diff --git a/appkit/ui_macos_darwin.v b/appkit/ui_macos_darwin.v
index 7317cad..ad24f36 100644
--- a/appkit/ui_macos_darwin.v
+++ b/appkit/ui_macos_darwin.v
@@ -1007,14 +1007,14 @@ fn render_element(parent NativeView, el Element, key string, mut active map[stri
 			doc_h := content_height(el.children) + 16
 			mut doc := st.nodes[doc_key] or { native_nil_view() }
 			if native_is_nil(doc) {
-				doc = native_new_flipped_view(native_rect(0, 0, el.frame.width, doc_h), el.box.bg)
+				doc = native_new_flipped_view(native_rect(0, 0, el.frame.width, doc_h), el.box)
 				st.nodes[doc_key] = doc
 				st.node_kinds[doc_key] = .view
 				native_set_document_view(native, doc)
 				macos.release(doc)
 			} else {
 				native_set_frame(doc, native_rect(0, 0, el.frame.width, doc_h))
-				native_set_background(doc, el.box.bg)
+				native_set_box_background(doc, el.box)
 			}
 			render_children(doc, el.children, doc_key, mut active)
 		}
@@ -1158,7 +1158,7 @@ fn native_create_element(el Element) NativeView {
 			native_new_view(element_rect(el.frame), el.box, element_interactive(el))
 		}
 		.scroll {
-			native_new_scroll(element_rect(el.frame), el.box.bg, el.persistent_scrollbars)
+			native_new_scroll(element_rect(el.frame), el.box, el.persistent_scrollbars)
 		}
 		.label {
 			native_new_label(element_rect(el.frame), el.text, el.text_style.color, el.text_style.size, el.text_style.bold, el.text_style.italic, el.text_style.underline, align_value(el.text_style.align), el.text_style.lines)
@@ -1167,7 +1167,7 @@ fn native_create_element(el Element) NativeView {
 			native_new_image(element_rect(el.frame), el.image_path, el.rotation)
 		}
 		.button {
-			native_new_button(element_rect(el.frame), el.text, el.box.bg, el.text_style.color, el.text_style.size, el.text_style.bold, el.text_style.italic, el.text_style.underline, el.box.radius, el.text_style.lines, el.image_path, el.native_style)
+			native_new_button(element_rect(el.frame), el.text, el.box, el.text_style.color, el.text_style.size, el.text_style.bold, el.text_style.italic, el.text_style.underline, el.text_style.lines, el.image_path, el.native_style)
 		}
 		.checkbox {
 			native_new_checkbox(el)
@@ -1203,7 +1203,7 @@ fn native_update_element(native NativeView, el Element, declared_text_changed bo
 		}
 		.scroll {
 			native_set_frame(native, element_rect(el.frame))
-			native_set_scroll_background(native, el.box.bg)
+			native_set_scroll_background(native, el.box)
 			native_set_scrollbar_mode(native, el.persistent_scrollbars)
 		}
 		.label {
@@ -1213,7 +1213,7 @@ fn native_update_element(native NativeView, el Element, declared_text_changed bo
 			native_update_image(native, element_rect(el.frame), el.image_path, el.rotation)
 		}
 		.button {
-			native_update_button(native, element_rect(el.frame), el.text, el.box.bg, el.text_style.color, el.text_style.size, el.text_style.bold, el.text_style.italic, el.text_style.underline, el.box.radius, el.text_style.lines, el.image_path, el.native_style)
+			native_update_button(native, element_rect(el.frame), el.text, el.box, el.text_style.color, el.text_style.size, el.text_style.bold, el.text_style.italic, el.text_style.underline, el.text_style.lines, el.image_path, el.native_style)
 		}
 		.checkbox {
 			native_update_checkbox(native, el)
@@ -1229,7 +1229,7 @@ fn native_update_element(native NativeView, el Element, declared_text_changed bo
 		}
 		.text_field {
 			native_update_text_field(native, element_rect(el.frame), el.placeholder, el.text,
-				el.box.bg, el.text_style.color, el.text_style.size, el.box.radius,
+				el.box, el.text_style.color, el.text_style.size,
 				declared_text_changed, el.readonly, el.enabled)
 		}
 		.text_area {
@@ -1687,9 +1687,9 @@ fn native_set_associated_object(obj NativeView, key voidptr, value NativeView) {
 	macos.set_associated_object(obj, key, value, macos.assoc_retain_nonatomic)
 }
 
-fn native_new_flipped_view(frame NativeRect, bg u32) NativeView {
+fn native_new_flipped_view(frame NativeRect, box BoxStyle) NativeView {
 	native := macos.msg_id_rect(macos.alloc('UI2FlippedView'), 'initWithFrame:', appkit_rect(frame))
-	native_set_background(native, bg)
+	native_set_box_background(native, box)
 	return native
 }
 
@@ -1701,12 +1701,11 @@ fn native_new_view(frame NativeRect, box BoxStyle, interactive bool) NativeView
 	return native
 }
 
-fn native_new_scroll(frame NativeRect, bg u32, persistent_scrollbars bool) NativeView {
+fn native_new_scroll(frame NativeRect, box BoxStyle, persistent_scrollbars bool) NativeView {
 	scroll_view := macos.msg_id_rect(macos.alloc('NSScrollView'), 'initWithFrame:', appkit_rect(frame))
 	macos.msg_void_bool(scroll_view, 'setHasVerticalScroller:', true)
 	native_set_scrollbar_mode(scroll_view, persistent_scrollbars)
-	macos.msg_void_bool(scroll_view, 'setDrawsBackground:', true)
-	native_set_scroll_background(scroll_view, bg)
+	native_set_scroll_background(scroll_view, box)
 	return scroll_view
 }
 
@@ -1720,9 +1719,12 @@ fn native_set_document_view(scroll NativeView, view NativeView) {
 	macos.msg_void1(scroll, 'setDocumentView:', view)
 }
 
-fn native_set_scroll_background(scroll NativeView, bg u32) {
-	macos.msg_void_bool(scroll, 'setDrawsBackground:', true)
-	macos.msg_void1(scroll, 'setBackgroundColor:', native_color(bg))
+fn native_set_scroll_background(scroll NativeView, box BoxStyle) {
+	draws_background := box_draws_fill(box)
+	macos.msg_void_bool(scroll, 'setDrawsBackground:', draws_background)
+	if draws_background {
+		macos.msg_void1(scroll, 'setBackgroundColor:', native_color(box.bg))
+	}
 }
 
 fn native_new_image(frame NativeRect, path string, rotation f64) NativeView {
@@ -1777,17 +1779,18 @@ fn native_update_label(label_view NativeView, frame NativeRect, text string, tex
 	macos.msg_void_bool(cell, 'setUsesSingleLineMode:', lines == 1)
 }
 
-fn native_new_button(frame NativeRect, title string, bg_hex u32, text_hex u32, size f64, bold bool, italic bool, underline bool, radius f64, lines int, image_name string, native_style bool) NativeView {
+fn native_new_button(frame NativeRect, title string, box BoxStyle, text_hex u32, size f64, bold bool, italic bool, underline bool, lines int, image_name string, native_style bool) NativeView {
 	button_view := macos.msg_id_rect(macos.alloc('NSButton'), 'initWithFrame:', appkit_rect(frame))
-	native_update_button(button_view, frame, title, bg_hex, text_hex, size, bold, italic, underline, radius, lines, image_name, native_style)
+	native_update_button(button_view, frame, title, box, text_hex, size, bold, italic, underline,
+		lines, image_name, native_style)
 	return button_view
 }
 
-fn native_update_button(button_view NativeView, frame NativeRect, title string, bg_hex u32, text_hex u32, size f64, bold bool, italic bool, underline bool, radius f64, lines int, image_name string, native_style bool) {
+fn native_update_button(button_view NativeView, frame NativeRect, title string, box BoxStyle, text_hex u32, size f64, bold bool, italic bool, underline bool, lines int, image_name string, native_style bool) {
 	native_set_frame(button_view, frame)
 	macos.msg_void1(button_view, 'setTitle:', macos.nsstring(title))
 	macos.msg_void_u64(button_view, 'setBezelStyle:', 1)
-	if native_style {
+	if native_style && box_draws_fill(box) {
 		macos.msg_void_i64(button_view, 'setButtonType:', ns_button_type_momentary_push_in)
 		macos.msg_void_bool(button_view, 'setBordered:', true)
 		macos.msg_void_bool(button_view, 'setWantsLayer:', false)
@@ -1796,8 +1799,8 @@ fn native_update_button(button_view NativeView, frame NativeRect, title string,
 		macos.msg_void_bool(button_view, 'setBordered:', false)
 		macos.msg_void1(button_view, 'setFont:', native_font(size, bold, italic))
 		native_control_set_attributed_title(button_view, title, text_hex, size, bold, italic, underline)
-		native_set_background(button_view, bg_hex)
-		native_set_corner_radius(button_view, radius)
+		native_set_box_background(button_view, box)
+		native_set_corner_radius(button_view, box.radius)
 	}
 	cell := macos.msg_id(button_view, 'cell')
 	macos.msg_void_i64(cell, 'setLineBreakMode:', 4)
@@ -1839,9 +1842,9 @@ fn native_update_switch_control(view NativeView, el Element) {
 }
 
 fn native_new_toggle_button(el Element) NativeView {
-	native := native_new_button(element_rect(el.frame), el.text, el.box.bg, el.text_style.color,
+	native := native_new_button(element_rect(el.frame), el.text, el.box, el.text_style.color,
 		el.text_style.size, el.text_style.bold, el.text_style.italic, el.text_style.underline,
-		el.box.radius, el.text_style.lines, el.image_path, el.native_style)
+		el.text_style.lines, el.image_path, el.native_style)
 	native_update_toggle_button(native, el)
 	return native
 }
@@ -1849,8 +1852,8 @@ fn native_new_toggle_button(el Element) NativeView {
 fn native_update_toggle_button(native NativeView, el Element) {
 	box := if el.checked { el.toggle_down_box } else { el.box }
 	style := if el.checked { el.toggle_down_text_style } else { el.text_style }
-	native_update_button(native, element_rect(el.frame), el.text, box.bg, style.color, style.size,
-		style.bold, style.italic, style.underline, box.radius, style.lines, el.image_path,
+	native_update_button(native, element_rect(el.frame), el.text, box, style.color, style.size,
+		style.bold, style.italic, style.underline, style.lines, el.image_path,
 		el.native_style)
 	macos.msg_void_i64(native, 'setButtonType:', ns_button_type_push_on_push_off)
 	macos.msg_void_i64(native, 'setState:', if el.checked { i64(1) } else { i64(0) })
@@ -1920,7 +1923,7 @@ fn native_update_dropdown(popup NativeView, el Element) {
 	}
 	native_select_dropdown_item(popup, el.text)
 	macos.msg_void1(popup, 'setFont:', native_font(el.text_style.size, el.text_style.bold, el.text_style.italic))
-	macos.msg_void_bool(popup, 'setBordered:', true)
+	macos.msg_void_bool(popup, 'setBordered:', box_draws_fill(el.box))
 	macos.msg_void_u64(popup, 'setBezelStyle:', 1)
 }
 
@@ -1928,12 +1931,12 @@ fn native_new_text_field(el Element) NativeView {
 	frame := element_rect(el.frame)
 	cls := if el.secure { 'NSSecureTextField' } else { 'NSTextField' }
 	field := macos.msg_id_rect(macos.alloc(cls), 'initWithFrame:', appkit_rect(frame))
-	native_update_text_field(field, frame, el.placeholder, el.text, el.box.bg, el.text_style.color,
-		el.text_style.size, el.box.radius, true, el.readonly, el.enabled)
+	native_update_text_field(field, frame, el.placeholder, el.text, el.box, el.text_style.color,
+		el.text_style.size, true, el.readonly, el.enabled)
 	return field
 }
 
-fn native_update_text_field(field NativeView, frame NativeRect, placeholder string, text string, bg_hex u32, text_hex u32, size f64, _radius f64, declared_text_changed bool, readonly bool, enabled bool) {
+fn native_update_text_field(field NativeView, frame NativeRect, placeholder string, text string, box BoxStyle, text_hex u32, size f64, declared_text_changed bool, readonly bool, enabled bool) {
 	native_set_frame(field, frame)
 	// Unrelated refreshes preserve native edits. A changed declaration remains
 	// controlled and is applied explicitly.
@@ -1946,8 +1949,11 @@ fn native_update_text_field(field NativeView, frame NativeRect, placeholder stri
 	macos.msg_void_bool(field, 'setBordered:', true)
 	macos.msg_void_bool(field, 'setBezeled:', true)
 	macos.msg_void_u64(field, 'setBezelStyle:', 1)
-	macos.msg_void_bool(field, 'setDrawsBackground:', true)
-	macos.msg_void1(field, 'setBackgroundColor:', native_color(bg_hex))
+	draws_background := box_draws_fill(box)
+	macos.msg_void_bool(field, 'setDrawsBackground:', draws_background)
+	if draws_background {
+		macos.msg_void1(field, 'setBackgroundColor:', native_color(box.bg))
+	}
 	macos.msg_void_bool(field, 'setEditable:', !readonly && enabled)
 	macos.msg_void_bool(field, 'setSelectable:', true)
 	macos.msg_void_bool(field, 'setEnabled:', enabled)
@@ -1964,6 +1970,7 @@ fn native_new_text_area(el Element) NativeView {
 	scroll_view := macos.msg_id_rect(macos.alloc('NSScrollView'), 'initWithFrame:', appkit_rect(frame))
 	macos.msg_void_bool(scroll_view, 'setHasVerticalScroller:', true)
 	macos.msg_void_bool(scroll_view, 'setAutohidesScrollers:', true)
+	native_set_scroll_background(scroll_view, el.box)
 	tv := native_new_text_view(macos.rect(0, 0, frame.width, frame.height), el)
 	macos.msg_void1(scroll_view, 'setDocumentView:', tv)
 	macos.release(tv)
@@ -1979,8 +1986,8 @@ fn native_new_text_view(frame macos.Rect, el Element) NativeView {
 	macos.msg_void_bool(tv, 'setVerticallyResizable:', true)
 	macos.msg_void_bool(tv, 'setHorizontallyResizable:', false)
 	macos.msg_void_u64(tv, 'setAutoresizingMask:', 2) // NSViewWidthSizable
-	macos.msg_void_bool(tv, 'setDrawsBackground:', !el.box.transparent)
-	if !el.box.transparent {
+	macos.msg_void_bool(tv, 'setDrawsBackground:', box_draws_fill(el.box))
+	if box_draws_fill(el.box) {
 		macos.msg_void1(tv, 'setBackgroundColor:', native_color(el.box.bg))
 	}
 	macos.msg_void1(tv, 'setTextColor:', native_color(el.text_style.color))
@@ -1999,6 +2006,7 @@ fn native_update_text_area(native NativeView, el Element, declared_text_changed
 	if !el.disable_scroll {
 		macos.msg_void_bool(native, 'setHasVerticalScroller:', true)
 		macos.msg_void_bool(native, 'setAutohidesScrollers:', true)
+		native_set_scroll_background(native, el.box)
 	}
 	tv := text_area_text_view(native, el.disable_scroll)
 	if native_is_nil(tv) {
@@ -2008,8 +2016,8 @@ fn native_update_text_area(native NativeView, el Element, declared_text_changed
 	macos.msg_void_bool(tv, 'setSelectable:', true)
 	macos.msg_void1(tv, 'setFont:', native_text_style_font(el.text_style))
 	macos.msg_void1(tv, 'setTextColor:', native_color(el.text_style.color))
-	macos.msg_void_bool(tv, 'setDrawsBackground:', !el.box.transparent)
-	if !el.box.transparent {
+	macos.msg_void_bool(tv, 'setDrawsBackground:', box_draws_fill(el.box))
+	if box_draws_fill(el.box) {
 		macos.msg_void1(tv, 'setBackgroundColor:', native_color(el.box.bg))
 	}
 	current := macos.utf8_string(macos.msg_id(tv, 'string'))
@@ -2133,7 +2141,7 @@ fn native_set_background(view NativeView, hex u32) {
 }
 
 fn native_set_box_background(view NativeView, box BoxStyle) {
-	if !box.transparent {
+	if box_draws_fill(box) {
 		native_set_background(view, box.bg)
 		return
 	}
@@ -2243,7 +2251,9 @@ fn ui2_app_did_finish_launching(_self voidptr, _cmd voidptr, _notification voidp
 	// The app delegate doubles as window delegate for windowDidResize:
 	macos.msg_void1(st.window, 'setDelegate:', st.app_delegate)
 	root_frame := native_rect(0, 0, f64(st.run_config.width), f64(st.run_config.height))
-	st.root_view = native_new_flipped_view(root_frame, 0xffffff)
+	st.root_view = native_new_flipped_view(root_frame, BoxStyle{
+		bg: 0xffffff
+	})
 	native_register_drop_types(st.root_view)
 	native_set_content_view(st.window, st.root_view)
 	macos.release(st.root_view)
diff --git a/appkit/ui_macos_test.v b/appkit/ui_macos_test.v
index ea345a6..cea826c 100644
--- a/appkit/ui_macos_test.v
+++ b/appkit/ui_macos_test.v
@@ -155,8 +155,10 @@ fn test_macos_native_style_button_keeps_appkit_bezel_and_press_state() {
 	defer {
 		macos.release(pool)
 	}
-	button_view := native_new_button(native_rect(0, 0, 96, 40), 'Count', 0x3478d4,
-		0xffffff, 15, true, false, false, 7, 1, '', true)
+	button_view := native_new_button(native_rect(0, 0, 96, 40), 'Count', BoxStyle{
+		bg: 0x3478d4
+		radius: 7
+	}, 0xffffff, 15, true, false, false, 1, '', true)
 	defer {
 		macos.release(button_view)
 	}
@@ -166,6 +168,55 @@ fn test_macos_native_style_button_keeps_appkit_bezel_and_press_state() {
 	assert !macos.msg_bool(button_view, 'wantsLayer')
 }
 
+fn test_macos_transparent_box_controls_disable_native_backgrounds() {
+	pool := macos.autorelease_pool_new()
+	defer {
+		macos.release(pool)
+	}
+	transparent_box := BoxStyle{
+		bg: 0xff00ff
+		transparent: true
+	}
+	button_view := native_new_button(native_rect(0, 0, 96, 40), 'Clear', BoxStyle{},
+		0xffffff, 15, false, false, false, 0, '', true)
+	scroll_view := native_new_scroll(native_rect(0, 0, 120, 80), BoxStyle{}, false)
+	toggle_view := native_new_toggle_button(toggle_button(
+		title: 'Clear toggle'
+		box: transparent_box
+		native_style: true
+	))
+	dropdown_view := native_new_dropdown(dropdown('clear-dropdown', 'One', ['One'], rect(0,
+		0, 120, 32), transparent_box, TextStyle{}))
+	field := native_new_text_field(text_field('clear-field', '', '', rect(0, 0, 120, 32),
+		transparent_box, TextStyle{}, keyboard_default))
+	text_area_view := native_new_text_area(text_area('clear-area', '', rect(0, 0, 120, 80),
+		transparent_box, TextStyle{}))
+	defer {
+		macos.release(button_view)
+		macos.release(scroll_view)
+		macos.release(toggle_view)
+		macos.release(dropdown_view)
+		macos.release(field)
+		macos.release(text_area_view)
+	}
+
+	native_update_button(button_view, native_rect(0, 0, 96, 40), 'Clear', transparent_box,
+		0xffffff, 15, false, false, false, 0, '', true)
+	native_set_scroll_background(scroll_view, transparent_box)
+
+	assert !macos.msg_bool(button_view, 'isBordered')
+	assert macos.msg_bool(button_view, 'wantsLayer')
+	layer := macos.msg_id(button_view, 'layer')
+	assert native_is_nil(macos.msg_id(layer, 'backgroundColor'))
+	assert !macos.msg_bool(scroll_view, 'drawsBackground')
+	assert !macos.msg_bool(toggle_view, 'isBordered')
+	assert !macos.msg_bool(dropdown_view, 'isBordered')
+	assert !macos.msg_bool(field, 'drawsBackground')
+	assert !macos.msg_bool(text_area_view, 'drawsBackground')
+	text_view := text_area_text_view(text_area_view, false)
+	assert !macos.msg_bool(text_view, 'drawsBackground')
+}
+
 fn test_macos_text_field_uses_native_bezel_without_layer_mask() {
 	pool := macos.autorelease_pool_new()
 	defer {
diff --git a/examples/custom_window/README.md b/examples/custom_window/README.md
index ffc7fa7..d9371f7 100644
--- a/examples/custom_window/README.md
+++ b/examples/custom_window/README.md
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ The header is an ordinary draggable ui2 `Rectangle`. Its pointer-down event is
 handed to `performWindowDragWithEvent:` or `WM_NCLBUTTONDOWN`, so the operating
 system still performs the move. The close button calls `ui2.quit()`. Everything
 else—including the separated rounded surfaces and the clear space between
-them—is declared in [`custom_window.qml`](custom_window.qml).
+them—is declared in [`custom_window.vml`](custom_window.vml).
 
 For a resizable custom frame, keep the same pattern and add narrow draggable
 ui2 regions at the edges, routing them to the platform's native resize action.
diff --git a/examples/custom_window/custom_window.qml b/examples/custom_window/custom_window.vml
similarity index 100%
rename from examples/custom_window/custom_window.qml
rename to examples/custom_window/custom_window.vml
diff --git a/examples/custom_window/custom_window_darwin.v b/examples/custom_window/custom_window_darwin.v
index 7c88865..4bf9977 100644
--- a/examples/custom_window/custom_window_darwin.v
+++ b/examples/custom_window/custom_window_darwin.v
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ fn macos_configure_custom_window() bool {
 	// small NSWindow subclass, so add the capability before dropping its frame.
 	window_class := macos.get_class('UI2Window')
 	if !macos_custom_window_is_nil(window_class) {
-		macos.add_method(window_class, 'canBecomeKey', voidptr(custom_window_can_become_key), 'B@:')
+		macos.add_method(window_class, 'canBecomeKeyWindow', voidptr(custom_window_can_become_key), 'B@:')
 		macos.add_method(window_class, 'canBecomeMainWindow', voidptr(custom_window_can_become_key), 'B@:')
 	}
 	macos.msg_void_u64(window, 'setStyleMask:', ns_window_style_borderless)
diff --git a/examples/custom_window/custom_window_test.v b/examples/custom_window/custom_window_test.v
index 0f4cc12..0ef1f93 100644
--- a/examples/custom_window/custom_window_test.v
+++ b/examples/custom_window/custom_window_test.v
@@ -28,12 +28,12 @@ fn test_custom_window_counter_never_becomes_negative() {
 	assert app.completed == 0
 }
 
-fn test_custom_window_qml_exposes_clear_space_and_custom_chrome() {
+fn test_custom_window_vml_exposes_clear_space_and_custom_chrome() {
 	app := CustomWindowDemo{
 		transparent_screen: true
 		screen_background: '#010203'
 	}
-	root := ui2.element_from_qml_model(custom_window_qml_source, app, ui2.rect(0, 0, custom_window_width, custom_window_height)) or { panic(err) }
+	root := ui2.element_from_vml_model(custom_window_vml_source, app, ui2.rect(0, 0, custom_window_width, custom_window_height)) or { panic(err) }
 	ui2.validate_element_tree(root) or { panic(err) }
 	assert root.box.transparent
 	drag := find_custom_window_element(root, 'window_drag') or { panic('missing drag surface') }
diff --git a/examples/custom_window/main.v b/examples/custom_window/main.v
index 8904ede..3449a8f 100644
--- a/examples/custom_window/main.v
+++ b/examples/custom_window/main.v
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import ui2
 
 const custom_window_width = 440
 const custom_window_height = 210
-const custom_window_qml_source = $embed_file('custom_window.qml').to_string()
+const custom_window_vml_source = $embed_file('custom_window.vml').to_string()
 
 @[heap]
 pub struct CustomWindowDemo {
@@ -68,8 +68,8 @@ fn custom_window_pointer(raw string) ?(string, string) {
 fn build_custom_window_screen() ui2.Element {
 	mut state := unsafe { custom_window_state }
 	state.prepare_window()
-	return ui2.element_from_qml_model(custom_window_qml_source, *state, ui2.bounds()) or {
-		eprintln('custom-window QML failed: ${err}')
+	return ui2.element_from_vml_model(custom_window_vml_source, *state, ui2.bounds()) or {
+		eprintln('custom-window VML failed: ${err}')
 		ui2.screen(0x0f172a, [])
 	}
 }
diff --git a/ui/ui.v b/ui/ui.v
index 35085fa..f5e6f65 100644
--- a/ui/ui.v
+++ b/ui/ui.v
@@ -119,6 +119,12 @@ pub:
 	border_bottom f64
 }
 
+// box_draws_fill is shared by native and custom renderers so every element
+// backed by BoxStyle gives transparent the same meaning.
+fn box_draws_fill(box BoxStyle) bool {
+	return !box.transparent
+}
+
 // box_border_width keeps a declared border inside its element. Border widths
 // are logical units, just like Rect and corner radii; each backend is
 // responsible for mapping those units to its native device scale.
diff --git a/ui/ui_test.v b/ui/ui_test.v
index f9ea233..c25e692 100644
--- a/ui/ui_test.v
+++ b/ui/ui_test.v
@@ -1,5 +1,13 @@
 module ui2
 
+fn test_transparent_box_does_not_draw_a_fill() {
+	assert box_draws_fill(BoxStyle{})
+	assert !box_draws_fill(BoxStyle{
+		bg: 0xff00ff
+		transparent: true
+	})
+}
+
 fn test_box_border_width_stays_inside_the_element() {
 	assert box_border_width(-1, 20) == 0
 	assert box_border_width(0, 20) == 0
diff --git a/uikit/ui_ios.v b/uikit/ui_ios.v
index a1620f2..265a459 100644
--- a/uikit/ui_ios.v
+++ b/uikit/ui_ios.v
@@ -306,8 +306,13 @@ fn font(size f64, bold bool) macos.Id {
 	return macos.msg_id_f64(macos.get_class('UIFont'), 'systemFontOfSize:', size)
 }
 
-fn set_background(view View, hex u32) {
-	macos.msg_void1(view, 'setBackgroundColor:', ios.color(hex))
+fn set_box_background(view View, box BoxStyle) {
+	color := if box_draws_fill(box) {
+		ios.color(box.bg)
+	} else {
+		macos.msg_id(macos.get_class('UIColor'), 'clearColor')
+	}
+	macos.msg_void1(view, 'setBackgroundColor:', color)
 }
 
 fn set_corner_radius(view View, radius f64) {
@@ -478,17 +483,17 @@ fn set_scroll_content_offset_y(scroll View, y f64) {
 	sender(voidptr(scroll), voidptr(macos.sel('setContentOffset:animated:')), offset, false)
 }
 
-fn new_native_view(frame Rect, bg_hex u32, radius f64) View {
+fn new_native_view(frame Rect, box BoxStyle) View {
 	view := macos.msg_id_rect(macos.alloc('UIView'), 'initWithFrame:', native_rect(frame))
-	set_background(view, bg_hex)
-	set_corner_radius(view, radius)
+	set_box_background(view, box)
+	set_corner_radius(view, box.radius)
 	return view
 }
 
-fn new_scroll_view(frame Rect, bg_hex u32, radius f64) View {
+fn new_scroll_view(frame Rect, box BoxStyle) View {
 	scroll := macos.msg_id_rect(macos.alloc('UIScrollView'), 'initWithFrame:', native_rect(frame))
-	set_background(scroll, bg_hex)
-	set_corner_radius(scroll, radius)
+	set_box_background(scroll, box)
+	set_corner_radius(scroll, box.radius)
 	macos.msg_void_bool(scroll, 'setAlwaysBounceVertical:', true)
 	macos.msg_void_i64(scroll, 'setKeyboardDismissMode:', 1)
 	macos.msg_void_i64(scroll, 'setContentInsetAdjustmentBehavior:', 2)
@@ -538,7 +543,7 @@ fn new_text_area_view(el Element) View {
 
 fn update_text_area_view(view View, el Element, declared_text_changed bool) {
 	macos.msg_void_rect(view, 'setFrame:', native_rect(el.frame))
-	set_background(view, el.box.bg)
+	set_box_background(view, el.box)
 	macos.msg_void1(view, 'setTextColor:', ios.color(el.text_style.color))
 	macos.msg_void1(view, 'setFont:', font(el.text_style.size, el.text_style.bold))
 	macos.msg_void_bool(view, 'setEditable:', !el.readonly && el.enabled)
@@ -551,7 +556,7 @@ fn update_text_area_view(view View, el Element, declared_text_changed bool) {
 }
 
 fn new_dropdown_view(el Element) View {
-	view := new_button_view(el.frame, el.text, el.box.bg, el.text_style.color, el.text_style.size, el.text_style.bold, el.box.radius, el.text_style.lines)
+	view := new_button_view(el.frame, el.text, el.box, el.text_style.color, el.text_style.size, el.text_style.bold, el.text_style.lines)
 	update_dropdown_view(view, el, true)
 	return view
 }
@@ -561,28 +566,28 @@ fn update_dropdown_view(view View, el Element, declared_text_changed bool) {
 	if declared_text_changed && macos.utf8_string(macos.msg_id(view, 'currentTitle')) != el.text {
 		macos.msg_void2(view, 'setTitle:forState:', macos.nsstring(el.text), macos.Id(usize(0)))
 	}
-	set_background(view, el.box.bg)
+	set_box_background(view, el.box)
 	set_corner_radius(view, el.box.radius)
 	native_configure_dropdown(view, el.menu)
 }
 
-fn new_button_view(frame Rect, title string, bg_hex u32, text_hex u32, size f64, bold bool, radius f64, lines int) View {
+fn new_button_view(frame Rect, title string, box BoxStyle, text_hex u32, size f64, bold bool, lines int) View {
 	btn := macos.msg_id_u64(macos.get_class('UIButton'), 'buttonWithType:', u64(0))
 	// buttonWithType: is autoreleased. Retain so all native_create_element
 	// results follow the same +1 ownership contract.
 	macos.msg_id(btn, 'retain')
-	update_button_view(btn, frame, title, bg_hex, text_hex, size, bold, radius, lines)
+	update_button_view(btn, frame, title, box, text_hex, size, bold, lines)
 	return btn
 }
 
-fn update_button_view(btn View, frame Rect, title string, bg_hex u32, text_hex u32, size f64, bold bool, radius f64, lines int) {
+fn update_button_view(btn View, frame Rect, title string, box BoxStyle, text_hex u32, size f64, bold bool, lines int) {
 	macos.msg_void_rect(btn, 'setFrame:', native_rect(frame))
 	macos.msg_void2(btn, 'setTitle:forState:', macos.nsstring(title), macos.Id(usize(0)))
 	macos.msg_void2(btn, 'setTitleColor:forState:', ios.color(text_hex), macos.Id(usize(0)))
-	set_background(btn, bg_hex)
+	set_box_background(btn, box)
 	title_label := macos.msg_id(btn, 'titleLabel')
 	macos.msg_void1(title_label, 'setFont:', font(size, bold))
-	set_corner_radius(btn, radius)
+	set_corner_radius(btn, box.radius)
 	macos.msg_void_i64(title_label, 'setNumberOfLines:', i64(lines))
 	macos.msg_void_i64(title_label, 'setTextAlignment:', 1)
 	macos.msg_void_i64(title_label, 'setLineBreakMode:', 4)
@@ -594,14 +599,13 @@ fn checkbox_title(el Element) string {
 }
 
 fn new_checkbox_view(el Element) View {
-	view := new_button_view(el.frame, checkbox_title(el), el.box.bg, el.text_style.color, el.text_style.size, el.text_style.bold, 0, el.text_style.lines)
+	view := new_button_view(el.frame, checkbox_title(el), el.box, el.text_style.color, el.text_style.size, el.text_style.bold, el.text_style.lines)
 	update_checkbox_view(view, el)
 	return view
 }
 
 fn update_checkbox_view(view View, el Element) {
-	update_button_view(view, el.frame, checkbox_title(el), el.box.bg, el.text_style.color, el.text_style.size, el.text_style.bold, 0, el.text_style.lines)
-	macos.msg_void1(view, 'setBackgroundColor:', macos.msg_id(macos.get_class('UIColor'), 'clearColor'))
+	update_button_view(view, el.frame, checkbox_title(el), el.box, el.text_style.color, el.text_style.size, el.text_style.bold, el.text_style.lines)
 	macos.msg_void_i64(view, 'setContentHorizontalAlignment:', 1)
 }
 
@@ -620,7 +624,7 @@ fn update_switch_control_view(view View, el Element) {
 }
 
 fn new_toggle_button_view(el Element) View {
-	view := new_button_view(el.frame, el.text, el.box.bg, el.text_style.color, el.text_style.size, el.text_style.bold, el.box.radius, el.text_style.lines)
+	view := new_button_view(el.frame, el.text, el.box, el.text_style.color, el.text_style.size, el.text_style.bold, el.text_style.lines)
 	update_toggle_button_view(view, el)
 	return view
 }
@@ -628,7 +632,7 @@ fn new_toggle_button_view(el Element) View {
 fn update_toggle_button_view(view View, el Element) {
 	box := if el.checked { el.toggle_down_box } else { el.box }
 	style := if el.checked { el.toggle_down_text_style } else { el.text_style }
-	update_button_view(view, el.frame, el.text, box.bg, style.color, style.size, style.bold, box.radius, style.lines)
+	update_button_view(view, el.frame, el.text, box, style.color, style.size, style.bold, style.lines)
 	macos.msg_void_bool(view, 'setSelected:', el.checked)
 }
 
@@ -689,15 +693,15 @@ fn native_snap_slider_value(view View, spec SliderSpec) f64 {
 	return value
 }
 
-fn new_text_field_view(frame Rect, placeholder string, t string, bg_hex u32, text_hex u32, size f64, radius f64, keyboard int, secure bool) View {
+fn new_text_field_view(frame Rect, placeholder string, t string, box BoxStyle, text_hex u32, size f64, keyboard int, secure bool) View {
 	field := macos.msg_id_rect(macos.alloc('UITextField'), 'initWithFrame:', native_rect(frame))
-	update_text_field_view(field, frame, placeholder, t, bg_hex, text_hex, size, radius, keyboard, secure, true, true, 12, false, true)
+	update_text_field_view(field, frame, placeholder, t, box, text_hex, size, keyboard, secure, true, true, 12, false, true)
 	return field
 }
 
-fn update_text_field_view(field View, frame Rect, placeholder string, t string, bg_hex u32, text_hex u32, size f64, radius f64, keyboard int, secure bool, autocorrect bool, declared_text_changed bool, padding_left f64, readonly bool, enabled bool) {
+fn update_text_field_view(field View, frame Rect, placeholder string, t string, box BoxStyle, text_hex u32, size f64, keyboard int, secure bool, autocorrect bool, declared_text_changed bool, padding_left f64, readonly bool, enabled bool) {
 	macos.msg_void_rect(field, 'setFrame:', native_rect(frame))
-	set_background(field, bg_hex)
+	set_box_background(field, box)
 	macos.msg_void1(field, 'setTextColor:', ios.color(text_hex))
 	macos.msg_void1(field, 'setFont:', font(size, false))
 	macos.msg_void1(field, 'setPlaceholder:', macos.nsstring(placeholder))
@@ -711,7 +715,7 @@ fn update_text_field_view(field View, frame Rect, placeholder string, t string,
 	macos.msg_void_i64(field, 'setAutocorrectionType:', if autocorrect { i64(0) } else { i64(1) })
 	macos.msg_void_bool(field, 'setEnabled:', enabled && !readonly)
 	macos.msg_void_i64(field, 'setClearButtonMode:', 1)
-	set_corner_radius(field, radius)
+	set_corner_radius(field, box.radius)
 	mut pad := macos.msg_id(field, 'leftView')
 	if pad == unsafe { nil } {
 		pad = macos.msg_id_rect(macos.alloc('UIView'), 'initWithFrame:', macos.rect(0, 0, padding_left, frame.height))
@@ -821,7 +825,7 @@ fn render_root(declared Element) {
 	g_toggle_ids = map[u64]string{}
 	g_toggle_views = map[u64]View{}
 	g_scroll_ids = map[string]bool{}
-	set_background(g_root_view, root.box.bg)
+	set_box_background(g_root_view, root.box)
 	mut active := map[string]bool{}
 	render_children(g_root_view, root.children, '', mut active)
 	remove_stale_nodes(active)
@@ -869,22 +873,22 @@ fn render_children(parent View, children []Element, parent_key string, mut activ
 fn native_create_element(el Element) View {
 	return match el.kind {
 		.screen { View(unsafe { nil }) }
-		.view { new_native_view(el.frame, el.box.bg, el.box.radius) }
-		.scroll { new_scroll_view(el.frame, el.box.bg, el.box.radius) }
+		.view { new_native_view(el.frame, el.box) }
+		.scroll { new_scroll_view(el.frame, el.box) }
 		.label {
 			new_label_view(el.frame, el.text, el.text_style.color, el.text_style.size, el.text_style.bold, align_value(el.text_style.align), el.text_style.lines)
 		}
 		.image { new_image_view(el.frame, el.image_path, el.rotation) }
 		.button {
-			new_button_view(el.frame, el.text, el.box.bg, el.text_style.color, el.text_style.size, el.text_style.bold, el.box.radius, el.text_style.lines)
+			new_button_view(el.frame, el.text, el.box, el.text_style.color, el.text_style.size, el.text_style.bold, el.text_style.lines)
 		}
 		.checkbox { new_checkbox_view(el) }
 		.switch_control { new_switch_control_view(el) }
 		.toggle_button { new_toggle_button_view(el) }
 		.dropdown { new_dropdown_view(el) }
 		.text_field {
-			field := new_text_field_view(el.frame, el.placeholder, el.text, el.box.bg, el.text_style.color, el.text_style.size, el.box.radius, el.keyboard, el.secure)
-			update_text_field_view(field, el.frame, el.placeholder, el.text, el.box.bg, el.text_style.color, el.text_style.size, el.box.radius, el.keyboard, el.secure, el.autocorrect, true, el.padding_left, el.readonly, el.enabled)
+			field := new_text_field_view(el.frame, el.placeholder, el.text, el.box, el.text_style.color, el.text_style.size, el.keyboard, el.secure)
+			update_text_field_view(field, el.frame, el.placeholder, el.text, el.box, el.text_style.color, el.text_style.size, el.keyboard, el.secure, el.autocorrect, true, el.padding_left, el.readonly, el.enabled)
 			field
 		}
 		.text_area { new_text_area_view(el) }
@@ -897,12 +901,12 @@ fn native_update_element(native View, el Element, declared_text_changed bool) {
 		.screen {}
 		.view {
 			macos.msg_void_rect(native, 'setFrame:', native_rect(el.frame))
-			set_background(native, el.box.bg)
+			set_box_background(native, el.box)
 			set_corner_radius(native, el.box.radius)
 		}
 		.scroll {
 			macos.msg_void_rect(native, 'setFrame:', native_rect(el.frame))
-			set_background(native, el.box.bg)
+			set_box_background(native, el.box)
 			set_corner_radius(native, el.box.radius)
 		}
 		.label {
@@ -910,14 +914,14 @@ fn native_update_element(native View, el Element, declared_text_changed bool) {
 		}
 		.image { update_image_view(native, el.frame, el.image_path, el.rotation) }
 		.button {
-			update_button_view(native, el.frame, el.text, el.box.bg, el.text_style.color, el.text_style.size, el.text_style.bold, el.box.radius, el.text_style.lines)
+			update_button_view(native, el.frame, el.text, el.box, el.text_style.color, el.text_style.size, el.text_style.bold, el.text_style.lines)
 		}
 		.checkbox { update_checkbox_view(native, el) }
 		.switch_control { update_switch_control_view(native, el) }
 		.toggle_button { update_toggle_button_view(native, el) }
 		.dropdown { update_dropdown_view(native, el, declared_text_changed) }
 		.text_field {
-			update_text_field_view(native, el.frame, el.placeholder, el.text, el.box.bg, el.text_style.color, el.text_style.size, el.box.radius, el.keyboard, el.secure, el.autocorrect, declared_text_changed, el.padding_left, el.readonly, el.enabled)
+			update_text_field_view(native, el.frame, el.placeholder, el.text, el.box, el.text_style.color, el.text_style.size, el.keyboard, el.secure, el.autocorrect, declared_text_changed, el.padding_left, el.readonly, el.enabled)
 		}
 		.text_area { update_text_area_view(native, el, declared_text_changed) }
 		.slider { update_slider_view(native, el) }
@@ -1045,7 +1049,7 @@ fn register_native_handlers(native View, el Element) {
 fn render_element(parent View, el Element, key string, mut active map[string]bool) View {
 	active[key] = true
 	if el.kind == .screen {
-		set_background(parent, el.box.bg)
+		set_box_background(parent, el.box)
 		render_children(parent, el.children, key, mut active)
 		return parent
 	}
diff --git a/windows/native_helpers_windows.h b/windows/native_helpers_windows.h
index d53196c..38dc61f 100644
--- a/windows/native_helpers_windows.h
+++ b/windows/native_helpers_windows.h
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@
 
 #define UI2_WM_REFRESH (WM_APP + 77)
 #define UI2_WM_TRAY (WM_APP + 78)
+#define UI2_WM_PAINT_BACKGROUND (WM_APP + 79)
 
 enum {
 	UI2_WIN_VIEW = 1,
@@ -53,6 +54,8 @@ extern int ui2_windows_context_menu(void *hwnd, int screen_x, int screen_y);
 extern int ui2_windows_cursor(void *hwnd);
 extern void ui2_windows_control_pointer(void *hwnd, unsigned int message, int x, int y);
 extern void ui2_windows_control_border(void *hwnd);
+extern int ui2_windows_is_transparent_button(void *hwnd);
+extern int ui2_windows_paint_transparent_button(void *hwnd);
 
 static inline void ui2_win_refresh_text_font(HWND hwnd);
 
@@ -142,7 +145,11 @@ static LRESULT CALLBACK ui2_win_control_subclass(HWND hwnd, UINT message, WPARAM
 		ui2_windows_control_pointer(hwnd, message, GET_X_LPARAM(lparam), GET_Y_LPARAM(lparam));
 		if (!IsWindow(hwnd)) return 0;
 	}
+	if (message == WM_ERASEBKGND && ui2_windows_is_transparent_button(hwnd)) {
+		return 1;
+	}
 	if (message == WM_PAINT) {
+		if (ui2_windows_paint_transparent_button(hwnd)) return 0;
 		LRESULT result = DefSubclassProc(hwnd, message, wparam, lparam);
 		ui2_win_draw_placeholder(hwnd);
 		ui2_windows_control_border(hwnd);
@@ -1010,6 +1017,79 @@ static inline void ui2_win_paint_control_border(void *hwnd_ptr, unsigned int col
 	ReleaseDC(hwnd, dc);
 }
 
+static inline void ui2_win_fill_background(HDC dc, const RECT *rect,
+		unsigned int background, double radius) {
+	HBRUSH brush = CreateSolidBrush(ui2_win_color(background));
+	if (brush == NULL) return;
+	if (radius > 0.5) {
+		HPEN pen = CreatePen(PS_NULL, 0, ui2_win_color(background));
+		HGDIOBJ old_brush = SelectObject(dc, brush);
+		HGDIOBJ old_pen = SelectObject(dc, pen);
+		int diameter = (int)(radius * 2.0 + 0.5);
+		RoundRect(dc, rect->left, rect->top, rect->right, rect->bottom, diameter, diameter);
+		SelectObject(dc, old_pen);
+		SelectObject(dc, old_brush);
+		DeleteObject(pen);
+	} else {
+		FillRect(dc, rect, brush);
+	}
+	DeleteObject(brush);
+}
+
+static inline void ui2_win_paint_parent_background(HWND hwnd, HDC dc) {
+	HWND parent = GetParent(hwnd);
+	if (parent == NULL) return;
+	POINT parent_origin = {0, 0};
+	MapWindowPoints(parent, hwnd, &parent_origin, 1);
+	int saved = SaveDC(dc);
+	OffsetViewportOrgEx(dc, parent_origin.x, parent_origin.y, NULL);
+	SendMessageW(parent, UI2_WM_PAINT_BACKGROUND, (WPARAM)dc, 0);
+	if (saved != 0) {
+		RestoreDC(dc, saved);
+	} else {
+		OffsetViewportOrgEx(dc, -parent_origin.x, -parent_origin.y, NULL);
+	}
+}
+
+static inline void ui2_win_paint_background_into(void *hwnd_ptr, void *dc_ptr,
+		unsigned int background, double radius, int transparent,
+		unsigned int border_color, double border_left, double border_top,
+		double border_right, double border_bottom) {
+	HWND hwnd = (HWND)hwnd_ptr;
+	HDC dc = (HDC)dc_ptr;
+	if (hwnd == NULL || dc == NULL) return;
+
+	// UI2Container parents paint with WS_CLIPCHILDREN, so a child cannot leave
+	// clear pixels untouched. Rebuild the ancestor backdrop in this DC first;
+	// this preserves both color-key pixels and rounded ancestor boundaries.
+	HWND parent = GetParent(hwnd);
+	ui2_win_paint_parent_background(hwnd, dc);
+
+	RECT rect;
+	GetClientRect(hwnd, &rect);
+	if (parent == NULL && transparent) {
+		// A top-level window has no native surface to inherit from. Its declared
+		// background is the deterministic clear color (and may be a color key).
+		ui2_win_fill_background(dc, &rect, background, 0.0);
+	}
+	if (!transparent) {
+		ui2_win_fill_background(dc, &rect, background, radius);
+	}
+	HRGN clip = NULL;
+	if (radius > 0.5) {
+		int diameter = (int)(radius * 2.0 + 0.5);
+		clip = CreateRoundRectRgn(rect.left, rect.top, rect.right + 1, rect.bottom + 1,
+			diameter, diameter);
+		if (clip != NULL) SelectClipRgn(dc, clip);
+	}
+	ui2_win_draw_borders(dc, &rect, border_color, border_left, border_top,
+		border_right, border_bottom);
+	if (clip != NULL) {
+		SelectClipRgn(dc, NULL);
+		DeleteObject(clip);
+	}
+}
+
 static inline void ui2_win_paint_background(void *hwnd_ptr, unsigned int background,
 		double radius, int transparent, unsigned int border_color, double border_left,
 		double border_top, double border_right, double border_bottom) {
@@ -1017,29 +1097,29 @@ static inline void ui2_win_paint_background(void *hwnd_ptr, unsigned int backgro
 	PAINTSTRUCT paint;
 	HDC dc = BeginPaint(hwnd, &paint);
 	if (dc != NULL) {
+		ui2_win_paint_background_into(hwnd, dc, background, radius, transparent,
+			border_color, border_left, border_top, border_right, border_bottom);
+	}
+	EndPaint(hwnd, &paint);
+}
+
+static inline void ui2_win_paint_transparent_button(void *hwnd_ptr,
+		unsigned int foreground, double radius, unsigned int border_color,
+		double border_left, double border_top, double border_right,
+		double border_bottom) {
+	HWND hwnd = (HWND)hwnd_ptr;
+	if (hwnd == NULL) return;
+	PAINTSTRUCT paint;
+	HDC dc = BeginPaint(hwnd, &paint);
+	if (dc != NULL) {
+		ui2_win_paint_parent_background(hwnd, dc);
 		RECT rect;
 		GetClientRect(hwnd, &rect);
-		if (!transparent) {
-			HBRUSH brush = CreateSolidBrush(ui2_win_color(background));
-			if (radius > 0.5) {
-				HPEN pen = CreatePen(PS_NULL, 0, ui2_win_color(background));
-				HGDIOBJ old_brush = SelectObject(dc, brush);
-				HGDIOBJ old_pen = SelectObject(dc, pen);
-				int diameter = (int)(radius * 2.0 + 0.5);
-				RoundRect(dc, rect.left, rect.top, rect.right, rect.bottom, diameter, diameter);
-				SelectObject(dc, old_pen);
-				SelectObject(dc, old_brush);
-				DeleteObject(pen);
-			} else {
-				FillRect(dc, &rect, brush);
-			}
-			DeleteObject(brush);
-		}
 		HRGN clip = NULL;
 		if (radius > 0.5) {
 			int diameter = (int)(radius * 2.0 + 0.5);
-			clip = CreateRoundRectRgn(rect.left, rect.top, rect.right + 1, rect.bottom + 1,
-				diameter, diameter);
+			clip = CreateRoundRectRgn(rect.left, rect.top, rect.right + 1,
+				rect.bottom + 1, diameter, diameter);
 			if (clip != NULL) SelectClipRgn(dc, clip);
 		}
 		ui2_win_draw_borders(dc, &rect, border_color, border_left, border_top,
@@ -1048,6 +1128,33 @@ static inline void ui2_win_paint_background(void *hwnd_ptr, unsigned int backgro
 			SelectClipRgn(dc, NULL);
 			DeleteObject(clip);
 		}
+
+		int length = GetWindowTextLengthW(hwnd);
+		wchar_t *text = (wchar_t *)HeapAlloc(GetProcessHeap(), HEAP_ZERO_MEMORY,
+			(size_t)(length + 1) * sizeof(wchar_t));
+		if (text != NULL) {
+			GetWindowTextW(hwnd, text, length + 1);
+			HFONT font = (HFONT)SendMessageW(hwnd, WM_GETFONT, 0, 0);
+			HGDIOBJ old_font = font == NULL ? NULL : SelectObject(dc, font);
+			int old_mode = SetBkMode(dc, TRANSPARENT);
+			COLORREF old_color = SetTextColor(dc, IsWindowEnabled(hwnd)
+				? ui2_win_color(foreground) : GetSysColor(COLOR_GRAYTEXT));
+			RECT text_rect = rect;
+			if ((SendMessageW(hwnd, BM_GETSTATE, 0, 0) & BST_PUSHED) != 0) {
+				OffsetRect(&text_rect, 1, 1);
+			}
+			DrawTextW(dc, text, length, &text_rect, DT_CENTER | DT_VCENTER
+				| DT_SINGLELINE | DT_END_ELLIPSIS | DT_NOPREFIX);
+			SetTextColor(dc, old_color);
+			SetBkMode(dc, old_mode);
+			if (old_font != NULL) SelectObject(dc, old_font);
+			HeapFree(GetProcessHeap(), 0, text);
+		}
+		if (GetFocus() == hwnd) {
+			RECT focus = rect;
+			InflateRect(&focus, -3, -3);
+			DrawFocusRect(dc, &focus);
+		}
 	}
 	EndPaint(hwnd, &paint);
 }
diff --git a/windows/ui_windows.v b/windows/ui_windows.v
index 9b3c0bc..57df163 100644
--- a/windows/ui_windows.v
+++ b/windows/ui_windows.v
@@ -118,6 +118,10 @@ fn C.ui2_win_apply_control_colors(dc voidptr, foreground u32, background u32, tr
 
 fn C.ui2_win_paint_background(hwnd voidptr, background u32, radius f64, transparent int, border_color u32, border_left f64, border_top f64, border_right f64, border_bottom f64)
 
+fn C.ui2_win_paint_background_into(hwnd voidptr, dc voidptr, background u32, radius f64, transparent int, border_color u32, border_left f64, border_top f64, border_right f64, border_bottom f64)
+
+fn C.ui2_win_paint_transparent_button(hwnd voidptr, foreground u32, radius f64, border_color u32, border_left f64, border_top f64, border_right f64, border_bottom f64)
+
 fn C.ui2_win_paint_control_border(hwnd voidptr, color u32, radius f64, left f64, top f64, right f64, bottom f64)
 
 fn C.ui2_win_invalidate(hwnd voidptr)
@@ -183,6 +187,7 @@ const win_wm_lbutton_up = u32(0x0202)
 const win_wm_mouse_wheel = u32(0x020a)
 const win_wm_dropfiles = u32(0x0233)
 const win_wm_refresh = u32(0x8000 + 77)
+const win_wm_paint_background = u32(0x8000 + 79)
 
 const win_bn_clicked = 0
 const win_cbn_selchange = 1
@@ -308,6 +313,10 @@ fn windows_bool(value bool) int {
 	return if value { 1 } else { 0 }
 }
 
+fn windows_uses_transparent_button_paint(kind Kind, box BoxStyle) bool {
+	return box.transparent && kind in [.button, .toggle_button]
+}
+
 fn windows_align(align Align) int {
 	return match align {
 		.left { 0 }
@@ -1367,6 +1376,18 @@ fn ui2_windows_window_proc(hwnd voidptr, message u32, wparam usize, lparam isize
 				.checkbox,
 			]), brush)
 		}
+		win_wm_paint_background {
+			box := if hwnd == st.root {
+				st.node_boxes[''] or { BoxStyle{} }
+			} else {
+				key := st.handle_keys[windows_handle_id(hwnd)] or { return 0 }
+				st.node_boxes[key] or { return 0 }
+			}
+			C.ui2_win_paint_background_into(hwnd, voidptr(wparam), box.bg, box.radius,
+				windows_bool(box.transparent), box.border_color, box.border_left,
+				box.border_top, box.border_right, box.border_bottom)
+			return 0
+		}
 		win_wm_paint {
 			if hwnd == st.root {
 				box := st.node_boxes[''] or { BoxStyle{} }
@@ -1468,6 +1489,30 @@ fn ui2_windows_control_border(hwnd voidptr) {
 		box.border_top, box.border_right, box.border_bottom)
 }
 
+@[export: 'ui2_windows_paint_transparent_button']
+fn ui2_windows_paint_transparent_button(hwnd voidptr) int {
+	st := windows_state()
+	key := st.handle_keys[windows_handle_id(hwnd)] or { return 0 }
+	kind := st.node_kinds[key] or { return 0 }
+	box := st.node_boxes[key] or { return 0 }
+	if !windows_uses_transparent_button_paint(kind, box) {
+		return 0
+	}
+	style := st.node_text_styles[key] or { TextStyle{} }
+	C.ui2_win_paint_transparent_button(hwnd, style.color, box.radius, box.border_color,
+		box.border_left, box.border_top, box.border_right, box.border_bottom)
+	return 1
+}
+
+@[export: 'ui2_windows_is_transparent_button']
+fn ui2_windows_is_transparent_button(hwnd voidptr) int {
+	st := windows_state()
+	key := st.handle_keys[windows_handle_id(hwnd)] or { return 0 }
+	kind := st.node_kinds[key] or { return 0 }
+	box := st.node_boxes[key] or { return 0 }
+	return windows_bool(windows_uses_transparent_button_paint(kind, box))
+}
+
 @[export: 'ui2_windows_edit_submit']
 fn ui2_windows_edit_submit(hwnd voidptr) int {
 	st := windows_state()
diff --git a/windows/ui_windows_test.v b/windows/ui_windows_test.v
index 9e73de7..5dd7c41 100644
--- a/windows/ui_windows_test.v
+++ b/windows/ui_windows_test.v
@@ -69,6 +69,16 @@ $if !ui2_custom_rendering ? {
 		assert windows_content_height(children) == 115
 	}
 
+	fn test_windows_transparent_push_buttons_use_custom_painting() {
+		transparent := BoxStyle{
+			transparent: true
+		}
+		assert windows_uses_transparent_button_paint(.button, transparent)
+		assert windows_uses_transparent_button_paint(.toggle_button, transparent)
+		assert !windows_uses_transparent_button_paint(.button, BoxStyle{})
+		assert !windows_uses_transparent_button_paint(.checkbox, transparent)
+	}
+
 	fn windows_test_font_family(font voidptr) string {
 		mut buffer := []u16{len: 32}
 		C.ui2_win_font_family(font, unsafe { &buffer[0] }, buffer.len)