Methods and apparatus are provided for generating 3D image files based on 2D image media standards. First and second image data are photographed, pre-processed, and stored. The first and second image data are encoded. A 3D image file is generated. The 3D image file includes a first area having the first and second image data synchronized with the first image data so as to be used for generating a 3D image, a second area including at least information on a number of frames and a size of each frame for the first image data, and a third area, separate from the second area, having information on a number of frames and a size of each frame for the second image data. Information stored in third area is for regenerating the 3D image and not for regenerating a 2D image.