Abstract: The invention pertains to the user-directed classification of multi-parameter data streams with a computer program that allows users to “paint” events in one of several linked n-dimensional views of the data set. The events that are painted in one view of the data are also painted with the same color in the other views. By combining primary colors with multiple paint operations, individual data clusters can be identified by the user. A limited solution was taught by Conrad, et al. that allowed the binary addition of primary colors in the paint operations and allowed the identification of only eight unique populations. The present invention extends the solution by allowing multiple effective paint operations with the primary colors thus allowing the identification of an almost limitless number of unique populations. A logical and predictable progression of resultant colors is maintained for data display to the user.