diff --git a/CHANGES.rst b/CHANGES.rst
index 19194b37fb..f56db36b35 100644
--- a/CHANGES.rst
+++ b/CHANGES.rst
@@ -87,6 +87,9 @@ Bug Fixes
 
 - Fixed ``cls`` input being ignored in ``viz.get_data()``. [#2242]
 
+- Live-previews and keypress events that depend on the plugin being opened now work for inline
+  and popout windows. [#2295]
+
 Cubeviz
 ^^^^^^^
 
diff --git a/docs/dev/ui_style_guide.rst b/docs/dev/ui_style_guide.rst
index 1dbff8e14b..13dd86245e 100644
--- a/docs/dev/ui_style_guide.rst
+++ b/docs/dev/ui_style_guide.rst
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ Tray Plugins
 In order to be consistent with layout, styling, and spacing, UI development on plugins should
 try to adhere to the following principles:
 
-* Any tray plugin should utilize ``<j-tray-plugin :has_previews="has_previews" :plugin_ping.sync="plugin_ping" :persistent_previews.sync="persistent_previews" :disabled_msg='disabled_msg' :popout_button="popout_button">`` as the
+* Any tray plugin should utilize ``<j-tray-plugin :uses_active_status="uses_active_status" :plugin_ping.sync="plugin_ping" :keep_active.sync="keep_active" :disabled_msg='disabled_msg' :popout_button="popout_button">`` as the
   outer-container (which provides consistent styling rules).  Any changes to style
   across all plugins should then take place in the
   ``j-tray-plugin`` stylesheet (``jdaviz/components/tray_plugin.vue``).
diff --git a/jdaviz/components/tray_plugin.vue b/jdaviz/components/tray_plugin.vue
index 8c3412fa92..66a475a906 100644
--- a/jdaviz/components/tray_plugin.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/components/tray_plugin.vue
@@ -13,12 +13,12 @@
       <span> {{ getDisabledMsg() }}</span>
     </v-row>
     <div v-else>
-      <v-row v-if="has_previews">
+      <v-row v-if="uses_active_status">
         <v-switch
-          v-model="persistent_previews"
-          @change="$emit('update:persistent_previews', $event)"
-          label="persistent live-preview"
-          hint="show live-preview even when plugin is not opened"
+          v-model="keep_active"
+          @change="$emit('update:keep_active', $event)"
+          label="keep active"
+          hint="consider plugin active (showing any previews and enabling all keypress events) even when not opened"
           persistent-hint>
         </v-switch>
       </v-row>
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@
 <script>
 module.exports = {
   props: ['disabled_msg', 'description', 'link', 'popout_button',
-          'has_previews', 'plugin_ping', 'persistent_previews'],
+          'uses_active_status', 'plugin_ping', 'keep_active'],
   methods: {
     isDisabled() {
       return this.getDisabledMsg().length > 0
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ module.exports = {
       this.$emit('update:plugin_ping', Date.now())
       setTimeout(() => {
         this.sendPing()
-      }, 100)  // ms
+      }, 200)  // ms
     }
   },
   mounted() {
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/line_lists/line_lists.py b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/line_lists/line_lists.py
index 12641fae66..481785d53d 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/line_lists/line_lists.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/line_lists/line_lists.py
@@ -322,9 +322,9 @@ def _on_rs_redshift_updated(self, event):
             msg = RedshiftMessage("redshift", value, sender=self)
             self.app.hub.broadcast(msg)
 
-    @observe('plugin_active')
+    @observe('plugin_opened')
     def _update_line_list_obs(self, *args):
-        if not self.plugin_active:
+        if not self.plugin_opened:
             return
 
         for list_name, line_list in self.list_contents.items():
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/markers/markers.py b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/markers/markers.py
index fd9f375900..28a0353530 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/markers/markers.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/markers/markers.py
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ class Markers(PluginTemplateMixin, ViewerSelectMixin, TableMixin):
     * :meth:`~jdaviz.core.template_mixin.TableMixin.export_table`
     """
     template_file = __file__, "markers.vue"
-    has_previews = Bool(True).tag(sync=True)
+    uses_active_status = Bool(True).tag(sync=True)
 
     _default_table_values = {'spectral_axis': np.nan,
                              'spectral_axis:unit': '',
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         self.hub.subscribe(self, ViewerAddedMessage, handler=self._on_viewer_added)
 
     def _create_viewer_callbacks(self, viewer):
-        if not self.show_previews:
+        if not self.is_active:
             return
 
         callback = self._viewer_callback(viewer, self._on_viewer_key_event)
@@ -107,14 +107,14 @@ def marks(self):
     def coords_info(self):
         return self.app.session.application._tools['g-coords-info']
 
-    @observe('show_previews')
-    def _on_show_previews_changed(self, *args):
+    @observe('is_active')
+    def _on_is_active_changed(self, *args):
         if self.disabled_msg:
             return
 
         # toggle visibility of markers
         for mark in self.marks.values():
-            mark.visible = self.show_previews
+            mark.visible = self.is_active
 
         # subscribe/unsubscribe to keypress events across all viewers
         for viewer in self.app._viewer_store.values():
@@ -123,7 +123,7 @@ def _on_show_previews_changed(self, *args):
                 continue
             callback = self._viewer_callback(viewer, self._on_viewer_key_event)
 
-            if self.show_previews:
+            if self.is_active:
                 viewer.add_event_callback(callback, events=['keydown'])
             else:
                 viewer.remove_event_callback(callback)
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/markers/markers.vue b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/markers/markers.vue
index 3343cbb6ef..6a75d0474f 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/markers/markers.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/markers/markers.vue
@@ -2,9 +2,9 @@
   <j-tray-plugin
     description='Create and export markers.  Press "m" with the cursor over a viewer to log the mouseover information.  To change the selected layer, click the layer cycler in the mouseover information section of the app-level toolbar.'
     :link="'https://jdaviz.readthedocs.io/en/'+vdocs+'/'+config+'/plugins.html#markers'"
-    :has_previews="has_previews"
+    :uses_active_status="uses_active_status"
     :plugin_ping.sync="plugin_ping"
-    :persistent_previews.sync="persistent_previews"
+    :keep_active.sync="keep_active"
     :popout_button="popout_button">
 
     <jupyter-widget :widget="table_widget"></jupyter-widget> 
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/markers/tests/test_markers_plugin.py b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/markers/tests/test_markers_plugin.py
index 495fdb0119..5532fb0eff 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/markers/tests/test_markers_plugin.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/markers/tests/test_markers_plugin.py
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ def test_markers_cubeviz(cubeviz_helper, spectrum1d_cube):
     label_mouseover = cubeviz_helper.app.session.application._tools['g-coords-info']
 
     mp = cubeviz_helper.plugins['Markers']
-    mp.open_in_tray()
+    mp.keep_active = True
 
     # test event in flux viewer
     label_mouseover._viewer_mouse_event(fv,
@@ -112,8 +112,8 @@ def test_markers_cubeviz(cubeviz_helper, spectrum1d_cube):
     assert len(_get_markers_from_viewer(fv).x) == 1
     assert len(_get_markers_from_viewer(sv).x) == 2
 
-    # markers hide when plugin closed (since persistent_previews == False)
-    cubeviz_helper.app.state.drawer = False
+    # markers hide when plugin closed and keep_active = False
+    mp.keep_active = False
     assert _get_markers_from_viewer(fv).visible is False
     assert _get_markers_from_viewer(sv).visible is False
 
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/plot_options/plot_options.py b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/plot_options/plot_options.py
index 85e88a37ab..819977d6d6 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/plot_options/plot_options.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/plot_options/plot_options.py
@@ -445,10 +445,6 @@ def user_api(self):
 
         return PluginUserApi(self, expose)
 
-    def show(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        super().show(*args, **kwargs)
-        self._update_stretch_histogram()
-
     @observe('show_viewer_labels')
     def _on_show_viewer_labels_changed(self, event):
         self.app.state.settings['viewer_labels'] = event['new']
@@ -483,7 +479,8 @@ def vue_set_value(self, data):
         value = data.get('value')
         setattr(self, attr_name, value)
 
-    @observe('plugin_opened_in_tray', 'layer_selected', 'viewer_selected', 'stretch_hist_zoom_limits')
+    @observe('plugin_opened', 'layer_selected', 'viewer_selected',
+             'stretch_hist_zoom_limits')
     def _update_stretch_histogram(self, msg={}):
         if not self.stretch_function_sync.get('in_subscribed_states'):  # pragma: no cover
             # no (image) viewer with stretch function options
@@ -491,7 +488,9 @@ def _update_stretch_histogram(self, msg={}):
         if not hasattr(self, 'viewer'):  # pragma: no cover
             # plugin hasn't been fully initialized yet
             return
-        if (not self.viewer.selected or not self.layer.selected):  # pragma: no cover
+        if (not self.plugin_opened
+                or not self.viewer.selected
+                or not self.layer.selected):  # pragma: no cover
             # no need to make updates, updates will be redrawn when plugin is opened
             # NOTE: this won't update when the plugin is shown but not open in the tray
             return
@@ -505,8 +504,7 @@ def _update_stretch_histogram(self, msg={}):
                                  or len(self.layer.selected) > 1):  # pragma: no cover
             # currently only support single-layer/viewer.  For now we'll just clear and return.
             # TODO: add support for multi-layer/viewer
-            if self.stretch_histogram is not None:
-                bqplot_clear_figure(self.stretch_histogram)
+            bqplot_clear_figure(self.stretch_histogram)
             return
 
         viewer = self.viewer.selected_obj[0] if self.multiselect else self.viewer.selected_obj
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/plot_options/tests/test_plot_options.py b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/plot_options/tests/test_plot_options.py
index 7a98ec7aab..5f191fdb57 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/plot_options/tests/test_plot_options.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/default/plugins/plot_options/tests/test_plot_options.py
@@ -63,6 +63,7 @@ def test_multiselect(cubeviz_helper, spectrum1d_cube):
 def test_stretch_histogram(cubeviz_helper, spectrum1d_cube_with_uncerts):
     cubeviz_helper.load_data(spectrum1d_cube_with_uncerts)
     po = cubeviz_helper.app.get_tray_item_from_name('g-plot-options')
+    po.open_in_tray()
 
     assert po.stretch_histogram is not None
 
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/compass/compass.py b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/compass/compass.py
index 9400ff5f3f..8c0af2ac98 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/compass/compass.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/compass/compass.py
@@ -40,10 +40,6 @@ def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
     def user_api(self):
         return PluginUserApi(self, expose=('viewer',), readonly=('data_label',))
 
-    def show(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        super().show(*args, **kwargs)
-        self._compass_with_new_viewer(from_show=True)
-
     def _on_viewer_data_changed(self, msg=None):
         if self.viewer_selected:
             viewer = self.viewer.selected_obj
@@ -61,7 +57,7 @@ def _set_compass_rotation(self):
         self.canvas_angle = viewer_item.get('canvas_angle', 0)  # noqa
         self.canvas_flip_horizontal = viewer_item.get('canvas_flip_horizontal', False)
 
-    @observe("viewer_selected", "plugin_opened_in_tray")
+    @observe("viewer_selected", "plugin_opened")
     def _compass_with_new_viewer(self, *args, **kwargs):
         if not hasattr(self, 'viewer'):
             # mixin object not yet initialized
@@ -69,7 +65,7 @@ def _compass_with_new_viewer(self, *args, **kwargs):
 
         # There can be only one!
         for vid, viewer in self.app._viewer_store.items():
-            if vid == self.viewer.selected_id and (self.plugin_opened_in_tray or kwargs.get('from_show')):  # noqa
+            if vid == self.viewer.selected_id and self.plugin_opened:
                 viewer.compass = self
                 viewer.on_limits_change()  # Force redraw
 
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/line_profile_xy/line_profile_xy.py b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/line_profile_xy/line_profile_xy.py
index ef2fb2c933..ac9c180a94 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/line_profile_xy/line_profile_xy.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/line_profile_xy/line_profile_xy.py
@@ -52,10 +52,10 @@ def reset_results(self):
         self.plot_across_y.clear_all_marks()
 
     # This is also triggered from viewer code.
-    @observe("selected_viewer")
+    @observe("plugin_opened", "selected_viewer")
     def vue_draw_plot(self, *args, **kwargs):
         """Draw line profile plots for given Data across given X and Y indices (0-indexed)."""
-        if not self.selected_x or not self.selected_y:
+        if not self.selected_x or not self.selected_y or not self.plugin_opened:
             return
 
         viewer = self.app.get_viewer_by_id(self.selected_viewer)
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/viewers.py b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/viewers.py
index 887f5117cf..dd8cd556d5 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/viewers.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/viewers.py
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ def on_mouse_or_key_event(self, data):
                 self.blink_once(reversed=key_pressed=='B')  # noqa: E225
 
             # TODO: move into plugin callback?
-            elif key_pressed == 'l':
+            elif key_pressed == 'l' and self.line_profile_xy.plugin_opened:
                 # Same data as mousemove above.
                 image = self.active_image_layer.layer
                 x = data['domain']['x']
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/tests/test_catalogs.py b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/tests/test_catalogs.py
index 71b05f9463..19bf52df21 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/tests/test_catalogs.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/tests/test_catalogs.py
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ def test_plugin_no_image(self, imviz_helper):
         self.imviz = imviz_helper
 
         catalogs_plugin = self.imviz.app.get_tray_item_from_name('imviz-catalogs')
-        catalogs_plugin.plugin_active = True
+        catalogs_plugin.open_in_tray()
         # running the search without any data loaded into Imviz
         catalogs_plugin.vue_do_search()
 
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ def test_plugin_image_no_result(self, imviz_helper, image_2d_wcs):
         self.imviz = imviz_helper
 
         catalogs_plugin = self.imviz.app.get_tray_item_from_name('imviz-catalogs')
-        catalogs_plugin.plugin_active = True
+        catalogs_plugin.open_in_tray()
         catalogs_plugin.vue_do_search()
 
         # number of results should be 0
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ def test_plugin_image_with_result(self, imviz_helper, tmp_path):
         self.imviz = imviz_helper
 
         catalogs_plugin = self.imviz.app.get_tray_item_from_name('imviz-catalogs')
-        catalogs_plugin.plugin_active = True
+        catalogs_plugin.open_in_tray()
         # This basically calls the following under the hood:
         #   skycoord_center = SkyCoord(6.62754354, 1.54466139, unit="deg")
         #   zoom_radius = r_max = 3 * u.arcmin
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/tests/test_line_profile_xy.py b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/tests/test_line_profile_xy.py
index 3720c71231..74e4b33c28 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/tests/test_line_profile_xy.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/tests/test_line_profile_xy.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ class TestLineProfileXY(BaseImviz_WCS_NoWCS):
     def test_plugin_linked_by_pixel(self):
         """Go through plugin logic but does not check plot contents."""
         lp_plugin = self.imviz.app.get_tray_item_from_name('imviz-line-profile-xy')
-        lp_plugin.plugin_active = True
+        lp_plugin.open_in_tray()
 
         lp_plugin._on_viewers_changed()  # Populate plugin menu items.
         assert lp_plugin.viewer_items == ['imviz-0']
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ def test_plugin_linked_by_pixel(self):
         assert lp_plugin.plot_available
 
         # Nothing should update on "l" when plugin closed.
-        lp_plugin.plugin_active = False
+        lp_plugin.plugin_opened = False
         self.viewer.on_mouse_or_key_event(
             {'event': 'keydown', 'key': 'l', 'domain': {'x': 5.1, 'y': 5}})
         lp_plugin.selected_x = '1.1'
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/line_analysis/line_analysis.py b/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/line_analysis/line_analysis.py
index daf9011d13..7be89e1548 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/line_analysis/line_analysis.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/line_analysis/line_analysis.py
@@ -97,7 +97,7 @@ class LineAnalysis(PluginTemplateMixin, DatasetSelectMixin, SpectralSubsetSelect
     """
     dialog = Bool(False).tag(sync=True)
     template_file = __file__, "line_analysis.vue"
-    has_previews = Bool(True).tag(sync=True)
+    uses_active_status = Bool(True).tag(sync=True)
 
     spatial_subset_items = List().tag(sync=True)
     spatial_subset_selected = Unicode().tag(sync=True)
@@ -206,26 +206,26 @@ def _on_viewer_subsets_changed(self, msg):
         if (msg.subset.label in [self.spectral_subset_selected,
                                  self.spatial_subset_selected,
                                  self.continuum_subset_selected]
-                and (self.show_previews or self.plugin_opened_in_tray)):
+                and self.is_active):
             self._calculate_statistics()
 
     def _on_global_display_unit_changed(self, msg):
-        if self.show_previews:
+        if self.is_active:
             self._calculate_statistics()
 
-    @observe('show_previews')
-    def _show_previews_changed(self, *args):
+    @observe('is_active')
+    def _is_active_changed(self, msg):
         if self.disabled_msg:
             return
 
         for pos, mark in self.marks.items():
-            mark.visible = self.show_previews
-        if self.show_previews:
+            mark.visible = self.is_active
+        if self.is_active:
             self._calculate_statistics()
 
-    @deprecated(since="3.6", alternative="persistent_previews")
+    @deprecated(since="3.6", alternative="keep_active")
     def show_continuum_marks(self):
-        self.persistent_previews = True
+        self.keep_active = True
 
     @property
     def marks(self):
@@ -247,9 +247,9 @@ def marks(self):
                 return {}
             # then haven't been initialized yet, so initialize with empty
             # marks that will be populated once the first analysis is done.
-            marks = {'left': LineAnalysisContinuumLeft(viewer, visible=self.show_previews),
-                     'center': LineAnalysisContinuumCenter(viewer, visible=self.show_previews),
-                     'right': LineAnalysisContinuumRight(viewer, visible=self.show_previews)}
+            marks = {'left': LineAnalysisContinuumLeft(viewer, visible=self.is_active),
+                     'center': LineAnalysisContinuumCenter(viewer, visible=self.is_active),
+                     'right': LineAnalysisContinuumRight(viewer, visible=self.is_active)}
             shadows = [ShadowLine(mark, shadow_width=2) for mark in marks.values()]
             # NOTE: += won't trigger the figure to notice new marks
             viewer.figure.marks = viewer.figure.marks + shadows + list(marks.values())
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/line_analysis/line_analysis.vue b/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/line_analysis/line_analysis.vue
index 7840e5e268..a0058aa374 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/line_analysis/line_analysis.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/line_analysis/line_analysis.vue
@@ -2,9 +2,9 @@
   <j-tray-plugin
     description="Return statistics for a single spectral line."
     :link="'https://jdaviz.readthedocs.io/en/'+vdocs+'/'+config+'/plugins.html#line-analysis'"
-    :has_previews="has_previews"
+    :uses_active_status="uses_active_status"
     :plugin_ping.sync="plugin_ping"
-    :persistent_previews.sync="persistent_previews"
+    :keep_active.sync="keep_active"
     :disabled_msg="disabled_msg"
     :popout_button="popout_button">
 
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/line_analysis/tests/test_line_analysis.py b/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/line_analysis/tests/test_line_analysis.py
index c8ce22db09..fa075d6df9 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/line_analysis/tests/test_line_analysis.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/line_analysis/tests/test_line_analysis.py
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ def test_plugin(specviz_helper, spectrum1d):
     specviz_helper.load_data(spectrum1d, data_label=label)
 
     plugin = specviz_helper.app.get_tray_item_from_name('specviz-line-analysis')
-    plugin.persistent_previews = True
+    plugin.keep_active = True
 
     # continuum should be created, plotted, and visible
     sv = specviz_helper.app.get_viewer('spectrum-viewer')
@@ -25,8 +25,8 @@ def test_plugin(specviz_helper, spectrum1d):
     assert len(continuum_marks) == 3
     assert np.all([cm.visible for cm in continuum_marks])
 
-    # disabling persistent_previews should hide the continuum
-    plugin.persistent_previews = False
+    # disabling keep_active should hide the continuum
+    plugin.keep_active = False
     assert np.all([cm.visible is False for cm in continuum_marks])
 
     # add a region and rerun stats for that region
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ def test_spatial_subset(cubeviz_helper, image_cube_hdu_obj):
     cubeviz_helper.app.state.drawer = True
 
     plugin = cubeviz_helper.app.get_tray_item_from_name('specviz-line-analysis')
-    plugin.persistent_previews = True
+    plugin.keep_active = True
 
     plugin.spatial_subset_selected = 'Subset 1'
     plugin.spectral_subset_selected = 'Subset 2'
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ def test_user_api(specviz_helper, spectrum1d):
     sv.apply_roi(XRangeROI(6500, 7400))
 
     la = specviz_helper.plugins['Line Analysis']
-    la.persistent_previews = True
+    la.keep_active = True
 
     # spectral subset does not support multiselect
     assert "multiselect" not in la.spectral_subset.__repr__()
@@ -183,7 +183,7 @@ def test_continuum_surrounding_spectral_subset(specviz_helper, spectrum1d):
     specviz_helper.load_data(spectrum1d, data_label=label)
 
     plugin = specviz_helper.app.get_tray_item_from_name('specviz-line-analysis')
-    plugin.persistent_previews = True
+    plugin.keep_active = True
 
     # continuum should be created, plotted, and visible
     sv = specviz_helper.app.get_viewer('spectrum-viewer')
@@ -210,7 +210,7 @@ def test_continuum_spectral_same_value(specviz_helper, spectrum1d):
     specviz_helper.load_data(spectrum1d, data_label=label)
 
     plugin = specviz_helper.app.get_tray_item_from_name('specviz-line-analysis')
-    plugin.persistent_previews = True
+    plugin.keep_active = True
 
     # continuum should be created, plotted, and visible
     sv = specviz_helper.app.get_viewer('spectrum-viewer')
@@ -237,7 +237,7 @@ def test_continuum_surrounding_invalid_width(specviz_helper, spectrum1d):
     specviz_helper.load_data(spectrum1d, data_label=label)
 
     plugin = specviz_helper.app.get_tray_item_from_name('specviz-line-analysis')
-    plugin.persistent_previews = True
+    plugin.keep_active = True
 
     # continuum should be created, plotted, and visible
     sv = specviz_helper.app.get_viewer('spectrum-viewer')
@@ -262,7 +262,7 @@ def test_continuum_subset_spectral_entire(specviz_helper, spectrum1d):
     specviz_helper.load_data(spectrum1d, data_label=label)
 
     plugin = specviz_helper.app.get_tray_item_from_name('specviz-line-analysis')
-    plugin.persistent_previews = True
+    plugin.keep_active = True
 
     # continuum should be created, plotted, and visible
     sv = specviz_helper.app.get_viewer('spectrum-viewer')
@@ -289,7 +289,7 @@ def test_continuum_subset_spectral_subset2(specviz_helper, spectrum1d):
     specviz_helper.load_data(spectrum1d, data_label=label)
 
     plugin = specviz_helper.app.get_tray_item_from_name('specviz-line-analysis')
-    plugin.persistent_previews = True
+    plugin.keep_active = True
 
     # continuum should be created, plotted, and visible
     sv = specviz_helper.app.get_viewer('spectrum-viewer')
@@ -322,7 +322,7 @@ def test_continuum_surrounding_no_right(specviz_helper, spectrum1d):
     specviz_helper.load_data(spectrum1d, data_label=label)
 
     plugin = specviz_helper.app.get_tray_item_from_name('specviz-line-analysis')
-    plugin.persistent_previews = True
+    plugin.keep_active = True
 
     # continuum should be created, plotted, and visible
     sv = specviz_helper.app.get_viewer('spectrum-viewer')
@@ -350,7 +350,7 @@ def test_continuum_surrounding_no_left(specviz_helper, spectrum1d):
     specviz_helper.load_data(spectrum1d, data_label=label)
 
     plugin = specviz_helper.app.get_tray_item_from_name('specviz-line-analysis')
-    plugin.persistent_previews = True
+    plugin.keep_active = True
 
     # continuum should be created, plotted, and visible
     sv = specviz_helper.app.get_viewer('spectrum-viewer')
@@ -378,7 +378,7 @@ def test_subset_changed(specviz_helper, spectrum1d):
     specviz_helper.load_data(spectrum1d, data_label=label)
 
     plugin = specviz_helper.app.get_tray_item_from_name('specviz-line-analysis')
-    plugin.persistent_previews = True
+    plugin.keep_active = True
 
     # continuum should be created, plotted, and visible
     sv = specviz_helper.app.get_viewer('spectrum-viewer')
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/line_analysis/tests/test_lineflux.py b/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/line_analysis/tests/test_lineflux.py
index f46627ea61..9277e26d88 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/line_analysis/tests/test_lineflux.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/specviz/plugins/line_analysis/tests/test_lineflux.py
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ def _calculate_line_flux(viz_helper):
     # Open the plugin and force the calculation
     viz_helper.app.state.drawer = True
     line_analysis_plugin = viz_helper.app.get_tray_item_from_name('specviz-line-analysis')
-    line_analysis_plugin.persistent_previews = True
+    line_analysis_plugin.keep_active = True
 
     # Retrieve Results
     for result in line_analysis_plugin.results:
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/specviz2d/plugins/spectral_extraction/spectral_extraction.py b/jdaviz/configs/specviz2d/plugins/spectral_extraction/spectral_extraction.py
index 06c252c92b..3df8dfa426 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/specviz2d/plugins/spectral_extraction/spectral_extraction.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/specviz2d/plugins/spectral_extraction/spectral_extraction.py
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@ class SpectralExtraction(PluginTemplateMixin):
     """
     dialog = Bool(False).tag(sync=True)
     template_file = __file__, "spectral_extraction.vue"
-    has_previews = Bool(True).tag(sync=True)
+    uses_active_status = Bool(True).tag(sync=True)
 
     active_step = Unicode().tag(sync=True)
     interactive_extract = Bool(True).tag(sync=True)
@@ -406,12 +406,12 @@ def update_marks(self, step=None):
             else:
                 raise ValueError("step must be one of: trace, bg, ext")
 
-    @observe('show_previews', 'interactive_extract')
+    @observe('is_active', 'interactive_extract')
     def _update_plugin_marks(self, *args):
         if not self._do_marks:
             return
 
-        if not (self.show_previews):
+        if not (self.is_active):
             for step, mark in self.marks.items():
                 mark.visible = False
             return
@@ -469,22 +469,22 @@ def marks(self):
 
         # the marks haven't been initialized yet, so initialize with empty
         # marks that will be populated once the first analysis is done.
-        self._marks = {'trace': PluginLine(viewer2d, visible=self.show_previews),
-                       'ext_lower': PluginLine(viewer2d, visible=self.show_previews),
-                       'ext_upper': PluginLine(viewer2d, visible=self.show_previews),
-                       'bg1_center': PluginLine(viewer2d, visible=self.show_previews,
+        self._marks = {'trace': PluginLine(viewer2d, visible=self.is_active),
+                       'ext_lower': PluginLine(viewer2d, visible=self.is_active),
+                       'ext_upper': PluginLine(viewer2d, visible=self.is_active),
+                       'bg1_center': PluginLine(viewer2d, visible=self.is_active,
                                                 line_style='dotted'),
-                       'bg1_lower': PluginLine(viewer2d, visible=self.show_previews),
-                       'bg1_upper': PluginLine(viewer2d, visible=self.show_previews),
-                       'bg2_center': PluginLine(viewer2d, visible=self.show_previews,
+                       'bg1_lower': PluginLine(viewer2d, visible=self.is_active),
+                       'bg1_upper': PluginLine(viewer2d, visible=self.is_active),
+                       'bg2_center': PluginLine(viewer2d, visible=self.is_active,
                                                 line_style='dotted'),
-                       'bg2_lower': PluginLine(viewer2d, visible=self.show_previews),
-                       'bg2_upper': PluginLine(viewer2d, visible=self.show_previews)}
+                       'bg2_lower': PluginLine(viewer2d, visible=self.is_active),
+                       'bg2_upper': PluginLine(viewer2d, visible=self.is_active)}
         # NOTE: += won't trigger the figure to notice new marks
         viewer2d.figure.marks = viewer2d.figure.marks + list(self._marks.values())
 
-        self._marks['extract'] = PluginLine(viewer1d, visible=self.show_previews)
-        self._marks['bg_spec'] = PluginLine(viewer1d, visible=self.show_previews, stroke_width=1)  # noqa
+        self._marks['extract'] = PluginLine(viewer1d, visible=self.is_active)
+        self._marks['bg_spec'] = PluginLine(viewer1d, visible=self.is_active, stroke_width=1)  # noqa
 
         # NOTE: += won't trigger the figure to notice new marks
         viewer1d.figure.marks = viewer1d.figure.marks + [self._marks['extract'],
@@ -497,7 +497,7 @@ def marks(self):
              'trace_pixel', 'trace_peak_method_selected',
              'trace_do_binning', 'trace_bins', 'trace_window', 'active_step')
     def _interaction_in_trace_step(self, event={}):
-        if not self.show_previews or not self._do_marks:
+        if not self.is_active or not self._do_marks:
             return
         if event.get('name', '') == 'active_step' and event.get('new') != 'trace':
             return
@@ -518,7 +518,7 @@ def _interaction_in_trace_step(self, event={}):
              'bg_trace_selected', 'bg_trace_pixel',
              'bg_separation', 'bg_width', 'bg_statistic_selected', 'active_step')
     def _interaction_in_bg_step(self, event={}):
-        if not self.show_previews or not self._do_marks:
+        if not self.is_active or not self._do_marks:
             return
         if event.get('name', '') == 'active_step' and event.get('new') != 'bg':
             return
@@ -574,7 +574,7 @@ def _interaction_in_bg_step(self, event={}):
     @observe('ext_dataset_selected', 'ext_trace_selected',
              'ext_type_selected', 'ext_width', 'active_step')
     def _interaction_in_ext_step(self, event={}):
-        if not self.show_previews or not self._do_marks:
+        if not self.is_active or not self._do_marks:
             return
         if event.get('name', '') == 'active_step' and event.get('new') != 'ext':
             return
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/specviz2d/plugins/spectral_extraction/spectral_extraction.vue b/jdaviz/configs/specviz2d/plugins/spectral_extraction/spectral_extraction.vue
index 2c60dd502c..4db2d938fc 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/specviz2d/plugins/spectral_extraction/spectral_extraction.vue
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/specviz2d/plugins/spectral_extraction/spectral_extraction.vue
@@ -2,9 +2,9 @@
   <j-tray-plugin
     description="2D to 1D spectral extraction."
     :link="'https://jdaviz.readthedocs.io/en/'+vdocs+'/'+config+'/plugins.html#spectral-extraction'"
-    :has_previews="has_previews"
+    :uses_active_status="uses_active_status"
     :plugin_ping.sync="plugin_ping"
-    :persistent_previews.sync="persistent_previews"
+    :keep_active.sync="keep_active"
     :popout_button="popout_button">
 
     <v-row>
@@ -28,8 +28,7 @@
     </v-row>
 
 
-    <div @mouseover="() => active_step='trace'"
-      :style="plugin_active && active_step==='trace' ? 'box-shadow: rgb(2 123 161 / 20%) -20px 0px 0px 0px' : ''">
+    <div @mouseover="() => active_step='trace'">
       <j-plugin-section-header>Trace</j-plugin-section-header>
       <v-row>
         <j-docs-link>
@@ -188,8 +187,7 @@
       </v-row>
     </div>
 
-    <div @mouseover="() => active_step='bg'"
-      :style="plugin_active && active_step==='bg' ? 'box-shadow: rgb(2 123 161 / 20%) -20px 0px 0px 0px' : ''">
+    <div @mouseover="() => active_step='bg'">
       <j-plugin-section-header>Background</j-plugin-section-header>
       <v-row>
         <j-docs-link>Create a background and/or background-subtracted image.</j-docs-link>
@@ -351,8 +349,7 @@
       </v-row>
     </div>
 
-    <div @mouseover="() => active_step='ext'"
-      :style="plugin_active && active_step==='ext' ? 'box-shadow: rgb(2 123 161 / 20%) -20px 0px 0px 0px' : ''">
+    <div @mouseover="() => active_step='ext'">
       <j-plugin-section-header>Extraction</j-plugin-section-header>
       <v-row>
         <j-docs-link>
diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/specviz2d/plugins/spectral_extraction/tests/test_spectral_extraction.py b/jdaviz/configs/specviz2d/plugins/spectral_extraction/tests/test_spectral_extraction.py
index 6bc8aaf226..5d6b49cce9 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/specviz2d/plugins/spectral_extraction/tests/test_spectral_extraction.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/specviz2d/plugins/spectral_extraction/tests/test_spectral_extraction.py
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ def test_plugin(specviz2d_helper):
     sp2dv = specviz2d_helper.app.get_viewer('spectrum-2d-viewer')
     assert len(sp2dv.figure.marks) == 2
 
-    pext.persistent_previews = True
+    pext.keep_active = True
     assert len(sp2dv.figure.marks) == 11
     assert pext.marks['trace'].visible is True
     assert len(pext.marks['trace'].x) > 0
@@ -156,7 +156,7 @@ def test_user_api(specviz2d_helper):
     specviz2d_helper.load_data(spectrum_2d=fn)
 
     pext = specviz2d_helper.plugins['Spectral Extraction']
-    pext.persistent_previews = True
+    pext.keep_active = True
 
     # test that setting a string to an AddResults object redirects to the label
     pext.bg_sub_add_results = 'override label'
diff --git a/jdaviz/core/template_mixin.py b/jdaviz/core/template_mixin.py
index 4d925b85ea..96861d35c6 100644
--- a/jdaviz/core/template_mixin.py
+++ b/jdaviz/core/template_mixin.py
@@ -227,19 +227,16 @@ class PluginTemplateMixin(TemplateMixin):
     This base class can be inherited by all sidebar/tray plugins to expose common functionality.
     """
     disabled_msg = Unicode("").tag(sync=True)
-    plugin_opened_in_tray = Bool(False).tag(sync=True)  # plugin is opened in the tray
     plugin_ping = Integer(0).tag(sync=True)
-    plugin_active = Bool(False).tag(sync=True)  # any instance of the plugin has recently pinged
-    has_previews = Bool(False).tag(sync=True)  # whether the plugin has live-preview marks, set in plugins
-    persistent_previews = Bool(False).tag(sync=True)  # noqa whether the live-preview marks show regardless of active state
-    show_previews = Bool(False).tag(sync=True)  # noqa read-only: whether the previews should be shown according to settings above
+    plugin_opened = Bool(False).tag(sync=True)  # noqa any instance of the plugin is open (recently sent an "alive" ping)
+    uses_active_status = Bool(False).tag(sync=True)  # noqa whether the plugin has live-preview marks, set to True in plugins to expose keep_active switch
+    keep_active = Bool(False).tag(sync=True)  # noqa whether the live-preview marks show regardless of active state, inapplicable unless uses_active_status is True
+    is_active = Bool(False).tag(sync=True)  # noqa read-only: whether the previews should be shown according to plugin_opened and keep_active
 
     def __init__(self, **kwargs):
         self._viewer_callbacks = {}
-        self._inactive_thread = None
+        self._inactive_thread = None  # thread checking for alive pings to control plugin_opened
         super().__init__(**kwargs)
-        self.app.state.add_callback('tray_items_open', self._mxn_update_plugin_opened)
-        self.app.state.add_callback('drawer', self._mxn_update_plugin_opened)
 
     @property
     def user_api(self):
@@ -250,25 +247,37 @@ def user_api(self):
     @observe('plugin_ping')
     def _plugin_ping_changed(self, *args):
         if self.plugin_ping == 0:
+            # initial traitlet state
             return
-        self.plugin_active = True
+        # we've received a ping, so immediately set plugin_opened state to True
+        if not self.plugin_opened:
+            self.plugin_opened = True
 
         if self._inactive_thread is not None and self._inactive_thread.is_alive():
+            # a thread already exists to check for pings, the latest ping will allow
+            # the existing while-loop to continue
             return
 
+        # create a thread to monitor for pings.  If a ping hasn't been received in the
+        # expected time, then plugin_opened will be set to False.
         self._inactive_thread = threading.Thread(target=self._watch_active)
         self._inactive_thread.start()
 
     def _watch_active(self):
-        expected_delay_ms = 100
-        plugin_ping = self.plugin_ping  # ms
-        now = time.time() * 1000  # s -> ms
-        while now - plugin_ping < 1.5 * expected_delay_ms:
-            time.sleep(expected_delay_ms / 1000)
-            now = time.time() * 1000 # s -> ms
-            plugin_ping = self.plugin_ping
-
-        self.plugin_active = False
+        # expected_delay_ms hould match value in setTimeout in tray_plugin.vue
+        # NOTE: could control with a traitlet, but then would need to pass through each
+        # <j-tray-plugin> component
+        expected_delay_ms = 200
+        # plugin_ping (ms) set by setTimeout in tray_plugin.vue
+        # time.time() is in s, so need to convert to ms
+        while time.time()*1000 - self.plugin_ping < 2 * expected_delay_ms:
+            # at least one plugin has sent an "alive" ping within twice of the expected
+            # interval, wait a full (double) interval and then check again
+            time.sleep(2 * expected_delay_ms / 1000)
+
+        # "alive" ping has not been received within the expected time, consider all instances
+        # of the plugin to be closed
+        self.plugin_opened = False
 
     def _viewer_callback(self, viewer, plugin_method):
         """
@@ -292,11 +301,6 @@ def plugin_viewer_callback(viewer, plugin_method):
             self._viewer_callbacks[key] = plugin_viewer_callback(viewer, plugin_method)
         return self._viewer_callbacks.get(key)
 
-    def _mxn_update_plugin_opened(self, new_value):
-        app_state = self.app.state
-        tray_names_open = [app_state.tray_items[i]['name'] for i in app_state.tray_items_open]
-        self.plugin_opened_in_tray = app_state.drawer and self._registry_name in tray_names_open
-
     def open_in_tray(self):
         """
         Open the plugin in the sidebar/tray (and open the sidebar if it is not already).
@@ -307,19 +311,20 @@ def open_in_tray(self):
         if index not in app_state.tray_items_open:
             app_state.tray_items_open = app_state.tray_items_open + [index]
 
-    @observe('plugin_active', 'persistent_previews')
-    def _update_show_previews(self, *args):
-        self.show_previews = self.persistent_previews or self.plugin_active
+    @observe('plugin_opened', 'keep_active')
+    def _update_is_active(self, *args):
+        self.is_active = self.keep_active or self.plugin_opened
 
     @contextmanager
-    def temporarily_show_previews(self):
+    def as_active(self):
         """
-        Context manager to temporarily enable persistent live-previews
+        Context manager to temporarily enable keep_active and enable live-previews and keypress
+        events, even if the plugin UI is not opened.
         """
-        _persistent_previews = self.persistent_previews
-        self.persistent_previews = True
+        _keep_active = self.keep_active
+        self.keep_active = True
         yield
-        self.persistent_previews = _persistent_previews
+        self.keep_active = _keep_active
 
     def show(self, loc="inline", title=None):  # pragma: no cover
         """Display the plugin UI.
diff --git a/jdaviz/core/user_api.py b/jdaviz/core/user_api.py
index f4ef1d7e7b..c7b04a13f4 100644
--- a/jdaviz/core/user_api.py
+++ b/jdaviz/core/user_api.py
@@ -86,8 +86,8 @@ class PluginUserApi(UserApiWrapper):
     """
     def __init__(self, plugin, expose=[], readonly=[]):
         expose = list(set(list(expose) + ['open_in_tray', 'show']))
-        if plugin.has_previews:
-            expose += ['persistent_previews', 'temporarily_show_previews']
+        if plugin.uses_active_status:
+            expose += ['keep_active', 'as_active']
         super().__init__(plugin, expose, readonly)
 
     def __repr__(self):