The control electrode unit including an insulative layer, a reference electrode on one surface of the insulative layer and at least one segment control electrode on an opposite surface of the insulative layer to which an image signal is applied. The control electrode unit has at least one row of apertures which pass through the segment control electrode, the insulative layer and the reference electrode, so that the charged particles pass through the apertures. The image recording apparatus includes a plurality of carrying units for carrying charged particles of different colors, and a moving unit for moving one of the carrying unit to the position disposed confronting the recording medium through the position confronting the medium through the control electrode unit. One of the carrying units is disposed at a position confronting the medium through the control electrode unit so that the charged particles carried by the carrying unit are carried toward the recording medium through the apertures. Thus, the image recording apparatus has a single control electrode unit, even though the image recording apparatus has the plurality of carrying units. Two levels of vibration are applied to the control electrode unit. A first level, in the recording mode, prevents particles from adhering to the electrode. A second level, in a non-recording mode is at a higher level to remove particles from the electrode. In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of carrying units are fixed in position and each has a corresponding control electrode. Image formation occurs by controlling movement of the recording medium relative to the carrying units.