Abstract: A system and method for converting a page from a network into an image file suitable for assembly of or insertion into a document generated by a document creation algorithm. The system of the invention includes a browser for retrieving a page from the network. The page can be encoded as a page description language (PDL) file representative of the page. A production agent can be provided for translating the PDL file into an image file representative of the page. The image file is of a form and type suitable for assembly or incorporation into the document.

Abstract: A method for interactively acquiring a page in a network by providing a user interface element, such as a window, for collecting the page in the network, interactively acquiring the page from the network, and inserting the page in the window. A content acquisition facility resident on a client machine can be employed to generate the window. Further, a URL list can be interactively created by launching a browser, generating another user interface element with a URL collection facility, acquiring the URL corresponding to a selected page in the network during browsing, and inserting the URL in the user interface element to create the URL list. Subsequently, the URL list can be imported into a document. The content associated with the URL can then be dynamically, automatically retrieved and placed in the document.

Abstract: A method of displaying hypertext is disclosed. The method includes tracking a hypertext access to a document and assigning a prominence rating to the hypertext based on the tracking, wherein the prominence rating is based on frequency of access by a user, and on recency of access by the user. A visual cue of the hypertext is changed on a display according to the prominence rating. An apparatus for displaying hypertext is also disclosed.