Abstract: In order to determine the critical load and buckling shape of cable-supported lattice shells from stable balance to unstable balance condition, the combined finite element model of beam elements, truss elements and cable elements is selected to make the eiginvalue buckling analysis on them by means of Lanczos method, and to make the nonlinear buckling analysis of initial defects by means of Newton-Rphson method and arc-length method. Through changing such factors as structural parameter, geometric parameter, etc., the authors systematically studied the stability of cable-supported lattice shells and concluded that exerting the reasonable prestress enables its buckling strength to be much greater than that of single-layer lattice shells, and enables its bearing capacity to increase markedly. This research results have a valuable reference for the mechanics property analysis and engineering application of lattice shells.