Abstract: User interface methods are described. A first user interface method allows the user of a pen-based computer to enter ink data to a target program that does not support ink data. A second user interface method allows a user to transfer data between a source program and a target program. Both user interface methods utilize a redirector program that sends selected data as a series of input messages, wherein each input message corresponds to the keystroke of a keyboard. Thus, the redirector program simulates keystrokes. For pen-based computers, a user interface method that uses a one-terminal redirector program provides a data entry front end that allows the user to enter ink data, translate the ink data to ASCII data, and to send the translated data to the a target program that does not support ink data. For most other embodiments, a user interface method that uses a two-terminal redirector program allows the transfer of data between source and target programs without concerns of incompatible data formats.