A method and system for managing data elements with associated attributes in a computer system is described. Identifiers of each data element and information identifying the attributes of each data element are stored and the identifiers associated with each of the data elements are displayed in a list. The identifiers of the data elements are visibly associated with attributes by displaying markers in attribute strips along at least one side of the list of data elements. A user may filter the data elements according to their attributes and a filtered list of data elements may be redisplayed. This can facilitate processing of numerous data elements, simplifying processing and/or display requirements to achieve a given selection based on user criteria.