The results of long-term author's studies of the optical and complex-forming properties of more than 30 synthetic low-molecular-weight fluorophores specific for DNA are described. These studies made it possible to significantly expand the already existing database of properties of such compounds, clarify the ideas about the patterns linking the mentioned properties of fluorophores with their structure, and formulate recommendations on designing new effective DNA-specific fluorophores. The results of these studies can be used, in particular, in the development of new rapid methods for diagnosing various diseases, biotesting of probiotic and antibiotic properties of various products and wastes, etc.