Methods and apparatus are disclosed for efficiently and precisely adhering and centering particles on tacky areas on a surface containing an array of tacky and non-tacky areas. These methods and apparatus for particle attachment and centering involve holding and heating of the surface containing an array of tacky and non-tacky areas with particles adhered thereon for a period of time and at a temperature to allow the particles to adhere and center to the tacky areas. The surface containing the array of tacky and non-tacky areas can be heated either prior to, during or after a step of contacting the array with particles. Either discrete sheets or a continuous moving web of material having a surface containing an array of tacky and non-tacky areas can be employed. Each tacky area of an array of tacky and non-tacky areas has a size and bonding strength suitable for adhesion of one particle thereto in formation of an array. The array is populated with conductive-particles, is useful in the precise placement of particles on contact pads of electronic devices, such as circuit boards in semiconductor applications.