Graphic summaries (gas) have become a critical component in academic publication, especially in high impact magazines. Visually summary the central findings of a research work, improving their visibility and helping readers to understand the complex information quickly. This article describes format standards, presentation procedures and best practices to prepare graphic summaries for renowned magazines such as Elsevier, Springer nature, Wileyand Here.
1. What is a graphic summary?
TO Graphic abstract It is a concise and pictorial representation that transmits the central message of a scientific article. It helps a quick understanding and increases the ability to discover, particularly in digital databases and social media platforms.
Aim:
- Summarize visually complex findings
- Improve the commitment and appointment of the article
- Comply with the magazine shipping standards
1.1. Example of graphic abstract

Figure 1: Pharmacokinetics and tumor supply of nanoparticles. Adapted image of Yuan, L., Chen, Q., Riviere, Je and Lin, Z. (2023). Pharmacokinetics and tumor supply of nanoparticles. Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jddst.2023.104404
2. Requirements of the magazine: General description of editor’s guidelines
Different magazines have different GA specifications. Below is a comparison of the commonly required characteristics:
Editor | Type of format | Size/resolution | File format | Allowed text |
Elsevier [1] | Unique image | 560 × 1100 px, min. 300 DPI | Tiff, JPG, EPS | Minimum and legible text |
Springer nature | Optional visual | Up to 1200 px wide | PNG, JPG, SVG | Allowed subtitles |
Wiley [2] | Structured image | 1200 × 628 px, 300 dpi | JPG, Tiff | Only labels |
ACS publications [3] | Visual summary | 3.25 x 1.75 inches, 300 dpi | Tiff, JPG, PDF | Maximum 20 words legend |
3. Key components of a well -designed graphic summary
A well -designed GA must include the main conclusions of an article and must be scientifically precise. He must explain for himself, without overcrowding and visually attractive.
Must include | Avoid |
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4. Design principles for high -impact magazines
To meet the editorial and technical requirements, the graphic summary must:
4.1. Focus on a key message
- Highlight the main finding and not the complete details of the method or the background
- Use icons, arrows and colors to direct the viewer’s attention
In a study on drug -based drug administration, GA should focus on the supply mechanism, the therapeutic result, not the complete synthesis route [4]
4.2. Use professional visual hierarchy
- Title: Optional but brief (<10 words)
- Icons/schemes: simple and self -explanatory
- Color: use contrasting colors; Do not use gradients
- Fuent: Use Sans-Serif Fonts Arial or Helvetica
4.3. Specific aesthetic preferences of the magazine
- Here: Clean white background, without 3D elements
- Elsevier: Promotes data visualization on illustrations
- Nature magazines: Prefers the style of illustration instead of infographic
5. Tools to design graphic summaries
You can use the following tools, depending on your skill level:
Tool | Apt for | Characteristics |
Biorrato [5] | Biomedical Sciences | Predested icons, templates |
Adobe Illustrator | Advanced users | Vector precision, layers |
Canvas | For beginners | Drag and release templates |
Microsoft PowerPoint | Quick edition | Personalized forms, export to image |
6. Steps to format a ga compatible with the newspaper
6.1. Identify the magazine’s requirements
Visit the “Authors” guide for formatting and presentation policies.
Example: Elsevier requires GA for all articles sent to magazines such as “Journal of Controlled Libinal” or “Biomaterials”.
Incorporate:
- Research context (1 icon)
- Experimental design (1–2 panels)
- Key result (1 graphic or visual)
- Conclusion (1–2 phrases)
6.3. Optimize for readability
- Avoid small sources (<8 PT)
- Limit of the use of the text (<50 words)
- Use blank space efficiently
6.4. Validate technical parameters
- Resolution ≥300 DPI
- Size according to the specific dimensions of the magazine
- ACCEPTED FILE FORM
6.5. Include appointments or credit
If you reuse third -party images, include attribution or permits.
7. Presentation process: step by step
7.1. During manuscript load
Most editors ask him to load the GA as a separate file during shipping on platforms such as Editorial Manager either Academic.
Some systems require:
- Short Title/Subtitles (for example, Summary of 20 Words)
- Category label (EG, Visual Summary, Graphic Content Table)
7.3. Complementary materials
Some magazines (for example, Wiley) Allow to load the graphic summary as a complementary material, visible only during online access.
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