Specifying sizes for user interface elements

Techniques for displaying a user interface are described. A first plurality of property files specify property values of user interface elements for a first code entity of an application. The first plurality of property files includes a first property file and a common property file. The common property file specifies a first value for a first property of a first type of user interface element. A second plurality of property files specify property values for a second code entity of the application. The second plurality of property files includes a second property file and the common property file. First processing is performed to render a user interface element of the first type when executing the first code entity. A current value for the first property for the first code entity is determined in accordance with a first lookup chain specifying a prioritized ordering of the first plurality of property files.