diff --git a/code/hud/hud.cpp b/code/hud/hud.cpp
index 20b7640df5b..c07964d182b 100644
--- a/code/hud/hud.cpp
+++ b/code/hud/hud.cpp
@@ -480,68 +480,100 @@ void HudGauge::setFont()
 	font::set_font(font_num);
 }
 
-void HudGauge::setGaugeColor(int bright_index)
+void HudGauge::setGaugeColor(int bright_index, bool config)
 {
 	int alpha;
 
-	// if we're drawing it as bright
-	if(bright_index != HUD_C_NONE){
-		switch(bright_index){
-		case HUD_C_DIM:
-			alpha = HUD_high_contrast ? HUD_NEW_ALPHA_DIM_HI : HUD_NEW_ALPHA_DIM;
-			gr_init_alphacolor(&gauge_color, gauge_color.red, gauge_color.green, gauge_color.blue, alpha);
-			break;
-
-		case HUD_C_NORMAL:
-			alpha = HUD_high_contrast ? HUD_NEW_ALPHA_NORMAL_HI : HUD_NEW_ALPHA_NORMAL;
-			gr_init_alphacolor(&gauge_color, gauge_color.red, gauge_color.green, gauge_color.blue, alpha);
-			break;
-
-		case HUD_C_BRIGHT:
-			alpha = HUD_high_contrast ? HUD_NEW_ALPHA_BRIGHT_HI : HUD_NEW_ALPHA_BRIGHT;
-			gr_init_alphacolor(&gauge_color, gauge_color.red, gauge_color.green, gauge_color.blue, alpha);
-			break;
-
-		// intensity
-		default: 
-			Assert((bright_index >= 0) && (bright_index < HUD_NUM_COLOR_LEVELS));
-			if(bright_index < 0){
-				bright_index = 0;
-			}
-			if(bright_index >= HUD_NUM_COLOR_LEVELS){
-				bright_index = HUD_NUM_COLOR_LEVELS - 1;
+	if (config) {
+		color* use_color;
+		use_color = &HUD_config.clr[gauge_config];
+		
+		if (hud_config_show_flag_is_set(gauge_config)) {
+			// Eventually we should allow custom gauges to use IFF colors maybe? Then we can unhardcode this
+			// and rely on the gauge data itself. But for now only specific gauges use iff and that's hard coded here
+			if (HC_gauge_regions[gr_screen.res][gauge_config].use_iff) {
+				// Ditto for target tagging color
+				if (HC_gauge_regions[gr_screen.res][gauge_config].color == 1) {
+					use_color = iff_get_color(IFF_COLOR_TAGGED, 0);
+				} else {
+					use_color = &Color_bright_red;
+				}
 			}
 
-			// alpha = 255 - (255 / (bright_index + 1));
-			// alpha = (int)((float)alpha * 1.5f);
-			int level = 255 / (HUD_NUM_COLOR_LEVELS);
-			alpha = level * bright_index;
-			if(alpha > 255){
+			if ((HC_gauge_selected == gauge_config) || HC_select_all) {
 				alpha = 255;
+			} else if (HC_gauge_hot == gauge_config) {
+				alpha = 200;
+			} else {
+				alpha = 150;
 			}
-			if(alpha < 0){
-				alpha = 0;
-			}
-			gr_init_alphacolor(&gauge_color, gauge_color.red, gauge_color.green, gauge_color.blue, alpha);
-			break;
+			gr_init_alphacolor(use_color, use_color->red, use_color->green, use_color->blue, alpha);
+			gr_set_color_fast(use_color);
+		} else {
+			// if its off, make it dark gray
+			gr_init_alphacolor(use_color, 127, 127, 127, 64);
+			gr_set_color_fast(use_color);
 		}
 	} else {
-		switch(maybeFlashSexp()) {
-		case 0:
-			alpha = HUD_high_contrast ? HUD_NEW_ALPHA_DIM_HI : HUD_NEW_ALPHA_DIM;
-			gr_init_alphacolor(&gauge_color, gauge_color.red, gauge_color.green, gauge_color.blue, alpha);
-			break;
-		case 1:			
-			alpha = HUD_high_contrast ? HUD_NEW_ALPHA_BRIGHT_HI : HUD_NEW_ALPHA_BRIGHT;
-			gr_init_alphacolor(&gauge_color, gauge_color.red, gauge_color.green, gauge_color.blue, alpha);
-			break;
-		default:
-			alpha = HUD_high_contrast ? HUD_NEW_ALPHA_NORMAL_HI : HUD_NEW_ALPHA_NORMAL;
-			gr_init_alphacolor(&gauge_color, gauge_color.red, gauge_color.green, gauge_color.blue, alpha);
+		// if we're drawing it as bright
+		if (bright_index != HUD_C_NONE) {
+			switch (bright_index) {
+			case HUD_C_DIM:
+				alpha = HUD_high_contrast ? HUD_NEW_ALPHA_DIM_HI : HUD_NEW_ALPHA_DIM;
+				gr_init_alphacolor(&gauge_color, gauge_color.red, gauge_color.green, gauge_color.blue, alpha);
+				break;
+
+			case HUD_C_NORMAL:
+				alpha = HUD_high_contrast ? HUD_NEW_ALPHA_NORMAL_HI : HUD_NEW_ALPHA_NORMAL;
+				gr_init_alphacolor(&gauge_color, gauge_color.red, gauge_color.green, gauge_color.blue, alpha);
+				break;
+
+			case HUD_C_BRIGHT:
+				alpha = HUD_high_contrast ? HUD_NEW_ALPHA_BRIGHT_HI : HUD_NEW_ALPHA_BRIGHT;
+				gr_init_alphacolor(&gauge_color, gauge_color.red, gauge_color.green, gauge_color.blue, alpha);
+				break;
+
+			// intensity
+			default:
+				Assert((bright_index >= 0) && (bright_index < HUD_NUM_COLOR_LEVELS));
+				if (bright_index < 0) {
+					bright_index = 0;
+				}
+				if (bright_index >= HUD_NUM_COLOR_LEVELS) {
+					bright_index = HUD_NUM_COLOR_LEVELS - 1;
+				}
+
+				// alpha = 255 - (255 / (bright_index + 1));
+				// alpha = (int)((float)alpha * 1.5f);
+				int level = 255 / (HUD_NUM_COLOR_LEVELS);
+				alpha = level * bright_index;
+				if (alpha > 255) {
+					alpha = 255;
+				}
+				if (alpha < 0) {
+					alpha = 0;
+				}
+				gr_init_alphacolor(&gauge_color, gauge_color.red, gauge_color.green, gauge_color.blue, alpha);
+				break;
+			}
+		} else {
+			switch (maybeFlashSexp()) {
+			case 0:
+				alpha = HUD_high_contrast ? HUD_NEW_ALPHA_DIM_HI : HUD_NEW_ALPHA_DIM;
+				gr_init_alphacolor(&gauge_color, gauge_color.red, gauge_color.green, gauge_color.blue, alpha);
+				break;
+			case 1:
+				alpha = HUD_high_contrast ? HUD_NEW_ALPHA_BRIGHT_HI : HUD_NEW_ALPHA_BRIGHT;
+				gr_init_alphacolor(&gauge_color, gauge_color.red, gauge_color.green, gauge_color.blue, alpha);
+				break;
+			default:
+				alpha = HUD_high_contrast ? HUD_NEW_ALPHA_NORMAL_HI : HUD_NEW_ALPHA_NORMAL;
+				gr_init_alphacolor(&gauge_color, gauge_color.red, gauge_color.green, gauge_color.blue, alpha);
+			}
 		}
-	}
 
-	gr_set_color_fast(&gauge_color);	
+		gr_set_color_fast(&gauge_color);
+	}
 }
 
 bool HudGauge::isCustom() const
@@ -716,7 +748,7 @@ void HudGauge::onFrame(float  /*frametime*/)
 	
 }
 
-void HudGauge::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGauge::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	if(!custom_gauge) {
 		return;
@@ -739,83 +771,93 @@ void HudGauge::render(float  /*frametime*/)
 	}
 }
 
-void HudGauge::renderString(int x, int y, const char *str)
+void HudGauge::renderString(int x, int y, const char *str, float scale, bool config)
 {
 	int nx = 0, ny = 0;
+	int resize = GR_RESIZE_FULL;
 
-	if ( gr_screen.rendering_to_texture != -1 ) {
-		gr_set_screen_scale(canvas_w, canvas_h, -1, -1, target_w, target_h, target_w, target_h, true);
-	} else {
-		if ( reticle_follow ) {
-			nx = HUD_nose_x;
-			ny = HUD_nose_y;
-
-			gr_resize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
-			gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
-			gr_unsize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
+	if (!config) {
+		if (gr_screen.rendering_to_texture != -1) {
+			gr_set_screen_scale(canvas_w, canvas_h, -1, -1, target_w, target_h, target_w, target_h, true);
 		} else {
-			gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
+			if (reticle_follow) {
+				nx = HUD_nose_x;
+				ny = HUD_nose_y;
+
+				gr_resize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
+				gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
+				gr_unsize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
+			} else {
+				gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
+			}
 		}
+	} else {
+		resize = HC_resize_mode;
 	}
 
 	if (HUD_shadows) {
 		gr_set_color_fast(&Color_black);
-		gr_string(x + nx + 1, y + ny + 1, str);
+		gr_string(x + nx + 1, y + ny + 1, str, resize, scale);
 		gr_set_color_fast(&gauge_color);
 	}
 
-	gr_string(x + nx, y + ny, str);
+	gr_string(x + nx, y + ny, str, resize, scale);
 	gr_reset_screen_scale();
 }
 
-void HudGauge::renderString(int x, int y, int gauge_id, const char *str)
+void HudGauge::renderString(int x, int y, int gauge_id, const char *str, float scale, bool config)
 {
 	int nx = 0, ny = 0;
+	int resize = GR_RESIZE_FULL;
 
-	if ( gr_screen.rendering_to_texture != -1 ) {
-		gr_set_screen_scale(canvas_w, canvas_h, -1, -1, target_w, target_h, target_w, target_h, true);
-	} else {
-		if ( reticle_follow ) {
-			nx = HUD_nose_x;
-			ny = HUD_nose_y;
-
-			gr_resize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
-			gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
-			gr_unsize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
+	if (!config) {
+		if (gr_screen.rendering_to_texture != -1) {
+			gr_set_screen_scale(canvas_w, canvas_h, -1, -1, target_w, target_h, target_w, target_h, true);
 		} else {
-			gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
+			if (reticle_follow) {
+				nx = HUD_nose_x;
+				ny = HUD_nose_y;
+
+				gr_resize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
+				gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
+				gr_unsize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
+			} else {
+				gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
+			}
 		}
+	} else {
+		resize = HC_resize_mode;
 	}
 
 
 	if ( gauge_id > -2 ) {
 		if (HUD_shadows) {
 			gr_set_color_fast(&Color_black);
-			emp_hud_string(x + nx + 1, y + ny + 1, gauge_id, str, GR_RESIZE_FULL);
+			emp_hud_string(x + nx + 1, y + ny + 1, gauge_id, str, resize, scale);
 			gr_set_color_fast(&gauge_color);
 		}
-		emp_hud_string(x + nx, y + ny, gauge_id, str, GR_RESIZE_FULL);
+		emp_hud_string(x + nx, y + ny, gauge_id, str, resize, scale);
 	} else {
 		if (HUD_shadows) {
 			gr_set_color_fast(&Color_black);
-			gr_string(x + nx + 1, y + ny + 1, str);
+			gr_string(x + nx + 1, y + ny + 1, str, resize, scale);
 			gr_set_color_fast(&gauge_color);
 		}
-		gr_string(x + nx, y + ny, str);
+		gr_string(x + nx, y + ny, str, resize, scale);
 	}
 
 	gr_reset_screen_scale();
 }
 
-void HudGauge::renderStringAlignCenter(int x, int y, int area_width, const char *s)
+void HudGauge::renderStringAlignCenter(int x, int y, int area_width, const char *s, float scale, bool config)
 {
 	int w, h;
 
-	gr_get_string_size(&w, &h, s);
-	renderString(x + ((area_width - w) / 2), y, s);
+	gr_get_string_size(&w, &h, s, scale);
+	renderString(x + ((area_width - w) / 2), y, s, scale, config);
 }
 
-void HudGauge::renderPrintf(int x, int y, const char* format, ...)
+void HudGauge::renderPrintf(int x, int y, float scale, bool config, const char* format, ...)
 {
 	char tmp[256] = "";
 	va_list args;
@@ -826,10 +868,10 @@ void HudGauge::renderPrintf(int x, int y, const char* format, ...)
 	va_end(args);
 	tmp[sizeof(tmp)-1] = '\0';
 
-	renderString(x, y, tmp);
+	renderString(x, y, tmp, scale, config);
 }
 
-void HudGauge::renderPrintf(int x, int y, int gauge_id, const char* format, ...)
+void HudGauge::renderPrintfWithGauge(int x, int y, int gauge_id, float scale, bool config, const char* format, ...)
 {
 	char tmp[256] = "";
 	va_list args;
@@ -840,10 +882,10 @@ void HudGauge::renderPrintf(int x, int y, int gauge_id, const char* format, ...)
 	va_end(args);
 	tmp[sizeof(tmp)-1] = '\0';
 
-	renderString(x, y, gauge_id, tmp);
+	renderString(x, y, gauge_id, tmp, scale, config);
 }
 
-void HudGauge::renderBitmapColor(int frame, int x, int y)
+void HudGauge::renderBitmapColor(int frame, int x, int y, float scale, bool config) const
 {
 	int nx = 0, ny = 0;
 
@@ -853,27 +895,33 @@ void HudGauge::renderBitmapColor(int frame, int x, int y)
 
 	emp_hud_jitter(&x, &y);
 
-	if ( gr_screen.rendering_to_texture != -1 ) {
-		gr_set_screen_scale(canvas_w, canvas_h, -1, -1, target_w, target_h, target_w, target_h, true);
-	} else {
-		if ( reticle_follow ) {
-			nx = HUD_nose_x;
-			ny = HUD_nose_y;
+	int resize = GR_RESIZE_FULL;
 
-			gr_resize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
-			gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
-			gr_unsize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
+	if (!config) {
+		if (gr_screen.rendering_to_texture != -1) {
+			gr_set_screen_scale(canvas_w, canvas_h, -1, -1, target_w, target_h, target_w, target_h, true);
 		} else {
-			gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
+			if (reticle_follow) {
+				nx = HUD_nose_x;
+				ny = HUD_nose_y;
+
+				gr_resize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
+				gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
+				gr_unsize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
+			} else {
+				gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
+			}
 		}
+	} else {
+		resize = HC_resize_mode;
 	}
 
 	gr_set_bitmap(frame);
-	gr_bitmap(x + nx, y + ny);
+	gr_bitmap(x + nx, y + ny, resize, false, scale);
 	gr_reset_screen_scale();
 }
 
-void HudGauge::renderBitmap(int x, int y)
+void HudGauge::renderBitmap(int x, int y, float scale, bool config) const
 {
 	int nx = 0, ny = 0;
 
@@ -882,34 +930,41 @@ void HudGauge::renderBitmap(int x, int y)
 	}
 
 	emp_hud_jitter(&x, &y);
+	
+	int resize = GR_RESIZE_FULL;
 
-	if ( gr_screen.rendering_to_texture != -1 ) {
-		gr_set_screen_scale(canvas_w, canvas_h, -1, -1, target_w, target_h, target_w, target_h, true);
-	} else {
-		if ( reticle_follow ) {
-			nx = HUD_nose_x;
-			ny = HUD_nose_y;
-
-			gr_resize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
-			gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
-			gr_unsize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
+	if (!config) {
+		if (gr_screen.rendering_to_texture != -1) {
+			gr_set_screen_scale(canvas_w, canvas_h, -1, -1, target_w, target_h, target_w, target_h, true);
 		} else {
-			gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
+			if (reticle_follow) {
+				nx = HUD_nose_x;
+				ny = HUD_nose_y;
+
+				gr_resize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
+				gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
+				gr_unsize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
+			} else {
+				gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
+			}
 		}
+	} else {
+		resize = HC_resize_mode;
 	}
 	
-	gr_aabitmap(x + nx, y + ny);
+	gr_aabitmap(x + nx, y + ny, resize, false, scale);
 
 	gr_reset_screen_scale();
 }
 
-void HudGauge::renderBitmap(int frame, int x, int y)
+void HudGauge::renderBitmap(int frame, int x, int y, float scale, bool config) const
 {
 	gr_set_bitmap(frame);
-	renderBitmap(x, y);
+	renderBitmap(x, y, scale, config);
 }
 
-void HudGauge::renderBitmapEx(int frame, int x, int y, int w, int h, int sx, int sy)
+// Note that w, h, sx, and sy whould be unscaled values!
+void HudGauge::renderBitmapEx(int frame, int x, int y, int w, int h, int sx, int sy, float scale, bool config) const
 {
 	int nx = 0, ny = 0; 
 	
@@ -919,119 +974,150 @@ void HudGauge::renderBitmapEx(int frame, int x, int y, int w, int h, int sx, int
 
 	emp_hud_jitter(&x, &y); 
 
-	gr_set_bitmap(frame);
+	int resize = GR_RESIZE_FULL;
 
-	if( gr_screen.rendering_to_texture != -1 ) {
-		gr_set_screen_scale(canvas_w, canvas_h, -1, -1, target_w, target_h, target_w, target_h, true);
-	} else {
-		if ( reticle_follow ) {
-			nx = HUD_nose_x;
-			ny = HUD_nose_y;
+	gr_set_bitmap(frame);
 
-			gr_resize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
-			gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
-			gr_unsize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
+	if (!config) {
+		if (gr_screen.rendering_to_texture != -1) {
+			gr_set_screen_scale(canvas_w, canvas_h, -1, -1, target_w, target_h, target_w, target_h, true);
 		} else {
-			gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
+			if (reticle_follow) {
+				nx = HUD_nose_x;
+				ny = HUD_nose_y;
+
+				gr_resize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
+				gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
+				gr_unsize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
+			} else {
+				gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
+			}
 		}
+	} else {
+		resize = HC_resize_mode;
 	}
 
-	gr_aabitmap_ex(x + nx, y + ny, w, h, sx, sy);
+	gr_aabitmap_ex(x + nx, y + ny, w, h, sx, sy, resize, false, scale);
 
 	gr_reset_screen_scale();
 }
 
-void HudGauge::renderLine(int x1, int y1, int x2, int y2)
+void HudGauge::renderLine(int x1, int y1, int x2, int y2, bool config) const
 {
 	int nx = 0, ny = 0;
 
-	if ( gr_screen.rendering_to_texture != -1 ) {
-		gr_set_screen_scale(canvas_w, canvas_h, -1, -1, target_w, target_h, target_w, target_h, true);
-	} else {
-		if ( reticle_follow ) {
-			nx = HUD_nose_x;
-			ny = HUD_nose_y;
+	int resize = GR_RESIZE_FULL;
 
-			gr_resize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
-			gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
-			gr_unsize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
+	if (!config) {
+		if (gr_screen.rendering_to_texture != -1) {
+			gr_set_screen_scale(canvas_w, canvas_h, -1, -1, target_w, target_h, target_w, target_h, true);
 		} else {
-			gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
+			if (reticle_follow) {
+				nx = HUD_nose_x;
+				ny = HUD_nose_y;
+
+				gr_resize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
+				gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
+				gr_unsize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
+			} else {
+				gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
+			}
 		}
+	} else {
+		resize = HC_resize_mode;
 	}
 
-	gr_line(x1+nx, y1+ny, x2+nx, y2+ny);
+	gr_line(x1 + nx, y1 + ny, x2 + nx, y2 + ny, resize);
 	gr_reset_screen_scale();
 }
 
-void HudGauge::renderGradientLine(int x1, int y1, int x2, int y2)
+void HudGauge::renderGradientLine(int x1, int y1, int x2, int y2, bool config) const
 {
 	int nx = 0, ny = 0;
 
-	if ( gr_screen.rendering_to_texture != -1 ) {
-		gr_set_screen_scale(canvas_w, canvas_h, -1, -1, target_w, target_h, target_w, target_h, true);
-	} else {
-		if(reticle_follow) {
-			nx = HUD_nose_x;
-			ny = HUD_nose_y;
+	int resize = GR_RESIZE_FULL;
 
-			gr_resize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
-			gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
-			gr_unsize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
+	if (!config) {
+		if (gr_screen.rendering_to_texture != -1) {
+			gr_set_screen_scale(canvas_w, canvas_h, -1, -1, target_w, target_h, target_w, target_h, true);
 		} else {
-			gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
+			if (reticle_follow) {
+				nx = HUD_nose_x;
+				ny = HUD_nose_y;
+
+				gr_resize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
+				gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
+				gr_unsize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
+			} else {
+				gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
+			}
 		}
+	} else {
+		resize = HC_resize_mode;
 	}
 
-	gr_gradient(x1+nx, y1+ny, x2+nx, y2+ny);
+	gr_gradient(x1 + nx, y1 + ny, x2 + nx, y2 + ny, resize);
 	gr_reset_screen_scale();
 }
 
-void HudGauge::renderRect(int x, int y, int w, int h)
+ void HudGauge::renderRect(int x, int y, int w, int h, bool config) const
 {
 	int nx = 0, ny = 0;
 
-	if ( gr_screen.rendering_to_texture != -1 ) {
-		gr_set_screen_scale(canvas_w, canvas_h, -1, -1, target_w, target_h, target_w, target_h, true);
-	} else {
-		if ( reticle_follow ) {
-			nx = HUD_nose_x;
-			ny = HUD_nose_y;
+	int resize = GR_RESIZE_FULL;
 
-			gr_resize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
-			gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
-			gr_unsize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
+	if (!config) {
+		if (gr_screen.rendering_to_texture != -1) {
+			gr_set_screen_scale(canvas_w, canvas_h, -1, -1, target_w, target_h, target_w, target_h, true);
 		} else {
-			gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
+			if (reticle_follow) {
+				nx = HUD_nose_x;
+				ny = HUD_nose_y;
+
+				gr_resize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
+				gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
+				gr_unsize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
+			} else {
+				gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
+			}
 		}
+	} else {
+		resize = HC_resize_mode;
 	}
 
-	gr_rect(x+nx, y+ny, w, h);
+	gr_rect(x + nx, y + ny, w, h, resize);
 	gr_reset_screen_scale();
 }
 
-void HudGauge::renderCircle(int x, int y, int diameter, bool filled) 
+void HudGauge::renderCircle(int x, int y, int diameter, bool filled, bool config) const
 {
 	int nx = 0, ny = 0;
 
-	if ( gr_screen.rendering_to_texture != -1 ) {
-		gr_set_screen_scale(canvas_w, canvas_h, -1, -1, target_w, target_h, target_w, target_h, true);
-	} else {
-		if ( reticle_follow ) {
-			nx = HUD_nose_x;
-			ny = HUD_nose_y;
-
-			gr_resize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
-			gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
-			gr_unsize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
+	int resize = GR_RESIZE_FULL;
+	
+	if (!config) {
+		if (gr_screen.rendering_to_texture != -1) {
+			gr_set_screen_scale(canvas_w, canvas_h, -1, -1, target_w, target_h, target_w, target_h, true);
 		} else {
-			gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
+			if (reticle_follow) {
+				nx = HUD_nose_x;
+				ny = HUD_nose_y;
+
+				gr_resize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
+				gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
+				gr_unsize_screen_pos(&nx, &ny);
+			} else {
+				gr_set_screen_scale(base_w, base_h);
+			}
 		}
+	} else {
+		resize = HC_resize_mode;
 	}
+
 	if (filled) {
-		gr_circle(x + nx, y + ny, diameter);
+		gr_circle(x + nx, y + ny, diameter, resize);
 	} else {
-		gr_unfilled_circle(x + nx, y + ny, diameter);
+		gr_unfilled_circle(x + nx, y + ny, diameter, resize);
 	}
 	
 	gr_reset_screen_scale();
@@ -1780,7 +1866,7 @@ void HudGaugeMissionTime::pageIn()
 	bm_page_in_aabitmap(time_gauge.first_frame, time_gauge.num_frames );
 }
 
-void HudGaugeMissionTime::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeMissionTime::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	float mission_time, time_comp;
 	int minutes=0;
@@ -1799,14 +1885,14 @@ void HudGaugeMissionTime::render(float  /*frametime*/)
 	}
 
 	// print out mission time in MM:SS format
-	renderPrintf(position[0] + time_text_offsets[0], position[1] + time_text_offsets[1], NOX("%02d:%02d"), minutes, seconds);
+	renderPrintf(position[0] + time_text_offsets[0], position[1] + time_text_offsets[1], 1.0f, false, NOX("%02d:%02d"), minutes, seconds);
 
 	// display time compression as xN
 	time_comp = f2fl(Game_time_compression);
 	if ( time_comp < 1 ) {
-		renderPrintf(position[0] + time_val_offsets[0], position[1] + time_val_offsets[1], /*XSTR( "x%.1f", 215), time_comp)*/ NOX("%.2f"), time_comp);
+		renderPrintf(position[0] + time_val_offsets[0], position[1] + time_val_offsets[1], 1.0f, false, /*XSTR( "x%.1f", 215), time_comp)*/ NOX("%.2f"), time_comp);
 	} else {
-		renderPrintf(position[0] + time_val_offsets[0], position[1] + time_val_offsets[1], XSTR( "x%.0f", 216), time_comp);
+		renderPrintf(position[0] + time_val_offsets[0], position[1] + time_val_offsets[1], 1.0f, false, XSTR( "x%.0f", 216), time_comp);
 	}
 }
 
@@ -2124,7 +2210,7 @@ void HudGaugeDamage::pageIn()
 	bm_page_in_aabitmap(damage_bottom.first_frame, damage_bottom.num_frames);
 }
 
-void HudGaugeDamage::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeDamage::render(float  /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	model_subsystem	*psub;
 	ship_subsys			*pss;
@@ -2543,7 +2629,7 @@ int HudGaugeTextWarnings::maybeTextFlash()
 	return flash_flags;
 }
 
-void HudGaugeTextWarnings::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeTextWarnings::render(float  /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	// note: Hud_text_flash globally allocated, address can't be NULL
 	if ( timestamp_elapsed(Hud_text_flash_timer) || Hud_text_flash[0] == '\0' ) {
@@ -2601,7 +2687,7 @@ void HudGaugeKills::pageIn()
 /**
  * @brief Display the kills gauge on the HUD
  */
-void HudGaugeKills::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeKills::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	if ( Kills_gauge.first_frame < 0 ) {
 		return;
@@ -2675,7 +2761,7 @@ bool HudGaugeLag::maybeFlashLag(bool flash_fast)
 	return draw_bright;
 }
 
-void HudGaugeLag::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeLag::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	int lag_status;
 
@@ -2966,7 +3052,7 @@ void HudGaugeSupport::pageIn()
 	bm_page_in_aabitmap( background.first_frame, background.num_frames);
 }
 
-void HudGaugeSupport::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeSupport::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	int	show_time, w, h;
 	char	outstr[64];
@@ -3109,7 +3195,7 @@ void HudGaugeSupport::render(float  /*frametime*/)
 			minutes = 99;
 			seconds = 99;
 		}
-		renderPrintf(position[0] + text_dock_val_offset_x, position[1] + text_val_offset_y, NOX("%02d:%02d"), minutes, seconds);
+		renderPrintf(position[0] + text_dock_val_offset_x, position[1] + text_val_offset_y, 1.0f, false, NOX("%02d:%02d"), minutes, seconds);
 	}
 }
 
@@ -3550,7 +3636,7 @@ bool HudGaugeObjectiveNotify::maybeFlashNotify(bool flash_fast)
 	return draw_bright;
 }
 
-void HudGaugeObjectiveNotify::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeObjectiveNotify::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	renderSubspace();
 	renderRedAlert();
@@ -3998,7 +4084,7 @@ bool HudGaugeMultiMsg::canRender() const
 /**
  * @brief Render multiplayer text message currently being entered, if any
  */
-void HudGaugeMultiMsg::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeMultiMsg::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	char txt[MULTI_MSG_MAX_TEXT_LEN+20];
 
@@ -4017,7 +4103,7 @@ HudGauge(HUD_OBJECT_VOICE_STATUS, HUD_MESSAGE_LINES, false, true, VM_EXTERNAL |
 {
 }
 
-void HudGaugeVoiceStatus::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeVoiceStatus::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	if(!(Game_mode & GM_MULTIPLAYER)){
 		return;
@@ -4057,7 +4143,7 @@ HudGauge(HUD_OBJECT_PING, HUD_LAG_GAUGE, false, false, 0, 255, 255, 255)
 /**
  * @brief Render multiplayer ping time to the server, if appropriate
  */
-void HudGaugePing::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugePing::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	// If we shouldn't be displaying a ping time, return here
 	if(!multi_show_ingame_ping()){
@@ -4090,7 +4176,7 @@ HudGauge(HUD_OBJECT_SUPERNOVA, HUD_DIRECTIVES_VIEW, false, false, 0, 255, 255, 2
 {
 }
 
-void HudGaugeSupernova::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeSupernova::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	if (!supernova_active()) {
 		return;
@@ -4100,9 +4186,9 @@ void HudGaugeSupernova::render(float  /*frametime*/)
 
 	gr_set_color_fast(&Color_bright_red);
 	if (Lcl_pl) {
-		renderPrintf(position[0], position[1], "Wybuch supernowej: %.2f s", time_left);
+		renderPrintf(position[0], position[1], 1.0f, false, "Wybuch supernowej: %.2f s", time_left);
 	} else {
-		renderPrintf(position[0], position[1], XSTR( "Supernova Warning: %.2f s", 1639), time_left);
+		renderPrintf(position[0], position[1], 1.0f, false, XSTR("Supernova Warning: %.2f s", 1639), time_left);
 	}
 }
 
@@ -4126,7 +4212,7 @@ void HudGaugeFlightPath::initHalfSize(int w, int h)
 	Marker_half[1] = h;
 }
 
-void HudGaugeFlightPath::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeFlightPath::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	object *obj;
 	vec3d p0,v;
diff --git a/code/hud/hud.h b/code/hud/hud.h
index 9fb8a7d3de6..81213683e20 100644
--- a/code/hud/hud.h
+++ b/code/hud/hud.h
@@ -326,7 +326,7 @@ class HudGauge
 	int popUpActive() const;
 
 	virtual void preprocess();
-	virtual void render(float frametime);
+	virtual void render(float frametime, bool config = false);
 	virtual bool canRender() const;
 	virtual void pageIn();
 	virtual void initialize();
@@ -337,25 +337,24 @@ class HudGauge
 	void resetCockpitTarget();
 	
 	void setFont();
-	void setGaugeColor(int bright_index = HUD_C_NONE);
+	void setGaugeColor(int bright_index = HUD_C_NONE, bool config = false);
 	void setGaugeCoords(int _x, int _y);
 	void setGaugeFrame(int frame_offset);
 
 	// rendering functions
-	void renderBitmap(int x, int y);
-	void renderBitmap(int frame, int x, int y);
-	void renderBitmapColor(int frame, int x, int y);
-	void renderBitmapUv(int frame, int x, int y, int w, int h, float u0, float v0, float u1, float v1);
-	void renderBitmapEx(int frame, int x, int y, int w, int h, int sx, int sy);
-	void renderString(int x, int y, const char *str);
-	void renderString(int x, int y, int gauge_id, const char *str);
-	void renderStringAlignCenter(int x, int y, int area_width, const char *s);
-	void renderPrintf(int x, int y, SCP_FORMAT_STRING const char* format, ...) SCP_FORMAT_STRING_ARGS(4, 5);
-	void renderPrintf(int x, int y, int gauge_id, SCP_FORMAT_STRING const char* format, ...)  SCP_FORMAT_STRING_ARGS(5, 6);
-	void renderLine(int x1, int y1, int x2, int y2);
-	void renderGradientLine(int x1, int y1, int x2, int y2);
-	void renderRect(int x, int y, int w, int h);
-	void renderCircle(int x, int y, int diameter, bool filled = true);
+	void renderBitmap(int x, int y, float scale = 1.0f, bool config = false) const;
+	void renderBitmap(int frame, int x, int y, float scale = 1.0f, bool config = false) const;
+	void renderBitmapColor(int frame, int x, int y, float scale = 1.0f, bool config = false) const;
+	void renderBitmapEx(int frame, int x, int y, int w, int h, int sx, int sy, float scale = 1.0f, bool config = false) const;
+	void renderString(int x, int y, const char *str, float scale = 1.0f, bool config = false);
+	void renderString(int x, int y, int gauge_id, const char *str, float scale = 1.0f, bool config = false);
+	void renderStringAlignCenter(int x, int y, int area_width, const char *s, float scale = 1.0f, bool config = false);
+	void renderPrintf(int x, int y, float scale, bool config, SCP_FORMAT_STRING const char* format, ...) SCP_FORMAT_STRING_ARGS(6, 7);
+	void renderPrintfWithGauge(int x, int y, int gauge_id, float scale, bool config, SCP_FORMAT_STRING const char* format, ...)  SCP_FORMAT_STRING_ARGS(7, 8);
+	void renderLine(int x1, int y1, int x2, int y2, bool config = false) const;
+	void renderGradientLine(int x1, int y1, int x2, int y2, bool config = false) const;
+	void renderRect(int x, int y, int w, int h, bool config = false) const;
+	void renderCircle(int x, int y, int diameter, bool filled = true, bool config = false) const;
 
 	void unsize(int *x, int *y);
 	void unsize(float *x, float *y);
@@ -391,7 +390,7 @@ class HudGaugeMissionTime: public HudGauge // HUD_MISSION_TIME
 	void initBitmaps(const char *fname);
 	void initTextOffsets(int x, int y);
 	void initValueOffsets(int x, int y);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void pageIn() override;
 };
 
@@ -401,7 +400,7 @@ class HudGaugeTextWarnings: public HudGauge // HUD_TEXT_FLASH
 	bool flash_flags;
 public:
 	HudGaugeTextWarnings();
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+  void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void initialize() override;
 	int maybeTextFlash();
 };
@@ -417,7 +416,7 @@ class HudGaugeKills: public HudGauge
 	void initBitmaps(const char *fname);
 	void initTextOffsets(int x, int y);
 	void initTextValueOffsets(int x, int y);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void pageIn() override;
 };
 
@@ -430,7 +429,7 @@ class HudGaugeLag: public HudGauge
 public:
 	HudGaugeLag();
 	void initBitmaps(const char *fname);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void pageIn() override;
 
 	void startFlashLag(int duration = 1400);
@@ -461,7 +460,7 @@ class HudGaugeObjectiveNotify: public HudGauge
 	void initRedAlertTextOffsetY(int y);
 	void initRedAlertValueOffsetY(int y);
 
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void startFlashNotify(int duration = 1400);
 	bool maybeFlashNotify(bool flash_fast = false);
 	void renderObjective();
@@ -525,7 +524,7 @@ class HudGaugeDamage: public HudGauge
 	void initBottomBgOffset(int offset);
 	void initLineHeight(int h);
 	void initDisplayValue(bool value);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void pageIn() override;
 	void initialize() override;
 };
@@ -548,7 +547,7 @@ class HudGaugeSupport: public HudGauge
 	void initTextDockOffsetX(int x);
 	void initTextDockValueOffsetX(int x);
 	void initRearmTimer(bool choice);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void pageIn() override;
 };
 
@@ -558,7 +557,7 @@ class HudGaugeMultiMsg: public HudGauge
 public:
 	HudGaugeMultiMsg();
 	bool canRender() const override;
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 };
 
 class HudGaugeVoiceStatus: public HudGauge
@@ -566,7 +565,7 @@ class HudGaugeVoiceStatus: public HudGauge
 protected:
 public:
 	HudGaugeVoiceStatus();
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+  void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 };
 
 class HudGaugePing: public HudGauge
@@ -574,14 +573,14 @@ class HudGaugePing: public HudGauge
 protected:
 public:
 	HudGaugePing();
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+  void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 };
 
 class HudGaugeSupernova: public HudGauge
 {
 public:
 	HudGaugeSupernova();
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+  void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 };
 
 class HudGaugeFlightPath: public HudGauge3DAnchor
@@ -593,7 +592,7 @@ class HudGaugeFlightPath: public HudGauge3DAnchor
 	HudGaugeFlightPath();
 	void initBitmap(const char *fname);
 	void initHalfSize(int w, int h);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 };
 
 HudGauge *hud_get_custom_gauge(const char *name, bool check_all_gauges = false);
diff --git a/code/hud/hudbrackets.cpp b/code/hud/hudbrackets.cpp
index 94c14c11fd7..8f1d12b80e1 100644
--- a/code/hud/hudbrackets.cpp
+++ b/code/hud/hudbrackets.cpp
@@ -355,8 +355,13 @@ void HudGaugeBrackets::initBitmaps(char *fname)
 	}
 }
 
-void HudGaugeBrackets::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeBrackets::render(float  /*frametime*/, bool config)
 {
+	// Brackets are do not support config settings
+	if (config) {
+		return;
+	}
+	
 	// don't display brackets if we're warping out.
 	if ( Player->control_mode != PCM_NORMAL ) {
 		return;
diff --git a/code/hud/hudbrackets.h b/code/hud/hudbrackets.h
index a280bf3ad4c..ccdcd1f4c32 100644
--- a/code/hud/hudbrackets.h
+++ b/code/hud/hudbrackets.h
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ class HudGaugeBrackets: public HudGauge3DAnchor
 	void initMinTargetBoxSizes(int w, int h);
 	void initMinSubTargetBoxSizes(int w, int h);
 	void initBitmaps(char *fname);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void renderObjectBrackets(object *targetp, color *clr, int w_correction, int h_correction, int flags);
 	void renderNavBrackets(vec3d* nav_pos, vertex* nav_point, color* clr, char* string);
 	void renderBoundingBrackets(int x1, int y1, int x2, int y2, int w_correction, int h_correction, float distance, int target_objnum, int flags);
diff --git a/code/hud/hudconfig.cpp b/code/hud/hudconfig.cpp
index b08a1390aca..71644811579 100644
--- a/code/hud/hudconfig.cpp
+++ b/code/hud/hudconfig.cpp
@@ -310,6 +310,7 @@ int HC_gauge_description_coords[GR_NUM_RESOLUTIONS][3] = {
 	}
 };
 
+int HC_resize_mode = GR_RESIZE_MENU;
 const char *HC_gauge_descriptions(int n)
 {
 	switch(n)	{
@@ -512,6 +513,8 @@ static UI_WINDOW					HC_ui_window;
 int							HC_gauge_hot;			// mouse is over this gauge
 int							HC_gauge_selected;	// gauge is selected
 float						HC_gauge_scale; // scale used for drawing the hud gauges
+int HC_gauge_coordinates[6]; // x1, x2, y1, y1, w, h of the example HUD render area. Used for calculating new gauge coordinates
+BoundingBox HC_gauge_mouse_coords[NUM_HUD_GAUGES];
 
 // HUD colors
 typedef struct hc_col {
@@ -606,6 +609,11 @@ void hud_config_init_ui(bool API_Access, int x, int y, int w)
 	HC_gauge_coords.clear();
 	HC_gauge_coords.resize(NUM_HUD_GAUGES);
 
+	// Clear the mouse coords array
+	for (auto& coord : HC_gauge_mouse_coords) {
+		coord = {-1, -1, -1, -1};
+	}
+
 	if (w < 0) {
 		HC_gauge_scale = 1.0f;
 	} else {
@@ -851,6 +859,44 @@ void hud_config_popup_flag_clear(int i)
 	}
 }
 
+void hud_config_set_mouse_coords(int gauge_config, int x1, int x2, int y1, int y2) {
+	HC_gauge_mouse_coords[gauge_config] = {x1, x2, y1, y2};
+}
+
+void hud_config_convert_coords(int x, int y, float scale, int& outX, int& outY)
+{
+	outX = HC_gauge_coordinates[0] + static_cast<int>(x * scale);
+	outY = HC_gauge_coordinates[2] + static_cast<int>(y * scale);
+}
+
+void hud_config_convert_coords(float x, float y, float scale, float& outX, float& outY)
+{
+	outX = HC_gauge_coordinates[0] + x * scale;
+	outY = HC_gauge_coordinates[2] + y * scale;
+}
+
+void hud_config_get_scale(int baseW, int baseH, float& outScale)
+{
+	// Determine the scaling factor
+	float scaleX = static_cast<float>(HC_gauge_coordinates[4]) / baseW;
+	float scaleY = static_cast<float>(HC_gauge_coordinates[5]) / baseH;
+
+	// Use the smallest scale factor
+	outScale = std::min(scaleX, scaleY);
+}
+
+void hud_config_convert_coord_sys(int x, int y, int baseW, int baseH, int& outX, int& outY, float& outScale)
+{
+	hud_config_get_scale(baseW, baseH, outScale);
+	hud_config_convert_coords(x, y, outScale, outX, outY);
+}
+
+void hud_config_convert_coord_sys(float x, float y, int baseW, int baseH, float& outX, float& outY, float& outScale)
+{
+	hud_config_get_scale(baseW, baseH, outScale);
+	hud_config_convert_coords(x, y, outScale, outX, outY);
+}
+
 /*!
  * @brief render all the hud config gauges
  *
diff --git a/code/hud/hudconfig.h b/code/hud/hudconfig.h
index 37219712b38..965f4dd6788 100644
--- a/code/hud/hudconfig.h
+++ b/code/hud/hudconfig.h
@@ -53,6 +53,9 @@ extern int HUD_default_popup_mask2;
 extern int HUD_config_default_flags;
 extern int HUD_config_default_flags2;
 
+extern const int HC_gauge_config_coords[GR_NUM_RESOLUTIONS][4];
+extern int HC_resize_mode;
+
 /**
  * @brief Contains core HUD configuration data
  * @note Is not default init'd.  Assumes new player, PLR, or CSG reads will correctly set data.
@@ -92,6 +95,45 @@ struct HC_gauge_region
 	HC_gauge_region(const char *name, int x1, int y1, int h, int iff, int cp, int b, int nf, int cl) : filename(name), x(x1), y(y1), hotspot(h), use_iff(iff), can_popup(cp), bitmap(b), nframes(nf), color(cl){}
 };
 
+class BoundingBox {
+  public:
+	int x1, x2, y1, y2;
+
+	// Default constructor (initializes to invalid state)
+	BoundingBox() : x1(-1), x2(-1), y1(-1), y2(-1) {}
+
+	// Constructor
+	BoundingBox(int nx1, int nx2, int ny1, int ny2) : x1(nx1), x2(nx2), y1(ny1), y2(ny2) {}
+
+	bool isOverlapping(const BoundingBox& other) const
+	{
+		return (x2 >= other.x1 && // Not completely to the left
+				x1 <= other.x2 && // Not completely to the right
+				y2 >= other.y1 && // Not completely above
+				y1 <= other.y2);  // Not completely below
+	}
+
+	// Check if the bounding box is valid (no negative coordinates)
+	bool isValid() const
+	{
+		return x1 >= 0 && x2 >= 0 && y1 >= 0 && y2 >= 0;
+	}
+
+	// Static function to check if any bounding box in an array overlaps with a new one
+	static bool isOverlappingAny(const BoundingBox mouse_coords[NUM_HUD_GAUGES], const BoundingBox& newBox, int self_index)
+	{
+		for (int i = 0; i < NUM_HUD_GAUGES; i++) {
+			if (i == self_index) {
+				continue;
+			}
+			if (mouse_coords[i].isValid() && mouse_coords[i].isOverlapping(newBox)) {
+				return true;
+			}
+		}
+		return false;
+	}
+};
+
 /*!
  * @brief Array of hud gauges to be displayed in the hud config ui and configured by the player
  * @note main definition in hudconfig.cpp
@@ -102,6 +144,8 @@ extern int HC_gauge_hot;
 extern int HC_gauge_selected;
 extern int HC_select_all;
 extern float HC_gauge_scale;
+extern int HC_gauge_coordinates[6]; // x1, x2, y1, y2, w, h for gauge rendering
+extern BoundingBox HC_gauge_mouse_coords[NUM_HUD_GAUGES];
 
 const char* HC_gauge_descriptions(int n);
 
@@ -203,5 +247,37 @@ void hud_config_color_load(const char *name);
  */
 void hud_config_color_save(const char* name);
 
+/*!
+ * @brief same as hud_config_covert_coords but only returns the scale and doesn't convert any coords
+ */
+void hud_config_get_scale(int baseW, int baseH, float& outScale);
+
+/*!
+ * @brief converts a set of coordinates to HUD Config's rendering coordinates
+ */
+void hud_config_convert_coords(int x, int y, float scale, int& outX, int& outY);
+
+/*!
+ * @brief converts a set of coordinates to HUD Config's rendering coordinates
+ */
+void hud_config_convert_coords(float x, float y, float scale, float& outX, float& outY);
+
+/*!
+* @brief convert the given HUD gauge position coordinates to a set more appropriate for the HUD Config UI and return the smaller scale value used
+* so that other offsets and positions can be multiplied in turn
+*/
+void hud_config_convert_coord_sys(int x, int y, int baseW, int baseH, int& outX, int& outY, float& outScale);
+
+/*!
+ * @brief convert the given HUD gauge position coordinates to a set more appropriate for the HUD Config UI and return
+ * the smaller scale value used so that other offsets and positions can be multiplied in turn
+ */
+void hud_config_convert_coord_sys(float x, float y, int baseW, int baseH, float& outX, float& outY, float& outScale);
+
+/*!
+ * @brief save gauge coords during rendering time so hud config can check if the mouse is hovering over the gauge
+ */
+void hud_config_set_mouse_coords(int gauge_config, int x1, int x2, int y1, int y2);
+
 #endif
 
diff --git a/code/hud/hudescort.cpp b/code/hud/hudescort.cpp
index 24f859e607e..2277174c99b 100644
--- a/code/hud/hudescort.cpp
+++ b/code/hud/hudescort.cpp
@@ -234,7 +234,7 @@ int HudGaugeEscort::setGaugeColorEscort(int index, int team)
 	return is_flashing;
 }
 
-void HudGaugeEscort::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeEscort::render(float  /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	int	i = 0;
 
@@ -398,7 +398,7 @@ void HudGaugeEscort::renderIcon(int x, int y, int index)
 			}
 		}
 	}
-	renderPrintf( x+ship_integrity_offsets[0] + offset, y+ship_integrity_offsets[1], EG_NULL, "%d", screen_integrity);
+	renderPrintfWithGauge( x+ship_integrity_offsets[0] + offset, y+ship_integrity_offsets[1], EG_NULL, 1.0f, false, "%d", screen_integrity);
 
 	//Let's be nice.
 	setGaugeColor();
@@ -453,9 +453,9 @@ void HudGaugeEscort::renderIconDogfight(int x, int y, int index)
 
 	// show ship integrity
 	if(objp == NULL){	
-		renderPrintf( x+ship_integrity_offsets[0] - stat_shift, y+ship_integrity_offsets[1], EG_NULL, "%d", Net_players[np_index].m_player->stats.m_kill_count_ok);	
+		renderPrintfWithGauge( x+ship_integrity_offsets[0] - stat_shift, y+ship_integrity_offsets[1], EG_NULL, 1.0f, false, "%d", Net_players[np_index].m_player->stats.m_kill_count_ok);	
 	} else {
-		renderPrintf( x+ship_integrity_offsets[0] - stat_shift, y+ship_integrity_offsets[1], EG_NULL, "(%d%%) %d", hull_integrity, Net_players[np_index].m_player->stats.m_kill_count_ok);	
+		renderPrintfWithGauge( x+ship_integrity_offsets[0] - stat_shift, y+ship_integrity_offsets[1], EG_NULL, 1.0f, false, "(%d%%) %d", hull_integrity, Net_players[np_index].m_player->stats.m_kill_count_ok);	
 	}
 }
 
diff --git a/code/hud/hudescort.h b/code/hud/hudescort.h
index 243fc0af88b..9172927f18e 100644
--- a/code/hud/hudescort.h
+++ b/code/hud/hudescort.h
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ class HudGaugeEscort: public HudGauge
 	void initShipNameMaxWidth(int w);
 	void initRightAlignNames(bool align);
 	int setGaugeColorEscort(int index, int team);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void pageIn() override;
 	void renderIcon(int x, int y, int index);
 	void renderIconDogfight(int x, int y, int index);
diff --git a/code/hud/hudets.cpp b/code/hud/hudets.cpp
index 5172a9a679d..f2e5a92a9ce 100644
--- a/code/hud/hudets.cpp
+++ b/code/hud/hudets.cpp
@@ -887,7 +887,7 @@ void HudGaugeEts::initBitmaps(char *fname)
 	}
 }
 
-void HudGaugeEts::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeEts::render(float  /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 }
 
@@ -989,7 +989,7 @@ HudGaugeEts(HUD_OBJECT_ETS_RETAIL, 0)
 /**
  * Render the ETS retail gauge to the screen (weapon+shield+engine)
  */
-void HudGaugeEtsRetail::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeEtsRetail::render(float  /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	int i;
 	int initial_position;
@@ -1015,17 +1015,17 @@ void HudGaugeEtsRetail::render(float  /*frametime*/)
 	if (ship_has_energy_weapons(ship_p)) {
 		Letter = Letters[0];
 		position[0] = Gauge_positions[initial_position++];
-		renderPrintf(position[0] + Letter_offsets[0], position[1] + Letter_offsets[1], NOX("%c"), Letter);
+		renderPrintf(position[0] + Letter_offsets[0], position[1] + Letter_offsets[1], 1.0f, false, NOX("%c"), Letter);
 	}
 	if (!(Player_obj->flags[Object::Object_Flags::No_shields])) {
 		Letter = Letters[1];
 		position[0] = Gauge_positions[initial_position++];
-		renderPrintf(position[0] + Letter_offsets[0], position[1] + Letter_offsets[1], NOX("%c"), Letter);
+		renderPrintf(position[0] + Letter_offsets[0], position[1] + Letter_offsets[1], 1.0f, false, NOX("%c"), Letter);
 	}
 	if (ship_has_engine_power(ship_p)) {
 		Letter = Letters[2];
 		position[0] = Gauge_positions[initial_position++];
-		renderPrintf(position[0] + Letter_offsets[0], position[1] + Letter_offsets[1], NOX("%c"), Letter);
+		renderPrintf(position[0] + Letter_offsets[0], position[1] + Letter_offsets[1], 1.0f, false, NOX("%c"), Letter);
 	}
 
 	// draw gauges, skipping any gauge that is missing
@@ -1073,7 +1073,7 @@ HudGaugeEts(HUD_OBJECT_ETS_WEAPONS, (int)WEAPONS)
 {
 }
 
-void HudGaugeEtsWeapons::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeEtsWeapons::render(float  /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	int i;
 
@@ -1099,7 +1099,7 @@ void HudGaugeEtsWeapons::render(float  /*frametime*/)
 	setGaugeColor();
 
 	// draw the letters for the gauge first, before any clipping occurs
-	renderPrintf(position[0] + Letter_offsets[0], position[1] + Letter_offsets[1], NOX("%c"), Letter);
+	renderPrintf(position[0] + Letter_offsets[0], position[1] + Letter_offsets[1], 1.0f, false, NOX("%c"), Letter);
 
 	// draw the gauges for the weapon system
 	blitGauge(ship_p->weapon_recharge_index);
@@ -1110,7 +1110,7 @@ HudGaugeEts(HUD_OBJECT_ETS_SHIELDS, (int)SHIELDS)
 {
 }
 
-void HudGaugeEtsShields::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeEtsShields::render(float  /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	int i;
 
@@ -1135,7 +1135,7 @@ void HudGaugeEtsShields::render(float  /*frametime*/)
 	setGaugeColor();
 
 	// draw the letters for the gauge first, before any clipping occurs
-	renderPrintf(position[0] + Letter_offsets[0], position[1] + Letter_offsets[1], NOX("%c"), Letter);
+	renderPrintf(position[0] + Letter_offsets[0], position[1] + Letter_offsets[1], 1.0f, false, NOX("%c"), Letter);
 
 	// draw the gauge for the shield system
 	blitGauge(ship_p->shield_recharge_index);
@@ -1146,7 +1146,7 @@ HudGaugeEts(HUD_OBJECT_ETS_ENGINES, (int)ENGINES)
 {
 }
 
-void HudGaugeEtsEngines::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeEtsEngines::render(float  /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	int i;
 
@@ -1171,7 +1171,7 @@ void HudGaugeEtsEngines::render(float  /*frametime*/)
 	setGaugeColor();
 
 	// draw the letters for the gauge first, before any clipping occurs
-	renderPrintf(position[0] + Letter_offsets[0], position[1] + Letter_offsets[1], NOX("%c"), Letter);
+	renderPrintf(position[0] + Letter_offsets[0], position[1] + Letter_offsets[1], 1.0f, false, NOX("%c"), Letter);
 
 	// draw the gauge for the engine system
 	blitGauge(ship_p->engine_recharge_index);
diff --git a/code/hud/hudets.h b/code/hud/hudets.h
index 7a12ab93409..be29657321f 100644
--- a/code/hud/hudets.h
+++ b/code/hud/hudets.h
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ class HudGaugeEts: public HudGauge // HUD_ETS_GAUGE
 	void initBarHeight(int _ets_bar_h);
 	void initBitmaps(char *fname);
 	void blitGauge(int index);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void pageIn() override;
 };
 
@@ -88,21 +88,21 @@ class HudGaugeEtsWeapons: public HudGaugeEts
 {
 public:
 	HudGaugeEtsWeapons();
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 };
 
 class HudGaugeEtsShields: public HudGaugeEts
 {
 public:
 	HudGaugeEtsShields();
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 };
 
 class HudGaugeEtsEngines: public HudGaugeEts
 {
 public:
 	HudGaugeEtsEngines();
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 };
 
 class HudGaugeEtsRetail: public HudGaugeEts
@@ -112,7 +112,7 @@ class HudGaugeEtsRetail: public HudGaugeEts
 	int Gauge_positions[num_retail_ets_gauges];
 public:
 	HudGaugeEtsRetail();
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void initLetters(char *_letters);
 	void initGaugePositions(int *_gauge_positions);
 };
diff --git a/code/hud/hudlock.cpp b/code/hud/hudlock.cpp
index d4e47b647f2..d74a060446f 100644
--- a/code/hud/hudlock.cpp
+++ b/code/hud/hudlock.cpp
@@ -279,7 +279,7 @@ void HudGaugeLock::renderOld(float frametime)
 // lock_point_pos should be the world coordinates of the target being locked. Assuming all the 
 // necessary locking calculations are done for this frame, this function will compute 
 // where the indicator should be relative to the player's viewpoint and will render accordingly.
-void HudGaugeLock::render(float frametime)
+void HudGaugeLock::render(float frametime, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	size_t i;
 	lock_info *current_lock;
diff --git a/code/hud/hudlock.h b/code/hud/hudlock.h
index d87afcfad7d..9be7f7dde10 100644
--- a/code/hud/hudlock.h
+++ b/code/hud/hudlock.h
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ class HudGaugeLock: public HudGauge3DAnchor
 	void initLoopLockedAnim(bool loop);
 	void initBlinkLockedAnim(bool blink);
 
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void renderOld(float frametime);
 	void renderLockTriangles(int center_x, int center_y, float frametime);
 	void renderLockTrianglesNew(int center_x, int center_y, float frametime, lock_info *slot);
diff --git a/code/hud/hudmessage.cpp b/code/hud/hudmessage.cpp
index 136e75000e7..07d117240da 100644
--- a/code/hud/hudmessage.cpp
+++ b/code/hud/hudmessage.cpp
@@ -437,7 +437,7 @@ void HudGaugeMessages::preprocess()
  * HudGaugeMessages::render() will display the active HUD messages on the HUD.  It will scroll
  * the messages up when a new message arrives.
  */
-void HudGaugeMessages::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeMessages::render(float  /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	hud_set_default_color();
 
@@ -459,7 +459,7 @@ void HudGaugeMessages::render(float  /*frametime*/)
 				}
 
 				// print the message out
-				renderPrintf(m->msg.x, m->y, "%s", m->msg.text.c_str());
+				renderPrintf(m->msg.x, m->y, 1.0f, false, "%s", m->msg.text.c_str());
 			}
 		}
 	}
@@ -1176,7 +1176,7 @@ void HudGaugeTalkingHead::initBitmaps(const char *fname)
  * Renders everything for a head animation
  * Also checks for when new head ani's need to start playing
  */
-void HudGaugeTalkingHead::render(float frametime)
+void HudGaugeTalkingHead::render(float frametime, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	if ( Head_frame.first_frame == -1 ){
 		return;
@@ -1336,7 +1336,7 @@ void HudGaugeFixedMessages::initCenterText(bool center) {
 	center_text = center;
 }
 
-void HudGaugeFixedMessages::render(float  /*frametime*/) {
+void HudGaugeFixedMessages::render(float  /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/) {
 	HUD_ft	*hp;
 
 	hp = &HUD_fixed_text[0];
diff --git a/code/hud/hudmessage.h b/code/hud/hudmessage.h
index 81dfbbcfbe0..4599cf3a045 100644
--- a/code/hud/hudmessage.h
+++ b/code/hud/hudmessage.h
@@ -112,7 +112,7 @@ class HudGaugeMessages: public HudGauge // HUD_MESSAGE_LINES
 	void addPending(const char *text, int source, int x = 0);
 	void scrollMessages();
 	void preprocess() override;
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void initialize() override;
 	void pageIn() override;
 };
@@ -135,7 +135,7 @@ class HudGaugeTalkingHead: public HudGauge // HUD_TALKING_HEAD
 	void initAnimOffsets(int x, int y);
 	void initAnimSizes(int w, int h);
 	void pageIn() override;
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void initialize() override;
 	bool canRender() const override;
 };
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@ class HudGaugeFixedMessages: public HudGauge
 public:
 	HudGaugeFixedMessages();
 	void initCenterText(bool center);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void pageIn() override;
 };
 
diff --git a/code/hud/hudreticle.cpp b/code/hud/hudreticle.cpp
index 798f05b9332..1466414b62b 100644
--- a/code/hud/hudreticle.cpp
+++ b/code/hud/hudreticle.cpp
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@
 
 
 #include "gamesnd/gamesnd.h"
+#include "hud/hudconfig.h"
 #include "hud/hudreticle.h"
 #include "hud/hudtargetbox.h"
 #include "io/timer.h"
@@ -249,7 +250,7 @@ void HudGaugeReticle::initFirepointDisplay(bool firepoint, int scaleX, int scale
 	firepoint_size = size;
 }
 
-void HudGaugeReticle::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeReticle::render(float  /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	if (crosshair.first_frame < 0) {
 		return;
@@ -631,7 +632,7 @@ void HudGaugeThrottle::pageIn()
 	bm_page_in_aabitmap( throttle_frames.first_frame, throttle_frames.num_frames);
 }
 
-void HudGaugeThrottle::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeThrottle::render(float  /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	if (throttle_frames.first_frame < 0) {
 		return;
@@ -736,11 +737,11 @@ void HudGaugeThrottle::render(float  /*frametime*/)
 	renderThrottleForeground(y_end);
 
 	if ( Show_max_speed ) {
-		renderPrintf(position[0] + Max_speed_offsets[0], position[1] + Max_speed_offsets[1], "%d", (int)std::lround(max_displayed_speed));
+		renderPrintf(position[0] + Max_speed_offsets[0], position[1] + Max_speed_offsets[1], 1.0f, false, "%d", (int)std::lround(max_displayed_speed));
 	}
 	
 	if ( Show_min_speed ) {
-		renderPrintf(position[0] + Zero_speed_offsets[0], position[1] + Zero_speed_offsets[1], "%s", XSTR( "0", 292));
+		renderPrintf(position[0] + Zero_speed_offsets[0], position[1] + Zero_speed_offsets[1], 1.0f, false, "%s", XSTR( "0", 292));
 	}
 }
 
@@ -769,7 +770,7 @@ void HudGaugeThrottle::renderThrottleSpeed(float current_speed, int y_end)
 		sy = position[1] + Orbit_center_offsets[1];
 	}
 	
-	renderPrintf(sx, sy, "%s", buf);
+	renderPrintf(sx, sy, 1.0f, false, "%s", buf);
 
 	if ( object_get_gliding(Player_obj) ) { 
 		auto glide_str = XSTR("GLIDE", 1668);
@@ -850,13 +851,13 @@ void HudGaugeThrottle::renderMatchSpeedIcon(int x, int y)
 		renderRect(x, y, Match_speed_icon_width + 2, gr_get_font_height() + 2);
 		
 		gr_set_color_fast(&Color_black);
-		renderPrintf(x + 1, y + 1, "%c", Match_speed_icon);
+		renderPrintf(x + 1, y + 1, 1.0f, false, "%c", Match_speed_icon);
 
 		setGaugeColor();
 	}
 	else
 	{
-		renderPrintf(x, y, "%c", Match_speed_icon);
+		renderPrintf(x, y, 1.0f, false, "%c", Match_speed_icon);
 	}
 }
 
@@ -913,7 +914,7 @@ void HudGaugeThreatIndicator::pageIn()
 	bm_page_in_aabitmap(lock_warn.first_frame, lock_warn.num_frames);
 }
 
-void HudGaugeThreatIndicator::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeThreatIndicator::render(float  /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	setGaugeColor();
 
@@ -1067,7 +1068,7 @@ void HudGaugeWeaponLinking::pageIn()
 	}
 }
 
-void HudGaugeWeaponLinking::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeWeaponLinking::render(float  /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	int			gauge_index=0, frame_offset=0;
 	ship_weapon	*swp;
diff --git a/code/hud/hudreticle.h b/code/hud/hudreticle.h
index f6424b092c5..031599ae170 100644
--- a/code/hud/hudreticle.h
+++ b/code/hud/hudreticle.h
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ class HudGaugeReticle: public HudGauge
 	int flight_cursor_frame_offset;
 public:
 	HudGaugeReticle();
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void initBitmaps(char *fname);
 	void pageIn() override;
 	void initFirepointDisplay(bool firepoint, int scaleX, int scaleY, int size);
@@ -106,12 +106,12 @@ class HudGaugeThrottle: public HudGauge
 	void showBackground(bool show);
 	void initBitmaps(char *fname);
 
-	void render(float frametime) override;
 	void renderThrottleSpeed(float current_speed, int y_end);
 	void renderThrottleLine(int y);
 	void renderThrottleForeground(int y_end);
 	void renderThrottleBackground(int y_end);
 	void renderMatchSpeedIcon(int x, int y);
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 
 	void pageIn() override;
 };
@@ -137,7 +137,7 @@ class HudGaugeThreatIndicator: public HudGauge
 	void initBitmaps(char *fname_arc, char *fname_laser, char *fname_lock);
 	void initLaserWarnOffsets(int x, int y);
 	void initLockWarnOffsets(int x, int y);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void initialize() override;
 	void pageIn() override;
 	void renderLaserThreat();
@@ -164,7 +164,7 @@ class HudGaugeWeaponLinking: public HudGauge
 		char *fname_secondary_link_1, 
 		char *fname_secondary_link_2, 
 		char *fname_secondary_link_3);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void pageIn() override;
 };
 
diff --git a/code/hud/hudscripting.cpp b/code/hud/hudscripting.cpp
index f5fef707c7f..8bb78e9de9f 100644
--- a/code/hud/hudscripting.cpp
+++ b/code/hud/hudscripting.cpp
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ HudGaugeScripting::HudGaugeScripting() :
 	         255) {
 }
 
-void HudGaugeScripting::render(float /*frametime*/) {
+void HudGaugeScripting::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/) {
 	using namespace scripting::api;
 
 	if (!_renderFunction.isValid()) {
diff --git a/code/hud/hudscripting.h b/code/hud/hudscripting.h
index f5d83341497..e3be3240892 100644
--- a/code/hud/hudscripting.h
+++ b/code/hud/hudscripting.h
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ class HudGaugeScripting: public HudGauge {
   public:
 	HudGaugeScripting();
 
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 
 	void initName(SCP_string name);
 
diff --git a/code/hud/hudshield.cpp b/code/hud/hudshield.cpp
index 8e8462ad16f..92bba856fb9 100644
--- a/code/hud/hudshield.cpp
+++ b/code/hud/hudshield.cpp
@@ -546,7 +546,7 @@ HudGauge(_gauge_object, _gauge_config, false, false, (VM_EXTERNAL | VM_DEAD_VIEW
 {
 }
 
-void HudGaugeShield::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeShield::render(float  /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 }
 
@@ -872,7 +872,7 @@ HudGaugeShield(HUD_OBJECT_PLAYER_SHIELD, HUD_PLAYER_SHIELD_ICON)
 {
 }
 
-void HudGaugeShieldPlayer::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeShieldPlayer::render(float  /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	showShields(Player_obj, SHIELD_HIT_PLAYER);
 }
@@ -883,7 +883,7 @@ HudGaugeShield(HUD_OBJECT_TARGET_SHIELD, HUD_TARGET_SHIELD_ICON)
 
 }
 
-void HudGaugeShieldTarget::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeShieldTarget::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	if (Player_ai->target_objnum == -1)
 		return;
@@ -932,7 +932,7 @@ void HudGaugeShieldMini::initBitmaps(const char *fname)
 	}
 }
 
-void HudGaugeShieldMini::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeShieldMini::render(float  /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	if (Player_ai->target_objnum == -1)
 		return;
diff --git a/code/hud/hudshield.h b/code/hud/hudshield.h
index c3adefb7945..2105422df8f 100644
--- a/code/hud/hudshield.h
+++ b/code/hud/hudshield.h
@@ -57,8 +57,8 @@ class HudGaugeShield: public HudGauge
 public:
 	HudGaugeShield();
 	HudGaugeShield(int _gauge_object, int _gauge_config);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
 	void showShields(const object *objp, int mode);
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	int maybeFlashShield(int target_index, int shield_offset);
 	void renderShieldIcon(coord2d coords[6]);
 };
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ class HudGaugeShieldPlayer: public HudGaugeShield
 protected:
 public:
 	HudGaugeShieldPlayer();
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 };
 
 class HudGaugeShieldTarget: public HudGaugeShield
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ class HudGaugeShieldTarget: public HudGaugeShield
 protected:
 public:
 	HudGaugeShieldTarget();
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 };
 
 class HudGaugeShieldMini: public HudGauge
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ class HudGaugeShieldMini: public HudGauge
 	int maybeFlashShield(int target_index, int shield_offset);
 	void showMiniShields(const object *objp);
 	void showIntegrity(float p_target_integrity);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void pageIn() override;
 };
 #endif /* __FREESPACE_HUDSHIELDBOX_H__ */
diff --git a/code/hud/hudsquadmsg.cpp b/code/hud/hudsquadmsg.cpp
index b6a9a981c08..f328bf5995a 100644
--- a/code/hud/hudsquadmsg.cpp
+++ b/code/hud/hudsquadmsg.cpp
@@ -2662,7 +2662,7 @@ bool HudGaugeSquadMessage::canRender() const
 	return true;
 }
 
-void HudGaugeSquadMessage::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeSquadMessage::render(float  /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	char *title;
 	int bx, by, sx, sy, i, nitems, none_valid, messaging_allowed;
@@ -2740,7 +2740,7 @@ void HudGaugeSquadMessage::render(float  /*frametime*/)
 
 		// first do the number
 		item_num = (i+1) % MAX_MENU_DISPLAY;
-		renderPrintf(sx, sy, EG_SQ1 + i, NOX("%1d."), item_num);
+		renderPrintfWithGauge(sx, sy, EG_SQ1 + i, 1.0f, false, NOX("%1d."), item_num);
 
 		// then the text
 		renderString(sx + Item_offset_x, sy, EG_SQ1 + i, text);
@@ -2777,22 +2777,22 @@ void HudGaugeSquadMessage::render(float  /*frametime*/)
 	startFlashPageScroll();
 	maybeFlashPageScroll();
 	if ( First_menu_item > 0 ) {
-		renderPrintf(position[0] + Pgup_offsets[0], position[1] + Pgup_offsets[1], "%s", XSTR( "[pgup]", 312) );
+		renderPrintf(position[0] + Pgup_offsets[0], position[1] + Pgup_offsets[1], 1.0f, false, "%s", XSTR( "[pgup]", 312) );
 	}
 
 	if ( (First_menu_item + nitems) < Num_menu_items ) {
-		renderPrintf(position[0] + Pgdn_offsets[0], position[1] + Pgdn_offsets[1], "%s", XSTR( "[pgdn]", 313));
+		renderPrintf(position[0] + Pgdn_offsets[0], position[1] + Pgdn_offsets[1], 1.0f, false, "%s", XSTR( "[pgdn]", 313));
 	}
 
 	if ( messaging_allowed ) {
 		if ( none_valid ){
-			renderPrintf( sx, by - Item_h + 2, "%s", XSTR( "No valid items", 314));
+			renderPrintf(sx, by - Item_h + 2, 1.0f, false, "%s", XSTR("No valid items", 314));
 		} else if (Msg_shortcut_command != -1){
-			renderPrintf( sx, by - Item_h + 2, "%s", comm_order_get_text(Msg_shortcut_command));
+			renderPrintf(sx, by - Item_h + 2, 1.0f, false, "%s", comm_order_get_text(Msg_shortcut_command));
 		}
 	} else {
 		// if this player is not allowed to message, then display message saying so
-		renderPrintf( sx, by - Item_h + 2, "%s", XSTR( "Not allowed to message", 315));
+		renderPrintf(sx, by - Item_h + 2, 1.0f, false, "%s", XSTR("Not allowed to message", 315));
 	}
 
 }
diff --git a/code/hud/hudsquadmsg.h b/code/hud/hudsquadmsg.h
index f87bfeffca3..0f2c36c6caf 100644
--- a/code/hud/hudsquadmsg.h
+++ b/code/hud/hudsquadmsg.h
@@ -212,7 +212,7 @@ class HudGaugeSquadMessage: public HudGauge
 	void initPgUpOffsets(int x, int y);
 	void initPgDnOffsets(int x, int y);
 
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	bool canRender() const override;
 	void pageIn() override;
 	void initialize() override;
diff --git a/code/hud/hudtarget.cpp b/code/hud/hudtarget.cpp
index b04cce8c34a..05aab902b41 100644
--- a/code/hud/hudtarget.cpp
+++ b/code/hud/hudtarget.cpp
@@ -2909,8 +2909,7 @@ void HudGaugeReticleTriangle::initTriHeight(float h)
 	Target_triangle_height = h;
 }
 
-void HudGaugeReticleTriangle::render(float  /*frametime*/)
-{
+void HudGaugeReticleTriangle::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/) {
 }
 
 // Render a missile warning triangle that has a tail on it to indicate distance
@@ -3162,7 +3161,7 @@ HudGaugeReticleTriangle(HUD_OBJECT_MISSILE_TRI, HUD_MISSILE_WARNING_ARROW)
 {
 }
 
-void HudGaugeMissileTriangles::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeMissileTriangles::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	object		*A;
 	missile_obj	*mo;
@@ -3211,7 +3210,7 @@ void HudGaugeOrientationTee::pageIn()
 // outer reticle ring.  If the T is at 12 o'clock, the target is facing the player, if the T
 // is at 6 o'clock the target is facing away from the player.  If the T is at 3 or 9 o'clock
 // the target is facing 90 away from the player.
-void HudGaugeOrientationTee::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeOrientationTee::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	object* targetp;
 
@@ -3674,7 +3673,7 @@ HudGaugeReticleTriangle(HUD_OBJECT_HOSTILE_TRI, HUD_HOSTILE_TRIANGLE)
 {
 }
 
-void HudGaugeHostileTriangle::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeHostileTriangle::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	if (hostile_obj && maybeFlashSexp() != 1) {
 		bool in_frame = g3_in_frame() > 0;
@@ -3899,7 +3898,7 @@ int HudGaugeLeadIndicator::pickFrame(float prange, float srange, float dist_to_t
 	return frame_offset;
 }
 
-void HudGaugeLeadIndicator::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeLeadIndicator::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	if(Player->target_is_dying) {
 		return;
@@ -4323,7 +4322,7 @@ void HudGaugeLeadSight::pageIn()
 	bm_page_in_aabitmap(Lead_sight.first_frame, Lead_sight.num_frames);
 }
 
-void HudGaugeLeadSight::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeLeadSight::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	vec3d		target_pos;
 	vec3d		source_pos;
@@ -4651,7 +4650,7 @@ HudGaugeReticleTriangle(HUD_OBJECT_TARGET_TRI, HUD_TARGET_TRIANGLE)
 {
 }
 
-void HudGaugeTargetTriangle::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeTargetTriangle::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	if ( Player_ai->target_objnum == -1)
 		return;
@@ -4872,7 +4871,7 @@ void HudGaugeAutoTarget::initOffColor(int r, int g, int b, int a)
 	gr_init_alphacolor(&Off_color, r, g, b, a);
 }
 
-void HudGaugeAutoTarget::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeAutoTarget::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	if (Player_ship->flags[Ship::Ship_Flags::Primitive_sensors])
 		return;
@@ -4959,7 +4958,7 @@ void HudGaugeAutoSpeed::initOffColor(int r, int g, int b, int a)
 	gr_init_alphacolor(&Off_color, r, g, b, a);
 }
 
-void HudGaugeAutoSpeed::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeAutoSpeed::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	if (Player_ship->flags[Ship::Ship_Flags::Primitive_sensors])
 		return;
@@ -5562,7 +5561,7 @@ void HudGaugeCmeasures::pageIn()
 	bm_page_in_aabitmap(Cmeasure_gauge.first_frame, Cmeasure_gauge.num_frames);
 }
 
-void HudGaugeCmeasures::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeCmeasures::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	if ( Cmeasure_gauge.first_frame < 0) {
 		return;	// failed to load coutermeasure gauge background
@@ -5585,7 +5584,7 @@ void HudGaugeCmeasures::render(float  /*frametime*/)
 		Int3();	// player ship doesn't exist?
 		return;
 	}
-	renderPrintf(position[0] + Cm_text_val_offsets[0], position[1] + Cm_text_val_offsets[1], NOX("%02d"), Player_ship->cmeasure_count);
+	renderPrintf(position[0] + Cm_text_val_offsets[0], position[1] + Cm_text_val_offsets[1], 1.0f, false, NOX("%02d"), Player_ship->cmeasure_count);
 }
 
 HudGaugeAfterburner::HudGaugeAfterburner():
@@ -5608,7 +5607,7 @@ void HudGaugeAfterburner::initBitmaps(char *fname)
 }
 
 //	Render the HUD afterburner energy gauge
-void HudGaugeAfterburner::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeAfterburner::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	float percent_left;
 	int	clip_h,w,h;
@@ -5717,7 +5716,7 @@ void HudGaugeWeaponEnergy::pageIn()
 	bm_page_in_aabitmap( Energy_bar.first_frame, Energy_bar.num_frames);
 }
 
-void HudGaugeWeaponEnergy::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeWeaponEnergy::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	int x;
 	bool use_new_gauge = false;
@@ -6169,7 +6168,7 @@ void HudGaugeWeapons::pageIn()
 	}
 }
 
-void HudGaugeWeapons::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeWeapons::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	ship_weapon	*sw;
 	int			np, ns;		// np == num primary, ns == num secondary
@@ -6229,14 +6228,14 @@ void HudGaugeWeapons::render(float  /*frametime*/)
 
 		// indicate if this is linked or currently armed
 		if ( ((sw->current_primary_bank == i) && !(Player_ship->flags[Ship::Ship_Flags::Primary_linked])) || ((Player_ship->flags[Ship::Ship_Flags::Primary_linked]) && !(Weapon_info[sw->primary_bank_weapons[i]].wi_flags[Weapon::Info_Flags::Nolink]))) {
-			renderPrintf(position[0] + Weapon_plink_offset_x, name_y, EG_NULL, "%c", Weapon_link_icon);
+			renderPrintfWithGauge(position[0] + Weapon_plink_offset_x, name_y, EG_NULL, 1.0f, false, "%c", Weapon_link_icon);
 		}
 
 		// either render this primary's image or its name
 		if(Weapon_info[sw->primary_bank_weapons[0]].hud_image_index != -1) {
 			renderBitmap(Weapon_info[sw->primary_bank_weapons[i]].hud_image_index, position[0] + Weapon_pname_offset_x, name_y);
 		} else {
-			renderPrintf(position[0] + Weapon_pname_offset_x, name_y, EG_WEAPON_P2, "%s", weapon_name);
+			renderPrintfWithGauge(position[0] + Weapon_pname_offset_x, name_y, EG_WEAPON_P2, 1.0f, false, "%s", weapon_name);
 		}
 
 		// if this is a ballistic primary with ammo, render the ammo count
@@ -6292,14 +6291,14 @@ void HudGaugeWeapons::render(float  /*frametime*/)
 
 		if ( sw->current_secondary_bank == i ) {
 			// show that this is the current secondary armed
-			renderPrintf(position[0] + Weapon_sunlinked_offset_x, name_y, EG_NULL, "%c", Weapon_link_icon);
+			renderPrintfWithGauge(position[0] + Weapon_sunlinked_offset_x, name_y, EG_NULL, 1.0f, false, "%c", Weapon_link_icon);
 
 			// indicate if this is linked
 			// don't draw the link indicator if the fire can't be fired link.
 			// the link flag is ignored rather than cleared so the player can cycle past a no-doublefire weapon without the setting being cleared
 			if ( Player_ship->flags[Ship::Ship_Flags::Secondary_dual_fire] && !wip->wi_flags[Weapon::Info_Flags::No_doublefire] &&
 					!The_mission.ai_profile->flags[AI::Profile_Flags::Disable_player_secondary_doublefire] ) {
-				renderPrintf(position[0] + Weapon_slinked_offset_x, name_y, EG_NULL, "%c", Weapon_link_icon);
+				renderPrintfWithGauge(position[0] + Weapon_slinked_offset_x, name_y, EG_NULL, 1.0f, false, "%c", Weapon_link_icon);
 			}
 
 			// show secondary weapon's image or print its name
@@ -6313,7 +6312,7 @@ void HudGaugeWeapons::render(float  /*frametime*/)
 			if ((sw->current_secondary_bank >= 0) && ship_secondary_has_ammo(sw, i)) {
 				int ms_till_fire = timestamp_until(sw->next_secondary_fire_stamp[sw->current_secondary_bank]);
 				if ( (ms_till_fire >= 500) && ((wip->fire_wait >= 1 ) || (ms_till_fire > wip->fire_wait*1000)) ) {
-					renderPrintf(position[0] + Weapon_sreload_offset_x, name_y, EG_NULL, "%d", (int)std::lround(ms_till_fire/1000.0f));
+					renderPrintfWithGauge(position[0] + Weapon_sreload_offset_x, name_y, EG_NULL, 1.0f, false, "%d", (int)std::lround(ms_till_fire/1000.0f));
 				}
 			}
 		} else {
@@ -6453,7 +6452,7 @@ void HudGaugeOffscreen::pageIn()
 {
 }
 
-void HudGaugeOffscreen::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeOffscreen::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	// don't show offscreen indicator if we're warping out.
 	if ( Player->control_mode != PCM_NORMAL ) {
@@ -6829,7 +6828,7 @@ void HudGaugeWarheadCount::pageIn()
 	bm_page_in_aabitmap(Warhead.first_frame, Warhead.num_frames);
 }
 
-void HudGaugeWarheadCount::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeWarheadCount::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	if(Player_obj->type == OBJ_OBSERVER) {
 		return;
@@ -7031,8 +7030,7 @@ void HudGaugeWeaponList::maybeFlashWeapon(int index)
 	}
 }
 
-void HudGaugeWeaponList::render(float  /*frametime*/)
-{
+void HudGaugeWeaponList::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/) {
 
 }
 
@@ -7057,7 +7055,7 @@ void HudGaugePrimaryWeapons::initPrimaryAmmoOffsetX(int x)
 	_pammo_offset_x = x;
 }
 
-void HudGaugePrimaryWeapons::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugePrimaryWeapons::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	ship_weapon	*sw;
 
@@ -7102,14 +7100,14 @@ void HudGaugePrimaryWeapons::render(float  /*frametime*/)
 
 		// indicate if this is linked or currently armed
 		if ( (sw->current_primary_bank == i) || (Player_ship->flags[Ship::Ship_Flags::Primary_linked]) ) {
-			renderPrintf(position[0] + _plink_offset_x, position[1] + text_y_offset, EG_NULL, "%c", Weapon_link_icon);
+			renderPrintfWithGauge(position[0] + _plink_offset_x, position[1] + text_y_offset, EG_NULL, 1.0f, false, "%c", Weapon_link_icon);
 		}
 
 		// either render this primary's image or its name
 		if(Weapon_info[sw->primary_bank_weapons[0]].hud_image_index != -1) {
 			renderBitmap(Weapon_info[sw->primary_bank_weapons[i]].hud_image_index, position[0] + _pname_offset_x, text_y_offset);
 		} else {
-			renderPrintf(position[0] + _pname_offset_x, position[1] + text_y_offset, EG_WEAPON_P2, "%s", weapon_name);
+			renderPrintfWithGauge(position[0] + _pname_offset_x, position[1] + text_y_offset, EG_WEAPON_P2, 1.0f, false, "%s", weapon_name);
 		}
 
 		// if this is a ballistic primary with ammo, render the ammo count
@@ -7170,7 +7168,7 @@ void HudGaugeSecondaryWeapons::initSecondaryUnlinkedOffsetX(int x)
 	_sunlinked_offset_x = x;
 }
 
-void HudGaugeSecondaryWeapons::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeSecondaryWeapons::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	ship_weapon	*sw;
 
@@ -7209,14 +7207,14 @@ void HudGaugeSecondaryWeapons::render(float  /*frametime*/)
 
 		if ( sw->current_secondary_bank == i ) {
 			// show that this is the current secondary armed
-			renderPrintf(position[0] + _sunlinked_offset_x, position[1] + text_y_offset, EG_NULL, "%c", Weapon_link_icon);
+			renderPrintfWithGauge(position[0] + _sunlinked_offset_x, position[1] + text_y_offset, EG_NULL, 1.0f, false, "%c", Weapon_link_icon);
 
 			// indicate if this is linked
 			// don't draw the link indicator if the fire can't be fired link.
 			// the link flag is ignored rather than cleared so the player can cycle past a no-doublefire weapon without the setting being cleared
 			if ( Player_ship->flags[Ship::Ship_Flags::Secondary_dual_fire] && !wip->wi_flags[Weapon::Info_Flags::No_doublefire] &&
 					!The_mission.ai_profile->flags[AI::Profile_Flags::Disable_player_secondary_doublefire] ) {
-				renderPrintf(position[0] + _slinked_offset_x, position[1] + text_y_offset, EG_NULL, "%c", Weapon_link_icon);
+				renderPrintfWithGauge(position[0] + _slinked_offset_x, position[1] + text_y_offset, EG_NULL, 1.0f, false, "%c", Weapon_link_icon);
 			}
 
 			// show secondary weapon's image or print its name
@@ -7230,7 +7228,7 @@ void HudGaugeSecondaryWeapons::render(float  /*frametime*/)
 			if ((sw->current_secondary_bank >= 0) && ship_secondary_has_ammo(sw, i)) {
 				int ms_till_fire = timestamp_until(sw->next_secondary_fire_stamp[sw->current_secondary_bank]);
 				if ( (ms_till_fire >= 500) && ((wip->fire_wait >= 1 ) || (ms_till_fire > wip->fire_wait*1000)) ) {
-					renderPrintf(position[0] + _sreload_offset_x, position[1] + text_y_offset, EG_NULL, "%d", (int)std::lround(ms_till_fire/1000.0f));
+					renderPrintfWithGauge(position[0] + _sreload_offset_x, position[1] + text_y_offset, EG_NULL, 1.0f, false, "%d", (int)std::lround(ms_till_fire/1000.0f));
 				}
 			}
 		} else {
@@ -7291,7 +7289,7 @@ void HudGaugeHardpoints::initDrawOptions(bool primary_models, bool secondary_mod
 	draw_secondary_models = secondary_models;
 }
 
-void HudGaugeHardpoints::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeHardpoints::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	int			sx, sy;
 	ship			*sp;
diff --git a/code/hud/hudtarget.h b/code/hud/hudtarget.h
index 657937f6d25..d5658452843 100644
--- a/code/hud/hudtarget.h
+++ b/code/hud/hudtarget.h
@@ -222,7 +222,7 @@ class HudGaugeAutoTarget: public HudGauge
 	void initBitmaps(char *fname);
 	void initOnColor(int r, int g, int b, int a);
 	void initOffColor(int r, int g, int b, int a);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void pageIn() override;
 };
 
@@ -245,7 +245,7 @@ class HudGaugeAutoSpeed: public HudGauge
 	void initBitmaps(char *fname);
 	void initOnColor(int r, int g, int b, int a);
 	void initOffColor(int r, int g, int b, int a);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void pageIn() override;
 };
 
@@ -261,7 +261,7 @@ class HudGaugeCmeasures: public HudGauge
 	void initBitmaps(char *fname);
 	void initCountTextOffsets(int x, int y);
 	void initCountValueOffsets(int x, int y);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void pageIn() override;
 };
 
@@ -275,7 +275,7 @@ class HudGaugeAfterburner: public HudGauge
 	HudGaugeAfterburner();
 	void initEnergyHeight(int h);
 	void initBitmaps(char *fname);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void pageIn() override;
 };
 
@@ -306,7 +306,7 @@ class HudGaugeWeaponEnergy: public HudGauge
 	void initShowBallistics(bool show_ballistics);
 	void initAlignments(HudAlignment text_align, HudAlignment armed_align);
 	void initArmedOffsets(int x, int y, int h, bool show);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void pageIn() override;
 };
 
@@ -366,7 +366,7 @@ class HudGaugeWeapons: public HudGauge
 	void initSecondaryHeights(int top_h, int text_h);
 	void initLinkIcon();
 
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void pageIn() override;
 	void maybeFlashWeapon(int index);
 };
@@ -407,7 +407,7 @@ class HudGaugeWeaponList: public HudGauge
 	void initEntryHeight(int h);
 	void initLinkIcon();
 
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void pageIn() override;
 	void maybeFlashWeapon(int index);
 };
@@ -424,7 +424,7 @@ class HudGaugePrimaryWeapons: public HudGaugeWeaponList
 	void initPrimaryNameOffsetX(int x);
 	void initPrimaryAmmoOffsetX(int x);
 
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 };
 
 class HudGaugeSecondaryWeapons: public HudGaugeWeaponList
@@ -443,7 +443,7 @@ class HudGaugeSecondaryWeapons: public HudGaugeWeaponList
 	void initSecondaryLinkedOffsetX(int x);
 	void initSecondaryUnlinkedOffsetX(int x);
 
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 };
 
 class HudGaugeHardpoints: public HudGauge
@@ -463,7 +463,7 @@ class HudGaugeHardpoints: public HudGauge
 	void initDrawOptions(bool primary_models, bool secondary_models);
 
 	HudGaugeHardpoints();
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 };
 
 class HudGaugeWarheadCount: public HudGauge
@@ -486,7 +486,7 @@ class HudGaugeWarheadCount: public HudGauge
 	void initMaxSymbols(int count);
 	void initMaxColumns(int count);
 	void initTextAlign(HudAlignment align);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void pageIn() override;
 };
 
@@ -497,8 +497,8 @@ class HudGaugeOrientationTee: public HudGauge
 public:
 	HudGaugeOrientationTee();
 	void initRadius(int length);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
 	void renderOrientation(object *from_objp, object *to_objp, matrix *from_orientp);
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void pageIn() override;
 };
 
@@ -514,9 +514,9 @@ class HudGaugeReticleTriangle: public HudGauge
 	void initRadius(int length);
 	void initTriBase(float length);
 	void initTriHeight(float h);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
 	void renderTriangle(vec3d *hostile_pos, int aspect_flag, int show_interior, int split_tri);
 	void renderTriangleMissileTail(float ang, float xpos, float ypos, float cur_dist, int draw_solid, int draw_inside);
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 };
 
 class HudGaugeHostileTriangle: public HudGaugeReticleTriangle
@@ -524,7 +524,7 @@ class HudGaugeHostileTriangle: public HudGaugeReticleTriangle
 protected:
 public:
 	HudGaugeHostileTriangle();
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 };
 
 class HudGaugeTargetTriangle: public HudGaugeReticleTriangle
@@ -532,7 +532,7 @@ class HudGaugeTargetTriangle: public HudGaugeReticleTriangle
 protected:
 public:
 	HudGaugeTargetTriangle();
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 };
 
 class HudGaugeMissileTriangles: public HudGaugeReticleTriangle
@@ -540,7 +540,7 @@ class HudGaugeMissileTriangles: public HudGaugeReticleTriangle
 protected:
 public:
 	HudGaugeMissileTriangles();
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 };
 
 class HudGaugeOffscreen: public HudGauge3DAnchor
@@ -556,7 +556,7 @@ class HudGaugeOffscreen: public HudGauge3DAnchor
 	void initMaxFrontSeperation(float length);
 	void initTriBase(float length);
 	void initTriHeight(float length);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void calculatePosition(vertex* target_point, vec3d *tpos, vec2d *outcoords, int *dir, float *half_triangle_sep);
 	void renderOffscreenIndicator(vec2d *coords, int dir, float distance, float half_triangle_sep, bool draw_solid = true);
 	void pageIn() override;
@@ -571,10 +571,10 @@ class HudGaugeLeadIndicator: public HudGauge3DAnchor
 	HudGaugeLeadIndicator();
 	void initHalfSize(float w, float h);
 	void initBitmaps(char *fname);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
 	void renderIndicator(int frame_offset, object *targetp, vec3d *lead_target_pos);
 	void renderLeadCurrentTarget();
 	void renderLeadQuick(vec3d *target_pos, object *targetp);
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	int pickFrame(float prange, float srange, float dist_to_target);
 	void pageIn() override;
 };
@@ -587,7 +587,7 @@ class HudGaugeLeadSight: public HudGauge
 public:
 	HudGaugeLeadSight();
 	void initBitmaps(char *fname);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void renderSight(int indicator_frame, vec3d *target_pos, vec3d *lead_target_pos);
 	void pageIn() override;
 };
diff --git a/code/hud/hudtargetbox.cpp b/code/hud/hudtargetbox.cpp
index 7201fa6ec0d..6971ffa1f94 100644
--- a/code/hud/hudtargetbox.cpp
+++ b/code/hud/hudtargetbox.cpp
@@ -380,7 +380,7 @@ void HudGaugeTargetBox::initFlashTimer(int index)
 	flash_flags &= ~(1<<index);
 }
 
-void HudGaugeTargetBox::render(float frametime)
+void HudGaugeTargetBox::render(float frametime, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	object	*target_objp;
 
@@ -1261,7 +1261,7 @@ void HudGaugeTargetBox::renderTargetAsteroid(object *target_objp)
 	
 
 	if ( time_to_impact >= 0.0f ) {
-		renderPrintf(position[0] + Class_offsets[0], position[1] + Class_offsets[1], EG_TBOX_CLASS, XSTR("impact: %.1f sec", 1596), time_to_impact);	
+		renderPrintfWithGauge(position[0] + Class_offsets[0], position[1] + Class_offsets[1], EG_TBOX_CLASS, 1.0f, false, XSTR("impact: %.1f sec", 1596), time_to_impact);	
 	}
 }
 
@@ -1341,7 +1341,7 @@ void HudGaugeTargetBox::renderTargetJumpNode(object *target_objp)
 		hud_num_make_mono(outstr, font_num);
 		gr_get_string_size(&w,&h,outstr);
 	
-		renderPrintf(position[0] + Dist_offsets[0]+hx, position[1] + Dist_offsets[1]+hy, EG_TBOX_DIST, "%s", outstr);
+		renderPrintfWithGauge(position[0] + Dist_offsets[0]+hx, position[1] + Dist_offsets[1]+hy, EG_TBOX_DIST, 1.0f, false, "%s", outstr);
 	}
 }
 
@@ -1495,7 +1495,7 @@ void HudGaugeExtraTargetData::pageIn()
 /**
  * @note Formerly hud_targetbox_show_extra_ship_info(target_shipp, target_objp) (Swifty)
  */
-void HudGaugeExtraTargetData::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeExtraTargetData::render(float  /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	char tmpbuf[256];
 	int has_orders = 0;
@@ -1713,7 +1713,7 @@ void HudGaugeTargetBox::renderTargetShipInfo(object *target_objp)
 		maybeFlashElement(TBOX_FLASH_HULL);
 	}
 
-	renderPrintf(position[0] + Hull_offsets[0]-w, position[1] + Hull_offsets[1], EG_TBOX_HULL, "%s", outstr);	
+	renderPrintfWithGauge(position[0] + Hull_offsets[0]-w, position[1] + Hull_offsets[1], EG_TBOX_HULL, 1.0f, false, "%s", outstr);	
 	setGaugeColor();
 
 	// print out the targeted sub-system and % integrity
@@ -1761,13 +1761,13 @@ void HudGaugeTargetBox::renderTargetShipInfo(object *target_objp)
 		if (n_linebreaks) {
 			p_line = strtok(outstr,linebreak);
 			while (p_line != NULL) {
-				renderPrintf(subsys_name_pos_x, subsys_name_pos_y-h-((h+1)*n_linebreaks), "%s", p_line);
+				renderPrintf(subsys_name_pos_x, subsys_name_pos_y-h-((h+1)*n_linebreaks), 1.0f, false, "%s", p_line);
 				p_line = strtok(NULL,linebreak);
 				n_linebreaks--;
 			}
 		} else {
 			hud_targetbox_truncate_subsys_name(outstr);
-			renderPrintf(subsys_name_pos_x, subsys_name_pos_y-h, "%s", outstr);
+			renderPrintf(subsys_name_pos_x, subsys_name_pos_y-h, 1.0f, false, "%s", outstr);
 		}
 
 		int subsys_integrity_pos_x;
@@ -1789,7 +1789,7 @@ void HudGaugeTargetBox::renderTargetShipInfo(object *target_objp)
 		{
 			sprintf(outstr,XSTR( "%d%%", 341),screen_integrity);
 			gr_get_string_size(&w,&h,outstr);
-			renderPrintf(subsys_integrity_pos_x - w, subsys_integrity_pos_y - h, "%s", outstr);
+			renderPrintf(subsys_integrity_pos_x - w, subsys_integrity_pos_y - h, 1.0f, false, "%s", outstr);
 		}
 
 		setGaugeColor();
@@ -1815,7 +1815,7 @@ void HudGaugeTargetBox::renderTargetShipInfo(object *target_objp)
 			disabled_status_pos_y = position[1] + Viewport_offsets[1] + Viewport_h - 2*h;
 		}
 
-		renderPrintf(disabled_status_pos_x, disabled_status_pos_y, "%s", outstr);
+		renderPrintf(disabled_status_pos_x, disabled_status_pos_y, 1.0f, false, "%s", outstr);
 	}
 }
 
diff --git a/code/hud/hudtargetbox.h b/code/hud/hudtargetbox.h
index c41da77f854..065e7e15802 100644
--- a/code/hud/hudtargetbox.h
+++ b/code/hud/hudtargetbox.h
@@ -122,8 +122,8 @@ class HudGaugeTargetBox: public HudGauge // HUD_TARGET_MONITOR
 
 	void initialize() override;
 	void pageIn() override;
-	void render(float frametime) override;
 	void renderTargetShip(object *target_objp);
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void renderTargetWeapon(object *target_objp);
 	void renderTargetDebris(object *target_objp);
 	void renderTargetAsteroid(object *target_objp);
@@ -161,7 +161,7 @@ class HudGaugeExtraTargetData: public HudGauge // HUD_TARGET_MONITOR_EXTRA_DATA
 	void initTimeOffsets(int x, int y);
 	void initOrderOffsets(int x, int y);
 	void initOrderMaxWidth(int width);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void initialize() override;
 	void initDockFlashTimer();
 	void startFlashDock(int duration=TBOX_FLASH_DURATION);
diff --git a/code/hud/hudwingmanstatus.cpp b/code/hud/hudwingmanstatus.cpp
index 12feae1d803..abbcba18ce6 100644
--- a/code/hud/hudwingmanstatus.cpp
+++ b/code/hud/hudwingmanstatus.cpp
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@
 
 #include "globalincs/alphacolors.h"
 #include "globalincs/linklist.h"
+#include "hud/hudconfig.h"
 #include "hud/hudtargetbox.h"
 #include "hud/hudwingmanstatus.h"
 #include "iff_defs/iff_defs.h"
@@ -554,7 +555,7 @@ int hud_wingman_status_wingmen_exist(int num_wings_to_draw)
 	return 0;
 }
 
-void HudGaugeWingmanStatus::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeWingmanStatus::render(float  /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	int i, count, num_wings_to_draw = 0;
 
diff --git a/code/hud/hudwingmanstatus.h b/code/hud/hudwingmanstatus.h
index 9f301be34cf..c814cccd0dc 100644
--- a/code/hud/hudwingmanstatus.h
+++ b/code/hud/hudwingmanstatus.h
@@ -81,9 +81,9 @@ class HudGaugeWingmanStatus: public HudGauge
 	void initUseExpandedColors(bool useexpandedcolors);
 	void pageIn() override;
 	void initialize() override;
-	void render(float frametime) override;
 	void renderBackground(int num_wings_to_draw);
 	void renderDots(int wing_index, int screen_index, int num_wings_to_draw);
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void initFlash();
 	bool maybeFlashStatus(int wing_index, int wing_pos);
 };
diff --git a/code/mission/missiontraining.cpp b/code/mission/missiontraining.cpp
index adf5594f510..5bda669bed0 100644
--- a/code/mission/missiontraining.cpp
+++ b/code/mission/missiontraining.cpp
@@ -235,7 +235,7 @@ void HudGaugeDirectives::pageIn()
 	bm_page_in_aabitmap(directives_bottom.first_frame, directives_bottom.num_frames);
 }
 
-void HudGaugeDirectives::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeDirectives::render(float  /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	char buf[256], *second_line;
 	int i, x, y, z, end, offset, bx, by;
@@ -262,7 +262,7 @@ void HudGaugeDirectives::render(float  /*frametime*/)
 		renderBitmap(directives_top.first_frame, position[0], position[1]);
 
 	// print out title
-	renderPrintf(position[0] + header_offsets[0], position[1] + header_offsets[1], EG_OBJ_TITLE, "%s", XSTR( "directives", 422));
+	renderPrintfWithGauge(position[0] + header_offsets[0], position[1] + header_offsets[1], EG_OBJ_TITLE, 1.0f, false, "%s", XSTR( "directives", 422));
 
 	bx = position[0];
 	by = position[1] + middle_frame_offset_y;
@@ -1093,7 +1093,7 @@ void HudGaugeTrainingMessages::pageIn()
 /**
  * Displays (renders) the training message to the screen
  */
-void HudGaugeTrainingMessages::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeTrainingMessages::render(float /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	const char *str;
 	char buf[256];
@@ -1142,7 +1142,7 @@ void HudGaugeTrainingMessages::render(float  /*frametime*/)
 		while ((str - Training_lines[i]) < Training_line_lengths[i]) {  // loop through each character of each line
 			if ((count < MAX_TRAINING_MESSAGE_MODS) && (static_cast<size_t>(str - Training_lines[i]) == Training_message_mods[count].pos)) {
 				buf[z] = 0;
-				renderPrintf(x, y, "%s", buf);
+				renderPrintf(x, y, 1.0f, false, "%s", buf);
 				gr_get_string_size(&z, NULL, buf);
 				x += z;
 				z = 0;
@@ -1164,7 +1164,7 @@ void HudGaugeTrainingMessages::render(float  /*frametime*/)
 
 		if (z) {
 			buf[z] = 0;
-			renderPrintf(x, y, "%s", buf);
+			renderPrintf(x, y, 1.0f, false, "%s", buf);
 		}
 	}
 }
diff --git a/code/mission/missiontraining.h b/code/mission/missiontraining.h
index 9a662c40b49..6e929bdd0e8 100644
--- a/code/mission/missiontraining.h
+++ b/code/mission/missiontraining.h
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ class HudGaugeDirectives: public HudGauge
 	void initTextHeight(int h);
 	void initMaxLineWidth(int w);
 	void initKeyLineXOffset(int offset);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void pageIn() override;
 	bool canRender() const override;
 };
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ class HudGaugeTrainingMessages: public HudGauge
 protected:
 public:
 	HudGaugeTrainingMessages();
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void pageIn() override;
 	bool canRender() const override;
 };
diff --git a/code/radar/radar.cpp b/code/radar/radar.cpp
index 344260c1230..326085c6459 100644
--- a/code/radar/radar.cpp
+++ b/code/radar/radar.cpp
@@ -279,7 +279,7 @@ void HudGaugeRadarStd::drawContactImage( int x, int y, int rad, int idx, int clr
 	gr_screen.clip_right_unscaled = old_right_unscaled;
 }
 
-void HudGaugeRadarStd::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeRadarStd::render(float  /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	//WMC - This strikes me as a bit hackish
 	bool g3_yourself = !g3_in_frame();
diff --git a/code/radar/radar.h b/code/radar/radar.h
index bafb81cd308..ad2ceec589b 100644
--- a/code/radar/radar.h
+++ b/code/radar/radar.h
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ class HudGaugeRadarStd: public HudGaugeRadar
 	void drawContactCircle( int x, int y, int rad );
 	void drawContactImage( int x, int y, int rad, int idx, int clr_idx, int size );
 	void drawCrosshairs(int x, int y);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void pageIn() override;
 	void plotBlip(blip *b, int *x, int *y);
 	void plotObject( object *objp );
diff --git a/code/radar/radardradis.cpp b/code/radar/radardradis.cpp
index 18a6964e5bc..b48962fdd18 100644
--- a/code/radar/radardradis.cpp
+++ b/code/radar/radardradis.cpp
@@ -452,7 +452,7 @@ void HudGaugeRadarDradis::drawBlipsSorted(int distort)
 }
 
 
-void HudGaugeRadarDradis::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeRadarDradis::render(float  /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	float sensors_str;
 	int   ok_to_blit_radar;
diff --git a/code/radar/radardradis.h b/code/radar/radardradis.h
index 113e4fe8ab4..8924366955c 100644
--- a/code/radar/radardradis.h
+++ b/code/radar/radardradis.h
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@
 
 #include "globalincs/pstypes.h"
 #include "radar/radarsetup.h"
+#include "gamesnd/gamesnd.h"
 
 class object;
 struct blip;
@@ -79,7 +80,7 @@ class HudGaugeRadarDradis: public HudGaugeRadar
 	void doneDrawingHtl();
 	void drawOutlinesHtl();
 	void setupViewHtl();
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void pageIn() override;
 	void plotBlip(blip* b, vec3d *pos, float *alpha);
 
diff --git a/code/radar/radarorb.cpp b/code/radar/radarorb.cpp
index ec708ad6b94..c2afbc1234a 100644
--- a/code/radar/radarorb.cpp
+++ b/code/radar/radarorb.cpp
@@ -380,7 +380,7 @@ void HudGaugeRadarOrb::drawOutlinesHtl()
     g3_done_instance(true);
 }
 
-void HudGaugeRadarOrb::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeRadarOrb::render(float  /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 	float	sensors_str;
 	int ok_to_blit_radar;
diff --git a/code/radar/radarorb.h b/code/radar/radarorb.h
index 0e88b745b01..b34593803d8 100644
--- a/code/radar/radarorb.h
+++ b/code/radar/radarorb.h
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ class HudGaugeRadarOrb: public HudGaugeRadar
 	void drawOutlinesHtl();
 	void setupViewHtl();
 	int calcAlpha(vec3d* pt);
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void pageIn() override;
 	void plotBlip(blip *b, vec3d *scaled_pos);
 };
diff --git a/code/radar/radarsetup.cpp b/code/radar/radarsetup.cpp
index bdc7f58fa89..fd122317105 100644
--- a/code/radar/radarsetup.cpp
+++ b/code/radar/radarsetup.cpp
@@ -437,7 +437,7 @@ void HudGaugeRadar::initDistanceInfinityOffsets(int x, int y)
 	Radar_dist_offsets[RR_INFINITY][1] = y;
 }
 
-void HudGaugeRadar::render(float  /*frametime*/)
+void HudGaugeRadar::render(float  /*frametime*/, bool /*config*/)
 {
 }
 
@@ -471,19 +471,19 @@ void HudGaugeRadar::drawRange()
 	switch ( HUD_config.rp_dist ) {
 
 	case RR_SHORT:
-		renderPrintf(position[0] + Radar_dist_offsets[RR_SHORT][0], position[1] + Radar_dist_offsets[RR_SHORT][1], "%s", XSTR( "2k", 467));
+		renderPrintf(position[0] + Radar_dist_offsets[RR_SHORT][0], position[1] + Radar_dist_offsets[RR_SHORT][1], 1.0f, false, "%s", XSTR( "2k", 467));
 		break;
 
 	case RR_LONG:
-		renderPrintf(position[0] + Radar_dist_offsets[RR_LONG][0], position[1] + Radar_dist_offsets[RR_LONG][1], "%s", XSTR( "10k", 468));
+		renderPrintf(position[0] + Radar_dist_offsets[RR_LONG][0], position[1] + Radar_dist_offsets[RR_LONG][1], 1.0f, false, "%s", XSTR( "10k", 468));
 		break;
 
 	case RR_INFINITY:
 		if (Unicode_text_mode) {
 			// This escape sequence is the UTF-8 encoding of the infinity symbol. We can't use u8 yet since VS2013 doesn't support it
-			renderPrintf(position[0] + Radar_dist_offsets[RR_INFINITY][0], position[1] + Radar_dist_offsets[RR_INFINITY][1], "\xE2\x88\x9E");
+			renderPrintf(position[0] + Radar_dist_offsets[RR_INFINITY][0], position[1] + Radar_dist_offsets[RR_INFINITY][1], 1.0f, false, "\xE2\x88\x9E");
 		} else {
-			renderPrintf(position[0] + Radar_dist_offsets[RR_INFINITY][0], position[1] + Radar_dist_offsets[RR_INFINITY][1], "%c", Radar_infinity_icon);
+			renderPrintf(position[0] + Radar_dist_offsets[RR_INFINITY][0], position[1] + Radar_dist_offsets[RR_INFINITY][1], 1.0f, false, "%c", Radar_infinity_icon);
 		}
 		break;
 
diff --git a/code/radar/radarsetup.h b/code/radar/radarsetup.h
index 542527be024..a1b7a639e74 100644
--- a/code/radar/radarsetup.h
+++ b/code/radar/radarsetup.h
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ class HudGaugeRadar: public HudGauge
 	void initInfinityIcon();
 
 	void drawRange();
-	void render(float frametime) override;
+	void render(float frametime, bool config = false) override;
 	void initialize() override;
 	void pageIn() override;
 };
diff --git a/code/weapon/emp.cpp b/code/weapon/emp.cpp
index c9831e15af0..4c72b35b3ee 100644
--- a/code/weapon/emp.cpp
+++ b/code/weapon/emp.cpp
@@ -487,7 +487,7 @@ int emp_should_blit_gauge()
 }
 
 // emp hud string
-void emp_hud_string(int x, int y, int gauge_id, const char *str, int resize_mode)
+void emp_hud_string(int x, int y, int gauge_id, const char *str, int resize_mode, float scale)
 {
 	char tmp[256] = "";
 
@@ -507,7 +507,7 @@ void emp_hud_string(int x, int y, int gauge_id, const char *str, int resize_mode
 	}
 
 	// print the string out
-	gr_string(x, y, tmp, resize_mode);
+	gr_string(x, y, tmp, resize_mode, scale);
 }
 
 // maybe reformat a string 
diff --git a/code/weapon/emp.h b/code/weapon/emp.h
index e66b0ae0e54..71c48d44d0d 100644
--- a/code/weapon/emp.h
+++ b/code/weapon/emp.h
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ void emp_process_local();
 int emp_should_blit_gauge();
 
 // emp hud string
-void emp_hud_string(int x, int y, int gauge_id, const char *str, int resize_mode);
+void emp_hud_string(int x, int y, int gauge_id, const char *str, int resize_mode, float scale = 1.0f);
 
 // throw some jitter into HUD x and y coords
 void emp_hud_jitter(int *x, int *y);