Abstract: Composite graphical user interfaces and associated methods and computer program products are provided for representing and manipulating a set of hierarchical data on a computer display device. These composite graphical user interfaces include a display window which is disposed on a computer display device, a tree view display which is disposed within the display window, and a tree view control panel disposed within the display window adjacent the tree view display which includes a plurality of user selectable indicia that select a corresponding one of a plurality of functions which modify the tree view display. The plurality of user selectable indicia are selectable from a predefined set of user selectable indicia, thereby allowing an application developer or user to customize the control functions made available on the tree view control panel.