A computer system with an improved graphically-oriented user interface that permits the user to more easily select for manipulation one object from a number of objects that overlap or are in close proximity to one another at a common location in a graphic display. In a preferred embodiment, the invention presents the computer user with the opportunity to preview all possible objects that the cursor might be identifying at its current position and the ability to select one of those objects for manipulation. Thus, rather than cycling through the entire list of objects available for selection at a location in the display, the user can immediately narrow the list down to the desired selection only. The present invention prevents selection errors and drastically reduces the number of user inputs required to select an object.