How to Make a Multi-Panel Figure
A step-by-step guide to creating multi-panel scientific figures for publication. Panel labels, alignment, spacing, and journal-width presets.
Step 1: Prepare Individual Panels
Create each panel as a separate high-resolution image. Ensure consistent font size, color palette, and axis styling across all panels.
Checklist: ✓ Same font family ✓ Same font size for axes ✓ Same color palette ✓ Consistent line weights ✓ Same background color
Step 2: Choose Figure Width
Select single-column or double-column width based on your journal and panel complexity.
| Journal | Single Column | Double Column |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | 89 mm | 183 mm |
| Cell | 85 mm | 174 mm |
| Science | 84 mm | 174 mm |
| PNAS | 88 mm | 180 mm |
Step 3: Arrange Panels in Layout
Place panels in a logical reading order. Group related panels together.
Standard 2×2 layout for four panels. Adjust based on panel sizes and aspect ratios.
Step 4: Add Panel Labels
Add uppercase letters (A, B, C, D) in the top-left corner of each panel. Use a bold, consistent font. FigureGuild automatically applies panel labels in a journal-compliant font.
Recommended: Arial or Helvetica, bold, 10–12 pt, black or dark gray color. Place 2–3 mm from the top-left corner of the panel border.
Step 5: Set Consistent Spacing
Apply 3–5 mm spacing between panels. Consistent spacing is critical for a professional appearance.
Tip: Use the same spacing between all panels, both horizontally and vertically. Uneven spacing makes the figure look unprofessional.
Step 6: Export at Journal DPI
Export at 300 DPI minimum. Use TIFF for raster images or PDF for vector graphics.
Tip: Use FigureGuild’s one-click journal presets to export at the exact dimensions, DPI, and color mode for your target journal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a multi-panel figure?
A multi-panel figure is a single image composed of multiple sub-figures (panels) labeled A, B, C, D, etc. Each panel shows a different experiment, data view, or magnification. Multi-panel figures are standard in scientific publications.
How do I label panels in a multi-panel figure?
Use uppercase letters (A, B, C, D) in a bold, consistent font. Place labels in the top-left corner of each panel. Maintain consistent font size and weight across all panels. FigureGuild automatically applies panel labels in a journal-compliant font.
What spacing should I use between panels?
Use 3–5 mm spacing between panels. Consistent spacing is critical for a professional appearance. FigureGuild’s multi-panel tool enforces uniform spacing automatically.
What width should a multi-panel figure be?
Single-column figures are 84–90 mm wide. Double-column figures are 174–183 mm wide. Check your target journal’s exact requirements. FigureGuild applies these dimensions with one-click journal presets.
Related Pages
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