A motion image control method and apparatus wherein, on a window displayed on a display screen of an image editing device, a slider indicator for implementing a shuttle function at the time of reproducing a motion image is provided with an origin in its mid-point and, when an operator releases a knob indicator located at a given position within a predetermined range, the knob is automatically returned to the origin to put the motion image indicator in its stopped state and, when the operator releases the knob located out of the predetermined range, the knob stays still at the moved position to display the motion image at its set reproduction rate. Further, a predetermined reproduction rate of the motion image is set when the knob is within the predetermined range, whereas, when the knob is moved out of the predetermined range with use of a mouse, the reproduction rate is set at a desired reproduction rate corresponding to a displacement of the knob from the predetermined range.