diff --git a/crates/pikl-tui/src/lib.rs b/crates/pikl-tui/src/lib.rs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cab946e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/pikl-tui/src/lib.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,518 @@
+//! TUI frontend for pikl-menu. Thin rendering layer on
+//! top of pikl-core. Translates crossterm key events into
+//! [`Action`]s and renders [`ViewState`] snapshots via
+//! ratatui. All state lives in the core; this crate is
+//! just I/O.
+
+use crossterm::event::{Event, EventStream, KeyCode, KeyEvent, KeyModifiers};
+use futures::StreamExt;
+use ratatui::Terminal;
+use ratatui::backend::CrosstermBackend;
+use ratatui::layout::{Constraint, Direction, Layout};
+use ratatui::style::{Color, Modifier, Style};
+use ratatui::text::{Line, Span};
+use ratatui::widgets::{List, ListItem, Paragraph};
+use tokio::sync::{broadcast, mpsc};
+
+use pikl_core::event::{Action, MenuEvent, ViewState};
+
+/// Restore the terminal to a sane state. Called on clean
+/// exit and from the panic hook so Ctrl+C or a crash
+/// doesn't leave the terminal in raw mode.
+pub fn restore_terminal() {
+    let _ = crossterm::terminal::disable_raw_mode();
+    let _ = crossterm::execute!(std::io::stderr(), crossterm::terminal::LeaveAlternateScreen);
+}
+
+/// Start the TUI. Enters the alternate screen, runs the
+/// event loop, and restores the terminal on exit. Translates
+/// crossterm key events into [`Action`]s and renders
+/// [`ViewState`] snapshots.
+pub async fn run(
+    action_tx: mpsc::Sender<Action>,
+    mut event_rx: broadcast::Receiver<MenuEvent>,
+) -> std::io::Result<()> {
+    crossterm::terminal::enable_raw_mode()?;
+    crossterm::execute!(std::io::stderr(), crossterm::terminal::EnterAlternateScreen,)?;
+
+    let backend = CrosstermBackend::new(std::io::stderr());
+    let mut terminal = Terminal::new(backend)?;
+
+    // Drain any stale input that arrived between dup2 and raw mode
+    // (e.g. the Enter keypress from running the command). Poll with a
+    // short timeout so late-arriving bytes are caught too.
+    while crossterm::event::poll(std::time::Duration::from_millis(50))? {
+        let _ = crossterm::event::read()?;
+    }
+
+    let result = run_inner(&action_tx, &mut event_rx, &mut terminal).await;
+
+    // Always clean up terminal, even on error
+    restore_terminal();
+
+    result
+}
+
+/// Inner event loop. Separated from [`run`] so terminal
+/// cleanup always happens even if this returns an error.
+async fn run_inner(
+    action_tx: &mpsc::Sender<Action>,
+    event_rx: &mut broadcast::Receiver<MenuEvent>,
+    terminal: &mut Terminal<CrosstermBackend<std::io::Stderr>>,
+) -> std::io::Result<()> {
+    // Send initial resize
+    let size = terminal.size()?;
+    let list_height = size.height.saturating_sub(1);
+    let _ = action_tx
+        .send(Action::Resize {
+            height: list_height,
+        })
+        .await;
+
+    let mut filter_text = String::new();
+    let mut view_state: Option<ViewState> = None;
+    let mut event_stream = EventStream::new();
+
+    loop {
+        if let Some(ref vs) = view_state {
+            let ft = filter_text.clone();
+            terminal.draw(|frame| {
+                render_menu(frame, vs, &ft);
+            })?;
+        }
+
+        tokio::select! {
+            term_event = event_stream.next() => {
+                let Some(event_result) = term_event else {
+                    break;
+                };
+                let event = event_result?;
+                match event {
+                    Event::Key(key) => {
+                        if let Some(action) = map_key_event(key, &mut filter_text) {
+                            let _ = action_tx.send(action).await;
+                        }
+                    }
+                    Event::Resize(_, h) => {
+                        let list_height = h.saturating_sub(1);
+                        let _ = action_tx.send(Action::Resize { height: list_height }).await;
+                    }
+                    _ => {}
+                }
+            }
+            menu_event = event_rx.recv() => {
+                match menu_event {
+                    Ok(MenuEvent::StateChanged(vs)) => {
+                        // Sync filter text from core. Local keystrokes
+                        // update filter_text immediately for responsiveness,
+                        // but if core pushes a different value (e.g. IPC
+                        // changed the filter), the core wins.
+                        if &*vs.filter_text != filter_text.as_str() {
+                            filter_text = vs.filter_text.to_string();
+                        }
+                        view_state = Some(vs);
+                    }
+                    Ok(MenuEvent::Selected(_) | MenuEvent::Cancelled) => {
+                        break;
+                    }
+                    Err(broadcast::error::RecvError::Lagged(_)) => {}
+                    Err(broadcast::error::RecvError::Closed) => {
+                        break;
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    Ok(())
+}
+
+/// Render the menu into the given frame. Extracted from the
+/// event loop so it can be tested with a [`TestBackend`].
+fn render_menu(frame: &mut ratatui::Frame, vs: &ViewState, filter_text: &str) {
+    let chunks = Layout::default()
+        .direction(Direction::Vertical)
+        .constraints([Constraint::Length(1), Constraint::Min(1)])
+        .split(frame.area());
+
+    let filtered_count = vs.total_filtered;
+    let total_count = vs.total_items;
+
+    let prompt = Paragraph::new(Line::from(vec![
+        Span::styled("> ", Style::default().fg(Color::Cyan)),
+        Span::raw(filter_text),
+        Span::styled(
+            format!("  {filtered_count}/{total_count}"),
+            Style::default().fg(Color::DarkGray),
+        ),
+    ]));
+    frame.render_widget(prompt, chunks[0]);
+
+    frame.set_cursor_position(((2 + filter_text.len()) as u16, 0));
+
+    let items: Vec<ListItem> = vs
+        .visible_items
+        .iter()
+        .enumerate()
+        .map(|(i, vi)| {
+            let style = if i == vs.cursor {
+                Style::default().add_modifier(Modifier::REVERSED)
+            } else {
+                Style::default()
+            };
+            ListItem::new(vi.label.as_str()).style(style)
+        })
+        .collect();
+
+    let list = List::new(items);
+    frame.render_widget(list, chunks[1]);
+}
+
+/// Map a crossterm key event to an [`Action`], updating
+/// `filter_text` in place for character/backspace keys.
+/// Returns `None` for unmapped keys.
+fn map_key_event(key: KeyEvent, filter_text: &mut String) -> Option<Action> {
+    match (key.code, key.modifiers) {
+        (KeyCode::Esc, _) => Some(Action::Cancel),
+        (KeyCode::Enter, _) => Some(Action::Confirm),
+        (KeyCode::Up, _) | (KeyCode::Char('p'), KeyModifiers::CONTROL) => Some(Action::MoveUp(1)),
+        (KeyCode::Down, _) | (KeyCode::Char('n'), KeyModifiers::CONTROL) => {
+            Some(Action::MoveDown(1))
+        }
+        (KeyCode::PageUp, _) => Some(Action::PageUp(1)),
+        (KeyCode::PageDown, _) => Some(Action::PageDown(1)),
+        (KeyCode::Backspace, _) => {
+            filter_text.pop();
+            Some(Action::UpdateFilter(filter_text.clone()))
+        }
+        (KeyCode::Char(c), mods) if !mods.intersects(KeyModifiers::CONTROL | KeyModifiers::ALT) => {
+            filter_text.push(c);
+            Some(Action::UpdateFilter(filter_text.clone()))
+        }
+        _ => None,
+    }
+}
+
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod tests {
+    use super::*;
+    use crossterm::event::{KeyCode, KeyEvent, KeyEventKind, KeyEventState, KeyModifiers};
+    use pikl_core::event::{ViewState, VisibleItem};
+    use ratatui::backend::TestBackend;
+    use ratatui::style::Modifier;
+    use std::sync::Arc;
+
+    fn key(code: KeyCode) -> KeyEvent {
+        KeyEvent {
+            code,
+            modifiers: KeyModifiers::NONE,
+            kind: KeyEventKind::Press,
+            state: KeyEventState::NONE,
+        }
+    }
+
+    fn key_with_mods(code: KeyCode, modifiers: KeyModifiers) -> KeyEvent {
+        KeyEvent {
+            code,
+            modifiers,
+            kind: KeyEventKind::Press,
+            state: KeyEventState::NONE,
+        }
+    }
+
+    fn sample_view_state() -> ViewState {
+        ViewState {
+            visible_items: vec![
+                VisibleItem {
+                    label: "alpha".into(),
+                    index: 0,
+                },
+                VisibleItem {
+                    label: "bravo".into(),
+                    index: 1,
+                },
+                VisibleItem {
+                    label: "charlie".into(),
+                    index: 2,
+                },
+            ],
+            cursor: 0,
+            filter_text: Arc::from(""),
+            total_items: 5,
+            total_filtered: 3,
+        }
+    }
+
+    // -- Key mapping tests --
+
+    #[test]
+    fn esc_maps_to_cancel() {
+        let mut ft = String::new();
+        assert_eq!(
+            map_key_event(key(KeyCode::Esc), &mut ft),
+            Some(Action::Cancel)
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn enter_maps_to_confirm() {
+        let mut ft = String::new();
+        assert_eq!(
+            map_key_event(key(KeyCode::Enter), &mut ft),
+            Some(Action::Confirm)
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn arrow_up_maps_to_move_up() {
+        let mut ft = String::new();
+        assert_eq!(
+            map_key_event(key(KeyCode::Up), &mut ft),
+            Some(Action::MoveUp(1))
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn arrow_down_maps_to_move_down() {
+        let mut ft = String::new();
+        assert_eq!(
+            map_key_event(key(KeyCode::Down), &mut ft),
+            Some(Action::MoveDown(1))
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn ctrl_p_maps_to_move_up() {
+        let mut ft = String::new();
+        let k = key_with_mods(KeyCode::Char('p'), KeyModifiers::CONTROL);
+        assert_eq!(map_key_event(k, &mut ft), Some(Action::MoveUp(1)));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn ctrl_n_maps_to_move_down() {
+        let mut ft = String::new();
+        let k = key_with_mods(KeyCode::Char('n'), KeyModifiers::CONTROL);
+        assert_eq!(map_key_event(k, &mut ft), Some(Action::MoveDown(1)));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn page_keys_map_correctly() {
+        let mut ft = String::new();
+        assert_eq!(
+            map_key_event(key(KeyCode::PageUp), &mut ft),
+            Some(Action::PageUp(1))
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            map_key_event(key(KeyCode::PageDown), &mut ft),
+            Some(Action::PageDown(1))
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn char_appends_to_filter() {
+        let mut ft = String::new();
+        let action = map_key_event(key(KeyCode::Char('a')), &mut ft);
+        assert_eq!(ft, "a");
+        assert_eq!(action, Some(Action::UpdateFilter("a".into())));
+
+        let action = map_key_event(key(KeyCode::Char('b')), &mut ft);
+        assert_eq!(ft, "ab");
+        assert_eq!(action, Some(Action::UpdateFilter("ab".into())));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn backspace_pops_filter() {
+        let mut ft = "abc".to_string();
+        let action = map_key_event(key(KeyCode::Backspace), &mut ft);
+        assert_eq!(ft, "ab");
+        assert_eq!(action, Some(Action::UpdateFilter("ab".into())));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn backspace_on_empty_filter_is_noop() {
+        let mut ft = String::new();
+        let action = map_key_event(key(KeyCode::Backspace), &mut ft);
+        assert_eq!(ft, "");
+        assert_eq!(action, Some(Action::UpdateFilter(String::new())));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn ctrl_char_ignored() {
+        let mut ft = String::new();
+        let k = key_with_mods(KeyCode::Char('c'), KeyModifiers::CONTROL);
+        assert_eq!(map_key_event(k, &mut ft), None);
+        assert_eq!(ft, "");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn alt_char_ignored() {
+        let mut ft = String::new();
+        let k = key_with_mods(KeyCode::Char('x'), KeyModifiers::ALT);
+        assert_eq!(map_key_event(k, &mut ft), None);
+        assert_eq!(ft, "");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn shift_char_passes_through() {
+        let mut ft = String::new();
+        let k = key_with_mods(KeyCode::Char('A'), KeyModifiers::SHIFT);
+        assert_eq!(
+            map_key_event(k, &mut ft),
+            Some(Action::UpdateFilter("A".into()))
+        );
+        assert_eq!(ft, "A");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn unmapped_key_returns_none() {
+        let mut ft = String::new();
+        assert_eq!(map_key_event(key(KeyCode::Tab), &mut ft), None);
+        assert_eq!(map_key_event(key(KeyCode::Home), &mut ft), None);
+        assert_eq!(map_key_event(key(KeyCode::F(1)), &mut ft), None);
+    }
+
+    // -- Rendering tests (TestBackend) --
+
+    fn render_to_backend(width: u16, height: u16, vs: &ViewState, filter: &str) -> TestBackend {
+        let backend = TestBackend::new(width, height);
+        let mut terminal = Terminal::new(backend).ok().expect("test terminal");
+        terminal
+            .draw(|frame| {
+                render_menu(frame, vs, filter);
+            })
+            .ok()
+            .expect("draw");
+        terminal.backend().clone()
+    }
+
+    fn line_text(backend: &TestBackend, row: u16) -> String {
+        let buf = backend.buffer();
+        let width = buf.area.width;
+        let mut s = String::new();
+        for col in 0..width {
+            let cell = &buf[(col, row)];
+            s.push_str(cell.symbol());
+        }
+        // Trim trailing whitespace for easier assertions
+        s.trim_end().to_string()
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn prompt_shows_count() {
+        let vs = sample_view_state();
+        let backend = render_to_backend(30, 6, &vs, "");
+        let prompt = line_text(&backend, 0);
+        assert!(prompt.contains(">"), "prompt should have > prefix");
+        assert!(
+            prompt.contains("3/5"),
+            "prompt should show filtered/total: got '{prompt}'"
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn prompt_shows_filter_text() {
+        let vs = sample_view_state();
+        let backend = render_to_backend(30, 6, &vs, "foo");
+        let prompt = line_text(&backend, 0);
+        assert!(
+            prompt.contains("foo"),
+            "prompt should contain filter text: got '{prompt}'"
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn items_render_in_list_area() {
+        let vs = sample_view_state();
+        let backend = render_to_backend(30, 6, &vs, "");
+        // Items start at row 1 (row 0 is the prompt)
+        let row1 = line_text(&backend, 1);
+        let row2 = line_text(&backend, 2);
+        let row3 = line_text(&backend, 3);
+        assert!(row1.contains("alpha"), "row 1: got '{row1}'");
+        assert!(row2.contains("bravo"), "row 2: got '{row2}'");
+        assert!(row3.contains("charlie"), "row 3: got '{row3}'");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn cursor_row_has_reversed_style() {
+        let vs = sample_view_state(); // cursor at 0
+        let backend = render_to_backend(30, 6, &vs, "");
+        let buf = backend.buffer();
+        // Row 1, col 0 should be the cursor row with REVERSED modifier
+        let cell = &buf[(0, 1)];
+        assert!(
+            cell.modifier.contains(Modifier::REVERSED),
+            "cursor row should have REVERSED style"
+        );
+        // Row 2 should not
+        let cell2 = &buf[(0, 2)];
+        assert!(
+            !cell2.modifier.contains(Modifier::REVERSED),
+            "non-cursor row should not have REVERSED"
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn cursor_at_middle_item() {
+        let mut vs = sample_view_state();
+        vs.cursor = 1; // bravo
+        let backend = render_to_backend(30, 6, &vs, "");
+        let buf = backend.buffer();
+        // Row 1 (alpha) should NOT be reversed
+        let cell1 = &buf[(0, 1)];
+        assert!(!cell1.modifier.contains(Modifier::REVERSED));
+        // Row 2 (bravo) should be reversed
+        let cell2 = &buf[(0, 2)];
+        assert!(cell2.modifier.contains(Modifier::REVERSED));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn empty_items_still_renders_prompt() {
+        let vs = ViewState {
+            visible_items: vec![],
+            cursor: 0,
+            filter_text: Arc::from(""),
+            total_items: 0,
+            total_filtered: 0,
+        };
+        let backend = render_to_backend(30, 4, &vs, "");
+        let prompt = line_text(&backend, 0);
+        assert!(prompt.contains(">"), "prompt renders even with no items");
+        assert!(prompt.contains("0/0"));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn narrow_viewport_truncates() {
+        let vs = sample_view_state();
+        // 10 cols wide. Items should be truncated, not panic.
+        let backend = render_to_backend(10, 5, &vs, "");
+        let row1 = line_text(&backend, 1);
+        // "alpha" is 5 chars, should fit in 10-wide viewport
+        assert!(row1.contains("alpha"));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn minimal_viewport_does_not_panic() {
+        let vs = sample_view_state();
+        // Absolute minimum: 1 col wide, 2 rows (1 prompt + 1 list)
+        let _backend = render_to_backend(1, 2, &vs, "");
+        // Just verifying it doesn't panic
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn prompt_cursor_position_tracks_filter() {
+        let vs = sample_view_state();
+        let backend = TestBackend::new(30, 6);
+        let mut terminal = Terminal::new(backend).ok().expect("test terminal");
+        terminal
+            .draw(|frame| {
+                render_menu(frame, &vs, "hi");
+            })
+            .ok()
+            .expect("draw");
+        // Cursor should be at column 2 ("> ") + 2 ("hi") = 4
+        let pos = terminal.get_cursor_position().ok().expect("cursor");
+        assert_eq!(pos.x, 4, "cursor x should be after '> hi'");
+        assert_eq!(pos.y, 0, "cursor y should be on prompt row");
+    }
+}