A method for editing image data includes segmenting input image data into
a plurality of discrete objects, wherein each of the objects is defined
by a plurality of input pixels that are spatially grouped and that relate
to a common content type and feature of the input image data so as to
define an objectized input image from the input image data. The
objectized input image and a holding area image are generated and
simultaneously displayed. Editing input is received from a user by user
selection of an object of the objectized input image that the user
desires to be moved from the objectized input image to the holding area
image based upon the user's visual inspection of the objectized input
image. The objectized input image and the holding area image are updated
based upon the received editing input so that the selected object is
deleted from an original location in the objectized input image and
inserted into the holding area image as a temporary object at an
insertion location that spatially corresponds to the original location of
the objectized input image. The method further includes receiving
replacement input data from the user that indicates a selected
replacement object in a replacement object database to be inserted into
the original location of the objectized input image. The objectized input
image is updated to include the selected replacement object in the
original location to define an objectized output image.