Baculovirus expression vectors provide an excellent system for the synthesis of recombinant proteins in insect cells. This article presents sufficient background information to allow the nonspecialist to understand the basic principles of the technology and the development of baculovirus expression vectors. A summary of the most commonly used plasmids and viruses is presented. Detailed techniques are described to enable recombinant baculoviruses to be constructed. These methods include the protocols required for propagating insect cells in culture and their subsequent infection with viruses.