Radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation is an increasingly adopted strategy for patients with difficult-to-manage atrial fibrillation.  Echocardiography is the key imaging modality to assess left atrial structure and function.  In this review, the role of echocardiography in atrial fibrillation ablation before, during and after ablation is discussed.  Currently established roles of echocardiography in patient selection pre-ablation and peri-procedural guidance, as well as newer echocardiographic techniques including the assessment of atrial mechanics are reviewed in the context of atrial fibrillation ablation.