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TLC Image Annotation Tool

Overview

The TLC Image Annotation Tool is a lightweight web-based app integrated into the Chemotion ELN, designed to annotate Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) plates, calculate Rf values, and export annotated results.

This tool helps digitize TLC documentation, automate RF calculations, and ensure consistent and clean ELN entries.

TLC Tool Overview

Purpose​

The tool bridges manual TLC processing with structured digital workflows.

  • Improve accuracy in RF calculations
  • Add clear, editable annotations to TLC images
  • Save and export results for reproducibility and sharing

Features​

Load TLC images directly from Chemotion ELN Upload your own (local) images Mark reference lines, sample spots, and separation lanes Automatically calculate Rf values Export to CSV or annotated PNG Push results back to ELN seamlessly

Supported Input​

FeatureDetails
Image TypesJPG, PNG
Max File Size10 MB
Image SourcesChemotion ELN, Local Upload
Output FormatsCSV, Annotated PNG, ELN Upload

Example Workflow​

  1. Load an Image (from ELN or device)
  2. Draw Reference Lines (Min/Max)
  3. Mark Spots for your compounds
  4. Add Optional Labels (lane separators)
  5. Click ‘Calculate RF’ to compute values
  6. Export or Save to ELN

Image Upload Example Image Upload Example

Ideal For​

  • Chemistry researchers
  • University teaching labs
  • Collaborative or open science
  • Archiving chromatographic results

About the Author​

Shilpa Thotli. TLC Image Annotation Tool. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).
Available at GitHub: github.com/tlc.
Contact: shilpa.thotli@kit.edu