diff --git a/src/Buffer.test.ts b/src/Buffer.test.ts
index 2561ce36..6b6adc11 100644
--- a/src/Buffer.test.ts
+++ b/src/Buffer.test.ts
@@ -508,11 +508,10 @@ describe('Buffer', () => {
       // the dangling last cell is wrongly added in the string
       // --> fixable after resolving #1685
       terminal.writeSync(input);
-      // TODO: reenable after fix
-      // const s = terminal.buffer.contents(true).toArray()[0];
-      // assert.equal(input, s);
+      const s = terminal.buffer.iterator(true).next().content;
+      assert.equal(input, s);
       for (let i = 10; i < input.length; ++i) {
-        const bufferIndex = terminal.buffer.stringIndexToBufferIndex(0, i + 1); // TODO: remove +1 after fix
+        const bufferIndex = terminal.buffer.stringIndexToBufferIndex(0, i);
         const j = (i - 0) << 1;
         assert.deepEqual([(j / terminal.cols) | 0, j % terminal.cols], bufferIndex);
       }
diff --git a/src/Buffer.ts b/src/Buffer.ts
index dd657a2a..10f1d1b2 100644
--- a/src/Buffer.ts
+++ b/src/Buffer.ts
@@ -17,9 +17,13 @@ export const CHAR_DATA_WIDTH_INDEX = 2;
 export const CHAR_DATA_CODE_INDEX = 3;
 export const MAX_BUFFER_SIZE = 4294967295; // 2^32 - 1
 
-export const NULL_CELL_CHAR = ' ';
+export const NULL_CELL_CHAR = '';
 export const NULL_CELL_WIDTH = 1;
-export const NULL_CELL_CODE = 32;
+export const NULL_CELL_CODE = 0;
+
+export const WHITESPACE_CELL_CHAR = ' ';
+export const WHITESPACE_CELL_WIDTH = 1;
+export const WHITESPACE_CELL_CODE = 32;
 
 /**
  * This class represents a terminal buffer (an internal state of the terminal), where the
@@ -272,64 +276,11 @@ export class Buffer implements IBuffer {
    * @param endCol The column to end at.
    */
   public translateBufferLineToString(lineIndex: number, trimRight: boolean, startCol: number = 0, endCol: number = null): string {
-    // Get full line
-    let lineString = '';
     const line = this.lines.get(lineIndex);
     if (!line) {
       return '';
     }
-
-    // Initialize column and index values. Column values represent the actual
-    // cell column, indexes represent the index in the string. Indexes are
-    // needed here because some chars are 0 characters long (eg. after wide
-    // chars) and some chars are longer than 1 characters long (eg. emojis).
-    let startIndex = startCol;
-    // Only set endCol to the line length when it is null. 0 is a valid column.
-    if (endCol === null) {
-      endCol = line.length;
-    }
-    let endIndex = endCol;
-
-    for (let i = 0; i < line.length; i++) {
-      const char = line.get(i);
-      lineString += char[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX];
-      // Adjust start and end cols for wide characters if they affect their
-      // column indexes
-      if (char[CHAR_DATA_WIDTH_INDEX] === 0) {
-        if (startCol >= i) {
-          startIndex--;
-        }
-        if (endCol > i) {
-          endIndex--;
-        }
-      } else {
-        // Adjust the columns to take glyphs that are represented by multiple
-        // code points into account.
-        if (char[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX].length > 1) {
-          if (startCol > i) {
-            startIndex += char[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX].length - 1;
-          }
-          if (endCol > i) {
-            endIndex += char[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX].length - 1;
-          }
-        }
-      }
-    }
-
-    // Calculate the final end col by trimming whitespace on the right of the
-    // line if needed.
-    if (trimRight) {
-      const rightWhitespaceIndex = lineString.search(/\s+$/);
-      if (rightWhitespaceIndex !== -1) {
-        endIndex = Math.min(endIndex, rightWhitespaceIndex);
-      }
-      // Return the empty string if only trimmed whitespace is selected
-      if (endIndex <= startIndex) {
-        return '';
-      }
-    }
-
-    return lineString.substring(startIndex, endIndex);
+    return line.translateToString(trimRight, startCol, endCol);
   }
 
   public getWrappedRangeForLine(y: number): { first: number, last: number } {
@@ -488,8 +439,7 @@ export class BufferStringIterator implements IBufferStringIterator {
     range.last = Math.min(range.last, this._buffer.lines.length);
     let result = '';
     for (let i = range.first; i <= range.last; ++i) {
-      // TODO: always apply trimRight after fixing #1685
-      result += this._buffer.translateBufferLineToString(i, (this._trimRight) ? i === range.last : false);
+      result += this._buffer.translateBufferLineToString(i, this._trimRight);
     }
     this._current = range.last + 1;
     return {range: range, content: result};
diff --git a/src/BufferLine.test.ts b/src/BufferLine.test.ts
index b824cc38..93b2759f 100644
--- a/src/BufferLine.test.ts
+++ b/src/BufferLine.test.ts
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 import * as chai from 'chai';
 import { BufferLine } from './BufferLine';
 import { CharData, IBufferLine } from './Types';
-import { NULL_CELL_CHAR, NULL_CELL_WIDTH, NULL_CELL_CODE } from './Buffer';
+import { NULL_CELL_CHAR, NULL_CELL_WIDTH, NULL_CELL_CODE, DEFAULT_ATTR } from './Buffer';
 
 
 class TestBufferLine extends BufferLine {
@@ -200,4 +200,130 @@ describe('BufferLine', function(): void {
       chai.expect(line.toArray()).eql(Array(7).fill([1, 'a', 0, 'a'.charCodeAt(0)]));
     });
   });
+  describe('getTrimLength', function(): void {
+    it('empty line', function(): void {
+      const line = new TestBufferLine(10, [DEFAULT_ATTR, NULL_CELL_CHAR, NULL_CELL_WIDTH, NULL_CELL_CODE], false);
+      chai.expect(line.getTrimmedLength()).equal(0);
+    });
+    it('ASCII', function(): void {
+      const line = new TestBufferLine(10, [DEFAULT_ATTR, NULL_CELL_CHAR, NULL_CELL_WIDTH, NULL_CELL_CODE], false);
+      line.set(0, [1, 'a', 1, 'a'.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      line.set(2, [1, 'a', 1, 'a'.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      chai.expect(line.getTrimmedLength()).equal(3);
+    });
+    it('surrogate', function(): void {
+      const line = new TestBufferLine(10, [DEFAULT_ATTR, NULL_CELL_CHAR, NULL_CELL_WIDTH, NULL_CELL_CODE], false);
+      line.set(0, [1, 'a', 1, 'a'.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      line.set(2, [1, '𝄞', 1, '𝄞'.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      chai.expect(line.getTrimmedLength()).equal(3);
+    });
+    it('combining', function(): void {
+      const line = new TestBufferLine(10, [DEFAULT_ATTR, NULL_CELL_CHAR, NULL_CELL_WIDTH, NULL_CELL_CODE], false);
+      line.set(0, [1, 'a', 1, 'a'.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      line.set(2, [1, 'e\u0301', 1, '\u0301'.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      chai.expect(line.getTrimmedLength()).equal(3);
+    });
+    it('fullwidth', function(): void {
+      const line = new TestBufferLine(10, [DEFAULT_ATTR, NULL_CELL_CHAR, NULL_CELL_WIDTH, NULL_CELL_CODE], false);
+      line.set(0, [1, 'a', 1, 'a'.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      line.set(2, [1, '１', 2, '１'.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      line.set(3, [0, '', 0, undefined]);
+      chai.expect(line.getTrimmedLength()).equal(4); // also counts null cell after fullwidth
+    });
+  });
+  describe('translateToString with and w\'o trimming', function(): void {
+    it('empty line', function(): void {
+      const line = new TestBufferLine(10, [DEFAULT_ATTR, NULL_CELL_CHAR, NULL_CELL_WIDTH, NULL_CELL_CODE], false);
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(false)).equal('          ');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(true)).equal('');
+    });
+    it('ASCII', function(): void {
+      const line = new TestBufferLine(10, [DEFAULT_ATTR, NULL_CELL_CHAR, NULL_CELL_WIDTH, NULL_CELL_CODE], false);
+      line.set(0, [1, 'a', 1, 'a'.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      line.set(2, [1, 'a', 1, 'a'.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      line.set(4, [1, 'a', 1, 'a'.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      line.set(5, [1, 'a', 1, 'a'.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(false)).equal('a a aa    ');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(true)).equal('a a aa');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(false, 0, 5)).equal('a a a');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(false, 0, 4)).equal('a a ');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(false, 0, 3)).equal('a a');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(true, 0, 5)).equal('a a a');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(true, 0, 4)).equal('a a ');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(true, 0, 3)).equal('a a');
+
+    });
+    it('surrogate', function(): void {
+      const line = new TestBufferLine(10, [DEFAULT_ATTR, NULL_CELL_CHAR, NULL_CELL_WIDTH, NULL_CELL_CODE], false);
+      line.set(0, [1, 'a', 1, 'a'.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      line.set(2, [1, '𝄞', 1, '𝄞'.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      line.set(4, [1, '𝄞', 1, '𝄞'.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      line.set(5, [1, '𝄞', 1, '𝄞'.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(false)).equal('a 𝄞 𝄞𝄞    ');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(true)).equal('a 𝄞 𝄞𝄞');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(false, 0, 5)).equal('a 𝄞 𝄞');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(false, 0, 4)).equal('a 𝄞 ');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(false, 0, 3)).equal('a 𝄞');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(true, 0, 5)).equal('a 𝄞 𝄞');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(true, 0, 4)).equal('a 𝄞 ');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(true, 0, 3)).equal('a 𝄞');
+    });
+    it('combining', function(): void {
+      const line = new TestBufferLine(10, [DEFAULT_ATTR, NULL_CELL_CHAR, NULL_CELL_WIDTH, NULL_CELL_CODE], false);
+      line.set(0, [1, 'a', 1, 'a'.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      line.set(2, [1, 'e\u0301', 1, '\u0301'.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      line.set(4, [1, 'e\u0301', 1, '\u0301'.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      line.set(5, [1, 'e\u0301', 1, '\u0301'.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(false)).equal('a e\u0301 e\u0301e\u0301    ');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(true)).equal('a e\u0301 e\u0301e\u0301');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(false, 0, 5)).equal('a e\u0301 e\u0301');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(false, 0, 4)).equal('a e\u0301 ');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(false, 0, 3)).equal('a e\u0301');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(true, 0, 5)).equal('a e\u0301 e\u0301');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(true, 0, 4)).equal('a e\u0301 ');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(true, 0, 3)).equal('a e\u0301');
+    });
+    it('fullwidth', function(): void {
+      const line = new TestBufferLine(10, [DEFAULT_ATTR, NULL_CELL_CHAR, NULL_CELL_WIDTH, NULL_CELL_CODE], false);
+      line.set(0, [1, 'a', 1, 'a'.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      line.set(2, [1, '１', 2, '１'.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      line.set(3, [0, '', 0, undefined]);
+      line.set(5, [1, '１', 2, '１'.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      line.set(6, [0, '', 0, undefined]);
+      line.set(7, [1, '１', 2, '１'.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      line.set(8, [0, '', 0, undefined]);
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(false)).equal('a １ １１ ');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(true)).equal('a １ １１');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(false, 0, 7)).equal('a １ １');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(false, 0, 6)).equal('a １ １');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(false, 0, 5)).equal('a １ ');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(false, 0, 4)).equal('a １');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(false, 0, 3)).equal('a １');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(false, 0, 2)).equal('a ');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(true, 0, 7)).equal('a １ １');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(true, 0, 6)).equal('a １ １');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(true, 0, 5)).equal('a １ ');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(true, 0, 4)).equal('a １');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(true, 0, 3)).equal('a １');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(true, 0, 2)).equal('a ');
+    });
+    it('space at end', function(): void {
+      const line = new TestBufferLine(10, [DEFAULT_ATTR, NULL_CELL_CHAR, NULL_CELL_WIDTH, NULL_CELL_CODE], false);
+      line.set(0, [1, 'a', 1, 'a'.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      line.set(2, [1, 'a', 1, 'a'.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      line.set(4, [1, 'a', 1, 'a'.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      line.set(5, [1, 'a', 1, 'a'.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      line.set(6, [1, ' ', 1, ' '.charCodeAt(0)]);
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(false)).equal('a a aa    ');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(true)).equal('a a aa ');
+    });
+    it('should always return some sane value', function(): void {
+      // sanity check - broken line with invalid out of bound null width cells
+      // this can atm happen with deleting/inserting chars in inputhandler by "breaking"
+      // fullwidth pairs --> needs to be fixed after settling BufferLine impl
+      const line = new TestBufferLine(10, [DEFAULT_ATTR, NULL_CELL_CHAR, 0, NULL_CELL_CODE], false);
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(false)).equal('          ');
+      chai.expect(line.translateToString(true)).equal('');
+    });
+  });
 });
diff --git a/src/BufferLine.ts b/src/BufferLine.ts
index a95fe0f4..bcc3d1bb 100644
--- a/src/BufferLine.ts
+++ b/src/BufferLine.ts
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
  * @license MIT
  */
 import { CharData, IBufferLine } from './Types';
-import { NULL_CELL_CODE, NULL_CELL_WIDTH, NULL_CELL_CHAR } from './Buffer';
+import { NULL_CELL_CODE, NULL_CELL_WIDTH, NULL_CELL_CHAR, CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX, CHAR_DATA_WIDTH_INDEX, WHITESPACE_CELL_CHAR } from './Buffer';
 
 /**
  * Class representing a terminal line.
@@ -107,6 +107,29 @@ export class BufferLineJSArray implements IBufferLine {
     newLine.copyFrom(this);
     return newLine;
   }
+
+  public getTrimmedLength(): number {
+    for (let i = this.length - 1; i >= 0; --i) {
+      const ch = this.get(i);
+      if (ch[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX] !== '') {
+        return i + ch[CHAR_DATA_WIDTH_INDEX];
+      }
+    }
+    return 0;
+  }
+
+  public translateToString(trimRight: boolean = false, startCol: number = 0, endCol: number = null): string {
+    let length = endCol || this.length;
+    if (trimRight) {
+      length = Math.min(length, this.getTrimmedLength());
+    }
+    let result = '';
+    while (startCol < length) {
+      result += this.get(startCol)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX] || WHITESPACE_CELL_CHAR;
+      startCol += this.get(startCol)[CHAR_DATA_WIDTH_INDEX] || 1;
+    }
+    return result;
+  }
 }
 
 /** typed array slots taken by one cell */
@@ -119,6 +142,9 @@ const enum Cell {
   WIDTH = 2
 }
 
+/** single vs. combined char distinction */
+const IS_COMBINED_BIT_MASK = 0x80000000;
+
 /**
  * Typed array based bufferline implementation.
  */
@@ -144,11 +170,11 @@ export class BufferLine implements IBufferLine {
     const stringData = this._data[index * CELL_SIZE + Cell.STRING];
     return [
       this._data[index * CELL_SIZE + Cell.FLAGS],
-      (stringData & 0x80000000)
+      (stringData & IS_COMBINED_BIT_MASK)
         ? this._combined[index]
         : (stringData) ? String.fromCharCode(stringData) : '',
       this._data[index * CELL_SIZE + Cell.WIDTH],
-      (stringData & 0x80000000)
+      (stringData & IS_COMBINED_BIT_MASK)
         ? this._combined[index].charCodeAt(this._combined[index].length - 1)
         : stringData
     ];
@@ -158,7 +184,7 @@ export class BufferLine implements IBufferLine {
     this._data[index * CELL_SIZE + Cell.FLAGS] = value[0];
     if (value[1].length > 1) {
       this._combined[index] = value[1];
-      this._data[index * CELL_SIZE + Cell.STRING] = index | 0x80000000;
+      this._data[index * CELL_SIZE + Cell.STRING] = index | IS_COMBINED_BIT_MASK;
     } else {
       this._data[index * CELL_SIZE + Cell.STRING] = value[1].charCodeAt(0);
     }
@@ -269,4 +295,27 @@ export class BufferLine implements IBufferLine {
     newLine.isWrapped = this.isWrapped;
     return newLine;
   }
+
+  public getTrimmedLength(): number {
+    for (let i = this.length - 1; i >= 0; --i) {
+      if (this._data[i * CELL_SIZE + Cell.STRING] !== 0) {  // 0 ==> ''.charCodeAt(0) ==> NaN ==> 0
+        return i + this._data[i * CELL_SIZE + Cell.WIDTH];
+      }
+    }
+    return 0;
+  }
+
+  public translateToString(trimRight: boolean = false, startCol: number = 0, endCol: number = null): string {
+    let length = endCol || this.length;
+    if (trimRight) {
+      length = Math.min(length, this.getTrimmedLength());
+    }
+    let result = '';
+    while (startCol < length) {
+      const stringData = this._data[startCol * CELL_SIZE + Cell.STRING];
+      result += (stringData & IS_COMBINED_BIT_MASK) ? this._combined[startCol] : (stringData) ? String.fromCharCode(stringData) : WHITESPACE_CELL_CHAR;
+      startCol += this._data[startCol * CELL_SIZE + Cell.WIDTH] || 1;
+    }
+    return result;
+  }
 }
diff --git a/src/InputHandler.test.ts b/src/InputHandler.test.ts
index acc18ea5..ac3fbc8b 100644
--- a/src/InputHandler.test.ts
+++ b/src/InputHandler.test.ts
@@ -6,130 +6,10 @@
 import { assert, expect } from 'chai';
 import { InputHandler } from './InputHandler';
 import { MockInputHandlingTerminal } from './ui/TestUtils.test';
-import { NULL_CELL_CHAR, NULL_CELL_CODE, NULL_CELL_WIDTH, CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX, CHAR_DATA_ATTR_INDEX, DEFAULT_ATTR } from './Buffer';
+import { CHAR_DATA_ATTR_INDEX, DEFAULT_ATTR } from './Buffer';
 import { Terminal } from './Terminal';
 import { IBufferLine } from './Types';
 
-
-// TODO: This and the sections related to this object in associated tests can be
-// removed safely after InputHandler refactors are finished
-class OldInputHandler extends InputHandler {
-  public eraseInLine(params: number[]): void {
-    switch (params[0]) {
-      case 0:
-        this.eraseRight(this._terminal.buffer.x, this._terminal.buffer.y);
-        break;
-      case 1:
-        this.eraseLeft(this._terminal.buffer.x, this._terminal.buffer.y);
-        break;
-      case 2:
-        this.eraseLine(this._terminal.buffer.y);
-        break;
-    }
-  }
-
-  public eraseInDisplay(params: number[]): void {
-    let j;
-    switch (params[0]) {
-      case 0:
-        this.eraseRight(this._terminal.buffer.x, this._terminal.buffer.y);
-        j = this._terminal.buffer.y + 1;
-        for (; j < this._terminal.rows; j++) {
-          this.eraseLine(j);
-        }
-        break;
-      case 1:
-        this.eraseLeft(this._terminal.buffer.x, this._terminal.buffer.y);
-        j = this._terminal.buffer.y;
-        while (j--) {
-          this.eraseLine(j);
-        }
-        break;
-      case 2:
-        j = this._terminal.rows;
-        while (j--) this.eraseLine(j);
-        break;
-      case 3:
-        // Clear scrollback (everything not in viewport)
-        const scrollBackSize = this._terminal.buffer.lines.length - this._terminal.rows;
-        if (scrollBackSize > 0) {
-          this._terminal.buffer.lines.trimStart(scrollBackSize);
-          this._terminal.buffer.ybase = Math.max(this._terminal.buffer.ybase - scrollBackSize, 0);
-          this._terminal.buffer.ydisp = Math.max(this._terminal.buffer.ydisp - scrollBackSize, 0);
-          // Force a scroll event to refresh viewport
-          this._terminal.emit('scroll', 0);
-        }
-        break;
-    }
-  }
-
-  /**
-   * Erase in the identified line everything from "x" to the end of the line (right).
-   * @param x The column from which to start erasing to the end of the line.
-   * @param y The line in which to operate.
-   */
-  public eraseRight(x: number, y: number): void {
-    const line = this._terminal.buffer.lines.get(this._terminal.buffer.ybase + y);
-    if (!line) {
-      return;
-    }
-    line.replaceCells(x, this._terminal.cols, [this._terminal.eraseAttr(), NULL_CELL_CHAR, NULL_CELL_WIDTH, NULL_CELL_CODE]);
-    this._terminal.updateRange(y);
-  }
-
-  /**
-   * Erase in the identified line everything from "x" to the start of the line (left).
-   * @param x The column from which to start erasing to the start of the line.
-   * @param y The line in which to operate.
-   */
-  public eraseLeft(x: number, y: number): void {
-    const line = this._terminal.buffer.lines.get(this._terminal.buffer.ybase + y);
-    if (!line) {
-      return;
-    }
-    line.replaceCells(0, x + 1, [this._terminal.eraseAttr(), NULL_CELL_CHAR, NULL_CELL_WIDTH, NULL_CELL_CODE]);
-    this._terminal.updateRange(y);
-  }
-
-  /**
-   * Erase all content in the given line
-   * @param y The line to erase all of its contents.
-   */
-  public eraseLine(y: number): void {
-    this.eraseRight(0, y);
-  }
-
-  public insertChars(params: number[]): void {
-    let param = params[0];
-    if (param < 1) param = 1;
-
-    // make buffer local for faster access
-    const buffer = this._terminal.buffer;
-
-    const row = buffer.y + buffer.ybase;
-    let j = buffer.x;
-    while (param-- && j < this._terminal.cols) {
-      buffer.lines.get(row).insertCells(j++, 1, [this._terminal.eraseAttr(), NULL_CELL_CHAR, NULL_CELL_WIDTH, NULL_CELL_CODE]);
-    }
-  }
-
-  public deleteChars(params: number[]): void {
-    let param: number = params[0];
-    if (param < 1) {
-      param = 1;
-    }
-
-    // make buffer local for faster access
-    const buffer = this._terminal.buffer;
-
-    const row = buffer.y + buffer.ybase;
-    while (param--) {
-      buffer.lines.get(row).deleteCells(buffer.x, 1, [this._terminal.eraseAttr(), NULL_CELL_CHAR, NULL_CELL_WIDTH, NULL_CELL_CODE]);
-    }
-    this._terminal.updateRange(buffer.y);
-  }
-}
-
 describe('InputHandler', () => {
   describe('save and restore cursor', () => {
     const terminal = new MockInputHandlingTerminal();
@@ -208,296 +88,250 @@ describe('InputHandler', () => {
     });
   });
   describe('regression tests', function(): void {
-    function lineContent(line: IBufferLine): string {
-      let content = '';
-      for (let i = 0; i < line.length; ++i) content += line.get(i)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX];
-      return content;
-    }
-
-    function termContent(term: Terminal): string[] {
+    function termContent(term: Terminal, trim: boolean): string[] {
       const result = [];
-      for (let i = 0; i < term.rows; ++i) result.push(lineContent(term.buffer.lines.get(i)));
+      for (let i = 0; i < term.rows; ++i) result.push(term.buffer.lines.get(i).translateToString(trim));
       return result;
     }
 
     it('insertChars', function(): void {
       const term = new Terminal();
       const inputHandler = new InputHandler(term);
-      const oldInputHandler = new OldInputHandler(term);
 
       // insert some data in first and second line
       inputHandler.parse(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a'));
       inputHandler.parse('1234567890');
       inputHandler.parse(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a'));
       inputHandler.parse('1234567890');
-      const line1: IBufferLine = term.buffer.lines.get(0); // line for old variant
-      const line2: IBufferLine = term.buffer.lines.get(1); // line for new variant
-      expect(lineContent(line1)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '1234567890');
-      expect(lineContent(line2)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '1234567890');
+      const line1: IBufferLine = term.buffer.lines.get(0);
+      expect(line1.translateToString(false)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '1234567890');
 
       // insert one char from params = [0]
       term.buffer.y = 0;
       term.buffer.x = 70;
-      oldInputHandler.insertChars([0]);
-      expect(lineContent(line1)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + ' 123456789');
-      term.buffer.y = 1;
-      term.buffer.x = 70;
       inputHandler.insertChars([0]);
-      expect(lineContent(line2)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + ' 123456789');
-      expect(lineContent(line2)).equals(lineContent(line1));
+      expect(line1.translateToString(false)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + ' 123456789');
 
       // insert one char from params = [1]
       term.buffer.y = 0;
       term.buffer.x = 70;
-      oldInputHandler.insertChars([1]);
-      expect(lineContent(line1)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '  12345678');
-      term.buffer.y = 1;
-      term.buffer.x = 70;
       inputHandler.insertChars([1]);
-      expect(lineContent(line2)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '  12345678');
-      expect(lineContent(line2)).equals(lineContent(line1));
+      expect(line1.translateToString(false)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '  12345678');
 
       // insert two chars from params = [2]
       term.buffer.y = 0;
       term.buffer.x = 70;
-      oldInputHandler.insertChars([2]);
-      expect(lineContent(line1)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '    123456');
-      term.buffer.y = 1;
-      term.buffer.x = 70;
       inputHandler.insertChars([2]);
-      expect(lineContent(line2)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '    123456');
-      expect(lineContent(line2)).equals(lineContent(line1));
+      expect(line1.translateToString(false)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '    123456');
 
       // insert 10 chars from params = [10]
       term.buffer.y = 0;
       term.buffer.x = 70;
-      oldInputHandler.insertChars([10]);
-      expect(lineContent(line1)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '          ');
-      term.buffer.y = 1;
-      term.buffer.x = 70;
       inputHandler.insertChars([10]);
-      expect(lineContent(line2)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '          ');
-      expect(lineContent(line2)).equals(lineContent(line1));
+      expect(line1.translateToString(false)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '          ');
+      expect(line1.translateToString(true)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a'));
     });
     it('deleteChars', function(): void {
       const term = new Terminal();
       const inputHandler = new InputHandler(term);
-      const oldInputHandler = new OldInputHandler(term);
 
       // insert some data in first and second line
       inputHandler.parse(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a'));
       inputHandler.parse('1234567890');
       inputHandler.parse(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a'));
       inputHandler.parse('1234567890');
-      const line1: IBufferLine = term.buffer.lines.get(0); // line for old variant
-      const line2: IBufferLine = term.buffer.lines.get(1); // line for new variant
-      expect(lineContent(line1)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '1234567890');
-      expect(lineContent(line2)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '1234567890');
+      const line1: IBufferLine = term.buffer.lines.get(0);
+      expect(line1.translateToString(false)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '1234567890');
 
       // delete one char from params = [0]
       term.buffer.y = 0;
       term.buffer.x = 70;
-      oldInputHandler.deleteChars([0]);
-      expect(lineContent(line1)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '234567890 ');
-      term.buffer.y = 1;
-      term.buffer.x = 70;
       inputHandler.deleteChars([0]);
-      expect(lineContent(line2)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '234567890 ');
-      expect(lineContent(line2)).equals(lineContent(line1));
+      expect(line1.translateToString(false)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '234567890 ');
+      expect(line1.translateToString(true)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '234567890');
 
       // insert one char from params = [1]
       term.buffer.y = 0;
       term.buffer.x = 70;
-      oldInputHandler.deleteChars([1]);
-      expect(lineContent(line1)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '34567890  ');
-      term.buffer.y = 1;
-      term.buffer.x = 70;
       inputHandler.deleteChars([1]);
-      expect(lineContent(line2)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '34567890  ');
-      expect(lineContent(line2)).equals(lineContent(line1));
+      expect(line1.translateToString(false)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '34567890  ');
+      expect(line1.translateToString(true)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '34567890');
 
       // insert two chars from params = [2]
       term.buffer.y = 0;
       term.buffer.x = 70;
-      oldInputHandler.deleteChars([2]);
-      expect(lineContent(line1)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '567890    ');
-      term.buffer.y = 1;
-      term.buffer.x = 70;
       inputHandler.deleteChars([2]);
-      expect(lineContent(line2)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '567890    ');
-      expect(lineContent(line2)).equals(lineContent(line1));
+      expect(line1.translateToString(false)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '567890    ');
+      expect(line1.translateToString(true)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '567890');
 
       // insert 10 chars from params = [10]
       term.buffer.y = 0;
       term.buffer.x = 70;
-      oldInputHandler.deleteChars([10]);
-      expect(lineContent(line1)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '          ');
-      term.buffer.y = 1;
-      term.buffer.x = 70;
       inputHandler.deleteChars([10]);
-      expect(lineContent(line2)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '          ');
-      expect(lineContent(line2)).equals(lineContent(line1));
+      expect(line1.translateToString(false)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a') + '          ');
+      expect(line1.translateToString(true)).equals(Array(term.cols - 9).join('a'));
     });
     it('eraseInLine', function(): void {
       const term = new Terminal();
       const inputHandler = new InputHandler(term);
-      const oldInputHandler = new OldInputHandler(term);
 
       // fill 6 lines to test 3 different states
       inputHandler.parse(Array(term.cols + 1).join('a'));
       inputHandler.parse(Array(term.cols + 1).join('a'));
       inputHandler.parse(Array(term.cols + 1).join('a'));
-      inputHandler.parse(Array(term.cols + 1).join('a'));
-      inputHandler.parse(Array(term.cols + 1).join('a'));
-      inputHandler.parse(Array(term.cols + 1).join('a'));
 
       // params[0] - right erase
       term.buffer.y = 0;
       term.buffer.x = 70;
-      oldInputHandler.eraseInLine([0]);
-      expect(lineContent(term.buffer.lines.get(0))).equals(Array(71).join('a') + '          ');
+      inputHandler.eraseInLine([0]);
+      expect(term.buffer.lines.get(0).translateToString(false)).equals(Array(71).join('a') + '          ');
+
+      // params[1] - left erase
       term.buffer.y = 1;
       term.buffer.x = 70;
-      inputHandler.eraseInLine([0]);
-      expect(lineContent(term.buffer.lines.get(1))).equals(Array(71).join('a') + '          ');
+      inputHandler.eraseInLine([1]);
+      expect(term.buffer.lines.get(1).translateToString(false)).equals(Array(71).join(' ') + ' aaaaaaaaa');
 
       // params[1] - left erase
       term.buffer.y = 2;
       term.buffer.x = 70;
-      oldInputHandler.eraseInLine([1]);
-      expect(lineContent(term.buffer.lines.get(2))).equals(Array(71).join(' ') + ' aaaaaaaaa');
-      term.buffer.y = 3;
-      term.buffer.x = 70;
-      inputHandler.eraseInLine([1]);
-      expect(lineContent(term.buffer.lines.get(3))).equals(Array(71).join(' ') + ' aaaaaaaaa');
-
-      // params[1] - left erase
-      term.buffer.y = 4;
-      term.buffer.x = 70;
-      oldInputHandler.eraseInLine([2]);
-      expect(lineContent(term.buffer.lines.get(4))).equals(Array(term.cols + 1).join(' '));
-      term.buffer.y = 5;
-      term.buffer.x = 70;
       inputHandler.eraseInLine([2]);
-      expect(lineContent(term.buffer.lines.get(5))).equals(Array(term.cols + 1).join(' '));
+      expect(term.buffer.lines.get(2).translateToString(false)).equals(Array(term.cols + 1).join(' '));
 
     });
     it('eraseInDisplay', function(): void {
-      const termOld = new Terminal();
-      const inputHandlerOld = new OldInputHandler(termOld);
-      const termNew = new Terminal();
-      const inputHandlerNew = new InputHandler(termNew);
+      const term = new Terminal({cols: 80, rows: 7});
+      const inputHandler = new InputHandler(term);
 
       // fill display with a's
-      for (let i = 0; i < termOld.rows; ++i) inputHandlerOld.parse(Array(termOld.cols + 1).join('a'));
-      for (let i = 0; i < termNew.rows; ++i) inputHandlerNew.parse(Array(termOld.cols + 1).join('a'));
-      const data = [];
-      for (let i = 0; i < termOld.rows; ++i) data.push(Array(termOld.cols + 1).join('a'));
-      expect(termContent(termOld)).eql(data);
-      expect(termContent(termOld)).eql(termContent(termNew));
+      for (let i = 0; i < term.rows; ++i) inputHandler.parse(Array(term.cols + 1).join('a'));
 
       // params [0] - right and below erase
-      termOld.buffer.y = 5;
-      termOld.buffer.x = 40;
-      inputHandlerOld.eraseInDisplay([0]);
-      termNew.buffer.y = 5;
-      termNew.buffer.x = 40;
-      inputHandlerNew.eraseInDisplay([0]);
-      expect(termContent(termNew)).eql(termContent(termOld));
+      term.buffer.y = 5;
+      term.buffer.x = 40;
+      inputHandler.eraseInDisplay([0]);
+      expect(termContent(term, false)).eql([
+        Array(term.cols + 1).join('a'),
+        Array(term.cols + 1).join('a'),
+        Array(term.cols + 1).join('a'),
+        Array(term.cols + 1).join('a'),
+        Array(term.cols + 1).join('a'),
+        Array(40 + 1).join('a') + Array(term.cols - 40 + 1).join(' '),
+        Array(term.cols + 1).join(' ')
+      ]);
+      expect(termContent(term, true)).eql([
+        Array(term.cols + 1).join('a'),
+        Array(term.cols + 1).join('a'),
+        Array(term.cols + 1).join('a'),
+        Array(term.cols + 1).join('a'),
+        Array(term.cols + 1).join('a'),
+        Array(40 + 1).join('a'),
+        ''
+      ]);
 
       // reset
-      termOld.buffer.y = 0;
-      termOld.buffer.x = 0;
-      termNew.buffer.y = 0;
-      termNew.buffer.x = 0;
-      for (let i = 0; i < termOld.rows; ++i) inputHandlerOld.parse(Array(termOld.cols + 1).join('a'));
-      for (let i = 0; i < termNew.rows; ++i) inputHandlerNew.parse(Array(termOld.cols + 1).join('a'));
+      term.buffer.y = 0;
+      term.buffer.x = 0;
+      for (let i = 0; i < term.rows; ++i) inputHandler.parse(Array(term.cols + 1).join('a'));
 
       // params [1] - left and above
-      termOld.buffer.y = 5;
-      termOld.buffer.x = 40;
-      inputHandlerOld.eraseInDisplay([1]);
-      termNew.buffer.y = 5;
-      termNew.buffer.x = 40;
-      inputHandlerNew.eraseInDisplay([1]);
-      expect(termContent(termNew)).eql(termContent(termOld));
+      term.buffer.y = 5;
+      term.buffer.x = 40;
+      inputHandler.eraseInDisplay([1]);
+      expect(termContent(term, false)).eql([
+        Array(term.cols + 1).join(' '),
+        Array(term.cols + 1).join(' '),
+        Array(term.cols + 1).join(' '),
+        Array(term.cols + 1).join(' '),
+        Array(term.cols + 1).join(' '),
+        Array(41 + 1).join(' ') + Array(term.cols - 41 + 1).join('a'),
+        Array(term.cols + 1).join('a')
+      ]);
+      expect(termContent(term, true)).eql([
+        '',
+        '',
+        '',
+        '',
+        '',
+        Array(41 + 1).join(' ') + Array(term.cols - 41 + 1).join('a'),
+        Array(term.cols + 1).join('a')
+      ]);
 
       // reset
-      termOld.buffer.y = 0;
-      termOld.buffer.x = 0;
-      termNew.buffer.y = 0;
-      termNew.buffer.x = 0;
-      for (let i = 0; i < termOld.rows; ++i) inputHandlerOld.parse(Array(termOld.cols + 1).join('a'));
-      for (let i = 0; i < termNew.rows; ++i) inputHandlerNew.parse(Array(termOld.cols + 1).join('a'));
+      term.buffer.y = 0;
+      term.buffer.x = 0;
+      for (let i = 0; i < term.rows; ++i) inputHandler.parse(Array(term.cols + 1).join('a'));
 
       // params [2] - whole screen
-      termOld.buffer.y = 5;
-      termOld.buffer.x = 40;
-      inputHandlerOld.eraseInDisplay([2]);
-      termNew.buffer.y = 5;
-      termNew.buffer.x = 40;
-      inputHandlerNew.eraseInDisplay([2]);
-      expect(termContent(termNew)).eql(termContent(termOld));
+      term.buffer.y = 5;
+      term.buffer.x = 40;
+      inputHandler.eraseInDisplay([2]);
+      expect(termContent(term, false)).eql([
+        Array(term.cols + 1).join(' '),
+        Array(term.cols + 1).join(' '),
+        Array(term.cols + 1).join(' '),
+        Array(term.cols + 1).join(' '),
+        Array(term.cols + 1).join(' '),
+        Array(term.cols + 1).join(' '),
+        Array(term.cols + 1).join(' ')
+      ]);
+      expect(termContent(term, true)).eql([
+        '',
+        '',
+        '',
+        '',
+        '',
+        '',
+        ''
+      ]);
 
       // reset and add a wrapped line
-      termNew.buffer.y = 0;
-      termNew.buffer.x = 0;
-      inputHandlerNew.parse(Array(termNew.cols + 1).join('a')); // line 0
-      inputHandlerNew.parse(Array(termNew.cols + 10).join('a')); // line 1 and 2
-      for (let i = 3; i < termOld.rows; ++i) inputHandlerNew.parse(Array(termNew.cols + 1).join('a'));
+      term.buffer.y = 0;
+      term.buffer.x = 0;
+      inputHandler.parse(Array(term.cols + 1).join('a')); // line 0
+      inputHandler.parse(Array(term.cols + 10).join('a')); // line 1 and 2
+      for (let i = 3; i < term.rows; ++i) inputHandler.parse(Array(term.cols + 1).join('a'));
 
       // params[1] left and above with wrap
       // confirm precondition that line 2 is wrapped
-      expect(termNew.buffer.lines.get(2).isWrapped).true;
-      termNew.buffer.y = 2;
-      termNew.buffer.x = 40;
-      inputHandlerNew.eraseInDisplay([1]);
-      expect(termNew.buffer.lines.get(2).isWrapped).false;
+      expect(term.buffer.lines.get(2).isWrapped).true;
+      term.buffer.y = 2;
+      term.buffer.x = 40;
+      inputHandler.eraseInDisplay([1]);
+      expect(term.buffer.lines.get(2).isWrapped).false;
 
       // reset and add a wrapped line
-      termNew.buffer.y = 0;
-      termNew.buffer.x = 0;
-      inputHandlerNew.parse(Array(termNew.cols + 1).join('a')); // line 0
-      inputHandlerNew.parse(Array(termNew.cols + 10).join('a')); // line 1 and 2
-      for (let i = 3; i < termOld.rows; ++i) inputHandlerNew.parse(Array(termNew.cols + 1).join('a'));
+      term.buffer.y = 0;
+      term.buffer.x = 0;
+      inputHandler.parse(Array(term.cols + 1).join('a')); // line 0
+      inputHandler.parse(Array(term.cols + 10).join('a')); // line 1 and 2
+      for (let i = 3; i < term.rows; ++i) inputHandler.parse(Array(term.cols + 1).join('a'));
 
       // params[1] left and above with wrap
       // confirm precondition that line 2 is wrapped
-      expect(termNew.buffer.lines.get(2).isWrapped).true;
-      termNew.buffer.y = 1;
-      termNew.buffer.x = 90; // Cursor is beyond last column
-      inputHandlerNew.eraseInDisplay([1]);
-      expect(termNew.buffer.lines.get(2).isWrapped).false;
+      expect(term.buffer.lines.get(2).isWrapped).true;
+      term.buffer.y = 1;
+      term.buffer.x = 90; // Cursor is beyond last column
+      inputHandler.eraseInDisplay([1]);
+      expect(term.buffer.lines.get(2).isWrapped).false;
     });
   });
   it('convertEol setting', function(): void {
     // not converting
-    let s = '';
     const termNotConverting = new Terminal({cols: 15, rows: 10});
     (termNotConverting as any)._inputHandler.parse('Hello\nWorld');
-    for (let i = 0; i < termNotConverting.cols; ++i) {
-      s += termNotConverting.buffer.lines.get(0).get(i)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX];
-    }
-    expect(s).equals('Hello          ');
-    s = '';
-    for (let i = 0; i < termNotConverting.cols; ++i) {
-      s += termNotConverting.buffer.lines.get(1).get(i)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX];
-    }
-    expect(s).equals('     World     ');
+    expect(termNotConverting.buffer.lines.get(0).translateToString(false)).equals('Hello          ');
+    expect(termNotConverting.buffer.lines.get(1).translateToString(false)).equals('     World     ');
+    expect(termNotConverting.buffer.lines.get(0).translateToString(true)).equals('Hello');
+    expect(termNotConverting.buffer.lines.get(1).translateToString(true)).equals('     World');
 
     // converting
-    s = '';
     const termConverting = new Terminal({cols: 15, rows: 10, convertEol: true});
     (termConverting as any)._inputHandler.parse('Hello\nWorld');
-    for (let i = 0; i < termConverting.cols; ++i) {
-      s += termConverting.buffer.lines.get(0).get(i)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX];
-    }
-    expect(s).equals('Hello          ');
-    s = '';
-    for (let i = 0; i < termConverting.cols; ++i) {
-      s += termConverting.buffer.lines.get(1).get(i)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX];
-    }
-    expect(s).equals('World          ');
+    expect(termConverting.buffer.lines.get(0).translateToString(false)).equals('Hello          ');
+    expect(termConverting.buffer.lines.get(1).translateToString(false)).equals('World          ');
+    expect(termConverting.buffer.lines.get(0).translateToString(true)).equals('Hello');
+    expect(termConverting.buffer.lines.get(1).translateToString(true)).equals('World');
   });
   describe('print', () => {
     it('should not cause an infinite loop (regression test)', () => {
@@ -511,34 +345,28 @@ describe('InputHandler', () => {
     let term: Terminal;
     let handler: InputHandler;
 
-    function lineContent(line: IBufferLine): string {
-      let content = '';
-      for (let i = 0; i < line.length; ++i) content += line.get(i)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX];
-      return content;
-    }
-
     beforeEach(() => {
       term = new Terminal();
       handler = new InputHandler(term);
     });
     it('should handle DECSET/DECRST 47 (alt screen buffer)', () => {
       handler.parse('\x1b[?47h\r\n\x1b[31mJUNK\x1b[?47lTEST');
-      expect(lineContent(term.buffer.lines.get(0))).to.equal(Array(term.cols + 1).join(' '));
-      expect(lineContent(term.buffer.lines.get(1))).to.equal('    TEST' + Array(term.cols - 7).join(' '));
+      expect(term.buffer.translateBufferLineToString(0, true)).to.equal('');
+      expect(term.buffer.translateBufferLineToString(1, true)).to.equal('    TEST');
       // Text color of 'TEST' should be red
       expect((term.buffer.lines.get(1).get(4)[CHAR_DATA_ATTR_INDEX] >> 9) & 0x1ff).to.equal(1);
     });
     it('should handle DECSET/DECRST 1047 (alt screen buffer)', () => {
       handler.parse('\x1b[?1047h\r\n\x1b[31mJUNK\x1b[?1047lTEST');
-      expect(lineContent(term.buffer.lines.get(0))).to.equal(Array(term.cols + 1).join(' '));
-      expect(lineContent(term.buffer.lines.get(1))).to.equal('    TEST' + Array(term.cols - 7).join(' '));
+      expect(term.buffer.translateBufferLineToString(0, true)).to.equal('');
+      expect(term.buffer.translateBufferLineToString(1, true)).to.equal('    TEST');
       // Text color of 'TEST' should be red
       expect((term.buffer.lines.get(1).get(4)[CHAR_DATA_ATTR_INDEX] >> 9) & 0x1ff).to.equal(1);
     });
     it('should handle DECSET/DECRST 1048 (alt screen cursor)', () => {
       handler.parse('\x1b[?1048h\r\n\x1b[31mJUNK\x1b[?1048lTEST');
-      expect(lineContent(term.buffer.lines.get(0))).to.equal('TEST' + Array(term.cols - 3).join(' '));
-      expect(lineContent(term.buffer.lines.get(1))).to.equal('JUNK' + Array(term.cols - 3).join(' '));
+      expect(term.buffer.translateBufferLineToString(0, true)).to.equal('TEST');
+      expect(term.buffer.translateBufferLineToString(1, true)).to.equal('JUNK');
       // Text color of 'TEST' should be default
       expect(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_ATTR_INDEX]).to.equal(DEFAULT_ATTR);
       // Text color of 'JUNK' should be red
@@ -546,18 +374,18 @@ describe('InputHandler', () => {
     });
     it('should handle DECSET/DECRST 1049 (alt screen buffer+cursor)', () => {
       handler.parse('\x1b[?1049h\r\n\x1b[31mJUNK\x1b[?1049lTEST');
-      expect(lineContent(term.buffer.lines.get(0))).to.equal('TEST' + Array(term.cols - 3).join(' '));
-      expect(lineContent(term.buffer.lines.get(1))).to.equal(Array(term.cols + 1).join(' '));
+      expect(term.buffer.translateBufferLineToString(0, true)).to.equal('TEST');
+      expect(term.buffer.translateBufferLineToString(1, true)).to.equal('');
       // Text color of 'TEST' should be default
       expect(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_ATTR_INDEX]).to.equal(DEFAULT_ATTR);
     });
     it('should handle DECSET/DECRST 1049 - maintains saved cursor for alt buffer', () => {
       handler.parse('\x1b[?1049h\r\n\x1b[31m\x1b[s\x1b[?1049lTEST');
-      expect(lineContent(term.buffer.lines.get(0))).to.equal('TEST' + Array(term.cols - 3).join(' '));
+      expect(term.buffer.translateBufferLineToString(0, true)).to.equal('TEST');
       // Text color of 'TEST' should be default
       expect(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_ATTR_INDEX]).to.equal(DEFAULT_ATTR);
       handler.parse('\x1b[?1049h\x1b[uTEST');
-      expect(lineContent(term.buffer.lines.get(1))).to.equal('TEST' + Array(term.cols - 3).join(' '));
+      expect(term.buffer.translateBufferLineToString(1, true)).to.equal('TEST');
       // Text color of 'TEST' should be red
       expect((term.buffer.lines.get(1).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_ATTR_INDEX] >> 9) & 0x1ff).to.equal(1);
     });
diff --git a/src/Terminal.integration.ts b/src/Terminal.integration.ts
index 66fd3502..d2a5cd7c 100644
--- a/src/Terminal.integration.ts
+++ b/src/Terminal.integration.ts
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ import * as path from 'path';
 import * as pty from 'node-pty';
 import { assert } from 'chai';
 import { Terminal } from './Terminal';
-import { CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX } from './Buffer';
+import { CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX, WHITESPACE_CELL_CHAR } from './Buffer';
 import { IViewport } from './Types';
 
 class TestTerminal extends Terminal {
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ function terminalToString(term: Terminal): string {
   for (let line = term.buffer.ybase; line < term.buffer.ybase + term.rows; line++) {
     lineText = '';
     for (let cell = 0; cell < term.cols; ++cell) {
-      lineText += term.buffer.lines.get(line).get(cell)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX];
+      lineText += term.buffer.lines.get(line).get(cell)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX] || WHITESPACE_CELL_CHAR;
     }
     // rtrim empty cells as xterm does
     lineText = lineText.replace(/\s+$/, '');
diff --git a/src/Terminal.test.ts b/src/Terminal.test.ts
index 733d2b39..fdc9678b 100644
--- a/src/Terminal.test.ts
+++ b/src/Terminal.test.ts
@@ -462,7 +462,7 @@ describe('term.js addons', () => {
           assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.length, INIT_ROWS + 1);
           assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], 'a');
           assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(INIT_ROWS - 1).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], 'b');
-          assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(INIT_ROWS).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], ' ');
+          assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(INIT_ROWS).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], '');
         });
 
         it('should properly scroll inside a scroll region (scrollTop set)', () => {
@@ -491,7 +491,7 @@ describe('term.js addons', () => {
           assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(1).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], 'b');
           assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(2).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], 'c');
           assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(3).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], 'd');
-          assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(4).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], ' ', 'a blank line should be added at scrollBottom\'s index');
+          assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(4).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], '', 'a blank line should be added at scrollBottom\'s index');
           assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(5).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], 'e');
         });
 
@@ -509,7 +509,7 @@ describe('term.js addons', () => {
           assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], 'a');
           assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(1).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], 'c', '\'b\' should be removed from the buffer');
           assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(2).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], 'd');
-          assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(3).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], ' ', 'a blank line should be added at scrollBottom\'s index');
+          assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(3).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], '', 'a blank line should be added at scrollBottom\'s index');
           assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(4).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], 'e');
         });
       });
@@ -530,9 +530,9 @@ describe('term.js addons', () => {
           assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.length, INIT_ROWS);
           // 'a' gets pushed out of buffer
           assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], 'b');
-          assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(1).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], ' ');
+          assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(1).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], '');
           assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(INIT_ROWS - 2).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], 'c');
-          assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(INIT_ROWS - 1).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], ' ');
+          assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(INIT_ROWS - 1).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], '');
         });
 
         it('should properly scroll inside a scroll region (scrollTop set)', () => {
@@ -560,7 +560,7 @@ describe('term.js addons', () => {
           assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], 'b');
           assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(1).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], 'c');
           assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(2).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], 'd');
-          assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(3).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], ' ', 'a blank line should be added at scrollBottom\'s index');
+          assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(3).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], '', 'a blank line should be added at scrollBottom\'s index');
           assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(4).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], 'e');
         });
 
@@ -578,7 +578,7 @@ describe('term.js addons', () => {
           assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], 'a');
           assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(1).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], 'c', '\'b\' should be removed from the buffer');
           assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(2).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], 'd');
-          assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(3).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], ' ', 'a blank line should be added at scrollBottom\'s index');
+          assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(3).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], '', 'a blank line should be added at scrollBottom\'s index');
           assert.equal(term.buffer.lines.get(4).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX], 'e');
         });
       });
@@ -776,7 +776,7 @@ describe('term.js addons', () => {
         expect(tchar[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql(high + String.fromCharCode(i));
         expect(tchar[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX].length).eql(2);
         expect(tchar[CHAR_DATA_WIDTH_INDEX]).eql(1);
-        expect(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(1)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql(' ');
+        expect(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(1)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql('');
         term.reset();
       }
     });
@@ -787,7 +787,7 @@ describe('term.js addons', () => {
         term.write(high + String.fromCharCode(i));
         expect(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(term.buffer.x - 1)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql(high + String.fromCharCode(i));
         expect(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(term.buffer.x - 1)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX].length).eql(2);
-        expect(term.buffer.lines.get(1).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql(' ');
+        expect(term.buffer.lines.get(1).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql('');
         term.reset();
       }
     });
@@ -800,7 +800,7 @@ describe('term.js addons', () => {
         expect(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(term.cols - 1)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql('a');
         expect(term.buffer.lines.get(1).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql(high + String.fromCharCode(i));
         expect(term.buffer.lines.get(1).get(0)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX].length).eql(2);
-        expect(term.buffer.lines.get(1).get(1)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql(' ');
+        expect(term.buffer.lines.get(1).get(1)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql('');
         term.reset();
       }
     });
@@ -813,7 +813,7 @@ describe('term.js addons', () => {
         // auto wraparound mode should cut off the rest of the line
         expect(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(term.cols - 1)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql('a');
         expect(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(term.cols - 1)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX].length).eql(1);
-        expect(term.buffer.lines.get(1).get(1)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql(' ');
+        expect(term.buffer.lines.get(1).get(1)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql('');
         term.reset();
       }
     });
@@ -826,7 +826,7 @@ describe('term.js addons', () => {
         expect(tchar[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql(high + String.fromCharCode(i));
         expect(tchar[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX].length).eql(2);
         expect(tchar[CHAR_DATA_WIDTH_INDEX]).eql(1);
-        expect(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(1)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql(' ');
+        expect(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(1)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql('');
         term.reset();
       }
     });
@@ -845,8 +845,8 @@ describe('term.js addons', () => {
       expect(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(term.cols - 1)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql('e\u0301');
       expect(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(term.cols - 1)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX].length).eql(2);
       expect(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(term.cols - 1)[CHAR_DATA_WIDTH_INDEX]).eql(1);
-      expect(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(1)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql(' ');
-      expect(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(1)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX].length).eql(1);
+      expect(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(1)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql('');
+      expect(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(1)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX].length).eql(0);
       expect(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(1)[CHAR_DATA_WIDTH_INDEX]).eql(1);
     });
     it('multiple combined é', () => {
@@ -928,8 +928,8 @@ describe('term.js addons', () => {
         }
       }
       let tchar = term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(term.cols - 1);
-      expect(tchar[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql(' ');
-      expect(tchar[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX].length).eql(1);
+      expect(tchar[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql('');
+      expect(tchar[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX].length).eql(0);
       expect(tchar[CHAR_DATA_WIDTH_INDEX]).eql(1);
       tchar = term.buffer.lines.get(1).get(0);
       expect(tchar[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql('￥');
@@ -953,8 +953,8 @@ describe('term.js addons', () => {
         }
       }
       let tchar = term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(term.cols - 1);
-      expect(tchar[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql(' ');
-      expect(tchar[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX].length).eql(1);
+      expect(tchar[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql('');
+      expect(tchar[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX].length).eql(0);
       expect(tchar[CHAR_DATA_WIDTH_INDEX]).eql(1);
       tchar = term.buffer.lines.get(1).get(0);
       expect(tchar[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql('￥\u0301');
@@ -998,8 +998,8 @@ describe('term.js addons', () => {
         }
       }
       let tchar = term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(term.cols - 1);
-      expect(tchar[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql(' ');
-      expect(tchar[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX].length).eql(1);
+      expect(tchar[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql('');
+      expect(tchar[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX].length).eql(0);
       expect(tchar[CHAR_DATA_WIDTH_INDEX]).eql(1);
       tchar = term.buffer.lines.get(1).get(0);
       expect(tchar[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql('\ud843\ude6d\u0301');
@@ -1063,7 +1063,7 @@ describe('term.js addons', () => {
       expect(term.buffer.lines.get(0).length).eql(term.cols);
       expect(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(10)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql('a');
       expect(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(11)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql('￥');
-      expect(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(79)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql(' ');  // fullwidth char got replaced
+      expect(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(79)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql('');  // fullwidth char got replaced
       term.write('b');
       expect(term.buffer.lines.get(0).length).eql(term.cols);
       expect(term.buffer.lines.get(0).get(11)[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX]).eql('b');
diff --git a/src/Types.ts b/src/Types.ts
index a5aa8add..8ebb28d3 100644
--- a/src/Types.ts
+++ b/src/Types.ts
@@ -524,6 +524,8 @@ export interface IBufferLine {
   fill(fillCharData: CharData): void;
   copyFrom(line: IBufferLine): void;
   clone(): IBufferLine;
+  getTrimmedLength(): number;
+  translateToString(trimRight?: boolean, startCol?: number, endCol?: number): string;
 }
 
 export interface IBufferLineConstructor {
diff --git a/src/addons/search/search.test.ts b/src/addons/search/search.test.ts
index 3e0b8154..a70fd115 100644
--- a/src/addons/search/search.test.ts
+++ b/src/addons/search/search.test.ts
@@ -118,8 +118,6 @@ describe('search addon', () => {
     it('should not select empty lines', () => {
       search.apply(<any>MockTerminal);
       const term = new MockTerminal({cols: 20, rows: 3});
-      term.core.write('    ');
-      term.pushWriteData();
       const line = term.searchHelper.findInLine('^.*$', 0, { regex: true });
       expect(line).eql(undefined);
     });
diff --git a/src/renderer/TextRenderLayer.ts b/src/renderer/TextRenderLayer.ts
index 7b3feed7..ade2dd4c 100644
--- a/src/renderer/TextRenderLayer.ts
+++ b/src/renderer/TextRenderLayer.ts
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
  * @license MIT
  */
 
-import { CHAR_DATA_ATTR_INDEX, CHAR_DATA_CODE_INDEX, CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX, CHAR_DATA_WIDTH_INDEX, NULL_CELL_CODE } from '../Buffer';
+import { CHAR_DATA_ATTR_INDEX, CHAR_DATA_CODE_INDEX, CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX, CHAR_DATA_WIDTH_INDEX, NULL_CELL_CODE, WHITESPACE_CELL_CHAR, WHITESPACE_CELL_CODE } from '../Buffer';
 import { FLAGS, IColorSet, IRenderDimensions, ICharacterJoinerRegistry } from './Types';
 import { CharData, ITerminal } from '../Types';
 import { INVERTED_DEFAULT_COLOR, DEFAULT_COLOR } from './atlas/Types';
@@ -73,11 +73,11 @@ export class TextRenderLayer extends BaseRenderLayer {
       const joinedRanges = joinerRegistry ? joinerRegistry.getJoinedCharacters(row) : [];
       for (let x = 0; x < terminal.cols; x++) {
         const charData = line.get(x);
-        let code: number = <number>charData[CHAR_DATA_CODE_INDEX];
+        let code: number = <number>charData[CHAR_DATA_CODE_INDEX] || WHITESPACE_CELL_CODE;
 
         // Can either represent character(s) for a single cell or multiple cells
         // if indicated by a character joiner.
-        let chars: string = charData[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX];
+        let chars: string = charData[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX] || WHITESPACE_CELL_CHAR;
         const attr: number = charData[CHAR_DATA_ATTR_INDEX];
         let width: number = charData[CHAR_DATA_WIDTH_INDEX];
 
diff --git a/src/renderer/dom/DomRendererRowFactory.ts b/src/renderer/dom/DomRendererRowFactory.ts
index 54f088d4..8bcde39a 100644
--- a/src/renderer/dom/DomRendererRowFactory.ts
+++ b/src/renderer/dom/DomRendererRowFactory.ts
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
  * @license MIT
  */
 
-import { CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX, CHAR_DATA_ATTR_INDEX, CHAR_DATA_WIDTH_INDEX, CHAR_DATA_CODE_INDEX, NULL_CELL_CODE } from '../../Buffer';
+import { CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX, CHAR_DATA_ATTR_INDEX, CHAR_DATA_WIDTH_INDEX, CHAR_DATA_CODE_INDEX, NULL_CELL_CODE, WHITESPACE_CELL_CHAR } from '../../Buffer';
 import { FLAGS } from '../Types';
 import { IBufferLine } from '../../Types';
 import { DEFAULT_COLOR, INVERTED_DEFAULT_COLOR } from '../atlas/Types';
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ export class DomRendererRowFactory {
 
     for (let x = 0; x < lineLength; x++) {
       const charData = lineData.get(x);
-      const char = charData[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX];
+      const char = charData[CHAR_DATA_CHAR_INDEX] || WHITESPACE_CELL_CHAR;
       const attr = charData[CHAR_DATA_ATTR_INDEX];
       const width = charData[CHAR_DATA_WIDTH_INDEX];