Scientific Figure Checklist
A comprehensive checklist to ensure your figures meet journal standards before submission. Use this before every submission to avoid desk rejection.
The Checklist
Resolution
- ☐Raster images at 300 DPI minimum (600 DPI preferred)
- ☐Line art at 1200 DPI
- ☐Vector formats (PDF/SVG) for charts and graphs
Dimensions
- ☐Single column: 84–90 mm width
- ☐Double column: 170–183 mm width
- ☐Figure fits within journal margins
Format
- ☐TIFF for raster images (photographs, microscopy)
- ☐PDF for vector graphics (charts, graphs, diagrams)
- ☐PNG for online-only submission (if accepted)
Color
- ☐Color mode matches journal (RGB for online, CMYK for print)
- ☐Colorblind-friendly palette
- ☐Figure readable in grayscale
Labels
- ☐Axes labeled with variable names and units
- ☐Legend clear and positioned appropriately
- ☐Figure panel labels (A, B, C) consistent
- ☐All text readable at journal size (8–12 pt)
Data
- ☐Error bars present (SD, SEM, or CI)
- ☐Statistical significance indicated (p-values, asterisks)
- ☐Sample sizes shown in legend or figure
- ☐Data points visible (not obscured by formatting)
General
- ☐Figure number correct
- ☐No spelling errors in labels
- ☐Consistent font and style across all figures
- ☐Figure caption submitted separately (not in image)
- ☐Supplementary figure label correct (S1, S2, etc.)
Quick Reference
| Requirement | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DPI | 300 minimum | 600 for high quality; 1200 for line art |
| Single column | 84–90 mm | Nature: 89 mm; Cell: 85 mm |
| Double column | 170–183 mm | Nature: 183 mm; Cell: 174 mm |
| Format | TIFF / PDF | TIFF for raster; PDF for vector |
| Color mode | RGB / CMYK | RGB for online; CMYK for print |
| Font size | 8–12 pt | Readable at journal size |
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I check before submitting figures to a journal?
Before submitting figures, check: (1) resolution is at least 300 DPI, (2) dimensions match journal column width, (3) format is correct (TIFF for raster, PDF for vector), (4) color mode matches journal requirements (RGB/CMYK), (5) axes have labels with units, (6) error bars are present, (7) legend is clear, (8) fonts are readable at journal size, (9) colorblind-friendly palette, (10) figure number and caption are correct.
What DPI do journals require for figures?
Most journals require 300 DPI minimum for raster images. Nature, Cell, Science, PNAS, and eLife all specify 300 DPI. Some journals accept 600 DPI for high-quality images. Line art should be 1200 DPI. Vector formats (SVG, PDF) are resolution-independent and preferred for charts and graphs.
What file format should I use for journal figures?
Use TIFF for raster images (photographs, microscopy). Use PDF or SVG for vector graphics (charts, graphs, diagrams). PNG is acceptable for online submission but not preferred for print. EPS is an older format still accepted by some journals. Always check your target journal’s specific requirements.
How do I ensure my figures are colorblind-friendly?
Use color palettes that are distinguishable for people with color vision deficiencies. Avoid red-green combinations. Use patterns, shapes, or labels in addition to color. Test your figure by converting to grayscale — if it is still readable, it is likely colorblind-friendly. FigureGuild includes WCAG-compliant palettes.
What font size should I use for scientific figures?
Text in figures should be readable at the final published size. Aim for 8–12 pt font size when the figure is at journal width. At 300 DPI, 8 pt text is approximately 33 pixels tall. Test by printing your figure at actual journal size. Arial, Helvetica, and Calibri are commonly used sans-serif fonts.
Should I include figure captions in the figure file?
No. Figure captions are submitted separately in the manuscript text. The figure file should contain only the figure itself (axes, labels, legend, data). Captions are added by the journal production team during typesetting. Some journals require a separate caption file.
Related Pages
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