Freeze-drying, or lyophilization, is a widely used dehydration technique that preserves material stability by removing water through sublimation under reduced pressure. This overview examines the fundamental thermodynamic and kinetic principles governing the process, including the stages of freezing, primary drying, and secondary drying. Attention is given to the relationship between temperature, pressure, and product morphology, as well as the impact of process parameters on cycle efficiency and sample integrity. The discussion provides a conceptual framework for optimizing freeze-drying operations in both research and production environments.