This invention provides an image processing apparatus provided with an outline extracting section for extracting an outline of an input image and a color converting section for converting the color of the outline extracted into a predetermined color. This apparatus is therefore capable of extracting the outline of an input image, applying color conversion to the outline extracted, and emphasizing a pattern such as a character, a graphic pattern or the like. The apparatus is further provided with a converting-color designating section for designating a converting color to be applied to the outline, a color detecting section for detecting a portion having a predetermined color in the input image, and a region designating section for designating a predetermined region in the input image. Accordingly, the outline alone can be independently processed so that an outlined character, a shaded character or the like can be formed.