Laying out graphical elements on a page

Disclosed are methods for laying out objects on a page which may be operative at a pre-layout calculation stage (107) or a post-layout calculation stage (109). The methods involve objects such as panels (202) into which multiple containers (203) may be configured to negotiate for space within the panel (202) upon insertion of content (204) into the panels. Typically some of the content (204) is variable for each instance of document production according to the layout. The laying out involves the application of multiple arrangement rules (FIGS. 5A-5D) and arbitration between preferred and actual dimensions (eg. height and width) of the objects including panels and containers.