Molecular approaches to the electrocatalytic reduction of CO₂ to formate are varied and versatile in their methods. We discuss recent efforts to catalyse this reaction including significant progress made in the last 5 years. This Feature Article begins with a survey of molecular electrocatalysts that produce CO or H₂, but have been observed under certain conditions to afford some formate. These examples are included because they provide valuable mechanistic insight for design of catalysts that produce hydrogenated products selectively from CO₂. The subsequent discussion describes catalyst properties that favour C–H bond formation with CO₂ and this is followed by recent advances that have been made in developing these catalysts. The focus on specific catalyst systems includes recently reported Ir PCP-type pincer complexes and Fe carbonyl clusters, such as [Fe₄N(CO)₁₂]⁻, that selectively produce formate from CO₂ in aqueous solution. A discussion of the relevant thermochemical properties of the catalysts in the context of formate production is included.