Figures

  • Do not embed figures into the Word document (usually)
  • Most journals require high-resolution images
    • Usually TIFF, EPS, PDF
  • Do not copy and paste images found online – the resolution is not sufficient for printing and you likely don’t have permission to use
  • How do you know if an image is sufficient resolution for printing or publishing?
    • Zoom in on your computer screen – if the image is “pixelly” at 200%, it will print that way
    • Check the file size; higher size usually means higher resolution
    • The apple on the left is a 300 dpi image (dpi = dots per inch) and the file size is 2.1MB; the apple on the right is a 72 dpi image and the file size is only 21kb
    • This Wikipedia article may be helpful: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_resolution
      image showing resolution comparison
    • Create original images as often as possible
    • Patient images
      • If using patient imaging studies, redact all patient identifiers – simple black boxes to cover names, faces are ok
    • Modified images/tables/graphs still need permission to reproduce and alter
    • Crop the image to show only what is needed; crop out large margins around the image
    • The Design Center staff can always help with figures!

Getting Permission to Use Previously Published Images

  • Seek permission if reusing previously published or online images
  • Most articles online will have a link for requesting permission for reuse – you just have to look carefully to find it
    image showing where to find permission imformation
    image showing where to find permission imformation
  • Make sure you can download or order a high-resolution version of the image you’re requesting to reuse
  • Check instructions and fees for publishing color images; some journals charge to print color figures but waive any fees to include color images online
  • Is image/graph clear if reformatted to B&W?
    image showing conversion to bkack & white

Figure Legends

  • Figure legends are usually placed at the end of the manuscript; check the journal’s instructions
  • Write clear, simple figure legends, and include measurements, key to abbreviations, explanations of symbols
  • Make sure all figures are referred to in the text, in order

Tables and Graphs

  • Use tables, graphs or charts in place of text
    • Do not duplicate data in text and a table or graph
  • Avoid overly complex design elements, such as shading or ornate lines between columns and rows
  • Keep colors as simple as possible
    • Table/graph design should not upstage the data
  • Include a descriptive title
  • Make sure all tables are noted in the text, in order
  • List footnotes, abbreviations using symbols or letters according to author instructions