This article gives a brief overview about the science of fractography, which comprises the visualization, description, and interpretation of a fracture or a fracture surface, often in order to establish structure–property relationships. First, the basic observation methods are outlined. Optical microscopy is a simple and inexpensive method to obtain an overall view. However, the depth of field is insufficient at large magnifications. Therefore, when evaluating the topology of a surface, scanning electron microscopy is widely used. The fracture modes are classified and illustrated with examples of fracture surfaces of polymeric materials. Here, the modes are divided into load fractures, fatigue fractures, influence of chemicals, and special crack causes. The appearance of the surface gives clues to the origin of the fracture and the load which lead to the failure. Finally, the quantitative evaluation of fracture surfaces is discussed. Quantitative fractography describes the surface in terms of parameters such as roughness, fiber orientation, phase content, and particle size distribution.