Systems, methods, and user interfaces for storing, searching, navigating, and retrieving electronic information

A method for storing electronic data, comprising:

• creating an electronic file including electronic data for storage on a computer-readable medium;
• receiving input data indicating a first property value to be included as part of the electronic file or associated with the electronic file, wherein the first property value includes a first data set including a first flat path string indicating the first property value, wherein the first flat path string indicates a hierarchical structure of the first property value;
• and
• storing the electronic file with the first flat path string included therein or associated therewith.

A method for processing electronic data, comprising:

• receiving data on a computer system or network indicating a hierarchical structure of plural defined property values, wherein each defined property value has an unique flat path data string associated with it as compared with all other defined property values in the hierarchical structure;
• receiving user input indicating a new property value to be included at a user desired location in the hierarchical structure;
• and
• based on the user desired location in the hierarchical structure, determining whether the new property value would have a flat path data string that differs from all other flat path data strings existing in the hierarchical structure.