In this paper, we present a hybrid approach to the problem of the document analysis in which the document image is segmented by means of a top-down technique and then basic blocks are grouped bottom-up in order to form complex layout components. In this latter process, called layout analysis,only generic knowledge on typesetting conventions is exploited. Suchaknowledge isindependentof theparticular class of processed documentsand turns out valuable for a wide range of documents. Preliminary results of the layout analysis system LEX (Layout Expert) show the methodological validity of this approach.