A method for managing windows in a display is disclosed. The method comprises forming clippings for windows located in a focal region of a display; displaying the clippings in a peripheral region of the display; hiding the windows in the focal region of the display; indicating the states of the clippings; and in response to a user action, displaying the windows and hiding the clippings. A clipping comprises an image of a region of a window and an icon. A clipping is formed when a window is dragged from the focal region into the peripheral region or when the minimize button of a window is clicked. A clipping list is formed when a clipping is moved near another clipping. A clipping moved near a clipping list is inserted into the clipping list. Indicating the change state of a clipping comprises detecting that the contents of the clipping are changing; providing a visual cue for the clipping; changing the appearance of the visual cue in response to detecting that the contents of the clipping are no longer changing; and removing the visual cue in response to a user action. The change state of a clipping in a clipping list is propagated to the clipping list.