Prof. Paul Ziemann describes the basic steps to obtain hexagonally arranged monodisperse metallic nanoparticles on virtually any substrate. The approach is based on the self-organization of colloids or micelles that are loaded with precursors and combined with specific plasma processes. The size of the resultant nanoparticles is controllable within a certain range. The nanoparticles may then serve as masks for subsequent etching processes transferring the original hexagonal particle pattern onto the substrate as correspondingly ordered arrays of nanopillars or nanopores. Complementary videos show the experimental chemophysical route employed for preparation of nanoparticles as well as the related preparation of magnetic nanoparticles.