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Epi-illumination light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy have been standard techniques for developmental studies of shoot apices. Recently, laser scanning confocal microscopy has gained popularity as a tool for biological imaging. We have adapted laser scanning confocal microscopy to study development in whole shoot apices. It was tested on angiosperm and fern apices using three fluorescent dyes; acriflavine, safranin O, and acid fuchsin, and compared with epi-illumination light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In all cases, acid fuchsin proved to be the best fluorochrome for examining shoot apices; having a high affinity for cell walls and nuclear material. The images produced with laser scanning confocal microscopy were sharper and clearer than images generated with epi-illumination light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Laser scanning confocal microscopy allows one to map patterns of cell division on the surface of an apical meristem, which is extremely difficult using other techniques such as scanning electron microscopy or epi-illumination light microscopy. Since the laser scanning light microscope records images digitally a method for digital plate production is described. Our methods can easily be applied to study the development of other plant structures on a cellular level such as root apical meristems, floral meristems, stomata, or trichomes, and reproductive organs in lower plants.Key words: confocal microscopy, apical meristem, development, fluorochrome, cytokinesis.