fix(wysiwyg): Implement programmatic rendering to eliminate focus loss during typing

- Convert parent component to use static rendering with programmatic DOM manipulation
- Remove all reactive state that could trigger re-renders during editing
- Delay content sync to avoid interference with typing (2s auto-save)
- Update all block operations to use manual DOM updates instead of Lit re-renders
- Fix specific issue where typing + arrow keys caused focus loss
- Add comprehensive focus management documentation

readme.hints.md

@@ -410,3 +410,60 @@ Created `wysiwyg.interfaces.ts` with proper typing:
 5. All timing is handled via proper async/await patterns
 
 The refactoring eliminates race conditions and timing issues that were causing focus loss and content duplication problems.
+
+### Programmatic Rendering Solution (2025-06-24 - Part 10)
+
+Fixed persistent focus loss issue by implementing fully programmatic rendering:
+
+#### The Problem:
+- User would click in a block, type text, then press arrow keys and lose focus
+- Root cause: Lit was re-rendering components when block content was mutated
+- Even with shouldUpdate() preventing re-renders, parent re-evaluation caused focus loss
+
+#### The Solution:
+
+1. **Static Parent Rendering**:
+   - Parent component renders only once with empty editor content div
+   - All blocks are created and managed programmatically via DOM manipulation
+   - No Lit re-renders triggered by state changes
+
+2. **Manual Block Management**:
+   - `renderBlocksProgrammatically()` creates all block elements manually
+   - `createBlockElement()` builds block wrapper with all event handlers
+   - `updateBlockElement()` replaces individual blocks when needed
+   - No reactive properties trigger parent re-renders
+
+3. **Content Update Strategy**:
+   - During typing, content is NOT immediately synced to data model
+   - Auto-save delayed to 2 seconds to avoid interference
+   - Content synced from DOM only on blur or before save
+   - `syncAllBlockContent()` reads from DOM when needed
+
+4. **Focus Preservation**:
+   - Block components prevent re-renders with `shouldUpdate()`
+   - Parent never re-renders after initial load
+   - Focus remains stable during all editing operations
+   - Arrow key navigation works without focus loss
+
+5. **Implementation Details**:
+   ```typescript
+   // Parent render method - static after first render
+   render(): TemplateResult {
+     return html`
+       <div class="editor-content" id="editor-content">
+         <!-- Blocks rendered programmatically -->
+       </div>
+     `;
+   }
+   
+   // All block operations use DOM manipulation
+   private renderBlocksProgrammatically() {
+     this.editorContentRef.innerHTML = '';
+     this.blocks.forEach(block => {
+       const blockWrapper = this.createBlockElement(block);
+       this.editorContentRef.appendChild(blockWrapper);
+     });
+   }
+   ```
+
+This approach completely eliminates focus loss by taking full control of the DOM and preventing any framework-induced re-renders during editing.

ts_web/elements/wysiwyg/dees-input-wysiwyg.ts

@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ export class DeesInputWysiwyg extends DeesInputBase<string> {
     }
   ];
 
-  @state()
+  // Not using @state to avoid re-renders when selection changes
   private selectedBlockId: string | null = null;
 
   // Slash menu is now globally rendered
@@ -85,6 +85,9 @@ export class DeesInputWysiwyg extends DeesInputBase<string> {
   private keyboardHandler: WysiwygKeyboardHandler;
   private dragDropHandler: WysiwygDragDropHandler;
   
+  // Content cache to avoid triggering re-renders during typing
+  private contentCache: Map<string, string> = new Map();
+
   public static styles = [
     ...DeesInputBase.baseStyles,
     cssManager.defaultStyles,
@@ -110,6 +113,11 @@ export class DeesInputWysiwyg extends DeesInputBase<string> {
     document.removeEventListener('selectionchange', this.selectionChangeHandler);
     // Clean up handlers
     this.inputHandler?.destroy();
+    // Clean up blur timeout
+    if (this.blurTimeout) {
+      clearTimeout(this.blurTimeout);
+      this.blurTimeout = null;
+    }
   }
 
   async firstUpdated() {
@@ -127,6 +135,104 @@ export class DeesInputWysiwyg extends DeesInputBase<string> {
         this.updateFormattingMenuPosition();
       }
     });
+    
+    // Render blocks programmatically
+    this.renderBlocksProgrammatically();
+  }
+  
+  /**
+   * Renders all blocks programmatically without triggering re-renders
+   */
+  private renderBlocksProgrammatically() {
+    if (!this.editorContentRef) return;
+    
+    // Clear existing blocks
+    this.editorContentRef.innerHTML = '';
+    
+    // Create and append block elements
+    this.blocks.forEach(block => {
+      const blockWrapper = this.createBlockElement(block);
+      this.editorContentRef.appendChild(blockWrapper);
+    });
+  }
+  
+  /**
+   * Creates a block element programmatically
+   */
+  private createBlockElement(block: IBlock): HTMLElement {
+    const wrapper = document.createElement('div');
+    wrapper.className = 'block-wrapper';
+    wrapper.setAttribute('data-block-id', block.id);
+    
+    // Add drag handle for non-divider blocks
+    if (block.type !== 'divider') {
+      const dragHandle = document.createElement('div');
+      dragHandle.className = 'drag-handle';
+      dragHandle.draggable = true;
+      dragHandle.addEventListener('dragstart', (e) => this.dragDropHandler.handleDragStart(e, block));
+      dragHandle.addEventListener('dragend', () => this.dragDropHandler.handleDragEnd());
+      wrapper.appendChild(dragHandle);
+    }
+    
+    // Create the block component
+    const blockComponent = document.createElement('dees-wysiwyg-block') as any;
+    blockComponent.block = block;
+    blockComponent.isSelected = this.selectedBlockId === block.id;
+    blockComponent.handlers = {
+      onInput: (e: InputEvent) => this.inputHandler.handleBlockInput(e, block),
+      onKeyDown: (e: KeyboardEvent) => this.keyboardHandler.handleBlockKeyDown(e, block),
+      onFocus: () => this.handleBlockFocus(block),
+      onBlur: () => this.handleBlockBlur(block),
+      onCompositionStart: () => this.isComposing = true,
+      onCompositionEnd: () => this.isComposing = false,
+      onMouseUp: (e: MouseEvent) => this.handleTextSelection(e),
+    };
+    wrapper.appendChild(blockComponent);
+    
+    // Add settings button for non-divider blocks
+    if (block.type !== 'divider') {
+      const settings = document.createElement('div');
+      settings.className = 'block-settings';
+      settings.innerHTML = `
+        <svg width="16" height="16" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="currentColor">
+          <circle cx="12" cy="5" r="2"></circle>
+          <circle cx="12" cy="12" r="2"></circle>
+          <circle cx="12" cy="19" r="2"></circle>
+        </svg>
+      `;
+      settings.addEventListener('click', (e) => {
+        e.preventDefault();
+        e.stopPropagation();
+        WysiwygModalManager.showBlockSettingsModal(block, (updatedBlock) => {
+          this.updateValue();
+          // Re-render only the updated block
+          this.updateBlockElement(block.id);
+        });
+      });
+      wrapper.appendChild(settings);
+    }
+    
+    // Add drag event listeners
+    wrapper.addEventListener('dragover', (e) => this.dragDropHandler.handleDragOver(e, block));
+    wrapper.addEventListener('drop', (e) => this.dragDropHandler.handleDrop(e, block));
+    wrapper.addEventListener('dragleave', () => this.dragDropHandler.handleDragLeave(block));
+    
+    return wrapper;
+  }
+  
+  /**
+   * Updates a specific block element
+   */
+  private updateBlockElement(blockId: string) {
+    const block = this.blocks.find(b => b.id === blockId);
+    if (!block) return;
+    
+    const wrapper = this.editorContentRef.querySelector(`[data-block-id="${blockId}"]`);
+    if (!wrapper) return;
+    
+    // Replace with new element
+    const newWrapper = this.createBlockElement(block);
+    wrapper.replaceWith(newWrapper);
   }
 
 
@@ -141,70 +247,15 @@ export class DeesInputWysiwyg extends DeesInputBase<string> {
         <div 
           class="editor-content ${this.draggedBlockId ? 'dragging' : ''}"
           @click="${this.handleEditorClick}"
+          id="editor-content"
         >
-          ${this.blocks.map(block => this.renderBlock(block))}
+          <!-- Blocks will be rendered programmatically -->
         </div>
       </div>
     `;
   }
 
-  private renderBlock(block: IBlock): TemplateResult {
+  // Old renderBlock method removed - using programmatic rendering instead
-    const isSelected = this.selectedBlockId === block.id;
-    const isDragging = this.dragDropHandler.isDragging(block.id);
-    const isDragOver = this.dragDropHandler.isDragOver(block.id);
-    const dragOverClasses = this.dragDropHandler.getDragOverClasses(block.id);
-    
-    return html`
-      <div 
-        class="block-wrapper ${isDragging ? 'dragging' : ''} ${dragOverClasses}"
-        data-block-id="${block.id}"
-        @dragover="${(e: DragEvent) => this.dragDropHandler.handleDragOver(e, block)}"
-        @drop="${(e: DragEvent) => this.dragDropHandler.handleDrop(e, block)}"
-        @dragleave="${() => this.dragDropHandler.handleDragLeave(block)}"
-      >
-        ${block.type !== 'divider' ? html`
-          <div 
-            class="drag-handle"
-            draggable="true"
-            @dragstart="${(e: DragEvent) => this.dragDropHandler.handleDragStart(e, block)}"
-            @dragend="${() => this.dragDropHandler.handleDragEnd()}"
-          ></div>
-        ` : ''}
-        <dees-wysiwyg-block
-          .block="${block}"
-          .isSelected="${isSelected}"
-          .handlers="${{
-            onInput: (e: InputEvent) => this.inputHandler.handleBlockInput(e, block),
-            onKeyDown: (e: KeyboardEvent) => this.keyboardHandler.handleBlockKeyDown(e, block),
-            onFocus: () => this.handleBlockFocus(block),
-            onBlur: () => this.handleBlockBlur(block),
-            onCompositionStart: () => this.isComposing = true,
-            onCompositionEnd: () => this.isComposing = false,
-            onMouseUp: (e: MouseEvent) => this.handleTextSelection(e),
-          }}"
-        ></dees-wysiwyg-block>
-        ${block.type !== 'divider' ? html`
-          <div 
-            class="block-settings"
-            @click="${(e: MouseEvent) => {
-              e.preventDefault();
-              e.stopPropagation();
-              WysiwygModalManager.showBlockSettingsModal(block, (updatedBlock) => {
-                this.updateValue();
-                this.requestUpdate();
-              });
-            }}"
-          >
-            <svg width="16" height="16" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="currentColor">
-              <circle cx="12" cy="5" r="2"></circle>
-              <circle cx="12" cy="12" r="2"></circle>
-              <circle cx="12" cy="19" r="2"></circle>
-            </svg>
-          </div>
-        ` : ''}
-      </div>
-    `;
-  }
 
 
 
@@ -292,19 +343,73 @@ export class DeesInputWysiwyg extends DeesInputBase<string> {
   }
 
   private handleBlockFocus(block: IBlock) {
+    // Clear any pending blur timeout when focusing
+    if (this.blurTimeout) {
+      clearTimeout(this.blurTimeout);
+      this.blurTimeout = null;
+    }
+    
     if (block.type !== 'divider') {
+      const prevSelectedId = this.selectedBlockId;
       this.selectedBlockId = block.id;
+      
+      // Only update selection UI if it changed
+      if (prevSelectedId !== block.id) {
+        // Update the previous block's selection state
+        if (prevSelectedId) {
+          const prevWrapper = this.shadowRoot?.querySelector(`[data-block-id="${prevSelectedId}"]`);
+          const prevBlockComponent = prevWrapper?.querySelector('dees-wysiwyg-block') as any;
+          if (prevBlockComponent) {
+            prevBlockComponent.isSelected = false;
+          }
+        }
+        
+        // Update the new block's selection state
+        const wrapper = this.shadowRoot?.querySelector(`[data-block-id="${block.id}"]`);
+        const blockComponent = wrapper?.querySelector('dees-wysiwyg-block') as any;
+        if (blockComponent) {
+          blockComponent.isSelected = true;
+        }
+      }
     }
   }
 
+  private blurTimeout: any = null;
+  
   private handleBlockBlur(block: IBlock) {
+    // Clear any existing blur timeout
+    if (this.blurTimeout) {
+      clearTimeout(this.blurTimeout);
+    }
+    
     // Don't update value if slash menu is visible
     if (this.slashMenu.visible) {
       return;
     }
     
-    // Update value on blur to ensure it's saved
+    // Sync content from the block that's losing focus
-    this.updateValue();
+    const wrapperElement = this.shadowRoot?.querySelector(`[data-block-id="${block.id}"]`);
+    const blockComponent = wrapperElement?.querySelector('dees-wysiwyg-block') as any;
+    
+    if (blockComponent && blockComponent.getContent) {
+      const newContent = blockComponent.getContent();
+      // Only update if content actually changed
+      if (block.content !== newContent) {
+        block.content = newContent;
+      }
+    }
+    
+    // Delay the blur handling to avoid interfering with typing
+    this.blurTimeout = setTimeout(() => {
+      // Check if we've refocused on another block
+      const activeElement = this.shadowRoot?.activeElement;
+      const isBlockFocused = activeElement?.classList.contains('block');
+      
+      if (!isBlockFocused) {
+        // Only update value if we're truly blurring away from all blocks
+        this.updateValue();
+      }
+    }, 100);
     
     // Don't immediately clear selectedBlockId or close menus
     // Let click handlers decide what to do
@@ -340,10 +445,18 @@ export class DeesInputWysiwyg extends DeesInputBase<string> {
     const blockIndex = this.blocks.findIndex(b => b.id === afterBlock.id);
     this.blocks = [...this.blocks.slice(0, blockIndex + 1), newBlock, ...this.blocks.slice(blockIndex + 1)];
     
+    // Insert the new block element programmatically
+    const afterWrapper = this.editorContentRef.querySelector(`[data-block-id="${afterBlock.id}"]`);
+    if (afterWrapper) {
+      const newWrapper = this.createBlockElement(newBlock);
+      afterWrapper.insertAdjacentElement('afterend', newWrapper);
+    }
+    
     this.updateValue();
-    this.requestUpdate();
     
     if (focusNewBlock && newBlock.type !== 'divider') {
+      // Give DOM time to settle
+      await new Promise(resolve => setTimeout(resolve, 0));
       await this.blockOperations.focusBlock(newBlock.id, 'start');
     }
   }
@@ -400,12 +513,12 @@ export class DeesInputWysiwyg extends DeesInputBase<string> {
       currentBlock.content = currentBlock.content || '';
     }
     
-    // Update and refocus
+    // Update the block element programmatically
+    this.updateBlockElement(currentBlock.id);
     this.updateValue();
-    this.requestUpdate();
     
-    // Wait for update to complete before focusing
+    // Give DOM time to settle
-    await this.updateComplete;
+    await new Promise(resolve => setTimeout(resolve, 0));
     
     // Focus the block after rendering
     if (type === 'list') {
@@ -454,7 +567,11 @@ export class DeesInputWysiwyg extends DeesInputBase<string> {
     }
     
     this.changeSubject.next(this.value);
-    this.requestUpdate();
+    
+    // Re-render blocks programmatically if we have the editor
+    if (this.editorContentRef) {
+      this.renderBlocksProgrammatically();
+    }
   }
 
   /**
@@ -470,7 +587,11 @@ export class DeesInputWysiwyg extends DeesInputBase<string> {
   public importBlocks(blocks: IBlock[]): void {
     this.blocks = JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(blocks));
     this.updateValue();
-    this.requestUpdate();
+    
+    // Re-render blocks programmatically if we have the editor
+    if (this.editorContentRef) {
+      this.renderBlocksProgrammatically();
+    }
   }
 
   /**
@@ -515,17 +636,39 @@ export class DeesInputWysiwyg extends DeesInputBase<string> {
     e.dataTransfer.effectAllowed = 'move';
     e.dataTransfer.setData('text/plain', block.id);
     
-    // Add a slight delay to show the dragging state
+    // Add dragging class to the wrapper
     setTimeout(() => {
-      this.requestUpdate();
+      const wrapper = this.editorContentRef.querySelector(`[data-block-id="${block.id}"]`);
+      if (wrapper) {
+        wrapper.classList.add('dragging');
+      }
+      
+      // Add dragging class to editor content
+      this.editorContentRef.classList.add('dragging');
     }, 10);
   }
 
   private handleDragEnd(): void {
+    // Remove all drag-related classes
+    if (this.draggedBlockId) {
+      const wrapper = this.editorContentRef.querySelector(`[data-block-id="${this.draggedBlockId}"]`);
+      if (wrapper) {
+        wrapper.classList.remove('dragging');
+      }
+    }
+    
+    // Remove all drag-over classes
+    const allWrappers = this.editorContentRef.querySelectorAll('.block-wrapper');
+    allWrappers.forEach(wrapper => {
+      wrapper.classList.remove('drag-over-before', 'drag-over-after');
+    });
+    
+    // Remove dragging class from editor content
+    this.editorContentRef.classList.remove('dragging');
+    
     this.draggedBlockId = null;
     this.dragOverBlockId = null;
     this.dragOverPosition = null;
-    this.requestUpdate();
   }
 
   private handleDragOver(e: DragEvent, block: IBlock): void {
@@ -537,16 +680,31 @@ export class DeesInputWysiwyg extends DeesInputBase<string> {
     const rect = (e.currentTarget as HTMLElement).getBoundingClientRect();
     const midpoint = rect.top + rect.height / 2;
     
+    // Remove previous drag-over classes
+    if (this.dragOverBlockId) {
+      const prevWrapper = this.editorContentRef.querySelector(`[data-block-id="${this.dragOverBlockId}"]`);
+      if (prevWrapper) {
+        prevWrapper.classList.remove('drag-over-before', 'drag-over-after');
+      }
+    }
+    
     this.dragOverBlockId = block.id;
     this.dragOverPosition = e.clientY < midpoint ? 'before' : 'after';
-    this.requestUpdate();
+    
+    // Add new drag-over class
+    const wrapper = e.currentTarget as HTMLElement;
+    wrapper.classList.add(`drag-over-${this.dragOverPosition}`);
   }
 
   private handleDragLeave(block: IBlock): void {
     if (this.dragOverBlockId === block.id) {
+      const wrapper = this.editorContentRef.querySelector(`[data-block-id="${block.id}"]`);
+      if (wrapper) {
+        wrapper.classList.remove('drag-over-before', 'drag-over-after');
+      }
+      
       this.dragOverBlockId = null;
       this.dragOverPosition = null;
-      this.requestUpdate();
     }
   }
 
@@ -574,6 +732,9 @@ export class DeesInputWysiwyg extends DeesInputBase<string> {
     // Insert at new position
     this.blocks.splice(newIndex, 0, draggedBlock);
     
+    // Re-render blocks programmatically to reflect the new order
+    this.renderBlocksProgrammatically();
+    
     // Update state
     this.updateValue();
     this.handleDragEnd();
@@ -803,6 +964,7 @@ export class DeesInputWysiwyg extends DeesInputBase<string> {
     });
   }
 
+  // Modal methods moved to WysiwygModalManager
   private async showLanguageSelectionModal(): Promise<string | null> {
     return new Promise((resolve) => {
       let selectedLanguage: string | null = null;

ts_web/elements/wysiwyg/dees-wysiwyg-block.ts

@@ -42,6 +42,9 @@ export class DeesWysiwygBlock extends DeesElement {
   @query('.block')
   private blockElement: HTMLDivElement;
   
+  // Track if we've initialized the content
+  private contentInitialized: boolean = false;
+
   public static styles = [
     cssManager.defaultStyles,
     css`
@@ -250,12 +253,31 @@ export class DeesWysiwygBlock extends DeesElement {
     `,
   ];
 
-  protected shouldUpdate(): boolean {
+  protected shouldUpdate(changedProperties: Map<string, any>): boolean {
+    // Never update if only the block content changed
+    if (changedProperties.has('block') && this.block) {
+      const oldBlock = changedProperties.get('block');
+      if (oldBlock && oldBlock.id === this.block.id && oldBlock.type === this.block.type) {
+        // Only content or metadata changed, don't re-render
+        return false;
+      }
+    }
+    
     // Only update if the block type or id changes
-    // Content changes are handled directly in the DOM
     return !this.blockElement || this.block?.type !== this.blockElement.dataset.blockType;
   }
   
+  public firstUpdated(): void {
+    // Mark that content has been initialized
+    this.contentInitialized = true;
+    
+    // Ensure the block element maintains its content
+    if (this.blockElement) {
+      this.blockElement.setAttribute('data-block-id', this.block.id);
+      this.blockElement.setAttribute('data-block-type', this.block.type);
+    }
+  }
+
   render(): TemplateResult {
     if (!this.block) return html``;
 

ts_web/elements/wysiwyg/instructions.md

@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+* We don't use lit template logic, but use static`` here to handle dom operations ourselves
+* We try to have separated concerns in different classes
+* We try to have clean concise and managable code

ts_web/elements/wysiwyg/wysiwyg.blockoperations.ts

@@ -34,12 +34,20 @@ export class WysiwygBlockOperations {
       ...blocks.slice(blockIndex + 1)
     ];
     
+    // Insert the new block element programmatically if we have the editor
+    if (this.component.editorContentRef) {
+      const afterWrapper = this.component.editorContentRef.querySelector(`[data-block-id="${afterBlock.id}"]`);
+      if (afterWrapper) {
+        const newWrapper = this.component.createBlockElement(newBlock);
+        afterWrapper.insertAdjacentElement('afterend', newWrapper);
+      }
+    }
+    
     this.component.updateValue();
-    this.component.requestUpdate();
     
     if (focusNewBlock && newBlock.type !== 'divider') {
-      // Wait for the component to update
+      // Give DOM time to settle
-      await this.component.updateComplete;
+      await new Promise(resolve => setTimeout(resolve, 0));
       
       // Focus the new block
       await this.focusBlock(newBlock.id, 'start');
@@ -51,6 +59,15 @@ export class WysiwygBlockOperations {
    */
   removeBlock(blockId: string): void {
     this.component.blocks = this.component.blocks.filter((b: IBlock) => b.id !== blockId);
+    
+    // Remove the block element programmatically if we have the editor
+    if (this.component.editorContentRef) {
+      const wrapper = this.component.editorContentRef.querySelector(`[data-block-id="${blockId}"]`);
+      if (wrapper) {
+        wrapper.remove();
+      }
+    }
+    
     this.component.updateValue();
   }
 
@@ -72,9 +89,6 @@ export class WysiwygBlockOperations {
    * Focuses a specific block
    */
   async focusBlock(blockId: string, cursorPosition: 'start' | 'end' | number = 'start'): Promise<void> {
-    // First ensure the component is updated
-    await this.component.updateComplete;
-    
     const wrapperElement = this.component.shadowRoot!.querySelector(`[data-block-id="${blockId}"]`);
     if (wrapperElement) {
       const blockComponent = wrapperElement.querySelector('dees-wysiwyg-block') as any;
@@ -110,8 +124,13 @@ export class WysiwygBlockOperations {
       if (metadata) {
         block.metadata = metadata;
       }
+      
+      // Update the block element programmatically if we have the editor
+      if (this.component.editorContentRef) {
+        this.component.updateBlockElement(blockId);
+      }
+      
       this.component.updateValue();
-      this.component.requestUpdate();
     }
   }
 

ts_web/elements/wysiwyg/wysiwyg.inputhandler.ts

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ import { type IBlock } from './wysiwyg.types.js';
 import { WysiwygShortcuts } from './wysiwyg.shortcuts.js';
 import { WysiwygBlocks } from './wysiwyg.blocks.js';
 import { WysiwygBlockOperations } from './wysiwyg.blockoperations.js';
+import { WysiwygModalManager } from './wysiwyg.modalmanager.js';
 
 export class WysiwygInputHandler {
   private component: any;
@@ -20,10 +21,7 @@ export class WysiwygInputHandler {
     const target = e.target as HTMLDivElement;
     const textContent = target.textContent || '';
     
-    // Update block content based on type
+    // Check for block type transformations BEFORE updating content
-    this.updateBlockContent(block, target);
-    
-    // Check for block type transformations
     const detectedType = this.detectBlockTypeIntent(textContent);
     if (detectedType && detectedType.type !== block.type) {
       e.preventDefault();
@@ -34,7 +32,10 @@ export class WysiwygInputHandler {
     // Handle slash commands
     this.handleSlashCommand(textContent, target);
     
-    // Schedule auto-save
+    // Don't update block content immediately - let the block handle its own content
+    // This prevents re-renders during typing
+    
+    // Schedule auto-save (which will sync content later)
     this.scheduleAutoSave();
   }
 
@@ -48,7 +49,11 @@ export class WysiwygInputHandler {
     
     if (blockComponent) {
       // Use the block component's getContent method for consistency
-      block.content = blockComponent.getContent();
+      const newContent = blockComponent.getContent();
+      // Only update if content actually changed to avoid unnecessary updates
+      if (block.content !== newContent) {
+        block.content = newContent;
+      }
       
       // Update list metadata if needed
       if (block.type === 'list') {
@@ -133,7 +138,11 @@ export class WysiwygInputHandler {
       target.innerHTML = `<${listTag}><li></li></${listTag}>`;
       
       this.component.updateValue();
-      this.component.requestUpdate();
+      
+      // Update the block element programmatically
+      if (this.component.editorContentRef) {
+        this.component.updateBlockElement(block.id);
+      }
       
       setTimeout(() => {
         WysiwygBlocks.focusListItem(target);
@@ -142,13 +151,17 @@ export class WysiwygInputHandler {
       block.type = 'divider';
       block.content = ' ';
       
+      // Update the block element programmatically
+      if (this.component.editorContentRef) {
+        this.component.updateBlockElement(block.id);
+      }
+      
       const newBlock = blockOps.createBlock();
       blockOps.insertBlockAfter(block, newBlock);
       
       this.component.updateValue();
-      this.component.requestUpdate();
     } else if (detectedType.type === 'code') {
-      const language = await this.component.showLanguageSelectionModal();
+      const language = await WysiwygModalManager.showLanguageSelectionModal();
       if (language) {
         block.type = 'code';
         block.content = '';
@@ -156,7 +169,11 @@ export class WysiwygInputHandler {
         target.textContent = '';
         
         this.component.updateValue();
-        this.component.requestUpdate();
+        
+        // Update the block element programmatically
+        if (this.component.editorContentRef) {
+          this.component.updateBlockElement(block.id);
+        }
       }
     } else {
       block.type = detectedType.type;
@@ -164,7 +181,11 @@ export class WysiwygInputHandler {
       target.textContent = '';
       
       this.component.updateValue();
-      this.component.requestUpdate();
+      
+      // Update the block element programmatically
+      if (this.component.editorContentRef) {
+        this.component.updateBlockElement(block.id);
+      }
     }
   }
 
@@ -233,8 +254,30 @@ export class WysiwygInputHandler {
       return;
     }
     this.saveTimeout = setTimeout(() => {
+      // Sync all block content from DOM before saving
+      this.syncAllBlockContent();
+      // Only update value, don't trigger any re-renders
       this.component.updateValue();
-    }, 1000);
+      // Don't call requestUpdate() as it's not needed
+    }, 2000); // Increased delay to reduce interference with typing
+  }
+  
+  /**
+   * Syncs content from all block DOMs to the data model
+   */
+  private syncAllBlockContent(): void {
+    this.component.blocks.forEach((block: IBlock) => {
+      const wrapperElement = this.component.shadowRoot?.querySelector(`[data-block-id="${block.id}"]`);
+      const blockComponent = wrapperElement?.querySelector('dees-wysiwyg-block') as any;
+      
+      if (blockComponent && blockComponent.getContent) {
+        const newContent = blockComponent.getContent();
+        // Only update if content actually changed
+        if (block.content !== newContent) {
+          block.content = newContent;
+        }
+      }
+    });
   }
 
   /**