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This paper provides direct evidence to support the role of capping agents in controlling the evolution of TiO2 seeds into nanocrystals with a specific shape. Starting with Ti(OBut)4 and using oleid acid, oleylamine, dioleamide, 11-aminoundecanoic acid, arginine, trifluroacetic acid or HF as capping agents, mainly TiO2 truncated octahedrons enclosed by {1 0 1} and {0 0 1} facets were obtained. We could also selectively obtain square, rods and rounded rhombic-shaped nanoparticles by growing of {0 1 0} facets by adding oleic acid and oleylamine in ratio 6:4, respectively, while all other parameters were kept the same. This research not only offers new insights into the role played by a capping agent in shape-controlled synthesis but also provides, a versatile approach to controlling the shape of metal oxide nanocrystals.