The atomic layer deposition (ALD) of different polyimide thin films has been studied. We have demonstrated self-limiting ALD deposition of PMDA–DAH, PMDA–EDA, PMDA–ODA and PMDA–PDA thin films at 160 °C. The maximum deposition rate of 5.8 Å cycle⁻¹ was obtained for the PMDA–DAH process. Although the deposition rate was high at 160 °C, a sudden decrease was observed when the temperature was increased. Regardless of the process studied, no film growth was obtained at 200 °C or above. Deposited polyimide films were analysed by FTIR, AFM and TOF-ERDA. According to the FTIR measurements, imide bonds were formed already in as-deposited films indicating polyimide formation without any additional thermal treatment.