Transcription factors (TFs) play crucial roles in plant embryogenesis, a highly regulated and complex process that can be divided into zygotic embryogenesis (ZE) and somatic embryogenesis (SE). TFs act as master regulators in both processes, influencing various aspects such as cell fate determination, patterning, and organogenesis. This review focuses on key TF families involved in plant embryogenesis, including the AP2/ERF family (e.g., BABY BOOM), homeobox family (e.g., WUSCHEL and WOX), B3 family (e.g., LEAFY COTYLEDON 2), MADS family (e.g., AGAMOUS-Like 15), and Nuclear Factor Y (NF-Y) family (e.g., LEAFY COTYLEDON 1). Recent studies have highlighted the diverse roles of these TFs in both ZE and SE, with overexpression of specific TFs inducing somatic embryogenesis in various plant species. The review also discusses the transcriptional networks and regulatory mechanisms involving these TFs, emphasizing their coordinated interactions and the importance of hormonal regulation. Future perspectives include the use of spatial-temporal single-cell transcriptomics to better understand the functions and interactions of TFs during embryogenesis, which could enhance somatic embryogenesis and gene transformation efficiency in crop species.Transcription factors (TFs) play crucial roles in plant embryogenesis, a highly regulated and complex process that can be divided into zygotic embryogenesis (ZE) and somatic embryogenesis (SE). TFs act as master regulators in both processes, influencing various aspects such as cell fate determination, patterning, and organogenesis. This review focuses on key TF families involved in plant embryogenesis, including the AP2/ERF family (e.g., BABY BOOM), homeobox family (e.g., WUSCHEL and WOX), B3 family (e.g., LEAFY COTYLEDON 2), MADS family (e.g., AGAMOUS-Like 15), and Nuclear Factor Y (NF-Y) family (e.g., LEAFY COTYLEDON 1). Recent studies have highlighted the diverse roles of these TFs in both ZE and SE, with overexpression of specific TFs inducing somatic embryogenesis in various plant species. The review also discusses the transcriptional networks and regulatory mechanisms involving these TFs, emphasizing their coordinated interactions and the importance of hormonal regulation. Future perspectives include the use of spatial-temporal single-cell transcriptomics to better understand the functions and interactions of TFs during embryogenesis, which could enhance somatic embryogenesis and gene transformation efficiency in crop species.