Minor alloying addition or microalloying technology has already shown dramatic effects on glass formation and thermal stability of bulk metallic glasses (BMGs). This paper intends to provide a comprehensive review of recent developments of this technology in the field of BMGs. The beneficial effects of minor alloying additions on the glass formation and the thermal stability of BMGs will be summarized and analyzed. In addition, principles and guidelines for future application of this technology will also be proposed. (C) 2004 Kluwer Academic Publishers.