Technique for assisting a user in setting attributes of selected screen objects by use of a preview display of a replica object

摘要

A user interface technique for applying attributes to screen objects. The user selects a screen object, and causes the display of a dialog box for changing an attribute of the screen object. The dialog box includes an attribute palette or other controls used for setting attributes, as known in the art, but also includes a sample box in which a replica of the selected screen object (or a portion thereof) is displayed. The user then takes the actions necessary to select the desired attribute, in response to which the replica in the sample box is updated with the desired attribute. Once the user is satisfied with this previewed result, the user can accept the changes by clicking in the "OK" button or reject the changes by clicking in the "Cancel" button.