AbstractPoor resolution and sensitivity are not inherent in thin layer chromatography (TLC). They merely re‐flect the fact that TLC, as normally practiced, is not a high performance (efficient) technique. When efforts are made to improve the efficiency of TLC, the re‐sulting improvements in resolution and sensitivity make high performance TLC fully comparable to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Two approaches to improved TLC performance are the use of small‐particle TLC plates and the technique of Programmed Multiple Development (PMD). Prelimi‐nary PMD methods for limonin in citrus juice and for caffeine in cola beverages clearly illustrate the use of PMD.