("Frobnicate").unwrap_err();
@@ -188,22 +199,10 @@ mod tests {
         );
     }
 
-    #[test]
-    fn rejects_non_numeric_tab_arg() {
-        let err = Action::parse("GotoTab(abc)").unwrap_err();
-        assert!(matches!(err, ActionParseError::BadArg { ref action, .. } if action == "GotoTab"));
-    }
-
-    #[test]
-    fn rejects_overflow_tab_arg() {
-        let err = Action::parse("GotoTab(9999)").unwrap_err();
-        assert!(matches!(err, ActionParseError::BadArg { .. }));
-    }
-
     #[test]
     fn rejects_unclosed_paren() {
-        let err = Action::parse("GotoTab(3").unwrap_err();
-        assert_eq!(err, ActionParseError::Malformed("GotoTab(3".into()));
+        let err = Action::parse("FocusPane(Left").unwrap_err();
+        assert_eq!(err, ActionParseError::Malformed("FocusPane(Left".into()));
     }
 
     /// The fast-forward pair sits next to the draft-pane key (#67).
@@ -223,7 +222,6 @@ mod tests {
             Action::Quit,
             Action::NewDraftPane,
             Action::FocusPane(Direction::Right),
-            Action::GotoTab(7),
         ] {
             let s = a.to_string();
             assert_eq!(Action::parse(&s).unwrap(), a, "round-trip for {a:?}");
diff --git a/crates/maestro-tui/src/app.rs b/crates/maestro-tui/src/app.rs
index d4cf7bc..87d299e 100644
--- a/crates/maestro-tui/src/app.rs
+++ b/crates/maestro-tui/src/app.rs
@@ -40,7 +40,6 @@ use crate::render::{draw, RegionMap, RenderInputs};
 use crate::session_task::{SessionInput, SessionTask};
 use crate::sidebar::Sidebar;
 use crate::state::{AppState, Focus, OverlayKind, PaneRef, SidebarItem};
-use crate::tabs::TabBar;
 use crate::worktrees::WorktreesView;
 use crate::TuiError;
 
@@ -361,7 +360,10 @@ impl App {
         match act {
             Action::Noop | Action::Quit => {}
             Action::EnterInsert => self.state.mode = Mode::Insert,
-            Action::LeaveInsert => self.state.mode = Mode::Normal,
+            Action::LeaveInsert => {
+                self.state.mode = Mode::Normal;
+                self.state.focus = Focus::Sidebar;
+            }
             Action::FocusSidebar => self.state.focus = Focus::Sidebar,
             Action::FocusPane(_) => {
                 // v1 has one pane per tab; geometric focus motion lands
@@ -385,15 +387,6 @@ impl App {
                 self.state.focus = Focus::Sidebar;
             }
             Action::ToggleSidebarGroup => self.toggle_highlighted_sidebar_group(),
-            Action::NewTab => self.state.new_tab(),
-            Action::CloseTab => {
-                if let Some(sid) = self.state.close_tab() {
-                    self.release_session(sid);
-                }
-            }
-            Action::NextTab => self.state.next_tab(),
-            Action::PrevTab => self.state.prev_tab(),
-            Action::GotoTab(n) => self.state.goto_tab(n),
             Action::ToggleSidebar => self.state.toggle_sidebar(),
             Action::ShowHelp => {
                 self.help = HelpOverlay {
@@ -402,13 +395,24 @@ impl App {
                 self.state.show_overlay(OverlayKind::Help);
             }
             Action::NewDraftPane => {
+                if let Some(sid) = self.state.active_session() {
+                    self.release_session(sid);
+                }
                 self.state.open_draft_pane();
                 effects.push(Effect::LoadDraft(self.state.active_tab_idx));
             }
             Action::FastForwardSpawn => effects.push(Effect::FastForward),
             Action::AttachHighlighted | Action::ToggleAttachHighlighted => {
-                if let Some(sid) = self.pick_sidebar_target() {
-                    effects.push(Effect::Attach(sid));
+                if let Some(SidebarItem::Group(key)) = self.state.sidebar_highlight.clone() {
+                    self.toggle_sidebar_group(key);
+                } else if let Some(sid) = self.pick_sidebar_target() {
+                    self.state.sidebar_highlight = Some(SidebarItem::Session(sid));
+                    if self.state.active_session() != Some(sid) {
+                        if let Some(previous) = self.state.active_session() {
+                            self.release_session(previous);
+                        }
+                        effects.push(Effect::Attach(sid));
+                    }
                     self.state.attach_to_focused(sid);
                 }
             }
@@ -787,11 +791,6 @@ impl App {
         let resolved =
             crate::fast_forward::resolve(&discovered, &presets, names.first().cloned(), Utc::now());
         if let Some(req) = resolved.build_request() {
-            // Never eat a pane already showing something: the spawn takes a
-            // fresh tab, same as opening a draft over a session would.
-            if self.state.active_tab().pane.is_some() {
-                self.state.new_tab();
-            }
             self.submit_spawn(req).await;
             return;
         }
@@ -817,6 +816,9 @@ impl App {
                 // Fill the pane in place with the new session (web parity,
                 // #57) and attach to it right away.
                 let sid = session.id;
+                if let Some(previous) = self.state.active_session() {
+                    self.release_session(previous);
+                }
                 self.state.complete_spawn(sid);
                 self.attach(sid);
             }
@@ -897,10 +899,6 @@ impl App {
             highlight: self.state.sidebar_highlight.clone(),
             attached,
         };
-        let tab_bar = TabBar {
-            tab_names: self.state.tabs.iter().map(|t| t.name.clone()).collect(),
-            active_idx: self.state.active_tab_idx,
-        };
         let active_sid = self.state.active_session();
         let pane = active_sid.and_then(|sid| {
             self.emulators.get(sid).map(|h| Pane {
@@ -913,11 +911,21 @@ impl App {
             Some(PaneRef::Draft(d)) => Some(d),
             _ => None,
         };
+        let pane_title = match self.state.active_tab().pane.as_ref() {
+            Some(PaneRef::Session(sid)) => snap
+                .sessions
+                .iter()
+                .find(|session| session.id == *sid)
+                .map(crate::sidebar::name_for)
+                .unwrap_or_else(|| "session".into()),
+            Some(PaneRef::Draft(_)) => "new session".into(),
+            None => "session".into(),
+        };
 
         let inputs = RenderInputs {
             sidebar: &sidebar,
             home_dir: &self.home_dir,
-            tab_bar: &tab_bar,
+            pane_title: &pane_title,
             pane: pane.as_ref(),
             state: &self.state,
             draft,
@@ -1030,14 +1038,14 @@ fn render_help_lines(cfg: &TuiConfig) -> Vec<String> {
     fn section(mode: Mode, label: &str, cfg: &TuiConfig) -> Vec<String> {
         let mut out = vec![format!("{label} mode"), String::new()];
         for (input, action) in cfg.keymap.entries(mode) {
-            out.push(format!("  {input:<24}  {action}"));
+            out.push(format!("  {input:<24}  {}", action.help_label()));
         }
         out.push(String::new());
         out
     }
     let leader = cfg.leader.canonical();
     let mut lines = vec![
-        format!("Leader: {leader}    (Insert → Normal)"),
+        format!("Leader: {leader}    (return to sidebar)"),
         String::new(),
     ];
     lines.extend(section(Mode::Normal, "Normal", cfg));
@@ -1149,19 +1157,11 @@ mod tests {
         let mut app = make_app();
         assert_eq!(app.state.mode, Mode::Normal);
         app.dispatch(Action::EnterInsert);
+        app.state.focus = Focus::Pane;
         assert_eq!(app.state.mode, Mode::Insert);
         app.dispatch(Action::LeaveInsert);
         assert_eq!(app.state.mode, Mode::Normal);
-    }
-
-    #[test]
-    fn new_tab_action_extends_tabs() {
-        let mut app = make_app();
-        app.dispatch(Action::NewTab);
-        app.dispatch(Action::NewTab);
-        assert_eq!(app.state.tabs.len(), 3);
-        app.dispatch(Action::CloseTab);
-        assert_eq!(app.state.tabs.len(), 2);
+        assert_eq!(app.state.focus, Focus::Sidebar);
     }
 
     #[test]
@@ -1171,6 +1171,18 @@ mod tests {
         assert!(matches!(app.state.overlay(), Some(OverlayKind::Help)));
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn help_uses_plain_language_instead_of_action_names() {
+        let app = make_app();
+        let help = render_help_lines(&app.cfg).join("\n");
+        assert!(help.contains("Send keys to session"));
+        assert!(help.contains("Create a session"));
+        assert!(help.contains("Expand or collapse directory"));
+        assert!(!help.contains("EnterInsert"));
+        assert!(!help.contains("NewDraftPane"));
+        assert!(!help.contains("ToggleSidebarGroup"));
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn new_draft_pane_opens_a_focused_draft_in_the_empty_tab() {
         let mut app = make_app();
@@ -1184,21 +1196,19 @@ mod tests {
         assert!(app.state.overlay().is_none(), "no overlay involved");
     }
 
-    /// A tab already showing a session gets a new tab for the draft.
     #[test]
-    fn new_draft_pane_over_a_session_opens_a_new_tab() {
+    fn new_draft_pane_over_a_session_reuses_the_pane() {
         let sid = Uuid::from_u128(10);
         let mut app = app_with_highlighted_session(sid);
         app.dispatch(Action::AttachHighlighted);
 
         app.dispatch(Action::NewDraftPane);
-        assert_eq!(app.state.tabs.len(), 2);
-        assert_eq!(app.state.active_tab_idx, 1);
+        assert_eq!(app.state.tabs.len(), 1);
+        assert_eq!(app.state.active_tab_idx, 0);
         assert!(matches!(
             app.state.active_tab().pane,
             Some(PaneRef::Draft(_))
         ));
-        assert_eq!(app.state.tabs[0].session(), Some(sid));
     }
 
     /// Seed the catalog with one session and highlight it.
@@ -1261,10 +1271,11 @@ mod tests {
             vec![Effect::Attach(sid)]
         );
         assert_eq!(app.state.active_tab().session(), Some(sid));
+        assert_eq!(app.state.sidebar_highlight, Some(SidebarItem::Session(sid)));
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn group_highlight_is_not_a_session_action_target() {
+    fn enter_on_a_group_toggles_it_without_targeting_a_session() {
         use maestro_protocol::CatalogEvent;
 
         let sid = Uuid::from_u128(14);
@@ -1278,6 +1289,15 @@ mod tests {
             Some(SidebarItem::Group(PathBuf::from("/repo")))
         );
         assert!(app.dispatch(Action::AttachHighlighted).is_empty());
+        assert!(app
+            .state
+            .collapsed_sidebar_groups
+            .contains(&PathBuf::from("/repo")));
+        assert!(app.dispatch(Action::AttachHighlighted).is_empty());
+        assert!(!app
+            .state
+            .collapsed_sidebar_groups
+            .contains(&PathBuf::from("/repo")));
         assert!(app.dispatch(Action::KillHighlighted).is_empty());
         assert!(app.state.overlay().is_none());
     }
@@ -1309,7 +1329,7 @@ mod tests {
             kind: MouseKind::Click,
             region: Region::SidebarRow,
             col: 3,
-            row: 2,
+            row: 1,
         };
         assert!(app.handle_sidebar_mouse(&click));
         assert_eq!(
@@ -1337,7 +1357,7 @@ mod tests {
             .handle_event(CtEvent::Mouse(MouseEvent {
                 kind: MouseEventKind::Down(MouseButton::Left),
                 column: 3,
-                row: 2,
+                row: 1,
                 modifiers: crossterm::event::KeyModifiers::NONE,
             }))
             .await
diff --git a/crates/maestro-tui/src/config.rs b/crates/maestro-tui/src/config.rs
index 494278c..00e4678 100644
--- a/crates/maestro-tui/src/config.rs
+++ b/crates/maestro-tui/src/config.rs
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ pub enum TuiConfigError {
 const DEFAULT_NORMAL: &[(&str, &str)] = &[
     // Mode
     ("i", "EnterInsert"),
-    // Sidebar nav
+    // Sidebar navigation
     ("j", "SidebarNext"),
     ("k", "SidebarPrev"),
     ("down", "SidebarNext"),
@@ -54,10 +54,6 @@ const DEFAULT_NORMAL: &[(&str, &str)] = &[
     ("S", "FastForwardSpawn"),
     ("x", "KillHighlighted"),
     ("w", "ShowWorktrees"),
-    // Tabs
-    ("ctrl-t", "NewTab"),
-    ("g t", "NextTab"),
-    ("g T", "PrevTab"),
     // Focus
     ("ctrl-w h", "FocusSidebar"),
     // Chrome
@@ -66,7 +62,6 @@ const DEFAULT_NORMAL: &[(&str, &str)] = &[
     ("ctrl-w q", "Quit"),
     // Mouse
     ("mouse:dblclick(sidebar-row)", "AttachHighlighted"),
-    ("mouse:click(tab)", "NextTab"),
 ];
 
 /// Default Insert-mode bindings. Empty by default — the only Insert binding
@@ -186,10 +181,6 @@ mod tests {
             cfg.keymap.resolve(Mode::Normal, "enter"),
             Some(Action::AttachHighlighted),
         );
-        assert_eq!(
-            cfg.keymap.resolve(Mode::Normal, "g t"),
-            Some(Action::NextTab),
-        );
         assert_eq!(
             cfg.keymap.resolve(Mode::Normal, "s"),
             Some(Action::NewDraftPane),
diff --git a/crates/maestro-tui/src/draft.rs b/crates/maestro-tui/src/draft.rs
index 90fb845..2df7d33 100644
--- a/crates/maestro-tui/src/draft.rs
+++ b/crates/maestro-tui/src/draft.rs
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ use maestro_protocol::{BranchInfo, CreateSessionRequest, Project, SpawnPreset, W
 use ratatui::layout::{Constraint, Layout, Rect};
 use ratatui::style::{Modifier, Style};
 use ratatui::text::{Line, Span};
-use ratatui::widgets::{Block, Borders, Paragraph};
+use ratatui::widgets::Paragraph;
 use ratatui::Frame;
 
 use crate::input::InputKey;
@@ -1078,9 +1078,7 @@ impl DraftPane {
     /// cursor placement the same way a session pane hides its cursor when
     /// unfocused.
     pub fn render(&self, f: &mut Frame, area: Rect, pane_focused: bool) {
-        let block = Block::default().title(" draft ").borders(Borders::ALL);
-        let inner = block.inner(area);
-        f.render_widget(block, area);
+        let inner = area;
 
         let show_custom = self.is_custom();
         let show_raw = self.cwd_raw_visible;
@@ -2117,7 +2115,7 @@ mod tests {
     }
 
     /// The terminal cursor must sit right after the typed text in the focused
-    /// field (gutter is 5 chars, block border takes column 0).
+    /// field (gutter is 5 chars and the pane has no border).
     #[test]
     fn render_places_the_cursor_in_the_focused_text_field() {
         let mut draft = DraftPane {
@@ -2129,10 +2127,7 @@ mod tests {
         let mut terminal = Terminal::new(backend).unwrap();
         terminal.draw(|f| draft.render(f, f.area(), true)).unwrap();
         let pos = terminal.get_cursor_position().unwrap();
-        assert_eq!(
-            pos,
-            ratatui::layout::Position::new(1 + GUTTER as u16 + 2, 2)
-        );
+        assert_eq!(pos, ratatui::layout::Position::new(GUTTER as u16 + 2, 1));
     }
 
     #[test]
diff --git a/crates/maestro-tui/src/input.rs b/crates/maestro-tui/src/input.rs
index 137458f..b59d250 100644
--- a/crates/maestro-tui/src/input.rs
+++ b/crates/maestro-tui/src/input.rs
@@ -63,7 +63,6 @@ pub enum MouseKind {
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy, PartialEq, Eq, Hash)]
 pub enum Region {
     SidebarRow,
-    Tab,
     Pane,
     Modal,
     Unknown,
@@ -150,7 +149,6 @@ impl InputKey {
                 };
                 let r = match region {
                     Region::SidebarRow => "sidebar-row",
-                    Region::Tab => "tab",
                     Region::Pane => "pane",
                     Region::Modal => "modal",
                     Region::Unknown => "unknown",
@@ -182,7 +180,6 @@ impl InputKey {
             };
             let region = match r {
                 "sidebar-row" => Region::SidebarRow,
-                "tab" => Region::Tab,
                 "pane" => Region::Pane,
                 "modal" => Region::Modal,
                 "unknown" => Region::Unknown,
diff --git a/crates/maestro-tui/src/keymap.rs b/crates/maestro-tui/src/keymap.rs
index 2fba5d5..d1a970e 100644
--- a/crates/maestro-tui/src/keymap.rs
+++ b/crates/maestro-tui/src/keymap.rs
@@ -107,8 +107,8 @@ mod tests {
 
     #[test]
     fn resolves_chord() {
-        let k = build(&[(Mode::Normal, "g t", "NextTab")]);
-        assert_eq!(k.resolve(Mode::Normal, "g t"), Some(Action::NextTab));
+        let k = build(&[(Mode::Normal, "g h", "FocusSidebar")]);
+        assert_eq!(k.resolve(Mode::Normal, "g h"), Some(Action::FocusSidebar));
     }
 
     #[test]
@@ -123,11 +123,11 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn known_bindings_sees_everything() {
         let k = build(&[
-            (Mode::Normal, "g t", "NextTab"),
+            (Mode::Normal, "g h", "FocusSidebar"),
             (Mode::Normal, "i", "EnterInsert"),
         ]);
         let kb = k.known_bindings(Mode::Normal);
-        assert!(kb.contains("g t"));
+        assert!(kb.contains("g h"));
         assert!(kb.contains("i"));
         assert_eq!(kb.len(), 2);
     }
diff --git a/crates/maestro-tui/src/lib.rs b/crates/maestro-tui/src/lib.rs
index 97bc354..177221a 100644
--- a/crates/maestro-tui/src/lib.rs
+++ b/crates/maestro-tui/src/lib.rs
@@ -20,7 +20,6 @@ pub mod render;
 pub mod session_task;
 pub mod sidebar;
 pub mod state;
-pub mod tabs;
 pub mod terminal;
 pub mod text_input;
 pub mod worktrees;
diff --git a/crates/maestro-tui/src/overlays.rs b/crates/maestro-tui/src/overlays.rs
index 8ac67ca..0febb28 100644
--- a/crates/maestro-tui/src/overlays.rs
+++ b/crates/maestro-tui/src/overlays.rs
@@ -155,12 +155,12 @@ mod tests {
     fn help_overlay_lists_lines() {
         let help = HelpOverlay {
             lines: vec![
-                "i           EnterInsert".into(),
-                "s           NewDraftPane".into(),
+                "i           Send keys to session".into(),
+                "s           Create a session".into(),
             ],
         };
         let rendered = render_to_string(80, 12, |f| help.render(f, f.area()));
-        assert!(rendered.contains("EnterInsert"));
-        assert!(rendered.contains("NewDraftPane"));
+        assert!(rendered.contains("Send keys to session"));
+        assert!(rendered.contains("Create a session"));
     }
 }
diff --git a/crates/maestro-tui/src/palette.rs b/crates/maestro-tui/src/palette.rs
index 49909e0..5c7ec1d 100644
--- a/crates/maestro-tui/src/palette.rs
+++ b/crates/maestro-tui/src/palette.rs
@@ -109,6 +109,8 @@ pub struct Palette {
     /// paint this background too; otherwise its contrast depends on the
     /// operator's terminal theme.
     pub chrome_bg: Color,
+    /// Subtle full-panel background while the sidebar owns focus.
+    pub sidebar_focus_bg: Color,
     /// Panel border while that panel holds focus.
     pub border_focused: Color,
     /// Panel border while it does not.
@@ -152,6 +154,7 @@ impl Palette {
             error: Color::Rgb(0xff, 0xa8, 0xa3),
         },
         chrome_bg: Color::Rgb(0x1f, 0x23, 0x2b),
+        sidebar_focus_bg: Color::Rgb(0x28, 0x30, 0x2a),
         border_focused: Color::Rgb(0x72, 0xd6, 0x87),
         border_unfocused: Color::Rgb(0x68, 0x73, 0x84),
         focus_accent: Color::Rgb(0x72, 0xd6, 0x87),
@@ -186,6 +189,7 @@ impl Palette {
             error: Color::Rgb(0xa5, 0x1d, 0x14),
         },
         chrome_bg: Color::Rgb(0xff, 0xff, 0xff),
+        sidebar_focus_bg: Color::Rgb(0xee, 0xf5, 0xef),
         border_focused: Color::Rgb(0x21, 0x7a, 0x3c),
         border_unfocused: Color::Rgb(0x65, 0x73, 0x6b),
         focus_accent: Color::Rgb(0x21, 0x7a, 0x3c),
@@ -220,6 +224,7 @@ impl Palette {
             error: Color::LightRed,
         },
         chrome_bg: Color::Black,
+        sidebar_focus_bg: Color::DarkGray,
         border_focused: Color::LightGreen,
         border_unfocused: Color::DarkGray,
         focus_accent: Color::LightGreen,
@@ -254,7 +259,7 @@ impl Palette {
     }
 
     /// Every role, including the backgrounds it is painted against.
-    pub fn roles(&self) -> [(&'static str, Color); 26] {
+    pub fn roles(&self) -> [(&'static str, Color); 27] {
         [
             ("card.bg", self.card.bg),
             ("card.fg", self.card.fg),
@@ -273,6 +278,7 @@ impl Palette {
             ("selection.awaiting", self.selection.awaiting),
             ("selection.error", self.selection.error),
             ("chrome_bg", self.chrome_bg),
+            ("sidebar_focus_bg", self.sidebar_focus_bg),
             ("border_focused", self.border_focused),
             ("border_unfocused", self.border_unfocused),
             ("focus_accent", self.focus_accent),
@@ -414,7 +420,7 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn every_preset_supplies_every_role() {
         for (name, p) in Palette::presets() {
-            assert_eq!(p.roles().len(), 26, "{name} role set is incomplete");
+            assert_eq!(p.roles().len(), 27, "{name} role set is incomplete");
         }
         assert_eq!(Palette::named("dark"), Some(Palette::DARK));
         assert_eq!(Palette::named("light"), Some(Palette::LIGHT));
@@ -487,6 +493,17 @@ mod tests {
                     "{preset}.{name} contrast {ratio:.2} is below {floor} on chrome_bg"
                 );
             }
+            for (name, fg) in [
+                ("card.fg", p.card.fg),
+                ("card.muted", p.card.muted),
+                ("group_row", p.group_row),
+            ] {
+                let ratio = contrast_ratio(fg, p.sidebar_focus_bg).unwrap();
+                assert!(
+                    ratio >= 4.5,
+                    "{preset}.{name} contrast {ratio:.2} is below 4.5 on sidebar_focus_bg"
+                );
+            }
         }
     }
 
diff --git a/crates/maestro-tui/src/render.rs b/crates/maestro-tui/src/render.rs
index 86d0b04..d0ecb3e 100644
--- a/crates/maestro-tui/src/render.rs
+++ b/crates/maestro-tui/src/render.rs
@@ -1,11 +1,11 @@
-//! Top-level draw orchestration. Composes sidebar / tab bar / pane / overlays
+//! Top-level draw orchestration. Composes sidebar / pane / overlays
 //! into one frame, and returns a [`RegionMap`] that the input router uses to
 //! hit-test mouse clicks.
 
 use ratatui::layout::{Constraint, Direction, Layout, Rect};
-use ratatui::style::Style;
+use ratatui::style::Modifier;
 use ratatui::text::Span;
-use ratatui::widgets::{Block, Borders, Paragraph};
+use ratatui::widgets::Paragraph;
 use ratatui::Frame;
 
 use crate::input::Region;
@@ -15,7 +15,6 @@ use crate::palette;
 use crate::pane::Pane;
 use crate::sidebar::Sidebar;
 use crate::state::{AppState, Focus, OverlayKind, SidebarItem};
-use crate::tabs::TabBar;
 use crate::worktrees::{ReclaimConfirm, WorktreesView};
 
 /// Tagged regions for mouse hit-testing. The input router resolves a mouse
@@ -24,7 +23,6 @@ use crate::worktrees::{ReclaimConfirm, WorktreesView};
 pub struct RegionMap {
     pub sidebar: Option<Rect>,
     pub sidebar_items: Vec<SidebarItem>,
-    pub tab_bar: Option<Rect>,
     pub pane: Option<Rect>,
     pub modal: Option<Rect>,
 }
@@ -36,11 +34,6 @@ impl RegionMap {
                 return Region::Modal;
             }
         }
-        if let Some(r) = self.tab_bar {
-            if inside(r, col, row) {
-                return Region::Tab;
-            }
-        }
         if let Some(r) = self.sidebar {
             if inside(r, col, row) {
                 return Region::SidebarRow;
@@ -58,7 +51,7 @@ impl RegionMap {
     /// occupies one inner row; groups occupy one row and visible cards two.
     pub fn sidebar_item_at(&self, row: u16) -> Option<SidebarItem> {
         let area = self.sidebar?;
-        let mut cursor = area.y.saturating_add(2);
+        let mut cursor = area.y.saturating_add(1);
         for item in &self.sidebar_items {
             let height = match item {
                 SidebarItem::Group(_) => 1,
@@ -83,9 +76,9 @@ fn inside(r: Rect, col: u16, row: u16) -> bool {
 pub struct RenderInputs<'a> {
     pub sidebar: &'a Sidebar,
     pub home_dir: &'a str,
-    pub tab_bar: &'a TabBar,
+    pub pane_title: &'a str,
     pub pane: Option<&'a Pane>,
-    /// Inline spawn form when the active tab's pane is a draft (issue #63).
+    /// Inline spawn form when the pane is a draft (issue #63).
     pub draft: Option<&'a crate::draft::DraftPane>,
     pub state: &'a AppState,
     pub help: &'a HelpOverlay,
@@ -135,33 +128,24 @@ pub fn draw(f: &mut Frame, inputs: RenderInputs<'_>) -> RegionMap {
             .rendered_items_with_collapsed(&inputs.state.collapsed_sidebar_groups);
     }
 
-    // The pane always owns its full border, so focus changes only recolour
-    // chrome and never change the rectangles handed to the input router.
     let rows = Layout::default()
         .direction(Direction::Vertical)
         .constraints([Constraint::Length(1), Constraint::Min(0)])
         .split(right);
-    let tab_area = rows[0];
+    let title_area = rows[0];
     let pane_area = rows[1];
 
-    inputs.tab_bar.render(f, tab_area);
-    map.tab_bar = Some(tab_area);
-
     let pane_focused = inputs.state.focus == Focus::Pane;
-    let pane_block = Block::default()
-        .borders(Borders::ALL)
-        .border_style(focus_style(pane_focused));
-    let pane_inner = pane_block.inner(pane_area);
-    f.render_widget(pane_block, pane_area);
+    render_title_bar(f, title_area, inputs.pane_title, pane_focused);
     if let Some(p) = inputs.pane {
-        p.render(f, pane_inner);
+        p.render(f, pane_area);
     }
     if let Some(d) = inputs.draft {
-        d.render(f, pane_inner, pane_focused);
+        d.render(f, pane_area, pane_focused);
     }
-    // `RegionMap::pane` is also the PTY resize source. Keep it aligned with
-    // the cells the emulator actually owns, excluding the persistent border.
-    map.pane = Some(pane_inner);
+    // `RegionMap::pane` is also the PTY resize source. The title bar is
+    // chrome; every remaining cell belongs to the emulator.
+    map.pane = Some(pane_area);
 
     // Status bar — always visible, never eclipsed by overlays so the user can
     // always see the current mode + key hints.
@@ -216,10 +200,15 @@ pub fn draw(f: &mut Frame, inputs: RenderInputs<'_>) -> RegionMap {
     map
 }
 
-/// Border style for a panel based on whether it currently has focus. Both
-/// forms are palette roles (`border_focused` / `border_unfocused`).
-fn focus_style(focused: bool) -> Style {
-    palette::active().border_style(focused)
+fn render_title_bar(f: &mut Frame, area: Rect, title: &str, focused: bool) {
+    let palette = palette::active();
+    let style = if focused {
+        palette.mode_style(false)
+    } else {
+        palette.card.text_style()
+    }
+    .add_modifier(Modifier::BOLD);
+    f.render_widget(Paragraph::new(format!(" {title}")).style(style), area);
 }
 
 /// Render the always-visible status bar at the bottom of the frame. Surfaces
@@ -236,7 +225,7 @@ fn render_status_bar(f: &mut Frame, area: Rect, state: &AppState) {
     };
     let hint = match state.mode {
         Mode::Normal => "j/k: nav  •  enter: attach  •  s: new draft  •  ?: help  •  ^Wq: quit",
-        Mode::Insert => "^a: back to normal",
+        Mode::Insert => "^a: return to sidebar",
     };
     let mode_style = palette::active().mode_style(state.mode == Mode::Insert);
     let line = ratatui::text::Line::from(vec![
@@ -261,22 +250,15 @@ mod tests {
                 height: 20,
             }),
             sidebar_items: Vec::new(),
-            tab_bar: Some(Rect {
+            pane: Some(Rect {
                 x: 10,
                 y: 0,
                 width: 30,
-                height: 3,
-            }),
-            pane: Some(Rect {
-                x: 10,
-                y: 3,
-                width: 30,
-                height: 17,
+                height: 20,
             }),
             modal: None,
         };
         assert_eq!(map.region_at(5, 5), Region::SidebarRow);
-        assert_eq!(map.region_at(15, 1), Region::Tab);
         assert_eq!(map.region_at(15, 5), Region::Pane);
         assert_eq!(map.region_at(50, 50), Region::Unknown);
     }
@@ -291,17 +273,11 @@ mod tests {
                 height: 20,
             }),
             sidebar_items: Vec::new(),
-            tab_bar: Some(Rect {
+            pane: Some(Rect {
                 x: 10,
                 y: 0,
                 width: 30,
-                height: 3,
-            }),
-            pane: Some(Rect {
-                x: 10,
-                y: 3,
-                width: 30,
-                height: 17,
+                height: 20,
             }),
             modal: Some(Rect {
                 x: 5,
@@ -329,10 +305,10 @@ mod tests {
             sidebar_items: vec![group_a.clone(), card_a.clone(), group_b.clone(), card_b],
             ..RegionMap::default()
         };
-        assert_eq!(map.sidebar_item_at(2), Some(group_a));
-        assert_eq!(map.sidebar_item_at(3), Some(card_a.clone()));
-        assert_eq!(map.sidebar_item_at(4), Some(card_a));
-        assert_eq!(map.sidebar_item_at(5), Some(group_b));
+        assert_eq!(map.sidebar_item_at(1), Some(group_a));
+        assert_eq!(map.sidebar_item_at(2), Some(card_a.clone()));
+        assert_eq!(map.sidebar_item_at(3), Some(card_a));
+        assert_eq!(map.sidebar_item_at(4), Some(group_b));
 
         let collapsed = RegionMap {
             sidebar: Some(Rect::new(0, 0, 28, 10)),
@@ -344,7 +320,7 @@ mod tests {
             ..RegionMap::default()
         };
         assert_eq!(
-            collapsed.sidebar_item_at(3),
+            collapsed.sidebar_item_at(2),
             Some(SidebarItem::Group(PathBuf::from("/b")))
         );
     }
@@ -368,15 +344,11 @@ mod tests {
             highlight: None,
             attached: HashSet::new(),
         };
-        let tab_bar = TabBar {
-            tab_names: vec!["1".into()],
-            active_idx: 0,
-        };
         let help = HelpOverlay { lines: Vec::new() };
         let inputs = RenderInputs {
             sidebar: &sidebar,
             home_dir: "",
-            tab_bar: &tab_bar,
+            pane_title: "new session",
             pane: None,
             draft: Some(draft),
             state: &state,
@@ -400,7 +372,7 @@ mod tests {
             out.push('\n');
         }
         for s in [
-            "draft",
+            "new session",
             "cmd:",
             "dir:",
             "name:",
@@ -422,10 +394,6 @@ mod tests {
             highlight: None,
             attached: HashSet::new(),
         };
-        let tab_bar = TabBar {
-            tab_names: vec!["1".into()],
-            active_idx: 0,
-        };
         let help = HelpOverlay { lines: Vec::new() };
         let draw_map = |focus| {
             let mut state = AppState::new();
@@ -433,7 +401,7 @@ mod tests {
             let inputs = RenderInputs {
                 sidebar: &sidebar,
                 home_dir: "",
-                tab_bar: &tab_bar,
+                pane_title: "session",
                 pane: None,
                 draft: None,
                 state: &state,
@@ -450,13 +418,12 @@ mod tests {
         let sidebar_focus = draw_map(Focus::Sidebar);
         let pane_focus = draw_map(Focus::Pane);
         assert_eq!(sidebar_focus.sidebar, pane_focus.sidebar);
-        assert_eq!(sidebar_focus.tab_bar, pane_focus.tab_bar);
         assert_eq!(sidebar_focus.pane, pane_focus.pane);
-        assert_eq!(sidebar_focus.pane, Some(Rect::new(29, 2, 50, 20)));
+        assert_eq!(sidebar_focus.pane, Some(Rect::new(28, 1, 52, 22)));
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn panel_border_colours_follow_focus_without_restyling_the_pane() {
+    fn panel_focus_uses_backgrounds_without_borders() {
         use crate::overlays::HelpOverlay;
         use crate::sidebar::Sidebar;
         use std::collections::HashSet;
@@ -466,10 +433,6 @@ mod tests {
             highlight: None,
             attached: HashSet::new(),
         };
-        let tab_bar = TabBar {
-            tab_names: vec!["1".into()],
-            active_idx: 0,
-        };
         let help = HelpOverlay { lines: Vec::new() };
         let render = |focus| {
             let mut state = AppState::new();
@@ -477,7 +440,7 @@ mod tests {
             let inputs = RenderInputs {
                 sidebar: &sidebar,
                 home_dir: "",
-                tab_bar: &tab_bar,
+                pane_title: "session",
                 pane: None,
                 draft: None,
                 state: &state,
@@ -497,12 +460,11 @@ mod tests {
         let sidebar_focused = render(Focus::Sidebar);
         let pane_focused = render(Focus::Pane);
         let p = palette::active();
-        assert_eq!(sidebar_focused[(0, 0)].style().fg, Some(p.border_focused));
-        assert_eq!(pane_focused[(0, 0)].style().fg, Some(p.border_unfocused));
-        assert_eq!(
-            sidebar_focused[(28, 1)].style().fg,
-            Some(p.border_unfocused)
-        );
-        assert_eq!(pane_focused[(28, 1)].style().fg, Some(p.border_focused));
+        assert_eq!(sidebar_focused[(0, 0)].style().bg, Some(p.sidebar_focus_bg));
+        assert_eq!(pane_focused[(0, 0)].style().bg, Some(p.chrome_bg));
+        assert_eq!(sidebar_focused[(28, 0)].style().bg, Some(p.card.bg));
+        assert_eq!(pane_focused[(28, 0)].style().bg, Some(p.mode_normal_bg));
+        let title: String = (28..80).map(|x| pane_focused[(x, 0)].symbol()).collect();
+        assert!(title.contains("session"), "missing title: {title:?}");
     }
 }
diff --git a/crates/maestro-tui/src/sidebar.rs b/crates/maestro-tui/src/sidebar.rs
index 61a44b9..9013607 100644
--- a/crates/maestro-tui/src/sidebar.rs
+++ b/crates/maestro-tui/src/sidebar.rs
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ use maestro_protocol::{ActivityState, Session, SessionStatus};
 use ratatui::layout::Rect;
 use ratatui::style::{Color, Modifier, Style};
 use ratatui::text::{Line, Span};
-use ratatui::widgets::{Block, Borders, Paragraph};
+use ratatui::widgets::{Block, Paragraph};
 use ratatui::Frame;
 use uuid::Uuid;
 
@@ -31,16 +31,17 @@ const META_LINE_AFTER_SECS: i64 = 30;
 const PLAUSIBLE_SINCE_YEAR: i32 = 2010;
 const INDENT: &str = "  ";
 const META_INDENT: &str = "    ";
-/// Spawn-similar and kill, shown on the highlighted card's top-right corner.
-const ACTIONS: &str = "⧉ ✕";
 
 /// Cards use the selection surface only while the sidebar owns focus. An
 /// unfocused highlight remains an edge-marked cursor without claiming the
 /// keyboard via a filled selection background.
 fn card_base(highlighted: bool, focused: bool) -> Style {
-    palette::active()
-        .surface(highlighted && focused)
-        .text_style()
+    let palette = palette::active();
+    let mut style = palette.surface(highlighted && focused).text_style();
+    if focused && !highlighted {
+        style = style.bg(palette.sidebar_focus_bg);
+    }
+    style
 }
 
 /// Renderable sidebar state.
@@ -63,9 +64,8 @@ impl Sidebar {
         self.render_with_focus(f, area, false);
     }
 
-    /// Render the panel with a persistent border. Focus changes its colour
-    /// and whether the highlighted card claims the selection surface, never
-    /// its geometry.
+    /// Render the panel without a border. Focus is the panel background, so
+    /// it remains obvious without spending rows or columns on chrome.
     pub fn render_with_focus(&self, f: &mut Frame, area: Rect, focused: bool) {
         self.render_with_focus_and_collapsed(f, area, focused, &HashSet::new());
     }
@@ -88,17 +88,21 @@ impl Sidebar {
         collapsed: &HashSet<PathBuf>,
         home: &str,
     ) {
-        let border_style = palette::active().border_style(focused);
-        let block = Block::default()
-            .borders(Borders::ALL)
-            .border_style(border_style);
-        let inner = block.inner(area);
-        f.render_widget(block, area);
+        let palette = palette::active();
+        let panel_bg = if focused {
+            palette.sidebar_focus_bg
+        } else {
+            palette.chrome_bg
+        };
+        f.render_widget(Block::default().style(Style::default().bg(panel_bg)), area);
 
-        let width = inner.width as usize;
+        let width = area.width as usize;
         let mut lines: Vec<Line> = vec![Line::from(Span::styled(
             "sessions",
-            Style::default().add_modifier(Modifier::BOLD),
+            Style::default()
+                .bg(panel_bg)
+                .fg(palette.card.fg)
+                .add_modifier(Modifier::BOLD),
         ))];
         for group in self.groups(collapsed) {
             lines.push(Line::from(self.group_row(&group, width, focused, home)));
@@ -112,7 +116,7 @@ impl Sidebar {
                 }
             }
         }
-        f.render_widget(Paragraph::new(lines), inner);
+        f.render_widget(Paragraph::new(lines), area);
     }
 
     /// Items in exactly the order and height they occupy on screen.
@@ -169,7 +173,14 @@ impl Sidebar {
         let highlighted = self.highlight == Some(SidebarItem::Group(group.key.clone()));
         let palette = palette::active();
         let surface = palette.surface(highlighted && focused);
-        let base = Style::default().bg(surface.bg).fg(if highlighted {
+        let row_bg = if highlighted {
+            surface.bg
+        } else if focused {
+            palette.sidebar_focus_bg
+        } else {
+            surface.bg
+        };
+        let base = Style::default().bg(row_bg).fg(if highlighted {
             surface.fg
         } else {
             palette.group_row
@@ -189,11 +200,14 @@ impl Sidebar {
             },
         );
         let chevron = Span::styled(chevron, base);
-        let count = Span::styled(count, surface.muted_style());
+        let count = Span::styled(count, surface.muted_style().bg(row_bg));
         let label_budget = width.saturating_sub(prefix.width() + chevron.width() + count.width());
         let mut label = Vec::new();
         if let Some(stem) = name.stem {
-            label.push(Span::styled(format!("{stem}/"), surface.dim_style()));
+            label.push(Span::styled(
+                format!("{stem}/"),
+                surface.dim_style().bg(row_bg),
+            ));
         }
         label.push(Span::styled(name.last, base));
 
@@ -211,20 +225,8 @@ impl Sidebar {
         };
         let highlighted = self.highlight == Some(SidebarItem::Session(s.id));
         let base = card_base(highlighted, focused);
-        // Line-1 actions are keyboard affordances shown on the highlighted
-        // row only; they reserve their width so the name truncates with `…`
-        // before it can ever reach them (docs/SIDEBAR.md).
-        let actions_width = if highlighted {
-            ACTIONS.chars().count()
-        } else {
-            0
-        };
-        let usable = width.saturating_sub(actions_width);
         let prefix = INDENT.chars().count() + 2;
-        // Keep one column of separation between a truncated name and the
-        // actions so the ellipsis never touches them.
-        let sep = if highlighted { 1 } else { 0 };
-        let name_budget = usable.saturating_sub(prefix + sep);
+        let name_budget = width.saturating_sub(prefix);
 
         let edge = highlighted && !focused;
         let mut spans: Vec<Span<'static>> = vec![
@@ -243,14 +245,7 @@ impl Sidebar {
                 .into_iter()
                 .map(|sp| Span::styled(sp.content, base.patch(sp.style))),
         );
-        let used: usize = spans.iter().map(|sp| sp.width()).sum();
-        if let Some(fill) = usable.checked_sub(used).filter(|&n| n > 0) {
-            spans.push(Span::styled(" ".repeat(fill), base));
-        }
-        if highlighted {
-            spans.push(Span::styled(ACTIONS, base));
-        }
-        spans
+        pad_to_width(spans, width, base)
     }
 
     /// The adaptive second line: `<dot> [<duration>] [<detail>] [<blocked work> | exited] <command>`.
@@ -268,7 +263,8 @@ impl Sidebar {
             base.patch(Style::default().fg(activity_color(s.activity, highlighted, focused)));
         let muted = palette::active()
             .surface(highlighted && focused)
-            .muted_style();
+            .muted_style()
+            .bg(base.bg.unwrap_or(palette::active().chrome_bg));
         let edge = highlighted && !focused;
         let mut spans = vec![
             Span::styled(
@@ -385,7 +381,7 @@ fn pad_to_width(mut spans: Vec<Span<'static>>, width: usize, base: Style) -> Vec
 }
 
 /// `metadata.name` if present, else the command line.
-fn name_for(s: &Session) -> String {
+pub(crate) fn name_for(s: &Session) -> String {
     if let Some(serde_json::Value::String(name)) = s.metadata.get("name") {
         name.clone()
     } else {
@@ -587,10 +583,10 @@ mod tests {
             attached: Default::default(),
         };
         let all = rows(&draw(&sidebar, 40, 8));
-        assert!(all[2].contains("/tmp"));
-        assert!(all[3].contains("claude"));
-        assert!(all[4].contains("bash"));
-        assert!(!all[5].contains("bash"));
+        assert!(all[1].contains("/tmp"));
+        assert!(all[2].contains("claude"));
+        assert!(all[3].contains("bash"));
+        assert!(!all[4].contains("bash"));
     }
 
     #[test]
@@ -680,20 +676,20 @@ mod tests {
             attached: Default::default(),
         };
         let all = rows(&draw(&sb, 28, 8));
-        assert_eq!(content(&all[1]), "sessions");
+        assert_eq!(content(&all[0]), "sessions");
         assert!(row_containing(&all, "claude").contains('○'));
         assert!(
-            all[4].contains('●'),
+            all[3].contains('●'),
             "line 2 must carry the dot: {:?}",
             all[3]
         );
         assert!(
-            all[4].contains("bash"),
+            all[3].contains("bash"),
             "line 2 must carry the command: {:?}",
             all[3]
         );
         assert!(
-            !all[4].contains("10s"),
+            !all[3].contains("10s"),
             "fresh cards have no duration: {:?}",
             all[3]
         );
@@ -1015,12 +1011,12 @@ mod tests {
         };
         let all = rows(&draw(&sb, 40, 6));
         assert!(
-            all[3].contains("friendly name"),
+            all[2].contains("friendly name"),
             "name must stay on line 1: {:?}",
             all[2]
         );
         assert!(
-            all[4].contains("bash"),
+            all[3].contains("bash"),
             "command must be on line 2: {:?}",
             all[3]
         );
@@ -1034,14 +1030,14 @@ mod tests {
             highlight: None,
             attached: Default::default(),
         };
-        let all = rows(&draw(&sb, 10, 6));
+        let all = rows(&draw(&sb, 9, 6));
         assert!(
-            all[4].contains('●'),
+            all[3].contains('●'),
             "dot must survive narrow cards: {:?}",
             all[3]
         );
         assert!(
-            all[4].contains('…'),
+            all[3].contains('…'),
             "command should truncate: {:?}",
             all[3]
         );
@@ -1061,8 +1057,8 @@ mod tests {
             attached: Default::default(),
         };
         let all = rows(&draw(&sb, 29, 6));
-        assert!(all[4].contains("⚠ 1 uncommitted file"), "{:?}", all[4]);
-        let meta = content(&all[4]);
+        assert!(all[3].contains("⚠ 1 uncommitted file"), "{:?}", all[3]);
+        let meta = content(&all[3]);
         assert!(meta.ends_with('…'), "command must truncate: {meta:?}");
     }
 
@@ -1080,13 +1076,13 @@ mod tests {
             attached: Default::default(),
         };
         let all = rows(&draw(&sb, 40, 6));
-        assert!(all[4].contains("⚠ 1 uncommitted file"), "{:?}", all[4]);
+        assert!(all[3].contains("⚠ 1 uncommitted file"), "{:?}", all[3]);
         assert!(
-            all[4].contains("bash"),
+            all[3].contains("bash"),
             "command must survive: {:?}",
             all[3]
         );
-        assert!(all[4].contains('…'), "detail must truncate: {:?}", all[4]);
+        assert!(all[3].contains('…'), "detail must truncate: {:?}", all[3]);
     }
 
     /// Reversed video makes a card unreadable against a background; cards
@@ -1114,8 +1110,8 @@ mod tests {
         }
     }
 
-    /// The highlighted card gets the focus background; every other card gets
-    /// a card background distinct from the panel's default.
+    /// The highlighted card gets the selection background; the rest of the
+    /// focused sidebar shares its subtle panel background.
     #[test]
     fn cards_use_explicit_backgrounds_with_a_distinct_focus_background() {
         let one = session_named(1, "claude");
@@ -1143,13 +1139,13 @@ mod tests {
         );
         assert_eq!(
             buf[(1, bash_y as u16)].style().bg,
-            Some(p.card.bg),
-            "unfocused cards must still sit on the card surface"
+            Some(p.sidebar_focus_bg),
+            "ordinary cards must share the focused panel surface"
         );
-        // The panel itself (header row) stays on the terminal default.
-        assert!(
-            matches!(buf[(1, 1)].style().bg, None | Some(Color::Reset)),
-            "panel must keep the terminal default background"
+        assert_eq!(
+            buf[(1, 0)].style().bg,
+            Some(p.sidebar_focus_bg),
+            "the focus background must cover the whole sidebar"
         );
     }
 
@@ -1204,15 +1200,14 @@ mod tests {
         for x in 1..27 {
             assert_eq!(
                 buf[(x, y)].style().bg,
-                Some(palette::active().card.bg),
+                Some(palette::active().sidebar_focus_bg),
                 "gap in card background at col {x}"
             );
         }
     }
 
-    /// Line 1's actions live on the highlighted row's top-right corner.
     #[test]
-    fn highlighted_row_anchors_the_actions_top_right() {
+    fn highlighted_rows_do_not_show_action_glyphs() {
         let sb = Sidebar {
             sessions: vec![session_named(1, "claude")],
             highlight: Some(SidebarItem::Session(Uuid::from_u128(1))),
@@ -1221,8 +1216,8 @@ mod tests {
         let all = rows(&draw(&sb, 28, 8));
         let line = content(row_containing(&all, "claude"));
         assert!(
-            line.ends_with("⧉ ✕"),
-            "actions must sit at the right edge: {line:?}"
+            !line.contains('⧉') && !line.contains('✕'),
+            "keyboard-only actions should not consume card space: {line:?}"
         );
     }
 
@@ -1243,10 +1238,8 @@ mod tests {
         );
     }
 
-    /// The name truncates with `…` before it can ever reach the reserved
-    /// action width (docs/SIDEBAR.md — overlap is a defect).
     #[test]
-    fn name_truncates_before_reaching_the_actions() {
+    fn long_name_uses_the_full_card_width() {
         let mut s = session_named(1, "claude");
         if let Some(serde_json::Value::String(name)) = s.metadata.get_mut("name") {
             *name = "an-unreasonably-long-session-name".into();
@@ -1258,12 +1251,10 @@ mod tests {
         };
         let all = rows(&draw(&sb, 28, 8));
         let line = row_containing(&all, "an-unreasonably");
-        let name_end = line.find('…').expect("name must truncate with …");
-        let actions_start = line.find('⧉').expect("actions must still render");
-        assert!(name_end < actions_start, "name overlaps actions: {line:?}");
+        assert!(line.contains('…'), "name must truncate with …: {line:?}");
         assert!(
-            line.split_at(actions_start).0.ends_with(' '),
-            "no gap before the actions: {line:?}"
+            !line.contains('⧉') && !line.contains('✕'),
+            "actions leaked in: {line:?}"
         );
     }
 }
diff --git a/crates/maestro-tui/src/state.rs b/crates/maestro-tui/src/state.rs
index 85e4d13..229faf8 100644
--- a/crates/maestro-tui/src/state.rs
+++ b/crates/maestro-tui/src/state.rs
@@ -1,8 +1,7 @@
 //! `AppState` — the top-level mutable state of the running TUI.
 //!
-//! v1 keeps it small on purpose: a list of tabs (each bound to at most one
-//! session or a draft form), an active tab index, focus split between sidebar
-//! and pane, the current input mode, and an optional overlay (kill confirm,
+//! v1 keeps it small on purpose: one pane containing a session or draft form,
+//! focus split between sidebar and pane, the current input mode, and an optional overlay (kill confirm,
 //! help, transient toast). The spawn form is no longer an overlay — an empty
 //! pane is a draft pane (issue #63).
 //!
@@ -33,7 +32,7 @@ pub enum SidebarItem {
 }
 
 /// What a tab's pane slot holds: a live session, or an inline draft form.
-// The draft variant dwarfs `Session(Uuid)`; tabs are moved rarely enough
+// The draft variant dwarfs `Session(Uuid)`; the pane is moved rarely enough
 // that boxing every access costs more than the copy does.
 #[allow(clippy::large_enum_variant)]
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq)]
@@ -143,57 +142,6 @@ impl AppState {
         &mut self.tabs[self.active_tab_idx]
     }
 
-    /// Append a new tab and switch to it. Sidebar regains focus so the user
-    /// can pick something to attach.
-    pub fn new_tab(&mut self) {
-        let name = format!("{}", self.tabs.len() + 1);
-        self.tabs.push(Tab { name, pane: None });
-        self.active_tab_idx = self.tabs.len() - 1;
-        self.focus = Focus::Sidebar;
-    }
-
-    /// Drop the active tab. No-op if it's the only one — there must always
-    /// be at least one tab.
-    ///
-    /// Returns the session that tab was showing, if any, so the caller can
-    /// release its emulator. Without that the tab's WebSocket task and vt100
-    /// parser outlive the tab forever. A draft pane holds no session and
-    /// releases nothing.
-    pub fn close_tab(&mut self) -> Option<Uuid> {
-        if self.tabs.len() <= 1 {
-            return None;
-        }
-        let closed = self.tabs.remove(self.active_tab_idx);
-        if self.active_tab_idx >= self.tabs.len() {
-            self.active_tab_idx = self.tabs.len() - 1;
-        }
-        let sid = closed.session()?;
-        // Only release it if no other tab still shows the same session.
-        let still_shown = self.tabs.iter().any(|t| t.session() == Some(sid));
-        (!still_shown).then_some(sid)
-    }
-
-    pub fn next_tab(&mut self) {
-        if self.tabs.is_empty() {
-            return;
-        }
-        self.active_tab_idx = (self.active_tab_idx + 1) % self.tabs.len();
-    }
-
-    pub fn prev_tab(&mut self) {
-        if self.tabs.is_empty() {
-            return;
-        }
-        self.active_tab_idx = (self.active_tab_idx + self.tabs.len() - 1) % self.tabs.len();
-    }
-
-    pub fn goto_tab(&mut self, n: u8) {
-        let idx = (n as usize)
-            .saturating_sub(1)
-            .min(self.tabs.len().saturating_sub(1));
-        self.active_tab_idx = idx;
-    }
-
     /// Bind a session to the active tab, move focus into the pane, and
     /// drop straight into Insert mode so keystrokes go to the session
     /// without an extra `i` press. The leader returns to Normal.
@@ -203,14 +151,10 @@ impl AppState {
         self.mode = Mode::Insert;
     }
 
-    /// Open a draft form in a pane (issue #63): reuse the empty active pane,
-    /// otherwise open a fresh tab for it — v1 has no split tree, so "split"
-    /// means a new tab. Focus lands in the pane, Insert mode on, so typing
-    /// starts immediately, same flow as [`Self::attach_to_focused`].
+    /// Replace the pane with a draft form. Focus lands in the pane, Insert
+    /// mode on, so typing starts immediately, same flow as
+    /// [`Self::attach_to_focused`].
     pub fn open_draft_pane(&mut self) {
-        if self.active_tab().pane.is_some() {
-            self.new_tab();
-        }
         self.active_tab_mut().pane = Some(PaneRef::Draft(DraftPane::default()));
         self.focus = Focus::Pane;
         self.mode = Mode::Insert;
@@ -282,66 +226,6 @@ mod tests {
         assert!(state.overlay.is_none());
     }
 
-    #[test]
-    fn new_tab_extends_and_focuses() {
-        let mut state = AppState::new();
-        state.new_tab();
-        assert_eq!(state.tabs.len(), 2);
-        assert_eq!(state.active_tab_idx, 1);
-        assert_eq!(state.focus, Focus::Sidebar);
-    }
-
-    #[test]
-    fn close_tab_keeps_at_least_one() {
-        let mut state = AppState::new();
-        state.close_tab();
-        assert_eq!(state.tabs.len(), 1);
-        state.new_tab();
-        state.close_tab();
-        assert_eq!(state.tabs.len(), 1);
-    }
-
-    #[test]
-    fn close_tab_advances_when_last_is_closed() {
-        let mut state = AppState::new();
-        state.new_tab();
-        state.new_tab();
-        assert_eq!(state.active_tab_idx, 2);
-        state.close_tab();
-        assert_eq!(state.tabs.len(), 2);
-        assert_eq!(state.active_tab_idx, 1);
-    }
-
-    #[test]
-    fn next_prev_tab_wraps() {
-        let mut state = AppState::new();
-        state.new_tab();
-        state.new_tab();
-        state.active_tab_idx = 0;
-        state.next_tab();
-        assert_eq!(state.active_tab_idx, 1);
-        state.next_tab();
-        assert_eq!(state.active_tab_idx, 2);
-        state.next_tab();
-        assert_eq!(state.active_tab_idx, 0);
-        state.prev_tab();
-        assert_eq!(state.active_tab_idx, 2);
-    }
-
-    #[test]
-    fn goto_tab_uses_one_based_clamp() {
-        let mut state = AppState::new();
-        state.new_tab();
-        state.new_tab();
-        state.goto_tab(1);
-        assert_eq!(state.active_tab_idx, 0);
-        state.goto_tab(2);
-        assert_eq!(state.active_tab_idx, 1);
-        state.goto_tab(99);
-        // Clamped to last available tab.
-        assert_eq!(state.active_tab_idx, state.tabs.len() - 1);
-    }
-
     #[test]
     fn move_sidebar_highlight_walks_order_and_wraps() {
         let mut state = AppState::new();
@@ -421,38 +305,6 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(state.focus, Focus::Pane);
     }
 
-    /// The emulator leak: a closed tab's session must come back so the caller
-    /// can abort its WebSocket task.
-    #[test]
-    fn close_tab_reports_the_session_it_dropped() {
-        let mut state = AppState::new();
-        let sid = Uuid::from_u128(3);
-        state.new_tab();
-        state.active_tab_mut().pane = Some(PaneRef::Session(sid));
-
-        assert_eq!(state.close_tab(), Some(sid));
-    }
-
-    /// ...but not while another tab still shows it.
-    #[test]
-    fn close_tab_keeps_a_session_another_tab_still_shows() {
-        let mut state = AppState::new();
-        let sid = Uuid::from_u128(4);
-        state.active_tab_mut().pane = Some(PaneRef::Session(sid));
-        state.new_tab();
-        state.active_tab_mut().pane = Some(PaneRef::Session(sid));
-
-        assert_eq!(state.close_tab(), None);
-    }
-
-    #[test]
-    fn close_tab_is_a_no_op_on_the_last_tab() {
-        let mut state = AppState::new();
-        state.active_tab_mut().pane = Some(PaneRef::Session(Uuid::from_u128(5)));
-        assert_eq!(state.close_tab(), None);
-        assert_eq!(state.tabs.len(), 1);
-    }
-
     #[test]
     fn dismiss_overlay_reports_whether_one_was_showing() {
         let mut state = AppState::new();
@@ -474,18 +326,14 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(state.tabs.len(), 1);
     }
 
-    /// A tab already showing a session gets a fresh tab for the draft; v1
-    /// has no split tree, so a new tab is the "split".
     #[test]
-    fn open_draft_over_a_session_opens_a_new_tab() {
+    fn open_draft_over_a_session_reuses_the_pane() {
         let mut state = AppState::new();
         state.attach_to_focused(Uuid::from_u128(9));
         state.open_draft_pane();
-        assert_eq!(state.tabs.len(), 2);
-        assert_eq!(state.active_tab_idx, 1);
+        assert_eq!(state.tabs.len(), 1);
+        assert_eq!(state.active_tab_idx, 0);
         assert!(matches!(state.active_tab().pane, Some(PaneRef::Draft(_))));
-        // The session tab is untouched.
-        assert_eq!(state.tabs[0].session(), Some(Uuid::from_u128(9)));
     }
 
     /// Web parity (#57): submitting fills the pane in place.
@@ -499,14 +347,4 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(state.focus, Focus::Pane);
         assert_eq!(state.mode, Mode::Insert);
     }
-
-    /// A closed draft tab holds no session, so nothing is released.
-    #[test]
-    fn close_tab_reports_nothing_for_a_draft_pane() {
-        let mut state = AppState::new();
-        state.open_draft_pane();
-        state.new_tab();
-        state.active_tab_idx = 0;
-        assert_eq!(state.close_tab(), None);
-    }
 }
diff --git a/crates/maestro-tui/src/tabs.rs b/crates/maestro-tui/src/tabs.rs
deleted file mode 100644
index 7fd0156..0000000
--- a/crates/maestro-tui/src/tabs.rs
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,61 +0,0 @@
-//! Tab-bar widget — top row of the main area.
-
-use ratatui::layout::Rect;
-use ratatui::style::{Modifier, Style};
-use ratatui::text::Line;
-use ratatui::widgets::Tabs;
-use ratatui::Frame;
-
-#[derive(Debug, Clone)]
-pub struct TabBar {
-    pub tab_names: Vec<String>,
-    pub active_idx: usize,
-}
-
-impl TabBar {
-    pub fn render(&self, f: &mut Frame, area: Rect) {
-        let titles: Vec<Line> = self
-            .tab_names
-            .iter()
-            .map(|n| Line::from(n.as_str()))
-            .collect();
-        let tabs = Tabs::new(titles)
-            .select(self.active_idx)
-            .highlight_style(Style::default().add_modifier(Modifier::REVERSED));
-        f.render_widget(tabs, area);
-    }
-}
-
-#[cfg(test)]
-mod tests {
-    use super::*;
-    use ratatui::backend::TestBackend;
-    use ratatui::Terminal;
-
-    fn render_to_string(bar: &TabBar, w: u16, h: u16) -> String {
-        let backend = TestBackend::new(w, h);
-        let mut terminal = Terminal::new(backend).unwrap();
-        terminal.draw(|f| bar.render(f, f.area())).unwrap();
-        let buf = terminal.backend().buffer().clone();
-        let mut out = String::new();
-        for y in 0..buf.area.height {
-            for x in 0..buf.area.width {
-                out.push_str(buf[(x, y)].symbol());
-            }
-            out.push('\n');
-        }
-        out
-    }
-
-    #[test]
-    fn renders_three_tab_names() {
-        let bar = TabBar {
-            tab_names: vec!["1".into(), "2".into(), "3".into()],
-            active_idx: 1,
-        };
-        let rendered = render_to_string(&bar, 40, 1);
-        assert!(rendered.contains("1"));
-        assert!(rendered.contains("2"));
-        assert!(rendered.contains("3"));
-    }
-}
diff --git a/docs/INSTALL.md b/docs/INSTALL.md
index c9101bf..68822b0 100644
--- a/docs/INSTALL.md
+++ b/docs/INSTALL.md
@@ -136,15 +136,13 @@ cover every v1 action — only override what you want to change:
 [tui]
 theme = "dark"              # dark (default), light, or ansi
 leader = "ctrl-a"            # one byte that escapes Insert mode
-chord_timeout_ms = 1000      # how long to hold a partial chord like `g`
+chord_timeout_ms = 1000      # how long to hold a partial chord like `ctrl-w`
 
 [tui.keymap.normal]
 "i"            = "EnterInsert"
-"s"            = "OpenSpawnModal"
+"s"            = "NewDraftPane"
 "x"            = "KillHighlighted"
 "?"            = "ShowHelp"
-"ctrl-t"       = "NewTab"
-"g t"          = "NextTab"
 "ctrl-w h"     = "FocusSidebar"
 "enter"        = "AttachHighlighted"
 
diff --git a/docs/SIDEBAR.md b/docs/SIDEBAR.md
index f28b3d1..2fc925a 100644
--- a/docs/SIDEBAR.md
+++ b/docs/SIDEBAR.md
@@ -7,17 +7,15 @@ written here; if it needs to change, change it here first.
 
 A card is always two lines: **line 1** and **line 2**.
 
-## Line 1 — name + actions
+## Line 1 — name
 
 - Left: the session name — `metadata.name` if present, else the command line
   (same fallback both clients already use).
-- Right: two actions anchored to the top-right corner: **spawn similar**
-  (`⧉`) and **kill** (`✕`). In the TUI these are keyboard affordances shown on
-  the highlighted row; in the web they are buttons. The glyphs are shared so
-  muscle memory transfers.
-- Actions reserve their fixed width; the name truncates with `…` before it can
-  ever reach them. **Overlap between the name and the actions is a defect** —
-  that overlap is what started this milestone.
+- In the web client, **spawn similar** (`⧉`) and **kill** (`✕`) remain buttons
+  anchored on the right. The TUI omits those glyphs because its actions are
+  keyboard-driven and the icons do not identify their keys.
+- The name truncates with `…` at the available width. In the web client it
+  must stop before the action buttons; in the TUI it may use the full row.
 
 Line 1 carries no badges. The `⚠ blocked work` badge (#83) and the `exited`
 badge move off this row into line 2.