Gear systems, as one of the key subsystems in printing equipment, have a direct impact on the dynamic characteristics of printing equipment and further affect print quality. Therefore, it is urgent to provide a review of their research progress. Through a comprehensive literature review, research findings pertaining to dynamic modeling techniques, optimization design strategies, dynamic characteristics of gear systems in printing equipment, and their correlation with print quality were summarized. Methodologies employed in various research endeavors were synthesized and summarized along with their applicability. Insights into prospective avenues for further investigation were provided. Currently, there is a relative lack of research on refined dynamic modeling methods and operational stability analysis of complex gear systems in printing equipment. Research on the coupling effects in the dynamic modeling and optimization design of gear transmission systems, execution systems, and structural systems in printing equipment is relatively limited in the field. There is a relative lack of research on the relationship between dynamic characteristics of complex gear systems in printing equipment and quality evaluation indicators of printing products. These will be the focal points of future research endeavors. High-precision multi-physics simulation technology holds promise for further refining and complex modeling of gear systems in printing equipment. Topology optimization algorithms can meet the demands of high stability and high coupling optimization design for gear systems in printing equipment. Deep learning methods can explore the correlation patterns between dynamic characteristics and print quality evaluation indicators. This research can provide support for the development and breakthroughs in key autonomous and controllable technologies for high-end printing equipment.