Abstract: A method for use in a computer system for displaying a containment group such as file folder hierarchy. The method displays a direct containment hierarchy for the selected containment group or file folder, and also displays a list of contents of the selected containment group or file folder. A direct containment hierarchy displays only file folders or containment groups which directly or indirectly contain the selected containment group or file folder. In this manner a large number of file folders or containment groups which do not ultimately contain the selected file folder or containment group are not displayed, thereby simplifying the display, and ensuring that the entire direct containment hierarchy can be shown on a single display screen without the need for scrolling in order to obtain or ascertain the context of the given file folder or containment group.