New metal based triazoles (1-12) have been synthesized by the interaction of novel Schiff base ligands (L 1 -L 3 ) with the Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) metal ions. The Schiff base ligands and their all metal(II) complexes have been thoroughly characterized using various physical, analytical and spectroscopic techniques. In vitro bacterial and fungal inhibition studies were carried out to examine the antibacterial and antifungal profile of the Schiff bases in comparison to their metal(II) complexes against two Gram-positive, four Gram-negative and six fungal strains. The bioactivity data showed the metal(II) complexes to have more potent antibacterial and antifungal activity than their uncomplexed parent Schiff bases against one or more bacterial and fungal species. R Scheme 1. Preparation of the Schiff base ligands (L 1 -L 3 ). Scheme 2. Proposed structure of the metal(II) complexes (1-12).Synthesis, triazole Schiff bases, metal complexes, biological activity Average of ligands (L 1 -L 3 ) = 13.47 mm; average of complexes (1-12) = 17.24 mm.