1. A graphical input and display system having a user interface for creating and editing a source electronic image comprising: user input means for selecting and manipulating image objects; display means for displaying image objects and system response to user selection actions; a processor, connected for receiving requests for image editing operations and for accessing a memory structure; a user interaction module for entering new image material or selecting and modifying existing image material without pre-selecting an input mode; and data memory means comprising: displayed objects data structure; internal state data structure; and selected material data structure.