Electronic document style matrix

A method and system for rendering electronic document objects is provided in which a style matrix holds potential attribute values, and attribute references are used to address values in the style matrix. A mix of attribute references and actual attribute values may be used so make some attributes theme- and application-specific, and others theme- and application-independent. Further, a method for rendering a gallery of potential styles is provided. Additionally, a method for associating a style matrix with an electronic document application is provided. Finally, a computer-readable medium for storing a computer-interpretable data structure that identifies a matrix of style attribute types and style attribute values is provided.