Thin layer chromatography
The TLC plate should be removed before the solvent reaches the top of the plate.  Separated compounds will sometimes be colored, but further work is often required for analysis.  Many compounds will be illuminated when the TLC plate is placed under an ultraviolet lamp.  TLC plates are also commonly dipped in stains (such as anisaldehyde, potassium permanganate, or iodine) to force a compound to appear on the plate.