The instrumental modularity of its basic steps, that is, sample application, chromatographic development, and detection, confers
HPTLC
a high degree of flexibility. Automated and computer‐controlled instruments with different levels of sophistication for each of these steps have been developed, for example, spray‐on sample applicators and chambers including the possibility of gradient separation. Detection techniques such as scanning densitometers, electronic documentation systems, bioactivity detection methodologies, and online coupling with mass spectrometry have come to be easily and firmly established in laboratories. Particularly, the introduction of an elution‐based
TLC
–
MS
interface has not only allowed original and efficient hyphenated systems to be designed but also opened the possibility of expanding the connection with other detectors. Thanks to this instrumental development,
HPTLC
has become a reliable, accurate, and sensitive analytical technique.