Allow creating panes/tabs from the CLI without changing focus to them (#5346)

* feat: allow opening panes and tabs from the cli without focusing them

* rustfmt

* fix flake

* rustfmt

* add pr

27 files changed, 797 insertions, 141 deletions

diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 8a568431..e21895f6 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ The format is based on [Keep a Changelog](https://keepachangelog.com/en/1.0.0/)
 * fix(windows): route Windows Terminal through the VT input path (https://github.com/zellij-org/zellij/pull/5335)
 * fix(windows): backslashes dropped when quoting arguments passed to spawned processes (https://github.com/zellij-org/zellij/pull/5336)
 * fix: occasional high resource utilization and sluggishness on machines with tens of thousands of concurent processes (https://github.com/zellij-org/zellij/pull/5324)
+* feat: allow opening panes/tabs from the CLI without changing focus (https://github.com/zellij-org/zellij/pull/5346)
 
 ## [0.44.3] - 2026-05-13
 * fix(windows): bump windows-sys to 0.59 to align manifest with code, fixing source builds via `cargo install`/`cargo binstall` (https://github.com/zellij-org/zellij/pull/5139)
diff --git a/default-plugins/status-bar/src/one_line_ui.rs b/default-plugins/status-bar/src/one_line_ui.rs
index 6d00a6bf..ae57a223 100644
--- a/default-plugins/status-bar/src/one_line_ui.rs
+++ b/default-plugins/status-bar/src/one_line_ui.rs
@@ -1613,7 +1613,7 @@ fn get_keys_and_hints(mi: &ModeInfo) -> Vec<(String, String, Vec<KeyWithModifier
         (s("Toggle Embed"), s("Embed"), single_action_key(&km, &[A::TogglePaneEmbedOrFloating, TO_NORMAL])),
         (s("Split Right"), s("Right"), single_action_key(&km, &[A::NewPane{direction: Some(Direction::Right), pane_name: None, start_suppressed: false}, TO_NORMAL])),
         (s("Split Down"), s("Down"), single_action_key(&km, &[A::NewPane{direction: Some(Direction::Down), pane_name: None, start_suppressed: false}, TO_NORMAL])),
-        (s("Stack"), s("Stack"), single_action_key(&km, &[A::NewStackedPane{command: None, pane_name: None, near_current_pane: false, tab_id: None}, TO_NORMAL])),
+        (s("Stack"), s("Stack"), single_action_key(&km, &[A::NewStackedPane{command: None, pane_name: None, near_current_pane: false, no_focus: false, tab_id: None}, TO_NORMAL])),
         (s("Select pane"), s("Select"), to_basemode_key),
     ]} else if mi.mode == IM::Tab {
         // With the default bindings, "Move focus" for tabs is tricky: It binds all the arrow keys
diff --git a/src/main.rs b/src/main.rs
index a5faf7d3..30c9a00e 100644
--- a/src/main.rs
+++ b/src/main.rs
@@ -50,6 +50,7 @@ fn main() {
             block_until_exit_failure,
             block_until_exit,
             near_current_pane,
+            no_focus,
             borderless,
             tab_id,
         })) = opts.command
@@ -94,6 +95,7 @@ fn main() {
                 block_until_exit: false,
                 unblock_condition,
                 near_current_pane,
+                no_focus,
                 borderless,
                 tab_id,
             };
@@ -112,6 +114,7 @@ fn main() {
             width,
             height,
             pinned,
+            no_focus,
             borderless,
             tab_id,
         })) = opts.command
@@ -146,6 +149,7 @@ fn main() {
                 block_until_exit: false,
                 unblock_condition,
                 near_current_pane: false,
+                no_focus,
                 borderless,
                 tab_id,
             };
@@ -166,6 +170,7 @@ fn main() {
             height,
             pinned,
             near_current_pane,
+            no_focus,
             borderless,
             tab_id,
         })) = opts.command
@@ -191,6 +196,7 @@ fn main() {
                 height,
                 pinned,
                 near_current_pane,
+                no_focus,
                 borderless,
                 tab_id,
             };
@@ -286,6 +292,7 @@ fn main() {
                 block_until_exit_success: false,
                 block_until_exit_failure: false,
                 block_until_exit: false,
+                no_focus: false,
             };
             commands::send_action_to_session(new_layout_cli_action, Some(session_name), config);
         } else {
diff --git a/zellij-integration-tests/src/runner.rs b/zellij-integration-tests/src/runner.rs
index 76544ecd..cee765a9 100644
--- a/zellij-integration-tests/src/runner.rs
+++ b/zellij-integration-tests/src/runner.rs
@@ -145,6 +145,7 @@ fn new_pane_cli_action(
         block_until_exit,
         unblock_condition: None,
         near_current_pane: false,
+        no_focus: false,
         borderless: None,
         tab_id: None,
     }
diff --git a/zellij-integration-tests/tests/no_focus.rs b/zellij-integration-tests/tests/no_focus.rs
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..5722a019
--- /dev/null
+++ b/zellij-integration-tests/tests/no_focus.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,155 @@
+#![cfg(unix)]
+
+use std::time::Instant;
+use zellij_integration_tests::{
+    claim_first_terminal_and_wait_for_prompt, default_timeout, start_zellij, FakePtyHandle, PROMPT,
+};
+use zellij_utils::cli::CliAction;
+
+fn no_focus_new_pane_action(command: &[&str]) -> CliAction {
+    CliAction::NewPane {
+        direction: None,
+        command: command.iter().map(|part| part.to_string()).collect(),
+        plugin: None,
+        cwd: None,
+        floating: false,
+        in_place: false,
+        close_replaced_pane: false,
+        pane_id: None,
+        name: None,
+        close_on_exit: false,
+        start_suspended: false,
+        configuration: None,
+        skip_plugin_cache: false,
+        x: None,
+        y: None,
+        width: None,
+        height: None,
+        pinned: None,
+        stacked: false,
+        blocking: false,
+        block_until_exit_success: false,
+        block_until_exit_failure: false,
+        block_until_exit: false,
+        unblock_condition: None,
+        near_current_pane: false,
+        no_focus: true,
+        borderless: None,
+        tab_id: None,
+    }
+}
+
+fn no_focus_new_tab_action() -> CliAction {
+    CliAction::NewTab {
+        name: None,
+        layout: None,
+        layout_string: None,
+        layout_dir: None,
+        cwd: None,
+        initial_command: vec![],
+        initial_plugin: None,
+        close_on_exit: false,
+        start_suspended: false,
+        block_until_exit_success: false,
+        block_until_exit_failure: false,
+        block_until_exit: false,
+        no_focus: true,
+    }
+}
+
+fn wait_until_stdin_contains(handle: &FakePtyHandle, needle: &[u8]) {
+    let deadline = Instant::now() + default_timeout();
+    loop {
+        let bytes = handle.stdin_bytes();
+        if bytes.windows(needle.len()).any(|window| window == needle) {
+            return;
+        }
+        if Instant::now() >= deadline {
+            panic!(
+                "timed out waiting for pane to receive {:?}, received {:?}",
+                String::from_utf8_lossy(needle),
+                String::from_utf8_lossy(&bytes),
+            );
+        }
+        std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(10));
+    }
+}
+
+fn stdin_contains(handle: &FakePtyHandle, needle: &[u8]) -> bool {
+    handle
+        .stdin_bytes()
+        .windows(needle.len())
+        .any(|window| window == needle)
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn new_pane_no_focus_leaves_input_on_the_original_pane() {
+    let mut zellij = start_zellij();
+    let original_pane = claim_first_terminal_and_wait_for_prompt(&zellij);
+
+    zellij.run_cli_action(no_focus_new_pane_action(&["unfocused-command"]));
+    let unfocused_pane = zellij.expect_pty_spawn();
+    unfocused_pane.output(PROMPT);
+    zellij.wait_until(
+        "second pane appeared alongside the first",
+        |grid_snapshot| grid_snapshot.text.matches("$").count() >= 2,
+    );
+
+    let probe = b"nofocusprobe";
+    zellij.send_stdin(probe);
+    wait_until_stdin_contains(&original_pane, probe);
+    assert!(
+        !stdin_contains(&unfocused_pane, probe),
+        "input leaked into the pane that was opened with --no-focus"
+    );
+    zellij.quit();
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn new_pane_without_no_focus_moves_input_to_the_new_pane() {
+    let mut zellij = start_zellij();
+    let original_pane = claim_first_terminal_and_wait_for_prompt(&zellij);
+
+    let mut focusing_action = no_focus_new_pane_action(&["focused-command"]);
+    if let CliAction::NewPane { no_focus, .. } = &mut focusing_action {
+        *no_focus = false;
+    }
+    zellij.run_cli_action(focusing_action);
+    let focused_pane = zellij.expect_pty_spawn();
+    focused_pane.output(PROMPT);
+    zellij.wait_until(
+        "second pane appeared alongside the first",
+        |grid_snapshot| grid_snapshot.text.matches("$").count() >= 2,
+    );
+
+    let probe = b"focusprobe";
+    zellij.send_stdin(probe);
+    wait_until_stdin_contains(&focused_pane, probe);
+    assert!(
+        !stdin_contains(&original_pane, probe),
+        "input reached the original pane even though the new pane should have taken focus"
+    );
+    zellij.quit();
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn new_tab_no_focus_leaves_focus_on_the_original_tab() {
+    let mut zellij = start_zellij();
+    let original_pane = claim_first_terminal_and_wait_for_prompt(&zellij);
+
+    zellij.run_cli_action(no_focus_new_tab_action());
+    let new_tab_pane = zellij.expect_pty_spawn();
+    new_tab_pane.output(PROMPT);
+    zellij.wait_until("a second tab exists in the tab bar", |grid_snapshot| {
+        grid_snapshot.text.contains("Tab #2")
+    });
+
+    let probe = b"nofocusprobe";
+    zellij.send_stdin(probe);
+    wait_until_stdin_contains(&original_pane, probe);
+    assert!(
+        !stdin_contains(&new_tab_pane, probe),
+        "input leaked into the tab that was created with --no-focus"
+    );
+    zellij.quit();
+}
diff --git a/zellij-integration-tests/tests/plugins.rs b/zellij-integration-tests/tests/plugins.rs
index 5b14c633..21990a94 100644
--- a/zellij-integration-tests/tests/plugins.rs
+++ b/zellij-integration-tests/tests/plugins.rs
@@ -22,9 +22,12 @@ fn load_plugins_in_background_on_startup() {
     let terminal = zellij.expect_pty_spawn();
     terminal.output(b"$ ");
 
-    let grid_snapshot = zellij
-        .wait_until("background plugin requests permissions", |grid_snapshot| {
-            grid_snapshot.contains("Allow? (y/n)") && grid_snapshot.tab_bar_appears()
+    let grid_snapshot =
+        zellij.wait_until("background plugin requests permissions", |grid_snapshot| {
+            grid_snapshot.contains("Allow? (y/n)")
+                && grid_snapshot.tab_bar_appears()
+                && grid_snapshot.status_bar_appears()
+                && grid_snapshot.contains("STAGGERED")
         });
     assert_snapshot!(normalized(&grid_snapshot));
     zellij.send_stdin(b"y");
diff --git a/zellij-integration-tests/tests/single_pane_tab_title.rs b/zellij-integration-tests/tests/single_pane_tab_title.rs
index 1fd1a553..cc70a163 100644
--- a/zellij-integration-tests/tests/single_pane_tab_title.rs
+++ b/zellij-integration-tests/tests/single_pane_tab_title.rs
@@ -37,6 +37,7 @@ fn replace_pane_in_place_with_held_command(
         block_until_exit: false,
         unblock_condition: None,
         near_current_pane: false,
+        no_focus: false,
         borderless: None,
         tab_id: None,
     });
diff --git a/zellij-integration-tests/tests/snapshots/plugins__load_plugins_in_background_on_startup.snap b/zellij-integration-tests/tests/snapshots/plugins__load_plugins_in_background_on_startup.snap
index 034a2c02..a77d1dd9 100644
--- a/zellij-integration-tests/tests/snapshots/plugins__load_plugins_in_background_on_startup.snap
+++ b/zellij-integration-tests/tests/snapshots/plugins__load_plugins_in_background_on_startup.snap
@@ -16,3 +16,4 @@ $
                               │                                                          │
                               │                                                          │
                               └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
+ Ctrl + <g> LOCK  <p> PANE  <t> TAB  <n> RESIZE  <h> MOVE  <s> SEARCH  <o> SESSION  <q> QUIT        ...
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/panes/tiled_panes/mod.rs b/zellij-server/src/panes/tiled_panes/mod.rs
index d9448641..ba0ba51c 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/panes/tiled_panes/mod.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/panes/tiled_panes/mod.rs
@@ -649,64 +649,80 @@ impl TiledPanes {
         self.reset_boundaries();
     }
     pub fn can_split_pane_horizontally(&mut self, client_id: ClientId) -> bool {
-        if let Some(active_pane_id) = &self.active_panes.get(&client_id) {
-            if let Some(active_pane) = self.panes.get_mut(active_pane_id) {
-                let mut full_pane_size = active_pane.position_and_size();
-
-                if full_pane_size.is_stacked() {
-                    let Some(position_and_size_of_stack) =
-                        StackedPanes::new_from_btreemap(&mut self.panes, &self.panes_to_hide)
-                            .position_and_size_of_stack(&active_pane_id)
-                    else {
-                        log::error!("Failed to find position and size of stack");
-                        return false;
-                    };
-                    full_pane_size = position_and_size_of_stack;
-                }
+        match self.active_panes.get(&client_id).copied() {
+            Some(active_pane_id) => self.can_split_pane_id_horizontally(active_pane_id),
+            None => false,
+        }
+    }
+    pub fn can_split_pane_id_horizontally(&mut self, active_pane_id: PaneId) -> bool {
+        if let Some(active_pane) = self.panes.get_mut(&active_pane_id) {
+            let mut full_pane_size = active_pane.position_and_size();
 
-                if full_pane_size.rows.as_usize() < MIN_TERMINAL_HEIGHT * 2 {
+            if full_pane_size.is_stacked() {
+                let Some(position_and_size_of_stack) =
+                    StackedPanes::new_from_btreemap(&mut self.panes, &self.panes_to_hide)
+                        .position_and_size_of_stack(&active_pane_id)
+                else {
+                    log::error!("Failed to find position and size of stack");
                     return false;
-                } else {
-                    return split(SplitDirection::Horizontal, &full_pane_size).is_some();
-                }
+                };
+                full_pane_size = position_and_size_of_stack;
+            }
+
+            if full_pane_size.rows.as_usize() < MIN_TERMINAL_HEIGHT * 2 {
+                return false;
+            } else {
+                return split(SplitDirection::Horizontal, &full_pane_size).is_some();
             }
         }
         false
     }
     pub fn can_split_pane_vertically(&mut self, client_id: ClientId) -> bool {
-        if let Some(active_pane_id) = &self.active_panes.get(&client_id) {
-            if let Some(active_pane) = self.panes.get_mut(active_pane_id) {
-                let mut full_pane_size = active_pane.position_and_size();
-
-                if full_pane_size.is_stacked() {
-                    let Some(position_and_size_of_stack) =
-                        StackedPanes::new_from_btreemap(&mut self.panes, &self.panes_to_hide)
-                            .position_and_size_of_stack(&active_pane_id)
-                    else {
-                        log::error!("Failed to find position and size of stack");
-                        return false;
-                    };
-                    full_pane_size = position_and_size_of_stack;
-                }
+        match self.active_panes.get(&client_id).copied() {
+            Some(active_pane_id) => self.can_split_pane_id_vertically(active_pane_id),
+            None => false,
+        }
+    }
+    pub fn can_split_pane_id_vertically(&mut self, active_pane_id: PaneId) -> bool {
+        if let Some(active_pane) = self.panes.get_mut(&active_pane_id) {
+            let mut full_pane_size = active_pane.position_and_size();
 
-                if full_pane_size.cols.as_usize() < MIN_TERMINAL_WIDTH * 2 {
+            if full_pane_size.is_stacked() {
+                let Some(position_and_size_of_stack) =
+                    StackedPanes::new_from_btreemap(&mut self.panes, &self.panes_to_hide)
+                        .position_and_size_of_stack(&active_pane_id)
+                else {
+                    log::error!("Failed to find position and size of stack");
                     return false;
-                }
-                return split(SplitDirection::Vertical, &full_pane_size).is_some();
+                };
+                full_pane_size = position_and_size_of_stack;
             }
+
+            if full_pane_size.cols.as_usize() < MIN_TERMINAL_WIDTH * 2 {
+                return false;
+            }
+            return split(SplitDirection::Vertical, &full_pane_size).is_some();
         }
         false
     }
     pub fn split_pane_horizontally(
         &mut self,
         pid: PaneId,
-        mut new_pane: Box<dyn Pane>,
+        new_pane: Box<dyn Pane>,
         client_id: ClientId,
     ) {
-        let active_pane_id = &self.active_panes.get(&client_id).unwrap();
+        let active_pane_id = *self.active_panes.get(&client_id).unwrap();
+        self.split_pane_id_horizontally(pid, new_pane, active_pane_id);
+    }
+    pub fn split_pane_id_horizontally(
+        &mut self,
+        pid: PaneId,
+        mut new_pane: Box<dyn Pane>,
+        active_pane_id: PaneId,
+    ) {
         let mut full_pane_size = self
             .panes
-            .get(active_pane_id)
+            .get(&active_pane_id)
             .map(|p| p.position_and_size())
             .unwrap();
         if full_pane_size.is_stacked() {
@@ -721,7 +737,7 @@ impl TiledPanes {
                 },
             }
         }
-        let active_pane = self.panes.get_mut(active_pane_id).unwrap();
+        let active_pane = self.panes.get_mut(&active_pane_id).unwrap();
         if let Some((top_winsize, bottom_winsize)) =
             split(SplitDirection::Horizontal, &full_pane_size)
         {
@@ -745,13 +761,21 @@ impl TiledPanes {
     pub fn split_pane_vertically(
         &mut self,
         pid: PaneId,
-        mut new_pane: Box<dyn Pane>,
+        new_pane: Box<dyn Pane>,
         client_id: ClientId,
     ) {
-        let active_pane_id = &self.active_panes.get(&client_id).unwrap();
+        let active_pane_id = *self.active_panes.get(&client_id).unwrap();
+        self.split_pane_id_vertically(pid, new_pane, active_pane_id);
+    }
+    pub fn split_pane_id_vertically(
+        &mut self,
+        pid: PaneId,
+        mut new_pane: Box<dyn Pane>,
+        active_pane_id: PaneId,
+    ) {
         let mut full_pane_size = self
             .panes
-            .get(active_pane_id)
+            .get(&active_pane_id)
             .map(|p| p.position_and_size())
             .unwrap();
         if full_pane_size.is_stacked() {
@@ -766,7 +790,7 @@ impl TiledPanes {
                 },
             }
         }
-        let active_pane = self.panes.get_mut(active_pane_id).unwrap();
+        let active_pane = self.panes.get_mut(&active_pane_id).unwrap();
         if let Some((left_winsize, right_winsize)) =
             split(SplitDirection::Vertical, &full_pane_size)
         {
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/plugins/zellij_exports.rs b/zellij-server/src/plugins/zellij_exports.rs
index 4dd559ed..d850145c 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/plugins/zellij_exports.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/plugins/zellij_exports.rs
@@ -1197,6 +1197,7 @@ fn open_plugin_pane_floating(
         skip_cache: false,
         cwd: Some(env.plugin_cwd.clone()),
         coordinates: floating_pane_coordinates,
+        no_focus: false,
         tab_id: None,
     };
     let error_msg = || format!("Failed to open floating plugin pane");
@@ -1437,6 +1438,7 @@ fn open_file(env: &PluginEnv, file_to_open: FileToOpen, context: BTreeMap<String
         start_suppressed,
         coordinates: None,
         near_current_pane: false,
+        no_focus: false,
         tab_id: None,
     };
     let result = apply_action!(action, error_msg, env);
@@ -1532,6 +1534,7 @@ fn open_file_floating(
         start_suppressed,
         coordinates: floating_pane_coordinates,
         near_current_pane: false,
+        no_focus: false,
         tab_id: None,
     };
     let result = apply_action!(action, error_msg, env);
@@ -1573,6 +1576,7 @@ fn open_file_in_place(
         start_suppressed,
         coordinates: None,
         near_current_pane: false,
+        no_focus: false,
         tab_id: None,
     };
     let result = apply_action!(action, error_msg, env);
@@ -1733,6 +1737,7 @@ fn open_terminal(env: &PluginEnv, cwd: PathBuf) {
         command: run_command_action,
         pane_name: None,
         near_current_pane: false,
+        no_focus: false,
         borderless: None,
         tab_id: None,
     };
@@ -1810,6 +1815,7 @@ fn open_terminal_floating(
         pane_name: None,
         coordinates: floating_pane_coordinates,
         near_current_pane: false,
+        no_focus: false,
         tab_id: None,
     };
     let result = apply_action!(action, error_msg, env);
@@ -1884,6 +1890,7 @@ fn open_terminal_in_place(env: &PluginEnv, cwd: PathBuf) {
         command: run_command_action,
         pane_name: None,
         near_current_pane: false,
+        no_focus: false,
         pane_id_to_replace: None,
         close_replaced_pane: false,
         tab_id: None,
@@ -2170,6 +2177,7 @@ fn open_command_pane(
         command: Some(run_command_action),
         pane_name: name,
         near_current_pane: false,
+        no_focus: false,
         borderless: None,
         tab_id: None,
     };
@@ -2279,6 +2287,7 @@ fn open_command_pane_floating(
         pane_name: name,
         coordinates: floating_pane_coordinates,
         near_current_pane: false,
+        no_focus: false,
         tab_id: None,
     };
     let result = apply_action!(action, error_msg, env);
@@ -2388,6 +2397,7 @@ fn open_command_pane_in_place(
         command: Some(run_command_action),
         pane_name: name,
         near_current_pane: false,
+        no_focus: false,
         pane_id_to_replace: None,
         close_replaced_pane: false,
         tab_id: None,
@@ -2872,6 +2882,7 @@ fn new_tiled_pane_in_tab(env: &PluginEnv, tab_position: usize) {
         command: run_command_action,
         pane_name: None,
         near_current_pane: false,
+        no_focus: false,
         borderless: None,
         tab_id: Some(tab_position),
     };
@@ -4730,9 +4741,9 @@ fn try_edit_layout(
         start_suppressed: false,
         coordinates: None,
         near_current_pane: true,
+        no_focus: false,
         tab_id: None,
     };
-
     // Route the action - this is fallible
     route_action(
         action,
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/pty.rs b/zellij-server/src/pty.rs
index 13b06b57..68a2371b 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/pty.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/pty.rs
@@ -39,7 +39,9 @@ pub type TabIndex = u32;
 #[derive(Clone, Copy, Debug, Eq, PartialEq)]
 pub enum ClientTabIndexOrPaneId {
     ClientId(ClientId),
+    ClientIdNoFocus(ClientId),
     TabIndex(usize),
+    TabIndexNoFocus(usize),
     PaneId(PaneId),
 }
 
@@ -1025,13 +1027,14 @@ impl Pty {
 
         // returns the terminal id
         let terminal_action = match client_or_tab_index {
-            ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::ClientId(client_id) => {
+            ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::ClientId(client_id)
+            | ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::ClientIdNoFocus(client_id) => {
                 let mut terminal_action =
                     terminal_action.unwrap_or_else(|| self.get_default_terminal(None, None));
                 self.fill_cwd(&mut terminal_action, client_id);
                 terminal_action
             },
-            ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::TabIndex(_) => {
+            ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::TabIndex(_) | ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::TabIndexNoFocus(_) => {
                 terminal_action.unwrap_or_else(|| self.get_default_terminal(None, None))
             },
             ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::PaneId(pane_id) => {
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/route.rs b/zellij-server/src/route.rs
index 529a93b9..08200abb 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/route.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/route.rs
@@ -193,6 +193,28 @@ impl Drop for NotificationEnd {
 // otherwise blocking-CLI actions
 // (`wait_forever=true`) park this function while still holding the guard,
 // deadlocking concurrent `session_data.write()`s.
+fn new_pane_routing(
+    no_focus: bool,
+    near_current_pane: bool,
+    tab_id: Option<usize>,
+    pane_id: Option<PaneId>,
+    client_id: ClientId,
+) -> ClientTabIndexOrPaneId {
+    if let Some(tab_id) = tab_id {
+        if no_focus {
+            ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::TabIndexNoFocus(tab_id)
+        } else {
+            ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::TabIndex(tab_id)
+        }
+    } else if (no_focus || near_current_pane) && pane_id.is_some() {
+        ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::PaneId(pane_id.unwrap())
+    } else if no_focus {
+        ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::ClientIdNoFocus(client_id)
+    } else {
+        ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::ClientId(client_id)
+    }
+}
+
 pub(crate) fn route_action(
     action: Action,
     client_id: ClientId,
@@ -635,6 +657,7 @@ pub(crate) fn route_action(
             command,
             unblock_condition,
             near_current_pane,
+            no_focus,
             tab_id,
         } => {
             let command = command
@@ -667,13 +690,8 @@ pub(crate) fn route_action(
                 _ => pane_id,
             };
 
-            let client_tab_index_or_paneid = if let Some(tab_id) = tab_id {
-                ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::TabIndex(tab_id)
-            } else if near_current_pane && pane_id.is_some() {
-                ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::PaneId(pane_id.unwrap())
-            } else {
-                ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::ClientId(client_id)
-            };
+            let client_tab_index_or_paneid =
+                new_pane_routing(no_focus, near_current_pane, tab_id, pane_id, client_id);
             senders
                 .send_to_pty(PtyInstruction::SpawnTerminal(
                     command,
@@ -696,18 +714,14 @@ pub(crate) fn route_action(
             start_suppressed,
             coordinates: floating_pane_coordinates,
             near_current_pane,
+            no_focus,
             tab_id,
         } => {
             let title = format!("Editing: {}", open_file_payload.path.display());
             let open_file = TerminalAction::OpenFile(open_file_payload);
             let pty_instr = if should_open_in_place {
-                let client_tab_index_or_paneid = if let Some(tab_id) = tab_id {
-                    ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::TabIndex(tab_id)
-                } else if near_current_pane && pane_id.is_some() {
-                    ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::PaneId(pane_id.unwrap())
-                } else {
-                    ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::ClientId(client_id)
-                };
+                let client_tab_index_or_paneid =
+                    new_pane_routing(no_focus, near_current_pane, tab_id, pane_id, client_id);
                 PtyInstruction::SpawnInPlaceTerminal(
                     Some(open_file),
                     Some(title),
@@ -716,11 +730,8 @@ pub(crate) fn route_action(
                     Some(NotificationEnd::new(completion_tx)),
                 )
             } else {
-                let client_tab_index_or_paneid = if let Some(tab_id) = tab_id {
-                    ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::TabIndex(tab_id)
-                } else {
-                    ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::ClientId(client_id)
-                };
+                let client_tab_index_or_paneid =
+                    new_pane_routing(no_focus, near_current_pane, tab_id, pane_id, client_id);
                 PtyInstruction::SpawnTerminal(
                     Some(open_file),
                     Some(title),
@@ -760,18 +771,14 @@ pub(crate) fn route_action(
             pane_name: name,
             coordinates: floating_pane_coordinates,
             near_current_pane,
+            no_focus,
             tab_id,
         } => {
             let run_cmd = run_command
                 .map(|cmd| TerminalAction::RunCommand(cmd.into()))
                 .or_else(|| default_shell.clone());
-            let client_tab_index_or_paneid = if let Some(tab_id) = tab_id {
-                ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::TabIndex(tab_id)
-            } else if near_current_pane && pane_id.is_some() {
-                ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::PaneId(pane_id.unwrap())
-            } else {
-                ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::ClientId(client_id)
-            };
+            let client_tab_index_or_paneid =
+                new_pane_routing(no_focus, near_current_pane, tab_id, pane_id, client_id);
             senders
                 .send_to_pty(PtyInstruction::SpawnTerminal(
                     run_cmd,
@@ -788,6 +795,7 @@ pub(crate) fn route_action(
             command: run_command,
             pane_name: name,
             near_current_pane,
+            no_focus,
             pane_id_to_replace,
             close_replaced_pane,
             tab_id,
@@ -799,11 +807,17 @@ pub(crate) fn route_action(
                 .and_then(|pane_id_to_replace| pane_id_to_replace.try_into().ok());
             let pane_id = explicit_pane_id_to_replace.or(pane_id);
             let client_tab_index_or_paneid = if let Some(tab_id) = tab_id {
-                ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::TabIndex(tab_id)
-            } else if let Some(pane_id) =
-                pane_id.filter(|_| explicit_pane_id_to_replace.is_some() || near_current_pane)
+                if no_focus {
+                    ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::TabIndexNoFocus(tab_id)
+                } else {
+                    ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::TabIndex(tab_id)
+                }
+            } else if let Some(pane_id) = pane_id
+                .filter(|_| explicit_pane_id_to_replace.is_some() || near_current_pane || no_focus)
             {
                 ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::PaneId(pane_id)
+            } else if no_focus {
+                ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::ClientIdNoFocus(client_id)
             } else {
                 ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::ClientId(client_id)
             };
@@ -821,6 +835,7 @@ pub(crate) fn route_action(
             command: run_command,
             pane_name: name,
             near_current_pane,
+            no_focus,
             tab_id,
         } => {
             let run_cmd = run_command
@@ -833,9 +848,13 @@ pub(crate) fn route_action(
                         pane_id_to_stack_under: None,
                         borderless: None,
                     },
-                    ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::TabIndex(tab_id),
+                    if no_focus {
+                        ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::TabIndexNoFocus(tab_id)
+                    } else {
+                        ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::TabIndex(tab_id)
+                    },
                 )
-            } else if near_current_pane && pane_id.is_some() {
+            } else if (no_focus || near_current_pane) && pane_id.is_some() {
                 let pane_id = pane_id.unwrap();
                 (
                     NewPanePlacement::Stacked {
@@ -850,7 +869,11 @@ pub(crate) fn route_action(
                         pane_id_to_stack_under: None,
                         borderless: None,
                     },
-                    ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::ClientId(client_id),
+                    if no_focus {
+                        ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::ClientIdNoFocus(client_id)
+                    } else {
+                        ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::ClientId(client_id)
+                    },
                 )
             };
             senders
@@ -870,19 +893,15 @@ pub(crate) fn route_action(
             command: run_command,
             pane_name: name,
             near_current_pane,
+            no_focus,
             borderless,
             tab_id,
         } => {
             let run_cmd = run_command
                 .map(|cmd| TerminalAction::RunCommand(cmd.into()))
                 .or_else(|| default_shell.clone());
-            let client_tab_index_or_paneid = if let Some(tab_id) = tab_id {
-                ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::TabIndex(tab_id)
-            } else if near_current_pane && pane_id.is_some() {
-                ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::PaneId(pane_id.unwrap())
-            } else {
-                ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::ClientId(client_id)
-            };
+            let client_tab_index_or_paneid =
+                new_pane_routing(no_focus, near_current_pane, tab_id, pane_id, client_id);
             senders
                 .send_to_pty(PtyInstruction::SpawnTerminal(
                     run_cmd,
@@ -935,13 +954,11 @@ pub(crate) fn route_action(
         Action::Run {
             command,
             near_current_pane,
+            no_focus,
         } => {
             let run_cmd = Some(TerminalAction::RunCommand(command.clone().into()));
-            let client_tab_index_or_paneid = if near_current_pane && pane_id.is_some() {
-                ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::PaneId(pane_id.unwrap())
-            } else {
-                ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::ClientId(client_id)
-            };
+            let client_tab_index_or_paneid =
+                new_pane_routing(no_focus, near_current_pane, None, pane_id, client_id);
             senders
                 .send_to_pty(PtyInstruction::SpawnTerminal(
                     run_cmd,
@@ -1321,6 +1338,7 @@ pub(crate) fn route_action(
             pane_name: name,
             skip_cache,
             cwd,
+            no_focus,
             tab_id,
         } => {
             senders
@@ -1332,6 +1350,7 @@ pub(crate) fn route_action(
                     client_id,
                     Some(NotificationEnd::new(completion_tx)),
                     tab_id,
+                    no_focus,
                 ))
                 .with_context(err_context)?;
         },
@@ -1341,6 +1360,7 @@ pub(crate) fn route_action(
             skip_cache,
             cwd,
             coordinates: floating_pane_coordinates,
+            no_focus,
             tab_id,
         } => {
             senders
@@ -1353,6 +1373,7 @@ pub(crate) fn route_action(
                     client_id,
                     Some(NotificationEnd::new(completion_tx)),
                     tab_id,
+                    no_focus,
                 ))
                 .with_context(err_context)?;
         },
@@ -1361,6 +1382,7 @@ pub(crate) fn route_action(
             pane_name: name,
             skip_cache,
             close_replaced_pane,
+            no_focus,
             tab_id,
         } => {
             if let Some(pane_id) = pane_id {
@@ -1374,6 +1396,7 @@ pub(crate) fn route_action(
                         client_id,
                         Some(NotificationEnd::new(completion_tx)),
                         tab_id,
+                        no_focus,
                     ))
                     .with_context(err_context)?;
             } else {
@@ -1420,6 +1443,7 @@ pub(crate) fn route_action(
             close_replaced_pane,
             skip_cache,
             cwd,
+            no_focus,
             tab_id,
         } => {
             senders
@@ -1434,6 +1458,7 @@ pub(crate) fn route_action(
                     client_id,
                     Some(NotificationEnd::new(completion_tx)),
                     tab_id,
+                    no_focus,
                 ))
                 .with_context(err_context)?;
         },
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/screen.rs b/zellij-server/src/screen.rs
index 34c9ced5..773e390b 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/screen.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/screen.rs
@@ -609,6 +609,7 @@ pub enum ScreenInstruction {
         ClientId,
         Option<NotificationEnd>,
         Option<usize>, // tab_id
+        bool,
     ), // Option<String> is
     // optional pane title, bool is skip cache, Option<PathBuf> is an optional cwd
     NewFloatingPluginPane(
@@ -620,6 +621,7 @@ pub enum ScreenInstruction {
         ClientId,
         Option<NotificationEnd>,
         Option<usize>, // tab_id
+        bool,
     ), // Option<String> is an
     // optional pane title, bool
     // is skip cache, Option<PathBuf> is an optional cwd
@@ -632,6 +634,7 @@ pub enum ScreenInstruction {
         ClientId,
         Option<NotificationEnd>,
         Option<usize>, // tab_id
+        bool,
     ), // Option<String> is an
     // optional pane title, first bool is skip cache, second bool is close_replaced_pane
     StartOrReloadPluginPane(RunPluginOrAlias, Option<String>, Option<NotificationEnd>),
@@ -678,6 +681,7 @@ pub enum ScreenInstruction {
         ClientId,
         Option<NotificationEnd>,
         Option<usize>, // tab_id
+        bool,
     ), // bools are: should_float, should_open_in_place, close_replaced_pane, Option<PaneId> is the pane id to replace, Option<PathBuf> is an optional cwd, bool after is skip_cache
     SuppressPane(PaneId, ClientId),
     UnsuppressPane(PaneId, bool), // bool -> should float if hidden
@@ -4917,7 +4921,8 @@ impl Screen {
             }
         };
         match client_id_tab_index_or_pane_id {
-            ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::ClientId(client_id) => {
+            ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::ClientId(client_id)
+            | ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::ClientIdNoFocus(client_id) => {
                 active_tab!(self, client_id, |tab: &mut Tab| {
                     match tab.get_active_pane_id(client_id) {
                         Some(pane_id) => {
@@ -4951,7 +4956,8 @@ impl Screen {
                     },
                 };
             },
-            ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::TabIndex(_tab_index) => {
+            ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::TabIndex(_tab_index)
+            | ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::TabIndexNoFocus(_tab_index) => {
                 log::error!("Cannot replace pane with tab index");
             },
         }
@@ -6384,13 +6390,16 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
                 let blocking_notification = if set_blocking { completion_tx } else { None };
 
                 match client_or_tab_index {
-                    ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::ClientId(client_id) => {
+                    ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::ClientId(client_id)
+                    | ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::ClientIdNoFocus(client_id) => {
+                        let should_focus_pane =
+                            matches!(client_or_tab_index, ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::ClientId(_));
                         active_tab_and_connected_client_id_with_first_tab_fallback!(screen, client_id, |tab: &mut Tab, client_id: Option<ClientId>| {
                             tab.new_pane(pid,
                                initial_pane_title,
                                invoked_with,
                                start_suppressed,
-                               true,
+                               should_focus_pane,
                                new_pane_placement,
                                client_id,
                                blocking_notification
@@ -6410,7 +6419,10 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
                             )
                         }
                     },
-                    ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::TabIndex(tab_index) => {
+                    ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::TabIndex(tab_index)
+                    | ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::TabIndexNoFocus(tab_index) => {
+                        let should_focus_pane =
+                            matches!(client_or_tab_index, ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::TabIndex(_));
                         // Some placements (directional split, stacked without a
                         // target pane) need a client_id to know which pane to
                         // split relative to. Only resolve one when required.
@@ -6440,7 +6452,7 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
                                 initial_pane_title,
                                 invoked_with,
                                 start_suppressed,
-                                true,
+                                should_focus_pane,
                                 new_pane_placement,
                                 client_id,
                                 blocking_notification,
@@ -6459,16 +6471,46 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
                         let should_focus_pane = false;
                         for tab in all_tabs.values_mut() {
                             if tab.has_pane_with_pid(&pane_id) {
-                                tab.new_pane(
-                                    pid,
-                                    initial_pane_title,
-                                    invoked_with,
-                                    start_suppressed,
-                                    should_focus_pane,
-                                    new_pane_placement,
-                                    None,
-                                    blocking_notification, // TODO: is this correct?
-                                )?;
+                                match new_pane_placement {
+                                    NewPanePlacement::Tiled {
+                                        direction: Some(direction),
+                                        borderless,
+                                    } => {
+                                        if direction == Direction::Left
+                                            || direction == Direction::Right
+                                        {
+                                            tab.vertical_split_of_pane_id(
+                                                pid,
+                                                initial_pane_title,
+                                                invoked_with,
+                                                pane_id,
+                                                blocking_notification,
+                                                borderless,
+                                            )?;
+                                        } else {
+                                            tab.horizontal_split_of_pane_id(
+                                                pid,
+                                                initial_pane_title,
+                                                invoked_with,
+                                                pane_id,
+                                                blocking_notification,
+                                                borderless,
+                                            )?;
+                                        }
+                                    },
+                                    _ => {
+                                        tab.new_pane(
+                                            pid,
+                                            initial_pane_title,
+                                            invoked_with,
+                                            start_suppressed,
+                                            should_focus_pane,
+                                            new_pane_placement,
+                                            None,
+                                            blocking_notification,
+                                        )?;
+                                    },
+                                }
                                 if let Some(hold_for_command) = hold_for_command {
                                     let is_first_run = true;
                                     tab.hold_pane(pid, None, is_first_run, hold_for_command);
@@ -6496,12 +6538,14 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
             },
             ScreenInstruction::OpenInPlaceEditor(pid, client_tab_index_or_pane_id) => {
                 match client_tab_index_or_pane_id {
-                    ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::ClientId(client_id) => {
+                    ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::ClientId(client_id)
+                    | ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::ClientIdNoFocus(client_id) => {
                         active_tab!(screen, client_id, |tab: &mut Tab| tab
                             .replace_active_pane_with_editor_pane(pid, client_id), ?);
                         screen.log_and_report_session_state()?;
                     },
-                    ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::TabIndex(_tab_index) => {
+                    ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::TabIndex(_tab_index)
+                    | ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::TabIndexNoFocus(_tab_index) => {
                         log::error!("Cannot OpenInPlaceEditor with a TabIndex");
                     },
                     ClientTabIndexOrPaneId::PaneId(pane_id_to_replace) => {
@@ -8478,12 +8522,14 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
                 client_id,
                 completion_tx,
                 explicit_tab_id,
+                no_focus,
             ) => {
                 let tab_index = explicit_tab_id
                     .unwrap_or_else(|| *screen.active_tab_ids.values().next().unwrap_or(&1));
                 let size = Size::default();
                 let should_float = Some(false);
                 let should_be_opened_in_place = false;
+                let should_focus_plugin = if no_focus { Some(false) } else { None };
                 screen
                     .bus
                     .senders
@@ -8499,7 +8545,7 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
                         size,
                         skip_cache,
                         cwd,
-                        None,
+                        should_focus_plugin,
                         None,
                         completion_tx,
                     ))?;
@@ -8513,6 +8559,7 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
                 client_id,
                 completion_tx,
                 explicit_tab_id,
+                no_focus,
             ) => {
                 let resolved_tab_index =
                     explicit_tab_id.or_else(|| screen.active_tab_ids.values().next().copied());
@@ -8521,6 +8568,7 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
                         let size = Size::default();
                         let should_float = Some(true);
                         let should_be_opened_in_place = false;
+                        let should_focus_plugin = if no_focus { Some(false) } else { None };
                         screen
                             .bus
                             .senders
@@ -8536,7 +8584,7 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
                                 size,
                                 skip_cache,
                                 cwd,
-                                None,
+                                should_focus_plugin,
                                 floating_pane_coordinates,
                                 completion_tx,
                             ))?;
@@ -8557,6 +8605,7 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
                 client_id,
                 completion_tx,
                 explicit_tab_id,
+                no_focus,
             ) => {
                 let resolved_tab_index =
                     explicit_tab_id.or_else(|| screen.active_tab_ids.values().next().copied());
@@ -8565,6 +8614,7 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
                         let size = Size::default();
                         let should_float = None;
                         let should_be_in_place = true;
+                        let should_focus_plugin = if no_focus { Some(false) } else { None };
                         screen
                             .bus
                             .senders
@@ -8580,7 +8630,7 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
                                 size,
                                 skip_cache,
                                 None,
-                                None,
+                                should_focus_plugin,
                                 None,
                                 completion_tx,
                             ))?;
@@ -8891,6 +8941,7 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
                 client_id,
                 completion_tx,
                 explicit_tab_id,
+                no_focus,
             ) => match pane_id_to_replace {
                 Some(pane_id_to_replace) => {
                     let resolved_tab_index =
@@ -8913,7 +8964,7 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
                                     size,
                                     skip_cache,
                                     cwd,
-                                    None,
+                                    if no_focus { Some(false) } else { None },
                                     None,
                                     completion_tx,
                                 ))?;
@@ -8957,7 +9008,7 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
                                     Size::default(),
                                     skip_cache,
                                     cwd,
-                                    None,
+                                    if no_focus { Some(false) } else { None },
                                     None,
                                     completion_tx,
                                 ))?;
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/tab/mod.rs b/zellij-server/src/tab/mod.rs
index d3bc154f..3189e69a 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/tab/mod.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/tab/mod.rs
@@ -68,8 +68,8 @@ use zellij_utils::{
     input::{
         command::TerminalAction,
         layout::{
-            FloatingPaneLayout, Run, RunPluginOrAlias, SwapFloatingLayout, SwapTiledLayout,
-            TiledPaneLayout,
+            FloatingPaneLayout, Run, RunPluginOrAlias, SplitDirection, SwapFloatingLayout,
+            SwapTiledLayout, TiledPaneLayout,
         },
         options::PaneFrameStyle,
         parse_keys,
@@ -2393,20 +2393,45 @@ impl Tab {
                 direction: Some(direction),
                 borderless,
             } => {
-                if let Some(client_id) = client_id {
-                    if direction == Direction::Left || direction == Direction::Right {
-                        self.vertical_split(
+                let is_vertical = direction == Direction::Left || direction == Direction::Right;
+                if should_focus_pane {
+                    if let Some(client_id) = client_id {
+                        if is_vertical {
+                            self.vertical_split(
+                                pid,
+                                initial_pane_title,
+                                client_id,
+                                blocking_notification,
+                                borderless,
+                            )?;
+                        } else {
+                            self.horizontal_split(
+                                pid,
+                                initial_pane_title,
+                                client_id,
+                                blocking_notification,
+                                borderless,
+                            )?;
+                        }
+                    }
+                } else if let Some(target_pane_id) =
+                    client_id.and_then(|client_id| self.tiled_panes.get_active_pane_id(client_id))
+                {
+                    if is_vertical {
+                        self.vertical_split_of_pane_id(
                             pid,
                             initial_pane_title,
-                            client_id,
+                            invoked_with,
+                            target_pane_id,
                             blocking_notification,
                             borderless,
                         )?;
                     } else {
-                        self.horizontal_split(
+                        self.horizontal_split_of_pane_id(
                             pid,
                             initial_pane_title,
-                            client_id,
+                            invoked_with,
+                            target_pane_id,
                             blocking_notification,
                             borderless,
                         )?;
@@ -2559,7 +2584,7 @@ impl Tab {
             if self.floating_panes.panes_are_visible() {
                 self.add_floating_pane(new_pane, pid, None, false, client_id)
             } else {
-                self.add_tiled_pane(new_pane, pid, false, client_id)
+                self.add_tiled_pane(new_pane, pid, false, None)
             }
         }
     }
@@ -2663,7 +2688,8 @@ impl Tab {
                 .insert(pid, (is_scrollback_editor, new_pane));
             Ok(())
         } else {
-            self.add_tiled_pane(new_pane, pid, false, client_id)
+            let focus_client_id = if should_focus_pane { client_id } else { None };
+            self.add_tiled_pane(new_pane, pid, false, focus_client_id)
         }
     }
     pub fn new_floating_pane(
@@ -2918,11 +2944,14 @@ impl Tab {
             Ok(())
         } else {
             if let Some(pane_id_to_stack_under) = pane_id_to_stack_under {
-                // TODO: also focus pane if should_focus_pane? in cases where we did this from the CLI in an unfocused
-                // pane...
-                self.add_stacked_pane_to_pane_id(new_pane, pid, pane_id_to_stack_under)
+                self.add_stacked_pane_to_pane_id(
+                    new_pane,
+                    pid,
+                    pane_id_to_stack_under,
+                    should_focus_pane,
+                )
             } else if let Some(client_id) = client_id {
-                self.add_stacked_pane_to_active_pane(new_pane, pid, client_id)
+                self.add_stacked_pane_to_active_pane(new_pane, pid, client_id, should_focus_pane)
             } else {
                 log::error!("Must have client id or pane id to stack pane");
                 return Ok(());
@@ -3393,6 +3422,125 @@ impl Tab {
         Ok(())
     }
 
+    pub fn horizontal_split_of_pane_id(
+        &mut self,
+        pid: PaneId,
+        initial_pane_title: Option<String>,
+        invoked_with: Option<Run>,
+        target_pane_id: PaneId,
+        completion_tx: Option<NotificationEnd>,
+        borderless: Option<bool>,
+    ) -> Result<()> {
+        self.split_of_pane_id(
+            pid,
+            initial_pane_title,
+            invoked_with,
+            target_pane_id,
+            SplitDirection::Horizontal,
+            completion_tx,
+            borderless,
+        )
+    }
+    pub fn vertical_split_of_pane_id(
+        &mut self,
+        pid: PaneId,
+        initial_pane_title: Option<String>,
+        invoked_with: Option<Run>,
+        target_pane_id: PaneId,
+        completion_tx: Option<NotificationEnd>,
+        borderless: Option<bool>,
+    ) -> Result<()> {
+        self.split_of_pane_id(
+            pid,
+            initial_pane_title,
+            invoked_with,
+            target_pane_id,
+            SplitDirection::Vertical,
+            completion_tx,
+            borderless,
+        )
+    }
+    fn split_of_pane_id(
+        &mut self,
+        pid: PaneId,
+        initial_pane_title: Option<String>,
+        invoked_with: Option<Run>,
+        target_pane_id: PaneId,
+        split_direction: SplitDirection,
+        completion_tx: Option<NotificationEnd>,
+        borderless: Option<bool>,
+    ) -> Result<()> {
+        let err_context =
+            || format!("failed to split pane {target_pane_id:?} without changing focus");
+        if self.floating_panes.panes_are_visible() {
+            return Ok(());
+        }
+        if !self.tiled_panes.panes_contain(&target_pane_id) {
+            return Ok(());
+        }
+        self.close_down_to_max_terminals()
+            .with_context(err_context)?;
+        if self.tiled_panes.fullscreen_is_active() {
+            self.tiled_panes.unset_fullscreen();
+        }
+        self.dissolve_stack_lists_for_classic_mutation();
+        let can_split = match split_direction {
+            SplitDirection::Horizontal => self
+                .tiled_panes
+                .can_split_pane_id_horizontally(target_pane_id),
+            SplitDirection::Vertical => self
+                .tiled_panes
+                .can_split_pane_id_vertically(target_pane_id),
+        };
+        if !can_split {
+            self.senders
+                .send_to_pty(PtyInstruction::ClosePane(pid, completion_tx))
+                .with_context(err_context)?;
+            return Ok(());
+        }
+        if let PaneId::Terminal(term_pid) = pid {
+            let next_terminal_position = self.get_next_terminal_position();
+            let mut new_terminal = TerminalPane::new(
+                term_pid,
+                PaneGeom::default(),
+                self.style,
+                next_terminal_position,
+                String::new(),
+                self.link_handler.clone(),
+                self.character_cell_size.clone(),
+                self.sixel_image_store.clone(),
+                self.terminal_emulator_colors.clone(),
+                self.terminal_emulator_color_codes.clone(),
+                initial_pane_title,
+                invoked_with,
+                self.debug,
+                self.arrow_fonts,
+                self.styled_underlines,
+                self.osc8_hyperlinks,
+                self.explicitly_disable_kitty_keyboard_protocol,
+                completion_tx,
+            );
+            if let Some(borderless) = borderless {
+                new_terminal.set_borderless(borderless);
+            }
+            match split_direction {
+                SplitDirection::Horizontal => self.tiled_panes.split_pane_id_horizontally(
+                    pid,
+                    Box::new(new_terminal),
+                    target_pane_id,
+                ),
+                SplitDirection::Vertical => self.tiled_panes.split_pane_id_vertically(
+                    pid,
+                    Box::new(new_terminal),
+                    target_pane_id,
+                ),
+            }
+            self.set_should_clear_display_before_rendering();
+            self.swap_layouts.set_is_tiled_damaged();
+        }
+        Ok(())
+    }
+
     pub fn get_active_pane(&self, client_id: ClientId) -> Option<&dyn Pane> {
         self.get_active_pane_id(client_id).and_then(|ap| {
             if self.floating_panes.panes_are_visible() {
@@ -6654,6 +6802,7 @@ impl Tab {
         pane: Box<dyn Pane>,
         pane_id: PaneId,
         root_pane_id: PaneId,
+        should_focus: bool,
     ) -> Result<()> {
         if self.tiled_panes.fullscreen_is_active() {
             self.tiled_panes.unset_fullscreen();
@@ -6662,8 +6811,9 @@ impl Tab {
         self.tiled_panes
             .add_pane_to_stack_of_pane_id(pane_id, pane, root_pane_id);
         self.set_should_clear_display_before_rendering();
-        self.tiled_panes.expand_pane_in_stack(pane_id); // so that it will get focused by all
-                                                        // clients
+        if should_focus {
+            self.tiled_panes.expand_pane_in_stack(pane_id);
+        }
         self.swap_layouts.set_is_tiled_damaged();
         Ok(())
     }
@@ -6672,6 +6822,7 @@ impl Tab {
         pane: Box<dyn Pane>,
         pane_id: PaneId,
         client_id: ClientId,
+        should_focus: bool,
     ) -> Result<()> {
         if self.tiled_panes.fullscreen_is_active() {
             self.tiled_panes.unset_fullscreen();
@@ -6679,7 +6830,9 @@ impl Tab {
         self.dissolve_stack_lists_for_classic_mutation();
         self.tiled_panes
             .add_pane_to_stack_of_active_pane(pane_id, pane, client_id);
-        self.tiled_panes.focus_pane(pane_id, client_id);
+        if should_focus {
+            self.tiled_panes.focus_pane(pane_id, client_id);
+        }
         self.swap_layouts.set_is_tiled_damaged();
         Ok(())
     }
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/unit/screen_tests.rs b/zellij-server/src/unit/screen_tests.rs
index a45ec812..17c9ac36 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/unit/screen_tests.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/unit/screen_tests.rs
@@ -3252,6 +3252,7 @@ pub fn send_cli_new_pane_action_with_default_parameters() {
         block_until_exit: false,
         unblock_condition: None,
         near_current_pane: false,
+        no_focus: false,
         borderless: Some(false),
         tab_id: None,
     };
@@ -3307,6 +3308,7 @@ pub fn send_cli_new_pane_action_with_split_direction() {
         block_until_exit: false,
         unblock_condition: None,
         near_current_pane: false,
+        no_focus: false,
         borderless: Some(false),
         tab_id: None,
     };
@@ -3362,6 +3364,7 @@ pub fn send_cli_new_pane_action_with_command_and_cwd() {
         block_until_exit: false,
         unblock_condition: None,
         near_current_pane: false,
+        no_focus: false,
         borderless: Some(false),
         tab_id: None,
     };
@@ -3428,6 +3431,7 @@ pub fn send_cli_new_pane_action_with_floating_pane_and_coordinates() {
         block_until_exit: false,
         unblock_condition: None,
         near_current_pane: false,
+        no_focus: false,
         borderless: Some(false),
         tab_id: None,
     };
@@ -3472,6 +3476,7 @@ pub fn send_cli_edit_action_with_default_parameters() {
         pinned: None,
         borderless: Some(false),
         near_current_pane: false,
+        no_focus: false,
         tab_id: None,
     };
     send_cli_action_to_server(&session_metadata, cli_edit_action, client_id);
@@ -3515,6 +3520,7 @@ pub fn send_cli_edit_action_with_line_number() {
         pinned: None,
         borderless: Some(false),
         near_current_pane: false,
+        no_focus: false,
         tab_id: None,
     };
     send_cli_action_to_server(&session_metadata, cli_edit_action, client_id);
@@ -3558,6 +3564,7 @@ pub fn send_cli_edit_action_with_split_direction() {
         pinned: None,
         borderless: Some(false),
         near_current_pane: false,
+        no_focus: false,
         tab_id: None,
     };
     send_cli_action_to_server(&session_metadata, cli_edit_action, client_id);
@@ -3759,6 +3766,7 @@ pub fn send_cli_new_tab_action_default_params() {
         block_until_exit: false,
         block_until_exit_success: false,
         block_until_exit_failure: false,
+        no_focus: false,
     };
     send_cli_action_to_server(&session_metadata, new_tab_action, client_id);
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(100));
@@ -3807,6 +3815,7 @@ pub fn send_cli_new_tab_action_with_name_and_layout() {
         block_until_exit: false,
         block_until_exit_success: false,
         block_until_exit_failure: false,
+        no_focus: false,
     };
     send_cli_action_to_server(&session_metadata, new_tab_action, client_id);
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(100));
@@ -5250,6 +5259,7 @@ pub fn send_cli_new_pane_in_place_with_close_replaced_pane() {
         block_until_exit: false,
         unblock_condition: None,
         near_current_pane: false,
+        no_focus: false,
         borderless: None,
         tab_id: None,
     };
@@ -5301,6 +5311,7 @@ pub fn send_cli_edit_in_place_with_close_replaced_pane() {
         height: None,
         pinned: None,
         near_current_pane: false,
+        no_focus: false,
         borderless: None,
         tab_id: None,
     };
@@ -7853,6 +7864,7 @@ pub fn send_cli_new_tab_action_with_layout_string() {
         block_until_exit: false,
         block_until_exit_success: false,
         block_until_exit_failure: false,
+        no_focus: false,
     };
     send_cli_action_to_server(&session_metadata, new_tab_action, client_id);
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(100));
@@ -7907,6 +7919,7 @@ pub fn send_cli_new_tab_action_with_layout_string_and_name() {
         block_until_exit: false,
         block_until_exit_success: false,
         block_until_exit_failure: false,
+        no_focus: false,
     };
     send_cli_action_to_server(&session_metadata, new_tab_action, client_id);
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(100));
@@ -7977,6 +7990,7 @@ pub fn send_cli_new_pane_action_with_tab_id() {
         block_until_exit: false,
         unblock_condition: None,
         near_current_pane: false,
+        no_focus: false,
         borderless: Some(false),
         tab_id: Some(0),
     };
@@ -8039,6 +8053,7 @@ pub fn send_cli_new_floating_pane_action_with_tab_id() {
         block_until_exit: false,
         unblock_condition: None,
         near_current_pane: false,
+        no_focus: false,
         borderless: None,
         tab_id: Some(0),
     };
@@ -8088,6 +8103,7 @@ pub fn send_cli_edit_action_with_tab_id() {
         height: None,
         pinned: None,
         near_current_pane: false,
+        no_focus: false,
         borderless: None,
         tab_id: Some(0),
     };
@@ -8149,6 +8165,7 @@ pub fn send_cli_new_pane_action_with_tab_id_and_direction() {
         block_until_exit: false,
         unblock_condition: None,
         near_current_pane: false,
+        no_focus: false,
         borderless: Some(false),
         tab_id: Some(0),
     };
@@ -8210,6 +8227,7 @@ pub fn send_cli_new_pane_action_with_tab_id_and_stacked() {
         block_until_exit: false,
         unblock_condition: None,
         near_current_pane: false,
+        no_focus: false,
         borderless: None,
         tab_id: Some(0),
     };
diff --git a/zellij-utils/assets/prost_ipc/client_server_contract.rs b/zellij-utils/assets/prost_ipc/client_server_contract.rs
index 6b01f7fc..79b0b95a 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/assets/prost_ipc/client_server_contract.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/assets/prost_ipc/client_server_contract.rs
@@ -848,6 +848,8 @@ pub struct EditFileAction {
     pub close_replaced_pane: bool,
     #[prost(uint32, optional, tag="9")]
     pub tab_id: ::core::option::Option<u32>,
+    #[prost(bool, tag="10")]
+    pub no_focus: bool,
 }
 #[allow(clippy::derive_partial_eq_without_eq)]
 #[derive(Clone, PartialEq, ::prost::Message)]
@@ -862,6 +864,8 @@ pub struct NewFloatingPaneAction {
     pub near_current_pane: bool,
     #[prost(uint32, optional, tag="8")]
     pub tab_id: ::core::option::Option<u32>,
+    #[prost(bool, tag="9")]
+    pub no_focus: bool,
 }
 #[allow(clippy::derive_partial_eq_without_eq)]
 #[derive(Clone, PartialEq, ::prost::Message)]
@@ -878,6 +882,8 @@ pub struct NewTiledPaneAction {
     pub borderless: ::core::option::Option<bool>,
     #[prost(uint32, optional, tag="9")]
     pub tab_id: ::core::option::Option<u32>,
+    #[prost(bool, tag="10")]
+    pub no_focus: bool,
 }
 #[allow(clippy::derive_partial_eq_without_eq)]
 #[derive(Clone, PartialEq, ::prost::Message)]
@@ -894,6 +900,8 @@ pub struct NewInPlacePaneAction {
     pub close_replaced_pane: bool,
     #[prost(uint32, optional, tag="6")]
     pub tab_id: ::core::option::Option<u32>,
+    #[prost(bool, tag="7")]
+    pub no_focus: bool,
 }
 #[allow(clippy::derive_partial_eq_without_eq)]
 #[derive(Clone, PartialEq, ::prost::Message)]
@@ -906,6 +914,8 @@ pub struct NewStackedPaneAction {
     pub near_current_pane: bool,
     #[prost(uint32, optional, tag="4")]
     pub tab_id: ::core::option::Option<u32>,
+    #[prost(bool, tag="5")]
+    pub no_focus: bool,
 }
 #[allow(clippy::derive_partial_eq_without_eq)]
 #[derive(Clone, PartialEq, ::prost::Message)]
@@ -922,6 +932,8 @@ pub struct NewBlockingPaneAction {
     pub near_current_pane: bool,
     #[prost(uint32, optional, tag="6")]
     pub tab_id: ::core::option::Option<u32>,
+    #[prost(bool, tag="7")]
+    pub no_focus: bool,
 }
 #[allow(clippy::derive_partial_eq_without_eq)]
 #[derive(Clone, PartialEq, ::prost::Message)]
@@ -984,6 +996,8 @@ pub struct RunAction {
     pub command: ::core::option::Option<RunCommandAction>,
     #[prost(bool, tag="2")]
     pub near_current_pane: bool,
+    #[prost(bool, tag="3")]
+    pub no_focus: bool,
 }
 #[allow(clippy::derive_partial_eq_without_eq)]
 #[derive(Clone, PartialEq, ::prost::Message)]
@@ -1020,6 +1034,8 @@ pub struct LaunchPluginAction {
     pub close_replaced_pane: bool,
     #[prost(uint32, optional, tag="7")]
     pub tab_id: ::core::option::Option<u32>,
+    #[prost(bool, tag="8")]
+    pub no_focus: bool,
 }
 #[allow(clippy::derive_partial_eq_without_eq)]
 #[derive(Clone, PartialEq, ::prost::Message)]
@@ -1064,6 +1080,8 @@ pub struct NewTiledPluginPaneAction {
     pub cwd: ::core::option::Option<::prost::alloc::string::String>,
     #[prost(uint32, optional, tag="5")]
     pub tab_id: ::core::option::Option<u32>,
+    #[prost(bool, tag="6")]
+    pub no_focus: bool,
 }
 #[allow(clippy::derive_partial_eq_without_eq)]
 #[derive(Clone, PartialEq, ::prost::Message)]
@@ -1080,6 +1098,8 @@ pub struct NewFloatingPluginPaneAction {
     pub coordinates: ::core::option::Option<FloatingPaneCoordinates>,
     #[prost(uint32, optional, tag="6")]
     pub tab_id: ::core::option::Option<u32>,
+    #[prost(bool, tag="7")]
+    pub no_focus: bool,
 }
 #[allow(clippy::derive_partial_eq_without_eq)]
 #[derive(Clone, PartialEq, ::prost::Message)]
@@ -1094,6 +1114,8 @@ pub struct NewInPlacePluginPaneAction {
     pub close_replaced_pane: bool,
     #[prost(uint32, optional, tag="5")]
     pub tab_id: ::core::option::Option<u32>,
+    #[prost(bool, tag="6")]
+    pub no_focus: bool,
 }
 #[allow(clippy::derive_partial_eq_without_eq)]
 #[derive(Clone, PartialEq, ::prost::Message)]
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/cli.rs b/zellij-utils/src/cli.rs
index ee2b6da1..e09755e0 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/cli.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/cli.rs
@@ -520,6 +520,11 @@ pub enum Sessions {
         /// if set, will open the pane near the current one rather than following the user's focus
         #[clap(long)]
         near_current_pane: bool,
+        #[clap(
+            long,
+            help = "if set, will open the pane without changing the focus of any client, placing it relative to the pane the command was issued from"
+        )]
+        no_focus: bool,
         /// start this pane without a border (warning: will make it impossible to move with the
         /// mouse)
         #[clap(short, long, value_parser)]
@@ -588,6 +593,11 @@ pub enum Sessions {
         /// Whether to pin a floating pane so that it is always on top
         #[clap(long, requires("floating"))]
         pinned: Option<bool>,
+        #[clap(
+            long,
+            help = "if set, will open the plugin pane without changing the focus of any client, placing it relative to the pane the command was issued from"
+        )]
+        no_focus: bool,
         /// start this pane without a border (warning: will make it impossible to move with the
         /// mouse)
         #[clap(short, long, value_parser)]
@@ -657,6 +667,11 @@ pub enum Sessions {
         /// if set, will open the pane near the current one rather than following the user's focus
         #[clap(long)]
         near_current_pane: bool,
+        #[clap(
+            long,
+            help = "if set, will open the pane without changing the focus of any client, placing it relative to the pane the command was issued from"
+        )]
+        no_focus: bool,
         /// start this pane without a border (warning: will make it impossible to move with the
         /// mouse)
         #[clap(short, long, value_parser)]
@@ -1050,6 +1065,11 @@ pub enum CliAction {
         /// if set, will open the pane near the current one rather than following the user's focus
         #[clap(long)]
         near_current_pane: bool,
+        #[clap(
+            long,
+            help = "if set, will open the pane without changing the focus of any client, placing it relative to the pane the command was issued from"
+        )]
+        no_focus: bool,
         /// start this pane without a border (warning: will make it impossible to move with the
         /// mouse)
         #[clap(long, value_parser)]
@@ -1123,6 +1143,11 @@ pub enum CliAction {
         /// if set, will open the pane near the current one rather than following the user's focus
         #[clap(long)]
         near_current_pane: bool,
+        #[clap(
+            long,
+            help = "if set, will open the pane without changing the focus of any client, placing it relative to the pane the command was issued from"
+        )]
+        no_focus: bool,
         /// start this pane without a border (warning: will make it impossible to move with the
         /// mouse)
         #[clap(short, long, value_parser)]
@@ -1335,6 +1360,12 @@ pub enum CliAction {
             conflicts_with("block-until-exit-failure")
         )]
         block_until_exit: bool,
+
+        #[clap(
+            long,
+            help = "if set, will create the tab without changing the focus of any client"
+        )]
+        no_focus: bool,
     },
     /// Move the focused tab in the specified direction. [right|left]
     MoveTab {
@@ -1437,6 +1468,11 @@ pub enum CliAction {
         configuration: Option<PluginUserConfiguration>,
         #[clap(short, long, value_parser)]
         skip_plugin_cache: bool,
+        #[clap(
+            long,
+            help = "if set, will open the plugin pane without changing the focus of any client"
+        )]
+        no_focus: bool,
         /// Target a specific tab by ID
         #[clap(long, value_parser, conflicts_with("in-place"))]
         tab_id: Option<usize>,
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/client_server_contract/common_types.proto b/zellij-utils/src/client_server_contract/common_types.proto
index 14f8eda0..4c2f8395 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/client_server_contract/common_types.proto
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/client_server_contract/common_types.proto
@@ -469,6 +469,7 @@ message EditFileAction {
   bool near_current_pane = 7;
   bool close_replaced_pane = 8;
   optional uint32 tab_id = 9;
+  bool no_focus = 10;
 }
 
 message NewFloatingPaneAction {
@@ -477,6 +478,7 @@ message NewFloatingPaneAction {
   optional FloatingPaneCoordinates coordinates = 3;
   bool near_current_pane = 7;
   optional uint32 tab_id = 8;
+  bool no_focus = 9;
 }
 
 message NewTiledPaneAction {
@@ -486,6 +488,7 @@ message NewTiledPaneAction {
   bool near_current_pane = 7;
   optional bool borderless = 8;
   optional uint32 tab_id = 9;
+  bool no_focus = 10;
 }
 
 message NewInPlacePaneAction {
@@ -495,6 +498,7 @@ message NewInPlacePaneAction {
   optional PaneId pane_id_to_replace = 4;
   bool close_replaced_pane = 5;
   optional uint32 tab_id = 6;
+  bool no_focus = 7;
 }
 
 message NewStackedPaneAction {
@@ -502,6 +506,7 @@ message NewStackedPaneAction {
   optional string pane_name = 2;
   bool near_current_pane = 3;
   optional uint32 tab_id = 4;
+  bool no_focus = 5;
 }
 
 message NewBlockingPaneAction {
@@ -511,6 +516,7 @@ message NewBlockingPaneAction {
   optional UnblockCondition unblock_condition = 4;
   bool near_current_pane = 5;
   optional uint32 tab_id = 6;
+  bool no_focus = 7;
 }
 
 message PaneNameInputAction {
@@ -549,6 +555,7 @@ message MoveTabAction {
 message RunAction {
   RunCommandAction command = 1;
   bool near_current_pane = 2;
+  bool no_focus = 3;
 }
 
 message LaunchOrFocusPluginAction {
@@ -569,6 +576,7 @@ message LaunchPluginAction {
   optional string cwd = 5;
   bool close_replaced_pane = 6;
   optional uint32 tab_id = 7;
+  bool no_focus = 8;
 }
 
 message MouseEventAction {
@@ -597,6 +605,7 @@ message NewTiledPluginPaneAction {
   bool skip_cache = 3;
   optional string cwd = 4;
   optional uint32 tab_id = 5;
+  bool no_focus = 6;
 }
 
 message NewFloatingPluginPaneAction {
@@ -606,6 +615,7 @@ message NewFloatingPluginPaneAction {
   optional string cwd = 4;
   optional FloatingPaneCoordinates coordinates = 5;
   optional uint32 tab_id = 6;
+  bool no_focus = 7;
 }
 
 message NewInPlacePluginPaneAction {
@@ -614,6 +624,7 @@ message NewInPlacePluginPaneAction {
   bool skip_cache = 3;
   bool close_replaced_pane = 4;
   optional uint32 tab_id = 5;
+  bool no_focus = 6;
 }
 
 message StartOrReloadPluginAction {
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/input/actions.rs b/zellij-utils/src/input/actions.rs
index 757e99e4..c0e953b6 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/input/actions.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/input/actions.rs
@@ -235,6 +235,7 @@ pub enum Action {
         command: Option<RunCommandAction>,
         unblock_condition: Option<UnblockCondition>,
         near_current_pane: bool,
+        no_focus: bool,
         tab_id: Option<usize>,
     },
     /// Open the file in a new pane using the default editor
@@ -248,6 +249,7 @@ pub enum Action {
         start_suppressed: bool,
         coordinates: Option<FloatingPaneCoordinates>,
         near_current_pane: bool,
+        no_focus: bool,
         tab_id: Option<usize>,
     },
     /// Open a new floating pane
@@ -257,6 +259,7 @@ pub enum Action {
         pane_name: Option<String>,
         coordinates: Option<FloatingPaneCoordinates>,
         near_current_pane: bool,
+        no_focus: bool,
         tab_id: Option<usize>,
     },
     /// Open a new tiled (embedded, non-floating) pane
@@ -266,6 +269,7 @@ pub enum Action {
         command: Option<RunCommandAction>,
         pane_name: Option<String>,
         near_current_pane: bool,
+        no_focus: bool,
         borderless: Option<bool>,
         tab_id: Option<usize>,
     },
@@ -275,6 +279,7 @@ pub enum Action {
         command: Option<RunCommandAction>,
         pane_name: Option<String>,
         near_current_pane: bool,
+        no_focus: bool,
         pane_id_to_replace: Option<PaneId>,
         close_replaced_pane: bool,
         tab_id: Option<usize>,
@@ -284,6 +289,7 @@ pub enum Action {
         command: Option<RunCommandAction>,
         pane_name: Option<String>,
         near_current_pane: bool,
+        no_focus: bool,
         tab_id: Option<usize>,
     },
     /// Embed focused pane in tab if floating or float focused pane if embedded
@@ -347,6 +353,7 @@ pub enum Action {
     Run {
         command: RunCommandAction,
         near_current_pane: bool,
+        no_focus: bool,
     },
     /// Set pane default foreground/background color
     SetPaneColor {
@@ -388,6 +395,7 @@ pub enum Action {
         close_replaced_pane: bool,
         skip_cache: bool,
         cwd: Option<PathBuf>,
+        no_focus: bool,
         tab_id: Option<usize>,
     },
     MouseEvent {
@@ -434,6 +442,7 @@ pub enum Action {
         pane_name: Option<String>,
         skip_cache: bool,
         cwd: Option<PathBuf>,
+        no_focus: bool,
         tab_id: Option<usize>,
     },
     /// Returns: Created pane ID (format: plugin_<id>)
@@ -443,6 +452,7 @@ pub enum Action {
         skip_cache: bool,
         cwd: Option<PathBuf>,
         coordinates: Option<FloatingPaneCoordinates>,
+        no_focus: bool,
         tab_id: Option<usize>,
     },
     /// Returns: Created pane ID (format: plugin_<id>)
@@ -451,6 +461,7 @@ pub enum Action {
         pane_name: Option<String>,
         skip_cache: bool,
         close_replaced_pane: bool,
+        no_focus: bool,
         tab_id: Option<usize>,
     },
     StartOrReloadPlugin {
@@ -1039,6 +1050,7 @@ impl Action {
                 block_until_exit,
                 unblock_condition,
                 near_current_pane,
+                no_focus,
                 borderless,
                 tab_id,
             } => {
@@ -1124,6 +1136,7 @@ impl Action {
                         command,
                         unblock_condition,
                         near_current_pane,
+                        no_focus,
                         tab_id,
                     }])
                 } else if let Some(plugin) = plugin {
@@ -1156,6 +1169,7 @@ impl Action {
                             coordinates: FloatingPaneCoordinates::new(
                                 x, y, width, height, pinned, borderless,
                             ),
+                            no_focus,
                             tab_id,
                         }])
                     } else if in_place {
@@ -1164,6 +1178,7 @@ impl Action {
                             pane_name: name,
                             skip_cache: skip_plugin_cache,
                             close_replaced_pane,
+                            no_focus,
                             tab_id,
                         }])
                     } else {
@@ -1180,6 +1195,7 @@ impl Action {
                             pane_name: name,
                             skip_cache: skip_plugin_cache,
                             cwd,
+                            no_focus,
                             tab_id,
                         }])
                     }
@@ -1205,6 +1221,7 @@ impl Action {
                                 x, y, width, height, pinned, borderless,
                             ),
                             near_current_pane,
+                            no_focus,
                             tab_id,
                         }])
                     } else if in_place {
@@ -1212,6 +1229,7 @@ impl Action {
                             command: Some(run_command_action),
                             pane_name: name,
                             near_current_pane,
+                            no_focus,
                             pane_id_to_replace,
                             close_replaced_pane,
                             tab_id,
@@ -1221,6 +1239,7 @@ impl Action {
                             command: Some(run_command_action),
                             pane_name: name,
                             near_current_pane,
+                            no_focus,
                             tab_id,
                         }])
                     } else {
@@ -1229,6 +1248,7 @@ impl Action {
                             command: Some(run_command_action),
                             pane_name: name,
                             near_current_pane,
+                            no_focus,
                             borderless,
                             tab_id,
                         }])
@@ -1242,6 +1262,7 @@ impl Action {
                                 x, y, width, height, pinned, borderless,
                             ),
                             near_current_pane,
+                            no_focus,
                             tab_id,
                         }])
                     } else if in_place {
@@ -1249,6 +1270,7 @@ impl Action {
                             command: None,
                             pane_name: name,
                             near_current_pane,
+                            no_focus,
                             pane_id_to_replace,
                             close_replaced_pane,
                             tab_id,
@@ -1258,6 +1280,7 @@ impl Action {
                             command: None,
                             pane_name: name,
                             near_current_pane,
+                            no_focus,
                             tab_id,
                         }])
                     } else {
@@ -1266,6 +1289,7 @@ impl Action {
                             command: None,
                             pane_name: name,
                             near_current_pane,
+                            no_focus,
                             borderless,
                             tab_id,
                         }])
@@ -1286,6 +1310,7 @@ impl Action {
                 height,
                 pinned,
                 near_current_pane,
+                no_focus,
                 borderless,
                 tab_id,
             } => {
@@ -1311,6 +1336,7 @@ impl Action {
                         x, y, width, height, pinned, borderless,
                     ),
                     near_current_pane,
+                    no_focus,
                     tab_id,
                 }])
             },
@@ -1414,6 +1440,7 @@ impl Action {
                 block_until_exit_success,
                 block_until_exit_failure,
                 block_until_exit,
+                no_focus,
             } => {
                 let current_dir = get_current_dir();
                 let cwd = cwd
@@ -1520,8 +1547,8 @@ impl Action {
                             .any(|(_, layout, _)| layout.focus.unwrap_or(false));
                         for (tab_name, layout, floating_panes_layout) in tabs.drain(..) {
                             let name = tab_name.or_else(|| name.clone());
-                            let should_change_focus_to_new_tab =
-                                layout.focus.unwrap_or_else(|| {
+                            let should_change_focus_to_new_tab = !no_focus
+                                && layout.focus.unwrap_or_else(|| {
                                     if !has_focused_tab {
                                         has_focused_tab = true;
                                         true
@@ -1546,7 +1573,7 @@ impl Action {
                         let swap_tiled_layouts = Some(layout.swap_tiled_layouts.clone());
                         let swap_floating_layouts = Some(layout.swap_floating_layouts.clone());
                         let (layout, floating_panes_layout) = layout.new_tab();
-                        let should_change_focus_to_new_tab = true;
+                        let should_change_focus_to_new_tab = !no_focus;
                         Ok(vec![Action::NewTab {
                             tiled_layout: Some(layout),
                             floating_layouts: floating_panes_layout,
@@ -1636,8 +1663,8 @@ impl Action {
                             .any(|(_, layout, _)| layout.focus.unwrap_or(false));
                         for (tab_name, layout, floating_panes_layout) in tabs.drain(..) {
                             let name = tab_name.or_else(|| name.clone());
-                            let should_change_focus_to_new_tab =
-                                layout.focus.unwrap_or_else(|| {
+                            let should_change_focus_to_new_tab = !no_focus
+                                && layout.focus.unwrap_or_else(|| {
                                     if !has_focused_tab {
                                         has_focused_tab = true;
                                         true
@@ -1662,7 +1689,7 @@ impl Action {
                         let swap_tiled_layouts = Some(layout.swap_tiled_layouts.clone());
                         let swap_floating_layouts = Some(layout.swap_floating_layouts.clone());
                         let (layout, floating_panes_layout) = layout.new_tab();
-                        let should_change_focus_to_new_tab = true;
+                        let should_change_focus_to_new_tab = !no_focus;
                         Ok(vec![Action::NewTab {
                             tiled_layout: Some(layout),
                             floating_layouts: floating_panes_layout,
@@ -1676,7 +1703,7 @@ impl Action {
                         }])
                     }
                 } else {
-                    let should_change_focus_to_new_tab = true;
+                    let should_change_focus_to_new_tab = !no_focus;
                     Ok(vec![Action::NewTab {
                         tiled_layout: None,
                         floating_layouts: vec![],
@@ -1854,6 +1881,7 @@ impl Action {
                 close_replaced_pane,
                 configuration,
                 skip_plugin_cache,
+                no_focus,
                 tab_id,
             } => {
                 let current_dir = get_current_dir();
@@ -1870,6 +1898,7 @@ impl Action {
                     close_replaced_pane,
                     skip_cache: skip_plugin_cache,
                     cwd: Some(current_dir),
+                    no_focus,
                     tab_id,
                 }])
             },
@@ -3474,6 +3503,7 @@ mod tests {
             block_until_exit: false,
             block_until_exit_success: false,
             block_until_exit_failure: false,
+            no_focus: false,
         };
         let result = Action::actions_from_cli(cli_action, Box::new(|| PathBuf::from("/tmp")), None);
         assert!(result.is_ok());
@@ -3510,6 +3540,7 @@ mod tests {
             block_until_exit: false,
             block_until_exit_success: false,
             block_until_exit_failure: false,
+            no_focus: false,
         };
         let result = Action::actions_from_cli(cli_action, Box::new(|| PathBuf::from("/tmp")), None);
         assert!(result.is_err());
@@ -3608,6 +3639,7 @@ mod tests {
             block_until_exit: false,
             unblock_condition: None,
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             borderless: None,
             tab_id: Some(3),
         };
@@ -3651,6 +3683,7 @@ mod tests {
             block_until_exit: false,
             unblock_condition: None,
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             borderless: None,
             tab_id: None,
         };
@@ -3694,6 +3727,7 @@ mod tests {
             block_until_exit: false,
             unblock_condition: None,
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             borderless: None,
             tab_id: None,
         };
@@ -3739,6 +3773,7 @@ mod tests {
             block_until_exit: false,
             unblock_condition: None,
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             borderless: None,
             tab_id: None,
         };
@@ -3775,6 +3810,7 @@ mod tests {
             block_until_exit: false,
             unblock_condition: None,
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             borderless: None,
             tab_id: Some(5),
         };
@@ -3818,6 +3854,7 @@ mod tests {
             block_until_exit: false,
             unblock_condition: None,
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             borderless: None,
             tab_id: Some(1),
         };
@@ -3861,6 +3898,7 @@ mod tests {
             block_until_exit: false,
             unblock_condition: None,
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             borderless: None,
             tab_id: Some(2),
         };
@@ -3892,6 +3930,7 @@ mod tests {
             height: None,
             pinned: None,
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             borderless: None,
             tab_id: Some(4),
         };
@@ -3923,6 +3962,7 @@ mod tests {
             height: None,
             pinned: None,
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             borderless: None,
             tab_id: None,
         };
@@ -3966,6 +4006,7 @@ mod tests {
             block_until_exit: false,
             unblock_condition: None,
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             borderless: None,
             tab_id: Some(2),
         };
@@ -4009,6 +4050,7 @@ mod tests {
             block_until_exit: false,
             unblock_condition: None,
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             borderless: None,
             tab_id: Some(1),
         };
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/ipc/protobuf_conversion.rs b/zellij-utils/src/ipc/protobuf_conversion.rs
index 1f625ddd..ebaae103 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/ipc/protobuf_conversion.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/ipc/protobuf_conversion.rs
@@ -1225,6 +1225,7 @@ impl From<crate::input::actions::Action>
                 start_suppressed,
                 coordinates,
                 near_current_pane,
+                no_focus,
                 tab_id,
                 ..
             } => ActionType::EditFile(EditFileAction {
@@ -1237,12 +1238,14 @@ impl From<crate::input::actions::Action>
                 coordinates: coordinates.map(|c| c.into()),
                 near_current_pane,
                 tab_id: tab_id.map(|t| t as u32),
+                no_focus,
             }),
             crate::input::actions::Action::NewFloatingPane {
                 command,
                 pane_name,
                 coordinates,
                 near_current_pane,
+                no_focus,
                 tab_id,
                 ..
             } => ActionType::NewFloatingPane(NewFloatingPaneAction {
@@ -1251,12 +1254,14 @@ impl From<crate::input::actions::Action>
                 coordinates: coordinates.map(|c| c.into()),
                 near_current_pane,
                 tab_id: tab_id.map(|t| t as u32),
+                no_focus,
             }),
             crate::input::actions::Action::NewTiledPane {
                 direction,
                 command,
                 pane_name,
                 near_current_pane,
+                no_focus,
                 borderless,
                 tab_id,
                 ..
@@ -1267,11 +1272,13 @@ impl From<crate::input::actions::Action>
                 near_current_pane,
                 borderless,
                 tab_id: tab_id.map(|t| t as u32),
+                no_focus,
             }),
             crate::input::actions::Action::NewInPlacePane {
                 command,
                 pane_name,
                 near_current_pane,
+                no_focus,
                 pane_id_to_replace,
                 close_replaced_pane,
                 tab_id,
@@ -1283,11 +1290,13 @@ impl From<crate::input::actions::Action>
                 pane_id_to_replace: pane_id_to_replace.and_then(|p| p.try_into().ok()),
                 close_replaced_pane,
                 tab_id: tab_id.map(|t| t as u32),
+                no_focus,
             }),
             crate::input::actions::Action::NewStackedPane {
                 command,
                 pane_name,
                 near_current_pane,
+                no_focus,
                 tab_id,
                 ..
             } => ActionType::NewStackedPane(NewStackedPaneAction {
@@ -1295,6 +1304,7 @@ impl From<crate::input::actions::Action>
                 pane_name,
                 near_current_pane,
                 tab_id: tab_id.map(|t| t as u32),
+                no_focus,
             }),
             crate::input::actions::Action::NewBlockingPane {
                 placement,
@@ -1302,6 +1312,7 @@ impl From<crate::input::actions::Action>
                 command,
                 unblock_condition,
                 near_current_pane,
+                no_focus,
                 tab_id,
                 ..
             } => ActionType::NewBlockingPane(NewBlockingPaneAction {
@@ -1311,6 +1322,7 @@ impl From<crate::input::actions::Action>
                 unblock_condition: unblock_condition.map(|c| unblock_condition_to_proto_i32(c)),
                 near_current_pane,
                 tab_id: tab_id.map(|t| t as u32),
+                no_focus,
             }),
             crate::input::actions::Action::TogglePaneEmbedOrFloating => {
                 ActionType::TogglePaneEmbedOrFloating(TogglePaneEmbedOrFloatingAction {})
@@ -1403,9 +1415,11 @@ impl From<crate::input::actions::Action>
             crate::input::actions::Action::Run {
                 command,
                 near_current_pane,
+                no_focus,
             } => ActionType::Run(RunAction {
                 command: Some(command.into()),
                 near_current_pane,
+                no_focus,
             }),
             crate::input::actions::Action::Detach => ActionType::Detach(DetachAction {}),
             crate::input::actions::Action::SetDarkTheme => {
@@ -1458,6 +1472,7 @@ impl From<crate::input::actions::Action>
                 close_replaced_pane,
                 skip_cache,
                 cwd,
+                no_focus,
                 tab_id,
                 ..
             } => ActionType::LaunchPlugin(LaunchPluginAction {
@@ -1468,6 +1483,7 @@ impl From<crate::input::actions::Action>
                 skip_cache,
                 cwd: cwd.map(|p| p.to_string_lossy().to_string()),
                 tab_id: tab_id.map(|t| t as u32),
+                no_focus,
             }),
             crate::input::actions::Action::MouseEvent { event } => {
                 ActionType::MouseEvent(MouseEventAction {
@@ -1528,6 +1544,7 @@ impl From<crate::input::actions::Action>
                 pane_name,
                 skip_cache,
                 cwd,
+                no_focus,
                 tab_id,
                 ..
             } => ActionType::NewTiledPluginPane(NewTiledPluginPaneAction {
@@ -1536,6 +1553,7 @@ impl From<crate::input::actions::Action>
                 skip_cache,
                 cwd: cwd.map(|p| p.to_string_lossy().to_string()),
                 tab_id: tab_id.map(|t| t as u32),
+                no_focus,
             }),
             crate::input::actions::Action::NewFloatingPluginPane {
                 plugin,
@@ -1543,6 +1561,7 @@ impl From<crate::input::actions::Action>
                 skip_cache,
                 cwd,
                 coordinates,
+                no_focus,
                 tab_id,
                 ..
             } => ActionType::NewFloatingPluginPane(NewFloatingPluginPaneAction {
@@ -1552,12 +1571,14 @@ impl From<crate::input::actions::Action>
                 cwd: cwd.map(|p| p.to_string_lossy().to_string()),
                 coordinates: coordinates.map(|c| c.into()),
                 tab_id: tab_id.map(|t| t as u32),
+                no_focus,
             }),
             crate::input::actions::Action::NewInPlacePluginPane {
                 plugin,
                 pane_name,
                 skip_cache,
                 close_replaced_pane,
+                no_focus,
                 tab_id,
                 ..
             } => ActionType::NewInPlacePluginPane(NewInPlacePluginPaneAction {
@@ -1566,6 +1587,7 @@ impl From<crate::input::actions::Action>
                 skip_cache,
                 close_replaced_pane,
                 tab_id: tab_id.map(|t| t as u32),
+                no_focus,
             }),
             crate::input::actions::Action::StartOrReloadPlugin { plugin } => {
                 ActionType::StartOrReloadPlugin(StartOrReloadPluginAction {
@@ -2099,6 +2121,7 @@ impl TryFrom<crate::client_server_contract::client_server_contract::Action>
                     .map(|c| c.try_into())
                     .transpose()?,
                 near_current_pane: edit_file_action.near_current_pane,
+                no_focus: edit_file_action.no_focus,
                 tab_id: edit_file_action.tab_id.map(|t| t as usize),
             }),
             ActionType::NewFloatingPane(new_floating_action) => {
@@ -2113,6 +2136,7 @@ impl TryFrom<crate::client_server_contract::client_server_contract::Action>
                         .map(|c| c.try_into())
                         .transpose()?,
                     near_current_pane: new_floating_action.near_current_pane,
+                    no_focus: new_floating_action.no_focus,
                     tab_id: new_floating_action.tab_id.map(|t| t as usize),
                 })
             },
@@ -2125,6 +2149,7 @@ impl TryFrom<crate::client_server_contract::client_server_contract::Action>
                     command: new_tiled_action.command.map(|c| c.try_into()).transpose()?,
                     pane_name: new_tiled_action.pane_name,
                     near_current_pane: new_tiled_action.near_current_pane,
+                    no_focus: new_tiled_action.no_focus,
                     borderless: new_tiled_action.borderless,
                     tab_id: new_tiled_action.tab_id.map(|t| t as usize),
                 })
@@ -2137,6 +2162,7 @@ impl TryFrom<crate::client_server_contract::client_server_contract::Action>
                         .transpose()?,
                     pane_name: new_in_place_action.pane_name,
                     near_current_pane: new_in_place_action.near_current_pane,
+                    no_focus: new_in_place_action.no_focus,
                     pane_id_to_replace: new_in_place_action
                         .pane_id_to_replace
                         .and_then(|p| p.try_into().ok()),
@@ -2152,6 +2178,7 @@ impl TryFrom<crate::client_server_contract::client_server_contract::Action>
                         .transpose()?,
                     pane_name: new_stacked_action.pane_name,
                     near_current_pane: new_stacked_action.near_current_pane,
+                    no_focus: new_stacked_action.no_focus,
                     tab_id: new_stacked_action.tab_id.map(|t| t as usize),
                 })
             },
@@ -2171,6 +2198,7 @@ impl TryFrom<crate::client_server_contract::client_server_contract::Action>
                         .map(|c| proto_i32_to_unblock_condition(c))
                         .transpose()?,
                     near_current_pane: new_blocking_action.near_current_pane,
+                    no_focus: new_blocking_action.no_focus,
                     tab_id: new_blocking_action.tab_id.map(|t| t as usize),
                 })
             },
@@ -2287,6 +2315,7 @@ impl TryFrom<crate::client_server_contract::client_server_contract::Action>
                     .ok_or_else(|| anyhow!("Run missing command"))?
                     .try_into()?,
                 near_current_pane: run_action.near_current_pane,
+                no_focus: run_action.no_focus,
             }),
             ActionType::Detach(_) => Ok(crate::input::actions::Action::Detach),
             ActionType::SetDarkTheme(_) => Ok(crate::input::actions::Action::SetDarkTheme),
@@ -2332,6 +2361,7 @@ impl TryFrom<crate::client_server_contract::client_server_contract::Action>
                     close_replaced_pane: launch_plugin_action.close_replaced_pane,
                     skip_cache: launch_plugin_action.skip_cache,
                     cwd: launch_plugin_action.cwd.map(PathBuf::from),
+                    no_focus: launch_plugin_action.no_focus,
                     tab_id: launch_plugin_action.tab_id.map(|t| t as usize),
                 })
             },
@@ -2405,6 +2435,7 @@ impl TryFrom<crate::client_server_contract::client_server_contract::Action>
                     pane_name: new_tiled_plugin_action.pane_name,
                     skip_cache: new_tiled_plugin_action.skip_cache,
                     cwd: new_tiled_plugin_action.cwd.map(PathBuf::from),
+                    no_focus: new_tiled_plugin_action.no_focus,
                     tab_id: new_tiled_plugin_action.tab_id.map(|t| t as usize),
                 })
             },
@@ -2421,6 +2452,7 @@ impl TryFrom<crate::client_server_contract::client_server_contract::Action>
                         .coordinates
                         .map(|c| c.try_into())
                         .transpose()?,
+                    no_focus: new_floating_plugin_action.no_focus,
                     tab_id: new_floating_plugin_action.tab_id.map(|t| t as usize),
                 })
             },
@@ -2433,6 +2465,7 @@ impl TryFrom<crate::client_server_contract::client_server_contract::Action>
                     pane_name: new_in_place_plugin_action.pane_name,
                     skip_cache: new_in_place_plugin_action.skip_cache,
                     close_replaced_pane: new_in_place_plugin_action.close_replaced_pane,
+                    no_focus: new_in_place_plugin_action.no_focus,
                     tab_id: new_in_place_plugin_action.tab_id.map(|t| t as usize),
                 })
             },
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/ipc/tests/roundtrip_tests.rs b/zellij-utils/src/ipc/tests/roundtrip_tests.rs
index 4f9d57ac..db0b8fc1 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/ipc/tests/roundtrip_tests.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/ipc/tests/roundtrip_tests.rs
@@ -1059,6 +1059,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
             start_suppressed: false,
             coordinates: None,
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             tab_id: None,
         },
         terminal_id: Some(1),
@@ -1084,6 +1085,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
             start_suppressed: false,
             coordinates: None,
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             tab_id: None,
         },
         terminal_id: Some(1),
@@ -1109,6 +1111,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
             start_suppressed: false,
             coordinates: None,
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             tab_id: None,
         },
         terminal_id: Some(1),
@@ -1134,6 +1137,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
             start_suppressed: true,
             coordinates: FloatingPaneCoordinates::new(None, None, None, None, None, Some(false)),
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             tab_id: None,
         },
         terminal_id: Some(1),
@@ -1166,6 +1170,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
                 Some(false),
             ),
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             tab_id: None,
         },
         terminal_id: Some(1),
@@ -1198,6 +1203,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
                 Some(false),
             ),
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             tab_id: None,
         },
         terminal_id: Some(1),
@@ -1230,6 +1236,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
                 Some(false),
             ),
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             tab_id: None,
         },
         terminal_id: Some(1),
@@ -1262,6 +1269,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
                 Some(false)
             ),
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             tab_id: None,
         },
         terminal_id: Some(1),
@@ -1274,6 +1282,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
             pane_name: None,
             coordinates: None,
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             tab_id: None,
         },
         terminal_id: Some(1),
@@ -1302,6 +1311,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
                 Some(false),
             ),
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             tab_id: None,
         },
         terminal_id: Some(1),
@@ -1334,6 +1344,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
                 Some(false),
             ),
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             tab_id: None,
         },
         terminal_id: Some(1),
@@ -1346,6 +1357,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
             direction: None,
             pane_name: None,
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             borderless: None,
             tab_id: None,
         },
@@ -1372,6 +1384,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
             direction: Some(Direction::Right),
             pane_name: Some("my_pane_name".to_owned()),
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             borderless: Some(true),
             tab_id: None,
         },
@@ -1397,6 +1410,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
             }),
             pane_name: Some("my_pane_name".to_owned()),
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             pane_id_to_replace: None,
             close_replaced_pane: false,
             tab_id: None,
@@ -1410,6 +1424,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
             command: None,
             pane_name: None,
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             pane_id_to_replace: None,
             close_replaced_pane: false,
             tab_id: None,
@@ -1436,6 +1451,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
             }),
             pane_name: Some("my_pane_name".to_owned()),
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             tab_id: None,
         },
         terminal_id: Some(1),
@@ -1447,6 +1463,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
             command: None,
             pane_name: None,
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             tab_id: None,
         },
         terminal_id: Some(1),
@@ -2249,6 +2266,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
                 use_terminal_title: false,
             },
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
         },
         terminal_id: Some(1),
         client_id: Some(100),
@@ -2296,6 +2314,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
             close_replaced_pane: false,
             skip_cache: true,
             cwd: None,
+            no_focus: true,
             tab_id: None,
         },
         terminal_id: Some(1),
@@ -2310,6 +2329,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
             close_replaced_pane: false,
             skip_cache: false,
             cwd: Some(PathBuf::from("/path/to/cwd")),
+            no_focus: false,
             tab_id: None,
         },
         terminal_id: Some(1),
@@ -2483,6 +2503,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
             pane_name: Some("my_pane_name".to_owned()),
             skip_cache: false,
             cwd: Some(PathBuf::from("relative/path/to/cwd")),
+            no_focus: false,
             tab_id: None,
         },
         terminal_id: Some(1),
@@ -2496,6 +2517,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
             skip_cache: true,
             cwd: Some(PathBuf::from("relative/path/to/cwd")),
             coordinates: None,
+            no_focus: false,
             tab_id: None,
         },
         terminal_id: Some(1),
@@ -2516,6 +2538,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
                 Some(true),
                 Some(false),
             ),
+            no_focus: false,
             tab_id: None,
         },
         terminal_id: Some(1),
@@ -2528,6 +2551,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
             pane_name: Some("my_pane_name".to_owned()),
             skip_cache: true,
             close_replaced_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             tab_id: None,
         },
         terminal_id: Some(1),
@@ -2540,6 +2564,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
             command: None,
             pane_name: None,
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             borderless: None,
             tab_id: Some(3),
         },
@@ -2553,6 +2578,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
             pane_name: None,
             coordinates: None,
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             tab_id: Some(5),
         },
         terminal_id: Some(1),
@@ -2564,6 +2590,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
             command: None,
             pane_name: None,
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             tab_id: Some(2),
         },
         terminal_id: Some(1),
@@ -2580,6 +2607,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
             command: None,
             unblock_condition: None,
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             tab_id: Some(1),
         },
         terminal_id: Some(1),
@@ -2601,6 +2629,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
             start_suppressed: false,
             coordinates: None,
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             tab_id: Some(4),
         },
         terminal_id: Some(1),
@@ -2612,6 +2641,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
             command: None,
             pane_name: None,
             near_current_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             pane_id_to_replace: None,
             close_replaced_pane: false,
             tab_id: Some(7),
@@ -2642,6 +2672,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
             close_replaced_pane: false,
             skip_cache: false,
             cwd: None,
+            no_focus: false,
             tab_id: Some(6),
         },
         terminal_id: Some(1),
@@ -2654,6 +2685,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
             pane_name: None,
             skip_cache: false,
             cwd: None,
+            no_focus: false,
             tab_id: Some(1),
         },
         terminal_id: Some(1),
@@ -2667,6 +2699,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
             skip_cache: false,
             cwd: None,
             coordinates: None,
+            no_focus: false,
             tab_id: Some(3),
         },
         terminal_id: Some(1),
@@ -2679,6 +2712,7 @@ fn test_client_messages() {
             pane_name: None,
             skip_cache: false,
             close_replaced_pane: false,
+            no_focus: false,
             tab_id: Some(2),
         },
         terminal_id: Some(1),
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/kdl/mod.rs b/zellij-utils/src/kdl/mod.rs
index 30495d5f..94848e63 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/kdl/mod.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/kdl/mod.rs
@@ -573,6 +573,7 @@ impl Action {
                         command: None,
                         pane_name: None,
                         near_current_pane: false,
+                        no_focus: false,
                         tab_id: None,
                     });
                 } else {
@@ -2038,6 +2039,7 @@ impl TryFrom<(&KdlNode, &Options)> for Action {
                             x, y, width, height, pinned, borderless,
                         ),
                         near_current_pane: false,
+                        no_focus: false,
                         tab_id: None,
                     })
                 } else if in_place {
@@ -2045,6 +2047,7 @@ impl TryFrom<(&KdlNode, &Options)> for Action {
                         command: Some(run_command_action),
                         pane_name: name,
                         near_current_pane: false,
+                        no_focus: false,
                         pane_id_to_replace: None,
                         close_replaced_pane,
                         tab_id: None,
@@ -2054,6 +2057,7 @@ impl TryFrom<(&KdlNode, &Options)> for Action {
                         command: Some(run_command_action),
                         pane_name: name,
                         near_current_pane: false,
+                        no_focus: false,
                         tab_id: None,
                     })
                 } else {
@@ -2062,6 +2066,7 @@ impl TryFrom<(&KdlNode, &Options)> for Action {
                         command: Some(run_command_action),
                         pane_name: name,
                         near_current_pane: false,
+                        no_focus: false,
                         borderless: None,
                         tab_id: None,
                     })
@@ -2171,6 +2176,7 @@ impl TryFrom<(&KdlNode, &Options)> for Action {
                     skip_cache: skip_plugin_cache,
                     cwd: None, // we explicitly do not send the current dir here so that it will be
                     // filled from the active pane == better UX
+                    no_focus: false,
                     tab_id: None,
                 })
             },
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/action.rs b/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/action.rs
index 209bff3f..f1d71222 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/action.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/action.rs
@@ -355,6 +355,7 @@ impl TryFrom<ProtobufAction> for Action {
                         start_suppressed: false,
                         coordinates: None,
                         near_current_pane,
+                        no_focus: false,
                         tab_id: None,
                     })
                 },
@@ -371,6 +372,7 @@ impl TryFrom<ProtobufAction> for Action {
                             pane_name,
                             coordinates: None,
                             near_current_pane,
+                            no_focus: false,
                             tab_id: None,
                         })
                     } else {
@@ -379,6 +381,7 @@ impl TryFrom<ProtobufAction> for Action {
                             pane_name: None,
                             coordinates: None,
                             near_current_pane,
+                            no_focus: false,
                             tab_id: None,
                         })
                     }
@@ -401,6 +404,7 @@ impl TryFrom<ProtobufAction> for Action {
                             command: Some(run_command_action),
                             pane_name,
                             near_current_pane,
+                            no_focus: false,
                             borderless,
                             tab_id: None,
                         })
@@ -410,6 +414,7 @@ impl TryFrom<ProtobufAction> for Action {
                             command: None,
                             pane_name: None,
                             near_current_pane,
+                            no_focus: false,
                             borderless,
                             tab_id: None,
                         })
@@ -620,6 +625,7 @@ impl TryFrom<ProtobufAction> for Action {
                     Ok(Action::Run {
                         command: run_command_action,
                         near_current_pane: false,
+                        no_focus: false,
                     })
                 },
                 _ => Err("Wrong payload for Action::Run"),
@@ -723,6 +729,7 @@ impl TryFrom<ProtobufAction> for Action {
                         close_replaced_pane: false,
                         skip_cache: skip_plugin_cache,
                         cwd: None,
+                        no_focus: false,
                         tab_id: None,
                     })
                 },
@@ -843,6 +850,7 @@ impl TryFrom<ProtobufAction> for Action {
                             pane_name,
                             skip_cache: skip_plugin_cache,
                             cwd: None,
+                            no_focus: false,
                             tab_id: None,
                         })
                     },
@@ -869,6 +877,7 @@ impl TryFrom<ProtobufAction> for Action {
                             skip_cache: skip_plugin_cache,
                             cwd: None,
                             coordinates: None,
+                            no_focus: false,
                             tab_id: None,
                         })
                     },
@@ -1022,6 +1031,7 @@ impl TryFrom<ProtobufAction> for Action {
                     command: None,
                     pane_name: None,
                     near_current_pane: false,
+                    no_focus: false,
                     tab_id: None,
                 }),
             },
@@ -1044,6 +1054,7 @@ impl TryFrom<ProtobufAction> for Action {
                         command,
                         unblock_condition,
                         near_current_pane,
+                        no_focus: false,
                         tab_id: None,
                     })
                 },
@@ -1062,6 +1073,7 @@ impl TryFrom<ProtobufAction> for Action {
                             command: Some(run_command_action),
                             pane_name,
                             near_current_pane,
+                            no_focus: false,
                             pane_id_to_replace,
                             close_replaced_pane,
                             tab_id: None,
@@ -1071,6 +1083,7 @@ impl TryFrom<ProtobufAction> for Action {
                             command: None,
                             pane_name: payload.pane_name,
                             near_current_pane,
+                            no_focus: false,
                             pane_id_to_replace,
                             close_replaced_pane,
                             tab_id: None,
@@ -1598,6 +1611,7 @@ impl TryFrom<Action> for ProtobufAction {
             Action::Run {
                 command: run_command_action,
                 near_current_pane: _,
+                no_focus: _,
             } => {
                 let run_command_action: ProtobufRunCommandAction = run_command_action.try_into()?;
                 Ok(ProtobufAction {
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__default_config_with_no_cli_arguments.snap b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__default_config_with_no_cli_arguments.snap
index 5a35fe4e..9b6ac7fe 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__default_config_with_no_cli_arguments.snap
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__default_config_with_no_cli_arguments.snap
@@ -1349,6 +1349,7 @@ Config {
                     command: None,
                     pane_name: None,
                     near_current_pane: false,
+                    no_focus: false,
                     tab_id: None,
                 },
                 SwitchToMode {
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_env_vars_override_config_env_vars.snap b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_env_vars_override_config_env_vars.snap
index 83046edf..6c210eeb 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_env_vars_override_config_env_vars.snap
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_env_vars_override_config_env_vars.snap
@@ -1349,6 +1349,7 @@ Config {
                     command: None,
                     pane_name: None,
                     near_current_pane: false,
+                    no_focus: false,
                     tab_id: None,
                 },
                 SwitchToMode {
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_themes_override_config_themes.snap b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_themes_override_config_themes.snap
index 7ae735ab..7f1625d3 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_themes_override_config_themes.snap
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_themes_override_config_themes.snap
@@ -1349,6 +1349,7 @@ Config {
                     command: None,
                     pane_name: None,
                     near_current_pane: false,
+                    no_focus: false,
                     tab_id: None,
                 },
                 SwitchToMode {
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_ui_config_overrides_config_ui_config.snap b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_ui_config_overrides_config_ui_config.snap
index f0391d92..c7db95cd 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_ui_config_overrides_config_ui_config.snap
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_ui_config_overrides_config_ui_config.snap
@@ -1349,6 +1349,7 @@ Config {
                     command: None,
                     pane_name: None,
                     near_current_pane: false,
+                    no_focus: false,
                     tab_id: None,
                 },
                 SwitchToMode {