Abstract: A method for generating character pattern data includes steps of providing contour information of a character having m.sub.1 .times.m.sub.2 coordinate values in a coordinate space; and making and outputting gradated character pattern data of l.sub.1 .times.l.sub.2 picture elements for an output device having n gradiations per picture element (where m.sub.1, m.sub.2, l.sub.1, l.sub.2, and n are positive integers). In an image making method, picture subelements provided by dividing an original picture element are set as a scanning unit and an image is made by scanning conversion using the picture element having a gradation to perform a coloring operation with respect to the interior of a two-dimensional contour line.