Stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) and stimulated emission depletion (STED)microscopy are two super-resolution fluorescence microscopic technologies developed in recent years. Both technologies can transcend traditional fluorescence microscopy image resolution, with the potential for multiple colors, three-dimensional imaging, and live-cell intracellular imaging. In this review, we focus on fluorescence control, laser intensity and other technical parameters, as well as sample preparation, image acquisition and processing optimization of the two processes,and compare their strengths and weaknesses in resolution, image acquisition time, and specific applications. Overall,STORM provides higher 3D-resolution, but may require longer image acquisition times. STED requires higher laser intensity, but can generate images immediately after image acquisition, without additional image data processing.Ultimately, choosing STORM or STED depends not only on the specific application of the technology, but also on the ability of the operator to optimize the technical parameters at each step.