To provide a simple image forming method realizing density gradation at every dot and capable of also corresponding to the reproduction of a character of high resolving power and the reproduction of high image quality of a multi-gradation image and a simple image forming apparatus of high resolving power therefor.

As an image forming material, ink changed in its optical density by the application of energy, for example, ink containing a photochromic or heat-sublimable dye is used. Energy of light or heat is applied to ink in a process moving or bonding the ink on a material to be recorded to change the optical density of the ink and the ink with desired optical density is bonded to the material to be recorded to obtain an image.