An image processing apparatus generates binary image data by performing binarization processing on input image data and generates edge image data by performing edge extraction processing to the input image data. The image processing apparatus acquires a first area identification result by performing area identification processing on the generated binary image data and acquires a second area identification result by performing area identification processing on the generated edge image data. In addition, the image processing apparatus generates a merged area identification result by merging the first area identification result and the second area identification result and generates an output binary image by performing partial binarization processing on the input image data according to each character area included in the generated merged area identification result.