There is disclosed a method and system for presenting hierarchical objects in a linear view, in which each open container object is split into a pair of bracketing ends, the bracketing ends brackering therebetween any lower level objects contained in the container object. A multi-level hierarchical arrangement of container objects may be represented by multiple pairs of such bracketing ends arranged in a nested configuration. Both bracketing ends of each pair may be configured with a navigation control to close a corresponding container object. The linear hierarchical view may be placed in either a horizontal orientation or a vertical orientation, depending on the nature of the data. A visual characteristic may be used to identify and distinguish between hierarchical levels within the linear hierarchical view. To make more efficient use of available screen space, container objects in the linear hierarchical view may be dynamically collapsible.