PURPOSE: To collectively staple manuscripts in such a case that the number of the manuscripts is a predetermined value or less even when it exceeds the predetermined max. tolerant stapling number of sheets and to treat sheets in a form pref. for a user by binding a series of discharged sheets without dividing the same when the number of said sheets exceeding the max. tolerant number of sheets is within a set value.

CONSTITUTION: When a stapling mode is indicated and copying operation is started, manuscripts are successively fed to contact glass 6 one at a time by an ADF. Copied recording paper is sent to a stapling unit 23 to be discharged. A paper counter 37 is counted up and, when the count value coincides with the number of the manuscripts, stapling operation is carried out. In the case of non-coincidence, the count value is compared with the predetermined max. tolerant binding number of sheets of a stapler and, in the case of coincidence, the number of the manuscripts is compared with a value of (stapling max. tolerant value + predetermined exceeding tolerant number of sheets) and, when the number of the manuscripts is said value or less, no stapling operation is performed at this point of time to stand by until the number of discharged papers coincides with the number of the manuscripts to perform stapling operation.