PURPOSE: To enable a master to be made in a very short time without using a process device provided with a lens etc., by a method wherein a thermal transfer material is selectively thermo-transferred on a base so that a printing image is formed directly on the base.

CONSTITUTION: A thermal transfer film 31 consists of a transfer base 36 and an image forming material 37. The image forming material 37 spread on the transfer base 36 is selectively thermo-transferred on a base film 35 by a thermal head 34 driven by an external signal 33. On the other hand, the image forming material 37 which was not thermo-transferred remains on the transfer base 36 as it is to be taken up by a taken-up roller 32. A signal for driving the thermal head is externally applied, whereby a computer output etc. is connected directly or alternatively the signal is transmitted through various communication circuits to conduct the direct process of a master. In this manner, the master can be made very easily in a short time.