A data processing system and methodology implement a graphical user interface for providing a graphical link map. In the graphical link map, various types of files and documents are color-coded and shape-coded for easy identification of placement within a linked environment of a web page. The methodology for implementing the graphical link map manipulates dynamic, complex linked programs or files in a virtual three-dimensional graphical display in a web page authoring program. This graphical display allows linked programs to be built, edited, combined, by presenting the representation on a workspace. An external user may thus access the entire linked program on a single screen of a graphical user interface of the web page developer to easily identify and manipulate differing authoring elements within that data processing environment.