diff --git a/doc/classes/QskAspect.dox b/doc/classes/QskAspect.dox
index 60e3aae3..7e90df36 100644
--- a/doc/classes/QskAspect.dox
+++ b/doc/classes/QskAspect.dox
@@ -163,38 +163,38 @@
 */
 
 /*! 
-    \enum QskAspect::Placement
+    \enum QskAspect::Variation
 
-    \brief Represents an orientation or relative position
+    \brief Some sort of variation
 
-    The placement bits can be used to have different definitions for
-    a skinnable depending on its position or orientation. F.e a tab bar
+    The variation bits can be used to have different definitions for
+    a skinnable depending on its position, orientation or emphasis. F.e a tab bar
     looks slightly different depending on its position. 
 
     \note flags indicating an orientation can't be used together
           with the flags for the position
 
-    \sa QskSkinnable::effectivePlacement()
+    \sa QskSkinnable::effectiveVariation()
 
-    \var QskAspect::Placement QskAspect::NoPlacement
-        No specific placement bits
+    \var QskAspect::Variation QskAspect::NoVariation
+        No specific variation bits
 
-    \var QskAspect::Placement QskAspect::Vertical
+    \var QskAspect::Variation QskAspect::Vertical
         Indicates a vertical orientation
         
-    \var QskAspect::Placement QskAspect::Horizontal
+    \var QskAspect::Variation QskAspect::Horizontal
         Indicates a horizontal orientation
 
-    \var QskAspect::Placement QskAspect::Top
+    \var QskAspect::Variation QskAspect::Top
         Indicates a top position
 
-    \var QskAspect::Placement QskAspect::Left
+    \var QskAspect::Variation QskAspect::Left
         Indicates a left position
 
-    \var QskAspect::Placement QskAspect::Right
+    \var QskAspect::Variation QskAspect::Right
         Indicates a right position
 
-    \var QskAspect::Placement QskAspect::Bottom
+    \var QskAspect::Variation QskAspect::Bottom
         Indicates a bottom position
 */
 
@@ -288,10 +288,10 @@
 */
 
 /*!
-    \fn QskAspect::QskAspect( Placement )
+    \fn QskAspect::QskAspect( Variation )
 
-    Constructs an aspect with the placement bits being initialized
-    \param placement Initial placement
+    Constructs an aspect with the variation bits being initialized
+    \param variation Initial variation
 */
 
 /*!
@@ -351,9 +351,9 @@
 */
 
 /*!
-    \fn QskAspect::operator|( Placement ) const
+    \fn QskAspect::operator|( Variation ) const
 
-    Sets the placement bits
+    Sets the variation bits
 */
 
 /*!
@@ -378,7 +378,7 @@
 /*!
     \fn QskAspect::trunk
 
-    \return A copy of the aspect without the runtime bits ( state, placement ) bits
+    \return A copy of the aspect without the runtime bits ( state, variation ) bits
 */
 
 /*!
@@ -443,17 +443,17 @@
 */
 
 /*!
-    \fn QskAspect::placement
+    \fn QskAspect::variation
 
-    \return Placement bits
-    \sa setPlacement()
+    \return Variation bits
+    \sa setVariation()
 */
 
 /*!
-    \fn QskAspect::setPlacement
+    \fn QskAspect::setVariation
 
-    Sets the placement bits
-    \sa placement()
+    Sets the variation bits
+    \sa variation()
 */
 
 /*!
diff --git a/doc/classes/QskSkinnable.dox b/doc/classes/QskSkinnable.dox
index 98b75209..fe07b1e5 100644
--- a/doc/classes/QskSkinnable.dox
+++ b/doc/classes/QskSkinnable.dox
@@ -182,14 +182,14 @@
     \sa setSkinHint(), effectiveSkinHint()
 */
 
-/*! \fn QskSkinnable::effectivePlacement
+/*! \fn QskSkinnable::effectiveVariation
 
-    The placements bits are added to an unresolved aspect when
+    The variation bits are added to an unresolved aspect when
     inserting or looking up values in the hint table.
 
-    \return The default implementation returns QskAspect::NoPlacement;
+    \return The default implementation returns QskAspect::NoVariation;
 
-    \sa QskAspect::Placement, effectiveSkinHint()
+    \sa QskAspect::Variation, effectiveSkinHint()
 */
 
 /*! \fn QskSkinnable::hintStatus
diff --git a/examples/boxes/main.cpp b/examples/boxes/main.cpp
index 6adbb7c1..ae68f825 100644
--- a/examples/boxes/main.cpp
+++ b/examples/boxes/main.cpp
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ static void addTestRectangle( QskLinearBox* parent )
     box->setBorderWidth( 10, 20, 40, 20 );
 
     QskBoxShapeMetrics shape( 50, Qt::RelativeSize );
-    shape.setScalingMode( QskBoxShapeMetrics::Elliptic );
+    shape.setScalingMode( QskBoxShapeMetrics::Proportional );
     shape.setRadius( Qt::BottomRightCorner, 30 );
     shape.setRadius( Qt::TopRightCorner, 70 );
 
diff --git a/examples/buttons/TestButton.qml b/examples/buttons/TestButton.qml
index e2489044..fcdc26ef 100644
--- a/examples/buttons/TestButton.qml
+++ b/examples/buttons/TestButton.qml
@@ -19,7 +19,6 @@ Qsk.PushButton
     shape
     {
         sizeMode: Qt.RelativeSize
-        aspectRatioMode: Qt.KeepAspectRatio
         radius: 10
     }
 
diff --git a/examples/buttons/buttons.qml b/examples/buttons/buttons.qml
index 3112b1ef..dee2e448 100644
--- a/examples/buttons/buttons.qml
+++ b/examples/buttons/buttons.qml
@@ -129,7 +129,7 @@ Qsk.Window
             shape
             {
                 sizeMode: Qt.RelativeSize
-                aspectRatioMode: Qt.IgnoreAspectRatio
+                scalingMode: Qsk.BoxShapeMetrics.SymmetricByMaximum
                 radius: 100
             }
         }
diff --git a/examples/iotdashboard/BoxWithButtons.cpp b/examples/iotdashboard/BoxWithButtons.cpp
index cfed81ba..c9eb01bb 100644
--- a/examples/iotdashboard/BoxWithButtons.cpp
+++ b/examples/iotdashboard/BoxWithButtons.cpp
@@ -28,10 +28,10 @@ namespace
             setSizePolicy( Qt::Horizontal, QskSizePolicy::Fixed );
             setSpacing( 0 );
 
-            auto* const topButton = new RoundButton( QskAspect::Top, this );
+            auto* const topButton = new RoundButton( Qt::TopEdge, this );
             connect( topButton, &QskPushButton::clicked, this, &UpAndDownBox::increase );
 
-            auto* const bottomButton = new RoundButton( QskAspect::Bottom, this );
+            auto* const bottomButton = new RoundButton( Qt::BottomEdge, this );
             connect( bottomButton, &QskPushButton::clicked, this, &UpAndDownBox::decrease );
         }
 
diff --git a/examples/iotdashboard/RoundButton.cpp b/examples/iotdashboard/RoundButton.cpp
index d75b661c..8f825a1f 100644
--- a/examples/iotdashboard/RoundButton.cpp
+++ b/examples/iotdashboard/RoundButton.cpp
@@ -4,23 +4,19 @@
  *****************************************************************************/
 
 #include "RoundButton.h"
-
 #include <QskGraphic.h>
-#include <QskPushButton.h>
-
-#include <QImage>
 
 QSK_SUBCONTROL( RoundButton, Panel )
 
 QSK_STATE( RoundButton, Top, ( QskAspect::FirstUserState << 1 ) )
 
-RoundButton::RoundButton( QskAspect::Placement placement, QQuickItem* parent )
+RoundButton::RoundButton( Qt::Edge edge, QQuickItem* parent )
     : QskPushButton( parent )
 {
     setSubcontrolProxy( QskPushButton::Panel, RoundButton::Panel );
     setSizePolicy( QskSizePolicy::Fixed, QskSizePolicy::Expanding );
 
-    if( placement == QskAspect::Top )
+    if( edge == Qt::TopEdge )
     {
         setSkinStateFlag( Top );
         setGraphicSource( "up" );
diff --git a/examples/iotdashboard/RoundButton.h b/examples/iotdashboard/RoundButton.h
index 6806575a..d221f324 100644
--- a/examples/iotdashboard/RoundButton.h
+++ b/examples/iotdashboard/RoundButton.h
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
 #pragma once
 
 #include <QskPushButton.h>
+#include <Qt>
 
 class RoundButton : public QskPushButton
 {
@@ -15,5 +16,5 @@ class RoundButton : public QskPushButton
     QSK_SUBCONTROLS( Panel )
     QSK_STATES( Top )
 
-    RoundButton( QskAspect::Placement, QQuickItem* parent );
+    RoundButton( Qt::Edge, QQuickItem* parent );
 };
diff --git a/examples/tabview/OtherSlider.cpp b/examples/tabview/OtherSlider.cpp
index b3d15fae..ce5008c1 100644
--- a/examples/tabview/OtherSlider.cpp
+++ b/examples/tabview/OtherSlider.cpp
@@ -30,9 +30,9 @@ OtherSlider::OtherSlider( QQuickItem* parentItem )
 
     // Panel
 
-    for ( auto placement : { A::Horizontal, A::Vertical } )
+    for ( auto variation : { A::Horizontal, A::Vertical } )
     {
-        const auto aspect = Panel | placement;
+        const auto aspect = Panel | variation;
 
         ed.setMetric( aspect | A::Size, h );
         ed.setBoxShape( aspect, 4 );
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ OtherSlider::OtherSlider( QQuickItem* parentItem )
         ed.setBoxBorderColors( aspect, DimGray );
         ed.setGradient( aspect, Silver );
 
-        if ( placement == A::Horizontal )
+        if ( variation == A::Horizontal )
             ed.setPadding( aspect, QskMargins( paddingW, 0 ) );
         else
             ed.setPadding( aspect, QskMargins( 0, paddingW ) );
@@ -48,9 +48,9 @@ OtherSlider::OtherSlider( QQuickItem* parentItem )
 
     // Groove
 
-    for ( auto placement : { A::Horizontal, A::Vertical } )
+    for ( auto variation : { A::Horizontal, A::Vertical } )
     {
-        const auto aspect = Groove | placement;
+        const auto aspect = Groove | variation;
 
         ed.setMetric( aspect | A::Size, 4 );
         ed.setBoxBorderMetrics( aspect, 0 );
@@ -60,24 +60,24 @@ OtherSlider::OtherSlider( QQuickItem* parentItem )
     }
 
     // no Fill
-    for ( auto placement : { A::Horizontal, A::Vertical } )
+    for ( auto variation : { A::Horizontal, A::Vertical } )
     {
-        const auto aspect = Fill | placement;
+        const auto aspect = Fill | variation;
         ed.setMetric( aspect | A::Size, 0 );
     }
 
     // Handle
 
-    for ( auto placement : { A::Horizontal, A::Vertical } )
+    for ( auto variation : { A::Horizontal, A::Vertical } )
     {
-        const auto aspect = Handle | placement;
+        const auto aspect = Handle | variation;
 
         ed.setBoxBorderMetrics( aspect, 1 );
         ed.setBoxShape( aspect, 4 );
 
         const qreal m = 0.5 * std::ceil( 0.5 * ( w - h ) ) + 1;
 
-        if ( placement == A::Horizontal )
+        if ( variation == A::Horizontal )
             ed.setMargin( aspect, QskMargins( -m, 0 ) );
         else
             ed.setMargin( aspect, QskMargins( 0, -m ) );
diff --git a/playground/gradients/main.cpp b/playground/gradients/main.cpp
index 5507ff74..af9d3c95 100644
--- a/playground/gradients/main.cpp
+++ b/playground/gradients/main.cpp
@@ -23,6 +23,23 @@
 
 namespace
 {
+    class InputValidator : public QDoubleValidator
+    {
+      public:
+        InputValidator( QObject* parent = nullptr )
+            : QDoubleValidator( parent )
+        {
+            setRange( -9.99, 9.99 );
+            setDecimals( 2 );
+            setNotation( QDoubleValidator::StandardNotation );
+
+            auto locale = this->locale();
+            locale.setNumberOptions( QLocale::RejectGroupSeparator );
+
+            setLocale( locale );
+        }
+    };
+
     class NumberInput : public QskLinearBox
     {
         Q_OBJECT
@@ -34,7 +51,7 @@ namespace
             new QskTextLabel( label, this );
 
             m_input = new QskTextInput( this );
-            m_input->setValidator( new QDoubleValidator( -9.99, 9.99, 2, m_input ) );
+            m_input->setValidator( new InputValidator( m_input ) );
             m_input->setText( QString::number( value ) );
 
             const QFontMetricsF fm( m_input->font() );
diff --git a/skins/material3/QskMaterial3Skin.cpp b/skins/material3/QskMaterial3Skin.cpp
index 35ef6035..199d2cdf 100644
--- a/skins/material3/QskMaterial3Skin.cpp
+++ b/skins/material3/QskMaterial3Skin.cpp
@@ -528,9 +528,9 @@ void Editor::setupSeparator()
     using A = QskAspect;
     using Q = QskSeparator;
 
-    for ( auto placement : { A::Horizontal, A::Vertical } )
+    for ( auto variation : { A::Horizontal, A::Vertical } )
     {
-        const auto aspect = Q::Panel | placement;
+        const auto aspect = Q::Panel | variation;
 
         setMetric( aspect | A::Size, 4_dp );
         setBoxShape( Q::Panel, 0 );
@@ -815,13 +815,13 @@ void Editor::setupTabButton()
     setColor( Q::Text | Q::Checked, m_pal.primary );
     setColor( Q::Text | Q::Hovered, m_pal.primary );
 
-    for ( const auto placement : { A::Left, A::Right, A::Top, A::Bottom } )
+    for ( const auto variation : { A::Left, A::Right, A::Top, A::Bottom } )
     {
-        const auto aspect = Q::Panel | placement;
+        const auto aspect = Q::Panel | variation;
 
         Qt::Edge edge;
 
-        switch( placement )
+        switch( variation )
         {
             case A::Left:
                 edge = Qt::RightEdge;
diff --git a/skins/squiek/QskSquiekSkin.cpp b/skins/squiek/QskSquiekSkin.cpp
index b1516a98..9ae9a25f 100644
--- a/skins/squiek/QskSquiekSkin.cpp
+++ b/skins/squiek/QskSquiekSkin.cpp
@@ -598,8 +598,7 @@ void Editor::setupPushButton()
 
     setFlagHint( Q::Text | Q::Disabled | A::Style, Qsk::Sunken );
 
-    setAlignment( Q::Text | A::Vertical, Qt::AlignCenter );
-    setAlignment( Q::Text | A::Horizontal, Qt::AlignLeft | Qt::AlignVCenter );
+    setAlignment( Q::Text, Qt::AlignCenter );
 
     setColor( Q::Text, m_pal.themeForeground );
     setColor( Q::Text | Q::Disabled, m_pal.darker200 );
@@ -625,33 +624,33 @@ void Editor::setupTabButton()
 
     setStrutSize( Q::Panel, 30, 16 );
 
-    for ( auto placement : { A::Top, A::Bottom } )
+    for ( auto variation : { A::Top, A::Bottom } )
     {
-        setVGradient( Q::Panel | placement, m_pal.lighter125, m_pal.lighter110 );
+        setVGradient( Q::Panel | variation, m_pal.lighter125, m_pal.lighter110 );
 
         for ( const auto state : { Q::Checked | A::NoState, Q::Checked | Q::Pressed } )
         {
-            setGradient( Q::Panel | placement | state, m_pal.lighter125 );
-            setColor( Q::Text | placement | state, m_pal.themeForeground );
+            setGradient( Q::Panel | variation | state, m_pal.lighter125 );
+            setColor( Q::Text | variation | state, m_pal.themeForeground );
         }
     }
 
-    for ( auto placement : { A::Left, A::Right } )
+    for ( auto variation : { A::Left, A::Right } )
     {
-        setGradient( Q::Panel | placement, m_pal.lighter125 );
+        setGradient( Q::Panel | variation, m_pal.lighter125 );
 
         for ( const auto state : { Q::Checked | A::NoState, Q::Checked | Q::Pressed } )
         {
-            setGradient( Q::Panel | placement | state, m_pal.highlighted );
-            setColor( Q::Text | placement | state, m_pal.highlightedText );
+            setGradient( Q::Panel | variation | state, m_pal.highlighted );
+            setColor( Q::Text | variation | state, m_pal.highlightedText );
         }
     }
 
     setBoxBorderColors( Q::Panel, m_pal.darker200 );
 
-    for ( auto placement : { A::Left, A::Right, A::Top, A::Bottom } )
+    for ( auto variation : { A::Left, A::Right, A::Top, A::Bottom } )
     {
-        const auto aspect = Q::Panel | placement;
+        const auto aspect = Q::Panel | variation;
 
         QskMargins margins0, margins1, padding;
         QskBoxBorderMetrics border( 1 );
@@ -659,7 +658,7 @@ void Editor::setupTabButton()
 
         const int indent = 4;
 
-        if ( placement == A::Top )
+        if ( variation == A::Top )
         {
             margins0 = QskMargins( -1, indent, -1, -1 );
             margins1 = QskMargins( -1, 0, -1, -2 );
@@ -669,7 +668,7 @@ void Editor::setupTabButton()
             shape.setRadius( Qt::BottomLeftCorner, 0 );
             shape.setRadius( Qt::BottomRightCorner, 0 );
         }
-        else if ( placement == A::Bottom )
+        else if ( variation == A::Bottom )
         {
             margins0 = QskMargins( -1, -1, -1, indent );
             margins1 = QskMargins( -1, -2, -1, 0 );
@@ -679,7 +678,7 @@ void Editor::setupTabButton()
             shape.setRadius( Qt::TopLeftCorner, 0 );
             shape.setRadius( Qt::TopRightCorner, 0 );
         }
-        else if ( placement == A::Left )
+        else if ( variation == A::Left )
         {
             margins0 = QskMargins( indent, -1, -1, -1 );
             margins1 = QskMargins( 0, -1, -2, 0 );
@@ -689,7 +688,7 @@ void Editor::setupTabButton()
             shape.setRadius( Qt::TopRightCorner, 0 );
             shape.setRadius( Qt::BottomRightCorner, 0 );
         }
-        else if ( placement == A::Right )
+        else if ( variation == A::Right )
         {
             margins0 = QskMargins( -1, -1, indent, -1 );
             margins1 = QskMargins( -2, -1, 0, 0 );
@@ -732,9 +731,9 @@ void Editor::setupSlider()
 
     // Panel
 
-    for ( auto placement : { A::Horizontal, A::Vertical } )
+    for ( auto variation : { A::Horizontal, A::Vertical } )
     {
-        const auto aspect = Q::Panel | placement;
+        const auto aspect = Q::Panel | variation;
 
         setMetric( aspect | A::Size, extent );
         setBoxBorderMetrics( aspect, 0 );
@@ -747,11 +746,11 @@ void Editor::setupSlider()
 
     // Groove, Fill
 
-    for ( auto placement : { A::Horizontal, A::Vertical } )
+    for ( auto variation : { A::Horizontal, A::Vertical } )
     {
         for ( auto subControl : { Q::Groove, Q::Fill } )
         {
-            const auto aspect = subControl | placement;
+            const auto aspect = subControl | variation;
 
             setMetric( aspect | A::Size, 0.3 * extent );
             setPadding( aspect, 0 );
@@ -760,15 +759,15 @@ void Editor::setupSlider()
             setBoxShape( aspect, 0.1 * extent );
         }
 
-        setGradient( Q::Groove | placement, m_pal.darker200 );
-        setGradient( Q::Fill | placement, QskGradient() ); // no filling
+        setGradient( Q::Groove | variation, m_pal.darker200 );
+        setGradient( Q::Fill | variation, QskGradient() ); // no filling
     }
 
     // Handle
 
-    for ( auto placement : { A::Horizontal, A::Vertical } )
+    for ( auto variation : { A::Horizontal, A::Vertical } )
     {
-        const auto aspect = Q::Handle | placement;
+        const auto aspect = Q::Handle | variation;
 
         setButton( aspect, Raised, 1 );
         setBoxShape( aspect, 20.0, Qt::RelativeSize );
diff --git a/src/common/QskAspect.cpp b/src/common/QskAspect.cpp
index 30533426..75b50162 100644
--- a/src/common/QskAspect.cpp
+++ b/src/common/QskAspect.cpp
@@ -260,9 +260,9 @@ QDebug operator<<( QDebug debug, QskAspect::Subcontrol subControl )
     return debug;
 }
 
-QDebug operator<<( QDebug debug, QskAspect::Placement placement )
+QDebug operator<<( QDebug debug, QskAspect::Variation variation )
 {
-    qskDebugEnum( debug, "Placement", placement );
+    qskDebugEnum( debug, "Variation", variation );
     return debug;
 }
 
@@ -334,8 +334,8 @@ void qskDebugAspect( QDebug debug, const QMetaObject* metaObject, QskAspect aspe
         }
     }
 
-    if ( aspect.placement() != QskAspect::NoPlacement )
-        debug << ", " << qskEnumString( "Placement", aspect.placement() );
+    if ( aspect.variation() != QskAspect::NoVariation )
+        debug << ", " << qskEnumString( "Variation", aspect.variation() );
 
     if ( aspect.hasStates() )
         debug << ", " << qskStatesToString( metaObject, aspect.states() );
diff --git a/src/common/QskAspect.h b/src/common/QskAspect.h
index cdd8ce15..ef0e8002 100644
--- a/src/common/QskAspect.h
+++ b/src/common/QskAspect.h
@@ -32,11 +32,13 @@ class QSK_EXPORT QskAspect
         Body = 0,
 
         Header,
-        Footer
+        Footer,
+
+        Floating
     };
     Q_ENUM( Section )
 
-    static constexpr uint FirstUserSection = Section::Footer + 1;
+    static constexpr uint FirstUserSection = Section::Floating + 1;
     static constexpr uint LastSection = ( 1 << 4 ) - 1;
 
     enum Primitive : quint8
@@ -69,9 +71,9 @@ class QSK_EXPORT QskAspect
     };
     Q_ENUM( Primitive )
 
-    enum Placement : quint8
+    enum Variation : quint8
     {
-        NoPlacement = 0,
+        NoVariation = 0,
 
         Vertical = Qt::Vertical,
         Horizontal = Qt::Horizontal,
@@ -79,9 +81,14 @@ class QSK_EXPORT QskAspect
         Top    = 1,
         Left   = 2,
         Right  = 3,
-        Bottom = 4
+        Bottom = 4,
+
+        Tiny  = 1,
+        Small = 2,
+        Large = 3,
+        Huge  = 4
     };
-    Q_ENUM( Placement )
+    Q_ENUM( Variation )
 
     enum Subcontrol : quint16
     {
@@ -111,7 +118,7 @@ class QSK_EXPORT QskAspect
     constexpr QskAspect( Subcontrol ) noexcept;
     constexpr QskAspect( Section ) noexcept;
     constexpr QskAspect( Type ) noexcept;
-    constexpr QskAspect( Placement ) noexcept;
+    constexpr QskAspect( Variation ) noexcept;
 
     constexpr QskAspect( const QskAspect& ) noexcept = default;
     constexpr QskAspect( QskAspect&& ) noexcept = default;
@@ -127,7 +134,7 @@ class QSK_EXPORT QskAspect
     constexpr QskAspect operator|( Section ) const noexcept;
     constexpr QskAspect operator|( Type ) const noexcept;
     constexpr QskAspect operator|( Primitive ) const noexcept;
-    constexpr QskAspect operator|( Placement ) const noexcept;
+    constexpr QskAspect operator|( Variation ) const noexcept;
 
     constexpr QskAspect operator|( State ) const noexcept;
     QskAspect& operator|=( State ) noexcept;
@@ -164,8 +171,8 @@ class QSK_EXPORT QskAspect
     constexpr bool isColor() const noexcept;
     constexpr bool isFlag() const noexcept;
 
-    constexpr Placement placement() const noexcept;
-    void setPlacement( Placement ) noexcept;
+    constexpr Variation variation() const noexcept;
+    void setVariation( Variation ) noexcept;
 
     constexpr States states() const noexcept;
     constexpr bool hasStates() const noexcept;
@@ -198,10 +205,10 @@ class QSK_EXPORT QskAspect
     static void reservePrimitives( quint8 count );
 
   private:
-    constexpr QskAspect( Subcontrol, Section, Type, Placement ) noexcept;
+    constexpr QskAspect( Subcontrol, Section, Type, Variation ) noexcept;
 
     constexpr QskAspect( uint subControl, uint section, uint type, bool isAnimator,
-        uint primitive, uint placement, uint states ) noexcept;
+        uint primitive, uint variation, uint states ) noexcept;
 
     struct Bits
     {
@@ -212,7 +219,7 @@ class QSK_EXPORT QskAspect
         uint isAnimator : 1;
 
         uint primitive : 5;
-        uint placement : 3;
+        uint variation : 3;
         uint reserved1 : 4;
 
         uint states    : 16;
@@ -243,39 +250,39 @@ constexpr inline QskAspect::State operator>>( QskAspect::State a, const int b )
 }
 
 inline constexpr QskAspect::QskAspect() noexcept
-    : QskAspect( NoSubcontrol, Body, Flag, NoPlacement )
+    : QskAspect( NoSubcontrol, Body, Flag, NoVariation )
 {
 }
 
 inline constexpr QskAspect::QskAspect( Subcontrol subControl ) noexcept
-    : QskAspect( subControl, Body, Flag, NoPlacement )
+    : QskAspect( subControl, Body, Flag, NoVariation )
 {
 }
 
 inline constexpr QskAspect::QskAspect( Section section ) noexcept
-    : QskAspect( NoSubcontrol, section, Flag, NoPlacement )
+    : QskAspect( NoSubcontrol, section, Flag, NoVariation )
 {
 }
 
 inline constexpr QskAspect::QskAspect( Type type ) noexcept
-    : QskAspect( NoSubcontrol, Body, type, NoPlacement )
+    : QskAspect( NoSubcontrol, Body, type, NoVariation )
 {
 }
 
-inline constexpr QskAspect::QskAspect( Placement placement ) noexcept
-    : QskAspect( NoSubcontrol, Body, Flag, placement )
+inline constexpr QskAspect::QskAspect( Variation variation ) noexcept
+    : QskAspect( NoSubcontrol, Body, Flag, variation )
 {
 }
 
 inline constexpr QskAspect::QskAspect(
-        Subcontrol subControl, Section section, Type type, Placement placement ) noexcept
-    : QskAspect( subControl, section, type, false, 0, placement, NoState )
+        Subcontrol subControl, Section section, Type type, Variation variation ) noexcept
+    : QskAspect( subControl, section, type, false, 0, variation, NoState )
 {
 }
 
-inline constexpr QskAspect::QskAspect( uint subControl, uint section, uint type, bool isAnimator,
-        uint primitive, uint placement, uint states ) noexcept
-    : m_bits { subControl, section, type, isAnimator, primitive, placement, 0, states, 0 }
+inline constexpr QskAspect::QskAspect( uint subControl, uint section, uint type,
+        bool isAnimator, uint primitive, uint variation, uint states ) noexcept
+    : m_bits { subControl, section, type, isAnimator, primitive, variation, 0, states, 0 }
 {
 }
 
@@ -297,37 +304,37 @@ inline bool QskAspect::operator<( const QskAspect& other ) const noexcept
 inline constexpr QskAspect QskAspect::operator|( Subcontrol subControl ) const noexcept
 {
     return QskAspect( subControl, m_bits.section, m_bits.type,
-        m_bits.isAnimator, m_bits.primitive, m_bits.placement, m_bits.states );
+        m_bits.isAnimator, m_bits.primitive, m_bits.variation, m_bits.states );
 }
 
 inline constexpr QskAspect QskAspect::operator|( Section section ) const noexcept
 {
     return QskAspect( m_bits.subControl, section, m_bits.type,
-        m_bits.isAnimator, m_bits.primitive, m_bits.placement, m_bits.states );
+        m_bits.isAnimator, m_bits.primitive, m_bits.variation, m_bits.states );
 }
 
 inline constexpr QskAspect QskAspect::operator|( Type type ) const noexcept
 {
     return QskAspect( m_bits.subControl, m_bits.section, type,
-        m_bits.isAnimator, m_bits.primitive, m_bits.placement, m_bits.states );
+        m_bits.isAnimator, m_bits.primitive, m_bits.variation, m_bits.states );
 }
 
 inline constexpr QskAspect QskAspect::operator|( Primitive primitive ) const noexcept
 {
     return QskAspect( m_bits.subControl, m_bits.section, m_bits.type,
-        m_bits.isAnimator, primitive, m_bits.placement, m_bits.states );
+        m_bits.isAnimator, primitive, m_bits.variation, m_bits.states );
 }
 
-inline constexpr QskAspect QskAspect::operator|( Placement placement ) const noexcept
+inline constexpr QskAspect QskAspect::operator|( Variation variation ) const noexcept
 {
     return QskAspect( m_bits.subControl, m_bits.section, m_bits.type,
-        m_bits.isAnimator, m_bits.primitive, placement, m_bits.states );
+        m_bits.isAnimator, m_bits.primitive, variation, m_bits.states );
 }
 
 inline constexpr QskAspect QskAspect::operator|( State state ) const noexcept
 {
     return QskAspect( m_bits.subControl, m_bits.section, m_bits.type,
-        m_bits.isAnimator, m_bits.primitive, m_bits.placement, m_bits.states | state );
+        m_bits.isAnimator, m_bits.primitive, m_bits.variation, m_bits.states | state );
 }
 
 inline QskAspect& QskAspect::operator|=( State state ) noexcept
@@ -339,7 +346,7 @@ inline QskAspect& QskAspect::operator|=( State state ) noexcept
 inline constexpr QskAspect QskAspect::operator&( State state ) const noexcept
 {
     return QskAspect( m_bits.subControl, m_bits.section, m_bits.type, m_bits.isAnimator,
-        m_bits.primitive, m_bits.placement, m_bits.states & state );
+        m_bits.primitive, m_bits.variation, m_bits.states & state );
 }
 
 inline QskAspect& QskAspect::operator&=( State state ) noexcept
@@ -351,7 +358,7 @@ inline QskAspect& QskAspect::operator&=( State state ) noexcept
 inline constexpr QskAspect QskAspect::operator|( States states ) const noexcept
 {
     return QskAspect( m_bits.subControl, m_bits.section, m_bits.type, m_bits.isAnimator,
-        m_bits.primitive, m_bits.placement, m_bits.states | states );
+        m_bits.primitive, m_bits.variation, m_bits.states | states );
 }
 
 inline QskAspect& QskAspect::operator|=( States states ) noexcept
@@ -363,7 +370,7 @@ inline QskAspect& QskAspect::operator|=( States states ) noexcept
 inline constexpr QskAspect QskAspect::operator&( States states ) const noexcept
 {
     return QskAspect( m_bits.subControl, m_bits.section, m_bits.type,
-        m_bits.isAnimator, m_bits.primitive, m_bits.placement, m_bits.states & states );
+        m_bits.isAnimator, m_bits.primitive, m_bits.variation, m_bits.states & states );
 }
 
 inline QskAspect& QskAspect::operator&=( States states ) noexcept
@@ -375,12 +382,12 @@ inline QskAspect& QskAspect::operator&=( States states ) noexcept
 inline constexpr QskAspect QskAspect::stateless() const noexcept
 {
     return QskAspect( m_bits.subControl, m_bits.section, m_bits.type,
-        m_bits.isAnimator, m_bits.primitive, m_bits.placement, 0 );
+        m_bits.isAnimator, m_bits.primitive, m_bits.variation, 0 );
 }
 
 inline constexpr QskAspect QskAspect::trunk() const noexcept
 {
-    return QskAspect( m_bits.subControl, m_bits.section, m_bits.type,
+    return QskAspect( m_bits.subControl, 0, m_bits.type,
         m_bits.isAnimator, m_bits.primitive, 0, 0 );
 }
 
@@ -518,14 +525,14 @@ inline void QskAspect::clearPrimitive() noexcept
     m_bits.primitive = NoPrimitive;
 }
 
-inline constexpr QskAspect::Placement QskAspect::placement() const noexcept
+inline constexpr QskAspect::Variation QskAspect::variation() const noexcept
 {
-    return static_cast< Placement >( m_bits.placement );
+    return static_cast< Variation >( m_bits.variation );
 }
 
-inline void QskAspect::setPlacement( Placement placement ) noexcept
+inline void QskAspect::setVariation( Variation variation ) noexcept
 {
-    m_bits.placement = placement;
+    m_bits.variation = variation;
 }
 
 inline constexpr QskAspect operator|(
@@ -559,9 +566,9 @@ inline constexpr QskAspect operator|(
 }
 
 inline constexpr QskAspect operator|(
-    QskAspect::Placement placement, const QskAspect& aspect ) noexcept
+    QskAspect::Variation variation, const QskAspect& aspect ) noexcept
 {
-    return aspect | placement;
+    return aspect | variation;
 }
 
 inline constexpr QskAspect operator|(
@@ -601,15 +608,15 @@ inline constexpr QskAspect operator|(
 }
 
 inline constexpr QskAspect operator|(
-    QskAspect::Type type, QskAspect::Placement placement ) noexcept
+    QskAspect::Type type, QskAspect::Variation variation ) noexcept
 {
-    return QskAspect( type ) | placement;
+    return QskAspect( type ) | variation;
 }
 
 inline constexpr QskAspect operator|(
-    QskAspect::Placement placement, QskAspect::Type type ) noexcept
+    QskAspect::Variation variation, QskAspect::Type type ) noexcept
 {
-    return type | placement;
+    return type | variation;
 }
 
 inline constexpr QskAspect operator|(
@@ -637,15 +644,15 @@ inline constexpr QskAspect operator|(
 }
 
 inline constexpr QskAspect operator|(
-    QskAspect::Subcontrol subControl, QskAspect::Placement placement ) noexcept
+    QskAspect::Subcontrol subControl, QskAspect::Variation variation ) noexcept
 {
-    return QskAspect( subControl ) | placement;
+    return QskAspect( subControl ) | variation;
 }
 
 inline constexpr QskAspect operator|(
-    QskAspect::Placement placement, QskAspect::Subcontrol subControl ) noexcept
+    QskAspect::Variation variation, QskAspect::Subcontrol subControl ) noexcept
 {
-    return subControl | placement;
+    return subControl | variation;
 }
 
 namespace std
@@ -672,7 +679,7 @@ QSK_EXPORT QDebug operator<<( QDebug, QskAspect );
 QSK_EXPORT QDebug operator<<( QDebug, QskAspect::Type );
 QSK_EXPORT QDebug operator<<( QDebug, QskAspect::Subcontrol );
 QSK_EXPORT QDebug operator<<( QDebug, QskAspect::Primitive );
-QSK_EXPORT QDebug operator<<( QDebug, QskAspect::Placement );
+QSK_EXPORT QDebug operator<<( QDebug, QskAspect::Variation );
 QSK_EXPORT QDebug operator<<( QDebug, QskAspect::States );
 
 QSK_EXPORT void qskDebugStates( QDebug, const QMetaObject*, QskAspect::States );
diff --git a/src/common/QskBoxShapeMetrics.cpp b/src/common/QskBoxShapeMetrics.cpp
index f0726f0e..02dbb31d 100644
--- a/src/common/QskBoxShapeMetrics.cpp
+++ b/src/common/QskBoxShapeMetrics.cpp
@@ -108,23 +108,32 @@ QskBoxShapeMetrics QskBoxShapeMetrics::toAbsolute( const QSizeF& size ) const no
         const qreal rx = qskAbsoluted( size.width(), radius.width() );
         const qreal ry = qskAbsoluted( size.height(), radius.height() );
 
-        if ( m_scalingMode == Circular )
+        switch ( m_scalingMode )
         {
-            radius.rheight() = radius.rwidth() = std::min( rx, ry );
-        }
-        else
-        {
-            const auto ratio = radius.height() / radius.width();
-
-            if ( ratio >= 1.0 )
+            case Symmetric:
             {
-                radius.rwidth() = ry / ratio;
-                radius.rheight() = ry;
+                radius.rheight() = radius.rwidth() = std::min( rx, ry );
+                break;
             }
-            else
+            case SymmetricByMaximum:
             {
-                radius.rwidth() = rx;
-                radius.rheight() = rx * ratio;
+                radius.rheight() = radius.rwidth() = std::max( rx, ry );
+                break;
+            }
+            default:
+            {
+                const auto ratio = radius.height() / radius.width();
+
+                if ( ratio >= 1.0 )
+                {
+                    radius.rwidth() = ry / ratio;
+                    radius.rheight() = ry;
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    radius.rwidth() = rx;
+                    radius.rheight() = rx * ratio;
+                }
             }
         }
     }
diff --git a/src/common/QskBoxShapeMetrics.h b/src/common/QskBoxShapeMetrics.h
index c9b04c53..727900a4 100644
--- a/src/common/QskBoxShapeMetrics.h
+++ b/src/common/QskBoxShapeMetrics.h
@@ -29,11 +29,35 @@ class QSK_EXPORT QskBoxShapeMetrics
     Q_PROPERTY( ScalingMode scalingMode READ scalingMode WRITE setScalingMode )
 
   public:
+    /*
+        How to scale, when translating to Qt::AbsoluteSize
+
+        Symmetric/SymmetricByMaximum sets the aspect ratio between x/y radii
+        to 1:1, while Proportional preserves the aspect ratio of the relative radii.
+
+        Symmetric or Proportional shrink the larger radius, while SymmetricByMaximum
+        expands the smaller radius to achieve the desired aspect ratio.
+
+        The effect of the scaling on the implemented box rendering is: 
+
+        - SymmetricByMaximum in combination with a relative radius of 100
+          results in an ellipse.
+
+        - Rectangles with rounded corners can be achieved by Symmetric in combination
+          with a relative radius < 100.
+
+        Note, that the scaling is affected by the aspect ratio of the relative radii and
+        the one of the absolute size.
+
+        The default setting is Symmetric.
+     */
+
     enum ScalingMode
     {
-        // How to scale, when translating to Qt::AbsoluteSize
-        Circular,
-        Elliptic
+        Symmetric,
+        SymmetricByMaximum,
+
+        Proportional
     };
     Q_ENUM( ScalingMode );
 
@@ -121,13 +145,13 @@ class QSK_EXPORT QskBoxShapeMetrics
 
     QSizeF m_radii[ 4 ];
     Qt::SizeMode m_sizeMode : 2;
-    ScalingMode m_scalingMode : 1;
+    ScalingMode m_scalingMode : 2;
 };
 
 inline constexpr QskBoxShapeMetrics::QskBoxShapeMetrics() noexcept
     : m_radii{ { 0.0, 0.0 }, { 0.0, 0.0 }, { 0.0, 0.0 }, { 0.0, 0.0 } }
     , m_sizeMode( Qt::AbsoluteSize )
-    , m_scalingMode( Circular )
+    , m_scalingMode( Symmetric )
 {
 }
 
@@ -142,7 +166,7 @@ inline constexpr QskBoxShapeMetrics::QskBoxShapeMetrics(
     : m_radii{ { radiusX, radiusY }, { radiusX, radiusY },
         { radiusX, radiusY }, { radiusX, radiusY } }
     , m_sizeMode( sizeMode )
-    , m_scalingMode( Circular )
+    , m_scalingMode( Symmetric )
 {
 }
 
@@ -151,7 +175,7 @@ inline constexpr QskBoxShapeMetrics::QskBoxShapeMetrics( qreal topLeft, qreal to
     : m_radii{ { topLeft, topLeft }, { topRight, topRight },
         { bottomLeft, bottomLeft }, { bottomRight, bottomRight } }
     , m_sizeMode( sizeMode )
-    , m_scalingMode( Circular )
+    , m_scalingMode( Symmetric )
 {
 }
 
diff --git a/src/controls/QskPageIndicator.cpp b/src/controls/QskPageIndicator.cpp
index 9316d9a2..74138873 100644
--- a/src/controls/QskPageIndicator.cpp
+++ b/src/controls/QskPageIndicator.cpp
@@ -162,9 +162,9 @@ int QskPageIndicator::indexAtPosition( const QPointF& pos ) const
         this, contentsRect(), QskPageIndicator::Bullet, pos );
 }
 
-QskAspect::Placement QskPageIndicator::effectivePlacement() const
+QskAspect::Variation QskPageIndicator::effectiveVariation() const
 {
-    return static_cast< QskAspect::Placement >( m_data->orientation );
+    return static_cast< QskAspect::Variation >( m_data->orientation );
 }
 
 void QskPageIndicator::mousePressEvent( QMouseEvent* event )
diff --git a/src/controls/QskPageIndicator.h b/src/controls/QskPageIndicator.h
index eeaeecfd..1ee919eb 100644
--- a/src/controls/QskPageIndicator.h
+++ b/src/controls/QskPageIndicator.h
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ class QSK_EXPORT QskPageIndicator : public QskControl
     QRectF bulletRect( int index ) const;
     int indexAtPosition( const QPointF& ) const;
 
-    QskAspect::Placement effectivePlacement() const override;
+    QskAspect::Variation effectiveVariation() const override;
 
   Q_SIGNALS:
     void countChanged( int );
diff --git a/src/controls/QskProgressBar.cpp b/src/controls/QskProgressBar.cpp
index 3acc736c..a9f01b13 100644
--- a/src/controls/QskProgressBar.cpp
+++ b/src/controls/QskProgressBar.cpp
@@ -154,10 +154,10 @@ void QskProgressBar::setIndeterminate( bool on )
     Q_EMIT indeterminateChanged( on );
 }
 
-QskAspect::Placement QskProgressBar::effectivePlacement() const
+QskAspect::Variation QskProgressBar::effectiveVariation() const
 {
     // so you can define different hints depending on the orientation
-    return static_cast< QskAspect::Placement >( m_data->orientation );
+    return static_cast< QskAspect::Variation >( m_data->orientation );
 }
 
 void QskProgressBar::setBarGradient( const QskGradient& gradient )
diff --git a/src/controls/QskProgressBar.h b/src/controls/QskProgressBar.h
index b24a271c..0d5fa299 100644
--- a/src/controls/QskProgressBar.h
+++ b/src/controls/QskProgressBar.h
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ class QSK_EXPORT QskProgressBar : public QskBoundedControl
     bool isIndeterminate() const;
     void setIndeterminate( bool on = true );
 
-    QskAspect::Placement effectivePlacement() const override;
+    QskAspect::Variation effectiveVariation() const override;
 
     void setBarGradient( const QskGradient& );
     void resetBarGradient();
diff --git a/src/controls/QskPushButton.cpp b/src/controls/QskPushButton.cpp
index e49e4ba9..798d4562 100644
--- a/src/controls/QskPushButton.cpp
+++ b/src/controls/QskPushButton.cpp
@@ -14,8 +14,6 @@
 #include "QskSkinlet.h"
 #include "QskTextOptions.h"
 
-#include <qfontmetrics.h>
-
 QSK_SUBCONTROL( QskPushButton, Panel )
 QSK_SUBCONTROL( QskPushButton, Ripple )
 QSK_SUBCONTROL( QskPushButton, Text )
@@ -227,29 +225,9 @@ void QskPushButton::updateResources()
     m_data->ensureGraphic( this );
 }
 
-QskAspect::Placement QskPushButton::effectivePlacement() const
+QskAspect::Variation QskPushButton::effectiveVariation() const
 {
-    if ( hasGraphic() && !text().isEmpty() )
-    {
-        // for the moment we only support the direction. TODO ...
-
-        auto aspect = Panel | QskAspect::Direction;
-        aspect.setPlacement( QskAspect::Vertical ); // to avoid recursions TODO ...
-
-        const auto dir = flagHint( aspect, Qsk::LeftToRight );
-        switch( dir )
-        {
-            case Qsk::LeftToRight:
-            case Qsk::RightToLeft:
-                return QskAspect::Horizontal;
-
-            case Qsk::TopToBottom:
-            case Qsk::BottomToTop:
-                return QskAspect::Vertical;
-        }
-    }
-
-    return Inherited::effectivePlacement();
+    return Inherited::effectiveVariation();
 }
 
 QRectF QskPushButton::layoutRectForSize( const QSizeF& size ) const
diff --git a/src/controls/QskPushButton.h b/src/controls/QskPushButton.h
index 31b83c0d..22164370 100644
--- a/src/controls/QskPushButton.h
+++ b/src/controls/QskPushButton.h
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ class QSK_EXPORT QskPushButton : public QskAbstractButton
     QFont font() const;
 
     QRectF layoutRectForSize( const QSizeF& ) const override;
-    QskAspect::Placement effectivePlacement() const override;
+    QskAspect::Variation effectiveVariation() const override;
 
   public Q_SLOTS:
     void setText( const QString& );
diff --git a/src/controls/QskPushButtonSkinlet.cpp b/src/controls/QskPushButtonSkinlet.cpp
index cac78a33..59896321 100644
--- a/src/controls/QskPushButtonSkinlet.cpp
+++ b/src/controls/QskPushButtonSkinlet.cpp
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@
 
 #include "QskPushButtonSkinlet.h"
 #include "QskPushButton.h"
+#include "QskTextOptions.h"
 
 #include "QskAnimationHint.h"
 #include "QskGraphic.h"
@@ -38,8 +39,16 @@ namespace
                 QskPushButton::Text, button->text(),
                 QskPushButton::Graphic, button->graphic().defaultSize() );
 
-            const auto alignment = button->alignmentHint( QskPushButton::Panel, Qt::AlignCenter );
-            setFixedContent( QskPushButton::Text, Qt::Horizontal, alignment );
+            const auto textOptions = button->textOptions();
+
+            if ( ( textOptions.elideMode() == Qt::ElideNone )
+                && ( textOptions.wrapMode() == QskTextOptions::NoWrap ) ) 
+            {
+                const auto alignment = button->alignmentHint(
+                    QskPushButton::Panel, Qt::AlignCenter );
+
+                setFixedContent( QskPushButton::Text, Qt::Horizontal, alignment );
+            }
         }
     };
 }
diff --git a/src/controls/QskSegmentedBar.cpp b/src/controls/QskSegmentedBar.cpp
index c31fe12e..3d9f92de 100644
--- a/src/controls/QskSegmentedBar.cpp
+++ b/src/controls/QskSegmentedBar.cpp
@@ -159,9 +159,9 @@ QVariantList QskSegmentedBar::optionAt( int index ) const
     return list;
 }
 
-QskAspect::Placement QskSegmentedBar::effectivePlacement() const
+QskAspect::Variation QskSegmentedBar::effectiveVariation() const
 {
-    return static_cast< QskAspect::Placement >( m_data->orientation );
+    return static_cast< QskAspect::Variation >( m_data->orientation );
 }
 
 void QskSegmentedBar::mousePressEvent( QMouseEvent* event )
diff --git a/src/controls/QskSegmentedBar.h b/src/controls/QskSegmentedBar.h
index c726ba25..fb65c577 100644
--- a/src/controls/QskSegmentedBar.h
+++ b/src/controls/QskSegmentedBar.h
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ class QSK_EXPORT QskSegmentedBar : public QskControl
     int indexAtPosition( const QPointF& ) const;
 
     QRectF focusIndicatorRect() const override final;
-    QskAspect::Placement effectivePlacement() const override;
+    QskAspect::Variation effectiveVariation() const override;
 
   public Q_SLOTS:
     void setSelectedIndex( int index );
diff --git a/src/controls/QskSeparator.cpp b/src/controls/QskSeparator.cpp
index 8d789c67..04a014d8 100644
--- a/src/controls/QskSeparator.cpp
+++ b/src/controls/QskSeparator.cpp
@@ -70,9 +70,9 @@ qreal QskSeparator::extent() const
     return metric( Panel | QskAspect::Size );
 }
 
-QskAspect::Placement QskSeparator::effectivePlacement() const
+QskAspect::Variation QskSeparator::effectiveVariation() const
 {
-    return static_cast< QskAspect::Placement >( m_orientation );
+    return static_cast< QskAspect::Variation >( m_orientation );
 }
 
 #include "moc_QskSeparator.cpp"
diff --git a/src/controls/QskSeparator.h b/src/controls/QskSeparator.h
index f9c2f71b..a948d712 100644
--- a/src/controls/QskSeparator.h
+++ b/src/controls/QskSeparator.h
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ class QSK_EXPORT QskSeparator : public QskControl
     void resetExtent();
     qreal extent() const;
 
-    QskAspect::Placement effectivePlacement() const override;
+    QskAspect::Variation effectiveVariation() const override;
 
   Q_SIGNALS:
     void orientationChanged( Qt::Orientation );
diff --git a/src/controls/QskSkinHintTable.cpp b/src/controls/QskSkinHintTable.cpp
index 4db0c557..c11b36cf 100644
--- a/src/controls/QskSkinHintTable.cpp
+++ b/src/controls/QskSkinHintTable.cpp
@@ -47,11 +47,11 @@ inline const QVariant* qskResolvedHint( QskAspect aspect,
         }
 #endif
 
-        if ( aspect.placement() )
+        if ( aspect.variation() )
         {
-            // clear the placement bits and restart
+            // clear the variation bits and restart
             aspect = a;
-            aspect.setPlacement( QskAspect::NoPlacement );
+            aspect.setVariation( QskAspect::NoVariation );
 
             continue;
         }
@@ -254,56 +254,73 @@ bool QskSkinHintTable::isResolutionMatching(
     if ( aspect1.trunk() != aspect2.trunk() )
         return false;
 
-    const auto a1 = aspect1;
-    const auto a2 = aspect2;
+    auto a1 = aspect1;
+    auto a2 = aspect2;
 
     Q_FOREVER
     {
-        const auto s1 = aspect1.topState();
-        const auto s2 = aspect2.topState();
+        const auto state1 = aspect1.topState();
+        const auto state2 = aspect2.topState();
 
-        if ( s1 > s2 )
+        if ( state1 > state2 )
         {
             if ( hasHint( aspect1 ) )
                 return false;
 
-            aspect1.clearState( s1 );
+            aspect1.clearState( state1 );
+            continue;
         }
-        else if ( s2 > s1 )
+
+        if ( state2 > state1 )
         {
             if ( hasHint( aspect2 ) )
                 return false;
 
-            aspect2.clearState( s2 );
+            aspect2.clearState( state2 );
+            continue;
+        }
+
+        if ( aspect1 == aspect2 )
+        {
+            if ( hasHint( aspect1 ) )
+                return true;
+
+            if ( state1 == 0 )
+            {
+                if ( aspect1.variation() == QskAspect::NoVariation )
+                {
+                    if ( aspect1.section() == QskAspect::Body )
+                        return true;
+
+                    // clear the section bits and restart with the initial state
+
+                    a1.setSection( QskAspect::Body );
+                    a2.setSection( QskAspect::Body );
+
+                    aspect1 = a1;
+                    aspect2 = a2;
+
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    // clear the variation bits and restart with the initial state
+                    aspect1 = a1;
+                    aspect1.setVariation( QskAspect::NoVariation );
+
+                    aspect2 = a2;
+                    aspect2.setVariation( QskAspect::NoVariation );
+                }
+
+                continue;
+            }
         }
         else
         {
-            if ( aspect1 == aspect2 )
-            {
-                if ( hasHint( aspect1 ) )
-                    return true;
-
-                if ( s1 == 0 )
-                {
-                    if ( aspect1.placement() == QskAspect::NoPlacement )
-                        return true;
-
-                    // clear the placement bits and restart with the initial state
-                    aspect1 = a1;
-                    aspect1.setPlacement( QskAspect::NoPlacement );
-
-                    aspect2 = a2;
-                    aspect2.setPlacement( QskAspect::NoPlacement );
-                }
-            }
-            else
-            {
-                if ( hasHint( aspect1 ) || hasHint( aspect2 ) )
-                    return false;
-            }
-
-            aspect1.clearState( s1 );
-            aspect2.clearState( s2 );
+            if ( hasHint( aspect1 ) || hasHint( aspect2 ) )
+                return false;
         }
+
+        aspect1.clearState( state1 );
+        aspect2.clearState( state2 );
     }
 }
diff --git a/src/controls/QskSkinTransition.cpp b/src/controls/QskSkinTransition.cpp
index 8ca0158b..fe478d82 100644
--- a/src/controls/QskSkinTransition.cpp
+++ b/src/controls/QskSkinTransition.cpp
@@ -347,7 +347,7 @@ void WindowAnimator::addHints( const QskControl* control,
         if ( !isControlAffected( control, subControls, aspect ) )
             continue;
 
-        aspect.setPlacement( control->effectivePlacement() );
+        aspect.setVariation( control->effectiveVariation() );
         aspect.setStates( control->skinStates() );
 
         if ( localTable.resolvedHint( aspect ) )
@@ -365,8 +365,8 @@ void WindowAnimator::addHints( const QskControl* control,
         {
             if ( QskVariantAnimator::maybeInterpolate( *v1, *v2 ) )
             {
-                if ( r1.placement() == r2.placement() )
-                    aspect.setPlacement( r2.placement() );
+                if ( r1.variation() == r2.variation() )
+                    aspect.setVariation( r2.variation() );
 
                 if ( r1.states() == r2.states() )
                     aspect.setStates( r2.states() );
@@ -377,7 +377,7 @@ void WindowAnimator::addHints( const QskControl* control,
         }
         else if ( v1 )
         {
-            aspect.setPlacement( r1.placement() );
+            aspect.setVariation( r1.variation() );
             aspect.setStates( r1.states() );
 
             storeAnimator( control, aspect, *v1, QVariant(), animatorHint );
@@ -385,7 +385,7 @@ void WindowAnimator::addHints( const QskControl* control,
         }
         else if ( v2 )
         {
-            aspect.setPlacement( r1.placement() );
+            aspect.setVariation( r1.variation() );
             aspect.setStates( r1.states() );
 
             storeAnimator( control, aspect, QVariant(), *v2, animatorHint );
diff --git a/src/controls/QskSkinnable.cpp b/src/controls/QskSkinnable.cpp
index 81e99c60..c5e9b243 100644
--- a/src/controls/QskSkinnable.cpp
+++ b/src/controls/QskSkinnable.cpp
@@ -725,7 +725,7 @@ QskColorFilter QskSkinnable::effectiveGraphicFilter(
 
     QskAspect aspect( effectiveSubcontrol( subControl ) | QskAspect::GraphicRole );
     aspect.setSection( section() );
-    aspect.setPlacement( effectivePlacement() );
+    aspect.setVariation( effectiveVariation() );
 
     QskSkinHintStatus status;
 
@@ -735,7 +735,7 @@ QskColorFilter QskSkinnable::effectiveGraphicFilter(
 
     aspect.setSubcontrol( status.aspect.subControl() );
     aspect.setSection( QskAspect::Body );
-    aspect.setPlacement( QskAspect::NoPlacement );
+    aspect.setVariation( QskAspect::NoVariation );
 
     const auto v = animatedHint( aspect, nullptr );
 
@@ -877,8 +877,8 @@ QVariant QskSkinnable::effectiveSkinHint(
     if ( aspect.section() == QskAspect::Body )
         aspect.setSection( section() );
 
-    if ( aspect.placement() == QskAspect::NoPlacement )
-        aspect.setPlacement( effectivePlacement() );
+    if ( aspect.variation() == QskAspect::NoVariation )
+        aspect.setVariation( effectiveVariation() );
 
     if ( !aspect.hasStates() )
         aspect.setStates( skinStates() );
@@ -980,11 +980,11 @@ QVariant QskSkinnable::interpolatedHint(
                 continue;
             }
 
-            if ( aspect.placement() )
+            if ( aspect.variation() )
             {
-                // clear the placement bits and restart
+                // clear the variation bits and restart
                 aspect = a;
-                aspect.setPlacement( QskAspect::NoPlacement );
+                aspect.setVariation( QskAspect::NoVariation );
 
                 continue;
             }
@@ -1257,7 +1257,7 @@ void QskSkinnable::startHintTransition( QskAspect aspect, int index,
 
     aspect.clearStates();
     aspect.setSection( QskAspect::Body );
-    aspect.setPlacement( QskAspect::NoPlacement );
+    aspect.setVariation( QskAspect::NoVariation );
     aspect.setAnimator( false );
 
 #if DEBUG_ANIMATOR
@@ -1345,7 +1345,7 @@ bool QskSkinnable::startHintTransitions(
     bool started = false; // at least one transition has been started
 
     QskAspect aspect;
-    aspect.setPlacement( effectivePlacement() );
+    aspect.setVariation( effectiveVariation() );
     aspect.setSection( section() );
 
     const auto skin = effectiveSkin();
@@ -1426,9 +1426,9 @@ QskSkin* QskSkinnable::effectiveSkin() const
     return skin ? skin : qskSetup->skin();
 }
 
-QskAspect::Placement QskSkinnable::effectivePlacement() const
+QskAspect::Variation QskSkinnable::effectiveVariation() const
 {
-    return QskAspect::NoPlacement;
+    return QskAspect::NoVariation;
 }
 
 QskAspect::Section QskSkinnable::section() const
diff --git a/src/controls/QskSkinnable.h b/src/controls/QskSkinnable.h
index e09bb84c..a5ab3aac 100644
--- a/src/controls/QskSkinnable.h
+++ b/src/controls/QskSkinnable.h
@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ class QSK_EXPORT QskSkinnable
         QskAspect::States, QskSkinHintStatus* status = nullptr ) const;
 
     QVariant effectiveSkinHint( QskAspect, QskSkinHintStatus* = nullptr ) const;
-    virtual QskAspect::Placement effectivePlacement() const;
+    virtual QskAspect::Variation effectiveVariation() const;
 
     virtual QskAspect::Section section() const;
 
diff --git a/src/controls/QskSlider.cpp b/src/controls/QskSlider.cpp
index 08226db5..61f84a33 100644
--- a/src/controls/QskSlider.cpp
+++ b/src/controls/QskSlider.cpp
@@ -87,9 +87,9 @@ Qt::Orientation QskSlider::orientation() const
     return m_data->orientation;
 }
 
-QskAspect::Placement QskSlider::effectivePlacement() const
+QskAspect::Variation QskSlider::effectiveVariation() const
 {
-    return static_cast< QskAspect::Placement >( m_data->orientation );
+    return static_cast< QskAspect::Variation >( m_data->orientation );
 }
 
 void QskSlider::setTracking( bool on )
diff --git a/src/controls/QskSlider.h b/src/controls/QskSlider.h
index 45c39a9b..fe75294a 100644
--- a/src/controls/QskSlider.h
+++ b/src/controls/QskSlider.h
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ class QSK_EXPORT QskSlider : public QskBoundedValueInput
 
     qreal handlePosition() const; // [0,0, 1.0]
 
-    QskAspect::Placement effectivePlacement() const override;
+    QskAspect::Variation effectiveVariation() const override;
 
   Q_SIGNALS:
     void pressedChanged( bool );
diff --git a/src/controls/QskSwitchButton.cpp b/src/controls/QskSwitchButton.cpp
index 78700579..c0b28d3c 100644
--- a/src/controls/QskSwitchButton.cpp
+++ b/src/controls/QskSwitchButton.cpp
@@ -72,13 +72,9 @@ void QskSwitchButton::setInverted( bool on )
     }
 }
 
-QskAspect::Placement QskSwitchButton::effectivePlacement() const
+QskAspect::Variation QskSwitchButton::effectiveVariation() const
 {
-    /*
-        So you can define different hints depending on the orientation,
-        but what about the layoutDirection ???
-     */
-    return static_cast< QskAspect::Placement >( m_data->orientation );
+    return static_cast< QskAspect::Variation >( m_data->orientation );
 }
 
 #include "moc_QskSwitchButton.cpp"
diff --git a/src/controls/QskSwitchButton.h b/src/controls/QskSwitchButton.h
index c88da791..067d2638 100644
--- a/src/controls/QskSwitchButton.h
+++ b/src/controls/QskSwitchButton.h
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ class QSK_EXPORT QskSwitchButton : public QskAbstractButton
     bool isInverted() const;
     void setInverted( bool );
 
-    QskAspect::Placement effectivePlacement() const override;
+    QskAspect::Variation effectiveVariation() const override;
 
   Q_SIGNALS:
     void orientationChanged( Qt::Orientation );
diff --git a/src/controls/QskTabBar.cpp b/src/controls/QskTabBar.cpp
index b068e4f8..4c3be246 100644
--- a/src/controls/QskTabBar.cpp
+++ b/src/controls/QskTabBar.cpp
@@ -688,7 +688,7 @@ QskAspect::Subcontrol QskTabBar::substitutedSubcontrol(
     return Inherited::substitutedSubcontrol( subControl );
 }
 
-QskAspect::Placement QskTabBar::effectivePlacement() const
+QskAspect::Variation QskTabBar::effectiveVariation() const
 {
     switch ( edge() )
     {
@@ -705,7 +705,7 @@ QskAspect::Placement QskTabBar::effectivePlacement() const
             return QskAspect::Bottom;
     }
 
-    return QskAspect::NoPlacement;
+    return QskAspect::NoVariation;
 }
 
 #include "moc_QskTabBar.cpp"
diff --git a/src/controls/QskTabBar.h b/src/controls/QskTabBar.h
index c54337e0..9a5b58cf 100644
--- a/src/controls/QskTabBar.h
+++ b/src/controls/QskTabBar.h
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ class QSK_EXPORT QskTabBar : public QskBox
     int indexOf( const QskTabButton* ) const;
     Q_INVOKABLE int indexOf( QskTabButton* ) const;
 
-    QskAspect::Placement effectivePlacement() const override;
+    QskAspect::Variation effectiveVariation() const override;
 
   public Q_SLOTS:
     void setCurrentIndex( int index );
diff --git a/src/controls/QskTabButton.cpp b/src/controls/QskTabButton.cpp
index 20b4167c..f77012f7 100644
--- a/src/controls/QskTabButton.cpp
+++ b/src/controls/QskTabButton.cpp
@@ -98,12 +98,12 @@ QRectF QskTabButton::layoutRectForSize( const QSizeF& size ) const
     return subControlContentsRect( size, Panel );
 }
 
-QskAspect::Placement QskTabButton::effectivePlacement() const
+QskAspect::Variation QskTabButton::effectiveVariation() const
 {
     if ( m_data->tabBar )
-        return m_data->tabBar->effectivePlacement();
+        return m_data->tabBar->effectiveVariation();
 
-    return QskAspect::NoPlacement;
+    return QskAspect::NoVariation;
 }
 
 const QskTabBar* QskTabButton::tabBar() const
diff --git a/src/controls/QskTabButton.h b/src/controls/QskTabButton.h
index f59384ec..b2ead21f 100644
--- a/src/controls/QskTabButton.h
+++ b/src/controls/QskTabButton.h
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ class QSK_EXPORT QskTabButton : public QskAbstractButton
 
     QRectF layoutRectForSize( const QSizeF& ) const override;
 
-    QskAspect::Placement effectivePlacement() const override;
+    QskAspect::Variation effectiveVariation() const override;
 
     const QskTabBar* tabBar() const;
     QskTabBar* tabBar();
diff --git a/src/controls/QskTabView.cpp b/src/controls/QskTabView.cpp
index af9c4cad..cea5d604 100644
--- a/src/controls/QskTabView.cpp
+++ b/src/controls/QskTabView.cpp
@@ -206,9 +206,9 @@ int QskTabView::count() const
     return m_data->tabBar->count();
 }
 
-QskAspect::Placement QskTabView::effectivePlacement() const
+QskAspect::Variation QskTabView::effectiveVariation() const
 {
-    return m_data->tabBar->effectivePlacement();
+    return m_data->tabBar->effectiveVariation();
 }
 
 QSizeF QskTabView::layoutSizeHint(
diff --git a/src/controls/QskTabView.h b/src/controls/QskTabView.h
index 133220d2..f4a9b8af 100644
--- a/src/controls/QskTabView.h
+++ b/src/controls/QskTabView.h
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ class QSK_EXPORT QskTabView : public QskControl
 
     QRectF tabRect() const;
 
-    QskAspect::Placement effectivePlacement() const override;
+    QskAspect::Variation effectiveVariation() const override;
 
   public Q_SLOTS:
     void setCurrentIndex( int index );
diff --git a/src/nodes/QskBoxBasicStroker.cpp b/src/nodes/QskBoxBasicStroker.cpp
index 31bf15ec..b245ba5e 100644
--- a/src/nodes/QskBoxBasicStroker.cpp
+++ b/src/nodes/QskBoxBasicStroker.cpp
@@ -283,65 +283,31 @@ static inline void qskCreateFill(
             }
         }
     }
-    else if ( m_metrics.stepSymmetries )
-    {
-        auto line = lines;
-
-        if ( isHorizontal )
-        {
-            int stepCount = qMax( cn[TopLeftCorner].stepCount, cn[BottomLeftCorner].stepCount );
-
-            for ( ArcIterator it( stepCount, true ); !it.isDone(); ++it )
-                map.setVLine( TopLeftCorner, BottomLeftCorner, it.cos(), it.sin(), line++ );
-
-            stepCount = qMax( cn[TopRightCorner].stepCount, cn[BottomRightCorner].stepCount );
-
-            for ( ArcIterator it( stepCount, false ); !it.isDone(); ++it )
-                map.setVLine( TopRightCorner, BottomRightCorner, it.cos(), it.sin(), line++ );
-        }
-        else
-        {
-            int stepCount = qMax( cn[TopLeftCorner].stepCount, cn[TopRightCorner].stepCount );
-
-            for ( ArcIterator it( stepCount, false ); !it.isDone(); ++it )
-                map.setHLine( TopLeftCorner, TopRightCorner, it.cos(), it.sin(), line++ );
-
-            stepCount = qMax( cn[BottomLeftCorner].stepCount, cn[BottomRightCorner].stepCount );
-
-            for ( ArcIterator it( stepCount, true ); !it.isDone(); ++it )
-                map.setHLine( BottomLeftCorner, BottomRightCorner, it.cos(), it.sin(), line++ );
-        }
-    }
     else
     {
-        /*
-            This fallback code creates the same points. The cases above are
-            simply micro oprimization reducing the loops or calculations
-            to get there.
-         */
-
         auto line = lines;
+        int stepCount;
 
         if ( isHorizontal )
         {
-            int stepCount = qMax( cn[TopLeftCorner].stepCount, cn[BottomLeftCorner].stepCount );
+            stepCount = m_metrics.innerStepCount( TopLeftCorner, BottomLeftCorner );
 
             for ( ArcIterator it( stepCount, true ); !it.isDone(); ++it )
                 map.setLine( TopLeftCorner, BottomLeftCorner, it.cos(), it.sin(), line++ );
 
-            stepCount = qMax( cn[TopRightCorner].stepCount, cn[BottomRightCorner].stepCount );
+            stepCount = m_metrics.innerStepCount( TopRightCorner, BottomRightCorner );
 
             for ( ArcIterator it( stepCount, false ); !it.isDone(); ++it )
                 map.setLine( TopRightCorner, BottomRightCorner, it.cos(), it.sin(), line++ );
         }
         else
         {
-            int stepCount = qMax( cn[TopLeftCorner].stepCount, cn[TopRightCorner].stepCount );
+            stepCount = m_metrics.innerStepCount( TopLeftCorner, TopRightCorner );
 
             for ( ArcIterator it( stepCount, false ); !it.isDone(); ++it )
                 map.setLine( TopLeftCorner, TopRightCorner, it.cos(), it.sin(), line++ );
 
-            stepCount = qMax( cn[BottomLeftCorner].stepCount, cn[BottomRightCorner].stepCount );
+            stepCount = m_metrics.innerStepCount( BottomLeftCorner, BottomRightCorner );
 
             for ( ArcIterator it( stepCount, true ); !it.isDone(); ++it )
                 map.setLine( BottomLeftCorner, BottomRightCorner, it.cos(), it.sin(), line++ );
@@ -820,23 +786,15 @@ int QskBoxBasicStroker::fillCount() const
 
     if ( m_metrics.isInsideRounded )
     {
-        const auto c = m_metrics.corners;
-
         if ( m_metrics.preferredOrientation == Qt::Horizontal )
         {
-            n += qMax( c[ Qt::TopLeftCorner ].innerStepCount(),
-                c[ Qt::BottomLeftCorner ].innerStepCount() );
-
-            n += qMax( c[ Qt::TopRightCorner ].innerStepCount(),
-                c[ Qt::BottomRightCorner ].innerStepCount() );
+            n += m_metrics.innerStepCount( Qt::TopLeftCorner, Qt::BottomLeftCorner );
+            n += m_metrics.innerStepCount( Qt::TopRightCorner, Qt::BottomRightCorner );
         }
         else
         {
-            n += qMax( c[ Qt::TopLeftCorner ].innerStepCount(),
-                c[ Qt::TopRightCorner ].innerStepCount() );
-
-            n += qMax( c[ Qt::BottomLeftCorner ].innerStepCount(),
-                c[ Qt::BottomRightCorner ].innerStepCount() );
+            n += m_metrics.innerStepCount( Qt::TopLeftCorner, Qt::TopRightCorner );
+            n += m_metrics.innerStepCount( Qt::BottomLeftCorner, Qt::BottomRightCorner );
         }
     }
 
diff --git a/src/nodes/QskBoxGradientStroker.cpp b/src/nodes/QskBoxGradientStroker.cpp
index b743a315..1f05301a 100644
--- a/src/nodes/QskBoxGradientStroker.cpp
+++ b/src/nodes/QskBoxGradientStroker.cpp
@@ -9,6 +9,15 @@
 #include "QskBoxColorMap.h"
 #include "QskBoxMetrics.h"
 
+static inline bool qskCanUseHVFiller(
+    const Qt::Orientations orientations, const QskLinearDirection& dir )
+{
+    if ( !dir.isTilted() )
+        return orientations & ( dir.isVertical() ? Qt::Vertical : Qt::Horizontal );
+
+    return false;
+}
+
 namespace
 {
     using namespace QskVertex;
@@ -770,7 +779,7 @@ int QskBoxGradientStroker::lineCount() const
 
     if ( m_metrics.isInsideRounded )
     {
-        if ( m_metrics.stepSymmetries && !m_dir.isTilted() )
+        if ( qskCanUseHVFiller( m_metrics.stepSymmetries, m_dir ) )
         {
             const QskBoxBasicStroker stroker( m_metrics, QskBoxBorderColors(), m_gradient );
             n += stroker.fillCount();
@@ -804,7 +813,7 @@ void QskBoxGradientStroker::setLines( int lineCount, QskVertex::ColoredLine* lin
 
     if ( m_metrics.isInsideRounded )
     {
-        if ( m_metrics.stepSymmetries && !m_dir.isTilted() )
+        if ( qskCanUseHVFiller( m_metrics.stepSymmetries, m_dir ) )
         {
             FillerHV filler( m_metrics );
             effectiveCount = filler.setLines( m_gradient, lines );
diff --git a/src/nodes/QskBoxMetrics.cpp b/src/nodes/QskBoxMetrics.cpp
index b4dd7109..2a9846a9 100644
--- a/src/nodes/QskBoxMetrics.cpp
+++ b/src/nodes/QskBoxMetrics.cpp
@@ -173,15 +173,6 @@ QskBoxMetrics::QskBoxMetrics( const QRectF& rect,
         }
     }
 
-    if ( stepSymmetries == Qt::Horizontal )
-    {
-        preferredOrientation = Qt::Horizontal;
-    }
-    else if ( stepSymmetries == Qt::Vertical )
-    {
-        preferredOrientation = Qt::Vertical;
-    }
-    else
     {
         const auto tl = corners[ Qt::TopLeftCorner ].innerStepCount();
         const auto tr = corners[ Qt::TopRightCorner ].innerStepCount();
diff --git a/src/nodes/QskBoxMetrics.h b/src/nodes/QskBoxMetrics.h
index abf7c824..0b515208 100644
--- a/src/nodes/QskBoxMetrics.h
+++ b/src/nodes/QskBoxMetrics.h
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 #define QSK_BOX_METRICS_H
 
 #include <qrect.h>
+#include <qglobal.h>
 #include <qnamespace.h>
 
 class QskBoxShapeMetrics;
@@ -24,6 +25,12 @@ class QskBoxMetrics
     int outerStepCount() const;
     int innerStepCount() const;
 
+    int innerStepCount( int corner1, int corner2 ) const
+    {
+        return qMax( corners[ corner1 ].innerStepCount(),
+            corners[ corner2 ].innerStepCount() );
+    }
+
     struct Corner
     {
         inline qreal xInner( qreal cos ) const
@@ -82,10 +89,7 @@ class QskBoxMetrics
      */
     Qt::Orientations stepSymmetries;
 
-    /*
-        In case stepSymmetries indicates both directions the direction
-        that needs less steps is preferred.
-     */
+    // the direction that needs less contour lines is preferred.
     Qt::Orientation preferredOrientation;
 };
 
diff --git a/src/nodes/QskBoxRenderer.cpp b/src/nodes/QskBoxRenderer.cpp
index ce5083aa..186479eb 100644
--- a/src/nodes/QskBoxRenderer.cpp
+++ b/src/nodes/QskBoxRenderer.cpp
@@ -193,8 +193,7 @@ void QskBox::renderBox( const QRectF& rect,
 
         const int fillCount = fillStroker.lineCount();
         const int borderCount = borderStroker.borderCount();
-
-        const int extraLine = ( fillCount && borderCount && !metrics.isOutsideRounded ) ? 1 : 0;
+        const int extraLine = ( fillCount && borderCount ) ? 1 : 0;
 
         auto lines = qskAllocateColoredLines(
             geometry, fillCount + borderCount + extraLine );