1. A method of proofing a plurality of variable data documents each formed from a common layout in which variable data content is placed into one or more containers having locations and sizes within said layout defined by layout rules, said method comprising the steps of: (a) assessing a plurality of measures of variation for each said container in each said document; (b) determining the measure of a standard document generated from said common layout; (c) comparing the measure of said determined standard document with the measure of said assessed plurality of measures; and (d) presenting a document having at least one measure for which the compared result is larger among said assessed plurality of measures based on the result of said comparison.