feat: improve layout and themes

30 files changed, 2266 insertions, 443 deletions

diff --git a/assets/themes/catppuccin-latte.toml b/assets/themes/catppuccin-latte.toml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..527d559
--- /dev/null
+++ b/assets/themes/catppuccin-latte.toml
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+[theme]
+name = "Catppuccin Latte"
+
+[palette]
+text     = "#4C4F69"
+text_dim = "#8C8FA1"
+bg       = "#EFF1F5"
+bg_low   = "#E6E9EF"
+bg_high  = "#F9FAFC"
+surface  = "#DCE0E8"
+border   = "#CCD0DA"
+accent   = "#1E66F5"
+
+[style]
+rounding      = 7
+window_border = 1
+
+[syntax]
+keyword      = "#8839EF"
+type         = "#DF8E1D"
+string       = "#40A02B"
+number       = "#FE640B"
+comment      = "#9CA0B0"
+preprocessor = "#EA76CB"
+current_line = "#DCE0E8"
diff --git a/assets/themes/everforest-light.toml b/assets/themes/everforest-light.toml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f5fc9c3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/assets/themes/everforest-light.toml
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+[theme]
+name = "Everforest Light"
+
+[palette]
+text     = "#5C6A72"
+text_dim = "#939F91"
+bg       = "#FDF6E3"
+bg_low   = "#F4F0D9"
+bg_high  = "#FFFBEF"
+surface  = "#EFEBD4"
+border   = "#E0DCC7"
+accent   = "#8DA101"
+
+[style]
+rounding      = 6
+window_border = 1
+
+[syntax]
+keyword      = "#F85552"
+type         = "#DFA000"
+string       = "#35A77C"
+number       = "#DF69BA"
+comment      = "#939F91"
+preprocessor = "#F57D26"
+current_line = "#F0F2D4"
diff --git a/assets/themes/everforest.toml b/assets/themes/everforest.toml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e222fda
--- /dev/null
+++ b/assets/themes/everforest.toml
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+[theme]
+name = "Everforest"
+
+[palette]
+text     = "#D3C6AA"
+text_dim = "#859289"
+bg       = "#2D353B"
+bg_low   = "#232A2E"
+bg_high  = "#343F44"
+surface  = "#3D484D"
+border   = "#475258"
+accent   = "#A7C080"
+
+[style]
+rounding      = 6
+window_border = 1
+
+[syntax]
+keyword      = "#E67E80"
+type         = "#DBBC7F"
+string       = "#83C092"
+number       = "#D699B6"
+comment      = "#859289"
+preprocessor = "#E69875"
+current_line = "#3D484D"
diff --git a/assets/themes/github-light.toml b/assets/themes/github-light.toml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9809052
--- /dev/null
+++ b/assets/themes/github-light.toml
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+[theme]
+name = "GitHub Light"
+
+[palette]
+text     = "#1F2328"
+text_dim = "#656D76"
+bg       = "#FFFFFF"
+bg_low   = "#F6F8FA"
+bg_high  = "#F6F8FA"
+surface  = "#EAEEF2"
+border   = "#D0D7DE"
+accent   = "#0969DA"
+
+[style]
+rounding      = 6
+window_border = 1
+
+[syntax]
+keyword      = "#CF222E"
+type         = "#953800"
+string       = "#0A3069"
+number       = "#0550AE"
+comment      = "#6E7781"
+preprocessor = "#8250DF"
+current_line = "#FFF8C5"
diff --git a/assets/themes/gruvbox-light.toml b/assets/themes/gruvbox-light.toml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..29e195c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/assets/themes/gruvbox-light.toml
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+[theme]
+name = "Gruvbox Light"
+
+[palette]
+text     = "#3C3836"
+text_dim = "#7C6F64"
+bg       = "#FBF1C7"
+bg_low   = "#F2E5BC"
+bg_high  = "#F9F5D7"
+surface  = "#EBDBB2"
+border   = "#D5C4A1"
+accent   = "#D65D0E"
+
+[style]
+rounding      = 5
+window_border = 1
+
+[syntax]
+keyword      = "#9D0006"
+type         = "#B57614"
+string       = "#79740E"
+number       = "#8F3F71"
+comment      = "#928374"
+preprocessor = "#427B58"
+current_line = "#EBDBB2"
diff --git a/assets/themes/kanagawa.toml b/assets/themes/kanagawa.toml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b4a8a7a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/assets/themes/kanagawa.toml
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+[theme]
+name = "Kanagawa"
+
+[palette]
+text     = "#DCD7BA"
+text_dim = "#727169"
+bg       = "#1F1F28"
+bg_low   = "#16161D"
+bg_high  = "#2A2A37"
+surface  = "#363646"
+border   = "#54546D"
+accent   = "#7E9CD8"
+
+[style]
+rounding      = 6
+window_border = 1
+
+[syntax]
+keyword      = "#957FB8"
+type         = "#7AA89F"
+string       = "#98BB6C"
+number       = "#D27E99"
+comment      = "#727169"
+preprocessor = "#E46876"
+current_line = "#2A2A37"
diff --git a/assets/themes/monokai.toml b/assets/themes/monokai.toml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1d0e506
--- /dev/null
+++ b/assets/themes/monokai.toml
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+[theme]
+name = "Monokai"
+
+[palette]
+text     = "#F8F8F2"
+text_dim = "#75715E"
+bg       = "#272822"
+bg_low   = "#1E1F1C"
+bg_high  = "#33342E"
+surface  = "#3E3D32"
+border   = "#49483E"
+accent   = "#A6E22E"
+
+[style]
+rounding      = 5
+window_border = 1
+
+[syntax]
+keyword      = "#F92672"
+type         = "#66D9EF"
+string       = "#E6DB74"
+number       = "#AE81FF"
+comment      = "#75715E"
+preprocessor = "#FD971F"
+current_line = "#3E3D32"
diff --git a/assets/themes/one-dark.toml b/assets/themes/one-dark.toml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ddb2e51
--- /dev/null
+++ b/assets/themes/one-dark.toml
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+[theme]
+name = "One Dark"
+
+[palette]
+text     = "#ABB2BF"
+text_dim = "#5C6370"
+bg       = "#282C34"
+bg_low   = "#21252B"
+bg_high  = "#2C313A"
+surface  = "#353B45"
+border   = "#3E4452"
+accent   = "#61AFEF"
+
+[style]
+rounding      = 6
+window_border = 1
+
+[syntax]
+keyword      = "#C678DD"
+type         = "#E5C07B"
+string       = "#98C379"
+number       = "#D19A66"
+comment      = "#5C6370"
+preprocessor = "#E06C75"
+current_line = "#2C313C"
diff --git a/assets/themes/one-light.toml b/assets/themes/one-light.toml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..80ddfa8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/assets/themes/one-light.toml
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+[theme]
+name = "One Light"
+
+[palette]
+text     = "#383A42"
+text_dim = "#A0A1A7"
+bg       = "#FAFAFA"
+bg_low   = "#EAEAEB"
+bg_high  = "#FFFFFF"
+surface  = "#E5E5E6"
+border   = "#D3D3D4"
+accent   = "#4078F2"
+
+[style]
+rounding      = 6
+window_border = 1
+
+[syntax]
+keyword      = "#A626A4"
+type         = "#C18401"
+string       = "#50A14F"
+number       = "#986801"
+comment      = "#A0A1A7"
+preprocessor = "#E45649"
+current_line = "#EDEDEE"
diff --git a/assets/themes/rosepine-dawn.toml b/assets/themes/rosepine-dawn.toml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3e73f12
--- /dev/null
+++ b/assets/themes/rosepine-dawn.toml
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+[theme]
+name = "Rosé Pine Dawn"
+
+[palette]
+text     = "#575279"
+text_dim = "#9893A5"
+bg       = "#FAF4ED"
+bg_low   = "#F2E9E1"
+bg_high  = "#FFFAF3"
+surface  = "#E9E0D8"
+border   = "#DFDAD9"
+accent   = "#907AA9"
+
+[style]
+rounding      = 7
+window_border = 1
+
+[syntax]
+keyword      = "#286983"
+type         = "#56949F"
+string       = "#EA9D34"
+number       = "#D7827E"
+comment      = "#9893A5"
+preprocessor = "#B4637A"
+current_line = "#EFE5DC"
diff --git a/assets/themes/solarized-dark.toml b/assets/themes/solarized-dark.toml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3fd3313
--- /dev/null
+++ b/assets/themes/solarized-dark.toml
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+[theme]
+name = "Solarized Dark"
+
+[palette]
+text     = "#93A1A1"
+text_dim = "#586E75"
+bg       = "#002B36"
+bg_low   = "#00212B"
+bg_high  = "#073642"
+surface  = "#0F4552"
+border   = "#1C5361"
+accent   = "#268BD2"
+
+[style]
+rounding      = 6
+window_border = 1
+
+[syntax]
+keyword      = "#859900"
+type         = "#B58900"
+string       = "#2AA198"
+number       = "#D33682"
+comment      = "#586E75"
+preprocessor = "#CB4B16"
+current_line = "#073642"
diff --git a/assets/themes/solarized-light.toml b/assets/themes/solarized-light.toml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6737ffd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/assets/themes/solarized-light.toml
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+[theme]
+name = "Solarized Light"
+
+[palette]
+text     = "#586E75"
+text_dim = "#93A1A1"
+bg       = "#FDF6E3"
+bg_low   = "#EEE8D5"
+bg_high  = "#FFFBF0"
+surface  = "#E9E2CD"
+border   = "#D9D2BD"
+accent   = "#268BD2"
+
+[style]
+rounding      = 6
+window_border = 1
+
+[syntax]
+keyword      = "#859900"
+type         = "#B58900"
+string       = "#2AA198"
+number       = "#D33682"
+comment      = "#93A1A1"
+preprocessor = "#CB4B16"
+current_line = "#EEE8D5"
diff --git a/hsdbg.ini b/hsdbg.ini
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bdb8c5b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/hsdbg.ini
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+theme=midnight
+ui_scale=1.26316
+accent=0.373000 0.788000 0.561000
+rounding=6
+show_mascot=true
+mascot_scale=1
+source_font_size=12.9947
+syntax_highlighting=true
+show_line_numbers=true
+highlight_current_line=true
+color_keyword=0.337255 0.611765 0.839216
+color_type=0.305882 0.788235 0.690196
+color_string=0.807843 0.568627 0.470588
+color_number=0.709804 0.807843 0.658824
+color_comment=0.415686 0.600000 0.333333
+color_preprocessor=0.772549 0.525490 0.752941
+color_current_line=0.227451 0.282353 0.180392
+stop_at_entry=true
+step_by_instruction=false
+show_fps=true
diff --git a/meson.build b/meson.build
index 394dcad..fc83629 100644
--- a/meson.build
+++ b/meson.build
@@ -213,6 +213,7 @@ imgui_dep = declare_dependency(
 hsdbg_src = files(
     'src/main.cpp',
     'src/ui/ui.cpp',
+    'src/ui/ui_preferences.cpp',
     'src/ui/profiler.cpp',
     'src/ui/preferences.cpp',
     'src/ui/theme.cpp',
@@ -235,6 +236,7 @@ hsdbg_defines = [
     '-D_CRT_SECURE_NO_WARNINGS',
     '-DHSDBG_LLVM_PREFIX="' + llvm_prefix + '"',
     '-DHSDBG_ASSET_DIR="' + asset_dir + '"',
+    '-DHSDBG_VERSION="' + meson.project_version() + '"',
 ]
 
 if is_windows
diff --git a/src/core/application.cpp b/src/core/application.cpp
index 54ee788..8832499 100644
--- a/src/core/application.cpp
+++ b/src/core/application.cpp
@@ -9,7 +9,12 @@
 
 #include <glad/gl.h>
 
+#include <algorithm>
+#include <charconv>
 #include <chrono>
+#include <cstdlib>
+#include <fstream>
+#include <vector>
 
 namespace Hsdbg
 {
@@ -19,6 +24,41 @@ namespace Hsdbg
 
         constexpr float MAX_DELTA_TIME = 0.25f;
         constexpr double MINIMIZED_WAIT_TIMEOUT = 0.1;
+
+        // dev aid: HSDBG_CAPTURE=<file.ppm> writes the frame numbered
+        // HSDBG_CAPTURE_FRAME (default 240) as a binary ppm; returns true on
+        // that frame so the caller can quit
+        auto capture_frame(uint64_t frame, uint32_t width, uint32_t height) -> bool
+        {
+            static const char* path = std::getenv("HSDBG_CAPTURE");
+            if (path == nullptr)
+                return false;
+
+            static const uint64_t target = [] {
+                uint64_t value = 240;
+                if (const char* text = std::getenv("HSDBG_CAPTURE_FRAME"))
+                    std::from_chars(text, text + std::char_traits<char>::length(text), value);
+                return value;
+            }();
+
+            if (frame != target)
+                return false;
+
+            const size_t stride = static_cast<size_t>(width) * 3;
+            std::vector<unsigned char> pixels(stride * height);
+            glPixelStorei(GL_PACK_ALIGNMENT, 1);
+            glReadPixels(0, 0, static_cast<GLsizei>(width), static_cast<GLsizei>(height),
+                         GL_RGB, GL_UNSIGNED_BYTE, pixels.data());
+
+            std::ofstream out(path, std::ios::binary);
+            out << "P6\n" << width << ' ' << height << "\n255\n";
+            for (uint32_t y = height; y-- > 0;)
+                out.write(reinterpret_cast<const char*>(pixels.data() + y * stride),
+                          static_cast<std::streamsize>(stride));
+
+            Log::info("capture: wrote '{}' ({}x{})", path, width, height);
+            return true;
+        }
     }
 
     Application* Application::s_instance = nullptr;
@@ -109,6 +149,26 @@ namespace Hsdbg
     auto Application::update() -> void
     {
         m_debugger->update();
+
+        // dev aid: HSDBG_STEP_AT=<frame>[,<frame>…] steps over a line on those
+        // frames while stopped, so a capture can show a target that has moved
+        static const std::vector<uint64_t> step_frames = [] {
+            std::vector<uint64_t> frames;
+            const char* text = std::getenv("HSDBG_STEP_AT");
+            for (const char* at = text; at != nullptr && *at != '\0';)
+            {
+                uint64_t value = 0;
+                const auto [next, error] = std::from_chars(at, at + std::char_traits<char>::length(at), value);
+                if (error != std::errc{})
+                    break;
+                frames.push_back(value);
+                at = *next == ',' ? next + 1 : next;
+            }
+            return frames;
+        }();
+
+        if (std::ranges::find(step_frames, m_frame_count) != step_frames.end() && m_debugger->is_stopped())
+            (void)m_debugger->step_over();
     }
 
     auto Application::render() -> void
@@ -125,5 +185,8 @@ namespace Hsdbg
         m_ui->begin_frame();
         m_ui->draw(*m_debugger);
         m_ui->end_frame();
+
+        if (capture_frame(m_frame_count, m_window->framebuffer_width(), m_window->framebuffer_height()))
+            close();
     }
 }
diff --git a/src/debugger/debugger.cpp b/src/debugger/debugger.cpp
index 525ad65..c2b4c22 100644
--- a/src/debugger/debugger.cpp
+++ b/src/debugger/debugger.cpp
@@ -558,6 +558,19 @@ namespace Hsdbg
         lldb::SBDebugger::Terminate();
     }
 
+    auto Debugger::backend_version() -> std::string
+    {
+        // "lldb version 22.1.0 (https://… revision …)\n  clang revision …": keep the number
+        std::string banner = lldb::SBDebugger::GetVersionString();
+        if (const size_t cut = banner.find_first_of("(\n"); cut != std::string::npos)
+            banner.resize(cut);
+        if (banner.starts_with("lldb version "))
+            banner.erase(0, 13);
+        while (!banner.empty() && banner.back() == ' ')
+            banner.pop_back();
+        return banner;
+    }
+
     auto Debugger::load_target(const std::filesystem::path& executable) -> Result<void>
     {
         std::error_code error;
@@ -2142,6 +2155,19 @@ namespace Hsdbg
                 frame.line = entry.GetLine();
             }
 
+            // the function's first and last line entries: its opening and, via
+            // the last instruction, its closing line
+            if (lldb::SBFunction function = source.GetFunction(); function.IsValid())
+            {
+                if (lldb::SBLineEntry first = function.GetStartAddress().GetLineEntry(); first.IsValid())
+                    frame.function_first_line = first.GetLine();
+
+                const lldb::addr_t end = function.GetEndAddress().GetLoadAddress(m_session->target);
+                lldb::SBAddress tail = m_session->target.ResolveLoadAddress(end - 1);
+                if (lldb::SBLineEntry last = tail.GetLineEntry(); last.IsValid())
+                    frame.function_last_line = std::max(last.GetLine(), frame.line);
+            }
+
             m_call_stack.push_back(std::move(frame));
         }
     }
@@ -2162,13 +2188,25 @@ namespace Hsdbg
             return;
 
         lldb::SBValueList variables = frame.GetVariables(true, true, false, true);
+        const std::filesystem::path frame_file = path_of(frame.GetLineEntry().GetFileSpec());
 
         for (uint32_t index = 0; index < variables.GetSize(); ++index)
         {
             lldb::SBValue value = variables.GetValueAtIndex(index);
 
-            if (value.IsValid())
-                m_locals.push_back(to_variable(value, 0));
+            if (!value.IsValid())
+                continue;
+
+            Variable variable = to_variable(value, 0);
+
+            if (lldb::SBDeclaration declaration = value.GetDeclaration();
+                declaration.IsValid() && !frame_file.empty() &&
+                path_of(declaration.GetFileSpec()) == frame_file)
+            {
+                variable.declaration_line = declaration.GetLine();
+            }
+
+            m_locals.push_back(std::move(variable));
         }
 
         lldb::SBValueList sets = frame.GetRegisters();
diff --git a/src/debugger/debugger.h b/src/debugger/debugger.h
index 840dff1..7608934 100644
--- a/src/debugger/debugger.h
+++ b/src/debugger/debugger.h
@@ -31,6 +31,9 @@ namespace Hsdbg
         auto operator=(const Debugger&) -> Debugger& = delete;
         auto operator=(Debugger&&) -> Debugger& = delete;
 
+        // the lldb build behind the session: the first line of its version banner
+        static auto backend_version() -> std::string;
+
         // target lifetime
         auto load_target(const std::filesystem::path& executable) -> Result<void>;
         auto unload_target() -> void;
diff --git a/src/debugger/types.h b/src/debugger/types.h
index 53c6622..288df6b 100644
--- a/src/debugger/types.h
+++ b/src/debugger/types.h
@@ -110,6 +110,11 @@ namespace Hsdbg
         std::string function;
         std::filesystem::path file;
         uint32_t line = 0;
+
+        // the lines the function spans in that file (zero when unknown, as for
+        // an inlined frame), so the ui can keep its annotations inside it
+        uint32_t function_first_line = 0;
+        uint32_t function_last_line = 0;
     };
 
     struct Thread
@@ -125,6 +130,10 @@ namespace Hsdbg
         std::string type;
         std::string value;
         std::vector<Variable> children;
+
+        // the line the variable is declared on in the frame's own file (a
+        // parameter's is the signature), zero when unknown or elsewhere
+        uint32_t declaration_line = 0;
     };
 
     struct Register
diff --git a/src/main.cpp b/src/main.cpp
index b96a74a..4b0aee4 100644
--- a/src/main.cpp
+++ b/src/main.cpp
@@ -3,7 +3,63 @@
 
 #include "debugger/debugger.h"
 
+#include <algorithm>
+#include <charconv>
+#include <cstdlib>
+#include <filesystem>
 #include <span>
+#include <string_view>
+
+namespace
+{
+    // dev aid: HSDBG_WINDOW=<w>x<h> sizes the window, and HSDBG_BREAK=<file>:<line>
+    // plants a breakpoint and launches as soon as the target loads, so a capture
+    // (HSDBG_CAPTURE) lands on a stopped target with every panel populated
+    auto dev_window_size(Hsdbg::ApplicationSpec& spec) -> void
+    {
+        const char* text = std::getenv("HSDBG_WINDOW");
+        if (text == nullptr)
+            return;
+
+        const std::string_view value(text);
+        const size_t x = value.find('x');
+        if (x == std::string_view::npos)
+            return;
+
+        std::from_chars(value.data(), value.data() + x, spec.width);
+        std::from_chars(value.data() + x + 1, value.data() + value.size(), spec.height);
+    }
+
+    auto dev_break_and_launch(Hsdbg::Debugger& debugger) -> void
+    {
+        const char* text = std::getenv("HSDBG_BREAK");
+        if (text == nullptr || !debugger.has_target())
+            return;
+
+        const std::string_view value(text);
+        const size_t colon = value.rfind(':');
+        if (colon == std::string_view::npos)
+            return;
+
+        uint32_t line = 0;
+        std::from_chars(value.data() + colon + 1, value.data() + value.size(), line);
+
+        // pick the target's own path for the file so it matches what lldb reports
+        const std::string_view name = value.substr(0, colon);
+        const std::span<const std::filesystem::path> files = debugger.source_files();
+        const auto known = std::ranges::find_if(files, [&](const std::filesystem::path& candidate)
+        {
+            return candidate.filename() == name;
+        });
+
+        debugger.add_breakpoint(known != files.end() ? *known : std::filesystem::path(name), line);
+
+        Hsdbg::LaunchSpec launch;
+        launch.executable = debugger.target_path();
+        if (const auto result = debugger.launch(launch); !result)
+            Hsdbg::Log::error("{}", result.error());
+    }
+}
 
 auto main(int argc, char** argv) -> int
 {
@@ -13,6 +69,7 @@ auto main(int argc, char** argv) -> int
     spec.name = "hsdbg";
     spec.width = 1600;
     spec.height = 900;
+    dev_window_size(spec);
 
     Hsdbg::Application app(spec);
 
@@ -20,6 +77,8 @@ auto main(int argc, char** argv) -> int
     {
         if (const auto result = app.debugger().load_target(arguments[1]); !result)
             Hsdbg::Log::error("{}", result.error());
+
+        dev_break_and_launch(app.debugger());
     }
 
     app.run();
diff --git a/src/ui/icons.h b/src/ui/icons.h
index deca7bd..cbff13d 100644
--- a/src/ui/icons.h
+++ b/src/ui/icons.h
@@ -11,31 +11,50 @@ namespace Hsdbg
     inline constexpr unsigned int ICON_MAX_PH = 0xEE00;
 }
 
-#define ICON_PH_PLAY         "\xEE\x8F\x90" // U+E3D0
-#define ICON_PH_PAUSE        "\xEE\x8E\x9E" // U+E39E
-#define ICON_PH_STOP         "\xEE\x91\xAC" // U+E46C
-#define ICON_PH_STEP_OVER    "\xEE\x80\x96" // U+E016
-#define ICON_PH_STEP_INTO    "\xEE\x81\x9C" // U+E05C
-#define ICON_PH_STEP_OUT     "\xEE\x81\xA6" // U+E066
-#define ICON_PH_FOLDER       "\xEE\x89\x8A" // U+E24A
-#define ICON_PH_FOLDER_OPEN  "\xEE\x89\x96" // U+E256
-#define ICON_PH_FILE         "\xEE\x88\xB0" // U+E230
-#define ICON_PH_FILE_CODE    "\xEE\xA4\x94" // U+E914
-#define ICON_PH_CARET_RIGHT  "\xEE\x84\xBA" // U+E13A
-#define ICON_PH_CARET_DOWN   "\xEE\x84\xB6" // U+E136
-#define ICON_PH_STACK        "\xEE\x91\xA6" // U+E466
-#define ICON_PH_BUG          "\xEE\x97\xB4" // U+E5F4
-#define ICON_PH_SEARCH       "\xEE\x8C\x8C" // U+E30C
-#define ICON_PH_GEAR         "\xEE\x89\xB2" // U+E272
-#define ICON_PH_CPU          "\xEE\x98\x90" // U+E610
-#define ICON_PH_LIST         "\xEE\x8B\xB0" // U+E2F0
-#define ICON_PH_FUNCTION     "\xEE\xAF\xA4" // U+EBE4
-#define ICON_PH_SLIDERS      "\xEE\x90\xB4" // U+E434
-#define ICON_PH_TERMINAL     "\xEE\xAB\xA8" // U+EAE8
-#define ICON_PH_DOT          "\xEE\xB3\x9E" // U+ECDE
-#define ICON_PH_CIRCLE       "\xEE\x86\x8A" // U+E18A
-#define ICON_PH_EYE          "\xEE\x88\xA0" // U+E220
-#define ICON_PH_CUBE         "\xEE\x87\x9A" // U+E1DA
-#define ICON_PH_GAUGE        "\xEE\x98\xA8" // U+E628
-#define ICON_PH_BRANCH       "\xEE\x89\xB8" // U+E278
-#define ICON_PH_BRACKETS     "\xEE\xA1\xA0" // U+E860
+#define ICON_PH_PLAY           "\xEE\x8F\x90" // U+E3D0
+#define ICON_PH_PAUSE          "\xEE\x8E\x9E" // U+E39E
+#define ICON_PH_STOP           "\xEE\x91\xAC" // U+E46C
+#define ICON_PH_STEP_OVER      "\xEE\x80\x96" // U+E016
+#define ICON_PH_STEP_INTO      "\xEE\x81\x9C" // U+E05C
+#define ICON_PH_STEP_OUT       "\xEE\x81\xA6" // U+E066
+#define ICON_PH_FOLDER         "\xEE\x89\x8A" // U+E24A
+#define ICON_PH_FOLDER_OPEN    "\xEE\x89\x96" // U+E256
+#define ICON_PH_FILE           "\xEE\x88\xB0" // U+E230
+#define ICON_PH_FILE_CODE      "\xEE\xA4\x94" // U+E914
+#define ICON_PH_CARET_RIGHT    "\xEE\x84\xBA" // U+E13A
+#define ICON_PH_CARET_DOWN     "\xEE\x84\xB6" // U+E136
+#define ICON_PH_STACK          "\xEE\x91\xA6" // U+E466
+#define ICON_PH_BUG            "\xEE\x97\xB4" // U+E5F4
+#define ICON_PH_SEARCH         "\xEE\x8C\x8C" // U+E30C
+#define ICON_PH_GEAR           "\xEE\x89\xB0" // U+E270
+#define ICON_PH_CPU            "\xEE\x98\x90" // U+E610
+#define ICON_PH_LIST           "\xEE\x8B\xB0" // U+E2F0
+#define ICON_PH_FUNCTION       "\xEE\xAF\xA4" // U+EBE4
+#define ICON_PH_SLIDERS        "\xEE\x90\xB4" // U+E434
+#define ICON_PH_TERMINAL       "\xEE\xAB\xA8" // U+EAE8
+#define ICON_PH_DOT            "\xEE\xB3\x9E" // U+ECDE
+#define ICON_PH_CIRCLE         "\xEE\x86\x8A" // U+E18A
+#define ICON_PH_EYE            "\xEE\x88\xA0" // U+E220
+#define ICON_PH_CUBE           "\xEE\x87\x9A" // U+E1DA
+#define ICON_PH_GAUGE          "\xEE\x98\xA8" // U+E628
+#define ICON_PH_BRANCH         "\xEE\x89\xB8" // U+E278
+#define ICON_PH_BRACKETS       "\xEE\xA1\xA0" // U+E860
+#define ICON_PH_TARGET         "\xEE\x91\xBC" // U+E47C
+#define ICON_PH_MAP_PIN        "\xEE\x8C\x96" // U+E316
+#define ICON_PH_HASH           "\xEE\x8A\xA2" // U+E2A2
+#define ICON_PH_WARNING        "\xEE\x93\xA0" // U+E4E0
+#define ICON_PH_PLUS           "\xEE\x8F\x94" // U+E3D4
+#define ICON_PH_PENCIL         "\xEE\x8E\xB4" // U+E3B4
+#define ICON_PH_CHECK          "\xEE\x86\x82" // U+E182
+#define ICON_PH_X              "\xEE\x93\xB6" // U+E4F6
+#define ICON_PH_TIMER          "\xEE\x92\x92" // U+E492
+#define ICON_PH_MEMORY         "\xEE\xA7\x84" // U+E9C4
+#define ICON_PH_PULSE          "\xEE\x80\x80" // U+E000
+#define ICON_PH_FILE_C         "\xEE\xAC\xB2" // U+EB32
+#define ICON_PH_FILE_CPP       "\xEE\xAC\xAE" // U+EB2E
+#define ICON_PH_FILE_RS        "\xEE\xAC\xA8" // U+EB28
+#define ICON_PH_CIRCLE_DASHED  "\xEE\x98\x82" // U+E602
+#define ICON_PH_ARROW_RIGHT    "\xEE\x81\xAC" // U+E06C
+#define ICON_PH_CLOCK          "\xEE\x86\x9A" // U+E19A
+#define ICON_PH_LIGHTNING      "\xEE\x8B\x9E" // U+E2DE
+#define ICON_PH_INFO           "\xEE\x8B\x8E" // U+E2CE
diff --git a/src/ui/preferences.cpp b/src/ui/preferences.cpp
index c74f0d4..db5017b 100644
--- a/src/ui/preferences.cpp
+++ b/src/ui/preferences.cpp
@@ -67,6 +67,8 @@ namespace Hsdbg
                 preferences.show_mascot = as_bool(value, preferences.show_mascot);
             else if (key == "mascot_scale")
                 preferences.mascot_scale = as_float(value, preferences.mascot_scale);
+            else if (key == "source_font_size")
+                preferences.source_font_size = as_float(value, preferences.source_font_size);
             else if (key == "syntax_highlighting")
                 preferences.syntax_highlighting = as_bool(value, preferences.syntax_highlighting);
             else if (key == "show_line_numbers")
@@ -117,6 +119,7 @@ namespace Hsdbg
              << "rounding=" << preferences.rounding << '\n'
              << "show_mascot=" << (preferences.show_mascot ? "true" : "false") << '\n'
              << "mascot_scale=" << preferences.mascot_scale << '\n'
+             << "source_font_size=" << preferences.source_font_size << '\n'
              << "syntax_highlighting=" << (preferences.syntax_highlighting ? "true" : "false") << '\n'
              << "show_line_numbers=" << (preferences.show_line_numbers ? "true" : "false") << '\n'
              << "highlight_current_line=" << (preferences.highlight_current_line ? "true" : "false") << '\n'
diff --git a/src/ui/preferences.h b/src/ui/preferences.h
index b56a46b..a8c98ae 100644
--- a/src/ui/preferences.h
+++ b/src/ui/preferences.h
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ namespace Hsdbg
         float mascot_scale = 1.6f;           // mascot height as a multiple of a button
 
         // editor
+        float source_font_size = 16.0f;      // px before ui scaling; cmd/ctrl+scroll over the source nudges it
         bool syntax_highlighting = true;
         bool show_line_numbers = true;
         bool highlight_current_line = true;
diff --git a/src/ui/source_view.cpp b/src/ui/source_view.cpp
index 205fbca..af389f8 100644
--- a/src/ui/source_view.cpp
+++ b/src/ui/source_view.cpp
@@ -2,6 +2,8 @@
 
 #include "core/log.h"
 #include "debugger/debugger.h"
+#include "ui/icons.h"
+#include "ui/widgets.h"
 
 #include <imgui.h>
 #include <imgui_internal.h>
@@ -9,10 +11,14 @@
 
 #include <algorithm>
 #include <cctype>
+#include <cfloat>
+#include <format>
 #include <fstream>
+#include <iterator>
 #include <optional>
 #include <span>
 #include <string_view>
+#include <unordered_map>
 #include <unordered_set>
 
 namespace Hsdbg
@@ -21,6 +27,9 @@ namespace Hsdbg
     {
         constexpr float BREAKPOINT_RADIUS = 5.0f;
 
+        constexpr float MIN_FONT_SIZE = 9.0f;
+        constexpr float MAX_FONT_SIZE = 32.0f;
+        constexpr float DEFAULT_FONT_SIZE = 16.0f;
 
         enum class Language : uint8_t
         {
@@ -325,6 +334,24 @@ namespace Hsdbg
         // green of comments so they do not read as part of the code
         const ImU32 INLINE_VALUE_COLOR = IM_COL32(122, 140, 170, 235);
 
+        // the accent bar down the left edge of the line execution is on
+        constexpr float EXECUTION_BAR_WIDTH = 3.0f;
+
+        // the directory of a path cut to its last two components, so a deep path
+        // leaves room for the file name in the location bar
+        auto short_directory(const std::filesystem::path& path) -> std::string
+        {
+            const std::filesystem::path parent = path.parent_path();
+            std::vector<std::string> parts;
+            std::ranges::transform(parent, std::back_inserter(parts),
+                                   [](const std::filesystem::path& part) { return part.string(); });
+
+            if (parts.size() <= 3)
+                return parent.generic_string() + "/";
+
+            return "…/" + parts[parts.size() - 2] + "/" + parts.back() + "/";
+        }
+
         auto line_number_width(size_t line_count) -> float
         {
             return ImGui::CalcTextSize(std::to_string(line_count).c_str()).x;
@@ -361,6 +388,22 @@ namespace Hsdbg
             return false;
         }
 
+        // whether the line holds `name` as an identifier: by its spans when it
+        // has them (so a mention inside a comment or string does not count),
+        // else by the raw text
+        auto line_mentions(const std::string& line, const std::vector<SourceSpan>& spans,
+                           const std::string& name) -> bool
+        {
+            if (spans.empty())
+                return contains_word(line, name);
+
+            return std::ranges::any_of(spans, [&](const SourceSpan& span)
+            {
+                return span.kind == SyntaxKind::Default && span.length == name.size() &&
+                       line.compare(span.start, span.length, name) == 0;
+            });
+        }
+
         // a single-line, length-capped rendering of a value for the inline annotation
         auto inline_value(const Variable& local) -> std::string
         {
@@ -491,51 +534,153 @@ namespace Hsdbg
         m_scroll_to_highlight = line != 0;
     }
 
+    auto SourceView::set_frame_extent(uint32_t first, uint32_t last) -> void
+    {
+        m_frame_first_line = first;
+        m_frame_last_line = last;
+    }
+
     auto SourceView::draw(Debugger& debugger) -> void
     {
         draw_open_bar();
 
-        ImGui::Separator();
-
         if (m_lines.empty())
         {
-            ImGui::TextDisabled("No source file open");
+            Widgets::empty_state(ICON_PH_FILE_CODE, "No source file open");
             return;
         }
 
-        // the code and its line-number gutter render in the monospace face; the
-        // open bar above stays in the ui font
-        if (m_mono_font != nullptr)
-            ImGui::PushFont(m_mono_font, 0.0f);
-
+        // the code and its line-number gutter render in the monospace face at the
+        // zoomable size; the location bar above stays in the ui font
+        ImGui::PushFont(m_mono_font, m_font_size);
         draw_lines(debugger);
+        ImGui::PopFont();
+    }
 
-        if (m_mono_font != nullptr)
-            ImGui::PopFont();
+    auto SourceView::handle_zoom() -> void
+    {
+        // cmd/ctrl + wheel over the code resizes it, and cmd/ctrl + 0 resets it.
+        // owning the wheel while the modifier is down keeps the view from
+        // scrolling too (imgui only holds off on its own for the real ctrl key)
+        const ImGuiIO& io = ImGui::GetIO();
+        if (!ImGui::IsWindowHovered() || !(io.KeyCtrl || io.KeySuper))
+        {
+            m_zoom_accumulator = 0.0f;
+            return;
+        }
+
+        ImGui::SetKeyOwner(ImGuiKey_MouseWheelY, ImGui::GetID("##zoom"));
+
+        // a mouse notch is a whole step; a trackpad gets there in small increments
+        float size = m_font_size;
+        m_zoom_accumulator += io.MouseWheel;
+        while (m_zoom_accumulator >= 1.0f)
+        {
+            size += 1.0f;
+            m_zoom_accumulator -= 1.0f;
+        }
+        while (m_zoom_accumulator <= -1.0f)
+        {
+            size -= 1.0f;
+            m_zoom_accumulator += 1.0f;
+        }
+
+        if (ImGui::IsKeyPressed(ImGuiKey_0))
+            size = DEFAULT_FONT_SIZE;
+
+        size = std::clamp(size, MIN_FONT_SIZE, MAX_FONT_SIZE);
+        if (size != m_font_size)
+        {
+            m_font_size = size;
+            m_zoom_badge_until = ImGui::GetTime() + 1.2;
+        }
     }
 
     auto SourceView::draw_open_bar() -> void
     {
-        ImGui::SetNextItemWidth(-ImGui::CalcTextSize("Open").x - ImGui::GetStyle().FramePadding.x * 4.0f);
-
-        const bool submitted = ImGui::InputTextWithHint("##source_path",
-                                                        "Path to a source file",
-                                                        &m_path_input,
-                                                        ImGuiInputTextFlags_EnterReturnsTrue);
+        // with a file open the bar is a breadcrumb (dim directory, bright name)
+        // that a click turns into the path field; with none, the field is there
+        // from the start
+        if (m_editing_path || m_path.empty())
+        {
+            if (m_focus_path)
+            {
+                ImGui::SetKeyboardFocusHere();
+                m_focus_path = false;
+            }
 
-        ImGui::SameLine();
+            ImGui::SetNextItemWidth(-FLT_MIN);
+            const bool submitted = Widgets::input_with_icon("##source_path", ICON_PH_FILE_CODE,
+                                                            "Path to a source file, Enter to open",
+                                                            &m_path_input,
+                                                            ImGuiInputTextFlags_EnterReturnsTrue);
 
-        if (ImGui::Button("Open") || submitted)
+            if (submitted)
+            {
+                if (const auto result = open(m_path_input); !result)
+                {
+                    m_error = result.error();
+                    Log::error("{}", m_error);
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    m_editing_path = false;
+                }
+            }
+            else if (m_editing_path && (ImGui::IsItemDeactivated() || ImGui::IsKeyPressed(ImGuiKey_Escape)))
+            {
+                m_editing_path = false;
+                m_path_input = m_path.string();
+            }
+        }
+        else
         {
-            if (const auto result = open(m_path_input); !result)
+            const ImGuiStyle& style = ImGui::GetStyle();
+            const ImVec2 pos = ImGui::GetCursorScreenPos();
+            const float height = ImGui::GetFrameHeight();
+            const float width = ImGui::GetContentRegionAvail().x;
+
+            ImGui::InvisibleButton("##path_row", ImVec2(width, height));
+            const bool hovered = ImGui::IsItemHovered();
+
+            ImDrawList* draw_list = ImGui::GetWindowDrawList();
+            if (hovered)
+            {
+                draw_list->AddRectFilled(pos, ImVec2(pos.x + width, pos.y + height),
+                                    ImGui::GetColorU32(ImGuiCol_FrameBg), style.FrameRounding);
+                ImGui::SetMouseCursor(ImGuiMouseCursor_Hand);
+                ImGui::SetTooltip("%s\nClick to type a path", m_path.string().c_str());
+            }
+
+            const ImU32 dim = ImGui::GetColorU32(ImGuiCol_TextDisabled);
+            const ImU32 bright = ImGui::GetColorU32(ImGuiCol_Text);
+            const std::string directory = short_directory(m_path);
+            const std::string name = m_path.filename().string();
+
+            float x = pos.x + style.FramePadding.x;
+            const float y = pos.y + style.FramePadding.y;
+            draw_list->AddText(ImVec2(x, y), dim, ICON_PH_FILE_CODE);
+            x += ImGui::CalcTextSize(ICON_PH_FILE_CODE).x + 6.0f;
+            draw_list->AddText(ImVec2(x, y), dim, directory.c_str());
+            x += ImGui::CalcTextSize(directory.c_str()).x;
+            draw_list->AddText(ImVec2(x, y), bright, name.c_str());
+
+            if (hovered)
+            {
+                const float pencil = ImGui::CalcTextSize(ICON_PH_PENCIL).x;
+                draw_list->AddText(ImVec2(pos.x + width - pencil - style.FramePadding.x, y), dim, ICON_PH_PENCIL);
+            }
+
+            if (ImGui::IsItemClicked())
             {
-                m_error = result.error();
-                Log::error("{}", m_error);
+                m_editing_path = true;
+                m_focus_path = true;
+                m_path_input = m_path.string();
             }
         }
 
         if (!m_error.empty())
-            ImGui::TextColored(ImVec4(0.89f, 0.33f, 0.33f, 1.0f), "%s", m_error.c_str());
+            ImGui::TextColored(ImVec4(0.89f, 0.33f, 0.33f, 1.0f), ICON_PH_WARNING "  %s", m_error.c_str());
     }
 
     auto SourceView::draw_lines(Debugger& debugger) -> void
@@ -551,6 +696,8 @@ namespace Hsdbg
             return;
         }
 
+        handle_zoom();
+
         if (m_scroll_to_highlight && m_highlighted_line != 0)
         {
             ImGui::SetScrollY(static_cast<float>(m_highlighted_line - 1) * text_height -
@@ -564,6 +711,40 @@ namespace Hsdbg
                                                      ? debugger.locals()
                                                      : std::span<const Variable>{};
 
+        // each local is annotated once, on the line that declares it: the
+        // declaration the debug info names (a parameter's is the signature), else
+        // its first mention inside the current function. never past the pc, as
+        // anything there has not run and would read stale
+        std::unordered_map<std::string, uint32_t> pinned;
+        if (!locals.empty())
+        {
+            for (const Variable& local : locals)
+            {
+                if (!local.value.empty() && local.declaration_line != 0 &&
+                    local.declaration_line <= m_highlighted_line && local.declaration_line <= m_lines.size())
+                    pinned.emplace(local.name, local.declaration_line);
+            }
+
+            const uint32_t first = std::max(m_frame_first_line, 1u);
+            const uint32_t last = std::min({ m_highlighted_line,
+                                             m_frame_last_line != 0 ? m_frame_last_line : m_highlighted_line,
+                                             static_cast<uint32_t>(m_lines.size()) });
+
+            for (uint32_t line = first; line <= last; ++line)
+            {
+                for (const Variable& local : locals)
+                {
+                    if (local.value.empty() || pinned.contains(local.name))
+                        continue;
+
+                    const size_t at = line - 1;
+                    const std::vector<SourceSpan>& spans = at < m_spans.size() ? m_spans[at] : std::vector<SourceSpan>{};
+                    if (line_mentions(m_lines[at], spans, local.name))
+                        pinned.emplace(local.name, line);
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
         ImGuiListClipper clipper;
         clipper.Begin(static_cast<int>(m_lines.size()), text_height);
 
@@ -574,12 +755,18 @@ namespace Hsdbg
                 const uint32_t line_number = static_cast<uint32_t>(index) + 1;
                 const ImVec2 row_start = ImGui::GetCursorScreenPos();
 
+                // the line execution sits on: a full-bleed tint plus an accent bar
+                // down the panel's left edge
                 if (line_number == m_highlighted_line && m_highlight_current_line)
                 {
-                    draw_list->AddRectFilled(row_start,
-                                             ImVec2(row_start.x + ImGui::GetContentRegionAvail().x,
-                                                    row_start.y + text_height),
+                    const float left = ImGui::GetWindowPos().x + 1.0f;
+                    const float right = ImGui::GetWindowPos().x + ImGui::GetWindowWidth() - 1.0f;
+                    draw_list->AddRectFilled(ImVec2(left, row_start.y),
+                                             ImVec2(right, row_start.y + text_height),
                                              m_current_line_color);
+                    draw_list->AddRectFilled(ImVec2(left, row_start.y),
+                                             ImVec2(left + EXECUTION_BAR_WIDTH, row_start.y + text_height),
+                                             ImGui::ColorConvertFloat4ToU32(Widgets::accent()));
                 }
 
                 ImGui::PushID(index);
@@ -636,7 +823,11 @@ namespace Hsdbg
                     ImGui::SameLine(0.0f, 0.0f);
                     ImGui::SetCursorPosX(ImGui::GetCursorPosX() + number_width -
                                          ImGui::CalcTextSize(number_text.c_str()).x);
-                    ImGui::TextDisabled("%s", number_text.c_str());
+
+                    if (line_number == m_highlighted_line)
+                        ImGui::TextUnformatted(number_text.c_str());
+                    else
+                        ImGui::TextDisabled("%s", number_text.c_str());
                 }
 
                 ImGui::SameLine(0.0f, GUTTER_MARGIN * 2.0f);
@@ -697,9 +888,7 @@ namespace Hsdbg
                     }
                 }
 
-                // live values for locals on this line, shown only up to the pc —
-                // anything past it has not run yet and would read stale
-                if (!locals.empty() && line_number <= m_highlighted_line)
+                if (!pinned.empty())
                 {
                     int shown = 0;
 
@@ -708,18 +897,37 @@ namespace Hsdbg
                         if (shown >= 4)
                             break;
 
-                        if (local.value.empty() || !contains_word(text, local.name))
+                        const auto pin = pinned.find(local.name);
+                        if (pin == pinned.end() || pin->second != line_number)
                             continue;
 
-                        ImGui::SameLine(0.0f, shown == 0 ? GUTTER_MARGIN * 3.0f : GUTTER_MARGIN);
-                        ImGui::PushStyleColor(ImGuiCol_Text, INLINE_VALUE_COLOR);
-                        ImGui::TextUnformatted(inline_value(local).c_str());
+                        const bool changed = m_changed_locals != nullptr && m_changed_locals->contains(local.name);
+
+                        // set in a dim pill so it reads as the debugger's note on
+                        // the line rather than as more code
+                        const std::string label = inline_value(local);
+                        ImGui::SameLine(0.0f, shown == 0 ? GUTTER_MARGIN * 4.0f : GUTTER_MARGIN);
+
+                        constexpr float pad = 5.0f;
+                        const ImVec2 pos = ImGui::GetCursorScreenPos();
+                        const ImVec2 size = ImGui::CalcTextSize(label.c_str());
+                        draw_list->AddRectFilled(ImVec2(pos.x, pos.y - 1.0f),
+                                                 ImVec2(pos.x + size.x + pad * 2.0f, pos.y + size.y + 1.0f),
+                                                 ImGui::GetColorU32(ImGuiCol_FrameBg, 0.85f), 4.0f);
+
+                        ImGui::SetCursorScreenPos(ImVec2(pos.x + pad, pos.y));
+                        ImGui::PushStyleColor(ImGuiCol_Text, changed ? ImGui::ColorConvertFloat4ToU32(Widgets::accent())
+                                                                     : INLINE_VALUE_COLOR);
+                        ImGui::TextUnformatted(label.c_str());
                         ImGui::PopStyleColor();
 
                         if (ImGui::IsItemHovered())
                             ImGui::SetTooltip("%s = %s%s%s", local.name.c_str(), local.value.c_str(),
                                               local.type.empty() ? "" : "\n", local.type.c_str());
 
+                        ImGui::SameLine(0.0f, 0.0f);
+                        ImGui::Dummy(ImVec2(pad, 0.0f));
+
                         ++shown;
                     }
                 }
@@ -728,6 +936,20 @@ namespace Hsdbg
 
         clipper.End();
 
+        // a passing badge with the new size, top right, after a zoom
+        if (ImGui::GetTime() < m_zoom_badge_until)
+        {
+            const std::string label = std::format("{:.0f} px", m_font_size);
+            const ImVec2 ts = ImGui::CalcTextSize(label.c_str());
+            const ImVec2 win = ImGui::GetWindowPos();
+            const ImVec2 end(win.x + ImGui::GetWindowWidth() - 16.0f, win.y + 10.0f + ts.y + 10.0f);
+            const ImVec2 start(end.x - ts.x - 20.0f, win.y + 10.0f);
+            ImDrawList* overlay = ImGui::GetWindowDrawList();
+            overlay->AddRectFilled(start, end, ImGui::GetColorU32(ImGuiCol_FrameBg), 6.0f);
+            overlay->AddRect(start, end, ImGui::GetColorU32(ImGuiCol_Border), 6.0f);
+            overlay->AddText(ImVec2(start.x + 10.0f, start.y + 5.0f), ImGui::GetColorU32(ImGuiCol_Text), label.c_str());
+        }
+
         ImGui::EndChild();
     }
 
diff --git a/src/ui/source_view.h b/src/ui/source_view.h
index 7dd949d..1e68265 100644
--- a/src/ui/source_view.h
+++ b/src/ui/source_view.h
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 #include <filesystem>
 #include <optional>
 #include <string>
+#include <unordered_set>
 #include <vector>
 
 struct ImDrawList;
@@ -46,6 +47,14 @@ namespace Hsdbg
         auto draw(Debugger& debugger) -> void;
 
         auto set_highlighted_line(uint32_t line) -> void;
+
+        // the lines of the function the selected frame is in (zero for unknown):
+        // live values are only annotated inside it
+        auto set_frame_extent(uint32_t first, uint32_t last) -> void;
+
+        // names of locals that moved since the previous stop; their annotations
+        // take the accent. the set is owned by the caller and read each frame
+        auto set_changed_locals(const std::unordered_set<std::string>* names) -> void { m_changed_locals = names; }
         auto set_highlighting(bool enabled) -> void { m_highlighting_enabled = enabled; }
         auto set_line_numbers(bool enabled) -> void { m_line_numbers = enabled; }
         auto set_highlight_current_line(bool enabled) -> void { m_highlight_current_line = enabled; }
@@ -54,8 +63,12 @@ namespace Hsdbg
         auto set_syntax_color(size_t kind, unsigned int color) -> void { m_syntax_colors[kind] = color; }
         auto set_current_line_color(unsigned int color) -> void { m_current_line_color = color; }
 
-        // the monospace face the code (and its gutter) is rendered in
+        // the monospace face the code (and its gutter) is rendered in, and its
+        // size in px before ui scaling: cmd/ctrl + wheel over the code nudges the
+        // size, and the ui reads it back to persist it
         auto set_mono_font(ImFont* font) -> void { m_mono_font = font; }
+        auto set_font_size(float size) -> void { m_font_size = size; }
+        auto font_size() const -> float { return m_font_size; }
 
         auto path() const -> const std::filesystem::path& { return m_path; }
         auto line_count() const -> size_t { return m_lines.size(); }
@@ -77,6 +90,7 @@ namespace Hsdbg
     private:
         auto draw_open_bar() -> void;
         auto draw_lines(Debugger& debugger) -> void;
+        auto handle_zoom() -> void;
 
         // renders a highlighted macro name: hovering previews its expansion,
         // clicking records the invocation for the macros panel to open
@@ -107,5 +121,18 @@ namespace Hsdbg
         std::string m_error;
         uint32_t m_highlighted_line = 0;
         bool m_scroll_to_highlight = false;
+
+        // the location bar shows the open path as a breadcrumb; a click swaps in
+        // the text field (and asks for its focus) until a file opens or it loses focus
+        bool m_editing_path = false;
+        bool m_focus_path = false;
+
+        float m_font_size = 16.0f;
+        float m_zoom_accumulator = 0.0f; // wheel travel not yet turned into a step
+        double m_zoom_badge_until = 0.0; // the "NN px" badge shows until this time
+
+        uint32_t m_frame_first_line = 0;
+        uint32_t m_frame_last_line = 0;
+        const std::unordered_set<std::string>* m_changed_locals = nullptr;
     };
 }
diff --git a/src/ui/ui.cpp b/src/ui/ui.cpp
index 78d585d..6f025e6 100644
--- a/src/ui/ui.cpp
+++ b/src/ui/ui.cpp
@@ -16,6 +16,8 @@
 #include <algorithm>
 #include <cctype>
 #include <cfloat>
+#include <charconv>
+#include <cstdlib>
 #include <filesystem>
 #include <format>
 #include <optional>
@@ -58,9 +60,6 @@ namespace Hsdbg
         const ImVec2 ROOT_PADDING(8.0f, 6.0f);
         const ImVec2 TOOLBAR_PADDING(4.0f, 4.0f);
 
-        // the same green the source view puts behind the current line
-        const ImU32 CURRENT_INSTRUCTION_COLOR = IM_COL32(58, 72, 46, 255);
-
         constexpr float BREAKPOINT_RADIUS = 5.0f;
         constexpr float DISASSEMBLY_GUTTER_WIDTH = 22.0f;
 
@@ -68,10 +67,22 @@ namespace Hsdbg
         const ImU32 BREAKPOINT_DISABLED_COLOR = IM_COL32(120, 90, 90, 255);
         const ImU32 BREAKPOINT_HOVER_COLOR = IM_COL32(226, 84, 84, 90);
 
-        // folders take a cool tint; the file open in the source view keeps its
-        // accent even when unselected, so it stays easy to find in a long tree
-        const ImU32 SOURCE_FOLDER_COLOR = IM_COL32(150, 178, 214, 255);
-        const ImU32 SOURCE_OPEN_FILE_COLOR = IM_COL32(126, 194, 126, 255);
+        // folders take a tint between the text and the accent, and the file open
+        // in the source view the accent itself, so both follow light and dark
+        // themes and the open file stays easy to find in a long tree
+        auto source_folder_color() -> ImU32
+        {
+            const ImVec4 text = ImGui::GetStyleColorVec4(ImGuiCol_Text);
+            const ImVec4 accent = Widgets::accent();
+            return ImGui::GetColorU32(ImVec4(text.x + (accent.x - text.x) * 0.55f,
+                                             text.y + (accent.y - text.y) * 0.55f,
+                                             text.z + (accent.z - text.z) * 0.55f, 1.0f));
+        }
+
+        auto source_open_file_color() -> ImU32
+        {
+            return ImGui::GetColorU32(Widgets::accent());
+        }
 
         // the dim connectors drawn between a folder and its children
         const ImU32 SOURCE_TREE_LINE_COLOR = IM_COL32(110, 110, 122, 160);
@@ -448,7 +459,7 @@ namespace Hsdbg
 
         auto draw_instruction_table(Debugger& debugger,
                                     std::span<const Instruction> instructions,
-                                    bool scroll_to_current) -> void
+                                    bool scroll_to_current, ImU32 current_row_color) -> void
         {
             constexpr ImGuiTableFlags flags = ImGuiTableFlags_RowBg | ImGuiTableFlags_BordersInnerV |
                                               ImGuiTableFlags_Resizable | ImGuiTableFlags_ScrollY |
@@ -501,9 +512,7 @@ namespace Hsdbg
                     ImGui::PushID(index);
 
                     if (instruction.current)
-                    {
-                        ImGui::TableSetBgColor(ImGuiTableBgTarget_RowBg0, CURRENT_INSTRUCTION_COLOR);
-                    }
+                        ImGui::TableSetBgColor(ImGuiTableBgTarget_RowBg0, current_row_color);
 
                     ImGui::TableNextColumn();
 
@@ -512,6 +521,12 @@ namespace Hsdbg
                     if (ImGui::InvisibleButton("##gutter", ImVec2(DISASSEMBLY_GUTTER_WIDTH, row_height)))
                         toggle_instruction_breakpoint(debugger, instruction);
 
+                    // the same accent bar the source view puts beside its current line
+                    if (instruction.current)
+                        draw_list->AddRectFilled(gutter_min,
+                                                 ImVec2(gutter_min.x + 3.0f, gutter_min.y + row_height),
+                                                 ImGui::ColorConvertFloat4ToU32(Widgets::accent()));
+
                     const bool gutter_hovered = ImGui::IsItemHovered();
                     const ImVec2 marker_center(gutter_min.x + DISASSEMBLY_GUTTER_WIDTH * 0.5f,
                                                gutter_min.y + row_height * 0.5f);
@@ -565,40 +580,133 @@ namespace Hsdbg
             }
         }
 
-        auto draw_variable(const Variable& variable) -> void
+        auto pack_color(const float (&c)[3]) -> ImU32
         {
-            ImGui::TableNextRow();
-            ImGui::TableNextColumn();
+            return IM_COL32(static_cast<int>(c[0] * 255.0f), static_cast<int>(c[1] * 255.0f),
+                            static_cast<int>(c[2] * 255.0f), 255);
+        }
 
-            if (variable.children.empty())
-            {
-                ImGui::TreeNodeEx(variable.name.c_str(),
-                                  ImGuiTreeNodeFlags_Leaf | ImGuiTreeNodeFlags_NoTreePushOnOpen |
-                                      ImGuiTreeNodeFlags_SpanFullWidth);
+        // how a value cell is coloured: numbers, strings and literals borrow the
+        // editor's syntax colours, and a value that moved since the last stop
+        // takes the accent
+        struct ValueStyle
+        {
+            ImU32 number = 0;
+            ImU32 string = 0;
+            ImU32 keyword = 0;
+            ImU32 changed = 0;
+        };
 
-                ImGui::TableNextColumn();
-                ImGui::TextUnformatted(variable.type.c_str());
-                ImGui::TableNextColumn();
-                ImGui::TextUnformatted(variable.value.c_str());
+        auto value_style(const Preferences& preferences) -> ValueStyle
+        {
+            return ValueStyle{ pack_color(preferences.color_number), pack_color(preferences.color_string),
+                               pack_color(preferences.color_keyword),
+                               ImGui::ColorConvertFloat4ToU32(Widgets::accent()) };
+        }
 
-                return;
+        auto value_color(std::string_view value, const ValueStyle& style) -> std::optional<ImU32>
+        {
+            if (value.empty())
+                return std::nullopt;
+
+            const char first = value.front();
+            if (first == '"' || first == '\'')
+                return style.string;
+
+            if (value == "true" || value == "false" || value == "nullptr" || value == "NULL")
+                return style.keyword;
+
+            const bool digit = std::isdigit(static_cast<unsigned char>(first)) != 0;
+            const bool signed_digit = (first == '-' || first == '.') && value.size() > 1 &&
+                                      std::isdigit(static_cast<unsigned char>(value[1])) != 0;
+            if (digit || signed_digit)
+                return style.number;
+
+            return std::nullopt;
+        }
+
+        auto draw_value(const std::string& value, const ValueStyle& style, bool changed) -> void
+        {
+            const std::optional<ImU32> colour = changed ? std::optional<ImU32>(style.changed)
+                                                        : value_color(value, style);
+            if (colour)
+                ImGui::PushStyleColor(ImGuiCol_Text, *colour);
+            ImGui::TextUnformatted(value.c_str());
+            if (colour)
+                ImGui::PopStyleColor();
+        }
+
+        using ValueSnapshot = std::unordered_map<std::string, std::string>;
+
+        auto flatten_variables(std::span<const Variable> variables, const std::string& prefix,
+                               ValueSnapshot& out) -> void
+        {
+            for (const Variable& variable : variables)
+            {
+                const std::string path = prefix.empty() ? variable.name : prefix + "." + variable.name;
+                out[path] = variable.value;
+                flatten_variables(variable.children, path, out);
             }
+        }
+
+        // one variable row (name, dimmed type, coloured value), recursing into
+        // members; `path` is the dotted name the change snapshot is keyed by, and
+        // `previous` the last stop's values, or null when they are not comparable
+        auto draw_variable(const Variable& variable, const std::string& path, const ValueStyle& style,
+                           const ValueSnapshot* previous) -> void
+        {
+            ImGui::TableNextRow();
+            ImGui::TableNextColumn();
 
-            const bool open = ImGui::TreeNodeEx(variable.name.c_str(), ImGuiTreeNodeFlags_SpanFullWidth);
+            const bool leaf = variable.children.empty();
+            const ImGuiTreeNodeFlags flags = ImGuiTreeNodeFlags_SpanFullWidth |
+                                             (leaf ? ImGuiTreeNodeFlags_Leaf | ImGuiTreeNodeFlags_NoTreePushOnOpen : 0);
+            const bool open = ImGui::TreeNodeEx(variable.name.c_str(), flags);
 
             ImGui::TableNextColumn();
-            ImGui::TextUnformatted(variable.type.c_str());
+            ImGui::TextDisabled("%s", variable.type.c_str());
+
             ImGui::TableNextColumn();
-            ImGui::TextUnformatted(variable.value.c_str());
+            const std::string* before = nullptr;
+            if (previous != nullptr)
+            {
+                if (const auto found = previous->find(path); found != previous->end())
+                    before = &found->second;
+            }
+            const bool changed = before != nullptr && *before != variable.value;
+            draw_value(variable.value, style, changed);
+
+            if (changed && ImGui::IsItemHovered())
+                ImGui::SetTooltip("Was %s", before->c_str());
 
-            if (!open)
+            if (leaf || !open)
                 return;
 
             for (const Variable& child : variable.children)
-                draw_variable(child);
+                draw_variable(child, path + "." + child.name, style, previous);
 
             ImGui::TreePop();
         }
+
+        auto file_icon(const std::filesystem::path& path) -> const char*
+        {
+            std::string ext = path.extension().string();
+            std::ranges::transform(ext, ext.begin(), [](unsigned char c)
+            {
+                return static_cast<char>(std::tolower(c));
+            });
+
+            if (ext == ".c")
+                return ICON_PH_FILE_C;
+            if (ext == ".rs")
+                return ICON_PH_FILE_RS;
+            if (ext == ".cpp" || ext == ".cc" || ext == ".cxx" || ext == ".c++" || ext == ".h" ||
+                ext == ".hpp" || ext == ".hh" || ext == ".hxx" || ext == ".inl" || ext == ".ipp" ||
+                ext == ".m" || ext == ".mm")
+                return ICON_PH_FILE_CPP;
+
+            return ICON_PH_FILE;
+        }
     }
 
     Ui::Ui(Window& window)
@@ -616,6 +724,7 @@ namespace Hsdbg
         // scaling the ui keeps the text crisp
         load_fonts();
         m_source_view.set_mono_font(m_font_mono);
+        m_source_view.set_changed_locals(&m_changed_locals);
 
         // a saved layout beats the built in one, so only build when there is none
         m_layout_built = io.IniFilename != nullptr && std::filesystem::exists(io.IniFilename);
@@ -753,6 +862,50 @@ namespace Hsdbg
         }
     }
 
+    auto Ui::snapshot_values(const Debugger& debugger) -> void
+    {
+        if (!debugger.is_stopped())
+            return;
+
+        const bool same_stop = debugger.stop_count() == m_snapshot_stop;
+        const bool same_place = debugger.selected_thread() == m_snapshot_thread &&
+                                debugger.selected_frame() == m_snapshot_frame;
+        if (same_stop && same_place)
+            return;
+
+        const std::span<const StackFrame> stack = debugger.call_stack();
+        const auto frame = std::ranges::find(stack, debugger.selected_frame(), &StackFrame::index);
+        std::string function = frame != stack.end() ? frame->function : std::string{};
+
+        // only a new stop in the very same frame (thread, depth and function) is
+        // compared against the last one; a frame the user switched to is not
+        m_snapshot_comparable = !same_stop && same_place && function == m_snapshot_function;
+        m_snapshot_stop = debugger.stop_count();
+        m_snapshot_thread = debugger.selected_thread();
+        m_snapshot_frame = debugger.selected_frame();
+        m_snapshot_function = std::move(function);
+
+        m_prev_locals = std::move(m_curr_locals);
+        m_curr_locals.clear();
+        flatten_variables(debugger.locals(), "", m_curr_locals);
+
+        m_changed_locals.clear();
+        if (m_snapshot_comparable)
+        {
+            for (const auto& [name, value] : m_curr_locals)
+            {
+                const auto before = m_prev_locals.find(name);
+                if (before != m_prev_locals.end() && before->second != value)
+                    m_changed_locals.insert(name);
+            }
+        }
+
+        m_prev_registers = std::move(m_curr_registers);
+        m_curr_registers.clear();
+        for (const Register& entry : debugger.registers())
+            m_curr_registers[entry.name] = entry.value;
+    }
+
     auto Ui::show_frame(const StackFrame& frame) -> void
     {
         if (frame.file.empty() || frame.line == 0)
@@ -762,6 +915,7 @@ namespace Hsdbg
             open_source(frame.file);
 
         m_source_view.set_highlighted_line(frame.line);
+        m_source_view.set_frame_extent(frame.function_first_line, frame.function_last_line);
     }
 
     auto Ui::draw(Debugger& debugger) -> void
@@ -797,22 +951,39 @@ namespace Hsdbg
         ImGui::PopStyleColor();
         ImGui::PopStyleVar(3);
 
+        // dev aid: HSDBG_OPEN=palette|preferences|target raises that overlay on
+        // the second frame, so a capture can show it
+        static const char* dev_open = std::getenv("HSDBG_OPEN");
+        if (dev_open != nullptr && ImGui::GetFrameCount() == 2)
+        {
+            const std::string_view which(dev_open);
+            m_palette_request = which == "palette";
+            m_show_preferences = which.starts_with("preferences");
+            m_load_target_pending = which == "target";
+            if (const size_t colon = which.find(':'); colon != std::string_view::npos)
+                std::from_chars(which.data() + colon + 1, which.data() + which.size(), m_preferences_tab);
+        }
+
         draw_menu_bar(debugger);
         draw_toolbar(debugger);
+        handle_shortcuts(debugger);
 
         follow_stop(debugger);
         follow_target(debugger);
+        snapshot_values(debugger);
 
         const ImGuiID dockspace_id = ImGui::GetID("##hsdbg_dockspace");
         const float status_bar_height = ImGui::GetTextLineHeight() +
                                         ImGui::GetStyle().ItemSpacing.y * 3.0f;
 
-        // NoWindowMenuButton drops the little ▼ docking/collapse menu that imgui
-        // otherwise stamps into the corner of every panel's tab bar
+        // NoWindowMenuButton drops the little ▼ docking/collapse menu and
+        // NoCloseButton the node-wide ×, so a tab bar carries only its tabs (each
+        // tab's own × shows on hover)
         ImGui::DockSpace(dockspace_id,
                          ImVec2(0.0f, ImGui::GetContentRegionAvail().y - status_bar_height),
                          ImGuiDockNodeFlags_PassthruCentralNode |
-                             static_cast<int>(ImGuiDockNodeFlags_NoWindowMenuButton));
+                             static_cast<int>(ImGuiDockNodeFlags_NoWindowMenuButton) |
+                             static_cast<int>(ImGuiDockNodeFlags_NoCloseButton));
 
         if (!m_layout_built)
         {
@@ -828,6 +999,14 @@ namespace Hsdbg
 
         draw_source_panel(debugger);
 
+        // cmd/ctrl + scroll in the source view resized its font; keep the
+        // preference (and the file) in step
+        if (m_source_view.font_size() != m_preferences.source_font_size)
+        {
+            m_preferences.source_font_size = m_source_view.font_size();
+            save_preferences(m_preferences_path, m_preferences);
+        }
+
         // a click on a highlighted macro in the source view loads it into the
         // macros panel, brings the panel up and jumps its focus there
         if (std::optional<std::string> request = m_source_view.take_macro_request())
@@ -1106,37 +1285,52 @@ namespace Hsdbg
         // a spacer between logical groups of transport controls
         const auto gap = [] { ImGui::SameLine(0.0f, 14.0f); };
 
-        if (Widgets::icon_button("run", ICON_PH_PLAY, has_target && !running, "Run",
-                                 !has_target || running, control))
-        {
-            LaunchSpec spec;
-            spec.executable = debugger.target_path();
-            spec.stop_at_entry = m_preferences.stop_at_entry;
+        // the transport reads like the state chip: play is green whenever it can
+        // go (and continues a stopped target, as f5 does), pause is amber only
+        // while running, stop is red only while there is a process to kill
+        const bool stopped = debugger.is_stopped();
+        const bool alive = running || stopped;
+        const ImVec4 go = state_color(TargetState::Running);
+        const ImVec4 hold = state_color(TargetState::Stopped);
+        const ImVec4 kill = state_color(TargetState::Crashed);
 
-            report(debugger.launch(spec), "run");
+        if (Widgets::icon_button("run", ICON_PH_PLAY, false, stopped ? "Continue  (F5)" : "Run  (F5)",
+                                 !has_target || running, control, go))
+        {
+            if (stopped)
+            {
+                report(debugger.resume(), "continue");
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                LaunchSpec spec;
+                spec.executable = debugger.target_path();
+                spec.stop_at_entry = m_preferences.stop_at_entry;
+                report(debugger.launch(spec), "run");
+            }
         }
 
         ImGui::SameLine();
-        if (Widgets::icon_button("pause", ICON_PH_PAUSE, false, "Pause", !running, control))
+        if (Widgets::icon_button("pause", ICON_PH_PAUSE, false, "Pause", !running, control, hold))
             report(debugger.pause(), "pause");
 
         ImGui::SameLine();
-        if (Widgets::icon_button("stop", ICON_PH_STOP, false, "Stop", !has_target, control))
+        if (Widgets::icon_button("stop", ICON_PH_STOP, false, "Stop", !alive, control, kill))
             report(debugger.terminate(), "stop");
 
         gap();
-        if (Widgets::icon_button("step_over", ICON_PH_STEP_OVER, false, "Step Over",
-                                 !has_target, control))
+        if (Widgets::icon_button("step_over", ICON_PH_STEP_OVER, false, "Step Over  (F10)",
+                                 !stopped, control))
             report(debugger.step_over(step_mode), "Step Over");
 
         ImGui::SameLine();
-        if (Widgets::icon_button("step_into", ICON_PH_STEP_INTO, false, "Step Into",
-                                 !has_target, control))
+        if (Widgets::icon_button("step_into", ICON_PH_STEP_INTO, false, "Step Into  (F11)",
+                                 !stopped, control))
             report(debugger.step_into(step_mode), "Step Into");
 
         ImGui::SameLine();
-        if (Widgets::icon_button("step_out", ICON_PH_STEP_OUT, false, "Step Out",
-                                 !has_target, control))
+        if (Widgets::icon_button("step_out", ICON_PH_STEP_OUT, false, "Step Out  (Shift+F11)",
+                                 !stopped, control))
             report(debugger.step_out(), "Step Out");
 
         // the way in to profiling and back out: the panel only exists while this
@@ -1183,27 +1377,120 @@ namespace Hsdbg
         ImGui::PopStyleVar(2);
     }
 
+    auto Ui::handle_shortcuts(Debugger& debugger) -> void
+    {
+        if (!debugger.has_target())
+            return;
+
+        const StepMode step_mode = m_preferences.step_by_instruction ? StepMode::Instruction : StepMode::Line;
+
+        // f5 continues a stopped target and runs one that is not going yet
+        if (ImGui::Shortcut(ImGuiKey_F5, ImGuiInputFlags_RouteGlobal))
+        {
+            if (debugger.is_stopped())
+            {
+                report(debugger.resume(), "continue");
+            }
+            else if (!debugger.is_running())
+            {
+                LaunchSpec spec;
+                spec.executable = debugger.target_path();
+                spec.stop_at_entry = m_preferences.stop_at_entry;
+                report(debugger.launch(spec), "run");
+            }
+        }
+
+        if (!debugger.is_stopped())
+            return;
+
+        if (ImGui::Shortcut(ImGuiKey_F10, ImGuiInputFlags_RouteGlobal))
+            report(debugger.step_over(step_mode), "Step Over");
+        if (ImGui::Shortcut(ImGuiKey_F11, ImGuiInputFlags_RouteGlobal))
+            report(debugger.step_into(step_mode), "Step Into");
+        if (ImGui::Shortcut(ImGuiMod_Shift | ImGuiKey_F11, ImGuiInputFlags_RouteGlobal))
+            report(debugger.step_out(), "Step Out");
+    }
+
     auto Ui::draw_status_bar(const Debugger& debugger) -> void
     {
         ImGui::Separator();
 
+        const auto sep = []
+        {
+            ImGui::SameLine(0.0f, 10.0f);
+            ImGui::TextDisabled("·");
+            ImGui::SameLine(0.0f, 10.0f);
+        };
+
+        const auto item = [](const char* icon, const std::string& text)
+        {
+            ImGui::TextDisabled("%s", icon);
+            ImGui::SameLine(0.0f, 5.0f);
+            ImGui::TextUnformatted(text.c_str());
+        };
+
         ImGui::AlignTextToFramePadding();
-        ImGui::TextColored(state_color(debugger.state()), "%s", to_string(debugger.state()).data());
 
-        ImGui::SameLine();
-        ImGui::TextDisabled("|");
-        ImGui::SameLine();
+        // the state as a coloured dot and word, then its reason while stopped
+        {
+            const ImVec4 colour = state_color(debugger.state());
+            const ImVec2 p = ImGui::GetCursorScreenPos();
+            const float cy = p.y + ImGui::GetStyle().FramePadding.y + ImGui::GetTextLineHeight() * 0.5f;
+            ImGui::GetWindowDrawList()->AddCircleFilled(ImVec2(p.x + 4.0f, cy), 3.5f,
+                                                        ImGui::ColorConvertFloat4ToU32(colour));
+            ImGui::Dummy(ImVec2(8.0f, ImGui::GetTextLineHeight()));
+            ImGui::SameLine(0.0f, 6.0f);
+            ImGui::TextColored(colour, "%s", to_string(debugger.state()).data());
+
+            if (debugger.is_stopped() && debugger.stop_reason() != StopReason::None)
+            {
+                ImGui::SameLine(0.0f, 5.0f);
+                ImGui::TextDisabled("(%s)", to_string(debugger.stop_reason()).data());
+            }
+        }
 
         if (debugger.has_target())
-            ImGui::Text("%s", debugger.target_path().filename().string().c_str());
-        else
-            ImGui::TextDisabled("No target");
+        {
+            sep();
+            item(ICON_PH_TARGET, debugger.target_path().filename().string());
 
-        ImGui::SameLine();
-        ImGui::TextDisabled("|");
-        ImGui::SameLine();
+            if (debugger.process_id() != 0 && (debugger.is_running() || debugger.is_stopped()))
+            {
+                ImGui::SameLine(0.0f, 8.0f);
+                ImGui::TextDisabled(ICON_PH_HASH " %llu", static_cast<unsigned long long>(debugger.process_id()));
+            }
+        }
+
+        // where execution sits: the selected frame's function and file:line
+        if (debugger.is_stopped())
+        {
+            const std::span<const StackFrame> stack = debugger.call_stack();
+            const auto frame = std::ranges::find(stack, debugger.selected_frame(), &StackFrame::index);
+
+            if (frame != stack.end())
+            {
+                sep();
+                item(ICON_PH_MAP_PIN, frame->function);
 
-        ImGui::Text("%zu breakpoints", debugger.breakpoints().size());
+                if (frame->line != 0)
+                {
+                    ImGui::SameLine(0.0f, 8.0f);
+                    ImGui::PushFont(m_font_mono, 0.0f);
+                    ImGui::TextDisabled("%s:%u", frame->file.filename().string().c_str(), frame->line);
+                    ImGui::PopFont();
+                }
+            }
+
+            if (const size_t threads = debugger.threads().size(); threads > 1)
+            {
+                sep();
+                item(ICON_PH_BRANCH, std::format("{} threads", threads));
+            }
+        }
+
+        sep();
+        const size_t breakpoints = debugger.breakpoints().size();
+        item(ICON_PH_CIRCLE, std::format("{} breakpoint{}", breakpoints, breakpoints == 1 ? "" : "s"));
 
         if (m_preferences.show_fps)
         {
@@ -1230,16 +1517,23 @@ namespace Hsdbg
 
         ImGui::SetNextWindowPos(center, ImGuiCond_Appearing, ImVec2(0.5f, 0.5f));
 
-        if (!ImGui::BeginPopupModal(LOAD_TARGET_POPUP, nullptr, ImGuiWindowFlags_AlwaysAutoResize))
+        if (!ImGui::BeginPopupModal(LOAD_TARGET_POPUP, nullptr,
+                                    ImGuiWindowFlags_AlwaysAutoResize | ImGuiWindowFlags_NoTitleBar))
             return;
 
+        ImGui::PushFont(m_font_strong, 0.0f);
+        ImGui::TextUnformatted(ICON_PH_TARGET "  Load target");
+        ImGui::PopFont();
         ImGui::TextDisabled("Path to an executable to debug");
+        ImGui::Spacing();
 
-        ImGui::SetNextItemWidth(420.0f);
+        ImGui::SetNextItemWidth(460.0f);
+        if (ImGui::IsWindowAppearing())
+            ImGui::SetKeyboardFocusHere();
 
-        const bool submitted = ImGui::InputText("##target_path",
-                                                &m_target_input,
-                                                ImGuiInputTextFlags_EnterReturnsTrue);
+        const bool submitted = Widgets::input_with_icon("##target_path", ICON_PH_FILE, "/path/to/a.out",
+                                                        &m_target_input,
+                                                        ImGuiInputTextFlags_EnterReturnsTrue);
 
         if (ImGui::Button("Load") || submitted)
         {
@@ -1281,6 +1575,7 @@ namespace Hsdbg
         m_source_view.set_highlighting(m_preferences.syntax_highlighting);
         m_source_view.set_line_numbers(m_preferences.show_line_numbers);
         m_source_view.set_highlight_current_line(m_preferences.highlight_current_line);
+        m_source_view.set_font_size(m_preferences.source_font_size);
 
         const auto pack = [](const float c[3]) {
             return IM_COL32(static_cast<int>(c[0] * 255.0f), static_cast<int>(c[1] * 255.0f),
@@ -1302,233 +1597,6 @@ namespace Hsdbg
         }
     }
 
-    auto Ui::draw_preferences_window() -> void
-    {
-        if (!m_show_preferences)
-        {
-            m_prefs_open_prev = false;
-            return;
-        }
-
-        // rescan the themes folder when the window opens, so a .toml dropped in
-        // while the app is running shows up without a restart
-        if (!m_prefs_open_prev)
-            m_themes = list_themes(themes_directory());
-        m_prefs_open_prev = true;
-
-        const ImGuiViewport* viewport = ImGui::GetMainViewport();
-        const ImVec2 center(viewport->WorkPos.x + viewport->WorkSize.x * 0.5f,
-                            viewport->WorkPos.y + viewport->WorkSize.y * 0.5f);
-
-        ImGui::SetNextWindowPos(center, ImGuiCond_Appearing, ImVec2(0.5f, 0.5f));
-        ImGui::SetNextWindowSize(ImVec2(560.0f, 380.0f), ImGuiCond_Appearing);
-        ImGui::SetNextWindowSizeConstraints(ImVec2(460.0f, 300.0f), ImVec2(FLT_MAX, FLT_MAX));
-
-        if (!ImGui::Begin("Preferences###preferences", &m_show_preferences, ImGuiWindowFlags_NoDocking))
-        {
-            ImGui::End();
-            return;
-        }
-
-        static constexpr const char* CATEGORIES[] = { "Appearance", "Editor", "Debugger" };
-        static constexpr const char* CATEGORY_ICONS[] = {
-            ICON_PH_SLIDERS, ICON_PH_FILE_CODE, ICON_PH_BUG
-        };
-        bool changed = false;
-        bool restyle = false;
-
-        const float footer = ImGui::GetFrameHeightWithSpacing() + ImGui::GetStyle().ItemSpacing.y;
-
-        // left: the category list; right: that category's settings
-        ImGui::BeginChild("##pref_categories", ImVec2(158.0f, -footer), ImGuiChildFlags_Borders);
-        for (int index = 0; index < IM_ARRAYSIZE(CATEGORIES); ++index)
-        {
-            const std::string label = std::string(CATEGORY_ICONS[index]) + "  " + CATEGORIES[index];
-            if (Widgets::selectable_row(label.c_str(), m_preferences_tab == index))
-                m_preferences_tab = index;
-        }
-        ImGui::EndChild();
-
-        ImGui::SameLine();
-
-        ImGui::BeginChild("##pref_content", ImVec2(0.0f, -footer));
-        ImGui::PushItemWidth(-150.0f);
-
-        const auto help = [](const char* text) {
-            ImGui::SameLine();
-            ImGui::TextDisabled("(?)");
-            if (ImGui::BeginItemTooltip())
-            {
-                ImGui::PushTextWrapPos(ImGui::GetFontSize() * 20.0f);
-                ImGui::TextUnformatted(text);
-                ImGui::PopTextWrapPos();
-                ImGui::EndTooltip();
-            }
-        };
-
-        const auto accent_swatch = [&](const char* label, float (&value)[3]) {
-            if (ImGui::ColorEdit3(label, value,
-                                  ImGuiColorEditFlags_NoInputs | ImGuiColorEditFlags_NoAlpha))
-                changed = true;
-        };
-
-        // a settings row: the label on the left, an ios-style switch pinned to the
-        // right edge and vertically centred against the text
-        const auto toggle_row = [&](const char* label, bool* value, const char* help_text = nullptr) {
-            const float toggle_h = ImGui::GetFrameHeight() * 0.78f;
-            const float toggle_w = toggle_h * 1.8f;
-            ImGui::AlignTextToFramePadding();
-            ImGui::TextUnformatted(label);
-            if (help_text != nullptr)
-                help(help_text);
-            ImGui::SameLine();
-            ImGui::SetCursorPosX(ImGui::GetContentRegionMax().x - toggle_w);
-            ImGui::SetCursorPosY(ImGui::GetCursorPosY() + (ImGui::GetFrameHeight() - toggle_h) * 0.5f);
-            if (Widgets::toggle(label, value))
-                changed = true;
-        };
-
-        if (m_preferences_tab == 0)
-        {
-            Widgets::section_header("theme");
-
-            // preview swatches for the loaded theme, so the accent/rounding
-            // pickers below read as tweaks on top of a named starting point
-            const auto swatch = [](ImVec4 colour) {
-                ImGui::ColorButton("##sw", colour,
-                                   ImGuiColorEditFlags_NoTooltip | ImGuiColorEditFlags_NoDragDrop,
-                                   ImVec2(14.0f, 14.0f));
-                ImGui::SameLine(0.0f, 4.0f);
-            };
-            swatch(m_theme.bg);
-            swatch(m_theme.bg_high);
-            swatch(m_theme.surface);
-            swatch(m_theme.text);
-            swatch(ImVec4(m_preferences.accent[0], m_preferences.accent[1],
-                          m_preferences.accent[2], 1.0f));
-            ImGui::NewLine();
-
-            const char* current = m_preferences.theme.c_str();
-            const auto named = std::ranges::find(m_themes, m_preferences.theme, &ThemeEntry::id);
-            if (named != m_themes.end())
-                current = named->name.c_str();
-
-            if (ImGui::BeginCombo("Theme", current))
-            {
-                for (const auto& entry : m_themes)
-                {
-                    const bool selected = entry.id == m_preferences.theme;
-                    if (ImGui::Selectable(entry.name.c_str(), selected))
-                        select_theme(entry); // seeds the tweaks below and saves
-                    if (selected)
-                        ImGui::SetItemDefaultFocus();
-                }
-                ImGui::EndCombo();
-            }
-            help("Themes live in assets/themes as .toml files. drop a new one in, reopen this "
-                 "window, and it appears here. picking one resets the tweaks below to its values.");
-
-            Widgets::section_header("interface");
-            changed |= Widgets::slider_float("UI scale", &m_preferences.ui_scale, 0.75f, 2.0f, "%.2fx");
-            help("Scales every font. the text stays crisp because it is re-rasterized, not stretched.");
-
-            if (ImGui::ColorEdit3("Accent colour", m_preferences.accent,
-                                  ImGuiColorEditFlags_NoInputs | ImGuiColorEditFlags_NoAlpha))
-            {
-                changed = true;
-                restyle = true;
-            }
-
-            if (Widgets::slider_float("Corner rounding", &m_preferences.rounding, 0.0f, 12.0f, "%.0f px"))
-            {
-                changed = true;
-                restyle = true;
-            }
-
-            toggle_row("Show FPS in the status bar", &m_preferences.show_fps);
-
-            Widgets::section_header("layout");
-            if (ImGui::Button("Reset window layout"))
-                m_layout_built = false;
-            help("Restores the default arrangement of all the docked panels.");
-
-            Widgets::section_header("mascot");
-            toggle_row("Show the crying pepe", &m_preferences.show_mascot);
-
-            ImGui::BeginDisabled(!m_preferences.show_mascot);
-            changed |= Widgets::slider_float("Pepe size", &m_preferences.mascot_scale, 1.0f, 3.0f, "%.1fx");
-            ImGui::EndDisabled();
-        }
-        else if (m_preferences_tab == 1)
-        {
-            Widgets::section_header("source view");
-            toggle_row("Syntax highlighting", &m_preferences.syntax_highlighting);
-            toggle_row("Show line numbers", &m_preferences.show_line_numbers);
-            toggle_row("Highlight the current line", &m_preferences.highlight_current_line);
-
-            Widgets::section_header("colours");
-            ImGui::BeginDisabled(!m_preferences.syntax_highlighting);
-            accent_swatch("Keyword", m_preferences.color_keyword);
-            accent_swatch("Type", m_preferences.color_type);
-            accent_swatch("String", m_preferences.color_string);
-            accent_swatch("Number", m_preferences.color_number);
-            accent_swatch("Comment", m_preferences.color_comment);
-            accent_swatch("Preprocessor", m_preferences.color_preprocessor);
-            ImGui::EndDisabled();
-            accent_swatch("Current line", m_preferences.color_current_line);
-        }
-        else if (m_preferences_tab == 2)
-        {
-            Widgets::section_header("launching");
-            toggle_row("Break at entry point on launch", &m_preferences.stop_at_entry,
-                       "stop on the very first instruction instead of running to your breakpoints.");
-
-            Widgets::section_header("stepping");
-            {
-                static const char* const step_modes[] = { "Line", "Instruction" };
-                const int current_mode = m_preferences.step_by_instruction ? 1 : 0;
-                const int next_mode = Widgets::segmented("##step_mode", step_modes, 2, current_mode);
-                ImGui::SameLine();
-                ImGui::AlignTextToFramePadding();
-                ImGui::TextUnformatted("Step granularity");
-                help("The step over/into buttons advance a whole source line, or a single "
-                     "machine instruction.");
-                if (next_mode != current_mode)
-                {
-                    m_preferences.step_by_instruction = (next_mode == 1);
-                    changed = true;
-                }
-            }
-        }
-
-        ImGui::PopItemWidth();
-        ImGui::EndChild();
-
-        ImGui::Separator();
-
-        if (ImGui::Button("Reset to defaults"))
-        {
-            m_preferences = Preferences{};
-            // realign the neutral palette with the default theme so the reset
-            // accent does not sit on top of the previously loaded theme's levels
-            load_selected_theme(false);
-            changed = true;
-            restyle = true;
-        }
-
-        ImGui::SameLine();
-        ImGui::TextDisabled("Saved to %s", m_preferences_path.filename().string().c_str());
-
-        // persist the moment anything changes, so nothing is lost to a crash
-        if (changed)
-            save_preferences(m_preferences_path, m_preferences);
-
-        if (restyle)
-            m_restyle_pending = true;
-
-        ImGui::End();
-    }
-
     auto Ui::draw_source_panel(Debugger& debugger) -> void
     {
         if (!m_visible.source)
@@ -1579,7 +1647,8 @@ namespace Hsdbg
 
                         ImGui::TableNextColumn();
                         bool enabled = breakpoint.enabled;
-                        if (ImGui::Checkbox("##enabled", &enabled))
+                        if (Widgets::dot_toggle("##enabled", &enabled, BREAKPOINT_COLOR,
+                                                BREAKPOINT_DISABLED_COLOR, !breakpoint.resolved))
                             debugger.set_breakpoint_enabled(breakpoint.id, enabled);
 
                         ImGui::TableNextColumn();
@@ -1593,18 +1662,13 @@ namespace Hsdbg
                         }
                         else if (breakpoint.line != 0)
                         {
-                            // clicking jumps the source view here. plain text + a click
-                            // test, not a Selectable — a full-width one in this stretch
-                            // column feeds its width to the solver and lands on NaN
+                            // clicking jumps the source view here. a link, not a
+                            // Selectable — a full-width one in this stretch column
+                            // feeds its width to the solver and lands on NaN
                             const std::string location = std::format(
                                 "{}:{}", breakpoint.file.filename().string(), breakpoint.line);
 
-                            ImGui::TextUnformatted(location.c_str());
-
-                            if (ImGui::IsItemHovered())
-                                ImGui::SetMouseCursor(ImGuiMouseCursor_Hand);
-
-                            if (ImGui::IsItemClicked() && !breakpoint.file.empty())
+                            if (Widgets::link_text(location.c_str()) && !breakpoint.file.empty())
                             {
                                 open_source(breakpoint.file);
                                 m_source_view.set_highlighted_line(breakpoint.line);
@@ -1774,7 +1838,7 @@ namespace Hsdbg
             else
             {
                 ImGui::SetNextItemWidth(-1.0f);
-                ImGui::InputTextWithHint("##source_filter", "Filter files", &m_source_filter);
+                Widgets::input_with_icon("##source_filter", ICON_PH_SEARCH, "Filter files", &m_source_filter);
 
                 const SourceNode tree = build_source_tree(files);
                 const std::filesystem::path& open = m_source_view.path();
@@ -1795,10 +1859,10 @@ namespace Hsdbg
                         const bool selected = node.path == open;
 
                         if (selected)
-                            ImGui::PushStyleColor(ImGuiCol_Text, SOURCE_OPEN_FILE_COLOR);
+                            ImGui::PushStyleColor(ImGuiCol_Text, source_open_file_color());
 
                         const bool clicked = Widgets::selectable_row(
-                            (std::string(ICON_PH_FILE "  ") + node.name).c_str(), selected);
+                            (std::string(file_icon(node.path)) + "  " + node.name).c_str(), selected);
 
                         if (selected)
                             ImGui::PopStyleColor();
@@ -1826,7 +1890,7 @@ namespace Hsdbg
                     else if (reveal && node_contains(node, open))
                         ImGui::SetNextItemOpen(true, ImGuiCond_Always);
 
-                    ImGui::PushStyleColor(ImGuiCol_Text, SOURCE_FOLDER_COLOR);
+                    ImGui::PushStyleColor(ImGuiCol_Text, source_folder_color());
                     const bool open_node = ImGui::TreeNodeEx(
                         (std::string(ICON_PH_FOLDER "  ") + node.name).c_str(), flags);
                     ImGui::PopStyleColor();
@@ -1900,9 +1964,12 @@ namespace Hsdbg
                     ImGui::TableSetupScrollFreeze(0, 1);
                     ImGui::TableHeadersRow();
 
+                    const ValueStyle style = value_style(m_preferences);
+                    const ValueSnapshot* previous = m_snapshot_comparable ? &m_prev_locals : nullptr;
+
                     ImGui::PushFont(m_font_mono, 0.0f);
                     for (const Variable& variable : debugger.locals())
-                        draw_variable(variable);
+                        draw_variable(variable, variable.name, style, previous);
                     ImGui::PopFont();
 
                     ImGui::EndTable();
@@ -1968,6 +2035,9 @@ namespace Hsdbg
 
                 for (Watch& watch : m_watches)
                 {
+                    const bool was_ok = watch.ok;
+                    const std::string before = watch.value;
+
                     if (const auto result = debugger.evaluate(watch.expression))
                     {
                         watch.value = *result;
@@ -1978,6 +2048,8 @@ namespace Hsdbg
                         watch.value = result.error();
                         watch.ok = false;
                     }
+
+                    watch.changed = was_ok && watch.ok && before != watch.value;
                 }
             }
 
@@ -1985,8 +2057,8 @@ namespace Hsdbg
                 m_watch_evaluated = false;
 
             ImGui::SetNextItemWidth(-60.0f);
-            const bool submitted = ImGui::InputTextWithHint("##watch_input", "Expression to watch",
-                                                            &m_watch_input,
+            const bool submitted = Widgets::input_with_icon("##watch_input", ICON_PH_PLUS,
+                                                            "Expression to watch", &m_watch_input,
                                                             ImGuiInputTextFlags_EnterReturnsTrue);
 
             ImGui::SameLine();
@@ -2000,7 +2072,7 @@ namespace Hsdbg
 
             if (m_watches.empty())
             {
-                ImGui::TextDisabled("Watch an expression; it re-evaluates on every stop");
+                Widgets::empty_state(ICON_PH_EYE, "Watch an expression; it re-evaluates on every stop");
             }
             else
             {
@@ -2015,6 +2087,8 @@ namespace Hsdbg
                     ImGui::TableSetupScrollFreeze(0, 1);
                     ImGui::TableHeadersRow();
 
+                    const ValueStyle style = value_style(m_preferences);
+
                     ImGui::PushFont(m_font_mono, 0.0f);
                     size_t remove_index = m_watches.size();
 
@@ -2032,7 +2106,7 @@ namespace Hsdbg
                         if (!m_watch_evaluated && !stopped)
                             ImGui::TextDisabled("-");
                         else if (watch.ok)
-                            ImGui::TextUnformatted(watch.value.c_str());
+                            draw_value(watch.value, style, watch.changed);
                         else
                             ImGui::TextColored(ImVec4(0.85f, 0.45f, 0.45f, 1.0f), "%s",
                                                watch.value.c_str());
@@ -2079,6 +2153,8 @@ namespace Hsdbg
                     ImGui::TableSetupScrollFreeze(0, 1);
                     ImGui::TableHeadersRow();
 
+                    const ImU32 changed_colour = ImGui::ColorConvertFloat4ToU32(Widgets::accent());
+
                     ImGui::PushFont(m_font_mono, 0.0f);
                     for (const Register& entry : debugger.registers())
                     {
@@ -2086,7 +2162,20 @@ namespace Hsdbg
                         ImGui::TableNextColumn();
                         ImGui::TextUnformatted(entry.name.c_str());
                         ImGui::TableNextColumn();
-                        ImGui::Text("0x%016llx", static_cast<unsigned long long>(entry.value));
+
+                        // a register that moved since the last stop takes the accent
+                        const auto before = m_prev_registers.find(entry.name);
+                        const bool changed = m_snapshot_comparable && before != m_prev_registers.end() &&
+                                             before->second != entry.value;
+
+                        if (changed)
+                            ImGui::PushStyleColor(ImGuiCol_Text, changed_colour);
+                        Widgets::hex_value(entry.value, 16);
+                        if (changed)
+                            ImGui::PopStyleColor();
+
+                        if (changed && ImGui::IsItemHovered())
+                            ImGui::SetTooltip("Was 0x%016llx", static_cast<unsigned long long>(before->second));
                     }
                     ImGui::PopFont();
 
@@ -2114,7 +2203,7 @@ namespace Hsdbg
             else
             {
                 ImGui::SetNextItemWidth(-1.0f);
-                ImGui::InputTextWithHint("##symbol_filter", "Filter symbols", &m_symbol_filter);
+                Widgets::input_with_icon("##symbol_filter", ICON_PH_SEARCH, "Filter symbols", &m_symbol_filter);
 
                 std::vector<size_t> visible;
 
@@ -2215,10 +2304,17 @@ namespace Hsdbg
             else
             {
                 if (!debugger.disassembly_name().empty())
-                    ImGui::TextUnformatted(debugger.disassembly_name().data());
+                {
+                    ImGui::PushFont(m_font_strong, 0.0f);
+                    ImGui::Text(ICON_PH_FUNCTION "  %s", debugger.disassembly_name().data());
+                    ImGui::PopFont();
+                    ImGui::SameLine();
+                    ImGui::TextDisabled("%zu instructions", instructions.size());
+                }
 
                 ImGui::PushFont(m_font_mono, 0.0f);
-                draw_instruction_table(debugger, instructions, m_scroll_to_program_counter);
+                draw_instruction_table(debugger, instructions, m_scroll_to_program_counter,
+                                       pack_color(m_preferences.color_current_line));
                 ImGui::PopFont();
                 m_scroll_to_program_counter = false;
             }
@@ -2238,12 +2334,27 @@ namespace Hsdbg
 
             if (ImGui::BeginChild("##console_output", ImVec2(0.0f, -input_height)))
             {
+                if (debugger.console_output().empty() && m_console_lines.empty())
+                    Widgets::empty_state(ICON_PH_TERMINAL, "Target output lands here; type C or C++ below to run it in the target");
+
                 ImGui::PushFont(m_font_mono, 0.0f);
                 for (const std::string& line : debugger.console_output())
                     draw_ansi_line(line);
 
+                // the ui's own lines: an echoed command in the accent, a failure in
+                // red, so they stand apart from the target's output
+                const ImU32 echo_colour = ImGui::ColorConvertFloat4ToU32(Widgets::accent());
                 for (const std::string& line : m_console_lines)
+                {
+                    const bool echo = line.starts_with("> ");
+                    const bool failure = line.starts_with("error") || line.contains(" failed: ");
+
+                    if (echo || failure)
+                        ImGui::PushStyleColor(ImGuiCol_Text, echo ? echo_colour : IM_COL32(232, 106, 100, 255));
                     draw_ansi_line(line);
+                    if (echo || failure)
+                        ImGui::PopStyleColor();
+                }
 
                 if (m_console_scroll_pending)
                 {
@@ -2257,8 +2368,8 @@ namespace Hsdbg
 
             ImGui::SetNextItemWidth(-1.0f);
 
-            const bool submitted = ImGui::InputTextWithHint("##console_input",
-                                                            "Expression to evaluate",
+            const bool submitted = Widgets::input_with_icon("##console_input", ICON_PH_CARET_RIGHT,
+                                                            "Expression to evaluate in the target",
                                                             &m_console_input,
                                                             ImGuiInputTextFlags_EnterReturnsTrue);
 
@@ -2298,10 +2409,12 @@ namespace Hsdbg
             else
             {
                 bool sampling = debugger.sampling_enabled();
-                if (ImGui::Checkbox("sample while running", &sampling))
+                if (Widgets::toggle("##sampling", &sampling))
                     debugger.set_sampling_enabled(sampling);
 
                 ImGui::SameLine();
+                ImGui::TextUnformatted("Sample while running");
+                ImGui::SameLine();
                 ImGui::TextDisabled("(any binary, approximate)");
             }
 
@@ -2315,11 +2428,11 @@ namespace Hsdbg
             ImGui::EndChild();
 
             // exact per-function timings, and the box to add another
-            if (ImGui::CollapsingHeader("function timings", ImGuiTreeNodeFlags_DefaultOpen))
+            if (ImGui::CollapsingHeader(ICON_PH_TIMER "  Function timings", ImGuiTreeNodeFlags_DefaultOpen))
             {
                 ImGui::SetNextItemWidth(-70.0f);
-                const bool submitted = ImGui::InputTextWithHint("##trace_input", "Function to time",
-                                                                &m_trace_input,
+                const bool submitted = Widgets::input_with_icon("##trace_input", ICON_PH_PLUS,
+                                                                "Function to time", &m_trace_input,
                                                                 ImGuiInputTextFlags_EnterReturnsTrue);
 
                 ImGui::SameLine();
@@ -2398,7 +2511,7 @@ namespace Hsdbg
 
             // the live footprint of the process under debug
             if (debugger.has_target() &&
-                ImGui::CollapsingHeader("resident memory", ImGuiTreeNodeFlags_DefaultOpen))
+                ImGui::CollapsingHeader(ICON_PH_MEMORY "  Resident memory", ImGuiTreeNodeFlags_DefaultOpen))
             {
                 const TimeSeries& memory = m_profiler.target_memory_mb();
 
@@ -2412,13 +2525,16 @@ namespace Hsdbg
 
             // hsdbg's own frame cost, tucked away: useful when the ui itself feels
             // slow, not part of profiling the target
-            if (ImGui::CollapsingHeader("hsdbg self-timing"))
+            if (ImGui::CollapsingHeader(ICON_PH_PULSE "  hsdbg self-timing"))
             {
                 bool paused = m_profiler.paused();
-                if (ImGui::Checkbox("pause graphs", &paused))
+                if (Widgets::toggle("##pause_graphs", &paused))
                     m_profiler.set_paused(paused);
 
                 ImGui::SameLine();
+                ImGui::TextUnformatted("Pause graphs");
+
+                ImGui::SameLine();
                 if (ImGui::SmallButton("Reset"))
                     m_profiler.reset();
 
@@ -2510,7 +2626,7 @@ namespace Hsdbg
             const float y1 = baseline - static_cast<float>(span.depth) * row_height;
             const float y0 = y1 - (row_height - 2.0f);
 
-            const ImU32 fill = ImColor::HSV(span.trace_id * 0.13f, 0.55f, 0.78f);
+            const ImU32 fill = ImColor::HSV(static_cast<float>(span.trace_id) * 0.13f, 0.55f, 0.78f);
 
             draw_list->AddRectFilled(ImVec2(x0, y0), ImVec2(x0 + width, y1), fill, 2.0f);
             draw_list->AddRect(ImVec2(x0, y0), ImVec2(x0 + width, y1), IM_COL32(0, 0, 0, 90), 2.0f);
@@ -2687,7 +2803,11 @@ namespace Hsdbg
         constexpr ImGuiWindowFlags flags = ImGuiWindowFlags_NoTitleBar | ImGuiWindowFlags_NoMove |
                                            ImGuiWindowFlags_NoResize | ImGuiWindowFlags_NoSavedSettings;
 
-        if (!ImGui::BeginPopup("##command_palette", flags))
+        ImGui::PushStyleVar(ImGuiStyleVar_WindowPadding, ImVec2(10.0f, 10.0f));
+        const bool open = ImGui::BeginPopup("##command_palette", flags);
+        ImGui::PopStyleVar();
+
+        if (!open)
         {
             // esc or a click outside closed it
             m_palette_open = false;
@@ -2724,14 +2844,14 @@ namespace Hsdbg
                 entries.push_back({ label, "command", Kind::Command, command, {}, 0 });
         };
 
-        add_command(has_target && !running, Run, "run");
-        add_command(stopped, Continue, "continue");
-        add_command(running, Pause, "pause");
-        add_command(has_target, Stop, "stop");
+        add_command(has_target && !running, Run, "Run");
+        add_command(stopped, Continue, "Continue");
+        add_command(running, Pause, "Pause");
+        add_command(has_target, Stop, "Stop");
         add_command(stopped, StepOver, "Step Over");
         add_command(stopped, StepInto, "Step Into");
         add_command(stopped, StepOut, "Step Out");
-        add_command(true, ToggleProfiler, m_visible.profiler ? "hide profiler" : "show profiler");
+        add_command(true, ToggleProfiler, m_visible.profiler ? "Hide Profiler" : "Show Profiler");
 
         // files and symbols only clutter the list once there is a query to match
         if (!m_palette_query.empty())
@@ -2825,7 +2945,7 @@ namespace Hsdbg
         }
 
         ImGui::SetNextItemWidth(-FLT_MIN);
-        const bool submitted = ImGui::InputTextWithHint("##palette_query",
+        const bool submitted = Widgets::input_with_icon("##palette_query", ICON_PH_SEARCH,
                                                         "Jump to a file or symbol, or run a command",
                                                         &m_palette_query,
                                                         ImGuiInputTextFlags_EnterReturnsTrue);
@@ -2856,7 +2976,12 @@ namespace Hsdbg
 
                 ImGui::PushID(index);
 
-                if (ImGui::Selectable("##row", selected, ImGuiSelectableFlags_SpanAllColumns))
+                const char* icon = entry.kind == Kind::File     ? ICON_PH_FILE_CODE
+                                   : entry.kind == Kind::Symbol ? ICON_PH_FUNCTION
+                                                                : ICON_PH_PLAY;
+                const std::string label = std::format("{}  {}##row", icon, entry.label);
+
+                if (Widgets::selectable_row(label.c_str(), selected))
                     activate(entry);
 
                 // keep the keyboard-picked row in view as it moves
@@ -2864,11 +2989,8 @@ namespace Hsdbg
                                  ImGui::IsKeyPressed(ImGuiKey_DownArrow) || ImGui::IsWindowAppearing()))
                     ImGui::SetScrollHereY(0.5f);
 
-                ImGui::SameLine(0.0f, 0.0f);
-                ImGui::TextUnformatted(entry.label.c_str());
-
                 const float hint_width = ImGui::CalcTextSize(entry.hint).x;
-                ImGui::SameLine(ImGui::GetContentRegionAvail().x - hint_width);
+                ImGui::SameLine(ImGui::GetWindowContentRegionMax().x - hint_width - 8.0f);
                 ImGui::TextDisabled("%s", entry.hint);
 
                 ImGui::PopID();
@@ -3039,6 +3161,9 @@ namespace Hsdbg
         style.ScrollbarSize = 11.0f;
         style.GrabMinSize = 10.0f;
         style.TabBarBorderSize = 0.0f;
+        style.TabBarOverlineSize = 2.0f;
+        style.TabCloseButtonMinWidthSelected = 0.0f;      // the × only on hover
+        style.TabCloseButtonMinWidthUnselected = FLT_MAX; // and never on a background tab
         style.DockingSeparatorSize = 7.0f;   // widen the splitter into a visible gap
         style.WindowTitleAlign = ImVec2(0.0f, 0.5f);
         style.SeparatorTextBorderSize = 1.0f;
@@ -3122,6 +3247,7 @@ namespace Hsdbg
         colors[ImGuiCol_TableRowBg] = ImVec4(0.00f, 0.00f, 0.00f, 0.00f);
         colors[ImGuiCol_TableRowBgAlt] = fade(text, 0.03f);
         colors[ImGuiCol_TextSelectedBg] = fade(accent, 0.35f);
+        colors[ImGuiCol_TextLink] = accent;
         colors[ImGuiCol_NavCursor] = accent;
     }
 }
diff --git a/src/ui/ui.h b/src/ui/ui.h
index a404fc1..8c221a7 100644
--- a/src/ui/ui.h
+++ b/src/ui/ui.h
@@ -12,6 +12,8 @@
 #include <filesystem>
 #include <string>
 #include <string_view>
+#include <unordered_map>
+#include <unordered_set>
 #include <vector>
 
 namespace Hsdbg
@@ -85,6 +87,9 @@ namespace Hsdbg
 
         auto draw_menu_bar(Debugger& debugger) -> void;
         auto draw_toolbar(Debugger& debugger) -> void;
+
+        // f5 / f10 / f11 / shift+f11, the keys the run menu advertises
+        auto handle_shortcuts(Debugger& debugger) -> void;
         auto draw_status_bar(const Debugger& debugger) -> void;
         auto draw_load_target_popup(Debugger& debugger) -> void;
         auto draw_preferences_window() -> void;
@@ -118,6 +123,10 @@ namespace Hsdbg
         auto follow_stop(Debugger& debugger) -> void;
         auto follow_target(Debugger& debugger) -> void;
 
+        // records the locals and registers of the selected frame at each stop so
+        // the panels can pick out what changed since the last one
+        auto snapshot_values(const Debugger& debugger) -> void;
+
         // selects the innermost frame that has source and shows it, so a new
         // thread or stop lands the whole ui on real code rather than a runtime
         // internal frame with nothing to display
@@ -140,6 +149,7 @@ namespace Hsdbg
         // opens so newly dropped-in files appear)
         Theme m_theme;
         std::vector<ThemeEntry> m_themes;
+        std::vector<Theme> m_theme_previews; // one palette per entry, for the picker's cards
         bool m_prefs_open_prev = false;
 
         // the bundled faces, all with Phosphor icons merged in: ui is Nunito (its
@@ -176,6 +186,7 @@ namespace Hsdbg
             std::string expression;
             std::string value;
             bool ok = false;
+            bool changed = false; // moved since the previous evaluation
         };
 
         std::vector<Watch> m_watches;
@@ -206,6 +217,20 @@ namespace Hsdbg
         uint64_t m_followed_stop = 0;
         std::filesystem::path m_followed_target;
 
+        // the values seen at the previous and current stop, locals keyed by their
+        // dotted path; comparable only while the stop landed in the same thread,
+        // frame and function as the last one, else nothing is flagged
+        std::unordered_map<std::string, std::string> m_prev_locals;
+        std::unordered_map<std::string, std::string> m_curr_locals;
+        std::unordered_map<std::string, uint64_t> m_prev_registers;
+        std::unordered_map<std::string, uint64_t> m_curr_registers;
+        std::unordered_set<std::string> m_changed_locals; // top-level names that moved, for the source view
+        std::string m_snapshot_function;
+        uint64_t m_snapshot_stop = 0;
+        uint64_t m_snapshot_thread = 0;
+        uint32_t m_snapshot_frame = 0;
+        bool m_snapshot_comparable = false;
+
         // the source file whose folder chain the tree last expanded; when the
         // open file moves away from it the tree reveals the new path once
         std::filesystem::path m_revealed_source;
diff --git a/src/ui/ui_preferences.cpp b/src/ui/ui_preferences.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a1768a9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/ui/ui_preferences.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,667 @@
+#include "ui/ui.h"
+
+#include "debugger/debugger.h"
+#include "ui/icons.h"
+#include "ui/widgets.h"
+
+#include <glad/gl.h>
+#include <imgui.h>
+#include <imgui_internal.h>
+
+#include <algorithm>
+#include <cfloat>
+#include <cmath>
+#include <format>
+#include <iterator>
+#include <string>
+
+#ifndef HSDBG_VERSION
+    #define HSDBG_VERSION "dev"
+#endif
+
+#ifndef HSDBG_ASSET_DIR
+    #define HSDBG_ASSET_DIR ""
+#endif
+
+// the preferences window: a category rail on the left and, on the right, that
+// category's settings grouped into raised cards of title / description / control
+// rows, with theme and accent pickers that show what they pick
+namespace Hsdbg
+{
+    namespace
+    {
+        constexpr const char* CATEGORIES[] = { "Appearance", "Editor", "Debugger", "About" };
+        constexpr const char* CATEGORY_ICONS[] = { ICON_PH_SLIDERS, ICON_PH_FILE_CODE, ICON_PH_BUG, ICON_PH_INFO };
+        constexpr const char* CATEGORY_BLURBS[] = {
+            "Theme, accent and the shape of the interface",
+            "How source is drawn and coloured",
+            "How targets launch and step, and the keys that drive them",
+            "What this build is made of",
+        };
+
+        struct AccentPreset
+        {
+            const char* name;
+            float rgb[3];
+        };
+
+        constexpr AccentPreset ACCENTS[] = {
+            { "Teal", { 0.302f, 0.714f, 0.769f } },   { "Sky", { 0.357f, 0.659f, 0.961f } },
+            { "Indigo", { 0.486f, 0.486f, 0.941f } }, { "Violet", { 0.690f, 0.518f, 0.902f } },
+            { "Rose", { 0.886f, 0.478f, 0.604f } },   { "Coral", { 0.941f, 0.541f, 0.365f } },
+            { "Amber", { 0.910f, 0.690f, 0.290f } },  { "Mint", { 0.373f, 0.788f, 0.561f } },
+        };
+
+        constexpr float CARD_PAD_X = 14.0f;
+        constexpr float CARD_PAD_Y = 4.0f;
+        constexpr float ROW_PAD_Y = 7.0f;
+
+        // the window, rail and controls grow with the ui scale, since imgui only
+        // scales the fonts and would otherwise leave them cramped at 1.5x
+        auto ui_scale() -> float
+        {
+            return ImGui::GetStyle().FontScaleMain;
+        }
+
+        auto slider_width() -> float
+        {
+            return 190.0f * ui_scale();
+        }
+
+        auto rgb(const float (&c)[3]) -> ImVec4
+        {
+            return ImVec4(c[0], c[1], c[2], 1.0f);
+        }
+
+        auto u32(const ImVec4& colour) -> ImU32
+        {
+            return ImGui::ColorConvertFloat4ToU32(colour);
+        }
+
+        auto card_rounding() -> float
+        {
+            return ImGui::GetStyle().FrameRounding + 3.0f;
+        }
+
+        // a card is drawn after its rows so it can wrap them: rows go to the upper
+        // channel, the card body to the lower one once the height is known
+        struct Card
+        {
+            ImVec2 origin;
+            float width = 0.0f;
+            int rows = 0;
+            ImDrawListSplitter splitter;
+        };
+
+        Card g_card;
+
+        auto begin_card() -> void
+        {
+            ImDrawList* draw = ImGui::GetWindowDrawList();
+            g_card.origin = ImGui::GetCursorScreenPos();
+            g_card.width = ImGui::GetContentRegionAvail().x;
+            g_card.rows = 0;
+            g_card.splitter.Split(draw, 2);
+            g_card.splitter.SetCurrentChannel(draw, 1);
+            ImGui::SetCursorScreenPos(ImVec2(g_card.origin.x + CARD_PAD_X, g_card.origin.y + CARD_PAD_Y));
+        }
+
+        auto end_card() -> void
+        {
+            ImDrawList* draw = ImGui::GetWindowDrawList();
+            const ImVec2 end(g_card.origin.x + g_card.width, ImGui::GetCursorScreenPos().y + CARD_PAD_Y);
+
+            g_card.splitter.SetCurrentChannel(draw, 0);
+            draw->AddRectFilled(g_card.origin, end, ImGui::GetColorU32(ImGuiCol_FrameBg), card_rounding());
+            draw->AddRect(g_card.origin, end, ImGui::GetColorU32(ImGuiCol_Border), card_rounding());
+            g_card.splitter.Merge(draw);
+
+            ImGui::SetCursorScreenPos(ImVec2(g_card.origin.x, end.y));
+            ImGui::Dummy(ImVec2(g_card.width, 0.0f));
+            ImGui::Spacing();
+        }
+
+        // one setting: title and dim description on the left, the control pinned
+        // to the right edge, both centred on the row; a hairline rules rows apart
+        template <typename Control>
+        auto setting_row(const char* title, const char* description, float control_width,
+                         float control_height, Control&& control) -> void
+        {
+            const float base = ImGui::GetStyle().FontSizeBase;
+            const float title_h = ImGui::GetTextLineHeight();
+            const float desc_h = description != nullptr ? std::floor(base * 0.88f) + 3.0f : 0.0f;
+            const float row_h = std::max(title_h + desc_h, control_height) + ROW_PAD_Y * 2.0f;
+            const float inner = g_card.width - CARD_PAD_X * 2.0f;
+            const ImVec2 top(g_card.origin.x + CARD_PAD_X, ImGui::GetCursorScreenPos().y);
+            ImDrawList* draw = ImGui::GetWindowDrawList();
+
+            if (g_card.rows > 0)
+                draw->AddLine(ImVec2(top.x, top.y - 0.5f), ImVec2(top.x + inner, top.y - 0.5f),
+                              ImGui::GetColorU32(ImGuiCol_Border, 0.6f));
+
+            ImGui::SetCursorScreenPos(ImVec2(top.x, top.y + (row_h - title_h - desc_h) * 0.5f));
+            ImGui::TextUnformatted(title);
+            if (description != nullptr)
+            {
+                ImGui::SetCursorScreenPos(ImVec2(top.x, ImGui::GetCursorScreenPos().y));
+                ImGui::PushFont(nullptr, base * 0.88f);
+                ImGui::TextDisabled("%s", description);
+                ImGui::PopFont();
+            }
+
+            ImGui::SetCursorScreenPos(ImVec2(top.x + inner - control_width, top.y + (row_h - control_height) * 0.5f));
+            ImGui::PushID(title);
+            control();
+            ImGui::PopID();
+
+            ImGui::SetCursorScreenPos(ImVec2(top.x, top.y + row_h));
+            ImGui::Dummy(ImVec2(inner, 0.0f));
+            ++g_card.rows;
+        }
+
+        auto toggle_row(const char* title, const char* description, bool* value) -> bool
+        {
+            bool changed = false;
+            const float h = ImGui::GetFrameHeight() * 0.78f;
+            setting_row(title, description, h * 1.8f, h, [&] { changed = Widgets::toggle("##toggle", value); });
+            return changed;
+        }
+
+        auto slider_row(const char* title, const char* description, float* value, float min, float max,
+                        const char* fmt) -> bool
+        {
+            bool changed = false;
+            setting_row(title, description, slider_width(), ImGui::GetFrameHeight(), [&]
+            {
+                ImGui::SetNextItemWidth(slider_width());
+                changed = Widgets::slider_float("##slider", value, min, max, fmt);
+            });
+            return changed;
+        }
+
+        auto color_row(const char* title, const char* description, float (&value)[3]) -> bool
+        {
+            bool changed = false;
+            const float h = ImGui::GetFrameHeight();
+            setting_row(title, description, h, h, [&]
+            {
+                changed = ImGui::ColorEdit3("##colour", value, ImGuiColorEditFlags_NoInputs |
+                                                                   ImGuiColorEditFlags_NoAlpha |
+                                                                   ImGuiColorEditFlags_NoLabel);
+            });
+            return changed;
+        }
+
+        // a keycap: the key's name in a small sunken box, as on a keyboard legend
+        auto key_cap(const char* text) -> void
+        {
+            const ImGuiStyle& style = ImGui::GetStyle();
+            const ImVec2 size = ImGui::CalcTextSize(text);
+            const ImVec2 p = ImGui::GetCursorScreenPos();
+            const ImVec2 end(p.x + size.x + 16.0f, p.y + ImGui::GetFrameHeight());
+            ImDrawList* draw = ImGui::GetWindowDrawList();
+            draw->AddRectFilled(p, end, ImGui::GetColorU32(ImGuiCol_WindowBg), style.FrameRounding);
+            draw->AddRect(p, end, ImGui::GetColorU32(ImGuiCol_Border), style.FrameRounding);
+            draw->AddText(ImVec2(p.x + 8.0f, p.y + style.FramePadding.y), ImGui::GetColorU32(ImGuiCol_Text), text);
+            ImGui::Dummy(ImVec2(end.x - p.x, end.y - p.y));
+        }
+
+        auto key_row(const char* title, const char* description, const char* key) -> void
+        {
+            const float width = ImGui::CalcTextSize(key).x + 16.0f;
+            setting_row(title, description, width, ImGui::GetFrameHeight(), [&] { key_cap(key); });
+        }
+
+        // a read-only fact; a long value is cut from the left and shown whole on hover
+        auto value_row(const char* title, std::string value) -> void
+        {
+            const float inner = g_card.width - CARD_PAD_X * 2.0f;
+            const float limit = inner * 0.58f;
+            const std::string full = value;
+            while (value.size() > 4 && ImGui::CalcTextSize(value.c_str()).x > limit)
+                value = "…" + value.substr(4);
+
+            setting_row(title, nullptr, ImGui::CalcTextSize(value.c_str()).x, ImGui::GetTextLineHeight(), [&]
+            {
+                ImGui::TextDisabled("%s", value.c_str());
+                if (value != full && ImGui::IsItemHovered())
+                    ImGui::SetTooltip("%s", full.c_str());
+            });
+        }
+
+        // a theme card: a tiny window in the theme's own palette over its name; the
+        // chosen one is ringed in the accent. returns true on click.
+        auto theme_card(const ThemeEntry& entry, const Theme& theme, bool selected, ImVec2 size) -> bool
+        {
+            const ImVec2 p = ImGui::GetCursorScreenPos();
+            ImGui::InvisibleButton(entry.id.c_str(), size);
+            const bool hovered = ImGui::IsItemHovered();
+            const bool clicked = ImGui::IsItemClicked();
+
+            ImDrawList* draw = ImGui::GetWindowDrawList();
+            const float r = card_rounding();
+            const ImVec2 end(p.x + size.x, p.y + size.y);
+            draw->AddRectFilled(p, end, ImGui::GetColorU32(ImGuiCol_FrameBg), r);
+
+            // the mock: title stripe, sidebar, a few lines of "code", an accent pill
+            const ImVec2 m0(p.x + 6.0f, p.y + 6.0f);
+            const ImVec2 m1(end.x - 6.0f, end.y - 24.0f);
+            draw->AddRectFilled(m0, m1, u32(theme.bg), 4.0f);
+            draw->AddRectFilled(m0, ImVec2(m1.x, m0.y + 7.0f), u32(theme.bg_low), 4.0f, ImDrawFlags_RoundCornersTop);
+            draw->AddRectFilled(ImVec2(m0.x, m0.y + 7.0f), ImVec2(m0.x + 26.0f, m1.y), u32(theme.bg_high), 4.0f,
+                                ImDrawFlags_RoundCornersBottomLeft);
+            for (int i = 0; i < 3; ++i)
+                draw->AddRectFilled(ImVec2(m0.x + 5.0f, m0.y + 13.0f + static_cast<float>(i) * 6.0f),
+                                    ImVec2(m0.x + 17.0f + static_cast<float>(i % 2) * 4.0f,
+                                           m0.y + 15.0f + static_cast<float>(i) * 6.0f),
+                                    u32(theme.text_dim));
+
+            struct Line { float indent, width; ImVec4 colour; };
+            const Line lines[] = {
+                { 0.0f, 22.0f, theme.syntax_preprocessor }, { 0.0f, 40.0f, theme.syntax_comment },
+                { 0.0f, 18.0f, theme.syntax_keyword },      { 8.0f, 36.0f, theme.text },
+                { 8.0f, 26.0f, theme.syntax_string },       { 0.0f, 12.0f, theme.text },
+            };
+            float y = m0.y + 13.0f;
+            for (const Line& line : lines)
+            {
+                if (y + 2.0f > m1.y - 4.0f)
+                    break;
+                draw->AddRectFilled(ImVec2(m0.x + 32.0f + line.indent, y),
+                                    ImVec2(m0.x + 32.0f + line.indent + line.width, y + 2.0f), u32(line.colour));
+                y += 6.0f;
+            }
+            draw->AddRectFilled(ImVec2(m1.x - 24.0f, m1.y - 10.0f), ImVec2(m1.x - 5.0f, m1.y - 4.0f),
+                                u32(theme.accent), 3.0f);
+
+            const ImVec2 ts = ImGui::CalcTextSize(entry.name.c_str());
+            draw->PushClipRect(ImVec2(p.x + 4.0f, m1.y), ImVec2(end.x - 4.0f, end.y), true);
+            draw->AddText(ImVec2(p.x + std::max((size.x - ts.x) * 0.5f, 4.0f), m1.y + (24.0f - ts.y) * 0.5f),
+                          ImGui::GetColorU32(selected ? ImGuiCol_Text : ImGuiCol_TextDisabled), entry.name.c_str());
+            draw->PopClipRect();
+
+            if (selected)
+                draw->AddRect(p, end, u32(Widgets::accent()), r, 0, 2.0f);
+            else
+                draw->AddRect(p, end, ImGui::GetColorU32(hovered ? ImGuiCol_TextDisabled : ImGuiCol_Border), r);
+
+            return clicked;
+        }
+
+        auto same_colour(const float (&a)[3], const float (&b)[3]) -> bool
+        {
+            return std::abs(a[0] - b[0]) < 0.02f && std::abs(a[1] - b[1]) < 0.02f && std::abs(a[2] - b[2]) < 0.02f;
+        }
+
+        auto gl_renderer() -> std::string
+        {
+            const GLubyte* text = glGetString(GL_RENDERER);
+            return text != nullptr ? reinterpret_cast<const char*>(text) : "unknown";
+        }
+    }
+
+    auto Ui::draw_preferences_window() -> void
+    {
+        if (!m_show_preferences)
+        {
+            m_prefs_open_prev = false;
+            return;
+        }
+
+        // rescan the themes folder when the window opens, so a .toml dropped in
+        // while the app is running shows up, and load each palette for its card
+        if (!m_prefs_open_prev)
+        {
+            m_themes = list_themes(themes_directory());
+            m_theme_previews.clear();
+            std::ranges::transform(m_themes, std::back_inserter(m_theme_previews),
+                                   [](const ThemeEntry& entry) { return load_theme(entry.path); });
+        }
+        m_prefs_open_prev = true;
+
+        const ImGuiViewport* viewport = ImGui::GetMainViewport();
+        const ImVec2 center(viewport->WorkPos.x + viewport->WorkSize.x * 0.5f,
+                            viewport->WorkPos.y + viewport->WorkSize.y * 0.5f);
+
+        const float scale = ui_scale();
+        ImGui::SetNextWindowPos(center, ImGuiCond_Appearing, ImVec2(0.5f, 0.5f));
+        ImGui::SetNextWindowSize(ImVec2(860.0f * scale, 600.0f * scale), ImGuiCond_Appearing);
+        ImGui::SetNextWindowSizeConstraints(ImVec2(660.0f * scale, 440.0f * scale), ImVec2(FLT_MAX, FLT_MAX));
+
+        if (!ImGui::Begin(ICON_PH_GEAR "  Preferences###preferences", &m_show_preferences,
+                          ImGuiWindowFlags_NoDocking | ImGuiWindowFlags_NoCollapse))
+        {
+            ImGui::End();
+            return;
+        }
+
+        const float base = ImGui::GetStyle().FontSizeBase;
+        bool changed = false;
+        bool restyle = false;
+
+        const float footer = ImGui::GetFrameHeightWithSpacing() + ImGui::GetStyle().ItemSpacing.y;
+
+        // the rail: one roomy row per category on the deepest ground
+        ImGui::PushStyleColor(ImGuiCol_ChildBg, m_theme.bg_low);
+        ImGui::PushStyleVar(ImGuiStyleVar_ItemSpacing, ImVec2(7.0f, 12.0f));
+        ImGui::PushStyleVar(ImGuiStyleVar_WindowPadding, ImVec2(6.0f, 8.0f));
+        ImGui::BeginChild("##pref_categories", ImVec2(180.0f * scale, -footer), ImGuiChildFlags_AlwaysUseWindowPadding);
+        for (int index = 0; index < IM_ARRAYSIZE(CATEGORIES); ++index)
+        {
+            const std::string label = std::string(CATEGORY_ICONS[index]) + "  " + CATEGORIES[index];
+            if (Widgets::selectable_row(label.c_str(), m_preferences_tab == index))
+                m_preferences_tab = index;
+        }
+        ImGui::EndChild();
+        ImGui::PopStyleVar(2);
+        ImGui::PopStyleColor();
+
+        ImGui::SameLine();
+
+        ImGui::PushStyleVar(ImGuiStyleVar_WindowPadding, ImVec2(20.0f, 12.0f));
+        ImGui::BeginChild("##pref_content", ImVec2(0.0f, -footer), ImGuiChildFlags_AlwaysUseWindowPadding);
+        ImGui::PopStyleVar();
+
+        const int tab = std::clamp(m_preferences_tab, 0, IM_ARRAYSIZE(CATEGORIES) - 1);
+        ImGui::PushFont(m_font_strong, base * 1.4f);
+        ImGui::TextUnformatted(CATEGORIES[tab]);
+        ImGui::PopFont();
+        ImGui::TextDisabled("%s", CATEGORY_BLURBS[tab]);
+        ImGui::Spacing();
+
+        if (tab == 0)
+        {
+            Widgets::section_header("Theme", false);
+
+            // dark and light themes in their own rows, four cards across; picking
+            // one seeds the accent and syntax colours below and saves
+            constexpr int columns = 4;
+            const float gap = 8.0f;
+            const float card_w = std::floor((ImGui::GetContentRegionAvail().x - gap * (columns - 1)) / columns);
+            const ImVec2 card_size(card_w, 72.0f + 20.0f * scale);
+
+            const auto is_light = [](const Theme& theme)
+            {
+                return 0.299f * theme.bg.x + 0.587f * theme.bg.y + 0.114f * theme.bg.z > 0.5f;
+            };
+
+            for (const bool light : { false, true })
+            {
+                int shown = 0;
+                for (size_t index = 0; index < m_themes.size(); ++index)
+                {
+                    if (is_light(m_theme_previews[index]) != light)
+                        continue;
+
+                    if (shown == 0)
+                    {
+                        ImGui::PushFont(nullptr, base * 0.85f);
+                        ImGui::TextDisabled("%s", light ? "Light" : "Dark");
+                        ImGui::PopFont();
+                    }
+                    else if (shown % columns != 0)
+                    {
+                        ImGui::SameLine(0.0f, gap);
+                    }
+
+                    const ThemeEntry& entry = m_themes[index];
+                    const bool selected = entry.id == m_preferences.theme;
+                    if (theme_card(entry, m_theme_previews[index], selected, card_size) && !selected)
+                        select_theme(entry);
+                    ++shown;
+                }
+
+                if (shown > 0)
+                    ImGui::Spacing();
+            }
+            if (m_themes.empty())
+                ImGui::TextDisabled("No themes found in assets/themes");
+
+            ImGui::Spacing();
+            Widgets::section_header("Accent", false);
+
+            for (const AccentPreset& preset : ACCENTS)
+            {
+                const ImVec2 p = ImGui::GetCursorScreenPos();
+                ImGui::InvisibleButton(preset.name, ImVec2(26.0f, 26.0f));
+                const ImVec2 c(p.x + 13.0f, p.y + 13.0f);
+                ImDrawList* draw_list = ImGui::GetWindowDrawList();
+                draw_list->AddCircleFilled(c, ImGui::IsItemHovered() ? 11.0f : 10.0f, u32(rgb(preset.rgb)));
+                if (same_colour(preset.rgb, m_preferences.accent))
+                    draw_list->AddCircle(c, 12.5f, ImGui::GetColorU32(ImGuiCol_Text), 0, 2.0f);
+                if (ImGui::IsItemHovered())
+                    ImGui::SetTooltip("%s", preset.name);
+                if (ImGui::IsItemClicked())
+                {
+                    std::copy(std::begin(preset.rgb), std::end(preset.rgb), std::begin(m_preferences.accent));
+                    changed = true;
+                    restyle = true;
+                }
+                ImGui::SameLine(0.0f, 8.0f);
+            }
+
+            if (ImGui::ColorEdit3("##accent_custom", m_preferences.accent,
+                                  ImGuiColorEditFlags_NoInputs | ImGuiColorEditFlags_NoAlpha |
+                                      ImGuiColorEditFlags_NoLabel))
+            {
+                changed = true;
+                restyle = true;
+            }
+            ImGui::SameLine();
+            ImGui::TextDisabled("Custom");
+
+            ImGui::Spacing();
+            Widgets::section_header("Interface", false);
+            begin_card();
+            changed |= slider_row("UI scale", "Scales every font; text is re-rasterised, so it stays crisp",
+                                  &m_preferences.ui_scale, 0.75f, 2.0f, "%.2fx");
+            if (slider_row("Corner rounding", "Radius on frames, windows, tabs and buttons",
+                           &m_preferences.rounding, 0.0f, 12.0f, "%.0f px"))
+            {
+                changed = true;
+                restyle = true;
+            }
+            changed |= toggle_row("Show FPS in the status bar", "hsdbg's own frame rate, bottom right",
+                                  &m_preferences.show_fps);
+            end_card();
+
+            Widgets::section_header("Layout", false);
+            begin_card();
+            {
+                const float w = ImGui::CalcTextSize("Reset layout").x + ImGui::GetStyle().FramePadding.x * 2.0f;
+                setting_row("Window layout", "Put every panel back where a fresh install has it", w,
+                            ImGui::GetFrameHeight(), [&]
+                {
+                    if (ImGui::Button("Reset layout"))
+                        m_layout_built = false;
+                });
+            }
+            end_card();
+
+            Widgets::section_header("Mascot", false);
+            begin_card();
+            changed |= toggle_row("Show the crying pepe", "He lives in the toolbar and means well",
+                                  &m_preferences.show_mascot);
+            ImGui::BeginDisabled(!m_preferences.show_mascot);
+            changed |= slider_row("Pepe size", "As a multiple of a toolbar button", &m_preferences.mascot_scale,
+                                  1.0f, 3.0f, "%.1fx");
+            ImGui::EndDisabled();
+            end_card();
+        }
+        else if (tab == 1)
+        {
+            Widgets::section_header("Font", false);
+            begin_card();
+            changed |= slider_row("Source font size", "Cmd/Ctrl + scroll over the source zooms it too; Cmd/Ctrl + 0 resets",
+                                  &m_preferences.source_font_size, 9.0f, 32.0f, "%.0f px");
+            end_card();
+
+            Widgets::section_header("Source view", false);
+            begin_card();
+            changed |= toggle_row("Syntax highlighting", "Colour keywords, types, strings and the rest",
+                                  &m_preferences.syntax_highlighting);
+            changed |= toggle_row("Show line numbers", nullptr, &m_preferences.show_line_numbers);
+            changed |= toggle_row("Highlight the current line", "Tint the line execution has stopped on",
+                                  &m_preferences.highlight_current_line);
+            end_card();
+
+            Widgets::section_header("Syntax colours", false);
+
+            // a live sample in the source face and size, coloured as the source
+            // view would colour it right now
+            {
+                struct Token { const char* text; int kind; };
+                const Token sample[][6] = {
+                    { { "#include", 6 }, { " ", 0 }, { "<cstdio>", 3 }, { nullptr, 0 } },
+                    { { "// the answer, as a function", 5 }, { nullptr, 0 } },
+                    { { "auto", 2 }, { " answer(", 0 }, { "int", 2 }, { " base) -> ", 0 }, { "int", 2 }, { nullptr, 0 } },
+                    { { "{", 0 }, { nullptr, 0 } },
+                    { { "    ", 0 }, { "const", 1 }, { " ", 0 }, { "char", 2 }, { "* text = ", 0 }, { "\"hello\";", 3 } },
+                    { { "    ", 0 }, { "return", 1 }, { " base * ", 0 }, { "42", 4 }, { ";", 0 }, { nullptr, 0 } },
+                    { { "}", 0 }, { nullptr, 0 } },
+                };
+                const float (*colours[])[3] = {
+                    nullptr, &m_preferences.color_keyword, &m_preferences.color_type, &m_preferences.color_string,
+                    &m_preferences.color_number, &m_preferences.color_comment, &m_preferences.color_preprocessor,
+                };
+
+                ImGui::PushFont(m_font_mono, m_preferences.source_font_size);
+                const float line_h = ImGui::GetTextLineHeight() + 4.0f;
+                const float pad = 12.0f;
+                const ImVec2 p = ImGui::GetCursorScreenPos();
+                const ImVec2 size(ImGui::GetContentRegionAvail().x, line_h * IM_ARRAYSIZE(sample) + pad * 2.0f);
+                ImDrawList* draw_list = ImGui::GetWindowDrawList();
+                draw_list->AddRectFilled(p, ImVec2(p.x + size.x, p.y + size.y), u32(m_theme.bg_low), card_rounding());
+                draw_list->AddRect(p, ImVec2(p.x + size.x, p.y + size.y), ImGui::GetColorU32(ImGuiCol_Border), card_rounding());
+
+                const int current = 5;
+                if (m_preferences.highlight_current_line)
+                {
+                    const float y = p.y + pad + line_h * current - 2.0f;
+                    draw_list->AddRectFilled(ImVec2(p.x + 1.0f, y), ImVec2(p.x + size.x - 1.0f, y + line_h),
+                                        u32(rgb(m_preferences.color_current_line)));
+                    draw_list->AddRectFilled(ImVec2(p.x + 1.0f, y), ImVec2(p.x + 4.0f, y + line_h), u32(Widgets::accent()));
+                }
+
+                for (int line = 0; line < IM_ARRAYSIZE(sample); ++line)
+                {
+                    float x = p.x + pad + 8.0f;
+                    const float y = p.y + pad + line_h * static_cast<float>(line);
+                    for (const Token& token : sample[line])
+                    {
+                        if (token.text == nullptr)
+                            break;
+                        const bool plain = token.kind == 0 || !m_preferences.syntax_highlighting;
+                        const ImU32 colour = plain ? ImGui::GetColorU32(ImGuiCol_Text) : u32(rgb(*colours[token.kind]));
+                        draw_list->AddText(ImVec2(x, y), colour, token.text);
+                        x += ImGui::CalcTextSize(token.text).x;
+                    }
+                }
+                ImGui::PopFont();
+                ImGui::Dummy(size);
+                ImGui::Spacing();
+            }
+
+            begin_card();
+            ImGui::BeginDisabled(!m_preferences.syntax_highlighting);
+            changed |= color_row("Keyword", "const, return, if, while…", m_preferences.color_keyword);
+            changed |= color_row("Type", "int, auto, char, size_t…", m_preferences.color_type);
+            changed |= color_row("String", "String and character literals, includes", m_preferences.color_string);
+            changed |= color_row("Number", nullptr, m_preferences.color_number);
+            changed |= color_row("Comment", nullptr, m_preferences.color_comment);
+            changed |= color_row("Preprocessor", "#include, #define and friends", m_preferences.color_preprocessor);
+            ImGui::EndDisabled();
+            changed |= color_row("Current line", "Behind the line execution has stopped on", m_preferences.color_current_line);
+            end_card();
+        }
+        else if (tab == 2)
+        {
+            Widgets::section_header("Launching", false);
+            begin_card();
+            changed |= toggle_row("Break at entry point", "Stop on the very first instruction instead of running to your breakpoints",
+                                  &m_preferences.stop_at_entry);
+            end_card();
+
+            Widgets::section_header("Stepping", false);
+            begin_card();
+            {
+                static const char* const step_modes[] = { "Line", "Instruction" };
+                const int current_mode = m_preferences.step_by_instruction ? 1 : 0;
+                int next_mode = current_mode;
+                setting_row("Step granularity", "What Step Over and Step Into advance by", 
+                            Widgets::segmented_width(step_modes, 2), ImGui::GetFrameHeight(), [&]
+                {
+                    next_mode = Widgets::segmented("##step_mode", step_modes, 2, current_mode);
+                });
+                if (next_mode != current_mode)
+                {
+                    m_preferences.step_by_instruction = next_mode == 1;
+                    changed = true;
+                }
+            }
+            end_card();
+
+            Widgets::section_header("Keys", false);
+            begin_card();
+            key_row("Continue, or run a loaded target", nullptr, "F5");
+            key_row("Step Over", nullptr, "F10");
+            key_row("Step Into", nullptr, "F11");
+            key_row("Step Out", nullptr, "Shift + F11");
+            key_row("Command palette", "Files, symbols and every command, fuzzy-matched", "Cmd/Ctrl + K");
+            key_row("Zoom the source", "Over the source view", "Cmd/Ctrl + scroll");
+            end_card();
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            ImGui::PushFont(m_font_strong, base * 2.0f);
+            ImGui::TextUnformatted("hsdbg");
+            ImGui::PopFont();
+            ImGui::SameLine(0.0f, 10.0f);
+            ImGui::AlignTextToFramePadding();
+            Widgets::chip(HSDBG_VERSION, u32(Widgets::accent()));
+            ImGui::TextDisabled("A GUI debugger for C and C++. LLDB does the debugging; this is the ui.");
+            ImGui::Spacing();
+
+            Widgets::section_header("Build", false);
+            begin_card();
+            value_row("LLDB", Debugger::backend_version());
+            value_row("Dear ImGui", IMGUI_VERSION);
+            value_row("OpenGL", gl_renderer());
+            value_row("Fonts", "Nunito, JetBrains Mono, Phosphor");
+            end_card();
+
+            Widgets::section_header("Paths", false);
+            begin_card();
+            value_row("Assets", HSDBG_ASSET_DIR);
+            value_row("Preferences", m_preferences_path.string());
+            value_row("Layout", ImGui::GetIO().IniFilename != nullptr ? ImGui::GetIO().IniFilename : "none");
+            end_card();
+        }
+
+        ImGui::EndChild();
+
+        ImGui::Separator();
+
+        if (ImGui::Button("Reset to defaults"))
+        {
+            m_preferences = Preferences{};
+            // realign the neutral palette with the default theme so the reset
+            // accent does not sit on top of the previously loaded theme's levels
+            load_selected_theme(false);
+            changed = true;
+            restyle = true;
+        }
+
+        ImGui::SameLine();
+        ImGui::AlignTextToFramePadding();
+        ImGui::TextDisabled("Saved to %s as you change things", m_preferences_path.filename().string().c_str());
+
+        if (changed)
+            save_preferences(m_preferences_path, m_preferences);
+
+        if (restyle)
+            m_restyle_pending = true;
+
+        ImGui::End();
+    }
+}
diff --git a/src/ui/widgets.cpp b/src/ui/widgets.cpp
index 68f4875..7172f88 100644
--- a/src/ui/widgets.cpp
+++ b/src/ui/widgets.cpp
@@ -1,7 +1,9 @@
 #include "ui/widgets.h"
 
 #include <imgui_internal.h>
+#include <misc/cpp/imgui_stdlib.h>
 
+#include <algorithm>
 #include <cctype>
 #include <cstdio>
 #include <cstring>
@@ -15,16 +17,11 @@ namespace Hsdbg::Widgets
         ImFont* g_strong = nullptr;
         [[maybe_unused]] ImFont* g_mono = nullptr;
 
-        auto accent_color() -> ImVec4
-        {
-            return ImGui::GetStyle().Colors[ImGuiCol_CheckMark];
-        }
-
         // a colour that reads on top of the accent: dark ink on a light accent,
         // light ink on a dark one, so on-accent labels stay legible in any theme
         auto accent_ink() -> ImU32
         {
-            const ImVec4 a = accent_color();
+            const ImVec4 a = accent();
             const float luma = 0.299f * a.x + 0.587f * a.y + 0.114f * a.z;
             return luma > 0.6f ? IM_COL32(12, 16, 20, 255) : IM_COL32(245, 247, 250, 255);
         }
@@ -34,6 +31,14 @@ namespace Hsdbg::Widgets
             colour.w = alpha;
             return ImGui::ColorConvertFloat4ToU32(colour);
         }
+
+        // a track's resting fill: the frame colour plus a whisper of the text
+        // colour, so it still reads when drawn over a card that is frame-coloured
+        auto track_fill(ImDrawList* draw, ImVec2 min, ImVec2 max, float rounding) -> void
+        {
+            draw->AddRectFilled(min, max, ImGui::GetColorU32(ImGuiCol_FrameBg), rounding);
+            draw->AddRectFilled(min, max, with_alpha(ImGui::GetStyle().Colors[ImGuiCol_Text], 0.07f), rounding);
+        }
     }
 
     auto set_fonts(ImFont* ui, ImFont* strong, ImFont* mono) -> void
@@ -43,7 +48,12 @@ namespace Hsdbg::Widgets
         g_mono = mono;
     }
 
-    auto section_header(const char* label) -> void
+    auto accent() -> ImVec4
+    {
+        return ImGui::GetStyle().Colors[ImGuiCol_CheckMark];
+    }
+
+    auto section_header(const char* label, bool rule) -> void
     {
         std::string caps;
         caps.reserve(24);
@@ -65,7 +75,7 @@ namespace Hsdbg::Widgets
         const ImVec2 hi = ImGui::GetItemRectMax();
         const float cy = (lo.y + hi.y) * 0.5f;
         const float right = ImGui::GetWindowPos().x + ImGui::GetWindowContentRegionMax().x;
-        if (right > hi.x + 10.0f)
+        if (rule && right > hi.x + 10.0f)
             ImGui::GetWindowDrawList()->AddLine(ImVec2(hi.x + 8.0f, cy), ImVec2(right, cy),
                                                 ImGui::GetColorU32(ImGuiCol_Border), 1.0f);
     }
@@ -74,7 +84,15 @@ namespace Hsdbg::Widgets
     {
         ImGui::PushID(label);
 
-        const float width = ImGui::CalcItemWidth();
+        // the value column is sized for either end of the range, so the grab
+        // never sits on top of the number
+        char lo[64];
+        char hi[64];
+        std::snprintf(lo, sizeof(lo), fmt, static_cast<double>(min));
+        std::snprintf(hi, sizeof(hi), fmt, static_cast<double>(max));
+        const float value_w = std::max(ImGui::CalcTextSize(lo).x, ImGui::CalcTextSize(hi).x);
+        const float gap = 10.0f;
+        const float width = std::max(ImGui::CalcItemWidth() - value_w - gap, 40.0f);
         const float height = ImGui::GetFrameHeight();
         const ImVec2 p = ImGui::GetCursorScreenPos();
 
@@ -94,33 +112,38 @@ namespace Hsdbg::Widgets
         const float ty = p.y + (height - th) * 0.5f;
         const float frac = (max > min) ? ImClamp((*value - min) / (max - min), 0.0f, 1.0f) : 0.0f;
         const float gx = p.x + frac * width;
-        const ImU32 accent = ImGui::ColorConvertFloat4ToU32(accent_color());
+        const ImU32 fill = ImGui::ColorConvertFloat4ToU32(accent());
 
-        draw->AddRectFilled(ImVec2(p.x, ty), ImVec2(p.x + width, ty + th),
-                            ImGui::GetColorU32(ImGuiCol_FrameBg), th * 0.5f);
-        draw->AddRectFilled(ImVec2(p.x, ty), ImVec2(gx, ty + th), accent, th * 0.5f);
+        track_fill(draw, ImVec2(p.x, ty), ImVec2(p.x + width, ty + th), th * 0.5f);
+        draw->AddRectFilled(ImVec2(p.x, ty), ImVec2(gx, ty + th), fill, th * 0.5f);
 
         const float r = (active || hovered) ? height * 0.30f : height * 0.26f;
-        draw->AddCircleFilled(ImVec2(gx, p.y + height * 0.5f), r, accent);
+        draw->AddCircleFilled(ImVec2(gx, p.y + height * 0.5f), r, fill);
         draw->AddCircleFilled(ImVec2(gx, p.y + height * 0.5f), r * 0.42f, accent_ink());
 
         char buf[64];
         std::snprintf(buf, sizeof(buf), fmt, static_cast<double>(*value));
         const ImVec2 ts = ImGui::CalcTextSize(buf);
-        draw->AddText(ImVec2(p.x + (width - ts.x) * 0.5f, p.y + (height - ts.y) * 0.5f),
+        draw->AddText(ImVec2(p.x + width + gap + value_w - ts.x, p.y + (height - ts.y) * 0.5f),
                       ImGui::GetColorU32(ImGuiCol_Text), buf);
 
+        ImGui::SameLine(0.0f, 0.0f);
+        ImGui::Dummy(ImVec2(gap + value_w, height));
+
         ImGui::PopID();
 
-        ImGui::SameLine();
-        ImGui::AlignTextToFramePadding();
-        ImGui::TextUnformatted(label);
+        if (label[0] != '#' || label[1] != '#')
+        {
+            ImGui::SameLine();
+            ImGui::AlignTextToFramePadding();
+            ImGui::TextUnformatted(label);
+        }
 
         return *value != before;
     }
 
     auto icon_button(const char* id, const char* icon, bool active, const char* tooltip,
-                     bool disabled, float size) -> bool
+                     bool disabled, float size, ImVec4 glyph) -> bool
     {
         if (disabled)
             ImGui::BeginDisabled();
@@ -129,7 +152,7 @@ namespace Hsdbg::Widgets
 
         ImGui::PushStyleVar(ImGuiStyleVar_FrameRounding, 10.0f);
         if (active)
-            ImGui::PushStyleColor(ImGuiCol_Button, accent_color());
+            ImGui::PushStyleColor(ImGuiCol_Button, accent());
 
         // Button draws the bg + handles the click; the glyph is drawn by hand
         const ImVec2 origin = ImGui::GetCursorScreenPos();
@@ -141,7 +164,9 @@ namespace Hsdbg::Widgets
 
         // centre on the glyph's visual bounds so an asymmetric glyph (the play
         // triangle) sits dead-centre, not offset by its advance box or line-gap
-        const ImU32 glyph_col = active ? accent_ink() : ImGui::GetColorU32(ImGuiCol_Text);
+        const bool tinted = glyph.w > 0.0f && !disabled && !active;
+        const ImU32 glyph_col = active ? accent_ink()
+                                       : ImGui::GetColorU32(tinted ? glyph : ImGui::GetStyleColorVec4(ImGuiCol_Text));
         const float cx = origin.x + size * 0.5f;
         const float cy = origin.y + size * 0.5f;
 
@@ -186,12 +211,15 @@ namespace Hsdbg::Widgets
 
         const float radius = height * 0.5f;
         const ImVec2 end(pos.x + width, pos.y + height);
-        const ImU32 track = *value ? ImGui::ColorConvertFloat4ToU32(accent_color())
-                                   : ImGui::GetColorU32(ImGuiCol_FrameBg);
-        draw->AddRectFilled(pos, end, track, radius);
-        if (!*value)
-            draw->AddRect(pos, end, ImGui::GetColorU32(hovered ? ImGuiCol_Border : ImGuiCol_FrameBg),
-                          radius);
+        if (*value)
+        {
+            draw->AddRectFilled(pos, end, ImGui::ColorConvertFloat4ToU32(accent()), radius);
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            track_fill(draw, pos, end, radius);
+            draw->AddRect(pos, end, ImGui::GetColorU32(hovered ? ImGuiCol_TextDisabled : ImGuiCol_Border), radius);
+        }
 
         const float knob = radius - 2.5f;
         const float knob_x = *value ? (end.x - radius) : (pos.x + radius);
@@ -201,6 +229,14 @@ namespace Hsdbg::Widgets
         return clicked;
     }
 
+    auto segmented_width(const char* const* labels, int count) -> float
+    {
+        float total = 4.0f;
+        for (int i = 0; i < count; ++i)
+            total += ImGui::CalcTextSize(labels[i]).x + 8.0f * 2.0f + 2.0f;
+        return total;
+    }
+
     auto segmented(const char* id, const char* const* labels, int count, int current) -> int
     {
         const ImGuiStyle& style = ImGui::GetStyle();
@@ -209,14 +245,9 @@ namespace Hsdbg::Widgets
         const float height = ImGui::GetFrameHeight();
         const float pad = 8.0f;
         const ImVec2 origin = ImGui::GetCursorScreenPos();
+        const float total = segmented_width(labels, count);
 
-        // measure so the track wraps the labels exactly
-        float total = 4.0f;
-        for (int i = 0; i < count; ++i)
-            total += ImGui::CalcTextSize(labels[i]).x + pad * 2.0f + 2.0f;
-
-        const ImU32 track = ImGui::GetColorU32(ImGuiCol_FrameBg);
-        draw->AddRectFilled(origin, ImVec2(origin.x + total, origin.y + height), track, height * 0.5f);
+        track_fill(draw, origin, ImVec2(origin.x + total, origin.y + height), height * 0.5f);
 
         int result = current;
         ImGui::PushID(id);
@@ -276,12 +307,12 @@ namespace Hsdbg::Widgets
             ImVec2 max = ImGui::GetItemRectMax();
             min.x += 2.0f;
             max.x -= 2.0f;
-            const ImU32 fill = selected ? with_alpha(accent_color(), 0.18f)
+            const ImU32 fill = selected ? with_alpha(accent(), 0.18f)
                                         : with_alpha(ImGui::GetStyle().Colors[ImGuiCol_Text], 0.055f);
             split.SetCurrentChannel(draw, 0);
             draw->AddRectFilled(min, max, fill, 7.0f);
             if (selected)
-                draw->AddRect(min, max, with_alpha(accent_color(), 0.40f), 7.0f);
+                draw->AddRect(min, max, with_alpha(accent(), 0.40f), 7.0f);
         }
 
         split.Merge(draw);
@@ -358,4 +389,79 @@ namespace Hsdbg::Widgets
 
         return clicked;
     }
+
+    auto input_with_icon(const char* id, const char* icon, const char* hint, std::string* text,
+                         ImGuiInputTextFlags flags) -> bool
+    {
+        const ImGuiStyle& style = ImGui::GetStyle();
+        const ImVec2 pos = ImGui::GetCursorScreenPos();
+        const float pad_x = style.FramePadding.x;
+        const float pad_y = style.FramePadding.y;
+
+        // widen the left padding to leave room for the glyph, then set it over
+        // the frame in the dim text colour
+        ImGui::PushStyleVar(ImGuiStyleVar_FramePadding,
+                            ImVec2(pad_x * 2.0f + ImGui::CalcTextSize(icon).x, pad_y));
+        const bool changed = ImGui::InputTextWithHint(id, hint, text, flags);
+        ImGui::PopStyleVar();
+
+        ImGui::GetWindowDrawList()->AddText(ImVec2(pos.x + pad_x, pos.y + pad_y),
+                                            ImGui::GetColorU32(ImGuiCol_TextDisabled), icon);
+        return changed;
+    }
+
+    auto dot_toggle(const char* id, bool* value, ImU32 on, ImU32 off, bool pending) -> bool
+    {
+        const float s = ImGui::GetFrameHeight();
+        const ImVec2 p = ImGui::GetCursorScreenPos();
+
+        ImGui::InvisibleButton(id, ImVec2(s, s));
+        const bool clicked = ImGui::IsItemClicked();
+        if (clicked)
+            *value = !*value;
+
+        const ImVec2 centre(p.x + s * 0.5f, p.y + s * 0.5f);
+        const ImU32 colour = *value ? on : off;
+        ImDrawList* draw = ImGui::GetWindowDrawList();
+        if (pending)
+            draw->AddCircle(centre, 5.0f, colour, 0, 1.5f);
+        else
+            draw->AddCircleFilled(centre, 5.0f, colour);
+
+        if (ImGui::IsItemHovered())
+            ImGui::SetTooltip("%s", *value ? "Disable" : "Enable");
+
+        return clicked;
+    }
+
+    auto hex_value(unsigned long long value, int digits) -> void
+    {
+        char buf[32];
+        std::snprintf(buf, sizeof(buf), "%0*llx", digits, value);
+
+        int zeros = 0;
+        while (zeros < digits - 1 && buf[zeros] == '0')
+            ++zeros;
+
+        ImGui::TextDisabled("0x%.*s", zeros, buf);
+        ImGui::SameLine(0.0f, 0.0f);
+        ImGui::TextUnformatted(buf + zeros);
+    }
+
+    auto link_text(const char* text) -> bool
+    {
+        ImGui::PushStyleColor(ImGuiCol_Text, ImGui::GetColorU32(ImGuiCol_TextLink));
+        ImGui::TextUnformatted(text);
+        ImGui::PopStyleColor();
+
+        if (!ImGui::IsItemHovered())
+            return false;
+
+        ImGui::SetMouseCursor(ImGuiMouseCursor_Hand);
+        const ImVec2 lo = ImGui::GetItemRectMin();
+        const ImVec2 hi = ImGui::GetItemRectMax();
+        ImGui::GetWindowDrawList()->AddLine(ImVec2(lo.x, hi.y - 1.0f), ImVec2(hi.x, hi.y - 1.0f),
+                                            ImGui::GetColorU32(ImGuiCol_TextLink));
+        return ImGui::IsMouseClicked(ImGuiMouseButton_Left);
+    }
 }
diff --git a/src/ui/widgets.h b/src/ui/widgets.h
index b034357..418af8f 100644
--- a/src/ui/widgets.h
+++ b/src/ui/widgets.h
@@ -2,6 +2,8 @@
 
 #include <imgui.h>
 
+#include <string>
+
 // a small kit of hand-drawn controls that move the ui away from stock imgui:
 // rounded icon buttons, ios-style toggles, pill segmented controls, rounded
 // selection rows and status chips. every colour is pulled from the active
@@ -13,28 +15,35 @@ namespace Hsdbg::Widgets
     // values in mono; call once after the fonts are loaded
     auto set_fonts(ImFont* ui, ImFont* strong, ImFont* mono) -> void;
 
-    // a small, bold, upper-cased section label with a hairline running off to the
-    // right — the strong equivalent of ImGui::SeparatorText
-    auto section_header(const char* label) -> void;
+    // the theme accent (ImGuiCol_CheckMark carries it), for callers drawing
+    // their own accents
+    auto accent() -> ImVec4;
+
+    // a small, bold, upper-cased section label, with a hairline running off to
+    // the right unless `rule` is off — the strong equivalent of ImGui::SeparatorText
+    auto section_header(const char* label, bool rule = true) -> void;
 
     // a modern slider: a thin rounded track with an accent-filled portion and a
-    // round grab, the value centred on the track, then the label to its right
-    // (like ImGui::SliderFloat). returns true on the frames the value changes.
+    // round grab, the value in its own column right of the track, then the label
+    // (like ImGui::SliderFloat; a "##" label draws none). returns true on the
+    // frames the value changes.
     auto slider_float(const char* label, float* value, float min, float max,
                       const char* fmt) -> bool;
 
     // a rounded square button whose label is a (Phosphor) icon glyph. `active`
-    // fills it with the accent to mark a toggled-on tool. returns true on click.
+    // fills it with the accent to mark a toggled-on tool; `glyph` (alpha > 0)
+    // colours the icon while the button is enabled. returns true on click.
     auto icon_button(const char* id, const char* icon, bool active = false,
                      const char* tooltip = nullptr, bool disabled = false,
-                     float size = 34.0f) -> bool;
+                     float size = 34.0f, ImVec4 glyph = ImVec4(0.0f, 0.0f, 0.0f, 0.0f)) -> bool;
 
     // an ios-style switch bound to *value; returns true on the frame it flips
     auto toggle(const char* id, bool* value) -> bool;
 
     // a pill segmented control; returns the index the user ends on (unchanged
-    // when nothing was clicked this frame)
+    // when nothing was clicked this frame). segmented_width is the room it takes.
     auto segmented(const char* id, const char* const* labels, int count, int current) -> int;
+    auto segmented_width(const char* const* labels, int count) -> float;
 
     // a full-width, rounded selection row that behaves like ImGui::Selectable
     // but draws a rounded accent highlight; give it a label that may lead with an
@@ -53,4 +62,20 @@ namespace Hsdbg::Widgets
     // a small borderless × for removing a row (watch, breakpoint, trace); dim at
     // rest, red on hover. sized to the text line so it fits inside a table cell.
     auto remove_button(const char* id) -> bool;
+
+    // a text field with a dim glyph set inside its left edge (a magnifier on a
+    // filter, a prompt on the console); otherwise ImGui::InputTextWithHint
+    auto input_with_icon(const char* id, const char* icon, const char* hint, std::string* text,
+                         ImGuiInputTextFlags flags = 0) -> bool;
+
+    // a breakpoint-style dot that flips *value on click: filled in `on` when set,
+    // filled in `off` when not, hollow while `pending`. returns true on the flip.
+    auto dot_toggle(const char* id, bool* value, ImU32 on, ImU32 off, bool pending = false) -> bool;
+
+    // a zero-padded hex number with its leading zeros dimmed, so the digits that
+    // matter stand out of a column of 0x0000…
+    auto hex_value(unsigned long long value, int digits) -> void;
+
+    // text in the link colour that underlines on hover; returns true on click
+    auto link_text(const char* text) -> bool;
 }
diff --git a/tools/capture.py b/tools/capture.py
new file mode 100755
index 0000000..f30e9cd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tools/capture.py
@@ -0,0 +1,108 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+"""Capture a screenshot of hsdbg without touching the running app.
+
+Runs the binary with the dev hooks the app reads from the environment, lets it
+draw for a number of frames, and converts the framebuffer dump it writes into a
+png. Useful for eyeballing ui changes from a shell (or an agent) that cannot
+grab the screen.
+
+    tools/capture.py out.png [--build build] [--target test/hello]
+                     [--break hello.cpp:13] [--step 150,200] [--open palette]
+                     [--frame 240] [--window 1600x900] [--cwd dir]
+
+Hooks (all read once at startup):
+    HSDBG_CAPTURE=<file.ppm>     dump the frame HSDBG_CAPTURE_FRAME (default 240) and quit
+    HSDBG_WINDOW=<w>x<h>         initial window size
+    HSDBG_BREAK=<file>:<line>    plant a breakpoint and launch the target right away
+    HSDBG_STEP_AT=<f>[,<f>...]   step over a line on those frames while stopped
+    HSDBG_OPEN=palette|target|preferences[:tab]   raise that overlay on the second frame
+
+--cwd picks where imgui.ini / hsdbg.ini are read and written (default: a fresh
+directory beside the output, so your own layout and preferences stay untouched).
+"""
+
+import argparse
+import os
+import pathlib
+import struct
+import subprocess
+import sys
+import zlib
+
+
+def ppm_to_png(src: pathlib.Path, dst: pathlib.Path) -> tuple[int, int]:
+    data = src.read_bytes()
+    magic, size, _depth, raw = data.split(b"\n", 3)
+    assert magic == b"P6", "expected a binary ppm"
+    width, height = map(int, size.split())
+    stride = width * 3
+    rows = b"".join(b"\x00" + raw[y * stride:(y + 1) * stride] for y in range(height))
+
+    def chunk(kind: bytes, body: bytes) -> bytes:
+        payload = kind + body
+        return struct.pack(">I", len(body)) + payload + struct.pack(">I", zlib.crc32(payload) & 0xFFFFFFFF)
+
+    png = (b"\x89PNG\r\n\x1a\n"
+           + chunk(b"IHDR", struct.pack(">IIBBBBB", width, height, 8, 2, 0, 0, 0))
+           + chunk(b"IDAT", zlib.compress(rows, 6))
+           + chunk(b"IEND", b""))
+    dst.write_bytes(png)
+    return width, height
+
+
+def main() -> int:
+    root = pathlib.Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent
+
+    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description=__doc__, formatter_class=argparse.RawDescriptionHelpFormatter)
+    parser.add_argument("output", type=pathlib.Path, help="png to write")
+    parser.add_argument("--build", default="build", help="build directory holding the hsdbg binary")
+    parser.add_argument("--target", help="executable to load")
+    parser.add_argument("--break", dest="breakpoint", metavar="FILE:LINE", help="breakpoint to plant, then launch")
+    parser.add_argument("--step", metavar="FRAMES", help="comma-separated frames on which to step over")
+    parser.add_argument("--open", metavar="OVERLAY",
+                        help="overlay to raise: palette, target, or preferences[:tab]")
+    parser.add_argument("--frame", type=int, default=240, help="frame to capture (default 240)")
+    parser.add_argument("--window", metavar="WxH", help="window size")
+    parser.add_argument("--cwd", type=pathlib.Path, help="directory to run in (imgui.ini / hsdbg.ini live there)")
+    args = parser.parse_args()
+
+    binary = root / args.build / "hsdbg"
+    if not binary.exists():
+        print(f"no binary at {binary}; build first", file=sys.stderr)
+        return 1
+
+    output = args.output.resolve()
+    cwd = (args.cwd or output.parent / f".{output.stem}").resolve()
+    cwd.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+    ppm = cwd / "capture.ppm"
+
+    env = dict(os.environ, HSDBG_CAPTURE=str(ppm), HSDBG_CAPTURE_FRAME=str(args.frame))
+    if args.breakpoint:
+        env["HSDBG_BREAK"] = args.breakpoint
+    if args.step:
+        env["HSDBG_STEP_AT"] = args.step
+    if args.open:
+        env["HSDBG_OPEN"] = args.open
+    if args.window:
+        env["HSDBG_WINDOW"] = args.window
+
+    command = [str(binary)]
+    if args.target:
+        command.append(str(pathlib.Path(args.target).resolve()))
+
+    log = cwd / "capture.log"
+    with log.open("w") as sink:
+        result = subprocess.run(command, cwd=cwd, env=env, stdout=sink, stderr=subprocess.STDOUT)
+
+    if not ppm.exists():
+        print(f"no capture written (exit {result.returncode}); see {log}", file=sys.stderr)
+        return 1
+
+    width, height = ppm_to_png(ppm, output)
+    ppm.unlink()
+    print(f"{output} ({width}x{height})")
+    return 0
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    sys.exit(main())