Knowledge of the coordination chemistry and reactivity of isocyanide ligands in transition-metal complexes forms the basis for understanding the adsorption and reactions of isocyanides on metal surfaces. In this overview, we explore reactions (often catalytic) of isocyanides adsorbed on metal surfaces that reflect their patterns of reactivity in metal complexes. We also examine applications of isocyanide adsorption to the stabilization of metal nanoparticles, the functionalization of metal electrodes, and the creation of conducting organic-metal junctions in molecule-scale electronic devices.