The versatility and ease of operation of a video densitometer system for the analysis of thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) plates is described. In that no such device is currently available commercially, a suitable system was configured utilizing commercially available components. Three characteristic detection modes commonly used in TLC are illustrated using the new system. Detection limits, dynamic range, and resolution well within acceptable limits are indicated. Comparison with a conventional scanning densitometer reveals a more rapid analysis without significant loss of precision or resolution.