Abstract: Various examples are provided related to surfaces that can achieve controllable dynamic iridescence. In one example, a magnetically actuated surface includes an array of magnetic nanopillars; and a ferrofluid sealed in a microfluidic channel over the array of magnetic nanopillars. In another example, a method for forming a magnetically actuated surface includes generating a 2D periodic array of recesses in a photoresist layer; generating a nanopillar template from the 2D periodic array of recesses in the photoresist layer; forming a microfluidic channel over the nanopillar template; and filling the microfluidic channel with a ferrofluid comprising magnetic nanoparticles in a fluid medium.