diff --git a/examples/authenticator.php b/examples/authenticator.php
index e9ee7ed50..ec83dda09 100644
--- a/examples/authenticator.php
+++ b/examples/authenticator.php
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 <?php
 /**
- * authenticator.php
+ * authenticator excample
  *
  * @created      09.07.2023
  * @author       smiley <smiley@chillerlan.net>
@@ -16,48 +16,46 @@ use chillerlan\QRCode\Data\QRMatrix;
 
 require_once __DIR__.'/../vendor/autoload.php';
 
-// the options array
-$optionsArray = [
-	/*
-	 * AuthenticatorOptionsTrait
-	 *
-	 * @see https://github.com/chillerlan/php-authenticator
-	 */
-	'mode'                => AuthenticatorInterface::TOTP,
-	'digits'              => 8,
-	'algorithm'           => AuthenticatorInterface::ALGO_SHA512,
+// create a new options container on the fly that hosts both, authenticator and qrcode
+$options = new class extends SettingsContainerAbstract{
+	use AuthenticatorOptionsTrait, QROptionsTrait;
+};
 
-	/*
-	 * QROptionsTrait
-	 */
-	'version'             => 7,
-	'addQuietzone'        => false,
-	'imageBase64'         => false,
-	'svgAddXmlHeader'     => false,
-	'cssClass'            => 'my-qrcode',
-	'drawLightModules'    => false,
-	'markupDark'          => '',
-	'markupLight'         => '',
-	'drawCircularModules' => true,
-	'circleRadius'        => 0.4,
-	'connectPaths'        => true,
-	'keepAsSquare'        => [
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK,
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT,
-		QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK,
-	],
-	'svgDefs'             => '
+/*
+ * AuthenticatorOptionsTrait
+ *
+ * @see https://github.com/chillerlan/php-authenticator
+ */
+$options->mode                = AuthenticatorInterface::TOTP;
+$options->digits              = 8;
+$options->algorithm           = AuthenticatorInterface::ALGO_SHA512;
+
+/*
+ * QROptionsTrait
+ */
+$options->version             = 7;
+$options->addQuietzone        = false;
+$options->imageBase64         = false;
+$options->svgAddXmlHeader     = false;
+$options->cssClass            = 'my-qrcode';
+$options->drawLightModules    = false;
+$options->markupDark          = '';
+$options->markupLight         = '';
+$options->drawCircularModules = true;
+$options->circleRadius        = 0.4;
+$options->connectPaths        = true;
+$options->keepAsSquare        = [
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK,
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT,
+	QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK,
+];
+$options->svgDefs             = '
 	<linearGradient id="gradient" x1="1" y2="1">
 		<stop id="stop1" offset="0" />
 		<stop id="stop2" offset="0.5"/>
 		<stop id="stop3" offset="1"/>
-	</linearGradient>',
-];
+	</linearGradient>';
 
-// create a new options container on the fly that hosts both, authenticator and qrcode
-$options = new class($optionsArray) extends SettingsContainerAbstract{
-	use AuthenticatorOptionsTrait, QROptionsTrait;
-};
 
 // invoke the worker instances
 $authenticator = new Authenticator($options);
diff --git a/examples/custom_output.php b/examples/custom_output.php
index 5be1aea77..48f20aa37 100644
--- a/examples/custom_output.php
+++ b/examples/custom_output.php
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 <?php
 /**
+ * custom output example
+ *
  * @created      24.12.2017
  * @author       Smiley <smiley@chillerlan.net>
  * @copyright    2017 Smiley
@@ -24,7 +26,7 @@ class MyCustomOutput extends QROutputAbstract{
 	 * @inheritDoc
 	 */
 	public static function moduleValueIsValid($value):bool{
-		// TODO: Implement moduleValueIsValid() method. (abstract)
+		// TODO: Implement moduleValueIsValid() method. (interface)
 		return false;
 	}
 
@@ -68,15 +70,16 @@ class MyCustomOutput extends QROutputAbstract{
  * Runtime
  */
 
+$options = new QROptions;
+
+$options->version  = 5;
+$options->eccLevel = EccLevel::L;
+
 $data = 'https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLzxrzFCyOs&t=43s';
 
 // invoke the QROutputInterface manually
 // please note that an QROutputInterface invoked this way might become unusable after calling dump().
 // the clean way would be to extend the QRCode class to ensure a new QROutputInterface instance on each call to render().
-$options = new QROptions([
-	'version'  => 5,
-	'eccLevel' => EccLevel::L,
-]);
 
 $qrcode = new QRCode($options);
 $qrcode->addByteSegment($data);
@@ -85,14 +88,9 @@ $qrOutputInterface = new MyCustomOutput($options, $qrcode->getQRMatrix());
 
 var_dump($qrOutputInterface->dump());
 
-
 // or just via the options
-$options = new QROptions([
-	'version'         => 5,
-	'eccLevel'        => EccLevel::L,
-	'outputType'      => QROutputInterface::CUSTOM,
-	'outputInterface' => MyCustomOutput::class,
-]);
+$options->outputType      = QROutputInterface::CUSTOM;
+$options->outputInterface = MyCustomOutput::class;
 
 var_dump((new QRCode($options))->render($data));
 
diff --git a/examples/eps.php b/examples/eps.php
index a2d2a0508..3a29dc2fb 100644
--- a/examples/eps.php
+++ b/examples/eps.php
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 <?php
 /**
+ * EPS output example
+ *
  * @created      10.05.2022
  * @author       Smiley <smiley@chillerlan.net>
  * @copyright    2022 Smiley
@@ -18,6 +20,7 @@ $options->version          = 7;
 $options->outputType       = QROutputInterface::EPS;
 $options->scale            = 5;
 $options->drawLightModules = false;
+// colors can be specified either as [R, G, B] or [C, M, Y, K] (0-255)
 $options->bgColor          = [222, 222, 222];
 $options->moduleValues     = [
 	// finder
@@ -45,17 +48,19 @@ $options->moduleValues     = [
 	QRMatrix::M_SEPARATOR      => [233, 233, 233],
 	// quietzone
 	QRMatrix::M_QUIETZONE      => [233, 233, 233],
-	// logo (requires a call to QRMatrix::setLogoSpace()), see QRImageWithLogo
+	// logo space (requires a call to QRMatrix::setLogoSpace()), see imageWithLogo example
 	QRMatrix::M_LOGO           => [233, 233, 233],
 ];
 
 
+$out = (new QRCode($options))->render('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ', __DIR__.'/qrcode.eps');
+
 if(php_sapi_name() !== 'cli'){
 	// if viewed in the browser, we should push it as file download as EPS isn't usually supported
 	header('Content-type: application/postscript');
 	header('Content-Disposition: filename="qrcode.eps"');
 }
 
-echo (new QRCode($options))->render('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ', __DIR__.'/test.eps');
+echo $out;
 
 exit;
diff --git a/examples/fpdf.php b/examples/fpdf.php
index 975228ca5..fa231718d 100644
--- a/examples/fpdf.php
+++ b/examples/fpdf.php
@@ -1,58 +1,62 @@
 <?php
 /**
+ * FPDF output example
+ *
  * @created      03.06.2020
  * @author       Maximilian Kresse
  * @license      MIT
  */
 
 use chillerlan\QRCode\{QRCode, QROptions};
-use chillerlan\QRCode\Common\EccLevel;
 use chillerlan\QRCode\Data\QRMatrix;
 use chillerlan\QRCode\Output\QROutputInterface;
 
 require_once __DIR__ . '/../vendor/autoload.php';
 
-$options = new QROptions([
-    'version'          => 7,
-    'outputType'       => QROutputInterface::FPDF,
-    'eccLevel'         => EccLevel::L,
-    'scale'            => 5,
-    'bgColor'          => [234, 234, 234],
-    'drawLightModules' => false,
-    'imageBase64'      => false,
-    'moduleValues'     => [
-        // finder
-        QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK    => [0, 63, 255],    // dark (true)
-        QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT     => [0, 63, 255],    // finder dot, dark (true)
-        QRMatrix::M_FINDER         => [255, 255, 255], // light (false), white is the transparency color and is enabled by default
-        // alignment
-        QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK => [255, 0, 255],
-        QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT      => [255, 255, 255],
-        // timing
-        QRMatrix::M_TIMING_DARK    => [255, 0, 0],
-        QRMatrix::M_TIMING         => [255, 255, 255],
-        // format
-        QRMatrix::M_FORMAT_DARK    => [67, 191, 84],
-        QRMatrix::M_FORMAT         => [255, 255, 255],
-        // version
-        QRMatrix::M_VERSION_DARK   => [62, 174, 190],
-        QRMatrix::M_VERSION        => [255, 255, 255],
-        // data
-        QRMatrix::M_DATA_DARK      => [0, 0, 0],
-        QRMatrix::M_DATA           => [255, 255, 255],
-        // darkmodule
-        QRMatrix::M_DARKMODULE     => [0, 0, 0],
-        // separator
-        QRMatrix::M_SEPARATOR      => [255, 255, 255],
-        // quietzone
-        QRMatrix::M_QUIETZONE      => [255, 255, 255],
-    ],
-]);
+$options = new QROptions;
+
+$options->version          = 7;
+$options->outputType       = QROutputInterface::FPDF;
+$options->scale            = 5;
+$options->fpdfMeasureUnit  = 'mm';
+$options->bgColor          = [222, 222, 222];
+$options->drawLightModules = false;
+$options->imageBase64      = false;
+$options->moduleValues     = [
+	// finder
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK    => [0, 63, 255],    // dark (true)
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT     => [0, 63, 255],    // finder dot, dark (true)
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER         => [255, 255, 255], // light (false)
+	// alignment
+	QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK => [255, 0, 255],
+	QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT      => [255, 255, 255],
+	// timing
+	QRMatrix::M_TIMING_DARK    => [255, 0, 0],
+	QRMatrix::M_TIMING         => [255, 255, 255],
+	// format
+	QRMatrix::M_FORMAT_DARK    => [67, 191, 84],
+	QRMatrix::M_FORMAT         => [255, 255, 255],
+	// version
+	QRMatrix::M_VERSION_DARK   => [62, 174, 190],
+	QRMatrix::M_VERSION        => [255, 255, 255],
+	// data
+	QRMatrix::M_DATA_DARK      => [0, 0, 0],
+	QRMatrix::M_DATA           => [255, 255, 255],
+	// darkmodule
+	QRMatrix::M_DARKMODULE     => [0, 0, 0],
+	// separator
+	QRMatrix::M_SEPARATOR      => [255, 255, 255],
+	// quietzone
+	QRMatrix::M_QUIETZONE      => [255, 255, 255],
+];
+
+
+$out = (new QRCode($options))->render('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ');
 
 if(php_sapi_name() !== 'cli'){
 	header('Content-type: application/pdf');
 }
 
-echo (new QRCode($options))->render('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ');
+echo $out;
 
 exit;
diff --git a/examples/html.php b/examples/html.php
index 2fcb21bba..283bf1fb0 100644
--- a/examples/html.php
+++ b/examples/html.php
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 <?php
 /**
+ * HTML output example
+ *
  * @created      21.12.2017
  * @author       Smiley <smiley@chillerlan.net>
  * @copyright    2017 Smiley
@@ -7,47 +9,32 @@
  */
 
 use chillerlan\QRCode\{QRCode, QROptions};
-use chillerlan\QRCode\Common\EccLevel;
 use chillerlan\QRCode\Data\QRMatrix;
 use chillerlan\QRCode\Output\QROutputInterface;
 
 require_once '../vendor/autoload.php';
 
-header('Content-Type: text/html; charset=utf-8');
+$options = new QROptions;
 
-	$options = new QROptions([
-		'version'      => 5,
-		'outputType'   => QROutputInterface::MARKUP_HTML,
-		'eccLevel'     => EccLevel::L,
-		'cssClass'     => 'qrcode',
-		'moduleValues' => [
-			// finder
-			QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK    => '#A71111', // dark (true)
-			QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT     => '#A71111', // finder dot, dark (true)
-			QRMatrix::M_FINDER         => '#FFBFBF', // light (false)
-			// alignment
-			QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK => '#A70364',
-			QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT      => '#FFC9C9',
-			// timing
-			QRMatrix::M_TIMING_DARK    => '#98005D',
-			QRMatrix::M_TIMING         => '#FFB8E9',
-			// format
-			QRMatrix::M_FORMAT_DARK    => '#003804',
-			QRMatrix::M_FORMAT         => '#00FB12',
-			// version
-			QRMatrix::M_VERSION_DARK   => '#650098',
-			QRMatrix::M_VERSION        => '#E0B8FF',
-			// data
-			QRMatrix::M_DATA_DARK      => '#4A6000',
-			QRMatrix::M_DATA           => '#ECF9BE',
-			// darkmodule
-			QRMatrix::M_DARKMODULE     => '#080063',
-			// separator
-			QRMatrix::M_SEPARATOR      => '#AFBFBF',
-			// quietzone
-			QRMatrix::M_QUIETZONE      => '#DDDDDD',
-		],
-	]);
+$options->version      = 5;
+$options->outputType   = QROutputInterface::MARKUP_HTML;
+$options->cssClass     = 'qrcode';
+$options->markupDark   = '#555';
+$options->markupLight  = '#CCC';
+$options->moduleValues = [
+	// finder
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK    => '#A71111', // dark (true)
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT     => '#A71111', // finder dot, dark (true)
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER         => '#FFBFBF', // light (false)
+	// alignment
+	QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK => '#A70364',
+	QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT      => '#FFC9C9',
+];
+
+
+$out = (new QRCode($options))->render('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ');
+
+header('Content-Type: text/html; charset=utf-8');
 
 ?>
 <!DOCTYPE html>
@@ -55,7 +42,7 @@ header('Content-Type: text/html; charset=utf-8');
 <head>
 	<meta charset="UTF-8"/>
 	<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"/>
-	<title>QRCode test</title>
+	<title>QRCode HTML Example</title>
 	<style>
 		div.qrcode{
 			margin: 1em;
@@ -75,10 +62,6 @@ header('Content-Type: text/html; charset=utf-8');
 	</style>
 </head>
 <body>
-<?php
-
-echo (new QRCode($options))->render('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ');
-
-?>
+<?php echo $out; ?>
 </body>
 </html>
diff --git a/examples/image.php b/examples/image.php
index 3da0b887f..165386642 100644
--- a/examples/image.php
+++ b/examples/image.php
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 <?php
 /**
+ * GdImage output example
+ *
  * @created      24.12.2017
  * @author       Smiley <smiley@chillerlan.net>
  * @copyright    2017 Smiley
@@ -7,67 +9,60 @@
  */
 
 use chillerlan\QRCode\{QRCode, QROptions};
-use chillerlan\QRCode\Common\EccLevel;
 use chillerlan\QRCode\Data\QRMatrix;
 use chillerlan\QRCode\Output\QROutputInterface;
 
 require_once __DIR__.'/../vendor/autoload.php';
 
-$options = new QROptions([
-	'version'             => 7,
-	'outputType'          => QROutputInterface::GDIMAGE_PNG,
-	'eccLevel'            => EccLevel::L,
-	'scale'               => 20,
-	'imageBase64'         => false,
-	'bgColor'             => [200, 150, 200],
-	'imageTransparent'    => true,
-#	'transparencyColor'   => [233, 233, 233],
-	'drawCircularModules' => true,
-	'drawLightModules'    => true,
-	'circleRadius'        => 0.4,
-	'keepAsSquare'        => [
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK,
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT,
-		QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK,
-	],
-	'moduleValues'        => [
-		// finder
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK    => [0, 63, 255], // dark (true)
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT     => [0, 63, 255], // finder dot, dark (true)
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER         => [233, 233, 233], // light (false), white is the transparency color and is enabled by default
-		// alignment
-		QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK => [255, 0, 255],
-		QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT      => [233, 233, 233],
-		// timing
-		QRMatrix::M_TIMING_DARK    => [255, 0, 0],
-		QRMatrix::M_TIMING         => [233, 233, 233],
-		// format
-		QRMatrix::M_FORMAT_DARK    => [67, 159, 84],
-		QRMatrix::M_FORMAT         => [233, 233, 233],
-		// version
-		QRMatrix::M_VERSION_DARK   => [62, 174, 190],
-		QRMatrix::M_VERSION        => [233, 233, 233],
-		// data
-		QRMatrix::M_DATA_DARK      => [0, 0, 0],
-		QRMatrix::M_DATA           => [233, 233, 233],
-		// darkmodule
-		QRMatrix::M_DARKMODULE     => [0, 0, 0],
-		// separator
-		QRMatrix::M_SEPARATOR      => [233, 233, 233],
-		// quietzone
-		QRMatrix::M_QUIETZONE      => [233, 233, 233],
-		// logo (requires a call to QRMatrix::setLogoSpace()), see QRImageWithLogo
-		QRMatrix::M_LOGO           => [233, 233, 233],
-	],
-]);
+$options = new QROptions;
+
+$options->version             = 7;
+$options->outputType          = QROutputInterface::GDIMAGE_PNG;
+$options->scale               = 20;
+$options->imageBase64         = false;
+$options->bgColor             = [200, 150, 200];
+$options->imageTransparent    = true;
+#$options->transparencyColor   = [233, 233, 233];
+$options->drawCircularModules = true;
+$options->drawLightModules    = true;
+$options->circleRadius        = 0.4;
+$options->keepAsSquare        = [
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK,
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT,
+	QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK,
+];
+$options->moduleValues        = [
+	// finder
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK    => [0, 63, 255], // dark (true)
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT     => [0, 63, 255], // finder dot, dark (true)
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER         => [233, 233, 233], // light (false), white is the transparency color and is enabled by default
+	// alignment
+	QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK => [255, 0, 255],
+	QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT      => [233, 233, 233],
+	// timing
+	QRMatrix::M_TIMING_DARK    => [255, 0, 0],
+	QRMatrix::M_TIMING         => [233, 233, 233],
+	// format
+	QRMatrix::M_FORMAT_DARK    => [67, 159, 84],
+	QRMatrix::M_FORMAT         => [233, 233, 233],
+	// version
+	QRMatrix::M_VERSION_DARK   => [62, 174, 190],
+	QRMatrix::M_VERSION        => [233, 233, 233],
+	// data
+	QRMatrix::M_DATA_DARK      => [0, 0, 0],
+	QRMatrix::M_DATA           => [233, 233, 233],
+	// darkmodule
+	QRMatrix::M_DARKMODULE     => [0, 0, 0],
+	// separator
+	QRMatrix::M_SEPARATOR      => [233, 233, 233],
+	// quietzone
+	QRMatrix::M_QUIETZONE      => [233, 233, 233],
+	// logo (requires a call to QRMatrix::setLogoSpace()), see QRImageWithLogo
+	QRMatrix::M_LOGO           => [233, 233, 233],
+];
 
 
-try{
-	$im = (new QRCode($options))->render('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ');
-}
-catch(Throwable $e){
-	exit($e->getMessage());
-}
+$im = (new QRCode($options))->render('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ');
 
 header('Content-type: image/png');
 
diff --git a/examples/imageWithLogo.php b/examples/imageWithLogo.php
index 67428ff86..522fa4b53 100644
--- a/examples/imageWithLogo.php
+++ b/examples/imageWithLogo.php
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 <?php
 /**
+ * GdImage with logo output example
+ *
  * @created      18.11.2020
  * @author       smiley <smiley@chillerlan.net>
  * @copyright    2020 smiley
@@ -70,33 +72,42 @@ class QRImageWithLogo extends QRGdImage{
 
 }
 
+
 /*
  * Runtime
  */
 
-$options = new QROptions([
-	'version'             => 5,
-	'eccLevel'            => EccLevel::H,
-	'imageBase64'         => false,
-	'addLogoSpace'        => true,
-	'logoSpaceWidth'      => 13,
-	'logoSpaceHeight'     => 13,
-	'scale'               => 6,
-	'imageTransparent'    => false,
-	'drawCircularModules' => true,
-	'circleRadius'        => 0.45,
-	'keepAsSquare'        => [QRMatrix::M_FINDER, QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT],
-]);
+$options = new QROptions;
+
+$options->version             = 5;
+$options->imageBase64         = false;
+$options->scale               = 6;
+$options->imageTransparent    = false;
+$options->drawCircularModules = true;
+$options->circleRadius        = 0.45;
+$options->keepAsSquare        = [
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER,
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT,
+];
+// ecc level H is required for logo space
+$options->eccLevel            = EccLevel::H;
+$options->addLogoSpace        = true;
+$options->logoSpaceWidth      = 13;
+$options->logoSpaceHeight     = 13;
+
 
 $qrcode = new QRCode($options);
 $qrcode->addByteSegment('https://github.com');
 
-header('Content-type: image/png');
-
 $qrOutputInterface = new QRImageWithLogo($options, $qrcode->getQRMatrix());
 
 // dump the output, with an additional logo
 // the logo could also be supplied via the options, see the svgWithLogo example
-echo $qrOutputInterface->dump(null, __DIR__.'/octocat.png');
+$out = $qrOutputInterface->dump(null, __DIR__.'/octocat.png');
+
+
+header('Content-type: image/png');
+
+echo $out;
 
 exit;
diff --git a/examples/imageWithText.php b/examples/imageWithText.php
index f586b6a9e..8de9dc880 100644
--- a/examples/imageWithText.php
+++ b/examples/imageWithText.php
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 <?php
 /**
- * example for additional text
+ * GdImage example for displaying additional text under the QR Code
+ *
  * @link https://github.com/chillerlan/php-qrcode/issues/35
  *
  * @created      22.06.2019
@@ -93,22 +94,27 @@ class QRImageWithText extends QRGdImage{
  * Runtime
  */
 
-$options = new QROptions([
-	'version'     => 7,
-	'outputType'  => QROutputInterface::GDIMAGE_PNG,
-	'scale'       => 3,
-	'imageBase64' => false,
-]);
+$options = new QROptions;
+
+$options->version     = 7;
+$options->outputType  = QROutputInterface::GDIMAGE_PNG;
+$options->scale       = 3;
+$options->imageBase64 = false;
+
 
 $qrcode = new QRCode($options);
 $qrcode->addByteSegment('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ');
 
-header('Content-type: image/png');
-
+// invoke the custom output interface manually
 $qrOutputInterface = new QRImageWithText($options, $qrcode->getQRMatrix());
 
 // dump the output, with additional text
 // the text could also be supplied via the options, see the svgWithLogo example
-echo $qrOutputInterface->dump(null, 'example text');
+$out = $qrOutputInterface->dump(null, 'example text');
+
+
+header('Content-type: image/png');
+
+echo $out;
 
 exit;
diff --git a/examples/imagick.php b/examples/imagick.php
index 4f494f841..7235d72aa 100644
--- a/examples/imagick.php
+++ b/examples/imagick.php
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 <?php
 /**
+ * ImageMagick output example
+ *
  * @created      24.12.2017
  * @author       Smiley <smiley@chillerlan.net>
  * @copyright    2017 Smiley
@@ -7,60 +9,62 @@
  */
 
 use chillerlan\QRCode\{QRCode, QROptions};
-use chillerlan\QRCode\Common\EccLevel;
 use chillerlan\QRCode\Data\QRMatrix;
 use chillerlan\QRCode\Output\QROutputInterface;
 
 require_once __DIR__.'/../vendor/autoload.php';
 
-$options = new QROptions([
-	'version'             => 7,
-	'outputType'          => QROutputInterface::IMAGICK,
-	'eccLevel'            => EccLevel::L,
-	'scale'               => 20,
-	'imageBase64'         => false,
-	'bgColor'             => '#ccccaa',
-	'imageTransparent'    => true,
-#	'transparencyColor'   => '#ECF9BE',
-	'drawLightModules'    => true,
-	'drawCircularModules' => true,
-	'circleRadius'        => 0.4,
-	'keepAsSquare'        => [
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK,
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT,
-		QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK,
-	],
-	'moduleValues'        => [
-		// finder
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK    => '#A71111', // dark (true)
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT     => '#A71111', // finder dot, dark (true)
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER         => '#FFBFBF', // light (false)
-		// alignment
-		QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK => '#A70364',
-		QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT      => '#FFC9C9',
-		// timing
-		QRMatrix::M_TIMING_DARK    => '#98005D',
-		QRMatrix::M_TIMING         => '#FFB8E9',
-		// format
-		QRMatrix::M_FORMAT_DARK    => '#003804',
-		QRMatrix::M_FORMAT         => '#CCFB12',
-		// version
-		QRMatrix::M_VERSION_DARK   => '#650098',
-		QRMatrix::M_VERSION        => '#E0B8FF',
-		// data
-		QRMatrix::M_DATA_DARK      => '#4A6000',
-		QRMatrix::M_DATA           => '#ECF9BE',
-		// darkmodule
-		QRMatrix::M_DARKMODULE     => '#080063',
-		// separator
-		QRMatrix::M_SEPARATOR      => '#DDDDDD',
-		// quietzone
-		QRMatrix::M_QUIETZONE      => '#DDDDDD',
-	],
-]);
+$options = new QROptions;
+
+$options->version             = 7;
+$options->outputType          = QROutputInterface::IMAGICK;
+$options->scale               = 20;
+$options->imageBase64         = false;
+$options->bgColor             = '#ccccaa';
+$options->imageTransparent    = true;
+#$options->transparencyColor   = '#ECF9BE';
+$options->drawLightModules    = true;
+$options->drawCircularModules = true;
+$options->circleRadius        = 0.4;
+$options->keepAsSquare        = [
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK,
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT,
+	QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK,
+];
+$options->moduleValues        = [
+	// finder
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK    => '#A71111', // dark (true)
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT     => '#A71111', // finder dot, dark (true)
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER         => '#FFBFBF', // light (false)
+	// alignment
+	QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK => '#A70364',
+	QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT      => '#FFC9C9',
+	// timing
+	QRMatrix::M_TIMING_DARK    => '#98005D',
+	QRMatrix::M_TIMING         => '#FFB8E9',
+	// format
+	QRMatrix::M_FORMAT_DARK    => '#003804',
+	QRMatrix::M_FORMAT         => '#CCFB12',
+	// version
+	QRMatrix::M_VERSION_DARK   => '#650098',
+	QRMatrix::M_VERSION        => '#E0B8FF',
+	// data
+	QRMatrix::M_DATA_DARK      => '#4A6000',
+	QRMatrix::M_DATA           => '#ECF9BE',
+	// darkmodule
+	QRMatrix::M_DARKMODULE     => '#080063',
+	// separator
+	QRMatrix::M_SEPARATOR      => '#DDDDDD',
+	// quietzone
+	QRMatrix::M_QUIETZONE      => '#DDDDDD',
+];
+
+
+$out = (new QRCode($options))->render('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ');
+
 
 header('Content-type: image/png');
 
-echo (new QRCode($options))->render('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ');
+echo $out;
 
 exit;
diff --git a/examples/imagickWithLogo.php b/examples/imagickWithLogo.php
index 4f120ea16..358b6b502 100644
--- a/examples/imagickWithLogo.php
+++ b/examples/imagickWithLogo.php
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 <?php
 /**
+ * ImageMagick with logo output example
+ *
  * @created      28.02.2023
  * @author       Smiley <smiley@chillerlan.net>
  * @copyright    2023 Smiley
@@ -92,33 +94,36 @@ class ImagickWithLogoOptions extends QROptions{
  * Runtime
  */
 
-$options = new ImagickWithLogoOptions([
-	'pngLogo'             => __DIR__.'/octocat.png', // setting from the augmented options
-	'version'             => 5,
-	'outputType'          => QROutputInterface::CUSTOM,
-	'outputInterface'     => QRImagickWithLogo::class, // use the custom output class
-	'eccLevel'            => EccLevel::H,
-	'imageBase64'         => false,
-	'addLogoSpace'        => true,
-	'logoSpaceWidth'      => 15,
-	'logoSpaceHeight'     => 15,
-	'bgColor'             => '#eee',
-	'imageTransparent'    => true,
-	'scale'               => 20,
-	'drawLightModules'    => false,
-	'drawCircularModules' => true,
-	'circleRadius'        => 0.4,
-	'keepAsSquare'        => [
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK,
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT,
-		QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK,
-	],
-]);
+$options = new ImagickWithLogoOptions;
+
+$options->pngLogo             = __DIR__.'/octocat.png'; // setting from the augmented options
+$options->version             = 5;
+$options->outputType          = QROutputInterface::CUSTOM;
+$options->outputInterface     = QRImagickWithLogo::class; // use the custom output class
+$options->eccLevel            = EccLevel::H;
+$options->imageBase64         = false;
+$options->addLogoSpace        = true;
+$options->logoSpaceWidth      = 15;
+$options->logoSpaceHeight     = 15;
+$options->bgColor             = '#eee';
+$options->imageTransparent    = true;
+$options->scale               = 20;
+$options->drawLightModules    = false;
+$options->drawCircularModules = true;
+$options->circleRadius        = 0.4;
+$options->keepAsSquare        = [
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK,
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT,
+	QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK,
+];
+
+
+// dump the output, with an additional logo
+$out = (new QRCode($options))->render('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ');
 
 
 header('Content-type: image/png');
 
-// dump the output, with an additional logo
-echo (new QRCode($options))->render('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ');
+echo $out;
 
 exit;
diff --git a/examples/multimode.php b/examples/multimode.php
index 1a98b18f3..d8a4e5bb6 100644
--- a/examples/multimode.php
+++ b/examples/multimode.php
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 <?php
 /**
- * multimode.php
+ * multi/mixed mode example
  *
  * @created      31.01.2023
  * @author       smiley <smiley@chillerlan.net>
@@ -34,7 +34,9 @@ $qrcode = (new QRCode($options))
 	->addByteSegment('https://www.bundesverfassungsgericht.de/SharedDocs/Pressemitteilungen/DE/2016/bvg16-036.html')
 ;
 
-$render = $qrcode->render();
+
+$out = $qrcode->render();
+
 
 if(PHP_SAPI !== 'cli'){
 	header('Content-type: image/svg+xml');
@@ -42,10 +44,10 @@ if(PHP_SAPI !== 'cli'){
 	if(extension_loaded('zlib')){
 		header('Vary: Accept-Encoding');
 		header('Content-Encoding: gzip');
-		$render = gzencode($render, 9);
+		$out = gzencode($out, 9);
 	}
 }
 
-echo $render;
+echo $out;
 
 exit;
diff --git a/examples/reflectance.php b/examples/reflectance.php
index 2bf36a4e3..5887deb45 100644
--- a/examples/reflectance.php
+++ b/examples/reflectance.php
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 <?php
 /**
- * reflectance.php
+ * reflectance reversal example
  *
  * @created      13.07.2023
  * @author       smiley <smiley@chillerlan.net>
@@ -16,55 +16,59 @@ use chillerlan\QRCode\QROptions;
 
 require_once __DIR__.'/../vendor/autoload.php';
 
-$options = new QROptions([
-	'outputType'          => QROutputInterface::MARKUP_SVG,
-	'imageBase64'         => false,
-	'svgAddXmlHeader'     => false,
-	'connectPaths'        => true,
-	'drawCircularModules' => false,
-	'drawLightModules'    => true,
-	'addLogoSpace'        => true,
-	'eccLevel'            => EccLevel::H,
-	'logoSpaceWidth'      => 11,
-	'moduleValues'        => [
-		// finder
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK      => '#555', // dark (true)
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER           => '#ccc', // light (false)
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT       => '#555',
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT_LIGHT => '#ccc',
-		// alignment
-		QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK   => '#555',
-		QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT        => '#ccc',
-		// timing
-		QRMatrix::M_TIMING_DARK      => '#555',
-		QRMatrix::M_TIMING           => '#ccc',
-		// format
-		QRMatrix::M_FORMAT_DARK      => '#555',
-		QRMatrix::M_FORMAT           => '#ccc',
-		// version
-		QRMatrix::M_VERSION_DARK     => '#555',
-		QRMatrix::M_VERSION          => '#ccc',
-		// data
-		QRMatrix::M_DATA_DARK        => '#555',
-		QRMatrix::M_DATA             => '#ccc',
-		// darkmodule
-		QRMatrix::M_DARKMODULE_LIGHT => '#ccc',
-		QRMatrix::M_DARKMODULE       => '#555',
-		// separator
-		QRMatrix::M_SEPARATOR_DARK   => '#555',
-		QRMatrix::M_SEPARATOR        => '#ccc',
-		// quietzone
-		QRMatrix::M_QUIETZONE_DARK   => '#555',
-		QRMatrix::M_QUIETZONE        => '#ccc',
-		// logo space
-		QRMatrix::M_LOGO_DARK        => '#555',
-		QRMatrix::M_LOGO             => '#ccc',
-	],
-]);
+$options = new QROptions;
+
+$options->outputType          = QROutputInterface::MARKUP_SVG;
+$options->imageBase64         = false;
+$options->svgAddXmlHeader     = false;
+$options->connectPaths        = true;
+$options->drawCircularModules = false;
+$options->drawLightModules    = true;
+$options->addLogoSpace        = true;
+$options->eccLevel            = EccLevel::H;
+$options->logoSpaceWidth      = 11;
+$options->moduleValues        = [
+	// finder
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK      => '#555', // dark (true)
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER           => '#ccc', // light (false)
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT       => '#555',
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT_LIGHT => '#ccc',
+	// alignment
+	QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK   => '#555',
+	QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT        => '#ccc',
+	// timing
+	QRMatrix::M_TIMING_DARK      => '#555',
+	QRMatrix::M_TIMING           => '#ccc',
+	// format
+	QRMatrix::M_FORMAT_DARK      => '#555',
+	QRMatrix::M_FORMAT           => '#ccc',
+	// version
+	QRMatrix::M_VERSION_DARK     => '#555',
+	QRMatrix::M_VERSION          => '#ccc',
+	// data
+	QRMatrix::M_DATA_DARK        => '#555',
+	QRMatrix::M_DATA             => '#ccc',
+	// darkmodule
+	QRMatrix::M_DARKMODULE_LIGHT => '#ccc',
+	QRMatrix::M_DARKMODULE       => '#555',
+	// separator
+	QRMatrix::M_SEPARATOR_DARK   => '#555',
+	QRMatrix::M_SEPARATOR        => '#ccc',
+	// quietzone
+	QRMatrix::M_QUIETZONE_DARK   => '#555',
+	QRMatrix::M_QUIETZONE        => '#ccc',
+	// logo space
+	QRMatrix::M_LOGO_DARK        => '#555',
+	QRMatrix::M_LOGO             => '#ccc',
+];
+
 
 $qrcode = (new QRCode($options))->addByteSegment('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ');
 $matrix = $qrcode->getQRMatrix();
 
+$out_normal   = $qrcode->renderMatrix($matrix);
+$out_inverted = $qrcode->renderMatrix($matrix->invert());
+
 // dump the output
 header('Content-type: text/html');
 
@@ -89,12 +93,9 @@ header('Content-type: text/html');
 <div id="reflectance-example">
 	<!-- embed the SVG directly -->
 	<?php
-		echo $qrcode->renderMatrix($matrix);
-		echo $qrcode->renderMatrix($matrix->invert());
+		echo $out_normal;
+		echo $out_inverted;
 	?>
 </div>
 </body>
 </html>
-<?php
-
-exit;
diff --git a/examples/svg.php b/examples/svg.php
index 0c791bb84..3ad4ef554 100644
--- a/examples/svg.php
+++ b/examples/svg.php
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 <?php
-
 /**
+ * SVG output example
+ *
  * @created      21.12.2017
  * @author       Smiley <smiley@chillerlan.net>
  * @copyright    2017 Smiley
@@ -10,36 +11,34 @@
  */
 
 use chillerlan\QRCode\{QRCode, QROptions};
-use chillerlan\QRCode\Common\EccLevel;
 use chillerlan\QRCode\Data\QRMatrix;
 use chillerlan\QRCode\Output\QROutputInterface;
 
 require_once __DIR__.'/../vendor/autoload.php';
 
-$options = new QROptions([
-	'version'             => 7,
-	'outputType'          => QROutputInterface::MARKUP_SVG,
-	'imageBase64'         => false,
-	'eccLevel'            => EccLevel::L,
-	'addQuietzone'        => true,
-	// if set to false, the light modules won't be rendered
-	'drawLightModules'    => true,
-	// empty the default value to remove the fill* and opacity* attributes from the <path> elements
-	'markupDark'          => '',
-	'markupLight'         => '',
-	// draw the modules as circles isntead of squares
-	'drawCircularModules' => true,
-	'circleRadius'        => 0.4,
-	// connect paths
-	'connectPaths'        => true,
-	// keep modules of these types as square
-	'keepAsSquare'        => [
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK,
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT,
-		QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK,
-	],
-	// https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/SVG/Element/linearGradient
-	'svgDefs'             => '
+$options = new QROptions;
+
+$options->version             = 7;
+$options->outputType          = QROutputInterface::MARKUP_SVG;
+$options->imageBase64         = false;
+// if set to false, the light modules won't be rendered
+$options->drawLightModules    = true;
+// empty the default value to remove the fill* and opacity* attributes from the <path> elements
+$options->markupDark          = '';
+$options->markupLight         = '';
+// draw the modules as circles isntead of squares
+$options->drawCircularModules = true;
+$options->circleRadius        = 0.4;
+// connect paths
+$options->connectPaths        = true;
+// keep modules of these types as square
+$options->keepAsSquare        = [
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK,
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT,
+	QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK,
+];
+// https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/SVG/Element/linearGradient
+$options->svgDefs             = '
 	<linearGradient id="rainbow" x1="1" y2="1">
 		<stop stop-color="#e2453c" offset="0"/>
 		<stop stop-color="#e07e39" offset="0.2"/>
@@ -51,10 +50,18 @@ $options = new QROptions([
 	<style><![CDATA[
 		.dark{fill: url(#rainbow);}
 		.light{fill: #eee;}
-	]]></style>',
-]);
+	]]></style>';
+
+
+try{
+	$out = (new QRCode($options))->render('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ');
+}
+catch(Throwable $e){
+	// handle the exception in whatever way you need
+
+	exit($e->getMessage());
+}
 
-$qrcode = (new QRCode($options))->render('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ');
 
 if(php_sapi_name() !== 'cli'){
 	header('Content-type: image/svg+xml');
@@ -62,10 +69,10 @@ if(php_sapi_name() !== 'cli'){
 	if(extension_loaded('zlib')){
 		header('Vary: Accept-Encoding');
 		header('Content-Encoding: gzip');
-		$qrcode = gzencode($qrcode, 9);
+		$out = gzencode($out, 9);
 	}
 }
 
-echo $qrcode;
+echo $out;
 
 exit;
diff --git a/examples/svgMeltedModules.php b/examples/svgMeltedModules.php
index 86ed2bbc8..94952dc57 100644
--- a/examples/svgMeltedModules.php
+++ b/examples/svgMeltedModules.php
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 <?php
 /**
+ * "melted" modules example
+ *
  * This code generates an SVG QR code with rounded corners. It uses a round rect for each square and then additional
  * paths to fill in the gap where squares are next to each other. Adjacent squares overlap - to almost completely
  * eliminate hairline antialias "cracks" that tend to appear when two SVG paths are exactly adjacent to each other.
@@ -244,28 +246,28 @@ class MeltedOutputOptions extends QROptions{
 /*
  * Runtime
  */
+$options = new MeltedOutputOptions;
 
-$options = new MeltedOutputOptions([
-	'melt'               => true,
-	'inverseMelt'        => true,
-	'meltRadius'         => 0.4,
+// settings from the custom options class
+$options->melt               = true;
+$options->inverseMelt        = true;
+$options->meltRadius         = 0.4;
 
-	'version'            => 7,
-	'eccLevel'           => EccLevel::H,
-	'addQuietzone'       => true,
-	'addLogoSpace'       => true,
-	'logoSpaceWidth'     => 13,
-	'logoSpaceHeight'    => 13,
-	'connectPaths'       => true,
-	'imageBase64'        => false,
-
-	'outputType'         => QROutputInterface::CUSTOM,
-	'outputInterface'    => MeltedSVGQRCodeOutput::class,
-	'excludeFromConnect' => [
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK,
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT,
-	],
-	'svgDefs'            => '
+$options->version            = 7;
+$options->outputType         = QROutputInterface::CUSTOM;
+$options->outputInterface    = MeltedSVGQRCodeOutput::class;
+$options->imageBase64        = false;
+$options->addQuietzone       = true;
+$options->eccLevel           = EccLevel::H;
+$options->addLogoSpace       = true;
+$options->logoSpaceWidth     = 13;
+$options->logoSpaceHeight    = 13;
+$options->connectPaths       = true;
+$options->excludeFromConnect = [
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK,
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT,
+];
+$options->svgDefs            = '
 	<linearGradient id="rainbow" x1="100%" y2="100%">
 		<stop stop-color="#e2453c" offset="2.5%"/>
 		<stop stop-color="#e07e39" offset="21.5%"/>
@@ -276,11 +278,11 @@ $options = new MeltedOutputOptions([
 	</linearGradient>
 	<style><![CDATA[
 		.light, .dark{fill: url(#rainbow);}
-	]]></style>',
-]);
+	]]></style>';
 
 
-$qrcode = (new QRCode($options))->render('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ');
+$out = (new QRCode($options))->render('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ');
+
 
 if(php_sapi_name() !== 'cli'){
 	header('Content-type: image/svg+xml');
@@ -288,10 +290,10 @@ if(php_sapi_name() !== 'cli'){
 	if(extension_loaded('zlib')){
 		header('Vary: Accept-Encoding');
 		header('Content-Encoding: gzip');
-		$qrcode = gzencode($qrcode, 9);
+		$out = gzencode($out, 9);
 	}
 }
 
-echo $qrcode;
+echo $out;
 
 exit;
diff --git a/examples/svgRandomColoredDots.php b/examples/svgRandomColoredDots.php
index 7faf64089..9a3e6e063 100644
--- a/examples/svgRandomColoredDots.php
+++ b/examples/svgRandomColoredDots.php
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 <?php
 /**
+ * Randomly colored modules example
+ *
  * @see https://github.com/chillerlan/php-qrcode/discussions/136
  *
  * @created      09.07.2022
@@ -98,8 +100,11 @@ class RandomDotsOptions extends QROptions{
  * Runtime
  */
 
+// prepare the options
+$options = new RandomDotsOptions;
+
 // our custom dot colors
-$dotColors = [
+$options->dotColors = [
 	111 => '#e2453c',
 	222 => '#e07e39',
 	333 => '#e5d667',
@@ -111,50 +116,51 @@ $dotColors = [
 // generate the CSS for the several colored layers
 $layerColors = '';
 
-foreach($dotColors as $layer => $color){
+foreach($options->dotColors as $layer => $color){
 	$layerColors .= sprintf("\n\t\t.qr-%s{ fill: %s; }", $layer, $color);
 }
 
-// prepare the options
-$options = new RandomDotsOptions([
-	'dotColors'           => $dotColors,
-	'svgDefs'             => '
+$options->svgDefs = '
 	<style><![CDATA[
 		.light{ fill: #dedede; }
 		.dark{ fill: #424242; }
 		'.$layerColors.'
-	]]></style>',
+	]]></style>';
 
-	'version'             => 5,
-	'eccLevel'            => EccLevel::H,
-	'addQuietzone'        => true,
-	'imageBase64'         => false,
-	'outputType'          => QROutputInterface::CUSTOM,
-	'outputInterface'     => RandomDotsSVGOutput::class,
-	'drawLightModules'    => false,
+// set the custom output interface
+$options->outputType          = QROutputInterface::CUSTOM;
+$options->outputInterface     = RandomDotsSVGOutput::class;
 
-	'connectPaths'        => true,
-	'excludeFromConnect'  => [
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK,
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT,
-		QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK,
-	],
+// common qrcode options
+$options->version             = 5;
+$options->eccLevel            = EccLevel::H;
+$options->addQuietzone        = true;
+$options->imageBase64         = false;
+$options->drawLightModules    = false;
+$options->connectPaths        = true;
+$options->excludeFromConnect  = [
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK,
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT,
+	QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK,
+];
+$options->drawCircularModules = true;
+$options->circleRadius        = 0.4;
+$options->keepAsSquare        = [
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK,
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT,
+	QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK,
+];
 
-	'drawCircularModules' => true,
-	'circleRadius'        => 0.4,
-	'keepAsSquare'        => [
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK,
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT,
-		QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK,
-	],
 
-]);
+
+$out = (new QRCode($options))->render('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ');
+
 
 // dump the output
 if(php_sapi_name() !== 'cli'){
 	header('content-type: image/svg+xml');
 }
 
-echo (new QRCode($options))->render('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ');
+echo $out;
 
 exit;
diff --git a/examples/svgRoundQuietzone.php b/examples/svgRoundQuietzone.php
index fd8749c0a..bd3773a58 100644
--- a/examples/svgRoundQuietzone.php
+++ b/examples/svgRoundQuietzone.php
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 <?php
 /**
+ * round quiet zone example
+ *
  * @see https://github.com/chillerlan/php-qrcode/discussions/137
  *
  * @created      09.07.2022
@@ -270,7 +272,11 @@ class RoundQuietzoneOptions extends QROptions{
  * Runtime
  */
 
-$dotColors = [
+$options = new RoundQuietzoneOptions;
+
+// custom dot options (see extended class)
+$options->additionalModules = 5;
+$options->dotColors         = [
 	111 => '#e2453c',
 	222 => '#e07e39',
 	333 => '#e5d667',
@@ -279,15 +285,16 @@ $dotColors = [
 	666 => '#6f5ba7',
 ];
 
+// generate the CSS for the several colored layers
 $layerColors = '';
 
-foreach($dotColors as $layer => $color){
+foreach($options->dotColors as $layer => $color){
 	$layerColors .= sprintf("\n\t\t.qr-%s{ fill: %s; }", $layer, $color);
 }
 
 // https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/SVG/Element/linearGradient
 // please forgive me for I have committed colorful crimes
-$svgDefs = '
+$options->svgDefs = '
 	<linearGradient id="blurple" x1="100%" y2="100%">
 		<stop stop-color="#D70071" offset="0"/>
 		<stop stop-color="#9C4E97" offset="0.5"/>
@@ -309,44 +316,38 @@ $svgDefs = '
 		'.$layerColors.'
 	]]></style>';
 
-$options = new RoundQuietzoneOptions([
-	// custom dot options
-	'additionalModules'   => 5,
-	'dotColors'           => $dotColors,
+// custom SVG logo options
+$options->svgLogo             = __DIR__.'/github.svg'; // logo from: https://github.com/simple-icons/simple-icons
+$options->svgLogoScale        = 0.2;
+$options->svgLogoCssClass     = 'logo';
 
-	// custom SVG logo options (see extended class below)
-	'svgLogo'             => __DIR__.'/github.svg', // logo from: https://github.com/simple-icons/simple-icons
-	'svgLogoScale'        => 0.2,
-	'svgLogoCssClass'     => 'logo',
+// common QRCode options
+$options->version             = 7;
+$options->eccLevel            = EccLevel::H;
+$options->addQuietzone        = false; // we're not adding a quiet zone, this is done internally in our own module
+$options->imageBase64         = false; // avoid base64 URI output for the example
+$options->outputType          = QROutputInterface::CUSTOM;
+$options->outputInterface     = RoundQuietzoneSVGoutput::class; // load our own output class
+$options->drawLightModules    = false; // set to true to add the light modules
+// common SVG options
+#$options->connectPaths = true; // this has been set to "always on" internally
+$options->excludeFromConnect  = [
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK,
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT,
+	QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK,
+	QRMatrix::M_QUIETZONE_DARK,
+];
+$options->drawCircularModules = true;
+$options->circleRadius        = 0.4;
+$options->keepAsSquare        = [
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK,
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT,
+	QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK,
+];
 
-	// common QRCode options
-	'version'             => 7,
-	'eccLevel'            => EccLevel::H, // maximum error correction capacity, esp. for print
-	'addQuietzone'        => false, // we're not adding a quiet zone, this is done internally in our own module
-	'imageBase64'         => false, // avoid base64 URI output
-	'outputType'          => QROutputInterface::CUSTOM,
-	'outputInterface'     => RoundQuietzoneSVGoutput::class, // load our own output class
-	'drawLightModules'    => false, // set to true to add the light modules
 
-	// common SVG options
-	'svgDefs'             => $svgDefs,
-//	'connectPaths'        => true, // this has been set to "always on" internally
-	'excludeFromConnect'  => [
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK,
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT,
-		QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK,
-		QRMatrix::M_QUIETZONE_DARK,
-	],
-	'drawCircularModules' => true,
-	'circleRadius'        => 0.4,
-	'keepAsSquare'        => [
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK,
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT,
-		QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK,
-	],
-]);
+$out = (new QRCode($options))->render('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ');
 
-$qrcode = (new QRCode($options))->render('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ');
 
 if(php_sapi_name() !== 'cli'){
 	header('Content-type: image/svg+xml');
@@ -354,10 +355,10 @@ if(php_sapi_name() !== 'cli'){
 	if(extension_loaded('zlib')){
 		header('Vary: Accept-Encoding');
 		header('Content-Encoding: gzip');
-		$qrcode = gzencode($qrcode, 9);
+		$out = gzencode($out, 9);
 	}
 }
 
-echo $qrcode;
+echo $out;
 
 exit;
diff --git a/examples/svgWithLogo.php b/examples/svgWithLogo.php
index 271acb4e2..096b75948 100644
--- a/examples/svgWithLogo.php
+++ b/examples/svgWithLogo.php
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 <?php
 /**
+ * SVG with logo example
+ *
  * @created      05.03.2022
  * @author       smiley <smiley@chillerlan.net>
  * @copyright    2022 smiley
@@ -103,34 +105,30 @@ class SVGWithLogoOptions extends QROptions{
  * Runtime
  */
 
-$options = new SVGWithLogoOptions([
-	// SVG logo options (see extended class below)
-	'svgLogo'             => __DIR__.'/github.svg', // logo from: https://github.com/simple-icons/simple-icons
-	'svgLogoScale'        => 0.25,
-	'svgLogoCssClass'     => 'dark',
-	// QROptions
-	'version'             => 5,
-	'outputType'          => QROutputInterface::CUSTOM,
-	'outputInterface'     => QRSvgWithLogo::class,
-	'imageBase64'         => false,
-	// ECC level H is necessary when using logos
-	'eccLevel'            => EccLevel::H,
-	'addQuietzone'        => true,
-	// if set to true, the light modules won't be rendered
-	'drawLightModules'    => true,
-	// draw the modules as circles isntead of squares
-	'drawCircularModules' => true,
-	'circleRadius'        => 0.45,
-	// connect paths
-	'connectPaths'        => true,
-	// keep modules of thhese types as square
-	'keepAsSquare'        => [
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK,
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT,
-		QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK,
-	],
-	// https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/SVG/Element/linearGradient
-	'svgDefs'             => '
+$options = new SVGWithLogoOptions;
+
+// SVG logo options (see extended class)
+$options->svgLogo             = __DIR__.'/github.svg'; // logo from: https://github.com/simple-icons/simple-icons
+$options->svgLogoScale        = 0.25;
+$options->svgLogoCssClass     = 'dark';
+// QROptions
+$options->version             = 5;
+$options->outputType          = QROutputInterface::CUSTOM;
+$options->outputInterface     = QRSvgWithLogo::class;
+$options->imageBase64         = false;
+$options->eccLevel            = EccLevel::H; // ECC level H is necessary when using logos
+$options->addQuietzone        = true;
+$options->drawLightModules    = true;
+$options->connectPaths        = true;
+$options->drawCircularModules = true;
+$options->circleRadius        = 0.45;
+$options->keepAsSquare        = [
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK,
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT,
+	QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK,
+];
+// https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/SVG/Element/linearGradient
+$options->svgDefs = '
 	<linearGradient id="gradient" x1="100%" y2="100%">
 		<stop stop-color="#D70071" offset="0"/>
 		<stop stop-color="#9C4E97" offset="0.5"/>
@@ -139,10 +137,10 @@ $options = new SVGWithLogoOptions([
 	<style><![CDATA[
 		.dark{fill: url(#gradient);}
 		.light{fill: #eaeaea;}
-	]]></style>',
-]);
+	]]></style>';
 
-$qrcode = (new QRCode($options))->render('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ');
+
+$out = (new QRCode($options))->render('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ');
 
 
 if(php_sapi_name() !== 'cli'){
@@ -151,10 +149,10 @@ if(php_sapi_name() !== 'cli'){
 	if(extension_loaded('zlib')){
 		header('Vary: Accept-Encoding');
 		header('Content-Encoding: gzip');
-		$qrcode = gzencode($qrcode, 9);
+		$out = gzencode($out, 9);
 	}
 }
 
-echo $qrcode;
+echo $out;
 
 exit;
diff --git a/examples/svgWithLogoAndCustomShapes.php b/examples/svgWithLogoAndCustomShapes.php
index 04f021e1a..f8a1c9ac2 100644
--- a/examples/svgWithLogoAndCustomShapes.php
+++ b/examples/svgWithLogoAndCustomShapes.php
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 <?php
 /**
+ * SVG with logo and custom shapes example
+ *
  * @see https://github.com/chillerlan/php-qrcode/discussions/150
  *
  * @created      05.03.2022
@@ -185,7 +187,8 @@ $options->svgDefs         = '
 		.light{fill: #eaeaea;}
 	]]></style>';
 
-$qrcode = (new QRCode($options))->render('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ');
+
+$out = (new QRCode($options))->render('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ');
 
 
 if(php_sapi_name() !== 'cli'){
@@ -194,10 +197,10 @@ if(php_sapi_name() !== 'cli'){
 	if(extension_loaded('zlib')){
 		header('Vary: Accept-Encoding');
 		header('Content-Encoding: gzip');
-		$qrcode = gzencode($qrcode, 9);
+		$out = gzencode($out, 9);
 	}
 }
 
-echo $qrcode;
+echo $out;
 
 exit;
diff --git a/examples/text.php b/examples/text.php
index 453bbee4e..7154b448f 100644
--- a/examples/text.php
+++ b/examples/text.php
@@ -9,54 +9,57 @@
  */
 
 use chillerlan\QRCode\{QRCode, QROptions};
-use chillerlan\QRCode\Common\EccLevel;
 use chillerlan\QRCode\Data\QRMatrix;
 use chillerlan\QRCode\Output\QROutputInterface;
-use PHPUnit\Util\Color;
 
 require_once __DIR__.'/../vendor/autoload.php';
 
-$options = new QROptions([
-	'version'      => 7,
-	'outputType'   => QROutputInterface::STRING_TEXT,
-	'eccLevel'     => EccLevel::L,
-	'eol'          => Color::colorize('reset', "\x00\n"),
-	'moduleValues' => [
-		// finder
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK    => Color::colorize('fg-black', '🔴'), // dark (true)
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER         => Color::colorize('fg-black', '⭕'), // light (false)
-		QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT     => Color::colorize('fg-black', '🔴'), // finder dot, dark (true)
-		// alignment
-		QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK => Color::colorize('fg-blue', '🔴'),
-		QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT      => Color::colorize('fg-blue', '⭕'),
-		// timing
-		QRMatrix::M_TIMING_DARK    => Color::colorize('fg-red', '🔴'),
-		QRMatrix::M_TIMING         => Color::colorize('fg-red', '⭕'),
-		// format
-		QRMatrix::M_FORMAT_DARK    => Color::colorize('fg-magenta', '🔴'),
-		QRMatrix::M_FORMAT         => Color::colorize('fg-magenta', '⭕'),
-		// version
-		QRMatrix::M_VERSION_DARK   => Color::colorize('fg-green', '🔴'),
-		QRMatrix::M_VERSION        => Color::colorize('fg-green', '⭕'),
-		// data
-		QRMatrix::M_DATA_DARK      => Color::colorize('fg-white', '🔴'),
-		QRMatrix::M_DATA           => Color::colorize('fg-white', '⭕'),
-		// darkmodule
-		QRMatrix::M_DARKMODULE     => Color::colorize('fg-black', '🔴'),
-		// separator
-		QRMatrix::M_SEPARATOR      => Color::colorize('fg-cyan', '⭕'),
-		// quietzone
-		QRMatrix::M_QUIETZONE      => Color::colorize('fg-cyan', '⭕'),
-		// logo space
-		QRMatrix::M_LOGO           => Color::colorize('fg-yellow', '⭕'),
-		// empty
-		QRMatrix::M_NULL           => Color::colorize('fg-black', '⭕'),
-		// data
-		QRMatrix::M_TEST_DARK      => Color::colorize('fg-white', '🔴'),
-		QRMatrix::M_TEST           => Color::colorize('fg-black', '⭕'),
-	],
-]);
+$options = new QROptions;
 
-echo (new QRCode($options))->render('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ');
+$options->version       = 3;
+$options->quietzoneSize = 2;
+$options->outputType    = QROutputInterface::STRING_TEXT;
+$options->eol           = "\n";
+$options->textLineStart = str_repeat(' ', 6);
+$options->textDark      = ansi8('██', 253);
+$options->textLight     = ansi8('░░', 253);
+$options->moduleValues  = [
+	// finder
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DARK    => ansi8('██', 124),
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER         => ansi8('░░', 124),
+	QRMatrix::M_FINDER_DOT     => ansi8('██', 124),
+	// alignment
+	QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT_DARK => ansi8('██', 2),
+	QRMatrix::M_ALIGNMENT      => ansi8('░░', 2),
+	// timing
+	QRMatrix::M_TIMING_DARK    => ansi8('██', 184),
+	QRMatrix::M_TIMING         => ansi8('░░', 184),
+	// format
+	QRMatrix::M_FORMAT_DARK    => ansi8('██', 200),
+	QRMatrix::M_FORMAT         => ansi8('░░', 200),
+	// version
+	QRMatrix::M_VERSION_DARK   => ansi8('██', 21),
+	QRMatrix::M_VERSION        => ansi8('░░', 21),
+	// dark module
+	QRMatrix::M_DARKMODULE     => ansi8('██', 53),
+	// data
+	QRMatrix::M_DATA_DARK      => ansi8('██', 166),
+	QRMatrix::M_DATA           => ansi8('░░', 166),
+];
+
+
+$out  = (new QRCode($options))->render('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ');
+
+
+echo "\n\n\n$out\n\n\n";
 
 exit;
+
+
+// a little helper to a create proper ANSI 8-bit color escape sequence
+function ansi8(string $str, int $color, bool $background = false):string{
+	$color      = max(0, min($color, 255));
+	$background = ($background ? 48 : 38);
+
+	return sprintf("\x1b[%s;5;%sm%s\x1b[0m", $background, $color, $str);
+}