The emergence of four-dimensional printing (4DP) is being fueled by improvements in 3D-printed smart materials. The form recovery capabilities of the smart structure can be effectively enhanced by merging stimuli sensitive materials and their functionality into a single-printed build. In the literature, three different forms of multi-material constructions are described: those with uniform distribution, gradient distribution, and unique patterns. When activated by outside stimuli like heat, water, or pressure, smart materials have the singular ability to change their shape and characteristics. Three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology is used to create 4D smart structures. This article delivers an overview of recent smart material architectures different forms of stimuli, and 3DP technologies.