Abstract: An automatic scrolling and paging function is provided for use with an object/text editor or a browser, in which either scrolling or paging is automatically performed at a variable speed. A delay time is set as a parameter for control of the display; automatic display of the document is commenced by displaying a first portion of the document; a subsequent portion of the document is displayed after expiration of the delay time; and the display of portions of the document is iterated until the entire document has been displayed. The delay time is reset during the automatic display, thereby changing the rate at which successive portions of the document are displayed. The delay time may depend upon the location of the portion of the document; accordingly, successive portions of the document may be automatically displayed at a varying rate.