Abstract: An automatic document feeder includes a controller for actuating and controlling a document forwarder, a document separator, a resist roller pair, and a document conveyor. In response to a copy start signal, the controller energizes the pressing mechanism of the document forward, actuates the forwarding roller, and actuates the document separator to carry the document laid on the document bearing member. During the carriage of the document to bring its front end to the resist roller pair, the controller deenergizes the pressing mechanism of the document forwarder at least once for a predetermined time during a period from the arrival of the front end of the document at the document separator until its arrival at the resist roller pair, thereby releasing the pressure on the documents laid on document bearing member.