Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles of different physical characteristics (size, size distribution, morphology, zeta potential) can be synthesized by controlling the parameters specific to the synthesis method employed. The aim of this review is to clearly, quantitatively and comprehensively describe the top-down synthesis techniques available for PLGA nanoparticle formation, as well as the techniques commonly used for nanoparticle characterization. Many examples are discussed in detail to provide the reader with an extensive knowledge base on the important parameters specific to the synthesis method described and ways in which these parameters can be manipulated to control the nanoparticle physical characteristics.