Figure Formatting Checklist for Nature
A complete checklist for Nature journal figure submission. Dimensions, DPI, color mode, file formats, and common mistakes.
Dimensions
| Type | Width | DPI |
|---|---|---|
| Single column | 89 mm | 300 DPI |
| Double column | 183 mm | 300 DPI |
| Line art | Any | 800–1200 DPI |
Checklist
- □Figure is 89 mm (single) or 183 mm (double) wide
- □Raster images at 300 DPI minimum; line art at 800–1200 DPI
- □File format: TIFF (raster) or EPS (vector)
- □Color mode: RGB (online) or CMYK (print)
- □Font is legible at publication size (minimum 8 pt)
- □Colorblind-friendly palette used
- □All panels labeled (A, B, C, D) if multi-panel
- □Scale bars included for microscopy images
- □No compression artifacts (avoid JPEG)
Common Mistakes
Wrong DPI
Submitting at 72 DPI instead of 300 DPI. This causes pixelation and rejection.
JPEG Artifacts
Using JPEG introduces compression artifacts. Use TIFF or EPS instead.
Wrong Dimensions
Figures wider than 183 mm or taller than 247 mm may be rejected or resized.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nature's figure requirements?
Nature requires figures at 300 DPI minimum, TIFF or EPS format preferred, CMYK or RGB color mode. Single-column figures are 89 mm wide; double-column figures are 183 mm wide. Line art should be 800–1200 DPI.
What file format does Nature prefer for figures?
Nature prefers TIFF for raster images (photographs, microscopy) and EPS for vector graphics (charts, diagrams, line art). PDF is also accepted. Avoid JPEG due to compression artifacts.
What is the maximum figure size for Nature?
Figures should not exceed the column width: 89 mm for single column, 183 mm for double column. The height should be proportional. If a figure is too tall, split it into multiple figures or panels.
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