PURPOSE: To easily prepare a layout template and to partially utilize an existent layout template again by generating partial layout structure by applying a partial layout template, which is corresponding to certain partial logical structure in a document, to this logical structure.

CONSTITUTION: A partial layout template holding means 105 holds the partial layout template showing rules for laying-out the partial logical structure of the document in a logical structure holding means 101. In respect to the partial logical structure designated by a partial logical structure designating means 108, a partial layout means 109 executes a partial layout processing by applying the template corresponding to that logical structure. Assuming that the partial layout means 109 completes the partial layout processing to certain partial logical structure and further executes the partial layout processing to the other partial logical structure, at such a time, this partial layout means 109 executes the partial layout processing according to the retroactive call of the own means, and executes the layout processing of the entire logical structure of the document.