This paper describes the effectiveness of laser pulse shaping in eliminating weld defects such as porosity, cracks and undercuts in pulsed Nd:YAG laser welding. A large porosity was formed in a keyhole mode of deeply penetrated weld metal of any stainless steel. Solidification cracks were present in STS 310S with above 0.017%P and undercuts were formed in STS 303 with about 0.3%S. The conditions for the formation of porosity were determined in further detail in STS 316. With the objectives of obtaining a fundamental knowledge of formation and prevention of weld defects, the fusion and solidification behavior of a molten puddle was observed during laser spot welding of STS 310S through a high speed video photographing technique. It was deduced that cellular dendrite tips grew rapidly from the bottom to the surface, and consequently residual liquid remained at the grain boundaries in wide regions and enhanced the solidification cracking susceptibility. Several laser pulse shapes were investigated and optimum pulse shapes were proposed for the reduction and prevention of porosity and solidification cracking.