Source-entry surface

Definition

A source-entry surface is a rendered editor surface that still preserves a clear path back into source-like editing.

Examples:

• links
• images
• HTML blocks

Why this matters

These are not just rendered artifacts.

They have interaction law:

• plain click may edit
• mod-click may open or jump
• the rendered form still has a source-oriented editing seam

Current research conclusion

Typora is especially strong on this class of behavior.

It gives a practical model for:

• plain click vs mod-click on links
• image insertion and source policies
• HTML block edit entry

Use

Use this concept when deciding whether a rendered thing should:

• open directly
• edit directly
• jump into source mode
• stay in generic rendered content only