The objective of this research work is to investigate into effects of an auto tracking of the focal distance on the quality of the cut part in the cutting of a low carbon sheet using a high-power CW Nd:YAG laser. An auto-tracking system with a capacitance based distance control loop has been employed to perform a real control of the focal distance. In order to examine the influence of the auto-tracking of a focal distance on the optimum focal distance, the kerfwidth, surface roughness and the formation of the cut section, several linear cutting tests have been carried out using the auto-tracking system. The results of experiments have been shown that the optimum focal distance is 0.9mm. In addition, it has been shown that the variation of kerfwidth and the surface roughness of the cut part with control of the focal distance are reduced 40-80% and 30-55% in comparison with those of the cut part without tracking of the focal distance. From the results of the experiments, it has been found that the real time tracking of the focal distance can improve the part quality.