The beam output by a laser is usually described by the Gaussian distribution. In order to improve the uniformity of the beam distribution and the energy utilization rate to meet actual needs, the beam needs to be shaped. Several shaping techniques were summarized and divided into two categories: static optical elements and dynamic optical elements. The research progress, basic principles, factors affecting the shaping effect and practical applications of aspheric lens group, birefringent lens group, diffractive optical element, microlens array and liquid crystal spatial light modulator shaping system were introduced, respectively. The advantages of liquid crystal spatial light modulator compared with other shaping methods were emphatically summarized, and its development prospects were prospected.