In this study, patterned microindents are generated on the surface of NiTi shape memory alloy by laser shock assisted direct imprinting (LSADI). During LSADI, the plasma pressure generated by the laser pulse punches the mask into the target material and thus generates patterned indents. It has been demonstrated that thermally controllable surface pattern can be generated on NiTi surface through LSADI. Compared to traditional imprinting techniques, LSADI does not require a sharp mold, nor does it involve any heating or etching process. More importantly, it can be used to pattern metals. It is scalable and can be potentially used in treating functional metallic components for advanced applications. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.