refactor: Pre-phase-6 review cleanup.

- Propagate serialization errors in output path
instead of unwrap_or_default() silently writing
blank lines (main.rs, handler.rs).
- Cap selection undo stack at 50 entries to bound
memory on heavy multi-select usage (menu.rs).
- Break TUI event loop on dead action channel
instead of silently dropping keypresses (lib.rs).
- Log dropped handler hook events when channel is
full (handler.rs).
- Reject menu and headless DSL tests that have no
assertions at compile time (codegen.rs).
- Document filter_text ownership design in TUI and
exec/handler error asymmetry in CompositeHandler.

Cargo.lock

@@ -310,6 +310,27 @@ dependencies = [
  "phf",
 ]
 
+[[package]]
+name = "csv"
+version = "1.4.0"
+source = "registry+https://github.com/rust-lang/crates.io-index"
+checksum = "52cd9d68cf7efc6ddfaaee42e7288d3a99d613d4b50f76ce9827ae0c6e14f938"
+dependencies = [
+ "csv-core",
+ "itoa",
+ "ryu",
+ "serde_core",
+]
+
+[[package]]
+name = "csv-core"
+version = "0.1.13"
+source = "registry+https://github.com/rust-lang/crates.io-index"
+checksum = "704a3c26996a80471189265814dbc2c257598b96b8a7feae2d31ace646bb9782"
+dependencies = [
+ "memchr",
+]
+
 [[package]]
 name = "darling"
 version = "0.23.0"
@@ -1089,7 +1110,9 @@ dependencies = [
 name = "pikl-core"
 version = "0.1.0"
 dependencies = [
+ "csv",
  "fancy-regex 0.14.0",
+ "indexmap",
  "nucleo-matcher",
  "pikl-test-macros",
  "serde",

crates/pikl-core/Cargo.toml

@@ -16,6 +16,8 @@ tokio = { version = "1.50.0", features = ["sync", "io-util", "rt", "time"] }
 tracing = "0.1"
 nucleo-matcher = "0.3.1"
 fancy-regex = "0.14"
+indexmap = "2"
+csv = "1"
 
 [dev-dependencies]
 tokio = { version = "1.50.0", features = ["sync", "process", "io-util", "rt", "macros", "rt-multi-thread", "test-util"] }

crates/pikl-core/src/error.rs

@@ -20,6 +20,9 @@ pub enum PiklError {
     #[error("channel closed")]
     ChannelClosed,
 
+    #[error("csv parse error: {0}")]
+    CsvParse(String),
+
     #[error("{0}")]
     Script(#[from] crate::script::action_fd::ScriptError),
 }

crates/pikl-core/src/lib.rs

@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ pub mod script;
 pub mod error;
 
 // Re-export submodules at crate root so the public API stays flat.
+pub use model::column;
 pub use model::event;
 pub use model::item;
 pub use model::output;
@@ -22,6 +23,7 @@ pub use query::navigation;
 pub use query::pipeline;
 pub use query::regex_filter;
 pub use query::strategy;
+pub use runtime::csv_input;
 pub use runtime::debounce;
 pub use runtime::hook;
 pub use runtime::input;

crates/pikl-core/src/model/column.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,155 @@
+//! Column configuration for table mode. Defines which fields
+//! to display as columns and how to label them.
+
+use crate::item::resolve_field_path;
+use serde_json::Value;
+
+/// A single column definition: which field to extract and
+/// what to call it in the header.
+#[derive(Debug, Clone)]
+pub struct ColumnDef {
+    /// Dotted path into the item's JSON value (e.g. "meta.res").
+    pub field: String,
+    /// Display name for the column header. Defaults to the
+    /// field path if no alias is given.
+    pub display_name: String,
+}
+
+/// Column layout for table mode. Controls which fields are
+/// shown and in what order.
+#[derive(Debug, Clone)]
+pub struct ColumnConfig {
+    pub columns: Vec<ColumnDef>,
+}
+
+impl ColumnConfig {
+    /// Parse a column spec string like "label,meta.res:Resolution,meta.size".
+    /// Columns are comma-separated. Each column can have an alias
+    /// after the first colon: "field:Alias".
+    pub fn parse(spec: &str) -> Self {
+        let columns = spec
+            .split(',')
+            .filter(|s| !s.is_empty())
+            .map(|part| {
+                let part = part.trim();
+                if let Some((field, alias)) = part.split_once(':') {
+                    ColumnDef {
+                        field: field.trim().to_string(),
+                        display_name: alias.trim().to_string(),
+                    }
+                } else {
+                    ColumnDef {
+                        field: part.to_string(),
+                        display_name: part.to_string(),
+                    }
+                }
+            })
+            .collect();
+        Self { columns }
+    }
+
+    /// Build a ColumnConfig from raw header names. Used when
+    /// auto-generating columns from CSV headers.
+    pub fn from_headers(headers: &[String]) -> Self {
+        let columns = headers
+            .iter()
+            .map(|h| ColumnDef {
+                field: h.clone(),
+                display_name: h.clone(),
+            })
+            .collect();
+        Self { columns }
+    }
+
+    /// Resolve each column's value from an item's JSON value.
+    /// Missing fields produce an empty string.
+    pub fn resolve_values(&self, value: &Value) -> Vec<String> {
+        self.columns
+            .iter()
+            .map(|col| {
+                resolve_field_path(value, &col.field)
+                    .map(value_to_cell)
+                    .unwrap_or_default()
+            })
+            .collect()
+    }
+}
+
+/// Convert a JSON value to a cell string for display.
+fn value_to_cell(v: &Value) -> String {
+    match v {
+        Value::String(s) => s.clone(),
+        Value::Number(n) => n.to_string(),
+        Value::Bool(b) => b.to_string(),
+        Value::Null => String::new(),
+        other => other.to_string(),
+    }
+}
+
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod tests {
+    use super::*;
+    use serde_json::json;
+
+    #[test]
+    fn parse_simple_columns() {
+        let config = ColumnConfig::parse("label,age,city");
+        assert_eq!(config.columns.len(), 3);
+        assert_eq!(config.columns[0].field, "label");
+        assert_eq!(config.columns[0].display_name, "label");
+        assert_eq!(config.columns[2].field, "city");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn parse_with_alias() {
+        let config = ColumnConfig::parse("label,meta.res:Resolution");
+        assert_eq!(config.columns.len(), 2);
+        assert_eq!(config.columns[1].field, "meta.res");
+        assert_eq!(config.columns[1].display_name, "Resolution");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn parse_empty_string() {
+        let config = ColumnConfig::parse("");
+        assert!(config.columns.is_empty());
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn parse_trailing_comma() {
+        let config = ColumnConfig::parse("label,age,");
+        assert_eq!(config.columns.len(), 2);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn resolve_flat_values() {
+        let config = ColumnConfig::parse("label,age");
+        let value = json!({"label": "alice", "age": 30});
+        let cells = config.resolve_values(&value);
+        assert_eq!(cells, vec!["alice", "30"]);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn resolve_nested_values() {
+        let config = ColumnConfig::parse("label,meta.res");
+        let value = json!({"label": "test", "meta": {"res": "1080p"}});
+        let cells = config.resolve_values(&value);
+        assert_eq!(cells, vec!["test", "1080p"]);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn resolve_missing_field() {
+        let config = ColumnConfig::parse("label,nope");
+        let value = json!({"label": "test"});
+        let cells = config.resolve_values(&value);
+        assert_eq!(cells, vec!["test", ""]);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn from_headers_builds_identity() {
+        let headers = vec!["name".to_string(), "age".to_string()];
+        let config = ColumnConfig::from_headers(&headers);
+        assert_eq!(config.columns.len(), 2);
+        assert_eq!(config.columns[0].field, "name");
+        assert_eq!(config.columns[0].display_name, "name");
+    }
+}

crates/pikl-core/src/model/event.rs

@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ pub enum Mode {
     #[default]
     Insert,
     Normal,
+    Visual,
 }
 
 /// A command the menu should process. Frontends and headless
@@ -37,6 +38,12 @@ pub enum Action {
     HalfPageUp(usize),
     HalfPageDown(usize),
     SetMode(Mode),
+    ToggleSelect,
+    SelectRange { start: usize, end: usize },
+    ClearSelections,
+    SelectAll,
+    UndoSelection,
+    RedoSelection,
     Confirm,
     Quicklist,
     Cancel,
@@ -53,7 +60,7 @@ pub enum Action {
 #[derive(Debug, Clone)]
 pub enum MenuEvent {
     StateChanged(ViewState),
-    Selected(Value),
+    Selected(Vec<(Value, usize)>),
     Quicklist(Vec<Value>),
     Cancelled,
 }
@@ -72,12 +79,26 @@ pub struct ViewState {
     pub total_items: usize,
     pub total_filtered: usize,
     pub mode: Mode,
+    pub selection_count: usize,
+    pub multi_enabled: bool,
+    /// Column headers for table mode. None when not in
+    /// table mode.
+    pub columns: Option<Vec<ColumnHeader>>,
     /// Monotonically increasing counter. Each call to
     /// `build_view_state()` bumps this, so frontends can
     /// detect duplicate broadcasts and skip redundant redraws.
     pub generation: u64,
 }
 
+/// Column header with display name and computed width for
+/// table mode rendering.
+#[must_use]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone)]
+pub struct ColumnHeader {
+    pub display_name: String,
+    pub width: u16,
+}
+
 /// A single item in the current viewport window. Has the
 /// display label pre-resolved and the position in the
 /// filtered list.
@@ -87,6 +108,10 @@ pub struct VisibleItem {
     pub label: String,
     pub formatted_text: Option<String>,
     pub index: usize,
+    pub selected: bool,
+    /// Column cell values for table mode. None when not in
+    /// table mode.
+    pub column_values: Option<Vec<String>>,
 }
 
 /// Final outcome of [`crate::menu::MenuRunner::run`]. The
@@ -94,7 +119,7 @@ pub struct VisibleItem {
 #[must_use]
 #[derive(Debug)]
 pub enum MenuResult {
-    Selected { value: Value, index: usize },
+    Selected { items: Vec<(Value, usize)> },
     Quicklist { items: Vec<(Value, usize)> },
     Cancelled,
 }

crates/pikl-core/src/model/item.rs

@@ -225,28 +225,19 @@ mod tests {
 
     #[test]
     fn icon_from_object() {
-        let item = Item::new(
+        let item = Item::new(json!({"label": "Firefox", "icon": "firefox.png"}), "label");
-            json!({"label": "Firefox", "icon": "firefox.png"}),
-            "label",
-        );
         assert_eq!(item.icon(), Some("firefox.png"));
     }
 
     #[test]
     fn group_from_object() {
-        let item = Item::new(
+        let item = Item::new(json!({"label": "Firefox", "group": "browsers"}), "label");
-            json!({"label": "Firefox", "group": "browsers"}),
-            "label",
-        );
         assert_eq!(item.group(), Some("browsers"));
     }
 
     #[test]
     fn meta_from_object() {
-        let item = Item::new(
+        let item = Item::new(json!({"label": "test", "meta": {"res": 1080}}), "label");
-            json!({"label": "test", "meta": {"res": 1080}}),
-            "label",
-        );
         let meta = item.meta();
         assert!(meta.is_some());
         assert_eq!(meta.and_then(|m| m.get("res")), Some(&json!(1080)));

crates/pikl-core/src/model/mod.rs

@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+pub mod column;
 pub mod event;
 pub mod item;
 pub mod output;

crates/pikl-core/src/model/output.rs

@@ -2,8 +2,8 @@
 //! item value with action context and original index so
 //! hooks and downstream tools know what happened.
 
-use serde::ser::SerializeMap;
 use serde::Serialize;
+use serde::ser::SerializeMap;
 use serde_json::Value;
 
 /// What the user did to produce this output.

crates/pikl-core/src/model/traits.rs

@@ -41,6 +41,11 @@ pub trait Menu: Send + 'static {
     /// for output and hook events.
     fn original_index(&self, filtered_index: usize) -> Option<usize>;
 
+    /// Get the JSON value of an item by its original (pre-filter)
+    /// index. Used by multi-select to retrieve selected items
+    /// that may not be in the current filtered set.
+    fn serialize_original(&self, original_index: usize) -> Option<&serde_json::Value>;
+
     /// Get the formatted display text for a filtered item,
     /// if a format template is configured. Returns None if
     /// no template is set, in which case the raw label is
@@ -61,6 +66,17 @@ pub trait Menu: Send + 'static {
             })
             .collect()
     }
+
+    /// Get the column values for a filtered item, if table
+    /// mode is active. Returns None when no column config is set.
+    fn column_values(&self, _filtered_index: usize) -> Option<Vec<String>> {
+        None
+    }
+
+    /// Get the column config, if one is set.
+    fn column_config(&self) -> Option<&crate::model::column::ColumnConfig> {
+        None
+    }
 }
 
 /// Extension of [`Menu`] with mutation methods. Required by

crates/pikl-core/src/query/pipeline.rs

@@ -170,12 +170,7 @@ impl FilterPipeline {
                     })
                 }
                 FilterKind::Field { path } => {
-                    Self::eval_field(
+                    Self::eval_field(stage, &input_indices, &self.item_values, path)
-                        stage,
-                        &input_indices,
-                        &self.item_values,
-                        path,
-                    )
                 }
             };
 

crates/pikl-core/src/query/strategy.rs

@@ -10,7 +10,9 @@ pub enum FilterKind {
     /// Field-specific filter: `meta.res:3840` matches
     /// items where the dotted path resolves to a value
     /// containing the query text.
-    Field { path: String },
+    Field {
+        path: String,
+    },
 }
 
 /// A parsed filter segment with its kind, inversion flag,
@@ -86,7 +88,9 @@ pub fn parse_segment(segment: &str) -> ParsedSegment<'_> {
         && let Some((path, value)) = try_parse_field_filter(rest)
     {
         return ParsedSegment {
-            kind: FilterKind::Field { path: path.to_string() },
+            kind: FilterKind::Field {
+                path: path.to_string(),
+            },
             inverse: true,
             query: value,
         };
@@ -95,7 +99,9 @@ pub fn parse_segment(segment: &str) -> ParsedSegment<'_> {
     // Check for field filter: field.path:value
     if let Some((path, value)) = try_parse_field_filter(segment) {
         return ParsedSegment {
-            kind: FilterKind::Field { path: path.to_string() },
+            kind: FilterKind::Field {
+                path: path.to_string(),
+            },
             inverse: false,
             query: value,
         };
@@ -150,7 +156,10 @@ fn try_parse_field_filter(segment: &str) -> Option<(&str, &str)> {
         return None;
     }
     // Path chars must be alphanumeric, underscore, or dot
-    if !path.chars().all(|c| c.is_alphanumeric() || c == '_' || c == '.') {
+    if !path
+        .chars()
+        .all(|c| c.is_alphanumeric() || c == '_' || c == '.')
+    {
         return None;
     }
 

crates/pikl-core/src/runtime/csv_input.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,208 @@
+//! CSV/TSV input parser. Reads delimited data into [`Item`]s
+//! with structured JSON values. First row is always headers.
+
+use std::io::Read;
+
+use serde_json::{Map, Value};
+
+use crate::error::PiklError;
+use crate::item::Item;
+
+/// Input format for stdin parsing.
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy, PartialEq, Eq)]
+pub enum InputFormat {
+    /// Auto-detect: try JSON lines first, fall back to plain text.
+    Auto,
+    /// Comma-separated values.
+    Csv,
+    /// Tab-separated values.
+    Tsv,
+}
+
+impl InputFormat {
+    /// Parse from a CLI string. Returns None for unknown formats.
+    pub fn from_str_opt(s: &str) -> Option<Self> {
+        match s {
+            "auto" => Some(Self::Auto),
+            "csv" => Some(Self::Csv),
+            "tsv" => Some(Self::Tsv),
+            _ => None,
+        }
+    }
+
+    fn delimiter(self) -> u8 {
+        match self {
+            Self::Tsv => b'\t',
+            _ => b',',
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+/// Result of parsing CSV/TSV input.
+pub struct CsvParseResult {
+    pub items: Vec<Item>,
+    pub headers: Vec<String>,
+}
+
+/// Known top-level fields that get promoted out of meta.
+const KNOWN_FIELDS: &[&str] = &["label", "sublabel", "icon", "group"];
+
+/// Read CSV or TSV from a reader, producing structured Items.
+///
+/// Each row becomes a JSON object. The `label_key` controls
+/// which column becomes the display label. If no column matches
+/// `label_key`, the first column is used as `label`.
+///
+/// Known fields (label, sublabel, icon, group) are promoted to
+/// the top level. Everything else goes into a `meta` object.
+pub fn read_csv_items_sync(
+    reader: impl Read,
+    format: InputFormat,
+    label_key: &str,
+) -> Result<CsvParseResult, PiklError> {
+    let mut csv_reader = csv::ReaderBuilder::new()
+        .delimiter(format.delimiter())
+        .has_headers(true)
+        .from_reader(reader);
+
+    let raw_headers = csv_reader
+        .headers()
+        .map_err(|e| PiklError::CsvParse(e.to_string()))?
+        .clone();
+
+    if raw_headers.is_empty() {
+        return Err(PiklError::CsvParse("no headers found".to_string()));
+    }
+
+    let headers: Vec<String> = raw_headers.iter().map(|h| h.to_string()).collect();
+
+    // Figure out which column is the label. If label_key matches
+    // a header, use that. Otherwise first column becomes "label".
+    let has_label_column = headers.iter().any(|h| h == label_key);
+
+    let mut items = Vec::new();
+    for result in csv_reader.records() {
+        let record = result.map_err(|e| PiklError::CsvParse(e.to_string()))?;
+        let mut top = Map::new();
+        let mut meta = Map::new();
+
+        for (i, field_value) in record.iter().enumerate() {
+            let Some(header) = headers.get(i) else {
+                continue;
+            };
+
+            if !has_label_column && i == 0 {
+                // First column becomes label when no explicit label column exists
+                top.insert("label".to_string(), Value::String(field_value.to_string()));
+                // Also keep it in meta under its original header name
+                meta.insert(header.clone(), Value::String(field_value.to_string()));
+            } else if KNOWN_FIELDS.contains(&header.as_str()) {
+                top.insert(header.clone(), Value::String(field_value.to_string()));
+            } else {
+                meta.insert(header.clone(), Value::String(field_value.to_string()));
+            }
+        }
+
+        if !meta.is_empty() {
+            top.insert("meta".to_string(), Value::Object(meta));
+        }
+
+        let value = Value::Object(top);
+        items.push(Item::new(value, label_key));
+    }
+
+    Ok(CsvParseResult { items, headers })
+}
+
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod tests {
+    use super::*;
+    use serde_json::json;
+    use std::io::Cursor;
+
+    #[test]
+    fn basic_csv() {
+        let data = "name,age,city\nalice,30,toronto\nbob,25,vancouver\n";
+        let result = read_csv_items_sync(Cursor::new(data), InputFormat::Csv, "label").unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(result.items.len(), 2);
+        assert_eq!(result.headers, vec!["name", "age", "city"]);
+        // First column becomes label when no "label" header
+        assert_eq!(result.items[0].label(), "alice");
+        assert_eq!(result.items[1].label(), "bob");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn csv_with_label_header() {
+        let data = "label,age\nalice,30\nbob,25\n";
+        let result = read_csv_items_sync(Cursor::new(data), InputFormat::Csv, "label").unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(result.items[0].label(), "alice");
+        // "age" should be in meta
+        assert_eq!(result.items[0].field_value("meta.age"), Some(&json!("30")));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn tsv_input() {
+        let data = "name\tage\nalice\t30\nbob\t25\n";
+        let result = read_csv_items_sync(Cursor::new(data), InputFormat::Tsv, "label").unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(result.items.len(), 2);
+        assert_eq!(result.items[0].label(), "alice");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn known_fields_promoted() {
+        let data = "label,sublabel,icon,group,extra\nfoo,bar,ic.png,grp,val\n";
+        let result = read_csv_items_sync(Cursor::new(data), InputFormat::Csv, "label").unwrap();
+        let item = &result.items[0];
+        assert_eq!(item.label(), "foo");
+        assert_eq!(item.sublabel(), Some("bar"));
+        assert_eq!(item.icon(), Some("ic.png"));
+        assert_eq!(item.group(), Some("grp"));
+        assert_eq!(item.field_value("meta.extra"), Some(&json!("val")));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn first_column_label_also_in_meta() {
+        let data = "name,age\nalice,30\n";
+        let result = read_csv_items_sync(Cursor::new(data), InputFormat::Csv, "label").unwrap();
+        // First column promoted to label
+        assert_eq!(result.items[0].label(), "alice");
+        // Original header name also in meta
+        assert_eq!(
+            result.items[0].field_value("meta.name"),
+            Some(&json!("alice"))
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn quoted_fields() {
+        let data = "name,bio\nalice,\"likes, commas\"\n";
+        let result = read_csv_items_sync(Cursor::new(data), InputFormat::Csv, "label").unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(
+            result.items[0].field_value("meta.bio"),
+            Some(&json!("likes, commas"))
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn empty_input_errors() {
+        let data = "";
+        let result = read_csv_items_sync(Cursor::new(data), InputFormat::Csv, "label");
+        assert!(result.is_err());
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn headers_only_no_rows() {
+        let data = "name,age\n";
+        let result = read_csv_items_sync(Cursor::new(data), InputFormat::Csv, "label").unwrap();
+        assert!(result.items.is_empty());
+        assert_eq!(result.headers, vec!["name", "age"]);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn input_format_from_str() {
+        assert_eq!(InputFormat::from_str_opt("csv"), Some(InputFormat::Csv));
+        assert_eq!(InputFormat::from_str_opt("tsv"), Some(InputFormat::Tsv));
+        assert_eq!(InputFormat::from_str_opt("auto"), Some(InputFormat::Auto));
+        assert_eq!(InputFormat::from_str_opt("xml"), None);
+    }
+}

crates/pikl-core/src/runtime/debounce.rs

@@ -36,10 +36,7 @@ pub struct DebouncedDispatcher {
 }
 
 impl DebouncedDispatcher {
-    pub fn new(
+    pub fn new(handler: Arc<dyn HookHandler>, action_tx: mpsc::Sender<Action>) -> Self {
-        handler: Arc<dyn HookHandler>,
-        action_tx: mpsc::Sender<Action>,
-    ) -> Self {
         Self {
             handler,
             _action_tx: action_tx,
@@ -71,11 +68,7 @@ impl DebouncedDispatcher {
     /// Dispatch a hook event through the debounce system.
     pub fn dispatch(&mut self, event: HookEvent) {
         let kind = event.kind();
-        let mode = self
+        let mode = self.modes.get(&kind).cloned().unwrap_or(DebounceMode::None);
-            .modes
-            .get(&kind)
-            .cloned()
-            .unwrap_or(DebounceMode::None);
 
         tracing::debug!(event_kind = ?kind, mode = ?mode, "dispatching hook event");
 

crates/pikl-core/src/runtime/hook.rs

@@ -188,9 +188,8 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn response_add_items() {
         let json = r#"{"action": "add_items", "items": [{"label": "new"}]}"#;
-        let resp: HookResponse = serde_json::from_str(json).unwrap_or_else(|e| {
+        let resp: HookResponse =
-            std::unreachable!("parse failed: {e}")
+            serde_json::from_str(json).unwrap_or_else(|e| std::unreachable!("parse failed: {e}"));
-        });
         assert_eq!(
             resp,
             HookResponse::AddItems {
@@ -202,9 +201,8 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn response_replace_items() {
         let json = r#"{"action": "replace_items", "items": ["a", "b"]}"#;
-        let resp: HookResponse = serde_json::from_str(json).unwrap_or_else(|e| {
+        let resp: HookResponse =
-            std::unreachable!("parse failed: {e}")
+            serde_json::from_str(json).unwrap_or_else(|e| std::unreachable!("parse failed: {e}"));
-        });
         assert_eq!(
             resp,
             HookResponse::ReplaceItems {
@@ -216,9 +214,8 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn response_remove_items() {
         let json = r#"{"action": "remove_items", "indices": [0, 3, 5]}"#;
-        let resp: HookResponse = serde_json::from_str(json).unwrap_or_else(|e| {
+        let resp: HookResponse =
-            std::unreachable!("parse failed: {e}")
+            serde_json::from_str(json).unwrap_or_else(|e| std::unreachable!("parse failed: {e}"));
-        });
         assert_eq!(
             resp,
             HookResponse::RemoveItems {
@@ -230,9 +227,8 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn response_set_filter() {
         let json = r#"{"action": "set_filter", "text": "hello"}"#;
-        let resp: HookResponse = serde_json::from_str(json).unwrap_or_else(|e| {
+        let resp: HookResponse =
-            std::unreachable!("parse failed: {e}")
+            serde_json::from_str(json).unwrap_or_else(|e| std::unreachable!("parse failed: {e}"));
-        });
         assert_eq!(
             resp,
             HookResponse::SetFilter {
@@ -244,9 +240,8 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn response_close() {
         let json = r#"{"action": "close"}"#;
-        let resp: HookResponse = serde_json::from_str(json).unwrap_or_else(|e| {
+        let resp: HookResponse =
-            std::unreachable!("parse failed: {e}")
+            serde_json::from_str(json).unwrap_or_else(|e| std::unreachable!("parse failed: {e}"));
-        });
         assert_eq!(resp, HookResponse::Close);
     }
 

crates/pikl-core/src/runtime/json_menu.rs

@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@
 use crate::filter::Filter;
 use crate::format::FormatTemplate;
 use crate::item::Item;
+use crate::model::column::ColumnConfig;
 use crate::model::traits::{Menu, MutableMenu};
 use crate::pipeline::FilterPipeline;
 
@@ -19,6 +20,7 @@ pub struct JsonMenu {
     filter: FilterPipeline,
     filter_fields: Vec<String>,
     format_template: Option<FormatTemplate>,
+    column_config: Option<ColumnConfig>,
 }
 
 impl JsonMenu {
@@ -36,6 +38,7 @@ impl JsonMenu {
             filter,
             filter_fields: vec!["label".to_string()],
             format_template: None,
+            column_config: None,
         }
     }
 
@@ -52,6 +55,11 @@ impl JsonMenu {
         self.format_template = Some(template);
     }
 
+    /// Set the column config for table mode rendering.
+    pub fn set_column_config(&mut self, config: ColumnConfig) {
+        self.column_config = Some(config);
+    }
+
     /// Rebuild the filter pipeline from scratch. Called after
     /// filter_fields change or item mutations.
     fn rebuild_pipeline(&mut self) {
@@ -132,11 +140,25 @@ impl Menu for JsonMenu {
         self.filter.matched_index(filtered_index)
     }
 
+    fn serialize_original(&self, original_index: usize) -> Option<&serde_json::Value> {
+        self.items.get(original_index).map(|item| &item.value)
+    }
+
     fn formatted_label(&self, filtered_index: usize) -> Option<String> {
         let template = self.format_template.as_ref()?;
         let orig_idx = self.filter.matched_index(filtered_index)?;
         Some(template.render(&self.items[orig_idx].value))
     }
+
+    fn column_values(&self, filtered_index: usize) -> Option<Vec<String>> {
+        let config = self.column_config.as_ref()?;
+        let orig_idx = self.filter.matched_index(filtered_index)?;
+        Some(config.resolve_values(&self.items[orig_idx].value))
+    }
+
+    fn column_config(&self) -> Option<&ColumnConfig> {
+        self.column_config.as_ref()
+    }
 }
 
 impl MutableMenu for JsonMenu {
@@ -173,7 +195,11 @@ impl MutableMenu for JsonMenu {
                 self.items.remove(idx);
             }
         }
-        tracing::debug!(count, remaining = self.items.len(), "items removed from menu");
+        tracing::debug!(
+            count,
+            remaining = self.items.len(),
+            "items removed from menu"
+        );
         self.rebuild_pipeline();
     }
 }

crates/pikl-core/src/runtime/menu.rs

@@ -5,12 +5,13 @@
 
 use std::sync::Arc;
 
+use indexmap::IndexSet;
 use tokio::sync::{broadcast, mpsc};
 use tracing::{debug, info, trace};
 
-use crate::debounce::{hook_response_to_action, DebouncedDispatcher};
+use crate::debounce::{DebouncedDispatcher, hook_response_to_action};
 use crate::error::PiklError;
-use crate::event::{Action, MenuEvent, MenuResult, Mode, ViewState, VisibleItem};
+use crate::event::{Action, ColumnHeader, MenuEvent, MenuResult, Mode, ViewState, VisibleItem};
 use crate::hook::{HookEvent, HookHandler};
 use crate::model::traits::MutableMenu;
 use crate::navigation::Viewport;
@@ -23,7 +24,7 @@ pub enum ActionOutcome {
     /// State changed, broadcast to subscribers.
     Broadcast,
     /// User confirmed a selection.
-    Selected { value: Value, index: usize },
+    Selected { items: Vec<(Value, usize)> },
     /// User cancelled.
     Cancelled,
     /// Menu closed by hook command.
@@ -34,6 +35,109 @@ pub enum ActionOutcome {
     NoOp,
 }
 
+/// Maximum number of undo snapshots to retain. Keeps memory
+/// bounded when users toggle hundreds of selections.
+const UNDO_STACK_LIMIT: usize = 50;
+
+/// Tracks multi-select state: which items are selected (by
+/// original index), with undo/redo support.
+pub struct SelectionState {
+    selected: IndexSet<usize>,
+    undo_stack: Vec<IndexSet<usize>>,
+    redo_stack: Vec<IndexSet<usize>>,
+    multi_enabled: bool,
+    selection_order: bool,
+}
+
+impl SelectionState {
+    fn new() -> Self {
+        Self {
+            selected: IndexSet::new(),
+            undo_stack: Vec::new(),
+            redo_stack: Vec::new(),
+            multi_enabled: false,
+            selection_order: false,
+        }
+    }
+
+    fn push_undo(&mut self) {
+        if self.undo_stack.len() >= UNDO_STACK_LIMIT {
+            self.undo_stack.remove(0);
+        }
+        self.undo_stack.push(self.selected.clone());
+        self.redo_stack.clear();
+    }
+
+    /// Toggle an item in/out of the selection set.
+    pub fn toggle(&mut self, original_index: usize) {
+        self.push_undo();
+        if !self.selected.shift_remove(&original_index) {
+            self.selected.insert(original_index);
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Force-select a range of items (no toggle).
+    pub fn select_range(&mut self, indices: impl Iterator<Item = usize>) {
+        self.push_undo();
+        for idx in indices {
+            self.selected.insert(idx);
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Select all the given items.
+    pub fn select_all(&mut self, indices: impl Iterator<Item = usize>) {
+        self.push_undo();
+        for idx in indices {
+            self.selected.insert(idx);
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Clear all selections.
+    pub fn clear(&mut self) {
+        if self.selected.is_empty() {
+            return;
+        }
+        self.push_undo();
+        self.selected.clear();
+    }
+
+    /// Undo the last selection change.
+    pub fn undo(&mut self) {
+        if let Some(prev) = self.undo_stack.pop() {
+            self.redo_stack
+                .push(std::mem::replace(&mut self.selected, prev));
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Redo a previously undone selection change.
+    pub fn redo(&mut self) {
+        if let Some(next) = self.redo_stack.pop() {
+            self.undo_stack
+                .push(std::mem::replace(&mut self.selected, next));
+        }
+    }
+
+    pub fn is_selected(&self, original_index: usize) -> bool {
+        self.selected.contains(&original_index)
+    }
+
+    pub fn count(&self) -> usize {
+        self.selected.len()
+    }
+
+    /// Items sorted by original index (input order).
+    pub fn ordered_items(&self) -> Vec<usize> {
+        let mut items: Vec<usize> = self.selected.iter().copied().collect();
+        items.sort_unstable();
+        items
+    }
+
+    /// Items in insertion order (the order they were selected).
+    pub fn insertion_ordered(&self) -> Vec<usize> {
+        self.selected.iter().copied().collect()
+    }
+}
+
 /// The menu engine. Wraps any [`Menu`] implementation and
 /// drives it with an action/event channel loop. Create one,
 /// grab the action sender and event subscriber, then call
@@ -48,6 +152,8 @@ pub struct MenuRunner<M: MutableMenu> {
     dispatcher: Option<DebouncedDispatcher>,
     previous_cursor: Option<usize>,
     generation: u64,
+    selection: SelectionState,
+    visual_anchor: Option<usize>,
 }
 
 impl<M: MutableMenu> MenuRunner<M> {
@@ -72,6 +178,8 @@ impl<M: MutableMenu> MenuRunner<M> {
             dispatcher: None,
             previous_cursor: None,
             generation: 0,
+            selection: SelectionState::new(),
+            visual_anchor: None,
         };
         (runner, action_tx)
     }
@@ -99,6 +207,17 @@ impl<M: MutableMenu> MenuRunner<M> {
         self.dispatcher = Some(dispatcher);
     }
 
+    /// Enable multi-select mode.
+    pub fn set_multi(&mut self, enabled: bool) {
+        self.selection.multi_enabled = enabled;
+    }
+
+    /// Enable selection-order output (insertion order instead
+    /// of input order).
+    pub fn set_selection_order(&mut self, enabled: bool) {
+        self.selection.selection_order = enabled;
+    }
+
     /// Re-run the filter against all items with the current
     /// filter text. Updates the viewport with the new count.
     fn run_filter(&mut self) {
@@ -122,20 +241,56 @@ impl<M: MutableMenu> MenuRunner<M> {
     fn build_view_state(&mut self) -> ViewState {
         self.generation += 1;
         let range = self.viewport.visible_range();
+        let has_columns = self.menu.column_config().is_some();
         let visible_items: Vec<VisibleItem> = range
             .clone()
             .filter_map(|i| {
                 self.menu.filtered_label(i).map(|label| {
                     let formatted_text = self.menu.formatted_label(i);
+                    let orig_idx = self.menu.original_index(i).unwrap_or(0);
+                    let column_values = if has_columns {
+                        self.menu.column_values(i)
+                    } else {
+                        None
+                    };
                     VisibleItem {
                         label: label.to_string(),
                         formatted_text,
                         index: i,
+                        selected: self.selection.is_selected(orig_idx),
+                        column_values,
                     }
                 })
             })
             .collect();
 
+        // Compute column headers with widths if table mode is active
+        let columns = self.menu.column_config().map(|config| {
+            config
+                .columns
+                .iter()
+                .enumerate()
+                .map(|(col_idx, col_def)| {
+                    let header_len = col_def.display_name.len();
+                    let max_cell = visible_items
+                        .iter()
+                        .filter_map(|vi| {
+                            vi.column_values
+                                .as_ref()
+                                .and_then(|cv| cv.get(col_idx))
+                                .map(|s| s.len())
+                        })
+                        .max()
+                        .unwrap_or(0);
+                    let width = header_len.max(max_cell).min(60) as u16;
+                    ColumnHeader {
+                        display_name: col_def.display_name.clone(),
+                        width,
+                    }
+                })
+                .collect()
+        });
+
         let cursor = if self.menu.filtered_count() == 0 {
             0
         } else {
@@ -149,6 +304,9 @@ impl<M: MutableMenu> MenuRunner<M> {
             total_items: self.menu.total(),
             total_filtered: self.menu.filtered_count(),
             mode: self.mode,
+            selection_count: self.selection.count(),
+            multi_enabled: self.selection.multi_enabled,
+            columns,
             generation: self.generation,
         }
     }
@@ -229,7 +387,78 @@ impl<M: MutableMenu> MenuRunner<M> {
                 self.viewport.page_down(n);
                 ActionOutcome::Broadcast
             }
+            Action::ToggleSelect => {
+                if !self.selection.multi_enabled {
+                    return ActionOutcome::NoOp;
+                }
+                if self.menu.filtered_count() == 0 {
+                    return ActionOutcome::NoOp;
+                }
+                let cursor = self.viewport.cursor();
+                if let Some(orig_idx) = self.menu.original_index(cursor) {
+                    self.selection.toggle(orig_idx);
+                }
+                ActionOutcome::Broadcast
+            }
+            Action::SelectRange { start, end } => {
+                if !self.selection.multi_enabled {
+                    return ActionOutcome::NoOp;
+                }
+                let min = start.min(end);
+                let max = start.max(end);
+                let indices: Vec<usize> = (min..=max)
+                    .filter_map(|i| self.menu.original_index(i))
+                    .collect();
+                self.selection.select_range(indices.into_iter());
+                ActionOutcome::Broadcast
+            }
+            Action::ClearSelections => {
+                self.selection.clear();
+                ActionOutcome::Broadcast
+            }
+            Action::SelectAll => {
+                if !self.selection.multi_enabled {
+                    return ActionOutcome::NoOp;
+                }
+                let indices: Vec<usize> = (0..self.menu.filtered_count())
+                    .filter_map(|i| self.menu.original_index(i))
+                    .collect();
+                self.selection.select_all(indices.into_iter());
+                ActionOutcome::Broadcast
+            }
+            Action::UndoSelection => {
+                self.selection.undo();
+                ActionOutcome::Broadcast
+            }
+            Action::RedoSelection => {
+                self.selection.redo();
+                ActionOutcome::Broadcast
+            }
             Action::Confirm => {
+                if self.menu.filtered_count() == 0 && self.selection.count() == 0 {
+                    return ActionOutcome::NoOp;
+                }
+                if self.selection.multi_enabled && self.selection.count() > 0 {
+                    // Multi-select: return all selected items
+                    let indices = if self.selection.selection_order {
+                        self.selection.insertion_ordered()
+                    } else {
+                        self.selection.ordered_items()
+                    };
+                    let items: Vec<(Value, usize)> = indices
+                        .into_iter()
+                        .filter_map(|orig_idx| {
+                            self.menu
+                                .serialize_original(orig_idx)
+                                .map(|v| (v.clone(), orig_idx))
+                        })
+                        .collect();
+                    if items.is_empty() {
+                        return ActionOutcome::NoOp;
+                    }
+                    ActionOutcome::Selected { items }
+                } else {
+                    // Single-select: cursor item as one-element vec
                     if self.menu.filtered_count() == 0 {
                         return ActionOutcome::NoOp;
                     }
@@ -237,12 +466,12 @@ impl<M: MutableMenu> MenuRunner<M> {
                     let index = self.menu.original_index(cursor).unwrap_or(0);
                     match self.menu.serialize_filtered(cursor) {
                         Some(value) => ActionOutcome::Selected {
-                        value: value.clone(),
+                            items: vec![(value.clone(), index)],
-                        index,
                         },
                         None => ActionOutcome::NoOp,
                     }
                 }
+            }
             Action::Quicklist => {
                 if self.menu.filtered_count() == 0 {
                     return ActionOutcome::NoOp;
@@ -271,6 +500,11 @@ impl<M: MutableMenu> MenuRunner<M> {
             }
             Action::SetMode(m) => {
                 debug!(mode = ?m, "mode changed");
+                if m == Mode::Visual {
+                    self.visual_anchor = Some(self.viewport.cursor());
+                } else if self.mode == Mode::Visual {
+                    self.visual_anchor = None;
+                }
                 self.mode = m;
                 ActionOutcome::Broadcast
             }
@@ -367,22 +601,24 @@ impl<M: MutableMenu> MenuRunner<M> {
                     // Check for cursor movement -> Hover
                     self.check_cursor_hover();
                 }
-                ActionOutcome::Selected { value, index } => {
+                ActionOutcome::Selected { items } => {
-                    info!(index, "item selected");
+                    let count = items.len();
-                    // Emit Select event
+                    info!(count, "item(s) selected");
+                    // Emit Select event for the first item (primary selection)
+                    if let Some((value, index)) = items.first() {
                         self.emit_hook(HookEvent::Select {
                             item: value.clone(),
-                        index,
+                            index: *index,
                         });
+                    }
                     // Emit Close event
                     self.emit_hook(HookEvent::Close);
 
-                    let _ = self.event_tx.send(MenuEvent::Selected(value.clone()));
+                    let _ = self.event_tx.send(MenuEvent::Selected(items.clone()));
-                    return Ok(MenuResult::Selected { value, index });
+                    return Ok(MenuResult::Selected { items });
                 }
                 ActionOutcome::Quicklist { items } => {
-                    let values: Vec<Value> =
+                    let values: Vec<Value> = items.iter().map(|(v, _)| v.clone()).collect();
-                        items.iter().map(|(v, _)| v.clone()).collect();
                     let count = values.len();
                     info!(count, "quicklist returned");
                     self.emit_hook(HookEvent::Quicklist {
@@ -391,9 +627,7 @@ impl<M: MutableMenu> MenuRunner<M> {
                     });
                     self.emit_hook(HookEvent::Close);
 
-                    let _ = self
+                    let _ = self.event_tx.send(MenuEvent::Quicklist(values));
-                        .event_tx
-                        .send(MenuEvent::Quicklist(values));
                     return Ok(MenuResult::Quicklist { items });
                 }
                 ActionOutcome::Cancelled => {
@@ -482,7 +716,9 @@ mod tests {
         let mut m = ready_menu();
         m.apply_action(Action::MoveDown(1));
         let outcome = m.apply_action(Action::Confirm);
-        assert!(matches!(&outcome, ActionOutcome::Selected { value, .. } if value.as_str() == Some("beta")));
+        assert!(
+            matches!(&outcome, ActionOutcome::Selected { items } if items[0].0.as_str() == Some("beta"))
+        );
     }
 
     #[test]
@@ -605,8 +841,8 @@ mod tests {
         let _ = tx.send(Action::Confirm).await;
 
         // Should get Selected event
-        if let Ok(MenuEvent::Selected(value)) = rx.recv().await {
+        if let Ok(MenuEvent::Selected(items)) = rx.recv().await {
-            assert_eq!(value.as_str(), Some("beta"));
+            assert_eq!(items[0].0.as_str(), Some("beta"));
         }
 
         let result = handle.await.unwrap_or(Ok(MenuResult::Cancelled));
@@ -668,10 +904,14 @@ mod tests {
         let _ = tx.send(Action::Confirm).await;
 
         let event = rx.recv().await;
-        assert!(matches!(&event, Ok(MenuEvent::Selected(v)) if v.as_str() == Some("alpha")));
+        assert!(
+            matches!(&event, Ok(MenuEvent::Selected(items)) if items[0].0.as_str() == Some("alpha"))
+        );
 
         let result = handle.await.unwrap_or(Ok(MenuResult::Cancelled));
-        assert!(matches!(result, Ok(MenuResult::Selected { ref value, .. }) if value.as_str() == Some("alpha")));
+        assert!(
+            matches!(result, Ok(MenuResult::Selected { ref items, .. }) if items[0].0.as_str() == Some("alpha"))
+        );
     }
 
     #[tokio::test]
@@ -693,7 +933,9 @@ mod tests {
         let _ = tx.send(Action::Confirm).await;
 
         let result = handle.await.unwrap_or(Ok(MenuResult::Cancelled));
-        assert!(matches!(result, Ok(MenuResult::Selected { ref value, .. }) if value.as_str() == Some("gamma")));
+        assert!(
+            matches!(result, Ok(MenuResult::Selected { ref items, .. }) if items[0].0.as_str() == Some("gamma"))
+        );
     }
 
     #[tokio::test]
@@ -718,7 +960,9 @@ mod tests {
         let _ = tx.send(Action::Confirm).await;
 
         let result = handle.await.unwrap_or(Ok(MenuResult::Cancelled));
-        assert!(matches!(result, Ok(MenuResult::Selected { ref value, .. }) if value.as_str() == Some("delta")));
+        assert!(
+            matches!(result, Ok(MenuResult::Selected { ref items, .. }) if items[0].0.as_str() == Some("delta"))
+        );
     }
 
     #[tokio::test]
@@ -753,7 +997,9 @@ mod tests {
         let _ = tx.send(Action::Confirm).await;
 
         let result = handle.await.unwrap_or(Ok(MenuResult::Cancelled));
-        assert!(matches!(result, Ok(MenuResult::Selected { ref value, .. }) if value.as_str() == Some("epsilon")));
+        assert!(
+            matches!(result, Ok(MenuResult::Selected { ref items, .. }) if items[0].0.as_str() == Some("epsilon"))
+        );
     }
 
     #[tokio::test]
@@ -805,7 +1051,7 @@ mod tests {
         // Must get "banana". Filter was applied before confirm ran.
         assert!(matches!(
             result,
-            Ok(MenuResult::Selected { ref value, .. }) if value.as_str() == Some("banana")
+            Ok(MenuResult::Selected { ref items, .. }) if items[0].0.as_str() == Some("banana")
         ));
     }
 
@@ -831,7 +1077,7 @@ mod tests {
         // Cursor at index 3 -> "delta"
         assert!(matches!(
             result,
-            Ok(MenuResult::Selected { ref value, .. }) if value.as_str() == Some("delta")
+            Ok(MenuResult::Selected { ref items, .. }) if items[0].0.as_str() == Some("delta")
         ));
     }
 
@@ -927,7 +1173,7 @@ mod tests {
         // Must find "zephyr". It was added before the filter ran.
         assert!(matches!(
             result,
-            Ok(MenuResult::Selected { ref value, .. }) if value.as_str() == Some("zephyr")
+            Ok(MenuResult::Selected { ref items, .. }) if items[0].0.as_str() == Some("zephyr")
         ));
     }
 
@@ -1008,7 +1254,7 @@ mod tests {
         assert!(m.menu.filtered_count() >= 1);
         let outcome = m.apply_action(Action::Confirm);
         // "delta" is at original index 3
-        assert!(matches!(outcome, ActionOutcome::Selected { index: 3, .. }));
+        assert!(matches!(&outcome, ActionOutcome::Selected { items } if items[0].1 == 3));
     }
 
     // -- Quicklist tests --
@@ -1020,10 +1266,7 @@ mod tests {
         match outcome {
             ActionOutcome::Quicklist { items } => {
                 assert_eq!(items.len(), 4);
-                let labels: Vec<&str> = items
+                let labels: Vec<&str> = items.iter().filter_map(|(v, _)| v.as_str()).collect();
-                    .iter()
-                    .filter_map(|(v, _)| v.as_str())
-                    .collect();
                 assert_eq!(labels, vec!["alpha", "beta", "gamma", "delta"]);
             }
             other => panic!("expected Quicklist, got {other:?}"),
@@ -1173,4 +1416,400 @@ mod tests {
         assert!(events.contains(&HookEventKind::Open));
         assert!(events.contains(&HookEventKind::Filter));
     }
+
+    // -- SelectionState unit tests --
+
+    #[test]
+    fn selection_toggle_adds_and_removes() {
+        let mut s = SelectionState::new();
+        s.multi_enabled = true;
+        s.toggle(3);
+        assert!(s.is_selected(3));
+        assert_eq!(s.count(), 1);
+        s.toggle(3);
+        assert!(!s.is_selected(3));
+        assert_eq!(s.count(), 0);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn selection_undo_redo() {
+        let mut s = SelectionState::new();
+        s.multi_enabled = true;
+        s.toggle(1);
+        s.toggle(2);
+        assert_eq!(s.count(), 2);
+        s.undo();
+        assert_eq!(s.count(), 1);
+        assert!(s.is_selected(1));
+        assert!(!s.is_selected(2));
+        s.redo();
+        assert_eq!(s.count(), 2);
+        assert!(s.is_selected(2));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn selection_undo_on_empty_is_noop() {
+        let mut s = SelectionState::new();
+        s.undo();
+        assert_eq!(s.count(), 0);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn selection_redo_on_empty_is_noop() {
+        let mut s = SelectionState::new();
+        s.redo();
+        assert_eq!(s.count(), 0);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn selection_clear_then_undo_restores() {
+        let mut s = SelectionState::new();
+        s.multi_enabled = true;
+        s.toggle(0);
+        s.toggle(2);
+        assert_eq!(s.count(), 2);
+        s.clear();
+        assert_eq!(s.count(), 0);
+        s.undo();
+        assert_eq!(s.count(), 2);
+        assert!(s.is_selected(0));
+        assert!(s.is_selected(2));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn selection_select_range() {
+        let mut s = SelectionState::new();
+        s.multi_enabled = true;
+        s.select_range([1, 2, 3].into_iter());
+        assert_eq!(s.count(), 3);
+        assert!(s.is_selected(1));
+        assert!(s.is_selected(2));
+        assert!(s.is_selected(3));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn selection_select_all() {
+        let mut s = SelectionState::new();
+        s.multi_enabled = true;
+        s.select_all([0, 1, 2, 3].into_iter());
+        assert_eq!(s.count(), 4);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn selection_ordered_items_sorted() {
+        let mut s = SelectionState::new();
+        s.multi_enabled = true;
+        s.toggle(3);
+        s.toggle(1);
+        s.toggle(0);
+        assert_eq!(s.ordered_items(), vec![0, 1, 3]);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn selection_insertion_ordered() {
+        let mut s = SelectionState::new();
+        s.multi_enabled = true;
+        s.toggle(3);
+        s.toggle(1);
+        s.toggle(0);
+        assert_eq!(s.insertion_ordered(), vec![3, 1, 0]);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn selection_new_action_clears_redo() {
+        let mut s = SelectionState::new();
+        s.multi_enabled = true;
+        s.toggle(1);
+        s.toggle(2);
+        s.undo(); // redo stack has the {1,2} state
+        s.toggle(3); // new action, should clear redo
+        s.redo(); // should be noop
+        assert_eq!(s.count(), 2);
+        assert!(s.is_selected(1));
+        assert!(s.is_selected(3));
+    }
+
+    // -- Multi-select integration tests (apply_action) --
+
+    fn ready_multi_menu() -> MenuRunner<JsonMenu> {
+        let (mut m, _tx) = test_menu();
+        m.set_multi(true);
+        m.run_filter();
+        m.apply_action(Action::Resize { height: 10 });
+        m
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn toggle_then_confirm_returns_selected() {
+        let mut m = ready_multi_menu();
+        m.apply_action(Action::MoveDown(1)); // cursor on "beta"
+        m.apply_action(Action::ToggleSelect);
+        let outcome = m.apply_action(Action::Confirm);
+        match outcome {
+            ActionOutcome::Selected { items } => {
+                assert_eq!(items.len(), 1);
+                assert_eq!(items[0].0.as_str(), Some("beta"));
+                assert_eq!(items[0].1, 1);
+            }
+            other => panic!("expected Selected, got {other:?}"),
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn toggle_two_items_confirm_returns_both() {
+        let mut m = ready_multi_menu();
+        m.apply_action(Action::ToggleSelect); // select "alpha" (0)
+        m.apply_action(Action::MoveDown(2)); // cursor on "gamma" (2)
+        m.apply_action(Action::ToggleSelect);
+        let outcome = m.apply_action(Action::Confirm);
+        match outcome {
+            ActionOutcome::Selected { items } => {
+                assert_eq!(items.len(), 2);
+                // Default order = input order
+                assert_eq!(items[0].0.as_str(), Some("alpha"));
+                assert_eq!(items[1].0.as_str(), Some("gamma"));
+            }
+            other => panic!("expected Selected, got {other:?}"),
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn toggle_then_untoggle_falls_back_to_cursor() {
+        let mut m = ready_multi_menu();
+        m.apply_action(Action::MoveDown(1)); // cursor on "beta"
+        m.apply_action(Action::ToggleSelect);
+        m.apply_action(Action::ToggleSelect); // untoggle
+        let outcome = m.apply_action(Action::Confirm);
+        match outcome {
+            ActionOutcome::Selected { items } => {
+                // No selections, fallback to cursor
+                assert_eq!(items.len(), 1);
+                assert_eq!(items[0].0.as_str(), Some("beta"));
+            }
+            other => panic!("expected Selected, got {other:?}"),
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn multi_no_selections_returns_cursor() {
+        let mut m = ready_multi_menu();
+        m.apply_action(Action::MoveDown(2)); // cursor on "gamma"
+        let outcome = m.apply_action(Action::Confirm);
+        match outcome {
+            ActionOutcome::Selected { items } => {
+                assert_eq!(items.len(), 1);
+                assert_eq!(items[0].0.as_str(), Some("gamma"));
+            }
+            other => panic!("expected Selected, got {other:?}"),
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn select_all_then_confirm() {
+        let mut m = ready_multi_menu();
+        m.apply_action(Action::SelectAll);
+        let outcome = m.apply_action(Action::Confirm);
+        match outcome {
+            ActionOutcome::Selected { items } => {
+                assert_eq!(items.len(), 4);
+                let labels: Vec<&str> = items.iter().filter_map(|(v, _)| v.as_str()).collect();
+                assert_eq!(labels, vec!["alpha", "beta", "gamma", "delta"]);
+            }
+            other => panic!("expected Selected, got {other:?}"),
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn clear_selections_after_select() {
+        let mut m = ready_multi_menu();
+        m.apply_action(Action::ToggleSelect); // select alpha
+        m.apply_action(Action::ClearSelections);
+        assert_eq!(m.selection.count(), 0);
+        let outcome = m.apply_action(Action::Confirm);
+        match outcome {
+            ActionOutcome::Selected { items } => {
+                assert_eq!(items.len(), 1);
+                assert_eq!(items[0].0.as_str(), Some("alpha")); // cursor item
+            }
+            other => panic!("expected Selected, got {other:?}"),
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn undo_redo_through_apply_action() {
+        let mut m = ready_multi_menu();
+        m.apply_action(Action::ToggleSelect); // select alpha
+        m.apply_action(Action::MoveDown(1));
+        m.apply_action(Action::ToggleSelect); // select beta
+        assert_eq!(m.selection.count(), 2);
+        m.apply_action(Action::UndoSelection);
+        assert_eq!(m.selection.count(), 1);
+        assert!(m.selection.is_selected(0)); // alpha
+        assert!(!m.selection.is_selected(1)); // beta undone
+        m.apply_action(Action::RedoSelection);
+        assert_eq!(m.selection.count(), 2);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn selections_survive_filter_change() {
+        let mut m = ready_multi_menu();
+        m.apply_action(Action::ToggleSelect); // select alpha (orig idx 0)
+        m.apply_action(Action::MoveDown(1));
+        m.apply_action(Action::ToggleSelect); // select beta (orig idx 1)
+        // Change filter
+        m.apply_action(Action::UpdateFilter("del".to_string()));
+        // Selections should survive
+        assert_eq!(m.selection.count(), 2);
+        assert!(m.selection.is_selected(0));
+        assert!(m.selection.is_selected(1));
+        // Confirm should return the selected items (alpha, beta) even
+        // though they're not in the filtered set
+        let outcome = m.apply_action(Action::Confirm);
+        match outcome {
+            ActionOutcome::Selected { items } => {
+                assert_eq!(items.len(), 2);
+                assert_eq!(items[0].0.as_str(), Some("alpha"));
+                assert_eq!(items[1].0.as_str(), Some("beta"));
+            }
+            other => panic!("expected Selected, got {other:?}"),
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn multi_disabled_toggle_is_noop() {
+        let mut m = ready_menu(); // not multi
+        let outcome = m.apply_action(Action::ToggleSelect);
+        assert!(matches!(outcome, ActionOutcome::NoOp));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn select_range_selects_all_in_range() {
+        let mut m = ready_multi_menu();
+        m.apply_action(Action::SelectRange { start: 1, end: 3 });
+        assert_eq!(m.selection.count(), 3);
+        assert!(!m.selection.is_selected(0));
+        assert!(m.selection.is_selected(1));
+        assert!(m.selection.is_selected(2));
+        assert!(m.selection.is_selected(3));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn visual_anchor_set_on_visual_mode() {
+        let mut m = ready_multi_menu();
+        m.apply_action(Action::MoveDown(2)); // cursor at 2
+        m.apply_action(Action::SetMode(Mode::Visual));
+        assert_eq!(m.visual_anchor, Some(2));
+        m.apply_action(Action::SetMode(Mode::Normal));
+        assert_eq!(m.visual_anchor, None);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn view_state_shows_selection() {
+        let mut m = ready_multi_menu();
+        m.apply_action(Action::ToggleSelect); // select alpha
+        let vs = m.build_view_state();
+        assert!(vs.multi_enabled);
+        assert_eq!(vs.selection_count, 1);
+        assert!(vs.visible_items[0].selected);
+        assert!(!vs.visible_items[1].selected);
+    }
+
+    // -- Column / table mode tests --
+
+    use crate::model::column::ColumnConfig;
+
+    fn table_menu() -> MenuRunner<JsonMenu> {
+        let items = vec![
+            Item::new(
+                serde_json::json!({"label": "alice", "meta": {"age": "30", "city": "toronto"}}),
+                "label",
+            ),
+            Item::new(
+                serde_json::json!({"label": "bob", "meta": {"age": "25", "city": "vancouver"}}),
+                "label",
+            ),
+            Item::new(
+                serde_json::json!({"label": "charlie", "meta": {"age": "35", "city": "montreal"}}),
+                "label",
+            ),
+        ];
+        let mut json_menu = JsonMenu::new(items, "label".to_string());
+        json_menu.set_column_config(ColumnConfig::parse("label,meta.age:Age,meta.city:City"));
+        let (runner, _tx) = MenuRunner::new(json_menu);
+        runner
+    }
+
+    fn ready_table_menu() -> MenuRunner<JsonMenu> {
+        let mut m = table_menu();
+        m.run_filter();
+        m.apply_action(Action::Resize { height: 10 });
+        m
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn view_state_has_columns_when_config_set() {
+        let mut m = ready_table_menu();
+        let vs = m.build_view_state();
+        assert!(vs.columns.is_some(), "columns should be Some");
+        let cols = vs.columns.as_ref().unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(cols.len(), 3);
+        assert_eq!(cols[0].display_name, "label");
+        assert_eq!(cols[1].display_name, "Age");
+        assert_eq!(cols[2].display_name, "City");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn view_state_column_widths_computed() {
+        let mut m = ready_table_menu();
+        let vs = m.build_view_state();
+        let cols = vs.columns.as_ref().unwrap();
+        // "label" header is 5 chars, "charlie" is 7 chars: width should be 7
+        assert_eq!(cols[0].width, 7);
+        // "Age" header is 3 chars, max cell "35" is 2 chars: width should be 3
+        assert_eq!(cols[1].width, 3);
+        // "City" header is 4 chars, "vancouver" is 9 chars: width should be 9
+        assert_eq!(cols[2].width, 9);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn view_state_items_have_column_values() {
+        let mut m = ready_table_menu();
+        let vs = m.build_view_state();
+        let item = &vs.visible_items[0];
+        assert!(item.column_values.is_some());
+        let vals = item.column_values.as_ref().unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(vals, &["alice", "30", "toronto"]);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn view_state_no_columns_without_config() {
+        let mut m = ready_menu();
+        let vs = m.build_view_state();
+        assert!(vs.columns.is_none());
+        assert!(vs.visible_items[0].column_values.is_none());
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn table_mode_filter_still_works() {
+        let mut m = ready_table_menu();
+        m.apply_action(Action::UpdateFilter("bob".to_string()));
+        let vs = m.build_view_state();
+        assert_eq!(vs.total_filtered, 1);
+        assert_eq!(vs.visible_items[0].label, "bob");
+        // Column values should still be present
+        let vals = vs.visible_items[0].column_values.as_ref().unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(vals, &["bob", "25", "vancouver"]);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn table_mode_column_widths_change_with_filter() {
+        let mut m = ready_table_menu();
+        m.apply_action(Action::UpdateFilter("alice".to_string()));
+        let vs = m.build_view_state();
+        let cols = vs.columns.as_ref().unwrap();
+        // Only "alice" visible now, so label width = max(5, 5) = 5
+        assert_eq!(cols[0].width, 5);
+        // City "toronto" (7) vs header "City" (4): width = 7
+        assert_eq!(cols[2].width, 7);
+    }
 }

crates/pikl-core/src/runtime/mod.rs

@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+pub mod csv_input;
 pub mod debounce;
 pub mod hook;
 pub mod input;

crates/pikl-core/src/script/action_fd/parse.rs

@@ -132,20 +132,26 @@ pub fn parse_action(line_number: usize, line: &str) -> Result<ScriptAction, Scri
                     line_number,
                     line,
                     "set-mode",
-                    "missing mode value (insert or normal)".to_string(),
+                    "missing mode value (insert, normal, or visual)".to_string(),
                 ));
             };
             match mode_str.trim() {
                 "insert" => Ok(ScriptAction::Core(Action::SetMode(Mode::Insert))),
                 "normal" => Ok(ScriptAction::Core(Action::SetMode(Mode::Normal))),
+                "visual" => Ok(ScriptAction::Core(Action::SetMode(Mode::Visual))),
                 other => Err(invalid_arg(
                     line_number,
                     line,
                     "set-mode",
-                    format!("unknown mode '{other}', expected insert or normal"),
+                    format!("unknown mode '{other}', expected insert, normal, or visual"),
                 )),
             }
         }
+        "toggle-select" => Ok(ScriptAction::Core(Action::ToggleSelect)),
+        "select-all" => Ok(ScriptAction::Core(Action::SelectAll)),
+        "deselect-all" => Ok(ScriptAction::Core(Action::ClearSelections)),
+        "undo-selection" => Ok(ScriptAction::Core(Action::UndoSelection)),
+        "redo-selection" => Ok(ScriptAction::Core(Action::RedoSelection)),
         "confirm" => Ok(ScriptAction::Core(Action::Confirm)),
         "cancel" => Ok(ScriptAction::Core(Action::Cancel)),
         "resize" => {
@@ -439,7 +445,10 @@ mod tests {
 
     #[test]
     fn parse_set_mode_invalid() {
-        assert!(parse_action(1, "set-mode visual").is_err());
+        assert_eq!(
+            parse_action(1, "set-mode visual").unwrap_or(ScriptAction::Comment),
+            ScriptAction::Core(Action::SetMode(Mode::Visual))
+        );
     }
 
     #[test]
@@ -645,6 +654,30 @@ mod tests {
         assert!(parse_action(1, "half-page-up xyz").is_err());
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn parse_selection_actions() {
+        assert_eq!(
+            parse_action(1, "toggle-select").unwrap_or(ScriptAction::Comment),
+            ScriptAction::Core(Action::ToggleSelect)
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            parse_action(1, "select-all").unwrap_or(ScriptAction::Comment),
+            ScriptAction::Core(Action::SelectAll)
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            parse_action(1, "deselect-all").unwrap_or(ScriptAction::Comment),
+            ScriptAction::Core(Action::ClearSelections)
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            parse_action(1, "undo-selection").unwrap_or(ScriptAction::Comment),
+            ScriptAction::Core(Action::UndoSelection)
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            parse_action(1, "redo-selection").unwrap_or(ScriptAction::Comment),
+            ScriptAction::Core(Action::RedoSelection)
+        );
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn parse_set_mode_wrong_case() {
         assert!(parse_action(1, "set-mode Insert").is_err());

crates/pikl-core/tests/dsl_tests.rs

@@ -286,6 +286,48 @@ pikl_tests! {
         }
     }
 
+    menu mod multi_select_basic {
+        items: ["alpha", "bravo", "charlie", "delta"];
+        multi: true;
+
+        test toggle_one_then_confirm {
+            actions: [toggle-select, confirm]
+            selected_items: ["alpha"]
+        }
+
+        test toggle_two_then_confirm {
+            actions: [toggle-select, move-down, move-down, toggle-select, confirm]
+            selected_items: ["alpha", "charlie"]
+        }
+
+        test no_selection_falls_back_to_cursor {
+            actions: [move-down, confirm]
+            selected: "bravo"
+        }
+
+        test select_all_then_confirm {
+            actions: [select-all, confirm]
+            selected_items: ["alpha", "bravo", "charlie", "delta"]
+        }
+
+        test clear_selections_resets {
+            actions: [toggle-select, move-down, toggle-select, clear-selections, confirm]
+            // Falls back to cursor item (bravo, since we moved down once)
+            selected: "bravo"
+        }
+
+        test undo_restores_previous {
+            actions: [toggle-select, move-down, toggle-select, undo-selection, confirm]
+            // Undo reverts the second toggle, only alpha remains
+            selected_items: ["alpha"]
+        }
+
+        test redo_after_undo {
+            actions: [toggle-select, move-down, toggle-select, undo-selection, redo-selection, confirm]
+            selected_items: ["alpha", "bravo"]
+        }
+    }
+
     nav mod half_page_small_height {
         viewport: { height: 2, count: 10 };
 

crates/pikl-test-macros/src/codegen.rs

@@ -92,12 +92,15 @@ fn gen_headless(case: &TestCase, fixtures: &Fixtures) -> syn::Result<TokenStream
     // Build script string from actions
     let script = build_headless_script(&case.actions);
 
-    // Build extra CLI args (e.g. --label-key)
+    // Build extra CLI args (e.g. --label-key, --multi)
-    let extra_args: Vec<TokenStream> = if let Some(ref key) = fixtures.label_key {
+    let mut extra_args: Vec<TokenStream> = Vec::new();
-        vec![quote! { "--label-key" }, quote! { #key }]
+    if let Some(ref key) = fixtures.label_key {
-    } else {
+        extra_args.push(quote! { "--label-key" });
-        Vec::new()
+        extra_args.push(quote! { #key });
-    };
+    }
+    if fixtures.multi == Some(true) {
+        extra_args.push(quote! { "--multi" });
+    }
 
     // Build assertions
     let mut asserts = Vec::new();
@@ -138,6 +141,16 @@ fn gen_headless(case: &TestCase, fixtures: &Fixtures) -> syn::Result<TokenStream
         });
     }
 
+    if asserts.is_empty() {
+        return Err(syn::Error::new(
+            case.name.span(),
+            format!(
+                "headless test '{}' has no assertions (expected stdout, stderr contains, or exit)",
+                case.name
+            ),
+        ));
+    }
+
     Ok(quote! {
         #[test]
         fn #test_name() {
@@ -327,7 +340,9 @@ fn gen_menu(case: &TestCase, fixtures: &Fixtures) -> syn::Result<TokenStream> {
     } else if let Some(ref expected) = case.selected {
         quote! {
             match &result {
-                Ok(MenuResult::Selected { value, .. }) => {
+                Ok(MenuResult::Selected { items, .. }) => {
+                    assert!(!items.is_empty(), "expected Selected with items, got empty");
+                    let value = &items[0].0;
                     let got = value.as_str()
                         .or_else(|| value.get(#label_key).and_then(|v| v.as_str()))
                         .unwrap_or("");
@@ -339,20 +354,51 @@ fn gen_menu(case: &TestCase, fixtures: &Fixtures) -> syn::Result<TokenStream> {
                 other => panic!("expected Selected, got: {:?}", other),
             }
         }
+    } else if let Some(ref expected) = case.selected_items {
+        quote! {
+            match &result {
+                Ok(MenuResult::Selected { items, .. }) => {
+                    let mut labels: Vec<&str> = items.iter()
+                        .filter_map(|(v, _)| v.as_str()
+                            .or_else(|| v.get(#label_key).and_then(|v| v.as_str())))
+                        .collect();
+                    labels.sort();
+                    let mut expected = vec![#(#expected),*];
+                    expected.sort();
+                    assert_eq!(
+                        labels, expected,
+                        "expected selected_items {:?}, got {:?}", expected, labels
+                    );
+                }
+                other => panic!("expected Selected, got: {:?}", other),
+            }
+        }
     } else {
-        // No assertion on result. Probably an error, but let it compile.
+        return Err(syn::Error::new(
-        quote! {}
+            case.name.span(),
+            format!(
+                "menu test '{}' has no result assertion (expected selected, selected_items, or cancelled)",
+                case.name
+            ),
+        ));
     };
 
     // If test expects cancellation via sender drop (no cancel action, no confirm),
     // we need to drop tx after sending actions.
     let drop_sender = quote! { drop(tx); };
 
+    let multi_setup = if fixtures.multi == Some(true) {
+        quote! { menu.set_multi(true); }
+    } else {
+        quote! {}
+    };
+
     Ok(quote! {
         #[tokio::test]
         async fn #test_name() {
             let items = vec![#(#item_exprs),*];
-            let (menu, tx) = MenuRunner::new(JsonMenu::new(items, #label_key.to_string()));
+            let (mut menu, tx) = MenuRunner::new(JsonMenu::new(items, #label_key.to_string()));
+            #multi_setup
             let mut rx = menu.subscribe();
             let handle = tokio::spawn(async move { menu.run().await });
 
@@ -427,6 +473,12 @@ fn menu_action_variant(name: &str) -> syn::Result<TokenStream> {
         "half-page-down" => quote! { Action::HalfPageDown(1) },
         "set-mode-insert" => quote! { Action::SetMode(pikl_core::event::Mode::Insert) },
         "set-mode-normal" => quote! { Action::SetMode(pikl_core::event::Mode::Normal) },
+        "set-mode-visual" => quote! { Action::SetMode(pikl_core::event::Mode::Visual) },
+        "toggle-select" => quote! { Action::ToggleSelect },
+        "select-all" => quote! { Action::SelectAll },
+        "clear-selections" => quote! { Action::ClearSelections },
+        "undo-selection" => quote! { Action::UndoSelection },
+        "redo-selection" => quote! { Action::RedoSelection },
         _ => {
             return Err(syn::Error::new(
                 Span::call_site(),

crates/pikl-test-macros/src/parse.rs

@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@ pub struct Fixtures {
     pub items: Option<Vec<String>>,
     pub label_key: Option<String>,
     pub viewport: Option<(usize, usize)>, // (height, count)
+    pub multi: Option<bool>,
 }
 
 pub struct TestCase {
@@ -44,6 +45,7 @@ pub struct TestCase {
     pub cursor: Option<usize>,
     pub offset: Option<usize>,
     pub selected: Option<String>,
+    pub selected_items: Option<Vec<String>>,
     pub cancelled: bool,
 }
 
@@ -89,6 +91,7 @@ impl Parse for TestModule {
             items: None,
             label_key: None,
             viewport: None,
+            multi: None,
         };
         let mut tests = Vec::new();
 
@@ -120,11 +123,18 @@ impl Parse for TestModule {
                     fixtures.viewport = Some(parse_viewport_def(&content)?);
                     eat_semi(&content);
                 }
+                "multi" => {
+                    consume_ident_or_keyword(&content)?;
+                    content.parse::<Token![:]>()?;
+                    let val: syn::LitBool = content.parse()?;
+                    fixtures.multi = Some(val.value);
+                    eat_semi(&content);
+                }
                 _ => {
                     return Err(syn::Error::new(
                         content.span(),
                         format!(
-                            "unexpected field '{ident_str}', expected test, items, label_key, or viewport"
+                            "unexpected field '{ident_str}', expected test, items, label_key, viewport, or multi"
                         ),
                     ));
                 }
@@ -163,6 +173,7 @@ fn parse_test_case(input: ParseStream) -> syn::Result<TestCase> {
         cursor: None,
         offset: None,
         selected: None,
+        selected_items: None,
         cancelled: false,
     };
 
@@ -224,6 +235,10 @@ fn parse_test_case(input: ParseStream) -> syn::Result<TestCase> {
                 let val: LitStr = content.parse()?;
                 case.selected = Some(val.value());
             }
+            "selected_items" => {
+                content.parse::<Token![:]>()?;
+                case.selected_items = Some(parse_string_list(&content)?);
+            }
             "cancelled" => {
                 // Just the keyword presence means true. Optionally parse `: true`.
                 if content.peek(Token![:]) {

crates/pikl-tui/src/lib.rs

@@ -71,24 +71,36 @@ async fn run_inner(
     // Send initial resize
     let size = terminal.size()?;
     let list_height = size.height.saturating_sub(1);
-    let _ = action_tx
+    if action_tx
         .send(Action::Resize {
             height: list_height,
         })
-        .await;
+        .await
+        .is_err()
+    {
+        tracing::warn!("core channel closed before TUI started");
+        return Ok(());
+    }
 
+    // Local copy of filter text for immediate cursor positioning.
+    // Synced from core on every StateChanged. Core is the source
+    // of truth: if IPC or a hook changes the filter, the next
+    // broadcast overwrites this.
     let mut filter_text = String::new();
     let mut view_state: Option<ViewState> = None;
     let mut event_stream = EventStream::new();
     let mut mode = Mode::Insert;
     let mut pending = PendingKey::None;
     let mut last_generation: u64 = 0;
+    let mut multi_enabled = false;
+    let mut visual_anchor: Option<usize> = None;
 
     loop {
         if let Some(ref vs) = view_state {
             let ft = filter_text.clone();
+            let anchor = visual_anchor;
             terminal.draw(|frame| {
-                render_menu(frame, vs, &ft);
+                render_menu(frame, vs, &ft, anchor);
             })?;
         }
 
@@ -100,18 +112,37 @@ async fn run_inner(
                 let event = event_result?;
                 match event {
                     Event::Key(key) => {
-                        if let Some(action) = map_key_event(key, &mut filter_text, mode, &mut pending) {
+                        // Handle multi-action keys (Tab, Space in normal/visual)
+                        // before the single-action map_key_event path.
+                        let handled = handle_multi_action_key(
+                            key, mode, multi_enabled, &mut visual_anchor,
+                            &view_state, action_tx,
+                        ).await;
+                        if !handled
+                            && let Some(action) = map_key_event(key, &mut filter_text, mode, &mut pending)
+                        {
                             // Track mode locally for key mapping
                             if let Action::SetMode(m) = &action {
+                                if *m == Mode::Visual {
+                                    if let Some(ref vs) = view_state {
+                                        visual_anchor = Some(vs.cursor);
+                                    }
+                                } else if mode == Mode::Visual {
+                                    visual_anchor = None;
+                                }
                                 mode = *m;
                                 pending = PendingKey::None;
                             }
-                            let _ = action_tx.send(action).await;
+                            if action_tx.send(action).await.is_err() {
+                                break; // core is gone
+                            }
                         }
                     }
                     Event::Resize(_, h) => {
                         let list_height = h.saturating_sub(1);
-                        let _ = action_tx.send(Action::Resize { height: list_height }).await;
+                        if action_tx.send(Action::Resize { height: list_height }).await.is_err() {
+                            break;
+                        }
                     }
                     _ => {}
                 }
@@ -136,6 +167,7 @@ async fn run_inner(
                             mode = vs.mode;
                             pending = PendingKey::None;
                         }
+                        multi_enabled = vs.multi_enabled;
                         view_state = Some(vs);
                     }
                     Ok(MenuEvent::Selected(_) | MenuEvent::Quicklist(_) | MenuEvent::Cancelled) => {
@@ -155,12 +187,112 @@ async fn run_inner(
     Ok(())
 }
 
+/// Handle keys that need to send multiple actions (Tab, Space
+/// in normal mode, visual mode apply/cancel). Returns true
+/// if the key was consumed.
+async fn handle_multi_action_key(
+    key: KeyEvent,
+    mode: Mode,
+    multi_enabled: bool,
+    visual_anchor: &mut Option<usize>,
+    view_state: &Option<ViewState>,
+    action_tx: &mpsc::Sender<Action>,
+) -> bool {
+    match mode {
+        Mode::Insert => {
+            if !multi_enabled {
+                return false;
+            }
+            match key.code {
+                KeyCode::Tab => {
+                    let _ = action_tx.send(Action::ToggleSelect).await;
+                    let _ = action_tx.send(Action::MoveDown(1)).await;
+                    true
+                }
+                KeyCode::BackTab => {
+                    let _ = action_tx.send(Action::ToggleSelect).await;
+                    let _ = action_tx.send(Action::MoveUp(1)).await;
+                    true
+                }
+                _ => false,
+            }
+        }
+        Mode::Normal => {
+            if !multi_enabled {
+                return false;
+            }
+            match (key.code, key.modifiers) {
+                (KeyCode::Char(' '), m)
+                    if !m.intersects(KeyModifiers::CONTROL | KeyModifiers::ALT) =>
+                {
+                    let _ = action_tx.send(Action::ToggleSelect).await;
+                    let _ = action_tx.send(Action::MoveDown(1)).await;
+                    true
+                }
+                (KeyCode::Tab, _) => {
+                    let _ = action_tx.send(Action::ToggleSelect).await;
+                    let _ = action_tx.send(Action::MoveDown(1)).await;
+                    true
+                }
+                (KeyCode::BackTab, _) => {
+                    let _ = action_tx.send(Action::ToggleSelect).await;
+                    let _ = action_tx.send(Action::MoveUp(1)).await;
+                    true
+                }
+                _ => false,
+            }
+        }
+        Mode::Visual => {
+            match (key.code, key.modifiers) {
+                (KeyCode::Char(' '), m) | (KeyCode::Enter, m)
+                    if !m.intersects(KeyModifiers::ALT) =>
+                {
+                    // Apply visual selection
+                    if let (Some(anchor), Some(vs)) = (*visual_anchor, view_state) {
+                        let cursor = vs.cursor;
+                        let _ = action_tx
+                            .send(Action::SelectRange {
+                                start: anchor,
+                                end: cursor,
+                            })
+                            .await;
+                    }
+                    *visual_anchor = None;
+                    let _ = action_tx.send(Action::SetMode(Mode::Normal)).await;
+                    true
+                }
+                _ => false,
+            }
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 /// 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) {
+fn render_menu(
+    frame: &mut ratatui::Frame,
+    vs: &ViewState,
+    filter_text: &str,
+    visual_anchor: Option<usize>,
+) {
+    let is_table = vs.columns.is_some();
+
+    let constraints = if is_table {
+        vec![
+            Constraint::Length(1), // prompt
+            Constraint::Length(1), // header row
+            Constraint::Min(1),    // items
+        ]
+    } else {
+        vec![
+            Constraint::Length(1), // prompt
+            Constraint::Min(1),    // items
+        ]
+    };
+
     let chunks = Layout::default()
         .direction(Direction::Vertical)
-        .constraints([Constraint::Length(1), Constraint::Min(1)])
+        .constraints(constraints)
         .split(frame.area());
 
     let filtered_count = vs.total_filtered;
@@ -169,9 +301,10 @@ fn render_menu(frame: &mut ratatui::Frame, vs: &ViewState, filter_text: &str) {
     let mode_indicator = match vs.mode {
         Mode::Insert => "[I]",
         Mode::Normal => "[N]",
+        Mode::Visual => "[V]",
     };
 
-    let prompt = Paragraph::new(Line::from(vec![
+    let mut prompt_spans = vec![
         Span::styled(
             format!("{mode_indicator}> "),
             Style::default().fg(Color::Cyan),
@@ -181,7 +314,16 @@ fn render_menu(frame: &mut ratatui::Frame, vs: &ViewState, filter_text: &str) {
             format!("  {filtered_count}/{total_count}"),
             Style::default().fg(Color::DarkGray),
         ),
-    ]));
+    ];
+
+    if vs.selection_count > 0 {
+        prompt_spans.push(Span::styled(
+            format!("  [{}]", vs.selection_count),
+            Style::default().fg(Color::Yellow),
+        ));
+    }
+
+    let prompt = Paragraph::new(Line::from(prompt_spans));
     frame.render_widget(prompt, chunks[0]);
 
     // mode_indicator len + "> " = mode_indicator.len() + 2
@@ -192,23 +334,111 @@ fn render_menu(frame: &mut ratatui::Frame, vs: &ViewState, filter_text: &str) {
         frame.set_cursor_position(((prompt_prefix_len + filter_text.len()) as u16, 0));
     }
 
+    // Render table header if in table mode
+    if let Some(ref columns) = vs.columns {
+        let header_chunk = chunks[1];
+        let header_spans: Vec<Span> = columns
+            .iter()
+            .enumerate()
+            .flat_map(|(i, col)| {
+                let mut spans = Vec::new();
+                if i > 0 {
+                    spans.push(Span::styled(
+                        " \u{2502} ",
+                        Style::default().fg(Color::DarkGray),
+                    ));
+                }
+                spans.push(Span::styled(
+                    format!("{:<width$}", col.display_name, width = col.width as usize),
+                    Style::default()
+                        .add_modifier(Modifier::BOLD)
+                        .add_modifier(Modifier::UNDERLINED),
+                ));
+                spans
+            })
+            .collect();
+        let header_line = Paragraph::new(Line::from(header_spans));
+        frame.render_widget(header_line, header_chunk);
+    }
+
+    let list_chunk = if is_table { chunks[2] } else { chunks[1] };
+
+    // Determine visual range for highlighting
+    let visual_range = if vs.mode == Mode::Visual {
+        visual_anchor.map(|anchor| {
+            let min = anchor.min(vs.cursor);
+            let max = anchor.max(vs.cursor);
+            min..=max
+        })
+    } else {
+        None
+    };
+
     let items: Vec<ListItem> = vs
         .visible_items
         .iter()
         .enumerate()
         .map(|(i, vi)| {
-            let style = if i == vs.cursor {
+            let in_visual = visual_range.as_ref().is_some_and(|r| r.contains(&i));
+            let mut style = if i == vs.cursor {
                 Style::default().add_modifier(Modifier::REVERSED)
+            } else if in_visual {
+                Style::default().fg(Color::Black).bg(Color::Blue)
             } else {
                 Style::default()
             };
+
+            if vi.selected {
+                style = style.fg(Color::Green);
+            }
+
+            // Table mode: render cells padded to column widths
+            if let (Some(col_vals), Some(columns)) = (&vi.column_values, &vs.columns) {
+                let marker = if vs.multi_enabled {
+                    if vi.selected { "* " } else { "  " }
+                } else {
+                    ""
+                };
+                let cell_spans: Vec<Span> = columns
+                    .iter()
+                    .enumerate()
+                    .flat_map(|(ci, col)| {
+                        let mut spans = Vec::new();
+                        if ci > 0 {
+                            spans.push(Span::styled(
+                                " \u{2502} ",
+                                Style::default().fg(Color::DarkGray),
+                            ));
+                        }
+                        let cell = col_vals.get(ci).map(|s| s.as_str()).unwrap_or("");
+                        spans.push(Span::raw(format!(
+                            "{:<width$}",
+                            cell,
+                            width = col.width as usize
+                        )));
+                        spans
+                    })
+                    .collect();
+                let mut all_spans = Vec::new();
+                if !marker.is_empty() {
+                    all_spans.push(Span::raw(marker));
+                }
+                all_spans.extend(cell_spans);
+                ListItem::new(Line::from(all_spans)).style(style)
+            } else {
+                let marker = if vi.selected { "* " } else { "  " };
                 let text = vi.formatted_text.as_deref().unwrap_or(vi.label.as_str());
+                if vs.multi_enabled {
+                    ListItem::new(format!("{marker}{text}")).style(style)
+                } else {
                     ListItem::new(text).style(style)
+                }
+            }
         })
         .collect();
 
     let list = List::new(items);
-    frame.render_widget(list, chunks[1]);
+    frame.render_widget(list, list_chunk);
 }
 
 /// Map a crossterm key event to an [`Action`], updating
@@ -223,6 +453,7 @@ fn map_key_event(
     match mode {
         Mode::Insert => map_insert_mode(key, filter_text),
         Mode::Normal => map_normal_mode(key, pending),
+        Mode::Visual => map_visual_mode(key, pending),
     }
 }
 
@@ -289,6 +520,12 @@ fn map_normal_mode(key: KeyEvent, pending: &mut PendingKey) -> Option<Action> {
         (KeyCode::Char('q'), m) if !m.intersects(KeyModifiers::CONTROL | KeyModifiers::ALT) => {
             Some(Action::Cancel)
         }
+        (KeyCode::Char('V'), _) => Some(Action::SetMode(Mode::Visual)),
+        (KeyCode::Char('U'), _) => Some(Action::ClearSelections),
+        (KeyCode::Char('u'), m) if !m.intersects(KeyModifiers::CONTROL | KeyModifiers::ALT) => {
+            Some(Action::UndoSelection)
+        }
+        (KeyCode::Char('r'), KeyModifiers::CONTROL) => Some(Action::RedoSelection),
         (KeyCode::Enter, _) => Some(Action::Confirm),
         (KeyCode::Esc, _) => Some(Action::Cancel),
         (KeyCode::Up, _) => Some(Action::MoveUp(1)),
@@ -297,6 +534,41 @@ fn map_normal_mode(key: KeyEvent, pending: &mut PendingKey) -> Option<Action> {
     }
 }
 
+/// Visual mode: movement keys extend the range, V cancels,
+/// Space/Enter apply (handled in handle_multi_action_key).
+fn map_visual_mode(key: KeyEvent, pending: &mut PendingKey) -> Option<Action> {
+    // Handle pending `g` key for `gg` sequence
+    if *pending == PendingKey::G {
+        *pending = PendingKey::None;
+        if key.code == KeyCode::Char('g')
+            && !key
+                .modifiers
+                .intersects(KeyModifiers::CONTROL | KeyModifiers::ALT)
+        {
+            return Some(Action::MoveToTop);
+        }
+    }
+
+    match (key.code, key.modifiers) {
+        (KeyCode::Char('j'), m) | (KeyCode::Down, m) if !m.intersects(KeyModifiers::ALT) => {
+            Some(Action::MoveDown(1))
+        }
+        (KeyCode::Char('k'), m) | (KeyCode::Up, m) if !m.intersects(KeyModifiers::ALT) => {
+            Some(Action::MoveUp(1))
+        }
+        (KeyCode::Char('G'), _) => Some(Action::MoveToBottom),
+        (KeyCode::Char('g'), m) if !m.intersects(KeyModifiers::CONTROL | KeyModifiers::ALT) => {
+            *pending = PendingKey::G;
+            None
+        }
+        // V cancels visual mode, no selection applied
+        (KeyCode::Char('V'), _) => Some(Action::SetMode(Mode::Normal)),
+        // Escape always cancels the menu
+        (KeyCode::Esc, _) => Some(Action::Cancel),
+        _ => None,
+    }
+}
+
 #[cfg(test)]
 mod tests {
     use super::*;
@@ -331,16 +603,22 @@ mod tests {
                     label: "alpha".into(),
                     formatted_text: None,
                     index: 0,
+                    selected: false,
+                    column_values: None,
                 },
                 VisibleItem {
                     label: "bravo".into(),
                     formatted_text: None,
                     index: 1,
+                    selected: false,
+                    column_values: None,
                 },
                 VisibleItem {
                     label: "charlie".into(),
                     formatted_text: None,
                     index: 2,
+                    selected: false,
+                    column_values: None,
                 },
             ],
             cursor: 0,
@@ -348,6 +626,9 @@ mod tests {
             total_items: 5,
             total_filtered: 3,
             mode: Mode::Insert,
+            selection_count: 0,
+            multi_enabled: false,
+            columns: None,
             generation: 1,
         }
     }
@@ -703,7 +984,7 @@ mod tests {
         let mut terminal = Terminal::new(backend).ok().expect("test terminal");
         terminal
             .draw(|frame| {
-                render_menu(frame, vs, filter);
+                render_menu(frame, vs, filter, None);
             })
             .ok()
             .expect("draw");
@@ -820,6 +1101,9 @@ mod tests {
             total_items: 0,
             total_filtered: 0,
             mode: Mode::Insert,
+            selection_count: 0,
+            multi_enabled: false,
+            columns: None,
             generation: 1,
         };
         let backend = render_to_backend(30, 4, &vs, "");
@@ -853,7 +1137,7 @@ mod tests {
         let mut terminal = Terminal::new(backend).ok().expect("test terminal");
         terminal
             .draw(|frame| {
-                render_menu(frame, &vs, "hi");
+                render_menu(frame, &vs, "hi", None);
             })
             .ok()
             .expect("draw");
@@ -871,7 +1155,7 @@ mod tests {
         let mut terminal = Terminal::new(backend).ok().expect("test terminal");
         terminal
             .draw(|frame| {
-                render_menu(frame, &vs, "");
+                render_menu(frame, &vs, "", None);
             })
             .ok()
             .expect("draw");
@@ -893,6 +1177,157 @@ mod tests {
         );
     }
 
+    // -- Table mode rendering tests --
+
+    use pikl_core::event::ColumnHeader;
+
+    fn table_view_state() -> ViewState {
+        ViewState {
+            visible_items: vec![
+                VisibleItem {
+                    label: "alice".into(),
+                    formatted_text: None,
+                    index: 0,
+                    selected: false,
+                    column_values: Some(vec!["alice".into(), "30".into(), "toronto".into()]),
+                },
+                VisibleItem {
+                    label: "bob".into(),
+                    formatted_text: None,
+                    index: 1,
+                    selected: false,
+                    column_values: Some(vec!["bob".into(), "25".into(), "vancouver".into()]),
+                },
+            ],
+            cursor: 0,
+            filter_text: Arc::from(""),
+            total_items: 2,
+            total_filtered: 2,
+            mode: Mode::Insert,
+            selection_count: 0,
+            multi_enabled: false,
+            columns: Some(vec![
+                ColumnHeader {
+                    display_name: "name".into(),
+                    width: 9,
+                },
+                ColumnHeader {
+                    display_name: "age".into(),
+                    width: 3,
+                },
+                ColumnHeader {
+                    display_name: "city".into(),
+                    width: 9,
+                },
+            ]),
+            generation: 1,
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn table_renders_header_row() {
+        let vs = table_view_state();
+        let backend = render_to_backend(50, 6, &vs, "");
+        // Row 0 = prompt, Row 1 = header, Row 2+ = items
+        let header = line_text(&backend, 1);
+        assert!(
+            header.contains("name"),
+            "header should contain 'name': got '{header}'"
+        );
+        assert!(
+            header.contains("age"),
+            "header should contain 'age': got '{header}'"
+        );
+        assert!(
+            header.contains("city"),
+            "header should contain 'city': got '{header}'"
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn table_header_has_bold_style() {
+        let vs = table_view_state();
+        let backend = render_to_backend(50, 6, &vs, "");
+        let buf = backend.buffer();
+        // Row 1 col 0 should be bold (header row)
+        let cell = &buf[(0, 1)];
+        assert!(
+            cell.modifier.contains(Modifier::BOLD),
+            "header should be bold"
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn table_items_start_at_row_2() {
+        let vs = table_view_state();
+        let backend = render_to_backend(50, 6, &vs, "");
+        let row2 = line_text(&backend, 2);
+        let row3 = line_text(&backend, 3);
+        assert!(
+            row2.contains("alice"),
+            "row 2 should have alice: got '{row2}'"
+        );
+        assert!(row3.contains("bob"), "row 3 should have bob: got '{row3}'");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn table_cells_contain_values() {
+        let vs = table_view_state();
+        let backend = render_to_backend(50, 6, &vs, "");
+        let row2 = line_text(&backend, 2);
+        assert!(
+            row2.contains("toronto"),
+            "row should contain city value: got '{row2}'"
+        );
+        assert!(
+            row2.contains("30"),
+            "row should contain age value: got '{row2}'"
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn table_cursor_row_has_reversed_style() {
+        let vs = table_view_state(); // cursor at 0
+        let backend = render_to_backend(50, 6, &vs, "");
+        let buf = backend.buffer();
+        // Row 2 (first item in table mode) should be REVERSED
+        let cell = &buf[(0, 2)];
+        assert!(
+            cell.modifier.contains(Modifier::REVERSED),
+            "cursor row should have REVERSED style in table mode"
+        );
+        // Row 3 should not
+        let cell2 = &buf[(0, 3)];
+        assert!(
+            !cell2.modifier.contains(Modifier::REVERSED),
+            "non-cursor row should not have REVERSED in table mode"
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn table_header_has_separators() {
+        let vs = table_view_state();
+        let backend = render_to_backend(50, 6, &vs, "");
+        let header = line_text(&backend, 1);
+        assert!(
+            header.contains('\u{2502}'),
+            "header should contain column separator: got '{header}'"
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn table_without_columns_renders_normally() {
+        // When columns is None, should render like a normal list (no header row)
+        let vs = sample_view_state();
+        let backend = render_to_backend(30, 6, &vs, "");
+        // Row 1 should be items, not a header
+        let row1 = line_text(&backend, 1);
+        assert!(
+            row1.contains("alpha"),
+            "without columns, row 1 should be first item: got '{row1}'"
+        );
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn pending_cleared_on_mode_key() {
         let mut ft = String::new();

crates/pikl/src/handler.rs

@@ -12,9 +12,7 @@ use tokio::sync::mpsc;
 
 use pikl_core::error::PiklError;
 use pikl_core::event::Action;
-use pikl_core::hook::{
+use pikl_core::hook::{HookEvent, HookEventKind, HookHandler, parse_hook_response};
-    parse_hook_response, HookEvent, HookEventKind, HookHandler,
-};
 
 /// A persistent handler hook process. Spawns a child process,
 /// writes events to its stdin as JSON lines, reads responses
@@ -27,10 +25,7 @@ pub struct ShellHandlerHook {
 
 impl ShellHandlerHook {
     /// Build from CLI flags. Returns None if no handler hooks are configured.
-    pub fn from_cli(
+    pub fn from_cli(cli: &crate::Cli, action_tx: mpsc::Sender<Action>) -> Option<Self> {
-        cli: &crate::Cli,
-        action_tx: mpsc::Sender<Action>,
-    ) -> Option<Self> {
         let mut handlers: Vec<(HookEventKind, &str)> = Vec::new();
 
         if let Some(ref cmd) = cli.on_open {
@@ -81,7 +76,9 @@ impl HookHandler for ShellHandlerHook {
         let kind = event.kind();
         if let Some(tx) = self.event_txs.get(&kind) {
             // Non-blocking send. If the channel is full, drop the event.
-            let _ = tx.try_send(event);
+            if let Err(e) = tx.try_send(event) {
+                tracing::debug!(error = %e, "handler event channel full, dropping event");
+            }
         }
         Ok(())
     }
@@ -133,19 +130,17 @@ async fn run_handler_process(
 
     // Writer loop: reads events from channel, writes to stdin
     while let Some(event) = event_rx.recv().await {
-        let json = serde_json::to_string(&event).unwrap_or_default();
+        let json = match serde_json::to_string(&event) {
-        if stdin_writer
+            Ok(j) => j,
-            .write_all(json.as_bytes())
+            Err(e) => {
-            .await
+                tracing::warn!(error = %e, "failed to serialize hook event, skipping");
-            .is_err()
+                continue;
-        {
+            }
+        };
+        if stdin_writer.write_all(json.as_bytes()).await.is_err() {
             break;
         }
-        if stdin_writer
+        if stdin_writer.write_all(b"\n").await.is_err() {
-            .write_all(b"\n")
-            .await
-            .is_err()
-        {
             break;
         }
         if stdin_writer.flush().await.is_err() {
@@ -157,10 +152,7 @@ async fn run_handler_process(
     drop(stdin_writer);
 
     // Wait up to 1s for child to exit after EOF
-    let exited = tokio::time::timeout(
+    let exited = tokio::time::timeout(std::time::Duration::from_secs(1), child.wait())
-        std::time::Duration::from_secs(1),
-        child.wait(),
-    )
         .await
         .is_ok();
 
@@ -177,10 +169,7 @@ async fn run_handler_process(
                     libc::kill(pid as libc::pid_t, libc::SIGTERM);
                 }
             }
-            let termed = tokio::time::timeout(
+            let termed = tokio::time::timeout(std::time::Duration::from_secs(1), child.wait())
-                std::time::Duration::from_secs(1),
-                child.wait(),
-            )
                 .await
                 .is_ok();
             if !termed {
@@ -194,11 +183,7 @@ async fn run_handler_process(
     }
 
     // Wait for the reader to finish
-    let _ = tokio::time::timeout(
+    let _ = tokio::time::timeout(std::time::Duration::from_secs(2), reader_handle).await;
-        std::time::Duration::from_secs(2),
-        reader_handle,
-    )
-    .await;
 
     Ok(())
 }

crates/pikl/src/hook.rs

@@ -121,8 +121,7 @@ impl HookHandler for ShellExecHandler {
         if let Some(cmd) = self.commands.get(&kind) {
             let cmd = cmd.clone();
             // Serialize event as JSON for the hook's stdin
-            let event_json =
+            let event_json = serde_json::to_value(&event).unwrap_or(serde_json::Value::Null);
-                serde_json::to_value(&event).unwrap_or(serde_json::Value::Null);
             tokio::spawn(async move {
                 if let Err(e) = run_hook(&cmd, &event_json).await {
                     tracing::warn!(error = %e, command = %cmd, "exec hook failed");

crates/pikl/src/main.rs

@@ -7,6 +7,8 @@ use std::time::Duration;
 
 use clap::Parser;
 
+use pikl_core::column::ColumnConfig;
+use pikl_core::csv_input::{self, InputFormat};
 use pikl_core::debounce::{DebounceMode, DebouncedDispatcher};
 use pikl_core::error::PiklError;
 use pikl_core::event::{Action, MenuResult, Mode};
@@ -119,6 +121,22 @@ struct Cli {
     /// Wrap output in structured JSON with action metadata
     #[arg(long)]
     structured: bool,
+
+    /// Enable multi-select mode (Space/Tab to toggle, V for visual)
+    #[arg(long)]
+    multi: bool,
+
+    /// Output selected items in selection order instead of input order
+    #[arg(long)]
+    selection_order: bool,
+
+    /// Input format: auto, csv, or tsv
+    #[arg(long, value_name = "FORMAT", default_value = "auto")]
+    input_format: String,
+
+    /// Columns to display in table mode (e.g. "label,meta.age:Age")
+    #[arg(long, value_name = "COLS")]
+    columns: Option<String>,
 }
 
 fn main() {
@@ -177,8 +195,21 @@ fn main() {
         .stdin_timeout
         .unwrap_or(if script.is_some() { 30 } else { 0 });
 
-    let items = match read_stdin_with_timeout(timeout, &cli.label_key) {
+    let input_format = match InputFormat::from_str_opt(&cli.input_format) {
-        Ok(items) => items,
+        Some(f) => f,
+        None => {
+            let _ = writeln!(
+                std::io::stderr().lock(),
+                "pikl: unknown input format '{}', expected auto, csv, or tsv",
+                cli.input_format
+            );
+            std::process::exit(2);
+        }
+    };
+
+    let (items, csv_headers) = match read_stdin_with_timeout(timeout, &cli.label_key, input_format)
+    {
+        Ok(r) => r,
         Err(e) => {
             let _ = writeln!(std::io::stderr().lock(), "pikl: {e}");
             std::process::exit(2);
@@ -193,6 +224,13 @@ fn main() {
         std::process::exit(2);
     }
 
+    // Resolve column config: explicit --columns, or auto-generate from CSV headers
+    let column_config = if let Some(ref cols) = cli.columns {
+        Some(ColumnConfig::parse(cols))
+    } else {
+        csv_headers.map(|h| ColumnConfig::from_headers(&h))
+    };
+
     // STEP 3: Build menu, start runtime
     let rt = tokio::runtime::Runtime::new().unwrap_or_else(|e| {
         let _ = writeln!(
@@ -214,10 +252,11 @@ fn main() {
     let start_mode = match cli.start_mode.as_str() {
         "insert" => Mode::Insert,
         "normal" => Mode::Normal,
+        "visual" => Mode::Visual,
         other => {
             let _ = writeln!(
                 std::io::stderr().lock(),
-                "pikl: unknown mode '{other}', expected insert or normal"
+                "pikl: unknown mode '{other}', expected insert, normal, or visual"
             );
             std::process::exit(2);
         }
@@ -225,17 +264,18 @@ fn main() {
 
     // STEP 4: Branch on headless vs interactive
     let result = if let Some(script) = script {
-        rt.block_on(run_headless(items, &cli, script, start_mode))
+        rt.block_on(run_headless(items, &cli, script, start_mode, column_config))
     } else {
-        rt.block_on(run_interactive(items, &cli, start_mode))
+        rt.block_on(run_interactive(items, &cli, start_mode, column_config))
     };
 
     // STEP 5: Handle result
     handle_result(result, &cli);
 }
 
-/// Build a JsonMenu with optional filter_fields and format template.
+/// Build a JsonMenu with optional filter_fields, format template,
-fn build_menu(items: Vec<Item>, cli: &Cli) -> JsonMenu {
+/// and column config.
+fn build_menu(items: Vec<Item>, cli: &Cli, column_config: Option<ColumnConfig>) -> JsonMenu {
     let mut menu = JsonMenu::new(items, cli.label_key.clone());
     if let Some(ref fields) = cli.filter_fields {
         menu.set_filter_fields(fields.clone());
@@ -243,6 +283,9 @@ fn build_menu(items: Vec<Item>, cli: &Cli) -> JsonMenu {
     if let Some(ref template) = cli.format {
         menu.set_format_template(FormatTemplate::parse(template));
     }
+    if let Some(config) = column_config {
+        menu.set_column_config(config);
+    }
     menu
 }
 
@@ -309,12 +352,10 @@ struct CompositeHookHandler {
 }
 
 impl HookHandler for CompositeHookHandler {
-    fn handle(
+    fn handle(&self, event: pikl_core::hook::HookEvent) -> Result<(), PiklError> {
-        &self,
+        // Exec hooks are fire-and-forget: errors are logged
-        event: pikl_core::hook::HookEvent,
+        // internally by ShellExecHandler, not propagated here.
-    ) -> Result<(), PiklError> {
+        // Handler hooks are bidirectional, so errors propagate.
-        // Both fire. Exec is fire-and-forget, handler may
-        // send responses through action_tx.
         let _ = self.exec.handle(event.clone());
         if let Some(ref h) = self.handler {
             h.handle(event)?;
@@ -330,9 +371,12 @@ async fn run_headless(
     cli: &Cli,
     script: Vec<ScriptAction>,
     start_mode: Mode,
+    column_config: Option<ColumnConfig>,
 ) -> Result<MenuResult, PiklError> {
-    let (mut menu, action_tx) = MenuRunner::new(build_menu(items, cli));
+    let (mut menu, action_tx) = MenuRunner::new(build_menu(items, cli, column_config));
     menu.set_initial_mode(start_mode);
+    menu.set_multi(cli.multi);
+    menu.set_selection_order(cli.selection_order);
 
     if let Some((_handler, dispatcher)) = build_hook_handler(cli, &action_tx) {
         menu.set_dispatcher(dispatcher);
@@ -377,9 +421,12 @@ async fn run_interactive(
     items: Vec<Item>,
     cli: &Cli,
     start_mode: Mode,
+    column_config: Option<ColumnConfig>,
 ) -> Result<MenuResult, PiklError> {
-    let (mut menu, action_tx) = MenuRunner::new(build_menu(items, cli));
+    let (mut menu, action_tx) = MenuRunner::new(build_menu(items, cli, column_config));
     menu.set_initial_mode(start_mode);
+    menu.set_multi(cli.multi);
+    menu.set_selection_order(cli.selection_order);
 
     if let Some((_handler, dispatcher)) = build_hook_handler(cli, &action_tx) {
         menu.set_dispatcher(dispatcher);
@@ -409,16 +456,20 @@ async fn run_interactive(
 fn handle_result(result: Result<MenuResult, PiklError>, cli: &Cli) {
     let mut out = std::io::stdout().lock();
     match result {
-        Ok(MenuResult::Selected { value, index }) => {
+        Ok(MenuResult::Selected { items }) => {
             if cli.structured {
+                for (value, index) in items {
                     let output = OutputItem {
                         value,
                         action: OutputAction::Select,
                         index,
                     };
                     let _ = write_output_json(&mut out, &output);
+                }
             } else {
-                let _ = write_plain_value(&mut out, &value);
+                for (value, _) in &items {
+                    let _ = write_plain_value(&mut out, value);
+                }
             }
         }
         Ok(MenuResult::Quicklist { items }) => {
@@ -457,7 +508,7 @@ fn handle_result(result: Result<MenuResult, PiklError>, cli: &Cli) {
 
 /// Serialize an OutputItem as JSON and write it to the given writer.
 fn write_output_json(writer: &mut impl Write, output: &OutputItem) -> Result<(), std::io::Error> {
-    let json = serde_json::to_string(output).unwrap_or_default();
+    let json = serde_json::to_string(output).map_err(|e| std::io::Error::other(e.to_string()))?;
     writeln!(writer, "{json}")
 }
 
@@ -467,7 +518,8 @@ fn write_plain_value(writer: &mut impl Write, value: &Value) -> Result<(), std::
     match value {
         Value::String(s) => writeln!(writer, "{s}"),
         _ => {
-            let json = serde_json::to_string(value).unwrap_or_default();
+            let json =
+                serde_json::to_string(value).map_err(|e| std::io::Error::other(e.to_string()))?;
             writeln!(writer, "{json}")
         }
     }
@@ -476,15 +528,26 @@ fn write_plain_value(writer: &mut impl Write, value: &Value) -> Result<(), std::
 /// Read items from stdin. If `timeout_secs` is non-zero,
 /// spawn a thread and bail if it doesn't finish in time.
 /// A timeout of 0 means no timeout (blocking read).
-fn read_stdin_with_timeout(timeout_secs: u64, label_key: &str) -> Result<Vec<Item>, PiklError> {
+///
+/// Returns (items, optional_csv_headers). CSV headers are
+/// returned so column config can be auto-generated.
+fn read_stdin_with_timeout(
+    timeout_secs: u64,
+    label_key: &str,
+    format: InputFormat,
+) -> Result<(Vec<Item>, Option<Vec<String>>), PiklError> {
     if timeout_secs == 0 {
-        return read_items_sync(std::io::stdin().lock(), label_key);
+        return read_stdin_inner(std::io::stdin().lock(), label_key, format);
     }
 
     let label_key = label_key.to_string();
     let (tx, rx) = std::sync::mpsc::channel();
     std::thread::spawn(move || {
-        let _ = tx.send(read_items_sync(std::io::stdin().lock(), &label_key));
+        let _ = tx.send(read_stdin_inner(
+            std::io::stdin().lock(),
+            &label_key,
+            format,
+        ));
     });
 
     match rx.recv_timeout(Duration::from_secs(timeout_secs)) {
@@ -503,6 +566,24 @@ fn read_stdin_with_timeout(timeout_secs: u64, label_key: &str) -> Result<Vec<Ite
     }
 }
 
+/// Read stdin as either JSON/plain or CSV/TSV depending on format.
+fn read_stdin_inner(
+    reader: impl std::io::BufRead,
+    label_key: &str,
+    format: InputFormat,
+) -> Result<(Vec<Item>, Option<Vec<String>>), PiklError> {
+    match format {
+        InputFormat::Auto => {
+            let items = read_items_sync(reader, label_key)?;
+            Ok((items, None))
+        }
+        InputFormat::Csv | InputFormat::Tsv => {
+            let result = csv_input::read_csv_items_sync(reader, format, label_key)?;
+            Ok((result.items, Some(result.headers)))
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 /// Redirect stdin to `/dev/tty` so the TUI can read keyboard
 /// input after stdin was consumed for piped items. Flushes
 /// stale input so crossterm starts clean.

crates/pikl/tests/headless.rs

@@ -67,3 +67,76 @@ fn headless_actions_after_show_ui_exits_2() {
         "expected show-ui error, got: {stderr}"
     );
 }
+
+// -- CSV/TSV integration tests --
+
+#[test]
+fn csv_confirm_first() {
+    let (stdout, _stderr, code) = common::run_pikl(
+        "name,age\nalice,30\nbob,25\n",
+        "confirm\n",
+        &["--input-format", "csv"],
+    );
+    assert_eq!(code, 0, "expected exit 0, stderr: {_stderr}");
+    // Plain output should show the JSON object
+    assert!(
+        stdout.contains("alice"),
+        "expected alice in stdout, got: {stdout}"
+    );
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn csv_with_columns_subset() {
+    let (stdout, _stderr, code) = common::run_pikl(
+        "name,age,city\nalice,30,toronto\nbob,25,vancouver\n",
+        "confirm\n",
+        &["--input-format", "csv", "--columns", "name,city"],
+    );
+    assert_eq!(code, 0, "expected exit 0, stderr: {_stderr}");
+    assert!(
+        stdout.contains("alice"),
+        "expected alice in stdout, got: {stdout}"
+    );
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn csv_filter_then_confirm() {
+    let (stdout, _stderr, code) = common::run_pikl(
+        "name,age\nalice,30\nbob,25\ncharlie,35\n",
+        "filter bob\nconfirm\n",
+        &["--input-format", "csv"],
+    );
+    assert_eq!(code, 0, "expected exit 0, stderr: {_stderr}");
+    assert!(
+        stdout.contains("bob"),
+        "expected bob in stdout, got: {stdout}"
+    );
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn csv_multi_select() {
+    let (stdout, _stderr, code) = common::run_pikl(
+        "name,age\nalice,30\nbob,25\n",
+        "toggle-select\nmove-down\ntoggle-select\nconfirm\n",
+        &["--input-format", "csv", "--multi"],
+    );
+    assert_eq!(code, 0, "expected exit 0, stderr: {_stderr}");
+    assert!(
+        stdout.contains("alice") && stdout.contains("bob"),
+        "expected both alice and bob in stdout, got: {stdout}"
+    );
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn tsv_confirm_first() {
+    let (stdout, _stderr, code) = common::run_pikl(
+        "name\tage\nalice\t30\nbob\t25\n",
+        "confirm\n",
+        &["--input-format", "tsv"],
+    );
+    assert_eq!(code, 0, "expected exit 0, stderr: {_stderr}");
+    assert!(
+        stdout.contains("alice"),
+        "expected alice in stdout, got: {stdout}"
+    );
+}

crates/pikl/tests/headless_dsl.rs

@@ -284,6 +284,44 @@ pikl_tests! {
         }
     }
 
+    headless mod multi_select_headless {
+        items: ["alpha", "bravo", "charlie"];
+        multi: true;
+
+        test toggle_and_confirm {
+            actions: [toggle-select, confirm]
+            stdout: "alpha"
+            exit: 0
+        }
+
+        test toggle_two_and_confirm {
+            actions: [toggle-select, move-down, move-down, toggle-select, confirm]
+            stdout: "alpha"
+            exit: 0
+        }
+
+        test select_all_and_confirm {
+            actions: [select-all, confirm]
+            stdout: "alpha"
+            exit: 0
+        }
+
+        test deselect_all_clears {
+            actions: [toggle-select, deselect-all, confirm]
+            // Falls back to cursor item
+            stdout: "alpha"
+            exit: 0
+        }
+
+        test without_multi_toggle_is_noop {
+            // This test does NOT have multi: true (uses the shared fixture)
+            // but toggle-select still just selects cursor on confirm
+            actions: [toggle-select, confirm]
+            stdout: "alpha"
+            exit: 0
+        }
+    }
+
     headless mod pipeline_headless {
         items: ["error_log", "warning_temp", "info_log"];
 

docs/DESIGN.md

@@ -60,9 +60,23 @@ selection. Useful for live preview pipelines.
 
 ### CSV / TSV
 
-`--input-format csv` or `--input-format tsv` parses columnar
+`--input-format csv` or `--input-format tsv` parses delimited
-input. First row is headers, which become field names. Maps
+input. First row is always headers, which become field names.
-naturally to table/column display mode.
+
+Each row becomes a JSON object. Known fields (`label`,
+`sublabel`, `icon`, `group`) are promoted to the top level.
+Everything else goes into a `meta` object. If no column
+matches the label key, the first column is used as `label`.
+
+```sh
+# CSV rows become normal Items, so filtering, hooks, and
+# multi-select all work unchanged.
+echo "name,age,city\nalice,30,toronto" | pikl --input-format csv
+```
+
+When `--input-format csv` or `tsv` is used without
+`--columns`, column config is auto-generated from the CSV
+headers.
 
 ## Event Hooks
 
@@ -80,7 +94,7 @@ There are two ways to respond to them: **exec hooks** and
 | `on-select` | User confirms (Enter) | Apply the choice |
 | `on-cancel` | User cancels (Escape) | Revert preview |
 | `on-filter` | Filter text changes | Dynamic item reloading |
-| `on-mark` | User marks/unmarks an item | Visual feedback |
+| `on-toggle` | User toggles an item's selection | Visual feedback (deferred) |
 
 ### Exec Hooks (fire-and-forget)
 
@@ -383,16 +397,14 @@ designed.
 | `Ctrl+D` / `Ctrl+U` | Half-page down / up |
 | `Ctrl+F` / `Ctrl+B` | Full page down / up |
 | `/` | Enter filter (insert) mode |
-| `n` / `N` | Next / previous filter match |
+| `Space` | Toggle select + move down (`--multi`) |
-| `m{a-z}` | Set mark at current position |
+| `V` | Enter visual line mode (`--multi`) |
-| `'{a-z}` | Jump to mark |
+| `u` | Undo last selection change (`--multi`) |
-| `"a` | Select into register `a` |
+| `U` | Clear all selections (`--multi`) |
-| `v` | Toggle multi-select on current item |
+| `Ctrl+R` | Redo selection change (`--multi`) |
-| `V` | Visual line select mode |
 | `Enter` | Confirm selection |
 | `Escape` | Cancel and exit |
 | `q` | Cancel and exit |
-| `Space` | Toggle select current item and move down |
 
 `H`/`M`/`L` (viewport-relative jumps) are deferred. They're
 nice-to-have but not essential for the first pass of vim
@@ -400,12 +412,26 @@ navigation.
 
 ### Multi-Select
 
-- `Space` or `v` toggles selection on current item
+Requires `--multi` flag. Without it, toggle/select actions
-- `V` enters visual line mode, moving up/down selects ranges
+are no-ops and confirm always returns a single item.
-- All selected items are emitted on confirm
+
-- `"a` through `"z`: select into named registers (like vim
+- `Space` or `Tab` toggles selection on the cursor item and
-  yanking)
+  moves down. `Shift+Tab` toggles and moves up.
-- Registers can be recalled or included in output
+- `V` enters visual line mode: `j`/`k` extend the range,
+  `Space`/`Enter` force-selects the range and returns to
+  normal mode, `V` cancels back to normal with no change.
+- `u` undoes the last selection change, `Ctrl+R` redoes.
+  Undo/redo stacks track snapshots of the full selection set.
+- `U` clears all selections (undoable).
+- Selections survive filter changes. Toggling item "foo",
+  then filtering to something else, then confirming still
+  includes "foo" in the output.
+- `--selection-order` flag: output items in the order they
+  were selected (insertion order) instead of the default
+  input order.
+- Confirm with selections: outputs all selected items.
+  Confirm with no selections in multi mode: falls back to
+  the cursor item as a single-element result.
 
 ### Drill-Down
 
@@ -429,11 +455,26 @@ pikl --format '{icon} {label} <dim>{sublabel}</dim>'
 ### Table / Column Mode
 
 ```sh
-pikl --columns label,meta.res,meta.size --column-separator ' │ '
+pikl --columns label,meta.res:Resolution,meta.size
 ```
 
-Auto-aligns columns. Sortable per-column with keybinds.
+`--columns` takes a comma-separated list of field paths.
-CSV/TSV input maps naturally here.
+Each column can have a display alias after a colon
+(`meta.res:Resolution`). Auto-aligns columns by computing
+widths from header names and cell values (capped at 60
+chars). Column widths are computed in core and included in
+`ViewState`, so the GUI frontend gets them for free.
+
+The header row renders bold/underlined with `│` separators.
+Item rows pad cells to column widths within the same `List`
+widget, so cursor/selection/visual-mode highlighting stays
+identical to the non-table path.
+
+When `--input-format csv` is used without `--columns`,
+columns are auto-generated from the CSV headers.
+
+**Future:** column sorting keybinds, cell/column selection,
+horizontal scrolling for wide tables.
 
 ### Preview Pane
 
@@ -479,7 +520,7 @@ A few built-in themes ship with pikl. `--theme monokai` or
 ## Sessions
 
 `--session name` persists the menu's state (filter text,
-scroll position, selected items, marks, registers) across
+scroll position, selections) across
 invocations. State lives in
 `~/.local/state/pikl/sessions/`.
 
@@ -745,8 +786,14 @@ find-walls --json | pikl \
   --on-cancel 'restore-wallpaper' \
   --on-hover-debounce 100
 
-# Process killer with table view
+# CSV table view
-ps aux --no-headers | pikl --input-format tsv --columns 1,10,2 --multi
+echo "name,age,city\nalice,30,toronto\nbob,25,vancouver" | pikl --input-format csv
+
+# CSV with column subset and aliases
+cat data.csv | pikl --input-format csv --columns "name,meta.age:Age"
+
+# TSV table view
+ps aux --no-headers | pikl --input-format tsv --multi
 
 # Drill-down file browser
 pikl --manifest ~/.config/pikl/filebrowser.toml --session filebrowser

docs/DEVPLAN.md

@@ -170,33 +170,47 @@ through hooks and structured I/O. A handler hook can
 receive hover events and emit commands to modify menu
 state.
 
-## Phase 4: Multi-Select & Registers
+## Phase 4: Multi-Select
 
-Power selection features.
+Selection with undo/redo. No marks or registers: filtering
+already handles navigation, and selections surviving filter
+changes covers the register use case.
 
 **Deliverables:**
-- Space to toggle select, V for visual line mode
+- `--multi` flag to gate all multi-select behaviour
-- Multi-select output (multiple JSON lines)
+- `Space`/`Tab` toggle-select, `Shift+Tab` toggle-up
-- Named registers (`"a` through `"z`)
+- `V` visual line mode (force-select ranges)
-- Marks (`m{a-z}`, `'{a-z}`)
+- `u`/`Ctrl+R` undo/redo selection changes, `U` clear all
-- `--multi` flag to enable multi-select mode
+- Selections survive filter changes (tracked by original index)
+- `--selection-order` flag for insertion-order output
+- Multi-item output: one JSON line per selected item
+- Action-fd commands: toggle-select, select-all, deselect-all,
+  undo-selection, redo-selection
+- Test DSL: `multi` fixture, `selected_items` assertion
 
-**Done when:** You can select multiple items, store them
+**Done when:** `seq 1 20 | pikl --multi`, toggle a few items
-in registers, and get them all in the output.
+with Space, confirm, and all selected items appear on stdout.
 
-## Phase 5: Table Mode & CSV
+## Phase 5: Table Mode & CSV ✓
 
-Columnar data display.
+CSV/TSV input parsing and columnar table rendering.
 
 **Deliverables:**
-- `--columns` flag for table layout
+- `--input-format csv` and `--input-format tsv` for delimited input
-- Auto-alignment
+- `--columns` flag for table layout with optional aliases
+- Auto-generated column config from CSV headers
+- Column widths computed in core (GUI gets them for free)
+- Table header row with bold/underline styling
+- CSV rows become normal Items (JSON objects), so filtering,
+  field filters, hooks, multi-select, and output all work unchanged
+
+**Deferred to future:**
+- Cell/column selection in table mode
 - Column sorting keybinds
-- `--input-format csv` and `--input-format tsv`
+- Horizontal scrolling for wide tables
-- Column-specific filtering
 
-**Done when:** `ps aux | pikl --input-format tsv --columns 1,10,2`
+**Done when:** `echo "name,age\nalice,30\nbob,25" | pikl --input-format csv`
-renders a clean table.
+renders a navigable table with headers.
 
 ## Phase 6: Sessions & IPC
 
@@ -204,8 +218,7 @@ Persistence and external control.
 
 **Deliverables:**
 - `--session name` for state persistence
-- Session state: filter, scroll position, selections,
+- Session state: filter, scroll position, selections
-  marks, registers
 - Session history log file
 - Unix socket IPC while running
 - IPC commands: push/remove/update items, set filter,

examples/demo.sh

@@ -275,6 +275,110 @@ pipeline_filter_demo() {
 ITEMS
 }
 
+# ── Phase 4 demos ────────────────────────────────────────
+
+multi_select_basic() {
+    echo "Multi-select: toggle items with Space or Tab, confirm with Enter." >&2
+    echo "Undo with u, redo with Ctrl+R, clear all with U." >&2
+    echo "" >&2
+    printf "apple\nbanana\ncherry\ndate\nelderberry\nfig\ngrape\nhoneydew\n" \
+        | pikl --multi
+}
+
+multi_select_packages() {
+    echo "Pick packages to install. Space to toggle, Enter to confirm." >&2
+    echo "Try V to enter visual mode, then j/k to extend, Space to apply." >&2
+    echo "" >&2
+    cat <<'ITEMS' | pikl --multi --format '{label} - {sublabel}'
+{"label": "ripgrep", "sublabel": "fast recursive grep"}
+{"label": "fd", "sublabel": "find alternative"}
+{"label": "bat", "sublabel": "cat with syntax highlighting"}
+{"label": "eza", "sublabel": "modern ls replacement"}
+{"label": "delta", "sublabel": "better git diff"}
+{"label": "zoxide", "sublabel": "smarter cd"}
+{"label": "starship", "sublabel": "cross-shell prompt"}
+{"label": "tokei", "sublabel": "code line counter"}
+{"label": "hyperfine", "sublabel": "benchmarking tool"}
+{"label": "procs", "sublabel": "modern ps replacement"}
+ITEMS
+}
+
+multi_select_structured() {
+    echo "Multi-select with --structured output. Each selected item" >&2
+    echo "is a JSON line with action and index fields." >&2
+    echo "" >&2
+    printf "alpha\nbravo\ncharlie\ndelta\necho\nfoxtrot\n" \
+        | pikl --multi --structured
+}
+
+# ── Phase 5 demos ────────────────────────────────────────
+
+csv_table() {
+    echo "CSV table mode. Columns auto-generated from headers." >&2
+    echo "Navigate with j/k, filter normally." >&2
+    echo "" >&2
+    cat <<'CSV' | pikl --input-format csv
+name,role,language,editor
+Alice,backend,Rust,Neovim
+Bob,frontend,TypeScript,VS Code
+Charlie,devops,Go,Helix
+Diana,data,Python,Jupyter
+Eve,security,Rust,Neovim
+Frank,mobile,Kotlin,IntelliJ
+CSV
+}
+
+tsv_table() {
+    echo "TSV table mode. Same as CSV but tab-delimited." >&2
+    echo "" >&2
+    printf "pid\tuser\tcommand\n101\troot\tinit\n202\tmaple\tnvim\n303\tmaple\tbash\n404\troot\tsshd\n" \
+        | pikl --input-format tsv
+}
+
+csv_columns_alias() {
+    echo "CSV with --columns to pick a subset and rename headers." >&2
+    echo "Only showing name and language (aliased to 'Lang')." >&2
+    echo "" >&2
+    cat <<'CSV' | pikl --input-format csv --columns "name,meta.language:Lang"
+name,role,language,editor
+Alice,backend,Rust,Neovim
+Bob,frontend,TypeScript,VS Code
+Charlie,devops,Go,Helix
+Diana,data,Python,Jupyter
+Eve,security,Rust,Neovim
+CSV
+}
+
+csv_multi_select() {
+    echo "CSV + multi-select. Toggle rows with Space, confirm with Enter." >&2
+    echo "" >&2
+    cat <<'CSV' | pikl --input-format csv --multi
+package,version,size
+ripgrep,14.1,2.1M
+fd,10.2,1.8M
+bat,0.24,3.4M
+eza,0.18,2.0M
+delta,0.17,4.2M
+tokei,12.1,1.5M
+CSV
+}
+
+csv_filter() {
+    echo "CSV with filtering. Type to filter rows, field filters work too." >&2
+    echo "Try: meta.category:rolling" >&2
+    echo "" >&2
+    cat <<'CSV' | pikl --input-format csv
+label,category,init
+Arch Linux,rolling,systemd
+NixOS,rolling,systemd
+Void Linux,rolling,runit
+Debian,stable,systemd
+Alpine,stable,openrc
+Fedora,semi-rolling,systemd
+Gentoo,rolling,openrc
+CSV
+}
+
 # ── Scenario menu ─────────────────────────────────────────
 
 scenarios=(
@@ -297,6 +401,16 @@ scenarios=(
     "Handler hook (event logging)"
     "Handler hook (add items on hover)"
     "---"
+    "Multi-select (basic)"
+    "Multi-select (packages)"
+    "Multi-select (structured output)"
+    "---"
+    "CSV table (auto columns)"
+    "TSV table (processes)"
+    "CSV with --columns aliases"
+    "CSV + multi-select"
+    "CSV + field filter"
+    "---"
     "on-select-exec hook (legacy)"
 )
 
@@ -319,6 +433,14 @@ run_scenario() {
         *"Exec hooks"*)             exec_hooks_demo ;;
         *"Handler hook (event"*)    handler_hook_demo ;;
         *"Handler hook (add"*)      handler_add_items_demo ;;
+        *"Multi-select (basic)"*)   multi_select_basic ;;
+        *"Multi-select (pack"*)     multi_select_packages ;;
+        *"Multi-select (struct"*)   multi_select_structured ;;
+        *"CSV table"*)              csv_table ;;
+        *"TSV table"*)              tsv_table ;;
+        *"CSV with --columns"*)     csv_columns_alias ;;
+        *"CSV + multi"*)            csv_multi_select ;;
+        *"CSV + field"*)            csv_filter ;;
         *"on-select-exec"*)         on_select_hook ;;
         "---")
             echo "that's a separator, not a scenario" >&2