diff --git a/docs/next/CHANGELOG.md b/docs/next/CHANGELOG.md
index 8dc631d8..1b756d1e 100644
--- a/docs/next/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/docs/next/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@
 
 ### Added
 - Added a session navigator at `prefix+g` with a searchable workspace/tab/pane tree, agent state filters, mouse switching, and keyboard navigation. (#157)
+- Added a configurable `last_pane` keybinding action for tmux-style back-and-forth navigation to the last focused pane across workspaces and tabs. It is unset by default. (#287)
 - Added scrollback support to direct agent terminal attaches. Mouse wheel and plain PageUp/PageDown now scroll the attached terminal viewport, while terminal apps that request mouse or alternate-scroll input still receive those events. The client/server protocol is now version 11.
 - Added `ui.redraw_on_focus_gained` to keep the existing full redraw on outer-terminal focus gain by default while allowing users to opt out of the visible refresh. (#282)
 - Added `--handoff` for `herdr update` and `herdr --remote` to opt into live server handoff for supported running servers. Plain update and remote attach use the normal restart/stop flow by default.
diff --git a/docs/next/README.md b/docs/next/README.md
index f91729fe..69af1eeb 100644
--- a/docs/next/README.md
+++ b/docs/next/README.md
@@ -243,6 +243,8 @@ resize mode: `h`/`l` resize width, `j`/`k` resize height, `esc` exit.
 
 session navigator opens a searchable workspace, tab, and pane tree. use `/` for text search, `b`/`w`/`i`/`d` for blocked, working, idle, and done filters, `a` or backspace to clear a state filter, and enter to switch to the highlighted row.
 
+last-pane is available but unset by default. bind `last_pane` in `[keys]` if you want tmux-style back-and-forth navigation to the last focused pane across workspaces and tabs; for example, `last_pane = "prefix+tab"`.
+
 custom command keybindings can launch detached shell helpers or temporary panes:
 
 ```toml
diff --git a/docs/next/website/src/content/docs/configuration.mdx b/docs/next/website/src/content/docs/configuration.mdx
index 53bfd3f8..15c2acd7 100644
--- a/docs/next/website/src/content/docs/configuration.mdx
+++ b/docs/next/website/src/content/docs/configuration.mdx
@@ -128,6 +128,9 @@ focus_pane_left = "prefix+h"
 focus_pane_down = "prefix+j"
 focus_pane_up = "prefix+k"
 focus_pane_right = "prefix+l"
+cycle_pane_next = "prefix+tab"
+cycle_pane_previous = "prefix+shift+tab"
+last_pane = ""
 split_vertical = "prefix+v"
 split_horizontal = "prefix+minus"
 close_pane = "prefix+x"
@@ -142,11 +145,14 @@ Optional actions are unset by default. Bind them with `prefix+` for prefix-mode
 [keys]
 previous_workspace = "prefix+shift+left"
 next_workspace = "prefix+shift+right"
+last_pane = "prefix+tab"
 open_worktree = "prefix+shift+o"
 remove_worktree = "prefix+alt+d"
 next_tab = ["prefix+n", "ctrl+alt+]"]
 ```
 
+`last_pane` switches back to the last focused pane across workspaces and tabs. It is unset by default because the tmux-style pane binding `prefix+l` is already used for pane-right focus.
+
 Key strings accept plain keys, modifier combinations such as `ctrl+a`, `shift+n`, `alt+1`, `cmd+k`, and special keys such as `enter`, `tab`, `esc`, `left`, `right`, `up`, and `down`. Named punctuation such as `minus`, `comma`, `ampersand`, `plus`, and `backtick` is also accepted. Plain direct printable keys such as `n` are unsafe because they intercept typing; use `prefix+n` unless you intentionally want a direct binding. The `navigate_workspace_*` and `navigate_pane_*` fields are navigate-mode-only and may use plain keys such as `j` or `k`; they must not use `prefix+`, `esc`, `enter`, `tab`, `shift+tab`, `left`, `right`, or unmodified `1` through `9`. Left and right arrows are permanent aliases for pane-left and pane-right navigation. These navigate-mode shortcuts are independent from general action bindings such as `focus_pane_down = "prefix+j"`; when both use the same key, the navigate-mode shortcut wins while navigate mode is open. Alt, Cmd/Super, and punctuation with modifiers depend on your terminal and tmux settings.
 
 If you have old custom keybindings and want the new defaults, run `herdr config reset-keys`. Herdr backs up `config.toml`, removes `[keys]` and `[[keys.command]]`, and uses built-in v2 defaults after restart or `herdr server reload-config`.
diff --git a/src/app/actions.rs b/src/app/actions.rs
index 65142fd1..da9e538a 100644
--- a/src/app/actions.rs
+++ b/src/app/actions.rs
@@ -12,8 +12,8 @@ use crate::workspace::WorkspaceGitStatus;
 use unicode_width::UnicodeWidthChar;
 
 use super::state::{
-    AppState, Mode, NavigatorRow, NavigatorStateFilter, NavigatorTarget, ToastKind,
-    ToastNotification, ToastTarget, ViewLayout,
+    AppState, Mode, NavigatorRow, NavigatorStateFilter, NavigatorTarget, PaneFocusTarget,
+    ToastKind, ToastNotification, ToastTarget, ViewLayout,
 };
 
 fn is_background_completion_transition(prev_state: AgentState, new_state: AgentState) -> bool {
@@ -104,6 +104,80 @@ pub struct PaneStateUpdate {
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 impl AppState {
+    pub(crate) fn current_pane_focus_target(&self) -> Option<PaneFocusTarget> {
+        let ws_idx = self.active?;
+        let ws = self.workspaces.get(ws_idx)?;
+        let pane_id = ws.focused_pane_id()?;
+        Some(PaneFocusTarget {
+            workspace_id: ws.id.clone(),
+            pane_id,
+        })
+    }
+
+    fn pane_focus_target_indices(&self, target: &PaneFocusTarget) -> Option<(usize, usize)> {
+        let ws_idx = self
+            .workspaces
+            .iter()
+            .position(|ws| ws.id == target.workspace_id)?;
+        let tab_idx = self.workspaces[ws_idx].find_tab_index_for_pane(target.pane_id)?;
+        Some((ws_idx, tab_idx))
+    }
+
+    pub(crate) fn record_pane_focus_change(
+        &mut self,
+        previous: Option<PaneFocusTarget>,
+        ws_idx: usize,
+        pane_id: PaneId,
+    ) {
+        let Some(ws) = self.workspaces.get(ws_idx) else {
+            return;
+        };
+        let target = PaneFocusTarget {
+            workspace_id: ws.id.clone(),
+            pane_id,
+        };
+        if previous.as_ref() != Some(&target) {
+            self.previous_pane_focus = previous;
+        }
+    }
+
+    fn record_pane_focus_after_navigation(&mut self, previous: Option<PaneFocusTarget>) {
+        let current = self.current_pane_focus_target();
+        if previous != current {
+            self.previous_pane_focus = previous;
+        }
+    }
+
+    pub(crate) fn focus_pane_in_workspace(&mut self, ws_idx: usize, pane_id: PaneId) -> bool {
+        let Some(ws) = self.workspaces.get(ws_idx) else {
+            return false;
+        };
+        let Some(tab_idx) = ws.find_tab_index_for_pane(pane_id) else {
+            return false;
+        };
+        let previous = self.current_pane_focus_target();
+        let target = PaneFocusTarget {
+            workspace_id: ws.id.clone(),
+            pane_id,
+        };
+        if previous.as_ref() == Some(&target) {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        self.switch_workspace_tab(ws_idx, tab_idx);
+        if let Some(tab) = self
+            .workspaces
+            .get_mut(ws_idx)
+            .and_then(|ws| ws.tabs.get_mut(tab_idx))
+        {
+            tab.layout.focus_pane(pane_id);
+            self.previous_pane_focus = previous;
+            self.mark_session_dirty();
+            return true;
+        }
+        false
+    }
+
     pub(crate) fn open_navigator(&mut self) {
         self.navigator.query.clear();
         self.navigator.search_focused = false;
@@ -403,8 +477,7 @@ impl AppState {
                 if !tab_exists {
                     return false;
                 }
-                self.switch_workspace(ws_idx);
-                self.switch_tab(tab_idx);
+                self.switch_workspace_tab(ws_idx, tab_idx);
                 self.mode = Mode::Terminal;
                 true
             }
@@ -416,19 +489,15 @@ impl AppState {
                 if ws_idx >= self.workspaces.len() {
                     return false;
                 }
-                self.switch_workspace(ws_idx);
-                self.switch_tab(tab_idx);
-                if let Some(tab) = self
+                if self
                     .workspaces
-                    .get_mut(ws_idx)
-                    .and_then(|ws| ws.tabs.get_mut(tab_idx))
+                    .get(ws_idx)
+                    .and_then(|ws| ws.tabs.get(tab_idx))
+                    .is_some_and(|tab| tab.panes.contains_key(&pane_id))
                 {
-                    if tab.panes.contains_key(&pane_id) {
-                        tab.layout.focus_pane(pane_id);
-                        self.mark_session_dirty();
-                        self.mode = Mode::Terminal;
-                        return true;
-                    }
+                    self.focus_pane_in_workspace(ws_idx, pane_id);
+                    self.mode = Mode::Terminal;
+                    return true;
                 }
                 false
             }
@@ -601,6 +670,7 @@ impl AppState {
 
     pub fn switch_workspace(&mut self, idx: usize) {
         if idx < self.workspaces.len() {
+            let previous_focus = self.current_pane_focus_target();
             self.selection = None;
             self.selection_autoscroll = None;
             self.active = Some(idx);
@@ -623,9 +693,53 @@ impl AppState {
             }
             self.tab_scroll_follow_active = true;
             self.refresh_tab_bar_view();
+            self.record_pane_focus_after_navigation(previous_focus);
         }
     }
 
+    pub(crate) fn switch_workspace_tab(&mut self, ws_idx: usize, tab_idx: usize) -> bool {
+        if ws_idx >= self.workspaces.len() {
+            return false;
+        }
+        if self
+            .workspaces
+            .get(ws_idx)
+            .is_none_or(|ws| tab_idx >= ws.tabs.len())
+        {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        let previous_focus = self.current_pane_focus_target();
+        let workspace_changed = self.active != Some(ws_idx);
+        self.selection = None;
+        self.selection_autoscroll = None;
+        self.active = Some(ws_idx);
+        self.selected = ws_idx;
+        let workspace_id = self.workspaces[ws_idx].id.clone();
+        if workspace_changed {
+            crate::logging::workspace_focused(&workspace_id);
+        }
+        self.mark_session_dirty();
+        if workspace_changed
+            && matches!(
+                self.agent_panel_scope,
+                crate::app::state::AgentPanelScope::CurrentWorkspace
+            )
+        {
+            self.agent_panel_scroll = 0;
+        }
+        self.ensure_workspace_visible(ws_idx);
+        if let Some(ws) = self.workspaces.get_mut(ws_idx) {
+            ws.switch_tab(tab_idx);
+            let tab_id = format!("{}:{}", workspace_id, tab_idx + 1);
+            crate::logging::tab_focused(&workspace_id, &tab_id);
+        }
+        self.tab_scroll_follow_active = true;
+        self.refresh_tab_bar_view();
+        self.record_pane_focus_after_navigation(previous_focus);
+        true
+    }
+
     pub(crate) fn ensure_workspace_visible(&mut self, idx: usize) {
         if idx >= self.workspaces.len() {
             return;
@@ -707,6 +821,7 @@ impl AppState {
 
     pub fn switch_tab(&mut self, idx: usize) {
         if let Some(ws_idx) = self.active {
+            let previous_focus = self.current_pane_focus_target();
             self.selection = None;
             self.selection_autoscroll = None;
             let Some(ws) = self.workspaces.get_mut(ws_idx) else {
@@ -719,6 +834,7 @@ impl AppState {
             self.mark_session_dirty();
             self.tab_scroll_follow_active = true;
             self.refresh_tab_bar_view();
+            self.record_pane_focus_after_navigation(previous_focus);
         }
     }
 
@@ -893,22 +1009,17 @@ impl AppState {
             return false;
         };
         let ws_idx = target.ws_idx;
-        let tab_idx = target.tab_idx;
         let pane_id = target.pane_id;
 
-        self.switch_workspace(ws_idx);
-        self.switch_tab(tab_idx);
-        if let Some(tab) = self
-            .workspaces
-            .get_mut(ws_idx)
-            .and_then(|ws| ws.tabs.get_mut(tab_idx))
+        if self.active == Some(ws_idx) && self.workspaces[ws_idx].focused_pane_id() == Some(pane_id)
         {
-            if tab.panes.contains_key(&pane_id) {
-                tab.layout.focus_pane(pane_id);
-                self.mark_session_dirty();
-                self.ensure_agent_panel_entry_visible(idx);
-                return true;
-            }
+            self.ensure_agent_panel_entry_visible(idx);
+            return true;
+        }
+
+        if self.focus_pane_in_workspace(ws_idx, pane_id) {
+            self.ensure_agent_panel_entry_visible(idx);
+            return true;
         }
         false
     }
@@ -1124,14 +1235,7 @@ impl AppState {
 
         if let Some(focused) = panes.iter().find(|p| p.is_focused) {
             if let Some(target) = find_in_direction(focused, direction, &panes) {
-                if let Some(tab) = self
-                    .workspaces
-                    .get_mut(ws_idx)
-                    .and_then(|ws| ws.active_tab_mut())
-                {
-                    tab.layout.focus_pane(target);
-                    self.mark_session_dirty();
-                }
+                self.focus_pane_in_workspace(ws_idx, target);
             }
         }
     }
@@ -1155,16 +1259,45 @@ impl AppState {
     }
 
     pub fn cycle_pane(&mut self, reverse: bool) {
-        if let Some(tab) = self
-            .active
-            .and_then(|i| self.workspaces.get_mut(i))
-            .and_then(|ws| ws.active_tab_mut())
-        {
-            if reverse {
-                tab.layout.focus_prev();
+        let Some(ws_idx) = self.active else {
+            return;
+        };
+        let Some(tab) = self.workspaces.get(ws_idx).and_then(|ws| ws.active_tab()) else {
+            return;
+        };
+        let ids = tab.layout.pane_ids();
+        if let Some(pos) = ids.iter().position(|id| *id == tab.layout.focused()) {
+            let target = if reverse {
+                ids[(pos + ids.len() - 1) % ids.len()]
             } else {
-                tab.layout.focus_next();
-            }
+                ids[(pos + 1) % ids.len()]
+            };
+            self.focus_pane_in_workspace(ws_idx, target);
+        }
+    }
+
+    pub fn last_pane(&mut self) {
+        let Some(target) = self.previous_pane_focus.clone() else {
+            return;
+        };
+        let Some((ws_idx, tab_idx)) = self.pane_focus_target_indices(&target) else {
+            self.previous_pane_focus = None;
+            return;
+        };
+        let current = self.current_pane_focus_target();
+        if current.as_ref() == Some(&target) {
+            self.previous_pane_focus = None;
+            return;
+        }
+
+        self.switch_workspace_tab(ws_idx, tab_idx);
+        if let Some(tab) = self
+            .workspaces
+            .get_mut(ws_idx)
+            .and_then(|ws| ws.tabs.get_mut(tab_idx))
+        {
+            tab.layout.focus_pane(target.pane_id);
+            self.previous_pane_focus = current;
             self.mark_session_dirty();
         }
     }
@@ -2514,6 +2647,18 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(state.workspaces[1].focused_pane_id(), Some(second_root));
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn focus_agent_entry_succeeds_for_already_focused_agent() {
+        let mut state = app_with_workspaces(&["one"]);
+        let root = state.workspaces[0].tabs[0].root_pane;
+        state.agent_panel_scope = crate::app::state::AgentPanelScope::AllWorkspaces;
+        mark_agent(&mut state, 0, 0, root);
+
+        assert!(state.focus_agent_entry(0));
+        assert_eq!(state.active, Some(0));
+        assert_eq!(state.workspaces[0].focused_pane_id(), Some(root));
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn next_agent_cycles_only_current_scope_entries() {
         let mut first = Workspace::test_new("one");
@@ -2577,6 +2722,122 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(state.selected, 2);
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn last_pane_toggles_to_previous_focus_in_active_tab() {
+        let mut state = app_with_workspaces(&["test"]);
+        let root = state.workspaces[0].tabs[0].root_pane;
+        let right = state.workspaces[0].test_split(Direction::Horizontal);
+
+        state.focus_pane_in_workspace(0, root);
+        state.focus_pane_in_workspace(0, right);
+        state.last_pane();
+
+        assert_eq!(state.workspaces[0].focused_pane_id(), Some(root));
+
+        state.last_pane();
+
+        assert_eq!(state.workspaces[0].focused_pane_id(), Some(right));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn removing_background_pane_preserves_last_pane_history() {
+        let mut state = app_with_workspaces(&["test"]);
+        let root = state.workspaces[0].tabs[0].root_pane;
+        let right = state.workspaces[0].test_split(Direction::Horizontal);
+        let background = state.workspaces[0].test_split(Direction::Horizontal);
+
+        state.focus_pane_in_workspace(0, root);
+        state.focus_pane_in_workspace(0, right);
+        state.workspaces[0].remove_pane(background);
+        state.last_pane();
+
+        assert_eq!(state.workspaces[0].focused_pane_id(), Some(root));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn last_pane_jumps_across_workspaces_and_tabs() {
+        let mut state = app_with_workspaces(&["one", "two"]);
+        let first_root = state.workspaces[0].tabs[0].root_pane;
+        let second_tab = state.workspaces[1].test_add_tab(Some("logs"));
+        let second_tab_root = state.workspaces[1].tabs[second_tab].root_pane;
+
+        state.focus_pane_in_workspace(0, first_root);
+        state.focus_pane_in_workspace(1, second_tab_root);
+        state.last_pane();
+
+        assert_eq!(state.active, Some(0));
+        assert_eq!(state.workspaces[0].active_tab, 0);
+        assert_eq!(state.workspaces[0].focused_pane_id(), Some(first_root));
+
+        state.last_pane();
+
+        assert_eq!(state.active, Some(1));
+        assert_eq!(state.workspaces[1].active_tab, second_tab);
+        assert_eq!(state.workspaces[1].focused_pane_id(), Some(second_tab_root));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn last_pane_tracks_tab_and_workspace_switches() {
+        let mut state = app_with_workspaces(&["one", "two"]);
+        let first_root = state.workspaces[0].tabs[0].root_pane;
+        let first_second_tab = state.workspaces[0].test_add_tab(Some("logs"));
+        let first_second_root = state.workspaces[0].tabs[first_second_tab].root_pane;
+        let second_root = state.workspaces[1].tabs[0].root_pane;
+
+        state.switch_tab(first_second_tab);
+        state.last_pane();
+
+        assert_eq!(state.active, Some(0));
+        assert_eq!(state.workspaces[0].active_tab, 0);
+        assert_eq!(state.workspaces[0].focused_pane_id(), Some(first_root));
+
+        state.last_pane();
+
+        assert_eq!(state.active, Some(0));
+        assert_eq!(state.workspaces[0].active_tab, first_second_tab);
+        assert_eq!(
+            state.workspaces[0].focused_pane_id(),
+            Some(first_second_root)
+        );
+
+        state.switch_workspace(1);
+        state.last_pane();
+
+        assert_eq!(state.active, Some(0));
+        assert_eq!(state.workspaces[0].active_tab, first_second_tab);
+        assert_eq!(
+            state.workspaces[0].focused_pane_id(),
+            Some(first_second_root)
+        );
+
+        state.last_pane();
+
+        assert_eq!(state.active, Some(1));
+        assert_eq!(state.workspaces[1].focused_pane_id(), Some(second_root));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn last_pane_tracks_cross_workspace_tab_selection() {
+        let mut state = app_with_workspaces(&["one", "two"]);
+        let first_root = state.workspaces[0].tabs[0].root_pane;
+        let second_first_root = state.workspaces[1].tabs[0].root_pane;
+        let second_tab = state.workspaces[1].test_add_tab(Some("logs"));
+        let second_tab_root = state.workspaces[1].tabs[second_tab].root_pane;
+
+        state.switch_workspace_tab(1, second_tab);
+        state.last_pane();
+
+        assert_eq!(state.active, Some(0));
+        assert_eq!(state.workspaces[0].focused_pane_id(), Some(first_root));
+
+        state.last_pane();
+
+        assert_eq!(state.active, Some(1));
+        assert_eq!(state.workspaces[1].active_tab, second_tab);
+        assert_eq!(state.workspaces[1].focused_pane_id(), Some(second_tab_root));
+        assert_ne!(second_first_root, second_tab_root);
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn switch_workspace_keeps_selected_visible_in_scrolled_sidebar() {
         let mut state = app_with_workspaces(&["a", "b", "c", "d", "e", "f", "g", "h"]);
@@ -3387,7 +3648,7 @@ mod tests {
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn close_tab_last_tab_closes_active_workspace_not_selected_workspace() {
+    fn close_tab_closes_active_workspace_not_selected_workspace() {
         let mut state = app_with_workspaces(&["selected", "active"]);
         let active_terminal_id = state
             .terminal_id_for_pane(1, state.workspaces[1].tabs[0].root_pane)
@@ -3419,7 +3680,7 @@ mod tests {
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn close_tab_last_tab_in_linked_worktree_closes_workspace_only() {
+    fn close_tab_in_linked_worktree_closes_workspace_only() {
         let mut state = app_with_workspaces(&["selected", "active"]);
         mark_linked_worktree(&mut state, 1);
         state.active = Some(1);
diff --git a/src/app/agents.rs b/src/app/agents.rs
index f36ba1ca..b1276a06 100644
--- a/src/app/agents.rs
+++ b/src/app/agents.rs
@@ -36,16 +36,8 @@ impl App {
         target: &str,
     ) -> Result<crate::api::schema::AgentInfo, TerminalTargetError> {
         let resolved = self.resolve_terminal_target(target)?;
-        self.state.switch_workspace(resolved.ws_idx);
-        self.state.switch_tab(resolved.tab_idx);
-        if let Some(tab) = self
-            .state
-            .workspaces
-            .get_mut(resolved.ws_idx)
-            .and_then(|ws| ws.tabs.get_mut(resolved.tab_idx))
-        {
-            tab.layout.focus_pane(resolved.pane_id);
-        }
+        self.state
+            .focus_pane_in_workspace(resolved.ws_idx, resolved.pane_id);
         self.state.mode = Mode::Terminal;
         self.agent_info(resolved.ws_idx, resolved.pane_id)
             .ok_or_else(|| TerminalTargetError::NotFound {
@@ -359,6 +351,7 @@ impl App {
         focus: bool,
     ) -> Result<(usize, usize, crate::layout::PaneId), AgentStartError> {
         let (rows, cols) = self.state.estimate_pane_size();
+        let previous_focus = self.state.current_pane_focus_target();
         let direction = match split {
             SplitDirection::Right => ratatui::layout::Direction::Horizontal,
             SplitDirection::Down => ratatui::layout::Direction::Vertical,
@@ -390,8 +383,9 @@ impl App {
             .terminals
             .insert(result.1.terminal.id.clone(), result.1.terminal);
         if focus {
-            self.state.switch_workspace(ws_idx);
-            self.state.switch_tab(result.0);
+            self.state.switch_workspace_tab(ws_idx, result.0);
+            self.state
+                .record_pane_focus_change(previous_focus, ws_idx, result.1.pane_id);
             self.state.mode = Mode::Terminal;
         }
         self.schedule_session_save();
diff --git a/src/app/api/panes.rs b/src/app/api/panes.rs
index d5dcb132..9a31ec34 100644
--- a/src/app/api/panes.rs
+++ b/src/app/api/panes.rs
@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ impl App {
         let default_shell = self.state.default_shell.clone();
         let scrollback_limit_bytes = self.state.pane_scrollback_limit_bytes;
         let host_terminal_theme = self.state.host_terminal_theme;
+        let previous_focus = self.state.current_pane_focus_target();
         let Some(ws) = self.state.workspaces.get_mut(ws_idx) else {
             return pane_not_found(id, &params.target_pane_id);
         };
@@ -57,8 +58,9 @@ impl App {
             None => return pane_not_found(id, &params.target_pane_id),
         };
         if params.focus {
-            self.state.switch_workspace(ws_idx);
-            self.state.switch_tab(target_tab_idx);
+            self.state.switch_workspace_tab(ws_idx, target_tab_idx);
+            self.state
+                .record_pane_focus_change(previous_focus, ws_idx, new_pane.pane_id);
             self.state.mode = Mode::Terminal;
         }
         self.terminal_runtimes
diff --git a/src/app/api/tabs.rs b/src/app/api/tabs.rs
index 06d59fe3..0344fcea 100644
--- a/src/app/api/tabs.rs
+++ b/src/app/api/tabs.rs
@@ -109,8 +109,7 @@ impl App {
                     }
                 }
                 if focus {
-                    self.state.switch_workspace(ws_idx);
-                    self.state.switch_tab(tab_idx);
+                    self.state.switch_workspace_tab(ws_idx, tab_idx);
                     self.state.mode = Mode::Terminal;
                 }
                 self.schedule_session_save();
@@ -142,8 +141,7 @@ impl App {
         let Some((ws_idx, tab_idx)) = self.parse_tab_id(&target.tab_id) else {
             return tab_not_found(id, &target.tab_id);
         };
-        self.state.switch_workspace(ws_idx);
-        self.state.switch_tab(tab_idx);
+        self.state.switch_workspace_tab(ws_idx, tab_idx);
         let tab = self.tab_info(ws_idx, tab_idx).unwrap();
 
         encode_success(id, ResponseResult::TabInfo { tab })
diff --git a/src/app/creation.rs b/src/app/creation.rs
index 4d91e250..5bb14953 100644
--- a/src/app/creation.rs
+++ b/src/app/creation.rs
@@ -115,7 +115,7 @@ impl App {
         self.terminal_runtimes.insert(terminal.id.clone(), runtime);
         self.state.terminals.insert(terminal.id.clone(), terminal);
         if focus {
-            ws.switch_tab(idx);
+            self.state.switch_workspace_tab(ws_idx, idx);
             self.state.mode = Mode::Terminal;
         }
         let workspace_id = self.state.workspaces[ws_idx].id.clone();
diff --git a/src/app/input/mod.rs b/src/app/input/mod.rs
index 0f0b3568..e145e628 100644
--- a/src/app/input/mod.rs
+++ b/src/app/input/mod.rs
@@ -367,7 +367,11 @@ impl AppState {
             follow_cwd,
         ));
 
-        if let Some(ws) = self.active.and_then(|i| self.workspaces.get_mut(i)) {
+        let previous_focus = self.current_pane_focus_target();
+        if let Some(ws_idx) = self.active {
+            let Some(ws) = self.workspaces.get_mut(ws_idx) else {
+                return;
+            };
             if let Ok(new_pane) = ws.split_focused(
                 direction,
                 new_rows,
@@ -381,7 +385,7 @@ impl AppState {
                 terminal_runtimes.insert(new_pane.terminal.id.clone(), new_pane.runtime);
                 self.terminals
                     .insert(new_pane.terminal.id.clone(), new_pane.terminal);
-                ws.layout.focus_pane(new_id);
+                self.record_pane_focus_change(previous_focus, ws_idx, new_id);
                 self.mark_session_dirty();
                 self.mode = Mode::Terminal;
             }
diff --git a/src/app/input/mouse.rs b/src/app/input/mouse.rs
index 8adfa55b..6db1a4a9 100644
--- a/src/app/input/mouse.rs
+++ b/src/app/input/mouse.rs
@@ -455,12 +455,10 @@ impl AppState {
                             return None;
                         }
 
-                        if let Some((ws_idx, tab_idx, pane_id)) =
+                        if let Some((ws_idx, _tab_idx, pane_id)) =
                             self.collapsed_agent_detail_target_at(mouse.row)
                         {
-                            self.switch_workspace(ws_idx);
-                            self.switch_tab(tab_idx);
-                            self.focus_pane(pane_id);
+                            self.focus_pane_in_workspace(ws_idx, pane_id);
                             self.mode = Mode::Terminal;
                         }
                         return None;
@@ -550,11 +548,10 @@ impl AppState {
                         return None;
                     }
 
-                    if let Some((ws_idx, tab_idx, pane_id)) = self.agent_detail_target_at(mouse.row)
+                    if let Some((ws_idx, _tab_idx, pane_id)) =
+                        self.agent_detail_target_at(mouse.row)
                     {
-                        self.switch_workspace(ws_idx);
-                        self.switch_tab(tab_idx);
-                        self.focus_pane(pane_id);
+                        self.focus_pane_in_workspace(ws_idx, pane_id);
                         self.mode = Mode::Terminal;
                         return None;
                     }
@@ -1027,12 +1024,10 @@ impl AppState {
             }
             Some(crate::ui::MobileSwitcherTarget::Agent {
                 ws_idx,
-                tab_idx,
+                tab_idx: _,
                 pane_id,
             }) => {
-                self.switch_workspace(ws_idx);
-                self.switch_tab(tab_idx);
-                self.focus_pane(pane_id);
+                self.focus_pane_in_workspace(ws_idx, pane_id);
                 self.mode = Mode::Terminal;
             }
             Some(crate::ui::MobileSwitcherTarget::Menu(action_idx)) => {
@@ -1264,11 +1259,8 @@ impl AppState {
     }
 
     pub(super) fn focus_pane(&mut self, pane_id: crate::layout::PaneId) {
-        if let Some(ws) = self.active.and_then(|i| self.workspaces.get_mut(i)) {
-            if ws.layout.focused() != pane_id {
-                ws.layout.focus_pane(pane_id);
-                self.mark_session_dirty();
-            }
+        if let Some(ws_idx) = self.active {
+            self.focus_pane_in_workspace(ws_idx, pane_id);
         }
     }
 
@@ -1290,13 +1282,11 @@ impl AppState {
         else {
             return;
         };
-        let Some(tab_idx) = self.workspaces[ws_idx].find_tab_index_for_pane(target.pane_id) else {
+        let Some(_tab_idx) = self.workspaces[ws_idx].find_tab_index_for_pane(target.pane_id) else {
             return;
         };
 
-        self.switch_workspace(ws_idx);
-        self.switch_tab(tab_idx);
-        self.focus_pane(target.pane_id);
+        self.focus_pane_in_workspace(ws_idx, target.pane_id);
         self.toast = None;
         self.mode = Mode::Terminal;
     }
@@ -1738,6 +1728,14 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(app.state.workspaces[1].focused_pane_id(), Some(target_pane));
         assert!(app.state.toast.is_none());
         assert_eq!(app.state.mode, Mode::Terminal);
+
+        app.state.last_pane();
+
+        assert_eq!(app.state.active, Some(0));
+        assert_eq!(
+            app.state.workspaces[0].focused_pane_id(),
+            Some(app.state.workspaces[0].tabs[0].root_pane)
+        );
     }
 
     #[test]
diff --git a/src/app/input/navigate.rs b/src/app/input/navigate.rs
index 108fed8b..3b8435df 100644
--- a/src/app/input/navigate.rs
+++ b/src/app/input/navigate.rs
@@ -285,6 +285,7 @@ impl App {
         let Some(ws_idx) = self.state.active else {
             return Err(std::io::Error::other("no active workspace"));
         };
+        let previous_focus_target = self.state.current_pane_focus_target();
         let (rows, cols) = self.state.estimate_pane_size();
         let new_rows = rows.max(4);
         let new_cols = cols.max(10);
@@ -323,6 +324,13 @@ impl App {
         self.state
             .terminals
             .insert(new_pane.terminal.id.clone(), new_pane.terminal);
+        let new_focus_target = crate::app::state::PaneFocusTarget {
+            workspace_id: ws.id.clone(),
+            pane_id: new_pane_id,
+        };
+        if previous_focus_target.as_ref() != Some(&new_focus_target) {
+            self.state.previous_pane_focus = previous_focus_target;
+        }
         ws.active_tab_mut()
             .expect("workspace must have an active tab")
             .layout
@@ -499,6 +507,7 @@ pub(crate) enum NavigateAction {
     ToggleSidebar,
     CyclePaneNext,
     CyclePanePrevious,
+    LastPane,
     Help,
     Settings,
     ReloadConfig,
@@ -589,6 +598,7 @@ fn action_for_key(
         (&kb.focus_pane_down, NavigateAction::FocusPaneDown),
         (&kb.focus_pane_up, NavigateAction::FocusPaneUp),
         (&kb.focus_pane_right, NavigateAction::FocusPaneRight),
+        (&kb.last_pane, NavigateAction::LastPane),
         (&kb.cycle_pane_next, NavigateAction::CyclePaneNext),
         (&kb.cycle_pane_previous, NavigateAction::CyclePanePrevious),
         (&kb.split_vertical, NavigateAction::SplitVertical),
@@ -794,6 +804,10 @@ pub(super) fn execute_navigate_action_in_context(
             state.cycle_pane(true);
             leave_navigate_mode(state);
         }
+        NavigateAction::LastPane => {
+            state.last_pane();
+            leave_navigate_mode(state);
+        }
         NavigateAction::Help => super::modal::open_keybind_help(state),
         NavigateAction::Settings => super::settings::open_settings(state),
         NavigateAction::ReloadConfig => {
@@ -1453,6 +1467,40 @@ navigate_pane_right = "ctrl+l"
         assert_eq!(action, Some(NavigateAction::FocusPaneLeft));
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn terminal_direct_last_pane_shortcut_maps_to_navigation_action() {
+        let mut state = state_with_workspaces(&["test"]);
+        state.keybinds.last_pane = crate::config::ActionKeybinds::direct("alt+l");
+
+        let action = terminal_direct_navigation_action(
+            &state,
+            TerminalKey::new(KeyCode::Char('l'), KeyModifiers::ALT),
+        );
+
+        assert_eq!(action, Some(NavigateAction::LastPane));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn prefix_tab_override_can_map_to_last_pane() {
+        let config: Config = toml::from_str(
+            r#"
+[keys]
+last_pane = "prefix+tab"
+"#,
+        )
+        .unwrap();
+        let mut state = state_with_workspaces(&["test"]);
+        state.keybinds = config.keybinds();
+
+        let pane_action = action_for_key(
+            &state,
+            TerminalKey::new(KeyCode::Tab, KeyModifiers::empty()),
+            BindingDispatch::Prefix,
+        );
+
+        assert_eq!(pane_action, Some(NavigateAction::LastPane));
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn terminal_direct_indexed_tab_shortcut_maps_to_navigation_action() {
         let mut state = state_with_workspaces(&["test"]);
@@ -1747,6 +1795,7 @@ navigate_pane_right = "ctrl+l"
             app.render_dirty.clone(),
         )
         .expect("workspace should spawn");
+        let root_pane = workspace.tabs[0].root_pane;
         app.state.workspaces = vec![workspace];
         app.terminal_runtimes.insert(terminal.id.clone(), runtime);
         app.state.terminals.insert(terminal.id.clone(), terminal);
@@ -1774,6 +1823,19 @@ navigate_pane_right = "ctrl+l"
         assert_eq!(app.state.workspaces[0].tabs[0].layout.pane_count(), 2);
         assert_eq!(app.terminal_runtimes.len(), 2);
         assert!(app.state.workspaces[0].tabs[0].zoomed);
+        let overlay_pane = app.state.workspaces[0].focused_pane_id().unwrap();
+        assert_ne!(overlay_pane, root_pane);
+
+        app.state.last_pane();
+
+        assert_eq!(app.state.workspaces[0].focused_pane_id(), Some(root_pane));
+
+        app.state.last_pane();
+
+        assert_eq!(
+            app.state.workspaces[0].focused_pane_id(),
+            Some(overlay_pane)
+        );
 
         let _ = wait_for_file(&output_path);
         let deadline = std::time::Instant::now() + Duration::from_secs(2);
diff --git a/src/app/mod.rs b/src/app/mod.rs
index e4ec2751..534a81d8 100644
--- a/src/app/mod.rs
+++ b/src/app/mod.rs
@@ -392,6 +392,7 @@ impl App {
             direct_attach_resize_locks: std::collections::HashSet::new(),
             workspaces,
             active,
+            previous_pane_focus: None,
             selected,
             mode,
             should_quit: false,
@@ -2550,6 +2551,9 @@ mod tests {
             .cwd = split_cwd.clone();
         app.state.active = Some(0);
         app.state.selected = 0;
+        app.state
+            .focus_pane_in_workspace(0, background_previous_focus);
+        app.state.focus_pane_in_workspace(0, active_pane);
 
         let target_pane_id = app.pane_info(0, target_pane).unwrap().pane_id;
         let target_tab_id = app.public_tab_id(0, background_tab).unwrap();
@@ -2592,6 +2596,14 @@ mod tests {
                 .pane_count(),
             3
         );
+        app.state.last_pane();
+        assert_eq!(app.state.workspaces[0].active_tab, background_tab);
+        assert_eq!(
+            app.state.workspaces[0].tabs[background_tab]
+                .layout
+                .focused(),
+            background_previous_focus
+        );
 
         let runtimes: Vec<_> = app.terminal_runtimes.drain().collect();
         for (_terminal_id, runtime) in runtimes {
@@ -2650,6 +2662,44 @@ mod tests {
         }
     }
 
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn focused_agent_start_records_previous_pane() {
+        let mut app = test_app();
+        let workspace = Workspace::test_new("agent-start-focus");
+        let root = workspace.tabs[0].root_pane;
+        app.state.workspaces = vec![workspace];
+        app.state.ensure_test_terminals();
+        app.state.active = Some(0);
+        app.state.selected = 0;
+
+        let response = app.handle_api_request(crate::api::schema::Request {
+            id: "req_agent_start_focus".into(),
+            method: crate::api::schema::Method::AgentStart(crate::api::schema::AgentStartParams {
+                name: "worker".into(),
+                cwd: None,
+                workspace_id: None,
+                tab_id: None,
+                split: Some(crate::api::schema::SplitDirection::Right),
+                focus: true,
+                argv: vec!["/usr/bin/true".into()],
+            }),
+        });
+        let response: serde_json::Value = serde_json::from_str(&response).unwrap();
+
+        assert_eq!(response["result"]["type"], "agent_started");
+        assert_ne!(app.state.workspaces[0].focused_pane_id(), Some(root));
+
+        app.state.last_pane();
+
+        assert_eq!(app.state.active, Some(0));
+        assert_eq!(app.state.workspaces[0].focused_pane_id(), Some(root));
+
+        let runtimes: Vec<_> = app.terminal_runtimes.drain().collect();
+        for (_terminal_id, runtime) in runtimes {
+            runtime.shutdown();
+        }
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn pane_close_request_closes_only_the_target_tab_when_other_tabs_exist() {
         let mut app = test_app();
@@ -2984,6 +3034,45 @@ mod tests {
         );
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn route_client_input_prefix_tab_dispatches_global_last_pane() {
+        let config: Config = toml::from_str(
+            r#"
+[keys]
+last_pane = "prefix+tab"
+"#,
+        )
+        .unwrap();
+        let mut app = test_app();
+        let mut first = Workspace::test_new("one");
+        let first_second_tab = first.test_add_tab(Some("logs"));
+        let first_second_root = first.tabs[first_second_tab].root_pane;
+        let second = Workspace::test_new("two");
+        let second_root = second.tabs[0].root_pane;
+        app.state.workspaces = vec![first, second];
+        app.state.active = Some(0);
+        app.state.selected = 0;
+        app.state.keybinds = config.keybinds();
+        app.state.mode = Mode::Terminal;
+        app.state.switch_workspace_tab(0, first_second_tab);
+        app.state.switch_workspace_tab(1, 0);
+
+        app.route_client_input(vec![0x02, b'\t']);
+
+        assert_eq!(app.state.mode, Mode::Terminal);
+        assert_eq!(app.state.active, Some(0));
+        assert_eq!(app.state.workspaces[0].active_tab, first_second_tab);
+        assert_eq!(
+            app.state.workspaces[0].focused_pane_id(),
+            Some(first_second_root)
+        );
+
+        app.route_client_input(vec![0x02, b'\t']);
+
+        assert_eq!(app.state.active, Some(1));
+        assert_eq!(app.state.workspaces[1].focused_pane_id(), Some(second_root));
+    }
+
     #[tokio::test]
     async fn route_client_input_double_prefix_passes_prefix_through_to_focused_pane() {
         let mut app = test_app();
diff --git a/src/app/state.rs b/src/app/state.rs
index b22dc6a3..5e6aeafd 100644
--- a/src/app/state.rs
+++ b/src/app/state.rs
@@ -1028,6 +1028,12 @@ pub enum SidebarWidthSource {
     Manual,
 }
 
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq)]
+pub(crate) struct PaneFocusTarget {
+    pub workspace_id: String,
+    pub pane_id: PaneId,
+}
+
 /// All application state — pure data, no channels or async runtime.
 /// Testable without PTYs or a tokio runtime.
 pub struct AppState {
@@ -1037,6 +1043,7 @@ pub struct AppState {
     pub direct_attach_resize_locks: std::collections::HashSet<crate::terminal::TerminalId>,
     pub workspaces: Vec<Workspace>,
     pub active: Option<usize>,
+    pub(crate) previous_pane_focus: Option<PaneFocusTarget>,
     pub selected: usize,
     pub mode: Mode,
     pub should_quit: bool,
@@ -1337,6 +1344,7 @@ impl AppState {
             direct_attach_resize_locks: std::collections::HashSet::new(),
             workspaces: Vec::new(),
             active: None,
+            previous_pane_focus: None,
             selected: 0,
             mode: Mode::Navigate,
             should_quit: false,
diff --git a/src/config/keybinds.rs b/src/config/keybinds.rs
index 9235cf05..ea7f411c 100644
--- a/src/config/keybinds.rs
+++ b/src/config/keybinds.rs
@@ -288,6 +288,7 @@ pub struct Keybinds {
     pub focus_pane_right: ActionKeybinds,
     pub cycle_pane_next: ActionKeybinds,
     pub cycle_pane_previous: ActionKeybinds,
+    pub last_pane: ActionKeybinds,
     pub split_vertical: ActionKeybinds,
     pub split_horizontal: ActionKeybinds,
     pub close_pane: ActionKeybinds,
@@ -463,6 +464,7 @@ impl Config {
             focus_pane_down: action!("keys.focus_pane_down", &self.keys.focus_pane_down),
             focus_pane_up: action!("keys.focus_pane_up", &self.keys.focus_pane_up),
             focus_pane_right: action!("keys.focus_pane_right", &self.keys.focus_pane_right),
+            last_pane: action!("keys.last_pane", &self.keys.last_pane),
             cycle_pane_next: action!("keys.cycle_pane_next", &self.keys.cycle_pane_next),
             cycle_pane_previous: action!(
                 "keys.cycle_pane_previous",
@@ -1264,6 +1266,12 @@ next_tab = "prefix+n"
         assert!(kb.remove_worktree.bindings.is_empty());
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn back_and_forth_keybinds_are_unset_by_default() {
+        let kb = Config::default().keybinds();
+        assert!(kb.last_pane.bindings.is_empty());
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn array_bindings_allow_prefix_and_modified_direct() {
         let config: Config = toml::from_str(
diff --git a/src/config/model.rs b/src/config/model.rs
index 7434c924..d4830df1 100644
--- a/src/config/model.rs
+++ b/src/config/model.rs
@@ -211,6 +211,8 @@ pub struct KeysConfig {
     pub cycle_pane_next: BindingConfig,
     /// Cycle to the previous pane. Default: "prefix+shift+tab".
     pub cycle_pane_previous: BindingConfig,
+    /// Focus the last focused pane across workspaces and tabs. Unset by default.
+    pub last_pane: BindingConfig,
     /// Split pane vertically (side by side). Default: "prefix+v"
     pub split_vertical: BindingConfig,
     /// Split pane horizontally (stacked). Default: "prefix+minus"
@@ -391,6 +393,7 @@ impl Default for KeysConfig {
             focus_pane_right: BindingConfig::one("prefix+l"),
             cycle_pane_next: BindingConfig::one("prefix+tab"),
             cycle_pane_previous: BindingConfig::one("prefix+shift+tab"),
+            last_pane: BindingConfig::empty(),
             split_vertical: BindingConfig::one("prefix+v"),
             split_horizontal: BindingConfig::one("prefix+minus"),
             close_pane: BindingConfig::one("prefix+x"),
diff --git a/src/layout.rs b/src/layout.rs
index be407589..fe608f01 100644
--- a/src/layout.rs
+++ b/src/layout.rs
@@ -147,20 +147,6 @@ impl TileLayout {
         }
     }
 
-    pub fn focus_next(&mut self) {
-        let ids = self.pane_ids();
-        if let Some(pos) = ids.iter().position(|id| *id == self.focus) {
-            self.focus = ids[(pos + 1) % ids.len()];
-        }
-    }
-
-    pub fn focus_prev(&mut self) {
-        let ids = self.pane_ids();
-        if let Some(pos) = ids.iter().position(|id| *id == self.focus) {
-            self.focus = ids[(pos + ids.len() - 1) % ids.len()];
-        }
-    }
-
     pub fn focus_pane(&mut self, id: PaneId) {
         if self.pane_ids().contains(&id) {
             self.focus = id;
diff --git a/src/main.rs b/src/main.rs
index 28dfd29d..0d42effe 100644
--- a/src/main.rs
+++ b/src/main.rs
@@ -133,6 +133,7 @@ const DEFAULT_CONFIG: &str = r##"# herdr configuration
 # focus_pane_right = "prefix+l"
 # cycle_pane_next = "prefix+tab"
 # cycle_pane_previous = "prefix+shift+tab"
+# last_pane = ""          # optional, unset by default; bind e.g. "prefix+tab" for global back-and-forth
 # split_vertical = "prefix+v"
 # split_horizontal = "prefix+minus"
 # close_pane = "prefix+x"
diff --git a/src/ui/keybind_help.rs b/src/ui/keybind_help.rs
index 21f4baed..c3664dec 100644
--- a/src/ui/keybind_help.rs
+++ b/src/ui/keybind_help.rs
@@ -138,6 +138,7 @@ pub(super) fn keybind_help_groups(
             keybind_label(&kb.cycle_pane_previous),
             "cycle pane previous",
         ),
+        (keybind_label(&kb.last_pane), "last pane"),
     ];
     groups.push(("panes", panes));