A method is disclosed for efficiently managing the transformation of a document from a first document type to a second document type within a data processing system. It is often necessary for a document within a data processing system to be transformed into a second document type which is recognizable by a second entity upon a transfer of that document. In accordance with the method of the present invention, a transform information object is created for each object within a data processing system. An indication of each document type which may be created as a result of a transformation of that document and an identification of the application which can perform the transformation are then stored within the transform information object. Subsequent attempts at a transformation of the document may then be efficiently performed by a reference to the transform information object and the utilization of the information stored therein. In one embodiment of the present invention the transform application name, address location within the data processing system and capability description are stored within the transform information object.