RECORDING DEVICE

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording device which is capable of shortening time dedicated for printing in an overcoat layer or a precoat layer and thereby shorten the printing time per printing paper. SOLUTION: A print pattern for an overcoat layer is assigned to part of an image area 18a and the length of print in the overcoat layer is decided based on the print pattern. Thus it is possible to make the print length (L0-L1-L2) of the overcoat layer shorter than the print length (L0 line) of a different color ink layer. Consequently, the printing time of the overcoat layer is shortened and the printing time per recording paper also can be shortened. In addition, the way to apply a heat to a thermal head is such that only the part requiring such heating as an image is heated instead of heating the entire single line. This method contributes to the saving of an electric power and can be applied to the printing in a precoat layer.