•Simple stains Simple stains highlight the organism so basic structures are visible in microscope. • Differential stains Differential stains react differently with different kinds of bacteria. • Special stains Used to color and isolate various structures, such as capsules, endospores, and flagella.•Simple stains Simple stains highlight the organism so basic structures are visible in microscope. • Differential stains Differential stains react differently with different kinds of bacteria. • Special stains Used to color and isolate various structures, such as capsules, endospores, and flagella