Systems and methods for managing graphic design using metadata relationships are described. According to certain aspects, an electronic device may display a visual design including a set of design elements, each of which may be contained within a corresponding container. The electronic device may receive a selection to spatially adjust a design element, and may determine a modification to the design element based an element behavior of the design element and/or a container behavior of the corresponding container. The electronic device may display, in the user interface, the design element reflecting the modification.