Composite electroplating is one of the new methods to produce composite materials, it has been developed rapidly in the last three decades, especially in technology and properties, but the research of its forming mechanism lags behind the research of technology and properties. In this paper, based on the review of enough research works, the general situation research was introduced from the point of view of history and status quo, the main contents and application scope were reviewed, and the mathematical models were presented, as well as the latest progress on composite electroplating mechanism was discussed. Meanwhile, its research direction and developing trends were prospected.