Herein, Dy3+ doped GdVO4 samples with various morphologies were prepared by the co-precipitation method at low temperature, and the effects of different morphologies on the structural and optical behaviors have been reported. The obtained samples were stabilized to the stable tetragonal structure. The IR and FESEM study were carried out to see the vibrational bonds position and surface morphology. At present PL, PLE, diffuse reflectance and decay curves have been discussed in detail. The morphology dependent photoluminescence studies were resulted to a suitable sample for the lighting and display applications. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.