diff --git a/graphics/core.lua b/graphics/core.lua
index 4e56714..598c702 100644
--- a/graphics/core.lua
+++ b/graphics/core.lua
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ local flasher = require("graphics.flasher")
 
 local core = {}
 
-core.version = "1.1.1"
+core.version = "1.1.2"
 
 core.flasher = flasher
 core.events = events
@@ -35,11 +35,7 @@ core.TEXT_ALIGN = {
 ---@param even? boolean whether to pad width extra to account for rectangular pixels, defaults to false
 ---@return graphics_border
 function core.border(width, color, even)
-    return {
-        width = width,
-        color = color,
-        even = even or false    -- convert nil to false
-    }
+    return { width = width, color = color, even = even or false }
 end
 
 ---@class graphics_frame
@@ -56,12 +52,7 @@ end
 ---@param h integer
 ---@return graphics_frame
 function core.gframe(x, y, w, h)
-    return {
-        x = x,
-        y = y,
-        w = w,
-        h = h
-    }
+    return { x = x, y = y, w = w, h = h }
 end
 
 ---@class cpair
diff --git a/graphics/element.lua b/graphics/element.lua
index 5bfb7cd..9308558 100644
--- a/graphics/element.lua
+++ b/graphics/element.lua
@@ -166,6 +166,31 @@ function element.new(args, child_offset_x, child_offset_y)
         self.bounds.x2 = self.position.x + f.w - 1
         self.bounds.y1 = self.position.y
         self.bounds.y2 = self.position.y + f.h - 1
+
+        -- alias functions
+
+        -- window set cursor position
+        ---@param x integer
+        ---@param y integer
+        function protected.w_set_cur(x, y) protected.window.setCursorPos(x, y) end
+
+        -- set background color
+        ---@param c color
+        function protected.w_set_bkg(c) protected.window.setBackgroundColor(c) end
+
+        -- set foreground (text) color
+        ---@param c color
+        function protected.w_set_fgd(c) protected.window.setTextColor(c) end
+
+        -- write text
+        ---@param str string
+        function protected.w_write(str) protected.window.write(str) end
+
+        -- blit text
+        ---@param str string
+        ---@param fg string
+        ---@param bg string
+        function protected.w_blit(str, fg, bg) protected.window.blit(str, fg, bg) end
     end
 
     -- check if a coordinate relative to the parent is within the bounds of this element
diff --git a/graphics/elements/animations/waiting.lua b/graphics/elements/animations/waiting.lua
index 77aacdb..36aa432 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/animations/waiting.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/animations/waiting.lua
@@ -36,49 +36,49 @@ local function waiting(args)
 
         if state >= 0 and state < 7 then
             -- top
-            e.window.setCursorPos(1 + math.floor(state / 2), 1)
+            e.w_set_cur(1 + math.floor(state / 2), 1)
             if state % 2 == 0 then
-                e.window.blit("\x8f", blit_fg, blit_bg)
+                e.w_blit("\x8f", blit_fg, blit_bg)
             else
-                e.window.blit("\x8a\x85", blit_fg_2x, blit_bg_2x)
+                e.w_blit("\x8a\x85", blit_fg_2x, blit_bg_2x)
             end
 
             -- bottom
-            e.window.setCursorPos(4 - math.ceil(state / 2), 3)
+            e.w_set_cur(4 - math.ceil(state / 2), 3)
             if state % 2 == 0 then
-                e.window.blit("\x8f", blit_fg, blit_bg)
+                e.w_blit("\x8f", blit_fg, blit_bg)
             else
-                e.window.blit("\x8a\x85", blit_fg_2x, blit_bg_2x)
+                e.w_blit("\x8a\x85", blit_fg_2x, blit_bg_2x)
             end
         else
             local st = state - 7
 
             -- right
             if st % 3 == 0 then
-                e.window.setCursorPos(4, 1 + math.floor(st / 3))
-                e.window.blit("\x83", blit_bg, blit_fg)
+                e.w_set_cur(4, 1 + math.floor(st / 3))
+                e.w_blit("\x83", blit_bg, blit_fg)
             elseif st % 3 == 1 then
-                e.window.setCursorPos(4, 1 + math.floor(st / 3))
-                e.window.blit("\x8f", blit_bg, blit_fg)
-                e.window.setCursorPos(4, 2 + math.floor(st / 3))
-                e.window.blit("\x83", blit_fg, blit_bg)
+                e.w_set_cur(4, 1 + math.floor(st / 3))
+                e.w_blit("\x8f", blit_bg, blit_fg)
+                e.w_set_cur(4, 2 + math.floor(st / 3))
+                e.w_blit("\x83", blit_fg, blit_bg)
             else
-                e.window.setCursorPos(4, 2 + math.floor(st / 3))
-                e.window.blit("\x8f", blit_fg, blit_bg)
+                e.w_set_cur(4, 2 + math.floor(st / 3))
+                e.w_blit("\x8f", blit_fg, blit_bg)
             end
 
             -- left
             if st % 3 == 0 then
-                e.window.setCursorPos(1, 3 - math.floor(st / 3))
-                e.window.blit("\x83", blit_fg, blit_bg)
-                e.window.setCursorPos(1, 2 - math.floor(st / 3))
-                e.window.blit("\x8f", blit_bg, blit_fg)
+                e.w_set_cur(1, 3 - math.floor(st / 3))
+                e.w_blit("\x83", blit_fg, blit_bg)
+                e.w_set_cur(1, 2 - math.floor(st / 3))
+                e.w_blit("\x8f", blit_bg, blit_fg)
             elseif st % 3 == 1 then
-                e.window.setCursorPos(1, 2 - math.floor(st / 3))
-                e.window.blit("\x83", blit_bg, blit_fg)
+                e.w_set_cur(1, 2 - math.floor(st / 3))
+                e.w_blit("\x83", blit_bg, blit_fg)
             else
-                e.window.setCursorPos(1, 2 - math.floor(st / 3))
-                e.window.blit("\x8f", blit_fg, blit_bg)
+                e.w_set_cur(1, 2 - math.floor(st / 3))
+                e.w_blit("\x8f", blit_fg, blit_bg)
             end
         end
 
diff --git a/graphics/elements/colormap.lua b/graphics/elements/colormap.lua
index 4d84e8b..25fd135 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/colormap.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/colormap.lua
@@ -25,8 +25,8 @@ local function colormap(args)
     local e = element.new(args)
 
     -- draw color map
-    e.window.setCursorPos(1, 1)
-    e.window.blit(spaces, bkg, bkg)
+    e.w_set_cur(1, 1)
+    e.w_blit(spaces, bkg, bkg)
 
     return e.complete()
 end
diff --git a/graphics/elements/controls/app.lua b/graphics/elements/controls/app.lua
index 226946c..574be66 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/controls/app.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/controls/app.lua
@@ -36,9 +36,8 @@ local function app_button(args)
     local e = element.new(args)
 
     -- write app title, centered
-    e.window.setCursorPos(1, 4)
-    e.window.setCursorPos(math.floor((e.frame.w - string.len(args.title)) / 2) + 1, 4)
-    e.window.write(args.title)
+    e.w_set_cur(math.floor((e.frame.w - string.len(args.title)) / 2) + 1, 4)
+    e.w_write(args.title)
 
     -- draw the app button
     local function draw()
@@ -51,36 +50,36 @@ local function app_button(args)
         end
 
         -- draw icon
-        e.window.setCursorPos(1, 1)
-        e.window.setTextColor(fgd)
-        e.window.setBackgroundColor(bkg)
-        e.window.write("\x9f\x83\x83\x83")
-        e.window.setTextColor(bkg)
-        e.window.setBackgroundColor(fgd)
-        e.window.write("\x90")
-        e.window.setTextColor(fgd)
-        e.window.setBackgroundColor(bkg)
-        e.window.setCursorPos(1, 2)
-        e.window.write("\x95   ")
-        e.window.setTextColor(bkg)
-        e.window.setBackgroundColor(fgd)
-        e.window.write("\x95")
-        e.window.setCursorPos(1, 3)
-        e.window.write("\x82\x8f\x8f\x8f\x81")
+        e.w_set_cur(1, 1)
+        e.w_set_fgd(fgd)
+        e.w_set_bkg(bkg)
+        e.w_write("\x9f\x83\x83\x83")
+        e.w_set_fgd(bkg)
+        e.w_set_bkg(fgd)
+        e.w_write("\x90")
+        e.w_set_fgd(fgd)
+        e.w_set_bkg(bkg)
+        e.w_set_cur(1, 2)
+        e.w_write("\x95   ")
+        e.w_set_fgd(bkg)
+        e.w_set_bkg(fgd)
+        e.w_write("\x95")
+        e.w_set_cur(1, 3)
+        e.w_write("\x82\x8f\x8f\x8f\x81")
 
         -- write the icon text
-        e.window.setCursorPos(3, 2)
-        e.window.setTextColor(fgd)
-        e.window.setBackgroundColor(bkg)
-        e.window.write(args.text)
+        e.w_set_cur(3, 2)
+        e.w_set_fgd(fgd)
+        e.w_set_bkg(bkg)
+        e.w_write(args.text)
     end
 
     -- draw the app button as pressed (if active_fg_bg set)
     local function show_pressed()
         if e.enabled and args.active_fg_bg ~= nil then
             e.value = true
-            e.window.setTextColor(args.active_fg_bg.fgd)
-            e.window.setBackgroundColor(args.active_fg_bg.bkg)
+            e.w_set_fgd(args.active_fg_bg.fgd)
+            e.w_set_bkg(args.active_fg_bg.bkg)
             draw()
         end
     end
@@ -89,8 +88,8 @@ local function app_button(args)
     local function show_unpressed()
         if e.enabled and args.active_fg_bg ~= nil then
             e.value = false
-            e.window.setTextColor(e.fg_bg.fgd)
-            e.window.setBackgroundColor(e.fg_bg.bkg)
+            e.w_set_fgd(e.fg_bg.fgd)
+            e.w_set_bkg(e.fg_bg.bkg)
             draw()
         end
     end
diff --git a/graphics/elements/controls/checkbox.lua b/graphics/elements/controls/checkbox.lua
index b8557ae..77f9808 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/controls/checkbox.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/controls/checkbox.lua
@@ -32,24 +32,24 @@ local function checkbox(args)
 
     -- show the button state
     local function draw()
-        e.window.setCursorPos(1, 1)
+        e.w_set_cur(1, 1)
 
         if e.value then
             -- show as selected
-            e.window.setTextColor(args.box_fg_bg.bkg)
-            e.window.setBackgroundColor(args.box_fg_bg.fgd)
-            e.window.write("\x88")
-            e.window.setTextColor(args.box_fg_bg.fgd)
-            e.window.setBackgroundColor(e.fg_bg.bkg)
-            e.window.write("\x95")
+            e.w_set_fgd(args.box_fg_bg.bkg)
+            e.w_set_bkg(args.box_fg_bg.fgd)
+            e.w_write("\x88")
+            e.w_set_fgd(args.box_fg_bg.fgd)
+            e.w_set_bkg(e.fg_bg.bkg)
+            e.w_write("\x95")
         else
             -- show as unselected
-            e.window.setTextColor(e.fg_bg.bkg)
-            e.window.setBackgroundColor(args.box_fg_bg.bkg)
-            e.window.write("\x88")
-            e.window.setTextColor(args.box_fg_bg.bkg)
-            e.window.setBackgroundColor(e.fg_bg.bkg)
-            e.window.write("\x95")
+            e.w_set_fgd(e.fg_bg.bkg)
+            e.w_set_bkg(args.box_fg_bg.bkg)
+            e.w_write("\x88")
+            e.w_set_fgd(args.box_fg_bg.bkg)
+            e.w_set_bkg(e.fg_bg.bkg)
+            e.w_write("\x95")
         end
     end
 
@@ -71,10 +71,10 @@ local function checkbox(args)
     end
 
     -- write label text
-    e.window.setCursorPos(3, 1)
-    e.window.setTextColor(e.fg_bg.fgd)
-    e.window.setBackgroundColor(e.fg_bg.bkg)
-    e.window.write(args.label)
+    e.w_set_cur(3, 1)
+    e.w_set_fgd(e.fg_bg.fgd)
+    e.w_set_bkg(e.fg_bg.bkg)
+    e.w_write(args.label)
 
     -- initial draw
     draw()
diff --git a/graphics/elements/controls/hazard_button.lua b/graphics/elements/controls/hazard_button.lua
index 0c03fc3..ac1b23d 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/controls/hazard_button.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/controls/hazard_button.lua
@@ -33,35 +33,35 @@ local function hazard_button(args)
     local e = element.new(args)
 
     -- write the button text
-    e.window.setCursorPos(3, 2)
-    e.window.write(args.text)
+    e.w_set_cur(3, 2)
+    e.w_write(args.text)
 
     -- draw border
     ---@param accent color accent color
     local function draw_border(accent)
         -- top
-        e.window.setTextColor(accent)
-        e.window.setBackgroundColor(args.fg_bg.bkg)
-        e.window.setCursorPos(1, 1)
-        e.window.write("\x99" .. string.rep("\x89", args.width - 2) .. "\x99")
+        e.w_set_fgd(accent)
+        e.w_set_bkg(args.fg_bg.bkg)
+        e.w_set_cur(1, 1)
+        e.w_write("\x99" .. string.rep("\x89", args.width - 2) .. "\x99")
 
         -- center left
-        e.window.setCursorPos(1, 2)
-        e.window.setTextColor(args.fg_bg.bkg)
-        e.window.setBackgroundColor(accent)
-        e.window.write("\x99")
+        e.w_set_cur(1, 2)
+        e.w_set_fgd(args.fg_bg.bkg)
+        e.w_set_bkg(accent)
+        e.w_write("\x99")
 
         -- center right
-        e.window.setTextColor(args.fg_bg.bkg)
-        e.window.setBackgroundColor(accent)
-        e.window.setCursorPos(args.width, 2)
-        e.window.write("\x99")
+        e.w_set_fgd(args.fg_bg.bkg)
+        e.w_set_bkg(accent)
+        e.w_set_cur(args.width, 2)
+        e.w_write("\x99")
 
         -- bottom
-        e.window.setTextColor(accent)
-        e.window.setBackgroundColor(args.fg_bg.bkg)
-        e.window.setCursorPos(1, 3)
-        e.window.write("\x99" .. string.rep("\x98", args.width - 2) .. "\x99")
+        e.w_set_fgd(accent)
+        e.w_set_bkg(args.fg_bg.bkg)
+        e.w_set_cur(1, 3)
+        e.w_write("\x99" .. string.rep("\x98", args.width - 2) .. "\x99")
     end
 
     -- on request timeout: recursively calls itself to double flash button text
@@ -72,9 +72,9 @@ local function hazard_button(args)
 
         if n == 0 then
             -- go back off
-            e.window.setTextColor(args.fg_bg.fgd)
-            e.window.setCursorPos(3, 2)
-            e.window.write(args.text)
+            e.w_set_fgd(args.fg_bg.fgd)
+            e.w_set_cur(3, 2)
+            e.w_write(args.text)
         end
 
         if n >= 4 then
@@ -82,18 +82,18 @@ local function hazard_button(args)
         elseif n % 2 == 0 then
             -- toggle text color on after 0.25 seconds
             tcd.dispatch(0.25, function ()
-                e.window.setTextColor(args.accent)
-                e.window.setCursorPos(3, 2)
-                e.window.write(args.text)
+                e.w_set_fgd(args.accent)
+                e.w_set_cur(3, 2)
+                e.w_write(args.text)
                 on_timeout(n + 1)
                 on_timeout(n + 1)
             end)
         elseif n % 1 then
             -- toggle text color off after 0.25 seconds
             tcd.dispatch(0.25, function ()
-                e.window.setTextColor(args.fg_bg.fgd)
-                e.window.setCursorPos(3, 2)
-                e.window.write(args.text)
+                e.w_set_fgd(args.fg_bg.fgd)
+                e.w_set_cur(3, 2)
+                e.w_write(args.text)
                 on_timeout(n + 1)
             end)
         end
@@ -101,9 +101,9 @@ local function hazard_button(args)
 
     -- blink routine for success indication
     local function on_success()
-        e.window.setTextColor(args.fg_bg.fgd)
-        e.window.setCursorPos(3, 2)
-        e.window.write(args.text)
+        e.w_set_fgd(args.fg_bg.fgd)
+        e.w_set_cur(3, 2)
+        e.w_write(args.text)
     end
 
     -- blink routine for failure indication
@@ -114,9 +114,9 @@ local function hazard_button(args)
 
         if n == 0 then
             -- go back off
-            e.window.setTextColor(args.fg_bg.fgd)
-            e.window.setCursorPos(3, 2)
-            e.window.write(args.text)
+            e.w_set_fgd(args.fg_bg.fgd)
+            e.w_set_cur(3, 2)
+            e.w_write(args.text)
         end
 
         if n >= 2 then
@@ -124,17 +124,17 @@ local function hazard_button(args)
         elseif n % 2 == 0 then
             -- toggle text color on after 0.5 seconds
             tcd.dispatch(0.5, function ()
-                e.window.setTextColor(args.accent)
-                e.window.setCursorPos(3, 2)
-                e.window.write(args.text)
+                e.w_set_fgd(args.accent)
+                e.w_set_cur(3, 2)
+                e.w_write(args.text)
                 on_failure(n + 1)
             end)
         elseif n % 1 then
             -- toggle text color off after 0.25 seconds
             tcd.dispatch(0.25, function ()
-                e.window.setTextColor(args.fg_bg.fgd)
-                e.window.setCursorPos(3, 2)
-                e.window.write(args.text)
+                e.w_set_fgd(args.fg_bg.fgd)
+                e.w_set_cur(3, 2)
+                e.w_write(args.text)
                 on_failure(n + 1)
             end)
         end
@@ -146,9 +146,9 @@ local function hazard_button(args)
         if e.enabled then
             if core.events.was_clicked(event.type) then
                 -- change text color to indicate clicked
-                e.window.setTextColor(args.accent)
-                e.window.setCursorPos(3, 2)
-                e.window.write(args.text)
+                e.w_set_fgd(args.accent)
+                e.w_set_cur(3, 2)
+                e.w_write(args.text)
 
                 -- abort any other callbacks
                 tcd.abort(on_timeout)
@@ -181,18 +181,18 @@ local function hazard_button(args)
     function e.disable()
         if args.dis_colors then
             draw_border(args.dis_colors.color_a)
-            e.window.setTextColor(args.dis_colors.color_b)
-            e.window.setCursorPos(3, 2)
-            e.window.write(args.text)
+            e.w_set_fgd(args.dis_colors.color_b)
+            e.w_set_cur(3, 2)
+            e.w_write(args.text)
         end
     end
 
     -- show the button as enabled
     function e.enable()
         draw_border(args.accent)
-        e.window.setTextColor(args.fg_bg.fgd)
-        e.window.setCursorPos(3, 2)
-        e.window.write(args.text)
+        e.w_set_fgd(args.fg_bg.fgd)
+        e.w_set_cur(3, 2)
+        e.w_write(args.text)
     end
 
     -- initial draw of border
diff --git a/graphics/elements/controls/multi_button.lua b/graphics/elements/controls/multi_button.lua
index 020c68d..f6116b0 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/controls/multi_button.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/controls/multi_button.lua
@@ -75,19 +75,19 @@ local function multi_button(args)
         for i = 1, #args.options do
             local opt = args.options[i] ---@type button_option
 
-            e.window.setCursorPos(opt._start_x, 1)
+            e.w_set_cur(opt._start_x, 1)
 
             if e.value == i then
                 -- show as pressed
-                e.window.setTextColor(opt.active_fg_bg.fgd)
-                e.window.setBackgroundColor(opt.active_fg_bg.bkg)
+                e.w_set_fgd(opt.active_fg_bg.fgd)
+                e.w_set_bkg(opt.active_fg_bg.bkg)
             else
                 -- show as unpressed
-                e.window.setTextColor(opt.fg_bg.fgd)
-                e.window.setBackgroundColor(opt.fg_bg.bkg)
+                e.w_set_fgd(opt.fg_bg.fgd)
+                e.w_set_bkg(opt.fg_bg.bkg)
             end
 
-            e.window.write(util.pad(opt.text, button_width))
+            e.w_write(util.pad(opt.text, button_width))
         end
     end
 
diff --git a/graphics/elements/controls/push_button.lua b/graphics/elements/controls/push_button.lua
index 5644e59..36e1914 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/controls/push_button.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/controls/push_button.lua
@@ -48,16 +48,16 @@ local function push_button(args)
         e.window.clear()
 
         -- write the button text
-        e.window.setCursorPos(h_pad, v_pad)
-        e.window.write(args.text)
+        e.w_set_cur(h_pad, v_pad)
+        e.w_write(args.text)
     end
 
     -- draw the button as pressed (if active_fg_bg set)
     local function show_pressed()
         if e.enabled and args.active_fg_bg ~= nil then
             e.value = true
-            e.window.setTextColor(args.active_fg_bg.fgd)
-            e.window.setBackgroundColor(args.active_fg_bg.bkg)
+            e.w_set_fgd(args.active_fg_bg.fgd)
+            e.w_set_bkg(args.active_fg_bg.bkg)
             draw()
         end
     end
@@ -66,8 +66,8 @@ local function push_button(args)
     local function show_unpressed()
         if e.enabled and args.active_fg_bg ~= nil then
             e.value = false
-            e.window.setTextColor(e.fg_bg.fgd)
-            e.window.setBackgroundColor(e.fg_bg.bkg)
+            e.w_set_fgd(e.fg_bg.fgd)
+            e.w_set_bkg(e.fg_bg.bkg)
             draw()
         end
     end
@@ -102,8 +102,8 @@ local function push_button(args)
     function e.enable()
         if args.dis_fg_bg ~= nil then
             e.value = false
-            e.window.setTextColor(e.fg_bg.fgd)
-            e.window.setBackgroundColor(e.fg_bg.bkg)
+            e.w_set_fgd(e.fg_bg.fgd)
+            e.w_set_bkg(e.fg_bg.bkg)
             draw()
         end
     end
@@ -112,8 +112,8 @@ local function push_button(args)
     function e.disable()
         if args.dis_fg_bg ~= nil then
             e.value = false
-            e.window.setTextColor(args.dis_fg_bg.fgd)
-            e.window.setBackgroundColor(args.dis_fg_bg.bkg)
+            e.w_set_fgd(args.dis_fg_bg.fgd)
+            e.w_set_bkg(args.dis_fg_bg.bkg)
             draw()
         end
     end
diff --git a/graphics/elements/controls/radio_button.lua b/graphics/elements/controls/radio_button.lua
index 0063bee..8c2d3ec 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/controls/radio_button.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/controls/radio_button.lua
@@ -56,28 +56,28 @@ local function radio_button(args)
         for i = 1, #args.options do
             local opt = args.options[i] ---@type string
 
-            e.window.setCursorPos(1, i)
+            e.w_set_cur(1, i)
 
             if e.value == i then
                 -- show as selected
-                e.window.setTextColor(args.radio_colors.color_a)
-                e.window.setBackgroundColor(args.radio_bg)
+                e.w_set_fgd(args.radio_colors.color_a)
+                e.w_set_bkg(args.radio_bg)
             else
                 -- show as unselected
-                e.window.setTextColor(args.radio_colors.color_b)
-                e.window.setBackgroundColor(args.radio_bg)
+                e.w_set_fgd(args.radio_colors.color_b)
+                e.w_set_bkg(args.radio_bg)
             end
 
-            e.window.write("\x88")
+            e.w_write("\x88")
 
-            e.window.setTextColor(args.radio_bg)
-            e.window.setBackgroundColor(e.fg_bg.bkg)
-            e.window.write("\x95")
+            e.w_set_fgd(args.radio_bg)
+            e.w_set_bkg(e.fg_bg.bkg)
+            e.w_write("\x95")
 
             -- write button text
-            e.window.setTextColor(e.fg_bg.fgd)
-            e.window.setBackgroundColor(e.fg_bg.bkg)
-            e.window.write(opt)
+            e.w_set_fgd(e.fg_bg.fgd)
+            e.w_set_bkg(e.fg_bg.bkg)
+            e.w_write(opt)
         end
     end
 
diff --git a/graphics/elements/controls/sidebar.lua b/graphics/elements/controls/sidebar.lua
index 977481c..9185430 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/controls/sidebar.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/controls/sidebar.lua
@@ -52,27 +52,27 @@ local function sidebar(args)
 
             local y = ((i - 1) * 3) + 1
 
-            e.window.setCursorPos(1, y)
+            e.w_set_cur(1, y)
 
             if pressed and i == pressed_idx then
-                e.window.setTextColor(e.fg_bg.fgd)
-                e.window.setBackgroundColor(e.fg_bg.bkg)
+                e.w_set_fgd(e.fg_bg.fgd)
+                e.w_set_bkg(e.fg_bg.bkg)
             else
-                e.window.setTextColor(tab.color.fgd)
-                e.window.setBackgroundColor(tab.color.bkg)
+                e.w_set_fgd(tab.color.fgd)
+                e.w_set_bkg(tab.color.bkg)
             end
 
-            e.window.write("   ")
-            e.window.setCursorPos(1, y + 1)
+            e.w_write("   ")
+            e.w_set_cur(1, y + 1)
             if e.value == i then
                 -- show as selected
-                e.window.write(" " .. tab.char .. "\x10")
+                e.w_write(" " .. tab.char .. "\x10")
             else
                 -- show as unselected
-                e.window.write(" " .. tab.char .. " ")
+                e.w_write(" " .. tab.char .. " ")
             end
-            e.window.setCursorPos(1, y + 2)
-            e.window.write("   ")
+            e.w_set_cur(1, y + 2)
+            e.w_write("   ")
         end
     end
 
diff --git a/graphics/elements/controls/spinbox_numeric.lua b/graphics/elements/controls/spinbox_numeric.lua
index 41940b5..76f6c06 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/controls/spinbox_numeric.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/controls/spinbox_numeric.lua
@@ -58,17 +58,17 @@ local function spinbox(args)
 
     -- draw the arrows
     local function draw_arrows(color)
-        e.window.setBackgroundColor(args.arrow_fg_bg.bkg)
-        e.window.setTextColor(color)
-        e.window.setCursorPos(1, 1)
-        e.window.write(string.rep("\x1e", wn_prec))
-        e.window.setCursorPos(1, 3)
-        e.window.write(string.rep("\x1f", wn_prec))
+        e.w_set_bkg(args.arrow_fg_bg.bkg)
+        e.w_set_fgd(color)
+        e.w_set_cur(1, 1)
+        e.w_write(string.rep("\x1e", wn_prec))
+        e.w_set_cur(1, 3)
+        e.w_write(string.rep("\x1f", wn_prec))
         if fr_prec > 0 then
-            e.window.setCursorPos(1 + wn_prec, 1)
-            e.window.write(" " .. string.rep("\x1e", fr_prec))
-            e.window.setCursorPos(1 + wn_prec, 3)
-            e.window.write(" " .. string.rep("\x1f", fr_prec))
+            e.w_set_cur(1 + wn_prec, 1)
+            e.w_write(" " .. string.rep("\x1e", fr_prec))
+            e.w_set_cur(1 + wn_prec, 3)
+            e.w_write(" " .. string.rep("\x1f", fr_prec))
         end
     end
 
@@ -119,10 +119,10 @@ local function spinbox(args)
         end
 
         -- draw
-        e.window.setBackgroundColor(e.fg_bg.bkg)
-        e.window.setTextColor(e.fg_bg.fgd)
-        e.window.setCursorPos(1, 2)
-        e.window.write(util.sprintf(fmt, e.value))
+        e.w_set_bkg(e.fg_bg.bkg)
+        e.w_set_fgd(e.fg_bg.fgd)
+        e.w_set_cur(1, 2)
+        e.w_write(util.sprintf(fmt, e.value))
     end
 
     -- init with the default value
diff --git a/graphics/elements/controls/switch_button.lua b/graphics/elements/controls/switch_button.lua
index 92fd9a5..63f6c9b 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/controls/switch_button.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/controls/switch_button.lua
@@ -47,20 +47,20 @@ local function switch_button(args)
     local function draw_state()
         if e.value then
             -- show as pressed
-            e.window.setTextColor(args.active_fg_bg.fgd)
-            e.window.setBackgroundColor(args.active_fg_bg.bkg)
+            e.w_set_fgd(args.active_fg_bg.fgd)
+            e.w_set_bkg(args.active_fg_bg.bkg)
         else
             -- show as unpressed
-            e.window.setTextColor(e.fg_bg.fgd)
-            e.window.setBackgroundColor(e.fg_bg.bkg)
+            e.w_set_fgd(e.fg_bg.fgd)
+            e.w_set_bkg(e.fg_bg.bkg)
         end
 
         -- clear to redraw background
         e.window.clear()
 
         -- write the button text
-        e.window.setCursorPos(h_pad, v_pad)
-        e.window.write(args.text)
+        e.w_set_cur(h_pad, v_pad)
+        e.w_write(args.text)
     end
 
     -- initial draw
diff --git a/graphics/elements/controls/tabbar.lua b/graphics/elements/controls/tabbar.lua
index 0989534..e1a99ca 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/controls/tabbar.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/controls/tabbar.lua
@@ -71,17 +71,17 @@ local function tabbar(args)
         for i = 1, #args.tabs do
             local tab = args.tabs[i]    ---@type tabbar_tab
 
-            e.window.setCursorPos(tab._start_x, 1)
+            e.w_set_cur(tab._start_x, 1)
 
             if e.value == i then
-                e.window.setTextColor(tab.color.fgd)
-                e.window.setBackgroundColor(tab.color.bkg)
+                e.w_set_fgd(tab.color.fgd)
+                e.w_set_bkg(tab.color.bkg)
             else
-                e.window.setTextColor(e.fg_bg.fgd)
-                e.window.setBackgroundColor(e.fg_bg.bkg)
+                e.w_set_fgd(e.fg_bg.fgd)
+                e.w_set_bkg(e.fg_bg.bkg)
             end
 
-            e.window.write(util.pad(tab.name, button_width))
+            e.w_write(util.pad(tab.name, button_width))
         end
     end
 
diff --git a/graphics/elements/indicators/alight.lua b/graphics/elements/indicators/alight.lua
index b3e9ab8..659b216 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/indicators/alight.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/indicators/alight.lua
@@ -53,17 +53,17 @@ local function alarm_indicator_light(args)
 
     -- called by flasher when enabled
     local function flash_callback()
-        e.window.setCursorPos(1, 1)
+        e.w_set_cur(1, 1)
 
         if flash_on then
             if e.value == 2 then
-                e.window.blit(" \x95", "0" .. c2, c2 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+                e.w_blit(" \x95", "0" .. c2, c2 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
             end
         else
             if e.value == 3 then
-                e.window.blit(" \x95", "0" .. c3, c3 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+                e.w_blit(" \x95", "0" .. c3, c3 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
             else
-                e.window.blit(" \x95", "0" .. c1, c1 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+                e.w_blit(" \x95", "0" .. c1, c1 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
             end
         end
 
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ local function alarm_indicator_light(args)
         local was_off = e.value ~= 2
 
         e.value = new_state
-        e.window.setCursorPos(1, 1)
+        e.w_set_cur(1, 1)
 
         if args.flash then
             if was_off and (new_state == 2) then
@@ -87,17 +87,17 @@ local function alarm_indicator_light(args)
                 flasher.stop(flash_callback)
 
                 if new_state == 3 then
-                    e.window.blit(" \x95", "0" .. c3, c3 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+                    e.w_blit(" \x95", "0" .. c3, c3 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
                 else
-                    e.window.blit(" \x95", "0" .. c1, c1 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+                    e.w_blit(" \x95", "0" .. c1, c1 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
                 end
             end
         elseif new_state == 2 then
-            e.window.blit(" \x95", "0" .. c2, c2 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+            e.w_blit(" \x95", "0" .. c2, c2 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
         elseif new_state == 3 then
-            e.window.blit(" \x95", "0" .. c3, c3 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+            e.w_blit(" \x95", "0" .. c3, c3 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
         else
-            e.window.blit(" \x95", "0" .. c1, c1 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+            e.w_blit(" \x95", "0" .. c1, c1 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
         end
     end
 
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ local function alarm_indicator_light(args)
 
     -- write label and initial indicator light
     e.on_update(1)
-    e.window.write(args.label)
+    e.w_write(args.label)
 
     return e.complete()
 end
diff --git a/graphics/elements/indicators/coremap.lua b/graphics/elements/indicators/coremap.lua
index 1b47d6a..4140c5f 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/indicators/coremap.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/indicators/coremap.lua
@@ -47,25 +47,25 @@ local function core_map(args)
 
     -- create coordinate grid and frame
     local function draw_frame()
-        e.window.setTextColor(colors.white)
+        e.w_set_fgd(colors.white)
 
         for x = 0, (inner_width - 1) do
-            e.window.setCursorPos(x + start_x, 1)
-            e.window.write(util.sprintf("%X", x))
+            e.w_set_cur(x + start_x, 1)
+            e.w_write(util.sprintf("%X", x))
         end
 
         for y = 0, (inner_height - 1) do
-            e.window.setCursorPos(1, y + start_y)
-            e.window.write(util.sprintf("%X", y))
+            e.w_set_cur(1, y + start_y)
+            e.w_write(util.sprintf("%X", y))
         end
 
         -- even out bottom edge
-        e.window.setTextColor(e.fg_bg.bkg)
-        e.window.setBackgroundColor(args.parent.get_fg_bg().bkg)
-        e.window.setCursorPos(1, e.frame.h)
-        e.window.write(string.rep("\x8f", e.frame.w))
-        e.window.setTextColor(e.fg_bg.fgd)
-        e.window.setBackgroundColor(e.fg_bg.bkg)
+        e.w_set_fgd(e.fg_bg.bkg)
+        e.w_set_bkg(args.parent.get_fg_bg().bkg)
+        e.w_set_cur(1, e.frame.h)
+        e.w_write(string.rep("\x8f", e.frame.w))
+        e.w_set_fgd(e.fg_bg.fgd)
+        e.w_set_bkg(e.fg_bg.bkg)
     end
 
     -- draw the core
@@ -102,13 +102,13 @@ local function core_map(args)
 
         -- draw pattern
         for y = start_y, inner_height + (start_y - 1) do
-            e.window.setCursorPos(start_x, y)
+            e.w_set_cur(start_x, y)
             for _ = 1, inner_width do
                 if alternator then
                     i = i + 1
-                    e.window.blit("\x07", text_c, back_c)
+                    e.w_blit("\x07", text_c, back_c)
                 else
-                    e.window.blit("\x07", "7", "8")
+                    e.w_blit("\x07", "7", "8")
                 end
 
                 alternator = not alternator
diff --git a/graphics/elements/indicators/data.lua b/graphics/elements/indicators/data.lua
index 5717d2c..9d7f435 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/indicators/data.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/indicators/data.lua
@@ -37,12 +37,12 @@ local function data(args)
 
     -- label color
     if args.lu_colors ~= nil then
-        e.window.setTextColor(args.lu_colors.color_a)
+        e.w_set_fgd(args.lu_colors.color_a)
     end
 
     -- write label
-    e.window.setCursorPos(1, 1)
-    e.window.write(args.label)
+    e.w_set_cur(1, 1)
+    e.w_write(args.label)
 
     local value_color = e.fg_bg.fgd
     local label_len   = string.len(args.label)
@@ -60,25 +60,25 @@ local function data(args)
         e.value = value
 
         -- clear old data and label
-        e.window.setCursorPos(data_start, 1)
-        e.window.write(util.spaces(clear_width))
+        e.w_set_cur(data_start, 1)
+        e.w_write(util.spaces(clear_width))
 
         -- write data
         local data_str = util.sprintf(args.format, value)
-        e.window.setCursorPos(data_start, 1)
-        e.window.setTextColor(value_color)
+        e.w_set_cur(data_start, 1)
+        e.w_set_fgd(value_color)
         if args.commas then
-            e.window.write(util.comma_format(data_str))
+            e.w_write(util.comma_format(data_str))
         else
-            e.window.write(data_str)
+            e.w_write(data_str)
         end
 
         -- write label
         if args.unit ~= nil then
             if args.lu_colors ~= nil then
-                e.window.setTextColor(args.lu_colors.color_b)
+                e.w_set_fgd(args.lu_colors.color_b)
             end
-            e.window.write(" " .. args.unit)
+            e.w_write(" " .. args.unit)
         end
     end
 
diff --git a/graphics/elements/indicators/hbar.lua b/graphics/elements/indicators/hbar.lua
index 0d61374..32ab3a0 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/indicators/hbar.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/indicators/hbar.lua
@@ -87,16 +87,16 @@ local function hbar(args)
 
             -- draw bar
             for y = 1, e.frame.h do
-                e.window.setCursorPos(1, y)
+                e.w_set_cur(1, y)
                 -- intentionally swapped fgd/bkg since we use spaces as fill, but they are the opposite
-                e.window.blit(spaces, bkg, fgd)
+                e.w_blit(spaces, bkg, fgd)
             end
         end
 
         -- update percentage
         if args.show_percent then
-            e.window.setCursorPos(bar_width + 2, math.max(1, math.ceil(e.frame.h / 2)))
-            e.window.write(util.sprintf("%3.0f%%", fraction * 100))
+            e.w_set_cur(bar_width + 2, math.max(1, math.ceil(e.frame.h / 2)))
+            e.w_write(util.sprintf("%3.0f%%", fraction * 100))
         end
     end
 
diff --git a/graphics/elements/indicators/icon.lua b/graphics/elements/indicators/icon.lua
index 3e01de6..a3561de 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/indicators/icon.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/indicators/icon.lua
@@ -48,16 +48,16 @@ local function icon(args)
     end
 
     -- write label and initial indicator light
-    e.window.setCursorPos(5, 1)
-    e.window.write(args.label)
+    e.w_set_cur(5, 1)
+    e.w_write(args.label)
 
     -- on state change
     ---@param new_state integer indicator state
     function e.on_update(new_state)
         local blit_cmd = state_blit_cmds[new_state]
         e.value = new_state
-        e.window.setCursorPos(1, 1)
-        e.window.blit(blit_cmd.text, blit_cmd.fgd, blit_cmd.bkg)
+        e.w_set_cur(1, 1)
+        e.w_blit(blit_cmd.text, blit_cmd.fgd, blit_cmd.bkg)
     end
 
     -- set indicator state
diff --git a/graphics/elements/indicators/led.lua b/graphics/elements/indicators/led.lua
index f81d7e9..53297ec 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/indicators/led.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/indicators/led.lua
@@ -44,12 +44,12 @@ local function indicator_led(args)
 
     -- called by flasher when enabled
     local function flash_callback()
-        e.window.setCursorPos(1, 1)
+        e.w_set_cur(1, 1)
 
         if flash_on then
-            e.window.blit("\x8c", args.colors.blit_a, e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+            e.w_blit("\x8c", args.colors.blit_a, e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
         else
-            e.window.blit("\x8c", args.colors.blit_b, e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+            e.w_blit("\x8c", args.colors.blit_b, e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
         end
 
         flash_on = not flash_on
@@ -61,8 +61,8 @@ local function indicator_led(args)
             flash_on = true
             flasher.start(flash_callback, args.period)
         else
-            e.window.setCursorPos(1, 1)
-            e.window.blit("\x8c", args.colors.blit_a, e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+            e.w_set_cur(1, 1)
+            e.w_blit("\x8c", args.colors.blit_a, e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
         end
     end
 
@@ -73,8 +73,8 @@ local function indicator_led(args)
             flasher.stop(flash_callback)
         end
 
-        e.window.setCursorPos(1, 1)
-        e.window.blit("\x8c", args.colors.blit_b, e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+        e.w_set_cur(1, 1)
+        e.w_blit("\x8c", args.colors.blit_b, e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
     end
 
     -- on state change
@@ -91,8 +91,8 @@ local function indicator_led(args)
     -- write label and initial indicator light
     e.on_update(false)
     if string.len(args.label) > 0 then
-        e.window.setCursorPos(3, 1)
-        e.window.write(args.label)
+        e.w_set_cur(3, 1)
+        e.w_write(args.label)
     end
 
     return e.complete()
diff --git a/graphics/elements/indicators/ledpair.lua b/graphics/elements/indicators/ledpair.lua
index 97099d2..fed141f 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/indicators/ledpair.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/indicators/ledpair.lua
@@ -56,16 +56,16 @@ local function indicator_led_pair(args)
 
     -- called by flasher when enabled
     local function flash_callback()
-        e.window.setCursorPos(1, 1)
+        e.w_set_cur(1, 1)
 
         if flash_on then
             if e.value == 2 then
-                e.window.blit("\x8c", c1, e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+                e.w_blit("\x8c", c1, e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
             elseif e.value == 3 then
-                e.window.blit("\x8c", c2, e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+                e.w_blit("\x8c", c2, e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
             end
         else
-            e.window.blit("\x8c", co, e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+            e.w_blit("\x8c", co, e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
         end
 
         flash_on = not flash_on
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ local function indicator_led_pair(args)
         local was_off = e.value <= 1
 
         e.value = new_state
-        e.window.setCursorPos(1, 1)
+        e.w_set_cur(1, 1)
 
         if args.flash then
             if was_off and (new_state > 1) then
@@ -87,14 +87,14 @@ local function indicator_led_pair(args)
                 flash_on = false
                 flasher.stop(flash_callback)
 
-                e.window.blit("\x8c", co, e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+                e.w_blit("\x8c", co, e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
             end
         elseif new_state == 2 then
-            e.window.blit("\x8c", c1, e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+            e.w_blit("\x8c", c1, e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
         elseif new_state == 3 then
-            e.window.blit("\x8c", c2, e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+            e.w_blit("\x8c", c2, e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
         else
-            e.window.blit("\x8c", co, e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+            e.w_blit("\x8c", co, e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
         end
     end
 
@@ -105,8 +105,8 @@ local function indicator_led_pair(args)
     -- write label and initial indicator light
     e.on_update(1)
     if string.len(args.label) > 0 then
-        e.window.setCursorPos(3, 1)
-        e.window.write(args.label)
+        e.w_set_cur(3, 1)
+        e.w_write(args.label)
     end
 
     return e.complete()
diff --git a/graphics/elements/indicators/ledrgb.lua b/graphics/elements/indicators/ledrgb.lua
index 8c9802f..79064b4 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/indicators/ledrgb.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/indicators/ledrgb.lua
@@ -37,9 +37,9 @@ local function indicator_led_rgb(args)
     ---@param new_state integer indicator state
     function e.on_update(new_state)
         e.value = new_state
-        e.window.setCursorPos(1, 1)
+        e.w_set_cur(1, 1)
         if type(args.colors[new_state]) == "number" then
-            e.window.blit("\x8c", colors.toBlit(args.colors[new_state]), e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+            e.w_blit("\x8c", colors.toBlit(args.colors[new_state]), e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
         end
     end
 
@@ -50,8 +50,8 @@ local function indicator_led_rgb(args)
     -- write label and initial indicator light
     e.on_update(1)
     if string.len(args.label) > 0 then
-        e.window.setCursorPos(3, 1)
-        e.window.write(args.label)
+        e.w_set_cur(3, 1)
+        e.w_write(args.label)
     end
 
     return e.complete()
diff --git a/graphics/elements/indicators/light.lua b/graphics/elements/indicators/light.lua
index 2f68e9b..cea5916 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/indicators/light.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/indicators/light.lua
@@ -44,12 +44,12 @@ local function indicator_light(args)
 
     -- called by flasher when enabled
     local function flash_callback()
-        e.window.setCursorPos(1, 1)
+        e.w_set_cur(1, 1)
 
         if flash_on then
-            e.window.blit(" \x95", "0" .. args.colors.blit_a, args.colors.blit_a .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+            e.w_blit(" \x95", "0" .. args.colors.blit_a, args.colors.blit_a .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
         else
-            e.window.blit(" \x95", "0" .. args.colors.blit_b, args.colors.blit_b .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+            e.w_blit(" \x95", "0" .. args.colors.blit_b, args.colors.blit_b .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
         end
 
         flash_on = not flash_on
@@ -61,8 +61,8 @@ local function indicator_light(args)
             flash_on = true
             flasher.start(flash_callback, args.period)
         else
-            e.window.setCursorPos(1, 1)
-            e.window.blit(" \x95", "0" .. args.colors.blit_a, args.colors.blit_a .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+            e.w_set_cur(1, 1)
+            e.w_blit(" \x95", "0" .. args.colors.blit_a, args.colors.blit_a .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
         end
     end
 
@@ -73,8 +73,8 @@ local function indicator_light(args)
             flasher.stop(flash_callback)
         end
 
-        e.window.setCursorPos(1, 1)
-        e.window.blit(" \x95", "0" .. args.colors.blit_b, args.colors.blit_b .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+        e.w_set_cur(1, 1)
+        e.w_blit(" \x95", "0" .. args.colors.blit_b, args.colors.blit_b .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
     end
 
     -- on state change
@@ -90,8 +90,8 @@ local function indicator_light(args)
 
     -- write label and initial indicator light
     e.on_update(false)
-    e.window.setCursorPos(3, 1)
-    e.window.write(args.label)
+    e.w_set_cur(3, 1)
+    e.w_write(args.label)
 
     return e.complete()
 end
diff --git a/graphics/elements/indicators/power.lua b/graphics/elements/indicators/power.lua
index 5f1641e..e694a57 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/indicators/power.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/indicators/power.lua
@@ -34,12 +34,12 @@ local function power(args)
 
     -- label color
     if args.lu_colors ~= nil then
-        e.window.setTextColor(args.lu_colors.color_a)
+        e.w_set_fgd(args.lu_colors.color_a)
     end
 
     -- write label
-    e.window.setCursorPos(1, 1)
-    e.window.write(args.label)
+    e.w_set_cur(1, 1)
+    e.w_write(args.label)
 
     local data_start = string.len(args.label) + 2
     if string.len(args.label) == 0 then data_start = 1 end
@@ -52,13 +52,13 @@ local function power(args)
         local data_str, unit = util.power_format(value, false, args.format)
 
         -- write data
-        e.window.setCursorPos(data_start, 1)
-        e.window.setTextColor(e.fg_bg.fgd)
-        e.window.write(util.comma_format(data_str))
+        e.w_set_cur(data_start, 1)
+        e.w_set_fgd(e.fg_bg.fgd)
+        e.w_write(util.comma_format(data_str))
 
         -- write unit
         if args.lu_colors ~= nil then
-            e.window.setTextColor(args.lu_colors.color_b)
+            e.w_set_fgd(args.lu_colors.color_b)
         end
 
         -- append per tick if rate is set
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ local function power(args)
             if unit == "FE" then unit = "FE " end
         end
 
-        e.window.write(" " .. unit)
+        e.w_write(" " .. unit)
     end
 
     -- set the value
diff --git a/graphics/elements/indicators/rad.lua b/graphics/elements/indicators/rad.lua
index 83c9619..c110f22 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/indicators/rad.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/indicators/rad.lua
@@ -36,12 +36,12 @@ local function rad(args)
 
     -- label color
     if args.lu_colors ~= nil then
-        e.window.setTextColor(args.lu_colors.color_a)
+        e.w_set_fgd(args.lu_colors.color_a)
     end
 
     -- write label
-    e.window.setCursorPos(1, 1)
-    e.window.write(args.label)
+    e.w_set_cur(1, 1)
+    e.w_write(args.label)
 
     local label_len = string.len(args.label)
     local data_start = 1
@@ -58,24 +58,24 @@ local function rad(args)
         e.value = value.radiation
 
         -- clear old data and label
-        e.window.setCursorPos(data_start, 1)
-        e.window.write(util.spaces(clear_width))
+        e.w_set_cur(data_start, 1)
+        e.w_write(util.spaces(clear_width))
 
         -- write data
         local data_str = util.sprintf(args.format, e.value)
-        e.window.setCursorPos(data_start, 1)
-        e.window.setTextColor(e.fg_bg.fgd)
+        e.w_set_cur(data_start, 1)
+        e.w_set_fgd(e.fg_bg.fgd)
         if args.commas then
-            e.window.write(util.comma_format(data_str))
+            e.w_write(util.comma_format(data_str))
         else
-            e.window.write(data_str)
+            e.w_write(data_str)
         end
 
         -- write unit
         if args.lu_colors ~= nil then
-            e.window.setTextColor(args.lu_colors.color_b)
+            e.w_set_fgd(args.lu_colors.color_b)
         end
-        e.window.write(" " .. value.unit)
+        e.w_write(" " .. value.unit)
     end
 
     -- set the value
diff --git a/graphics/elements/indicators/state.lua b/graphics/elements/indicators/state.lua
index 1ee461f..dfd6e0b 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/indicators/state.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/indicators/state.lua
@@ -64,8 +64,8 @@ local function state_indicator(args)
     function e.on_update(new_state)
         local blit_cmd = state_blit_cmds[new_state]
         e.value = new_state
-        e.window.setCursorPos(1, 1)
-        e.window.blit(blit_cmd.text, blit_cmd.fgd, blit_cmd.bkg)
+        e.w_set_cur(1, 1)
+        e.w_blit(blit_cmd.text, blit_cmd.fgd, blit_cmd.bkg)
     end
 
     -- set indicator state
diff --git a/graphics/elements/indicators/trilight.lua b/graphics/elements/indicators/trilight.lua
index 151463f..9319cea 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/indicators/trilight.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/indicators/trilight.lua
@@ -56,16 +56,16 @@ local function tristate_indicator_light(args)
 
     -- called by flasher when enabled
     local function flash_callback()
-        e.window.setCursorPos(1, 1)
+        e.w_set_cur(1, 1)
 
         if flash_on then
             if e.value == 2 then
-                e.window.blit(" \x95", "0" .. c2, c2 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+                e.w_blit(" \x95", "0" .. c2, c2 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
             elseif e.value == 3 then
-                e.window.blit(" \x95", "0" .. c3, c3 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+                e.w_blit(" \x95", "0" .. c3, c3 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
             end
         else
-            e.window.blit(" \x95", "0" .. c1, c1 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+            e.w_blit(" \x95", "0" .. c1, c1 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
         end
 
         flash_on = not flash_on
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ local function tristate_indicator_light(args)
         local was_off = e.value <= 1
 
         e.value = new_state
-        e.window.setCursorPos(1, 1)
+        e.w_set_cur(1, 1)
 
         if args.flash then
             if was_off and (new_state > 1) then
@@ -87,14 +87,14 @@ local function tristate_indicator_light(args)
                 flash_on = false
                 flasher.stop(flash_callback)
 
-                e.window.blit(" \x95", "0" .. c1, c1 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+                e.w_blit(" \x95", "0" .. c1, c1 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
             end
         elseif new_state == 2 then
-            e.window.blit(" \x95", "0" .. c2, c2 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+            e.w_blit(" \x95", "0" .. c2, c2 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
         elseif new_state == 3 then
-            e.window.blit(" \x95", "0" .. c3, c3 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+            e.w_blit(" \x95", "0" .. c3, c3 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
         else
-            e.window.blit(" \x95", "0" .. c1, c1 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
+            e.w_blit(" \x95", "0" .. c1, c1 .. e.fg_bg.blit_bkg)
         end
     end
 
@@ -104,7 +104,7 @@ local function tristate_indicator_light(args)
 
     -- write label and initial indicator light
     e.on_update(1)
-    e.window.write(args.label)
+    e.w_write(args.label)
 
     return e.complete()
 end
diff --git a/graphics/elements/indicators/vbar.lua b/graphics/elements/indicators/vbar.lua
index 8b72f82..05aecf3 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/indicators/vbar.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/indicators/vbar.lua
@@ -56,28 +56,28 @@ local function vbar(args)
             local y = e.frame.h
 
             -- start at base of vertical bar
-            e.window.setCursorPos(1, y)
+            e.w_set_cur(1, y)
 
             -- fill percentage
             for _ = 1, num_bars / 3 do
-                e.window.blit(spaces, bkg, fgd)
+                e.w_blit(spaces, bkg, fgd)
                 y = y - 1
-                e.window.setCursorPos(1, y)
+                e.w_set_cur(1, y)
             end
 
             -- add fractional bar if needed
             if num_bars % 3 == 1 then
-                e.window.blit(one_third, bkg, fgd)
+                e.w_blit(one_third, bkg, fgd)
                 y = y - 1
             elseif num_bars % 3 == 2 then
-                e.window.blit(two_thirds, bkg, fgd)
+                e.w_blit(two_thirds, bkg, fgd)
                 y = y - 1
             end
 
             -- fill the rest blank
             while y > 0 do
-                e.window.setCursorPos(1, y)
-                e.window.blit(spaces, fgd, bkg)
+                e.w_set_cur(1, y)
+                e.w_blit(spaces, fgd, bkg)
                 y = y - 1
             end
         end
diff --git a/graphics/elements/listbox.lua b/graphics/elements/listbox.lua
index 7be8e77..1bc3556 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/listbox.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/listbox.lua
@@ -63,34 +63,34 @@ local function listbox(args)
 
         -- draw up/down arrows
         if pressed_arrow == 1 then
-            e.window.setTextColor(active_fg_bg.fgd)
-            e.window.setBackgroundColor(active_fg_bg.bkg)
-            e.window.setCursorPos(e.frame.w, 1)
-            e.window.write("\x1e")
-            e.window.setTextColor(nav_fg_bg.fgd)
-            e.window.setBackgroundColor(nav_fg_bg.bkg)
-            e.window.setCursorPos(e.frame.w, e.frame.h)
-            e.window.write("\x1f")
+            e.w_set_fgd(active_fg_bg.fgd)
+            e.w_set_bkg(active_fg_bg.bkg)
+            e.w_set_cur(e.frame.w, 1)
+            e.w_write("\x1e")
+            e.w_set_fgd(nav_fg_bg.fgd)
+            e.w_set_bkg(nav_fg_bg.bkg)
+            e.w_set_cur(e.frame.w, e.frame.h)
+            e.w_write("\x1f")
         elseif pressed_arrow == -1 then
-            e.window.setTextColor(nav_fg_bg.fgd)
-            e.window.setBackgroundColor(nav_fg_bg.bkg)
-            e.window.setCursorPos(e.frame.w, 1)
-            e.window.write("\x1e")
-            e.window.setTextColor(active_fg_bg.fgd)
-            e.window.setBackgroundColor(active_fg_bg.bkg)
-            e.window.setCursorPos(e.frame.w, e.frame.h)
-            e.window.write("\x1f")
+            e.w_set_fgd(nav_fg_bg.fgd)
+            e.w_set_bkg(nav_fg_bg.bkg)
+            e.w_set_cur(e.frame.w, 1)
+            e.w_write("\x1e")
+            e.w_set_fgd(active_fg_bg.fgd)
+            e.w_set_bkg(active_fg_bg.bkg)
+            e.w_set_cur(e.frame.w, e.frame.h)
+            e.w_write("\x1f")
         else
-            e.window.setTextColor(nav_fg_bg.fgd)
-            e.window.setBackgroundColor(nav_fg_bg.bkg)
-            e.window.setCursorPos(e.frame.w, 1)
-            e.window.write("\x1e")
-            e.window.setCursorPos(e.frame.w, e.frame.h)
-            e.window.write("\x1f")
+            e.w_set_fgd(nav_fg_bg.fgd)
+            e.w_set_bkg(nav_fg_bg.bkg)
+            e.w_set_cur(e.frame.w, 1)
+            e.w_write("\x1e")
+            e.w_set_cur(e.frame.w, e.frame.h)
+            e.w_write("\x1f")
         end
 
-        e.window.setTextColor(e.fg_bg.fgd)
-        e.window.setBackgroundColor(e.fg_bg.bkg)
+        e.w_set_fgd(e.fg_bg.fgd)
+        e.w_set_bkg(e.fg_bg.bkg)
     end
 
     -- render the scroll bar and re-cacluate height & bounds
@@ -115,23 +115,23 @@ local function listbox(args)
         for i = 2, e.frame.h - 1 do
             if (i >= offset and i < (bar_height + offset)) and (bar_height ~= max_bar_height) then
                 if args.nav_fg_bg ~= nil then
-                    e.window.setBackgroundColor(args.nav_fg_bg.fgd)
+                    e.w_set_bkg(args.nav_fg_bg.fgd)
                 else
-                    e.window.setBackgroundColor(e.fg_bg.fgd)
+                    e.w_set_bkg(e.fg_bg.fgd)
                 end
             else
                 if args.nav_fg_bg ~= nil then
-                    e.window.setBackgroundColor(args.nav_fg_bg.bkg)
+                    e.w_set_bkg(args.nav_fg_bg.bkg)
                 else
-                    e.window.setBackgroundColor(e.fg_bg.bkg)
+                    e.w_set_bkg(e.fg_bg.bkg)
                 end
             end
 
-            e.window.setCursorPos(e.frame.w, i)
-            e.window.write(" ")
+            e.w_set_cur(e.frame.w, i)
+            e.w_write(" ")
         end
 
-        e.window.setBackgroundColor(e.fg_bg.bkg)
+        e.w_set_bkg(e.fg_bg.bkg)
     end
 
     -- update item y positions and move elements
diff --git a/graphics/elements/pipenet.lua b/graphics/elements/pipenet.lua
index fe57757..65ccfb7 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/pipenet.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/pipenet.lua
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ local function pipenet(args)
                 y_step = util.trinary(pipe.y1 == pipe.y2, 0, y_step)
             end
 
-            e.window.setCursorPos(x, y)
+            e.w_set_cur(x, y)
 
             local c = core.cpair(pipe.color, e.fg_bg.bkg)
 
@@ -84,24 +84,24 @@ local function pipenet(args)
                         if i == pipe.w then
                             -- corner
                             if y_step > 0 then
-                                e.window.blit("\x93", c.blit_bkg, c.blit_fgd)
+                                e.w_blit("\x93", c.blit_bkg, c.blit_fgd)
                             else
-                                e.window.blit("\x8e", c.blit_fgd, c.blit_bkg)
+                                e.w_blit("\x8e", c.blit_fgd, c.blit_bkg)
                             end
                         else
-                            e.window.blit("\x8c", c.blit_fgd, c.blit_bkg)
+                            e.w_blit("\x8c", c.blit_fgd, c.blit_bkg)
                         end
                     else
                         if i == pipe.w and y_step > 0 then
                             -- corner
-                            e.window.blit(" ", c.blit_bkg, c.blit_fgd)
+                            e.w_blit(" ", c.blit_bkg, c.blit_fgd)
                         else
-                            e.window.blit("\x8f", c.blit_fgd, c.blit_bkg)
+                            e.w_blit("\x8f", c.blit_fgd, c.blit_bkg)
                         end
                     end
 
                     x = x + x_step
-                    e.window.setCursorPos(x, y)
+                    e.w_set_cur(x, y)
                 end
 
                 -- back up one
@@ -109,12 +109,12 @@ local function pipenet(args)
 
                 for _ = 1, pipe.h - 1 do
                     y = y + y_step
-                    e.window.setCursorPos(x, y)
+                    e.w_set_cur(x, y)
 
                     if pipe.thin then
-                        e.window.blit("\x95", c.blit_bkg, c.blit_fgd)
+                        e.w_blit("\x95", c.blit_bkg, c.blit_fgd)
                     else
-                        e.window.blit(" ", c.blit_bkg, c.blit_fgd)
+                        e.w_blit(" ", c.blit_bkg, c.blit_fgd)
                     end
                 end
             else
@@ -124,26 +124,26 @@ local function pipenet(args)
                         if i == pipe.h then
                             -- corner
                             if y_step < 0 then
-                                e.window.blit("\x97", c.blit_bkg, c.blit_fgd)
+                                e.w_blit("\x97", c.blit_bkg, c.blit_fgd)
                             elseif y_step > 0 then
-                                e.window.blit("\x8d", c.blit_fgd, c.blit_bkg)
+                                e.w_blit("\x8d", c.blit_fgd, c.blit_bkg)
                             else
-                                e.window.blit("\x8c", c.blit_fgd, c.blit_bkg)
+                                e.w_blit("\x8c", c.blit_fgd, c.blit_bkg)
                             end
                         else
-                            e.window.blit("\x95", c.blit_fgd, c.blit_bkg)
+                            e.w_blit("\x95", c.blit_fgd, c.blit_bkg)
                         end
                     else
                         if i == pipe.h and y_step < 0 then
                             -- corner
-                            e.window.blit("\x83", c.blit_bkg, c.blit_fgd)
+                            e.w_blit("\x83", c.blit_bkg, c.blit_fgd)
                         else
-                            e.window.blit(" ", c.blit_bkg, c.blit_fgd)
+                            e.w_blit(" ", c.blit_bkg, c.blit_fgd)
                         end
                     end
 
                     y = y + y_step
-                    e.window.setCursorPos(x, y)
+                    e.w_set_cur(x, y)
                 end
 
                 -- back up one
@@ -151,12 +151,12 @@ local function pipenet(args)
 
                 for _ = 1, pipe.w - 1 do
                     x = x + x_step
-                    e.window.setCursorPos(x, y)
+                    e.w_set_cur(x, y)
 
                     if pipe.thin then
-                        e.window.blit("\x8c", c.blit_fgd, c.blit_bkg)
+                        e.w_blit("\x8c", c.blit_fgd, c.blit_bkg)
                     else
-                        e.window.blit("\x83", c.blit_bkg, c.blit_fgd)
+                        e.w_blit("\x83", c.blit_bkg, c.blit_fgd)
                     end
                 end
             end
@@ -298,12 +298,12 @@ local function pipenet(args)
                         end
                     end
 
-                    e.window.setCursorPos(x, y)
+                    e.w_set_cur(x, y)
 
                     if invert then
-                        e.window.blit(char, entry.bg, entry.fg)
+                        e.w_blit(char, entry.bg, entry.fg)
                     else
-                        e.window.blit(char, entry.fg, entry.bg)
+                        e.w_blit(char, entry.fg, entry.bg)
                     end
                 end
             end
diff --git a/graphics/elements/rectangle.lua b/graphics/elements/rectangle.lua
index e3d66e1..40165b0 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/rectangle.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/rectangle.lua
@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ local function rectangle(args)
     -- draw bordered box if requested
     -- element constructor will have drawn basic colored rectangle regardless
     if args.border ~= nil then
-        e.window.setCursorPos(1, 1)
+        e.w_set_cur(1, 1)
 
         local border_width = offset_x
         local border_height = offset_y
@@ -127,28 +127,28 @@ local function rectangle(args)
 
         -- draw rectangle with borders
         for y = 1, e.frame.h do
-            e.window.setCursorPos(1, y)
+            e.w_set_cur(1, y)
             -- top border
             if y <= border_height then
                 -- partial pixel fill
                 if args.border.even and y == border_height then
                     if args.thin == true then
-                        e.window.blit(p_a, p_inv_bg, p_inv_fg)
+                        e.w_blit(p_a, p_inv_bg, p_inv_fg)
                     else
                         local _fg = util.trinary(args.even_inner == true, string.rep(e.fg_bg.blit_bkg, e.frame.w), p_inv_bg)
                         local _bg = util.trinary(args.even_inner == true, blit_bg_top_bot, p_inv_fg)
 
                         if width_x2 % 3 == 1 then
-                            e.window.blit(p_b, _fg, _bg)
+                            e.w_blit(p_b, _fg, _bg)
                         elseif width_x2 % 3 == 2 then
-                            e.window.blit(p_a, _fg, _bg)
+                            e.w_blit(p_a, _fg, _bg)
                         else
                             -- skip line
-                            e.window.blit(spaces, blit_fg, blit_bg_sides)
+                            e.w_blit(spaces, blit_fg, blit_bg_sides)
                         end
                     end
                 else
-                    e.window.blit(spaces, blit_fg, blit_bg_top_bot)
+                    e.w_blit(spaces, blit_fg, blit_bg_top_bot)
                 end
             -- bottom border
             elseif y > (e.frame.h - border_width) then
@@ -156,31 +156,31 @@ local function rectangle(args)
                 if args.border.even and y == ((e.frame.h - border_width) + 1) then
                     if args.thin == true then
                         if args.even_inner == true then
-                            e.window.blit(p_b, blit_bg_top_bot, string.rep(e.fg_bg.blit_bkg, e.frame.w))
+                            e.w_blit(p_b, blit_bg_top_bot, string.rep(e.fg_bg.blit_bkg, e.frame.w))
                         else
-                            e.window.blit(p_b, string.rep(e.fg_bg.blit_bkg, e.frame.w), blit_bg_top_bot)
+                            e.w_blit(p_b, string.rep(e.fg_bg.blit_bkg, e.frame.w), blit_bg_top_bot)
                         end
                     else
                         local _fg = util.trinary(args.even_inner == true, blit_bg_top_bot, p_inv_fg)
                         local _bg = util.trinary(args.even_inner == true, string.rep(e.fg_bg.blit_bkg, e.frame.w), blit_bg_top_bot)
 
                         if width_x2 % 3 == 1 then
-                            e.window.blit(p_a, _fg, _bg)
+                            e.w_blit(p_a, _fg, _bg)
                         elseif width_x2 % 3 == 2 then
-                            e.window.blit(p_b, _fg, _bg)
+                            e.w_blit(p_b, _fg, _bg)
                         else
                             -- skip line
-                            e.window.blit(spaces, blit_fg, blit_bg_sides)
+                            e.w_blit(spaces, blit_fg, blit_bg_sides)
                         end
                     end
                 else
-                    e.window.blit(spaces, blit_fg, blit_bg_top_bot)
+                    e.w_blit(spaces, blit_fg, blit_bg_top_bot)
                 end
             else
                 if args.thin == true then
-                    e.window.blit(p_s, blit_fg_sides, blit_bg_sides)
+                    e.w_blit(p_s, blit_fg_sides, blit_bg_sides)
                 else
-                    e.window.blit(p_s, blit_fg, blit_bg_sides)
+                    e.w_blit(p_s, blit_fg, blit_bg_sides)
                 end
             end
         end
diff --git a/graphics/elements/textbox.lua b/graphics/elements/textbox.lua
index 521c499..0ef223d 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/textbox.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/textbox.lua
@@ -45,14 +45,14 @@ local function textbox(args)
 
             -- use cursor position to align this line
             if alignment == TEXT_ALIGN.CENTER then
-                e.window.setCursorPos(math.floor((e.frame.w - len) / 2) + 1, i)
+                e.w_set_cur(math.floor((e.frame.w - len) / 2) + 1, i)
             elseif alignment == TEXT_ALIGN.RIGHT then
-                e.window.setCursorPos((e.frame.w - len) + 1, i)
+                e.w_set_cur((e.frame.w - len) + 1, i)
             else
-                e.window.setCursorPos(1, i)
+                e.w_set_cur(1, i)
             end
 
-            e.window.write(lines[i])
+            e.w_write(lines[i])
         end
     end
 
diff --git a/graphics/elements/tiling.lua b/graphics/elements/tiling.lua
index 4c0d0ba..2025903 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/tiling.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/tiling.lua
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ local function tiling(args)
 
     -- border
     if args.border_c ~= nil then
-        e.window.setBackgroundColor(args.border_c)
+        e.w_set_bkg(args.border_c)
         e.window.clear()
 
         start_x = 1 + util.trinary(even, 2, 1)
@@ -60,19 +60,19 @@ local function tiling(args)
 
     -- create pattern
     for y = start_y, inner_height + (start_y - 1) do
-        e.window.setCursorPos(start_x, y)
+        e.w_set_cur(start_x, y)
         for _ = 1, inner_width do
             if alternator then
                 if even then
-                    e.window.blit("  ", "00", fill_a .. fill_a)
+                    e.w_blit("  ", "00", fill_a .. fill_a)
                 else
-                    e.window.blit(" ", "0", fill_a)
+                    e.w_blit(" ", "0", fill_a)
                 end
             else
                 if even then
-                    e.window.blit("  ", "00", fill_b .. fill_b)
+                    e.w_blit("  ", "00", fill_b .. fill_b)
                 else
-                    e.window.blit(" ", "0", fill_b)
+                    e.w_blit(" ", "0", fill_b)
                 end
             end