SpectralBench
Free Raman spectrum viewer — opens Horiba NGS and L6S natively
Horiba (LabSpec/LabRAM) and Renishaw (inVia/Qontor) are two of the most widely used Raman spectroscopy platforms in research labs worldwide. Each stores data in its own proprietary format — Horiba uses a binary format readable only by LabSpec, while Renishaw uses the WDF format readable only by WiRE software.
This makes it difficult to share Raman data between research groups, compare results from different instruments, or access your spectra when you're away from the instrument computer. Both LabSpec and WiRE licenses are tied to specific instruments, so you can't simply install them on your laptop.
SpectralBench reads Horiba and Renishaw binary files natively — drop a .ngs, .l6s, or .wdf file straight onto the viewer with no LabSpec license, no WiRE license, and no export step. You can also import CSV, JCAMP-DX, or SPC exports from either platform for viewing, analysis, peak detection, and format conversion — all in your browser with no software to install.
SpectralBench correctly handles Raman shift (cm⁻¹) on the x-axis and provides peak detection tailored for Raman spectroscopy. Compare spectra from different instruments side by side, or convert between formats to share with collaborators using different platforms.
Native format support: SpectralBench parses Horiba LabSpec NGS (.ngs), Horiba LabSpec 6 (.l6s), and Renishaw WDF (.wdf) files directly — no vendor software required. CSV, JCAMP-DX, and SPC exports from LabSpec and WiRE are also supported.
Drop a Horiba .ngs or .l6s file, or a Renishaw .wdf file, straight onto SpectralBench. CSV, JCAMP-DX, and SPC exports also work.
SpectralBench parses your file instantly. Interactive Raman spectrum with zoom, peak detection, and annotation.
Export to any format — CSV, JCAMP-DX, JSON, MATLAB. Share with collaborators on any platform.
SpectralBench provides a complete Raman analysis workflow for Horiba users. After loading your NGS, L6S, or exported CSV/JCAMP-DX file, use the Raman Peak Identifier to automatically detect and label characteristic Raman bands with confidence scores. The peak database covers common organic, inorganic, and polymeric materials.
For Horiba LabRAM and XploRA users working with fluorescent samples, SpectralBench's baseline correction tools help remove fluorescence background before peak analysis. Apply Savitzky-Golay smoothing to improve signal-to-noise, then export your processed spectrum to CSV or JCAMP-DX for publications or further analysis in Python/MATLAB.
Need to compare Raman spectra from different excitation wavelengths or different instruments? Load multiple spectra and overlay them with color-coded traces. SpectralBench's Compare tool provides HQI similarity scoring for quantitative spectral matching.
| Feature | Horiba LabSpec | SpectralBench |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Commercial license (instrument-bundled) | Free |
| Platform | Windows only (instrument PC) | Any browser (Mac, Linux, Windows, iPad) |
| File Formats | Proprietary NGS/L6S + limited export | NGS, L6S, WDF, JCAMP-DX, SPC, CSV + 22 more |
| Peak Identification | Manual annotation | Automatic Raman peak ID with confidence scores |
| Installation | Requires LabSpec license | No install — works in any browser |
| Cross-Instrument | Horiba data only | Vendor-neutral (any manufacturer) |
| Spectral Comparison | Within LabSpec only | Cross-instrument overlay with HQI scoring |
| Export Formats | Limited (NGS, CSV, image) | CSV, JCAMP-DX, SPC, JSON, MATLAB, SVG, PNG, PDF |
SpectralBench supports spectral data from any instrument, not just Raman:
Yes. SpectralBench reads Horiba LabSpec NGS (.ngs) and LabSpec 6 (.l6s) files natively — just drop the file onto the viewer. No LabSpec software needed. You can also import CSV, JCAMP-DX, and SPC exports from LabSpec.
Yes. SpectralBench parses Renishaw .wdf files natively — just drop the file onto the viewer. It reads the Raman-shift axis and intensity data straight from WiRE's binary block format, with no WiRE license and no export step required. For map and series WDF files, SpectralBench loads the first spectrum.
Yes. SpectralBench correctly handles Raman shift (cm⁻¹) on the x-axis and provides peak detection tuned for Raman spectra. It reads Renishaw WDF files directly, plus SPC files with Raman shift x-type labels and JCAMP-DX files with Raman data types.
Yes. Load Raman spectra from Horiba, Renishaw, or any other instrument and SpectralBench overlays them with color-coded traces. Use the Compare tool for HQI similarity scoring and spectral subtraction.
SpectralBench is a free companion tool for Horiba LabRAM and LabSpec instruments. It reads NGS (.ngs) and L6S (.l6s) files natively — no LabSpec license required. Use it alongside your Horiba instrument for peak detection, spectral comparison, and format conversion.
Export your spectra from LabSpec as NGS, L6S, or JCAMP-DX files, or drop them directly onto SpectralBench. Your Raman spectrum loads instantly with peak detection tuned for Raman shift (cm⁻¹), interactive zoom, and export to CSV or JCAMP-DX.
Yes. SpectralBench reads Horiba LabSpec NGS (.ngs) and LabSpec 6 (.l6s) files natively — no LabSpec installation or license needed. Drop your file onto SpectralBench for instant Raman peak identification, baseline correction, fluorescence removal, and export to open formats like CSV and JCAMP-DX.