The Difference Between Microfilm and Microfiche

Though the two words may look very similar at first glance, microfilm and microfiche are actually two very distinct types of microform. While these two types of microform do share some similarities, they each have their own unique set of applications and advantages. These technologies are largely outdated and have since been replaced with more advanced methods of data and image storage. Nevertheless, large amounts of microfilm and microfiche data still remain and house valuable images and information. Understanding the difference between microfilm and microfiche ensures that the data is handled correctly at all times. This guide explores the difference between microfilm and microfiche, both in terms of application and logistics.

Microfilm

Microfilm is stored in much the same way as old photographs and film reels. Images are written on a reel of film, generally either 16 mm or 35 mm, then are rolled and stored in one continuous roll. One roll of microfilm can store hundreds of images, making this type of microform highly efficient. The storing capacity of microfilm is far greater than with microfiche and is best suited for large quantities of similar images that need to be stored in a specific order. Because the technology used in microfilm is slightly similar to that of more modern film reels, the microfilm conversion process is slightly faster and simpler than it is for microfiche. 

Microfiche

Unlike microfilm, microfiche stores images and documents on a flat sheet of microfilm. This film is not rolled into a continuous reel and images are displayed alongside one another instead of one after the other. Most microfiche sheets are about 4 x 5 inches large and can store up to 100 images or documents. Many people find microfiche easier to organize, as you do not have to scroll through an entire roll of film to find the image you want. Microfiche is preferable in instances where different batches of information need to be kept separate from one another. For instance, medical records for one individual could be stored on one microfiche sheet and will not be confused with someone else’s records that are stored on a different sheet.