Method and system for transparent mode switching between two different interfaces

A method and apparatus for transparently switching between viewing modes in a computer system is described. The method and apparatus of the present invention includes a bounding area and a smaller reference region within that bounding area. The bounding area is typically a computer display screen or a window within that screen. The reference region is an implicitly or explicitly defined boundary within the bounding region. The system and method allows for automatic switching between two viewing techniques within the bounding area, based on the location of the cursor location relative to the defined reference region and bounding area. Switching between viewing modes occurs when the cursor passes across the reference region whether the mouse button is up or down. This allows the user to easily change between viewing methods without having to take explicit steps to switch between the two modes by making a selection from a selection palette or keyboard to initiate the switch.