Finite element software ANSYS was used to study the influence of welding sequences on the distortion generated in the welding process of a Q345 plate with V-groove. The simulation of the welding process consists of sequentially coupled thermal and structural analyses using element birth and death technique. The results show that the backstep welding makes the distortion decrease. But back welding with too many steps makes the distortion increase. For a structure, the most reasonable number of steps can be found.