beta 2013.03.13 00:08

189 files changed, 2400 insertions, 2295 deletions

diff --git a/tex/context/base/anch-pgr.lua b/tex/context/base/anch-pgr.lua
index 7f53ef2e0..278448e3a 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/anch-pgr.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/anch-pgr.lua
@@ -393,19 +393,19 @@ local function calculatemultipar(tag,obeyhang)
     local b = collected[f_b_tag(tag)]
     local e = collected[f_e_tag(tag)]
     if not b or not e then
-        report_graphics("invalid tag '%s'",tag)
+        report_graphics("invalid tag %a",tag)
         return { }
     end
     local br = b.r
     local er = e.r
     if not br or not er then
-        report_graphics("invalid region for '%s'",tag)
+        report_graphics("invalid region for %a",tag)
         return { }
     end
     local btag, bindex = lpegmatch(splitter,br)
     local etag, eindex = lpegmatch(splitter,er)
     if not bindex or not eindex or btag ~= etag then
-        report_graphics("invalid indices for '%s'",tag)
+        report_graphics("invalid indices for %a",tag)
         return { }
     end
     local bindex = tonumber(bindex)
@@ -454,7 +454,7 @@ local function calculatemultipar(tag,obeyhang)
             br = f_tag_two(btag,i)
             local r = collected[br]
             if not r then
-               report_graphics("invalid middle for '%s'",br)
+               report_graphics("invalid middle for %a",br)
             else
                 local p = r.p
                 local pp = list[p]
@@ -568,10 +568,10 @@ function backgrounds.fetchmultipar(n,anchor,page,obeyhang)
             local pagedata = list[page]
             if pagedata then
                 local nofmultipars = #pagedata
-             -- report_graphics("fetching '%s' at page %s using anchor '%s' containing %s multipars",n,page,anchor,nofmultipars)
+             -- report_graphics("fetching %a at page %s using anchor %a containing %s multipars",n,page,anchor,nofmultipars)
                 local a = jobpositions.collected[anchor]
                 if not a then
-                    report_graphics("missing anchor '%s'",anchor)
+                    report_graphics("missing anchor %a",anchor)
                 else
                     local trace = false
                     local x, y, w, h, d = a.x, a.y, a.w, a.h, a.d
diff --git a/tex/context/base/attr-col.lua b/tex/context/base/attr-col.lua
index d4139daf7..7c6b7909b 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/attr-col.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/attr-col.lua
@@ -285,7 +285,7 @@ local function reviver(data,n)
         if not v then
             local gray = graycolor(0)
             d = { gray, gray, gray, gray }
-            report_attributes("unable to revive color %s",n or "?")
+            report_attributes("unable to revive color %a",n)
         else
             local model = colors.forcedmodel(v[1])
             if model == 2 then
diff --git a/tex/context/base/attr-ini.lua b/tex/context/base/attr-ini.lua
index 5a3bafce3..206a86d79 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/attr-ini.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/attr-ini.lua
@@ -105,7 +105,7 @@ local function showlist(what,list)
         while a do
             local number, value = a.number, a.value
             i = i + 1
-            report_attribute("%s %2i: attribute %3i, value %4i, name %s",tostring(what),i,number,value,names[number] or '?')
+            report_attribute("%S %2i: attribute %3i, value %4i, name %a",what,i,number,value,names[number])
             a = a.next
         end
    end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/attr-lay.lua b/tex/context/base/attr-lay.lua
index 059353116..9762bb202 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/attr-lay.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/attr-lay.lua
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ local function reviver(data,n)
             data[n] = d
             return d
         else
-            report_viewerlayers("error, unknown reference '%s'",tostring(n))
+            report_viewerlayers("error: unknown reference %a",tostring(n))
         end
     end
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/back-exp.lua b/tex/context/base/back-exp.lua
index 5d8b4cc8c..24bc9b432 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/back-exp.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/back-exp.lua
@@ -18,15 +18,18 @@ if not modules then modules = { } end modules ['back-exp'] = {
 -- We can optimize the code ... currently the overhead is some 10% for xml + html so
 -- there is no hurry.
 
+-- todo: use more formatters.. needs testing ... also we can every 1000 results do a collapse
+-- todo: delay loading (apart from basic tag stuff)
+
 local next, type = next, type
 local format, match, concat, rep, sub, gsub, gmatch, find = string.format, string.match, table.concat, string.rep, string.sub, string.gsub, string.gmatch, string.find
 local validstring = string.valid
 local lpegmatch = lpeg.match
 local utfchar, utfbyte, utfvalues = utf.char, utf.byte, utf.values
 local insert, remove = table.insert, table.remove
-local topoints = number.topoints
 local fromunicode16 = fonts.mappings.fromunicode16
 local sortedhash = table.sortedhash
+local formatters = string.formatters
 
 local trace_export  = false  trackers.register  ("export.trace",         function(v) trace_export  = v end)
 local trace_spacing = false  trackers.register  ("export.trace.spacing", function(v) trace_spacing = v end)
@@ -179,7 +182,7 @@ end)
 setmetatableindex(specialspaces, function(t,k)
     local v = utfchar(k)
     t[k] = v
-    entities[v] = format("&#x%X;",k)
+    entities[v] = formatters["&#x%X;"](k)
     somespace[k] = true
     somespace[v] = true
     return v
@@ -257,17 +260,6 @@ local function hashlistdata()
     end
 end
 
---~ local spaces = { } -- watch how we also moved the -1 in depth-1 to the creator
-
---~ setmetatableindex(spaces, function(t,k)
---~     if not k then
---~         return ""
---~     end
---~     local s = rep("  ",k-1)
---~     t[k] = s
---~     return s
---~ end)
-
 local spaces = utilities.strings.newrepeater("  ",-1)
 
 function structurestags.setattributehash(fulltag,key,value) -- public hash
@@ -1661,9 +1653,9 @@ local function push(fulltag,depth)
     treestack[currentdepth] = tree
     if trace_export then
         if detail and detail ~= "" then
-            report_export("%s<%s trigger='%s' paragraph='%s' index='%s' detail='%s'>",spaces[currentdepth-1],fulltag,currentattribute or 0,currentparagraph or 0,#treedata,detail)
+            report_export("%w<%s trigger=%a paragraph=%a index=%a detail=%a>",currentdepth-1,fulltag,currentattribute or 0,currentparagraph or 0,#treedata,detail)
         else
-            report_export("%s<%s trigger='%s' paragraph='%s' index='%s'>",spaces[currentdepth-1],fulltag,currentattribute or 0,currentparagraph or 0,#treedata)
+            report_export("%w<%s trigger=%a paragraph=%a index=%a>",currentdepth-1,fulltag,currentattribute or 0,currentparagraph or 0,#treedata)
         end
     end
     tree = t
@@ -1685,7 +1677,7 @@ local function pop()
     currentdepth = currentdepth - 1
     if trace_export then
         if top then
-            report_export("%s</%s>",spaces[currentdepth],top)
+            report_export("%w</%s>",currentdepth,top)
         else
             report_export("</%s>",top)
         end
@@ -1695,7 +1687,7 @@ end
 local function continueexport()
     if nofcurrentcontent > 0 then
         if trace_export then
-            report_export("%s<!-- injecting pagebreak space -->",spaces[currentdepth])
+            report_export("%w<!-- injecting pagebreak space -->",currentdepth)
         end
         nofcurrentcontent = nofcurrentcontent + 1
         currentcontent[nofcurrentcontent] = " " -- pagebreak
@@ -1711,7 +1703,7 @@ local function pushentry(current)
         local newdepth = #current
         local olddepth = currentdepth
         if trace_export then
-            report_export("%s<!-- moving from depth %s to %s (%s) -->",spaces[currentdepth],olddepth,newdepth,current[newdepth])
+            report_export("%w<!-- moving from depth %s to %s (%s) -->",currentdepth,olddepth,newdepth,current[newdepth])
         end
         if olddepth <= 0 then
             for i=1,newdepth do
@@ -1750,28 +1742,28 @@ local function pushentry(current)
                     pop()
                 end
             elseif trace_export then
-                report_export("%s<!-- staying at depth %s (%s) -->",spaces[currentdepth],newdepth,nesting[newdepth] or "?")
+                report_export("%w<!-- staying at depth %s (%s) -->",currentdepth,newdepth,nesting[newdepth] or "?")
             end
         end
         return olddepth, newdepth
     end
 end
 
-local function pushcontent(addbreak)
+local function pushcontent(currentparagraph,newparagraph)
     if nofcurrentcontent > 0 then
-        if addbreak then
+        if currentparagraph then
             if currentcontent[nofcurrentcontent] == "\n" then
                 if trace_export then
-                    report_export("%s<!-- removing newline -->",spaces[currentdepth])
+                    report_export("%w<!-- removing newline -->",currentdepth)
                 end
                 nofcurrentcontent = nofcurrentcontent - 1
             end
         end
         local content = concat(currentcontent,"",1,nofcurrentcontent)
         if content == "" then
-            -- omit; when addbreak we could push, remove spaces, pop
-        elseif somespace[content] and addbreak then
-            -- omit; when addbreak we could push, remove spaces, pop
+            -- omit; when currentparagraph we could push, remove spaces, pop
+        elseif somespace[content] and currentparagraph then
+            -- omit; when currentparagraph we could push, remove spaces, pop
         else
             local olddepth, newdepth
             local list = taglist[currentattribute]
@@ -1782,9 +1774,9 @@ local function pushcontent(addbreak)
             local nd = #td
             td[nd+1] = { parnumber = currentparagraph, content = content }
             if trace_export then
-                report_export("%s<!-- start content with length %s -->",spaces[currentdepth],#content)
-                report_export("%s%s",spaces[currentdepth],(gsub(content,"\n","\\n")))
-                report_export("%s<!-- stop content -->",spaces[currentdepth])
+                report_export("%w<!-- start content with length %s -->",currentdepth,#content)
+                report_export("%w%s",currentdepth,(gsub(content,"\n","\\n")))
+                report_export("%w<!-- stop content -->",currentdepth)
             end
             if olddepth then
                 for i=newdepth-1,olddepth,-1 do
@@ -1794,22 +1786,22 @@ local function pushcontent(addbreak)
         end
         nofcurrentcontent = 0
     end
-    if addbreak then
+    if currentparagraph then
         pushentry(makebreaklist(currentnesting))
         if trace_export then
-            report_export("%s<!-- break added due to %s -->",spaces[currentdepth],addbreak)
+            report_export("%w<!-- break added betweep paragraph %a and %a -->",currentdepth,currentparagraph,newparagraph)
         end
     end
 end
 
 local function finishexport()
     if trace_export then
-        report_export("%s<!-- start finalizing -->",spaces[currentdepth])
+        report_export("%w<!-- start finalizing -->",currentdepth)
     end
     if nofcurrentcontent > 0 then
         if somespace[currentcontent[nofcurrentcontent]] then
             if trace_export then
-                report_export("%s<!-- removing space -->",spaces[currentdepth])
+                report_export("%w<!-- removing space -->",currentdepth)
             end
             nofcurrentcontent = nofcurrentcontent - 1
         end
@@ -1820,22 +1812,12 @@ local function finishexport()
     end
     currentcontent = { } -- we're nice and do a cleanup
     if trace_export then
-        report_export("%s<!-- stop finalizing -->",spaces[currentdepth])
+        report_export("%w<!-- stop finalizing -->",currentdepth)
     end
 end
 
 -- whatsit_code localpar_code
 
-local function tracedchar(c)
-    if c == 0x20 then
-        return "[space]"
-    elseif c == 0 then
-        return "[signal]"
-    else
-        return utfchar(c)
-    end
-end
-
 local function collectresults(head,list) -- is last used (we also have currentattribute)
     local p
     for n in traverse_nodes(head) do
@@ -1845,7 +1827,7 @@ local function collectresults(head,list) -- is last used (we also have currentat
             if not at then
              -- we need to tag the pagebody stuff as being valid skippable
              --
-             -- report_export("skipping character: 0x%05X %s (no attribute)",n.char,utfchar(n.char))
+             -- report_export("skipping character: %C (no attribute)",n.char)
             else
                 -- we could add tonunicodes for ligatures (todo)
                 local components =  n.components
@@ -1855,18 +1837,15 @@ local function collectresults(head,list) -- is last used (we also have currentat
                     local c = n.char
                     if last ~= at then
                         local tl = taglist[at]
---                         if trace_export then
---                             report_export("%s<!-- processing glyph %s (tag %s) -->",spaces[currentdepth],utfchar(c),at)
---                         end
                         pushcontent()
                         currentnesting = tl
                         currentparagraph = n[a_taggedpar]
                         currentattribute = at
                         last = at
                         pushentry(currentnesting)
-                if trace_export then
-                    report_export("%s<!-- processing glyph %s (tag %s) -->",spaces[currentdepth],tracedchar(c),at)
-                end
+                        if trace_export then
+                            report_export("%w<!-- processing glyph %C tagged %a -->",currentdepth,c,at)
+                        end
                         -- We need to intercept this here; maybe I will also move this
                         -- to a regular setter at the tex end.
                         local r = n[a_reference]
@@ -1877,17 +1856,17 @@ local function collectresults(head,list) -- is last used (we also have currentat
                     elseif last then
                         local ap = n[a_taggedpar]
                         if ap ~= currentparagraph then
-                            pushcontent(format("new paragraph (%s -> %s)",tostring(currentparagraph),tostring(ap)))
+                            pushcontent(currentparagraph,ap)
                             pushentry(currentnesting)
                             currentattribute = last
                             currentparagraph = ap
                         end
                         if trace_export then
-                            report_export("%s<!-- processing glyph %s (tag %s) -->",spaces[currentdepth],tracedchar(c),last)
+                            report_export("%w<!-- processing glyph %C tagged %a) -->",currentdepth,c,last)
                         end
                     else
                         if trace_export then
-                            report_export("%s<!-- processing glyph %s (tag %s) -->",spaces[currentdepth],tracedchar(c),at)
+                            report_export("%w<!-- processing glyph %C tagged %a) -->",currentdepth,c,at)
                         end
                     end
                     local s = n[a_exportstatus]
@@ -1896,14 +1875,14 @@ local function collectresults(head,list) -- is last used (we also have currentat
                     end
                     if c == 0 then
                         if trace_export then
-                            report_export("%s<!-- skipping last glyph -->",spaces[currentdepth])
+                            report_export("%w<!-- skipping last glyph -->",currentdepth)
                         end
                     elseif c == 0x20 then
                         local a = n[a_characters]
                         nofcurrentcontent = nofcurrentcontent + 1
                         if a then
                             if trace_export then
-                                report_export("%s<!-- turning last space into special space U+%05X -->",spaces[currentdepth],a)
+                                report_export("%w<!-- turning last space into special space %U -->",currentdepth,a)
                             end
                             currentcontent[nofcurrentcontent] = specialspaces[a] -- special space
                         else
@@ -1954,7 +1933,7 @@ local function collectresults(head,list) -- is last used (we also have currentat
                     if last ~= a then
                         local tl = taglist[a]
                         if trace_export then
-                            report_export("%s<!-- processing space glyph U+%05X (tag %s) case 1 -->",spaces[currentdepth],ca,a)
+                            report_export("%w<!-- processing space glyph %U tagged %a case 1 -->",currentdepth,ca,a)
                         end
                         pushcontent()
                         currentnesting = tl
@@ -1966,18 +1945,18 @@ local function collectresults(head,list) -- is last used (we also have currentat
                     elseif last then
                         local ap = n[a_taggedpar]
                         if ap ~= currentparagraph then
-                            pushcontent(format("new paragraph (%s -> %s)",tostring(currentparagraph),tostring(ap)))
+                            pushcontent(currentparagraph,ap)
                             pushentry(currentnesting)
                             currentattribute = last
                             currentparagraph = ap
                         end
                         if trace_export then
-                            report_export("%s<!-- processing space glyph U+%05X (tag %s) case 2 -->",spaces[currentdepth],ca,last)
+                            report_export("%w<!-- processing space glyph %U tagged %a case 2 -->",currentdepth,ca,last)
                         end
                     end
                     -- if somespace[currentcontent[nofcurrentcontent]] then
                     --     if trace_export then
-                    --         report_export("%s<!-- removing space -->",spaces[currentdepth])
+                    --         report_export("%w<!-- removing space -->",currentdepth)
                     --     end
                     --     nofcurrentcontent = nofcurrentcontent - 1
                     -- end
@@ -1992,18 +1971,18 @@ local function collectresults(head,list) -- is last used (we also have currentat
                             local a = n[a_tagged]
                             if a == last then
                                 if trace_export then
-                                    report_export("%s<!-- injecting spacing 5a -->",spaces[currentdepth])
+                                    report_export("%w<!-- injecting spacing 5a -->",currentdepth)
                                 end
                                 nofcurrentcontent = nofcurrentcontent + 1
                                 currentcontent[nofcurrentcontent] = " "
                             elseif a then
                                 -- e.g LOGO<space>LOGO
                                 if trace_export then
-                                    report_export("%s<!-- processing glue > threshold (tag %s => %s) -->",spaces[currentdepth],last,a)
+                                    report_export("%w<!-- processing glue > threshold tagged %s becomes %s -->",currentdepth,last,a)
                                 end
                                 pushcontent()
                                 if trace_export then
-                                    report_export("%s<!-- injecting spacing 5b -->",spaces[currentdepth])
+                                    report_export("%w<!-- injecting spacing 5b -->",currentdepth)
                                 end
                                 last = a
                                 nofcurrentcontent = nofcurrentcontent + 1
@@ -2019,13 +1998,13 @@ local function collectresults(head,list) -- is last used (we also have currentat
                         local a = n[a_tagged]
                         if a == last then
                             if trace_export then
-                                report_export("%s<!-- injecting spacing 7 (stay in element) -->",spaces[currentdepth])
+                                report_export("%w<!-- injecting spacing 7 (stay in element) -->",currentdepth)
                             end
                             nofcurrentcontent = nofcurrentcontent + 1
                             currentcontent[nofcurrentcontent] = " "
                         else
                             if trace_export then
-                                report_export("%s<!-- injecting spacing 7 (end of element) -->",spaces[currentdepth])
+                                report_export("%w<!-- injecting spacing 7 (end of element) -->",currentdepth)
                             end
                             last = a
                             pushcontent()
@@ -2048,13 +2027,13 @@ local function collectresults(head,list) -- is last used (we also have currentat
                             local a = n[a_tagged]
                             if a == last then
                                 if trace_export then
-                                    report_export("%s<!-- injecting spacing 1 (end of line, stay in element) -->",spaces[currentdepth])
+                                    report_export("%w<!-- injecting spacing 1 (end of line, stay in element) -->",currentdepth)
                                 end
                                 nofcurrentcontent = nofcurrentcontent + 1
                                 currentcontent[nofcurrentcontent] = " "
                             else
                                 if trace_export then
-                                    report_export("%s<!-- injecting spacing 1 (end of line, end of element) -->",spaces[currentdepth])
+                                    report_export("%w<!-- injecting spacing 1 (end of line, end of element) -->",currentdepth)
                                 end
                                 last = a
                                 pushcontent()
@@ -2082,7 +2061,7 @@ local function collectresults(head,list) -- is last used (we also have currentat
                 end
                 pushentry(taglist[at]) -- has an index, todo: flag empty element
                 if trace_export then
-                    report_export("%s<!-- processing image (tag %s)",spaces[currentdepth],last)
+                    report_export("%w<!-- processing image tagged %a",currentdepth,last)
                 end
                 last = nil
                 currentparagraph = nil
@@ -2103,7 +2082,7 @@ local function collectresults(head,list) -- is last used (we also have currentat
                         if a == last then
                             if not somespace[currentcontent[nofcurrentcontent]] then
                                 if trace_export then
-                                    report_export("%s<!-- injecting spacing 8 (%s) -->",spaces[currentdepth],topoints(kern,true))
+                                    report_export("%w<!-- injecting spacing 8 (kern %p) -->",currentdepth,kern)
                                 end
                                 nofcurrentcontent = nofcurrentcontent + 1
                                 currentcontent[nofcurrentcontent] = " "
@@ -2111,12 +2090,12 @@ local function collectresults(head,list) -- is last used (we also have currentat
                         elseif a then
                             -- e.g LOGO<space>LOGO
                             if trace_export then
-                                report_export("%s<!-- processing kern, threshold %s, tag %s => %s -->",spaces[currentdepth],topoints(limit,true),last,a)
+                                report_export("%w<!-- processing kern, threshold %p, tag %s => %s -->",currentdepth,limit,last,a)
                             end
                             last = a
                             pushcontent()
                             if trace_export then
-                                report_export("%s<!-- injecting spacing 9 (%s) -->",spaces[currentdepth],topoints(kern,true))
+                                report_export("%w<!-- injecting spacing 9 (kern %p) -->",currentdepth,kern)
                             end
                             nofcurrentcontent = nofcurrentcontent + 1
                             currentcontent[nofcurrentcontent] = " "
@@ -2135,13 +2114,13 @@ end
 function nodes.handlers.export(head) -- hooks into the page builder
     starttiming(treehash)
     if trace_export then
-        report_export("%s<!-- start flushing page -->",spaces[currentdepth])
+        report_export("%w<!-- start flushing page -->",currentdepth)
     end
  -- continueexport()
     restart = true
     collectresults(head)
     if trace_export then
-        report_export("%s<!-- stop flushing page -->",spaces[currentdepth])
+        report_export("%w<!-- stop flushing page -->",currentdepth)
     end
     stoptiming(treehash)
     return head, true
@@ -2191,7 +2170,7 @@ local function allusedstylesheets(xmlfile,cssfiles,files)
             cssfile = file.addsuffix(cssfile,"css")
         end
         files[#files+1] = cssfile
-        report_export("adding css reference '%s",cssfile)
+        report_export("adding css reference '%s'",cssfile)
         result[#result+1] = format(csspreamble,cssfile)
     end
     return concat(result)
@@ -2339,16 +2318,16 @@ local function stopexport(v)
     --
     files = table.unique(files)
     --
-    report_export("saving xml data in '%s",xmlfile)
+    report_export("saving xml data in %a",xmlfile)
     io.savedata(xmlfile,results)
     --
-    report_export("saving css image definitions in '%s",imagefilename)
+    report_export("saving css image definitions in %a",imagefilename)
     io.savedata(imagefilename,allusedimages(xmlfile))
     --
-    report_export("saving css style definitions in '%s",stylefilename)
+    report_export("saving css style definitions in %a",stylefilename)
     io.savedata(stylefilename,allusedstyles(xmlfile))
     --
-    report_export("saving css template in '%s",templatefilename)
+    report_export("saving css template in %a",templatefilename)
     io.savedata(templatefilename,allusedelements(xmlfile))
     --
     if xhtmlfile then
@@ -2358,7 +2337,7 @@ local function stopexport(v)
             xhtmlfile = file.addsuffix(xhtmlfile,"xhtml")
         end
         files[#files+1] = xhtmlfile
-        report_export("saving xhtml variant in '%s",xhtmlfile)
+        report_export("saving xhtml variant in %a",xhtmlfile)
         local xmltree = cleanxhtmltree(xml.convert(results))
         xml.save(xmltree,xhtmlfile)
         -- looking at identity is somewhat redundant as we also inherit from interaction
@@ -2377,7 +2356,7 @@ local function stopexport(v)
             firstpage  = validstring(finetuning.firstpage),
             lastpage   = validstring(finetuning.lastpage),
         }
-        report_export("saving specification in '%s' (mtxrun --script epub --make %s)",specificationfilename,specificationfilename)
+        report_export("saving specification in %a (mtxrun --script epub --make %s)",specificationfilename,specificationfilename)
         io.savedata(specificationfilename,table.serialize(specification,true))
     end
     stoptiming(treehash)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/back-ini.lua b/tex/context/base/back-ini.lua
index f6b2f60f1..bdd931abd 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/back-ini.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/back-ini.lua
@@ -59,7 +59,11 @@ function backends.install(what)
         local backend = backends[what]
         if backend then
             if trace_backend then
-                report_backend("initializing backend %s (%s)",what,backend.comment or "no comment")
+                if backend.comment then
+                    report_backend("initializing backend %a, %a",what,backend.comment)
+                else
+                    report_backend("initializing backend %a",what)
+                end
             end
             backends.current = what
             for category, default in next, defaults do
@@ -68,7 +72,7 @@ function backends.install(what)
                 setmetatableindex(target, plugin)
             end
         elseif trace_backend then
-            report_backend("no backend named %s",what)
+            report_backend("no backend named %a",what)
         end
     end
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/bibl-bib.lua b/tex/context/base/bibl-bib.lua
index a995d7429..6ea3bc567 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/bibl-bib.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/bibl-bib.lua
@@ -143,9 +143,9 @@ function bibtex.load(session,filename)
     if filename ~= "" then
         local data = io.loaddata(filename) or ""
         if data == "" then
-            report_xml("empty file '%s', no conversion to xml",filename)
+            report_xml("empty file %a, no conversion to xml",filename)
         elseif trace_bibxml then
-            report_xml("converting file '%s' to xml",filename)
+            report_xml("converting file %a to xml",filename)
         end
         bibtex.convert(session,data)
     end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/bibl-tra.lua b/tex/context/base/bibl-tra.lua
index ca6403c44..1c5eb3c85 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/bibl-tra.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/bibl-tra.lua
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ function hacks.process(settings)
         interfaces.showmessage("publications",3)
         io.savedata(file.addsuffix(jobname,"aux"),format(template,style,database))
         if trace_bibtex then
-            report_tex("processing bibtex file '%s'",jobname)
+            report_tex("processing bibtex file %a",jobname)
         end
         os.execute(format("bibtex %s",jobname))
         -- purge 'm
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ end
 
 function hacks.register(str)
     if trace_bibtex then
-        report_tex("registering bibtex entry '%s'",str)
+        report_tex("registering bibtex entry %a",str)
     end
     registered[#registered+1] = str
     ordered[str] = #registered
diff --git a/tex/context/base/buff-ini.lua b/tex/context/base/buff-ini.lua
index 2519a1551..8ed8c71b2 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/buff-ini.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/buff-ini.lua
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ local function loadcontent(names) -- no print
     elseif nnames == 0 then
         report_buffers("invalid lua code in default buffer")
     else
-        report_buffers("invalid lua code in buffer '%s'",concat(names,","))
+        report_buffers("invalid lua code in buffer %a",concat(names,","))
     end
 end
 
@@ -304,12 +304,12 @@ function commands.runbuffer(name,list,encapsulate)
     local data = io.loaddata(name)
     if data ~= content then
         if trace_run then
-            report_buffers("changes in '%s', processing forced",name)
+            report_buffers("changes in %a, processing forced",name)
         end
         io.savedata(name,content)
         os.execute(format(command,name))
     elseif trace_run then
-        report_buffers("no changes in '%s', not processed",name)
+        report_buffers("no changes in %a, not processed",name)
     end
 end
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/buff-par.lua b/tex/context/base/buff-par.lua
index 29742f497..2c1cd40e9 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/buff-par.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/buff-par.lua
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ function parallel.save(category,tag,content)
                 done = true
             end
             if trace_parallel and label ~= "" then
-                report_parallel("reference found: category '%s', tag '%s', label '%s'",category,tag,label)
+                report_parallel("reference found of category %a, tag %a, label %a",category,tag,label)
             end
             line.label   = label
             line.content = strip(content)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/buff-ver.lua b/tex/context/base/buff-ver.lua
index 5748d9298..49e3788ac 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/buff-ver.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/buff-ver.lua
@@ -164,7 +164,7 @@ function visualizers.newgrammar(name,t)
     g = g and g.grammar
     if g then
         if trace_visualize then
-            report_visualizers("cloning grammar '%s'",name)
+            report_visualizers("cloning grammar %a",name)
         end
         for k,v in next, g do
             if not t[k] then
@@ -183,12 +183,12 @@ local function getvisualizer(method,nature)
     local m = specifications[method] or specifications.default
     if nature then
         if trace_visualize then
-            report_visualizers("getting visualizer '%s' with nature '%s'",method,nature)
+            report_visualizers("getting visualizer %a with nature %a",method,nature)
         end
         return m and (m[nature] or m.parser) or nil
     else
         if trace_visualize then
-            report_visualizers("getting visualizer '%s'",method)
+            report_visualizers("getting visualizer %a",method)
         end
         return m and m.parser or nil
     end
@@ -237,11 +237,11 @@ function visualizers.load(name)
         end
         if texname == "" or luaname == "" then
             if trace_visualize then
-                report_visualizers("unknown visualizer '%s'",name)
+                report_visualizers("unknown visualizer %a",name)
             end
         else
             if trace_visualize then
-                report_visualizers("loading visualizer '%s'",name)
+                report_visualizers("loading visualizer %a",name)
             end
             lua.registercode(luaname)
             context.input(texname)
@@ -255,7 +255,7 @@ end
 function visualizers.register(name,specification)
     name = lower(name)
     if trace_visualize then
-        report_visualizers("registering visualizer '%s'",name)
+        report_visualizers("registering visualizer %a",name)
     end
     specifications[name] = specification
     local parser, handler = specification.parser, specification.handler
@@ -358,7 +358,7 @@ function visualizers.registerescapepattern(name,befores,afters,normalmethod,esca
             local after     = afters[i]
             local processor = processors[i]
             if trace_visualize then
-                report_visualizers("registering escape pattern, name: '%s', index: '%s', before: '%s', after: '%s', processor: '%s'",
+                report_visualizers("registering escape pattern, name %a, index %a, before %a, after %a, processor %a",
                     name,i,before,after,processor or "default")
             end
             before = P(before) * space_pattern
@@ -394,7 +394,7 @@ function visualizers.registerescapeline(name,befores,normalmethod,escapemethod,p
             local before    = befores[i]
             local processor = processors[i]
             if trace_visualize then
-                report_visualizers("registering escape line pattern, name: '%s', before: '%s', after: <<newline>>",name,before)
+                report_visualizers("registering escape line pattern, name %a, before %a, after <<newline>>",name,before)
             end
             before = P(before) * space_pattern
             after = space_pattern * P("\n")
@@ -424,7 +424,7 @@ function visualizers.registerescapecommand(name,token,normalmethod,escapecommand
     local escapepattern = escapepatterns[name]
     if not escapepattern then
         if trace_visualize then
-            report_visualizers("registering escape token, name: '%s', token: '%s'",name,token)
+            report_visualizers("registering escape token, name %a, token %a",name,token)
         end
         token = P(token)
         local notoken = hack((1 - token)^1)
@@ -493,12 +493,12 @@ local function visualize(content,settings) -- maybe also method in settings
         local n = m and m[nature]
         if n then
             if trace_visualize then
-                report_visualizers("visualize using method '%s' and nature '%s'",method,nature)
+                report_visualizers("visualize using method %a and nature %a",method,nature)
             end
             n(content,settings)
         else
             if trace_visualize then
-                report_visualizers("visualize using method '%s'",method)
+                report_visualizers("visualize using method %a",method)
             end
             fallback(content,1,settings)
         end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/char-ini.lua b/tex/context/base/char-ini.lua
index 9f8a0ce11..0b448068e 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/char-ini.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/char-ini.lua
@@ -532,8 +532,8 @@ end
 -- local utfbytes = { }
 -- local utfchars = { }
 --
--- table.setmetatableindex(utfbytes,function(t,k) local v= utfchar(k) t[k] = v return v end)
--- table.setmetatableindex(utfchars,function(t,k) local v= utfbyte(k) t[k] = v return v end)
+-- table.setmetatableindex(utfbytes,function(t,k) local v = utfchar(k) t[k] = v return v end)
+-- table.setmetatableindex(utfchars,function(t,k) local v = utfbyte(k) t[k] = v return v end)
 
 local function toutfstring(s)
     if type(s) == "table" then
@@ -834,13 +834,13 @@ if not characters.superscripts then
                 if #specials == 2 then
                     superscripts[k] = specials[2]
                 else
-                    report_defining("ignoring superscript %s %s: %s",ustring(k),utfchar(k),v.description)
+                    report_defining("ignoring %s %a, char %c, description %a","superscript",ustring(k),k,v.description)
                 end
             elseif what == "sub" then
                 if #specials == 2 then
                     subscripts[k] = specials[2]
                 else
-                    report_defining("ignoring subscript %s %s: %s",ustring(k),utfchar(k),v.description)
+                    report_defining("ignoring %s %a, char %c, description %a","subscript",ustring(k),k,v.description)
                 end
             end
         end
@@ -856,6 +856,13 @@ if not characters.superscripts then
 
 end
 
+-- for the moment only a few
+
+local tracedchars = utilities.strings.tracers
+
+tracedchars[0x00] = "[signal]"
+tracedchars[0x20] = "[space]"
+
 -- the following code will move to char-tex.lua
 
 -- tex
@@ -976,14 +983,14 @@ function characters.define(tobelettered, tobeactivated) -- catcodetables
         for i=1,nofactivated do
             local u = activated[i]
             if u then
-                report_defining("character 0x%05X is active in sets %s (%s)",u,concat(tobeactivated,","),data[u].description)
+                report_defining("character %U is active in set %a, containing %a",u,data[u].description,tobeactivated)
             end
         end
         local saved = tex.catcodetable
         for i=1,#tobeactivated do
             local vector = tobeactivated[i]
             if trace_defining then
-                report_defining("defining %s active characters in vector %s",nofactivated,vector)
+                report_defining("defining %a active characters in vector %a",nofactivated,vector)
             end
             tex.catcodetable = vector
             for i=1,nofactivated do
@@ -1050,7 +1057,7 @@ end
 
 local function setuppersfcodes(v,n)
     if sfstate ~= "unset" then
-        report_defining("setting uppercase sf codes to %s",n)
+        report_defining("setting uppercase sf codes to %a",n)
         for code, chr in next, data do
             if chr.category == "lu" then
                 texsetsfcode(code,n)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/chem-ini.lua b/tex/context/base/chem-ini.lua
index c862e00e3..10db1a1e4 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/chem-ini.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/chem-ini.lua
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ end
 function commands.molecule(str)
     if trace_molecules then
         local rep = lpegmatch(moleculeparser,str)
-        report_chemistry("molecule %s => %s",str,rep)
+        report_chemistry("molecule %a becomes %a",str,rep)
         context(rep)
     else
         context(lpegmatch(moleculeparser,str))
diff --git a/tex/context/base/chem-str.lua b/tex/context/base/chem-str.lua
index 1967948de..d0f0b9d29 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/chem-str.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/chem-str.lua
@@ -259,7 +259,6 @@ local molecule = chemistry.molecule -- or use lpegmatch(chemistry.moleculeparser
 local function fetch(txt)
     local st = stack[txt]
     local t = st.text[st.n]
--- inspect(stack)
     while not t and txt > 1 do
         txt = txt - 1
         st = stack[txt]
@@ -267,7 +266,7 @@ local function fetch(txt)
     end
     if t then
         if trace_textstack then
-            report_chemistry("fetching from stack %s slot %s: %s",txt,st.n,t)
+            report_chemistry("fetching from stack %a, slot %a, data %a",txt,st.n,t)
         end
         st.n = st.n + 1
     end
@@ -346,7 +345,7 @@ local function process(level,spec,text,n,rulethickness,rulecolor,offset,default_
         end
         if d then
             if trace_structure then
-                report_chemistry("%s > %s => definition: %s (%s snippets)",level,step,n,#d)
+                report_chemistry("level %a, step %a, definition %a, snippets %a",level,step,n,#d)
             end
             for i=1,#d do
                 local di = d[i]
@@ -356,8 +355,8 @@ local function process(level,spec,text,n,rulethickness,rulecolor,offset,default_
             local factor, osign, operation, special, index, upto, set, text = lpegmatch(pattern,step)
             if trace_structure then
                 local set = set and concat(set," ") or "-"
-                report_chemistry("%s > %s => factor: %s, osign: %s operation: %s, special: %s, index: %s, upto: %s, set: %s, text: %s",
-                    level,step,factor or "",osign or "",operation or "-",special and special ~= "" or "-",index or "-",upto or "-",set or "-",text or "-")
+                report_chemistry("level %a, step %a, factor %a, osign %a, operation %a, special %a, index %a, upto %a, set %a, text %a",
+                    level,step,factor,osign,operation,special,index,upto,set,text)
             end
             if operation == "rulecolor" then
                 local t = text
@@ -438,8 +437,7 @@ local function process(level,spec,text,n,rulethickness,rulecolor,offset,default_
                             for i=ns,1,-1 do
                                 local si = set[i]
                                 if si > ms then
-                                    report_chemistry("%s > operation %s: limited to %s steps, ignoring %s",
-                                        level,operation,ms,si)
+                                    report_chemistry("level %a, operation %a, max nofsteps %a, ignoring %a",level,operation,ms,si)
                                     set[i] = nil
                                     ns = ns - 1
                                 else
@@ -453,8 +451,7 @@ local function process(level,spec,text,n,rulethickness,rulecolor,offset,default_
                             for i=1,ns do
                                 local si = set[i]
                                 if si > ms then
-                                    report_chemistry("%s > operation %s: limited to %s steps, ignoring %s",
-                                        level,operation,ms,si)
+                                    report_chemistry("level %a, operation %a, max nofsteps %a, ignoring %a",level,operation,ms,si)
                                     set[i] = nil
                                 else
                                     nt = nt + 1
@@ -589,8 +586,7 @@ local function process(level,spec,text,n,rulethickness,rulecolor,offset,default_
                 elseif what == "fixed" then
                     m = m + 1 ; metacode[m] = f_transform(operation,variant,rulethickness,rulecolor)
                 elseif trace_structure then
-                    report_chemistry("%s > warning: undefined operation %s ignored here",
-                        level, operation or "")
+                    report_chemistry("level %a, ignoring undefined operation %s",level,operation)
                 end
             end
         end
@@ -614,7 +610,7 @@ function chemistry.start(settings)
     --
     align = settings.symalign or "auto"
     if trace_structure then
-        report_chemistry("scale: %s, rotation: %s, width: %s, height: %s, l: %s, r: %s, t: %s, b: %s", scale, rotation, width, height, l, r, t, b)
+        report_chemistry("scale %a, rotation %a, width %a, height %a, l: %a, r: %a, t: %a, b: %a",scale,rotation,width,height,l,r,t,b)
         report_chemistry("symalign: %s", align)
     end
     if align ~= "" then align = "." .. align end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/cldf-ini.lua b/tex/context/base/cldf-ini.lua
index f4b8ece4c..2e2283d90 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/cldf-ini.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/cldf-ini.lua
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ end
 local function _flush_f_(n)
     local sn = _stack_f_[n]
     if not sn then
-        report_cld("data with id %s cannot be found on stack",n)
+        report_cld("data with id %a cannot be found on stack",n)
     else
         local tn = type(sn)
         if tn == "function" then
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ end
 local function _flush_n_(n)
     local sn = _stack_n_[n]
     if not sn then
-        report_cld("data with id %s cannot be found on stack",n)
+        report_cld("data with id %a cannot be found on stack",n)
     elseif texcount["@@trialtypesetting"] == 0 then  -- @@trialtypesetting is private!
         writenode(sn)
         _stack_n_[n] = nil
@@ -374,7 +374,7 @@ local function writer(parent,command,first,...) -- already optimized before call
             if typ == "string" or typ == "number" then
                 flush(currentcatcodes,ti)
             else -- node.write
-                report_context("error: invalid use of direct in '%s', only strings and numbers can be flushed directly, not '%s'",command,typ)
+                report_context("error: invalid use of direct in %a, only strings and numbers can be flushed directly, not %a",command,typ)
             end
             direct = false
         elseif ti == nil then
@@ -452,7 +452,7 @@ local function writer(parent,command,first,...) -- already optimized before call
         elseif isnode(ti) then -- slow
             flush(currentcatcodes,"{\\cldn{",_store_n_(ti),"}}")
         else
-            report_context("error: '%s' gets a weird argument '%s'",command,tostring(ti))
+            report_context("error: %a gets a weird argument %a",command,ti)
         end
     end
 end
@@ -572,7 +572,7 @@ local function caller(parent,f,a,...)
          -- writenode(f)
             flush(currentcatcodes,"\\cldn{",_store_n_(f),"}")
         else
-            report_context("error: 'context' gets a weird argument '%s'",tostring(f))
+            report_context("error: %a gets a weird argument %a","context",f)
         end
     end
 end
@@ -807,19 +807,19 @@ function context.runfile(filename)
         local ok = dofile(foundname)
         if type(ok) == "function" then
             if trace_cld then
-                report_context("begin of file '%s' (function call)",foundname)
+                report_context("begin of file %a (function call)",foundname)
             end
             ok()
             if trace_cld then
-                report_context("end of file '%s' (function call)",foundname)
+                report_context("end of file %a (function call)",foundname)
             end
         elseif ok then
-            report_context("file '%s' is processed and returns true",foundname)
+            report_context("file %a is processed and returns true",foundname)
         else
-            report_context("file '%s' is processed and returns nothing",foundname)
+            report_context("file %a is processed and returns nothing",foundname)
         end
     else
-        report_context("unknown file '%s'",filename)
+        report_context("unknown file %a",filename)
     end
 end
 
@@ -943,10 +943,10 @@ local function caller(parent,f,a,...)
             if f then
                 flush(currentcatcodes,mpdrawing,"{^^M}")
             else
-                report_context("warning: 'metafun' gets argument 'false' which is currently unsupported")
+                report_context("warning: %a gets argument 'false' which is currently unsupported","metafun")
             end
         else
-            report_context("error: 'metafun' gets a weird argument '%s'",tostring(f))
+            report_context("error: %a gets a weird argument %a","metafun",tostring(f))
         end
     end
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/colo-icc.lua b/tex/context/base/colo-icc.lua
index 4ab28eb68..157a03198 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/colo-icc.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/colo-icc.lua
@@ -27,11 +27,11 @@ function colors.iccprofile(filename,verbose)
         end
     end
     if fullname == "" then
-        return nil, false, format("profile '%s' cannot be found",filename)
+        return nil, false, format("profile %a cannot be found",filename)
     end
     local f = io.open(fullname,"rb")
     if not f then
-        return nil, false, format("profile '%s'cannot be loaded",fullname)
+        return nil, false, format("profile %a cannot be loaded",fullname)
     end
     local header =  {
         size               = readnumber(f,4),
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ function colors.iccprofile(filename,verbose)
                 }
             else
                 if verbose then
-                    report_colors("ignoring tag '%s' or type '%s' in profile '%s'",tag,variant,fullname)
+                    report_colors("ignoring tag %a or type %a in profile %a",tag,variant,fullname)
                 end
                 tags[tag] = nil
             end
@@ -112,7 +112,7 @@ function colors.iccprofile(filename,verbose)
         header   = header,
         tags     = tags,
     }
-    return profile, true, format("profile '%s' loaded",fullname)
+    return profile, true, format("profile %a loaded",fullname)
 end
 
 --~ local profile, error, message = colors.iccprofile("ussheetfedcoated.icc")
diff --git a/tex/context/base/colo-ini.lua b/tex/context/base/colo-ini.lua
index 29cce70f0..c94058b11 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/colo-ini.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/colo-ini.lua
@@ -71,12 +71,12 @@ local function definecolor(name, ca, global)
     if ca and ca > 0 then
         if global then
             if trace_define then
-                report_colors("define global color '%s' with attribute: %s",name,ca)
+                report_colors("define global color %a with attribute %a",name,ca)
             end
             context.colordefagc(name,ca)
         else
             if trace_define then
-                report_colors("define local color '%s' with attribute: %s",name,ca)
+                report_colors("define local color %a with attribute %a",name,ca)
             end
             context.colordefalc(name,ca)
         end
@@ -94,12 +94,12 @@ local function inheritcolor(name, ca, global)
     if ca and ca ~= "" then
         if global then
             if trace_define then
-                report_colors("inherit global color '%s' with attribute: %s",name,ca)
+                report_colors("inherit global color %a with attribute %a",name,ca)
             end
             context.colordeffgc(name,ca) -- some day we will set the macro directly
         else
             if trace_define then
-                report_colors("inherit local color '%s' with attribute: %s",name,ca)
+                report_colors("inherit local color %a with attribute %a",name,ca)
             end
             context.colordefflc(name,ca)
         end
@@ -117,12 +117,12 @@ local function definetransparent(name, ta, global)
     if ta and ta > 0 then
         if global then
             if trace_define then
-                report_colors("define global transparency '%s' with attribute: %s",name,ta)
+                report_colors("define global transparency %a with attribute %a",name,ta)
             end
             context.colordefagt(name,ta)
         else
             if trace_define then
-                report_colors("define local transparency '%s' with attribute: %s",name,ta)
+                report_colors("define local transparency %a with attribute %a",name,ta)
             end
             context.colordefalt(name,ta)
         end
@@ -139,12 +139,12 @@ local function inherittransparent(name, ta, global)
     if ta and ta ~= "" then
         if global then
             if trace_define then
-                report_colors("inherit global transparency '%s' with attribute: %s",name,ta)
+                report_colors("inherit global transparency %a with attribute %a",name,ta)
             end
             context.colordeffgt(name,ta)
         else
             if trace_define then
-                report_colors("inherit local transparency '%s' with attribute: %s",name,ta)
+                report_colors("inherit local transparency %a with attribute %a",name,ta)
             end
             context.colordefflt(name,ta)
         end
@@ -181,8 +181,7 @@ local gray_okay, rgb_okay, cmyk_okay, spot_okay, multichannel_okay, forced = tru
 
 function colors.forcesupport(gray,rgb,cmyk,spot,multichannel) -- pdfx driven
     gray_okay, rgb_okay, cmyk_okay, spot_okay, multichannel_okay, forced = gray, rgb, cmyk, spot, multichannel, true
-    report_colors("supported models: gray=%s, rgb=%s, cmyk=%s, spot=%s",      -- multichannel=%s
-        tostring(gray), tostring(rgb), tostring(cmyk), tostring(spot)) -- tostring(multichannel)
+    report_colors("supported models: gray %a, rgb %a, cmyk %a, spot %a",gray,rgb,cmyk,spot) -- multichannel=%l multichannel
 end
 
 local function forcedmodel(model) -- delayed till the backend but mp directly
@@ -719,7 +718,7 @@ end
 
 local function failure(name)
  -- context.showmessage("colors",5,name)
-    report_colors("unknown: library '%s'",name)
+    report_colors("unknown library %a",name)
 end
 
 function colors.usecolors(name)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/cont-new.mkii b/tex/context/base/cont-new.mkii
index 1434b8eee..2b1c391f4 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/cont-new.mkii
+++ b/tex/context/base/cont-new.mkii
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 %C therefore copyrighted by \PRAGMA. See mreadme.pdf for
 %C details.
 
-\newcontextversion{2013.03.11 00:17}
+\newcontextversion{2013.03.13 00:08}
 
 %D This file is loaded at runtime, thereby providing an
 %D excellent place for hacks, patches, extensions and new
diff --git a/tex/context/base/cont-new.mkiv b/tex/context/base/cont-new.mkiv
index 8340b5c60..d11b7b2ed 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/cont-new.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/cont-new.mkiv
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 %C therefore copyrighted by \PRAGMA. See mreadme.pdf for
 %C details.
 
-\newcontextversion{2013.03.11 00:17}
+\newcontextversion{2013.03.13 00:08}
 
 %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/context-version.pdf b/tex/context/base/context-version.pdf
index a0d46f708..584c1e534 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/context-version.pdf
+++ b/tex/context/base/context-version.pdf
diff --git a/tex/context/base/context-version.png b/tex/context/base/context-version.png
index 2bdeb57b6..258c09218 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/context-version.png
+++ b/tex/context/base/context-version.png
diff --git a/tex/context/base/context.mkii b/tex/context/base/context.mkii
index 8bc5bdd52..345374b06 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/context.mkii
+++ b/tex/context/base/context.mkii
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 %D your styles an modules.
 
 \edef\contextformat {\jobname}
-\edef\contextversion{2013.03.11 00:17}
+\edef\contextversion{2013.03.13 00:08}
 
 %D For those who want to use this:
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/context.mkiv b/tex/context/base/context.mkiv
index 6fa8db9ff..57ac8edbc 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/context.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/context.mkiv
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 %D up and the dependencies are more consistent.
 
 \edef\contextformat {\jobname}
-\edef\contextversion{2013.03.11 00:17}
+\edef\contextversion{2013.03.13 00:08}
 
 %D For those who want to use this:
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/core-ctx.lua b/tex/context/base/core-ctx.lua
index ba62d1e20..33662731e 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/core-ctx.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/core-ctx.lua
@@ -198,7 +198,7 @@ function ctxrunner.load(ctxname)
                     pattern       = findpattern,
                     preprocessors = preprocessors,
                 }
-                report_prepfiles("step %s, pattern: %q, preprocessor: %q",noftreatments,findpattern,concat(preprocessors," "))
+                report_prepfiles("step %s, pattern %a, preprocessor: %a",noftreatments,findpattern,preprocessors)
              end
         end
     end
@@ -261,13 +261,13 @@ function ctxrunner.load(ctxname)
                 end
                 if lfs.isfile(newfile) then
                     file.syncmtimes(filename,newfile)
-                    report_prepfiles("%q is converted to %q",filename,newfile)
+                    report_prepfiles("%a is converted to %a",filename,newfile)
                 else
-                    report_prepfiles("%q is not converted to %q",filename,newfile)
+                    report_prepfiles("%a is not converted to %a",filename,newfile)
                     newfile = filename
                 end
             elseif lfs.isfile(newfile) then
-                report_prepfiles("%q is already converted to %q",filename,newfile)
+                report_prepfiles("%a is already converted to %a",filename,newfile)
             end
         else
             newfile = filename
diff --git a/tex/context/base/core-dat.lua b/tex/context/base/core-dat.lua
index d81f11a28..826d3a675 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/core-dat.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/core-dat.lua
@@ -23,9 +23,8 @@ local report_pagestate = logs.reporter("pagestate")
 
 local allocate = utilities.storage.allocate
 local settings_to_hash = utilities.parsers.settings_to_hash
-local format = string.format
 local texcount = tex.count
-
+local formatters = string.formatters
 local v_yes = interfaces.variables.yes
 
 local new_latelua = nodes.pool.latelua
@@ -89,10 +88,10 @@ local function setdata(settings)
         data.order = index
         data.realpage = texcount.realpageno
         if trace_datasets then
-            report_dataset("delayed: name %s, tag %s, index %s",name,tag,index)
+            report_dataset("action %a, name %a, tag %a, index %a","assign delayed",name,tag,index)
         end
     elseif trace_datasets then
-        report_dataset("immediate: name %s, tag %s",name,tag)
+        report_dataset("action %a, name %a, tag %a","assign immediate",name,tag)
     end
     return name, tag, data
 end
@@ -108,7 +107,7 @@ function datasets.extend(name,tag)
     t.realpage = realpage
     t.order = order
     if trace_datasets then
-        report_dataset("flushed: name %s, tag %s, page %s, index %s, order",name,tag,t.index or 0,order,realpage)
+        report_dataset("action %a, name %a, tag %a, page %a, index %a","flush by order",name,tag,t.index or 0,order,realpage)
     end
 end
 
@@ -116,7 +115,7 @@ function datasets.getdata(name,tag,key,default)
     local t = collected[name]
     if t == nil then
         if trace_datasets then
-            report_dataset("unknown: name %s",name)
+            report_dataset("error: unknown dataset, name %a",name)
         end
     elseif type(t) ~= "table" then
         return t
@@ -124,7 +123,7 @@ function datasets.getdata(name,tag,key,default)
         t = t[tag] or t[tonumber(tag)]
         if not t then
             if trace_datasets then
-                report_dataset("unknown: name %s, tag %s",name,tag)
+                report_dataset("error: unknown dataset, name %a, tag %a",name,tag)
             end
         elseif key then
             return t[key] or default
@@ -141,9 +140,9 @@ function commands.setdataset(settings)
     if settings.delay ~= v_yes then
         --
     elseif type(tag) == "number" then
-        context(new_latelua(format("job.datasets.extend(%q,%i)",name,tag)))
+        context(new_latelua(formatters["job.datasets.extend(%q,%i)"](name,tag)))
     else
-        context(new_latelua(format("job.datasets.extend(%q,%q)",name,tag)))
+        context(new_latelua(formatters["job.datasets.extend(%q,%q)"](name,tag)))
     end
 end
 
@@ -151,7 +150,7 @@ function commands.datasetvariable(name,tag,key)
     local t = collected[name]
     if t == nil then
         if trace_datasets then
-            report_dataset("unknown: name %s (not passed to tex)",name)
+            report_dataset("error: unknown dataset, name %a, tag %a, not passed to tex",name) -- no tag
         end
     elseif type(t) ~= "table" then
         context(tostring(t))
@@ -159,14 +158,14 @@ function commands.datasetvariable(name,tag,key)
         t = t and (t[tag] or t[tonumber(tag)])
         if not t then
             if trace_datasets then
-                report_dataset("unknown: name %s with tag %s (not passed to tex)",name,tag)
+                report_dataset("error: unknown dataset, name %a, tag %a, not passed to tex",name,tag)
             end
         elseif type(t) == "table" then
             local s = t[key]
             if type(s) ~= "table" then
                 context(tostring(s))
             elseif trace_datasets then
-                report_dataset("table: name %s, tag %s (not passed to tex)",name,tag)
+                report_dataset("error: unknown dataset, name %a, tag %a, not passed to tex",name,tag)
             end
         end
     end
@@ -212,7 +211,7 @@ local function setstate(settings)
     local data = realpage
     list[tag] = data
     if trace_pagestates then
-        report_pagestate("setting: name %s, tag %s, preset %s",name,tag,realpage)
+        report_pagestate("action %a, name %a, tag %a, preset %a","set",name,tag,realpage)
     end
     return name, tag, data
 end
@@ -222,7 +221,7 @@ pagestates.setstate = setstate
 function pagestates.extend(name,tag)
     local realpage = texcount.realpageno
     if trace_pagestates then
-        report_pagestate("synchronizing: name %s, tag %s, preset %s",name,tag,realpage)
+        report_pagestate("action %a, name %a, tag %a, preset %a","synchronize",name,tag,realpage)
     end
     tobesaved[name][tag] = realpage
 end
@@ -234,10 +233,10 @@ function pagestates.realpage(name,tag,default)
         if t then
             return tonumber(t or default)
         elseif trace_pagestates then
-            report_pagestate("unknown: name %s, tag %s",name,tag)
+            report_pagestate("error: unknown dataset, name %a, tag %a",name,tag)
         end
     elseif trace_pagestates then
-        report_pagestate("unknown: name %s",name)
+        report_pagestate("error: unknown dataset, name %a, tag %a",name) -- nil
     end
     return default
 end
@@ -245,9 +244,9 @@ end
 function commands.setpagestate(settings)
     local name, tag, data = setstate(settings)
     if type(tag) == "number" then
-        context(new_latelua(format("job.pagestates.extend(%q,%i)",name,tag)))
+        context(new_latelua(formatters["job.pagestates.extend(%q,%i)"](name,tag)))
     else
-        context(new_latelua(format("job.pagestates.extend(%q,%q)",name,tag)))
+        context(new_latelua(formatters["job.pagestates.extend(%q,%q)"](name,tag)))
     end
 end
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/core-sys.lua b/tex/context/base/core-sys.lua
index e25c9b8f1..a790be19e 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/core-sys.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/core-sys.lua
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ function environment.initializefilenames() -- commands.updatefilenames(jobname,f
     environment.filename          = filename
     environment.suffix            = suffix
 
-    report_files("jobname: %s, input: %s, result: %s",jobfilename,inputfilename,outputfilename)
+    report_files("jobname %a, input %a, result %a",jobfilename,inputfilename,outputfilename)
 
     function environment.initializefilenames() end
 end
@@ -91,8 +91,8 @@ statistics.register("result saved in file", function()
     -- suffix will be fetched from backend
     local outputfilename = environment.outputfilename or environment.jobname or tex.jobname or "<unset>"
     if tex.pdfoutput > 0 then
-        return format( "%s.%s, compresslevel %s, objectcompreslevel %s",outputfilename,"pdf",tex.pdfcompresslevel, tex.pdfobjcompresslevel)
+        return format("%s.%s, compresslevel %s, objectcompreslevel %s",outputfilename,"pdf",tex.pdfcompresslevel, tex.pdfobjcompresslevel)
     else
-        return format( "%s.%s",outputfilename,"dvi") -- hard to imagine
+        return format("%s.%s",outputfilename,"dvi") -- hard to imagine
     end
 end)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/data-aux.lua b/tex/context/base/data-aux.lua
index 058033afe..b969e6070 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/data-aux.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/data-aux.lua
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ function resolvers.updatescript(oldname,newname) -- oldname -> own.name, not per
     newname = file.addsuffix(newname,"lua")
     local oldscript = resolvers.cleanpath(oldname)
     if trace_locating then
-        report_scripts("to be replaced old script %s", oldscript)
+        report_scripts("to be replaced old script %a", oldscript)
     end
     local newscripts = resolvers.findfiles(newname) or { }
     if #newscripts == 0 then
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ function resolvers.updatescript(oldname,newname) -- oldname -> own.name, not per
         for i=1,#newscripts do
             local newscript = resolvers.cleanpath(newscripts[i])
             if trace_locating then
-                report_scripts("checking new script %s", newscript)
+                report_scripts("checking new script %a", newscript)
             end
             if oldscript == newscript then
                 if trace_locating then
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ function resolvers.updatescript(oldname,newname) -- oldname -> own.name, not per
                 end
             elseif not find(newscript,scriptpath) then
                 if trace_locating then
-                    report_scripts("new script should come from %s",scriptpath)
+                    report_scripts("new script should come from %a",scriptpath)
                 end
             elseif not (find(oldscript,file.removesuffix(newname).."$") or find(oldscript,newname.."$")) then
                 if trace_locating then
diff --git a/tex/context/base/data-con.lua b/tex/context/base/data-con.lua
index ed4f2dec0..354c6807d 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/data-con.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/data-con.lua
@@ -31,12 +31,6 @@ containers.usecache = true
 
 local report_containers = logs.reporter("resolvers","containers")
 
-local function report(container,tag,name)
-    if trace_cache or trace_containers then
-        report_containers("container: %s, tag: %s, name: %s",container.subcategory,tag,name or 'invalid')
-    end
-end
-
 local allocated = { }
 
 local mt = {
@@ -99,13 +93,17 @@ function containers.read(container,name)
     if not stored and container.enabled and caches and containers.usecache then
         stored = caches.loaddata(container.readables,name)
         if stored and stored.cache_version == container.version then
-            report(container,"loaded",name)
+            if trace_cache or trace_containers then
+                report_containers("action %a, category %a, name %a","load",container.subcategory,name)
+            end
         else
             stored = nil
         end
         storage[name] = stored
     elseif stored then
-        report(container,"reusing",name)
+        if trace_cache or trace_containers then
+            report_containers("action %a, category %a, name %a","reuse",container.subcategory,name)
+        end
     end
     return stored
 end
@@ -117,10 +115,14 @@ function containers.write(container, name, data)
             local unique, shared = data.unique, data.shared
             data.unique, data.shared = nil, nil
             caches.savedata(container.writable, name, data)
-            report(container,"saved",name)
+            if trace_cache or trace_containers then
+                report_containers("action %a, category %a, name %a","save",container.subcategory,name)
+            end
             data.unique, data.shared = unique, shared
         end
-        report(container,"stored",name)
+        if trace_cache or trace_containers then
+            report_containers("action %a, category %a, name %a","store",container.subcategory,name)
+        end
         container.storage[name] = data
     end
     return data
diff --git a/tex/context/base/data-exp.lua b/tex/context/base/data-exp.lua
index 550b61689..90659e57e 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/data-exp.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/data-exp.lua
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ local replacer_1 = lpeg.replacer { { ",}", ",@}" }, { "{,", "{@," }, }
 
 local function splitpathexpr(str, newlist, validate) -- I couldn't resist lpegging it (nice exercise).
     if trace_expansions then
-        report_expansions("expanding variable '%s'",str)
+        report_expansions("expanding variable %a",str)
     end
     local t, ok, done = newlist or { }, false, false
     local n = #t
@@ -246,7 +246,7 @@ local function splitconfigurationpath(str) -- beware, this can be either a path
                     end
                 end
                 if trace_expansions then
-                    report_expansions("splitting path specification '%s'",str)
+                    report_expansions("splitting path specification %a",str)
                     for k=1,noffound do
                         report_expansions("% 4i: %s",k,found[k])
                     end
@@ -364,13 +364,13 @@ function resolvers.scanfiles(path,branch,usecache)
         local files = fullcache[realpath]
         if files then
             if trace_locating then
-                report_expansions("using caches scan of path '%s', branch '%s'",path,branch or path)
+                report_expansions("using caches scan of path %a, branch %a",path,branch or path)
             end
             return files
         end
     end
     if trace_locating then
-        report_expansions("scanning path '%s', branch '%s'",path,branch or path)
+        report_expansions("scanning path %a, branch %a",path,branch or path)
     end
     local files, n, m, r = scan({ },realpath .. '/',"",0,0,0)
     files.__path__        = path -- can be selfautoparent:texmf-whatever
@@ -436,13 +436,13 @@ function resolvers.simplescanfiles(path,branch,usecache)
         end
         if files then
             if trace_locating then
-                report_expansions("using caches scan of path '%s', branch '%s'",path,branch or path)
+                report_expansions("using caches scan of path %a, branch %a",path,branch or path)
             end
             return files
         end
     end
     if trace_locating then
-        report_expansions("scanning path '%s', branch '%s'",path,branch or path)
+        report_expansions("scanning path %a, branch %a",path,branch or path)
     end
     local files = simplescan({ },realpath .. '/',"")
     if trace_locating then
diff --git a/tex/context/base/data-fil.lua b/tex/context/base/data-fil.lua
index 2030e5423..09129e03c 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/data-fil.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/data-fil.lua
@@ -22,11 +22,11 @@ function locators.file(specification)
     local realname = resolvers.resolve(name) -- no shortcut
     if realname and realname ~= '' and lfs.isdir(realname) then
         if trace_locating then
-            report_files("file locator '%s' found as '%s'",name,realname)
+            report_files("file locator %a found as %a",name,realname)
         end
         resolvers.appendhash('file',name,true) -- cache
     elseif trace_locating then
-        report_files("file locator '%s' not found",name)
+        report_files("file locator %a not found",name)
     end
 end
 
@@ -50,12 +50,12 @@ function finders.file(specification,filetype)
     local foundname = resolvers.findfile(filename,filetype)
     if foundname and foundname ~= "" then
         if trace_locating then
-            report_files("file finder: '%s' found",filename)
+            report_files("file finder: %a found",filename)
         end
         return foundname
     else
         if trace_locating then
-            report_files("file finder: %s' not found",filename)
+            report_files("file finder: %a not found",filename)
         end
         return finders.notfound()
     end
@@ -76,13 +76,13 @@ function openers.file(specification,filetype)
         local f = io.open(filename,"r")
         if f then
             if trace_locating then
-                report_files("file opener, '%s' opened",filename)
+                report_files("file opener: %a opened",filename)
             end
             return openers.helpers.textopener("file",filename,f)
         end
     end
     if trace_locating then
-        report_files("file opener, '%s' not found",filename)
+        report_files("file opener: %a not found",filename)
     end
     return openers.notfound()
 end
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ function loaders.file(specification,filetype)
         if f then
             logs.show_load(filename)
             if trace_locating then
-                report_files("file loader, '%s' loaded",filename)
+                report_files("file loader: %a loaded",filename)
             end
             local s = f:read("*a") -- io.readall(f) is faster but we never have large files here
             if checkgarbage then
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ function loaders.file(specification,filetype)
         end
     end
     if trace_locating then
-        report_files("file loader, '%s' not found",filename)
+        report_files("file loader: %a not found",filename)
     end
     return loaders.notfound()
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/data-ini.lua b/tex/context/base/data-ini.lua
index cad3eac14..201c6a2d7 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/data-ini.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/data-ini.lua
@@ -135,13 +135,13 @@ do
                         if lfs.chdir(p) then
                             local pp = lfs.currentdir()
                             if trace_locating and p ~= pp then
-                                report_initialization("following symlink '%s' to '%s'",p,pp)
+                                report_initialization("following symlink %a to %a",p,pp)
                             end
                             ownpath = pp
                             lfs.chdir(olddir)
                         else
                             if trace_locating then
-                                report_initialization("unable to check path '%s'",p)
+                                report_initialization("unable to check path %a",p)
                             end
                             ownpath =  p
                         end
@@ -152,9 +152,9 @@ do
         end
         if not ownpath or ownpath == "" then
             ownpath = "."
-            report_initialization("forcing fallback ownpath .")
+            report_initialization("forcing fallback to ownpath %a",ownpath)
         elseif trace_locating then
-            report_initialization("using ownpath '%s'",ownpath)
+            report_initialization("using ownpath %a",ownpath)
         end
     end
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/data-lua.lua b/tex/context/base/data-lua.lua
index 9e7e7b657..2725c149f 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/data-lua.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/data-lua.lua
@@ -77,17 +77,17 @@ local function loadedbyformat(name,rawname,suffixes,islib)
     local trace  = helpers.trace
     local report = helpers.report
     if trace then
-        report("! locating %q as %q using formats %q",rawname,name,concat(suffixes))
+        report("! locating %a as %a using formats %a",rawname,name,suffixes)
     end
     for i=1,#suffixes do -- so we use findfile and not a lookup loop
         local format = suffixes[i]
         local resolved = resolvers.findfile(name,format) or ""
         if trace then
-            report("! checking for %q' using format %q",name,format)
+            report("! checking for %a using format %a",name,format)
         end
         if resolved ~= "" then
             if trace then
-                report("! lib %q located on %q",name,resolved)
+                report("! lib %a located on %a",name,resolved)
             end
             if islib then
                 return loadedaslib(resolved,rawname)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/data-met.lua b/tex/context/base/data-met.lua
index 5437d9a29..28c73e460 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/data-met.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/data-met.lua
@@ -59,41 +59,41 @@ local function methodhandler(what,first,...) -- filename can be nil or false
             local resolver = namespace and namespace[scheme]
             if resolver then
                 if trace_methods then
-                    report_methods("resolver: method=%s, how=%s, scheme=%s, argument=%s",what,how,scheme,first)
+                    report_methods("resolving, method %a, how %a, handler %a, argument %a",what,how,scheme,first)
                 end
                 return resolver(specification,...)
             else
                 resolver = namespace.default or namespace.file
                 if resolver then
                     if trace_methods then
-                        report_methods("resolver: method=%s, how=%s, default, argument=%s",what,how,first)
+                        report_methods("resolving, method %a, how %a, handler %a, argument %a",what,how,"default",first)
                     end
                     return resolver(specification,...)
                 elseif trace_methods then
-                    report_methods("resolver: method=%s, how=%s, no handler",what,how)
+                    report_methods("resolving, method %a, how %a, handler %a, argument %a",what,how,"unset")
                 end
             end
         elseif how == "tag" then
             local resolver = namespace and namespace[first]
             if resolver then
                 if trace_methods then
-                    report_methods("resolver: method=%s, how=%s, tag=%s",what,how,first)
+                    report_methods("resolving, method %a, how %a, tag %a",what,how,first)
                 end
                 return resolver(...)
             else
                 resolver = namespace.default or namespace.file
                 if resolver then
                     if trace_methods then
-                        report_methods("resolver: method=%s, how=%s, default",what,how)
+                        report_methods("resolving, method %a, how %a, tag %a",what,how,"default")
                     end
                     return resolver(...)
                 elseif trace_methods then
-                    report_methods("resolver: method=%s, how=%s, unknown",what,how)
+                    report_methods("resolving, method %a, how %a, tag %a",what,how,"unset")
                 end
             end
         end
     else
-        report_methods("resolver: method=%s, unknown",what)
+        report_methods("resolving, invalid method %a")
     end
 end
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/data-res.lua b/tex/context/base/data-res.lua
index 02ef35f5f..0e87aeb78 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/data-res.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/data-res.lua
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ if not modules then modules = { } end modules ['data-res'] = {
 
 -- todo: cache:/// home:/// selfautoparent:/// (sometime end 2012)
 
-local format, gsub, find, lower, upper, match, gmatch = string.format, string.gsub, string.find, string.lower, string.upper, string.match, string.gmatch
+local gsub, find, lower, upper, match, gmatch = string.gsub, string.find, string.lower, string.upper, string.match, string.gmatch
 local concat, insert, sortedkeys = table.concat, table.insert, table.sortedkeys
 local next, type, rawget = next, type, rawget
 local os = os
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ local os = os
 local P, S, R, C, Cc, Cs, Ct, Carg = lpeg.P, lpeg.S, lpeg.R, lpeg.C, lpeg.Cc, lpeg.Cs, lpeg.Ct, lpeg.Carg
 local lpegmatch, lpegpatterns = lpeg.match, lpeg.patterns
 
+local formatters        = string.formatters
 local filedirname       = file.dirname
 local filebasename      = file.basename
 local suffixonly        = file.suffixonly
@@ -316,15 +317,11 @@ local function reportcriticalvariables(cnfspec)
         for i=1,#resolvers.criticalvars do
             local k = resolvers.criticalvars[i]
             local v = resolvers.getenv(k) or "unknown" -- this one will not resolve !
-            report_resolving("variable '%s' set to '%s'",k,v)
+            report_resolving("variable %a set to %a",k,v)
         end
         report_resolving()
         if cnfspec then
-            if type(cnfspec) == "table" then
-                report_resolving("using configuration specification '%s'",concat(cnfspec,","))
-            else
-                report_resolving("using configuration specification '%s'",cnfspec)
-            end
+            report_resolving("using configuration specification %a",type(cnfspec) == "table" and concat(cnfspec,",") or cnfspec)
         end
         report_resolving()
     end
@@ -350,10 +347,10 @@ local function identify_configuration_files()
             if lfs.isfile(realname) then
                 specification[#specification+1] = filename
                 if trace_locating then
-                    report_resolving("found configuration file '%s'",realname)
+                    report_resolving("found configuration file %a",realname)
                 end
             elseif trace_locating then
-                report_resolving("unknown configuration file '%s'",realname)
+                report_resolving("unknown configuration file %a",realname)
             end
         end
         if trace_locating then
@@ -385,7 +382,7 @@ local function load_configuration_files()
                     if blob then
                         local parentdata = blob()
                         if parentdata then
-                            report_resolving("loading configuration file '%s'",filename)
+                            report_resolving("loading configuration file %a",filename)
                             data = table.merged(parentdata,data)
                         end
                     end
@@ -393,7 +390,7 @@ local function load_configuration_files()
                 data = data and data.content
                 if data then
                     if trace_locating then
-                        report_resolving("loading configuration file '%s'",filename)
+                        report_resolving("loading configuration file %a",filename)
                         report_resolving()
                     end
                     local variables = data.variables or { }
@@ -404,7 +401,7 @@ local function load_configuration_files()
                             initializesetter(filename,k,v)
                         elseif variables[k] == nil then
                             if trace_locating and not warning then
-                                report_resolving("variables like '%s' in configuration file '%s' should move to the 'variables' subtable",
+                                report_resolving("variables like %a in configuration file %a should move to the 'variables' subtable",
                                     k,resolvers.resolve(filename))
                                 warning = true
                             end
@@ -436,13 +433,13 @@ local function load_configuration_files()
 
                 else
                     if trace_locating then
-                        report_resolving("skipping configuration file '%s' (no content)",filename)
+                        report_resolving("skipping configuration file %a (no content)",filename)
                     end
                     setups[pathname] = { }
                     instance.loaderror = true
                 end
             elseif trace_locating then
-                report_resolving("skipping configuration file '%s' (no valid format)",filename)
+                report_resolving("skipping configuration file %a (no valid format)",filename)
             end
             instance.order[#instance.order+1] = instance.setups[pathname]
             if instance.loaderror then
@@ -487,9 +484,9 @@ local function locate_file_databases()
                 end
                 if trace_locating then
                     if runtime then
-                        report_resolving("locating list of '%s' (runtime) (%s)",path,stripped)
+                        report_resolving("locating list of %a (runtime) (%s)",path,stripped)
                     else
-                        report_resolving("locating list of '%s' (cached)",path)
+                        report_resolving("locating list of %a (cached)",path)
                     end
                 end
                 methodhandler('locators',stripped)
@@ -522,11 +519,11 @@ local function save_file_databases() -- will become cachers
             local content = instance.files[cachename]
             caches.collapsecontent(content)
             if trace_locating then
-                report_resolving("saving tree '%s'",cachename)
+                report_resolving("saving tree %a",cachename)
             end
             caches.savecontent(cachename,"files",content)
         elseif trace_locating then
-            report_resolving("not saving runtime tree '%s'",cachename)
+            report_resolving("not saving runtime tree %a",cachename)
         end
     end
 end
@@ -536,30 +533,30 @@ function resolvers.renew(hashname)
         local expanded = resolvers.expansion(hashname) or ""
         if expanded ~= "" then
             if trace_locating then
-                report_resolving("identifying tree '%s' from '%s'",expanded,hashname)
+                report_resolving("identifying tree %a from %a",expanded,hashname)
             end
             hashname = expanded
         else
             if trace_locating then
-                report_resolving("identifying tree '%s'",hashname)
+                report_resolving("identifying tree %a",hashname)
             end
         end
         local realpath = resolvers.resolve(hashname)
         if lfs.isdir(realpath) then
             if trace_locating then
-                report_resolving("using path '%s'",realpath)
+                report_resolving("using path %a",realpath)
             end
             methodhandler('generators',hashname)
             -- could be shared
             local content = instance.files[hashname]
             caches.collapsecontent(content)
             if trace_locating then
-                report_resolving("saving tree '%s'",hashname)
+                report_resolving("saving tree %a",hashname)
             end
             caches.savecontent(hashname,"files",content)
             -- till here
         else
-            report_resolving("invalid path '%s'",realpath)
+            report_resolving("invalid path %a",realpath)
         end
     end
 end
@@ -584,7 +581,7 @@ function resolvers.appendhash(type,name,cache)
     -- safeguard ... tricky as it's actually a bug when seen twice
     if not instance.hashed[name] then
         if trace_locating then
-            report_resolving("hash '%s' appended",name)
+            report_resolving("hash %a appended",name)
         end
         insert(instance.hashes, { type = type, name = name, cache = cache } )
         instance.hashed[name] = cache
@@ -595,7 +592,7 @@ function resolvers.prependhash(type,name,cache)
     -- safeguard ... tricky as it's actually a bug when seen twice
     if not instance.hashed[name] then
         if trace_locating then
-            report_resolving("hash '%s' prepended",name)
+            report_resolving("hash %a prepended",name)
         end
         insert(instance.hashes, 1, { type = type, name = name, cache = cache } )
         instance.hashed[name] = cache
@@ -840,9 +837,9 @@ local function isreadable(name)
     local readable = lfs.isfile(name) -- not file.is_readable(name) asit can be a dir
     if trace_detail then
         if readable then
-            report_resolving("file '%s' is readable",name)
+            report_resolving("file %a is readable",name)
         else
-            report_resolving("file '%s' is not readable", name)
+            report_resolving("file %a is not readable", name)
         end
     end
     return readable
@@ -856,7 +853,7 @@ local function collect_files(names)
     for k=1,#names do
         local fname = names[k]
         if trace_detail then
-            report_resolving("checking name '%s'",fname)
+            report_resolving("checking name %a",fname)
         end
         local bname = filebasename(fname)
         local dname = filedirname(fname)
@@ -873,7 +870,7 @@ local function collect_files(names)
             local files = blobpath and instance.files[blobpath]
             if files then
                 if trace_detail then
-                    report_resolving("deep checking '%s' (%s)",blobpath,bname)
+                    report_resolving("deep checking %a (%s)",blobpath,bname)
                 end
                 local blobfile = files[bname]
                 if not blobfile then
@@ -893,7 +890,7 @@ local function collect_files(names)
                             local search  = filejoin(blobroot,blobfile,bname)
                             local result  = methodhandler('concatinators',hash.type,blobroot,blobfile,bname)
                             if trace_detail then
-                                report_resolving("match: variant '%s', search '%s', result '%s'",variant,search,result)
+                                report_resolving("match: variant %a, search %a, result %a",variant,search,result)
                             end
                             noffiles = noffiles + 1
                             filelist[noffiles] = { variant, search, result }
@@ -907,7 +904,7 @@ local function collect_files(names)
                                 local search  = filejoin(blobroot,vv,bname)
                                 local result  = methodhandler('concatinators',hash.type,blobroot,vv,bname)
                                 if trace_detail then
-                                    report_resolving("match: variant '%s', search '%s', result '%s'",variant,search,result)
+                                    report_resolving("match: variant %a, search %a, result %a",variant,search,result)
                                 end
                                 noffiles = noffiles + 1
                                 filelist[noffiles] = { variant, search, result }
@@ -916,7 +913,7 @@ local function collect_files(names)
                     end
                 end
             elseif trace_locating then
-                report_resolving("no match in '%s' (%s)",blobpath,bname)
+                report_resolving("no match in %a (%s)",blobpath,bname)
             end
         end
     end
@@ -978,13 +975,13 @@ local function find_analyze(filename,askedformat,allresults)
                 wantedfiles[#wantedfiles+1] = forcedname
                 filetype = resolvers.formatofsuffix(forcedname)
                 if trace_locating then
-                    report_resolving("forcing filetype '%s'",filetype)
+                    report_resolving("forcing filetype %a",filetype)
                 end
             end
         else
             filetype = resolvers.formatofsuffix(filename)
             if trace_locating then
-                report_resolving("using suffix based filetype '%s'",filetype)
+                report_resolving("using suffix based filetype %a",filetype)
             end
         end
     else
@@ -998,7 +995,7 @@ local function find_analyze(filename,askedformat,allresults)
         end
         filetype = askedformat
         if trace_locating then
-            report_resolving("using given filetype '%s'",filetype)
+            report_resolving("using given filetype %a",filetype)
         end
     end
     return filetype, wantedfiles
@@ -1007,7 +1004,7 @@ end
 local function find_direct(filename,allresults)
     if not dangerous[askedformat] and isreadable(filename) then
         if trace_detail then
-            report_resolving("file '%s' found directly",filename)
+            report_resolving("file %a found directly",filename)
         end
         return "direct", { filename }
     end
@@ -1016,7 +1013,7 @@ end
 local function find_wildcard(filename,allresults)
     if find(filename,'%*') then
         if trace_locating then
-            report_resolving("checking wildcard '%s'", filename)
+            report_resolving("checking wildcard %a", filename)
         end
         local method, result = resolvers.findwildcardfiles(filename)
         if result then
@@ -1030,16 +1027,16 @@ local function find_qualified(filename,allresults) -- this one will be split too
         return
     end
     if trace_locating then
-        report_resolving("checking qualified name '%s'", filename)
+        report_resolving("checking qualified name %a", filename)
     end
     if isreadable(filename) then
         if trace_detail then
-            report_resolving("qualified file '%s' found", filename)
+            report_resolving("qualified file %a found", filename)
         end
         return "qualified", { filename }
     end
     if trace_detail then
-        report_resolving("locating qualified file '%s'", filename)
+        report_resolving("locating qualified file %a", filename)
     end
     local forcedname, suffix = "", suffixonly(filename)
     if suffix == "" then -- why
@@ -1050,7 +1047,7 @@ local function find_qualified(filename,allresults) -- this one will be split too
                 forcedname = filename .. "." .. s
                 if isreadable(forcedname) then
                     if trace_locating then
-                        report_resolving("no suffix, forcing format filetype '%s'", s)
+                        report_resolving("no suffix, forcing format filetype %a", s)
                     end
                     return "qualified", { forcedname }
                 end
@@ -1114,7 +1111,7 @@ end
 local function check_subpath(fname)
     if isreadable(fname) then
         if trace_detail then
-            report_resolving("found '%s' by deep scanning",fname)
+            report_resolving("found %a by deep scanning",fname)
         end
         return fname
     end
@@ -1134,7 +1131,7 @@ local function find_intree(filename,filetype,wantedfiles,allresults)
             end
         end
         if trace_detail then
-            report_resolving("checking filename '%s'",filename)
+            report_resolving("checking filename %a",filename)
         end
         local result = { }
         for k=1,#pathlist do
@@ -1150,7 +1147,7 @@ local function find_intree(filename,filetype,wantedfiles,allresults)
                 -- compare list entries with permitted pattern -- /xx /xx//
                 local expression = makepathexpression(pathname)
                 if trace_detail then
-                    report_resolving("using pattern '%s' for path '%s'",expression,pathname)
+                    report_resolving("using pattern %a for path %a",expression,pathname)
                 end
                 for k=1,#filelist do
                     local fl = filelist[k]
@@ -1162,16 +1159,16 @@ local function find_intree(filename,filetype,wantedfiles,allresults)
                         done = true
                         if allresults then
                             if trace_detail then
-                                report_resolving("match to '%s' in hash for file '%s' and path '%s', continue scanning",expression,f,d)
+                                report_resolving("match to %a in hash for file %a and path %a, continue scanning",expression,f,d)
                             end
                         else
                             if trace_detail then
-                                report_resolving("match to '%s' in hash for file '%s' and path '%s', quit scanning",expression,f,d)
+                                report_resolving("match to %a in hash for file %a and path %a, quit scanning",expression,f,d)
                             end
                             break
                         end
                     elseif trace_detail then
-                        report_resolving("no match to '%s' in hash for file '%s' and path '%s'",expression,f,d)
+                        report_resolving("no match to %a in hash for file %a and path %a",expression,f,d)
                     end
                 end
             end
@@ -1256,7 +1253,7 @@ end
 
 local function find_onpath(filename,filetype,wantedfiles,allresults)
     if trace_detail then
-        report_resolving("checking filename '%s', filetype '%s', wanted files '%s'",filename, filetype or '?',concat(wantedfiles," | "))
+        report_resolving("checking filename %a, filetype %a, wanted files %a",filename,filetype,concat(wantedfiles," | "))
     end
     local result = { }
     for k=1,#wantedfiles do
@@ -1309,7 +1306,7 @@ collect_instance_files = function(filename,askedformat,allresults) -- uses neste
                         result[#result+1] = c
                         done[c] = true
                     end
-                    status[#status+1] = format("%-10s: %s",method,c)
+                    status[#status+1] = formatters["%-10s: %s"](method,c)
                 end
             end
         end
@@ -1320,11 +1317,11 @@ collect_instance_files = function(filename,askedformat,allresults) -- uses neste
     else
         local method, result, stamp, filetype, wantedfiles
         if instance.remember then
-            stamp = format("%s--%s", filename, askedformat)
+            stamp = formatters["%s--%s"](filename,askedformat)
             result = stamp and instance.found[stamp]
             if result then
                 if trace_locating then
-                    report_resolving("remembered file '%s'",filename)
+                    report_resolving("remembered file %a",filename)
                 end
                 return result
             end
@@ -1355,7 +1352,7 @@ collect_instance_files = function(filename,askedformat,allresults) -- uses neste
         end
         if stamp then
             if trace_locating then
-                report_resolving("remembering file '%s'",filename)
+                report_resolving("remembering file %a",filename)
             end
             instance.found[stamp] = result
         end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/data-sch.lua b/tex/context/base/data-sch.lua
index 7eb254557..41b941c5a 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/data-sch.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/data-sch.lua
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ directives.register("schemes.cleanmethod", function(v) cleaner = cleaners[v] or
 function resolvers.schemes.cleanname(specification)
     local hash = cleaner(specification)
     if trace_schemes then
-        report_schemes("hashing %s to %s",specification.original,hash)
+        report_schemes("hashing %a to %a",specification.original,hash)
     end
     return hash
 end
@@ -70,13 +70,13 @@ local function fetch(specification)
             local handler = handlers[scheme]
             if handler then
                 if trace_schemes then
-                    report_schemes("fetching '%s', protocol '%s', method 'built-in'",original,scheme)
+                    report_schemes("fetching %a, protocol %a, method %a",original,scheme,"built-in")
                 end
                 logs.flush()
                 handler(specification,cachename)
             else
                 if trace_schemes then
-                    report_schemes("fetching '%s', protocol '%s', method 'curl'",original,scheme)
+                    report_schemes("fetching %a, protocol %a, method %a",original,scheme,"curl")
                 end
                 logs.flush()
                 runcurl(original,cachename)
@@ -85,19 +85,19 @@ local function fetch(specification)
         if io.exists(cachename) then
             cached[original] = cachename
             if trace_schemes then
-                report_schemes("using cached '%s', protocol '%s', cachename '%s'",original,scheme,cachename)
+                report_schemes("using cached %a, protocol %a, cachename %a",original,scheme,cachename)
             end
         else
             cached[original] = ""
             if trace_schemes then
-                report_schemes("using missing '%s', protocol '%s'",original,scheme)
+                report_schemes("using missing %a, protocol %a",original,scheme)
             end
         end
         loaded[scheme] = loaded[scheme] + 1
         statistics.stoptiming(schemes)
     else
         if trace_schemes then
-            report_schemes("reusing '%s', protocol '%s'",original,scheme)
+            report_schemes("reusing %a, protocol %a",original,scheme)
         end
         reused[scheme] = reused[scheme] + 1
     end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/data-tex.lua b/tex/context/base/data-tex.lua
index 6ba742cce..f5c986d77 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/data-tex.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/data-tex.lua
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ function helpers.textopener(tag,filename,filehandle,coding)
     if type(lines) == "string" then
         local coding = coding or utffiletype(lines) -- so we can signal no regime
         if trace_locating then
-            report_tex("%s opener, '%s' opened using method '%s'",tag,filename,coding)
+            report_tex("%a opener: %a opened using method %a",tag,filename,coding)
         end
         if coding == "utf-16-be" then
             lines = utf.utf16_to_utf8_be(lines)
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ function helpers.textopener(tag,filename,filehandle,coding)
             lines = splitlines(lines)
         end
     elseif trace_locating then
-        report_tex("%s opener, '%s' opened",tag,filename)
+        report_tex("%a opener: %a opened",tag,filename)
     end
     local noflines = #lines
     if lines[noflines] == "" then -- maybe some special check is needed
@@ -105,7 +105,7 @@ function helpers.textopener(tag,filename,filehandle,coding)
         currentline = 0,
         close       = function()
             if trace_locating then
-                report_tex("%s closer, '%s' closed",tag,filename)
+                report_tex("%a closer: %a closed",tag,filename)
             end
             logs.show_close(filename)
             remove(inputstack)
@@ -167,7 +167,7 @@ local function installhandler(namespace,what,where,func)
     if where == "before" or where == "after" then
         sequencers.appendaction(namespace,where,func)
     else
-        report_tex("installing input %s handlers in %s is not possible",what,tostring(where))
+        report_tex("installing input %a handlers in %a is not possible",what,tostring(where))
     end
 end
 
@@ -176,8 +176,8 @@ function resolvers.installinputfilehandler(...) installhandler(helpers.textfilea
 
 -- local basename = file.basename
 -- resolvers.installinputlinehandler(function(str,filename,linenumber,noflines)
---     report_tex("[lc] file: %s, line: %s of %s, length: %s",basename(filename),linenumber,noflines,#str)
+--     report_tex("[lc] file %a, line %a of %a, length %a",basename(filename),linenumber,noflines,#str)
 -- end)
 -- resolvers.installinputfilehandler(function(str,filename)
---     report_tex("[fc] file: %s, length: %s",basename(filename),#str)
+--     report_tex("[fc] file %a, length %a",basename(filename),#str)
 -- end)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/data-tmf.lua b/tex/context/base/data-tmf.lua
index 75dcdd956..c52225193 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/data-tmf.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/data-tmf.lua
@@ -30,11 +30,11 @@ function resolvers.load_tree(tree,resolve)
         local newpath = file.join(newtree,"bin")
 
         if not lfs.isdir(newtree) then
-            report_tds("no '%s' under tree %s",texos,tree)
+            report_tds("no %a under tree %a",texos,tree)
             os.exit()
         end
         if not lfs.isdir(newpath) then
-            report_tds("no '%s/bin' under tree %s",texos,tree)
+            report_tds("no '%s/bin' under tree %a",texos,tree)
             os.exit()
         end
 
@@ -65,9 +65,9 @@ function resolvers.load_tree(tree,resolve)
         setenv('TEXMFCNF',       resolvers.luacnfspec,true) -- already resolved
         setenv('PATH',           newpath .. io.pathseparator .. getenv('PATH'))
 
-        report_tds("changing from root '%s' to '%s'",oldroot,newroot)
-        report_tds("prepending '%s' to PATH",newpath)
-        report_tds("setting TEXMFCNF to '%s'",resolvers.luacnfspec)
+        report_tds("changing from root %a to %a",oldroot,newroot)
+        report_tds("prepending %a to PATH",newpath)
+        report_tds("setting TEXMFCNF to %a",resolvers.luacnfspec)
         report_tds()
     end
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/data-tmp.lua b/tex/context/base/data-tmp.lua
index c71002f2b..6246bfb61 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/data-tmp.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/data-tmp.lua
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ local function identify()
                         if not caches.ask or io.ask(format("\nShould I create the cache path %s?",cachepath), "no", { "yes", "no" }) == "yes" then
                             mkdirs(cachepath)
                             if isdir(cachepath) and is_writable(cachepath) then
-                                report_caches("created: %s",cachepath)
+                                report_caches("path %a created",cachepath)
                                 writable = cachepath
                                 readables[#readables+1] = cachepath
                             end
@@ -152,9 +152,9 @@ local function identify()
     -- end
     if trace_cache then
         for i=1,#readables do
-            report_caches("using readable path '%s' (order %s)",readables[i],i)
+            report_caches("using readable path %a (order %s)",readables[i],i)
         end
-        report_caches("using writable path '%s'",writable)
+        report_caches("using writable path %a",writable)
     end
     identify = function()
         return writable, readables
@@ -169,10 +169,10 @@ function caches.usedpaths()
         for i=1,#readables do
             local readable = readables[i]
             if usedreadables[i] or readable == writable then
-                result[#result+1] = format("readable: '%s' (order %s)",readable,i)
+                result[#result+1] = format("readable: %a (order %s)",readable,i)
             end
         end
-        result[#result+1] = format("writable: '%s'",writable)
+        result[#result+1] = format("writable: %a",writable)
         return result
     else
         return writable
@@ -188,7 +188,7 @@ function caches.hashed(tree)
     tree = lower(tree)
     local hash = md5.hex(tree)
     if trace_cache or trace_locating then
-        report_caches("hashing tree %s, hash %s",tree,hash)
+        report_caches("hashing tree %a, hash %a",tree,hash)
     end
     return hash
 end
@@ -340,20 +340,20 @@ function caches.loadcontent(cachename,dataname)
                 if data.version == resolvers.cacheversion then
                     content_state[#content_state+1] = data.uuid
                     if trace_locating then
-                        report_resolvers("loading '%s' for '%s' from '%s'",dataname,cachename,filename)
+                        report_resolvers("loading %a for %a from %a",dataname,cachename,filename)
                     end
                     return data.content
                 else
-                    report_resolvers("skipping '%s' for '%s' from '%s' (version mismatch)",dataname,cachename,filename)
+                    report_resolvers("skipping %a for %a from %a (version mismatch)",dataname,cachename,filename)
                 end
             else
-                report_resolvers("skipping '%s' for '%s' from '%s' (datatype mismatch)",dataname,cachename,filename)
+                report_resolvers("skipping %a for %a from %a (datatype mismatch)",dataname,cachename,filename)
             end
         elseif trace_locating then
-            report_resolvers("skipping '%s' for '%s' from '%s' (no content)",dataname,cachename,filename)
+            report_resolvers("skipping %a for %a from %a (no content)",dataname,cachename,filename)
         end
     elseif trace_locating then
-        report_resolvers("skipping '%s' for '%s' from '%s' (invalid file)",dataname,cachename,filename)
+        report_resolvers("skipping %a for %a from %a (invalid file)",dataname,cachename,filename)
     end
 end
 
@@ -372,7 +372,7 @@ function caches.savecontent(cachename,dataname,content)
     local luaname = addsuffix(filename,luasuffixes.lua)
     local lucname = addsuffix(filename,luasuffixes.luc)
     if trace_locating then
-        report_resolvers("preparing '%s' for '%s'",dataname,cachename)
+        report_resolvers("preparing %a for %a",dataname,cachename)
     end
     local data = {
         type    = dataname,
@@ -386,20 +386,20 @@ function caches.savecontent(cachename,dataname,content)
     local ok = io.savedata(luaname,serialize(data,true))
     if ok then
         if trace_locating then
-            report_resolvers("category '%s', cachename '%s' saved in '%s'",dataname,cachename,luaname)
+            report_resolvers("category %a, cachename %a saved in %a",dataname,cachename,luaname)
         end
         if utilities.lua.compile(luaname,lucname) then
             if trace_locating then
-                report_resolvers("'%s' compiled to '%s'",dataname,lucname)
+                report_resolvers("%a compiled to %a",dataname,lucname)
             end
             return true
         else
             if trace_locating then
-                report_resolvers("compiling failed for '%s', deleting file '%s'",dataname,lucname)
+                report_resolvers("compiling failed for %a, deleting file %a",dataname,lucname)
             end
             os.remove(lucname)
         end
     elseif trace_locating then
-        report_resolvers("unable to save '%s' in '%s' (access error)",dataname,luaname)
+        report_resolvers("unable to save %a in %a (access error)",dataname,luaname)
     end
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/data-tre.lua b/tex/context/base/data-tre.lua
index 1b916bf26..0a8b00d9b 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/data-tre.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/data-tre.lua
@@ -51,18 +51,18 @@ function resolvers.locators.tree(specification)
     local realname = resolvers.resolve(name) -- no shortcut
     if realname and realname ~= '' and lfs.isdir(realname) then
         if trace_locating then
-            report_trees("locator '%s' found",realname)
+            report_trees("locator %a found",realname)
         end
         resolvers.appendhash('tree',name,false) -- don't cache
     elseif trace_locating then
-        report_trees("locator '%s' not found",name)
+        report_trees("locator %a not found",name)
     end
 end
 
 function resolvers.hashers.tree(specification)
     local name = specification.filename
     if trace_locating then
-        report_trees("analysing '%s'",name)
+        report_trees("analysing %a",name)
     end
     resolvers.methodhandler("hashers",name)
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/data-use.lua b/tex/context/base/data-use.lua
index fb6798900..9c15263bb 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/data-use.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/data-use.lua
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ function resolvers.automount(usecache)
                             -- skip
                         elseif find(line,"^zip://") then
                             if trace_locating then
-                                report_mounts("mounting %s",line)
+                                report_mounts("mounting %a",line)
                             end
                             table.insert(resolvers.automounted,line)
                             resolvers.usezipfile(line)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/data-vir.lua b/tex/context/base/data-vir.lua
index dff780fc7..e5bf35fa7 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/data-vir.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/data-vir.lua
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ function savers.virtual(specification,content)
     local path = specification.path
     local filename = format(template,path ~= "" and path or "virtualfile",n)
     if trace_virtual then
-        report_virtual("saver: file '%s' saved",filename)
+        report_virtual("saver: file %a saved",filename)
     end
     data[filename] = content
     return filename
@@ -38,12 +38,12 @@ function finders.virtual(specification)
     local d = data[original]
     if d then
         if trace_virtual then
-            report_virtual("finder: file '%s' found",original)
+            report_virtual("finder: file %a found",original)
         end
         return original
     else
         if trace_virtual then
-            report_virtual("finder: unknown file '%s'",original)
+            report_virtual("finder: unknown file %a",original)
         end
         return finders.notfound()
     end
@@ -54,14 +54,14 @@ function openers.virtual(specification)
     local d = data[original]
     if d then
         if trace_virtual then
-            report_virtual("opener, file '%s' opened",original)
+            report_virtual("opener: file %a opened",original)
         end
         data[original] = nil -- when we comment this we can have error messages
         -- With utf-8 we signal that no regime is to be applied!
         return openers.helpers.textopener("virtual",original,d,"utf-8")
     else
         if trace_virtual then
-            report_virtual("opener, file '%s' not found",original)
+            report_virtual("opener: file %a not found",original)
         end
         return openers.notfound()
     end
@@ -72,13 +72,13 @@ function loaders.virtual(specification)
     local d = data[original]
     if d then
         if trace_virtual then
-            report_virtual("loader, file '%s' loaded",original)
+            report_virtual("loader: file %a loaded",original)
         end
         data[original] = nil
         return true, d, #d
     end
     if trace_virtual then
-        report_virtual("loader, file '%s' not loaded",original)
+        report_virtual("loader: file %a not loaded",original)
     end
     return loaders.notfound()
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/data-zip.lua b/tex/context/base/data-zip.lua
index 7e8ea3a39..5db69670c 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/data-zip.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/data-zip.lua
@@ -83,9 +83,9 @@ function resolvers.locators.zip(specification)
     local zipfile = archive and archive ~= "" and zip.openarchive(archive) -- tricky, could be in to be initialized tree
     if trace_locating then
         if zipfile then
-            report_zip("locator, archive '%s' found",archive)
+            report_zip("locator: archive %a found",archive)
         else
-            report_zip("locator, archive '%s' not found",archive)
+            report_zip("locator: archive %a not found",archive)
         end
     end
 end
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ end
 function resolvers.hashers.zip(specification)
     local archive = specification.filename
     if trace_locating then
-        report_zip("loading file '%s'",archive)
+        report_zip("loading file %a",archive)
     end
     resolvers.usezipfile(specification.original)
 end
@@ -116,25 +116,25 @@ function resolvers.finders.zip(specification)
             local zfile = zip.openarchive(archive)
             if zfile then
                 if trace_locating then
-                    report_zip("finder, archive '%s' found",archive)
+                    report_zip("finder: archive %a found",archive)
                 end
                 local dfile = zfile:open(queryname)
                 if dfile then
                     dfile = zfile:close()
                     if trace_locating then
-                        report_zip("finder, file '%s' found",queryname)
+                        report_zip("finder: file %a found",queryname)
                     end
                     return specification.original
                 elseif trace_locating then
-                    report_zip("finder, file '%s' not found",queryname)
+                    report_zip("finder: file %a not found",queryname)
                 end
             elseif trace_locating then
-                report_zip("finder, unknown archive '%s'",archive)
+                report_zip("finder: unknown archive %a",archive)
             end
         end
     end
     if trace_locating then
-        report_zip("finder, '%s' not found",original)
+        report_zip("finder: %a not found",original)
     end
     return resolvers.finders.notfound()
 end
@@ -149,24 +149,24 @@ function resolvers.openers.zip(specification)
             local zfile = zip.openarchive(archive)
             if zfile then
                 if trace_locating then
-                    report_zip("opener, archive '%s' opened",archive)
+                    report_zip("opener; archive %a opened",archive)
                 end
                 local dfile = zfile:open(queryname)
                 if dfile then
                     if trace_locating then
-                        report_zip("opener, file '%s' found",queryname)
+                        report_zip("opener: file %a found",queryname)
                     end
                     return resolvers.openers.helpers.textopener('zip',original,dfile)
                 elseif trace_locating then
-                    report_zip("opener, file '%s' not found",queryname)
+                    report_zip("opener: file %a not found",queryname)
                 end
             elseif trace_locating then
-                report_zip("opener, unknown archive '%s'",archive)
+                report_zip("opener: unknown archive %a",archive)
             end
         end
     end
     if trace_locating then
-        report_zip("opener, '%s' not found",original)
+        report_zip("opener: %a not found",original)
     end
     return resolvers.openers.notfound()
 end
@@ -181,27 +181,27 @@ function resolvers.loaders.zip(specification)
             local zfile = zip.openarchive(archive)
             if zfile then
                 if trace_locating then
-                    report_zip("loader, archive '%s' opened",archive)
+                    report_zip("loader: archive %a opened",archive)
                 end
                 local dfile = zfile:open(queryname)
                 if dfile then
                     logs.show_load(original)
                     if trace_locating then
-                        report_zip("loader, file '%s' loaded",original)
+                        report_zip("loader; file %a loaded",original)
                     end
                     local s = dfile:read("*all")
                     dfile:close()
                     return true, s, #s
                 elseif trace_locating then
-                    report_zip("loader, file '%s' not found",queryname)
+                    report_zip("loader: file %a not found",queryname)
                 end
             elseif trace_locating then
-                report_zip("loader, unknown archive '%s'",archive)
+                report_zip("loader; unknown archive %a",archive)
             end
         end
     end
     if trace_locating then
-        report_zip("loader, '%s' not found",original)
+        report_zip("loader: %a not found",original)
     end
     return resolvers.openers.notfound()
 end
@@ -218,7 +218,7 @@ function resolvers.usezipfile(archive)
             local instance = resolvers.instance
             local tree = url.query(specification.query).tree or ""
             if trace_locating then
-                report_zip("registering, registering archive '%s'",archive)
+                report_zip("registering: archive %a",archive)
             end
             statistics.starttiming(instance)
             resolvers.prependhash('zip',archive)
@@ -227,10 +227,10 @@ function resolvers.usezipfile(archive)
             instance.files[archive] = resolvers.registerzipfile(z,tree)
             statistics.stoptiming(instance)
         elseif trace_locating then
-            report_zip("registering, unknown archive '%s'",archive)
+            report_zip("registering: unknown archive %a",archive)
         end
     elseif trace_locating then
-        report_zip("registering, '%s' not found",archive)
+        report_zip("registering: archive %a not found",archive)
     end
 end
 
@@ -242,7 +242,7 @@ function resolvers.registerzipfile(z,tree)
         filter = format("^%s/(.+)/(.-)$",tree)
     end
     if trace_locating then
-        report_zip("registering, using filter '%s'",filter)
+        report_zip("registering: using filter %a",filter)
     end
     local register, n = resolvers.registerfile, 0
     for i in z:files() do
@@ -259,6 +259,6 @@ function resolvers.registerzipfile(z,tree)
             n = n + 1
         end
     end
-    report_zip("registering, %s files registered",n)
+    report_zip("registering: %s files registered",n)
     return files
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/file-job.lua b/tex/context/base/file-job.lua
index b5c4b2b05..780438dc8 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/file-job.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/file-job.lua
@@ -162,7 +162,7 @@ end
 
 local function startprocessing(name,notext)
     if not notext then
-     -- report_system("begin file %s at line %s",name,status.linenumber or 0)
+     -- report_system("begin file %a at line %a",name,status.linenumber or 0)
         context.dostarttextfile(name)
     end
 end
@@ -170,14 +170,14 @@ end
 local function stopprocessing(notext)
     if not notext then
         context.dostoptextfile()
-     -- report_system("end file %s at line %s",name,status.linenumber or 0)
+     -- report_system("end file %a at line %a",name,status.linenumber or 0)
     end
 end
 
 --
 
 local action  = function(name,foundname) input(foundname) end
-local failure = function(name,foundname) report_jobfiles("unknown tex file %q",name) end
+local failure = function(name,foundname) report_jobfiles("unknown %s file %a","tex",name) end
 
 local function usetexfile(name,onlyonce,notext)
     startprocessing(name,notext)
@@ -192,7 +192,7 @@ local function usetexfile(name,onlyonce,notext)
 end
 
 local action  = function(name,foundname) dofile(foundname) end
-local failure = function(name,foundname) report_jobfiles("unknown lua file %q",name) end
+local failure = function(name,foundname) report_jobfiles("unknown %s file %a","lua",name) end
 
 local function useluafile(name,onlyonce,notext)
     uselibrary {
@@ -205,7 +205,7 @@ local function useluafile(name,onlyonce,notext)
 end
 
 local action  = function(name,foundname) dofile(foundname) end
-local failure = function(name,foundname) report_jobfiles("unknown cld file %q",name) end
+local failure = function(name,foundname) report_jobfiles("unknown %s file %a","cld",name) end
 
 local function usecldfile(name,onlyonce,notext)
     startprocessing(name,notext)
@@ -220,7 +220,7 @@ local function usecldfile(name,onlyonce,notext)
 end
 
 local action  = function(name,foundname) context.xmlprocess(foundname,"main","") end
-local failure = function(name,foundname) report_jobfiles("unknown xml file %q",name) end
+local failure = function(name,foundname) report_jobfiles("unknown %s file %a","xml",name) end
 
 local function usexmlfile(name,onlyonce,notext)
     startprocessing(name,notext)
@@ -581,11 +581,11 @@ local function process(what,name)
         local method = process[1]
         if method == "none" then
             if trace_jobfiles then
-                report_jobfiles("%s : %s : ignoring %s '%s' in %s '%s'",depth,method,what,name,currenttype,topofstack(currenttype))
+                report_jobfiles("%s : %s : %s %s %a in %s %a",depth,method,"ignoring",what,name,currenttype,topofstack(currenttype))
             end
         elseif method == "once" and done[name] then
             if trace_jobfiles then
-                report_jobfiles("%s : %s : skipping %s '%s' in %s '%s'",depth,method,what,name,currenttype,topofstack(currenttype))
+                report_jobfiles("%s : %s : %s %s %a in %s %a",depth,method,"skipping",what,name,currenttype,topofstack(currenttype))
             end
         else
             -- keep in mind that we also handle "once" at the file level
@@ -594,7 +594,7 @@ local function process(what,name)
             local before = start[what]
             local after  = stop [what]
             if trace_jobfiles then
-                report_jobfiles("%s : %s : processing %s '%s' in %s '%s'",depth,method,what,name,currenttype,topofstack(currenttype))
+                report_jobfiles("%s : %s : %s %s %a in %s %a",depth,method,"processing",what,name,currenttype,topofstack(currenttype))
             end
             if before then
                 before()
@@ -606,7 +606,7 @@ local function process(what,name)
         end
     else
         if trace_jobfiles then
-            report_jobfiles("%s : ? : ignoring %s '%s' in %s '%s'",depth,what,name,currenttype,topofstack(currenttype))
+            report_jobfiles("%s : %s : %s %s %a in %s %a",depth,"none","ignoring",what,name,currenttype,topofstack(currenttype))
         end
     end
 end
@@ -712,10 +712,10 @@ function commands.loadexamodes(filename)
     end
     filename = resolvers.findfile(addsuffix(filename,'ctm')) or ""
     if filename ~= "" then
-        report_examodes("loading %s",filename) -- todo: message system
+        report_examodes("loading %a",filename) -- todo: message system
         convertexamodes(io.loaddata(filename))
     else
-        report_examodes("no mode file %s",filename) -- todo: message system
+        report_examodes("no mode file %a",filename) -- todo: message system
     end
 end
 
@@ -924,7 +924,7 @@ end
 function commands.doifelsecontinuewithfile(inpname)
     local continue = addsuffix(inpname,"tex") == addsuffix(environment.inputfilename,"tex")
     if continue then
-        report_system("continuing input file %q",inpname)
+        report_system("continuing input file %a",inpname)
     end
     commands.doifelse(continue)
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/file-lib.lua b/tex/context/base/file-lib.lua
index c99c2ac41..3311321c5 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/file-lib.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/file-lib.lua
@@ -18,11 +18,11 @@ local loaded          = { }
 local defaultpatterns = { "%s" }
 
 local function defaultaction(name,foundname)
-    report_files("asked name: '%s', found name: '%s'",name,foundname)
+    report_files("asked name %a, found name %a",name,foundname)
 end
 
 local function defaultfailure(name)
-    report_files("asked name: '%s', not found",name)
+    report_files("asked name %a, not found",name)
 end
 
 function commands.uselibrary(specification) -- todo; reporter
diff --git a/tex/context/base/file-mod.lua b/tex/context/base/file-mod.lua
index cfc60cfb7..3659d3089 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/file-mod.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/file-mod.lua
@@ -43,19 +43,19 @@ local function usemodule(name,hasscheme)
         -- so we only add one if missing
         local fullname = file.addsuffix(name,"tex")
         if trace_modules then
-            report_modules("checking url: '%s'",fullname)
+            report_modules("checking url %a",fullname)
         end
         foundname = resolvers.findtexfile(fullname) or ""
     elseif file.suffix(name) ~= "" then
         if trace_modules then
-            report_modules("checking file: '%s'",name)
+            report_modules("checking file %a",name)
         end
         foundname = findbyscheme("any",name) or ""
     else
         for i=1,#suffixes do
             local fullname = file.addsuffix(name,suffixes[i])
             if trace_modules then
-                report_modules("checking file: '%s'",fullname)
+                report_modules("checking file %a",fullname)
             end
             foundname = findbyscheme("any",fullname) or ""
             if foundname ~= "" then
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ local function usemodule(name,hasscheme)
     end
     if foundname ~= "" then
         if trace_modules then
-            report_modules("loading: '%s'",foundname)
+            report_modules("loading file %a",foundname)
         end
         context.startreadingfile()
         resolvers.jobs.usefile(foundname,true) -- once, notext
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ function commands.usemodules(prefix,askedname,truename)
         status = status + 1
     else
         if trace_modules then
-            report_modules("locating: prefix: '%s', askedname: '%s', truename: '%s'",prefix or "", askedname or "", truename or "")
+            report_modules("locating, prefix %a, askedname %a, truename %a",prefix,askedname,truename)
         end
         local hasscheme = url.hasscheme(truename)
         if hasscheme then
@@ -123,11 +123,11 @@ function commands.usemodules(prefix,askedname,truename)
         end
     end
     if status == 0 then
-        report_modules("not found: '%s'",askedname)
+        report_modules("%a is not found",askedname)
     elseif status == 1 then
-        report_modules("loaded: '%s'",trace_modules and truename or askedname)
+        report_modules("%a is loaded",trace_modules and truename or askedname)
     else
-        report_modules("already loaded: '%s'",trace_modules and truename or askedname)
+        report_modules("%a is already loaded",trace_modules and truename or askedname)
     end
     modstatus[hashname] = status
 end
@@ -145,9 +145,13 @@ statistics.register("loaded tex modules", function()
                 t[nt] = k
             end
         end
-        local ts = nt > 0 and format(" (%s)",concat(t," ")) or ""
-        local fs = nf > 0 and format(" (%s)",concat(f," ")) or ""
-        return format("%s requested, %s found%s, %s missing%s",nt+nf,nt,ts,nf,fs)
+        if nf == 0 then
+            return format("%s requested, all found (%s)",nt,concat(t," "))
+        elseif nt == 0 then
+            return format("%s requested, all missing (%s)",nf,concat(f," "))
+        else
+            return format("%s requested, %s found (%s), %s missing (%s)",nt+nf,nt,concat(t," "),nf,concat(f," "))
+        end
     else
         return nil
     end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/file-res.lua b/tex/context/base/file-res.lua
index 84c32b02f..8e65ba4c7 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/file-res.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/file-res.lua
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ local function readfilename(specification,backtrack,treetoo)
                 names[i] = name .. "." .. defaultsuffixes[i]
             end
             if trace_files then
-                report_files("locating: %s, using default suffixes: %s",name,table.concat(defaultsuffixes," "))
+                report_files("locating: %s, using default suffixes: %a",name,defaultsuffixes)
             end
         end
         for i=1,#names do
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-afm.lua b/tex/context/base/font-afm.lua
index dab948b32..cb0c2438f 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-afm.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-afm.lua
@@ -216,7 +216,7 @@ local function get_indexes(data,pfbname)
             local glyphs = pfbdata.glyphs
             if glyphs then
                 if trace_loading then
-                    report_afm("getting index data from %s",pfbname)
+                    report_afm("getting index data from %a",pfbname)
                 end
                 for index, glyph in next, glyphs do
                     local name = glyph.name
@@ -224,21 +224,21 @@ local function get_indexes(data,pfbname)
                         local char = characters[name]
                         if char then
                             if trace_indexing then
-                                report_afm("glyph %s has index %s",name,index)
+                                report_afm("glyph %a has index %a",name,index)
                             end
                             char.index = index
                         end
                     end
                 end
             elseif trace_loading then
-                report_afm("no glyph data in pfb file %s",pfbname)
+                report_afm("no glyph data in pfb file %a",pfbname)
             end
         elseif trace_loading then
-            report_afm("no data in pfb file %s",pfbname)
+            report_afm("no data in pfb file %a",pfbname)
         end
         fontloader.close(pfbblob)
     elseif trace_loading then
-        report_afm("invalid pfb file %s",pfbname)
+        report_afm("invalid pfb file %a",pfbname)
     end
 end
 
@@ -292,7 +292,7 @@ local function readafm(filename)
         return data
     else
         if trace_loading then
-            report_afm("no valid afm file %s",filename)
+            report_afm("no valid afm file %a",filename)
         end
         return nil
     end
@@ -327,36 +327,36 @@ function afm.load(filename)
             pfbtime = attr.modification or 0
         end
         if not data or data.size ~= size or data.time ~= time or data.pfbsize ~= pfbsize or data.pfbtime ~= pfbtime then
-            report_afm( "reading %s",filename)
+            report_afm("reading %a",filename)
             data = readafm(filename)
             if data then
                 if pfbname ~= "" then
                     get_indexes(data,pfbname)
                 elseif trace_loading then
-                    report_afm("no pfb file for %s",filename)
+                    report_afm("no pfb file for %a",filename)
                 end
-                report_afm( "unifying %s",filename)
+                report_afm("unifying %a",filename)
                 unify(data,filename)
                 if afm.addligatures then
-                    report_afm( "add ligatures")
+                    report_afm("add ligatures")
                     addligatures(data)
                 end
                 if afm.addtexligatures then
-                    report_afm( "add tex ligatures")
+                    report_afm("add tex ligatures")
                     addtexligatures(data)
                 end
                 if afm.addkerns then
-                    report_afm( "add extra kerns")
+                    report_afm("add extra kerns")
                     addkerns(data)
                 end
                 normalize(data)
-                report_afm( "add tounicode data")
+                report_afm("add tounicode data")
                 fonts.mappings.addtounicode(data,filename)
                 data.size = size
                 data.time = time
                 data.pfbsize = pfbsize
                 data.pfbtime = pfbtime
-                report_afm("saving: %s in cache",name)
+                report_afm("saving %a in cache",name)
                 data = containers.write(afm.cache, name, data)
                 data = containers.read(afm.cache,name)
             end
@@ -381,7 +381,7 @@ unify = function(data, filename)
             if not code then
                 code = private
                 private = private + 1
-                report_afm("assigning private slot U+%05X for unknown glyph name %s", code, name)
+                report_afm("assigning private slot %U for unknown glyph name %a",code,name)
             end
         end
         local index = blob.index
@@ -721,13 +721,13 @@ local function afmtotfm(specification)
     local afmname = specification.filename or specification.name
     if specification.forced == "afm" or specification.format == "afm" then -- move this one up
         if trace_loading then
-            report_afm("forcing afm format for %s",afmname)
+            report_afm("forcing afm format for %a",afmname)
         end
     else
         local tfmname = findbinfile(afmname,"ofm") or ""
         if tfmname ~= "" then
             if trace_loading then
-                report_afm("fallback from afm to tfm for %s",afmname)
+                report_afm("fallback from afm to tfm for %a",afmname)
             end
             return -- just that
         end
@@ -757,7 +757,7 @@ local function afmtotfm(specification)
                     shared.processes = afm.setfeatures(tfmdata,features)
                 end
             elseif trace_loading then
-                report_afm("no (valid) afm file found with name %s",afmname)
+                report_afm("no (valid) afm file found with name %a",afmname)
             end
             tfmdata = containers.write(constructors.cache,cache_id,tfmdata)
         end
@@ -923,7 +923,7 @@ local function check_afm(specification,fullname)
             if shortname ~= "" then
                 foundname = shortname
                 if trace_defining then
-                    report_afm("stripping encoding prefix from filename %s",afmname)
+                    report_afm("stripping encoding prefix from filename %a",afmname)
                 end
             end
         end
@@ -963,7 +963,7 @@ end
 function readers.pfb(specification,method) -- only called when forced
     local original = specification.specification
     if trace_defining then
-        report_afm("using afm reader for '%s'",original)
+        report_afm("using afm reader for %a",original)
     end
     specification.specification = gsub(original,"%.pfb",".afm")
     specification.forced = "afm"
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-chk.lua b/tex/context/base/font-chk.lua
index 4bedf7ace..9e7e31aff 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-chk.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-chk.lua
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ local function onetimemessage(font,char,message)
         messages[message] = category
     end
     if not category[char] then
-        report_fonts("char U+%05X in font '%s' with id %s: %s",char,tfmdata.properties.fullname,font,message)
+        report_fonts("char %U in font %a with id %a: %s",char,tfmdata.properties.fullname,font,message)
         category[char] = true
     end
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-cid.lua b/tex/context/base/font-cid.lua
index bf186d885..e4b565313 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-cid.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-cid.lua
@@ -88,14 +88,14 @@ local function locate(registry,ordering,supplement)
     local found    = cidmap[hashname]
     if not found then
         if trace_loading then
-            report_otf("checking cidmap, registry: %s, ordering: %s, supplement: %s, filename: %s",registry,ordering,supplement,filename)
+            report_otf("checking cidmap, registry %a, ordering %a, supplement %a, filename %a",registry,ordering,supplement,filename)
         end
         local fullname = resolvers.findfile(filename,'cid') or ""
         if fullname ~= "" then
             found = loadcidfile(fullname)
             if found then
                 if trace_loading then
-                    report_otf("using cidmap file %s",filename)
+                    report_otf("using cidmap file %a",filename)
                 end
                 cidmap[hashname] = found
                 found.usedname = file.basename(filename)
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ end
 
 function cid.getmap(specification)
     if not specification then
-        report_otf("invalid cidinfo specification (table expected)")
+        report_otf("invalid cidinfo specification, table expected")
         return
     end
     local registry = specification.registry
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ function cid.getmap(specification)
         return found
     end
     if trace_loading then
-        report_otf("needed cidmap, registry: %s, ordering: %s, supplement: %s",registry,ordering,supplement)
+        report_otf("cidmap needed, registry %a, ordering %a, supplement %a",registry,ordering,supplement)
     end
     found = locate(registry,ordering,supplement)
     if not found then
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-col.lua b/tex/context/base/font-col.lua
index 4b96cca31..b884c1457 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-col.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-col.lua
@@ -64,16 +64,12 @@ function collections.define(name,font,ranges,details)
     -- todo: remap=name
     local d = definitions[name]
     if d then
-        if name and trace_collecting then
-            report_fonts("def: extending set %s using %s",name, font)
-        end
-    else
-        if name and trace_collecting then
-            report_fonts("def: defining set %s using %s",name, font)
-        end
         d = { }
         definitions[name] = d
     end
+    if name and trace_collecting then
+        report_fonts("extending collection %a using %a",name,font)
+    end
     details = settings_to_hash(details)
     -- todo, combine per font start/stop as arrays
     for s in gmatch(ranges,"[^, ]+") do
@@ -81,12 +77,12 @@ function collections.define(name,font,ranges,details)
         if start and stop then
             if trace_collecting then
                 if description then
-                    report_fonts("def: using range %s (U+%05x-U+%05X, %s)",s,start,stop,description)
+                    report_fonts("using range %a, slots %U - %U, description %a)",s,start,stop,description)
                 end
                 for i=1,#d do
                     local di = d[i]
                     if (start >= di.start and start <= di.stop) or (stop >= di.start and stop <= di.stop) then
-                        report_fonts("def: overlapping ranges U+%05x-U+%05X and U+%05x-U+%05X",start,stop,di.start,di.stop)
+                        report_fonts("overlapping ranges %U - %U and %U - %U",start,stop,di.start,di.stop)
                     end
                 end
             end
@@ -101,7 +97,7 @@ end
 function collections.registermain(name)
     local last = font.current()
     if trace_collecting then
-        report_fonts("def: registering font %s with name %s",last,name)
+        report_fonts("registering font %a with name %a",last,name)
     end
     list[#list+1] = last
 end
@@ -111,14 +107,14 @@ function collections.clonevector(name)
     local d = definitions[name]
     local t = { }
     if trace_collecting then
-        report_fonts("def: process collection %s",name)
+        report_fonts("processing collection %a",name)
     end
     for i=1,#d do
         local f = d[i]
         local id = list[i]
         local start, stop = f.start, f.stop
         if trace_collecting then
-            report_fonts("def: remapping font %s to %s for range U+%05X - U+%05X",current,id,start,stop)
+            report_fonts("remapping font %a to %a for range %U - %U",current,id,start,stop)
         end
         local check = toboolean(f.check or "false",true)
         local force = toboolean(f.force or "true",true)
@@ -151,7 +147,7 @@ function collections.clonevector(name)
     end
     vectors[current] = t
     if trace_collecting then
-        report_fonts("def: activating collection %s for font %s",name,current)
+        report_fonts("activating collection %a for font %a",name,current)
     end
     if not enabled then
         nodes.tasks.enableaction("processors","fonts.collections.process")
@@ -176,7 +172,7 @@ function collections.prepare(name)
     if d then
         if trace_collecting then
             local filename = file.basename(fontdata[current].properties.filename or "?")
-            report_fonts("def: applying collection %s to %s (file: %s)",name,current,filename)
+            report_fonts("applying collection %a to %a, file %a",name,current,filename)
         end
         list = { }
         context.pushcatcodes("prt") -- context.unprotect()
@@ -197,7 +193,7 @@ function collections.prepare(name)
         context.popcatcodes() -- context.protect()
     elseif trace_collecting then
         local filename = file.basename(fontdata[current].properties.filename or "?")
-        report_fonts("def: error in applying collection %s to %s (file: %s)",name,current,filename)
+        report_fonts("error while applying collection %a to %a, file %a",name,current,filename)
     end
 end
 
@@ -217,12 +213,12 @@ function collections.process(head) -- this way we keep feature processing
                 if type(id) == "table" then
                     local newid, newchar = id[1], id[2]
                     if trace_collecting then
-                        report_fonts("lst: remapping character %s in font %s to character %s in font %s",n.char,n.font,newchar,newid)
+                        report_fonts("remapping character %a in font %a to character %a in font %a",n.char,n.font,newchar,newid)
                     end
                     n.font, n.char = newid, newchar
                 else
                     if trace_collecting then
-                        report_fonts("lst: remapping font %s to %s for character %s",n.font,id,n.char)
+                        report_fonts("remapping font %a to %a for character %a",n.font,id,n.char)
                     end
                     n.font = id
                 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-con.lua b/tex/context/base/font-con.lua
index 58af5a04f..912935c9c 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-con.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-con.lua
@@ -510,32 +510,21 @@ function constructors.scale(tfmdata,specification)
     local scaledheight     = defaultheight * vdelta
     local scaleddepth      = defaultdepth  * vdelta
     --
-    if trace_defining then
-        report_defining("scaling by (%s,%s): name '%s', fullname: '%s', filename: '%s'",
-            hdelta,vdelta,name or "noname",fullname or "nofullname",filename or "nofilename")
-    end
-    --
     local hasmath = (properties.hasmath or next(mathparameters)) and true
+    --
     if hasmath then
-        if trace_defining then
-            report_defining("math enabled for: name '%s', fullname: '%s', filename: '%s'",
-                name or "noname",fullname or "nofullname",filename or "nofilename")
-        end
         constructors.assignmathparameters(target,tfmdata) -- does scaling and whatever is needed
         properties.hasmath    = true
         target.nomath         = false
         target.MathConstants  = target.mathparameters
     else
-        if trace_defining then
-            report_defining("math disabled for: name '%s', fullname: '%s', filename: '%s'",
-                name or "noname",fullname or "nofullname",filename or "nofilename")
-        end
         properties.hasmath    = false
         target.nomath         = true
         target.mathparameters = nil -- nop
     end
     --
-    local italickey = "italic"
+    local italickey  = "italic"
+    local useitalics = true -- something context
     --
     -- some context specific trickery (this will move to a plugin)
     --
@@ -546,26 +535,26 @@ function constructors.scale(tfmdata,specification)
      -- if properties.mathitalics then
      --     italickey = "italic_correction"
      --     if trace_defining then
-     --         report_defining("math italics disabled for: name '%s', fullname: '%s', filename: '%s'",
-     --             name or "noname",fullname or "nofullname",filename or "nofilename")
+     --         report_defining("math italics disabled for font %a, fullname %a, filename %a",name,fullname,filename)
      --     end
      -- end
         autoitalicamount = false -- new
-    else
-        if properties.textitalics then
-            italickey = "italic_correction"
-            if trace_defining then
-                report_defining("text italics disabled for: name '%s', fullname: '%s', filename: '%s'",
-                    name or "noname",fullname or "nofullname",filename or "nofilename")
-            end
-            if properties.delaytextitalics then
-                autoitalicamount = false
-            end
+    elseif properties.textitalics then
+        italickey = "italic_correction"
+        useitalics = false
+        if properties.delaytextitalics then
+            autoitalicamount = false
         end
     end
     --
     -- end of context specific trickery
     --
+    if trace_defining then
+        report_defining("defining tfm, name %a, fullname %a, filename %a, hscale %a, vscale %a, math %a, italics %a",
+            name,fullname,filename,hdelta,vdelta,
+            hasmath and "enabled" or "disabled",useitalics and "enabled" or "disabled")
+    end
+    --
     constructors.beforecopyingcharacters(target,tfmdata)
     --
     local sharedkerns = { }
@@ -647,9 +636,6 @@ function constructors.scale(tfmdata,specification)
         if touni then
             chr.tounicode = touni
         end
-    --  if trace_scaling then
-    --    report_defining("t=%s, u=%s, i=%s, n=%s c=%s",k,chr.tounicode or "",index or 0,description.name or '-',description.class or '-')
-    --  end
         if hasquality then
             -- we could move these calculations elsewhere (saves calculations)
             local ve = character.expansion_factor
@@ -688,9 +674,6 @@ function constructors.scale(tfmdata,specification)
             local vn = character.next
             if vn then
                 chr.next = vn
-             -- if character.vert_variants or character.horiz_variants then
-             --     report_defining("glyph U+%05X has combination of next, vert_variants and horiz_variants",index)
-             -- end
             else
                 local vv = character.vert_variants
                 if vv then
@@ -1040,7 +1023,7 @@ function constructors.setname(tfmdata,specification) -- todo: get specification
         if specname then
             tfmdata.properties.name = specname
             if trace_defining then
-                report_otf("overloaded fontname: '%s'",specname)
+                report_otf("overloaded fontname %a",specname)
             end
         end
     end
@@ -1054,10 +1037,10 @@ function constructors.checkedfilename(data)
             askedfilename = resolvers.resolve(askedfilename) -- no shortcut
             foundfilename = resolvers.findbinfile(askedfilename,"") or ""
             if foundfilename == "" then
-                report_defining("source file '%s' is not found",askedfilename)
+                report_defining("source file %a is not found",askedfilename)
                 foundfilename = resolvers.findbinfile(file.basename(askedfilename),"") or ""
                 if foundfilename ~= "" then
-                    report_defining("using source file '%s' (cache mismatch)",foundfilename)
+                    report_defining("using source file %a due to cache mismatch",foundfilename)
                 end
             end
         end
@@ -1083,7 +1066,7 @@ local locations = { }
 local function setindeed(mode,target,group,name,action,position)
     local t = target[mode]
     if not t then
-        report_defining("fatal error in setting feature '%s', group '%s', mode '%s'",name or "?",group or "?",mode)
+        report_defining("fatal error in setting feature %a, group %a, mode %a",name,group,mode)
         os.exit()
     elseif position then
         -- todo: remove existing
@@ -1103,12 +1086,12 @@ end
 local function set(group,name,target,source)
     target = target[group]
     if not target then
-        report_defining("fatal target error in setting feature '%s', group '%s'",name or "?",group or "?")
+        report_defining("fatal target error in setting feature %a, group %a",name,group)
         os.exit()
     end
     local source = source[group]
     if not source then
-        report_defining("fatal source error in setting feature '%s', group '%s'",name or "?",group or "?")
+        report_defining("fatal source error in setting feature %a, group %a",name,group)
         os.exit()
     end
     local node     = source.node
@@ -1252,8 +1235,8 @@ function constructors.initializefeatures(what,tfmdata,features,trace,report)
                     else
                         local action = step.action
                         if trace then
-                            report("initializing feature %s to %s for mode %s for font %s",feature,
-                                tostring(value),mode or 'unknown', tfmdata.properties.fullname or 'unknown')
+                            report("initializing feature %a to %a for mode %a for font %a",feature,
+                                value,mode,tfmdata.properties.fullname)
                         end
                         action(tfmdata,value,features) -- can set mode (e.g. goodies) so it can trigger a restart
                         if mode ~= properties.mode or mode ~= features.mode then
@@ -1303,8 +1286,7 @@ function constructors.collectprocessors(what,tfmdata,features,trace,report)
                 if features[feature] then
                     local action = step.action
                     if trace then
-                        report("installing feature processor %s for mode %s for font %s",feature,
-                            mode or 'unknown', tfmdata.properties.fullname or 'unknown')
+                        report("installing feature processor %a for mode %a for font %a",feature,mode,tfmdata.properties.fullname)
                     end
                     if action then
                         nofprocesses = nofprocesses + 1
@@ -1313,8 +1295,7 @@ function constructors.collectprocessors(what,tfmdata,features,trace,report)
                 end
             end
         elseif trace then
-            report("no feature processors for mode %s for font %s",
-                mode or 'unknown', tfmdata.properties.fullname or 'unknown')
+            report("no feature processors for mode %a for font %a",mode,tfmdata.properties.fullname)
         end
     end
     return processes
@@ -1337,8 +1318,7 @@ function constructors.applymanipulators(what,tfmdata,features,trace,report)
                 if value then
                     local action = step.action
                     if trace then
-                        report("applying feature manipulator %s for mode %s for font %s",feature,
-                            mode or 'unknown', tfmdata.properties.fullname or 'unknown')
+                        report("applying feature manipulator %a for mode %a for font %a",feature,mode,tfmdata.properties.fullname)
                     end
                     if action then
                         action(tfmdata,feature,value)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-ctx.lua b/tex/context/base/font-ctx.lua
index 611da4c97..a9fba145f 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-ctx.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-ctx.lua
@@ -304,7 +304,7 @@ local function checkedscript(tfmdata,resources,features)
         script = latn and "latn" or "dflt"
     end
     if trace_automode then
-        report_defining("auto script mode: using script '%s' in font '%s'",script,file.basename(tfmdata.properties.name))
+        report_defining("auto script mode, using script %a in font %a",script,file.basename(tfmdata.properties.name))
     end
     features.script = script
     return script
@@ -329,13 +329,15 @@ local function checkedmode(tfmdata,resources,features)
                                 if found then
                                     -- more than one lookup
                                     if trace_automode then
-                                        report_defining("forcing node mode in font %s for feature %s, script %s, language %s (multiple lookups)",file.basename(tfmdata.properties.name),feature,script,language)
+                                        report_defining("forcing mode %a, font %a, feature %a, script %a, language %a, %s",
+                                            "node",file.basename(tfmdata.properties.name),feature,script,language,"multiple lookups")
                                     end
                                     features.mode = "node"
                                     return "node"
                                 elseif needsnodemode[sequence.type] then
                                     if trace_automode then
-                                        report_defining("forcing node mode in font %s for feature %s, script %s, language %s (no base support)",file.basename(tfmdata.properties.name),feature,script,language)
+                                        report_defining("forcing mode %a, font %a, feature %a, script %a, language %a, %s",
+                                            "node",file.basename(tfmdata.properties.name),feature,script,language,"no base support")
                                     end
                                     features.mode = "node"
                                     return "node"
@@ -372,7 +374,7 @@ local function modechecker(tfmdata,features,mode) -- we cannot adapt features as
             mode = checkedmode(tfmdata,resources,features)
         end
     else
-        report_features("missing resources for font''%s'",file.basename(tfmdata.properties.name))
+        report_features("missing resources for font %a",file.basename(tfmdata.properties.name))
     end
     return mode
 end
@@ -829,7 +831,7 @@ function commands.definefont_one(str)
     local fullname, size = lpegmatch(splitpattern,str)
     local lookup, name, sub, method, detail = getspecification(fullname)
     if not name then
-        report_defining("strange definition '%s'",str)
+        report_defining("strange definition %a",str)
         setdefaultfontname()
     elseif name == "unknown" then
         setdefaultfontname()
@@ -872,7 +874,7 @@ end
 function commands.definefont_two(global,cs,str,size,inheritancemode,classfeatures,fontfeatures,classfallbacks,fontfallbacks,
         mathsize,textsize,relativeid,classgoodies,goodies,classdesignsize,fontdesignsize)
     if trace_defining then
-        report_defining("start stage two: %s (%s)",str,size)
+        report_defining("start stage two: %s (size %s)",str,size)
     end
     -- name is now resolved and size is scaled cf sa/mo
     local lookup, name, sub, method, detail = getspecification(str or "")
@@ -881,7 +883,7 @@ function commands.definefont_two(global,cs,str,size,inheritancemode,classfeature
     local designname = designsizefilename(name,designsize,size)
     if designname and designname ~= "" then
         if trace_defining or trace_designsize then
-            report_defining("remapping name: %s, specification: %s, size: %s => designsize: %s",name,designsize,size,designname)
+            report_defining("remapping name %a, specification %a, size %a, designsize %a",name,designsize,size,designname)
         end
         -- we don't catch detail here
         local o_lookup, o_name, o_sub, o_method, o_detail = getspecification(designname)
@@ -966,12 +968,12 @@ function commands.definefont_two(global,cs,str,size,inheritancemode,classfeature
     --
     local lastfontid = 0
     if not tfmdata then
-        report_defining("unable to define %s as [%s]",name,nice_cs(cs))
+        report_defining("unable to define %a as %a",name,nice_cs(cs))
         lastfontid = -1
         letvaluerelax(cs) -- otherwise the current definition takes the previous one
     elseif type(tfmdata) == "number" then
         if trace_defining then
-            report_defining("reusing %s with id %s as [%s] (features: %s/%s, fallbacks: %s/%s, goodies: %s/%s, designsize: %s/%s)",
+            report_defining("reusing %s, id %a, target %a, features %a / %a, fallbacks %a / %a, goodies %a / %a, designsize %a / %a",
                 name,tfmdata,nice_cs(cs),classfeatures,fontfeatures,classfallbacks,fontfallbacks,classgoodies,goodies,classdesignsize,fontdesignsize)
         end
         csnames[tfmdata] = specification.cs
@@ -997,7 +999,7 @@ function commands.definefont_two(global,cs,str,size,inheritancemode,classfeature
         constructors.cleanuptable(tfmdata)
         constructors.finalize(tfmdata)
         if trace_defining then
-            report_defining("defining %s with id %s as [%s] (features: %s/%s, fallbacks: %s/%s)",
+            report_defining("defining %a, id %a, target %a, features %a / %a, fallbacks %a / %a",
                 name,id,nice_cs(cs),classfeatures,fontfeatures,classfallbacks,fontfallbacks)
         end
         -- resolved (when designsize is used):
@@ -1169,7 +1171,7 @@ function mappings.loadfile(name)
     name = file.addsuffix(name,"map")
     if not loaded[name] then
         if trace_mapfiles then
-            report_mapfiles("loading map file '%s'",name)
+            report_mapfiles("loading map file %a",name)
         end
         pdf.mapfile(name)
         loaded[name] = true
@@ -1187,7 +1189,7 @@ function mappings.loadline(how,line)
     end
     if not loaded[how] then
         if trace_mapfiles then
-            report_mapfiles("processing map line '%s'",line)
+            report_mapfiles("processing map line %a",line)
         end
         pdf.mapline(how)
         loaded[how] = true
@@ -1237,7 +1239,7 @@ function loggers.reportdefinedfonts()
                 properties.psname   or "",
                 properties.fullname or "",
             }
-            report_status("%s: %s",properties.name,concat(sortedkeys(data)," "))
+            report_status("%s: % t",properties.name,sortedkeys(data))
         end
         formatcolumns(t,"  ")
         report_status()
@@ -1414,7 +1416,7 @@ function commands.showchardata(n)
         end
         local chr = tfmdata.characters[n]
         if chr then
-            report_status("%s @ %s => U%05X => %s => %s",tfmdata.properties.fullname,tfmdata.parameters.size,n,utfchar(n),serialize(chr,false))
+            report_status("%s @ %s => %U => %c => %s",tfmdata.properties.fullname,tfmdata.parameters.size,n,n,serialize(chr,false))
         end
     end
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-def.lua b/tex/context/base/font-def.lua
index 8d4fd25fc..5dbd1f0fd 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-def.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-def.lua
@@ -126,14 +126,13 @@ end
 
 local function makespecification(specification,lookup,name,sub,method,detail,size)
     size = size or 655360
-    if trace_defining then
-        report_defining("%s -> lookup: %s, name: %s, sub: %s, method: %s, detail: %s",
-            specification, lookup ~= "" and lookup or "[file]", name ~= "" and name or "-",
-            sub ~= "" and sub or "-", method ~= "" and method or "-", detail ~= "" and detail or "-")
-    end
     if not lookup or lookup == "" then
         lookup = definers.defaultlookup
     end
+    if trace_defining then
+        report_defining("specification %a, lookup %a, name %a, sub %a, method %a, detail %a",
+            specification, lookup, name, sub, method, detail)
+    end
     local t = {
         lookup        = lookup,        -- forced type
         specification = specification, -- full specification
@@ -297,7 +296,7 @@ function definers.loadfont(specification)
             local reader = readers[lower(forced)]
             tfmdata = reader and reader(specification)
             if not tfmdata then
-                report_defining("forced type %s of %s not found",forced,specification.name)
+                report_defining("forced type %a of %a not found",forced,specification.name)
             end
         else
             local sequence = readers.sequence -- can be overloaded so only a shortcut here
@@ -305,7 +304,7 @@ function definers.loadfont(specification)
                 local reader = sequence[s]
                 if readers[reader] then -- we skip not loaded readers
                     if trace_defining then
-                        report_defining("trying (reader sequence driven) type %s for %s with file %s",reader,specification.name,specification.filename or "unknown")
+                        report_defining("trying (reader sequence driven) type %a for %a with file %a",reader,specification.name,specification.filename)
                     end
                     tfmdata = readers[reader](specification)
                     if tfmdata then
@@ -324,7 +323,7 @@ function definers.loadfont(specification)
         end
     end
     if not tfmdata then
-        report_defining("font with asked name '%s' is not found using lookup '%s'",specification.name,specification.lookup)
+        report_defining("font with asked name %a is not found using lookup %a",specification.name,specification.lookup)
     end
     return tfmdata
 end
@@ -385,7 +384,7 @@ function definers.register(tfmdata,id)
         if not internalized[hash] then
             internalized[hash] = id
             if trace_defining then
-                report_defining("registering font, id: %s, hash: %s",id or "?",hash or "?")
+                report_defining("registering font, id %s, hash %a",id,hash)
             end
             fontdata[id] = tfmdata
         end
@@ -414,7 +413,6 @@ function definers.read(specification,size,id) -- id can be optional, name can al
             if trace_defining then
                 report_defining("loaded and hashed: %s",hash)
             end
-        --~ constructors.checkvirtualid(tfmdata) -- interferes
             tfmdata.properties.hash = hash
             if id then
                 definers.register(tfmdata,id)
@@ -427,19 +425,13 @@ function definers.read(specification,size,id) -- id can be optional, name can al
     end
     lastdefined = tfmdata or id -- todo ! ! ! ! !
     if not tfmdata then -- or id?
-        report_defining( "unknown font %s, loading aborted",specification.name)
+        report_defining( "unknown font %a, loading aborted",specification.name)
     elseif trace_defining and type(tfmdata) == "table" then
         local properties = tfmdata.properties or { }
         local parameters = tfmdata.parameters or { }
-        report_defining("using %s font with id %s, name:%s size:%s bytes:%s encoding:%s fullname:%s filename:%s",
-                       properties.format        or "unknown",
-                       id                       or "?",
-                       properties.name          or "?",
-                       parameters.size          or "default",
-                       properties.encodingbytes or "?",
-                       properties.encodingname  or "unicode",
-                       properties.fullname      or "?",
-         file.basename(properties.filename      or "?"))
+        report_defining("using %s font with id %a, name %a, size %a, bytes %a, encoding %a, fullname %a, filename %a",
+            properties.format, id, properties.name, parameters.size, properties.encodingbytes,
+            properties.encodingname, properties.fullname, file.basename(properties.filename))
     end
     statistics.stoptiming(fonts)
     return tfmdata
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-enh.lua b/tex/context/base/font-enh.lua
index b846f51fa..65bbe7bd9 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-enh.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-enh.lua
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ local registerotffeature = otffeatures.register
 --             for newcode, oldcode in next, data.unicodes do
 --                 if newcode ~= oldcode then
 --                     if trace_defining then
---                         report_defining("reencoding U+%05X to U+%05X",oldcode,newcode)
+--                         report_defining("reencoding %U to %U",oldcode,newcode)
 --                     end
 --                     characters[newcode] = original[oldcode]
 --                 end
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ local registerotffeature = otffeatures.register
 --         for k,v in next, vector do
 --             if k ~= v then
 --                 if trace_defining then
---                     report_defining("remapping U+%05X to U+%05X",k,v)
+--                     report_defining("remapping %U to %U",k,v)
 --                 end
 --                 local c = original[k]
 --                 characters[v] = c
@@ -152,7 +152,7 @@ local function initializeunicoding(tfmdata)
                 end
             end
             if trace_defining then
-                report_defining("aliasing glyph '%s' from U+%05X to U+%05X",name,oldcode,newcode)
+                report_defining("aliasing glyph %a from %U to %U",name,oldcode,newcode)
             end
         end
     end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-ext.lua b/tex/context/base/font-ext.lua
index e23abd701..4dae48015 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-ext.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-ext.lua
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ local function initializeexpansion(tfmdata,value)
                 local step    = class.step    or 0
                 local factor  = class.factor  or 1
                 if trace_expansion then
-                    report_expansions("setting class %s, vector: %s, factor: %s, stretch: %s, shrink: %s, step: %s",
+                    report_expansions("setting class %a, vector %a, factor %a, stretch %a, shrink %a, step %a",
                         value,class.vector,factor,stretch,shrink,step)
                 end
                 tfmdata.parameters.expansion = {
@@ -143,10 +143,10 @@ local function initializeexpansion(tfmdata,value)
                     end
                 end
             elseif trace_expansion then
-                report_expansions("unknown vector '%s' in class '%s",class.vector,value)
+                report_expansions("unknown vector %a in class %a",class.vector,value)
             end
         elseif trace_expansion then
-            report_expansions("unknown class '%s'",value)
+            report_expansions("unknown class %a",value)
         end
     end
 end
@@ -348,14 +348,14 @@ local function map_opbd_onto_protrusion(tfmdata,value,opbd)
                 local data = lookuphash[lookup]
                 if data then
                     if trace_protrusion then
-                        report_protrusions("setting left using lfbd lookup '%s'",lookup)
+                        report_protrusions("setting left using lfbd lookup %a",lookup)
                     end
                     for k, v in next, data do
                     --  local p = - v[3] / descriptions[k].width-- or 1 ~= 0 too but the same
                         local p = - (v[1] / 1000) * factor * left
                         characters[k].left_protruding = p
                         if trace_protrusion then
-                            report_protrusions("lfbd -> %s -> U+%05X (%s) -> %0.03f (%s)",lookup,k,utfchar(k),p,concat(v," "))
+                            report_protrusions("lfbd -> %s -> %C -> %0.03f (% t)",lookup,k,p,v)
                         end
                     end
                     done = true
@@ -371,14 +371,14 @@ local function map_opbd_onto_protrusion(tfmdata,value,opbd)
                 local data = lookuphash[lookup]
                 if data then
                     if trace_protrusion then
-                        report_protrusions("setting right using rtbd lookup '%s'",lookup)
+                        report_protrusions("setting right using rtbd lookup %a",lookup)
                     end
                     for k, v in next, data do
                     --  local p = v[3] / descriptions[k].width -- or 3
                         local p = (v[1] / 1000) * factor * right
                         characters[k].right_protruding = p
                         if trace_protrusion then
-                            report_protrusions("rtbd -> %s -> U+%05X (%s) -> %0.03f (%s)",lookup,k,utfchar(k),p,concat(v," "))
+                            report_protrusions("rtbd -> %s -> %C -> %0.03f (% t)",lookup,k,p,v)
                         end
                     end
                 end
@@ -410,7 +410,7 @@ local function initializeprotrusion(tfmdata,value)
                     local left   = class.left   or 1
                     local right  = class.right  or 1
                     if trace_protrusion then
-                        report_protrusions("setting class %s, vector: %s, factor: %s, left: %s, right: %s",
+                        report_protrusions("setting class %a, vector %a, factor %a, left %a, right %a",
                             value,class.vector,factor,left,right)
                     end
                     local data = characters.data
@@ -451,10 +451,10 @@ local function initializeprotrusion(tfmdata,value)
                         end
                     end
                 elseif trace_protrusion then
-                    report_protrusions("unknown vector '%s' in class '%s",class.vector,value)
+                    report_protrusions("unknown vector %a in class %a",class.vector,value)
                 end
             elseif trace_protrusion then
-                report_protrusions("unknown class '%s'",value)
+                report_protrusions("unknown class %a",value)
             end
         end
     end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-fbk.lua b/tex/context/base/font-fbk.lua
index c7a13775a..48e2167e6 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-fbk.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-fbk.lua
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ local function composecharacters(tfmdata)
                             end
                             if charsacc then
                                 if trace_combining_define then
-                                    report_combining("%s (U+%05X) = %s (U+%05X) + %s (U+%05X)",utfchar(i),i,utfchar(chr),chr,utfchar(acc),acc)
+                                    report_combining("composed %C, base %C, accent %C",i,chr,acc)
                                 end
                                 local acc_t = cache[acc]
                                 if not acc_t then
@@ -139,7 +139,7 @@ local function composecharacters(tfmdata)
                                                     local dx = cx - ax
                                                     local dy = cy - ay
                                                     if trace_combining_define then
-                                                        report_combining("building U+%05X (%s) from U+%05X (%s) and U+%05X (%s)",i,utfchar(i),chr,utfchar(chr),acc,utfchar(acc))
+                                                        report_combining("building %C from %C and %C",i,chr,acc)
                                                         report_combining("  boundingbox:")
                                                         report_combining("    chr: %3i %3i %3i %3i",unpack(cb))
                                                         report_combining("    acc: %3i %3i %3i %3i",unpack(ab))
@@ -222,7 +222,7 @@ local function composecharacters(tfmdata)
                                 end
                             else
                                 if trace_combining_define then
-                                    report_combining("%s (U+%05X) = %s (U+%05X) (simplified)",utfchar(i),i,utfchar(chr),chr)
+                                    report_combining("%C becomes simplfied %C",i,chr)
                                 end
                                 t.commands = { chr_t } -- else index mess
                             end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-gds.lua b/tex/context/base/font-gds.lua
index 68a2317ab..810d49eea 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-gds.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-gds.lua
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ function fontgoodies.report(what,trace,goodies)
     if trace_goodies or trace then
         local whatever = goodies[what]
         if whatever then
-            report_goodies("goodie '%s' found in '%s'",what,goodies.name)
+            report_goodies("goodie %a found in %a",what,goodies.name)
         end
     end
 end
@@ -67,10 +67,10 @@ local function loadgoodies(filename) -- maybe a merge is better
         else
             goodies = dofile(fullname) or false
             if not goodies then
-                report_goodies("goodie file '%s' is invalid",fullname)
+                report_goodies("goodie file %a is invalid",fullname)
                 return nil
             elseif trace_goodies then
-                report_goodies("goodie file '%s' is loaded",fullname)
+                report_goodies("goodie file %a is loaded",fullname)
             end
             goodies.name = goodies.name or "no name"
             for name, fnc in next, list do
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@ local function setgoodies(tfmdata,value)
         local ok = loadgoodies(filename)
         if ok then
             if trace_goodies then
-                report_goodies("assigning goodie '%s'",filename)
+                report_goodies("assigning goodie %a",filename)
             end
             goodies[#goodies+1] = ok
         end
@@ -145,7 +145,7 @@ local function prepare_features(goodies,name,set)
         local n, s = fonts.specifiers.presetcontext(fullname,"",ff)
         goodies.featuresets[name] = s -- set
         if trace_goodies then
-            report_goodies("feature set '%s' gets number %s and name '%s'",name,n,fullname)
+            report_goodies("feature set %a gets number %a and name %a",name,n,fullname)
         end
         return n
     end
@@ -158,7 +158,7 @@ local function initialize(goodies,tfmdata)
     local goodiesname = goodies.name
     if featuresets then
         if trace_goodies then
-            report_goodies("checking featuresets in '%s'",goodies.name)
+            report_goodies("checking featuresets in %a",goodies.name)
         end
         for name, set in next, featuresets do
             prepare_features(goodies,name,set)
@@ -485,7 +485,7 @@ local function initialize(tfmdata)
                 mathitalics = mathitalics[file.nameonly(properties.name)] or mathitalics
                 if mathitalics then
                     if trace_goodies then
-                        report_goodies("loading mathitalics for font '%s'",properties.name)
+                        report_goodies("loading mathitalics for font %a",properties.name)
                     end
                     local corrections   = mathitalics.corrections
                     local defaultfactor = mathitalics.defaultfactor
@@ -510,7 +510,7 @@ local function initialize(tfmdata)
                                 properties.mathitalics = disableengine
                             end
                             if trace_goodies then
-                                report_goodies("assigning mathitalics for font '%s'",properties.name)
+                                report_goodies("assigning mathitalics for font %a",properties.name)
                             end
                             local mathitalics = properties.mathitalics
                             local quad        = parameters.quad
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-log.lua b/tex/context/base/font-log.lua
index 8bc12a215..773108e44 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-log.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-log.lua
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ function loggers.onetimemessage(font,char,message,reporter)
         if not reporter then
             reporter = report_defining
         end
-        reporter("char U+%05X in font '%s' with id %s: %s",char,tfmdata.properties.fullname,font,message)
+        reporter("char %U in font %a with id %s: %s",char,tfmdata.properties.fullname,font,message)
         category[char] = true
     end
 end
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ function loggers.register(tfmdata,source,specification) -- save file name in spe
     if tfmdata and specification and specification.specification then
         local name = lower(specification.name)
         if trace_defining and not usedfonts[name] then
-            report_defining("registering %s as %s (used: %s)",file.basename(specification.name),source,file.basename(specification.filename))
+            report_defining("registering %a as %a, used %a",file.basename(specification.name),source,file.basename(specification.filename))
         end
         specification.source = source
      -- loadedfonts[lower(specification.specification)] = specification
@@ -75,6 +75,6 @@ statistics.register("loaded fonts", function()
                 t[n] = basename(name)
             end
         end
-        return (n > 0 and format("%s files: %s",n,concat(t," "))) or "none"
+        return n > 0 and format("%s files: %s",n,concat(t," ")) or "none"
     end
 end)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-lua.lua b/tex/context/base/font-lua.lua
index 48ce3c2f5..6fbbcf17e 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-lua.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-lua.lua
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ readers.check_lua = check_lua
 function readers.lua(specification)
     local original = specification.specification
     if trace_defining then
-        report_lua("using lua reader for '%s'",original)
+        report_lua("using lua reader for %a",original)
     end
     local fullname = specification.filename or ""
     if fullname == "" then
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-map.lua b/tex/context/base/font-map.lua
index f9e52c10a..29b9ecd35 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-map.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-map.lua
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ local function loadlumtable(filename) -- will move to font goodies
     local lumfile = resolvers.findfile(lumname,"map") or ""
     if lumfile ~= "" and lfs.isfile(lumfile) then
         if trace_loading or trace_mapping then
-            report_fonts("enhance: loading %s ",lumfile)
+            report_fonts("loading map table %a",lumfile)
         end
         lumunic = dofile(lumfile)
         return lumunic, lumfile
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ local function tounicode16(unicode)
     elseif unicode < 0x1FFFFFFFFF then
         return format("%04X%04X",floor(unicode/1024),unicode%1024+0xDC00)
     else
-        report_fonts("can't convert %s into tounicode",unicode)
+        report_fonts("can't convert %a into tounicode",unicode)
     end
 end
 
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ local function tounicode16sequence(unicodes)
         elseif unicode < 0x1FFFFFFFFF then
             t[l] = format("%04X%04X",floor(unicode/1024),unicode%1024+0xDC00)
         else
-            report_fonts ("can't convert %s into tounicode",unicode)
+            report_fonts ("can't convert %a into tounicode",unicode)
         end
     end
     return concat(t)
@@ -302,13 +302,13 @@ function mappings.addtounicode(data,filename)
             local index = glyph.index
             local toun  = tounicode[index]
             if toun then
-                report_fonts("internal: 0x%05X, name: %s, unicode: U+%05X, tounicode: %s",index,name,unic,toun)
+                report_fonts("internal slot %U, name %a, unicode %U, tounicode %a",index,name,unic,toun)
             else
-                report_fonts("internal: 0x%05X, name: %s, unicode: U+%05X",index,name,unic)
+                report_fonts("internal slot %U, name %a, unicode %U",index,name,unic)
             end
         end
     end
     if trace_loading and (ns > 0 or nl > 0) then
-        report_fonts("enhance: %s tounicode entries added (%s ligatures)",nl+ns, ns)
+        report_fonts("%s tounicode entries added, ligatures %s",nl+ns,ns)
     end
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-ota.lua b/tex/context/base/font-ota.lua
index 61081cb9b..a13d3bc2c 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-ota.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-ota.lua
@@ -287,7 +287,7 @@ local arab_warned = { }
 local function warning(current,what)
     local char = current.char
     if not arab_warned[char] then
-        log.report("analyze","arab: character %s (U+%05X) has no %s class", char, char, what)
+        log.report("analyze","arab: character %C has no %a class",char,what)
         arab_warned[char] = true
     end
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-otb.lua b/tex/context/base/font-otb.lua
index c37058d34..c38d1909a 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-otb.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-otb.lua
@@ -33,49 +33,71 @@ otf.defaultbasealternate     = "none" -- first last
 local wildcard               = "*"
 local default                = "dflt"
 
+local formatters             = string.formatters
+local f_unicode              = formatters["%U"]
+local f_uniname              = formatters["%U (%s)"]
+local f_unilist              = formatters["% t (% t)"]
+
 local function gref(descriptions,n)
     if type(n) == "number" then
         local name = descriptions[n].name
         if name then
-            return format("U+%05X (%s)",n,name)
+            return f_uniname(n,name)
         else
-            return format("U+%05X")
+            return f_unicode(n)
         end
     elseif n then
         local num, nam = { }, { }
-        for i=2,#n do -- first is likely a key
+        for i=2,#n do
             local ni = n[i]
-            num[i-1] = format("U+%05X",ni)
-            nam[i-1] = descriptions[ni].name or "?"
-        end
-        return format("%s (%s)",concat(num," "), concat(nam," "))
+            if tonumber(ni) then -- first is likely a key
+                local di = descriptions[ni]
+                num[i] = f_unicode(ni)
+                nam[i] = di and di.name or "-"
+            end
+        return f_unilist(num,nam)
     else
-        return "?"
+        return "<error in base mode tracing>"
     end
 end
 
 local function cref(feature,lookupname)
     if lookupname then
-        return format("feature %s, lookup %s",feature,lookupname)
+        return format("feature %a, lookup %a",feature,lookupname)
     else
-        return format("feature %s",feature)
+        return format("feature %a",feature)
     end
 end
 
 local function report_alternate(feature,lookupname,descriptions,unicode,replacement,value,comment)
-    report_prepare("%s: base alternate %s => %s (%s => %s)",cref(feature,lookupname),
-        gref(descriptions,unicode),replacement and gref(descriptions,replacement) or "-",
-        tostring(value),comment)
+    report_prepare("%s: base alternate %s => %s (%S => %S)",
+        cref(feature,lookupname),
+        gref(descriptions,unicode),
+        replacement and gref(descriptions,replacement),
+        value,
+        comment)
 end
 
 local function report_substitution(feature,lookupname,descriptions,unicode,substitution)
-    report_prepare("%s: base substitution %s => %s",cref(feature,lookupname),
-        gref(descriptions,unicode),gref(descriptions,substitution))
+    report_prepare("%s: base substitution %s => %S",
+        cref(feature,lookupname),
+        gref(descriptions,unicode),
+        gref(descriptions,substitution))
 end
 
 local function report_ligature(feature,lookupname,descriptions,unicode,ligature)
-    report_prepare("%s: base ligature %s => %s",cref(feature,lookupname),
-        gref(descriptions,ligature),gref(descriptions,unicode))
+    report_prepare("%s: base ligature %s => %S",
+        cref(feature,lookupname),
+        gref(descriptions,ligature),
+        gref(descriptions,unicode))
+end
+
+local function report_kern(feature,lookupname,descriptions,unicode,otherunicode,value)
+    report_prepare("%s: base kern %s + %s => %S",
+        cref(feature,lookupname),
+        gref(descriptions,unicode),
+        gref(descriptions,otherunicode),
+        value)
 end
 
 local basemethods = { }
@@ -108,7 +130,7 @@ local function registerbasehash(tfmdata)
     end
     properties.basehash = base
     properties.fullname = properties.fullname .. "-" .. base
- -- report_prepare("fullname base hash: '%s', featureset '%s'",tfmdata.properties.fullname,hash)
+ -- report_prepare("fullname base hash '%a, featureset %a",tfmdata.properties.fullname,hash)
     applied = { }
 end
 
@@ -355,15 +377,13 @@ local function preparepositionings(tfmdata,feature,value,validlookups,lookuplist
                                 newkerns = { [otherunicode] = value }
                                 done = true
                                 if traceindeed then
-                                    report_prepare("%s: base kern %s + %s => %s",cref(feature,lookup),
-                                        gref(descriptions,unicode),gref(descriptions,otherunicode),value)
+                                    report_kern(feature,lookup,descriptions,unicode,otherunicode,value)
                                 end
                             elseif not newkerns[otherunicode] then -- first wins
                                 newkerns[otherunicode] = value
                                 done = true
                                 if traceindeed then
-                                    report_prepare("%s: base kern %s + %s => %s",cref(feature,lookup),
-                                        gref(descriptions,unicode),gref(descriptions,otherunicode),value)
+                                    report_kern(feature,lookup,descriptions,unicode,otherunicode,value)
                                 end
                             end
                         end
@@ -413,7 +433,7 @@ local function make_2(present,tfmdata,characters,tree,name,preceding,unicode,don
             local character = characters[preceding]
             if not character then
                 if trace_baseinit then
-                    report_prepare("weird ligature in lookup %s: U+%05X (%s), preceding U+%05X (%s)",lookupname,v,utfchar(v),preceding,utfchar(preceding))
+                    report_prepare("weird ligature in lookup %a, current %C, preceding %C",lookupname,v,preceding)
                 end
                 character = makefake(tfmdata,name,present)
             end
@@ -544,8 +564,7 @@ local function preparepositionings(tfmdata,feature,value,validlookups,lookuplist
                 for otherunicode, kern in next, data do
                     if not kerns[otherunicode] and kern ~= 0 then
                         kerns[otherunicode] = kern
-                        report_prepare("%s: base kern %s + %s => %s",cref(feature,lookup),
-                            gref(descriptions,unicode),gref(descriptions,otherunicode),kern)
+                        report_kern(feature,lookup,descriptions,unicode,otherunicode,kern)
                     end
                 end
             else
@@ -612,7 +631,7 @@ local function featuresinitializer(tfmdata,value)
             registerbasehash(tfmdata)
         end
         if trace_preparing then
-            report_prepare("preparation time is %0.3f seconds for %s",os.clock()-t,tfmdata.properties.fullname or "?")
+            report_prepare("preparation time is %0.3f seconds for %a",os.clock()-t,tfmdata.properties.fullname)
         end
     end
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-otc.lua b/tex/context/base/font-otc.lua
index 980c6f637..a87dcadf8 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-otc.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-otc.lua
@@ -165,7 +165,7 @@ local function addfeature(data,feature,specifications)
             end
         end
         if trace_loading then
-            report_otf("enhance: registering feature '%s', %s glyphs affected, %s glyphs skipped",feature,done,skip)
+            report_otf("registering feature %a, affected glyphs %a, skipped glyphs %a",feature,done,skip)
         end
     end
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-otd.lua b/tex/context/base/font-otd.lua
index cedc66a72..9ff16ffd5 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-otd.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-otd.lua
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ function otf.setdynamics(font,attribute)
             set.mode = "node" -- really needed
             dsla = otf.setfeatures(tfmdata,set)
             if trace_dynamics then
-                report_otf("setting dynamics %s: attribute %s, script %s, language %s, set: %s",contextnumbers[attribute],attribute,script,language,sequenced(set))
+                report_otf("setting dynamics %s: attribute %a, script %a, language %a, set %a",contextnumbers[attribute],attribute,script,language,set)
             end
             -- we need to restore some values
             properties.script   = s_script
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ function otf.setdynamics(font,attribute)
             -- end of restore
             dynamics[script][language][attribute] = dsla -- cache
         elseif trace_dynamics then
-         -- report_otf("using dynamics %s: attribute %s, script %s, language %s",contextnumbers[attribute],attribute,script,language)
+         -- report_otf("using dynamics %s: attribute %a, script %a, language %a",contextnumbers[attribute],attribute,script,language)
         end
         return dsla
     end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-otf.lua b/tex/context/base/font-otf.lua
index 80a17aaca..8270f3410 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-otf.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-otf.lua
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ registerdirective("fonts.otf.loader.forcenotdef",   function(v) forcenotdef   =
 local function load_featurefile(raw,featurefile)
     if featurefile and featurefile ~= "" then
         if trace_loading then
-            report_otf("featurefile: %s", featurefile)
+            report_otf("using featurefile %a", featurefile)
         end
         fontloader.apply_featurefile(raw, featurefile)
     end
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ local function showfeatureorder(rawdata,filename)
     local sequences = rawdata.resources.sequences
     if sequences and #sequences > 0 then
         if trace_loading then
-            report_otf("font %s has %s sequences",filename,#sequences)
+            report_otf("font %a has %s sequences",filename,#sequences)
             report_otf(" ")
         end
         for nos=1,#sequences do
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ local function showfeatureorder(rawdata,filename)
             local subtables = sequence.subtables or { "no-subtables" }
             local features  = sequence.features
             if trace_loading then
-                report_otf("%3i  %-15s  %-20s  [%s]",nos,name,typ,concat(subtables,","))
+                report_otf("%3i  %-15s  %-20s  [% t]",nos,name,typ,subtables)
             end
             if features then
                 for feature, scripts in next, features do
@@ -120,14 +120,14 @@ local function showfeatureorder(rawdata,filename)
                             for language, _ in next, languages do
                                 ttt[#ttt+1] = language
                             end
-                            tt[#tt+1] = format("[%s: %s]",script,concat(ttt," "))
+                            tt[#tt+1] = formatters["[%s: % t]"](script,ttt)
                         end
                         if trace_loading then
-                            report_otf("       %s: %s",feature,concat(tt," "))
+                            report_otf("       %s: % t",feature,tt)
                         end
                     else
                         if trace_loading then
-                            report_otf("       %s: %s",feature,tostring(scripts))
+                            report_otf("       %s: %S",feature,scripts)
                         end
                     end
                 end
@@ -137,7 +137,7 @@ local function showfeatureorder(rawdata,filename)
             report_otf("\n")
         end
     elseif trace_loading then
-        report_otf("font %s has no sequences",filename)
+        report_otf("font %a has no sequences",filename)
     end
 end
 
@@ -252,19 +252,19 @@ local function enhance(name,data,filename,raw)
     local enhancer = actions[name]
     if enhancer then
         if trace_loading then
-            report_otf("enhance: %s (%s)",name,filename)
+            report_otf("apply enhancement %a to file %a",name,filename)
             ioflush()
         end
         enhancer(data,filename,raw)
-    elseif trace_loading then
-     -- report_otf("enhance: %s is undefined",name)
+    else
+        -- no message as we can have private ones
     end
 end
 
 function enhancers.apply(data,filename,raw)
     local basename = file.basename(lower(filename))
     if trace_loading then
-        report_otf("start enhancing: %s",filename)
+        report_otf("%s enhancing file %a","start",filename)
     end
     ioflush() -- we want instant messages
     for e=1,#ordered_enhancers do
@@ -289,7 +289,7 @@ function enhancers.apply(data,filename,raw)
         ioflush() -- we want instant messages
     end
     if trace_loading then
-        report_otf("stop enhancing")
+        report_otf("%s enhancing file %a","stop",filename)
     end
     ioflush() -- we want instant messages
 end
@@ -310,7 +310,7 @@ end
 
 function patches.report(fmt,...)
     if trace_loading then
-        report_otf("patching: " ..fmt,...)
+        report_otf("patching: %s",formatters[fmt](...))
     end
 end
 
@@ -319,7 +319,8 @@ function enhancers.register(what,action) -- only already registered can be overl
 end
 
 function otf.load(filename,format,sub,featurefile)
-    local name = file.basename(file.removesuffix(filename))
+    local base = file.basename(file.removesuffix(filename))
+    local name = file.removesuffix(base)
     local attr = lfs.attributes(filename)
     local size = attr and attr.size or 0
     local time = attr and attr.modification or 0
@@ -340,7 +341,7 @@ function otf.load(filename,format,sub,featurefile)
         for s in gmatch(featurefile,"[^,]+") do
             local name = resolvers.findfile(file.addsuffix(s,'fea'),'fea') or ""
             if name == "" then
-                report_otf("loading: no featurefile '%s'",s)
+                report_otf("loading error, no featurefile %a",s)
             else
                 local attr = lfs.attributes(name)
                 featurefiles[#featurefiles+1] = {
@@ -357,7 +358,7 @@ function otf.load(filename,format,sub,featurefile)
     local data = containers.read(otf.cache,hash)
     local reload = not data or data.size ~= size or data.time ~= time
     if forceload then
-        report_otf("loading: forced reload due to hard coded flag")
+        report_otf("forced reload of %a due to hard coded flag",filename)
         reload = true
     end
     if not reload then
@@ -378,11 +379,11 @@ function otf.load(filename,format,sub,featurefile)
             reload = true
         end
         if reload then
-           report_otf("loading: forced reload due to changed featurefile specification: %s",featurefile or "--")
+           report_otf("loading: forced reload due to changed featurefile specification %a",featurefile)
         end
      end
      if reload then
-        report_otf("loading: %s (hash: %s)",filename,hash)
+        report_otf("loading %a, hash %a",filename,hash)
         local fontdata, messages
         if sub then
             fontdata, messages = fontloader.open(filename,sub)
@@ -397,11 +398,11 @@ function otf.load(filename,format,sub,featurefile)
                 report_otf("warning: %s",messages)
             else
                 for m=1,#messages do
-                    report_otf("warning: %s",tostring(messages[m]))
+                    report_otf("warning: %S",messages[m])
                 end
             end
         else
-            report_otf("font loaded okay")
+            report_otf("loading done")
         end
         if fontdata then
             if featurefiles then
@@ -462,14 +463,14 @@ function otf.load(filename,format,sub,featurefile)
                 enhance("pack",data,filename,nil)
                 stoptiming(packtime)
             end
-            report_otf("saving in cache: %s",filename)
+            report_otf("saving %a in cache",filename)
             data = containers.write(otf.cache, hash, data)
             if cleanup > 1 then
                 collectgarbage("collect")
             end
             stoptiming(data)
             if elapsedtime then -- not in generic
-                report_otf("preprocessing and caching took %s seconds (packtime: %s)",
+                report_otf("preprocessing and caching time %s, packtime %s",
                     elapsedtime(data),packdata and elapsedtime(packtime) or 0)
             end
             fontloader.close(fontdata) -- free memory
@@ -482,12 +483,12 @@ function otf.load(filename,format,sub,featurefile)
             end
         else
             data = nil
-            report_otf("loading failed (file read error)")
+            report_otf("loading failed due to read error")
         end
     end
     if data then
         if trace_defining then
-            report_otf("loading from cache: %s",hash)
+            report_otf("loading from cache using hash %a",hash)
         end
         enhance("unpack",data,filename,nil,false)
         enhance("add dimensions",data,filename,nil,false)
@@ -527,13 +528,14 @@ actions["add dimensions"] = function(data,filename)
         local defaultwidth  = resources.defaultwidth  or 0
         local defaultheight = resources.defaultheight or 0
         local defaultdepth  = resources.defaultdepth  or 0
+        local basename      = trace_markwidth and file.basename(filename)
         if usemetatables then
             for _, d in next, descriptions do
                 local wd = d.width
                 if not wd then
                     d.width = defaultwidth
                 elseif trace_markwidth and wd ~= 0 and d.class == "mark" then
-                    report_otf("mark with width %s (%s) in %s",wd,d.name or "<noname>",file.basename(filename))
+                    report_otf("mark %a with width %b found in %s",d.name or "<noname>",wd,basename)
                  -- d.width  = -wd
                 end
                 setmetatable(d,mt)
@@ -544,7 +546,7 @@ actions["add dimensions"] = function(data,filename)
                 if not wd then
                     d.width = defaultwidth
                 elseif trace_markwidth and wd ~= 0 and d.class == "mark" then
-                    report_otf("mark with width %s (%s) in %s",wd,d.name or "<noname>",file.basename(filename))
+                    report_otf("mark %a with width %b found in %s",d.name or "<noname>",wd,basename)
                  -- d.width  = -wd
                 end
              -- if forcenotdef and not d.name then
@@ -648,7 +650,7 @@ actions["prepare glyphs"] = function(data,filename,raw)
                                 unicode = private
                                 unicodes[name] = private
                                 if trace_private then
-                                    report_otf("enhance: glyph %s at index 0x%04X is moved to private unicode slot U+%05X",name,index,private)
+                                    report_otf("glyph %a at index %H is moved to private unicode slot %U",name,index,private)
                                 end
                                 private = private + 1
                                 nofnames = nofnames + 1
@@ -672,7 +674,7 @@ actions["prepare glyphs"] = function(data,filename,raw)
 
                             descriptions[unicode] = description
                         else
-                         -- report_otf("potential problem: glyph 0x%04X is used but empty",index)
+                         -- report_otf("potential problem: glyph %U is used but empty",index)
                         end
                     end
                 end
@@ -680,10 +682,10 @@ actions["prepare glyphs"] = function(data,filename,raw)
                     report_otf("cid font remapped, %s unicode points, %s symbolic names, %s glyphs",nofunicodes, nofnames, nofunicodes+nofnames)
                 end
             elseif trace_loading then
-                report_otf("unable to remap cid font, missing cid file for %s",filename)
+                report_otf("unable to remap cid font, missing cid file for %a",filename)
             end
         elseif trace_loading then
-            report_otf("font %s has no glyphs",filename)
+            report_otf("font %a has no glyphs",filename)
         end
 
     else
@@ -697,7 +699,7 @@ actions["prepare glyphs"] = function(data,filename,raw)
                     unicode = private
                     unicodes[name] = private
                     if trace_private then
-                        report_otf("enhance: glyph %s at index 0x%04X is moved to private unicode slot U+%05X",name,index,private)
+                        report_otf("glyph %a at index %H is moved to private unicode slot %U",name,index,private)
                     end
                     private = private + 1
                 else
@@ -740,7 +742,7 @@ actions["prepare glyphs"] = function(data,filename,raw)
                     end
                 end
             else
-                report_otf("potential problem: glyph 0x%04X is used but empty",index)
+                report_otf("potential problem: glyph %U is used but empty",index)
             end
         end
 
@@ -772,22 +774,22 @@ actions["check encoding"] = function(data,filename,raw)
 
     if find(encname,"unicode") then -- unicodebmp, unicodefull, ...
         if trace_loading then
-            report_otf("checking embedded unicode map '%s'",encname)
+            report_otf("checking embedded unicode map %a",encname)
         end
         for unicode, index in next, unicodetoindex do -- altuni already covers this
             if unicode <= criterium and not descriptions[unicode] then
                 local parent = indices[index] -- why nil?
                 if parent then
-                    report_otf("weird, unicode U+%05X points to U+%05X with index 0x%04X",unicode,parent,index)
+                    report_otf("weird, unicode %U points to %U with index %H",unicode,parent,index)
                 else
-                    report_otf("weird, unicode U+%05X points to nowhere with index 0x%04X",unicode,index)
+                    report_otf("weird, unicode %U points to nowhere with index %H",unicode,index)
                 end
             end
         end
     elseif properties.cidinfo then
-        report_otf("warning: no unicode map, used cidmap '%s'",properties.cidinfo.usedname or "?")
+        report_otf("warning: no unicode map, used cidmap %a",properties.cidinfo.usedname)
     else
-        report_otf("warning: non unicode map '%s', only using glyph unicode data",encname or "whatever")
+        report_otf("warning: non unicode map %a, only using glyph unicode data",encname or "whatever")
     end
 
     if mapdata then
@@ -829,7 +831,7 @@ actions["add duplicates"] = function(data,filename,raw)
                     -- todo: lookups etc
                 end
                 if trace_loading then
-                    report_otf("duplicating U+%05X to U+%05X with index 0x%04X (%s kerns)",unicode,u,description.index,n)
+                    report_otf("duplicating %U to %U with index %H (%s kerns)",unicode,u,description.index,n)
                 end
             end
         end
@@ -1342,7 +1344,7 @@ local function check_variants(unicode,the_variants,splitter,unicodes)
         for i=1,#glyphs do
             local g = glyphs[i]
             if done[g] then
-                report_otf("skipping cyclic reference U+%05X in math variant U+%05X",g,unicode)
+                report_otf("skipping cyclic reference %U in math variant %U",g,unicode)
             else
                 if n == 0 then
                     n = 1
@@ -1458,7 +1460,7 @@ actions["reorganize glyph kerns"] = function(data,filename,raw)
                             end
                         end
                     elseif trace_loading then
-                        report_otf("problems with unicode %s of kern %s of glyph U+%05X",name,k,unicode)
+                        report_otf("problems with unicode %a of kern %a of glyph %U",name,k,unicode)
                     end
                 end
             end
@@ -1546,7 +1548,7 @@ actions["merge kern classes"] = function(data,filename,raw)
                                                     lookupkerns[second_unicode] = kern
                                                 end
                                             elseif trace_loading then
-                                                report_otf("no glyph data for U+%05X", first_unicode)
+                                                report_otf("no glyph data for %U", first_unicode)
                                             end
                                         end
                                     end
@@ -1624,7 +1626,7 @@ actions["reorganize glyph lookups"] = function(data,filename,raw)
                     if not lt then
                         lookuptypes[tag] = lookuptype
                     elseif lt ~= lookuptype then
-                        report_otf("conflicting lookuptypes: %s => %s and %s",tag,lt,lookuptype)
+                        report_otf("conflicting lookuptypes, %a points to %a and %a",tag,lt,lookuptype)
                     end
                     if lookuptype == "ligature" then
                         lookuplist[l] = { lpegmatch(splitter,specification.components) }
@@ -1781,7 +1783,7 @@ local function copytotfm(data,cache_id)
                         for i=1,#variants do
                             local un = variants[i]
                          -- if done[un] then
-                         --  -- report_otf("skipping cyclic reference U+%05X in math variant U+%05X",un,unicode)
+                         --  -- report_otf("skipping cyclic reference %U in math variant %U",un,unicode)
                          -- else
                                 c.next = un
                                 c = characters[un]
@@ -1800,7 +1802,7 @@ local function copytotfm(data,cache_id)
                         for i=1,#variants do
                             local un = variants[i]
                          -- if done[un] then
-                         --  -- report_otf("skipping cyclic reference U+%05X in math variant U+%05X",un,unicode)
+                         --  -- report_otf("skipping cyclic reference %U in math variant %U",un,unicode)
                          -- else
                                 c.next = un
                                 c = characters[un]
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-otn.lua b/tex/context/base/font-otn.lua
index cfdbdbaca..b6ee5a475 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-otn.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-otn.lua
@@ -271,42 +271,47 @@ local function logwarning(...)
     report_direct(...)
 end
 
-local function gref(n)
+local formatters = string.formatters
+local f_unicode  = formatters["%U"]
+local f_uniname  = formatters["%U (%s)"]
+local f_unilist  = formatters["% t (% t)"]
+
+local function gref(n) -- currently the same as in font-otb
     if type(n) == "number" then
         local description = descriptions[n]
         local name = description and description.name
         if name then
-            return format("U+%05X (%s)",n,name)
+            return f_uniname(n,name)
         else
-            return format("U+%05X",n)
+            return f_unicode(n)
         end
-    elseif not n then
-        return "<error in tracing>"
-    else
+    elseif n then
         local num, nam = { }, { }
         for i=1,#n do
             local ni = n[i]
             if tonumber(ni) then -- later we will start at 2
                 local di = descriptions[ni]
-                num[i] = format("U+%05X",ni)
-                nam[i] = di and di.name or "?"
+                num[i] = f_unicode(ni)
+                nam[i] = di and di.name or "-"
             end
         end
-        return format("%s (%s)",concat(num," "), concat(nam," "))
+        return f_unilist(num,nam)
+    else
+        return "<error in node mode tracing>"
     end
 end
 
 local function cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,index)
     if index then
-        return format("feature %s, chain %s, sub %s, lookup %s, index %s",kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,index)
+        return formatters["feature %a, chain %a, sub %a, lookup %a, index %a"](kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,index)
     elseif lookupname then
-        return format("feature %s, chain %s, sub %s, lookup %s",kind,chainname or "?",chainlookupname or "?",lookupname)
+        return formatters["feature %a, chain %a, sub %a, lookup %a"](kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname)
     elseif chainlookupname then
-        return format("feature %s, chain %s, sub %s",kind,chainname or "?",chainlookupname)
+        return formatters["feature %a, chain %a, sub %a"](kind,chainname,chainlookupname)
     elseif chainname then
-        return format("feature %s, chain %s",kind,chainname)
+        return formatters["feature %a, chain %a"](kind,chainname)
     else
-        return format("feature %s",kind)
+        return formatters["feature %a"](kind)
     end
 end
 
@@ -2215,7 +2220,7 @@ elseif id == math_code then
                                             rlmode = rlparmode
                                         end
                                         if trace_directions then
-                                            report_process("directions after txtdir %s: txtdir=%s:%s, parmode=%s, txtmode=%s",dir,topstack,newdir or "unset",rlparmode,rlmode)
+                                            report_process("directions after txtdir %a: parmode %a, txtmode %a, # stack %a, new dir %a",dir,rlparmode,rlmode,topstack,newdir)
                                         end
                                     elseif subtype == localpar_code then
                                         local dir = start.dir
@@ -2228,12 +2233,12 @@ elseif id == math_code then
                                         end
                                         rlmode = rlparmode
                                         if trace_directions then
-                                            report_process("directions after pardir %s: parmode=%s, txtmode=%s",dir,rlparmode,rlmode)
+                                            report_process("directions after pardir %a: parmode %a, txtmode %a",dir,rlparmode,rlmode)
                                         end
                                     end
                                     start = start.next
-elseif id == math_code then
-    start = endofmath(start).next
+                                elseif id == math_code then
+                                    start = endofmath(start).next
                                 else
                                     start = start.next
                                 end
@@ -2295,7 +2300,7 @@ elseif id == math_code then
                                         rlmode = rlparmode
                                     end
                                     if trace_directions then
-                                        report_process("directions after txtdir %s: txtdir=%s:%s, parmode=%s, txtmode=%s",dir,topstack,newdir or "unset",rlparmode,rlmode)
+                                        report_process("directions after txtdir %a: parmode %a, txtmode %a, # stack %a, new dir %a",dir,rlparmode,rlmode,topstack,newdir)
                                     end
                                 elseif subtype == localpar_code then
                                     local dir = start.dir
@@ -2308,12 +2313,12 @@ elseif id == math_code then
                                     end
                                     rlmode = rlparmode
                                     if trace_directions then
-                                        report_process("directions after pardir %s: parmode=%s, txtmode=%s",dir,rlparmode,rlmode)
+                                        report_process("directions after pardir %a: parmode %a, txtmode %a",dir,rlparmode,rlmode)
                                     end
                                 end
                                 start = start.next
-elseif id == math_code then
-    start = endofmath(start).next
+                            elseif id == math_code then
+                                start = endofmath(start).next
                             else
                                 start = start.next
                             end
@@ -2491,10 +2496,10 @@ local function prepare_contextchains(tfmdata)
                     local format = lookupdata.format
                     local validformat = valid[format]
                     if not validformat then
-                        report_prepare("unsupported format %s",format)
+                        report_prepare("unsupported format %a",format)
                     elseif not validformat[lookuptype] then
                         -- todo: dejavu-serif has one (but i need to see what use it has)
-                        report_prepare("unsupported %s %s for %s",format,lookuptype,lookupname)
+                        report_prepare("unsupported format %a, lookuptype %a, lookupname %a",format,lookuptype,lookupname)
                     else
                         local contexts = lookuphash[lookupname]
                         if not contexts then
@@ -2550,7 +2555,7 @@ local function prepare_contextchains(tfmdata)
                     -- no rules
                 end
             else
-                report_prepare("missing lookuptype for %s",lookupname)
+                report_prepare("missing lookuptype for lookupname %a",lookupname)
             end
         end
     end
@@ -2571,7 +2576,7 @@ local function featuresinitializer(tfmdata,value)
             prepare_lookups(tfmdata)
             properties.initialized = true
             if trace_preparing then
-                report_prepare("preparation time is %0.3f seconds for %s",os.clock()-starttime,tfmdata.properties.fullname or "?")
+                report_prepare("preparation time is %0.3f seconds for %a",os.clock()-starttime,tfmdata.properties.fullname)
             end
         end
     end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-ott.lua b/tex/context/base/font-ott.lua
index 5605474ed..c5430a828 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-ott.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-ott.lua
@@ -711,7 +711,7 @@ setmetatableindex(scripts, function(t,k)
         if v then
             return v
         elseif acceptscripts then
-            report_checks("registering extra script: %s",k)
+            report_checks("registering extra script %a",k)
             rawset(t,k,k)
             return k
         end
@@ -734,7 +734,7 @@ setmetatableindex(languages, function(t,k)
         if v then
             return v
         elseif acceptlanguages then
-            report_checks("registering extra languages: %s",k)
+            report_checks("registering extra language %a",k)
             rawset(t,k,k)
             return k
         end
@@ -853,7 +853,7 @@ function otf.features.normalize(features)
                 local uk = usedfeatures[key]
                 local uv = uk[value]
                 if uv then
-                 -- report_checks("feature value %q first seen at %q",value,key)
+                 -- report_checks("feature value %a first seen at %a",value,key)
                 else
                     if type(value) == "string" then
                         local b = is_boolean(value)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-pat.lua b/tex/context/base/font-pat.lua
index 172dc3e94..3ad37641c 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-pat.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-pat.lua
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ local function patch(data,filename)
     if data.design_size == 0 then
         local ds = match(file.basename(lower(filename)),"(%d+)")
         if ds then
-            report("design size (%s)",ds)
+            report("font %a has design size %a",filename,ds)
             data.design_size = tonumber(ds) * 10
         end
     end
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ local function patch(data,filename)
         for k=1,#gpos do
             local v = gpos[k]
             if not v.features and v.type == "gpos_mark2mark" then
-                report("mkmk feature (name: %s)", v.name or "?")
+                report("mkmk feature, name %a", v.name)
                 v.features = {
                     {
                         scripts = {
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-sol.lua b/tex/context/base/font-sol.lua
index 874a485cc..3114e3847 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-sol.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-sol.lua
@@ -212,10 +212,10 @@ local function convert(featuresets,name,list)
                 nofnumbers = nofnumbers + 1
                 numbers[nofnumbers] = fn
                 if trace_goodies or trace_optimize then
-                    report_solutions("solution %s of '%s' uses feature '%s' with number %s",i,name,feature,fn)
+                    report_solutions("solution %a of %a uses feature %a with number %s",i,name,feature,fn)
                 end
             else
-                report_solutions("solution %s has an invalid feature reference '%s'",i,name,tostring(feature))
+                report_solutions("solution %a has an invalid feature reference %a",i,name,tostring(feature))
             end
         end
         return nofnumbers > 0 and numbers
@@ -228,7 +228,7 @@ local function initialize(goodies)
         local featuresets = goodies.featuresets
         local goodiesname = goodies.name
         if trace_goodies or trace_optimize then
-            report_solutions("checking solutions in '%s'",goodiesname)
+            report_solutions("checking solutions in %a",goodiesname)
         end
         for name, set in next, solutions do
             set.less = convert(featuresets,name,set.less)
@@ -286,7 +286,7 @@ function splitters.define(name,settings)
         end
     end
     if trace_optimize then
-        report_solutions("defining solutions '%s', less: '%s', more: '%s'",name,concat(less_set or {}," "),concat(more_set or {}," "))
+        report_solutions("defining solutions %a, less %a, more %a",name,concat(less_set or {}," "),concat(more_set or {}," "))
     end
     local nofsolutions = #solutions + 1
     local t = {
@@ -353,7 +353,7 @@ function splitters.split(head)
             font      = font
         }
         if trace_split then
-            report_splitters("cached %4i: font: %s, attribute: %s, direction: %s, word: %s",
+            report_splitters("cached %4i: font %a, attribute %a, direction %a, word %a",
                 n, font, attribute, nodes_to_utf(list,true), rlmode and "r2l" or "l2r")
         end
         cache[n] = c
@@ -468,7 +468,7 @@ local function collect_words(list) -- can be made faster for attributes
                     if id == disc_code then
                         report_splitters("skipped: disc node")
                     else
-                        report_splitters("skipped: %s",utfchar(current.char))
+                        report_splitters("skipped: %C",current.char)
                     end
                 end
             elseif id == kern_code and (current.subtype == fontkern_code or current[a_fontkern]) then
@@ -485,7 +485,7 @@ local function collect_words(list) -- can be made faster for attributes
                 first = nil
                 if id == disc_node then
                     if trace_split then
-                        report_splitters("skipped disc node")
+                        report_splitters("skipped: disc node")
                     end
                 end
             end
@@ -501,9 +501,9 @@ local function collect_words(list) -- can be made faster for attributes
                 local n, f, l = w[1], w[2], w[3]
                 local c = cache[n]
                 if c then
-                    report_splitters("found %4i: word: %s, cached: %s",n,nodes_to_utf(f,true,true,l),nodes_to_utf(c.original,true))
+                    report_splitters("found %4i: word %a, cached %a",n,nodes_to_utf(f,true,true,l),nodes_to_utf(c.original,true))
                 else
-                    report_splitters("found %4i: word: %s, not in cache",n,nodes_to_utf(f,true,true,l))
+                    report_splitters("found %4i: word %a, not in cache",n,nodes_to_utf(f,true,true,l))
                 end
             end
         end
@@ -587,7 +587,7 @@ local function doit(word,list,best,width,badness,line,set,listdir)
                         first = processes[i](first,font,featurenumber)
                     end
                 else
-                    report_solutions("fatal error, no dynamics for font %s",font)
+                    report_solutions("fatal error, no dynamics for font %a",font)
                 end
                 first = inject_kerns(first)
                 if first.id == whatsit_code then
@@ -609,7 +609,7 @@ local function doit(word,list,best,width,badness,line,set,listdir)
                 local temp, b = repack_hlist(list,width,'exactly',listdir)
                 if b > badness then
                     if trace_optimize then
-                        report_optimizers("line %s, badness before: %s, after: %s, criterium: %s -> quit",line,badness,b,criterium)
+                        report_optimizers("line %a, badness before %a, after %a, criterium %a, verdict %a",line,badness,b,criterium,"quit")
                     end
                     -- remove last insert
                     prev.next = h
@@ -624,7 +624,7 @@ local function doit(word,list,best,width,badness,line,set,listdir)
                     free_nodelist(first)
                 else
                     if trace_optimize then
-                        report_optimizers("line %s, badness before: %s, after: %s, criterium: %s -> continue",line,badness,b,criterium)
+                        report_optimizers("line %a, badness before: %a, after %a, criterium %a, verdict %a",line,badness,b,criterium,"continue")
                     end
                     -- free old h->t
                     t.next = nil
@@ -712,7 +712,7 @@ local function show_quality(current,what,line)
     local sign   = current.glue_sign
     local order  = current.glue_order
     local amount = set * ((sign == 2 and -1) or 1)
-    report_optimizers("line %s, %s, amount %s, set %s, sign %s (%s), order %s",line,what,amount,set,sign,how,order)
+    report_optimizers("line %a, category %a, amount %a, set %a, sign %a, how %a, order %a",line,what,amount,set,sign,how,order)
 end
 
 function splitters.optimize(head)
@@ -734,34 +734,33 @@ function splitters.optimize(head)
     local tex_hbadness, tex_hfuzz = tex.hbadness, tex.hfuzz
     tex.hbadness, tex.hfuzz = 10000, number.maxdimen
     if trace_optimize then
-        report_optimizers("preroll: %s, variant: %s, preroll criterium: %s, cache size: %s",
-            tostring(preroll),variant,criterium,nc)
+        report_optimizers("preroll %a, variant %a, criterium %a, cache size %a",preroll,variant,criterium,nc)
     end
     for current in traverse_ids(hlist_code,head) do
      -- report_splitters("before: [%s] => %s",current.dir,nodes.tosequence(current.list,nil))
         line = line + 1
         local sign, dir, list, width = current.glue_sign, current.dir, current.list, current.width
-if not encapsulate and list.id == glyph_code then
-    -- nasty .. we always assume a prev being there .. future luatex will always have a leftskip set
- -- current.list, list = insert_node_before(list,list,new_glue(0))
-    current.list, list = insert_node_before(list,list,new_leftskip(0))
-end
+        if not encapsulate and list.id == glyph_code then
+            -- nasty .. we always assume a prev being there .. future luatex will always have a leftskip set
+         -- current.list, list = insert_node_before(list,list,new_glue(0))
+            current.list, list = insert_node_before(list,list,new_leftskip(0))
+        end
         local temp, badness = repack_hlist(list,width,'exactly',dir) -- it would be nice if the badness was stored in the node
         if badness > 0 then
             if sign == 0 then
                 if trace_optimize then
-                    report_optimizers("line %s, badness %s, okay",line,badness)
+                    report_optimizers("line %a, badness %a, outcome %a, verdict %a",line,badness,"okay","okay")
                 end
             else
                 local set, max
                 if sign == 1 then
                     if trace_optimize then
-                        report_optimizers("line %s, badness %s, underfull, trying more",line,badness)
+                        report_optimizers("line %a, badness %a, outcome %a, verdict %a",line,badness,"underfull","trying more")
                     end
                     set, max = "more", max_more
                 else
                     if trace_optimize then
-                        report_optimizers("line %s, badness %s, overfull, trying less",line,badness)
+                        report_optimizers("line %a, badness %a, outcome %a, verdict %a",line,badness,"overfull","trying less")
                     end
                     set, max = "less", max_less
                 end
@@ -779,7 +778,7 @@ end
                             local temp, done, changes, b = optimize(words,base,j,width,badness,line,set,dir)
                             base = temp
                             if trace_optimize then
-                                report_optimizers("line %s, alternative: %s.%s, changes: %s, badness %s",line,i,j,changes,b)
+                                report_optimizers("line %a, alternative %a.%a, changes %a, badness %a",line,i,j,changes,b)
                             end
                             bb = b
                             if b <= criterium then
@@ -806,7 +805,7 @@ end
                     local temp, done, changes, b = optimize(words,list,best,width,badness,line,set,dir)
                     current.list = temp
                     if trace_optimize then
-                        report_optimizers("line %s, alternative: %s, changes: %s, badness %s",line,best,changes,b)
+                        report_optimizers("line %a, alternative %a, changes %a, badness %a",line,best,changes,b)
                     end
                     if done then
                         if b <= criterium then -- was == 0
@@ -818,7 +817,7 @@ end
             end
         else
             if trace_optimize then
-                report_optimizers("line %s, not bad enough",line)
+                report_optimizers("line %a, verdict %a",line,"not bad enough")
             end
         end
         -- we pack inside the outer hpack and that way keep the original wd/ht/dp as bonus
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-syn.lua b/tex/context/base/font-syn.lua
index 63564f4f9..3436465f5 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-syn.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-syn.lua
@@ -187,13 +187,13 @@ function names.splitspec(askedname)
     width   = width   and lpegmatch(widths,  width)   or width
     variant = variant and lpegmatch(variants,variant) or variant
     if trace_names then
-        report_names("requested name '%s' split in name '%s', weight '%s', style '%s', width '%s' and variant '%s'",
-            askedname,name or '',weight or '',style or '',width or '',variant or '')
+        report_names("requested name %a split in name %a, weight %a, style %a, width %a and variant %a",
+            askedname,name,weight,style,width,variant)
     end
     if not weight or not weight or not width or not variant then
         weight, style, width, variant = weight or "normal", style or "normal", width or "normal", variant or "normal"
         if trace_names then
-            report_names("request '%s' normalized to '%s-%s-%s-%s-%s'",
+            report_names("request %a normalized to '%s-%s-%s-%s-%s'",
                 askedname,name,weight,style,width,variant)
         end
     end
@@ -287,7 +287,7 @@ function names.getpaths(trace)
             local v = resolvers.cleanpath(t[i])
             v = gsub(v,"/+$","") -- not needed any more
             local key = lower(v)
-            report_names("adding path from %s: %s",where,v)
+            report_names("%a specifies path %a",where,v)
             if not hash[key] then
                 r = r + 1
                 result[r] = v
@@ -316,7 +316,7 @@ function names.getpaths(trace)
             end
             if name ~= "" and lfs.isfile(name) then
                 if trace_names then
-                    report_names("loading fontconfig file: %s",name)
+                    report_names("%s fontconfig file %a","loading",name)
                 end
                 local xmldata = xml.load(name)
                 -- begin of untested mess
@@ -329,11 +329,11 @@ function names.getpaths(trace)
                     end
                     if lfs.isfile(incname) then
                         if trace_names then
-                            report_names("merging included fontconfig file: %s",incname)
+                            report_names("%s fontconfig file %a","merging included",incname)
                         end
                         return io.loaddata(incname)
                     elseif trace_names then
-                        report_names("ignoring included fontconfig file: %s",incname)
+                        report_names("%s fontconfig file: %a","ignoring included",incname)
                     end
                 end)
                 -- end of untested mess
@@ -389,7 +389,7 @@ local function walk_tree(pathlist,suffix,identify)
             path = resolvers.cleanpath(path .. "/")
             path = gsub(path,"/+","/")
             local pattern = path .. "**." .. suffix -- ** forces recurse
-            report_names( "globbing path %s",pattern)
+            report_names("globbing path %a",pattern)
             local t = dir.glob(pattern)
             sort(t,sorter)
             for j=1,#t do
@@ -608,12 +608,12 @@ local function checkduplicate(where) -- fails on "Romantik" but that's a border
         local nv = #v
         if nv > 1 then
             if trace_warnings then
-                report_names( "double lookup: %s => %s",k,concat(v," | "))
+                report_names("lookup %a clashes with %a",k,v)
             end
             n = n + nv
         end
     end
-    report_names( "%s double lookups in %s",n,where)
+    report_names("%a double lookups in %a",n,where)
 end
 
 local function checkduplicates()
@@ -679,20 +679,20 @@ local function analyzefiles()
         if done[name] then
             -- already done (avoid otf afm clash)
             if trace_names then
-                report_names("%s font %s already done",suffix,completename)
+                report_names("%s font %a already done",suffix,completename)
             end
             nofduplicates = nofduplicates + 1
             nofskipped = nofskipped + 1
         elseif not io.exists(completename) then
             -- weird error
             if trace_names then
-                report_names("%s font %s does not really exist",suffix,completename)
+                report_names("%s font %a does not really exist",suffix,completename)
             end
             nofskipped = nofskipped + 1
         elseif not file.is_qualified_path(completename) and resolvers.findfile(completename,suffix) == "" then
             -- not locateble by backend anyway
             if trace_names then
-                report_names("%s font %s cannot be found by backend",suffix,completename)
+                report_names("%s font %a cannot be found by backend",suffix,completename)
             end
             nofskipped = nofskipped + 1
         else
@@ -700,7 +700,7 @@ local function analyzefiles()
                 for i=1,#skip_paths do
                     if find(basepath,skip_paths[i]) then
                         if trace_names then
-                            report_names("rejecting path of %s font %s",suffix,completename)
+                            report_names("rejecting path of %s font %a",suffix,completename)
                         end
                         nofskipped = nofskipped + 1
                         return
@@ -712,7 +712,7 @@ local function analyzefiles()
                     if find(basename,skip_names[i]) then
                         done[name] = true
                         if trace_names then
-                            report_names("rejecting name of %s font %s",suffix,completename)
+                            report_names("rejecting name of %s font %a",suffix,completename)
                         end
                         nofskipped = nofskipped + 1
                         return
@@ -720,7 +720,7 @@ local function analyzefiles()
                 end
             end
             if trace_names then
-                report_names("identifying %s font %s",suffix,completename)
+                report_names("identifying %s font %a",suffix,completename)
             end
             local result, message = filters[lower(suffix)](completename)
             if result then
@@ -738,11 +738,11 @@ local function analyzefiles()
                  -- end
                 end
                 if trace_warnings and message and message ~= "" then
-                    report_names("warning when identifying %s font %s: %s",suffix,completename,message)
+                    report_names("warning when identifying %s font %a, %s",suffix,completename,message)
                 end
             elseif trace_warnings then
                 nofskipped = nofskipped + 1
-                report_names("error when identifying %s font %s: %s",suffix,completename,message or "unknown")
+                report_names("error when identifying %s font %a, %s",suffix,completename,message or "unknown")
             end
             done[name] = true
         end
@@ -755,19 +755,19 @@ local function analyzefiles()
             local t = os.gettimeofday() -- use elapser
             nofread, nofskipped, nofduplicates = 0, 0, 0
             suffix = lower(suffix)
-            report_names( "identifying %s font files with suffix %s",what,suffix)
+            report_names("identifying %s font files with suffix %a",what,suffix)
             method(suffix)
             suffix = upper(suffix)
-            report_names( "identifying %s font files with suffix %s",what,suffix)
+            report_names("identifying %s font files with suffix %a",what,suffix)
             method(suffix)
             totalnofread, totalnofskipped, totalnofduplicates = totalnofread + nofread, totalnofskipped + nofskipped, totalnofduplicates + nofduplicates
             local elapsed = os.gettimeofday() - t
-            report_names( "%s %s files identified, %s skipped, %s duplicates, %s hash entries added, runtime %0.3f seconds",nofread,what,nofskipped,nofduplicates,nofread-nofskipped,elapsed)
+            report_names("%s %s files identified, %s skipped, %s duplicates, %s hash entries added, runtime %0.3f seconds",nofread,what,nofskipped,nofduplicates,nofread-nofskipped,elapsed)
         end
         logs.flush()
     end
     if not trace_warnings then
-        report_names( "warnings are disabled (tracker 'fonts.warnings')")
+        report_names("warnings are disabled (tracker 'fonts.warnings')")
     end
     traverse("tree", function(suffix) -- TEXTREE only
         resolvers.dowithfilesintree(".*%." .. suffix .. "$", function(method,root,path,name)
@@ -779,10 +779,10 @@ local function analyzefiles()
             end
         end, function(blobtype,blobpath,pattern)
             blobpath = resolvers.resolve(blobpath) -- no shortcut
-            report_names( "scanning %s for %s files",blobpath,suffix)
+            report_names("scanning path %a for %s files",blobpath,suffix)
         end, function(blobtype,blobpath,pattern,total,checked,done)
             blobpath = resolvers.resolve(blobpath) -- no shortcut
-            report_names( "%s entries found, %s %s files checked, %s okay",total,checked,suffix,done)
+            report_names("%s entries found, %s %s files checked, %s okay",total,checked,suffix,done)
         end)
     end)
     if texconfig.kpse_init then
@@ -820,7 +820,7 @@ local function rejectclashes() -- just to be sure, so no explicit afm will be fo
             local fnd, fnm = used[f], s.filename
             if fnd then
                 if trace_warnings then
-                    report_names( "fontname '%s' clashes, rejecting '%s' in favor of '%s'",f,fnm,fnd)
+                    report_names("fontname %a clashes, %a rejected in favor of %a",f,fnm,fnd)
                 end
             else
                 used[f] = fnm
@@ -834,7 +834,7 @@ local function rejectclashes() -- just to be sure, so no explicit afm will be fo
     end
     local d = #specifications - #okay
     if d > 0 then
-        report_names( "%s files rejected due to clashes",d)
+        report_names("%s files rejected due to clashes",d)
     end
     names.data.specifications = okay
 end
@@ -1005,7 +1005,7 @@ local function foundname(name,sub) -- sub is not used currently
         local found = mappings[l][name]
         if found then
             if trace_names then
-                report_names("resolved via direct name match: '%s'",name)
+                report_names("resolved via direct name match: %a",name)
             end
             return found
         end
@@ -1015,7 +1015,7 @@ local function foundname(name,sub) -- sub is not used currently
         local found, fname = fuzzy(mappings[l],sorted_mappings[l],name,sub)
         if found then
             if trace_names then
-                report_names("resolved via fuzzy name match: '%s' => '%s'",name,fname)
+                report_names("resolved via fuzzy name match: %a onto %a",name,fname)
             end
             return found
         end
@@ -1025,7 +1025,7 @@ local function foundname(name,sub) -- sub is not used currently
         local found = fallbacks[l][name]
         if found then
             if trace_names then
-                report_names("resolved via direct fallback match: '%s'",name)
+                report_names("resolved via direct fallback match: %a",name)
             end
             return found
         end
@@ -1035,13 +1035,13 @@ local function foundname(name,sub) -- sub is not used currently
         local found, fname = fuzzy(sorted_mappings[l],sorted_fallbacks[l],name,sub)
         if found then
             if trace_names then
-                report_names("resolved via fuzzy fallback match: '%s' => '%s'",name,fname)
+                report_names("resolved via fuzzy fallback match: %a onto %a",name,fname)
             end
             return found
         end
     end
     if trace_names then
-        report_names("font with name '%s' cannot be found",name)
+        report_names("font with name %a cannot be found",name)
     end
 end
 
@@ -1291,36 +1291,34 @@ local function collect(stage,found,done,name,weight,style,width,variant,all)
     strictname = "^".. name -- to be checked
     local family = families[name]
     if trace_names then
-        report_names("resolving name '%s', weight '%s', style '%s', width '%s', variant '%s'",
-            name or "?",tostring(weight),tostring(style),tostring(width),tostring(variant))
+        report_names("resolving name %a, weight %a, style %a, width %a, variant %a",name,weight,style,width,variant)
     end
-    --~ print(name,serialize(family))
     if weight and weight ~= "" then
         if style and style ~= "" then
             if width and width ~= "" then
                 if variant and variant ~= "" then
                     if trace_names then
-                        report_names("resolving stage %s, name '%s', weight '%s', style '%s', width '%s', variant '%s'",stage,name,weight,style,width,variant)
+                        report_names("resolving stage %s, name %a, weight %a, style %a, width %a, variant %a",stage,name,weight,style,width,variant)
                     end
                     s_collect_weight_style_width_variant(found,done,all,weight,style,width,variant,family)
                     m_collect_weight_style_width_variant(found,done,all,weight,style,width,variant,families,sorted,strictname)
                 else
                     if trace_names then
-                        report_names("resolving stage %s, name '%s', weight '%s', style '%s', width '%s'",stage,name,weight,style,width)
+                        report_names("resolving stage %s, name %a, weight %a, style %a, width %a",stage,name,weight,style,width)
                     end
                     s_collect_weight_style_width(found,done,all,weight,style,width,family)
                     m_collect_weight_style_width(found,done,all,weight,style,width,families,sorted,strictname)
                 end
             else
                 if trace_names then
-                    report_names("resolving stage %s, name '%s', weight '%s', style '%s'",stage,name,weight,style)
+                    report_names("resolving stage %s, name %a, weight %a, style %a",stage,name,weight,style)
                 end
                 s_collect_weight_style(found,done,all,weight,style,family)
                 m_collect_weight_style(found,done,all,weight,style,families,sorted,strictname)
             end
         else
             if trace_names then
-                report_names("resolving stage %s, name '%s', weight '%s'",stage,name,weight)
+                report_names("resolving stage %s, name %a, weight %a",stage,name,weight)
             end
             s_collect_weight(found,done,all,weight,family)
             m_collect_weight(found,done,all,weight,families,sorted,strictname)
@@ -1328,26 +1326,26 @@ local function collect(stage,found,done,name,weight,style,width,variant,all)
     elseif style and style ~= "" then
         if width and width ~= "" then
             if trace_names then
-                report_names("resolving stage %s, name '%s', style '%s', width '%s'",stage,name,style,width)
+                report_names("resolving stage %s, name %a, style %a, width %a",stage,name,style,width)
             end
             s_collect_style_width(found,done,all,style,width,family)
             m_collect_style_width(found,done,all,style,width,families,sorted,strictname)
         else
             if trace_names then
-                report_names("resolving stage %s, name '%s', style '%s'",stage,name,style)
+                report_names("resolving stage %s, name %a, style %a",stage,name,style)
             end
             s_collect_style(found,done,all,style,family)
             m_collect_style(found,done,all,style,families,sorted,strictname)
         end
     elseif width and width ~= "" then
         if trace_names then
-            report_names("resolving stage %s, name '%s', width '%s'",stage,name,width)
+            report_names("resolving stage %s, name %a, width %a",stage,name,width)
         end
         s_collect_width(found,done,all,width,family)
         m_collect_width(found,done,all,width,families,sorted,strictname)
     else
         if trace_names then
-            report_names("resolving stage %s, name '%s'",stage,name)
+            report_names("resolving stage %s, name %a",stage,name)
         end
         s_collect(found,done,all,family)
         m_collect(found,done,all,families,sorted,strictname)
@@ -1383,11 +1381,11 @@ local function heuristic(name,weight,style,width,variant,all) -- todo: fallbacks
         if nf then
             local t = { }
             for i=1,nf do
-                t[i] = format("'%s'",found[i].fontname)
+                t[i] = format("%a",found[i].fontname)
             end
-            report_names("name '%s' resolved to %s instances: %s",name,nf,concat(t," "))
+            report_names("name %a resolved to %s instances: %s",name,nf,concat(t," "))
         else
-            report_names("name '%s' unresolved",name)
+            report_names("name %a unresolved",name)
         end
     end
     if all then
@@ -1538,7 +1536,7 @@ function names.lookup(pattern,name,reload) -- todo: find
             lookups = families[pattern]
         end
         if trace_names then
-            report_names("starting with %s lookups for '%s'",#lookups,pattern)
+            report_names("starting with %s lookups for %a",#lookups,pattern)
         end
         if lookups then
             for key, value in gmatch(pattern,"([^=,]+)=([^=,]+)") do
@@ -1562,7 +1560,7 @@ function names.lookup(pattern,name,reload) -- todo: find
                     end
                 end
                 if trace_names then
-                    report_names("%s matches for key '%s' with value '%s'",#t,key,value)
+                    report_names("%s matches for key %a with value %a",#t,key,value)
                 end
                 lookups = t
             end
@@ -1656,19 +1654,19 @@ end
 function names.resolvespec(askedname,sub) -- overloads previous definition
     local name, weight, style, width, variant = names.splitspec(askedname)
     if trace_specifications then
-        report_names("resolving specification: %s -> name=%s, weight=%s, style=%s, width=%s, variant=%s",askedname,name,weight,style,width,variant)
+        report_names("resolving specification: %a to name=%s, weight=%s, style=%s, width=%s, variant=%s",askedname,name,weight,style,width,variant)
     end
     local found = names.registered(name,weight,style,width,variant)
     if found and found.filename then
         if trace_specifications then
-            report_names("resolved by registered names: %s -> %s",askedname,found.filename)
+            report_names("resolved by registered names: %a to %s",askedname,found.filename)
         end
         return found.filename, found.subname, found.rawname
     else
         found = names.specification(name,weight,style,width,variant)
         if found and found.filename then
             if trace_specifications then
-                report_names("resolved by font database: %s -> %s",askedname,found.filename)
+                report_names("resolved by font database: %a to %s",askedname,found.filename)
             end
             return found.filename, found.subfont and found.rawname
         end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-tfm.lua b/tex/context/base/font-tfm.lua
index 53ef8dd99..316b947a3 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-tfm.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-tfm.lua
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ local function read_from_tfm(specification)
     local filename = specification.filename
     local size     = specification.size
     if trace_defining then
-        report_defining("loading tfm file %s at size %s",filename,size)
+        report_defining("loading tfm file %a at size %s",filename,size)
     end
     local tfmdata = font.read_tfm(filename,size) -- not cached, fast enough
     if tfmdata then
@@ -132,7 +132,7 @@ local function check_tfm(specification,fullname) -- we could split up like afm/o
         specification.format   = "ofm"
         return read_from_tfm(specification)
     elseif trace_defining then
-        report_defining("loading tfm with name %s fails",specification.name)
+        report_defining("loading tfm with name %a fails",specification.name)
     end
 end
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-vf.lua b/tex/context/base/font-vf.lua
index 34d74d93f..1fe6dd71c 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-vf.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-vf.lua
@@ -32,18 +32,18 @@ function vf.find(name)
         local format = fonts.loggers.format(name)
         if format == 'tfm' or format == 'ofm' then
             if trace_defining then
-                report_defining("locating vf for %s",name)
+                report_defining("locating vf for %a",name)
             end
             return findbinfile(name,"ovf")
         else
             if trace_defining then
-                report_defining("vf for %s is already taken care of",name)
+                report_defining("vf for %a is already taken care of",name)
             end
             return nil -- ""
         end
     else
         if trace_defining then
-            report_defining("locating vf for %s",name)
+            report_defining("locating vf for %a",name)
         end
         return findbinfile(name,"ovf")
     end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/grph-fil.lua b/tex/context/base/grph-fil.lua
index 9cdda13e0..3449f1779 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/grph-fil.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/grph-fil.lua
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ function jobfiles.run(name,action)
     local newchecksum = file.checksum(name)
     if jobfiles.forcerun or not oldchecksum or oldchecksum ~= newchecksum then
         if trace_run then
-            report_run("processing file, changes in '%s', processing forced",name)
+            report_run("processing file, changes in %a, processing forced",name)
         end
         local ta = type(action)
         if ta == "function" then
@@ -47,10 +47,10 @@ function jobfiles.run(name,action)
         elseif ta == "string" and action ~= "" then
             os.execute(action)
         else
-            report_run("processing file, no action given for processing '%s'",name)
+            report_run("processing file, no action given for processing %a",name)
         end
     elseif trace_run then
-        report_run("processing file, no changes in '%s', not processed",name)
+        report_run("processing file, no changes in %a, not processed",name)
     end
     tobesaved[name] = newchecksum
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/grph-inc.lua b/tex/context/base/grph-inc.lua
index ef03f24e0..d28b63fcf 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/grph-inc.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/grph-inc.lua
@@ -90,12 +90,12 @@ function img.check(figure)
             if height > maxdimen then
                 figure.height = maxdimen
                 figure.width  = width * maxdimen/height
-                report_inclusion("limiting natural dimensions of %q (height)",figure.filename or "?")
+                report_inclusion("limiting natural dimensions of %a (%s)",figure.filename,"height")
             end
         elseif width > maxdimen then
             figure.width  = maxdimen
             figure.height = height * maxdimen/width
-            report_inclusion("limiting natural dimensions of %q (width)",figure.filename or "?")
+            report_inclusion("limiting natural dimensions of %a (%s)",figure.filename,"width")
         end
         return figure
     end
@@ -241,7 +241,7 @@ function figures.setorder(list) -- can be table or string
                 done[l] = true
             end
         end
-        report_inclusion("lookup order: %s",concat(figures_order," "))
+        report_inclusion("lookup order % a",figures_order)
     else
         -- invalid list
     end
@@ -258,7 +258,7 @@ function figures.guess(filename)
                 if lpegmatch(pattern.pattern,str) then
                     local format = pattern.format
                     if trace_figures then
-                        report_inclusion("file %q has format %s",filename,format)
+                        report_inclusion("file %a has format %a",filename,format)
                     end
                     return format
                 end
@@ -354,8 +354,8 @@ function figures.setpaths(locationset,pathlist)
     last_pathlist = pathlist
     figures.paths = figure_paths
     if trace_figures then
-        report_inclusion("locations: %s",last_locationset)
-        report_inclusion("path list: %s",concat(figure_paths, " "))
+        report_inclusion("using locations %a",last_locationset)
+        report_inclusion("using paths % a",figure_paths)
     end
 end
 
@@ -492,12 +492,12 @@ local function forbiddenname(filename)
     local expandedfullname = collapsepath(filename,true)
     local expandedinputname = collapsepath(file.addsuffix(environment.jobfilename,environment.jobfilesuffix),true)
     if expandedfullname == expandedinputname then
-        report_inclusion("skipping graphic with same name as input filename (%s), enforce suffix",expandedinputname)
+        report_inclusion("skipping graphic with same name as input filename %a, enforce suffix",expandedinputname)
         return true
     end
     local expandedoutputname = collapsepath(codeinjections.getoutputfilename(),true)
     if expandedfullname == expandedoutputname then
-        report_inclusion("skipping graphic with same name as output filename (%s), enforce suffix",expandedoutputname)
+        report_inclusion("skipping graphic with same name as output filename %a, enforce suffix",expandedoutputname)
         return true
     end
 end
@@ -523,11 +523,10 @@ local function register(askedname,specification)
                 newformat = defaultformat
             end
             if trace_conversion then
-                report_inclusion("checking conversion of '%s' (%s): old format '%s', new format '%s', conversion '%s', resolution '%s'",
+                report_inclusion("checking conversion of %a, fullname %a, old format %a, new format %a, conversion %a, resolution %a",
                     askedname,specification.fullname,format,newformat,conversion or "default",resolution or "default")
             end
             -- quick hack
-         -- local converter = (newformat ~= format) and converters[format]
             local converter = (newformat ~= format or resolution) and converters[format]
             if converter then
                 if converter[newformat] then
@@ -542,7 +541,7 @@ local function register(askedname,specification)
                     end
                 end
             elseif trace_conversion then
-                report_inclusion("no converter for '%s' -> '%s'",format,newformat)
+                report_inclusion("no converter for %a to %a",format,newformat)
             end
             if converter then
                 local oldname = specification.fullname
@@ -566,7 +565,7 @@ local function register(askedname,specification)
                 end
                 if not file.is_writable(newpath) then
                     if trace_conversion then
-                        report_inclusion("path '%s'is not writable, forcing conversion path '.' ",newpath)
+                        report_inclusion("path %a is not writable, forcing conversion path %a",newpath,".")
                     end
                     newpath = "."
                 end
@@ -602,12 +601,12 @@ local function register(askedname,specification)
                 local newtime = lfs.attributes(newname,'modification') or 0
                 if newtime == 0 or oldtime > newtime then
                     if trace_conversion then
-                        report_inclusion("converting '%s' (%s) from '%s' to '%s'",askedname,oldname,format,newformat)
+                        report_inclusion("converting %a (%a) from %a to %a",askedname,oldname,format,newformat)
                     end
                     converter(oldname,newname,resolution or "")
                 else
                     if trace_conversion then
-                        report_inclusion("no need to convert '%s' (%s) from '%s' to '%s'",askedname,oldname,format,newformat)
+                        report_inclusion("no need to convert %a (%a) from %a to %a",askedname,oldname,format,newformat)
                     end
                 end
                 if io.exists(newname) and io.size(newname) > 0 then
@@ -623,7 +622,7 @@ local function register(askedname,specification)
                         local suffix = file.suffix(newformat)
                         if figures_suffixes[suffix] then
                             if trace_figures then
-                                report_inclusion("using suffix '%s' as format for '%s'",suffix,format)
+                                report_inclusion("using suffix %a as format for %a",suffix,format)
                             end
                             format = suffix
                         end
@@ -638,15 +637,15 @@ local function register(askedname,specification)
         if not found then
             specification.found = false
             if trace_figures then
-                report_inclusion("format not supported: %s",format)
+                report_inclusion("format %a is not supported",format)
             end
         else
             specification.found = true
             if trace_figures then
                 if validtypes[format] then -- format?
-                    report_inclusion("format natively supported by backend: %s",format)
+                    report_inclusion("format %a natively supported by backend",format)
                 else
-                    report_inclusion("format supported by output file format: %s",format)
+                    report_inclusion("format %a supported by output file format",format)
                 end
             end
         end
@@ -693,7 +692,7 @@ local function locate(request) -- name, format, cache
         local foundname = resolvers.findbinfile(askedname)
         if not foundname or not lfs.isfile(foundname) then -- foundname can be dummy
             if trace_figures then
-                report_inclusion("strategy: unresolved url: %s",askedname)
+                report_inclusion("unknown url %a",askedname)
             end
             -- url not found
             return register(askedname)
@@ -702,13 +701,13 @@ local function locate(request) -- name, format, cache
         local guessedformat = figures.guess(foundname)
         if askedformat ~= guessedformat then
             if trace_figures then
-                report_inclusion("strategy: resolved url: %s, unknown format",askedname)
+                report_inclusion("url %a has unknown format",askedname)
             end
             -- url found, but wrong format
             return register(askedname)
         else
             if trace_figures then
-                report_inclusion("strategy: resolved url: %s -> %s",askedname,foundname)
+                report_inclusion("url %a is resolved to %a",askedname,foundname)
             end
             return register(askedname, {
                 askedname  = askedname,
@@ -727,7 +726,7 @@ local function locate(request) -- name, format, cache
     if askedformat ~= "" then
         askedformat = lower(askedformat)
         if trace_figures then
-            report_inclusion("strategy: forced format %s",askedformat)
+            report_inclusion("forcing format %a",askedformat)
         end
         local format = figures_suffixes[askedformat]
         if not format then
@@ -755,7 +754,7 @@ local function locate(request) -- name, format, cache
                 return register(askedname)
             end
         elseif trace_figures then
-            report_inclusion("strategy: unknown format %s",askedformat)
+            report_inclusion("unknown format %a",askedformat)
         end
         if askedpath then
             -- path and type given, todo: strip pieces of path
@@ -805,7 +804,7 @@ local function locate(request) -- name, format, cache
         end
     elseif askedpath then
         if trace_figures then
-            report_inclusion("strategy: rootbased path")
+            report_inclusion("using rootbased path")
         end
         for i=1,#figures_order do
             local format = figures_order[i]
@@ -829,7 +828,7 @@ local function locate(request) -- name, format, cache
     else
         if figures.preferquality then
             if trace_figures then
-                report_inclusion("strategy: unknown format, prefer quality")
+                report_inclusion("unknown format, quality preferred")
             end
             for j=1,#figures_order do
                 local format = figures_order[j]
@@ -844,7 +843,7 @@ local function locate(request) -- name, format, cache
                         local isfile = url.hashed(check).scheme == "file"
                         if not isfile then
                             if trace_figures then
-                                report_inclusion("warning: skipping path %s",path)
+                                report_inclusion("warning: skipping path %a",path)
                             end
                         else
                             local foundname, quitscanning, forcedformat = figures.exists(check,format,resolve_too) -- true)
@@ -864,7 +863,7 @@ local function locate(request) -- name, format, cache
             end
         else -- 'location'
             if trace_figures then
-                report_inclusion("strategy: unknown format, prefer path")
+                report_inclusion("unknown format, using path strategy")
             end
             for i=1,#figure_paths do
                 local path = figure_paths[i]
@@ -891,7 +890,7 @@ local function locate(request) -- name, format, cache
         end
         if figures.defaultsearch then
             if trace_figures then
-                report_inclusion("strategy: default tex path")
+                report_inclusion("using default tex path")
             end
             for j=1,#figures_order do
                 local format = figures_order[j]
@@ -1008,9 +1007,9 @@ function existers.generic(askedname,resolve)
     end
     if trace_figures then
         if result then
-            report_inclusion("found: %s -> %s",askedname,result)
+            report_inclusion("%a resolved to %a",askedname,result)
         else
-            report_inclusion("not found: %s",askedname)
+            report_inclusion("%a cannot be resolved",askedname)
         end
     end
     return result
@@ -1047,11 +1046,11 @@ function checkers.generic(data)
         figure, data = f or figure, d or data
         figures_loaded[hash] = figure
         if trace_conversion then
-            report_inclusion("new graphic, hash: %s",hash)
+            report_inclusion("new graphic, using hash %a",hash)
         end
     else
         if trace_conversion then
-            report_inclusion("existing graphic, hash: %s",hash)
+            report_inclusion("existing graphic, using hash %a",hash)
         end
     end
     if figure then
@@ -1141,7 +1140,7 @@ function checkers.mov(data)
     dr.width, dr.height = width, height
     du.width, du.height, du.foundname = width, height, foundname
     if trace_inclusion then
-        report_inclusion("including movie '%s': width %s, height %s",foundname,width,height)
+        report_inclusion("including movie %a, width %p, height %p",foundname,width,height)
     end
     -- we need to push the node.write in between ... we could make a shared helper for this
     context.startfoundexternalfigure(width .. "sp",height .. "sp")
@@ -1229,9 +1228,9 @@ function existers.auto(askedname)
     local name = gsub(askedname, ".auto$", "")
     local format = figures.guess(name)
     if format then
-        report_inclusion("format guess for %q: %s",name,format)
+        report_inclusion("format guess %a for %a",format,name)
     else
-        report_inclusion("format guess for %q is not possible",name)
+        report_inclusion("format guess for %a is not possible",name)
     end
     return format and name, true, format
 end
@@ -1264,13 +1263,13 @@ local function runprogram(binary,argument,variables)
         argument = concat(argument," ") -- for old times sake
     end
     if not os.which(binary) then
-        report_inclusion("program '%s' is not installed, not running: %s",binary,command)
+        report_inclusion("program %a is not installed, not running command: %s",binary,command)
     elseif not argument or argument == "" then
-        report_inclusion("nothing to run %q",binary)
+        report_inclusion("nothing to run, unknown program %a",binary)
     else
-        local command = format("%q %s",binary,replacetemplate(longtostring(argument),variables))
+        local command = format([["%s" %s]],binary,replacetemplate(longtostring(argument),variables))
         if trace_conversion or trace_programs then
-            report_inclusion("running: %s",command)
+            report_inclusion("running command: %s",command)
         end
         os.spawn(command)
     end
@@ -1455,7 +1454,7 @@ function bases.use(basename)
                 xml.registerns("rlx","http://www.pragma-ade.com/schemas/rlx") -- we should be able to do this per xml file
             end
             if trace_bases then
-                report_inclusion("registering base '%s'",basename)
+                report_inclusion("registering base %a",basename)
             end
         end
     end
@@ -1463,7 +1462,7 @@ end
 
 local function bases_find(basename,askedlabel)
     if trace_bases then
-        report_inclusion("checking for '%s' in base '%s'",askedlabel,basename)
+        report_inclusion("checking for %a in base %a",askedlabel,basename)
     end
     basename = file.addsuffix(basename,"xml")
     local t = bases_found[askedlabel]
@@ -1479,7 +1478,7 @@ local function bases_find(basename,askedlabel)
                     base[2] = xmlfile
                     base[3] = xml.load(xmlfile)
                     if trace_bases then
-                        report_inclusion("base '%s' loaded",xmlfile)
+                        report_inclusion("base %a loaded",xmlfile)
                     end
                     break
                 end
@@ -1498,13 +1497,13 @@ local function bases_find(basename,askedlabel)
                     }
                     bases_found[askedlabel] = t
                     if trace_bases then
-                        report_inclusion("figure '%s' found in base '%s'",askedlabel,base[2])
+                        report_inclusion("figure %a found in base %a",askedlabel,base[2])
                     end
                     return t
                 end
             end
             if trace_bases and not t then
-                report_inclusion("figure '%s' not found in base '%s'",askedlabel,base[2])
+                report_inclusion("figure %a not found in base %a",askedlabel,base[2])
             end
         end
     end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/grph-u3d.lua b/tex/context/base/grph-u3d.lua
index 529cd6188..6961c5503 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/grph-u3d.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/grph-u3d.lua
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ function figures.checkers.u3d(data)
     dr.width, dr.height = width, height
     du.width, du.height, du.foundname = width, height, foundname
     if trace_inclusion then
-        report_u3d("including u3d '%s': width %s, height %s",foundname,width,height)
+        report_u3d("including u3d %a, width %p, height %p",foundname,width,height)
     end
     context.startfoundexternalfigure(width .. "sp",height .. "sp")
     context(function()
diff --git a/tex/context/base/grph-wnd.lua b/tex/context/base/grph-wnd.lua
index 0ea3f8c43..ebb9b1169 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/grph-wnd.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/grph-wnd.lua
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ local function togray(oldname,newname)
     if lfs.isfile(oldname) then
         require("gmwand")
         if trace_conversion then
-            report_wand("converting '%s' to '%s' using gmwand",oldname,newname)
+            report_wand("converting %a to %a using gmwand",oldname,newname)
         end
         gmwand.InitializeMagick("./") -- What does this path do?
         local wand = gmwand.NewMagickWand()
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ local function togray(oldname,newname)
         gmwand.MagickWriteImages(wand,newname,1)
         gmwand.DestroyMagickWand(wand)
     else
-        report_wand("unable to convert '%s' to '%s' using gmwand",oldname,newname)
+        report_wand("unable to convert %a to %a using gmwand",oldname,newname)
     end
 end
 
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ for i=1,#formats do
     local oldformat = formats[i]
     local newformat = "gray." .. oldformat
     if trace_conversion then
-        report_wand("installing converter: %s -> %s",oldformat,newformat)
+        report_wand("installing converter for %a to %a",oldformat,newformat)
     end
     converters[oldformat]            = converters[oldformat] or { }
     converters[oldformat][newformat] = togray
diff --git a/tex/context/base/java-ini.lua b/tex/context/base/java-ini.lua
index b431a965c..e9328737a 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/java-ini.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/java-ini.lua
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ local preambled = { }
 
 local function storefunction(s,preamble)
     if trace_javascript then
-        report_javascripts("found: function '%s'",s)
+        report_javascripts("found function %a",s)
     end
     functions[s] = preamble
 end
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ function javascripts.storepreamble(str) -- now later
         preambles[n] = { name, used, script }
         preambled[name] = n
         if trace_javascript then
-            report_javascripts("stored: preamble '%s', state '%s', order '%s'",name,used,n)
+            report_javascripts("stored preamble %a, state %a, order %a",name,used,n)
         end
         lpegmatch(parsefunctions,script,1,n)
     end
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ function javascripts.setpreamble(name,script) -- now later
         preambles[n] = { name, "now", script }
         preambled[name] = n
         if trace_javascript then
-            report_javascripts("adapted: preamble '%s', state '%s', order '%s'",name,"now",n)
+            report_javascripts("adapted preamble %a, state %a, order %a",name,"now",n)
         end
         lpegmatch(parsefunctions,script,1,n)
     end
@@ -97,14 +97,14 @@ function javascripts.addtopreamble(name,script)
         if p then
             preambles[p] = { "now", preambles[p] .. " ;\n" .. script }
             if trace_javascript then
-                report_javascripts("extended: preamble '%s', state '%s', order '%s'",name,"now",p)
+                report_javascripts("extended preamble %a, state %a, order %a",name,"now",p)
             end
         else
             local n = #preambles + 1
             preambles[n] = { name, "now", script }
             preambled[name] = n
             if trace_javascript then
-                report_javascripts("stored: preamble '%s', state '%s', order '%s'",name,"now",n)
+                report_javascripts("stored preamble %a, state %a, order %a",name,"now",n)
             end
             lpegmatch(parsefunctions,script,1,n)
         end
@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@ function javascripts.usepreamblenow(name) -- now later
             if not preambled[somename] then
                 preambles[preambled[somename]][2] = "now"
                 if trace_javascript then
-                    report_javascripts("used: preamble '%s', state '%s', order '%s'",somename,"now","auto")
+                    report_javascripts("used preamble %a, state %a, order %a",somename,"now","auto")
                 end
             end
         end
@@ -140,15 +140,15 @@ function javascripts.code(name,arguments)
                 preambles[p][2] = "now"
                 if trace_javascript and not reported[name] then
                     reported[name] = true
-                    report_javascripts("used: code '%s', preamble '%s'",name,u)
+                    report_javascripts("used code %a, preamble %a",name,u)
                 end
             elseif trace_javascript and not reported[name] then
                 reported[name] = true
-                report_javascripts("used: code '%s'",name)
+                report_javascripts("used code %a",name)
             end
         elseif trace_javascript and not reported[name] then
             reported[name] = true
-            report_javascripts("used: code '%s'",name)
+            report_javascripts("used code %a",name)
         end
         used = true
         return code
@@ -158,7 +158,7 @@ function javascripts.code(name,arguments)
         used = true
         if trace_javascript and not reported[name] then
             reported[name] = true
-            report_javascripts("used: function '%s'",name)
+            report_javascripts("used function %a",name)
         end
         preambles[f][2] = "now" -- automatically tag preambles that define the function (as later)
         if arguments then
@@ -180,7 +180,7 @@ function javascripts.flushpreambles()
             local preamble = preambles[i]
             if preamble[2] == "now" then
                 if trace_javascript then
-                    report_javascripts("flushed: preamble '%s'",preamble[1])
+                    report_javascripts("flushed preamble %a",preamble[1])
                 end
                 t[#t+1] = { preamble[1], preamble[3] }
             end
@@ -195,13 +195,13 @@ local function action(name,foundname)
     context.startnointerference()
     context.startreadingfile()
     context.input(foundname)
-    status_javascripts("loaded: library '%s'",name)
+    status_javascripts("loaded: library %a",name)
     context.stopreadingfile()
     context.stopnointerference()
 end
 
 local function failure(name)
-    report_javascripts("unknown: library '%s'",name)
+    report_javascripts("unknown library %a",name)
 end
 
 function javascripts.usescripts(name)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/l-lua.lua b/tex/context/base/l-lua.lua
index 9ac8192b0..24a788bec 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/l-lua.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/l-lua.lua
@@ -215,7 +215,7 @@ function package.extralibpath(...)
             local path = cleanpath(paths[i])
             if not libhash[path] then
                 if trace then
-                    report("! extra lua path '%s'",path)
+                    report("! extra lua path: %s",path)
                 end
                 libextras[#libextras+1] = path
                 libpaths [#libpaths +1] = path
@@ -236,7 +236,7 @@ function package.extraclibpath(...)
             local path = cleanpath(paths[i])
             if not clibhash[path] then
                 if trace then
-                    report("! extra lib path '%s'",path)
+                    report("! extra lib path: %s",path)
                 end
                 clibextras[#clibextras+1] = path
                 clibpaths [#clibpaths +1] = path
diff --git a/tex/context/base/l-table.lua b/tex/context/base/l-table.lua
index c33cd195b..830b05b81 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/l-table.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/l-table.lua
@@ -1272,9 +1272,20 @@ function table.reverse(t)
     end
 end
 
-function table.sequenced(t,sep) -- hash only
-    if t then
-        local s, n = { }, 0
+function table.sequenced(t,sep,simple) -- hash only
+    if not t then
+        return ""
+    end
+    local n = #t
+    local s = { }
+    if n > 0 then
+        -- indexed
+        for i=1,n do
+            s[i] = tostring(t[i])
+        end
+    else
+        -- hashed
+        n = 0
         for k, v in sortedhash(t) do
             if simple then
                 if v == true then
@@ -1289,10 +1300,8 @@ function table.sequenced(t,sep) -- hash only
                 s[n] = k .. "=" .. tostring(v)
             end
         end
-        return concat(s, sep or " | ")
-    else
-        return ""
     end
+    return concat(s,sep or " | ")
 end
 
 function table.print(t,...)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/lang-ini.lua b/tex/context/base/lang-ini.lua
index 02a33c181..4dcfd2f36 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/lang-ini.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/lang-ini.lua
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ local function loaddefinitions(tag,specification)
     local definitions = settings_to_array(specification.patterns or "")
     if #definitions > 0 then
         if trace_patterns then
-            report_initialization("pattern specification for language '%s': %s",tag,specification.patterns)
+            report_initialization("pattern specification for language %a: %s",tag,specification.patterns)
         end
         local dataused, ok = data.used, false
         for i=1,#definitions do
@@ -105,7 +105,7 @@ local function loaddefinitions(tag,specification)
                 -- error
             elseif definition == "reset" then -- interfaces.variables.reset
                 if trace_patterns then
-                    report_initialization("clearing patterns for language '%s'",tag)
+                    report_initialization("clearing patterns for language %a",tag)
                 end
                 instance:clear_patterns()
             elseif not dataused[definition] then
@@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ local function loaddefinitions(tag,specification)
                 local fullname = resolvers.findfile(filename) or ""
                 if fullname ~= "" then
                     if trace_patterns then
-                        report_initialization("loading definition '%s' for language '%s' from '%s'",definition,tag,fullname)
+                        report_initialization("loading definition %a for language %a from %a",definition,tag,fullname)
                     end
                     local defs = dofile(fullname) -- use regular loader instead
                     if defs then -- todo: version test
@@ -122,18 +122,18 @@ local function loaddefinitions(tag,specification)
                         instance:patterns   (defs.patterns   and defs.patterns  .data or "")
                         instance:hyphenation(defs.exceptions and defs.exceptions.data or "")
                     else
-                        report_initialization("invalid definition '%s' for language '%s' in '%s'",definition,tag,filename)
+                        report_initialization("invalid definition %a for language %a in %a",definition,tag,filename)
                     end
                 elseif trace_patterns then
-                    report_initialization("invalid definition '%s' for language '%s' in '%s'",definition,tag,filename)
+                    report_initialization("invalid definition %a for language %a in %a",definition,tag,filename)
                 end
             elseif trace_patterns then
-                report_initialization("definition '%s' for language '%s' already loaded",definition,tag)
+                report_initialization("definition %a for language %a already loaded",definition,tag)
             end
         end
         return ok
     elseif trace_patterns then
-        report_initialization("no definitions for language '%s'",tag)
+        report_initialization("no definitions for language %a",tag)
     end
     statistics.stoptiming(languages)
 end
@@ -145,7 +145,7 @@ local noflanguages = storage.shared.noflanguages
 function languages.define(tag,parent)
     noflanguages = noflanguages + 1
     if trace_patterns then
-        report_initialization("assigning number %s to %s",noflanguages,tag)
+        report_initialization("assigning number %a to %a",noflanguages,tag)
     end
     numbers[noflanguages] = tag
     registered[tag] = {
@@ -223,14 +223,14 @@ else
         if l then
             if l.dirty then
                 if trace_patterns then
-                    report_initialization("checking patterns for %s (%s)",tag,default)
+                    report_initialization("checking patterns for %a with default %a",tag,default)
                 end
                 -- patterns is already resolved to parent patterns if applicable
                 if patterns and patterns ~= "" then
                     if l.patterns ~= patterns then
                         l.patterns = patterns
                         if trace_patterns then
-                            report_initialization("loading patterns for '%s' using specification '%s'",tag,patterns)
+                            report_initialization("loading patterns for %a using specification %a",tag,patterns)
                         end
                         loaddefinitions(tag,l)
                     else
@@ -239,13 +239,13 @@ else
                 elseif l.patterns == "" then
                     l.patterns = tag
                     if trace_patterns then
-                        report_initialization("loading patterns for '%s' using tag",tag)
+                        report_initialization("loading patterns for %a using tag",tag)
                     end
                     local ok = loaddefinitions(tag,l)
                     if not ok and tag ~= default then
                         l.patterns = default
                         if trace_patterns then
-                            report_initialization("loading patterns for '%s' using default",tag)
+                            report_initialization("loading patterns for %a using default",tag)
                         end
                         loaddefinitions(tag,l)
                     end
@@ -373,12 +373,12 @@ end)
 --~     local ok = fullname ~= ""
 --~     if ok then
 --~         if trace_patterns then
---~             report_initialization("filtering %s for language '%s' from '%s'",target,tag,fullname)
+--~             report_initialization("filtering %s for language %a from %a",target,tag,fullname)
 --~         end
 --~         lang[target](data,filter(fullname) or "")
 --~     else
 --~         if trace_patterns then
---~             report_initialization("no %s for language '%s' in '%s'",target,tag,filename or "?")
+--~             report_initialization("no %s for language %a in %a",target,tag,filename)
 --~         end
 --~         lang[target](instance,"")
 --~     end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/lang-lab.lua b/tex/context/base/lang-lab.lua
index 568964251..aba068296 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/lang-lab.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/lang-lab.lua
@@ -93,12 +93,12 @@ local function definelanguagelabels(data,class,tag,rawtag)
         elseif type(text) == "table" then
             contextsprint(prtcatcodes,"\\setlabeltextpair{",class,"}{",language,"}{",tag,"}{",text[1],"}{",text[2],"}")
             if trace_labels then
-                report_labels("language '%s', defining label '%s' as '%s' and '%s'",language,rawtag,text[1],text[2])
+                report_labels("language %a, defining label %a as %a and %a",language,rawtag,text[1],text[2])
             end
         else
             contextsprint(prtcatcodes,"\\setlabeltextpair{",class,"}{",language,"}{",tag,"}{",text,"}{}")
             if trace_labels then
-                report_labels("language '%s', defining label '%s' as '%s'",language,rawtag,text)
+                report_labels("language %a, defining label %a as %a",language,rawtag,text)
             end
         end
     end
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ end
 function labels.define(class,name,prefixed)
     local list = languages.data.labels[name]
     if list then
-        report_labels("defining label set '%s'",name)
+        report_labels("defining label set %a",name)
         for tag, data in next, list do
             if data.hidden then
                 -- skip
@@ -135,25 +135,24 @@ function labels.define(class,name,prefixed)
             end
         end
     else
-        report_labels("unknown label set '%s'",name)
+        report_labels("unknown label set %a",name)
     end
 end
 
---~ function labels.check()
---~     for category, list in next, languages.data.labels do
---~         for tag, specification in next, list do
---~             for language, text in next, specification.labels do
---~                 if type(text) == "string" and find(text,",") then
---~                     report_labels("label with comma: category '%s', language '%s', tag '%s', text '%s'",
---~                         category, language, tag, text)
---~                 end
---~             end
---~         end
---~     end
---~ end
---~
---~ labels.check()
-
+-- function labels.check()
+--     for category, list in next, languages.data.labels do
+--         for tag, specification in next, list do
+--             for language, text in next, specification.labels do
+--                 if type(text) == "string" and find(text,",") then
+--                     report_labels("warning: label with comma found, category %a, language %a, tag %a, text %a",
+--                         category, language, tag, text)
+--                 end
+--             end
+--         end
+--     end
+-- end
+--
+-- labels.check()
 
 -- interface
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/lang-wrd.lua b/tex/context/base/lang-wrd.lua
index c093d11d7..06a2311a6 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/lang-wrd.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/lang-wrd.lua
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@ local loaded = { } -- we share lists
 function words.load(tag,filename)
     local fullname = resolvers.findfile(filename,'other text file') or ""
     if fullname ~= "" then
-        report_words("loading word file '%s'",fullname)
+        report_words("loading word file %a",fullname)
         statistics.starttiming(languages)
         local list = loaded[fullname]
         if not list then
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ function words.load(tag,filename)
         wordsdata[tag] = list
         statistics.stoptiming(languages)
     else
-        report_words("missing word file '%s'",filename)
+        report_words("missing word file %a",filename)
     end
 end
 
@@ -307,7 +307,7 @@ local function dumpusedwords()
     if dumpthem then
         collected.threshold = words.threshold
         dumpname = dumpname or file.addsuffix(tex.jobname,"words")
-        report_words("saving list of used words in '%s'",dumpname)
+        report_words("saving list of used words in %a",dumpname)
         io.savedata(dumpname,table.serialize(collected,true))
      -- table.tofile(dumpname,list,true)
     end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/lpdf-ano.lua b/tex/context/base/lpdf-ano.lua
index aee2c4edf..96bb85c5f 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/lpdf-ano.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/lpdf-ano.lua
@@ -150,7 +150,7 @@ local function link(url,filename,destination,page,actions)
                 }
             }
         elseif trace_references then
-            report_reference("invalid page reference: %s",tostring(page))
+            report_reference("invalid page reference %a",page)
         end
     end
     return false
@@ -234,7 +234,7 @@ local function use_normal_annotations()
     local function reference(width,height,depth,prerolled) -- keep this one
         if prerolled then
             if trace_references then
-                report_reference("w=%s, h=%s, d=%s, a=%s",width,height,depth,prerolled)
+                report_reference("width %p, height %p, depth %p, prerolled %a",width,height,depth,prerolled)
             end
             return pdfannotation_node(width,height,depth,prerolled)
         end
@@ -275,7 +275,7 @@ local function use_shared_annotations()
     local function reference(width,height,depth,prerolled)
         if prerolled then
             if trace_references then
-                report_reference("w=%s, h=%s, d=%s, a=%s",width,height,depth,prerolled)
+                report_reference("width %p, height %p, depth %p, prerolled %a",width,height,depth,prerolled)
             end
             local luacode = format("_bpnf_(%s,%s,%s,'%s')",width,height,depth,prerolled)
             return latelua_node(luacode)
@@ -323,7 +323,7 @@ function nodeinjections.destination(width,height,depth,name,view)
     if not done[name] then
         done[name] = true
         if trace_destinations then
-            report_destination("w=%s, h=%s, d=%s, n=%s, v=%s",width,height,depth,name,view or "no view")
+            report_destination("width %p, height %p, depth %p, name %a, view %a",width,height,depth,name,view)
         end
         return pdfdestination_node(width,height,depth,name,view) -- can be begin/end node
     end
@@ -414,7 +414,7 @@ function specials.internal(var,actions) -- better resolve in strc-ref
 --~ inspect(v)
     if not v then
         -- error
-        report_reference("no internal reference '%s'",i or "?")
+        report_reference("no internal reference %a",i)
     elseif getinnermethod() == "names" then
         -- named
         return link(nil,nil,"aut:"..i,v.references.realpage,actions)
@@ -492,17 +492,17 @@ end
 
 -- sections
 
---~ function specials.section(var,actions)
---~     local sectionname = var.operation
---~     local destination = var.arguments
---~     local internal    = structures.sections.internalreference(sectionname,destination)
---~     if internal then
---~         var.special   = "internal"
---~         var.operation = internal
---~         var.arguments = nil
---~         specials.internal(var,actions)
---~     end
---~ end
+-- function specials.section(var,actions)
+--     local sectionname = var.operation
+--     local destination = var.arguments
+--     local internal    = structures.sections.internalreference(sectionname,destination)
+--     if internal then
+--         var.special   = "internal"
+--         var.operation = internal
+--         var.arguments = nil
+--         specials.internal(var,actions)
+--     end
+-- end
 
 specials.section = specials.internal -- specials.section just need to have a value as it's checked
 
@@ -687,7 +687,7 @@ local function build(levels,start,parent,method)
             return i, n, first, last
         elseif level == startlevel then
             if trace_bookmarks then
-                report_bookmark("%3i %s%s %s",reference.realpage,rep("  ",level-1),(open and "+") or "-",title)
+                report_bookmark("%3i %w%s %s",reference.realpage,(level-1)*2,(open and "+") or "-",title)
             end
             local prev = child
             child = pdfreserveobject()
diff --git a/tex/context/base/lpdf-col.lua b/tex/context/base/lpdf-col.lua
index 4936b37c9..0109ca602 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/lpdf-col.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/lpdf-col.lua
@@ -235,7 +235,7 @@ local function registersomespotcolor(name,noffractions,names,p,colorspace,range,
                 if sn then
                     colorants[name] = pdfreference(sn)
                 else
-                    report_color("unknown colorant %s, using black instead",name or n)
+                    report_color("unknown colorant %a, using black instead",name or n)
                     name = "Black"
                 end
             end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/lpdf-epa.lua b/tex/context/base/lpdf-epa.lua
index 93e494a31..dc7cef310 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/lpdf-epa.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/lpdf-epa.lua
@@ -35,17 +35,21 @@ local function makenamespace(filename)
 end
 
 local function add_link(x,y,w,h,destination,what)
+    x = x .. "bp"
+    y = y .. "bp"
+    w = w .. "bp"
+    h = h .. "bp"
     if trace_links then
-        report_link("dx: % 4i, dy: % 4i, wd: % 4i, ht: % 4i, destination: %s, type: %s",x,y,w,h,destination,what)
+        report_link("destination %a, type %a, dx %s, dy %s, wd %s, ht %s",destination,what,x,y,w,h)
     end
     local locationspec = { -- predefining saves time
-        x      = x .. "bp",
-        y      = y .. "bp",
+        x      = x,
+        y      = y,
         preset = "leftbottom",
     }
     local buttonspec = {
-        width  = w .. "bp",
-        height = h .. "bp",
+        width  = w,
+        height = h,
         offset = variables.overlay,
         frame  = trace_links and variables.on or variables.off,
     }
@@ -152,23 +156,23 @@ function codeinjections.mergereferences(specification)
                                 elseif linktype == "URI" then
                                     link_uri(x,y,w,h,document,annotation)
                                 elseif trace_links then
-                                    report_link("unsupported link annotation %q",linktype)
+                                    report_link("unsupported link annotation %a",linktype)
                                 end
                             else
                                 report_link("mising link annotation")
                             end
                         elseif trace_links then
-                            report_link("unsupported annotation %q",subtype)
+                            report_link("unsupported annotation %a",subtype)
                         end
                     elseif trace_links then
-                        report_link("broken annotation, index: %i",i)
+                        report_link("broken annotation, index %a",i)
                     end
                 end
                 context.flushlayer { "epdflinks" }
              -- context("\\gdef\\figurereference{%s}",reference) -- global
                 context.setgvalue("figurereference",reference) -- global
                 if trace_links then
-                    report_link("setting figure reference to %q",reference)
+                    report_link("setting figure reference to %a",reference)
                 end
                 specification.reference = reference
                 return namespace
@@ -200,7 +204,7 @@ function codeinjections.mergeviewerlayers(specification)
                         local tag = namespace .. gsub(layer," ",":")
                         local title = tag
                         if trace_links then
-                            report_link("using layer %q",tag)
+                            report_link("using layer %a",tag)
                         end
                         attributes.viewerlayers.define { -- also does some cleaning
                             tag       = tag, -- todo: #3A or so
@@ -211,7 +215,7 @@ function codeinjections.mergeviewerlayers(specification)
                         }
                         codeinjections.useviewerlayer(tag)
                     elseif trace_links then
-                        report_link("broken layer, index: %i",i)
+                        report_link("broken layer, index %a",i)
                     end
                 end
             end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/lpdf-fld.lua b/tex/context/base/lpdf-fld.lua
index 30052538d..a9b9fd72d 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/lpdf-fld.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/lpdf-fld.lua
@@ -302,8 +302,8 @@ local function fieldsurrounding(specification)
     -- we could test for colorvalue being 1 (black) and omit it then
     local colorcode = lpdf.color(3,colorvalue) -- we force an rgb color space
     if trace_fields then
-        report_fields("fontcode : %s %s @ %s => %s => %s",fontstyle,fontalternative,fontsize,tag,fontcode)
-        report_fields("colorcode: %s => %s",colorvalue,colorcode)
+        report_fields("using font, style %a, alternative %a, size %p, tag %a, code %a",fontstyle,fontalternative,fontsize,tag,fontcode)
+        report_fields("using color, value %a, code %a",colorvalue,colorcode)
     end
     local stream = pdfstream {
         pdfconstant(tag),
@@ -685,7 +685,7 @@ function codeinjections.definefield(specification)
         local fieldtype = specification.type
         if not fieldtype then
             if trace_fields then
-                report_fields("invalid definition of '%s': unknown type",n)
+                report_fields("invalid definition for %a, unknown type",n)
             end
         elseif fieldtype == "radio" then
             local values = specification.values
@@ -696,10 +696,10 @@ function codeinjections.definefield(specification)
                 end
                 fields[n] = specification
                 if trace_fields then
-                    report_fields("defining '%s' as radio",n or "?")
+                    report_fields("defining %a as type %a",n,"radio")
                 end
             elseif trace_fields then
-                report_fields("invalid definition of radio '%s': missing values",n)
+                report_fields("invalid definition of radio %a, missing values",n)
             end
         elseif fieldtype == "sub" then
             -- not in main field list !
@@ -711,16 +711,16 @@ function codeinjections.definefield(specification)
                 end
                 if trace_fields then
                     local p = radios[n] and radios[n].parent
-                    report_fields("defining '%s' as sub of radio '%s'",n or "?",p or "?")
+                    report_fields("defining %a as type sub of radio %a",n,p)
                 end
             elseif trace_fields then
-                report_fields("invalid definition of radio sub '%s': no parent",n)
+                report_fields("invalid definition of radio sub %a, no parent given",n)
             end
             predefinesymbols(specification)
         elseif fieldtype == "text" or fieldtype == "line" then
             fields[n] = specification
             if trace_fields then
-                report_fields("defining '%s' as %s",n,fieldtype)
+                report_fields("defining %a as type %a",n,fieldtype)
             end
             if specification.values ~= "" and specification.default == "" then
                 specification.default, specification.values = specification.values, nil
@@ -728,12 +728,12 @@ function codeinjections.definefield(specification)
         else
             fields[n] = specification
             if trace_fields then
-                report_fields("defining '%s' as %s",n,fieldtype)
+                report_fields("defining %a as type %a",n,fieldtype)
             end
             predefinesymbols(specification)
         end
     elseif trace_fields then
-        report_fields("invalid definition of '%s': already defined",n)
+        report_fields("invalid definition for %a, already defined",n)
     end
 end
 
@@ -741,14 +741,14 @@ function codeinjections.clonefield(specification) -- obsolete
     local p, c, v = specification.parent, specification.children, specification.alternative
     if not p or not c then
         if trace_fields then
-            report_fields("invalid clone: children: '%s', parent '%s', alternative: '%s'",c or "?",p or "?", v or "?")
+            report_fields("invalid clone, children %a, parent %a, alternative %a",c,p,v)
         end
         return
     end
     local x = fields[p] or radios[p]
     if not x then
         if trace_fields then
-            report_fields("cloning: unknown parent '%s'",p)
+            report_fields("invalid clone, unknown parent %a",p)
         end
         return
     end
@@ -756,11 +756,11 @@ function codeinjections.clonefield(specification) -- obsolete
         local f, r, c = fields[n], radios[n], clones[n]
         if f or r or c then
             if trace_fields then
-                report_fields("already cloned: child: '%s', parent '%s', alternative: '%s'",n,p,v or "?")
+                report_fields("already cloned, child %a, parent %a, alternative %a",n,p,v)
             end
         else
             if trace_fields then
-                report_fields("cloning: child: '%s', parent '%s', alternative: '%s'",n,p,v or "?")
+                report_fields("cloning, child %a, parent %a, alternative %a",n,p,v)
             end
             clones[n] = specification
             predefinesymbols(specification)
@@ -879,7 +879,7 @@ local methods = { }
 function nodeinjections.typesetfield(name,specification)
     local field = fields[name] or radios[name] or clones[name]
     if not field then
-        report_fields( "unknown child '%s'",name)
+        report_fields( "unknown child %a",name)
         -- unknown field
         return
     end
@@ -891,7 +891,7 @@ function nodeinjections.typesetfield(name,specification)
     if method then
         return method(name,specification,alternative)
     else
-        report_fields( "unknown method '%s' for child '%s'",field.type,name)
+        report_fields( "unknown method %a for child %a",field.type,name)
     end
 end
 
@@ -952,7 +952,7 @@ local function makelinechild(name,specification)
         parent = fields[field.parent]
         if not parent.pobj then
             if trace_fields then
-                report_fields("forcing parent text '%s'",parent.name)
+                report_fields("forcing parent text %a",parent.name)
             end
             makelineparent(parent,specification)
         end
@@ -961,13 +961,13 @@ local function makelinechild(name,specification)
         field = parent
         if not parent.pobj then
             if trace_fields then
-                report_fields("using parent text '%s'",name)
+                report_fields("using parent text %a",name)
             end
             makelineparent(parent,specification)
         end
     end
     if trace_fields then
-        report_fields("using child text '%s'",name)
+        report_fields("using child text %a",name)
     end
     local d = pdfdictionary {
         Subtype = pdf_widget,
@@ -1010,7 +1010,7 @@ local function makechoicechild(name,specification)
         parent = fields[field.parent]
         if not parent.pobj then
             if trace_fields then
-                report_fields("forcing parent choice '%s'",parent.name)
+                report_fields("forcing parent choice %a",parent.name)
             end
             makechoiceparent(parent,specification,extras)
         end
@@ -1019,13 +1019,13 @@ local function makechoicechild(name,specification)
         field = parent
         if not parent.pobj then
             if trace_fields then
-                report_fields("using parent choice '%s'",name)
+                report_fields("using parent choice %a",name)
             end
             makechoiceparent(parent,specification,extras)
         end
     end
     if trace_fields then
-        report_fields("using child choice '%s'",name)
+        report_fields("using child choice %a",name)
     end
     local d = pdfdictionary {
         Subtype = pdf_widget,
@@ -1068,7 +1068,7 @@ local function makecheckchild(name,specification)
         parent = fields[field.parent]
         if not parent.pobj then
             if trace_fields then
-                report_fields("forcing parent check '%s'",parent.name)
+                report_fields("forcing parent check %a",parent.name)
             end
             makecheckparent(parent,specification,extras)
         end
@@ -1077,13 +1077,13 @@ local function makecheckchild(name,specification)
         field = parent
         if not parent.pobj then
             if trace_fields then
-                report_fields("using parent check '%s'",name)
+                report_fields("using parent check %a",name)
             end
             makecheckparent(parent,specification,extras)
         end
     end
     if trace_fields then
-        report_fields("using child check '%s'",name)
+        report_fields("using child check %a",name)
     end
     local d = pdfdictionary {
         Subtype = pdf_widget,
@@ -1134,7 +1134,7 @@ local function makepushchild(name,specification)
         parent = fields[field.parent]
         if not parent.pobj then
             if trace_fields then
-                report_fields("forcing parent push '%s'",parent.name)
+                report_fields("forcing parent push %a",parent.name)
             end
             makepushparent(parent,specification)
         end
@@ -1143,13 +1143,13 @@ local function makepushchild(name,specification)
         field = parent
         if not parent.pobj then
             if trace_fields then
-                report_fields("using parent push '%s'",name)
+                report_fields("using parent push %a",name)
             end
             makepushparent(parent,specification)
         end
     end
     if trace_fields then
-        report_fields("using child push '%s'",name)
+        report_fields("using child push %a",name)
     end
     local fontsymbol = specification.fontsymbol
     local d = pdfdictionary {
@@ -1198,26 +1198,26 @@ end
 --         parent = fields[field.parent]
 --         if not parent.pobj then
 --             if trace_fields then
---                 report_fields("forcing parent radio '%s'",parent.name)
+--                 report_fields("forcing parent radio %a",parent.name)
 --             end
 --             makeradioparent(parent,parent)
 --         end
 --     else
 --         field = radios[name]
 --         if not field then
---             report_fields("there is some problem with field '%s'",name)
+--             report_fields("there is some problem with field %a",name)
 --             return nil
 --         end
 --         parent = fields[field.parent]
 --         if not parent.pobj then
 --             if trace_fields then
---                 report_fields("using parent radio '%s'",name)
+--                 report_fields("using parent radio %a",name)
 --             end
 --             makeradioparent(parent,parent)
 --         end
 --     end
 --     if trace_fields then
---         report_fields("using child radio '%s' with values '%s' and default '%s'",name,field.values or "?",field.default or "?")
+--         report_fields("using child radio %a with values %a and default %a",name,field.values,field.default)
 --     end
 --     local fontsymbol = specification.fontsymbol
 -- fontsymbol="star"
@@ -1256,26 +1256,26 @@ local function makeradiochild(name,specification)
         parent = fields[field.parent]
         if not parent.pobj then
             if trace_fields then
-                report_fields("forcing parent radio '%s'",parent.name)
+                report_fields("forcing parent radio %a",parent.name)
             end
             makeradioparent(parent,parent)
         end
     else
         field = radios[name]
         if not field then
-            report_fields("there is some problem with field '%s'",name)
+            report_fields("there is some problem with field %a",name)
             return nil
         end
         parent = fields[field.parent]
         if not parent.pobj then
             if trace_fields then
-                report_fields("using parent radio '%s'",name)
+                report_fields("using parent radio %a",name)
             end
             makeradioparent(parent,parent)
         end
     end
     if trace_fields then
-        report_fields("using child radio '%s' with values '%s' and default '%s'",name,field.values or "?",field.default or "?")
+        report_fields("using child radio %a with values %a and default %a",name,field.values,field.default)
     end
     local fontsymbol = specification.fontsymbol
  -- fontsymbol = "circle"
diff --git a/tex/context/base/lpdf-fmt.lua b/tex/context/base/lpdf-fmt.lua
index 859a489ef..94c005f65 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/lpdf-fmt.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/lpdf-fmt.lua
@@ -387,16 +387,16 @@ local function loadprofile(name,filename)
             end
             if profile then
                 if next(profile) then
-                    report_backend("profile specification '%s' loaded from '%s'",name,filename)
+                    report_backend("profile specification %a loaded from %a",name,filename)
                     return profile
                 elseif trace_format then
-                    report_backend("profile specification '%s' loaded from '%s' but empty",name,filename)
+                    report_backend("profile specification %a loaded from %a but empty",name,filename)
                 end
                 return false
             end
         end
     end
-    report_backend("profile specification '%s' not found in '%s'",name,concat(filenames, ", "))
+    report_backend("profile specification %a not found in %a",name,concat(filenames, ", "))
 end
 
 local function urls(url)
@@ -436,20 +436,20 @@ local function handleinternalprofile(s,include)
                 local fullname = locatefile(filename)
                 local channel = channels[colorspace] or nil
                 if fullname == "" then
-                    report_backend("error, couldn't locate profile '%s'",filename)
+                    report_backend("error, couldn't locate profile %a",filename)
                 elseif not channel then
-                    report_backend("error, couldn't resolve channel entry for colorspace '%s'",colorspace)
+                    report_backend("error, couldn't resolve channel entry for colorspace %a",colorspace)
                 else
                     profile = pdfflushstreamfileobject(fullname,pdfdictionary{ N = channel },false) -- uncompressed
                     internalprofiles[tag] = profile
                     if trace_format then
-                        report_backend("including '%s' color profile from '%s'",colorspace,fullname)
+                        report_backend("including %a color profile from %a",colorspace,fullname)
                     end
                 end
             else
                 internalprofiles[tag] = true
                 if trace_format then
-                    report_backend("not including '%s' color profile '%s'",colorspace,filename)
+                    report_backend("not including %a color profile %a",colorspace,filename)
                 end
             end
         end
@@ -508,7 +508,7 @@ local function handledefaultprofile(s,spec) -- specification
         local tag = profilename(filename)
         local n = internalprofiles[tag] -- or externalprofiles[tag]
         if n == true then -- not internalized
-            report_backend("no default profile '%s' for colorspace '%s'",filename,colorspace)
+            report_backend("no default profile %a for colorspace %a",filename,colorspace)
         elseif n then
             local a = pdfarray {
                 pdfconstant("ICCBased"),
@@ -517,12 +517,12 @@ local function handledefaultprofile(s,spec) -- specification
              -- used in page /Resources, so this must be inserted at runtime
             lpdf.adddocumentcolorspace(prefixes[colorspace],pdfreference(pdfflushobject(a)))
             loadeddefaults[colorspace] = true
-            report_backend("setting '%s' as default '%s' color space",filename,colorspace)
+            report_backend("setting %a as default %a color space",filename,colorspace)
         else
-            report_backend("no default profile '%s' for colorspace '%s'",filename,colorspace)
+            report_backend("no default profile %a for colorspace %a",filename,colorspace)
         end
     elseif trace_format then
-        report_backend("a default '%s' colorspace is already in use",colorspace)
+        report_backend("a default %a colorspace is already in use",colorspace)
     end
 end
 
@@ -549,18 +549,18 @@ local function handleoutputintent(s,spec)
             elseif external and external ~= true then
                 d.DestOutputProfileRef = pdfreference(external)
             else
-                report_backend("omitting reference to profile for intent '%s'",name)
+                report_backend("omitting reference to profile for intent %a",name)
             end
             intents[#intents+1] = pdfreference(pdfflushobject(pdfdictionary(d)))
             if trace_format then
-                report_backend("setting output intent to '%s' with id '%s' (entry %s)",name,id,#intents)
+                report_backend("setting output intent to %a with id %a for entry %a",name,id,#intents)
             end
         else
-            report_backend("invalid output intent '%s'",name)
+            report_backend("invalid output intent %a",name)
         end
         loadedintents[name] = true
     elseif trace_format then
-        report_backend("an output intent with name '%s' is already in use",name)
+        report_backend("an output intent with name %a is already in use",name)
     end
 end
 
@@ -571,7 +571,7 @@ local function handleiccprofile(message,spec,name,filename,how,options,alwaysinc
             local name = list[i]
             local profile = loadprofile(name,filename)
             if trace_format then
-                report_backend("handling %s '%s'",message,name)
+                report_backend("handling %s %a",message,name)
             end
             if profile then
                 if formatspecification.cmyk_colors then
@@ -597,22 +597,22 @@ local function handleiccprofile(message,spec,name,filename,how,options,alwaysinc
                 end
                 if external then
                     if trace_format then
-                        report_backend("handling external profiles cf. '%s'",name)
+                        report_backend("handling external profiles cf. %a",name)
                     end
                     handleexternalprofile(profile,false)
                 else
                     if trace_format then
-                        report_backend("handling internal profiles cf. '%s'",name)
+                        report_backend("handling internal profiles cf. %a",name)
                     end
                     if internal then
                         handleinternalprofile(profile,always or include)
                     else
-                        report_backend("no profile inclusion for '%s'",formatname)
+                        report_backend("no profile inclusion for %a",formatname)
                     end
                 end
                 how(profile,spec)
             elseif trace_format then
-                report_backend("unknown profile '%s'",name)
+                report_backend("unknown profile %a",name)
             end
         end
     end
@@ -638,7 +638,7 @@ function codeinjections.setformat(s)
         if spec then
             formatspecification = spec
             formatname = spec.format_name
-            report_backend("setting format to '%s'",formatname)
+            report_backend("setting format to %a",formatname)
             local xmp_file = formatspecification.xmp_file or ""
             if xmp_file == "" then
                 -- weird error
@@ -705,15 +705,15 @@ function codeinjections.setformat(s)
                 for k, v in table.sortedhash(formats.default) do
                     local v = formatspecification[k]
                     if type(v) ~= "function" then
-                        report_backend("%s = %s",k,tostring(v or false))
+                        report_backend("%a = %a",k,v or false)
                     end
                 end
             end
             function codeinjections.setformat(noname)
-                report_backend("error, format is already set to '%s', ignoring '%s'",formatname,noname.format)
+                report_backend("error, format is already set to %a, ignoring %a",formatname,noname.format)
             end
         else
-            report_backend("error, format '%s' is not supported",format)
+            report_backend("error, format %a is not supported",format)
         end
     elseif level then
         texset("global","pdfcompresslevel",level)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/lpdf-ini.lua b/tex/context/base/lpdf-ini.lua
index bdecf63c2..0b1473d2f 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/lpdf-ini.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/lpdf-ini.lua
@@ -364,10 +364,10 @@ function lpdf.reserveobject(name)
         if name then
             names[name] = r
             if trace_objects then
-                report_objects("reserving number %s under name '%s'",r,name)
+                report_objects("reserving number %a under name %a",r,name)
             end
         elseif trace_objects then
-            report_objects("reserving number %s",r)
+            report_objects("reserving number %a",r)
         end
         return r
     end
@@ -397,15 +397,15 @@ function lpdf.flushobject(name,data)
         if named then
             if not trace_objects then
             elseif trace_detail then
-                report_objects("flushing data to reserved object with name '%s' -> %s",name,tostring(data))
+                report_objects("flushing data to reserved object with name %a, data: %S",name,data)
             else
-                report_objects("flushing data to reserved object with name '%s'",name)
+                report_objects("flushing data to reserved object with name %a",name)
             end
             return pdfimmediateobject(named,tostring(data))
         else
             if not trace_objects then
             elseif trace_detail then
-                report_objects("flushing data to reserved object with number %s -> %s",name,tostring(data))
+                report_objects("flushing data to reserved object with number %s, data: %S",name,data)
             else
                 report_objects("flushing data to reserved object with number %s",name)
             end
@@ -413,7 +413,7 @@ function lpdf.flushobject(name,data)
         end
     else
         if trace_objects and trace_detail then
-            report_objects("flushing data -> %s",tostring(name))
+            report_objects("flushing data: %S",name)
         end
         return pdfimmediateobject(tostring(name))
     end
@@ -436,7 +436,7 @@ end
 
 function lpdf.flushstreamfileobject(filename,dict,compressed) -- default compressed
     if trace_objects then
-        report_objects("flushing stream file object '%s'",filename)
+        report_objects("flushing stream file object %a",filename)
     end
     local dtype = type(dict)
     return pdfdeferredobject {
@@ -569,7 +569,7 @@ end
 
 local function run(where,what)
     if trace_finalizers then
-        report_finalizing("start backend: category=%s, n=%s",what,#where)
+        report_finalizing("start backend, category %a, n %a",what,#where)
     end
     for i=1,#where do
         local w = where[i]
@@ -625,12 +625,12 @@ callbacks.register("finish_pdffile", lpdf.finalizedocument)
 
 local function trace_set(what,key)
     if trace_resources then
-        report_finalizing("setting key '%s' in '%s'",key,what)
+        report_finalizing("setting key %a in %a",key,what)
     end
 end
 local function trace_flush(what)
     if trace_resources then
-        report_finalizing("flushing '%s'",what)
+        report_finalizing("flushing %a",what)
     end
 end
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/lpdf-swf.lua b/tex/context/base/lpdf-swf.lua
index d3c2b41da..12c80036f 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/lpdf-swf.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/lpdf-swf.lua
@@ -111,7 +111,7 @@ local function insertswf(spec)
             prefix = format("^%s/",string.topattern(root))
         end
         if prefix and trace_swf then
-            report_swf("using strip pattern '%s'",prefix)
+            report_swf("using strip pattern %a",prefix)
         end
         local function add(fullname,strip)
             local filename = gsub(fullname,"^%./","")
@@ -124,7 +124,7 @@ local function insertswf(spec)
             names[#names+1] = pdfstring(filename)
             names[#names+1] = embeddedreference
             if trace_swf then
-                report_swf("embedding file '%s' as '%s'",fullname,usedname)
+                report_swf("embedding file %a as %a",fullname,usedname)
             end
         end
         relativepaths = resources.relativepaths
@@ -135,7 +135,7 @@ local function insertswf(spec)
             for i=1,#relativepaths do
                 local relativepath = relativepaths[i]
                 if trace_swf then
-                    report_swf("checking path '%s' relative to '%s'",relativepath,root)
+                    report_swf("checking path %a relative to %a",relativepath,root)
                 end
                 local path = file.join(root == "" and "." or root,relativepath)
                 local files = dir.glob(path .. "/**")
@@ -152,7 +152,7 @@ local function insertswf(spec)
             for i=1,#paths do
                 local path = paths[i]
                 if trace_swf then
-                    report_swf("checking path '%s'",path)
+                    report_swf("checking path %a",path)
                 end
                 local files = dir.glob(path .. "/**")
                 for i=1,#files do
diff --git a/tex/context/base/lpdf-tag.lua b/tex/context/base/lpdf-tag.lua
index 2763633c2..8cdb5f6a4 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/lpdf-tag.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/lpdf-tag.lua
@@ -268,7 +268,7 @@ function nodeinjections.addtags(head)
             local attr, id, start, stop = range[1], range[2], range[3], range[4]
             local tags = taglist[attr]
             if tags then -- not ok ... only first lines
-                report_tags("%s => %s : %05i %s",tosequence(start,start),tosequence(stop,stop),attr,concat(tags," "))
+                report_tags("%s => %s : %05i % t",tosequence(start,start),tosequence(stop,stop),attr,tags)
             end
         end
     end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/lpdf-wid.lua b/tex/context/base/lpdf-wid.lua
index 13940be9c..9ea4744f1 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/lpdf-wid.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/lpdf-wid.lua
@@ -185,7 +185,7 @@ local function flushembeddedfiles()
         local e = pdfarray()
         for tag, reference in next, filestreams do
             if not reference then
-                report_attachment("unreferenced file: tag '%s'",tag)
+                report_attachment("unreferenced file, tag %a",tag)
             elseif referenced[tag] == "hidden" then
                 e[#e+1] = pdfstring(tag)
                 e[#e+1] = reference -- already a reference
@@ -279,13 +279,13 @@ function nodeinjections.attachfile(specification)
     else
         filename = specification.file
         if not filename or filename == "" then
-            report_attachment("missing file specification: registered '%s', using registered instead",registered)
+            report_attachment("no file specified, using registered %a instead",registered)
             filename = registered
             specification.file = registered
         end
         local foundname = resolvers.findbinfile(filename) or ""
         if foundname == "" or not lfs.isfile(foundname) then
-            report_attachment("invalid file specification: registered '%s', filename '%s'",registered,filename)
+            report_attachment("invalid filename %a, ignoring registered %a",filename,registered)
             return nil
         else
             specification.foundname = foundname
@@ -317,7 +317,7 @@ function nodeinjections.attachfile(specification)
         attachments[registered] = aref
     end
     if not aref then
-        report_attachment("skipping: registered '%s'",registered)
+        report_attachment("skipping attachment, registered %a",registered)
         -- already reported
     elseif specification.method == v_hidden then
         referenced[hash] = "hidden"
@@ -595,7 +595,7 @@ end
 local function insertrenderingobject(specification) -- todo
     local label = specification.label
     if not mf[label] then
-        report_media("todo: unknown medium '%s'",label or "?")
+        report_media("unknown medium, label %a",label)
         local clip = pdfdictionary { -- does  not work that well one level up
             Type = pdfconstant("MediaClip"),
             S    = pdfconstant("MCD"),
diff --git a/tex/context/base/lpdf-xmp.lua b/tex/context/base/lpdf-xmp.lua
index 02d37342b..fbdea8815 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/lpdf-xmp.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/lpdf-xmp.lua
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ local xmp, xmpfile, xmpname = nil, nil, "lpdf-pdx.xml"
 
 local function setxmpfile(name)
     if xmp then
-        report_xmp("discarding loaded file '%s'",xmpfile)
+        report_xmp("discarding loaded file %a",xmpfile)
         xmp = nil
     end
     xmpfile = name ~= "" and name
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@ local function valid_xmp()
             xmpfile = resolvers.findfile(xmpname) or ""
         end
         if xmpfile ~= "" then
-            report_xmp("using file '%s'",xmpfile)
+            report_xmp("using file %a",xmpfile)
         end
         local xmpdata = (xmpfile ~= "" and io.loaddata(xmpfile)) or ""
         xmp = xml.convert(xmpdata)
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ function lpdf.addtoinfo(tag,pdfvalue,strvalue)
     addtoinfo(tag,pdfvalue)
     local value = strvalue or gsub(tostring(pdfvalue),"^%((.*)%)$","%1") -- hack
     if trace_info then
-        report_info("set '%s' to '%s'",tag,value)
+        report_info("set %a to %a",tag,value)
     end
     addxmpinfo(tag,value)
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/luat-cbk.lua b/tex/context/base/luat-cbk.lua
index 6c37307ca..b59978f6d 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/luat-cbk.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/luat-cbk.lua
@@ -83,11 +83,11 @@ if trace_calls then
 end
 
 local function frozen_message(what,name)
-    report_callbacks("not %s frozen '%s' (%s)",what,name,frozen[name])
+    report_callbacks("not %s frozen %a (%s)",what,name,frozen[name])
 end
 
 local function frozen_callback(name)
-    return nil, format("callback '%s' is frozen (%s)",name,frozen[name])
+    return nil, format("callback '%s' is frozen (%s)",name,frozen[name]) -- no formatter yet
 end
 
 local function state(name)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/luat-env.lua b/tex/context/base/luat-env.lua
index 058e161d5..e741bca6a 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/luat-env.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/luat-env.lua
@@ -93,14 +93,14 @@ function environment.luafilechunk(filename,silent) -- used for loading lua bytec
     if fullname and fullname ~= "" then
         local data = luautilities.loadedluacode(fullname,strippable,filename) -- can be overloaded
         if trace_locating then
-            report_lua("loading file %s%s", fullname, not data and " failed" or "")
+            report_lua("loading file %a %s",fullname,not data and "failed" or "succeeded")
         elseif not silent then
             texio.write("<",data and "+ " or "- ",fullname,">")
         end
         return data
     else
         if trace_locating then
-            report_lua("unknown file %s", filename)
+            report_lua("unknown file %a",filename)
         end
         return nil
     end
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ function environment.loadluafile(filename, version)
     local fullname = (lucname and environment.luafile(lucname)) or ""
     if fullname ~= "" then
         if trace_locating then
-            report_lua("loading %s", fullname)
+            report_lua("loading %a",fullname)
         end
         -- maybe: package.loaded[file.nameonly(fullname)] = true
         chunk = loadfile(fullname) -- this way we don't need a file exists check
@@ -141,7 +141,7 @@ function environment.loadluafile(filename, version)
                 return true
             else
                 if trace_locating then
-                    report_lua("version mismatch for %s: lua=%s, luc=%s", filename, v, version)
+                    report_lua("version mismatch for %a, lua version %a, luc version %a",filename,v,version)
                 end
                 environment.loadluafile(filename)
             end
@@ -152,12 +152,12 @@ function environment.loadluafile(filename, version)
     fullname = (luaname and environment.luafile(luaname)) or ""
     if fullname ~= "" then
         if trace_locating then
-            report_lua("loading %s", fullname)
+            report_lua("loading %a",fullname)
         end
         chunk = loadfile(fullname) -- this way we don't need a file exists check
         if not chunk then
             if trace_locating then
-                report_lua("unknown file %s", filename)
+                report_lua("unknown file %a",filename)
             end
         else
             assert(chunk)()
diff --git a/tex/context/base/luat-fio.lua b/tex/context/base/luat-fio.lua
index d194928dd..2f00914d3 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/luat-fio.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/luat-fio.lua
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ luatex.registerstopactions(function()
         report_system("start used files")
         logs.newline()
         for i=1,#foundintrees do
-            report_files("%4i: %s",i,sequenced(foundintrees[i]))
+            report_files("%4i: % t",i,foundintrees[i])
         end
         logs.newline()
         report_system("stop used files")
diff --git a/tex/context/base/luat-fmt.lua b/tex/context/base/luat-fmt.lua
index af34fe8ce..20a4a8fcd 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/luat-fmt.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/luat-fmt.lua
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ function environment.make_format(name)
     if path ~= "" then
         lfs.chdir(path)
     end
-    report_format("format path: %s",dir.current())
+    report_format("using format path %a",dir.current())
     -- check source file
     local texsourcename = file.addsuffix(name,"mkiv")
     local fulltexsourcename = resolvers.findfile(texsourcename,"tex") or ""
@@ -46,11 +46,11 @@ function environment.make_format(name)
         fulltexsourcename = resolvers.findfile(texsourcename,"tex") or ""
     end
     if fulltexsourcename == "" then
-        report_format("no tex source file with name: %s (mkiv or tex)",name)
+        report_format("no tex source file with name %a (mkiv or tex)",name)
         lfs.chdir(olddir)
         return
     else
-        report_format("using tex source file: %s",fulltexsourcename)
+        report_format("using tex source file %a",fulltexsourcename)
     end
     local texsourcepath = dir.expandname(file.dirname(fulltexsourcename)) -- really needed
     -- check specification
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ function environment.make_format(name)
         fullspecificationname = resolvers.findfile(specificationname,"tex") or ""
     end
     if fullspecificationname == "" then
-        report_format("unknown stub specification: %s",specificationname)
+        report_format("unknown stub specification %a",specificationname)
         lfs.chdir(olddir)
         return
     end
@@ -72,23 +72,23 @@ function environment.make_format(name)
     if type(usedlualibs) == "string" then
         usedluastub = file.join(file.dirname(fullspecificationname),usedlualibs)
     elseif type(usedlualibs) == "table" then
-        report_format("using stub specification: %s",fullspecificationname)
+        report_format("using stub specification %a",fullspecificationname)
         local texbasename = file.basename(name)
         local luastubname = file.addsuffix(texbasename,luasuffixes.lua)
         local lucstubname = file.addsuffix(texbasename,luasuffixes.luc)
         -- pack libraries in stub
-        report_format("creating initialization file: %s",luastubname)
+        report_format("creating initialization file %a",luastubname)
         utilities.merger.selfcreate(usedlualibs,specificationpath,luastubname)
         -- compile stub file (does not save that much as we don't use this stub at startup any more)
         if utilities.lua.compile(luastubname,lucstubname) and lfs.isfile(lucstubname) then
-            report_format("using compiled initialization file: %s",lucstubname)
+            report_format("using compiled initialization file %a",lucstubname)
             usedluastub = lucstubname
         else
-            report_format("using uncompiled initialization file: %s",luastubname)
+            report_format("using uncompiled initialization file %a",luastubname)
             usedluastub = luastubname
         end
     else
-        report_format("invalid stub specification: %s",fullspecificationname)
+        report_format("invalid stub specification %a",fullspecificationname)
         lfs.chdir(olddir)
         return
     end
@@ -98,12 +98,12 @@ function environment.make_format(name)
     os.spawn(command)
     -- remove related mem files
     local pattern = file.removesuffix(file.basename(usedluastub)).."-*.mem"
- -- report_format("removing related mplib format with pattern '%s'", pattern)
+ -- report_format("removing related mplib format with pattern %a", pattern)
     local mp = dir.glob(pattern)
     if mp then
         for i=1,#mp do
             local name = mp[i]
-            report_format("removing related mplib format %s", file.basename(name))
+            report_format("removing related mplib format %a", file.basename(name))
             os.remove(name)
         end
     end
@@ -120,7 +120,7 @@ function environment.run_format(name,data,more)
         end
         fmtname = resolvers.cleanpath(fmtname)
         if fmtname == "" then
-            report_format("no format with name: %s",name)
+            report_format("no format with name %a",name)
         else
             local barename = file.removesuffix(name) -- expanded name
             local luaname = file.addsuffix(barename,"luc")
@@ -128,8 +128,8 @@ function environment.run_format(name,data,more)
                 luaname = file.addsuffix(barename,"lua")
             end
             if not lfs.isfile(luaname) then
-                report_format("using format name: %s",fmtname)
-                report_format("no luc/lua with name: %s",barename)
+                report_format("using format name %a",fmtname)
+                report_format("no luc/lua file with name %a",barename)
             else
                 local command = format("%s %s --fmt=%s --lua=%s %s %s",engine,primaryflags(),quoted(barename),quoted(luaname),quoted(data),more ~= "" and quoted(more) or "")
                 report_format("running command: %s",command)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/luat-iop.lua b/tex/context/base/luat-iop.lua
index 5512b258e..52f14683e 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/luat-iop.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/luat-iop.lua
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ local function protect(ruleset,proc)
         elseif match(ruleset,name) then
             return proc(name,...)
         else
-            report_limiter("no access permitted: %s",name)
+            report_limiter("no access permitted for %a",name)
             return nil, name .. ": no access permitted"
         end
     end
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ local function i_register(v)
             local protect = i_limiter.protect
             i_opener = protect(i_opener)
             i_limited = true
-            report_limiter("input mode: %s",v)
+            report_limiter("input mode set to %a",v)
         end
     end
 end
@@ -138,7 +138,7 @@ local function o_register(v)
             local protect = o_limiter.protect
             o_opener = protect(o_opener)
             o_limited = true
-            report_limiter("output mode: %s",v)
+            report_limiter("output mode set to %a",v)
         end
     end
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/luat-lib.mkiv b/tex/context/base/luat-lib.mkiv
index b9ccd8b11..948a9bc8d 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/luat-lib.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/luat-lib.mkiv
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@
 \registerctxluafile{util-pck}{1.001}
 \registerctxluafile{util-seq}{1.001}
 %registerctxluafile{util-mrg}{1.001} % not needed in context itself, only mtxrun
-\registerctxluafile{util-lua}{1.001}
+%registerctxluafile{util-lua}{1.001} % moved
 \registerctxluafile{util-prs}{1.001}
 \registerctxluafile{util-fmt}{1.001}
 \registerctxluafile{util-deb}{1.001} % could also be done in trac-deb.mkiv
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@
 \registerctxluafile{trac-set}{1.001}
 \registerctxluafile{trac-log}{1.001}
 %registerctxluafile{trac-pro}{1.001}
+\registerctxluafile{util-lua}{1.001}
 
 \registerctxluafile{util-tpl}{1.001} % needs tracker
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/luat-mac.lua b/tex/context/base/luat-mac.lua
index e7f96359a..6a9401227 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/luat-mac.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/luat-mac.lua
@@ -209,7 +209,7 @@ end
 --         local oldsize = #str
 --         str = lpegmatch(parser,str,1,true) or str
 --         pushtarget("log")
---         report_macros("processed mkvi file %q, delta %s",filename,oldsize-#str)
+--         report_macros("processed mkvi file %a, delta %s",filename,oldsize-#str)
 --         poptarget("log")
 --     end
 --     return str
@@ -225,7 +225,7 @@ function processors.mkvi(str,filename)
     local oldsize = #str
     str = lpegmatch(parser,str,1,true) or str
     pushtarget("log")
-    report_macros("processed mkvi file %q, delta %s",filename,oldsize-#str)
+    report_macros("processed mkvi file %a, delta %s",filename,oldsize-#str)
     poptarget("log")
     return str
 end
@@ -240,7 +240,7 @@ function processors.mkix(str,filename) -- we could intercept earlier so that cac
     local oldsize = #str
     str = convertlmxstring(str,document.variables,false) or str
     pushtarget("log")
-    report_macros("processed mkix file %q, delta %s",filename,oldsize-#str)
+    report_macros("processed mkix file %a, delta %s",filename,oldsize-#str)
     poptarget("log")
     return str
 end
@@ -256,7 +256,7 @@ function processors.mkxi(str,filename)
     str = convertlmxstring(str,document.variables,false) or str
     str = lpegmatch(parser,str,1,true) or str
     pushtarget("log")
-    report_macros("processed mkxi file %q, delta %s",filename,oldsize-#str)
+    report_macros("processed mkxi file %a, delta %s",filename,oldsize-#str)
     poptarget("log")
     return str
 end
@@ -277,7 +277,7 @@ function macros.processmkvi(str,filename)
         local oldsize = #str
         str = lpegmatch(parser,str,1,true) or str
         pushtarget("log")
-        report_macros("processed mkvi file %q, delta %s",filename,oldsize-#str)
+        report_macros("processed mkvi file %a, delta %s",filename,oldsize-#str)
         poptarget("log")
     end
     return str
@@ -307,7 +307,7 @@ if resolvers.schemes then
             else
                 local result = lpegmatch(parser,str,1,true) or str
                 pushtarget("log")
-                report_macros("processed scheme '%s', delta %s",filename,#str-#result)
+                report_macros("processed scheme %a, delta %s",filename,#str-#result)
                 poptarget("log")
                 io.savedata(cachename,result)
             end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/luat-run.lua b/tex/context/base/luat-run.lua
index bcd9e2bdc..4f65370bb 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/luat-run.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/luat-run.lua
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ function luatex.registertempfile(name,extrasuffix)
         name = name .. ".mkiv-tmp" -- maybe just .tmp
     end
     if trace_temp_files and not tempfiles[name] then
-        report_tempfiles("registering temporary file: %s",name)
+        report_tempfiles("registering temporary file %a",name)
     end
     tempfiles[name] = true
     return name
@@ -116,7 +116,7 @@ end
 function luatex.cleanuptempfiles()
     for name, _ in next, tempfiles do
         if trace_temp_files then
-            report_tempfiles("removing temporary file: %s",name)
+            report_tempfiles("removing temporary file %a",name)
         end
         os.remove(name)
     end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/luat-sto.lua b/tex/context/base/luat-sto.lua
index 6ebfbab98..67653da6a 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/luat-sto.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/luat-sto.lua
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ function storage.register(...)
     if d then
         storage.mark(d)
     else
-        report_storage("fatal error: invalid storage '%s'",t[1])
+        report_storage("fatal error: invalid storage %a",t[1])
         os.exit()
     end
     data[#data+1] = t
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ local function dump()
         end
         c = c + 1 ; code[c] = serialize(original,name)
         if trace_storage then
-            report_storage('saving %s in slot %s (%s bytes)',message,max,#code[c])
+            report_storage('saving %a in slot %a, size %s',message,max,#code[c])
         end
         -- we don't need tracing in such tables
         bytecode[max] = strippedloadstring(concat(code,"\n"),storage.strip,format("slot %s (%s)",max,name))
diff --git a/tex/context/base/lxml-aux.lua b/tex/context/base/lxml-aux.lua
index 053e49303..0fffe261a 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/lxml-aux.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/lxml-aux.lua
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ local gmatch, gsub, format, find, strip = string.gmatch, string.gsub, string.for
 local utfbyte = utf.byte
 
 local function report(what,pattern,c,e)
-    report_xml("%s element '%s' (root: '%s', position: %s, index: %s, pattern: %s)",what,xmlname(e),xmlname(e.__p__),c,e.ni,pattern)
+    report_xml("%s element %a, root %a, position %a, index %a, pattern %a",what,xmlname(e),xmlname(e.__p__),c,e.ni,pattern)
 end
 
 local function withelements(e,handle,depth)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/lxml-dir.lua b/tex/context/base/lxml-dir.lua
index 00375193f..22a7ba3bb 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/lxml-dir.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/lxml-dir.lua
@@ -60,9 +60,9 @@ local function load_setup(filename)
                 valid = valid + 1
             end
         end
-        report_lxml("%s directives found in '%s', %s valid",#collection,filename,valid)
+        report_lxml("%s directives found in %a, valid %s",#collection,filename,valid)
     else
-        report_lxml("no directives found in '%s'",filename)
+        report_lxml("no directives found in %a",filename)
     end
 end
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/lxml-ent.lua b/tex/context/base/lxml-ent.lua
index 14b758f1c..a5c5bc389 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/lxml-ent.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/lxml-ent.lua
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ local entities = xml.entities  -- maybe some day properties
 function xml.registerentity(key,value)
     entities[key] = value
     if trace_entities then
-        report_xml("registering entity '%s' as: %s",key,value)
+        report_xml("registering entity %a as %a",key,value)
     end
 end
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/lxml-lpt.lua b/tex/context/base/lxml-lpt.lua
index 2be648075..51ab321b9 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/lxml-lpt.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/lxml-lpt.lua
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ local function fallback (t, name)
     if fn then
         t[name] = fn
     else
-        report_lpath("unknown sub finalizer '%s'",tostring(name))
+        report_lpath("unknown sub finalizer %a",name)
         fn = function() end
     end
     return fn
@@ -871,7 +871,7 @@ lpath = function (pattern) -- the gain of caching is rather minimal
                 local np = #parsed
                 if np == 0 then
                     parsed = { pattern = pattern, register_self, state = "parsing error" }
-                    report_lpath("parsing error in '%s'",pattern)
+                    report_lpath("parsing error in pattern: %s",pattern)
                     lshow(parsed)
                 else
                     -- we could have done this with a more complex parser but this
@@ -1190,7 +1190,7 @@ end
 -- user interface
 
 local function traverse(root,pattern,handle)
-    report_lpath("use 'xml.selection' instead for '%s'",pattern)
+ -- report_lpath("use 'xml.selection' instead for pattern: %s",pattern)
     local collected = applylpath(root,pattern)
     if collected then
         for c=1,#collected do
@@ -1231,7 +1231,7 @@ local function dofunction(collected,fnc,...)
                 f(collected[c],...)
             end
         else
-            report_lpath("unknown function '%s'",fnc)
+            report_lpath("unknown function %a",fnc)
         end
     end
 end
@@ -1435,7 +1435,7 @@ end
 function xml.inspect(collection,pattern)
     pattern = pattern or "."
     for e in xml.collected(collection,pattern or ".") do
-        report_lpath("pattern %q\n\n%s\n",pattern,xml.tostring(e))
+        report_lpath("pattern: %s\n\n%s\n",pattern,xml.tostring(e))
     end
 end
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/lxml-tab.lua b/tex/context/base/lxml-tab.lua
index 3fdf6d8ff..216dc16e8 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/lxml-tab.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/lxml-tab.lua
@@ -278,7 +278,7 @@ local reported_attribute_errors = { }
 
 local function attribute_value_error(str)
     if not reported_attribute_errors[str] then
-        report_xml("invalid attribute value: %q",str)
+        report_xml("invalid attribute value %a",str)
         reported_attribute_errors[str] = true
         at._error_ = str
     end
@@ -287,7 +287,7 @@ end
 
 local function attribute_specification_error(str)
     if not reported_attribute_errors[str] then
-        report_xml("invalid attribute specification: %q",str)
+        report_xml("invalid attribute specification %a",str)
         reported_attribute_errors[str] = true
         at._error_ = str
     end
@@ -392,14 +392,14 @@ local function handle_hex_entity(str)
         h = unify_predefined and predefined_unified[n]
         if h then
             if trace_entities then
-                report_xml("utfize, converting hex entity &#x%s; into %s",str,h)
+                report_xml("utfize, converting hex entity &#x%s; into %a",str,h)
             end
         elseif utfize then
             h = (n and utfchar(n)) or xml.unknown_hex_entity(str) or ""
             if not n then
                 report_xml("utfize, ignoring hex entity &#x%s;",str)
             elseif trace_entities then
-                report_xml("utfize, converting hex entity &#x%s; into %s",str,h)
+                report_xml("utfize, converting hex entity &#x%s; into %a",str,h)
             end
         else
             if trace_entities then
@@ -419,14 +419,14 @@ local function handle_dec_entity(str)
         d = unify_predefined and predefined_unified[n]
         if d then
             if trace_entities then
-                report_xml("utfize, converting dec entity &#%s; into %s",str,d)
+                report_xml("utfize, converting dec entity &#%s; into %a",str,d)
             end
         elseif utfize then
             d = (n and utfchar(n)) or placeholders.unknown_dec_entity(str) or ""
             if not n then
                 report_xml("utfize, ignoring dec entity &#%s;",str)
             elseif trace_entities then
-                report_xml("utfize, converting dec entity &#%s; into %s",str,d)
+                report_xml("utfize, converting dec entity &#%s; into %a",str,d)
             end
         else
             if trace_entities then
@@ -448,7 +448,7 @@ local function handle_any_entity(str)
             a = resolve_predefined and predefined_simplified[str]
             if a then
                 if trace_entities then
-                    report_xml("resolved entity &%s; -> %s (predefined)",str,a)
+                    report_xml("resolving entity &%s; to predefined %a",str,a)
                 end
             else
                 if type(resolve) == "function" then
@@ -459,13 +459,13 @@ local function handle_any_entity(str)
                 if a then
                     if type(a) == "function" then
                         if trace_entities then
-                            report_xml("expanding entity &%s; (function)",str)
+                            report_xml("expanding entity &%s; to function call",str)
                         end
                         a = a(str) or ""
                     end
                     a = lpegmatch(parsedentity,a) or a -- for nested
                     if trace_entities then
-                        report_xml("resolved entity &%s; -> %s (internal)",str,a)
+                        report_xml("resolving entity &%s; to internal %a",str,a)
                     end
                 else
                     local unknown_any_entity = placeholders.unknown_any_entity
@@ -474,7 +474,7 @@ local function handle_any_entity(str)
                     end
                     if a then
                         if trace_entities then
-                            report_xml("resolved entity &%s; -> %s (external)",str,a)
+                            report_xml("resolving entity &%s; to external %s",str,a)
                         end
                     else
                         if trace_entities then
@@ -491,7 +491,7 @@ local function handle_any_entity(str)
             acache[str] = a
         elseif trace_entities then
             if not acache[str] then
-                report_xml("converting entity &%s; into %s",str,a)
+                report_xml("converting entity &%s; to %a",str,a)
                 acache[str] = a
             end
         end
@@ -504,7 +504,7 @@ local function handle_any_entity(str)
                 -- one of the predefined
                 acache[str] = a
                 if trace_entities then
-                    report_xml("entity &%s; becomes %s",str,tostring(a))
+                    report_xml("entity &%s; becomes %a",str,a)
                 end
             elseif str == "" then
                 if trace_entities then
@@ -526,7 +526,7 @@ local function handle_any_entity(str)
 end
 
 local function handle_end_entity(chr)
-    report_xml("error in entity, %q found instead of ';'",chr)
+    report_xml("error in entity, %a found instead of %a",chr,";")
 end
 
 local space            = S(' \r\n\t')
diff --git a/tex/context/base/lxml-tex.lua b/tex/context/base/lxml-tex.lua
index 8a57ed54e..30d264c4e 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/lxml-tex.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/lxml-tex.lua
@@ -26,6 +26,8 @@ local lxml = lxml
 local catcodenumbers = catcodes.numbers
 local ctxcatcodes    = catcodenumbers.ctxcatcodes -- todo: use different method
 local notcatcodes    = catcodenumbers.notcatcodes -- todo: use different method
+
+local context        = context
 local contextsprint  = context.sprint             -- with catcodes (here we use fast variants, but with option for tracing)
 
 local xmlelements, xmlcollected, xmlsetproperty = xml.elements, xml.collected, xml.setproperty
@@ -68,14 +70,14 @@ local parsedentity = xml.parsedentitylpeg
 function lxml.registerentity(key,value)
     texentities[key] = value
     if trace_entities then
-        report_xml("registering tex entity '%s' as: %s",key,value)
+        report_xml("registering tex entity %a as %a",key,value)
     end
 end
 
 function lxml.resolvedentity(str)
     if forceraw then
         if trace_entities then
-            report_xml("passing entity '%s' as &%s;",str,str)
+            report_xml("passing entity %a as &%s;",str,str)
         end
         context("&%s;",str)
     else
@@ -84,12 +86,12 @@ function lxml.resolvedentity(str)
             local te = type(e)
             if te == "function" then
                 if trace_entities then
-                    report_xml("passing entity '%s' using function",str)
+                    report_xml("passing entity %a using function",str)
                 end
                 e(str)
             elseif e then
                 if trace_entities then
-                    report_xml("passing entity '%s' as '%s'using ctxcatcodes",str,e)
+                    report_xml("passing entity %a as %a using %a",str,e,"ctxcatcodes")
                 end
                 context(e)
             end
@@ -103,7 +105,7 @@ function lxml.resolvedentity(str)
             end
             if e then
                 if trace_entities then
-                    report_xml("passing entity '%s' as '%s' using notcatcodes",str,e)
+                    report_xml("passing entity %a as %a using %a",str,e,"notcatcodes")
                 end
                 contextsprint(notcatcodes,e)
                 return
@@ -114,18 +116,18 @@ function lxml.resolvedentity(str)
         local chr, err = lpegmatch(parsedentity,str)
         if chr then
             if trace_entities then
-                report_xml("passing entity '%s' as '%s' using ctxcatcodes",str,chr)
+                report_xml("passing entity %a as %a using %a",str,chr,"ctxcatcodes")
             end
             context(chr)
         elseif err then
             if trace_entities then
-                report_xml("passing faulty entity '%s' as '%s'",str,err)
+                report_xml("passing faulty entity %a as %a",str,err)
             end
             context(err)
         else
             local tag = upperchars(str)
             if trace_entities then
-                report_xml("passing entity '%s' to \\xmle using tag '%s'",str,tag)
+                report_xml("passing entity %a to \\xmle using tag %a",str,tag)
             end
             context.xmle(str,tag) -- we need to use our own upper
         end
@@ -259,16 +261,16 @@ local function getid(id, qualified)
                                 return root
                             end
                         elseif trace_access then
-                            report_lxml("'%s' has no index entry '%s'",d,i)
+                            report_lxml("%a has no index entry %a",d,i)
                         end
                     elseif trace_access then
-                        report_lxml("'%s' has no index",d)
+                        report_lxml("%a has no index",d)
                     end
                 elseif trace_access then
-                    report_lxml("'%s' is not loaded",d)
+                    report_lxml("%a is not loaded",d)
                 end
             elseif trace_access then
-                report_lxml("'%s' is not loaded",i)
+                report_lxml("%a is not loaded",i)
             end
         end
     elseif trace_access then
@@ -318,7 +320,7 @@ local function addindex(name,check_sum,force)
         root.index = index
         root.maxindex = maxindex
         if trace_access then
-            report_lxml("%s indexed, %s nodes",tostring(name),maxindex)
+            report_lxml("indexed entries %a, found nodes %a",tostring(name),maxindex)
         end
     end
 end
@@ -413,7 +415,7 @@ end
 function lxml.load(id,filename,compress,entities)
     filename = commands.preparedfile(filename) -- not commands!
     if trace_loading then
-        report_lxml("loading file %q as %q",filename,id)
+        report_lxml("loading file %a as %a",filename,id)
     end
     noffiles, nofconverted = noffiles + 1, nofconverted + 1
  -- local xmltable = xml.load(filename)
@@ -443,7 +445,7 @@ function lxml.include(id,pattern,attribute,recurse)
                 end
             end
             if trace_loading then
-                report_lxml("including file: %s",filename)
+                report_lxml("including file %a",filename)
             end
             noffiles, nofconverted = noffiles + 1, nofconverted + 1
             return resolvers.loadtexfile(filename) or ""
@@ -499,7 +501,7 @@ end
 
 local function tex_comment(e,handlers)
     if trace_comments then
-        report_lxml("comment: %s",e.dt[1])
+        report_lxml("comment %a",e.dt[1])
     end
 end
 
@@ -526,7 +528,7 @@ local function tex_element(e,handlers)
              -- faster than context.xmlw
                 contextsprint(ctxcatcodes,"\\xmlw{",command,"}{",rootname,"::",ix,"}")
             else
-                report_lxml( "fatal error: no index for '%s'",command)
+                report_lxml("fatal error: no index for %a",command)
                 contextsprint(ctxcatcodes,"\\xmlw{",command,"}{",ix or 0,"}")
             end
         elseif tc == "function" then
@@ -818,49 +820,27 @@ function lxml.installsetup(what,document,setup,where)
     end
     if what == 1 then
         if trace_loading then
-            report_lxml("prepending setup %s for %s",setup,document)
+            report_lxml("prepending setup %a for %a",setup,document)
         end
         insert(sd,1,setup)
     elseif what == 2 then
         if trace_loading then
-            report_lxml("appending setup %s for %s",setup,document)
+            report_lxml("appending setup %a for %a",setup,document)
         end
         insert(sd,setup)
     elseif what == 3 then
         if trace_loading then
-            report_lxml("inserting setup %s for %s before %s",setup,document,where)
+            report_lxml("inserting setup %a for %a before %a",setup,document,where)
         end
         insertbeforevalue(sd,setup,where)
     elseif what == 4 then
         if trace_loading then
-            report_lxml("inserting setup %s for %s after %s",setup,document,where)
+            report_lxml("inserting setup %a for %a after %a",setup,document,where)
         end
         insertaftervalue(sd,setup,where)
     end
 end
 
--- function lxml.flushsetups(id,...)
---     local done, list = { }, { ... }
---     for i=1,#list do
---         local document = list[i]
---         local sd = setups[document]
---         if sd then
---             for k=1,#sd do
---                 local v= sd[k]
---                 if not done[v] then
---                     if trace_loading then
---                         report_lxml("applying setup %02i = %s to %s",k,v,document)
---                     end
---                     contextsprint(ctxcatcodes,"\\xmlsetup{",id,"}{",v,"}")
---                     done[v] = true
---                 end
---             end
---         elseif trace_loading then
---             report_lxml("no setups for %s",document)
---         end
---     end
--- end
-
 function lxml.flushsetups(id,...)
     local done = { }
     for i=1,select("#",...) do
@@ -871,21 +851,21 @@ function lxml.flushsetups(id,...)
                 local v= sd[k]
                 if not done[v] then
                     if trace_loading then
-                        report_lxml("applying setup %02i = %s to %s",k,v,document)
+                        report_lxml("applying setup %02i : %a to %a",k,v,document)
                     end
                     contextsprint(ctxcatcodes,"\\xmlsetup{",id,"}{",v,"}")
                     done[v] = true
                 end
             end
         elseif trace_loading then
-            report_lxml("no setups for %s",document)
+            report_lxml("no setups for %a",document)
         end
     end
 end
 
 function lxml.resetsetups(document)
     if trace_loading then
-        report_lxml("resetting all setups for %s",document)
+        report_lxml("resetting all setups for %a",document)
     end
     setups[document] = { }
 end
@@ -896,7 +876,7 @@ function lxml.removesetup(document,setup)
         for i=1,#s do
             if s[i] == setup then
                 if trace_loading then
-                    report_lxml("removing setup %s for %s",setup,document)
+                    report_lxml("removing setup %a for %a",setup,document)
                 end
                 remove(t,i)
                 break
@@ -947,10 +927,10 @@ function lxml.setsetup(id,pattern,setup)
                     end
                 end
             elseif trace_setups then
-                report_lxml("zero lpath matches for %s",pattern)
+                report_lxml("%s lpath matches for pattern: %s","zero",pattern)
             end
         elseif trace_setups then
-            report_lxml("no lpath matches for %s",pattern)
+            report_lxml("%s lpath matches for pattern: %s","no",pattern)
         end
     else
         local a, b = match(setup,"^(.+:)([%*%-])$")
@@ -999,10 +979,10 @@ function lxml.setsetup(id,pattern,setup)
                         end
                     end
                 elseif trace_setups then
-                    report_lxml("zero lpath matches for %s",pattern)
+                    report_lxml("%s lpath matches for pattern: %s","zero",pattern)
                 end
             elseif trace_setups then
-                report_lxml("no lpath matches for %s",pattern)
+                report_lxml("%s lpath matches for pattern: %s","no",pattern)
             end
         else
             local collected = xmlapplylpath(getid(id),pattern)
@@ -1026,10 +1006,10 @@ function lxml.setsetup(id,pattern,setup)
                         end
                     end
                 elseif trace_setups then
-                    report_lxml("zero lpath matches for %s",pattern)
+                    report_lxml("%s lpath matches for pattern: %s","zero",pattern)
                 end
             elseif trace_setups then
-                report_lxml("no lpath matches for %s",pattern)
+                report_lxml("%s lpath matches for pattern: %s","no",pattern)
             end
         end
     end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/m-chart.lua b/tex/context/base/m-chart.lua
index a5201fc98..c4da2eb63 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/m-chart.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/m-chart.lua
@@ -854,7 +854,7 @@ local function splitchart(chart)
     local delta_x = splitsettings.dx or 0
     local delta_y = splitsettings.dy or 0
     --
-    report_chart("spliting %q: from (%s,%s) upto (%s,%s) into (%s,%s) with overlap (%s,%s)",
+    report_chart("spliting %a from (%s,%s) upto (%s,%s) into (%s,%s) with overlap (%s,%s)",
         name,from_x,from_y,to_x,to_y,step_x,step_y,delta_x,delta_y)
     --
     local part_x = 0
@@ -876,7 +876,7 @@ local function splitchart(chart)
                 last_y = to_y
             end
             --
-            report_chart("part (%s,%s) of %q: (%s,%s) -> (%s,%s)",part_x,part_y,name,first_x,first_y,last_x,last_y)
+            report_chart("part (%s,%s) of %a is split from (%s,%s) -> (%s,%s)",part_x,part_y,name,first_x,first_y,last_x,last_y)
             local x, y, nx, ny = first_x, first_y, last_x - first_x + 1,last_y - first_y + 1
             context.beforeFLOWsplit()
             context.handleFLOWsplit(function()
diff --git a/tex/context/base/math-act.lua b/tex/context/base/math-act.lua
index 51a06a087..bfc229a92 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/math-act.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/math-act.lua
@@ -56,9 +56,6 @@ local how = {
 
 function mathematics.scaleparameters(target,original)
     if not target.properties.math_is_scaled then
-     -- print("\n",target.properties.fontname)
-     -- print(original.mathparameters.DisplayOperatorMinHeight)
-     -- print(target.mathparameters.DisplayOperatorMinHeight)
         local mathparameters = target.mathparameters
         if mathparameters and next(mathparameters) then
             local parameters = target.parameters
@@ -76,13 +73,9 @@ function mathematics.scaleparameters(target,original)
                 else
                     value = value * factor
                 end
-             -- if name == "DisplayOperatorMinHeight" then
-             --     report_math("f: %s, p: %s, h: %s, b: %s, a: %s",target.properties.fontname,name,h or "scaled",mathparameters[name],value)
-             -- end
-                mathparameters[name] = value
+               mathparameters[name] = value
             end
         end
-     -- print(mathparameters.DisplayOperatorMinHeight)
         target.properties.math_is_scaled = true
     end
 end
@@ -123,12 +116,12 @@ function mathematics.overloadparameters(target,original)
                 local parameters  = mathematics and mathematics.parameters
                 if parameters then
                     if trace_defining then
-                        report_math("overloading math parameters in '%s' @ %s",target.properties.fullname,target.parameters.size)
+                        report_math("overloading math parameters in %a @ %p",target.properties.fullname,target.parameters.size)
                     end
                     for name, value in next, parameters do
                         local tvalue = type(value)
                         if tvalue == "string" then
-                            report_math("comment for math parameter '%s': %s",name,value)
+                            report_math("comment for math parameter %a: %s",name,value)
                         else
                             local oldvalue = mathparameters[name]
                             local newvalue = oldvalue
@@ -141,10 +134,10 @@ function mathematics.overloadparameters(target,original)
                                     newvalue = nil
                                 end
                                 if trace_defining and oldvalue ~= newvalue then
-                                    report_math("overloading math parameter '%s': %s => %s",name,tostring(oldvalue),tostring(newvalue))
+                                    report_math("overloading math parameter %a: %S => %S",name,oldvalue,newvalue)
                                 end
                             else
-                                report_math("invalid math parameter '%s'",name)
+                                report_math("invalid math parameter %a",name)
                             end
                             mathparameters[name] = newvalue
                         end
@@ -168,7 +161,7 @@ local function applytweaks(when,target,original)
                 tweaks = tweaks[when]
                 if tweaks then
                     if trace_defining then
-                        report_math("tweaking math of '%s' @ %s (%s)",target.properties.fullname,target.parameters.size,when)
+                        report_math("tweaking math of %a @ %p (%s)",target.properties.fullname,target.parameters.size,when)
                     end
                     for i=1,#tweaks do
                         local tweak= tweaks[i]
diff --git a/tex/context/base/math-ext.lua b/tex/context/base/math-ext.lua
index a3133d07a..b00d6cde2 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/math-ext.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/math-ext.lua
@@ -25,12 +25,12 @@ local chardata     = characters.data
 function extras.add(unicode,t) -- todo: if already stored ...
     local min, max = mathematics.extrabase, mathematics.privatebase - 1
  -- if mathdata[unicode] or chardata[unicode] then
- --     report_math("extra U+%05X overloads existing character",unicode)
+ --     report_math("extra %U overloads existing character",unicode)
  -- end
     if unicode >= min and unicode <= max then
         mathdata[unicode], chardata[unicode] = t, t
     else
-        report_math("extra U+%05X should be in range U+%05X - U+%05X",unicode,min,max)
+        report_math("extra %U should be in range %U - %U",unicode,min,max)
     end
 end
 
@@ -59,9 +59,9 @@ function extras.copy(target,original)
             end
             if not extrachar then
                 if trace_virtual then
-                    report_math("extra U+%05X in %s at is not mapped (class: %s, name: %s)",
+                    report_math("extra %U in %a at %p with class %a and name %a is not mapped",
                         unicode,basename(properties.fullname),parameters.size,
-                        extradesc.mathclass or "?", extradesc.mathname or "?")
+                        extradesc.mathclass,extradesc.mathname)
                 end
             elseif not extrachar.next then
                 local nextused = false
@@ -82,20 +82,20 @@ function extras.copy(target,original)
                 end
                 if trace_virtual then
                     if nextused then
-                        report_math("extra U+%05X in %s at %s maps onto U+%05X (class: %s, name: %s) with next U+%05X",
+                        report_math("extra %U in %a at %p with class %a and name %a maps onto %U with next %U",
                             unicode,basename(properties.fullname),parameters.size,charused,
-                            extradesc.mathclass or "?",extradesc.mathname or "?", nextused)
+                            extradesc.mathclass,extradesc.mathname,nextused)
                     else
-                        report_math("extra U+%05X in %s at %s maps onto U+%05X (class: %s, name: %s) with no next",
+                        report_math("extra %U in %a at %p with class %a and name %a maps onto %U with no next",
                             unicode,basename(properties.fullname),parameters.size,charused,
-                            extradesc.mathclass or "?",extradesc.mathname or "?")
+                            extradesc.mathclass,extradesc.mathname)
                     end
                 end
             else
                 if trace_virtual then
-                    report_math("extra U+%05X in %s at %s maps onto U+%05X (class: %s, name: %s)", -- own next
+                    report_math("extra %U in %a at %p with class %a and name %a maps onto %U with no next", -- own next
                         unicode,basename(properties.fullname),parameters.size,charused,
-                        extradesc.mathclass or "?",extradesc.mathname or "?")
+                        extradesc.mathclass,extradesc.mathname)
                 end
             end
         end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/math-fbk.lua b/tex/context/base/math-fbk.lua
index 565bead1d..eebc4e4e7 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/math-fbk.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/math-fbk.lua
@@ -116,7 +116,7 @@ textid = self
                 end
                 if trace_fallbacks then
                     if characters[k] then
-                        report_fallbacks("extending font %q with U+%05X",target.properties.fullname,k)
+                        report_fallbacks("extending font %a with %U",target.properties.fullname,k)
                     end
                 end
             end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/math-ini.lua b/tex/context/base/math-ini.lua
index 1602b387e..314d2ed05 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/math-ini.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/math-ini.lua
@@ -215,11 +215,11 @@ end
 local function report(class,family,unicode,name)
     local nametype = type(name)
     if nametype == "string" then
-        report_math("%s:%s %s U+%05X (%s) => %s",classname,class,family,unicode,utfchar(unicode),name)
+        report_math("class name %a, class %a, family %a, char %C, name %a",classname,class,family,unicode,name)
     elseif nametype == "number" then
-        report_math("%s:%s %s U+%05X (%s) => U+%05X",classname,class,family,unicode,utfchar(unicode),name)
+        report_math("class name %a, class %a, family %a, char %C, number %U",classname,class,family,unicode,name)
     else
-        report_math("%s:%s %s U+%05X (%s)", classname,class,family,unicode,utfchar(unicode))
+        report_math("class name %a, class %a, family %a, char %C", classname,class,family,unicode)
     end
 end
 
@@ -295,9 +295,9 @@ function mathematics.define(family)
                 if trace_defining then
                     report(class,family,unicode,name)
                 end
-if setcode then
-                setmathcharacter(class,family,unicode)
-end
+                if setcode then
+                    setmathcharacter(class,family,unicode)
+                end
             else
                 name = name or character.contextname
                 if name then
@@ -310,9 +310,9 @@ end
                         report(class,family,unicode,character.adobename)
                     end
                 end
-if setcode then
-                setmathcharacter(class,family,unicode,unicode)
-end
+                if setcode then
+                    setmathcharacter(class,family,unicode,unicode)
+                end
             end
         end
     end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/math-map.lua b/tex/context/base/math-map.lua
index f2ef7e8ae..05d63552c 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/math-map.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/math-map.lua
@@ -568,7 +568,7 @@ function mathematics.remapalphabets(char,mathalphabet,mathgreek)
                 local alphabet = r and r.alphabet or "regular"
                 local style = r and r.style or "tf"
                 if trace_greek then
-                    report_remapping("before: char: %05X, alphabet: %s %s, lcgreek: %s, ucgreek: %s",char,alphabet,style,remapping[lc].what,remapping[uc].what)
+                    report_remapping("greek before, char %C, alphabet %a %a, lcgreek %a, ucgreek %a",char,alphabet,style,remapping[lc].what,remapping[uc].what)
                 end
                 local s = remapping[islc or isuc][style]
                 if s then
@@ -576,7 +576,7 @@ function mathematics.remapalphabets(char,mathalphabet,mathgreek)
                     mathalphabet, style = data and data.attribute or mathalphabet, s
                 end
                 if trace_greek then
-                    report_remapping("after : char: %05X, alphabet: %s %s, lcgreek: %s, ucgreek: %s",char,alphabet,style,remapping[lc].what,remapping[uc].what)
+                    report_remapping("greek after, char %C, alphabet %a %a, lcgreek %a, ucgreek %a",char,alphabet,style,remapping[lc].what,remapping[uc].what)
                 end
             end
         end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/math-noa.lua b/tex/context/base/math-noa.lua
index 2e97750a1..1656f79f6 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/math-noa.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/math-noa.lua
@@ -125,17 +125,15 @@ local function process(start,what,n,parent)
     while start do
         local id = start.id
         if trace_processing then
-            local margin = rep("  ",n or 0)
-            local detail = tostring(start)
             if id == math_noad then
-                report_processing("%s%s (class: %s)",margin,detail,noadcodes[start.subtype] or "?")
+                report_processing("%w%S, class %a",n*2,start,noadcodes[start.subtype])
             elseif id == math_char then
                 local char = start.char
                 local fam = start.fam
                 local font = font_of_family(fam)
-                report_processing("%s%s (family: %s, font: %s, char: %s, shape: %s)",margin,detail,fam,font,char,utfchar(char))
+                report_processing("%w%S, family %a, font %a, char %a, shape %c",n*2,start,fam,font,char,char)
             else
-                report_processing("%s%s",margin,detail)
+                report_processing("%w%S",n*2,start)
             end
         end
         local proc = what[id]
@@ -192,9 +190,9 @@ end
 
 local function processnoads(head,actions,banner)
     if trace_processing then
-        report_processing("start '%s'",banner)
+        report_processing("start %a",banner)
         process(head,actions)
-        report_processing("stop '%s'",banner)
+        report_processing("stop %a",banner)
     else
         process(head,actions)
     end
@@ -237,21 +235,18 @@ families[math_char] = function(pointer)
                     pointer[a_exportstatus] = char
                     pointer.char = bold
                     if trace_families then
-                        report_families("replacing U+%05X (%s) by bold U+%05X (%s), family %s (%s) becomes %s (%s)",
-                            char,utfchar(char),bold,utfchar(bold),a,familymap[a],newa,familymap[newa])
+                        report_families("replacing %C by bold %C, family %s with remap %s becomes %s  with remap %s",char,bold,a,familymap[a],newa,familymap[newa])
                     end
                 else
                     if trace_families then
-                        report_families("no bold replacement for U+%05X (%s), family %s (%s) becomes %s (%s)",
-                            char,utfchar(char),a,familymap[a],newa,familymap[newa])
+                        report_families("no bold replacement for %C, family %s with remap %s becomes %s  with remap %s",char,a,familymap[a],newa,familymap[newa])
                     end
                 end
                 pointer.fam = newa
             else
                 if trace_families then
                     local char = pointer.char
-                    report_families("family of U+%05X (%s) becomes %s (%s)",
-                        char,utfchar(char),a,familymap[a])
+                    report_families("family of %C becomes %s with remap %s",char,a,familymap[a])
                 end
                 pointer.fam = a
             end
@@ -294,7 +289,7 @@ local a_mathgreek    = attributes.private("mathgreek")
 processors.relocate = { }
 
 local function report_remap(tag,id,old,new,extra)
-    report_remapping("remapping %s in font %s from U+%05X (%s) to U+%05X (%s)%s",tag,id,old,utfchar(old),new,utfchar(new),extra or "")
+    report_remapping("remapping %s in font %s from %C to %C%s",tag,id,old,new,extra)
 end
 
 local remapalphabets    = mathematics.remapalphabets
@@ -679,7 +674,7 @@ local function collapsepair(pointer,what,n,parent) -- todo: switch to turn in on
                                     local characters = fontcharacters[id]
                                     if characters and characters[newchar] then
                                         if trace_collapsing then
-                                            report_collapsing("U+%05X + U+%05X => U+%05X",current_char,next_char,newchar)
+                                            report_collapsing("%U + %U => %U",current_char,next_char,newchar)
                                         end
                                         current_nucleus.char = newchar
                                         local next_next_noad = next_noad.next
@@ -744,7 +739,7 @@ local function replace(pointer,what,n,parent)
                 nextnucleus.char = s
                 replaced[char] = (replaced[char] or 0) + 1
                 if trace_normalizing then
-                    report_normalizing("superscript: U+05X (%s) => U+05X (%s)",char,utfchar(char),s,utfchar(s))
+                    report_normalizing("superscript %C becomes %C",char,s)
                 end
             else
                 local s = subscripts[char]
@@ -760,7 +755,7 @@ local function replace(pointer,what,n,parent)
                     nextnucleus.char = s
                     replaced[char] = (replaced[char] or 0) + 1
                     if trace_normalizing then
-                        report_normalizing("subscript: U+05X (%s) => U+05X (%s)",char,utfchar(char),s,utfchar(s))
+                        report_normalizing("subscript %C becomes %C",char,s)
                     end
                 else
                     break
@@ -831,7 +826,7 @@ local function initializemathalternates(tfmdata)
             local alternates = mathgoodies and mathgoodies.alternates
             if alternates then
                 if trace_goodies then
-                    report_goodies("loading alternates for font '%s'",tfmdata.properties.name)
+                    report_goodies("loading alternates for font %a",tfmdata.properties.name)
                 end
                 local lastattribute, attributes = 0, { }
                 for k, v in next, alternates do
@@ -883,7 +878,7 @@ alternate[math_char] = function(pointer)
             local alt = getalternate(tfmdata,pointer.char,what.feature,what.value)
             if alt then
                 if trace_alternates then
-                    report_alternates("alternate %s, value: %s, replacing glyph 0x%05X by glyph 0x%05X",
+                    report_alternates("alternate %a, value %a, replacing glyph %U by glyph %U",
                         tostring(what.feature),tostring(what.value),pointer.char,alt)
                 end
                 pointer.char = alt
@@ -1022,24 +1017,21 @@ italics[math_char] = function(pointer,what,n,parent)
                     if sup then
                         parent.sup = insert_kern(sup,italic_kern(correction,font))
                         if trace_italics then
-                            report_italics("method %s: adding %s italic correction for upper limit of %s (0x%05X)",
-                                method,topoints(correction),utfchar(char),char)
+                            report_italics("method %a, adding %p italic correction for upper limit of %C",method,correction,char)
                         end
                     end
                     if sub then
                         local correction = - correction
                         parent.sub = insert_kern(sub,italic_kern(correction,font))
                         if trace_italics then
-                            report_italics("method %s: adding %s italic correction for lower limit of %s (0x%05X)",
-                                method,topoints(correction),utfchar(char),char)
+                            report_italics("method %a, adding %p italic correction for lower limit of %C",method,correction,char)
                         end
                     end
                 else
                     if sup then
                         parent.sup = insert_kern(sup,italic_kern(correction,font))
                         if trace_italics then
-                            report_italics("method %s: adding %s italic correction before superscript after %s (0x%05X)",
-                                method,topoints(correction),utfchar(char),char)
+                            report_italics("method %a, adding %p italic correction before superscript after %C",method,correction,char)
                         end
                     end
                 end
@@ -1048,8 +1040,7 @@ italics[math_char] = function(pointer,what,n,parent)
                 if not next_noad then
                     if n== 1 then -- only at the outer level .. will become an option (always,endonly,none)
                         if trace_italics then
-                            report_italics("method %s: adding %s italic correction between %s (0x%05X) and end math",
-                            method,topoints(correction),utfchar(char),char)
+                            report_italics("method %a, adding %p italic correction between %C and end math",method,correctio,char)
                         end
                         insert_node_after(parent,parent,italic_kern(correction,font))
                     end
@@ -1063,26 +1054,22 @@ italics[math_char] = function(pointer,what,n,parent)
                             local visual = next_data.visual
                             if visual == "it" or visual == "bi" then
                              -- if trace_italics then
-                             --     report_italics("method %s: skipping %s italic correction between italic %s (0x%05X) and italic %s (0x%05X)",
-                             --         method,topoints(correction),utfchar(char),char,utfchar(next_char),next_char)
+                             --     report_italics("method %a, skipping %p italic correction between italic %C and italic %C",method,correction,char,next_char)
                              -- end
                             else
                                 local category = next_data.category
                                 if category == "nd" or category == "ll" or category == "lu" then
                                     if trace_italics then
-                                        report_italics("method %s: adding %s italic correction between italic %s (0x%05X) and non italic %s (0x%05X)",
-                                            method,topoints(correction),utfchar(char),char,utfchar(next_char),next_char)
+                                        report_italics("method %a, adding %p italic correction between italic %C and non italic %C",method,correction,char,next_char)
                                     end
                                     insert_node_after(parent,parent,italic_kern(correction,font))
                              -- elseif next_data.height > (fontexheights[font]/2) then
                              --     if trace_italics then
-                             --         report_italics("method %s: adding %s italic correction between %s (0x%05X) and ascending %s (0x%05X)",
-                             --             method,topoints(correction),utfchar(char),char,utfchar(next_char),next_char)
+                             --         report_italics("method %a, adding %p italic correction between %C and ascending %C",method,correction,char,next_char)
                              --     end
                              --     insert_node_after(parent,parent,italic_kern(correction,font))
                              -- elseif trace_italics then
-                             --  -- report_italics("method %s: skipping %s italic correction between %s (0x%05X) and %s (0x%05X)",
-                             --  --     method,topoints(correction),utfchar(char),char,utfchar(next_char),next_char)
+                             --  -- report_italics("method %a, skipping %p italic correction between %C and %C",method,correction,char,next_char)
                                 end
                             end
                         end
@@ -1166,11 +1153,11 @@ variants[math_char] = function(pointer,what,n,parent) -- also set export value
                     pointer.char = variant
                     pointer[a_exportstatus] = char -- we don't export the variant as it's visual markup
                     if trace_variants then
-                        report_variants("variant (U+%05X,U+%05X) replaced by U+%05X",char,selector,variant)
+                        report_variants("variant (%U,%U) replaced by %U",char,selector,variant)
                     end
                 else
                     if trace_variants then
-                        report_variants("no variant (U+%05X,U+%05X)",char,selector)
+                        report_variants("no variant (%U,%U)",char,selector)
                     end
                 end
                 next.prev = pointer
@@ -1192,16 +1179,16 @@ function builders.kernel.mlist_to_hlist(head,style,penalties)
     return mlist_to_hlist(head,style,penalties), true
 end
 
---~ function builders.kernel.mlist_to_hlist(head,style,penalties)
---~     print("!!!!!!! BEFORE",penalties)
---~     for n in node.traverse(head) do print(n) end
---~     print("!!!!!!!")
---~     head = mlist_to_hlist(head,style,penalties)
---~     print("!!!!!!! AFTER")
---~     for n in node.traverse(head) do print(n) end
---~     print("!!!!!!!")
---~     return head, true
---~ end
+-- function builders.kernel.mlist_to_hlist(head,style,penalties)
+--     print("!!!!!!! BEFORE",penalties)
+--     for n in node.traverse(head) do print(n) end
+--     print("!!!!!!!")
+--     head = mlist_to_hlist(head,style,penalties)
+--     print("!!!!!!! AFTER")
+--     for n in node.traverse(head) do print(n) end
+--     print("!!!!!!!")
+--     return head, true
+-- end
 
 tasks.new {
     name      = "math",
diff --git a/tex/context/base/math-vfu.lua b/tex/context/base/math-vfu.lua
index 418b9cc1b..b169ec5e5 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/math-vfu.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/math-vfu.lua
@@ -205,7 +205,7 @@ local function raise(main,characters,id,size,unicode,private,n) -- this is a rea
     local raised = characters[private]
     if raised then
         if not done[unicode] then
-            report_virtual("temporary too large U+%05X due to issues in luatex backend",unicode)
+            report_virtual("temporary too large %U due to issues in luatex backend",unicode)
             done[unicode] = true
         end
         local up = 0.85 * main.parameters.x_height
@@ -524,7 +524,7 @@ local reverse  = { } -- index -> unicode
 
 setmetatableindex(reverse, function(t,name)
     if trace_virtual then
-        report_virtual("initializing math vector '%s'",name)
+        report_virtual("initializing math vector %a",name)
     end
     local m, r = mathencodings[name], { }
     for u, i in next, m do
@@ -545,7 +545,7 @@ function vfmath.define(specification,set,goodies)
         local ssname = ss.name
         if add_optional and ss.optional then
             if trace_virtual then
-                report_virtual("loading font %s subfont %s with name %s at %s is skipped",name,s,ssname,size)
+                report_virtual("loading font %a subfont %s with name %a at %p is skipped",name,s,ssname,size)
             end
         else
             if ss.features then
@@ -559,14 +559,14 @@ function vfmath.define(specification,set,goodies)
             if alreadyloaded then
                 f, id = alreadyloaded.f, alreadyloaded.id
                 if trace_virtual then
-                    report_virtual("loading font %s subfont %s with name %s is reused",name,s,ssname)
+                    report_virtual("loading font %a subfont %s with name %a is reused",name,s,ssname)
                 end
             else
                 f, id = fonts.constructors.readanddefine(ssname,size)
                 names[ssname] = { f = f, id = id }
             end
             if not f or id == 0 then
-                report_virtual("loading font %s subfont %s with name %s at %s is skipped, not found",name,s,ssname,size)
+                report_virtual("loading font %a subfont %s with name %a at %p is skipped, not found",name,s,ssname,size)
             else
                 n = n + 1
                 okset[n] = ss
@@ -576,7 +576,7 @@ function vfmath.define(specification,set,goodies)
                     shared[n] = { }
                 end
                 if trace_virtual then
-                    report_virtual("loading font %s subfont %s with name %s at %s as id %s using encoding %s",name,s,ssname,size,id,ss.vector or "none")
+                    report_virtual("loading font %a subfont %s with name %a at %p as id %s using encoding %p",name,s,ssname,size,id,ss.vector)
                 end
                 if not ss.checked then
                     ss.checked = true
@@ -591,10 +591,10 @@ function vfmath.define(specification,set,goodies)
                                 u = u and u[index]
                                 if u then
                                     if trace_virtual then
-                                        report_virtual("resolving name %s to %s",index,u)
+                                        report_virtual("resolving name %a to %s",index,u) -- maybe more detail for u
                                     end
                                 else
-                                    report_virtual("unable to resolve name %s",index)
+                                    report_virtual("unable to resolve name %a",index)
                                 end
                                 vector[unicode] = u
                             end
@@ -636,7 +636,7 @@ function vfmath.define(specification,set,goodies)
             characters[unicode] = character
         end
     else
-        report_virtual("font %s has no characters",name)
+        report_virtual("font %a has no characters",name)
     end
     --
     if parent.parameters then
@@ -644,7 +644,7 @@ function vfmath.define(specification,set,goodies)
             parameters[key] = value
         end
     else
-        report_virtual("font %s has no parameters",name)
+        report_virtual("font %a has no parameters",name)
     end
     --
     local description = { name = "<unset>" }
@@ -686,7 +686,7 @@ function vfmath.define(specification,set,goodies)
         else
             local newparameters = fs.parameters
             if not newparameters then
-                report_virtual("font %s, no parameters set",name)
+                report_virtual("no parameters set in font %a",name)
             elseif ss.extension then
                 mathparameters.math_x_height          = newparameters.x_height or 0        -- math_x_height          : height of x
                 mathparameters.default_rule_thickness = newparameters[ 8]      or 0        -- default_rule_thickness : thickness of \over bars
@@ -695,7 +695,7 @@ function vfmath.define(specification,set,goodies)
                 mathparameters.big_op_spacing3        = newparameters[11]      or 0        -- big_op_spacing3        : minimum baselineskip above displayed op
                 mathparameters.big_op_spacing4        = newparameters[12]      or 0        -- big_op_spacing4        : minimum baselineskip below displayed op
                 mathparameters.big_op_spacing5        = newparameters[13]      or 0        -- big_op_spacing5        : padding above and below displayed limits
-            --  report_virtual("loading and virtualizing font %s at size %s, setting ex parameters",name,size)
+            --  report_virtual("loading and virtualizing font %a at size %p, setting ex parameters",name,size)
             elseif ss.parameters then
                 mathparameters.x_height      = newparameters.x_height or mathparameters.x_height
                 mathparameters.x_height      = mathparameters.x_height or fp.x_height or 0 -- x_height               : height of x
@@ -714,7 +714,7 @@ function vfmath.define(specification,set,goodies)
                 mathparameters.delim1        = newparameters[20] or 0                      -- delim1                 : size of \atopwithdelims delimiters in display styles
                 mathparameters.delim2        = newparameters[21] or 0                      -- delim2                 : size of \atopwithdelims delimiters in non-displays
                 mathparameters.axis_height   = newparameters[22] or 0                      -- axis_height            : height of fraction lines above the baseline
-            --  report_virtual("loading and virtualizing font %s at size %s, setting sy parameters",name,size)
+            --  report_virtual("loading and virtualizing font %a at size %p, setting sy parameters",name,size)
             end
             local vectorname = ss.vector
             if vectorname then
@@ -736,9 +736,9 @@ function vfmath.define(specification,set,goodies)
                             local ru = rv[unicode]
                             if not ru then
                                 if trace_virtual then
-                                    report_virtual("unicode point U+%05X has no index %04X in vector %s for font %s",unicode,index,vectorname,fontname)
+                                    report_virtual("unicode slot %U has no index %H in vector %a for font %a",unicode,index,vectorname,fontname)
                                 elseif not already_reported then
-                                    report_virtual("the mapping is incomplete for '%s' at %s",name,number.topoints(size))
+                                    report_virtual("the mapping is incomplete for %a at %p",name,size)
                                     already_reported = true
                                 end
                                 rv[unicode] = true
@@ -896,7 +896,7 @@ function vfmath.define(specification,set,goodies)
                         end
                     end
                 else
-                    report_virtual("error in loading %s: problematic vector %s",name,vectorname)
+                    report_virtual("error in loading %a, problematic vector %a",name,vectorname)
                 end
             end
             mathematics.extras.copy(main) --not needed here (yet)
@@ -908,7 +908,6 @@ function vfmath.define(specification,set,goodies)
         size = size,
     }
     --
--- inspect(characters[0x0221A])
     --
     main.mathparameters = mathparameters -- still traditional ones
     vfmath.addmissing(main,#fontlist,size)
@@ -920,7 +919,7 @@ function vfmath.define(specification,set,goodies)
     main.MathConstants = main.mathparameters -- we directly pass it to TeX (bypasses the scaler) so this is needed
     --
     if trace_virtual or trace_timings then
-        report_virtual("loading and virtualizing font %s at size %s took %0.3f seconds",name,size,os.clock()-start)
+        report_virtual("loading and virtualizing font %a at size %p took %0.3f seconds",name,size,os.clock()-start)
     end
     --
     return main
diff --git a/tex/context/base/meta-ini.lua b/tex/context/base/meta-ini.lua
index 05433121e..713ba3d5d 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/meta-ini.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/meta-ini.lua
@@ -23,14 +23,14 @@ local status_metapost = logs.messenger("metapost")
 local patterns = { "meta-imp-%s.mkiv", "meta-imp-%s.tex", "meta-%s.mkiv", "meta-%s.tex" } -- we are compatible
 
 local function action(name,foundname)
-    status_metapost("loaded: library '%s'",name)
+    status_metapost("library %a is loaded",name)
     context.startreadingfile()
     context.input(foundname)
     context.stopreadingfile()
 end
 
 local function failure(name)
-    report_metapost("unknown: library '%s'",name)
+    report_metapost("library %a is unknown or invalid",name)
 end
 
 function commands.useMPlibrary(name)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/meta-pdf.lua b/tex/context/base/meta-pdf.lua
index 7046f5311..0287b8265 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/meta-pdf.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/meta-pdf.lua
@@ -549,7 +549,7 @@ function mptopdf.convertmpstopdf(name)
         resetall()
         statistics.stoptiming(mptopdf)
     else
-        report_mptopdf("file '%s' not found",name)
+        report_mptopdf("file %a not found",name)
     end
 end
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mlib-pdf.lua b/tex/context/base/mlib-pdf.lua
index 205dbd35a..963309951 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mlib-pdf.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/mlib-pdf.lua
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ function metapost.flushliteral(d)
         literal.data = savedliterals[d]
         write_node(literal)
     else
-        report_metapost("problem flushing literal %s",d)
+        report_metapost("problem flushing literal %a",d)
     end
 end
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mlib-pps.lua b/tex/context/base/mlib-pps.lua
index 3a6f0dc77..93bddc2dd 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mlib-pps.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/mlib-pps.lua
@@ -230,7 +230,7 @@ local function freeboxes()
           -- texbox[scratchbox] = tn
           -- texbox[scratchbox] = nil -- this frees too
             if trace_textexts then
-                report_textexts("freeing %s",n)
+                report_textexts("freeing box %s",n)
             end
         end
     end
@@ -254,7 +254,7 @@ end
 function metapost.gettext(box,slot)
     texbox[box] = copy_list(textexts[slot])
     if trace_textexts then
-        report_textexts("putting %s in box %s",slot,box)
+        report_textexts("putting text %s in box %s",slot,box)
     end
  -- textexts[slot] = nil -- no, pictures can be placed several times
 end
@@ -495,7 +495,7 @@ function metapost.textextsdata()
         if box then
             local wd, ht, dp = box.width/factor, box.height/factor, box.depth/factor
             if trace_textexts then
-                report_textexts("passed data %s: (%0.4f,%0.4f,%0.4f)",n,wd,ht,dp)
+                report_textexts("passed data item %s: (%p,%p,%p)",n,wd,ht,dp)
             end
             nt = nt + 1
             t[nt] = f_text_data(n,wd,n,ht,n,dp)
@@ -582,7 +582,7 @@ function metapost.graphic_base_pass(specification)
     end
     if method == 1 or (method == 2 and (done_1 or done_2 or done_3)) then
         if trace_runs then
-            report_metapost("first run of job %s (asked: %s)",nofruns,tostring(askedfig))
+            report_metapost("first run of job %s, asked figure %a",nofruns,askedfig)
         end
      -- first true means: trialrun, second true means: avoid extra run if no multipass
         local flushed = metapost.process(mpx, {
@@ -609,7 +609,7 @@ function metapost.graphic_base_pass(specification)
         end
     else
         if trace_runs then
-            report_metapost("running job %s (asked: %s)",nofruns,tostring(askedfig))
+            report_metapost("running job %s, asked figure %a",nofruns,askedfig)
         end
         metapost.process(mpx, {
             preamble,
@@ -626,7 +626,7 @@ end
 
 function metapost.graphic_extra_pass(askedfig)
     if trace_runs then
-        report_metapost("second run of job %s (asked: %s)",nofruns,tostring(askedfig))
+        report_metapost("second run of job %s, asked figure %a",nofruns,askedfig)
     end
     local askedfig, wrappit = checkaskedfig(askedfig)
     metapost.process(current_format, {
@@ -822,9 +822,6 @@ local function tx_analyze(object,prescript) -- todo: hash content and reuse them
         local n = tx_hash[h] -- todo: hashed variant with s (nicer for similar labels)
         if not n then
             tx_last = tx_last + 1
-         -- if trace_textexts then
-         --     report_textexts("setting %s %s (first pass)",tx_stage,tx_number)
-         -- end
             if not c then
                 -- no color
             elseif #c == 1 then
@@ -852,12 +849,12 @@ local function tx_analyze(object,prescript) -- todo: hash content and reuse them
             texslots[textrial] = tx_last
             texorder[tx_number] = tx_last
             if trace_textexts then
-                report_textexts("stage: %s, usage: %s, number: %s, new: %s, hash: %s",tx_stage,textrial,tx_number,tx_last,h)
+                report_textexts("stage %a, usage %a, number %a, new %a, hash %a",tx_stage,textrial,tx_number,tx_last,h)
             end
         else
             texslots[textrial] = n
             if trace_textexts then
-                report_textexts("stage: %s, usage: %s, number: %s, old: %s, hash: %s",tx_stage,textrial,tx_number,n,h)
+                report_textexts("stage %a, usage %a, number %a, new %a, hash %a",tx_stage,textrial,tx_number,n,h)
             end
         end
     elseif tx_stage == "extra" then
@@ -866,15 +863,12 @@ local function tx_analyze(object,prescript) -- todo: hash content and reuse them
         if not texorder[tx_number] then
             local s = object.postscript or ""
             tx_last = tx_last + 1
-         -- if trace_textexts then
-         --     report_textexts("setting %s %s (first pass)",tx_stage,tx_number)
-         -- end
             context.MPLIBsettext(tx_last,s)
             metapost.multipass = true
             texslots[textrial] = tx_last
             texorder[tx_number] = tx_last
             if trace_textexts then
-                report_textexts("stage: %s, usage: %s, number: %s, extra: %s",tx_stage,textrial,tx_number,tx_last)
+                report_textexts("stage %a, usage %a, number %a, extra %a",tx_stage,textrial,tx_number,tx_last)
             end
         end
     end
@@ -888,11 +882,8 @@ local function tx_process(object,prescript,before,after)
         if tx_stage == "final" then
             texfinal = texfinal + 1
             local n = texslots[texfinal]
-         -- if trace_textexts then
-         --     report_textexts("processing %s (second pass)",tx_number)
-         -- end
             if trace_textexts then
-                report_textexts("stage: %s, usage: %s, number: %s, use: %s",tx_stage,texfinal,tx_number,n)
+                report_textexts("stage %a, usage %a, number %a, use %a",tx_stage,texfinal,tx_number,n)
             end
             local sx, rx, ry, sy, tx, ty = cm(object) -- needs to be frozen outside the function
             local box = textexts[n]
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mlib-run.lua b/tex/context/base/mlib-run.lua
index 5adf43b46..0d7b5aa6d 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mlib-run.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/mlib-run.lua
@@ -248,7 +248,7 @@ if mplibone then
  --     mpsformat = file.addsuffix(mpsformat, "mem")
  --     local mpsformatfullname = caches.getfirstreadablefile(mpsformat,"formats","metapost") or ""
  --     if mpsformatfullname ~= "" then
- --         report_metapost("loading '%s' from '%s'", mpsinput, mpsformatfullname)
+ --         report_metapost("loading %a from %a", mpsinput, mpsformatfullname)
  --         local mpx, result = metapost.load(mpsformatfullname)
  --         if mpx then
  --             local result = mpx:execute("show mp_parent_version ;")
@@ -264,18 +264,18 @@ if mplibone then
  --                 end
  --             end
  --         else
- --             report_metapost("error in loading '%s' from '%s'", mpsinput, mpsformatfullname)
+ --             report_metapost("error in loading %a from %a", mpsinput, mpsformatfullname)
  --             metapost.reporterror(result)
  --         end
  --     end
  --     local mpsformatfullname = caches.setfirstwritablefile(mpsformat,"formats")
- --     report_metapost("making '%s' into '%s'", mpsinput, mpsformatfullname)
+ --     report_metapost("making %a into %a", mpsinput, mpsformatfullname)
  --     metapost.make(mpsinput,mpsformatfullname,mpsversion) -- somehow return ... fails here
  --     if lfs.isfile(mpsformatfullname) then
- --         report_metapost("loading '%s' from '%s'", mpsinput, mpsformatfullname)
+ --         report_metapost("loading %a from %a", mpsinput, mpsformatfullname)
  --         return metapost.load(mpsformatfullname)
  --     else
- --         report_metapost("problems with '%s' from '%s'", mpsinput, mpsformatfullname)
+ --         report_metapost("problems with %a from %a", mpsinput, mpsformatfullname)
  --     end
  -- end
 
@@ -302,7 +302,7 @@ else
             find_file   = finder,
             math_mode   = method,
         }
-        report_metapost("initializing number mode %q",method)
+        report_metapost("initializing number mode %a",method)
         local result
         if not mpx then
             result = { status = 99, error = "out of memory"}
@@ -331,14 +331,14 @@ else
             foundfile  = finder(file.replacesuffix(mpsinput,"mp")) or ""
         end
         if foundfile == "" then
-            report_metapost("loading '%s' fails, format not found",mpsinput)
+            report_metapost("loading %a fails, format not found",mpsinput)
         else
-            report_metapost("loading '%s': %s, using method: %s",mpsinput,foundfile,method or "default")
+            report_metapost("loading %a as %a using method %a",mpsinput,foundfile,method or "default")
             local mpx, result = metapost.load(foundfile,method)
             if mpx then
                 return mpx
             else
-                report_metapost("error in loading '%s'",mpsinput)
+                report_metapost("error in loading %a",mpsinput)
                 metapost.reporterror(result)
             end
         end
@@ -363,7 +363,7 @@ function metapost.format(instance,name,method)
     name = name or instance
     local mpx = mpxformats[instance]
     if not mpx then
-        report_metapost("initializing instance '%s' using format '%s'",instance,name)
+        report_metapost("initializing instance %a using format %a",instance,name)
         mpx = metapost.checkformat(name,method)
         mpxformats[instance] = mpx
     end
@@ -533,13 +533,13 @@ function metapost.directrun(formatname,filename,outputformat,astable,mpdata)
         outputformat = "mps"
     end
     if not data then
-        report_metapost("unknown file '%s'",filename or "?")
+        report_metapost("unknown file %a",filename)
     else
         local mpx = metapost.checkformat(formatname)
         if not mpx then
-            report_metapost("unknown format '%s'",formatname or "?")
+            report_metapost("unknown format %a",formatname)
         else
-            report_metapost("processing '%s'",(mpdata and (filename or "data")) or fullname)
+            report_metapost("processing %a",(mpdata and (filename or "data")) or fullname)
             local result = mpx:execute(data)
             if not result then
                 report_metapost("error: no result object returned")
@@ -576,7 +576,7 @@ function metapost.directrun(formatname,filename,outputformat,astable,mpdata)
                                 output = figures[v]:svg() -- (3) for prologues
                             end
                             local outname = format("%s-%s.%s",basename,v,outputformat)
-                            report_metapost("saving %s bytes in '%s'",#output,outname)
+                            report_metapost("saving %s bytes in %a",#output,outname)
                             io.savedata(outname,output)
                         end
                         return #sorted
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mult-aux.lua b/tex/context/base/mult-aux.lua
index 911888991..3c4cbcc0f 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mult-aux.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/mult-aux.lua
@@ -25,32 +25,32 @@ local data = { }
 
 function namespaces.define(namespace,settings)
     if trace_namespaces then
-        report_namespaces("installing namespace '%s' with settings '%s'",namespace,settings)
+        report_namespaces("installing namespace %a with settings %a",namespace,settings)
     end
     if data[namespace] then
-        report_namespaces("namespace '%s' is already taken",namespace)
+        report_namespaces("namespace %a is already taken",namespace)
     end
     if #namespace < 2 then
-        report_namespaces("namespace '%s' should have more than 1 character",namespace)
+        report_namespaces("namespace %a should have more than 1 character",namespace)
     end
     local ns = { }
     data[namespace] = ns
     utilities.parsers.settings_to_hash(settings,ns)
     local name = ns.name
     if not name or name == "" then
-        report_namespaces("provide a (command) name in namespace '%s'",namespace)
+        report_namespaces("provide a (command) name in namespace %a",namespace)
     end
     local self = "\\" .. prefix .. namespace
     context.unprotect()
  -- context.installnamespace(namespace)
     context("\\def\\%s%s{%s%s}",prefix,namespace,meaning,namespace) -- or context.setvalue
     if trace_namespaces then
-        report_namespaces("using namespace '%s' for '%s'",namespace,name)
+        report_namespaces("using namespace %a for %a",namespace,name)
     end
     local parent = ns.parent or ""
     if parent ~= "" then
         if trace_namespaces then
-            report_namespaces("namespace '%s' for '%s' uses parent '%s'",namespace,name,parent)
+            report_namespaces("namespace %a for %a uses parent %a",namespace,name,parent)
         end
         if not find(parent,"\\") then
             parent = "\\" .. prefix .. parent
@@ -59,60 +59,60 @@ function namespaces.define(namespace,settings)
     end
     context.installparameterhandler(self,name)
     if trace_namespaces then
-        report_namespaces("installing parameter handler for '%s'",name)
+        report_namespaces("installing parameter handler for %a",name)
     end
     context.installparameterhashhandler(self,name)
     if trace_namespaces then
-        report_namespaces("installing parameterhash handler for '%s'",name)
+        report_namespaces("installing parameterhash handler for %a",name)
     end
     local style = ns.style
     if style == v_yes then
         context.installstyleandcolorhandler(self,name)
         if trace_namespaces then
-            report_namespaces("installing attribute handler for '%s'",name)
+            report_namespaces("installing attribute handler for %a",name)
         end
     end
     local command = ns.command
     if command == v_yes then
         context.installdefinehandler(self,name,parent)
         if trace_namespaces then
-            report_namespaces("installing definition command for '%s' (single)",name)
+            report_namespaces("installing definition  command for %a (single)",name)
         end
     elseif command == v_list then
         context.installdefinehandler(self,name,parent)
         if trace_namespaces then
-            report_namespaces("installing definition command for '%s' (multiple)",name)
+            report_namespaces("installing definition command for %a (multiple)",name)
         end
     end
     local setup = ns.setup
     if setup == v_yes then
         context.installsetuphandler(self,name)
         if trace_namespaces then
-            report_namespaces("installing setup command for '%s' (single)",name)
+            report_namespaces("installing setup command for %a (%s)",name,"single")
         end
     elseif setup == v_list then
         context.installsetuphandler(self,name)
         if trace_namespaces then
-            report_namespaces("installing setup command for '%s' (multiple)",name)
+            report_namespaces("installing setup command for %a (%s)",name,"multiple")
         end
     end
     local set = ns.set
     if set == v_yes then
         context.installparametersethandler(self,name)
         if trace_namespaces then
-            report_namespaces("installing set/let/reset command for '%s' (single)",name)
+            report_namespaces("installing set/let/reset command for %a (%s)",name,"single")
         end
     elseif set == v_list then
         context.installparametersethandler(self,name)
         if trace_namespaces then
-            report_namespaces("installing set/let/reset command for '%s' (multiple)",name)
+            report_namespaces("installing set/let/reset command for %a (%s)",name,"multiple")
         end
     end
     local frame = ns.frame
     if frame == v_yes then
         context.installinheritedframed(name)
         if trace_namespaces then
-            report_namespaces("installing framed command for '%s'",name)
+            report_namespaces("installing framed command for %a",name)
         end
     end
     context.protect()
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mult-chk.lua b/tex/context/base/mult-chk.lua
index e3908ad40..33995ddcc 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mult-chk.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/mult-chk.lua
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ interfaces.syntax = allocate {
 }
 
 function interfaces.invalidkey(category,key)
-    report_interface("invalid key '%s' for '%s' in line %s",key,category,tex.inputlineno)
+    report_interface("invalid key %a for %a in line %s",key,category,tex.inputlineno)
 end
 
 function interfaces.setvalidkeys(category,list)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/node-aux.lua b/tex/context/base/node-aux.lua
index d5a4d6f08..2e431d364 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/node-aux.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/node-aux.lua
@@ -328,11 +328,7 @@ local function link(list,currentfont,currentattr,head,tail)
                 report_error("weird node type in list at index %s:",i)
                 for i=1,#list do
                     local l = list[i]
-                    if l.id == attributelist_code then
-                        report_error("%3i: ! %s",i,tostring(l))
-                    else
-                        report_error("%3i: > %s",i,tostring(l))
-                    end
+                    report_error("%3i: %s %S",i,l.id == attributelist_code and "!" or ">",l)
                 end
                 os.exit()
             else
diff --git a/tex/context/base/node-inj.lua b/tex/context/base/node-inj.lua
index e96c6e5fe..acaf9407a 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/node-inj.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/node-inj.lua
@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@ index = #mb + 1
             start[a_markdone] = index
             return dx, dy, bound
         else
-            report_injections("possible problem, U+%05X is base mark without data (id: %s)",base.char,bound)
+            report_injections("possible problem, %U is base mark without data (id %a)",base.char,bound)
         end
     end
 --     index = index or 1
@@ -147,38 +147,38 @@ local function trace(head)
             local cb = n[a_cursbase]
             local cc = n[a_curscurs]
             local char = n.char
-            report_injections("char U+%05X, font %s, glyph %s",char,n.font,utfchar(char))
+            report_injections("font %s, char %U, glyph %c",char,n.font,char)
             if kp then
                 local k = kerns[kp]
                 if k[3] then
-                    report_injections("  pairkern: dir=%s, x=%s, y=%s, w=%s, h=%s",dir(k[1]),k[2] or "?",k[3] or "?",k[4] or "?",k[5] or "?")
+                    report_injections("  pairkern: dir %a, x %p, y %p, w %p, h %p",dir(k[1]),k[2],k[3],k[4],k[5])
                 else
-                    report_injections("  kern: dir=%s, dx=%s",dir(k[1]),k[2] or "?")
+                    report_injections("  kern: dir %a, dx %p",dir(k[1]),k[2])
                 end
             end
             if mb then
-                report_injections("  markbase: bound=%s",mb)
+                report_injections("  markbase: bound %a",mb)
             end
             if mm then
                 local m = marks[mm]
                 if mb then
                     local m = m[mb]
                     if m then
-                        report_injections("  markmark: bound=%s, index=%s, dx=%s, dy=%s",mm,md or "?",m[1] or "?",m[2] or "?")
+                        report_injections("  markmark: bound %a, index %a, dx %p, dy %p",mm,md,m[1],m[2])
                     else
-                        report_injections("  markmark: bound=%s, missing index",mm)
+                        report_injections("  markmark: bound %a, missing index",mm)
                     end
                 else
                     m = m[1]
-                    report_injections("  markmark: bound=%s, dx=%s, dy=%s",mm,m and m[1] or "?",m and m[2] or "?")
+                    report_injections("  markmark: bound %a, dx %p, dy %p",mm,m and m[1],m and m[2])
                 end
             end
             if cb then
-                report_injections("  cursbase: bound=%s",cb)
+                report_injections("  cursbase: bound %a",cb)
             end
             if cc then
                 local c = cursives[cc]
-                report_injections("  curscurs: bound=%s, dir=%s, dx=%s, dy=%s",cc,dir(c[1]),c[2] or "?",c[3] or "?")
+                report_injections("  curscurs: bound %a, dir %a, dx %p, dy %p",cc,dir(c[1]),c[2],c[3])
             end
         end
     end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/node-mig.lua b/tex/context/base/node-mig.lua
index 14a9885ba..9fc35a048 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/node-mig.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/node-mig.lua
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ function nodes.handlers.migrate(head,where)
     local done = false
     if head then
         if trace_migrations then
-            report_nodes("migration sweep '%s'",where)
+            report_nodes("migration sweep %a",where)
         end
         local current = head
         while current do
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ function nodes.handlers.migrate(head,where)
                 if first then
                     t_inserts, t_marks = t_inserts + ni, t_marks + nm
                     if trace_migrations and (ni > 0 or nm > 0) then
-                        report_nodes("sweep %s, container %s, %s inserts and %s marks migrated outwards during '%s'",
+                        report_nodes("sweep %a, container %a, %s inserts and %s marks migrated outwards during %a",
                             t_sweeps,nodecodes[id],ni,nm,where)
                     end
                     -- inserts after head
diff --git a/tex/context/base/node-pro.lua b/tex/context/base/node-pro.lua
index adca502db..ab5b77f90 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/node-pro.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/node-pro.lua
@@ -56,9 +56,9 @@ local function tracer(what,state,head,groupcode,before,after,show)
     end
     n = n + 1
     if show then
-        report_nodes("%s %s: %s, group: %s, nodes: %s -> %s, string: %s",what,n,state,groupcode,before,after,reconstruct(head))
+        report_nodes("%s: location %a, state %a, group %a, # before %a, # after %s, stream: %s",what,n,state,groupcode,before,after,reconstruct(head))
     else
-        report_nodes("%s %s: %s, group: %s, nodes: %s -> %s",what,n,state,groupcode,before,after)
+        report_nodes("%s: location %a, state %a, group %a, # before %a, # after %s",what,n,state,groupcode,before,after)
     end
 end
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/node-ref.lua b/tex/context/base/node-ref.lua
index f39d29ae3..05e365979 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/node-ref.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/node-ref.lua
@@ -110,14 +110,14 @@ local function inject_range(head,first,last,reference,make,stack,parent,pardir,t
     if result and resolved then
         if head == first then
             if trace_backend then
-                report_area("head: %04i %s %s %s => w=%s, h=%s, d=%s, c=%s",reference,pardir or "---",txtdir or "----",tosequence(first,last,true),width,height,depth,resolved)
+                report_area("head: %04i %s %s %s => w=%p, h=%p, d=%p, c=%s",reference,pardir or "---",txtdir or "----",tosequence(first,last,true),width,height,depth,resolved)
             end
             result.next = first
             first.prev = result
             return result, last
         else
             if trace_backend then
-                report_area("middle: %04i %s %s => w=%s, h=%s, d=%s, c=%s",reference,pardir or "---",txtdir or "----",tosequence(first,last,true),width,height,depth,resolved)
+                report_area("middle: %04i %s %s => w=%p, h=%p, d=%p, c=%s",reference,pardir or "---",txtdir or "----",tosequence(first,last,true),width,height,depth,resolved)
             end
             local prev = first.prev
             if prev then
@@ -182,7 +182,7 @@ local function inject_list(id,current,reference,make,stack,pardir,txtdir)
     -- todo: only when width is ok
     if result and resolved then
         if trace_backend then
-            report_area("box: %04i %s %s: w=%s, h=%s, d=%s, c=%s",reference,pardir or "---",txtdir or "----",width,height,depth,resolved)
+            report_area("box: %04i %s %s: w=%p, h=%p, d=%p, c=%s",reference,pardir or "---",txtdir or "----",width,height,depth,resolved)
         end
         if not first then
             current.list = result
@@ -429,11 +429,11 @@ local function colorize(width,height,depth,n,reference,what)
     end
     if width == 0 then
         -- probably a strut as placeholder
-        report_area("%s %s has no horizontal dimensions: width=%s, height=%s, depth=%s",what,reference,width,height,depth)
+        report_area("%s %s has no %s dimensions, width %p, height %p, depth %p",what,reference,"horizontal",width,height,depth)
         width = 65536
     end
     if height + depth <= 0 then
-        report_area("%s %s has no vertical dimensions: width=%s, height=%s, depth=%s",what,reference,n,width,height,depth)
+        report_area("%s %s has no %s dimensions, width %p, height %p, depth %p",what,reference,"vertical",width,height,depth)
         height = 65536/2
         depth  = height
     end
@@ -493,7 +493,7 @@ local function makereference(width,height,depth,reference)
     local sr = stack[reference]
     if sr then
         if trace_references then
-            report_reference("resolving attribute %s",reference)
+            report_reference("resolving attribute %a",reference)
         end
         local resolved, ht, dp, set, n = sr[1], sr[2], sr[3], sr[4], sr[5]
         if ht then
@@ -521,10 +521,10 @@ local function makereference(width,height,depth,reference)
             if cleanupreferences then stack[reference] = nil end
             return result, resolved
         elseif trace_references then
-            report_reference("unable to resolve annotation %s",reference)
+            report_reference("unable to resolve annotation %a",reference)
         end
     elseif trace_references then
-        report_reference("unable to resolve attribute %s",reference)
+        report_reference("unable to resolve attribute %a",reference)
     end
 end
 
@@ -560,7 +560,7 @@ local function makedestination(width,height,depth,reference)
     local sr = stack[reference]
     if sr then
         if trace_destinations then
-            report_destination("resolving attribute %s",reference)
+            report_destination("resolving attribute %a",reference)
         end
         local resolved, ht, dp, name, view = sr[1], sr[2], sr[3], sr[4], sr[5]
         if ht then
@@ -606,7 +606,7 @@ local function makedestination(width,height,depth,reference)
         if cleanupdestinations then stack[reference] = nil end
         return result, resolved
     elseif trace_destinations then
-        report_destination("unable to resolve attribute %s",reference)
+        report_destination("unable to resolve attribute %a",reference)
     end
 end
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/node-res.lua b/tex/context/base/node-res.lua
index 5ac93da70..b651c1fa3 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/node-res.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/node-res.lua
@@ -258,7 +258,7 @@ function pool.leftmarginkern(glyph,width)
     if not glyph then
         report_nodes("invalid pointer to left margin glyph node")
     elseif glyph.id ~= glyph_code then
-        report_nodes("invalid node type %s for left margin glyph node",nodecodes[glyph])
+        report_nodes("invalid node type %a for %s margin glyph node",nodecodes[glyph],"left")
     else
         n.glyph = glyph
     end
@@ -273,7 +273,7 @@ function pool.rightmarginkern(glyph,width)
     if not glyph then
         report_nodes("invalid pointer to right margin glyph node")
     elseif glyph.id ~= glyph_code then
-        report_nodes("invalid node type %s for right margin glyph node",nodecodes[p])
+        report_nodes("invalid node type %a for %s margin glyph node",nodecodes[p],"right")
     else
         n.glyph = glyph
     end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/node-rul.lua b/tex/context/base/node-rul.lua
index c7b7b7be9..bac042353 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/node-rul.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/node-rul.lua
@@ -247,7 +247,7 @@ local function flush_ruled(head,f,l,d,level,parent,strip) -- not that fast but a
             local before = n_tosequence(f,l,true)
             f, l = striprange(f,l)
             local after = n_tosequence(f,l,true)
-            report_ruled("range stripper: %s -> %s",before,after)
+            report_ruled("range stripper, before %a, after %a",before,after)
         else
             f, l = striprange(f,l)
         end
@@ -317,9 +317,8 @@ local function flush_ruled(head,f,l,d,level,parent,strip) -- not that fast but a
             insert_node_after(head,r,k)
         end
         if trace_ruled then
-            report_ruled("level: %s, width: %i, height: %i, depth: %i, nodes: %s, text: %s",
+            report_ruled("level %a, width %p, height %p, depth %p, nodes %a, text %a",
                 level,w,ht,dp,n_tostring(f,l),n_tosequence(f,l,true))
-             -- level,r.width,r.height,r.depth,n_tostring(f,l),n_tosequence(f,l,true))
         end
     end
     return head
@@ -376,7 +375,7 @@ local function flush_shifted(head,first,last,data,level,parent,strip) -- not tha
     local raise = data.dy * dimenfactor(data.unit,fontdata[first.font])
     list.shift, list.height, list.depth = raise, height, depth
     if trace_shifted then
-        report_shifted("width: %s, nodes: %s, text: %s",width,n_tostring(first,last),n_tosequence(first,last,true))
+        report_shifted("width %p, nodes %a, text %a",width,n_tostring(first,last),n_tosequence(first,last,true))
     end
     return head
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/node-tra.lua b/tex/context/base/node-tra.lua
index 3538b5e34..c7f50b1aa 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/node-tra.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/node-tra.lua
@@ -48,10 +48,12 @@ local hpack_node_list = node.hpack
 local free_node_list  = node.flush_list
 local traverse_nodes  = node.traverse
 local traverse_by_id  = node.traverse_id
+local count_nodes     = nodes.count
 
 local nodecodes       = nodes.nodecodes
 local whatcodes       = nodes.whatcodes
 local skipcodes       = nodes.skipcodes
+local fillcodes       = nodes.fillcodes
 
 local glyph_code      = nodecodes.glyph
 local hlist_code      = nodecodes.hlist
@@ -61,6 +63,7 @@ local glue_code       = nodecodes.glue
 local kern_code       = nodecodes.kern
 local rule_code       = nodecodes.rule
 local whatsit_code    = nodecodes.whatsit
+local spec_code       = nodecodes.glue_spec
 
 local localpar_code   = whatcodes.localpar
 local dir_code        = whatcodes.dir
@@ -69,6 +72,9 @@ local nodepool        = nodes.pool
 
 local new_glyph       = nodepool.glyph
 
+local dimenfactors    = number.dimenfactors
+local formatters      = string.formatters
+
 function char_tracers.collect(head,list,tag,n)
     local fontdata = fonts.hashes.identifiers
     n = n or 0
@@ -121,6 +127,8 @@ function char_tracers.string(t)
     return concat(tt,"")
 end
 
+local f_unicode = formatters["%U"]
+
 function char_tracers.unicodes(t,decimal)
     local tt = { }
     for i=1,#t do
@@ -130,7 +138,7 @@ function char_tracers.unicodes(t,decimal)
         elseif decimal then
             tt[i] = n
         else
-            tt[i] = format("U+%04X",n)
+            tt[i] = f_unicode(n)
         end
     end
     return concat(tt," ")
@@ -145,7 +153,7 @@ function char_tracers.indices(t,decimal)
         elseif decimal then
             tt[i] = n
         else
-            tt[i] = format("U+%04X",n)
+            tt[i] = f_unicode(n)
         end
     end
     return concat(tt," ")
@@ -240,12 +248,12 @@ function step_tracers.features()
                     -- private
                 elseif type(value) == "boolean" then
                     if value then
-                        t[#t+1] = format("%s=yes",feature)
+                        t[#t+1] = formatters["%s=yes"](feature)
                     else
                         -- skip
                     end
                 else
-                    t[#t+1] = format("%s=%s",feature,value)
+                    t[#t+1] = formatters["%s=%s"](feature,value)
                 end
             end
             if #t > 0 then
@@ -331,7 +339,7 @@ function step_tracers.register(head)
 end
 
 function step_tracers.message(str,...)
-    str = format(str,...)
+    str = format(str,...) -- maybe: formatters[str](...)
     if collecting then
         local n = #collection + 1
         local m = messages[n]
@@ -355,13 +363,13 @@ end
 function nodes.handlers.checkglyphs(head,message)
     local t = { }
     for g in traverse_by_id(glyph_code,head) do
-        t[#t+1] = format("U+%04X:%s",g.char,g.subtype)
+        t[#t+1] = formatters["%U:%s"](g.char,g.subtype)
     end
     if #t > 0 then
         if message and message ~= "" then
-            report_nodes("%s, %s glyphs: %s",message,#t,concat(t," "))
+            report_nodes("%s, %s glyphs: % t",message,#t,t)
         else
-            report_nodes("%s glyphs: %s",#t,concat(t," "))
+            report_nodes("%s glyphs: % t",#t,t)
         end
     end
     return false
@@ -376,10 +384,12 @@ function nodes.handlers.checkforleaks(sparse)
     end
     node.flush_list(q)
     for k, v in next, l do
-        write_nl(format("%s * %s", v, k))
+        write_nl(formatters["%s * %s"](v,k))
     end
 end
 
+local f_sequence = formatters["U+%04X:%s"]
+
 local function tosequence(start,stop,compact)
     if start then
         local t = { }
@@ -394,7 +404,7 @@ local function tosequence(start,stop,compact)
                         t[#t+1] = utfchar(c)
                     end
                 else
-                    t[#t+1] = format("U+%04X:%s",c,utfchar(c))
+                    t[#t+1] = f_sequence(c,utfchar(c))
                 end
             elseif id == whatsit_code and start.subtype == localpar_code or start.subtype == dir_code then
                 t[#t+1] = "[" .. start.dir .. "]"
@@ -430,19 +440,7 @@ end
 nodes.tosequence = tosequence
 
 function nodes.report(t,done)
-    if done then
-        if status.output_active then
-            report_nodes("output, changed, %s nodes",nodes.count(t))
-        else
-            write_nl("nodes","normal, changed, %s nodes",nodes.count(t))
-        end
-    else
-        if status.output_active then
-            report_nodes("output, unchanged, %s nodes",nodes.count(t))
-        else
-            write_nl("nodes","normal, unchanged, %s nodes",nodes.count(t))
-        end
-    end
+    report_nodes("output %a, %changed %a, %s nodes",status.output_active,done,count_nodes(t))
 end
 
 function nodes.packlist(head)
@@ -463,9 +461,9 @@ function nodes.idstostring(head,tail)
             last_n = last_n + 1
         else
             if last_n > 1 then
-                t[#t+1] = format("[%s*%s]",last_n,nodecodes[last_id] or "?")
+                t[#t+1] = formatters["[%s*%s]"](last_n,nodecodes[last_id] or "?")
             else
-                t[#t+1] = format("[%s]",nodecodes[last_id] or "?")
+                t[#t+1] = formatters["[%s]"](nodecodes[last_id] or "?")
             end
             last_id, last_n = id, 1
         end
@@ -476,47 +474,47 @@ function nodes.idstostring(head,tail)
     if not last_id then
         t[#t+1] = "no nodes"
     elseif last_n > 1 then
-        t[#t+1] = format("[%s*%s]",last_n,nodecodes[last_id] or "?")
+        t[#t+1] = formatters["[%s*%s]"](last_n,nodecodes[last_id] or "?")
     else
-        t[#t+1] = format("[%s]",nodecodes[last_id] or "?")
+        t[#t+1] = formatters["[%s]"](nodecodes[last_id] or "?")
     end
     return concat(t," ")
 end
 
---~ function nodes.xidstostring(head,tail) -- only for special tracing of backlinks
---~     local n = head
---~     while n.next do
---~         n = n.next
---~     end
---~     local t, last_id, last_n = { }, nil, 0
---~     while n do
---~         local id = n.id
---~         if not last_id then
---~             last_id, last_n = id, 1
---~         elseif last_id == id then
---~             last_n = last_n + 1
---~         else
---~             if last_n > 1 then
---~                 t[#t+1] = format("[%s*%s]",last_n,nodecodes[last_id] or "?")
---~             else
---~                 t[#t+1] = format("[%s]",nodecodes[last_id] or "?")
---~             end
---~             last_id, last_n = id, 1
---~         end
---~         if n == head then
---~             break
---~         end
---~         n = n.prev
---~     end
---~     if not last_id then
---~         t[#t+1] = "no nodes"
---~     elseif last_n > 1 then
---~         t[#t+1] = format("[%s*%s]",last_n,nodecodes[last_id] or "?")
---~     else
---~         t[#t+1] = format("[%s]",nodecodes[last_id] or "?")
---~     end
---~     return table.concat(table.reversed(t)," ")
---~ end
+-- function nodes.xidstostring(head,tail) -- only for special tracing of backlinks
+--     local n = head
+--     while n.next do
+--         n = n.next
+--     end
+--     local t, last_id, last_n = { }, nil, 0
+--     while n do
+--         local id = n.id
+--         if not last_id then
+--             last_id, last_n = id, 1
+--         elseif last_id == id then
+--             last_n = last_n + 1
+--         else
+--             if last_n > 1 then
+--                 t[#t+1] = formatters["[%s*%s]"](last_n,nodecodes[last_id] or "?")
+--             else
+--                 t[#t+1] = formatters["[%s]"](nodecodes[last_id] or "?")
+--             end
+--             last_id, last_n = id, 1
+--         end
+--         if n == head then
+--             break
+--         end
+--         n = n.prev
+--     end
+--     if not last_id then
+--         t[#t+1] = "no nodes"
+--     elseif last_n > 1 then
+--         t[#t+1] = formatters["[%s*%s]"](last_n,nodecodes[last_id] or "?")
+--     else
+--         t[#t+1] = formatters["[%s]"](nodecodes[last_id] or "?")
+--     end
+--     return table.concat(table.reversed(t)," ")
+-- end
 
 local function showsimplelist(h,depth,n)
     while h do
@@ -553,7 +551,7 @@ local function listtoutf(h,joiner,textonly,last)
             end
         elseif id == disc_code then
             local pre, rep, pos = h.pre, h.replace, h.post
-            w[#w+1] = format("[%s|%s|%s]",
+            w[#w+1] = formatters["[%s|%s|%s]"] (
                 pre and listtoutf(pre,joiner,textonly) or "",
                 rep and listtoutf(rep,joiner,textonly) or "",
                 mid and listtoutf(mid,joiner,textonly) or ""
@@ -658,33 +656,127 @@ function nodes.toutf(list,stopcriterium)
     return concat(result)
 end
 
--- this will move elsewhere
-
-local ptfactor = number.dimenfactors.pt
-local bpfactor = number.dimenfactors.bp
+local ptfactor = dimenfactors.pt
+local bpfactor = dimenfactors.bp
 local stripper = lpeg.patterns.stripzeros
 
+-- start redefinition
+--
+-- -- if fmt then
+-- --     return formatters[fmt](n*dimenfactors[unit],unit)
+-- -- else
+-- --     return match(formatters["%.20f"](n*dimenfactors[unit]),"(.-0?)0*$") .. unit
+-- -- end
+--
+-- redefined:
+
+local dimenfactors = number.dimenfactors
+
+local function numbertodimen(d,unit,fmt,strip)
+    if not d then
+        local str = formatters[fmt](0,unit)
+        return strip and lpegmatch(stripper,str) or str
+    end
+    local t = type(d)
+    if t == 'string' then
+        return d
+    end
+    if unit == true then
+        unit = "pt"
+        fmt  = "%0.5f%s"
+    else
+        unit = unit or 'pt'
+        if not fmt then
+            fmt = "%s%s"
+        elseif fmt == true then
+            fmt = "%0.5f%s"
+        end
+    end
+    if t == "number" then
+        local str = formatters[fmt](d*dimenfactors[unit],unit)
+        return strip and lpegmatch(stripper,str) or str
+    end
+    local id = node.id
+    if id == kern_code then
+        local str = formatters[fmt](d.width*dimenfactors[unit],unit)
+        return strip and lpegmatch(stripper,str) or str
+    end
+    if id == glue_code then
+        d = d.spec
+    end
+    if not d or not d.id == spec_code then
+        local str = formatters[fmt](0,unit)
+        return strip and lpegmatch(stripper,str) or str
+    end
+    local width   = d.width
+    local plus    = d.stretch_order
+    local minus   = d.shrink_order
+    local stretch = d.stretch
+    local shrink  = d.shrink
+    if plus ~= 0 then
+        plus = " plus " .. stretch/65536 .. fillcodes[plus]
+    elseif stretch ~= 0 then
+        plus = formatters[fmt](stretch*dimenfactors[unit],unit)
+        plus = " plus " .. (strip and lpegmatch(stripper,plus) or plus)
+    else
+        plus = ""
+    end
+    if minus ~= 0 then
+        minus = " minus " .. shrink/65536 .. fillcodes[minus]
+    elseif shrink ~= 0 then
+        minus = formatters[fmt](shrink*dimenfactors[unit],unit)
+        minus = " minus " .. (strip and lpegmatch(stripper,minus) or minus)
+    else
+        minus = ""
+    end
+    local str = formatters[fmt](d.width*dimenfactors[unit],unit)
+    return (strip and lpegmatch(stripper,str) or str) .. plus .. minus
+end
+
+number.todimen = numbertodimen
+
+function number.topoints      (n,fmt) return numbertodimen(n,"pt",fmt) end
+function number.toinches      (n,fmt) return numbertodimen(n,"in",fmt) end
+function number.tocentimeters (n,fmt) return numbertodimen(n,"cm",fmt) end
+function number.tomillimeters (n,fmt) return numbertodimen(n,"mm",fmt) end
+function number.toscaledpoints(n,fmt) return numbertodimen(n,"sp",fmt) end
+function number.toscaledpoints(n)     return            n .. "sp"      end
+function number.tobasepoints  (n,fmt) return numbertodimen(n,"bp",fmt) end
+function number.topicas       (n,fmt) return numbertodimen(n "pc",fmt) end
+function number.todidots      (n,fmt) return numbertodimen(n,"dd",fmt) end
+function number.tociceros     (n,fmt) return numbertodimen(n,"cc",fmt) end
+function number.tonewdidots   (n,fmt) return numbertodimen(n,"nd",fmt) end
+function number.tonewciceros  (n,fmt) return numbertodimen(n,"nc",fmt) end
+
+-- stop redefinition
+
 local points = function(n)
     if not n or n == 0 then
         return "0pt"
+    elseif type(n) == "number" then
+        return lpegmatch(stripper,format("%.5fpt",n*ptfactor)) -- faster than formatter
     else
-        return lpegmatch(stripper,format("%.5fpt",n*ptfactor))
+        return numbertodimen(n,"pt",true,true) -- also deals with nodes
     end
 end
 
 local basepoints = function(n)
     if not n or n == 0 then
         return "0bp"
+    elseif type(n) == "number" then
+        return lpegmatch(stripper,format("%.5fbp",n*bpfactor)) -- faster than formatter
     else
-        return lpegmatch(stripper,format("%.5fbp",n*bpfactor))
+        return numbertodimen(n,"bp",true,true) -- also deals with nodes
     end
 end
 
 local pts = function(n)
     if not n or n == 0 then
         return "0pt"
+    elseif type(n) == "number" then
+        return format("%.5fpt",n*ptfactor) -- faster than formatter
     else
-        return format("%.5fpt",n*ptfactor)
+        return numbertodimen(n,"pt",true) -- also deals with nodes
     end
 end
 
@@ -692,7 +784,7 @@ local nopts = function(n)
     if not n or n == 0 then
         return "0"
     else
-        return format("%.5f",n*ptfactor)
+        return format("%.5f",n*ptfactor) -- faster than formatter
     end
 end
 
@@ -701,14 +793,6 @@ number.basepoints = basepoints
 number.pts        = pts
 number.nopts      = nopts
 
---~ function nodes.thespec(s)
---~     local stretch_order = s.stretch_order
---~     local shrink_order = s.shrink_order
---~     local stretch_unit = (stretch_order ~= 0) and ("fi".. string.rep("l",stretch_order)) or "sp"
---~     local shrink_unit = (shrink_order ~= 0) and ("fi".. string.rep("l",shrink_order)) or "sp"
---~     return string.format("%ssp+ %ssp - %ssp",s.width,s.stretch,stretch_unit,s.shrink,shrink_unit)
---~ end
-
 local colors   = { }
 tracers.colors = colors
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/node-tsk.lua b/tex/context/base/node-tsk.lua
index ccaa6c6b4..596ac765a 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/node-tsk.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/node-tsk.lua
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@ end
 local function valid(name)
     local data = tasksdata[name]
     if not data then
-        report_tasks("unknown task %s",name)
+        report_tasks("unknown task %a",name)
     else
         return data
     end
@@ -69,17 +69,17 @@ end
 local function validgroup(name,group,what)
     local data = tasksdata[name]
     if not data then
-        report_tasks("unknown task %s",name)
+        report_tasks("unknown task %a",name)
     else
         local frozen = data.frozen[group]
         if frozen then
             if frozengroup == "no" then
                 -- default
             elseif frozengroup == "strict" then
-                report_tasks("warning: group %s of task %s is frozen, %s applied but not supported",group,name,what)
+                report_tasks("warning: group %a of task %a is frozen, %a applied but not supported",group,name,what)
                 return
             else -- if frozengroup == "tolerant" then
-                report_tasks("warning: group %s of task %s is frozen, %s ignored",group,name,what)
+                report_tasks("warning: group %a of task %a is frozen, %a ignored",group,name,what)
             end
         end
         return data
@@ -159,7 +159,7 @@ end
 function tasks.showactions(name,group,action,where,kind)
     local data = valid(name)
     if data then
-        report_tasks("task %s, list:\n%s",name,nodeprocessor(data.list))
+        report_tasks("task %a, list:\n%s",name,nodeprocessor(data.list))
     end
 end
 
@@ -189,7 +189,7 @@ function tasks.actions(name) -- we optimize for the number or arguments (no ...)
                 if not runner then
                     created = created + 1
                     if trace_tasks then
-                        report_tasks("creating runner '%s'",name)
+                        report_tasks("creating runner %a",name)
                     end
                     runner = compile(data.list,data.processor,0)
                     data.runner = runner
@@ -203,7 +203,7 @@ function tasks.actions(name) -- we optimize for the number or arguments (no ...)
                 if not runner then
                     created = created + 1
                     if trace_tasks then
-                        report_tasks("creating runner '%s' with 1 extra arguments",name)
+                        report_tasks("creating runner %a with %s extra arguments",name,1)
                     end
                     runner = compile(data.list,data.processor,1)
                     data.runner = runner
@@ -217,7 +217,7 @@ function tasks.actions(name) -- we optimize for the number or arguments (no ...)
                 if not runner then
                     created = created + 1
                     if trace_tasks then
-                        report_tasks("creating runner '%s' with 2 extra arguments",name)
+                        report_tasks("creating runner %a with %s extra arguments",name,2)
                     end
                     runner = compile(data.list,data.processor,2)
                     data.runner = runner
@@ -231,7 +231,7 @@ function tasks.actions(name) -- we optimize for the number or arguments (no ...)
                 if not runner then
                     created = created + 1
                     if trace_tasks then
-                        report_tasks("creating runner '%s' with 3 extra arguments",name)
+                        report_tasks("creating runner %a with %s extra arguments",name,3)
                     end
                     runner = compile(data.list,data.processor,3)
                     data.runner = runner
@@ -245,7 +245,7 @@ function tasks.actions(name) -- we optimize for the number or arguments (no ...)
                 if not runner then
                     created = created + 1
                     if trace_tasks then
-                        report_tasks("creating runner '%s' with 4 extra arguments",name)
+                        report_tasks("creating runner %a with %s extra arguments",name,4)
                     end
                     runner = compile(data.list,data.processor,4)
                     data.runner = runner
@@ -259,7 +259,7 @@ function tasks.actions(name) -- we optimize for the number or arguments (no ...)
                 if not runner then
                     created = created + 1
                     if trace_tasks then
-                        report_tasks("creating runner '%s' with 5 extra arguments",name)
+                        report_tasks("creating runner %a with %s extra arguments",name,5)
                     end
                     runner = compile(data.list,data.processor,5)
                     data.runner = runner
@@ -273,7 +273,7 @@ function tasks.actions(name) -- we optimize for the number or arguments (no ...)
                 if not runner then
                     created = created + 1
                     if trace_tasks then
-                        report_tasks("creating runner '%s' with n extra arguments",name)
+                        report_tasks("creating runner %a with %s extra arguments",name,n)
                     end
                     runner = compile(data.list,data.processor,"n")
                     data.runner = runner
diff --git a/tex/context/base/pack-rul.mkiv b/tex/context/base/pack-rul.mkiv
index 6bcc4da7f..7b040a400 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/pack-rul.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/pack-rul.mkiv
@@ -1014,13 +1014,20 @@
    \else
      \d_framed_linewidth\zeropoint
    \fi
-\forgetall
+   % 2013/03/12: a change of order (sizes before align
+   \ifx\localwidth\v!local
+     \setlocalhsize
+   \fi
+   %
+   \forgetall % should happen after \localwidth but before align
+   %
    \ifx\localformat\empty
      \setfalse\c_framed_has_format
    \else
      \settrue\c_framed_has_format
      \dosetraggedcommand\localformat % not that fast
    \fi
+   %
    \csname\??framedoffsetalternative
      \ifcsname\??framedoffsetalternative\localoffset\endcsname
        \localoffset
@@ -1197,7 +1204,7 @@
 
 \setvalue{\??framedwidthalternative\v!local}%
   {\settrue\c_framed_has_width
-   \setlocalhsize
+   %\setlocalhsize
    \d_framed_width\localhsize}
 
 \setvalue{\??framedwidthalternative\s!unknown}%
diff --git a/tex/context/base/page-flt.lua b/tex/context/base/page-flt.lua
index c383380fb..68383f175 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/page-flt.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/page-flt.lua
@@ -112,12 +112,12 @@ function floats.save(which,data)
         insert(stack,t)
         setcount("global","savednoffloats",#stacks[default])
         if trace_floats then
-            report_floats("saving %s float %s in slot %s (%i,%i,%i)",which,noffloats,#stack,w,h,d)
+            report_floats("%s, category %a, number %a, slot %a, width %p, height %p, depth %p","saving",which,noffloats,#stack,w,h,d)
         else
             interfaces.showmessage("floatblocks",2,noffloats)
         end
     else
-        report_floats("unable to save %s float %s (empty)",which,noffloats)
+        report_floats("ignoring empty, category %a, number %a",which,noffloats)
     end
 end
 
@@ -132,7 +132,7 @@ function floats.resave(which)
         insert(stack,1,last)
         setcount("global","savednoffloats",#stacks[default])
         if trace_floats then
-            report_floats("resaving %s float %s in slot %s (%i,%i,%i)",which,noffloats,#stack,w,h,d)
+            report_floats("%s, category %a, number %a, slot %a width %p, height %p, depth %p","resaving",which,noffloats,#stack,w,h,d)
         else
             interfaces.showmessage("floatblocks",2,noffloats)
         end
@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@ function floats.flush(which,n,bylabel)
     if t then
         local w, h, d = setdimensions(b)
         if trace_floats then
-            report_floats("flushing %s float %s from slot %s (%i,%i,%i)",which,t.n,n,w,h,d)
+            report_floats("%s, category %a, number %a, slot %a width %p, height %p, depth %p","flushing",which,t.n,n,w,h,d)
         else
             interfaces.showmessage("floatblocks",3,t.n)
         end
@@ -168,7 +168,7 @@ function floats.consult(which,n)
     if t then
         local w, h, d = setdimensions(b)
         if trace_floats then
-            report_floats("consulting %s float %s in slot %s (%i,%i,%i)",which,t.n,n,w,h,d)
+            report_floats("%s, category %a, number %a, slot %a width %p, height %p, depth %p","consulting",which,t.n,n,w,h,d)
         end
         return t, b, n
     else
diff --git a/tex/context/base/page-lin.lua b/tex/context/base/page-lin.lua
index 76afc6c35..e6b500e8b 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/page-lin.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/page-lin.lua
@@ -128,7 +128,7 @@ function boxed.register(configuration)
     last = last + 1
     data[last] = configuration
     if trace_numbers then
-        report_lines("registering setup %s",last)
+        report_lines("registering setup %a",last)
     end
     return last
 end
@@ -141,14 +141,14 @@ function boxed.setup(n,configuration)
     local d = data[n]
     if d then
         if trace_numbers then
-            report_lines("updating setup %s",n)
+            report_lines("updating setup %a",n)
         end
         for k,v in next, configuration do
             d[k] = v
         end
     else
         if trace_numbers then
-            report_lines("registering setup %s (br)",n)
+            report_lines("registering setup %a (br)",n)
         end
         data[n] = configuration
     end
@@ -165,17 +165,17 @@ local function check_number(n,a,skip,sameline)
         if sameline then
             skipflag = 0
             if trace_numbers then
-                report_lines("skipping broken line number %s for setup %s: %s (%s)",#current_list,a,s,d.continue or "no")
+                report_lines("skipping broken line number %s for setup %a: %s (%s)",#current_list,a,s,d.continue or "no")
             end
         elseif not skip and s % d.step == 0 then
             skipflag, d.start = 1, s + 1 -- (d.step or 1)
             if trace_numbers then
-                report_lines("making number %s for setup %s: %s (%s)",#current_list,a,s,d.continue or "no")
+                report_lines("making number %s for setup %a: %s (%s)",#current_list,a,s,d.continue or "no")
             end
         else
             skipflag, d.start = 0, s + 1 -- (d.step or 1)
             if trace_numbers then
-                report_lines("skipping line number %s for setup %s: %s (%s)",#current_list,a,s,d.continue or "no")
+                report_lines("skipping line number %s for setup %a: %s (%s)",#current_list,a,s,d.continue or "no")
             end
         end
         context.makelinenumber(tag,skipflag,s,n.shift,n.width,leftmarginwidth(n.list),n.dir)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/page-mix.lua b/tex/context/base/page-mix.lua
index be87b79a7..f63989dd8 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/page-mix.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/page-mix.lua
@@ -213,8 +213,8 @@ local function setsplit(specification) -- a rather large function
         target = maxheight - preheight
     end
     if trace_state then
-        report_state("cycle: %s, maxheight: %s, preheight: %s, target: %s, overflow: %s, extra: %s",
-            cycle, points(maxheight),points(preheight),points(target),tostring(overflow),points(extra))
+        report_state("cycle %s, maxheight %p, preheight %p, target %p, overflow %a, extra %p",
+            cycle, maxheight, preheight , target, overflow, extra)
     end
     local results = { }
     for i=1,nofcolumns do
@@ -284,8 +284,8 @@ return false
                 state = "same"
             end
             if trace_detail then
-                report_state("check  > column %s, advance: %s, total: %s, target: %s => %s (height: %s, depth: %s, skip: %s)",
-                    currentcolumn,points(advance),points(total),points(target),state,points(height),points(depth),points(skip))
+                report_state("check  > column %s, advance %p, total %p, target %p => %a (height %p, depth %p, skip %p)",
+                    currentcolumn,advance,total,target,state,height,depth,skip)
             end
             return state
         else
@@ -315,8 +315,8 @@ return false
             end
             local state = checked(advance+inserttotal+currentskips)
             if trace_state then
-                report_state('line   > column %s, advance: %s, insert: %s, height: %s, state: %s',
-                    column,points(advance),points(inserttotal),points(height),state)
+                report_state('line   > column %s, advance %p, insert %p, height %p, state %a',
+                    column,advance,inserttotal,height,state)
             end
             if state == "quit" then
                 break
@@ -338,8 +338,8 @@ return false
             if advance ~= 0 then
                 local state = checked(advance)
                 if trace_state then
-                    report_state('glue   > column %s, advance: %s, height: %s, state: %s',
-                        column,points(advance),points(height),state)
+                    report_state('glue   > column %s, advance %p, height %p, state %a',
+                        column,advance,height,state)
                 end
                 if state == "quit" then
                     break
@@ -353,8 +353,8 @@ return false
             if advance ~= 0 then
                 local state = checked(advance)
                 if trace_state then
-                    report_state('kern   > column %s, advance: %s, height: %s, state: %s',
-                        column,points(advance),points(height),state)
+                    report_state('kern   > column %s, advance %p, height %p, state %a',
+                        column,advance,height,state)
                 end
                 if state == "quit" then
                     break
@@ -477,7 +477,7 @@ local function report_deltas(result,str)
     for i=1,result.nofcolumns do
         t[#t+1] = points(result.results[i].delta or 0)
     end
-    report_state("%s, cycles: %s, deltas: %s",str,result.cycle or 1,concat(t," | "))
+    report_state("%s, cycles %s, deltas % | t",str,result.cycle or 1,t)
 end
 
 function mixedcolumns.setsplit(specification)
@@ -500,8 +500,8 @@ function mixedcolumns.setsplit(specification)
                 specification.extra = cycle * step
                 result = setsplit(specification) or result
                 if trace_state then
-                    report_state("cycle: %s.%s, original height: %s, total height: %s",
-                        splitruns,cycle,points(result.originalheight),points(result.nofcolumns*result.targetheight))
+                    report_state("cycle: %s.%s, original height %p, total height %p",
+                        splitruns,cycle,result.originalheight,result.nofcolumns*result.targetheight)
                 end
                 cycle = cycle + 1
                 specification.cycle = cycle
@@ -525,12 +525,12 @@ local baselineskip_code = gluecodes.baselineskip
 
 function mixedcolumns.getsplit(result,n)
     if not result then
-        report_state("flush, column: %s, no result",n)
+        report_state("flush, column %s, no result",n)
         return
     end
     local r = result.results[n]
     if not r then
-        report_state("flush, column: %s, empty",n)
+        report_state("flush, column %s, empty",n)
     end
     local h = r.head
     if not h then
@@ -540,9 +540,9 @@ function mixedcolumns.getsplit(result,n)
     if trace_state then
         local id = h.id
         if id == hlist_code then
-            report_state("flush, column: %s, top line: %s",n,nodes.toutf(h.list))
+            report_state("flush, column %s, top line: %s",n,nodes.toutf(h.list))
         else
-            report_state("flush, column: %s, head node: %s",n,nodecodes[id])
+            report_state("flush, column %s, head node: %s",n,nodecodes[id])
         end
     end
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/page-str.lua b/tex/context/base/page-str.lua
index 48edd4cfe..f6314657f 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/page-str.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/page-str.lua
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ function streams.collect(head,where)
             dana[1] = head
         end
         if trace_collecting then
-            report_streams("appending snippet '%s' to slot %s",name,#dana)
+            report_streams("appending snippet %a to slot %s",name,#dana)
         end
         return nil, true
     else
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ function streams.push(thename)
         if dana then
             dana[#dana+1] = false
             if trace_collecting then
-                report_streams("pushing snippet '%s'",thename)
+                report_streams("pushing snippet %a",thename)
             end
         end
     end
@@ -105,7 +105,7 @@ function streams.flush(name,copy) -- problem: we need to migrate afterwards
             -- nothing to flush
         elseif copy then
             if trace_flushing then
-                report_streams("flushing copies of %s slots of '%s'",dn,name)
+                report_streams("flushing copies of %s slots of %a",dn,name)
             end
             for i=1,dn do
                 local di = dana[i]
@@ -118,7 +118,7 @@ function streams.flush(name,copy) -- problem: we need to migrate afterwards
             end
         else
             if trace_flushing then
-                report_streams("flushing %s slots of '%s'",dn,name)
+                report_streams("flushing %s slots of %a",dn,name)
             end
             for i=1,dn do
                 local di = dana[i]
@@ -137,7 +137,7 @@ function streams.synchronize(list) -- this is an experiment !
     list = settings_to_array(list)
     local max = 0
     if trace_flushing then
-        report_streams("synchronizing list: %s",concat(list," "))
+        report_streams("synchronizing list: % t",list)
     end
     for i=1,#list do
         local dana = data[list[i]]
@@ -168,12 +168,12 @@ function streams.synchronize(list) -- this is an experiment !
                 end
                 dana[m] = vbox
                 if trace_flushing then
-                    report_streams("slot %s of '%s' is packed to height %s and depth %s",m,name,ht,dp)
+                    report_streams("slot %s of %a is packed to height %p and depth %p",m,name,ht,dp)
                 end
             end
         end
         if trace_flushing then
-            report_streams("slot %s has max height %s and max depth %s",m,height,depth)
+            report_streams("slot %s has max height %p and max depth %p",m,height,depth)
         end
         local strutht, strutdp = texdimen.globalbodyfontstrutheight, texdimen.globalbodyfontstrutdepth
         local struthtdp = strutht + strutdp
@@ -189,7 +189,7 @@ function streams.synchronize(list) -- this is an experiment !
                         -- actually we need to add glue and repack
                         vbox.height, vbox.depth = height, depth
                         if trace_flushing then
-                            report_streams("slot %s of '%s' with delta (%s,%s) is compensated",m,i,delta_height,delta_depth)
+                            report_streams("slot %s of %a with delta (%p,%p) is compensated",m,i,delta_height,delta_depth)
                         end
                     else
                         -- this is not yet ok as we also need to keep an eye on vertical spacing
@@ -210,7 +210,7 @@ function streams.synchronize(list) -- this is an experiment !
                         vbox.list = nil
                         free_node(vbox)
                         if trace_flushing then
-                            report_streams("slot %s:%s with delta (%s,%s) is compensated by %s lines",m,i,delta_height,delta_depth,n)
+                            report_streams("slot %s:%s with delta (%p,%p) is compensated by %s lines",m,i,delta_height,delta_depth,n)
                         end
                     end
                 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/phys-dim.lua b/tex/context/base/phys-dim.lua
index ee5298c96..7b263036f 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/phys-dim.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/phys-dim.lua
@@ -646,7 +646,7 @@ labels.suffixes = allocate {
 
 local function dimpus(p,u,s)
     if trace_units then
-        report_units("p: [%s], u: [%s], s: [%s]",p or "?",u or "?",s or "?")
+        report_units("prefix %a, unit %a, suffix %a",p,u,s)
     end    --
     if p ~= "" then
         if u ~= ""  then
@@ -683,7 +683,7 @@ end
 
 local function dimop(o)
     if trace_units then
-        report_units("o: [%s]",o or "?")
+        report_units("operator %a",o)
     end
     if o then
         unitsO(o)
@@ -692,7 +692,7 @@ end
 
 local function dimsym(s)
     if trace_units then
-        report_units("s: [%s]",s or "?")
+        report_units("symbol %a",s)
     end
     s = symbol_units[s] or s
     if s then
@@ -702,7 +702,7 @@ end
 
 local function dimpre(p)
     if trace_units then
-        report_units("p: [%s]",p or "?")
+        report_units("prefix [%a",p)
     end
     p = packaged_units[p] or p
     if p then
diff --git a/tex/context/base/regi-ini.lua b/tex/context/base/regi-ini.lua
index f7fb20efe..d5d278b16 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/regi-ini.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/regi-ini.lua
@@ -111,10 +111,10 @@ local function loadregime(mapping,regime)
         for eightbit, unicode in next, data do
             vector[char(eightbit)] = utfchar(unicode)
         end
-        report_loading("vector '%s' is loaded",regime)
+        report_loading("vector %a is loaded",regime)
     else
         vector = false
-        report_loading("vector '%s' is unknown",regime)
+        report_loading("vector %a is unknown",regime)
     end
     mapping[regime] = vector
     return vector
@@ -227,14 +227,14 @@ end
 local function push()
     level = level + 1
     if trace_translating then
-        report_translating("pushing level: %s",level)
+        report_translating("pushing level %s",level)
     end
 end
 
 local function pop()
     if level > 0 then
         if trace_translating then
-            report_translating("popping level: %s",level)
+            report_translating("popping level %s",level)
         end
         level = level - 1
     end
@@ -263,7 +263,7 @@ local stack = { }
 function commands.startregime(regime)
     insert(stack,currentregime)
     if trace_translating then
-        report_translating("start: '%s'",regime)
+        report_translating("start using %a",regime)
     end
     enable(regime)
 end
@@ -272,7 +272,7 @@ function commands.stopregime()
     if #stack > 0 then
         local regime = remove(stack)
         if trace_translating then
-            report_translating("stop: '%s'",regime)
+            report_translating("stop using %a",regime)
         end
         enable(regime)
     end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/s-fonts-tables.lua b/tex/context/base/s-fonts-tables.lua
index dcf189f32..3cf1286a7 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/s-fonts-tables.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/s-fonts-tables.lua
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ local function typesettable(t,keys,synonyms,nesting,prefix)
                 elseif v == "basepoints" then
                     context("%sbp",tk)
                 elseif v == "scaledpoints" then
-                    context(number.points(tk))
+                    context("%p",tk)
                 elseif v == "table" then
                     context("<table>")
                 else -- if v == "integerscale" then
diff --git a/tex/context/base/s-inf-01.mkvi b/tex/context/base/s-inf-01.mkvi
index b3f44e908..9d624c168 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/s-inf-01.mkvi
+++ b/tex/context/base/s-inf-01.mkvi
@@ -22,6 +22,8 @@
 %D context auto:s-inf-01 --basepath=t:/texmf/tex/context/base
 %D \stoptyping
 
+% \enabletrackers[context.*]
+
 \startluacode
     local format, gsub, find, match = string.format, string.gsub, string.find, string.match
 
@@ -48,7 +50,8 @@
         local path = document.arguments.basepath or file.dirname(resolvers.find_file("context.mkiv"),".")
         local pattern = path .. "/*." .. suffix .. "$" -- avoid bla.tex~
         local texfiles = dir.glob(pattern)
-        for _, name in ipairs(texfiles) do
+        for i=1,#texfiles do
+            local name = texfiles[i]
             local base = file.basename(name)
             for p=1,#patterns do
                 local category = match(base,patterns[p])
@@ -98,12 +101,12 @@
         if next(list) then
             -- already loaded
         else
-            for k, v in ipairs(types) do
-                collect(list,v,k)
+            for i=1,#types do
+                collect(list,types[i],i)
             end
-            for category, _ in pairs(list) do
+            for category in next, list do
                 pattern ="{"..category.."%-"
-                for suffix, t in pairs(used) do
+                for suffix, t in next, used do
                     local data = io.loaddata(resolvers.find_file("context."..suffix))
                     if data and find(data,pattern) then
                         t[category] = true
@@ -124,21 +127,21 @@
         context.NC()
         context(category)
         context.NC()
-        for i, t in ipairs(types) do
+        for i=1,#types do
             local n, m = 0, 0
-            for k, v in pairs(list) do
+            for k, v in next, list do
                 local nn, mm = what[k][i], what[k][i+5]
                 n = n + nn
                 m = m + (mm or nn)
             end
-            context.Top(t,norm(max),n,m)
+            context.Top(types[i],norm(max),n,m)
             context.NC()
         end
         context.NC()
         context.NR()
         context.HL()
         for k, v in table.sortedpairs(what) do
-            local c = (what == size and comp[k]) or nope
+            local c = what == size and comp[k] or nope
             context.NC()
             context("%s~%s~~%s~~%s",
                 (used.mkii[k] and "ii") or "~~",
@@ -147,8 +150,8 @@
                 k
             )
             context.NC()
-            for i, t in ipairs(types) do
-                context.Bar(t,v[i],c[i],norm(v[i]))
+            for i=1,#types do
+                context.Bar(types[i],v[i],c[i],norm(v[i]))
                 context.NC()
             end
             context.NR()
@@ -161,8 +164,8 @@
         for k, v in table.sortedpairs(what) do
             local c = (what == size and comp[k]) or nope
             context.StartUp(k)
-            for i, t in ipairs(types) do
-                context.Up(t,norm(v[i]))
+            for i=1,#types do
+                context.Up(types[i],norm(v[i]))
             end
             context.StopUp()
         end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/scrn-wid.lua b/tex/context/base/scrn-wid.lua
index 14d58a29a..4ad46761e 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/scrn-wid.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/scrn-wid.lua
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ function attachments.register(specification) -- beware of tag/registered mixup(t
     checkbuffer(specification)
     attachments[registered] = specification
     if trace_attachments then
-        report_attachments("registering '%s'",registered)
+        report_attachments("registering %a",registered)
     end
     return specification
 end
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ function attachments.insert(specification)
     local r = attachments[registered]
     if r then
         if trace_attachments then
-            report_attachments("including registered '%s'",registered)
+            report_attachments("including registered %a",registered)
         end
         for k, v in next, r do
             local s = specification[k]
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ function attachments.insert(specification)
             end
         end
     elseif trace_attachments then
-        report_attachments("including unregistered '%s'",registered)
+        report_attachments("including unregistered %a",registered)
     end
     checkbuffer(specification)
     return nodeinjections.attachfile(specification)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/scrp-cjk.lua b/tex/context/base/scrp-cjk.lua
index c44f42e9c..5885c9867 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/scrp-cjk.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/scrp-cjk.lua
@@ -82,14 +82,14 @@ local function trace_detail(current,what)
         local c_ch = current.char
         if p_id == glyph_code then
             local p_ch = p_id and prev.char
-            report_details("[U+%05X %s %s] [%s] [U+%05X %s %s]",p_ch,utfchar(p_ch),hash[p_ch] or "unknown",what,c_ch,utfchar(c_ch),hash[c_ch] or "unknown")
+            report_details("[%C %a] [%s] [%C %a]",p_ch,hash[p_ch],what,c_ch,hash[c_ch])
         else
-            report_details("[%s] [U+%05X %s %s]",what,c_ch,utfchar(c_ch),hash[c_ch] or "unknown")
+            report_details("[%s] [%C %a]",what,c_ch,hash[c_ch])
         end
     else
         if p_id == glyph_code then
             local p_ch = p_id and prev.char
-            report_details("[U+%05X %s %s] [%s]",p_ch,utfchar(p_ch),hash[p_ch] or "unknown",what)
+            report_details("[%C %a] [%s]",p_ch,hash[p_ch],what)
         else
             report_details("[%s]",what)
         end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/scrp-ini.lua b/tex/context/base/scrp-ini.lua
index e75a32dd2..b8f5d52d0 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/scrp-ini.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/scrp-ini.lua
@@ -217,7 +217,7 @@ function scripts.installmethod(handler)
     local attributes = { }
     local datasets = handler.datasets
     if not datasets or not datasets.default then
-        report_preprocessing("missing (default) dataset in script '%s'",name)
+        report_preprocessing("missing (default) dataset in script %a",name)
         datasets.default = { } -- slower but an error anyway
     end
     for k, v in next, datasets do
@@ -257,7 +257,7 @@ function scripts.installdataset(specification) -- global overload
                         if p then
                             defaultset = p
                         else
-                            report_preprocessing("dataset, unknown parent '%s' for method '%s'",parent,method)
+                            report_preprocessing("dataset, unknown parent %a for method %a",parent,method)
                         end
                     end
                     setmetatable(dataset,defaultset)
@@ -270,13 +270,13 @@ function scripts.installdataset(specification) -- global overload
                         datasets[name] = dataset
                     end
                 else
-                    report_preprocessing("dataset, no default for method '%s'",method)
+                    report_preprocessing("dataset, no default for method %a",method)
                 end
             else
-                report_preprocessing("dataset, no datasets for method '%s'",method)
+                report_preprocessing("dataset, no datasets for method %a",method)
             end
         else
-            report_preprocessing("dataset, no method '%s'",method)
+            report_preprocessing("dataset, no method %a",method)
         end
     else
         report_preprocessing("dataset, invalid specification") -- maybe report table
@@ -430,9 +430,9 @@ function scripts.preprocess(head)
                             else
                                 last = start
                             end
-                        --    if cjk == "chinese" or cjk == "korean" then -- we need to prevent too much ( ) processing
+                         -- if cjk == "chinese" or cjk == "korean" then -- we need to prevent too much ( ) processing
                                 ok = true
-                        --    end
+                         -- end
                         elseif first then
                             if ok then
                                 if trace_analyzing then
@@ -548,7 +548,7 @@ function autofontfeature.handler(head)
                         attr = mergecontext(dynamic,name,what)
                         slot[script] = attr
                         if trace_scripts then
-                            report_scripts("script: %s, trigger 0x%05X (%s), dynamic: %s (extended)",script,char,utfchar(char),attr)
+                            report_scripts("script: %s, trigger %C, dynamic: %a, variant: %a",script,char,attr,"extended")
                         end
                     end
                     if attr ~= 0 then
@@ -562,7 +562,7 @@ function autofontfeature.handler(head)
                         attr = registercontext(font,script,2)
                         slot[script] = attr
                         if trace_scripts then
-                            report_scripts("script: %s, trigger 0x%05X (%s), dynamic: %s",script,char,utfchar(char),attr)
+                            report_scripts("script: %s, trigger %C, dynamic: %s, variant: %a",script,char,attr,"normal")
                         end
                     end
                     if attr ~= 0 then
diff --git a/tex/context/base/sort-ini.lua b/tex/context/base/sort-ini.lua
index 99eebf0a2..1d8ac630f 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/sort-ini.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/sort-ini.lua
@@ -167,12 +167,12 @@ local function preparetables(data)
             local n, nn
             if k then
                 if trace_tests then
-                    report_sorters("simplifing character 0x%04X %s",utfbyte(k),k)
+                    report_sorters("simplifing character %C",k)
                 end
                 local l = lower[k] or lcchars[k]
                 if l then
                     if trace_tests then
-                        report_sorters(" 1 lower: %s",l)
+                        report_sorters(" 1 lower: %C",l)
                     end
                     local ml = rawget(t,l)
                     if ml then
@@ -183,7 +183,7 @@ local function preparetables(data)
                             n[nn] = ml[i] + (t.__delta or 0)
                         end
                         if trace_tests then
-                            report_sorters(" 2 order: %s",concat(n," "))
+                            report_sorters(" 2 order: % t",n)
                         end
                     end
                 end
@@ -191,7 +191,7 @@ local function preparetables(data)
                     local s = shchars[k] -- maybe all components?
                     if s and s ~= k then
                         if trace_tests then
-                            report_sorters(" 3 shape: %s",s)
+                            report_sorters(" 3 shape: %C",s)
                         end
                         n = { }
                         nn = 0
@@ -199,7 +199,7 @@ local function preparetables(data)
                             local ml = rawget(t,l)
                             if ml then
                                 if trace_tests then
-                                    report_sorters(" 4 keep: %s",l)
+                                    report_sorters(" 4 keep: %C",l)
                                 end
                                 if ml then
                                     for i=1,#ml do
@@ -211,7 +211,7 @@ local function preparetables(data)
                                 l = lower[l] or lcchars[l]
                                 if l then
                                     if trace_tests then
-                                        report_sorters(" 5 lower: %s",l)
+                                        report_sorters(" 5 lower: %C",l)
                                     end
                                     local ml = rawget(t,l)
                                     if ml then
@@ -223,32 +223,34 @@ local function preparetables(data)
                                 end
                             end
                         end
-                    else -- we probably never enter this branch
-                        -- fschars returns a single char
---~                         s = fschars[k]
---~                         if s and s ~= k then
---~                             if trace_tests then
---~                                 report_sorters(" 6 split: %s",s)
---~                             end
---~                             local ml = rawget(t,s)
---~                             if ml then
---~                                 n = { }
---~                                 nn = 0
---~                                 for i=1,#ml do
---~                                     nn = nn + 1
---~                                     n[nn] = ml[i]
---~                                 end
---~                             end
---~                         end
+                    else
+                     -- -- we probably never enter this branch
+                     -- -- fschars returns a single char
+                     --
+                     -- s = fschars[k]
+                     -- if s and s ~= k then
+                     --     if trace_tests then
+                     --         report_sorters(" 6 split: %s",s)
+                     --     end
+                     --     local ml = rawget(t,s)
+                     --     if ml then
+                     --         n = { }
+                     --         nn = 0
+                     --         for i=1,#ml do
+                     --             nn = nn + 1
+                     --             n[nn] = ml[i]
+                     --         end
+                     --     end
+                     -- end
                         local b = utfbyte(k)
                         n = decomposed[b] or { b }
                         if trace_tests then
-                            report_sorters(" 6 split: %s",utf.tostring(b))
+                            report_sorters(" 6 split: %s",utf.tostring(b)) -- todo
                         end
                     end
                     if n then
                         if trace_tests then
-                            report_sorters(" 7 order: %s",concat(n," "))
+                            report_sorters(" 7 order: % t",n)
                         end
                     else
                         n = noorder
@@ -300,7 +302,7 @@ local function setlanguage(l,m,d,u)
     method    = (m ~= "" and m) or data.method    or constants.defaultmethod
     digits    = (d ~= "" and d) or data.digits    or constants.defaultdigits
     if trace_tests then
-        report_sorters("setting language '%s', method '%s', digits '%s'",language,method,digits)
+        report_sorters("setting language %a, method %a, digits %a",language,method,digits)
     end
     replacements = data.replacements
     entries      = data.entries
@@ -326,12 +328,12 @@ local function setlanguage(l,m,d,u)
             nofsequence = nofsequence + 1
             sequence[nofsequence] = s
         else
-            report_sorters("invalid sorter method '%s' in '%s'",s,method)
+            report_sorters("invalid sorter method %a in %a",s,method)
         end
     end
     data.sequence = sequence
     if trace_tests then
-        report_sorters("using sort sequence: %s",concat(sequence," "))
+        report_sorters("using sort sequence: % t",sequence)
     end
     --
     return data
@@ -349,94 +351,6 @@ end
 
 -- tricky: { 0, 0, 0 } vs { 0, 0, 0, 0 } => longer wins and mm, pm, zm can have them
 
---~ local function basicsort(sort_a,sort_b) -- todo: local #
---~     if not sort_a or not sort_b then
---~         return 0
---~     elseif #sort_a > #sort_b then
---~         if #sort_b == 0 then
---~             return 1
---~         else
---~             for i=1,#sort_b do
---~                 local ai, bi = sort_a[i], sort_b[i]
---~                 if ai > bi then
---~                     return  1
---~                 elseif ai < bi then
---~                     return -1
---~                 end
---~             end
---~             return 1
---~         end
---~     elseif #sort_a < #sort_b then
---~         if #sort_a == 0 then
---~             return -1
---~         else
---~             for i=1,#sort_a do
---~                 local ai, bi = sort_a[i], sort_b[i]
---~                 if ai > bi then
---~                     return  1
---~                 elseif ai < bi then
---~                     return -1
---~                 end
---~             end
---~             return -1
---~         end
---~     elseif #sort_a == 0 then
---~         return 0
---~     else
---~         for i=1,#sort_a do
---~             local ai, bi = sort_a[i], sort_b[i]
---~             if ai > bi then
---~                 return  1
---~             elseif ai < bi then
---~                 return -1
---~             end
---~         end
---~         return 0
---~     end
---~ end
-
---~ function comparers.basic(a,b) -- trace ea and eb
---~     local ea, eb = a.split, b.split
---~     local na, nb = #ea, #eb
---~     if na == 0 and nb == 0 then
---~         -- simple variant (single word)
---~         local result = 0
---~         for j=1,#sequence do
---~             local m = sequence[j]
---~             result = basicsort(ea[m],eb[m])
---~             if result ~= 0 then
---~                 return result
---~             end
---~         end
---~         return result
---~     else
---~         -- complex variant, used in register (multiple words)
---~         local result = 0
---~         for i=1,nb < na and nb or na do
---~             local eai, ebi = ea[i], eb[i]
---~             for j=1,#sequence do
---~                 local m = sequence[j]
---~                 result = basicsort(eai[m],ebi[m])
---~                 if result ~= 0 then
---~                     return result
---~                 end
---~             end
---~             if result ~= 0 then
---~                 return result
---~             end
---~         end
---~         if result ~= 0 then
---~             return result
---~         elseif na > nb then
---~             return 1
---~         elseif nb > na then
---~             return -1
---~         else
---~             return 0
---~         end
---~     end
---~ end
-
 local function basicsort(sort_a,sort_b)
     if sort_a and sort_b then
         local na = #sort_a
@@ -526,7 +440,7 @@ end
 
 function sorters.strip(str) -- todo: only letters and such
     if str and str ~= "" then
-        -- todo: make a lpeg
+        -- todo: make a decent lpeg
         str = gsub(str,"\\[\"\'~^`]*","") -- \"e -- hm, too greedy
         str = gsub(str,"\\%S*","") -- the rest
         str = gsub(str,"%s","\001") -- can be option
@@ -615,12 +529,12 @@ function splitters.utf(str) -- we could append m and u but this is cleaner, s is
                 p_case[n] = l
             end
             char[n], byte[n] = sc, b
-local fs = fscodes[b] or b
+            local fs = fscodes[b] or b
             local msc = m_mappings[sc]
             if msc ~= noorder then
-if not msc then
-    msc = m_mappings[fs]
-end
+                if not msc then
+                    msc = m_mappings[fs]
+                end
                 for i=1,#msc do
                     nm = nm + 1
                     m_mapping[nm] = msc[i]
@@ -628,9 +542,9 @@ end
             end
             local zsc = z_mappings[sc]
             if zsc ~= noorder then
-if not zsc then
-    zsc = z_mappings[fs]
-end
+                if not zsc then
+                    zsc = z_mappings[fs]
+                end
                 for i=1,#zsc do
                     nz = nz + 1
                     z_mapping[nz] = zsc[i]
@@ -638,9 +552,9 @@ end
             end
             local psc = p_mappings[sc]
             if psc ~= noorder then
-if not psc then
-    psc = p_mappings[fs]
-end
+                if not psc then
+                    psc = p_mappings[fs]
+                end
                 for i=1,#psc do
                     np = np + 1
                     p_mapping[np] = psc[i]
@@ -648,24 +562,22 @@ end
             end
         end
     end
-
-    -- only those needed that are part of a sequence
-
---~     local b = byte[1]
---~     if b then
---~         -- we set them to the first split code (korean)
---~         local fs = fscodes[b] or b
---~         if #m_mapping == 0 then
---~             m_mapping = { m_mappings[fs][1] }
---~         end
---~         if #z_mapping == 0 then
---~             z_mapping = { z_mappings[fs][1] }
---~         end
---~         if #p_mapping == 0 then
---~             p_mapping = { p_mappings[fs][1] }
---~         end
---~     end
-
+    -- -- only those needed that are part of a sequence
+    --
+    -- local b = byte[1]
+    -- if b then
+    --     -- we set them to the first split code (korean)
+    --     local fs = fscodes[b] or b
+    --     if #m_mapping == 0 then
+    --         m_mapping = { m_mappings[fs][1] }
+    --     end
+    --     if #z_mapping == 0 then
+    --         z_mapping = { z_mappings[fs][1] }
+    --     end
+    --     if #p_mapping == 0 then
+    --         p_mapping = { p_mappings[fs][1] }
+    --     end
+    -- end
     local t = {
         ch = char,
         uc = byte,
@@ -739,7 +651,7 @@ function sorters.sort(entries,cmp)
                 first = "  "
             else
                 s = first
-                report_sorters(">> %s 0x%05X (%s 0x%05X)",first,utfbyte(first),letter,utfbyte(letter))
+                report_sorters(">> %C (%C)",first,letter)
             end
             report_sorters("   %s | %s",packch(entry),packuc(entry))
         end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/spac-ali.lua b/tex/context/base/spac-ali.lua
index 744b1d810..ceb278433 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/spac-ali.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/spac-ali.lua
@@ -79,15 +79,15 @@ local function handler(head,leftpage,realpageno)
                         if action == 1 then
                             current.list = hpack_nodes(concat_nodes{current.list,new_stretch(3)},current.width,"exactly")
                             if trace_realign then
-                                report_realign("flush left: align %s, page %s, realpage %s",align,pageno,realpageno)
+                                report_realign("flushing left, align %a, page %a, realpage %a",align,pageno,realpageno)
                             end
                         elseif action == 2 then
                             current.list = hpack_nodes(concat_nodes{new_stretch(3),current.list},current.width,"exactly")
                             if trace_realign then
-                                report_realign("flush right: align %s, page %s, realpage %s",align,pageno,realpageno)
+                                report_realign("flushing right. align %a, page %a, realpage %a",align,pageno,realpageno)
                             end
                         elseif trace_realign then
-                            report_realign("invalid: align %s, page %s, realpage %s",align,pageno,realpageno)
+                            report_realign("invalid flushing, align %a, page %a, realpage %a",align,pageno,realpageno)
                         end
                         done = true
                         nofrealigned = nofrealigned + 1
diff --git a/tex/context/base/spac-chr.lua b/tex/context/base/spac-chr.lua
index 8ab7c4b8a..f7a4e32ec 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/spac-chr.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/spac-chr.lua
@@ -185,7 +185,7 @@ function characters.handler(head)
             local method = methods[char]
             if method then
                 if trace_characters then
-                    report_characters("replacing character U+%04X (%s)",char,lower(chardata[char].description))
+                    report_characters("replacing character %C, description %a",char,lower(chardata[char].description))
                 end
                 head = method(head,current)
                 head = remove_node(head,current,true)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/spac-ver.lua b/tex/context/base/spac-ver.lua
index 50aeb82c0..1120675f1 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/spac-ver.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/spac-ver.lua
@@ -22,14 +22,14 @@ if not modules then modules = { } end modules ['spac-ver'] = {
 -- todo: strip baselineskip around display math
 
 local next, type, tonumber = next, type, tonumber
-local format, gmatch, concat, match, rep = string.format, string.gmatch, table.concat, string.match, string.rep
+local gmatch, concat = string.gmatch, table.concat
 local ceil, floor, max, min, round, abs = math.ceil, math.floor, math.max, math.min, math.round, math.abs
 local texlists, texdimen, texbox = tex.lists, tex.dimen, tex.box
 local lpegmatch = lpeg.match
 local unpack = unpack or table.unpack
-local points = number.points
 local allocate = utilities.storage.allocate
 local todimen = string.todimen
+local formatters = string.formatters
 
 local P, C, R, S, Cc = lpeg.P, lpeg.C, lpeg.R, lpeg.S, lpeg.Cc
 
@@ -278,25 +278,24 @@ end
 
 local function snap_hlist(where,current,method,height,depth) -- method.strut is default
     local list = current.list
---~ print(table.serialize(method))
     local t = trace_vsnapping and { }
     if t then
-        t[#t+1] = format("list content: %s",nodes.toutf(list))
-        t[#t+1] = format("parent id: %s",reference(current))
-        t[#t+1] = format("snap method: %s",method.name)
-        t[#t+1] = format("specification: %s",method.specification)
+        t[#t+1] = formatters["list content: %s"](nodes.toutf(list))
+        t[#t+1] = formatters["parent id: %s"](reference(current))
+        t[#t+1] = formatters["snap method: %s"](method.name)
+        t[#t+1] = formatters["specification: %s"](method.specification)
     end
     local snapht, snapdp
     if method["local"] then
         -- snapping is done immediately here
         snapht, snapdp = texdimen.bodyfontstrutheight, texdimen.bodyfontstrutdepth
         if t then
-            t[#t+1] = format("local: snapht %s snapdp %s",points(snapht),points(snapdp))
+            t[#t+1] = formatters["local: snapht %p snapdp %p"](snapht,snapdp)
         end
     elseif method["global"] then
         snapht, snapdp = texdimen.globalbodyfontstrutheight, texdimen.globalbodyfontstrutdepth
         if t then
-            t[#t+1] = format("global: snapht %s snapdp %s",points(snapht),points(snapdp))
+            t[#t+1] = formatters["global: snapht %p snapdp %p"](snapht,snapdp)
         end
     else
         -- maybe autolocal
@@ -307,7 +306,7 @@ local function snap_hlist(where,current,method,height,depth) -- method.strut is
             snapht, snapdp = lsnapht, lsnapdp
         end
         if t then
-            t[#t+1] = format("auto: snapht %s snapdp %s",points(snapht),points(snapdp))
+            t[#t+1] = formatters["auto: snapht %p snapdp %p"](snapht,snapdp)
         end
     end
     local h, d = height or current.height, depth or current.depth
@@ -319,19 +318,19 @@ local function snap_hlist(where,current,method,height,depth) -- method.strut is
     if method.none then
         plusht, plusdp = 0, 0
         if t then
-            t[#t+1] = format("none: plusht 0pt plusdp 0pt")
+            t[#t+1] = "none: plusht 0pt plusdp 0pt"
         end
     end
     if method.halfline then -- extra halfline
         plusht, plusdp = plusht + snaphtdp/2, plusdp + snaphtdp/2
         if t then
-            t[#t+1] = format("halfline: plusht %s plusdp %s",points(plusht),points(plusdp))
+            t[#t+1] = formatters["halfline: plusht %p plusdp %p"](plusht,plusdp)
         end
     end
     if method.line then -- extra line
         plusht, plusdp = plusht + snaphtdp, plusdp + snaphtdp
         if t then
-            t[#t+1] = format("line: plusht %s plusdp %s",points(plusht),points(plusdp))
+            t[#t+1] = formatters["line: plusht %p plusdp %p"](plusht,plusdp)
         end
     end
 
@@ -351,20 +350,18 @@ local function snap_hlist(where,current,method,height,depth) -- method.strut is
             if lh then
                 local ht, dp = thebox.height, thebox.depth
                 if t then
-                    t[#t+1] = format("first line: height %s depth %s",points(lh),points(ld))
-                    t[#t+1] = format("dimensions: height %s depth %s",points(ht),points(dp))
+                    t[#t+1] = formatters["first line: height %p depth %p"](lh,ld)
+                    t[#t+1] = formatters["dimensions: height %p depth %p"](ht,dp)
                 end
                 local delta = h - lh
                 ch, cd = lh, delta + d
---~ ch = ch + plusht
---~ cd = cd + plusdp
-h, d = ch, cd
+                h, d = ch, cd
                 local shifted = hpack_node(current.list)
                 shifted.shift = delta
                 current.list = shifted
                 done = true
                 if t then
-                    t[#t+1] = format("first: height %s depth %s shift %s",points(ch),points(cd),points(delta))
+                    t[#t+1] = formatters["first: height %p depth %p shift %p"](ch,cd,delta)
                 end
             elseif t then
                 t[#t+1] = "first: not done, no content"
@@ -387,20 +384,18 @@ h, d = ch, cd
             if lh then
                 local ht, dp = thebox.height, thebox.depth
                 if t then
-                    t[#t+1] = format("last line: height %s depth %s",points(lh),points(ld))
-                    t[#t+1] = format("dimensions: height %s depth %s",points(ht),points(dp))
+                    t[#t+1] = formatters["last line: height %p depth %p" ](lh,ld)
+                    t[#t+1] = formatters["dimensions: height %p depth %p"](ht,dp)
                 end
                 local delta = d - ld
                 cd, ch = ld, delta + h
---~ ch = ch + plusht
---~ cd = cd + plusdp
-h, d = ch, cd
+                h, d = ch, cd
                 local shifted = hpack_node(current.list)
                 shifted.shift = delta
                 current.list = shifted
                 done = true
                 if t then
-                    t[#t+1] = format("last: height %s depth %s shift %s",points(ch),points(cd),points(delta))
+                    t[#t+1] = formatters["last: height %p depth %p shift %p"](ch,cd,delta)
                 end
             elseif t then
                 t[#t+1] = "last: not done, no content"
@@ -409,59 +404,48 @@ h, d = ch, cd
             t[#t+1] = "last: not done, no vbox"
         end
     end
-
---~     if done then
---~         -- first or last
---~     else
     if method.minheight then
-     -- ch = max(floor((h-hr*snapht)/snaphtdp),0)*snaphtdp + plusht
         ch = floored((h-hr*snapht)/snaphtdp)*snaphtdp + plusht
         if t then
-            t[#t+1] = format("minheight: %s",points(ch))
+            t[#t+1] = formatters["minheight: %p"](ch)
         end
     elseif method.maxheight then
-     -- ch = max(ceil((h-hr*snapht)/snaphtdp),0)*snaphtdp + plusht
         ch = ceiled((h-hr*snapht)/snaphtdp)*snaphtdp + plusht
         if t then
-            t[#t+1] = format("maxheight: %s",points(ch))
+            t[#t+1] = formatters["maxheight: %p"](ch)
         end
     else
         ch = plusht
         if t then
-            t[#t+1] = format("set height: %s",points(ch))
+            t[#t+1] = formatters["set height: %p"](ch)
         end
     end
---~     if done then
---~         -- first or last
---~     else
     if method.mindepth then
-     -- cd = max(floor((d-dr*snapdp)/snaphtdp),0)*snaphtdp + plusdp
         cd = floored((d-dr*snapdp)/snaphtdp)*snaphtdp + plusdp
         if t then
-            t[#t+1] = format("mindepth: %s",points(cd))
+            t[#t+1] = formatters["mindepth: %p"](cd)
         end
     elseif method.maxdepth then
-     -- cd = max(ceil((d-dr*snapdp)/snaphtdp),0)*snaphtdp + plusdp
         cd = ceiled((d-dr*snapdp)/snaphtdp)*snaphtdp + plusdp
         if t then
-            t[#t+1] = format("maxdepth: %s",points(cd))
+            t[#t+1] = formatters["maxdepth: %p"](cd)
         end
     else
         cd = plusdp
         if t then
-            t[#t+1] = format("set depth: %s",points(cd))
+            t[#t+1] = formatters["set depth: %p"](cd)
         end
     end
     if method.top then
         ch = ch + tlines * snaphtdp
         if t then
-            t[#t+1] = format("top height: %s",points(ch))
+            t[#t+1] = formatters["top height: %p"](ch)
         end
     end
     if method.bottom then
         cd = cd + blines * snaphtdp
         if t then
-            t[#t+1] = format("bottom depth: %s",points(cd))
+            t[#t+1] = formatters["bottom depth: %p"](cd)
         end
     end
 
@@ -469,15 +453,13 @@ h, d = ch, cd
     if offset then
         -- we need to set the attr
         if t then
-            t[#t+1] = format("before offset: %s (width %s height %s depth %s)",
-                points(offset),points(current.width),points(current.height),points(current.depth))
+            t[#t+1] = formatters["before offset: %p (width %p height %p depth %p)"](offset,current.width,current.height,current.depth)
         end
         local shifted = hpack_node(current.list)
         shifted.shift = offset
         current.list = shifted
         if t then
-            t[#t+1] = format("after offset: %s (width %s height %s depth %s)",
-                points(offset),points(current.width),points(current.height),points(current.depth))
+            t[#t+1] = formatters["after offset: %p (width %p height %p depth %p)"](offset,current.width,current.height,current.depth)
         end
         shifted[a_snapmethod] = 0
         current[a_snapmethod] = 0
@@ -485,25 +467,25 @@ h, d = ch, cd
     if not height then
         current.height = ch
         if t then
-            t[#t+1] = format("forced height: %s",points(ch))
+            t[#t+1] = formatters["forced height: %p"](ch)
         end
     end
     if not depth then
         current.depth = cd
         if t then
-            t[#t+1] = format("forced depth: %s",points(cd))
+            t[#t+1] = formatters["forced depth: %p"](cd)
         end
     end
     local lines = (ch+cd)/snaphtdp
     if t then
         local original = (h+d)/snaphtdp
         local whatever = (ch+cd)/(texdimen.globalbodyfontstrutheight + texdimen.globalbodyfontstrutdepth)
-        t[#t+1] = format("final lines: %s -> %s (%s)",original,lines,whatever)
-        t[#t+1] = format("final height: %s -> %s",points(h),points(ch))
-        t[#t+1] = format("final depth: %s -> %s",points(d),points(cd))
+        t[#t+1] = formatters["final lines: %s -> %s (%s)"](original,lines,whatever)
+        t[#t+1] = formatters["final height: %p -> %p"](h,ch)
+        t[#t+1] = formatters["final depth: %p -> %p"](d,cd)
     end
     if t then
-        report_snapper("trace: %s type %s\n\t%s",where,nodecodes[current.id],concat(t,"\n\t"))
+        report_snapper("trace: %s type %s\n\t%\n\tt",where,nodecodes[current.id],t)
     end
     return h, d, ch, cd, lines
 end
@@ -590,7 +572,7 @@ do -- todo: interface.variables
         for s in gmatch(str,"([^ ,]+)") do
             local amount, keyword, detail = lpegmatch(splitter,s) -- the comma splitter can be merged
             if not keyword then
-                report_vspacing("unknown directive: %s",s)
+                report_vspacing("unknown directive %a",s)
             else
                 local mk = map[keyword]
                 if mk then
@@ -668,43 +650,19 @@ end
 
 -- implementation
 
---~ nodes.snapvalues = { }
-
---~ function nodes.setsnapvalue(n,ht,dp)
---~     nodes.snapvalues[n] = { ht, dp, ht+dp }
---~ end
-
 local trace_list, tracing_info, before, after = { }, false, "", ""
 
-local stripzeros, topoints = utilities.formatters.stripzeros, number.topoints
-
-local function glue_to_string(glue)
-    local spec = glue.spec
-    local t = { points(spec.width) }
-    if spec.stretch_order and spec.stretch_order ~= 0 then
-        t[#t+1] = format("plus %s%s",spec.stretch/65536,fillcodes[spec.stretch_order])
-    elseif spec.stretch and spec.stretch ~= 0 then
-        t[#t+1] = format("plus %s",stripzeros(topoints(spec.stretch)))
-    end
-    if spec.shrink_order and spec.shrink_order ~= 0 then
-        t[#t+1] = format("minus %s%s",spec.shrink/65536,fillcodes[spec.shrink_order])
-    elseif spec.shrink and spec.shrink ~= 0 then
-        t[#t+1] = format("minus %s",stripzeros(topoints(spec.shrink)))
-    end
-    return concat(t," ")
-end
-
 local function nodes_to_string(head)
     local current, t = head, { }
     while current do
         local id = current.id
         local ty = nodecodes[id]
         if id == penalty_code then
-            t[#t+1] = format("%s:%s",ty,current.penalty)
-        elseif id == glue_code then
-            t[#t+1] = format("%s:%s",ty,glue_to_string(current)) -- stripzeros(topoints(current.spec.width)))
+            t[#t+1] = formatters["%s:%s"](ty,current.penalty)
+        elseif id == glue_code then -- or id == kern_code then -- to be tested
+            t[#t+1] = formatters["%s:%p"](ty,current)
         elseif id == kern_code then
-            t[#t+1] = format("%s:%s",ty,stripzeros(topoints(current.kern)))
+            t[#t+1] = formatters["%s:%p"](ty,current.kern)
         else
             t[#t+1] = ty
         end
@@ -718,24 +676,24 @@ local function reset_tracing(head)
 end
 
 local function trace_skip(str,sc,so,sp,data)
-    trace_list[#trace_list+1] = { "skip", format("%s | %s | category %s | order %s | penalty %s", str, glue_to_string(data), sc or "-", so or "-", sp or "-") }
+    trace_list[#trace_list+1] = { "skip", formatters["%s | %p | category %s | order %s | penalty %s"](str, data, sc or "-", so or "-", sp or "-") }
     tracing_info = true
 end
 
 local function trace_natural(str,data)
-    trace_list[#trace_list+1] = { "skip", format("%s | %s", str, glue_to_string(data)) }
+    trace_list[#trace_list+1] = { "skip", formatters["%s | %p"](str, data) }
     tracing_info = true
 end
 
 local function trace_info(message, where, what)
-    trace_list[#trace_list+1] = { "info", format("%s: %s/%s",message,where,what) }
+    trace_list[#trace_list+1] = { "info", formatters["%s: %s/%s"](message,where,what) }
 end
 
 local function trace_node(what)
     local nt = nodecodes[what.id]
     local tl = trace_list[#trace_list]
     if tl and tl[1] == "node" then
-        trace_list[#trace_list] = { "node", tl[2] .. " + " .. nt }
+        trace_list[#trace_list] = { "node", formatters["%s + %s"](tl[2],nt) }
     else
         trace_list[#trace_list+1] = { "node", nt }
     end
@@ -743,9 +701,9 @@ end
 
 local function trace_done(str,data)
     if data.id == penalty_code then
-        trace_list[#trace_list+1] = { "penalty", format("%s | %s", str, data.penalty) }
+        trace_list[#trace_list+1] = { "penalty", formatters["%s | %s"](str,data.penalty) }
     else
-        trace_list[#trace_list+1] = { "glue", format("%s | %s", str, glue_to_string(data)) }
+        trace_list[#trace_list+1] = { "glue", formatters["%s | %p"](str,data) }
     end
     tracing_info = true
 end
@@ -784,14 +742,14 @@ local splittopskip_code          = skipcodes.splittopskip
 local free_glue_node = free_node
 local discard, largest, force, penalty, add, disable, nowhite, goback, together = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
 
---~ local function free_glue_node(n)
---~  -- free_node(n.spec)
---~     print("before",n)
---~     logs.flush()
---~     free_node(n)
---~     print("after")
---~     logs.flush()
---~ end
+-- local function free_glue_node(n)
+--  -- free_node(n.spec)
+--     print("before",n)
+--     logs.flush()
+--     free_node(n)
+--     print("after")
+--     logs.flush()
+-- end
 
 function vspacing.snapbox(n,how)
     local sv = snapmethods[how]
@@ -816,7 +774,7 @@ function vspacing.snapbox(n,how)
                     local h, d, ch, cd, lines = snap_hlist("box",box,sv,ht,dp)
                     box.height, box.depth = ch, cd
                     if trace_vsnapping then
-                        report_snapper("box list snapped from (%s,%s) to (%s,%s) using method '%s' (%s) for '%s' (%s lines): %s",
+                        report_snapper("box list snapped from (%p,%p) to (%p,%p) using method %a (%s) for %a (%s lines): %s",
                             h,d,ch,cd,sv.name,sv.specification,"direct",lines,listtoutf(list))
                     end
                     box[a_snapmethod] = 0 --
@@ -840,7 +798,7 @@ local function forced_skip(head,current,width,where,trace)
         current = c
     end
     if trace then
-        report_vspacing("inserting forced skip of %s",width)
+        report_vspacing("inserting forced skip of %p",width)
     end
     return head, current
 end
@@ -882,7 +840,7 @@ local function collapser(head,where,what,trace,snap,a_snapmethod) -- maybe also
         parskip, ignore_parskip, ignore_following, ignore_whitespace = nil, false, false, false
     end
     if trace_vsnapping then
-        report_snapper("global ht/dp = %s/%s, local ht/dp = %s/%s",
+        report_snapper("global ht/dp = %p/%p, local ht/dp = %p/%p",
             texdimen.globalbodyfontstrutheight, texdimen.globalbodyfontstrutdepth,
             texdimen.bodyfontstrutheight, texdimen.bodyfontstrutdepth)
     end
@@ -900,7 +858,7 @@ local function collapser(head,where,what,trace,snap,a_snapmethod) -- maybe also
                 --  end
                 elseif s == 0 then
                     if trace_vsnapping then
-                        report_snapper("mvl %s not snapped, already done: %s",nodecodes[id],listtoutf(list))
+                        report_snapper("mvl %a not snapped, already done: %s",nodecodes[id],listtoutf(list))
                     end
                 else
                     local sv = snapmethods[s]
@@ -910,17 +868,17 @@ local function collapser(head,where,what,trace,snap,a_snapmethod) -- maybe also
                             local ht, dp = current.height, current.depth
                             -- assume that the box is already snapped
                             if trace_vsnapping then
-                                report_snapper("mvl list already snapped at (%s,%s): %s",ht,dp,listtoutf(list))
+                                report_snapper("mvl list already snapped at (%p,%p): %s",ht,dp,listtoutf(list))
                             end
                         else
                             local h, d, ch, cd, lines = snap_hlist("mvl",current,sv)
                             if trace_vsnapping then
-                                report_snapper("mvl %s snapped from (%s,%s) to (%s,%s) using method '%s' (%s) for '%s' (%s lines): %s",
+                                report_snapper("mvl %a snapped from (%p,%p) to (%p,%p) using method %a (%s) for %a (%s lines): %s",
                                     nodecodes[id],h,d,ch,cd,sv.name,sv.specification,where,lines,listtoutf(list))
                             end
                         end
                     elseif trace_vsnapping then
-                        report_snapper("mvl %s not snapped due to unknown snap specification: %s",nodecodes[id],listtoutf(list))
+                        report_snapper("mvl %a not snapped due to unknown snap specification: %s",nodecodes[id],listtoutf(list))
                     end
                     current[a_snapmethod] = 0
                 end
@@ -931,14 +889,13 @@ local function collapser(head,where,what,trace,snap,a_snapmethod) -- maybe also
             flush("list")
             current = current.next
         elseif id == penalty_code then
-            --~ natural_penalty = current.penalty
-            --~ if trace then trace_done("removed penalty",current) end
-            --~ head, current = remove_node(head, current, true)
+         -- natural_penalty = current.penalty
+         -- if trace then trace_done("removed penalty",current) end
+         -- head, current = remove_node(head, current, true)
             current = current.next
         elseif id == kern_code then
             if snap and trace_vsnapping and current.kern ~= 0 then
-            --~ current.kern = 0
-                report_snapper("kern of %s (kept)",current.kern)
+                report_snapper("kern of %p kept",current.kern)
             end
             flush("kern")
             current = current.next
@@ -956,7 +913,7 @@ local function collapser(head,where,what,trace,snap,a_snapmethod) -- maybe also
                     elseif penalty_order == so and sp > penalty_data then
                         penalty_data = sp
                     end
-                    if trace then trace_skip('penalty in skip',sc,so,sp,current) end
+                    if trace then trace_skip("penalty in skip",sc,so,sp,current) end
                     head, current = remove_node(head, current, true)
                 elseif not sc then  -- if not sc then
                     if glue_data then
@@ -1028,31 +985,30 @@ local function collapser(head,where,what,trace,snap,a_snapmethod) -- maybe also
                         local cs, gs = current.spec, glue_data.spec
                         local cw, gw = cs.width, gs.width
                         if cw > gw then
-                            if trace then trace_skip('largest',sc,so,sp,current) end
+                            if trace then trace_skip("largest",sc,so,sp,current) end
                             free_glue_node(glue_data) -- also free spec
                             head, current, glue_data = remove_node(head, current)
                         else
-                            if trace then trace_skip('remove smallest',sc,so,sp,current) end
+                            if trace then trace_skip("remove smallest",sc,so,sp,current) end
                             head, current = remove_node(head, current, true)
                         end
                     elseif sc == goback then
-                        if trace then trace_skip('goback',sc,so,sp,current) end
+                        if trace then trace_skip("goback",sc,so,sp,current) end
                         free_glue_node(glue_data) -- also free spec
                         head, current, glue_data = remove_node(head, current)
                     elseif sc == force then
                         -- last one counts, some day we can provide an accumulator and largest etc
                         -- but not now
-                        if trace then trace_skip('force',sc,so,sp,current) end
+                        if trace then trace_skip("force",sc,so,sp,current) end
                         free_glue_node(glue_data) -- also free spec
                         head, current, glue_data = remove_node(head, current)
                     elseif sc == penalty then
-                        -- ? ? ? ?
-                        if trace then trace_skip('penalty',sc,so,sp,current) end
+                        if trace then trace_skip("penalty",sc,so,sp,current) end
                         free_glue_node(glue_data) -- also free spec
                         glue_data = nil
                         head, current = remove_node(head, current, true)
                     elseif sc == add then
-                        if trace then trace_skip('add',sc,so,sp,current) end
+                        if trace then trace_skip("add",sc,so,sp,current) end
                      -- local old, new = glue_data.spec, current.spec
                         local old, new = writable_spec(glue_data), current.spec
                         old.width   = old.width   + new.width
@@ -1139,7 +1095,7 @@ local function collapser(head,where,what,trace,snap,a_snapmethod) -- maybe also
                         local sv = snapmethods[s]
                         local w, cw = snap_topskip(current,sv)
                         if trace_vsnapping then
-                            report_snapper("topskip snapped from %s to %s for '%s'",w,cw,where)
+                            report_snapper("topskip snapped from %p to %p for %a",w,cw,where)
                         end
                     else
                         if trace then trace_skip("topskip",sc,so,sp,current) end
@@ -1176,10 +1132,10 @@ local function collapser(head,where,what,trace,snap,a_snapmethod) -- maybe also
                 --
             else -- other glue
                 if snap and trace_vsnapping and current.spec.writable and current.spec.width ~= 0 then
-                    report_snapper("%s of %s (kept)",skipcodes[subtype],current.spec.width)
+                    report_snapper("glue %p of type %a kept",current.spec.width,skipcodes[subtype])
                 --~ current.spec.width = 0
                 end
-                if trace then trace_skip(format("some glue (%s)",subtype),sc,so,sp,current) end
+                if trace then trace_skip(formatted["glue of type %a"](subtype),sc,so,sp,current) end
                 flush("some glue")
                 current = current.next
             end
@@ -1189,9 +1145,9 @@ local function collapser(head,where,what,trace,snap,a_snapmethod) -- maybe also
         end
     end
     if trace then trace_info("stop analyzing",where,what) end
-    --~ if natural_penalty and (not penalty_data or natural_penalty > penalty_data) then
-    --~     penalty_data = natural_penalty
-    --~ end
+ -- if natural_penalty and (not penalty_data or natural_penalty > penalty_data) then
+ --     penalty_data = natural_penalty
+ -- end
     if trace and (glue_data or penalty_data) then
         trace_info("start flushing",where,what)
     end
@@ -1218,7 +1174,7 @@ local function collapser(head,where,what,trace,snap,a_snapmethod) -- maybe also
         end
         show_tracing(head)
         if oldhead ~= head then
-            trace_info("head has been changed from '%s' to '%s'",nodecodes[oldhead.id],nodecodes[head.id])
+            trace_info("head has been changed from %a to %a",nodecodes[oldhead.id],nodecodes[head.id])
         end
     end
     return head, true
@@ -1354,19 +1310,19 @@ local actions = nodes.tasks.actions("mvlbuilders")
 
 local function report(groupcode,head)
     report_page_builder("trigger: %s",groupcode)
-    report_page_builder("  vsize    : %s",points(tex.vsize))
-    report_page_builder("  pagegoal : %s",points(tex.pagegoal))
-    report_page_builder("  pagetotal: %s",points(tex.pagetotal))
+    report_page_builder("  vsize    : %p",tex.vsize)
+    report_page_builder("  pagegoal : %p",tex.pagegoal)
+    report_page_builder("  pagetotal: %p",tex.pagetotal)
     report_page_builder("  list     : %s",head and nodeidstostring(head) or "<empty>")
 end
 
 function builders.buildpage_filter(groupcode)
     local head, done = texlists.contrib_head, false
--- if head and head.next and head.next.id == hlist_code and head.next.width == 1 then
---     report_page_builder("trigger otr calculations")
---     free_node_list(head)
---     head = nil
--- end
+ -- if head and head.next and head.next.id == hlist_code and head.next.width == 1 then
+ --     report_page_builder("trigger otr calculations")
+ --     free_node_list(head)
+ --     head = nil
+ -- end
     if head then
         starttiming(builders)
         if trace_page_builder then
diff --git a/tex/context/base/status-files.pdf b/tex/context/base/status-files.pdf
index 1a6a03c89..58f4fb5ed 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/status-files.pdf
+++ b/tex/context/base/status-files.pdf
diff --git a/tex/context/base/status-lua.pdf b/tex/context/base/status-lua.pdf
index 27eff5b32..8a63a8e83 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/status-lua.pdf
+++ b/tex/context/base/status-lua.pdf
diff --git a/tex/context/base/strc-bkm.lua b/tex/context/base/strc-bkm.lua
index dbb7d3853..d9c268ce4 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/strc-bkm.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/strc-bkm.lua
@@ -173,7 +173,7 @@ function bookmarks.flatten(levels)
                     local old = lj[1]
                     lj[1] = new
                     if trace_bookmarks then
-                        report_bookmarks("promoting entry %s from level %s to %s: %s",j,old,new,lj[2])
+                        report_bookmarks("promoting entry %a from level %a to %a: %s",j,old,new,lj[2])
                     end
                 end
                 skip = true
diff --git a/tex/context/base/strc-doc.lua b/tex/context/base/strc-doc.lua
index b9a176b5e..a25d1e1b0 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/strc-doc.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/strc-doc.lua
@@ -251,8 +251,8 @@ function sections.somelevel(given)
     -- normally these are passed as argument but nowadays we provide several
     -- interfaces (we need this because we want to be compatible)
     if trace_detail then
-        report_structure("name: %s, mapped level: %s, old depth: %s, new depth: %s, reset set: %s",
-            givenname, mappedlevel or "unknown", olddepth, newdepth, resetset)
+        report_structure("name %a, mapped level %a, old depth %a, new depth %a, reset set %a",
+            givenname,mappedlevel,olddepth,newdepth,resetset)
     end
     local u = given.userdata
     if u then
@@ -271,7 +271,7 @@ function sections.somelevel(given)
         for i=olddepth+1,newdepth do
             local s = tonumber(sets.get("structure:resets",data.block,saveset and saveset[i] or resetset,i))
             if trace_detail then
-                report_structure("new>old (%s>%s), reset set: %s, reset value: %s, current: %s",olddepth,newdepth,resetset,s or "?",numbers[i] or "?")
+                report_structure("new depth %s, old depth %s, reset set %a, reset value %a, current %a",olddepth,newdepth,resetset,s,numbers[i])
             end
             if not s or s == 0 then
                 numbers[i] = numbers[i] or 0
@@ -286,7 +286,7 @@ function sections.somelevel(given)
         for i=olddepth,newdepth+1,-1 do
             local s = tonumber(sets.get("structure:resets",data.block,saveset and saveset[i] or resetset,i))
             if trace_detail then
-                report_structure("new<old (%s<%s), reset set: %s, reset value: %s, current: %s",olddepth,newdepth,resetset,s or "?",numbers[i] or "?")
+                report_structure("new depth %s, old depth %s, reset set %a, reset value %a, current %a",olddepth,newdepth,resetset,s,numbers[i])
             end
             if not s or s == 0 then
                 numbers[i] = numbers[i] or 0
@@ -318,12 +318,12 @@ function sections.somelevel(given)
             end
             forced[newdepth] = nil
             if trace_detail then
-                report_structure("old depth: %s, new depth: %s, old n: %s, new n: %s, forced: %s",olddepth,newdepth,oldn,newn,concat(fd,""))
+                report_structure("old depth %a, new depth %a, old n %a, new n %a, forced %t",olddepth,newdepth,oldn,newn,fd)
             end
         else
             newn = oldn + 1
             if trace_detail then
-                report_structure("old depth: %s, new depth: %s, old n: %s, new n: %s, increment",olddepth,newdepth,oldn,newn)
+                report_structure("old depth %a, new depth %a, old n %a, new n %a, increment",olddepth,newdepth,oldn,newn)
             end
         end
         numbers[newdepth] = newn
@@ -352,7 +352,7 @@ function sections.somelevel(given)
         numberdata.ownnumbers = fastcopy(ownnumbers)
     end
     if trace_detail then
-        report_structure("name: %s, numbers: %s, own numbers: %s",givenname,concat(numberdata.numbers, " "),concat(numberdata.ownnumbers, " "))
+        report_structure("name %a, numbers % a, own numbers % a",givenname,numberdata.numbers,numberdata.ownnumbers)
     end
 
     local metadata   = given.metadata
@@ -386,7 +386,7 @@ function sections.reportstructure()
         elseif d.directives and d.directives.hidenumber then
             report_structure("%s @ level %i : (%s) -> %s",m,depth,n,t)
         else
-            report_structure("%s @ level %i: %s -> %s",m,depth,n,t)
+            report_structure("%s @ level %i : %s -> %s",m,depth,n,t)
         end
     end
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/strc-ini.lua b/tex/context/base/strc-ini.lua
index 790899a21..2e30d9310 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/strc-ini.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/strc-ini.lua
@@ -202,36 +202,36 @@ function helpers.title(title,metadata) -- coding is xml is rather old and not th
                 -- title can contain raw xml
                 local tag = tags[metadata.kind] or tags.generic
                 local xmldata = format("<?xml version='1.0'?><%s>%s</%s>",tag,title,tag)
-if not experiment then
-                buffers.assign(tag,xmldata)
-end
+                if not experiment then
+                    buffers.assign(tag,xmldata)
+                end
                 if trace_processors then
                     report_processors("putting xml data in buffer: %s",xmldata)
-                    report_processors("processing buffer with setup '%s' and tag '%s'",xmlsetup or "",tag)
+                    report_processors("processing buffer with setup %a and tag %a",xmlsetup,tag)
                 end
-if experiment then
-    -- the question is: will this be forgotten ... better store in a via file
-    local xmltable = lxml.convert("temp",xmldata or "")
-    lxml.store("temp",xmltable)
-    context.xmlsetup("temp",xmlsetup or "")
-else
+            if experiment then
+                -- the question is: will this be forgotten ... better store in a via file
+                local xmltable = lxml.convert("temp",xmldata or "")
+                lxml.store("temp",xmltable)
+                context.xmlsetup("temp",xmlsetup or "")
+            else
                 context.xmlprocessbuffer("dummy",tag,xmlsetup or "")
-end
+            end
             elseif xmlsetup then -- title is reference to node (so \xmlraw should have been used)
                 if trace_processors then
-                    report_processors("feeding xmlsetup '%s' using node '%s'",xmlsetup,title)
+                    report_processors("feeding xmlsetup %a using node %a",xmlsetup,title)
                 end
                 context.xmlsetup(title,metadata.xmlsetup)
             else
                 local catcodes = metadata.catcodes
                 if catcodes == notcatcodes or catcodes == xmlcatcodes then
                     if trace_processors then
-                        report_processors("cct: %s (overloads %s), txt: %s",ctxcatcodes,catcodes,title)
+                        report_processors("catcodetable %a, overloads %a, text %a",ctxcatcodes,catcodes,title)
                     end
                     context(title) -- nasty
                 else
                     if trace_processors then
-                        report_processors("cct: %s, txt: %s",catcodes,title)
+                        report_processors("catcodetable %a, text %a",catcodes,title)
                     end
                     --
                     -- context.sprint(catcodes,title)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/strc-lst.lua b/tex/context/base/strc-lst.lua
index 578c0adeb..104a7b7bb 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/strc-lst.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/strc-lst.lua
@@ -257,8 +257,7 @@ local function filtercollected(names, criterium, number, collected, forced, nest
     end
     local all = not next(names) or names[variables.all] or false
     if trace_lists then
-        report_lists("filtering names: %s, criterium: %s, block: %s, number: %s",
-            simple_hash_to_string(names),criterium,block or "*", number or "-")
+        report_lists("filtering names %a, criterium %a, block %a, number %a",names,criterium,block or "*",number)
     end
     if criterium == variables.intro then
         -- special case, no structure yet
@@ -442,18 +441,14 @@ local function filtercollected(names, criterium, number, collected, forced, nest
         end
     end
     if trace_lists then
-        if detail then
-            report_lists("criterium: %s, block: %s, %s, found: %s",criterium,block or "*",detail,#result)
-        else
-            report_lists("criterium: %s, block: %s, found: %s",criterium,block or "*",#result)
-        end
+        report_lists("criterium %a, block %a, found %a, detail %a",criterium,block or "*",#result,detail)
     end
 
     if sortorder then -- experiment
         local sorter = sorters[sortorder]
         if sorter then
             if trace_lists then
-                report_lists("sorting list using method %s",sortorder)
+                report_lists("sorting list using method %a",sortorder)
             end
             for i=1,#result do
                 result[i].references.order = i
diff --git a/tex/context/base/strc-mar.lua b/tex/context/base/strc-mar.lua
index 1557c1956..7b3ac11e1 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/strc-mar.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/strc-mar.lua
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ local ranges = {
 local function resolve(t,k)
     if k then
         if trace_marks_set or trace_marks_get then
-            report_marks("undefined: name=%s",k)
+            report_marks("undefined mark, name %a",k)
         end
         local crap = { autodefined = true } -- maybe set = 0 and reset = 0
         t[k] = crap
@@ -140,7 +140,7 @@ function marks.synchronize(class,n,option)
         local first, last = sweep(box.list,0,0)
         if option == v_keep and first == 0 and last == 0 then
             if trace_marks_get or trace_marks_set then
-                report_marks("synchronize: class=%s, box=%s, retaining",class,n)
+                report_marks("action %a, class %a, box %a","retain at synchronize",class,n)
             end
             -- todo: check if still valid firts/last in range
             first = lasts[class] or 0
@@ -157,12 +157,12 @@ function marks.synchronize(class,n,option)
                 end
                 range.first, range.last = first, last
                 if trace_marks_get or trace_marks_set then
-                    report_marks("synchronize: class=%s, first=%s, last=%s",class,range.first,range.last)
+                    report_marks("action %a, class %a, first %a, last %a","synchronize",class,range.first,range.last)
                 end
             end
         end
     elseif trace_marks_get or trace_marks_set then
-        report_marks("synchronize: class=%s, box=%s, no content",class,n)
+        report_marks("action %s, class %a, box %a","synchronize without content",class,n)
     end
 end
 
@@ -231,7 +231,7 @@ function marks.relate(name,chain)
                 children[#children+1] = name
             end
         elseif trace_marks_set then
-            report_marks("invalid relation: name=%s, chain=%s",name,chain or "-")
+            report_marks("error: invalid relation, name %a, chain %a",name,chain)
         end
     end
 end
@@ -245,7 +245,7 @@ local function resetchildren(new,name)
                 local ci = children[i]
                 new[ci] = false
                 if trace_marks_set then
-                    report_marks("reset: parent=%s, child=%s",name,ci)
+                    report_marks("action %a, parent %a, child %a","reset",name,ci)
                 end
                 resetchildren(new,ci)
             end
@@ -286,9 +286,9 @@ function marks.set(name,value)
         stack[topofstack] = new
         if trace_marks_set then
             if name == child then
-                report_marks("set: name=%s, index=%s, value=%s",name,topofstack,value)
+                report_marks("action %a, name %a, index %a, value %a","set",name,topofstack,value)
             else
-                report_marks("set: parent=%s, child=%s, index=%s, value=%s",parent,child,topofstack,value)
+                report_marks("action %a, parent %a, child %a, index %a, value %a","set",parent,child,topofstack,value)
             end
         end
         texsetattribute("global",a_marks,topofstack)
@@ -298,7 +298,7 @@ end
 local function reset(name)
     if v_all then
         if trace_marks_set then
-            report_marks("reset: all")
+            report_marks("action %a","reset all")
         end
         stack = { }
         for name, dn in next, data do
@@ -317,7 +317,7 @@ local function reset(name)
                 dn = data[name]
             end
             if trace_marks_set then
-                report_marks("reset: name=%s, index=%s",name,topofstack)
+                report_marks("action %a, name %a, index %a","reset",name,topofstack)
             end
             dn.reset = topofstack
             local children = dn.children
@@ -373,7 +373,7 @@ local function resolve(name,first,last,strict,quitonfalse,notrace)
             step, method = 1, "top-down"
         end
         if trace_marks_get and not notrace then
-            report_marks("request: strategy=%s, name=%s, parent=%s, strict=%s",method,child,parent or "",tostring(strict or false))
+            report_marks("action %a, strategy %a, name %a, parent %a, strict %a","request",method,child,parent,strict or false)
         end
         if trace_marks_all and not notrace then
             marks.show(first,last)
@@ -382,28 +382,28 @@ local function resolve(name,first,last,strict,quitonfalse,notrace)
         local s = dn.set
         if first <= last and first <= r then
             if trace_marks_get and not notrace then
-                report_marks("reset (first case): name=%s, first=%s, last=%s, reset=%s, index=%s",name,first,last,r,first)
+                report_marks("action %a, name %a, first %a, last %a, reset %a, index %a","reset first",name,first,last,r,first)
             end
         elseif first >= last and last <= r then
             if trace_marks_get and not notrace then
-                report_marks("reset (last case): name=%s, first=%s, last=%s, reset=%s, index=%s",name,first,last,r,last)
+                report_marks("action %a, name %a, first %a, last %a, reset %a, index %a","reset last",name,first,last,r,last)
             end
         elseif not stack[first] or not stack[last] then
             if trace_marks_get and not notrace then
                 -- a previous or next method can give an out of range, which is valid
-                report_marks("out of range: name=%s, reset=%s, index=%s",name,r,first)
+                report_marks("error: out of range, name %a, reset %a, index %a",name,r,first)
             end
         elseif strict then
             local top = stack[first]
             local fullchain = dn.fullchain
             if not fullchain or #fullchain == 0 then
                 if trace_marks_get and not notrace then
-                    report_marks("no full chain, trying: name=%s, first=%s, last=%s",name,first,last)
+                    report_marks("warning: no full chain, trying again, name %a, first %a, last %a",name,first,last)
                 end
                 return resolve(name,first,last)
             else
                 if trace_marks_get and not notrace then
-                    report_marks("found chain: %s",concat(fullchain," => "))
+                    report_marks("found chain [ % => T ]",fullchain)
                 end
                 local chaindata, chainlength = { }, #fullchain
                 for i=1,chainlength do
@@ -412,7 +412,7 @@ local function resolve(name,first,last,strict,quitonfalse,notrace)
                         local value = resolve(cname,first,last,false,false,true)
                         if value == "" then
                             if trace_marks_get and not notrace then
-                                report_marks("quit chain: name=%s, reset=%s, start=%s",name,r,first)
+                                report_marks("quitting chain, name %a, reset %a, start %a",name,r,first)
                             end
                             return ""
                         else
@@ -421,28 +421,28 @@ local function resolve(name,first,last,strict,quitonfalse,notrace)
                     end
                 end
                 if trace_marks_get and not notrace then
-                    report_marks("chain list: %s",concat(chaindata," => "))
+                    report_marks("using chain  [ % => T ]",chaindata)
                 end
                 local value, index, found = resolve(name,first,last,false,false,true)
                 if value ~= ""  then
                     if trace_marks_get and not notrace then
-                        report_marks("following chain: %s",concat(fullchain," => "))
+                        report_marks("following chain  [ % => T ]",chaindata)
                     end
                     for i=1,chainlength do
                         local cname = fullchain[i]
                         if data[cname].set > 0 and chaindata[i] ~= found[cname] then
                             if trace_marks_get and not notrace then
-                                report_marks("empty in chain: name=%s, reset=%s, index=%s",name,r,first)
+                                report_marks("quiting chain, name %a, reset %a, index %a",name,r,first)
                             end
                             return ""
                         end
                     end
                     if trace_marks_get and not notrace then
-                        report_marks("found: name=%s, reset=%s, start=%s, index=%s, value=%s",name,r,first,index,value)
+                        report_marks("found in chain, name %a, reset %a, start %a, index %a, value %a",name,r,first,index,value)
                     end
                     return value, index, found
                 elseif trace_marks_get and not notrace then
-                    report_marks("not found: name=%s, reset=%s",name,r)
+                    report_marks("not found, name %a, reset %a",name,r)
                 end
             end
         else
@@ -457,18 +457,18 @@ local function resolve(name,first,last,strict,quitonfalse,notrace)
                     end
                 elseif value == true then
                     if trace_marks_get and not notrace then
-                        report_marks("quit: name=%s, reset=%s, start=%s, index=%s",name,r,first,i)
+                        report_marks("quitting steps, name %a, reset %a, start %a, index %a",name,r,first,i)
                     end
                     return ""
                 elseif value ~= "" then
                     if trace_marks_get and not notrace then
-                        report_marks("found: name=%s, reset=%s, start=%s, index=%s, value=%s",name,r,first,i,value)
+                        report_marks("found in steps, name %a, reset %a, start %a, index %a, value %a",name,r,first,i,value)
                     end
                     return value, i, current
                 end
             end
             if trace_marks_get and not notrace then
-                report_marks("not found: name=%s, reset=%s",name,r)
+                report_marks("not found in steps, name %a, reset %a",name,r)
             end
         end
     end
@@ -483,8 +483,8 @@ local function doresolve(name,rangename,swap,df,dl,strict)
     local range = ranges[rangename] or ranges[v_page]
     local first, last = range.first, range.last
     if trace_marks_get then
-        report_marks("resolve: name=%s, range=%s, swap=%s, first=%s, last=%s, df=%s, dl=%s, strict=%s",
-            name,rangename,tostring(swap or false),first,last,df,dl,tostring(strict or false))
+        report_marks("action %a, name %a, range %a, swap %a, first %a, last %a, df %a, dl %a, strict %a",
+            "resolving",name,rangename,swap or false,first,last,df,dl,strict or false)
     end
     if swap then
         first, last = last + df, first + dl
@@ -517,11 +517,11 @@ methods[v_next_nocheck]     = function(name,range) return doresolve(name,range,t
 
 local function do_first(name,range,check)
     if trace_marks_get then
-        report_marks("resolve: name=%s, range=%s, resolve first",name,range)
+        report_marks("action %a, name %a, range %a","resolving first",name,range)
     end
     local f_value, f_index, f_found = doresolve(name,range,false,0,0,check)
     if trace_marks_get then
-        report_marks("resolve: name=%s, range=%s, resolve last",name,range)
+        report_marks("action %a, name %a, range %a","resolving last",name,range)
     end
     local l_value, l_index, l_found = doresolve(name,range,true ,0,0,check)
     if f_found and l_found and l_index > f_index then
@@ -531,25 +531,25 @@ local function do_first(name,range,check)
             local sn = si[name]
             if sn and sn ~= false and sn ~= true and sn ~= "" and sn ~= f_value then
                 if trace_marks_get then
-                    report_marks("resolve: name=%s, range=%s, index=%s, value=%s",name,range,i,sn)
+                    report_marks("action %a, name %a, range %a, index %a, value %a","resolving",name,range,i,sn)
                 end
                 return sn, i, si
             end
         end
     end
     if trace_marks_get then
-        report_marks("resolve: name=%s, range=%s, using first",name,range)
+        report_marks("resolved, name %a, range %a, using first",name,range)
     end
     return f_value, f_index, f_found
 end
 
 local function do_last(name,range,check)
     if trace_marks_get then
-        report_marks("resolve: name=%s, range=%s, resolve first",name,range)
+        report_marks("action %a, name %a, range %a","resolving first",name,range)
     end
     local f_value, f_index, f_found = doresolve(name,range,false,0,0,check)
     if trace_marks_get then
-        report_marks("resolve: name=%s, range=%s, resolve last",name,range)
+        report_marks("action %a, name %a, range %a","resolving last",name,range)
     end
     local l_value, l_index, l_found = doresolve(name,range,true ,0,0,check)
     if f_found and l_found and l_index > f_index then
@@ -559,14 +559,14 @@ local function do_last(name,range,check)
             local sn = si[name]
             if sn and sn ~= false and sn ~= true and sn ~= "" and sn ~= l_value then
                 if trace_marks_get then
-                    report_marks("resolve: name=%s, range=%s, index=%s, value=%s",name,range,i,sn)
+                    report_marks("action %a, name %a, range %a, index %a, value %a","resolving",name,range,i,sn)
                 end
                 return sn, i, si
             end
         end
     end
     if trace_marks_get then
-        report_marks("resolve: name=%s, range=%s, using last",name,range)
+        report_marks("resolved, name %a, range %a, using first",name,range)
     end
     return l_value, l_index, l_found
 end
@@ -586,9 +586,9 @@ local function fetched(name,range,method)
     if not trace_marks_get then
         -- no report
     elseif value == "" then
-        report_marks("nothing fetched: name=%s, range=%s, method=%s",name,range,method)
+        report_marks("nothing fetched, name %a, range %a, method %a",name,range,method)
     else
-        report_marks("marking fetched: name=%s, range=%s, method=%s, value=%s",name,range,method,value)
+        report_marks("marking fetched, name %a, range %a, method %a, value %a",name,range,method,value)
     end
     return value or ""
 end
@@ -640,7 +640,7 @@ end
 
 function marks.fetch(name,range,method) -- chapter page first | chapter column:1 first
     if trace_marks_get then
-        report_marks("marking asked: name=%s, range=%s, method=%s",name,range,method)
+        report_marks("marking requested, name %a, range %a, method %a",name,range,method)
     end
     if method == "" or method == v_default then
         fetchonemark(name,range,v_first)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/strc-not.lua b/tex/context/base/strc-not.lua
index d71b371ab..b3a50c0d6 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/strc-not.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/strc-not.lua
@@ -55,10 +55,10 @@ local function store(tag,n)
     nd[nnd] = n
     local state = notestates[tag]
     if not state then
-        report_notes("unknown state for %s",tag)
+        report_notes("unknown state for %a",tag)
     elseif state.kind ~= "insert" then
         if trace_notes then
-            report_notes("storing %s with state %s as %s",tag,state.kind,nnd)
+            report_notes("storing %a with state %a as %a",tag,state.kind,nnd)
         end
         state.start = state.start or nnd
     end
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ local function get(tag,n) -- tricky ... only works when defined
         nd = nd[n]
         if nd then
             if trace_notes then
-                report_notes("getting note %s of '%s' with listindex '%s'",n,tag,nd)
+                report_notes("getting note %a of %a with listindex %a",n,tag,nd)
             end
             -- is this right?
 --             local newdata = lists.collected[nd]
@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ end
 local function setstate(tag,newkind)
     local state = notestates[tag]
     if trace_notes then
-        report_notes("setting state of '%s' from %s to %s",tag,(state and state.kind) or "unset",newkind)
+        report_notes("setting state of %a from %s to %s",tag,(state and state.kind) or "unset",newkind)
     end
     if not state then
         state = {
@@ -156,7 +156,7 @@ function notes.save(tag,newkind)
     local state = notestates[tag]
     if state and not state.saved then
         if trace_notes then
-            report_notes("saving state of '%s': %s -> %s",tag,state.kind,newkind or state.kind)
+            report_notes("saving state of %a, old: %a, new %a",tag,state.kind,newkind or state.kind)
         end
         state.saveddata = notedata[tag]
         state.savedkind = state.kind
@@ -170,7 +170,7 @@ function notes.restore(tag,forcedstate)
     local state = notestates[tag]
     if state and state.saved then
         if trace_notes then
-            report_notes("restoring state of '%s': %s -> %s",tag,state.kind,state.savedkind)
+            report_notes("restoring state of %a, old: %a, new: %a",tag,state.kind,state.savedkind)
         end
         notedata[tag] = state.saveddata
         state.kind = forcedstate or state.savedkind
@@ -279,16 +279,16 @@ function notes.setsymbolpage(tag,n,l)
     if l then
         local p = texcount.realpageno
         if trace_notes or trace_references then
-            report_notes("note %s of '%s' with list index %s gets symbol page %s",n,tag,l,p)
+            report_notes("note %a of %a with list index %a gets symbol page %a",n,tag,l,p)
         end
         local entry = lists.cached[l]
         if entry then
             entry.references.symbolpage = p
         else
-            report_notes("internal error: note %s of '%s' is not flushed",n,tag)
+            report_notes("internal error: note %a of %a is not flushed",n,tag)
         end
     else
-        report_notes("internal error: note %s of '%s' is not initialized",n,tag)
+        report_notes("internal error: note %a of %a is not initialized",n,tag)
     end
 end
 
@@ -299,7 +299,7 @@ local function getsymbolpage(tag,n)
     li = li and li.references
     li = li and (li.symbolpage or li.realpage) or 0
     if trace_notes or trace_references then
-        report_notes("page number of note symbol %s of '%s' is %s",n,tag,li)
+        report_notes("page number of note symbol %a of %a is %a",n,tag,li)
     end
     return li
 end
@@ -309,7 +309,7 @@ local function getnumberpage(tag,n)
     li = li and li.references
     li = li and li.realpage or 0
     if trace_notes or trace_references then
-        report_notes("page number of note number %s of '%s' is %s",n,tag,li)
+        report_notes("page number of note number %s of %a is %a",n,tag,li)
     end
     return li
 end
@@ -325,7 +325,7 @@ local function getdeltapage(tag,n)
             local symbolpage = references.symbolpage or 0
             local notepage   = references.realpage   or 0
             if trace_references then
-                report_notes("note number %s of '%s' points from page %s to page %s ",n,tag,symbolpage,notepage)
+                report_notes("note number %a of %a points from page %a to page %a",n,tag,symbolpage,notepage)
             end
             if notepage < symbolpage then
                 what = 3 -- after
@@ -359,7 +359,7 @@ function commands.flushnotes(tag,whatkind,how) -- store and postpone
         if kind == "postpone" then
             if nd and ns then
                 if trace_notes then
-                    report_notes("flushing state %s of %s from %s to %s",whatkind,tag,ns,#nd)
+                    report_notes("flushing state %a of %a from %a to %a",whatkind,tag,ns,#nd)
                 end
                 for i=ns,#nd do
                     context.handlenoteinsert(tag,i)
@@ -370,7 +370,7 @@ function commands.flushnotes(tag,whatkind,how) -- store and postpone
         elseif kind == "store" then
             if nd and ns then
                 if trace_notes then
-                    report_notes("flushing state %s of %s from %s to %s",whatkind,tag,ns,#nd)
+                    report_notes("flushing state %a of %a from %a to %a",whatkind,tag,ns,#nd)
                 end
                 -- todo: as registers: start, stop, inbetween
                 for i=ns,#nd do
@@ -394,15 +394,15 @@ function commands.flushnotes(tag,whatkind,how) -- store and postpone
         elseif kind == "reset" then
             if nd and ns then
                 if trace_notes then
-                    report_notes("flushing state %s of %s from %s to %s",whatkind,tag,ns,#nd)
+                    report_notes("flushing state %a of %a from %a to %a",whatkind,tag,ns,#nd)
                 end
             end
             state.start = nil
         elseif trace_notes then
-            report_notes("not flushing state %s of %s",whatkind,tag)
+            report_notes("not flushing state %a of %a",whatkind,tag)
         end
     elseif trace_notes then
-        report_notes("not flushing state %s of %s",whatkind,tag)
+        report_notes("not flushing state %a of %a",whatkind,tag)
     end
 end
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/strc-num.lua b/tex/context/base/strc-num.lua
index b82132a00..b0eae6b78 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/strc-num.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/strc-num.lua
@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@ end
 
 setmetatableindex(constructor,function(t,k)
     if trace_counters then
-        report_counters("unknown constructor %q",tostring(k))
+        report_counters("unknown constructor %a",k)
     end
     return dummyconstructor
 end)
@@ -209,7 +209,7 @@ local function savevalue(name,i)
         local cs = tobesaved[name][i]
         local cc = collected[name]
         if trace_counters then
-            report_counters("saving, counter: %s, value: %s",name,cd.number)
+            report_counters("action %a, counter %s, value %s","save",name,cd.number)
         end
         local cr = cd.range
         local old = (cc and cc[i] and cc[i][cr]) or 0
@@ -316,14 +316,14 @@ local function synchronize(name,d)
     local dc = d.counter
     if dc then
         if trace_counters then
-            report_counters("synchronize, counter: %s, name: %s, value: %s, action: setting",dc,name,d.number)
+            report_counters("action %a, name %a, counter %a, value %a","synchronize",name,dc,d.number)
         end
         texsetcount("global",dc,d.number)
     end
     local cs = counterspecials[name]
     if cs then
         if trace_counters then
-            report_counters("synchronize, counter: %s, name: %s, action: special",dc,name)
+            report_counters("action %a, name %a, counter %a","synccommand",name,dc)
         end
         cs(name)
     end
@@ -339,7 +339,7 @@ local function reset(name,n)
             d.number = number
             d.own = nil
             if trace_counters then
-                report_counters("resetting, name: %s, sub: %s, value: %s",name,i,number)
+                report_counters("action %a, name %a, sub %a, value %a","reset",name,i,number)
             end
             synchronize(name,d)
         end
@@ -356,7 +356,7 @@ local function set(name,n,value)
         d.number = number
         d.own = nil
         if trace_counters then
-            report_counters("setting, name: %s, value: %s",name,number)
+            report_counters("action %a, name %a, sub %a, value %a","set",name,"no",number)
         end
         synchronize(name,d)
     end
@@ -370,7 +370,7 @@ local function check(name,data,start,stop)
         d.number = number
         d.own = nil
         if trace_counters then
-            report_counters("checking, name: %s, sub: %s, value: %s",name,i,number)
+            report_counters("action %a, name %a, sub %a, value %a","check",name,i,number)
         end
         synchronize(name,d)
     end
@@ -436,28 +436,28 @@ function counters.add(name,n,delta)
         if not level or level == -1 then
             -- -1 is signal that we reset manually
             if trace_counters then
-                report_counters("adding, name: %s, level: manually, action: no checking",name)
+                report_counters("action %a, name %a, sub %a, how %a","add",name,"no","no checking")
             end
         elseif level == -2 then
             -- -2 is signal that we work per text
             if trace_counters then
-                report_counters("adding, name: %s, level: text, action: checking",name)
+                report_counters("action %a, name %a, sub %a, how %a","add",name,"text","checking")
             end
             check(name,data,n+1)
         elseif level > 0 or level == -3 then
             -- within countergroup
             if trace_counters then
-                report_counters("adding, name: %s, level: %s, action: checking within group",name,level)
+                report_counters("action %a, name %a, sub %a, how %a","add",name,level,"checking within group")
             end
             check(name,data,n+1)
         elseif level == 0 then
             -- happens elsewhere
             if trace_counters then
-                report_counters("adding, name: %s, level: %s, action: no checking",name,level)
+                report_counters("action %a, name %a, sub %a, how %a","add",name,level,"no checking")
             end
         else
             if trace_counters then
-                report_counters("adding, name: %s, level: unknown, action: no checking",name)
+                report_counters("action %a, name %a, sub %a, how %a","add",name,"unknown","no checking")
             end
         end
         synchronize(name,d)
@@ -470,12 +470,12 @@ function counters.check(level)
     for name, cd in next, counterdata do
         if level > 0 and cd.level == -3 then -- could become an option
             if trace_counters then
-                report_counters("resetting, name: %s, level: %s (head)",name,level)
+                report_counters("action %a, name %a, sub %a, detail %a","reset",name,level,"head")
             end
             reset(name)
         elseif cd.level == level then
             if trace_counters then
-                report_counters("resetting, name: %s, level: %s (normal)",name,level)
+                report_counters("action %a, name %a, sub %a, detail %a","reset",name,level,"normal")
             end
             reset(name)
         end
@@ -596,54 +596,54 @@ function commands.checkcountersetup(name,level,start,state)
     sections.setchecker(name,level,counters.reset)
 end
 
---~ -- move to strc-pag.lua
-
---~ function counters.analyze(name,counterspecification)
---~     local cd = counterdata[name]
---~     -- safeguard
---~     if not cd then
---~         return false, false, "no counter data"
---~     end
---~     -- section data
---~     local sectiondata = sections.current()
---~     if not sectiondata then
---~         return cd, false, "not in section"
---~     end
---~     local references = sectiondata.references
---~     if not references then
---~         return cd, false, "no references"
---~     end
---~     local section = references.section
---~     if not section then
---~         return cd, false, "no section"
---~     end
---~     sectiondata = sections.collected[references.section]
---~     if not sectiondata then
---~         return cd, false, "no section data"
---~     end
---~     -- local preferences
---~     local no = v_no
---~     if counterspecification and counterspecification.prefix == no then
---~         return cd, false, "current spec blocks prefix"
---~     end
---~     -- stored preferences (not used)
---~     if cd.prefix == no then
---~         return cd, false, "entry blocks prefix"
---~     end
---~     -- sectioning
---~     -- if sectiondata.prefix == no then
---~     --     return false, false, "sectiondata blocks prefix"
---~     -- end
---~     -- final verdict
---~     return cd, sectiondata, "okay"
---~ end
-
---~ function counters.prefixedconverted(name,prefixspec,numberspec)
---~     local cd, prefixdata, result = counters.analyze(name,prefixspec)
---~     if cd then
---~         if prefixdata then
---~             sections.typesetnumber(prefixdata,"prefix",prefixspec or false,cd or false)
---~         end
---~         counters.converted(name,numberspec)
---~     end
---~ end
+-- -- move to strc-pag.lua
+--
+-- function counters.analyze(name,counterspecification)
+--     local cd = counterdata[name]
+--     -- safeguard
+--     if not cd then
+--         return false, false, "no counter data"
+--     end
+--     -- section data
+--     local sectiondata = sections.current()
+--     if not sectiondata then
+--         return cd, false, "not in section"
+--     end
+--     local references = sectiondata.references
+--     if not references then
+--         return cd, false, "no references"
+--     end
+--     local section = references.section
+--     if not section then
+--         return cd, false, "no section"
+--     end
+--     sectiondata = sections.collected[references.section]
+--     if not sectiondata then
+--         return cd, false, "no section data"
+--     end
+--     -- local preferences
+--     local no = v_no
+--     if counterspecification and counterspecification.prefix == no then
+--         return cd, false, "current spec blocks prefix"
+--     end
+--     -- stored preferences (not used)
+--     if cd.prefix == no then
+--         return cd, false, "entry blocks prefix"
+--     end
+--     -- sectioning
+--     -- if sectiondata.prefix == no then
+--     --     return false, false, "sectiondata blocks prefix"
+--     -- end
+--     -- final verdict
+--     return cd, sectiondata, "okay"
+-- end
+--
+-- function counters.prefixedconverted(name,prefixspec,numberspec)
+--     local cd, prefixdata, result = counters.analyze(name,prefixspec)
+--     if cd then
+--         if prefixdata then
+--             sections.typesetnumber(prefixdata,"prefix",prefixspec or false,cd or false)
+--         end
+--         counters.converted(name,numberspec)
+--     end
+-- end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/strc-ref.lua b/tex/context/base/strc-ref.lua
index 61f9dc69e..88a1dc480 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/strc-ref.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/strc-ref.lua
@@ -293,9 +293,9 @@ function references.set(kind,prefix,tag,data)
         if ref ~= "" then
             if check_duplicates and pd[ref] then
                 if prefix and prefix ~= "" then
-                    report_references("redundant reference: %q in namespace %q",ref,prefix)
+                    report_references("redundant reference %a in namespace %a",ref,prefix)
                 else
-                    report_references("redundant reference %q",ref)
+                    report_references("redundant reference %a",ref)
                 end
             else
                 n = n + 1
@@ -396,7 +396,7 @@ local function register_from_lists(collected,derived,pages,sections)
                     local t = { kind, i, entry }
                     for s in gmatch(reference,"%s*([^,]+)") do
                         if trace_referencing then
-                            report_references("list entry %s provides %s reference '%s' on realpage %s",i,kind,s,realpage)
+                            report_references("list entry %a provides %a reference %a on realpage %a",i,kind,s,realpage)
                         end
                         c[s] = c[s] or t -- share them
                         d[s] = d[s] or t -- share them
@@ -714,7 +714,7 @@ local function resolve(prefix,reference,args,set) -- we start with prefix,refere
                         set.has_tex = true
                     end
                 else
-                --  report_references("funny pattern: %s",ri or "?")
+                --  report_references("funny pattern %a",ri)
                 end
             end
         end
@@ -776,7 +776,8 @@ local function loadexternalreferences(name,utilitydata)
         for prefix, set in next, external do
             for reference, data in next, set do
                 if trace_importing then
-                    report_importing("registering external reference: regular | %s | %s | %s",name,prefix,reference)
+                    report_importing("registering %a reference, kind %a, name %a, prefix %a, reference %a",
+                        "external","regular",name,prefix,reference)
                 end
                 local section  = reference.section
                 local realpage = reference.realpage
@@ -807,7 +808,8 @@ local function loadexternalreferences(name,utilitydata)
                         end
                         for s in gmatch(reference,"%s*([^,]+)") do
                             if trace_importing then
-                                report_importing("registering external reference: %s | %s | %s | %s",kind,name,prefix,s)
+                                report_importing("registering %s reference, kind %a, name %a, prefix %a, reference %a",
+                                    "external",kind,name,prefix,s)
                             end
                             target[s] = target[s] or entry
                         end
@@ -866,7 +868,8 @@ local function loadproductreferences(productname,componentname,utilitydata)
         for prefix, set in next, productreferences do
             for reference, data in next, set do
                 if trace_importing then
-                    report_importing("registering product reference: regular | %s | %s | %s",productname,prefix,reference)
+                    report_importing("registering %s reference, kind %a, name %a, prefix %a, reference %a",
+                        "product","regular",productname,prefix,reference)
                 end
                 local section  = reference.section
                 local realpage = reference.realpage
@@ -920,13 +923,15 @@ local function loadproductreferences(productname,componentname,utilitydata)
                         for s in gmatch(reference,"%s*([^,]+)") do
                             if ptarget then
                                 if trace_importing then
-                                    report_importing("registering product reference: %s | %s | %s | %s",kind,productname,prefix,s)
+                                    report_importing("registering %s reference, kind %a, name %a, prefix %a, reference %a",
+                                        "product",kind,productname,prefix,s)
                                 end
                                 ptarget[s] = ptarget[s] or entry
                             end
                             if ctarget then
                                 if trace_importing then
-                                    report_importing("registering component reference: %s | %s | %s | %s",kind,productname,prefix,s)
+                                    report_importing("registering %s reference, kind %a, name %a, prefix %a, referenc %a",
+                                        "component",kind,productname,prefix,s)
                                 end
                                 ctarget[s] = ctarget[s] or entry
                             end
@@ -954,7 +959,7 @@ local function loadproductvariables(product,component,utilitydata)
                         local numbers = firstsection.numberdata.numbers
                         if numbers then
                             if trace_importing then
-                                report_importing("initializing section number to %s",concat(numbers,":"))
+                                report_importing("initializing section number to %:t",numbers)
                             end
                             productdata.firstsection = firstsection
                             structures.documents.preset(numbers)
@@ -965,7 +970,7 @@ local function loadproductvariables(product,component,utilitydata)
                         local number = firstpage and firstpage.number
                         if number then
                             if trace_importing then
-                                report_importing("initializing page number to %s",number)
+                                report_importing("initializing page number to %a",number)
                             end
                             productdata.firstpage = firstpage
                             counters.set("userpage",1,number)
@@ -1017,7 +1022,7 @@ function structures.references.loadpresets(product,component) -- we can consider
             local utilitydata = job.loadother(fullname)
             if utilitydata then
                 if trace_importing then
-                    report_importing("loading references for component %s of product %s from %s",component,product,fullname)
+                    report_importing("loading references for component %a of product %a from %a",component,product,fullname)
                 end
                 loadproductvariables (product,component,utilitydata)
                 loadproductreferences(product,component,utilitydata)
@@ -1040,7 +1045,7 @@ if useproduct then
             local component = justacomponent()
             if component then
                 if trace_referencing or trace_importing then
-                    report_references("loading presets for component '%s' of product '%s'",component,product)
+                    report_references("loading presets for component %a of product %a",component,product)
                 end
                 structures.references.loadpresets(product,component)
             end
@@ -1059,9 +1064,9 @@ local function report_identify_special(set,var,i,type)
     local error     = var.error
     local kind      = var.kind
     if error then
-        report_identifying("type %s: %s, n: %s, prefix: %s, special: %s, error: %s",type,reference,i,prefix,special,error)
+        report_identifying("type %a, reference %a, index %a, prefix %a, special %a, error %a",type,reference,i,prefix,special,error)
     else
-        report_identifying("type %s: %s, n: %s, prefix: %s, special: %s, kind: %s",type,reference,i,prefix,special,kind)
+        report_identifying("type %a, reference %a, index %a, prefix %a, special %a, kind %a",type,reference,i,prefix,special,kind)
     end
 end
 
@@ -1072,9 +1077,9 @@ local function report_identify_arguments(set,var,i,type)
     local error     = var.error
     local kind      = var.kind
     if error then
-        report_identifying("type %s: %s, n: %s, prefix: %s, arguments: %s, error: %s",type,reference,i,prefix,arguments,error)
+        report_identifying("type %a, reference %a, index %a, prefix %a, arguments %a, error %a",type,reference,i,prefix,arguments,error)
     else
-        report_identifying("type %s: %s, n: %s, prefix: %s, arguments: %s, kind: %s",type,reference,i,prefix,arguments,kind)
+        report_identifying("type %a, reference %a, index %a, prefix %a, arguments %a, kind %a",type,reference,i,prefix,arguments,kind)
     end
 end
 
@@ -1086,15 +1091,15 @@ local function report_identify_outer(set,var,i,type)
     local kind      = var.kind
     if outer then
         if error then
-            report_identifying("type %s: %s, n: %s, prefix: %s, outer: %s, error: %s",type,reference,i,prefix,outer,error)
+            report_identifying("type %a, reference %a, index %a, prefix %a, outer %a, error %a",type,reference,i,prefix,outer,error)
         else
-            report_identifying("type %s: %s, n: %s, prefix: %s, outer: %s, kind: %s",type,reference,i,prefix,outer,kind)
+            report_identifying("type %a, reference %a, index %a, prefix %a, outer %a, kind %a",type,reference,i,prefix,outer,kind)
         end
     else
         if error then
-            report_identifying("type %s: %s, n: %s, prefix: %s, error: %s",type,reference,i,prefix,error)
+            report_identifying("type %a, reference %a, index %a, prefix %a, error %a",type,reference,i,prefix,error)
         else
-            report_identifying("type %s: %s, n: %s, prefix: %s, kind: %s",type,reference,i,prefix,kind)
+            report_identifying("type %a, reference %a, index %a, prefix %a, kind %a",type,reference,i,prefix,kind)
         end
     end
 end
@@ -1238,7 +1243,7 @@ local function identify_inner(set,var,prefix,collected,derived,tobesaved)
                 ri(var)
             else
                 -- can't happen as we catch it with a metatable now
-                report_references("unknown inner resolver for '%s'",i[1])
+                report_references("unknown inner resolver for %a",i[1])
             end
         else
             -- no prefixes here
@@ -1631,7 +1636,7 @@ function references.setinnermethod(m)
         end
     end
     function references.setinnermethod()
-        report_references("inner method is already set and frozen to '%s'",innermethod)
+        report_references("inner method is already set and frozen to %a",innermethod)
     end
 end
 
@@ -1741,20 +1746,20 @@ function references.filter(name,...) -- number page title ...
                 filter = filter and (filter[name] or filter.unknown or filters.generic[name] or filters.generic.unknown)
                 if filter then
                     if trace_referencing then
-                        report_references("name '%s', kind '%s', using dedicated filter",name,kind)
+                        report_references("name %a, kind %a, using dedicated filter",name,kind)
                     end
                     filter(data,name,...)
                 elseif trace_referencing then
-                    report_references("name '%s', kind '%s', using generic filter",name,kind)
+                    report_references("name %a, kind %a, using generic filter",name,kind)
                 end
             elseif trace_referencing then
-                report_references("name '%s', unknown kind",name)
+                report_references("name %a, unknown kind",name)
             end
         end
     elseif name == "realpage" then
         context(0)
     elseif trace_referencing then
-        report_references("name '%s', no reference",name)
+        report_references("name %a, no reference",name)
     end
 end
 
@@ -1870,7 +1875,7 @@ function filters.section.number(data,what,prefixspec)
         elseif numberdata.hidenumber then
             local references = data.references
             if trace_empty then
-                report_empty("reference %q has a hidden number",references.reference or "?")
+                report_empty("reference %a has a hidden number",references.reference)
                 context.emptyreference() -- maybe an option
             end
         else
diff --git a/tex/context/base/strc-reg.lua b/tex/context/base/strc-reg.lua
index 23609cfd9..40cd3455b 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/strc-reg.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/strc-reg.lua
@@ -169,9 +169,9 @@ local function filtercollected(names,criterium,number,collected,prevmode)
     end
     if trace_registers then
         if detail then
-            report_registers("criterium: %s, %s, found: %s",criterium,detail,#result)
+            report_registers("criterium %a, detail %a, found %a",criterium,detail,#result)
         else
-            report_registers("criterium: %s, found: %s",criterium,#result)
+            report_registers("criterium %a, detail %a, found %a",criterium,nil,#result)
         end
     end
     return result
@@ -523,7 +523,7 @@ function registers.finalize(data,options) -- maps character to index (order)
         local entry, tag = firstofsplit(v)
         if tag ~= lasttag then
             if trace_registers then
-                report_registers("splitting at %s",tag)
+                report_registers("splitting at %a",tag)
             end
             done, nofdone = { }, 0
             nofsplit = nofsplit + 1
@@ -679,8 +679,7 @@ function registers.flush(data,options,prefixspec,pagespec)
                     list[#list] = nil
                 else
                     -- we have an \seeindex{Foo}{Bar} without Foo being defined anywhere
-                    report_registers("invalid see entry in register '%s', reference '%s'",
-                        entry.metadata.name or "?",list[1][1] or "?")
+                    report_registers("invalid see entry in register %a, reference %a",entry.metadata.name,list[1][1])
                 end
             end
         end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/symb-ini.lua b/tex/context/base/symb-ini.lua
index 559b032e4..9b3f55d2f 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/symb-ini.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/symb-ini.lua
@@ -22,13 +22,13 @@ local function action(name,foundname)
     -- context.startnointerference()
     context.startreadingfile()
     context.input(foundname)
-    status_symbols("loaded: library '%s'",name)
+    status_symbols("library %a loaded",name)
     context.stopreadingfile()
     -- context.stopnointerference()
 end
 
 local function failure(name)
-    report_symbols("unknown: library '%s'",name)
+    report_symbols("library %a is unknown",name)
 end
 
 function symbols.uselibrary(name)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/tabl-tbl.lua b/tex/context/base/tabl-tbl.lua
index 7291facd3..19548e7b3 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/tabl-tbl.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/tabl-tbl.lua
@@ -13,7 +13,6 @@ local context, commands = context, commands
 
 local tonumber = tonumber
 local gsub, rep, sub, find = string.gsub, string.rep, string.sub, string.find
-
 local P, C, Cc, Ct, lpegmatch = lpeg.P, lpeg.C, lpeg.Cc, lpeg.Ct, lpeg.match
 
 local settexcount = tex.setcount
diff --git a/tex/context/base/tabl-xtb.lua b/tex/context/base/tabl-xtb.lua
index 01b7ef9eb..cf9a4a0a6 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/tabl-xtb.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/tabl-xtb.lua
@@ -468,13 +468,12 @@ function xtables.reflow_width()
         if not options[v_stretch] then
             -- not needed
             if trace_xtable then
-                report_xtable("too wide but no stretch, delta: %s",points(delta))
+                report_xtable("too wide but no stretch, delta %p",delta)
             end
         elseif options[v_width] then
             local factor = delta / width
             if trace_xtable then
-                report_xtable("proportional stretch, delta: %s, width: %s, factor: %s",
-                    points(delta),points(width),factor)
+                report_xtable("proportional stretch, delta %p, width %p, factor %a",delta,width,factor)
             end
             for c=1,nofcolumns do
                 widths[c] = widths[c] + factor * widths[c]
@@ -483,8 +482,7 @@ function xtables.reflow_width()
             -- frozen -> a column with option=fixed will not stretch
             local extra = delta / (nofcolumns - noffrozen)
             if trace_xtable then
-                report_xtable("normal stretch, delta: %s, extra: %s",
-                    points(delta),points(extra))
+                report_xtable("normal stretch, delta %p, extra %p",delta,extra)
             end
             for c=1,nofcolumns do
                 if not frozencolumns[c] then
@@ -497,8 +495,7 @@ function xtables.reflow_width()
             done = false
             local available = (widetotal + delta) / nofwide
             if trace_xtable then
-                report_xtable("shrink check, total: %s, delta: %s, columns: %s, fixed: %s",
-                    points(widetotal),points(delta),nofwide,points(available))
+                report_xtable("shrink check, total %p, delta %p, columns %s, fixed %p",widetotal,delta,nofwide,available)
             end
             for c=1,nofcolumns do
                 if autowidths[c] and available >= widths[c] then
@@ -517,8 +514,7 @@ function xtables.reflow_width()
         if options[v_width] then -- not that much (we could have a clever vpack loop balancing .. no fun)
             local factor = (widetotal + delta) / width
             if trace_xtable then
-                report_xtable("proportional shrink used, total: %s, delta: %s, columns: %s, factor: %s",
-                    points(widetotal),points(delta),nofwide,factor)
+                report_xtable("proportional shrink used, total %p, delta %p, columns %s, factor %s",widetotal,delta,nofwide,factor)
             end
             for c=1,nofcolumns do
                 if autowidths[c] then
@@ -528,8 +524,7 @@ function xtables.reflow_width()
         else
             local available = (widetotal + delta) / nofwide
             if trace_xtable then
-                report_xtable("normal shrink used, total: %s, delta: %s, columns: %s, fixed: %s",
-                    points(widetotal),points(delta),nofwide,points(available))
+                report_xtable("normal shrink used, total %p, delta %p, columns %s, fixed %p",widetotal,delta,nofwide,available)
             end
             for c=1,nofcolumns do
                 if autowidths[c] then
@@ -591,7 +586,7 @@ local function showspans(data)
                 line[#line+1] = "none"
             end
         end
-        report_xtable("%3d : %s : %s",r,namedmodes[modes[r]] or "----",concat(line," "))
+        report_xtable("%3d : %s : % t",r,namedmodes[modes[r]] or "----",line)
     end
 end
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/trac-lmx.lua b/tex/context/base/trac-lmx.lua
index fb3211079..b7e811860 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/trac-lmx.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/trac-lmx.lua
@@ -138,7 +138,7 @@ local function loadedfile(name)
     name = resolvers and resolvers.findfile and resolvers.findfile(name) or name
     local data = io.loaddata(name)
     if not data or data == "" then
-        report_lmx("empty file: %s",name)
+        report_lmx("file %a is empty",name)
     end
     return data
 end
@@ -173,14 +173,14 @@ local function do_variable(str)
         -- nothing
     elseif type(value) == "string" then
         if #value > 80 then
-            report_lmx("variable %q => %s ...",str,collapsespaces(sub(value,1,80)))
+            report_lmx("variable %a is set to: %s ...",str,collapsespaces(sub(value,1,80)))
         else
-            report_lmx("variable %q => %s",str,collapsespaces(value))
+            report_lmx("variable %a is set to: %s",str,collapsespaces(value))
         end
     elseif type(value) == "nil" then
-        report_lmx("variable %q => <!-- unset -->",str)
+        report_lmx("variable %a is set to: %s",str,"<!-- unset -->")
     else
-        report_lmx("variable %q => %q",str,tostring(value))
+        report_lmx("variable %a is set to: %S",str,value)
     end
     if type(value) == "function" then -- obsolete ... will go away
         return value(str)
@@ -236,7 +236,7 @@ local function do_include(filename)
     end
     if not data or data == "" then
         data = format("<!-- unknown lmx include file: %s -->",filename)
-        report_lmx("empty include file: %s",filename)
+        report_lmx("include file %a is empty",filename)
     else
      -- report_lmx("included file: %s",filename)
         data = do_nested_include(data)
@@ -271,10 +271,10 @@ function lmx.initialize(d,v)
         if variables ~= d then
             setmetatableindex(variables,d)
             if trace_variables then
-                report_lmx("variables => given defaults => lmx variables")
+                report_lmx("using chain: variables => given defaults => lmx variables")
             end
         elseif trace_variables then
-            report_lmx("variables == given defaults => lmx variables")
+            report_lmx("using chain: variables == given defaults => lmx variables")
         end
     elseif d ~= v then
         setmetatableindex(v,d)
@@ -283,19 +283,19 @@ function lmx.initialize(d,v)
             if variables ~= v then
                 setmetatableindex(variables,v)
                 if trace_variables then
-                    report_lmx("variables => given variables => given defaults => lmx variables")
+                    report_lmx("using chain: variables => given variables => given defaults => lmx variables")
                 end
             elseif trace_variables then
-                report_lmx("variables == given variables => given defaults => lmx variables")
+                report_lmx("using chain: variables == given variables => given defaults => lmx variables")
             end
         else
             if variables ~= v then
                 setmetatableindex(variables,v)
                 if trace_variables then
-                    report_lmx("variabes => given variables => given defaults")
+                    report_lmx("using chain: variabes => given variables => given defaults")
                 end
             elseif trace_variables then
-                report_lmx("variables == given variables => given defaults")
+                report_lmx("using chain: variables == given variables => given defaults")
             end
         end
     else
@@ -303,10 +303,10 @@ function lmx.initialize(d,v)
         if variables ~= v then
             setmetatableindex(variables,v)
             if trace_variables then
-                report_lmx("variables => given variables => lmx variables")
+                report_lmx("using chain: variables => given variables => lmx variables")
             end
         elseif trace_variables then
-            report_lmx("variables == given variables => lmx variables")
+            report_lmx("using chain: variables == given variables => lmx variables")
         end
     end
     result = { }
@@ -590,7 +590,7 @@ end
 
 function lmx.convertfile(templatefile,variables,nocache)
     if trace_variables then -- will become templates
-        report_lmx("converting file: %s",templatefile)
+        report_lmx("converting file %a",templatefile)
     end
     local converter = loadedfiles[templatefile]
     if not converter then
@@ -602,7 +602,7 @@ end
 
 function lmxconvert(templatefile,resultfile,variables,nocache) -- or (templatefile,variables)
     if trace_variables then -- will become templates
-        report_lmx("converting file: %s",templatefile)
+        report_lmx("converting file %a",templatefile)
     end
     if not variables and type(resultfile) == "table" then
         variables = resultfile
diff --git a/tex/context/base/trac-log.lua b/tex/context/base/trac-log.lua
index 40d2860be..22d46e7bd 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/trac-log.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/trac-log.lua
@@ -7,9 +7,7 @@ if not modules then modules = { } end modules ['trac-log'] = {
 }
 
 -- todo: less categories, more subcategories (e.g. nodes)
-
---~ io.stdout:setvbuf("no")
---~ io.stderr:setvbuf("no")
+-- todo: split into basics and ctx specific
 
 local write_nl, write = texio and texio.write_nl or print, texio and texio.write or io.write
 local format, gmatch, find = string.format, string.gmatch, string.find
@@ -17,13 +15,14 @@ local concat, insert, remove = table.concat, table.insert, table.remove
 local topattern = string.topattern
 local texcount = tex and tex.count
 local next, type, select = next, type, select
+local utfchar = utf.char
 
 local setmetatableindex = table.setmetatableindex
 local formatters        = string.formatters
 
 --[[ldx--
 <p>This is a prelude to a more extensive logging module. We no longer
-provide <l n='xml'/> based logging a sparsing is relatively easy anyway.</p>
+provide <l n='xml'/> based logging as parsing is relatively easy anyway.</p>
 --ldx]]--
 
 logs       = logs or { }
@@ -37,6 +36,36 @@ webpage  : http://www.pragma-ade.nl / http://tex.aanhet.net
 wiki     : http://contextgarden.net
 ]]
 
+-- -- we extend the formatters:
+--
+-- function utilities.strings.unichr(s) return "U+" .. format("%05X",s) .. " (" .. utfchar(s) .. ")" end
+-- function utilities.strings.chruni(s) return utfchar(s) .. " (U+" .. format("%05X",s) .. ")" end
+--
+-- utilities.strings.formatters.add (
+--     string.formatters, "uni",
+--     [[unichr(%s)]],
+--     [[local unichr = utilities.strings.unichr]]
+-- )
+--
+-- utilities.strings.formatters.add (
+--     string.formatters, "chr",
+--     [[chruni(%s)]],
+--     [[local chruni = utilities.strings.chruni]]
+-- )
+
+utilities.strings.formatters.add (
+    formatters, "unichr",
+    [["U+" .. format("%%05X",%s) .. " (" .. utfchar(%s) .. ")"]]
+)
+
+utilities.strings.formatters.add (
+    formatters, "chruni",
+    [[utfchar(%s) .. " (U+" .. format("%%05X",%s) .. ")"]]
+)
+
+-- print(formatters["Missing character %!chruni! in font."](234))
+-- print(formatters["Missing character %!unichr! in font."](234))
+
 -- basic loggers
 
 local function ignore() end
@@ -49,6 +78,8 @@ local direct, subdirect, writer, pushtarget, poptarget
 
 if tex and (tex.jobname or tex.formatname) then
 
+ -- local format = string.formatter
+
     local valueiskey   = { __index = function(t,k) t[k] = k return k end } -- will be helper
 
     local target       = "term and log"
@@ -69,9 +100,13 @@ if tex and (tex.jobname or tex.formatname) then
     local f_one = formatters["%-15s > %s\n"]
     local f_two = formatters["%-15s >\n"]
 
+    -- we can use formatters but best check for % then because for simple messages
+    -- we con't want this overhead for single messages (not that there are that
+    -- many; we could have a special weak table)
+
     report = function(a,b,c,...)
         if c then
-            write_nl(target,f_one(translations[a],format(formats[b],c,...)))
+            write_nl(target,f_one(translations[a],formatters[formats[b]](c,...)))
         elseif b then
             write_nl(target,f_one(translations[a],formats[b]))
         elseif a then
@@ -86,7 +121,7 @@ if tex and (tex.jobname or tex.formatname) then
 
     direct = function(a,b,c,...)
         if c then
-            return f_one(translations[a],format(formats[b],c,...))
+            return f_one(translations[a],formatters[formats[b]](c,...))
         elseif b then
             return f_one(translations[a],formats[b])
         elseif a then
@@ -101,7 +136,7 @@ if tex and (tex.jobname or tex.formatname) then
 
     subreport = function(a,s,b,c,...)
         if c then
-            write_nl(target,f_one(translations[a],translations[s],format(formats[b],c,...)))
+            write_nl(target,f_one(translations[a],translations[s],formatters[formats[b]](c,...)))
         elseif b then
             write_nl(target,f_one(translations[a],translations[s],formats[b]))
         elseif a then
@@ -116,7 +151,7 @@ if tex and (tex.jobname or tex.formatname) then
 
     subdirect = function(a,s,b,c,...)
         if c then
-            return f_one(translations[a],translations[s],format(formats[b],c,...))
+            return f_one(translations[a],translations[s],formatters[formats[b]](c,...))
         elseif b then
             return f_one(translations[a],translations[s],formats[b])
         elseif a then
@@ -131,7 +166,7 @@ if tex and (tex.jobname or tex.formatname) then
 
     status = function(a,b,c,...)
         if c then
-            write_nl(target,f_one(translations[a],format(formats[b],c,...)))
+            write_nl(target,f_one(translations[a],formatters[formats[b]](c,...)))
         elseif b then
             write_nl(target,f_one(translations[a],formats[b]))
         elseif a then
@@ -182,6 +217,8 @@ if tex and (tex.jobname or tex.formatname) then
 
 else
 
+--     local format = string.formatter
+
     logs.flush = ignore
 
     writer = write_nl
@@ -195,7 +232,7 @@ else
 
     report = function(a,b,c,...)
         if c then
-            write_nl(f_one(a,format(b,c,...)))
+            write_nl(f_one(a,formatters[b](c,...)))
         elseif b then
             write_nl(f_one(a,b))
         elseif a then
@@ -210,7 +247,7 @@ else
 
     subreport = function(a,sub,b,c,...)
         if c then
-            write_nl(f_one(a,sub,format(b,c,...)))
+            write_nl(f_one(a,sub,formatters[b](c,...)))
         elseif b then
             write_nl(f_one(a,sub,b))
         elseif a then
@@ -225,7 +262,7 @@ else
 
     status = function(a,b,c,...) -- not to be used in lua anyway
         if c then
-            write_nl(f_one(a,format(b,c,...)))
+            write_nl(f_one(a,formatters[b](c,...)))
         elseif b then
             write_nl(f_one(a,b)) -- b can have %'s
         elseif a then
@@ -407,7 +444,7 @@ function logs.show()
             state = "unknown"
         end
         -- no new here
-        report("logging","category: '%s', subcategories: '%s', state: '%s'",category,subcategories,state)
+        report("logging","category %a, subcategories %a, state %a",category,subcategories,state)
     end
     report("logging","categories: %s, max category: %s, max subcategory: %s, max combined: %s",n,c,s,max)
 end
@@ -500,7 +537,7 @@ function logs.show_open(name)
  --         nesting = nesting + 1
  --         report_files("level %s, opening %s",nesting,name)
  --     else
- --         write(format("(%s",name)) -- tex adds a space
+ --         write(formatters["(%s"](name)) -- tex adds a space
  --     end
  -- end
 end
@@ -521,7 +558,7 @@ function logs.show_load(name)
  --     if verbose then
  --         report_files("level %s, loading %s",nesting+1,name)
  --     else
- --         write(format("(%s)",name))
+ --         write(formatters["(%s)"](name))
  --     end
  -- end
 end
@@ -598,20 +635,20 @@ function logs.application(t)
     return t
 end
 
--- somewhat special
+-- somewhat special .. will be redone (already a better solution in place in lmx)
 
 -- logging to a file
 
---~ local syslogname = "oeps.xxx"
---~
---~ for i=1,10 do
---~     logs.system(syslogname,"context","test","fonts","font %s recached due to newer version (%s)","blabla","123")
---~ end
+-- local syslogname = "oeps.xxx"
+--
+-- for i=1,10 do
+--     logs.system(syslogname,"context","test","fonts","font %s recached due to newer version (%s)","blabla","123")
+-- end
 
 function logs.system(whereto,process,jobname,category,...)
-    local message = format("%s %s => %s => %s => %s\r",os.date("%d/%m/%y %H:%m:%S"),process,jobname,category,format(...))
+    local message = formatters["%s %s => %s => %s => %s\r"](os.date("%d/%m/%y %H:%m:%S"),process,jobname,category,format(...))
     for i=1,10 do
-        local f = io.open(whereto,"a") -- we can consider keepint the file open
+        local f = io.open(whereto,"a") -- we can consider keeping the file open
         if f then
             f:write(message)
             f:close()
@@ -628,18 +665,18 @@ function logs.obsolete(old,new)
     local o = loadstring("return " .. new)()
     if type(o) == "function" then
         return function(...)
-            report_system("function %s is obsolete, use %s",old,new)
+            report_system("function %a is obsolete, use %a",old,new)
             loadstring(old .. "=" .. new  .. " return ".. old)()(...)
         end
     elseif type(o) == "table" then
         local t, m = { }, { }
         m.__index = function(t,k)
-            report_system("table %s is obsolete, use %s",old,new)
+            report_system("table %a is obsolete, use %a",old,new)
             m.__index, m.__newindex = o, o
             return o[k]
         end
         m.__newindex = function(t,k,v)
-            report_system("table %s is obsolete, use %s",old,new)
+            report_system("table %a is obsolete, use %a",old,new)
             m.__index, m.__newindex = o, o
             o[k] = v
         end
@@ -665,7 +702,8 @@ else
     end
 end
 
--- do we still need io.flush then?
+-- this is somewhat slower but prevents out-of-order messages when print is mixed
+-- with texio.write
 
 io.stdout:setvbuf('no')
 io.stderr:setvbuf('no')
diff --git a/tex/context/base/trac-pro.lua b/tex/context/base/trac-pro.lua
index 43c5ef7db..d6e0d0339 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/trac-pro.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/trac-pro.lua
@@ -26,17 +26,17 @@ local registered = { }
 
 local function report_index(k,name)
     if trace_namespaces then
-        report_system("reference to '%s' in protected namespace '%s', %s",k,name,debug.traceback())
+        report_system("reference to %a in protected namespace %a: %s",k,name,debug.traceback())
     else
-        report_system("reference to '%s' in protected namespace '%s'",k,name)
+        report_system("reference to %a in protected namespace %a",k,name)
     end
 end
 
 local function report_newindex(k,name)
     if trace_namespaces then
-        report_system("assignment to '%s' in protected namespace '%s', %s",k,name,debug.traceback())
+        report_system("assignment to %a in protected namespace %a: %s",k,name,debug.traceback())
     else
-        report_system("assignment to '%s' in protected namespace '%s'",k,name)
+        report_system("assignment to %a in protected namespace %a",k,name)
     end
 end
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/trac-set.lua b/tex/context/base/trac-set.lua
index ddbd94825..9dc5dd9da 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/trac-set.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/trac-set.lua
@@ -42,12 +42,12 @@ function setters.initialize(filename,name,values) -- filename only for diagnosti
                     local oldvalue = functions.value
                     if functions.frozen then
                         if trace_initialize then
-                            setter.report("%s: %q is frozen to %q",filename,key,tostring(oldvalue))
+                            setter.report("%s: %a is %s to %a",filename,key,"frozen",oldvalue)
                         end
                     elseif #functions > 0 and not oldvalue then
 --                     elseif #functions > 0 and oldvalue == nil then
                         if trace_initialize then
-                            setter.report("%s: %q is set to %q",filename,key,tostring(newvalue))
+                            setter.report("%s: %a is %s to %a",filename,key,"set",newvalue)
                         end
                         for i=1,#functions do
                             functions[i](newvalue)
@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ function setters.initialize(filename,name,values) -- filename only for diagnosti
                         functions.frozen = functions.frozen or frozen
                     else
                         if trace_initialize then
-                            setter.report("%s: %q is kept as %q",filename,key,tostring(oldvalue))
+                            setter.report("%s: %a is %s as %a",filename,key,"kept",oldvalue)
                         end
                     end
                 else
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ function setters.initialize(filename,name,values) -- filename only for diagnosti
                     functions = { default = newvalue, frozen = frozen }
                     data[key] = functions
                     if trace_initialize then
-                        setter.report("%s: %q default to %q",filename,key,tostring(newvalue))
+                        setter.report("%s: %a is %s to %a",filename,key,"defaulted",newvalue)
                     end
                 end
             end
@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@ function setters.register(t,what,...)
         functions = { }
         data[what] = functions
         if trace_initialize then
-            t.report("defining %s",what)
+            t.report("defining %a",what)
         end
     end
     local default = functions.default -- can be set from cnf file
@@ -157,7 +157,7 @@ function setters.register(t,what,...)
         local typ = type(fnc)
         if typ == "string" then
             if trace_initialize then
-                t.report("coupling %s to %s",what,fnc)
+                t.report("coupling %a to %a",what,fnc)
             end
             local s = fnc -- else wrong reference
             fnc = function(value) set(t,s,value) end
@@ -290,28 +290,28 @@ local trace_experiments = false local trace_experiments = false  trackers.regist
 
 function directives.enable(...)
     if trace_directives then
-        d_report("enabling: %s",concat({...}," "))
+        d_report("enabling: % t",{...})
     end
     d_enable(...)
 end
 
 function directives.disable(...)
     if trace_directives then
-        d_report("disabling: %s",concat({...}," "))
+        d_report("disabling: % t",{...})
     end
     d_disable(...)
 end
 
 function experiments.enable(...)
     if trace_experiments then
-        e_report("enabling: %s",concat({...}," "))
+        e_report("enabling: % t",{...})
     end
     e_enable(...)
 end
 
 function experiments.disable(...)
     if trace_experiments then
-        e_report("disabling: %s",concat({...}," "))
+        e_report("disabling: % t",{...})
     end
     e_disable(...)
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/trac-tim.lua b/tex/context/base/trac-tim.lua
index e76882afc..25ae6b1bc 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/trac-tim.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/trac-tim.lua
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ end
 
 function progress.save(name)
     local filename = (name or progress.defaultfilename) .. ".lut"
-    report_timing("saving data in %q",filename)
+    report_timing("saving data in %a",filename)
     table.save(filename,nodes.snapshots.getsamples())
     nodes.snapshots.resetsamples()
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/type-ini.lua b/tex/context/base/type-ini.lua
index 758fb5683..03cdb0fe5 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/type-ini.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/type-ini.lua
@@ -30,13 +30,13 @@ end
 local name_one, name_two
 
 local function failure_two(name)
-    report_typescripts("unknown: library '%s' or '%s'",name_one,name_two)
+    report_typescripts("unknown library %a or %a",name_one,name_two)
 end
 
 local function failure_one(name)
     name_two = gsub(name,"%-.*$","")
     if name_two == name then
-        report_typescripts("unknown: library '%s'",name_one)
+        report_typescripts("unknown library %a",name_one)
     else
         commands.uselibrary {
             name     = name_two,
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ end
 local patterns = { "type-imp-%s.mkiv", "type-imp-%s.tex" }
 
 local function failure(name)
-    report_typescripts("unknown: library '%s'",name)
+    report_typescripts("unknown library %a",name)
 end
 
 function commands.loadtypescriptfile(name) -- a more specific name
diff --git a/tex/context/base/typo-bld.lua b/tex/context/base/typo-bld.lua
index 97893ad2b..ed700add7 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/typo-bld.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/typo-bld.lua
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ function constructors.start(name)
     if mainconstructor ~= unsetvalue then
         constructors.enable()
     end
---     report_parbuilders("start %s",name)
+ -- report_parbuilders("start %a",name)
 end
 
 function constructors.stop()
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ function constructors.stop()
     if mainconstructor == unsetvalue then
         constructors.disable()
     end
---     report_parbuilders("stop")
+ -- report_parbuilders("stop")
 end
 
 -- return values:
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ function constructors.handler(head,followed_by_display)
                 if handler then
                     return handler(head,followed_by_display)
                 else
-                    report_parbuilders("contructor method '%s' is not defined",tostring(method))
+                    report_parbuilders("contructor method %a is not defined",tostring(method))
                     return true -- let tex break
                 end
             end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/typo-cap.lua b/tex/context/base/typo-cap.lua
index 0b9e52749..0285b262e 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/typo-cap.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/typo-cap.lua
@@ -273,10 +273,10 @@ local function process(namespace,attribute,head) -- not real fast but also not u
                     start, ok = action(start,attribute,attr)
                     done = done and ok
                     if trace_casing then
-                        report_casing("case trigger %s, instance %s, result %s",attr%100,div(attr,100),tostring(ok))
+                        report_casing("case trigger %a, instance %a, result %a",attr%100,div(attr,100),ok)
                     end
                 elseif trace_casing then
-                    report_casing("unknown case trigger %s",attr)
+                    report_casing("unknown case trigger %a",attr)
                 end
             end
         end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/typo-dig.lua b/tex/context/base/typo-dig.lua
index 30d7d96ac..e6c65399d 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/typo-dig.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/typo-dig.lua
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ actions[1] = function(head,start,attribute,attr)
         local oldwidth, newwidth = start.width, getdigitwidth(font)
         if newwidth ~= oldwidth then
             if trace_digits then
-                report_digits("digit trigger %s, instance %s, char 0x%05X, unicode 0x%05X, delta %s",
+                report_digits("digit trigger %a, instance %a, char %C, unicode %U, delta %s",
                     attr%100,div(attr,100),char,what,newwidth-oldwidth)
             end
             head, start = nodes.aligned(head,start,start,newwidth,"middle")
@@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ local function process(namespace,attribute,head)
                     head, current, ok = action(head,current,attribute,attr)
                     done = done and ok
                 elseif trace_digits then
-                    report_digits("unknown digit trigger %s",attr)
+                    report_digits("unknown digit trigger %a",attr)
                 end
             end
         end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/typo-itc.lua b/tex/context/base/typo-itc.lua
index 57b4e38b8..ef44a7f28 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/typo-itc.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/typo-itc.lua
@@ -33,8 +33,6 @@ local unsetvalue          = attributes.unsetvalue
 local new_correction_kern = nodes.pool.fontkern
 local new_correction_glue = nodes.pool.glue
 
-local points              = number.points
-
 local fonthashes          = fonts.hashes
 local fontdata            = fonthashes.identifiers
 local italicsdata         = fonthashes.italics
@@ -69,7 +67,7 @@ local function setitalicinfont(font,char)
                 end
             end
             if trace_italics then
-                report_italics("setting italic correction of %s (U+%05X) of font %s to %s",utfchar(char),char,font,points(italic))
+                report_italics("setting italic correction of %C of font %a to %p",char,font,italic)
             end
             character.italic_correction = italic or 0
         end
@@ -100,18 +98,18 @@ local function process(namespace,attribute,head)
                 if italic ~= 0 then
                     if data then
                         if trace_italics then
-                            report_italics("ignoring %s between italic %s and italic %s",points(italic),utfchar(prevchar),utfchar(char))
+                            report_italics("ignoring %p between italic %C and italic %C",italic,prevchar,char)
                         end
                     else
                         if trace_italics then
-                            report_italics("inserting %s between italic %s and regular %s",points(italic),utfchar(prevchar),utfchar(char))
+                            report_italics("inserting %p between italic %C and regular %C",italic,prevchar,char)
                         end
                         insert_node_after(head,previous,new_correction_kern(italic))
                         done = true
                     end
                 elseif inserted and data then
                     if trace_italics then
-                        report_italics("deleting last correction before %s",utfchar(char))
+                        report_italics("deleting last correction before %C",char)
                     end
                     delete_node(head,inserted)
                 else
@@ -154,7 +152,7 @@ local function process(namespace,attribute,head)
         elseif id == glue_code then
             if italic ~= 0 then
                 if trace_italics then
-                    report_italics("inserting %s between italic %s and glue",points(italic),utfchar(prevchar))
+                    report_italics("inserting %p between italic %C and glue",italic,prevchar)
                 end
                 inserted = new_correction_glue(italic) -- maybe just add ? else problem with penalties
                 insert_node_after(head,previous,inserted)
@@ -163,7 +161,7 @@ local function process(namespace,attribute,head)
             end
         elseif italic ~= 0 then
             if trace_italics then
-                report_italics("inserting %s between italic %s and whatever",points(italic),utfchar(prevchar))
+                report_italics("inserting %p between italic %C and whatever",italic,prevchar)
             end
             inserted = nil
             insert_node_after(head,previous,new_correction_kern(italic))
@@ -174,7 +172,7 @@ local function process(namespace,attribute,head)
     end
     if italic ~= 0 and lastattr > 1 then -- more control is needed here
         if trace_italics then
-            report_italics("inserting %s between italic %s and end of list",points(italic),utfchar(prevchar))
+            report_italics("inserting %p between italic %C and end of list",italic,prevchar)
         end
         insert_node_after(head,previous,new_correction_kern(italic))
         done = true
@@ -235,7 +233,7 @@ function commands.setupitaliccorrection(option) -- no grouping !
         texattribute[a_italics] = variant
     end
     if trace_italics then
-        report_italics("force: %s, variant: %s",tostring(forcedvariant),tostring(variant ~= unsetvalue and variant))
+        report_italics("forcing %a, variant %a",forcedvariant,variant ~= unsetvalue and variant)
     end
 end
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/typo-mar.lua b/tex/context/base/typo-mar.lua
index 02f425298..9f9fe9168 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/typo-mar.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/typo-mar.lua
@@ -234,10 +234,10 @@ local function showstore(store,banner,location)
     if next(store) then
         for i, si in table.sortedpairs(store) do
             local si =store[i]
-            report_margindata("%s: stored in %s at %s: %s => %s",banner,location,i,validstring(si.name,"no name"),nodes.toutf(si.box.list))
+            report_margindata("%s: stored in %a at %s: %a => %s",banner,location,i,validstring(si.name,"no name"),nodes.toutf(si.box.list))
         end
     else
-        report_margindata("%s: nothing stored in %s",banner,location)
+        report_margindata("%s: nothing stored in location %a",banner,location)
     end
 end
 
@@ -249,7 +249,7 @@ function margins.save(t)
     local inline   = t.inline
     local scope    = t.scope or v_global
     if not content then
-        report_margindata("ignoring empty margin data: %s",location or "unknown")
+        report_margindata("ignoring empty margin data %a",location or "unknown")
         return
     end
     local store
@@ -258,13 +258,13 @@ function margins.save(t)
     else
         store = displaystore[category][location]
         if not store then
-            report_margindata("invalid location: %s",location)
+            report_margindata("invalid location %a",location)
             return
         end
         store = store[scope]
     end
     if not store then
-        report_margindata("invalid scope: %s",scope)
+        report_margindata("invalid scope %a",scope)
         return
     end
     if enablelocal and scope == v_local then
@@ -338,7 +338,7 @@ function margins.save(t)
         showstore(store,"after",location)
     end
     if trace_margindata then
-        report_margindata("saved: %s, location: %s, scope: %s, inline: %s",nofsaved,location,scope,tostring(inline))
+        report_margindata("saved %a, location %a, scope %a, inline %a",nofsaved,location,scope,inline)
     end
 end
 
@@ -439,11 +439,11 @@ local function realign(current,candidate)
     if move_x then
         delta = delta - move_x
         if trace_margindata then
-            report_margindata("realigned: %s, location: %s, margin: %s, move: %s",candidate.n,location,margin,points(move_x))
+            report_margindata("realigned %a, location %a, margin %a, move %p",candidate.n,location,margin,move_x)
         end
     else
         if trace_margindata then
-            report_margindata("realigned: %s, location: %s, margin: %s",candidate.n,location,margin)
+            report_margindata("realigned %a, location %a, margin %a",candidate.n,location,margin)
         end
     end
 
@@ -501,8 +501,7 @@ local function getovershoot(location)
         local offset = p[location] or 0
         local overshoot = offset - distance
         if trace_marginstack then
-            report_margindata("location: %s, distance: %s, offset: %s, overshoot: %s",
-                location,points(distance),points(offset),points(overshoot))
+            report_margindata("location %a, distance %p, offset %p, overshoot %p",location,distance,offset,overshoot)
         end
         if overshoot > 0 then
             return overshoot
@@ -550,7 +549,7 @@ local function inject(parent,head,candidate)
     candidate.hsize = parent.width -- we can also pass textwidth
     candidate.psubtype = psubtype
     if trace_margindata then
-        report_margindata("processing, index %s, height: %s, depth: %s, parent: %s",candidate.n,height,depth,listcodes[psubtype])
+        report_margindata("processing, index %s, height %p, depth %p, parent %s",candidate.n,height,depth,listcodes[psubtype])
     end
     if firstonstack then
         offset = 0
@@ -576,7 +575,7 @@ local function inject(parent,head,candidate)
     if method == v_top then
         local delta = height - parent.height
         if trace_margindata then
-            report_margindata("top aligned, amount: %s",delta)
+            report_margindata("top aligned by %p",delta)
         end
         if delta < candidate.threshold then
             shift = shift + voffset + delta
@@ -593,18 +592,18 @@ local function inject(parent,head,candidate)
     elseif method == v_depth then
         local delta = strutdepth
         if trace_margindata then
-            report_margindata("depth aligned, amount: %s",delta)
+            report_margindata("depth aligned by %p",delta)
         end
         shift = shift + voffset + delta
     elseif method == v_height then
         local delta = - strutheight
         if trace_margindata then
-            report_margindata("height aligned, amount: %s",delta)
+            report_margindata("height aligned by %p",delta)
         end
         shift = shift + voffset + delta
     elseif voffset ~= 0 then
         if trace_margindata then
-            report_margindata("voffset applied: %s",voffset)
+            report_margindata("voffset %p applied",voffset)
         end
         shift = shift + voffset
     end
@@ -612,7 +611,7 @@ local function inject(parent,head,candidate)
     if line ~= 0 then
         local delta = line * candidate.lineheight
         if trace_margindata then
-            report_margindata("line offset applied: %s (%s)",line,delta)
+            report_margindata("offset %p applied to line %s",delta,line)
         end
         shift = shift + delta
         offset = offset + delta
@@ -634,7 +633,7 @@ local function inject(parent,head,candidate)
     end
     box[a_margindata] = nofstatus
     if trace_margindata then
-        report_margindata("injected, location: %s, shift: %s",location,shift)
+        report_margindata("injected, location %a, shift %p",location,shift)
     end
     -- we need to add line etc to offset as well
     offset = offset + depth
@@ -648,7 +647,7 @@ local function inject(parent,head,candidate)
     stacked[location] = offset -- weird, no table ?
     -- todo: if no real depth then zero
     if trace_margindata then
-        report_margindata("status, offset: %s",offset)
+        report_margindata("status, offset %s",offset)
     end
     return head, room, stack == v_continue
 end
@@ -735,7 +734,7 @@ end
 local function handler(scope,head,group)
    if nofstored > 0 then
         if trace_margindata then
-            report_margindata("flushing stage one, stored: %s, scope: %s, delayed: %s, group: %s",nofstored,scope,nofdelayed,group)
+            report_margindata("flushing stage one, stored %s, scope %s, delayed %s, group %a",nofstored,scope,nofdelayed,group)
         end
         local current = head
         local done = false
@@ -769,14 +768,14 @@ function margins.localhandler(head,group) -- sometimes group is "" which is weir
     local inhibit = conditionals.inhibitmargindata
     if inhibit then
         if trace_margingroup then
-            report_margindata("ignored: 3, group: %s, stored: %s, inhibit: %s",group,nofstored,tostring(inhibit))
+            report_margindata("ignored 3, group %a, stored %s, inhibit %a",group,nofstored,inhibit)
         end
         return head, false
     elseif nofstored > 0 then
         return handler(v_local,head,group)
     else
         if trace_margingroup then
-            report_margindata("ignored: 4, group: %s, stored: %s, inhibit: %s",group,nofstored,tostring(inhibit))
+            report_margindata("ignored 4, group %a, stored %s, inhibit %a",group,nofstored,inhibit)
         end
         return head, false
     end
@@ -786,7 +785,7 @@ function margins.globalhandler(head,group) -- check group
     local inhibit = conditionals.inhibitmargindata
     if inhibit or nofstored == 0 then
         if trace_margingroup then
-            report_margindata("ignored: 1, group: %s, stored: %s, inhibit: %s",group,nofstored,tostring(inhibit))
+            report_margindata("ignored 1, group %a, stored %s, inhibit %a",group,nofstored,inhibit)
         end
         return head, false
     elseif group == "hmode_par" then
@@ -801,7 +800,7 @@ function margins.globalhandler(head,group) -- check group
         return handler("global",head,group)
     else
         if trace_margingroup then
-            report_margindata("ignored: 2, group: %s, stored: %s, inhibit: %s",group,nofstored,tostring(inhibit))
+            report_margindata("ignored 2, group %a, stored %s, inhibit %a",group,nofstored,inhibit)
         end
         return head, false
     end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/typo-pag.lua b/tex/context/base/typo-pag.lua
index 6488b7c6b..0dd75ddf9 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/typo-pag.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/typo-pag.lua
@@ -19,8 +19,6 @@ local new_penalty         = nodes.pool.penalty
 
 local unsetvalue          = attributes.unsetvalue
 
-local points              = number.points
-
 local a_keeptogether      = attributes.private("keeptogether")
 
 local trace_keeptogether  = false
@@ -81,8 +79,7 @@ function builders.paragraphs.registertogether(line,specification) -- might chang
             else
                 noflines = math.round((height + depth - slack) / noflines)
             end
-            report_keeptogether("registered, index: %s, height: %s, depth: %s, slack: %s, noflines: %s",
-                a,points(height),points(depth),points(slack),noflines)
+            report_keeptogether("registered, index %s, height %p, depth %p, slack %p, noflines %a",a,height,depth,slack,noflines)
         end
     end
 end
@@ -97,14 +94,14 @@ local function keeptogether(start,a)
             local slack = specification.slack
             local threshold = specification.depth - slack
             if trace_keeptogether then
-                report_keeptogether("list, index: %s, total: %s, threshold: %s, slack: %s",a,points(total),points(threshold),points(slack))
+                report_keeptogether("%s, index %s, total %p, threshold %p, slack %p","list",a,total,threshold,slack)
             end
             while current do
                 local id = current.id
                 if id == vlist_code or id == hlist_code then
                     total = total + current.height + current.depth
                     if trace_keeptogether then
-                        report_keeptogether("list, index: %s, total: %s, threshold: %s",a,points(total),points(threshold))
+                        report_keeptogether("%s, index %s, total %p, threshold %p","list",a,total,threshold)
                     end
                     if total <= threshold then
                         if previous.id == penalty_code then
@@ -119,7 +116,7 @@ local function keeptogether(start,a)
                     -- hm, breakpoint, maybe turn this into kern
                     total = total + current.spec.width
                     if trace_keeptogether then
-                        report_keeptogether("glue, index: %s, total: %s, threshold: %s",a,points(total),points(threshold))
+                        report_keeptogether("%s, index %s, total %p, threshold %p","glue",a,total,threshold)
                     end
                     if total <= threshold then
                         if previous.id == penalty_code then
@@ -133,7 +130,7 @@ local function keeptogether(start,a)
                 elseif id == kern_code then
                     total = total + current.kern
                     if trace_keeptogether then
-                        report_keeptogether("kern, index: %s, total: %s, threshold: %s",a,points(total),points(threshold))
+                        report_keeptogether("%s, index %s, total %s, threshold %s","kern",a,total,threshold)
                     end
                     if total <= threshold then
                         if previous.id == penalty_code then
diff --git a/tex/context/base/typo-prc.lua b/tex/context/base/typo-prc.lua
index ae9b541bf..5b74abd0b 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/typo-prc.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/typo-prc.lua
@@ -53,17 +53,17 @@ function processors.apply(p,s)
     end
     if p and registered[p] then
         if trace_processors then
-            report_processors("known: %s, argument: %s",p,s or "")
+            report_processors("applying %s processor %a, argument: %s","known",p,s)
         end
         context.applyprocessor(p,s)
     elseif s then
         if trace_processors then
-            report_processors("unknown: %s, argument: %s",p or "?",s)
+            report_processors("applying %s processor %a, argument: %s","unknown",p,s)
         end
         context(s)
     elseif str then
         if trace_processors then
-            report_processors("direct: %s",str)
+            report_processors("applying %s processor, data: %s","ignored",str)
         end
         context(str)
     end
@@ -76,21 +76,21 @@ function processors.startapply(p,s)
     end
     if p and registered[p] then
         if trace_processors then
-            report_processors("start: %s",p or "?")
+            report_processors("start applying %s processor %a","known",p)
         end
         context.applyprocessor(p)
         context("{")
         return s
     elseif p then
         if trace_processors then
-            report_processors("start: %s (unknown)",p)
+            report_processors("start applying %s processor %a","unknown",p)
         end
         context.firstofoneargument()
         context("{")
         return s
     else
         if trace_processors then
-            report_processors("start: ? (unset)")
+            report_processors("start applying %s processor","ignored")
         end
         context.firstofoneargument()
         context("{")
@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ end
 function processors.stopapply()
     context("}")
     if trace_processors then
-        report_processors("stop")
+        report_processors("stop applying processor")
     end
 end
 
@@ -123,4 +123,3 @@ end
 
 commands.registerstructureprocessor = processors.register
 commands.resetstructureprocessor    = processors.reset
-
diff --git a/tex/context/base/typo-rep.lua b/tex/context/base/typo-rep.lua
index 6534bf457..8451ce52b 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/typo-rep.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/typo-rep.lua
@@ -54,20 +54,20 @@ end
 local function process(what,head,current,char)
     if what == true then
         if trace_stripping then
-            report_stripping("deleting 0x%05X from text",char)
+            report_stripping("deleting %C from text",char)
         end
         head, current = delete_node(head,current)
     elseif type(what) == "function" then
         head, current = what(head,current)
         current = current.next
         if trace_stripping then
-            report_stripping("processing 0x%05X in text",char)
+            report_stripping("processing %C in text",char)
         end
     elseif what then  -- assume node
         head, current = replace_node(head,current,copy_node(what))
         current = current.next
         if trace_stripping then
-            report_stripping("replacing 0x%05X in text",char)
+            report_stripping("replacing %C in text",char)
         end
     end
     return head, current
diff --git a/tex/context/base/typo-spa.lua b/tex/context/base/typo-spa.lua
index 764ee0cfb..1464ea2af 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/typo-spa.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/typo-spa.lua
@@ -92,13 +92,13 @@ local function process(namespace,attribute,head)
                                     local somepenalty = somepenalty(prevprev,10000)
                                     if somepenalty then
                                         if trace_spacing then
-                                            report_spacing("removing penalty and space before %s (left)", utfchar(start.char))
+                                            report_spacing("removing penalty and space before %C (left)",start.char)
                                         end
                                         head = remove_node(head,prev,true)
                                         head = remove_node(head,prevprev,true)
                                     else
                                         if trace_spacing then
-                                            report_spacing("removing space before %s (left)", utfchar(start.char))
+                                            report_spacing("removing space before %C (left)",start.char)
                                         end
                                         head = remove_node(head,prev,true)
                                     end
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ local function process(namespace,attribute,head)
                             end
                             if ok then
                                 if trace_spacing then
-                                    report_spacing("inserting penalty and space before %s (left)", utfchar(start.char))
+                                    report_spacing("inserting penalty and space before %C (left)",start.char)
                                 end
                                 insert_node_before(head,start,new_penalty(10000))
                                 insert_node_before(head,start,new_glue(left*quad))
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ local function process(namespace,attribute,head)
                                     local somespace = somespace(nextnext,true)
                                     if somespace then
                                         if trace_spacing then
-                                            report_spacing("removing penalty and space after %s (right)", utfchar(start.char))
+                                            report_spacing("removing penalty and space after %C right",start.char)
                                         end
                                         head = remove_node(head,next,true)
                                         head = remove_node(head,nextnext,true)
@@ -135,7 +135,7 @@ local function process(namespace,attribute,head)
                                     local somespace = somespace(next,true)
                                     if somespace then
                                         if trace_spacing then
-                                            report_spacing("removing space after %s (right)", utfchar(start.char))
+                                            report_spacing("removing space after %C (right)", start.char)
                                         end
                                         head = remove_node(head,next,true)
                                     end
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@ local function process(namespace,attribute,head)
                             end
                             if ok then
                                 if trace_spacing then
-                                    report_spacing("inserting penalty and space after %s (right)", utfchar(start.char))
+                                    report_spacing("inserting penalty and space after %C (right)",start.char)
                                 end
                                 insert_node_after(head,start,new_glue(right*quad))
                                 insert_node_after(head,start,new_penalty(10000))
diff --git a/tex/context/base/util-dim.lua b/tex/context/base/util-dim.lua
index 4bae2d099..47b2706b7 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/util-dim.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/util-dim.lua
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ local P, S, R, Cc, C, lpegmatch = lpeg.P, lpeg.S, lpeg.R, lpeg.Cc, lpeg.C, lpeg.
 
 local allocate          = utilities.storage.allocate
 local setmetatableindex = table.setmetatableindex
+local formatters        = string.formatters
 
 --this might become another namespace
 
@@ -86,6 +87,7 @@ local dimenfactors = allocate {
 format (string) is implemented using this table.</p>
 --ldx]]--
 
+
 local function numbertodimen(n,unit,fmt)
     if type(n) == 'string' then
         return n
diff --git a/tex/context/base/util-lua.lua b/tex/context/base/util-lua.lua
index 96101f8ec..cabcc3c9a 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/util-lua.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/util-lua.lua
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ utilities          = utilities or {}
 utilities.lua      = utilities.lua or { }
 local luautilities = utilities.lua
 
-utilities.report   = logs and logs.reporter("system") or print -- can be overloaded later
+local report_lua = logs.reporter("system","lua")
 
 local tracestripping           = false
 local forcestupidcompile       = true  -- use internal bytecode compiler
@@ -39,17 +39,13 @@ luautilities.suffixes = {
     tuc = "tuc",
 }
 
-local function fatalerror(name)
-    utilities.report(format("fatal error in %q",name or "unknown"))
-end
-
 -- environment.loadpreprocessedfile can be set to a preprocessor
 
 if jit or status.luatex_version >= 74 then
 
     local function register(name)
         if tracestripping then
-            utilities.report("stripped bytecode: %s",name or "unknown")
+            report_lua("stripped bytecode from %a",name or "unknown")
         end
         strippedchunks[#strippedchunks+1] = name
         luautilities.nofstrippedchunks = luautilities.nofstrippedchunks + 1
@@ -67,10 +63,10 @@ if jit or status.luatex_version >= 74 then
                     return true, 0
                 end
             else
-                fatalerror()
+                report_lua("fatal error in file %a",luafile)
             end
         else
-            fatalerror()
+            report_lua("fatal error in file %a",luafile)
         end
         return false, 0
     end
@@ -106,7 +102,7 @@ if jit or status.luatex_version >= 74 then
         if forcestrip and luautilities.stripcode or luautilities.alwaysstripcode then
             code = load(code)
             if not code then
-                fatalerror(name)
+                report_lua("fatal error in file %a",name)
             end
             register(name)
             code = dump(code,true)
@@ -115,13 +111,13 @@ if jit or status.luatex_version >= 74 then
     end
 
     function luautilities.compile(luafile,lucfile,cleanup,strip,fallback) -- defaults: cleanup=false strip=true
-        utilities.report("lua: compiling %s into %s",luafile,lucfile)
+        report_lua("compiling %a into %a",luafile,lucfile)
         os.remove(lucfile)
         local done = stupidcompile(luafile,lucfile,strip ~= false)
         if done then
-            utilities.report("lua: %s dumped into %s (stripped)",luafile,lucfile)
+            report_lua("dumping %a into %a stripped",luafile,lucfile)
             if cleanup == true and lfs.isfile(lucfile) and lfs.isfile(luafile) then
-                utilities.report("lua: removing %s",luafile)
+                report_lua("removing %a",luafile)
                 os.remove(luafile)
             end
         end
@@ -151,7 +147,7 @@ else
     local function register(name,before,after)
         local delta = before - after
         if tracestripping then
-            utilities.report("stripped bytecode: %s, before %s, after %s, delta %s",name or "unknown",before,after,delta)
+            report_lua("bytecodes stripped from %a, # before %s, # after %s, delta %s",name,before,after,delta)
         end
         strippedchunks[#strippedchunks+1] = name
         luautilities.nofstrippedchunks = luautilities.nofstrippedchunks + 1
@@ -268,7 +264,7 @@ else
         if (forcestrip and luautilities.stripcode) or luautilities.alwaysstripcode then
             code = load(code)
             if not code then
-                fatalerror(name)
+                report_lua("fatal error in file %a",name)
             end
             code, n = strip_code_pc(dump(code),name)
         end
@@ -281,7 +277,7 @@ else
         if code and code ~= "" then
             code = load(code)
             if not code then
-                fatalerror()
+                report_lua("fatal error in file %a",luafile)
             end
             code = dump(code)
             if strip then
@@ -298,7 +294,7 @@ else
     local luac_strip  = "texluac -s -o %q %q"
 
     function luautilities.compile(luafile,lucfile,cleanup,strip,fallback) -- defaults: cleanup=false strip=true
-        utilities.report("lua: compiling %s into %s",luafile,lucfile)
+        report_lua("compiling %a into %a",luafile,lucfile)
         os.remove(lucfile)
         local done = false
         if strip ~= false then
@@ -314,15 +310,15 @@ else
         if not done and fallback then
             local n = stupidcompile(luafile,lucfile,strip)
             if n > 0 then
-                utilities.report("lua: %s dumped into %s (%i bytes stripped)",luafile,lucfile,n)
+                report_lua("%a dumped into %a (%i bytes stripped)",luafile,lucfile,n)
             else
-                utilities.report("lua: %s dumped into %s (unstripped)",luafile,lucfile)
+                report_lua("%a dumped into %a (unstripped)",luafile,lucfile)
             end
             cleanup = false -- better see how bad it is
             done = true -- hm
         end
         if done and cleanup == true and lfs.isfile(lucfile) and lfs.isfile(luafile) then
-            utilities.report("lua: removing %s",luafile)
+            report_lua("removing %a",luafile)
             os.remove(luafile)
         end
         return done
diff --git a/tex/context/base/util-mrg.lua b/tex/context/base/util-mrg.lua
index f8742151c..97a02e7cf 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/util-mrg.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/util-mrg.lua
@@ -18,10 +18,11 @@ local lpegmatch, patterns = lpeg.match, lpeg.patterns
 utilities             = utilities or { }
 local merger          = utilities.merger or { }
 utilities.merger      = merger
-utilities.report      = logs and logs.reporter("system") or print
-
 merger.strip_comment  = true
 
+local report          = logs.reporter("system","merge")
+utilities.report      = report
+
 local m_begin_merge   = "begin library merge"
 local m_end_merge     = "end library merge"
 local m_begin_closure = "do -- create closure to overcome 200 locals limit"
@@ -64,9 +65,9 @@ end
 local function self_load(name)
     local data = io.loaddata(name) or ""
     if data == "" then
-        utilities.report("merge: unknown file %s",name)
+        report("unknown file %a",name)
     else
-        utilities.report("merge: inserting %s",name)
+        report("inserting file %a",name)
     end
     return data or ""
 end
@@ -135,7 +136,7 @@ local function self_compact(data)
      -- data = string.strip(data)
         local after = #data
         delta = before - after
-        utilities.report("merge: %s bytes compacted to %s (%s bytes stripped)",before,after,delta)
+        report("original size %s, compacted to %s, stripped %s",before,after,delta)
         data = format("-- original size: %s, stripped down to: %s\n\n%s",before,after,data)
     end
     return lpegmatch(stripreturn,data) or data, delta
@@ -144,7 +145,7 @@ end
 local function self_save(name, data)
     if data ~= "" then
         io.savedata(name,data)
-        utilities.report("merge: saving %s bytes in %s",#data,name)
+        report("saving %s with size %s",name,#data)
     end
 end
 
@@ -161,7 +162,7 @@ local function self_libs(libs,list)
         local lib = libs[i]
         for j=1,#list do
             local pth = gsub(list[j],"\\","/") -- file.clean_path
-            utilities.report("merge: checking library path %s",pth)
+            report("checking library path %a",pth)
             local name = pth .. "/" .. lib
             if lfs.isfile(name) then
                 foundpath = pth
@@ -170,13 +171,13 @@ local function self_libs(libs,list)
         if foundpath then break end
     end
     if foundpath then
-        utilities.report("merge: using library path %s",foundpath)
+        report("using library path %a",foundpath)
         local right, wrong, original, stripped = { }, { }, 0, 0
         for i=1,#libs do
             local lib = libs[i]
             local fullname = foundpath .. "/" .. lib
             if lfs.isfile(fullname) then
-                utilities.report("merge: using library %s",fullname)
+                report("using library %a",fullname)
                 local preloaded = file.nameonly(lib)
                 local data = io.loaddata(fullname,true)
                 original = original + #data
@@ -188,19 +189,19 @@ local function self_libs(libs,list)
                 result[#result+1] = m_end_closure
                 stripped = stripped + delta
             else
-                utilities.report("merge: skipping library %s",fullname)
+                report("skipping library %a",fullname)
                 wrong[#wrong+1] = lib
             end
         end
         right = #right > 0 and concat(right," ") or "-"
         wrong = #wrong > 0 and concat(wrong," ") or "-"
-        utilities.report("merge: used libraries: %s",right)
-        utilities.report("merge: skipped libraries: %s",wrong)
-        utilities.report("merge: original bytes: %s",original)
-        utilities.report("merge: stripped bytes: %s",stripped)
+        report("used libraries: %a",right)
+        report("skipped libraries: %a",wrong)
+        report("original bytes: %a",original)
+        report("stripped bytes: %a",stripped)
         result[#result+1] = format(m_report,right,wrong,original,stripped)
     else
-        utilities.report("merge: no valid library path found")
+        report("no valid library path found")
     end
     return concat(result, "\n\n")
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/util-sql-imp-client.lua b/tex/context/base/util-sql-imp-client.lua
index 8a25c405d..e09dfde94 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/util-sql-imp-client.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/util-sql-imp-client.lua
@@ -87,14 +87,14 @@ local function splitdata(data) -- todo: hash on first line ... maybe move to cli
         if n == 1 then
             local key = keys[1]
             if trace_sql then
-                report_state("one field with name",key)
+                report_state("one field with name %a",key)
             end
             p = Cg(Cc(key) * entry)
         else
             for i=1,n do
                 local key = keys[i]
                 if trace_sql then
-                    report_state("field %s has name %q",i,key)
+                    report_state("field %s has name %a",i,key)
                 end
                 local s = Cg(Cc(key) * entry)
                 if p then
diff --git a/tex/context/base/util-sql-imp-library.lua b/tex/context/base/util-sql-imp-library.lua
index 5de3670e5..34b9b339d 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/util-sql-imp-library.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/util-sql-imp-library.lua
@@ -109,11 +109,11 @@ local function fetched(specification,query,converter)
         if not connection then
             session = initialize()
             if not session then
-                return format("no session for %q",id)
+                return format("no session for %a",id)
             end
             connection = connect(session,specification)
             if not connection then
-                return format("no connection for %q",id)
+                return format("no connection for %a",id)
             end
             cache[id] = { session = session, connection = connection }
         end
@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@ local function fetched(specification,query,converter)
         local q = query[i]
         local r, m = connection:execute(q)
         if m then
-            report_state("error in query to host %s: %s",specification.host or "?",string.collapsespaces(q))
+            report_state("error in query to host %a: %s",specification.host,string.collapsespaces(q))
             if m then
                 report_state("message: %s",m)
             end
@@ -208,13 +208,13 @@ local function datafetched(specification,query,converter)
         report_state("call error, retrying")
         callokay, connectionerror, data, keys = pcall(fetched,specification,query,converter)
     elseif connectionerror then
-        report_state("error: %q, retrying",connectionerror)
+        report_state("error: %s, retrying",connectionerror)
         callokay, connectionerror, data, keys = pcall(fetched,specification,query,converter)
     end
     if not callokay then
         report_state("persistent call error")
     elseif connectionerror then
-        report_state("persistent error: %q",connectionerror)
+        report_state("persistent error: %s",connectionerror)
     end
     return data or { }, keys or { }
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/util-sql-loggers.lua b/tex/context/base/util-sql-loggers.lua
index b2dccf4b5..7fceb8032 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/util-sql-loggers.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/util-sql-loggers.lua
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ function loggers.createdb(presets,datatable)
         },
     }
 
-    report("datatable %q created in %q",db.name,db.base)
+    report("datatable %a created in %a",db.name,db.base)
 
     return db
 
@@ -97,7 +97,7 @@ function loggers.deletedb(presets,datatable)
         },
     }
 
-    report("datatable %q removed in %q",db.name,db.base)
+    report("datatable %a removed in %a",db.name,db.base)
 
 end
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/util-sql-sessions.lua b/tex/context/base/util-sql-sessions.lua
index 40556dd5e..76bb91962 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/util-sql-sessions.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/util-sql-sessions.lua
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ function sessions.createdb(presets,datatable)
         },
     }
 
-    report("datatable %q created in %q",db.name,db.base)
+    report("datatable %a created in %a",db.name,db.base)
 
     return db
 
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ function sessions.deletedb(presets,datatable)
         },
     }
 
-    report("datatable %q removed in %q",db.name,db.base)
+    report("datatable %a removed in %a",db.name,db.base)
 
 end
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/util-sql-tickets.lua b/tex/context/base/util-sql-tickets.lua
index 41010d265..5e958299d 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/util-sql-tickets.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/util-sql-tickets.lua
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@ function tickets.createdb(presets,datatable)
         },
     }
 
-    report("datatable %q created in %q",db.name,db.base)
+    report("datatable %a created in %a",db.name,db.base)
 
     return db
 
@@ -116,7 +116,7 @@ function tickets.deletedb(presets,datatable)
         },
     }
 
-    report("datatable %q removed in %q",db.name,db.base)
+    report("datatable %a removed in %a",db.name,db.base)
 
 end
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/util-sql-users.lua b/tex/context/base/util-sql-users.lua
index 00fca942e..ea8fb4e07 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/util-sql-users.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/util-sql-users.lua
@@ -145,7 +145,7 @@ function users.createdb(presets,datatable)
         },
     }
 
-    report("datatable %q created in %q",db.name,db.base)
+    report("datatable %a created in %a",db.name,db.base)
 
     return db
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/util-sql.lua b/tex/context/base/util-sql.lua
index b793a3ae3..1c1766edf 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/util-sql.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/util-sql.lua
@@ -112,9 +112,9 @@ local defaults     = { __index =
 }
 
 setmetatableindex(sql.methods,function(t,k)
-    report_state("start loading method %q",k)
+    report_state("start loading method %a",k)
     require("util-sql-imp-"..k)
-    report_state("loading method %q done",k)
+    report_state("loading method %a done",k)
     return rawget(t,k)
 end)
 
@@ -247,9 +247,9 @@ local function validspecification(specification)
     specification.queryfile  = queryfile
     specification.resultfile = resultfile
     if trace_sql then
-        report_state("template file: %q",templatefile or "<none>")
-        report_state("query file: %q",queryfile)
-        report_state("result file: %q",resultfile)
+        report_state("template file: %s",templatefile or "<none>")
+        report_state("query file: %s",queryfile)
+        report_state("result file: %s",resultfile)
     end
     return true
 end
@@ -269,9 +269,9 @@ local function preparetemplate(specification)
     if templatefile then
         local query = loadtemplate(templatefile,specification.variables,'sql')
         if not query then
-            report_state("error in template file %q",templatefile)
+            report_state("error in template file %a",templatefile)
         elseif trace_queries then
-            report_state("query from template file %q: %s",templatefile,query)
+            report_state("query from template file %a: %s",templatefile,query)
         end
         return query
     end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/util-str.lua b/tex/context/base/util-str.lua
index 11ca90912..8e55629c7 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/util-str.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/util-str.lua
@@ -157,17 +157,104 @@ end
 -- there is an extra function call involved. In principle we end up with a
 -- string concatination so one could inline such a sequence but often at the
 -- cost of less readabinity. So, it's a sort of (visual) compromise. Of course
--- there is the benefit of more variants.
+-- there is the benefit of more variants. (Concerning the speed: a simple format
+-- like %05fpt is better off with format than with a formatter, but as soon as
+-- you put something in front formatters become faster. Passing the pt as extra
+-- argument makes formatters behave better. Of course this is rather
+-- implementation dependent.)
+
+-- integer          %...i   number
+-- integer          %...d   number
+-- unsigned         %...u   number
+-- character        %...c   number
+-- hexadecimal      %...x   number
+-- HEXADECIMAL      %...X   number
+-- octal            %...o   number
+-- string           %...s   string number
+-- float            %...f   number
+-- exponential      %...e   number
+-- exponential      %...E   number
+-- autofloat        %...g   number
+-- autofloat        %...G   number
+-- utf character    %...c   number
+-- force tostring   %...S   any
+-- force tostring   %Q      any
+-- force tonumber   %N      number (strip leading zeros)
+-- signed number    %I      number
+-- rounded number   %r      number
+-- 0xhexadecimal    %...h   character number
+-- 0xHEXADECIMAL    %...H   character number
+-- U+hexadecimal    %...u   character number
+-- U+HEXADECIMAL    %...U   character number
+-- points           %p      number (scaled points)
+-- basepoints       %b      number (scaled points)
+-- table concat     %...t   table
+-- serialize        %...T   sequenced (no nested tables)
+-- boolean (logic)  %l      boolean
+-- BOOLEAN          %L      boolean
+-- whitespace       %...w
+-- automatic        %...a   'whatever'
+-- automatic        %...a   "whatever"
 
 local n = 0
 
 -- we are somewhat sloppy in parsing prefixes as it's not that critical
---
--- this does not work out ok:
---
--- function fnc(...) -- 1,2,3
---     print(...,...,...) -- 1,1,1,2,3
--- end
+
+-- hard to avoid but we can collect them in a private namespace if needed
+
+-- inline the next two makes no sense as we only use this in logging
+
+local sequenced = table.sequenced
+
+function string.autodouble(s,sep)
+    if s == nil then
+        return '""'
+    end
+    local t = type(s)
+    if t == "number" then
+        return tostring(s) -- tostring not really needed
+    end
+    if t == "table" then
+        return ('"' .. sequenced(t,sep or ",") .. '"')
+    end
+    return ('"' .. tostring(s) .. '"')
+end
+
+function string.autosingle(s,sep)
+    if s == nil then
+        return "''"
+    end
+    local t = type(s)
+    if t == "number" then
+        return tostring(s) -- tostring not really needed
+    end
+    if t == "table" then
+        return ("'" .. sequenced(t,sep or ",") .. "'")
+    end
+    return ("'" .. tostring(s) .. "'")
+end
+
+local tracedchars  = { }
+string.tracedchars = tracedchars
+strings.tracers    = tracedchars
+
+function string.tracedchar(b)
+    -- todo: table
+    if type(b) == "number" then
+        return tracedchars[b] or (utfchar(b) .. " (U+" .. format('%%05X',b) .. ")")
+    else
+        local c = utfbyte(b)
+        return tracedchars[c] or (b .. " (U+" .. format('%%05X',c) .. ")")
+    end
+end
+
+function number.signed(i)
+    if i > 0 then
+        return "+",  i
+    else
+        return "-", -i
+    end
+end
 
 local preamble = [[
 local type = type
@@ -182,7 +269,11 @@ local utfchar = utf.char
 local utfbyte = utf.byte
 local lpegmatch = lpeg.match
 local xmlescape = lpeg.patterns.xmlescape
-local spaces = string.nspaces
+local nspaces = string.nspaces
+local tracedchar = string.tracedchar
+local autosingle = string.autosingle
+local autodouble = string.autodouble
+local sequenced = table.sequenced
 ]]
 
 local template = [[
@@ -191,7 +282,6 @@ local template = [[
 return function(%s) return %s end
 ]]
 
-
 local arguments = { "a1" } -- faster than previously used (select(n,...))
 
 setmetatable(arguments, { __index =
@@ -207,12 +297,14 @@ local prefix_tab = C((1-R("az","AZ","09","%%"))^0)
 
 -- we've split all cases as then we can optimize them (let's omit the fuzzy u)
 
+-- todo: replace outer formats in next by ..
+
 local format_s = function(f)
     n = n + 1
     if f and f ~= "" then
         return format("format('%%%ss',a%s)",f,n)
-    else
-        return format("a%s",n)
+    else -- best no tostring in order to stay compatible (.. does a selective tostring too)
+        return format("(a%s or '')",n) -- goodie: nil check
     end
 end
 
@@ -227,7 +319,7 @@ end
 
 local format_q = function()
     n = n + 1
-    return format("format('%%q',a%s)",n) -- maybe an own lpeg
+    return format("(a%s and format('%%q',a%s) or '')",n,n) -- goodie: nil check (maybe separate lpeg, not faster)
 end
 
 local format_Q = function() -- can be optimized
@@ -246,21 +338,9 @@ end
 
 local format_d = format_i
 
-function number.signed(i)
-    if i > 0 then
-        return "+",  i
-    else
-        return "-", -i
-    end
-end
-
 local format_I = function(f)
     n = n + 1
-    if f and f ~= "" then
-        return format("format('%%s%%%si',signed(a%s))",f,n)
-    else
-        return format("format('%%s%%i',signed(a%s))",n)
-    end
+    return format("format('%%s%%%si',signed(a%s))",f,n)
 end
 
 local format_f = function(f)
@@ -308,6 +388,11 @@ local format_c = function()
     return format("utfchar(a%s)",n)
 end
 
+local format_C = function()
+    n = n + 1
+    return format("tracedchar(a%s)",n)
+end
+
 local format_r = function(f)
     n = n + 1
     return format("format('%%%s.0f',a%s)",f,n)
@@ -372,6 +457,15 @@ local format_t = function(f)
     end
 end
 
+local format_T = function(f)
+    n = n + 1
+    if f and f ~= "" then
+        return format("sequenced(a%s,%q)",n,f)
+    else
+        return format("sequenced(a%s)",n)
+    end
+end
+
 local format_l = function()
     n = n + 1
     return format("(a%s and 'true' or 'false')",n)
@@ -387,22 +481,41 @@ local format_N = function() -- strips leading zeros
     return format("tostring(tonumber(a%s) or a%s)",n,n)
 end
 
-local format_a = function(s)
-    return format("%q",s)
+local format_a = function(f)
+    n = n + 1
+    if f and f ~= "" then
+        return format("autosingle(a%s,%q)",n,f)
+    else
+        return format("autosingle(a%s)",n)
+    end
+end
+
+
+local format_A = function(f)
+    n = n + 1
+    if f and f ~= "" then
+        return format("autodouble(a%s,%q)",n,f)
+    else
+        return format("autodouble(a%s)",n)
+    end
 end
 
 local format_w = function(f) -- handy when doing depth related indent
     n = n + 1
     f = tonumber(f)
-    if f then
-        return format("spaces[%s+tonumber(a%s)]",f,n)
+    if f then -- not that useful
+        return format("nspaces[%s+a%s]",f,n) -- no real need for tonumber
     else
-        return format("spaces[tonumber(a%s)]",n)
+        return format("nspaces[a%s]",n) -- no real need for tonumber
     end
 end
 
 local format_W = function(f) -- handy when doing depth related indent
-    return format("spaces[%s]",tonumber(f) or 0)
+    return format("nspaces[%s]",tonumber(f) or 0)
+end
+
+local format_rest = function(s)
+    return format("%q",s) -- catches " and \n and such
 end
 
 local format_extension = function(extensions,f,name)
@@ -412,14 +525,16 @@ local format_extension = function(extensions,f,name)
         return extension
     elseif f == 1 then
         n = n + 1
-        return format(extension,"a"..n)
+        local a = "a" .. n
+        return format(extension,a,a) -- maybe more times?
     elseif f < 0 then
-        return format(extension,"a"..n+f+1)
+        local a = "a" .. (n + f + 1)
+        return format(extension,a,a)
     else
         local t = { }
         for i=1,f do
             n = n + 1
-            t[#t+1] = "a"..n
+            t[#t+1] = "a" .. n
         end
         return format(extension,unpack(t))
     end
@@ -437,6 +552,7 @@ local builder = Cs { "start",
               + V("x") + V("X") + V("o")
               --
               + V("c")
+              + V("C")
               + V("S") -- new
               + V("Q") -- new
               + V("N") -- new
@@ -444,18 +560,19 @@ local builder = Cs { "start",
               + V("r")
               + V("h") + V("H") + V("u") + V("U")
               + V("p") + V("b")
-              + V("t")
+              + V("t") + V("T")
               + V("l") + V("L")
               + V("I")
               + V("h") -- new
               + V("w") -- new
               + V("W") -- new
+              + V("a") -- new
+              + V("A") -- new
               --
-              + V("a") -- ignores probably messed up %
+              + V("*") -- ignores probably messed up %
             )
-          + V("a")
+          + V("*")
         )
---      * (P(-1) + Cc(".."))
      * (P(-1) + Carg(1))
     )^0,
     --
@@ -476,6 +593,7 @@ local builder = Cs { "start",
     ["Q"] = (prefix_any * P("Q")) / format_S, -- %Q => %q (tostring)
     ["N"] = (prefix_any * P("N")) / format_N, -- %N => tonumber (strips leading zeros)
     ["c"] = (prefix_any * P("c")) / format_c, -- %c => utf character (extension to regular)
+    ["C"] = (prefix_any * P("C")) / format_C, -- %c => U+.... utf character
     --
     ["r"] = (prefix_any * P("r")) / format_r, -- %r => round
     ["h"] = (prefix_any * P("h")) / format_h, -- %h => 0x0a1b2 (when - no 0x) was v
@@ -485,16 +603,19 @@ local builder = Cs { "start",
     ["p"] = (prefix_any * P("p")) / format_p, -- %p => 12.345pt / maybe: P (and more units)
     ["b"] = (prefix_any * P("b")) / format_b, -- %b => 12.342bp / maybe: B (and more units)
     ["t"] = (prefix_tab * P("t")) / format_t, -- %t => concat
+    ["T"] = (prefix_tab * P("T")) / format_T, -- %t => sequenced
     ["l"] = (prefix_tab * P("l")) / format_l, -- %l => boolean
     ["L"] = (prefix_tab * P("L")) / format_L, -- %L => BOOLEAN
     ["I"] = (prefix_any * P("I")) / format_I, -- %I => signed integer
     --
     ["w"] = (prefix_any * P("w")) / format_w, -- %w => n spaces (optional prefix is added)
-    ["W"] = (prefix_any * P("W")) / format_W, -- %w => mandate prefix, no specifier
+    ["W"] = (prefix_any * P("W")) / format_W, -- %W => mandate prefix, no specifier
+    --
+    ["a"] = (prefix_any * P("a")) / format_a, -- %a => '...' (forces tostring)
+    ["A"] = (prefix_any * P("A")) / format_A, -- %A => "..." (forces tostring)
     --
-    ["a"] = Cs(((1-P("%"))^1 + P("%%")/"%%%%")^1) / format_a, -- rest (including %%)
+    ["*"] = Cs(((1-P("%"))^1 + P("%%")/"%%%%")^1) / format_rest, -- rest (including %%)
     --
- -- ["!"] = P("!xml!") / format_xml, -- %!xml! => hypertext escaped " < > &
     ["!"] = Carg(2) * prefix_any * P("!") * C((1-P("!"))^1) * P("!") / format_extension,
 }
 
@@ -503,13 +624,15 @@ local builder = Cs { "start",
 local direct = Cs (
         P("%")/""
       * Cc([[local format = string.format return function(str) return format("%]])
-      * C(S("+- .") + R("09"))^0 * S("sqidfgGeExXo")
+      * (S("+- .") + R("09"))^0
+      * S("sqidfgGeExXo")
       * Cc([[",str) end]])
       * P(-1)
     )
 
 local function make(t,str)
     local f
+    local p
     local p = lpegmatch(direct,str)
     if p then
         f = loadstripped(p)()
@@ -518,7 +641,7 @@ local function make(t,str)
         p = lpegmatch(builder,str,1,"..",t._extensions_) -- after this we know n
         if n > 0 then
             p = format(template,preamble,t._preamble_,arguments[n],p)
-         -- print("builder>",p)
+--           print("builder>",p)
             f = loadstripped(p)()
         else
             f = function() return str end
@@ -528,18 +651,66 @@ local function make(t,str)
     return f
 end
 
+-- -- collect periodically
+--
+-- local threshold = 1000 -- max nof cached formats
+--
+-- local function make(t,str)
+--     local f = rawget(t,str)
+--     if f then
+--         return f
+--     end
+--     local parent = t._t_
+--     if parent._n_ > threshold then
+--         local m = { _t_ = parent }
+--         getmetatable(parent).__index = m
+--         setmetatable(m, { __index = make })
+--     else
+--         parent._n_ = parent._n_ + 1
+--     end
+--     local f
+--     local p = lpegmatch(direct,str)
+--     if p then
+--         f = loadstripped(p)()
+--     else
+--         n = 0
+--         p = lpegmatch(builder,str,1,"..",parent._extensions_) -- after this we know n
+--         if n > 0 then
+--             p = format(template,preamble,parent._preamble_,arguments[n],p)
+--          -- print("builder>",p)
+--             f = loadstripped(p)()
+--         else
+--             f = function() return str end
+--         end
+--     end
+--     t[str] = f
+--     return f
+-- end
+
 local function use(t,fmt,...)
     return t[fmt](...)
 end
 
 strings.formatters = { }
 
+-- we cannot make these tables weak, unless we start using an indirect
+-- table (metatable) in which case we could better keep a count and
+-- clear that table when a threshold is reached
+
 function strings.formatters.new()
     local t = { _extensions_ = { }, _preamble_ = "", _type_ = "formatter" }
     setmetatable(t, { __index = make, __call = use })
     return t
 end
 
+-- function strings.formatters.new()
+--     local t = { _extensions_ = { }, _preamble_ = "", _type_ = "formatter", _n_ = 0 }
+--     local m = { _t_ = t }
+--     setmetatable(t, { __index = m, __call = use })
+--     setmetatable(m, { __index = make })
+--     return t
+-- end
+
 local formatters   = strings.formatters.new() -- the default instance
 
 string.formatters  = formatters -- in the main string namespace
diff --git a/tex/context/base/util-tpl.lua b/tex/context/base/util-tpl.lua
index 304c9c739..7a6abefd6 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/util-tpl.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/util-tpl.lua
@@ -28,13 +28,13 @@ local function replacekey(k,t,how,recursive)
     local v = t[k]
     if not v then
         if trace_template then
-            report_template("unknown key %q",k)
+            report_template("unknown key %a",k)
         end
         return ""
     else
         v = tostring(v)
         if trace_template then
-            report_template("setting key %q to value %q",k,v)
+            report_template("setting key %a to value %a",k,v)
         end
         if recursive then
             return lpegmatch(replacer,v,1,t,how,recursive)
diff --git a/tex/generic/context/luatex/luatex-fonts-merged.lua b/tex/generic/context/luatex/luatex-fonts-merged.lua
index b4cc4e1b4..4590f9513 100644
--- a/tex/generic/context/luatex/luatex-fonts-merged.lua
+++ b/tex/generic/context/luatex/luatex-fonts-merged.lua
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 -- merged file : luatex-fonts-merged.lua
 -- parent file : luatex-fonts.lua
--- merge date  : 03/11/13 00:17:48
+-- merge date  : 03/13/13 00:08:37
 
 do -- begin closure to overcome local limits and interference
 
@@ -1477,9 +1477,18 @@ function table.reverse(t)
     return t
   end
 end
-function table.sequenced(t,sep) 
-  if t then
-    local s,n={},0
+function table.sequenced(t,sep,simple) 
+  if not t then
+    return ""
+  end
+  local n=#t
+  local s={}
+  if n>0 then
+    for i=1,n do
+      s[i]=tostring(t[i])
+    end
+  else
+    n=0
     for k,v in sortedhash(t) do
       if simple then
         if v==true then
@@ -1494,10 +1503,8 @@ function table.sequenced(t,sep)
         s[n]=k.."="..tostring(v)
       end
     end
-    return concat(s,sep or " | ")
-  else
-    return ""
   end
+  return concat(s,sep or " | ")
 end
 function table.print(t,...)
   if type(t)~="table" then
@@ -2533,11 +2540,6 @@ containers=containers or {}
 local containers=containers
 containers.usecache=true
 local report_containers=logs.reporter("resolvers","containers")
-local function report(container,tag,name)
-  if trace_cache or trace_containers then
-    report_containers("container: %s, tag: %s, name: %s",container.subcategory,tag,name or 'invalid')
-  end
-end
 local allocated={}
 local mt={
   __index=function(t,k)
@@ -2593,13 +2595,17 @@ function containers.read(container,name)
   if not stored and container.enabled and caches and containers.usecache then
     stored=caches.loaddata(container.readables,name)
     if stored and stored.cache_version==container.version then
-      report(container,"loaded",name)
+      if trace_cache or trace_containers then
+        report_containers("action %a, category %a, name %a","load",container.subcategory,name)
+      end
     else
       stored=nil
     end
     storage[name]=stored
   elseif stored then
-    report(container,"reusing",name)
+    if trace_cache or trace_containers then
+      report_containers("action %a, category %a, name %a","reuse",container.subcategory,name)
+    end
   end
   return stored
 end
@@ -2610,10 +2616,14 @@ function containers.write(container,name,data)
       local unique,shared=data.unique,data.shared
       data.unique,data.shared=nil,nil
       caches.savedata(container.writable,name,data)
-      report(container,"saved",name)
+      if trace_cache or trace_containers then
+        report_containers("action %a, category %a, name %a","save",container.subcategory,name)
+      end
       data.unique,data.shared=unique,shared
     end
-    report(container,"stored",name)
+    if trace_cache or trace_containers then
+      report_containers("action %a, category %a, name %a","store",container.subcategory,name)
+    end
     container.storage[name]=data
   end
   return data
@@ -3105,44 +3115,33 @@ function constructors.scale(tfmdata,specification)
   local scaledwidth=defaultwidth*hdelta
   local scaledheight=defaultheight*vdelta
   local scaleddepth=defaultdepth*vdelta
-  if trace_defining then
-    report_defining("scaling by (%s,%s): name '%s', fullname: '%s', filename: '%s'",
-      hdelta,vdelta,name or "noname",fullname or "nofullname",filename or "nofilename")
-  end
   local hasmath=(properties.hasmath or next(mathparameters)) and true
   if hasmath then
-    if trace_defining then
-      report_defining("math enabled for: name '%s', fullname: '%s', filename: '%s'",
-        name or "noname",fullname or "nofullname",filename or "nofilename")
-    end
     constructors.assignmathparameters(target,tfmdata) 
     properties.hasmath=true
     target.nomath=false
     target.MathConstants=target.mathparameters
   else
-    if trace_defining then
-      report_defining("math disabled for: name '%s', fullname: '%s', filename: '%s'",
-        name or "noname",fullname or "nofullname",filename or "nofilename")
-    end
     properties.hasmath=false
     target.nomath=true
     target.mathparameters=nil 
   end
   local italickey="italic"
+  local useitalics=true
   if hasmath then
     autoitalicamount=false 
-  else
-    if properties.textitalics then
-      italickey="italic_correction"
-      if trace_defining then
-        report_defining("text italics disabled for: name '%s', fullname: '%s', filename: '%s'",
-          name or "noname",fullname or "nofullname",filename or "nofilename")
-      end
-      if properties.delaytextitalics then
-        autoitalicamount=false
-      end
+  elseif properties.textitalics then
+    italickey="italic_correction"
+    useitalics=false
+    if properties.delaytextitalics then
+      autoitalicamount=false
     end
   end
+  if trace_defining then
+    report_defining("defining tfm, name %a, fullname %a, filename %a, hscale %a, vscale %a, math %a, italics %a",
+      name,fullname,filename,hdelta,vdelta,
+      hasmath and "enabled" or "disabled",useitalics and "enabled" or "disabled")
+  end
   constructors.beforecopyingcharacters(target,tfmdata)
   local sharedkerns={}
   for unicode,character in next,characters do
@@ -3541,7 +3540,7 @@ function constructors.setname(tfmdata,specification)
     if specname then
       tfmdata.properties.name=specname
       if trace_defining then
-        report_otf("overloaded fontname: '%s'",specname)
+        report_otf("overloaded fontname %a",specname)
       end
     end
   end
@@ -3554,10 +3553,10 @@ function constructors.checkedfilename(data)
       askedfilename=resolvers.resolve(askedfilename) 
       foundfilename=resolvers.findbinfile(askedfilename,"") or ""
       if foundfilename=="" then
-        report_defining("source file '%s' is not found",askedfilename)
+        report_defining("source file %a is not found",askedfilename)
         foundfilename=resolvers.findbinfile(file.basename(askedfilename),"") or ""
         if foundfilename~="" then
-          report_defining("using source file '%s' (cache mismatch)",foundfilename)
+          report_defining("using source file %a due to cache mismatch",foundfilename)
         end
       end
     end
@@ -3579,7 +3578,7 @@ local locations={}
 local function setindeed(mode,target,group,name,action,position)
   local t=target[mode]
   if not t then
-    report_defining("fatal error in setting feature '%s', group '%s', mode '%s'",name or "?",group or "?",mode)
+    report_defining("fatal error in setting feature %a, group %a, mode %a",name,group,mode)
     os.exit()
   elseif position then
     insert(t,position,{ name=name,action=action })
@@ -3597,12 +3596,12 @@ end
 local function set(group,name,target,source)
   target=target[group]
   if not target then
-    report_defining("fatal target error in setting feature '%s', group '%s'",name or "?",group or "?")
+    report_defining("fatal target error in setting feature %a, group %a",name,group)
     os.exit()
   end
   local source=source[group]
   if not source then
-    report_defining("fatal source error in setting feature '%s', group '%s'",name or "?",group or "?")
+    report_defining("fatal source error in setting feature %a, group %a",name,group)
     os.exit()
   end
   local node=source.node
@@ -3727,8 +3726,8 @@ function constructors.initializefeatures(what,tfmdata,features,trace,report)
           else
             local action=step.action
             if trace then
-              report("initializing feature %s to %s for mode %s for font %s",feature,
-                tostring(value),mode or 'unknown',tfmdata.properties.fullname or 'unknown')
+              report("initializing feature %a to %a for mode %a for font %a",feature,
+                value,mode,tfmdata.properties.fullname)
             end
             action(tfmdata,value,features) 
             if mode~=properties.mode or mode~=features.mode then
@@ -3775,8 +3774,7 @@ function constructors.collectprocessors(what,tfmdata,features,trace,report)
         if features[feature] then
           local action=step.action
           if trace then
-            report("installing feature processor %s for mode %s for font %s",feature,
-              mode or 'unknown',tfmdata.properties.fullname or 'unknown')
+            report("installing feature processor %a for mode %a for font %a",feature,mode,tfmdata.properties.fullname)
           end
           if action then
             nofprocesses=nofprocesses+1
@@ -3785,8 +3783,7 @@ function constructors.collectprocessors(what,tfmdata,features,trace,report)
         end
       end
     elseif trace then
-      report("no feature processors for mode %s for font %s",
-        mode or 'unknown',tfmdata.properties.fullname or 'unknown')
+      report("no feature processors for mode %a for font %a",mode,tfmdata.properties.fullname)
     end
   end
   return processes
@@ -3806,8 +3803,7 @@ function constructors.applymanipulators(what,tfmdata,features,trace,report)
         if value then
           local action=step.action
           if trace then
-            report("applying feature manipulator %s for mode %s for font %s",feature,
-              mode or 'unknown',tfmdata.properties.fullname or 'unknown')
+            report("applying feature manipulator %a for mode %a for font %a",feature,mode,tfmdata.properties.fullname)
           end
           if action then
             action(tfmdata,feature,value)
@@ -3919,14 +3915,14 @@ local function locate(registry,ordering,supplement)
   local found=cidmap[hashname]
   if not found then
     if trace_loading then
-      report_otf("checking cidmap, registry: %s, ordering: %s, supplement: %s, filename: %s",registry,ordering,supplement,filename)
+      report_otf("checking cidmap, registry %a, ordering %a, supplement %a, filename %a",registry,ordering,supplement,filename)
     end
     local fullname=resolvers.findfile(filename,'cid') or ""
     if fullname~="" then
       found=loadcidfile(fullname)
       if found then
         if trace_loading then
-          report_otf("using cidmap file %s",filename)
+          report_otf("using cidmap file %a",filename)
         end
         cidmap[hashname]=found
         found.usedname=file.basename(filename)
@@ -3937,7 +3933,7 @@ local function locate(registry,ordering,supplement)
 end
 function cid.getmap(specification)
   if not specification then
-    report_otf("invalid cidinfo specification (table expected)")
+    report_otf("invalid cidinfo specification, table expected")
     return
   end
   local registry=specification.registry
@@ -3949,7 +3945,7 @@ function cid.getmap(specification)
     return found
   end
   if trace_loading then
-    report_otf("needed cidmap, registry: %s, ordering: %s, supplement: %s",registry,ordering,supplement)
+    report_otf("cidmap needed, registry %a, ordering %a, supplement %a",registry,ordering,supplement)
   end
   found=locate(registry,ordering,supplement)
   if not found then
@@ -4014,7 +4010,7 @@ local function loadlumtable(filename)
   local lumfile=resolvers.findfile(lumname,"map") or ""
   if lumfile~="" and lfs.isfile(lumfile) then
     if trace_loading or trace_mapping then
-      report_fonts("enhance: loading %s ",lumfile)
+      report_fonts("loading map table %a",lumfile)
     end
     lumunic=dofile(lumfile)
     return lumunic,lumfile
@@ -4048,7 +4044,7 @@ local function tounicode16(unicode)
   elseif unicode<0x1FFFFFFFFF then
     return format("%04X%04X",floor(unicode/1024),unicode%1024+0xDC00)
   else
-    report_fonts("can't convert %s into tounicode",unicode)
+    report_fonts("can't convert %a into tounicode",unicode)
   end
 end
 local function tounicode16sequence(unicodes)
@@ -4060,7 +4056,7 @@ local function tounicode16sequence(unicodes)
     elseif unicode<0x1FFFFFFFFF then
       t[l]=format("%04X%04X",floor(unicode/1024),unicode%1024+0xDC00)
     else
-      report_fonts ("can't convert %s into tounicode",unicode)
+      report_fonts ("can't convert %a into tounicode",unicode)
     end
   end
   return concat(t)
@@ -4219,14 +4215,14 @@ function mappings.addtounicode(data,filename)
       local index=glyph.index
       local toun=tounicode[index]
       if toun then
-        report_fonts("internal: 0x%05X, name: %s, unicode: U+%05X, tounicode: %s",index,name,unic,toun)
+        report_fonts("internal slot %U, name %a, unicode %U, tounicode %a",index,name,unic,toun)
       else
-        report_fonts("internal: 0x%05X, name: %s, unicode: U+%05X",index,name,unic)
+        report_fonts("internal slot %U, name %a, unicode %U",index,name,unic)
       end
     end
   end
   if trace_loading and (ns>0 or nl>0) then
-    report_fonts("enhance: %s tounicode entries added (%s ligatures)",nl+ns,ns)
+    report_fonts("%s tounicode entries added, ligatures %s",nl+ns,ns)
   end
 end
 
@@ -4482,7 +4478,7 @@ registerdirective("fonts.otf.loader.forcenotdef",function(v) forcenotdef=v end)
 local function load_featurefile(raw,featurefile)
   if featurefile and featurefile~="" then
     if trace_loading then
-      report_otf("featurefile: %s",featurefile)
+      report_otf("using featurefile %a",featurefile)
     end
     fontloader.apply_featurefile(raw,featurefile)
   end
@@ -4491,7 +4487,7 @@ local function showfeatureorder(rawdata,filename)
   local sequences=rawdata.resources.sequences
   if sequences and #sequences>0 then
     if trace_loading then
-      report_otf("font %s has %s sequences",filename,#sequences)
+      report_otf("font %a has %s sequences",filename,#sequences)
       report_otf(" ")
     end
     for nos=1,#sequences do
@@ -4501,7 +4497,7 @@ local function showfeatureorder(rawdata,filename)
       local subtables=sequence.subtables or { "no-subtables" }
       local features=sequence.features
       if trace_loading then
-        report_otf("%3i  %-15s  %-20s  [%s]",nos,name,typ,concat(subtables,","))
+        report_otf("%3i  %-15s  %-20s  [% t]",nos,name,typ,subtables)
       end
       if features then
         for feature,scripts in next,features do
@@ -4512,14 +4508,14 @@ local function showfeatureorder(rawdata,filename)
               for language,_ in next,languages do
                 ttt[#ttt+1]=language
               end
-              tt[#tt+1]=format("[%s: %s]",script,concat(ttt," "))
+              tt[#tt+1]=formatters["[%s: % t]"](script,ttt)
             end
             if trace_loading then
-              report_otf("       %s: %s",feature,concat(tt," "))
+              report_otf("       %s: % t",feature,tt)
             end
           else
             if trace_loading then
-              report_otf("       %s: %s",feature,tostring(scripts))
+              report_otf("       %s: %S",feature,scripts)
             end
           end
         end
@@ -4529,7 +4525,7 @@ local function showfeatureorder(rawdata,filename)
       report_otf("\n")
     end
   elseif trace_loading then
-    report_otf("font %s has no sequences",filename)
+    report_otf("font %a has no sequences",filename)
   end
 end
 local valid_fields=table.tohash {
@@ -4607,17 +4603,17 @@ local function enhance(name,data,filename,raw)
   local enhancer=actions[name]
   if enhancer then
     if trace_loading then
-      report_otf("enhance: %s (%s)",name,filename)
+      report_otf("apply enhancement %a to file %a",name,filename)
       ioflush()
     end
     enhancer(data,filename,raw)
-  elseif trace_loading then
+  else
   end
 end
 function enhancers.apply(data,filename,raw)
   local basename=file.basename(lower(filename))
   if trace_loading then
-    report_otf("start enhancing: %s",filename)
+    report_otf("%s enhancing file %a","start",filename)
   end
   ioflush() 
   for e=1,#ordered_enhancers do
@@ -4642,7 +4638,7 @@ function enhancers.apply(data,filename,raw)
     ioflush() 
   end
   if trace_loading then
-    report_otf("stop enhancing")
+    report_otf("%s enhancing file %a","stop",filename)
   end
   ioflush() 
 end
@@ -4659,14 +4655,15 @@ function patches.register(what,where,pattern,action)
 end
 function patches.report(fmt,...)
   if trace_loading then
-    report_otf("patching: "..fmt,...)
+    report_otf("patching: %s",formatters[fmt](...))
   end
 end
 function enhancers.register(what,action) 
   actions[what]=action
 end
 function otf.load(filename,format,sub,featurefile)
-  local name=file.basename(file.removesuffix(filename))
+  local base=file.basename(file.removesuffix(filename))
+  local name=file.removesuffix(base)
   local attr=lfs.attributes(filename)
   local size=attr and attr.size or 0
   local time=attr and attr.modification or 0
@@ -4687,7 +4684,7 @@ function otf.load(filename,format,sub,featurefile)
     for s in gmatch(featurefile,"[^,]+") do
       local name=resolvers.findfile(file.addsuffix(s,'fea'),'fea') or ""
       if name=="" then
-        report_otf("loading: no featurefile '%s'",s)
+        report_otf("loading error, no featurefile %a",s)
       else
         local attr=lfs.attributes(name)
         featurefiles[#featurefiles+1]={
@@ -4704,7 +4701,7 @@ function otf.load(filename,format,sub,featurefile)
   local data=containers.read(otf.cache,hash)
   local reload=not data or data.size~=size or data.time~=time
   if forceload then
-    report_otf("loading: forced reload due to hard coded flag")
+    report_otf("forced reload of %a due to hard coded flag",filename)
     reload=true
   end
   if not reload then
@@ -4725,11 +4722,11 @@ function otf.load(filename,format,sub,featurefile)
       reload=true
     end
     if reload then
-      report_otf("loading: forced reload due to changed featurefile specification: %s",featurefile or "--")
+      report_otf("loading: forced reload due to changed featurefile specification %a",featurefile)
     end
    end
    if reload then
-    report_otf("loading: %s (hash: %s)",filename,hash)
+    report_otf("loading %a, hash %a",filename,hash)
     local fontdata,messages
     if sub then
       fontdata,messages=fontloader.open(filename,sub)
@@ -4744,11 +4741,11 @@ function otf.load(filename,format,sub,featurefile)
         report_otf("warning: %s",messages)
       else
         for m=1,#messages do
-          report_otf("warning: %s",tostring(messages[m]))
+          report_otf("warning: %S",messages[m])
         end
       end
     else
-      report_otf("font loaded okay")
+      report_otf("loading done")
     end
     if fontdata then
       if featurefiles then
@@ -4800,14 +4797,14 @@ function otf.load(filename,format,sub,featurefile)
         enhance("pack",data,filename,nil)
         stoptiming(packtime)
       end
-      report_otf("saving in cache: %s",filename)
+      report_otf("saving %a in cache",filename)
       data=containers.write(otf.cache,hash,data)
       if cleanup>1 then
         collectgarbage("collect")
       end
       stoptiming(data)
       if elapsedtime then 
-        report_otf("preprocessing and caching took %s seconds (packtime: %s)",
+        report_otf("preprocessing and caching time %s, packtime %s",
           elapsedtime(data),packdata and elapsedtime(packtime) or 0)
       end
       fontloader.close(fontdata) 
@@ -4820,12 +4817,12 @@ function otf.load(filename,format,sub,featurefile)
       end
     else
       data=nil
-      report_otf("loading failed (file read error)")
+      report_otf("loading failed due to read error")
     end
   end
   if data then
     if trace_defining then
-      report_otf("loading from cache: %s",hash)
+      report_otf("loading from cache using hash %a",hash)
     end
     enhance("unpack",data,filename,nil,false)
     enhance("add dimensions",data,filename,nil,false)
@@ -4860,13 +4857,14 @@ actions["add dimensions"]=function(data,filename)
     local defaultwidth=resources.defaultwidth or 0
     local defaultheight=resources.defaultheight or 0
     local defaultdepth=resources.defaultdepth or 0
+    local basename=trace_markwidth and file.basename(filename)
     if usemetatables then
       for _,d in next,descriptions do
         local wd=d.width
         if not wd then
           d.width=defaultwidth
         elseif trace_markwidth and wd~=0 and d.class=="mark" then
-          report_otf("mark with width %s (%s) in %s",wd,d.name or "<noname>",file.basename(filename))
+          report_otf("mark %a with width %b found in %s",d.name or "<noname>",wd,basename)
         end
         setmetatable(d,mt)
       end
@@ -4876,7 +4874,7 @@ actions["add dimensions"]=function(data,filename)
         if not wd then
           d.width=defaultwidth
         elseif trace_markwidth and wd~=0 and d.class=="mark" then
-          report_otf("mark with width %s (%s) in %s",wd,d.name or "<noname>",file.basename(filename))
+          report_otf("mark %a with width %b found in %s",d.name or "<noname>",wd,basename)
         end
         if bb then
           local ht,dp=bb[4],-bb[2]
@@ -4964,7 +4962,7 @@ actions["prepare glyphs"]=function(data,filename,raw)
                 unicode=private
                 unicodes[name]=private
                 if trace_private then
-                  report_otf("enhance: glyph %s at index 0x%04X is moved to private unicode slot U+%05X",name,index,private)
+                  report_otf("glyph %a at index %H is moved to private unicode slot %U",name,index,private)
                 end
                 private=private+1
                 nofnames=nofnames+1
@@ -4992,10 +4990,10 @@ actions["prepare glyphs"]=function(data,filename,raw)
           report_otf("cid font remapped, %s unicode points, %s symbolic names, %s glyphs",nofunicodes,nofnames,nofunicodes+nofnames)
         end
       elseif trace_loading then
-        report_otf("unable to remap cid font, missing cid file for %s",filename)
+        report_otf("unable to remap cid font, missing cid file for %a",filename)
       end
     elseif trace_loading then
-      report_otf("font %s has no glyphs",filename)
+      report_otf("font %a has no glyphs",filename)
     end
   else
     for index=0,raw.glyphcnt-1 do 
@@ -5007,7 +5005,7 @@ actions["prepare glyphs"]=function(data,filename,raw)
           unicode=private
           unicodes[name]=private
           if trace_private then
-            report_otf("enhance: glyph %s at index 0x%04X is moved to private unicode slot U+%05X",name,index,private)
+            report_otf("glyph %a at index %H is moved to private unicode slot %U",name,index,private)
           end
           private=private+1
         else
@@ -5049,7 +5047,7 @@ actions["prepare glyphs"]=function(data,filename,raw)
           end
         end
       else
-        report_otf("potential problem: glyph 0x%04X is used but empty",index)
+        report_otf("potential problem: glyph %U is used but empty",index)
       end
     end
   end
@@ -5067,22 +5065,22 @@ actions["check encoding"]=function(data,filename,raw)
   local criterium=0xFFFF
   if find(encname,"unicode") then 
     if trace_loading then
-      report_otf("checking embedded unicode map '%s'",encname)
+      report_otf("checking embedded unicode map %a",encname)
     end
     for unicode,index in next,unicodetoindex do 
       if unicode<=criterium and not descriptions[unicode] then
         local parent=indices[index] 
         if parent then
-          report_otf("weird, unicode U+%05X points to U+%05X with index 0x%04X",unicode,parent,index)
+          report_otf("weird, unicode %U points to %U with index %H",unicode,parent,index)
         else
-          report_otf("weird, unicode U+%05X points to nowhere with index 0x%04X",unicode,index)
+          report_otf("weird, unicode %U points to nowhere with index %H",unicode,index)
         end
       end
     end
   elseif properties.cidinfo then
-    report_otf("warning: no unicode map, used cidmap '%s'",properties.cidinfo.usedname or "?")
+    report_otf("warning: no unicode map, used cidmap %a",properties.cidinfo.usedname)
   else
-    report_otf("warning: non unicode map '%s', only using glyph unicode data",encname or "whatever")
+    report_otf("warning: non unicode map %a, only using glyph unicode data",encname or "whatever")
   end
   if mapdata then
     mapdata.map={} 
@@ -5117,7 +5115,7 @@ actions["add duplicates"]=function(data,filename,raw)
           end
         end
         if trace_loading then
-          report_otf("duplicating U+%05X to U+%05X with index 0x%04X (%s kerns)",unicode,u,description.index,n)
+          report_otf("duplicating %U to %U with index %H (%s kerns)",unicode,u,description.index,n)
         end
       end
     end
@@ -5577,7 +5575,7 @@ local function check_variants(unicode,the_variants,splitter,unicodes)
     for i=1,#glyphs do
       local g=glyphs[i]
       if done[g] then
-        report_otf("skipping cyclic reference U+%05X in math variant U+%05X",g,unicode)
+        report_otf("skipping cyclic reference %U in math variant %U",g,unicode)
       else
         if n==0 then
           n=1
@@ -5691,7 +5689,7 @@ actions["reorganize glyph kerns"]=function(data,filename,raw)
               end
             end
           elseif trace_loading then
-            report_otf("problems with unicode %s of kern %s of glyph U+%05X",name,k,unicode)
+            report_otf("problems with unicode %a of kern %a of glyph %U",name,k,unicode)
           end
         end
       end
@@ -5772,7 +5770,7 @@ actions["merge kern classes"]=function(data,filename,raw)
                           lookupkerns[second_unicode]=kern
                         end
                       elseif trace_loading then
-                        report_otf("no glyph data for U+%05X",first_unicode)
+                        report_otf("no glyph data for %U",first_unicode)
                       end
                     end
                   end
@@ -5830,7 +5828,7 @@ actions["reorganize glyph lookups"]=function(data,filename,raw)
           if not lt then
             lookuptypes[tag]=lookuptype
           elseif lt~=lookuptype then
-            report_otf("conflicting lookuptypes: %s => %s and %s",tag,lt,lookuptype)
+            report_otf("conflicting lookuptypes, %a points to %a and %a",tag,lt,lookuptype)
           end
           if lookuptype=="ligature" then
             lookuplist[l]={ lpegmatch(splitter,specification.components) }
@@ -6256,45 +6254,65 @@ local registerotffeature=otffeatures.register
 otf.defaultbasealternate="none" 
 local wildcard="*"
 local default="dflt"
+local formatters=string.formatters
+local f_unicode=formatters["%U"]
+local f_uniname=formatters["%U (%s)"]
+local f_unilist=formatters["% t (% t)"]
 local function gref(descriptions,n)
   if type(n)=="number" then
     local name=descriptions[n].name
     if name then
-      return format("U+%05X (%s)",n,name)
+      return f_uniname(n,name)
     else
-      return format("U+%05X")
+      return f_unicode(n)
     end
   elseif n then
     local num,nam={},{}
-    for i=2,#n do 
+    for i=2,#n do
       local ni=n[i]
-      num[i-1]=format("U+%05X",ni)
-      nam[i-1]=descriptions[ni].name or "?"
-    end
-    return format("%s (%s)",concat(num," "),concat(nam," "))
+      if tonumber(ni) then 
+        local di=descriptions[ni]
+        num[i]=f_unicode(ni)
+        nam[i]=di and di.name or "-"
+      end
+    return f_unilist(num,nam)
   else
-    return "?"
+    return "<error in base mode tracing>"
   end
 end
 local function cref(feature,lookupname)
   if lookupname then
-    return format("feature %s, lookup %s",feature,lookupname)
+    return format("feature %a, lookup %a",feature,lookupname)
   else
-    return format("feature %s",feature)
+    return format("feature %a",feature)
   end
 end
 local function report_alternate(feature,lookupname,descriptions,unicode,replacement,value,comment)
-  report_prepare("%s: base alternate %s => %s (%s => %s)",cref(feature,lookupname),
-    gref(descriptions,unicode),replacement and gref(descriptions,replacement) or "-",
-    tostring(value),comment)
+  report_prepare("%s: base alternate %s => %s (%S => %S)",
+    cref(feature,lookupname),
+    gref(descriptions,unicode),
+    replacement and gref(descriptions,replacement),
+    value,
+    comment)
 end
 local function report_substitution(feature,lookupname,descriptions,unicode,substitution)
-  report_prepare("%s: base substitution %s => %s",cref(feature,lookupname),
-    gref(descriptions,unicode),gref(descriptions,substitution))
+  report_prepare("%s: base substitution %s => %S",
+    cref(feature,lookupname),
+    gref(descriptions,unicode),
+    gref(descriptions,substitution))
 end
 local function report_ligature(feature,lookupname,descriptions,unicode,ligature)
-  report_prepare("%s: base ligature %s => %s",cref(feature,lookupname),
-    gref(descriptions,ligature),gref(descriptions,unicode))
+  report_prepare("%s: base ligature %s => %S",
+    cref(feature,lookupname),
+    gref(descriptions,ligature),
+    gref(descriptions,unicode))
+end
+local function report_kern(feature,lookupname,descriptions,unicode,otherunicode,value)
+  report_prepare("%s: base kern %s + %s => %S",
+    cref(feature,lookupname),
+    gref(descriptions,unicode),
+    gref(descriptions,otherunicode),
+    value)
 end
 local basemethods={}
 local basemethod="<unset>"
@@ -6518,15 +6536,13 @@ local function preparepositionings(tfmdata,feature,value,validlookups,lookuplist
                 newkerns={ [otherunicode]=value }
                 done=true
                 if traceindeed then
-                  report_prepare("%s: base kern %s + %s => %s",cref(feature,lookup),
-                    gref(descriptions,unicode),gref(descriptions,otherunicode),value)
+                  report_kern(feature,lookup,descriptions,unicode,otherunicode,value)
                 end
               elseif not newkerns[otherunicode] then 
                 newkerns[otherunicode]=value
                 done=true
                 if traceindeed then
-                  report_prepare("%s: base kern %s + %s => %s",cref(feature,lookup),
-                    gref(descriptions,unicode),gref(descriptions,otherunicode),value)
+                  report_kern(feature,lookup,descriptions,unicode,otherunicode,value)
                 end
               end
             end
@@ -6572,7 +6588,7 @@ local function make_2(present,tfmdata,characters,tree,name,preceding,unicode,don
       local character=characters[preceding]
       if not character then
         if trace_baseinit then
-          report_prepare("weird ligature in lookup %s: U+%05X (%s), preceding U+%05X (%s)",lookupname,v,utfchar(v),preceding,utfchar(preceding))
+          report_prepare("weird ligature in lookup %a, current %C, preceding %C",lookupname,v,preceding)
         end
         character=makefake(tfmdata,name,present)
       end
@@ -6688,8 +6704,7 @@ local function preparepositionings(tfmdata,feature,value,validlookups,lookuplist
         for otherunicode,kern in next,data do
           if not kerns[otherunicode] and kern~=0 then
             kerns[otherunicode]=kern
-            report_prepare("%s: base kern %s + %s => %s",cref(feature,lookup),
-              gref(descriptions,unicode),gref(descriptions,otherunicode),kern)
+            report_kern(feature,lookup,descriptions,unicode,otherunicode,kern)
           end
         end
       else
@@ -6751,7 +6766,7 @@ local function featuresinitializer(tfmdata,value)
       registerbasehash(tfmdata)
     end
     if trace_preparing then
-      report_prepare("preparation time is %0.3f seconds for %s",os.clock()-t,tfmdata.properties.fullname or "?")
+      report_prepare("preparation time is %0.3f seconds for %a",os.clock()-t,tfmdata.properties.fullname)
     end
   end
 end
@@ -6859,7 +6874,7 @@ index=#mb+1
       start[a_markdone]=index
       return dx,dy,bound
     else
-      report_injections("possible problem, U+%05X is base mark without data (id: %s)",base.char,bound)
+      report_injections("possible problem, %U is base mark without data (id %a)",base.char,bound)
     end
   end
   index=index or 1
@@ -6884,38 +6899,38 @@ local function trace(head)
       local cb=n[a_cursbase]
       local cc=n[a_curscurs]
       local char=n.char
-      report_injections("char U+%05X, font %s, glyph %s",char,n.font,utfchar(char))
+      report_injections("font %s, char %U, glyph %c",char,n.font,char)
       if kp then
         local k=kerns[kp]
         if k[3] then
-          report_injections("  pairkern: dir=%s, x=%s, y=%s, w=%s, h=%s",dir(k[1]),k[2] or "?",k[3] or "?",k[4] or "?",k[5] or "?")
+          report_injections("  pairkern: dir %a, x %p, y %p, w %p, h %p",dir(k[1]),k[2],k[3],k[4],k[5])
         else
-          report_injections("  kern: dir=%s, dx=%s",dir(k[1]),k[2] or "?")
+          report_injections("  kern: dir %a, dx %p",dir(k[1]),k[2])
         end
       end
       if mb then
-        report_injections("  markbase: bound=%s",mb)
+        report_injections("  markbase: bound %a",mb)
       end
       if mm then
         local m=marks[mm]
         if mb then
           local m=m[mb]
           if m then
-            report_injections("  markmark: bound=%s, index=%s, dx=%s, dy=%s",mm,md or "?",m[1] or "?",m[2] or "?")
+            report_injections("  markmark: bound %a, index %a, dx %p, dy %p",mm,md,m[1],m[2])
           else
-            report_injections("  markmark: bound=%s, missing index",mm)
+            report_injections("  markmark: bound %a, missing index",mm)
           end
         else
           m=m[1]
-          report_injections("  markmark: bound=%s, dx=%s, dy=%s",mm,m and m[1] or "?",m and m[2] or "?")
+          report_injections("  markmark: bound %a, dx %p, dy %p",mm,m and m[1],m and m[2])
         end
       end
       if cb then
-        report_injections("  cursbase: bound=%s",cb)
+        report_injections("  cursbase: bound %a",cb)
       end
       if cc then
         local c=cursives[cc]
-        report_injections("  curscurs: bound=%s, dir=%s, dx=%s, dy=%s",cc,dir(c[1]),c[2] or "?",c[3] or "?")
+        report_injections("  curscurs: bound %a, dir %a, dx %p, dy %p",cc,dir(c[1]),c[2],c[3])
       end
     end
   end
@@ -7415,7 +7430,7 @@ local arab_warned={}
 local function warning(current,what)
   local char=current.char
   if not arab_warned[char] then
-    log.report("analyze","arab: character %s (U+%05X) has no %s class",char,char,what)
+    log.report("analyze","arab: character %C has no %a class",char,what)
     arab_warned[char]=true
   end
 end
@@ -7623,41 +7638,45 @@ end
 local function logwarning(...)
   report_direct(...)
 end
-local function gref(n)
+local formatters=string.formatters
+local f_unicode=formatters["%U"]
+local f_uniname=formatters["%U (%s)"]
+local f_unilist=formatters["% t (% t)"]
+local function gref(n) 
   if type(n)=="number" then
     local description=descriptions[n]
     local name=description and description.name
     if name then
-      return format("U+%05X (%s)",n,name)
+      return f_uniname(n,name)
     else
-      return format("U+%05X",n)
+      return f_unicode(n)
     end
-  elseif not n then
-    return "<error in tracing>"
-  else
+  elseif n then
     local num,nam={},{}
     for i=1,#n do
       local ni=n[i]
       if tonumber(ni) then 
         local di=descriptions[ni]
-        num[i]=format("U+%05X",ni)
-        nam[i]=di and di.name or "?"
+        num[i]=f_unicode(ni)
+        nam[i]=di and di.name or "-"
       end
     end
-    return format("%s (%s)",concat(num," "),concat(nam," "))
+    return f_unilist(num,nam)
+  else
+    return "<error in node mode tracing>"
   end
 end
 local function cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,index)
   if index then
-    return format("feature %s, chain %s, sub %s, lookup %s, index %s",kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,index)
+    return formatters["feature %a, chain %a, sub %a, lookup %a, index %a"](kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,index)
   elseif lookupname then
-    return format("feature %s, chain %s, sub %s, lookup %s",kind,chainname or "?",chainlookupname or "?",lookupname)
+    return formatters["feature %a, chain %a, sub %a, lookup %a"](kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname)
   elseif chainlookupname then
-    return format("feature %s, chain %s, sub %s",kind,chainname or "?",chainlookupname)
+    return formatters["feature %a, chain %a, sub %a"](kind,chainname,chainlookupname)
   elseif chainname then
-    return format("feature %s, chain %s",kind,chainname)
+    return formatters["feature %a, chain %a"](kind,chainname)
   else
-    return format("feature %s",kind)
+    return formatters["feature %a"](kind)
   end
 end
 local function pref(kind,lookupname)
@@ -9316,7 +9335,7 @@ elseif id==math_code then
                       rlmode=rlparmode
                     end
                     if trace_directions then
-                      report_process("directions after txtdir %s: txtdir=%s:%s, parmode=%s, txtmode=%s",dir,topstack,newdir or "unset",rlparmode,rlmode)
+                      report_process("directions after txtdir %a: parmode %a, txtmode %a, # stack %a, new dir %a",dir,rlparmode,rlmode,topstack,newdir)
                     end
                   elseif subtype==localpar_code then
                     local dir=start.dir
@@ -9329,12 +9348,12 @@ elseif id==math_code then
                     end
                     rlmode=rlparmode
                     if trace_directions then
-                      report_process("directions after pardir %s: parmode=%s, txtmode=%s",dir,rlparmode,rlmode)
+                      report_process("directions after pardir %a: parmode %a, txtmode %a",dir,rlparmode,rlmode)
                     end
                   end
                   start=start.next
-elseif id==math_code then
-  start=endofmath(start).next
+                elseif id==math_code then
+                  start=endofmath(start).next
                 else
                   start=start.next
                 end
@@ -9395,7 +9414,7 @@ elseif id==math_code then
                     rlmode=rlparmode
                   end
                   if trace_directions then
-                    report_process("directions after txtdir %s: txtdir=%s:%s, parmode=%s, txtmode=%s",dir,topstack,newdir or "unset",rlparmode,rlmode)
+                    report_process("directions after txtdir %a: parmode %a, txtmode %a, # stack %a, new dir %a",dir,rlparmode,rlmode,topstack,newdir)
                   end
                 elseif subtype==localpar_code then
                   local dir=start.dir
@@ -9408,12 +9427,12 @@ elseif id==math_code then
                   end
                   rlmode=rlparmode
                   if trace_directions then
-                    report_process("directions after pardir %s: parmode=%s, txtmode=%s",dir,rlparmode,rlmode)
+                    report_process("directions after pardir %a: parmode %a, txtmode %a",dir,rlparmode,rlmode)
                   end
                 end
                 start=start.next
-elseif id==math_code then
-  start=endofmath(start).next
+              elseif id==math_code then
+                start=endofmath(start).next
               else
                 start=start.next
               end
@@ -9565,9 +9584,9 @@ local function prepare_contextchains(tfmdata)
           local format=lookupdata.format
           local validformat=valid[format]
           if not validformat then
-            report_prepare("unsupported format %s",format)
+            report_prepare("unsupported format %a",format)
           elseif not validformat[lookuptype] then
-            report_prepare("unsupported %s %s for %s",format,lookuptype,lookupname)
+            report_prepare("unsupported format %a, lookuptype %a, lookupname %a",format,lookuptype,lookupname)
           else
             local contexts=lookuphash[lookupname]
             if not contexts then
@@ -9616,7 +9635,7 @@ local function prepare_contextchains(tfmdata)
         else
         end
       else
-        report_prepare("missing lookuptype for %s",lookupname)
+        report_prepare("missing lookuptype for lookupname %a",lookupname)
       end
     end
   end
@@ -9633,7 +9652,7 @@ local function featuresinitializer(tfmdata,value)
       prepare_lookups(tfmdata)
       properties.initialized=true
       if trace_preparing then
-        report_prepare("preparation time is %0.3f seconds for %s",os.clock()-starttime,tfmdata.properties.fullname or "?")
+        report_prepare("preparation time is %0.3f seconds for %a",os.clock()-starttime,tfmdata.properties.fullname)
       end
     end
   end
@@ -9759,14 +9778,13 @@ function definers.registersplit(symbol,action,verbosename)
 end
 local function makespecification(specification,lookup,name,sub,method,detail,size)
   size=size or 655360
-  if trace_defining then
-    report_defining("%s -> lookup: %s, name: %s, sub: %s, method: %s, detail: %s",
-      specification,lookup~="" and lookup or "[file]",name~="" and name or "-",
-      sub~="" and sub or "-",method~="" and method or "-",detail~="" and detail or "-")
-  end
   if not lookup or lookup=="" then
     lookup=definers.defaultlookup
   end
+  if trace_defining then
+    report_defining("specification %a, lookup %a, name %a, sub %a, method %a, detail %a",
+      specification,lookup,name,sub,method,detail)
+  end
   local t={
     lookup=lookup,
     specification=specification,
@@ -9889,7 +9907,7 @@ function definers.loadfont(specification)
       local reader=readers[lower(forced)]
       tfmdata=reader and reader(specification)
       if not tfmdata then
-        report_defining("forced type %s of %s not found",forced,specification.name)
+        report_defining("forced type %a of %a not found",forced,specification.name)
       end
     else
       local sequence=readers.sequence 
@@ -9897,7 +9915,7 @@ function definers.loadfont(specification)
         local reader=sequence[s]
         if readers[reader] then 
           if trace_defining then
-            report_defining("trying (reader sequence driven) type %s for %s with file %s",reader,specification.name,specification.filename or "unknown")
+            report_defining("trying (reader sequence driven) type %a for %a with file %a",reader,specification.name,specification.filename)
           end
           tfmdata=readers[reader](specification)
           if tfmdata then
@@ -9916,7 +9934,7 @@ function definers.loadfont(specification)
     end
   end
   if not tfmdata then
-    report_defining("font with asked name '%s' is not found using lookup '%s'",specification.name,specification.lookup)
+    report_defining("font with asked name %a is not found using lookup %a",specification.name,specification.lookup)
   end
   return tfmdata
 end
@@ -9956,7 +9974,7 @@ function definers.register(tfmdata,id)
     if not internalized[hash] then
       internalized[hash]=id
       if trace_defining then
-        report_defining("registering font, id: %s, hash: %s",id or "?",hash or "?")
+        report_defining("registering font, id %s, hash %a",id,hash)
       end
       fontdata[id]=tfmdata
     end
@@ -9996,19 +10014,13 @@ function definers.read(specification,size,id)
   end
   lastdefined=tfmdata or id 
   if not tfmdata then 
-    report_defining("unknown font %s, loading aborted",specification.name)
+    report_defining("unknown font %a, loading aborted",specification.name)
   elseif trace_defining and type(tfmdata)=="table" then
     local properties=tfmdata.properties or {}
     local parameters=tfmdata.parameters or {}
-    report_defining("using %s font with id %s, name:%s size:%s bytes:%s encoding:%s fullname:%s filename:%s",
-            properties.format    or "unknown",
-            id            or "?",
-            properties.name     or "?",
-            parameters.size     or "default",
-            properties.encodingbytes or "?",
-            properties.encodingname or "unicode",
-            properties.fullname   or "?",
-     file.basename(properties.filename   or "?"))
+    report_defining("using %s font with id %a, name %a, size %a, bytes %a, encoding %a, fullname %a, filename %a",
+      properties.format,id,properties.name,parameters.size,properties.encodingbytes,
+      properties.encodingname,properties.fullname,file.basename(properties.filename))
   end
   statistics.stoptiming(fonts)
   return tfmdata