Generating a fluid drop pattern for an imprint lithography process includes selecting an imprinting surface with features and generating a fluid drop pattern including drop locations for placement of a multiplicity of drops of substantially equal volume on an imprint lithography substrate such that some of the drops are substantially aligned with at least some of the features. The fluid drop pattern is generated through an optimization process. The fluid drop pattern allows substantially complete filling of imprinting surface features and formation of a substantially uniform residual layer during the imprint lithography process.