A print timing signal is generated which has 1/n the previous cycle of the encoder output. The print processing based on this print timing signal allows the actual print processing to extend into the next encoder cycle when the encoder cycle varies due to carriage speed variations and other causes, and corrects the print start trigger of the next cycle and the print timing cycle on the basis of a time difference by which the actual print processing extends into the next encoder cycle. When performing printing with high resolution in particular, this printing apparatus generates precise print timings, thereby improving the print position accuracy of the print head and performing high quality printing.