The surface morphology and crystallinity of biaxially drawn (BD) and amorphous poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) films were investigated by means of scanning probe microscopy. The PET surface is best imaged using non-contact mode atomic force microscopy (NC-AFM). Contact mode (C-AFM) under water can also offer a good resolution but the PET surface is not stable for long periods under such conditions. The ED film texture appears to be made up of "hillocks" of about 20 nm in diameter, while amorphous PET films appear featureless. It seems plausible to suggest that the observed hillocks represent small crystallites formed during the production process of BD films. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.