In plane switching (IPS)-mode liquid crystal display (LCD) is one of the most useful technologies for a wide range of viewing angles. For IPS-mode application, we synthesized novel diamine containing a methyl group as a bridge and homogeneous alignment materials. A 1 similar to 2 low pretilt angle manifested by changing dianhydrides (BTDA and BPDA) and bridged diamines (ODA and PACM). We measured their pretilt angles using the crystal rotation method with positive liquid crystal (LC). The electro-optical properties of LC cells using these polyimides as alignment films were also investigated. Results show all polyimides manifest a low pretilt angle of below 2 degrees.