Digital morphology (DM) in haematology is a term used primarily to describe digital imaging of peripheral blood films. In its simplest form DM systems record single cells from a suitably stained film using a microscope and camera. A system similar to facial recognition is then used to ‘preclassify’ the cells prior to a manual verification step. Whilst ‘virtual microscopy’ represents the closest digital simulation to light microscopy, there are many other terms which deal with overlapping aspects of morphological diagnosis in which the digital recording, manipulation and analysis of peripheral blood cells can occur. Although the technology is not new, its implementation has been relatively uneven and sporadic compared with automated haematology analysers. Significant obstacles include cost, limitations imposed by data storage and data security, integration into laboratory information systems, as well as lack of familiarity or trust involved in accepting a method other than light microscopy for assessing blood cell morphology. Advantages include overcoming difficulties with training competent morphologists, standardisation of reporting, remote consultations and its use as a training resource. Virtual microscopy could represent a new threshold for implementation of analysis using artificial intelligence in the future.