diff --git a/src/native/composer.rs b/src/native/composer.rs
index b052c14..61b7433 100644
--- a/src/native/composer.rs
+++ b/src/native/composer.rs
@@ -3,6 +3,8 @@
 //! selections Tern keeps come back as edit events (in UTF-16 units) and the
 //! undo key as an undo event, both applied here.
 
+use std::time::{Duration, Instant};
+
 use tern_sdk::Key;
 
 use super::model::Image;
@@ -10,6 +12,49 @@ use super::model::Image;
 /// Undo steps kept.
 const HISTORY: usize = 200;
 
+/// A paste longer than this many chars, or with more line breaks than
+/// `PASTE_BREAKS`, shows as a placeholder (as in Claude Code).
+const PASTE_CHARS: usize = 800;
+const PASTE_BREAKS: usize = 2;
+/// A paste up to this many chars can be expanded in place by pasting it
+/// again, which a hint says for `EXPAND_HINT`.
+const EXPAND_CHARS: usize = 100_000;
+const EXPAND_HINT: Duration = Duration::from_secs(8);
+
+/// The placeholder for paste `id` of `breaks` line breaks, as Claude Code writes it.
+fn placeholder(id: usize, breaks: usize) -> String {
+    match breaks {
+        0 => format!("[Pasted text #{id}]"),
+        _ => format!("[Pasted text #{id} +{breaks} lines]"),
+    }
+}
+
+/// Where `[Pasted text #N]` or `[Pasted text #N +M lines]` placeholders sit
+/// in `text`: their byte ranges and `N`.
+fn placeholders(text: &str) -> Vec<(std::ops::Range<usize>, usize)> {
+    const OPEN: &str = "[Pasted text #";
+    let mut found = Vec::new();
+    let mut from = 0;
+    while let Some(at) = text[from..].find(OPEN).map(|i| from + i) {
+        from = at + OPEN.len();
+        let rest = &text[from..];
+        let digits = rest.find(|c: char| !c.is_ascii_digit()).unwrap_or(rest.len());
+        let Ok(id) = rest[..digits].parse() else { continue };
+        let mut end = digits;
+        if let Some(lines) = rest[end..].strip_prefix(" +") {
+            let n = lines.find(|c: char| !c.is_ascii_digit()).unwrap_or(lines.len());
+            if n > 0 && lines[n..].starts_with(" lines") {
+                end += 2 + n + " lines".len();
+            }
+        }
+        if rest[end..].starts_with(']') {
+            from += end + 1;
+            found.push((at..from, id));
+        }
+    }
+    found
+}
+
 #[derive(Debug, Default)]
 pub struct Composer {
     pub draft: String,
@@ -24,6 +69,13 @@ pub struct Composer {
     typing: bool,
     /// Images pasted for the next message.
     pub images: Vec<Image>,
+    /// Texts pasted as placeholders, `[Pasted text #N]` being `pastes[N - 1]`;
+    /// kept so an undone or restored draft still expands.
+    pastes: Vec<String>,
+    /// The paste last made a placeholder, which pasting again expands.
+    last_paste: Option<usize>,
+    /// When that paste was made, for the hint that says so.
+    hint: Option<(usize, Instant)>,
 }
 
 impl Composer {
@@ -112,6 +164,80 @@ impl Composer {
         std::mem::take(&mut self.draft)
     }
 
+    /// Pastes `text`: a long one as a placeholder, which `expand` turns back.
+    /// Pasting the same text again expands its placeholder in place.
+    pub fn paste(&mut self, text: &str) {
+        let text = text.replace("\r\n", "\n").replace('\r', "\n").replace('\t', "    ");
+        if self.last_paste.is_some_and(|id| self.pastes[id - 1] == text) && self.expand_last() {
+            return;
+        }
+        let breaks = text.matches('\n').count();
+        let chars = text.chars().count();
+        if chars <= PASTE_CHARS && breaks <= PASTE_BREAKS {
+            return self.insert(&text);
+        }
+        self.pastes.push(text);
+        let id = self.pastes.len();
+        self.insert(&placeholder(id, breaks));
+        self.last_paste = Some(id);
+        self.hint = (chars <= EXPAND_CHARS).then(|| (id, Instant::now()));
+    }
+
+    /// Puts the newest placeholder back as its text, the caret after it, if
+    /// it is the last paste's; false if not.
+    fn expand_last(&mut self) -> bool {
+        let newest = placeholders(&self.draft)
+            .into_iter()
+            .filter(|(_, id)| (1..=self.pastes.len()).contains(id))
+            .max_by_key(|(_, id)| *id);
+        let Some((range, id)) = newest.filter(|(_, id)| Some(*id) == self.last_paste) else { return false };
+        let text = self.pastes[id - 1].clone();
+        if text.chars().count() > EXPAND_CHARS {
+            return false;
+        }
+        self.remember(false);
+        self.draft.replace_range(range.clone(), &text);
+        self.cursor = self.draft[..range.start + text.len()].chars().count();
+        self.last_paste = None;
+        self.hint = None;
+        self.edited();
+        true
+    }
+
+    /// The paste whose "paste again to expand" hint is showing, for a while
+    /// after it was made and while there is a draft.
+    pub fn expand_hint(&self) -> Option<usize> {
+        let (id, at) = self.hint?;
+        (at.elapsed() < EXPAND_HINT && !self.draft.is_empty()).then_some(id)
+    }
+
+    /// `text` with the placeholders of pastes put back as what was pasted;
+    /// one edited out of shape stays as it is.
+    pub fn expand(&self, text: &str) -> String {
+        let mut out = String::with_capacity(text.len());
+        let mut from = 0;
+        for (range, id) in placeholders(text) {
+            if let Some(pasted) = id.checked_sub(1).and_then(|i| self.pastes.get(i)) {
+                out.push_str(&text[from..range.start]);
+                out.push_str(pasted);
+                from = range.end;
+            }
+        }
+        out.push_str(&text[from..]);
+        out
+    }
+
+    /// Where the draft's placeholders of pastes are, in UTF-16 units, for the
+    /// editor to mark them.
+    pub fn placeholders_utf16(&self) -> Vec<(usize, usize)> {
+        let utf16 = |at: usize| self.draft[..at].encode_utf16().count();
+        placeholders(&self.draft)
+            .into_iter()
+            .filter(|(_, id)| (1..=self.pastes.len()).contains(id))
+            .map(|(range, _)| (utf16(range.start), utf16(range.end)))
+            .collect()
+    }
+
     /// Applies a native edit: UTF-16 `[from, to)` replaced with `text`, the
     /// caret then at `cursor`. Ignored when the draft changed since Tern saw
     /// it (`len`), as keys in flight would have.
@@ -164,9 +290,14 @@ impl Composer {
             "enter" if key.shift || key.alt => self.insert("\n"),
             "backspace" if self.cursor > 0 => {
                 self.remember(false);
-                let at = self.byte(self.cursor - 1);
-                self.draft.remove(at);
-                self.cursor -= 1;
+                let end = self.byte(self.cursor);
+                // A paste's placeholder goes whole.
+                let start = placeholders(&self.draft[..end])
+                    .last()
+                    .filter(|(range, id)| range.end == end && (1..=self.pastes.len()).contains(id))
+                    .map_or_else(|| self.byte(self.cursor - 1), |(range, _)| range.start);
+                self.cursor -= self.draft[start..end].chars().count();
+                self.draft.replace_range(start..end, "");
                 self.edited();
             }
             "delete" if self.cursor < self.len() => {
@@ -187,7 +318,7 @@ impl Composer {
                 self.edited();
             }
             "z" if key.ctrl || key.meta => self.undo(),
-            "paste" => self.insert(key.text.as_deref().unwrap_or_default()),
+            "paste" => self.paste(key.text.as_deref().unwrap_or_default()),
             _ => match key.typed() {
                 Some(text) => {
                     let word = text.chars().all(char::is_alphanumeric);
@@ -245,6 +376,63 @@ mod tests {
         assert!(c.is_empty());
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn long_pastes_show_as_placeholders_and_expand_to_what_was_pasted() {
+        let mut c = Composer::default();
+        let paste = |text: &str| Key { text: Some(text.into()), ..key("paste") };
+        c.insert("see ");
+        c.key(&paste("a\nb\nc"));
+        assert_eq!(c.draft, "see a\nb\nc", "two line breaks stay inline");
+        c.set("see ");
+        c.key(&paste("a\r\nb\nc\nd"));
+        c.insert(" and ");
+        let long = "x".repeat(801);
+        c.key(&paste(&long));
+        assert_eq!(c.draft, "see [Pasted text #1 +3 lines] and [Pasted text #2]");
+        assert_eq!(c.expand(&c.draft), format!("see a\nb\nc\nd and {long}"));
+        // A placeholder edited out of shape, or of no paste, is sent as typed.
+        assert_eq!(c.expand("[Pasted text #1 +3 line] [Pasted text #9]"), "[Pasted text #1 +3 line] [Pasted text #9]");
+
+        // Backspace takes a placeholder whole; undo brings it back, still expanding.
+        assert!(c.key(&key("backspace")));
+        assert_eq!(c.draft, "see [Pasted text #1 +3 lines] and ");
+        assert!(c.key(&key("backspace")));
+        assert_eq!(c.draft, "see [Pasted text #1 +3 lines] and");
+        assert_eq!(c.take(), "see [Pasted text #1 +3 lines] and");
+        c.undo();
+        assert_eq!(c.expand(&c.draft), "see a\nb\nc\nd and");
+        // The paste itself is one undo step.
+        c.set("");
+        c.key(&paste(&long));
+        c.undo();
+        assert_eq!(c.draft, "");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn pasting_the_same_text_again_expands_its_placeholder() {
+        let mut c = Composer::default();
+        let paste = |text: &str| Key { text: Some(text.into()), ..key("paste") };
+        c.key(&paste("a\tb\nc\nd\ne"));
+        c.insert(" tail");
+        assert_eq!(c.expand_hint(), Some(1));
+        c.key(&Key::named("home"));
+        c.key(&paste("a\tb\nc\nd\ne"));
+        assert_eq!(c.draft, "a    b\nc\nd\ne tail", "tabs go as four spaces");
+        assert_eq!(c.cursor_utf16(), 12, "the caret ends after the expanded text");
+        assert_eq!(c.expand_hint(), None);
+        c.undo();
+        assert_eq!(c.draft, "[Pasted text #1 +3 lines] tail");
+
+        // Another text, or a paste that is not the newest, collapses anew.
+        c.set("");
+        c.key(&paste("1\n2\n3\n4"));
+        c.key(&paste("5\n6\n7\n8"));
+        c.key(&paste("1\n2\n3\n4"));
+        assert_eq!(c.draft, "[Pasted text #2 +3 lines][Pasted text #3 +3 lines][Pasted text #4 +3 lines]");
+        c.take();
+        assert_eq!(c.expand_hint(), None, "no hint without a draft");
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn native_edits_replace_utf16_ranges() {
         let mut c = Composer::default();
diff --git a/src/native/driver.rs b/src/native/driver.rs
index ad127ea..ae460b1 100644
--- a/src/native/driver.rs
+++ b/src/native/driver.rs
@@ -711,10 +711,11 @@ impl Driver {
             self.t.error(format!("{product} does not take images over ACP; remove them to send"), None);
             return;
         }
-        let text = self.composer.take();
+        let draft = self.composer.take();
+        let text = self.composer.expand(&draft);
         if commands::parse(&text).is_some() && self.composer.images.is_empty() {
             // Commands run as Enter runs them.
-            self.composer.set(&text);
+            self.composer.set(&draft);
             return self.submit();
         }
         let links = self.links(&text);
@@ -920,11 +921,13 @@ impl Driver {
             self.t.error(format!("{product} does not take images over ACP; remove them to send"), None);
             return;
         }
-        let text = self.composer.take();
+        // Pastes' placeholders go as what was pasted; a draft kept keeps them.
+        let draft = self.composer.take();
+        let text = self.composer.expand(&draft);
         match commands::parse(&text).filter(|_| self.composer.images.is_empty()) {
             Some(command) if self.t.turn == Turn::Idle => self.builtin(command),
             // sand's commands wait for the session; the agent's go as a prompt.
-            Some(_) => self.composer.set(&text),
+            Some(_) => self.composer.set(&draft),
             None => {
                 let links = self.links(&text);
                 let prompt = Prompt {
@@ -934,7 +937,7 @@ impl Driver {
                     context: Vec::new(),
                 };
                 if !self.send(prompt.clone()) {
-                    self.composer.set(&text);
+                    self.composer.set(&draft);
                     self.composer.images = prompt.images;
                     self.t
                         .error(format!("{QUEUE} follow-ups are waiting already; this one stays in the composer"), None);
@@ -1489,6 +1492,28 @@ mod tests {
         d.response(Call::Prompt, Ok(serde_json::json!({"stopReason": stop})), Instant::now());
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn a_long_paste_goes_whole_and_a_kept_draft_keeps_its_placeholder() {
+        let mut d = working();
+        let paste = Key { text: Some("one\ntwo\nthree\nfour".into()), ..Key::named("paste") };
+        d.key(&Key { text: Some("x".into()), ..Key::named("x") });
+        d.key(&paste);
+        assert_eq!(d.composer.draft, "x[Pasted text #1 +3 lines]");
+        d.key(&Key::named("enter"));
+        assert!(matches!(d.t.entries.last(), Some(Entry::User(text, _)) if text == "xone\ntwo\nthree\nfour"));
+
+        // With the queue full, the draft stays, placeholder and all; it is queued whole later.
+        for i in 0..QUEUE {
+            type_and_send(&mut d, &format!("q{i}"));
+        }
+        d.key(&paste);
+        d.key(&Key::named("enter"));
+        assert_eq!(d.composer.draft, "[Pasted text #2 +3 lines]");
+        d.msg(Msg::Unqueue(0));
+        d.msg(Msg::Send(d.composer.draft.clone()));
+        assert_eq!(d.t.queue.last().map(|p| p.text.as_str()), Some("one\ntwo\nthree\nfour"));
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn follow_ups_queue_while_the_agent_works_and_go_in_order() {
         let mut d = working();
diff --git a/src/native/view.rs b/src/native/view.rs
index 5119057..c22c408 100644
--- a/src/native/view.rs
+++ b/src/native/view.rs
@@ -315,8 +315,17 @@ pub fn completions(t: &Transcript, composer: &Composer) -> Vec<Completion> {
 }
 
 /// What floats over the session: the completions of a `/command` or an
-/// `@` mention being typed, under the caret, and the session picker.
+/// `@` mention being typed, under the caret, and the session picker; and
+/// for a while after a long paste, that pasting it again expands it.
 fn layer(t: &Transcript, composer: &Composer, info: &Info) -> Vec<Node<Msg>> {
+    let mut nodes = floating(t, composer, info);
+    if let Some(id) = composer.expand_hint().filter(|_| t.exit_armed.is_none()) {
+        nodes.push(ui::toast("Paste again to expand").key(format!("paste-{id}")).ttl(8000u64).into());
+    }
+    nodes
+}
+
+fn floating(t: &Transcript, composer: &Composer, info: &Info) -> Vec<Node<Msg>> {
     if let Some((_, key)) = &t.exit_armed {
         let what = if t.turn == Turn::Setup { "stop setting up" } else { "exit" };
         // As long as the second press is awaited.
@@ -1240,14 +1249,17 @@ fn composer_node(t: &Transcript, composer: &Composer, info: &Info) -> Node<Msg>
         .on_undo(Msg::Undo)
         .on_focus(Msg::Focus);
     // A command typed whole, marked as one that runs: no completion says so.
-    let editor = match commands::recognized(&composer.draft, &t.commands) {
-        Some(range) => {
-            let utf16 = |at: usize| composer.draft[..at].encode_utf16().count();
-            let s = "accent strong".to_string();
-            editor.decor(vec![ui::Decor { from: utf16(range.start), to: utf16(range.end), s, fx: None }])
-        }
-        None => editor,
-    };
+    let mut decor = Vec::new();
+    if let Some(range) = commands::recognized(&composer.draft, &t.commands) {
+        let utf16 = |at: usize| composer.draft[..at].encode_utf16().count();
+        let s = "accent strong".to_string();
+        decor.push(ui::Decor { from: utf16(range.start), to: utf16(range.end), s, fx: None });
+    }
+    // Pastes' placeholders in bold, to tell them from typed text.
+    for (from, to) in composer.placeholders_utf16() {
+        decor.push(ui::Decor { from, to, s: "strong".to_string(), fx: None });
+    }
+    let editor = if decor.is_empty() { editor } else { editor.decor(decor) };
     // The rest of the highlighted command, faint after the caret.
     let completions = if composer.dismissed { Vec::new() } else { commands::complete(&composer.draft, &t.commands) };
     let editor = match completions.get(composer.pick.min(completions.len().saturating_sub(1))) {
@@ -1569,6 +1581,18 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(main[1].props()["role"], "omp.welcome");
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn a_long_paste_says_pasting_again_expands_it() {
+        let mut composer = Composer::default();
+        composer.key(&tern_sdk::Key { text: Some("a\nb\nc\nd".into()), ..tern_sdk::Key::named("paste") });
+        let v = view(&Transcript::default(), &composer, &info());
+        let toast = &region(&v, 2)[0];
+        assert_eq!((toast.kind(), toast.props()["ttl"].as_u64()), ("toast", Some(8000)));
+        assert!(format!("{:?}", toast.props()).contains("Paste again to expand"));
+        let editor = find(region(&v, 1), "sand.composer").unwrap().child_nodes().iter().find(|n| n.kind() == "editor");
+        assert_eq!(editor.unwrap().props()["decor"], json!([{"from": 0, "to": 25, "s": "strong"}]), "in bold");
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn setup_questions_offer_a_button_per_answer() {
         let (mut t, now) = (Transcript::default(), Instant::now());