diff --git a/src/ant/ant/antPropertiesPage.cc b/src/ant/ant/antPropertiesPage.cc
index 773fb8338..721cd8c24 100644
--- a/src/ant/ant/antPropertiesPage.cc
+++ b/src/ant/ant/antPropertiesPage.cc
@@ -134,7 +134,7 @@ PropertiesPage::get_points (db::DPoint &p1, db::DPoint &p2)
 
   try {
     tl::from_string (tl::to_string (x1->text ()), dx1);
-    lay::indicate_error (x1, 0);
+    lay::indicate_error (x1, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     lay::indicate_error (x1, &ex);
     has_error = true;
@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@ PropertiesPage::get_points (db::DPoint &p1, db::DPoint &p2)
 
   try {
     tl::from_string (tl::to_string (x2->text ()), dx2);
-    lay::indicate_error (x2, 0);
+    lay::indicate_error (x2, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     lay::indicate_error (x2, &ex);
     has_error = true;
@@ -150,7 +150,7 @@ PropertiesPage::get_points (db::DPoint &p1, db::DPoint &p2)
 
   try {
     tl::from_string (tl::to_string (y1->text ()), dy1);
-    lay::indicate_error (y1, 0);
+    lay::indicate_error (y1, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     lay::indicate_error (y1, &ex);
     has_error = true;
@@ -158,7 +158,7 @@ PropertiesPage::get_points (db::DPoint &p1, db::DPoint &p2)
 
   try {
     tl::from_string (tl::to_string (y2->text ()), dy2);
-    lay::indicate_error (y2, 0);
+    lay::indicate_error (y2, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     lay::indicate_error (y2, &ex);
     has_error = true;
diff --git a/src/edt/edt/edtEditorOptionsPages.cc b/src/edt/edt/edtEditorOptionsPages.cc
index 84e1602fb..7681eb396 100644
--- a/src/edt/edt/edtEditorOptionsPages.cc
+++ b/src/edt/edt/edtEditorOptionsPages.cc
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@ static void configure_from_line_edit (lay::Dispatcher *dispatcher, QLineEdit *le
     Value value = Value (0);
     tl::from_string (tl::to_string (le->text ()), value);
     dispatcher->config_set (cfg_name, tl::to_string (value));
-    lay::indicate_error (le, 0);
+    lay::indicate_error (le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     lay::indicate_error (le, &ex);
   }
@@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ EditorOptionsGeneric::apply (lay::Dispatcher *root)
     try {
       db::DVector eg;
       egc.from_string_picky (tl::to_string (mp_ui->edit_grid_le->text ()), eg);
-      lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->edit_grid_le, 0);
+      lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->edit_grid_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
       root->config_set (cfg_edit_grid, egc.to_string (eg));
     } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
       lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->edit_grid_le, &ex);
@@ -166,7 +166,7 @@ EditorOptionsGeneric::setup (lay::Dispatcher *root)
     mp_ui->edit_grid_le->setText (tl::to_qstring (egc.to_string (eg)));
   }
   grid_changed (mp_ui->grid_cb->currentIndex ());
-  lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->edit_grid_le, 0);
+  lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->edit_grid_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
 
   //  edit & move angle
 
@@ -196,7 +196,7 @@ EditorOptionsGeneric::setup (lay::Dispatcher *root)
   unsigned int max_shapes = 1000;
   root->config_get (cfg_edit_max_shapes_of_instances, max_shapes);
   mp_ui->max_shapes_le->setText (tl::to_qstring (tl::to_string (max_shapes)));
-  lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->max_shapes_le, 0);
+  lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->max_shapes_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
 
   bool show_shapes = true;
   root->config_get (cfg_edit_show_shapes_of_instances, show_shapes);
@@ -356,7 +356,7 @@ EditorOptionsPath::setup (lay::Dispatcher *root)
   double w = 0.0;
   root->config_get (cfg_edit_path_width, w);
   mp_ui->width_le->setText (tl::to_qstring (tl::to_string (w)));
-  lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->width_le, 0);
+  lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->width_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
 
   //  path type and extensions 
 
@@ -377,9 +377,9 @@ EditorOptionsPath::setup (lay::Dispatcher *root)
   root->config_get (cfg_edit_path_ext_var_begin, bgnext);
   root->config_get (cfg_edit_path_ext_var_end, endext);
   mp_ui->start_ext_le->setText (tl::to_qstring (tl::to_string (bgnext)));
-  lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->start_ext_le, 0);
+  lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->start_ext_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   mp_ui->end_ext_le->setText (tl::to_qstring (tl::to_string (endext)));
-  lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->end_ext_le, 0);
+  lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->end_ext_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
 }
 
 // ------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -631,7 +631,7 @@ EditorOptionsInst::setup (lay::Dispatcher *root)
   double angle = 0.0;
   root->config_get (cfg_edit_inst_angle, angle);
   mp_ui->angle_le->setText (tl::to_qstring (tl::to_string (angle)));
-  lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->angle_le, 0);
+  lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->angle_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
 
   bool mirror = false;
   root->config_get (cfg_edit_inst_mirror, mirror);
@@ -640,7 +640,7 @@ EditorOptionsInst::setup (lay::Dispatcher *root)
   double scale = 1.0;
   root->config_get (cfg_edit_inst_scale, scale);
   mp_ui->scale_le->setText (tl::to_qstring (tl::to_string (scale)));
-  lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->scale_le, 0);
+  lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->scale_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
 
   //  array
   bool array = false;
@@ -657,17 +657,17 @@ EditorOptionsInst::setup (lay::Dispatcher *root)
   root->config_get (cfg_edit_inst_column_y, column_y);
 
   mp_ui->rows_le->setText (tl::to_qstring (tl::to_string (rows)));
-  lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->rows_le, 0);
+  lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->rows_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   mp_ui->row_x_le->setText (tl::to_qstring (tl::to_string (row_x)));
-  lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->row_x_le, 0);
+  lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->row_x_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   mp_ui->row_y_le->setText (tl::to_qstring (tl::to_string (row_y)));
-  lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->row_y_le, 0);
+  lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->row_y_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   mp_ui->columns_le->setText (tl::to_qstring (tl::to_string (columns)));
-  lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->columns_le, 0);
+  lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->columns_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   mp_ui->column_x_le->setText (tl::to_qstring (tl::to_string (column_x)));
-  lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->column_x_le, 0);
+  lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->column_x_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   mp_ui->column_y_le->setText (tl::to_qstring (tl::to_string (column_y)));
-  lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->column_y_le, 0);
+  lay::indicate_error (mp_ui->column_y_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
 
   //  place origin of cell flag
   bool place_origin = false;
diff --git a/src/edt/edt/edtInstPropertiesPage.cc b/src/edt/edt/edtInstPropertiesPage.cc
index 23d6a509e..2360211db 100644
--- a/src/edt/edt/edtInstPropertiesPage.cc
+++ b/src/edt/edt/edtInstPropertiesPage.cc
@@ -405,7 +405,7 @@ InstPropertiesPage::create_applicator (db::Cell & /*cell*/, const db::Instance &
       throw tl::Exception (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Not a valid cell or PCell name: %s")).c_str (), tl::to_string (cell_name_le->text ()).c_str ());
     }
 
-    lay::indicate_error (cell_name_le, 0);
+    lay::indicate_error (cell_name_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
 
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     lay::indicate_error (cell_name_le, &ex);
@@ -447,7 +447,7 @@ InstPropertiesPage::create_applicator (db::Cell & /*cell*/, const db::Instance &
 
   try {
     tl::from_string (tl::to_string (pos_x_le->text ()), x);
-    lay::indicate_error (pos_x_le, 0);
+    lay::indicate_error (pos_x_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     lay::indicate_error (pos_x_le, &ex);
     has_error = true;
@@ -455,7 +455,7 @@ InstPropertiesPage::create_applicator (db::Cell & /*cell*/, const db::Instance &
 
   try {
     tl::from_string (tl::to_string (pos_y_le->text ()), y);
-    lay::indicate_error (pos_y_le, 0);
+    lay::indicate_error (pos_y_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     lay::indicate_error (pos_y_le, &ex);
     has_error = true;
@@ -472,7 +472,7 @@ InstPropertiesPage::create_applicator (db::Cell & /*cell*/, const db::Instance &
   double angle = 0.0;
   try {
     tl::from_string (tl::to_string (angle_le->text ()), angle);
-    lay::indicate_error (angle_le, 0);
+    lay::indicate_error (angle_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     lay::indicate_error (angle_le, &ex);
     has_error = true;
@@ -481,7 +481,7 @@ InstPropertiesPage::create_applicator (db::Cell & /*cell*/, const db::Instance &
   double mag = 0.0;
   try {
     tl::from_string (tl::to_string (mag_le->text ()), mag);
-    lay::indicate_error (mag_le, 0);
+    lay::indicate_error (mag_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     lay::indicate_error (mag_le, &ex);
     has_error = true;
@@ -510,7 +510,7 @@ InstPropertiesPage::create_applicator (db::Cell & /*cell*/, const db::Instance &
 
     try {
       tl::from_string (tl::to_string (column_x_le->text ()), cx);
-      lay::indicate_error (column_x_le, 0);
+      lay::indicate_error (column_x_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
     } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
       lay::indicate_error (column_x_le, &ex);
       has_error = true;
@@ -518,7 +518,7 @@ InstPropertiesPage::create_applicator (db::Cell & /*cell*/, const db::Instance &
 
     try {
       tl::from_string (tl::to_string (column_y_le->text ()), cy);
-      lay::indicate_error (column_y_le, 0);
+      lay::indicate_error (column_y_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
     } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
       lay::indicate_error (column_y_le, &ex);
       has_error = true;
@@ -526,7 +526,7 @@ InstPropertiesPage::create_applicator (db::Cell & /*cell*/, const db::Instance &
 
     try {
       tl::from_string (tl::to_string (row_x_le->text ()), rx);
-      lay::indicate_error (row_x_le, 0);
+      lay::indicate_error (row_x_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
     } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
       lay::indicate_error (row_x_le, &ex);
       has_error = true;
@@ -534,7 +534,7 @@ InstPropertiesPage::create_applicator (db::Cell & /*cell*/, const db::Instance &
 
     try {
       tl::from_string (tl::to_string (row_y_le->text ()), ry);
-      lay::indicate_error (row_y_le, 0);
+      lay::indicate_error (row_y_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
     } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
       lay::indicate_error (row_y_le, &ex);
       has_error = true;
@@ -542,7 +542,7 @@ InstPropertiesPage::create_applicator (db::Cell & /*cell*/, const db::Instance &
 
     try {
       tl::from_string (tl::to_string (rows_le->text ()), rows);
-      lay::indicate_error (rows_le, 0);
+      lay::indicate_error (rows_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
     } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
       lay::indicate_error (rows_le, &ex);
       has_error = true;
@@ -550,7 +550,7 @@ InstPropertiesPage::create_applicator (db::Cell & /*cell*/, const db::Instance &
 
     try {
       tl::from_string (tl::to_string (columns_le->text ()), cols);
-      lay::indicate_error (columns_le, 0);
+      lay::indicate_error (columns_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
     } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
       lay::indicate_error (columns_le, &ex);
       has_error = true;
@@ -766,7 +766,7 @@ InstPropertiesPage::update_pcell_parameters ()
     tl::Exception ex (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Not a valid cell or PCell name: %s")).c_str (), tl::to_string (cell_name_le->text ()).c_str ());
     lay::indicate_error (cell_name_le, &ex);
   } else {
-    lay::indicate_error (cell_name_le, 0);
+    lay::indicate_error (cell_name_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   }
 
   if (pc.first && layout->pcell_declaration (pc.second)) {
diff --git a/src/edt/edt/edtPCellParametersPage.cc b/src/edt/edt/edtPCellParametersPage.cc
index c8d1be652..17c2bdada 100644
--- a/src/edt/edt/edtPCellParametersPage.cc
+++ b/src/edt/edt/edtPCellParametersPage.cc
@@ -496,7 +496,7 @@ PCellParametersPage::get_parameters (bool *ok)
                   tl::from_string (tl::to_string (le->text ()), v);
 
                   parameters.back () = tl::Variant (v);
-                  lay::indicate_error (le, 0);
+                  lay::indicate_error (le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
 
                 } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
 
@@ -520,7 +520,7 @@ PCellParametersPage::get_parameters (bool *ok)
                   tl::from_string (tl::to_string (le->text ()), v);
 
                   parameters.back () = tl::Variant (v);
-                  lay::indicate_error (le, 0);
+                  lay::indicate_error (le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
 
                 } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
 
diff --git a/src/edt/edt/edtPropertiesPages.cc b/src/edt/edt/edtPropertiesPages.cc
index 09912ce74..b8a038291 100644
--- a/src/edt/edt/edtPropertiesPages.cc
+++ b/src/edt/edt/edtPropertiesPages.cc
@@ -509,7 +509,7 @@ PolygonPropertiesPage::create_applicator (db::Shapes & /*shapes*/, const db::Sha
 
     }
 
-    lay::indicate_error (pointListEdit, 0);
+    lay::indicate_error (pointListEdit, (tl::Exception *) 0);
 
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     lay::indicate_error (pointListEdit, &ex);
@@ -609,7 +609,7 @@ BoxPropertiesPage::get_box (int mode) const
 
     try {
       tl::from_string (tl::to_string (x1_le_1->text ()), x1);
-      lay::indicate_error (x1_le_1, 0);
+      lay::indicate_error (x1_le_1, (tl::Exception *) 0);
     } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
       lay::indicate_error (x1_le_1, &ex);
       has_error = true;
@@ -617,7 +617,7 @@ BoxPropertiesPage::get_box (int mode) const
 
     try {
       tl::from_string (tl::to_string (y1_le_1->text ()), y1);
-      lay::indicate_error (y1_le_1, 0);
+      lay::indicate_error (y1_le_1, (tl::Exception *) 0);
     } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
       lay::indicate_error (y1_le_1, &ex);
       has_error = true;
@@ -625,7 +625,7 @@ BoxPropertiesPage::get_box (int mode) const
 
     try {
       tl::from_string (tl::to_string (x2_le_1->text ()), x2);
-      lay::indicate_error (x2_le_1, 0);
+      lay::indicate_error (x2_le_1, (tl::Exception *) 0);
     } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
       lay::indicate_error (x2_le_1, &ex);
       has_error = true;
@@ -633,7 +633,7 @@ BoxPropertiesPage::get_box (int mode) const
 
     try {
       tl::from_string (tl::to_string (y2_le_1->text ()), y2);
-      lay::indicate_error (y2_le_1, 0);
+      lay::indicate_error (y2_le_1, (tl::Exception *) 0);
     } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
       lay::indicate_error (y2_le_1, &ex);
       has_error = true;
@@ -669,7 +669,7 @@ BoxPropertiesPage::get_box (int mode) const
 
     try {
       tl::from_string (tl::to_string (cx_le_2->text ()), cx);
-      lay::indicate_error (cx_le_2, 0);
+      lay::indicate_error (cx_le_2, (tl::Exception *) 0);
     } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
       lay::indicate_error (cx_le_2, &ex);
       has_error = true;
@@ -677,7 +677,7 @@ BoxPropertiesPage::get_box (int mode) const
 
     try {
       tl::from_string (tl::to_string (cy_le_2->text ()), cy);
-      lay::indicate_error (cy_le_2, 0);
+      lay::indicate_error (cy_le_2, (tl::Exception *) 0);
     } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
       lay::indicate_error (cy_le_2, &ex);
       has_error = true;
@@ -685,7 +685,7 @@ BoxPropertiesPage::get_box (int mode) const
 
     try {
       tl::from_string (tl::to_string (w_le_2->text ()), w);
-      lay::indicate_error (w_le_2, 0);
+      lay::indicate_error (w_le_2, (tl::Exception *) 0);
     } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
       lay::indicate_error (w_le_2, &ex);
       has_error = true;
@@ -693,7 +693,7 @@ BoxPropertiesPage::get_box (int mode) const
 
     try {
       tl::from_string (tl::to_string (h_le_2->text ()), h);
-      lay::indicate_error (h_le_2, 0);
+      lay::indicate_error (h_le_2, (tl::Exception *) 0);
     } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
       lay::indicate_error (h_le_2, &ex);
       has_error = true;
@@ -834,7 +834,7 @@ TextPropertiesPage::create_applicator (db::Shapes & /*shapes*/, const db::Shape
 
   try {
     tl::from_string (tl::to_string (x_le->text ()), x);
-    lay::indicate_error (x_le, 0);
+    lay::indicate_error (x_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     lay::indicate_error (x_le, &ex);
     has_error = true;
@@ -842,7 +842,7 @@ TextPropertiesPage::create_applicator (db::Shapes & /*shapes*/, const db::Shape
 
   try {
     tl::from_string (tl::to_string (y_le->text ()), y);
-    lay::indicate_error (y_le, 0);
+    lay::indicate_error (y_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     lay::indicate_error (y_le, &ex);
     has_error = true;
@@ -875,7 +875,7 @@ TextPropertiesPage::create_applicator (db::Shapes & /*shapes*/, const db::Shape
   if (! size_le->text ().isEmpty ()) {
     try {
       size = coord_from_string (tl::to_string (size_le->text ()).c_str (), dbu, du, t);
-      lay::indicate_error (size_le, 0);
+      lay::indicate_error (size_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
     } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
       lay::indicate_error (size_le, &ex);
       has_error = true;
@@ -1084,7 +1084,7 @@ EditablePathPropertiesPage::create_applicator (db::Shapes & /*shapes*/, const db
       throw tl::Exception (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("The path must have at least one point")));
     }
 
-    lay::indicate_error (ptlist_le, 0);
+    lay::indicate_error (ptlist_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
 
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     lay::indicate_error (ptlist_le, &ex);
@@ -1094,7 +1094,7 @@ EditablePathPropertiesPage::create_applicator (db::Shapes & /*shapes*/, const db
   db::Coord w = 0;
   try {
     w = coord_from_string (tl::to_string (width_le->text ()).c_str (), dbu, du, t);
-    lay::indicate_error (width_le, 0);
+    lay::indicate_error (width_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     lay::indicate_error (width_le, &ex);
     has_error = true;
@@ -1111,14 +1111,14 @@ EditablePathPropertiesPage::create_applicator (db::Shapes & /*shapes*/, const db
   case 2: // variable
     try {
       se = coord_from_string (tl::to_string (start_ext_le->text ()).c_str (), dbu, du, t);
-      lay::indicate_error (start_ext_le, 0);
+      lay::indicate_error (start_ext_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
     } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
       lay::indicate_error (start_ext_le, &ex);
       has_error = true;
     }
     try {
       ee = coord_from_string (tl::to_string (end_ext_le->text ()).c_str (), dbu, du, t);
-      lay::indicate_error (end_ext_le, 0);
+      lay::indicate_error (end_ext_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
     } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
       lay::indicate_error (end_ext_le, &ex);
       has_error = true;
diff --git a/src/img/img/imgPropertiesPage.cc b/src/img/img/imgPropertiesPage.cc
index 32a982836..751ea4eff 100644
--- a/src/img/img/imgPropertiesPage.cc
+++ b/src/img/img/imgPropertiesPage.cc
@@ -219,7 +219,7 @@ PropertiesPage::get_xmin_xmax (double &xmin, double &xmax, bool &has_error_out)
 
   try {
     tl::from_string (tl::to_string (from_le->text ()), xmin);
-    lay::indicate_error (from_le, 0);
+    lay::indicate_error (from_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     lay::indicate_error (from_le, &ex);
     has_error = true;
@@ -227,7 +227,7 @@ PropertiesPage::get_xmin_xmax (double &xmin, double &xmax, bool &has_error_out)
 
   try {
     tl::from_string (tl::to_string (to_le->text ()), xmax);
-    lay::indicate_error (to_le, 0);
+    lay::indicate_error (to_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     lay::indicate_error (to_le, &ex);
     has_error = true;
@@ -336,7 +336,7 @@ PropertiesPage::value_changed ()
   double x = 0.0;
   try {
     tl::from_string (tl::to_string (value_le->text ()), x);
-    lay::indicate_error (value_le, 0);
+    lay::indicate_error (value_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     lay::indicate_error (value_le, &ex);
     has_error = true;
@@ -805,7 +805,7 @@ PropertiesPage::apply ()
     if (w <= 0.0 || h <= 0.0) {
       throw tl::Exception (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Pixel width or height must be positive, non-null values")));
     }
-    lay::indicate_error (width_le, 0);
+    lay::indicate_error (width_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     lay::indicate_error (width_le, &ex);
     has_error = true;
@@ -813,7 +813,7 @@ PropertiesPage::apply ()
 
   try {
     tl::from_string (tl::to_string (height_le->text ()), h);
-    lay::indicate_error (height_le, 0);
+    lay::indicate_error (height_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     lay::indicate_error (height_le, &ex);
     has_error = true;
@@ -821,7 +821,7 @@ PropertiesPage::apply ()
 
   try {
     tl::from_string (tl::to_string (x_offset_le->text ()), x);
-    lay::indicate_error (x_offset_le, 0);
+    lay::indicate_error (x_offset_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     lay::indicate_error (x_offset_le, &ex);
     has_error = true;
@@ -829,7 +829,7 @@ PropertiesPage::apply ()
 
   try {
     tl::from_string (tl::to_string (y_offset_le->text ()), y);
-    lay::indicate_error (y_offset_le, 0);
+    lay::indicate_error (y_offset_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     lay::indicate_error (y_offset_le, &ex);
     has_error = true;
@@ -837,7 +837,7 @@ PropertiesPage::apply ()
 
   try {
     tl::from_string (tl::to_string (angle_le->text ()), a);
-    lay::indicate_error (angle_le, 0);
+    lay::indicate_error (angle_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     lay::indicate_error (angle_le, &ex);
     has_error = true;
@@ -848,7 +848,7 @@ PropertiesPage::apply ()
     if (sa <= -45 || sa >= 45) {
       throw tl::Exception (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("The shear angle must be larger than -45 and less than 45 degree")));
     }
-    lay::indicate_error (shear_le, 0);
+    lay::indicate_error (shear_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     lay::indicate_error (shear_le, &ex);
     has_error = true;
@@ -859,7 +859,7 @@ PropertiesPage::apply ()
     if (tx <= -90 || tx >= 90) {
       throw tl::Exception (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("The perspective tilt angles must be larger than -90 and less than 90 degree")));
     }
-    lay::indicate_error (persp_tx_le, 0);
+    lay::indicate_error (persp_tx_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     lay::indicate_error (persp_tx_le, &ex);
     has_error = true;
@@ -870,7 +870,7 @@ PropertiesPage::apply ()
     if (ty <= -90 || ty >= 90) {
       throw tl::Exception (tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("The perspective tilt angles must be larger than -90 and less than 90 degree")));
     }
-    lay::indicate_error (persp_ty_le, 0);
+    lay::indicate_error (persp_ty_le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     lay::indicate_error (persp_ty_le, &ex);
     has_error = true;
diff --git a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layCellTreeModel.cc b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layCellTreeModel.cc
index da4507d0a..9dc6ff0c7 100644
--- a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layCellTreeModel.cc
+++ b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layCellTreeModel.cc
@@ -87,7 +87,9 @@ struct cmp_cell_tree_item_vs_name_f
 //  CellTreeItem implementation
 
 CellTreeItem::CellTreeItem (const db::Layout *layout, bool is_pcell, size_t cell_or_pcell_index, bool flat, CellTreeModel::Sorting s)
-  : mp_layout (layout), mp_parent (0), m_sorting (s), m_is_pcell (is_pcell), m_index (0), m_children (), m_cell_or_pcell_index (cell_or_pcell_index)
+  : mp_layout (layout), mp_parent (0), m_sorting (s), m_is_pcell (is_pcell),
+    m_index (0), m_tree_index (0),
+    m_children (), m_cell_or_pcell_index (cell_or_pcell_index)
 {
   if (! flat && ! is_pcell) {
     m_child_count = int (mp_layout->cell (cell_or_pcell_index).child_cells ());
@@ -104,6 +106,16 @@ CellTreeItem::~CellTreeItem ()
   m_children.clear ();
 }
 
+size_t
+CellTreeItem::assign_serial (size_t index, std::map<CellTreeItem *, size_t> &serial)
+{
+  serial.insert (std::make_pair (this, index++));
+  for (std::vector<CellTreeItem *>::iterator c = m_children.begin (); c != m_children.end (); ++c) {
+    index = (*c)->assign_serial (index, serial);
+  }
+  return index;
+}
+
 bool
 CellTreeItem::is_valid () const
 {
@@ -128,10 +140,22 @@ CellTreeItem::children () const
   return m_child_count;
 }
 
-CellTreeItem *
-CellTreeItem::child (int index) 
+int
+CellTreeItem::children_in (const std::set<const CellTreeItem *> &sel) const
 {
-  if (! m_is_pcell && int (m_children.size ()) <= index) {
+  size_t count = 0;
+  for (std::vector<CellTreeItem *>::const_iterator c = m_children.begin (); c != m_children.end (); ++c) {
+    if (sel.find (*c) != sel.end ()) {
+      ++count;
+    }
+  }
+  return count;
+}
+
+void
+CellTreeItem::ensure_children ()
+{
+  if (! m_is_pcell && m_children.empty ()) {
 
     //  create a list of child sub-item
 
@@ -146,10 +170,29 @@ CellTreeItem::child (int index)
     finish_children ();
 
   }
+}
 
+CellTreeItem *
+CellTreeItem::child (int index) 
+{
+  ensure_children ();
   return m_children [index];
 }
 
+CellTreeItem *
+CellTreeItem::child_in (const std::set<const CellTreeItem *> &sel, int index)
+{
+  ensure_children ();
+
+  for (std::vector<CellTreeItem *>::const_iterator c = m_children.begin (); c != m_children.end (); ++c) {
+    if (sel.find (*c) != sel.end () && index-- <= 0) {
+      return *c;
+    }
+  }
+
+  return 0;
+}
+
 void
 CellTreeItem::add_child (CellTreeItem *item)
 {
@@ -274,6 +317,7 @@ CellTreeModel::CellTreeModel (QWidget *parent, lay::LayoutView *view, int cv_ind
 
   m_flat = ((flags & Flat) != 0) && ((flags & TopCells) == 0);
   m_pad = ((flags & NoPadding) == 0);
+  m_filter_mode = false;
 
   mp_layout = & view->cellview (cv_index)->layout ();
   mp_library = 0;
@@ -295,6 +339,7 @@ CellTreeModel::CellTreeModel (QWidget *parent, db::Layout *layout, unsigned int
 {
   m_flat = ((flags & Flat) != 0) && ((flags & TopCells) == 0);
   m_pad = ((flags & NoPadding) == 0);
+  m_filter_mode = false;
 
   mp_layout = layout;
   mp_library = 0;
@@ -316,6 +361,7 @@ CellTreeModel::CellTreeModel (QWidget *parent, db::Library *library, unsigned in
 {
   m_flat = ((flags & Flat) != 0) && ((flags & TopCells) == 0);
   m_pad = ((flags & NoPadding) == 0);
+  m_filter_mode = false;
 
   mp_layout = &library->layout ();
   mp_library = library;
@@ -475,6 +521,15 @@ CellTreeModel::do_configure (db::Layout *layout, db::Library *library, lay::Layo
   }
 }
 
+void
+CellTreeModel::set_filter_mode (bool f)
+{
+  if (f != m_filter_mode) {
+    m_filter_mode = f;
+    signal_data_changed ();
+  }
+}
+
 void 
 CellTreeModel::set_sorting (Sorting s)
 {
@@ -754,7 +809,7 @@ CellTreeModel::data (const QModelIndex &index, int role) const
 
   } else if (role == Qt::BackgroundRole) {
 
-    if (m_selected_indexes_set.find (index) != m_selected_indexes_set.end ()) {
+    if (m_selected_indexes_set.find (index.internalPointer ()) != m_selected_indexes_set.end ()) {
       //  for selected items pick a color between Highlight and Base
       QPalette pl (mp_parent->palette ());
       QColor c1 = pl.color (QPalette::Highlight);
@@ -819,6 +874,8 @@ CellTreeModel::rowCount (const QModelIndex &parent) const
     } else if (! item->is_valid ()) {
       //  for safety we return 0 children for invalid cells
       return 0;
+    } else if (m_filter_mode && ! m_visible_cell_set.empty ()) {
+      return int (item->children_in (m_visible_cell_set));
     } else {
       return int (item->children ());
     }
@@ -839,6 +896,8 @@ CellTreeModel::index (int row, int column, const QModelIndex &parent) const
     } else if (! item->is_valid ()) {
       //  for safety we don't return valid child indexes for invalid cells
       return QModelIndex ();
+    } else if (m_filter_mode && ! m_visible_cell_set.empty ()) {
+      return createIndex (row, column, item->child_in (m_visible_cell_set, row));
     } else {
       return createIndex (row, column, item->child (row));
     }
@@ -862,9 +921,19 @@ CellTreeModel::parent (const QModelIndex &index) const
   if (! item) {
     return QModelIndex ();
   }
+
   CellTreeItem *pitem = item->parent ();
   if (pitem) {
-    return createIndex (int (pitem->index ()), index.column (), pitem);
+    if (m_filter_mode && ! m_visible_cell_set.empty ()) {
+      if (pitem->tree_index () == std::numeric_limits<size_t>::max ()) {
+        //  WARNING: invisible item!
+        return QModelIndex ();
+      } else {
+        return createIndex (int (pitem->tree_index ()), index.column (), pitem);
+      }
+    } else {
+      return createIndex (int (pitem->index ()), index.column (), pitem);
+    }
   } else {
     return QModelIndex ();
   }
@@ -895,6 +964,13 @@ CellTreeModel::model_index (CellTreeItem *item) const
 {
   if (mp_layout->under_construction () || (mp_layout->manager () && mp_layout->manager ()->transacting ())) {
     return QModelIndex ();
+  } else if (m_filter_mode && ! m_visible_cell_set.empty ()) {
+    if (item->tree_index () == std::numeric_limits<size_t>::max ()) {
+      //  WARNING: invisible item!
+      return QModelIndex ();
+    } else {
+      return createIndex (int (item->tree_index ()), 0, item);
+    }
   } else {
     return createIndex (int (item->index ()), 0, item);
   }
@@ -963,12 +1039,58 @@ void
 CellTreeModel::clear_locate ()
 {
   m_selected_indexes.clear ();
+  m_visible_cell_set.clear ();
   m_current_index = m_selected_indexes.begin ();
   m_selected_indexes_set.clear ();
 
   signal_data_changed ();
 }
 
+QModelIndex
+CellTreeModel::locate_next (const QModelIndex &index)
+{
+  if (m_current_index == m_selected_indexes.end ()) {
+    return QModelIndex ();
+  } else if (! index.isValid ()) {
+    return locate_next ();
+  }
+
+  //  easy case: the requested index is a selected one
+
+  for (std::vector <QModelIndex>::const_iterator i = m_selected_indexes.begin (); i != m_selected_indexes.end (); ++i) {
+    if (i->internalPointer () == index.internalPointer ()) {
+      m_current_index = i;
+      if (++m_current_index == m_selected_indexes.end ()) {
+        m_current_index = m_selected_indexes.begin ();
+      }
+      return *m_current_index;
+    }
+  }
+
+  //  otherwise: search by sequential order
+
+  m_current_index = m_selected_indexes.begin ();
+
+  std::map<CellTreeItem *, size_t> serial_index;
+  size_t seq = 0;
+  for (size_t i = 0; i < m_toplevel.size (); ++i) {
+    seq = m_toplevel [i]->assign_serial (seq, serial_index);
+  }
+
+  size_t serial = serial_index [(CellTreeItem *) index.internalPointer ()];
+  size_t next = 0;
+
+  for (std::vector <QModelIndex>::const_iterator i = m_selected_indexes.begin (); i != m_selected_indexes.end (); ++i) {
+    size_t s = serial_index [(CellTreeItem *) i->internalPointer ()];
+    if (s > serial && (next == 0 || s < next)) {
+      next = s;
+      m_current_index = i;
+    }
+  }
+
+  return *m_current_index;
+}
+
 QModelIndex 
 CellTreeModel::locate_next ()
 {
@@ -1005,19 +1127,41 @@ CellTreeModel::locate_prev ()
   }
 }
 
-void
+bool
 CellTreeModel::search_children (const tl::GlobPattern &pattern, CellTreeItem *item)
 {
+  bool any = false;
+  size_t ti = 0;
+
   int children = item->children ();
   for (int i = 0; i < children; ++i) {
+
     CellTreeItem *c = item->child (i);
     if (c) {
+
+      bool visible = false;
+
       if (c->name_matches (pattern)) {
         m_selected_indexes.push_back (model_index (c));
+        visible = true;
       }
-      search_children (pattern, c);
+      if (search_children (pattern, c)) {
+        visible = true;
+      }
+
+      if (visible) {
+        c->set_tree_index (ti++);
+        m_visible_cell_set.insert (c);
+        any = true;
+      } else {
+        c->set_tree_index (std::numeric_limits<size_t>::max ());
+      }
+
     }
+
   }
+
+  return any;
 }
 
 QModelIndex 
@@ -1027,27 +1171,67 @@ CellTreeModel::locate (const char *name, bool glob_pattern, bool case_sensitive,
     return QModelIndex ();
   }
 
+  QModelIndexList indexes = persistentIndexList ();
+
   m_selected_indexes.clear ();
+  m_visible_cell_set.clear ();
 
   tl::GlobPattern p = tl::GlobPattern (std::string (name));
   p.set_case_sensitive (case_sensitive);
   p.set_exact (!glob_pattern);
   p.set_header_match (true);
 
+  size_t ti = 0;
+
   for (std::vector <CellTreeItem *>::const_iterator lc = m_toplevel.begin (); lc != m_toplevel.end (); ++lc) {
+
+    bool visible = false;
+
     if ((*lc)->name_matches (p)) {
       m_selected_indexes.push_back (model_index (*lc));
+      visible = true;
     }
-    if (! top_only) {
-      search_children (p, *lc);
+    if (! top_only && search_children (p, *lc)) {
+      visible = true;
     }
+
+    if (visible) {
+      (*lc)->set_tree_index (ti++);
+      m_visible_cell_set.insert (*lc);
+    } else {
+      (*lc)->set_tree_index (std::numeric_limits<size_t>::max ());
+    }
+
   }
 
   m_selected_indexes_set.clear ();
-  m_selected_indexes_set.insert (m_selected_indexes.begin (), m_selected_indexes.end ());
-  
+  for (std::vector <QModelIndex>::const_iterator i = m_selected_indexes.begin (); i != m_selected_indexes.end (); ++i) {
+    m_selected_indexes_set.insert (i->internalPointer ());
+  }
+
+  //  re-layout the items
+
+  if (m_filter_mode) {
+
+    QModelIndexList new_indexes;
+
+    for (QModelIndexList::iterator i = indexes.begin (); i != indexes.end (); ++i) {
+      CellTreeItem *item = (CellTreeItem *) i->internalPointer ();
+      if (m_visible_cell_set.find (item) != m_visible_cell_set.end ()) {
+        new_indexes.push_back (model_index (item));
+      } else {
+        new_indexes.push_back (QModelIndex ());
+      }
+    }
+
+    changePersistentIndexList (indexes, new_indexes);
+
+  }
+
   signal_data_changed ();
 
+  //  make the first selected one current
+
   m_current_index = m_selected_indexes.begin ();
   if (m_current_index == m_selected_indexes.end ()) {
     return QModelIndex (); 
diff --git a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layCellTreeModel.h b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layCellTreeModel.h
index b55477140..1c667f6c2 100644
--- a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layCellTreeModel.h
+++ b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layCellTreeModel.h
@@ -202,6 +202,11 @@ public:
    */
   QModelIndex locate_prev ();
 
+  /**
+   *  @brief Resets the search pointer to the one next to the given index
+   */
+  QModelIndex locate_next (const QModelIndex &index);
+
   /**
    *  @brief Clears the locate flags
    */
@@ -220,6 +225,19 @@ public:
     return m_sorting;
   }
 
+  /**
+   *  @brief Sets a flag indicating whether selected indexes are filtered or highlighted
+   */
+  void set_filter_mode (bool f);
+
+  /**
+   *  @brief Gets a flag indicating whether selected indexes are filtered or highlighted
+   */
+  bool get_filter_mode () const
+  {
+    return m_filter_mode;
+  }
+
   /**
    *  @brief Signal to the owner of the model that the data has changed
    *
@@ -238,7 +256,7 @@ public:
   }
 
 private:
-  bool m_flat, m_pad;
+  bool m_flat, m_pad, m_filter_mode;
   unsigned int m_flags;
   Sorting m_sorting;
   QWidget *mp_parent;
@@ -248,13 +266,14 @@ private:
   int m_cv_index;
   const db::Cell *mp_base;
   std::vector <CellTreeItem *> m_toplevel;
-  std::set <QModelIndex> m_selected_indexes_set;
+  std::set <void *> m_selected_indexes_set;
+  std::set<const CellTreeItem *> m_visible_cell_set;
   std::vector <QModelIndex> m_selected_indexes;
   std::vector <QModelIndex>::const_iterator m_current_index;
 
   void build_top_level ();
   void clear_top_level ();
-  void search_children (const tl::GlobPattern &pattern, CellTreeItem *item);
+  bool search_children (const tl::GlobPattern &pattern, CellTreeItem *item);
   void do_configure (db::Layout *layout, db::Library *library, lay::LayoutView *view, int cv_index, unsigned int flags, const db::Cell *base, Sorting sorting);
 };
 
@@ -271,7 +290,9 @@ public:
   ~CellTreeItem ();
 
   int children () const;
+  int children_in (const std::set<const CellTreeItem *> &sel) const;
   CellTreeItem *child (int index);
+  CellTreeItem *child_in (const std::set<const CellTreeItem *> &sel, int index);
   db::cell_index_type cell_or_pcell_index () const;
   CellTreeItem *parent () const;
   bool by_name_less_than (const CellTreeItem *b) const;
@@ -300,17 +321,30 @@ public:
     m_index = index;
   }
 
+  size_t tree_index () const
+  {
+    return m_tree_index;
+  }
+
+  void set_tree_index (size_t index)
+  {
+    m_tree_index = index;
+  }
+
+  size_t assign_serial (size_t index, std::map<CellTreeItem *, size_t> &serial);
+
 private:
   const db::Layout *mp_layout;
   CellTreeItem *mp_parent;
   CellTreeModel::Sorting m_sorting;
   bool m_is_pcell;
-  size_t m_index;
+  size_t m_index, m_tree_index;
   std::vector<CellTreeItem *> m_children;
   int m_child_count;
   size_t m_cell_or_pcell_index;
 
   const char *name () const;
+  void ensure_children ();
 };
 
 }
diff --git a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layEditorOptionsPages.cc b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layEditorOptionsPages.cc
index 5b9527220..0d53bae60 100644
--- a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layEditorOptionsPages.cc
+++ b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layEditorOptionsPages.cc
@@ -205,7 +205,7 @@ static void configure_from_line_edit (lay::Dispatcher *dispatcher, QLineEdit *le
     Value value = Value (0);
     tl::from_string (tl::to_string (le->text ()), value);
     dispatcher->config_set (cfg_name, tl::to_string (value));
-    lay::indicate_error (le, 0);
+    lay::indicate_error (le, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     lay::indicate_error (le, &ex);
   }
diff --git a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layHierarchyControlPanel.cc b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layHierarchyControlPanel.cc
index fe5665c4c..37727e855 100644
--- a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layHierarchyControlPanel.cc
+++ b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layHierarchyControlPanel.cc
@@ -46,6 +46,7 @@
 #include "layCellTreeModel.h"
 #include "layLayoutView.h"
 #include "layAbstractMenu.h"
+#include "layQtTools.h"
 #include "layDialogs.h"
 #include "tlExceptions.h"
 #include "laybasicConfig.h"
@@ -264,11 +265,18 @@ HierarchyControlPanel::HierarchyControlPanel (lay::LayoutView *view, QWidget *pa
   mp_case_sensitive->setChecked (true);
   mp_case_sensitive->setText (tr ("Case sensitive search"));
 
+  mp_filter = new QAction (this);
+  mp_filter->setCheckable (true);
+  mp_filter->setChecked (false);
+  mp_filter->setText (tr ("Apply as filter"));
+
   QMenu *m = new QMenu (mp_search_edit_box);
   m->addAction (mp_use_regular_expressions);
   m->addAction (mp_case_sensitive);
+  m->addAction (mp_filter);
   connect (mp_use_regular_expressions, SIGNAL (triggered ()), this, SLOT (search_edited ()));
   connect (mp_case_sensitive, SIGNAL (triggered ()), this, SLOT (search_edited ()));
+  connect (mp_filter, SIGNAL (triggered ()), this, SLOT (search_edited ()));
 
   mp_search_edit_box->set_clear_button_enabled (true);
   mp_search_edit_box->set_options_button_enabled (true);
@@ -426,6 +434,10 @@ HierarchyControlPanel::search_triggered (const QString &t)
 void
 HierarchyControlPanel::search_edited ()
 {
+  bool filter_invalid = false;
+
+  mp_search_model->set_filter_mode (mp_filter->isChecked ());
+
   QString t = mp_search_edit_box->text ();
 
   for (std::vector <QTreeView *>::const_iterator v = mp_cell_lists.begin (); v != mp_cell_lists.end (); ++v) {
@@ -438,11 +450,15 @@ HierarchyControlPanel::search_edited ()
         (*v)->setCurrentIndex (found);
         if (found.isValid ()) {
           (*v)->scrollTo (found);
+        } else {
+          filter_invalid = true;
         }
       }
       break;
     }
   }
+
+  lay::indicate_error (mp_search_edit_box, filter_invalid);
 }
 
 void
@@ -450,7 +466,7 @@ HierarchyControlPanel::search_next ()
 {
   for (std::vector <QTreeView *>::const_iterator v = mp_cell_lists.begin (); v != mp_cell_lists.end (); ++v) {
     if ((*v)->model () == mp_search_model) {
-      QModelIndex found = mp_search_model->locate_next ();
+      QModelIndex found = mp_search_model->locate_next ((*v)->currentIndex ());
       if (found.isValid ()) {
         (*v)->setCurrentIndex (found);
         (*v)->scrollTo (found);
@@ -786,6 +802,9 @@ void
 HierarchyControlPanel::do_update_content (int cv_index)
 {
   //  close the search box since we will modify the model
+  if (mp_search_model) {
+    mp_search_model->clear_locate ();
+  }
   mp_search_frame->hide ();
   mp_search_model = 0;
 
@@ -1199,7 +1218,7 @@ public:
     menu_entries.push_back (lay::menu_item ("cm_cell_show", "show_cell", at, tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Show"))));
     menu_entries.push_back (lay::menu_item ("cm_cell_show_all", "show_all", at, tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Show All"))));
     menu_entries.push_back (lay::separator ("utils_group", at));
-    menu_entries.push_back (lay::menu_item ("cm_open_current_cell", "open_current", at, tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Where Am I?"))));
+    menu_entries.push_back (lay::menu_item ("cm_open_current_cell", "open_current", at, tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Where am I?"))));
     menu_entries.push_back (lay::separator ("file_group", at));
     menu_entries.push_back (lay::menu_item ("cm_save_current_cell_as", "save_cell_as:hide_vo", at, tl::to_string (QObject::tr ("Save Selected Cells As"))));
   }
diff --git a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layHierarchyControlPanel.h b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layHierarchyControlPanel.h
index 826900bd5..31def9efe 100644
--- a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layHierarchyControlPanel.h
+++ b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layHierarchyControlPanel.h
@@ -298,6 +298,7 @@ private:
   lay::DecoratedLineEdit *mp_search_edit_box;
   QAction *mp_case_sensitive;
   QAction *mp_use_regular_expressions;
+  QAction *mp_filter;
   CellTreeModel *mp_search_model;
   QFrame *mp_search_frame;
   QCheckBox *mp_search_close_cb;
diff --git a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layQtTools.cc b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layQtTools.cc
index 2ca162fdc..bc7a1e537 100644
--- a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layQtTools.cc
+++ b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layQtTools.cc
@@ -162,19 +162,29 @@ restore_dialog_state (QWidget *dialog, const std::string &s, bool with_section_s
 
 void
 indicate_error (QWidget *le, const tl::Exception *ex)
+{
+  if (ex) {
+    indicate_error (le, true);
+    le->setToolTip (tl::to_qstring (ex->msg ()));
+  } else {
+    indicate_error (le, false);
+    le->setToolTip (QString ());
+  }
+}
+
+void
+indicate_error (QWidget *le, bool f)
 {
   //  by the way, update the foreground color of the cell edit box as well (red, if not valid)
   QPalette pl = le->palette ();
-  if (ex) {
+  if (f) {
     pl.setColor (QPalette::Active, QPalette::Text, Qt::red);
     pl.setColor (QPalette::Active, QPalette::Base, QColor (Qt::red).lighter (180));
-    le->setToolTip (tl::to_qstring (ex->msg ()));
   } else {
     QWidget *pw = dynamic_cast<QWidget *> (le->parent ());
     tl_assert (pw != 0);
     pl.setColor (QPalette::Active, QPalette::Text, pw->palette ().color (QPalette::Text));
     pl.setColor (QPalette::Active, QPalette::Base, pw->palette ().color (QPalette::Base));
-    le->setToolTip (QString ());
   }
   le->setPalette (pl);
 }
diff --git a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layQtTools.h b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layQtTools.h
index fa216cfc8..fc11d89ee 100644
--- a/src/laybasic/laybasic/layQtTools.h
+++ b/src/laybasic/laybasic/layQtTools.h
@@ -76,6 +76,11 @@ LAYBASIC_PUBLIC void register_help_handler (QObject *object, const char *slot, c
  */
 LAYBASIC_PUBLIC void indicate_error (QWidget *le, const tl::Exception *ex);
 
+/**
+ *  @brief Configures a QLineEdit or other widget to indicate an error
+ */
+LAYBASIC_PUBLIC void indicate_error (QWidget *le, bool error);
+
 } // namespace lay
 
 #endif
diff --git a/src/plugins/streamers/lefdef/lay_plugin/layLEFDEFImportDialogs.cc b/src/plugins/streamers/lefdef/lay_plugin/layLEFDEFImportDialogs.cc
index 4c64e034f..d4c12aed8 100644
--- a/src/plugins/streamers/lefdef/lay_plugin/layLEFDEFImportDialogs.cc
+++ b/src/plugins/streamers/lefdef/lay_plugin/layLEFDEFImportDialogs.cc
@@ -400,7 +400,7 @@ LEFDEFReaderOptionsEditor::commit (db::FormatSpecificReaderOptions *options, con
     ex.read (v);
     ex.expect_end ();
     data->set_net_property_name (v);
-    indicate_error (net_prop_name, 0);
+    indicate_error (net_prop_name, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     indicate_error (net_prop_name, &ex);
     has_error = true;
@@ -414,7 +414,7 @@ LEFDEFReaderOptionsEditor::commit (db::FormatSpecificReaderOptions *options, con
     ex.read (v);
     ex.expect_end ();
     data->set_inst_property_name (v);
-    indicate_error (inst_prop_name, 0);
+    indicate_error (inst_prop_name, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     indicate_error (inst_prop_name, &ex);
     has_error = true;
@@ -428,7 +428,7 @@ LEFDEFReaderOptionsEditor::commit (db::FormatSpecificReaderOptions *options, con
     ex.read (v);
     ex.expect_end ();
     data->set_pin_property_name (v);
-    indicate_error (pin_prop_name, 0);
+    indicate_error (pin_prop_name, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     indicate_error (pin_prop_name, &ex);
     has_error = true;
@@ -441,7 +441,7 @@ LEFDEFReaderOptionsEditor::commit (db::FormatSpecificReaderOptions *options, con
     tl::Extractor ex (s.c_str ());
     lp.read (ex);
     ex.expect_end ();
-    indicate_error (outline_layer, 0);
+    indicate_error (outline_layer, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     indicate_error (outline_layer, &ex);
     has_error = true;
@@ -454,7 +454,7 @@ LEFDEFReaderOptionsEditor::commit (db::FormatSpecificReaderOptions *options, con
     tl::Extractor ex (s.c_str ());
     lp.read (ex);
     ex.expect_end ();
-    indicate_error (region_layer, 0);
+    indicate_error (region_layer, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     indicate_error (region_layer, &ex);
     has_error = true;
@@ -467,7 +467,7 @@ LEFDEFReaderOptionsEditor::commit (db::FormatSpecificReaderOptions *options, con
     tl::Extractor ex (s.c_str ());
     lp.read (ex);
     ex.expect_end ();
-    indicate_error (placement_blockage_layer, 0);
+    indicate_error (placement_blockage_layer, (tl::Exception *) 0);
   } catch (tl::Exception &ex) {
     indicate_error (placement_blockage_layer, &ex);
     has_error = true;