The objective of this study was to illustrate how submicrogratings can be prepared from bis-ortho-diynylarene (BODA)-derived polymers. BODA monomers undergo thermal step-growth polymerization and careful control of this conversion, with respect to molecular weight and viscosity, can be used to produce reactive, processable branched polyarlyene intermediates. "Soft-lithography" techniques were used to prepare submicrogratings from these intermediates, which were subsequently stabilized by further polymerization. The surface morphology and dimensions of the submicrogratings were examined using scanning electron microscopy techniques and crystallinity was studied. Reflectivity data was also obtained from linear submicrogratings. These BODA-derived microstructures can be carbonized at 1000 degrees C, or above, to obtain carbonized microstructures with potential for application in optical and electronic microdevices. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:2095-2099, 2007. (C) 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers.