A method and system for processing signed data objects in a data processing system is presented. A signed data object utility allows a user to view and edit the contents of data objects embedded within a signed data object via a graphical user interface. Graphical objects represent the data objects embedded within a signed data object. A user may drag and drop objects onto other objects within the signed data object, and the signed data object utility automatically performs the necessary signing operations. Logical associations between data objects contained within the signed data object are determined, and the logical associations are displayed using visual indicators between graphical objects representing the associated data objects. As data objects are added or deleted, the visual indicators are updated to reflect any updates to the logical associations. The user may direct other operations on the signed data object through the graphical user interface.