Computer software applications presently allow the User to preview the impact of some commands on active documents via a small preview window. However, such preview windows are not representative of how the command will impact the entire document. The invention provides a method and system of efficiently and effectively previewing the impact of User commands on the entire document by executing User commands as they are identified. Leaving the menu open, the User is able to identify successive commands until the desired result is reached. Embodiments are described for execution of general commands, text editing commands, relocations of margins or guidelines, and relocations of graphic objects.