Vortex beams have wide application prospects in optical communications, interaction with matters and laser processing owing to their special spatial structures, have great significance in the discovery of new phenomena and effect of atomic physics in the extremely intense field, and can bring new methods of controlling physical systems. The main generation methods of high power vortex beams in recent years at home and abroad are summarized, and their principles are introduced briefly. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are analyzed, and some suggestions for improvement are proposed.