Abstract: A method and system for generating variable modality child windows. An application is executed utilizing a graphical user interface (GUI) which enables a parent window. One or more child windows may be available to the user during execution. The level of modality of the child window is determined during programming by the application developer. The operating system is modified to permit a variable level of modality during application execution. The developer selects variable modality for one or more of the child windows. When the child window is opened, the user is allowed to interact with the other windows based on the developers determination of level of modality. The variability may be either application or system-wide. The user is thus permitted to interface with only some of the functions on the other windows on the desktop while the child window is open.