A data representation and retrieval method and apparatus enables to quickly locate and extract specified data from a data file with use of supplemental data stored in a small storage file. The method includes the steps of providing a primary data file which stores a large volume of recorded data where a location of each piece of recorded data is represented by an offset value, providing a secondary data file which stores supplemental data for assisting to search and retrieve the recorded data from the primary data file, accessing the secondary data file to retrieve supplemental data corresponding to search data specified by a user, and accessing the primary data file at locations specified by offset values derived from the supplemental data and retrieving the recorded data therefrom.