Abstract: The method and system of the present invention provides apparent direct editing of transient graphic elements displayed within an application in a data processing system. An editable overlay window is established within a data processing system. A transient graphic element is transient such that it is displayed within a main window in response to an occurrence within an application, and it cannot be individually edited directly in the main window. The transient graphic element is selected. The editable overlay window is then linked to the transient graphic element, such that the editable overlay window is displayed only in conjunction with the transient graphic element. The editable overlay window is then displayed directly over the transient graphic element. Thereafter, entries by a user into the editable overlay window give the appearance of editing the transient graphic element directly within the main window.