Abstract: A configurable program explanation uses templates and transparent graphical user interfaces (TGUI). A transparent image is selected by a user and generated such that the user can see through the transparent image and view an application as it was before the transparent image was applied. Once the user has selected the item to be addressed by the TGUI, various levels of the TGUI can be selected to reveal additional information about the selected item. Each level of information may contain task-appropriate or skill-level-appropriate information about the selected application. The TGUI can be edited or otherwise customized by the user to reveal information deemed appropriate or more informative to future users. Information contained in the application for which the TGUI is applied may be incorporated into the TGUI, such as formulas or row and/or column headings from a spreadsheet. Information displayed in the transparent image may be textual or graphic, and may be static or animated.