The influence of the physical and chemical properties of precursor green bodies on the properties of fully melt-processed YBa2Cu3O7-delta ceramic (YBCO) have been investigated. Cold isostatic pressing has been found to allow better control of the size and distribution of Y2BaCuO5 phase inclusions in the melt-processed ceramic than a combination of die pressing and sintering. A study of the loss of liquid from YBCO during partial melting has revealed that the total percentage weight loss is sensitive to both the heating rate and proportion of excess 211 phase and is maxim um at a temperature corresponding to the peak of the differential thermal analysis partial melting endotherm. Densification and expansion processes in the sample, which compete during melting, have been investigated in detail. The temperature where the expansion rate is maximum has been found to coincide with the maximum rate of oxygen desorption by the sample. The expansion process terminates on completion of partial melting whereas the densification process, which is dominated by the volume proportion of liquid, continues but at a reduced rate. The use of dense green bodies and an optimum heat-treatment process has been found to be essential for the fabrication of large-grain melt-processed YBCO if a fine distribution of 211 phase inclusions and the homogeneity and shape of the sample are to be retained.