Free‐radical photopolymerizations, which use light energy to initiate chain‐producing reactions, have many advantages over thermal polymerizations, including solvent‐free systems, spatial and temporal control of initiation, and high speed processing capabilities. This article provides an overview of the components, kinetics, and applications of free‐radical photopolymerization systems. Two general classes of photoinitiator systems (unimolecular and bimolecular) are discussed, as well as systems that have been developed to meet the demands of specific applications. (Meth)acrylates, which are the most widely used monomers in photopolymerization processes, and other commercially important free‐radical monomers, are described. The kinetic treatment of free‐radical photopolymerizations is outlined, with special emphasis on the photoinitiation step and its impact on the rate of polymerization expression. Kinetic modeling concerns in reaction systems containing monomers with more than one reactive group and in systems utilizing specialized polymerization methods are also considered. Finally, applications for free‐radical photopolymers in the automotive, electronic, medical, optical, graphic arts, flooring, and furniture industries are presented. This article provides the scientist or engineer with fundamental considerations of free‐radical photopolymerizations, along with references for more advanced topical research.