The work aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis on the current application and global characteristics of shape grammar in the design literature at home and abroad, and provide useful references for research and design practice.The application of shape grammar in the field of design was addressed, with a comprehensive utilization of two literature visualization tools, CiteSpace and VOSviewer. Knowledge graph analysis was conducted on relevant literature records from the CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) and Web of Science (WOS) databases.The results indicate that there is significant fluctuation in the international publication volume within the search scope, with a downward trend; while the domestic publication volume shows a steady increase. Regarding research hotspots, the international academic community primarily focuses on fields such as computer-aided design and generative design, architectural design and structural optimization, design theory and interdisciplinary applications, product design, and commercial design. In contrast, the domestic academic community's emphasis is put on industrial design and pattern design, product design and form derivation, furniture design and packaging design, cultural and creative design, and innovative design. International research demonstrates a higher level of attention towards the application of architectural design and the integration of new technologies, while domestic research places more emphasis on the modern reinterpretation of traditional cultural elements and innovation in product application. Finally, based on the analysis results, prospects for the development direction of shape grammar in the field of design in China are proposed.