The present invention relates to a class of magenta dyes, their preparation methods and applications. The magenta dyes include the compounds which simultaneously contain carboxyl group, sulfonic acid group and the carbonyl propyl sulfurylsulfonic acid on the anthrapyridone skeleton, showing in the form of general formula (I) or their mixtures. In the general formula (I): A may be cation M4, or substituted or unsubstituted benzyl group, or substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl methyl; M1, M2, M3 are respectively cation or cationic groups; Sulfonic acid group (SO3M2)m may located any position of the benzene ring, of which m is an integer of 0-2. As containing carboxyl (or carboxylic benzyl ester or naphthoate), sulfonic acid groups and carbonyl propyl sulfuryl simultaneously, the magenta dyes of the present invention feature outstanding tone, brightness, light resistance, water resistance, ozone resistance as well as solubility and solution stability, etc.