An image processing apparatus for applying effects to a stored image includes an optical reader. The apparatus includes a feed mechanism for feeding a planar element on which a printed, two-dimensional pattern having a certain resolution is carried, to the reader. The reader has a sensor with a resolution capacity of at least twice the resolution of the two-dimensional pattern and is configured to generate program data represented by the two-dimensional pattern in an external format, the data itself representing an image processing program. A reader interface is connected to the reader to receive the program data from the reader, the reader interface being configured to transform the program data to an internal format suitable for processing. A processor is connected to both the reader and the reader interface to control operation of the reader and the reader interface and to apply the image processing program to the stored image to generate an output image with desired effects.