diff --git a/src/ant/ant/antPlugin.cc b/src/ant/ant/antPlugin.cc
index 6aa3af2a1..eebe762f5 100644
--- a/src/ant/ant/antPlugin.cc
+++ b/src/ant/ant/antPlugin.cc
@@ -218,8 +218,8 @@ PluginDeclaration::update_current_template ()
 
     std::vector<std::string> menu_entries = mp->menu ()->group ("ruler_mode_group");
     for (std::vector<std::string>::const_iterator m = menu_entries.begin (); m != menu_entries.end (); ++m) {
-      lay::Action action = mp->menu ()->action (*m);
-      action.set_title (m_templates [m_current_template].title ());
+      lay::Action *action = mp->menu ()->action (*m);
+      action->set_title (m_templates [m_current_template].title ());
     }
     
     if (m_templates.size () > 1) {
@@ -251,8 +251,8 @@ PluginDeclaration::update_menu ()
   if (m_current_template >= 0 && m_current_template < int (m_templates.size ())) {
     std::vector<std::string> menu_entries = mp->menu ()->group ("ruler_mode_group");
     for (std::vector<std::string>::const_iterator m = menu_entries.begin (); m != menu_entries.end (); ++m) {
-      lay::Action action = mp->menu ()->action (*m);
-      action.set_title (m_templates [m_current_template].title ());
+      lay::Action *action = mp->menu ()->action (*m);
+      action->set_title (m_templates [m_current_template].title ());
     }
   }
   
@@ -269,12 +269,12 @@ PluginDeclaration::update_menu ()
   if (m_templates.size () > 1) {
     int it = 0;
     for (std::vector<Template>::const_iterator tt = m_templates.begin (); tt != m_templates.end (); ++tt, ++it) {
-      lay::ConfigureAction *action = mp->create_config_action (tt->title (), cfg_current_ruler_template, tl::to_string (it));
+      lay::ConfigureAction *action = new lay::ConfigureAction (tt->title (), cfg_current_ruler_template, tl::to_string (it));
       m_actions.push_back (action);
       action->set_checkable (true);
       action->set_checked (it == m_current_template);
       for (std::vector<std::string>::const_iterator t = tmpl_group.begin (); t != tmpl_group.end (); ++t) {
-        mp->menu ()->insert_item (*t + ".end", "ruler_template_" + tl::to_string (it), *action);
+        mp->menu ()->insert_item (*t + ".end", "ruler_template_" + tl::to_string (it), action);
       }
     }
   }
diff --git a/src/edt/edt/edtPlugin.cc b/src/edt/edt/edtPlugin.cc
index 8b5db7967..53e7f2753 100644
--- a/src/edt/edt/edtPlugin.cc
+++ b/src/edt/edt/edtPlugin.cc
@@ -297,13 +297,11 @@ public:
     }
 
     //  add entries to the combine mode dialog
-    lay::Action combine_menu = mp->menu ()->action ("@toolbar.combine_mode");
-
-    mp->menu ()->insert_item ("@toolbar.combine_mode.end", "combine_mode_add",   *mp->create_config_action (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Add<:/cm_add.png>{Add shapes}")),   cfg_edit_combine_mode, CMConverter ().to_string (CM_Add)));
-    mp->menu ()->insert_item ("@toolbar.combine_mode.end", "combine_mode_merge", *mp->create_config_action (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Merge<:/cm_merge.png>{Merge shapes with background}")), cfg_edit_combine_mode, CMConverter ().to_string (CM_Merge)));
-    mp->menu ()->insert_item ("@toolbar.combine_mode.end", "combine_mode_erase", *mp->create_config_action (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Erase<:/cm_erase.png>{Erase shape from background}")), cfg_edit_combine_mode, CMConverter ().to_string (CM_Erase)));
-    mp->menu ()->insert_item ("@toolbar.combine_mode.end", "combine_mode_mask",  *mp->create_config_action (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Mask<:/cm_mask.png>{Mask background with shape}")),  cfg_edit_combine_mode, CMConverter ().to_string (CM_Mask)));
-    mp->menu ()->insert_item ("@toolbar.combine_mode.end", "combine_mode_diff",  *mp->create_config_action (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Diff<:/cm_diff.png>{Compute difference of shape with background}")),  cfg_edit_combine_mode, CMConverter ().to_string (CM_Diff)));
+    mp->menu ()->insert_item ("@toolbar.combine_mode.end", "combine_mode_add",   new lay::ConfigureAction (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Add<:/cm_add.png>{Add shapes}")),   cfg_edit_combine_mode, CMConverter ().to_string (CM_Add)));
+    mp->menu ()->insert_item ("@toolbar.combine_mode.end", "combine_mode_merge", new lay::ConfigureAction (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Merge<:/cm_merge.png>{Merge shapes with background}")), cfg_edit_combine_mode, CMConverter ().to_string (CM_Merge)));
+    mp->menu ()->insert_item ("@toolbar.combine_mode.end", "combine_mode_erase", new lay::ConfigureAction (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Erase<:/cm_erase.png>{Erase shape from background}")), cfg_edit_combine_mode, CMConverter ().to_string (CM_Erase)));
+    mp->menu ()->insert_item ("@toolbar.combine_mode.end", "combine_mode_mask",  new lay::ConfigureAction (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Mask<:/cm_mask.png>{Mask background with shape}")),  cfg_edit_combine_mode, CMConverter ().to_string (CM_Mask)));
+    mp->menu ()->insert_item ("@toolbar.combine_mode.end", "combine_mode_diff",  new lay::ConfigureAction (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Diff<:/cm_diff.png>{Compute difference of shape with background}")),  cfg_edit_combine_mode, CMConverter ().to_string (CM_Diff)));
 
     update_menu (CM_Add);
   }
@@ -315,23 +313,23 @@ public:
       return;
     }
 
-    lay::Action combine_menu = mp->menu ()->action ("@toolbar.combine_mode");
+    lay::Action *combine_menu = mp->menu ()->action ("@toolbar.combine_mode");
 
     if (cm == CM_Add) {
-      combine_menu.set_title (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Add")));
-      combine_menu.set_icon (":/cm_add.png");
+      combine_menu->set_title (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Add")));
+      combine_menu->set_icon (":/cm_add.png");
     } else if (cm == CM_Merge) {
-      combine_menu.set_title (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Merge")));
-      combine_menu.set_icon (":/cm_merge.png");
+      combine_menu->set_title (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Merge")));
+      combine_menu->set_icon (":/cm_merge.png");
     } else if (cm == CM_Erase) {
-      combine_menu.set_title (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Erase")));
-      combine_menu.set_icon (":/cm_erase.png");
+      combine_menu->set_title (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Erase")));
+      combine_menu->set_icon (":/cm_erase.png");
     } else if (cm == CM_Mask) {
-      combine_menu.set_title (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Mask")));
-      combine_menu.set_icon (":/cm_mask.png");
+      combine_menu->set_title (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Mask")));
+      combine_menu->set_icon (":/cm_mask.png");
     } else if (cm == CM_Diff) {
-      combine_menu.set_title (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Diff")));
-      combine_menu.set_icon (":/cm_diff.png");
+      combine_menu->set_title (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Diff")));
+      combine_menu->set_icon (":/cm_diff.png");
     }
   }
 
@@ -378,13 +376,13 @@ public:
       return;
     }
 
-    lay::Action combine_menu = mp->menu ()->action ("@toolbar.combine_mode");
+    lay::Action *combine_menu = mp->menu ()->action ("@toolbar.combine_mode");
 
     //  Do some more initialization here.
 
     combine_mode_type cm = CM_Add;
     root->config_get (cfg_edit_combine_mode, cm, CMConverter ());
-    if (cm != CM_Add && combine_menu.is_visible ()) {
+    if (cm != CM_Add && combine_menu->is_visible ()) {
       lay::TipDialog td (QApplication::activeWindow (), 
                     tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("The background combination mode of the shape editor is set to some other mode than 'Add'.\n"
                                                 "This can be confusing, because a shape may not be drawn as expected.\n\nTo switch back to normal mode, choose 'Add' for the background combination mode in the toolbar.")), 
diff --git a/src/lay/lay/layMacroController.cc b/src/lay/lay/layMacroController.cc
index adda83d33..068fff052 100644
--- a/src/lay/lay/layMacroController.cc
+++ b/src/lay/lay/layMacroController.cc
@@ -666,6 +666,40 @@ static std::string menu_name (std::set<std::string> &used_names, const std::stri
   return name;
 }
 
+namespace {
+
+class RunMacroAction
+  : public lay::Action
+{
+public:
+  RunMacroAction (lym::Macro *lym)
+    : lay::Action (), mp_lym (lym)
+  {
+    if (lym->description ().empty ()) {
+      set_title (lym->path ());
+    } else {
+      set_title (lym->description ());
+    }
+  }
+
+  void triggered ()
+  {
+    if (mp_lym.get ()) {
+      mp_lym->run ();
+    }
+  }
+
+  lym::Macro *macro () const
+  {
+    return const_cast<lym::Macro *> (mp_lym.get ());
+  }
+
+private:
+  tl::weak_ptr<lym::Macro> mp_lym;
+};
+
+}
+
 void
 MacroController::add_macro_items_to_menu (lym::MacroCollection &collection, std::set<std::string> &used_names, std::set<std::string> &groups, const db::Technology *tech)
 {
@@ -702,62 +736,32 @@ MacroController::add_macro_items_to_menu (lym::MacroCollection &collection, std:
       std::string gn = tl::trim (c->second->group_name ());
       if (! gn.empty () && groups.find (gn) == groups.end ()) {
         groups.insert (gn);
-        lay::Action as;
-        as.set_separator (true);
+        lay::Action *as = new lay::Action ();
+        as->set_separator (true);
         m_macro_actions.push_back (as);
         mp_mw->menu ()->insert_item (mp, menu_name (used_names, std::string ()), as);
       }
 
-      lay::Action a;
-      if (c->second->description ().empty ()) {
-        a.set_title (c->second->path ());
-      } else {
-        a.set_title (c->second->description ());
-      }
-      a.set_default_shortcut (sc);
+      lay::Action *a = new RunMacroAction (c->second);
+      a->set_default_shortcut (sc);
       m_macro_actions.push_back (a);
       mp_mw->menu ()->insert_item (mp, menu_name (used_names, c->second->name ()), a);
 
-      m_action_to_macro.insert (std::make_pair (a.qaction (), c->second));
-
-      lym::MacroSignalAdaptor *adaptor = new lym::MacroSignalAdaptor (a.qaction (), c->second);
-      QObject::connect (a.qaction (), SIGNAL (triggered ()), adaptor, SLOT (run ()));
-
     } else if (! sc.empty ()) {
 
       //  Create actions for shortcut-only actions too and add them to the main window
       //  to register their shortcut.
 
-      lay::Action a;
-      if (c->second->description ().empty ()) {
-        a.set_title (c->second->path ());
-      } else {
-        a.set_title (c->second->description ());
-      }
-      a.set_shortcut (sc);
+      lay::Action *a = new RunMacroAction (c->second);
+      a->set_shortcut (sc);
       m_macro_actions.push_back (a);
-
-      mp_mw->addAction (a.qaction ());
-      lym::MacroSignalAdaptor *adaptor = new lym::MacroSignalAdaptor (a.qaction (), c->second);
-      QObject::connect (a.qaction (), SIGNAL (triggered ()), adaptor, SLOT (run ()));
+      mp_mw->addAction (a->qaction ());
 
     }
 
   }
 }
 
-lym::Macro *
-MacroController::macro_for_action (const lay::Action *action)
-{
-  if (action) {
-    std::map<QAction *, lym::Macro *>::const_iterator a2m = m_action_to_macro.find (action->qaction ());
-    if (a2m != m_action_to_macro.end ()) {
-      return a2m->second;
-    }
-  }
-  return 0;
-}
-
 void
 MacroController::sync_with_external_sources ()
 {
@@ -778,7 +782,6 @@ void
 MacroController::macro_collection_changed ()
 {
   //  empty action to macro table now we know it's invalid
-  m_action_to_macro.clear ();
   dm_do_update_menu_with_macros ();
   dm_sync_file_watcher ();
 }
@@ -796,11 +799,16 @@ MacroController::do_update_menu_with_macros ()
   }
 
   //  delete all existing items
-  for (std::vector<lay::Action>::iterator a = m_macro_actions.begin (); a != m_macro_actions.end (); ++a) {
+  std::vector<lay::Action *> actions;
+  for (tl::weak_collection<lay::Action>::iterator a = m_macro_actions.begin (); a != m_macro_actions.end (); ++a) {
+    if (a.operator-> ()) {
+      actions.push_back (a.operator-> ());
+    }
+  }
+  for (std::vector<lay::Action *>::const_iterator a = actions.begin (); a != actions.end (); ++a) {
     mp_mw->menu ()->delete_items (*a);
   }
   m_macro_actions.clear ();
-  m_action_to_macro.clear ();
 
   std::set<std::string> groups;
   std::set<std::string> used_names;
@@ -810,16 +818,16 @@ MacroController::do_update_menu_with_macros ()
   //  apply the custom keyboard shortcuts
   for (std::vector<std::pair<std::string, std::string> >::const_iterator kb = m_key_bindings.begin (); kb != m_key_bindings.end (); ++kb) {
     if (mp_mw->menu ()->is_valid (kb->first)) {
-      lay::Action a = mp_mw->menu ()->action (kb->first);
-      a.set_shortcut (kb->second);
+      lay::Action *a = mp_mw->menu ()->action (kb->first);
+      a->set_shortcut (kb->second);
     }
   }
 
   //  apply the custom hidden flags
   for (std::vector<std::pair<std::string, bool> >::const_iterator hf = m_menu_items_hidden.begin (); hf != m_menu_items_hidden.end (); ++hf) {
     if (mp_mw->menu ()->is_valid (hf->first)) {
-      lay::Action a = mp_mw->menu ()->action (hf->first);
-      a.set_hidden (hf->second);
+      lay::Action *a = mp_mw->menu ()->action (hf->first);
+      a->set_hidden (hf->second);
     }
   }
 }
@@ -876,7 +884,8 @@ static tl::RegisteredClass<lay::PluginDeclaration> macro_controller_decl (new la
 
 static lym::Macro *macro_for_action (const lay::Action *action)
 {
-  return MacroController::instance () ? MacroController::instance ()->macro_for_action (action) : 0;
+  const RunMacroAction *rma = dynamic_cast<const RunMacroAction *> (action);
+  return rma ? rma->macro () : 0;
 }
 
 //  extend lay::Action with the ability to associate a macro with it
diff --git a/src/lay/lay/layMacroController.h b/src/lay/lay/layMacroController.h
index 13cd5dd3e..4fad12096 100644
--- a/src/lay/lay/layMacroController.h
+++ b/src/lay/lay/layMacroController.h
@@ -162,11 +162,6 @@ public:
    */
   void add_temp_macro (lym::Macro *m);
 
-  /**
-   *  @brief Gets the macro associated with an Action or nil if there is none
-   */
-  lym::Macro *macro_for_action (const lay::Action *action);
-
   /**
    *  @brief Obtain the list of macro categories
    */
@@ -236,8 +231,7 @@ private:
   lay::MacroEditorDialog *mp_macro_editor;
   lay::MainWindow *mp_mw;
   bool m_no_implicit_macros;
-  std::vector<lay::Action> m_macro_actions;
-  std::map<QAction *, lym::Macro *> m_action_to_macro;
+  tl::weak_collection<lay::Action> m_macro_actions;
   lym::MacroCollection m_temp_macros;
   std::vector<MacroCategory> m_macro_categories;
   std::vector<InternalPathDescriptor> m_internal_paths;
diff --git a/src/lay/lay/layMainConfigPages.cc b/src/lay/lay/layMainConfigPages.cc
index 9a638996b..d906a89be 100644
--- a/src/lay/lay/layMainConfigPages.cc
+++ b/src/lay/lay/layMainConfigPages.cc
@@ -329,7 +329,7 @@ MainConfigPage5::commit (lay::Dispatcher *root)
 //  The "key bindings" config page
 
 CustomizeMenuConfigPage::CustomizeMenuConfigPage (QWidget *parent)
-  : lay::ConfigPage (parent), m_enable_event (true)
+  : lay::ConfigPage (parent), m_enable_event (true), mp_dispatcher (0)
 {
   mp_ui = new Ui::CustomizeMenuConfigPage ();
   mp_ui->setupUi (this);
@@ -357,7 +357,7 @@ static void get_shortcuts (const lay::AbstractMenu &menu, const std::string &roo
   std::vector<std::string> items = menu.items (root);
   for (std::vector<std::string>::const_iterator i = items.begin (); i != items.end (); ++i) {
     if (i->size () > 0) {
-      if (menu.is_valid (*i) && menu.action (*i).is_visible ()) {
+      if (menu.is_valid (*i) && menu.action (*i)->is_visible ()) {
         if (menu.is_menu (*i)) {
           //  a menu must be listed (so it can be hidden), but does not have a shortcut
           //  but we don't include special menus
@@ -366,7 +366,7 @@ static void get_shortcuts (const lay::AbstractMenu &menu, const std::string &roo
           }
           get_shortcuts (menu, *i, bindings, with_defaults);
         } else if (! menu.is_separator (*i)) {
-          bindings.insert (std::make_pair (*i, with_defaults ? menu.action (*i).get_default_shortcut () : menu.action (*i).get_effective_shortcut ()));
+          bindings.insert (std::make_pair (*i, with_defaults ? menu.action (*i)->get_default_shortcut () : menu.action (*i)->get_effective_shortcut ()));
         }
       }
     }
@@ -402,11 +402,11 @@ CustomizeMenuConfigPage::apply (const std::vector<std::pair<std::string, std::st
 
   //  get the current bindings
   m_current_bindings.clear ();
-  get_shortcuts (*lay::Dispatcher::instance ()->menu (), std::string (), m_current_bindings, false);
+  get_shortcuts (*mp_dispatcher->menu (), std::string (), m_current_bindings, false);
 
   //  get the default bindings
   std::map<std::string, std::string> default_bindings;
-  get_shortcuts (*lay::Dispatcher::instance ()->menu (), std::string (), default_bindings, true);
+  get_shortcuts (*mp_dispatcher->menu (), std::string (), default_bindings, true);
 
   m_enable_event = false;
 
@@ -416,8 +416,8 @@ CustomizeMenuConfigPage::apply (const std::vector<std::pair<std::string, std::st
   for (std::map<std::string, std::string>::iterator kb = m_current_bindings.begin (); kb != m_current_bindings.end (); ++kb) {
     std::map<std::string, std::string>::iterator bb = b.find (kb->first);
     if (bb != b.end ()) {
-      lay::Action a = lay::Dispatcher::instance ()->menu ()->action (kb->first);
-      kb->second = a.get_effective_shortcut_for (bb->second);
+      lay::Action *a = mp_dispatcher->menu ()->action (kb->first);
+      kb->second = a->get_effective_shortcut_for (bb->second);
     } else {
       kb->second.clear ();
     }
@@ -470,11 +470,11 @@ CustomizeMenuConfigPage::apply (const std::vector<std::pair<std::string, std::st
 
       if (t->first == tl_menu) {
         QTreeWidgetItem *item = new QTreeWidgetItem (top_level_item);
-        lay::Action action = lay::Dispatcher::instance ()->menu ()->action (cb->first);
+        lay::Action *action = mp_dispatcher->menu ()->action (cb->first);
         item->setData (0, Qt::ToolTipRole, tl::to_qstring (rem_path));
         item->setData (0, Qt::DisplayRole, tl::to_qstring (rem_path));
-        item->setData (1, Qt::ToolTipRole, tl::to_qstring (action.get_title ()));
-        item->setData (1, Qt::DisplayRole, tl::to_qstring (action.get_title ()));
+        item->setData (1, Qt::ToolTipRole, tl::to_qstring (action->get_title ()));
+        item->setData (1, Qt::DisplayRole, tl::to_qstring (action->get_title ()));
         item->setData (2, Qt::DisplayRole, tl::to_qstring (sc));
         item->setData (2, Qt::ForegroundRole, palette ().color (is_default ? QPalette::Disabled : QPalette::Normal, QPalette::Text));
         item->setData (0, Qt::UserRole, tl::to_qstring (path));
@@ -482,8 +482,8 @@ CustomizeMenuConfigPage::apply (const std::vector<std::pair<std::string, std::st
         item->setCheckState (0, hidden ? Qt::Unchecked : Qt::Checked);
         item->setHidden (false);
         m_item_for_path[path] = item;
-        if (action.qaction ()) {
-          m_paths_for_action[action.qaction ()].push_back (path);
+        if (action->qaction ()) {
+          m_paths_for_action[action->qaction ()].push_back (path);
         }
       }
     }
@@ -502,21 +502,23 @@ CustomizeMenuConfigPage::apply (const std::vector<std::pair<std::string, std::st
 }
 
 void 
-CustomizeMenuConfigPage::setup (lay::Dispatcher *root)
+CustomizeMenuConfigPage::setup (lay::Dispatcher *dispatcher)
 {
+  mp_dispatcher = dispatcher;
+
   std::string packed_key_bindings;
-  root->config_get (cfg_key_bindings, packed_key_bindings);
+  dispatcher->config_get (cfg_key_bindings, packed_key_bindings);
   std::vector<std::pair<std::string, std::string> > key_bindings = unpack_key_binding (packed_key_bindings);
 
   std::string packed_menu_items_hidden;
-  root->config_get (cfg_menu_items_hidden, packed_menu_items_hidden);
+  dispatcher->config_get (cfg_menu_items_hidden, packed_menu_items_hidden);
   std::vector<std::pair<std::string, bool> > menu_items_hidden = unpack_menu_items_hidden (packed_menu_items_hidden);
 
   apply (key_bindings, menu_items_hidden);
 }
 
 void 
-CustomizeMenuConfigPage::commit (lay::Dispatcher *root)
+CustomizeMenuConfigPage::commit (lay::Dispatcher *dispatcher)
 {
   current_changed (0, mp_ui->bindings_list->currentItem ());
 
@@ -524,14 +526,14 @@ CustomizeMenuConfigPage::commit (lay::Dispatcher *root)
   //  but never reduce them.
 
   std::string packed_key_bindings;
-  root->config_get (cfg_key_bindings, packed_key_bindings);
+  dispatcher->config_get (cfg_key_bindings, packed_key_bindings);
   std::vector<std::pair<std::string, std::string> > key_bindings = unpack_key_binding (packed_key_bindings);
 
   for (std::vector<std::pair<std::string, std::string> >::iterator kb = key_bindings.begin (); kb != key_bindings.end (); ++kb) {
     std::map<std::string, std::string>::iterator cb = m_current_bindings.find (kb->first);
     if (cb != m_current_bindings.end ()) {
-      lay::Action a = lay::Dispatcher::instance ()->menu ()->action (kb->first);
-      if (cb->second != a.get_default_shortcut ()) {
+      lay::Action *a = dispatcher->menu ()->action (kb->first);
+      if (cb->second != a->get_default_shortcut ()) {
         if (cb->second.empty ()) {
           kb->second = lay::Action::no_shortcut ();
         } else {
@@ -549,10 +551,10 @@ CustomizeMenuConfigPage::commit (lay::Dispatcher *root)
   }
 
   packed_key_bindings = pack_key_binding (key_bindings);
-  root->config_set (cfg_key_bindings, packed_key_bindings);
+  dispatcher->config_set (cfg_key_bindings, packed_key_bindings);
 
   std::string packed_hidden_flags;
-  root->config_get (cfg_menu_items_hidden, packed_hidden_flags);
+  dispatcher->config_get (cfg_menu_items_hidden, packed_hidden_flags);
   std::vector<std::pair<std::string, bool> > hidden = unpack_menu_items_hidden (packed_hidden_flags);
 
   for (std::vector<std::pair<std::string, bool> >::iterator hf = hidden.begin (); hf != hidden.end (); ++hf) {
@@ -568,7 +570,7 @@ CustomizeMenuConfigPage::commit (lay::Dispatcher *root)
   }
 
   packed_hidden_flags = pack_menu_items_hidden (hidden);
-  root->config_set (cfg_menu_items_hidden, packed_hidden_flags);
+  dispatcher->config_set (cfg_menu_items_hidden, packed_hidden_flags);
 }
 
 void
@@ -580,10 +582,10 @@ CustomizeMenuConfigPage::text_cleared ()
   }
 
   std::string path = tl::to_string (item->data (0, Qt::UserRole).toString ());
-  lay::Action a = lay::Dispatcher::instance ()->menu ()->action (path);
+  lay::Action *a = mp_dispatcher->menu ()->action (path);
 
   //  "clear" reverts to default
-  mp_ui->binding_le->setText (tl::to_qstring (a.get_default_shortcut ()));
+  mp_ui->binding_le->setText (tl::to_qstring (a->get_default_shortcut ()));
 }
 
 void
@@ -634,8 +636,8 @@ CustomizeMenuConfigPage::update_list_item (QTreeWidgetItem *item)
 
   bool is_default = false;
 
-  lay::Action a = lay::Dispatcher::instance ()->menu ()->action (path);
-  std::string def_shortcut = a.get_default_shortcut ();
+  lay::Action *a = mp_dispatcher->menu ()->action (path);
+  std::string def_shortcut = a->get_default_shortcut ();
 
   is_default = (def_shortcut == shortcut);
 
@@ -643,9 +645,9 @@ CustomizeMenuConfigPage::update_list_item (QTreeWidgetItem *item)
   item->setData (2, Qt::ForegroundRole, palette ().color (is_default ? QPalette::Disabled : QPalette::Normal, QPalette::Text));
 
   //  Set the aliases too
-  const lay::AbstractMenu &menu = *lay::Dispatcher::instance ()->menu ();
+  const lay::AbstractMenu &menu = *mp_dispatcher->menu ();
   if (menu.is_valid (path)) {
-    QAction *qaction = menu.action (path).qaction ();
+    QAction *qaction = menu.action (path)->qaction ();
     std::map<QAction *, std::vector<std::string> >::const_iterator a = m_paths_for_action.find (qaction);
     if (a != m_paths_for_action.end ()) {
       for (std::vector<std::string>::const_iterator p = a->second.begin (); p != a->second.end (); ++p) {
@@ -688,7 +690,7 @@ CustomizeMenuConfigPage::current_changed (QTreeWidgetItem *current, QTreeWidgetI
   if (current && !current->data (0, Qt::UserRole).isNull ()) {
 
     std::string path = tl::to_string (current->data (0, Qt::UserRole).toString ());
-    if (lay::Dispatcher::instance ()->menu ()->is_menu (path)) {
+    if (mp_dispatcher->menu ()->is_menu (path)) {
 
       mp_ui->binding_le->setText (QString ());
 #if QT_VERSION >= 0x40700
@@ -700,9 +702,9 @@ CustomizeMenuConfigPage::current_changed (QTreeWidgetItem *current, QTreeWidgetI
 
       std::string shortcut = m_current_bindings[path];
 
-      lay::Action a = lay::Dispatcher::instance ()->menu ()->action (path);
+      lay::Action *a = mp_dispatcher->menu ()->action (path);
 
-      std::string def_shortcut = a.get_default_shortcut ();
+      std::string def_shortcut = a->get_default_shortcut ();
 
       mp_ui->binding_le->setText (tl::to_qstring (shortcut));
 #if QT_VERSION >= 0x40700
diff --git a/src/lay/lay/layMainConfigPages.h b/src/lay/lay/layMainConfigPages.h
index 6401546f8..1ab9a182e 100644
--- a/src/lay/lay/layMainConfigPages.h
+++ b/src/lay/lay/layMainConfigPages.h
@@ -189,6 +189,7 @@ private:
   std::map<std::string, QTreeWidgetItem *> m_item_for_path;
   std::map<QAction *, std::vector<std::string> > m_paths_for_action;
   bool m_enable_event;
+  lay::Dispatcher *mp_dispatcher;
 
   void apply (const std::vector<std::pair<std::string, std::string> > &bindings, const std::vector<std::pair<std::string, bool> > &menu_items_hidden);
   void update_list_item (QTreeWidgetItem *item);
diff --git a/src/lay/lay/layMainWindow.cc b/src/lay/lay/layMainWindow.cc
index b80164781..4d900946e 100644
--- a/src/lay/lay/layMainWindow.cc
+++ b/src/lay/lay/layMainWindow.cc
@@ -694,10 +694,6 @@ MainWindow::~MainWindow ()
 {
   lay::register_help_handler (0, 0, 0);
 
-  //  since the configuration actions unregister themselves, we need to do this before the main
-  //  window is gone:
-  clear_configuration_actions ();
-
   mw_instance = 0;
 
   //  explicitly delete the views here. Otherwise they
@@ -734,7 +730,7 @@ MainWindow::init_menu ()
   if ((lay::ApplicationBase::instance () && lay::ApplicationBase::instance ()->is_vo_mode ())) {
     std::vector<std::string> hide_vo_grp = menu ()->group ("hide_vo");
     for (std::vector<std::string>::const_iterator g = hide_vo_grp.begin (); g != hide_vo_grp.end (); ++g) {
-      menu ()->action (*g).set_visible (false);
+      menu ()->action (*g)->set_visible (false);
     }
   }
 
@@ -744,12 +740,12 @@ MainWindow::init_menu ()
 
   std::vector<std::string> edit_mode_grp = menu ()->group ("edit_mode");
   for (std::vector<std::string>::const_iterator g = edit_mode_grp.begin (); g != edit_mode_grp.end (); ++g) {
-    menu ()->action (*g).set_visible (! view_mode);
+    menu ()->action (*g)->set_visible (! view_mode);
   }
 
   std::vector<std::string> view_mode_grp = menu ()->group ("view_mode");
   for (std::vector<std::string>::const_iterator g = view_mode_grp.begin (); g != view_mode_grp.end (); ++g) {
-    menu ()->action (*g).set_visible (view_mode);
+    menu ()->action (*g)->set_visible (view_mode);
   }
 }
 
@@ -1136,13 +1132,13 @@ MainWindow::config_finalize ()
 
       std::string name = "default_grid_" + tl::to_string (i);
 
-      m_default_grid_actions.push_back (create_config_action (tl::to_string (*g) + tl::to_string (QObject::tr (" um")), cfg_grid, tl::to_string (*g)));
+      m_default_grid_actions.push_back (new lay::ConfigureAction (tl::to_string (*g) + tl::to_string (QObject::tr (" um")), cfg_grid, tl::to_string (*g)));
 
       m_default_grid_actions.back ()->set_checkable (true);
       m_default_grid_actions.back ()->set_checked (fabs (*g - m_grid_micron) < 1e-10);
 
       for (std::vector<std::string>::const_iterator t = group.begin (); t != group.end (); ++t) {
-        menu ()->insert_item (*t + ".end", name, *m_default_grid_actions.back ());
+        menu ()->insert_item (*t + ".end", name, m_default_grid_actions.back ());
       }
 
     }
@@ -1448,8 +1444,8 @@ MainWindow::apply_hidden (const std::vector<std::pair<std::string, bool> > &hidd
 {
   for (std::vector<std::pair<std::string, bool> >::const_iterator hf = hidden.begin (); hf != hidden.end (); ++hf) {
     if (menu ()->is_valid (hf->first)) {
-      lay::Action a = menu ()->action (hf->first);
-      a.set_hidden (hf->second);
+      lay::Action *a = menu ()->action (hf->first);
+      a->set_hidden (hf->second);
     }
   }
 }
@@ -1459,8 +1455,8 @@ MainWindow::apply_key_bindings ()
 {
   for (std::vector<std::pair<std::string, std::string> >::const_iterator kb = m_key_bindings.begin (); kb != m_key_bindings.end (); ++kb) {
     if (menu ()->is_valid (kb->first)) {
-      lay::Action a = menu ()->action (kb->first);
-      a.set_shortcut (kb->second);
+      lay::Action *a = menu ()->action (kb->first);
+      a->set_shortcut (kb->second);
     }
   }
 }
@@ -1481,7 +1477,7 @@ MainWindow::edits_enabled_changed ()
 
   std::vector<std::string> edit_grp = menu ()->group ("edit");
   for (std::vector<std::string>::const_iterator g = edit_grp.begin (); g != edit_grp.end (); ++g) {
-    menu ()->action (*g).set_enabled (enable);
+    menu ()->action (*g)->set_enabled (enable);
   }
 }
 
@@ -1859,9 +1855,9 @@ MainWindow::select_mode (int m)
     //  Plugin's yet (selection, move).
     std::vector<std::string> items = menu ()->items ("@toolbar");
     for (std::vector<std::string>::const_iterator i = items.begin (); i != items.end (); ++i) {
-      Action a = menu ()->action (*i);
-      if (a.qaction ()->isCheckable() && a.qaction ()->data ().toInt () == m_mode) {
-        a.set_checked (true);
+      Action *a = menu ()->action (*i);
+      if (a->qaction ()->isCheckable() && a->qaction ()->data ().toInt () == m_mode) {
+        a->set_checked (true);
         break;
       }
     }
@@ -2029,7 +2025,7 @@ MainWindow::update_action_states ()
 
     if (menu ()->is_valid ("edit_menu.undo")) {
 
-      Action undo_action = menu ()->action ("edit_menu.undo");
+      Action *undo_action = menu ()->action ("edit_menu.undo");
 
       std::string undo_txt (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("&Undo")));
       bool undo_enable = false;
@@ -2037,14 +2033,14 @@ MainWindow::update_action_states ()
         undo_txt += " - " + m_manager.available_undo ().second;
         undo_enable = true;
       }
-      undo_action.set_title (undo_txt);
-      undo_action.set_enabled (undo_enable && edits_enabled ());
+      undo_action->set_title (undo_txt);
+      undo_action->set_enabled (undo_enable && edits_enabled ());
 
     }
 
     if (menu ()->is_valid ("edit_menu.redo")) {
 
-      Action redo_action = menu ()->action ("edit_menu.redo");
+      Action *redo_action = menu ()->action ("edit_menu.redo");
 
       std::string redo_txt (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("&Redo")));
       bool redo_enable = false;
@@ -2052,24 +2048,24 @@ MainWindow::update_action_states ()
         redo_txt += " - " + m_manager.available_redo ().second;
         redo_enable = true;
       }
-      redo_action.set_title (redo_txt);
-      redo_action.set_enabled (redo_enable && edits_enabled ());
+      redo_action->set_title (redo_txt);
+      redo_action->set_enabled (redo_enable && edits_enabled ());
 
     }
 
     if (menu ()->is_valid ("edit_menu.paste")) {
-      Action paste_action = menu ()->action ("edit_menu.paste");
-      paste_action.set_enabled (! db::Clipboard::instance ().empty () && edits_enabled ());
+      Action *paste_action = menu ()->action ("edit_menu.paste");
+      paste_action->set_enabled (! db::Clipboard::instance ().empty () && edits_enabled ());
     }
 
     if (menu ()->is_valid ("zoom_menu.next_display_state")) {
-      Action next_display_state_action = menu ()->action ("zoom_menu.next_display_state");
-      next_display_state_action.set_enabled (has_next_display_state ());
+      Action *next_display_state_action = menu ()->action ("zoom_menu.next_display_state");
+      next_display_state_action->set_enabled (has_next_display_state ());
     }
 
     if (menu ()->is_valid ("zoom_menu.prev_display_state")) {
-      Action prev_display_state_action = menu ()->action ("zoom_menu.prev_display_state");
-      prev_display_state_action.set_enabled (has_prev_display_state ());
+      Action *prev_display_state_action = menu ()->action ("zoom_menu.prev_display_state");
+      prev_display_state_action->set_enabled (has_prev_display_state ());
     }
 
   } catch (...) {
@@ -3069,6 +3065,29 @@ MainWindow::add_mru (const std::string &fn_rel, const std::string &tech)
   dispatcher ()->config_set (cfg_mru, config_str);
 }
 
+namespace
+{
+
+class OpenRecentAction
+  : public lay::Action
+{
+public:
+  OpenRecentAction (lay::MainWindow *mw, size_t n)
+    : lay::Action (), mp_mw (mw), m_n (n)
+  { }
+
+  void triggered ()
+  {
+    mp_mw->open_recent (m_n);
+  }
+
+private:
+  lay::MainWindow *mp_mw;
+  size_t m_n;
+};
+
+}
+
 void
 MainWindow::do_update_file_menu ()
 {
@@ -3076,8 +3095,8 @@ MainWindow::do_update_file_menu ()
 
   if (menu ()->is_valid (mru_menu)) {
 
-    Action open_recent_action = menu ()->action (mru_menu);
-    open_recent_action.set_enabled (true);
+    Action *open_recent_action = menu ()->action (mru_menu);
+    open_recent_action->set_enabled (true);
 
     if (m_mru.size () > 0 && edits_enabled ()) {
 
@@ -3086,29 +3105,24 @@ MainWindow::do_update_file_menu ()
 
       for (std::vector<std::pair<std::string, std::string> >::iterator mru = m_mru.end (); mru != m_mru.begin (); ) {
         --mru;
-        unsigned int i = std::distance (m_mru.begin (), mru);
-        Action action;
-        gtf::action_connect (action.qaction (), SIGNAL (triggered ()), this, SLOT (open_recent ()));
-        action.set_title (mru->first);
-        action.qaction ()->setData (QVariant (int (i)));
+        size_t i = std::distance (m_mru.begin (), mru);
+        Action *action = new OpenRecentAction (this, i);
+        action->set_title (mru->first);
         menu ()->insert_item (mru_menu + ".end", tl::sprintf ("open_recent_%d", i + 1), action);
       }
 
     } else {
-      open_recent_action.set_enabled (false);
+      open_recent_action->set_enabled (false);
     }
 
   }
 }
 
 void
-MainWindow::open_recent ()
+MainWindow::open_recent (size_t n)
 {
   BEGIN_PROTECTED
 
-  QAction *action = dynamic_cast <QAction *> (sender ());
-  tl_assert (action);
-  size_t n = size_t (action->data ().toInt ());
   if (n >= m_mru.size ()) {
     return;
   }
diff --git a/src/lay/lay/layMainWindow.h b/src/lay/lay/layMainWindow.h
index 54d9dd8cf..bc84fdb86 100644
--- a/src/lay/lay/layMainWindow.h
+++ b/src/lay/lay/layMainWindow.h
@@ -638,7 +638,7 @@ public slots:
   void tab_close_requested (int);
   void enable_all ();
   void disable_all ();
-  void open_recent ();
+  void open_recent (size_t n);
   void view_selected (int index);
   void view_title_changed ();
 
diff --git a/src/lay/lay/layNavigator.cc b/src/lay/lay/layNavigator.cc
index 3b7d6801b..b3a7aae49 100644
--- a/src/lay/lay/layNavigator.cc
+++ b/src/lay/lay/layNavigator.cc
@@ -541,11 +541,11 @@ Navigator::all_hier_levels (bool f)
 void 
 Navigator::freeze_clicked ()
 {
-  Action freeze_action = mp_main_window->menu ()->action (freeze_action_path);
+  Action *freeze_action = mp_main_window->menu ()->action (freeze_action_path);
 
   m_frozen_list.erase (mp_source_view);
 
-  if (freeze_action.is_checked () && mp_source_view) {
+  if (freeze_action->is_checked () && mp_source_view) {
     NavigatorFrozenViewInfo &info = m_frozen_list.insert (std::make_pair (mp_source_view, NavigatorFrozenViewInfo ())).first->second;
     info.layer_properties = mp_source_view->get_properties ();
     info.hierarchy_levels = mp_source_view->get_hier_levels ();
@@ -690,8 +690,8 @@ Navigator::attach_view (LayoutView *view)
         all_views.erase (*v);
       }
 
-      Action freeze_action = mp_main_window->menu ()->action (freeze_action_path);
-      freeze_action.set_checked (m_frozen_list.find (mp_source_view) != m_frozen_list.end ());
+      Action *freeze_action = mp_main_window->menu ()->action (freeze_action_path);
+      freeze_action->set_checked (m_frozen_list.find (mp_source_view) != m_frozen_list.end ());
 
       //  Hint: this must happen before update ()
       mp_service->attach_view (mp_source_view);
diff --git a/src/lay/lay/layTechnologyController.cc b/src/lay/lay/layTechnologyController.cc
index fd01d4919..d84876401 100644
--- a/src/lay/lay/layTechnologyController.cc
+++ b/src/lay/lay/layTechnologyController.cc
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ std::string tech_string_from_name (const std::string &tn)
 }
 
 TechnologyController::TechnologyController ()
-  : PluginDeclaration (), mp_editor (0), mp_mw (0), mp_plugin_root (0), mp_active_technology (0)
+  : PluginDeclaration (), mp_editor (0), mp_mw (0), mp_dispatcher (0), mp_active_technology (0)
 {
   m_configure_enabled = true;
   m_current_technology_updated = false;
@@ -70,9 +70,9 @@ TechnologyController::instance ()
 }
 
 void
-TechnologyController::initialize (lay::Dispatcher *root)
+TechnologyController::initialize (lay::Dispatcher *dispatcher)
 {
-  mp_plugin_root = root;
+  mp_dispatcher = dispatcher;
   mp_mw = lay::MainWindow::instance ();
   if (mp_mw) {
     mp_editor = new lay::TechSetupDialog (mp_mw);
@@ -81,9 +81,11 @@ TechnologyController::initialize (lay::Dispatcher *root)
 }
 
 void
-TechnologyController::initialized (lay::Dispatcher * /*root*/)
+TechnologyController::initialized (lay::Dispatcher *dispatcher)
 {
-  update_menu ();
+  tl_assert (dispatcher == mp_dispatcher);
+
+  update_menu (mp_dispatcher);
   connect_events ();
 
   if (lay::SaltController::instance ()) {
@@ -92,8 +94,10 @@ TechnologyController::initialized (lay::Dispatcher * /*root*/)
 }
 
 void
-TechnologyController::uninitialize (lay::Dispatcher * /*root*/)
+TechnologyController::uninitialize (lay::Dispatcher *dispatcher)
 {
+  tl_assert (dispatcher == mp_dispatcher);
+
   m_tech_actions.clear ();
   tl::Object::detach_from_all_events ();
 
@@ -204,11 +208,11 @@ void
 TechnologyController::technologies_changed ()
 {
   //  update the configuration to reflect the persisted technologies
-  lay::Dispatcher *pr = mp_plugin_root;
-  if (pr) {
+  lay::Dispatcher *dispatcher = mp_dispatcher;
+  if (dispatcher) {
     m_configure_enabled = false;
     try {
-      pr->config_set (cfg_technologies, db::Technologies::instance ()->to_xml ());
+      dispatcher->config_set (cfg_technologies, db::Technologies::instance ()->to_xml ());
       m_configure_enabled = true;
     } catch (...) {
       m_configure_enabled = true;
@@ -216,7 +220,7 @@ TechnologyController::technologies_changed ()
     }
   }
 
-  update_menu ();
+  update_menu (dispatcher);
   emit technologies_edited ();
 }
 
@@ -266,13 +270,13 @@ void
 TechnologyController::config_finalize ()
 {
   if (m_technologies_configured) {
-    update_menu ();
+    update_menu (mp_dispatcher);
     emit technologies_edited ();
     m_technologies_configured = false;
   }
 
   if (m_current_technology_updated) {
-    update_current_technology ();
+    update_current_technology (mp_dispatcher);
     m_current_technology_updated = false;
   }
 }
@@ -296,19 +300,18 @@ TechnologyController::menu_activated (const std::string &symbol) const
 }
 
 void
-TechnologyController::update_current_technology ()
+TechnologyController::update_current_technology (lay::Dispatcher *dispatcher)
 {
-  lay::Dispatcher *pr = lay::Dispatcher::instance ();
-  if (! pr || ! pr->has_ui ()) {
+  if (! dispatcher || ! dispatcher->has_ui ()) {
     return;
   }
 
   std::string title = tech_string_from_name (m_current_technology);
 
-  std::vector<std::string> menu_entries = pr->menu ()->group ("tech_selector_group");
+  std::vector<std::string> menu_entries = dispatcher->menu ()->group ("tech_selector_group");
   for (std::vector<std::string>::const_iterator m = menu_entries.begin (); m != menu_entries.end (); ++m) {
-    lay::Action action = pr->menu ()->action (*m);
-    action.set_title (title);
+    lay::Action *action = dispatcher->menu ()->action (*m);
+    action->set_title (title);
   }
 
   std::map<std::string, const db::Technology *> tech_by_name;
@@ -318,15 +321,14 @@ TechnologyController::update_current_technology ()
 
   size_t it = 0;
   for (std::map<std::string, const db::Technology *>::const_iterator t = tech_by_name.begin (); t != tech_by_name.end () && it < m_tech_actions.size (); ++t, ++it) {
-    m_tech_actions[it].set_checked (t->second->name () == m_current_technology);
+    m_tech_actions[it]->set_checked (t->second->name () == m_current_technology);
   }
 }
 
 void
-TechnologyController::update_menu ()
+TechnologyController::update_menu (lay::Dispatcher *dispatcher)
 {
-  lay::Dispatcher *pr = lay::Dispatcher::instance ();
-  if (! pr || ! pr->has_ui ()) {
+  if (! dispatcher || ! dispatcher->has_ui ()) {
     return;
   }
 
@@ -345,15 +347,15 @@ TechnologyController::update_menu ()
     ++ntech;
   }
 
-  std::vector<std::string> tech_group = pr->menu ()->group ("tech_selector_group");
+  std::vector<std::string> tech_group = dispatcher->menu ()->group ("tech_selector_group");
 
   for (std::vector<std::string>::const_iterator t = tech_group.begin (); t != tech_group.end (); ++t) {
-    lay::Action action = pr->menu ()->action (*t);
-    action.set_title (title);
-    action.set_enabled (ntech > 1);
-    std::vector<std::string> items = pr->menu ()->items (*t);
+    lay::Action *action = dispatcher->menu ()->action (*t);
+    action->set_title (title);
+    action->set_enabled (ntech > 1);
+    std::vector<std::string> items = dispatcher->menu ()->items (*t);
     for (std::vector<std::string>::const_iterator i = items.begin (); i != items.end (); ++i) {
-      pr->menu ()->delete_item (*i);
+      dispatcher->menu ()->delete_item (*i);
     }
   }
 
@@ -372,7 +374,7 @@ TechnologyController::update_menu ()
       std::string tp = *tg;
       if (! g->first.empty ()) {
         std::string gn = "techgroup_" + tl::to_string (++ig);
-        pr->menu ()->insert_menu (*tg + ".end", gn, g->first);
+        dispatcher->menu ()->insert_menu (*tg + ".end", gn, g->first);
         tp = *tg + "." + gn;
       }
       tp += ".end";
@@ -382,11 +384,11 @@ TechnologyController::update_menu ()
 
         std::string title = tech_string_from_name (t->first);
 
-        m_tech_actions.push_back (pr->create_config_action ("", cfg_initial_technology, t->first));
-        m_tech_actions.back ().set_title (title); // setting the title here avoids interpretation of '(...)' etc.
-        m_tech_actions.back ().set_checkable (true);
-        m_tech_actions.back ().set_checked (t->first == m_current_technology);
-        pr->menu ()->insert_item (tp, "technology_" + tl::to_string (it), m_tech_actions.back ());
+        m_tech_actions.push_back (new lay::ConfigureAction ("", cfg_initial_technology, t->first));
+        m_tech_actions.back ()->set_title (title); // setting the title here avoids interpretation of '(...)' etc.
+        m_tech_actions.back ()->set_checkable (true);
+        m_tech_actions.back ()->set_checked (t->first == m_current_technology);
+        dispatcher->menu ()->insert_item (tp, "technology_" + tl::to_string (it), m_tech_actions.back ());
 
       }
 
@@ -490,7 +492,7 @@ TechnologyController::show_editor ()
 
   }
 
-  mp_plugin_root->config_set (cfg_tech_editor_window_state, lay::save_dialog_state (mp_editor));
+  mp_dispatcher->config_set (cfg_tech_editor_window_state, lay::save_dialog_state (mp_editor));
 }
 
 const std::string &
diff --git a/src/lay/lay/layTechnologyController.h b/src/lay/lay/layTechnologyController.h
index aeae6f5f0..35f10cb45 100644
--- a/src/lay/lay/layTechnologyController.h
+++ b/src/lay/lay/layTechnologyController.h
@@ -125,14 +125,14 @@ private slots:
   void sync_with_external_sources ();
 
 private:
-  tl::stable_vector <lay::Action> m_tech_actions;
+  std::vector <lay::Action *> m_tech_actions;
   std::string m_current_technology;
   bool m_configure_enabled;
   bool m_current_technology_updated;
   bool m_technologies_configured;
   lay::TechSetupDialog *mp_editor;
   lay::MainWindow *mp_mw;
-  lay::Dispatcher *mp_plugin_root;
+  lay::Dispatcher *mp_dispatcher;
   std::vector<std::string> m_paths;
   std::vector<db::Technology> m_temp_tech;
   db::Technology *mp_active_technology;
@@ -144,8 +144,8 @@ private:
   bool configure (const std::string &name, const std::string &value);
   void config_finalize ();
   bool menu_activated (const std::string &symbol) const;
-  void update_current_technology ();
-  void update_menu ();
+  void update_current_technology (Dispatcher *dispatcher);
+  void update_menu (lay::Dispatcher *dispatcher);
   void replace_technologies (const db::Technologies &technologies);
 };
 
diff --git a/src/laybasic/laybasic/gsiDeclLayMenu.cc b/src/laybasic/laybasic/gsiDeclLayMenu.cc
index 1eea4f435..61a0c2db2 100644
--- a/src/laybasic/laybasic/gsiDeclLayMenu.cc
+++ b/src/laybasic/laybasic/gsiDeclLayMenu.cc
@@ -25,6 +25,34 @@
 #include "gsiSignals.h"
 #include "layAbstractMenu.h"
 
+namespace {
+
+//  The Action stub to allow reimplementation of the triggered method
+class ActionStub
+  : public lay::Action
+{
+public:
+  virtual void triggered ()
+  {
+    if (triggered_cb.can_issue ()) {
+      triggered_cb.issue<lay::Action> (&lay::Action::triggered);
+    }
+    on_triggered_event ();
+  }
+
+  gsi::Callback triggered_cb;
+  tl::Event on_triggered_event;
+};
+
+}
+
+namespace tl
+{
+  template <> struct type_traits<ActionStub> : public type_traits<void> {
+    typedef tl::false_tag has_copy_constructor;
+  };
+}
+
 namespace gsi
 {
 
@@ -87,7 +115,7 @@ Class<lay::AbstractMenu> decl_AbstractMenu ("lay", "AbstractMenu",
     "\n"
     "This method has been introduced in version 0.26."
   ) +
-  method ("action", &lay::AbstractMenu::action,
+  method ("action", (lay::Action *(lay::AbstractMenu::*) (const std::string &path)) &lay::AbstractMenu::action,
     "@brief Get the reference to a Action object associated with the given path\n"
     "@args path\n"
     "\n"
@@ -359,23 +387,6 @@ Class<lay::Action> decl_ActionBase ("lay", "ActionBase",
   "@alias Action\n"
 );
   
-//  The Action stub to allow reimplementation of the triggered method
-class ActionStub
-  : public lay::Action
-{
-public:
-  virtual void triggered ()
-  {
-    if (triggered_cb.can_issue ()) {
-      triggered_cb.issue<lay::Action> (&lay::Action::triggered);
-    }
-    on_triggered_event ();
-  }
-
-  gsi::Callback triggered_cb;
-  tl::Event on_triggered_event;
-};
-
 Class<ActionStub> decl_Action (decl_ActionBase, "lay", "Action",
   gsi::callback ("triggered", &ActionStub::triggered, &ActionStub::triggered_cb,
     "@brief This method is called if the menu item is selected"
diff --git a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layAbstractMenu.cc b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layAbstractMenu.cc
index acb8d169f..9c4214448 100644
--- a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layAbstractMenu.cc
+++ b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layAbstractMenu.cc
@@ -196,19 +196,19 @@ parse_menu_title (const std::string &s, std::string &title, std::string &shortcu
 //  AbstractMenuItem implementation
 
 AbstractMenuItem::AbstractMenuItem (Dispatcher *dispatcher)
-  : m_action (), mp_dispatcher (dispatcher), m_has_submenu (false), m_remove_on_empty (false)
+  : mp_action (new Action ()), mp_dispatcher (dispatcher), m_has_submenu (false), m_remove_on_empty (false)
 {
   //  ... nothing yet ..
 }
 
 AbstractMenuItem::AbstractMenuItem (const AbstractMenuItem &item)
-  : m_action (), mp_dispatcher (item.dispatcher ()), m_has_submenu (false), m_remove_on_empty (false)
+  : mp_action (new Action ()), mp_dispatcher (item.dispatcher ()), m_has_submenu (false), m_remove_on_empty (false)
 {
   //  ... nothing yet ..
 }
 
 void
-AbstractMenuItem::setup_item (const std::string &pn, const std::string &s, const Action &a)
+AbstractMenuItem::setup_item (const std::string &pn, const std::string &s, Action *a)
 {
   m_basename.clear ();
 
@@ -236,36 +236,37 @@ AbstractMenuItem::setup_item (const std::string &pn, const std::string &s, const
 }
 
 void
-AbstractMenuItem::set_action (const Action &a, bool copy_properties)
+AbstractMenuItem::set_action (Action *a, bool copy_properties)
 {
-  Action acopy = a;
+  tl_assert (a != 0);
 
-  if (copy_properties && m_action.qaction () && acopy.qaction ()) {
-    acopy.qaction ()->setIcon (m_action.qaction ()->icon ());
-    acopy.qaction ()->setToolTip (m_action.qaction ()->toolTip ());
-    acopy.qaction ()->setShortcut (m_action.qaction ()->shortcut ());
-    acopy.qaction ()->setIconText (m_action.qaction ()->iconText ());
+  a->keep_object ();
+
+  if (copy_properties && mp_action->qaction () && a->qaction ()) {
+    a->qaction ()->setIcon (mp_action->qaction ()->icon ());
+    a->qaction ()->setToolTip (mp_action->qaction ()->toolTip ());
+    a->qaction ()->setShortcut (mp_action->qaction ()->shortcut ());
+    a->qaction ()->setIconText (mp_action->qaction ()->iconText ());
   }
 
-  bool enabled = m_action.is_enabled ();
-  bool visible = m_action.is_visible ();
-  m_action.handle ()->set_dispatcher (0);
-  m_action = acopy;
-  m_action.set_enabled (enabled);
-  m_action.set_visible (visible);
-  m_action.handle ()->set_dispatcher (mp_dispatcher);
+  bool enabled = mp_action.get () ? mp_action->is_enabled () : true;
+  bool visible = mp_action.get () ? mp_action->is_visible () : true;
+  mp_action->set_dispatcher (0);
+  mp_action.reset (a);
+  mp_action->set_enabled (enabled);
+  mp_action->set_visible (visible);
+  mp_action->set_dispatcher (mp_dispatcher);
+  mp_action->set_object_name (m_basename);
 
-  m_action.set_object_name (m_basename);
-
-  if (m_action.menu ()) {
-    m_action.menu ()->setObjectName (tl::to_qstring (m_basename));
+  if (mp_action->menu ()) {
+    mp_action->menu ()->setObjectName (tl::to_qstring (m_basename));
   }
 }
 
 void
 AbstractMenuItem::set_action_title (const std::string &s)
 {
-  m_action.set_title (s);
+  mp_action->set_title (s);
 }
 
 void
@@ -283,7 +284,32 @@ AbstractMenuItem::set_remove_on_empty ()
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------
 //  Action implementation
 
-static std::set<ActionHandle *> *sp_actionHandles = 0;
+static std::set<Action *> *sp_actionHandles = 0;
+
+static void
+configure_action_from_title (Action *ah, const std::string &s)
+{
+  std::string title;
+  std::string shortcut;
+  std::string res;
+  std::string tool_tip;
+
+  parse_menu_title (s, title, shortcut, res, tool_tip);
+
+  ah->qaction ()->setText (tl::to_qstring (title));
+
+  if (! tool_tip.empty ()) {
+    ah->qaction ()->setToolTip (tl::to_qstring (tool_tip));
+  }
+
+  if (! res.empty ()) {
+    ah->qaction ()->setIcon (QIcon (tl::to_qstring (res)));
+  }
+
+  if (! shortcut.empty ()) {
+    ah->set_default_shortcut (shortcut);
+  }
+}
 
 /**
  *  @brief A specialization that provides a way to catch ambiguous key shortcuts
@@ -317,11 +343,11 @@ public:
         msg += QObject::tr ("Targets of the that shortcut are:");
         msg += tl::to_qstring ("\n");
 
-        for (std::set<ActionHandle *>::const_iterator a = sp_actionHandles->begin (); a != sp_actionHandles->end (); ++a) {
-          if (! (*a)->ptr ()->shortcut ().isEmpty () && (*a)->ptr ()->shortcut ().matches (se->key ()) != QKeySequence::NoMatch) {
+        for (std::set<Action *>::const_iterator a = sp_actionHandles->begin (); a != sp_actionHandles->end (); ++a) {
+          if (! (*a)->qaction ()->shortcut ().isEmpty () && (*a)->qaction ()->shortcut ().matches (se->key ()) != QKeySequence::NoMatch) {
             msg += QChar (0x2022) /*bullet*/;
             msg += tl::to_qstring (" ");
-            msg += (*a)->ptr ()->text ();
+            msg += (*a)->qaction ()->text ();
             msg += tl::to_qstring ("\n");
           }
         }
@@ -348,18 +374,17 @@ id_from_action (QAction *action)
   return ao ? ao->id () : 0;
 }
 
-ActionHandle::ActionHandle ()
+Action::Action ()
   : mp_menu (0),
     mp_action (new ActionObject (0)),
     mp_dispatcher (0),
-    m_ref_count (0),
     m_owned (true),
     m_visible (true),
     m_hidden (false),
     m_no_key_sequence (false)
 {
   if (! sp_actionHandles) {
-    sp_actionHandles = new std::set<ActionHandle *> ();
+    sp_actionHandles = new std::set<Action *> ();
   }
   sp_actionHandles->insert (this);
 
@@ -368,18 +393,17 @@ ActionHandle::ActionHandle ()
   connect (mp_action, SIGNAL (triggered ()), this, SLOT (qaction_triggered ()));
 }
 
-ActionHandle::ActionHandle (QAction *action, bool owned)
+Action::Action (QAction *action, bool owned)
   : mp_menu (0),
     mp_action (action),
     mp_dispatcher (0),
-    m_ref_count (0),
     m_owned (owned),
     m_visible (true),
     m_hidden (false),
     m_no_key_sequence (false)
 {
   if (! sp_actionHandles) {
-    sp_actionHandles = new std::set<ActionHandle *> ();
+    sp_actionHandles = new std::set<Action *> ();
   }
   sp_actionHandles->insert (this);
 
@@ -388,18 +412,17 @@ ActionHandle::ActionHandle (QAction *action, bool owned)
   connect (mp_action, SIGNAL (triggered ()), this, SLOT (qaction_triggered ()));
 }
 
-ActionHandle::ActionHandle (QMenu *menu, bool owned)
+Action::Action (QMenu *menu, bool owned)
   : mp_menu (menu),
     mp_action (menu->menuAction ()),
     mp_dispatcher (0),
-    m_ref_count (0),
     m_owned (owned),
     m_visible (true),
     m_hidden (false),
     m_no_key_sequence (false)
 {
   if (! sp_actionHandles) {
-    sp_actionHandles = new std::set<ActionHandle *> ();
+    sp_actionHandles = new std::set<Action *> ();
   }
   sp_actionHandles->insert (this);
 
@@ -408,7 +431,28 @@ ActionHandle::ActionHandle (QMenu *menu, bool owned)
   connect (mp_action, SIGNAL (triggered ()), this, SLOT (qaction_triggered ()));
 }
 
-ActionHandle::~ActionHandle ()
+Action::Action (const std::string &title)
+  : mp_menu (0),
+    mp_action (new QAction (0)),
+    mp_dispatcher (0),
+    m_owned (true),
+    m_visible (true),
+    m_hidden (false),
+    m_no_key_sequence (false)
+{
+  if (! sp_actionHandles) {
+    sp_actionHandles = new std::set<Action *> ();
+  }
+  sp_actionHandles->insert (this);
+
+  configure_action_from_title (this, title);
+
+  //  catch the destroyed signal to tell if the QAction object is deleted.
+  connect (mp_action, SIGNAL (destroyed (QObject *)), this, SLOT (destroyed (QObject *)));
+  connect (mp_action, SIGNAL (triggered ()), this, SLOT (qaction_triggered ()));
+}
+
+Action::~Action ()
 {
   if (sp_actionHandles) {
     sp_actionHandles->erase (this);
@@ -435,7 +479,7 @@ ActionHandle::~ActionHandle ()
 }
 
 void
-ActionHandle::set_dispatcher (Dispatcher *dispatcher)
+Action::set_dispatcher (Dispatcher *dispatcher)
 {
   if (mp_dispatcher != dispatcher) {
     if (mp_action && m_owned) {
@@ -446,230 +490,11 @@ ActionHandle::set_dispatcher (Dispatcher *dispatcher)
 }
 
 void
-ActionHandle::qaction_triggered ()
+Action::qaction_triggered ()
 {
-  emit triggered ();
-}
-
-void
-ActionHandle::add_ref ()
-{
-  ++m_ref_count;
-}
-
-void
-ActionHandle::remove_ref ()
-{
-  if (--m_ref_count == 0) {
-    delete this;
-  }
-}
-
-QAction *
-ActionHandle::ptr () const
-{
-  return mp_action;
-}
-
-QMenu *
-ActionHandle::menu () const
-{
-  return mp_menu;
-}
-
-void
-ActionHandle::destroyed (QObject *obj)
-{
-  if (obj == mp_action) {
-    mp_action = 0;
-  }
-  if (obj == mp_menu) {
-    mp_menu = 0;
-    mp_action = 0;
-  }
-  m_owned = false;
-}
-
-void
-ActionHandle::set_visible (bool v)
-{
-  if (m_visible != v) {
-    m_visible = v;
-    if (mp_action) {
-      mp_action->setVisible (is_effective_visible ());
-      mp_action->setShortcut (get_key_sequence ());
-    }
-  }
-}
-
-void
-ActionHandle::set_hidden (bool h)
-{
-  if (m_hidden != h) {
-    m_hidden = h;
-    if (mp_action) {
-      mp_action->setVisible (is_effective_visible ());
-      mp_action->setShortcut (get_key_sequence ());
-    }
-  }
-}
-
-bool
-ActionHandle::is_visible () const
-{
-  return m_visible;
-}
-
-bool
-ActionHandle::is_hidden () const
-{
-  return m_hidden;
-}
-
-bool
-ActionHandle::is_effective_visible () const
-{
-  return m_visible && !m_hidden;
-}
-
-void
-ActionHandle::set_default_shortcut (const std::string &sc)
-{
-  if (m_default_shortcut != sc) {
-    m_default_shortcut = sc;
-    m_default_key_sequence = QKeySequence (tl::to_qstring (sc));
-    if (mp_action) {
-      mp_action->setShortcut (get_key_sequence ());
-    }
-  }
-}
-
-void
-ActionHandle::set_shortcut (const std::string &sc)
-{
-  if (m_shortcut != sc) {
-    m_shortcut = sc;
-    m_no_key_sequence = (sc == Action::no_shortcut ());
-    m_key_sequence = m_no_key_sequence ? QKeySequence () : QKeySequence (tl::to_qstring (m_shortcut));
-    if (mp_action) {
-      mp_action->setShortcut (get_key_sequence ());
-    }
-  }
-}
-
-std::string
-ActionHandle::get_default_shortcut () const
-{
-  return tl::to_string (m_default_key_sequence.toString ());
-}
-
-std::string
-ActionHandle::get_shortcut () const
-{
-  return m_no_key_sequence ? Action::no_shortcut () : tl::to_string (m_key_sequence.toString ());
-}
-
-QKeySequence
-ActionHandle::get_key_sequence () const
-{
-  if (m_hidden) {
-    //  A hidden menu item does not have a key sequence too.
-    return QKeySequence ();
-  } else if (m_no_key_sequence) {
-    return QKeySequence ();
-  } else if (m_key_sequence.isEmpty ()) {
-    return m_default_key_sequence;
-  } else {
-    return m_key_sequence;
-  }
-}
-
-QKeySequence
-ActionHandle::get_key_sequence_for (const std::string &sc) const
-{
-  if (m_hidden) {
-    //  A hidden menu item does not have a key sequence too.
-    return QKeySequence ();
-  } else if (sc.empty ()) {
-    return m_default_key_sequence;
-  } else if (sc == Action::no_shortcut ()) {
-    return QKeySequence ();
-  } else {
-    return QKeySequence::fromString (tl::to_qstring (sc));
-  }
-}
-
-// ---------------------------------------------------------------
-//  Action implementation
-
-Action::Action ()
-  : mp_handle (0)
-{
-  mp_handle = new ActionHandle ();
-  connect (mp_handle, SIGNAL (triggered ()), this, SLOT (triggered_slot ()));
-  mp_handle->add_ref ();
-}
-
-const std::string &
-Action::no_shortcut ()
-{
-  static const std::string no_shortcut ("none");
-  return no_shortcut;
-}
-
-Action::Action (const std::string &title)
-{
-  mp_handle = AbstractMenu::create_action (title);
-  connect (mp_handle, SIGNAL (triggered ()), this, SLOT (triggered_slot ()));
-  mp_handle->add_ref ();
-}
-
-Action::Action (ActionHandle *handle)
-{
-  mp_handle = handle;
-  connect (mp_handle, SIGNAL (triggered ()), this, SLOT (triggered_slot ()));
-  mp_handle->add_ref ();
-}
-
-Action::Action (const Action &action)
-  : QObject ()
-{
-  mp_handle = action.mp_handle;
-  if (mp_handle) {
-    connect (mp_handle, SIGNAL (triggered ()), this, SLOT (triggered_slot ()));
-    mp_handle->add_ref ();
-  }
-}
-
-Action &
-Action::operator= (const Action &action)
-{
-  if (this != &action) {
-    if (mp_handle) {
-      if (mp_handle->ptr ()) {
-        connect (mp_handle, SIGNAL (triggered ()), this, SLOT (triggered_slot ()));
-      }
-      mp_handle->remove_ref ();
-      mp_handle = 0;
-    }
-    mp_handle = action.mp_handle;
-    if (mp_handle) {
-      connect (mp_handle, SIGNAL (triggered ()), this, SLOT (triggered_slot ()));
-      mp_handle->add_ref ();
-    }
-  }
-  return *this;
-}
-
-Action::~Action ()
-{
-  if (mp_handle) {
-    if (mp_handle->ptr ()) {
-      connect (mp_handle, SIGNAL (triggered ()), this, SLOT (triggered_slot ()));
-    }
-    mp_handle->remove_ref ();
-    mp_handle = 0;
-  }
+  BEGIN_PROTECTED
+  triggered ();
+  END_PROTECTED
 }
 
 void
@@ -686,12 +511,145 @@ Action::triggered ()
   //  .. no action yet, the reimplementation must provide some ..
 }
 
-void
-Action::triggered_slot ()
+QAction *
+Action::qaction () const
 {
-  BEGIN_PROTECTED
-  triggered ();
-  END_PROTECTED
+  return mp_action;
+}
+
+QMenu *
+Action::menu () const
+{
+  return mp_menu;
+}
+
+void
+Action::destroyed (QObject *obj)
+{
+  if (obj == mp_action) {
+    mp_action = 0;
+  }
+  if (obj == mp_menu) {
+    mp_menu = 0;
+    mp_action = 0;
+  }
+  m_owned = false;
+}
+
+void
+Action::set_visible (bool v)
+{
+  if (m_visible != v) {
+    m_visible = v;
+    if (mp_action) {
+      mp_action->setVisible (is_effective_visible ());
+      mp_action->setShortcut (get_key_sequence ());
+    }
+  }
+}
+
+void
+Action::set_hidden (bool h)
+{
+  if (m_hidden != h) {
+    m_hidden = h;
+    if (mp_action) {
+      mp_action->setVisible (is_effective_visible ());
+      mp_action->setShortcut (get_key_sequence ());
+    }
+  }
+}
+
+bool
+Action::is_visible () const
+{
+  return m_visible;
+}
+
+bool
+Action::is_hidden () const
+{
+  return m_hidden;
+}
+
+bool
+Action::is_effective_visible () const
+{
+  return m_visible && !m_hidden;
+}
+
+void
+Action::set_default_shortcut (const std::string &sc)
+{
+  if (m_default_shortcut != sc) {
+    m_default_shortcut = sc;
+    m_default_key_sequence = QKeySequence (tl::to_qstring (sc));
+    if (mp_action) {
+      mp_action->setShortcut (get_key_sequence ());
+    }
+  }
+}
+
+void
+Action::set_shortcut (const std::string &sc)
+{
+  if (m_shortcut != sc) {
+    m_shortcut = sc;
+    m_no_key_sequence = (sc == Action::no_shortcut ());
+    m_key_sequence = m_no_key_sequence ? QKeySequence () : QKeySequence (tl::to_qstring (m_shortcut));
+    if (mp_action) {
+      mp_action->setShortcut (get_key_sequence ());
+    }
+  }
+}
+
+std::string
+Action::get_default_shortcut () const
+{
+  return tl::to_string (m_default_key_sequence.toString ());
+}
+
+std::string
+Action::get_shortcut () const
+{
+  return m_no_key_sequence ? Action::no_shortcut () : tl::to_string (m_key_sequence.toString ());
+}
+
+QKeySequence
+Action::get_key_sequence () const
+{
+  if (m_hidden) {
+    //  A hidden menu item does not have a key sequence too.
+    return QKeySequence ();
+  } else if (m_no_key_sequence) {
+    return QKeySequence ();
+  } else if (m_key_sequence.isEmpty ()) {
+    return m_default_key_sequence;
+  } else {
+    return m_key_sequence;
+  }
+}
+
+QKeySequence
+Action::get_key_sequence_for (const std::string &sc) const
+{
+  if (m_hidden) {
+    //  A hidden menu item does not have a key sequence too.
+    return QKeySequence ();
+  } else if (sc.empty ()) {
+    return m_default_key_sequence;
+  } else if (sc == Action::no_shortcut ()) {
+    return QKeySequence ();
+  } else {
+    return QKeySequence::fromString (tl::to_qstring (sc));
+  }
+}
+
+const std::string &
+Action::no_shortcut ()
+{
+  static const std::string no_shortcut ("none");
+  return no_shortcut;
 }
 
 void
@@ -712,78 +670,24 @@ Action::get_title () const
   }
 }
 
-void
-Action::set_shortcut (const std::string &s)
-{
-  if (mp_handle) {
-    mp_handle->set_shortcut (s);
-  }
-}
-
-void
-Action::set_default_shortcut (const std::string &s)
-{
-  if (mp_handle) {
-    mp_handle->set_default_shortcut (s);
-  }
-}
-
 std::string
 Action::get_effective_shortcut () const
 {
-  if (mp_handle) {
-    return tl::to_string (mp_handle->get_key_sequence ().toString ());
-  } else {
-    return std::string ();
-  }
+  return tl::to_string (get_key_sequence ().toString ());
 }
 
 std::string
 Action::get_effective_shortcut_for (const std::string &sc) const
 {
-  if (mp_handle) {
-    return tl::to_string (mp_handle->get_key_sequence_for (sc).toString ());
-  } else {
-    return std::string ();
-  }
-}
-
-std::string
-Action::get_shortcut () const
-{
-  if (mp_handle) {
-    return mp_handle->get_shortcut ();
-  } else {
-    return std::string ();
-  }
-}
-
-std::string
-Action::get_default_shortcut () const
-{
-  if (mp_handle) {
-    return mp_handle->get_default_shortcut ();
-  } else {
-    return std::string ();
-  }
-}
-
-QAction *
-Action::qaction () const
-{
-  return mp_handle ? mp_handle->ptr () : 0;
-}
-
-QMenu *
-Action::menu () const
-{
-  return mp_handle ? mp_handle->menu () : 0;
+  return tl::to_string (get_key_sequence_for (sc).toString ());
 }
 
 void
 Action::add_to_exclusive_group (lay::AbstractMenu *menu, const std::string &group_name)
 {
-  menu->make_exclusive_group (group_name)->addAction (qaction ());
+  if (qaction ()) {
+    menu->make_exclusive_group (group_name)->addAction (qaction ());
+  }
 }
 
 bool
@@ -804,24 +708,6 @@ Action::is_enabled () const
   return qaction () && qaction ()->isEnabled ();
 }
 
-bool
-Action::is_visible () const
-{
-  return mp_handle && mp_handle->is_visible ();
-}
-
-bool
-Action::is_hidden () const
-{
-  return mp_handle && mp_handle->is_hidden ();
-}
-
-bool
-Action::is_effective_visible () const
-{
-  return mp_handle && mp_handle->is_effective_visible ();
-}
-
 bool
 Action::is_separator () const
 {
@@ -836,22 +722,6 @@ Action::set_enabled (bool b)
   }
 }
 
-void
-Action::set_visible (bool v)
-{
-  if (mp_handle) {
-    mp_handle->set_visible (v);
-  }
-}
-
-void
-Action::set_hidden (bool h)
-{
-  if (mp_handle) {
-    mp_handle->set_hidden (h);
-  }
-}
-
 void
 Action::set_checked (bool c)
 {
@@ -943,25 +813,23 @@ Action::set_object_name (const std::string &name)
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------
 //  ConfigureAction implementation
 
-ConfigureAction::ConfigureAction (lay::Dispatcher *dispatcher)
-  : Action (), mp_dispatcher (dispatcher), m_type (ConfigureAction::setter_type)
+ConfigureAction::ConfigureAction ()
+  : Action (), m_type (ConfigureAction::setter_type)
 {
   //  .. nothing yet ..
 }
 
-ConfigureAction::ConfigureAction (lay::Dispatcher *dispatcher, const std::string &cname, const std::string &cvalue)
-  : Action (), mp_dispatcher (dispatcher), m_cname (cname), m_cvalue (cvalue), m_type (ConfigureAction::setter_type)
+ConfigureAction::ConfigureAction (const std::string &cname, const std::string &cvalue)
+  : Action (), m_cname (cname), m_cvalue (cvalue), m_type (ConfigureAction::setter_type)
 {
   if (cvalue == "?") {
     m_type = boolean_type;
     set_checkable (true);
   }
-
-  reg ();
 }
 
-ConfigureAction::ConfigureAction (lay::Dispatcher *dispatcher, const std::string &title, const std::string &cname, const std::string &cvalue)
-  : Action (title), mp_dispatcher (dispatcher), m_cname (cname), m_cvalue (cvalue), m_type (ConfigureAction::setter_type)
+ConfigureAction::ConfigureAction (const std::string &title, const std::string &cname, const std::string &cvalue)
+  : Action (title), m_cname (cname), m_cvalue (cvalue), m_type (ConfigureAction::setter_type)
 {
   if (cvalue == "?") {
     //  A "?" notation indicates a boolean toogle entry
@@ -973,35 +841,22 @@ ConfigureAction::ConfigureAction (lay::Dispatcher *dispatcher, const std::string
     m_cvalue.erase (m_cvalue.begin (), m_cvalue.begin () + 1);
     set_checkable (true);
   }
-
-  reg ();
 }
 
 ConfigureAction::~ConfigureAction ()
 {
-  unreg ();
+  //  .. nothing yet ..
 }
 
 void
 ConfigureAction::triggered ()
 {
-  if (m_type == boolean_type) {
-    m_cvalue = tl::to_string (is_checked ());
+  if (dispatcher ()) {
+    if (m_type == boolean_type) {
+      m_cvalue = tl::to_string (is_checked ());
+    }
+    dispatcher ()->config_set (m_cname, m_cvalue);
   }
-
-  mp_dispatcher->config_set (m_cname, m_cvalue);
-}
-
-void
-ConfigureAction::reg ()
-{
-  mp_dispatcher->register_config_action (m_cname, this);
-}
-
-void
-ConfigureAction::unreg ()
-{
-  mp_dispatcher->unregister_config_action (m_cname, this);
 }
 
 void
@@ -1026,36 +881,8 @@ ConfigureAction::configure (const std::string &value)
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------
 //  AbstractMenu implementation
 
-ActionHandle *
-AbstractMenu::create_action (const std::string &s)
-{
-  std::string title;
-  std::string shortcut;
-  std::string res;
-  std::string tool_tip;
-
-  parse_menu_title (s, title, shortcut, res, tool_tip);
-
-  ActionHandle *ah = new ActionHandle ();
-  ah->ptr ()->setText (tl::to_qstring (title));
-
-  if (! tool_tip.empty ()) {
-    ah->ptr ()->setToolTip (tl::to_qstring (tool_tip));
-  }
-
-  if (! res.empty ()) {
-    ah->ptr ()->setIcon (QIcon (tl::to_qstring (res)));
-  }
-
-  if (! shortcut.empty ()) {
-    ah->set_default_shortcut (shortcut);
-  }
-
-  return ah;
-}
-
 AbstractMenu::AbstractMenu (Dispatcher *dispatcher)
-  : mp_dispatcher (dispatcher), m_root (dispatcher)
+  : mp_dispatcher (dispatcher), m_root (dispatcher), m_config_actions_valid (false)
 {
   //  .. nothing yet ..
 }
@@ -1108,12 +935,12 @@ AbstractMenu::build_detached (const std::string &name, QFrame *mbar)
       menu_layout->addWidget (menu_button);
       menu_button->setAutoRaise (true);
       menu_button->setPopupMode (QToolButton::MenuButtonPopup);
-      menu_button->setText (tl::to_qstring (c->action ().get_title ()));
+      menu_button->setText (tl::to_qstring (c->action ()->get_title ()));
 
       if (c->menu () == 0) {
         QMenu *menu = new QMenu (mp_dispatcher->menu_parent_widget ());
         menu_button->setMenu (menu);
-        c->set_action (Action (new ActionHandle (menu)), true);
+        c->set_action (new Action (menu), true);
       } else {
         menu_button->setMenu (c->menu ());
       }
@@ -1122,7 +949,7 @@ AbstractMenu::build_detached (const std::string &name, QFrame *mbar)
 
     } else {
 
-      QAction *action = c->action ().qaction ();
+      QAction *action = c->action ()->qaction ();
 
       QToolButton *menu_button = new QToolButton (mbar);
       menu_layout->addWidget (menu_button);
@@ -1169,7 +996,7 @@ AbstractMenu::build (QMenuBar *mbar, QToolBar *tbar)
       } else if (c->name ().find ("@") == 0) {
 
         if (c->menu () == 0) {
-          QMenu *menu = new QMenu (tl::to_qstring (c->action ().get_title ()), mp_dispatcher->menu_parent_widget ());
+          QMenu *menu = new QMenu (tl::to_qstring (c->action ()->get_title ()), mp_dispatcher->menu_parent_widget ());
           // HINT: it is necessary to add the menu action to a widget below the main window.
           // Otherwise, the keyboard shortcuts do not work for menu items inside such a
           // popup menu. It seems not to have a negative effect to add the menu to the
@@ -1177,7 +1004,7 @@ AbstractMenu::build (QMenuBar *mbar, QToolBar *tbar)
           if (mp_dispatcher->menu_parent_widget ()) {
             mp_dispatcher->menu_parent_widget ()->addAction (menu->menuAction ());
           }
-          c->set_action (Action (new ActionHandle (menu)), true);
+          c->set_action (new Action (menu), true);
         }
 
         //  prepare a detached menu which can be used as context menues
@@ -1187,9 +1014,9 @@ AbstractMenu::build (QMenuBar *mbar, QToolBar *tbar)
 
         if (c->menu () == 0) {
           QMenu *menu = new QMenu (mp_dispatcher->menu_parent_widget ());
-          menu->setTitle (tl::to_qstring (c->action ().get_title ()));
+          menu->setTitle (tl::to_qstring (c->action ()->get_title ()));
           mbar->addMenu (menu);
-          c->set_action (Action (new ActionHandle (menu)), true);
+          c->set_action (new Action (menu), true);
         } else {
           //  Move the action to the end if present in the menu already
           std::set<std::pair<size_t, QAction *> >::iterator a = present_actions.find (std::make_pair (id_from_action (c->menu ()->menuAction ()), c->menu ()->menuAction ()));
@@ -1210,15 +1037,15 @@ AbstractMenu::build (QMenuBar *mbar, QToolBar *tbar)
 
     } else if (mbar) {
       //  Move the action to the end if present in the menu already
-      std::set<std::pair<size_t, QAction *> >::iterator a = present_actions.find (std::make_pair (id_from_action (c->action ().qaction ()), c->action ().qaction ()));
+      std::set<std::pair<size_t, QAction *> >::iterator a = present_actions.find (std::make_pair (id_from_action (c->action ()->qaction ()), c->action ()->qaction ()));
       if (a != present_actions.end ()) {
         if (s_can_move_menu) {
           mbar->removeAction (a->second);
-          mbar->addAction (c->action ().qaction ());
+          mbar->addAction (c->action ()->qaction ());
         }
         present_actions.erase (*a);
       } else {
-        mbar->addAction (c->action ().qaction ());
+        mbar->addAction (c->action ()->qaction ());
       }
     }
 
@@ -1249,9 +1076,9 @@ AbstractMenu::build (QMenu *m, std::list<AbstractMenuItem> &items)
         //  HINT: the action acts as a container for the title. Unfortunately, we cannot create a
         //  menu with a given action. The action is provided by addMenu instead.
         QMenu *menu = new QMenu (mp_dispatcher->menu_parent_widget ());
-        menu->setTitle (tl::to_qstring (c->action ().get_title ()));
+        menu->setTitle (tl::to_qstring (c->action ()->get_title ()));
         m->addMenu (menu);
-        c->set_action (Action (new ActionHandle (menu)), true);
+        c->set_action (new Action (menu), true);
       } else {
         //  Move the action to the end if present in the menu already
         std::set<std::pair<size_t, QAction *> >::iterator a = present_actions.find (std::make_pair (id_from_action (c->menu ()->menuAction ()), c->menu ()->menuAction ()));
@@ -1271,15 +1098,15 @@ AbstractMenu::build (QMenu *m, std::list<AbstractMenuItem> &items)
     } else {
 
       //  Move the action to the end if present in the menu already
-      std::set<std::pair<size_t, QAction *> >::iterator a = present_actions.find (std::make_pair (id_from_action (c->action ().qaction ()), c->action ().qaction ()));
+      std::set<std::pair<size_t, QAction *> >::iterator a = present_actions.find (std::make_pair (id_from_action (c->action ()->qaction ()), c->action ()->qaction ()));
       if (a != present_actions.end ()) {
         if (s_can_move_menu) {
           m->removeAction (a->second);
-          m->addAction (c->action ().qaction ());
+          m->addAction (c->action ()->qaction ());
         }
         present_actions.erase (*a);
       } else {
-        m->addAction (c->action ().qaction ());
+        m->addAction (c->action ()->qaction ());
       }
 
     }
@@ -1306,12 +1133,12 @@ AbstractMenu::build (QToolBar *t, std::list<AbstractMenuItem> &items)
       //  In order to be able to manage the QMenu ourselves, we must not give it a parent.
       QMenu *menu = new QMenu (0);
       m_helper_menu_items.push_back (menu); // will be owned by the stable vector
-      c->action ().qaction ()->setMenu (menu);
-      t->addAction (c->action ().qaction ());
+      c->action ()->qaction ()->setMenu (menu);
+      t->addAction (c->action ()->qaction ());
       build (menu, c->children);
 
     } else {
-      t->addAction (c->action ().qaction ());
+      t->addAction (c->action ()->qaction ());
     }
 
   }
@@ -1354,13 +1181,17 @@ bool
 AbstractMenu::is_separator (const std::string &path) const
 {
   const AbstractMenuItem *item = find_item_exact (path);
-  return item != 0 && item->action ().is_separator ();
+  return item != 0 && item->action ()->is_separator ();
 }
 
-Action
-AbstractMenu::action (const std::string &path) const
+const Action *AbstractMenu::action(const std::string &path) const
 {
-  const AbstractMenuItem *item = find_item_exact (path);
+  return (const_cast<AbstractMenu *> (this))->action (path);
+}
+
+Action *AbstractMenu::action(const std::string &path)
+{
+  AbstractMenuItem *item = find_item_exact (path);
   if (! item) {
     throw tl::Exception (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Not a valid menu item path: ")) + path);
   }
@@ -1384,7 +1215,7 @@ AbstractMenu::items (const std::string &path) const
 }
 
 void
-AbstractMenu::insert_item (const std::string &p, const std::string &name, const Action &action)
+AbstractMenu::insert_item (const std::string &p, const std::string &name, Action *action)
 {
   tl::Extractor extr (p.c_str ());
   while (! extr.at_end ()) {
@@ -1416,7 +1247,7 @@ AbstractMenu::insert_item (const std::string &p, const std::string &name, const
 
   }
 
-  emit changed ();
+  emit_changed ();
 }
 
 void
@@ -1432,17 +1263,17 @@ AbstractMenu::insert_separator (const std::string &p, const std::string &name)
 
     parent->children.insert (iter, AbstractMenuItem (mp_dispatcher));
     --iter;
-    Action action (new ActionHandle ());
-    action.set_separator (true);
+    Action *action = new Action ();
+    action->set_separator (true);
     iter->setup_item (parent->name (), name, action);
 
   }
 
-  emit changed ();
+  emit_changed ();
 }
 
 void
-AbstractMenu::insert_menu (const std::string &p, const std::string &name, const Action &action)
+AbstractMenu::insert_menu (const std::string &p, const std::string &name, Action *action)
 {
   typedef std::vector<std::pair<AbstractMenuItem *, std::list<AbstractMenuItem>::iterator > > path_type;
   tl::Extractor extr (p.c_str ());
@@ -1469,13 +1300,13 @@ AbstractMenu::insert_menu (const std::string &p, const std::string &name, const
 
   }
 
-  emit changed ();
+  emit_changed ();
 }
 
 void
 AbstractMenu::insert_menu (const std::string &path, const std::string &name, const std::string &title)
 {
-  insert_menu (path, name, create_action (title));
+  insert_menu (path, name, new Action (title));
 }
 
 void
@@ -1486,7 +1317,7 @@ AbstractMenu::clear_menu (const std::string &p)
   path_type path = find_item (extr);
   if (! path.empty () && ! path.back ().second->children.empty ()) {
     path.back ().second->children.clear ();
-    emit changed ();
+    emit_changed ();
   }
 }
 
@@ -1513,10 +1344,10 @@ AbstractMenu::delete_item (const std::string &p)
 
   }
 
-  emit changed ();
+  emit_changed ();
 }
 
-static void do_delete_items (AbstractMenuItem &parent, const Action &action)
+static void do_delete_items (AbstractMenuItem &parent, Action *action)
 {
   for (std::list<AbstractMenuItem>::iterator l = parent.children.begin (); l != parent.children.end (); ) {
     std::list<AbstractMenuItem>::iterator ll = l;
@@ -1534,16 +1365,17 @@ static void do_delete_items (AbstractMenuItem &parent, const Action &action)
 }
 
 void
-AbstractMenu::delete_items (const Action &action)
+AbstractMenu::delete_items (Action *action)
 {
-  do_delete_items (m_root, action);
-  emit changed ();
+  if (action) {
+    do_delete_items (m_root, action);
+    emit_changed ();
+  }
 }
 
 const AbstractMenuItem *
 AbstractMenu::find_item_exact (const std::string &path) const
 {
-  //  Hint: this const_cast saves us having to implement const and non-const versions ..
   return (const_cast<AbstractMenu *> (this))->find_item_exact (path);
 }
 
@@ -1713,7 +1545,7 @@ AbstractMenu::find_item (tl::Extractor &extr)
           if (parent) {
             parent->children.insert (iter, AbstractMenuItem (mp_dispatcher));
             --iter;
-            iter->setup_item (parent->name (), n, Action ());
+            iter->setup_item (parent->name (), n, new Action ());
             iter->set_has_submenu ();
             iter->set_remove_on_empty ();
             iter->set_action_title (ndesc.empty () ? n : ndesc);
@@ -1752,12 +1584,12 @@ AbstractMenu::group (const std::string &name) const
   return grp;
 }
 
-std::vector<lay::Action>
-AbstractMenu::group_actions (const std::string &name) const
+std::vector<lay::Action *>
+AbstractMenu::group_actions (const std::string &name)
 {
   std::vector<std::string> grp = group (name);
 
-  std::vector<lay::Action> actions;
+  std::vector<lay::Action *> actions;
   actions.reserve (grp.size ());
   for (std::vector<std::string>::const_iterator g = grp.begin (); g != grp.end (); ++g) {
     actions.push_back (action (*g));
@@ -1776,4 +1608,43 @@ AbstractMenu::collect_group (std::vector<std::string> &grp, const std::string &n
   }
 }
 
+void
+AbstractMenu::emit_changed ()
+{
+  m_config_actions_valid = false;
+  emit changed ();
+}
+
+std::vector<ConfigureAction *> AbstractMenu::configure_actions (const std::string &name)
+{
+  if (! m_config_actions_valid) {
+
+    std::vector<lay::ConfigureAction *> ca;
+    collect_configure_actions (ca, m_root);
+
+    m_config_action_by_name.clear ();
+    for (std::vector<lay::ConfigureAction *>::const_iterator c = ca.begin (); c != ca.end (); ++c) {
+      m_config_action_by_name [(*c)->get_cname ()].push_back (*c);
+    }
+
+    m_config_actions_valid = true;
+
+  }
+
+  std::map<std::string, std::vector<lay::ConfigureAction *> >::const_iterator c = m_config_action_by_name.find (name);
+  return c == m_config_action_by_name.end () ? std::vector<lay::ConfigureAction *> () : c->second;
+}
+
+void
+AbstractMenu::collect_configure_actions (std::vector<lay::ConfigureAction *> &ca, AbstractMenuItem &item)
+{
+  for (std::list<AbstractMenuItem>::iterator c = item.children.begin (); c != item.children.end (); ++c) {
+    ConfigureAction *cca = dynamic_cast<ConfigureAction *> (c->action ());
+    if (cca) {
+      ca.push_back (cca);
+    }
+    collect_configure_actions (ca, *c);
+  }
+}
+
 }
diff --git a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layAbstractMenu.h b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layAbstractMenu.h
index 4d8e11fee..eda1c8454 100644
--- a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layAbstractMenu.h
+++ b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layAbstractMenu.h
@@ -75,83 +75,14 @@ LAYBASIC_PUBLIC std::vector<std::pair<std::string, bool> > unpack_menu_items_hid
 LAYBASIC_PUBLIC std::string pack_menu_items_hidden (const std::vector<std::pair<std::string, bool> > &unpacked);
 
 /**
- *  @brief A helper class that does reference counting for the QAction object
- */
-class ActionHandle
-  : public QObject
-{
-Q_OBJECT
-
-public:
-  ActionHandle ();
-  ActionHandle (QAction *action, bool owned = true);
-  ActionHandle (QMenu *menu, bool owned = true);
-  ~ActionHandle ();
-  void add_ref ();
-  void remove_ref ();
-  QAction *ptr () const;
-  QMenu *menu () const;
-  Dispatcher *dispatcher () { return mp_dispatcher; }
-
-  void set_symbol (const std::string &s) { m_symbol = s; }
-  const std::string &symbol () const { return m_symbol; }
-
-  void set_visible (bool v);
-  void set_hidden (bool h);
-  bool is_visible () const;
-  bool is_hidden () const;
-  bool is_effective_visible () const;
-
-  void set_default_shortcut (const std::string &sc);
-  void set_shortcut (const std::string &sc);
-  std::string get_default_shortcut () const;
-  std::string get_shortcut() const;
-  QKeySequence get_key_sequence () const;
-  QKeySequence get_key_sequence_for (const std::string &sc) const;
-
-signals:
-  void triggered ();
-
-protected slots:
-  void destroyed (QObject *obj);
-  void qaction_triggered ();
-
-private:
-  friend struct AbstractMenuItem;
-
-  QMenu *mp_menu;
-  QAction *mp_action;
-  lay::Dispatcher *mp_dispatcher;
-  int m_ref_count;
-  bool m_owned;
-  bool m_visible;
-  bool m_hidden;
-  std::string m_default_shortcut;
-  QKeySequence m_default_key_sequence;
-  std::string m_shortcut;
-  std::string m_symbol;
-  QKeySequence m_key_sequence;
-  bool m_no_key_sequence;
-
-  void set_dispatcher (Dispatcher *dispatcher);
-
-  //  no copying
-  ActionHandle (const ActionHandle &);
-  ActionHandle &operator= (const ActionHandle &);
-};
-
-/**
- *  @brief A QAction proxy 
+ *  @brief The basic Action object
  *
- *  This class is provided to be better suited to automation because it provides the corresponding interfaces
- *  and allows implementing the "trigger" event by reimplementation of the slot (after being connected).
- *  In addition, by acting as a proxy, it can act as a reference to a QAction object created by Qt itself (i.e.
- *  within a QMenu).
- *  To reimplement the "triggered" method, derive a class from Action and reimplement "triggered". Then
- *  pass a reference to this object to "insert_item" of AbstractMenu and store away the derived object.
- *  This object then will receive the triggered events, although the menu holds a pure Action object. 
- *  This works since the basic object is the QAction to which both the derived object and the Action 
- *  point to. A triggered event will be forwarded from this QAction to all referencing Action objects.
+ *  An "action" is the target of a menu action. It allows reimplementing the "triggered" method
+ *  to implement a specific action. The action encapsulates a QAction object.
+ *
+ *  Use this object in "insert_item" of AbstractMenu.
+ *
+ *  This object is typically owned by the AbstractMenu and cannot be copied or assigned.
  */
 class LAYBASIC_PUBLIC Action
   : public QObject,
@@ -162,21 +93,25 @@ Q_OBJECT
 public:
   /**
    *  @brief The main constructor
-   *
-   *  This constructor creates an QAction object internally which is owned by the Action object.
    */
   Action ();
 
   /**
-   *  @brief The copy constructor
-   *
-   *  This constructor creates an QAction object internally which is owned by the Action object.
+   *  @brief Creates an action from the given QAction
+   *  If "owned" is true, the QAction will become owned by the Action object.
    */
-  Action (const Action &action); 
+  Action (QAction *action, bool owned = true);
+
+  /**
+   *  @brief Creates an action from the given QMenu
+   *  If "owned" is true, the QAction will become owned by the Action object.
+   */
+  Action (QMenu *menu, bool owned = true);
 
   /**
    *  @brief Creates an action with the given title (icon, keyboard shortcut)
    *
+   *  The title will optionally encode the shortcut and/or icon resource.
    *  The format of the title string is: <text>["("shortcut")"]["<"icon-resource">"]
    *
    *  @param title The title string encoding icon and keyboard shortcut if applicable.
@@ -184,14 +119,9 @@ public:
   Action (const std::string &title);
 
   /**
-   *  @brief Assignement
+   *  @brief Destructor
    */
-  Action &operator= (const Action &action);
-
-  /**
-   *  @brief The destructor
-   */
-  ~Action (); 
+  ~Action ();
 
   /**
    *  @brief Set the title
@@ -316,7 +246,7 @@ public:
   void set_separator (bool s);
 
   /**
-   *  @brief Set the tool tip text 
+   *  @brief Set the tool tip text
    *
    *  @param text The text to display in the tool tip
    */
@@ -332,7 +262,7 @@ public:
   void set_icon (const std::string &filename);
 
   /**
-   *  @brief Set the icon's text 
+   *  @brief Set the icon's text
    *
    *  If an icon text is set, this will be used for the text below the icon.
    *  If no icon text is set, the normal text will be used for the icon.
@@ -340,7 +270,7 @@ public:
    */
   void set_icon_text (const std::string &icon_text);
 
-  /** 
+  /**
    *  @brief Set the action's QObject name (for testing for example)
    */
   void set_object_name (const std::string &name);
@@ -351,12 +281,12 @@ public:
   void add_to_exclusive_group (lay::AbstractMenu *menu, const std::string &group_name);
 
   /**
-   *  @brief Get the tool tip text 
+   *  @brief Get the tool tip text
    */
   std::string get_tool_tip () const;
 
   /**
-   *  @brief Get the icon's text 
+   *  @brief Get the icon's text
    */
   std::string get_icon_text () const;
 
@@ -382,50 +312,41 @@ public:
    */
   QMenu *menu () const;
 
-  /**
-   *  @brief Gets the handle
-   *  The handle is the representative of the menu entry which is shared
-   *  by all Action copies.
-   */
-  ActionHandle *handle ()
-  {
-    return mp_handle;
-  }
-
   /**
    *  @brief Gets the dispatcher object this action is connected to
    */
   Dispatcher *dispatcher () const
   {
-    return mp_handle->dispatcher ();
+    return mp_dispatcher;
   }
 
-  /**
-   *  @brief Compares two action objects 
-   *
-   *  Two action objects are equal when they refer to the same ActionHandle.
-   */
-  bool operator== (const Action &other) const
-  {
-    return mp_handle == other.mp_handle;
-  }
-
-public slots:
-  void triggered_slot ();
+protected slots:
+  void destroyed (QObject *obj);
+  void qaction_triggered ();
 
 private:
-  friend class AbstractMenu;
+  friend struct AbstractMenuItem;
 
-  ActionHandle *mp_handle;
+  QMenu *mp_menu;
+  QAction *mp_action;
+  lay::Dispatcher *mp_dispatcher;
+  bool m_owned;
+  bool m_visible;
+  bool m_hidden;
+  std::string m_default_shortcut;
+  QKeySequence m_default_key_sequence;
+  std::string m_shortcut;
+  std::string m_symbol;
+  QKeySequence m_key_sequence;
+  bool m_no_key_sequence;
 
-  /**
-   *  @brief The proxy constructor
-   *
-   *  This constructor takes a QAction object that it will refer to.
-   *  If the Action is copied, the copy will refer to the same QAction.
-   *  The QAction object is deleted if the last Action referring to QAction is deleted.
-   */
-  Action (ActionHandle *action);
+  void set_dispatcher (Dispatcher *dispatcher);
+  QKeySequence get_key_sequence () const;
+  QKeySequence get_key_sequence_for (const std::string &sc) const;
+
+  //  no copying
+  Action (const Action &);
+  Action &operator= (const Action &);
 };
 
 /**
@@ -444,7 +365,7 @@ public:
   /**
    *  @brief The default constructor
    */
-  ConfigureAction (lay::Dispatcher *dispatcher);
+  ConfigureAction ();
 
   /**
    *  @brief Create an configure action with the given name and value
@@ -455,14 +376,13 @@ public:
    *  The value can be "?" in which case the configuration action describes 
    *  a boolean parameter which is mapped to a checkable action.
    */
-  ConfigureAction (lay::Dispatcher *dispatcher, const std::string &cname, const std::string &value);
+  ConfigureAction (const std::string &cname, const std::string &value);
 
   /**
    *  @brief Create an configure action with the given title (icon, keyboard shortcut), name and value
    *
    *  The format of the title string is: <text>["("shortcut")"]["<"icon-resource">"]
    *
-   *  @param pr The reference to the plugin root object which receives the configure request 
    *  @param title The title string encoding icon and keyboard shortcut if applicable.
    *  @param cname The name of the configuration parameter to set
    *  @param cvalue The value to set "cname" to
@@ -470,7 +390,7 @@ public:
    *  The value can be "?" in which case the configuration action describes 
    *  a boolean parameter which is mapped to a checkable action.
    */
-  ConfigureAction (lay::Dispatcher *dispatcher, const std::string &title, const std::string &cname, const std::string &value);
+  ConfigureAction (const std::string &title, const std::string &cname, const std::string &value);
 
   /**
    *  @brief Destructor
@@ -519,14 +439,10 @@ public:
 protected:
   virtual void triggered ();
 
-  void reg ();
-  void unreg ();
-
 private:
   ConfigureAction (const ConfigureAction &action); 
   ConfigureAction &operator= (const ConfigureAction &action); 
 
-  lay::Dispatcher *mp_dispatcher;
   std::string m_cname, m_cvalue;
   type m_type;
 };
@@ -544,7 +460,7 @@ struct LAYBASIC_PUBLIC AbstractMenuItem
   /**
    *  @brief Internal method used to set up the item
    */
-  void setup_item (const std::string &pn, const std::string &n, const Action &a); 
+  void setup_item (const std::string &pn, const std::string &n, Action *a);
 
   Dispatcher *dispatcher () const
   {
@@ -561,18 +477,23 @@ struct LAYBASIC_PUBLIC AbstractMenuItem
     return m_groups;
   }
 
-  void set_action (const Action &a, bool copy_properties);
+  void set_action (Action *a, bool copy_properties);
 
   void set_action_title (const std::string &t);
 
-  const Action &action () const
+  Action *action ()
   {
-    return m_action;
+    return mp_action.get ();
   }
 
-  QMenu *menu () const
+  const Action *action () const
   {
-    return m_action.menu ();
+    return mp_action.get ();
+  }
+
+  QMenu *menu ()
+  {
+    return mp_action->menu ();
   }
 
   void set_has_submenu ();
@@ -592,7 +513,7 @@ struct LAYBASIC_PUBLIC AbstractMenuItem
   std::list <AbstractMenuItem> children;
 
 private:
-  Action m_action;
+  tl::shared_ptr<Action> mp_action;
   Dispatcher *mp_dispatcher;
   bool m_has_submenu;
   bool m_remove_on_empty;
@@ -694,7 +615,12 @@ public:
    *  @param path The path to the item. This must be a valid path.
    *  @return The action object
    */
-  Action action (const std::string &path) const;
+  Action *action (const std::string &path);
+
+  /**
+   *  @brief Get the Action object for a given item (const version)
+   */
+  const Action *action(const std::string &path) const;
 
   /**
    *  @brief Get the subitems for a given submenu
@@ -737,8 +663,10 @@ public:
    *  @param path The path to the item before which to insert the new item
    *  @param name The name of the item to insert 
    *  @param action The action associated with the item
+   *
+   *  NOTE: the abstract menu will take ownership of the Action object.
    */
-  void insert_item (const std::string &path, const std::string &name, const Action &action); 
+  void insert_item (const std::string &path, const std::string &name, Action *action);
 
   /**
    *  @brief Insert a new separator before the one item by the path
@@ -758,7 +686,7 @@ public:
    *  @param name The name of the submenu to insert 
    *  @param action The action associated with the submenu
    */
-  void insert_menu (const std::string &path, const std::string &name, const Action &action);
+  void insert_menu (const std::string &path, const std::string &name, Action *action);
 
   /**
    *  @brief Insert a new submenu before the item given by the path
@@ -789,7 +717,7 @@ public:
   /**
    *  @brief Delete the items referring to the given action
    */
-  void delete_items (const Action &action);
+  void delete_items (Action *action);
 
   /**
    *  @brief Get the group members
@@ -805,7 +733,14 @@ public:
    *  @param group The group name
    *  @param A vector of all members (as actions) of the group
    */
-  std::vector<lay::Action> group_actions (const std::string &name) const;
+  std::vector<Action *> group_actions(const std::string &name);
+
+  /**
+   *  @brief Get the configure actions for a given configuration name
+   *
+   *  @param The configuration actions for this given configuration name
+   */
+  std::vector<lay::ConfigureAction *> configure_actions (const std::string &name);
 
   /**
    *  @brief Get the detached menu
@@ -852,21 +787,15 @@ private:
   void build (QMenu *menu, std::list<AbstractMenuItem> &items);
   void build (QToolBar *tbar, std::list<AbstractMenuItem> &items);
   void collect_group (std::vector<std::string> &grp, const std::string &name, const AbstractMenuItem &item) const;
-
-  /**
-   *  @brief Create a action from a string
-   *
-   *  The format of the string is: <text>["("shortcut")"]["<"icon-resource">"]
-   *
-   *  @param s The title, key and icon resource string in the format given above
-   *  @return The ActionHandle object created
-   */
-  static ActionHandle *create_action (const std::string &s);
+  void collect_configure_actions (std::vector<ConfigureAction *> &ca, AbstractMenuItem &item);
+  void emit_changed ();
 
   Dispatcher *mp_dispatcher;
   AbstractMenuItem m_root;
   tl::stable_vector<QMenu> m_helper_menu_items;
   std::map<std::string, QActionGroup *> m_action_groups;
+  std::map<std::string, std::vector<ConfigureAction *> > m_config_action_by_name;
+  bool m_config_actions_valid;
 };
 
 }
@@ -877,6 +806,15 @@ namespace tl
     typedef tl::false_tag has_copy_constructor;
     typedef tl::false_tag has_default_constructor;
   };
+
+  template <> struct type_traits<lay::AbstractMenuItem> : public type_traits<void> {
+    typedef tl::false_tag has_copy_constructor;
+    typedef tl::false_tag has_default_constructor;
+  };
+
+  template <> struct type_traits<lay::Action> : public type_traits<void> {
+    typedef tl::false_tag has_copy_constructor;
+  };
 }
 
 #endif
diff --git a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layDispatcher.cc b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layDispatcher.cc
index 70b664418..335397afb 100644
--- a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layDispatcher.cc
+++ b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layDispatcher.cc
@@ -50,66 +50,13 @@ Dispatcher::~Dispatcher ()
   }
 }
 
-lay::ConfigureAction *
-Dispatcher::create_config_action (const std::string &title, const std::string &cname, const std::string &cvalue)
-{
-  lay::ConfigureAction *ca = new lay::ConfigureAction (this, title, cname, cvalue);
-  m_ca_collection.push_back (ca);
-  return ca;
-}
-
-lay::ConfigureAction *
-Dispatcher::create_config_action (const std::string &cname, const std::string &cvalue)
-{
-  lay::ConfigureAction *ca = new lay::ConfigureAction (this, std::string (), cname, cvalue);
-  m_ca_collection.push_back (ca);
-  return ca;
-}
-
-void
-Dispatcher::register_config_action (const std::string &name, lay::ConfigureAction *action)
-{
-  std::map<std::string, std::vector<lay::ConfigureAction *> >::iterator ca = m_configuration_actions.insert (std::make_pair (name, std::vector<lay::ConfigureAction *> ())).first;
-  for (std::vector<lay::ConfigureAction *>::iterator a = ca->second.begin (); a != ca->second.end (); ++a) {
-    if (*a == action) {
-      return; // already registered
-    }
-  }
-
-  ca->second.push_back (action);
-}
-
-void
-Dispatcher::unregister_config_action (const std::string &name, lay::ConfigureAction *action)
-{
-  std::map<std::string, std::vector<lay::ConfigureAction *> >::iterator ca = m_configuration_actions.find (name);
-  if (ca != m_configuration_actions.end ()) {
-    for (std::vector<lay::ConfigureAction *>::iterator a = ca->second.begin (); a != ca->second.end (); ++a) {
-      if (*a == action) {
-        ca->second.erase (a);
-        return;
-      }
-    }
-  }
-}
-
-void
-Dispatcher::clear_configuration_actions ()
-{
-  m_ca_collection.clear ();
-  m_configuration_actions.clear ();
-}
-
 bool
 Dispatcher::configure (const std::string &name, const std::string &value)
 {
-  std::map<std::string, std::vector<lay::ConfigureAction *> >::iterator ca = m_configuration_actions.find (name);
-  if (ca != m_configuration_actions.end ()) {
-    for (std::vector<lay::ConfigureAction *>::const_iterator a = ca->second.begin (); a != ca->second.end (); ++a) {
-      (*a)->configure (value);
-    }
+  std::vector<lay::ConfigureAction *> ca = m_menu.configure_actions (name);
+  for (std::vector<lay::ConfigureAction *>::const_iterator a = ca.begin (); a != ca.end (); ++a) {
+    (*a)->configure (value);
   }
-
   return false;
 }
 
diff --git a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layDispatcher.h b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layDispatcher.h
index 0a076e655..63c55204b 100644
--- a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layDispatcher.h
+++ b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layDispatcher.h
@@ -129,44 +129,15 @@ public:
     return (dispatcher () == this) ? &m_menu : dispatcher ()->menu ();
   }
 
-  /**
-   *  @brief Creates a configuration action with the given title, parameter name and value
-   *
-   *  The action will be owned by the abstract menu provider but can be deleted to remove it from there.
-   */
-  lay::ConfigureAction *create_config_action (const std::string &title, const std::string &cname, const std::string &cvalue);
-
-  /**
-   *  @brief Creates a configuration action with the given parameter name and value
-   *
-   *  The action will be owned by the abstract menu provider but can be deleted to remove it from there.
-   *  This version is provided for applications, where the title is set later.
-   */
-  lay::ConfigureAction *create_config_action (const std::string &cname, const std::string &cvalue);
-
-  /**
-   *  @brief Registers a configuration action with the given name
-   */
-  void register_config_action (const std::string &name, lay::ConfigureAction *action);
-
-  /**
-   *  @brief Unregisters a configuration action with the given name
-   */
-  void unregister_config_action (const std::string &name, lay::ConfigureAction *action);
-
 protected:
   //  capture the configuration events so we can change the value of the configuration actions
   virtual bool configure (const std::string &name, const std::string &value);
 
-  void clear_configuration_actions ();
-
 private:
   Dispatcher (const Dispatcher &);
   Dispatcher &operator= (const Dispatcher &);
 
   lay::AbstractMenu m_menu;
-  std::map<std::string, std::vector<lay::ConfigureAction *> > m_configuration_actions;
-  tl::shared_collection<lay::ConfigureAction> m_ca_collection;
 };
 
 }
diff --git a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layLayoutView.cc b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layLayoutView.cc
index a452826dc..0cd7a6494 100644
--- a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layLayoutView.cc
+++ b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layLayoutView.cc
@@ -366,11 +366,11 @@ LayoutView::init_menu ()
   //  if not in editable mode, hide all entries from "edit_mode" group and show all from the "view_mode" group and vice versa
   std::vector<std::string> edit_mode_grp = menu ()->group ("edit_mode");
   for (std::vector<std::string>::const_iterator g = edit_mode_grp.begin (); g != edit_mode_grp.end (); ++g) {
-    menu ()->action (*g).set_visible (is_editable ());
+    menu ()->action (*g)->set_visible (is_editable ());
   }
   std::vector<std::string> view_mode_grp = menu ()->group ("view_mode");
   for (std::vector<std::string>::const_iterator g = view_mode_grp.begin (); g != view_mode_grp.end (); ++g) {
-    menu ()->action (*g).set_visible (! is_editable ());
+    menu ()->action (*g)->set_visible (! is_editable ());
   }
 }
 
@@ -896,6 +896,32 @@ Plugin *LayoutView::get_plugin_by_name (const std::string &name) const
   return 0;
 }
 
+namespace {
+
+class GotoBookmarkAction
+  : public lay::Action
+{
+public:
+  GotoBookmarkAction (lay::LayoutView *view, size_t id, const std::string &title)
+    : Action (), mp_view (view), m_id (id)
+  {
+    set_title (title);
+  }
+
+  void triggered ()
+  {
+    if (mp_view) {
+      mp_view->goto_view (mp_view->bookmarks ().state (m_id));
+    }
+  }
+
+private:
+  tl::weak_ptr<lay::LayoutView> mp_view;
+  size_t m_id;
+};
+
+}
+
 void
 LayoutView::update_menu (lay::LayoutView *view, lay::AbstractMenu &menu)
 {
@@ -905,23 +931,20 @@ LayoutView::update_menu (lay::LayoutView *view, lay::AbstractMenu &menu)
 
     menu.clear_menu (bm_menu);
 
-    Action goto_bookmark_action = menu.action (bm_menu);
+    Action *goto_bookmark_action = menu.action (bm_menu);
 
     if (view && view->bookmarks ().size () > 0) {
 
-      goto_bookmark_action.set_enabled (true);
+      goto_bookmark_action->set_enabled (true);
 
       const lay::BookmarkList &bookmarks = view->bookmarks ();
       for (size_t i = 0; i < bookmarks.size (); ++i) {
-        Action action;
-        gtf::action_connect (action.qaction (), SIGNAL (triggered ()), view, SLOT (goto_bookmark ()));
-        action.set_title (bookmarks.name (i));
-        action.qaction ()->setData (QVariant (int (i)));
+        Action *action = new GotoBookmarkAction (view, i, bookmarks.name (i));
         menu.insert_item (bm_menu + ".end", tl::sprintf ("bookmark_%d", i + 1), action);
       }
 
     } else {
-      goto_bookmark_action.set_enabled (false);
+      goto_bookmark_action->set_enabled (false);
     }
 
   }
@@ -3917,21 +3940,6 @@ LayoutView::bookmark_view (const std::string &name)
   emit menu_needs_update ();
 }
 
-void
-LayoutView::goto_bookmark ()
-{
-  BEGIN_PROTECTED
-
-  QAction *action = dynamic_cast <QAction *> (sender ());
-  tl_assert (action);
-  size_t id = size_t (action->data ().toInt ());
-  if (bookmarks ().size () > id) {
-    goto_view (bookmarks ().state (id));
-  }
-
-  END_PROTECTED
-}
-
 void
 LayoutView::goto_view (const DisplayState &state)
 {
diff --git a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layLayoutView.h b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layLayoutView.h
index 03f7e26fb..4f3eb3563 100644
--- a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layLayoutView.h
+++ b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layLayoutView.h
@@ -2684,7 +2684,6 @@ public slots:
 private slots:
   void active_cellview_changed (int index);
   void active_library_changed (int index);
-  void goto_bookmark ();
   void side_panel_destroyed ();
 
 signals:
diff --git a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layPlugin.cc b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layPlugin.cc
index 538493994..922596ccc 100644
--- a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layPlugin.cc
+++ b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layPlugin.cc
@@ -56,8 +56,6 @@ PluginDeclaration::PluginDeclaration ()
 
 PluginDeclaration::~PluginDeclaration ()
 {
-  clear_menu_items ();
-
   if (Dispatcher::instance ()) {
     Dispatcher::instance ()->plugin_removed (this);
   }
@@ -95,60 +93,58 @@ PluginDeclaration::menu_symbols ()
   return symbols;
 }
 
-void 
-PluginDeclaration::generic_menu ()
+namespace {
+
+class GenericMenuAction
+  : public Action
 {
-  BEGIN_PROTECTED
+public:
+  GenericMenuAction (Dispatcher *dispatcher, const std::string &title, const std::string &symbol)
+    : Action (title), mp_dispatcher (dispatcher), m_symbol (symbol)
+  { }
 
-  ActionHandle *action_handle = dynamic_cast <ActionHandle *> (sender ());
-  tl_assert (action_handle);
-  tl_assert (action_handle->dispatcher () != 0);
-
-  //  Global handler: give the declaration a chance to handle the menu request globally
-  if (menu_activated (action_handle->symbol ())) {
-    return;
+  void triggered ()
+  {
+    if (mp_dispatcher) {
+      mp_dispatcher->menu_activated (m_symbol);
+    }
   }
 
-  //  Forward the request to the plugin root which will propagate it down to the plugins
-  action_handle->dispatcher ()->menu_activated (action_handle->symbol ());
+private:
+  Dispatcher *mp_dispatcher;
+  std::string m_symbol;
+};
 
-  END_PROTECTED
-}
-
-void 
-PluginDeclaration::mode_triggered ()
+class ModeAction
+  : public Action
 {
-  BEGIN_PROTECTED
+public:
+  ModeAction (Dispatcher *dispatcher, const std::string &title, int mode)
+    : Action (title), mp_dispatcher (dispatcher), m_mode (mode)
+  { }
 
-  ActionHandle *action_handle = dynamic_cast<ActionHandle *> (sender ());
-  tl_assert (action_handle != 0);
-  tl_assert (action_handle->dispatcher () != 0);
+  void triggered ()
+  {
+    if (mp_dispatcher) {
+      mp_dispatcher->select_mode (m_mode);
+      set_checked (true);
+    }
+  }
 
-  int mode = 0;
-  tl::from_string (action_handle->symbol (), mode);
+private:
+  Dispatcher *mp_dispatcher;
+  int m_mode;
+};
 
-  action_handle->dispatcher ()->select_mode (mode);
-  action_handle->ptr ()->setChecked (true);
-
-  END_PROTECTED
 }
 
 void
-PluginDeclaration::clear_menu_items ()
-{
-  m_menu_actions.clear ();
-  m_our_menu_actions.clear ();
-}
-
-void 
 PluginDeclaration::init_menu (lay::Dispatcher *dispatcher)
 {
   lay::AbstractMenu &menu = *dispatcher->menu ();
 
-  //  pre-initialize to allow multiple init_menu calls
-  m_editable_mode_action = lay::Action ();
-  m_mouse_mode_action = lay::Action ();
-  clear_menu_items ();
+  mp_editable_mode_action.reset ((Action *) 0);
+  mp_mouse_mode_action.reset ((Action *) 0);
 
   std::string title;
 
@@ -166,12 +162,12 @@ PluginDeclaration::init_menu (lay::Dispatcher *dispatcher)
       title = tab + 1;
     } 
 
-    m_editable_mode_action = Action (title);
-    gtf::action_connect (m_editable_mode_action.qaction (), SIGNAL (triggered ()), this, SLOT (toggle_editable_enabled ()));
-    m_editable_mode_action.set_checkable (true);
-    m_editable_mode_action.set_checked (m_editable_enabled);
+    mp_editable_mode_action.reset (new Action (title));
+    gtf::action_connect (mp_editable_mode_action->qaction (), SIGNAL (triggered ()), this, SLOT (toggle_editable_enabled ()));
+    mp_editable_mode_action->set_checkable (true);
+    mp_editable_mode_action->set_checked (m_editable_enabled);
 
-    menu.insert_item ("edit_menu.select_menu.end", name, m_editable_mode_action);
+    menu.insert_item ("edit_menu.select_menu.end", name, mp_editable_mode_action.get ());
 
   }
 
@@ -198,20 +194,13 @@ PluginDeclaration::init_menu (lay::Dispatcher *dispatcher)
       Action *action = 0;
 
       if (! m->cname.empty ()) {
-
-        action = dispatcher->create_config_action (m->title, m->cname, m->cvalue);
-
+        action = new ConfigureAction (m->title, m->cname, m->cvalue);
       } else {
-
-        action = new Action (m->title);
-        action->handle ()->set_symbol (m->symbol);
-        connect (action->handle (), SIGNAL (triggered ()), this, SLOT (generic_menu ()));
-        m_our_menu_actions.push_back (action);
-
+        action = new GenericMenuAction (dispatcher, m->title, m->symbol);
       }
 
       m_menu_actions.push_back (action);
-      menu.insert_item (m->insert_pos, m->menu_name, *action);
+      menu.insert_item (m->insert_pos, m->menu_name, action);
 
       if (! m->exclusive_group.empty ()) {
         action->add_to_exclusive_group (&menu, m->exclusive_group);
@@ -254,14 +243,11 @@ PluginDeclaration::init_menu (lay::Dispatcher *dispatcher)
       title = std::string (tab + 1);
     } 
 
-    m_mouse_mode_action = Action (title);
-    m_mouse_mode_action.add_to_exclusive_group (&menu, "mouse_mode_exclusive_group");
-    m_mouse_mode_action.set_checkable (true);
-    m_mouse_mode_action.handle ()->set_symbol (tl::to_string (m->second.second));
+    mp_mouse_mode_action.reset (new ModeAction (dispatcher, title, m->second.second));
+    mp_mouse_mode_action->add_to_exclusive_group (&menu, "mouse_mode_exclusive_group");
+    mp_mouse_mode_action->set_checkable (true);
 
-    menu.insert_item (m->second.first, name + ":mode_group", m_mouse_mode_action);
-
-    connect (m_mouse_mode_action.handle (), SIGNAL (triggered ()), this, SLOT (mode_triggered ()));
+    menu.insert_item (m->second.first, name + ":mode_group", mp_mouse_mode_action.get ());
 
   }
 }
@@ -270,13 +256,19 @@ void
 PluginDeclaration::remove_menu_items (Dispatcher *dispatcher)
 {
   lay::AbstractMenu *menu = dispatcher->menu ();
-  menu->delete_items (m_editable_mode_action);
-  menu->delete_items (m_mouse_mode_action);
+  menu->delete_items (mp_editable_mode_action.get ());
+  menu->delete_items (mp_mouse_mode_action.get ());
+
+  std::vector<lay::Action *> actions;
   for (tl::weak_collection <lay::Action>::iterator a = m_menu_actions.begin (); a != m_menu_actions.end (); ++a) {
     if (a.operator-> ()) {
-      menu->delete_items (*a);
+      actions.push_back (a.operator-> ());
     }
   }
+  for (std::vector<lay::Action *>::const_iterator a = actions.begin (); a != actions.end (); ++a) {
+    menu->delete_items (*a);
+  }
+  m_menu_actions.clear ();
 }
 
 void 
@@ -284,7 +276,9 @@ PluginDeclaration::set_editable_enabled (bool f)
 {
   if (f != m_editable_enabled) {
     m_editable_enabled = f;
-    m_editable_mode_action.set_checked (f);
+    if (mp_editable_mode_action.get ()) {
+      mp_editable_mode_action->set_checked (f);
+    }
     editable_enabled_changed_event ();
   }
 }
diff --git a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layPlugin.h b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layPlugin.h
index 59860887b..2b74177dd 100644
--- a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layPlugin.h
+++ b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layPlugin.h
@@ -471,18 +471,13 @@ public:
 
 private slots:
   void toggle_editable_enabled ();
-  void generic_menu ();
-  void mode_triggered ();
 
 private:
   int m_id;
-  tl::weak_collection <lay::Action> m_menu_actions;
-  tl::shared_collection <lay::Action> m_our_menu_actions;
-  lay::Action m_editable_mode_action;
-  lay::Action m_mouse_mode_action;
+  tl::weak_ptr<lay::Action> mp_editable_mode_action;
+  tl::weak_ptr<lay::Action> mp_mouse_mode_action;
+  tl::weak_collection<lay::Action> m_menu_actions;
   bool m_editable_enabled;
-
-  void clear_menu_items ();
 };
 
 /**
diff --git a/src/laybasic/unit_tests/layAbstractMenu.cc b/src/laybasic/unit_tests/layAbstractMenu.cc
index a39ade698..a4a6822f0 100644
--- a/src/laybasic/unit_tests/layAbstractMenu.cc
+++ b/src/laybasic/unit_tests/layAbstractMenu.cc
@@ -51,57 +51,57 @@ TEST(1)
   EXPECT_EQ (menu_to_string (menu), "");
 
   try {
-    EXPECT_EQ (menu.action ("n1").get_title (), "");
+    EXPECT_EQ (menu.action ("n1")->get_title (), "");
     EXPECT_EQ (true, false);
   } catch (...) {
   }
 
   EXPECT_EQ (menu.is_valid ("n1"), false);
 
-  menu.insert_menu ("end", "n1", lay::Action ("title:n1"));
+  menu.insert_menu ("end", "n1", new lay::Action ("title:n1"));
   EXPECT_EQ (menu_to_string (menu), "(n1)");
   EXPECT_EQ (tl::join (menu.items (""), ","), "n1");
   EXPECT_EQ (menu.is_menu ("n1"), true);
-  EXPECT_EQ (menu.action ("n1").get_title (), "title:n1");
+  EXPECT_EQ (menu.action ("n1")->get_title (), "title:n1");
 
   EXPECT_EQ (menu.is_valid ("n1"), true);
   EXPECT_EQ (menu.is_valid ("n2"), false);
 
-  menu.insert_menu ("end", "n2", lay::Action ("title:n2"));
+  menu.insert_menu ("end", "n2", new lay::Action ("title:n2"));
   EXPECT_EQ (menu_to_string (menu), "(n1,n2)");
   EXPECT_EQ (tl::join (menu.items (""), ","), "n1,n2");
   EXPECT_EQ (menu.is_menu ("n2"), true);
-  EXPECT_EQ (menu.action ("n2").get_title (), "title:n2");
+  EXPECT_EQ (menu.action ("n2")->get_title (), "title:n2");
 
   EXPECT_EQ (menu.is_valid ("n2"), true);
 
-  menu.insert_menu ("end", "n1", lay::Action ("title:n1"));
+  menu.insert_menu ("end", "n1", new lay::Action ("title:n1"));
   EXPECT_EQ (menu_to_string (menu), "(n2,n1)");
   EXPECT_EQ (menu.is_menu ("n1"), true);
-  EXPECT_EQ (menu.action ("n1").get_title (), "title:n1");
+  EXPECT_EQ (menu.action ("n1")->get_title (), "title:n1");
 
-  menu.insert_item ("n1.begin", "c1", lay::Action ("title:c1"));
+  menu.insert_item ("n1.begin", "c1", new lay::Action ("title:c1"));
   EXPECT_EQ (menu_to_string (menu), "(n2,n1(n1.c1))");
   EXPECT_EQ (tl::join (menu.items ("n1"), ","), "n1.c1");
-  EXPECT_EQ (menu.action ("n1.c1").get_title (), "title:c1");
+  EXPECT_EQ (menu.action ("n1.c1")->get_title (), "title:c1");
 
-  menu.insert_item ("n1.end", "c2", lay::Action ("title:c2"));
+  menu.insert_item ("n1.end", "c2", new lay::Action ("title:c2"));
   EXPECT_EQ (menu_to_string (menu), "(n2,n1(n1.c1,n1.c2))");
   EXPECT_EQ (tl::join (menu.items ("n1"), ","), "n1.c1,n1.c2");
   EXPECT_EQ (menu.is_menu ("n1.c2"), false);
-  EXPECT_EQ (menu.action ("n1.c2").get_title (), "title:c2");
+  EXPECT_EQ (menu.action ("n1.c2")->get_title (), "title:c2");
 
-  menu.insert_item ("n1.begin", "c1", lay::Action ("title:c1a"));
+  menu.insert_item ("n1.begin", "c1", new lay::Action ("title:c1a"));
   EXPECT_EQ (menu_to_string (menu), "(n2,n1(n1.c1,n1.c2))");
   EXPECT_EQ (tl::join (menu.items ("n1"), ","), "n1.c1,n1.c2");
-  EXPECT_EQ (menu.action ("n1.c1").get_title (), "title:c1a");
+  EXPECT_EQ (menu.action ("n1.c1")->get_title (), "title:c1a");
 
-  menu.insert_item ("n1.c1", "c3", lay::Action ("title:c3"));
+  menu.insert_item ("n1.c1", "c3", new lay::Action ("title:c3"));
   EXPECT_EQ (menu_to_string (menu), "(n2,n1(n1.c3,n1.c1,n1.c2))");
 
-  menu.insert_item ("n1.c1+", "c4", lay::Action ("title:c4"));
+  menu.insert_item ("n1.c1+", "c4", new lay::Action ("title:c4"));
   EXPECT_EQ (menu_to_string (menu), "(n2,n1(n1.c3,n1.c1,n1.c4,n1.c2))");
-  EXPECT_EQ (menu.action ("n1.c4").get_title (), "title:c4");
+  EXPECT_EQ (menu.action ("n1.c4")->get_title (), "title:c4");
 
   menu.delete_item ("n1.c1");
   EXPECT_EQ (menu_to_string (menu), "(n2,n1(n1.c3,n1.c4,n1.c2))");
@@ -109,11 +109,11 @@ TEST(1)
   menu.delete_item ("n1");
   EXPECT_EQ (menu_to_string (menu), "(n2)");
 
-  menu.insert_item ("n1>end(title).end", "c1", lay::Action ("title:c1"));
+  menu.insert_item ("n1>end(title).end", "c1", new lay::Action ("title:c1"));
   EXPECT_EQ (menu_to_string (menu), "(n2,n1(n1.c1))");
-  EXPECT_EQ (menu.action ("n1.c1").get_title (), "title:c1");
+  EXPECT_EQ (menu.action ("n1.c1")->get_title (), "title:c1");
 
-  menu.insert_item ("n1>end(title).end", "c2", lay::Action ("title:c2"));
+  menu.insert_item ("n1>end(title).end", "c2", new lay::Action ("title:c2"));
   EXPECT_EQ (menu_to_string (menu), "(n2,n1(n1.c1,n1.c2))");
 
   menu.delete_item ("n1.c1");
@@ -128,9 +128,9 @@ TEST(1)
   menu.clear_menu ("n1");
   EXPECT_EQ (menu_to_string (menu), "(n2)");
 
-  menu.insert_menu ("end", "n1", lay::Action ("title:n1"));
-  menu.insert_item ("n1.begin", "c1", lay::Action ("title:c1"));
-  menu.insert_item ("n1.end", "c2", lay::Action ("title:c2"));
+  menu.insert_menu ("end", "n1", new lay::Action ("title:n1"));
+  menu.insert_item ("n1.begin", "c1", new lay::Action ("title:c1"));
+  menu.insert_item ("n1.end", "c2", new lay::Action ("title:c2"));
   EXPECT_EQ (menu_to_string (menu), "(n2,n1(n1.c1,n1.c2))");
   menu.clear_menu ("n1");
   EXPECT_EQ (menu_to_string (menu), "(n2,n1)");
diff --git a/src/lym/lym/lymMacro.cc b/src/lym/lym/lymMacro.cc
index 3860df3b3..1cfefd7b1 100644
--- a/src/lym/lym/lymMacro.cc
+++ b/src/lym/lym/lymMacro.cc
@@ -1903,22 +1903,5 @@ void MacroCollection::dump (int l)
   }
 }
 
-// ----------------------------------------------------------------------
-
-MacroSignalAdaptor::MacroSignalAdaptor (QObject *parent, Macro *macro)
-  : QObject (parent), mp_macro (macro)
-{
-  //  .. nothing yet ..
-}
-
-void MacroSignalAdaptor::run ()
-{
-BEGIN_PROTECTED
-  if (mp_macro) {
-    mp_macro->run ();
-  }
-END_PROTECTED
-}
-
 }
 
diff --git a/src/lym/lym/lymMacro.h b/src/lym/lym/lymMacro.h
index 0d1e8778c..eb460f97d 100644
--- a/src/lym/lym/lymMacro.h
+++ b/src/lym/lym/lymMacro.h
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@
 #define HDR_lymMacro
 
 #include "lymCommon.h"
+#include "tlObject.h"
 
 #include <string>
 #include <map>
@@ -55,7 +56,8 @@ class MacroCollection;
  *  by itself which interpreter to use.
  */
 class LYM_PUBLIC Macro
-  : public QObject
+  : public QObject,
+    public tl::Object
 {
 Q_OBJECT 
 
@@ -1128,26 +1130,6 @@ private:
   MacroCollection &operator= (const MacroCollection &d);
 };
 
-/**
- *  @brief A signal to macro adaptor
- *
- *  This class allows calling a macro from a signal
- */
-class LYM_PUBLIC MacroSignalAdaptor
-  : public QObject
-{
-Q_OBJECT 
-
-public:
-  MacroSignalAdaptor (QObject *parent, Macro *macro);
-
-public slots:
-  void run ();
-
-private:
-  Macro *mp_macro;
-};
-
 }
 
 #endif