An image processing apparatus and method which are capable of reducing waiting time of an operator, and improving operation feeling and productivity. An input image is registered as usable data before completion of generation of vectorized data from the input image stored in a HDD. Even for a job in which the vectorization of the input image has not been completed, it is possible to set various processes, such as preview, change of the order of pages, and designation of editing of an image, other than printing.