The detection of cloud macro- and micro-parameters is of great significance to the study of cloud physics and climate change. Lidar is an effective scientific instrument to detect cloud macro- and micro- parameters with high temporal and spatial resolution. This paper reviews and summarizes the main technologies and research progress of lidars in cloud parameter detection, discusses the shortcomings and limitations of lidars in cloud detection and the key problems to be solved in cloud detection application, looks forward to the application potential of lidars in cloud detection in the future, and puts forward the research ideas and schemes. The content involves the multi-wavelength and polarization lidar technology for cloud detection and cloud phase recognition, the lidar technology for cloud temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, vertical air flow detection, and so on. The application case of lidars for cloud precipitation potential detection is analyzed and introduced. Lidars have good penetration and fine detection advantages for detecting primary clouds and thin clouds, but for thick clouds such as strong convective clouds, it needs to be combined with other detection instrument, such as a microwave radar, and carry out research on multi-source data fusion technology, so as to realize fine monitoring of the whole life cycle of clouds. With the development of laser and optoelectronic technology and big data and artificial intelligence technology, lidar technology is becoming more and more reliable. Lidar products for system stability, reliability, and detection capability required for business applications will be paid more and more attention by industry experts in the field of meteorology and environment, and will play a more and more important role in the field of cloud detection.