This document reviews the direct metal deposition (DMD) process and the effects of various process parameters on the geometrical characteristics of parts produced. It discusses how the laser power, beam diameter, scanning speed, powder flow rate, and other parameters influence characteristics like clad height, width, roughness, and dilution. Several studies that developed models and experiments to relate parameters to outcomes are summarized. In general, increasing laser power or powder flow rate tends to increase clad height while increasing scanning speed decreases height. Process maps and models have been created but further research is still needed to better understand and control the complex interactions in the DMD process.