The Yb3+ and Er3+-codoped NaGdF4 is synthesized by microwave assistant method. The reaction time is only 25 min. The synthesized phosphor is investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), energy-dispersion spectrometer (EDS) and upconversion (UC) spectrum, respectively. The results show that the NaGdF4Yb, Er phosphor possessed hexagonal crystal structure, which is basically spherical in shape. The sample is well-dispersity and its mean particle size is about 200 nm. When excited by the 980 nm laser, the NaGdF4Yb, Er phosphor has shown red and green upconversion emissions. The red emission intensity is stronger than green emission. Due to the unique upconversion emission property, the as-prepared NaGdF4Yb, Er might have potential application for further fundamental research and find applications in color displays and solid-state lasers.