This recommended practice describes operational and quality control guidelines for alphanumeric computer-output microfilm (COM) recorders and microforms using black-and-white film as well as duplicates made from such films. The scope of this recommended practice is limited to images of line printer equivalent output only, such as those used for business and government records. The scope is further limited to COM recorders using a form slide for recording fixed data. As such, it does not cover COM recorders using so-called software forms.

This recommended practice covers microforms containing data generated by dynamic energy sources, such as cathode ray tubes, lasers, and light emitting diodes; and fixed data, such as that contained on a form slide, with effective reduction ratios up to and including 1:48. The subjects covered include a method for comparing the legibility of the dynamic information to that contained in an image of the alphanumeric COM quality test form slide when exposed on the same frame and duplicated onto silver, diazo, or vesicular films. The films, film processing, film storage, film density practices and guidelines for preparing form slide artwork and form slides are also discussed.

This standard does not cover COM recorders generating images from bitmaps or data streams incorporating images, variable fonts, graphics, or imbedded objects.