Arc spectral information is a rising information source which can solve many problems that can not be done with arc electric information and other arc information.It is of important significance to develop automatic control technique of welding process.The basic theory and methods on it play an important role in expounding and applying arc spectral information.Using conced equation in plasma physics and spectrum theory,a system of equations including 12 equations which serve as basic theory of arc spectral information is set up.Through analyzing of the 12 equations,a basic view that arc spectral information is the reflection of arc state and state variation,and is the most abundant information resource reflecting welding arc process is drawn.Furthermore,based on the basic theory,the basic methods of test and control of arc spectral information and points out some applications of it are discussesed.