An image forming apparatus includes a interpretation unit, a memory control unit, and an execution unit. The interpretation unit is configured to interpret print data described in a page description language. The memory control unit is configured to control allocation a memory area to the interpretation unit. The execution unit is configured to execute printing by making the interpretation unit to which the memory area is allocated interpret the print data. The memory control unit releases the allocated memory area according to a time elapsed after the print data is interpreted without at least interpretation of print data being performed using the interpretation unit to which the memory area is allocated.