A method for transferring a carbon nanotube array is disclosed. The carbon nanotube array has an ability to have a carbon nanotube structure drawn therefrom. The carbon nanotube array is transferred from a growing substrate to a substitute substrate, meanwhile the carbon nanotube array is still having the ability to have a carbon nanotube structure drawn from the substitute substrate. The substitute substrate is placed on the top surface of the carbon nanotube array. An adhesive layer is sandwiched between the substitute substrate and the carbon nanotube array. The substitute substrate is separated from the growing substrate, thereby separating the bottom surface of the carbon nanotube array from the growing substrate. A method for making a carbon nanotube structure is also disclosed.