An image forming apparatus includes a first light source that emits light when color print is specified; a first deflection unit that deflects the light emitted from the first light source; a first driving unit that drives the first deflection unit; a second light source that emits light when color print is specified and when monochrome print is specified; a second deflection unit that deflects the light emitted from the second light source; a second driving unit that drives the second deflection unit; a control unit that, when a image data receiving unit receives first image data and information specifying that the first image data is to be printed in monochrome and receives second image data and information specifying that the second image data is to be printed in color, causes the first driving unit to operate while a monochrome image corresponding to the first image data is being formed.