Water-soluble alcohol is an important part of the preparation of carbon black pigment type gel ink, the type and amount directly affect the dispersion stability of pigment paste and the performance of the gel ink. The effects of compatibility of resin dispersion SMA (styrene-maleic anhydride resins) with six kinds of water soluble alcohol on carbon black slurry dispersion stability as well as the value of thixotropic, moisturizing and writing performance of the gel ink was investigated. The results showed that, the compatibility of PEG-200, PEG-400 and glycerol was better to disperse resin SMA. PEG-400 has the best dispersion stability to the carbon black slurry. Water-soluble alcohol which compatible with the dispersion resin SMA well could have a greater impact on the value of thixotropic of the gel ink with its content changes. Added glycerol, ethylene glycol and PEG-400 in the gel ink could obtain better moisturizing effect. The gel ink prepared with glycerol, PEG-200 and PEG-400 showed stable, uniform lines and good writing properties.