Image processing apparatus with enhanced configuration of operation buttons for command inputs

An image processing apparatus, comprising:

• a display device having a display area for displaying information to a user;
• an input device for the user to input a request;
• and
• a display control device displaying, if a request for displaying specific information on said display device is input through said input device, said specific information on said display area;
• wherein
• said input device includes a plurality of hardware operation buttons for inputting a plurality of respective requests, arranged in an area adjacent to said display device;
• said specific information is mode selection information allowing selection of one operational mode from among two or more modes related to image formation;
• the shape of said display area is a rectangle;
• one hardware mode operation button from among the plurality of hardware operation buttons for inputting the request for displaying said specific information is provided on a first area adjacent to one side of said rectangle;
• and
• the hardware operation button or buttons including the one hardware mode operation button provided on said first area are smaller in number than the hardware operation buttons provided on a second area adjacent to one of four sides of said rectangle, other than a side opposite to said one side.