As an electromagnetic wave, optical field can be described by using parameters of amplitude, phase and polarization. Spatial optical field modulation technology enables to generate novel spatially structured optical field by modulating these parameters. Compared with other types of modulation devices, the liquid crystal spatial light modulator has the advantages of high diffraction efficiency, millions of modulated pixels, and real-time dynamic modulation. It has become the mainstream device for spatial optical field modulation. In this paper, we first give an introduction to the principles and algorithms of optical field modulation technology, including single-parameter modulation, complex amplitude modulation, and multi-parameter modulation by using the liquid crystal spatial light modulators. Some applications of these optical modulation technologies in holographic optical tweezers, optical microscopy, optical information storage, optical micromachining, imaging behind scattering media, and optical communication are exampled. Then we discuss the problems to be resolved, the development trends and the development prospects of the technology. The purpose of this paper is to help researchers systematically understand the principle, the latest research progress and the potential application of the optical field modulation technology based on the liquid crystal spatial light modulators, and provide some references for research in this field.