diff --git a/src/renderer/src/components/editor/markdown-preview-links.test.ts b/src/renderer/src/components/editor/markdown-preview-links.test.ts
index 439541adda5..530e05c2bab 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/components/editor/markdown-preview-links.test.ts
+++ b/src/renderer/src/components/editor/markdown-preview-links.test.ts
@@ -141,10 +141,10 @@ describe('isMarkdownPreviewSystemBrowserModifier', () => {
 })
 
 describe('resolveMarkdownPreviewHttpOpenOptions', () => {
-  // forceSystemBrowser -> shell.openExternal (system default browser);
-  // worktreeId (no force) -> openHttpLink routes into the Orca browser per the
-  // openLinksInApp setting. See http-link-routing.test.ts for that mapping.
-  it('forces the system browser on Cmd+Shift-click on macOS', () => {
+  // modifierHeld -> openHttpLink resolves the escape hatch against the
+  // openLinksInApp / openLinksInAppModifierInverts pair; worktreeId (no
+  // modifier) routes per the setting. See http-link-routing.test.ts.
+  it('marks the modifier held on Cmd+Shift-click on macOS', () => {
     expect(
       resolveMarkdownPreviewHttpOpenOptions(
         { metaKey: true, ctrlKey: false, shiftKey: true },
@@ -152,10 +152,10 @@ describe('resolveMarkdownPreviewHttpOpenOptions', () => {
         'wt-1',
         { kind: 'local' }
       )
-    ).toEqual({ forceSystemBrowser: true, sourceOwner: { kind: 'local' } })
+    ).toEqual({ worktreeId: 'wt-1', modifierHeld: true, sourceOwner: { kind: 'local' } })
   })
 
-  it('forces the system browser on Ctrl+Shift-click on Linux/Windows', () => {
+  it('marks the modifier held on Ctrl+Shift-click on Linux/Windows', () => {
     expect(
       resolveMarkdownPreviewHttpOpenOptions(
         { metaKey: false, ctrlKey: true, shiftKey: true },
@@ -163,7 +163,7 @@ describe('resolveMarkdownPreviewHttpOpenOptions', () => {
         'wt-1',
         { kind: 'local' }
       )
-    ).toEqual({ forceSystemBrowser: true, sourceOwner: { kind: 'local' } })
+    ).toEqual({ worktreeId: 'wt-1', modifierHeld: true, sourceOwner: { kind: 'local' } })
   })
 
   it('routes a plain Cmd-click through the worktree so it can open in Orca', () => {
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/components/editor/markdown-preview-links.ts b/src/renderer/src/components/editor/markdown-preview-links.ts
index 0541ca0abf7..6062180ac28 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/components/editor/markdown-preview-links.ts
+++ b/src/renderer/src/components/editor/markdown-preview-links.ts
@@ -113,10 +113,10 @@ export function isMarkdownPreviewSystemBrowserModifier(
   return event.shiftKey && (isMac ? event.metaKey : event.ctrlKey)
 }
 
-// Why: Cmd/Ctrl+Shift-click is the escape hatch that forces the OS default
-// browser; every other click routes through openHttpLink so the "open links in
-// Orca" setting (and remote-runtime state) decides the destination. Mac uses
-// metaKey, Linux/Windows use ctrlKey per AGENTS.md.
+// Why: Cmd/Ctrl+Shift-click is the escape hatch; every click routes through
+// openHttpLink so the "open links in Orca" setting (and remote-runtime state)
+// decides the destination, with modifierHeld telling it the escape hatch fired.
+// Mac uses metaKey, Linux/Windows use ctrlKey per AGENTS.md.
 export function resolveMarkdownPreviewHttpOpenOptions(
   event: Pick<MouseEvent, 'metaKey' | 'ctrlKey' | 'shiftKey'>,
   isMac: boolean,
@@ -124,7 +124,7 @@ export function resolveMarkdownPreviewHttpOpenOptions(
   sourceOwner: HttpLinkSourceOwner
 ): OpenHttpLinkOptions {
   if (isMarkdownPreviewSystemBrowserModifier(event, isMac)) {
-    return { forceSystemBrowser: true, sourceOwner }
+    return { worktreeId, modifierHeld: true, sourceOwner }
   }
   return { worktreeId, sourceOwner }
 }
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/components/settings/BrowserLinkRoutingModifierSetting.tsx b/src/renderer/src/components/settings/BrowserLinkRoutingModifierSetting.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..106054a9d6a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/renderer/src/components/settings/BrowserLinkRoutingModifierSetting.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+import type { GlobalSettings } from '../../../../shared/types'
+import { translate } from '@/i18n/i18n'
+import { SearchableSetting } from './SearchableSetting'
+import { SettingsSwitchRow } from './SettingsFormControls'
+import {
+  getLinkRoutingModifierDescription,
+  getLinkRoutingModifierTitle
+} from './browser-link-routing-modifier-copy'
+
+type BrowserLinkRoutingModifierSettingProps = {
+  settings: Pick<GlobalSettings, 'openLinksInApp' | 'openLinksInAppModifierInverts'>
+  isMac: boolean
+  updateSettings: (updates: Partial<GlobalSettings>) => void
+}
+
+export function BrowserLinkRoutingModifierSetting({
+  settings,
+  isMac,
+  updateSettings
+}: BrowserLinkRoutingModifierSettingProps): React.JSX.Element {
+  const openLinksInApp = settings.openLinksInApp === true
+  const title = getLinkRoutingModifierTitle(openLinksInApp)
+  const description = getLinkRoutingModifierDescription({ openLinksInApp, isMac })
+
+  return (
+    <SearchableSetting
+      title={title}
+      description={description}
+      keywords={[
+        'browser',
+        'links',
+        'routing',
+        'shift',
+        'modifier',
+        'invert',
+        'opposite',
+        isMac ? 'cmd' : 'ctrl'
+      ]}
+    >
+      {/* Nested under Link Routing: this row only describes what its modifier does. */}
+      <div className="ml-4 border-l border-border pl-4">
+        <SettingsSwitchRow
+          label={title}
+          description={description}
+          checked={settings.openLinksInAppModifierInverts === true}
+          onChange={() =>
+            updateSettings({
+              openLinksInAppModifierInverts: settings.openLinksInAppModifierInverts !== true
+            })
+          }
+          ariaLabel={translate(
+            'auto.components.settings.BrowserLinkRoutingModifierSetting.toggleLabel',
+            'Toggle inverted link routing modifier'
+          )}
+        />
+      </div>
+    </SearchableSetting>
+  )
+}
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/components/settings/BrowserPane.tsx b/src/renderer/src/components/settings/BrowserPane.tsx
index 4a75f8fec97..c030cffd912 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/components/settings/BrowserPane.tsx
+++ b/src/renderer/src/components/settings/BrowserPane.tsx
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ import { BrowserDefaultZoomSetting } from './BrowserDefaultZoomSetting'
 import { BrowserUseSetup } from './BrowserUsePane'
 import { BrowserSearchEngineSetting } from './BrowserSearchEngineSetting'
 import { BrowserLinkRoutingSetting } from './BrowserLinkRoutingSetting'
+import { BrowserLinkRoutingModifierSetting } from './BrowserLinkRoutingModifierSetting'
 import { BrowserLocalhostWorktreeLabelsSetting } from './BrowserLocalhostWorktreeLabelsSetting'
 import { BrowserSessionCookiesSection } from './BrowserSessionCookiesSection'
 import { BrowserNewProfileDialog } from './BrowserNewProfileDialog'
@@ -99,8 +100,11 @@ export function BrowserPane({
   const showSearchEngine = matchesSettingsSearch(searchQuery, [getBrowserPaneSearchEntries()[1]])
   const showDefaultZoom = matchesSettingsSearch(searchQuery, [getBrowserPaneSearchEntries()[2]])
   const showLinkRouting = matchesSettingsSearch(searchQuery, [getBrowserPaneSearchEntries()[3]])
-  const showLocalhostLabels = matchesSettingsSearch(searchQuery, [getBrowserPaneSearchEntries()[4]])
-  const showCookies = matchesSettingsSearch(searchQuery, [getBrowserPaneSearchEntries()[5]])
+  const showLinkRoutingModifier = matchesSettingsSearch(searchQuery, [
+    getBrowserPaneSearchEntries()[4]
+  ])
+  const showLocalhostLabels = matchesSettingsSearch(searchQuery, [getBrowserPaneSearchEntries()[5]])
+  const showCookies = matchesSettingsSearch(searchQuery, [getBrowserPaneSearchEntries()[6]])
   const showBrowserUse = matchesSettingsSearch(searchQuery, getBrowserUsePaneSearchEntries())
   const isMac = isMacUserAgent()
   const linkRoutingDescription = getBrowserLinkRoutingDescription({ isMac })
@@ -238,6 +242,14 @@ export function BrowserPane({
         />
       ) : null}
 
+      {showLinkRoutingModifier ? (
+        <BrowserLinkRoutingModifierSetting
+          settings={settings}
+          isMac={isMac}
+          updateSettings={updateSettings}
+        />
+      ) : null}
+
       {showLocalhostLabels ? (
         <BrowserLocalhostWorktreeLabelsSetting
           settings={settings}
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/components/settings/browser-link-routing-modifier-copy.ts b/src/renderer/src/components/settings/browser-link-routing-modifier-copy.ts
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..5581a17c289
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/renderer/src/components/settings/browser-link-routing-modifier-copy.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+import { translate } from '@/i18n/i18n'
+
+/**
+ * Title and description both name the destination the modifier reaches, which is
+ * the opposite of wherever Link Routing points. Kept out of the component so the
+ * settings-search index and the component render identical strings.
+ */
+export function getLinkRoutingModifierTitle(openLinksInApp: boolean): string {
+  return openLinksInApp
+    ? translate(
+        'auto.components.settings.BrowserLinkRoutingModifierSetting.titleSystem',
+        'Hold Shift to open in your web browser'
+      )
+    : translate(
+        'auto.components.settings.BrowserLinkRoutingModifierSetting.titleOrca',
+        'Hold Shift to open in Orca'
+      )
+}
+
+export function getLinkRoutingModifierDescription({
+  openLinksInApp,
+  isMac
+}: {
+  openLinksInApp: boolean
+  isMac: boolean
+}): string {
+  const chord = isMac ? '⇧⌘' : 'Shift+Ctrl'
+  return openLinksInApp
+    ? `Links open in Orca, so ${chord}+click sends one to your system browser instead.`
+    : `Links open in your system browser, so ${chord}+click opens one in Orca's built-in browser instead.`
+}
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/components/settings/browser-search.test.ts b/src/renderer/src/components/settings/browser-search.test.ts
index 5d6e4255047..6eaa408e93b 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/components/settings/browser-search.test.ts
+++ b/src/renderer/src/components/settings/browser-search.test.ts
@@ -4,6 +4,10 @@ import {
   getBrowserLinkRoutingShortcutLabel,
   getBrowserPaneSearchEntries
 } from './browser-search'
+import {
+  getLinkRoutingModifierDescription,
+  getLinkRoutingModifierTitle
+} from './browser-link-routing-modifier-copy'
 
 describe('browser settings search copy', () => {
   it('uses macOS shortcut symbols for Link Routing copy and search metadata', () => {
@@ -41,3 +45,42 @@ describe('browser settings search copy', () => {
     expect(linkRoutingEntry?.keywords).not.toContain('cmd')
   })
 })
+
+describe('browser link routing modifier copy', () => {
+  // Why: BrowserPane gates each row on getBrowserPaneSearchEntries()[n], so a
+  // reordered or inserted entry silently shows the wrong row for a search.
+  it('keeps the search entry order BrowserPane indexes by position', () => {
+    expect(getBrowserPaneSearchEntries({ isMac: true }).map((entry) => entry.title)).toEqual([
+      'Default Home Page',
+      'Default Search Engine',
+      'Default Zoom',
+      'Link Routing',
+      'Hold Shift to open in Orca',
+      'Localhost Worktree Labels',
+      'Session & Cookies'
+    ])
+  })
+
+  it('names the destination the modifier actually reaches', () => {
+    expect(getLinkRoutingModifierTitle(false)).toBe('Hold Shift to open in Orca')
+    expect(getLinkRoutingModifierTitle(true)).toBe('Hold Shift to open in your web browser')
+  })
+
+  it('describes the modifier with the platform chord', () => {
+    expect(getLinkRoutingModifierDescription({ openLinksInApp: false, isMac: true })).toContain(
+      '⇧⌘'
+    )
+    expect(getLinkRoutingModifierDescription({ openLinksInApp: false, isMac: false })).toContain(
+      'Shift+Ctrl'
+    )
+  })
+
+  it('points the description at Orca only when links currently open externally', () => {
+    expect(getLinkRoutingModifierDescription({ openLinksInApp: false, isMac: true })).toContain(
+      "Orca's built-in browser"
+    )
+    expect(getLinkRoutingModifierDescription({ openLinksInApp: true, isMac: true })).toContain(
+      'system browser'
+    )
+  })
+})
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/components/settings/browser-search.ts b/src/renderer/src/components/settings/browser-search.ts
index 4cd99f7fa77..f34fdb8a6de 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/components/settings/browser-search.ts
+++ b/src/renderer/src/components/settings/browser-search.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,10 @@
 import type { SettingsSearchEntry } from './settings-search'
 import { translate } from '@/i18n/i18n'
 import { translateSearchKeyword } from './settings-search-keywords'
+import {
+  getLinkRoutingModifierDescription,
+  getLinkRoutingModifierTitle
+} from './browser-link-routing-modifier-copy'
 
 type BrowserShortcutPlatform = {
   isMac: boolean
@@ -16,8 +20,11 @@ export function getBrowserLinkRoutingShortcutLabel(platform: BrowserShortcutPlat
   return platform.isMac ? '⇧⌘-click' : 'Shift+Ctrl+click'
 }
 
+// Why: the modifier sentence moved to the nested "Hold Shift to open in …" row —
+// once that row can invert the routing, "always uses your system browser" is no
+// longer true, and the child row states the live destination instead.
 export function getBrowserLinkRoutingDescription(platform: BrowserShortcutPlatform): string {
-  return `Open http(s) links in Orca's built-in browser — from the terminal, markdown, and the editor. ${getBrowserLinkRoutingShortcutLabel(platform)} always uses your system browser.`
+  return `Open http(s) links in Orca's built-in browser — from the terminal, markdown, and the editor. ${getBrowserLinkRoutingShortcutLabel(platform)} opens a link the other way.`
 }
 
 export function getBrowserPaneSearchEntries(
@@ -109,6 +116,35 @@ export function getBrowserPaneSearchEntries(
         ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.browser.search.a7a07d5415', 'editor')
       ]
     },
+    {
+      title: getLinkRoutingModifierTitle(false),
+      description: getLinkRoutingModifierDescription({
+        openLinksInApp: false,
+        isMac: platform.isMac
+      }),
+      keywords: [
+        ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.browser.search.2d2d995c58', 'browser'),
+        ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.browser.search.bea27bac4b', 'links'),
+        ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.browser.search.90425d313c', 'shift'),
+        ...translateSearchKeyword(
+          'auto.components.settings.browser.search.linkRoutingModifier.routing',
+          'routing'
+        ),
+        ...translateSearchKeyword(
+          'auto.components.settings.browser.search.linkRoutingModifier.modifier',
+          'modifier'
+        ),
+        ...translateSearchKeyword(
+          'auto.components.settings.browser.search.linkRoutingModifier.invert',
+          'invert'
+        ),
+        ...translateSearchKeyword(
+          'auto.components.settings.browser.search.linkRoutingModifier.opposite',
+          'opposite'
+        ),
+        platform.isMac ? 'cmd' : 'ctrl'
+      ]
+    },
     {
       title: translate(
         'auto.components.settings.browser.search.19ea5607cf',
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/edge-wrapped-terminal-http-links.test.ts b/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/edge-wrapped-terminal-http-links.test.ts
index 9289f67b7b2..7f62f00ed80 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/edge-wrapped-terminal-http-links.test.ts
+++ b/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/edge-wrapped-terminal-http-links.test.ts
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ describe('edge-wrapped terminal HTTP links', () => {
     expect(
       openHttpLinkAtBufferPosition(buffer, { x: 11, y: 1 }, COLS, {
         worktreeId: 'wt-1',
-        forceSystemBrowser: true
+        modifierHeld: true
       })
     ).toBe(true)
     expect(openUrlMock).toHaveBeenCalledOnce()
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ describe('edge-wrapped terminal HTTP links', () => {
     expect(
       openHttpLinkAtBufferPosition(buffer, { x: 3, y: 2 }, COLS, {
         worktreeId: 'wt-1',
-        forceSystemBrowser: true
+        modifierHeld: true
       })
     ).toBe(true)
     expect(openUrlMock).toHaveBeenCalledOnce()
@@ -111,7 +111,7 @@ describe('edge-wrapped terminal HTTP links', () => {
     expect(
       openHttpLinkAtBufferPosition(buffer, { x: 11, y: 1 }, COLS, {
         worktreeId: 'wt-1',
-        forceSystemBrowser: true
+        modifierHeld: true
       })
     ).toBe(true)
     expect(openUrlMock).toHaveBeenCalledOnce()
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ describe('edge-wrapped terminal HTTP links', () => {
     expect(
       openHttpLinkAtBufferPosition(buffer, { x: 1, y: 2 }, COLS, {
         worktreeId: 'wt-1',
-        forceSystemBrowser: true
+        modifierHeld: true
       })
     ).toBe(true)
     expect(openUrlMock).toHaveBeenCalledOnce()
@@ -136,7 +136,7 @@ describe('edge-wrapped terminal HTTP links', () => {
     expect(
       openHttpLinkAtBufferPosition(buffer, { x: 11, y: 1 }, COLS, {
         worktreeId: 'wt-1',
-        forceSystemBrowser: true
+        modifierHeld: true
       })
     ).toBe(true)
     expect(openUrlMock).toHaveBeenCalledOnce()
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@ describe('edge-wrapped terminal HTTP links', () => {
     expect(
       openHttpLinkAtBufferPosition(buffer, { x: 2, y: 2 }, COLS, {
         worktreeId: 'wt-1',
-        forceSystemBrowser: true
+        modifierHeld: true
       })
     ).toBe(false)
     expect(openUrlMock).not.toHaveBeenCalled()
@@ -163,7 +163,7 @@ describe('edge-wrapped terminal HTTP links', () => {
       expect(
         openHttpLinkAtBufferPosition(buffer, { x: 11, y: 1 }, COLS, {
           worktreeId: 'wt-1',
-          forceSystemBrowser: true
+          modifierHeld: true
         })
       ).toBe(true)
       expect(openUrlMock).toHaveBeenCalledOnce()
@@ -173,7 +173,7 @@ describe('edge-wrapped terminal HTTP links', () => {
       expect(
         openHttpLinkAtBufferPosition(buffer, { x: 2, y: 2 }, COLS, {
           worktreeId: 'wt-1',
-          forceSystemBrowser: true
+          modifierHeld: true
         })
       ).toBe(false)
       expect(openUrlMock).not.toHaveBeenCalled()
@@ -189,7 +189,7 @@ describe('edge-wrapped terminal HTTP links', () => {
     expect(
       openHttpLinkAtBufferPosition(buffer, { x: 11, y: 1 }, COLS, {
         worktreeId: 'wt-1',
-        forceSystemBrowser: true
+        modifierHeld: true
       })
     ).toBe(true)
     expect(openUrlMock).toHaveBeenCalledOnce()
@@ -199,7 +199,7 @@ describe('edge-wrapped terminal HTTP links', () => {
     expect(
       openHttpLinkAtBufferPosition(buffer, { x: 11, y: 2 }, COLS, {
         worktreeId: 'wt-1',
-        forceSystemBrowser: true
+        modifierHeld: true
       })
     ).toBe(true)
     expect(openUrlMock).toHaveBeenCalledOnce()
@@ -218,7 +218,7 @@ describe('edge-wrapped terminal HTTP links', () => {
     expect(
       openHttpLinkAtBufferPosition(buffer, { x: 11, y: 1 }, COLS, {
         worktreeId: 'wt-1',
-        forceSystemBrowser: true
+        modifierHeld: true
       })
     ).toBe(true)
     expect(openUrlMock).toHaveBeenCalledOnce()
@@ -228,7 +228,7 @@ describe('edge-wrapped terminal HTTP links', () => {
     expect(
       openHttpLinkAtBufferPosition(buffer, { x: 20, y: 2 }, COLS, {
         worktreeId: 'wt-1',
-        forceSystemBrowser: true
+        modifierHeld: true
       })
     ).toBe(true)
     expect(openUrlMock).toHaveBeenCalledOnce()
@@ -245,7 +245,7 @@ describe('edge-wrapped terminal HTTP links', () => {
     expect(
       openHttpLinkAtBufferPosition(buffer, { x: 4, y: 2 }, COLS, {
         worktreeId: 'wt-1',
-        forceSystemBrowser: true
+        modifierHeld: true
       })
     ).toBe(true)
     expect(openUrlMock).toHaveBeenCalledOnce()
@@ -268,7 +268,7 @@ describe('edge-wrapped terminal HTTP links', () => {
     expect(
       openHttpLinkAtBufferPosition(buffer, { x: 191, y: 1 }, cols, {
         worktreeId: 'wt-1',
-        forceSystemBrowser: true
+        modifierHeld: true
       })
     ).toBe(true)
     expect(openUrlMock).toHaveBeenCalledOnce()
@@ -278,7 +278,7 @@ describe('edge-wrapped terminal HTTP links', () => {
     expect(
       openHttpLinkAtBufferPosition(buffer, { x: 10, y: rows.length }, cols, {
         worktreeId: 'wt-1',
-        forceSystemBrowser: true
+        modifierHeld: true
       })
     ).toBe(true)
     expect(openUrlMock).toHaveBeenCalledOnce()
@@ -298,7 +298,7 @@ describe('edge-wrapped terminal HTTP links', () => {
     expect(
       openHttpLinkAtBufferPosition(buffer, { x: 11, y: 1 }, COLS, {
         worktreeId: 'wt-1',
-        forceSystemBrowser: true
+        modifierHeld: true
       })
     ).toBe(true)
     expect(openUrlMock).toHaveBeenCalledOnce()
@@ -308,7 +308,7 @@ describe('edge-wrapped terminal HTTP links', () => {
     expect(
       openHttpLinkAtBufferPosition(buffer, { x: 5, y: rowTexts.length }, COLS, {
         worktreeId: 'wt-1',
-        forceSystemBrowser: true
+        modifierHeld: true
       })
     ).toBe(true)
     expect(openUrlMock).toHaveBeenCalledOnce()
@@ -342,7 +342,7 @@ describe('edge-wrapped terminal HTTP links', () => {
     expect(
       openHttpLinkAtBufferPosition(buffer, { x: 5, y: rowTexts.length }, COLS, {
         worktreeId: 'wt-1',
-        forceSystemBrowser: true
+        modifierHeld: true
       })
     ).toBe(true)
     expect(openUrlMock).toHaveBeenCalledOnce()
@@ -361,7 +361,7 @@ describe('edge-wrapped terminal HTTP links', () => {
     expect(
       openHttpLinkAtBufferPosition(buffer, { x: 11, y: 1 }, COLS, {
         worktreeId: 'wt-1',
-        forceSystemBrowser: true
+        modifierHeld: true
       })
     ).toBe(true)
     expect(openUrlMock).toHaveBeenCalledOnce()
@@ -377,7 +377,7 @@ describe('edge-wrapped terminal HTTP links', () => {
     expect(
       openHttpLinkAtBufferPosition(buffer, { x: firstRow.indexOf('https') + 8, y: 1 }, COLS, {
         worktreeId: 'wt-1',
-        forceSystemBrowser: true
+        modifierHeld: true
       })
     ).toBe(true)
     expect(openUrlMock).toHaveBeenCalledOnce()
@@ -394,7 +394,7 @@ describe('edge-wrapped terminal HTTP links', () => {
     expect(
       openHttpLinkAtBufferPosition(buffer, { x: 10, y: 1 }, COLS, {
         worktreeId: 'wt-1',
-        forceSystemBrowser: true
+        modifierHeld: true
       })
     ).toBe(false)
     expect(openUrlMock).not.toHaveBeenCalled()
@@ -416,7 +416,7 @@ describe('edge-wrapped terminal HTTP links', () => {
     expect(
       openHttpLinkAtBufferPosition(buffer, { x: 10, y: 1 }, cols, {
         worktreeId: 'wt-1',
-        forceSystemBrowser: true
+        modifierHeld: true
       })
     ).toBe(true)
     expect(openUrlMock).toHaveBeenCalledOnce()
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/repro-8832-url-next-line.test.ts b/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/repro-8832-url-next-line.test.ts
index 14fbe14aa81..067fc46f94c 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/repro-8832-url-next-line.test.ts
+++ b/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/repro-8832-url-next-line.test.ts
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ function openUrlAt(
   openUrlMock.mockReset()
   const opened = openHttpLinkAtBufferPosition(buffer, { x, y }, cols, {
     worktreeId: 'wt-repro-8832',
-    forceSystemBrowser: true
+    modifierHeld: true
   })
   return { opened, url: openUrlMock.mock.calls[0]?.[0] as string | undefined }
 }
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/terminal-link-open-hints.test.ts b/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/terminal-link-open-hints.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..4d802efed52
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/terminal-link-open-hints.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,47 @@
+import { afterEach, describe, expect, it, vi } from 'vitest'
+import { getTerminalUrlOpenHint } from './terminal-link-open-hints'
+
+function stubPlatform(isMac: boolean): void {
+  vi.stubGlobal('navigator', { userAgent: isMac ? 'Mac OS X' : 'Windows NT 10.0' })
+}
+
+afterEach(() => {
+  vi.unstubAllGlobals()
+})
+
+describe('getTerminalUrlOpenHint', () => {
+  it('keeps the system-browser wording by default', () => {
+    stubPlatform(true)
+    expect(getTerminalUrlOpenHint()).toBe('⌘+click to open or ⇧⌘+click for system browser')
+  })
+
+  it('keeps the system-browser wording when inverting is off', () => {
+    stubPlatform(true)
+    expect(getTerminalUrlOpenHint({ openLinksInApp: false, modifierInverts: false })).toContain(
+      'for system browser'
+    )
+  })
+
+  // Why: with links already opening in Orca, inverting still lands on the system
+  // browser, so the hint must not promise Orca.
+  it('keeps the system-browser wording when inverting but links open in Orca', () => {
+    stubPlatform(true)
+    expect(getTerminalUrlOpenHint({ openLinksInApp: true, modifierInverts: true })).toContain(
+      'for system browser'
+    )
+  })
+
+  it('names Orca when inverting and links open externally', () => {
+    stubPlatform(true)
+    expect(getTerminalUrlOpenHint({ openLinksInApp: false, modifierInverts: true })).toBe(
+      '⌘+click to open or ⇧⌘+click to open in Orca'
+    )
+  })
+
+  it('uses the Ctrl chord off macOS', () => {
+    stubPlatform(false)
+    expect(getTerminalUrlOpenHint({ openLinksInApp: false, modifierInverts: true })).toBe(
+      'Ctrl+click to open or Shift+Ctrl+click to open in Orca'
+    )
+  })
+})
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/terminal-link-open-hints.ts b/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/terminal-link-open-hints.ts
index 0d51669a6c6..3ecb4f9dbb4 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/terminal-link-open-hints.ts
+++ b/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/terminal-link-open-hints.ts
@@ -20,7 +20,20 @@ export function getTerminalHtmlFileOpenHint(): string {
     : 'Ctrl+click to open or Shift+Ctrl+click for default browser'
 }
 
-export function getTerminalUrlOpenHint(): string {
+export type TerminalUrlOpenHintOptions = {
+  openLinksInApp?: boolean
+  modifierInverts?: boolean
+}
+
+// Why: with modifierInverts on, Shift no longer always means "system browser" —
+// it means "the other one" — so the hint has to name the actual destination.
+export function getTerminalUrlOpenHint(options: TerminalUrlOpenHintOptions = {}): string {
+  const invertsToOrca = options.modifierInverts === true && options.openLinksInApp !== true
+  if (invertsToOrca) {
+    return isMacPlatform()
+      ? '⌘+click to open or ⇧⌘+click to open in Orca'
+      : 'Ctrl+click to open or Shift+Ctrl+click to open in Orca'
+  }
   return isMacPlatform()
     ? '⌘+click to open or ⇧⌘+click for system browser'
     : 'Ctrl+click to open or Shift+Ctrl+click for system browser'
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/terminal-osc-link-routing.ts b/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/terminal-osc-link-routing.ts
index ea1eff1b244..c51eedbd5c3 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/terminal-osc-link-routing.ts
+++ b/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/terminal-osc-link-routing.ts
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ export function handleOscLink(
   if (parsed.protocol === 'http:' || parsed.protocol === 'https:') {
     openTerminalHttpLink(parsed.toString(), {
       worktreeId: deps.worktreeId,
-      forceSystemBrowser: Boolean(event?.shiftKey),
+      modifierHeld: Boolean(event?.shiftKey),
       requestOpenLinksInAppPreference: deps.requestOpenLinksInAppPreference
     })
     return true
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/terminal-url-link-hit-testing.ts b/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/terminal-url-link-hit-testing.ts
index 3a6e2c1f274..d38ce6d9378 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/terminal-url-link-hit-testing.ts
+++ b/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/terminal-url-link-hit-testing.ts
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ import { buildWrappedLogicalLine, rangeForParsedFileLink } from './wrapped-termi
 
 type UrlLinkHitTestDeps = {
   worktreeId: string
-  forceSystemBrowser?: boolean
+  modifierHeld?: boolean
   requestOpenLinksInAppPreference?: TerminalLinkRoutingPreferenceRequester
 }
 
@@ -225,7 +225,7 @@ export function installHttpLinkClickFallback(
     // never established, while defaultPrevented avoids duplicate opens.
     const opened = openHttpLinkAtTerminalMouseEvent(terminal, event, {
       worktreeId: deps.worktreeId,
-      forceSystemBrowser: event.shiftKey,
+      modifierHeld: event.shiftKey,
       requestOpenLinksInAppPreference: deps.requestOpenLinksInAppPreference
     })
     if (opened) {
@@ -303,8 +303,10 @@ function rangeContainsBufferPosition(
 }
 
 export function openTerminalHttpLink(url: string, deps: UrlLinkHitTestDeps): void {
-  if (deps.forceSystemBrowser) {
-    openHttpLink(url, { worktreeId: deps.worktreeId, forceSystemBrowser: true })
+  if (deps.modifierHeld) {
+    // Why: the modifier states a destination outright, so it also skips the
+    // one-time routing prompt; openHttpLink resolves which destination it means.
+    openHttpLink(url, { worktreeId: deps.worktreeId, modifierHeld: true })
     return
   }
 
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/terminal-web-link-click.ts b/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/terminal-web-link-click.ts
index c512cc84126..96b7d3ff003 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/terminal-web-link-click.ts
+++ b/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/terminal-web-link-click.ts
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ export function handleTerminalWebLinkClick(
     deps.terminal &&
     openHttpLinkAtTerminalMouseEvent(deps.terminal, event, {
       worktreeId: deps.worktreeId,
-      forceSystemBrowser: Boolean(event.shiftKey),
+      modifierHeld: Boolean(event.shiftKey),
       requestOpenLinksInAppPreference: deps.requestOpenLinksInAppPreference
     })
   ) {
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/use-terminal-pane-lifecycle.ts b/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/use-terminal-pane-lifecycle.ts
index bdc8ea6300b..dce481daec7 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/use-terminal-pane-lifecycle.ts
+++ b/src/renderer/src/components/terminal-pane/use-terminal-pane-lifecycle.ts
@@ -778,7 +778,12 @@ export function useTerminalPaneLifecycle({
     })
 
     const fileOpenLinkHint = getTerminalFileOpenHint()
-    const urlOpenLinkHint = getTerminalUrlOpenHint()
+    // Why: read settingsRef at fire time so toggling link routing applies without recreating panes.
+    const getUrlOpenLinkHint = (): string =>
+      getTerminalUrlOpenHint({
+        openLinksInApp: settingsRef.current?.openLinksInApp === true,
+        modifierInverts: settingsRef.current?.openLinksInAppModifierInverts === true
+      })
     const osc7UncHost = extractUncHost(startupCwd)
 
     let releaseWebviewDragPassthrough: (() => void) | null = null
@@ -1100,6 +1105,7 @@ export function useTerminalPaneLifecycle({
           hover: (_event, text) => {
             oscTooltipHoverToken += 1
             const hoverToken = oscTooltipHoverToken
+            const urlOpenLinkHint = getUrlOpenLinkHint()
             pane.linkTooltip.textContent = `${text} (${urlOpenLinkHint})`
             pane.linkTooltip.style.display = ''
             void formatTerminalUrlTooltip(text, urlOpenLinkHint).then((nextText) => {
@@ -1405,6 +1411,7 @@ export function useTerminalPaneLifecycle({
           requestOpenLinksInAppPreference
         })
       },
+      linkOpenHint: getUrlOpenLinkHint,
       formatLinkTooltip: (url, openLinkHint) => formatTerminalUrlTooltip(url, openLinkHint),
       // Why: hidden panes stay mounted so PTYs survive navigation, but their WebGL contexts drain Chromium's budget and can blank visible panes.
       initialRenderingSuspended: !isVisibleRef.current,
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/en.json b/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/en.json
index a8e950f092d..8d2a0486a2b 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/en.json
+++ b/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/en.json
@@ -9745,6 +9745,11 @@
           "serviceManagerHelp": "Update Orca through the service manager that starts this server.",
           "unpackedHelp": "Development builds must be updated from their source checkout.",
           "legacyHelp": "Update this server manually once to enable remote updates."
+        },
+        "BrowserLinkRoutingModifierSetting": {
+          "toggleLabel": "Toggle inverted link routing modifier",
+          "titleSystem": "Hold Shift to open in your web browser",
+          "titleOrca": "Hold Shift to open in Orca"
         }
       },
       "right": {
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/es.json b/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/es.json
index 23b52f4463b..5d604009e32 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/es.json
+++ b/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/es.json
@@ -9722,6 +9722,11 @@
           "serviceManagerHelp": "Update Orca through the service manager that starts this server.",
           "unpackedHelp": "Development builds must be updated from their source checkout.",
           "legacyHelp": "Update this server manually once to enable remote updates."
+        },
+        "BrowserLinkRoutingModifierSetting": {
+          "toggleLabel": "Toggle inverted link routing modifier",
+          "titleSystem": "Hold Shift to open in your web browser",
+          "titleOrca": "Hold Shift to open in Orca"
         }
       },
       "right": {
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/ja.json b/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/ja.json
index 145b4d5792b..a78ef3bd957 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/ja.json
+++ b/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/ja.json
@@ -9722,6 +9722,11 @@
           "serviceManagerHelp": "Update Orca through the service manager that starts this server.",
           "unpackedHelp": "Development builds must be updated from their source checkout.",
           "legacyHelp": "Update this server manually once to enable remote updates."
+        },
+        "BrowserLinkRoutingModifierSetting": {
+          "toggleLabel": "Toggle inverted link routing modifier",
+          "titleSystem": "Hold Shift to open in your web browser",
+          "titleOrca": "Hold Shift to open in Orca"
         }
       },
       "right": {
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/ko.json b/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/ko.json
index 8522609d008..ec7196f8a16 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/ko.json
+++ b/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/ko.json
@@ -9722,6 +9722,11 @@
           "serviceManagerHelp": "Update Orca through the service manager that starts this server.",
           "unpackedHelp": "Development builds must be updated from their source checkout.",
           "legacyHelp": "Update this server manually once to enable remote updates."
+        },
+        "BrowserLinkRoutingModifierSetting": {
+          "toggleLabel": "Toggle inverted link routing modifier",
+          "titleSystem": "Hold Shift to open in your web browser",
+          "titleOrca": "Hold Shift to open in Orca"
         }
       },
       "right": {
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/zh.json b/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/zh.json
index efc3b530c02..355bffb9f2b 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/zh.json
+++ b/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/zh.json
@@ -9722,6 +9722,11 @@
           "serviceManagerHelp": "Update Orca through the service manager that starts this server.",
           "unpackedHelp": "Development builds must be updated from their source checkout.",
           "legacyHelp": "Update this server manually once to enable remote updates."
+        },
+        "BrowserLinkRoutingModifierSetting": {
+          "toggleLabel": "Toggle inverted link routing modifier",
+          "titleSystem": "Hold Shift to open in your web browser",
+          "titleOrca": "Hold Shift to open in Orca"
         }
       },
       "right": {
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/lib/http-link-modifier-routing.test.ts b/src/renderer/src/lib/http-link-modifier-routing.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..b37a900cde3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/renderer/src/lib/http-link-modifier-routing.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+import { describe, expect, it } from 'vitest'
+import { resolveModifierRouting } from './http-link-routing'
+
+describe('resolveModifierRouting', () => {
+  it('is inert without the modifier regardless of settings', () => {
+    for (const openLinksInApp of [true, false]) {
+      for (const inverts of [true, false]) {
+        expect(resolveModifierRouting(false, openLinksInApp, inverts)).toEqual({
+          wantsOrca: false,
+          wantsSystemBrowser: false
+        })
+      }
+    }
+  })
+
+  // Why: the setting ships off, so the historical one-way escape hatch must be
+  // byte-for-byte unchanged for every existing user.
+  it('always forces the system browser when inverting is off', () => {
+    expect(resolveModifierRouting(true, true, false)).toEqual({
+      wantsOrca: false,
+      wantsSystemBrowser: true
+    })
+    expect(resolveModifierRouting(true, false, false)).toEqual({
+      wantsOrca: false,
+      wantsSystemBrowser: true
+    })
+  })
+
+  it('still reaches the system browser when inverting and links open in Orca', () => {
+    expect(resolveModifierRouting(true, true, true)).toEqual({
+      wantsOrca: false,
+      wantsSystemBrowser: true
+    })
+  })
+
+  it('reaches Orca when inverting and links open in the system browser', () => {
+    expect(resolveModifierRouting(true, false, true)).toEqual({
+      wantsOrca: true,
+      wantsSystemBrowser: false
+    })
+  })
+
+  it('only diverges from the legacy behavior when links open externally', () => {
+    expect(resolveModifierRouting(true, true, true)).toEqual(
+      resolveModifierRouting(true, true, false)
+    )
+    expect(resolveModifierRouting(true, false, true)).not.toEqual(
+      resolveModifierRouting(true, false, false)
+    )
+  })
+})
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/lib/http-link-routing.test.ts b/src/renderer/src/lib/http-link-routing.test.ts
index 56ddc9b6e27..86c3bc18c54 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/lib/http-link-routing.test.ts
+++ b/src/renderer/src/lib/http-link-routing.test.ts
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ const storeState = {
   settings: undefined as
     | {
         openLinksInApp?: boolean
+        openLinksInAppModifierInverts?: boolean
         openLinksInAppPreferencePrompted?: boolean
         activeRuntimeEnvironmentId?: string | null
         localhostWorktreeLabelsEnabled?: boolean
@@ -380,3 +381,78 @@ describe('openHttpLink', () => {
     expect(registerLocalhostLabelMock).not.toHaveBeenCalled()
   })
 })
+
+describe('openHttpLink modifier routing', () => {
+  it('forces the system browser when inverting is off and links open in Orca', () => {
+    storeState.settings = { openLinksInApp: true, openLinksInAppModifierInverts: false }
+
+    openHttpLink('https://example.com/', { worktreeId: 'wt-1', modifierHeld: true })
+
+    expect(openUrlMock).toHaveBeenCalledWith('https://example.com/')
+    expect(createBrowserTabMock).not.toHaveBeenCalled()
+  })
+
+  // Why: this is the pre-existing dead gesture — Shift already meant "system
+  // browser", which is where the link was going anyway.
+  it('stays on the system browser when inverting is off and links open externally', () => {
+    storeState.settings = { openLinksInApp: false, openLinksInAppModifierInverts: false }
+
+    openHttpLink('https://example.com/', { worktreeId: 'wt-1', modifierHeld: true })
+
+    expect(openUrlMock).toHaveBeenCalledWith('https://example.com/')
+    expect(createBrowserTabMock).not.toHaveBeenCalled()
+  })
+
+  it('opens in Orca when inverting is on and links open externally', () => {
+    storeState.settings = { openLinksInApp: false, openLinksInAppModifierInverts: true }
+
+    openHttpLink('https://example.com/', { worktreeId: 'wt-1', modifierHeld: true })
+
+    expect(setActiveWorktreeMock).toHaveBeenCalledWith('wt-1')
+    expect(createBrowserTabMock).toHaveBeenCalledWith('wt-1', 'https://example.com/', {
+      activate: true
+    })
+    expect(openUrlMock).not.toHaveBeenCalled()
+  })
+
+  it('opens in the system browser when inverting is on and links open in Orca', () => {
+    storeState.settings = { openLinksInApp: true, openLinksInAppModifierInverts: true }
+
+    openHttpLink('https://example.com/', { worktreeId: 'wt-1', modifierHeld: true })
+
+    expect(openUrlMock).toHaveBeenCalledWith('https://example.com/')
+    expect(createBrowserTabMock).not.toHaveBeenCalled()
+  })
+
+  it('leaves unmodified clicks on the setting', () => {
+    storeState.settings = { openLinksInApp: false, openLinksInAppModifierInverts: true }
+
+    openHttpLink('https://example.com/', { worktreeId: 'wt-1' })
+
+    expect(openUrlMock).toHaveBeenCalledWith('https://example.com/')
+    expect(createBrowserTabMock).not.toHaveBeenCalled()
+  })
+
+  // Why: remote-owned links must never land in an Orca tab that cannot reach them.
+  it('never routes a remote source into Orca even when inverting', () => {
+    storeState.settings = { openLinksInApp: false, openLinksInAppModifierInverts: true }
+
+    openHttpLink('https://example.com/', {
+      worktreeId: 'wt-1',
+      modifierHeld: true,
+      sourceOwner: { kind: 'ssh', connectionId: 'conn-1' }
+    })
+
+    expect(openUrlMock).toHaveBeenCalledWith('https://example.com/')
+    expect(createBrowserTabMock).not.toHaveBeenCalled()
+  })
+
+  it('keeps forceSystemBrowser unconditional', () => {
+    storeState.settings = { openLinksInApp: true, openLinksInAppModifierInverts: true }
+
+    openHttpLink('https://example.com/', { worktreeId: 'wt-1', forceSystemBrowser: true })
+
+    expect(openUrlMock).toHaveBeenCalledWith('https://example.com/')
+    expect(createBrowserTabMock).not.toHaveBeenCalled()
+  })
+})
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/lib/http-link-routing.ts b/src/renderer/src/lib/http-link-routing.ts
index e3a34faa463..06cc0d5235e 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/lib/http-link-routing.ts
+++ b/src/renderer/src/lib/http-link-routing.ts
@@ -8,7 +8,10 @@ import type { WorkspacePort, WorkspacePortScanResult } from '../../../shared/wor
 
 export type OpenHttpLinkOptions = {
   worktreeId?: string | null
+  /** Unconditional: always use the system browser regardless of settings. */
   forceSystemBrowser?: boolean
+  /** The Shift escape-hatch modifier was held; resolveModifierRouting decides what it means. */
+  modifierHeld?: boolean
   sourceOwner?: HttpLinkSourceOwner
 }
 
@@ -22,7 +25,10 @@ type StoreAccessor = () => {
   settings?: Partial<
     Pick<
       GlobalSettings,
-      'openLinksInApp' | 'activeRuntimeEnvironmentId' | 'localhostWorktreeLabelsEnabled'
+      | 'openLinksInApp'
+      | 'openLinksInAppModifierInverts'
+      | 'activeRuntimeEnvironmentId'
+      | 'localhostWorktreeLabelsEnabled'
     >
   > | null
   setActiveWorktree: (worktreeId: string) => void
@@ -61,21 +67,49 @@ export function registerHttpLinkStoreAccessor(fn: StoreAccessor): void {
 // Scope: http(s) URLs only. file: URIs and in-worktree markdown targets are
 // owned by resolveMarkdownLinkTarget and must stay on that path — this helper
 // is only invoked on target.kind === 'external' (and for the terminal's http
-// branch). Shift+Cmd/Ctrl is the escape hatch: callers pass forceSystemBrowser
-// to bypass the setting entirely.
+// branch). Shift+Cmd/Ctrl is the escape hatch: click handlers pass modifierHeld
+// so resolveModifierRouting applies it; forceSystemBrowser stays reserved for
+// callers that must bypass the setting unconditionally.
+/**
+ * Resolves what the Shift modifier means for one click. Historically it always
+ * forced the system browser, which is a no-op when that is already the default;
+ * openLinksInAppModifierInverts makes it flip whichever way Link Routing points
+ * so the other destination is always one click away.
+ */
+export function resolveModifierRouting(
+  modifierHeld: boolean,
+  openLinksInApp: boolean,
+  modifierInverts: boolean
+): { wantsOrca: boolean; wantsSystemBrowser: boolean } {
+  if (!modifierHeld) {
+    return { wantsOrca: false, wantsSystemBrowser: false }
+  }
+  if (!modifierInverts) {
+    return { wantsOrca: false, wantsSystemBrowser: true }
+  }
+  return { wantsOrca: !openLinksInApp, wantsSystemBrowser: openLinksInApp }
+}
+
 export function openHttpLink(url: string, opts: OpenHttpLinkOptions = {}): void {
-  const { worktreeId, forceSystemBrowser, sourceOwner } = opts
+  const { worktreeId, forceSystemBrowser, modifierHeld, sourceOwner } = opts
   if (sourceOwner?.kind === 'unknown') {
     return
   }
   const state = storeAccessor?.()
   const remoteRuntimeActive = Boolean(state?.settings?.activeRuntimeEnvironmentId?.trim())
   const sourceIsLocal = sourceOwner ? sourceOwner.kind === 'local' : !remoteRuntimeActive
+  const openLinksInApp = state?.settings?.openLinksInApp === true
+  const modifier = resolveModifierRouting(
+    Boolean(modifierHeld),
+    openLinksInApp,
+    state?.settings?.openLinksInAppModifierInverts === true
+  )
   const routeToOrca =
     sourceIsLocal &&
     !forceSystemBrowser &&
+    !modifier.wantsSystemBrowser &&
     Boolean(worktreeId) &&
-    state?.settings?.openLinksInApp === true
+    (openLinksInApp || modifier.wantsOrca)
 
   if (routeToOrca && worktreeId && state) {
     // Why: http clicks from inside a worktree should not push a worktree-switch
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/lib/pane-manager/pane-dom-creation.ts b/src/renderer/src/lib/pane-manager/pane-dom-creation.ts
index 7c2fa26fab6..59fde2ea8de 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/lib/pane-manager/pane-dom-creation.ts
+++ b/src/renderer/src/lib/pane-manager/pane-dom-creation.ts
@@ -60,7 +60,6 @@ export function createPaneDOM(
   const fitAddon = new FitAddon()
   const searchAddon = new SearchAddon()
   const unicode11Addon = new Unicode11Addon()
-  const openLinkHint = getTerminalUrlOpenHint()
   // Why: async tooltip formatting can resolve after hover changes, so stale
   // results must not overwrite the tooltip for the currently hovered link.
   let linkTooltipHoverToken = 0
@@ -83,6 +82,7 @@ export function createPaneDOM(
         if (uri) {
           linkTooltipHoverToken += 1
           const hoverToken = linkTooltipHoverToken
+          const openLinkHint = options.linkOpenHint?.() ?? getTerminalUrlOpenHint()
           linkTooltip.textContent = defaultLinkTooltipText(uri, openLinkHint)
           linkTooltip.style.display = ''
           const formatted = options.formatLinkTooltip?.(uri, openLinkHint)
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/lib/pane-manager/pane-manager-types.ts b/src/renderer/src/lib/pane-manager/pane-manager-types.ts
index 2c1fd67de6d..fb53097c1f8 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/lib/pane-manager/pane-manager-types.ts
+++ b/src/renderer/src/lib/pane-manager/pane-manager-types.ts
@@ -60,6 +60,8 @@ export type PaneManagerOptions = {
   terminalOptions?: (paneId: number) => Partial<ITerminalOptions>
   terminalTuiScrollSensitivity?: () => number | undefined
   onLinkClick?: (event: MouseEvent | undefined, url: string) => void
+  /** Resolved per hover so link-routing setting changes apply without recreating panes. */
+  linkOpenHint?: () => string
   formatLinkTooltip?: (
     url: string,
     openLinkHint: string
diff --git a/src/shared/constants.ts b/src/shared/constants.ts
index 7c11e607d96..ecbfd7594b7 100644
--- a/src/shared/constants.ts
+++ b/src/shared/constants.ts
@@ -263,6 +263,7 @@ export function getDefaultSettings(homedir: string): GlobalSettings {
     openLinksInApp: false,
     localhostWorktreeLabelsEnabled: false,
     openLinksInAppPreferencePrompted: false,
+    openLinksInAppModifierInverts: false,
     openAgentTabsInChatByDefault: false,
     experimentalNativeChat: false,
     nativeChatSessionOptions: {},
diff --git a/src/shared/telemetry-events.ts b/src/shared/telemetry-events.ts
index 9cbfaac20e2..f477f67a0e4 100644
--- a/src/shared/telemetry-events.ts
+++ b/src/shared/telemetry-events.ts
@@ -241,6 +241,7 @@ type BooleanGlobalSettingsKey = {
 export const SETTINGS_CHANGED_WHITELIST = [
   'editorAutoSave',
   'openLinksInApp',
+  'openLinksInAppModifierInverts',
   'experimentalMobile',
   'experimentalPet',
   'experimentalNativeChat',
diff --git a/src/shared/types.ts b/src/shared/types.ts
index 2983cbf32ac..b3bcd17dc4c 100644
--- a/src/shared/types.ts
+++ b/src/shared/types.ts
@@ -2764,6 +2764,8 @@ export type GlobalSettings = {
   localhostWorktreeLabelsEnabled?: boolean
   /** Tracks the one-time first-use prompt for terminal link routing (avoid silently changing where links open). */
   openLinksInAppPreferencePrompted: boolean
+  /** Opt-in: Shift+modifier click inverts openLinksInApp instead of always forcing the system browser. Off keeps the historical one-way escape hatch. */
+  openLinksInAppModifierInverts?: boolean
   /** Opt-in: open new coding-agent tabs in native chat instead of the raw terminal; optional for legacy settings. */
   openAgentTabsInChatByDefault?: boolean
   /** Experimental native chat surface for Claude/Codex sessions; off by default. */