A preferred method for making a carbon nanotube-based field emission device in accordance with the invention includes the following steps: providing a substrate (22) with a surface; depositing a catalyst layer (24) on a predetermined area on the surface of the substrate; forming a carbon nanotube array (30) extending from the predetermined area; forming a cathode electrode (40) on top of the carbon nanotube array; and removing the substrate so as to expose the carbon nanotube array.