To provide an image forming apparatus which has improved operability for an operator by automatically starting second and succeeding reading processing in the case of continuous reading.

The apparatus comprises: a continuous reading mode discrimination means for continuous reading operation according to setting of a copy mode; an image accumulation means for accumulating images until starting of printing is instructed when reading continuously; a platen opening and closing detection means for detecting opening and closing of a platen in the case of platen copying; a document-table document detection means for detecting a document on the document table; and a reading control means for automatically starting the second and succeeding document reading processing in response to the detecting state of the opening and closing detection means and in response to the detecting state of a DF document detection means for detecting setting of the document to a DF in the case of DF copying.