The advent of rapid and reliable measurement technologies, together with the FDA's PAT (Process Analytical Technologies) initiative, has increased the use of particle shape analysis within the pharmaceutical industry. Particle shape, like particle size which is routinely measured and controlled, can directly influence product performance and its measurement can lead to improved process and product understanding. Here we consider the importance of particle shape measurement for the pharmaceutical industry, with reference to the aims of the PAT initiative, and highlight the modern image analysis techniques available for sensitive size and shape characterization. more