An apparatus, system, and method of outputting an image, and image output control program stored in a recording medium are described. The image output apparatus that displays data through a display obtains first element identification information for identifying a first element included in a specified folder, determines whether the first element is a folder based on the first element identification information, obtains second element identification information for identifying a second element included in the first element when the first element is determined to be the folder, analyzes whether the second element is a data file having a data format compatible with the display to generate an analysis result, determines a display format of the first element that is determined to be the folder based on the analysis result of the second element, and causes the display to display an image that reflects the first element in the determined display format.