PURPOSE: To obtain a transfer image which is high in density, saturation, and resolution and rich in objective description property, by a method wherein an acceptor layer contains an accelerator additive which accelerates permeation of a sublimable dye by swelling synthetic resin when heat energy is given.

CONSTITUTION: For a base material of an acceptor, paper groups such as plain paper, various kinds of synthetic paper, etc. and a plastic film of 130 to 200μm degree in thickness which can form an acceptor layer to be maintained, and do not generate deformation such as warpage, contraction, etc. in thermal transfer, are used. The acceptor layer of 2 to 10μm in thickness which contains a synthetic resin having a property of accepting sublimable dye and an accelerator additive, is formed on one side surface of this base material. As synthetic resin, polyester resin, polyurethane resin, acetate resin, polyamide resin, etc. are mentioned. As the accelerator additive, phenol compound, chlorobenzene compound, or methylnaphthalene, are used. The synthetic resin and the accelerator additive together with additives like a bridge forming agent or the like are dissolved or dispersed in an organic solvent such as a ketone group, toluene, xylene, etc. and, thereafter, are applied to be dried on one side surface of the base material to form the acceptor layer. 1 to 30 wt parts of the accelerator additive are preferably mixed to 100 wt parts of the synthetic resin.