PURPOSE: To reduce the capacity of a memory by comparing a level set by a threshold level setting means with the levels of respective elements of a basic matrix and generating a pattern which shows whether or not each element is displayed according to the comparison results.

CONSTITUTION: The shading pattern generating device is equipped with the basic matrix where prescribed levels are assigned to the respective elements constituting the matrix and a pattern generating means which compares the level set by the threshold level setting means with the levels of the respective elements and generates the pattern showing whether or not each element is displayed according to those results. The number and arrangement of correspond ing elements of the basic matrix are different according to the threshold level set by the threshold level setting means, so gradations or recording density that the shading pattern expresses is variable in several ways. Consequently, the memory capacity is reduced.