(Y,Gd)Al3(BO3)4:Tb3+ phosphors were synthesized by a gel combustion method. The phase composition, morphology and luminescent properties of the powders derived from the sintered precursor at different temperatures were analyzed by X–ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and photoluminescent measurement (PL). The results show that the purified (Y,Gd)Al3(BO3)4:Tb3+ crystalline phase could be obtained at 1000 ℃. The intermediate phases: Yttrium borate (YBO3) , aluminum borate (Al4B2O9) and yttrium aluminum garnet, are generated firstly, then the finally single-phase YAB:Eu3+ is produced. The powder as-prepared at 1100 ℃ consists of relatively homogeneous particles with the average diameter of 1 μm. The luminescent properties of (Y, Gd)Al3(BO3)4:Tb3+ are presented. In the emission spectrum of (Y, Gd)Al3(BO3)4:Tb3+ excited by 229 nm, the main peak is located at about 542 nm due to the transition of 5D0→7F2 of Tb3+ emission. The PL intensity of Tb3+ in Y0.9-xGdxAl3Tb0.1(BO3)4 increases with the increase of x values due to an energy migration process like Gd3+→Tb3+ occurred in the phosphors