Various techniques are disclosed for forming bichromal balls or multicolored balls by laser-based methods. In one method, a laser and a template are used to form small discrete precursors that are subsequently spherodized. In another method a laser is used to cut or otherwise form small discrete precursors that are also subsequently spherodized. These methods are particularly well suited for forming balls or other sphere-like bodies having diameters less than 100 microns.