A system and method in which derived graphic elements are generated automatically upon changes made to the defining graphic elements or generation parameters. A user need only modify the defining element(s) and the system will eliminate any originally derived elements and substitute therefor any newly created derived elements. The system is arranged to inhibit the generation of the derived elements until all of the changes associated with all of the defining element(s) have been made. The regeneration of the derived elements is performed once even if multiple defining elements have been modified.