A screen generating method is implemented on a distribution managing system in which an image forming apparatus, a managing server, and a client device are connected. In the screen generating method, the client device receives input for designating an item for setting metadata on a generating screen; generates definition data of an input screen on which the metadata is set based on a descriptor that is arbitrary determined by a user for displaying the item on the input screen and the item designated on the generating screen; and transmits the definition data to the image forming apparatus.