The electrodeposition of ternary Zn-Ni-Fe alloy films was investigated in acidic chloride electrolyte. Electrodeposition was performed onto mild steel plates at pH 3 and 43 degrees C. The influence of the chloride concentration (ZnCl2, NiCl2 and FeCl2) on the surface appearance and deposit composition, as well as cathodic current efficiency, were investigated. Bright Zn-Ni-Fe alloy deposits were obtained in the electrolyte containing 0.4 M of each of ZnCl2 and NiCl2 with 0.02 to 0.08 M FeCl2. The influence of current density, pH and temperature were also examined.