Abstract: An apparatus and method for editing an entire image, including closed areas surrounded by other closed areas, contained within a framed area is disclosed. Image data obtained through a prescan is first written into a bit map memory, in the form of first data, e.g., 5. A closed area containing a point designated by a user is then painted with data of 3, for example. The entire area outside the closed area is painted with third data of 1, for example, using a start point that is a point outside the area of the original. Further, the bit map memory is painted with fourth data, e.g., a function number N corresponding to the type of the preset image edit processing, with the designated point as a start point of the painting and the third data as a pattern delineating the area painted with the fourth data. Through the above steps of processing, the framed area is entirely painted with the number N. Then, the number N is set to the value corresponding to the type of image edit processing.