Abstract: A method for forming a direct positive image by the steps of:(a) imagewise exposing a photosensitive material comprising a support having thereon at least one light-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer containing non-prefogged silver halide grains capable of forming an internal latent image; at least one of the light-sensitive emulsion layer or the other hydrophilic colloidal layer of the photosensitive material containing the following compound (a): ##STR1## (b) developing the exposed material in the presence of a developing agent and at least one nucleating agent; and(c) at least one of fixing and bleaching said developed photosensitive material to form a positive image.When used for making computer output images, the method according to the present invention provides rapid and stable formation of direct positive images with a high Dmax and a low Dmin, and prevents re-reversal negative formation during high illuminance exposure.