Synthesis of bimetallic nanomaterials with well controlled shape is an important topic in heterogeneous catalysis, low-temperature fuel cell technology, and many other fields. Compared with monometallic counterparts, bimetallic nanocatalysts endow scientists with more opportunities to optimize the catalytic performance by modulating the charge transfer between different metals, local coordination environment, lattice strain and surface element distribution. Considering the current challenges in shape controlled synthesis of bimetallic nanocatalysts, this tutorial review highlights some significant achievements in preparing bimetallic alloy, core–shell and heterostructure nanocrystals with well-defined morphologies, summarizes four general routes and some key factors of the bimetallic shape control scenarios, and provides some general ideas on how to design synthetic strategies to control the shape and exposing facets of bimetallic nanocrystals. The composition and shape dependent catalytic behaviours of bimetallic nanocrystals are reviewed as well.