Recently preparative liquid chromatography (PLC) has been used more frequently to separate drugs and natural substances. This modern separation methodologies require reliable tools that perform on a high level in terms of efficiency and reproducibility. However, large-scale PLC easily tends to reduce the yield and purity of the product. To promote the separation efficiency of PLC, we need to properly understand the controlling effects of the process, which may enable to predict the process and to improve the design and operation of PLC. Progress in computer technology allows the use of sophisticated models, provided their parameters can be measured. Some hardwares as well as softwares for PLC were already commercially available. In this work, the separation characteristic of PLC will be reviewed and compared on both the software and the hardware.