An image processing apparatus deals with a plurality of objects each having a pair of image data representative of an image and image attribute information representative of an attribute of the image, wherein the plurality of objects are linked in form of a hierarchy structure including a parentage. The image processing apparatus comprises object producing means for producing new objects upon succession of image attribute information of a parent object, object deleting means for deleting an object and the associated descendant objects as well, and attribute information altering means for altering an attribute of an object and an attribute of the associated descendant objects as well.