An image processing method and apparatus which makes possible image processing based on attribute specification contents specified by an attribute specification image by reading an original including an original image and the attribute specification image which specifies the contents of processings to be performed on the original image.A scanner reads a format original containing bar codes indicating data attribute specifications such as character limit range, character color, etc. The read bar code patterns are analyzed and the attribute specification data such as character limit range, character color, etc. is stored in RAM once. Then, the original to be output is read and stored in RAM as image data. Processings (such as color conversion, etc.) corresponding to the aforementioned attribute specification data are performed in relation to this image data. After all of the processings specified by the attribute specification data has been carried out in relation to this image data, the resulting data is printed onto a printer.