An apparatus and method are provided for setting a printing option using a preview image. Setting the printing option includes an image preview unit displaying a preview image corresponding to printing data and enabling the preview image to be manipulated for setting a printing setting, a control unit controlling printing of the preview image according to the printing setting of the manipulated preview image, and a printing option setting unit setting a printing option, wherein the control unit applies the printing setting of the preview image to the printing option of the printing option setting unit.