Effects of CeF3 on properties of self-shielded flux cored wire including welding process, inclusions in weld metal and mechanical properties are systematically studied. Welding smoke and spatter are reduced with the addition of CeF3. The main non-metallic inclusions in weld metal are AlN and Al2 O3. CeF3 can refine non-metallic inclusions and reduce the amount of large size inclusions, which is attributed to the inclusion floating behavior during the solidification of weld metal. The low temperature impact toughness is improved by adding suitable amount of CeF3 in the flux.