The effects of tableting procedures on the preferred orientation of phenacetin and aspirin crystals in a tablet were investigated. Among aspects of tableting procedures which might affect the preferred crystal orientation, the granulation process, the shape of the punch and the addition of magnesium stearate were investigated. A wet granulation method decreased the mobility of crystals during compression, and thus reduced the degree of preferred orientation. This phenomenon was considered to be one of reasons for the improved lamination properties seen with the granulation method. The shape of the punch affected the preferred orientation ; a concave punch caused a more complex preferred orientation pattern than a flat punch. The preferred orientation was considered to correspond to the stress distribution in a tablet. Magnesium stearate reduced the interparticle friction and facilitated the attainmnet of preferred orientation. The characteristic preferred orientation of crystals in the neighborhood of the upper surface and side surface of a tablet was investigated. The broadest faces of crystals were aligned in parallel to the upper punch face and the die wall.