Common objects are provided by the Workplace Shell for use in applications. When an icon is dragged over a Workplace Shell object, the target object sends a message to the source container to enable a direct manipulation exchange. The message explains what the target object does. Completion of a drop requires that the source and target objects share a common rendering mechanism. If the source object is not appropriate for a drop on the target and the drop is prohibited, a "do-not" symbol is shown. Workplace Shell handles standard Presentation Manager rendering mechanisms, as well as its own mechanisms, to allow easy integration of Presentation Manager applications.

Workplace Shell simplifies implementation of a direct manipulation operation, handling the filling of data structures, the drag sequence, and notification of the target when a successful drop occurs. The standard direct manipulation capabilities of the Workplace Shell include Print, Delete and File Move/Copy.