The design of a synthesis strategy for metal nanoparticles by templating dense microemulsions is proposed. Particle size is controlled by surfactant size rather than by microemulsion composition. The strategy was demonstrated with various systems with different surfactant: cationic, anionic and non-ionic and of different sizes. Formulations were determined using the microemulsion phase diagrams. Synthesis was demonstrated for platinum nanoparticles with some examples for gold. The nanoparticles were subsequently extracted from the microemulsion by absorption onto a carbon support, after which the surfactant was recycled.