An apparatus and method for creating a preview image of an object is provided. The apparatus includes an object type detecting unit for detecting an object to be previewed for determining whether the type of the object is text, graphics, and image, a color matching unit for converting a color signal of the detected object into an image forming color signal by using a color profile corresponding to the detected object according to the detection result of the object type detecting unit, and a preview image creating unit for creating and displaying a preview image for the object converted into the image forming color signal. Therefore, since the preview image is displayed on a monitor according to the type of object (text, graphics, or image), a user can predict the image forming result more accurately. Further, since the colors of objects can be adjusted, a printout with desired color characteristics can be obtained.