Image forming apparatus with reduction layout function, image forming method, and storage medium storing control program therefor

Abstract

An image forming apparatus minimizes necessary code area and reserves imaging area of suitable size for forming reduction document images. A code symbol detection unit detects first and second code symbols on first and second sheets, respectively. A code information obtaining unit obtains first and second code information from the detected first and second codes, respectively. A code symbol generation unit generates composite code symbol from the first and second code information, respectively. An area reservation unit reserves a code area in which the composite code symbol of a predetermined size more than the minimum readable size can be arranged in an image formable area of a sheet, and defines an imaging area by removing the code area from the image formable area. An arrangement unit arranges the composite code symbol in the code area, and reduces and arranges multiple images in the imaging area.