2018-04-19 16:02:00

29 files changed, 673 insertions, 247 deletions

diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/buff-ini.mkiv b/tex/context/base/mkiv/buff-ini.mkiv
index 6baf752cd..b139e2b51 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/buff-ini.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/buff-ini.mkiv
@@ -44,8 +44,12 @@
 % \def\buff_start_indeed#1#2#3#4#5% \donothing needed ! #5=undent)
 %   {\normalexpanded{\buff_pickup{#2}{#3}{#4}{}{\buff_stop{#4}}\plusone}}
 
+% \def\buff_start_indeed#1#2#3#4%
+%   {\normalexpanded{\buff_pickup{#2}{#3}{#4}{}{\buff_stop{#4}}\plusone}}
+
 \def\buff_start_indeed#1#2#3#4%
-  {\normalexpanded{\buff_pickup{#2}{#3}{#4}{}{\buff_stop{#4}}\plusone}}
+  {\edef\p_strip{\namedbufferparameter{#1}\c!strip}% for aditya
+   \normalexpanded{\buff_pickup{#2}{#3}{#4}{}{\buff_stop{#4}}\ifx\p_strip\v!no\zerocount\else\plusone\fi}}
 
 \unexpanded\def\grabbufferdata % was: \dostartbuffer
   {\begingroup % (4)
@@ -155,7 +159,7 @@
     \setexpandedbufferparameter\c!number{\number\c_buff_n_of_defined}%
     \edef\currentdefinedbuffer{def-\number\c_buff_n_of_defined}%
     \setuevalue{\e!start\currentbuffer}{\buff_start_defined{\currentbuffer}{\currentdefinedbuffer}{\e!start\currentbuffer}{\e!stop\currentbuffer}}%
-    \setuevalue{\e!get\currentbuffer  }{\buff_get_stored{\currentbuffer}{\currentdefinedbuffer}}%
+    \setuevalue{\e!get  \currentbuffer}{\buff_get_stored   {\currentbuffer}{\currentdefinedbuffer}}%
 \to \everydefinebuffer
 
 \unexpanded\def\buff_start_defined
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/cldf-scn.lua b/tex/context/base/mkiv/cldf-scn.lua
index ccf1f01c6..a8dddc6c8 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/cldf-scn.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/cldf-scn.lua
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ local scanners    = interfaces.scanners
 local register    = interfaces.registerscanner
 
 local compile     = tokens.compile or function() end
+local presets     = tokens.presets
 
 local dummy       = function() end
 
@@ -47,6 +48,10 @@ function interfaces.implement(specification)
     if name == "" then
         name = nil
     end
+    local p = arguments and presets[arguments]
+    if p then
+        arguments = p
+    end
     local scanner
     local resetter = onlyonce and name and commands.ctxresetter(name)
     if resetter then
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/cont-new.mkiv b/tex/context/base/mkiv/cont-new.mkiv
index e0353b955..9fa8f68a4 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/cont-new.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/cont-new.mkiv
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 %C therefore copyrighted by \PRAGMA. See mreadme.pdf for
 %C details.
 
-\newcontextversion{2018.04.16 12:05}
+\newcontextversion{2018.04.19 15:53}
 
 %D This file is loaded at runtime, thereby providing an excellent place for
 %D hacks, patches, extensions and new features.
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/context.mkiv b/tex/context/base/mkiv/context.mkiv
index 9a05525a1..24482906c 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/context.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/context.mkiv
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
 %D has to match \type {YYYY.MM.DD HH:MM} format.
 
 \edef\contextformat {\jobname}
-\edef\contextversion{2018.04.16 12:05}
+\edef\contextversion{2018.04.19 15:53}
 \edef\contextkind   {beta}
 
 %D For those who want to use this:
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/font-cff.lua b/tex/context/base/mkiv/font-cff.lua
index 1d4f01007..87234dd46 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/font-cff.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/font-cff.lua
@@ -47,6 +47,21 @@ local setposition       = streamreader.setposition
 local getposition       = streamreader.getposition
 local readbytetable     = streamreader.readbytetable
 
+directives.register("fonts.streamreader",function()
+
+    streamreader  = utilities.streams
+
+    readstring    = streamreader.readstring
+    readbyte      = streamreader.readcardinal1
+    readushort    = streamreader.readcardinal2
+    readuint      = streamreader.readcardinal3
+    readulong     = streamreader.readcardinal4
+    setposition   = streamreader.setposition
+    getposition   = streamreader.getposition
+    readbytetable = streamreader.readbytetable
+
+end)
+
 local setmetatableindex = table.setmetatableindex
 
 local trace_charstrings = false trackers.register("fonts.cff.charstrings",function(v) trace_charstrings = v end)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/font-dsp.lua b/tex/context/base/mkiv/font-dsp.lua
index 77b2b7ff0..c896aa711 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/font-dsp.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/font-dsp.lua
@@ -97,6 +97,29 @@ local readfword         = readshort
 local readbytetable     = streamreader.readbytetable
 local readbyte          = streamreader.readbyte
 
+directives.register("fonts.streamreader",function()
+
+    streamreader  = utilities.streams
+
+    setposition   = streamreader.setposition
+    getposition   = streamreader.getposition
+    readushort    = streamreader.readcardinal2
+    readulong     = streamreader.readcardinal4
+    readinteger   = streamreader.readinteger1
+    readshort     = streamreader.readinteger2
+    readstring    = streamreader.readstring
+    readtag       = streamreader.readtag
+    readbytes     = streamreader.readbytes
+    readfixed     = streamreader.readfixed4
+    read2dot14    = streamreader.read2dot14
+    skipshort     = streamreader.skipshort
+    skipbytes     = streamreader.skip
+    readfword     = readshort
+    readbytetable = streamreader.readbytetable
+    readbyte      = streamreader.readbyte
+
+end)
+
 local gsubhandlers      = { }
 local gposhandlers      = { }
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/font-osd.lua b/tex/context/base/mkiv/font-osd.lua
index 9f99fd57f..51f644ad1 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/font-osd.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/font-osd.lua
@@ -293,10 +293,6 @@ if not indicgroups and characters then
 
     characters.indicgroups = indicgroups
 
-else
-
-    indicgroups = table.setmetatableindex("table")
-
 end
 
 local consonant         = indicgroups.consonant
@@ -422,19 +418,19 @@ local sequence_remove_joiners = {
 -- as it might depends on the font. Not that it's a bottleneck.
 
 local basic_shaping_forms =  {
-    init = true, -- new
-    abvs = true, -- new
+ -- init = true, -- new
+ -- abvs = true, -- new
     akhn = true,
     blwf = true,
-    calt = true, -- new
+ -- calt = true, -- new
     cjct = true,
     half = true,
-    haln = true, -- new
+ -- haln = true, -- new
     nukt = true,
     pref = true,
-    pres = true, -- new
+ -- pres = true, -- new
     pstf = true,
-    psts = true, -- new
+ -- psts = true, -- new
     rkrf = true,
     rphf = true,
     vatu = true,
@@ -605,9 +601,7 @@ local function initializedevanagi(tfmdata)
                                         end
                                     end
                                 end
-if reph then
-    seqsubset[#seqsubset+1] = { kind, coverage, reph }
-end
+                                seqsubset[#seqsubset+1] = { kind, coverage, reph }
                             end
                         end
                     end
@@ -691,6 +685,19 @@ registerotffeature {
     },
 }
 
+local show_syntax_errors = false
+
+local function inject_syntax_error(head,current,char)
+    local signal = copy_node(current)
+    copyinjection(signal,current)
+    if pre_mark[char] then
+        setchar(signal,dotted_circle)
+    else
+        setchar(current,dotted_circle)
+    end
+    return insert_node_after(head,current,signal)
+end
+
 -- hm, this is applied to one character:
 
 local function initialize_one(font,attr) -- we need a proper hook into the dataset initializer
@@ -793,10 +800,9 @@ local function reorder_one(head,start,stop,font,attr,nbspaces)
                         setprop(tempcurrent,a_state,unsetvalue)
                         if getchar(next) == getchar(tempcurrent) then
                             flush_list(tempcurrent)
-                            local n = copy_node(current)
-                            copyinjection(n,current) -- KE: necessary? HH: probably not as positioning comes later and we rawget/set
-                            setchar(current,dotted_circle)
-                            head = insert_node_after(head, current, n)
+                            if show_syntax_errors then
+                                head, current = inject_syntax_error(head,current,char)
+                            end
                         else
                             setchar(current,getchar(tempcurrent)) -- we assumes that the result of blwf consists of one node
                             local freenode = getnext(current)
@@ -1217,7 +1223,7 @@ function handlers.devanagari_reorder_reph(head,start)
         while current do
             local char = ischar(current,startfont)
             if char and getprop(current,a_syllabe) == startattr then
-                if not c and mark_above_below_post[char] and after_subscript[char] then
+                if not c and mark_above_below_post[char] and not after_subscript[char] then
                     c = current
                 end
                 current = getnext(current)
@@ -1560,10 +1566,9 @@ local function reorder_two(head,start,stop,font,attr,nbspaces) -- maybe do a pas
                         setprop(current,a_state,unsetvalue)
                         if halant[getchar(current)] then
                             setnext(getnext(current),tmp)
-                            local nc = copy_node(current)
-                            copyinjection(nc,current)
-                            setchar(current,dotted_circle)
-                            head = insert_node_after(head,current,nc)
+                            if show_syntax_errors then
+                                head, current = inject_syntax_error(head,current,char)
+                            end
                         else
                             setnext(current,tmp) -- assumes that result of pref, blwf, or pstf consists of one node
                             if changestop then
@@ -2058,19 +2063,6 @@ local function analyze_next_chars_two(c,font)
     end
 end
 
-local show_syntax_errors = false
-
-local function inject_syntax_error(head,current,char)
-    local signal = copy_node(current)
-    copyinjection(signal,current)
-    if pre_mark[char] then
-        setchar(signal,dotted_circle)
-    else
-        setchar(current,dotted_circle)
-    end
-    return insert_node_after(head,current,signal)
-end
-
 -- It looks like these two analyzers were written independently but they share
 -- a lot. Common code has been synced.
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/font-otr.lua b/tex/context/base/mkiv/font-otr.lua
index 5bac75052..8b5c676c1 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/font-otr.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/font-otr.lua
@@ -126,6 +126,34 @@ function streamreader.readtag(f)
     return lower(stripstring(readstring(f,4)))
 end
 
+directives.register("fonts.streamreader",function()
+
+    streamreader = utilities.streams
+
+    openfile     = streamreader.open
+    closefile    = streamreader.close
+    setposition  = streamreader.setposition
+    skipshort    = streamreader.skipshort
+    readbytes    = streamreader.readbytes
+    readstring   = streamreader.readstring
+    readbyte     = streamreader.readcardinal1
+    readushort   = streamreader.readcardinal2
+    readuint     = streamreader.readcardinal3
+    readulong    = streamreader.readcardinal4
+    readshort    = streamreader.readinteger2
+    readlong     = streamreader.readinteger4
+    readfixed    = streamreader.readfixed4
+    read2dot14   = streamreader.read2dot14
+    readfword    = readshort
+    readufword   = readushort
+    readoffset   = readushort
+
+    function streamreader.readtag(f)
+        return lower(stripstring(readstring(f,4)))
+    end
+
+end)
+
 -- date represented in number of seconds since 12:00 midnight, January 1, 1904. The value is represented as a
 -- signed 64-bit integer
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/font-ttf.lua b/tex/context/base/mkiv/font-ttf.lua
index df08787f9..181bfbcc6 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/font-ttf.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/font-ttf.lua
@@ -56,6 +56,23 @@ local readshort     = streamreader.readinteger2   -- 16-bit   signed integer
 local read2dot14    = streamreader.read2dot14     -- 16-bit signed fixed number with the low 14 bits of fraction (2.14) (F2DOT14)
 local readinteger   = streamreader.readinteger1
 
+directives.register("fonts.streamreader",function()
+
+    streamreader = utilities.streams
+
+    setposition  = streamreader.setposition
+    getposition  = streamreader.getposition
+    skipbytes    = streamreader.skip
+    readbyte     = streamreader.readcardinal1
+    readushort   = streamreader.readcardinal2
+    readulong    = streamreader.readcardinal4
+    readchar     = streamreader.readinteger1
+    readshort    = streamreader.readinteger2
+    read2dot14   = streamreader.read2dot14
+    readinteger  = streamreader.readinteger1
+
+end)
+
 local helpers       = readers.helpers
 local gotodatatable = helpers.gotodatatable
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/font-web.lua b/tex/context/base/mkiv/font-web.lua
index 452a8f59b..376b036f2 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/font-web.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/font-web.lua
@@ -23,18 +23,30 @@ local streamwriter   = readers and readers.streamwriter or utilities.files
 local readstring     = streamreader.readstring
 local readcardinal2  = streamreader.readcardinal2
 local readcardinal4  = streamreader.readcardinal4
+local getsize        = streamreader.getsize
+local setposition    = streamreader.setposition
+local getposition    = streamreader.getposition
 
 local writestring    = streamwriter.writestring
 local writecardinal4 = streamwriter.writecardinal4
 local writecardinal2 = streamwriter.writecardinal2
 local writebyte      = streamwriter.writebyte
 
-local getsize        = streamreader.getsize
-local setposition    = streamreader.setposition
-local getposition    = streamreader.getposition
-
 local decompress     = zlib.decompress
 
+directives.register("fonts.streamreader",function()
+
+    streamreader  = utilities.streams
+
+    readstring    = streamreader.readstring
+    readcardinal2 = streamreader.readcardinal2
+    readcardinal4 = streamreader.readcardinal4
+    getsize       = streamreader.getsize
+    setposition   = streamreader.setposition
+    getposition   = streamreader.getposition
+
+end)
+
 local infotags = {
     ["os/2"] = true,
     ["head"] = true,
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/luat-lib.mkiv b/tex/context/base/mkiv/luat-lib.mkiv
index 0df31a4e5..320d68920 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/luat-lib.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/luat-lib.mkiv
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@
 \registerctxluafile{util-sac}{optimize}
 \registerctxluafile{util-sto}{} % could also be done in trac-deb.mkiv
 \registerctxluafile{util-pck}{}
-\registerctxluafile{util-seq}{}
+% \registerctxluafile{util-seq}{}
 %registerctxluafile{util-mrg}{} % not needed in context itself, only mtxrun
 %registerctxluafile{util-lua}{} % moved
 \registerctxluafile{util-prs}{}
@@ -35,6 +35,7 @@
 \registerctxluafile{util-deb}{} % could also be done in trac-deb.mkiv
 
 \registerctxluafile{util-tpl}{} % needs tracker
+\registerctxluafile{util-seq}{}
 
 \registerctxluafile{util-sta}{}
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/mult-ini.mkiv b/tex/context/base/mkiv/mult-ini.mkiv
index d66749d14..ef9dcd249 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/mult-ini.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/mult-ini.mkiv
@@ -111,6 +111,8 @@
 \def\s!spread{spread}     \let\!!spread\s!spread % obsolete
 \def\s!plus  {plus}       \let\!!plus  \s!plus   % obsolete
 \def\s!minus {minus}      \let\!!minus \s!minus  % obsolete
+\def\s!left  {left}
+\def\s!right {right}
 \def\s!fil   {fil}
 \def\s!fill  {fill}       \let\!!fill  \s!fill   % obsolete
 \def\s!filll {filll}
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/mult-low.lua b/tex/context/base/mkiv/mult-low.lua
index be5e90889..e10a8e6fa 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/mult-low.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/mult-low.lua
@@ -165,6 +165,8 @@ return {
         "then",
         "begcsname",
         --
+        "autorule",
+        --
         "strippedcsname","checkedstrippedcsname",
         --
         "firstargumentfalse", "firstargumenttrue",
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/mult-prm.lua b/tex/context/base/mkiv/mult-prm.lua
index 50b798b79..6351df180 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/mult-prm.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/mult-prm.lua
@@ -231,8 +231,8 @@ return {
   "breakafterdirmode",
   "catcodetable",
   "clearmarks",
-  "copyfont",
   "compoundhyphenmode",
+  "copyfont",
   "crampeddisplaystyle",
   "crampedscriptscriptstyle",
   "crampedscriptstyle",
@@ -298,10 +298,10 @@ return {
   "mathpenaltiesmode",
   "mathrulesfam",
   "mathrulesmode",
-  "mathscriptsmode",
-  "mathscriptcharmode",
-  "mathscriptboxmode",
   "mathrulethicknessmode",
+  "mathscriptboxmode",
+  "mathscriptcharmode",
+  "mathscriptsmode",
   "mathstyle",
   "mathsurroundmode",
   "mathsurroundskip",
@@ -425,9 +425,9 @@ return {
   "pdflastypos",
   "pdflinkmargin",
   "pdfliteral",
+  "pdfmajorversion",
   "pdfmapfile",
   "pdfmapline",
-  "pdfmajorversion",
   "pdfminorversion",
   "pdfnames",
   "pdfnoligatures",
@@ -826,4 +826,4 @@ return {
  ["xetex"]={
   "XeTeXversion",
  },
-}
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/node-bck.lua b/tex/context/base/mkiv/node-bck.lua
index 054135669..995620710 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/node-bck.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/node-bck.lua
@@ -38,11 +38,13 @@ local getattr           = nuts.getattr
 local getsubtype        = nuts.getsubtype
 local getwhd            = nuts.getwhd
 local getwidth          = nuts.getwidth
+local getprop           = nuts.getprop
 
 local setattr           = nuts.setattr
 local setlink           = nuts.setlink
 local setlist           = nuts.setlist
 local setattributelist  = nuts.setattributelist
+local setprop           = nuts.setprop
 
 local takebox           = nuts.takebox
 local findtail          = nuts.tail
@@ -56,6 +58,7 @@ local new_rule          = nodepool.rule
 local new_kern          = nodepool.kern
 
 local privateattributes = attributes.private
+local unsetvalue        = attributes.unsetvalue
 
 local linefillers       = nodes.linefillers
 
@@ -67,8 +70,19 @@ local a_alignbackground = privateattributes("alignbackground")
 local a_linefiller      = privateattributes("linefiller")
 local a_ruled           = privateattributes("ruled")
 
--- actually we can be more clever now: we can store cells and row data
--- and apply it
+local trace_alignment   = false
+local report_alignment  = logs.reported("backgrounds","alignment")
+
+trackers.register("backgrounds.alignments",function(v) trace_alignment = v end)
+
+-- We can't use listbuilders with where=alignment because at that stage we have
+-- unset boxes. Also, post_linebreak is unsuitable for nested processing as we
+-- get the same stuff many times (wrapped again and again).
+--
+-- After many experiments with different callbacks the shipout is still the best
+-- place but then we need to store some settings longer or save them with the node.
+-- For color only we can get away with it with an extra attribute flagging a row
+-- but for more complex stuff we can better do as we do here now.
 
 local function colored_a(current,list,template,id)
     local width, height, depth = getwhd(current)
@@ -117,84 +131,112 @@ local function colored_b(current,list,template,id,indent)
     end
 end
 
-local function add_backgrounds(head)
-    for current, id in traverse(head) do
-        if id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-            local list = getlist(current)
-            if list then
-                local head = add_backgrounds(list)
-                if head then
-                    setlist(current,head)
-                    list = head
-                end
-            end
-            local background = getattr(current,a_background)
-            if background then
-                local list = colored_a(current,list,current,id)
-                if list then
-                    setlist(current,list)
-                end
-            end
-        end
-    end
-    return head, true
-end
-
--- We use a fake hlist with proper attributes.
-
 local templates  = { }
 local currentrow = 0
+local enabled    = false
+local alignments = false
 
-local function add_alignbackgrounds(head)
-    for current in traverse_id(hlist_code,head) do -- what is valign?
-        if getsubtype(current) == alignment_code then
+local function add_alignbackgrounds(head,list)
+    for current in traverse_id(hlist_code,list) do
+        if getsubtype(current) == cell_code then
             local list = getlist(current)
             if list then
-                for current in traverse_id(hlist_code,list) do
-                    if getsubtype(current) == cell_code then
-                        local list = getlist(current)
+                for template in traverse_id(hlist_code,list) do
+                    local background = getattr(template,a_alignbackground)
+                    if background then
+                        local list = colored_a(current,list,template)
                         if list then
-                            for template in traverse_id(hlist_code,list) do
-                                local background = getattr(template,a_alignbackground)
-                                if background then
-                                    local list = colored_a(current,list,template)
-                                    if list then
-                                        setlist(current,list)
-                                    end
-                                end
-                                break
-                            end
+                            setlist(current,list)
                         end
+                        setattr(template,a_alignbackground,unsetvalue) -- or property
                     end
+                    break
                 end
             end
-            currentrow = currentrow + 1
-            local template = templates[currentrow]
-            if template then
-                local list = colored_b(current,list,template[1],hlist_code,template[2])
+        end
+    end
+    local template = getprop(head,"alignmentchecked")
+    if template then
+        list = colored_b(head,list,template[1],hlist_code,template[2])
+        flush_node_list(template)
+        templates[currentrow] = false
+        return list
+    end
+end
+
+local function add_backgrounds(head,id,list)
+    if list then
+        for current, id in traverse(list) do
+            if id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
+                local list = getlist(current)
                 if list then
-                    setlist(current,list)
+                    if alignments and getsubtype(current) == alignment_code then
+                        local l = add_alignbackgrounds(current,list)
+                        if l then
+                            list = l
+                            setlist(current,list)
+                        end
+                    end
+                    local l = add_backgrounds(current,id,list)
+                    if l then
+                        list = l
+                        setlist(current,l)
+                    end
                 end
-                flush_node_list(template)
-                templates[currentrow] = false
             end
         end
     end
+    if id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
+        local background = getattr(head,a_background)
+        if background then
+            list = colored_a(head,list,head,id)
+            -- not needed
+            setattr(head,a_background,unsetvalue) -- or property
+            return list
+        end
+    end
+end
+
+function nodes.handlers.backgrounds(head)
+    local h = tonut(head)
+    add_backgrounds(h,getid(h),getlist(h))
     return head, true
 end
 
-function nodes.handlers.backgrounds(head,where)
-    local head, done = add_backgrounds(tonut(head))
-    return tonode(head), done
+function nodes.handlers.backgroundspage(head,where)
+    if head and where == "alignment" then
+        local head = tonut(head)
+        for n in traverse_id(hlist_code,head) do
+            local p = getprop(n,"alignmentchecked")
+            if not p and getsubtype(n) == alignment_code then
+                currentrow = currentrow + 1
+                local template = templates[currentrow]
+                if trace_alignment then
+                    report_alignment("%03i %s %s",currentrow,"page",template and "+" or "-")
+                end
+                setprop(n,"alignmentchecked",template)
+            end
+        end
+    end
+    return head, true
 end
 
-function nodes.handlers.alignbackgrounds(head,where)
-    if where == "alignment" and head then
-        local head, done = add_alignbackgrounds(tonut(head))
-        return tonode(head), done
-    else
-        return head, false
+function nodes.handlers.backgroundsvbox(head,where)
+    if head and where == "vbox" then
+        local head = tonut(head)
+        for n in traverse_id(hlist_code,getlist(head)) do
+            local p = getprop(n,"alignmentchecked")
+            if not p and getsubtype(n) == alignment_code then
+                currentrow = currentrow + 1
+                local template = templates[currentrow]
+                if trace_alignment then
+                    report_alignment("%03i %s %s",currentrow,"vbox",template and "+" or "-")
+                end
+                setprop(n,"alignmentchecked",template)
+            end
+        end
     end
+    return head, true
 end
 
 -- interfaces.implement {
@@ -206,21 +248,29 @@ end
 --
 -- doing it in the shipout works as well but this is nicer
 
+local function enable(alignmentstoo)
+    if not enabled then
+        enabled = true
+        enableaction("shipouts","nodes.handlers.backgrounds")
+    end
+    if not alignments and alignmentstoo then
+        alignments = true
+        enableaction("vboxbuilders","nodes.handlers.backgroundsvbox")
+        enableaction("mvlbuilders", "nodes.handlers.backgroundspage")
+    end
+end
+
 interfaces.implement {
     name      = "enablebackgroundboxes",
     onlyonce  = true,
-    actions   = function()
-        enableaction("mvlbuilders", "nodes.handlers.backgrounds")
-        enableaction("vboxbuilders","nodes.handlers.backgrounds")
-    end,
+    actions   = enable,
 }
 
 interfaces.implement {
     name      = "enablebackgroundalign",
     onlyonce  = true,
     actions   = function()
-        enableaction("mvlbuilders", "nodes.handlers.alignbackgrounds")
-        enableaction("vboxbuilders","nodes.handlers.alignbackgrounds")
+        enable(true)
     end,
 }
 
@@ -228,7 +278,12 @@ interfaces.implement {
     name      = "setbackgroundrowdata",
     arguments = { "integer", "integer", "dimension" },
     actions   = function(row,box,indent)
-        templates[row] = { takebox(box), indent }
+        row = row -1 -- better here than in tex
+        if box == 0 then
+            templates[row] = false
+        else
+            templates[row] = { takebox(box), indent }
+        end
     end,
 }
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/node-bck.mkiv b/tex/context/base/mkiv/node-bck.mkiv
index 6bfc43d6a..47aaa1629 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/node-bck.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/node-bck.mkiv
@@ -16,8 +16,6 @@
 %D This is first attempt to replacing backgrounds in a few tables
 %D mechanisms. When used more frequently, we can store the color
 %D spec in the attribute.
-%D
-%D Maybe move some to the bar handler.
 
 \unprotect
 
@@ -74,6 +72,9 @@
 \unexpanded\def\backgroundvbox{\node_backgrounds_boxes_add\vbox}
 \unexpanded\def\backgroundvtop{\node_backgrounds_boxes_add\vtop}
 
+\unexpanded\def\backgroundline{\dontleavehmode
+                               \node_backgrounds_boxes_add\hbox}
+
 % \def\node_backgrounds_boxes_add#1[#2]%
 %   {\begingroup
 %    \clf_enablebackgroundboxes
@@ -90,18 +91,4 @@
   {\clf_enablebackgroundboxes
    #1\backgroundcolorattr{#2}}
 
-% less argument carry over:
-%
-% \def\node_backgrounds_boxes_add#1[#2]%
-%   {\clf_enablebackgroundboxes#1%
-%    \ifcsname\??colorattribute\currentcolorprefix#2\endcsname
-%      \thebackgroundcolorattr{\currentcolorprefix#2}%
-%    \else\ifcsname\??colorattribute#2\endcsname
-%      \thebackgroundcolorattr{#2}%
-%    \fi\fi}
-
-% \def\backgroundvbox[#1]{\vbox \backgroundcolorattr{#1}}
-% \def\backgroundvtop[#1]{\vtop \backgroundcolorattr{#1}}
-% \def\backgroundhbox[#1]{\hbox \backgroundcolorattr{#1}}
-
 \protect \endinput
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/node-nut.lua b/tex/context/base/mkiv/node-nut.lua
index 302ece4bf..282a37e2e 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/node-nut.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/node-nut.lua
@@ -780,8 +780,22 @@ nuts.theprop = function(n)
     return p
 end
 
-nodes.setprop = nodes.setproperty
-nodes.getprop = nodes.getproperty
+nuts.isdone = function(n,k)
+    local p = propertydata[n]
+    if not p then
+        propertydata[n] = { [k] = true }
+        return false
+    end
+    local v = p[k]
+    if v == nil then
+        propertydata[n] = { [k] = true }
+        return false
+    end
+    return v
+end
+
+-- nodes.setprop = nodes.setproperty
+-- nodes.getprop = nodes.getproperty
 
 function nuts.copy_properties(source,target,what)
     local newprops = propertydata[source]
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/node-rul.lua b/tex/context/base/mkiv/node-rul.lua
index b8388f373..7c4c2c2f2 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/node-rul.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/node-rul.lua
@@ -49,6 +49,7 @@ local setattrlist        = nuts.setattrlist
 local setshift           = nuts.setshift
 local getwidth           = nuts.getwidth
 local setwidth           = nuts.setwidth
+local setfield           = nuts.setfield
 
 local flushlist          = nuts.flush_list
 local effective_glue     = nuts.effective_glue
@@ -348,12 +349,13 @@ local function flush_ruled(head,f,l,d,level,parent,strip) -- not that fast but a
     else
         local tx = d.text
         if tx then
-            tx = copy_list(tx)
+            local l = copy_list(tx)
             if d["repeat"] == v_yes then
-                tx = new_leader(w,tx)
+                l = new_leader(w,l)
+                setattrlist(l,tx)
             end
-            local r = hpack_nodes(tx,w,"exactly")
-            inject(r,w,ht,dp)
+            l = hpack_nodes(l,w,"exactly")
+            inject(l,w,ht,dp)
         else
             for i=1,level do
                 local ht =  (offset+(i-1)*dy)*e + rulethickness - m
@@ -746,3 +748,38 @@ implement {
     onlyonce = true,
     actions  = nodes.linefillers.enable
 }
+
+-- We add a bonus feature here:
+
+local new_rule = nodes.pool.rule
+
+interfaces.implement {
+    name      = "autorule",
+    arguments = {
+        {
+            { "width", "dimension" },
+            { "height", "dimension" },
+            { "depth", "dimension" },
+            { "left", "dimension" },
+            { "right", "dimension" },
+        },
+    },
+    actions   = function(t)
+        local l = t.left
+        local r = t.right
+        local n = new_rule(
+            t.width,
+            t.height,
+            t.depth
+        )
+        if LUATEXFUNCTIONALITY >= 6710 then
+            if l then
+                n.left  = l
+            end
+            if r then
+                n.right = r
+            end
+        end
+        context(n)
+    end
+}
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/node-rul.mkiv b/tex/context/base/mkiv/node-rul.mkiv
index a7ec99f7d..c413edb1c 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/node-rul.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/node-rul.mkiv
@@ -592,10 +592,10 @@
   {\bgroup
    \clf_enablebackgroundboxes
    \dowithnextbox{%
-     \node_linefiller_set{#3}%
+     \node_linefiller_set{#3}% already sets the attribute
      #1%
         attr \backgroundattribute \plusone
-        attr \linefillerattribute \the\attribute\linefillerattribute
+      % attr \linefillerattribute \the\attribute\linefillerattribute
        {\box\nextbox}%
      \egroup}%
    #2}
@@ -604,4 +604,8 @@
 \unexpanded\def\linefillervbox{\node_backgrounds_filler_box\vpack\vbox}
 \unexpanded\def\linefillervtop{\node_backgrounds_filler_box\tpack\vtop}
 
+%D Bonus:
+
+\unexpanded\def\autorule{\clf_autorule}
+
 \protect \endinput
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/node-tsk.lua b/tex/context/base/mkiv/node-tsk.lua
index 1ce7ab1dc..4aec3a038 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/node-tsk.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/node-tsk.lua
@@ -52,19 +52,20 @@ end
 
 function tasks.new(specification) -- was: name,arguments,list
     local name      = specification.name
-    local arguments = specification.arguments or 0
     local sequence  = specification.sequence
     if name and sequence then
         local tasklist = newsequencer {
             -- we can move more to the sequencer now .. todo
         }
         tasksdata[name] = {
+            name      = name,
             list      = tasklist,
             runner    = false,
-            arguments = arguments,
-         -- sequence  = sequence,
             frozen    = { },
-            processor = specification.processor or nodeprocessor
+            processor = specification.processor or nodeprocessor,
+            -- could be metatable but best freeze it
+            arguments = specification.arguments or 0,
+            templates = specification.templates,
         }
         for l=1,#sequence do
             appendgroup(tasklist,sequence[l])
@@ -219,6 +220,22 @@ end)
 function tasks.actions(name) -- we optimize for the number or arguments (no ...)
     local data = tasksdata[name]
     if data then
+        local t = data.templates
+        if t then
+            return function(...)
+                total = total + 1 -- will go away
+                local runner = data.runner
+                if not runner then
+                    created = created + 1
+--                     if trace_tasks then
+                        report_tasks("creating runner %a",name)
+--                     end
+                    runner = compile(data.list,data.processor,t)
+                    data.runner = runner
+                end
+                return runner(...)
+            end
+        end
         local n = data.arguments or 0
         if n == 0 then
             return function(head)
@@ -452,3 +469,32 @@ tasks.new {
     }
 }
 
+-- for now quite useless (too fuzzy0
+--
+-- tasks.new {
+--     name            = "listbuilders",
+--     processor       = nodeprocessor,
+--     sequence        = {
+--         "before",      -- for users
+--         "normalizers",
+--         "after",       -- for users
+--     },
+--     templates       = {
+-- -- we don't need a default
+--         default = [[
+-- return function(box,location,prevdepth)
+--     return box, prevdepth
+-- end
+--         ]],
+--         process = [[
+-- %localize%
+-- return function(box,location,prevdepth,mirrored)
+--     %actions%
+--     return box, prevdepth
+-- end
+--         ]],
+--         step = [[
+-- box, prevdepth = %action%(box,location,prevdepth,mirrored)
+--         ]],
+--     },
+-- }
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/pack-bck.mkvi b/tex/context/base/mkiv/pack-bck.mkvi
index 346e7df57..9f9d843ce 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/pack-bck.mkvi
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/pack-bck.mkvi
@@ -245,18 +245,42 @@
 %D \macros
 %D   {backgroundline}
 
-\unexpanded\def\backgroundline[#color]%
-  {\dontleavehmode
-   \dowithnextbox{\pack_backgrounds_add_to_nextbox{#color}}\hbox}
+% \unexpanded\def\backgroundline[#color]%
+%   {\dontleavehmode
+%    \dowithnextbox{\pack_backgrounds_add_to_nextbox{#color}}\hbox}
+%
+% \unexpanded\def\pack_backgrounds_add_to_nextbox#color% handy helper
+%   {\hpack
+%      {\dousecolorparameter{#color}%
+%       \vrule
+%         \??width \nextboxwd
+%         \??height\nextboxht
+%         \??depth \nextboxdp
+%       \hskip-\nextboxwd
+%       \flushnextbox}}
+
+%D We implement this elsewhere avoiding the rule.
 
-\unexpanded\def\pack_backgrounds_add_to_nextbox#color% handy helper
-  {\hbox
-     {\dousecolorparameter{#color}%
-      \vrule
-        \!!width \nextboxwd
-        \!!height\nextboxht
-        \!!depth \nextboxdp
-      \hskip-\nextboxwd
-      \flushnextbox}}
+% \unexpanded\def\backgroundline
+%   {\dontleavehmode
+%    \pack_backgrounds_add_to_nextbox\hbox\hpack}
+%
+% \unexpanded\def\pack_backgrounds_add_to_nextbox#box#pack[#color]%
+%   {\dontleavehmode
+%    \dowithnextbox{\pack_backgrounds_add_to_nextbox_indeed#pack{#color}}#box}
+%
+% \unexpanded\def\pack_backgrounds_add_to_nextbox_indeed#pack#color% handy helper
+%   {#pack%
+%      {\dousecolorparameter{#color}%
+%       \vrule
+%         \??width \nextboxwd
+%         \??height\nextboxht
+%         \??depth \nextboxdp
+%       \hskip-\nextboxwd
+%       \flushnextbox}}
+%
+% \unexpanded\def\backgroundhbox{\pack_backgrounds_add_to_nextbox\hbox\hpack}
+% \unexpanded\def\backgroundvtop{\pack_backgrounds_add_to_nextbox\vtop\tpack}
+% \unexpanded\def\backgroundvbox{\pack_backgrounds_add_to_nextbox\vbox\vpack}
 
 \protect \endinput
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/status-files.pdf b/tex/context/base/mkiv/status-files.pdf
index 489383f73..c8ca9b98e 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/status-files.pdf
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/status-files.pdf
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/status-lua.pdf b/tex/context/base/mkiv/status-lua.pdf
index f0e3e40b0..16940503b 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/status-lua.pdf
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/status-lua.pdf
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/strc-sbe.mkiv b/tex/context/base/mkiv/strc-sbe.mkiv
index 9f1d214cf..005f03df3 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/strc-sbe.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/strc-sbe.mkiv
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@
 
 \def\strc_sectionblock_define[#1][#2][#3]% singular plural settings
   {\strc_sectionblock_define_normal[#1][#3]%
-   \expandafter\newif\csname if#2\endcsname % obsolete
+  %\expandafter\newif\csname if#2\endcsname % obsolete
    \strc_sectionblock_set_environment{#1}\empty
    \setuvalue{\e!start#2}{\startsectionblock[#1]}%
    \setuvalue{\e!stop #2}{\stopsectionblock}}
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@
    \clf_pushsectionblock{#1}
      bookmark {\sectionblockparameter\c!bookmark}%
    \relax
-   \csname #1true\endcsname % obsolete
+  %\csname #1true\endcsname % obsolete
    \setsystemmode\currentsectionblock
    \the\everybeforesectionblock\relax
    \showmessage\m!structures1\currentsectionblock}
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/tabl-tbl.mkiv b/tex/context/base/mkiv/tabl-tbl.mkiv
index 033b5cff6..f80813eef 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/tabl-tbl.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/tabl-tbl.mkiv
@@ -176,6 +176,7 @@
 \newcount        \c_tabl_tabulate_minusnoflines
 \newcount        \c_tabl_tabulate_align
 \newcount        \c_tabl_tabulate_nofrealrows
+\newcount        \c_tabl_tabulate_autocolor
 
 \newcount        \c_tabl_tabulate_nofcolumns            % set at the lua end by parser
 \newcount        \c_tabl_tabulate_has_rule_spec_first   % set at the lua end by parser (for the moment a count)
@@ -1327,6 +1328,7 @@
    \edef\p_bodyfont     {\tabulationparameter\c!bodyfont}
    \edef\p_indenting    {\tabulationparameter\c!indenting}%
    \edef\p_keeptogether {\tabulationparameter\c!keeptogether}%
+   \edef\p_blank        {\tabulationparameter\c!blank}%
    %
    \ifx\p_keeptogether\v!no
      \settrue \c_tabl_tabulate_tolerant_break
@@ -1339,6 +1341,8 @@
    \settrue\c_tabl_tabulate_split
    \csname\??tabulatesplit\tabulationparameter\c!split\endcsname
    %
+   \let\m_tabl_tabulate_blank_default\p_blank
+   %
    \d_tabl_tabulate_unit\tabulationparameter\c!unit
    \d_tabl_tabulate_margin\tabulationparameter\c!margin
    \let\m_tabl_tabulate_vrule_color_default\p_rulecolor
@@ -1385,6 +1389,7 @@
 \let\m_tabl_tabulate_vrule_color_local  \empty
 \let\m_tabl_tabulate_vrule_color_default\empty % used local
 \let\m_tabl_tabulate_hrule_color_default\empty % used local
+\let\m_tabl_tabulate_blank_default      \empty
 
 \appendtoks
     \global\let\m_tabl_tabulate_color_previous      \empty
@@ -1639,10 +1644,11 @@
    #1}
 
 \def\tabl_tabulate_hrule_inject_normal
-  {\hrule
-     \s!height.5\d_tabl_tabulate_hrulethickness_local
-     \s!depth .5\d_tabl_tabulate_hrulethickness_local
-     \relax}
+  {\autorule
+     \s!height .5\d_tabl_tabulate_hrulethickness_local
+     \s!depth  .5\d_tabl_tabulate_hrulethickness_local
+     \s!left     \d_tabl_tabulate_indent
+   \relax}
 
 \def\tabl_tabulate_hrule_inject_colored
   {\dousecolorparameter\currenttabulationlocalhrulecolor
@@ -2518,9 +2524,11 @@
 \def\tabl_tabulate_TB_indeed[#1]%
   {\iffirstargument
      \blank[#1]
-   \else
+   \else\ifx\m_tabl_tabulate_blank_default\empty
      \blank
-   \fi
+   \else
+     \blank[\m_tabl_tabulate_blank_default]%
+   \fi\fi
    \stoptabulatenoalign}
 
 % to be tested:
@@ -2825,6 +2833,7 @@
 \let\m_table_current_row_background_default      \empty
 \let\m_table_current_row_background_filler       \empty
 \let\m_table_current_row_background_defaultfiller\empty
+\let\m_table_current_row_background_auto         \empty
 
 \unexpanded\def\tabl_register_row_background#1%
   {\xdef\m_table_current_row_background{#1}}
@@ -2837,6 +2846,7 @@
      \ifx\m_table_current_row_background_filler\empty
        \ifx\m_table_current_row_background\empty
          % nothing
+         \tabl_synchronize_row_background_dummy
        \else
          \tabl_synchronize_row_background_indeed\m_table_current_row_background
        \fi
@@ -2845,26 +2855,41 @@
      \fi
    \fi}
 
+\unexpanded\def\tabl_synchronize_row_background_dummy
+  {\iftrialtypesetting\else
+     \begingroup
+    %\clf_setbackgroundrowdata\numexpr\c_tabl_tabulate_nofrealrows+\minusone\relax\zerocount\zeropoint
+     \clf_setbackgroundrowdata\c_tabl_tabulate_nofrealrows\zerocount\zeropoint
+     \endgroup
+   \fi}
+
 \unexpanded\def\tabl_synchronize_row_background_indeed#1%
-  {\begingroup
-   \clf_enablebackgroundalign % can be moved into \clf_setbackgroundrowdata
-   \directcolor[#1]%
-   \setbox\scratchbox\hpack{}%
-   \clf_setbackgroundrowdata\numexpr\c_tabl_tabulate_nofrealrows+\minusone\relax\scratchbox\d_tabl_tabulate_indent
-   \endgroup}
+  {\iftrialtypesetting\else
+     \begingroup
+     \clf_enablebackgroundalign % can be moved into \clf_setbackgroundrowdata
+     \dousecolorparameter{#1}%
+     \setbox\scratchbox\hpack{}%
+    %\clf_setbackgroundrowdata\numexpr\c_tabl_tabulate_nofrealrows+\minusone\relax\scratchbox\d_tabl_tabulate_indent
+     \clf_setbackgroundrowdata\c_tabl_tabulate_nofrealrows\scratchbox\d_tabl_tabulate_indent
+     \endgroup
+   \fi}
 
 \unexpanded\def\tabl_synchronize_row_background_filler_indeed#1%
-  {\begingroup
-   \clf_enablebackgroundalign % can be moved into \clf_setbackgroundrowdata
-   \node_linefiller_set{#1}%
-   \setbox\scratchbox\hpack{}%
-   \clf_setbackgroundrowdata\numexpr\c_tabl_tabulate_nofrealrows+\minusone\relax\scratchbox\d_tabl_tabulate_indent
-   \endgroup}
+  {\iftrialtypesetting\else
+     \begingroup
+     \clf_enablebackgroundalign % can be moved into \clf_setbackgroundrowdata
+     \node_linefiller_set{#1}%
+     \setbox\scratchbox\hpack{}%
+    %\clf_setbackgroundrowdata\numexpr\c_tabl_tabulate_nofrealrows+\minusone\relax\scratchbox\d_tabl_tabulate_indent
+     \clf_setbackgroundrowdata\c_tabl_tabulate_nofrealrows\scratchbox\d_tabl_tabulate_indent
+     \endgroup
+   \fi}
 
 \appendtoks
     \glet\m_table_current_row_background\empty
     \glet\m_table_current_row_background_filler\empty
     \global\c_tabl_tabulate_nofrealrows\zerocount
+    \global\c_tabl_tabulate_autocolor\zerocount
     \clf_resetbackgroundrowdata
 \to \t_tabl_tabulate_initializers_first
 
@@ -2872,6 +2897,7 @@
     \glet\m_table_current_row_background\empty
     \glet\m_table_current_row_background_filler\empty
     \global\c_tabl_tabulate_nofrealrows\zerocount
+    \global\c_tabl_tabulate_autocolor\zerocount
     \clf_resetbackgroundrowdata
 \to \t_tabl_tabulate_initializers_second
 
@@ -2959,26 +2985,60 @@
      \usetabulationstyleandcolor\c!foregroundstyle\c!foregroundcolor
    \fi}
 
+\unexpanded\def\tabl_tabulate_A_first
+  {\global\advance\c_tabl_tabulate_autocolor\plusone
+   \edef\m_table_current_row_background_auto{\tabulateparameter{\c!backgroundcolor:\number\c_tabl_tabulate_autocolor}}%
+   \ifx\m_table_current_row_background_auto\empty
+     \global\c_tabl_tabulate_autocolor\plusone
+     \edef\m_table_current_row_background_auto{\tabulateparameter{\c!backgroundcolor:\number\c_tabl_tabulate_autocolor}}%
+   \fi
+   \ifx\m_table_current_row_background_auto\empty
+     \let\m_table_current_row_background_auto\empty % \m_table_current_row_background_default
+   \fi
+   \tabl_register_row_background{\m_table_current_row_background_auto}}
+
+\unexpanded\def\tabl_tabulate_NA_first
+  {\tabl_tabulate_column_normal\zerocount\zerocount\relax
+   \iftrialtypesetting\else
+     \ifcase\c_tabl_tabulate_column\or
+       \tabl_tabulate_A_first
+     \fi
+   \fi
+   \ignorespaces}
+
+\unexpanded\def\tabl_tabulate_BA_first
+  {\tabl_tabulate_column_normal\plusone\zerocount\relax
+   \iftrialtypesetting\else
+     \ifcase\c_tabl_tabulate_column\or
+       \tabl_tabulate_A_first
+     \fi
+   \fi
+   \usetabulationstyleandcolor\c!foregroundstyle\c!foregroundcolor
+   \ignorespaces}
+
 \appendtoks
-    \let\NL\tabl_tabulate_NL_first  % NC = NC with Line
-    \let\ND\tabl_tabulate_ND_first  % NC = NC with Default Line
-    \let\LB\tabl_tabulate_LB_first  % BC = BC with Line
-    \let\DB\tabl_tabulate_DB_first  % BC = BC with Default Line
-    \let\NF\tabl_tabulate_NF_first  % NF = NC with Filler
-    \let\NP\tabl_tabulate_NP_first  % NP = NC with Predefined Fller
-    \let\FB\tabl_tabulate_FB_first  % FB = BC with Filler
-    \let\PB\tabl_tabulate_PB_first  % PB = BC with Predefined Fller
+    \let\NL\tabl_tabulate_NL_first  % NC with Line
+    \let\ND\tabl_tabulate_ND_first  % NC with Default Line
+    \let\LB\tabl_tabulate_LB_first  % BC with Line
+    \let\DB\tabl_tabulate_DB_first  % BC with Default Line
+    \let\NF\tabl_tabulate_NF_first  % NC with Filler
+    \let\NP\tabl_tabulate_NP_first  % NC with Predefined Filler
+    \let\FB\tabl_tabulate_FB_first  % BC with Filler
+    \let\PB\tabl_tabulate_PB_first  % BC with Predefined Filler
+    \let\NA\tabl_tabulate_NA_first  % NC with Auto Line
+    \let\BA\tabl_tabulate_BA_first  % NC with Auto Line
 \to \t_tabl_tabulate_initializers_first
 
 \appendtoks
    \edef\m_table_current_row_background_default       {\tabulateparameter\c!backgroundcolor}%
    \edef\m_table_current_row_background_default_filler{\tabulateparameter\c!background}%
+   \let \m_table_current_row_background_auto           \empty
 \to \everytabulate
 
-
 \setuptabulate
   [\c!headcolor=,
    \c!headstyle=\bf,
+   \c!backgroundcolor=\tabulationparameter\c!rulecolor,
    \c!foregroundcolor=,
    \c!foregroundstyle=\tabulationparameter\c!headstyle]
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/task-ini.lua b/tex/context/base/mkiv/task-ini.lua
index 02713320e..27d997584 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/task-ini.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/task-ini.lua
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ appendaction("shipouts",     "normalizers", "nodes.rules.handler")
 appendaction("shipouts",     "normalizers", "nodes.shifts.handler")                              -- disabled
 appendaction("shipouts",     "normalizers", "structures.tags.handler")                           -- disabled
 appendaction("shipouts",     "normalizers", "nodes.handlers.accessibility")                      -- disabled
-------------("shipouts",     "normalizers", "nodes.handlers.backgrounds")                        -- disabled
+appendaction("shipouts",     "normalizers", "nodes.handlers.backgrounds")                        -- disabled
 ------------("shipouts",     "normalizers", "nodes.handlers.export")                             -- disabled
 appendaction("shipouts",     "normalizers", "typesetters.rubies.attach")                         -- disabled
 
@@ -132,11 +132,8 @@ appendaction("finalizers",   "lists",       "nodes.linefillers.handler")
 appendaction("contributers", "normalizers", "nodes.handlers.flattenline")
 appendaction("contributers", "normalizers", "nodes.handlers.textbackgrounds")
 
-appendaction("mvlbuilders",  "normalizers", "nodes.handlers.alignbackgrounds")
-appendaction("vboxbuilders", "normalizers", "nodes.handlers.alignbackgrounds")
-
-appendaction("mvlbuilders",  "normalizers", "nodes.handlers.backgrounds")
-appendaction("vboxbuilders", "normalizers", "nodes.handlers.backgrounds")
+appendaction("vboxbuilders", "normalizers", "nodes.handlers.backgroundsvbox")
+appendaction("mvlbuilders",  "normalizers", "nodes.handlers.backgroundspage")
 
 appendaction("mvlbuilders",  "normalizers", "typesetters.margins.globalhandler")                 -- disabled
 appendaction("mvlbuilders",  "normalizers", "nodes.handlers.migrate")
@@ -203,9 +200,9 @@ disableaction("shipouts",    "attributes.viewerlayers.handler")
 disableaction("shipouts",    "structures.tags.handler")
 disableaction("shipouts",    "nodes.visualizers.handler")
 disableaction("shipouts",    "nodes.handlers.accessibility")
--------------("shipouts",    "nodes.handlers.backgrounds")
 disableaction("shipouts",    "nodes.references.handler")
 disableaction("shipouts",    "nodes.destinations.handler")
+disableaction("shipouts",    "nodes.handlers.backgrounds")
 -------------("shipouts",    "nodes.handlers.export")
 disableaction("shipouts",    "typesetters.rubies.attach")
 
@@ -219,6 +216,9 @@ disableaction("finalizers",  "nodes.linefillers.handler")
 disableaction("contributers","nodes.handlers.flattenline")
 disableaction("contributers","nodes.handlers.textbackgrounds")
 
+disableaction("vboxbuilders","nodes.handlers.backgroundsvbox")
+disableaction("mvlbuilders", "nodes.handlers.backgroundspage")
+
 disableaction("math",        "noads.handlers.showtree")
 disableaction("math",        "noads.handlers.tags")
 disableaction("math",        "noads.handlers.italics")
@@ -230,12 +230,6 @@ disableaction("math",        "noads.handlers.autofences")
 disableaction("math",        "noads.handlers.makeup")
 disableaction("math",        "typesetters.directions.processmath")
 
-disableaction("mvlbuilders",  "nodes.handlers.backgrounds")
-disableaction("vboxbuilders", "nodes.handlers.backgrounds")
-
-disableaction("mvlbuilders",  "nodes.handlers.alignbackgrounds")
-disableaction("vboxbuilders", "nodes.handlers.alignbackgrounds")
-
 disableaction("mvlbuilders", "typesetters.margins.globalhandler")
 disableaction("mvlbuilders", "nodes.handlers.migrate")
 disableaction("mvlbuilders", "typesetters.checkers.handler")
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/toks-scn.lua b/tex/context/base/mkiv/toks-scn.lua
index fe32a1de4..f73ecc86c 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/toks-scn.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/toks-scn.lua
@@ -106,7 +106,40 @@ local function scanconditional()
     return nil
 end
 
+local function scantable(t,data)
+    if not data then
+        data = { }
+    end
+    local wrapped = scanopen()
+    while true do
+        local key = scanword()
+        if key then
+            local get = t[key]
+            if get then
+                data[key] = get()
+            else
+                -- catch all we can get
+            end
+        else
+            break
+        end
+    end
+    if wrapped then
+        scanclose()
+    end
+    return data
+end
+
+function tokens.constant(s)
+    if type(s) == "string" then
+        return "'" .. s .. "'"
+    else
+        return s
+    end
+end
+
 scanners.list        = scanlist
+scanners.table       = scantable
 scanners.conditional = scanconditional
 
 local shortcuts = {
@@ -118,6 +151,7 @@ local shortcuts = {
     scanstring      = scanstring,
     scaninteger     = scaninteger,
     scannumber      = scannumber,
+    scantable       = scantable,
     scankeyword     = scankeyword,
     scankeywordcs   = scankeywordcs,
     scanword        = scanword,
@@ -254,6 +288,8 @@ local presets = {
     ["8 strings"] = { "string", "string", "string", "string", "string", "string", "string", "string" },
 }
 
+tokens.presets = presets
+
 function tokens.compile(specification)
     local f = { }
     local n = 0
@@ -319,7 +355,7 @@ function tokens.compile(specification)
             return c
         end
     end
-    local p = t and presets[t]
+    local p = t and presets[t] -- already done in implement
     if p then
         t = p
     end
@@ -460,35 +496,3 @@ end
 -- }
 --
 -- os.exit()
-
-function tokens.scantable(t,data)
-    if not data then
-        data = { }
-    end
-    local wrapped = scanopen()
-    while true do
-        local key = scanword()
-        if key then
-            local get = t[key]
-            if get then
-                data[key] = get()
-            else
-                -- catch all we can get
-            end
-        else
-            break
-        end
-    end
-    if wrapped then
-        scanclose()
-    end
-    return data
-end
-
-function tokens.constant(s)
-    if type(s) == "string" then
-        return "'" .. s .. "'"
-    else
-        return s
-    end
-end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/typo-bld.lua b/tex/context/base/mkiv/typo-bld.lua
index 753748a2e..8d349f3a6 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/typo-bld.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/typo-bld.lua
@@ -54,10 +54,12 @@ storage.register("builders/paragraphs/constructors/names",   names,   "builders.
 storage.register("builders/paragraphs/constructors/numbers", numbers, "builders.paragraphs.constructors.numbers")
 
 local trace_page_builder = false  trackers.register("builders.page", function(v) trace_page_builder = v end)
+local trace_vbox_builder = false  trackers.register("builders.vbox", function(v) trace_vbox_builder = v end)
 local trace_post_builder = false  trackers.register("builders.post", function(v) trace_post_builder = v end)
 
-local report_par_builder  = logs.reporter("builders","par")
 local report_page_builder = logs.reporter("builders","page")
+local report_vbox_builder = logs.reporter("builders","vbox")
+local report_par_builder  = logs.reporter("builders","par")
 
 local mainconstructor = nil -- not stored in format
 local nofconstructors = 0
@@ -193,7 +195,7 @@ function builders.vpack_filter(head,groupcode,size,packtype,maxdepth,direction)
     local done = false
     if head then
         starttiming(builders)
-        if trace_vpacking then
+        if trace_vbox_builder then
             local before = count_nodes(head)
             head, done = vboxactions(head,groupcode,size,packtype,maxdepth,direction)
             local after = count_nodes(head)
@@ -258,9 +260,53 @@ function builders.buildpage_filter(groupcode)
     end
 end
 
-registercallback('vpack_filter',      builders.vpack_filter,      "vertical spacing etc")
-registercallback('buildpage_filter',  builders.buildpage_filter,  "vertical spacing etc (mvl)")
-----------------('contribute_filter', builders.contribute_filter, "adding content to lists")
+------------------------
+
+-- do
+--
+--     local nuts       = nodes.nuts
+--     local tonut      = nodes.tonut
+--     local tonode     = nuts.tonode
+--     local getglue    = tex.getglue
+--     local getwhd     = nuts.getwhd
+--     local new_b_skip = nuts.pool.baselineskip
+--     local new_l_skip = nuts.pool.lineskip
+--     local find_tail  = nuts.tail
+--     local setlink    = nuts.setlink
+--
+--     function nodes.setprevdepth(box,prevdepth) -- this will become a helper
+--         local head = tonut(box)
+--         local wd, ht, dp = getwhd(head)
+--         if prevdepth > -65536000 then
+--             local b_width, b_stretch, b_shrink = getglue("baselineskip")
+--             local l_width, l_stretch, l_shrink = getglue("lineskip")
+--             local correction = b_width - prevdepth - (mirrored and dp or ht)
+--             if correction < l_width then
+--                 head = setlink(new_l_skip(l_width,l_stretch,l_shrink),head)
+--             else
+--                 head = setlink(new_b_skip(correction,b_stretch,b_shrink),head)
+--             end
+--         end
+--         return tonode(head), mirrored and ht or dp
+--     end
+--
+-- end
+--
+-- local setprevdepth  = nodes.setprevdepth
+-- local appendactions = nodes.tasks.actions("listbuilders")
+--
+-- function builders.append_filter(box,location,prevdepth,mirrored)
+--     starttiming(builders)
+--     box, prevdepth = appendactions(box,location,prevdepth,mirrored)
+--     box, prevdepth = setprevdepth(box,prevdepth)
+--     stoptiming(builders)
+--     return box, prevdepth
+-- end
+
+registercallback('vpack_filter',          builders.vpack_filter,      "vertical spacing etc")
+registercallback('buildpage_filter',      builders.buildpage_filter,  "vertical spacing etc (mvl)")
+----------------("append_to_vlist_filter",builders.append_filter,     "add content to the vlist")
+----------------('contribute_filter',     builders.contribute_filter, "adding content to lists")
 
 statistics.register("v-node processing time", function()
     return statistics.elapsedseconds(builders)
@@ -387,3 +433,4 @@ end)
 --     end,
 --     "experimental prevdepth checking"
 -- )
+
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mkiv/util-seq.lua b/tex/context/base/mkiv/util-seq.lua
index d302ff276..ec6ed2ceb 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mkiv/util-seq.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/mkiv/util-seq.lua
@@ -20,17 +20,18 @@ use locals to refer to them when compiling the chain.</p>
 local gsub, concat, gmatch = string.gsub, table.concat, string.gmatch
 local type, load = type, load
 
-utilities            = utilities or { }
-local tables         = utilities.tables
-local allocate       = utilities.storage.allocate
+utilities               = utilities or { }
+local tables            = utilities.tables
+local allocate          = utilities.storage.allocate
 
-local formatters     = string.formatters
+local formatters        = string.formatters
+local replacer          = utilities.templates.replacer
 
-local sequencers     = { }
-utilities.sequencers = sequencers
+local sequencers        = { }
+utilities.sequencers    = sequencers
 
-local functions      = allocate()
-sequencers.functions = functions
+local functions         = allocate()
+sequencers.functions    = functions
 
 local removevalue       = tables.removevalue
 local replacevalue      = tables.replacevalue
@@ -66,6 +67,7 @@ function sequencers.new(t) -- was reset
     }
     if t then
         s.arguments    = t.arguments
+        s.templates    = t.templates
         s.returnvalues = t.returnvalues
         s.results      = t.results
         local name     = t.name
@@ -253,7 +255,6 @@ local function construct(t)
             t.compiled = formatters["%s\nreturn function(%s)\n%s\nend"](variables,arguments,calls)
         end
     end
--- print(t.compiled)
     return t.compiled -- also stored so that we can trace
 end
 
@@ -276,7 +277,6 @@ compile = function(t,compiler,n) -- already referred to in sequencers.new
     if compiled == "" then
         runner = false
     else
--- inspect(compiled)
         runner = compiled and load(compiled)() -- we can use loadstripped here
     end
     t.runner = runner
@@ -313,7 +313,7 @@ return function()
   return false, false
 end]]
 
-function sequencers.nodeprocessor(t,nofarguments) -- todo: handle 'kind' in plug into tostring
+local function nodeprocessor(t,nofarguments) -- todo: handle 'kind' in plug into tostring
     local list, order, kind, gskip, askip = t.list, t.order, t.kind, t.gskip, t.askip
     local nostate = t.nostate
     local vars, calls, args, n = { }, { }, nil, 0
@@ -364,3 +364,56 @@ function sequencers.nodeprocessor(t,nofarguments) -- todo: handle 'kind' in plug
  -- print(processor)
     return processor
 end
+
+function sequencers.nodeprocessor(t,nofarguments)
+    local kind = type(nofarguments)
+    if kind == "number" then
+        return nodeprocessor(t,nofarguments)
+    elseif kind ~= "table" then
+        return
+    end
+    --
+    local templates = nofarguments
+    local process   = templates.process
+    local step      = templates.step
+    --
+    if not process or not step then
+        return ""
+    end
+    --
+    local construct = replacer(process)
+    local newaction = replacer(step)
+    local calls     = { }
+    local aliases   = { }
+    local n         = 0
+    --
+    local list  = t.list
+    local order = t.order
+    local kind  = t.kind
+    local gskip = t.gskip
+    local askip = t.askip
+    --
+    for i=1,#order do
+        local group = order[i]
+        if not gskip[group] then
+            local actions = list[group]
+            for i=1,#actions do
+                local action = actions[i]
+                if not askip[action] then
+                    local localized = localize(action)
+                    n = n + 1
+                    aliases[n] = formatters["local %s = %s"](localized,action)
+                    calls[n]   = newaction { action = localized }
+                end
+            end
+        end
+    end
+    if n == 0 then
+        return templates.default or construct { }
+    end
+    local processor = construct {
+        localize = concat(aliases,"\n"),
+        actions  = concat(calls,"\n"),
+    }
+    return processor
+end