publishing figures: eight tips for achieving high-quality results

www.ismte.orgISMTE © 2010

Publishing Figures:Eight Tips for Achieving

High-Quality Results

A training resource of the ISMTE


This video will provide you with the basics of good figure design

and publication.

An accompanying comprehensive supplemental guide will

provide you with additional details and information.


Tip 1: Acceptable File Types


Make life easy:

Ensure that you receive figures in an acceptable file type.


Acceptable file types include:

• EPS• JPEG• TIFF


If you plan on editing the figures you receive, you’ll want authors to submit them in the EPS format.


Tip 2:Clear, Data-Focused Graphics with

No Visual Distractions


Graphics should be clear, with well-presented data.

Authors often overemphasize key points using distracting

elements.


What Are Distracting Elements?

• Extra boxes

• Too many colors

• Boldface

• Italics

• Underlining

• Multiple fonts


Ask your reviewers and editors: Keep an eye out for distracting

elements and provide feedback to authors when necessary.


Figure 1Figure 1

Example of visually distracting figure


Example of visually clear figure


Tip 3: Proper Resolution

Additional information on resolution is included in the supplemental guide.


What is Resolution?

• Resolution is the number of points of information, also known as pixels, used to display an image.

• The higher the resolution, the crisper the image.


Resolution for Print vs. Screen Viewing

• Resolution needed for print =

at least 300 ppi

• Resolution needed for screen =

100 ppi


300 ppi100 ppi

Print View


Tip 4: Preferred Color Modes

Additional information on color modes is included in the supplemental guide.


RGB (Red, Green,

Blue)

CMYK (Cyan, Magenta,

Yellow, Black)


RGB vs. CMYK• RGB: Used by computer monitors, video screens, digital

cameras, and other technologies through which light is emitted

• CMYK: Simulates the four-color printing process used by commercial printersUnpredictable results when printed

Predictable results when printed


Our recommendation: Always use CMYK for print;

RGB is fine for online-only figures.


Tip 5: Font Legibility


Authors often use tiny font sizes to pack data into figures.

Require font size to be at least 6 points or greater.


Font is too small Font is appropriately sized


Tip 6: Consistent Style Across

All Figures

Additional information on figure style is included in the supplemental guide.


How to Ensure aConsistent Style

• Use uniform labels, line weights, fonts, scientific notation, and other style elements across all figures.

• Develop a style internally and include the style points in your instructions to authors.


Example of style that is not visually cohesive

Manuscript 1 Manuscript 2


Example of style that is visually cohesive

Manuscript 1 Manuscript 2


Tip 7: Proper Page Composition


Figures should be appropriately sized—not too large or too small.

Space around figures should be efficiently used.


Proper Composition Results in:

• A professional look

• Efficient use of space


Unused space


How to Achieve Proper Page Composition

• Review all article proofs and ask your designer or compositor to make adjustments when necessary.

• Resize all figures internally prior to submitting them for production.


Tip 8: Good Communication With

Your Authors

Additional information on communicating with authors is included in the supplemental guide.


Communicate your guidelines early and often.

Set expectations.


Information for Authors

Manuscript Tracking Systems

Decision Letters


Thank you for watching.Be sure to read the accompanying supplemental guide.

Sarah L. Williamson, MA, and Lindsey M. Brounstein contributed significant expertise to the development of this video. Erin C. Dubnansky managed the project, edited the content, and recorded the audio. The 2010-2011 ISMTE Training Committee (Erin Dubnansky, Chair, Kathy Brister, Maggie Haworth, Glenn Landis, and Maru Tapia) conceived of, contributed expertise to, and oversaw the project.

Ms. Williamson is the Senior Medical Illustrator at the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) in Bethesda, Maryland. She has a master of arts in medical illustration from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and a background in biology and fine art. She has been producing medical illustrations and scientific graphics since 1999.

Ms. Brounstein is the Publications and Graphics Coordinator at the AGA. She oversees the figure redraw process for Gastroenterology and Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and works with authors to provide high-quality images for their publications. She has worked for the AGA since 2007.

Ms. Dubnansky is the Senior Director of Scholarly Publishing at the AGA. She oversees the financial operations; editorial processes, development, and review; marketing; and implementation of new initiatives for the AGA’s scholarly periodicals.

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