Abstract: The filter materials, parameter designs, and structures of cigarette filter were reviewed. 1) The features and harmful component reducing effects of modification technology of cellulose acetate fiber and polypropylene fiber, paper filter material technology, and new type filter material technology were described. 2) The influences of filter parameters (length, draw resistance, plasticizer addition rate and ventilation rate of filter) on the deliveries of tar and harmful components in cigarette smoke were introduced. 3) The technological characteristics and harm reduction effects of filters with special-shaped or composite structure, which were increasingly attractive to consumers, were explained. The optimized design of cigarette filter parameters has become a common technology adopted to reduce tar and harmful components in cigarette smoke; efficient, environmentally friendly filters and filters with special-shaped structure will be used in more and more low tar and less harmful cigarettes in the future.