Method for making lithographic printing plate

The present invention relates to a method for making a lithographic printing plate, which comprises the steps of imagewise exposing, to a laser beam, a presensitized plate useful for making a lithographic printing plate (hereinafter, referred to as a PS plate), which permits the heat mode-recording with a laser beam, and then developing the imagewise exposed plate within a short period of time after the imagewise exposure. A method for making a lithographic printing plate comprises the steps of imagewise exposing, to a laser beam, a PS plate comprising a substrate, a heat-sensitive layer containing at least one light-heat conversion agent and a binder polymer formed on the substrate and a hydrophilic or lipophobic layer applied onto the heat-sensitive layer; and then removing the hydrophilic or lipophobic layer on the laser-exposed area by developing the imagewise exposed printing plate within 120 seconds from the completion of the laser-exposure to thus give a lithographic printing plate, wherein the developing treatment comprises the step of rubbing the exposed printing plate surface with an abrasion means in the absence of any liquid. This method permits the production of a lithographic printing plate without causing any deterioration of the developing properties of the PS plate even when the imagewise exposed PS plate is developed within a short period of time after the completion of the laser-exposure.