The effect of an external magnetic field on the electrocodeposition of composites consisting of either Co or magnetite nanoparticles in a Ni matrix has been studied. An alkaline Ni pyrophosphate bath containing citrate was used. The magnetic particles were prepared by thermal decomposition (Co) or chemical precipitation (magnetite) and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential and vibrating sample magnetometry measurements. The particle incorporation showed a distinct dependency on the orientation of an externally applied magnetic field. While the particle incorporation increased in a perpendicular field (perpendicular with regard to the electrode surface), it decreased in a parallel orientation. This result is explained with the dominating action of the magnetophoretic force. The structure and the properties of the Ni layers were significantly affected by the particle codeposition. A refinement of the Ni grains was found with increasing plating current density and as a result of the nanoparticle incorporation. The magnetic hardness and the Vickers microhardness of the films increased significantly due to the incorporation of the nanoparticles. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.