In menu operating method and device and an image processing apparatus using the same, a setting frame for operating a setting menu is constructed by a setting menu display area and a hierarchical menu display area. A setting menu to be operated is displayed in the setting menu display area, and menu item buttons corresponding to setting menus on respective layers contained in a hierarchical menu are displayed in a listing style according to its hierarchical structure in the hierarchical menu display area. At this time, an operator can obtain information such as the hierarchical structure of menus and the position of a setting menu being operated on each setting frame, and the operability of the hierarchical menu is enhanced.