In order to address the "white pollution" caused by traditional plastic packaging and enhance the food quality and safety, the development of environmentally friendly and biodegradable packaging materials has become a hot topic in current research. Polysaccharide edible films are regarded as an ideal alternative because of their green, safe and degradable characteristics. The concepts, properties, types, and commonly used additives of polysaccharide edible films were elaborated, and the specific application examples of these films in the preservation of fruits and vegetables, meat, and aquatic products within the food industry were summarized. Currently, after extensive research and practical exploration, polysaccharide edible films have evolved into a maturely prepared and widely applicable food packaging material and have demonstrated unique advantages in food preservation and shelf-life extension. A large number of studies have shown that the film performance can be significantly improved by optimizing the preparation process and adding functional components. These research directions will provide a theoretical basis for polysaccharide edible film and promote its application in the field of food packaging.