To output a handwriting-like character string in a size which is almost similar to a case when a character string is outputted in a setting formal at the time of generating the character string having the merit of handwriting with proportional spacing output.

When it is assumed that character string data is outputted in accordance with a printing format, CPU 1 obtains the size of the output area. When the character string is to be proportional spacing-printed by a handwriting-like font, the sizes of the arrangement areas are obtained and they are compared. Then, the magnification of the arrangement area to the output area is calculated. CPU 1 changes the handwriting-like font of respective characters constituting character string data into a size corresponding to the calculated magnification. The handwriting-like font whose character size is changed is character-arranged in accordance with proportional arrangement control information and it is outputted from a printing device 7.