In this report an attempt is made to give an overview of the various aspects involved in a fracture surface investigation, stating with a definition of fractography and why it is done. Then the equipment needed is discussed, including stereo-microscopes, optical microscopes, transmission and scanning electron microscopes, and micro-analysis equipment. Guidelines for handling of fracture surfaces and specimen preparation are then given. Finally, the characteristics of various types of fracture are discussed, including overload failure, fatigue, stress corrosion, hydrogen embrittlement, and creep.