The work aims to obtain the theoretical foundation for the selection of surfactant by studying the law of influence of surfactants on the drying property, color property and rheological property of water-based ink. By selecting six surfactants from such three types as anionic, nonionic and anion/non-ionic surfactants, the change law of viscosity, surface tension, contact angle, color density and glossiness, etc. of the water-based ink before and after the addition of surfactants were measured with the rheometer and surface tension meter, etc. After the addition of six surfactants, the wettability of water-based ink on the film was less affected. The anionic surfactant could reduce the dynamic surface tension and viscosity, reduce the color density and improve the stability of water-based ink. Non-ionic surfactants could improve the drying rate of water-based ink. Anionic/non-composite auxiliaries and anionic surfactants helped improve the overall performance of water-based inks. In conclusion, the surfactants have complex influence on the properties of water-based ink and they should be selected by considering their comprehensive effects.