diff --git a/Cargo.toml b/Cargo.toml
index 294a53123..6e5a540c6 100644
--- a/Cargo.toml
+++ b/Cargo.toml
@@ -162,3 +162,7 @@ members = [
     "crates/kas-view",
     "examples/mandlebrot",
 ]
+
+[patch.crates-io.kas-text]
+git = "https://github.com/kas-gui/kas-text.git"
+rev = "d9d2a99b7d94deeea48d67f3b7ba9237a12cea6d"
diff --git a/crates/kas-core/src/decorations.rs b/crates/kas-core/src/decorations.rs
index b3ef8e00f..7d0263d0e 100644
--- a/crates/kas-core/src/decorations.rs
+++ b/crates/kas-core/src/decorations.rs
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 //! Note: due to definition in kas-core, some widgets must be duplicated.
 
 use crate::event::{CursorIcon, ResizeDirection};
-use crate::text::Text;
+use crate::text::{NotReady, Text};
 use crate::theme::TextClass;
 use kas::prelude::*;
 use kas::theme::MarkStyle;
@@ -125,15 +125,14 @@ impl_scope! {
     }
 
     impl Layout for Self {
-        #[inline]
         fn size_rules(&mut self, sizer: SizeCx, mut axis: AxisInfo) -> SizeRules {
             axis.set_default_align_hv(Align::Center, Align::Center);
-            sizer.text_rules(&mut self.label, Self::CLASS, axis)
+            sizer.text_rules(&mut self.label, axis)
         }
 
         fn set_rect(&mut self, cx: &mut ConfigCx, rect: Rect) {
             self.core.rect = rect;
-            cx.text_set_size(&mut self.label, Self::CLASS, rect.size, None);
+            cx.text_set_size(&mut self.label, rect.size);
         }
 
         fn draw(&mut self, mut draw: DrawCx) {
@@ -141,6 +140,12 @@ impl_scope! {
         }
     }
 
+    impl Events for Self {
+        fn configure(&mut self, cx: &mut ConfigCx) {
+            cx.text_configure(&mut self.label, Self::CLASS);
+        }
+    }
+
     impl HasStr for Self {
         fn get_str(&self) -> &str {
             self.label.as_str()
@@ -150,9 +155,10 @@ impl_scope! {
     impl HasString for Self {
         fn set_string(&mut self, string: String) -> Action {
             self.label.set_string(string);
-            match self.label.try_prepare() {
+            match self.label.prepare() {
+                Err(NotReady) => Action::empty(),
+                Ok(false) => Action::REDRAW,
                 Ok(true) => Action::RESIZE,
-                _ => Action::REDRAW,
             }
         }
     }
diff --git a/crates/kas-core/src/event/cx/config.rs b/crates/kas-core/src/event/cx/config.rs
index 2608f5c16..1b7ae44bc 100644
--- a/crates/kas-core/src/event/cx/config.rs
+++ b/crates/kas-core/src/event/cx/config.rs
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ use crate::messages::Erased;
 use crate::text::TextApi;
 use crate::theme::{Feature, SizeCx, TextClass, ThemeSize};
 use crate::{Id, Node};
+use cast::Cast;
 use std::fmt::Debug;
 use std::ops::{Deref, DerefMut};
 
@@ -122,22 +123,26 @@ impl<'a> ConfigCx<'a> {
         self.sh.align_feature(feature, rect, align)
     }
 
+    /// Configure a text object
+    ///
+    /// This selects a font given the [`TextClass`],
+    /// [theme configuration][crate::theme::Config] and
+    /// the loaded [fonts][crate::text::fonts].
+    #[inline]
+    pub fn text_configure(&self, text: &mut dyn TextApi, class: TextClass) {
+        self.sh.text_configure(text, class);
+    }
+
     /// Prepare a text object
     ///
-    /// This sets the text's font, font size, wrapping and optionally alignment,
-    /// then performs the text preparation necessary before display.
+    /// Wrap and align text for display at the given `size`.
     ///
-    /// Note: setting alignment here is not necessary when the default alignment
-    /// is desired or when [`SizeCx::text_rules`] is used.
+    /// Call [`text_configure`][Self::text_configure] before this method.
     #[inline]
-    pub fn text_set_size(
-        &self,
-        text: &mut dyn TextApi,
-        class: TextClass,
-        size: Size,
-        align: Option<AlignPair>,
-    ) {
-        self.sh.text_set_size(text, class, size, align)
+    pub fn text_set_size(&self, text: &mut dyn TextApi, size: Size) {
+        text.set_wrap_width(size.0.cast());
+        text.set_bounds(size.cast());
+        text.prepare().expect("not configured");
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/crates/kas-core/src/hidden.rs b/crates/kas-core/src/hidden.rs
index 48cc3b589..c4fabc030 100644
--- a/crates/kas-core/src/hidden.rs
+++ b/crates/kas-core/src/hidden.rs
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ use crate::geom::{Coord, Offset, Rect};
 use crate::layout::{Align, AxisInfo, SizeRules};
 use crate::text::{Text, TextApi};
 use crate::theme::{DrawCx, SizeCx, TextClass};
-use crate::{Id, Layout, NavAdvance, Node, Widget};
+use crate::{Events, Id, Layout, NavAdvance, Node, Widget};
 use kas_macros::{autoimpl, impl_scope};
 
 impl_scope! {
@@ -51,12 +51,12 @@ impl_scope! {
         #[inline]
         fn size_rules(&mut self, sizer: SizeCx, mut axis: AxisInfo) -> SizeRules {
             axis.set_default_align_hv(Align::Default, Align::Center);
-            sizer.text_rules(&mut self.label, Self::CLASS, axis)
+            sizer.text_rules(&mut self.label, axis)
         }
 
         fn set_rect(&mut self, cx: &mut ConfigCx, rect: Rect) {
             self.core.rect = rect;
-            cx.text_set_size(&mut self.label, Self::CLASS, rect.size, None);
+            cx.text_set_size(&mut self.label, rect.size);
         }
 
         fn draw(&mut self, mut draw: DrawCx) {
@@ -64,6 +64,12 @@ impl_scope! {
         }
     }
 
+    impl Events for Self {
+        fn configure(&mut self, cx: &mut ConfigCx) {
+            cx.text_configure(&mut self.label, Self::CLASS);
+        }
+    }
+
     impl HasStr for Self {
         fn get_str(&self) -> &str {
             self.label.as_str()
diff --git a/crates/kas-core/src/layout/mod.rs b/crates/kas-core/src/layout/mod.rs
index 96d33b5ef..7398c94c5 100644
--- a/crates/kas-core/src/layout/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/kas-core/src/layout/mod.rs
@@ -168,16 +168,6 @@ impl AxisInfo {
         }
     }
 
-    /// Size of other axis, if fixed and `vertical` matches this axis.
-    #[inline]
-    pub fn size_other_if_fixed(&self, vertical: bool) -> Option<i32> {
-        if vertical == self.vertical && self.has_fixed {
-            Some(self.other_axis)
-        } else {
-            None
-        }
-    }
-
     /// Subtract `x` from size of other axis (if applicable)
     #[inline]
     pub fn sub_other(&mut self, x: i32) {
diff --git a/crates/kas-core/src/text/mod.rs b/crates/kas-core/src/text/mod.rs
index ade422430..692fad3d5 100644
--- a/crates/kas-core/src/text/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/kas-core/src/text/mod.rs
@@ -8,10 +8,11 @@
 //! Most of this module is simply a re-export of the [KAS Text] API, hence the
 //! lower level of integration than other parts of the library.
 //!
-//! [`Text`] objects *must* be prepared before usage, otherwise they may appear
-//! empty. Call [`ConfigCx::text_set_size`] from [`Layout::set_rect`] to set
-//! text position and prepare. If text is adjusted, one may use e.g.
-//! [`TextApi::prepare`] to update.
+//! [`Text`] objects *must* be configured and prepared before usage, otherwise
+//! they may appear empty. Call [`ConfigCx::text_config`] from
+//! [`Events::configure`] and [`ConfigCx::text_set_size`] from
+//! [`Layout::set_rect`] to set text position and prepare.
+//! If text is adjusted, one may use e.g. [`TextApi::prepare`] to update.
 //!
 //! [KAS Text]: https://github.com/kas-gui/kas-text/
 
diff --git a/crates/kas-core/src/theme/config.rs b/crates/kas-core/src/theme/config.rs
index 3b5be046b..2d3891e12 100644
--- a/crates/kas-core/src/theme/config.rs
+++ b/crates/kas-core/src/theme/config.rs
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 //! Theme configuration
 
 use super::{ColorsSrgb, TextClass, ThemeConfig};
-use crate::text::fonts::{fonts, AddMode, FontSelector};
+use crate::text::fonts::{self, AddMode, FontSelector};
 use crate::Action;
 use std::collections::BTreeMap;
 use std::time::Duration;
@@ -244,7 +244,7 @@ impl ThemeConfig for Config {
     /// Apply config effects which only happen on startup
     fn apply_startup(&self) {
         if !self.font_aliases.is_empty() {
-            fonts().update_db(|db| {
+            fonts::library().update_db(|db| {
                 for (family, aliases) in self.font_aliases.iter() {
                     db.add_aliases(
                         family.to_string().into(),
diff --git a/crates/kas-core/src/theme/dimensions.rs b/crates/kas-core/src/theme/dimensions.rs
index 52a80b4cc..5d777fe6f 100644
--- a/crates/kas-core/src/theme/dimensions.rs
+++ b/crates/kas-core/src/theme/dimensions.rs
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ use crate::cast::traits::*;
 use crate::dir::Directional;
 use crate::geom::{Rect, Size, Vec2};
 use crate::layout::{AlignPair, AxisInfo, FrameRules, Margins, SizeRules, Stretch};
-use crate::text::{fonts::FontId, TextApi, TextApiExt};
+use crate::text::{fonts::FontId, Direction, TextApi};
 
 crate::impl_scope! {
     /// Parameterisation of [`Dimensions`]
@@ -319,50 +319,50 @@ impl<D: 'static> ThemeSize for Window<D> {
 
     fn line_height(&self, class: TextClass) -> i32 {
         let font_id = self.fonts.get(&class).cloned().unwrap_or_default();
-        crate::text::fonts::fonts()
+        crate::text::fonts::library()
             .get_first_face(font_id)
             .expect("invalid font_id")
             .height(self.dims.dpem)
             .cast_ceil()
     }
 
-    fn text_rules(&self, text: &mut dyn TextApi, class: TextClass, axis: AxisInfo) -> SizeRules {
+    fn text_configure(&self, text: &mut dyn TextApi, class: TextClass) {
+        let direction = Direction::Auto;
+        let font_id = self.fonts.get(&class).cloned().unwrap_or_default();
+        let dpem = self.dims.dpem;
+        let wrap = match class.multi_line() {
+            false => f32::INFINITY,
+            true => 0.0, // NOTE: finite value used as a flag
+        };
+        text.set_font_properties(direction, font_id, dpem, wrap);
+        text.configure().expect("invalid font_id");
+    }
+
+    fn text_rules(&self, text: &mut dyn TextApi, axis: AxisInfo) -> SizeRules {
         let margin = match axis.is_horizontal() {
             true => self.dims.m_text.0,
             false => self.dims.m_text.1,
         };
         let margins = (margin, margin);
 
-        let mut env = text.env();
-
-        // TODO(opt): maybe font look-up should only happen during configure?
-        if let Some(font_id) = self.fonts.get(&class).cloned() {
-            env.font_id = font_id;
-        }
-        env.dpem = self.dims.dpem;
-        // TODO(opt): setting horizontal alignment now could avoid re-wrapping
-        // text. Unfortunately we don't know the desired alignment here.
-        let wrap = class.multi_line();
-        env.wrap = wrap;
+        let mut align_pair = text.get_align();
         let align = axis.align_or_default();
         if axis.is_horizontal() {
-            env.align.0 = align;
+            align_pair.0 = align;
         } else {
-            env.align.1 = align;
-        }
-        if let Some(size) = axis.size_other_if_fixed(true) {
-            env.bounds.0 = size.cast();
+            align_pair.1 = align;
         }
+        text.set_align(align_pair);
 
-        text.set_env(env);
+        let wrap = text.get_wrap_width();
 
         if axis.is_horizontal() {
-            if wrap {
+            if wrap.is_finite() {
                 let min = self.dims.min_line_length;
                 let limit = 2 * min;
                 let bound: i32 = text
                     .measure_width(limit.cast())
-                    .expect("invalid font_id")
+                    .expect("not configured")
                     .cast_ceil();
 
                 // NOTE: using different variable-width stretch policies here can
@@ -372,36 +372,20 @@ impl<D: 'static> ThemeSize for Window<D> {
             } else {
                 let bound: i32 = text
                     .measure_width(f32::INFINITY)
-                    .expect("invalid font_id")
+                    .expect("not configured")
                     .cast_ceil();
                 SizeRules::new(bound, bound, margins, Stretch::Filler)
             }
         } else {
-            let bound: i32 = text.measure_height().expect("invalid font_id").cast_ceil();
+            if wrap.is_finite() {
+                text.set_wrap_width(axis.other().map(|w| w.cast()).unwrap_or(f32::INFINITY));
+            }
+
+            let bound: i32 = text.measure_height().expect("not configured").cast_ceil();
 
             let line_height = self.dims.dpem.cast_ceil();
             let min = bound.max(line_height);
             SizeRules::new(min, min, margins, Stretch::Filler)
         }
     }
-
-    fn text_set_size(
-        &self,
-        text: &mut dyn TextApi,
-        class: TextClass,
-        size: Size,
-        align: Option<AlignPair>,
-    ) {
-        let mut env = text.env();
-        if let Some(font_id) = self.fonts.get(&class).cloned() {
-            env.font_id = font_id;
-        }
-        env.dpem = self.dims.dpem;
-        env.wrap = class.multi_line();
-        if let Some(align) = align {
-            env.align = align.into();
-        }
-        env.bounds = size.cast();
-        text.update_env(env).expect("invalid font_id");
-    }
 }
diff --git a/crates/kas-core/src/theme/draw.rs b/crates/kas-core/src/theme/draw.rs
index 7d6cf2e55..86a8cf2b5 100644
--- a/crates/kas-core/src/theme/draw.rs
+++ b/crates/kas-core/src/theme/draw.rs
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ use crate::draw::color::Rgb;
 use crate::draw::{Draw, DrawIface, DrawShared, DrawSharedImpl, ImageId, PassType};
 use crate::event::{ConfigCx, EventState};
 use crate::geom::{Offset, Rect};
-use crate::text::{TextApi, TextDisplay};
+use crate::text::{format::FormattableText, Effect, Text, TextApi, TextApiExt, TextDisplay};
 use crate::{autoimpl, Id, Layout};
 use std::ops::{Bound, Range, RangeBounds};
 use std::time::Instant;
@@ -207,10 +207,17 @@ impl<'a> DrawCx<'a> {
     /// Text is drawn from `rect.pos` and clipped to `rect`. If the text
     /// scrolls, `rect` should be the size of the whole text, not the window.
     ///
-    /// [`ConfigCx::text_set_size`] should be called prior to this method to
+    /// [`ConfigCx::text_configure`] should be called prior to this method to
     /// select a font, font size and wrap options (based on the [`TextClass`]).
-    pub fn text(&mut self, rect: Rect, text: impl AsRef<TextDisplay>, class: TextClass) {
-        self.h.text(&self.id, rect, text.as_ref(), class);
+    pub fn text<T: FormattableText + ?Sized>(
+        &mut self,
+        rect: Rect,
+        text: &Text<T>,
+        class: TextClass,
+    ) {
+        if let Ok(display) = text.display() {
+            self.h.text(&self.id, rect, display, class);
+        }
     }
 
     /// Draw text with effects
@@ -222,10 +229,18 @@ impl<'a> DrawCx<'a> {
     /// emphasis, text size. In addition, this method supports underline and
     /// strikethrough effects.
     ///
-    /// [`ConfigCx::text_set_size`] should be called prior to this method to
+    /// [`ConfigCx::text_configure`] should be called prior to this method to
     /// select a font, font size and wrap options (based on the [`TextClass`]).
-    pub fn text_effects(&mut self, rect: Rect, text: &dyn TextApi, class: TextClass) {
-        self.h.text_effects(&self.id, rect, text, class);
+    pub fn text_effects<T: FormattableText + ?Sized>(
+        &mut self,
+        rect: Rect,
+        text: &Text<T>,
+        class: TextClass,
+    ) {
+        let effects = text.effect_tokens();
+        if let Ok(text) = text.display() {
+            self.h.text_effects(&self.id, rect, text, effects, class);
+        }
     }
 
     /// Draw some text using the standard font, with a subset selected
@@ -233,13 +248,17 @@ impl<'a> DrawCx<'a> {
     /// Other than visually highlighting the selection, this method behaves
     /// identically to [`Self::text`]. It is likely to be replaced in the
     /// future by a higher-level API.
-    pub fn text_selected<R: RangeBounds<usize>>(
+    pub fn text_selected<T: FormattableText + ?Sized, R: RangeBounds<usize>>(
         &mut self,
         rect: Rect,
-        text: impl AsRef<TextDisplay>,
+        text: &Text<T>,
         range: R,
         class: TextClass,
     ) {
+        let Ok(display) = text.display() else {
+            return;
+        };
+
         let start = match range.start_bound() {
             Bound::Included(n) => *n,
             Bound::Excluded(n) => *n + 1,
@@ -252,7 +271,7 @@ impl<'a> DrawCx<'a> {
         };
         let range = Range { start, end };
         self.h
-            .text_selected_range(&self.id, rect, text.as_ref(), range, class);
+            .text_selected_range(&self.id, rect, display, range, class);
     }
 
     /// Draw an edit marker at the given `byte` index on this `text`
@@ -260,17 +279,18 @@ impl<'a> DrawCx<'a> {
     /// The text cursor is draw from `rect.pos` and clipped to `rect`. If the text
     /// scrolls, `rect` should be the size of the whole text, not the window.
     ///
-    /// [`ConfigCx::text_set_size`] should be called prior to this method to
+    /// [`ConfigCx::text_configure`] should be called prior to this method to
     /// select a font, font size and wrap options (based on the [`TextClass`]).
-    pub fn text_cursor(
+    pub fn text_cursor<T: FormattableText + ?Sized>(
         &mut self,
         rect: Rect,
-        text: impl AsRef<TextDisplay>,
+        text: &Text<T>,
         class: TextClass,
         byte: usize,
     ) {
-        self.h
-            .text_cursor(&self.id, rect, text.as_ref(), class, byte);
+        if let Ok(text) = text.display() {
+            self.h.text_cursor(&self.id, rect, text, class, byte);
+        }
     }
 
     /// Draw UI element: check box (without label)
@@ -409,7 +429,7 @@ pub trait ThemeDraw {
 
     /// Draw text
     ///
-    /// [`ConfigCx::text_set_size`] should be called prior to this method to
+    /// [`ConfigCx::text_configure`] should be called prior to this method to
     /// select a font, font size and wrap options (based on the [`TextClass`]).
     fn text(&mut self, id: &Id, rect: Rect, text: &TextDisplay, class: TextClass);
 
@@ -419,9 +439,16 @@ pub trait ThemeDraw {
     /// emphasis, text size. In addition, this method supports underline and
     /// strikethrough effects.
     ///
-    /// [`ConfigCx::text_set_size`] should be called prior to this method to
+    /// [`ConfigCx::text_configure`] should be called prior to this method to
     /// select a font, font size and wrap options (based on the [`TextClass`]).
-    fn text_effects(&mut self, id: &Id, rect: Rect, text: &dyn TextApi, class: TextClass);
+    fn text_effects(
+        &mut self,
+        id: &Id,
+        rect: Rect,
+        text: &TextDisplay,
+        effects: &[Effect<()>],
+        class: TextClass,
+    );
 
     /// Method used to implement [`DrawCx::text_selected`]
     fn text_selected_range(
@@ -435,7 +462,7 @@ pub trait ThemeDraw {
 
     /// Draw an edit marker at the given `byte` index on this `text`
     ///
-    /// [`ConfigCx::text_set_size`] should be called prior to this method to
+    /// [`ConfigCx::text_configure`] should be called prior to this method to
     /// select a font, font size and wrap options (based on the [`TextClass`]).
     fn text_cursor(
         &mut self,
diff --git a/crates/kas-core/src/theme/flat_theme.rs b/crates/kas-core/src/theme/flat_theme.rs
index 9fa992360..8db9adf70 100644
--- a/crates/kas-core/src/theme/flat_theme.rs
+++ b/crates/kas-core/src/theme/flat_theme.rs
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ use kas::dir::{Direction, Directional};
 use kas::draw::{color::Rgba, *};
 use kas::event::EventState;
 use kas::geom::*;
-use kas::text::{TextApi, TextDisplay};
+use kas::text::TextDisplay;
 use kas::theme::dimensions as dim;
 use kas::theme::{Background, FrameStyle, MarkStyle, TextClass};
 use kas::theme::{ColorsLinear, Config, InputState, Theme};
diff --git a/crates/kas-core/src/theme/simple_theme.rs b/crates/kas-core/src/theme/simple_theme.rs
index b0e1a715a..ab770449d 100644
--- a/crates/kas-core/src/theme/simple_theme.rs
+++ b/crates/kas-core/src/theme/simple_theme.rs
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ use kas::dir::{Direction, Directional};
 use kas::draw::{color::Rgba, *};
 use kas::event::EventState;
 use kas::geom::*;
-use kas::text::{fonts, Effect, TextApi, TextDisplay};
+use kas::text::{fonts, Effect, TextDisplay};
 use kas::theme::dimensions as dim;
 use kas::theme::{Background, FrameStyle, MarkStyle, TextClass};
 use kas::theme::{ColorsLinear, Config, InputState, Theme};
@@ -105,7 +105,7 @@ where
     }
 
     fn init(&mut self, _shared: &mut SharedState<DS>) {
-        let fonts = fonts::fonts();
+        let fonts = fonts::library();
         if let Err(e) = fonts.select_default() {
             panic!("Error loading font: {e}");
         }
@@ -396,17 +396,23 @@ where
         self.draw.text(rect, text, col);
     }
 
-    fn text_effects(&mut self, id: &Id, rect: Rect, text: &dyn TextApi, class: TextClass) {
+    fn text_effects(
+        &mut self,
+        id: &Id,
+        rect: Rect,
+        text: &TextDisplay,
+        effects: &[Effect<()>],
+        class: TextClass,
+    ) {
         let col = if self.ev.is_disabled(id) {
             self.cols.text_disabled
         } else {
             self.cols.text
         };
         if class.is_access_key() && !self.ev.show_access_labels() {
-            self.draw.text(rect, text.display(), col);
+            self.draw.text(rect, text, col);
         } else {
-            self.draw
-                .text_effects(rect, text.display(), col, text.effect_tokens());
+            self.draw.text_effects(rect, text, col, effects);
         }
     }
 
@@ -426,7 +432,7 @@ where
         let sel_col = self.cols.text_over(self.cols.text_sel_bg);
 
         // Draw background:
-        let result = text.highlight_range(range.clone(), &mut |p1, p2| {
+        text.highlight_range(range.clone(), &mut |p1, p2| {
             let q = Quad::conv(rect);
             let p1 = Vec2::from(p1);
             let p2 = Vec2::from(p2);
@@ -434,9 +440,6 @@ where
                 self.draw.rect(quad, self.cols.text_sel_bg);
             }
         });
-        if let Err(e) = result {
-            log::error!("text_selected_range: text.highlight_range() -> {e}");
-        }
 
         let effects = [
             Effect {
@@ -468,7 +471,7 @@ where
         let p10max = pos.0 + f32::conv(rect.size.0) - width;
 
         let mut col = self.cols.nav_focus;
-        for cursor in text.text_glyph_pos(byte).iter_mut().flatten().rev() {
+        for cursor in text.text_glyph_pos(byte).rev() {
             let mut p1 = pos + Vec2::from(cursor.pos);
             p1.0 = p1.0.min(p10max);
             let mut p2 = p1;
diff --git a/crates/kas-core/src/theme/size.rs b/crates/kas-core/src/theme/size.rs
index d4e0d5792..094e07172 100644
--- a/crates/kas-core/src/theme/size.rs
+++ b/crates/kas-core/src/theme/size.rs
@@ -5,14 +5,15 @@
 
 //! "Handle" types used by themes
 
-use std::ops::Deref;
+use cast::CastFloat;
 
 use super::{Feature, FrameStyle, MarginStyle, TextClass};
 use crate::autoimpl;
 use crate::dir::Directional;
-use crate::geom::{Rect, Size};
+use crate::geom::Rect;
 use crate::layout::{AlignPair, AxisInfo, FrameRules, Margins, SizeRules};
 use crate::text::TextApi;
+use std::ops::Deref;
 
 #[allow(unused)] use crate::text::TextApiExt;
 #[allow(unused)]
@@ -155,10 +156,17 @@ impl<'a> SizeCx<'a> {
     /// scales this according to [`Self::dpem`], then measures the line height.
     /// The result is typically 100% - 150% of the value returned by
     /// [`Self::dpem`], depending on the font face.
+    ///
+    /// Prefer to use [`Self::text_line_height`] where possible.
     pub fn line_height(&self, class: TextClass) -> i32 {
         self.0.line_height(class)
     }
 
+    /// Get the line-height of a configured text object
+    pub fn text_line_height(&self, text: &dyn TextApi) -> i32 {
+        text.line_height().expect("not configured").cast_ceil()
+    }
+
     /// Get [`SizeRules`] for a text element
     ///
     /// The [`TextClass`] is used to select a font and controls whether line
@@ -179,14 +187,9 @@ impl<'a> SizeCx<'a> {
     ///
     /// Note: this method partially prepares the `text` object. It is not
     /// required to call this method but it is required to call
-    /// [`ConfigCx::text_set_size`] before text display for correct results.
-    pub fn text_rules(
-        &self,
-        text: &mut dyn TextApi,
-        class: TextClass,
-        axis: AxisInfo,
-    ) -> SizeRules {
-        self.0.text_rules(text, class, axis)
+    /// [`ConfigCx::text_configure`] before text display for correct results.
+    pub fn text_rules(&self, text: &mut dyn TextApi, axis: AxisInfo) -> SizeRules {
+        self.0.text_rules(text, axis)
     }
 }
 
@@ -225,18 +228,14 @@ pub trait ThemeSize {
     /// Size of a frame around another element
     fn frame(&self, style: FrameStyle, axis_is_vertical: bool) -> FrameRules;
 
-    /// The height of a line of text using the standard font
+    /// The height of a line of text by class
+    ///
+    /// Prefer to use [`Self::text_line_height`] where possible.
     fn line_height(&self, class: TextClass) -> i32;
 
+    /// Configure a text object, setting font properties
+    fn text_configure(&self, text: &mut dyn TextApi, class: TextClass);
+
     /// Get [`SizeRules`] for a text element
-    fn text_rules(&self, text: &mut dyn TextApi, class: TextClass, axis: AxisInfo) -> SizeRules;
-
-    /// Update a text object, setting font properties and wrap size
-    fn text_set_size(
-        &self,
-        text: &mut dyn TextApi,
-        class: TextClass,
-        size: Size,
-        align: Option<AlignPair>,
-    );
+    fn text_rules(&self, text: &mut dyn TextApi, axis: AxisInfo) -> SizeRules;
 }
diff --git a/crates/kas-macros/src/extends.rs b/crates/kas-macros/src/extends.rs
index b5f9bd55c..6d15ca1d0 100644
--- a/crates/kas-macros/src/extends.rs
+++ b/crates/kas-macros/src/extends.rs
@@ -80,8 +80,8 @@ impl Extends {
                 (#base).text(id, rect, text, class);
             }
 
-            fn text_effects(&mut self, id: &Id, rect: Rect, text: &dyn TextApi, class: TextClass) {
-                (#base).text_effects(id, rect, text, class);
+            fn text_effects(&mut self, id: &Id, rect: Rect, text: &TextDisplay, effects: &[::kas::text::Effect<()>], class: TextClass) {
+                (#base).text_effects(id, rect, text, effects, class);
             }
 
             fn text_selected_range(
diff --git a/crates/kas-resvg/src/svg.rs b/crates/kas-resvg/src/svg.rs
index 01f5088a2..9dc0b302c 100644
--- a/crates/kas-resvg/src/svg.rs
+++ b/crates/kas-resvg/src/svg.rs
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ enum LoadError {
 fn load(data: &[u8], resources_dir: Option<&Path>) -> Result<Tree, usvg::Error> {
     use once_cell::sync::Lazy;
     static FONT_FAMILY: Lazy<String> = Lazy::new(|| {
-        let fonts_db = kas::text::fonts::fonts().read_db();
+        let fonts_db = kas::text::fonts::library().read_db();
         fonts_db.font_family_from_alias("SERIF").unwrap_or_default()
     });
 
diff --git a/crates/kas-wgpu/src/draw/text_pipe.rs b/crates/kas-wgpu/src/draw/text_pipe.rs
index 90de0d9be..b304fa4dc 100644
--- a/crates/kas-wgpu/src/draw/text_pipe.rs
+++ b/crates/kas-wgpu/src/draw/text_pipe.rs
@@ -272,9 +272,7 @@ impl Window {
                 }
             }
         };
-        if let Err(e) = text.glyphs(for_glyph) {
-            log::warn!("Window: display failed: {e}");
-        }
+        text.glyphs(for_glyph);
     }
 
     #[allow(clippy::too_many_arguments)]
@@ -311,7 +309,7 @@ impl Window {
             }
         };
 
-        let result = if effects.len() > 1
+        if effects.len() > 1
             || effects
                 .first()
                 .map(|e| *e != Effect::default(()))
@@ -330,10 +328,6 @@ impl Window {
         } else {
             text.glyphs(|face, dpem, glyph| for_glyph(face, dpem, glyph, 0, ()))
         };
-
-        if let Err(e) = result {
-            log::warn!("Window: display failed: {e}");
-        }
     }
 
     pub fn text_effects_rgba(
@@ -379,8 +373,6 @@ impl Window {
             }
         };
 
-        if let Err(e) = text.glyphs_with_effects(effects, Rgba::BLACK, for_glyph, for_rect) {
-            log::warn!("Window: display failed: {e}");
-        }
+        text.glyphs_with_effects(effects, Rgba::BLACK, for_glyph, for_rect)
     }
 }
diff --git a/crates/kas-wgpu/src/shaded_theme.rs b/crates/kas-wgpu/src/shaded_theme.rs
index 156cd01cb..cf3886b56 100644
--- a/crates/kas-wgpu/src/shaded_theme.rs
+++ b/crates/kas-wgpu/src/shaded_theme.rs
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ use kas::dir::{Direction, Directional};
 use kas::draw::{color::Rgba, *};
 use kas::event::EventState;
 use kas::geom::*;
-use kas::text::{TextApi, TextDisplay};
+use kas::text::TextDisplay;
 use kas::theme::dimensions as dim;
 use kas::theme::{Background, ThemeControl, ThemeDraw, ThemeSize};
 use kas::theme::{ColorsLinear, Config, FlatTheme, InputState, SimpleTheme, Theme};
diff --git a/crates/kas-widgets/src/check_box.rs b/crates/kas-widgets/src/check_box.rs
index e8d686987..f0c5b335b 100644
--- a/crates/kas-widgets/src/check_box.rs
+++ b/crates/kas-widgets/src/check_box.rs
@@ -285,8 +285,8 @@ impl_scope! {
 
         fn direction(&self) -> Direction {
             match self.label.text().text_is_rtl() {
-                Ok(false) | Err(_) => Direction::Right,
-                Ok(true) => Direction::Left,
+                false => Direction::Right,
+                true => Direction::Left,
             }
         }
     }
diff --git a/crates/kas-widgets/src/edit.rs b/crates/kas-widgets/src/edit.rs
index ee0b276b8..83c79642f 100644
--- a/crates/kas-widgets/src/edit.rs
+++ b/crates/kas-widgets/src/edit.rs
@@ -656,7 +656,6 @@ impl_scope! {
         view_offset: Offset,
         editable: bool,
         class: TextClass = TextClass::Edit(false),
-        align: AlignPair,
         width: (f32, f32) = (8.0, 16.0),
         lines: (i32, i32) = (1, 1),
         text: Text<String>,
@@ -674,27 +673,34 @@ impl_scope! {
 
     impl Layout for Self {
         fn size_rules(&mut self, sizer: SizeCx, axis: AxisInfo) -> SizeRules {
+            let mut align = self.text.get_align();
             let (min, ideal) = if axis.is_horizontal() {
+                align.0 = axis.align_or_default();
                 let dpem = sizer.dpem();
                 ((self.width.0 * dpem).cast_ceil(), (self.width.1 * dpem).cast_ceil())
             } else {
+                align.1 = if self.multi_line() {
+                    axis.align_or_default()
+                } else {
+                    axis.align_or_center()
+                };
                 let height = sizer.line_height(self.class);
                 (self.lines.0 * height, self.lines.1 * height)
             };
+            self.text.set_align(align.into());
             let margins = sizer.text_margins().extract(axis);
-            let (stretch, align) = if axis.is_horizontal() || self.multi_line() {
-                (Stretch::High, axis.align_or_default())
+            let stretch = if axis.is_horizontal() || self.multi_line() {
+                Stretch::High
             } else {
-                (Stretch::None, axis.align_or_center())
+                Stretch::None
             };
-            self.align.set_component(axis, align);
             SizeRules::new(min, ideal, margins, stretch)
         }
 
         fn set_rect(&mut self, cx: &mut ConfigCx, rect: Rect) {
             self.core.rect = rect;
             self.outer_rect = rect;
-            cx.text_set_size(&mut self.text, self.class, rect.size, Some(self.align));
+            cx.text_set_size(&mut self.text, rect.size);
             self.text_size = Vec2::from(self.text.bounding_box().unwrap().1).cast_ceil();
             self.view_offset = self.view_offset.min(self.max_scroll_offset());
         }
@@ -743,6 +749,7 @@ impl_scope! {
         type Data = G::Data;
 
         fn configure(&mut self, cx: &mut ConfigCx) {
+            cx.text_configure(&mut self.text, self.class);
             G::configure(self, cx);
         }
 
@@ -918,7 +925,7 @@ impl_scope! {
             let len = string.len();
             self.text.set_string(string);
             self.selection.set_max_len(len);
-            if self.text.try_prepare().is_ok() {
+            if self.text.prepare().is_ok() {
                 self.text_size = Vec2::from(self.text.bounding_box().unwrap().1).cast_ceil();
                 let view_offset = self.view_offset.min(self.max_scroll_offset());
                 if view_offset != self.view_offset {
@@ -948,7 +955,6 @@ impl<G: EditGuard> EditField<G> {
             view_offset: Default::default(),
             editable: true,
             class: TextClass::Edit(false),
-            align: Default::default(),
             width: (8.0, 16.0),
             lines: (1, 1),
             text: Default::default(),
@@ -1183,12 +1189,12 @@ impl<G: EditGuard> EditField<G> {
     }
 
     fn prepare_text(&mut self, cx: &mut EventCx) {
-        if !self.text.env().bounds.1.is_finite() {
+        if !self.text.get_bounds().1.is_finite() {
             // Do not attempt to prepare before bounds are set.
             return;
         }
 
-        if !self.text.required_action().is_ready() {
+        if !self.text.is_prepared() {
             let start = std::time::Instant::now();
 
             self.text.prepare().expect("invalid font_id");
@@ -1397,7 +1403,7 @@ impl<G: EditGuard> EditField<G> {
                     v.0 = x;
                 }
                 const FACTOR: f32 = 2.0 / 3.0;
-                let mut h_dist = self.text.env().bounds.1 * FACTOR;
+                let mut h_dist = self.text.get_bounds().1 * FACTOR;
                 if cmd == Command::PageUp {
                     h_dist *= -1.0;
                 }
@@ -1596,7 +1602,7 @@ impl<G: EditGuard> EditField<G> {
             .ok()
             .and_then(|mut m| m.next_back())
         {
-            let bounds = Vec2::from(self.text.env().bounds);
+            let bounds = Vec2::from(self.text.get_bounds());
             let min_x = marker.pos.0 - bounds.0;
             let min_y = marker.pos.1 - marker.descent - bounds.1;
             let max_x = marker.pos.0;
diff --git a/crates/kas-widgets/src/label.rs b/crates/kas-widgets/src/label.rs
index ccc30074a..595b1f570 100644
--- a/crates/kas-widgets/src/label.rs
+++ b/crates/kas-widgets/src/label.rs
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 use super::adapt::MapAny;
 use kas::prelude::*;
 use kas::text::format::{EditableText, FormattableText};
-use kas::text::Text;
+use kas::text::{NotReady, Text};
 use kas::theme::TextClass;
 
 /// Construct a [`Label`]
@@ -116,9 +116,11 @@ impl_scope! {
         /// Note: this must not be called before fonts have been initialised
         /// (usually done by the theme when the main loop starts).
         pub fn set_text(&mut self, text: T) -> Action {
-            match self.label.set_and_try_prepare(text) {
+            self.label.set_text(text);
+            match self.label.prepare() {
+                Err(NotReady) => Action::empty(),
+                Ok(false) => Action::REDRAW,
                 Ok(true) => Action::RESIZE,
-                _ => Action::REDRAW,
             }
         }
     }
@@ -127,12 +129,12 @@ impl_scope! {
         #[inline]
         fn size_rules(&mut self, sizer: SizeCx, mut axis: AxisInfo) -> SizeRules {
             axis.set_default_align_hv(Align::Default, Align::Center);
-            sizer.text_rules(&mut self.label, self.class, axis)
+            sizer.text_rules(&mut self.label, axis)
         }
 
         fn set_rect(&mut self, cx: &mut ConfigCx, rect: Rect) {
             self.core.rect = rect;
-            cx.text_set_size(&mut self.label, self.class, rect.size, None);
+            cx.text_set_size(&mut self.label, rect.size);
         }
 
         #[cfg(feature = "min_spec")]
@@ -145,6 +147,12 @@ impl_scope! {
         }
     }
 
+    impl Events for Self {
+        fn configure(&mut self, cx: &mut ConfigCx) {
+            cx.text_configure(&mut self.label, self.class);
+        }
+    }
+
     impl HasStr for Self {
         fn get_str(&self) -> &str {
             self.label.as_str()
@@ -157,9 +165,10 @@ impl_scope! {
     {
         fn set_string(&mut self, string: String) -> Action {
             self.label.set_string(string);
-            match self.label.try_prepare() {
+            match self.label.prepare() {
+                Err(NotReady) => Action::empty(),
+                Ok(false) => Action::REDRAW,
                 Ok(true) => Action::RESIZE,
-                _ => Action::REDRAW,
             }
         }
     }
@@ -290,9 +299,11 @@ impl_scope! {
         /// Note: this must not be called before fonts have been initialised
         /// (usually done by the theme when the main loop starts).
         pub fn set_text(&mut self, text: AccessString) -> Action {
-            match self.label.set_and_try_prepare(text) {
+            self.label.set_text(text);
+            match self.label.prepare() {
+                Err(NotReady) => Action::empty(),
+                Ok(false) => Action::REDRAW,
                 Ok(true) => Action::RESIZE,
-                _ => Action::REDRAW,
             }
         }
     }
@@ -301,12 +312,12 @@ impl_scope! {
         #[inline]
         fn size_rules(&mut self, sizer: SizeCx, mut axis: AxisInfo) -> SizeRules {
             axis.set_default_align_hv(Align::Default, Align::Center);
-            sizer.text_rules(&mut self.label, self.class, axis)
+            sizer.text_rules(&mut self.label, axis)
         }
 
         fn set_rect(&mut self, cx: &mut ConfigCx, rect: Rect) {
             self.core.rect = rect;
-            cx.text_set_size(&mut self.label, self.class, rect.size, None);
+            cx.text_set_size(&mut self.label, rect.size);
         }
 
         fn draw(&mut self, mut draw: DrawCx) {
@@ -318,6 +329,8 @@ impl_scope! {
         type Data = ();
 
         fn configure(&mut self, cx: &mut ConfigCx) {
+            cx.text_configure(&mut self.label, self.class);
+
             if let Some(key) = self.label.text().key() {
                 cx.add_access_key(self.id_ref(), key.clone());
             }
diff --git a/crates/kas-widgets/src/radio_box.rs b/crates/kas-widgets/src/radio_box.rs
index 3b4e0dd85..b417ab79e 100644
--- a/crates/kas-widgets/src/radio_box.rs
+++ b/crates/kas-widgets/src/radio_box.rs
@@ -233,8 +233,8 @@ impl_scope! {
 
         fn direction(&self) -> Direction {
             match self.label.text().text_is_rtl() {
-                Ok(false) | Err(_) => Direction::Right,
-                Ok(true) => Direction::Left,
+                false => Direction::Right,
+                true => Direction::Left,
             }
         }
     }
diff --git a/crates/kas-widgets/src/scroll_label.rs b/crates/kas-widgets/src/scroll_label.rs
index 67adbcd5a..7d9db0afa 100644
--- a/crates/kas-widgets/src/scroll_label.rs
+++ b/crates/kas-widgets/src/scroll_label.rs
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ use kas::event::{Command, CursorIcon, FocusSource, Scroll, ScrollDelta};
 use kas::geom::Vec2;
 use kas::prelude::*;
 use kas::text::format::{EditableText, FormattableText};
-use kas::text::{SelectionHelper, Text};
+use kas::text::{NotReady, SelectionHelper, Text};
 use kas::theme::TextClass;
 
 impl_scope! {
@@ -37,18 +37,17 @@ impl_scope! {
 
     impl Layout for Self {
         fn size_rules(&mut self, sizer: SizeCx, axis: AxisInfo) -> SizeRules {
-            let class = TextClass::LabelScroll;
-            let mut rules = sizer.text_rules(&mut self.text, class, axis);
+            let mut rules = sizer.text_rules(&mut self.text, axis);
             let _ = self.bar.size_rules(sizer.re(), axis);
             if axis.is_vertical() {
-                rules.reduce_min_to(sizer.line_height(class) * 4);
+                rules.reduce_min_to(sizer.text_line_height(&self.text) * 4);
             }
             rules
         }
 
         fn set_rect(&mut self, cx: &mut ConfigCx, mut rect: Rect) {
             self.core.rect = rect;
-            cx.text_set_size(&mut self.text, TextClass::LabelScroll, rect.size, None);
+            cx.text_set_size(&mut self.text, rect.size);
             self.text_size = Vec2::from(self.text.bounding_box().unwrap().1).cast_ceil();
 
             let max_offset = self.max_scroll_offset();
@@ -110,9 +109,10 @@ impl_scope! {
         /// Note: this must not be called before fonts have been initialised
         /// (usually done by the theme when the main loop starts).
         pub fn set_text(&mut self, text: T) -> Action {
-            self.text
-                .set_and_try_prepare(text)
-                .expect("invalid font_id");
+            self.text.set_text(text);
+            if self.text.prepare().is_err() {
+                return Action::empty();
+            }
 
             self.text_size = Vec2::from(self.text.bounding_box().unwrap().1).cast_ceil();
             let max_offset = self.max_scroll_offset();
@@ -171,7 +171,7 @@ impl_scope! {
                 .ok()
                 .and_then(|mut m| m.next_back())
             {
-                let bounds = Vec2::from(self.text.env().bounds);
+                let bounds = Vec2::from(self.text.get_bounds());
                 let min_x = marker.pos.0 - bounds.0;
                 let min_y = marker.pos.1 - marker.descent - bounds.1;
                 let max_x = marker.pos.0;
@@ -209,14 +209,21 @@ impl_scope! {
     {
         fn set_string(&mut self, string: String) -> Action {
             self.text.set_string(string);
-            let _ = self.text.try_prepare();
-            Action::REDRAW
+            match self.text.prepare() {
+                Err(NotReady) => Action::empty(),
+                Ok(false) => Action::REDRAW,
+                Ok(true) => Action::SET_RECT,
+            }
         }
     }
 
     impl Events for Self {
         type Data = ();
 
+        fn configure(&mut self, cx: &mut ConfigCx) {
+            cx.text_configure(&mut self.text, TextClass::LabelScroll);
+        }
+
         fn handle_event(&mut self, cx: &mut EventCx, _: &Self::Data, event: Event) -> IsUsed {
             match event {
                 Event::Command(cmd, _) => match cmd {
diff --git a/crates/kas-widgets/src/scroll_text.rs b/crates/kas-widgets/src/scroll_text.rs
index 3a228cb11..f67673ce2 100644
--- a/crates/kas-widgets/src/scroll_text.rs
+++ b/crates/kas-widgets/src/scroll_text.rs
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ use kas::event::{Command, CursorIcon, FocusSource, Scroll, ScrollDelta};
 use kas::geom::Vec2;
 use kas::prelude::*;
 use kas::text::format::{EditableText, FormattableText};
-use kas::text::{SelectionHelper, Text};
+use kas::text::{NotReady, SelectionHelper, Text};
 use kas::theme::TextClass;
 
 impl_scope! {
@@ -37,18 +37,17 @@ impl_scope! {
 
     impl Layout for Self {
         fn size_rules(&mut self, sizer: SizeCx, axis: AxisInfo) -> SizeRules {
-            let class = TextClass::LabelScroll;
-            let mut rules = sizer.text_rules(&mut self.text, class, axis);
+            let mut rules = sizer.text_rules(&mut self.text, axis);
             let _ = self.bar.size_rules(sizer.re(), axis);
             if axis.is_vertical() {
-                rules.reduce_min_to(sizer.line_height(class) * 4);
+                rules.reduce_min_to(sizer.text_line_height(&self.text) * 4);
             }
             rules
         }
 
         fn set_rect(&mut self, cx: &mut ConfigCx, mut rect: Rect) {
             self.core.rect = rect;
-            cx.text_set_size(&mut self.text, TextClass::LabelScroll, rect.size, None);
+            cx.text_set_size(&mut self.text, rect.size);
             self.text_size = Vec2::from(self.text.bounding_box().unwrap().1).cast_ceil();
 
             let max_offset = self.max_scroll_offset();
@@ -153,7 +152,7 @@ impl_scope! {
                 .ok()
                 .and_then(|mut m| m.next_back())
             {
-                let bounds = Vec2::from(self.text.env().bounds);
+                let bounds = Vec2::from(self.text.get_bounds());
                 let min_x = marker.pos.0 - bounds.0;
                 let min_y = marker.pos.1 - marker.descent - bounds.1;
                 let max_x = marker.pos.0;
@@ -191,14 +190,21 @@ impl_scope! {
     {
         fn set_string(&mut self, string: String) -> Action {
             self.text.set_string(string);
-            let _ = self.text.try_prepare();
-            Action::REDRAW
+            match self.text.prepare() {
+                Err(NotReady) => Action::empty(),
+                Ok(false) => Action::REDRAW,
+                Ok(true) => Action::SET_RECT,
+            }
         }
     }
 
     impl Events for Self {
         type Data = A;
 
+        fn configure(&mut self, cx: &mut ConfigCx) {
+            cx.text_configure(&mut self.text, TextClass::LabelScroll);
+        }
+
         fn update(&mut self, cx: &mut ConfigCx, data: &A) {
             let text = (self.text_fn)(cx, data);
             if text.as_str() == self.text.as_str() {
@@ -207,12 +213,16 @@ impl_scope! {
                 return;
             }
             self.text.set_text(text);
-            if self.text.env().bounds.1.is_finite() {
+            if self.text.get_bounds().1.is_finite() {
                 // NOTE: bounds are initially infinite. Alignment results in
                 // infinite offset and thus infinite measured height.
-                let action = match self.text.try_prepare() {
-                    Ok(true) => Action::RESIZE,
-                    _ => Action::REDRAW,
+                let action = match self.text.prepare() {
+                    Err(NotReady) => {
+                        debug_assert!(false, "update before configure");
+                        Action::empty()
+                    }
+                    Ok(false) => Action::REDRAW,
+                    Ok(true) => Action::SET_RECT,
                 };
                 cx.action(self, action);
             }
diff --git a/crates/kas-widgets/src/text.rs b/crates/kas-widgets/src/text.rs
index 1b0705794..6d2edc943 100644
--- a/crates/kas-widgets/src/text.rs
+++ b/crates/kas-widgets/src/text.rs
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@
 use kas::prelude::*;
 use kas::text;
 use kas::text::format::FormattableText;
+use kas::text::NotReady;
 use kas::theme::TextClass;
 
 impl_scope! {
@@ -111,12 +112,12 @@ impl_scope! {
         #[inline]
         fn size_rules(&mut self, sizer: SizeCx, mut axis: AxisInfo) -> SizeRules {
             axis.set_default_align_hv(Align::Default, Align::Center);
-            sizer.text_rules(&mut self.label, self.class, axis)
+            sizer.text_rules(&mut self.label, axis)
         }
 
         fn set_rect(&mut self, cx: &mut ConfigCx, rect: Rect) {
             self.core.rect = rect;
-            cx.text_set_size(&mut self.label, self.class, rect.size, None);
+            cx.text_set_size(&mut self.label, rect.size);
         }
 
         #[cfg(feature = "min_spec")]
@@ -132,6 +133,10 @@ impl_scope! {
     impl Events for Self {
         type Data = A;
 
+        fn configure(&mut self, cx: &mut ConfigCx) {
+            cx.text_configure(&mut self.label, self.class);
+        }
+
         fn update(&mut self, cx: &mut ConfigCx, data: &A) {
             let text = (self.label_fn)(cx, data);
             if text.as_str() == self.label.as_str() {
@@ -140,12 +145,16 @@ impl_scope! {
                 return;
             }
             self.label.set_text(text);
-            if self.label.env().bounds.1.is_finite() {
+            if self.label.get_bounds().1.is_finite() {
                 // NOTE: bounds are initially infinite. Alignment results in
                 // infinite offset and thus infinite measured height.
-                let action = match self.label.try_prepare() {
+                let action = match self.label.prepare() {
+                    Err(NotReady) => {
+                        debug_assert!(false, "update before configure");
+                        Action::empty()
+                    }
+                    Ok(false) => Action::REDRAW,
                     Ok(true) => Action::RESIZE,
-                    _ => Action::REDRAW,
                 };
                 cx.action(self, action);
             }
diff --git a/examples/clock.rs b/examples/clock.rs
index 90e53a93b..51b6f88dc 100644
--- a/examples/clock.rs
+++ b/examples/clock.rs
@@ -58,12 +58,10 @@ impl_scope! {
             let text_size = Size(size.0, size.1 / 4);
             let text_height = text_size.1 as f32;
 
-            let mut env = self.date.env();
-            env.dpem = text_height * 0.5;
-            env.bounds = text_size.cast();
-            self.date.update_env(env).expect("invalid font_id");
-            env.dpem = text_height * 0.7;
-            self.time.update_env(env).expect("invalid font_id");
+            self.date.set_font_size(text_height * 0.5);
+            self.date.set_bounds(text_size.cast());
+            self.time.set_font_size(text_height * 0.7);
+            self.time.set_bounds(text_size.cast());
 
             let time_pos = pos + Offset(0, size.1 * 5 / 8);
             let date_pos = pos + Offset(0, size.1 / 8);
@@ -102,8 +100,12 @@ impl_scope! {
                 draw.rounded_line(centre + v * (r - l), centre + v * r, w, col_face);
             }
 
-            draw.text(self.date_rect, self.date.as_ref(), col_date);
-            draw.text(self.time_rect, self.time.as_ref(), col_time);
+            if let Ok(text) = self.date.display() {
+                draw.text(self.date_rect, text, col_date);
+            }
+            if let Ok(text) = self.time.display() {
+                draw.text(self.time_rect, text, col_time);
+            }
 
             let mut line_seg = |t: f32, r1: f32, r2: f32, w, col| {
                 let v = Vec2(t.sin(), -t.cos());
@@ -125,6 +127,10 @@ impl_scope! {
         type Data = ();
 
         fn configure(&mut self, cx: &mut ConfigCx) {
+            self.date.set_align(AlignPair::CENTER.into());
+            self.date.configure().unwrap();
+            self.time.set_align(AlignPair::CENTER.into());
+            self.time.configure().unwrap();
             cx.request_timer(self.id(), 0, Duration::new(0, 0));
         }
 
@@ -134,12 +140,10 @@ impl_scope! {
                     self.now = Local::now();
                     let date = self.now.format("%Y-%m-%d").to_string();
                     let time = self.now.format("%H:%M:%S").to_string();
-                    self.date
-                        .set_and_try_prepare(date)
-                        .expect("invalid font_id");
-                    self.time
-                        .set_and_try_prepare(time)
-                        .expect("invalid font_id");
+                    self.date.set_text(date);
+                    self.date.prepare().expect("not configured");
+                    self.time.set_text(time);
+                    self.time.prepare().expect("not configured");
                     let ns = 1_000_000_000 - (self.now.time().nanosecond() % 1_000_000_000);
                     log::info!("Requesting update in {}ns", ns);
                     cx.request_timer(self.id(), 0, Duration::new(0, ns));
@@ -153,19 +157,13 @@ impl_scope! {
 
     impl Clock {
         fn new() -> Self {
-            let env = kas::text::Environment {
-                align: (Align::Center, Align::Center),
-                ..Default::default()
-            };
-            let date = Text::new_env(env, "0000-00-00".into());
-            let time = Text::new_env(env, "00:00:00".into());
             Clock {
                 core: Default::default(),
                 date_rect: Rect::ZERO,
                 time_rect: Rect::ZERO,
                 now: Local::now(),
-                date,
-                time,
+                date: Text::new("0000-00-00".to_string()),
+                time: Text::new("00:00:00".to_string()),
             }
         }
     }
diff --git a/examples/proxy.rs b/examples/proxy.rs
index 5a2e14315..020c8d836 100644
--- a/examples/proxy.rs
+++ b/examples/proxy.rs
@@ -72,13 +72,7 @@ impl_scope! {
 
         fn set_rect(&mut self, cx: &mut ConfigCx, rect: Rect) {
             self.core.rect = rect;
-            let align = Some(AlignPair::new(Align::Center, Align::Center));
-            cx.text_set_size(
-                &mut self.loading_text,
-                TextClass::Label(false),
-                rect.size,
-                align,
-            );
+            cx.text_set_size(&mut self.loading_text, rect.size);
         }
 
         fn draw(&mut self, mut draw: DrawCx) {
@@ -93,6 +87,11 @@ impl_scope! {
     impl Events for ColourSquare {
         type Data = AppData;
 
+        fn configure(&mut self, cx: &mut ConfigCx) {
+            self.loading_text.set_align((Align::Center, Align::Center));
+            cx.text_configure(&mut self.loading_text, TextClass::Label(false));
+        }
+
         fn update(&mut self, cx: &mut ConfigCx, data: &AppData) {
             self.color = data.color;
             cx.redraw(self);