AbstractFilms of oligoanthrylenes are readily available by spin coating. Upon UV exposure, the properties (refractive index, fluorescence and solubility) of these films are changed due to [4+4] cycloaddition of the anthracene groups. This behavior appears to be useful for information recording purposes, which is demonstrated by surface plasmon and fluorescence microscopy. Although complete photobleaching of the films is not possible, effective photocrosslinking occurs for trichromophoric systems affording relief textures after development in ethanol/methylene chloride mixtures (negative tone photoresist). Furthermore, the reversibility of the solid state photodimerization of the anthracene moieties is discussed.