Abstract: A latent image comprising a first substance formed on a substrate of a second substance having a surface tension different from a surface tension of the first substance, the first substance and the substrate having a difference of 0.1 to 100 nm in height from each other. The latent image is formed by a method comprising the-step of subjecting a substrate of a first substance to a chemical treatment or a physical treatment to form a surface of a second substance which has a surface tension different from a surface tension of the first substance and has a difference of 0.1 to 100 nm in height from the substrate on part of the substrate. The latent image is developed by a method comprising the steps of contacting a latent image comprising a first substance formed on a substrate of a second substance having a surface tension different from a surface tension of the first substance with a third substance different from the first substance and the second substance, and applying a developing ray to the latent image.