A system and method for browsing properties of an electronic document. The present invention is comprised of a property browser program module. The property browser program module communicates with a shared code library for one or more application programs. The shared code library can be in communication with one or more application programs. When a user interacts with an electronic document associated with an application program, the user can manipulate one or more properties of the application program. The property browser program module determines a status for one or more properties for the electronic document through information received from the shared code library. Furthermore, the property browser program module determines a context for the electronic document through information received from the shared code library. Using the properties and context of the electronic document, the property browser program module creates a palette with one or more controls for the properties of the electronic document. The property browser program module then displays the palette in conjunction with the electronic document through the user interface associated with the application program. In response to any changes in context or properties, the property browser program module can modify the palette and send the modified palette to a user interface associated with the application program.