PURPOSE: To edit a soft text, by preparing both commands for the case when various attributes are taken into consideration, and the case when they are disregarded, in a character processor having an editing function.

CONSTITUTION: When a executing a command of search, sort, etc., in case when various attributes such as an underline, etc. added to an original characteristis of a character exist, a command is prepared as to both cases of the case when those attributes are taken into consideration, and the case when they are disregarded. Accordingly, when an UNKEY is depressed, search is executed irrespective of existence of an underline, and unless the UNKEY is depressed, search containing a character string to which an underline has been added is executed.