Microfilming, also called microphotography, consists in the reduction of images to such a small size that they cannot be read without optical assistance. This amazing photographic compression often results in a ninety-nine percent saving of space. The microfilming service is one of the most extensively used and common practices in modern reprographic science. With the advancement in the field of documentary reproduction,this method acheived remarkable recognition.

Preservation of rare and deteriorating documents is considered one of the most important purposes in micro-recording. Valuable rare documents are now being microfilmed to preserve them from loss and destruction. Although the principles of microfilming have been known for over 150 years, it is only after the Second World War that the use of microfilming methods became very popular as a technique for reproducing the printed page. In the case of valuable documents, which might become damaged by constant use, a microfilm copy of it may be made and stored separately. It must be protected against loss, which would be irrecoverable in the case of valuable documents, records or rare books. The film used is safety film and if properly processed it will last longer than the originals. If possible, the microfilm copy may be given to the reader for reference purposes which not only prevents the original from damage by constant use but will also protect it from danger, such as fire, natural disaster, etc. For additional security, negatives and positives can be stored in different places; being of small bulk, it can be specially protected. Scientific estimate indicates that a negative with careful handling and storage could be preserved for about 500 years