A method of reverse development for depositing the toner particles to the light potential area of a photosensitive member. The developer used contains magnetic carrier particles and toner particles. An alternating electric field is formed in the developing position or zone. A relative volumetric ratio Q (%) of the magnetic carrier particles in the developing position satisfies 15.0.ltoreq.Q.ltoreq.28.0. The relative volumetric ratio is defined asQ=(M/h).times.(1/.rho.).times.C.sigma./(T+C)where M (g/cm.sup.2) is an amount of applied developer on a developing sleeve surface per unit area, h (cm) is a height of space in the developing position, .rho. (g/cm.sup.3) is a true density of the magnetic carrier particles, C/(T+C) (%) is a weight ratio of the carrier particles in the developer on the surface of the sleeve, and .sigma. is a ratio of a peripheral speed of the sleeve relative to the peripheral speed of the photosensitive member.