Phase-change wet-etching technology using GeSbTe phase-change films is developed. Selective etching between an amorphous and a crystalline phase can be carried out with an alkaline etchant of NaOH. Etching selectivity is dependent not only on the concentration of the alkaline etchant but also on the film structure. Specifically, metal films for heat control cause marked effects on the etching properties of GeSbTe film. Surviving amorphous pits can be obtained with Al metal layer, however etched amorphous pits are seen with Ag metal layer. An opposite selective etching behavior can be observed between samples with two different metal layers.