Abstract: A method for creating an electronic document using a pen tool and a computer with a pen-sensitive screen is disclosed. The method is capable of generating the electronic document independently on a screen output display and in a persistent graphics memory. The electronic document is not generated simultaneously because transfer of the electronic document to the persistent graphics memory is a process that takes longer than generating the electronic document on the screen display output. However, this delay is not perceived by the operator because the ability for the screen output display to show what is generated by the operator is nearly simultaneous with the act of creation of the electronic document.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preserving entered data in an electronic document from being obliterated with additional data. A code address or flag is assigned to each electronic document. The code address identifies the electronic document as modifiable or non-modifiable. If the electronic document is modifiable, entered data may be obliterated or destroyed by entering additional data thereover. If the code address identifies the electronic data as non-modifiable, the entered data is preserved by preventing additional data to be entered which will obliterate the previously entered data. The entered data becomes annotations to the electronic document having a non-destructible format, i.e., color and masking, allowing an operator to freely add additional data without destroying the entered data.