Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been used to modify a polyimide surface to give controlled liquid crystal (LC) alignment, and to examine the modification produced. Strong LC azimuthal anchoring was observed typically for normal forces>300 nNand line densities>5 &mgr;m−1,and optically diffracting LC elements were fabricated by repeatedly overpatterning the same area along different directions. Atomic force microscopy images showed little sign of topographic modification such as grooving, whereas lateral force images showed locally increased friction. Estimated contact pressures, 0.08–0.3 GPa, suggest shear-yielding occurs within a surface layer, causing polymer chain alignment. The AFM micromechanical interaction is compared with that occurring during the conventional cloth-rubbing LC alignment process.