In this work, we improved the field-emission properties of a screen-printed single-wall carbon-nanotube (SWCNT) film by applying a strong electrostatic field during the drying process after the printing. By applying the strong field, more tips of SWCNTs could emerge from the screen-printed film and turn somewhat toward the erecting direction because of the repulsive force among the SWCNTs. The field-emission properties of the film were thus improved obviously. The improved field emitters sample has low electron emission turn-on field (E-to = 1.22 V/mu m), low electron emission threshold field (E-th = 2.32 V/mu m) and high brightness with good uniformity and stability. The lowest operating field of the improved sample is below 1.0 V/mu m and its optimum current density exceeds 3.5 mA/cm(2). (C) 2009 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.