Accelerating link creation

A data processing system includes a workspace network data structure, such as a hypertext data structure, in which data units corresponding to displayable workspace sets such as cards are linked by linking data units. The data structure also includes a link creation data unit associated with one of the cards. When that card is displayed, a selectable link creation unit, called an AutoLink button, corresponding to the link creation data unit is also displayed. When the user selects the AutoLink button, the link creation data unit is accessed to obtain data for creating a link to another card. The data structure also includes a card creation data unit that is also accessed to create the destination card for the link. An AutoLink button can be repeatedly selected to create several new cards and links between each new card and the card with the AutoLink button. The card creation data unit can also indicate another AutoLink data unit, so that the data structure includes a sequence of link and card creation data units. When a new card is created in response to selection of an AutoLink button, it can be displayed, including any AutoLink buttons it contains. These AutoLink buttons can then be selected to create further links and cards. The AutoLink data unit can also include a parameter indicating a number of levels of links and cards to be created.