Abstract: The invention provides for a method of solving a set of page layout constraints by a computer comprising the steps receiving a set of page layout constraints. The method further comprises the step of dividing the set of page layout constraints into a groups dependent upon the type of constraint. Each of the set of page layout constraints is a member of only one of the groups. The method further comprises the step of transforming each constraint of each of the groups into a resource constraint. The method further comprises the step of assigning a priority to each of the groups. The method further comprises the step of solving each of the groups in the order of the priority using a resource allocation algorithm. All members of a group chosen from the groups are solved simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention provides for a method of solving a set of page layout constraints by a computer comprising the steps receiving a set of page layout constraints. The method further comprises the step of dividing the set of page layout constraints into a groups dependent upon the type of constraint. Each of the set of page layout constraints is a member of only one of the groups. The method further comprises the step of transforming each constraint of each of the groups into a resource constraint. The method further comprises the step of assigning a priority to each of the groups. The method further comprises the step of solving each of the groups in the order of the priority using a resource allocation algorithm. All members of a group chosen from the groups are solved simultaneously.

Abstract: A method of entering page layout constraints into a computer. The method comprises providing a container for representing a page layout. The method further comprises providing a set of graphical objects, each having a set of object gridlines for delimiting important graphical features. Each of the set of object gridlines has a span. The method further comprises selecting and placing the set of graphical objects one by one within the container. Each of the selected graphical objects are positioned by snapping the position of the span to a non-empty gridline or by adding a new gridline. The method further comprises determining at least one pair of colliding gridlines. Colliding gridlines have a parallel direction and at least one pair of spans which at least partially overlap in the parallel direction. The method further comprises inserting page layout constraints between the at least one pair of colliding gridlines.