Abstract: This system relates to a technology for inputting picture data from a manuscript using a layout scanner. When inputting picture data from the manuscript, a layout sheet is set on position data input device such as a data tablet to obtain a specified point on the layout sheet and position data including a trimming range. The position data is delivered to a display together with the picture data. Displaying the picture data and the position data superimposed with each other, the position data is visually confirmed and a necessary correction is made. Another method is to record position data into a recording medium e.g. floppy disk etc. to allow a layout scanner to output the picture data by applying an exposure process thereto on the basis of the recorded contents of the recording medium.