Thick FePt films (800 nm) were deposited by electroplating using Ag electrode. 2 at.% Ag doping into the electrolyte can lead to a columnar structure after annealing. The annealed film shows a high coercivity and perpendicular anisotropy. The additive of Ag can also significantly reduce fct-phase ordering temperature to 400 degrees C, comparing with an ordering temperature of 700 degrees C without Ag doping. The diffusion from Ag electrode and dopant is attributed to the formation of columnar structure, perpendicular anisotropy and reduced ordering temperature. (C) 2010 Elsevier B V All rights reserved.