In an output apparatus capable of outputting characters in a visible state, one character is first formed by combining a plurality of parts and the formed character is then output in a designated size. At this time, positions of at least two points which are the basis of the positioning of each part are determined and then an outline of the character is determined. Thus, when outputting a character in an arbitrarily enlarged or reduced size in the output apparatus, it is possible to keep a shape or balance of the character very good and thus to contribute to a high quality character output.