Nature Communications Figure Requirements
Nature Communications is an open-access multidisciplinary journal. Figures follow the same standards as Nature but with additional open-access considerations.
Figure Dimensions
| Layout | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Single Column | 89 mm | 200 mm |
| Double Column | 183 mm | 200 mm |
Nature Communications follows the same width standards as Nature: single column (89 mm) or double column (183 mm).
Resolution & Color
Resolution
Minimum: 300 DPI
Recommended: 300 DPI
Same as Nature: 300 DPI minimum, 600 DPI preferred for raster images.
Color Mode
RGB for online; CMYK for print
As an open-access journal, Nature Communications is primarily online. RGB is acceptable, but CMYK is preferred if targeting print.
Accepted File Formats
Maximum file size: 10 MB per figure
Submission Checklist
- 1300 DPI minimum for all raster images
- 2Single column: 89 mm; double column: 183 mm
- 3TIFF, EPS, or PDF format preferred
- 4Embed fonts in vector submissions
- 5Use RGB or CMYK color mode consistently
- 6Label all panels with uppercase letters
- 7Include scale bars on microscopy images
- 8Provide figure legends separately
- 9Ensure all text is ≥6 pt at final size
Common Mistakes
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nature Communications have the same figure requirements as Nature?
Yes, Nature Communications follows the same figure standards as Nature. Both use 89 mm single column, 183 mm double column, 300 DPI minimum, and the same format requirements.
Is RGB acceptable for Nature Communications?
Yes. As an open-access online journal, RGB is acceptable. CMYK is preferred only if you are targeting print reproduction.
Official Guidelines
Always verify requirements on the journal's official author guidelines page before submission. Journal policies may change.
Nature Communications official author guidelinesRelated Pages
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