With this first issue of Volume 33, the Journal of Applied Crystallography changes its format and overall appearance to adopt a more modern look and layout – in line with the other journals of the IUCr. Since mid-1999, all these journals have been available on-line . The use of modern electronic means of submission, production, checking and dissemination not only saves time but also offers new possibilities for the presentation of scientific results. While the refereeing process will, at least for a while, require paper copies in most cases, authors are invited to submit an electronic copy of the final, accepted version of their manuscript on diskette or directly to Chester via electronic dataways.

That the editorial responsibility for the Journal of Applied Crystallography changed in 1999 as well, is a mere coincidence. Michael Glazer who had been in charge for over nine years and not only kept up the high scientific standards of the journal but also introduced a number of innovations, retired as Editor in mid-1999 to concentrate on other activities, continuing some to the benefit of the IUCr. His outstanding service to the crystallographic community will be an example and guideline to the new editor (who has in various ways been involved in the journal's activities for over twenty years).

Certain aspects, however, will not change. The Journal of Applied Crystallography will continue to cover all crystallographic topics related to applied sciences, from the viewpoints of both techniques and theory, in the form of original Research Papers and occasional (invited) Lead Articles, together with Short Communications and Fast Communications. Crystallographic Computer Programs are also accepted. The variety of other sections will continue serving crystallographers and scientists using crystallographic methods in almost all countries of the world.

The high scientific standards for which the Journal of Applied Crystallography is known will also be maintained. The expertise of the Co-editors and of the many anonymous Referees who continue to assess papers for this journal with exceptional skill and expedience will assure continuity in quality and originality of the material published. Constructive interaction between authors and referees is the essential part of making a good journal. It is a pleasure to see that this interaction, despite the increasing burden many experts have to face in view of the `publication explosion', is still working and leading to substantial improvements in many presentations (even if most authors do not explicitly thank the referees). There are good reasons to hope and wish that this process of quality assurance be kept alive, and all those actively contributing to it deserve very special thanks.