Abstract: This invention relates to the production of cutout masks used in a reproduction process. The cutout mask production apparatus and method according to the present invention allows both the layer process and the choke and spread process to be independently implemented. In the choke and spread process, frame drawings 92 which need no choke and spread are left intact, while other frame drawings 93 to be choke-and-spread processed are manipulated for the processing. As a result, the choke and spread process and the layer process can be implemented in a simple and quick manner. As each layer containing one or more frame drawings is painted in its assigned color on the monitor screen 22, the layer process becomes simple. Accordingly, the cutout mask production productivity improves.