Abstract: Laser cladding technology is a new type of surface modification technology with broad development prospects, which not only meets the requirements for surface specific properties of materials, but also saves a lot of precious elements. The crack problem is one of the main obstacles restricting the wide industrial application and further development of laser cladding technology. The causes of crack formation in laser clading layers are described, and the crack control measures are reviewed, including the material composition design of cladding layers, setting the transition layer, process parameter optimization, matrix preheating, external field (force) assistance, etc. Finally the problems existing in the current crack control measures of laser cladding layers are summarized, and the future research direction is prospected.