X-ray computed tomography (XCT) has seen significant development in scan time and spatial resolution over the last decades. It is now increasingly used in the field of particle technology including ex-situ and in-situ applications to study time-lapse processes. This is due to its non-destructive principle giving 3D information on the inner structure and composition of specimens. This article shortly summarizes the field of XCT focusing on terms relevant for particle technology. It also gives a brief outlook on promising directions of development, which may significantly improve XCT. Using different examples from bulk solids handling, flow in porous structures and filtration, the monitoring of concentration differences and the fracture of particles, the application of XCT in particle technology is shown and its perspective is discussed. (C) 2019 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan.