Abstract: A computer-based method of creating a document assembly source document using a document creation application comprises providing one or more selection interface components within the document creation application, each selection interface component being operable by an author to create a variable content element within a current document. The author is able to select one of the selection interface components, and is then presented with one or more input components into which values of variable content configuration information are entered. Document assembly source control elements are then automatically created, corresponding with the variable content element and the variable control configuration information, and then associated with the current document. The document assembly source elements are adapted for generation of a document assembly content form which comprises separate data model and presentation sections.