An image forming apparatus includes at least one image forming unit, a primary transfer belt, and a secondary transferer. The image forming unit includes an image carrier and a primary transfer bias applicator. The secondary transferer includes a secondary transfer nip, a secondary transfer bias applicator, and a facing member facing the second transfer bias applicator. The secondary transfer bias applicator forms a secondary transfer electric field. The image forming apparatus further includes a bias applicator, a contact start site, and an electrode. The bias applicator applies a bias voltage having a same polarity as the normal charge polarity of the toner to the primary transfer belt, downstream of the primary transfer bias applicator. The recording medium starts to contact the toner image at the contact start site, located upstream of the secondary transfer nip, where the electrode forms an electric field.