Microfiche to Digital: Protecting and Preserving Your Records

Microfiche to digital conversion allows organizations to safeguard valuable records while making them easier to access. For decades, microfiche was the standard for storing vast amounts of data in a compact format. However, relying on physical records creates challenges.

Digitizing microfiche ensures your documents are preserved, searchable, and available in modern digital formats. Whether you need to digitize microfiche cards, COM fiche, or aperture cards, the conversion process creates secure digital backups that protect important information for the future.

Why Digitize Microfiche?

While durable, microfiche has limitations:

• Physical damage – Film can scratch, warp, or fade.
• Access issues – Specialized machines are required to view fiche.
• Space demands – Cabinets and readers take up valuable storage space.
• Limited search – Finding a single document can take hours.

Digitizing microfiche documents provides:

• High-quality digital files that preserve image quality.
• The ability to create digital backups for long-term security.
• Access from standard devices without specialized scanners.
• Simple search tools, including full text searches through optical character recognition (OCR).

Converting microfiche to digital is the best way to ensure that important documents remain accessible and protected.

The Microfiche Conversion to Digital Process

Digitizing microfiche involves careful preparation and professional scanning services.

1. Inspection and Preparation

Each sheet or card is reviewed for dust, scratches, or warping. Preparing the records ensures that images are captured clearly and in order.

2. Scanning with Professional Equipment

Dedicated microfiche scanners and microfilm scanners capture high-resolution images of each frame. This step covers a variety of formats, from standard fiche sheets to COM fiche and aperture cards.

3. Image Capture and Enhancement

Captured images are processed with software to adjust brightness, contrast, and cropping. The goal is to produce digitized images that meet quality standards and are easy to read.

4. OCR and Indexing

Optical character recognition transforms scanned images into searchable text. Metadata fields, such as titles and dates, are added so files can be indexed and retrieved quickly.

5. Delivery in Desired Formats

Files are provided in the digital formats that meet your project needs. Options may include PDF for everyday use, TIFF for archival storage, or JPEG for web-based access.

Formats and Media We Convert

Microfiche conversion to digital covers a wide range of media:

• Microfiche cards – The most common format for storing documents.
• COM fiche – Computer Output Microfiche used by government agencies and large organizations.
• Aperture cards – Used for engineering drawings and technical records.
• Microfilm rolls – 16mm and 35mm rolls, often stored alongside fiche in collections.

Microfiche and microfilm can be digitized together, creating a unified digital archive.

Benefits of Converting Microfiche to Digital

The advantages of digitizing microfiche documents include:

• Easy access – View and share files from any computer or device.
• Preservation – Protect records against fading or physical damage.
• Save space – Eliminate bulky cabinets and readers.
• Security – Create digital backups that protect critical data.
• Simple search – Full text searches and indexed files reduce research time.

For organizations handling large volumes of microfiche, the benefits extend beyond convenience—digitization protects valuable information while improving efficiency.

Who Uses Microfiche to Digital Services

A wide range of industries rely on microfiche conversion services:

• Libraries digitizing collections for easier patron access.
• Government agencies preserving public records and microfilm records.
• Businesses and law firms safeguarding contracts, reports, and sensitive documents.
• Healthcare providers digitizing patient information.
• Historical organizations protecting rare microfiche and microfilm archives.

Factors That Affect a Microfiche to Digital Service Project

Each project varies based on specific needs. Factors include:

• Volume – Large collections of fiche cards, rolls, or sheets take longer to process.
• Condition – Film with scratches or fading may need extra care to capture legible images.
• Desired format – PDFs for daily use, TIFFs for archives, or other formats.
• Indexing detail – More detailed metadata improves searchability but increases project scope.
• Delivery and storage – Options for digital archives, secure drives, or cloud storage.

Choosing the Right Microfiche Digitizer and Equipment

The right scanning equipment is essential for accurate results. High-resolution scanners capture images clearly, while advanced software enhances image quality and supports features like cropping and zoom.

A professional microfiche digitizer ensures that digitized images meet both quality and security standards. OCR and indexing further improve usability, turning static images into accessible, searchable documents.

How to Get Started with Microfiche Conversion

If you’re planning a microfiche conversion project, start with these steps:

1. Inventory your collection – Count microfiche sheets, COM fiche, and aperture cards.
2. Define your goals – Decide how files will be used and which formats are preferred.
3. Plan your budget – Factor in volume, condition, and indexing requirements.
4. Prepare materials – Organize fiche to ensure accurate processing.
5. Outline project needs – Determine delivery preferences and storage solutions.

Ready to Convert Microfiche to Digital?

Digitizing microfiche is the essential step for protecting, preserving, and improving access to your records. By converting microfiche to digital images, you make documents easier to store, share, and search—while safeguarding them for future use.

Start your project today—request your custom quote here.