AbstractIn separation processes containing solids, mostly crystals, the interest in shape modifications of the solids has increased. The idea in it is the necessity to save energy, to achieve specific product requirements, e.g. purities, or to provide downstream processes with better feed material. For an organic crystal a simple way to select a growth inhibitor is presented here, in contrast to the concept of “tailor‐made additives”. The additive selected is structurally different from the host molecule and modifies the habit in a desired manner. The procedure of additive selection involves the analysis of the molecular structure of the crystal to be modified and the orientation of the molecules at the surfaces of the morphological most important faces. Furthermore the problem is discussed if the chosen additive is incorporated into the crystal or not. Results are shown for the system caprolactam/et