A study was carried out during 2007 in the Maule Region of Chile to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of manual thinning at three intensities (15%, 30% and 50%) on fruit yield and quality (fruit size, weight, firmness and soluble solids content) of sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) 'Lapins'. The study evaluated manual removal of entire fruiting spurs (extinction training), individual fruit buds on the spur, individual blossoms on the spur and individual fruits on the spur. Fruit size distribution was positively affected by the thinning treatments and in most cases yield was not affected by these treatments. Fruit which was not of fresh market quality (<21 mm) was reduced by the thinning. The control had 82% non market quality fruit. A 50% removal treatment reduced small fruit to very low levels and the yield of premium fruit (diameter > 28 mm) was also promoted. Manual thinning arises as a practical approach for improving fruit size distribution.