PURPOSE: To lighten the burden on an operator by easily changing the mode setting of the output device for a data file by a program which is currently executed.

CONSTITUTION: This system for the mode setting of the output device is provided with a head area detection part 15 which detects an area specified at the head of a data file consisting of document data, etc., generated by using an application program when the data file is outputted, a parameter deciphering part 16 which converts character codes in the area detected by the head area detection part 15 into output control setting parameters used for setting control over the operation mode of the output device outputted to the data file, and a mode setting part 17 which performs setting control over the operation mode of the output device according to the output control setting parameters translated by the parameter deciphering part 16.