[0039] As will also be described in greater detail below, templates 116 and regions 118 can also modify the logical representations 202A associated with objects 120 in order to create, modify, or remove semantic context for the objects 120. For example, and without limitation, a user might create an object 120 (e.g. a note object containing text) on the canvas 114 and move the object 120 (e.g. by “dragging” the object) to a region 118. In response thereto, the template 116 or the region 118 can modify the logical representation 202A associated with the object 120 and present the object 120 in the region 118 based on the modified logical representation 202A. For example, the region 118 might present the text from a note object as an item in a to-do list. In this example, the region 118 or the template 116 modifies the logical representation 202A associated with the object 120 to indicate that the object 120 is a to-do list item. 

[0040] Once a semantic context has been associated with objects 120, the objects 120 can be sorted, filtered, arranged, projected, and otherwise operated on by a template 116 or region 118 based upon the semantic context. Additional details regarding this aspect will be described below. 

[0041] FIG. 3 is a pictorial diagram showing additional aspects of the configuration and operation of the illustrative computing device 102 shown in FIGS. 1A and IB. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the computing device 102 is a tablet computer. As discussed above, other types of digital ink capable and non- digital ink capable computing devices 102 can be used in other configurations. 

[0042] A user can interact with the surface of the tablet computer shown in FIG. 3 with their hand, with a digital pen 304, using a mouse user input device and a mouse cursor 306, or in another manner. In the illustrated example, a user has utilized their hand and a digital pen 302 to create a number of objects 120 on the canvas 114 shown on the display device 108 of the computing device 102. In particular, the user has drawn a digital ink object 302A in the shape of a square with their hand. The user has also utilized a digital pen 304 to create a digital ink object 302B corresponding to the word “Hello!” The user has also placed a document object 302E, several note objects 302C, and a picture object 302D on the canvas 114. Other types of objects 120 can be placed on the canvas 114 in a similar manner. 

[0043] As discussed above, the canvas 114 is configured to enable heterogenous objects 120 to be placed in a free-form manner. The objects 120 can be placed anywhere on the canvas 114, and the canvas 114 can grow in order to accommodate the objects 120. The canvas 114 can provide other types of functionality not specifically mentioned herein. 

