The invention facilitates a setting operation relating to the displaying and laying out of images and arranges it so that the layout will reflect the preferences of the observer. The invention provides a medical image display apparatus for displaying medial images and other medical data on a display unit. An image storage unit for storing medical images and a processor are connected to the display unit. A frequency-of-use storage unit and a mode storage unit are connected to the processor. When medical images have been displayed, the frequency-of-use storage unit stores the frequency of use of the layout type. The apparatus sets a display format of the medical images automatically based upon the frequency of use of this layout type. There is a good possibility that a layout type having a high frequency of use will reflect the preference of the reader (observer). If this layout type is used as is, or if the layout type is used after only a minor change, this will facilitate the setting operation relating to display layout.