We present an original method to elaborate Co and Fe nanowires based on electroposition using a template. Depending on the growth parameters, various crystallographic structures can be achieved for the same metal species. Magnetic properties on the samples have been correlated to the structural properties of the nanowires. We have shown how crystal and shape anisotropy terms are either in competition or can be added to force the magnetization orientation. (C) 2001 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.