diff --git a/packages/coding-agent/CHANGELOG.md b/packages/coding-agent/CHANGELOG.md
index 293e127e..abc741f8 100644
--- a/packages/coding-agent/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/packages/coding-agent/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -7,8 +7,13 @@
 - ExtensionAPI: `setModel()`, `getThinkingLevel()`, `setThinkingLevel()` methods for extensions to change model and thinking level at runtime ([#509](https://github.com/badlogic/pi-mono/issues/509))
 - Exported truncation utilities for custom tools: `truncateHead`, `truncateTail`, `truncateLine`, `formatSize`, `DEFAULT_MAX_BYTES`, `DEFAULT_MAX_LINES`, `TruncationOptions`, `TruncationResult`
 - New example `truncated-tool.ts` demonstrating proper output truncation with custom rendering for extensions
+- New example `preset.ts` demonstrating preset configurations with model/thinking/tools switching ([#347](https://github.com/badlogic/pi-mono/issues/347))
 - Documentation for output truncation best practices in `docs/extensions.md`
 - Exported all UI components for extensions: `ArminComponent`, `AssistantMessageComponent`, `BashExecutionComponent`, `BorderedLoader`, `BranchSummaryMessageComponent`, `CompactionSummaryMessageComponent`, `CustomEditor`, `CustomMessageComponent`, `DynamicBorder`, `ExtensionEditorComponent`, `ExtensionInputComponent`, `ExtensionSelectorComponent`, `FooterComponent`, `LoginDialogComponent`, `ModelSelectorComponent`, `OAuthSelectorComponent`, `SessionSelectorComponent`, `SettingsSelectorComponent`, `ShowImagesSelectorComponent`, `ThemeSelectorComponent`, `ThinkingSelectorComponent`, `ToolExecutionComponent`, `TreeSelectorComponent`, `UserMessageComponent`, `UserMessageSelectorComponent`, plus utilities `renderDiff`, `truncateToVisualLines`
+- `docs/tui.md`: Common Patterns section with copy-paste code for SelectList, BorderedLoader, SettingsList, setStatus, setWidget, setFooter
+- `docs/tui.md`: Key Rules section documenting critical patterns for extension UI development
+- `docs/extensions.md`: Exhaustive example links for all ExtensionAPI methods and events
+- System prompt now references `docs/tui.md` for TUI component development
 
 ## [0.37.4] - 2026-01-06
 
diff --git a/packages/coding-agent/docs/extensions.md b/packages/coding-agent/docs/extensions.md
index a88f73e4..5c0a3362 100644
--- a/packages/coding-agent/docs/extensions.md
+++ b/packages/coding-agent/docs/extensions.md
@@ -306,6 +306,8 @@ pi.on("session_start", async (_event, ctx) => {
 });
 ```
 
+**Examples:** [claude-rules.ts](../examples/extensions/claude-rules.ts), [custom-header.ts](../examples/extensions/custom-header.ts), [file-trigger.ts](../examples/extensions/file-trigger.ts), [status-line.ts](../examples/extensions/status-line.ts), [todo.ts](../examples/extensions/todo.ts), [tools.ts](../examples/extensions/tools.ts)
+
 #### session_before_switch / session_switch
 
 Fired when starting a new session (`/new`) or switching sessions (`/resume`).
@@ -327,6 +329,8 @@ pi.on("session_switch", async (event, ctx) => {
 });
 ```
 
+**Examples:** [confirm-destructive.ts](../examples/extensions/confirm-destructive.ts), [dirty-repo-guard.ts](../examples/extensions/dirty-repo-guard.ts), [status-line.ts](../examples/extensions/status-line.ts), [todo.ts](../examples/extensions/todo.ts)
+
 #### session_before_branch / session_branch
 
 Fired when branching via `/branch`.
@@ -344,6 +348,8 @@ pi.on("session_branch", async (event, ctx) => {
 });
 ```
 
+**Examples:** [confirm-destructive.ts](../examples/extensions/confirm-destructive.ts), [dirty-repo-guard.ts](../examples/extensions/dirty-repo-guard.ts), [git-checkpoint.ts](../examples/extensions/git-checkpoint.ts), [todo.ts](../examples/extensions/todo.ts), [tools.ts](../examples/extensions/tools.ts)
+
 #### session_before_compact / session_compact
 
 Fired on compaction. See [compaction.md](compaction.md) for details.
@@ -371,6 +377,8 @@ pi.on("session_compact", async (event, ctx) => {
 });
 ```
 
+**Examples:** [custom-compaction.ts](../examples/extensions/custom-compaction.ts)
+
 #### session_before_tree / session_tree
 
 Fired on `/tree` navigation.
@@ -388,6 +396,8 @@ pi.on("session_tree", async (event, ctx) => {
 });
 ```
 
+**Examples:** [todo.ts](../examples/extensions/todo.ts), [tools.ts](../examples/extensions/tools.ts)
+
 #### session_shutdown
 
 Fired on exit (Ctrl+C, Ctrl+D, SIGTERM).
@@ -398,6 +408,8 @@ pi.on("session_shutdown", async (_event, ctx) => {
 });
 ```
 
+**Examples:** [auto-commit-on-exit.ts](../examples/extensions/auto-commit-on-exit.ts)
+
 ### Agent Events
 
 #### before_agent_start
@@ -422,6 +434,8 @@ pi.on("before_agent_start", async (event, ctx) => {
 });
 ```
 
+**Examples:** [claude-rules.ts](../examples/extensions/claude-rules.ts), [pirate.ts](../examples/extensions/pirate.ts), [plan-mode.ts](../examples/extensions/plan-mode.ts), [preset.ts](../examples/extensions/preset.ts)
+
 #### agent_start / agent_end
 
 Fired once per user prompt.
@@ -434,6 +448,8 @@ pi.on("agent_end", async (event, ctx) => {
 });
 ```
 
+**Examples:** [chalk-logger.ts](../examples/extensions/chalk-logger.ts), [git-checkpoint.ts](../examples/extensions/git-checkpoint.ts), [plan-mode.ts](../examples/extensions/plan-mode.ts)
+
 #### turn_start / turn_end
 
 Fired for each turn (one LLM response + tool calls).
@@ -448,6 +464,8 @@ pi.on("turn_end", async (event, ctx) => {
 });
 ```
 
+**Examples:** [git-checkpoint.ts](../examples/extensions/git-checkpoint.ts), [plan-mode.ts](../examples/extensions/plan-mode.ts), [status-line.ts](../examples/extensions/status-line.ts)
+
 #### context
 
 Fired before each LLM call. Modify messages non-destructively.
@@ -460,6 +478,8 @@ pi.on("context", async (event, ctx) => {
 });
 ```
 
+**Examples:** [plan-mode.ts](../examples/extensions/plan-mode.ts)
+
 ### Tool Events
 
 #### tool_call
@@ -478,6 +498,8 @@ pi.on("tool_call", async (event, ctx) => {
 });
 ```
 
+**Examples:** [chalk-logger.ts](../examples/extensions/chalk-logger.ts), [permission-gate.ts](../examples/extensions/permission-gate.ts), [plan-mode.ts](../examples/extensions/plan-mode.ts), [protected-paths.ts](../examples/extensions/protected-paths.ts)
+
 #### tool_result
 
 Fired after tool executes. **Can modify result.**
@@ -498,6 +520,8 @@ pi.on("tool_result", async (event, ctx) => {
 });
 ```
 
+**Examples:** [git-checkpoint.ts](../examples/extensions/git-checkpoint.ts), [plan-mode.ts](../examples/extensions/plan-mode.ts)
+
 ## ExtensionContext
 
 Every handler receives `ctx: ExtensionContext`:
@@ -595,7 +619,7 @@ const result = await ctx.navigateTree("entry-id-456", {
 
 ### pi.on(event, handler)
 
-Subscribe to events. See [Events](#events).
+Subscribe to events. See [Events](#events) for event types and return values.
 
 ### pi.registerTool(definition)
 
@@ -630,9 +654,11 @@ pi.registerTool({
 });
 ```
 
+**Examples:** [hello.ts](../examples/extensions/hello.ts), [question.ts](../examples/extensions/question.ts), [todo.ts](../examples/extensions/todo.ts), [truncated-tool.ts](../examples/extensions/truncated-tool.ts)
+
 ### pi.sendMessage(message, options?)
 
-Inject a custom message into the session:
+Inject a custom message into the session.
 
 ```typescript
 pi.sendMessage({
@@ -653,6 +679,8 @@ pi.sendMessage({
   - `"nextTurn"` - Queued for next user prompt. Does not interrupt or trigger anything.
 - `triggerTurn: true` - If agent is idle, trigger an LLM response immediately. Only applies to `"steer"` and `"followUp"` modes (ignored for `"nextTurn"`).
 
+**Examples:** [file-trigger.ts](../examples/extensions/file-trigger.ts), [plan-mode.ts](../examples/extensions/plan-mode.ts)
+
 ### pi.sendUserMessage(content, options?)
 
 Send a user message to the agent. Unlike `sendMessage()` which sends custom messages, this sends an actual user message that appears as if typed by the user. Always triggers a turn.
@@ -683,7 +711,7 @@ See [send-user-message.ts](../examples/extensions/send-user-message.ts) for a co
 
 ### pi.appendEntry(customType, data?)
 
-Persist extension state (does NOT participate in LLM context):
+Persist extension state (does NOT participate in LLM context).
 
 ```typescript
 pi.appendEntry("my-state", { count: 42 });
@@ -698,9 +726,11 @@ pi.on("session_start", async (_event, ctx) => {
 });
 ```
 
+**Examples:** [plan-mode.ts](../examples/extensions/plan-mode.ts), [preset.ts](../examples/extensions/preset.ts), [snake.ts](../examples/extensions/snake.ts), [tools.ts](../examples/extensions/tools.ts)
+
 ### pi.registerCommand(name, options)
 
-Register a command:
+Register a command.
 
 ```typescript
 pi.registerCommand("stats", {
@@ -712,13 +742,15 @@ pi.registerCommand("stats", {
 });
 ```
 
+**Examples:** [custom-footer.ts](../examples/extensions/custom-footer.ts), [custom-header.ts](../examples/extensions/custom-header.ts), [handoff.ts](../examples/extensions/handoff.ts), [pirate.ts](../examples/extensions/pirate.ts), [plan-mode.ts](../examples/extensions/plan-mode.ts), [preset.ts](../examples/extensions/preset.ts), [qna.ts](../examples/extensions/qna.ts), [send-user-message.ts](../examples/extensions/send-user-message.ts), [snake.ts](../examples/extensions/snake.ts), [todo.ts](../examples/extensions/todo.ts), [tools.ts](../examples/extensions/tools.ts)
+
 ### pi.registerMessageRenderer(customType, renderer)
 
 Register a custom TUI renderer for messages with your `customType`. See [Custom UI](#custom-ui).
 
 ### pi.registerShortcut(shortcut, options)
 
-Register a keyboard shortcut:
+Register a keyboard shortcut.
 
 ```typescript
 pi.registerShortcut("ctrl+shift+p", {
@@ -729,9 +761,11 @@ pi.registerShortcut("ctrl+shift+p", {
 });
 ```
 
+**Examples:** [plan-mode.ts](../examples/extensions/plan-mode.ts), [preset.ts](../examples/extensions/preset.ts)
+
 ### pi.registerFlag(name, options)
 
-Register a CLI flag:
+Register a CLI flag.
 
 ```typescript
 pi.registerFlag("--plan", {
@@ -746,24 +780,57 @@ if (pi.getFlag("--plan")) {
 }
 ```
 
+**Examples:** [plan-mode.ts](../examples/extensions/plan-mode.ts), [preset.ts](../examples/extensions/preset.ts)
+
 ### pi.exec(command, args, options?)
 
-Execute a shell command:
+Execute a shell command.
 
 ```typescript
 const result = await pi.exec("git", ["status"], { signal, timeout: 5000 });
 // result.stdout, result.stderr, result.code, result.killed
 ```
 
+**Examples:** [auto-commit-on-exit.ts](../examples/extensions/auto-commit-on-exit.ts), [dirty-repo-guard.ts](../examples/extensions/dirty-repo-guard.ts), [git-checkpoint.ts](../examples/extensions/git-checkpoint.ts)
+
 ### pi.getActiveTools() / pi.getAllTools() / pi.setActiveTools(names)
 
-Manage active tools:
+Manage active tools.
 
 ```typescript
 const active = pi.getActiveTools();  // ["read", "bash", "edit", "write"]
 pi.setActiveTools(["read", "bash"]); // Switch to read-only
 ```
 
+**Examples:** [plan-mode.ts](../examples/extensions/plan-mode.ts), [preset.ts](../examples/extensions/preset.ts), [tools.ts](../examples/extensions/tools.ts)
+
+### pi.setModel(model)
+
+Set the current model. Returns `false` if no API key is available for the model.
+
+```typescript
+const model = ctx.modelRegistry.find("anthropic", "claude-sonnet-4-5");
+if (model) {
+  const success = await pi.setModel(model);
+  if (!success) {
+    ctx.ui.notify("No API key for this model", "error");
+  }
+}
+```
+
+**Examples:** [preset.ts](../examples/extensions/preset.ts)
+
+### pi.getThinkingLevel() / pi.setThinkingLevel(level)
+
+Get or set the thinking level. Level is clamped to model capabilities (non-reasoning models always use "off").
+
+```typescript
+const current = pi.getThinkingLevel();  // "off" | "minimal" | "low" | "medium" | "high" | "xhigh"
+pi.setThinkingLevel("high");
+```
+
+**Examples:** [preset.ts](../examples/extensions/preset.ts)
+
 ### pi.events
 
 Shared event bus for communication between extensions:
@@ -994,6 +1061,14 @@ If `renderCall`/`renderResult` is not defined or throws:
 
 Extensions can interact with users via `ctx.ui` methods and customize how messages/tools render.
 
+**For custom components, see [tui.md](tui.md)** which has copy-paste patterns for:
+- Selection dialogs (SelectList)
+- Async operations with cancel (BorderedLoader)
+- Settings toggles (SettingsList)
+- Status indicators (setStatus)
+- Widgets above editor (setWidget)
+- Custom footers (setFooter)
+
 ### Dialogs
 
 ```typescript
@@ -1013,6 +1088,12 @@ const text = await ctx.ui.editor("Edit:", "prefilled text");
 ctx.ui.notify("Done!", "info");  // "info" | "warning" | "error"
 ```
 
+**Examples:**
+- `ctx.ui.select()`: [confirm-destructive.ts](../examples/extensions/confirm-destructive.ts), [dirty-repo-guard.ts](../examples/extensions/dirty-repo-guard.ts), [git-checkpoint.ts](../examples/extensions/git-checkpoint.ts), [permission-gate.ts](../examples/extensions/permission-gate.ts), [plan-mode.ts](../examples/extensions/plan-mode.ts), [question.ts](../examples/extensions/question.ts)
+- `ctx.ui.confirm()`: [confirm-destructive.ts](../examples/extensions/confirm-destructive.ts)
+- `ctx.ui.editor()`: [handoff.ts](../examples/extensions/handoff.ts)
+- `ctx.ui.setEditorText()`: [handoff.ts](../examples/extensions/handoff.ts), [qna.ts](../examples/extensions/qna.ts)
+
 ### Widgets, Status, and Footer
 
 ```typescript
@@ -1040,6 +1121,12 @@ ctx.ui.setEditorText("Prefill text");
 const current = ctx.ui.getEditorText();
 ```
 
+**Examples:**
+- `ctx.ui.setStatus()`: [plan-mode.ts](../examples/extensions/plan-mode.ts), [preset.ts](../examples/extensions/preset.ts), [status-line.ts](../examples/extensions/status-line.ts)
+- `ctx.ui.setWidget()`: [plan-mode.ts](../examples/extensions/plan-mode.ts)
+- `ctx.ui.setFooter()`: [custom-footer.ts](../examples/extensions/custom-footer.ts)
+- `ctx.ui.setHeader()`: [custom-header.ts](../examples/extensions/custom-header.ts)
+
 ### Custom Components
 
 For complex UI, use `ctx.ui.custom()`. This temporarily replaces the editor with your component until `done()` is called:
@@ -1069,7 +1156,9 @@ The callback receives:
 - `theme` - Current theme for styling
 - `done(value)` - Call to close component and return value
 
-See [tui.md](tui.md) for the full component API and [examples/extensions/](../examples/extensions/) for working examples (snake.ts, todo.ts, qna.ts).
+See [tui.md](tui.md) for the full component API.
+
+**Examples:** [handoff.ts](../examples/extensions/handoff.ts), [plan-mode.ts](../examples/extensions/plan-mode.ts), [preset.ts](../examples/extensions/preset.ts), [qna.ts](../examples/extensions/qna.ts), [snake.ts](../examples/extensions/snake.ts), [todo.ts](../examples/extensions/todo.ts), [tools.ts](../examples/extensions/tools.ts)
 
 ### Message Rendering
 
diff --git a/packages/coding-agent/docs/tui.md b/packages/coding-agent/docs/tui.md
index 1f03d748..0db6d97d 100644
--- a/packages/coding-agent/docs/tui.md
+++ b/packages/coding-agent/docs/tui.md
@@ -340,7 +340,225 @@ class CachedComponent {
 
 Call `invalidate()` when state changes, then `handle.requestRender()` to trigger re-render.
 
+## Common Patterns
+
+These patterns cover the most common UI needs in extensions. **Copy these patterns instead of building from scratch.**
+
+### Pattern 1: Selection Dialog (SelectList)
+
+For letting users pick from a list of options. Use `SelectList` from `@mariozechner/pi-tui` with `DynamicBorder` for framing.
+
+```typescript
+import type { ExtensionAPI } from "@mariozechner/pi-coding-agent";
+import { DynamicBorder } from "@mariozechner/pi-coding-agent";
+import { Container, type SelectItem, SelectList, Text } from "@mariozechner/pi-tui";
+
+pi.registerCommand("pick", {
+  handler: async (_args, ctx) => {
+    const items: SelectItem[] = [
+      { value: "opt1", label: "Option 1", description: "First option" },
+      { value: "opt2", label: "Option 2", description: "Second option" },
+      { value: "opt3", label: "Option 3" },  // description is optional
+    ];
+
+    const result = await ctx.ui.custom<string | null>((tui, theme, done) => {
+      const container = new Container();
+
+      // Top border
+      container.addChild(new DynamicBorder((s: string) => theme.fg("accent", s)));
+
+      // Title
+      container.addChild(new Text(theme.fg("accent", theme.bold("Pick an Option")), 1, 0));
+
+      // SelectList with theme
+      const selectList = new SelectList(items, Math.min(items.length, 10), {
+        selectedPrefix: (t) => theme.fg("accent", t),
+        selectedText: (t) => theme.fg("accent", t),
+        description: (t) => theme.fg("muted", t),
+        scrollInfo: (t) => theme.fg("dim", t),
+        noMatch: (t) => theme.fg("warning", t),
+      });
+      selectList.onSelect = (item) => done(item.value);
+      selectList.onCancel = () => done(null);
+      container.addChild(selectList);
+
+      // Help text
+      container.addChild(new Text(theme.fg("dim", "↑↓ navigate • enter select • esc cancel"), 1, 0));
+
+      // Bottom border
+      container.addChild(new DynamicBorder((s: string) => theme.fg("accent", s)));
+
+      return {
+        render: (w) => container.render(w),
+        invalidate: () => container.invalidate(),
+        handleInput: (data) => { selectList.handleInput(data); tui.requestRender(); },
+      };
+    });
+
+    if (result) {
+      ctx.ui.notify(`Selected: ${result}`, "info");
+    }
+  },
+});
+```
+
+**Examples:** [preset.ts](../examples/extensions/preset.ts), [tools.ts](../examples/extensions/tools.ts)
+
+### Pattern 2: Async Operation with Cancel (BorderedLoader)
+
+For operations that take time and should be cancellable. `BorderedLoader` shows a spinner and handles escape to cancel.
+
+```typescript
+import { BorderedLoader } from "@mariozechner/pi-coding-agent";
+
+pi.registerCommand("fetch", {
+  handler: async (_args, ctx) => {
+    const result = await ctx.ui.custom<string | null>((tui, theme, done) => {
+      const loader = new BorderedLoader(tui, theme, "Fetching data...");
+      loader.onAbort = () => done(null);
+
+      // Do async work
+      fetchData(loader.signal)
+        .then((data) => done(data))
+        .catch(() => done(null));
+
+      return loader;
+    });
+
+    if (result === null) {
+      ctx.ui.notify("Cancelled", "info");
+    } else {
+      ctx.ui.setEditorText(result);
+    }
+  },
+});
+```
+
+**Examples:** [qna.ts](../examples/extensions/qna.ts), [handoff.ts](../examples/extensions/handoff.ts)
+
+### Pattern 3: Settings/Toggles (SettingsList)
+
+For toggling multiple settings. Use `SettingsList` from `@mariozechner/pi-tui` with `getSettingsListTheme()`.
+
+```typescript
+import { getSettingsListTheme } from "@mariozechner/pi-coding-agent";
+import { Container, type SettingItem, SettingsList, Text } from "@mariozechner/pi-tui";
+
+pi.registerCommand("settings", {
+  handler: async (_args, ctx) => {
+    const items: SettingItem[] = [
+      { id: "verbose", label: "Verbose mode", currentValue: "off", values: ["on", "off"] },
+      { id: "color", label: "Color output", currentValue: "on", values: ["on", "off"] },
+    ];
+
+    await ctx.ui.custom((_tui, theme, done) => {
+      const container = new Container();
+      container.addChild(new Text(theme.fg("accent", theme.bold("Settings")), 1, 1));
+
+      const settingsList = new SettingsList(
+        items,
+        Math.min(items.length + 2, 15),
+        getSettingsListTheme(),
+        (id, newValue) => {
+          // Handle value change
+          ctx.ui.notify(`${id} = ${newValue}`, "info");
+        },
+        () => done(undefined),  // On close
+      );
+      container.addChild(settingsList);
+
+      return {
+        render: (w) => container.render(w),
+        invalidate: () => container.invalidate(),
+        handleInput: (data) => settingsList.handleInput?.(data),
+      };
+    });
+  },
+});
+```
+
+**Examples:** [tools.ts](../examples/extensions/tools.ts)
+
+### Pattern 4: Persistent Status Indicator
+
+Show status in the footer that persists across renders. Good for mode indicators.
+
+```typescript
+// Set status (shown in footer)
+ctx.ui.setStatus("my-ext", ctx.ui.theme.fg("accent", "● active"));
+
+// Clear status
+ctx.ui.setStatus("my-ext", undefined);
+```
+
+**Examples:** [status-line.ts](../examples/extensions/status-line.ts), [plan-mode.ts](../examples/extensions/plan-mode.ts), [preset.ts](../examples/extensions/preset.ts)
+
+### Pattern 5: Widget Above Editor
+
+Show persistent content above the input editor. Good for todo lists, progress.
+
+```typescript
+// Simple string array
+ctx.ui.setWidget("my-widget", ["Line 1", "Line 2"]);
+
+// Or with theme
+ctx.ui.setWidget("my-widget", (_tui, theme) => {
+  const lines = items.map((item, i) =>
+    item.done
+      ? theme.fg("success", "✓ ") + theme.fg("muted", item.text)
+      : theme.fg("dim", "○ ") + item.text
+  );
+  return {
+    render: () => lines,
+    invalidate: () => {},
+  };
+});
+
+// Clear
+ctx.ui.setWidget("my-widget", undefined);
+```
+
+**Examples:** [plan-mode.ts](../examples/extensions/plan-mode.ts)
+
+### Pattern 6: Custom Footer
+
+Replace the entire footer with custom content.
+
+```typescript
+ctx.ui.setFooter((_tui, theme) => ({
+  render(width: number): string[] {
+    const left = theme.fg("dim", "custom footer");
+    const right = theme.fg("accent", "status");
+    const padding = " ".repeat(Math.max(1, width - visibleWidth(left) - visibleWidth(right)));
+    return [truncateToWidth(left + padding + right, width)];
+  },
+  invalidate() {},
+}));
+
+// Restore default
+ctx.ui.setFooter(undefined);
+```
+
+**Examples:** [custom-footer.ts](../examples/extensions/custom-footer.ts)
+
+## Key Rules
+
+1. **Always use theme from callback** - Don't import theme directly. Use `theme` from the `ctx.ui.custom((tui, theme, done) => ...)` callback.
+
+2. **Always type DynamicBorder color param** - Write `(s: string) => theme.fg("accent", s)`, not `(s) => theme.fg("accent", s)`.
+
+3. **Call tui.requestRender() after state changes** - In `handleInput`, call `tui.requestRender()` after updating state.
+
+4. **Return the three-method object** - Custom components need `{ render, invalidate, handleInput }`.
+
+5. **Use existing components** - `SelectList`, `SettingsList`, `BorderedLoader` cover 90% of cases. Don't rebuild them.
+
 ## Examples
 
-- **Snake game**: [examples/hooks/snake.ts](../examples/hooks/snake.ts) - Full game with keyboard input, game loop, state persistence
-- **Custom tool rendering**: [examples/extensions/todo.ts](../examples/extensions/todo.ts) - Custom `renderCall` and `renderResult`
+- **Selection UI**: [examples/extensions/preset.ts](../examples/extensions/preset.ts) - SelectList with DynamicBorder framing
+- **Async with cancel**: [examples/extensions/qna.ts](../examples/extensions/qna.ts) - BorderedLoader for LLM calls
+- **Settings toggles**: [examples/extensions/tools.ts](../examples/extensions/tools.ts) - SettingsList for tool enable/disable
+- **Status indicators**: [examples/extensions/plan-mode.ts](../examples/extensions/plan-mode.ts) - setStatus and setWidget
+- **Custom footer**: [examples/extensions/custom-footer.ts](../examples/extensions/custom-footer.ts) - setFooter with stats
+- **Snake game**: [examples/extensions/snake.ts](../examples/extensions/snake.ts) - Full game with keyboard input, game loop
+- **Custom tool rendering**: [examples/extensions/todo.ts](../examples/extensions/todo.ts) - renderCall and renderResult
diff --git a/packages/coding-agent/examples/extensions/README.md b/packages/coding-agent/examples/extensions/README.md
index 6bb8acd3..80909b41 100644
--- a/packages/coding-agent/examples/extensions/README.md
+++ b/packages/coding-agent/examples/extensions/README.md
@@ -36,6 +36,7 @@ cp permission-gate.ts ~/.pi/agent/extensions/
 
 | Extension | Description |
 |-----------|-------------|
+| `preset.ts` | Named presets for model, thinking level, tools, and instructions via `--preset` flag and `/preset` command |
 | `plan-mode.ts` | Claude Code-style plan mode for read-only exploration with `/plan` command |
 | `tools.ts` | Interactive `/tools` command to enable/disable tools with session persistence |
 | `handoff.ts` | Transfer context to a new focused session via `/handoff <goal>` |
diff --git a/packages/coding-agent/examples/extensions/preset.ts b/packages/coding-agent/examples/extensions/preset.ts
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..12921aa2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/packages/coding-agent/examples/extensions/preset.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,398 @@
+/**
+ * Preset Extension
+ *
+ * Allows defining named presets that configure model, thinking level, tools,
+ * and system prompt instructions. Presets are defined in JSON config files
+ * and can be activated via CLI flag, /preset command, or Ctrl+Shift+U to cycle.
+ *
+ * Config files (merged, project takes precedence):
+ * - ~/.pi/agent/presets.json (global)
+ * - <cwd>/.pi/presets.json (project-local)
+ *
+ * Example presets.json:
+ * ```json
+ * {
+ *   "plan": {
+ *     "provider": "anthropic",
+ *     "model": "claude-sonnet-4-5",
+ *     "thinkingLevel": "high",
+ *     "tools": ["read", "grep", "find", "ls"],
+ *     "instructions": "You are in PLANNING MODE. Your job is to deeply understand the problem and create a detailed implementation plan.\n\nRules:\n- DO NOT make any changes. You cannot edit or write files.\n- Read files IN FULL (no offset/limit) to get complete context. Partial reads miss critical details.\n- Explore thoroughly: grep for related code, find similar patterns, understand the architecture.\n- Ask clarifying questions if requirements are ambiguous. Do not assume.\n- Identify risks, edge cases, and dependencies before proposing solutions.\n\nOutput:\n- Create a structured plan with numbered steps.\n- For each step: what to change, why, and potential risks.\n- List files that will be modified.\n- Note any tests that should be added or updated.\n\nWhen done, ask the user if they want you to:\n1. Write the plan to a markdown file (e.g., PLAN.md)\n2. Create a GitHub issue with the plan\n3. Proceed to implementation (they should switch to 'implement' preset)"
+ *   },
+ *   "implement": {
+ *     "provider": "anthropic",
+ *     "model": "claude-sonnet-4-5",
+ *     "thinkingLevel": "high",
+ *     "tools": ["read", "bash", "edit", "write"],
+ *     "instructions": "You are in IMPLEMENTATION MODE. Your job is to make focused, correct changes.\n\nRules:\n- Keep scope tight. Do exactly what was asked, no more.\n- Read files before editing to understand current state.\n- Make surgical edits. Prefer edit over write for existing files.\n- Explain your reasoning briefly before each change.\n- Run tests or type checks after changes if the project has them (npm test, npm run check, etc.).\n- If you encounter unexpected complexity, STOP and explain the issue rather than hacking around it.\n\nIf no plan exists:\n- Ask clarifying questions before starting.\n- Propose what you'll do and get confirmation for non-trivial changes.\n\nAfter completing changes:\n- Summarize what was done.\n- Note any follow-up work or tests that should be added."
+ *   }
+ * }
+ * ```
+ *
+ * Usage:
+ * - `pi --preset plan` - start with plan preset
+ * - `/preset` - show selector to switch presets mid-session
+ * - `/preset implement` - switch to implement preset directly
+ * - `Ctrl+Shift+U` - cycle through presets
+ *
+ * CLI flags always override preset values.
+ */
+
+import { existsSync, readFileSync } from "node:fs";
+import { homedir } from "node:os";
+import { join } from "node:path";
+import type { ExtensionAPI, ExtensionContext } from "@mariozechner/pi-coding-agent";
+import { DynamicBorder } from "@mariozechner/pi-coding-agent";
+import { Container, Key, type SelectItem, SelectList, Text } from "@mariozechner/pi-tui";
+
+// Preset configuration
+interface Preset {
+	/** Provider name (e.g., "anthropic", "openai") */
+	provider?: string;
+	/** Model ID (e.g., "claude-sonnet-4-5") */
+	model?: string;
+	/** Thinking level */
+	thinkingLevel?: "off" | "minimal" | "low" | "medium" | "high" | "xhigh";
+	/** Tools to enable (replaces default set) */
+	tools?: string[];
+	/** Instructions to append to system prompt */
+	instructions?: string;
+}
+
+interface PresetsConfig {
+	[name: string]: Preset;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Load presets from config files.
+ * Project-local presets override global presets with the same name.
+ */
+function loadPresets(cwd: string): PresetsConfig {
+	const globalPath = join(homedir(), ".pi", "agent", "presets.json");
+	const projectPath = join(cwd, ".pi", "presets.json");
+
+	let globalPresets: PresetsConfig = {};
+	let projectPresets: PresetsConfig = {};
+
+	// Load global presets
+	if (existsSync(globalPath)) {
+		try {
+			const content = readFileSync(globalPath, "utf-8");
+			globalPresets = JSON.parse(content);
+		} catch (err) {
+			console.error(`Failed to load global presets from ${globalPath}: ${err}`);
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Load project presets
+	if (existsSync(projectPath)) {
+		try {
+			const content = readFileSync(projectPath, "utf-8");
+			projectPresets = JSON.parse(content);
+		} catch (err) {
+			console.error(`Failed to load project presets from ${projectPath}: ${err}`);
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Merge (project overrides global)
+	return { ...globalPresets, ...projectPresets };
+}
+
+export default function presetExtension(pi: ExtensionAPI) {
+	let presets: PresetsConfig = {};
+	let activePresetName: string | undefined;
+	let activePreset: Preset | undefined;
+
+	// Register --preset CLI flag
+	pi.registerFlag("preset", {
+		description: "Preset configuration to use",
+		type: "string",
+	});
+
+	/**
+	 * Apply a preset configuration.
+	 */
+	async function applyPreset(name: string, preset: Preset, ctx: ExtensionContext): Promise<boolean> {
+		// Apply model if specified
+		if (preset.provider && preset.model) {
+			const model = ctx.modelRegistry.find(preset.provider, preset.model);
+			if (model) {
+				const success = await pi.setModel(model);
+				if (!success) {
+					ctx.ui.notify(`Preset "${name}": No API key for ${preset.provider}/${preset.model}`, "warning");
+				}
+			} else {
+				ctx.ui.notify(`Preset "${name}": Model ${preset.provider}/${preset.model} not found`, "warning");
+			}
+		}
+
+		// Apply thinking level if specified
+		if (preset.thinkingLevel) {
+			pi.setThinkingLevel(preset.thinkingLevel);
+		}
+
+		// Apply tools if specified
+		if (preset.tools && preset.tools.length > 0) {
+			const allTools = pi.getAllTools();
+			const validTools = preset.tools.filter((t) => allTools.includes(t));
+			const invalidTools = preset.tools.filter((t) => !allTools.includes(t));
+
+			if (invalidTools.length > 0) {
+				ctx.ui.notify(`Preset "${name}": Unknown tools: ${invalidTools.join(", ")}`, "warning");
+			}
+
+			if (validTools.length > 0) {
+				pi.setActiveTools(validTools);
+			}
+		}
+
+		// Store active preset for system prompt injection
+		activePresetName = name;
+		activePreset = preset;
+
+		return true;
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * Build description string for a preset.
+	 */
+	function buildPresetDescription(preset: Preset): string {
+		const parts: string[] = [];
+
+		if (preset.provider && preset.model) {
+			parts.push(`${preset.provider}/${preset.model}`);
+		}
+		if (preset.thinkingLevel) {
+			parts.push(`thinking:${preset.thinkingLevel}`);
+		}
+		if (preset.tools) {
+			parts.push(`tools:${preset.tools.join(",")}`);
+		}
+		if (preset.instructions) {
+			const truncated =
+				preset.instructions.length > 30 ? `${preset.instructions.slice(0, 27)}...` : preset.instructions;
+			parts.push(`"${truncated}"`);
+		}
+
+		return parts.join(" | ");
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * Show preset selector UI using custom SelectList component.
+	 */
+	async function showPresetSelector(ctx: ExtensionContext): Promise<void> {
+		const presetNames = Object.keys(presets);
+
+		if (presetNames.length === 0) {
+			ctx.ui.notify("No presets defined. Add presets to ~/.pi/agent/presets.json or .pi/presets.json", "warning");
+			return;
+		}
+
+		// Build select items with descriptions
+		const items: SelectItem[] = presetNames.map((name) => {
+			const preset = presets[name];
+			const isActive = name === activePresetName;
+			return {
+				value: name,
+				label: isActive ? `${name} (active)` : name,
+				description: buildPresetDescription(preset),
+			};
+		});
+
+		// Add "None" option to clear preset
+		items.push({
+			value: "(none)",
+			label: "(none)",
+			description: "Clear active preset, restore defaults",
+		});
+
+		const result = await ctx.ui.custom<string | null>((tui, theme, done) => {
+			const container = new Container();
+			container.addChild(new DynamicBorder((str) => theme.fg("accent", str)));
+
+			// Header
+			container.addChild(new Text(theme.fg("accent", theme.bold("Select Preset"))));
+
+			// SelectList with themed styling
+			const selectList = new SelectList(items, Math.min(items.length, 10), {
+				selectedPrefix: (text) => theme.fg("accent", text),
+				selectedText: (text) => theme.fg("accent", text),
+				description: (text) => theme.fg("muted", text),
+				scrollInfo: (text) => theme.fg("dim", text),
+				noMatch: (text) => theme.fg("warning", text),
+			});
+
+			selectList.onSelect = (item) => done(item.value);
+			selectList.onCancel = () => done(null);
+
+			container.addChild(selectList);
+
+			// Footer hint
+			container.addChild(new Text(theme.fg("dim", "↑↓ navigate • enter select • esc cancel")));
+
+			container.addChild(new DynamicBorder((str) => theme.fg("accent", str)));
+
+			return {
+				render(width: number) {
+					return container.render(width);
+				},
+				invalidate() {
+					container.invalidate();
+				},
+				handleInput(data: string) {
+					selectList.handleInput(data);
+					tui.requestRender();
+				},
+			};
+		});
+
+		if (!result) return;
+
+		if (result === "(none)") {
+			// Clear preset and restore defaults
+			activePresetName = undefined;
+			activePreset = undefined;
+			pi.setActiveTools(["read", "bash", "edit", "write"]);
+			ctx.ui.notify("Preset cleared, defaults restored", "info");
+			updateStatus(ctx);
+			return;
+		}
+
+		const preset = presets[result];
+		if (preset) {
+			await applyPreset(result, preset, ctx);
+			ctx.ui.notify(`Preset "${result}" activated`, "info");
+			updateStatus(ctx);
+		}
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * Update status indicator.
+	 */
+	function updateStatus(ctx: ExtensionContext) {
+		if (activePresetName) {
+			ctx.ui.setStatus("preset", ctx.ui.theme.fg("accent", `preset:${activePresetName}`));
+		} else {
+			ctx.ui.setStatus("preset", undefined);
+		}
+	}
+
+	function getPresetOrder(): string[] {
+		return Object.keys(presets).sort();
+	}
+
+	async function cyclePreset(ctx: ExtensionContext): Promise<void> {
+		const presetNames = getPresetOrder();
+		if (presetNames.length === 0) {
+			ctx.ui.notify("No presets defined. Add presets to ~/.pi/agent/presets.json or .pi/presets.json", "warning");
+			return;
+		}
+
+		const cycleList = ["(none)", ...presetNames];
+		const currentName = activePresetName ?? "(none)";
+		const currentIndex = cycleList.indexOf(currentName);
+		const nextIndex = currentIndex === -1 ? 0 : (currentIndex + 1) % cycleList.length;
+		const nextName = cycleList[nextIndex];
+
+		if (nextName === "(none)") {
+			activePresetName = undefined;
+			activePreset = undefined;
+			pi.setActiveTools(["read", "bash", "edit", "write"]);
+			ctx.ui.notify("Preset cleared, defaults restored", "info");
+			updateStatus(ctx);
+			return;
+		}
+
+		const preset = presets[nextName];
+		if (!preset) return;
+
+		await applyPreset(nextName, preset, ctx);
+		ctx.ui.notify(`Preset "${nextName}" activated`, "info");
+		updateStatus(ctx);
+	}
+
+	pi.registerShortcut(Key.ctrlShift("u"), {
+		description: "Cycle presets",
+		handler: async (ctx) => {
+			await cyclePreset(ctx);
+		},
+	});
+
+	// Register /preset command
+	pi.registerCommand("preset", {
+		description: "Switch preset configuration",
+		handler: async (args, ctx) => {
+			// If preset name provided, apply directly
+			if (args?.trim()) {
+				const name = args.trim();
+				const preset = presets[name];
+
+				if (!preset) {
+					const available = Object.keys(presets).join(", ") || "(none defined)";
+					ctx.ui.notify(`Unknown preset "${name}". Available: ${available}`, "error");
+					return;
+				}
+
+				await applyPreset(name, preset, ctx);
+				ctx.ui.notify(`Preset "${name}" activated`, "info");
+				updateStatus(ctx);
+				return;
+			}
+
+			// Otherwise show selector
+			await showPresetSelector(ctx);
+		},
+	});
+
+	// Inject preset instructions into system prompt
+	pi.on("before_agent_start", async () => {
+		if (activePreset?.instructions) {
+			return {
+				systemPromptAppend: activePreset.instructions,
+			};
+		}
+	});
+
+	// Initialize on session start
+	pi.on("session_start", async (_event, ctx) => {
+		// Load presets from config files
+		presets = loadPresets(ctx.cwd);
+
+		// Check for --preset flag
+		const presetFlag = pi.getFlag("preset");
+		if (typeof presetFlag === "string" && presetFlag) {
+			const preset = presets[presetFlag];
+			if (preset) {
+				await applyPreset(presetFlag, preset, ctx);
+				ctx.ui.notify(`Preset "${presetFlag}" activated`, "info");
+			} else {
+				const available = Object.keys(presets).join(", ") || "(none defined)";
+				ctx.ui.notify(`Unknown preset "${presetFlag}". Available: ${available}`, "warning");
+			}
+		}
+
+		// Restore preset from session state
+		const entries = ctx.sessionManager.getEntries();
+		const presetEntry = entries
+			.filter((e: { type: string; customType?: string }) => e.type === "custom" && e.customType === "preset-state")
+			.pop() as { data?: { name: string } } | undefined;
+
+		if (presetEntry?.data?.name && !presetFlag) {
+			const preset = presets[presetEntry.data.name];
+			if (preset) {
+				activePresetName = presetEntry.data.name;
+				activePreset = preset;
+				// Don't re-apply model/tools on restore, just keep the name for instructions
+			}
+		}
+
+		updateStatus(ctx);
+	});
+
+	// Persist preset state
+	pi.on("turn_start", async () => {
+		if (activePresetName) {
+			pi.appendEntry("preset-state", { name: activePresetName });
+		}
+	});
+}
diff --git a/packages/coding-agent/src/core/extensions/index.ts b/packages/coding-agent/src/core/extensions/index.ts
index 4b7c901b..5fd979f5 100644
--- a/packages/coding-agent/src/core/extensions/index.ts
+++ b/packages/coding-agent/src/core/extensions/index.ts
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@ export type {
 	FindToolResultEvent,
 	GetActiveToolsHandler,
 	GetAllToolsHandler,
+	GetThinkingLevelHandler,
 	GrepToolResultEvent,
 	LoadExtensionsResult,
 	// Loaded Extension
@@ -70,6 +71,8 @@ export type {
 	SessionSwitchEvent,
 	SessionTreeEvent,
 	SetActiveToolsHandler,
+	SetModelHandler,
+	SetThinkingLevelHandler,
 	// Events - Tool
 	ToolCallEvent,
 	ToolCallEventResult,
diff --git a/packages/coding-agent/src/core/extensions/loader.ts b/packages/coding-agent/src/core/extensions/loader.ts
index d65b7534..afc23069 100644
--- a/packages/coding-agent/src/core/extensions/loader.ts
+++ b/packages/coding-agent/src/core/extensions/loader.ts
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ import type {
 	ExtensionUIContext,
 	GetActiveToolsHandler,
 	GetAllToolsHandler,
+	GetThinkingLevelHandler,
 	LoadExtensionsResult,
 	LoadedExtension,
 	MessageRenderer,
@@ -31,6 +32,8 @@ import type {
 	SendMessageHandler,
 	SendUserMessageHandler,
 	SetActiveToolsHandler,
+	SetModelHandler,
+	SetThinkingLevelHandler,
 	ToolDefinition,
 } from "./types.js";
 
@@ -124,6 +127,9 @@ function createExtensionAPI(
 	setGetActiveToolsHandler: (handler: GetActiveToolsHandler) => void;
 	setGetAllToolsHandler: (handler: GetAllToolsHandler) => void;
 	setSetActiveToolsHandler: (handler: SetActiveToolsHandler) => void;
+	setSetModelHandler: (handler: SetModelHandler) => void;
+	setGetThinkingLevelHandler: (handler: GetThinkingLevelHandler) => void;
+	setSetThinkingLevelHandler: (handler: SetThinkingLevelHandler) => void;
 	setFlagValue: (name: string, value: boolean | string) => void;
 } {
 	let sendMessageHandler: SendMessageHandler = () => {};
@@ -132,6 +138,9 @@ function createExtensionAPI(
 	let getActiveToolsHandler: GetActiveToolsHandler = () => [];
 	let getAllToolsHandler: GetAllToolsHandler = () => [];
 	let setActiveToolsHandler: SetActiveToolsHandler = () => {};
+	let setModelHandler: SetModelHandler = async () => false;
+	let getThinkingLevelHandler: GetThinkingLevelHandler = () => "off";
+	let setThinkingLevelHandler: SetThinkingLevelHandler = () => {};
 
 	const messageRenderers = new Map<string, MessageRenderer>();
 	const commands = new Map<string, RegisteredCommand>();
@@ -213,6 +222,18 @@ function createExtensionAPI(
 			setActiveToolsHandler(toolNames);
 		},
 
+		setModel(model) {
+			return setModelHandler(model);
+		},
+
+		getThinkingLevel() {
+			return getThinkingLevelHandler();
+		},
+
+		setThinkingLevel(level) {
+			setThinkingLevelHandler(level);
+		},
+
 		events: eventBus,
 	} as ExtensionAPI;
 
@@ -241,6 +262,15 @@ function createExtensionAPI(
 		setSetActiveToolsHandler: (handler: SetActiveToolsHandler) => {
 			setActiveToolsHandler = handler;
 		},
+		setSetModelHandler: (handler: SetModelHandler) => {
+			setModelHandler = handler;
+		},
+		setGetThinkingLevelHandler: (handler: GetThinkingLevelHandler) => {
+			getThinkingLevelHandler = handler;
+		},
+		setSetThinkingLevelHandler: (handler: SetThinkingLevelHandler) => {
+			setThinkingLevelHandler = handler;
+		},
 		setFlagValue: (name: string, value: boolean | string) => {
 			flagValues.set(name, value);
 		},
@@ -277,6 +307,9 @@ async function loadExtensionWithBun(
 			setGetActiveToolsHandler,
 			setGetAllToolsHandler,
 			setSetActiveToolsHandler,
+			setSetModelHandler,
+			setGetThinkingLevelHandler,
+			setSetThinkingLevelHandler,
 			setFlagValue,
 		} = createExtensionAPI(handlers, tools, cwd, extensionPath, eventBus, sharedUI);
 
@@ -299,6 +332,9 @@ async function loadExtensionWithBun(
 				setGetActiveToolsHandler,
 				setGetAllToolsHandler,
 				setSetActiveToolsHandler,
+				setSetModelHandler,
+				setGetThinkingLevelHandler,
+				setSetThinkingLevelHandler,
 				setFlagValue,
 			},
 			error: null,
@@ -359,6 +395,9 @@ async function loadExtension(
 			setGetActiveToolsHandler,
 			setGetAllToolsHandler,
 			setSetActiveToolsHandler,
+			setSetModelHandler,
+			setGetThinkingLevelHandler,
+			setSetThinkingLevelHandler,
 			setFlagValue,
 		} = createExtensionAPI(handlers, tools, cwd, extensionPath, eventBus, sharedUI);
 
@@ -381,6 +420,9 @@ async function loadExtension(
 				setGetActiveToolsHandler,
 				setGetAllToolsHandler,
 				setSetActiveToolsHandler,
+				setSetModelHandler,
+				setGetThinkingLevelHandler,
+				setSetThinkingLevelHandler,
 				setFlagValue,
 			},
 			error: null,
@@ -416,6 +458,9 @@ export function loadExtensionFromFactory(
 		setGetActiveToolsHandler,
 		setGetAllToolsHandler,
 		setSetActiveToolsHandler,
+		setSetModelHandler,
+		setGetThinkingLevelHandler,
+		setSetThinkingLevelHandler,
 		setFlagValue,
 	} = createExtensionAPI(handlers, tools, cwd, name, eventBus, sharedUI);
 
@@ -437,6 +482,9 @@ export function loadExtensionFromFactory(
 		setGetActiveToolsHandler,
 		setGetAllToolsHandler,
 		setSetActiveToolsHandler,
+		setSetModelHandler,
+		setGetThinkingLevelHandler,
+		setSetThinkingLevelHandler,
 		setFlagValue,
 	};
 }
diff --git a/packages/coding-agent/src/core/extensions/runner.ts b/packages/coding-agent/src/core/extensions/runner.ts
index dd9ad66a..fffe126d 100644
--- a/packages/coding-agent/src/core/extensions/runner.ts
+++ b/packages/coding-agent/src/core/extensions/runner.ts
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ import type {
 	ExtensionUIContext,
 	GetActiveToolsHandler,
 	GetAllToolsHandler,
+	GetThinkingLevelHandler,
 	LoadedExtension,
 	MessageRenderer,
 	RegisteredCommand,
@@ -32,6 +33,8 @@ import type {
 	SessionBeforeCompactResult,
 	SessionBeforeTreeResult,
 	SetActiveToolsHandler,
+	SetModelHandler,
+	SetThinkingLevelHandler,
 	ToolCallEvent,
 	ToolCallEventResult,
 	ToolResultEventResult,
@@ -115,6 +118,9 @@ export class ExtensionRunner {
 		getActiveToolsHandler: GetActiveToolsHandler;
 		getAllToolsHandler: GetAllToolsHandler;
 		setActiveToolsHandler: SetActiveToolsHandler;
+		setModelHandler: SetModelHandler;
+		getThinkingLevelHandler: GetThinkingLevelHandler;
+		setThinkingLevelHandler: SetThinkingLevelHandler;
 		newSessionHandler?: NewSessionHandler;
 		branchHandler?: BranchHandler;
 		navigateTreeHandler?: NavigateTreeHandler;
@@ -148,6 +154,9 @@ export class ExtensionRunner {
 			ext.setGetActiveToolsHandler(options.getActiveToolsHandler);
 			ext.setGetAllToolsHandler(options.getAllToolsHandler);
 			ext.setSetActiveToolsHandler(options.setActiveToolsHandler);
+			ext.setSetModelHandler(options.setModelHandler);
+			ext.setGetThinkingLevelHandler(options.getThinkingLevelHandler);
+			ext.setSetThinkingLevelHandler(options.setThinkingLevelHandler);
 		}
 
 		this.uiContext = options.uiContext ?? noOpUIContext;
diff --git a/packages/coding-agent/src/core/extensions/types.ts b/packages/coding-agent/src/core/extensions/types.ts
index 92bd7113..ad7b8540 100644
--- a/packages/coding-agent/src/core/extensions/types.ts
+++ b/packages/coding-agent/src/core/extensions/types.ts
@@ -8,7 +8,12 @@
  * - Interact with the user via UI primitives
  */
 
-import type { AgentMessage, AgentToolResult, AgentToolUpdateCallback } from "@mariozechner/pi-agent-core";
+import type {
+	AgentMessage,
+	AgentToolResult,
+	AgentToolUpdateCallback,
+	ThinkingLevel,
+} from "@mariozechner/pi-agent-core";
 import type { ImageContent, Model, TextContent, ToolResultMessage } from "@mariozechner/pi-ai";
 import type { Component, KeyId, TUI } from "@mariozechner/pi-tui";
 import type { Static, TSchema } from "@sinclair/typebox";
@@ -619,6 +624,19 @@ export interface ExtensionAPI {
 	/** Set the active tools by name. */
 	setActiveTools(toolNames: string[]): void;
 
+	// =========================================================================
+	// Model and Thinking Level
+	// =========================================================================
+
+	/** Set the current model. Returns false if no API key available. */
+	setModel(model: Model<any>): Promise<boolean>;
+
+	/** Get current thinking level. */
+	getThinkingLevel(): ThinkingLevel;
+
+	/** Set thinking level (clamped to model capabilities). */
+	setThinkingLevel(level: ThinkingLevel): void;
+
 	/** Shared event bus for extension communication. */
 	events: EventBus;
 }
@@ -670,6 +688,12 @@ export type GetAllToolsHandler = () => string[];
 
 export type SetActiveToolsHandler = (toolNames: string[]) => void;
 
+export type SetModelHandler = (model: Model<any>) => Promise<boolean>;
+
+export type GetThinkingLevelHandler = () => ThinkingLevel;
+
+export type SetThinkingLevelHandler = (level: ThinkingLevel) => void;
+
 /** Loaded extension with all registered items. */
 export interface LoadedExtension {
 	path: string;
@@ -687,6 +711,9 @@ export interface LoadedExtension {
 	setGetActiveToolsHandler: (handler: GetActiveToolsHandler) => void;
 	setGetAllToolsHandler: (handler: GetAllToolsHandler) => void;
 	setSetActiveToolsHandler: (handler: SetActiveToolsHandler) => void;
+	setSetModelHandler: (handler: SetModelHandler) => void;
+	setGetThinkingLevelHandler: (handler: GetThinkingLevelHandler) => void;
+	setSetThinkingLevelHandler: (handler: SetThinkingLevelHandler) => void;
 	setFlagValue: (name: string, value: boolean | string) => void;
 }
 
diff --git a/packages/coding-agent/src/core/system-prompt.ts b/packages/coding-agent/src/core/system-prompt.ts
index b4c342d6..73793b89 100644
--- a/packages/coding-agent/src/core/system-prompt.ts
+++ b/packages/coding-agent/src/core/system-prompt.ts
@@ -283,7 +283,7 @@ Documentation:
 - Main documentation: ${readmePath}
 - Additional docs: ${docsPath}
 - Examples: ${examplesPath} (extensions, custom tools, SDK)
-- When asked to create: custom models/providers (README.md), extensions (docs/extensions.md, examples/extensions/), themes (docs/theme.md), skills (docs/skills.md)
+- When asked to create: custom models/providers (README.md), extensions (docs/extensions.md, examples/extensions/), themes (docs/theme.md), skills (docs/skills.md), TUI components (docs/tui.md - has copy-paste patterns)
 - Always read the doc, examples, AND follow .md cross-references before implementing`;
 
 	if (appendSection) {
diff --git a/packages/coding-agent/src/modes/interactive/interactive-mode.ts b/packages/coding-agent/src/modes/interactive/interactive-mode.ts
index 568812ad..e5a1af3d 100644
--- a/packages/coding-agent/src/modes/interactive/interactive-mode.ts
+++ b/packages/coding-agent/src/modes/interactive/interactive-mode.ts
@@ -525,6 +525,14 @@ export class InteractiveMode {
 
 				return { cancelled: false };
 			},
+			setModelHandler: async (model) => {
+				const key = await this.session.modelRegistry.getApiKey(model);
+				if (!key) return false;
+				await this.session.setModel(model);
+				return true;
+			},
+			getThinkingLevelHandler: () => this.session.thinkingLevel,
+			setThinkingLevelHandler: (level) => this.session.setThinkingLevel(level),
 			isIdle: () => !this.session.isStreaming,
 			waitForIdle: () => this.session.agent.waitForIdle(),
 			abort: () => {
diff --git a/packages/coding-agent/src/modes/print-mode.ts b/packages/coding-agent/src/modes/print-mode.ts
index ecf6c753..afa26853 100644
--- a/packages/coding-agent/src/modes/print-mode.ts
+++ b/packages/coding-agent/src/modes/print-mode.ts
@@ -48,6 +48,14 @@ export async function runPrintMode(
 			getActiveToolsHandler: () => session.getActiveToolNames(),
 			getAllToolsHandler: () => session.getAllToolNames(),
 			setActiveToolsHandler: (toolNames: string[]) => session.setActiveToolsByName(toolNames),
+			setModelHandler: async (model) => {
+				const key = await session.modelRegistry.getApiKey(model);
+				if (!key) return false;
+				await session.setModel(model);
+				return true;
+			},
+			getThinkingLevelHandler: () => session.thinkingLevel,
+			setThinkingLevelHandler: (level) => session.setThinkingLevel(level),
 		});
 		extensionRunner.onError((err) => {
 			console.error(`Extension error (${err.extensionPath}): ${err.error}`);
diff --git a/packages/coding-agent/src/modes/rpc/rpc-mode.ts b/packages/coding-agent/src/modes/rpc/rpc-mode.ts
index 2a8850ed..8a429d5d 100644
--- a/packages/coding-agent/src/modes/rpc/rpc-mode.ts
+++ b/packages/coding-agent/src/modes/rpc/rpc-mode.ts
@@ -244,6 +244,14 @@ export async function runRpcMode(session: AgentSession): Promise<never> {
 			getActiveToolsHandler: () => session.getActiveToolNames(),
 			getAllToolsHandler: () => session.getAllToolNames(),
 			setActiveToolsHandler: (toolNames: string[]) => session.setActiveToolsByName(toolNames),
+			setModelHandler: async (model) => {
+				const key = await session.modelRegistry.getApiKey(model);
+				if (!key) return false;
+				await session.setModel(model);
+				return true;
+			},
+			getThinkingLevelHandler: () => session.thinkingLevel,
+			setThinkingLevelHandler: (level) => session.setThinkingLevel(level),
 			uiContext: createExtensionUIContext(),
 			hasUI: false,
 		});
diff --git a/packages/coding-agent/test/compaction-extensions.test.ts b/packages/coding-agent/test/compaction-extensions.test.ts
index f98fe5cf..c062d806 100644
--- a/packages/coding-agent/test/compaction-extensions.test.ts
+++ b/packages/coding-agent/test/compaction-extensions.test.ts
@@ -88,6 +88,9 @@ describe.skipIf(!API_KEY)("Compaction extensions", () => {
 			setGetActiveToolsHandler: () => {},
 			setGetAllToolsHandler: () => {},
 			setSetActiveToolsHandler: () => {},
+			setSetModelHandler: () => {},
+			setGetThinkingLevelHandler: () => {},
+			setSetThinkingLevelHandler: () => {},
 			setFlagValue: () => {},
 		};
 	}
@@ -117,6 +120,9 @@ describe.skipIf(!API_KEY)("Compaction extensions", () => {
 			getActiveToolsHandler: () => [],
 			getAllToolsHandler: () => [],
 			setActiveToolsHandler: () => {},
+			setModelHandler: async () => false,
+			getThinkingLevelHandler: () => "off",
+			setThinkingLevelHandler: () => {},
 			uiContext: {
 				select: async () => undefined,
 				confirm: async () => false,
@@ -292,6 +298,9 @@ describe.skipIf(!API_KEY)("Compaction extensions", () => {
 			setGetActiveToolsHandler: () => {},
 			setGetAllToolsHandler: () => {},
 			setSetActiveToolsHandler: () => {},
+			setSetModelHandler: () => {},
+			setGetThinkingLevelHandler: () => {},
+			setSetThinkingLevelHandler: () => {},
 			setFlagValue: () => {},
 		};
 
@@ -348,6 +357,9 @@ describe.skipIf(!API_KEY)("Compaction extensions", () => {
 			setGetActiveToolsHandler: () => {},
 			setGetAllToolsHandler: () => {},
 			setSetActiveToolsHandler: () => {},
+			setSetModelHandler: () => {},
+			setGetThinkingLevelHandler: () => {},
+			setSetThinkingLevelHandler: () => {},
 			setFlagValue: () => {},
 		};
 
@@ -386,6 +398,9 @@ describe.skipIf(!API_KEY)("Compaction extensions", () => {
 			setGetActiveToolsHandler: () => {},
 			setGetAllToolsHandler: () => {},
 			setSetActiveToolsHandler: () => {},
+			setSetModelHandler: () => {},
+			setGetThinkingLevelHandler: () => {},
+			setSetThinkingLevelHandler: () => {},
 			setFlagValue: () => {},
 		};