The synthesis of carbon nitride films at low temperature has been investigated using pulsed arc discharge from methanol solution with nitrogen atmosphere. Raman spectra and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis suggest that crystalline carbon nitride films may be prepared at low substrate temperature (220 ℃). At same time, the substrate temperature has a significantly effect on the nitrogen content and structure of the films. Increasing substrate temperature (300 ℃) would decrease the content of nitrogen in the films and result in a formation of carbon films.