Tables

• Do not duplicate tabular data in the text, except for significant values
• Create tables following journal guidelines; if there are no specific instructions, make sure tables are as clean-looking and simple as possible
  • Avoid row/column shading, italicized text, double borders, etc.
• In general, place tables at the end of the manuscript, in order, after references and figure legends, not where they are referred to in the text
• Include a descriptive title for each table
• Include abbreviations, footnotes under each table as needed
• Ensure that all tables are noted in the text, in order
• If using a table from another source, obtain permission to use it and note the source (see Obtaining Permissions, below)
  • Tables that have been modified from the original still require permission to use

Figures (illustrations, graphs, data plots, lab images)

• Figures should generally be provided in files separate from the main manuscript
  • “Your paper your way” submissions may allow figures to be embedded in the text
• Journals will require high-resolution graphic-formatted images for publication (e.g., TIFF, EPS, PDF)
  • Low-resolution figures may be acceptable for initial submission, but be prepared to provide images in a required format
• Create original images if possible; Design Center graphic designers can help
• Do not copy and paste images from online sources—the resolution is not sufficient for printing and permission has not been obtained from the original source (see Obtaining Permissions, below)
  • Images that have been modified from the original still require permission to use
• Some journals charge a fee for color images to be included in print issues; make sure that a color image is still clear and easy to read if it must be published in black and white
• Ensure that all figures are noted in the text, in order

Figure Legends

• A descriptive figure legend (not an image title), must be provided for each figure
  • For multi-panel figures, include an overall figure description, then details of each panel
• Figure legends are usually placed after the references, before tables, in the main text document
• Include measurements, abbreviations, definitions of symbols

Patient/Clinical Images

• A signed patient consent form must be obtained from any patient whose case is detailed in any manuscript
  • If the patient cannot be contacted, a family member or guardian may be able to provide permission
  • Signed patient consent forms are not submitted to any journal but must be kept on file
• Redact any information in an image that could be personally identifiable; simple black boxes to cover names, faces, ID numbers, are acceptable

Obtaining Permission to Reuse Previously Published Materials

• If an image or table is from a previously published article, look for a link to request permission for reuse near the paper’s title

• Permissions are often fee-based and may require citation of the original source in a specific format
• Kris Greiner can help with obtaining permissions
• If permission is granted, look for a high-resolution version of the original image to download and use; again, copying and pasting from a screen is not adequate