PURPOSE: To provide an image transfer method which is used for formation of prepress proofs of single color or multicolors, features excellent reproducibility of images and does not generate registration defects in transfer of the multicolor images.

CONSTITUTION: The device of this image forming method includes an impression cylinder 11 to which an image forming material consisting of a base, a photosensitive layer formed on one surface of this base and a protective film formed in this photosensitive layer is affixable and a transfer cylinder 1 to which an image receptor is affixable. The image forming material from which a protective film is peeled after affixing to the impression cylinder by rotating the impression cylinder 11 and/or the transfer cylinder 1 and the image receptor affixed to the transfer cylinder 1 are introduced into a nip between the impression cylinder 11 and the transfer cylinder 1 and the image formed by image exposing on the photosensitive layer of the image forming material is transferred to the image receptor. An ironing roller 23 is brought into contact with the surface of the photosensitive layer of the image forming material affixed onto the impression cylinder 11 from which the protective film is peeled and the base is brought into tight contact with the surface of the impression cylinder by rotation of the impression cylinder 11.