A composite interface widget for toggleable entry fields that minimizes real estate and allows the entry field to toggle between a special kind of input that is either a predefined value or a value specified by the user. The widget presents a local or noninherited state which enables the widget to have an entry field with editing capability; alternatively, the widget offers an inherit state having a read-only entry field that displays a preset input string. The user is given a small concise button or other icon to toggle between the two states. The programmer specifies the initial state, the string to display in the inherit mode, and the initial value for the local or noninherit mode. The programmer can subsequently query if the user chose the inherit mode or chose the local mode and, if so, what local value was entered.