Abstract: Desktop publishing system for preparing and managing documents in accordance with a model defined by graphic properties by using input document information and commands. This model is specified by a number of differently oriented sets of grid lines equidistantly oriented per set, for the positioning of said document information. On the basis of the last grid line used as reference line for graphic elements, the format data of the graphic elements positioned as well as to be positioned, and a certain spacing a grid line to be defined as the next reference line for the graphic elements to be positioned is selected from the grid lines following the first mentioned reference line.

Abstract: In a publishing system for editing documents having a processing unit, inputting device and a display screen, the document parts (components) are provided with properties which describe their appearance, and each individual component belongs to a component type. The component types and the individual components of that type have corresponding properties, the values of which can be set by the system operator. The value of a property of an individual component is usually identical to the value of the corresponding property of that type but may also be set to differ locally therefrom. This is indicated on the screen. On a change of the value of a property of a component type the value of each individual component of that type is changed similarly unless that value had been set to be locally different.