Abstract: A method is described that gives local control to an application program during the drawing process when a "pickable" primitive intersects the pick window. This control is provided in such a way that the state of graphics workstation remains unaltered. Thus the application program is permitted to make "picking" or visualization decisions at the moment the pick occurs, and then resume execution of the display program wherever desired (typically, at the graphic instruction following the one that caused the pick). This capability enables application programs to provide greater functionality, usability and productivity to their users.