diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree.lua b/lua/nvim-tree.lua
index aa48597d2c2..06f8ab74afc 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree.lua
@@ -1,15 +1,10 @@
 local lib = require "nvim-tree.lib"
 local log = require "nvim-tree.log"
 local appearance = require "nvim-tree.appearance"
-local renderer = require "nvim-tree.renderer"
 local view = require "nvim-tree.view"
-local commands = require "nvim-tree.commands"
 local utils = require "nvim-tree.utils"
 local actions = require "nvim-tree.actions"
-local legacy = require "nvim-tree.legacy"
 local core = require "nvim-tree.core"
-local git = require "nvim-tree.git"
-local buffers = require "nvim-tree.buffers"
 local notify = require "nvim-tree.notify"
 
 local _config = {}
@@ -97,7 +92,11 @@ function M.tab_enter()
       end
     end
     view.open { focus_tree = false }
-    renderer.draw()
+
+    local explorer = core.get_explorer()
+    if explorer then
+      explorer.renderer:draw()
+    end
   end
 end
 
@@ -179,7 +178,11 @@ local function setup_autocommands(opts)
     callback = function()
       appearance.setup()
       view.reset_winhl()
-      renderer.draw()
+
+      local explorer = core.get_explorer()
+      if explorer then
+        explorer.renderer:draw()
+      end
     end,
   })
 
@@ -217,7 +220,7 @@ local function setup_autocommands(opts)
         return
       end
       if
-        (explorer.filters.config.filter_no_buffer or renderer.config.highlight_opened_files ~= "none") and vim.bo[data.buf].buftype == ""
+        (explorer.filters.config.filter_no_buffer or explorer.opts.highlight_opened_files ~= "none") and vim.bo[data.buf].buftype == ""
       then
         utils.debounce("Buf:filter_buffer", opts.view.debounce_delay, function()
           explorer:reload_explorer()
@@ -234,7 +237,7 @@ local function setup_autocommands(opts)
         return
       end
       if
-        (explorer.filters.config.filter_no_buffer or renderer.config.highlight_opened_files ~= "none") and vim.bo[data.buf].buftype == ""
+        (explorer.filters.config.filter_no_buffer or explorer.opts.highlight_opened_files ~= "none") and vim.bo[data.buf].buftype == ""
       then
         utils.debounce("Buf:filter_buffer", opts.view.debounce_delay, function()
           explorer:reload_explorer()
@@ -351,7 +354,7 @@ local function setup_autocommands(opts)
     create_nvim_tree_autocmd({ "BufModifiedSet", "BufWritePost" }, {
       callback = function()
         utils.debounce("Buf:modified", opts.view.debounce_delay, function()
-          buffers.reload_modified()
+          require("nvim-tree.buffers").reload_modified()
           local explorer = core.get_explorer()
           if explorer then
             explorer:reload_explorer()
@@ -801,7 +804,7 @@ function M.purge_all_state()
   view.close_all_tabs()
   view.abandon_all_windows()
   if core.get_explorer() ~= nil then
-    git.purge_state()
+    require("nvim-tree.git").purge_state()
     core.reset_explorer()
   end
 end
@@ -817,7 +820,7 @@ function M.setup(conf)
 
   localise_default_opts()
 
-  legacy.migrate_legacy_options(conf or {})
+  require("nvim-tree.legacy").migrate_legacy_options(conf or {})
 
   validate_options(conf)
 
@@ -851,7 +854,7 @@ function M.setup(conf)
   require("nvim-tree.git.utils").setup(opts)
   require("nvim-tree.view").setup(opts)
   require("nvim-tree.lib").setup(opts)
-  require("nvim-tree.renderer").setup(opts)
+  require("nvim-tree.renderer.components").setup(opts)
   require("nvim-tree.buffers").setup(opts)
   require("nvim-tree.help").setup(opts)
   require("nvim-tree.watcher").setup(opts)
@@ -863,7 +866,7 @@ function M.setup(conf)
 
   if vim.g.NvimTreeSetup ~= 1 then
     -- first call to setup
-    commands.setup()
+    require("nvim-tree.commands").setup()
   else
     -- subsequent calls to setup
     M.purge_all_state()
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/finders/find-file.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/finders/find-file.lua
index fcfd24941ff..7798de4b05b 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/finders/find-file.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/finders/find-file.lua
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 local log = require "nvim-tree.log"
 local view = require "nvim-tree.view"
 local utils = require "nvim-tree.utils"
-local renderer = require "nvim-tree.renderer"
 local core = require "nvim-tree.core"
 local Iterator = require "nvim-tree.iterators.node-iterator"
 
@@ -76,7 +75,7 @@ function M.fn(path)
     :iterate()
 
   if found and view.is_visible() then
-    renderer.draw()
+    explorer.renderer:draw()
     view.set_cursor { line, 0 }
   end
 
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/fs/clipboard.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/fs/clipboard.lua
index fccb7c1159c..8ee7554a3f2 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/fs/clipboard.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/fs/clipboard.lua
@@ -4,7 +4,6 @@ local utils = require "nvim-tree.utils"
 local core = require "nvim-tree.core"
 local events = require "nvim-tree.events"
 local notify = require "nvim-tree.notify"
-local renderer = require "nvim-tree.renderer"
 
 local find_file = require("nvim-tree.actions.finders.find-file").fn
 
@@ -193,7 +192,7 @@ function Clipboard:clear_clipboard()
   self.data[ACTION.copy] = {}
   self.data[ACTION.cut] = {}
   notify.info "Clipboard has been emptied."
-  renderer.draw()
+  self.explorer.renderer:draw()
 end
 
 ---Copy one node
@@ -201,7 +200,7 @@ end
 function Clipboard:copy(node)
   utils.array_remove(self.data[ACTION.cut], node)
   toggle(node, self.data[ACTION.copy])
-  renderer.draw()
+  self.explorer.renderer:draw()
 end
 
 ---Cut one node
@@ -209,7 +208,7 @@ end
 function Clipboard:cut(node)
   utils.array_remove(self.data[ACTION.copy], node)
   toggle(node, self.data[ACTION.cut])
-  renderer.draw()
+  self.explorer.renderer:draw()
 end
 
 ---Paste cut or cop
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/moves/parent.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/moves/parent.lua
index 598483eb120..c9367763dfe 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/moves/parent.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/moves/parent.lua
@@ -1,4 +1,3 @@
-local renderer = require "nvim-tree.renderer"
 local view = require "nvim-tree.view"
 local utils = require "nvim-tree.utils"
 local core = require "nvim-tree.core"
@@ -11,11 +10,16 @@ local M = {}
 function M.fn(should_close)
   should_close = should_close or false
 
+  local explorer = core.get_explorer()
+
   return function(node)
     node = lib.get_last_group_node(node)
     if should_close and node.open then
       node.open = false
-      return renderer.draw()
+      if explorer then
+        explorer.renderer:draw()
+      end
+      return
     end
 
     local parent = utils.get_parent_of_group(node).parent
@@ -31,7 +35,9 @@ function M.fn(should_close)
     view.set_cursor { line + 1, 0 }
     if should_close then
       parent.open = false
-      renderer.draw()
+      if explorer then
+        explorer.renderer:draw()
+      end
     end
   end
 end
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/root/change-dir.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/root/change-dir.lua
index 954b2081ccf..8ba5763d151 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/root/change-dir.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/root/change-dir.lua
@@ -91,7 +91,10 @@ M.force_dirchange = add_profiling_to(function(foldername, should_open_view)
   if should_open_view then
     require("nvim-tree.lib").open()
   else
-    require("nvim-tree.renderer").draw()
+    local explorer = core.get_explorer()
+    if explorer then
+      explorer.renderer:draw()
+    end
   end
 end)
 
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/tree/modifiers/collapse-all.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/tree/modifiers/collapse-all.lua
index c6add436f1e..e15f185ab69 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/tree/modifiers/collapse-all.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/tree/modifiers/collapse-all.lua
@@ -1,4 +1,3 @@
-local renderer = require "nvim-tree.renderer"
 local utils = require "nvim-tree.utils"
 local core = require "nvim-tree.core"
 local lib = require "nvim-tree.lib"
@@ -46,7 +45,7 @@ function M.fn(keep_buffers)
     end)
     :iterate()
 
-  renderer.draw()
+  explorer.renderer:draw()
   utils.focus_node_or_parent(node)
 end
 
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/tree/modifiers/expand-all.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/tree/modifiers/expand-all.lua
index 6af62e6ae49..22fe97cea97 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/tree/modifiers/expand-all.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/tree/modifiers/expand-all.lua
@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
 local core = require "nvim-tree.core"
-local renderer = require "nvim-tree.renderer"
 local Iterator = require "nvim-tree.iterators.node-iterator"
 local notify = require "nvim-tree.notify"
 local lib = require "nvim-tree.lib"
@@ -65,11 +64,14 @@ end
 
 ---@param base_node table
 function M.fn(base_node)
-  local node = base_node.nodes and base_node or core.get_explorer()
+  local explorer = core.get_explorer()
+  local node = base_node.nodes and base_node or explorer
   if gen_iterator()(node) then
     notify.warn("expansion iteration was halted after " .. M.MAX_FOLDER_DISCOVERY .. " discovered folders")
   end
-  renderer.draw()
+  if explorer then
+    explorer.renderer:draw()
+  end
 end
 
 function M.setup(opts)
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/core.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/core.lua
index a255233dab3..186a8b17d77 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/core.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/core.lua
@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
 local events = require "nvim-tree.events"
-local explorer = require "nvim-tree.explorer"
 local view = require "nvim-tree.view"
 local log = require "nvim-tree.log"
 
@@ -16,7 +15,7 @@ function M.init(foldername)
   if TreeExplorer then
     TreeExplorer:destroy()
   end
-  TreeExplorer = explorer:new(foldername)
+  TreeExplorer = require("nvim-tree.explorer"):new(foldername)
   if not first_init_done then
     events._dispatch_ready()
     first_init_done = true
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/diagnostics.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/diagnostics.lua
index 7cfc585122c..4fa314d67ac 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/diagnostics.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/diagnostics.lua
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+local core = require "nvim-tree.core"
 local utils = require "nvim-tree.utils"
 local view = require "nvim-tree.view"
 local log = require "nvim-tree.log"
@@ -165,7 +166,10 @@ function M.update()
     end
     log.profile_end(profile)
     if view.is_buf_valid(view.get_bufnr()) then
-      require("nvim-tree.renderer").draw()
+      local explorer = core.get_explorer()
+      if explorer then
+        explorer.renderer:draw()
+      end
     end
   end)
 end
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/init.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/init.lua
index 1b6b6d12b3a..0d44217b11e 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/init.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/init.lua
@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@ local builders = require "nvim-tree.explorer.node-builders"
 local git = require "nvim-tree.git"
 local log = require "nvim-tree.log"
 local notify = require "nvim-tree.notify"
-local renderer = {} -- circular dependency, will become a member
 local utils = require "nvim-tree.utils"
 local view = require "nvim-tree.view"
 local watch = require "nvim-tree.explorer.watch"
@@ -13,19 +12,23 @@ local NodeIterator = require "nvim-tree.iterators.node-iterator"
 local Watcher = require "nvim-tree.watcher"
 
 local Filters = require "nvim-tree.explorer.filters"
-local Marks = {} -- circular dependencies
+local Marks = require "nvim-tree.marks"
 local LiveFilter = require "nvim-tree.explorer.live-filter"
 local Sorters = require "nvim-tree.explorer.sorters"
-local Clipboard = {} -- circular dependencies
+local Clipboard = require "nvim-tree.actions.fs.clipboard"
+local Renderer = require "nvim-tree.renderer"
 
 local FILTER_REASON = require("nvim-tree.enum").FILTER_REASON
 
 local config
 
 ---@class Explorer
+---@field opts table user options
 ---@field absolute_path string
 ---@field nodes Node[]
 ---@field open boolean
+---@field watcher Watcher|nil
+---@field renderer Renderer
 ---@field filters Filters
 ---@field live_filter LiveFilter
 ---@field sorters Sorter
@@ -48,17 +51,19 @@ function Explorer:new(path)
     return
   end
 
-  ---@class Explorer
-  local o = setmetatable({
+  local o = {
+    opts = config,
     absolute_path = path,
     nodes = {},
     open = true,
     sorters = Sorters:new(config),
-  }, Explorer)
+  }
+
   setmetatable(o, self)
   self.__index = self
 
   o.watcher = watch.create_watcher(o)
+  o.renderer = Renderer:new(config, o)
   o.filters = Filters:new(config, o)
   o.live_filter = LiveFilter:new(config, o)
   o.marks = Marks:new(config, o)
@@ -454,7 +459,7 @@ function Explorer:reload_explorer()
   local projects = git.reload()
   self:refresh_nodes(projects)
   if view.is_visible() then
-    renderer.draw()
+    self.renderer:draw()
   end
   event_running = false
 end
@@ -467,7 +472,7 @@ function Explorer:reload_git()
 
   local projects = git.reload()
   explorer_node.reload_node_status(self, projects)
-  renderer.draw()
+  self.renderer:draw()
   event_running = false
 end
 
@@ -475,11 +480,6 @@ function Explorer.setup(opts)
   config = opts
   require("nvim-tree.explorer.node").setup(opts)
   require("nvim-tree.explorer.watch").setup(opts)
-
-  renderer = require "nvim-tree.renderer"
-
-  Marks = require "nvim-tree.marks"
-  Clipboard = require "nvim-tree.actions.fs.clipboard"
 end
 
 return Explorer
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/live-filter.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/live-filter.lua
index ed9dd6c44ce..be2848969cc 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/live-filter.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/live-filter.lua
@@ -23,10 +23,6 @@ function LiveFilter:new(opts, explorer)
   return o
 end
 
-local function redraw()
-  require("nvim-tree.renderer").draw()
-end
-
 ---@param node_ Node|nil
 local function reset_filter(self, node_)
   node_ = node_ or self.explorer
@@ -129,7 +125,7 @@ local function record_char(self)
   vim.schedule(function()
     self.filter = vim.api.nvim_buf_get_lines(overlay_bufnr, 0, -1, false)[1]
     self:apply_filter()
-    redraw()
+    self.explorer.renderer:draw()
   end)
 end
 
@@ -199,7 +195,7 @@ function LiveFilter:start_filtering()
   view.View.live_filter.prev_focused_node = require("nvim-tree.lib").get_node_at_cursor()
   self.filter = self.filter or ""
 
-  redraw()
+  self.explorer.renderer:draw()
   local row = require("nvim-tree.core").get_nodes_starting_line() - 1
   local col = #self.prefix > 0 and #self.prefix - 1 or 1
   view.set_cursor { row, col }
@@ -215,7 +211,7 @@ function LiveFilter:clear_filter()
 
   self.filter = nil
   reset_filter(self)
-  redraw()
+  self.explorer.renderer:draw()
 
   if node then
     utils.focus_file(node.absolute_path)
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/watch.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/watch.lua
index 90ccedb20de..ad7b9254f73 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/watch.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/watch.lua
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ function M.create_watcher(node)
       local explorer = require("nvim-tree.core").get_explorer()
       if explorer then
         explorer:refresh_node(node, function()
-          require("nvim-tree.renderer").draw()
+          explorer.renderer:draw()
         end)
       end
     end)
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/git/init.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/git/init.lua
index 6c1dbc1b3a5..4889c12766f 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/git/init.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/git/init.lua
@@ -216,7 +216,10 @@ local function reload_tree_at(toplevel)
       end)
       :iterate()
 
-    require("nvim-tree.renderer").draw()
+    local explorer = require("nvim-tree.core").get_explorer()
+    if explorer then
+      explorer.renderer:draw()
+    end
   end)
 end
 
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/lib.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/lib.lua
index 6efb42e4156..83c0b61268e 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/lib.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/lib.lua
@@ -1,4 +1,3 @@
-local renderer = require "nvim-tree.renderer"
 local view = require "nvim-tree.view"
 local core = require "nvim-tree.core"
 local utils = require "nvim-tree.utils"
@@ -150,13 +149,15 @@ end
 
 ---@param node Node
 function M.expand_or_collapse(node, toggle_group)
+  local explorer = core.get_explorer()
+
   toggle_group = toggle_group or false
   if node.has_children then
     node.has_children = false
   end
 
-  if #node.nodes == 0 then
-    core.get_explorer():expand(node)
+  if #node.nodes == 0 and explorer then
+    explorer:expand(node)
   end
 
   local head_node = utils.get_parent_of_group(node)
@@ -175,7 +176,9 @@ function M.expand_or_collapse(node, toggle_group)
     n.open = next_open
   end
 
-  renderer.draw()
+  if explorer then
+    explorer.renderer:draw()
+  end
 end
 
 function M.set_target_win()
@@ -200,7 +203,11 @@ local function open_view_and_draw()
   local cwd = vim.fn.getcwd()
   view.open()
   handle_buf_cwd(cwd)
-  renderer.draw()
+
+  local explorer = core.get_explorer()
+  if explorer then
+    explorer.renderer:draw()
+  end
 end
 
 local function should_hijack_current_buf()
@@ -256,6 +263,8 @@ end
 function M.open(opts)
   opts = opts or {}
 
+  local explorer = core.get_explorer()
+
   M.set_target_win()
   if not core.get_explorer() or opts.path then
     if opts.path then
@@ -272,13 +281,19 @@ function M.open(opts)
   if should_hijack_current_buf() then
     view.close_this_tab_only()
     view.open_in_win()
-    renderer.draw()
+    if explorer then
+      explorer.renderer:draw()
+    end
   elseif opts.winid then
     view.open_in_win { hijack_current_buf = false, resize = false, winid = opts.winid }
-    renderer.draw()
+    if explorer then
+      explorer.renderer:draw()
+    end
   elseif opts.current_window then
     view.open_in_win { hijack_current_buf = false, resize = false }
-    renderer.draw()
+    if explorer then
+      explorer.renderer:draw()
+    end
   else
     open_view_and_draw()
   end
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/marks/init.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/marks/init.lua
index 85d87fdc2b2..32670e162f8 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/marks/init.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/marks/init.lua
@@ -5,7 +5,6 @@ local notify = require "nvim-tree.notify"
 local open_file = require "nvim-tree.actions.node.open-file"
 local remove_file = require "nvim-tree.actions.fs.remove-file"
 local rename_file = require "nvim-tree.actions.fs.rename-file"
-local renderer = require "nvim-tree.renderer"
 local trash = require "nvim-tree.actions.fs.trash"
 local utils = require "nvim-tree.utils"
 
@@ -46,7 +45,7 @@ end
 ---@public
 function Marks:clear()
   self.marks = {}
-  renderer.draw()
+  self.explorer.renderer:draw()
 end
 
 ---@public
@@ -62,7 +61,7 @@ function Marks:toggle(node)
     self.marks[node.absolute_path] = node
   end
 
-  renderer.draw()
+  self.explorer.renderer:draw()
 end
 
 ---Return node if marked
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/builder.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/builder.lua
index 23bef62ac8f..2cccec8d033 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/builder.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/builder.lua
@@ -1,4 +1,3 @@
-local core = require "nvim-tree.core"
 local notify = require "nvim-tree.notify"
 local utils = require "nvim-tree.utils"
 local view = require "nvim-tree.view"
@@ -15,46 +14,49 @@ local DecoratorOpened = require "nvim-tree.renderer.decorator.opened"
 local pad = require "nvim-tree.renderer.components.padding"
 local icons = require "nvim-tree.renderer.components.icons"
 
-local M = {
-  opts = {},
-  decorators = {},
-  picture_map = {
-    jpg = true,
-    jpeg = true,
-    png = true,
-    gif = true,
-    webp = true,
-    jxl = true,
-  },
+local PICTURE_MAP = {
+  jpg = true,
+  jpeg = true,
+  png = true,
+  gif = true,
+  webp = true,
+  jxl = true,
 }
 
----@class HighlightedString
+---@class (exact) HighlightedString
 ---@field str string
 ---@field hl string[]
 
----@class AddHighlightArgs
+---@class (exact) AddHighlightArgs
 ---@field group string[]
 ---@field line number
 ---@field col_start number
 ---@field col_end number
 
----@class Builder
+---@class (exact) Builder
+---@field private __index? table
 ---@field lines string[] includes icons etc.
 ---@field hl_args AddHighlightArgs[] line highlights
 ---@field signs string[] line signs
 ---@field extmarks table[] extra marks for right icon placement
 ---@field virtual_lines table[] virtual lines for hidden count display
----@field private root_cwd string absolute path
+---@field private explorer Explorer
 ---@field private index number
 ---@field private depth number
 ---@field private combined_groups table<string, boolean> combined group names
 ---@field private markers boolean[] indent markers
+---@field private decorators Decorator[]
+---@field private hidden_display fun(node: Node): string|nil
 local Builder = {}
 
+---@param opts table user options
+---@param explorer Explorer
 ---@return Builder
-function Builder:new()
+function Builder:new(opts, explorer)
+  ---@type Builder
   local o = {
-    root_cwd = core.get_cwd(),
+    opts = opts,
+    explorer = explorer,
     index = 0,
     depth = 0,
     hl_args = {},
@@ -64,7 +66,20 @@ function Builder:new()
     signs = {},
     extmarks = {},
     virtual_lines = {},
+    decorators = {
+      -- priority order
+      DecoratorCut:new(opts, explorer),
+      DecoratorCopied:new(opts, explorer),
+      DecoratorDiagnostics:new(opts, explorer),
+      DecoratorBookmarks:new(opts, explorer),
+      DecoratorModified:new(opts, explorer),
+      DecoratorHidden:new(opts, explorer),
+      DecoratorOpened:new(opts, explorer),
+      DecoratorGit:new(opts, explorer),
+    },
+    hidden_display = Builder:setup_hidden_display_function(opts),
   }
+
   setmetatable(o, self)
   self.__index = self
 
@@ -89,8 +104,8 @@ function Builder:get_folder_name(node)
     next = next.group_next
   end
 
-  if node.group_next and type(M.opts.renderer.group_empty) == "function" then
-    local new_name = M.opts.renderer.group_empty(name)
+  if node.group_next and type(self.opts.renderer.group_empty) == "function" then
+    local new_name = self.opts.renderer.group_empty(name)
     if type(new_name) == "string" then
       name = new_name
     else
@@ -98,7 +113,7 @@ function Builder:get_folder_name(node)
     end
   end
 
-  return string.format("%s%s", name, M.opts.renderer.add_trailing and "/" or "")
+  return string.format("%s%s", name, self.opts.renderer.add_trailing and "/" or "")
 end
 
 ---@private
@@ -139,13 +154,13 @@ function Builder:build_folder(node)
   end
 
   local foldername_hl = "NvimTreeFolderName"
-  if node.link_to and M.opts.renderer.symlink_destination then
+  if node.link_to and self.opts.renderer.symlink_destination then
     local arrow = icons.i.symlink_arrow
-    local link_to = utils.path_relative(node.link_to, self.root_cwd)
+    local link_to = utils.path_relative(node.link_to, self.explorer.absolute_path)
     foldername = string.format("%s%s%s", foldername, arrow, link_to)
     foldername_hl = "NvimTreeSymlinkFolderName"
   elseif
-    vim.tbl_contains(M.opts.renderer.special_files, node.absolute_path) or vim.tbl_contains(M.opts.renderer.special_files, node.name)
+    vim.tbl_contains(self.opts.renderer.special_files, node.absolute_path) or vim.tbl_contains(self.opts.renderer.special_files, node.name)
   then
     foldername_hl = "NvimTreeSpecialFolderName"
   elseif node.open then
@@ -165,8 +180,8 @@ function Builder:build_symlink(node)
   local icon = icons.i.symlink
   local arrow = icons.i.symlink_arrow
   local symlink_formatted = node.name
-  if M.opts.renderer.symlink_destination then
-    local link_to = utils.path_relative(node.link_to, self.root_cwd)
+  if self.opts.renderer.symlink_destination then
+    local link_to = utils.path_relative(node.link_to, self.explorer.absolute_path)
     symlink_formatted = string.format("%s%s%s", symlink_formatted, arrow, link_to)
   end
 
@@ -179,11 +194,13 @@ end
 ---@return HighlightedString name
 function Builder:build_file(node)
   local hl
-  if vim.tbl_contains(M.opts.renderer.special_files, node.absolute_path) or vim.tbl_contains(M.opts.renderer.special_files, node.name) then
+  if
+    vim.tbl_contains(self.opts.renderer.special_files, node.absolute_path) or vim.tbl_contains(self.opts.renderer.special_files, node.name)
+  then
     hl = "NvimTreeSpecialFile"
   elseif node.executable then
     hl = "NvimTreeExecFile"
-  elseif M.picture_map[node.extension] then
+  elseif PICTURE_MAP[node.extension] then
     hl = "NvimTreeImageFile"
   end
 
@@ -206,7 +223,7 @@ function Builder:format_line(indent_markers, arrows, icon, name, node)
     end
     for _, v in ipairs(t2) do
       if added_len > 0 then
-        table.insert(t1, { str = M.opts.renderer.icons.padding })
+        table.insert(t1, { str = self.opts.renderer.icons.padding })
       end
       table.insert(t1, v)
     end
@@ -222,19 +239,19 @@ function Builder:format_line(indent_markers, arrows, icon, name, node)
   local line = { indent_markers, arrows }
   add_to_end(line, { icon })
 
-  for i = #M.decorators, 1, -1 do
-    add_to_end(line, M.decorators[i]:icons_before(node))
+  for i = #self.decorators, 1, -1 do
+    add_to_end(line, self.decorators[i]:icons_before(node))
   end
 
   add_to_end(line, { name })
 
-  for i = #M.decorators, 1, -1 do
-    add_to_end(line, M.decorators[i]:icons_after(node))
+  for i = #self.decorators, 1, -1 do
+    add_to_end(line, self.decorators[i]:icons_after(node))
   end
 
   local rights = {}
-  for i = #M.decorators, 1, -1 do
-    add_to_end(rights, M.decorators[i]:icons_right_align(node))
+  for i = #self.decorators, 1, -1 do
+    add_to_end(rights, self.decorators[i]:icons_right_align(node))
   end
   if #rights > 0 then
     self.extmarks[self.index] = rights
@@ -248,7 +265,7 @@ end
 function Builder:build_signs(node)
   -- first in priority order
   local sign_name
-  for _, d in ipairs(M.decorators) do
+  for _, d in ipairs(self.decorators) do
     sign_name = d:sign_name(node)
     if sign_name then
       self.signs[self.index] = sign_name
@@ -300,8 +317,8 @@ function Builder:add_highlights(node)
   local icon_groups = {}
   local name_groups = {}
   local d, icon, name
-  for i = #M.decorators, 1, -1 do
-    d = M.decorators[i]
+  for i = #self.decorators, 1, -1 do
+    d = self.decorators[i]
     icon, name = d:groups_icon_name(node)
     table.insert(icon_groups, icon)
     table.insert(name_groups, name)
@@ -366,10 +383,10 @@ function Builder:add_hidden_count_string(node, idx, num_children)
   if not node.open then
     return
   end
-  local hidden_count_string = M.opts.renderer.hidden_display(node.hidden_stats)
+  local hidden_count_string = self.hidden_display(node.hidden_stats)
   if hidden_count_string and hidden_count_string ~= "" then
     local indent_markers = pad.get_indent_markers(self.depth, idx or 0, num_children or 0, node, self.markers, 1)
-    local indent_width = M.opts.renderer.indent_width
+    local indent_width = self.opts.renderer.indent_width
 
     local indent_padding = string.rep(" ", indent_width)
     local indent_string = indent_padding .. indent_markers.str
@@ -388,8 +405,7 @@ end
 
 ---@private
 function Builder:get_nodes_number(nodes)
-  local explorer = core.get_explorer()
-  if not explorer or not explorer.live_filter.filter then
+  if not self.explorer.live_filter.filter then
     return #nodes
   end
 
@@ -405,7 +421,7 @@ end
 ---@private
 function Builder:build_lines(node)
   if not node then
-    node = core.get_explorer()
+    node = self.explorer
   end
   local num_children = self:get_nodes_number(node.nodes)
   local idx = 1
@@ -424,30 +440,29 @@ end
 ---@return string
 function Builder:format_root_name(root_label)
   if type(root_label) == "function" then
-    local label = root_label(self.root_cwd)
+    local label = root_label(self.explorer.absolute_path)
     if type(label) == "string" then
       return label
     end
   elseif type(root_label) == "string" then
-    return utils.path_remove_trailing(vim.fn.fnamemodify(self.root_cwd, root_label))
+    return utils.path_remove_trailing(vim.fn.fnamemodify(self.explorer.absolute_path, root_label))
   end
   return "???"
 end
 
 ---@private
 function Builder:build_header()
-  local explorer = core.get_explorer()
-  if view.is_root_folder_visible(core.get_cwd()) then
-    local root_name = self:format_root_name(M.opts.renderer.root_folder_label)
+  if view.is_root_folder_visible(self.explorer.absolute_path) then
+    local root_name = self:format_root_name(self.opts.renderer.root_folder_label)
     table.insert(self.lines, root_name)
     self:insert_highlight({ "NvimTreeRootFolder" }, 0, string.len(root_name))
     self.index = 1
   end
 
-  if explorer and explorer.live_filter.filter then
-    local filter_line = string.format("%s/%s/", M.opts.live_filter.prefix, explorer.live_filter.filter)
+  if self.explorer.live_filter.filter then
+    local filter_line = string.format("%s/%s/", self.opts.live_filter.prefix, self.explorer.live_filter.filter)
     table.insert(self.lines, filter_line)
-    local prefix_length = string.len(M.opts.live_filter.prefix)
+    local prefix_length = string.len(self.opts.live_filter.prefix)
     self:insert_highlight({ "NvimTreeLiveFilterPrefix" }, 0, prefix_length)
     self:insert_highlight({ "NvimTreeLiveFilterValue" }, prefix_length, string.len(filter_line))
     self.index = self.index + 1
@@ -472,26 +487,28 @@ function Builder:build()
   return self
 end
 
+---TODO refactor back to function; this was left here to reduce PR noise
 ---@param opts table
-local setup_hidden_display_function = function(opts)
+---@return fun(node: Node): string|nil
+function Builder:setup_hidden_display_function(opts)
   local hidden_display = opts.renderer.hidden_display
   -- options are already validated, so ´hidden_display´ can ONLY be `string` or `function` if type(hidden_display) == "string" then
   if type(hidden_display) == "string" then
     if hidden_display == "none" then
-      opts.renderer.hidden_display = function()
+      return function()
         return nil
       end
     elseif hidden_display == "simple" then
-      opts.renderer.hidden_display = function(hidden_stats)
+      return function(hidden_stats)
         return utils.default_format_hidden_count(hidden_stats, true)
       end
-    elseif hidden_display == "all" then
-      opts.renderer.hidden_display = function(hidden_stats)
+    else -- "all"
+      return function(hidden_stats)
         return utils.default_format_hidden_count(hidden_stats, false)
       end
     end
-  elseif type(hidden_display) == "function" then
-    local safe_render = function(hidden_stats)
+  else -- "function
+    return function(hidden_stats)
       -- In case of missing field such as live_filter we zero it, otherwise keep field as is
       hidden_stats = vim.tbl_deep_extend("force", {
         live_filter = 0,
@@ -509,26 +526,7 @@ local setup_hidden_display_function = function(opts)
       end
       return result
     end
-
-    opts.renderer.hidden_display = safe_render
   end
 end
 
-function Builder.setup(opts)
-  setup_hidden_display_function(opts)
-  M.opts = opts
-
-  -- priority order
-  M.decorators = {
-    DecoratorCut:new(opts),
-    DecoratorCopied:new(opts),
-    DecoratorDiagnostics:new(opts),
-    DecoratorBookmarks:new(opts),
-    DecoratorModified:new(opts),
-    DecoratorHidden:new(opts),
-    DecoratorOpened:new(opts),
-    DecoratorGit:new(opts),
-  }
-end
-
 return Builder
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/components/init.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/components/init.lua
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..5cdf6b22a84
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/components/init.lua
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+local M = {}
+
+M.diagnostics = require "nvim-tree.renderer.components.diagnostics"
+M.full_name = require "nvim-tree.renderer.components.full-name"
+M.icons = require "nvim-tree.renderer.components.icons"
+M.padding = require "nvim-tree.renderer.components.padding"
+
+function M.setup(opts)
+  M.diagnostics.setup(opts)
+  M.full_name.setup(opts)
+  M.icons.setup(opts)
+  M.padding.setup(opts)
+end
+
+return M
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/bookmarks.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/bookmarks.lua
index 56065fd7895..29f0f649743 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/bookmarks.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/bookmarks.lua
@@ -1,18 +1,18 @@
-local core = require "nvim-tree.core"
-
 local HL_POSITION = require("nvim-tree.enum").HL_POSITION
 local ICON_PLACEMENT = require("nvim-tree.enum").ICON_PLACEMENT
 
 local Decorator = require "nvim-tree.renderer.decorator"
 
----@class DecoratorBookmarks: Decorator
+---@class (exact) DecoratorBookmarks: Decorator
 ---@field icon HighlightedString
 local DecoratorBookmarks = Decorator:new()
 
 ---@param opts table
+---@param explorer Explorer
 ---@return DecoratorBookmarks
-function DecoratorBookmarks:new(opts)
+function DecoratorBookmarks:new(opts, explorer)
   local o = Decorator.new(self, {
+    explorer = explorer,
     enabled = true,
     hl_pos = HL_POSITION[opts.renderer.highlight_bookmarks] or HL_POSITION.none,
     icon_placement = ICON_PLACEMENT[opts.renderer.icons.bookmarks_placement] or ICON_PLACEMENT.none,
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ end
 ---@param node Node
 ---@return HighlightedString[]|nil icons
 function DecoratorBookmarks:calculate_icons(node)
-  if core.get_explorer() and core.get_explorer().marks:get(node) then
+  if self.explorer.marks:get(node) then
     return { self.icon }
   end
 end
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ end
 ---@param node Node
 ---@return string|nil group
 function DecoratorBookmarks:calculate_highlight(node)
-  if self.hl_pos ~= HL_POSITION.none and core.get_explorer() and core.get_explorer().marks:get(node) then
+  if self.hl_pos ~= HL_POSITION.none and self.explorer.marks:get(node) then
     return "NvimTreeBookmarkHL"
   end
 end
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/copied.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/copied.lua
index ba187e7d5be..3d7e131fc7e 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/copied.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/copied.lua
@@ -1,19 +1,19 @@
-local core = require "nvim-tree.core"
-
 local HL_POSITION = require("nvim-tree.enum").HL_POSITION
 local ICON_PLACEMENT = require("nvim-tree.enum").ICON_PLACEMENT
 
 local Decorator = require "nvim-tree.renderer.decorator"
 
----@class DecoratorCopied: Decorator
+---@class (exact) DecoratorCopied: Decorator
 ---@field enabled boolean
 ---@field icon HighlightedString|nil
 local DecoratorCopied = Decorator:new()
 
 ---@param opts table
+---@param explorer Explorer
 ---@return DecoratorCopied
-function DecoratorCopied:new(opts)
+function DecoratorCopied:new(opts, explorer)
   local o = Decorator.new(self, {
+    explorer = explorer,
     enabled = true,
     hl_pos = HL_POSITION[opts.renderer.highlight_clipboard] or HL_POSITION.none,
     icon_placement = ICON_PLACEMENT.none,
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ end
 ---@param node Node
 ---@return string|nil group
 function DecoratorCopied:calculate_highlight(node)
-  if self.hl_pos ~= HL_POSITION.none and core.get_explorer() and core.get_explorer().clipboard:is_copied(node) then
+  if self.hl_pos ~= HL_POSITION.none and self.explorer.clipboard:is_copied(node) then
     return "NvimTreeCopiedHL"
   end
 end
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/cut.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/cut.lua
index 615168f8907..8710e36f9a1 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/cut.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/cut.lua
@@ -1,19 +1,19 @@
-local core = require "nvim-tree.core"
-
 local HL_POSITION = require("nvim-tree.enum").HL_POSITION
 local ICON_PLACEMENT = require("nvim-tree.enum").ICON_PLACEMENT
 
 local Decorator = require "nvim-tree.renderer.decorator"
 
----@class DecoratorCut: Decorator
+---@class (exact) DecoratorCut: Decorator
 ---@field enabled boolean
 ---@field icon HighlightedString|nil
 local DecoratorCut = Decorator:new()
 
 ---@param opts table
+---@param explorer Explorer
 ---@return DecoratorCut
-function DecoratorCut:new(opts)
+function DecoratorCut:new(opts, explorer)
   local o = Decorator.new(self, {
+    explorer = explorer,
     enabled = true,
     hl_pos = HL_POSITION[opts.renderer.highlight_clipboard] or HL_POSITION.none,
     icon_placement = ICON_PLACEMENT.none,
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ end
 ---@param node Node
 ---@return string|nil group
 function DecoratorCut:calculate_highlight(node)
-  if self.hl_pos ~= HL_POSITION.none and core.get_explorer() and core.get_explorer().clipboard:is_cut(node) then
+  if self.hl_pos ~= HL_POSITION.none and self.explorer.clipboard:is_cut(node) then
     return "NvimTreeCutHL"
   end
 end
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/diagnostics.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/diagnostics.lua
index d18ff4d43d2..770fe07473e 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/diagnostics.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/diagnostics.lua
@@ -32,14 +32,16 @@ local ICON_KEYS = {
   ["hint"] = vim.diagnostic.severity.HINT,
 }
 
----@class DecoratorDiagnostics: Decorator
+---@class (exact) DecoratorDiagnostics: Decorator
 ---@field icons HighlightedString[]
 local DecoratorDiagnostics = Decorator:new()
 
 ---@param opts table
+---@param explorer Explorer
 ---@return DecoratorDiagnostics
-function DecoratorDiagnostics:new(opts)
+function DecoratorDiagnostics:new(opts, explorer)
   local o = Decorator.new(self, {
+    explorer = explorer,
     enabled = opts.diagnostics.enable,
     hl_pos = HL_POSITION[opts.renderer.highlight_diagnostics] or HL_POSITION.none,
     icon_placement = ICON_PLACEMENT[opts.renderer.icons.diagnostics_placement] or ICON_PLACEMENT.none,
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/git.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/git.lua
index de2477880bd..412d3361bc8 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/git.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/git.lua
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ local Decorator = require "nvim-tree.renderer.decorator"
 ---@class HighlightedStringGit: HighlightedString
 ---@field ord number decreasing priority
 
----@class DecoratorGit: Decorator
+---@class (exact) DecoratorGit: Decorator
 ---@field file_hl table<string, string> by porcelain status e.g. "AM"
 ---@field folder_hl table<string, string> by porcelain status
 ---@field icons_by_status HighlightedStringGit[] by human status
@@ -17,9 +17,11 @@ local Decorator = require "nvim-tree.renderer.decorator"
 local DecoratorGit = Decorator:new()
 
 ---@param opts table
+---@param explorer Explorer
 ---@return DecoratorGit
-function DecoratorGit:new(opts)
+function DecoratorGit:new(opts, explorer)
   local o = Decorator.new(self, {
+    explorer = explorer,
     enabled = opts.git.enable,
     hl_pos = HL_POSITION[opts.renderer.highlight_git] or HL_POSITION.none,
     icon_placement = ICON_PLACEMENT[opts.renderer.icons.git_placement] or ICON_PLACEMENT.none,
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/hidden.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/hidden.lua
index bf21c2d25cc..f7aa58b57e4 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/hidden.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/hidden.lua
@@ -3,14 +3,16 @@ local ICON_PLACEMENT = require("nvim-tree.enum").ICON_PLACEMENT
 local explorer_node = require "nvim-tree.explorer.node"
 local Decorator = require "nvim-tree.renderer.decorator"
 
----@class DecoratorHidden: Decorator
+---@class (exact) DecoratorHidden: Decorator
 ---@field icon HighlightedString|nil
 local DecoratorHidden = Decorator:new()
 
 ---@param opts table
+---@param explorer Explorer
 ---@return DecoratorHidden
-function DecoratorHidden:new(opts)
+function DecoratorHidden:new(opts, explorer)
   local o = Decorator.new(self, {
+    explorer = explorer,
     enabled = true,
     hl_pos = HL_POSITION[opts.renderer.highlight_hidden] or HL_POSITION.none,
     icon_placement = ICON_PLACEMENT[opts.renderer.icons.hidden_placement] or ICON_PLACEMENT.none,
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/init.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/init.lua
index f2d047767b5..92fcc579b38 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/init.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/init.lua
@@ -1,7 +1,9 @@
 local HL_POSITION = require("nvim-tree.enum").HL_POSITION
 local ICON_PLACEMENT = require("nvim-tree.enum").ICON_PLACEMENT
 
----@class Decorator
+---@class (exact) Decorator
+---@field private __index? table
+---@field protected explorer Explorer
 ---@field protected enabled boolean
 ---@field protected hl_pos HL_POSITION
 ---@field protected icon_placement ICON_PLACEMENT
@@ -11,6 +13,7 @@ local Decorator = {}
 ---@return Decorator
 function Decorator:new(o)
   o = o or {}
+
   setmetatable(o, self)
   self.__index = self
 
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/modified.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/modified.lua
index 1ec546d1d65..e20433d75aa 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/modified.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/modified.lua
@@ -5,14 +5,16 @@ local ICON_PLACEMENT = require("nvim-tree.enum").ICON_PLACEMENT
 
 local Decorator = require "nvim-tree.renderer.decorator"
 
----@class DecoratorModified: Decorator
+---@class (exact) DecoratorModified: Decorator
 ---@field icon HighlightedString|nil
 local DecoratorModified = Decorator:new()
 
 ---@param opts table
+---@param explorer Explorer
 ---@return DecoratorModified
-function DecoratorModified:new(opts)
+function DecoratorModified:new(opts, explorer)
   local o = Decorator.new(self, {
+    explorer = explorer,
     enabled = opts.modified.enable,
     hl_pos = HL_POSITION[opts.renderer.highlight_modified] or HL_POSITION.none,
     icon_placement = ICON_PLACEMENT[opts.renderer.icons.modified_placement] or ICON_PLACEMENT.none,
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/opened.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/opened.lua
index 848faae42e6..9b3f2de87de 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/opened.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/decorator/opened.lua
@@ -5,15 +5,17 @@ local ICON_PLACEMENT = require("nvim-tree.enum").ICON_PLACEMENT
 
 local Decorator = require "nvim-tree.renderer.decorator"
 
----@class DecoratorOpened: Decorator
+---@class (exact) DecoratorOpened: Decorator
 ---@field enabled boolean
 ---@field icon HighlightedString|nil
 local DecoratorOpened = Decorator:new()
 
 ---@param opts table
+---@param explorer Explorer
 ---@return DecoratorOpened
-function DecoratorOpened:new(opts)
+function DecoratorOpened:new(opts, explorer)
   local o = Decorator.new(self, {
+    explorer = explorer,
     enabled = true,
     hl_pos = HL_POSITION[opts.renderer.highlight_opened_files] or HL_POSITION.none,
     icon_placement = ICON_PLACEMENT.none,
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/init.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/init.lua
index 729164aea5b..46e73186bc8 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/init.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/init.lua
@@ -1,14 +1,10 @@
-local core = require "nvim-tree.core"
 local log = require "nvim-tree.log"
 local view = require "nvim-tree.view"
 local events = require "nvim-tree.events"
 
-local _padding = require "nvim-tree.renderer.components.padding"
 local icon_component = require "nvim-tree.renderer.components.icons"
-local full_name = require "nvim-tree.renderer.components.full-name"
-local Builder = require "nvim-tree.renderer.builder"
 
-local M = {}
+local Builder = require "nvim-tree.renderer.builder"
 
 local SIGN_GROUP = "NvimTreeRendererSigns"
 
@@ -16,11 +12,36 @@ local namespace_highlights_id = vim.api.nvim_create_namespace "NvimTreeHighlight
 local namespace_extmarks_id = vim.api.nvim_create_namespace "NvimTreeExtmarks"
 local namespace_virtual_lines_id = vim.api.nvim_create_namespace "NvimTreeVirtualLines"
 
+---@class (exact) Renderer
+---@field private __index? table
+---@field private opts table user options
+---@field private explorer Explorer
+---@field private builder Builder
+local Renderer = {}
+
+---@param opts table user options
+---@param explorer Explorer
+---@return Renderer
+function Renderer:new(opts, explorer)
+  ---@type Renderer
+  local o = {
+    opts = opts,
+    explorer = explorer,
+    builder = Builder:new(opts, explorer),
+  }
+
+  setmetatable(o, self)
+  self.__index = self
+
+  return o
+end
+
+---@private
 ---@param bufnr number
 ---@param lines string[]
 ---@param hl_args AddHighlightArgs[]
 ---@param signs string[]
-local function _draw(bufnr, lines, hl_args, signs, extmarks, virtual_lines)
+function Renderer:_draw(bufnr, lines, hl_args, signs, extmarks, virtual_lines)
   if vim.fn.has "nvim-0.10" == 1 then
     vim.api.nvim_set_option_value("modifiable", true, { buf = bufnr })
   else
@@ -28,7 +49,7 @@ local function _draw(bufnr, lines, hl_args, signs, extmarks, virtual_lines)
   end
 
   vim.api.nvim_buf_set_lines(bufnr, 0, -1, false, lines)
-  M.render_hl(bufnr, hl_args)
+  self:render_hl(bufnr, hl_args)
 
   if vim.fn.has "nvim-0.10" == 1 then
     vim.api.nvim_set_option_value("modifiable", false, { buf = bufnr })
@@ -62,7 +83,8 @@ local function _draw(bufnr, lines, hl_args, signs, extmarks, virtual_lines)
   end
 end
 
-function M.render_hl(bufnr, hl)
+---@private
+function Renderer:render_hl(bufnr, hl)
   if not bufnr or not vim.api.nvim_buf_is_loaded(bufnr) then
     return
   end
@@ -76,9 +98,9 @@ function M.render_hl(bufnr, hl)
   end
 end
 
-function M.draw()
+function Renderer:draw()
   local bufnr = view.get_bufnr()
-  if not core.get_explorer() or not bufnr or not vim.api.nvim_buf_is_loaded(bufnr) then
+  if not bufnr or not vim.api.nvim_buf_is_loaded(bufnr) then
     return
   end
 
@@ -87,9 +109,9 @@ function M.draw()
   local cursor = vim.api.nvim_win_get_cursor(view.get_winnr() or 0)
   icon_component.reset_config()
 
-  local builder = Builder:new():build()
+  local builder = Builder:new(self.opts, self.explorer):build()
 
-  _draw(bufnr, builder.lines, builder.hl_args, builder.signs, builder.extmarks, builder.virtual_lines)
+  self:_draw(bufnr, builder.lines, builder.hl_args, builder.signs, builder.extmarks, builder.virtual_lines)
 
   if cursor and #builder.lines >= cursor[1] then
     vim.api.nvim_win_set_cursor(view.get_winnr() or 0, cursor)
@@ -102,14 +124,4 @@ function M.draw()
   events._dispatch_on_tree_rendered(bufnr, view.get_winnr())
 end
 
-function M.setup(opts)
-  M.config = opts.renderer
-
-  _padding.setup(opts)
-  full_name.setup(opts)
-  icon_component.setup(opts)
-
-  Builder.setup(opts)
-end
-
-return M
+return Renderer
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/view.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/view.lua
index 315da3d0d19..5e28cfb66f9 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/view.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/view.lua
@@ -531,7 +531,12 @@ function M._prevent_buffer_override()
     vim.cmd "setlocal nowinfixwidth"
     vim.cmd "setlocal nowinfixheight"
     M.open { focus_tree = false }
-    require("nvim-tree.renderer").draw()
+
+    local explorer = require("nvim-tree.core").get_explorer()
+    if explorer then
+      explorer.renderer:draw()
+    end
+
     pcall(vim.api.nvim_win_close, curwin, { force = true })
 
     -- to handle opening a file using :e when nvim-tree is on floating mode