The copper-catalysed cycloaddition of alkynes and azides to form 1,2,3-triazoles has emerged as a powerful tool in ligand design and the synthesis of novel transition metal complexes. In this review we focus on the photophysical properties of metal complexes bearing 1,2,3-triazole-based ligands with a particular emphasis on those of d 6 metals including rhenium(I), iron(II), ruthenium(II), osmium(II) and iridium(III). We also highlight key examples of triazole complexes of platinum(II) and palladium(II) as well as the lanthanides and coinage metals. 1. Introduction 2. Photophysical properties of d 6 metal triazole-based complexes 2.1 Rhenium(I) complexes 2.2 Iridium(III) complexes 2.3 Ruthenium(II) complexes 2.4 Iron(II) complexes 2.5 Osmium(II) complexes 2.6 Photochemistry of 1,2,3-triazole-based d 6 metal complexes 3. Platinum(II) and palladium(II) complexes 4. Coinage metal complexes 5. Lanthanide complexes 6. Triazole-based sensors for metal ions 7. Conclusions & outlook.