The photosphere reflects a substantial fraction of hard X‐rays impinging on it. Based on Monte Carlo simulations of hard X‐ray propagation within the photosphere, we derive the shape and brightness of the albedo patch resulting from Compton reflection. We discuss the information that can be obtained from observations of the solar hard X‐ray albedo. When the albedo patch is resolved from the primary hard X‐ray source, we can learn about the angular distribution of the high‐energy electrons that produce the X‐rays as well as the height of the primary X‐ray source above the photosphere. Taking into account the albedo, however, is important even when the patch cannot be resolved, as the Compton backscatter affects the total flux, the spectrum and the spatial distribution of the observable X‐rays. ©1996 American Institute of Physics.