Variable data template management by template shape

According to one embodiment, managing a plurality of variable data templates can comprise cataloging, by a template management system, each of the variable data templates according to a shape criteria. The shape criteria of each variable data template can be based on a size and location of one or more variable data fields defined in the template. The cataloged variable data templates can be classified into one or more shape families based on the shape criteria of each variable data template. The template management system can detect a request to locate a variable data template and search the plurality of variable data templates for one or more suggested variable data templates having the shape criteria matching the template. An indication of the suggested variable data templates can be provided by the template management system.