A theoretical model for axial capillary flow in rectangular microgrooves was presented with the assumptions that the meniscus radius in the cross section is approximately constant, and the height of the centerline film recedes along the axial direction with a convex form. Experimental data obtained by Micro-Ply verify the assumptions. Comparison with the experimental data shows that the model is accurate to predict the axial profile of the liquid film for inclined rectangular microgrooves. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.