Abstract Over the past several decades, the neurosciences, particularly neurosurgery, have benefited tremendously from advances in neuroimaging modalities. These advances include cerebral angiography, computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is a logical progression for these technologies to be applied in the operating theater. Since the mid-1990s, a number of intraoperative MRI systems have been developed. Various solutions to the many difficulties in placing a high-field, superconducting imaging magnet in an operating room while maintaining surgical ease and workflow have been developed. The systems range from very low-field (0.1T) to very high-field (3T) and differ in design either by moving the patient to the MRI magnet or the magnet to the patient. Each system has its own strengths, weaknesses, and defined purpose. However, intraoperative MRI units are becoming increasingly popular worldwide and have become established as another important tool in the neurosurgical armamentarium.