Abstract: In a rule-driven method and system for editing a physical integrated circuit layout formed from a plurality of working shapes, a desired one of the working shapes is initially created on a computer monitor. After calculating a width value associated with the desired one of the working shapes, the width value is verified to determine if it violates a minimum distance as defined by relevant design rules of an applied fabrication technology. Automatic adjustment of the geometry of the desired one of the working shapes to comply with the relevant design rules is subsequently performed upon verification that the width value violates the minimum distance.