The influence of magnetic field on propane and acetylene diffusion flames have been experimentally investigated using an electromagnetic system. Periodically induced magnetic field having various frequencies and duty ratios was established in square wave form. The maximum intensity and gradient of magnetic field were 1.3 T and 0.27 T/mm, respectively. The width of a propane flame was reduced up to 4.5% and the brightness was enhanced up to 25% when the magnetic field was induced. The soot emission from an acetylene flame was ceased when magnetic field was induced. The alteration of flow field, which is due to the paramagnetic characteristics of oxygen molecule, is most likely to be responsible for the change in flame size and brightness. The effect of magnetic field on diffusion flames, which competes with the gravitational effect, was more apparent from a smaller size flame. The magnetic field effect, therefore, could be important under microgravity conditions. Since the time required to alter the flow field must be finite, the magnetic field effect is likely to be less significant for a periodically oscillating magnetic field at a high frequency or having a small duty ratio.