Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes an importing unit, a setting unit, a display, an input unit, a replacement unit, and a transmitter. The importing unit is configured to import a metadata format file having described process information on an image file. The setting unit is configured to set setting items in which the process information is described as at least one of parameters. The display is configured to display a destination for the image file so as to be selected. The input unit is configured to select the destination and input the setting items in the metadata format file corresponding to the selected destination. The replacement unit is configured to replace at least one of the parameters with details. The transmitter is configured to transmit the metadata format file replaced by the replacement unit to the destination along with the image file.