An image beam recording apparatus including an image data input device, a comparator for forming a plurality of pulse width modulated signals on the basis of the image data input by the input device, and a laser for scanning a laser beam modulated in accordance with the pulse width modulated signals output by the comparator and for recording an image on a recording medium. The comparator is capable of forming a plurality of pulse width modulated signals so as to reproduce a variable density image. The plurality of pulse width modulated signals have the same number of pulses, but different pulse widths. The laser effects a scanning operation so that a plurality of beams modulated by the pulse width modulated signals form spots which overlap each other.