A computer-assisted visualization and potential adjustment of the layout of a document element involve multiple layout processes being sequentially applied. One set of one or more layout processes are applied to the element to determine an intermediate position of the element with respect to its initial position. Then, another set of one or more layout processes are applied to the element to determine a final position of the element. Rather than displaying just the final position on the display, the initial position, the intermediate position, and the final position of the element are all displayed. An intermediate control may be used to change the first set of one or more layout processes by moving the displayed intermediate position of the element. A final control may be used to change the second set of one or more layout processes by moving the displayed final position of the element.