Abstract In this study a surfactant-free and shape controllable preparation of microgel beads using super-repellent surfaces is reported. The extreme hydrophobicity and the interfacial tension of the liquid force the droplet of a gel precursor solution into spherical shape on a superamphiphobic or hemisphere shape on slippery surface. During gelation on the surface, the shape is maintained. Living cells and molecules, which hardly interact with substrate, can be therefore encapsulated in situ. The encapsulation of MC3T3 mouse osteoblast is demonstrated as a proof of concept.