On the basis of brief introduction of electromagnetic flat sheet forming principle, the research progress of this technique at home and abroad is summarized in the following four aspects. In tool coils designing, the flat coil, uniform pressure coil, alongside double coil and the electromagnetic sizing coil are listed; in magnetic force calculation, the analytical method and the finite element method are narrated; in experimental research, the research for forming property of sheet and the study of electromagnetically assisted forming are stated; in the application of numerical simulation technique, the application of numerical simulation method and finite element software are related. At last, some technical challenges that should be overcome for popularizing the electromagnetic flat sheet forming technique are presented