A recording method of recording a file and management information for the file into a user area of a recording medium. In the case where recording start of moving picture is instructed, an operation mode at the last recording time is judged with reference to information within a memory. In the case where the operation mode at the time of last recording time is still picture mode, intermediate management information for performing management of extended file by still picture file is recorded to start recording operation in moving picture mode for recording VTS subsequently to intermediate management information. In the case where operation mode at the last recording time is moving picture mode, recording of moving picture is continued as VTS previously recorded.