A series of Ce³⁺ , Tb³⁺ or Ce³⁺ /Tb³⁺ doped YAl₃(BO₃)₄ phosphors are synthesized by a high temperature solid-state reaction, and their luminescent properties are investigated. YAl₃(BO₃)₄:Ce³⁺ shows a broad emission band at 422 nm under the 367 nm radiation excitation. YAl₃(BO₃)₄:Tb³⁺ can be efficiently excited by the ultraviolet (UV) light, and produces green emission. The emission intensity of YAl₃(BO₃)₄:Tb³⁺ can be enhanced by adjusting Tb³⁺ doped content, and reaches the maximum at 0.06 mol Tb³⁺. When Ce³⁺ is codoped, the emission intensity of Tb3+ in YAl₃(BO₃)₄ can be enhanced, but the commission international del’eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates of YAl₃(BO₃)₄:Tb³⁺ have almost no change. Moreover, the energy transfer from Ce³⁺ to Tb³⁺ in YAl₃(BO₃)₄ is studied.