Micron-sized Ce-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG: Ce3+) powders are synthesized successfully by a new method including three processes including solvothermal treatment, precursor preheated and annealing treatment in a mild condition. The phase, morphology and luminescent properties are investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), photoluminescence excitation (PLE) and photoluminescence (PL) spectra respectively. The single-phase sample can be formed after solvothermal treatment at 180 degrees C for 12 h and annealing at 1200 degrees C for 4 h. The results obtained by SEM show that the particles with narrow size distribution (similar to 4 mu m) and nice morphology are formed after annealing treatment. This indicates that it has good homogeneity and dispersion. The micron-sized Ce-doped YAG shows broad emission bands in the range of 500-680 nm with the maximum intensity at 577 nm. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.