Abstract: With the rapid development of polymer materials, photocurable materials are widely used in printing ink, coating, tooth curing and adhesive. As a key material for photocuring technology, photoinitiator determines the polymerization rate and initiation efficiency, thus, its research and preparation have always been one research hotspot. Based on the characteristics of macromolecular photoinitiators, such as high initiation efficiency, non-volatilization and low odor, the classification and research progress of macromolecular photoinitiators at home and abroad in recent years were reviewed, which indicated that the multifunctional and efficient macromolecular photoinitiators enjoyed a very broad prospect of development.