diff --git a/python/ipnb/src/org/jetbrains/plugins/ipnb/editor/panels/IpnbEditablePanel.java b/python/ipnb/src/org/jetbrains/plugins/ipnb/editor/panels/IpnbEditablePanel.java
index 67f2b4e7a377..5e5df064abef 100644
--- a/python/ipnb/src/org/jetbrains/plugins/ipnb/editor/panels/IpnbEditablePanel.java
+++ b/python/ipnb/src/org/jetbrains/plugins/ipnb/editor/panels/IpnbEditablePanel.java
@@ -108,6 +108,7 @@ public abstract class IpnbEditablePanel<T extends JComponent, K extends IpnbEdit
     setEditing(true);
 
     mySplitter.setFirstComponent(myEditablePrompt);
+    UIUtil.requestFocus(myEditablePanel);
     mySplitter.setSecondComponent(null);
   }