In this article, we explore orbital‐angular‐momentum‐based (OAM) free‐space optical (FSO) transmission systems using low‐density parity‐check (LDPC) coded quadrature phase‐shift keying (QPSK) modulation format. The theory of OAM modes is discussed first, followed by the schemes to generate, multiplex/demultiplex, and detect OAM modes. Then, the FSO transmission systems with and without atmospheric turbulence are studied. The spatial‐ and time‐varying atmospheric turbulence is simulated via fast‐changing phase patterns, which are recorded by modified von Karman spectrum statistics. The atmospheric turbulence effects are discussed in terms of the intensity profile of OAM beam and power distribution among adjacent mode channels. In addition, we review the performance of LDPC coding based FSO transmission systems with a single OAM mode and with OAM multiplexing.