This review outlines the latest research into the design of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) with non-metal elements. The emphasis is put on modulation of composition and morphology of g-C₃N₄ doped with oxygen, sulfur, phosphor, nitrogen, carbon as well as nitrogen and carbon vacancies. Typically, the various methods of non-metal elements introducing in g-C₃N₄ have been explored to simultaneously tune the textural and electronic properties of g-C₃N₄ for improving its response to the entire visible light range, facilitating a charge separation, and prolonging a charge carrier lifetime. The application fields of such doped graphitic carbon nitride are summarized into three categories: CO₂ reduction, H₂-evolution, and organic contaminants degradation. This review shows some main directions and affords to design the g-C₃N₄ doping with non-metal elements for real photocatalytic applications.