IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD AND AN IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS

An image processor reads an original that includes an original image and an attribute instruction image, for designating the contents of the image processing that is performed on the original image. This ensures that image processing is performed in consonance with the contents of the attribute instructions that are indicated by the attribute instruction image. A scanner reads a format original wherein instructions for data attributes, such as a range for a character frame and a character color, are expressed with a bar code. The pattern of the read bar code is analyzed, and the attribute instruction data, such as the range for a character frame and a character color, are temporarily stored in a RAM. An original to be output is read by the scanner and is stored as image data in the RAM. Image processing (color conversion, etc.) that correspond to the attribute instruction data is performed on the image data, and a printer prints image data obtained by performing all of the instructed image processes.