The chapter discusses the application of light-responsive materials in droplet manipulation for biochemical applications. Droplet-based technologies, characterized by well-controlled microenvironments and parallel processing capabilities, have advanced research in enzymatic evolution, molecular diagnostics, and single-cell analysis. However, manipulating small droplets remains technically challenging. Light-driven methods, which offer contactless interaction, high spatiotemporal resolution, and biocompatibility, stand out as promising techniques for droplet manipulation. The review covers the governing mechanisms of light-driven droplet manipulation, including direct optical forces, light-induced dielectrophoresis (DEP) forces, interfacial tension gradients, thermal convection, and bubble generation. It also assesses various light-responsive materials, such as photoconductive, photovoltaic, photoisomerizable, photothermal, and pyroelectric materials, and their applications in droplet manipulation. The chapter highlights the potential of light-driven droplet manipulation in expanding the scope of biochemical assays and analysis, emphasizing the need for advanced light-responsive materials to enhance functionality and broaden applications.The chapter discusses the application of light-responsive materials in droplet manipulation for biochemical applications. Droplet-based technologies, characterized by well-controlled microenvironments and parallel processing capabilities, have advanced research in enzymatic evolution, molecular diagnostics, and single-cell analysis. However, manipulating small droplets remains technically challenging. Light-driven methods, which offer contactless interaction, high spatiotemporal resolution, and biocompatibility, stand out as promising techniques for droplet manipulation. The review covers the governing mechanisms of light-driven droplet manipulation, including direct optical forces, light-induced dielectrophoresis (DEP) forces, interfacial tension gradients, thermal convection, and bubble generation. It also assesses various light-responsive materials, such as photoconductive, photovoltaic, photoisomerizable, photothermal, and pyroelectric materials, and their applications in droplet manipulation. The chapter highlights the potential of light-driven droplet manipulation in expanding the scope of biochemical assays and analysis, emphasizing the need for advanced light-responsive materials to enhance functionality and broaden applications.