​The ability of modulating the properties of metal–organic frameworks (MOF) on demand by external light-stimuli is a most appealing pathway to enhance their performance in storage and separation and to render novel advanced applications. Photoswitchable linkers of different nature have been inserted in several MOF structures either as integral parts of their scaffolds or as guests in the pores. In this highlight we analyse the different strategies and expose some aspects that should be considered in the design of new generations of photoswitchable MOFs.