A system and method of operation is configured to produce a PPML template from a PDF document. In one implementation, the system opens the PDF document and converts PDF elements within the PDF document into variable objects. A macro is generated, which contains rules governing use and reuse of the variable objects. The PPML template generated as final result is configured to include a definition of the variable objects, the macro and a version of the original PDF document, wherein at least portions of the PDF document are configured as a background element within the PPML document.