4-Amino-1-naphthoic acid is primarily used in the synthesis of dyes and pigments due to its ability to form stable and vibrant color compounds. It serves as an intermediate in the production of azo dyes, which are widely applied in textiles, inks, and coatings. Additionally, it is utilized in the development of fluorescent markers and biological stains for research applications in biochemistry and molecular biology. Its chemical structure also makes it a potential candidate for the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the design of drugs targeting specific biological pathways. In material science, it can be incorporated into polymers to enhance their functional properties.