An image forming apparatus is provided with a data retrieving unit that retrieves index image data and associating file information corresponding files from a recording medium. The index image data and associating tile information are allocated to a plurality of arrangement sections. The index image data and associating file information may be printed on a printing sheet in accordance with a predetermined layout. A judging unit is provided to judge whether the associating file information is less than or equal to a predetermined length, The associating file information which is longer than the predetermined length is normally printed incompletely so as to he printed within the arrangement section. A layout modifying unit is provided to modify the predetermined layout for the arrangement section if the associating file information is longer than the predetermined length so that the associating file information is printed completely on the printing sheet.