We report a techniqne for the patterned alignment of liquid crystals on polyimide using microrubbing (mu-robbing). Homeotropic polyimide was mu-rubbed with a metallic sphere 1 mm in diameter under a specified load of 150 grams. We observed that mu-rubbing induces a high pretilt planar alignment when homeotropic polyimide is used. Liquid crystal cells were constrocted from. two mu-rubbed polyimide substrates, whose rubbing directions are oriented orthogonal to each other. At the intersection points of two mu-rubbed lines, a twisted nematic configuration. was observed. In the other sections of the sample, either a splay or homeotropic configuration is realized. A pretilt of 10 degrees was measured in the mu-rubbed area. The electro-optical performances of the twisted nematic regions were also investigated.