diff --git a/cortex/static/app.js b/cortex/static/app.js
index 0ab4af2..5be09f7 100644
--- a/cortex/static/app.js
+++ b/cortex/static/app.js
@@ -151,7 +151,9 @@
             inputEl.style.height = 'auto';
             inputEl.style.maxHeight = maxHeight + 'px';
             const sh = inputEl.scrollHeight;
-            inputEl.style.height = Math.min(sh, maxHeight) + 'px';
+            // Minimum height is 1/3 of maxHeight so each setting is visually distinct
+            const minH = Math.round(maxHeight / 3);
+            inputEl.style.height = Math.max(Math.min(sh, maxHeight), minH) + 'px';
         }
 
         function updateHeightUI() {
@@ -169,13 +171,7 @@
                 maxHeight = HEIGHT_SIZES[nextIdx];
                 localStorage.setItem('maxHeight', maxHeight);
                 updateHeightUI();
-                if (!inputEl.value.trim()) {
-                    inputEl.style.transition = 'height 0.2s ease';
-                    inputEl.style.height = maxHeight + 'px';
-                    setTimeout(syncHeight, 600);
-                } else {
-                    syncHeight();
-                }
+                syncHeight();
             });
         }