An image-forming method is provided which can provide stable image density
irrespective of use environments and does not cause image defects such as
fogging, tailing, or transfer voids, even when being applied to a
developing sleeve with a reduced diameter. In the image-forming method, a
latent image bearing member and a toner bearing member bearing a magnetic
toner on its surface and having inside a unit for generating a magnetic
field are placed with a predetermined interval, and an alternating field
is applied between the latent image bearing member and the toner bearing
member, and an electrostatic latent image borne by the latent image
bearing member is developed with the magnetic toner. The toner bearing
member has a specific diameter, and the magnetic toner has a specific
circularity and a specific compressibility. The total energy of the toner
measured with a powder flowability measuring apparatus satisfies a
specific value.