The retention distribution patterns of nicotine and seven phenolic compounds in cigarette filters were studied. The nicotine and seven phenolic compounds retained in each segment were quantitatively analysed after the filters were transversely and longitudinally concentrically cut into segments by a precision laser cutting device. After correction, the concentration distribution data were processed by polynomial fitting and interpolation analysis, and the concentration distribution patterns of nicotine and phenolic compounds in filter were obtained. The retention characteristics of nicotine and phenolic compounds in common acetate filter under ISO and Canada smoking regimes were compared. The effects of filter structure changes on the filtration efficiencies and retention distribution patterns of phenolic compounds under ISO smoking regime were investigated. The results indicated that compared to nicotine, acetate filter showed high retention selectivity to phenolic compounds, and this selectivity was due to the interaction of gaseous phenolic compounds with filter material. The filter structure obviously influenced the filtration efficiencies and distribution patterns of phenolic compounds, and different phenolic compounds had their own retention distribution characteristics.