A graphical user interface 30 that includes a template design area is displayed. Based on one or more commands received through the graphical user interface 30, a layout of template elements (44-50) is arranged with respective relative positions and sizes in the template design area (34), where at least one of the template elements (44-50) is designated for receiving variable document content 16. Through the graphical user interface 30, values of parameters characterizing one or more associated adaptive layout variables that constrain adaptability of respective ones of the template elements (44-50) to different document content 16 are received. At least one of the parameters characterizes a degree of variability of the associated adaptive layout variable. The relative positions of the template elements (44-50) are encoded in the template design area in association with the respective parameter values in a variable document template data structure (18).