In a document processing apparatus wherein when a format of a document or the like is set, a plurality of format patterns are simultaneously displayed, a selection is made of a desirable format pattern among said format patterns so as to perform a format setting operation, displays of the format patterns are subdivided into a plurality of screens based on a purpose or usage of a document to be formed. After selecting or designating the purpose or usage of the document, the above-described format pattern is displayed. The document format setting operation which was cumbersome in prior art can be readily performed by selecting a desirable format sample from the format samples which have been categorized based upon the usage thereof, and also by adding an item capable of freely setting a format into the format samples.