Magnetic molecules on surfaces: SMMs and beyond

•There's a right deposition method for your molecule: overview.•From flat surfaces to nanoparticle supports: what can we get from them.•Guidelines to characterize your molecule on a surface.•How to design and improve your magnetic molecules for surface deposition.•Perspectives: 2D arrays of magnetic molecules. In this critical review we cover the state of the art of surface deposition of complex magnetic molecules. Deposition methods are reviewed, as well as the most used types of surfaces, including the use of nanoparticle supports. The relevant characterization methods for molecules on surfaces are reviewed along with the molecules deposited and their most relevant examples. The perspectives of the field close the review article, the reader will get an overview of what has been done in the field of surface deposition of magnetic molecules and will acquire the tools to design their own experiments.