Standard roll microfilm is either 16mm or 35mm wide (105mm roll is also widely used during the production of microfiche, but it is cut into individual A6 size sheets before use)

Almost the entire width of microfilm is therefore available for recording images that are usually arranged in a single row along the length of the film although two alternative layouts are common. Both of the alternative options result in a double row of images. In duplex format the fronts and backs of all documents are recorded side by side across the film width. In duo format the documents run sequentially along the top row and then back down the lower row; this is achieved by filming one track, reversing the film in the camera and then recording the other track.

Almost the entire width of microfilm is therefore available for recording images that are usually arranged in a single row along the length of the film although two alternative layouts are common. Both of the alternative options result in a double row of images. In duplex format the fronts and backs of all documents are recorded side by side across the film width. In duo format the documents run sequentially along the top row and then back down the lower row; this is achieved by filming one track, reversing the film in the camera and then recording the other track.

16mm roll film is ideal for recording most office documentation but a larger image is desirable for recording fine detail of large originals such as maps, plans, newspapers and engineering drawings. 35mm film is generally used for such applications either in roll form or as individual images set into aperture cards

Circlips are often used to permit the easy identification, handling and loading of roll film on reels. They provide dust protection, a flat surface for labelling and facilitate rapid threading of film into a reader or reader-printer. They are almost universally employed with automated image retrieval systems based on roll formats and the design of the circlip has been standardised to permit films to be exchanged between equipment from different sources.

Image retrieval from 16mm roll film frequently relies on counting small marks (blips) filmed below the images.

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