Electrophotographic developing apparatus for applying a liquid developer to one surface of an electrophotographic recording element carrying the electrostatic image thereon so as to render the electrostatic image visible, the apparatus being adapted to apply liquid developer by a surface immersion technique and including edge control means arranged to contact portions of the recording element adjacent the side edges of the recording element as it moves past the reservoir containing the liquid developer, the edge control means preventing immersion of portions of the front surface of the recording element extending inwardly of the side edges for a predetermined distance whereby the back surface of the recording element is kept free from liquid developer.