Abstract: An electrode substrate is placed on a stage heated at temperature in a range of from 50.degree. to 200.degree. C. in such a manner that an alignment film of the electrode substrate faces upwards. Thereafter, a rubbing treatment is applied by a roller having the rubbing cloth wound therearound by moving a stage while rubbing the surface of the alignment film by rotating the roller in a state where the electrode substrate is sufficiently heated. Here, as the alignment film is softened by the described heat treatment, the rubbing process is facilitated. This permits a uniform C2 orientation without defects to be achieved in smectic liquid crystals.