Templates / Heatmap
Heatmap Template
Publication-quality heatmap with hierarchical clustering, row Z-score normalization, diverging color palette, and sample annotation bars. For gene expression, proteomics, metabolomics, and drug response matrices.
Use this template →Template specifications
Chart type
Heatmap
Normalization
Row Z-score (configurable)
Clustering
Ward's D2, Euclidean distance
Color palette
Blue–white–red (RdBu, diverging)
Annotations
Column annotation bar (group/condition)
Color limits
Z-score −2 to +2 (configurable)
Row labels
Shown for ≤100 features; hidden for >100
Color scale bar
Included and labeled
Export
TIFF 300–1200 DPI / PDF
How to use the heatmap template
- 01
Prepare your matrix
Prepare a genes × samples matrix (CSV). Rows = genes/features, columns = samples. Include a header row with sample names and a first column with feature names.
- 02
Add a metadata row
Optionally include a metadata CSV mapping each sample to its group (e.g., Control, Treatment). This generates the column annotation bar.
- 03
Paste into FigureGuild
Select "Heatmap" in the Graph Builder. Paste or upload your matrix. Map feature and sample columns.
- 04
Configure clustering and color
Choose clustering method (Ward's D2 by default), color palette (RdBu by default), Z-score normalization, and color scale limits.
- 05
Export
Select journal and export as TIFF at 1200 DPI or PDF for the full-resolution figure.
Full guide: How to create a publication-quality heatmap