The infrared laser-compatible positive-type image recording materials according to the present invention include a support and a photo/thermosensitive layer formed on the support; and the photo/thermosensitive layer contains an alkali-soluble resin (A), a photothermal converting substance (B) and an ester compound (C) represented by the following General Formula (I), and increases solubility thereof to an alkaline developer as a result exposure to an infrared laser. In the following formula, R.sup.1 represents a hydrocarbon group having a pKa of R.sup.1OH in a range of 3 to 10; and R.sup.2 represents a hydrocarbon group or a substituted carbonyl group. The invention provides image recording materials compatible with high-output lasers that enable highly-sensitive direct plate making by using digital data from a computer or the like, and provide images excellent in development latitude, contrast, and resolution ##STR00001##