An image recording system comprises a plurality of image recording units that can selectively be driven to achieve most efficient operation. For example, the system may also include an input unit for entering image information and a control unit for selectively supplying image information entered by the input unit to at least one of the image recording units. In this case, the input unit further includes a display for indicating an operating condition of each of the recording units. As another example, the system may include a plurality of input units and a control device for detecting, during recording by all of the recording units, a new recording requirement and designating at least one of the recording units to interrupt its current recording operation and fulfill the new recording requirement. The system may also include a plurality of storage trays, for storing sheets on which recording has been performed by the recording units, in accordance with the one of the plurality of input means through which image information has been entered by the recording units.