a multi - user document editing system and method . embodiments of the invention utilize a model - view - controller design pattern to successfully control changes in parallel to underlying backend database information presentation related information . granularity of protection and check in / check out on family , spread , presentation layer and presentation object . in addition , enables automatic update of changes to all users editing or viewing the information . changes to the backend database may also include changes to the family hierarchy with real - time update of publication wysiwyg pages for example . enables rollback of changes . instead of waiting constantly for other users to finish editing information before other edits can be made , the typical serial editing methodology is transformed by embodiments of the invention into a parallel methodology that greatly increases throughput and lowers the costs associated with large publications .