A pattern data creation method for creating mask pattern data on an exposure mask, said exposure mask having a surface divided into plural unit regions, said mask pattern data comprising pattern data parts each defined for one of said plural unit regions, each of said pattern data parts comprising pattern information of a pattern included in said unit region and header information indicative of a location of said unit region on said surface of said exposure mask, said pattern data creation method comprising the steps of:
- replacing, in a part of said plural unit regions, said pattern information in said mask pattern data part with new pattern information;
- and
- reconstructing said header for said unit region in which said pattern information is replaced.