Significance: The effects of mixed solvents on the shape of films formed on a hydrophilic surface from polymer solute droplets were investigated experimentally. The film shape depended on the two solvents used, and the mixing ratio. It was also found that the flow direction was dominated by solute-derived rather than solvent-derived Marangoni flows. Consequently, the changes in the shape of the film could not be explained only by the Marangoni flow direction. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.