A measuring system based on the method of image analyses is introduced. With this system it is possible to measure relevant assessment criteria for tobacco and cigarettes, i.e. blend homogeneity, particle size, cut width, cigarette quality (spots, stamps, tobacco emerging etc.). Image analysis is a computer-based method for the transformation of images into numeric results via geometric, densitometric or colorimetric characteristics. A general advantage of image analysis is the touchless measurement of objects which is absolutely free of destruction. Further advantages can be seen in the measurement of real geometric characteristic parameters such as area, perimeter, length and the measurement of colour and optical density. Image analysis can be applied in the primaries of factories as an on-line measurement process. In laboratories the measurement concentrates mainly on single particles. Analyzing for example fiber lengths leads to results on particle size distributions. This again improves the chance of analyzing technical and processing parameters in advantage to sieve analysis. Furthermore the high processing speed generates a large quantity of measuring data, which is an improved basis for statistical evaluation. The application of image analysis as an on-line method gives the advantage of evaluation of a complete tobacco batch, i.e. 5000 kg. In many questions it is not so interesting to receive a highly precise measurement of a sample of 1 kg tobacco. More important is the description of the homogeneity of blend components or particle size within the complete batch. Practical examples demonstrate the chances and the limits of the application of image analysis in primaries.