A method for developing electrostatic latent images comprises a first step of supplying uniformly a developer containing developing particles onto an electrostatic latent image carrying surface and a second step of supplying liquid onto the latent image carrying surface to remove any excess developer from the surface while leaving on the surface only such developing particles that are able to be retained as a result of the relative attraction between the developing particles and the electrostatic latent image so as to visualize the latent image. Apparatus for carrying out the method comprises a developing particle applying means and a liquid supplying means. The developing particle applying means is disposed to effect a uniform adhesion of developing particles onto an electrostatic latent image carrying surface. The liquid supplying means supplies a liquid onto the surface in such a manner that on the surface there remains only such developing particles that are able to be retained as a result of the relative attraction between the particles and the electrostatic latent image and all excess developing particles are removed from the surface.