MicroLab FTIR Software

MicroLab Software with a Cary FTIR spectrometer

Simple, Guided FTIR Workflows for Fast Results

  • The Agilent MicroLab software is easy-to-use FTIR software for routine applications. This software suite reflects the essentials of Agilent FTIR spectrometers—powerful, reliable, simple to use, and focused on what you really need—answers.
  • This unique method-driven software uses picture-guided workflows to help users through all steps of the analysis, leading to actionable FTIR results with little to no training required. Seamless integration between MicroLab suite applications and the FTIR systems form a flexible and intuitive workflow solution that prevents user misapprehension and provides confidence in the results.
  • Learn the FTIR software in minutes—Step-by-step guidance using instructive pictures and an intuitive software design allows easy navigation through the entire workflow, for less training and fewer user mistakes
  • See on the screen what is on the bench—MicroLab FTIR software automatically identifies the connected instrument and recognizes the attached sampling module. The software directly applies the correct parameters and displays the relevant pictures. Permitted modules can be defined for each method
  • Eliminate doubts due to data interpretation from routine workflows—After data collection, the software directly provides color-coded, actionable results, making interpretation simple and reducing user mistakes
  • Expand the fast and simple software experience to model development for quantitative applications—MicroLab Quant assists experts and nonexperts through each step in building a quantitative model and provides instant feedback when optimizing the model
  • Report all relevant results—MicroLab incorporates predefined and customized report templates. Results can be automatically reported, and a consistent format allows swift review of relevant details
  • Manage user privileges and administer secure storage of electronic records—Optional built-in technical controls ensure the security of your data, control access, and facilitate compliance as defined by US FDA 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11 and similar national electronic record regulations
  • Deploy with MicroLab Expert for more sophisticated data processing, visualization, and analysis. Use MicroLab Expert to develop comprehensive chemometric models and routinely apply these models in the easy-to-use MicroLab software
  • Take advantage of MicroLab on Cary FTIR spectrometers and Agilent handheld and portable FTIR systems

Overview

How it works

MicroLab—a name synonymous with “easy”

The MicroLab FTIR software suite includes individual applications specifically designed for the task at hand:

  • MicroLab Light/PC: data collection and analysis
  • MicroLab OQ: performance validation
  • MicroLab Quant: quantification model development

All applications apply the same basic MicroLab principle—make the task as easy as possible.

Read MicroLab brochure

Agilent Cary 635 FTIR spectrometer displayed alongside a computer monitor showing the MicroLab FTIR Software startup screen.

MicroLab—follow the (work)flow

MicroLab FTIR software follows a method-based approach. After the method is set up the system becomes a turnkey solution. A single click starts a picture-guided workflow that navigates the user through every step. After data collection, MicroLab performs all calculations and presents results that are easy to understand, even for novice users.

MicroLab and Cary FTIR spectrometers meet the requirements of global pharmacopoeia, with the optional MicroLab Pharma software providing secure data storage and user/access privilege management for GMP environments. MicroLab Pharma can be deployed on individual workstations or in a client-server configuration, where multiple instruments are managed, and data is stored centrally.

MicroLab Quant

MicroLab Quant brings the same user-friendly MicroLab workflow to the development of quantification models. The interactive software allows the user to quickly and easily create, optimize, and evaluate quantification models for FTIR analysis. More comprehensive quant models can also be developed using the optional MicroLab Expert software.

Read Quant flyer

ftir-quant-model-creation-video-agilent.jpg

https://www.agilent.com/media/urn:aaid:aem:ec43a44b-38ae-4b8b-93bd-7313a6abdf1d/original/as/Quant-Model-creation-DE_920_518.mp4

Applications

Material identification is a critical process in many applications and industries. MicroLab automatically compares the collected spectrum with a spectral library and finds the best spectral match. For easy interpretation, color-coding can be applied based on confidence levels. For the identification of hazardous materials, MicroLab presents relevant hazard and safety information.

Material ID Technical Overview

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https://www.agilent.com/media/urn:aaid:aem:66e3ef53-505e-40e1-afe6-fbc0699c0506/original/as/material-id-by-ftir-cary-630-video.mp4

quantification-by-ftir-cary-630-video-thumb-agilent.jpg

https://www.agilent.com/media/urn:aaid:aem:23ec5e94-ec0b-43a3-a3bd-515f98d0084a/original/as/quantification-by-ftir-cary-630-video.mp4

Quantification

MicroLab quantifies multiple components in a sample with a single FTIR measurement. With MicroLab’s unique logic-setting capabilities, only relevant results are displayed. Color-coding and follow-up instructions help the user to make the right decisions. Basic quant models can be created in MicroLab Quant and MicroLab also supports the use of comprehensive chemometric models developed in MicroLab Expert.

Read method development guide

Collect an IR spectrum

The IR spectrum of a substance can provide valuable insights, such as the presence of functional groups. Often the most relevant bands are found in the fingerprint region. MicroLab can change the wavenumber scaling factor for a more detailed analysis of the spectral range of interest. Bands can be labeled for reporting, or for comparison against literature values.

collecting-and-reviewing-ftir-spectra-cary-630-video-thumb-agilent.jpg

https://www.agilent.com/media/urn:aaid:aem:7fa1a936-e9b1-4ed2-8c39-51888ef575a8/original/as/collecting-and-reviewing-ftir-spectra-cary-630.mp4

Agilent Molecular Spectroscopy Software Support Lifecycle Policy

Check the lifecycle status for revisions of the Agilent molecular spectroscopy suite of software products, so you can plan and maintain an active support status.

supplemental-information

Frequently asked questions

FAQ: Microlab Will Not Connect to Cary 630

Microlab PC Will Not Connect to Cary 630. This is usually indicated by the error “Instrument Failed to initialize” and occurs when trying to achieve instrument access with an external computer.

FAQ: Unable to Collect Spectrum Using Microlab PC Software

In the Microlab PC software, when the button is clicked the instrument will not collect a spectrum. This information provides steps to help resolve this issue.

FAQ: Changing the Sample Name After Data Collection in the Microlab PC Software

Data collection has been completed and you want to change the Sample name and generate a new report without collection another spectrum.

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) Overview

Learn about infrared spectroscopy & FTIR spectroscopy—FAQs on how FTIR works, how FTIR spectrometers work, FTIR measurements, and techniques like ATR-FTIR

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News

Effortless and Reliable Phenoxyethanol Quantification Using the Agilent Cary 630 FTIR Spectrometer

This application note outlines the quantification of phenoxyethanol content in a biocidal handwash formulation using the Agilent Cary 630 FTIR spectrometer equipped with a single reflection diamond attenuated total reflectance (ATR) module. The results highlight how the FTIR method with the Agilent MicroLab software is both simpler and faster than traditional HPLC quantification methods, making the Cary 630 FTIR the ideal tool for testing in QC labs.

09 Jul 2026

Rapid, Simple, and High-Throughput Nutritional Phenotyping of Pulse Crops using the Cary 630 FTIR

The Cary 630 FTIR spectrometer is an effective tool to predict protein quality and digestibility, fatty acid composition, and starch content in pulse crops. The compact design, affordability, and ease of use make Cary 630 FTIR an optimal tool for crop and plant breeding programs.

26 May 2025

Agilent Releases MicroLab 5.8, MicroLab Pharma 5.8, and MicroLab Expert 1.3

The new revision of software that powers the Cary 630 FTIR spectrometer—as well as Agilent handheld and mobile FTIR systems—is now supported on Microsoft’s latest operating system – Windows 11. The MicroLab Pharma 5.8 software now also utilizes Microsoft SQL Server 2022 Express, supported by Microsoft until 2028.

31 May 2024

Tools

FTIR Analysis & Applications Overview

A guide to modern applications of FTIR analysis using benchtop and handheld instruments.

ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy Overview

Learn about the most common FTIR sampling technique for measuring liquids, solids, powders, semisolids, and pastes.

Molecular Spectroscopy Pharma & Biopharma Solutions Guide

Learn about products and applications in pharma and biopharma using UV-Vis, FTIR, fluorescence, SORS, and TRS technology.

Training & events

Unlocking Agricultural Potential with FTIR Spectroscopy

Pulse crops are highly valued for their rich nutritional content, and breeding programs need optimized workflows to boost nutritional quality and cut down turnaround times.

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Webinar/Training

Advances in FTIR and UV-Vis: No Need for Cells in Liquid Sample Analysis

This webcast will highlight the benefit of advanced sampling technologies in achieving fast, easy, and reliable measurements of liquid samples in comparison with the traditional liquid cells used for FTIR and UV-Vis measurements.

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Webinar/Training

FTIR Spectroscopy in Pharmaceutical Analysis: Hardware, Applications, Tips & Tricks

Stay up to date with the best practices to minimize costly downtime and achieve great results from your systems.

webinarType
Webinar/Training

Molecular Spectroscopy Webinar Curriculum

Molecular Spectroscopy Webinar Curriculum includes UV-Vis, UV-Vis-NIR, fluorescence, handheld and benchtop FTIR, and Raman systems for high performance and flexibility

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Webinar/Training

Spectroscopy Digital Workshops & Bootcamps

Hone your lab skills, outside the lab, with our live, interactive series of virtual workshops and software bootcamps! Learn about the latest in software solutions for Spectroscopy, discuss the entire analytical process from method development to data analysis, and participate in live analytical runs with our experts. We hope these will prepare you for future hands-on events in the future.

webinarType
Webinar/Training

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