A method for forming an image and a protective layer on a transfer receiving material , by thermal transfer, the method comprising: supplying a thermal transfer sheet between a thermal head of a thermal printer and a platen roller disposed opposite to the thermal head , wherein the thermal transfer sheet comprises a plurality of color material layers and a transferable protective layer which are arranged in a face serial manner, and wherein the thermal head comprises a plurality of heat generating portions which is arranged so as to extend substantially in parallel with each other; transferring the color material layers of the thermal transfer sheet onto the transfer receiving material , by heat of the thermal head , to form an image on the transfer receiving material ; transferring the transferable protective layer of the thermal transfer sheet onto the transfer receiving material , by heat of the thermal head , to form a protective layer on the transfer receiving material ; and characterised in that the method further comprises the steps of shifting the relative positions of the thermal head and the transfer receiving material with respect to each other, in a direction (x) substantially in parallel with a main scanning direction, after transferring the color material layers at least once, wherein shifting the relative positions of the thermal head and the transfer receiving material with respect to each other, in the direction (x) substantially in parallel with the main scanning direction, is carried out after transferring the color material layers , and before transferring the transferable protective layer , onto the transfer receiving material , wherein the main scanning direction is the direction in which the generating portions are arranged. supplying a thermal transfer sheet between a thermal head of a thermal printer and a platen roller disposed opposite to the thermal head , wherein the thermal transfer sheet comprises a plurality of color material layers and a transferable protective layer which are arranged in a face serial manner, and wherein the thermal head comprises a plurality of heat generating portions which is arranged so as to extend substantially in parallel with each other; transferring the color material layers of the thermal transfer sheet onto the transfer receiving material , by heat of the thermal head , to form an image on the transfer receiving material ; transferring the transferable protective layer of the thermal transfer sheet onto the transfer receiving material , by heat of the thermal head , to form a protective layer on the transfer receiving material ; and characterised in that the method further comprises the steps of shifting the relative positions of the thermal head and the transfer receiving material with respect to each other, in a direction (x) substantially in parallel with a main scanning direction, after transferring the color material layers at least once, wherein shifting the relative positions of the thermal head and the transfer receiving material with respect to each other, in the direction (x) substantially in parallel with the main scanning direction, is carried out after transferring the color material layers , and before transferring the transferable protective layer , onto the transfer receiving material , wherein the main scanning direction is the direction in which the generating portions are arranged. <EOS>