An image editing apparatus which edits image data coded by an MPEG method includes an image encoder which codes the image data, an image decoder which decodes the coded image data, and an image data analyzer which determines an attribute of each GOP and a type of each image frame. The image data analyzer determines whether a head GOP of an area to be edited is a closed GOP or not. In a case where the image data analyzer determines that the head GOP is not a closed GOP, the image encoder converts a portion near the head of the area to be edited into a closed GOP.