Abstract: A method and system for altering an attribute of a graphic object in a computer system is provided. An attribute, such as a line style or fill pattern, has a plurality of formats. The computer system includes a handwriting instrument and an electronic tablet. Each attribute of a graphic object has an associated input area on the electronic tablet. The user draws a gesture with the handwriting instrument over a selected one of the input areas. The gesture drawn is indicative of a desired format selected for the attribute and associated with the selected input area. The system recognizes the gesture drawn over the selected input area and then determines the desired format represented by the gesture drawn. The system then changes the format of the attribute associated with the selected input area to the desired format. If the system is not able to recognize the gesture drawn, the user can define the gesture as a custom attribute which will be recognized by the system the next time the gesture is drawn.