A component can be edited from within the context of a hosting file. A system and method for providing an in-place editing surface for a component such as a file, document or control, within the context of the hosting file is described. A non-persistable container is generated for the hosting file and another non-persistable container (e.g., an editing frame) is generated for the component. The current contents of the component are loaded into an editing frame. Modifications made to the component within the editing frame are saved and the hosting file is displayed. Any changes made to the component are visible in the hosting file.