Abstract: In an image forming apparatus which combines a plurality of different image forming methods, the image forming operations of the plurality of image forming methods are controlled in accordance with the color of an original image and the color of a recording agent, so that image formation in a desired color can be reliably attained, and copying errors can be eliminated. In another aspect, by appropriately selecting the plurality of image forming methods in correspondence with the feature of an image, high-quality image formation can be attained in correspondence with the image feature.

Abstract: A recording medium transporting apparatus including a transporting device for transporting a recording medium, a guide member for assisting the transporting of the medium, and detecting device for detecting the recording medium. The detecting device has a state detecting unit for detecting the states of the guide member and the recording medium. A storage device stores the data of the state detecting device. A control device controls the detecting device and storage device. An image forming system including the above-described transporting apparatus and an image forming device for forming an image onto the recording medium transported from the recording medium transporting apparatus.