Gold micropatterns have been generated by the laser photolysis of dimethylgold (III) acetylacetonate, Me2Au(acac), in the vapor phase. Linewidths as fine as 2 &mgr;m were readily obtained utilizing a simple optical projection system comprised of a 4× projection lens, a lithographic photomask, and the UV output from an excimer laser. The single‐step, dry process for selectively producing metal patterns is highlighted.