Patterns of nanometer and micrometer dimensions are printed on a substrate
by first forming a solution or suspension of a liquid and a printing
material and then applying a layer of the solution or suspension to the
substrate. Then, without applying pressure, a stamp provided with relief
patterns is positioned at a distance of 0 nm to 500 .mu.m from the
substrate with the relief patterns in contact with the layer of the
solution or suspension. The liquid is then evaporated from the solution
or suspension from between the substrate and the stamp so as to draw the
suspension or solution by capillarity to the relief patterns and deposit
the material on the substrate in accordance with the relief patterns of
the stamp. Thereafter the stamp is separated from the substrate.