YBCO films were fabricated by using a modified precursor solution, which was prepared by mixing yttrium trifluoroacetate, barium trifluoroacetate, and a fluorine-free copper precursor. Crack-free films have been obtained in a rapid pyrolysis process. The texture, microstructure and superconducting properties of films were characterized by xray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and the inductive method, respectively. The effect of the heating rate on the phase formation, texture and critical properties (J c ) of YBCO films was investigated. The texture and critical current density varied significantly with the heating rate. Moreover, the J c of 1.7 MA/cm 2 was obtained for YBCO films prepared at the heating rate of 3 K/min.