An image processing apparatus embedding information in an image by combining multiple predetermined patterns with the image is disclosed that includes a level determination part configured to determine at least one of the levels of conditions to be added regarding the disposition of the predetermined patterns, to which at least one of the levels the information to be embedded belongs; and a pattern combining part configured to combine the predetermined patterns with the image in accordance with the condition corresponding to the information to be embedded at the determined at least one of the levels. If the information to be embedded belongs to two or more of the levels, the pattern combining part combines the predetermined patterns so that the conditions corresponding to the information to be embedded are satisfied at the two or more of the levels.