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diff --git a/assets/syntaxtree.jl-01.png b/assets/syntaxtree.jl-01.png
index cb6836e4..66b849bf 100644
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diff --git a/docs/examples/plots.jl b/docs/examples/plots.jl
index f126d3f9..daec893b 100644
--- a/docs/examples/plots.jl
+++ b/docs/examples/plots.jl
@@ -297,6 +297,7 @@ add_edge!(g, 1, 1) #add self loop
 f, ax, p = graphplot(g, 
                      layout = [(0,0)], 
                      waypoints = [[(1,-1),(1,1),(-1,1),(-1,-1)]])
+hidedecorations!(ax); hidespines!(ax); ax.aspect = DataAspect()
 @save_reference f #hide
 
 #=
diff --git a/docs/examples/reftests.jl b/docs/examples/reftests.jl
index 1a854187..66bc8769 100644
--- a/docs/examples/reftests.jl
+++ b/docs/examples/reftests.jl
@@ -70,10 +70,12 @@ g = complete_digraph(3)
 elabels = repr.(edges(g))
 nlabels = repr.(1:nv(g))
 fig, ax, p = graphplot(g; elabels, nlabels, elabels_fontsize=10)
+hidedecorations!(ax)
 @save_reference fig
 #
 limits!(ax, ax.finallimits[]) # freeze the limits
 p[:node_pos][] = Point2f.([(1., -.5), (-1.,0.), (-1.,-1.)])
+hidedecorations!(ax)
 @save_reference fig
 
 # ## Change of the underlying graph
@@ -115,28 +117,33 @@ graphplot(fig[1,1],
           edge_attr = (; linestyle = [:dot, :dash]),
           edge_plottype = :beziersegments,
           )
+hidedecorations!(current_axis())
 
 graphplot(fig[1,2],
           DiGraph([Edge(1 => 2), Edge(2 => 1)]),
           edge_attr = (; linestyle = [:dot, :dash]),
           edge_plottype = :beziersegments,
           )
+hidedecorations!(current_axis())
 
 graphplot(fig[2,1],
           DiGraph([Edge(1 => 2), Edge(2 => 3), Edge(3=>4), Edge(4=>1)]),
           edge_attr = (; linestyle = Linestyle([0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.5])),
           edge_plottype = :beziersegments,
           )
+hidedecorations!(current_axis())
 @save_reference fig
 
 # ## Self loop with waypoints
 g1 = SimpleDiGraph(1)
 add_edge!(g1, 1, 1) #add self loop
 fig, ax, p = graphplot(g1, layout = [(0,0)], waypoints = [[(1,-1),(1,1),(-1,1),(-1,-1)]])
+hidedecorations!(ax)
 @save_reference fig
 
 # ## Shift arrows to nodes
 fig, ax, p=graphplot(SimpleDiGraph(ones(2,2)),node_size=50,arrow_size=20,curve_distance=0.5,arrow_shift=:end)
+hidedecorations!(ax)
 @save_reference fig
 
 # ### update shifts
@@ -147,6 +154,7 @@ add_edge!(g, 1, 1); add_edge!(g, 1, 2); add_edge!(g, 2, 1); add_edge!(g, 2, 3);
 fig, ax, p = graphplot(g; arrow_shift=:end,
                        node_size=[20 for _ in 1:nv(g)],
                        arrow_size=[20 for _ in 1:ne(g)])
+hidedecorations!(ax)
 @save_reference fig
 
 p.node_size[][1] = 40
@@ -175,16 +183,19 @@ fig, ax, p = graphplot(g; arrow_shift=:end, layout=SquareGrid(cols=2),
                        arrow_attr=(color=:blue,),
                        edge_color=:red)
 xlims!(-.5,1.5); ylims!(-3.5,.5)
+hidedecorations!(ax)
 @save_reference fig
 
 # ## Inner node labels
 
 fig, ax, p = graphplot(cycle_digraph(3), ilabels=[1, L"\sum_{i=1}^n \alpha^i", "a label"], node_marker=Circle)
+hidedecorations!(ax)
 @save_reference fig
 
 # Interact with `arrow_shift=:end`
 
 fig, ax, p = graphplot(cycle_digraph(3), ilabels=[1, L"\sum_{i=1}^n \alpha^i", "a label"], node_marker=Circle, arrow_shift=:end)
+hidedecorations!(ax)
 @save_reference fig
 
 # Update observables
@@ -204,6 +215,7 @@ gc = circular_ladder_graph(5);
 ons = Observable(30);
 onf = Observable(30);
 fig,ax,p = graphplot(gc; nlabels=repr.(vertices(gc)), node_size=ons, nlabels_fontsize=onf)
+hidedecorations!(ax)
 @save_reference fig
 
 # Change node size
@@ -219,6 +231,7 @@ onf[] = 10; # check changes
 onf = Observable(Dict(1=>30, 10=>30));
 ons = Observable(Dict(1=>30, 10=>30));
 fig,ax,p = graphplot(gc; nlabels=repr.(vertices(gc)), node_size=ons, nlabels_fontsize=onf)
+hidedecorations!(ax)
 @save_reference fig
 
 # Change label font size
@@ -233,6 +246,7 @@ onf[] = Dict(7=>30); # check changes
 ons = Observable(DefaultDict(70, 1=>30, 10=>30));
 onf = Observable(DefaultDict(70, 1=>30, 10=>30));
 fig,ax,p = graphplot(gc; nlabels=repr.(vertices(gc)), node_size=ons, nlabels_fontsize=onf)
+hidedecorations!(ax)
 @save_reference fig
 
 # Change node size
@@ -248,42 +262,51 @@ onf[] = DefaultDict(20, 10=>70); # check changes
 # First with a normal `Dict`
 gc = circular_ladder_graph(5);
 fig,ax,p = graphplot(gc, nlabels=Dict(1=>"One", 2 => "Two"))
+hidedecorations!(ax)
 @save_reference fig
 
 # And also with a `DefaultDict`
 fig,ax,p = graphplot(gc, nlabels=DefaultDict("Unknown", 1=>"One", 2 => "Two"))
+hidedecorations!(ax)
 @save_reference fig
 
 # ## Use Dict{Edge} for edge arguments
 fig,ax,p = graphplot(gc, edge_color=Dict(Edge(7,8)=>:blue))
+hidedecorations!(ax)
 @save_reference fig
 
 # try out also the DefaultDict
 fig,ax,p = graphplot(gc, edge_color=DefaultDict(:green, Edge(7,8)=>:blue))
+hidedecorations!(ax)
 @save_reference fig
 
 # Of course you can still use integers labeling
 ind = findfirst(==(Edge(7,8)) , collect(edges(gc)))
 fig,ax,p = graphplot(gc, edge_color=DefaultDict(:green, ind=>:blue))
+hidedecorations!(ax)
 @save_reference fig
 
 # The same can be done with all enumerations of edge arguments
 fig,ax,p = graphplot(gc, elabels=DefaultDict("Unknown", Edge(1,2)=>"1-2", Edge(7,8) => "7-8"))
+hidedecorations!(ax)
 @save_reference fig
 
 # directed and undirected graphs are handled appropriately.
 # For example for directed graphs
 gcd = SimpleDiGraph(gc)
 fig,ax,p = graphplot(gcd, elabels=DefaultDict("Unknown", Edge(8,7)=>"8-7", Edge(2,7) => "2-7"), nlabels=repr.(vertices(gcd)))
+hidedecorations!(ax)
 @save_reference fig
 
 # and non-directed graphs
 fig,ax,p = graphplot(gc, elabels=DefaultDict("Unknown", Edge(8,7)=>"8-7", Edge(2,7) => "2-7"), nlabels=repr.(vertices(gc)))
+hidedecorations!(ax)
 @save_reference fig
 
 # Test edge-specific updates
 ec = Observable(Dict(Edge(8,7)=>:blue))
 fig,ax,p = graphplot(gc, edge_color=ec, nlabels=repr.(vertices(gc)))
+hidedecorations!(ax)
 @save_reference fig
 
 # update `Observable`
diff --git a/src/beziercurves.jl b/src/beziercurves.jl
index 2f1a9f51..7a88f7b3 100644
--- a/src/beziercurves.jl
+++ b/src/beziercurves.jl
@@ -43,6 +43,17 @@ ptype(::Union{AbstractPath{PT}, Type{<:AbstractPath{PT}}}) where {PT} = PT
 straighten(l::Line) = l
 straighten(p::BezierPath) = Line(interpolate(p,0.0), interpolate(p,1.0))
 
+adjust_endpoint(l::Line, p) = Line(l.p0, p)
+adjust_endpoint(::MoveTo, p) = MoveTo(p)
+adjust_endpoint(::LineTo, p) = LineTo(p)
+adjust_endpoint(c::CurveTo, p) = CurveTo(c.c1, c.c2, p)
+
+function adjust_endpoint(path::BezierPath, p)
+    commands = copy(path.commands)
+    commands[end] = adjust_endpoint(commands[end], p)
+    BezierPath(commands)
+end
+
 ####
 #### Helper functions to work with bezier paths
 ####
diff --git a/src/recipes.jl b/src/recipes.jl
index c2eafbd7..1086f5af 100644
--- a/src/recipes.jl
+++ b/src/recipes.jl
@@ -285,36 +285,48 @@ function Makie.plot!(gp::GraphPlot)
         $(gp.node_strokewidth)
     end
 
+    # compute initial edge paths; will be adjusted later if arrow_shift = :end
     # create array of pathes triggered by node_pos changes
     # in case of a graph change the node_position will change anyway
-    gp[:edge_paths] = lift(node_pos, gp.selfedge_size,
+    init_edge_paths = lift(node_pos, gp.selfedge_size,
                       gp.selfedge_direction, gp.selfedge_width, gp.curve_distance_usage, gp.curve_distance) do pos, s, d, w, cdu, cd
         find_edge_paths(graph[], gp.attributes, pos)
     end
-    edge_paths = gp[:edge_paths]
-
-    # plot edges
-    edge_plot = edgeplot!(gp, edge_paths;
-        color=prep_edge_attributes(gp.edge_color, graph, dfth.edge_color),
-        linewidth=prep_edge_attributes(gp.edge_width, graph, dfth.edge_width),
-        gp.edge_attr...)
 
     # plot arrow heads
-    arrow_shift_m = lift(edge_paths, to_px, gp.arrow_shift, node_marker_m, node_size_m, gp.arrow_size) do paths, tpx, shift, nmarker, nsize, asize
+    arrow_shift_m = lift(init_edge_paths, to_px, gp.arrow_shift, node_marker_m, node_size_m, gp.arrow_size) do paths, tpx, shift, nmarker, nsize, asize
         update_arrow_shift(graph[], gp, paths, tpx, node_marker_m, node_size_m, shift)
     end
-    arrow_pos = @lift if !isempty(edge_paths[])
-        broadcast(interpolate, edge_paths[], $arrow_shift_m)
+    arrow_pos = @lift if !isempty(init_edge_paths[])
+        broadcast(interpolate, init_edge_paths[], $arrow_shift_m)
     else # if no edges return (empty) vector of points, broadcast yields Vector{Any} which can't be plotted
         Vector{eltype(node_pos[])}()
     end
-    arrow_rot = @lift if !isempty(edge_paths[])
-        Billboard(broadcast($to_angle, edge_paths[], $arrow_pos, $(arrow_shift_m)))
+    arrow_rot = @lift if !isempty(init_edge_paths[])
+        Billboard(broadcast($to_angle, init_edge_paths[], $arrow_pos, $(arrow_shift_m)))
     else
         Billboard(Float32[])
     end
+
+    # update edge paths to line up with arrow heads if arrow_shift = :end
+    edge_paths = gp[:edge_paths] = @lift map($init_edge_paths, $arrow_pos, eachindex($arrow_pos)) do ep, ap, i
+        if getattr($(gp.arrow_shift), i) == :end
+            adjust_endpoint(ep, ap)
+        else
+            ep
+        end
+    end
+
+    # actually plot edges
+    edge_plot = gp[:edge_plot] = edgeplot!(gp, edge_paths;
+        plottype=gp[:edge_plottype][],
+        color=prep_edge_attributes(gp.edge_color, graph, dfth.edge_color),
+        linewidth=prep_edge_attributes(gp.edge_width, graph, dfth.edge_width),
+        gp.edge_attr...)
+
+    # arrow plots
     arrow_show_m = @lift $(gp.arrow_show) === automatic ? Graphs.is_directed($graph) : $(gp.arrow_show)
-    arrow_heads = scatter!(gp,
+    arrow_plot = gp[:arrow_plot] = scatter!(gp,
         arrow_pos;
         marker = prep_edge_attributes(gp.arrow_marker, graph, dfth.arrow_marker),
         markersize = prep_edge_attributes(gp.arrow_size, graph, dfth.arrow_size),
@@ -325,8 +337,9 @@ function Makie.plot!(gp::GraphPlot)
         visible = arrow_show_m,
         gp.arrow_attr...)
 
+
     # plot vertices
-    vertex_plot = scatter!(gp, node_pos;
+    vertex_plot = gp[:node_plot] = scatter!(gp, node_pos;
         color=prep_vertex_attributes(node_color_m, graph, scatter_theme.color),
         marker=prep_vertex_attributes(node_marker_m, graph, scatter_theme.marker),
         markersize=prep_vertex_attributes(node_size_m, graph, scatter_theme.markersize),
@@ -349,7 +362,7 @@ function Makie.plot!(gp::GraphPlot)
             $(gp.nlabels_distance) .* align_to_dir($(gp.nlabels_align))
         end
 
-        nlabels_plot = text!(gp, positions;
+        nlabels_plot = gp[:nlabels_plot] = text!(gp, positions;
             text=prep_vertex_attributes(gp.nlabels, graph, Observable("")),
             align=prep_vertex_attributes(gp.nlabels_align, graph, dfth.nlabels_align),
             color=prep_vertex_attributes(gp.nlabels_color, graph, dfth.nlabels_color),
@@ -398,7 +411,7 @@ function Makie.plot!(gp::GraphPlot)
             offsets = map(p -> Point(-p.data[2], p.data[1])/norm(p), tangent_px)
             offsets .= elabels_distance_offset(graph[], gp.attributes) .* offsets
         end
-        elabels_plot = text!(gp, positions;
+        elabels_plot = gp[:elabels_plot] = text!(gp, positions;
             text=prep_edge_attributes(gp.elabels, graph, Observable("")),
             rotation=rotation,
             offset=offsets,
@@ -477,7 +490,7 @@ function find_edge_paths(g, attr, pos::AbstractVector{PT}) where {PT}
 
         if !isnothing(waypoints) && !isempty(waypoints) #there are waypoints
             radius = getattr(attr.waypoint_radius, i, nothing)
-            if radius === nothing || radius === :spline 
+            if radius === nothing || radius === :spline
                 paths[i] = Path(p1, waypoints..., p2; tangents, tfactor)
             elseif radius isa Real
                 paths[i] = Path(radius, p1, waypoints..., p2)
@@ -631,13 +644,16 @@ draw using bezier segments.
 All attributes are passed down to the actual recipe.
 """
 @recipe(EdgePlot, paths) do scene
-    Attributes()
+    Attributes(plottype=automatic)
 end
 
 function Makie.plot!(p::EdgePlot)
     N = length(p[:paths][])
 
-    if eltype(p[:paths][]) <: Line
+    plottype = pop!(p.attributes, :plottype)[]
+    alllines = eltype(p[:paths][]) <: Line
+
+    if alllines && plottype != :beziersegments
         PT = ptype(eltype(p[:paths][]))
         segs = Observable(Vector{PT}(undef, 2*N))
 
@@ -647,8 +663,10 @@ function Makie.plot!(p::EdgePlot)
         end
 
         linesegments!(p, segs; p.attributes...)
-    else
+    elseif plottype != :linesegments
         beziersegments!(p, p[:paths]; p.attributes...)
+    else
+        error("Impossible combination of plottype=$plottype and alllines=$alllines.")
     end
 
     return p
@@ -776,7 +794,7 @@ function update_arrow_shift(g, gp, edge_paths::Vector{<:AbstractPath{PT}}, to_px
         end
         arrow_shift[i] = t
     end
-    
+
     return arrow_shift
 end
 
diff --git a/src/utils.jl b/src/utils.jl
index 365f8034..b3d24daf 100644
--- a/src/utils.jl
+++ b/src/utils.jl
@@ -1,42 +1,18 @@
 export get_edge_plot, get_arrow_plot, get_node_plot, get_nlabel_plot, get_elabel_plot
 
 "Get the `EdgePlot` subplot from a `GraphPlot`."
-function get_edge_plot(gp::GraphPlot)
-    p = gp.plots[1]
-    @assert p isa EdgePlot
-    return p
-end
+get_edge_plot(gp::GraphPlot) = gp.edge_plot[]
 
 "Get the scatter plot of the arrow heads from a `GraphPlot`."
-function get_arrow_plot(gp::GraphPlot)
-    p = gp.plots[2]
-    @assert p isa Scatter
-    return p
-end
+get_arrow_plot(gp::GraphPlot) = gp.arrow_plot[]
 
 "Get the scatter plot of the nodes from a `GraphPlot`."
-function get_node_plot(gp::GraphPlot)
-    p = gp.plots[3]
-    @assert p isa Scatter
-    @assert p[1][] == gp[:node_pos][]
-    return p
-end
+get_node_plot(gp::GraphPlot) = gp.node_plot[]
 
 "Get the text plot of the node labels from a `GraphPlot`."
-get_nlabel_plot(gp::GraphPlot) = _get_label_plot(gp, gp.nlabels[])
+get_nlabel_plot(gp::GraphPlot) = hasproperty(gp, :nlabels_plot) ? gp.nlabels_plot[] : nothing
 "Get the text plot of the edge labels from a `GraphPlot`."
-get_elabel_plot(gp::GraphPlot) = _get_label_plot(gp, gp.elabels[])
-
-function _get_label_plot(gp::GraphPlot, labels)
-    ps = filter(p -> p isa Makie.Text && p[:text][] == labels, gp.plots)
-    if isempty(ps)
-        return nothing
-    elseif length(ps) == 1
-        return ps[1]
-    else
-        error("Could not determine plot $ps")
-    end
-end
+get_elabel_plot(gp::GraphPlot) = hasproperty(gp, :elabels_plot) ? gp.elabels_plot[] : nothing
 
 """
     getedgekeys(gr::G, edgedat::D) where {G<:AbstractGraph, K<:AbstractEdge, D<:AbstractDict{K}, IsDirected{G}}