NMR structures can serve as a good source of search models in crystal structure determination by molecular replacement. However, owing to the inherent problems of NMR models, this procedure is not always straightforward. Here, an updated overview is presented with particular emphasis on the preparation of NMR search models and the latest trends in methodology. An experimental protocol developed recently is described and results on its use in solving a new structure as well as its test against a difficult published case are presented.