Sand fences are effective devices for controlling wind‐blown sand. They are built using different materials and employ various configurations in many locations around the world. A considerable amount of knowledge for the engineering use of sand fences has been developed. However, there is limited knowledge regarding sand fence configurations, and it has not been widely distributed. Thus, a brief literature survey was conducted to collect existing knowledge. The main findings of this survey are as follows:(1) The fundamental alignments of sand fences are the straight, straight with side spurs, zigzag, transverse, and perpendicular alignments. Other configurations can be expressed by combining and modifying these alignments. (2) The straight alignment is commonly used since it allows the area to be protected with the shortest possible extension, minimizing installation costs. (3) The zigzag and transverse alignments are employed when the prevailing wind blows obliquely to the shore. The zigzag alignment is particularly useful for regions with multiple wind directions. (4) The straight with side spurs and perpendicular alignments are used when the prevailing wind blows parallel or nearly parallel to the shore. (5) These alignments are arranged this way because the trapping efficiency of sand fences functions best when they are positioned perpendicular to the wind direction. The choice of configuration depends on the specific purpose of the sand fence. To create a new foredune, the straight, zigzag, and transverse alignments are commonly employed. To protect, restore, enhance, and transform existing foredunes, combinations such as straight‐transverse, straight‐zigzag, or straight‐perpendicular alignments are applied. To prevent the inflow of beach sand into residential areas, the straight alignment is frequently used.