Provided is an image forming apparatus including a transfer cylinder having a first groove formed in an outer portion in a rotational radial direction. The apparatus also includes a fixing cylinder having a second groove formed in an outer portion in a rotational radial. A looped-shape circulating member that is wrapped around the transfer cylinder and the fixing cylinder. The circulating member supports plural holding members configured to hold the recording medium. The apparatus also includes a pressure unit that is rotatably supported and configured to permit the recording medium to pass between the pressure unit and the fixing cylinder while a pressure is applied. The apparatus also includes a rotatable transfer roller opposing the transfer cylinder, the transfer roller opposing the first groove when a rotationally upstream end portion of the second groove in the fixing cylinder is in contact with the pressure unit.