Multivalued image information is input, subjected to multivalued processing, and converted into data representing the number of print dots for each pixel. Print dots are counted for each region made up of a plurality of pixels, and a print dot layout in a region of interest is determined in accordance with the count value of print dots in a peripheral region around the region of interest. This arrangement can provide an image processing apparatus and method capable of obtaining a high-quality image without increasing the amount of information.