Abstract: A method for controlling the selection of objects is described, illustrated and claimed. The novel system and method allows for quick and efficient selection of all or a portion of a plurality of objects, while preserving the ability to select or deselect individual objects. An action is associated with a rule for selection of objects in a specific manner. When that action is performed, every object defined by the rule is either selected or deselected. The method allows for selection or deselection of multiple groups in the same manner, and also allows for selection of individual objects.