An "alternate imaging mode" is provided for processing print jobs during multipitch, multipass marking operations of a print system that transfers the composite full page images to sheets of a target substrate The method comprises the steps of a) beginning the marking of a first page image by a marking material applicator on a first pitch area of an intermediate substrate during a first revolution of the intermediate substrate; and b) beginning the marking of subsequent page images by the applicator on available pitch areas of the intermediate substrate during subsequent revolutions of the intermediate substrate, such marking being delayed from the marking of the prior page image so that the marking of two or more page images are not completed during the same revolution of the intermediate substrate