An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member; a belt for transferring an image from the image bearing member onto a recording material; transferring means for transferring the image from the image bearing member toward the belt; wherein the transferring means presses against the image bearing member through the belt; a tension member for applying tension the belt; wherein the belt is extended around the transferring means and the tension member; releasing means for releasing a tension applied to the belt by the tension member; separating means for separating the transferring means from the belt.