beta 2012.07.17 00:23

48 files changed, 3389 insertions, 1541 deletions

diff --git a/tex/context/base/buff-ver.mkiv b/tex/context/base/buff-ver.mkiv
index d1385ebd2..5ba0487e9 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/buff-ver.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/buff-ver.mkiv
@@ -366,7 +366,7 @@
 \let\inlinemathmarker \textdollar
 \def\displaymathmarker{\textdollar\textdollar}
 
-\def\buff_verbatim_special_type#1#2%
+\def\buff_verbatim_special_type#1#2#% # gobbles spaces
   {\dontleavehmode\bgroup
    \buff_verbatim_initialize_type_one
    \catcode\leftbraceasciicode \begingroupcatcode
diff --git a/tex/context/base/char-ini.lua b/tex/context/base/char-ini.lua
index 244b8d2a7..90e36bc7b 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/char-ini.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/char-ini.lua
@@ -455,28 +455,37 @@ table we derive a few more.</p>
 
 if not characters.fallbacks then
 
-    -- we could the definition by using a metatable
+    characters.fallbacks = { } -- not than many
 
-    characters.fallbacks   = { }
-    characters.directions  = { }
+    local fallbacks = characters.fallbacks
 
-    local fallbacks  = characters.fallbacks
-    local directions = characters.directions
-
-    for k,v in next, data do
-        local specials = v.specials
+    for k, d in next, data do
+        local specials = d.specials
         if specials and specials[1] == "compat" and specials[2] == 0x0020 and specials[3] then
             local s = specials[3]
             fallbacks[k] = s
             fallbacks[s] = k
         end
-        directions[k] = v.direction
     end
 
 end
 
-storage.register("characters/fallbacks",  characters.fallbacks,  "characters.fallbacks") -- accents and such
-storage.register("characters/directions", characters.directions, "characters.directions")
+storage.register("characters/fallbacks", characters.fallbacks, "characters.fallbacks") -- accents and such
+
+characters.directions  = { }
+
+setmetatableindex(characters.directions,function(t,k)
+    local d = data[k]
+    if d then
+        local v = d.direction
+        if v then
+            t[k] = v
+            return v
+        end
+    end
+    t[k] = false -- maybe 'l'
+    return v
+end)
 
 --[[ldx--
 <p>The <type>context</type> namespace is used to store methods and data
diff --git a/tex/context/base/chem-str.mkiv b/tex/context/base/chem-str.mkiv
index de1a13bca..aa244d75a 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/chem-str.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/chem-str.mkiv
@@ -58,11 +58,13 @@
 
 \let\setupchemicals\setupchemical
 
-\unexpanded\def\setupchemicalframed
-  {\dosingleempty\dosetupchemicalframed}
+\defineframed
+  [\??chemicalframed]
+  [\c!align=\v!normal,
+   \c!strut=\v!no]
 
-\def\dosetupchemicalframed
-  {\getparameters[\??chemicalframed]}
+\unexpanded\def\setupchemicalframed
+  {\setupframed[\??chemicalframed]}
 
 \unexpanded\def\definechemical % is global (so we don't use the commandhandler)
   {\dosingleargument\chem_define}
@@ -171,15 +173,16 @@
    \doifelsenothing{\chemicalparameter\c!frame}\chem_framed_nop\chem_framed_yes
    \egroup}
 
-\def\chem_framed_yes
-  {\localframed%
+\unexpanded\def\chem_framed_yes
+  {\localframedwithsettings
      [\??chemicalframed]%
-     [\c!frame=\chemicalparameter\c!frame,\c!align=\v!normal,\c!strut=\v!no]{\vbox{\box\b_chem_result\vss}}} % remove depth
+     [\c!frame=\chemicalparameter\c!frame]%
+     {\vbox{\box\b_chem_result\vss}}} % remove depth
 
-\def\chem_framed_nop
-  {\localframed%
+\unexpanded\def\chem_framed_nop
+  {\directlocalframed
      [\??chemicalframed]%
-     [\c!align=\v!normal,\c!strut=\v!no]{\vbox{\box\b_chem_result\vss}}} % remove depth
+     {\vbox{\box\b_chem_result\vss}}} % remove depth
 
 \let\startstructurechemical\startchemical
 \let\stopstructurechemical \stopchemical
@@ -545,7 +548,7 @@
   [\c!align=\v!normal,
    \c!strut=\v!no,
    \c!offset=\v!overlay,
-   \c!frame=off]
+   \c!frame=\v!off]
 
 \setupchemical
   [\c!frame=,
diff --git a/tex/context/base/cont-new.mkii b/tex/context/base/cont-new.mkii
index 4ead560b9..9a3834e56 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{2012.07.10 00:56}
+\newcontextversion{2012.07.17 00:23}
 
 %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 57d30209b..03f998078 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{2012.07.10 00:56}
+\newcontextversion{2012.07.17 00:23}
 
 %D This file is loaded at runtime, thereby providing an
 %D excellent place for hacks, patches, extensions and new
@@ -215,7 +215,7 @@
      #2\expandafter\expandafter\expandafter\doxprecurse\expandafter
    \fi\expandafter{\the\numexpr#1-1\relax}{#2}}
 
-\unexpanded\def\buttonframed{\dodoubleempty\localframed[\??bt]} % goodie
+% \unexpanded\def\buttonframed{\dodoubleempty\localframed[\??bt]} % goodie
 
 \unexpanded\def\asciistr#1{\dontleavehmode{\defconvertedargument\ascii{#1}\verbatimfont\ascii}}
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/context-version.pdf b/tex/context/base/context-version.pdf
index 82301750c..3268979c2 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 225fefee9..7e7b3e6d5 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 a0cbec632..8cd630ac1 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{2012.07.10 00:56}
+\edef\contextversion{2012.07.17 00:23}
 
 %D For those who want to use this:
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/context.mkiv b/tex/context/base/context.mkiv
index 1e718ca1a..0eb100895 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{2012.07.10 00:56}
+\edef\contextversion{2012.07.17 00:23}
 
 %D For those who want to use this:
 
@@ -146,6 +146,7 @@
 
 \loadmarkfile{trac-tex}
 \loadmarkfile{trac-deb}
+\loadmarkfile{trac-ctx} % maybe move up
 
 %loadmarkfile{blob-ini} % not to be used, we only use a helper
 
@@ -161,8 +162,6 @@
 
 \loadmarkfile{typo-ini}
 
-\loadmarkfile{page-ins}
-
 \loadmkvifile{file-syn}
 \loadmkvifile{file-mod}
 
@@ -261,6 +260,7 @@
 \loadmarkfile{page-var}
 \loadmkvifile{page-otr}
 \loadmarkfile{page-ini}
+\loadmarkfile{page-ins}
 \loadmarkfile{page-fac}
 \loadmarkfile{page-brk}
 \loadmarkfile{page-col}
@@ -279,7 +279,8 @@
 
 \loadmarkfile{page-pst}
 \loadmkvifile{page-mbk}
-\loadmarkfile{page-mul}
+\loadmarkfile{page-mul} % partly overloaded
+\loadmarkfile{page-mix} % new
 \loadmarkfile{page-set}
 \loadmarkfile{pack-lyr}
 \loadmarkfile{pack-pos}
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-sol.lua b/tex/context/base/font-sol.lua
index 861331785..e97e627b4 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-sol.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-sol.lua
@@ -41,6 +41,7 @@ local v_normal           = variables.normal
 local v_reverse          = variables.reverse
 local v_preroll          = variables.preroll
 local v_random           = variables.random
+local v_split            = variables.split
 
 local settings_to_array  = utilities.parsers.settings_to_array
 local settings_to_hash   = utilities.parsers.settings_to_hash
@@ -108,7 +109,8 @@ local preroll    = true
 local criterium  = 0
 local randomseed = nil
 local optimize   = nil -- set later
-local variant    = "normal"
+local variant    = v_normal
+local splitwords = true
 
 local cache      = { }
 local variants   = { }
@@ -125,23 +127,29 @@ local dummy = {
     criterium  = 0,
     preroll    = false,
     optimize   = nil,
-    variant    = "normal",
+    splitwords = false,
+    variant    = v_normal,
 }
 
 local function checksettings(r,settings)
     local s = r.settings
     local method = settings_to_hash(settings.method or "")
-    local optimize
+    local optimize, preroll, splitwords
     for k, v in next, method do
-        if variants[k] then
+        if k == v_preroll then
+            preroll = true
+        elseif k == v_split then
+            splitwords = true
+        elseif variants[k] then
             variant = k
-            optimize = variants[k] -- last?
+            optimize = variants[k] -- last one wins
         end
     end
     r.randomseed = tonumber(settings.randomseed) or s.randomseed or r.randomseed or 0
     r.criterium  = tonumber(settings.criterium ) or s.criterium  or r.criterium  or 0
-    r.preroll    = method[v_preroll] and true or false
-    r.optimize   = optimize or s.optimize or r.optimize
+    r.preroll    = preroll or false
+    r.splitwords = splitwords or false
+    r.optimize   = optimize or s.optimize or r.optimize or variants[v_normal]
 end
 
 local function pushsplitter(name,settings)
@@ -159,6 +167,7 @@ local function pushsplitter(name,settings)
     criterium  = r.criterium  or 0
     preroll    = r.preroll    or false
     optimize   = r.optimize   or nil
+    splitwords = r.splitwords or nil
     --
     texsetattribute(a_split,r.attribute)
     return #stack
@@ -327,22 +336,33 @@ function splitters.split(head)
         if m > max_more then max_more = m end
         start, stop, done = nil, nil, true
     end
-    while current do
+    while current do -- also nextid
+        local next = current.next
         local id = current.id
-        if id == glyph_code and current.subtype < 256 then
-            local a = has_attribute(current,a_split)
-            if not a then
-                start, stop = nil, nil
-            elseif not start then
-                start, stop, attribute = current, current, a
-            elseif a ~= attribute then
-                start, stop = nil, nil
-            else
-                stop = current
+        if id == glyph_code then
+            if current.subtype < 256 then
+                local a = has_attribute(current,a_split)
+                if not a then
+                    start, stop = nil, nil
+                elseif not start then
+                    start, stop, attribute = current, current, a
+                elseif a ~= attribute then
+                    start, stop = nil, nil
+                else
+                    stop = current
+                end
             end
-            current = current.next
         elseif id == disc_code then
-            start, stop, current = nil, nil, current.next
+            if splitwords then
+                if start then
+                    flush()
+                end
+            elseif start and next and next.id == glyph_code and next.subtype < 256 then
+                -- beware: we can cross future lines
+                stop = next
+            else
+                start, stop = nil, nil
+            end
         elseif id == whatsit_code then
             if start then
                 flush()
@@ -351,13 +371,12 @@ function splitters.split(head)
             if subtype == dir_code or subtype == localpar_code then
                 rlmode = current.dir
             end
-            current = current.next
         else
             if start then
                 flush()
             end
-            current = current.next
         end
+        current = next
     end
     if start then
         flush()
@@ -370,14 +389,18 @@ end
 local function collect_words(list)
     local words, w, word = { }, 0, nil
     for current in traverse_ids(whatsit_code,list) do
-        if current.subtype == userdefined_code then
+        if current.subtype == userdefined_code then -- hm
             local user_id = current.user_id
             if user_id == splitter_one then
                 word = { current.value, current, current }
                 w = w + 1
                 words[w] = word
             elseif user_id == splitter_two then
-                word[3] = current
+                if word then
+                    word[3] = current
+                else
+                    -- something is wrong
+                end
             end
         end
     end
@@ -386,11 +409,36 @@ end
 
 -- we could avoid a hpack but hpack is not that slow
 
+
+
 local function doit(word,list,best,width,badness,line,set,listdir)
     local changed = 0
     local n = word[1]
     local found = cache[n]
     if found then
+
+        local h = word[2].next -- head of current word
+        local t = word[3].prev -- tail of current word
+
+        if splitwords then
+            -- there are no lines crossed in a word
+        else
+            local ok = false
+            local c = h
+            while c do
+                if c == t then
+                    ok = true
+                    break
+                else
+                    c = c.next
+                end
+            end
+            if not ok then
+                report_solutions("skipping hyphenated word (for now)")
+                return false, changed
+            end
+        end
+
         local original, attribute, direction = found.original, found.attribute, found.direction
         local solution = solutions[attribute]
         local features = solution and solution[set]
@@ -436,8 +484,8 @@ local function doit(word,list,best,width,badness,line,set,listdir)
                     report_solutions("fatal error, no dynamics for font %s",font)
                 end
                 first = inject_kerns(first)
-                local h = word[2].next -- head of current word
-                local t = word[3].prev -- tail of current word
+--                 local h = word[2].next -- head of current word
+--                 local t = word[3].prev -- tail of current word
                 if first.id == whatsit_code then
                     local temp = first
                     first = first.next
@@ -555,112 +603,117 @@ local function show_quality(current,what,line)
 end
 
 function splitters.optimize(head)
+    if not optimize then
+        report_optimizers("no optimizer set")
+        return
+    end
     local nc = #cache
-    if nc > 0 then
-        starttiming(splitters)
-        local listdir = nil -- todo ! ! !
-        if randomseed then
-            math.setrandomseedi(randomseed)
-            randomseed = nil
-        end
-        local line = 0
-        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)
-        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
-            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 nc == 0 then
+        return
+    end
+    starttiming(splitters)
+    local listdir = nil -- todo ! ! !
+    if randomseed then
+        math.setrandomseedi(randomseed)
+        randomseed = nil
+    end
+    local line = 0
+    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)
+    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
+        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)
+                end
+            else
+                local set, max
+                if sign == 1 then
                     if trace_optimize then
-                        report_optimizers("line %s, badness %s, okay",line,badness)
+                        report_optimizers("line %s, badness %s, underfull, trying more",line,badness)
                     end
+                    set, max = "more", max_more
                 else
-                    local set, max
-                    if sign == 1 then
-                        if trace_optimize then
-                            report_optimizers("line %s, badness %s, underfull, trying more",line,badness)
-                        end
-                        set, max = "more", max_more
-                    else
-                        if trace_optimize then
-                            report_optimizers("line %s, badness %s, overfull, trying less",line,badness)
-                        end
-                        set, max = "less", max_less
+                    if trace_optimize then
+                        report_optimizers("line %s, badness %s, overfull, trying less",line,badness)
                     end
-                    -- we can keep the best variants
-                    local lastbest, lastbadness = nil, badness
-                    if preroll then
-                        local bb, base
-                        for i=1,max do
-                            if base then
-                                free_nodelist(base)
-                            end
-                            base = copy_nodelist(list)
-                            local words = collect_words(base) -- beware: words is adapted
-                            for j=i,max do
-                                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)
-                                end
-                                bb = b
-                                if b <= criterium then
-                                    break
-                                end
-                             -- if done then
-                             --     break
-                             -- end
+                    set, max = "less", max_less
+                end
+                -- we can keep the best variants
+                local lastbest, lastbadness = nil, badness
+                if preroll then
+                    local bb, base
+                    for i=1,max do
+                        if base then
+                            free_nodelist(base)
+                        end
+                        base = copy_nodelist(list)
+                        local words = collect_words(base) -- beware: words is adapted
+                        for j=i,max do
+                            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)
                             end
-                            if bb and bb > criterium then -- needs checking
-                                if not lastbest then
-                                    lastbest, lastbadness = i, bb
-                                elseif bb > lastbadness then
-                                    lastbest, lastbadness = i, bb
-                                end
-                            else
+                            bb = b
+                            if b <= criterium then
                                 break
                             end
+                         -- if done then
+                         --     break
+                         -- end
                         end
-                        free_nodelist(base)
-                    end
-                    local words = collect_words(list)
-                    for best=lastbest or 1,max do
-                        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)
-                        end
-                        if done then
-                            if b <= criterium then -- was == 0
-                                protect_glyphs(list)
-                                break
+                        if bb and bb > criterium then -- needs checking
+                            if not lastbest then
+                                lastbest, lastbadness = i, bb
+                            elseif bb > lastbadness then
+                                lastbest, lastbadness = i, bb
                             end
+                        else
+                            break
                         end
                     end
+                    free_nodelist(base)
                 end
-            else
-                if trace_optimize then
-                    report_optimizers("line %s, not bad enough",line)
+                local words = collect_words(list)
+                for best=lastbest or 1,max do
+                    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)
+                    end
+                    if done then
+                        if b <= criterium then -- was == 0
+                            protect_glyphs(list)
+                            break
+                        end
+                    end
                 end
             end
-            -- we pack inside the outer hpack and that way keep the original wd/ht/dp as bonus
-            current.list = hpack_nodes(current.list,width,'exactly',listdir)
-         -- report_splitters("after: [%s] => %s",temp.dir,nodes.tosequence(temp.list,nil))
-        end
-        for i=1,nc do
-            local ci = cache[i]
-            free_nodelist(ci.original)
+        else
+            if trace_optimize then
+                report_optimizers("line %s, not bad enough",line)
+            end
         end
-        cache = { }
-        tex.hbadness, tex.hfuzz = tex_hbadness, tex_hfuzz
-        stoptiming(splitters)
+        -- we pack inside the outer hpack and that way keep the original wd/ht/dp as bonus
+        current.list = hpack_nodes(current.list,width,'exactly',listdir)
+     -- report_splitters("after: [%s] => %s",temp.dir,nodes.tosequence(temp.list,nil))
+    end
+    for i=1,nc do
+        local ci = cache[i]
+        free_nodelist(ci.original)
     end
+    cache = { }
+    tex.hbadness, tex.hfuzz = tex_hbadness, tex_hfuzz
+    stoptiming(splitters)
 end
 
 statistics.register("optimizer statistics", function()
diff --git a/tex/context/base/grph-inc.mkiv b/tex/context/base/grph-inc.mkiv
index 50dab55f0..cc3989491 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/grph-inc.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/grph-inc.mkiv
@@ -264,19 +264,21 @@
 
 \definescale % some day we will inherit
   [\v!figure]
-  [\c!hfactor  =\externalfiguresparameter\c!hfactor,
-   \c!wfactor  =\externalfiguresparameter\c!wfactor,
-   \c!factor   =\externalfiguresparameter\c!factor,
-   \c!maxwidth =\externalfiguresparameter\c!maxwidth ,
-   \c!maxheight=\externalfiguresparameter\c!maxheight,
-   \c!xscale   =\externalfiguresparameter\c!xscale,
-   \c!yscale   =\externalfiguresparameter\c!yscale,
-   \c!scale    =\externalfiguresparameter\c!scale,
-   \c!sx       =\externalfiguresparameter\c!sx,
-   \c!sy       =\externalfiguresparameter\c!sy,
-   \c!width    =\externalfiguresparameter\c!width,
-   \c!height   =\externalfiguresparameter\c!height,
-   \c!lines    =\externalfiguresparameter\c!lines]
+  [\c!hfactor    =\externalfiguresparameter\c!hfactor,
+   \c!wfactor    =\externalfiguresparameter\c!wfactor,
+   \c!factor     =\externalfiguresparameter\c!factor,
+   \c!maxwidth   =\externalfiguresparameter\c!maxwidth ,
+   \c!maxheight  =\externalfiguresparameter\c!maxheight,
+   \c!equalwidth =\externalfiguresparameter\c!equalwidth ,
+   \c!equalheight=\externalfiguresparameter\c!equalheight,
+   \c!xscale     =\externalfiguresparameter\c!xscale,
+   \c!yscale     =\externalfiguresparameter\c!yscale,
+   \c!scale      =\externalfiguresparameter\c!scale,
+   \c!sx         =\externalfiguresparameter\c!sx,
+   \c!sy         =\externalfiguresparameter\c!sy,
+   \c!width      =\externalfiguresparameter\c!width,
+   \c!height     =\externalfiguresparameter\c!height,
+   \c!lines      =\externalfiguresparameter\c!lines]
 
 %D You can register additional suffixes with the following command:
 %D
diff --git a/tex/context/base/grph-trf.mkiv b/tex/context/base/grph-trf.mkiv
index 87193ae4d..dd28f56fb 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/grph-trf.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/grph-trf.mkiv
@@ -506,8 +506,8 @@
    \edef#4{\withoutpt\the\scratchdimen}}
 
 % \startcombination
-%     {\externalfigure[cow.pdf] [frame=on,height=3cm,equalwidth=6cm]} {}
-%     {\externalfigure[mill.png][frame=on,height=3cm,equalwidth=6cm]} {}
+%     {\externalfigure[cow.pdf] [frame=on,height=3cm,equalwidth=6cm]} {a cow}
+%     {\externalfigure[mill.png][frame=on,height=3cm,equalwidth=6cm]} {a mill}
 % \stopcombination
 
 \def\grph_scale_position
diff --git a/tex/context/base/luat-sto.lua b/tex/context/base/luat-sto.lua
index 30bb7d5bb..860aa1121 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/luat-sto.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/luat-sto.lua
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ local gmatch, format, write_nl = string.gmatch, string.format, texio.write_nl
 local serialize, concat, sortedhash = table.serialize, table.concat, table.sortedhash
 local bytecode = lua.bytecode
 
+local trace_storage  = false
 local report_storage = logs.reporter("system","storage")
 
 storage            = storage or { }
@@ -63,7 +64,7 @@ local function dump()
         max = max + 1
         if trace_storage then
             report_storage('saving %s in slot %s',message,max)
-            c = c + 1 ; code[c] = format("report_storage('restoring %s from slot %s')",message,max)
+            c = c + 1 ; code[c] = format("print('restoring %s from slot %s')",message,max)
         end
         c = c + 1 ; code[c] = serialize(original,name)
         bytecode[max] = loadstring(concat(code,"\n"))
diff --git a/tex/context/base/m-visual.mkiv b/tex/context/base/m-visual.mkiv
index 988276a53..af6bb72fd 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/m-visual.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/m-visual.mkiv
@@ -439,8 +439,7 @@
      {\normalhskip -48\points
       \normalhbox to 24\points
         {\normalhss
-         {\ttxx#1}%
-         \ruledbaselines
+         {\ttxx\ruledbaselines}%
          \normalhskip6\points}%
       \raise\scratchdimen\box\scratchbox}%
    \smashbox\scratchbox
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mult-def.mkiv b/tex/context/base/mult-def.mkiv
index 433eae9f9..4d3570318 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mult-def.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/mult-def.mkiv
@@ -71,6 +71,7 @@
 \ifdefined\v!stretched     \else \def\v!stretched     {stretched}      \fi
 \ifdefined\v!vulgarfraction\else \def\v!vulgarfraction{vulgarfraction} \fi
 \ifdefined\v!block         \else \def\v!block         {block}          \fi
+\ifdefined\v!rule          \else \def\v!rule          {rule}           \fi
 
 % stop todo
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mult-low.lua b/tex/context/base/mult-low.lua
index a32d4fe31..fd9493ba1 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mult-low.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/mult-low.lua
@@ -137,6 +137,13 @@ return {
         --
         "then",
         --
+        "firstargumentfalse", "firstargumenttrue",
+        "secondargumentfalse", "secondargumenttrue",
+        "thirdargumentfalse", "thirdargumenttrue",
+        "fourthargumentfalse", "fourthargumenttrue",
+        "fifthargumentfalse", "fifthsargumenttrue",
+        "sixthargumentfalse", "sixtsargumenttrue",
+        --
         "doglobal", "dodoglobal", "redoglobal", "resetglobal",
         --
         "donothing", "dontcomplain", "forgetall",
diff --git a/tex/context/base/mult-sys.mkiv b/tex/context/base/mult-sys.mkiv
index de72b5b80..be653f643 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/mult-sys.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/mult-sys.mkiv
@@ -153,6 +153,9 @@
 
 %definesystemconstant {mnem} % kind of generic short tag
 
+\definesystemconstant {otr}
+\definesystemconstant {box}
+
 \definesystemconstant {file}
 \definesystemconstant {name}
 \definesystemconstant {spec}
diff --git a/tex/context/base/node-res.lua b/tex/context/base/node-res.lua
index 5b2b32a51..4bf4610cd 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/node-res.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/node-res.lua
@@ -83,7 +83,6 @@ local glue              = register_node(new_node("glue")) -- glue.spec = nil
 local glue_spec         = register_node(new_node("glue_spec"))
 local glyph             = register_node(new_node("glyph",0))
 local textdir           = register_node(new_node("whatsit",whatsitcodes.dir))
-local rule              = register_node(new_node("rule"))
 local latelua           = register_node(new_node("whatsit",whatsitcodes.latelua))
 local special           = register_node(new_node("whatsit",whatsitcodes.special))
 local user_n            = register_node(new_node("whatsit",whatsitcodes.userdefined)) user_n.type = 100 -- 44
@@ -98,8 +97,12 @@ local leftskip          = register_node(new_node("glue",skipcodes.leftskip))
 local rightskip         = register_node(new_node("glue",skipcodes.rightskip))
 local temp              = register_node(new_node("temp",0))
 local noad              = register_node(new_node("noad"))
-local hlist             = register_node(new_node("hlist"))
-local vlist             = register_node(new_node("vlist"))
+
+-- the dir field needs to be set otherwise crash:
+
+local rule              = register_node(new_node("rule"))  rule .dir = "TLT"
+local hlist             = register_node(new_node("hlist")) hlist.dir = "TLT"
+local vlist             = register_node(new_node("vlist")) vlist.dir = "TLT"
 
 function pool.zeroglue(n)
     local s = n.spec
@@ -230,8 +233,7 @@ function pool.rule(width,height,depth,dir)
     if width  then n.width  = width  end
     if height then n.height = height end
     if depth  then n.depth  = depth  end
---  if dir    then n.dir    = dir    end
-    n.dir = dir or "TLT" -- bug in luatex
+    if dir    then n.dir    = dir    end
     return n
 end
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/pack-rul.mkiv b/tex/context/base/pack-rul.mkiv
index c3ac12b1b..2a1f430ba 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/pack-rul.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/pack-rul.mkiv
@@ -938,7 +938,7 @@
   {\bgroup
    \dodoubleempty\pack_framed_local}
 
-\unexpanded\def\localframed[#1][#2]%
+\unexpanded\def\pack_framed_local[#1][#2]%
   {\bgroup
    \edef\currentframed{#1}%
    \pack_framed_initialize
diff --git a/tex/context/base/page-brk.mkiv b/tex/context/base/page-brk.mkiv
index 722556760..ac1fffd6b 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/page-brk.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/page-brk.mkiv
@@ -53,9 +53,9 @@
 
 \def\page_breaks_handle#1%
   {\edef\page_breaks_current_options{#1}% handy for tracing
-   \processcommacommand[\page_breaks_current_options]\page_breaks_handle_indeed}
+   \processcommacommand[\page_breaks_current_options]\page_breaks_handle_step}
 
-\def\page_breaks_handle_indeed#1%
+\def\page_breaks_handle_step#1%
   {\edef\page_breaks_current_option{#1}% can be used in handler
    \ifcsname\??pagebreakmethod\page_breaks_current_option\endcsname
      \csname\??pagebreakmethod\page_breaks_current_option\endcsname
@@ -80,7 +80,8 @@
   {\setvalue{\??pagebreaks#1}{#2}}
 
 \unexpanded\def\pagebreak
-  {\dosingleempty\page_breaks_process}
+  {\par % else no vertical penalties
+   \dosingleempty\page_breaks_process}
 
 \let\page\pagebreak
 
@@ -269,9 +270,9 @@
 
 \def\page_breaks_columns_handle#1%
   {\edef\page_breaks_columns_current_options{#1}%
-   \processcommacommand[#1]\page_breaks_columns_handle_indeed}
+   \processcommacommand[#1]\page_breaks_columns_handle_step}
 
-\def\page_breaks_columns_handle_indeed#1%
+\def\page_breaks_columns_handle_step#1%
   {\edef\page_breaks_columns_current_option{#1}%
    \ifcsname\??columnbreakmethod\currentoutputroutine:\page_breaks_columns_current_option\endcsname
      \csname\??columnbreakmethod\currentoutputroutine:\page_breaks_columns_current_option\endcsname
@@ -296,7 +297,8 @@
   {\setvalue{\??columnbreaks#1}{#2}}
 
 \unexpanded\def\columnbreak
-  {\dosingleempty\page_breaks_columns_process}
+  {\par % else no vertical penalties
+   \dosingleempty\page_breaks_columns_process}
 
 \let\column\columnbreak
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/page-col.mkiv b/tex/context/base/page-col.mkiv
index 3143cadd2..54cf27bc5 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/page-col.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/page-col.mkiv
@@ -19,65 +19,23 @@
 
 \unprotect
 
-%D The next two registers can be used to store pre column material as well
-%D as footnotes or so.
-
-\newbox\precolumnbox   \newdimen\precolumnboxheight
-\newbox\postcolumnbox  \newdimen\postcolumnboxheight
-
 %D We reserve a counter for the number of columns as well as the current
 %D column. Both are not to be changed by users!
 
 \newcount\nofcolumns \nofcolumns\plusone
 \newcount\mofcolumns \mofcolumns\plusone
 
-\setnewconstant\maxnofcolumns       50
-\setnewconstant\allocatednofcolumns  0
-
-%D The next dimensions reports the final column height
-
-\newdimen\finalcolumnheights
-\newcount\finalcolumnlines
-
-%D This register can be used as a temporary storage for page content.
-
-\newbox\restofpage
-
-%D A few more (some might go away):
-
-\newif\ifintermediatefootnotes % seems to be obsolete
-\newif\ifcarryoverfootnotes  %\carryoverfootnotestrue
-\newif\iflastcolumnfootnotes %\lastcolumnfootnotestrue
-\newif\ifbalancecolumns      %\balancecolumnstrue
-\newif\ifbalancetoheight     %\balancetoheighttrue
-\newif\ifforcecolumngrid      \forcecolumngridtrue
-\newif\ifstretchcolumns       \stretchcolumnsfalse
-\newif\ifinheritcolumns       \inheritcolumnsfalse
-\newif\ifheightencolumns      \heightencolumnsfalse
-
-\newif\ifbalancingcolumns
-\newif\ifcollectingcontent
-\newif\ifcolumnoverflow
-
-\newdimen\intercolumnwidth
-\newdimen\localcolumnwidth
-\newdimen\savedpagetotal
-
 \newconstant\columndirection % 0:lr 1:rl
 
-\def\minbalancetoplines      {1}
-\def\minfreecolumnlines      {2}
-
-\newif\ifrecentercolumnbox    \recentercolumnboxtrue
-\newif\ifrerecentercolumnbox  \rerecentercolumnboxtrue
+\setnewconstant\maxnofcolumns       50
+\setnewconstant\allocatednofcolumns  0
 
-%D During initialization the temporary boxes are allocated.
-%D This enables us to use as much columns as we want, without
-%D exhausting the pool of boxes too fast. We could have packed
-%D them in one box, but we've got enough boxes.
+%D During initialization the temporary boxes are allocated. This enables us to
+%D use as much columns as we want, without exhausting the pool of boxes too
+%D fast. We could have packed them in one box, but we've got enough boxes.
 %D
-%D Two sets of boxes are declared, the txtboxes are used for
-%D the text, the topboxes are for moved column floats.
+%D Two sets of boxes are declared, the txtboxes are used for the text, the
+%D topboxes are for moved column floats.
 
 \installcorenamespace{columntext}
 \installcorenamespace{columnfooter}
@@ -92,15 +50,20 @@
      \nofcolumns#1\relax
    \fi
    \ifnum\nofcolumns>\allocatednofcolumns
-     \dorecurse\nofcolumns
-       {\ifnum\recurselevel>\allocatednofcolumns\relax
+     \page_columns_allocate
+   \fi}
+
+\def\page_columns_allocate
+  {\dorecurse\nofcolumns
+     {\ifnum\recurselevel>\allocatednofcolumns\relax
+        \ifcsname\??columntext\recurselevel\endcsname \else
           \expandafter\newbox\csname\??columntext  \recurselevel\endcsname % text
           \expandafter\newbox\csname\??columnfooter\recurselevel\endcsname % footer
           \expandafter\newbox\csname\??columntop   \recurselevel\endcsname % top insert
           \expandafter\newbox\csname\??columnbottom\recurselevel\endcsname % bottom insert
-        \fi}%
-     \global\allocatednofcolumns\nofcolumns
-   \fi}
+        \fi
+      \fi}%
+   \global\allocatednofcolumns\nofcolumns}
 
 \def\firstcolumnbox      {\columntextbox\plusone}
 \def\currentcolumnbox    {\columntextbox\mofcolumns}
@@ -115,15 +78,15 @@
 \def\columntopbox      #1{\csname\??columntop   \number#1\endcsname}
 \def\columnbotbox      #1{\csname\??columnbottom\number#1\endcsname}
 
-\def\columnsettextbox    {\global\setbox\columntextbox}
-\def\columnsetfootbox    {\global\setbox\columnfootbox}
-\def\columnsettopbox     {\global\setbox\columntopbox}
-\def\columnsetbotbox     {\global\setbox\columnbotbox}
+\unexpanded\def\columnsettextbox    {\global\setbox\columntextbox}
+\unexpanded\def\columnsetfootbox    {\global\setbox\columnfootbox}
+\unexpanded\def\columnsettopbox     {\global\setbox\columntopbox}
+\unexpanded\def\columnsetbotbox     {\global\setbox\columnbotbox}
 
-\def\columngettextbox    {\copy\columntextbox}
-\def\columngetfootbox    {\copy\columnfootbox}
-\def\columngettopbox     {\copy\columntopbox}
-\def\columngetbotbox     {\copy\columnbotbox}
+\unexpanded\def\columngettextbox    {\copy\columntextbox}
+\unexpanded\def\columngetfootbox    {\copy\columnfootbox}
+\unexpanded\def\columngettopbox     {\copy\columntopbox}
+\unexpanded\def\columngetbotbox     {\copy\columnbotbox}
 
 \unexpanded\def\columnerasetextboxes{\dorecurse\allocatednofcolumns{\columnsettextbox\recurselevel\emptybox}}
 \unexpanded\def\columnerasefootboxes{\dorecurse\allocatednofcolumns{\columnsetfootbox\recurselevel\emptybox}}
@@ -135,25 +98,80 @@
 %D with \type {\currentcolumnbox}. In case of the mid columns, \type
 %D {\firstcolumnbox} and \type {\lastcolumnbox} are handled outside these macro's.
 
-%D If needed these can be sped up by using a dedicated loop macro.
+% \unexpanded\def\dohandlecolumn#1%
+%   {\mofcolumns\recurselevel
+%    \let\currentcolumn\recurselevel
+%    #1\relax}
+%
+% \unexpanded\def\dohandleallcolumns#1%
+%   {\dorecurse\nofcolumns{\dohandlecolumn{#1}}}
+%
+% \unexpanded\def\dohandlerevcolumns#1%
+%   {\dostepwiserecurse\nofcolumns\plusone\minusone{\dohandlecolumn{#1}}}
+%
+% \unexpanded\def\dohandlemidcolumns#1%
+%   {\dohandleallcolumns
+%      {\ifnum\recurselevel>\plusone
+%         \ifnum\recurselevel<\nofcolumns
+%           \dohandlecolumn{#1}%
+%         \fi
+%       \fi}}
+%
+% As we don't nest we can use a fast variant:
+
+\unexpanded\def\dohandleallcolumnscs#1{\let\page_columns_action  #1\page_columns_all_indeed}
+\unexpanded\def\dohandleallcolumns  #1{\def\page_columns_action{#1}\page_columns_all_indeed}
+
+\unexpanded\def\dohandlerevcolumnscs#1{\let\page_columns_action  #1\page_columns_rev_indeed}
+\unexpanded\def\dohandlerevcolumns  #1{\def\page_columns_action{#1}\page_columns_rev_indeed}
+
+\unexpanded\def\dohandlemidcolumnscs#1{\let\page_columns_action  #1\page_columns_mid_indeed}
+\unexpanded\def\dohandlemidcolumns  #1{\def\page_columns_action{#1}\page_columns_mid_indeed}
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_columns_all_indeed
+  {\mofcolumns\plusone
+   \edef\currentcolumn{\the\mofcolumns}%
+   \page_columns_action\relax
+   \ifnum\mofcolumns<\nofcolumns
+     \expandafter\page_columns_all_next
+   \fi}
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_columns_all_next
+  {\advance\mofcolumns\plusone
+   \edef\currentcolumn{\the\mofcolumns}%
+   \page_columns_action\relax
+   \ifnum\mofcolumns<\nofcolumns
+     \expandafter\page_columns_all_next
+   \fi}
 
-\unexpanded\def\dohandlecolumn#1%
-  {\mofcolumns\recurselevel
-   \let\currentcolumn\recurselevel
-   #1\relax}
+\unexpanded\def\page_columns_rev_indeed
+  {\mofcolumns\nofcolumns
+   \edef\currentcolumn{\the\mofcolumns}%
+   \page_columns_action\relax
+   \ifnum\mofcolumns>\plusone
+     \expandafter\page_columns_rev_prev
+   \fi}
 
-\unexpanded\def\dohandleallcolumns#1%
-  {\dorecurse\nofcolumns{\dohandlecolumn{#1}}}
+\unexpanded\def\page_columns_rev_prev
+  {\advance\mofcolumns\minusone
+   \edef\currentcolumn{\the\mofcolumns}%
+   \page_columns_action\relax
+   \ifnum\mofcolumns>\plusone
+     \expandafter\page_columns_rev_prev
+   \fi}
 
-\unexpanded\def\dohandlerevcolumns#1%
-  {\dostepwiserecurse\nofcolumns\plusone\minusone{\dohandlecolumn{#1}}}
+\unexpanded\def\page_columns_mid_indeed
+  {\mofcolumns\plustwo
+   \ifnum\mofcolumns<\nofcolumns
+     \expandafter\page_columns_mid_next
+   \fi}
 
-\unexpanded\def\dohandlemidcolumns#1%
-  {\dohandleallcolumns
-     {\ifnum\recurselevel>\plusone
-        \ifnum\recurselevel<\nofcolumns
-          \dohandlecolumn{#1}%
-        \fi
-      \fi}}
+\unexpanded\def\page_columns_mid_next
+  {\edef\currentcolumn{\the\mofcolumns}%
+   \page_columns_action\relax
+   \advance\mofcolumns\plusone
+   \ifnum\mofcolumns<\nofcolumns
+     \expandafter\page_columns_mid_next
+   \fi}
 
 \protect \endinput
diff --git a/tex/context/base/page-flt.mkiv b/tex/context/base/page-flt.mkiv
index c745290d1..56d801072 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/page-flt.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/page-flt.mkiv
@@ -20,15 +20,18 @@
 
 \unprotect
 
-\installinsertion\c_page_floats_insertions_top
-\installinsertion\c_page_floats_insertions_bottom
+\ifdefined\s!topfloat    \else \def\s!topfloat   {topfloat}    \fi
+\ifdefined\s!bottomfloat \else \def\s!bottomfloat{bottomfloat} \fi
 
-\newdimen        \d_page_floats_inserted_bottom
-\newdimen        \d_page_floats_inserted_top
-\newcount        \c_page_floats_n_of_top         \c_page_floats_n_of_top   \plustwo
-\newcount        \c_page_floats_n_of_bottom      \c_page_floats_n_of_bottom\zerocount
+\defineinsertion[\s!topfloat]
+\defineinsertion[\s!bottomfloat]
 
-\newconstant     \c_page_floats_insertions_topskip_mode  % 1 = no topskip
+\newdimen   \d_page_floats_inserted_bottom
+\newdimen   \d_page_floats_inserted_top
+\newcount   \c_page_floats_n_of_top         \c_page_floats_n_of_top   \plustwo
+\newcount   \c_page_floats_n_of_bottom      \c_page_floats_n_of_bottom\zerocount
+
+\newconstant\c_page_floats_insertions_topskip_mode  % 1 = no topskip
 
 %def\page_floats_report_saved  {\showmessage\m!floatblocks2{\the\totalnoffloats}}
 \def\page_floats_report_total  {\showmessage\m!floatblocks4{\the\totalnoffloats}}
diff --git a/tex/context/base/page-ins.lua b/tex/context/base/page-ins.lua
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..1b8b8583b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tex/context/base/page-ins.lua
@@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
+if not modules then modules = { } end modules ['page-mix'] = {
+    version   = 1.001,
+    comment   = "companion to page-mix.mkiv",
+    author    = "Hans Hagen, PRAGMA-ADE, Hasselt NL",
+    copyright = "PRAGMA ADE / ConTeXt Development Team",
+    license   = "see context related readme files",
+ -- public    = {
+ --     functions = {
+ --         "inserts.define",
+ --         "inserts.getdata",
+ --     },
+ --     commands = {
+ --         "defineinsertion",
+ --         "inserttionnumber",
+ --     }
+ -- }
+}
+
+-- Maybe we should only register in lua and forget about the tex end.
+
+structures         = structures or { }
+structures.inserts = structures.inserts or { }
+local inserts      = structures.inserts
+
+local report_inserts = logs.reporter("inserts")
+
+inserts.stored = inserts.stored or { } -- combining them in one is inefficient in the
+inserts.data   = inserts.data   or { } -- bytecode storage pool
+
+storage.register("structures/inserts/stored", inserts.stored, "structures.inserts.stored")
+
+local data   = inserts.data
+local stored = inserts.stored
+
+for name, specification in next, stored do
+    data[specification.number] = specification
+    data[name]                 = specification
+end
+
+function inserts.define(specification)
+    local name = specification.name or "unknown"
+    local number = specification.number or 0
+    data[name] = specification
+    data[number] = specification
+    -- only needed at runtime as this get stored in a bytecode register
+    stored[name] = specification
+end
+
+function inserts.getdata(name) -- or number
+    return data[name]
+end
+
+function inserts.getname(number)
+    return data[name].name
+end
+
+function inserts.getnumber(name)
+    return data[name].number
+end
+
+-- interface
+
+commands.defineinsertion = inserts.define
+commands.insertionnumber = function(name) context(data[name].number or 0) end
+
diff --git a/tex/context/base/page-ins.mkiv b/tex/context/base/page-ins.mkiv
index 33c50451b..cb952e6e7 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/page-ins.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/page-ins.mkiv
@@ -17,23 +17,56 @@
 %D page builder. When multiple footnote classes were introduced, I decided to
 %D isolate some of the functionality in a module.
 
+\registerctxluafile{page-ins}{1.001}
+
 \unprotect
 
+%D Because we need to deal with inserts at the \LUA\ end as well,
+%D we provide a proper installer.
+
+% Not yet used as we need to adapt some code to this.
+
+\installcorenamespace{insertion}
+\installcorenamespace{insertionnumber}
+
+\installcommandhandler \??insertion {insertion} \??insertion
+
+\newcount\currentinsertionnumber % This is a count and not a macro !
+
 \newtoks\t_page_inserts_list
 
-\let\doprocessinsert\gobbleoneargument
+\let\doprocessinsert\relax
 
-\unexpanded\def\installinsertion#1%
-  {\ifdefined#1\else
-     \let#1\relax
-   \fi
-   \ifx#1\relax % permits \csname...\endcsname
-     \newinsert#1%
-     \count#1\plusthousand
-     \skip #1\zeropoint
-     \dimen#1\maxdimen
-     \appendtoks\doprocessinsert#1\to\t_page_inserts_list
-   \fi}
+%D Maybe some day we will move settings here.
+
+\unexpanded\def\setcurrentinsertion#1%
+  {\edef\currentinsertion{#1}%
+   \currentinsertionnumber\csname\??insertionnumber\currentinsertion\endcsname}
+
+\def\namedinsertionnumber#1{\csname\??insertionnumber#1\endcsname}
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_inserts_synchronize_registers
+  {\currentinsertionnumber\csname\??insertionnumber\currentinsertion\endcsname}
+
+\appendtoks
+    \page_inserts_synchronize_registers
+\to \everysetupinsertion
+
+% \setupinsertion
+%   [\c!distance=\zeropoint,
+%    \c!maxheight=\maxdimen,
+%    \c!factor=\plusthousand]
+%
+% \unexpanded\def\page_inserts_synchronize_registers
+%   {\currentinsertionnumber\csname\??insertionnumber\currentinsertion\endcsname
+%    \global\count\currentinsertionnumber\insertionparameter\c!factor   \relax
+%    \global\skip \currentinsertionnumber\insertionparameter\c!distance \relax
+%    \global\dimen\currentinsertionnumber\insertionparameter\c!maxheight\relax}
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_inserts_process#1%
+  {\edef\currentinsertion{#1}%
+   \currentinsertionnumber\csname\??insertionnumber\currentinsertion\endcsname
+   \doprocessinsert\currentinsertionnumber} % old method
 
 \unexpanded\def\processinsertions
   {\the\t_page_inserts_list}
@@ -42,54 +75,92 @@
   {\let\doprocessinsert\page_inserts_synchronize
    \processinsertions}
 
-\def\page_inserts_synchronize#1%
+\unexpanded\def\page_inserts_synchronize#1% yes or no
   {\ifvoid#1\else
      \insert#1{\unvbox#1}%
    \fi}
 
-%D For instance, when we postpone footnotes, we need to save some data related to
-%D the inserts. The next methods are far from ideal, but better than nothing. We
-%D save and restore box content and associated data independently. The box content
-%D is only restores when non||void.
-
-\installcorenamespace{insertionbackup}
-
-\unexpanded\def\installbackupinsertion#1%
-  {\ifcsname\??insertionbackup\string#1\endcsname \else
-     \expandafter\newinsert\csname\??insertionbackup\string#1\endcsname
-     \count\csname\??insertionbackup\string#1\endcsname\zerocount
-     \skip \csname\??insertionbackup\string#1\endcsname\zeropoint
-     \dimen\csname\??insertionbackup\string#1\endcsname\maxdimen
-   \fi}
-
-\unexpanded\def\saveinsertionbox#1% hm, actually unknown
-  {\global\setbox\csname\??insertionbackup\string#1\endcsname
-     \ifdim\ht#1>\zeropoint\box#1\else\emptybox\fi}
-
-\unexpanded\def\restoreinsertionbox#1%
-  {\ifvoid\backupinsertion#1\else % if void, we keep the content
-     \global\setbox#1\box\csname\??insertionbackup\string#1\endcsname
+\unexpanded\def\doifinsertionelse#1%
+  {\ifcsname\??insertionnumber#1\endcsname
+     \expandafter\firstoftwoarguments
+   \else
+     \expandafter\secondoftwoarguments
    \fi}
 
-\unexpanded\def\eraseinsertionbackup#1%
-  {\global\setbox\csname\??insertionbackup\string#1\endcsname\emptybox}
-
-\unexpanded\def\saveinsertiondata#1%
-  {\global\skip \csname\??insertionbackup\string#1\endcsname\skip #1%
-   \global\count\csname\??insertionbackup\string#1\endcsname\count#1%
-   \global\dimen\csname\??insertionbackup\string#1\endcsname\dimen#1}
-
-\unexpanded\def\restoreinsertiondata#1%
-  {\global\skip #1\skip \csname\??insertionbackup\string#1\endcsname
-   \global\count#1\count\csname\??insertionbackup\string#1\endcsname
-   \global\dimen#1\dimen\csname\??insertionbackup\string#1\endcsname}
+% \unexpanded\def\startinsertion[#1]%
+%   {\insert\csname\??insertionnumber#1\endcsname\bgroup}
+%
+% \unexpanded\def\stopinsertion
+%   {\egroup}
+
+% For the moment we use the regular insertion allocator so that users can
+% still define their own insertions (not that they will play nicely with
+% all context mechanisms then). We can use the dimensions at the \LUA\ end
+% so we don't need to pass pass them explicitly. Actually, when we see an
+% insertion node at that end, we already know the number.
+
+\appendtoks
+    \ifcsname\??insertionnumber\currentinsertion\endcsname
+      % bad news
+    \else
+      \expandafter\newinsert\csname\??insertionnumber\currentinsertion\endcsname
+      \page_inserts_synchronize_registers
+      \ctxcommand{defineinsertion
+          {
+              name     = "\currentinsertion",
+              number   = \number\currentinsertionnumber,
+          }
+      }%
+      %
+      \t_page_inserts_list\expandafter\expandafter\expandafter
+        {\expandafter\the\expandafter\t_page_inserts_list
+         \expandafter\page_inserts_process\csname\??insertionnumber\currentinsertion\endcsname}%
+      \count\currentinsertionnumber\plusthousand
+      \skip \currentinsertionnumber\zeropoint
+      \dimen\currentinsertionnumber\maxdimen
+   \fi
+\to \everydefineinsertion
 
 %D Auxiliary macros:
 
-\unexpanded\def\addinsertionheight#1\to#2%
-  {\ifvoid#1\else
-     \advance#2 1\skip#1\relax
-     \advance#2  \ht  #1\relax
-   \fi}
+\def\page_insert_insertion_height#1%
+  {\dimexpr\expandafter\page_insert_insertion_height_indeed\csname\??insertionnumber#1\endcsname\relax}
+
+\def\page_insert_insertion_height_indeed#1%
+  {\ifvoid#1\zeropoint\else1\skip#1+\ht#1\fi}
+
+%D Obsolete:
+
+% \installcorenamespace{insertionbackup}
+%
+% \unexpanded\def\installbackupinsertion#1%
+%   {\ifcsname\??insertionbackup\string#1\endcsname \else
+%      \expandafter\newinsert\csname\??insertionbackup\string#1\endcsname
+%      \count\csname\??insertionbackup\string#1\endcsname\zerocount
+%      \skip \csname\??insertionbackup\string#1\endcsname\zeropoint
+%      \dimen\csname\??insertionbackup\string#1\endcsname\maxdimen
+%    \fi}
+%
+% \unexpanded\def\saveinsertionbox#1% hm, actually unknown
+%   {\global\setbox\csname\??insertionbackup\string#1\endcsname
+%      \ifdim\ht#1>\zeropoint\box#1\else\emptybox\fi}
+%
+% \unexpanded\def\restoreinsertionbox#1%
+%   {\ifvoid\backupinsertion#1\else % if void, we keep the content
+%      \global\setbox#1\box\csname\??insertionbackup\string#1\endcsname
+%    \fi}
+%
+% \unexpanded\def\eraseinsertionbackup#1%
+%   {\global\setbox\csname\??insertionbackup\string#1\endcsname\emptybox}
+%
+% \unexpanded\def\saveinsertiondata#1%
+%   {\global\skip \csname\??insertionbackup\string#1\endcsname\skip #1%
+%    \global\count\csname\??insertionbackup\string#1\endcsname\count#1%
+%    \global\dimen\csname\??insertionbackup\string#1\endcsname\dimen#1}
+%
+% \unexpanded\def\restoreinsertiondata#1%
+%   {\global\skip #1\skip \csname\??insertionbackup\string#1\endcsname
+%    \global\count#1\count\csname\??insertionbackup\string#1\endcsname
+%    \global\dimen#1\dimen\csname\??insertionbackup\string#1\endcsname}
 
 \protect \endinput
diff --git a/tex/context/base/page-mix.lua b/tex/context/base/page-mix.lua
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..75e013ce4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tex/context/base/page-mix.lua
@@ -0,0 +1,629 @@
+if not modules then modules = { } end modules ['page-mix'] = {
+    version   = 1.001,
+    comment   = "companion to page-mix.mkiv",
+    author    = "Hans Hagen, PRAGMA-ADE, Hasselt NL",
+    copyright = "PRAGMA ADE / ConTeXt Development Team",
+    license   = "see context related readme files"
+}
+
+-- inserts.getname(name)
+
+-- local node, tex = node, tex
+-- local nodes, interfaces, utilities = nodes, interfaces, utilities
+-- local trackers, logs, storage = trackers, logs, storage
+-- local number, table = number, table
+
+local concat = table.concat
+
+local nodecodes        = nodes.nodecodes
+local gluecodes        = nodes.gluecodes
+local nodepool         = nodes.pool
+
+local hlist_code       = nodecodes.hlist
+local vlist_code       = nodecodes.vlist
+local kern_code        = nodecodes.kern
+local glue_code        = nodecodes.glue
+local penalty_code     = nodecodes.penalty
+local insert_code      = nodecodes.ins
+local mark_code        = nodecodes.mark
+
+local new_hlist        = nodepool.hlist
+local new_vlist        = nodepool.vlist
+local new_glue         = nodepool.glue
+
+local hpack            = node.hpack
+local vpack            = node.vpack
+local freenode         = node.free
+
+local texbox           = tex.box
+local texskip          = tex.skip
+local texdimen         = tex.dimen
+local points           = number.points
+local settings_to_hash = utilities.parsers.settings_to_hash
+
+local variables        = interfaces.variables
+local v_yes            = variables.yes
+local v_global         = variables["global"]
+local v_local          = variables["local"]
+
+local trace_state  = false  trackers.register("mixedcolumns.trace",  function(v) trace_state  = v end)
+local trace_detail = false  trackers.register("mixedcolumns.detail", function(v) trace_detail = v end)
+
+local report_state = logs.reporter("mixed columns")
+
+pagebuilders              = pagebuilders or { }
+pagebuilders.mixedcolumns = pagebuilders.mixedcolumns or { }
+local mixedcolumns        = pagebuilders.mixedcolumns
+
+local forcedbreak = -123
+
+-- initializesplitter(specification)
+-- cleanupsplitter()
+
+local function collectinserts(result,nxt,nxtid)
+    local inserts, currentskips, nextskips, inserttotal = { }, 0, 0, 0
+    while nxt do
+        if nxtid == insert_code then
+            inserttotal = inserttotal + nxt.height + nxt.depth
+            local s = nxt.subtype
+            local c = inserts[s]
+            if not c then
+                c = { }
+                inserts[s] = c
+                local width = texskip[s].width
+                if not result.inserts[s] then
+                    currentskips = currentskips + width
+                end
+                nextskips = nextskips + width
+            end
+            c[#c+1] = nxt
+            if trace_detail then
+                report_state("insert of class %s found",s)
+            end
+        elseif nxtid == mark_code then
+            if trace_detail then
+                report_state("mark found")
+            end
+        else
+            break
+        end
+        nxt = nxt.next
+        if nxt then
+            nxtid = nxt.id
+        else
+            break
+        end
+    end
+    return nxt, inserts, currentskips, nextskips, inserttotal
+end
+
+local function appendinserts(ri,inserts)
+    for class, collected in next, inserts do
+        local ric = ri[class]
+        if not ric then
+            -- assign to collected
+            ri[class] = collected
+        else
+            -- append to collected
+            for j=1,#collected do
+                ric[#ric+1] = collected[j]
+            end
+        end
+    end
+end
+
+local function discardtopglue(current,discarded)
+    while current do
+        local id = current.id
+        if id == glue_code or (id == penalty_code and current.penalty ~= forcedbreak) then
+            discarded[#discarded+1] = current
+            current = current.next
+        else
+            break
+        end
+    end
+    return current
+end
+
+local function stripbottomglue(results,discarded)
+    local height = 0
+    for i=1,#results do
+        local r = results[i]
+        local t = r.tail
+        while t and t ~= r.head do
+            local prev = t.prev
+            if not prev then
+                break
+            elseif t.id == penalty_code then
+                if t.penalty == forcedbreak then
+                    break
+                else
+                    discarded[#discarded+1] = t
+                    r.tail = prev
+                    t = prev
+                end
+            elseif t.id == glue_code then
+                discarded[#discarded+1] = t
+                r.height = r.height - t.spec.width
+                r.tail = prev
+                t = prev
+            else
+                break
+            end
+        end
+        if r.height > height then
+            height = r.height
+        end
+    end
+    return height
+end
+
+local function setsplit(specification) -- a rather large function
+    local box = specification.box
+    if not box then
+        report_state("fatal error, no box")
+        return
+    end
+    local list = texbox[box]
+    if not list then
+        report_state("fatal error, no list")
+        return
+    end
+    local head = list.head or specification.originalhead
+    if not head then
+        report_state("fatal error, no head")
+        return
+    end
+    local discarded = { }
+    local originalhead = head
+    local originalwidth = specification.originalwidth or list.width
+    local originalheight = specification.originalheight or list.height
+    local current = head
+    local height = 0
+    local depth = 0
+    local skip = 0
+    local options = settings_to_hash(specification.option or "")
+    local stripbottom = specification.alternative == v_local
+    local cycle = specification.cycle or 1
+    local nofcolumns = specification.nofcolumns or 1
+    if nofcolumns == 0 then
+        nofcolumns = 1
+    end
+    local preheight = specification.preheight or 0
+    local extra = specification.extra or 0
+    local maxheight = specification.maxheight
+    local optimal = originalheight/nofcolumns
+    if specification.balance ~= v_yes then
+        optimal = maxheight
+    end
+    local target = optimal + extra
+    local overflow = target > maxheight - preheight
+    local threshold = specification.threshold or 0
+    if overflow then
+        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))
+    end
+    local results = { }
+    for i=1,nofcolumns do
+        results[i] = {
+            head    = false,
+            tail    = false,
+            height  = 0,
+            depth   = 0,
+            inserts = { },
+            delta   = 0,
+        }
+    end
+    local column = 1
+    local result = results[column]
+    local lasthead = nil
+    local rest = nil
+    local function gotonext()
+        if head == lasthead then
+            if trace_state then
+                report_state("empty column %s, needs more work",column)
+            end
+rest = current
+return false
+        else
+            lasthead = head
+            result.head = head
+            if current == head then
+                result.tail = head
+            else
+                result.tail = current.prev
+            end
+            result.height = height
+            result.depth  = depth
+        end
+        head   = current
+        height = 0
+        depth  = 0
+        skip   = 0
+        if column == nofcolumns then
+            column = 0 -- nicer in trace
+            rest = head
+-- lasthead = head
+            return false
+        else
+            column = column + 1
+            result = results[column]
+            current = discardtopglue(current,discarded)
+            head = current
+-- lasthead = head
+            return true
+        end
+    end
+    local function checked(advance)
+        local total = skip + height + depth + advance
+        local delta = total - target
+        if trace_detail then
+            local currentcolumn = column
+            local state
+            if delta > threshold then
+                result.delta = delta
+                if gotonext() then
+                    state = "next"
+                else
+                    state = "quit"
+                end
+            else
+                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))
+            end
+            return state
+        else
+            if delta > threshold then
+                result.delta = delta
+                if gotonext() then
+                    return "next"
+                else
+                    return "quit"
+                end
+            else
+                return "same"
+            end
+        end
+    end
+    current = discardtopglue(current,discarded)
+    head = current
+    while current do
+        local id = current.id
+        local nxt = current.next
+        if id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
+            local nxtid = nxt and nxt.id
+            local inserts, currentskips, nextskips, inserttotal = nil, 0, 0, 0
+            local advance = current.height -- + current.depth
+            if nxt and (nxtid == insert_code or nxtid == mark_code) then
+                nxt, inserts, localskips, insertskips, inserttotal = collectinserts(result,nxt,nxtid)
+            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)
+            end
+            if state == "quit" then
+                break
+            else
+                height = height + depth + skip + advance + inserttotal
+                if state == "next" then
+                    height = height + nextskips
+                else
+                    height = height + currentskips
+                end
+            end
+            depth = current.depth
+            skip  = 0
+            if inserts then
+                appendinserts(result.inserts,inserts)
+            end
+        elseif id == glue_code then
+            local advance = current.spec.width
+            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)
+                end
+                if state == "quit" then
+                    break
+                end
+                height = height + depth + skip
+                depth  = 0
+                skip   = height > 0 and advance or 0
+            end
+        elseif id == kern_code then
+            local advance = current.kern
+            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)
+                end
+                if state == "quit" then
+                    break
+                end
+                height = height + depth + skip + advance
+                depth  = 0
+                skip   = 0
+            end
+        elseif id == penalty_code then
+            local penalty = current.penalty
+            if penalty == 0 then
+                -- don't bother
+            elseif penalty == forcedbreak then
+                if gotonext() then
+                    if trace_state then
+                        report_state("cycle: %s, forced column break (same page)",cycle)
+                    end
+                else
+                    if trace_state then
+                        report_state("cycle: %s, forced column break (next page)",cycle)
+                    end
+                    break
+                end
+            else
+                -- club and widow and such i.e. resulting penalties (if we care)
+            end
+        end
+        if nxt then
+            current = nxt
+        elseif head == lasthead then
+--             if trace_state then
+--                 report_state("quit as head is lasthead")
+--             end
+--             break
+        else
+            local r = results[column]
+            r.head   = head
+            r.tail   = current
+            r.height = height
+            r.depth  = depth
+            break
+        end
+    end
+    if not current then
+        if trace_state then
+            report_state("nilling rest")
+        end
+        rest = nil
+     elseif rest == lasthead then
+        if trace_state then
+            report_state("nilling rest as rest is lasthead")
+        end
+        rest = nil
+    end
+
+    if stripbottom then
+        local height = stripbottomglue(results,discarded)
+        if height > 0 then
+            target = height
+        end
+    end
+
+    specification.results        = results
+    specification.height         = target
+    specification.originalheight = originalheight
+    specification.originalwidth  = originalwidth
+    specification.originalhead   = originalhead
+    specification.targetheight   = target or 0
+    specification.rest           = rest
+    specification.overflow       = overflow
+    specification.discarded      = discarded
+
+    texbox[specification.box].head = nil
+
+    return specification
+end
+
+function mixedcolumns.finalize(result)
+    if result then
+        local results = result.results
+        for i=1,result.nofcolumns do
+            local r = results[i]
+            local h = r.head
+            if h then
+                h.prev = nil
+                local t = r.tail
+                if t then
+                    t.next = nil
+                else
+                    h.next = nil
+                    r.tail = h
+                end
+                for c, list in next, r.inserts do
+                    local t = { }
+                    for i=1,#list do
+                        local l = list[i]
+                        local h = new_hlist()
+                        t[i] = h
+                        h.head = l.head
+                        h.height = l.height
+                        h.depth = l.depth
+                        l.head = nil
+                    end
+                    t[1].prev  = nil -- needs checking
+                    t[#t].next = nil -- needs checking
+                    r.inserts[c] = t
+                end
+            end
+        end
+    end
+end
+
+local splitruns = 0
+
+local function report_deltas(result,str)
+    local t = { }
+    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," | "))
+end
+
+function mixedcolumns.setsplit(specification)
+    splitruns = splitruns + 1
+    if trace_state then
+        report_state("split run %s",splitruns)
+    end
+    local result = setsplit(specification)
+    if result then
+        if result.overflow then
+            if trace_state then
+                report_deltas(result,"overflow")
+            end
+            -- we might have some rest
+        elseif result.rest and specification.balance == v_yes then
+            local step = specification.step or 65536*2
+            local cycle = 1
+            local cycles = specification.cycles or 100
+            while result.rest and cycle <= cycles do
+                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))
+                end
+                cycle = cycle + 1
+                specification.cycle = cycle
+            end
+            if cycle > cycles then
+                report_deltas(result,"too many balancing cycles")
+            elseif trace_state then
+                report_deltas(result,"balanced")
+            end
+        elseif trace_state then
+            report_deltas(result,"done")
+        end
+        return result
+    elseif trace_state then
+        report_state("no result")
+    end
+end
+
+local topskip_code      = gluecodes.topskip
+local baselineskip_code = gluecodes.baselineskip
+
+function mixedcolumns.getsplit(result,n)
+    if not result then
+        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)
+    end
+    local h = r.head
+    if not h then
+        return new_glue(result.originalwidth)
+    end
+
+    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))
+        else
+            report_state("flush, column: %s, head node: %s",n,nodecodes[id])
+        end
+    end
+
+    h.prev = nil -- move up
+    local strutht    = result.strutht
+    local strutdp    = result.strutdp
+    local lineheight = strutht + strutdp
+
+    local v = new_vlist()
+    v.head = h
+
+ -- local v = vpack(h,"exactly",height)
+
+    v.width  = result.originalwidth
+    if result.alternative == v_global then -- option
+        result.height = result.maxheight
+    end
+    v.height = lineheight * math.ceil(result.height/lineheight) - strutdp
+    v.depth  = strutdp
+
+    for c, list in next, r.inserts do
+    --     tex.setbox("global",c,vpack(nodes.concat(list)))
+    --     tex.setbox(c,vpack(nodes.concat(list)))
+        texbox[c] = vpack(nodes.concat(list))
+        r.inserts[c] = nil
+    end
+    return v
+end
+
+function mixedcolumns.getrest(result)
+    local rest = result and result.rest
+    result.rest = nil -- to be sure
+    return rest
+end
+
+function mixedcolumns.getlist(result)
+    local originalhead = result and result.originalhead
+    result.originalhead = nil -- to be sure
+    return originalhead
+end
+
+function mixedcolumns.cleanup(result)
+    local discarded = result.discarded
+    for i=1,#discarded do
+        freenode(discarded[i])
+    end
+end
+
+-- interface --
+
+local result
+
+function commands.mixsetsplit(specification)
+    if result then
+        for k, v in next, specification do
+            result[k] = v
+        end
+        result = mixedcolumns.setsplit(result)
+    else
+        result = mixedcolumns.setsplit(specification)
+    end
+end
+
+function commands.mixgetsplit(n)
+    if result then
+        context(mixedcolumns.getsplit(result,n))
+    end
+end
+
+function commands.mixfinalize()
+    if result then
+        mixedcolumns.finalize(result)
+    end
+end
+
+function commands.mixflushrest()
+    if result then
+        context(mixedcolumns.getrest(result))
+    end
+end
+
+function commands.mixflushlist()
+    if result then
+        context(mixedcolumns.getlist(result))
+    end
+end
+
+function commands.mixstate()
+    context(result and result.rest and 1 or 0)
+end
+
+function commands.mixcleanup()
+    if result then
+        mixedcolumns.cleanup(result)
+        result = nil
+    end
+end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/page-mix.mkiv b/tex/context/base/page-mix.mkiv
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..58bc24f33
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tex/context/base/page-mix.mkiv
@@ -0,0 +1,754 @@
+%D \module
+%D   [       file=page-mix,
+%D        version=2012.07.12,
+%D          title=\CONTEXT\ Page Macros,
+%D       subtitle=Mixed Columns,
+%D         author=Hans Hagen,
+%D           date=\currentdate,
+%D      copyright={PRAGMA ADE \& \CONTEXT\ Development Team}]
+%C
+%C This module is part of the \CONTEXT\ macro||package and is
+%C therefore copyrighted by \PRAGMA. See mreadme.pdf for
+%C details.
+
+\writestatus{loading}{ConTeXt Page Macros / Mixed Columns}
+
+%D This is a very experimental module. Eventually it will replace the current
+%D multi column mechanism (that then will be an instance). The \LUA\ part of
+%D the interface will quite probably change so don't use that one directly
+%D (yet).
+
+% todo:
+%
+% consult note class
+% notes per page
+% notes in each column
+% notes in last column
+% notes local/global
+% top and bottom inserts
+% wide floats
+% move floats
+
+% luatex buglet:
+%
+% \ctxlua{tex.setbox("global",0,node.hpack(nodes.pool.glyph("a",font.current())))}\box0
+
+\registerctxluafile{page-mix}{1.001}
+
+\unprotect
+
+%D The mixed output routine replaces the traditional multi column handler that
+%D started out in \MKII. One of the complications of a routine is that it needs
+%D to align nicely when mixed in a single column layout. Instead of using all
+%D kind of shift juggling in this mechanism we simply switch to grid mode
+%D locally. After all, columns don't look nice when not on a grid. As the grid
+%D snapper in \MKIV\ is more advanced not that much extra code is needed.
+
+%D We use the command handler but the parent settings are not to be changed.
+%D Instead we could have used a dedicated root setup, but it's not worth the
+%D trouble.
+
+\installcorenamespace{mixedcolumns}
+
+\def\s!mixedcolumn{mixedcolumn}
+
+\installframedcommandhandler \??mixedcolumns {mixedcolumns} \??mixedcolumns
+
+\setupmixedcolumns
+  [\c!distance=1.5\bodyfontsize,
+   \c!n=\plustwo,
+  %\c!rule=\v!none,
+   \c!frame=\v!off,
+   \c!strut=\v!no,
+   \c!offset=\v!overlay,
+   \c!alternative=\v!local,
+   \c!maxheight=\textheight,
+   \c!maxwidth=\makeupwidth,
+   \c!step=.25\lineheight, % needs some experimenting
+   \c!method=\ifinner\s!box\else\s!otr\fi] % automatic as suggested by WS
+
+\let\startmixedcolumns\relax % defined later
+\let\stopmixedcolumns \relax % defined later
+
+\appendtoks
+    \setuevalue{\e!start\currentmixedcolumns}{\startmixedcolumns[\currentmixedcolumns]}%
+    \setuevalue{\e!stop \currentmixedcolumns}{\stopmixedcolumns}%
+\to \everydefinemixedcolumns
+
+%D In order to avoid a mixup we use quite some local registers.
+
+\newdimen      \d_page_mix_column_width
+\newdimen      \d_page_mix_max_height
+\newdimen      \d_page_mix_max_width
+\newdimen      \d_page_mix_distance
+\newcount      \c_page_mix_n_of_columns
+\newdimen      \d_page_mix_threshold
+\newdimen      \d_page_mix_leftskip
+\newdimen      \d_page_mix_rightskip
+
+\newdimen      \d_page_mix_balance_step
+\setnewconstant\c_page_mix_balance_cycles   500
+
+\setnewconstant\c_page_mix_break_forced    -123
+
+\newbox        \b_page_mix_preceding
+\newdimen      \d_page_mix_preceding_height
+
+\newbox        \b_page_mix_collected
+
+\newconstant   \c_page_mix_routine
+
+\setnewconstant\c_page_mix_routine_regular  \zerocount
+\setnewconstant\c_page_mix_routine_intercept\plusone
+\setnewconstant\c_page_mix_routine_continue \plustwo
+\setnewconstant\c_page_mix_routine_balance  \plusthree
+\setnewconstant\c_page_mix_routine_error    \plusfour
+
+%D The main environment is called as follows:
+%D
+%D \starttyping
+%D \startmixedcolumns[instance][settings]
+%D \startmixedcolumns[instance]
+%D \startmixedcolumns[settings]
+%D \stoptyping
+%D
+%D However, best is not to use this one directly but define an instance and
+%D use that one.
+
+% % For the moment only on my machine:
+%
+% \definemixedcolumns
+%   [\v!columns]
+%
+% \unexpanded\def\setupcolumns
+%   {\setupmixedcolumns[\v!columns]}
+
+%D In itemizations we also need columns, so let's define a apecial instance
+%D for them. These need to work well in situations like this:
+%D
+%D \starttyping
+%D \input zapf
+%D
+%D \startnarrower
+%D     \startitemize[columns,two,packed][before=,after=]
+%D         \dorecurse{10}{\startitem item #1 \stopitem}
+%D     \stopitemize
+%D \stopnarrower
+%D
+%D \input zapf
+%D
+%D \startnarrower
+%D     \startitemize[columns,two][before=,after=]
+%D         \dorecurse{10}{\startitem item #1 \stopitem}
+%D     \stopitemize
+%D \stopnarrower
+%D
+%D \input zapf
+%D
+%D \startnarrower
+%D     \startitemize[columns,two]
+%D         \dorecurse{10}{\startitem item #1 \stopitem}
+%D     \stopitemize
+%D \stopnarrower
+%D
+%D \input zapf
+%D \stoptyping
+
+\ifdefined\s!itemgroupcolumns \else \def\s!itemgroupcolumns{itemgroupcolumns} \fi
+
+\definemixedcolumns
+  [\s!itemgroupcolumns]
+  [\c!n=\itemgroupparameter\c!n,
+   \c!rule=\v!off,
+   \c!balance=\v!yes]
+
+\unexpanded\def\strc_itemgroups_start_columns
+  {\startmixedcolumns[\s!itemgroupcolumns]} % we could have a fast one
+
+\unexpanded\def\strc_itemgroups_stop_columns
+  {\stopmixedcolumns}
+
+%D The mixed output routine can be in different states. First we need to intercept
+%D the already present content. This permits mixed single and multi column usage.
+%D Then we have the continuous routine, one that intercepts pages in sequence.
+%D Finally, when we finish the mixed columns mode, we can (optionally) balance the
+%D last page.
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_mix_command_routine
+  {\ifcase\c_page_mix_routine
+     \page_one_command_routine
+   \or
+     \page_mix_routine_intercept
+   \or
+     \page_mix_routine_continue
+   \or
+     \page_mix_routine_balance
+   \or
+     \page_mix_routine_error
+   \fi}
+
+%D The interceptor is quite simple, at least for the moment.
+
+\def\page_mix_routine_intercept
+  {\global\setbox\b_page_mix_preceding\vbox
+     {\page_otr_command_flush_top_insertions
+      \unvbox\normalpagebox}}
+
+%D The error routine is there but unlikely to be called. It is a left-over from
+%D the traditional routine that might come in handy some day.
+
+\def\page_mix_routine_error
+  {\showmessage\m!columns3\empty
+   \page_otr_construct_and_shipout\unvbox\normalpagebox}
+
+%D Some settings (and actions) depend on the current output routine and setting the
+%D hsize and vsize is among them. The calculation of the hsize is done elsewhere.
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_mix_command_set_hsize
+  {\hsize\d_page_mix_column_width}
+
+%D When setting the vsize we make sure that we collect a few more lines than needed
+%D so that we have enough to split over the columns. Collecting too much is somewhat
+%D tricky as they will spill over to the next page.
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_mix_command_set_vsize
+  {\vsize\dimexpr\c_page_mix_n_of_columns\textheight+\c_page_mix_n_of_columns\lineheight\relax
+   \pagegoal\vsize}
+
+%D As we use \LUA\ there is the usual amount of tracing at that end. At the tex end
+%D we only visualize boxes.
+
+\let\page_mix_hbox\hbox
+\let\page_mix_vbox\vbox
+
+\installtextracker
+  {mixedcolumns.boxes}
+  {\let\page_mix_hbox\ruledhbox
+   \let\page_mix_vbox\ruledvbox}
+  {\let\page_mix_hbox\hbox
+   \let\page_mix_vbox\vbox}
+
+%D We provide a few column break options. Interesting is that while forcing a new
+%D column in the traditional mechanism was a pain, here it works quite well.
+
+\installcolumnbreakmethod \s!mixedcolumn \v!preference
+  {\goodbreak}
+
+\installcolumnbreakmethod \s!mixedcolumn \v!yes
+  {\penalty\c_page_mix_break_forced\relax}
+
+%D As we operate in grid snapping mode, we use a dedicated macro to enable this
+%D mechamism.
+
+\def\page_mix_enable_grid_snapping
+  {\gridsnappingtrue
+   \setsystemmode\v!grid
+   \spac_grids_snap_value_set\v!yes}
+
+%D Between columns there is normally just spacing unless one enforces a rule.
+%D
+%D \starttyping
+%D \input zapf
+%D
+%D \startnarrower
+%D   \startmixedcolumns[n=2,background=color,backgroundcolor=red,rulethickness=1mm,rulecolor=green,separator=rule]
+%D     \input zapf
+%D   \stopmixedcolumns
+%D \stopnarrower
+%D
+%D \input zapf
+%D \stoptyping
+
+\installcorenamespace{mixedcolumnsseparator}
+
+\setvalue{\??mixedcolumnsseparator\v!rule}%
+  {\starttextproperties
+   \usemixedcolumnscolorparameter\c!rulecolor
+   \vrule\!!width\mixedcolumnsparameter\c!rulethickness
+   \stoptextproperties}
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_mix_command_inject_separator
+  {\bgroup
+   \hss
+   \csname\??mixedcolumnsseparator\mixedcolumnsparameter\c!separator\endcsname
+   \hss
+   \egroup}
+
+%D We've now arrived at the real code. The start command mostly sets up the
+%D environment and variables that are used in the splitter. One of the last
+%D things happening at the start is switching over to the mixed continuous
+%D routine.
+
+\installcorenamespace{mixedcolumnsbefore}
+\installcorenamespace{mixedcolumnsstart}
+\installcorenamespace{mixedcolumnsstop}
+\installcorenamespace{mixedcolumnsafter}
+
+%D For practical reasons there is always a first argument needed that
+%D indicates the class.
+%D
+%D \starttyping
+%D \startmixedcolumns[n=3,alternative=global]
+%D   \dorecurse{200}{Zomaar wat #1 met een footnote\footnote{note #1}. }
+%D \stopmixedcolumns
+%D \stoptyping
+
+\unexpanded\def\startmixedcolumns
+  {\dodoubleempty\page_mix_start_columns}
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_mix_start_columns
+  {\pushmacro\currentmixedcolumns
+   \pushmacro\currentmixedcolumnsmethod
+   \ifsecondargument
+     \singleexpandafter\page_mix_start_columns_a
+   \else\iffirstargument
+     \doubleexpandafter\page_mix_start_columns_b
+   \else
+     \doubleexpandafter\page_mix_start_columns_c
+   \fi\fi}
+
+\def\page_mix_start_columns_a[#1][#2]%
+  {\edef\currentmixedcolumns{#1}%
+   \edef\currentmixedcolumnsmethod{\mixedcolumnsparameter\c!method}%
+   \mixedcolumnsparameter\c!before\relax
+   \csname\??mixedcolumnsbefore\currentmixedcolumnsmethod\endcsname\relax
+   \begingroup
+   \setupcurrentmixedcolumns[#2]%
+   \page_mix_initialize_columns
+   \csname\??mixedcolumnsstart\currentmixedcolumnsmethod\endcsname}
+
+\def\page_mix_start_columns_b[#1][#2]%
+  {\doifassignmentelse{#1}%
+     {\let\currentmixedcolumns\empty
+      \page_mix_error_b}
+     {\edef\currentmixedcolumns{#1}%
+      \firstargumentfalse}%
+   \edef\currentmixedcolumnsmethod{\mixedcolumnsparameter\c!method}%
+   \mixedcolumnsparameter\c!before\relax % so, it doesn't list to local settings !
+   \csname\??mixedcolumnsbefore\currentmixedcolumnsmethod\endcsname\relax
+   \begingroup
+   \iffirstargument
+     \setupcurrentmixedcolumns[#1]%
+   \fi
+   \page_mix_initialize_columns
+   \csname\??mixedcolumnsstart\currentmixedcolumnsmethod\endcsname} % no \relax
+
+\def\page_mix_error_b
+  {\writestatus\m!columns{best use an instance of mixed columns}}
+
+\def\page_mix_start_columns_c[#1][#2]%
+  {\let\currentmixedcolumns\empty
+   \edef\currentmixedcolumnsmethod{\mixedcolumnsparameter\c!method}%
+   \mixedcolumnsparameter\c!before\relax
+   \csname\??mixedcolumnsbefore\currentmixedcolumnsmethod\endcsname\relax
+   \begingroup
+   \page_mix_initialize_columns
+   \csname\??mixedcolumnsstart\currentmixedcolumnsmethod\endcsname}
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_mix_fast_columns_start#1%
+  {\pushmacro\currentmixedcolumns
+   \pushmacro\currentmixedcolumnsmethod
+   \edef\currentmixedcolumns{#1}%
+   \edef\currentmixedcolumnsmethod{\mixedcolumnsparameter\c!method}%
+   \mixedcolumnsparameter\c!before\relax % so, it doesn't list to local settings !
+   \csname\??mixedcolumnsbefore\currentmixedcolumnsmethod\endcsname\relax
+   \begingroup
+   \page_mix_initialize_columns
+   \csname\??mixedcolumnsstart\currentmixedcolumnsmethod\endcsname} % no \relax
+
+%D When we stop, we switch over to the balancing routine. After we're done we
+%D make sure to set the sizes are set, a somewhat redundant action when we
+%D already have flushed but better be safe.
+
+\unexpanded\def\stopmixedcolumns
+  {\csname\??mixedcolumnsstop \currentmixedcolumnsmethod\endcsname % no \relax
+   \endgroup
+   \csname\??mixedcolumnsafter\currentmixedcolumnsmethod\endcsname\relax
+   \mixedcolumnsparameter\c!after\relax
+   \popmacro\currentmixedcolumnsmethod
+   \popmacro\currentmixedcolumns}
+
+\let\page_mix_fast_columns_stop\stopmixedcolumns
+
+%D This is how the fast one is used:
+
+\unexpanded\def\strc_itemgroups_start_columns
+  {\page_mix_fast_columns_start\s!itemgroupcolumns}
+
+\let\strc_itemgroups_stop_columns\page_mix_fast_columns_stop
+
+%D The common initialization:
+
+\def\page_mix_initialize_columns
+  {\page_mix_enable_grid_snapping
+   %
+   \holdinginserts\maxdimen
+   %
+   \d_page_mix_distance    \mixedcolumnsparameter\c!distance
+   \c_page_mix_n_of_columns\mixedcolumnsparameter\c!n
+   \d_page_mix_max_height  \mixedcolumnsparameter\c!maxheight
+   \d_page_mix_max_width   \mixedcolumnsparameter\c!maxwidth
+   \d_page_mix_balance_step\mixedcolumnsparameter\c!step
+   %
+   \d_page_mix_max_width\dimexpr\d_page_mix_max_width-\leftskip-\rightskip\relax
+   \d_page_mix_leftskip \leftskip
+   \d_page_mix_rightskip\rightskip
+   \leftskip \zeropoint
+   \rightskip\zeropoint
+   %
+   \d_page_mix_threshold\zeropoint
+   %
+   \d_page_mix_column_width\dimexpr(\d_page_mix_max_width-\d_page_mix_distance*\numexpr(\c_page_mix_n_of_columns-\plusone)\relax)/\c_page_mix_n_of_columns\relax
+   %
+   \usemixedcolumnscolorparameter\c!color
+   %
+   \nofcolumns\c_page_mix_n_of_columns} % public
+
+%D The otr method related hooks are defined next:
+
+% \setvalue{\??mixedcolumnsbefore\s!otr}%
+%   {\par
+%    \ifdim\pagetotal=\zeropoint \else
+%      \verticalstrut     % probably no longer needed
+%      \vskip-\struttotal % probably no longer needed
+%    \fi}
+
+\newcount\c_page_mix_otr_nesting
+
+\setvalue{\??mixedcolumnsbefore\s!otr}%
+  {\par
+   \global\advance\c_page_mix_otr_nesting\plusone
+   \ifcase\c_page_mix_otr_nesting\or
+     \ifdim\pagetotal=\zeropoint \else
+       \obeydepth % we could handle this in pre material
+     \fi
+   \fi}
+
+\setvalue{\??mixedcolumnsstart\s!otr}%
+  {\ifcase\c_page_mix_otr_nesting\or
+     \setupoutputroutine[\s!mixedcolumn]%
+     \c_page_mix_routine\c_page_mix_routine_intercept
+     \page_otr_trigger_output_routine
+     \global\d_page_mix_preceding_height\ht\b_page_mix_preceding
+     \c_page_mix_routine\c_page_mix_routine_continue
+     %
+     \page_mix_command_set_vsize
+     \page_mix_command_set_hsize
+   \fi}
+
+\setvalue{\??mixedcolumnsstop\s!otr}%
+  {\par
+   \ifcase\c_page_mix_otr_nesting\or
+     \c_page_mix_routine\c_page_mix_routine_balance
+     \page_otr_trigger_output_routine
+   \fi}
+
+\setvalue{\??mixedcolumnsafter\s!otr}%
+  {\ifcase\c_page_mix_otr_nesting\or
+     \prevdepth\strutdp
+     \page_otr_command_set_vsize
+     \page_otr_command_set_hsize
+   \fi
+   \global\advance\c_page_mix_otr_nesting\minusone}
+
+%D The splitting and therefore balancing is done at the \LUA\ end. This gives
+%D more readable code and also makes it easier to deal with insertions like
+%D footnotes. Eventually we will have multiple strategies available.
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_mix_routine_construct#1%
+  {\ctxcommand{mixsetsplit {
+       box         = \number\b_page_mix_collected,
+       nofcolumns  = \number\c_page_mix_n_of_columns,
+       maxheight   = \number\d_page_mix_max_height,
+       step        = \number\d_page_mix_balance_step,
+       cycles      = \number\c_page_mix_balance_cycles,
+       preheight   = \number\d_page_mix_preceding_height,
+       prebox      = \number\b_page_mix_preceding,
+       strutht     = \number\strutht,
+       strutdp     = \number\strutdp,
+       threshold   = \number\d_page_mix_threshold,
+       balance     = "#1",
+       alternative = "\mixedcolumnsparameter\c!alternative",
+   }}%
+   \deadcycles\zerocount}
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_mix_routine_package
+  {\ctxcommand{mixfinalize()}%
+   \setbox\b_page_mix_collected\vbox \bgroup
+     \ifvoid\b_page_mix_preceding \else
+       \box\b_page_mix_preceding
+       \global\d_page_mix_preceding_height\zeropoint
+       \nointerlineskip
+     \fi
+     \hskip\d_page_mix_leftskip
+     \page_mix_hbox to \d_page_mix_max_width \bgroup
+       \letmixedcolumnsparameter\c!strut\v!no
+       % maybe use \c_page_mix_used_of_columns
+       \dorecurse\c_page_mix_n_of_columns {%
+         \inheritedmixedcolumnsframed{\page_mix_command_package_column}%
+         \ifnum\recurselevel<\c_page_mix_n_of_columns
+           \page_mix_command_inject_separator
+         \fi
+       }%
+     \egroup
+   \egroup}
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_mix_command_package_column
+  {\page_mix_hbox to \d_page_mix_column_width \bgroup
+     % maybe intercept empty
+     \ctxcommand{mixgetsplit(\recurselevel)}%
+     \hskip-\d_page_mix_column_width
+     \page_mix_hbox to \d_page_mix_column_width \bgroup
+       \placenoteinserts
+       \hss
+     \egroup
+   \egroup}
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_mix_routine_continue
+  {\bgroup
+   \forgetall
+   \dontcomplain
+   \setbox\b_page_mix_collected\vbox{\unvbox\normalpagebox}% brrr we need to make a tight box (combine this in lua)
+   \page_mix_routine_construct\v!no
+   \page_mix_routine_package
+   \page_otr_construct_and_shipout\box\b_page_mix_collected
+   \ctxcommand{mixflushrest()}%
+   \ctxcommand{mixcleanup()}%
+   \egroup}
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_mix_routine_balance
+  {\bgroup
+   \forgetall
+   \dontcomplain
+   \setbox\b_page_mix_collected\vbox{\unvbox\normalpagebox}% brrr we need to make a tight box (combine this in lua)
+   \doloop
+     {%writestatus\m!columns{construct continue (\the\htdp\b_page_mix_collected)}%
+      \page_mix_routine_construct\v!no
+      \ifcase\ctxcommand{mixstate()}\relax
+        % 0 = okay, we can balance
+        \setbox\b_page_mix_collected\vbox{\ctxcommand{mixflushlist()}}% we could avoid this
+        %writestatus\m!columns{construct balance}%
+        \page_mix_routine_construct\v!yes
+        \page_mix_routine_package
+        \c_page_mix_routine\c_page_mix_routine_regular
+      % \setupoutputroutine[\s!singlecolumn]%
+        \page_otr_command_set_vsize
+        \page_otr_command_set_hsize
+        \par
+        %writestatus\m!columns{flush balance}%
+        \box\b_page_mix_collected
+        \par
+        \nointerlineskip
+        \prevdepth\strutdp
+        \ctxcommand{mixflushrest()}% rubish
+        \ctxcommand{mixcleanup()}%   rubish
+        \exitloop
+      \or
+        % 1 = we have stuff left, so flush and rebalance
+        %writestatus\m!columns{flush continue}%
+        \page_mix_routine_package
+        \page_otr_construct_and_shipout\box\b_page_mix_collected
+        \setbox\b_page_mix_collected\vbox{\ctxcommand{mixflushrest()}}% we could avoid this
+        \ctxcommand{mixcleanup()}%
+        \ifdim\ht\b_page_mix_collected=\zeropoint
+            \exitloop
+        \fi
+      \fi}%
+   \egroup}
+
+%D We also implement a variant compatible with the so called simple columns
+%D mechanism:
+%D
+%D \starttyping
+%D \startboxedcolumns
+%D   \input zapf
+%D \stopboxedcolumns
+%D \stoptyping
+%D
+%D This is a rather mininimalistic variant.
+
+% Maybe we also need a variant with obeydepth before and prevdepth after so
+% that we get a nice spacing.
+
+\definemixedcolumns
+  [boxedcolumns]
+  [\c!balance=\v!yes,
+   \c!n=2,
+   \c!method=\s!box,
+   \c!strut=\v!yes,
+   \c!maxwidth=\availablehsize]
+
+%D Boxed columns can be used nested:
+%D
+%D \starttyping
+%D \setupmixedcolumns
+%D   [boxedcolumns]
+%D   [n=2,
+%D    background=color,
+%D    backgroundcolor=darkred,
+%D    color=white,
+%D    backgroundoffset=1mm]
+%D
+%D \definemixedcolumns
+%D   [nestedboxedcolumns]
+%D   [boxedcolumns]
+%D   [n=2,
+%D    background=color,
+%D    backgroundcolor=white,
+%D    color=darkred,
+%D    strut=yes,
+%D    backgroundoffset=0mm]
+%D
+%D \startboxedcolumns
+%D     \input zapf \par \input ward \par \obeydepth
+%D     \startnestedboxedcolumns
+%D         \input zapf
+%D     \stopnestedboxedcolumns
+%D     \par \input zapf \par \obeydepth
+%D     \startnestedboxedcolumns
+%D         \input zapf
+%D     \stopnestedboxedcolumns
+%D     \par \input zapf
+%D \stopboxedcolumns
+%D \stoptyping
+
+%D Next we define the hooks:
+
+\letvalue{\??mixedcolumnsbefore\s!box}\donothing
+\letvalue{\??mixedcolumnsafter \s!box}\donothing
+
+\setvalue{\??mixedcolumnsstart\s!box}%
+  {\edef\p_page_mix_strut{\mixedcolumnsparameter\c!strut}%
+   \setbox\b_page_mix_collected\vbox\bgroup
+     \let\currentoutputroutine\s!mixedcolumn % makes \column work
+     \forgetall
+     \page_mix_command_set_hsize
+     \ifx\p_page_mix_strut\v!yes
+       \begstrut
+       \ignorespaces
+     \fi}
+
+\setvalue{\??mixedcolumnsstop\s!box}%
+  {\ifx\p_page_mix_strut\v!yes
+     \removeunwantedspaces
+     \endstrut
+   \fi
+   \egroup
+   \page_mix_box_balance}
+
+%D The related balancer is only a few lines:
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_mix_box_balance
+  {\bgroup
+   \dontcomplain
+   \page_mix_routine_construct\v!yes
+   \page_mix_routine_package
+   \dontleavehmode\box\b_page_mix_collected
+   \ctxcommand{mixflushrest()}%
+   \ctxcommand{mixcleanup()}%
+   \egroup}
+
+%D As usual, floats complicates matters and this is where experimental code
+%D starts.
+
+\let\page_mix_command_package_contents\page_one_command_package_contents
+\let\page_mix_command_flush_float_box \page_one_command_flush_float_box
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_mix_command_check_if_float_fits
+  {\ifpostponecolumnfloats
+     \global\setfalse\c_page_floats_room
+   \else\ifconditional\c_page_floats_not_permitted
+     \global\setfalse\c_page_floats_room
+   \else
+%        \bgroup
+%        \getcolumnstatus{\count255}{\dimen0}{\dimen2}%
+%        \page_floats_get_info\s!text
+%        \setbox\scratchbox\vbox % tricky met objecten ?
+%          {\blank[\rootfloatparameter\c!spacebefore]
+%           \snaptogrid\vbox{\vskip\floatheight}}% copy?
+%        \advance\dimen0\dimexpr\ht\scratchbox+2\openlineheight+.5\lineheight\relax\relax % needed because goal a bit higher
+%        \ifdim\dimen0>\dimen2
+%          \global\setfalse\c_page_floats_room
+%    \else
+      \global\settrue\c_page_floats_room
+   \fi
+   \ifdim\floatwidth>\hsize
+     \showmessage\m!columns{11}\empty
+     \global\setfalse\c_page_floats_room
+   \fi}
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_mix_command_flush_floats
+  {\page_one_command_flush_floats}
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_mix_command_flush_saved_floats
+  {\page_one_command_flush_saved_floats}
+
+% \unexpanded\def\page_mix_command_flush_top_insertions
+%   {\page_one_command_flush_top_insertions}
+
+% \unexpanded\def\page_mix_place_float_top
+%   {\showmessage\m!columns4\empty\page_one_place_float_here}
+
+% \unexpanded\def\page_mix_place_float_bottom
+%   {\showmessage\m!columns5\empty\page_one_place_float_here}
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_mix_place_float_here
+  {\page_one_place_float_here}
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_mix_place_float_force
+  {\page_one_place_float_force}
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_mix_command_side_float_output       % hm
+  {\page_otr_construct_and_shipout\unvbox\normalpagebox}
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_mix_command_synchronize_side_floats % hm
+  {\page_sides_forget_floats}
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_mix_command_flush_side_floats
+  {\page_sides_forget_floats}
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_mix_command_next_page
+  {\page_otr_eject_page}
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_mix_command_next_page_and_inserts
+  {\page_otr_eject_page_and_flush_inserts}
+
+%D We need to hook some handlers into the output routine and we define
+%D a dedicated one:
+
+\defineoutputroutine
+  [\s!mixedcolumn]
+  [\s!page_otr_command_routine                =\page_mix_command_routine,
+   \s!page_otr_command_package_contents       =\page_mix_command_package_contents,
+   \s!page_otr_command_set_vsize              =\page_mix_command_set_vsize,
+   \s!page_otr_command_set_hsize              =\page_mix_command_set_hsize,
+   \s!page_otr_command_next_page              =\page_mix_command_next_page,
+   \s!page_otr_command_next_page_and_inserts  =\page_mix_command_next_page_and_inserts,
+ % \s!page_otr_command_synchronize_hsize      =\page_mix_command_synchronize_hsize,
+ % \s!page_otr_command_set_top_insertions     =\page_mix_command_set_top_insertions,
+ % \s!page_otr_command_set_bottom_insertions  =\page_mix_command_set_bottom_insertions,
+ % \s!page_otr_command_flush_top_insertions   =\page_mix_command_flush_top_insertions,
+ % \s!page_otr_command_flush_bottom_insertions=\page_mix_command_flush_bottom_insertions,
+ % \s!page_otr_command_set_float_hsize        =\page_mix_command_set_float_hsize,
+   \s!page_otr_command_check_if_float_fits    =\page_mix_command_check_if_float_fits,
+   \s!page_otr_command_flush_float_box        =\page_mix_command_flush_float_box,
+   \s!page_otr_command_synchronize_side_floats=\page_mix_command_synchronize_side_floats,
+   \s!page_otr_command_side_float_output      =\page_mix_command_side_float_output,
+   \s!page_otr_command_flush_floats           =\page_mix_command_flush_floats,
+   \s!page_otr_command_flush_side_floats      =\page_mix_command_flush_side_floats,
+   \s!page_otr_command_flush_saved_floats     =\page_mix_command_flush_saved_floats
+ % \s!page_otr_command_flush_margin_blocks    =\page_mix_command_flush_margin_blocks, % not used
+  ]
+
+%D Only a few float placement options are supported:
+
+\installfloatmethod \s!mixedcolumn  \v!here   \page_mix_place_float_here
+\installfloatmethod \s!mixedcolumn  \v!force  \page_mix_place_float_force
+\installfloatmethod \s!mixedcolumn  \v!top    \page_mix_place_float_top
+\installfloatmethod \s!mixedcolumn  \v!bottom \page_mix_place_float_bottom
+
+\installfloatmethod \s!mixedcolumn  \v!local  \somelocalfloat
+
+%D It ends here.
+
+\protect \endinput
diff --git a/tex/context/base/page-mul.mkiv b/tex/context/base/page-mul.mkiv
index ba6343e6d..00075633a 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/page-mul.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/page-mul.mkiv
@@ -11,45 +11,29 @@
 %C therefore copyrighted by \PRAGMA. See mreadme.pdf for
 %C details.
 
+% todo: basecolumns as parent for columns and itemize
+
 % !!! there are some issues with hsize an vsize as well as flushing
 % !!! floats but this module will be redone anyway
 
 \writestatus{loading}{ConTeXt Page Macros / Simple Multi Column}
 
-%D This module is mostly a copy from the original multi column
-%D routine as implemented in \type {core-mul}. When the main
-%D OTR macro's were isolated in modules and column sets were
-%D introduced, this module became part of the OTR modules. As
-%D a result this module is no longer generic. It also needs
-%D an overhaul.
+%D This module is mostly a copy from the original multi column routine as
+%D implemented in \type {core-mul}. When the main OTR macro's were
+%D isolated in modules and column sets were introduced, this module became
+%D part of the OTR modules. As a result this module is no longer generic.
 
 \unprotect
 
-\definesystemvariable {kl}   % KoLommen
 \definesystemvariable {ks}   % KolomSpan
 
-\unexpanded\def\page_mul_command_side_float_output
-  {\page_otr_construct_and_shipout\unvbox\normalpagebox}
-
-\unexpanded\def\page_mul_command_flush_side_floats
-  {\page_sides_forget_floats}
-
-\unexpanded\def\page_mul_command_synchronize_side_floats
-  {\page_sides_forget_floats}
-
-\unexpanded\def\page_mul_command_next_page
-  {\page_otr_eject_page}
-
-\unexpanded\def\page_mul_command_next_page_and_inserts
-  {\page_otr_eject_page_and_flush_inserts}
-
 % check \count<insert> multiplications
 
 %D The following macro's implement a multi||column output routine. The original
 %D implementation was based on Donald Knuth's implementation, which was adapted by
 %D Craig Platt to support balancing of the last page. I gradually adapted Platt's
 %D version to our needs but under certain circumstances things still went wrong. I
-%D considered all calls to Platt's \type{\balancingerror} as undesirable.
+%D considered all calls to Platt's \type{\page_mul_routine_error} as undesirable.
 %D
 %D This completely new implementation can handle enough situations for everyday
 %D documents, but is still far from perfect. While at the moment the routine doesn't
@@ -58,7 +42,7 @@
 %D \startitemize[packed]
 %D \item  an unlimitted number of columns
 %D \item  ragged or not ragged bottoms
-%D \item  optional balancing without \type{\balancingerrors}
+%D \item  optional balancing without \type{\page_mul_routine_errors}
 %D \item  different \type{\baselineskips}, \type{\spacing}, \type {\topskip} and
 %D        \type {\maxdepth}
 %D \item  left- and right indentation, e.g. within lists
@@ -72,83 +56,146 @@
 %D special case of multi||columns is posible but at the cost of worse float
 %D handling, worse page breaking, worse etc. Complicated multi||column page handling
 %D should be done in \cap{DTP}||systems anyway.
-%D
-%D There are three commands provided for entering and leaving multi||column mode and
-%D for going to the next column:
-%D
-%D \interface \type{\beginmulticolumns} \\ \\
-%D \interface \type{\endmulticolumns}   \\ \\
-%D \interface \type{\ejectcolumn}       \\ \\
 
-\def\finalcolumntextwidth   {\makeupwidth}
-\def\finalcolumntextheight  {\textheight}
-\def\columntextwidth        {\makeupwidth}
-\def\columntextheight       {\textheight}
-\def\usercolumnwidth        {\textwidth}
-\def\columntextoffset       {\!!zeropoint}
+\installcorenamespace {columns}
+
+\installcommandhandler \??columns {columns} \??columns
+
+%D Going to a new columns is done by means of a \type {\ejectcolumn}. The
+%D following definition does not always work.
+
+    \unexpanded\def\ejectcolumn % not good enough
+      {\goodbreak
+       \showmessage\m!columns2\empty}
 
-\def\fixedcolumnheight      {\textheight}
-\def\betweencolumns         {\hskip\bodyfontsize}
+%D The output routines plug into a more generic mechanism as can be seen at the
+%D end of this file. So, occasionally we need to define some plugin code.
 
-\let\setcolumnfloats        \relax % in CONTEXT used for floats
-\let\flushcolumnfloats      \relax % in CONTEXT used for floats
-\let\flushcolumnfloat       \relax % in CONTEXT used for floats
-\let\finishcolumnbox        \relax % in CONTEXT used for backgrounds
+\unexpanded\def\page_mul_place_float_top
+  {\showmessage\m!columns4\empty\page_one_place_float_here}
 
-%D Both macros are redefined in \CONTEXT\ when backgrounds are applied to
-%D columns. The final values are used when flushing the columns.
+\unexpanded\def\page_mul_place_float_bottom
+  {\showmessage\m!columns5\empty\page_one_place_float_here}
 
-%D It's more convenient to use \type {\columnwidth} instead of messing around
-%D with boxes each time.
+\unexpanded\def\page_mul_place_float_here
+  {\page_one_place_float_here}
 
-\newdimen\columnwidth
-\newdimen\gutterwidth
+\unexpanded\def\page_mul_place_float_force
+  {\page_one_place_float_force}
 
-\def\determinecolumnwidth
+\unexpanded\def\page_mul_command_side_float_output
+  {\page_otr_construct_and_shipout\unvbox\normalpagebox}
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_mul_command_flush_side_floats
+  {\page_sides_forget_floats}
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_mul_command_synchronize_side_floats
+  {\page_sides_forget_floats}
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_mul_command_next_page
+  {\page_otr_eject_page}
+
+\unexpanded\def\page_mul_command_next_page_and_inserts
+  {\page_otr_eject_page_and_flush_inserts}
+
+\let\page_mul_initialize_floats\relax
+\let\page_mul_flush_floats     \relax
+\let\page_mul_flush_float      \relax
+
+%D A hook:
+
+    \let\finishcolumnbox\relax
+
+%D This will change to a local one:
+
+\ifdefined\nofcolumns \else \newcount\nofcolumn \fi
+\ifdefined\mofcolumns \else \newcount\mofcolumn \fi
+
+\appendtoks
+    \nofcolumns\columnsparameter\c!n\relax
+\to \everysetupcolumns
+
+%D Columns are separated by spacing or rules or whatever suits.
+
+\installcorenamespace{columnseparators}
+
+\setvalue{\??columnseparators\v!on     }{\let\page_mul_between_columns\page_mul_between_columns_rule}
+\setvalue{\??columnseparators\v!off    }{\let\page_mul_between_columns\page_mul_between_columns_space}
+\setvalue{\??columnseparators          }{\let\page_mul_between_columns\page_mul_between_columns_space}
+\setvalue{\??columnseparators\s!unknown}{\let\page_mul_between_columns\p_page_mul_rule}
+
+\def\page_mul_between_columns_rule
   {\bgroup
-   \setbox\scratchbox\hbox
-     {\page_mul_command_set_hsize
-      \global\columnwidth\usercolumnwidth
-      \global\gutterwidth\intercolumnwidth}%
+   \starttextproperties
+   \scratchdistance\dimexpr\columnsparameter\c!distance/2\relax
+   \hskip\scratchdistance\relax
+   \vrule
+     \!!width\linewidth
+     \ifnum\bottomraggednessmode=\plustwo % baselinebottom
+       \!!depth\strutdepth
+     \fi
+   \hskip\scratchdistance\relax
+   \stoptextproperties
    \egroup}
 
-%D Going to a new columns is done by means of a \type {\ejectcolumn}. The
-%D following definition does not always work.
+\def\page_mul_between_columns_space
+  {\hskip\columnsparameter\c!distance\relax}
 
-\def\ejectcolumn
-  {\goodbreak
-   \showmessage\m!columns2\empty}
+\let\page_mul_between_columns\page_mul_between_columns_space
 
-\def\balancingerror
-  {\showmessage\m!columns3\empty
-   \page_otr_construct_and_shipout\unvbox\normalpagebox}
+%D We declare some registers:
+
+\newdimen      \d_page_mul_available_width
+\newdimen      \d_page_mul_distance
+\newdimen      \d_page_mul_leftskip
+\newdimen      \d_page_mul_rightskip
+\newdimen      \d_page_mul_offset
+\newdimen      \d_page_mul_forced_height
+\newdimen      \d_page_mul_used_width
+\newdimen      \d_page_mul_temp
+
+\newcount      \c_page_mul_balance_minimum
+\newcount      \c_page_mul_n_of_lines
+
+\newbox        \b_page_mul_preceding
+\newdimen      \d_page_mul_preceding_height
+\newconditional\c_page_mul_preceding_present
+
+\newbox        \b_page_mul_preceding_rest_of_page
 
-\def\page_mul_place_float_top   {\showmessage\m!columns4\empty\page_one_place_float_here}
-\def\page_mul_place_float_bottom{\showmessage\m!columns5\empty\page_one_place_float_here}
-\def\page_mul_place_float_here  {\page_one_place_float_here}
-\def\page_mul_place_float_force {\page_one_place_float_force}
+\newconditional\c_page_mul_reverse
 
-%D The local column width is available in the dimension register \type
-%D {\localcolumnwidth}, which is calculated as:
+\newconditional\c_page_mul_trace
+
+%D The next dimensions reports the final column height .. todo
+
+    \newdimen\finalcolumnheights
+    \newcount\finalcolumnlines
+
+    \newdimen\savedpagetotal % brrr
+
+    \newif\ifstretchcolumns       \stretchcolumnsfalse
+    \newif\ifheightencolumns      \heightencolumnsfalse
+    \newif\ifinheritcolumns       \inheritcolumnsfalse
+    \newif\ifbalancecolumns       %\balancecolumnstrue
+
+%D An important one:
 
 \unexpanded\def\page_mul_command_set_hsize % beware, this one is available for use in macros
-  {\setbox\scratchbox\hbox{\parindent\zeropoint\betweencolumns}%
-   \intercolumnwidth\wd\scratchbox
-   \localcolumnwidth\columntextwidth
-   \advance\localcolumnwidth -\leftskip
-   \advance\localcolumnwidth -\rightskip
-   % new
-   \advance\localcolumnwidth -\colleftskip
-   \advance\localcolumnwidth -\colrightskip
-   %
-   \advance\localcolumnwidth -\nofcolumns\intercolumnwidth
-   \advance\localcolumnwidth  \intercolumnwidth
-   \divide \localcolumnwidth  \nofcolumns
-   \scratchdimen\columntextoffset
-   \multiply\scratchdimen \plustwo
-   \advance\localcolumnwidth -\scratchdimen
-   \usercolumnwidth\localcolumnwidth
-   \hsize\localcolumnwidth} % we don't do it \global
+  {\setbox\scratchbox\hbox{\page_mul_between_columns}%
+   \d_page_mul_distance\wd\scratchbox
+   \d_page_mul_available_width\dimexpr
+      \makeupwidth
+     -\d_page_mul_leftskip
+     -\d_page_mul_rightskip
+     -\nofcolumns\d_page_mul_distance
+     +\d_page_mul_distance
+   \relax
+   \d_page_mul_used_width\dimexpr
+      \d_page_mul_available_width/\nofcolumns
+     -\d_page_mul_offset*\plustwo
+   \relax
+   \hsize\d_page_mul_used_width}
 
 %D Torture test:
 %D
@@ -219,122 +266,79 @@
 %D in||between material, these dimensions are influenced by bodyfont switches inside
 %D multi||column mode.
 
-\newdimen\mcscratchdimen
-\newcount\nofcolumnlines
+\setnewconstant\multicolumnlinemethod\zerocount % 0=normal 1=raw
 
-\setnewconstant\multicolumnlinemethod\plusone % 0: overshoot (old default), 1: tight
+\def\multicolumnovershootratio{.5} % {\ifgridsnapping0\else.5\fi}
 
-\def\getmulticolumnlines
-  {\mcscratchdimen-\columntextoffset
-   \multiply\mcscratchdimen \plustwo
-   \advance\mcscratchdimen \columntextheight
-   \ifdim\precolumnboxheight>\zeropoint
-      \advance\mcscratchdimen -\precolumnboxheight
-   \fi
-   \settotalinsertionheight
-   \advance\mcscratchdimen -\totalinsertionheight
-   \ifcase\multicolumnlinemethod \getnoflines\mcscratchdimen
-   \or                           \getrawnoflines\mcscratchdimen
-   \else                         \getrawnoflines\mcscratchdimen
+\unexpanded\def\page_mul_set_n_of_lines
+  {\settotalinsertionheight
+   \d_page_mul_temp\dimexpr
+     -\d_page_mul_offset*\plustwo
+     +\textheight
+      \ifdim\d_page_mul_preceding_height>\zeropoint -\d_page_mul_preceding_height \fi
+     -\totalinsertionheight
+   \relax
+   \ifcase\multicolumnlinemethod
+     \getnoflines   \d_page_mul_temp \or
+     \getrawnoflines\d_page_mul_temp \else
+     \getrawnoflines\d_page_mul_temp
    \fi
    % added 30/7/2004
    \ifnum\layoutlines>\zerocount \ifnum\noflines>\layoutlines
      \noflines\layoutlines
    \fi \fi
-   \nofcolumnlines\noflines}
-
-\def\multicolumnovershootratio{.5} % {\ifgridsnapping0\else.5\fi}
+   \c_page_mul_n_of_lines\noflines}
 
 \unexpanded\def\page_mul_command_set_vsize
   {\page_one_command_set_vsize % indeed?
-   \getmulticolumnlines
-   \mcscratchdimen\nofcolumnlines\openlineheight
-   \advance\mcscratchdimen \multicolumnovershootratio\openlineheight % collect enough data
-   \global\vsize\nofcolumns\mcscratchdimen
-   \global\pagegoal\vsize} % let's do it only here
+   \page_mul_set_n_of_lines
+   \d_page_mul_temp\nofcolumns\dimexpr
+      \c_page_mul_n_of_lines\openlineheight
+     +\multicolumnovershootratio\openlineheight % collect enough data
+   \relax
+   \global\vsize   \d_page_mul_temp
+   \global\pagegoal\d_page_mul_temp} % let's do it only here
 
 %D It really starts here. After some checks and initializations we change the output
 %D routine to continous multi||column mode. This mode handles columns that fill the
 %D current and next full pages. The method used is (more or less) multiplying \type
 %D {\vsize} and dividing \type {\hsize} by \type {\nofcolumns}. More on this can be
 %D found in the \TeX book. We save the top of the current page in box
-%D \type{\precolumnbox}.
+%D \type {\b_page_mul_preceding}.
 %D
 %D We manipulate \type {\topskip} a bit, just to be shure that is has no
 %D flexibility. This has te be done every time a font switch takles place, because
-%D \type{\topskip} can depend on this.
+%D \type {\topskip} can depend on this.
 
 \newconstant\c_page_mul_routine
 
-\setnewconstant\c_page_mul_routine_regular    \zerocount
-\setnewconstant\c_page_mul_routine_intercept  \plusone
-\setnewconstant\c_page_mul_routine_continuous \plustwo
-\setnewconstant\c_page_mul_routine_balanced   \plusthree
-\setnewconstant\c_page_mul_routine_error      \plusfour
+\setnewconstant\c_page_mul_routine_regular   \zerocount
+\setnewconstant\c_page_mul_routine_intercept \plusone
+\setnewconstant\c_page_mul_routine_continue  \plustwo
+\setnewconstant\c_page_mul_routine_balance   \plusthree
+\setnewconstant\c_page_mul_routine_error     \plusfour
 
 \unexpanded\def\page_mul_command_routine
   {\ifcase\c_page_mul_routine
      \page_one_command_routine
    \or
-     \interceptmulticolumnsout
+     \page_mul_routine_intercept
    \or
-     \continuousmulticolumnsout
+     \page_mul_routine_continue
    \or
-     \balancedmulticolumnsout
+     \page_mul_routine_balance
    \or
-     \balancingerror
+     \page_mul_routine_error
    \fi}
 
-\def\interceptmulticolumnsout
-  {\global\setbox\precolumnbox\vbox
-     {\page_otr_command_flush_top_insertions\unvbox\normalpagebox}}
+\def\page_mul_routine_intercept
+  {\global\setbox\b_page_mul_preceding\vbox
+     {\page_otr_command_flush_top_insertions
+      \unvbox\normalpagebox}}
 
-\def\beginmulticolumns
-  {\par
-   \flushnotes
-   \xdef\precolumndepth{\the\prevdepth}%
-   \begingroup
-   % new
-   \leftskip1\leftskip
-   \rightskip1\rightskip
-   \edef\colleftskip {\the\leftskip}%
-   \edef\colrightskip{\the\rightskip}%
-   \leftskip\zeropoint
-   \rightskip\zeropoint
-   %
-  %\setcolumntextwidth\relax
-  %\setcolumntextheight\relax
-   \widowpenalty\zerocount % is gewoon beter
-   \clubpenalty \zerocount % zeker bij grids
-   \page_floats_column_push_saved
-   \dimen0\dimexpr\pagetotal+\parskip+\openlineheight\relax
-   \ifdim\dimen0<\pagegoal
-     \allowbreak
-   \else
-     \break % Sometimes fails
-   \fi
-   \appendtoks\topskip1\topskip\to\everybodyfont
-   \the\everybodyfont % ugly here
-   \saveinterlinespace % ugly here
-   \initializecolumns\nofcolumns
-   \hangafter\zerocount
-   \hangindent\zeropoint
-   \reseteverypar
-   \ifdim\pagetotal=\zeropoint \else
-     \verticalstrut
-     \vskip-\struttotal
-   \fi
-   \global\savedpagetotal\pagetotal
-   \setupoutputroutine[\s!multicolumn]%
-   \c_page_mul_routine\c_page_mul_routine_intercept
-   \page_otr_trigger_output_routine % no \holdinginserts=1, can make footnote disappear !
-   \global\precolumnboxheight\ht\precolumnbox
-   \c_page_mul_routine\c_page_mul_routine_continuous
-   \setcolumnfloats
-   \dohandleallcolumns{\global\setbox\currenttopcolumnbox\emptybox}%
-   \checkbegincolumnfootnotes
-   \page_otr_command_set_hsize
-   \page_otr_command_set_vsize}
+\def\page_mul_routine_error
+  {\showmessage\m!columns3\empty
+   \page_otr_construct_and_shipout\unvbox\normalpagebox}
 
 %D When we leave the multi||column mode, we have to process the not yet shipped out
 %D part of the columns. When we don't balance, we simply force a continuous output,
@@ -345,160 +349,150 @@
 %D macro's. It takes some reasoning to find out what happens and maybe I'm making
 %D some mistake, but it works.
 %D
-%D Voiding box \type {\precolumnbox} is sometimes necessary, e.g. when there is no
+%D Voiding box \type {\b_page_mul_preceding} is sometimes necessary, e.g. when there is no
 %D text given between \type {\begin..} and \type {\end..}. The \type {\par} is
 %D needed!
 
-\setnewconstant\multicolumnendsyncmethod\plusone % 1: old sync 2: new sync (cont-loc/project) / may fail ! ! ! !
-
-\def\endmulticolumns
-  {%\par
-   \ifnum\multicolumnendsyncmethod=\plustwo
-     \synchronizeoutput
-   \else
-     % don't combine these
-     \vskip\lineheight
-     \vskip-\lineheight % take footnotes into account
-   \fi
-   \doflushcolumnfloat  % added recently
-  %\doflushcolumnfloats % no, since it results in wrong top floats
-   \flushnotes          % before start of columns
-   \par
-   \ifbalancecolumns
-     \ifnum\multicolumnendsyncmethod=\plusone
-       \c_page_mul_routine\c_page_mul_routine_continuous
-       \goodbreak
-     \fi
-     \c_page_mul_routine\c_page_mul_routine_balanced
-   \else
-     \goodbreak
-   \fi
-   % still the multi column routine
-   \page_otr_trigger_output_routine % the prevdepth is important, try e.g. toclist in
-   \prevdepth\zeropoint % columns before some noncolumned text text
-   %
-   \c_page_mul_routine\c_page_mul_routine_regular
-%    \page_otf_set_engine_output_routine{\singlecolumnout}%
-%    \page_otf_set_engine_output_routine{\page_otr_triggered_output_routine}%
-   %
-   \ifvoid\precolumnbox\else
-     \unvbox\precolumnbox
-   \fi
-   \global\precolumnboxheight\zeropoint
-   \endgroup % here
-   \nofcolumns\plusone
-   \page_otr_command_set_vsize % the outer vsize (NEEDS CHECKING)
-   \synchronizeoutput % new may 2004 / we need to: \pagegoal\vsize
-   \checkendcolumnfootnotes
-   \dosomebreak\allowbreak
-   \page_floats_column_pop_saved}
-
 %D Because some initializations happen three times, we defined a macro for
 %D them. Erasing \type{\everypar} is needed because we don't want anything
 %D to interfere.
 
-\def\setmulticolumnsout
+\unexpanded\def\page_mul_initialize_variables
   {\reseteverypar
    \dontcomplain
    \settopskip
    \setmaxdepth
-   \topskip1\topskip
-   \splittopskip\topskip
-   \splitmaxdepth\maxdepth
-   \boxmaxdepth\maxdepth % dangerous
-   \emergencystretch\zeropoint\relax} % sometimes needed !
+   \topskip        1\topskip
+   \splittopskip    \topskip
+   \splitmaxdepth   \maxdepth
+   \boxmaxdepth     \maxdepth % dangerous
+   \emergencystretch\zeropoint
+   \relax} % sometimes needed !
 
 %D Flushing the page comes to pasting the columns together and appending the result
-%D to box \type {\precolumnbox}, if not void. I've seen a lot of implementations in
+%D to box \type {\b_page_mul_preceding}, if not void. I've seen a lot of implementations in
 %D which some skip was put between normal text and multi||column text. When we don't
 %D want this, the baselines can be messed up. I hope the seemingly complicated
 %D calculation of a correction \type {\kern} is adequate to overcome this. Although
 %D not watertight, spacing is taken into account and even multiple mode changes on
 %D one page go well. But cross your fingers and don't blame me.
 %D
-%D One of the complications of flushing out the boxes is that \type {\precolumnbox}
+%D One of the complications of flushing out the boxes is that \type {\b_page_mul_preceding}
 %D needs to be \type {\unvbox}'ed, otherwise there is too less flexibility in the
 %D page when using \type {\raggedbottom}. It took a lot of time before these kind of
 %D problems were overcome. Using \type {\unvbox} at the wrong moment can generate
-%D \type {\balancingerror}'s.
+%D \type {\page_mul_routine_error}'s.
 %D
 %D One can use the macros \type {\maxcolumnheight} and \type {\maxcolumndepth} when
 %D generating material between columns as well as postprocessing column lines.
 
-\let\maxcolumnheight=\zeropoint
-\let\maxcolumndepth =\zeropoint
+\newdimen\maxcolumnheight
+\newdimen\maxcolumndepth
 
 \newbox\columnpagebox
 
-\def\setmaxcolumndimensions
-  {\let\maxcolumnheight\!!zeropoint
-   \let\maxcolumndepth \!!zeropoint
-   \dohandleallcolumns
-     {\ifdim\ht\currentcolumnbox>\maxcolumnheight
-        \edef\maxcolumnheight{\the\ht\currentcolumnbox}%
-      \fi
-      \ifdim\dp\currentcolumnbox>\maxcolumndepth
-        \edef\maxcolumndepth{\the\dp\currentcolumnbox}%
-      \fi}}
+\def\page_mul_calculate_column_result_dimensions
+  {\maxcolumnheight\zeropoint
+   \maxcolumndepth \zeropoint
+   \dohandleallcolumnscs\page_mul_calculate_column_result_dimensions_step}
+
+\def\page_mul_calculate_column_result_dimensions_step
+  {\ifdim\ht\currentcolumnbox>\maxcolumnheight
+     \maxcolumnheight\ht\currentcolumnbox
+   \fi
+   \ifdim\dp\currentcolumnbox>\maxcolumndepth
+     \maxcolumndepth\dp\currentcolumnbox
+   \fi}
 
 \setnewconstant\multicolumntopflushmethod\plusone % 0: no correction, 1: correction when topstuff, 2: correction, 3: correction++
 \setnewconstant\multicolumntopalignmethod\plustwo % 0: nothing, 1: force grid, 2: follow grid
 
-\def\flushprecolumnboxnogrid
-  {\unvbox\precolumnbox}
-
-\def\flushprecolumnboxongrid
-  {\scratchdimen\savedpagetotal
-   \advance\scratchdimen -\ht\precolumnbox
-   \advance\scratchdimen -\dp\precolumnbox
-   \advance\scratchdimen -\topskip
-   \box\precolumnbox
+\def\page_mul_flush_preceding_normal
+  {\unvbox\b_page_mul_preceding}
+
+\def\page_mul_flush_preceding_ongrid
+  {\scratchdimen\dimexpr
+     \savedpagetotal
+    -\ht\d_page_mul_preceding_height
+    -\dp\d_page_mul_preceding_depth
+    -\topskip
+   \relax
+   \box\b_page_mul_preceding
    \kern\scratchdimen}
 
-\newconditional\someprecolumncontent
+\def\page_mul_flush_packaged_columns_continued
+  {\bgroup
+   \page_mul_flush_packaged_columns_indeed
+   \box\columnpagebox
+   \egroup}
 
-\def\flushcolumnedpage#1%
+\def\page_mul_flush_packaged_columns_balanced
   {\bgroup
-   \ifvoid\precolumnbox
-     \setfalse\someprecolumncontent % will be set elsewhere
+   \page_mul_flush_packaged_columns_indeed
+   % messy correction, we need to rewrite this module (newcolumns)
+   \setbox\columnpagebox\vbox
+     {\offinterlineskip
+      \scratchdimen\ht\columnpagebox
+      \advance\scratchdimen\dp\columnpagebox % we probably lost that one already
+      \box\columnpagebox
+      \vskip-\scratchdimen}%
+   \scratchdimen\noflines\openlineheight
+   \advance\scratchdimen-\openstrutdepth
+   \ifgridsnapping
+      % quick hack (at least it works with itemize)
+   \else
+     \advance\scratchdimen-\openlineheight
+     \advance\scratchdimen\topskip
+   \fi
+   \ht\columnpagebox\scratchdimen
+   \dp\columnpagebox\openstrutdepth
+   % end of mess
+   \box\columnpagebox
+   \egroup}
+
+\def\page_mul_flush_packaged_columns_indeed
+  {\ifvoid\b_page_mul_preceding
+     \setfalse\c_page_mul_preceding_present % will be set elsewhere
    \else
-     \settrue\someprecolumncontent
-     \page_postprocessors_box\precolumnbox
+     \settrue\c_page_mul_preceding_present
+     \page_postprocessors_box\b_page_mul_preceding
    \fi
    \forgetall
-   \setmulticolumnsout
-   \setmaxcolumndimensions
+   \page_mul_initialize_variables
+   \page_mul_calculate_column_result_dimensions
+   \page_mul_postprocess_linenumbers
    \dohandleallcolumns
      {\page_postprocessors_column\currentcolumnbox}%
    \dohandleallcolumns
      {\page_marks_synchronize_column\plusone\nofcolumns\mofcolumns\currentcolumnbox}%
-   \postprocesscolumns
+   \page_mul_postprocess_lines
+   \page_mul_postprocess_columns
    \dohandleallcolumns
-     {\global\setbox\currentcolumnbox\hbox to \localcolumnwidth
+     {\global\setbox\currentcolumnbox\hbox to \d_page_mul_used_width
         {\box\currentcolumnbox}%
-      \wd\currentcolumnbox\localcolumnwidth
+      \wd\currentcolumnbox\d_page_mul_used_width
       \ifheightencolumns
-        \ht\currentcolumnbox\fixedcolumnheight
+        \ht\currentcolumnbox\d_page_mul_forced_height
       \fi}%
-   \setmaxcolumndimensions
+   \page_mul_calculate_column_result_dimensions
    \overlaycolumnfootnotes
    \setbox\columnpagebox\vbox
-     {\hbox to \finalcolumntextwidth
-        {\hskip\colleftskip\relax % new, \relax needed
-         \ifreversecolumns
-           \@EA\dohandlerevcolumns
+     {\hbox to \makeupwidth
+        {\hskip\d_page_mul_leftskip\relax % new, \relax needed
+         \ifconditional\c_page_mul_reverse
+           \expandafter\dohandlerevcolumns
          \else
-           \@EA\dohandleallcolumns
+           \expandafter\dohandleallcolumns
          \fi
            {\finishcolumnbox
               {\setbox\scratchbox\hbox
                  {\ifx\finishcolumnbox\relax\else\strut\fi
-                  \strut\box\currentcolumnbox}%
+                  \box\currentcolumnbox}% hm, why strut
                \anch_mark_column_box\scratchbox
                \box\scratchbox}%
             \hfil}%
          \unskip
-         \hskip\colrightskip}}% new
+         \hskip\d_page_mul_rightskip}}% new
    \scratchdimen\zeropoint
    \dohandleallcolumns
      {\ifdim-\ht\currenttopcolumnbox<\scratchdimen
@@ -506,31 +500,31 @@
       \fi
       \global\setbox\currenttopcolumnbox\emptybox}%
    \advance\scratchdimen \ht\columnpagebox
-   \setbox\scratchbox\hbox to \columntextwidth
+   \setbox\scratchbox\hbox to \makeupwidth
      {\vrule
         \!!width\zeropoint
         \!!height\scratchdimen
         \!!depth\dp\columnpagebox
-      \dostepwiserecurse2\nofcolumns1{\hfil\betweencolumns}\hfil}%
+      \dostepwiserecurse\plustwo\nofcolumns\plusone{\hfil\page_mul_between_columns}\hfil}%
    \setbox\columnpagebox\hbox
      {\box\columnpagebox
-      \hskip-\columntextwidth
+      \hskip-\makeupwidth
       \box\scratchbox}%
-   \postprocesscolumnpagebox % new, acts upon \box\columnpagebox
-   \ifconditional\someprecolumncontent
-     \settrue\someprecolumncontent
+   \page_mul_postprocess_page
+   \ifconditional\c_page_mul_preceding_present
+     \settrue\c_page_mul_preceding_present
      % next some incredible crappy code
      \ifcase\multicolumntopalignmethod
-       \flushprecolumnboxnogrid % not on grid
+       \page_mul_flush_preceding_normal % not on grid
      \or
-       \flushprecolumnboxongrid % force on grid
-     \else\ifgridsnapping % somehow this junk fails in pascal
-       \flushprecolumnboxongrid % obey grid settings, force on grid
+       \page_mul_flush_preceding_ongrid % force on grid
+     \else\ifgridsnapping
+       \page_mul_flush_preceding_ongrid % obey grid settings, force on grid
      \else
-       \flushprecolumnboxnogrid % ignore grid settings, not on grid
+       \page_mul_flush_preceding_normal % ignore grid settings, not on grid
      \fi \fi
    \fi
-   \global\precolumnboxheight\zeropoint
+   \global\d_page_mul_preceding_height\zeropoint
    \page_otr_command_set_vsize
    \dosomebreak\nobreak % hm, only needed when topstuff
    \ifgridsnapping
@@ -540,7 +534,7 @@
        % when we run into it again
      \or
        % \input tufte \startcolumns \showbaselines \input tufte \stopcolumns \input tufte
-       \ifconditional\someprecolumncontent
+       \ifconditional\c_page_mul_preceding_present
         %          \scratchdimen\topskip
         %          \advance\scratchdimen -\openstrutheight
         %          \nointerlineskip
@@ -573,29 +567,7 @@
    \dp\columnpagebox\zeropoint
    \global\finalcolumnheights\ht\columnpagebox
    \getnoflines\finalcolumnheights
-   \global\finalcolumnlines\noflines
-   \ifcase#1\else
-     % messy correction, we need to rewrite this module (newcolumns)
-     \setbox\columnpagebox\vbox
-       {\offinterlineskip
-        \scratchdimen\ht\columnpagebox
-        \advance\scratchdimen\dp\columnpagebox % we probably lost that one already
-        \box\columnpagebox
-        \vskip-\scratchdimen}%
-     \scratchdimen\noflines\openlineheight
-     \advance\scratchdimen-\openstrutdepth
-     \ifgridsnapping
-        % quick hack (at least it works with itemize)
-     \else
-       \advance\scratchdimen-\openlineheight
-       \advance\scratchdimen\topskip
-     \fi
-     \ht\columnpagebox\scratchdimen
-     \dp\columnpagebox\openstrutdepth
-     % end of mess
-   \fi
-   \box\columnpagebox
-   \egroup}
+   \global\finalcolumnlines\noflines}
 
 %D In case one didn't notice, finaly \type{\finishcolumnbox} is applied to
 %D all boxes. One can use these hooks for special purposes.
@@ -639,51 +611,55 @@
 %D
 %D {\getbuffer}
 %D
-%D This feature is implemented using the reshape macros
-%D presented in \type{supp-box}.
-
-\def\postprocesscolumns
-  {\ifx\postprocesscolumnline\undefined \else
-     \dohandleallcolumns
-       {\global\setbox\currentcolumnbox\vtop
-          {\beginofshapebox
-           \unvbox\currentcolumnbox
-           \unskip\unskip
-           \endofshapebox
-           \reshapebox
-             {\dimen0\ht\shapebox
-              \dimen2\dp\shapebox
-              \setbox\shapebox\hbox to \hsize
-                {\postprocesscolumnline\shapebox}%
-              \ht\shapebox\dimen0
-              \dp\shapebox\dimen2
-              \box\shapebox}%
-           \flushshapebox
-           \reseteverypar
-           \parskip\zeropoint % = \forgetall
-           \verticalstrut
-           \vskip-\struttotal
-           \vfil}}%
-   \fi
-   \ifx\postprocesscolumnbox\undefined \else
-     \dohandleallcolumns
-       {\global\setbox\currentcolumnbox\hbox
-          {\postprocesscolumnbox\currentcolumnbox}}
-   \fi}
-
-%D We default to doing nothing!
-
-\let\postprocesscolumnline   =\undefined
-\let\postprocesscolumnbox    =\undefined
-\let\postprocesscolumnpagebox=\relax
-
-%D \macros
-%D   {reversecolumnstrue}
-%D
-%D We can force the macro that takes care of combining the columns, to
-%D flush them in the revere order. Of course, by default we don't reverse.
-
-\newif\ifreversecolumns
+%D This feature is implemented using the reshape macros presented
+%D in \type{supp-box}.
+
+\ifdefined\page_postprocessors_column\else\let\page_postprocessors_column\relax\fi % operates on passed box
+\ifdefined\postprocesscolumnline     \else\let\postprocesscolumnline     \relax\fi % operates on passed box
+\ifdefined\postprocesscolumnbox      \else\let\postprocesscolumnbox      \relax\fi % operates on passed box
+\ifdefined\postprocesscolumnpagebox  \else\let\postprocesscolumnpagebox  \relax\fi % operates on passed box
+
+\def\page_mul_postprocess_linenumbers{\ifx\page_postprocessors_column\relax\else\page_mul_postprocess_linenumbers_indeed\fi}
+\def\page_mul_postprocess_lines      {\ifx\postprocesscolumnline     \relax\else\page_mul_postprocess_lines_indeed      \fi}
+\def\page_mul_postprocess_columns    {\ifx\postprocesscolumnbox      \relax\else\page_mul_postprocess_columns_indeed    \fi}
+\def\page_mul_postprocess_page       {\ifx\postprocesscolumnpagebox  \relax\else\page_mul_postprocess_page_indeed       \fi}
+
+\def\page_mul_postprocess_linenumbers_indeed
+  {\dohandleallcolumns{\page_postprocessors_column\currentcolumnbox}}
+
+\def\page_mul_postprocess_lines_indeed
+  {\dohandleallcolumnscs\page_mul_postprocess_lines_step}
+
+\def\page_mul_postprocess_lines_step % TODO: use lua solution instead
+   {\global\setbox\currentcolumnbox\vtop
+      {\beginofshapebox
+       \unvbox\currentcolumnbox
+       \unskip\unskip
+       \endofshapebox
+       \reshapebox
+         {\scratchheight\ht\shapebox
+          \scratchdepth \dp\shapebox
+          \setbox\shapebox\hbox to \hsize
+            {\postprocesscolumnline\shapebox}%
+          \ht\shapebox\scratchheight
+          \dp\shapebox\scratchdepth
+          \box\shapebox}%
+       \flushshapebox
+       \reseteverypar
+       \parskip\zeropoint % = \forgetall
+       \verticalstrut
+       \vskip-\struttotal
+       \vfil}}
+
+\def\page_mul_postprocess_columns_indeed
+  {\dohandleallcolumnscs\page_mul_postprocess_columns_step}
+
+\def\page_mul_postprocess_columns_step
+  {\global\setbox\currentcolumnbox\hbox
+     {\postprocesscolumnbox\currentcolumnbox}}
+
+\def\page_mul_postprocess_page_indeed
+  {\postprocesscolumnpagebox\columnpagebox}
 
 %D Here comes the simple splitting routine. It's a bit longer than expected because
 %D of ragging bottoms or not. This part can be a bit shorter but I suppose that I
@@ -693,46 +669,48 @@
 %D First we present some auxiliary routines. Any material, like for instance floats,
 %D that is already present in the boxes is preserved.
 
-\def\splitcolumn#1from \box#2to \dimen#3 top \box#4%
+\newdimen\d_page_mul_split_height_used
+\newdimen\d_page_mul_split_height_max
+
+\def\page_mul_split_column#1#2#3#4% copy or box
   {\bgroup
    \ifdim\ht#4>\zeropoint
-     \dimen0\dimen#3\relax
-     \dimen2\dimen0
-     \advance\dimen0 -\ht#4%
-     \columnfootnotecorrection{#1}{\dimen0}%
-     \setbox0\vsplit#2 to \dimen0
-     \global\setbox#1\vbox to \dimen2
+     \d_page_mul_split_height_used#3\relax
+     \d_page_mul_split_height_max\d_page_mul_split_height_used
+     \advance\d_page_mul_split_height_used -\ht#4%
+     \columnfootnotecorrection{#1}\d_page_mul_split_height_used
+     \setbox\scratchbox\vsplit#2 to \d_page_mul_split_height_used
+     \global\setbox#1\vbox to \d_page_mul_split_height_max
        {\ifgridsnapping
-          \dimen0-\openstrutheight
-          \advance\dimen0 \topskip
-          \vskip\dimen0\copy#4\vskip-\dimen0
+          \scratchdimen\dimexpr\topskip-\openstrutheight\relax
+          \vskip\scratchdimen
+          \copy#4%
+          \vskip-\scratchdimen
         \else
           \unvcopy#4%
         \fi
-        \fuzzysnappedbox\unvbox0
+        \fuzzysnappedbox\unvbox\scratchbox
         \fakecolumnfootnotes{#1}}%
+   \else\ifcase\c_strc_notes_page_location
+     \global\setbox#1\vsplit#2 to #3%
+     \global\setbox#1\vbox
+       {\fuzzysnappedbox\unvbox{#1}}% % or \box ?
    \else
-     \ifcase\c_strc_notes_page_location
-       \global\setbox#1\vsplit#2 to \dimen#3%
-       \global\setbox#1\vbox
-         {\fuzzysnappedbox\unvbox{#1}}% % or \box ?
-     \else
-       \columnfootnotecorrection{#1}{\dimen#3}%
-       \setbox0\vsplit#2 to \dimen#3%
-       \global\setbox#1\vbox to \dimen#3%
-         {\fuzzysnappedbox\unvbox0
-          \fakecolumnfootnotes{#1}}%
-     \fi
-   \fi
+     \columnfootnotecorrection{#1}{#3}%
+     \setbox\scratchbox\vsplit#2 to #3%
+     \global\setbox#1\vbox to #3%
+       {\fuzzysnappedbox\unvbox\scratchbox
+        \fakecolumnfootnotes{#1}}%
+   \fi \fi
    \egroup}
 
-\def\splitcurrentcolumn from \box#1to \dimen#2%
-  {\splitcolumn\currentcolumnbox from \box#1 to \dimen#2 top \box\currenttopcolumnbox}
+\def\page_mul_split_current_column#1#2%
+  {\page_mul_split_column\currentcolumnbox{#1}{#2}\currenttopcolumnbox}
 
-\def\splitfirstcolumn from \box#1to \dimen#2%
-  {\splitcolumn\firstcolumnbox from \box#1 to \dimen#2 top \box\firsttopcolumnbox}
+\def\page_mul_split_first_column#1#2%
+  {\page_mul_split_column\firstcolumnbox{#1}{#2}\firsttopcolumnbox}
 
-\def\splitlastcolumn from \box#1to \dimen#2%
+\def\page_mul_split_last_column#1#2%
   {\global\setbox\lastcolumnbox\vbox
      {\unvcopy\lasttopcolumnbox
       \fuzzysnappedbox\unvbox{#1}%
@@ -740,128 +718,130 @@
 
 %D NEW: still to be documented.
 
-\def\fakecolumnfootnotes#1%
-  {\relax
-   \ifcase\c_strc_notes_page_location\else
-     \ifnum#1=\lastcolumnbox
-       \fakenotes
-     \fi
-   \fi}
-
-\def\columnfootnotecorrection#1#2%
-  {\relax
-   \ifcase\c_strc_notes_page_location
-     % page notes
-   \or
-     \ifnum#1=\firstcolumnbox\relax
-       \calculatetotalclevernoteheight
-       \advance#2 -\totalnoteheight
-     \fi
-   \else
-     \ifnum#1=\lastcolumnbox\relax
-       \calculatetotalclevernoteheight
-       \advance#2 -\totalnoteheight
-     \fi
-   \fi}
-
-\def\overlaycolumnfootnotes
-  {\relax
-   \ifcase\c_strc_notes_page_location
-     % page
-   \or
-     \checknotepresence \ifnotespresent \page_mul_notes_flush_first_column \fi
-   \or
-     \checknotepresence \ifnotespresent \page_mul_notes_flush_last_column \fi
-   \fi}
-
-\newbox\b_page_mul_notes
-
-\def\page_mul_notes_flush_first_column
-  {\begingroup
-   \setbox\b_page_mul_notes\vbox{\placenoteinserts}%
-   \ifzeropt\ht\b_page_mul_notes
-     % can't happen as we already checked
-   \else
-     \getmulticolumnlines
-     \advance\nofcolumnlines \minustwo
-     \scratchdimen\dimexpr\nofcolumnlines\lineheight+\topskip\relax
-     \setbox\b_page_mul_notes\hbox{\lower\scratchdimen\box\b_page_mul_notes}%
-     \ht\b_page_mul_notes\openstrutheight
-     \dp\b_page_mul_notes\openstrutdepth
-     \wd\b_page_mul_notes\zeropoint
-     \scratchdimen\ht\firstcolumnbox
-     \global\setbox\firstcolumnbox\vbox to \scratchdimen
-       {\box\firstcolumnbox
-        \vskip-\scratchdimen
-        \box\b_page_mul_notes}%
-   \fi
-   \endgroup}
+    \def\fakecolumnfootnotes#1%
+      {\relax
+       \ifcase\c_strc_notes_page_location\else
+         \ifnum#1=\lastcolumnbox
+           \fakenotes
+         \fi
+       \fi}
+
+    \def\columnfootnotecorrection#1#2%
+      {\relax
+       \ifcase\c_strc_notes_page_location
+         % page notes
+       \or
+         \ifnum#1=\firstcolumnbox\relax
+           \calculatetotalclevernoteheight
+           \advance#2 -\totalnoteheight
+         \fi
+       \else
+         \ifnum#1=\lastcolumnbox\relax
+           \calculatetotalclevernoteheight
+           \advance#2 -\totalnoteheight
+         \fi
+       \fi}
+
+    \def\overlaycolumnfootnotes
+      {\relax
+       \ifcase\c_strc_notes_page_location
+         % page
+       \or
+         \checknotepresence \ifnotespresent \page_mul_notes_flush_first_column \fi
+       \or
+         \checknotepresence \ifnotespresent \page_mul_notes_flush_last_column \fi
+       \fi}
+
+    \newbox\b_page_mul_notes
+
+    \def\page_mul_notes_flush_first_column
+      {\begingroup
+       \setbox\b_page_mul_notes\vbox{\placenoteinserts}%
+       \ifzeropt\ht\b_page_mul_notes
+         % can't happen as we already checked
+       \else
+         \page_mul_set_n_of_lines
+         \advance\c_page_mul_n_of_lines \minustwo
+         \scratchdimen\dimexpr\c_page_mul_n_of_lines\lineheight+\topskip\relax
+         \setbox\b_page_mul_notes\hbox{\lower\scratchdimen\box\b_page_mul_notes}%
+         \ht\b_page_mul_notes\openstrutheight
+         \dp\b_page_mul_notes\openstrutdepth
+         \wd\b_page_mul_notes\zeropoint
+         \scratchdimen\ht\firstcolumnbox
+         \global\setbox\firstcolumnbox\vbox to \scratchdimen
+           {\box\firstcolumnbox
+            \vskip-\scratchdimen
+            \box\b_page_mul_notes}%
+       \fi
+       \endgroup}
 
-\def\page_mul_notes_flush_last_column
-  {\begingroup
-   \setbox\b_page_mul_notes\vbox{\placenoteinserts}%
-   \ifzeropt\ht\b_page_mul_notes
-     % can't happen as we already checked
-   \else
-     % maybe here also \getmulticolumnlines
-     \scratchdimen\dimexpr\ht\firstcolumnbox-\openstrutdepth\relax % \strutdp
-     \getnoflines\scratchdimen
-     \advance\noflines \minustwo
-     \scratchdimen\dimexpr\noflines\lineheight+\topskip\relax
-     \setbox\b_page_mul_notes\hbox{\lower\scratchdimen\box\b_page_mul_notes}%
-     \ht\b_page_mul_notes\openstrutheight
-     \dp\b_page_mul_notes\openstrutdepth
-     \wd\b_page_mul_notes\zeropoint
-     \scratchdimen\ht\lastcolumnbox
-     \global\setbox\lastcolumnbox\vbox to \scratchdimen
-       {\box\lastcolumnbox
-        \vskip-\scratchdimen
-        \box\b_page_mul_notes}%
-   \fi
-   \endgroup}
+    \def\page_mul_notes_flush_last_column
+      {\begingroup
+       \setbox\b_page_mul_notes\vbox{\placenoteinserts}%
+       \ifzeropt\ht\b_page_mul_notes
+         % can't happen as we already checked
+       \else
+         % maybe here also \page_mul_set_n_of_lines
+         \scratchdimen\dimexpr\ht\firstcolumnbox-\openstrutdepth\relax % \strutdp
+         \getnoflines\scratchdimen
+         \advance\noflines \minustwo
+         \scratchdimen\dimexpr\noflines\lineheight+\topskip\relax
+         \setbox\b_page_mul_notes\hbox{\lower\scratchdimen\box\b_page_mul_notes}%
+         \ht\b_page_mul_notes\openstrutheight
+         \dp\b_page_mul_notes\openstrutdepth
+         \wd\b_page_mul_notes\zeropoint
+         \scratchdimen\ht\lastcolumnbox
+         \global\setbox\lastcolumnbox\vbox to \scratchdimen
+           {\box\lastcolumnbox
+            \vskip-\scratchdimen
+            \box\b_page_mul_notes}%
+       \fi
+       \endgroup}
 
 %D Here comes the routine that splits the long box in columns. The macro \type
-%D {\flushcolumnfloats} can be used to flush either floats that were present before
+%D {\page_mul_flush_floats} can be used to flush either floats that were present before
 %D the multi||column mode was entered, or floats that migrate to next columns.
 %D Flushing floats is a delicate process.
 
-\def\continuousmulticolumnsout
+\def\page_mul_routine_continue
   {\bgroup
    \forgetall
-   \setmulticolumnsout
-%    \dimen0=\columntextheight
-%    \advance\dimen0 -\precolumnboxheight
-%    \settotalinsertionheight
-%    \advance\dimen0 -\totalinsertionheight
-%    \ifgridsnapping % evt altijd, nog testen
-%      \getnoflines{\dimen0}
-%      \dimen0=\noflines\openlineheight
-%    \fi
-   \getmulticolumnlines
-   \dimen0=\nofcolumnlines\openlineheight
+   \page_mul_initialize_variables
+ % \dimen0=\makeupheight
+ % \advance\dimen0 -\d_page_mul_preceding_height
+ % \settotalinsertionheight
+ % \advance\dimen0 -\totalinsertionheight
+ % \ifgridsnapping % evt altijd, nog testen
+ %   \getnoflines{\dimen0}
+ %   \dimen0=\noflines\openlineheight
+ % \fi
+   \page_mul_set_n_of_lines
+   \d_page_mul_balance_target\c_page_mul_n_of_lines\openlineheight
+   \ifconditional\c_page_mul_trace
+     \writestatus\m!columns{continue: lines=\the\c_page_mul_n_of_lines, target=\the\d_page_mul_balance_target, textheight=\the\textheight}%
+   \fi
    \dohandleallcolumns
-     {\splitcurrentcolumn from \box\normalpagebox to \dimen0}%
-   \setbox\restofpage\vbox{\unvbox\normalpagebox}%
+     {\page_mul_split_current_column\normalpagebox\d_page_mul_balance_target}%
+   \setbox\b_page_mul_preceding_rest_of_page\vbox{\unvbox\normalpagebox}%
    \ifinheritcolumns
      \ifcase\bottomraggednessmode
        % 0 = ragged
        \dohandleallcolumns
          {\global\setbox\currentcolumnbox\vbox to \ht\firstcolumnbox
-            {\dimen0\dp\currentcolumnbox
+            {\scratchdepth\dp\currentcolumnbox
              \unvbox\currentcolumnbox
-             \vskip-\dimen0
-             \vskip\openstrutdepth % \strutdp
+             \vskip\dimexpr\openstrutdepth-\scratchdepth\relax
              \prevdepth\openstrutdepth % \strutdp
              \vfill}}%
        \strc_notes_check_if_bottom_present
-       \ifconditional\c_notes_bottom_present \else
-         \dimen0\ht\firstcolumnbox
-       \fi
+      %\ifconditional\c_notes_bottom_present \else
+      %  \dimen0\ht\firstcolumnbox % ??
+      %\fi
      \or
        % 1 = normal
-       \advance\dimen0 \maxdepth
+       \advance\d_page_mul_balance_target\maxdepth
        \dohandleallcolumns
-         {\global\setbox\currentcolumnbox\vbox to \dimen0
+         {\global\setbox\currentcolumnbox\vbox to \d_page_mul_balance_target
             {\unvbox\currentcolumnbox}}%
      \or
        % 2 = baseline
@@ -869,7 +849,7 @@
      \fi
    \else
      \dohandleallcolumns
-       {\global\setbox\currentcolumnbox\vbox to \dimen0
+       {\global\setbox\currentcolumnbox\vbox to \d_page_mul_balance_target
           {\ifstretchcolumns
              \unvbox\currentcolumnbox
            \else
@@ -877,14 +857,14 @@
              \vfill
            \fi}}%
      \dohandleallcolumns
-       {\ht\currentcolumnbox\dimen0}% redundant
+       {\ht\currentcolumnbox\d_page_mul_balance_target}% redundant
    \fi
-   \setbox\precolumnbox\vbox{\flushcolumnedpage\zerocount}%
-   \page_otr_construct_and_shipout\box\precolumnbox
+   \setbox\b_page_mul_preceding\vbox{\page_mul_flush_packaged_columns_continued}%
+   \page_otr_construct_and_shipout\box\b_page_mul_preceding
    \page_otr_command_set_hsize
    \page_otr_command_set_vsize
-   \flushcolumnfloats
-   \unvbox\restofpage
+   \page_mul_flush_floats
+   \unvbox\b_page_mul_preceding_rest_of_page
    % \penalty\outputpenalty % gaat gruwelijk mis in opsommingen
    \egroup}
 
@@ -894,161 +874,184 @@
 %D balance columns with few lines. The use of \type {\box2} and \type {\box4}
 %D garantees a more robust check when skips are used.
 
-\def\multicolumnsbalancemax{250} % 100 is too small when floats are involved
-
-\def\balancedmulticolumnsout
+\newbox        \b_page_mul_balance_content
+\newbox        \b_page_mul_balance_first_column
+\newbox        \b_page_mul_balance_column
+\newconstant   \c_page_mul_balance_tries_max
+\newcount      \c_page_mul_balance_tries
+\newdimen      \d_page_mul_balance_target
+\newdimen      \d_page_mul_balance_target_less
+\newdimen      \d_page_mul_balance_natural_height
+\newdimen      \d_page_mul_balance_regular_height
+\newdimen      \d_page_mul_balance_step
+\newdimen      \d_page_mul_balance_fuzzyness
+\newdimen      \d_page_mul_balance_threshold
+\newconditional\c_page_mul_balance_possible
+
+\c_page_mul_balance_tries_max 250 % 100 is too small when floats are involved
+
+\def\page_mul_routine_balance
   {\bgroup
-   \setmulticolumnsout
+   \page_mul_initialize_variables
    \widowpenalty\zerocount
-   \setbox0\vbox{\unvbox\normalpagebox}%
-   \ifdim\ht0>\openlineheight % at least one line
-     \ifnum\minbalancetoplines<2 % balance anyway
-       \donetrue
+   \setbox\b_page_mul_balance_content\vbox{\unvbox\normalpagebox}%
+   \ifdim\ht\b_page_mul_balance_content>\openlineheight % at least one line
+     \ifnum\c_page_mul_balance_minimum<\plustwo % balance anyway
+       \settrue\c_page_mul_balance_possible
      \else % check criterium to available lines
-       \getnoflines{\ht0}%
+       \getnoflines{\ht\b_page_mul_balance_content}%
        \divide\noflines \nofcolumns \relax
-       \ifnum\noflines<\minbalancetoplines \relax
-         % let's play safe
-         \ifdim\dimexpr\ht0+\ht\firsttopcolumnbox+\openlineheight\relax>\columntextheight
-           \donetrue % column exceeding text height
+       \ifnum\noflines<\c_page_mul_balance_minimum \relax
+         \ifdim\dimexpr\ht\b_page_mul_balance_content+\ht\firsttopcolumnbox+\openlineheight\relax>\makeupheight
+           \settrue\c_page_mul_balance_possible % column exceeding text height
          \else
-           \donefalse % it seems to fit
+           \setfalse\c_page_mul_balance_possible % it seems to fit
          \fi
-       \else % balance indeed
-         \donetrue
+       \else
+         \settrue\c_page_mul_balance_possible % balance indeed
        \fi
      \fi
-  \else % balancing does not make sense
-    \donefalse
+  \else
+    \setfalse\c_page_mul_balance_possible % balancing does not make sense
   \fi
-  \ifdone % start balancing, was: \ifdim\ht0>\openlineheight
-     \dimen0\ht0
-     \advance\dimen0 \topskip
-     \advance\dimen0 -\baselineskip
-     \dohandleallcolumns
-       {\advance\dimen0 \ht\currenttopcolumnbox}%
-     \divide\dimen0 \nofcolumns
-     \vbadness\plustenthousand
-     \count255=\zerocount
-     \bgroup
-     \ifgridsnapping
-       \dimen2\lineheight
-     \else
-       \dimen2=\onepoint % RUBISH
-       \dimen2=\spacingfactor\dimen2
-     \fi
-     \doloop
-       {\advance\count255 \plusone
-        \global\setbox\restofpage\copy0\relax
-        \splitfirstcolumn from \box\restofpage to \dimen0
-        \dohandlemidcolumns
-          {\splitcurrentcolumn from \box\restofpage to \dimen0}%
-        \splitlastcolumn from \box\restofpage to \dimen0
-        \setbox2\vbox{\unvcopy\firstcolumnbox}%
-        \dimen4\zeropoint
-        \dohandleallcolumns
-          {\setbox4\vbox
-             {\unvcopy\currentcolumnbox
-             %rather new, test this on pdftex-z.tex
-              \unpenalty\unskip\unpenalty\unskip}% maybe better in main splitter
-          %\writestatus{balance}{\the\currentcolumnbox: \the\ht4}%
-%            \dimen6\ht4 \ifdim\dimen6>\dimen4 \dimen4=\dimen6 \fi}%
-           \ifdim\ht4>\dimen4 \dimen4=\ht4 \fi}%
-        \advance\dimen4 -.0005pt % get rid of accurracy problem, pretty new
-        \ifnum\count255>\multicolumnsbalancemax\relax
-          \exitloop
-        \else\ifdim\dimen4>\ht2
-          \advance\dimen0 \dimen2\relax
-        \else
-          \exitloop
-        \fi\fi}%
-     \dohandleallcolumns
-       {\global\setbox\currentcolumnbox\vbox{\unvcopy\currentcolumnbox}}% NIEUW
-     \ifnum\count255>\multicolumnsbalancemax\relax
-       \showmessage\m!columns7\empty
-     \else
-       \showmessage\m!columns8{\the\count255\space}%
-     \fi
-     \egroup
+  \ifconditional\c_page_mul_balance_possible % start balancing, was: \ifdim\ht\b_page_mul_balance_content>\openlineheight
+     \page_mul_balance_try_one
      \ifinheritcolumns
-       % We cannot assume that the first column is the tallest, if
-       % only because we may have an aborted balance (one line in the
-       % first column and a graphic in the second one).
-       %
-       % \dimen0\ht\firstcolumnbox
-       % \dimen2\ht\firstcolumnbox
-       %
-       \dimen0=\zeropoint
-       \dohandleallcolumns
-         {\ifdim\ht\currentcolumnbox>\dimen0
-            \dimen0=\ht\currentcolumnbox
-          \fi}%
-       \dimen2\dimen0
-       % so far
-       \advance\dimen2 -\openlineheight
-       \dohandleallcolumns
-         {\dimen4\ht\currentcolumnbox
-          \dimen6=10\openlineheight % funny value
-          \global\setbox\currentcolumnbox\vbox to \dimen0
-            {\unvbox\currentcolumnbox
-             \ifdim\dimen4>\dimen6
-               \ifdim\dimen4<\dimen0
-                 \ifdim\dimen4>\dimen2
-                   \vskip\zeropoint  % !!
-                 \else
-                   \vskip\openlineheight
-                   \vfill
-                 \fi
-               \else
-                 \vskip\zeropoint
-               \fi
-             \else
-               \vskip\openlineheight
-               \vfill
-             \fi}}%
+       \page_mul_balance_try_two
      \else
-       \bgroup
-       \ifstretchcolumns
-         \dimen0\ht\firstcolumnbox
-         \dimen2=\bottomtolerance\ht\firstcolumnbox
-         \setbox0\vbox{\unvcopy\lastcolumnbox}%
-         \advance\dimen0 -\ht0\relax
-         \advance\dimen0 -\dp0\relax
-         \ifdim\dimen0>\openlineheight\relax
-           \ifdim\dimen0>\dimen2\relax
-             % \stretchcolumnsfalse % beter goed slecht dan slecht goed
-             \showmessage\m!columns9\empty
-           \fi
-         \fi
-       \fi
-       \dohandleallcolumns
-         {\global\setbox\currentcolumnbox\vbox to \ht\firstcolumnbox
-            {\ifstretchcolumns
-               \unvbox\currentcolumnbox
-             \else
-               \box\currentcolumnbox
-               \vfill
-             \fi}}%
-       \egroup
+       \page_mul_balance_try_three
      \fi
    \else
      % a one liner is not properly handled here, so best rewrite the text then
      \showmessage\m!columns{10}\empty
-     \global\setbox\firstcolumnbox\vbox{\unvbox0}%
+     \global\setbox\firstcolumnbox\vbox{\unvbox\b_page_mul_balance_content}%
    \fi
    \c_page_mul_routine\c_page_mul_routine_error
    \baselinebottom % forces depth in separation rule
-   \flushcolumnedpage\plusone
-   \multicolumnseject
+   \page_mul_flush_packaged_columns_balanced
+   \page_mul_eject_page
    \egroup}
 
-\def\multicolumnseject
+\def\page_mul_eject_page
   {%\ifdim\pagetotal>\textheight
    %  \page_otr_trigger_output_routine % new, but wrong as fails on mixed-001.tex (wrong pagetotal at this point)
    %\else
      \allowbreak
    }%\fi}
 
+\def\page_mul_balance_try_one
+  {\d_page_mul_balance_target\dimexpr\ht\b_page_mul_balance_content+\topskip-\baselineskip\relax
+   \dohandleallcolumns
+     {\advance\d_page_mul_balance_target \ht\currenttopcolumnbox}%
+   \divide\d_page_mul_balance_target \nofcolumns
+   \vbadness\plustenthousand
+   \c_page_mul_balance_tries\zerocount
+   \bgroup
+   \ifgridsnapping
+     \d_page_mul_balance_step\lineheight
+   \else
+     \d_page_mul_balance_step\spacingfactor\onepoint % rubish
+   \fi
+   \doloop\page_mul_balance_try_one_attempt
+   \dohandleallcolumns
+     {\global\setbox\currentcolumnbox\vbox{\unvcopy\currentcolumnbox}}%
+   \ifnum\c_page_mul_balance_tries>\c_page_mul_balance_tries_max\relax
+     \showmessage\m!columns7\empty
+   \else
+     \showmessage\m!columns8{\the\c_page_mul_balance_tries\space}%
+   \fi
+   \egroup}
+
+\def\page_mul_balance_try_one_attempt
+  {\advance\c_page_mul_balance_tries \plusone
+   \global\setbox\b_page_mul_preceding_rest_of_page\copy\b_page_mul_balance_content\relax
+   \page_mul_split_first_column\b_page_mul_preceding_rest_of_page\d_page_mul_balance_target
+   \dohandlemidcolumns
+     {\page_mul_split_current_column\b_page_mul_preceding_rest_of_page\d_page_mul_balance_target}%
+   \page_mul_split_last_column\b_page_mul_preceding_rest_of_page\d_page_mul_balance_target
+   \setbox\b_page_mul_balance_first_column\vbox{\unvcopy\firstcolumnbox}%
+   \d_page_mul_balance_natural_height\zeropoint
+   \dohandleallcolumns\page_mul_balance_try_one_attempt_step
+   \advance\d_page_mul_balance_natural_height -.0005pt % (33sp) get rid of accurracy problem, pretty new
+   \ifnum\c_page_mul_balance_tries>\c_page_mul_balance_tries_max\relax
+     \exitloop
+   \else\ifdim\d_page_mul_balance_natural_height>\ht\b_page_mul_balance_first_column
+     \advance\d_page_mul_balance_target \d_page_mul_balance_step\relax
+   \else
+     \exitloop
+   \fi\fi}
+
+\def\page_mul_balance_try_one_attempt_step
+  {\setbox\b_page_mul_balance_column\vbox
+     {\unvcopy\currentcolumnbox
+      \unpenalty
+      \unskip
+      \unpenalty
+      \unskip}% maybe better in main splitter
+   \ifdim\ht\b_page_mul_balance_column>\d_page_mul_balance_natural_height
+     \d_page_mul_balance_natural_height\ht\b_page_mul_balance_column
+   \fi}
+
+% We cannot assume that the first column is the tallest, if only because we may
+% have an aborted balance (one line in the first column and a graphic in the
+% second one).
+
+\def\page_mul_balance_try_two
+  {\d_page_mul_balance_target\zeropoint
+   \dohandleallcolumns
+     {\ifdim\ht\currentcolumnbox>\d_page_mul_balance_target
+        \d_page_mul_balance_target\ht\currentcolumnbox
+      \fi}%
+   \d_page_mul_balance_target_less\dimexpr\d_page_mul_balance_target-\openlineheight\relax
+   \dohandleallcolumnscs\page_mul_balance_try_two_step}
+
+\def\page_mul_balance_try_two_step
+  {\d_page_mul_balance_regular_height\ht\currentcolumnbox
+   \d_page_mul_balance_threshold\plusten\openlineheight % funny value
+   \global\setbox\currentcolumnbox\vbox to \d_page_mul_balance_target
+     {\unvbox\currentcolumnbox
+      \ifdim\d_page_mul_balance_regular_height>\d_page_mul_balance_threshold
+        \ifdim\d_page_mul_balance_regular_height<\d_page_mul_balance_target
+          \ifdim\d_page_mul_balance_regular_height>\d_page_mul_balance_target_less
+            \vskip\zeropoint  % !!
+          \else
+            \vskip\openlineheight
+            \vfill
+          \fi
+        \else
+          \vskip\zeropoint
+        \fi
+      \else
+        \vskip\openlineheight
+        \vfill
+      \fi}}
+
+\def\page_mul_balance_try_three
+  {\bgroup
+   \ifstretchcolumns
+     \d_page_mul_balance_target\ht\firstcolumnbox
+     \d_page_mul_balance_fuzzyness\bottomtolerance\ht\firstcolumnbox
+     \setbox\b_page_mul_balance_content\vbox{\unvcopy\lastcolumnbox}%
+     \advance\d_page_mul_balance_target-\htdp\b_page_mul_balance_content\relax
+     \ifdim\d_page_mul_balance_target>\openlineheight\relax
+       \ifdim\d_page_mul_balance_target>\d_page_mul_balance_fuzzyness\relax
+         % \stretchcolumnsfalse % beter good bad than bad good
+         \showmessage\m!columns9\empty
+       \fi
+     \fi
+   \fi
+   \dohandleallcolumnscs\page_mul_balance_try_three_step
+   \egroup}
+
+\def\page_mul_balance_try_three_step
+  {\global\setbox\currentcolumnbox\vbox to \ht\firstcolumnbox
+     {\ifstretchcolumns
+        \unvbox\currentcolumnbox
+      \else
+        \box\currentcolumnbox
+        \vfill
+      \fi}}
+
 %D The multicolumn mechanism is incorporated in a \CONTEXT\ interface,
 %D which acts like:
 %D
@@ -1105,7 +1108,7 @@
 %
 % \let\page_floats_column_pop_saved\relax
 
-% \def\setcolumnfloats % messy as it adapts everypar
+% \def\page_mul_initialize_floats % messy as it adapts everypar
 %   {\xdef\globalsavednoffloats{\the\savednoffloats}%
 %    \ifnum\globalsavednoffloats>\zerocount
 %      \setglobalcolumnfloats % hm, we always push so this never happens
@@ -1113,66 +1116,66 @@
 %      \setlocalcolumnfloats
 %    \fi}
 
-\def\setcolumnfloats % messy as it adapts everypar, we need to adapt this
-  {\setlocalcolumnfloats}
-
-\newconditional\onlylocalcolumnfloats % temp hack as we will redo floats (grid snapping is also messy now)
-
-\unexpanded\def\page_mul_command_flush_floats
-  {\ifconditional\onlylocalcolumnfloats
-     \doflushcolumnfloats
-   \else
-     \page_one_command_flush_floats
-   \fi}
+    \def\page_mul_initialize_floats % messy as it adapts everypar, we need to adapt this
+      {\setlocalcolumnfloats}
 
-\unexpanded\def\page_mul_command_check_if_float_fits
-  {\ifconditional\onlylocalcolumnfloats
-     \docolumnroomfloat
-   \fi}
+    \newconditional\onlylocalcolumnfloats % temp hack as we will redo floats (grid snapping is also messy now)
+    \newtoks       \everylocalcolumnfloatspar
 
-\unexpanded\def\page_mul_command_flush_saved_floats
-  {\ifconditional\onlylocalcolumnfloats\relax
-   \else
-     \page_one_command_flush_saved_floats
-   \fi}
-
-\unexpanded\def\page_mul_command_flush_top_insertions
-  {\ifconditional\onlylocalcolumnfloats\relax
-   \else
-     \page_one_command_flush_top_insertions
-   \fi}
-
-\newtoks\everylocalcolumnfloatspar
-
-\everylocalcolumnfloatspar
-  {\flushnotes
-   \flushcolumnfloat
- % \flushmargincontents
-   \checkindentation}
+    \unexpanded\def\page_mul_command_flush_floats
+      {\ifconditional\onlylocalcolumnfloats
+         \doflushcolumnfloats
+       \else
+         \page_one_command_flush_floats
+       \fi}
 
-\def\setlocalcolumnfloats
-  {\settrue\onlylocalcolumnfloats
-   \everypar\everylocalcolumnfloatspar
-   \let\flushcolumnfloat\doflushcolumnfloat
-   \let\flushcolumnfloats\doflushcolumnfloats}
+    \unexpanded\def\page_mul_command_check_if_float_fits
+      {\ifconditional\onlylocalcolumnfloats
+         \docolumnroomfloat
+       \fi}
 
-\def\setglobalcolumnfloats
-  {\setfalse\onlylocalcolumnfloats
-   \reseteverypar
-   \let\flushcolumnfloat\relax
-   \let\flushcolumnfloats\noflushcolumnfloats}
+    \unexpanded\def\page_mul_command_flush_saved_floats
+      {\ifconditional\onlylocalcolumnfloats\relax
+       \else
+         \page_one_command_flush_saved_floats
+       \fi}
 
-\def\noflushcolumnfloats
-  {\bgroup
-   \xdef\localsavednoffloats{\the\savednoffloats}%
-   \global\savednoffloats\globalsavednoffloats
-   \page_otr_command_flush_top_insertions
-   \xdef\globalsavenoffloats{\the\savednoffloats}%
-   \ifnum\globalsavednoffloats=\zerocount
-     \setlocalcolumnfloats
-   \fi
-   \global\savednoffloats\localsavednoffloats
-   \egroup}
+    \unexpanded\def\page_mul_command_flush_top_insertions
+      {\ifconditional\onlylocalcolumnfloats\relax
+       \else
+         \page_one_command_flush_top_insertions
+       \fi}
+
+    \appendtoks
+        \flushnotes
+        \page_mul_flush_float
+       %\flushmargincontents
+        \checkindentation
+    \to \everylocalcolumnfloatspar
+
+    \def\setlocalcolumnfloats
+      {\settrue\onlylocalcolumnfloats
+       \everypar\everylocalcolumnfloatspar
+       \let\page_mul_flush_float\doflushcolumnfloat
+       \let\page_mul_flush_floats\doflushcolumnfloats}
+
+    \def\setglobalcolumnfloats
+      {\setfalse\onlylocalcolumnfloats
+       \reseteverypar
+       \let\page_mul_flush_float\relax
+       \let\page_mul_flush_floats\noflushcolumnfloats}
+
+    \def\noflushcolumnfloats
+      {\bgroup
+       \xdef\localsavednoffloats{\the\savednoffloats}%
+       \global\savednoffloats\globalsavednoffloats
+       \page_otr_command_flush_top_insertions
+       \xdef\globalsavenoffloats{\the\savednoffloats}%
+       \ifnum\globalsavednoffloats=\zerocount
+         \setlocalcolumnfloats
+       \fi
+       \global\savednoffloats\localsavednoffloats
+       \egroup}
 
 %D We need to calculate the amount of free space in a columns. When there is not
 %D enough room, we migrate the float to the next column. These macro's are
@@ -1181,124 +1184,124 @@
 %D floats have to be taken into account when we calculate the available space. It's
 %D a pitty that such things are no integral part of \TEX.
 
-\def\getcolumnstatus\column#1\total#2\goal#3\\%
-  {\dimen0=\ifdim\pagegoal<\maxdimen \pagetotal \else \zeropoint \fi
-   \dimen2=\zeropoint
-   \count255=\zerocount
-   \dimen8=\columntextheight
-   \advance\dimen8 -\precolumnboxheight
-   \def\dogetcolumnstatus
-     {\advance\count255 \plusone
-      \advance\dimen2 \ht\currenttopcolumnbox
-      \advance\dimen2 \dp\currenttopcolumnbox
-      \dimen4\dimen2
-      \advance\dimen4 \dimen0
-      \dimen6=\count255\dimen8
-      \ifdim\dimen4>\dimen6
-      \else
-        \let\dogetcolumnstatus\relax
-      \fi}%
-   \dohandleallcolumns{\dogetcolumnstatus}%
-   \ifnum\count255=0 \count255=1 \fi
-   #1=\count255
-   #2=\dimen4
-   #3=\dimen6 }
-
-\def\getinsertionheight
-  {\ifdim\pagegoal<\maxdimen
-     \bgroup
-     \dimen0=\columntextheight
-     \advance\dimen0 -\pagegoal
-     \xdef\insertionheight{\the\dimen0}%
-     \egroup
-   \else
-     \global\let\insertionheight\zeropoint
-   \fi}
-
-\def\docolumnroomfloat
-  {\ifpostponecolumnfloats
-     \global\setfalse\c_page_floats_room
-   \else\ifconditional\c_page_floats_not_permitted
-     \global\setfalse\c_page_floats_room
-   \else
-     \bgroup
-     \getcolumnstatus\column\count255\total\dimen0\goal\dimen2\\%
-     \page_floats_get_info\s!text
-     \setbox\scratchbox\vbox % tricky met objecten ?
-       {\blank[\rootfloatparameter\c!spacebefore]
-        \snaptogrid\vbox{\vskip\floatheight}}% copy?
-     \advance\dimen0\dimexpr\ht\scratchbox+2\openlineheight+.5\lineheight\relax\relax % needed because goal a bit higher
-     \ifdim\dimen0>\dimen2
-       \global\setfalse\c_page_floats_room
-     \else
-       \global\settrue\c_page_floats_room
-     \fi
-     \ifdim\floatwidth>\hsize
-       \showmessage\m!columns{11}\empty
-       \global\setfalse\c_page_floats_room
-     \fi
-     \egroup
-   \fi\fi}
+    \def\getcolumnstatus#1#2#3%
+      {\dimen0=\ifdim\pagegoal<\maxdimen \pagetotal \else \zeropoint \fi
+       \dimen2=\zeropoint
+       \count255=\zerocount
+       \dimen8=\makeupheight
+       \advance\dimen8 -\d_page_mul_preceding_height
+       \def\dogetcolumnstatus
+         {\advance\count255 \plusone
+          \advance\dimen2 \ht\currenttopcolumnbox
+          \advance\dimen2 \dp\currenttopcolumnbox
+          \dimen4\dimen2
+          \advance\dimen4 \dimen0
+          \dimen6=\count255\dimen8
+          \ifdim\dimen4>\dimen6
+          \else
+            \let\dogetcolumnstatus\relax
+          \fi}%
+       \dohandleallcolumns{\dogetcolumnstatus}%
+       \ifnum\count255=0 \count255=1 \fi
+       #1=\count255
+       #2=\dimen4
+       #3=\dimen6 }
+
+    \def\getinsertionheight
+      {\ifdim\pagegoal<\maxdimen
+         \bgroup
+         \dimen0=\makeupheight
+         \advance\dimen0 -\pagegoal
+         \xdef\insertionheight{\the\dimen0}%
+         \egroup
+       \else
+         \global\let\insertionheight\zeropoint
+       \fi}
+
+    \def\docolumnroomfloat
+      {\ifpostponecolumnfloats
+         \global\setfalse\c_page_floats_room
+       \else\ifconditional\c_page_floats_not_permitted
+         \global\setfalse\c_page_floats_room
+       \else
+         \bgroup
+         \getcolumnstatus{\count255}{\dimen0}{\dimen2}%
+         \page_floats_get_info\s!text
+         \setbox\scratchbox\vbox % tricky met objecten ?
+           {\blank[\rootfloatparameter\c!spacebefore]
+            \snaptogrid\vbox{\vskip\floatheight}}% copy?
+         \advance\dimen0\dimexpr\ht\scratchbox+2\openlineheight+.5\lineheight\relax\relax % needed because goal a bit higher
+         \ifdim\dimen0>\dimen2
+           \global\setfalse\c_page_floats_room
+         \else
+           \global\settrue\c_page_floats_room
+         \fi
+         \ifdim\floatwidth>\hsize
+           \showmessage\m!columns{11}\empty
+           \global\setfalse\c_page_floats_room
+         \fi
+         \egroup
+       \fi\fi}
 
 %D Flushing one float is done as soon as possible, i.e. \type {\everypar}.
 %D This means that (at the moment) sidefloats are not supported (overulled)!
 
-\newif\ifflushingcolumnfloats \flushingcolumnfloatstrue
-
-\def\doflushcolumnfloat
-  {\ifpostponecolumnfloats\else\ifflushingcolumnfloats\ifconditional\c_page_floats_some_waiting
-     \doflushcolumnfloatindeed
-   \fi\fi\fi}
-
-\def\doflushcolumnfloatindeed
-  {\bgroup
-   \forgetall
-   \let\doflushcolumnfloat\relax
-   \getcolumnstatus\column\mofcolumns\total\dimen0\goal\dimen2\\%
-   \ifdim\dimen0>\zeropoint
-     \page_floats_get_info\s!text
-     \ifdim\floatwidth>\hsize
-        % dropped ?
-     \else
-       \setbox2\vbox
-         {\blank[\rootfloatparameter\c!spacebefore]
-          \snaptogrid\vbox{\vskip\floatheight}}%
-       \advance\dimen0 \ht2
-       \ifdim\dimen0>\dimen2
-         \ifnum\mofcolumns<\nofcolumns
-           \advance\mofcolumns \plusone
-           \ifdim\ht\currenttopcolumnbox=\zeropoint
-             \page_floats_flush\s!text\plusone
-             \global\setbox\currenttopcolumnbox\vbox
-               {\snaptogrid\vbox{\box\floatbox}
-                \whitespace % nodig ?
-                \blank[\rootfloatparameter\c!spaceafter]}%
-             \dimen4=\htdp\currenttopcolumnbox
-             \global\advance\vsize -\dimen4
-             \advance\dimen4 -\pagegoal
-             \global\pagegoal-\dimen4
-             \showmessage\m!columns{12}a%
+    \newif\ifflushingcolumnfloats \flushingcolumnfloatstrue
+
+    \def\doflushcolumnfloat
+      {\ifpostponecolumnfloats\else\ifflushingcolumnfloats\ifconditional\c_page_floats_some_waiting
+         \doflushcolumnfloatindeed
+       \fi\fi\fi}
+
+    \def\doflushcolumnfloatindeed
+      {\bgroup
+       \forgetall
+       \let\doflushcolumnfloat\relax
+       \getcolumnstatus{\mofcolumns}{\dimen0}{\dimen2}%
+       \ifdim\dimen0>\zeropoint
+         \page_floats_get_info\s!text
+         \ifdim\floatwidth>\hsize
+            % dropped ?
+         \else
+           \setbox2\vbox
+             {\blank[\rootfloatparameter\c!spacebefore]
+              \snaptogrid\vbox{\vskip\floatheight}}%
+           \advance\dimen0 \ht2
+           \ifdim\dimen0>\dimen2
+             \ifnum\mofcolumns<\nofcolumns
+               \advance\mofcolumns \plusone
+               \ifdim\ht\currenttopcolumnbox=\zeropoint
+                 \page_floats_flush\s!text\plusone
+                 \global\setbox\currenttopcolumnbox\vbox
+                   {\snaptogrid\vbox{\box\floatbox}
+                    \whitespace % nodig ?
+                    \blank[\rootfloatparameter\c!spaceafter]}%
+                 \dimen4=\htdp\currenttopcolumnbox
+                 \global\advance\vsize -\dimen4
+                 \advance\dimen4 -\pagegoal
+                 \global\pagegoal-\dimen4
+                 \showmessage\m!columns{12}a%
+               \else
+                 \showmessage\m!columns{12}b%
+               \fi
+             \else
+               \showmessage\m!columns{12}c%
+             \fi
            \else
-             \showmessage\m!columns{12}b%
+             \ifhmode{\setbox0\lastbox}\fi% waar is die er in geslopen
+             \par
+             \ifdim\prevdepth<\zeropoint \else % anders bovenaan kolom witruimte
+               \nobreak
+               \blank[\rootfloatparameter\c!spacebefore]
+               \nobreak
+             \fi
+             \page_floats_flush\s!text\plusone
+             \page_otr_command_flush_float_box
+             \blank[\rootfloatparameter\c!spaceafter]
            \fi
-         \else
-           \showmessage\m!columns{12}c%
          \fi
-       \else
-         \ifhmode{\setbox0\lastbox}\fi% waar is die er in geslopen
-         \par
-         \ifdim\prevdepth<\zeropoint \else % anders bovenaan kolom witruimte
-           \nobreak
-           \blank[\rootfloatparameter\c!spacebefore]
-           \nobreak
-         \fi
-         \page_floats_flush\s!text\plusone
-         \page_otr_command_flush_float_box
-         \blank[\rootfloatparameter\c!spaceafter]
        \fi
-     \fi
-   \fi
-   \egroup}
+       \egroup}
 
 %D This one looks complicated. Upto \type{\nofcolumns} floats are placed,
 %D taking the width of a float into account. This routine can be improved
@@ -1313,96 +1316,96 @@
 %D When handling lots of (small) floats spacing can get worse because of
 %D lining out the columns.
 
-\def\doflushcolumnfloats
-  {\ifpostponecolumnfloats\else
-     \bgroup
-     \forgetall
-     \ifconditional\c_page_floats_some_waiting
-       \dimen8\zeropoint
-       \dimen4\zeropoint
-       \count0\zerocount   % count0 can be used local
-       \count2\nofcolumns  % count2 can be used local
-       \dohandleallcolumns
-         {\ifnum\count0>\zerocount % the wide one's reserved space
-            \global\setbox\currenttopcolumnbox\vbox
-              {\snaptogrid\vbox
-                 {\copy\currenttopcolumnbox
-                  \hbox{\vphantom{\vskip\floatheight}}}% known from previous
-                  \whitespace % nodig ?
-                  \blank[\rootfloatparameter\c!spaceafter]}%
-          \else
-            \page_floats_get_info\s!text
-            \ifdim\floatwidth>\hsize
-              \dimen0\dimexpr\floatwidth+\intercolumnwidth+.5pt\relax
-              \dimen2\dimexpr\hsize     +\intercolumnwidth+.5pt\relax
-              \divide\dimen0 \dimen2
-              \count0\dimen0
-              \advance\count0 \plusone
-              \ifnum\count0>\count2
-                \count0\zerocount
+    \def\doflushcolumnfloats
+      {\ifpostponecolumnfloats\else
+         \bgroup
+         \forgetall
+         \ifconditional\c_page_floats_some_waiting
+           \dimen8\zeropoint
+           \dimen4\zeropoint
+           \count0\zerocount   % count0 can be used local
+           \count2\nofcolumns  % count2 can be used local
+           \dohandleallcolumns
+             {\ifnum\count0>\zerocount % the wide one's reserved space
+                \global\setbox\currenttopcolumnbox\vbox
+                  {\snaptogrid\vbox
+                     {\copy\currenttopcolumnbox
+                      \hbox{\vphantom{\vskip\floatheight}}}% known from previous
+                      \whitespace % nodig ?
+                      \blank[\rootfloatparameter\c!spaceafter]}%
               \else
-                \dimen0\dimexpr\count0\hsize+\count0\intercolumnwidth-\intercolumnwidth\relax
-                \page_floats_flush\s!text\plusone
-                \ifdim\floatwidth>\finalcolumntextwidth % better somewhere else too
-                  \global\setbox\floatbox\hbox to \finalcolumntextwidth{\hss\box\floatbox\hss}%
-                \fi % otherwise the graphic may disappear
-                \global\setbox\floatbox\hbox to \dimen0
-                  {\processaction[\rootfloatparameter\c!location] % how easy to forget
-                     [   \v!left=>\box\floatbox\hss,
-                        \v!right=>\hss\box\floatbox,
-                      \s!default=>\hss\box\floatbox\hss,
-                      \s!unknown=>\hss\box\floatbox\hss]}%
+                \page_floats_get_info\s!text
+                \ifdim\floatwidth>\hsize
+                  \dimen0\dimexpr\floatwidth+\d_page_mul_distance+.5pt\relax
+                  \dimen2\dimexpr\hsize     +\d_page_mul_distance+.5pt\relax
+                  \divide\dimen0 \dimen2
+                  \count0\dimen0
+                  \advance\count0 \plusone
+                  \ifnum\count0>\count2
+                    \count0\zerocount
+                  \else
+                    \dimen0\dimexpr\count0\hsize+\count0\d_page_mul_distance-\d_page_mul_distance\relax
+                    \page_floats_flush\s!text\plusone
+                    \ifdim\floatwidth>\makeupwidth % better somewhere else too
+                      \global\setbox\floatbox\hbox to \makeupwidth{\hss\box\floatbox\hss}%
+                    \fi % otherwise the graphic may disappear
+                    \global\setbox\floatbox\hbox to \dimen0
+                      {\processaction[\rootfloatparameter\c!location] % how easy to forget
+                         [   \v!left=>\box\floatbox\hss,
+                            \v!right=>\hss\box\floatbox,
+                          \s!default=>\hss\box\floatbox\hss,
+                          \s!unknown=>\hss\box\floatbox\hss]}%
+                  \fi
+                  \showmessage\m!columns{13}\empty
+                \else
+                  \page_floats_flush\s!text\plusone
+                  \ifdim\floatwidth>\makeupwidth % better somewhere else too
+                    \global\setbox\floatbox\hbox to \makeupwidth{\hss\box\floatbox\hss}%
+                  \fi % otherwise the graphic may disappear
+                % \showmessage\m!columns{13}\empty
+                \fi
+                \ifdim\ht\floatbox>\zeropoint\relax
+                  \global\setbox\currenttopcolumnbox\vbox
+                    {\snaptogrid\vbox
+                       {\box\currenttopcolumnbox % was copy
+                        \box\floatbox}
+                     \whitespace % nodig ?
+                     \blank[\rootfloatparameter\c!spaceafter]}%
+                \fi
+                \dimen6\htdp\currenttopcolumnbox
               \fi
-              \showmessage\m!columns{13}\empty
-            \else
-              \page_floats_flush\s!text\plusone
-              \ifdim\floatwidth>\finalcolumntextwidth % better somewhere else too
-                \global\setbox\floatbox\hbox to \finalcolumntextwidth{\hss\box\floatbox\hss}%
-              \fi % otherwise the graphic may disappear
-            % \showmessage\m!columns{13}\empty
-            \fi
-            \ifdim\ht\floatbox>\zeropoint\relax
-              \global\setbox\currenttopcolumnbox\vbox
-                {\snaptogrid\vbox
-                   {\box\currenttopcolumnbox % was copy
-                    \box\floatbox}
-                 \whitespace % nodig ?
-                 \blank[\rootfloatparameter\c!spaceafter]}%
-            \fi
-            \dimen6\htdp\currenttopcolumnbox
-          \fi
-          \ifdim\dimen4<\ht\currenttopcolumnbox
-            \dimen4\ht\currenttopcolumnbox
-          \fi
-          \advance\dimen8 \dimen6
-          \advance\count2 \minusone
-          \advance\count0 \minusone }%
-       \page_otr_command_set_vsize
-       \global\advance\vsize -\dimen8
-       \global\pagegoal\vsize
-     \else
-       % \page_mul_command_flush_floats % does not snap!
-     \fi
-     \egroup
-   \fi}
+              \ifdim\dimen4<\ht\currenttopcolumnbox
+                \dimen4\ht\currenttopcolumnbox
+              \fi
+              \advance\dimen8 \dimen6
+              \advance\count2 \minusone
+              \advance\count0 \minusone }%
+           \page_otr_command_set_vsize
+           \global\advance\vsize -\dimen8
+           \global\pagegoal\vsize
+         \else
+           % \page_mul_command_flush_floats % does not snap!
+         \fi
+         \egroup
+       \fi}
 
 %D The next macro can be used to flush floats in the current stream. No
 %D width checking is (yet) done.
 
-\def\insertcolumnfloats
-  {\doloop
-     {\ifconditional\c_page_floats_some_waiting
-        \bgroup
-        \forgetall
-        % no check for width
-        \page_floats_get
-        \blank[\rootfloatparameter\c!spacebefore]
-        \snaptogrid\vbox{\copy\floatbox}
-        \blank[\rootfloatparameter\c!spaceafter]
-        \egroup
-      \else
-        \exitloop
-      \fi}}
+    \def\insertcolumnfloats
+      {\doloop
+         {\ifconditional\c_page_floats_some_waiting
+            \bgroup
+            \forgetall
+            % no check for width
+            \page_floats_get
+            \blank[\rootfloatparameter\c!spacebefore]
+            \snaptogrid\vbox{\copy\floatbox}
+            \blank[\rootfloatparameter\c!spaceafter]
+            \egroup
+          \else
+            \exitloop
+          \fi}}
 
 %D This were the multi||column routines. They can and need to be improved
 %D but at the moment their behaviour is acceptable.
@@ -1422,55 +1425,21 @@
 % 3 \input tufte  \par \placefigure{}{\framed[width=\hsize,height=3cm]{3}}
 % \stopcolumns
 
-\unexpanded\def\setupcolumns
-  {\dosingleempty\dosetupcolumns}
-
-\def\dosetupcolumns[#1]%
-  {\getparameters[\??kl][#1]%
-   \nofcolumns\@@kln\relax
-   \processaction
-     [\@@klrule]
-     [     \v!on=>\let\betweencolumns\linebetweencolumns,
-          \v!off=>\let\betweencolumns\spacebetweencolumns,
-      \s!default=>\let\betweencolumns\spacebetweencolumns,
-      \s!unknown=>\let\betweencolumns\@@klrule]}
-
-\def\linebetweencolumns
-  {\bgroup
-   \starttextproperties
-   \ifdim\@@kldistance>\zeropoint
-     \dimen0=\@@kldistance
-   \else
-     \dimen0=\linewidth % hm, weird
-   \fi
-   \advance\dimen0 -\linewidth
-   \hskip.5\dimen0
-   \vrule
-     \!!width\linewidth
-     \ifnum\bottomraggednessmode=\plustwo % baselinebottom
-       \!!depth\strutdepth
-     \fi
-   \hskip.5\dimen0\relax
-   \stoptextproperties
-   \egroup}
-
-\def\spacebetweencolumns
-  {\hskip\@@kldistance}
-
-\presetlocalframed[\??kl]
-
-\def\backgroundfinishcolumnbox
-  {\doifinsetelse\@@kloffset{\v!none,\v!overlay}
-     {\let\@@kloffset\!!zeropoint}
-     {\scratchdimen\@@kloffset
-      \advance\scratchdimen -\@@klrulethickness
-      \edef\@@kloffset{\the\scratchdimen}}%
-   \localframed
-     [\??kl]
-     [\c!strut=\v!no,
-      \c!width=\v!fit,
-      \c!height=\v!fit,
-      \c!align=]}
+    % \def\backgroundfinishcolumnbox
+    %   {\doifinsetelse\@@kloffset{\v!none,\v!overlay}
+    %      {\let\@@kloffset\!!zeropoint}
+    %      {\scratchdimen\@@kloffset
+    %       \advance\scratchdimen -\@@klrulethickness
+    %       \edef\@@kloffset{\the\scratchdimen}}%
+    %    \localframed
+    %      [\??kl]
+    %      [\c!strut=\v!no,
+    %       \c!width=\v!fit,
+    %       \c!height=\v!fit,
+    %       \c!align=]}
+
+    \def\backgroundfinishcolumnbox
+      {}
 
 % to be reconsidered ... (in any case they need to be unexpandable sinze 2011.12.30)
 
@@ -1478,149 +1447,196 @@
 \unexpanded\def\page_columns_align_option_no  {\stretchcolumnsfalse\inheritcolumnsfalse}% todo: new key
 \unexpanded\def\page_columns_align_option_text{\stretchcolumnsfalse\inheritcolumnstrue }%
 
+\newtoks\t_page_mul_initialize
+
 \unexpanded\def\startcolumns
-  {\dosingleempty\dostartcolumns}
+  {\dosingleempty\page_mul_start}
 
-\def\dostartcolumns[#1]% %% \startcolumns
+\def\page_mul_start[#1]% %% \startcolumns
   {\bgroup
-   \let\stopcolumns\egroup
    \ifinsidecolumns
+     \page_mul_start_nop
    \else
      \iffirstargument
        \setupcolumns[#1]%
      \fi
-     \ifnum\@@kln>1\relax
-       \whitespace
-       \begingroup
-       \doif\@@kloption\v!background
-         {\let\finishcolumnbox\backgroundfinishcolumnbox
-          \let\columntextoffset\@@kloffset}%
-       \ifx\@@klcommand\empty\else
-         \let\postprocesscolumnline\@@klcommand
-       \fi
-       \doifelsenothing\@@klheight
-         \heightencolumnsfalse
-         \heightencolumnstrue
-       \doifelse\@@kldirection\v!right
-         \reversecolumnsfalse
-         \reversecolumnstrue
-       \doifelse\@@klbalance\v!yes
-         \balancecolumnstrue
-         \balancecolumnsfalse
-       \installalign\v!yes {\page_columns_align_option_yes }%
-       \installalign\v!no  {\page_columns_align_option_no  }%
-       \installalign\v!text{\page_columns_align_option_text}%
-       \stretchcolumnsfalse
-       \inheritcolumnstrue
-       \doifsomething\@@klalign{\expanded{\setupalign[\@@klalign]}}%
-       \nofcolumns\@@kln
-       \edef\fixedcolumnheight{\@@klheight}%
-       \edef\minbalancetoplines{\@@klntop}%
-       \setuptolerance[\@@kltolerance]%     %% \startcolumns
-       \setupblank[\@@klblank]%
-       \ifdim\s_spac_whitespace_parskip>\zeropoint\relax
-         \setupwhitespace[\@@klblank]%
-       \fi
-       \unexpanded\def\stopcolumns
-         {\endmulticolumns
-          \global\insidecolumnsfalse
-          \endgroup
-          \egroup}%
-       \global\insidecolumnstrue
-       \beginmulticolumns
+     \nofcolumns\columnsparameter\c!n\relax
+     \ifnum\nofcolumns>\plusone
+       \page_mul_start_yes
+     \else
+       \page_mul_start_nop
      \fi
    \fi}
 
-\installcolumnbreakmethod \s!multicolumn \v!preference
-  {\goodbreak}
+\unexpanded\def\page_mul_start_nop
+  {\let\stopcolumns\page_mul_stop_nop}
 
-% \installcolumnbreakmethod \s!multicolumn \v!yes
-%   {\par                                             % todo: since
-%    {\testrulewidth\zeropoint\ruledvskip\textheight} % we misuse a
-%    \penalty-200                                     % side effect
-%    \vskip-\textheight
-%    }% bugged : \prevdepth-\thousandpoint} % signals top of column to \blank
+\unexpanded\def\page_mul_stop_nop
+  {\egroup}
 
-\installcolumnbreakmethod \s!multicolumn \v!yes
-  {\par
+\unexpanded\def\page_mul_start_yes
+  {\whitespace
    \begingroup
-   \normaloffinterlineskip
-   \normalpenalty\plustenthousand
-   \vbox to \textheight{}%
-   \endgroup
-   \penalty-200
-   \vskip-\textheight
-   } % bugged : \prevdepth-\thousandpoint} % signals top of column to \blank
-
-%D New: only at start of columns; may change ! Rather interwoven and therefore
-%D to be integrated when the multi column modules are merged.
-
-\unexpanded\def\setupcolumnspan[#1]%
-  {\getparameters[\??ks][#1]}
-
-\presetlocalframed
-  [\??ks]
-
-\setupcolumnspan
-  [\c!n=2,
-   \c!offset=\v!overlay,
-   \c!frame=\v!off]
+   \let\stopcolumns\page_mul_stop_indeed
+   \global\insidecolumnstrue
+   \the\t_page_mul_initialize
+   %
+   \flushnotes
+   \begingroup
+   %
+   \d_page_mul_leftskip\leftskip
+   \d_page_mul_rightskip\rightskip
+   \leftskip\zeropoint
+   \rightskip\zeropoint
+   %
+   \widowpenalty\zerocount % will become option
+   \clubpenalty \zerocount % will become option
+   %
+   \page_floats_column_push_saved
+   %
+   \ifdim\dimexpr\pagetotal+\parskip+\openlineheight\relax<\pagegoal
+     \allowbreak
+   \else
+     \break % sometimes fails
+   \fi
+   \appendtoks
+     \topskip1\topskip % best a switch
+   \to \everybodyfont
+   \the\everybodyfont  % ugly here
+   \saveinterlinespace % ugly here
+   %
+   \initializecolumns\nofcolumns
+   %
+   \hangafter\zerocount
+   \hangindent\zeropoint
+   \reseteverypar
+   \ifdim\pagetotal=\zeropoint \else
+     \verticalstrut
+     \vskip-\struttotal
+   \fi
+   \global\savedpagetotal\pagetotal
+   \setupoutputroutine[\s!multicolumn]%
+   \c_page_mul_routine\c_page_mul_routine_intercept
+   \page_otr_trigger_output_routine % no \holdinginserts=1, can make footnote disappear !
+   \global\d_page_mul_preceding_height\ht\b_page_mul_preceding
+   \c_page_mul_routine\c_page_mul_routine_continue
+   \page_mul_initialize_floats
+   \dohandleallcolumns{\global\setbox\currenttopcolumnbox\emptybox}%
+   \checkbegincolumnfootnotes
+   \page_otr_command_set_hsize
+   \page_otr_command_set_vsize}
 
-\newbox\b_page_columns_span \let\postprocesscolumnspanbox\gobbleoneargument
+\setnewconstant\multicolumnendsyncmethod\plusone % 1: old sync 2: new sync (cont-loc/project) / may fail ! ! ! !
 
-\def\dostartcolumnspan[#1]%
-  {\bgroup
-   \setupcolumnspan[#1]%
-   \forgetall
-   \ifinsidecolumns
-     \advance\hsize \intercolumnwidth
-     \hsize\@@ksn\hsize
-     \advance\hsize -\intercolumnwidth
+\unexpanded\def\page_mul_stop_indeed
+  {\relax
+   \ifnum\multicolumnendsyncmethod=\plustwo
+     \synchronizeoutput
+   \else
+     % don't collapse these
+     \vskip \lineheight
+     \vskip-\lineheight % take footnotes into account
    \fi
-   \dowithnextboxcs\dofinishcolumnsetspan\vbox\bgroup
-     %\topskipcorrection % becomes an option !
-     \EveryPar{\begstrut\EveryPar{}}} % also !
-
-\def\dofinishcolumnsetspan
-  {\setbox\b_page_columns_span\flushnextbox
-   \ifinsidecolumns\wd\b_page_columns_span\hsize\fi
-   \postprocesscolumnspanbox\b_page_columns_span
-   \scratchdimen\ht\b_page_columns_span
-   \setbox\b_page_columns_span\hbox % depth to be checked, probably option!
-     {\localframed[\??ks][\c!offset=\v!overlay]{\box\b_page_columns_span}}%
-   \ht\b_page_columns_span\scratchdimen
-   \dp\b_page_columns_span\strutdp
-   \wd\b_page_columns_span\hsize
-   \ifinsidecolumns
-     \ifnum\@@ksn>1
-       \page_otr_command_set_vsize
-       \dohandleallcolumns
-         {\ifnum\currentcolumn>\@@ksn\else
-            \global\setbox\currenttopcolumnbox=\vbox
-              {\ifnum\currentcolumn=1
-                 \snaptogrid\vbox{\copy\b_page_columns_span}
-               \else
-                 \snaptogrid\vbox{\vphantom{\copy\b_page_columns_span}}
-               \fi}%
-            \wd\currenttopcolumnbox\hsize
-            \global\advance\vsize -\ht\currenttopcolumnbox
-          \fi}
-       \global\pagegoal\vsize
-     \else
-       \snaptogrid\vbox{\box\b_page_columns_span}
+   \doflushcolumnfloat  % added recently
+  %\doflushcolumnfloats % no, since it results in wrong top floats
+   \flushnotes          % before start of columns
+   \par
+   \ifbalancecolumns
+     \ifnum\multicolumnendsyncmethod=\plusone
+       \c_page_mul_routine\c_page_mul_routine_continue
+       \goodbreak
      \fi
+     \c_page_mul_routine\c_page_mul_routine_balance
    \else
-     \snaptogrid\vbox{\box\b_page_columns_span}
+     \goodbreak
    \fi
-   \endgraf
-   \ifvmode\prevdepth\strutdp\fi
-   \egroup}
+   % still the multi column routine
+   \page_otr_trigger_output_routine % the prevdepth is important, try e.g. toclist in
+   \prevdepth\zeropoint % columns before some noncolumned text text
+   %
+   \c_page_mul_routine\c_page_mul_routine_regular
+   %
+   \ifvoid\b_page_mul_preceding\else
+     \unvbox\b_page_mul_preceding
+   \fi
+   \global\d_page_mul_preceding_height\zeropoint
+   \endgroup % here
+   \nofcolumns\plusone
+   \page_otr_command_set_vsize
+   \checkendcolumnfootnotes
+   \dosomebreak\allowbreak
+   \page_floats_column_pop_saved
+   %
+   \global\insidecolumnsfalse
+   \endgroup
+   \egroup}%
+
+\appendtoks
+    \edef\p_option{\columnsparameter\c!option}%
+    \ifx\p_option\v!background
+        \let\finishcolumnbox\backgroundfinishcolumnbox
+    \fi
+    \d_page_mul_offset\columnsparameter\c!offset\relax
+    \edef\p_command{\columnsparameter\c!command}%
+    \ifx\p_command\empty \else
+        \let\postprocesscolumnline\p_command
+    \fi
+    \edef\p_height{\columnsparameter\c!height}%
+    \ifx\p_height\empty
+        \d_page_mul_forced_height\textheight
+        \heightencolumnsfalse
+    \else
+        \d_page_mul_forced_height\p_height\relax
+        \heightencolumnstrue
+    \fi
+    \edef\p_direction{\columnsparameter\c!direction}%
+    \ifx\p_direction\v!right
+        \setfalse\c_page_mul_reverse
+    \else
+        \settrue\c_page_mul_reverse
+    \fi
+    \edef\p_balance{\columnsparameter\c!balance}%
+    \ifx\p_balance\v!yes
+        \balancecolumnstrue
+    \else
+        \balancecolumnsfalse
+    \fi
+    \installalign\v!yes {\page_columns_align_option_yes }%
+    \installalign\v!no  {\page_columns_align_option_no  }%
+    \installalign\v!text{\page_columns_align_option_text}%
+    \stretchcolumnsfalse
+    \inheritcolumnstrue
+    \edef\p_align{\columnsparameter\c!align}%
+    \ifx\p_align\empty \else
+        \setupalign[\p_align]%
+    \fi
+    \edef\p_tolerance{\columnsparameter\c!tolerance}%
+    \ifx\p_tolerance\empty \else
+        \setuptolerance[\p_tolerance]%
+    \fi
+    \edef\p_blank{\columnsparameter\c!blank}%
+    \ifx\p_blank\empty \else
+        \setupblank[\p_blank]%
+    \fi
+    \ifdim\s_spac_whitespace_parskip>\zeropoint\relax
+        \setupwhitespace[\p_blank]%
+    \fi
+    \c_page_mul_balance_minimum\columnsparameter\c!ntop\relax
+    \edef\p_page_mul_rule{\columnsparameter\c!rule}%
+    \expandcheckedcsname\??columnseparators\p_page_mul_rule\s!unknown
+\to \t_page_mul_initialize
+
+%D Columns breaks
 
-\unexpanded\def\startcolumnspan
-  {\dosingleempty\dostartcolumnspan}
+\installcolumnbreakmethod \s!multicolumn \v!preference
+  {\goodbreak}
 
-\unexpanded\def\stopcolumnspan
-  {\egroup}
+\installcolumnbreakmethod \s!multicolumn \v!yes
+  {\vskip\textheight
+   \penalty-200 % we can mark and intercept this
+   \vskip-\textheight}
+
+%D Next we initialize the lot:
 
 \setupcolumns
   [\c!n=2,
@@ -1638,19 +1654,85 @@
    \c!rulethickness=\linewidth,
    \c!offset=.5\bodyfontsize]
 
-%D Undocumented and still under development.
+%D New: only at start of columns; may change ! Rather interwoven and therefore
+%D to be integrated when the multi column modules are merged.
+
+    \unexpanded\def\setupcolumnspan[#1]%
+      {\getparameters[\??ks][#1]}
+
+    \presetlocalframed
+      [\??ks]
+
+    \setupcolumnspan
+      [\c!n=2,
+       \c!offset=\v!overlay,
+       \c!frame=\v!off]
+
+    \newbox\b_page_columns_span \let\page_mul_postprocess_spanbox\gobbleoneargument
+
+    \unexpanded\def\startcolumnspan
+      {\dosingleempty\dostartcolumnspan}
+
+    \unexpanded\def\stopcolumnspan
+      {\egroup}
+
+    \def\dostartcolumnspan[#1]%
+      {\bgroup
+       \setupcolumnspan[#1]%
+       \forgetall
+       \ifinsidecolumns
+         \advance\hsize \d_page_mul_distance
+         \hsize\@@ksn\hsize
+         \advance\hsize -\d_page_mul_distance
+       \fi
+       \dowithnextboxcs\dofinishcolumnsetspan\vbox\bgroup
+         %\topskipcorrection % becomes an option !
+         \EveryPar{\begstrut\EveryPar{}}} % also !
+
+    \def\dofinishcolumnsetspan
+      {\setbox\b_page_columns_span\flushnextbox
+       \ifinsidecolumns\wd\b_page_columns_span\hsize\fi
+       \page_mul_postprocess_spanbox\b_page_columns_span
+       \scratchdimen\ht\b_page_columns_span
+       \setbox\b_page_columns_span\hbox % depth to be checked, probably option!
+         {\localframed[\??ks][\c!offset=\v!overlay]{\box\b_page_columns_span}}%
+       \ht\b_page_columns_span\scratchdimen
+       \dp\b_page_columns_span\strutdp
+       \wd\b_page_columns_span\hsize
+       \ifinsidecolumns
+         \ifnum\@@ksn>1
+           \page_otr_command_set_vsize
+           \dohandleallcolumns
+             {\ifnum\currentcolumn>\@@ksn\else
+                \global\setbox\currenttopcolumnbox=\vbox
+                  {\ifnum\currentcolumn=1
+                     \snaptogrid\vbox{\copy\b_page_columns_span}
+                   \else
+                     \snaptogrid\vbox{\vphantom{\copy\b_page_columns_span}}
+                   \fi}%
+                \wd\currenttopcolumnbox\hsize
+                \global\advance\vsize -\ht\currenttopcolumnbox
+              \fi}
+           \global\pagegoal\vsize
+         \else
+           \snaptogrid\vbox{\box\b_page_columns_span}
+         \fi
+       \else
+         \snaptogrid\vbox{\box\b_page_columns_span}
+       \fi
+       \endgraf
+       \ifvmode\prevdepth\strutdp\fi
+       \egroup}
+
+%D Undocumented and still under development.\ifdefined\startsimplecolumns \else
 
 \unexpanded\def\startsimplecolumns
-  {\dosingleempty\dostartsimplecolumns}
+  {\dosingleempty\page_mul_simple_start}
 
-\def\dostartsimplecolumns[#1]%
+\def\page_mul_simple_start[#1]%
   {\bgroup
+   \setsimplecolumnshsize[#1]%
    \nopenalties
-   \getparameters[\??kl]
-     [\c!width=\hsize,\c!distance=1.5\bodyfontsize,%
-      \c!n=2,\c!lines=0,#1]%
-   \let\rigidcolumnlines\@@kllines
-   \setrigidcolumnhsize\@@klwidth\@@kldistance\@@kln
    \setbox\scratchbox\vbox\bgroup
    \forgetall} % \blank[\v!disable]
 
@@ -1661,35 +1743,44 @@
    \egroup}
 
 \unexpanded\def\setsimplecolumnshsize[#1]%
-  {\getparameters[\??kl][\c!width=\hsize,\c!distance=1.5\bodyfontsize,\c!n=2,\c!lines=0,#1]%
-   \let\rigidcolumnlines\@@kllines
-   \setrigidcolumnhsize\@@klwidth\@@kldistance\@@kln}
+  {\getdummyparameters
+     [\c!width=\hsize,
+      \c!distance=1.5\bodyfontsize,
+      \c!n=2,
+      \c!lines=0,
+      #1]%
+   \edef\rigidcolumnlines
+     {\directdummyparameter\c!lines}%
+   \setrigidcolumnhsize
+     {\directdummyparameter\c!width}%
+     {\directdummyparameter\c!distance}%
+     {\directdummyparameter\c!n}}
 
 \let\page_mul_command_package_contents\page_one_command_package_contents
 \let\page_mul_command_flush_float_box \page_one_command_flush_float_box
 
 \defineoutputroutine
   [\s!multicolumn]
-  [\s!page_otr_command_routine                  =\page_mul_command_routine,
-   \s!page_otr_command_package_contents         =\page_mul_command_package_contents,
-   \s!page_otr_command_set_vsize                =\page_mul_command_set_vsize,
-   \s!page_otr_command_set_hsize                =\page_mul_command_set_hsize,
-   \s!page_otr_command_next_page                =\page_mul_command_next_page,
-   \s!page_otr_command_next_page_and_inserts    =\page_mul_command_next_page_and_inserts,
- % \s!page_otr_command_synchronize_hsize        =\page_mul_command_synchronize_hsize,
- % \s!page_otr_command_set_top_insertions       =\page_mul_command_set_top_insertions,
- % \s!page_otr_command_set_bottom_insertions    =\page_mul_command_set_bottom_insertions,
-   \s!page_otr_command_flush_top_insertions     =\page_mul_command_flush_top_insertions,
- % \s!page_otr_command_flush_bottom_insertions  =\page_mul_command_flush_bottom_insertions,
- % \s!page_otr_command_set_float_hsize          =\page_mul_command_set_float_hsize,
-   \s!page_otr_command_check_if_float_fits      =\page_mul_command_check_if_float_fits,
-   \s!page_otr_command_flush_float_box          =\page_mul_command_flush_float_box,
-   \s!page_otr_command_synchronize_side_floats  =\page_mul_command_synchronize_side_floats,
-   \s!page_otr_command_side_float_output        =\page_mul_command_side_float_output,
-   \s!page_otr_command_flush_floats             =\page_mul_command_flush_floats,
-   \s!page_otr_command_flush_side_floats        =\page_mul_command_flush_side_floats,
-   \s!page_otr_command_flush_saved_floats       =\page_mul_command_flush_saved_floats
- % \s!page_otr_command_flush_margin_blocks      =\page_mul_command_flush_margin_blocks, % not used
+  [\s!page_otr_command_routine                =\page_mul_command_routine,
+   \s!page_otr_command_package_contents       =\page_mul_command_package_contents,
+   \s!page_otr_command_set_vsize              =\page_mul_command_set_vsize,
+   \s!page_otr_command_set_hsize              =\page_mul_command_set_hsize,
+   \s!page_otr_command_next_page              =\page_mul_command_next_page,
+   \s!page_otr_command_next_page_and_inserts  =\page_mul_command_next_page_and_inserts,
+ % \s!page_otr_command_synchronize_hsize      =\page_mul_command_synchronize_hsize,
+ % \s!page_otr_command_set_top_insertions     =\page_mul_command_set_top_insertions,
+ % \s!page_otr_command_set_bottom_insertions  =\page_mul_command_set_bottom_insertions,
+   \s!page_otr_command_flush_top_insertions   =\page_mul_command_flush_top_insertions,
+ % \s!page_otr_command_flush_bottom_insertions=\page_mul_command_flush_bottom_insertions,
+ % \s!page_otr_command_set_float_hsize        =\page_mul_command_set_float_hsize,
+   \s!page_otr_command_check_if_float_fits    =\page_mul_command_check_if_float_fits,
+   \s!page_otr_command_flush_float_box        =\page_mul_command_flush_float_box,
+   \s!page_otr_command_synchronize_side_floats=\page_mul_command_synchronize_side_floats,
+   \s!page_otr_command_side_float_output      =\page_mul_command_side_float_output,
+   \s!page_otr_command_flush_floats           =\page_mul_command_flush_floats,
+   \s!page_otr_command_flush_side_floats      =\page_mul_command_flush_side_floats,
+   \s!page_otr_command_flush_saved_floats     =\page_mul_command_flush_saved_floats
+ % \s!page_otr_command_flush_margin_blocks    =\page_mul_command_flush_margin_blocks, % not used
   ]
 
 \protect \endinput
diff --git a/tex/context/base/page-not.mkiv b/tex/context/base/page-not.mkiv
index 7fae16419..d7602bd26 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/page-not.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/page-not.mkiv
@@ -41,11 +41,13 @@
 
 \newdimen\totalinsertionheight
 
-\def\settotalinsertionheight
+\unexpanded\def\settotalinsertionheight
   {\calculatetotalnoteheight
-   \totalinsertionheight\totalnoteheight
-   \addinsertionheight\c_page_floats_insertions_top   \to\totalinsertionheight
-   \addinsertionheight\c_page_floats_insertions_bottom\to\totalinsertionheight}
+   \totalinsertionheight\dimexpr
+     \totalnoteheight
+    +\page_insert_insertion_height\s!topfloat
+    +\page_insert_insertion_height\s!bottomfloat
+   \relax}
 
 % hm
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/page-one.mkiv b/tex/context/base/page-one.mkiv
index e9ca80e2b..9c740dbc2 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/page-one.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/page-one.mkiv
@@ -197,18 +197,19 @@
    \global\advance\d_page_floats_inserted_top\dimexpr\ht\floatbox+\dp\floatbox+\s_page_one_between_top_insert\relax}
 
 \def\page_one_insert_top_float % maybe remember last beforeskip
-  {\insert\c_page_floats_insertions_top
-     {\forgetall
-      \ifconditional\c_page_one_top_of_insert
-        \ifconditional\c_page_one_correct_top_insert
-          \topskipcorrection % [xx] new: see icare topbleed
-          \kern-\lineskip
-          \par
-          \prevdepth\maxdimen
-        \fi
-      \fi
-      \page_otr_command_flush_float_box
-      \vskip\s_page_one_between_top_insert}}
+  {\insert\namedinsertionnumber\s!topfloat\bgroup
+     \forgetall
+     \ifconditional\c_page_one_top_of_insert
+       \ifconditional\c_page_one_correct_top_insert
+         \topskipcorrection % [xx] new: see icare topbleed
+         \kern-\lineskip
+         \par
+         \prevdepth\maxdimen
+       \fi
+     \fi
+     \page_otr_command_flush_float_box
+     \vskip\s_page_one_between_top_insert
+   \egroup}
 
 \unexpanded\def\page_one_command_set_top_insertions
   {\bgroup
@@ -267,10 +268,11 @@
      \page_floats_get
      \global\advance\d_page_floats_inserted_bottom\dimexpr\ht\floatbox+\dp\floatbox+\d_strc_floats_top\relax
      \ifdim\d_page_floats_inserted_bottom<\pagegoal\relax
-       \insert\c_page_floats_insertions_bottom
-         {\forgetall
-          \blank[\rootfloatparameter\c!spacebefore]%
-          \page_otr_command_flush_float_box}%
+       \insert\namedinsertionnumber\s!bottomfloat\bgroup
+         \forgetall
+         \blank[\rootfloatparameter\c!spacebefore]%
+         \page_otr_command_flush_float_box
+       \egroup
        \ifconditional\c_page_floats_some_waiting
          \advance\noffloatinserts \plusone
        \else
@@ -291,9 +293,9 @@
    \page_one_command_set_bottom_insertions_indeed}
 
 \unexpanded\def\page_one_command_flush_top_insertions
-  {\ifvoid\c_page_floats_insertions_top\else
+  {\ifvoid\namedinsertionnumber\s!topfloat\else
      \ifgridsnapping
-       \box\c_page_floats_insertions_top
+       \box\namedinsertionnumber\s!topfloat
        \vskip-\topskip
        \vskip\strutheight % [xx] new: see icare topbleed
      \else
@@ -304,20 +306,20 @@
          \vskip-\topskip
          \vskip\strutheight
        \fi
-       \unvbox\c_page_floats_insertions_top
+       \unvbox\namedinsertionnumber\s!topfloat
      \fi
    \fi
    \global\d_page_floats_inserted_top\zeropoint}
 
 \unexpanded\def\page_one_command_flush_bottom_insertions
-  {\ifvoid\c_page_floats_insertions_bottom\else
+  {\ifvoid\namedinsertionnumber\s!bottomfloat\else
      \ifgridsnapping
      % \floatparameter\c!bottombefore
-       \snaptogrid\hbox{\box\c_page_floats_insertions_bottom}%
+       \snaptogrid\hbox{\box\namedinsertionnumber\s!bottomfloat}%
      % \floatparameter\c!bottomafter
      \else
        \floatparameter\c!bottombefore
-       \unvbox\c_page_floats_insertions_bottom
+       \unvbox\namedinsertionnumber\s!bottomfloat
        \floatparameter\c!bottomafter
      \fi
    \fi
@@ -549,11 +551,11 @@
 
 \def\page_one_place_float_bottom_indeed
   {\global\advance\d_page_floats_inserted_bottom\dimexpr\ht\floatbox+\dp\floatbox+\d_strc_floats_top\relax
-   \insert\c_page_floats_insertions_bottom
-     {\forgetall
-      \blank[\rootfloatparameter\c!spacebefore]%
-      \page_otr_command_flush_float_box}%
-   %\global\settrue\c_page_floats_not_permitted
+   \insert\namedinsertionnumber\s!bottomfloat\bgroup
+     \forgetall
+     \blank[\rootfloatparameter\c!spacebefore]%
+     \page_otr_command_flush_float_box
+   \egroup
    \page_floats_report_total}
 
 \def\page_one_place_float_face % links, rechts, midden, hoog, midden, laag
diff --git a/tex/context/base/page-otr.mkvi b/tex/context/base/page-otr.mkvi
index 19c308c32..e5433c866 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/page-otr.mkvi
+++ b/tex/context/base/page-otr.mkvi
@@ -258,8 +258,8 @@
 \definesystemconstant{page_otr_command_flush_margin_blocks}
 
 \definesystemconstant{singlecolumn}
-\definesystemconstant{multicolumn}
-\definesystemconstant{columnset}
+\definesystemconstant{multicolumn}   % will move
+\definesystemconstant{columnset}     % will move
 
 \defineoutputroutinecommand
   [\s!page_otr_command_routine,
diff --git a/tex/context/base/page-pst.mkiv b/tex/context/base/page-pst.mkiv
index 1078dda03..63fa54aa1 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/page-pst.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/page-pst.mkiv
@@ -51,8 +51,8 @@
 
 %newif      \ifinpostponing                    % prevents nesting
 
-\newcount   \c_page_postponed_blocks_next_page % set at the lua end
-\newconstant\c_page_postponed_busy
+\newcount      \c_page_postponed_blocks_next_page % set at the lua end
+\newconditional\c_page_postponed_busy
 
 \unexpanded\setvalue{\e!start\v!postponing}%
   {\bgroup
diff --git a/tex/context/base/page-set.mkiv b/tex/context/base/page-set.mkiv
index c74c397e8..f0981443c 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/page-set.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/page-set.mkiv
@@ -49,6 +49,17 @@
 \newif\ifcolumnspread
 \newif\iftracecolumnset    %   \tracecolumnsettrue
 
+\newif\ifforcecolumnsetgrid      \forcecolumnsetgridtrue
+\newif\ifcollectingsetcontent    % never set
+\newif\ifcarryoverfootnotes      %\carryoverfootnotestrue
+\newif\iflastcolumnfootnotes     % never set \lastcolumnfootnotestrue
+\newif\ifintermediatefootnotes
+
+\newbox\b_page_set_preceding
+\newbox\b_page_set_trailing
+
+\newdimen\d_page_set_local_hsize
+
 \def\columnmaxcells    {75} % runtime
 \def\columnmaxfreecells {0} % runtime
 \def\columngaplimit     {0} % {5}
@@ -385,12 +396,12 @@
    \hbox to \OTRSETmakeupwidth
      {\dostepwiserecurse{#1}{#2}{#3}
         {\mofcolumns\recurselevel
-         \localcolumnwidth\OTRSETlocalwidth\mofcolumns
+         \d_page_set_local_hsize\OTRSETlocalwidth\mofcolumns
          \setbox\scratchbox\hbox\localframed
            [\??mc\OTRSETidentifier\number\mofcolumns]%
-           [\c!width=\localcolumnwidth,\c!height=\!!heighta,\c!lines=]%
+           [\c!width=\d_page_set_local_hsize,\c!height=\!!heighta,\c!lines=]%
            {}%
-         \wd\scratchbox\localcolumnwidth
+         \wd\scratchbox\d_page_set_local_hsize
          \ht\scratchbox\!!heighta
          \ifcase\columndirection
            \hskip\OTRSETgetparameter\c!distance\recurselevel
@@ -404,7 +415,7 @@
    \hbox to \OTRSETmakeupwidth
      {\dostepwiserecurse{#1}{#2}{#3}
         {\mofcolumns\recurselevel
-         \localcolumnwidth\OTRSETlocalwidth\mofcolumns
+         \d_page_set_local_hsize\OTRSETlocalwidth\mofcolumns
          \offinterlineskip
          \setbox\scratchbox\vbox to \!!heighta
            {%\topskipcorrection % not needed
@@ -426,8 +437,8 @@
                \ifcase\columndirection
                  \box\scratchbox
                \else
-                 \hbox to \localcolumnwidth
-                   {\hskip\localcolumnwidth\llap{\box\scratchbox}}%
+                 \hbox to \d_page_set_local_hsize
+                   {\hskip\d_page_set_local_hsize\llap{\box\scratchbox}}%
                \fi
                \par}%
             \ifcase\OTRSETbalancemethod
@@ -442,7 +453,7 @@
               \kern\zeropoint
               \vss
             \fi}%
-         \wd\scratchbox\localcolumnwidth % \textwidth
+         \wd\scratchbox\d_page_set_local_hsize % \textwidth
          \page_marks_synchronize_column{#1}{#2}\recurselevel\scratchbox
          \ifcase\columndirection
            \hskip\OTRSETgetparameter\c!distance\recurselevel\box\scratchbox
@@ -496,7 +507,7 @@
    \fi}
 
 \def\OTRSETdoflush
-  {\ifcollectingcontent
+  {\ifcollectingsetcontent
      \global\mofcolumns\plusone
    \else
      \OTRSETdofinalflush
@@ -572,7 +583,7 @@
    \fi}
 
 \unexpanded\def\page_set_command_set_vsize % snap per sectie (gap here?)
-  {\ifcollectingcontent \else % can be assigndimen
+  {\ifcollectingsetcontent \else % can be assigndimen
      \OTRSETsetcolumnmaxcells % layout can be changed
      \OTRSETskipstart % not that well tested
      \OTRSETcheckinsert % added
@@ -589,9 +600,9 @@
    \fi}
 
 \def\page_set_command_set_hsize  % of course this does not migrate outside the otr
-  {\localcolumnwidth\OTRSETlocalwidth\mofcolumns
-   \textwidth\localcolumnwidth
-   \hsize\localcolumnwidth}
+  {\d_page_set_local_hsize\OTRSETlocalwidth\mofcolumns
+   \textwidth\d_page_set_local_hsize
+   \hsize\d_page_set_local_hsize}
 
 \unexpanded\def\page_set_command_synchronize_hsize
   {\ifcase0\getvalue{\??mc\??mc\c!width}\else % some width set
@@ -1806,46 +1817,46 @@
 \ifx\lastskipinotr\undefined \newskip\lastskipinotr \fi
 
 \installoutputroutine\OTRSETflushpreposttext
-  {\global\setbox\precolumnbox\vbox
+  {\global\setbox\b_page_set_preceding\vbox
      {\unvbox\normalpagebox
       \global\lastskipinotr\lastskip}%
    \ifdim\lastskipinotr>\zeropoint
-     \global\setbox\precolumnbox\hbox
-       {\lower\strutdepth\box\precolumnbox}%
+     \global\setbox\b_page_set_preceding\hbox
+       {\lower\strutdepth\box\b_page_set_preceding}%
    \fi
-   \dp\precolumnbox\strutdepth
+   \dp\b_page_set_preceding\strutdepth
    \ifcarryoverfootnotes \else
-     \global\setbox\postcolumnbox\vbox{\placebottomnotes}%
+     \global\setbox\b_page_set_trailing\vbox{\placebottomnotes}%
    \fi}
 
 \let\precolumnlines \!!zerocount
 \let\postcolumnlines\!!zerocount
 
 \def\OTRSEThandlepreposttext
-  {\ifdim\ht\precolumnbox>\zeropoint % new
-     \getnoflines{\ht\precolumnbox}%
+  {\ifdim\ht\b_page_set_preceding>\zeropoint % new
+     \getnoflines{\ht\b_page_set_preceding}%
      \edef\precolumnlines{\the\noflines}%
      \doOTRSETsetgridcells
        {\copy\placeholderboxe}
        \plusone\plusone\nofcolumns\noflines
      % normal version (single column set)
-     % {\box\precolumnbox}%
+     % {\box\b_page_set_preceding}%
      % compensated for bodyfont change
        {\hbox
           {\OTRSETsetcorrectcellht
-           \raise\scratchdimen\box\precolumnbox}}%
+           \raise\scratchdimen\box\b_page_set_preceding}}%
    \else
      \let\precolumnlines\!!zerocount
    \fi
-   \ifdim\ht\postcolumnbox>\zeropoint % new, otherwise empty bottom line
-     \getnoflines{\ht\postcolumnbox}%
+   \ifdim\ht\b_page_set_trailing>\zeropoint % new, otherwise empty bottom line
+     \getnoflines{\ht\b_page_set_trailing}%
      \edef\postcolumnlines{\the\noflines}%
      \advance\columnfreecells -\noflines
      \advance\columnfreecells \plusone
      \doOTRSETsetgridcells
        {\copy\placeholderboxe}
        \plusone\columnfreecells\nofcolumns\noflines
-       {\box\postcolumnbox}%
+       {\box\b_page_set_trailing}%
    \else
      \let\postcolumnlines\!!zerocount
    \fi}
@@ -1858,7 +1869,7 @@
 
 \def\OTRSETcheckgrid
   {\topskip1\topskip
-   \ifforcecolumngrid
+   \ifforcecolumnsetgrid
      \widowpenalty\zerocount
      \clubpenalty\zerocount
      \brokenpenalty\zerocount
@@ -2049,7 +2060,10 @@
        \let\OTRSETdodosettopinserts\relax % to be tested
      \else
        \xdef\totaltopinserted{\the\d_page_floats_inserted_top}%
-       \insert\c_page_floats_insertions_top{\forgetall\box\scratchbox}% interlineskip ?
+       \insert\namedinsertionnumber\s!topfloat\bgroup
+         \forgetall
+         \box\scratchbox
+       \egroup
        \ifconditional\c_page_floats_some_waiting
          \advance\noffloatinserts \plusone
        \else
@@ -2078,10 +2092,11 @@
      \page_floats_get
      \global\advance\d_page_floats_inserted_bottom\dimexpr\ht\floatbox+\dp\floatbox+\d_strc_floats_top\relax
      \ifdim\d_page_floats_inserted_bottom<\pagegoal\relax
-       \insert\c_page_floats_insertions_bottom
-         {\forgetall
-          \blank[\rootfloatparameter\c!spacebefore]%
-          \page_otr_command_flush_float_box}%
+       \insert\namedinsertionnumber\s!bottomfloat\bgroup
+         \forgetall
+         \blank[\rootfloatparameter\c!spacebefore]%
+         \page_otr_command_flush_float_box
+       \egroup
        \ifconditional\c_page_floats_some_waiting
          \advance\noffloatinserts \plusone
        \else
@@ -2102,27 +2117,27 @@
    \OTRSETdodosetbotinserts}
 
 \unexpanded\def\page_set_command_flush_top_insertions
-  {\ifvoid\c_page_floats_insertions_top\else
+  {\ifvoid\namedinsertionnumber\s!topfloat\else
      \ifvoid\columntopbox\mofcolumns
-       \columnsettopbox\mofcolumns\box\c_page_floats_insertions_top
+       \columnsettopbox\mofcolumns\box\namedinsertionnumber\s!topfloat
      \else
        \columnsettopbox\mofcolumns\vbox % temp, must be better
          {\forgetall
           \offinterlineskip
           \box\columntopbox\mofcolumns
-          \box\c_page_floats_insertions_top}
+          \box\namedinsertionnumber\s!topfloat}
      \fi
    \fi
    \global\d_page_floats_inserted_top\zeropoint\relax} % goes away
 
 \unexpanded\def\page_set_command_flush_bottom_insertions
-  {\ifvoid\c_page_floats_insertions_bottom \else
-     \columnsetbotbox\mofcolumns\box\c_page_floats_insertions_bottom
+  {\ifvoid\namedinsertionnumber\s!bottomfloat \else
+     \columnsetbotbox\mofcolumns\box\namedinsertionnumber\s!bottomfloat
 %   \else
 %     \columnsetbotbox\mofcolumns\vbox % temp, must be better
 %       {\forgetall
 %        \offinterlineskip
-%        \box\c_page_floats_insertions_bottom
+%        \box\namedinsertionnumber\s!bottomfloat
 %        \box\columnbotbox\mofcolumns}
    \fi
    \global\d_page_floats_inserted_bottom\zeropoint\relax} % goes away
diff --git a/tex/context/base/page-sid.mkiv b/tex/context/base/page-sid.mkiv
index 629596c33..8989b04b5 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/page-sid.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/page-sid.mkiv
@@ -210,10 +210,7 @@
    \doloop
      {\strut
       \iftracesidefloats
-        \color[darkgray]%
-          {\baselinerulefalse
-           \boxrulewidth.5\points
-           \ruledhbox{\strut\kern\d_page_sides_width}}%
+        \color[darkgray]{\ruledhbox{\strut\kern\d_page_sides_width}}%
       \fi
       \par
       \ifdim\dimexpr\d_page_sides_vsize-\pagetotal\relax>\zeropoint
diff --git a/tex/context/base/s-art-01.mkiv b/tex/context/base/s-art-01.mkiv
index 10b4de9ab..c8d849d8c 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/s-art-01.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/s-art-01.mkiv
@@ -2,6 +2,8 @@
 
 % \showframe
 
+\unprotect
+
 \setuplayout
   [\c!topspace=2cm,
    \c!bottomspace=2.5cm,
@@ -33,4 +35,6 @@
   [\c!style=\bf,
    \c!after=]
 
+\protect
+
 \stopmodule
diff --git a/tex/context/base/spac-ver.mkiv b/tex/context/base/spac-ver.mkiv
index 4ffdeaf85..5737fc201 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/spac-ver.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/spac-ver.mkiv
@@ -1495,7 +1495,7 @@
      \ruledvbox
    \fi}
 
-\def\gridboxwidth{\ifcase\gridboxlinemode0\or.5\or.5\or0\else.5\fi\testrulewidth}
+\def\gridboxwidth{\ifcase\gridboxlinemode0\or.5\or.5\or0\else.5\fi\linewidth}
 
 \unexpanded\def\setgridbox#1#2#3% maybe ifgridsnapping at outer level
   {\setbox#1\gridboxvbox to #3 % given size
@@ -1503,10 +1503,10 @@
       \resetteststrut
       \offinterlineskip
       \hsize#2%
-      \baselinerulefalse
       \ifnum\gridboxlinenomode=\plusthree
         \gridboxlinenomode\ifodd\realpageno\plusone\else\plustwo\fi
       \fi
+      \topskipcorrection
       \gridboxvbox % calculated size
         {\getrawnoflines{#3}% \getnoflines{#3}%
          \scratchdimen\dimexpr#2+\lineheight\relax
@@ -1515,11 +1515,11 @@
             \hskip-.5\lineheight\relax
             \ifcase\gridboxlinenomode\or
               \rlap
-                {\hskip.2\bodyfontsize\hskip\scratchdimen
-                 \infofont\hbox to 1em{\hss\recurselevel}}%
+                {\hskip\dimexpr.2\bodyfontsize+\scratchdimen\relax
+                 \infofont\hbox to \emwidth{\hss\recurselevel}}%
             \or
               \llap
-                {\infofont\hbox to 1em{\hss\recurselevel}%
+                {\infofont\hbox to \emwidth{\hss\recurselevel}%
                  \hskip.2\bodyfontsize}%
             \fi
             \vrule
diff --git a/tex/context/base/status-files.pdf b/tex/context/base/status-files.pdf
index 259b6f7cc..5fb854019 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 691db3b2d..9c7987cca 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/status-lua.pdf
+++ b/tex/context/base/status-lua.pdf
diff --git a/tex/context/base/status-mkiv.lua b/tex/context/base/status-mkiv.lua
index 7bd388abd..c2779d0b4 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/status-mkiv.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/status-mkiv.lua
@@ -272,6 +272,11 @@ return {
             status   = "okay",
         },
         {
+            filename = "trac-ctx",
+            marktype = "mkiv",
+            status   = "okay",
+        },
+        {
             filename = "supp-box",
             marktype = "mkiv",
             status   = "okay",
@@ -312,12 +317,6 @@ return {
             comment  = "will grow",
         },
         {
-            filename = "page-ins",
-            marktype = "mkiv",
-            status   = "okay",
-            comment  = "dealing with insertions might change",
-        },
-        {
             filename = "file-syn",
             marktype = "mkvi",
             status   = "okay",
@@ -704,6 +703,12 @@ return {
             comment  = "code might end up elsewhere",
         },
         {
+            filename = "page-ins",
+            marktype = "mkiv",
+            status   = "okay",
+            comment  = "dealing with insertions might change",
+        },
+        {
             filename = "page-fac",
             marktype = "mkiv",
             status   = "okay",
@@ -798,6 +803,12 @@ return {
             comment  = "will be reimplemented",
         },
         {
+            filename = "page-mix",
+            marktype = "mkiv",
+            status   = "todo",
+            comment  = "work in progress",
+        },
+        {
             filename = "page-set",
             marktype = "mkiv",
             status   = "todo",
diff --git a/tex/context/base/strc-itm.mkvi b/tex/context/base/strc-itm.mkvi
index a28eaacd8..5ecf72cc9 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/strc-itm.mkvi
+++ b/tex/context/base/strc-itm.mkvi
@@ -842,9 +842,6 @@
 \let\startcollectitems\relax
 \let\stopcollectitems \relax
 
-\ifdefined\startcolumns \else \unexpanded\def\startcolumns[#settings]{} \fi
-\ifdefined\stopcolumns  \else \unexpanded\def\stopcolumns            {} \fi
-
 \letvalue{\??itemgroupalign\v!flushleft }\relax
 \letvalue{\??itemgroupalign\v!right     }\relax
 \letvalue{\??itemgroupalign\v!flushright}\hfill
@@ -883,16 +880,31 @@
 \def\strc_itemgroups_setup_symbol_asked
    {\edef\strc_itemgroups_asked_symbol{\itemgroupparameter\c!symbol}}
 
-\def\strc_itemgroups_start_columns
-  {\startcolumns
-     [\c!n=\itemgroupparameter\c!n,
-      \c!height=,
-      \c!rule=\v!off,
-      \c!balance=\v!yes,
-      \c!align=\v!no]}
+\ifdefined\strc_itemgroups_start_columns
+
+    % already defined in page-mix
+
+\else
+
+    % will be redefined in page-mix
 
-\def\strc_itemgroups_stop_columns
-  {\stopcolumns}
+    \ifdefined\startcolumns \else
+        \unexpanded\def\startcolumns[#settings]{}
+        \unexpanded\def\stopcolumns            {}
+    \fi
+
+    \def\strc_itemgroups_start_columns
+      {\startcolumns
+         [\c!n=\itemgroupparameter\c!n,
+          \c!height=,
+          \c!rule=\v!off,
+          \c!balance=\v!yes,
+          \c!align=\v!no]}
+
+    \def\strc_itemgroups_stop_columns
+      {\stopcolumns}
+
+\fi
 
 \unexpanded\def\stopitemgroup
   {\stopcollectitems
diff --git a/tex/context/base/strc-not.mkvi b/tex/context/base/strc-not.mkvi
index 74e4345aa..05bca36ba 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/strc-not.mkvi
+++ b/tex/context/base/strc-not.mkvi
@@ -364,14 +364,12 @@
 
 \installcorenamespace{noteinsertion}
 
-\def\currentnoteins{\csname\??noteinsertion\currentnote\endcsname}
-
 \appendtoks
-    \ifcsname\??noteinsertion\currentnote\endcsname\else
-       \expandafter\installinsertion\csname\??noteinsertion\currentnote\endcsname\relax
-       \normalexpanded{\t_strc_notes{\the\t_strc_notes\noexpand\strc_notes_process_list{\currentnote}}}%
-    \fi
-    \ctxlua{structures.notes.define("\currentnote","insert",\number\currentnoteins)}%
+    \defineinsertion[\currentnote]%
+    \doifinsertionelse\currentnote
+      {\normalexpanded{\t_strc_notes{\the\t_strc_notes\noexpand\strc_notes_process_list{\currentnote}}}}
+      \donothing
+    \ctxlua{structures.notes.define("\currentnote","insert",\number\namedinsertionnumber\currentnote)}%
     \ifx\currentnoteparent\empty
         \definenotation[\currentnote][\c!type=\v!note]%
     \else
@@ -843,7 +841,7 @@
    \ifx\p_factor\empty \else
      \ifnum\p_factor<\zerocount \else
 %        \global
-       \count\currentnoteins\p_factor % new: global
+       \count\namedinsertionnumber\currentnote\p_factor % new: global
      \fi
    \fi}
 
@@ -959,9 +957,9 @@
   {\setfalse\c_strc_notes_delayed
    \strc_notes_set_distance
    \strc_notes_set_columns
-   \global\count\currentnoteins\numexpr\plusthousand/\c_strc_notes_columns\relax
-   \global\dimen\currentnoteins\ifnotelimit\dimexpr\noteparameter\c!height*\c_strc_notes_columns\relax\else\maxdimen\fi
-   \global\skip \currentnoteins\s_strc_notes_distance}
+   \global\count\namedinsertionnumber\currentnote\numexpr\plusthousand/\c_strc_notes_columns\relax
+   \global\dimen\namedinsertionnumber\currentnote\ifnotelimit\dimexpr\noteparameter\c!height*\c_strc_notes_columns\relax\else\maxdimen\fi
+   \global\skip \namedinsertionnumber\currentnote\s_strc_notes_distance}
 
 \def\strc_notes_set_location_columns
   {\setfalse\c_strc_notes_delayed
@@ -970,26 +968,26 @@
    \ifnum\currentnofcolumns=\zerocount
      \c_strc_notes_columns\plusone
    \fi
-   \global\count\currentnoteins\numexpr\plusthousand/\c_strc_notes_columns\relax
-   \global\dimen\currentnoteins\ifnotelimit\dimexpr\noteparameter\c!height*\c_strc_notes_columns\relax\else\maxdimen\fi
-   \global\skip \currentnoteins\s_strc_notes_distance}
+   \global\count\namedinsertionnumber\currentnote\numexpr\plusthousand/\c_strc_notes_columns\relax
+   \global\dimen\namedinsertionnumber\currentnote\ifnotelimit\dimexpr\noteparameter\c!height*\c_strc_notes_columns\relax\else\maxdimen\fi
+   \global\skip \namedinsertionnumber\currentnote\s_strc_notes_distance}
 
 \def\strc_notes_set_location_firstcolumn
   {\setfalse\c_strc_notes_delayed
    \strc_notes_set_distance
    \strc_notes_set_columns
-   \global\count\currentnoteins\plusthousand
-   \global\dimen\currentnoteins\ifnotelimit\noteparameter\c!height\else\maxdimen\fi
-   \global\skip \currentnoteins\s_strc_notes_distance}
+   \global\count\namedinsertionnumber\currentnote\plusthousand
+   \global\dimen\namedinsertionnumber\currentnote\ifnotelimit\noteparameter\c!height\else\maxdimen\fi
+   \global\skip \namedinsertionnumber\currentnote\s_strc_notes_distance}
 
 \let\strc_notes_set_location_lastcolumn\strc_notes_set_location_firstcolumn
 
 \def\strc_notes_set_location_text % we don't use inserts anyway (e.g. endnotes)
   {\settrue\c_strc_notes_delayed
    \ctxlua{structures.notes.setstate("\currentnote","store")}%
-   \global\count\currentnoteins\zerocount
-   \global\dimen\currentnoteins\maxdimen
-   \global\skip \currentnoteins\zeropoint}
+   \global\count\namedinsertionnumber\currentnote\zerocount
+   \global\dimen\namedinsertionnumber\currentnote\maxdimen
+   \global\skip \namedinsertionnumber\currentnote\zeropoint}
 
 \let\strc_notes_set_location_none\strc_notes_set_location_text
 
@@ -1013,7 +1011,7 @@
 \newconditional\c_notes_bottom_present
 
 \def\strc_notes_check_if_bottom_present_indeed % in otr !
-  {\ifvoid\currentnoteins\else
+  {\ifvoid\namedinsertionnumber\currentnote\else
      \strc_notes_set_position
    \fi}
 
@@ -1134,7 +1132,7 @@
    \strc_constructions_initialize{#1}%
    \strc_notes_synchronize
    \the\everybeforenoteinsert
-   \insert\currentnoteins\bgroup
+   \insert\namedinsertionnumber\currentnote\bgroup
      \the\everyinsidenoteinsert\relax
      \doprocesslocalsetups{\noteparameter\c!setups}% experimental
      \doifelse{\noteparameter\c!paragraph}\v!yes
@@ -1236,14 +1234,14 @@
 \def\strc_notes_place_inserts
   {\strc_notes_set_delayed % \strc_notes_synchronize % we need to know if it's delayed
    \ifconditional\c_strc_notes_delayed \else
-     \ifdim\ht\currentnoteins>\zeropoint % or a faster delayed test
+     \ifdim\ht\namedinsertionnumber\currentnote>\zeropoint % or a faster delayed test
        \strc_notes_place_inserts_indeed
      \fi
    \fi}
 
 \def\strc_notes_place_inserts_indeed
   {\relax
-   \ifdim\ht\currentnoteins>\zeropoint
+   \ifdim\ht\namedinsertionnumber\currentnote>\zeropoint
      \endgraf
      \ifvmode
        \whitespace
@@ -1291,13 +1289,11 @@
    \fi}
 
 \def\strc_notes_flush_inserts_normal
-  {%\iftrialtypesetting\copy\else\box\fi\currentnoteins
-   \strc_notes_flush_global
+  {\strc_notes_flush_global
    \obeydepth} % (a) added , since split footnotes will not align properly
 
 \def\strc_notes_flush_inserts_columns
   {\startsimplecolumns[\c!distance=\noteparameter\c!columndistance,\c!n=\noteparameter\c!n,\c!width=\noteparameter\c!width]%
-    %\iftrialtypesetting\unvcopied\else\unvboxed\fi\currentnoteins % compare with local
      \strc_notes_flush_global
    \stopsimplecolumns}
 
@@ -1313,18 +1309,15 @@
   {\doifelse{\noteparameter\c!paragraph}\v!yes
      {\vbox
         {\beginofshapebox
-         \iftrialtypesetting\unvcopied\else\unvboxed\fi\currentnoteins
+           \iftrialtypesetting\unvcopied\else\unvboxed\fi\namedinsertionnumber\currentnote
          \endofshapebox
-        %\doreshapebox{\box\shapebox}{}{}{}% get rid of penalties etc
          \let\strc_notes_between_paragraphs_indeed\strc_notes_between_paragraphs_first % shape works reverse
          \doreshapebox
            {\hbox{\unhbox\shapebox\strc_notes_between_paragraphs_indeed}}
-           {}%
-           {}%
-           {}% get rid of penalties etc
+           \donothing \donothing \donothing % get rid of penalties etc
          \innerflushshapebox
          \convertvboxtohbox}}
-     {\iftrialtypesetting\unvcopied\else\unvboxed\fi\currentnoteins}}
+     {\iftrialtypesetting\unvcopied\else\unvboxed\fi\namedinsertionnumber\currentnote}}
 
 %D Supporting end notes is surprisingly easy. Even better, we
 %D can combine this feature with solving the common \TEX\
@@ -1358,7 +1351,7 @@
 
 % we need a proper state: normal, postponing, flushing
 
-\def\postponenotes
+\unexpanded\def\postponenotes
   {\ifconditional\postponingnotes\else
      \global\settrue\postponingnotes
      \global\let\flushnotes\doflushnotes
@@ -1367,7 +1360,7 @@
 
 \let\flushnotes\relax
 
-\def\doflushnotes
+\unexpanded\def\doflushnotes
   {\ifconditional\postponingnotes
      \begingroup
      \let\flushnotes   \relax
@@ -1595,7 +1588,7 @@
    \strc_notes_process\strc_notes_check_presence}
 
 \def\strc_notes_check_presence
-  {\ifdim\ht\currentnoteins>\zeropoint
+  {\ifdim\ht\namedinsertionnumber\currentnote>\zeropoint
      \notespresenttrue
    \fi}
 
@@ -1604,7 +1597,7 @@
 
         % used in page-mul
 
-        \ifdefined\currentnofcolumns\else \def\currentnofcolumns{\@@kln} \fi
+        \ifdefined\currentnofcolumns\else \def\currentnofcolumns{\nofcolumns} \fi
 
         \unexpanded\def\fakenotes
           {\ifhmode\endgraf\fi\ifvmode
@@ -1620,29 +1613,31 @@
 
         \newdimen\totalnoteheight
 
-        \def\doaddtototalnoteheight#1%
-          {\ifdim\ht#1>\zeropoint
-             \ifcase\count#1\else
-               % todo: divide by count
-               \advance\totalnoteheight\ht  #1%
-               \advance\totalnoteheight\skip#1%
+        \unexpanded\def\additionaltotalnoteheight#1% temp hacks anyway
+          {\dimexpr
+             \ifdim\ht#1>\zeropoint
+               \ifcase\count#1
+                 \zeropoint
+               \else % todo: divide by count
+                 \ht#1+\skip#1% hm, no stretch but a dimen anyway
+               \fi
+             \else
+               \zeropoint
              \fi
-           \fi}
+          \relax}
 
         \def\docalculatetotalnoteheight
           {\ifcase\c_strc_notes_page_location % tricky here ! ! ! to be sorted out ! ! !
-             \doaddtototalnoteheight\currentnoteins
-           \else
-        %    \doaddtototalnoteheight\currentbackupnoteins
+             \advance\totalnoteheight\normalexpanded{\additionaltotalnoteheight\namedinsertionnumber\currentnote}%
            \fi}
 
         \def\docalculatetotalclevernoteheight
           {\ifcase\c_strc_notes_page_location \else % tricky here ! ! ! to be sorted out ! ! !
-             \doaddtototalnoteheight\currentnoteins
+             \advance\totalnoteheight\normalexpanded{\additionaltotalnoteheight\namedinsertionnumber\currentnote}%
            \fi}
 
         \def\docalculatetotalpagenoteheight
-          {\doaddtototalnoteheight\currentnoteins}
+          {\advance\totalnoteheight\normalexpanded{\additionaltotalnoteheight\namedinsertionnumber\currentnote}}
 
         \def\calculatetotalnoteheight      {\totalnoteheight\zeropoint\strc_notes_process\docalculatetotalnoteheight}
         \def\calculatetotalclevernoteheight{\totalnoteheight\zeropoint\strc_notes_process\docalculatetotalclevernoteheight}
@@ -1670,7 +1665,7 @@
 %D \stoptyping
 
 % \def\dosynchronizenotes
-%   {\ifvoid\currentnoteins\else\insert\currentnoteins{\unvbox\currentnoteins}\fi}
+%   {\ifvoid\namedinsertionnumber\currentnote\else\insert\namedinsertionnumber\currentnote{\unvbox\namedinsertionnumber\currentnote}\fi}
 %
 % \def\synchronizenotes
 %   {\strc_notes_process\dosynchronizenotes}
diff --git a/tex/context/base/strc-reg.lua b/tex/context/base/strc-reg.lua
index 6da58345b..23609cfd9 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/strc-reg.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/strc-reg.lua
@@ -266,6 +266,10 @@ local function preprocessentries(rawdata)
         end
         rawdata.entries = nil
     end
+    local seeword = rawdata.seeword
+    if seeword then
+        seeword.processor, seeword.text = splitprocessor(seeword.text or "")
+    end
 end
 
 function registers.store(rawdata) -- metadata, references, entries
@@ -826,10 +830,11 @@ function registers.flush(data,options,prefixspec,pagespec)
                 context.startregisterseewords()
                 for i=1,nt do
                     local entry = t[i]
-                    local processor = entry.processors and entry.processors[1] or ""
+                    local seeword   = entry.seeword
+                    local seetext   = seeword.text or ""
+                    local processor = seeword.processor or (entry.processors and entry.processors[1]) or ""
                     local seeindex  = entry.references.seeindex or ""
-                    local seeword   = entry.seeword.text or ""
-                    context.registerseeword(i,n,processor,0,seeindex,seeword)
+                    context.registerseeword(i,n,processor,0,seeindex,seetext)
                 end
                 context.stopregisterseewords()
             end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/strc-reg.mkiv b/tex/context/base/strc-reg.mkiv
index e90de80ec..973c6effd 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/strc-reg.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/strc-reg.mkiv
@@ -332,7 +332,7 @@
        \normalexpanded{\ctxlua{structures.registers.extend("\currentregister","\currentregisterlabel", {
             metadata = {
             \ifx\currentregisterownnumber\v!yes
-                own      = "\registerparameter\c!alternative", % can be used instead of pagenumber
+                own = "\registerparameter\c!alternative", % can be used instead of pagenumber
             \fi
             },
             userdata = structures.helpers.touserdata(\!!bs\detokenize{#3}\!!es)
@@ -349,7 +349,8 @@
             },
             entries = {
                 % we need a special one for xml, this is just a single one
-                \!!bs\currentregisterentries\!!es, \!!bs\currentregisterkeys\!!es
+                \!!bs\currentregisterentries\!!es,
+                \!!bs\currentregisterkeys\!!es
             },
             userdata = structures.helpers.touserdata(\!!bs\detokenize{#3}\!!es)
          })
@@ -433,10 +434,11 @@
         },
         entries = {
             % we need a special one for xml, this is just a single one
-            "\currentregisterentries", "#2"
+            \!!bs\currentregisterentries\!!es,
+            \!!bs#2\!!es
         },
         seeword = {
-            text = "\currentregisterseeword"
+            text = \!!bs\currentregisterseeword\!!es
         },
      }
    }}%
diff --git a/tex/context/base/syst-aux.mkiv b/tex/context/base/syst-aux.mkiv
index 0571fd00f..bc75789bd 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/syst-aux.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/syst-aux.mkiv
@@ -4702,12 +4702,12 @@
 
 \let\syst_helpers_split_string\relax
 
-\def\beforesplitstring#1\at#2\to#3%
+\unexpanded\def\beforesplitstring#1\at#2\to#3%
   {\def\syst_helpers_split_string##1#2##2#2##3\\%
      {\def#3{##1}}%
    \expandafter\syst_helpers_split_string#1#2#2\\}
 
-\def\aftersplitstring#1\at#2\to#3%
+\unexpanded\def\aftersplitstring#1\at#2\to#3%
   {\def\syst_helpers_split_string##1#2##2@@@##3\\%
      {\def#3{##2}}%
    \expandafter\syst_helpers_split_string#1@@@#2@@@\\}
@@ -4717,7 +4717,7 @@
 %D
 %D A bonus macro.
 
-\def\splitstring#1\at#2\to#3\and#4%
+\unexpanded\def\splitstring#1\at#2\to#3\and#4%
   {\def\syst_helpers_split_string##1#2##2\empty\empty\empty##3\\%
      {\def#3{##1}%
       \def\syst_helpers_split_string{##3}%
@@ -4728,7 +4728,7 @@
       \fi}%
    \expandafter\syst_helpers_split_string#1\empty\empty\empty#2\empty\empty\empty\\}
 
-\def\greedysplitstring#1\at#2\to#3\and#4%
+\unexpanded\def\greedysplitstring#1\at#2\to#3\and#4%
   {\edef\asciib{#1}%
    \let\asciic\asciib
    \let#3\empty
@@ -4750,12 +4750,12 @@
 %D    aftertestandsplitstring,
 %D    testandsplitstring}
 
-\def\beforetestandsplitstring#1\at#2\to#3%
+\unexpanded\def\beforetestandsplitstring#1\at#2\to#3%
   {\def\syst_helpers_split_string##1#2##2#2##3##4\\%
      {\ifx##3\empty\let#3\empty\else\def#3{##1}\fi}%
    \expandafter\syst_helpers_split_string#1#2#2\empty\\}
 
-\def\aftertestandsplitstring#1\at#2\to#3%
+\unexpanded\def\aftertestandsplitstring#1\at#2\to#3%
   {\def\syst_helpers_split_string ##1#2##2@@@##3##4\\%
      {\ifx##3\empty\let#3\empty\else\def#3{##2}\fi}%
    \expandafter\syst_helpers_split_string #1@@@#2@@@\empty\\}
@@ -4776,7 +4776,7 @@
 %D
 %D Which in terms of \TEX\ looks like:
 
-\def\removesubstring#1\from#2\to#3%
+\unexpanded\def\removesubstring#1\from#2\to#3%
   {\splitstring#2\to\m_syst_string_one\and\m_syst_string_two
    \dodoglobal#3{\m_syst_string_one\m_syst_string_two}}
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/trac-ctx.lua b/tex/context/base/trac-ctx.lua
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..dd3aa392a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tex/context/base/trac-ctx.lua
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+if not modules then modules = { } end modules ['trac-ctx'] = {
+    version   = 1.001,
+    comment   = "companion to trac-ctx.mkiv",
+    author    = "Hans Hagen, PRAGMA-ADE, Hasselt NL",
+    copyright = "PRAGMA ADE / ConTeXt Development Team",
+    license   = "see context related readme files"
+}
+
+tex.trackers = tex.trackers or { }
+
+local textrackers = tex.trackers
+local register    = trackers.register
+
+storage.register("tex/trackers",textrackers,"tex.trackers")
+
+local function doit(tag,v)
+    local tt = textrackers[tag]
+    if tt then
+        context.unprotect()
+        context(v and tt[1] or tt[2])
+        context.protect()
+    end
+end
+
+function commands.initializetextrackers()
+    for tag, commands in next, textrackers do
+        register(tag, function(v) doit(tag,v) end) -- todo: v,tag in caller
+    end
+end
+
+function commands.installtextracker(tag,enable,disable)
+    textrackers[tag] = { enable, disable }
+    register(tag, function(v) doit(tag,v) end) -- todo: v,tag in caller
+end
+
+-- lua.registerfinalizer(dump,"dump storage")
diff --git a/tex/context/base/trac-ctx.mkiv b/tex/context/base/trac-ctx.mkiv
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..4aeb99116
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tex/context/base/trac-ctx.mkiv
@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+
+%D \module
+%D   [       file=trac-ctx,
+%D        version=2012.07.13,
+%D          title=\CONTEXT\ Tracing Macros,
+%D       subtitle=TeX Trackers,
+%D         author=Hans Hagen,
+%D           date=\currentdate,
+%D      copyright={PRAGMA ADE \& \CONTEXT\ Development Team}]
+%C
+%C This module is part of the \CONTEXT\ macro||package and is
+%C therefore copyrighted by \PRAGMA. See mreadme.pdf for
+%C details.
+
+\writestatus{loading}{ConTeXt Tracing Macros / TeX Trackers}
+
+\registerctxluafile{trac-ctx}{1.001}
+
+\unprotect
+
+\unexpanded\def\installtextracker#1#2#3%
+  {\ctxcommand{installtextracker("#1",\!!bs\detokenize{#2}\!!es,\!!bs\detokenize{#3}\!!es)}}
+
+\appendtoks
+    \ctxcommand{initializetextrackers()}%
+\to \everyjob
+
+\protect \endinput
diff --git a/tex/context/base/typo-txt.mkvi b/tex/context/base/typo-txt.mkvi
index 0e926ed2c..f1c80c1bd 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/typo-txt.mkvi
+++ b/tex/context/base/typo-txt.mkvi
@@ -105,10 +105,10 @@
 \unexpanded\def\normalizefontdepth {\typo_normalizers_font_at_size\dp}
 \unexpanded\def\normalizefontline  {\typo_normalizers_font_at_size\htdp}
 
-\unexpanded\def\widthspanningtext #text#width#specification{\hbox{\normalizefontwidth \temp{#text}{#width}{#specification}\temp#text}}
-\unexpanded\def\heightspanningtext#text#width#specification{\hbox{\normalizefontheight\temp{#text}{#width}{#specification}\temp#text}}
-\unexpanded\def\depthspanningtext #text#width#specification{\hbox{\normalizefontdepth \temp{#text}{#width}{#specification}\temp#text}}
-\unexpanded\def\linespanningtext  #text#width#specification{\hbox{\normalizefontline  \temp{#text}{#width}{#specification}\temp#text}}
+\unexpanded\def\widthspanningtext #text#size#specification{\hbox{\normalizefontwidth \temp{#text}{#size}{#specification}\temp#text}}
+\unexpanded\def\heightspanningtext#text#size#specification{\hbox{\normalizefontheight\temp{#text}{#size}{#specification}\temp#text}}
+\unexpanded\def\depthspanningtext #text#size#specification{\hbox{\normalizefontdepth \temp{#text}{#size}{#specification}\temp#text}}
+\unexpanded\def\linespanningtext  #text#size#specification{\hbox{\normalizefontline  \temp{#text}{#size}{#specification}\temp#text}}
 
 %D Traditionally we use UpperCasedNames for this kind of functionality.
 
diff --git a/tex/context/fonts/demo.lfg b/tex/context/fonts/demo.lfg
index 00ca3ee6e..06c59e644 100644
--- a/tex/context/fonts/demo.lfg
+++ b/tex/context/fonts/demo.lfg
@@ -30,11 +30,36 @@ return {
     comment = "An example of goodies.",
     author = "Hans Hagen",
     featuresets = {
+        simple = {
+            mode   = "node",
+            script = "latn"
+        },
         default = {
-            default,
+            mode   = "node",
+            script = "latn",
+            kern   = "yes",
+        },
+        ligatures = {
+            mode   = "node",
+            script = "latn",
+            kern   = "yes",
+            liga   = "yes",
         },
         smallcaps = {
-            default, smallcaps,
+            mode   = "node",
+            script = "latn",
+            kern   = "yes",
+            smcp   = "yes",
+        },
+    },
+    solutions = { -- here we have references to featuresets, so we use strings!
+        experimental = {
+            less = {
+                "ligatures", "simple",
+            },
+            more = {
+                "smallcaps",
+            },
         },
     },
     colorschemes = {
diff --git a/tex/generic/context/luatex/luatex-fonts-merged.lua b/tex/generic/context/luatex/luatex-fonts-merged.lua
index c69ac8a24..b92bf2ab3 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  : 07/10/12 00:56:44
+-- merge date  : 07/17/12 00:23:01
 
 do -- begin closure to overcome local limits and interference