A printing apparatus includes a printing device for selectively forming an image on a recording medium and a transfer medium, and a platen roller arranged opposite to the printing device. A nipping roller is arranged for nipping the transfer medium with the platen roller, and a mode setting device is used for setting a direct mode for forming the image on the recording medium and a indirect mode for forming the image on the transfer medium. A moving device moves the nipping roller to contact with and separate from the platen roller according to the direct mode and the indirect mode set by the mode setting device.