A recording apparatus for recording on a recording medium by use of a recording mechanism which travels along the recording medium comprises a carrier which enables the recording mechanism to travel along the recording medium, the carrier being capable of holding the recording mechanism detachably, and a carrier driving mechanism which enables the carrier to travel along the recording medium, the carrier driving mechanism prohibiting the movement of the carrier in an arbitrary position in the traveling area of the carrier. In this way, when the recording mechanism is attached to or detached from the carrier, the movement of the carrier is prohibited, thus making it possible to fix the carrier without any particular mechanism to suspend the movement of the carrier for a reliable and sound attachment or detachment of the recording mechanism to or from the carrier, and at the same time, to implement the miniaturization and lower cost of the apparatus.