Access control trimming

Determining the user access controls to be included in a graphical user interface is disclosed. In response to a user logging onto a computing device, the level of access to be accorded to the user is determined. In response to the logged-on user requesting a page, the user access controls of the page that the logged-on user will have access to is determined. The determination is made by retrieving a page template for the requested page, the page template including generic access recognition instructions. Access data that describes the level of access accorded the user is also retrieved. Then the requested page is composed. When composed, the requested page includes access control rendering instructions that are based on the generic access recognition instructions and the access data. As a result, when the page is rendered, the resultant display includes user access control accessible to a user. Access controls that are not accessible to the user are either not displayed or displayed in a different manner, such as in phantom.