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Films of the molecular nanomagnet Mn12ac with thicknesses spanning the nm to μm range have been deposited using a customised vacuum spray deposition technique. The films have been characterized by AFM, XPS, magnetic and magneto-optical measurements, indicating that the deposition procedure does not damage the Mn12ac molecules. As a result, the films show magnetic properties similar to those of the parent molecular material down to the nm thickness range, as revealed by magneto-optical methods. Vacuum spray deposition therefore represents a promising approach for the preparation under controlled vacuum conditions of ultrathin films of molecular nanomagnets supported on transparent dielectric substrates, making possible the magneto-optical readout of the magnetisation state of the Mn12ac film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]