Visible laser has been applicated widely in scientific research, industry, medical treatment and communication. They are currently generated by semiconductor lasers, rare-earth doped lasers and nonlinear frequency conversion techniques. In recent years, visible rare-earth doped lasers have received extensive attention. Firstly, several typical applications of visible lasers are introduced, and secondly the emission, absorption spectra and laser characteristics of rare earth ions such as praseodymium, neodymium, samarium, europium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium and thulium that can produce visible lasers are analyzed. Finally, the latest research progress of praseodymium and terbium doped solid-state visible lasers is reviewed.