Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a versatile excipient used in pharmaceutical 3D printing, particularly in fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology. This review summarizes the physical and chemical properties of pharmaceutical-grade PVA and its applications in the manufacturing of dosage forms, with a focus on those fabricated through FDM. The work highlights the diversity of dosage forms created using this polymer and how formulation and processing challenges can be overcome to achieve suitable designs and release profiles. PVA is widely used in pharmaceutical applications due to its suitable flowability, biodegradability, and affordability. It has been used as a support material in 3D printing processes and as a filament-forming excipient for FDM. PVA is a thermoplastic polymer that can be used in various pharmaceutical applications, including oral preparations, ophthalmic dosage forms, and drug delivery systems. The review discusses the chemistry of PVA, its physical properties, and its pharmaceutical grades. It also covers the use of PVA in 3D printing technology, including its rheological properties and how they affect printability. The review highlights the applications of PVA in the production of immediate release tablets, sustained release tablets, and special designs. PVA is a suitable material for 3D printing due to its low melting temperature, high melt viscosity, and ability to be processed into filaments. The review also discusses the challenges associated with using PVA in 3D printing, including the need for appropriate processing conditions and the influence of polymer properties on printability. Overall, PVA is a promising material for pharmaceutical 3D printing due to its versatility, biocompatibility, and ability to be used in a wide range of dosage forms.Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a versatile excipient used in pharmaceutical 3D printing, particularly in fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology. This review summarizes the physical and chemical properties of pharmaceutical-grade PVA and its applications in the manufacturing of dosage forms, with a focus on those fabricated through FDM. The work highlights the diversity of dosage forms created using this polymer and how formulation and processing challenges can be overcome to achieve suitable designs and release profiles. PVA is widely used in pharmaceutical applications due to its suitable flowability, biodegradability, and affordability. It has been used as a support material in 3D printing processes and as a filament-forming excipient for FDM. PVA is a thermoplastic polymer that can be used in various pharmaceutical applications, including oral preparations, ophthalmic dosage forms, and drug delivery systems. The review discusses the chemistry of PVA, its physical properties, and its pharmaceutical grades. It also covers the use of PVA in 3D printing technology, including its rheological properties and how they affect printability. The review highlights the applications of PVA in the production of immediate release tablets, sustained release tablets, and special designs. PVA is a suitable material for 3D printing due to its low melting temperature, high melt viscosity, and ability to be processed into filaments. The review also discusses the challenges associated with using PVA in 3D printing, including the need for appropriate processing conditions and the influence of polymer properties on printability. Overall, PVA is a promising material for pharmaceutical 3D printing due to its versatility, biocompatibility, and ability to be used in a wide range of dosage forms.