1. A method for use with a graphical computer software application, the method comprising the steps of: generating a palette window having a drawing mode and a properties mode; generating on the palette window in the drawing mode a first thumbnail representative of a first data object having first attributes associated therewith, the first thumbnail being operative to initiate placement on a workspace window a second data object having second attributes derived from the first attributes; and generating on the palette window in the properties mode a first icon representative one of the first attributes.