Hello: I teach HPLC method development and am familiar with most of the commercially sold as well as 'free' chromatography method development application products available.

The software products mentioned above, by previous posters, is not free.

Free software is available. Example: DryLab is one of the most popular chromatography simulator software application available.

NO known SOFTWARE application can perform truly automated HPLC method development. All require high quality input in the form of data and a skilled chromatographer to function. All of these applications rely, to different degrees, on the input from a very skilled chromatographer to provide initial values for the software to use. Even some of the more advanced software applications such as ChromSword require a great deal of skill on the operator's part to define the types and dimensions of columns used, mobile phase combinations tried and specific methods used for the screening protocols (best for only the most technically savvy chromatography users only). The applications can only fine-tune methods or scout for methods based on a user's input OR the data input from pre-run chromatograms (simulated or real). They are a poor choice for teaching people how to develop methods by HPLC. These programs are just a tool, not a solution. In the hands of a skilled operator, they can be useful. For most users, they are serious overkill and I do not recommend them (BTW: I personally use and like some of the programs, but they are neither free nor the best applications for most users).  For basic and intermediate levels users (99% of all chromatographers) I do recommend the simpler programs such as the basic version of the DryLab application to help teach HPLC fundamentals. This is the area where most chromatographers are deficient and if used with real experiments, these types of programs can aid users in understanding the relationships and concepts needed to develop proper HPLC methods (such as learning about T zero, K prime, Resolution, Solvent % effects and so on). This is a great way to fine tune methods based on just a few initial runs. Most people can start using the software with minimal training and it encourages lots of "what - if" experiments and simulations which I like to see.

More info on Dry Lab can be found at this link: http://molnar-institute.com/drylab/

HPLC SIMULATOR IS A WEB BASED HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHEROMATOGRAPHYSIMULATION. 

Only one software available. Chromgenius by ACD labs. thats not free by the way

Gunawan, ChromSwordAuto® is automated chromatographic method development software supporting rapid development of separation methods in liquid chromatography with a minimum of experimenting. The technology allows to test automatically many different conditions in a short period of time. It allows to obtain comprehensive and important information about a sample, critical parameters for peak shape and resolution and to find the best separation conditions.

ChromSwordAuto® includes off-line as stand alone software for computer assisted HPLC method development (see ChromSword® Off-line) for free.

http://www.chromsword.com

Hello: I teach HPLC method development and am familiar with most of the commercially sold as well as 'free' chromatography method development application products available.

The software products mentioned above, by previous posters, is not free.

Free software is available. Example: DryLab is one of the most popular chromatography simulator software application available.

NO known SOFTWARE application can perform truly automated HPLC method development. All require high quality input in the form of data and a skilled chromatographer to function. All of these applications rely, to different degrees, on the input from a very skilled chromatographer to provide initial values for the software to use. Even some of the more advanced software applications such as ChromSword require a great deal of skill on the operator's part to define the types and dimensions of columns used, mobile phase combinations tried and specific methods used for the screening protocols (best for only the most technically savvy chromatography users only). The applications can only fine-tune methods or scout for methods based on a user's input OR the data input from pre-run chromatograms (simulated or real). They are a poor choice for teaching people how to develop methods by HPLC. These programs are just a tool, not a solution. In the hands of a skilled operator, they can be useful. For most users, they are serious overkill and I do not recommend them (BTW: I personally use and like some of the programs, but they are neither free nor the best applications for most users).  For basic and intermediate levels users (99% of all chromatographers) I do recommend the simpler programs such as the basic version of the DryLab application to help teach HPLC fundamentals. This is the area where most chromatographers are deficient and if used with real experiments, these types of programs can aid users in understanding the relationships and concepts needed to develop proper HPLC methods (such as learning about T zero, K prime, Resolution, Solvent % effects and so on). This is a great way to fine tune methods based on just a few initial runs. Most people can start using the software with minimal training and it encourages lots of "what - if" experiments and simulations which I like to see.

More info on Dry Lab can be found at this link: http://molnar-institute.com/drylab/

Thanks  a lot for all your comments

Software can be a tool, but YOU are the key to the solution.  Nothing will replace serious hours spent in the lab.

For "automated" method development, you want to invest in some hardware---a multi-column switcher and a multi-channel solvent manager is a good starting point.  This combination will allow you to rapidly screen for suitable column and solvent systems, which is the foundation of a good analytical method.

If you are budget strapped, then you will have to do some or most of the switching-overs manually---slower, but doable.

I fully agree with Gang Chen above.

No matter which "automatic" software you use, skill is of course still required and should be the key component in any successful research team.

Quoted from above:

"NO SOFTWARE application can perform truly automated HPLC method development without the aid of high quality input in the form of data and a skilled chromatographer."

There is no present danger of any computer or software program replacing a skilled chromatographer. *Excellent job security.

Gang Chen · 26.53 · 70.86 · Simon Fraser University

Software can be a tool, but YOU are the key to the solution.  Nothing will replace serious hours spent in the lab.

Agree with this, the more you practice, the more you will know.

can any one provide me the setup file of DryLab please. I am not able to find it. 

Kanwaki: The software vendor can be contacted at this link: http://molnar-institute.com/drylab/

A lot of research and development goes into developing a software package like DryLab, or like ACD's or like Fusion AE.  Just like the music industry, those who create a product that make life more enjoyable or easier for someone, deserve a fair compensation for their work  After all, all of our mental and physical work on this earth is a product of our lives or produces income that we can use to acquire other property or things, or provide for our family or descendants (unless the guvmint puts a punitive inheritance tax on it).  I've used DryLab since 1987 with the earliest versions running on IBM XT with math coprocessor.  I'll never forget how we used to struggle with gradient method development by trial-and-error approaches.  Even if you developed a separation with a lot of work, there was no guarantee it would be at all robust.  With DryLab G (gradient version in 1987), I was able to optimally separate a complex mixture from an isocyanation reaction to produce isocyanates to be used in sulfonylurea manufacture at DuPont AG Products, and with only 2 training runs.  It was amazing at that time.