The numerous theoretical and practical studies of the electrodeposition of nickel and its binary and selected ternary alloys with copper and cobalt over the last 10-15 years are reviewed. The reported mechanisms of the electrodeposition processes and accompanying evolution of hydrogen are considered. The complex influence of different bath compositions, pHs, current densities or potential ranges and temperature on the formation of single or multiple deposition layers are compared. The determination of the structure and morphology of the deposits on different substrates, including solid surfaces and particulate materials, using a range of analytical techniques are reported.