A method for manufacturing a carbon nanotube field emission display includes the steps of: (a) dispersing a plurality of carbon nanotubes on an array of cathode electrodes formed on an insulative substrate; (b) forming an array of insulation beams on the array of cathode electrodes, the insulation beams being perpendicular to a lengthways direction of the cathode electrodes; (c) forming a plurality of gate electrodes on tops of the insulation beams; (d) making the carbon nanotubes located near opposite sides of each gate electrode stand vertically on the cathode electrodes; and (e) packing and sealing a phosphor screen and side walls. The gate electrodes have the dual functions of driving electron emission and focusing emitted electrons. Thereby the carbon nanotube field emission display has high resolution and good display quality.