Allowing a user to navigate data in a user interface when a modal dialog box has been activated. A method includes displaying a graphical user interface window. The method further includes allowing user input for modifying a particular data in the graphical user interface window. Thereafter, the method further includes displaying a modal dialog superimposed and obscuring at least a portion of the graphical user interface window, including obscuring at least a portion of the data, and to prevent user input for modifying the data in the graphical user interface window so long as the modal dialog remains active. The method further includes identifying information indicating that the modal dialog should be hidden. The method further includes at least partially hiding the modal dialog revealing at least a portion of the obscured data, while continuing to prevent user input for modifying the data in the graphical user interface window.