An image processing method and apparatus for converting an original image by performing a pixel number conversion on the original image at a predetermined pixel number conversion rate in at least one of a column direction and a row direction in a matrix that has been specified. A character judging step determines whether each of a plurality of areas making up the original image is a character part or not. When it is determined that image has a character part, a pixel number conversion procedure is performed so that the lines within the original image are converted into lines with the same line width in the converted image. Alternatively, areas that are judged a character part can use an alternative pixel number conversion procedure so that a barycenter in the original image is maintained after the pixel number conversion.