Systems and methods for rendering image-based data are disclosed. A representative system includes a data interface that receives a remotely-generated data stream; a data manager coupled to the data interface, the data manager configured to translate the remotely-generated data stream into a plurality of word blocks, wherein the data manager determines for each word block of interest whether an active line can accommodate an entire word block of interest prior to registering the word block with the active line and wherein the data manager increments the active line in response to a determination that the word block of interest would not be accommodated on the active line; and a display device coupled to the data manager, the display device configured to render the plurality of word blocks. A representative method for rendering image-based data includes the following steps: receiving a remotely-generated data stream, the data stream responsive to an image of a source document, the source document comprising text characters; identifying a plurality of word blocks by analyzing gaps between the text characters defined by the data stream; registering at least one of the plurality of word blocks with a row suitable for rendering on a display device; selecting a subsequent word block from the plurality of identified word blocks; determining whether a rendered image of the entire subsequent word block can be rendered on the row; and if so, registering the entire subsequent word block on the row.