Numerous images are produced daily in biomedical research. In order to extract relevant and useful results, various processing and analysis steps are mandatory. The present paper describes a new, powerful and user-friendly image analysis system: Labolmage. In addition to standard image processing modules, Labolmage also contains various specialized tools. These multiple processing modules and tools are first introduced. A one-dimensional gel analysis method is then described. The new concept of ‘normalized virtual one-dimensional gel' is introduced, making comparisons between gels particularly easy. This normalized gel is obtained by compensating for the bending of the lanes automatically; no information loss is incurred in the process. Finally, the model of interaction in a multi-window environment is discussed. Labolmage is designed to run in two ways: interactively, using menus and panels; and in batch mode by means of user-defined macros. Examples are given to illustrate the potentialities of the software.