Transcription factors play important roles in the regulation of plant growth and development, as well as its response to environment. A typical higher plant transcription factor usually contains a DNA-binding domain, a transcription regulation domain, oligomerization site and a nuclear localization domain. Transcription factors interact with cis-elements and regulate the expression of target genes through these domains. Recent studies show that transcription factors are efficient new molecular tools for the manipulation of plant growth and development. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge in the study of higher plant transcription factor, with emphasis on the regulation of transcription factor on higher plant development and morphogenesis, as well as the application of transcription factor in plant improvement.