Abstract: The invention relates to a color image processing method and apparatus therefor, in which dot area ratio is decided when color printing is performed using inks of the four colors yellow, magenta, cyan and black.In color printing, in principle most colors can be printed by the superimposed printing of inks of the three colors Y, M, C.However, when performing color printing using four colors, inclusive of black, it is difficult to decide the dot area ratio of each color for the purpose of reproducing a target color, and excellent color reproduction cannot always be obtained even if printing is performed at the dot area ratios decided by the conventional method.Accordingly, the invention is adapted to decide area ratios A.sub.Y, A.sub.M, A.sub.C, A.sub.