A method for producing a microstructure on a carrier, having (a) forming an embossed structure with elevations and depressions at least in a partial region of a first main area of a carrier foil, wherein the depressions are arranged in the shape of the microstructure, (b) coating the first main area at least in the partial region having the embossed structure with a colored, radically or cationically radiation-curable composition, such that a colored coating is created, having a greater layer depth (d 2, d 3) in the depressions than in the not depressed regions (d 1), (c) if required, reducing the layer thickness of the radiation-curable composition by mechanical means, wherein the radiation-curable composition is removed in the not depressed regions up to a mechanically irremovable toning film, (d) irradiating the radiation-curable composition with radiation of a suitable wavelength in the presence of oxygen or moisture for a duration of time which is not sufficient in order to cure the toning film subjected to oxygen or moisture, but which is sufficient to cure at least the largest part of the radiation-curable composition in the depressions, (e) removing the toning film by coating the carrier foil with a detaching substance at least in the region coated with the radiation-curable composition, the radiation-curable composition being soluble in said detaching substance before its curing, detaching the toning film or a portion of the toning film together with the detaching substance, and if required, repeating the steps and with the same or a different detaching substance up to the complete removal of the toning film. (a) forming an embossed structure with elevations and depressions at least in a partial region of a first main area of a carrier foil, wherein the depressions are arranged in the shape of the microstructure, (b) coating the first main area at least in the partial region having the embossed structure with a colored, radically or cationically radiation-curable composition, such that a colored coating is created, having a greater layer depth (d 2, d 3) in the depressions than in the not depressed regions (d 1), (c) if required, reducing the layer thickness of the radiation-curable composition by mechanical means, wherein the radiation-curable composition is removed in the not depressed regions up to a mechanically irremovable toning film, (d) irradiating the radiation-curable composition with radiation of a suitable wavelength in the presence of oxygen or moisture for a duration of time which is not sufficient in order to cure the toning film subjected to oxygen or moisture, but which is sufficient to cure at least the largest part of the radiation-curable composition in the depressions, (e) removing the toning film by coating the carrier foil with a detaching substance at least in the region coated with the radiation-curable composition, the radiation-curable composition being soluble in said detaching substance before its curing, detaching the toning film or a portion of the toning film together with the detaching substance, and if required, repeating the steps and with the same or a different detaching substance up to the complete removal of the toning film. coating the carrier foil with a detaching substance at least in the region coated with the radiation-curable composition, the radiation-curable composition being soluble in said detaching substance before its curing, detaching the toning film or a portion of the toning film together with the detaching substance, and if required, repeating the steps and with the same or a different detaching substance up to the complete removal of the toning film.