An image processing system and method for copying an original document while maintaining the security of the document and for providing a high quality copy each time a copy is required. The system and method include inputting image information, generating output limitation information corresponding to the inputted image information, storing the inputted image information and the corresponding output limitation information, reading a document containing specifying information for specifying the stored image information, outputting the stored specified image information in accordance with reading of the specifying information, determining whether the image information specified by reading the specifying information is to be output based on the output limitation information corresponding to the image information, controlling the outputting of the image information in accordance with the determination, and varying the output limitation information corresponding to the image information in accordance with outputting of the image information.