According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus which communicates with a first terminal device includes a first display unit which displays display data, a storage unit which stores first ability information relating to a display ability of the first display unit, an operation panel management unit which is provided at the first terminal device, obtains second ability information relating to a display ability of a second display unit which displays display data, and compares the obtained second ability information to the first ability information which is stored in the storage unit; and a control unit which determines whether to display display data as a display target on the first display unit, or on the second display unit.